bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Option Implied Dividends Predict Dividend Cuts: Evidence from the Financial Crisis
Authors: Fodor Andy , Stowe David L. , Stowe John D.
Published: March 2017

We employ the forward‐looking implied dividend information contained in option prices to predict dividend cuts and omissions during the recent financial crisis. The large number of dividend cuts and omissions during the 2008–09 financial crisis period provides the opportunity to study the predictability of dividend cuts in a controlled environment. Implied dividends and implied volatility, based on put–call parity and computed from put and call option prices, prove to be effective in predicting those cuts, especially compared to only using the equity market and accounting variables conventionally used for this purpose. Options‐derived variables (implied dividends and implied volatility) enhance the ability to identify firms more likely to reduce or omit dividend payments.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy associated with fumaric acid esters treatment in psoriasis patients
Authors: Balak D.M.W. , Hajdarbegovic E. , Bramer W.M. , Neumann H.A.M. , Thio H.B.
Published: March 2017

Background

Fumaric acid esters (FAEs) are a systemic treatment for psoriasis considered to have a favourable long‐term safety profile without an increased risk for immunosuppression. However, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare, opportunistic viral infection of the central nervous system, has been linked anecdotally to FAE treatment.

Objective

To assess clinical features and outcomes of FAE‐associated PML cases.

Methods

Systematic literature search in multiple databases up to 25th February 2016 for reports of PML in psoriasis patients treated with FAEs.

Results

Eight cases (four male, four female) of FAE‐associated PML were identified. Median age was 64 years (range 42–74 years); median FAE treatment duration was 3 years (range 1.5–5 years). Six patients were treated with a formulation containing dimethyl fumarate (DMF) and monoethyl fumarates, and two patients with a DMF formulation. Patients exhibited neurological symptoms, such as aphasia, hemiparesis and dysarthria. PML diagnosis was based on MRI findings and presence of JC virus in cerebrospinal fluid and/or brain tissue. All cases were linked to moderate‐to‐severe reductions in absolute lymphocyte counts, with nadirs ranging from 200 to 792 cells per mm3. Median exposure to lymphocytopenia was 2 years (range 1–5 years). In all cases, FAE treatment was discontinued; PML was treated with mefloquine plus mirtazapine. Three patients improved, two had stable disease, two had residual symptoms, and one patient died to an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.

Conclusion

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is infrequently linked to FAE treatment, but underreporting cannot be excluded. Physicians treating patients with FAEs should be vigilant for the occurrence of PML, and both clinicians and patients should be alert for onset of new neurological symptoms. Periodic monitoring of lymphocyte counts and FAE discontinuation in case of moderate‐to‐severe lymphocytopenia is recommended to minimize the risk for PML.
Inflammatory Markers and Frailty in Long‐Term Care Residents
Authors: Langmann Gabrielle A. , Perera Subashan , Ferchak Mary A. , Nace David A. , Resnick Neil M. , Greenspan Susan L.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To determine whether proinflammatory biomarkers are associated with frailty assessed according to functional status, mobility, mental health, and falls over 24 months.

Design

Secondary analysis of a 2‐year double‐blind clinical trial for osteoporosis.

Setting

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Participants

Women aged 65 and older with osteoporosis in long‐term care (LTC) (N = 178).

Measurements

Baseline serum concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines and soluble receptors (high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and its two receptors (TNFα‐R1 and TNFα‐R2), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), soluble IL‐6 receptor (sIL‐6R), IL‐10), functional status assessed according to activities of daily living, the Nursing Home Physical Performance Test, gait speed, cognitive status, mental health, and falls.

Results

At baseline, older age was moderately associated with higher serum concentrations of hs‐CRP (correlation coefficient (r) = 0.22), TNFα‐R1 (r = 0.36), TNFα‐R2 (r = 0.34), and IL‐10 (r = 0.16) (all P < .05). Frail participants had significantly higher hs‐CRP, TNFα‐R1, TNFα‐R2, IL‐6, and IL‐6‐sR levels (all P < .05) than those nonfrail participants. Higher baseline hs‐CRP and IL‐6 levels were associated with worse physical performance and gait speed at 12 months independent of age, zoledronic acid use, and comorbidity (|r| = 0.25–0.30; all P < .05). Inflammatory markers were not significantly associated with incident falls.

Conclusions

Higher proinflammatory biomarker levels are associated with frailty and poorer function and mobility in older women residing in LTC facilities.
Structural architecture and low‐grade metamorphism of the Mikabu‐Northern Chichibu accretionary wedge, SW Japan
Authors: Endo S. , Wallis S. R.
Published: March 2017

