bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age discrimination within a P‐E fit paradigm: Maintaining fit with an active work style
Authors: Bayl‐Smith Piers , Griffin Barbara
Published: March 2017

In the context of work environment and within‐person change, age discrimination represents a substantial and important challenge for mid‐ to late‐career workers. This present research expands the current literature by examining age discrimination within a P‐E fit paradigm. Utilizing the theory of work adjustment, we examined the effect of perceived age discrimination upon demands–abilities (D‐A) fit and needs–supplies (N‐S) fit in two, two‐wave studies. Consistent with hypotheses, Study 1 (N = 1345) demonstrated that as individuals perceived increasing experiences of age discrimination, both D‐A and N‐S fit decreased over time. Study 2 (N = 665) included active work styles, defined as an individual's general level and pattern of workplace effort and activity, as a possible moderating variable of the relationship between age discrimination and D‐A fit. As expected, the engagement of a highly active work style ameliorated the deleterious effects of age discrimination. Implications for future empirical research and possible workplace applications deriving from these studies are discussed.

Practitioner points

Age discrimination has a negative impact upon employees being able to maintain their fit with the work environment.

An employee may minimize the impact of age discrimination by maintaining a highly active work style.

Organizations need to facilitate a positive age diversity climate by actively challenging negative stereotypes through education and training programmes, and the enforcement of fair and just diversity policies.
Accuracy of Self‐Esteem Judgments at Zero Acquaintance
Authors: Hirschmüller Sarah , Schmukle Stefan C. , Krause Sascha , Back Mitja D. , Egloff Boris
Published: March 2017

Objective

Perceptions of strangers’ self‐esteem can have wide‐ranging interpersonal consequences. Aiming to reconcile inconsistent results from previous research that had predominantly suggested that self‐esteem is a trait that can hardly be accurately judged at zero acquaintance, we examined unaquainted others’ accuracy in inferring individuals’ actual self‐esteem.

Method

Ninety‐nine target participants (77 female;Mage = 23.5 years) were videotaped in a self‐introductory situation, and self‐esteem self‐reports and reports by well‐known informants were obtained as separate accuracy criteria. Forty unacquainted observers judged targets' self‐esteem on the basis of these short video sequences (M = 23s,SD = 7.7).

Results

Results showed that both self‐reported (r = .31,p = .002) and informant‐reported self‐esteem (r = .21,p = .040) of targets could be inferred by strangers. The degree of accuracy in self‐esteem judgments could be explained with lens model analyses: Self‐ and informant‐reported self‐esteem predicted nonverbal and vocal friendliness, both of which predicted self‐esteem judgments by observers. In addition, observers’ accuracy in inferring informant‐reported self‐esteem was mediated by the utilization of targets’ physical attractiveness. Besides using valid behavioral information to infer strangers’ self‐esteem, observers inappropriately relied on invalid behavioral information reflecting nonverbal, vocal, and verbal self‐assuredness.

Conclusions

Our findings show that strangers can quite accurately detect individuals’ self‐reported and informant‐reported self‐esteem when targets are observed in a public self‐presentational situation.
Comparative pharmacokinetic evaluation of lopinavir and lopinavir-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles in hepatic impaired rat model
Authors: Ravi Punna Rao , Vats Rahul
Published: March 2017

Objective

Drug-induced hepatotoxicity is a major cause of concern in patients receiving HIV/TB co-treatment. Lopinavir (LPV), an anti-HIV drug, shows poor plasma exposure due to hepatic first-pass metabolism. In this study, we investigated the effect of hepatotoxicity on pharmacokinetics of free LPV and LPV-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (LPV SLNs) in male Wistar rats.

Methods

Hepatic impairment model in rats was developed by injecting CCl4 (i.p., 2 ml/kg). Comparative pharmacokinetic (n = 5) and tissue distribution studies (n = 3) were conducted following oral administration (20 mg/kg) of free LPV and LPV SLNs in normal and hepatic impaired rats. Isolated perfused liver (IPL) model (n = 3) and cycloheximide intervened lymphatic uptake studies (n = 3) were conducted to appreciate disposition pattern of LPV.

Key findings

In contrary to free LPV, pharmacokinetic results demonstrated no significant (P > 0.05) difference in drug plasma profile of LPV SLNs in normal and impaired rats. IPL model demonstrated trivial role of liver in disposition of LPV SLNs. Tissue distribution studies of SLNs showed higher (P < 0.05) LPV accumulation in lymphoidal organs. Pretreatment of cycloheximide significantly (P < 0.05) reduced AUC and Cmax of LPV SLNs.

