bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does exposure of male Drosophila melanogaster to acute gamma radiation influence egg to adult development time and longevity of F1–F3 offspring?
Authors: Shameer P. Mohamed , Sowmithra K. , Harini B. P. , Chaubey R. C. , Jha S. K. , Shetty N. J.
Published: November 2014

Two‐ to three‐day‐old male Drosophila melanogaster flies were irradiated with 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 20, 25, 30, 40 and 50 Gy doses of gamma radiation. The longevity and rate of development were observed for three successive generations to assess the impact of irradiation. The mean lifespan of irradiated flies was significantly increased at 1, 2 and 8 Gy, while it was vice versa for high doses at 30, 40 and 50 Gy. Paternal irradiation had an impact on F1 generation, with significantly increased mean longevity at 2 (female), 4, 6, 8 and 10 and decreased mean longevity at 40 and 50 Gy (male and female). Significant increase in the longevity was observed in the F2 generation of the 8 (male and female) and 10 Gy (male) irradiated groups, while decreased longevity was observed in F2 female progeny at 40 Gy. In the case of F3 progeny of irradiated flies, longevity did not show significant difference with the control. Paternal exposure to radiation had a significant impact on the mean egg to adult developmental time of the F1 generation; it was shortened at 2 Gy and extended at 25, 30, 40 and 50 Gy compared to the control. Mean development time at 30, 40 and 50 Gy was significantly increased in the F2 generation, while there were no significant changes in the F3 generation. The present study concludes that the effect of acute gamma irradiation on longevity and “egg to adult” development time of D. melanogaster may persist to following generations.
Long‐term LEGO therapy with humanoid robot for children with ASD
Authors: Barakova Emilia I. , Bajracharya Prina , Willemsen Marije , Lourens Tino , Huskens Bibi
Published: November 2014

To utilise the knowledge gained from highly specialised domains as autism therapy to robot‐based interactive training platforms, an innovative design approach is needed. We present the process of content creation and co‐design of LEGO therapy for children with autism spectrum disorders performed by a humanoid robot. The co‐creation takes place across the disciplines of autism therapy, and behavioural robotics, and applies methods from design and human–robot interaction, in order to connect state‐of‐the‐art developments in these disciplines. We designed, carried out and analyzed a pilot and final experiment, in which a robot mediated LEGO therapy between pairs of children was mediated by a robot over the course of 10 to 12 sessions. The impact of the training on the children was then analysed from a clinical and human–robot interaction perspective. Our major findings are as follows: first, game‐based robot scenarios in which the game continues over the sessions opened possibilities for long‐term interventions using robots and led to a significant increase in social initiations during the intervention in natural settings; and second, including dyadic interactions between robot and child within triadic games with robots has positive effects on the children's engagement and on creating learning moments that comply with the chosen therapy framework.
Family Communication about Donor Conception: A Qualitative Study with Lesbian Parents
Authors: Van Parys Hanna , Wyverkens Elia , Provoost Veerle , De Sutter Petra , Pennings Guido , Buysse Ann
Published: November 2014

In this qualitative study of 10 lesbian couples who built their families through anonymous donor conception, we explore how lesbian parents experience communication about the donor conception within the family. While for these families “disclosure” of donor conception is often seen as evident, the way parents and children discuss this subject and how this is experienced by the parents themselves has not received much research attention. To meet this gap in the literature, in‐depth interviews with lesbian couples were conducted. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis showed that this family communication process can be understood within the broader relational context of parent–child relationships. Even though parents handled this family communication in many different ways, these were all inspired by the same motives: acting in the child's best interest and—on a more implicit level—maintaining good relations within the family. Furthermore, parents left the initiative for talking about the DC mostly to the child. Overall, parents aimed at constructing a donor conception narrative that they considered acceptable for both the children and themselves. They used different strategies, such as gradual disclosure, limiting the meaning of the donor, and justifying the donor conception. Building an acceptable donor conception narrative was sometimes challenged by influences from the social environment. In the discussion, we relate this qualitative systemic study to the broader issues of selective disclosure and bidirectionality within families.
‘A glorious time?’ Some reflections on flooding in the Somerset Levels
Authors: McEwen Lindsey , Jones Owain , Robertson Iain
Published: November 2014

Severe floods on the Somerset Levels in winter 2014, and a series of other recent extreme floods across the UK, pose questions about the research needed to unravel the complex nature of flood risk and its implications for society. While much emphasis is placed on research in the natural and engineering sciences to better predict flood risk and develop solutions, this paper discusses what social science, and arts and humanities approaches can contribute to this challenging issue, alongside, and importantly integrated with, the natural sciences. Drawing upon a series of interconnected social science and arts and humanities research projects, in this paper we explore how different knowledges might contribute in dialogue around flood risk; water, senses of place and community in resilience building; the power dynamics in narratives about water; and the value of conceptualising flood heritage ‘from below’ in bringing community voices to the table. We argue that social science, and arts and humanities approaches are needed to explore creative solutions to changing or challenging flood risk. In interdisciplinary configurations in particular, they can generate much needed, creative, transformative narratives which can play key roles in the interplay and negotiation between science, policy and public understanding.
Use of a combined in vitro assay for effect‐directed assessment of infant formulas
Authors: La Rocca Cinzia , Tait Sabrina , Mantovani Alberto
Published: November 2014

