bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distance from Safety! A Reply to Broncano‐Berrocal's “No Luck in the Distance”
Authors: Freitag Wolfgang
Published: October 2016

In a recent contribution to this journal, Fernando Broncano‐Berrocal (2016) defends the safety conception of knowledge against my counterexamples in Freitag 2014 (also this journal) by adding a new clause to the safety condition. In this brief reply, I argue that Broncano‐Berrocal's modification cannot be plausibly understood as a natural development of the original safety idea and that, moreover, the resulting account of knowledge can be refuted by a slight alteration of my original examples.
Frequency and reasons of donor deferral prior to blood donation process: a single centre experience
Authors: Khurram S. , Borhany M. , Anwar N. , Naseer I. , Boota S. , Mirza I. , Nadeem M. , Shamsi T.
Published: October 2016

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the frequency and reasons for donor deferral prior to the blood donation process in our population.

Background

Transfusion is an irreversible event that carries potential risks as well as benefits to the recipient. Therefore, donor selection prior to blood donation is one of the most important steps in ensuring the safety of blood and blood products.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was carried out at the blood bank department in our hospital from January 2012 to December 2014. All the blood donors who visited our department in the study period were included in this study.

Results

A total of 25 901 potential donations were recorded during the study period, comprising 24 309 (93·8%) replacement and 1592 (6·2%) voluntary donations. Females accounted for only 222 (0·9%) of potential donations. Deferral occurred in 3156 (12·2%) of attempts; 280 (1·1%) were permanently deferred, while 2876 (11·1%) were temporarily deferred. The most common reason for permanent deferral was a history of hepatitis B infection (n = 147, 4·7% of all deferrals). Major reasons for temporary donor deferral were low levels of haemoglobin (n = 971, 30·76%), low levels of platelets (n = 611, 19·35%) and previous history of jaundice (n = 192, 6·1%).

Conclusions

This study reported a fairly similar pattern of donor deferrals as in other regional studies. Low haemoglobin levels and a history of hepatitis B infection were the most common factors for temporary and permanent donor deferrals, respectively.
Factors associated with HIV status awareness and Linkage to Care following home based testing in rural Malawi
Authors: Maman D. , Ben‐Farhat J. , Chilima B. , Masiku C. , Salumu L. , Ford N. , Mendiharat P. , Szumilin E. , Masson S. , Etard J. F.
Published: October 2016

Objective

HIV diagnosis and linkage to care are the main barriers in Africa to achieving the UNAIDS 90‐90‐90 targets. We assessed HIV‐positive status awareness and linkage to care among survey participants in Chiradzulu District, Malawi.

Method

Nested cohort study within a population‐based survey of persons aged 15–59 years between February and May 2013. Participants were interviewed and tested for HIV (and CD4 if found HIV‐positive) in their homes. Multivariable regression was used to determine factors associated with HIV‐positive status awareness prior to the survey and subsequent linkage to care.

Results

Of 8277 individuals eligible for the survey, 7270 (87.8%) participated and were tested for HIV. The overall HIV prevalence was 17.0%. Among HIV‐positive participants, 77.0% knew their status and 72.8% were in care. Women (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.5, 95% CI 3.2–13.1) and older participants (40–59 vs. 15–29 years, aOR 10.1, 95% CI 4.0–25.9) were more likely to be aware of their positive status. Of those newly diagnosed, 47.5% were linked to care within 3 months. Linkage to care was higher among older participants (40–59 vs. 15–29, adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 3.39, 95% CI 1.83–6.26), women (aHR 1.73, 95% CI 1.12–2.67) and those eligible for ART (aHR 1.61, 95% CI 1.03–2.52).

Conclusions

In settings with high levels of HIV awareness, home‐based testing remains an efficient strategy to diagnose and link to care. Men were less likely to be diagnosed, and when diagnosed to link to care, underscoring the need for a gender focus in order to achieve the 90‐90‐90 targets.
Assessment of analytical methods to determine pyrethroids content of bednets
Authors: Castellarnau Marc , Ramón‐Azcón Javier , Gonzalez‐Quinteiro Yolanda , López Jordi F. , Grimalt Joan O. , Marco María‐Pilar , Nieuwenhuijsen Mark , Picado Albert
Published: October 2016

Objective

To present and evaluate simple, cost‐effective tests to determine the amount of insecticide on treated materials.

Methods

We developed and evaluated a competitive immunoassay on two different platforms: a label‐free impedimetric biosensor (EIS biosensor) and a lateral flow. Both approaches were validated by gas chromatography (GC) and ELISA, gold standards for analytical methods and immunoassays, respectively. Finally, commercially available pyrethroid‐treated ITN samples were analysed. Different extraction methods were evaluated.

Results

Insecticide extraction by direct infusion of the ITN samples with dichloromethane and dioxane showed recovery efficiencies around 100% for insecticide‐coated bednets, and >70% for insecticide‐incorporated bednets. These results were comparable to those obtained with standard sonication methods. The competitive immunoassay characterisation with ELISA presented a dynamic range between 12 nm and 1.5 μm (coefficient of variation (CV) below 5%), with an IC50 at 138 nm, and a limit of detection (LOD) of 3.2 nm. EIS biosensor had a linear range between 1.7 nm and 61 nm (CV around 14%), with an IC50 at 10.4 nm, and a LOD of 0.6 nm. Finally, the lateral flow approach showed a dynamic range between 150 nm and 1.5 μm, an IC50 at 505 nm and a LOD of 67 nm.

