bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Price Stability in Economies with Habit Persistence
Authors: JUNG YONGSEUNG
Published: May 2015

This paper shows that the divine‐coincidence does not hold in a sticky price model with external habit if a time‐varying tax rate on labor income is not implemented to fully eliminate the time‐varying distortions associated with external habit and monopoly power in goods market. The required labor income tax rate is inversely related to the risk‐free real interest rate and the markup in the goods market, but it is proportional to the degree of external habit. Under this circumstance, the optimal monetary policy commands a countercyclical interest rate, having a perfect negative correlation with tax rate in the sticky price model with external habit. If a time‐invariant tax is the only fiscal instrument, then the degree of external habit entails a gap between the private marginal rate of substitution between consumption and labor and the social marginal rate of substitution, generating an endogenous trade‐off between the stabilization of welfare‐relevant output gap and inflation. Under this circumstance, price stability is not the optimal policy. The monetary policy authority should optimally try to undo the time‐varying distortions associated with external habit and monopoly power in goods market by deviating from price stability.
Optimal Fiscal and Monetary Policy in Customer Markets
Authors: ARSENEAU DAVID M. , CHAHROUR RYAN , CHUGH SANJAY K. , FINKELSTEIN SHAPIRO ALAN
Published: May 2015

We present a model in which some goods trade in “customer markets” and advertising facilitates long‐lived relationships. We estimate the model on U.S. data and find a large congestion externality in the pricing of customer market goods. This motivates the analysis of optimal policy. Under a complete set of taxes, fiscal policy eliminates the externalities with large adjustments in tax rates on customer markets goods, while labor tax volatility remains low. Constraining the instruments to the interest rate and labor tax, the optimal labor tax displays large and procyclical fluctuations, but monetary policy is little changed compared to a model with no customer markets.
The Monitoring Incentive of Transactional and Relationship Lenders: Evidence from the Syndicated Loan Market
Authors: LI YUTAO , SAUNDERS ANTHONY , SHAO PEI
Published: May 2015

We identify a group of lenders specializing in syndicating tradable loans (referred to as transactional lenders [TLs]). We show that borrowers borrowing from TLs experience worse operating performance and more severe credit quality deterioration after loan origination compared to those borrowing from relationship lenders. This difference in the postloan issue performance remains robust after controlling for the potential self‐selection of the lender type, or using percentage of traded loans out of all syndicated loans to capture lenders’ propensity for syndicating tradable loans. Our results also remains qualitatively the same after we drop various types of risky loans.
Unravelling nocebo effect: the mediating effect of anxiety between anticipation and pain at wound dressing change
Authors: Woo Kevin Y
Published: May 2015

Aims and objectives

The purpose of this study was to examine the mediating effect of anxiety in the relationship between anticipation and pain in people with chronic wounds.

Background

Pain is common in people with chronic wounds. Anticipation or negative expectation of discomfort has been shown to have an augmenting effect on pain; also known as nocebo hyperalgesia.

Design

This was a cross‐sectional study with repeated measures.

Methods

Prior to dressing change, anticipatory pain level was evaluated by a 11‐point numerical rating scale and anxiety by the Six‐items State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI‐6). During wound dressing changes, pain was measured before dressing removal, at dressing removal, at cleansing and dressing application using the numerical scale.

Results

Analysis was completed based on the data from a convenience sample of 96 patients. Participants reported more pain at cleansing and dressing removal than baseline. High levels of anticipation, anxiety and pain at dressing change for wounds were related to heavy exudate and wound that were covered with necrotic tissue. Finally, the relationship between anticipation and pain perception was mediated by anxiety.

Conclusion

Anticipation of pain triggers anxiety that can lead to increased pain.

Relevance to clinical practice

There is a need to incorporate evaluation of anxiety and personal expectations as part of comprehensive pain assessment. Clinicians should be aware of the impact of emotions and anticipation on overall pain experience.
WHICH AGGLOMERATION EXTERNALITIES MATTER MOST AND WHY?
Authors: de Groot Henri L.F. , Poot Jacques , Smit Martijn J.
Published: May 2015

This paper revisits the ongoing discussion on the importance of agglomeration externalities – specifically specialization, diversity and competition effects – that may contribute to innovation, productivity and urban employment growth. Previous meta‐analyses suggested that the evidence on agglomeration externalities is strongly context‐specific. Expanding an earlier analysis of 31 articles, we seek to draw in this paper more robust conclusions by means of the statistical evidence for agglomeration externalities presented in 73 scientific articles, all building on the seminal work of Glaeser et al. (1992). Our results confirm that the heterogeneity among studies is huge and can only be partially accounted for by means of an ordered probit analysis. Additionally, some evidence of publication bias is found. We conclude that the conventional lines of inquiry in this literature may now have reached strongly diminishing returns. New lines of inquiry, using rich micro‐level data on firms and workers, dynamic general equilibrium models at the macro level, more attention for spatial and temporal variation in the impacts of agglomeration, and further investigations into the spatial scope of externalities are promising avenues for further research that can enhance our understanding of how agglomeration externalities continue to fuel our increasingly urbanized world.
Renal and obstetric outcomes in pregnancy after kidney transplantation: Twelve‐year experience in a Singapore transplant center
Authors: Kwek Jia Liang , Tey Vanessa , Yang Liying , Kanagalingam Devendra , Kee Terence
Published: May 2015

Aim

Renal and obstetric outcomes in pregnancy after kidney transplantation in Singapore were last studied in 2002. A review of these outcomes in Singapore is now timely following advances in transplant and obstetric medicine. The aim was to evaluate the renal and obstetric outcomes in pregnancy after kidney transplantation in a Singapore tertiary center.

