bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Farmers Know: Experiential Knowledge and Care in Vine Growing
Authors: Krzywoszynska Anna
Published: March 2015

This article contributes to the critical debate on the choreographies of care in farming (Law) through an exploration of the inter‐dependence of care and situated expertise in the context of vine work. It argues that care as the totality of those activities which enable the maintenance, continuation, and repair of the farming ‘world’, to paraphrase Fisher and Tronto's classic definition, depends on experiential knowledge. According toDreyfus andDreyfus attentiveness, responsiveness, and adaptation to the material environment are characteristic of high levels of expertise. Attentiveness, responsiveness, and adaptation are also what characterises good care (Tronto;Mol). Through an autoethnographic account of acquiring competence in vine work, the article illustrates how through practical engagement with the material and social environment of the farm key elements of the logic of care (Mol) are acquired. In conclusion, the article indicates some consequences of putting experiential knowledge at the heart of multi‐scalar and multi‐temporal cares farmers are increasingly asked to attend to.
Brain discriminative cognition on the perception of touching different fabric using fingers actively
Authors: Wang Q. , Yu W. , Chen K. , Zhang Z.
Published: March 2015

Background/purpose

Using touching movement of fingers, human subjects can discriminate various tactile perception of fabric. As a continuation of the previous study, we aim to further investigate the discriminative mechanisms of the brain cognition to tactile stimulation of different fabric.

Methods

We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to observe the brain responses when the subjects touched linen fabric, as well as revisited the data from the previous silk fabric. And all the subjects were asked to compare the perception of touching the two fabric.

Results

Combining the results of brain responses and perception comparison, we found that activation in the primary somatosensory cortex (SI) and the secondary somatosensory cortex (SII), especially parietal operculum 1 (OP1) in this region, could discriminate this two kinds of fabric distinctly.

Conclusion

It is suggested that the functional regions involved in the macrogeometric properties of fabric (such as pliability) is in SI, and the perception of microgeometry of fabric surface (such as roughness and glutinousness) in SII, especially in the sub‐region OP1 of the OP. Besides, activation in motor cortex can be a reference for the characterization of the brain cognition on the tactile stimulation of fabric.
Income Inequality, Equal Opportunity, and Attitudes About Redistribution*
Authors: Steele Liza G.
Published: March 2015

Objective

This article explores how income inequality and social mobility affect attitudes about redistribution in global perspective.

Methods

Individual‐level data on over 50,000 individuals from 38 countries in the International Social Survey Programme are combined with country‐level data from the World Bank, Standardized Income Inequality Database, and the Economic Freedom of the World data. OLS regression models with robust, clustered standard errors are estimated to account for the presence of unobserved, country‐level effects in the error terms.

Results

Social mobility is found to be a more important predictor of preferences for redistribution than income inequality. Specifically, those who live in countries with greater social mobility are more supportive of redistribution while individuals who have experienced upward mobility themselves are less supportive, although an upwardly mobile individual in a more mobile society is more supportive of redistribution than an upwardly mobile individual in a less mobile society.

Conclusions

The central finding of this study is that the tangibility of redistributive social policies may bolster support for social spending. The structures and institutions that facilitate upward mobility—and potentially attenuate some of the detrimental effects of income inequality—are generally the products of more comprehensive redistribution policies, and public opinion may reflect this.
Nearly exact sample size calculation for powerful non‐randomized tests for differences between binomial proportions
Authors: Wellek Stefan
Published: March 2015

In the case of two independent samples, it turns out that among the procedures taken in consideration, BOSCHLOO'S technique of raising the nominal level in the standard conditional test as far as admissible performs best in terms of power against almost all alternatives. The computational burden entailed in exact sample size calculation is comparatively modest for both the uniformly most powerful unbiased randomized and the conservative non‐randomized version of the exact Fisher‐type test. Computing these values yields a pair of bounds enclosing the exact sample size required for the Boschloo test, and it seems reasonable to replace the exact value with the middle of the corresponding interval. Comparisons between these mid‐N estimates and the fully exact sample sizes lead to the conclusion that the extra computational effort required for obtaining the latter is mostly dispensable. This holds also true in the case of paired binary data (McNemar setting). In the latter, the level‐corrected score test turns out to be almost as powerful as the randomized uniformly most powerful unbiased test and should be preferred to the McNemar–Boschloo test. The mid‐N rule provides a fairly tight upper bound to the exact sample size for the score test for paired proportions.
Threshold Identification for Micro‐Tomographic Damage Characterisation in a Short‐Fibre‐Reinforced Polymer
Authors: Cosmi F. , Ravalico C.
Published: March 2015

The micro‐tomographic technique represents an important tool for the analysis of the internal structure in short‐fibre‐reinforced polymers samples. For the investigation of damage mechanisms, detection of the micro‐voids within the matrix can be facilitated by applying a tensile load in‐situ during the scan. The investigations here described started from two micro‐CT acquisitions, at different strain levels, of the same PA6.6GF10 sample. An original procedure for micro‐voids identification is proposed, based on the statistical elaboration of the matrix grey‐tone range. In order to validate the suggested procedure beyond visual inspection, an independent method based on an optimisation approach, which puts to use the two available micro‐tomographic sets, was developed and applied. The effect of the tensile load, which can induce a progression of the damage within the specimen, was investigated, and the relations among strain, fibre distribution and micro‐voids volumetric fraction were studied. Our findings point out that the mechanisms of damage progression, even under static loading as in this case, appear to be more complex than those related to the fibre‐density‐induced stress concentrations alone and require further investigation.
A Low‐Cost Digital Image Correlation Technique for Characterising the Shear Deformation of Fabrics for Draping Studies
Authors: Pierce R. S. , Falzon B. G. , Thompson M. C. , Boman R.
Published: March 2015

