bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mucous covering of fecal sacs prevents birds from infection with enteric bacteria
Authors: Ibáñez‐Álamo Juan Diego , Ruiz‐Rodríguez Magdalena , Soler Juan José
Published: March 2014

Nestlings of many bird species produce fecal sacs, excrements encapsulated within a mucous covering. Although it facilitates parents' removal of feces from nests, which would improve hygienic conditions for developing nestlings, no functional (i.e. adaptive) explanation of fecal sac production has been previously investigated. We propose that the mucous covering would isolate enteric pathogenic bacteria, thereby preventing contamination of nestlings and parents. This antimicrobial hypothesis therefore predicts that density of bacteria would be drastically reduced from the inside to the outside of nestlings' droppings, and that the fecal sac covering would inhibit other bacterial grow. We tested these predictions by means of culturing bacteria obtained from different parts of the sac and inhibition tests. In accordance with the hypothesis, bacterial loads of the outside of fecal sacs were significantly lower than those estimated from the inside of the covering. In addition, we did not find evidence of antimicrobial activity of the covering, which suggests that the hypothesized bacterial isolation function is accomplished by a physical rather than a chemical protection. Bacterial density of the liquid that permeates out after 23 min does not differ with that estimated for the inside of the sac, suggesting short‐term effects of fecal sacs as bacterial barrier. These findings highlight the major role of bacterial infections as a selective pressure for explaining the evolution of traits that, as the covering of fecal sacs, facilitate nest sanitation in this group of animals.
Efficacy of antifungal PACT in an in vitro model of onychomycosis
Authors: Mehra T. , Schaller M. , Walker B. , Braunsdorf C. , Mailänder‐Sanchez D. , Schynowski F. , Hahn R. , Röcken M. , Köberle M. , Borelli C.
Published: March 2014

Background

The difficulty of antifungal substances to penetrate keratin and slow nail growth limit the efficacy of topical therapy in onychomycosis. One promising alternative is photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy, or PACT: an irradiated photosensitizer creates singlet oxygen molecules which destroy pathogens without damaging human cells.

Objective

As PACT has demonstrated strong antifungal capabilities, we wanted to investigate its efficacy in an in vitro model of onychomycosis.

Methods

PACT was tested in a microdilution assay, in an in vitro onychomycosis model as well as in a patient.

Results

PACT inhibited fungal growth in the microdilution assay with no colonies of T. rubrum detectable. Fungal growth was also inhibited in an onychomycosis model, after 30 min of LED irradiation. Subsequently, a patient with distolateral onychomycosis was treated on three consecutive days and showed significant and durable improvement of nail morphology 6 months after.

Conclusion

PACT appears to be an effective treatment of onychomycosis in vitro. The promising results need to be validated by clinical trials.
Dermatoscopy of flat pigmented facial lesions
Authors: Tschandl P. , Rosendahl C. , Kittler H.
Published: March 2014

Background

The diagnosis of flat pigmented lesions on the face is challenging because of the morphologic overlap of biologically different lesions and the unknown significance of dermatoscopic patterns.

Objective

To better characterize dermatoscopic patterns of various types of flat pigmented facial lesions and to analyse their significance by calculating their relative risks and diagnostic values.

Methods

We prospectively analysed dermatoscopic images of 240 flat pigmented facial skin lesions collected consecutively from 195 patients (41.5% females, mean age: 61 ± 14 years) between 2007 and March 2012 in a primary skin cancer practice situated in Queensland, Australia.

Results

Histopathologically 114 (47.5%) lesions were malignant (24 lentigo maligna, 21 basal cell carcinomas and 69 pigmented actinic keratoses). Compared with all other patterns the positive predictive value for lentigo maligna was highest for a pattern of circles (31.3%, 95% CI: 11.1–58.6%). A pattern of clods was associated with basal cell carcinoma. If grey structures were present the relative risk for malignancy was 2.2 (95%CI: 1.4–3.4). The best clues to differentiate pigmented actinic keratosis from other lesions were the presence of scale (positive predictive value: 72.2%, specificity: 94.2%), white circles (positive predictive value: 68.8%, specificity: 94.2%) and a sharply demarcated border (positive predictive value: 44.2%, specificity: 86.0%).

Conclusions

In flat lesions a pattern of circles bears the highest risk for facial melanoma but other patterns do not exclude it. Scale, white circles and a sharply demarcated border are clues to pigmented actinic keratoses. The presence of grey colour is a clue to malignancy regardless of pattern.
Insecticidal activity of Brassica juncea seed meal to the fungus gnat Bradysia impatiens Johannsen (Diptera:Sciaridae)
Authors: Main M. , McCaffrey J. P. , Morra M. J.
Published: March 2014