Milk (M), soya (S) and hypoallergenic (HA) infant formulas were evaluated for an effect‐directed assessment of whole food on human liver (HuH6) and colon (DLD‐1) cell lines. Treatment concentrations were derived from an estimated meal for a 4‐month infant. The expression of a panel of genes (ERα, ERβ, AR, PPARγ, AhR) and functional markers (TNFα, IL‐8 in DLD1; γ‐GT in HuH6) were evaluated comparing results with bisphenol A, vinclozolin, genistein, TCDD and mixture effects at concentrations reflecting dietary exposures. M increased only ERα in DLD‐1; HA affected only DLD‐1 (ERα and ERβ upregulation; AhR and TNFα downregulation); S upregulated ERβ both cell lines), ERα (DLD‐1) and AR (HuH6). Bisphenol A showed similar effects as HA and S in DLD‐1; the mixture upregulated AR and ERβ in HuH6 as S. Although DLD‐1 was more responsive than HuH6, the use of both cell lines and all selected endpoints allow to characterise each tested formula or substance.
An epistemological shift: from evidence‐based medicine to epistemological responsibility
Authors: van Baalen Sophie , Boon Mieke
Published: November 2014

In decision making concerning the diagnosis and treatment of patients, doctors have a responsibility to do this to the best of their abilities. Yet we argue that the current paradigm for best medical practice – evidence‐based medicine (EBM) – does not always support this responsibility. EBM was developed to promote a more scientific approach to the practice of medicine. This includes the use of randomized controlled trials in the testing of new treatments and prophylactics and rule‐based reasoning in clinical decision making. But critics of EBM claim that such a scientific approach does not always work in the clinic. In this article, we build on this critique and argue that rule‐based reasoning and the use of general guidelines as promoted by EBM does not accommodate the complex reasoning of doctors in clinical decision making. Instead, we propose that a new medical epistemology is needed that accounts for complex reasoning styles in medical practice and at the same time maintains the quality usually associated with ‘scientific’. The medical epistemology we propose conforms to the epistemological responsibility of doctors, which involves a specific professional attitude and epistemological skills. Instead of deferring part of the professional responsibility to strict clinical guidelines, as EBM allows for, our alternative epistemology holds doctors accountable for epistemic considerations in clinical decision making towards the diagnosis and treatment plan of individual patients. One of the key intellectual challenges of doctors is the ability to bring together heterogeneous pieces of information to construct a coherent ‘picture’ of a specific patient. In the proposed epistemology, we consider this ‘picture’ as an epistemological tool that may then be employed in the diagnosis and treatment of a specific patient.
Software‐Based Evaluation of Human Age: A Pilot Study
Authors: Patzelt Sebastian B. M. , Schaible Leonie K. , Stampf Susanne , Kohal Ralf J.
Published: November 2014

Purpose

This pilot study was to assess a smartphone application regarding its use as an objective evaluation tool for subject age in comparison to human raters and to identify potential factors influencing the estimation of age.

Materials and Methods

Ten Caucasian participants (six females, four males, mean age 42.1 ± 22.6 years) were randomly chosen, and frontal facial pictures of each participant were taken. The smartphone application PhotoAge (Version 1.5, ©2012, Percipo Inc., San Francisco, CA, USA) was used to evaluate the age of the participants. For comparison, 100 randomly selected raters (60 females, 40 males, mean age 29.3 ± 1.3 years) were asked to evaluate the age of the same participants. The influence of participants' facial expression, age, and sex as well as raters' age, sex, and profession was investigated as well. Statistical analyses (linear mixed models with random intercepts; least square means, confidence interval 95%; p < 0.05) were implemented.

Results

PhotoAge resulted in a mean age of 43.1 ± 18.2 years, with a difference from the true mean age of 1.0 ± 8.2 years (p = 0.5996). The evaluation by the raters revealed a mean age of 41.5 ± 19.0 years, with a difference from the true mean age of −0.6 ± 8.5 years (p = 0.6078). There was no statistical significance between the two groups (p = 0.2783).

Conclusion

The evaluation of age with the software application PhotoAge seems to be a reliable procedure with comparable results to human raters.