Methods

Kidney transplant recipients who underwent pregnancy after transplantation at Singapore General Hospital between January 2001 and December 2012 were identified. Data on demographics, comorbidities and clinical outcomes were collected.

Results

There were 10 pregnancies identified in nine recipients. The median age of recipient at childbearing was 34.6 years (IQR, 32.8–36.8) and the median interval from transplantation to conception was 69 months (IQR, 38–97). There was no difference between the median pre‐pregnancy estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (47.9 mL/min/1.73 m2; IQR, 38.4–56.8) and median eGFR at time of last post‐partum follow up (43.9 mL/min/1.73 m2; IQR, 34.5–48.7, P = 0.549). Borderline allograft rejection occurred in one recipient (10.0%) 36 days after birth due to non‐adherence to immunosuppressive medication, with subsequent allograft loss 37 months after birth. No mortalities were recorded during the study period. All the 10 pregnancies (100%) ended in singleton live births. Pre‐eclampsia occurred in five pregnancies (50.0%), and there were seven (70.0%) preterm deliveries. The median gestational age was 35.4 weeks (IQR, 32.6–38.2) and the median birthweight was 2353 g (IQR, 1811–2648).

Conclusion

Post‐transplantation pregnancies ended successfully with no significant worsening of allograft function, but they were associated with risks to both recipients and newborns.
Massive haemorrhage associated with inadvertent incision of a suspected carotid artery pseudoaneurysm in a cat
Authors: Pfaff A. W. , Rozanski E. A. , Lynch A. M.
Published: May 2015

A 12‐year‐old, castrated male, domestic long‐haired cat experienced massive haemorrhage associated with an incision of a swelling on the neck 2 weeks after right‐sided ventral bulla osteotomy. Emergent control of haemorrhage was gained through unilateral carotid artery ligation. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was provided in conjunction with massive blood transfusion. The cat made an unremarkable recovery. Carotid artery pseudoaneurysm due to surgical disruption of the carotid artery during ventral bulla osteotomy, specifically through the use of self‐retaining retractors, was suspected. This case highlights the development of pseudoaneurysm as a potential complication of head and neck surgery, and additionally describes a case of massive transfusion in a cat.
Successful treatment of intra‐abdominal eumycotic mycetoma caused by Penicillium duponti in a dog
Authors: Janovec J. , Brockman D. J. , Priestnall S. L. , Kulendra N. J.
Published: May 2015

A 2‐year‐old female neutered golden retriever was presented for investigation of an intra‐abdominal mass. Computed tomography revealed a mass associated with the caudal pole of the right kidney. Incisional biopsy findings were consistent with eumycotic mycetoma. The mass was subsequently removed in conjunction with right ureteronephrectomy. Two years later, the dog re‐presented with a splenic mass and fungal plaques located throughout the peritoneum. Splenectomy was performed and the mass was diagnosed as eumycotic mycetoma caused by Penicillium duponti. Indefinite systemic treatment with 10 mg/kg itraconazole orally once a day was initiated. Thirty‐two months after the last surgery, there were no clinical signs apart from mild polydipsia. Haematology and biochemistry results were unremarkable. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of successful treatment of intra‐abdominal eumycotic mycetoma with a combination of surgery and systemic antifungal therapy in the dog. Penicillium duponti has not apparently been reported to cause disease in animals or humans.
Reenvisioning Language Anxiety in the Globalized Classroom Through a Social Imaginary Lens
Authors: De Costa Peter I.
Published: May 2015

The last three decades have witnessed a notable growth in research on affect. Among the various affective variables, foreign language anxiety has been heavily studied. This interest in foreign language anxiety is consistent with increased attention to emotions in the neurosciences, cognitive psychology, and the social sciences. Instead of attempting to establish a grand unified theory on affect, this article focuses on and reenvisions the affective variable of language anxiety while recognizing that second language acquisition has benefited much from earlier research insights. In taking an interdisciplinary approach and drawing on the notion of the social imaginary, this study also seeks to expand the field's current theoretical horizon and respond to calls for epistemological diversity in the field of second language acquisition.
Transfusion‐dependent thalassaemic patients with renalFanconi syndrome due to deferasirox use
Authors: Chuang Gwo‐Tsann , Tsai I‐Jung , Tsau Yong‐Kwei , Lu Meng‐Yao
Published: May 2015

Aim

Deferasirox is a new oral iron chelating agent with several cases reporting renal adverse events in recent years. Our aim was to identify the incidence of deferasirox‐relatedFanconi syndrome (FS) and its risk factors.

Methods

All transfusion‐dependent thalassaemic patients who received deferasirox at the outpatient department of the NationalTaiwan University Hospital (NTUH) fromJanuary 2006 toFebruary 2014 were evaluated.

Results

This cohort study included 57 patients, and mean age of deferasirox initiation was 18.2 ± 7.7 years. After 6.9 ± 1.8 years of follow‐up, 5 in 57 (8.8%) thalassaemic patients hadFS. Age of starting deferasirox negatively correlated with incidence ofFS(correlation coefficient −0.892,P = 0.008). Other factors were not significantly associated withFS. Serum creatinine level at the start of deferasirox compared to at the end of study or onset ofFSdid not show significant change (P = 0.277). All the deferasirox‐relatedFSmanifested with proximal renal tubular acidosis and hypophosphataemia, which needed specific treatment or withdrawal of deferasirox use.