A novel digital image correlation (DIC) technique has been developed to track changes in textile yarn orientations during shear characterisation experiments, requiring only low‐cost digital imaging equipment. Fabric shear angles and effective yarn strains are calculated and visualised using this new DIC technique for bias extension testing of an aerospace grade, carbon‐fibre reinforcement material with a plain weave architecture. The DIC results are validated by direct measurement, and the use of a wide bias extension sample is evaluated against a more commonly used narrow sample. Wide samples exhibit a shear angle range 25% greater than narrow samples and peak loads which are 10 times higher. This is primarily due to excessive yarn slippage in the narrow samples; hence, the wide sample configuration is recommended for characterisation of shear properties which are required for accurate modelling of textile draping.
Effect of DIC Spatial Resolution, Noise and Interpolation Error on Identification Results with the VFM
Authors: Rossi M. , Lava P. , Pierron F. , Debruyne D. , Sasso M.
Published: March 2015

The use of experimental tests that involve full‐field measurements to characterize mechanical material properties is becoming more widespread within the engineering community. In particular digital image correlation (DIC) on white light speckles is one of the most used tools, thanks to the relatively low cost of the equipment and the availability of dedicated software. Nonetheless the impact of measurement errors on the identified parameters is still not completely understood. To this purpose, in this paper, a simulator able to numerically simulate an experimental test, which involves DIC is presented. The chosen test is the Unnotched Iosipescu test used to identify the orthotropic elastic parameters of composites. Synthetic images are generated and then analysed by DIC. Eventually the obtained strain maps are used to identify the elastic parameters with the Virtual Fields Method (VFM). The numerical errors propagating through the simulation procedure are carefully characterized. Besides, the simulator is used to compare the performances of DIC and the grid method in the identification process with the VFM. Finally, the influence of DIC settings on the identification error is studied as a function of the camera digital noise level, in order to find the best testing configuration.
A novel missense mutation nt737T>G of JK gene with Jk(a−b−) phenotype in Chinese blood donors
Authors: Ma L. , Liu Y. C. , Zhu S. W. , Hu W. J. , Chen X. , Xue M. , Zhen L. , Wu M. H. , Liu Y. , Sun J.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of the JK‐null phenotype in the Chinese population.

Background

The Jk(a−b−) phenotype is vanishingly rare and the molecular basis differs between ethnic groups. The information regarding the molecular basis of JK‐null alleles in the Chinese population is limited.

Materials and methods

Three unrelated Jk(a−b−) phenotype donors were selected from 52 260 randomly blood samples through the urea lysis test and serological analysis. The JK gene‐coding regions were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and the products were sequenced directly.

Results

Sequencing results revealed that one sample of JK*B alleles carried the well‐known Polynesian Jk(a−b−) mutation IVS5‐1g>a. Another null allele, also on the JK*B background, presented with two heterozygous missense mutation, including nt222C>A(Asn74Lys) in exon 5 and nt896G>A(Gly299Glu) in exon 9. The third null allele carried two heterozygous missense mutations, nt222C>A and a novel allele nt737T>G(Leu246Arg) in exon 8. The family investigation revealed that the proband was JK*A(737T>G)/JK*B(222C>A).

Conclusion

The Jk(a−b−) phenotype in the Chinese population shows several different molecular mechanisms. A novel missense mutation nt737T>G of JK gene was found as associated with Jk(a−b−) phenotype.
Preparation of red blood cell concentrates and plasma units from whole blood held overnight using a hollow‐fibre separation system
Authors: Johnson L. , Kwok M. , Marks D. C.
Published: March 2015

Background

The ErySep system represents an alternative to centrifuge‐based whole blood (WB) separation, using gravity and filtration through hollow‐fibres (0·2 µm pore size) to produce red blood cell (RBC) and plasma components. The aim of this study was to characterise the quality of ErySep RBC and plasma units compared with standard products from WB held overnight.

Methods/Materials

Two ABO‐compatible WB units (n = 24) were pooled and split to produce matched products. One of the WB units was separated into components using the ErySep system (ErySep; n = 12), whereas the other units were separated by centrifugation (control; n = 12). RBC units were stored at 2–6 °C and assessed for in vitro quality over 42 days of storage. Plasma was frozen at −30 °C and tested upon thawing.

Results

Processing WB with the ErySep system took longer than controls. The ErySep RBC units were of an appropriate volume (307 ± 17 mL) and contained sufficient Hb (50 ± 2 g unit−1). ErySep RBC components contained more microparticles relative to controls at expiry. The plasma volume, total protein, coagulation factor activity (fibrinogen, FV, FVIII) and number of microparticles was lower in the ErySep units compared with controls.

