bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low disturbance seeding suppresses weeds in no‐tillage soyabean
Authors: Theisen G , Bastiaans L
Published: September 2015

Germination is a key process in the dynamics of weed populations. In no‐tillage systems, crop seeding is often found to induce seed germination in the seeding strip. In this research, experiments to investigate options for reducing weed seedling establishment were conducted in no‐till soyabean fields located in two sites in south Brazil. A first experiment revealed that a reduction in emergence of some important weed species can be achieved by lowering seeding speed. Further experiments showed the ability of a modified seeder to contribute to an additional reduction in weed establishment. On the modified seeder, coulter discs were equipped with lateral blades, to diminish soil disturbance and to maintain a uniform soil cover by properly cutting the mulch layer. In a field with a high level of residues, the modified seeder, in contrast to the standard seeder, prevented the increase of soil exposure when seeding at high speed. The predominant weeds were annual species. Averaged over all seeding rates, the new equipment led to a 56% reduction in within‐row weed density, compared with the standard seeder. Regardless of seeder type, overall weed density increased with seeding speed, but with the modified seeder, this increase was only half that of the standard seeder. The modified seeder reduced weed biomass by 30% and increased soyabean grain yield by 42%. The research demonstrated that relatively simple changes, like a minor modification to a seeder and a lower seeding speed, can contribute to more diverse and sustainable alternatives to predominantly chemical‐oriented weed management strategies.
Phenological dynamics of the invasive plant Acacia longifolia in Portugal
Authors: Morais M C , Freitas H
Published: September 2015

Phenological shifts may play an important role in the success of invasive species. In the coastal regions of continental Portugal, Acacia longifolia is one of the most widespread invasive plants, but there are significant gaps in our understanding and interpretation of its phenology. This study is the first to investigate the phenological variation of A. longifolia and its association with climate in populations representing a temperature and precipitation gradient in mainland Portugal. The results highlighted significant variations in the vegetative (leaf initiation) and reproductive phenophases (bud formation, flowering and fruiting) among populations. Overall, leafing was observed throughout the year, bud formation occurred between summer and spring, anthesis between late winter and the beginning of spring, and fruiting started in late winter. Most of the reproductive phenophases varied across elevation or latitudinal gradients, with populations that were subjected to more stressful climatic conditions advancing their flowering and fruiting phenophases. The occurrence of each phenophase was strongly associated with the climatic conditions in the previous 5–12 months, suggesting that plants receive their phenological cues well in advance of their phenological response. Among climatic factors, temperature and irradiance were the most significant predictors of the phenological cycle of A. longifolia, but precipitation also exerted a greater influence on budding and flowering of the species. The phenological response of A. longifolia in a variety of sites represents an important step towards understanding how its phenology may react to the projected climate change in the Mediterranean region.
Cretaceous roots of the amphisbaenian lizards
Authors: Tałanda Mateusz
Published: September 2015

Amphisbaenians are highly specialized limbless burrowing lizards of controversial relationships. Among fossil lizards, the Eocene (47 Ma) Cryptolacerta is allegedly closest to the amphisbaenian ancestor, but this is put in doubt in this study. Similarities between Cryptolacerta and amphisbaenians, such as limb reduction and expansion of the skull roof, may be a result of parallel evolution. Instead, the Late Cretaceous lizard Slavoia with well‐developed limbs and several plesiomorphic skull characters is proposed to be the oldest known stem amphisbaenian. This is supported by two different phylogenetic analyses and observations on numerous specimens together representing almost the whole skeleton. Among the unique features, that Slavoia shares with amphisbaenians, the most significant are vomers strongly underlapping palatines and pterygoid quadrate ramus tightly wrapping around posteromedial surface of quadrate. The anatomy of Slavoia suggests that the reinforcement of the snout in amphisbaenian evolution preceded the elongation of the postorbital part of the skull, and that of the body, as well as modification of the limbs. Reduction of its hindlimbs was more advanced than that of the forelimbs. The ancient geological age of the central Asiatic Slavoia suggests that diversification of the main North American amphisbaenian groups may have resulted from a faunal dispersals from Asia after the Late Cretaceous.
Morphology, molecules and taxonomy: extreme incongruence in pleurocerids (Gastropoda, Cerithioidea, Pleuroceridae)
Authors: Whelan Nathan V. , Strong Ellen E.
Published: September 2015