Conclusions

We recommend that children, especially of young age, who regularly use deferasirox should undergo routine urinalysis and blood testing for early detection ofFS.
Curative effect of sesame oil in a rat model of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Liu Chuan‐Teng , Chien Se‐Ping , Hsu Dur‐Zong , Periasamy Srinivasan , Liu Ming‐Yie
Published: May 2015

Aim

Chronic kidney disease causes a progressive and irreversible loss of renal function. We investigated the curative effect of sesame oil, a natural, nutrient‐rich, potent antioxidant, in a rat model of chronic kidney disease.

Methods

Chronic kidney disease was induced by subcutaneously injecting uni‐nephrectomized rats with deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) and 1% NaCl [DOCA/salt] in drinking water. Four weeks later, the rats were gavaged with sesame oil (0.5 or 1 mL/kg per day) for 7 days. Renal injury, histopathological changes, hydroxyl radical, peroxynitrite, lipid peroxidation, Nrf2, osteopontin expression, and collagen were assessed 24 h after the last dose of sesame oil.

Results

Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, urine volume, and albuminuria were significantly higher in the DOCA/salt treated rats than in control rats. Sesame oil significantly decreased these four tested parameters in DOCA/salt treated rats. In addition, creatinine clearance rate and nuclear Nrf2 expression were significantly decreased in the DOCA/salt treated rats compared to control rats. Sesame oil significantly decreased hydroxyl radical, peroxynitrite level, lipid peroxidation, osteopontin, and renal collagen deposition, but increased creatinine clearance rate and nuclear Nrf2 expression in DOCA/salt treated rats.

Conclusion

We conclude that supplementation of sesame oil mitigates DOCA/salt induced chronic kidney disease in rats by activating Nrf2 and attenuating osteopontin expression and inhibiting renal fibrosis in rats.
Early disruption of glial communication via connexin gap junction in multiple sclerosis,Baló's disease and neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Masaki Katsuhisa
Published: May 2015

Multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica (NMO), and Baló's disease (BD) are inflammatory demyelinating diseases of theCNS. We previously reported anti‐aquaporin‐4 (anti‐AQP4) antibody‐dependentAQP4loss occurs in someNMOpatients, while antibody‐independentAQP4astrocytopathy can occur in heterogeneous demyelinating conditions, includingMS,NMOandBD. To investigate the relationship between astrocytopathy and demyelination, we focused on connexins (Cxs), which form gap junctions (GJs) between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes and maintain homeostasis in theCNS. We evaluated expression of astrocyticCx43/Cx30and oligodendrocyticCx47/Cx32in autopsied materials fromMS,NMOandBDpatients. AstrocyticCx43and oligodendrocyticCx32/Cx47expressions were significantly diminished in both demyelinated and preserved myelin layers in allBDsamples. In the leading edge ofBDlesions,Cx43andAQP4loss precededCx32/Cx47loss. Half of theNMOandMSsamples showed preferential loss of astrocyticCx43expression in actively demyelinating and chronic active lesions, where heterotypicCx43/Cx47astrocyte‐oligodendrocyteGJswere lost. Cases withCx43loss were significantly associated with rapid disease progression, regardless of the disease phenotype. Pathologically,Cx43loss was frequently accompanied by distal oligodendrogliopathy. Our findings suggest thatCx43astrocytopathy can occur inMS,BDandNMO. Moreover, astrocyticCx43loss may be associated with disease aggressiveness and distal oligodendrogliopathy in demyelinating conditions. Early disruption of glial communications viaGJsmay cause loss of glia syncytium, thereby inducing oligodendroglial damage and myelin loss. Inhibition ofCx hemichannels and restoration ofGJsmay be a possible therapeutic target for demyelinating disorders.
Associations between FTO genotype and total energy and macronutrient intake in adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Livingstone K. M. , Celis‐Morales C. , Lara J. , Ashor A. W. , Lovegrove J. A. , Martinez J. A. , Saris W. H. , Gibney M. , Manios Y. , Traczyk I. , Drevon C. A. , Daniel H. , Gibney E. R. , Brennan L. , Bouwman J. , Grimaldi K. A. , Mathers J. C. ,   Food4Me
Published: May 2015

Risk variants of fat mass and obesity‐associated (FTO) gene have been associated with increased obesity. However, the evidence for associations between FTO genotype and macronutrient intake has not been reviewed systematically. Our aim was to evaluate the potential associations between FTO genotype and intakes of total energy, fat, carbohydrate and protein. We undertook a systematic literature search in OVID MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE and Cochrane of associations between macronutrient intake and FTO genotype in adults. Beta coefficients and confidence intervals (CIs) were used for per allele comparisons. Random‐effect models assessed the pooled effect sizes. We identified 56 eligible studies reporting on 213,173 adults. For each copy of the FTO risk allele, individuals reported 6.46 kcal day−1 (95% CI: 10.76, 2.16) lower total energy intake (P = 0.003). Total fat (P = 0.028) and protein (P = 0.006), but not carbohydrate intakes, were higher in those carrying the FTO risk allele. After adjustment for body weight, total energy intakes remained significantly lower in individuals with the FTO risk genotype (P = 0.028). The FTO risk allele is associated with a lower reported total energy intake and with altered patterns of macronutrient intake. Although significant, these differences are small and further research is needed to determine whether the associations are independent of dietary misreporting.
Total parenteral nutrition treatment efficacy in adolescent eating disorders
Authors: Tamura Akira , Minami Koichi , Tsuda Yuuko , Yoshikawa Norishige
Published: May 2015

Background

Management of adolescent patients with severe eating disorders who refuse treatment for weight loss is complicated. Nutritional rehabilitation is most important during the growth period; thus, strong support in the form of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) as soon as possible is necessary in severe cases. No studies involving detailed, long‐term follow up have evaluated biochemical markers and gonadotropin in patients undergoing TPN treatment.

