bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strigolactones are required for nitric oxide to induce root elongation in response to nitrogen and phosphate deficiencies in rice
Authors: Sun Huwei , Bi Yang , Tao Jinyuan , Huang Shuangjie , Hou Mengmeng , Xue Ren , Liang Zhihao , Gu Pengyuan , Yoneyama Koichi , Xie Xiaonan , Shen Qirong , Xu Guohua , Zhang Yali
Published: January 2016

The response of the root system architecture to nutrient deficiencies is critical for sustainable agriculture. Nitric oxide (NO) is considered a key regulator of root growth, although the mechanisms remain unknown. Phenotypic, cellular and genetic analyses were undertaken in rice to explore the role of NO in regulating root growth and strigolactone (SL) signalling under nitrogen‐deficient and phosphate‐deficient conditions (LN and LP). LN‐induced and LP‐induced seminal root elongation paralleled NO production in root tips. NO played an important role in a shared pathway of LN‐induced and LP‐induced root elongation via increased meristem activity. Interestingly, no responses of root elongation were observed in SL d mutants compared with wild‐type plants, although similar NO accumulation was induced by sodium nitroprusside (SNP) application. Application of abamine (the SL inhibitor) reduced seminal root length and pCYCB1;1::GUS expression induced by SNP application in wild type; furthermore, comparison with wild type showed lower SL‐signalling genes in nia2 mutants under control and LN treatments and similar under SNP application. Western blot analysis revealed that NO, similar to SL, triggered proteasome‐mediated degradation of D53 protein levels. Therefore, we presented a novel signalling pathway in which NO‐activated seminal root elongation under LN and LP conditions, with the involvement of SLs.
Sun‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence from high‐resolution imaging spectroscopy data to quantify spatio‐temporal patterns of photosynthetic function in crop canopies
Authors: Pinto Francisco , Damm Alexander , Schickling Anke , Panigada Cinzia , Cogliati Sergio , Müller‐Linow Mark , Ballvora Agim , Rascher Uwe
Published: January 2016

Passive detection of sun‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) using spectroscopy has been proposed as a proxy to quantify changes in photochemical efficiency at canopy level under natural light conditions. In this study, we explored the use of imaging spectroscopy to quantify spatio‐temporal dynamics of SIF within crop canopies and its sensitivity to track patterns of photosynthetic activity originating from the interaction between vegetation structure and incoming radiation as well as variations in plant function. SIF was retrieved using the Fraunhofer Line Depth (FLD) principle from imaging spectroscopy data acquired at different time scales a few metres above several crop canopies growing under natural illumination. We report the first maps of canopy SIF in high spatial resolution. Changes of SIF were monitored at different time scales ranging from quick variations under induced stress conditions to seasonal dynamics. Natural changes were primarily determined by varying levels and distribution of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR). However, this relationship changed throughout the day demonstrating an additional physiological component modulating spatio‐temporal patterns of SIF emission. We successfully used detailed SIF maps to track changes in the canopy's photochemical activity under field conditions, providing a new tool to evaluate complex patterns of photosynthesis within the canopy.
Rituximab Therapy for Childhood Pemphigus Vulgaris
Authors: Kincaid Leah , Weinstein Miriam
Published: January 2016

Pediatric pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune bullous dermatosis that poses a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Rituximab, an anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody, is an important medication in adult PV but has rarely been used to treat pediatric disease. We describe successful rituximab therapy in a 4‐year‐old, the youngest patient with PV ever reported to receive rituximab. A live attenuated vaccination was later given without incident. We also review rituximab clinical outcomes, toxicity, dosing protocols, and relapse in children with PV.
Spectrum of Clinical Responses to Therapies in Infantile Bullous Pemphigoid
Authors: Taquin Hélène , Chiaverini Christine , Lacour Jean Philippe
Published: January 2016

Infantile bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a rare autoimmune dermatosis characterized by the presence of antibodies against basal membrane zone proteins. Histologic and immunologic features are similar to those of the adult disease, but its clinical features may vary in children. We report here four cases of infantile BP whose atypical presentation or progression shed new light on the disease.
Collaborative Networks for Effective Ecosystem‐Based Management: A Set of Working Hypotheses
Authors: Bodin Örjan , Sandström Annica , Crona Beatrice
Published: January 2016

Ecosystem‐based management (EBM) represents a comprehensive approach to better govern the environment that also illustrates the collaborative trend in policy and public administration. The need for stakeholder involvement and collaboration is strongly articulated, yet how and for what purposes collaboration would be effective remains largely untested. We address this gap by developing and evaluating a set of hypotheses specifying how certain patterns of collaborations among actors affect their joint ability to accomplish EBM. Content analyses of management plans drawn from five EBM planning processes in Sweden are combined with analyses of the collaborative networks through which these plans have been developed. Our results indicate that system thinking and the ability to integrate across different management phases are favored by collaborations between different kinds of actors, and by project leaders being centrally located in the networks. We also find that dense substructures of collaboration increase the level of specificity in the plans in regards to explicating constraints on human activities. Having many collaborative ties does however not enhance the overall level of specificity. Our results also show that different network characteristics can give rise to similar EBM outcomes. This observed equifinality suggests there is no single blueprint for well‐performing collaborative networks.
Pane e Cioccolata: The Impact of Native Attitudes on Return Migration
Authors: de Coulon Augustin , Radu Dragos , Friedrich Steinhardt Max
Published: January 2016