Conclusion

Following overnight hold of WB, the ErySep system was capable of producing RBC components that met specifications. However, the ErySep plasma components did not meet quality specifications.
Novelty and Inductive Generalization in Human Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Gershman Samuel J. , Niv Yael
Published: March 2015

In reinforcement learning (RL), a decision maker searching for the most rewarding option is often faced with the question: What is the value of an option that has never been tried before? One way to frame this question is as an inductive problem: How can I generalize my previous experience with one set of options to a novel option? We show how hierarchical Bayesian inference can be used to solve this problem, and we describe an equivalence between the Bayesian model and temporal difference learning algorithms that have been proposed as models of RL in humans and animals. According to our view, the search for the best option is guided by abstract knowledge about the relationships between different options in an environment, resulting in greater search efficiency compared to traditional RL algorithms previously applied to human cognition. In two behavioral experiments, we test several predictions of our model, providing evidence that humans learn and exploit structured inductive knowledge to make predictions about novel options. In light of this model, we suggest a new interpretation of dopaminergic responses to novelty.
Highly specific gene silencing in a monocot species by artificial microRNAs derived from chimeric miRNA precursors
Authors: Carbonell Alberto , Fahlgren Noah , Mitchell Skyler , Cox Kevin L. , Reilly Kevin C. , Mockler Todd C. , Carrington James C.
Published: March 2015

Artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs) are used for selective gene silencing in plants. However, current methods to produce amiRNA constructs for silencing transcripts in monocot species are not suitable for simple, cost‐effective and large‐scale synthesis. Here, a series of expression vectors based on Oryza sativa MIR390 (OsMIR390) precursor was developed for high‐throughput cloning and high expression of amiRNAs in monocots. Four different amiRNA sequences designed to target specifically endogenous genes and expressed from OsMIR390‐based vectors were validated in transgenic Brachypodium distachyon plants. Surprisingly, amiRNAs accumulated to higher levels and were processed more accurately when expressed from chimeric OsMIR390‐based precursors that include distal stem–loop sequences from Arabidopsis thaliana MIR390a (AtMIR390a). In all cases, transgenic plants displayed the predicted phenotypes induced by target gene repression, and accumulated high levels of amiRNAs and low levels of the corresponding target transcripts. Genome‐wide transcriptome profiling combined with 5′‐RLM‐RACE analysis in transgenic plants confirmed that amiRNAs were highly specific.
Financial implications of RHD genotyping of pregnant women with a serologic weak D phenotype
Authors: Kacker Seema , Vassallo Ralph , Keller Margaret A. , Westhoff Connie M. , Frick Kevin D. , Sandler S. Gerald , Tobian Aaron A.R.
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, classically caused by maternal–fetal incompatibility of the Rh blood group D antigen, can be prevented by RhIG prophylaxis. While prophylactic practices for pregnant women with serologic weak D phenotypes vary widely, RHD genotyping could provide clear guidance for management. This analysis evaluated the financial implications of using RHD genotyping to guide RhIG prophylaxis among pregnant females.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A Markov‐based model was constructed to evaluate the costs of RHD genotyping for pregnant females with serologic weak D phenotypes to inform RhIG prophylaxis. Using a comparison strategy of managing these women conservatively as D–, direct medical costs were assessed over 10‐ and 20‐year periods for a simulated population of US women. One‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were used to assess the robustness of conclusions.

RESULTS

Using base‐case variables, RHD genotyping for pregnant women with serologic weak D phenotypes is expected to marginally reduce overall costs. RHD genotyping these patients, rather than conservatively managing them as D–, would be cost‐saving when the cost of genotyping is below $256. Genotyping would decrease net costs among non‐Hispanic Caucasian females (–$0.17/pregnancy), but would increase costs among non‐Hispanic African Americans (+$0.51/pregnancy), non‐Hispanic American Indian/Alaskans (+$0.10/pregnancy), and Hispanics (+$0.37/pregnancy). Incorporating RHD genotyping would not significantly impact costs among Asians and Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders.

CONCLUSIONS

Using RHD genotyping to guide RhIG prophylaxis among pregnant women with serologic weak D phenotypes may be clinically beneficial without increasing overall costs.
Extensive functional analyses of RHD splice site variants: Insights into the potential role of splicing in the physiology of Rh
Authors: Fichou Yann , Gehannin Pierre , Corre Manon , Le Guern Alice , Le Maréchal Cédric , Le Gac Gérald , Férec Claude
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Among more than 300 mutated alleles identified so far within the RHD gene, almost 40 are assumed to alter cellular splicing and therefore may have a direct effect on Rh phenotype both at the quantitative and at the qualitative levels. Functional data are, however, mostly unavailable to assess the direct involvement of splicing defect in the underlying physiology.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We generated plasmid constructs to carry out an exhaustive investigation of 38 RHD variants located within or in the vicinity of exon–intron junctions by a minigene splicing assay, further characterized the transcript structures by sequencing, and identified cryptic sites activated by the genetic defect. Bioinformatics predictions were carried out in parallel and compared with the functional data.

RESULTS

For the first time we demonstrate that a product including the full‐length Exon 9 is transcribed in the presence of the c.1227G>A substitution frequently carried by Asians with DEL phenotype and confirmed that splicing is altered in the RHD*weak D Type 2 allele, a rare variant most commonly found in Caucasians.