Fungus gnats (Bradysia impatiens) can be a serious pest especially to plants grown in confined areas, and although various methods of control are available, safer and more effective control measures are desirable. Mustard seed meal, a by‐product remaining after oil removal for use as a biodiesel feedstock, contains compounds called glucosinolates that hydrolyse to insecticidal 2‐propenyl isothiocyanate. Our objective was to produce a dose‐response curve for making recommendations of Brassica juncea seed meal applications that will result in fungus gnat larvae control. Twenty colony‐raised fungus gnat larvae were added to 20 g (226 per cm3) of potting media, and adult emergence monitored during 2 weeks using yellow sticky cards. Treatments included without meal, detoxified meal and 19 doses ranging from 0.05 to 3.0 g seed meal. A logistic model was used to predict an LC50 of 0.18 and an LC90 of 0.38 g seed meal for the 20‐g pot. The amounts of seed meal required to produce the observed LC50 and LC90 were predicted to produce 0.08 and 0.17 μmol 2‐propenyl isothiocyanate per cm3 potting medium, respectively. B. juncea seed meal has potential utility for the control of B. impatiens, thus warranting additional studies to determine the seed meal's chronic impact on fungus gnats, phytotoxicity and plant fertility benefits.
Do stocked hatchery‐reared juveniles ecologically suppress wild juveniles in Salvelinus leucomaenis?
Authors: Nakamura T. , Doi T.
Published: March 2014

The dominancy of semi‐wild and hatchery‐reared white‐spotted charr Salvelinus leucomaenis juveniles was evaluated using pair‐wise enclosure tests and field stocking tests. The semi‐wild S. leucomaenis originated in a hatchery, being stocked into the test stream as eyed‐eggs. In the pair‐wise enclosure test, the semi‐wild S. leucomaenis dominated the hatchery S. leucomaenis that were of a similar standard length (LS). The semi‐wild S. leucomaenis were subordinate to hatchery S. leucomaenis that were > 11% larger in LS. In the field stocking test, the abundance and growth of semi‐wild S. leucomaenis was decreased in the presence of larger hatchery S. leucomaenis (14% larger LS). Taken together, these results suggest that larger hatchery S. leucomaenis ecologically suppress the smaller semi‐wild S. leucomaenis. Salvelinus leucomaenis juveniles that are stocked with the intention of supplementing natural populations should be < 10% larger than their wild counterparts at the time of stocking to minimize their competitive advantage. The semi‐wild and hatchery S. leucomaenis used in both tests were genetically similar individuals, suggesting that the differences are due to the early rearing environment of either a natural stream or hatchery. The hatchery S. leucomaenis have lower levels of aggression as a result of selection in the hatchery rearing environment. Rearing in a natural stream from the eyed‐egg stage is likely to increase their lowered aggression.
The parasitic copepod Lernaeocera branchialis negatively affects cardiorespiratory function in Gadus morhua
Authors: Behrens J. W. , Seth H. , Axelsson M. , Buchmann K.
Published: March 2014

The parasitic copepod Lernaeocera branchialis had a negative effect on cardiorespiratory function in Atlantic cod Gadus morhua such that it caused pronounced cardiac dysfunction with irregular rhythm and reduced stroke amplitude compared with uninfected fish. In addition, parasite infection depressed the postprandial cardiac output and oxygen consumption.
The Role of Sales in NPD: An Investigation of the U.S. Health‐Care Industry
Authors: Malshe Avinash , Biemans Wim
Published: March 2014

The new product development (NPD) literature emphasizes that the success of new products strongly depends on a firm's capability to understand customer needs and translate them into new products. Because of their close relationships with customers, salespeople are in the ideal position to connect the firm's NPD efforts to its customers. The extant literature on the role of sales in NPD focuses on either sales’ contribution to generating new product ideas or the adoption of new products by salespeople, while a systematic study of sales’ contribution during all NPD stages is lacking. In addition, the role of sales is typically studied in isolation, while in practice, the role of sales depends on the relationship between sales and marketing.

This article addresses these gaps in the literature by reporting on an empirical investigation of the role of sales during the entire NPD process in the U.S. health‐care industry, taking into account the complexities of the sales‐marketing dynamic. The article is based on interviews with 21 sales and 15 marketing informants from the U.S. health‐care industry, both pharmaceutical firms (selling drugs to physicians) and device manufacturing firms.

Our findings highlight how salespeople are distant from NPD process during the discovery stage. Salespeople are focused on selling to customers, and marketing keeps sales distant from the NPD process. During the development stage, sales is still only indirectly involved in NPD through its relationship with marketing. During commercialization, however, marketing takes the driver's seat and strongly involves sales in the various (pre)launch activities. But while salespeople are mostly indirectly involved in NPD, sales managers have a closer relationship with sales and are more directly involved. The findings also show how the involvement of sales is influenced by characteristics of the health‐care industry. Thus, this article contributes to our understanding of the role of sales in NPD by integrating theoretical perspectives from the sales‐marketing interface literature into the NPD literature.
Comparison of plasma vitamin A and E, copper and zinc levels in free‐ranging and captive greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus) and their relation to pododermatitis
Authors: Wyss F. , Wolf P. , Wenker C. , Hoby S. , Schumacher V. , Béchet A. , Robert N. , Liesegang A.
Published: March 2014