Pronounced mitochondrial heterogeneity within putative species of Pleuroceridae has prevented meaningful systematic revisions of this critically imperilled freshwater family. Previous studies have demonstrated that this mitochondrial diversity often produces polyphyletic species on mitochondrial gene trees, but its significance is unclear. Hypotheses advanced to explain this pattern have included cryptic species, retained ancestral polymorphisms and introgression; other possible explanations such as doubly uniparental inheritance or the presence of pseudogenes have not been given due consideration. Previous analyses have not included adequate sampling, neither in terms of number of individuals nor in geographic coverage, to adequately test any of these hypotheses. To fully characterize mitochondrial heterogeneity in pleurocerids and robustly assess possible causal explanations, we collected 239 individuals representing four putative species from seven sites and sequenced the COI and 16S rRNA mitochondrial genes and the H3 nuclear gene for all individuals. We also used whole‐genome shotgun sequencing to construct and annotate a mitochondrial genome for one individual. Characters with demonstrated utility in morphospecies delineation of gastropods (head–foot coloration, shell and radular morphology, pallial oviduct anatomy) were examined for a subset of individuals to determine whether morphology co‐varied by haplotype clade. We found pronounced mitochondrial heterogeneity at both the population level and species level in three of the species examined, but our data reject paralogous nuclear copies of mitochondrial genes (NUMTs) and doubly uniparental inheritance as causal mechanisms, and there was no evidence of cryptic diversity. Mutation rates were found to differ significantly among mitochondrial lineages, and population genetic statistics revealed a signature of balancing selection that could be acting to maintain this diversity. The observed pattern is similar to that seen in lineages with inherited endosymbionts like Wolbachia infections, which merits further investigation. Although questions remain concerning the precise cause(s) of intraspecific mitochondrial diversity in pleurocerids, nuclear and/or genomic data, combined with anatomical and life history investigations in an integrative phylogenetic context, is the most promising avenue for resolving pleurocerid systematics.
A 5′‐upstream short open reading frame encoded peptide regulates angiotensin type 1a receptor production and signalling via the β‐arrestin pathway
Authors: Yosten Gina L.C. , Liu Jun , Ji Hong , Sandberg Kathryn , Speth Robert , Samson Willis K.
Published: September 2015

AUG sequences and short open reading frames are commonly present in the 5′‐leader sequence of G protein‐coupled receptor mRNAs. The presence of these upstream AUG sequences has been demonstrated to inhibit downstream receptor translation efficiency and, most recently, receptor signal transduction. A seven amino acid peptide encoded by a short open reading frame in exon 2 of the angiotensin type 1a receptor has been shown to inhibit non‐G protein‐coupled signalling of angiotensin II, without altering the classical G protein‐coupled pathway activated by the ligand. This finding may lead to the development of a new class of angiotensin receptor antagonists with activities biased for one, but not all, of the signalling cascades activated by angiotensin II, which could have therapeutic implications for the myriad hormones and neurotransmitters that signal through G protein‐coupled receptors.

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Gestational nanomaterial exposures: microvascular implications during pregnancy, fetal development and adulthood
Authors: Stapleton P. A.
Published: September 2015

Air pollution particulate matter and engineered nanomaterials are encompassed in the broad definition of xenobiotic particles. While the effects of perinatal air pollution exposure have been investigated, elucidation of outcomes associated with nanomaterial exposure, the focus of this review, is still in its infancy. As the potential uses of nanomaterials, and therefore exposures, increase exponentially so does the need for thorough evaluation. Up to this point, the majority of research in the field of cardiovascular nanotoxicology has focused on the coronary and vascular reactions to pulmonary exposures in young adult, healthy, male models; however, as intentional and unintentional contacts persist, the non‐pulmonary risks to under‐represented populations become a critical concern. Development of the maternal–fetal circulation during successful mammalian gestation is one of the most unusual complex, dynamic, and acutely demanding physiological systems. Fetal development in a hostile gestational environment can lead to systemic alterations, which may encourage adult disease. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to highlight the few knowns associated with gestational engineered nanomaterial exposure segmented by physiological periods of development or systemic targets: preconception and maternal, gestational, fetal and progeny (Abstract figure). Overall, the limited studies currently available provide compelling evidence of maternal, fetal and offspring dysfunctions after engineered nanomaterial exposure. Understanding the mechanisms associated with these multigenerational effects may allow pregnant women to safely reap the benefits of nanotechnology‐enabled products and assist in the implementation of exposure controls to protect the mother and fetus allowing for development of safety by design for engineered nanomaterials.

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Functional characterization of spikelet activity in the primary visual cortex
Authors: Scholl Benjamin , Andoni Sari , Priebe Nicholas J.
Published: September 2015

Key points

In vivo whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings in cat visual cortex revealed small deflections in the membrane potential of neurons, termed spikelets.

Spikelet statistics and functional properties suggest these deflections originate from a single, nearby cell.

Spikelets shared a number sensory selectivities with the principal neuron including orientation selectivity, receptive field location and eye preference.

Principal neurons and spikelets did not, however, generally share preferences for depth (binocular disparity).

Cross‐correlation of spikelet activity and membrane potential revealed direct effects on the membrane potential of some principal neurons, suggesting that these cells were synaptically coupled or received common input from the cortical network.

Other spikelet–neuron pairs revealed indirect effects, likely to be the result of correlated network events.