CONCLUSION

Overall we 1) show significant correlation between functional analyses, bioinformatics predictions, and phenotypes, when available, especially for variants in close proximity of the consensus splice sites; 2) classify the variations as splicing or nonsplicing variants; and 3) provide functional data to further improve bioinformatics splicing tools. Conversely assessment of seven silent exonic variants was mainly inconclusive.
Remittances and the Changing Composition of Migration
Authors: Le Goff Maëlan , Salomone Sara
Published: March 2015

Remittances are seen as a sustainable source of funding for developing countries. During recent decades, the level of remittances has increased dramatically, and the recent financial crisis has scarcely affected the trend. In the same period, the structure of international migration flows has changed. These flows are now characterised by a growing feminisation and by increasing skill levels. In this paper, we establish a link between these two facts and assess the effect of the change in the structure of migration on the level of remittances. We use a recent data set on bilateral remittances and estimate a gravity model in which the gender and education background of migration flows are accounted for. We find that remittances are positively associated with the share of female and college‐educated migrants. In particular, we argue that the rising share of college‐educated women has had a significant impact on the increase in remittances.
Review: Lymphocytes, cytokines, chemokines and the T‐helper 1–T‐helper 2 balance in canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Pucheu‐Haston Cherie M. , Bizikova Petra , Marsella Rosanna , Santoro Domenico , Nuttall Tim , Eisenschenk Melissa N. C.
Published: March 2015

Background

The development of atopic dermatitis (AD) and other cutaneous hypersensitivities involves the activation and differentiation of allergen‐specific lymphocytes. Although hypersensitivity is often considered to be a ‘T‐helper 2‐polarized’ lymphocyte response, recent evidence suggests that clinical disease is associated with the development of multiple lymphocyte phenotypes.

Objectives

The purpose of this paper is to review recent advances in the understanding of the roles of lymphocytes, cytokines and noncytokine factors in the pathogenesis of canine AD.

Methods

Citation databases, abstracts and proceedings from international meetings published between 2001 and 2013 were reviewed in this update. Where necessary, older articles were included for background information.

Results

The development of canine AD is associated with changes in both cutaneous and circulating lymphocyte populations. These lymphocyte responses are characterized by the production of a complex variety of cytokines, including not only T‐helper 2 but also T‐helper 1, T‐helper 17 and regulatory T‐cell responses. In addition, microarray gene expression analysis has enabled the identification of a number of noncytokine factors that appear to be associated with atopic inflammation. These include the calcium‐binding protein S100A8, serum amyloid A and a number of protease inhibitors, as well as genes involved in epidermal barrier formation, innate immunity receptors, cell cycle proteins and apoptosis.

Conclusions

The development of AD in dogs is characterized by the development of a delicate balance between a variety of T‐cell phenotypes and inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines and noncytokine factors.
Bartonellae are Prevalent and Diverse in Costa Rican Bats and Bat Flies
Authors: Judson S. D. , Frank H. K. , Hadly E. A.
Published: March 2015

Species in the bacterial genus,Bartonella, can cause disease in both humans and animals. Previous reports ofBartonellain bats and ectoparasitic bat flies suggest that bats could serve as mammalian hosts and bat flies as arthropod vectors. We compared the prevalence and genetic similarity of bartonellae in individual Costa Rican bats and their bat flies using molecular and sequencing methods targeting the citrate synthase gene (gltA). Bartonellae were more prevalent in bat flies than in bats, and genetic variants were sometimes, but not always, shared between bats and their bat flies. The detected bartonellae genetic variants were diverse, and some were similar to species known to cause disease in humans and other mammals. The high prevalence and sharing of bartonellae in bat flies and bats support a role for bat flies as a potential vector forBartonella, while the genetic diversity and similarity to known species suggest that bartonellae could spill over into humans and animals sharing the landscape.
Impact of LPL gene rs283 polymorphism on exercise‐induced changes in metabolism of obese adolescents and the regulatory mechanisms behind it
Authors: Gao Rui‐Rui , Wang Min , Hu Yang , Xu Chun‐Yan , Li Yan‐Chun , Zhang Ze‐Ya , Chen Si‐Yun , Mao Xiao‐Yun
Published: March 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

We investigated whether the LPL gene rs283 polymorphism affects exercise‐induced changes in body composition and lipid and glucose metabolism in obese adolescents and whether it is functional.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Chinese obese adolescents of Han nationality with the GG genotype of the rs283 polymorphism were more sensitive to exercise‐induced reduction of the body fat percentage, insulin resistance and plasma triglyceride levels. The G allele can significantly increase reporter gene expression level, which may be the molecular reason for the difference in exercise‐induced parameter changes among obese adolescents.