Pododermatitis is a worldwide problem in captive flamingos. Studies in domestic poultry showed that nutrition is a possible influencing factor for pododermatitis. Vitamin A and E, copper and zinc levels were analysed in two different diets (diet 1 = in‐house mix and diet 2 = commercial diet) and in plasma of captive greater flamingos fed these diets and compared to those of free‐ranging greater flamingos. Results were analysed with respect to type and severity of foot lesions of the individuals from the different groups. Juvenile and subadult/adult captive flamingos on diet 1 showed various types and severities of foot lesions, whereas no foot lesions were found at the time of blood sampling in juvenile captive flamingos on diet 2. Juvenile captive flamingos on diet 1 had significantly lower plasma zinc levels than juvenile captive flamingos on diet 2 and juvenile free‐ranging flamingos; data were also lower than reference ranges for flamingos, poultry and cranes. There were no significant differences in plasma vitamin A, vitamin E, copper or zinc levels between animals with different types of foot lesions or with different severity scores. Shortly after the change to diet 2 (fed to juvenile captive flamingos that did not show any foot lesion), the flooring of the outdoor water pools was covered with fine granular sand. Because both factors (nutrition and flooring) were changed during the same evaluation period, it cannot be concluded which factor contributed in what extent to the reduction of foot lesions. While it is assumed that low plasma zinc levels identified in the group of juvenile captive flamingos on diet 1 were not directly responsible for foot lesions observed in these animals, they may have played a role in altering the skin integrity of the feet and predisposing them to pododermatitis.
Evolutionary history and underlying adaptation of alpine plants on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: LIU Jian‐Quan , DUAN Yuan‐Wen , HAO Gang , GE Xue‐Jun , SUN Hang
Published: March 2014

As the highest and largest plateau in the world, the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, with its numerous endemic species, is one of the important alpine biodiversity hotspots. Only recently have the evolutionary histories and underlying adaptations of these alpine plants become clear, through research mostly based on testable experiments and analyses. In this issue, we collected a total of 13 papers related to such aims. In addition, we selected a few published papers to highlight the major findings in the recent past. We also outlined the outlook and direction of future research.
Sexual Behavior and Symptoms among Reproductive Age Chinese Women in Hong Kong
Authors: Lo Sue Seen-Tsing , Kok Wai-Ming
Published: March 2014

Introduction

As sexual medicine evolves, much advancement has been achieved in understanding male sexuality and treating male sexual dysfunction. Less is known about female sexual pattern, the prevalence of sexual problems, and their correlation with confounding factors.

Aim

To enhance our understanding of female sexuality and the risk factors that contributed to sexual problems in reproductive age women.

Method

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in family planning and prepregnancy checkup clinics from December 2007 to December 2009, with 2,146 sexually active Chinese women aged 21 to 40 years completed the entire questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures

Prevalence of sexual symptoms, coital frequency, and other sexual behavior–related activities were measured.

Results

Overall, 59.0% of respondents had at least one sexual problem. In this sample, 31.8% of respondents reported no desire; 31.7% had arousal problems; 40% had anorgasmia, and 33.8% experienced coital pain for at least 3 months within the past 1 year. Chi-square test showed significant correlation among the four types of sexual problems(P < 0.001). Univariate regression model showed that all sexual symptoms were significantly correlated with unidirectional coitus initiation, low coital frequency, and low foreplay enjoyment. Loglinear model revealed that desire, arousal, and orgasmic problems were correlated with low foreplay enjoyment. Arousal problem was correlated with high acceptance toward pornography and history of medical disease. Coital pain was correlated with secondary education and planning to have more children. Both unidirectional coitus initiation and low coital frequency were major contributors to all four sexual symptoms.

Conclusions

Sexual problem is a prevalent health issue among reproductive age women. A number of risk factors are identified, which provide useful direction to the design of counseling and education materials that might help to enhance sexual performance in women.
Critical Junctures, Religion, and Personal Status Regulations in Israel and India
Authors: Lerner Hanna
Published: March 2014

The article aims at advancing our understanding of critical junctures in the evolution of religious/secular regulations, referring to those moments in history when one particular arrangement is adopted among several alternatives, establishing an institutional trajectory that is resistant to change in the following years. It traces the regulation of personal status laws in Israel and India, which, despite attempts by political leaders at time of independence to defer clear choices regarding the role of religious law, became generally entrenched in later decades. Based on the Israeli and Indian cases, and in contrast with common approaches, the article demonstrates how decisions made by influential political actors during the foundational stage of the state appear difficult to reform, regardless of the content of these decisions—whether they introduce a radical change or maintain existing practices—or the level of decision making—whether constitutional or ordinary parliamentary legislation.
Long‐term demographic and reproductive trends in Ciona intestinalis sp. A
Authors: Caputi Luigi , Crocetta Fabio , Toscano Francesco , Sordino Paolo , Cirino Paola
Published: March 2014