Conclusion

From the results, we conclude that unlike conventional formulations of LPV, disposition characteristics of LPV SLNs were similar both in normal and hepatic impaired rats.
Pharmacokinetics and pulmonary distribution of gamithromycin after intravenous administration in foals
Authors: Berlin S. , Randow T. , Scheuch E. , Grube M. , Venner M. , Siegmund W.
Published: March 2017

The long‐acting azalide antibiotic gamithromycin is marketed for intramuscular treatment of bovine and swine infections. Off‐label use in foals leads to severe local lesions likely caused by hyperosmolality of the injected solution. We provide evidence from a pharmacokinetic study in 10 warm‐blooded healthy foals for intravenous bolus injection of gamithromycin diluted in distilled water to be a safe and well tolerated alternative. By intravenous dosing, markedly higher plasma exposure and better penetration into bronchoalveolar lavage cells but lower distribution into epithelial lining fluid are achieved as after intramuscular or subcutaneous administration. Intravenously injected gamithromycin was tolerated without any adverse drug reactions. The protocols for treatment of equine pulmonary infections caused by Rhodococcus equi should be revised accordingly.
Epistemic/Non‐epistemic Dependence
Authors: Zangwill Nick
Published: March 2017

I foreground the principle of epistemic dependence. I isolate that relation and distinguish it from other relations and note what it does and does not entail. In particular, I distinguish between dependence and necessitation. This has many interesting consequences. On the negative side, many standard arguments in epistemology are subverted. More positively, once we are liberated from the necessary and sufficient conditions project, many fruitful paths for future epistemological investigation open up. I argue that that not being defeated does not make for knowledge. And I argue for the multiple realization of epistemic properties in non‐epistemic properties.
A step forward to building an algal pyrenoid in higher plants
Authors: Sharwood Robert E.
Published: March 2017

This article is a Commentary on Atkinson et al., 214: 655–667.
The role of pulses in sustainable and healthy food systems
Authors: McDermott John , Wyatt Amanda J.
Published: March 2017

Improving nutrition is a development priority, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs) in Africa and South Asia, in which there is a persistent burden of undernutrition and increasing obesity. Healthy food systems can play a necessary role, aligned with other multisectoral actions, in addressing this challenge. Contributing to improved nutrition and health outcomes through food‐based solutions is complex. In considering the role that pulses can play in addressing this challenge, there are useful conceptual frameworks and emerging lessons. National food systems in LMICs provide limited diet quality. Foods for a healthy diet may be produced locally, but they increasingly rely on improved markets and trade. What might be done to transform food systems for healthier diets, and what role can pulses play? Food systems innovations will require a convergence of technical innovation with smarter institutional arrangements and more effective policies and regulations. In many countries in Africa and South Asia, pulses can make important contributions to healthier diets. Options for supporting pulses to make a greater contribution to healthier diets include increasing the efficiency of pulse supply chains, creating more effective public–private institutional arrangements for innovation, and establishing policies, regulations, and investments that are nutrition sensitive.
A new location to split Cre recombinase for protein fragment complementation
Authors: Rajaee Maryam , Ow David W.
Published: March 2017

We have previously described a recombinase‐mediated gene stacking system in which the Cre recombinase is used to remove lox‐site flanked DNA no longer needed after each round of Bxb1 integrase‐mediated site‐specific integration. The Cre recombinase can be conveniently introduced by hybridization with a cre‐expressing plant. However, maintaining an efficient cre‐expressing line over many generations can be a problem, as high production of this DNA‐binding protein might interfere with normal chromosome activities. To counter this selection against high Cre activity, we considered a split‐cre approach, in which Cre activity is reconstituted after separate parts of Cre are brought into the same genome by hybridization. To insure that the recombinase‐mediated gene stacking system retains its freedom to operate, we tested for new locations to split Cre into complementing fragments. In this study, we describe testing four new locations for splitting the Cre recombinase for protein fragment complementation and show that the two fragments of Cre split between Lys244 and Asn245 can reconstitute activity that is comparable to that of wild‐type Cre.
A collection of enhancer trap insertional mutants for functional genomics in tomato
Authors: Pérez‐Martín Fernando , Yuste‐Lisbona Fernando J. , Pineda Benito , Angarita‐Díaz María Pilar , García‐Sogo Begoña , Antón Teresa , Sánchez Sibilla , Giménez Estela , Atarés Alejandro , Fernández‐Lozano Antonia , Ortíz‐Atienza Ana , García‐Alcázar Manuel , Castañeda Laura , Fonseca Rocío , Capel Carmen , Goergen Geraldine , Sánchez Jorge , Quispe Jorge L. , Capel Juan , Angosto Trinidad , Moreno Vicente , Lozano Rafael
Published: March 2017

With the completion of genome sequencing projects, the next challenge is to close the gap between gene annotation and gene functional assignment. Genomic tools to identify gene functions are based on the analysis of phenotypic variations between a wild type and its mutant; hence, mutant collections are a valuable resource. In this sense, T‐DNA collections allow for an easy and straightforward identification of the tagged gene, serving as the basis of both forward and reverse genetic strategies. This study reports on the phenotypic and molecular characterization of an enhancer trap T‐DNA collection in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), which has been produced by Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation using a binary vector bearing a minimal promoter fused to the uidA reporter gene. Two genes have been isolated from different T‐DNA mutants, one of these genes codes for a UTP‐glucose‐1‐phosphate uridylyltransferase involved in programmed cell death and leaf development, which means a novel gene function reported in tomato. Together, our results support that enhancer trapping is a powerful tool to identify novel genes and regulatory elements in tomato and that this T‐DNA mutant collection represents a highly valuable resource for functional analyses in this fleshy‐fruited model species.
Rodent models of genetic and chromosomal variations in psychiatric disorders
Authors: Nomura Jun , Kannan Geetha , Takumi Toru
Published: March 2017

