bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Predictive Validity of Ideal Partner Preferences in Relationship Formation: What We Know, What We Don't Know, and Why It Matters
Authors: Campbell Lorne , Stanton Sarah C. E.
Published: September 2014

A great deal of research on interpersonal attraction implicitly assumes that stated ideal partner preferences guide the mate selection, and therefore relationship formation, process. Nevertheless, recent research has yielded contradictory results. Whereas some research has failed to demonstrate that ideal partner preferences influence attraction to actual potential romantic partners, other studies have provided empirical evidence for the predictive validity of ideal partner preferences following interactions with potential romantic partners. A new meta‐analysis on the predictive validity of ideal partner preferences concluded that people may not preferentially pursue potential partners that more closely match their stated preferences. This conclusion has significant implications for several empirical literatures that have relied on self‐reported ideal partner preferences to test hypotheses. We demonstrate, however, that the majority of the research on the predictive validity of ideal partner preferences, and thus research included in this meta‐analysis, focuses on interpersonal attraction or later relationship processes and not on individuals transitioning into actual new relationships. We suggest that research that directly focuses on the transition into actual relationships is needed before firm conclusions can be made regarding the predictive validity of ideal partner preferences in the formation of new relationships.
Positive and Negative Affective Dysfunction in Psychopathology
Authors: Stanton Kasey , Watson David
Published: September 2014

Moods are a constant feature of human experience. Although we all experience good and bad moods, there are individual differences in the propensity to experience positive and negative feeling states. These individual differences are assessed as traits under the terms positive affectivity (PA) and negative affectivity (NA), respectively. Studying the relations between PA, NA, and psychopathology has provided a basic understanding of emotional dysfunction in a range of symptoms and disorders. A substantial body of evidence indicates that general NA is a core feature of many types of psychopathology. In contrast, the relations for general PA are more varied, as it correlates negatively with some disorders but positively with others. Additionally, some research has investigated how more specific components of PA and NA relate to psychological disorders and their symptoms. However, further research of this type is needed to improve our conceptualization of emotional dysfunction across disorders.
Stored red blood cell transfusions: iron, inflammation, immunity, and infection
Authors: Spitalnik Steven L.
Published: September 2014

Emily Cooley was a highly regarded medical technologist and morphologist. The “Emily Cooley Lectureship and Award” was established to honor her, in particular, and medical technologists, in general. This article reviews some basic concepts about the “life of a red blood cell” (RBC) and uses these to discuss the actual and potential consequences that occur in patients after clearance of transfused refrigerator storage–damaged RBCs by extravascular hemolysis.
Calcium‐buffering effects of gluconate and nucleotides, as determined by a novel fluorimetric titration method
Authors: Woehler Andrew , Lin Kun‐Han , Neher Erwin
Published: September 2014

Key points

The efficiency of neurotransmitter release is influenced by the presence of Ca2+ binding molecules.

In this study we show that the use of gluconate as the dominant anion in pipette filling solutions, together with the presence of ATP and GTP, influences the efficiency of Ca2+‐mediated release during whole cell patch clamp measurements in the Calyx of Held.

We introduce a novel fluorimetric titration procedure for low‐affinity calcium dyes, such as Fura2FF, that allows us to determine the calcium binding ratios of several commonly used pipette solutions.

These results explain the influence of gluconate and nucleotides on neurotransmitter release, provide guidelines for calibrating pipette solutions and calcium indicators, and may provide a basis for studying the coupling between calcium sensors and sources.

Significantly more Ca2+ influx is required for eliciting release of neurotransmitter during whole cell patch clamp recording in the Calyx of Held, when gluconate with 3 mm free ATP is used as pipette filling solution, as compared to a methanesulfonate‐based solution with excess Mg2+. This reduction in efficiency of Ca2+ in eliciting release is due to low‐affinity Ca2+ binding of both gluconate and ATP2− anions. To study these effects we developed a simple fluorimeteric titration procedure, which reports the dissociation constant, KD, of a given Ca2+ indicator dye, multiplied by 1 plus the sum of Ca2+ binding ratios of any anions, which act as low‐affinity Ca2+ ligands. For solutions without Ca2+ binding anions we find KD values for Fura2FF ranging from 11.5 ± 1.7 to 15.6 ± 7.47 μm depending on the dominant anion used. For Fura6F and KCl‐based solutions we find KD = 17.8 ± 1.3 μm. For solutions with gluconate as the main anion and for solutions that contain nucleotides, such as ATP and GTP, we find much higher values for the product. Assuming that the KD of the indicator dye is equal to that of KCl‐based solutions we calculate the summed Ca2+ binding ratios and find a value of 3.55 for a solution containing 100 mm potassium gluconate and 4 mm ATP. Gluconate contributes a value of 1.75 to this number, while the contribution of ATP depends strongly on the presence of Mg2+ and varies from 0.8 (with excess Mg2+) to 13.8 (in the presence of 3 mm free ATP). Methanesulfonate has negligible Ca2+ binding capacity. These results explain the reduced efficiency of Ca2+ influx in the presence of gluconate or nucleotides, as these anions are expected to intercept Ca2+ ions at short distance.
Rayleigh–Bénard Convection in a Nanofluid Layer Using a Thermal Nonequilibrium Model
Authors: Agarwal Shilpi , Rana Puneet , Bhadauria B. S.
Published: September 2014