Conclusions

ELISA can replace chromatography as an accurate laboratory technique to determine insecticide concentration in bednets. The lateral flow approach developed can be used to estimate ITN insecticide concentration in the field. This new technology, coupled to the new extraction methods, should provide reliable guidelines for ITN use and replacement in the field.
Understanding and improving global crop response to ozone pollution
Authors: Ainsworth Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2016

Concentrations of ground‐level ozone ([O3]) over much of the Earth's land surface have more than doubled since pre‐industrial times. The air pollutant is highly variable over time and space, which makes it difficult to assess the average agronomic and economic impacts of the pollutant as well as to breed crops for O3tolerance. Recent modeling efforts have improved quantitative understanding of the effects of current and future [O3] on global crop productivity, and experimental advances have improved understanding of the cellular O3sensing, signaling and response mechanisms. This work provides the fundamental background and justification for breeding and biotechnological approaches for improving O3tolerance in crops. There is considerable within‐species variation in O3tolerance in crops, which has been used to create mapping populations for screening. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for O3tolerance have been identified in model and crop species, and although none has been cloned to date, transcript profiling experiments have identified candidate genes associated withQTL. Biotechnological strategies for improving O3tolerance are also being tested, although there is considerable research to be done before O3‐tolerant germplasm is available to growers for most crops. Strategies to improve O3tolerance in crops have been hampered by the lack of translation of laboratory experiments to the field, and the lack of correlation between visual leaf‐level O3damage and yield loss to O3stress. Future efforts to screen mapping populations in the field and to identify more promising phenotypes for O3tolerance are needed.
Inactivation and removal of Zika virus during manufacture of plasma‐derived medicinal products
Authors: Blümel Johannes , Musso Didier , Teitz Sebastian , Miyabayashi Tomoyuki , Boller Klaus , Schnierle Barbara S. , Baylis Sally A.
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging mosquito‐borne Flavivirus of major public health concern. The potential for ZIKV transmission by blood transfusion has been demonstrated; however, inactivation or removal of ZIKV during the manufacture of plasma‐derived medicinal products has not been specifically investigated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Inactivation of ZIKV by pasteurization and solvent/detergent (S/D) treatment was investigated by spiking high‐titer ZIKV stocks into human serum albumin and applying either heat or adding different mixtures of S/D reagents and assaying for infectious virus particles. Removal of ZIKV was evaluated using filters of differing pore sizes (75, 40, 35, and 19 nm), assaying for infectious virus and RNA. Electron microscopy was performed to determine the size of ZIKV particles. Neutralization of virus infectivity by immunoglobulins was investigated.

RESULTS

ZIKV was effectively and rapidly inactivated by liquid heat treatment as well as by various mixtures of S/D reagents with reduction factors more than 4 log, in each case. Effective reduction of ZIKV infectivity was demonstrated for virus filtration for filters with average pore sizes of not more than 40 nm, although a significant proportion of virus RNA was detected in the 40‐ to 35‐nm filtrates likely due to the presence of subviral particles observed by electron microscopy. None of the immunoglobulin preparations investigated neutralized ZIKV infectivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Pasteurization and S/D treatment very rapidly inactivated ZIKV and filters with a pore size of not more than 40 nm removed all infectious ZIKV, demonstrating the effectiveness of these virus reduction strategies used during the manufacture of plasma‐derived medicinal products.
The Impact of Exports on Economic Growth: It's the Market Form
Authors: Jetter Michael
Published: October 2016

This paper unites explanations about the growth effects from various trade characteristics, proposing the market form into which a country exports as the main driver. Exporting into concentrated world markets (oligopolies or monopolies) leads to higher profit margins, similar to fundamental microeconomic logic. The paper develops an index measuring the average market form of a country's exports. This index produces a positive and statistically significant coefficient in conventional growth regressions. A one standard deviation increase is suggested to raise growth by 0.885 percentage points. This result holds for numerous extensions and seems particularly important for developing economics.
An in vitro comparison of the effects of voluven (6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4) and hespan (6% hydroxyethyl starch 670/0.75) on measures of blood coagulation in canine blood
Authors: Griego‐Valles Michelle , Buriko Yekaterina , Prittie Jennifer E. , Fox Philip R.
Published: October 2016

Objective

To assess primary and secondary hemostasis following in vitro dilution of canine whole blood (WB) with hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 and HES 670/0.75.

Design

In vitro experimental study.

Setting

Private practice, teaching hospital.

Animals

Twenty‐five healthy dogs.

Interventions

Each dog underwent venipuncture and 18 mL of venous blood was sampled once.

Measurements and Main Results

Collected blood was separated in 4 aliquots. Aliquot A served as baseline sample. The remaining tubes of WB were diluted with 0.9% saline, HES 670/0.75 and HES 130/0.4 at a ratio of 1:5.5. Dilutional effects were evaluated using prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), packed cell volume (PCV), thromboelastography (TEG), and platelet closure time (Ct), which was measured using a platelet function analyzer (PFA). Clot strength (ie, G value) was calculated from measured TEG values. Significant increases in PT (P < 0.05) and aPTT (P < 0.05) were documented following WB dilution with saline. Dilution of WB with HES 670/0.75 and HES 130/0.4 resulted in significant hypocoagulable changes in K, MA and G (P < 0.05) compared to baseline and saline. When comparing saline to HES 670/0.75, both R and K values were significantly increased (P < 0.05). K value was significantly increased (P < 0.05) when comparing baseline to HES 130/0.4 and HES 670/0.75. Ct (P < 0.05) was significantly prolonged after WB dilution with HES solutions but not after saline.