Elucidating the molecular basis of complex human psychiatric disorders is challenging due to the multitude of factors that underpin these disorders. Genetic and chromosomal changes are two factors that have been suggested to be involved in psychiatric disorders. Indeed, numerous risk loci have been identified in autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and related psychiatric disorders. Here, we introduce genetic animal models that disturb excitatory‐inhibitory balance in the brain and animal models mirroring human chromosomal abnormalities, both of which may be implicated in autism spectrum disorder pathophysiology. In addition, we discuss recent unique translational research using rodent models, such as Cntnap2 knockout mouse, Mecp2 mutant mouse, Pick1 knockout mouse, and neonatal ventral hippocampal lesion rat. By using these models, several types of drugs are administered during the developmental period to see the effect on psychotic symptoms and neural activities in adults. The accumulating evidence from recent animal studies provides an informative intervention strategy as a translational research.
Congenital Degos Disease: Case Report and Dermoscopic Findings
Authors: Calderón‐Castrat Ximena , Castro Rosa , Peceros‐Escalante Johanna , Villate Caballero Marjorie , Chian Cesar , Ballona Rosalía
Published: March 2017

Pediatric Degos disease is rare, with only 36 cases reported in the medical literature. Classically the diagnosis has been established according to pathognomonic histopathologic findings, but when these features are not present, there may be a delay in diagnosis. We report the second congenital case of Degos disease, highlighting the clinical and dermoscopic findings.
Collaborate or Compete: Examining Manufacturers' Replacement Strategies for a Substance of Concern
Authors: Kraft Tim , Raz Gal
Published: March 2017

The recent proliferation of media reports on substances of concern has increased consumer fears, sparked scientific debate, and highlighted the need for stronger chemical regulations. When a substance of concern is identified (e.g., bisphenol‐A (BPA) in reusable water bottles), manufacturers face difficult trade‐offs in deciding whether to proactively replace the substance in their products or to defer replacement and wait to see if regulation occurs. In this study, we examine when opportunities exist for manufacturers to avoid competitively replacing (i.e., making their replacement decisions on their own), and instead, collaborate to replace a substance of concern. We model a vertically differentiated market consisting of a high‐end manufacturer and a low‐end manufacturer, both of whom sell a product that contains a substance of concern. Our analysis investigates how market dynamics (competition and consumer preferences) and external factors (replacement costs and regulatory uncertainty) influence manufacturers' collaboration, replacement, and pricing decisions. We find that when the manufacturers do not collaborate, the high‐end manufacturer can use the presence of a substance of concern to dominate the market by capturing more demand and often charging a higher price for his product than the low‐end manufacturer. Collaboration is possible when there is either a shared fixed cost savings for both manufacturers or an opportunity for the low‐end manufacturer to benefit his competitive position by motivating the high‐end manufacturer to collaborate. From a consumer perspective, although collaboration reduces consumer exposure to the substance of concern, it can decrease consumer surplus when the replacement substance is very expensive.
The Influence of Plan Demographics on Contribution Behavior of 401(k) Participants
Authors: Park Youngkyun
Published: March 2017

This article examines the influence of plan demographics, which is defined as the salary and tenure composition of a plan, on contribution behavior of 401(k) participants. Results using a large sample of 401(k) plans show that plan demographics influence participant contribution rates directly or through interaction with individual demographic characteristics. A participant's contribution rate can be varied by 1.6–3.0 percentage points for each age between 25 and 64, depending on what plan demographics she is exposed to. In addition, for the decision to contribute the maximum allowed amount, plan demographics significantly interact with individual demographic characteristics.
Yes We Can (Price Derivatives on Survivor Indices)
Authors: Boyer M. Martin , Stentoft Lars
Published: March 2017

We propose a simulation approach to value derivatives when the underlying dynamics are estimated using the survivor indices directly. Our results show that survivor forward and swap premiums increase with maturity and with the market price of risk. Our results also confirm that taking the optionality into consideration is important from a pricing perspective, for both U.S. women and men. We compare our results to what is obtained using an alternative modeling approach in which a Lee–Carter model is used to indirectly model the survivor index. Compared to this method, our estimated premiums and prices are higher for all longevity products. Moreover, comparing American‐style with European‐style options we find that, although the early exercise option has value when using survivor indices directly, the relative value of the early exercise option is significantly less than when the Lee–Carter model is used to indirectly model the survivor index. It follows that the assumed mortality dynamics have important implications for the term structure of forward and swap premiums and for the effect that changes in the market price of risk has on them.
The Policymaker's Dilemma: The Risks and Benefits of a ‘Black Box’ Approach to Commissioning Active Labour Market Programmes
Authors: Considine Mark , O'Sullivan Siobhan , Nguyen Phuc
Published: March 2017

