bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of maternal depression and overcrowded housing on associations between autonomic nervous system reactivity and externalizing behavior problems in vulnerable Latino children
Authors: Waters Sara F. , Boyce W. Thomas , Eskenazi Brenda , Alkon Abbey
Published: December 2015

The study of autonomic nervous system responses and contextual factors has shed light on the development of children's negative outcomes, but the majority of these studies have not focused on minority populations living under adversity. To address these gaps, the current longitudinal study included a sample of poor, immigrant Latino families to examine whether associations between children's autonomic nervous system reactivity at 6 months and their externalizing behavior problems at 7 years of age were moderated by two risk factors associated with poverty: the interpersonal factor of chronic maternal depression and the environmental factor of chronic overcrowded housing. Multiple linear regression (N = 99) revealed that children who exhibited less parasympathetic nervous system withdrawal in response to challenge during infancy had more externalizing problems during childhood only if they had mothers who experienced chronic depression. Children who exhibited greater sympathetic nervous system reactivity during infancy had the lowest levels of externalizing problems during childhood only if they had mothers who chronic depression. Chronic overcrowded housing did not moderate associations between physiological reactivity and level of externalizing problems. These findings extend our understanding of the interaction of physiology and context on child outcomes to the understudied population of impoverished Latino families.
Cultural shaping of neural responses: Feedback‐related potentials vary with self‐construal and face priming
Authors: Hitokoto Hidefumi , Glazer James , Kitayama Shinobu
Published: December 2015

Previous work shows that when an image of a face is presented immediately prior to each trial of a speeded cognitive task (face‐priming), the error‐related negativity (ERN) is upregulated for Asians, but it is downregulated for Caucasians. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that images of “generalized other” vary cross‐culturally such that they evoke anxiety for Asians, whereas they serve as safety cues for Caucasians. Here, we tested whether the cross‐cultural variation in the face‐priming effect would be observed in a gambling paradigm. Caucasian Americans, Asian Americans, and Asian sojourners were exposed to a brief flash of a schematic face during a gamble. For Asian Americans, face‐priming resulted in significant increases of both negative‐going deflection of ERP upon negative feedback (feedback‐related negativity [FRN]) and positive‐going deflection of ERP upon positive feedback (feedback‐related positivity [FRP]). For Caucasian Americans, face‐priming showed a significant reversal, decreasing both FRN and FRP. The cultural difference in the face‐priming effect in FRN and FRP was partially mediated by interdependent self‐construal. Curiously, Asian sojourners showed a pattern similar to the one for Caucasian Americans. Our findings suggest that culture shapes neural pathways in both systematic and highly dynamic fashion.
Threatening the heart and mind of gender stereotypes: Can imagined contact influence the physiology of stereotype threat?
Authors: Allen Ben , Friedman Bruce H.
Published: December 2015

Research shows that when a gender stereotype is made salient and the target of the stereotype is asked to perform in the stereotyped domain, targets of the stereotype often perform at a lower level compared to situations when the stereotype was not made salient. The noticeable absence of female faculty and students in math and science departments at coed universities throughout the United States may increase the belief in gender stereotypes and discourage women from pursuing careers in these fields. Contact with counterstereotypical exemplars, such as female science experts, decreases belief in gender stereotypes and increases women's motivation to pursue careers in science. Thus, the present study examined whether imagining an interpersonal interaction with a counterstereotypical exemplar removes the physiological and performance effects of stereotype threat. Subjects were asked to imagine either a nature scene or meeting a female math professor, and were also assigned to either a control or stereotype threat condition. Imagination was used because studies have shown it to be an effective method of simulating interpersonal contact. Subjects were 139 young women (mean age 19 years) recruited from a pool of undergraduates. Results showed that the stereotype threat manipulation elicited greater vagal withdrawal and poorer working memory capacity during the n‐back, and that vagal withdrawal was attenuated when the stereotype threat manipulation was preceded by a brief imagined interaction with a counterstereotypical exemplar. This study provides novel evidence that exposure to counterstereotypical exemplars can diminish cardiovascular reactions to salient information about threatening gender stereotypes.
Effects of Female Dietary Restriction in a Rabbit Growth Line During Rearing on Reproductive Performance and Embryo Quality
Authors: Naturil‐Alfonso C , Lavara R , Vicente JS , Marco‐Jiménez F
Published: December 2015