Ciona intestinalis sp. A (Tunicata, Ascidiacea) is a marine invertebrate with a widespread distribution and high invasive potential, yet little is known about its ecology. Here, the macrodynamics of demographic and reproductive trends were first determined using archive data covering 2002–2012. Species abundance in the central Tyrrhenian Sea (Campania, Italy ‐ NW Mediterranean) displayed Poisson distribution across 2002–2008, massive die‐off in 2009/2010 and population recovery in 2011/2012. We defined the seasonal ranges of sea surface temperature in which sampling size, animal size and reproductive status reached their highest values. In 2003/2004, self and non‐self fertilization appeared to follow reverse trends across the year. The long‐term recording run here on Ciona intestinalis sp. A provides novel insights into its population biology and ecology, and represents a valuable tool for sampling management and research planning.
A critical analysis on the response of macroinvertebrate communities along disturbance gradients: description of MEDOCC (MEDiterranean OCCidental) index
Authors: Pinedo Susana , Jordana Esther , Ballesteros Enric
Published: March 2014

Macroinvertebrate communities inhabiting shallow sandy bottoms from Catalonia and Balearic Islands coastal waters (Western Mediterranean) were used to develop the Mediterranean Occidental (MEDOCC) index, a new methodology to assess the ecological status (ES) according to Water Framework Directive (WFD) requirements. The dominance pattern of four ecological groups (EG; sensitive, indifferent, tolerant and opportunistic organisms) was studied along a disturbance gradient. Sensitive taxa were present in disturbed situations and tolerant species were related to opportunistic taxa. The thresholds between ES were scaled according to the shifts in the dominance pattern of the EGs. The distribution of the EGs along the gradient of disturbance may vary depending on the studied communities, thus influencing the boundaries defining the ES. With the development of the MEDOCC index it is shown that analysing the response of the communities to the increasing gradient of disturbance is critical to enable an accurate proposal for boundary setting to be made, and to improve the applicability of the indices. AMBI (AZTI Marine Biotic Index), Bentix (Biotic Index), and MEDOCC indices were applied to the dataset to compare the ES obtained.
Yield and catch changes in a Mediterranean small tuna trap: a warming change effect?
Authors: Cattaneo‐Vietti Riccardo , Cappanera Valentina , Castellano Michela , Povero Paolo
Published: March 2014

Since the 17th century, the Tonnarella of Camogli, a small tuna trap, has been used to catch pelagic fish along the western coast of the Portofino Promontory (Ligurian Sea, Northwestern Mediterranean). The availability of long‐term datasets on fish yields (1950–1974 and 1996–2011), with information related to the seawater temperatures and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), has allowed us to study the qualitative and quantitative changes in fish yields in the last decade and the possible relationships with the seasonal anomalies of temperature that have occurred in the Ligurian Sea. In 1950–1974, yields remained relatively constant over time (average of 35.6 ± 8.7 t·year−1). From 1996 through 2011, yields were high (42.9 ± 15.9 t·year−1) but inconsistent with strong annual variability in catches. The primary catches are Seriola dumerili, Auxis rochei, Trachurus spp. and Sarda sarda. Changes in species composition have occurred as well: S. dumerili, Sardinella sp. and Belone belone have appeared recently. Moreover, a significant decrease in the boreal scombroid (Scomber scombrus) and an increase of warm‐temperate carangids and other typically Southern Mediterranean species such as Coryphaena hippurus and Sphyraena viridensis, appear to be linked to the warming of the surface water layer, particularly evident in the Ligurian Sea, for the last 10 years. The analysis of this kind of trend may be a powerful tool for assessing structural changes of the pelagic fish community in the Ligurian Sea (Northwestern Mediterranean).
Diabetic gastrointestinal motility disorders and the role of enteric nervous system: Current status and future directions
Authors: Yarandi S. S. , Srinivasan S.
Published: March 2014

Background

Gastrointestinal manifestations of diabetes are common and a source of significant discomfort and disability. Diabetes affects almost every part of gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the rectum and causes a variety of symptoms including heartburn, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of diabetic gastroenteropathy is important to guide development of therapies for this common problem. Over recent years, the data regarding the pathophysiology of diabetic gastroenteropathy is expanding. In addition to autonomic neuropathy causing gastrointestinal disturbances the role of enteric nervous system is becoming more evident.

Purpose

In this review, we summarize the reported alterations in enteric nervous system including enteric neurons, interstitial cells of Cajal and neurotransmission in diabetic animal models and patients. We also review the possible underlying mechanisms of these alterations, with focus on oxidative stress, growth factors and diabetes induced changes in gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Finally, we will discuss recent advances and potential areas for future research related to diabetes and the ENS such as gut microbiota, micro‐RNAs and changes in the microvasculature and endothelial dysfunction.
Plant diversity and overyielding: insights from belowground facilitation of intercropping in agriculture
Authors: Li Long , Tilman David , Lambers Hans , Zhang Fu‐Suo
Published: March 2014

