bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prospects for vaccination against pathogenic African trypanosomes
Authors: Black S. J. , Mansfield J. M.
Published: September 2016

African trypanosomes cause human and animal African trypanosomiases, which are chronic, debilitating and often fatal diseases of people and livestock in sub‐Saharan Africa. The extracellular protozoan parasites are exemplars of antigenic variation. They direct host‐protective B‐cell and T‐cell immune responses towards hypervariable components of their variable surface glycoprotein coat and evade immune elimination by generating new surface coat antigenic variants at a rate that supersedes immune destruction. This results in recurring waves of parasitemia, tissue invasion and escalating immunopathology in trypanosomiasis‐susceptible hosts. Here, we discuss the possibility that host control of African trypanosomes might be improved by immunization with conserved VSG peptides and invariant surface glycoproteins. Infection‐induced T‐cell recall responses to these typically poorly expressed or nonimmunogenic parasite components induce tissue phagocytes to produce microbicidal materials that kill trypanosomes. Preliminary data that support this immune‐enhancing vaccine strategy are discussed, as are host and parasite interactions that might downregulate the protective responses. These include infection‐induced immunosuppression and increasing virulence of infecting parasites over time.
Variation in floral morphology and plant reproductive success in four Ipomoea species (Convolvulaceae) with contrasting breeding systems
Authors: Delgado‐Dávila R. , Martén‐Rodríguez S. , Huerta‐Ramos G.
Published: September 2016

This study tested the hypothesis that self‐compatibility would be associated with floral traits that facilitate autonomous self‐pollination to ensure reproduction under low pollinator visitation. In a comparison of two pairs of Ipomoea species with contrasting breeding systems, we predicted that self‐compatible (SC) species would have smaller, less variable flowers, reduced herkogamy, lower pollinator visitation and higher reproductive success than their self‐incompatible (SI) congeners.

We studied sympatric species pairs, I. hederacea (SC)– I. mitchellae (SI) and I. purpurea (SC)–I. indica (SI), in Mexico, over two years. We quantified variation in floral traits and nectar production, documented pollinator visitation, and determined natural fruit and seed set. Hand‐pollination and bagging experiments were conducted to determine potential for autonomous self‐pollination and apomixis.

Self‐compatible Ipomoea species had smaller flowers and lower nectar production than SI species; however, floral variation and integration did not vary according to breeding system. Bees were primary pollinators of all species, but visitation rates were seven times lower in SC than SI species. SC species had a high capacity for autonomous self‐pollination due to reduced herkogamy at the highest anther levels. Self‐compatible species had two to six times higher fruit set than SI species.

Results generally support the hypothesis that self‐compatibility and autonomous self‐pollination ensure reproduction under low pollinator visitation. However, high variation in morphological traits of SC Ipomoea species suggests they maintain variation through outcrossing. Furthermore, reduced herkogamy was associated with high potential for autonomous self‐pollination, providing a reproductive advantage that possibly underlies transitions to self‐compatibility in Ipomoea.
Reply to the Discussion by Rose of Phelps et al. (2014) ‘Oceanographic and eustatic control of carbonate platform evolution and sequence stratigraphy on the Cretaceous (Valanginian–Campanian) passive margin, northern Gulf of Mexico’, Sedimentology, 61, 461–496
Authors: Phelps Ryan M. , Kerans Charles , Loucks Robert G.
Published: September 2016

Discussion points raised by Rose () concentrate on late Albian stratigraphic relationships between formations of the East Texas Basin and the San Marcos Arch of the Comanche Platform in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Criticisms of Phelps et al. (2014) regarding stratigraphic nomenclature, palaeogeography and regional lithostratigraphic correlations generally focus on interpretive aspects of the study or do not account for the full scope of published information. Revisions to the top Aptian–Albian Supersequence boundary by Rose are incompatible with the relative location of a subaerial unconformity, as well as deepening lithofacies trends and retrogradational stratigraphic patterns below the interpreted boundary. Rose's placement of the top Aptian–Albian Supersequence boundary precisely at the Albian–Cenomanian stage boundary also implies ca 1·4 Ma of diachroneity in second order sea‐level patterns between the northern Gulf of Mexico and other documented global sedimentary basins.
The elusive role of soil quality in nutrient cycling: a review
Authors: Schröder J. J. , Schulte R. P. O. , Creamer R. E. , Delgado A. , van Leeuwen J. , Lehtinen T. , Rutgers M. , Spiegel H. , Staes J. , Tóth G. , Wall D. P.
Published: September 2016