Contents

Maternal diet prior to mating has an effect on reproductive performance. We analysed the effect of maternal dietary restriction during rearing on reproductive performance, the embryo development and foetal growth. Females were categorized in two groups: (i) does with ad libitum access to feed or (ii) restricted. Two experiments were performed: (i) after 1 month, receptive females from both experimental groups were artificially inseminated and the reproductive performance was recorded during three reproductive cycles; at the first insemination, the body weight and perirenal fat thickness were recorded, and (ii) females from both experimental groups were inseminated, and 24 h later, embryos were recovered and transferred to recipient females from a maternal line. Later, embryonic implantation was assessed at day 14 by laparoscopy and foetal growth was monitored by ultrasound examination. In experiment 1, no differences in kindling rate was found, but prolificacy was showed to be higher in ad libitum does, which also were heavier than restricted ones. In experiment 2, no differences among does either in body weight, in perirenal fat thickness or in reproductive performance (ovulation rate and embryo recovery rate) were related to differences in feed intake. However, despite similar embryonic implantation losses, embryos from restricted females demonstrated higher foetal and gestational losses. Embryos from restricted does presented lower foetal growth than embryos from ad libitum does. Therefore, our results demonstrated that nutrition before first conception in a rabbit line selected for growth rate may impact on the embryo and results in a disturbance in gestational losses and foetal growth over all reproductive life.
Born Leaders: Political Selection and The Relative Age Effect in the US Congress
Authors: Muller Daniel , Page Lionel
Published: December 2015

We present substantial evidence for the existence of a bias in the distribution of births of leading US politicians in favour of those who were the eldest in their cohort at school. This result adds to the research on the long-term effects of relative age among peers at school. We discuss parametric and non-parametric tests to identify this effect, and we show that it is not driven by measurement error, redshirting or a sorting effect of highly educated parents. The magnitude of the effect that we estimate is larger than what other studies on ‘relative age effects’ have found for broader populations but is in general consistent with research that looks at professional sportsmen. We also find that relative age does not seem to correlate with the quality of elected politicians.
Viral suppression in adolescents on antiretroviral treatment: review of the literature and critical appraisal of methodological challenges
Authors: Ferrand Rashida A. , Briggs Datonye , Ferguson Jane , Penazzato Martina , Armstrong Alice , MacPherson Peter , Ross David A. , Kranzer Katharina
Published: December 2015

Objective

Medication adherence is often suboptimal for adolescents with HIV, and establishing correct weight‐based antiretroviral therapy dosing is difficult, contributing to virological failure. This review aimed to determine the proportion of adolescents achieving virological suppression after initiating ART.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched. Studies published between January 2004 and September 2014 including ≥50 adolescents taking ART and reporting on the proportion of virological suppressed participants were included.

Results

From a total of 5316 potentially relevant citations, 20 studies were included. Only eight studies reported the proportion of adolescents that were virologically suppressed at a specified time point. The proportion of adolescents with virological suppression at 12 months ranged from 27 to 89%.

Conclusion

Adolescent achievement of HIV virological suppression was highly variable. Improved reporting of virological outcomes from a wider range of settings is required to support efforts to improve HIV care and treatment for adolescents.
Potential targets of VIVIPAROUS1/ABI3‐LIKE1 (VAL1) repression in developing Arabidopsis thaliana embryos
Authors: Schneider Andrew , Aghamirzaie Delasa , Elmarakeby Haitham , Poudel Arati N. , Koo Abraham J. , Heath Lenwood S. , Grene Ruth , Collakova Eva
Published: December 2015

Developing Arabidopsis seeds accumulate oils and seed storage proteins synthesized by the pathways of primary metabolism. Seed development and metabolism are positively regulated by transcription factors belonging to the LAFL (LEC1, AB13, FUSCA3 and LEC2) regulatory network. The VAL gene family encodes repressors of the seed maturation program in germinating seeds, although they are also expressed during seed maturation. The possible regulatory role of VAL1 in seed development has not been studied to date. Reverse genetics revealed that val1 mutant seeds accumulated elevated levels of proteins compared with the wild type, suggesting that VAL1 functions as a repressor of seed metabolism; however, in the absence of VAL1, the levels of metabolites, ABA, auxin and jasmonate derivatives did not change significantly in developing embryos. Two VAL1 splice variants were identified through RNA sequencing analysis: a full‐length form and a truncated form lacking the plant homeodomain‐like domain associated with epigenetic repression. None of the transcripts encoding the core LAFL network transcription factors were affected in val1 embryos. Instead, activation of VAL1 by FUSCA3 appears to result in the repression of a subset of seed maturation genes downstream of core LAFL regulators, as 39% of transcripts in the FUSCA3 regulon were derepressed in the val1 mutant. The LEC1 and LEC2 regulons also responded, but to a lesser extent. Additional 832 transcripts that were not LAFL targets were derepressed in val1 mutant embryos. These transcripts are candidate targets of VAL1, acting through epigenetic and/or transcriptional repression.
Sympathetic regulation of blood pressure in normotension and hypertension: when sex matters
Authors: Briant L. J. B. , Charkoudian N. , Hart E. C.
Published: December 2015

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

Hypertension is a major problem in Western society. Risk of hypertension increases with age, especially in women, who have lower risk compared with men until menopause. This review outlines the sex differences in the sympathetic control of blood pressure and how these mechanisms change with age.

What advances does it highlight?

It has recently been recognized that men and women regulate blood pressure by different physiological mechanisms. This is important for both the understanding and the clinical management of individual patients with hypertension. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding how the regulation of blood pressure in hypertension by the sympathetic nervous system differs between men and women.

