bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Seasonal Thermal Stress on Lipid Mobilisation, Antioxidant Status and Reproductive Performance in Dairy Cows
Authors: Turk R , Podpečan O , Mrkun J , Flegar‐Meštrić Z , Perkov S , Zrimšek P
Published: May 2015

Contents

Heat stress is a major factor contributing to low fertility of dairy cows with a great economic impact in dairy industry. Heat‐stressed dairy cows usually have reduced nutrient intake, resulting in a higher degree of negative energy balance (NEB). The aim of this study was to investigate the seasonal thermal effect on lipid metabolism, antioxidant activity and reproductive performance in dairy cows. Thirty‐two healthy dairy heifers were included in the study. According to the ambient temperature, animals were divided into two groups: winter (N = 14) and summer season (N = 18). Metabolic parameters, paraoxonase‐1 (PON1) activity and total antioxidant status (TAS) were monitored at the time of insemination (basal values) and from 1 week before until 8 weeks after calving. Number of services per conception and calving‐to‐conception (CC) interval were calculated from the farm recording data. Serum triglyceride, non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta‐hydroxybutyrate (BHB) concentrations were significantly increased after calving in summer compared to winter, indicating higher degree of NEB in cows during summer. PON1 activity was significantly decreased after calving in both summer and winter group. TAS concentration was significantly lower in summer than that in winter. A significantly higher number of services were needed for conception in summer compared to winter, and CC interval was significantly longer in summer than that in winter as well. Additionally, reproductive performance significantly correlated with the severity of NEB, suggesting that lipid mobilization and lower antioxidant status contributed to poor reproduction ability in dairy cows during hot months.
Hypothesis Testing for Automated Community Detection in Networks
Authors: Bickel Peter J. , Sarkar Purnamrita
Published: May 2015

Community detection in networks is a key exploratory tool with applications in a diverse set of areas, ranging from finding communities in social and biological networks to identifying link farms in the World Wide Web. The problem of finding communities or clusters in a network has received much attention from statistics, physics and computer science. However, most clustering algorithms assume knowledge of the number of clusters k. We propose to determine k automatically in a graph generated from a stochastic block model by using a hypothesis test of independent interest. Our main contribution is twofold; first, we theoretically establish the limiting distribution of the principal eigenvalue of the suitably centred and scaled adjacency matrix and use that distribution for our test of the hypothesis that a random graph is of Erdős–Rényi (noise) type. Secondly, we use this test to design a recursive bipartitioning algorithm, which naturally uncovers nested community structure. Using simulations and quantifiable classification tasks on real world networks with ground truth, we show that our algorithm outperforms state of the art methods.
Simulation of Multivariate Diffusion Bridges
Authors: Bladt Mogens , Finch Samuel , Sørensen Michael
Published: May 2015

We propose simple methods for multivariate diffusion bridge simulation, which plays a fundamental role in simulation-based likelihood and Bayesian inference for stochastic differential equations. By a novel application of classical coupling methods, the new approach generalizes a previously proposed simulation method for one-dimensional bridges to the multivariate setting. First a method of simulating approximate, but often very accurate, diffusion bridges is proposed. These approximate bridges are used as proposals for easily implementable Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms that, apart from a small discretization error, produce exact diffusion bridges. The new method is more generally applicable than previous methods. Another advantage is that the new method works well for diffusion bridges in long intervals because the computational complexity of the method is linear in the length of the interval. In a simulation study the new method performs well, and its usefulness is illustrated by an application to Bayesian estimation for the multivariate hyperbolic diffusion model.
On the Coverage Bound Problem of Empirical Likelihood Methods for Time Series
Authors: Zhang Xianyang , Shao Xiaofeng
Published: May 2015

The upper bounds on the coverage probabilities of the confidence regions based on blockwise empirical likelihood and non-standard expansive empirical likelihood methods for time series data are investigated via studying the probability of violating the convex hull constraint. The large sample bounds are derived on the basis of the pivotal limit of the blockwise empirical log-likelihood ratio obtained under fixed b asymptotics, which has recently been shown to provide a more accurate approximation to the finite sample distribution than the conventional χ2-approximation. Our theoretical and numerical findings suggest that both the finite sample and the large sample upper bounds for coverage probabilities are strictly less than 1 and the blockwise empirical likelihood confidence region can exhibit serious undercoverage when the dimension of moment conditions is moderate or large, the time series dependence is positively strong or the block size is large relative to the sample size. A similar finite sample coverage problem occurs for non-standard expansive empirical likelihood. To alleviate the coverage bound problem, we propose to penalize both empirical likelihood methods by relaxing the convex hull constraint. Numerical simulations and data illustrations demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed remedies in terms of delivering confidence sets with more accurate coverage. Some technical details and additional simulation results are included in on-line supplemental material.
Early death in active professional athletes: Trends and causes
Authors: Lemez S. , Wattie N. , Baker J.
Published: May 2015