This paper studies the effect of local thermal nonequilibrium (LTNE) on the thermal instability in a horizontal layer of a Newtonian nanofluid. The nanofluid layer incorporates the effect of Brownian motion along with thermophoresis. A two temperature model has been used for the effect of LTNE among the particle and fluid phases. The boundary condition involved assumes that the nano-concentration flux is zero thereat, including the effect of thermophoresis. The linear stability is based on normal mode technique and for nonlinear analysis, a minimal representation of the truncated Fourier series analysis involving only two terms has been used. The effect of various parameters on Rayleigh number has been presented graphically. A weak nonlinear theory based on the truncated representation of Fourier series method has been used to obtain the thermal Nusselt number, whose variation with respect to various parameters has been depicted graphically.
Optimizing Laminar Natural Convection for a Heat Generating Cylinder in a Channel
Authors: Clifford Corey E. , Kimber Mark L.
Published: September 2014

Natural convection heat transfer from a horizontal cylinder is of importance in a large number of applications. Although the topic has a rich history for unconfined cylinders, maximizing the free convective cooling through the introduction of sidewalls and creation of a chimney effect is considerably less studied. In this investigation, a numerical model of a heated horizontal cylinder confined between two vertical adiabatic walls is employed to evaluate the natural convective heat transfer. Two different treatments of the cylinder surface are investigated: constant temperature (isothermal) and constant surface heat flux (isoflux). To quantify the effect of wall distance on the effective heat transfer from the cylinder surface, 18 different confinement ratios are selected in varying increments from 1.125 to 18.0. All of these geometrical configurations are evaluated at seven distinct Rayleigh numbers ranging from 102 to 105. Maximum values of the surface-averaged Nusselt number are observed at an optimum confinement ratio for each analyzed Rayleigh number. Relative to the “pseudo-unconfined” cylinder at the largest confinement ratio, a 74.2% improvement in the heat transfer from an isothermal cylinder surface is observed at the optimum wall spacing for the highest analyzed Rayleigh number. An analogous improvement of 60.9% is determined for the same conditions with a constant heat flux surface. Several correlations are proposed to evaluate the optimal confinement ratio and the effective rate of heat transfer at that optimal confinement level for both thermal boundary conditions. One of the main application targets for this work is spent nuclear fuel, which after removal from the reactor core is placed in wet storage and then later transferred to cylindrical dry storage canisters. In light of enhanced safety, many are proposing to decrease the amount of time the fuel spends in wet storage conditions. The current study helps to establish a fundamental understanding of the buoyancy-induced flows around these dry cask storage canisters to address the anticipated needs from an accelerated fuel transfer program.
Origins and Structure of Spike-Type Rotating Stall
Authors: Pullan G. , Young A. M. , Day I. J. , Greitzer E. M. , Spakovszky Z. S.
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we describe the structures that produce a spike-type route to rotating stall and explain the physical mechanism for their formation. The descriptions and explanations are based on numerical simulations, complemented and corroborated by experiments. It is found that spikes are caused by a separation at the leading edge due to high incidence. The separation gives rise to shedding of vorticity from the leading edge and the consequent formation of vortices that span between the suction surface and the casing. As seen in the rotor frame of reference, near the casing the vortex convects toward the pressure surface of the adjacent blade. The approach of the vortex to the adjacent blade triggers a separation on that blade so the structure propagates. The above sequence of events constitutes a spike. The computed structure of the spike is shown to be consistent with rotor leading edge pressure measurements from the casing of several compressors: the centre of the vortex is responsible for a pressure drop and the partially blocked passages associated with leading edge separations produce a pressure rise. The simulations show leading edge separation and shed vortices over a range of tip clearances including zero. The implication, in accord with recent experimental findings, is that they are not part of the tip clearance vortex. Although the computations always show high incidence to be the cause of the spike, the conditions that give rise to this incidence (e.g., blockage from a corner separation or the tip leakage jet from the adjacent blade) do depend on the details of the compressor.
Statistical Predictive Modeling and Compensation of Geometric Deviations of Three-Dimensional Printed Products
Authors: Huang Qiang , Nouri Hadis , Xu Kai , Chen Yong , Sosina Sobambo , Dasgupta Tirthankar
Published: September 2014