In September 2009, the British Government launched a new employment assistance model called Flexible New Deal. It was soon replaced by Work Programme in 2011. Both prioritized what is often called a ‘black box’ approach to public employment assistance, whereby the government purchaser focuses predominantly on outcomes and does not seek to direct agency operations. Using a study of the orientations and strategies of frontline employment services staff in 2008 and 2012, we seek to enhance understanding of the impact of so‐called ‘black box’ commissioning on key aspects of service delivery. Black box advocates propose that it is a hands‐off approach that allows agencies to be innovative and to improve efficiency. These effects are thought to be due to improved local service quality and greater flexibility to tailor services to individual clients. Critics argue that this increased discretion facilitates under‐servicing of some jobseekers and agency profiteering. These practices are commonly referred to as ‘parking’ and ‘creaming’. In this UK study, we provide evidence of both positive and negative activities associated with black box commissioning. We find some small improvements in flexibility at the frontline, but little to no evidence of increased efficiency as measured by the reported rates of jobseekers moving into work. We also observe an increase in practices associated with creaming and parking. We conclude that improving efficiency and maximizing innovation are not guaranteed by black box commissioning, and that the aim of facilitating increased frontline flexibility, while also minimizing risk, persists as a major policy design tension.
Allen Newell's Program of Research: The Video‐Game Test
Authors: Gobet Fernand
Published: March 2017

Newell (1973) argued that progress in psychology was slow because research focused on experiments trying to answer binary questions, such as serial versus parallel processing. In addition, not enough attention was paid to the strategies used by participants, and there was a lack of theories implemented as computer models offering sufficient precision for being tested rigorously. He proposed a three‐headed research program: to develop computational models able to carry out the task they aimed to explain; to study one complex task in detail, such as chess; and to build computational models that can account for multiple tasks. This article assesses the extent to which the papers in this issue advance Newell's program. While half of the papers devote much attention to strategies, several papers still average across them, a capital sin according to Newell. The three courses of action he proposed were not popular in these papers: Only two papers used computational models, with no model being both able to carry out the task and to account for human data; there was no systematic analysis of a specific video game; and no paper proposed a computational model accounting for human data in several tasks. It is concluded that, while they use sophisticated methods of analysis and discuss interesting results, overall these papers contribute only little to Newell's program of research. In this respect, they reflect the current state of psychology and cognitive science. This is a shame, as Newell's ideas might help address the current crisis of lack of replication and fraud in psychology.
Improved hydrological projections and reservoir management in the Upper Indus Basin under the changing climate
Authors: Khan Firdos , Pilz Jürgen , Ali Shaukat
Published: March 2017

The availability of water resources plays an important role for the economy of a country. The nexus of energy‐food‐water are interlinked and of particular importance in the uncertain environment of developing countries. In Pakistan, agriculture contributes 25% to the gross domestic product. The Indus River contributes 44% of the available water to irrigation of crops and the ecosystem, and currently produces 5,112 MW electricity, with the potential to produce 38,602 MW electricity. This makes it important to investigate the status of water availability in the Upper Indus Basin under existing emission scenarios. In this study, the future availability of water is projected for the Indus River under the A2, B2, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 emission scenarios. A meta‐analysis has been conducted to present a combined picture by combining the results from the emission scenarios. Our meta‐analysis shows higher confidence in RCPs projections. The results show that suffcient water will be available in the Indus River that will meet the demands of water in future but there will be scarcity of water in some months under each scenario. However, by proper management and optimum utilisation of the available water, this scarcity can be resolved.
Prechamber Equipped Laser Ignition for Improved Performance in Natural Gas Engines
Authors: Almansour Bader , Vasu Subith , Gupta Sreenath B. , Wang Qing , Van Leeuwen Robert , Ghosh Chuni
Published: March 2017

Lean-burn operation of stationary natural gas engines offers lower NOx emissions and improved efficiency. A proven pathway to extend lean-burn operation has been to use laser ignition (LI) instead of standard spark ignition (SI). However, under lean conditions, flame speed reduces, thereby offsetting any efficiency gains resulting from the higher ratio of specific heats, γ. The reduced flame speeds, in turn, can be compensated with the use of a prechamber to result in volumetric ignition and thereby lead to faster combustion. In this study, the optimal geometry of PCLI was identified through several tests in a single-cylinder engine as a compromise between autoignition, NOx, and soot formation within the prechamber. Subsequently, tests were conducted in a single-cylinder natural gas engine comparing the performance of three ignition systems: standard electrical spark ignition (SI), single-point laser ignition (LI), and PCLI. Out of the three, the performance of PCLI was far superior compared to the other two. Efficiency gain of 2.1% points could be achieved while complying with EPA regulation (BSNOx < 1.34 kWh) and the industry standard for ignition stability (coefficient of variation of integrated mean effective pressure (COV_IMEP) < 5%). Test results and data analysis are presented identifying the combustion mechanisms leading to the improved performance.
Numerical Studies of Glow Plug Shield on Natural Gas Ignition Characteristics in a Compression-Ignition Engine
Authors: Pan Kang , Wallace James S.
Published: March 2017