Conclusions

Dilution of WB with HES 670/0.75 and HES 130/0.4 resulted in changes in primary and secondary hemostasis. Although there were small differences between saline and HES 670/0.75, no differences between HES solutions were evident in this small study. This may suggest there would be minimal increases in bleeding risk when either solution is administered to dogs at low doses. Clinical relevance of our findings requires further investigation.
SPINAL MAST CELL TUMORS IN DOGS: IMAGING FEATURES AND CLINICAL OUTCOME OF FOUR CASES
Authors: Moore Trevor W. , Bentley R. Timothy , Moore Sarah A. , Provencher Michele , Warry Emma E. , Kohnken Rebecca , Heng Hock Gan
Published: October 2016

Published information regarding canine vertebral column mast cell tumors (MCTs) is limited. The objectives of this study were to report clinical and advanced imaging findings for a group of dogs with confirmed spinal MCT. Inclusion criteria for this retrospective case series were dogs with spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans and a histological diagnosis of spinal MCT. Clinical, imaging, treatment, and outcome data were recorded. Four dogs met inclusion criteria. One dog had primary spinal MCT and three dogs had metastatic spinal MCT. All four dogs presented for paraspinal hyperesthesia and subacute progressive or acute myelopathy. All CT and MRI lesions were extradural. Two cases exhibited distinct masses in the epidural space. In one case, an epidural tumor invaded from the paravertebral musculature. One case exhibited polyostotic lesions indistinguishable from multiple myeloma by MRI. One dog with a primary epidural low‐grade MCT remains clinically normal 4 years postoperatively, following adjunctive lomustine. An epidural high‐grade MCT, metastatic from a cutaneous tumor, recurred within 2 months of surgery despite adjunctive vinblastine. Two high‐grade cases with concurrent visceral involvement were euthanized immediately after imaging. In dogs, MCT should be considered as a differential diagnosis for a progressive painful myelopathy and CT or MRI evidence of an extradural spinal lesion (epidural, paravertebral, or polyostotic). While more often associated with cutaneous or disseminated disease, MCT may also occur as a primary tumor of the epidural space in dogs.
Topical oxygen therapy results in complete wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Yu Janelle , Lu Suzanne , McLaren Ann‐Marie , Perry Julie A. , Cross Karen M.
Published: October 2016

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a significant problem in an aging population. Fifteen percent of diabetics develop a DFU over their lifetime, which can lead to potential amputation. The 5‐year survival rate after amputation is 31%, which is greater than the lifetime risk of mortality from cancer. Topical oxygen is a promising technique for the adjunctive therapy of chronic wounds including DFUs, but few controlled studies exist to support its clinical adoption. The aim of this study was to compare a portable topical oxygen delivery system in patients with nonhealing DFUs to standard best practice. Twenty patients were randomized into a topical oxygen group (n = 10), and a nonplacebo control group with regular dressings and standard care (n = 10), and attended the diabetic foot clinic once weekly for 8 weeks. Ulcer surface area over time was analyzed using standardized digital imaging software. DFUs were present without healing for a mean duration of 76 weeks prior to the study. They found a significant difference in healing rate between patients receiving topical oxygen and those receiving standard care. Topical oxygen, therefore, represents a potentially exciting new technology to shorten healing time in patients with nonhealing DFUs. More prospective randomized and powered studies are needed to determine the benefits of topical oxygen, but our current results are very promising.
Determining the appropriate number and duration of leech therapy in congested tissues using tissue spectrophotometry and laser Doppler flowmetry
Authors: Rothenberger Jens , Petersen Wiebke , Schaller Hans‐Eberhard , Held Manuel
Published: October 2016

A universal protocol determining the number of leeches and their application time does not exist. The aim of this study, therefore, is to quantify perfusion dynamics in venous congested tissues after leech application to get more detailed information about changes due to leech‐induced skin microcirculation and to evaluate the usability of the Oxygen to See (O2C) device in terms of determining the appropriate number of leeches and the duration of therapy. Twelve patients with the need for leech therapy participated in the study. Perfusion dynamics of the congested tissue was assessed using the O2C device, which determines blood flow (BF), the relative amount of hemoglobin (rHB), and the oxygen saturation (SO2). Measurements were carried out before leech application and on various intervals like 10 minutes, one hour, and three hours after leech application. The leech application effectuated after 10 minutes a nonsignificant perfusion improvement, which further increased after one hour with a significant reduction of the relative amount of hemoglobin and a significant increase of blood flow and oxygen saturation (BF= +56.7%; rHB= −25.5%; SO2= +53.7%). After three hours, the values returned to the levels before leech administration. In two cases, in which further administration of leeches within the measurement period was necessary, no substantial perfusion changes were obtained. The results of this study forms a more precise pattern of microcirculatory changes of leech therapy in congested tissues. According to our measurements a venous drainage improvement can be expected in congested tissue one hour after leech administration. The O2C seems to be a useful method to determine the appropriate number and duration of leech therapy.
Acylcarnitines as markers of exercise‐associated fuel partitioning, xenometabolism, and potential signals to muscle afferent neurons
Authors: Zhang Jie , Light Alan R. , Hoppel Charles L. , Campbell Caitlin , Chandler Carol J. , Burnett Dustin J. , Souza Elaine C. , Casazza Gretchen A. , Hughen Ronald W. , Keim Nancy L. , Newman John W. , Hunter Gary R. , Fernandez Jose R. , Garvey W. Timothy , Harper Mary‐Ellen , Fiehn Oliver , Adams Sean H.
Published: October 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Does improved metabolic health and insulin sensitivity following a weight‐loss and fitness intervention in sedentary, obese women alter exercise‐associated fuel metabolism and incomplete mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation (FAO), as tracked by blood acylcarnitine patterns?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Despite improved fitness and blood sugar control, indices of incomplete mitochondrial FAO increased in a similar manner in response to a fixed load acute exercise bout; this indicates that intramitochondrial muscle FAO is inherently inefficient and is tethered directly to ATP turnover.

With insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes mellitus, mismatches between mitochondrial fatty acid fuel delivery and oxidative phosphorylation/tricarboxylic acid cycle activity may contribute to inordinate accumulation of short‐ or medium‐chain acylcarnitine fatty acid derivatives [markers of incomplete long‐chain fatty acid oxidation (FAO)]. We reasoned that incomplete FAO in muscle would be ameliorated concurrent with improved insulin sensitivity and fitness following a ∼14 week training and weight‐loss intervention in obese, sedentary, insulin‐resistant women. Contrary to this hypothesis, overnight‐fasted and exercise‐induced plasma C4–C14 acylcarnitines did not differ between pre‐ and postintervention phases. These metabolites all increased robustly with exercise (∼45% of pre‐intervention peak oxygen consumption) and decreased during a 20 min cool‐down. This supports the idea that, regardless of insulin sensitivity and fitness, intramitochondrial muscle β‐oxidation and attendant incomplete FAO are closely tethered to absolute ATP turnover rate. Acute exercise also led to branched‐chain amino acid acylcarnitine derivative patterns suggestive of rapid and transient diminution of branched‐chain amino acid flux through the mitochondrial branched‐chain ketoacid dehydrogenase complex. We confirmed our prior novel observation that a weight‐loss/fitness intervention alters plasma xenometabolites [i.e. cis‐3,4‐methylene‐heptanoylcarnitine and γ‐butyrobetaine (a co‐metabolite possibly derived in part from gut bacteria)], suggesting that host metabolic health regulated gut microbe metabolism. Finally, we considered whether acylcarnitine metabolites signal to muscle‐innervating afferents; palmitoylcarnitine at concentrations as low as 1–10 μm activated a subset (∼2.5–5%) of these neurons ex vivo. This supports the hypothesis that in addition to tracking exercise‐associated shifts in fuel metabolism, muscle acylcarnitines act as signals of exertion to short‐loop somatosensory–motor circuits or to the brain.
Role of dynamin‐related protein 1‐mediated mitochondrial fission in resistance of mouse C2C12 myoblasts to heat injury
Authors: Yu Tianzheng , Deuster Patricia , Chen Yifan
Published: October 2016

Key points

Understanding how skeletal muscles respond to high temperatures may help develop strategies for improving exercise tolerance and preventing heat injury.

Mitochondria regulate cell survival by constantly changing their morphology through fusion and fission in response to environmental stimuli. Little is known about the involvement of mitochondrial dynamics in tolerance of skeletal muscle against heat stress.

Mild heat acclimation and moderate heat shock appear to have different effects on the mitochondrial morphology and fission protein Drp1 in skeletal muscle cells. Mitochondrial integrity plays a key role in cell survival under heat stress.

The regulation of mitochondrial morphology is closely coupled to cell survival during stress. We examined changes in the mitochondrial morphology of mouse C2C12 skeletal muscle cells in response to heat acclimation and heat shock exposure. Acclimated cells showed a greater survival rate during heat shock exposure than non‐acclimated cells, and were characterized by long interconnected mitochondria and reduced expression of dynamin‐related protein 1 (Drp1) for their mitochondrial fractions. Exposure of C2C12 muscle cells to heat shock led to apoptotic death featuring activation of caspase 3/7, release of cytochrome c and loss of cell membrane integrity. Heat shock also caused excessive mitochondrial fragmentation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and production of reactive oxygen species in C2C12 cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence image analysis revealed translocation of Drp1 to mitochondria from the cytosol in C2C12 cells exposed to heat shock. Mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 or Drp1 gene silencer reduced mitochondrial fragmentation and increased cell viability during exposure to heat shock. These results suggest that Drp1‐dependent mitochondrial fission may regulate susceptibility to heat‐induced apoptosis in muscle cells and that Drp1 may serve as a target for the prevention of heat‐related injury.
Experimental Validation of the Aerodynamic Characteristics of an Aero-engine Intercooler
Authors: Zhao Xin , Tokarev Mikhail , Adi Hartono Erwin , Chernoray Valery , Grönstedt Tomas
Published: October 2016