The sympathetic nervous system has a central role in the regulation of arterial blood pressure (BP) and in the development of hypertension in humans. Recent evidence points to differences between the sexes in the integrative mechanisms by which BP is controlled, suggesting that the development of hypertension may follow distinct pathways in women compared with men. An important aspect of sympathetic control of BP is its substantial interindividual variability. In healthy young men, the variability in sympathetic nerve activity (SNA) is balanced by variability in cardiac output and vascular adrenergic responses, such that BP remains similar, and normal, across a severalfold range of resting SNA values. In young women, variability in resting SNA is similar to that seen in men, but the ‘balancing’ mechanisms are strikingly different; women exhibit greater β‐adrenergic vasodilatation compared with men, which minimizes the pressor effects of a given level of SNA. Ageing is associated with increased SNA and a loss of the balancing factors seen in younger people, leading to an increased risk of hypertension in older people. Loss of oestrogen with menopause in women appears to be linked mechanistically with the decrease in β‐adrenergic vasodilatation and the increased risk of hypertension in older women. Other important factors contributing to hypertension via sympathetic mechanisms are obesity and arterial stiffening, both of which increase with ageing. We conclude with a discussion of important areas in which more work is needed to understand and manage appropriately the sex‐specific mechanisms in the development and maintenance of hypertension.
A model for acoustic vaporization of encapsulated droplets
Authors: Guédra Matthieu , Coulouvrat François
Published: December 2015

The use of encapsulated liquid nanoparticles is currently largely investigated for medical applications, mainly because their reduced size allows them to enter targeted areas which cannot be reached by large microbubbles (contrast agents). Low-boiling point perfluorocarbon droplets can be vaporized on-site under the action of the ultrasonic field, in order to turn them into echogeneous—eventually cavitating—microbubbles. This paper presents a theoretical model describing this phenomenon, paying particular attention to the finite size of the droplet and its encapsulation by a thin viscoelastic layer. Numerical simulations are done for droplets of radii 1 and 10 μm and for frequencies of 1–5 MHz. Results reveal that droplet surface tension and shell rigidity are responsible for an increase of the acoustic droplet vaporization threshold. Furthermore, this threshold does not vary monotonically with frequency, and an optimal frequency can be found to minimize it. Finally, the role of some physical properties on the dynamics of the particle is analyzed, such as the contrast of inner and outer liquids densities and the mechanical properties of the shell.
The influence of edge geometry on end-correction coefficients in micro perforated plates
Authors: Temiz Muttalip Aşkın , Lopez Arteaga Ines , Efraimsson Gunilla , Åbom Mats , Hirschberg Avraham
Published: December 2015

Global expressions are proposed for end-correction coefficients in micro perforated plates (MPPs) using non-dimensional parameters. MPPs are sound absorbers with small perforation diameters such that the Stokes boundary layers fill up almost the entire perforation. Sound absorption does not only occur within the perforation, but also takes place just outside of it. The latter contribution plus the outside inertia effect on the transfer impedance of the MPP are referred to as end-corrections. In order to determine them, an analytical solution employing the very thin Stokes layer assumption has been derived. However, this assumption requires empirical coefficients in the end-corrections for accurate results. To explore the effects of various parameters a numerical model is used. This model is verified with open-end reflection coefficient measurements. The most prominent result from this study is that compared to plate thickness, the ratio of perforation diameter to Stokes layer thickness (Shear number) and edge geometry affect the end-correction coefficients more significantly. The effect of plate thickness can be neglected for practical purposes, therefore, expressions for the end-corrections in terms of Shear number and edge geometry are provided. The relative error of these expressions is <3% compared to the numerical results.
Acceleration-Based Running Intensities of Professional Rugby League Match Play
Authors: Delaney Jace A. , Duthie Grant M. , Thornton Heidi R. , Scott Tannath J. , Gay David , Dascombe Ben J.
Published: December 2015

Rugby league involves frequent periods of high-intensity running including acceleration and deceleration efforts, often occurring at low speeds.

Purpose:

To quantify the energetic cost of running and acceleration efforts during rugby league competition to aid in prescription and monitoring of training.

Methods:

Global positioning system (GPS) data were collected from 37 professional rugby league players across 2 seasons. Peak values for relative distance, average acceleration/deceleration, and metabolic power (Pmet) were calculated for 10 different moving-average durations (1–10 min) for each position. A mixed-effects model was used to assess the effect of position for each duration, and individual comparisons were made using a magnitude-based-inference network.

Results:

There were almost certainly large differences in relative distance and Pmet between the 10-min window and all moving averages <5 min in duration (ES = 1.21–1.88). Fullbacks, halves, and hookers covered greater relative distances than outside backs, edge forwards, and middle forwards for moving averages lasting 2–10 min. Acceleration/deceleration demands were greatest in hookers and halves compared with fullbacks, middle forwards, and outside backs. Pmet was greatest in hookers, halves, and fullbacks compared with middle forwards and outside backs.