Clinical Significance

This study gives a better understanding about the reliability of a software‐based evaluation tool for age and identifies factors (e.g., the visibility of the teeth) potentially affecting the estimation of age. Naturally looking teeth seem to have no influence on the evaluation of a person's age. Thus, the application of this specific application for dental purposes is questionable; however, in forensics, it might be a valuable tool for estimating a person's age.
Isolation and Genetic Characterization of Toxoplasma gondii from Black Bears (Ursus americanus), Bobcats (Lynx rufus), and Feral Cats (Felis catus) from Pennsylvania
Authors: Dubey Jitender P. , Verma Shiv K. , Calero‐Bernal Rafael , Cassinelli Ana B. , Kwok Oliver C. H. , Van Why Kyle , Su Chunlei , Humphreys Jan G.
Published: November 2014

Toxoplasma gondii infects virtually all warm‐blooded hosts worldwide. Recently, attention has been focused on the genetic diversity of the parasite to explain its pathogenicity in different hosts. It has been hypothesized that interaction between feral and domestic cycles of T. gondii may increase unusual genotypes in domestic cats and facilitate transmission of potentially more pathogenic genotypes to humans, domestic animals, and wildlife. In the present study, we tested black bear (Ursus americanus), bobcat (Lynx rufus), and feral cat (Felis catus) from the state of Pennsylvania for T. gondii infection. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 32 (84.2%) of 38 bears, both bobcats, and 2 of 3 feral cats tested by the modified agglutination test (cut off titer 1:25). Hearts from seropositive animals were bioassayed in mice, and viable T. gondii was isolated from 3 of 32 bears, 2 of 2 bobcats, and 2 of 3 feral cats. DNA isolated from culture‐derived tachyzoites of these isolates was characterized using multilocus PCR‐RFLP markers. Three genotypes were revealed, including ToxoDB PCR‐RFLP genotype #1 or #3 (Type II, 1 isolate), #5 (Type 12, 3 isolates), and #216 (3 isolates), adding to the evidence of genetic diversity of T. gondii in wildlife in Pennsylvania. Pathogenicity of 3 T. gondii isolates (all #216, 1 from bear, and 2 from feral cat) was determined in outbred Swiss Webster mice; all three were virulent causing 100% mortality. Results indicated that highly mouse pathogenic strains of T. gondii are circulating in wildlife, and these strains may pose risk to infect human through consuming of game meat.
Isolation and Genotyping of Acanthamoeba Strains from Soil Sources from Jamaica, West Indies
Authors: Todd Cheridah D. , Reyes‐Batlle María , Martín‐Navarro Carmen Mª , Dorta‐Gorrín Alexis , López‐Arencibia Atteneri , Martínez‐Carretero Enrique , Piñero José E. , Valladares Basilio , Lindo John F. , Lorenzo‐Morales Jacob
Published: November 2014

Acanthamoeba spp. are opportunistic pathogens that are ubiquitous in nature. Many species of this genus are responsible for a fatal encephalitis and keratitis in humans and other animals. Seventy‐two soil samples were collected from the parishes across Jamaica and assessed for the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. Cultivation was carried out on non‐nutrient agar plates seeded with heat killed Escherichia coli. PCR and sequencing of the DF3 region were carried out in order to genotype the isolated strains of Acanthamoeba. Thermotolerance and osmotolerance assays were utilized to investigate the pathogenic potential of the Acanthamoeba isolates. Acanthamoeba spp. was isolated from 63.9% of soil samples. Sequencing of the DF3 region of the 18S rDNA resulted in the identification of genotypes T4, T5, and T11. T4 genotype was most frequently isolated. Most isolates were thermotolerant or both thermotolerant and osmotolerant, indicating that they may present the potential to cause disease in humans and other animals.
HOUSE PRICE IMPACTS OF RACIAL, INCOME, EDUCATION, AND AGE NEIGHBORHOOD SEGREGATION
Authors: Brasington David M. , Hite Diane , Jauregui Andres
Published: November 2014

We study housing prices and neighborhood segregation. We advance the literature by (1) studying not just racial segregation like previous studies, but also segregation by age, income, and education level, (2) using a finer unit of geography to construct segregation measures, (3) incorporating spatial statistics, and (4) separating segregation effects from underlying population level effects. We find race segregation is positively related to house prices, with an elasticity of 0.19. In contrast, income and educational segregation reduce housing values, with elasticities of −0.23 and −0.21. By comparison, house age has an elasticity of −0.15. Age segregation is not generally capitalized.
Variation in body size and degree of melanism within a lizards clade: is it driven by latitudinal and climatic gradients?
Authors: Moreno Azócar D. L. , Perotti M. G. , Bonino M. F. , Schulte J. A. , Abdala C. S. , Cruz F. B.
Published: November 2014

Body size (BS) varies in response to several selective pressures. In ectotherms, thermal inertia may affect thermoregulation, since largerBSs increase heat conservation asBergmann originally stipulated for endotherms. However,Bergmann's rule is controversial in ectotherms. The heat balance hypothesis states that ectotherms' thermoregulatory capability is relevant for trends inBS. In cold climates, largerBSswould be advantageous for small thermoregulating ectotherms, by increasing heat conservation. However,BSimplies a delaying effect on heating too; therefore, ectotherms may need another trait to compensate the later effect. Thermal melanism hypothesis posits that melanism increases heat gain, and may be adaptive for animals inhabiting cold climates. We propose that the higher solar radiation absorption from increased melanism may be such a compensatory trait. We expectBSand melanism to increase with latitude in response to seasonal temperatures and solar radiation. To test this, we studied the monophyleticLiolaemus goetschigroup of lizard species across its 2200 km (32–48°Slatitude) range. We used phylogenetically informed analyses to study geographic variation ofBSand melanism (dorsal, ventral and total) in relation to temperatures, thermal amplitude, cloudiness and net solar radiation. Our results show that lizards'BSincreases latitudinally in relation to thermal amplitude and temperature. Only ventral melanism varied latitudinally, but all melanism variables varied in response to cloudiness and net radiation. The relationship betweenBSand melanism was significant and positive in all cases. We suggest thermal inertia may be a fair candidate mechanism explaining geographic variation inBS(heat balance hypothesis), while melanism may influence heat gain according to the thermal melanism hypothesis. However, it remains unclear why latitudinal variation is related to ventral instead of dorsal melanism, and further investigation is needed to clarify the relationship betweenBSand melanism in light of cold climates.
The role of male's anal horns in copulation of a scorpionfly
Authors: Zhong Wen , Ding Guo , Hua Baozhen
Published: November 2014