This paper addresses the link between native attitudes and return migration. We exploit the variation in xenophobia using information on media consumption by migrants in Italy. A widely documented crime provides a quasi‐experimental setting to identify the impact of Italian attitudes on migrants’ settlement intentions. Our results suggest a significant effect of anti‐immigrant attitudes on the intended duration of stay in the host country. The impact is more pronounced for low‐skilled migrants, which has consequences for how migration affects the long‐run convergence between sending and destination countries.
Patterns and the mediating role of avoidant coping style and illness perception on anxiety and depression in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Nahlén Bose Catarina , Elfström Magnus L. , Björling Gunilla , Persson Hans , Saboonchi Fredrik
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Emotional distress in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) predicts mortality, hospital readmission and quality of life. The patient's avoidant coping style and beliefs about the disease have been linked to emotional distress in CHF. However, the pattern and transmitting effects of these variables are indefinite.

Aim

This study aimed to examine the links between and the potential mediating role of illness perceptions and avoidant coping style on depression and anxiety in patients with CHF.

Method

Self‐assessment data from 103 patients with CHF were subjected to path analysis in two hypothesised models. The outcome measures were coping styles, illness perception, anxiety and depression.

Results

Avoidant coping had a direct adverse effect on anxiety and depression. The perception of symptom burden and personal control, significantly mediated the effect between avoidant coping and anxiety and depression.

Conclusions

Avoidant coping style appears to influence not only emotional distress, but also a malignant symptom perception and low sense of control over the illness.
Adaptive Step Size Selection for Hessian‐Based Manifold Langevin Samplers
Authors: Kleppe Tore Selland
Published: January 2016

In this paper, I explore the usage of positive definite metric tensors derived from the second derivative information in the context of the simplified manifold Metropolis adjusted Langevin algorithm. I propose a new adaptive step size procedure that resolves the shortcomings of such metric tensors in regions where the log‐target has near zero curvature in some direction. The adaptive step size selection also appears to alleviate the need for different tuning parameters in transient and stationary regimes that is typical of Metropolis adjusted Langevin algorithm. The combination of metric tensors derived from the second derivative information and the adaptive step size selection constitute a large step towards developing reliable manifold Markov chain Monte Carlo methods that can be implemented automatically for models with unknown or intractable Fisher information, and even for target distributions that do not admit factorization into prior and likelihood. Through examples of low to moderate dimension, I show that the proposed methodology performs very well relative to alternative Markov chain Monte Carlo methods.
A Formalization of Minimalist Syntax
Authors: Collins Chris , Stabler Edward
Published: January 2016

The goal of this paper is to give a precise, formal account of certain fundamental notions in minimalist syntax. Particular attention is given to the comparison of token‐based (multidominance) and chain‐based perspectives on Merge. After considering a version of Transfer that violates the No‐Tampering Condition (NTC), we sketch an alternative,NTC‐compliant version.
A novel HLA‐B allele, HLA‐B*35:254, identified by sequence‐based typing from a HIV‐associated tuberculosis sufferer
Authors: Li W.‐X. , Xia J.‐A. , Yuan M.‐X. , Li G. , Wang X.
Published: January 2016

HLA‐B*35:254 differs from HLA‐B35:25 by two coding changes at nucleotides positions 142 (T > G) and 292 (T > G).
EMPTY PERICARP16 is required for mitochondrial nad2 intron 4 cis‐splicing, complex I assembly and seed development in maize
Authors: Xiu Zhihui , Sun Feng , Shen Yun , Zhang Xiaoyan , Jiang Ruicheng , Bonnard Géraldine , Zhang Jianhua , Tan Bao‐Cai
Published: January 2016

In higher plants, chloroplast and mitochondrial transcripts contain a number of group II introns that need to be precisely spliced before translation into functional proteins. However, the mechanism of splicing and the factors involved in this process are not well understood. By analysing a seed mutant in maize, we report here the identification of Empty pericarp16 (Emp16) that is required for splicing of nad2 intron 4 in mitochondria. Disruption of Emp16 function causes developmental arrest in the embryo and endosperm, giving rise to an empty pericarp phenotype in maize. Differentiation of the basal endosperm transfer layer cells is severely affected. Molecular cloning indicates that Emp16 encodes a P‐type pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein with 11 PPR motifs and is localized in the mitochondrion. Transcript analysis revealed that mitochondrial nad2 intron 4 splicing is abolished in the emp16 mutants, leading to severely reduced assembly and activity of complex I. In response, the mutant dramatically increases the accumulation of mitochondrial complex III and the expression of alternative oxidase AOX2. These results imply that EMP16 is specifically required for mitochondrial nad2 intron 4 cis‐splicing and is essential for complex I assembly and embryogenesis and development endosperm in maize.
ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN DUAL‐PHASE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FEATURES AND HISTOPATHOLOGIC DIAGNOSES IN 52 DOGS WITH HEPATIC OR SPLENIC MASSES
Authors: Jones Ian D. , Lamb Christopher R. , Drees Randi , Priestnall Simon L. , Mantis Panagiotis
Published: January 2016