Conclusions:

Competition running intensities varied by both position and moving-average duration. Hookers exhibited the greatest Pmet of all positions, due to high involvement in both attack and defense. Fullbacks also reached high Pmet, possibly due to a greater absolute volume of running. This study provides coaches with match data that can be used for the prescription and monitoring of specific training drills.
Anaerobic Energy Production During Sprint Paddling in Junior Competitive and Recreational Surfers
Authors: Minahan Clare L. , Pirera Danielle J. , Sheehan Beth , MacDonald Luke , Bellinger Phillip M.
Published: December 2015

This study compared determinants of a 30-s all-out paddling effort (30-s sprint-paddling test) between junior surfboard riders (surfers) of varying ability. Eight competitive (COMP) and 8 recreational (REC) junior male surfers performed a 30-s sprint-paddling test for the determination of peak sprint power and accumulated O2 deficit. Surfers also performed an incremental-paddling test for the determination of the O2 uptake–power output relationship that was subsequently used to calculate the accumulated O2 deficit for the 30-s sprint-paddling test. During the 30-s sprint-paddling test, peak sprint power (404 ± 98 vs 292 ± 56 W, respectively, P = .01) and the accumulated O2 deficit (1.60 ± 0.31 vs 1.14 ± 0.38 L, respectively, P = .02) were greater in COMP than in REC surfers, whereas peak O2 uptake measured during the incremental-paddling test was not different (2.7 ± 0.1 vs 2.5 ± 0.2 L/min, respectively, P = .11). The higher peak sprint power and larger accumulated O2 deficit observed in COMP than in REC surfers during a 30-s sprint paddling test suggest that surfing promotes development of the anaerobic energy systems. Furthermore, peak sprint power determined during 30 s of sprint paddling may be considered a sensitive measure of surfing ability or experience in junior male surfers.
Interpreting Power-Force-Velocity Profiles for Individualized and Specific Training
Authors: Morin Jean-Benoît , Samozino Pierre
Published: December 2015

Recent studies have brought new insights into the evaluation of power-force-velocity profiles in both ballistic push-offs (eg, jumps) and sprint movements. These are major physical components of performance in many sports, and the methods the authors developed and validated are based on data that are now rather simple to obtain in field conditions (eg, body mass, jump height, sprint times, or velocity). The promising aspect of these approaches is that they allow for more individualized and accurate evaluation, monitoring, and training practices, the success of which is highly dependent on the correct collection, generation, and interpretation of athletes’ mechanical outputs. The authors therefore wanted to provide a practical vade mecum to sports practitioners interested in implementing these power-force-velocity–profiling approaches. After providing a summary of theoretical and practical definitions for the main variables, the authors first detail how vertical profiling can be used to manage ballistic push-off performance, with emphasis on the concept of optimal force–velocity profile and the associated force–velocity imbalance. Furthermore, they discuss these same concepts with regard to horizontal profiling in the management of sprinting performance. These sections are illustrated by typical examples from the authors’ practice. Finally, they provide a practical and operational synthesis and outline future challenges that will help further develop these approaches.
Enhancement of High-Intensity Actions and Physical Performance During a Simulated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Competition With a Moderate Dose of Caffeine
Authors: Diaz-Lara Francisco Javier , del Coso Juan , Portillo Javier , Areces Francisco , García Jose Manuel , Abián-Vicén Javier
Published: December 2015

Context:

Although caffeine is one of the most commonly used substances in combat sports, information about its ergogenic effects on these disciplines is very limited.

Purpose:

To determine the effectiveness of ingesting a moderate dose of caffeine to enhance overall performance during a simulated Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) competition.

Methods:

Fourteen elite BJJ athletes participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled experimental design. In a random order, the athletes ingested either 3 mg/kg body mass of caffeine or a placebo (cellulose, 0 mg/kg) and performed 2 simulated BJJ combats (with 20 min rest between them), following official BJJ rules. Specific physical tests such as maximal handgrip dynamometry, maximal height during a countermovement jump, permanence during a maximal static-lift test, peak power in a bench-press exercise, and blood lactate concentration were measured at 3 specific times: before the first combat and immediately after the first and second combats. The combats were video-recorded to analyze fight actions.

Results:

After the caffeine ingestion, participants spent more time in offensive actions in both combats and revealed higher blood lactate values (P < .05). Performance in all physical tests carried out before the first combat was enhanced with caffeine (P < .05), and some improvements remained after the first combat (eg, maximal static-lift test and bench-press exercise; P < .05). After the second combat, the values in all physical tests were similar between caffeine and placebo.