Intracellular recordings in the neocortex reveal not only the membrane potential of neurons, but small unipolar or bipolar deflections that are termed spikelets. Spikelets have been proposed to originate from various sources, including active dendritic mechanisms, gap junctions and extracellular signals. Here we examined the functional characteristics of spikelets measured in neurons from cat primary visual cortex in vivo. Spiking statistics and our functional characterization of spikelet activity indicate that spikelets originate from a separate, nearby cell. Spikelet kinetics and lack of a direct effect on spikelet activity from hyperpolarizing current injection suggest they do not arise from electrical coupling to the principal neuron being recorded. Spikelets exhibited matched orientation tuning preference and ocular dominance to the principal neuron. In contrast, binocular disparity preferences of spikelets and the principal neuron were unrelated. Finally, we examined the impact of spikelets on the principal neuron's membrane potential; we did observe some records for which spikelets were correlated with the membrane potential of the principal neuron, suggesting that these neurons were synaptically coupled or received common input from the cortical network.
Hypoxic induction of T‐type Ca2+ channels in rat cardiac myocytes: role of HIF‐1α and RhoA/ROCK signalling
Authors: González‐Rodríguez P. , Falcón D. , Castro M. J. , Ureña J. , López‐Barneo J. , Castellano A.
Published: September 2015

Key points

T‐type Ca2+ channels are expressed in the ventricular myocytes of the fetal and perinatal heart, but are downregulated as development progresses. However, these channels are re‐expressed in adult cardiomyocytes under pathological conditions.

Hypoxia induces the upregulation of the T‐type Ca2+ channel Cav3.2 mRNA in cardiac myocytes, whereas Cav3.1 mRNA is not significantly altered.

The effect of hypoxia on Cav3.2 mRNA requires hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) stabilization and involves the small monomeric G‐protein RhoA and its effector ROCKI.

Our results suggest that the hypoxic regulation of the Cav3.2 channels may be involved in the increased probability of developing arrhythmias observed in ischemic situations, and in the pathogenesis of diseases associated with hypoxic Ca2+ overload.

T‐type Ca2+ channels are expressed in the ventricular myocytes of the fetal and perinatal heart, but are normally downregulated as development progresses. Interestingly, however, these channels are re‐expressed in adult cardiomyocytes under pathological conditions. We investigated low voltage‐activated T‐type Ca2+ channel regulation in hypoxia in rat cardiomyocytes. Molecular studies revealed that hypoxia induces the upregulation of Cav3.2 mRNA, whereas Cav3.1 mRNA is not significantly altered. The effect of hypoxia on Cav3.2 mRNA was time‐ and dose‐dependent, and required hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) stabilization. Patch‐clamp recordings confirmed that T‐type Ca2+ channel currents were upregulated in hypoxic conditions, and the addition of 50 μm NiCl2 (a T‐type channel blocker) demonstrated that the Cav3.2 channel is responsible for this upregulation. This increase in current density was not accompanied by significant changes in the Cav3.2 channel electrophysiological properties. The small monomeric G‐protein RhoA and its effector Rho‐associated kinase I (ROCKI), which are known to play important roles in cardiovascular physiology, were also upregulated in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes subjected to hypoxia. Pharmacological experiments indicated that both proteins were involved in the observed upregulation of the Cav3.2 channel and the stabilization of HIF‐1α that occurred in response to hypoxia. These results suggest a possible role for Cav3.2 channels in the increased probability of developing arrhythmias observed in ischaemic situations, and in the pathogenesis of diseases associated with hypoxic Ca2+ overload.
Transient BK outward current enhances motoneurone firing rates during Drosophila larval locomotion
Authors: Kadas Dimitrios , Ryglewski Stefanie , Duch Carsten
Published: September 2015

Key points

We combine in situ electrophysiology with genetic manipulation in Drosophila larvae aiming to investigate the role of fast calcium‐activated potassium currents for motoneurone firing patterns during locomotion.

We first demonstrate that slowpoke channels underlie fast calcium‐activated potassium currents in these motoneurones.

By conducting recordings in semi‐intact animals that produce crawling‐like movements, we show that slowpoke channels are required specifically in motoneurones for maximum firing rates during locomotion.

Such enhancement of maximum firing rates occurs because slowpoke channels prevent depolarization block by limiting the amplitude of motoneurone depolarization in response to synaptic drive. In addition, slowpoke channels mediate a fast afterhyperpolarization that ensures the efficient recovery of sodium channels from inactivation during high frequency firing.

The results of the present study provide new insights into the mechanisms by which outward conductances facilitate neuronal excitability and also provide direct confirmation of the functional relevance of precisely regulated slowpoke channel properties in motor control.

A large number of voltage‐gated ion channels, their interactions with accessory subunits, and their post‐transcriptional modifications generate an immense functional diversity of neurones. Therefore, a key challenge is to understand the genetic basis and precise function of specific ionic conductances for neuronal firing properties in the context of behaviour. The present study identifies slowpoke (slo) as exclusively mediating fast activating, fast inactivating BK current (ICF) in larval Drosophila crawling motoneurones. Combining in vivo patch clamp recordings during larval crawling with pharmacology and targeted genetic manipulations reveals that ICF acts specifically in motoneurones to sculpt their firing patterns in response to a given input from the central pattern generating (CPG) networks. First, ICF curtails motoneurone postsynaptic depolarizations during rhythmical CPG drive. Second, ICF is activated during the rising phase of the action potential and mediates a fast afterhyperpolarization. Consequently, ICF is required for maximal intraburst firing rates during locomotion, probably by allowing recovery from inactivation of fast sodium channels and decreased potassium channel activation. This contrasts the common view that outward conductances oppose excitability but is in accordance with reports on transient BK and Kv3 channel function in multiple types of vertebrate neurones. Therefore, our finding that ICF enhances firing rates specifically during bursting patterns relevant to behaviour is probably of relevance to all brains.
Differential short‐term regional effects of early high dose erythropoietin on white matter in preterm lambs after mechanical ventilation
Authors: Barton Samantha K. , McDougall Annie R. A. , Melville Jacqueline M. , Moss Timothy J. M. , Zahra Valerie A. , Lim Tammy , Crossley Kelly J. , Polglase Graeme R. , Tolcos Mary
Published: September 2015

Key points

Erythropoietin is a neuroprotectant undergoing clinical trial for brain injury in term and preterm infants.