Sexual conflict drives evolution of sexually antagonistic adaptations that give advantages to the bearer. As a consequence of sexual conflict, male scorpionflies (Mecoptera: Panorpidae) provide nuptial gifts for the female and use grasping organs to repress female resistance. These organs, except notal organ, have not been satisfactorily studied. In this paper, the mating behavior of Dicerapanorpa magna (Chou) was investigated to reveal the role of the anal horns (a pair of posterior processes on tergum VI) of males. The males initiate copulation through grasping the female with the notal organ and anal horns, prolonging copulation by providing salivary masses to the female as nuptial gifts and maintaining copulation after the female consumed the salivary masses. The results of a manipulative experiment show that the anal horns play a significant role in the mating success for the males of D. magna by promoting male domination in copulation through increasing the duration of pre‐ and post‐gift‐providing copulatory stages against female resistance and by avoiding wasting of nuptial gifts. The anal horns of male D. magna seem to be a male adaptation evolved to overcome female mating resistance.
Circadian Rhythms in Cognitive Processes: Implications for School Learning
Authors: Valdez Pablo , Ramírez Candelaria , García Aída
Published: November 2014

Circadian variations have been found in cognitive processes, such as attention, working memory, and executive functions, which may explain oscillations in the performance of many tasks. These cognitive processes improve during the day and decrease during the night and early hours of the morning. Sleep deprivation further decreases these cognitive processes during daytime hours. This review analyses the recent findings on circadian rhythms in cognitive processes, as well as the implications of these rhythms for school learning.
School Schedules Affect Sleep Timing in Children and Contribute to Partial Sleep Deprivation
Authors: Anacleto Tâmile Stella , Adamowicz Taísa , Simões da Costa Pinto Laura , Louzada Fernando Mazzilli
Published: November 2014

Although the environmental light/dark cycle is the main zeitgeber for the human species, the social cues seem to be important in the synchronization of circadian rhythms. In Brazil, the existence of two school schedules—one with only morning classes (MG) and other with only afternoon classes (AG)—allows the investigation of the effect of school activities on light exposure and sleep/wake patterns in children. Forty‐seven children wore wrist actimeters for a week for registration of light and sleep data. MG children presented shorter sleep duration on school days than the children from the AG. The results showed that during school days MG children were exposed to bright light earlier in the morning when compared to AG children. Nevertheless, there were no differences in light exposure after sunset. The results reflect the role of school schedules and artificial light in shaping light exposure, and its association with sleep timing in children.
School Characteristics, Child Work, and Other Daily Activities as Sleep Deficit Predictors in Adolescents from Households with Unsatisfied Basic Needs
Authors: Vigo Daniel E. , Simonelli Guido , Tuñón Ianina , Pérez Chada Daniel , Cardinali Daniel P. , Golombek Diego
Published: November 2014

Sleep in adolescents has been shown to be an important factor when looking at physical, mental, and social well‐being. Little evidence is found regarding sleep patterns in adolescents from households facing extreme poverty, where conditions such as crowding, poor housing, sanitation or education, and precarious employment set an adverse environment for sleep. In this study, we sought to assess in a nationwide sample comprised of 1,682 adolescents from Argentina, how the presence of extreme poverty—as defined by the presence of unsatisfied basic needs (UBN)—affects the relationship of sleep duration with school, work, and other daily activities. A global high prevalence of short sleeping time, a slight increase of sleep time in adolescents with UBN, and different patterns of wake activities that predict sleep deficit, depending on the presence of UBN, were found. The poor academic achievement, increased risk of accidents, and adverse health outcomes associated with sleep deprivation support the view that sleep is an additional unsatisfied basic need that worsens living conditions at this age. The results may help to design public health policies that contribute to ameliorate this adverse situation.
Determinants of Sleep Duration Among High School Students in Part‐Time Employment
Authors: Laberge Luc , Ledoux Élise , Auclair Julie , Gaudreault Marco
Published: November 2014