Porous media model computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is a valuable approach allowing an entire heat exchanger system, including the interactions with its associated installation ducts, to be studied at an affordable computational effort. Previous work of this kind has concentrated on developing the heat transfer and pressure loss characteristics of the porous medium model. Experimental validation has mainly been based on the measurements at the far field from the porous media exit. Detailed near field data are rare. In this paper, the fluid dynamics characteristics of a tubular heat exchanger concept developed for aero-engine intercooling by the authors are presented. Based on a rapid prototype manufactured design, the detailed flow field in the intercooler system is recorded by particle image velocimetry (PIV) and pressure measurements. First, the computational capability of the porous media to predict the flow distribution within the tubular heat transfer units was confirmed. Second, the measurements confirm that the flow topology within the associated ducts can be described well by porous media CFD modeling. More importantly, the aerodynamic characteristics of a number of critical intercooler design choices have been confirmed, namely, an attached flow in the high velocity regions of the in-flow, particularly in the critical region close to the intersection and the in-flow guide vane, a well-distributed flow in the two tube stacks, and an attached flow in the cross-over duct.
Improved inflection point method of emissive probe for accurate measurement of plasma potential
Authors: Li Jian-quan , Xu Jun , Bai Yu-jing , Lu Wen-qi , Wang You-nian
Published: October 2016

The potential of the inflection point of emissive probe characteristics (Vip) in the limit of zero emission is considered to be an accurate indication of the plasma potential. Previous method for this limit is linearly extrapolating the change of Vip with respect to the electron emission current Iemis to the limit Iemis≈0, which may result in inaccurate results since evidences showed that Vip does not change well linearly with Iemis. The authors found in this study that, instead of Iemis, Vip changes linearly with the probe heating current (Iht) which is a function of the probe temperature (Tp), and the phenomenon is reasonably interpreted by the space charge voltage increasing linearly with Tp. An improved inflection point method of emissive probe, which utilizes linear extrapolating the Vip−Iht relation to the heating current for initial emission, is proposed for accurate measurement of plasma potential.
Mechanistic modeling study of atomic layer deposition process optimization in a fluidized bed reactor
Authors: Duan Chen-Long , Zhu Peng-Hui , Deng Zhang , Li Yun , Shan Bin , Fang Hai-Sheng , Feng Guang , Chen Rong
Published: October 2016

Surface modification of nanoparticles has attracted much attention owing to its superior ability to design nanoparticles with unique physical, chemical, or biological properties. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has shown great promise in the precise surface decoration of nanoparticles. However, the large surface area of nanoparticles requires a large quantity of precursors, and the nonuniform interstitials among the particles limit the precursor diffusion and lead to long process times. Fluidized bed reactors (FBRs) have been proven applicable for ALD on nanoparticles owing to its high gas–solid interactions and potential scalability for practical production. The ALD process in a fluidized bed is sophisticated and with many variables, resulting in long and tedious process optimization through substantial experimental trials. In this paper, the ALD process in a FBR-ALD is investigated through mechanistic modeling using computational fluid dynamics and theoretical calculations of molecular flow diffusion. The result shows that the minimum pulse time and the precursor waste are inversely proportional to the increase in precursor mass fraction. The optimal precursor utilization is obtained under the minimum fluidizing velocity. Because the fluid kinetics is independent of the specific structure, the mechanistic modeling study is instructive for the process optimization of FBR-ALD.
Lexically guided perceptual tuning of internal phonetic category structure
Authors: Drouin Julia R. , Theodore Rachel M. , Myers Emily B.
Published: October 2016

Listeners use lexical information to retune the mapping between the acoustic signal and speech sound representations, resulting in changes to phonetic category boundaries. Other research shows that phonetic categories have a rich internal structure; within-category variation is represented in a graded fashion. The current work examined whether lexically informed perceptual learning promotes a comprehensive reorganization of internal category structure. The results showed a reorganization of internal structure for one but not both of the examined categories, which may reflect an attenuation of learning for distributions with extensive category overlap. This finding points towards potential input-driven constraints on lexically guided phonetic retuning.
Spectrotemporal weighting of binaural cues: Effects of a diotic interferer on discrimination of dynamic interaural differences
Authors: Bibee Jacqueline M. , Stecker G. Christopher
Published: October 2016

Spatial judgments are often dominated by low-frequency binaural cues and onset cues when binaural cues vary across the spectrum and duration, respectively, of a brief sound. This study combined these dimensions to assess the spectrotemporal weighting of binaural information. Listeners discriminated target interaural time difference (ITD) and interaural level difference (ILD) carried by the onset, offset, or full duration of a 4-kHz Gabor click train with a 2-ms period in the presence or absence of a diotic 500-Hz interferer tone. ITD and ILD thresholds were significantly elevated by the interferer in all conditions and by a similar amount to previous reports for static cues. Binaural interference was dramatically greater for ITD targets lacking onset cues compared to onset and full-duration conditions. Binaural interference for ILD targets was similar across dynamic-cue conditions. These effects mirror the baseline discriminability of dynamic ITD and ILD cues [Stecker and Brown. (2010). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 127, 3092–3103], consistent with stronger interference for less-robust/higher-variance cues. The results support the view that binaural cue integration occurs simultaneously across multiple variance-weighted dimensions, including time and frequency.
The Effect of Training at 2100-m Altitude on Running Speed and Session Rating of Perceived Exertion at Different Intensities in Elite Middle-Distance Runners
Authors: Sharma Avish P. , Saunders Philo U. , Garvican-Lewis Laura A. , Clark Brad , Stanley Jamie , Robertson Eileen Y. , Thompson Kevin G.
Published: October 2016

Purpose:

To determine the effect of training at 2100-m natural altitude on running speed (RS) during training sessions over a range of intensities relevant to middle-distance running performance.