This is the first experimental study to assess the acute effects of erythropoietin on the cerebral white matter in preterm ventilated lambs.

Administration of erythropoietin within minutes of injurious ventilation onset amplified pro‐inflammatory cytokine gene expression in both the periventricular and subcortical white matter compared to the ventilation alone group; erythropoietin had no effect on the area of microglial aggregations in white matter regions with a reduction in cellular density of aggregations in the subcortical white matter only.

Administration of erythropoietin in conjunction with injurious ventilation increased gene expression of tight junction proteins and reduced protein extravasation from blood vessels in the cerebral white matter.

Given the increase in inflammation after erythropoietin, we recommend further investigation into its use as a treatment for ventilated preterm babies prior to clinical translation.

Inadvertently injurious ventilation of preterm neonates in the delivery room can cause cerebral white matter (WM) inflammation and injury. We investigated the impact of an early high dose of recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) on ventilation‐induced WM changes in preterm lambs. Injurious ventilation, targeting a VT of 15 ml kg−1 with no positive end‐expiratory pressure, was initiated for 15 min in preterm lambs (0.85 gestation). Conventional ventilation was continued for a further 105 min. Lambs received either 5000 IU kg−1 of EPO (EPREX®; Vent+EPO; n = 6) or vehicle (Vent; n = 8) via an umbilical vein at 4 ± 2 min. Markers of WM injury and inflammation were assessed using quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry and compared to a group of unventilated controls (UVC; n = 4). In Vent+EPO lambs compared to Vent lambs: (i) interleukin (IL)‐1β and IL‐6 mRNA levels in the periventricular WM and IL‐8 mRNA levels in the subcortical WM were higher (P < 0.05 for all); (ii) the density of microglia within the aggregations was not different in the periventricular WM and was lower in the subcortical WM (P = 0.001); (iii) the density of astrocytes was lower in the subcortical WM (P = 0.002); (iv) occludin and claudin‐1 mRNA levels were higher in the periventricular WM (P < 0.02 for all) and (vi) the number of blood vessels with protein extravasation was lower (P < 0.05). Recombinant human EPO had variable regional effects within the WM when administered during injurious ventilation. The adverse short‐term outcomes discourage the use of early high dose EPO administration in preterm ventilated babies.
A Review of Two-Phase Forced Cooling in Three-Dimensional Stacked Electronics: Technology Integration
Authors: Green Craig , Kottke Peter , Han Xuefei , Woodrum Casey , Sarvey Thomas , Asrar Pouya , Zhang Xuchen , Joshi Yogendra , Fedorov Andrei , Sitaraman Suresh , Bakir Muhannad
Published: September 2015

Three-dimensional (3D) stacked electronics present significant advantages from an electrical design perspective, ranging from shorter interconnect lengths to enabling heterogeneous integration. However, multitier stacking exacerbates an already difficult thermal problem. Localized hotspots within individual tiers can provide an additional challenge when the high heat flux region is buried within the stack. Numerous investigations have been launched in the previous decade seeking to develop cooling solutions that can be integrated within the 3D stack, allowing the cooling to scale with the number of tiers in the system. Two-phase cooling is of particular interest, because the associated reduced flow rates may allow reduction in pumping power, and the saturated temperature condition of the coolant may offer enhanced device temperature uniformity. This paper presents a review of the advances in two-phase forced cooling in the past decade, with a focus on the challenges of integrating the technology in high heat flux 3D systems. A holistic approach is applied, considering not only the thermal performance of standalone cooling strategies but also coolant selection, fluidic routing, packaging, and system reliability. Finally, a cohesive approach to thermal design of an evaporative cooling based heat sink developed by the authors is presented, taking into account all of the integration considerations discussed previously. The thermal design seeks to achieve the dissipation of very large (in excess of 500 W/cm2) background heat fluxes over a large 1 cm × 1 cm chip area, as well as extreme (in excess of 2 kW/cm2) hotspot heat fluxes over small 200 μm × 200 μm areas, employing a hybrid design strategy that combines a micropin–fin heat sink for background cooling as well as localized, ultrathin microgaps for hotspot cooling.
Bifurcation in the Swift–Hohenberg Equation
Authors: Xiao Qingkun , Gao Hongjun
Published: September 2015