The objective of the study was to examine mortality trends and causes of death among professional athletes from the four major sports in North America who died during their playing careers. 205 deceased athletes who were registered as active when they died from the National Basketball Association (NBA), National Football League (NFL), National Hockey League (NHL), and Major League Baseball (MLB) were examined. Results were compared with the Canadian and U.S. general population. The leading causes of death in players reflected the leading causes of death in the Canadian and U.S. general population (i.e., car accidents). Descriptively, NFL and NBA players had a higher likelihood of dying in a car accident (OR 1.75, 95% CI: 0.91–3.36) compared with NHL and MLB players. In addition, NFL and NBA players had a significantly higher likelihood of dying from a cardiac‐related illness (OR 4.44, 95% CI: 1.59–12.43). Mortality trends were disproportionate to team size. Overall, death in active athletes is low. Out of 53 400 athletes who have historically played in the four leagues, only 205 died while active (0.38%). Future examinations into the trends and causes of mortality in elite athlete populations will create a better understanding of health‐related risks in elite sport.
DNA sequences and austral taxa indicate generic synonymy of Paratrichocladius Santos‐Abreu with Cricotopus Wulp (Diptera: Chironomidae)
Authors: CRANSTON PETER S. , KROSCH MATT N.
Published: May 2015

In the century since the description of the orthoclad genus Paratrichocladius Santos‐Abreu (Diptera: Chironomidae), separation in any life stage from the cosmopolitan, diverse Cricotopus Wulp has been problematic. Molecular analysis reveals the presence of two species in Australia that conform in morphology to Paratrichocladius and which form a well‐supported clade including Paratrichocladius micans (Kieffer) from Africa and a distinct southern African larva. This clade clusters with taxa allied with Cricotopus albitibia (Walker), in turn nested within all other sampled Australian Cricotopus. Relevant nodes strongly support Cricotopus as nonmonophyletic without inclusion of Paratrichocladius. We synonymize Paratrichocladius with Cricotopus syn.n, treating Paratrichocladius as a subgenus. Cricotopus (Paratrichocladius) australiensis Cranston sp.n. is described for Trichocladius pluriserialis Freeman from Australia, which is not the same species under that name in New Zealand. Cricotopus (Paratrichocladius) bifenestrus Cranston sp.n. from Australia is described, also in all life stages. The many new combinations, listed in an Appendix, include three replacement names for new secondary homonyms, namely: Cricotopus (Paratrichocladius) sinobicinctus Cranston & Krosch nom.n. for Paratrichocladius bicinctus Fu, Sæther & Wang, Cricotopus draysoni Cranston & Krosch nom.n. for Cricotopus brevicornis Drayson, Krosch & Cranston, and Cricotopus (Paratrichocladius) sikhotealinus Makarchenko & Makarchenko nom.n. for Cricotopus orientalis Kieffer. We conclude with comments on wider issues in the taxonomy of Paratrichocladius, especially concerning New Zealand species.

This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:118A0A72‐CED4‐47FC‐A1F9‐6F1669D828A2.
Solar influence and hydrological variability during the Holocene from a speleothem annual record (Molinos Cave, NE Spain)
Authors: Muñoz Arsenio , Bartolomé Miguel , Muñoz Alicia , Sancho Carlos , Moreno Ana , Hellstrom John C. , Osácar Mª Cinta , Cacho Isabel
Published: May 2015

We present a multi‐proxy approach to reconstructing Holocene climate conditions in northeastern Spain based on an excellent correlation among the lamina thickness, colour parameters and isotope (δ18O and δ13C) variations recorded in a speleothem. An age model constructed from five U/Th dates and annual lamina counting suggests that the uppermost 14.7 cm of the MO‐7 stalagmite grew between 7.2 and 2.5 ka before present but experienced a growth hiatus from 4.9 to 4.3 ka. Three spectral analysis methods were applied to 11 time series. The results reveal common solar periodicities on decennial (Gleissberg cycle) and centennial (De Vries‐Suess cycle) scales. The onset of Holocene carbonate precipitation in the MO‐7 stalagmite appears to be associated with a cold, wet period, whereas the hiatus and the end of growth are related to warm, dry periods. This environmental trend fits well within the regional Holocene climate.
Commentary on Mata and von Helversen: Foraging Theory as a Paradigm Shift for Cognitive Aging
Authors: Stine‐Morrow Elizabeth A. L.
Published: May 2015

Mata and von Helversen's integrative review of adult age differences in search performance makes a good case that cognitive control may impact certain aspects of self‐regulation of search. However, information foraging as a framework also offers an avenue to consider how adults of different ages adapt to age‐related changes in cognition, such as in cognitive control.
Transcriptional and metabolic alternations rebalance wheat grain storage protein accumulation under variable nitrogen and sulfur supply
Authors: Dai Zhanwu , Plessis Anne , Vincent Jonathan , Duchateau Nathalie , Besson Alicia , Dardevet Mireille , Prodhomme Duyen , Gibon Yves , Hilbert Ghislaine , Pailloux Marie , Ravel Catherine , Martre Pierre
Published: May 2015

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain storage proteins (GSPs) are major determinants of flour end‐use value. Biological and molecular mechanisms underlying the developmental and nutritional determination of GSP accumulation in cereals are as yet poorly understood. Here we timed the accumulation of GSPs during wheat grain maturation relative to changes in metabolite and transcript pools in different conditions of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) availability. We found that the N/S supply ratio modulated the duration of accumulation of S–rich GSPs and the rate of accumulation of S–poor GSPs. These changes are likely to be the result of distinct relationships between N and S allocation, depending on the S content of the GSP. Most developmental and nutritional modifications in GSP synthesis correlated with the abundance of structural gene transcripts. Changes in the expression of transport and metabolism genes altered the concentrations of several free amino acids under variable conditions of N and S supply, and these amino acids seem to be essential in determining GSP expression. The comprehensive data set generated and analyzed here provides insights that will be useful in adapting fertilizer use to variable N and S supply, or for breeding new cultivars with balanced and robust GSP composition.
Molecular identification of tuliposide B‐converting enzyme: a lactone‐forming carboxylesterase from the pollen of tulip
Authors: Nomura Taiji , Murase Tatsunori , Ogita Shinjiro , Kato Yasuo
Published: May 2015