Ability to noninvasively differentiate malignant from nonmalignant abdominal masses would aid clinical decision making. The aim of this retrospective, cross‐sectional study was to identify features in dual‐phase computed tomographic (CT) studies that could be used to distinguish malignant from nonmalignant hepatic and splenic masses in dogs. Medical records were searched for dogs that had an abdominal dual‐phase CT examination, a hepatic or splenic mass, and subsequent histopathologic diagnosis. Computed tomographic images for all included dogs were acquired prior to and <30 s (early phase) and >60 s (delayed phase) after intravenous contrast administration. Fifty‐two dogs with 55 masses were studied: 24 hepatic, including 14 (58%) malignant and 10 (42%) non‐malignant; 31 splenic, including 18 (58%) malignant and 13 (42%) nonmalignant. There was substantial overlap in the pre‐ and postcontrast CT features of malignant and nonmalignant hepatic and splenic masses. Regardless of histologic diagnosis, hepatic masses most frequently showed marked, generalized enhancement in early phase images that persisted in the delayed phase. Splenic hemangiosarcoma and nodular hyperplastic lesions most frequently showed marked, generalized enhancement in early phase images that persisted in delayed images whereas most splenic hematomas had slight enhancement in early phase images. All splenic hematomas and 77% of the hemangiosarcomas had contrast accumulation compatible with active hemorrhage. There were no other significant differences in quantitative or categorical CT data between malignant and nonmalignant hepatic or splenic masses. Dual‐phase CT of dogs with hepatic or splenic masses provides limited specific diagnostic information.
Improving Follow‐Up for Failed Newborn Hearing Screening in Emirati Infants
Authors: Borders Virginia P. , Vess Joy , Dumas Bonnie P. , Edlund Barbara J.
Published: January 2016

This column shares the best evidence‐based strategies and innovative ideas on how to facilitate the learning and implementation of EBP principles and processes by clinicians as well as nursing and interprofessional students. Guidelines for submission are available at http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1741‐6787
Analytical Solution for Electronic Assemblies Under Vibration
Authors: Gharaibeh Mohammad A. , Su Quang T. , Pitarresi James M.
Published: January 2016

An analytical solution using Ritz method for the electronic assembly vibration problem has been presented in detail. In this solution, a special treatment for plate-mounted-on-standoffs boundary conditions scheme was required, and hence described. Also, a simple equation for estimating ball grid array (BGA) solder joint axial stiffness was developed. The results of the analytical solution were validated with modal analysis measurements and finite element (FE) models data in terms of natural frequencies and mode shapes. Then, the analytical solution was used to estimate the most critical solder joint deformations and stresses. Finally, the so developed solution provided an effective tool to examine the effect of several geometric and material configurations of electronic package structure on the fatigue performance of electronic products under mechanical vibration loadings.
Intracranial hemorrhage alters scalp potential distribution in bioimpedance cerebral monitoring: Preliminary results from FEM simulation on a realistic head model and human subjects
Authors: Atefi Seyed Reza , Seoane Fernando , Kamalian Shervin , Rosenthal Eric S. , Lev Michael H. , Bonmassar Giorgio
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

Current diagnostic neuroimaging for detection of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is limited to fixed scanners requiring patient transport and extensive infrastructure support. ICH diagnosis would therefore benefit from a portable diagnostic technology, such as electrical bioimpedance (EBI). Through simulations and patient observation, the authors assessed the influence of unilateral ICH hematomas on quasisymmetric scalp potential distributions in order to establish the feasibility of EBI technology as a potential tool for early diagnosis.

Methods:

Finite element method (FEM) simulations and experimental left–right hemispheric scalp potential differences of healthy and damaged brains were compared with respect to the asymmetry caused by ICH lesions on quasisymmetric scalp potential distributions. In numerical simulations, this asymmetry was measured at 25 kHz and visualized on the scalp as the normalized potential difference between the healthy and ICH damaged models. Proof‐of‐concept simulations were extended in a pilot study of experimental scalp potential measurements recorded between 0 and 50 kHz with the authors' custom‐made bioimpedance spectrometer. Mean left–right scalp potential differences recorded from the frontal, central, and parietal brain regions of ten healthy control and six patients suffering from acute/subacute ICH were compared. The observed differences were measured at the 5% level of significance using the two‐sample Welch t‐test.