This paper is concerned with the asymptotic behavior of the solutions u(x, t) of the Swift–Hohenberg equation with quintic polynomial on the cylindrical domain Q=(0,L)×R+. With the control parameter α in the Swift–Hohenberg equation and the length L of the domain regarded as bifurcation parameters, branches of nontrivial solutions bifurcating from the trivial solution at certain points are shown. Local behavior of these branches is also investigated. With the help of a center manifold analysis, two types of structures in the bifurcation diagrams are presented when the bifurcation points are close, and their stabilities are analyzed.
Progressive Mesh Densification Method for Numerical Solution of Mixed Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication
Authors: Pu Wei , Wang Jiaxu , Zhu Dong
Published: September 2015

Numerical solution of mixed elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) is of great importance for the study of lubrication formation and breakdown, as well as surface failures of mechanical components. However, converged and accurate numerical solutions become more difficult, and solution process with a fixed single discretization mesh for the solution domain appears to be quite slow, especially when the lubricant films and surface contacts coexist with real-machined roughness involved. Also, the effect of computational mesh density is found to be more significant if the average film thickness is small. In the present study, a set of sample cases with and without machined surface roughness are analyzed through the progressive mesh densification (PMD) method, and the obtained results are compared with those from the direct iteration method with a single fixed mesh. Besides, more numerical analyses with and without surface roughness in a wide range of operating conditions are conducted to investigate the influence of different compound modes in order to optimize the PMD procedure. In addition, different initial conditions are used to study the effect of initial value on the behaviors of this transient solution. It is observed that, no matter with or without surface roughness considered, the PMD method is stable for transient mixed EHL problems and capable of significantly accelerating the EHL solution process while ensuring numerical accuracy.
Application of Model Predictive Control to Control Transient Behavior in Stochastic Manufacturing System Models
Authors: Fazlirad Alireza , Freiheit Theodor
Published: September 2015

Increasing complexity in manufacturing strategies and swift changes in market and consumer requirements have driven recent studies of manufacturing systems, with transient behavior being identified as a key research area. Till date, satisfying consumer demand has focused on steady-state planning of production, mostly using stochastic or deterministic optimal control methods. Due to the difficulty of obtaining optimal control for many practical situations, as well as in evaluating performance under optimal control, these studies have not been conducive to the analysis or control of transient behavior. This paper bridges this gap by applying model predictive control to a manufacturing system modeled as a discrete-time Markov chain. By modifying the initiation of production as probabilities within the Markov chain, a method is proposed to directly control the system to specific expected performance levels and improve its stochastic transient behavior.
A Measure for Evaluation of Maximum Acceleration of Redundant and Nonredundant Parallel Manipulators
Authors: Wu Jun , Zhang Binbin , Wang Liping
Published: September 2015

The paper deals with the evaluation of acceleration of redundant and nonredundant parallel manipulators. The dynamic model of three degrees-of-freedom (3DOF) parallel manipulator is derived by using the virtual work principle. Based on the dynamic model, a measure is proposed for the acceleration evaluation of the redundant parallel manipulator and its nonredundant counterpart. The measure is designed on the basis of the maximum acceleration of the mobile platform when one actuated joint force is unit and other actuated joint forces are less than or equal to a unit force. The measure for evaluation of acceleration can be used to evaluate the acceleration of both redundant parallel manipulators and nonredundant parallel manipulators. Furthermore, the acceleration of the 4-PSS-PU parallel manipulator and its nonredundant counterpart are compared.
Technical Basis for Application of Collapse Moments for Locally Thinned Pipes Subjected to Torsion and Bending Proposed for ASME Section XI
Authors: Hasegawa Kunio , Li Yinsheng , Bezensek Bostjan , Hoang Phuong H. , Rathbun Howard J.
Published: September 2015

Piping components in power plants may experience combined bending and torsion moments during operation. There is a lack of guidance for pipe evaluation for pipes with local wall-thinning flaws under the combined bending and torsion moments. ASME boiler and pressure vessel (B&PV) Code Section XI Working Group is currently developing fully plastic bending pipe evaluation procedures for pressurized piping components containing local wall thinning subjected to combined torsion and bending moments. Using elastic fully plastic finite element (FE) analyses, plastic collapse bending moments under torsions were obtained for 4 (114.3)–24 (609.6) in. (mm) diameter pipes with various local wall-thinning flaw sizes. The objective of this paper is to introduce an equivalent moment, which combines torsion and bending moments by a vector summation, and to establish the applicable range of wall-thinning lengths, angles, and depths, where the equivalent moments are equal to pure bending collapse moments.
PMMA removal options by wet development in PS-b-PMMA block copolymer for nanolithographic mask fabrication
Authors: Gharbi Ahmed , Tiron Raluca , Pimenta Barros Patricia , Argoud Maxime , Servin Isabelle , Chevalier Xavier , Nicolet Celia , Navarro Christophe
Published: September 2015