Adolescents who work while attending school are reported to sleep less than those who do not. This study aimed to identify factors associated with short sleep duration in students who work during the school year. A cross‐sectional survey aiming to describe working conditions and occupational safety and health was completed by representative samples of Quebec high school students aged 12–19 years from three administrative regions (n = 3,871). A multiple stepwise regression analysis was performed with sleep duration as the dependent variable, and sociodemographic, school, occupational, and health factors as potential explanatory variables. Significant factors associated with shorter sleep duration were later bedtimes (p < .001), shorter weekend oversleep (p < .001), higher physical work factors related to handling efforts (p < .001), and female gender (p < .01). Addressing work conditions of student workers may help prevent sleep deprivation. Special efforts should also target girls combining work and study.
SpoIIID‐mediated regulation of σK function during Clostridium difficile sporulation
Authors: Pishdadian Keyan , Fimlaid Kelly A. , Shen Aimee
Published: November 2014

The spore‐forming bacterial pathogen Clostridium difficile is a leading cause of health‐care‐associated diarrhea worldwide. Although C. difficile spore formation is essential for disease transmission, the regulatory pathways that control this developmental process have only been partially characterized. In the well‐studied spore‐former Bacillus subtilis, the highly conserved σE, SpoIIID and σK regulatory proteins control gene expression in the mother cell to ensure proper spore formation. To define the precise requirement for SpoIIID and σK during C. difficile sporulation, we analyzed spoIIID and sigK mutants using heterologous expression systems and RNA‐Seq transcriptional profiling. These analyses revealed that expression of sigK from a SpoIIID‐independent promoter largely bypasses the need for SpoIIID to produce heat‐resistant spores. We also observed that σK is active upon translation, suggesting that SpoIIID primarily functions to activate sigK. SpoIIID nevertheless plays auxiliary roles during sporulation, as it enhances levels of the exosporium morphogenetic protein CdeC in a σK‐dependent manner. Analyses of purified spores further revealed that SpoIIID and σK control the adherence of the CotB coat protein to C. difficile spores, indicating that these proteins regulate multiple stages of spore formation. Collectively, these results highlight that diverse mechanisms control spore formation in the Firmicutes.
Global microRNA modification in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Xie Fuliang , Wang Qinglian , Zhang Baohong
Published: November 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs participating in versatile biological processes via post‐transcriptionally gene regulation. However, how miRNAs are modified or degraded remains unknown, despite years of studies have unravelled much details of miRNA biogenesis and function. Here, we systematically investigated miRNA modification using six small RNA sequencing libraries generated from cotton seedling as well as cotton fibre at five developmental stages. Our results show that 1–2‐nt truncation and addition on both 5′ and 3′ ends of miRNAs are the major modification forms. The 5′ and 3′ end miRNA modification was almost equal in the six development stages. Truncation was more common than addition on both 5′ and 3′ end. Structure analysis of the 5′ and 3′ ends of miRNAs and isomiRs shows that uridine is the preferential nucleotide at the first position of both 5′ and 3′ ends. According to analysis of nucleotides truncated and tailed from miRNAs, both miRNAs and isomiRs share a similar positional structure distribution at their 5′ and 3′ ends, respectively. Furthermore, opposite to previous reports, cytodine is more frequently truncated and tailed from the two ends of isomiRs, implying existence of a complex cytodine balance in isomiRs. Comparison of isomiR expression shows differential miRNA modification amongst the six developmental stages in terms of selective modification form, development‐dependent modification and differential expression abundance. Our results globally uncovered miRNA modification features in cotton, which could contribute us to understanding miRNA's postmature modification and its regulatory function.
Does Corporate Taxation Deter Multinationals? Evidence from a Historic Event in Ireland
Authors: Görg Holger , Strobl Eric
Published: November 2014

We use a unique exogenous corporate tax policy change in the Republic of Ireland to investigate how corporate taxation affects foreign direct investment at the extensive and intensive margin. To this end, we construct exhaustive sectoral and plant level panel data and use difference‐in‐differences strategies. Our results do not provide strong evidence that the increase in corporate tax rates for exporters did affect the entry or exit of plants from the US or UK in Ireland. Entry rates of German firms seem to be negatively affected, however. At the intensive margin, there is evidence that foreign plants in Ireland reduce the size of their operations in response to the tax change.
Hypofractionated radiation therapy for the treatment of microscopic canine soft tissue sarcoma
Authors: Kung M. B. J. , Poirier V. J. , Dennis M. M. , Vail D. M. , Straw R. C.
Published: November 2014

Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are locally invasive and surgery with or without radiation therapy is the current standard of care in dogs. Typical protocols for treating incompletely excisedSTSsinvolve curative intent radiation with total dose in excess of 50 Gy. Forty‐eight dogs with histologically confirmed incomplete or closely excisedSTSswere treated with a hypofractionated protocol that is typically reserved for palliative radiation therapy (RT) (6–8 Gy/weekly fractions to a total dose of 24–32 Gy). Ten dogs (21%) developed local recurrence, 11 dogs (23%) developed metastasis, and 3 dogs developed both (included in each group). The median progression free survival was 698 days. The local failure‐free probability at 1 and 3 years was 81 and 73%. The 1 and 3 years tumour‐specific overall survival was 81 and 61%. Long‐term local tumour control was achieved in the majority of dogs. This protocol is reasonable to prescribe in older patients or when financial limitations exist.
Application of Viscous and Iwan Modal Damping Models to Experimental Measurements From Bolted Structures
Authors: Deaner Brandon J. , Allen Matthew S. , Starr Michael J. , Segalman Daniel J. , Sumali Hartono
Published: November 2014