Despite increasing evidence that plant diversity in experimental systems may enhance ecosystem productivity, the mechanisms causing this overyielding remain debated. Here, we review studies of overyielding observed in agricultural intercropping systems, and show that a potentially important mechanism underlying such facilitation is the ability of some crop species to chemically mobilize otherwise‐unavailable forms of one or more limiting soil nutrients such as phosphorus (P) and micronutrients (iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and manganese (Mn)). Phosphorus‐mobilizing crop species improve P nutrition for themselves and neighboring non‐P‐mobilizing species by releasing acid phosphatases, protons and/or carboxylates into the rhizosphere which increases the concentration of soluble inorganic P in soil. Similarly, on calcareous soils with a very low availability of Fe and Zn, Fe‐ and Zn‐mobilizing species, such as graminaceous monocotyledonous and cluster‐rooted species, benefit themselves, and also reduce Fe or Zn deficiency in neighboring species, by releasing chelating substances. Based on this review, we hypothesize that mobilization‐based facilitative interactions may be an unsuspected, but potentially important mechanism enhancing productivity in both natural ecosystems and biodiversity experiments. We discuss cases in which nutrient mobilization might be occurring in natural ecosystems, and suggest that the nutrient mobilization hypothesis merits formal testing in natural ecosystems.
Abnormal vocal cord movement treated with botulinum toxin in patients with asthma resistant to optimised management
Authors: Baxter Malcolm , Uddin Nizam , Raghav Sanjay , Leong Paul , Low Kathy , Hamza Kais , Holmes Peter W. , Hamilton Garun , Thyagarajan Dominic , Lau Ken , Bardin Philip G.
Published: March 2014

Background and Objective

Abnormal vocal cord movement may coexist with asthma and cause additional upper/middle airway obstruction. The condition may be a form of muscular dystonia that could contribute to asthma resistant to optimised treatments. Botulinum toxin causes temporary paralysis of muscle and may be an effective local treatment that improves asthma control.

Methods

In an observational study, we evaluated the benefits of unilateral vocal cord injection with botulinum toxin in 11 patients (total 24 injections). Subjects had asthma resistant to optimised treatment and abnormal vocal cord movement. Responses after botulinum toxin treatment were assessed using asthma control test (ACT) scores, vocal cord narrowing quantified by computerised tomography (CT) of the larynx and spirometry. Side‐effects were recorded.

Results

ACT scores improved overall (9.1 ± 2.4 before and 13.5 ± 4.5 after treatment; difference 4.4 ± 4.2; P < 0.001). There was also an improvement in airway size on CT larynx (time below lower limit of normal at baseline 39.4 ± 37.63% and improved to 17.6 ± 25.6% after injection; P = 0.032). Spirometry was not altered. One patient experienced an asthma exacerbation but overall side‐effects were moderate, chiefly dysphonia and dysphagia.

Conclusions

Although a placebo effect cannot be ruled out, local injection of botulinum toxin may be an effective treatment for intractable asthma associated with abnormal vocal cord movement. Further mechanistic studies and a double‐blind randomised controlled trial of botulinum toxin treatment are merited.
Optimized parametric skin modelling for diagnosis of skin abnormalities by combining light back‐scatter and laser speckle imaging
Authors: Orun A. B , Goodyer E. , Seker H. , Smith G. , Uslan V. , Chauhan D.
Published: March 2014

Background/purpose

Optical and parametric skin imaging methods which can efficiently identify invisible sub‐skin features or subtle changes in skin layers are very important for accurate optical skin modelling. In this study, a hybrid method is introduced that helps develop a parametric optical skin model by utilizing interdisciplinary techniques including light back‐scatter analysis, laser speckle imaging, image‐texture analysis and Bayesian inference methods. The model aims to detect subtle skin changes and hence very early signs of skin abnormalities/diseases.

Methods

Light back‐scatter and laser speckle image textural analysis are applied onto the normal and abnormal skin regions (lesions) to generate set of attributes/parameters. These are then optimized by Bayesian inference method in order to build an optimized parametric model.

Results

The attributes selected by Bayesian inference method in the optimization stage were used to build an optimized model and then successfully verified. It was clearly proven that Bayesian inference based optimization process yields good results to build an optimized skin model.

Conclusion

The outcome of this study clearly shows the applicability of this hybrid method in the analysis of skin features and is therefore expected to lead development of non‐invasive and low‐cost instrument for early detection of skin changes.
HLA‐DRB1 associations in individuals with single and multiple clinically relevant red blood cell antibodies
Authors: Schonewille Henk , Doxiadis Ilias I.N. , Levering Wilfried H.B.M. , Roelen Dave L. , Claas Frans H.J. , Brand Anneke
Published: March 2014

Background

A minority of red blood cell (RBC) alloantigen–exposed persons form antibodies. Responders are at high risk of developing additional antibodies upon subsequent transfusions. Several studies showed an association between particular HLA‐DRB1 phenotypes and the development of specific RBC antibodies. This study evaluates the presence of HLA‐DRB1 antigens in individuals with single or multiple RBC antibody specificities to explore whether the response against RBC antigens is associated with a summation of particular HLA‐DRB1 susceptibility antigens.

Study Design and Methods

Frequencies of HLA‐DRB1 alleles in individuals with antibodies against clinically relevant antigens were compared to a large population cohort to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for alloimmunization to different RBC antigens.

Results

The study cohort consisted of 941 individuals (female‐to‐male ratio, 3.8) possessing 1462 antibody specificities elicited by transfusion, pregnancy, transplantation, or a combination of these. Besides confirmation of known associations, new associations were identified for anti‐E with DRB1*09 and for anti‐S with DRB1*07 (ORs, 3.7 and 8.7, respectively). Multiple antibody formation was in a minority of cases associated with the presence of multiple DRB1 susceptibility genes. In multiple responders DRB1*15 was present in almost 40% of cases compared to approximately 25% in single‐antibody responders and in the control population.