This paper presents a numerical study on fuel injection, ignition, and combustion in a direct-injection natural gas (DING) engine with ignition assisted by a shielded glow plug (GP). The shield geometry is investigated by employing different sizes of elliptical shield opening and changing the position of the shield opening. The results simulated by KIVA-3V indicated that fuel ignition and combustion is very sensitive to the relative angle between the fuel injection and the shield opening, and the use of an elliptical opening for the glow plug shield can reduce ignition delay by 0.1–0.2 ms for several specific combinations of the injection angle and shield opening size, compared to a circular shield opening. In addition, the numerical results also revealed that the natural gas ignition and flame propagation will be delayed by lowering a circular shield opening from the fuel jet center plane, due to the blocking effect of the shield to the fuel mixture, and hence, it will reduce the DING engine performance by causing a longer ignition delay.
New Simplified Algorithm for the Multiple Rotating Frame Approach in Computational Fluid Dynamics
Authors: Remaki Lakhdar , Ramezani Ali , Blanco Jesus Maria , Garcia Imanol
Published: March 2017

This paper deals with rotating effects simulation of steady flows in turbomachinery. To take into account the rotating nature of the flow, the frozen rotor approach is one of the widely used approaches. This technique, known in a more general context as a multiple rotating frame (MRF), consists on building axisymmetric interfaces around the rotating parts and solves for the flow in different frames (static and rotating). This paper aimed to revisit this technique and propose a new algorithm referred to it by a virtual multiple rotating frame (VMRF). The goal is to replace the geometrical interfaces (part of the computer-aided design (CAD)) that separate the rotating parts replaced by the virtual ones created at the solver level by a simple user input of few point locations and/or parameters of basic shapes. The new algorithm renders the MRF method easy to implement, especially for edge-based numerical schemes, and very simple to use. Moreover, it allows avoiding any remeshing (required by the MRF approach) when one needs to change the interface position, shape, or simply remove or add a new one, which frequently happened in practice. Consequently, the new algorithm sensibly reduces the overall computations cost of a simulation. This work is an extension of a first version published in an ASME conference, and the main new contributions are the detailed description of the new algorithm in the context of cell-vertex finite volume method and the validation of the method for viscous flows and the three-dimensional (3D) case which is of significant importance to the method to be attractive for real and industrial applications.
Binaural pitch fusion: Comparison of normal-hearing and hearing-impaired listeners
Authors: Reiss Lina A. J. , Shayman Corey S. , Walker Emily P. , Bennett Keri O. , Fowler Jennifer R. , Hartling Curtis L. , Glickman Bess , Lasarev Michael R. , Oh Yonghee
Published: March 2017

Binaural pitch fusion is the fusion of dichotically presented tones that evoke different pitches between the ears. In normal-hearing (NH) listeners, the frequency range over which binaural pitch fusion occurs is usually <0.2 octaves. Recently, broad fusion ranges of 1–4 octaves were demonstrated in bimodal cochlear implant users. In the current study, it was hypothesized that hearing aid (HA) users would also exhibit broad fusion. Fusion ranges were measured in both NH and hearing-impaired (HI) listeners with hearing losses ranging from mild-moderate to severe-profound, and relationships of fusion range with demographic factors and with diplacusis were examined. Fusion ranges of NH and HI listeners averaged 0.17 ± 0.13 octaves and 1.7 ± 1.5 octaves, respectively. In HI listeners, fusion ranges were positively correlated with a principal component measure of the covarying factors of young age, early age of hearing loss onset, and long durations of hearing loss and HA use, but not with hearing threshold, amplification level, or diplacusis. In NH listeners, no correlations were observed with age, hearing threshold, or diplacusis. The association of broad fusion with early onset, long duration of hearing loss suggests a possible role of long-term experience with hearing loss and amplification in the development of broad fusion.
Bowhead whale localization using time-difference-of-arrival data from asynchronous recorders
Authors: Warner Graham A. , Dosso Stan E. , Hannay David E.
Published: March 2017

This paper estimates bowhead whale locations and uncertainties using nonlinear Bayesian inversion of the time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA) of low-frequency whale calls recorded on onmi-directional asynchronous recorders in the shallow waters of the northeastern Chukchi Sea, Alaska. A Y-shaped cluster of seven autonomous ocean-bottom hydrophones, separated by 0.5–9.2 km, was deployed for several months over which time their clocks drifted out of synchronization. Hundreds of recorded whale calls are manually associated between recorders. The TDOA between hydrophone pairs are calculated from filtered waveform cross correlations and depend on the whale locations, hydrophone locations, relative recorder clock offsets, and effective waveguide sound speed. A nonlinear Bayesian inversion estimates all of these parameters and their uncertainties as well as data error statistics. The problem is highly nonlinear and a linearized inversion did not produce physically realistic results. Whale location uncertainties from nonlinear inversion can be low enough to allow accurate tracking of migrating whales that vocalize repeatedly over several minutes. Estimates of clock drift rates are obtained from inversions of TDOA data over two weeks and agree with corresponding estimates obtained from long-time averaged ambient noise cross correlations. The inversion is suitable for application to large data sets of manually or automatically detected whale calls.
Clonal Lineages of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae Responsible for Acute Swine Erysipelas in Japan Identified by Using Genome-Wide Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Analysis
Authors: Ogawa Yohsuke , Shiraiwa Kazumasa , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Ooka Tadasuke , Nishikawa Sayaka , Eguchi Masahiro , Hayashi Tetsuya , Shimoji Yoshihiro
Published: March 2017