Measurements are presented from a two-beam structure with several bolted interfaces in order to characterize the nonlinear damping introduced by the joints. The measurements (all at force levels below macroslip) reveal that each underlying mode of the structure is well approximated by a single degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system with a nonlinear mechanical joint. At low enough force levels, the measurements show dissipation that scales as the second power of the applied force, agreeing with theory for a linear viscously damped system. This is attributed to linear viscous behavior of the material and/or damping provided by the support structure. At larger force levels, the damping is observed to behave nonlinearly, suggesting that damping from the mechanical joints is dominant. A model is presented that captures these effects, consisting of a spring and viscous damping element in parallel with a four-parameter Iwan model. The parameters of this model are identified for each mode of the structure and comparisons suggest that the model captures the stiffness and damping accurately over a range of forcing levels.
Transparency Improvement by External Force Estimation in a Time-Delayed Nonlinear Bilateral Teleoperation System
Authors: Amini H. , Rezaei S. M. , Sarhan Ahmed A. D. , Akbari J. , Mardi N. A.
Published: November 2014

Teleoperation systems have been developed in order to manipulate objects in environments where the presence of humans is impossible, dangerous or less effective. One of the most attractive applications is micro telemanipulation with micropositioning actuators. Due to the sensitivity of this operation, task performance should be accurately considered. The presence of force signals in the control scheme could effectively improve transparency. However, the main restriction is force measurement in micromanipulation scales. A new modified strategy for estimating the external forces acting on the master and slave robots is the major contribution of this paper. The main advantage of this strategy is that the necessity for force sensors is eliminated, leading to lower cost and further applicability. A novel control algorithm with estimated force signals is proposed for a general nonlinear macro–micro bilateral teleoperation system with time delay. The stability condition in the macro–micro teleoperation system with the new control algorithm is verified by means of Lyapunov stability analysis. The designed control algorithm guarantees stability of the macro–micro teleoperation system in the presence of an estimated operator and environmental force. Experimental results confirm the efficiency of the novel control algorithm in position tracking and force reflection.
Passivity-Based Stabilization of Underwater Gliders With a Control Surface
Authors: Zhang Feitian , Tan Xiaobo
Published: November 2014

The problem of stabilizing steady gliding is critical for an underwater glider, which is subject to many non-negligible disturbances from the aquatic environment. In this paper, we propose a new systematic controller design and implementation approach for the stabilization problem, including a nonlinear, passivity-based controller and a nonlinear model-based observer, where the actuation is realized through a whale tail-like control surface. The controller is designed based on an approximation of a reduced model that is obtained through singular perturbation analysis, and consequently, it does not require full state feedback. The local stability of the full closed-loop system is established through linearization analysis. The nonlinear observer is designed to estimate the velocity-related system states, which are difficult to measure for such low-speed underwater vehicles. Simulation results are first provided to demonstrate that the proposed controller achieves rapid convergence in stabilization and the proposed observer has good performance especially in robustness against measurement noise. Experimental results using a gliding robotic fish are presented to support the effectiveness of both the controller and the observer.
The influence of anatomical noise on optimal beam quality in mammography
Authors: Cederström Björn , Fredenberg Erik
Published: November 2014

Purpose:

Beam‐quality optimization in digital mammography traditionally considers detection of a target obscured by quantum noise in a homogeneous background. This does not correspond well to the clinical imaging task because real mammographic images contain a complex superposition of anatomical structures, resulting in anatomical noise that may dominate over quantum noise. The purpose of this paper is to assess the influence on optimal beam quality in mammography when anatomical noise is taken into account.

Methods:

The detectability of microcalcifications and masses was quantified using a theoretical ideal‐observer model that included quantum noise as well as anatomical noise and a simplified model of a photon‐counting mammography system. The outcome was experimentally verified using two types of simulated tissue phantoms.

Results:

The theoretical model showed that the detectability of tumors and microcalcifications behaves differently with respect to beam quality and dose. The results for small microcalcifications were similar to what traditional optimization methods yield, which is to be expected because quantum noise dominates over anatomical noise at high spatial frequencies. For larger tumors, however, low‐frequency anatomical noise was the limiting factor. Because anatomical structure noise has similar energy dependence as tumor contrast, the optimal x‐ray energy was found to be higher and the useful energy region was wider than traditional methods suggest. A simplified scalar model was able to capture this behavior using a fitted noise mixing parameter. The phantom measurements confirmed these theoretical results.