Conclusion

This study suggests that HLA‐DRB1 restriction plays an important role for a first RBC antibody response but multiple antibody formation seems less dependent on the presence of particular HLA restriction genes, while HLA‐DRB1*15 may represent a susceptibility phenotype enhancing formation of multiple RBC antibody specificities.
Changes in Physical Fitness and Sports Participation Among Children With Different Levels of Motor Competence: A 2-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Fransen Job , Deprez Dieter , Pion Johan , Tallir Isabel B , D’Hondt Eva , Vaeyens Roel , Lenoir Matthieu , Philippaerts Renaat M.
Published: March 2014

The goal of this study was to investigate differences in physical fitness and sports participation over 2 years in children with relatively high, average, and low motor competence. Physical fitness and gross motor coordination of 501 children between 6–10 years were measured at baseline and baseline+2 years. The sample compromised 2 age cohorts: 6.00–7.99 and 8.00–9.99 years. An age and sex-specific motor quotient at baseline testing was used to subdivide these children into low (MQ < P33), average (P33 ≤ MQ < P66) and high (MQ ≥ P66) motor competence groups. Measures of sports participation were obtained through a physical activity questionnaire in 278 of the same children. Repeated Measures MANCOVA and two separate ANOVAs were used to analyze differences in changes in physical fitness and measures of sports participation respectively. Children with high motor competence scored better on physical fitness tests and participated in sports more often. Since physical fitness levels between groups changed similarly over time, low motor competent children might be at risk for being less physically fit throughout their life. Furthermore, since low motor competent children participate less in sports, they have fewer opportunities of developing motor abilities and physical fitness and this may further prevent them from catching up with their peers with an average or high motor competence.
Assessing Preschool Children’s Physical Activity: How Many Days of Accelerometry Measurement
Authors: Addy Cheryl L. , Trilk Jennifer L. , Dowda Marsha , Byun Won , Pate Russell R.
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the minimum number of days of accelerometry required to estimate accurately MVPA and total PA in 3- to 5-year-old children. The study examined these metrics for all days, weekdays, and in-school activities. Study participants were 204 children attending 22 preschools who wore accelerometers for at least 6 hr per day for up to 12 days during most waking hours. The primary analysis considered the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for each metric to estimate the number of days required to attain a specified reliability. The ICC estimates are 0.81 for MVPA-all days, 0.78 for total PA-all days, 0.83 for MVPA weekdays, 0.80 for total PA-weekdays, 0.81 for in-school MVPA, and 0.84 for in-school total PA. We recommend a full seven days of measurement whenever possible, but researchers can achieve acceptable reliability with fewer days, as indicated by the Spearman-Brown prophecy: 3–4 days for any weekday measure and 5–6 days for the all-days measures.
Short-Term Lower-Body Plyometric Training Improves Whole-Body BMC, Bone Metabolic Markers, and Physical Fitness in Early Pubertal Male Basketball Players
Authors: Zribi Anis , Zouch Mohamed , Chaari Hamada , Bouajina Elyes , Nasr Hela Ben , Zaouali Monia , Tabka Zouhair
Published: March 2014

The effects of a 9-week lower-body plyometric training program on bone mass, bone markers and physical fitness was examined in 51 early pubertal male basketball players divided randomly into a plyometric group (PG: 25 participants) and a control group (CG: 26 participants). Areal bone mineral density (aBMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone area (BA) in the whole body, L2-L4 vertebrae, and in total hip, serum levels of osteocalcin (Oc) and C-terminal telopeptide fragment of Type I collagen (CTx), jump, sprint and power abilities were assessed at baseline and 9 weeks. Group comparisons were done by independent student’s t-test between means and analyses of (ANOVA) and covariance (ANCOVA), adjusting for baseline values. PG experienced a significant increase in Oc (p < .01) and all physical fitness except for the 5-jump test. However, there was no improvement in aBMD, BMC and BA in any measured site, except in whole body BMC of the PG. A positive correlation was observed between percentage increase (Δ%) of physical fitness and those of (Oc) for the PG. In summary, biweekly sessions of lower body plyometric training program were successful for improving whole body BMC, bone formation marker (Oc) and physical fitness in early pubertal male basketball players.
The Relationship Between Impact Force, Neck Strength, and Neurocognitive Performance in Soccer Heading in Adolescent Females
Authors: Gutierrez Gregory M. , Conte Catherine , Lightbourne Kristian
Published: March 2014