Methods

Twenty‐five adolescent female patients admitted to hospital received TPN immediately, and biochemical marker and gonadotropin levels were measured and analyzed. If subsequent weight gain was observed, TPN treatment was gradually reduced and stopped.

Results

No patients dropped out of the study. A significant increase in weight was observed during hospitalization (average, 8.0 kg). Under this treatment, serum total bilirubin was significantly decreased at 3 months, total cholesterol was significantly decreased at 2 months, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was significantly increased at 3 and 6 months. Follicle‐stimulating hormone response significantly preceded both luteinizing hormone response and appetite recovery. After this treatment, nine of the 25 patients were readmitted for recurrence of appetite loss. Two patients required additional TPN treatment, but seven immediately recovered their appetite after hospitalization without TPN treatment. Bodyweight gain per day was significantly lower and ALP on admission was significantly higher in patients with than without recurrence.

Conclusions

Most patients had a remarkable recovery of appetite without refusal behaviors and without evidence of malnutrition after admission. Nutrition maintenance with TPN support is particularly important during the growth period.
Emotion suppression moderates the quadratic association between RSA and executive function
Authors: Spangler Derek P. , Bell Martha Ann , Deater‐Deckard Kirby
Published: May 2015

There is uncertainty about whether respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), a cardiac marker of adaptive emotion regulation, is involved in relatively low or high executive function performance. In the present study, we investigated (a) whether RSA during rest and tasks predict both relatively low and high executive function within a larger quadratic association among the two variables, and (b) the extent to which this quadratic trend was moderated by individual differences in emotion regulation. To achieve these aims, a sample of ethnically and socioeconomically diverse women self‐reported reappraisal and emotion suppression. They next experienced a 2‐min resting period during which electrocardiogram (ECG) was continually assessed. In the next phase, the women completed an array of executive function and nonexecutive cognitive tasks while ECG was measured throughout. As anticipated, resting RSA showed a quadratic association with executive function that was strongest for high suppression. These results suggest that relatively high resting RSA may predict poor executive function ability when emotion regulation consumes executive control resources needed for ongoing cognitive performance.
O‐Methyltransferases involved in biphenyl and dibenzofuran biosynthesis
Authors: Khalil Mohammed N.A. , Brandt Wolfgang , Beuerle Till , Reckwell Dennis , Groeneveld Josephine , Hänsch Robert , Gaid Mariam M. , Liu Benye , Beerhues Ludger
Published: May 2015

Biphenyls and dibenzofurans are the phytoalexins of the Malinae involving apple and pear. Biosynthesis of the defence compounds includes two O‐methylation reactions. cDNAs encoding the O‐methyltransferase (OMT) enzymes were isolated from rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) cell cultures after treatment with an elicitor preparation from the scab‐causing fungus, Venturia inaequalis. The preferred substrate for SaOMT1 was 3,5‐dihydroxybiphenyl, supplied by the first pathway‐specific enzyme, biphenyl synthase (BIS). 3,5‐Dihydroxybiphenyl underwent a single methylation reaction in the presence of S‐adenosyl‐l‐methionine (SAM). The second enzyme, SaOMT2, exhibited its highest affinity for noraucuparin, however the turnover rate was greater with 5‐hydroxyferulic acid. Both substrates were only methylated at the meta‐positioned hydroxyl group. The substrate specificities of the OMTs and the regiospecificities of their reactions were rationalized by homology modeling and substrate docking. Interaction of the substrates with SAM also took place at a position other than the sulfur group. Expression of SaOMT1, SaOMT2 and SaBIS3 was transiently induced in rowan cell cultures by the addition of the fungal elicitor. While the immediate SaOMT1 products were not detectable in elicitor‐treated cell cultures, noraucuparin and noreriobofuran accumulated transiently, followed by increasing levels of the SaOMT2 products aucuparin and eriobofuran. SaOMT1, SaOMT2 and SaBIS3 were N‐ and C‐terminally fused with the super cyan fluorescent protein and a modified yellow fluorescent protein, respectively. All the fluorescent reporter fusions were localized to the cytoplasm of Nicotiana benthamiana leaf epidermis cells. A revised biosynthetic pathway of biphenyls and dibenzofurans in the Malinae is presented.
Improved white spruce (Picea glauca) genome assemblies and annotation of large gene families of conifer terpenoid and phenolic defense metabolism
Authors: Warren René L. , Keeling Christopher I. , Yuen Macaire Man Saint , Raymond Anthony , Taylor Greg A. , Vandervalk Benjamin P. , Mohamadi Hamid , Paulino Daniel , Chiu Readman , Jackman Shaun D. , Robertson Gordon , Yang Chen , Boyle Brian , Hoffmann Margarete , Weigel Detlef , Nelson David R. , Ritland Carol , Isabel Nathalie , Jaquish Barry , Yanchuk Alvin , Bousquet Jean , Jones Steven J. M. , MacKay John , Birol Inanc , Bohlmann Joerg
Published: May 2015