Cycling of nutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorus, is one of the ecosystem services we expect agricultural soils to deliver. Nutrient cycling incorporates the reuse of agricultural, industrial and municipal organic residues that, misleadingly, are often referred to as ‘wastes’. The present review disentangles the processes underlying the cycling of nutrients to better understand which soil properties determine the performance of that function. Four processes are identified (i) the capacity to receive nutrients, (ii) the capacity to make and keep nutrients available to crops, (iii) the capacity to support the uptake of nutrients by crops and (iv) the capacity to support their successful removal in harvested crop. Soil properties matter but it is imperative that, as constituents of ‘soil quality’, they should be evaluated in the context of management options and climate and not as ends in their own right. The effect of a soil property may vary depending on the prevailing climatic and hydrologic conditions and on other soil properties. We recognize that individual soil properties may be enhancing one of the processes underlying the cycling of nutrients but simultaneously weakening others. Competing demands on soil properties are even more obvious when considering other soil functions such as primary production, purification and flow regulation of water, climate modification and habitat provision, as shown by examples. Consequently, evaluations of soil properties and management actions need to be site‐specific, taking account of local aspects of their suitability and potential challenges.
Five new HLA alleles with synonymous mutations: A*01:01:65, A*01:01:66, B*44:03:35, DRB1*15:01:30 and DQB1*02:01:24
Authors: Street J. , Davies E. , Climer T. , Darke C.
Published: September 2016

Immunogenetic information is provided on five novel alleles with synonymous mutations.
Serological blind spots for variants of human IgG3 and IgG4 by a commonly used anti‐immunoglobulin reagent
Authors: Howie Heather L. , Delaney Meghan , Wang Xiaohong , Er Lay See , Vidarsson Gestur , Stegmann Tamara C. , Kapp Linda , Lebedev Jenna N. , Wu Yanyun , AuBuchon James P. , Zimring James C.
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Human immunoglobulin G (IgG) includes four different subtypes (IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4), and it is also now appreciated that there are genetic variations within IgG subtypes (called isoallotypes). Twenty‐nine different isoallotypes have been described, with 7, 4, 15, and 3 isoallotypes described for IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4, respectively. The reactivity of anti‐IgG with different isoallotypes has not been characterized.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A novel monoclonal anti‐K antibody (PugetSound Monoclonal Antibody 1 [PUMA1]) was isolated and sequenced, and a panel of PUMA1 variants was expressed, consisting of the 29 known IgG isoallotypes. The resulting panel of antibodies was preincubated with K‐positive red blood cells (RBCs) and then subjected to testing with currently approved anti‐IgG by flow cytometry, solid phase systems, gel cards, and tube testing.

RESULTS

A US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved monoclonal anti‐IgG (gamma‐clone) failed to recognize 2 of 15 IgG3 isoallotypes (IgG3‐03 and IgG3‐13) and 3 of 3 IgG4 isoallotypes (IgG4‐01, IgG4‐02, and IgG4‐03). In contrast, an FDA‐approved rabbit polyclonal anti‐IgG recognized each of the known human IgG isoallotypes.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrate “blind spots” in isoalloantibody detection by a monoclonal anti‐IgG. If a patient has anti‐RBC antibodies predominantly of an IgG3 subtype (the IgG3‐03 and/or IgG3‐13 variety), then it is possible that a clinically significant alloantibody would be missed. IgG‐03 and IgG‐13 have an estimated frequency of 1% to 3% in Caucasian populations and 20% to 30% in certain African populations. Nonreactivity with IgG4 is a known characteristic of this monoclonal anti‐IgG, but IgG4 isoallotypes have not been previously reported.
New perspectives on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: the role of glial cells at the neuromuscular junction
Authors: Arbour Danielle , Vande Velde Christine , Robitaille Richard
Published: September 2016