Geometric fidelity of 3D printed products is critical for additive manufacturing (AM) to be a direct manufacturing technology. Shape deviations of AM built products can be attributed to multiple variation sources such as substrate geometry defect, disturbance in process variables, and material phase change. Three strategies have been reported to improve geometric quality in AM: (1) control process variables x based on the observed disturbance of process variables Δx, (2) control process variables x based on the observed product deviation Δy, and (3) control input product geometry y based on the observed product deviation Δy. This study adopts the third strategy which changes the computer-aided design (CAD) design by optimally compensating the product deviations. To accomplish the goal, a predictive model is desirable to forecast the quality of a wide class of product shapes, particularly considering the vast library of AM built products with complex geometry. Built upon our previous optimal compensation study of cylindrical products, this work aims at a novel statistical predictive modeling and compensation approach to predict and improve the quality of both cylindrical and prismatic parts. Experimental investigation and validation of polyhedrons a indicates the promise of predicting and compensating a wide class of products built through 3D printing technology.
Selective Laser Melting of Crack-Free High Density M2 High Speed Steel Parts by Baseplate Preheating
Authors: Kempen Karolien , Vrancken Bey , Buls Sam , Thijs Lore , Van Humbeeck Jan , Kruth Jean-Pierre
Published: September 2014

Cracks and delamination, resulting from residual stresses, are a barrier in the world of additive manufacturing and selective laser melting (SLM) that prohibits the use of many metals in this field. By preheating the baseplate, thermal gradients are lowered and stresses can be reduced. In this work, some initial tests were performed with M2 high speed steel (HSS). The influence of preheating on density and mechanical and physical properties is investigated. The paper shows many promising results for the production of SLM parts in materials that are very sensitive to crack formation and delamination. When using a preheating of 200 °C, crack-free M2 HSS parts were produced with a relative density of 99.8%.
Predicting the location of missing outer hair cells using the electrical signal recorded at the round window
Authors: Chertoff Mark E. , Earl Brian R. , Diaz Francisco J. , Sorensen Janna L. , Thomas Megan L. A. , Kamerer Aryn M. , Peppi Marcello
Published: September 2014

The electrical signal recorded at the round window was used to estimate the location of missing outer hair cells. The cochlear response was recorded to a low frequency tone embedded in high-pass filtered noise conditions. Cochlear damage was created by either overexposure to frequency-specific tones or laser light. In animals with continuous damage along the partition, the amplitude of the cochlear response increased as the high-pass cutoff frequency increased, eventually reaching a plateau. The cochlear distance at the onset of the plateau correlated with the anatomical onset of outer hair cell loss. A mathematical model replicated the physiologic data but was limited to cases with continuous hair cell loss in the middle and basal turns. The neural contribution to the cochlear response was determined by recording the response before and after application of Ouabain. Application of Ouabain eliminated or reduced auditory neural activity from approximately two turns of the cochlea. The amplitude of the cochlear response was reduced for moderate signal levels with a limited effect at higher levels, indicating that the cochlear response was dominated by outer hair cell currents at high signal levels and neural potentials at low to moderate signal levels.
Optimizing pulse-spreading harmonic complexes to minimize intrinsic modulations after auditory filtering
Authors: Hilkhuysen Gaston , Macherey Olivier
Published: September 2014

All signals, except sine waves, exhibit intrinsic modulations that affect perceptual masking. Reducing the physical intrinsic modulations of a broadband signal does not necessarily have a perceptual impact: auditory filtering can reintroduce modulations. Broadband signals with low intrinsic modulations after auditory filtering have proved difficult to design. To that end, this paper introduces a class of signals termed pulse-spreading harmonic complexes (PSHCs). PSHCs are generated by summing harmonically related components with such a phase that the resulting waveform exhibits pulses equally-spaced within a repetition period. The order of a PSHC determines its pulse rate. Simulations with a gamma-tone filterbank suggest an optimal pulse rate at which, after auditory filtering, the PSHC's intrinsic modulations are lowest. These intrinsic modulations appear to be less than those for broadband pseudo-random (PR) or low-noise (LN) noise. This hypothesis was tested in a modulation-detection experiment involving five modulation rates ranging from 8 to 128 Hz and both broadband and narrowband carriers using PSHCs, PR, and LN noise. PSHC showed the lowest thresholds of all broadband signals. Results imply that optimized PSHCs exhibit less intrinsic modulations after auditory filtering than any other broadband signal previously considered.
Sounds of marine seeps: A study of bubble activity near a rigid boundary
Authors: Maksimov A. O. , Burov B. A. , Salomatin A. S. , Chernykh D. V.
Published: September 2014

A passive acoustic method for detecting environmentally dangerous gas leaks from pipelines and methane naturally leaking from the seabed has been investigated. Gas escape involves the formation and release of bubbles of different sizes. Each bubble emits a sound at a specific frequency. Determination of the bubble radius from the frequency of its signature passive acoustic emission by use of so-called Minnaert formula has a restricted area of applicability near the seabed. The point is that the inertial mass and the damping constant of the birthing bubble are markedly different from those of a free bubble. The theoretical model for the bubble volume oscillations near the seabed has been proposed and an analytical solution has been derived. It was shown that the bispherical coordinates provide separation of variables and are more suitable for analysis of the volume oscillations of these constrained bubbles. Explicit formulas have been derived, which describe the dependence of the bubble emission near a rigid wall on its size and the separation distance between the bubble and the boundary.
Acoustic signature of violins based on bridge transfer mobility measurements
Authors: Elie Benjamin , Gautier François , David Bertrand
Published: September 2014