Head impacts are common in contact sports, but only recently has there been a rising awareness of the effects of subconcussive impacts in adolescent athletes. A better understanding of how to attenuate head impacts is needed and therefore, this study investigated the relationship between neck strength, impact, and neurocognitive function in an acute bout of soccer heading in a sample of female high school varsity soccer players. Seventeen participants completed the ImPACT neurocognitive test and had their isometric neck strength tested (flexion, extension, and bilateral flexion) before heading drills. Each participant was outfitted with custom headgear with timing switches and a three-dimensional accelerometer affixed to the back of the head, which allowed for measurement of impact during heading. Participants performed a series of 15 directional headers, including 5 forward, 5 left and 5 right headers in a random order, then completed the ImPACT test again. Neurocognitive tests revealed no significant changes following heading. However, there were statistically significant, moderate, negative correlations (r = −0.500:−0.757, p < .05) between neck strength and resultant header acceleration, indicating that those with weaker necks sustained greater impacts. This suggests neck strengthening may be an important component of any head injury prevention/reduction program.
Bilateral vocal cord palsy post thyroidectomy: lessons learnt
Authors: Misron Khairunnisak , Balasubramanian Anusha , Mohamad Irfan , Nik Hassan Nik Fariza Husna
Published: March 2014

Bilateral vocal cord paralysis is a known possible complication following thyroid surgery. It owes to the close relationship between the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the thyroid gland. The most feared complication of bilateral vocal cord paralysis is airway compromise. We report the case of a 39-year-old woman who underwent total thyroidectomy for multinodular goitre. The surgery was uneventful. However she developed stridor in the recovery bay needing intubation. We postulate that the cause was attributed to bilateral vocal cord paresis due to the use of the intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) whose high setting throughout the surgery was overlooked. She made a complete recovery without the need of a tracheostomy. We share our lessons learnt from this case.
Time dependent couplings as observables in de Sitter space
Authors: Kitamoto Hiroyuki , Kitazawa Yoshihisa
Published: March 2014

We summarize and expand our investigations concerning the soft graviton effects on microscopic matter dynamics in de Sitter space. The physical couplings receive IR logarithmic corrections which are sensitive to the IR cutoff at the one-loop level. The scale invariant spectrum in the gravitational propagator at the super-horizon scale is the source of the de Sitter symmetry breaking. The quartic scalar, Yukawa and gauge couplings become time dependent and diminish with time. In contrast, the Newton's constant increases with time. We clarify the physical mechanism behind these effects in terms of the conformal mode dynamics in analogy with 2d quantum gravity. We show that they are the inevitable consequence of the general covariance and lead to gauge invariant predictions. We construct a simple model in which the cosmological constant is self-tuned to vanish due to UV–IR mixing effect. We also discuss phenomenological implications such as decaying Dark Energy and SUSY breaking at the inflation era. The quantum effect alters the classical slow roll picture in general, if the tensor-to-scalar ratio r is as small as 0.01.
Statistical Classification Based Fast Drivable Region Detection for Indoor Mobile Robot
Authors: Qu Shengyue , Meng Cai
Published: March 2014

A fast method based on binocular vision is proposed for mobile robot to detect drivable regions. At first, the image is segmented into regions, and some obstacles are determined by the ground vanishing line. Then, according to the different distribution of feature points extracted from the left regions, we propose two approaches to classify regions: region determination based on feature statistical classification for regions with rich feature points and region determination based on area statistical classification for regions with sparse feature points. Finally, we get the drivable regions by combination of the two approaches. The results of indoor experiments show that the method can perform quickly and robustly.
Rating Protocols in Online Communities
Authors: Zhang Yu , Park Jaeok , van der Schaar Mihaela
Published: March 2014

Sustaining cooperation among self-interested agents is critical for the proliferation of emerging online communities. Providing incentives for cooperation in online communities is particularly challenging because of their unique features: a large population of anonymous agents having asymmetric interests and dynamically joining and leaving the community, operation errors, and agents trying to whitewash when they have a low standing in the community. In this article, we take these features into consideration and propose a framework for designing and analyzing a class of incentive schemes based on rating protocols, which consist of a rating scheme and a recommended strategy. We first define the concept of sustainable rating protocols under which every agent has the incentive to follow the recommended strategy given the deployed rating scheme. We then formulate the problem of designing an optimal rating protocol, which selects the protocol that maximizes the overall social welfare among all sustainable rating protocols. Using the proposed framework, we study the structure of optimal rating protocols and explore the impact of one-sided rating, punishment lengths, and whitewashing on optimal rating protocols. Our results show that optimal rating protocols are capable of sustaining cooperation, with the amount of cooperation varying depending on the community characteristics.
Techniques for scalable and effective routability evaluation
Authors: Wei Yaoguang , Sze Cliff , Viswanathan Natarajan , Li Zhuo , Alpert Charles J. , Reddy Lakshmi , Huber Andrew D. , Tellez Gustavo E. , Keller Douglas , Sapatnekar Sachin S.
Published: March 2014