The aim of this investigation was to explore the association between the rs283 polymorphism located in the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene and exercise‐induced changes in body composition and lipid and glucose metabolism in obese adolescents and to probe into the molecular regulatory mechanisms. Fifty‐five obese adolescents of Han nationality underwent aerobic training for 4 weeks. Body composition and lipid and glucose metabolic parameters were tested before and after the training. The rs283 polymorphism was genotyped by PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism, and association analysis with the weight‐reducing effect was performed. The regulatory mechanisms of the rs283 polymorphism were explored through the dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Exercise‐induced change rates were as follows: the change in body fat percentage of GG genotype groups was 3.37 ± 1.60, significantly higher than that of GA genotype groups (2.09 ± 1.53, P < 0.01); the change in the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance was 0.52 ± 0.13, obviously higher than that of GA genotype groups (0.44 ± 0.10, P < 0.05); and the change in triglyceride was 51.91 ± 6.56, much higher than that of GA genotype groups (47.06 ± 5.36, P < 0.01). The relative luciferase activity of the reporter gene in recombinant vector carrying the G allele was 2.67 ± 0.22, markedly higher than that in recombinant vector carrying the A allele (1.63 ± 0.03, P < 0.01). Chinese obese adolescents of Han nationality with GG genotype of the rs283 polymorphism were more sensitive to exercise‐induced parameter changes. The G allele can improve reporter gene expression level, indicating the effects of rs283 on gene expression.
Correction Factors for Photocell Sprint Timing With Flying Start
Authors: Haugen Thomas , Tønnessen Espen , Seiler Stephen
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

A review of published studies monitoring sprint performance reveals considerable variation in start distance behind the initial timing gate. The aim of the current study was to generate correction factors across varying flying-start distances used in sprint testing with photocells.

Methods:

Forty-four well-trained junior soccer players (age 18.2 ± 1.0 y, height 175 ± 8 cm, body mass 68.4 ± 8.9 kg) performed sprint testing on an indoor sprint track. They were allocated to 3 groups based on sprintperformance level. Times for 10- and 200-m sprint with foot placement ranging from 0.5 to 15 m back from the initial timing gate were recorded twice for each athlete.

Results:

Correction-factor equation coefficients were generated for each of the 3 analyzed groups derived from the phase-decay equation y = (y0 − PL) × exp(−k × x) + PL, where y = time difference (0.5-m flying start as reference), x = flying-start distance, y0 is the y value when time is zero, PL (plateau) is the y value at infinite times, and k is the rate constant, expressed in reciprocal of the x-axis time units; if x is in seconds, then k is expressed in inverse seconds. R2 was ≥.998 across all athlete groups and sprint distances, demonstrating excellent goodness of fit. Within-group time differences were significant (P < .05) across all flying-start distance checkpoints for all groups. Between-groups time-saving differences up to 0.04 s were observed between the fastest and the slowest groups (P < .05).

Conclusions:

Small changes in flying-start distances can cause time differences larger than the typical gains made from specific training, or even the difference between the fastest and slowest elite team-sport athletes. The presented correction factors should facilitate more meaningful comparisons of published sprint-performance results.
Different Muscle-Recruitment Strategies Among Elite Breaststrokers
Authors: Guignard Brice , Olstad Bjørn H. , Escobar David Simbaña , Lauer Jessy , Kjendlie Per-Ludvik , Rouard Annie H.
Published: March 2015

Purpose:

To investigate electromyographical (EMG) profiles characterizing the lower-limb flexion-extension in an aquatic environment in high-level breaststrokers.

Methods:

The 2-dimensional breaststroke kick of 1 international- and 2 national-level female swimmers was analyzed during 2 maximal 25-m swims. The activities of biceps femoris, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior were recorded.

Results:

The breaststroke kick was divided in 3 phases, according to the movements performed in the sagittal plane: push phase (PP) covering 27% of the total kick duration, glide phase (GP) 41%, and recovery phase (RP) 32%. Intrasubject reproducibility of the EMG and kinematics was observed from 1 stroke cycle to another. In addition, important intersubject kinematic reproducibility was noted, whereas muscle activities discriminated the subjects: The explosive Pp was characterized by important muscle-activation peaks. During the recovery, muscles were likewise solicited for swimmers 1 (S1) and 2 (S2), while the lowest activities were observed during GP for S2 and swimmer 3 (S3), but not for S1, who maintained major muscle solicitations.

Conclusions:

The main muscle activities were observed during PP to perform powerful lower-limb extension. The most-skilled swimmer (S1) was the only 1 to solicit her muscles during GP to actively reach better streamlining. Important activation peaks during RP correspond to the limbs acting against water drag. Such differences in EMG strategies among an elite group highlight the importance of considering the muscle parameters used to effectively control the intensity of activation among the phases for a more efficient breaststroke kick.
A Real-Time Case Study in Driver Science: Physiological Strain and Related Variables
Authors: Potkanowicz Edward S.
Published: March 2015