This paper is an attempt to solve two problems related to musical acoustics. The first one consists in defining a signature of an instrument, namely, summarizing its vibroacoustical behavior. The second one deals with the existing relationship between the musical sound and the vibroacoustic properties of the instrument body. The violin is the application of this paper. A proposed solution for the first problem consists in an estimation of the bridge transfer mobility and the mean-value of the lateral bridge transfer mobility. The second problem is studied via the comparison between the amplitudes of harmonics, extracted from a glissando audio signal, and the lateral bridge transfer mobility: Both curves exhibit similar features. This is the main result of the paper. This is evidenced by studying the effect of a violin mute on both the lateral bridge transfer mobility and the produced sound. Finally, this is evidenced by successfully identifying which violin is played in an audio recording, using the computation of the Pearson distance between the distribution of the amplitude of harmonics and a database of measured mobilities.
Stochastic ray tracing for simulation of high intensity focal ultrasound therapy
Authors: Koskela Julius , Vahala Erkki , de Greef Martijn , Lafitte Luc P. , Ries Mario
Published: September 2014

An algorithm is presented for rapid simulation of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) fields. Essentially, the method combines ray tracing with Monte Carlo integration to evaluate the Rayleigh-Sommerfeld integral. A large number of computational particles, phonons, are distributed among the elements of a phase-array transducer. The phonons are emitted into random directions and are propagated along trajectories computed with the ray tracing method. As the simulation progresses, an improving stochastic estimate of the acoustic field is obtained. The method can adapt to complicated geometries, and it is well suited to parallelization. The method is verified against reference simulations and pressure measurements from an ex vivo porcine thoracic tissue sample. Results are presented for acceleration with graphics processing units (GPUs). The method is expected to serve in applications, where flexibility and rapid computation time are crucial, in particular clinical HIFU treatment planning.
Spectral motion contrast as a speech context effect
Authors: Wang Ningyuan , Oxenham Andrew J.
Published: September 2014

Spectral contrast effects may help “normalize” the incoming sound and produce perceptual constancy in the face of the variable acoustics produced by different rooms, talkers, and backgrounds. Recent studies have concentrated on the after-effects produced by the long-term average power spectrum. The present study examined contrast effects based on spectral motion, analogous to visual-motion after-effects. In experiment 1, the existence of spectral-motion after-effects with word-length inducers was established by demonstrating that the identification of the direction of a target spectral glide was influenced by the spectral motion of a preceding inducer glide. In experiment 2, the target glide was replaced with a synthetic sine-wave speech sound, including a formant transition. The speech category boundary was shifted by the presence and direction of the inducer glide. Finally, in experiment 3, stimuli based on synthetic sine-wave speech sounds were used as both context and target stimuli to show that the spectral-motion after-effects could occur even with inducers with relatively short speech-like durations and small frequency excursions. The results suggest that spectral motion may play a complementary role to the long-term average power spectrum in inducing speech context effects.
Generalized semi-analytical finite difference method for dispersion curves calculation and numerical dispersion analysis for Lamb waves
Authors: Packo Pawel , Uhl Tadeusz , Staszewski Wieslaw J.
Published: September 2014

The paper presents an efficient and accurate method for dispersion curve calculation and analysis of numerical models for guided waves. The method can be used for any arbitrarily selected anisotropic material. The proposed approach utilizes the wave equation and through-thickness-only discretization of anisotropic, layered plates to obtain the Lamb wave characteristics. Thus, layered structures, such as composites, can be analyzed in a straightforward manner. A general framework for the proposed analysis is given, along with application examples. Although these examples are based on the local interaction simulation approach for elastic waves propagation, the proposed methodology can be easily adopted for other methods (e.g., finite elements). The method can be also used to study the influence of discretization parameters on dispersion curves estimates.
Factors influencing electrical place pitch perception in bimodal listeners
Authors: Plant Kerrie L. , McDermott Hugh J. , van Hoesel Richard J. M. , Dawson Pamela W. , Cowan Robert S.
Published: September 2014

Factors that might affect perceptual pitch match between acoustic and electric stimulation were examined in 25 bimodal listeners using magnitude estimation. Pre-operative acoustic thresholds in both ears, and duration of severe-profound loss, were first examined as correlates with degree of match between the measured pitch and that predicted by the spiral ganglion frequency-position model. The degree of match was examined with respect to (1) the ratio between the measured and predicted pitch percept on the most apical electrode and (2) the ratio between the slope of the measured and predicted pitch function. Second, effect of listening experience was examined to assess whether adaptation occurred over time to match the frequency assignment to electrodes. Pre-experience pitch estimates on the apical electrode were within the predicted range in only 28% of subjects, and the slope of the electrical pitch function was lower than predicted in all except one subject. Subjects with poorer hearing tended to have a lower pitch and a shallower electrical pitch function than predicted by the model. Pre-operative hearing thresholds in the contralateral ear and hearing loss duration were not correlated with the degree of pitch match, and there was no significant group effect of listening experience.
Potential-based methodology for active sound control in three dimensional settings
Authors: Lim H. , Utyuzhnikov S. V. , Lam Y. W. , Kelly L.
Published: September 2014