Routing congestion has become a critical layout challenge in nanoscale circuits since it is a critical factor in determining the routability of a design. An unroutable design is not useful even though it closes on all other design metrics. Fast design closure can only be achieved by accurately evaluating whether a design is routable or not early in the design cycle. Lately, it has become common to use a “light mode” version of a global router to quickly evaluate the routability of a given placement. This approach suffers from three weaknesses: (i) it does not adequately model local routing resources, which can cause incorrect routability predictions that are only detected late, during detailed routing; (ii) the congestion maps obtained by it tend to have isolated hotspots surrounded by noncongested spots, called “noisy hotspots”, which further affects the accuracy in routability evaluation; and (iii) the metrics used to represent congestion may yield numbers that do not provide sufficient intuition to the designer, and moreover, they may often fail to predict the routability accurately. This article presents solutions to these issues. First, we propose three approaches to model local routing resources. Second, we propose a smoothing technique to reduce the number of noisy hotspots and obtain a more accurate routability evaluation result. Finally, we develop a new metric which represents congestion maps with higher fidelity. We apply the proposed techniques to several industrial circuits and demonstrate that one can better predict and evaluate design routability and that congestion mitigation tools can perform much better to improve the design routability.
Reducing test cost of integrated, heterogeneous systems using pass-fail test data analysis
Authors: Biswas Sounil , Wang Hongfei , Blanton R. D. (Shawn)
Published: March 2014

Stringent quality requirements for integrated, heterogeneous systems have led designers and test engineers to mandate large sets of tests to be applied to these systems, which, in turn, have resulted in increased test cost. However, many of these tests are unnecessary (i.e., redundant), since their outcomes can be reliably predicted using results from other applied tests. A methodology for identifying the redundant tests of an integrated, heterogeneous system that has only binary pass-fail test data is described. This methodology uses decision trees, Boolean minimization, and satisfiability as core components. Feasibility is empirically demonstrated using test data from two commercially fabricated systems, namely, a high-speed serializer/deserializer (HSS) and a phase-locked loop (PLL). Our analysis of test data from > 38,000 HSS and > 22,000 PLL circuits show that 14 out of 40 HSS tests and 11 out of 36 PLL tests are redundant.
Accelerating FPGA debug
Authors: Hung Eddie , Wilton Steven J. E.
Published: March 2014

FPGA technology is commonly used to prototype new digital designs before entering fabrication. Whilst these physical prototypes can operate many orders of magnitude faster than through a logic simulator, a fundamental limitation is their lack of on-chip visibility when debugging. To counter this, trace-buffer-based instrumentation can be installed into the prototype, allowing designers to capture a predetermined window of signal data during live operation for offline analysis. However, instead of requiring the designer to recompile their entire circuit every time the window is modified, this article proposes that an overlay network is constructed using only spare FPGA routing multiplexers to connect all circuit signals through to the trace instruments. Thus, during debugging, designers would only need to reconfigure this network instead of finding a new place-and-route solution. Furthermore, we describe how this network can deliver signals to both the trigger and trace units of these instruments, which are implemented simultaneously using dual-port RAMs. Our results show that new network configurations connecting any subset of signals to 80--90% of the available RAM capacity can be computed in less than 70 seconds, for a 100,000 LUT circuit, as many times as necessary. Our tool—QuickTrace—is available for download.
Bionic Autonomic Nervous Systems for Self-Defense against DoS, Spyware, Malware, Virus, and Fishing
Authors: Dai Y. S. , Xiang Y. P. , Pan Y.
Published: March 2014

Computing systems and networks become increasingly large and complex with a variety of compromises and vulnerabilities. The network security and privacy are of great concern today, where self-defense against different kinds of attacks in an autonomous and holistic manner is a challenging topic. To address this problem, we developed an innovative technology called Bionic Autonomic Nervous System (BANS). The BANS is analogous to biological nervous system, which consists of basic modules like cyber axon, cyber neuron, peripheral nerve and central nerve. We also presented an innovative self-defense mechanism which utilizes the Fuzzy Logic, Neural Networks, and Entropy Awareness, etc. Equipped with the BANS, computer and network systems can intelligently self-defend against both known and unknown compromises/attacks including denial of services (DoS), spyware, malware, and virus. BANS also enabled multiple computers to collaboratively fight against some distributed intelligent attacks like DDoS. We have implemented the BANS in practice. Some case studies and experimental results exhibited the effectiveness and efficiency of the BANS and the self-defense mechanism.
Modeling and Defending against Adaptive BitTorrent Worms in Peer-to-Peer Networks
Authors: Luo Jiaqing , Xiao Bin , Xiao Qingjun , Cao Jiannong , Guo Minyi
Published: March 2014

BitTorrent (BT) is one of the most common Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing protocols. Rather than downloading a file from a single source, the protocol allows users to join a
swarm
of peers to download and upload from each other simultaneously. Worms exploiting information from BT servers or trackers can cause serious damage to participating peers, which unfortunately has been neglected previously. In this article, we first present a new worm, called
Adaptive BitTorrent worm
(A-BT worm), which finds new victims and propagates sending forged requests to trackers. To reduce its abnormal behavior, the worm estimates the ratio of infected peers and adaptively adjusts its propagation speed. We then build a hybrid model to precisely characterize the propagation behavior of the worm. We also propose a statistical method to automatically detect the worm from the tracker by estimating the variance of the time intervals of requests. To slow down the worm propagation, we design a safe strategy in which the tracker returns secured peers when receives a request. Finally, we evaluate the accuracy of the hybrid model, and the effectiveness of our detection method and containment strategy through simulations.