Methods:

In an observational study, 19 elite middle-distance runners (mean ± SD age 25 ± 5 y, VO2max, 71 ± 5 mL · kg–1 · min–1) completed either 4–6 wk of sea-level training (CON, n = 7) or a 4- to 5-wk natural altitude-training camp living at 2100 m and training at 1400–2700 m (ALT, n = 12) after a period of sea-level training. Each training session was recorded on a GPS watch, and athletes also provided a score for session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE). Training sessions were grouped according to duration and intensity. RS (km/h) and sRPE from matched training sessions completed at sea level and 2100 m were compared within ALT, with sessions completed at sea level in CON describing normal variation.

Results:

In ALT, RS was reduced at altitude compared with sea level, with the greatest decrements observed during threshold- and VO2max-intensity sessions (5.8% and 3.6%, respectively). Velocity of low-intensity and race-pace sessions completed at a lower altitude (1400 m) and/or with additional recovery was maintained in ALT, though at a significantly greater sRPE (P = .04 and .05, respectively). There was no change in velocity or sRPE at any intensity in CON.

Conclusion:

RS in elite middle-distance athletes is adversely affected at 2100-m natural altitude, with levels of impairment dependent on the intensity of training. Maintenance of RS at certain intensities while training at altitude can result in a higher perceived exertion.
Delivery and Receipt of a Self-Determination-Theory-Based Extracurricular Physical Activity Intervention: Exploring Theoretical Fidelity in Action 3:30
Authors: Sebire Simon J. , Edwards Mark J. , Fox Kenneth R. , Davies Ben , Banfield Kathryn , Wood Lesley , Jago Russell
Published: October 2016

The implementation, fidelity, and receipt of a self-determination-theory-based after-school physical activity intervention (Action 3:30) delivered by teaching assistants (TAs) was examined using a mixed-methods process evaluation. Physical activity motivation and need satisfaction were reported by 539 participants at baseline, the end of intervention, and 4-month follow-up. Pupil- and TA-reported autonomy-support and teaching efficacy were collected alongside interviews with 18 TAs and focus groups with 60 participants. Among intervention boys there were small increases in identified, introjected, and external motivation and no differences in need satisfaction. Among girls, intrinsic and identified motivation and autonomy and relatedness were lower in the intervention group. Qualitative evidence for fidelity was moderate, and boys reported greater need satisfaction than girls. TAs provided greater structure than involvement or autonomy-support and felt least efficacious when facing school-based challenges. The findings highlight the refinements needed to enhance theoretical fidelity and intervention effectiveness for boys and girls.
Development and Validation of the Adolescent Psychological Need Support in Exercise Questionnaire
Authors: Emm-Collison Lydia G. , Standage Martyn , Gillison Fiona B.
Published: October 2016

Grounded within self-determination theory (SDT; Deci & Ryan, 2000; Ryan & Deci, in press), three studies were conducted to develop and psychometrically test a measure of adolescents’ perceptions of psychological need support for exercise (viz., for autonomy, competence, and relatedness): the Adolescent Psychological Need Support in Exercise Questionnaire (APNSEQ). In Study 1, 34 items were developed in collaboration with an expert panel. Through categorical confirmatory factor analysis and item response theory, responses from 433 adolescents were used to identify the best fitting and performing items in Study 2. Here, a three-factor nine-item measure showed good fit to the data. In Study 3, responses from an independent sample of 373 adolescents provided further evidence for the nine-item solution as well as for internal consistency, criterion validity, and invariance across gender and social agent (friends, family, and physical education teacher). The APNSEQ was supported as a measure of adolescents’ perceptions of psychological need support within the context of exercise.
The Quiet Eye Provides Preplanning and Online Control Support for Interceptive Task Performance
Authors: Sun Guoxiao , Zhang Liwei , Vine Samuel J. , Wilson Mark R.
Published: October 2016

Longer quiet eye (QE) periods are associated with better performance across a range of targeting and interceptive tasks. However, the direction of this relationship is still unclear. The two studies presented aimed to narrow this knowledge gap by experimentally manipulating QE duration—by delaying its onset or by truncating its offset—in an aiming interceptive task. In Experiment 1, the early trajectory was occluded, causing significantly shorter QE durations and worse subsequent performance. In Experiment 2, both early and/or late trajectory were occluded. Performance was degraded by the occlusion of either early or late information, and the worst performance occurred when both the early and late trajectory were occluded. Taken together, the results suggest that QE is not a by-product of performance but instead plays a causal role in supporting the interception of a moving target through a combination of preprogramming and online control processes.
Participant Perceptions of Character Concepts in a Physical Activity–Based Positive Youth Development Program
Authors: Riciputi Shaina , McDonough Meghan H. , Ullrich-French Sarah
Published: October 2016