This paper extends a potential-based approach to active noise shielding with preservation of wanted sound in three-dimensional settings. The approach, which was described in a previous publication [Lim et al., J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 129(2), 717–725 (2011)], provides several significant advantages over conventional noise control methods. Most significantly, the methodology does not require any information including the characterization of sources, impedance boundary conditions and surrounding medium, and that the methodology automatically differentiates between the wanted and unwanted sound components. The previous publication proved the concept in one-dimensional conditions. In this paper, the approach for more realistic conditions is studied by numerical simulation and experimental validation in three-dimensional cases. The results provide a guideline to the implementation of the active shielding method with practical three-dimensional conditions. Through numerical simulation it is demonstrated that while leaving the wanted sound unchanged, the developed approach offers selective volumetric noise cancellation within a targeted domain. In addition, the method is implemented in a three-dimensional experiment with a white noise source in a semi-anechoic chamber. The experimental study identifies practical difficulties and limitations in the use of the approach for real applications.
Facing Off on Twitter: A Generation Y Interpretation of Professional Athlete Profile Pictures
Authors: Lebel Katie , Danylchuk Karen
Published: September 2014

This study investigated how professional athletes present themselves in their Twitter profile pictures and how athlete self-presentation is interpreted by a Generation Y audience (N = 206). Goffman’s theory of self-presentation guided the analysis with a specific focus on the notions of front- and backstage performances as they relate to impression-management strategies. Participants assessed a sample of profile photos of the most followed male and female athletes on Twitter by providing their first impressions of each athlete’s image and then evaluating photo favorability and effectiveness. This research provides evidence to suggest that individuals invest meaning in the social cues provided in athlete profile pictures. Athletes who highlighted a sport context were consistently ranked most favorably and effectively and were linked with positive word associations. These findings underscore the importance of a strategic alignment between social-media profile content, profile photos, and the brand established by athletes.
Comment on “Local impermeant anions establish the neuronal chloride concentration”
Authors: Voipio Juha , Boron Walter F. , Jones Stephen W. , Hopfer Ulrich , Payne John A. , Kaila Kai
Published: September 2014

Glykys
et al
. (Reports, 7 February 2014, p. 670) conclude that, rather than ion transporters, “local impermeant anions establish the neuronal chloride concentration” and thereby determine “the magnitude and direction of GABA
A
R currents at individual synapses.” If this were possible, perpetual ion-motion machines could be constructed. The authors’ conclusions conflict with basic thermodynamic principles.
Estimating the Ebola epidemic
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: September 2014

Modelers of infectious diseases strive to predict spread of the virus—and how to stop it.
A Novel Multivalent OspA Vaccine against Lyme Borreliosis Is Safe and Immunogenic in an Adult Population Previously Infected with Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato
Authors: Wressnigg Nina , Barrett P. Noel , Pöllabauer Eva-Maria , O'Rourke Maria , Portsmouth Daniel , Schwendinger Michael G. , Crowe Brian A. , Livey Ian , Dvorak Thomas , Schmitt Bernhard , Zeitlinger Markus , Kollaritsch Herwig , Esen Meral , Kremsner Peter G. , Jelinek Tomas , Aschoff Roland , Weisser Roland , Naudts Ingomar F. K. , Aichinger Gerald
Published: September 2014

Lyme borreliosis (LB) patients who recover, as well as previously infected asymptomatic individuals, remain vulnerable to reinfection withBorrelia burgdorferisensu lato. There is limited information available about the use of OspA vaccines in this population. In this study, a randomized double-blind phase I/II trial was performed to investigate the safety and immunogenicity of a novel multivalent OspA vaccine in healthy adults who were either seronegative or seropositive for previousB. burgdorferi sensu latoinfection. The participants received three monthly priming immunizations with either 30 μg or 60 μg alum-adjuvanted OspA antigen and a booster vaccination either 6 months or 9 to 12 months after the first immunization. The antibody responses to the six OspA serotypes included in the vaccine were evaluated. Adverse events were predominantly mild and transient and were similar in the seronegative and seropositive populations. Substantial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and surface-binding antibody responses against all six OspA antigens were induced after the primary immunization schedule in both populations, and they were substantially increased with both booster schedules. The antibody responses induced by the two doses were similar in the seronegative population, but there was a significant dose response in the seropositive population. These data indicate that the novel multivalent OspA vaccine is well tolerated and immunogenic in individuals previously infected withB. burgdorferi sensu lato. (This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT01504347.)
Draft Genome Sequences of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Clinical Strains A2 and A4, Isolated from a Relapse Patient in Taiwan
Authors: Liao Yu-Chieh , Chen Yih-Yuan , Lin Hsin-Hung , Chang Jia-Ru , Su Ih-Jen , Huang Tsi-Shu , Dou Horng-Yunn
Published: September 2014