Conclusions:

Caffeine might be an effective ergogenic aid for improving intensity and physical performance during successive elite BJJ combats.
Co-circulation of three camel coronavirus species and recombination of MERS-CoVs in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Sabir Jamal S. M. , Lam Tommy T.-Y. , Ahmed Mohamed M. M. , Li Lifeng , Shen Yongyi , E. M. Abo-Aba Salah , Qureshi Muhammd I. , Abu-Zeid Mohamed , Zhang Yu , Khiyami Mohammad A. , Alharbi Njud S. , Hajrah Nahid H. , Sabir Meshaal J. , Mutwakil Mohammed H. Z. , Kabli Saleh A. , Alsulaimany Faten A. S. , Obaid Abdullah Y. , Zhou Boping , Smith David K. , Holmes Edward C. , Zhu Huachen , Guan Yi
Published: December 2015

Coronaviruses in the Middle East

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) causes severe acute respiratory illness and kills about a third of people infected. The virus is common in dromedary camels, which can be a source of human infections. In a survey for MERSCoV in over 1300 Saudi Arabian camels, Sabir
et al.
found that dromedaries share three coronavirus species with humans. Diverse MERS lineages in camels have caused human infections, which suggests that transfer among host species occurs quite easily. Haagmans
et al.
made a MERS-CoV vaccine for use in camels, using poxvirus as a vehicle. The vaccine significantly reduced virus excretion, which should help reduce the potential for transmission to humans, and conferred cross-immunity to camelpox infections.

Science
, this issue p.
81
, p.
77
Complete Genome Sequence of a Tomato Isolate of Parietaria Mottle Virus from Italy
Authors: Martínez Carolina , Aramburu José , Rubio Luis , Galipienso Luis
Published: December 2015

We report here the complete genome sequence of isolate T32 of parietaria mottle virus (PMoV) infecting tomato plants in Turin, Italy, obtained by Sanger sequencing. T32 shares 90.48 to 96.69% nucleotide identity with other two PoMV isolates, CR8 and Pe1, respectively, whose complete genome sequences are available.
Draft Genome Sequence of CO33, a Coffee-Infecting Isolate of Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Giampetruzzi Annalisa , Loconsole Giuliana , Boscia Donato , Calzolari Alessandra , Chiumenti Michela , Martelli Giovanni P. , Saldarelli Pasquale , Almeida Rodrigo P. P. , Saponari Maria
Published: December 2015

The draft genome sequence of
Xylella fastidiosa
CO33 isolate, retrieved from symptomatic leaves of coffee plant intercepted in northern Italy, is reported. The CO33 genome size is 2,681,926 bp with a GC content of 51.7%.
Complete Genome Sequences of Two Listeria monocytogenes Serovars, 1/2a and 4b, Isolated from Dairy Products in Brazil
Authors: Pieta Luiza , Campos Fabrício Souza , Mariot Roberta Fogliatto , Prichula Janira , de Moura Tiane Martin , Frazzon Ana Paula Guedes , Frazzon Jeverson
Published: December 2015

Listeria monocytogenes
is the foodborne pathogen responsible for a bacterial infection called listeriosis. Here, we present the whole-genome sequences of two
L. monocytogenes
serovars, 1/2a and 4b, which are considered the most prevalent in food processing plants and listeriosis outbreaks, respectively.
Improved Bacterial 16S rRNA Gene (V4 and V4-5) and Fungal Internal Transcribed Spacer Marker Gene Primers for Microbial Community Surveys
Authors: Walters William , Hyde Embriette R. , Berg-Lyons Donna , Ackermann Gail , Humphrey Greg , Parada Alma , Gilbert Jack A. , Jansson Janet K. , Caporaso J. Gregory , Fuhrman Jed A. , Apprill Amy , Knight Rob
Published: December 2015

We continue to uncover a wealth of information connecting microbes in important ways to human and environmental ecology. As our scientific knowledge and technical abilities improve, the tools used for microbiome surveys can be modified to improve the accuracy of our techniques, ensuring that we can continue to identify groundbreaking connections between microbes and the ecosystems they populate, from ice caps to the human body. It is important to confirm that modifications to these tools do not cause new, detrimental biases that would inhibit the field rather than continue to move it forward. We therefore demonstrated that two recently modified primer pairs that target taxonomically discriminatory regions of bacterial and fungal genomic DNA do not introduce new biases when used on a variety of sample types, from soil to human skin. This confirms the utility of these primers for maintaining currently recommended microbiome research techniques as the state of the art.
cual-id: Globally Unique, Correctable, and Human-Friendly Sample Identifiers for Comparative Omics Studies
Authors: Chase John H. , Bolyen Evan , Rideout Jai Ram , Caporaso J. Gregory
Published: December 2015

The adoption of identifiers that are globally unique, correctable, and easily handwritten or manually entered into a computer will be a major step forward for sample tracking in comparative omics studies. As the fields transition to more-centralized sample management, for example, across labs within an institution, across projects funded under a common program, or in systems designed to facilitate meta- and/or integrated analysis, sample identifiers generated with cual-id will not need to change; thus, costly and error-prone updating of data and metadata identifiers will be avoided. Further, using cual-id will ensure that transcription errors in sample identifiers do not require the discarding of otherwise-useful samples that may have been expensive to obtain. Finally, cual-id is simple to install and use and is free for all use. No centralized infrastructure is required to ensure global uniqueness, so it is feasible for any lab to get started using these identifiers within their existing infrastructure.
mSystems
: Learning To Love Systems
Authors: Gilbert Jack A.
Published: December 2015