In the integration flow of directed self-assembly with block copolymers (BCP), the selective removal of one phase of the polymer with respect to the other one is an important step. Different strategies can be implemented such as wet only, exposure, and wet or dry only, each one presenting its highlights and limitations. In this paper, the authors report a wet etching technique allowing an efficient removal of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in PMMA cylinder-forming polystyrene-b-polymethylmethacrylate (PS-b-PMMA) BCP in order to generate contact holes. They confirm that exposure with ultraviolet (UV) light or electron beam is required for PMMA degradation before its complete removal by wet development in acetic acid. A dose-to-clear of 300 mJ/cm2 and 200 μC/cm2 using UV exposure and e-beam exposure, respectively, is demonstrated for a thin BCP film coated on a silicon substrate. Complementary characterizations are employed: by ellipsometry to monitor the BCP thickness, by scanning electron and atomic force microscopies to monitor the surface topography and precisely determine the dose-to-clear. It is also shown that this UV exposure dose is dependent on the materials stack used underneath the BCP film due to the radiation absorption. Furthermore, the authors have investigated the ion implantation in the BCP film with oxygen and hydrogen ions and it seems to be another alternative for PMMA degradation in the wet development approach.
Modeling photoacoustic cavitation nucleation and bubble dynamics with modified classical nucleation theory
Authors: Qin Dui , Feng Yi , Wan Mingxi
Published: September 2015

Photoacoustic cavitation (PAC) is the formation of bubbles in liquids using a focused laser and a pre-established ultrasound synchronously. The decreased threshold of each modality and the precise location of cavitation determined by the focused laser are both significant in the targeted theranostics. In this study, PAC nucleation was described using the modified classical nucleation theory by Kashchiev's scaling function. A two-stage model of the PAC bubble dynamics was presented based on the two different bubble behaviors. It was clarified that both negative acoustic pressure and laser-induced temperature rise, resulting in the decrease in critical radius and the increase in nucleation rate, and thereby contribute to the increase in nucleation probability in the confocal region. Ultrasound determined the whole PAC bubble dynamics with temperature-dependent parameters, while the laser mainly contributed to its initial conditions. Moreover, the effects of certain parameters on PAC were further discussed, including the relative acoustic phase when a laser is introduced (φ), laser pulse duration (τL), laser focus radius (Rf), and ultrasound amplitude (PA). The model would be helpful in understanding the PAC process and further in introducing PAC to potential targeted theranostics.
Validation of a simple response-time measure of listening effort
Authors: Pals Carina , Sarampalis Anastasios , van Rijn Hedderik , Başkent Deniz
Published: September 2015

This study compares two response-time measures of listening effort that can be combined with a clinical speech test for a more comprehensive evaluation of total listening experience; verbal response times to auditory stimuli (RTaud) and response times to a visual task (RTsvis) in a dual-task paradigm. The listening task was presented in five masker conditions; no noise, and two types of noise at two fixed intelligibility levels. Both the RTsaud and RTsvis showed effects of noise. However, only RTsaud showed an effect of intelligibility. Because of its simplicity in implementation, RTsaud may be a useful effort measure for clinical applications.
Reliability and Validity of Field-Based Tests to Assess Upper-Body Muscular Strength in Children Aged 6-12 Years
Authors: Fernandez-Santos Jorge R. , Ruiz Jonatan R. , Gonzalez-Montesinos Jose Luis , Castro-Piñero Jose
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to analyze the reliability and the validity of the handgrip, basketball throw and pushups tests in children aged 6–12 years. One hundred and eighty healthy children (82 girls) agreed to participate in this study. All the upper body muscular fitness tests were performed twice (7 days apart) whereas the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) bench press test was performed 2 days after the first session of testing. All the tests showed a high reproducibility (ICC > 0.9) except the push-ups test (intertrial difference = 0.77 ± 2.38, p < .001 and the percentage error = 9%). The handgrip test showed the highest association with 1RM bench press test (r = .79, p < .01; R2 = .621). In conclusion the handgrip and basketball throw tests are shown as reliable and valid tests to assess upper body muscular strength in children. More studies are needed to assess the validity and the reliability of the upper body muscular endurance tests in children.
Preparing Footballers for the Next Step: An Intervention Program From an Ecological Perspective
Authors: Larsen Carsten H. , Alfermann Dorothee , Henriksen Kristoffer , Christensen Mette K.
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this article is to present practitioners and applied researchers with specific details of an ecological-inspired program and intervention in a professional football (soccer) club in Denmark. Based on an ecological agenda, the aim is to reinforce the culture of psychosocial development in the daily practice of a professional football academy, provide the skills required to succeed at the professional level and create stronger relations between the youth and professional departments. The authors suggest six principles as fundamental governing principles to inform an intervention inspired by the holistic ecological perspective. Descriptions of the intervention program and findings are presented in four interconnected steps. Insights are provided into delivery of workshops, the supervision of the coach, on-pitch training, evaluation of the program, and integrating sport psychology as a part of the culture within the club.
Targeting Siglecs with a sialic acid–decorated nanoparticle abrogates inflammation
Authors: Spence Shaun , Greene Michelle K. , Fay François , Hams Emily , Saunders Sean P. , Hamid Umar , Fitzgerald Marianne , Beck Jonathan , Bains Baljinder K. , Smyth Peter , Themistou Efrosyni , Small Donna M. , Schmid Daniela , O’Kane Cecilia M. , Fitzgerald Denise C. , Abdelghany Sharif M. , Johnston James A. , Fallon Padraic G. , Burrows James F. , McAuley Daniel F. , Kissenpfennig Adrien , Scott Christopher J.
Published: September 2015