6‐Tuliposides A (PosA) and B (PosB), which are the major secondary metabolites in tulip (Tulipa gesneriana), are enzymatically converted to the antimicrobial lactonized aglycons, tulipalins A (PaA) and B (PaB), respectively. We recently identified a PosA‐converting enzyme (TCEA) as the first reported member of the lactone‐forming carboxylesterases. Herein, we describe the identification of another lactone‐forming carboxylesterase, PosB‐converting enzyme (TCEB), which preferentially reacts with PosB to give PaB. This enzyme was isolated from tulip pollen, which showed high PosB‐converting activity. Purified TCEB exhibited greater activity towards PosB than PosA, which was contrary to that of the TCEA. Novel cDNA (TgTCEB1) encoding the TCEB was isolated from tulip pollen. TgTCEB1 belonged to the carboxylesterase family and was approximately 50% identical to the TgTCEA polypeptides. Functional characterization of the recombinant enzyme verified that TgTCEB1 catalyzed the conversion of PosB to PaB with an activity comparable with the native TCEB. RT‐qPCR analysis of each part of plant revealed that TgTCEB1 transcripts were limited almost exclusively to the pollen. Furthermore, the immunostaining of the anther cross‐section using anti‐TgTCEB1 polyclonal antibody verified that TgTCEB1 was specifically expressed in the pollen grains, but not in the anther cells. N‐terminal transit peptide of TgTCEB1 was shown to function as plastid‐targeted signal. Taken together, these results indicate that mature TgTCEB1 is specifically localized in plastids of pollen grains. Interestingly, PosB, the substrate of TgTCEB1, accumulated on the pollen surface, but not in the intracellular spaces of pollen grains.
Influence of maternal, infant, and collection characteristics on high‐quality cord blood units in Guangzhou Cord Blood Bank
Authors: Wu Shaoqing , Xie Guie , Wu Jieying , Chen Jingsong , Lu Yan , Li Yan , Tang Xuewei , Liao Can
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND

The operation of cord blood banks (CBBs) requires immense labor, material, and financial resources. Thus, increasing the ratio of high‐quality cord blood units (HQCBUs) in storage that are qualified for clinical use is critical for the efficient use of limited resources. Understanding the factors that contribute to HQCBUs, including maternal, fetal, and processing conditions, may improve the number of HQCBUs in storage.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The maternal, fetal, and processing conditions of 4613 CBUs at the Guangzhou Cord Blood Bank were analyzed retrospectively to determine their effect on HQCBUs. All CBUs were obtained following strict standard operation procedures.

RESULTS

Several factors may contribute to HQCBUs: fetal age older than 37 gestational weeks, female fetus, large cord blood (CB) volume (>80 mL), high birthweight (>3500 g), vaginal delivery, and a shorter amount of time between CB collection and processing (12 hr). We report for the first time that α‐thalassemia carriers exhibit a postprocessing total nucleated cell count (p‐TNCC) increase to at least 1.25 × 109 and an increase of the CD34+ cell count to at least 6.01 × 106. Meconium‐stained amniotic fluid and mothers younger than 25 years of age exhibited increased p‐TNCC to at least 1.25 × 109, and colony‐forming units increased to at least 23.24 × 105.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified several factors that affect HQCBUs. These results may be used as a reference for updating CB collection strategies, with priority given to collecting CBUs from female fetuses older than 37 gestational weeks, at high birthweight, and born by vaginal delivery from mothers younger than 25 years of age, especially newborns with one parent carrying the trait or with meconium‐stained amniotic fluid. The collected CBUs should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible for priority processing, which will help to increase the number and ratio of HQCBUs and the effective use of CBB resources.
2013 Koiter Medal Paper: Crack-Tip Fields and Toughness of Two-Dimensional Elastoplastic Lattices
Authors: Tankasala H. C. , Deshpande V. S. , Fleck N. A.
Published: May 2015

The dependence of the fracture toughness of two-dimensional (2D) elastoplastic lattices upon relative density and ductility of cell wall material is obtained for four topologies: the triangular lattice, kagome lattice, diamond lattice, and the hexagonal lattice. Crack-tip fields are explored, including the plastic zone size and crack opening displacement. The cell walls are treated as beams, with a material response given by the Ramberg–Osgood law. There is choice in the criterion for crack advance, and two extremes are considered: (i) the maximum local tensile strain (LTS) anywhere in the lattice attains the failure strain or (ii) the average tensile strain (ATS) across the cell wall attains the failure strain (which can be identified with the necking strain). The dependence of macroscopic fracture toughness upon failure strain, strain hardening exponent, and relative density is obtained for each lattice, and scaling laws are derived. The role of imperfections in degrading the fracture toughness is assessed by random movement of the nodes. The paper provides a strategy for obtaining lattices of high toughness at low density, thereby filling gaps in material property space.
A Novel Method for Quantifying Smooth Regional Variations in Myocardial Contractility Within an Infarcted Human Left Ventricle Based on Delay-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Genet Martin , Chuan Lee Lik , Ge Liang , Acevedo-Bolton Gabriel , Jeung Nick , Martin Alastair , Cambronero Neil , Boyle Andrew , Yeghiazarians Yerem , Kozerke Sebastian , Guccione Julius M.
Published: May 2015