White spruce (Picea glauca), a gymnosperm tree, has been established as one of the models for conifer genomics. We describe the draft genome assemblies of two white spruce genotypes, PG29 and WS77111, innovative tools for the assembly of very large genomes, and the conifer genomics resources developed in this process. The two white spruce genotypes originate from distant geographic regions of western (PG29) and eastern (WS77111) North America, and represent elite trees in two Canadian tree‐breeding programs. We present an update (V3 and V4) for a previously reported PG29 V2 draft genome assembly and introduce a second white spruce genome assembly for genotype WS77111. Assemblies of the PG29 and WS77111 genomes confirm the reconstructed white spruce genome size in the 20 Gbp range, and show broad synteny. Using the PG29 V3 assembly and additional white spruce genomics and transcriptomics resources, we performed MAKER‐P annotation and meticulous expert annotation of very large gene families of conifer defense metabolism, the terpene synthases and cytochrome P450s. We also comprehensively annotated the white spruce mevalonate, methylerythritol phosphate and phenylpropanoid pathways. These analyses highlighted the large extent of gene and pseudogene duplications in a conifer genome, in particular for genes of secondary (i.e. specialized) metabolism, and the potential for gain and loss of function for defense and adaptation.
Are Organic Food Labels Inadequate? Evidence from Consumers in Australia
Authors: Henryks Joanna , Pearson David , Anisimova Tatiana , Sultan Parves
Published: May 2015

The organic sector is one of the fastest growing food markets in the developed world, with a significant number of consumers continuing to prioritise these products that are perceived to be healthier and more sustainably sourced. The body of existing research has identified that very few consumers are dedicated organic food buyers hence most are purchasing it only some of the time. The most commonly identified barriers to purchasing more are associated with price premiums and limited availability. This paper adds to the literature by exploring another barrier, that of potentially inadequate information on product labels. Based on a large study of consumers in Australia (N=1011) findings show the majority feel information provided on labels is inadequate, and that this has a negative impact on their purchasing behaviour. Priorities for the organic industry to address this consumer concern are enhancing visibility and confidence in organic certification logos, and explaining what organic food is on product labels. Enhancing these marketing communications by providing supporting information via the Internet, as it is now more important than product labels, is likely to further enhance sales.
Transient Dynamics of the Conformal Elastohydrodynamic Squeeze Film Problem
Authors: Boedo S.
Published: May 2015

This paper provides the first cross-comparison of three established elastohydrodynamic computational methods to investigate the conformal long-bearing pure squeeze cylindrical bearing problem with rigid journal and elastic sleeve. The benefits of each analysis method in addressing both theoretical and practical issues in problem formulation and application are discussed. A set of nondimensional design charts for minimum film thickness and maximum film pressure under a step load are presented. With a judicious choice of load and sleeve geometry, it is found that a uniform film pressure can develop over a large film pocket in the limit of conformal journal and sleeve contact even with relatively high modulus materials such as steel.
ViSQOLAudio: An objective audio quality metric for low bitrate codecs
Authors: Hines Andrew , Gillen Eoin , Kelly Damien , Skoglund Jan , Kokaram Anil , Harte Naomi
Published: May 2015

Streaming services seek to optimise their use of bandwidth across audio and visual channels to maximise the quality of experience for users. This letter evaluates whether objective quality metrics can predict the audio quality for music encoded at low bitrates by comparing objective predictions with results from listener tests. Three objective metrics were benchmarked: PEAQ, POLQA, and VISQOLAudio. The results demonstrate objective metrics designed for speech quality assessment have a strong potential for quality assessment of low bitrate audio codecs.
Gainline Africa: A Case Study of Sport-for-Development Organizations and the Role of Organizational Relationship Building via Social Media
Authors: Hambrick Marion E. , Svensson Per G.
Published: May 2015

Sport organizations can use social media to build relationships with current and potential stakeholders. These opportunities are pertinent for smaller niche and sport-for-development-and-peace (SDP) organizations, which rarely receive the same media and consumer attention as their larger, more mainstream counterparts. This study examined the role of social media with 1 SDP organization and used qualitative data collection and analysis to explore what social-media platforms the staff members selected, how they used these platforms, and what benefits and challenges they faced with this use. Their identified social-media activities were 3-fold: disseminating news, promoting events, and educating stakeholders. Some hurdles arose with this use, in particular attempting to engage readers in conversations and ensuring that the posted messages uniformly relayed organizational goals. SDP and other organizations can use social media to achieve communication objectives but should recognize the potential challenges associated with these efforts.
Assessing Student Satisfaction Within Sport Management Master’s Degree Programs
Authors: Popp Nels , Weight Erianne A. , Dwyer Brendan , Morse Alan L. , Baker Amy
Published: May 2015