Physical activity–based positive youth development (PYD) programs often aim to foster character development. This study examined youth perspectives of character development curricula and the impact these activities have on their lives within and beyond the program. This case study examined youth from low-income families in a physical activity–based summer PYD program that integrated one character concept (respect, caring, responsibility, trust) in each of 4 weeks. Participants (N = 24) included a cross section of age, gender, ethnicity, and past program experience. Semi-structured interviews were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis and constant comparative methods. Thirteen themes were grouped in four categories: building highquality reciprocal relationships; intrapersonal improvement; moral reasoning and understanding; and rejection, resistance, and compliance. The findings provide participant-centered guidance for understanding youth personal and social development through physical activity in ways that are meaningful to participants, which is particularly needed for youth in low-income communities with limited youth programming.
Evaluation of Sex-Specific Movement Patterns in Judo Using Probabilistic Neural Networks
Authors: Miarka Bianca , Sterkowicz-Przybycien Katarzyna , Fukuda David H.
Published: October 2016

The purpose of the present study was to create a probabilistic neural network to clarify the understanding of movement patterns in international judo competitions by gender. Analysis of 773 male and 638 female bouts was utilized to identify movements during the approach, gripping, attack (including biomechanical designations), groundwork, defense, and pause phases. Probabilistic neural network and chi-square (χ2) tests modeled and compared frequencies (p ≤ .05). Women (mean [interquartile range]: 9.9 [4; 14]) attacked more than men (7.0 [3; 10]) while attempting a greater number of arm/leg lever (women: 2.7 [1; 6]; men: 4.0 [0; 4]) and trunk/leg lever (women: 0.8 [0; 1]; men: 2.4 [0; 4]) techniques but fewer maximal length-moment arm techniques (women: 0.7 [0; 1]; men: 1.0 [0; 2]). Male athletes displayed one-handed gripping of the back and sleeve, whereas female athletes executed a greater number of groundwork techniques. An optimized probabilistic neural network model, using patterns from the gripping, attack, groundwork, and pause phases, produced an overall prediction accuracy of 76% for discrimination between men and women.
Dynamic Fatigue Does Not Alter Soleus H-Reflexes Conditioned by Homonymous or Heteronymous Pathways
Authors: Oza Preeti D. , Dudley-Javoroski Shauna , Shields Richard K.
Published: October 2016

H-reflex depression (diminution of amplitude after a conditioning stimulus) is mediated presynaptically and therefore can help distinguish central versus peripheral mechanisms of fatigue. We examined the effects of a dynamic exercise protocol on H-reflex depression using two conditioning methods: homonymous conditioning (paired-pulse tibial nerve stimulation); and heteronymous conditioning (common peroneal nerve stimulation). Ten subjects performed dynamic contractions of the soleus muscle through 30° ankle range of motion. The concentric phase required a target force of 10% of maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and the eccentric phase force target was 80% MVIC. Fatigue persisted for >20 min after cessation of the exercise. Compared with prefatigue values, the dynamic fatigue protocol did not increase presynaptic inhibition after either homonymous or heteronymous conditioning. Peak to peak amplitude of unconditioned H-reflexes was likewise unchanged despite a long term depression of muscle force (long duration fatigue). These results suggest that persistent fatigue after dynamic exercise is attributed to muscle changes and not altered spinal mechanisms.
‘Every Time They Ride, I Pray:’ Parents’ Management of Daughters’ Horseback Riding Risks
Authors: Sanchez Laura
Published: October 2016

This study uses qualitative interviews with 29 parents of horseback riding daughters aged 10–23 years old to explore parents’ perceptions of risk and their risk management strategies, as their daughters engage in horse sports and recreation. First, parents are keenly aware of risks in equestrian sports and liken them to risks from automobile accidents and other high-risk sports. Second, parents manage these risks by working diligently to enhance safety and manage their own emotions. Third, they willingly assume these risks as a part of their fundamental commitment to honor their daughters’ desires, natural skills, and dreams as equestrian athletes. I situate these findings within the theoretical literature on risky play within a cultural context of condemnation of parents’ permissiveness about risk-taking.
Vulnerability: Ripples From Reflections on Mental Toughness
Authors: Uphill Mark A. , Hemmings Brian
Published: October 2016

The aim of this paper is to present a critical reflection on mental toughness using a creative analytic practice. In particular, we move from intrapersonal technical reflections to an altogether more interpersonal cultural analysis that (re)considers some of the assumptions that can underpin sport psychology practice. Specifically, in the ripples that extend from these initial technical reflections, we argue that it is important to understand vulnerability, and consider (a) wounded healers, (b) the ideology of individualism, and (c) the survivor bias to help make sense of current thinking and applied practice. Emerging from these ripples are a number of implications (naming elephants, tellability, neoliberalism) from which sport psychologists may reflect upon to enhance their own practice. In making visible the invisible, we conclude that vulnerability can no longer be ignored in sport psychology discourse, research, and practice. Should this story of vulnerability resonate, we encourage you, where appropriate to share this story.
A Pre-Performance Routine to Optimize Competition Performance in Artistic Gymnastics
Authors: Gröpel Peter , Beckmann Jürgen
Published: October 2016

Researchers suggests that a pre-performance routine (PPR) can improve performance in competitions. The effectiveness of left-hand contractions, a PPR to trigger facilitative cortical processes for skilled motor performance, was tested in two studies. In Study 1, gymnasts competing at the German university championships in artistic gymnastics performed their routines with or without the PPR. In Study 2, gymnasts performed the balance beam exercise either using the PPR or the control task (right-hand contractions) under simulated competition pressure. The qualification performance (Study 1) and the pressure-free performance (Study 2) were controlled. In both studies, participants in the PPR group performed better than control participants. The results indicate that left-hand contractions may be a useful PPR in the field.
Pick your poison
Authors: Kupferschmidt Kai
Published: October 2016