Heart failure is increasing at an alarming rate, making it a worldwide epidemic. As the population ages and life expectancy increases, this trend is not likely to change. Myocardial infarction (MI)-induced adverse left ventricular (LV) remodeling is responsible for nearly 70% of heart failure cases. The adverse remodeling process involves an extension of the border zone (BZ) adjacent to an MI, which is normally perfused but shows myofiber contractile dysfunction. To improve patient-specific modeling of cardiac mechanics, we sought to create a finite element model of the human LV with BZ and MI morphologies integrated directly from delayed-enhancement magnetic resonance (DE-MR) images. Instead of separating the LV into discrete regions (e.g., the MI, BZ, and remote regions) with each having a homogeneous myocardial material property, we assumed a functional relation between the DE-MR image pixel intensity and myocardial stiffness and contractility—we considered a linear variation of material properties as a function of DE-MR image pixel intensity, which is known to improve the accuracy of the model's response. The finite element model was then calibrated using measurements obtained from the same patient—namely, 3D strain measurements—using complementary spatial modulation of magnetization magnetic resonance (CSPAMM-MR) images. This led to an average circumferential strain error of 8.9% across all American Heart Association (AHA) segments. We demonstrate the utility of our method for quantifying smooth regional variations in myocardial contractility using cardiac DE-MR and CSPAMM-MR images acquired from a 78-yr-old woman who experienced an MI approximately 1 yr prior. We found a remote myocardial diastolic stiffness of C0¯=0.102 kPa, and a remote myocardial contractility of Tmax¯=146.9 kPa, which are both in the range of previously published normal human values. Moreover, we found a normalized pixel intensity range of 30% for the BZ, which is consistent with the literature. Based on these regional myocardial material properties, we used our finite element model to compute patient-specific diastolic and systolic LV myofiber stress distributions, which cannot be measured directly. One of the main driving forces for adverse LV remodeling is assumed to be an abnormally high level of ventricular wall stress, and many existing and new treatments for heart failure fundamentally attempt to normalize LV wall stress. Thus, our noninvasive method for estimating smooth regional variations in myocardial contractility should be valuable for optimizing new surgical or medical strategies to limit the chronic evolution from infarction to heart failure.
Regulating Student-Athlete’s Inappropriate Social Media Usage
Authors: Han Peter , Dodds Mark , Mahoney Tara , Schoepfer Kristi , Lovich Justin
Published: May 2015

Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Snapchat, have become extremely popular; they serve as tools to connect individuals in a public forum. However, collegiate student-athletes use social media to send messages that may reflect poorly on their educational institutions. For example, student-athletes have posted profanity, obscene messages, compromising photographs, and even threatened the President of the United States while using social media. These messages create negative publicity for the college since athletics and student-athletes are a visible aspect of the institution. As such, inappropriate social media use has become a major concern with college athletic departments. Because the NCAA requires member institutions to adequately and consistently monitor social networking activity, colleges have responded to the actions by disciplining student-athletes that use social media negatively to voice their opinions; in some cases, this punishment has been as severe as actually dismissing the student-athlete from his or her team. But, how does this action impact the public relations of the athletic department? Further, does it subject the college to possible legal action?
The Relationship Between Meeting Vigorous Physical Activity Recommendations and Burnout Symptoms Among Adolescents: An Exploratory Study With Vocational Students
Authors: Elliot Catherine , Lang Christin , Brand Serge , Holsboer-Trachsler Edith , Pühse Uwe , Gerber Markus
Published: May 2015

This study examines how students who met the current recommendations for vigorous physical activity (VPA) of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) differ from peers who did not reach these standards with regard to self-reported burnout, before and after controlling for light physical activity and moderate physical activity. A sample of 144 vocational students (Mage = 16.2 years, SD = 1.13, 98 males) completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure, and the School Burnout Inventory. Bivariate correlations revealed that only VPA was associated with reduced burnout. Both the ACSM and CDC guidelines were useful to identify significant differences in burnout symptoms between students who met versus did not meet the standards. Health policy makers should develop strategies to integrate more VPA into the lives of adolescent students so as to reach a minimum of 60 min per week.
Physical Self-Concept Changes in a Selective Sport High School: A Longitudinal Cohort-Sequence Analysis of the Big-Fish-Little-Pond Effect
Authors: Marsh Herbert W. , Morin Alexandre J.S. , Parker Philip D.
Published: May 2015