Results:

The 3D‐anatomically accurate FEM simulations showed that the normalized scalp potential difference between the damaged and healthy brain models is zero everywhere on the head surface, except in the vicinity of the lesion, where it can vary up to 5%. The authors' preliminary experimental results also confirmed that the left–right scalp potential difference in patients with ICH (e.g., 64 mV) is significantly larger than in healthy subjects (e.g., 20.8 mV; P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

Realistic, proof‐of‐concept simulations confirmed that ICH affects quasisymmetric scalp potential distributions. Pilot clinical observations with the authors' custom‐made bioimpedance spectrometer also showed higher left–right potential differences in the presence of ICH, similar to those of their simulations, that may help to distinguish healthy subjects from ICH patients. Although these pilot clinical observations are in agreement with the computer simulations, the small sample size of this study lacks statistical power to exclude the influence of other possible confounders such as age, sex, and electrode positioning. The agreement with previously published simulation‐based and clinical results, however, suggests that EBI technology may be potentially useful for ICH detection.
On the acoustic analysis and optimization of ducted ventilation systems using a sub-structuring approach
Authors: Yu X. , Cui F. S. , Cheng L.
Published: January 2016

This paper presents a general sub-structuring approach to predict the acoustic performance of ducted ventilation systems. The modeling principle is to determine the subsystem characteristics by calculating the transfer functions at their coupling interfaces, and the assembly is enabled by using a patch-based interface matching technique. For a particular example of a bended ventilation duct connecting an inlet and an outlet acoustic domain, a numerical model is developed to predict its sound attenuation performance. The prediction accuracy is thoroughly validated against finite element models. Through numerical examples, the rigid-walled duct is shown to provide relatively weak transmission loss (TL) across the frequency range of interest, and exhibit only the reactive behavior for sound reflection. By integrating sound absorbing treatment such as micro-perforated absorbers into the system, the TL can be significantly improved, and the system is seen to exhibit hybrid mechanisms for sound attenuation. The dissipative effect dominates at frequencies where the absorber is designed to be effective, and the reactive effect provides compensations at the absorption valleys attributed to the resonant behavior of the absorber. This ultimately maintains the system TL at a relatively high level across the entire frequency of interest. The TL of the system can be tuned or optimized in a very efficient way using the proposed approach due to its modular nature. It is shown that a balance of the hybrid mechanism is important to achieve an overall broadband attenuation performance in the design frequency range.
The Influence of Added Mass on Optimal Step Length in Running
Authors: Reenalda Jasper , Maas Maurice T.F. , de Koning Jos J.
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

To examine the influence of induced changes in the morphology of the leg by adding mass on the optimal step length (OSL) in experienced runners to get more insight into parameters that influence preferred step length (PSL) and OSL.

Methods:

Thirteen experienced male runners (mean age 26.9 ± 6.1 y, height 183.7 ± 7.1 cm, mass 71.8 ± 5.9 kg) ran on a treadmill in 3 different conditions: unloaded (UL), loaded with 2 kg mass at the ankles (MA), and loaded with 2 kg mass at the hips (MH) at 7 different step lengths (SLs). SL deviations were expressed as deviations in relative leg length (%LL) from the individual PSL: 0%LL, ±5%LL, ±10%LL, and ±15%LL. Trials lasted 8 min, and 8 min of rest was given between trials. Oxygen uptake (V̇O2) was expressed as a fraction of V̇O2 at PSL + 0%LL in the unloaded condition (%V̇O2). The %SL with the lowest value of %V̇O2 was considered the OSL for this group of participants.

Results:

OSL at the UL condition was 6% shorter than PSL. The MA condition resulted in a 7%LL larger OSL than at UL and MH (P < .05).

Conclusions:

The mass distribution of the leg is a determinant of the OSL. As a consequence of the added mass to the ankles, OSL was 7%LL longer. Morphological characteristics of the leg might therefore play an important role in determining the runner’s individual optimal SL.
How Do World-Class Nordic Combined Athletes Differ From Specialized Cross-Country Skiers and Ski Jumpers in Sport-Specific Capacity and Training Characteristics?
Authors: Sandbakk Øyvind , Rasdal Vegard , Bråten Steinar , Moen Frode , Ettema Gertjan
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

To compare sport-specific laboratory capacities and the annual training of world-class Nordic combined (NC) athletes with specialized ski jumpers (SJ) and cross-country (XC) skiers.

Methods:

Five world-class athletes from each sports discipline were compared. Ski jump imitations were performed on a 3-dimensional force plate in NC athletes and SJ, whereas XC skiing characteristics were obtained from submaximal and maximal roller ski skating on a treadmill in NC athletes and XC skiers. In addition, anthropometrics and annual training characteristics were determined.

Results:

NC athletes demonstrated 9% higher body mass and showed 17% lower vertical speed in the ski jump imitation than SJ (all P < .05). NC athletes had 12% lower body mass and showed 10% lower peak treadmill speed and 12% lower body-mass-normalized peak oxygen uptake than XC skiers (all P < .05). NC athletes performed half the number of ski-jumping-specific sessions and outdoor ski jumps compared with SJ. NC athletes performed 31% less endurance training, mainly caused by lower amounts of low- and moderate-intensity training in the classical technique, whereas high-intensity strength and speed training and endurance training in the skating technique did not differ substantially from XC skiers.