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
causes swine erysipelas, an important infectious disease in the swine industry. In Japan, the incidence of acute swine erysipelas due to
E. rhusiopathiae
serovar 1a has recently increased markedly. To study the genetic relatedness of the strains from the recent cases, we analyzed 34
E. rhusiopathiae
serovar 1a swine isolates collected between 1990 and 2011 and further investigated the possible association of the live Koganei 65-0.15 vaccine strain (serovar 1a) with the increase in cases. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis revealed no marked variation among the isolates; however, sequencing analysis of a hypervariable region in the surface-protective antigen A gene (
spaA
) revealed that the strains isolated after 2007 exhibited the same
spaA
genotype and could be differentiated from older strains. Phylogenetic analysis based on genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) revealed that the Japanese strains examined were closely related, showing a relatively small number of SNPs among them. The strains were classified into four major lineages, with Koganei 65-0.15 (lineage III) being phylogenetically separated from the other three lineages. The strains isolated after 2007 and the two older strains constituted one major lineage (lineage IV) with a specific
spaA
genotype (M203/I257-SpaA), while the recent isolates were further divided into two geographic groups. The remaining older isolates belonged to either lineage I, with the I203/L257-SpaA type, or lineage II, with the I203/I257-SpaA type. These results indicate that the recent increased incidence of acute swine erysipelas in Japan is associated with two sublineages of lineage IV, which have independently evolved in two different geographic regions.

IMPORTANCE
Using large-scale whole-genome sequence data from
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
isolates from a wide range of hosts and geographic origins, a recent study clarified the existence of three distinct clades (clades 1, 2, and 3) that are found across multiple continents and host species, representing both livestock and wildlife, and an “intermediate” clade between clade 2 and the dominant clade 3 within the species. In this study, we found that the
E. rhusiopathiae
Japanese strains examined exhibited remarkably low levels of genetic diversity and confirmed that all of the Japanese and Chinese swine isolates examined in this study belong to clonal lineages within the intermediate clade. We report that
spaA
genotyping of
E. rhusiopathiae
strains is a practical alternative to whole-genome sequencing analysis of the
E. rhusiopathiae
isolates from eastern Asian countries.
Competitive Exclusion Reduces Transmission and Excretion of Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli in Broilers
Authors: Ceccarelli Daniela , van Essen-Zandbergen Alieda , Smid Bregtje , Veldman Kees T. , Boender Gert Jan , Fischer Egil A. J. , Mevius Dik J. , van der Goot Jeanet A.
Published: March 2017

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases (pAmpC) are enzymes able to hydrolyze a large variety of β-lactam antibiotics, including third-generation cephalosporins and monobactams. Broilers and broiler meat products can be highly contaminated with ESBL- and pAmpC-producing
Escherichia coli
strains, also known as extended-spectrum cephalosporin (ESC)-resistant
E. coli
strains, and can be a source for human infections. As few data on interventions to reduce the presence of ESC-resistant
E. coli
in broilers are available, we used transmission experiments to examine the role of competitive exclusion (CE) on reducing transmission and excretion in broilers. A broiler model to study the transmission of ESC-resistant
E. coli
was set up. Day-old chickens were challenged with an ESBL-producing
E. coli
strain isolated from healthy broilers in the Netherlands. Challenged and not challenged chicks were housed together in pairs or in groups, and ESBL-producing
E. coli
transmission was monitored via selective culturing of cloacal swab specimens. We observed a statistically significant reduction in both the transmission and excretion of ESBL-producing
E. coli
in chicks treated with the probiotic flora before
E. coli
challenge compared to the transmission and excretion in untreated controls. In conclusion, our results support the use of competitive exclusion as an intervention strategy to control ESC-resistant
E. coli
in the field.