This study examined satisfaction levels with graduate sport management programs in the United States. A 26-item graduate degree program satisfaction instrument was developed and administered electronically to a sample of current students and alumni from seven sport management master’s degree programs yielding a 54.31% response rate (N = 302). Respondents generally indicated high levels of satisfaction with their decision to pursue a graduate sport management degree, but were significantly less satisfied with the specific school they attended. Respondents indicated the most beneficial courses included current topics, sport and society, sport marketing, and sport ethics, whereas the least beneficial courses included statistics, international sport, and research methods. Students who earned their undergraduate degree in business were consistently less satisfied with how well their graduate program taught them various sport management skills compared with students with undergraduate degrees in sport management, sport-related studies, or other majors.
Integrating an Experiential Client-Based Ticket Sales Center into a Sport Sales Course
Authors: Pierce David A. , Petersen Jeffrey C.
Published: May 2015

This educational review provides an overview of the application of experiential learning in the area of sport sales. Insights are provided for sport management academicians that relate to planning and initiating experiential client-based sales projects, and the analysis of the benefits and drawbacks associated with four approaches to lead generation (promotional lead approach, sales table approach, upselling approach, and retention approach), delivery of sales training methods (professor driven, team driven, and practice), and operation of a call center within three distinct frameworks (remote, on-site, or independent). Guidance for project assessment, both during the project and after project completion, is discussed, and the article concludes with a strong connection of the inherent value of such training with the added value of client-based sport sales training to the sport industry.
Comment on “Evidence for mesothermy in dinosaurs”
Authors: D’Emic M. D.
Published: May 2015

Grady
et al
. (Reports, 13 June 2014, p. 1268) suggested that nonavian dinosaur metabolism was neither endothermic nor ectothermic but an intermediate physiology termed “mesothermic.” However, rates were improperly scaled and phylogenetic, physiological, and temporal categories of animals were conflated during analyses. Accounting for these issues suggests that nonavian dinosaurs were on average as endothermic as extant placental mammals.
Comment on “Evidence for mesothermy in dinosaurs”
Authors: Myhrvold Nathan P.
Published: May 2015

Grady
et al
. (Reports, 13 June 2014, p. 1268) studied dinosaur metabolism by comparison of maximum somatic growth rate allometry with groups of known metabolism. They concluded that dinosaurs exhibited mesothermy, a metabolic rate intermediate between endothermy and ectothermy. Multiple statistical and methodological issues call into question the evidence for dinosaur mesothermy.
Ultralow-fatigue shape memory alloy films
Authors: Chluba Christoph , Ge Wenwei , Lima de Miranda Rodrigo , Strobel Julian , Kienle Lorenz , Quandt Eckhard , Wuttig Manfred
Published: May 2015

Memory alloys that avoid exhaustion

Shape memory alloys can pop back into shape after being deformed. However, often these alloys cannot cope with a large number of deformation cycles. Chluba
et al.
find an alloy that avoids this pitfall, deforming 10 million times with very little fatigue (see the Perspective by James). Such low-fatigue materials could be useful in a plethora of future applications ranging from refrigerators to artificial heart valves.

Science
, this issue p.
1004
; see also p.
968
Enhanced tropical methane production in response to iceberg discharge in the North Atlantic
Authors: Rhodes Rachael H. , Brook Edward J. , Chiang John C. H. , Blunier Thomas , Maselli Olivia J. , McConnell Joseph R. , Romanini Daniele , Severinghaus Jeffrey P.
Published: May 2015

The tropical impact of iceberg armadas

The massive discharges of icebergs from the Greenland ice sheet during the Last Glacial Period are called Heinrich events. But did Heinrich events cause abrupt climate change, or were they a product of it? Methane levels represent a proxy for climate, because methane production increases mostly due to wetter conditions in the tropics. Rhodes
et al.
report a highly resolved record of atmospheric methane concentrations, derived from an ice core from Antarctica. Methane levels varied—i.e., the tropical climate changed—in response to cooling in the Northern Hemisphere caused by Heinrich events.

Science
, this issue p.
1016
Report finds misconduct by surgeon
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: May 2015

Papers omitted data on patient complications, investigator finds.
Function-led design of new porous materials
Authors: Slater Anna G. , Cooper Andrew I.
Published: May 2015

It's all about the holes

From kitchen sieves and strainers to coffee filters, porous materials have a wide range of uses. On an industrial scale, they are used as sorbents, filters, membranes, and catalysts. Slater and Cooper review how each application will limit the materials that can be used, and also the size and connectivity of the pores required. They go on to compare and contrast a growing range of porous materials that are finding increasing use in academic and industrial applications.

Science
, this issue
10.1126/science.aaa8075
Exploiting sleep to modify bad attitudes
Authors: Feld Gordon B. , Born Jan
Published: May 2015

Targeted memory reactivation of training-induced social counterbias during sleep

[Also see Report by

Hu
et al.

]
Expanding the role of metabolism in T cells
Authors: O'Sullivan David , Pearce Erika L.
Published: May 2015

A protein links mitochondrial energetics to T cell proliferation

[Also see Research Article by

Okoye
et al.