Conclusions:

To simultaneously optimize endurance, explosive, and technical capacities in 2 different disciplines, world-class NC athletes train approximately two-thirds of the XC skier’s endurance training volume and perform one-half of the ski-jump-specific training compared with SJ. Still, the various laboratory capacities differed only 10–17% compared with SJ and XC skiers.
The Six-Minute Walk Test as a Measure of Health in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Galiano-Castillo Noelia , Arroyo-Morales Manuel , Ariza-Garcia Angélica , Sánchez-Salado Carmen , Fernández-Lao Carolina , Cantarero-Villanueva Irene , Martín-Martín Lydia
Published: January 2016

This study examined the relationship between the 6-min walk test (6MWT) and fitness, psychological and physiologic states, quality of life, cancer-related symptoms, and body composition of 87 women with breast cancer. The assessment included the 6MWT and evaluations of Cancer Quality of Life (EORTC C-30 and EORTC BR-23), cognitive performance (Trail Making Test), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, body composition, health-related fitness (abdominal test, multiple sit-to-stand test, trunk dynamometry), and pain (Brief Pain Inventory). We observed the following correlations: moderate between 6MWT and pain interference; modest for cognitive and social functioning and the multiple sit-to-stand test; fair for several items on the Cancer Quality of Life, for anxiety, lean body mass, trunk dynamometry and pain intensity; and weak for role functioning, loss of appetite, cognitive performance and depression. Thus, the 6MWT could be used as a measure of the major components of global health in women with breast cancer.
Functional Lower-Body Power: A Comparison Study Between Physically Inactive, Recreationally Active, and Masters Athlete Late-Middle-Aged Adults
Authors: Glenn Jordan M. , Gray Michelle , Vincenzo Jennifer L. , Stone Matthew S.
Published: January 2016

Muscular power decreases with age, and lower-body power relates to overall functional fitness; however, functional lower-body power has not been evaluated in late-middle-aged (LMA) populations.

Purpose:

To evaluate average and peak lower-body functional power and velocity among sedentary (SED), recreationally active (RA), and masters athlete (MA) LMA adults.

Methods:

Participants were SED (n = 13, age = 59.3 ± 4.5 years), RA (n = 35, age = 59.6 ± 5.0 years), and MA (n = 26, age = 56.7 ± 5.4 years). Five sit-to-stand trials were completed to assess lower-body functional power. Average/peak power and velocity were calculated for each trial. Power was expressed relatively to account for participant body weight.

Results:

MA (13.44 ± 2.76 W/kg) had significantly (p < .01) greater peak power compared with SED (9.99 ± 2.70 W/ kg) and RA (9.93 ± 2.30 W/kg). Similar significant (p < .01) differences existed for peak velocity (SED = 1.02 ± 0.22 m/s, RA = 1.04 ± 0.22 m/s, MA = 1.25 ± 0.19 m/s). No differences existed for average power or velocity between groups.

Conclusions:

Maintaining a competitively active lifestyle results in greater lower-body functional power in LMA adults and may support longitudinal functionality.
Effectiveness of a Community-Based Exercise Program on Balance Performance and Fear of Falling in Older Nonfallers at Risk for Falling: A Randomized, Controlled Study
Authors: Zhao Yanan , Chung Pak-Kwong , Tong Tomas K.
Published: January 2016

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the community-based Exercise for Balance Improvement Program (ExBP) in improving dynamic balance (DB) and static balance with compromised sensations and reducing fear of falling (FF) among older nonfallers. Sixty-one participants (70 ± 3 years) at risk for falling were randomly allocated to receive ExBP practice for 16 weeks, Tai Chi (TC), or no treatment (CON) with an 8-week follow-up. The ExBP group exhibited significant improvements in DB (2.18, 95% CI = 1.16–3.19), static balance with compromised vision and somatosensation (ECSS; 0.46, 95% CI = 0.06–0.85), and FF (8.65, 95% CI = 0.52–16.8). After the intervention, the ExBP group showed significantly more improvement than did the CON group in DB, static balance with compromised somatosensation, and ECSS. No significant difference was observed between the ExBP and TC groups. Therefore, the ExBP can be applied as an effective alternative exercise regimen for improving balance and fall efficacy for older nonfallers.
Assessment and Training of Visuomotor Reaction Time for Football Injury Prevention
Authors: Wilkerson Gary B. , Simpson Kevin A. , Clark Ryan A.
Published: January 2016

Context:

Neurocognitive reaction time has been associated with musculoskeletal injury risk, but visuomotor reaction time (VMRT) derived from tests that present greater challenges to visual stimulus detection and motor response execution may have a stronger association.

Objective:

To assess VMRT as a predictor of injury and the extent to which improvement may result from VMRT training.

Design:

Cohort study.

Setting:

University athletic performance center.

Participants:

76 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division-I FCS football players (19.5 ± 1.4 y, 1.85 ± 0.06 m, 102.98 ± 19.06 kg).

Interventions:

Preparticipation and postseason assessments. A subset of players who exhibited slowest VMRT in relation to the cohort’s postseason median value participated in a 6-wk training program.

Main Outcome Measures:

Injury occurrence was related to preparticipation VMRT, which was represented by both number of target hits in 60 s and average elapsed time between hits (ms). Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified the optimum cut point for a binary injury risk classification. A nonparametric repeated-measures analysis of ranks procedure was used to compare posttraining VMRT values for slow players who completed at least half of the training sessions (n = 15) with those for untrained fast players (n = 27).