A nanoparticle coated with sialic acid activates Siglec receptors on macrophages, improving survival from sepsis in mice and reducing inflammation in human tissues.
Comparative Accuracy of the InBios Scrub Typhus Detect IgM Rapid Test for the Detection of IgM Antibodies by Using Conventional Serology
Authors: Kingston Hugh W. F. , Blacksell Stuart D. , Tanganuchitcharnchai Ampai , Laongnualpanich Achara , Basnyat Buddha , Day Nicholas P. J. , Paris Daniel H.
Published: September 2015

This study investigated the comparative accuracy of a recombinant 56-kDa type-specific antigen-based rapid diagnostic test (RDT) for scrub typhus for the detection of IgM antibodies by using conventional serology in well-characterized serum samples from undifferentiated febrile illness patients. The RDT showed high specificity and promising comparative accuracy, with 82% sensitivity and 98% specificity for samples defined positive at an IgM indirect immunofluorescence assay positivity cutoff titer of ≥1:1,600 versus 92% and 95% at ≥1:6,400, respectively.
First Case of Fungemia Due to Pseudozyma aphidis in a Pediatric Patient with Osteosarcoma in Latin America
Authors: Orecchini Luisa Alejandra , Olmos Eugenia , Taverna Constanza Giselle , Murisengo Omar Alejandro , Szuzs Wanda , Vivot Walter , Córdoba Susana , Bosco-Borgeat María Eugenia , Montanaro Patricia Cristina
Published: September 2015

We report the first case of blood infection due to
Pseudozyma aphidis
in Latin America. We contribute evidence showing this organism to be a potential human pathogen, and we provide new data about its identification, drug susceptibility, and treatment outcome.
Simultaneous Presence of Insertion Sequence Excision Enhancer and Insertion Sequence IS
629
Correlates with Increased Diversity and Virulence in Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli
Authors: Toro M. , Rump L. V. , Cao G. , Meng J. , Brown E. W. , Gonzalez-Escalona N.
Published: September 2015

Although new serotypes of enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) emerge constantly, the mechanisms by which these new pathogens arise and the reasons emerging serotypes tend to carry more virulence genes than other
E. coli
are not understood. An insertion sequence (IS) excision enhancer (IEE) was discovered in EHEC O157:H7 that promoted the excision of IS
3
family members and generating various genomic deletions. One IS
3
family member, IS
629
, actively transposes and proliferates in EHEC O157:H7 and enterotoxigenic
E. coli
(ETEC) O139 and O149. The simultaneous presence of the IEE and IS
629
(and other IS
3
family members) may be part of a system promoting not only adaptation and genome diversification in
E. coli
O157:H7 but also contributing to the development of pathogenicity among predominant serotypes. Prevalence comparisons of these elements in 461 strains, representing 72 different serotypes and 5 preassigned seropathotypes (SPT) A to E, showed that the presence of these two elements simultaneously was serotype specific and associated with highly pathogenic serotypes (O157 and top non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli [STEC]) implicated in outbreaks and sporadic cases of human illness (SPT A and B). Serotypes lacking one or both elements were less likely to have been isolated from clinical cases. Our comparisons of IEE sequences showed sequence variations that could be divided into at least three clusters. Interestingly, the IEE sequences from O157 and the top 10 non-O157 STEC serotypes fell into clusters I and II, while less commonly isolated serotypes O5 and O174 fell into cluster III. These results suggest that IS
629
and IEE elements may be acting synergistically to promote genome plasticity and genetic diversity among STEC strains, enhancing their abilities to adapt to hostile environments and rapidly take up virulence factors.
Staphylococcus aureus Colonization and Strain Type at Various Body Sites among Patients with a Closed Abscess and Uninfected Controls at U.S. Emergency Departments
Authors: Albrecht Valerie S. , Limbago Brandi M. , Moran Gregory J. , Krishnadasan Anusha , Gorwitz Rachel J. , McDougal Linda K. , Talan David A.
Published: September 2015

Community-associated methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(CA-MRSA) is a prevalent cause of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), but the association between CA-MRSA colonization and infection remains uncertain. We studied the carriage frequency at several body sites and the diversity of
S. aureus
strains from patients with and without SSTI. Specimens from the nares, throat, rectum, and groin of case subjects with a closed skin abscess (i.e., without drainage) and matched control subjects without a skin infection (
n
= 147 each) presenting to 10 U.S. emergency departments were cultured using broth enrichment; wound specimens were cultured from abscess cases. Methicillin resistance testing and
spa
typing were performed for all
S. aureus
isolates.
S. aureus
was found in 85/147 (57.8%) of abscesses; 49 isolates were MRSA, and 36 were methicillin-susceptible
S. aureus
(MSSA). MRSA colonization was more common among cases (59/147; 40.1%) than among controls (27/147; 18.4%) overall (
P
< 0.001) and at each body site; no differences were observed for MSSA.
S. aureus
-infected subjects were usually (75/85) colonized with the infecting strain; among MRSA-infected subjects, this was most common in the groin. The CC8 lineage accounted for most of both infecting and colonizing isolates, although more than 16 distinct strains were identified. Nearly all MRSA infections were inferred to be USA300. There was more diversity among colonizing than infecting isolates and among those isolated from controls versus cases. CC8
S. aureus
is a common colonizer of persons with and without skin infections. Detection of
S. aureus
colonization, and especially MRSA, may be enhanced by extranasal site culture.
One-Step Multiplex PCR Assay for Differentiating Proposed New Species “Clostridium neonatale” from Closely Related Species
Authors: Ferraris Laurent , Schönherr Sophia , Bouvet Philippe , Dauphin Brunhilde , Popoff Michel , Butel Marie Jose , Aires Julio
Published: September 2015