Elite athletes and nonathletes (N = 1,268) attending the same selective sport high school (4 high school age cohorts, grades 7–10, mean ages varying from 10.9 to 14.1) completed the same physical self-concept instrument 4 times over a 2-year period (multiple waves). We introduce a latent cohort-sequence analysis that provides a stronger basis for assessing developmental stability/change than either cross-sectional (multicohort, single occasion) or longitudinal (single-cohort, multiple occasion) designs, allowing us to evaluate latent means across 10 waves spanning a 5-year period (grades 7–11), although each participant contributed data for only 4 waves, spanning 2 of the 5 years. Consistent with the frame-of-reference effects embodied in the big-fish-little-pond effect (BFLPE), physical self-concepts at the start of high school were much higher for elite athletes than for nonathlete classmates, but the differences declined over time so that by the end of high school there were no differences in the 2 groups. Gender differences in favor of males had a negative linear and quadratic trajectory over time, but the consistently smaller gender differences for athletes than for nonathletes did not vary with time.
Study of a Cohort of 1,886 Persons To Determine Changes in Antibody Reactivity to Borrelia burgdorferi 3 Months after a Tick Bite
Authors: Dessau Ram B. , Fryland Linda , Wilhelmsson Peter , Ekerfelt Christina , Nyman Dag , Forsberg Pia , Lindgren Per-Eric
Published: May 2015

Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacteriumBorrelia burgdorferi. The most frequent clinical manifestation is a rash called erythema migrans. Changes in antibody reactivity toB. burgdorferi3 months after a tick bite are measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). One assay is based on native purified flagellum antigen (IgG), and the other assay is based on a recombinant antigen called C6 (IgG or IgM). Paired samples were taken at the time of a tick bite and 3 months later from 1,886 persons in Sweden and the Åland Islands, Finland. The seroconversion or relative change is defined by dividing the measurement units from the second sample by those from the first sample. The threshold for the minimum level of significant change was defined at the 2.5% level to represent the random error level. The thresholds were a 2.7-fold rise for the flagellar IgG assay and a 1.8-fold rise for the C6 assay. Of 1,886 persons, 102/101 (5.4%) had a significant rise in antibody reactivity in the flagellar assay or the C6 assay. Among 40 cases with a diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis, the sensitivities corresponding to a rise in antibodies were 33% and 50% for the flagellar antigen and the C6 antigen, respectively. Graphical methods to display the antibody response and to choose thresholds for a rise in relative antibody reactivity are shown and discussed. In conclusion, 5.4% of people with tick bites showed a rise inBorrelia-specific antibodies above the 2.5% threshold in either ELISA but only 40 (2.1%) developed clinical Lyme borreliosis.
Multitarget PCR Assay for Direct Detection of Penicillinase-Producing Neisseria gonorrhoeae for Enhanced Surveillance of Gonococcal Antimicrobial Resistance
Authors: Buckley Cameron , Trembizki Ella , Baird Robert W. , Chen Marcus , Donovan Basil , Freeman Kevin , Goire Namraj , Guy Rebecca , Lahra Monica M. , Regan David , Whiley David M.
Published: May 2015

A multitarget PCR was developed for the direct detection of penicillinase-producing
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(PPNG). The assay was validated by testing 342 PPNG isolates and 415 clinical samples. The method is suitable for routine detection of PPNG strains. Its multitarget approach reduces the potential for false-negative results caused by sequence variations.
Are the Conventional Commercial Yeast Identification Methods Still Helpful in the Era of New Clinical Microbiology Diagnostics? A Meta-Analysis of Their Accuracy
Authors: Posteraro Brunella , Efremov Ljupcho , Leoncini Emanuele , Amore Rosarita , Posteraro Patrizia , Ricciardi Walter , Sanguinetti Maurizio
Published: May 2015

Accurate identification of pathogenic species is important for early appropriate patient management, but growing diversity of infectious species/strains makes the identification of clinical yeasts increasingly difficult. Among conventional methods that are commercially available, the API ID32C, AuxaColor, and Vitek 2 systems are currently the most used systems in routine clinical microbiology. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate and to compare the accuracy of the three systems, in order to assess whether they are still of value for the species-level identification of medically relevant yeasts. After adopting rigorous selection criteria, we included 26 published studies involving
Candida
and non-
Candida
yeasts that were tested with the API ID32C (674 isolates), AuxaColor (1,740 isolates), and Vitek 2 (2,853 isolates) systems. The random-effects pooled identification ratios at the species level were 0.89 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80 to 0.95) for the API ID32C system, 0.89 (95% CI, 0.83 to 0.93) for the AuxaColor system, and 0.93 (95% CI, 0.89 to 0.96) for the Vitek 2 system (
P
for heterogeneity, 0.255). Overall, the accuracy of studies using phenotypic analysis-based comparison methods was comparable to that of studies using molecular analysis-based comparison methods. Subanalysis of studies conducted on
Candida
yeasts showed that the Vitek 2 system was significantly more accurate (pooled ratio, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.85 to 0.99]) than the API ID32C system (pooled ratio, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.61 to 0.99]) and the AuxaColor system (pooled ratio, 0.76 [95% CI, 0.67 to 0.84]) with respect to uncommon species (
P
for heterogeneity, <0.05). Subanalysis of studies conducted on non-
Candida
yeasts (i.e.,
Cryptococcus
,
Rhodotorula
,
Saccharomyces
, and
Trichosporon
) revealed pooled identification accuracies of ≥98% for the Vitek 2, API ID32C (excluding
Cryptococcus
), and AuxaColor (only
Rhodotorula
) systems, with significant low or null levels of heterogeneity (
P
> 0.05). Nonetheless, clinical microbiologists should reconsider the usefulness of these systems, particularly in light of new diagnostic tools such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, which allow for considerably shortened turnaround times and/or avoid the requirement for additional tests for species identity confirmation.
Cost Savings Realized by Implementation of Routine Microbiological Identification by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Tran Anthony , Alby Kevin , Kerr Alan , Jones Melissa , Gilligan Peter H.
Published: May 2015