Results:

A preparticipation cut point of ≤85 hits (≥705 ms) discriminated injured from noninjured players with odds ratio = 2.30 (90% confidence interval, 1.05–5.06). Slow players who completed the training exhibited significant improvement in visuomotor performance compared with baseline (standardized response mean = 2.53), whereas untrained players exhibited a small performance decrement (group × trial interaction effect, L2 = 28.74; P < .001).

Conclusions:

Slow VMRT appears to be an important and modifiable injury risk factor for college football players. More research is needed to refine visuomotor reaction-time screening and training methods and to determine the extent to which improved performance values can reduce injury incidence.
Modulation of Stretch-Shortening-Cycle Behavior With Eccentric Loading of Triceps Surae: A Possible Therapeutic Mechanism
Authors: Debenham James R. , Gibson William I. , Travers Mervyn J. , Campbell Amity C. , Allison Garry T.
Published: January 2016

Context:

Eccentric exercises are increasingly being used to treat lower-limb musculoskeletal conditions such as Achilles tendinopathy. Despite widespread clinical application and documented efficacy, mechanisms underpinning clinical benefit remain unclear. Positive adaptations in motor performance are a potential mechanism.

Objective:

To investigate how an eccentric loading intervention influences measures of stretch-shortening-cycle (SSC) behavior during a hopping task.

Design:

Within-subjects repeated-measures observational study.

Setting:

University motion-analysis laboratory.

Participants:

Healthy adults.

Interventions:

A single intervention of 5 sets of 10 eccentric plantar-flexion contractions at 6 repetitions maximum using a commercial seated calf-raise machine.

Main Outcome Measures:

Lower-limb stiffness, sagittal-plane ankle kinematics, and temporal muscle activity of the agonist (soleus) and antagonist (tibialis anterior) muscles, measured during submaximal hopping on a custom-built sledge-jump system.

Results:

Eccentric loading altered ankle kinematics during submaximal hopping; peak angle shifted to a less dorsiflexed position by 2.9° and ankle angle precontact shifted by 4.4° (P < .001). Lower-limb stiffness increased from 5.9 to 6.8 N/m (P < .001), while surface EMG measures of soleus occurred 14–44% earlier (P < .001) after the loading intervention.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that eccentric loading alters SSC behavior in a manner reflective of improved motor performance. Decreased ankle excursion, increased lower-limb stiffness, and alterations in motor control may represent a positive adaptive response to eccentric loading. These findings support the theory that mechanisms underpinning eccentric loading for tendinopathy may in part be due to improved “buffering” of the tendon by the neuromuscular system.
Is the Combination of COL1A1 Gene Polymorphisms a Marker of Injury Risk?
Authors: Stepien-Slodkowska Marta , Ficek Krzysztof , Zietek Pawel , Kaczmarczyk Mariusz , Lubkowska Wioletta , Szark-Eckardt Miroslawa , Cieszczyk Pawel
Published: January 2016

Context:

The most commonly injured body part for skiing has been found to be the knee. The rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) was the most frequent diagnosis. ACL ruptures are determined by several extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors including those that are hormonal, neuromuscular, anatomical, or genetic.

Objectives:

To examine the association of both COL1A1 rs1800012 (+1245G/T) and COL1A1 rs1107946 (–1997G/T) polymorphisms, individually and as haplotypes, with ACL ruptures in recreational Polish skiers.

Design:

Genomic DNA was extracted from buccal cells donated by the subjects, and genotyping was carried out using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Settings:

University laboratory.

Participants:

138 male recreational skiers with surgically diagnosed primary ruptures and 183 apparently healthy male recreational skiers not differing markedly in age or level of exposure to ACL injury.

Main Outcome Measures:

COL1A1 rs1800012 and COL1A1 rs1107946 polymorphisms.

Results:

There were significant differences in genotype distribution of the COL1A1 rs1800012 polymorphism between the ACL rupture group and the control group. The GG homozygotes were underrepresented in the ACL rupture group compared with the control group. There were no significant differences in genotype distribution or allele frequency of COL1A1 rs1107946 polymorphisms between the ACL rupture group and the control group. The G-G (COL1A1 rs1800012G and COL1A1 rs1107946G) haplotype was the most common. There were no significant differences in haplotype distribution between the ACL-rupture and control groups.

Conclusion:

The study showed that GG homozygotes were underrepresented in the ACL-rupture group compared with the control group, which suggests an association with reduced risk of ACL injury.
The Evolving Dynamical Landscape of Movement Forms: A Degrees of Freedom Perspective
Authors: Newell Karl M. , Morrison Steven
Published: January 2016

This paper presents a framework for an evolving dynamical landscape of movement forms and their stability over the lifespan. It is proposed that the complexity and dimensionality of movement forms can expand and contract on a number of growth/decay time scales of change including those of adaptation, development, and learning. The expansion and contraction is reflected in: (1) the range of potential movement forms of the individual in developmental time; and (2) the dimensionality and complexity of any single movement form at a moment of observation given the confluence of individual, environmental, and task constraints. It is postulated that practice, exercise, and fatigue also coalesce to change the time scales of complexity and dimension of movement forms.
Social Factors and Healthy Aging: Findings from the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study (LHAS)
Authors: Cherry Katie E. , Brown Jennifer Silva , Kim Sangkyu , Jazwinski S. Michal
Published: January 2016