Conclusions:

It was shown that since quantum noise constitutes only a small fraction of the noise, the dose could be reduced substantially without sacrificing tumor detectability. Furthermore, when anatomical noise is included, the tube voltage can be increased well beyond what is conventionally considered optimal and used clinically, without loss of image quality. However, no such conclusions can be drawn for the more complex mammographic imaging task as a whole.
Projected increase in lightning strikes in the United States due to global warming
Authors: Romps David M. , Seeley Jacob T. , Vollaro David , Molinari John
Published: November 2014

Lightning plays an important role in atmospheric chemistry and in the initiation of wildfires, but the impact of global warming on lightning rates is poorly constrained. Here we propose that the lightning flash rate is proportional to the convective available potential energy (CAPE) times the precipitation rate. Using observations, the product of CAPE and precipitation explains 77% of the variance in the time series of total cloud-to-ground lightning flashes over the contiguous United States (CONUS). Storms convert CAPE times precipitated water mass to discharged lightning energy with an efficiency of 1%. When this proxy is applied to 11 climate models, CONUS lightning strikes are predicted to increase 12 ± 5% per degree Celsius of global warming and about 50% over this century.
An economic perspective on the EPA's Clean Power Plan
Authors: Fowlie Meredith , Goulder Lawrence , Kotchen Matthew , Borenstein Severin , Bushnell James , Davis Lucas , Greenstone Michael , Kolstad Charles , Knittel Christopher , Stavins Robert , Wara Michael , Wolak Frank , Wolfram Catherine
Published: November 2014

Cross-state coordination key to cost-effective CO
2
reductions
Did Antarctica initiate the ice age cycles?
Authors: McKay Robert
Published: November 2014

Gradual buildup of Antarctic ice sheets preceded extensive Northern Hemisphere glaciation about 3 million years ago

[Also see Report by

Woodard
et al.

]
Relief greets acquittals in Italy earthquake trial
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin
Published: November 2014

But some still fault scientists for hasty risk assessment.
Contamination plagues some microbiome studies
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: November 2014

Extraneous DNA can skew results of surveys of low-density microbial communities.
Improving characterization of monoclonal antibodies: Making a better biotherapeutic
Authors: Peckham Niomi , Winkhaus Friederike
Published: November 2014

Characterization of therapeutic proteins remains labor-intensive and time consuming due to their often complex and heterogeneous structure. This has led to a concerted effort within the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industry to address these bottlenecks as a means to boost the development of more biotherapeutics. Studies in this vein, such as testing the effect of various cell culture conditions on posttranslational modifications or monitoring the purification process of recombinant proteins, produce large numbers of samples that can easily exceed the capacity of modern analytical laboratories. High throughput analytical platforms with high precision, automation, and ease-of-use are therefore in great demand. To this end, the use of microfluidic analytical platforms such as microchip capillary electrophoresis (CE) have greatly increased the efficiency and reproducibility needed for analyzing proteins intended for therapeutic use. In this webinar, our expert panelists will discuss posttranslational modifications and quality assessment of biotherapeutic proteins for biopharmaceutical development using microfluidic-CE characterization.

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Genomic Signature of Multidrug-Resistant Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi Isolates Related to a Massive Outbreak in Zambia between 2010 and 2012
Authors: Hendriksen Rene S. , Leekitcharoenphon Pimlapas , Lukjancenko Oksana , Lukwesa-Musyani Chileshe , Tambatamba Bushimbwa , Mwaba John , Kalonda Annie , Nakazwe Ruth , Kwenda Geoffrey , Jensen Jacob Dyring , Svendsen Christina A. , Dittmann Karen K. , Kaas Rolf S. , Cavaco Lina M. , Aarestrup Frank M. , Hasman Henrik , Mwansa James C. L.
Published: November 2014

Retrospectively, we investigated the epidemiology of a massive
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhi outbreak in Zambia during 2010 to 2012. Ninety-four isolates were susceptibility tested by MIC determinations. Whole-genome sequence typing (WGST) of 33 isolates and bioinformatic analysis identified the multilocus sequence type (MLST), haplotype, plasmid replicon, antimicrobial resistance genes, and genetic relatedness by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and genomic deletions. The outbreak affected 2,040 patients, with a fatality rate of 0.5%. Most (83.0%) isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR). The isolates belonged to MLST ST1 and a new variant of the haplotype, H58B. Most isolates contained a chromosomally translocated region containing seven antimicrobial resistance genes,
catA1
,
bla
TEM-1
,
dfrA7
,
sul1
,
sul2
,
strA
, and
strB
, and fragments of the incompatibility group Q1 (IncQ1) plasmid replicon, the class 1 integron, and the
mer
operon. The genomic analysis revealed 415 SNP differences overall and 35 deletions among 33 of the isolates subjected to whole-genome sequencing. In comparison with other genomes of H58, the Zambian isolates separated from genomes from Central Africa and India by 34 and 52 SNPs, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis indicates that 32 of the 33 isolates sequenced belonged to a tight clonal group distinct from other H58 genomes included in the study. The small numbers of SNPs identified within this group are consistent with the short-term transmission that can be expected over a period of 2 years. The phylogenetic analysis and deletions suggest that a single MDR clone was responsible for the outbreak, during which occasional other
S
. Typhi lineages, including sensitive ones, continued to cocirculate. The common view is that the emerging global
S
. Typhi haplotype, H58B, containing the MDR IncHI1 plasmid is responsible for the majority of typhoid infections in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa; we found that a new variant of the haplotype harboring a chromosomally translocated region containing the MDR islands of IncHI1 plasmid has emerged in Zambia. This could change the perception of the term “classical MDR typhoid” currently being solely associated with the IncHI1 plasmid. It might be more common than presently thought that
S
. Typhi haplotype H58B harbors the IncHI1 plasmid or a chromosomally translocated MDR region or both.
Whole-Genome Sequencing Confirms that Burkholderia pseudomallei Multilocus Sequence Types Common to Both Cambodia and Australia Are Due to Homoplasy
Authors: De Smet Birgit , Sarovich Derek S. , Price Erin P. , Mayo Mark , Theobald Vanessa , Kham Chun , Heng Seiha , Thong Phe , Holden Matthew T. G. , Parkhill Julian , Peacock Sharon J. , Spratt Brian G. , Jacobs Jan A. , Vandamme Peter , Currie Bart J.
Published: November 2014