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) is an emerging technology for rapid identification of bacterial and fungal isolates. In comparison to conventional methods, this technology is much less labor intensive and can provide accurate and reliable results in minutes from a single isolated colony. We compared the cost of performing the bioMérieux Vitek MALDI-TOF MS with conventional microbiological methods to determine the amount saved by the laboratory by converting to the new technology. Identification costs for 21,930 isolates collected between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014, were directly compared for MALDI-TOF MS and conventional methodologies. These isolates were composed of commonly isolated organisms, including commonly encountered aerobic and facultative bacteria and yeast but excluding anaerobes and filamentous fungi.Mycobacterium tuberculosiscomplex and rapidly growing mycobacteria were also evaluated for a 5-month period during the study. Reagent costs and a total cost analysis that included technologist time in addition to reagent expenses and maintenance service agreement costs were analyzed as part of this study. The use of MALDI-TOF MS equated to a net savings of $69,108.61, or 87.8%, in reagent costs annually compared to traditional methods. When total costs are calculated to include technologist time and maintenance costs, traditional identification would have cost $142,532.69, versus $68,886.51 with the MALDI-TOF MS method, resulting in a laboratory savings of $73,646.18, or 51.7%, annually by adopting the new technology. The initial cost of the instrument at our usage level would be offset in about 3 years. MALDI-TOF MS not only represents an innovative technology for the rapid and accurate identification of bacterial and fungal isolates, it also provides a significant cost savings for the laboratory.
Evaluation of New bioMérieux Chromogenic CPS Media for Detection of Urinary Tract Pathogens
Authors: Rigaill Josselin , Verhoeven Paul O. , Mahinc Caroline , Jeraiby Mohamed , Grattard Florence , Fonsale Nathalie , Pozzetto Bruno , Carricajo Anne
Published: May 2015

Four chromogenic media were compared for their ability to detect urinary tract pathogens in 299 urine specimens, of which 175 were found positive, allowing the growth of 279 microorganisms. After 18 to 24 h of incubation, the CPS ID4, CPSE, CPSO (bioMérieux), and UriSelect4 (Bio-Rad) media showed sensitivities of 97.1%, 99.3%, 99.6%, and 99.6%, respectively.
Caribbean and La Réunion Chikungunya Virus Isolates Differ in Their Capacity To Induce Proinflammatory Th1 and NK Cell Responses and Acute Joint Pathology
Authors: Teo Teck-Hui , Her Zhisheng , Tan Jeslin J. L. , Lum Fok-Moon , Lee Wendy W. L. , Chan Yi-Hao , Ong Ruo-Yan , Kam Yiu-Wing , Leparc-Goffart Isabelle , Gallian Pierre , Rénia Laurent , de Lamballerie Xavier , Ng Lisa F. P.
Published: May 2015

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne arthralgic alphavirus that has garnered international attention as an important emerging pathogen since 2005. More recently, it invaded the Caribbean islands and the Western Hemisphere. Intriguingly, the current CHIKV outbreak in the Caribbean is caused by the Asian CHIKV genotype, which differs from the La Réunion LR2006 OPY1 isolate belonging to the Indian Ocean lineage. Here, we adopted a systematic and comparative approach against LR2006 OPY1 to characterize the pathogenicity of the Caribbean CNR20235 isolate and consequential host immune responses in mice.Ex vivoinfection using primary mouse tail fibroblasts revealed a weaker replication efficiency by CNR20235 isolate. In the CHIKV mouse model, CNR20235 infection induced an enervated joint pathology characterized by moderate edema and swelling, independent of mononuclear cell infiltration. Based on systemic cytokine analysis, localized immunophenotyping, and gene expression profiles in the popliteal lymph node and inflamed joints, two pathogenic phases were defined for CHIKV infection: early acute (2 to 3 days postinfection [dpi]) and late acute (6 to 8 dpi). Reduced joint pathology during early acute phase of CNR20235 infection was associated with a weaker proinflammatory Th1 response and natural killer (NK) cell activity. The pathological role of NK cells was further demonstrated as depletion of NK cells reduced joint pathology in LR2006 OPY1. Taken together, this study provides evidence that the Caribbean CNR20235 isolate has an enfeebled replication and induces a less pathogenic response in the mammalian host.