To understand tectono‐metamorphic processes within or close to the brittle–ductile transition of quartz‐rich crustal rocks in an accretionary wedge, an integrated field, petrological, geochronological and Raman spectroscopic study was conducted on the Mikabu‐Northern Chichibu belt in SW Japan. Field mapping in central Shikoku reveals that the Northern Chichibu belt is comprised of a pile of four tectono‐stratigraphic units, referred to as A, B, C and D units. The A unit (dominated by pelagic sedimentary rocks) represents the structurally lowest and youngest accretionary complex that forms a composite unit with the Mikabu ophiolitic suite. The B unit (consisting of chert‐clastic rock sequences) overlies the A unit and is overlain by the C and D units (mudstone‐matrix mélange units). Raman spectroscopy of carbonaceous material constrains the peak temperature of each unit to be ~290°C for the A unit, 270–290°C for the B unit, 230–250°C for the C unit and ~220°C for the D unit. Ductile deformation and pervasive metamorphism are limited to rocks in the Mikabu, A and B units. Alkali pyroxene and sodic amphibole occur in metabasite from the Mikabu, A and B units, and the widespread occurrence of prograde veins containing lawsonite+quartz pseudomorphs after laumontite was newly recognized from the C unit. Phase petrological data constrain the peak pressure of each unit to be ~0.65 GPa for the Mikabu‐A unit (aragonite stable), ~0.45–0.6 GPa for the B unit (jadeite+albite stable in the structurally lower part), and ~0.35 GPa for the C unit (prehnite+lawsonite stable). The peak metamorphic pressure increases towards structurally lower and younger accretionary complexes, but the thickness of the preserved strata is insufficient to account for the inferred pressure range. The structural–metamorphic relations imply thickening of the accretionary wedge by underplating was followed by a significant phase of thinning by both ductile and brittle processes.
Animal models for studying motor axon terminal paralysis and recovery
Authors: Rigoni Michela , Montecucco Cesare
Published: March 2017

An extraordinary property of the peripheral nervous system is that nerve terminals can regenerate after damage caused by different physical, chemical, or biological pathogens. Regeneration is the result of a complex and ill‐known interplay among the nerve, the glia, the muscle, the basal lamina and, in some cases, the immune system. This phenomenon has been studied using different injury models mainly in rodents, particularly in mice, where a lesion can be produced in a chosen anatomical area. These approaches differ significantly among them for the nature of the lesion and the final outcomes. We have reviewed here the most common experimental models employed to induce motor axon injury, the relative advantages and drawbacks, and the principal read‐outs used to monitor the regenerative process. Recently introduced tools for inducing reversible damage to the motor axon terminal that overcome some of the drawbacks of the more classical approaches are also discussed. Animal models have provided precious information about the cellular components involved in the regenerative process and on its electrophysiological features. Methods and tools made available recently allow one to identify and study molecules that are involved in the crosstalk among the components of the endplate. The time‐course of the intercellular signaling and of the intracellular pathways activated will draw a picture of the entire process of regeneration as seen from a privileged anatomical site of observation.

This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.

image
FROM THE LAB TO THE FIELD: A REVIEW OF TAX EXPERIMENTS
Authors: Mascagni Giulia
Published: March 2017

Tax experiments have been gaining momentum in recent years, although this literature dates back several decades. With new developments in methods and data availability, tax experiments have gradually moved away from lab settings and towards the field. This movement from the lab to the field has happened against the background of the ‘credibility revolution’ in applied economics, which has seen more rigorous methods applied to policy relevant questions, and of the availability to researchers of administrative data from tax returns. These developments have allowed significant advances in the experimental literature on tax compliance. This paper reviews this literature, giving particular attention to field experiments using administrative data, but putting them in the broader context of the compliance literature. A particular effort is made to take a global perspective, in a literature that is only recently seeing the emergence of evidence from Africa, Latin America and Asia.
LEADERSHIP IN CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION: CONSEQUENCES AND INCENTIVES
Authors: Schwerhoff Gregor , Kornek Ulrike , Lessmann Kai , Pahle Michael
Published: March 2017

Initiatives in favor of unilateral action on climate change are frequently challenged by concerns over free riding. Nevertheless, we observe an increasing number of unilateral efforts at different administrative levels and in different parts of the world. Previous academic literature described various individual mechanisms where emissions abroad may increase or decrease as a reaction to unilateral emission reductions. In this paper, we collect a comprehensive set of both positive and negative reactions and analyze them in stylized models. This allows us to identify the most important characteristics that determine the potential of a leader to boost mitigation efforts abroad. We find that this potential depends on (i) a strong ability to generate knowledge through leadership, (ii) a high degree of credibility in the international community, and (iii) a similar economic structure to the most important emitters. While most effects are difficult to quantify, this comprehensive assessment suggests that leakage effects resulting from unilateral mitigation may well be outweighed by positive reactions.
Systematic position of Oreosolen (tribe Scrophularieae, Scrophulariaceae) based on nuclear and plastid sequences
Authors: Chen Chuan , Cai Min‐Qi , Xu Bo , Jin Xin‐Jie , Wang Rui‐Hong , Li Pan , Zhao Yun‐Peng , Fu Cheng‐Xin
Published: March 2017