We want this journal to be a forum for publication of research, tools, and data sets that are advancing our understanding of, or ability to investigate or interpret, microbiology systems. For example, I hope that
mSystems
will be a venue for research that elucidates the metabolic and cell-cell signaling mechanisms that underpin observed successional dynamics in microbial ecosystems.
The practical use of surface electromyography during running: does the evidence support the hype? A narrative review
Authors: Subbu R , Weiler R , Whyte G
Published: December 2015

Background/aims

Surface electromyography (sEMG) is a commonly used technique to investigate muscle activation and fatigue, which is non-invasive and can allow for continuous measurement. Systematic research on the use of sEMG in the sporting environment has been on-going for many years and predominantly based on cycling and rowing activities. To date there have been no reviews assessing the validity and reliability in sEMG exclusively in running activities specifically during on-field testing. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the use of sEMG in the practical context and whether this be translated to on-field testing.

Methods

Electronic literature searches were performed using the Cochrane Library, PUBMED, CINAHL and PeDro without restrictions on the study date to identify the relevant current English language literature.

Results

10 studies were relevant after title and content review. All the studies identified were all level three evidence based. The general trends of the sEMG activity appear to correlate with running velocity and muscle fatigue seems almost always the consequence of prolonged, dynamic activity. However, these changes are not consistently measured or statistically significant throughout the studies raising the question of the accuracy and reliability when analysing sEMG measurements and making assumptions about the cause of fatigue.

Conclusions

An agreed consensus when measuring and analysing sEMG data during running activities particularly in field testing with the most appropriate study design and reliable methodology is yet to be determined and further studies are required.
T cell neoepitope discovery in colorectal cancer by high throughput profiling of somatic mutations in expressed genes
Authors: Mennonna Daniele , Maccalli Cristina , Romano Michele C , Garavaglia Claudio , Capocefalo Filippo , Bordoni Roberta , Severgnini Marco , De Bellis Gianluca , Sidney John , Sette Alessandro , Gori Alessandro , Longhi Renato , Braga Marco , Ghirardelli Luca , Baldari Ludovica , Orsenigo Elena , Albarello Luca , Zino Elisabetta , Fleischhauer Katharina , Mazzola Gina , Ferrero Norma , Amoroso Antonio , Casorati Giulia , Parmiani Giorgio , Dellabona Paolo
Published: December 2015

Objective

Patient-specific (unique) tumour antigens, encoded by somatically mutated cancer genes, generate neoepitopes that are implicated in the induction of tumour-controlling T cell responses. Recent advancements in massive DNA sequencing combined with robust T cell epitope predictions have allowed their systematic identification in several malignancies.

Design

We undertook the identification of unique neoepitopes in colorectal cancers (CRCs) by using high-throughput sequencing of cDNAs expressed by standard cancer cell cultures, and by related cancer stem/initiating cells (CSCs) cultures, coupled with a reverse immunology approach not requiring human leukocyte antigen (HLA) allele-specific epitope predictions.

Results

Several unique mutated antigens of CRC, shared by standard cancer and related CSC cultures, were identified by this strategy. CD8+and CD4+T cells, either autologous to the patient or derived from HLA-matched healthy donors, were readily expanded in vitro by peptides spanning different cancer mutations and specifically recognised differentiated cancer cells and CSC cultures, expressing the mutations. Neoepitope-specific CD8+T cell frequency was also increased in a patient, compared with healthy donors, supporting the occurrence of clonal expansion in vivo.

Conclusions

These results provide a proof-of-concept approach for the identification of unique neoepitopes that are immunogenic in patients with CRC and can also target T cells against the most aggressive CSC component.
Acoustically derived fish size spectra within a lake and the statistical power to detect environmental change
Authors: de Kerckhove Derrick Tupper , Shuter Brian John , Milne Scott
Published: December 2015

Fisheries acoustic surveys are increasingly being used to monitor the abundance of fish stocks, yet their adoption as a tool to monitor changes in community size spectra has not been well explored. In this study, we use a series of historical acoustic surveys of the pelagic zones of three arms of Lake Opeongo to determine if acoustically derived size-spectra indicators (slope and height) can be effectively measured and used as a monitoring tool. Acoustic size-spectra indicators were successfully measured for every survey and resembled the same indicators found in netting surveys. From 2005 to 2009, the slope of the size spectra became shallower, likely due to a decrease in abundance in schooling prey fish. Estimates of sources of survey variation, including fish size estimates and interbasin differences, were low (<10% coefficients of variation), suggesting that monitoring programs would detect annual changes in the size-spectra slopes ranging from 2% to 15% within 10 years. Size-spectra heights did not change very much over the time series of surveys. Using lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) fishery data from Lake Opeongo, we estimate that sources of natural variation in size spectra at the population level could be much higher and potentially require longer monitoring periods. We noted from our study that standardized surveys and data analyses are critical if acoustically derived size spectra are to be adopted as a monitoring tool. We also suggest that size spectra be calculated through echo-integration methods rather than echo-counting methods because, in this study, echo counting led to lower estimates of abundance and size-spectra indicators, which are likely underestimates of the true fish community’s abundance.
In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility ofMycoplasma bovisclinical isolates recovered from bison (Bison bison)
Authors: Suleman Muhammad , Prysliak Tracy , Windeyer Claire , Perez-Casal Jose
Published: December 2015