IMPORTANCEThe introduction of CHIKV in the Americas has heightened the risk of large-scale outbreaks due to the close proximity between the United States and the Caribbean. The immunopathogenicity of the circulating Caribbean CHIKV isolate was explored, where it was demonstrated to exhibit reduced infectivity resulting in a weakened joint pathology. Analysis of serum cytokine levels, localized immunophenotyping, and gene expression profiles in the organs revealed that a limited Th1 response and reduced NK cells activity could underlie the reduced pathology in the host. Interestingly, higher asymptomatic infections were observed in the Caribbean compared to the La Réunion outbreaks in 2005 and 2006. This is the first study that showed an association between key proinflammatory factors and pathology-mediating leukocytes with a less severe pathological outcome in Caribbean CHIKV infection. Given the limited information regarding the sequela of Caribbean CHIKV infection, our study is timely and will aid the understanding of this increasingly important disease.
Rethinking the Response to Emerging Microbes: Vaccines and Therapeutics in the Ebola Era—a Conference at Harvard Medical School
Authors: Knipe David M. , Whelan Sean P.
Published: May 2015

Harvard Medical School convened a meeting of biomedical and clinical experts on 5 March 2015 on the topic of “Rethinking the Response to Emerging Microbes: Vaccines and Therapeutics in the Ebola Era,” with the goals of discussing the lessons from the recent Ebola outbreak and using those lessons as a case study to aid preparations for future emerging infections. The speakers and audience discussed the special challenges in combatting an infectious agent that causes sporadic outbreaks in resource-poor countries. The meeting led to a call for improved basic medical care for all and continued support of basic discovery research to provide the foundation for preparedness for future outbreaks in addition to the targeted emergency response to outbreaks and targeted research programs against Ebola virus and other specific emerging pathogens.
The impact of dietary habits and metabolic risk factors on cardiovascular and diabetes mortality in countries of the Middle East and North Africa in 2010: a comparative risk assessment analysis
Authors: Afshin Ashkan , Micha Renata , Khatibzadeh Shahab , Fahimi Saman , Shi Peilin , Powles John , Singh Gitanjali , Yakoob Mohammad Yawar , Abdollahi Morteza , Al-Hooti Suad , Farzadfar Farshad , Houshiar-rad Anahita , Hwalla Nahla , Koksal Eda , Musaiger Abdulrahman , Pekcan Gulden , Sibai Abla Mehio , Zaghloul Sahar , Danaei Goodarz , Ezzati Majid , Mozaffarian Dariush
Published: May 2015

Objective/design

We conducted a comparative risk assessment analysis to estimate the cardiometabolic disease (CMD) mortality attributable to 11 dietary and 4 metabolic risk factors in 20 countries of the Middle East by age, sex and time. The national exposure distributions were obtained from a systematic search of multiple databases. Missing exposure data were estimated using a multilevel Bayesian hierarchical model. The aetiological effect of each risk factor on disease-specific mortality was obtained from clinical trials and observational studies. The number of disease-specific deaths was obtained from the 2010 Global Burden of Disease mortality database. Mortality due to each risk factor was determined using the population attributable fraction and total number of disease-specific deaths.

Setting/population

Adult population in the Middle East by age, sex, country and time.

Results

Suboptimal diet was the leading risk factor for CMD mortality in 11 countries accounting for 48% (in Morocco) to 72% (in the United Arab Emirates) of CMD deaths. Non-optimal systolic blood pressure was the leading risk factor for CMD deaths in eight countries causing 45% (in Bahrain) to 68% (in Libya) of CMD deaths. Non-optimal body mass index and fasting plasma glucose were the third and fourth leading risk factors for CMD mortality in most countries. Among individual dietary factors, low intake of fruits accounted for 8% (in Jordan) to 21% (in Palestine) of CMD deaths and low intake of whole grains was responsible for 7% (in Palestine) to 22% (in the United Arab Emirates) of CMD deaths. Between 1990 and 2010, the CMD mortality attributable to most risk factors had decreased except for body mass index and trans-fatty acids.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight key similarities and differences in the impact of the dietary and metabolic risk factors on CMD mortality in the countries of the Middle East and inform priorities for policy measures to prevent CMD.
Non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of COPD
Authors: De Smet Elise G , Mestdagh Pieter , Vandesompele Jo , Brusselle Guy G , Bracke Ken R
Published: May 2015

A large part of the human genome is transcribed in non-coding RNAs, transcripts that do not code for protein, including microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). MiRNAs are short single-stranded RNA molecules that negatively regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. They play an important regulatory role in many biological processes. Consequently, altered expression of these non-coding RNAs has been shown to lead to inflammation and disease. In contrast, lncRNAs, can both enhance or repress the expression of protein-coding genes. COPD is typically caused by tobacco smoking and leads to a progressive decline in lung function and a premature death. Exaggerated pulmonary inflammation is a hallmark feature in this disease, leading to obstructive bronchiolitis and emphysema. In this review, we discuss the miRNA expression patterns in lungs of patients with COPD and in mouse models and we highlight various miRNAs involved in COPD pathogenesis. In addition, we briefly discuss a specific lncRNA that is upregulated upon cigarette smoke exposure, providing a short introduction to this more recently discovered group of non-coding RNAs.
Working in government service
Authors: Barrell Victoria
Published: May 2015

Victoria Barrell qualified from Massey University with the intention of working in equine practice. A combination of circumstances led to her joining the New Zealand government veterinary service. This opened up a number of opportunities, including a visit to Nepal to learn more about foot‐and‐mouth disease
A proton-conducting cesium sulfonate metal organic framework
Authors: Wong Norman , Hurd Jeff A. , Vaidhyanathan Ramanathan , Shimizu George K.H.
Published: May 2015