This case study was conducted as an attempt to quantify racecar-driver core body temperature and heart rate (HR) in real time on a minute-by-minute basis and to expand the volume of work in the area of driver science. Three drivers were observed during a 15-lap, 25-min maximal event. Each driver competed in the closed-wheel, closed-cockpit sports-car category. Data on core body temperature and HR were collected continuously using the HQ Inc. ingestible core probe system and HR monitoring. Driver 1 pre- and postrace core temperatures were 37.80°C and 38.79°C, respectively. Driver 2 pre- and postrace core temperatures were 37.41°C and 37.99°C. Driver 1 pre- and postrace HRs were 102 and 161 beats/min. Driver 2 pre- and postrace HRs were 94.3 and 142 beats/min. Driver 1’s physiological strain index (PSI) at the start was 3.51. Driver 2’s PSI at the start was 3.10. Driver 1 finished with a PSI of 7.04 and driver 2 with a PSI of 3.67. Results show that drivers are continuously challenged minute by minute. In addition, before getting into their cars, the drivers already experience physiological and thermal challenges. The data suggest that drivers are getting hot quickly. In longer events, this represents the potential for severe heat injury. Investigating whether the HRs observed are indicative of work or evidence of a thermoregulatory-associated challenge is a direction for future work. The findings support the value of real-time data collection and offer strong evidence for the expansion of research on driver-athletes.
The Effect of Target Position on the Accuracy of Cervical-Spine-Rotation Active Joint-Position Sense
Authors: Nagai Takashi , Clark Nicholas C. , Abt John P. , Sell Timothy C. , Heebner Nicholas R. , Smalley Brian W. , Wirt Michael D. , Lephart Scott M.
Published: March 2015

Context:

The cervical spine can be divided into upper and lower units, each making a different contribution to the magnitude of rotation and proprioception. However, few studies have examined the effect of the cervical-rotation positions on proprioception.

Objective:

To compare cervical-spine rotation active joint-position sense (AJPS) near midrange of motion (mid-ROM; 30°) and near end-ROM (60°).

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Human performance research laboratory.

Participants:

53 military helicopter pilots (age 28.4 ± 6.2 y, height 175.3 ± 9.3 cm, weight 80.1 ± 11.8 kg).

Main Outcome Measures:

A motion-analysis system was used to record cervical-rotation kinematics. Subjects sat in a chair wearing a headband and blindfold. First, they actively rotated the head right or left to a target position (30°/60°), with real-time verbal cues provided by the tester. Subjects held the target position for 5 s and then returned to the start position. After this, they replicated the target position as closely as possible. Five trials were performed in both directions to both target positions (R30/R60/L30/L60). Order of direction/position was randomized. The difference between target and replicated positions was calculated and defined as absolute error (AE), and the mean of 5 trials was used for analyses. Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests were used to compare AJPS at the different target positions (P < .0125 with Bonferroni adjustments).

Results:

End-ROM AEs were significantly more accurate than mid-ROM AEs (P = .001).

Conclusion:

Cervical-spine-rotation AJPS is more accurate near end-ROM than mid-ROM. Both target positions should be used to examine cervical-spine-rotation AJPS of both the upper and lower units.
DDR2 (discoidin domain receptor 2) suppresses osteoclastogenesis and is a potential therapeutic target in osteoporosis
Authors: Zhang Yan , Su Jin , Wu Shufang , Teng Yue , Yin Zhanhai , Guo Yan , Li Jing , Li Kun , Yao Libo , Li Xu
Published: March 2015

One receptor, DDR2, both promotes the differentiation of bone-depositing cells and prevents the differentiation of bone-resorbing cells.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 24 March 2015
Authors: Borggrefe Tilman , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: March 2015

CARM1-mediated methylation promotes degradation of the Notch intracellular domain to enable transient Notch signaling during development.
Heart regeneration: Small cues from development
Authors: Frisk Megan L.
Published: March 2015

A microRNA-based therapeutic approach could be used to promote cardiac regeneration through the transient activation of cardiomyocyte proliferation.
Melanoma’s triple threat
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: March 2015

MEK inhibition enhanced the antitumor activity of combined BRAF inhibition and immunotherapy.
Targeting metabolism to tackle seizures
Authors: Stern Peter
Published: March 2015

A new drug that acts on lactate dehydrogenase causes neuronal hyperpolarization and decreases spiking activity in a mouse model of epilepsy.
TSC1 strikes out on its own
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: March 2015

TSC1 functions independently of TSC2 and mTORC1 to promote TGF-β signaling.
Calcium signals for more lysosomes
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: March 2015

Starvation triggers calcium signaling in lysosomes that leads to the activation of TFEB, a master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis.
N-Acetylcysteine Selectively Antagonizes the Activity of Imipenem in Pseudomonas aeruginosa by an OprD-Mediated Mechanism
Authors: Rodríguez-Beltrán Jerónimo , Cabot Gabriel , Valencia Estela Ynés , Costas Coloma , Bou German , Oliver Antonio , Blázquez Jesús
Published: March 2015

The modulating effect ofN-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the activity of different antibiotics has been studied inPseudomonas aeruginosa. Our results demonstrate that, in contrast to previous reports, only the activity of imipenem is clearly affected by NAC. MIC and checkerboard determinations indicate that the NAC-based modulation of imipenem activity is dependent mainly on OprD. SDS-PAGE of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) after NAC treatments demonstrates that NAC does not modify the expression of OprD, suggesting that NAC competitively inhibits the uptake of imipenem through OprD. Similar effects on imipenem activity were obtained withP. aeruginosaclinical isolates. Our results indicate that imipenem-susceptibleP. aeruginosastrains become resistant upon simultaneous treatment with NAC and imipenem. Moreover, the generality of the observed effects of NAC on antibiotic activity was assessed with two additional bacterial species,Escherichia coliandAcinetobacter baumannii. Caution should be taken during treatments, as the activity of imipenem may be modified by physiologically attainable concentrations of NAC, particularly during intravenous and nebulized regimes.
Evolution and Dissemination of OqxAB-Like Efflux Pumps, an Emerging Quinolone Resistance Determinant among Members of Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Wong Marcus Ho Yin , Chan Edward Wai Chi , Chen Sheng
Published: March 2015