The recurrence rate of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
in Taiwan is 3%. Here, we present the draft genome sequences of
M. tuberculosis
strains A2 and A4 from a relapse patient. The draft genome sequences comprise 4,443,031 bp and 4,487,096 bp, revealing 4,220 and 4,143 coding sequences for A2 and A4, respectively, as well as 49 tRNA genes for the both isolates.
Complete Genome Sequence of Feline Calicivirus Strain HRB-SS from a Cat in Heilongjiang Province, Northeastern China
Authors: Liu Chunguo , Liu Yongxiang , Liu Dafei , Guo Dongchun , Liu Ming , Li Yijing , Qu Liandong
Published: September 2014

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of feline calicivirus (FCV) strain HRB-SS isolated in 2014 from a cat in Heilongjiang Province of northeastern China. The virus genome is 7,705 bases, excluding the poly(A) tail. This analysis will help to understand the genetic characteristics and evolution of FCV in China.
Draft Genome Sequence of Bovine Mastitis Isolate Staphylococcus agnetis CBMRN 20813338
Authors: Calcutt Michael J. , Foecking Mark F. , Fry Pamela R. , Hsieh Hsin-Yeh , Perry Jeanette , Stewart George C. , Scholl Daniel T. , Messier Serge , Middleton John R.
Published: September 2014

Presented here is a draft genome sequence for
Staphylococcus agnetis
CBMRN 20813338, isolated from a lactating dairy cow with subclinical mastitis. The genome is approximately 2,416 kb and has 35.79% G+C content. Analysis of the deduced open reading frame (ORF) set identified candidate virulence attributes in addition to potential molecular targets for species identification.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Harboring
mecC
in Livestock in Spain
Authors: Ariza-Miguel Jaime , Hernández Marta , Fernández-Natal Isabel , Rodríguez-Lázaro David
Published: September 2014

We report for the first time
mecC
-positive methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(
mecC
-MRSA) in livestock in Spain. One isolate (sequence type 130) was found in milk samples among 601
S. aureus
isolates obtained from 229 dairy sheep farms. This finding highlights the potential for zoonotic transmission of
mecC
-positive MRSA and the need for surveillance programs to monitor its presence and clonal evolution.
Interactome Analysis of the Influenza A Virus Transcription/Replication Machinery Identifies Protein Phosphatase 6 as a Cellular Factor Required for Efficient Virus Replication
Authors: York Ashley , Hutchinson Edward C. , Fodor Ervin
Published: September 2014

The negative-sense RNA genome of influenza A virus is transcribed and replicated by the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP). The viral RdRP is an important host range determinant, indicating that its function is affected by interactions with cellular factors. However, the identities and the roles of most of these factors remain unknown. Here, we employed affinity purification followed by mass spectrometry to identify cellular proteins that interact with the influenza A virus RdRP in infected human cells. We purified RdRPs using a recombinant influenza virus in which the PB2 subunit of the RdRP is fused to a Strep-tag. When this tagged subunit was purified from infected cells, copurifying proteins included the other RdRP subunits (PB1 and PA) and the viral nucleoprotein and neuraminidase, as well as 171 cellular proteins. Label-free quantitative mass spectrometry revealed that the most abundant of these host proteins were chaperones, cytoskeletal proteins, importins, proteins involved in ubiquitination, kinases and phosphatases, and mitochondrial and ribosomal proteins. Among the phosphatases, we identified three subunits of the cellular serine/threonine protein phosphatase 6 (PP6), including the catalytic subunit PPP6C and regulatory subunits PPP6R1 and PPP6R3. PP6 was found to interact directly with the PB1 and PB2 subunits of the viral RdRP, and small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of the catalytic subunit of PP6 in infected cells resulted in the reduction of viral RNA accumulation and the attenuation of virus growth. These results suggest that PP6 interacts with and positively regulates the activity of the influenza virus RdRP.