Social behaviors are associated with health outcomes in later life. The authors examined relationships among social and physical activities and health in a lifespan sample of adults (N = 771) drawn from the Louisiana Healthy Aging Study (LHAS). Four age groups were compared: younger (21–44 years), middle-aged (45–64 years), older (65–84 years), and oldest-old adults (85–101 years). Linear regression analyses indicated that physical activity, hours spent outside of the house, and social support were significantly associated with selfreported health, after controlling for sociodemographic factors. Number of clubs was significantly associated with objective health status, after controlling for sociodemographic factors. These data indicate that social and physical activities remain important determinants of self-perceived health into very late adulthood. Implications of these data for current views on successful aging are discussed.
The Future of Aging Research: Should the Focus Be On Not Growing Old or Growing Old Better?
Authors: Rose Debra J.
Published: January 2016

Despite the significant increase in years that an individual can now expect to live in the 21st century, there is growing evidence that the price for greater longevity may be worsening health due to the higher prevalence of nonfatal but disabling conditions. This sobering news suggests the need for expanded scientific inquiry directed at understanding the multilevel factors that promote or prevent physical activity (PA) participation and the adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors and the types of intervention strategies that will be most effective in positively changing behavior at different life stages. Fruitful areas of future scientific inquiry include exploring other types and intensities of PA aimed at increasing PA participation while reducing sedentary behavior, better understanding the role of the physical and social environment in promoting PA participation, and designing and evaluating multilevel PA interventions that are better tailored to the activity preferences, goals, and expectations of a diverse older adult population, and flexibly delivered in real-world settings. Finally, conducting research aimed at better differentiating normal age-associated changes from those that are disease-related will be fundamental to reversing the negative stereotypes that currently shape the public’s view of the aging process.
Mavoglurant in fragile X syndrome: Results of two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials
Authors: Berry-Kravis Elizabeth , Des Portes Vincent , Hagerman Randi , Jacquemont Sébastien , Charles Perrine , Visootsak Jeannie , Brinkman Marc , Rerat Karin , Koumaras Barbara , Zhu Liansheng , Barth Gottfried Maria , Jaecklin Thomas , Apostol George , von Raison Florian
Published: January 2016

In contrast to previous studies, targeting the mGluR pathway in fragile X syndrome patients did not improve behavior independent of
FMR1
methylation.
Cord blood monocyte–derived inflammatory cytokines suppress IL-2 and induce nonclassic “TH2-type” immunity associated with development of food allergy
Authors: Zhang Yuxia , Collier Fiona , Naselli Gaetano , Saffery Richard , Tang Mimi LK. , Allen Katrina J. , Ponsonby Anne-Louise , Harrison Leonard C. , Vuillermin Peter ,   on behalf of the BIS Investigator Group
Published: January 2016

Infants who develop food allergy display hyperresponsive innate immunity at birth that promotes nonclassical TH2 differentiation.
Effects of Treated versus Untreated Polystyrene on Caspofungin
In Vitro
Activity against Candida Species
Authors: Fothergill Annette W. , McCarthy Dora I. , Albataineh Mohammad T. , Sanders Carmita , McElmeel Maria , Wiederhold Nathan P.
Published: January 2016

Significant interlaboratory variability is observed in testing the caspofungin susceptibility of
Candida
species by both the CLSI and EUCAST broth microdilution methodologies. We evaluated the influence of treated versus untreated polystyrene microtiter trays on caspofungin MICs using 209 isolates of four
Candida
species, including 16
C. albicans
and 11
C. glabrata
isolates with defined
FKS
mutations. Caspofungin MICs were also determined using the commercially available YeastOne and Etest assays and 102 isolates. All
C. glabrata
isolates had caspofungin MICs of ≥0.5 μg/ml, the clinical breakpoint for caspofungin resistance in this species, measured using trays made of treated polystyrene, regardless of the
FKS
status. In contrast, susceptible isolates could readily be distinguished from resistant/non-wild-type isolates when caspofungin MICs were measured using untreated polystyrene trays and both the YeastOne and Etest assays. Similar results were also observed for
C. krusei
isolates, as all isolates had caspofungin MICs above the threshold for resistance measured using treated polystyrene trays. In contrast,
C. albicans
isolates could be correctly identified as susceptible or resistant when caspofungin MICs were measured with treated or untreated trays and with the YeastOne and Etest assays. MICs falsely elevated above the resistance breakpoint were also not observed for
C. tropicalis
isolates. These results demonstrated that the use of treated polystyrene may be one factor that leads to falsely elevated caspofungin
in vitro
susceptibility results and that this may also be a greater issue for some
Candida
species than for others.
Interferon Gamma Release Assays for Latent Tuberculosis: What Are the Sources of Variability?
Authors: Banaei Niaz , Gaur Rajiv L. , Pai Madhukar
Published: January 2016

Interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) are blood-based tests intended for diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). IGRAs offer logistical advantages and are supposed to offer improved specificity over the tuberculin skin test (TST). However, recent serial testing studies of low-risk individuals have revealed higher false conversion rates with IGRAs than with TST. Reproducibility studies have identified various sources of variability that contribute to nonreproducible results. Sources of variability can be broadly classified as preanalytical, analytical, postanalytical, manufacturing, and immunological. In this minireview, we summarize known sources of variability and their impact on IGRA results. We also provide recommendations on how to minimize sources of IGRA variability.
Evaluation of Xpert MTB/RIF for Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Pink F. , Brown T. J. , Kranzer K. , Drobniewski F.
Published: January 2016

Studies investigating Xpert MTB/RIF diagnostic performance on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples are lacking in resource-rich settings. Xpert MTB/RIF results for 740 CSF samples from 698 patients across England were retrospectively compared with the results of culture of the same and contemporary samples. The overall sensitivity was calculated at 55%.
Novel Assays for Measurement of Total Cell-Associated HIV-1 DNA and RNA
Authors: Hong Feiyu , Aga Evgenia , Cillo Anthony R. , Yates Aarika L. , Besson Guillaume , Fyne Elizabeth , Koontz Dianna L. , Jennings Cheryl , Zheng Lu , Mellors John W.
Published: January 2016

Although a number of PCR-based quantitative assays for measuring HIV-1 persistence during suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been reported, a simple, sensitive, reproducible method is needed for application to large clinical trials. We developed novel quantitative PCR assays for cell-associated (CA) HIV-1 DNA and RNA, targeting a highly conserved region in HIV-1
pol
, with sensitivities of 3 to 5 copies/1 million cells. We evaluated the performance characteristics of the assays using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 5 viremic patients and 20 patients receiving effective ART. Total and resting CD4
+
T cells were isolated from a subset of patients and tested for comparison with PBMCs. The estimated standard deviations including interassay variability and intra-assay variability of the assays were modest, i.e., 0.15 and 0.10 log
10
copies/10
6
PBMCs, respectively, for CA HIV-1 DNA and 0.40 and 0.19 log
10
copies/10
6
PBMCs for CA HIV-1 RNA. Testing of longitudinally obtained PBMC samples showed little variation for either viremic patients (median fold differences of 0.80 and 0.88 for CA HIV-1 DNA and RNA, respectively) or virologically suppressed patients (median fold differences of 1.14 and 0.97, respectively). CA HIV-1 DNA and RNA levels were strongly correlated (
r
= 0.77 to 1;
P
= 0.0001 to 0.037) for assays performed using PBMCs from different sources (phlebotomy versus leukapheresis) or using total or resting CD4
+
T cells purified by either bead selection or flow cytometric sorting. Their sensitivity, reproducibility, and broad applicability to small numbers of mononuclear cells make these assays useful for observational and interventional studies that examine longitudinal changes in the numbers of HIV-1-infected cells and their levels of transcription.
Phenotypic, Genotypic, and Antimicrobial Characteristics of Streptococcus halichoeri Isolates from Humans, Proposal To Rename Streptococcus halichoeri as Streptococcus halichoeri subsp. halichoeri, and Description of Streptococcus halichoeri subsp. hominis subsp. nov., a Bacterium Associated with Human Clinical Infections
Authors: Shewmaker P. L. , Whitney A. M. , Humrighouse B. W.
Published: January 2016

Phenotypic, genotypic, and antimicrobial characteristics of six phenotypically distinct human clinical isolates that most closely resembled the type strain of
Streptococcus halichoeri
isolated from a seal are presented. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA,
rpoB
,
sodA
, and
recN
genes; comparative whole-genome analysis; conventional biochemical and Rapid ID 32 Strep identification methods; and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed on the human isolates, the type strain of
S
.
halichoeri
, and type strains of closely related species. The six human clinical isolates were biochemically indistinguishable from each other and showed 100% 16S rRNA,
rpoB
,
sodA
, and
recN
gene sequence similarity. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis revealed 98.6% similarity to
S. halichoeri
CCUG 48324
T
, 97.9% similarity to
S. canis
ATCC 43496
T
, and 97.8% similarity to
S. ictaluri
ATCC BAA-1300
T
. A 3,530-bp fragment of the
rpoB
gene was 98.8% similar to the
S. halichoeri
type strain, 84.6% to the
S. canis
type strain, and 83.8% to the
S
.
ictaluri
type strain. The
S. halichoeri
type strain and the human clinical isolates were susceptible to the antimicrobials tested based on CLSI guidelines for
Streptococcus
species viridans group with the exception of tetracycline and erythromycin. The human isolates were phenotypically distinct from the type strain isolated from a seal; comparative whole-genome sequence analysis confirmed that the human isolates were
S. halichoeri
. On the basis of these results, a novel subspecies,
Streptococcus
halichoeri
subsp.
hominis
, is proposed for the human isolates and
Streptococcus halichoeri
subsp.
halichoeri
is proposed for the gray seal isolates. The type strain of the novel subspecies is SS1844
T
= CCUG 67100
T
= LMG 28801
T
.