The OqxAB efflux pump, a plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) determinant, has become increasingly prevalent among members of
Enterobacteriaceae
over the past decade. To investigate the evolution and dissemination routes of the
oqxAB
operon, we assessed the prevalence of
oqxAB
-like elements among various Gram-negative bacterial species and analyzed the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of organisms harboring such elements. With a comprehensive genotyping approach, a chromosome-based
oqxAB
operon was detectable in all
Klebsiella pneumoniae
strains tested, including organisms isolated before the year 1984. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses confirmed that the
oqxAB
operon in
K. pneumoniae
isolates was genetically closest to their plasmid-borne counterparts recoverable only from
Escherichia coli
and
Salmonella
isolates collected from the year 2003 onward. Chromosomal elements with much lower sequence homology were also found among the
Enterobacter
spp. but not other Gram-negative species. Contrary to the quinolone resistance phenotypes which were consistently observable among organisms with
oqxAB
-harboring plasmids, chromosomal
oqxAB
elements generally did not confer quinolone resistance, except for
K. pneumoniae
strains, which exhibited a typical
oqxAB
-mediated phenotype characterized by cross-resistance to olaquindox, chloramphenicol, and the quinolones. Gene expression analysis illustrated that such phenotypes were due to elevated expression of the chromosomal
oqxAB
operon. Furthermore, transposition of the
oqxAB
operon from the bacterial chromosome to plasmids was found to result in a >80-fold increase in the level of expression of the OqxAB pump, confirming its status as the first constitutively expressed efflux system located in bacterial mobile elements.
ZnO Nanoparticles Impose a Panmetabolic Toxic Effect Along with Strong Necrosis, Inducing Activation of the Envelope Stress Response in Salmonella enterica Serovar Enteritidis
Authors: Vidovic Sinisa , Elder Jeff , Medihala Prabhakara , Lawrence John R. , Predicala Bernardo , Zhang Haixia , Korber Darren R.
Published: March 2015

In this study, we tested the antimicrobial activity of three metal nanoparticles (NPs), ZnO, MgO, and CaO NPs, against
Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis in liquid medium and on solid surfaces. Out of the three tested metal NPs, ZnO NPs exhibited the most significant antimicrobial effect both in liquid medium and when embedded on solid surfaces. Therefore, we focused on revealing the mechanisms of surface-associated ZnO biocidal activity. Using the global proteome approach, we report that a great majority (79%) of the altered proteins in biofilms formed by
Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis were downregulated, whereas a much smaller fraction (21%) of proteins were upregulated. Intriguingly, all downregulated proteins were enzymes involved in a wide range of the central metabolic pathways, including translation; amino acid biosynthetic pathways; nucleobase, nucleoside, and nucleotide biosynthetic processes; ATP synthesis-coupled proton transport; the pentose phosphate shunt; and carboxylic acid metabolic processes, indicating that ZnO NPs exert a panmetabolic toxic effect on this prokaryotic organism. In addition to their panmetabolic toxicity, ZnO NPs induced profound changes in cell envelope morphology, imposing additional necrotic effects and triggering the envelope stress response of
Salmonella
serovar Enteritidis. The envelope stress response effect activated periplasmic chaperones and proteases, transenvelope complexes, and regulators, thereby facilitating protection of this prokaryotic organism against ZnO NPs.
Comparative Efficacies of Tedizolid Phosphate, Vancomycin, and Daptomycin in a Rabbit Model of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Endocarditis
Authors: Chan Liana C. , Basuino Li , Dip Etyene C. , Chambers Henry F.
Published: March 2015

Tedizolid, the active component of the prodrug tedizolid phosphate, is a novel oxazolidinone that is approximately 4 times more active by weight than linezolid against
Staphylococcus aureus
in vitro
. The
in vivo
efficacy of tedizolid phosphate (15 mg/kg body weight intravenous [i.v.] twice a day [b.i.d.]) was compared to those of vancomycin (30 mg/kg i.v. b.i.d.) and daptomycin (18 mg/kg i.v. once a day [q.d.]) in a rabbit model of aortic valve endocarditis (AVE) caused by methicillin-resistant
S. aureus
strain COL (infection inoculum of 10
7
CFU). Median vegetation titers of daptomycin-treated rabbits were significantly lower than those of rabbits treated with tedizolid phosphate (15 mg/kg b.i.d.) (
P
= 0.016), whereas titers for vancomycin-treated compared to tedizolid-treated rabbits were not different (
P
= 0.984). The numbers of organisms in spleen and kidney tissues were similar for all treatment groups. A dose-ranging experiment was performed with tedizolid phosphate (2, 4, and 8 mg/kg b.i.d.) compared to vancomycin (30 mg/kg b.i.d.), using a higher infecting inoculum (10
8
CFU) to determine the lowest efficacious dose of tedizolid phosphate. Tedizolid phosphate (2 mg/kg) (equivalent to 60% of the area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC
0–24
) for the human 200-mg dose approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) was not efficacious. Tedizolid phosphate at 4 mg/kg (equivalent to 75% of the AUC
0–24
for the human 400-mg dose) and 8 mg/kg produced lower vegetation titers than the control, but neither was as efficacious as vancomycin.
Population Pharmacokinetic Analysis of Voriconazole from a Pharmacokinetic Study with Immunocompromised Japanese Pediatric Subjects
Authors: Muto Chieko , Shoji Satoshi , Tomono Yoshiro , Liu Ping
Published: March 2015