As mosquitoes develop resistance to pyrethroid insecticides, researchers are forced to look for alternatives
Evolution of protein phosphorylation across 18 fungal species
Authors: Studer Romain A. , Rodriguez-Mias Ricard A. , Haas Kelsey M. , Hsu Joanne I. , Viéitez Cristina , Solé Carme , Swaney Danielle L. , Stanford Lindsay B. , Liachko Ivan , Böttcher René , Dunham Maitreya J. , de Nadal Eulàlia , Posas Francesc , Beltrao Pedro , Villén Judit
Published: October 2016

Phosphorylation and fungal evolution

Phosphorylation after transcription modifies the activity of proteins. To understand how phosphorylation sites have evolved, Studer
et al.
studied a range of fungal species (see the Perspective by Matalon
et al.
). Only a few sites were apparently present in the common ancestor of all 18 species investigated. Evolutionary age appeared to predict the potential functional importance of specific conserved phosphosites.

Science
, this issue p.
229
; see also p.
176
Role for migratory wild birds in the global spread of avian influenza H5N8
Authors:   The Global Consortium for H5N8 and Related Influenza Viruses
Published: October 2016

Migration of influenza in wild birds

Virus surveillance in wild birds could offer an early warning system that, combined with adequate farm hygiene, would lead to effective influenza control in poultry units. The Global Consortium for H5N8 and Related Influenza Viruses found that the H5 segment common to the highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses readily reassorts with other influenza viruses (see the Perspective by Russell). H5 is thus a continual source of new pathogenic variants. These data also show that the H5N8 virus that recently caused serious outbreaks in European and North American poultry farms came from migrant ducks, swans, and geese that meet at their Arctic breeding grounds. Because the virus is so infectious, culling wild birds is not an effective control measure.

Science
, this issue p.
213
; see also p.
174
Sustained virologic control in SIV
+
macaques after antiretroviral and α
4
β
7
antibody therapy
Authors: Byrareddy Siddappa N. , Arthos James , Cicala Claudia , Villinger Francois , Ortiz Kristina T. , Little Dawn , Sidell Neil , Kane Maureen A. , Yu Jianshi , Jones Jace W. , Santangelo Philip J. , Zurla Chiara , McKinnon Lyle R. , Arnold Kelly B. , Woody Caroline E. , Walter Lutz , Roos Christian , Noll Angela , Van Ryk Donald , Jelicic Katija , Cimbro Raffaello , Gumber Sanjeev , Reid Michelle D. , Adsay Volkan , Amancha Praveen K. , Mayne Ann E. , Parslow Tristram G. , Fauci Anthony S. , Ansari Aftab A.
Published: October 2016

Antibodies sustain viral control

For many infected individuals, antiretroviral therapy (ART) means that an HIV-1 diagnosis is no longer a death sentence. But the virus persists in treated individuals, and complying with the intense drug regimen to keep virus loads down can be challenging for patients. Seeking an alternative, Byrareddy
et al.
treated ART-suppressed monkeys with antibodies targeting α4β7 integrin. When ART was halted in the antibody-treated animals, viral loads stayed undetectable, and normal CD4 T cell counts were maintained for over 9 months—and persisted—even after stopping the antibody therapy.

Science
, this issue p.
197
The trouble with negative emissions
Authors: Anderson Kevin , Peters Glen
Published: October 2016

Reliance on negative-emission concepts locks in humankind's carbon addiction
Bifurcating electron-transfer pathways in DNA photolyases determine the repair quantum yield
Authors: Zhang Meng , Wang Lijuan , Shu Shi , Sancar Aziz , Zhong Dongping
Published: October 2016

Two roads diverged in a yellow photolyase

Photolyase enzymes repair DNA that has been damaged by ultraviolet sunlight. The repair process begins when blue light absorption by a cofactor drives an electron transfer step. Zhang
et al.
applied ultrafast absorption spectroscopy to study the dynamics of this step. A bifurcation in the electron transfer pathway favors a direct tunneling mechanism in the prokaryotic enzymes and a two-step hopping mechanism in the eukaryotic variety. This difference explains the higher repair quantum yield seen in prokaryotes.

Science
, this issue p.
209
Sick birds don't fly…or do they?
Authors: Russell Colin A.
Published: October 2016

Migratory birds were key to the spread of H5N8 viruses
Draft Genome Sequence of Thermogemmatispora onikobensis NBRC 111776
T
, an Aerial Mycelium- and Spore-Forming Thermophilic Bacterium Belonging to the Class
Ktedonobacteria
Authors: Komaki Hisayuki , Hosoyama Akira , Yabe Shuhei , Yokota Akira , Uchino Yoshihito , Takano Hideaki
Published: October 2016

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Thermogemmatispora onikobensis
NBRC 111776
T
, an aerial mycelium- and spore-forming thermophilic bacterium belonging to the class
Ktedonobacteria
. The genome contains five biosynthetic gene clusters coding for secondary metabolites, such as terpene, thiopeptide, lantipeptide, nonribosomal peptide, and lassopeptide, suggesting the potential to produce secondary metabolites.