“
Clostridium neonatale
” sp. nov., previously involved in an outbreak of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, was recently proposed as a new species of the
Clostridium
genus
sensu stricto
. We developed a one-step multiplex colony PCR for
C. neonatale
identification and investigated
C. neonatale
intestinal colonization frequency in healthy preterm neonates.
New Diagnostic Insights for Macrorhabdus ornithogaster Infection
Authors: Borrelli Luca , Dipineto Ludovico , Rinaldi Laura , Romano Violante , Noviello Emilio , Menna Lucia Francesca , Cringoli Giuseppe , Fioretti Alessandro
Published: September 2015

The aim of this study was to propose the use of a new rapid and user-friendly diagnostic tool for the detection of
Macrorhabdus
ornithogaster
infection in birds. The current report focuses on the diagnostic feasibility of different methods, with particular emphasis on the application of the mini-Flotac technique for the diagnosis of
M
.
ornithogaster
infection. The mini-Flotac method is particularly tailored for epidemiological monitoring and surveillance, where large numbers of fecal samples must be rapidly, yet reliably, examined. Gram staining, as the standard method, was used to validate the reliability of the mini-Flotac method. This tool has not yet been used in avian species or in the diagnosis of yeast infections. In our study,
M. ornithogaster
showed excellent performance in a flotation assay, which had not been demonstrated previously. Our results suggest that the mini-Flotac method is a valid, sensitive, and potentially low-cost alternative technique for use in the diagnosis of this yeast infection in birds.
Standardization of Quantitative PCR for Human T-Cell Leukemia Virus Type 1 in Japan: a Collaborative Study
Authors: Kuramitsu Madoka , Okuma Kazu , Yamochi Tadanori , Sato Tomoo , Sasaki Daisuke , Hasegawa Hiroo , Umeki Kazumi , Kubota Ryuji , Sobata Rieko , Matsumoto Chieko , Kaneko Noriaki , Naruse Isao , Yamagishi Makoto , Nakashima Makoto , Momose Haruka , Araki Kumiko , Mizukami Takuo , Mizusawa Saeko , Okada Yoshiaki , Ochiai Masaki , Utsunomiya Atae , Koh Ki-Ryang , Ogata Masao , Nosaka Kisato , Uchimaru Kaoru , Iwanaga Masako , Sagara Yasuko , Yamano Yoshihisa , Satake Masahiro , Okayama Akihiko , Mochizuki Manabu , Izumo Shuji , Saito Shigeru , Itabashi Kazuo , Kamihira Shimeru , Yamaguchi Kazunari , Watanabe Toshiki , Hamaguchi Isao
Published: September 2015

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) was used to assess the amount of HTLV-1 provirus DNA integrated into the genomic DNA of host blood cells. Accumulating evidence indicates that a high proviral load is one of the risk factors for the development of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis. However, interlaboratory variability in qPCR results makes it difficult to assess the differences in reported proviral loads between laboratories. To remedy this situation, we attempted to minimize discrepancies between laboratories through standardization of HTLV-1 qPCR in a collaborative study. TL-Om1 cells that harbor the HTLV-1 provirus were serially diluted with peripheral blood mononuclear cells to prepare a candidate standard. By statistically evaluating the proviral loads of the standard and those determined using in-house qPCR methods at each laboratory, we determined the relative ratios of the measured values in the laboratories to the theoretical values of the TL-Om1 standard. The relative ratios of the laboratories ranged from 0.84 to 4.45. Next, we corrected the proviral loads of the clinical samples from HTLV-1 carriers using the relative ratio. As expected, the overall differences between the laboratories were reduced by half, from 7.4-fold to 3.8-fold on average, after applying the correction. HTLV-1 qPCR can be standardized using TL-Om1 cells as a standard and by determining the relative ratio of the measured to the theoretical standard values in each laboratory.
Recurrent Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Cutaneous Abscesses and Selection of Reduced Chlorhexidine Susceptibility during Chlorhexidine Use
Authors: Johnson Ryan C. , Schlett Carey D. , Crawford Katrina , Lanier Jeffrey B. , Merrell D. Scott , Ellis Michael W.
Published: September 2015

We describe the selection of reduced chlorhexidine susceptibility during chlorhexidine use in a patient with two episodes of cutaneous USA300 methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
abscess. The second clinical isolate harbors a novel plasmid that encodes the QacA efflux pump. Greater use of chlorhexidine for disease prevention warrants surveillance for resistance.