A population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis was conducted to characterize the voriconazole pharmacokinetic profiles in immunocompromised Japanese pediatric subjects and to compare them to those in immunocompromised non-Japanese pediatric subjects. A previously developed two-compartment pharmacokinetic model with first-order absorption and mixed linear and nonlinear elimination adequately described the voriconazole intravenous and oral data from Japanese pediatric subjects with few modifications. Bayesian priors were applied to this analysis by using the NONMEM routine NWPRI, which allowed priors for the fixed-effect parameter vector and variance matrix of the random-effect parameters to be a normal distribution and an inverse Wishart distribution, respectively. Large intersubject variabilities in oral bioavailability and voriconazole exposure were observed in these pediatric subjects. The mean oral bioavailability estimated in Japanese pediatric subjects was 73% (range, 17% to 99%), which is consistent with the reported estimates of 64% in the previous model and less than what was originally estimated for healthy adults—96%. Voriconazole exposures in Japanese pediatric subjects were generally comparable to those in non-Japanese pediatric subjects receiving the same dosing regimens, given the large intersubject variability. Consistent with the previous findings, the CYP2C19 genotyping status did not have a clinically relevant effect on voriconazole exposure in Japanese pediatric subjects, although it was identified as a covariate in the model to help explain the intersubject variability in voriconazole exposure. The CYP2C19 genotyping status alone does not warrant dose adjustment of voriconazole. No other factors besides age and weight were identified to explain the PK variability of voriconazole.
Pharmacokinetics of a Novel Sublingual Spray Formulation of the Antimalarial Drug Artemether in Healthy Adults
Authors: Salman Sam , Bendel Daryl , Lee Toong C. , Templeton David , Davis Timothy M. E.
Published: March 2015

The pharmacokinetics of sublingual artemether (ArTiMist) was investigated in two open-label studies. In study 1, 16 healthy males were randomized to each of four single-dose treatments administered in random order: (i) 15.0 mg of sublingual artemether (5 × 3.0 actuations), (ii) 30.0 mg of sublingual artemether (10 × 3.0 mg), (iii) 30.0 mg of sublingual artemether (5 × 6.0 mg), and (iv) 30.0 mg of artemether in tablet form. In study 2, 16 healthy males were randomized to eight 30.0-mg doses of sublingual artemether given over 5 days as either 10 3.0-mg or 5 6.0-mg actuations. Frequent blood samples were drawn postdose. Plasma artemether and dihydroartemisinin levels were measured using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Population compartmental pharmacokinetic models were developed. In study 1, sublingual artemether absorption was biphasic, with both rate constants being greater than that of the artemether tablets (1.46 and 1.66 versus 0.43/h, respectively). Relative to the tablets, sublingual artemether had greater bioavailability (≥1.24), with the greatest relative bioavailability occurring in the 30.0-mg dose groups (≥1.58). In study 2, there was evidence that the first absorption phase accounted for between 32% and 69% of the total dose and avoided first-pass (FP) metabolism, with an increase in FP metabolism occurring in later versus earlier doses but with no difference in bioavailability between the dose actuations. Sublingual artemether is more rapidly and completely absorbed than are equivalent doses of artemether tablets in healthy adults. Its disposition appears to be complex, with two absorption phases, the first representing pregastrointestinal absorption, as well as dose-dependent bioavailability and autoinduction of metabolism with multiple dosing.
Trends in Susceptibility of Escherichia coli from Intra-Abdominal Infections to Ertapenem and Comparators in the United States According to Data from the SMART Program, 2009 to 2013
Authors: Lob Sibylle H. , Kazmierczak Krystyna M. , Badal Robert E. , Hackel Meredith A. , Bouchillon Samuel K. , Biedenbach Douglas J. , Sahm Daniel F.
Published: March 2015

Antimicrobial resistance in
Enterobacteriaceae
, including resistance to carbapenems, is increasing worldwide. However, using U.S. Study for Monitoring Antimicrobial Resistance Trends (SMART) data for 2009 to 2013, no statistically significant decreasing susceptibility trends were found overall for
Escherichia coli
isolates from patients with intra-abdominal infections. In the subset of isolates from community-associated infections, susceptibility to levofloxacin decreased significantly and the increasing rate of multidrug-resistant
E. coli
approached statistical significance. In 2013, ertapenem, imipenem, and amikacin showed the highest susceptibility rates (≥99%) and fluoroquinolones the lowest (<70%). The 10 non-ertapenem-susceptible isolates (0.3% of all
E. coli
isolates) encoded one or more carbapenemases, extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), AmpC β-lactamases, or non-ESBL β-lactamases.