We report a cesium sulfonate metal organic framework (Cs3(L)(H2O)3.3, 1, L = 1,3,5-trisulfonato-2,4,6-trihydroxybenzene) with hydrated channels that conduct protons at 1.1 × 10−5 S cm−1 at 50% relative humidity and 70 °C. Water was crystallographically observed in the structure, and the likely proton-transfer pathway was studied. The material was not robust, and appropriate parameters were employed to ensure meaningful data were extracted from the study.
Initiation of migration and movement rates of Atlantic salmon smolts in fresh water
Authors: Stich Daniel S. , Kinnison Michael T. , Kocik John F. , Zydlewski Joseph D.
Published: May 2015

Timing of ocean entry is critical for marine survival of both hatchery and wild Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) smolts. Management practices and barriers to migration such as dams may constrain timing of smolt migrations resulting in suboptimal performance at saltwater entry. We modeled influences of stocking location, smolt development, and environmental conditions on (i) initiation of migration by hatchery-reared smolts and (ii) movement rate of hatchery- and wild-reared Atlantic salmon smolts in the Penobscot River, Maine, USA, from 2005 through 2014 using acoustic telemetry data. We also compared movement rates in free-flowing reaches with rates in reaches with hydropower dams and head ponds. We compared movement rates before and after (1) removal of two mainstem dams and (2) construction of new powerhouses. Initiation of movement by hatchery fish was influenced by smolt development, stocking location, and environmental conditions. Smolts with the greatest gill Na+, K+-ATPase (NKA) activity initiated migration 24 h sooner than fish with the lowest gill NKA activity. Fish with the greatest cumulative thermal experience initiated migration 5 days earlier than those with lowest cumulative thermal experience. Smolts released furthest from the ocean initiated migration earlier than those released downstream, but movement rate increased by fivefold closer to the ocean, indicating behavioral trade-offs between initiation and movement rate. Dams had a strong effect on movement rate. Movement rate increased from 2.8 to 5.4 km·h−1in reaches where dams were removed, but decreased from 2.1 to 0.1 km·h−1in reaches where new powerhouses were constructed. Movement rate varied throughout the migratory period and was inversely related to temperature. Fish moved slower at extreme high or low discharge. Responses in fish movement rates to dam removal indicate the potential scope of recovery for these activities.
Fermion creation in 5D space–time with a warped extra dimension
Authors: Chekireb R. , Haouat S.
Published: May 2015

The phenomenon of fermion production in a 5D FRW space–time with a warped extra dimension is studied by considering the canonical method based on Bogoliubov transformation connecting the "in" with the "out" states. For an exactly solvable model, two sets of exact solution are expressed in terms of Bessel functions. Studying the semiclassical Hamilton–Jacobi equation, the "in" and "out" states are identified. The pair creation probability and the mean number of created particles are calculated from the Bogoliubov coefficients. It is shown that the particle creation probability and the number density of created particles depend on the ratio of the scale factors associated with the ordinary space {x} and the extra dimension. It is also shown that the contraction of the extra dimension induces particle creation like the ordinary space expansion.
Hawking radiation of vector particles as tunneling from the apparent horizon of Vaidya black holes
Authors: Chen Ge-Rui , Huang Yong-Chang
Published: May 2015

Vector particles' Hawking radiation as tunneling from the apparent horizon of Vaidya black holes is investigated. By applying the WKB approximation and the appropriate ansatz for the form of the action to the Proca equation, we obtain the tunneling spectrum of vector particles. As a result, the expected Hawking temperature is recovered by vector particles tunneling from the apparent horizon of Vaidya black holes.
Magnetic-coupling induced transparency in a planar terahertz metamaterial
Authors: Wan Ming Li , Yuan Shu Qing , Song Yue Li , Li Yong , Tian Mingli , Zhou Feng Qun
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we demonstrate that an electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT)-like behavior is induced by the coupling of two magnetic resonances in a planar terahertz (THz) metamaterial structure, which consists of a U-shaped split ring (USR) as one bright resonator and a cut wire pair (CWP) as one dark resonator. It is found that the EIT-like spectral response is insensitive to the lateral distance between the two magnetic resonators, whereas an on-to-off modulation of the amplitude of the transparency window can be achieved by moving the USR vertically along the CWP. The underlying physical mechanism is mainly attributed to magneto-inductive excitation of the CWP. This investigation may provide an insight of the role of magnetic coupling in achieving EIT-like effect, inspiring interest in the developments of magnetically tunable transparency metamaterial for a wide range of optical devices with switching and modulation capabilities.
The second post-Newtonian light propagation and its astrometric measurement in the solar system
Authors: Deng Xue-Mei
Published: May 2015

The relativistic theories of light propagation are generalized by introducing two new parameters ς and η in the second post-Newtonian (2PN) order, in addition to the parametrized post-Newtonian (PPN) parameters γ and β. This new 2PN parametrized (2PPN) formalism includes the nonstationary gravitational fields and the influences of all kinds of relativistic effects. The multipolar components of gravitating bodies are taken into account as well at the first post-Newtonian (1PN) order. The equations of motion and their solutions of this 2PPN light propagation problem are obtained. Started from the definition of a measurable quantity, a gauge-invariant angle between the directions of two incoming photons for a differential measurement in astrometric observation is discussed and its formula is derived. For a precision level of a few microarcsecond (μas) for space astrometry missions in the near future, we further consider a model of angular measurement, the Laser Astrometric Test of Relativity (LATOR)-like missions. In this case, all terms with aimed at the accuracy of ~1μas are estimated.