]
Insulin B chain 9–23 gene transfer to hepatocytes protects from type 1 diabetes by inducing Ag-specific FoxP3
+
T
regs
Authors: Akbarpour Mahzad , Goudy Kevin S. , Cantore Alessio , Russo Fabio , Sanvito Francesca , Naldini Luigi , Annoni Andrea , Roncarolo Maria Grazia
Published: May 2015

Hepatocyte-targeted InsB
9–23
gene transfer protects from type 1 diabetes by inducing antigen-specific regulatory T cells.
SLC7A11 expression is associated with seizures and predicts poor survival in patients with malignant glioma
Authors: Robert Stephanie M. , Buckingham Susan C. , Campbell Susan L. , Robel Stefanie , Holt Kenneth T. , Ogunrinu-Babarinde Toyin , Warren Paula P. , White David M. , Reid Meredith A. , Eschbacher Jenny M. , Berens Michael E. , Lahti Adrienne C. , Nabors Louis B. , Sontheimer Harald
Published: May 2015

SLC7A11, the catalytic subunit of the cystine/glutamate antiporter, System x
c
−
(SXC), is up-regulated in a subpopulation of patient gliomas, where it is responsible for excitotoxic glutamate release, accelerated tumor growth, and tumor-associated seizures.
A sticky (synergistic) situation
Authors: Alvarez Jessica A.
Published: May 2015

Metabolomics identifies polyamines as a link between bacterial biofilms and colon cancer.
Research in academic medical centers: Two threats to sustainable support
Authors: Levine Arthur S. , Alpern Robert J. , Andrews Nancy C. , Antman Karen , Balser Jeffrey R. , Berg Jeremy M. , Davis Pamela B. , Fitz J. Gregory , Golden Robert N. , Goldman Lee , Jameson J. Larry , Lee Vivian S. , Polonsky Kenneth S. , Rappley Marsha D. , Reece E. Albert , Rothman Paul B. , Schwinn Debra A. , Shapiro Larry J. , Spiegel Allen M.
Published: May 2015

Reductions in federal support and clinical revenue jeopardize biomedical research and, in turn, clinical medicine.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Capnocytophaga canimorsus Strains Isolated from Healthy Canine Oral Cavities
Authors: Manfredi Pablo , Renzi Francesco , Cornelis Guy R.
Published: May 2015

Here, we present the draft genome sequences of three strains of
Capnocytophaga canimorsus
, each isolated from a different dog's mouth. Genome analysis provided evidence that these organisms may belong to a different nonpathogenic subtype of
C. canimorsus
.
Rapid, Sensitive, and Specific Escherichia coli H Antigen Typing by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight-Based Peptide Mass Fingerprinting
Authors: Chui Huixia , Chan Michael , Hernandez Drexler , Chong Patrick , McCorrister Stuart , Robinson Alyssia , Walker Matthew , Peterson Lorea A. M. , Ratnam Sam , Haldane David J. M. , Bekal Sadjia , Wylie John , Chui Linda , Westmacott Garrett , Xu Bianli , Drebot Mike , Nadon Celine , Knox J. David , Wang Gehua , Cheng Keding
Published: May 2015

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has gained popularity in recent years for rapid bacterial identification, mostly at the genus or species level. In this study, a rapid method to identify theEscherichia coliflagellar antigen (H antigen) at the subspecies level was developed using a MALDI-TOF MS platform with high specificity and sensitivity. Flagella were trapped on a filter membrane, and on-filter trypsin digestion was performed. The tryptic digests of each flagellin then were collected and analyzed by MALDI-TOF MS through peptide mass fingerprinting. Sixty-one reference strains containing all 53 H types and 85 clinical strains were tested and compared to serotyping designations. Whole-genome sequencing was used to resolve conflicting results between the two methods. It was found that DHB (2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid) worked better than CHCA (α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid) as the matrix for MALDI-TOF MS, with higher confidence during protein identification. After method optimization, reference strains representing all 53E. coliH types were identified correctly by MALDI-TOF MS. A customE. coliflagellar/H antigen database was crucial for clearly identifying theE. coliH antigens. Of 85 clinical isolates tested by MALDI-TOF MS-H, 75 identified MS-H types (88.2%) matched results obtained from traditional serotyping. Among 10 isolates where the results of MALDI-TOF MS-H and serotyping did not agree, 60% of H types characterized by whole-genome sequencing agreed with those identified by MALDI-TOF MS-H, compared to only 20% by serotyping. This MALDI-TOF MS-H platform can be used for rapid and cost-effectiveE. coliH antigen identification, especially duringE. colioutbreaks.
Analysis of Vancomycin Susceptibility Testing Results for Presumptive Categorization of Telavancin
Authors: Mendes Rodrigo E. , Farrell David J. , Flamm Robert K. , Sader Helio S. , Jones Ronald N.
Published: May 2015

Scattergrams between vancomycin and telavancin demonstrated susceptibility agreement rates of 99.96, 99.65, and 100.00% for
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Enterococcus faecalis
, and streptococci, respectively. A single very major error was obtained against
E. faecalis
, while vancomycin-intermediate
S. aureus
(VISA) and vancomycin-resistant and teicoplanin-susceptible (VanB phenotype)
E. faecalis
were responsible for major and minor errors. These results support the use of vancomycin to infer telavancin susceptibility among indicated pathogens, except VISA, which should be tested for telavancin susceptibility.
Fatal Case of Polymicrobial Meningitis Caused by Cryptococcus liquefaciens and Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patient
Authors: Conde-Pereira César , Rodas-Rodríguez Lia , Díaz-Paz Manuel , Palacios-Rivera Hilda , Firacative Carolina , Meyer Wieland , Alcázar-Castillo Myriam
Published: May 2015

We describe a fatal case of polymicrobial meningitis in a human immunodeficiency virus-infected patient from Guatemala caused by
Cryptococcus liquefaciens
and
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
complex. Central nervous system infections caused concurrently by these species are extremely rare. This is also the first report of disseminated disease caused by
C. liquefaciens
.
Performance Characteristics of Xpert Flu/RSV XC Assay
Authors: Popowitch Elena B. , Miller Melissa B.
Published: May 2015