The genera Oreosolen and Scrophularia (Scrophulariaceae) were assumed to be closely related due to the considerable similarity in morphology. Their sister relationship was even suggested in a few molecular phylogenetic studies. However, this proposed relationship is not so convincing due to insufficient sampling of Scrophularia. In this study, the systematic position of Oreosolen was reassessed based on more sampling of both taxa and molecular traits. A total of 104 accessions representing 89 taxa were sampled, including 87 (85 taxa) of Scrophularia, 14 (one taxon) of Oreosolen, and three outgroups. The phylogenetic relationships between Oreosolen and Scrophularia were inferred based on one nuclear (internal transcribed spacer) and three plastid (trnL‐F, psbA‐trnH, and trnQ‐rps16) DNA regions using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference methods. The results revealed that Oreosolen was nested within Scrophularia and thus its generic status was not supported. Its type species, Oreosolen wattii Hook. f., was then transferred to Scrophularia and a new combination (Scrophularia wattii (Hook. f.) P. Li) was proposed. Oreosolen and its sympatric ally, Phlomoides rotata (Benth. ex Hook. f.) Mathiesen (= Lamiophlomis rotata (Benth. ex Hook. f.) Kudô, Lamiaceae), might undergo convergent evolution of acaulescence and rosulate leaves driven by the harsh alpine environment.
Mesozooplankton community structure in a degrading mangrove ecosystem of the Cochin coast, India
Authors: Sreelekshmi Suseela , Preethy Chakkalakkal M. , Joseph Philomina , Varghese Rani , Bijoy Nandan Sivasankaran
Published: March 2017

The diversity, abundance and community structure of mesozooplankton from the hydrographically differing mangrove habitats in Cochin, Kerala (India), were investigated. Eleven zooplankton groups were identified, with calanoid copepods (62%) comprising the predominant population, followed by crustacean nauplii (22%) and mysids (12%). Nitrogen limiting (N: P ratio 5.13 ± 7.03) with a mixo‐mesohaline salinity (8.96 ± 3 psu) and relatively low temperatures (30.28 ± 0.9 °C) was a characteristic feature of the study zones. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling based on Bray–Curtis similarity (PRIMER) analysis revealed there was little variation in the mesozooplankton structure among sampling sites (stress 0.05; ANOSIM test Global R:0.325). BEST analysis indicated that temperature and salinity exhibited the best correlation (ρ = 0.701) with fauna. The results of this study indicated a severe reduction in zooplankton abundance, biomass and diversity. It is clear that the zooplankton communities are depleting, along with the mangrove vegetation, because of the shallowness and unsuitable environmental conditions of the water bodies attributable to anthropogenic stresses.
Assessment of sediment quality of a tropical lake using sediment quality standards
Authors: Swarnalatha K. , Nair A.G.
Published: March 2017

Sediments are often reservoirs of contaminants in aquatic waterbodies, and their quality can be an indicator of the health of their ecosystems. Heavy metal pollution in sediments is highly significant because of their persistent and bioaccumulative nature. In this regard, sediment quality guidelines (SQG) are useful for categorizing sediment quality with respect to the contaminant level in them. An attempt was made in this study to assess the sediment quality of the Akkulam‐Veli (AV) Lake system on the basis of guidelines that incorporate assessment scales that differ in their approaches. Some link threshold levels of heavy metal concentrations on the basis of their likelihood to cause adverse effects, while others classify the sediment concentration ranges that correspond to the degrees of toxicity caused by them. The sediment quality of the study area was assessed by combining the available guidelines to formulate two new approaches in this study. Based on this approach, AV Lake is highly polluted with respect to chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb), while arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) are non‐polluting with a negligible potential for adverse effects.
Ontogenic Changes in Prey Ingested by Nile perch (Lates niloticus) Caught in Nyanza Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: Outa Nicholas O. , Yongo Edwine , Keyombe Jameslast A.
Published: March 2017

A total of 289 fish were analysed in this study, with Caradina nilotica (44%) being the dominant food item in their diet, while tilapia (8%) contributed the least. Haplochromines, unidentified fish prey and juvenile Nile perch also were observed. An ontogenic shift was observed, with C. nilotica contributing highest (61.1%) of the diet of fingerlings, but decreasing to 21% in the diet of adults. Nile perch contributed 35.7% of the diet in the adults and 8.1% in the fingerlings. This study indicates Nile perch is a predatory fish, feeding mainly on C. nilotica, haplochromines, tilapia, Nile perch and other fish materials.
Nutrient and heavy metal storage and mobility within sediments in Kouris Reservoir, Cyprus
Authors: Tzoraki O. , Dörflinger G. , Demetriou C.
Published: March 2017