IMPORTANCE
Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) and plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamases are a primary cause of resistance to β-lactam antibiotics among members of the family
Enterobacteriaceae
in humans, animals, and the environment. Food-producing animals are not exempt from this, with a high prevalence being seen in broilers, and there is evidence pointing to a possible foodborne source for human contamination. We investigated the effect of administration of a commercial probiotic product as an intervention to reduce the amount of ESBL-producing
Escherichia coli
in broilers. Our results showed a substantial reduction in the level of colonization of broiler intestines by ESBL-producing
E. coli
after administration of commercial probiotic product. The protective effect provided by these probiotics could be implemented on a larger scale in poultry production. Reductions in the levels of ESBL-producing
Enterobacteriaceae
in the food chain would considerably benefit public health.
Listeria monocytogenesmeningitis preceded by acute cholangitis
Authors: Luthe Sarah Kyuragi , Sato Ryota , Maeda Tetsuro , Takahashi Kuniko
Published: March 2017

Listeria monocytogenesis a well-known cause of meningitis in immunocompromised patients. This organism has a growing significance for community-acquired meningitis, which should have ampicillin added to the usual regimen. We describe a case ofL. monocytogenesmeningitis preceded by cholangitis. This case suggests gastrointestinal symptoms preceding meningitis may be a clue of listeriosis. It is important for physicians to considerL. monocytogenesas a cause of bacterial meningitis in patients with altered mental status preceded by gastrointestinal symptoms, especially in the immunocompromised population.
Randomised controlled trial comparing ofatumumab to rituximab in children with steroid-dependent and calcineurin inhibitor-dependent idiopathic nephrotic syndrome: study protocol
Authors: Ravani Pietro , Bonanni Alice , Ghiggeri Gian Marco
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Oral steroids induce remission in about 90% of children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS), which is characterised by severe proteinuria and hypoalbuminaemia. Some children become steroid-dependent (SD) and require addition of calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) to maintain remission. Since these oral agents are toxic, alternative interventions are needed for long-term treatment. The anti-CD20 antibody rituximab has shown promising steroid-sparing properties in clinical trials, but benefits are less convincing in complicated forms of SD-INS. Ofatumumab, a new anti-CD20 antibody with stronger affinity to CD20, may be superior to rituximab in maintaining oral steroid-free and CNI-free disease remission in children with SD-INS.

Methods and analysis

This open-label, two-parallel-arm, controlled, phase II randomised clinical trial will enrol children with SD-INS maintained in remission with oral steroids and CNI. Children will be randomised to either ofatumumab or rituximab infusion. After infusion of either antibody, steroids will be maintained for 30 days and then tapered off by 0.3 mg/kg/week until complete withdrawal. 1 week after complete steroid withdrawal, CNI will be decreased by 50% and withdrawn within 2 additional weeks. We will enrol 140 children to detect as significant at the 2-sided p value of 0.01 with a power of >0.8, a reduction in the risk of 1-year relapse (primary end point) of at least 0.3 (ie, from 0.65 to 0.35; (risk ratio 0.54)) in the ofatumumab arm when compared with the rituximab arm. We will compare the amount of steroids required to maintain complete disease remission at 6 and 24 months, relapse-free period, relapse rate per year as secondary end points. Circulating cell populations will be studied as biomarkers or predictors of the anti-CD20 response.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial received ethics approval from the local ethics board. We will publish study results and present them at international scientific meetings.

Trial registration numbers

NCT02394119; 2015-000624-28; Pre-results.
Examination of associations between chaos in the home environment, serum cortisol level, and dietary fat intake among parents of preschool-age children
Authors: MacRae Laura M. , Darlington Gerarda , Haines Jess , Ma David W.L. ,   Guelph Family Health Study
Published: March 2017

This research investigated associations between home-environment chaos, fat intake, and morning serum cortisol level in 44 parents of preschool-age children. Chaos was measured using the Confusion, Hubbub, and Order Scale, and fat intake was quantified using the Block fat screener. Linear regression analyses demonstrated that chaos and cortisol were both associated with fat intake ([Formula: see text] = 0.53, p = 0.001; [Formula: see text] = 0.03, p = 0.0002), and there was a nonsignificant association between chaos and cortisol.
More than Moran: coupling statistical and simulation models to understand how defoliation spread and weather variation drive insect outbreak dynamics
Authors: Nenzén Hedvig K. , Peres-Neto Pedro , Gravel Dominique
Published: March 2017

Understanding the processes that underlie species fluctuations is crucial to the development of efficient management strategies for outbreaks of destructive forest pests. Yet, the role of biotic and abiotic factors as well as their interactions in synchronizing outbreaks is not understood, despite many empirical and theoretical studies of species fluctuations. Here, we use a combined statistical–simulation model to investigate how defoliation spread and autocorrelated weather affect outbreaks of a major defoliator of North American boreal forest, the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens)). We modelled the regional dynamics of spruce budworm and based the model on data collected from spatiotemporal aerial surveys of defoliation from 1968–2015 in Quebec, Canada. The effects of weather on local forest stand defoliation and mortality transitions, along with defoliation spread probability and distance, were estimated statistically. Simulations were run with these estimates to identify the effects of spatiotemporal weather autocorrelation on synchronicity of outbreaks. Defoliation spread together with weather variables was found to best fit the observed outbreak size. Simulation models suggest that positive temporal autocorrelation in weather promotes outbreaks, indicating that a series of suitable years could encourage outbreaks.
On 4-regular 4-connected bipancyclic subgraphs of hypercubes
Authors: Borse Y. M. , Shaikh S. R.
Published: March 2017