The Xpert Flu/RSV XC assay was compared to laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) (
n
= 207) and the Xpert Flu assay (
n
= 147) using archived nasopharyngeal swabs. The percentages of positive agreements with LDTs were 97.8% for influenza A, 97.2% for influenza B, and 89.3% for RSV. The sensitivity of influenza detection was improved with the Xpert Flu/RSV XC assay compared to the Xpert Flu assay.
Head-to-Head Comparison of the RNA-Based Aptima Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Assay and the DNA-Based Hybrid Capture 2 HPV Test in a Routine Screening Population of Women Aged 30 to 60 Years in Germany
Authors: Iftner Thomas , Becker Sven , Neis Klaus-Joachim , Castanon Alejandra , Iftner Angelika , Holz Barbara , Staebler Annette , Henes Melanie , Rall Katharina , Haedicke Juliane , von Weyhern Claus Hann , Clad Andreas , Brucker Sara , Sasieni Peter
Published: May 2015

Testing for E6/E7 mRNA in cells infected with high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) might improve the specificity of HPV testing for the identification of cervical precancerous lesions. Here we compared the RNA-based Aptima HPV (AHPV) assay (Hologic) and the DNA-based Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) HPV test (Qiagen) to liquid-based cytology (LBC) for women undergoing routine cervical screening. A total of 10,040 women, 30 to 60 years of age, were invited to participate in the study, 9,451 of whom were included in the analysis. Specimens were tested centrally by LBC, the AHPV test, and the HC2 test, and women who tested positive on any test were referred for colposcopy. Genotyping was performed on all HR-HPV-positive samples. Test characteristics were calculated based on histological review. As a result, we identified 90 women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2+ (CIN2+), including 43 women with CIN3+. Sensitivity differences between the AHPV test and the HC2 test in detecting CIN2+ (
P
= 0.180) or CIN3+ (
P
= 0.0625) lesions were statistically nonsignificant. Of three CIN3 cases that were missed with the AHPV test, two cases presented lesion-free cones and one had a non-HR HPV67 infection. The specificity (<CIN2) and positive predictive value (CIN2+) of the AHPV test were significantly higher (both
P
< 0.001) than those of the HC2 test. The overall agreement between the tests was substantial (κ = 0.77). Finally, we present results for several possible triage strategies, based on the primary screening test being either the AHPV test or the HC2 test. In summary, the AHPV assay is both specific and sensitive for the detection of high-grade precancerous lesions and may be used in primary cervical cancer screening for women ≥30 years of age.
Comparative Analysis of the Glycosylation Profiles of Membrane-Anchored HIV-1 Envelope Glycoprotein Trimers and Soluble gp140
Authors: Go Eden P. , Herschhorn Alon , Gu Christopher , Castillo-Menendez Luis , Zhang Shijian , Mao Youdong , Chen Haiyan , Ding Haitao , Wakefield John K. , Hua David , Liao Hua-Xin , Kappes John C. , Sodroski Joseph , Desaire Heather
Published: May 2015

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein (Env) trimer, which consists of the gp120 and gp41 subunits, is the focus of multiple strategies for vaccine development. Extensive Env glycosylation provides HIV-1 with protection from the immune system, yet the glycans are also essential components of binding epitopes for numerous broadly neutralizing antibodies. Recent studies have shown that when Env is isolated from virions, its glycosylation profile differs significantly from that of soluble forms of Env (gp120 or gp140) predominantly used in vaccine discovery research. Here we show that exogenous membrane-anchored Envs, which can be produced in large quantities in mammalian cells, also display a virion-like glycan profile, where the glycoprotein is extensively decorated with high-mannose glycans. Additionally, because we characterized the glycosylation with a high-fidelity profiling method, glycopeptide analysis, an unprecedented level of molecular detail regarding membrane Env glycosylation and its heterogeneity is presented. Each glycosylation site was characterized individually, with about 500 glycoforms characterized per Env protein. While many of the sites contain exclusively high-mannose glycans, others retain complex glycans, resulting in a glycan profile that cannot currently be mimicked on soluble gp120 or gp140 preparations. These site-level studies are important for understanding antibody-glycan interactions on native Env trimers. Additionally, we report a newly observed
O
-linked glycosylation site, T606, and we show that the full
O
-linked glycosylation profile of membrane-associated Env is similar to that of soluble gp140. These findings provide new insight into Env glycosylation and clarify key molecular-level differences between membrane-anchored Env and soluble gp140.

IMPORTANCE
A vaccine that protects against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection should elicit antibodies that bind to the surface envelope glycoproteins on the membrane of the virus. The envelope glycoproteins have an extensive coat of carbohydrates (glycans), some of which are recognized by virus-neutralizing antibodies and some of which protect the virus from neutralizing antibodies. We found that the HIV-1 membrane envelope glycoproteins have a unique pattern of carbohydrates, with many high-mannose glycans and also, in some places, complex glycans. This pattern was very different from the carbohydrate profile seen for a more easily produced soluble version of the envelope glycoprotein. Our results provide a detailed characterization of the glycans on the natural membrane envelope glycoproteins of HIV-1, a carbohydrate profile that would be desirable to mimic with a vaccine.