The objective of this study was to evaluate the risks associated with nutrient and heavy metal pollution in the water and sediments of Kouris Reservoir in Cyprus, and to recommend applicable measures to alleviate them. The reservoir drainage area contains various historic abandoned copper mines existing in an ophiolite geological substrate. Kouris Reservoir water is classified as oligotrophic to mesotrophic, with phosphorus being the limiting factor for algae growth. The thermal stratification of the reservoir enhances anoxic conditions in the reservoir hypolimnion, initiating phosphorus release back into the water column from the lake bottom sediments. The increased phosphorus release, in combination with increased water temperatures during the summer months (i.e. reaching 27 °C in August), may be the key factors enhancing the growth of microbial communities and cyanobacteria blooms. The sediment of Kouris Reservoir is classified as ‘low risk’ on the basis of the Ecological Risk Index scheme, in contrast to the Geoaccumulation Index, which indicates a moderate degree of contamination for chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu), and a high degree for lead (Pb). Heavy metals are strongly bound to the sediment matrix at pH values between 7 and 9, but can be released back into the water column at potential acid pH values. In addition, the sediments exhibit a high copper and chromium absorption affinity under current water quality conditions in the reservoir, as shown by batch absorption experiments. The experimental results suggest dredging of the reservoir sediment, and its subsequent dumping of the sediments near influent streams, would have adverse effects on the environment in the event of acid rain or other environmental changes that might acidify the sediment.
Possible potentially threatening co‐orbiting material of asteroid 2000EE104 identified through interplanetary magnetic field disturbances
Authors: Lai H. R. , Russell C. T. , Wei H. Y. , Connors M. , Delzanno G. L.
Published: March 2017

Near‐Earth objects (NEOs) with diameters of <300 m are difficult to detect from the Earth with radar or optical telescopes unless and until they approach closely. If they are on collisional courses with the Earth, there is little that can be done to mitigate the considerable damage. Although destructive collisions in space are rare for 1 km diameter bodies and above, once hit by a sizeable impactor, such a NEO can develop a relatively dense cloud of co‐orbiting material in which destructive collisions are relatively frequent. The gas and nanoscale dust released in the destructive collisions can be detected remotely by downstream spacecraft equipped with magnetometers. In this paper, we use such magnetic disturbances to identify regions of near‐Earth space in which high densities of small objects are present. We find that asteroid (138175) 2000EE104 currently may have a cloud of potentially threatening co‐orbiting material. Due to the scattered co‐orbitals, there can be a finite impact probability whenever the Earth approaches the orbit of asteroid 2000EE104, regardless of the position of the asteroid itself.
Mesenchymal stem cells attenuate adriamycin‐induced nephropathy by diminishing oxidative stress and inflammation via downregulation of the NF‐kB
Authors: Song In‐Hwan , Jung Kyong‐Jin , Lee Tae‐Jin , Kim Joo‐Young , Sung Eon‐Gi , Bae Young Chul , Park Yong Hoon
Published: March 2017

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the molecular mechanism mitigating progress of chronic nephropathy by mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

Methods

Rats were divided into normal control (Normal), adriamycin (ADR)+vehicle (CON), and ADR+MSC (MSC) groups. Nephropathy was induced by ADR (4 mg/kg) and MSCs (2 × 106) were injected. Rats were euthanized 1 or 6 weeks after ADR injection. NF‐kB, MAPKs, inflammation, oxidative stress, profibrotic molecules, and nephrin expression were evaluated. Electron and light microscopy were used for structural analysis. MSCs were co‐cultured with renal tubular epithelial cells or splenocytes to evaluate relation with oxidative stress and inflammatory molecules

Results

Adriamycin treatment upregulated inflammation, oxidative stress, and profibrotic molecules; this was mitigated by MSCs. Glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis were observed in ADR‐treated groups, and were more prominent in the CON group than in the MSC group. Fusion of foot processes and loss of slit diaphragms were also more prominent in the CON group than in the MSC group. In vitro, MSCs reduced oxidative stress related molecules, inflammatory cytokines, and NF‐kB transcription. MSC‐ or ADR‐induced regulation of NF‐kB transcriptional activity was confirmed by a luciferase reporter assay.

Conclusions

Mesenchymal stem cells attenuate ADR‐induced nephropathy by diminishing oxidative stress and inflammation via downregulation of NF‐kB.
Shedding light on gray(ing) areas: Connectivity and task switching dynamics in aging
Authors: Baniqued Pauline L. , Low Kathy A. , Fletcher Mark A. , Gratton Gabriele , Fabiani Monica
Published: March 2017

Control‐demanding tasks rely on communication among regions of the frontoparietal network, areas that undergo significant age‐related decline. Here, we integrate data from brain anatomy, electrophysiology (ERPs), and optical imaging (event‐related optical signals, EROS) to characterize the spatial and temporal dynamics of preparatory control processes in middle to old age. Older adults participated in an experiment that required switching between a position and a meaning task (spatial Stroop), a paradigm that has been shown to primarily recruit prefrontal cortex in opposite hemispheres and is thought to involve the corpus callosum (CC). In middle‐aged participants, switch trials resulted in greater negativity over F3 early in the preparatory period. Across the whole older adult sample, this switch‐related frontal negativity was correlated with reaction time (RT) switch costs and EROS switch‐related upregulation in the left middle frontal gyrus (MFG). Anterior CC volume was not directly correlated with switch costs, although CC volume predicted task‐dependent coupling of left MFG and right MFG. Crucially, left MFG‐seeded lagged cross‐correlations revealed task‐dependent connectivity; in the right‐hemisphere‐dependent position task, the timing and strength of switch‐related coupling between left MFG and right MFG significantly predicted RT switch costs, even after controlling for age, CC volume, and the F3 switch effect. Together, these results suggest that a strong functional connectivity, likely hinged on the integrity of the underlying structural connections, is critical to being able to meet the demands of shifting processing across hemispheres, and that difficulty engaging such control dynamics leads to suboptimal performance.
Effects of single layer centrifugation (SLC) on bull spermatozoa prior to freezing on post‐thaw semen characteristics
Authors: Nongbua T , Johannisson A , Edman A , Morrell JM
Published: March 2017