IMPORTANCE
Influenza A viruses are serious clinical and veterinary pathogens, causing substantial health and economic impacts. In addition to annual seasonal epidemics, occasional global pandemics occur when viral strains adapt to humans from other species. To replicate efficiently and cause disease, influenza viruses must interact with a large number of host factors. The reliance of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) on host factors makes it a major host range determinant. This study describes and quantifies host proteins that interact, directly or indirectly, with a subunit of the RdRP. It increases our understanding of the role of host proteins in viral replication and identifies a large number of potential barriers to pandemic emergence. Identifying host factors allows their importance for viral replication to be tested. Here, we demonstrate a role for the cellular phosphatase PP6 in promoting viral replication, contributing to our emerging knowledge of regulatory phosphorylation in influenza virus biology.
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-Interacting Kinase Regulates mTOR/AKT Signaling and Controls the Serine/Arginine-Rich Protein Kinase-Responsive Type 1 Internal Ribosome Entry Site-Mediated Translation and Viral Oncolysis
Authors: Brown Michael C. , Dobrikov Mikhail I. , Gromeier Matthias
Published: September 2014

Translation machinery is a major recipient of the principal mitogenic signaling networks involving Raf-ERK1/2 and phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). Picornavirus internal ribosomal entry site (IRES)-mediated translation and cytopathogenic effects are susceptible to the status of such signaling cascades in host cells. We determined that tumor-specific cytotoxicity of the poliovirus/rhinovirus chimera PVSRIPO is facilitated by Raf-ERK1/2 signals to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-interacting kinase (MNK) and its effects on the partitioning/activity of the Ser/Arg (SR)-rich protein kinase (SRPK) (
M. C. Brown, J. D. Bryant, E. Y. Dobrikova, M. Shveygert, S. S. Bradrick, V. Chandramohan, D. D. Bigner, and M, Gromeier
, J. Virol. 22:13135–13148, 2014, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/JVI.01883-14). Here, we show that MNK regulates SRPK via mTOR and AKT. Our investigations revealed a MNK-controlled mechanism acting on mTORC2-AKT. The resulting suppression of AKT signaling attenuates SRPK activity to enhance picornavirus type 1 IRES translation and favor PVSRIPO tumor cell toxicity and killing.

IMPORTANCE
Oncolytic immunotherapy with PVSRIPO, the type 1 live-attenuated poliovirus (PV) (Sabin) vaccine containing a human rhinovirus type 2 (HRV2) IRES, is demonstrating early promise in clinical trials with intratumoral infusion in recurrent glioblastoma (GBM). Our investigations demonstrate that the core mechanistic principle of PVSRIPO, tumor-selective translation and cytotoxicity, relies on constitutive ERK1/2-MNK signals that counteract the deleterious effects of runaway AKT-SRPK activity in malignancy.
Two Novel Simian Arteriviruses in Captive and Wild Baboons (Papio spp.)
Authors: Bailey Adam L. , Lauck Michael , Sibley Samuel D. , Pecotte Jerilyn , Rice Karen , Weny Geoffrey , Tumukunde Alex , Hyeroba David , Greene Justin , Correll Michael , Gleicher Michael , Friedrich Thomas C. , Jahrling Peter B. , Kuhn Jens H. , Goldberg Tony L. , Rogers Jeffrey , O'Connor David H.
Published: September 2014

Since the 1960s, simian hemorrhagic fever virus (SHFV;
Nidovirales
,
Arteriviridae
) has caused highly fatal outbreaks of viral hemorrhagic fever in captive Asian macaque colonies. However, the source(s) of these outbreaks and the natural reservoir(s) of this virus remain obscure. Here we report the identification of two novel, highly divergent simian arteriviruses related to SHFV, Mikumi yellow baboon virus 1 (MYBV-1) and Southwest baboon virus 1 (SWBV-1), in wild and captive baboons, respectively, and demonstrate the recent transmission of SWBV-1 among captive baboons. These findings extend our knowledge of the genetic and geographic diversity of the simian arteriviruses, identify baboons as a natural host of these viruses, and provide further evidence that baboons may have played a role in previous outbreaks of simian hemorrhagic fever in macaques, as has long been suspected. This knowledge should aid in the prevention of disease outbreaks in captive macaques and supports the growing body of evidence that suggests that simian arterivirus infections are common in Old World monkeys of many different species throughout Africa.

IMPORTANCE
Historically, the emergence of primate viruses both in humans and in other primate species has caused devastating outbreaks of disease. One strategy for preventing the emergence of novel primate pathogens is to identify microbes with the potential for cross-species transmission in their natural state within reservoir species from which they might emerge. Here, we detail the discovery and characterization of two related simian members of the
Arteriviridae
family that have a history of disease emergence and host switching. Our results expand the phylogenetic and geographic range of the simian arteriviruses and define baboons as a natural host for these viruses. Our findings also identify a potential threat to captive macaque colonies by showing that simian arteriviruses are actively circulating in captive baboons.
Severity of Clinical Disease and Pathology in Ferrets Experimentally Infected with Influenza Viruses Is Influenced by Inoculum Volume
Authors: Moore Ian N. , Lamirande Elaine W. , Paskel Myeisha , Donahue Danielle , Qin Jing , Subbarao Kanta
Published: September 2014