Mycoplasma bovis is a pathogen globally affecting cattle and bison herds, causing pneumonia, arthritis, mastitis, abortions, and other symptoms, leading to huge economic losses. Many studies have been done regarding the antimicrobial susceptibility of M. bovis isolated from cattle, but no such study is available for isolates recovered from bison. For the first time, in vitro susceptibilities of 40 M. bovis clinical isolates collected from bison herds in Canada are reported here. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined using Sensititre® plates. The most effective MIC50and MIC90were for spectinomycin (1 and >64 μg/mL), tiamulin (1 and >32 μg/mL), and tulathromycin (16 and 64 μg/mL), whereas tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, and florfenicol failed to inhibit growth of M. bovis bison isolates. Isolates were nonsusceptible to tetracyclines (100%), fluoroquinolones (97.5%), and tilmicosin (100%), whereas the highest susceptibility of bison clinical isolates was seen with spectinomycin (95%) and tulathromycin (67.5%). Two lung isolates (Mb283 and 348) were found resistant to both spectinomycin and tulathromycin. These results show a marked difference in antimicrobial susceptibility of bison isolates as compared with previously reported and laboratory reference cattle isolates, emphasizing the necessity of testing antimicrobial susceptibility of M. bovis bison isolates and to generate better therapeutic regime for improved recovery chances for infected bison herds across North America.
Symbolic dynamics of heart rate variability — a promising tool to investigate cardiac sympathovagal control in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?
Authors: Tonhajzerova Ingrid , Farsky Ivan , Mestanik Michal , Visnovcova Zuzana , Mestanikova Andrea , Hrtanek Igor , Ondrejka Igor
Published: December 2015

We aimed to evaluate complex cardiac sympathovagal control in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) by using heart rate variability (HRV) nonlinear analysis — symbolic dynamics. We examined 29 boys with untreated ADHD and 25 healthy boys (age 8–13 years). ADHD symptoms were evaluated by ADHD-RS-IV scale. ECG was recorded in 3 positions: baseline supine position, orthostasis, and clinostasis. Symbolic dynamics indices were used for the assessment of complex cardiac sympathovagal regulation: normalised complexity index (NCI), normalised unpredictability index (NUPI), and pattern classification measures (0V%, 1V%, 2LV%, 2UV%). The results showed that HRV complexity was significantly reduced at rest (NUPI) and during standing position (NCI, NUPI) in ADHD group compared to controls. Cardiac-linked sympathetic index 0V% was significantly higher during all posture positions and cardiovagal index 2LV% was significantly lower to standing in boys suffering from ADHD. Importantly, ADHD symptom inattention positively correlated with 0V%, and negatively correlated with NCI, NUPI. Concluding, symbolic dynamics revealed impaired complex neurocardiac control characterised by potential cardiac beta-adrenergic overactivity and vagal deficiency at rest and to posture changes in boys suffering from ADHD that is correlated with inattention. We suggest that symbolic dynamics indices could represent promising cardiac biomarkers in ADHD.
Extensive length variation in the ribosomal DNA intergenic spacer of yellow perch (Perca flavescens)
Authors: Kakou Bidénam , Angers Bernard , Glémet Hélène
Published: December 2015

The intergenic spacer (IGS) is located between ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene copies. Within the IGS, regulatory elements for rRNA gene transcription are found, as well as a varying number of other repetitive elements that are at the root of IGS length heterogeneity. This heterogeneity has been shown to have a functional significance through its effect on growth rate. Here, we present the structural organization of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) IGS based on its entire sequence, as well as the IGS length variation within a natural population. Yellow perch IGS structure has four discrete regions containing tandem repeat elements. For three of these regions, no specific length class was detected as allele size was seemingly normally distributed. However, for one repeat region, PCR amplification uncovered the presence of two distinctive IGS variants representing a length difference of 1116 bp. This repeat region was also devoid of any CpG sites despite a high GC content. Balanced selection may be holding the alleles in the population and would account for the high diversity of length variants observed for adjacent regions. Our study is an important precursor for further work aiming to assess the role of IGS length variation in influencing growth rate in fish.
FORMAL AND MODEL DRIVEN DESIGN OF THE BRIGHT LIGHT THERAPY SYSTEM LUXAMET
Authors: FAUST OLIVER , YU WENWEI
Published: December 2015