Contents

Single layer centrifugation (SLC) has been shown to select the most robust spermatozoa from the ejaculate in several species. Here the effects of SLC prior to freezing on various parameters of frozen‐thawed bovine sperm quality are reported. Semen from 8 bulls was layered on top of a species‐specific colloid, Bovicoll. After centrifugation for 20 min at 300 g, the resulting sperm pellet was resuspended in OPTIXcell® (IMV Technologies, l′Aigle, France); the SLC‐selected sperm samples and uncentrifuged controls were frozen. On thawing, all sperm samples were analysed for membrane integrity, production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and chromatin integrity. The SLC‐treated samples had a higher percentage of live, superoxide‐positive spermatozoa than uncentrifuged samples (27.9 ± 5.1% versus 21.7 ± 6.7%; p = .03). They had a higher proportion of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial membrane potential than uncentrifuged samples (55.9 ± 8.2% versus 40.5 ± 15.1%; p = .03) and also a lower proportion of spermatozoa with low mitochondrial membrane potential than non‐treated samples (42.0 ± 8.5% versus 55.9 ± 14.4%; p = .04). No significant effects of treatment were found for membrane integrity or chromatin integrity. The effect of bull was significant on the proportions of dead, superoxide‐positive spermatozoa and live, hydrogen peroxide‐negative spermatozoa, as well as on membrane integrity, but it was not significant for mitochondrial membrane potential or chromatin integrity. These results suggest that SLC selects the most metabolically active bull spermatozoa from the rest of the population in normal ejaculates; the pattern of reactive oxygen species production may be different in SLC‐selected spermatozoa compared to unselected samples.
The Impact of Foreign Real Estate Investment on Land Prices: Evidence from Mauritius
Authors: Brooks Chris , Lamport Matthew , Padachi Kesseven , Sannassee Vinesh , Seetah Keshav , Seetanah Boopen
Published: March 2017

This paper examines the impact of foreign real estate on land prices in Mauritius. Using a panel dataset comprising price, quantity and other information for a variety of luxury villas and apartments, we show that the price of land paid by locals has been pushed up by a modest 4–22% in total as a result of these developments. We also examine the determinants of the prices of the dwellings in these schemes, finding that they are strongly related to the sizes of the plots, whether they have ocean views, and the desirability of the region in which they are sited, although there remains considerable unexplained heterogeneity.
Employment Protection and Unemployment Benefits: On Technology Adoption and Job Creation in a Matching Model
Authors: Lommerud Kjell Erik , Straume Odd Rune , Vagstad Steinar
Published: March 2017

We analyse the effects of different labour‐market policies (employment protection, unemployment benefits, and payroll taxes) on job creation and technology choices in a model where firms are matched with workers of different productivity and wages are determined by ex post bargaining. The model is characterized by two intertwined sources of inefficiency, namely a matching externality and a hold‐up externality associated with the bargaining strength of workers. The results depend on the relative importance of the two externalities and on worker risk aversion. “Flexicurity”, meaning low employment protection and generous unemployment insurance, can be optimal if workers are sufficiently risk‐averse and the hold‐up problem is relatively important.
Bridging the Gap: Connecting Resident Assistants and Suicidal Residents Through Gatekeeper Training
Authors: McLean Kate , Swanbrow Becker Martin A.
Published: March 2017

One hundred sixty‐two resident assistants (RAs) at a large southeastern university were randomly assigned to attend either a specialized 1‐hr training program in suicide prevention (intervention group) or a stress and time management skills training program (control group). The results failed to show the suicide prevention training program had any impact on RA intervention behaviors, resident help‐seeking behaviors, or RA perceptions of resident distress and suicidality 4 months following training. Results are interpreted and discussed in relation to strengthening suicide prevention training programs on college campuses.
Mechanical characterization of curly hair: Influence of the use of nonconventional hair straightening treatments
Authors: Leite M. G. A. , Maia Campos P. M. B. G.
Published: March 2017

Background/purpose

Hair straighteners are very popular around the world, although they can cause great damage to the hair. Thus, the characterization of the mechanical properties of curly hair using advanced techniques is very important to clarify how hair straighteners act on hair fibers and to contribute to the development of effective products. On this basis, we chose two nonconventional hair straighteners (formaldehyde and glyoxylic acid) to investigate how hair straightening treatments affect the mechanical properties of curly hair.

Methods

The mechanical properties of curly hair were evaluated using a tensile test, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), a torsion modulus, dynamic vapor sorption (DVS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis.

Results

The techniques used effectively helped the understanding of the influence of nonconventional hair straighteners on hair properties. For the break stress and the break extension tests, formaldehyde showed a marked decrease in these parameters, with great hair damage. Glyoxylic acid had a slight effect compared to formaldehyde treatment. Both treatments showed an increase in shear modulus, a decrease in water sorption and damage to the hair surface.