Burkholderia pseudomallei
isolates with shared multilocus sequence types (STs) have not been isolated from different continents. We identified two STs shared between Australia and Cambodia. Whole-genome analysis revealed substantial diversity within STs, correctly identified the Asian or Australian origin, and confirmed that these shared STs were due to homoplasy.
A Taxonomically Unique Acinetobacter Strain with Proteolytic and Hemolytic Activities Recovered from a Patient with a Soft Tissue Injury
Authors: Almuzara Marisa , Traglia German Matías , Krizova Lenka , Barberis Claudia , Montaña Sabrina , Bakai Romina , Tuduri Alicia , Vay Carlos , Nemec Alexandr , Ramírez María Soledad
Published: November 2014

A taxonomically unique bacterial strain,
Acinetobacter
sp. A47, has been recovered from several soft tissue samples from a patient undergoing reconstructive surgery owing to a traumatic amputation. The results of 16S rRNA,
rpoB
, and
gyrB
gene comparative sequence analyses showed that A47 does not belong to any of the hitherto-known taxa and may represent an as-yet-unknown
Acinetobacter
species. The recognition of this novel organism contributes to our knowledge of the taxonomic complexity underlying infections caused by
Acinetobacter
.
Ebola Virus: a Clear and Present Danger
Authors: Burd Eileen M.
Published: November 2014

An epidemic of Ebola virus disease is occurring in Western Africa on a scale not seen before, particularly in the countries of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. The continued spread is facilitated by insufficient medical facilities, poor sanitation, travel, and unsafe burial practices. Several patients diagnosed with Ebola virus disease in Africa have been evacuated to the United States for treatment, and several other patients have been diagnosed in the United States. It is important for laboratories to be aware of available tests, especially those granted emergency use authorization, as hospitals prepare protocols for the diagnosis and management of high-risk patients.
Distinct Characteristics of Endometrial and Decidual Macrophages and Regulation of Their Permissivity to HIV-1 Infection by SAMHD1
Authors: Quillay Héloïse , El Costa Hicham , Marlin Romain , Duriez Marion , Cannou Claude , Chrétien Fabrice , Fernandez Hervé , Lebreton Anne , Ighil Julien , Schwartz Olivier , Barré-Sinoussi Françoise , Nugeyre Marie-Thérèse , Menu Elisabeth
Published: November 2014

In order to develop strategies to prevent HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus type 1) transmission, it is crucial to better characterize HIV-1 target cells in the female reproductive tract (FRT) mucosae and to identify effective innate responses. Control of HIV-1 infection in the decidua (the uterine mucosa during pregnancy) can serve as a model to study natural mucosal protection. Macrophages are the main HIV-1 target cells in the decidua. Here we report that
in vitro
, macrophages and T cells are the main HIV-1 targets in the endometrium in nonpregnant women. As reported for decidual macrophages (dM), endometrial macrophages (eM) were found to have an M2-like phenotype (CD68
+
CD163
+
CD206
+
IL-10
high
). However, eM and dM may belong to different subpopulations, as they differently express certain markers and secrete different amounts of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. We observed strong expression of the SAMHD1 restriction factor and weak expression of its inactive form (pSAMHD1, phosphorylated at residue Thr592) in both eM and dM. Infection of macrophages from both tissues was enhanced in the presence of the viral protein Vpx, suggesting a role for SAMHD1 in the restriction of HIV-1 infection. This study and further comparisons of the decidua with FRT mucosae in nonpregnant women should help to identify mechanisms of mucosal protection against HIV-1 infection.

IMPORTANCE
The female reproductive tract mucosae are major portals of HIV-1 entry into the body. The decidua (uterine mucosa during pregnancy) can serve as a model for studying natural mucosal protection against HIV-1 transmission. A comparison of target cells and innate responses in the decidua versus the endometrium in nonpregnant women could help to identify protective mechanisms. Here, we report for the first time that macrophages are one of the main HIV-1 target cells in the endometrium and that infection of macrophages from both the endometrium and the decidua is restricted by SAMHD1. These findings might have implications for the development of vaccines to prevent HIV-1 mucosal transmission.