Ferrets are a valuable model for influenza virus pathogenesis, virus transmission, and antiviral therapy studies. However, the contributions of the volume of inoculum administered and the ferret's respiratory tract anatomy to disease outcome have not been explored. We noted variations in clinical disease outcomes and the volume of inoculum administered and investigated these differences by administering two influenza viruses (A/California/07/2009 [H1N1 pandemic] and A/Minnesota/11/2010 [H3N2 variant]) to ferrets intranasally at a dose of 10
6
50% tissue culture infective doses in a range of inoculum volumes (0.2, 0.5, or 1.0 ml) and followed viral replication, clinical disease, and pathology over 6 days. Clinical illness and respiratory tract pathology were the most severe and most consistent when the viruses were administered in a volume of 1.0 ml. Using a modified micro-computed tomography imaging method and examining gross specimens, we found that the right main-stem bronchus was consistently larger in diameter than the left main-stem bronchus, though the latter was longer and straighter. These anatomic features likely influence the distribution of the inoculum in the lower respiratory tract. A 1.0-ml volume of inoculum is optimal for delivery of virus to the lower respiratory tract of ferrets, particularly when evaluation of clinical disease is desired. Furthermore, we highlight important anatomical features of the ferret lung that influence the kinetics of viral replication, clinical disease severity, and lung pathology.

IMPORTANCE
Ferrets are a valuable model for influenza virus pathogenesis, virus transmission, and antiviral therapy studies. Clinical disease in ferrets is an important parameter in evaluating the virulence of novel influenza viruses, and findings are extrapolated to virulence in humans. Therefore, it is highly desirable that the data from different laboratories be accurate and reproducible. We have found that, even when the same virus was administered at similar doses, different investigators reported a range of clinical disease outcomes, from asymptomatic infection to severe weight loss, ocular and nasal discharge, sneezing, and lethargy. We found that a wide range of inoculum volumes was used to experimentally infect ferrets, and we sought to determine whether the variations in disease outcome were the result of the volume of inoculum administered. These data highlight some less explored features of the model, methods of experimental infection, and clinical disease outcomes in a research setting.
Stand up for health—avoiding sedentary behaviour might lengthen your telomeres: secondary outcomes from a physical activity RCT in older people
Authors: Sjögren Per , Fisher Rachel , Kallings Lena , Svenson Ulrika , Roos Göran , Hellénius Mai-Lis
Published: September 2014

Background

Telomere length has been associated with a healthy lifestyle and longevity. However, the effect of increased physical activity on telomere length is still unknown. Therefore, the aim was to study the relationship between changes in physical activity level and sedentary behaviour and changes in telomere length.

Methods

Telomere length was measured in blood cells 6 months apart in 49, 68-year-old, sedentary, overweight individuals taking part in a randomised controlled physical activity intervention trial. The intervention group received individualised physical activity on prescription. Physical activity was measured with a 7-day diary, questionnaires and a pedometer. Sitting time was measured with the short version of The International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Results

Time spent exercising as well as steps per day increased significantly in the intervention group. Reported sitting time decreased in both groups. No significant associations between changes in steps per day and changes in telomere length were noted. In the intervention group, there was a negative correlation between changes in time spent exercising and changes in telomere length (rho=−0.39, p=0.07). On the other hand, in the intervention group, telomere lengthening was significantly associated with reduced sitting time (rho=−0.68, p=0.02).

Conclusions

Reduced sitting time was associated with telomere lengthening in blood cells in sedentary, overweight 68-year-old individuals participating in a 6-month physical activity intervention trial.
Risk factors for medial tibial stress syndrome in physically active individuals such as runners and military personnel: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hamstra-Wright Karrie L , Bliven Kellie C Huxel , Bay Curt
Published: September 2014

Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is a common injury in runners and military personnel. There is a lack of agreement on the aetiological factors contributing to MTSS, making treatment challenging and highlighting the importance of preventive efforts. Understanding the risk factors for MTSS is critical for developing preventive measures. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess what factors put physically active individuals at risk to develop MTSS. Selected electronic databases were searched. Studies were included if they contained original research that investigated risk factors associated with MTSS, compared physically active individuals with MTSS and physically active individuals without MTSS, were in the English language and were full papers in peer-reviewed journals. Data on research design, study duration, participant selection, population, groups, MTSS diagnosis, investigated risk factors and risk factor definitions were extracted. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed. When the means and SDs of a particular risk factor were reported three or more times, that risk factor was included in the meta-analysis. There were 21 studies included in the systematic review and nine risk factors qualified for inclusion in the meta-analysis. Increased BMI (weighted mean difference (MD)=0.79, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.20, p<0.001), navicular drop (MD=1.19 mm, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.84, p<0.001), ankle plantarflexion range of motion (ROM; MD=5.94°, 95% CI 3.65 to 8.24, p<0.001) and hip external rotation ROM (MD=3.95°, 95% CI 1.78 to 6.13, p<0.001) were risk factors for MTSS. Dorsiflexion and quadriceps-angle were clearly not risk factors for MTSS. There is a need for high-quality, prospective studies using consistent methodology evaluating MTSS risk factors. Our findings suggest that interventions focused on addressing increased BMI, navicular drop, ankle plantarflexion ROM and hip external rotation ROM may be a good starting point for preventing and treating MTSS in physically active individuals such as runners and military personnel.