Conclusions

A combination of the techniques used in this study permitted a better understanding of nonconventional hair straightener treatments and also supported the choice of the better treatment, considering a good relationship between efficacy and safety. Thus, it is very important to determine the properties of hair for the development of cosmetics used to improve the beauty of curly hair.
Auditory inspired machine learning techniques can improve speech intelligibility and quality for hearing-impaired listeners
Authors: Monaghan Jessica J. M. , Goehring Tobias , Yang Xin , Bolner Federico , Wang Shangqiguo , Wright Matthew C. M. , Bleeck Stefan
Published: March 2017

Machine-learning based approaches to speech enhancement have recently shown great promise for improving speech intelligibility for hearing-impaired listeners. Here, the performance of three machine-learning algorithms and one classical algorithm, Wiener filtering, was compared. Two algorithms based on neural networks were examined, one using a previously reported feature set and one using a feature set derived from an auditory model. The third machine-learning approach was a dictionary-based sparse-coding algorithm. Speech intelligibility and quality scores were obtained for participants with mild-to-moderate hearing impairments listening to sentences in speech-shaped noise and multi-talker babble following processing with the algorithms. Intelligibility and quality scores were significantly improved by each of the three machine-learning approaches, but not by the classical approach. The largest improvements for both speech intelligibility and quality were found by implementing a neural network using the feature set based on auditory modeling. Furthermore, neural network based techniques appeared more promising than dictionary-based, sparse coding in terms of performance and ease of implementation.
Vortex sound radiation in a flow duct with a dipole source and a flexible wall of finite length
Authors: Chiang Y. K. , Choy Y. S. , Tang S. K.
Published: March 2017

The noise attenuation of fan-ducted noise at low blade-passage frequency remains a challenge. The present study investigates the noise reduction mechanism of a tensioned membrane housing device that directly controls the sound radiation from the doublet which is enclosed in an infinitely long duct with a point vortex. The time dependent sound radiation mechanism and the vibro-acoustics coupling mechanism of the systems are studied by adopting the potential theory and matched asymptotic expansion technique. The silencing performance of such a passive approach depends on the amplitude and phase of the sound field created by the doublet and the acoustic pressure induced by the membrane oscillation in order to achieve sound cancellation. Results show that the response of membrane vibration is strongly associated with the flow field induced by the grazing uniform flow and also the fluid loading generated by the inviscid vortex. The geometrical property of the cavity and the mechanical properties of the flexible membranes play important roles in controlling the performance of the proposed device.
Influence of head tracking on the externalization of speech stimuli for non-individualized binaural synthesis
Authors: Hendrickx Etienne , Stitt Peter , Messonnier Jean-Christophe , Lyzwa Jean-Marc , Katz Brian FG , de Boishéraud Catherine
Published: March 2017

Binaural reproduction aims at recreating a realistic audio scene at the ears of the listener using headphones. In the real acoustic world, sound sources tend to be externalized (that is, perceived to be emanating from a source out in the world) rather than internalized (that is, perceived to be emanating from inside the head). Unfortunately, several studies report a collapse of externalization, especially with frontal and rear virtual sources, when listening to binaural content using non-individualized Head-Related Transfer Functions (HRTFs). The present study examines whether or not head movements coupled with a head tracking device can compensate for this collapse. For each presentation, a speech stimulus was presented over headphones at different azimuths, using several intermixed sets of non-individualized HRTFs for the binaural rendering. The head tracker could either be active or inactive, and the subjects could either be asked to rotate their heads or to keep them as stationary as possible. After each presentation, subjects reported to what extent the stimulus had been externalized. In contrast to several previous studies, results showed that head movements can substantially enhance externalization, especially for frontal and rear sources, and that externalization can persist once the subject has stopped moving his/her head.
ACOUSTICAL STANDARDS NEWS
Authors: Stremmel Neil B. , Struck Christopher J.
Published: March 2017

American National Standards (ANSI Standards) developed by Accredited Standards Committees S1, S2, S3, S3/SC 1, and S12 in the areas of acoustics, mechanical vibration and shock, bioacoustics, animal bioacoustics, and noise, respectively, are published by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). In addition to these standards, ASA publishes a catalog of Acoustical American National Standards. To receive a copy of the latest Standards catalog, please contact Neil B. Stremmel.

Comments are welcomed on all material in Acoustical Standards News.