We consider the problem of determining the possible orders for [Formula: see text]-regular, [Formula: see text]-connected and bipancyclic subgraphs of the hypercube [Formula: see text] For [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] the solution to the problem is known. In this paper, we solve the problem for [Formula: see text] by proving that [Formula: see text] has a 4-regular, 4-connected and bipancyclic subgraph on [Formula: see text] vertices if and only if [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text] is an even integer such that [Formula: see text] Further, by improving a result of Ramras, we prove that a [Formula: see text]-regular subgraph of [Formula: see text] is either isomorphic to [Formula: see text] or has at least [Formula: see text] vertices. We also improve a result of Mane and Waphare regarding the existence of a [Formula: see text]-regular, [Formula: see text]-connected and bipancyclic subgraph of [Formula: see text] Some applications of our results are given.
The Signal Processing Firmware for the Low Frequency Aperture Array
Authors: Comoretto Gianni , Chiello Riccardo , Roberts Matt , Halsall Rob , Adami Kristian Zarb , Alderighi Monica , Aminaei Amin , Baker Jeremy , Belli Carolina , Chiarucci Simone , D’Angelo Sergio , De Marco Andrea , Mura Gabriele Dalle , Magro Alessio , Mattana Andrea , Monari Jader , Naldi Giovanni , Pastore Sandro , Perini Federico , Poloni Marco , Pupillo Giuseppe , Rusticelli Simone , Schiaffino Marco , Schillirò Francesco , Zaccaro Emanuele
Published: March 2017

The signal processing firmware that has been developed for the Low Frequency Aperture Array component of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) is described. The firmware is implemented on a dual FPGA board, that is capable of processing the streams from 16 dual polarization antennas. Data processing includes channelization of the sampled data for each antenna, correction for instrumental response and for geometric delays and formation of one or more beams by combining the aligned streams. The channelizer uses an oversampling polyphase filterbank architecture, allowing a frequency continuous processing of the input signal without discontinuities between spectral channels. Each board processes the streams from 16 antennas, as part of larger beamforming system, linked by standard Ethernet interconnections. These are envisaged to be 8192 of these signal processing platforms in the first phase of the SKA so particular attention has been devoted to ensure the design is low cost and low power.
Telerobotics-Assisted Platform for Enhancing Interaction with Physical Environments for People Living with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Atashzar Seyed Farokh , Jafari Nooshin , Shahbazi Mahya , Janz Heidi , Tavakoli Mahdi , Patel Rajni V. , Adams Kim
Published: March 2017

In this paper, the design and implementation of a new telerobotics-assisted platform is proposed for individuals who have cerebral palsy (CP). The main objective of the proposed assistive system is to modulate capabilities of individuals through the proposed telerobotic medium and to enhance their control over interaction with objects in a real physical environment. The proposed platform is motivated by evidence showing that lack of interaction with real environments can develop further secondary sensorimotor and cognitive issues for people who grow up with CP. The proposed telerobotic system assists individuals by (a) mapping their limited but convenient motion range to a larger workspace needed for task performance in the real environment, (b) transferring only the voluntary components of the hand motion to the task-side robot to perform tasks and (c) kinaesthetically dissipating the energy of their involuntary motions using a viscous force field implemented in high frequency domain. Consequently, using the proposed system, an individual who has CP will be capable of providing smooth and large-scale motions and presenting enhanced coordination while performing tasks, even if they naturally have involuntary movements, limited range of motion and/or coordination deficits. The proposed architecture is implemented and initially tested for one nondisabled participant. Afterwards, the system is evaluated for one individual who lives with CP. The resulting quality of motion and task performance are analyzed through a designed clinical protocol. The results confirm the functionality of the proposed assistive platform in enhancing the capabilities of individuals who live with CP in interacting with physical environments.
Post-fossilization processes and their implications for understanding Ediacaran macrofossil assemblages
Authors: Matthews Jack J. , Liu Alexander G. , McIlroy Duncan
Published: March 2017

Fossil assemblages from Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula preserve diverse examples of the enigmatic Ediacaran macrobiota, offering some of the earliest evidence for large and complex multicellular life. These fossils are exposed on extensive coastal bedding planes in extraordinary abundances, permitting palaeoecological studies based on census data from spatially extensive palaeocommunities. Such studies have been used to constrain the reproductive strategy and phylogenetic placement of Ediacaran organisms. Geological mapping and stratigraphic correlation in the Mistaken Point Ecological Reserve reveal that some fossil-bearing surfaces can be tracked over distances of several kilometres. These laterally extensive surfaces reveal that the modern processes by which the sediment overlying a fossil surface is removed may impose important controls on the observed composition of fossil assemblages. Weathering and erosion – along with factors associated with tectonics, metamorphism and discovery – are here grouped as ‘post-fossilization processes’ and introduce biases that are often not explicitly accounted for in palaeoecological studies. Specifically, post-fossilization processes may differentially influence the preservational fidelity of individual specimens on a given surface and generate features that could be mistaken for original morphological characters. We therefore recommend that post-fossilization processes must be considered when undertaking palaeoecological studies in Ediacaran successions in Newfoundland and, potentially, elsewhere.