Seasonal depression seriously diminishes the quality of life for many patients. To improve their condition, we propose LUXAMET, a bright light therapy system. This system has the potential to relieve patients from some of the symptoms caused by seasonal depression. The system was designed with a formal and model driven design methodology. This methodology enabled us to minimize systemic hazards, like blinding patients with an unhealthy dose of light. This was achieved by controlling race conditions and memory leaks, during design time. We prove that the system specification is deadlock as well as livelock free and there are no invariant violations. These proofs, together with the similarity between specification model and implementation code, make us confident that the implemented system is a reliable tool which can help patients during seasonal depression.
FAIR PRICE AND TRADING PRICE: AN ABM APPROACH WITH ORDER-PLACEMENT STRATEGY AND MISUNDERSTANDING OF FUNDAMENTAL VALUE
Authors: LESPAGNOL VIVIEN , ROUCHIER JULIETTE
Published: December 2015

This paper studies the effect of investor’s bounded rationality on market dynamics. In a call auction market, we consider a few-types model where two risky assets are traded. Agents differ by their behavior, knowledge, risk aversion and investment horizon. The investor’s demand is defined by a utility maximization under constant absolute risk aversion (CARA). Relaxing the assumption of perfect knowledge of fundamentals enables to identify two components in a bubble. The first one comes from the unperceived fundamental changes due to trader’s belief perseverance. The second one is generated by chartist behavior. In all simulations, speculators make the market less efficient and more volatile. They also increase the maximum amount of assets exchanged in the most liquid time step. However, our model does not show rising average volatility on long term. Concerning the fundamentalists, the belief perseverance has a stabilization impact on the spot price. The closer the anchor is to the true fundamental value, the more efficient the market is, because the prices change smoothly.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS: UNIVERSITIES, ENTREPRENEURIAL ACADEMICS AND OPEN INNOVATION
Authors: ALEXANDER ALLEN T. , MILLER KRISTEL , FIELDING SEAN
Published: December 2015

The emergence of open innovation theory and practice, alongside the evolution to a quadruple helix system of innovation, has led to a need for universities to rethink their models of engagement with industry and wider society. One important element in this system is the entrepreneurial academics; however, there is a lack of research considering the motivations of entrepreneurial academics, who differ from academic entrepreneurs, to engage in knowledge transfer in line with open innovation policy. This research offers practical insights on whether new models of engagement, increasingly offered by universities, really address the policy drivers for open innovation. Furthermore, this research explores whether these activities might motivate entrepreneurial academics to participate. Preliminary findings identify that many supposedly new collaboration activities do not really motivate entrepreneurial academics. This may have important implications on the ability of universities to become truly open and to encourage their academics to become engaged in collaboration and impact.
How is the Role of Ecosystem Services Considered in Local Level Flood Management Policies: Case Study in Cumbria, England
Authors: Huq Nazmul , Stubbings Alexander
Published: December 2015

The purpose of the paper is to investigate how local level flood policies consider Natural Flood Management (NFM) as a risk reduction mechanism in England. Methods used include a review of European and English national legislative and other flood management policy instruments as well as a case study of Cumbria County’s local flood management policies. The legislative and other policy instruments at both European and English national level demonstrated increasing level of NFM consideration for local flood risk management. In Cumbrian context, flood management policies are mostly aligned to the traditional structural defence-based approach; however, emergence and importance of non-structural measures including NFM are clearly evident, are visibly influenced by the European and national policies. The numbers of potential NFM actions in local flood policies are nonetheless insignificant compared to the NFM potentials, but these can be worked in as a starting point for wider scale consideration and implementation.
In Search of Marine Ecosystem Services Values: The V-MESSES Database
Authors: Skourtos M. , Damigos D. , Tsitakis D. , Kontogianni A. , Tourkolias C. , Streftaris N.
Published: December 2015

Economic valuation of marine ecosystem services is strongly anchored within the logic of Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). An inventory and critical assessment of marine valuation studies was conducted within the European Union funded Policy-oriented marine Environmental Research for the Southern European Seas (PERSEUS) research project ( http://www.perseus-net.eu/ ) and this information was fed into a suitable, spatially explicit valuation database, namely Valuation database for Marine Ecosystem Services of Southern European Seas (V-MESSES), with the objective of providing monetary values for Southern European Seas (SES) to be used in cost–benefit and cost-effectiveness applications. At present, the database contains 93 studies offering over 110 value estimates for four categories and 20 subcategories of marine ecosystem services covering all regions of Mediterranean and Black Sea. The database enables so far the estimation of the aggregated value of all ecosystem services. However, the selection of appropriate, policy relevant value estimates is not a simple and straightforward task, since several conditions should be met in order to conduct effective and efficient value transfers. Bearing in mind the above limitations, tentative reference value estimates are compiled from the V-MESSES database for a number of coastal and marine ecosystem services, although not all service categories are covered sufficiently.