This Acoustical Standards News section in JASA, as well as the National Catalog of Acoustical Standards and other information on the Standards Program of the Acoustical Society of America, are available via the ASA home page: http://acousticalsociety.org.
Surface changes on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko suggest a more active past
Authors: El-Maarry M. Ramy , Groussin O. , Thomas N. , Pajola M. , Auger A.-T. , Davidsson B. , Hu X. , Hviid S. F. , Knollenberg J. , Güttler C. , Tubiana C. , Fornasier S. , Feller C. , Hasselmann P. , Vincent J.-B. , Sierks H. , Barbieri C. , Lamy P. , Rodrigo R. , Koschny D. , Keller H. U. , Rickman H. , A’Hearn M. F. , Barucci M. A. , Bertaux J.-L. , Bertini I. , Besse S. , Bodewits D. , Cremonese G. , Da Deppo V. , Debei S. , De Cecco M. , Deller J. , Deshapriya J. D. P. , Fulle M. , Gutierrez P. J. , Hofmann M. , Ip W.-H. , Jorda L. , Kovacs G. , Kramm J.-R. , Kührt E. , Küppers M. , Lara L. M. , Lazzarin M. , Lin Z.-Yi , Lopez Moreno J. J. , Marchi S. , Marzari F. , Mottola S. , Naletto G. , Oklay N. , Pommerol A. , Preusker F. , Scholten F. , Shi X.
Published: March 2017

Changes to the surface geology of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko are driven by seasonal factors.
Comment on “Diversification of the antigen-specific T cell receptor repertoire after varicella zoster vaccination”
Authors: Parizot Christophe , Brisson Hélène , Fadlallah Jehane , Sterlin Delphine , Gorochov Guy
Published: March 2017

In vitro T cell activation may skew antigen-specific T cell repertoire analyses.
An automated smartphone-based diagnostic assay for point-of-care semen analysis
Authors: Kanakasabapathy Manoj Kumar , Sadasivam Magesh , Singh Anupriya , Preston Collin , Thirumalaraju Prudhvi , Venkataraman Maanasa , Bormann Charles L. , Draz Mohamed Shehata , Petrozza John C. , Shafiee Hadi
Published: March 2017

This work demonstrates that a low-cost smartphone accessory can be used for home-based male infertility screening.
Response to Comment on “Diversification of the antigen-specific T cell receptor repertoire after varicella zoster vaccination”
Authors: Goronzy Jorg , Qi Qian , Weyand Cornelia
Published: March 2017

Bystander-activated T cells are unlikely to have contaminated our T cell repertoire study.
When TLRs fail, IgG has your back
Authors: Scharschmidt Tiffany C.
Published: March 2017

Inherited TIRAP deficiency confers susceptibility to staphylococcal disease via impaired TLR2 and TLR4 responses, which can be rescued by bacteria-specific antibodies.
A Genetic Screen Reveals that Synthesis of 1,4-Dihydroxy-2-Naphthoate (DHNA), but Not Full-Length Menaquinone, Is Required for
Listeria monocytogenes
Cytosolic Survival
Authors: Chen Grischa Y. , McDougal Courtney E. , D’Antonio Marc A. , Portman Jonathan L. , Sauer John-Demian
Published: March 2017

Through unknown mechanisms, the host cytosol restricts bacterial colonization; therefore, only professional cytosolic pathogens are adapted to colonize this host environment.
Listeria monocytogenes
is a Gram-positive intracellular pathogen that is highly adapted to colonize the cytosol of both phagocytic and nonphagocytic cells. To identify
L. monocytogenes
determinants of cytosolic survival, we designed and executed a novel screen to isolate
L. monocytogenes
mutants with cytosolic survival defects. Multiple mutants identified in the screen were defective for synthesis of menaquinone (MK), an essential molecule in the electron transport chain. Analysis of an extensive set of MK biosynthesis and respiratory chain mutants revealed that cellular respiration was not required for cytosolic survival of
L. monocytogenes
but that, instead, synthesis of 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate (DHNA), an MK biosynthesis intermediate, was essential. Recent discoveries showed that modulation of the central metabolism of both host and pathogen can influence the outcome of host-pathogen interactions. Our results identify a potentially novel function of the MK biosynthetic intermediate DHNA and specifically highlight how
L. monocytogenes
metabolic adaptations promote cytosolic survival and evasion of host immunity.

IMPORTANCE
Cytosolic bacterial pathogens, such as
Listeria monocytogenes
and
Francisella tularensis
, are exquisitely evolved to colonize the host cytosol in a variety of cell types. Establishing an intracellular niche shields these pathogens from effectors of humoral immunity, grants access to host nutrients, and is essential for pathogenesis. Through yet-to-be-defined mechanisms, the host cytosol restricts replication of non-cytosol-adapted bacteria, likely through a combination of cell autonomous defenses (CADs) and nutritional immunity. Utilizing a novel genetic screen, we identified determinants of
L. monocytogenes
cytosolic survival and virulence and identified a role for the synthesis of the menaquinone precursor 1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoate (DHNA) in cytosolic survival. Together, these data begin to elucidate adaptations that allow cytosolic pathogens to survive in their intracellular niches.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Alginate Overproduction Promotes Coexistence with
Staphylococcus aureus
in a Model of Cystic Fibrosis Respiratory Infection
Authors: Limoli Dominique H. , Whitfield Gregory B. , Kitao Tomoe , Ivey Melissa L. , Davis Michael R. , Grahl Nora , Hogan Deborah A. , Rahme Laurence G. , Howell P. Lynne , O’Toole George A. , Goldberg Joanna B.
Published: March 2017

While complex intra- and interspecies microbial community dynamics are apparent during chronic infections and likely alter patient health outcomes, our understanding of these interactions is currently limited. For example,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Staphylococcus aureus
are often found to coinfect the lungs of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), yet these organisms compete under laboratory conditions. Recent observations that coinfection correlates with decreased health outcomes necessitate we develop a greater understanding of these interbacterial interactions. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that
P. aeruginosa
and/or
S. aureus
adopts phenotypes that allow coexistence during infection. We compared competitive interactions of
P. aeruginosa
and
S. aureus
isolates from mono- or coinfected CF patients employing
in vitro
coculture models.
P. aeruginosa
isolates from monoinfected patients were more competitive toward
S. aureus
than
P. aeruginosa
isolates from coinfected patients. We also observed that the least competitive
P. aeruginosa
isolates possessed a mucoid phenotype. Mucoidy occurs upon constitutive activation of the sigma factor AlgT/U, which regulates synthesis of the polysaccharide alginate and dozens of other secreted factors, including some previously described to kill
S. aureus
. Here, we show that production of alginate in mucoid strains is sufficient to inhibit anti-
S. aureus
activity independent of activation of the AlgT regulon. Alginate reduces production of siderophores, 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinolone-
N
-oxide (HQNO), and rhamnolipids—each required for efficient killing of
S. aureus
. These studies demonstrate alginate overproduction may be an important factor driving
P. aeruginosa
coinfection with
S. aureus
.

IMPORTANCE
Numerous deep-sequencing studies have revealed the microbial communities present during respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are diverse, complex, and dynamic. We now face the challenge of determining the influence of these community dynamics on patient health outcomes and identifying candidate targets to modulate these interactions. We make progress toward this goal by determining that the polysaccharide alginate produced by mucoid strains of
P. aeruginosa
is sufficient to inhibit multiple secreted antimicrobial agents produced by this organism. Importantly, these secreted factors are required to outcompete
S. aureus
, when the microbes are grown in coculture; thus we propose a mechanism whereby mucoid
P. aeruginosa
can coexist with
S. aureus
. Finally, the approach used here can serve as a platform to investigate the interactions among other CF pathogens.
Caenorhabditis elegans
RIG-I Homolog Mediates Antiviral RNA Interference Downstream of Dicer-Dependent Biogenesis of Viral Small Interfering RNAs
Authors: Coffman Stephanie R. , Lu Jinfeng , Guo Xunyang , Zhong Jing , Jiang Hongshan , Broitman-Maduro Gina , Li Wan-Xiang , Lu Rui , Maduro Morris , Ding Shou-wei
Published: March 2017

Dicer enzymes process virus-specific double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to initiate specific antiviral defense by related RNA interference (RNAi) pathways in plants, insects, nematodes, and mammals. Antiviral RNAi in
Caenorhabditis elegans
requires Dicer-related helicase 1 (DRH-1), not found in plants and insects but highly homologous to mammalian retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-like receptors (RLRs), intracellular viral RNA sensors that trigger innate immunity against RNA virus infection. However, it remains unclear if DRH-1 acts analogously to initiate antiviral RNAi in
C. elegans
. Here, we performed a forward genetic screen to characterize antiviral RNAi in
C. elegans
. Using a mapping-by-sequencing strategy, we uncovered four loss-of-function alleles of
drh-1
, three of which caused mutations in the helicase and C-terminal domains conserved in RLRs. Deep sequencing of small RNAs revealed an abundant population of Dicer-dependent virus-derived small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) in
drh-1
single and double mutant animals after infection with Orsay virus, a positive-strand RNA virus. These findings provide further genetic evidence for the antiviral function of DRH-1 and illustrate that DRH-1 is not essential for the sensing and Dicer-mediated processing of the viral dsRNA replicative intermediates. Interestingly, vsiRNAs produced by
drh-1
mutants were mapped overwhelmingly to the terminal regions of the viral genomic RNAs, in contrast to random distribution of vsiRNA hot spots when DRH-1 is functional. As RIG-I translocates on long dsRNA and DRH-1 exists in a complex with Dicer, we propose that DRH-1 facilitates the biogenesis of vsiRNAs in nematodes by catalyzing translocation of the Dicer complex on the viral long dsRNA precursors.

IMPORTANCE
The helicase and C-terminal domains of mammalian RLRs sense intracellular viral RNAs to initiate the interferon-regulated innate immunity against RNA virus infection. Both of the domains from human RIG-I can substitute for the corresponding domains of DRH-1 to mediate antiviral RNAi in
C. elegans
, suggesting an analogous role for DRH-1 as an intracellular dsRNA sensor to initiate antiviral RNAi. Here, we developed a forward genetic screen for the identification of host factors required for antiviral RNAi in
C. elegans
. Characterization of four distinct
drh-1
mutants obtained from the screen revealed that DRH-1 did not function to initiate antiviral RNAi. We show that DRH-1 acted in a downstream step to enhance Dicer-dependent biogenesis of viral siRNAs in
C. elegans
. As mammals produce Dicer-dependent viral siRNAs to target RNA viruses, our findings suggest a possible role for mammalian RLRs and interferon signaling in the biogenesis of viral siRNAs.