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease leading to the death of motor neurons (MNs). It is also recognized as a non‐cell autonomous disease where glial cells in the CNS are involved in its pathogenesis and progression. However, although denervation of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) represents an early and major event in ALS, the importance of glial cells at this synapse receives little attention. An interesting possibility is that altered relationships between glial cells and MNs in the spinal cord in ALS may also take place at the NMJ. Perisynaptic Schwann cells (PSCs), which are glial cells at the NMJ, show great morphological and functional adaptability to ensure NMJ stability, maintenance and repair. More specifically, PSCs change their properties according to the state of innervation. Hence, abnormal changes or lack of changes can have detrimental effects on NMJs in ALS. This review will provide an overview of known and hypothesized interactions between MN nerve terminals and PSCs at NMJs during development, aging and ALS‐induced denervation. These neuron–PSC interactions may be crucial to the understanding of how degenerative changes begin and progress at NMJs in ALS, and represent a novel therapeutic target.

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Central control of interlimb coordination and speed‐dependent gait expression in quadrupeds
Authors: Danner Simon M. , Wilshin Simon D. , Shevtsova Natalia A. , Rybak Ilya A.
Published: September 2016

Key points

Quadrupeds express different gaits depending on speed of locomotion.

Central pattern generators (one per limb) within the spinal cord generate locomotor oscillations and control limb movements. Neural interactions between these generators define interlimb coordination and gait.

We present a computational model of spinal circuits representing four rhythm generators with left–right excitatory and inhibitory commissural and fore–hind inhibitory interactions within the cord.

Increasing brainstem drive to all rhythm generators and excitatory commissural interneurons induces an increasing frequency of locomotor oscillations accompanied by speed‐dependent gait changes from walk to trot and to gallop and bound.

The model closely reproduces and suggests explanations for multiple experimental data, including speed‐dependent gait transitions in intact mice and changes in gait expression in mutants lacking certain types of commissural interneurons. The model suggests the possible circuit organization in the spinal cord and proposes predictions that can be tested experimentally.

As speed of locomotion is increasing, most quadrupeds, including mice, demonstrate sequential gait transitions from walk to trot and to gallop and bound. The neural mechanisms underlying these transitions are poorly understood. We propose that the speed‐dependent expression of different gaits results from speed‐dependent changes in the interactions between spinal circuits controlling different limbs and interlimb coordination. As a result, the expression of each gait depends on (1) left–right interactions within the spinal cord mediated by different commissural interneurons (CINs), (2) fore–hind interactions on each side of the spinal cord and (3) brainstem drives to rhythm‐generating circuits and CIN pathways. We developed a computational model of spinal circuits consisting of four rhythm generators (RGs) with bilateral left–right interactions mediated by V0 CINs (V0D and V0V sub‐types) providing left–right alternation, and conditional V3 CINs promoting left–right synchronization. Fore and hind RGs mutually inhibited each other. We demonstrate that linearly increasing excitatory drives to the RGs and V3 CINs can produce a progressive increase in the locomotor speed accompanied by sequential changes of gaits from walk to trot and to gallop and bound. The model closely reproduces and suggests explanations for the speed‐dependent gait expression observed in vivo in intact mice and in mutants lacking V0V or all V0 CINs. Specifically, trot is not expressed after removal of V0V CINs, and only bound is expressed after removal of all V0 CINs. The model provides important insights into the organization of spinal circuits and neural control of locomotion.
How Different Marker Sets Affect Joint Angles in Inverse Kinematics Framework
Authors: Mantovani Giulia , Lamontagne Mario
Published: September 2016

The choice of marker set is a source of variability in motion analysis. Studies exist which assess the performance of marker sets when direct kinematics is used, but these results cannot be extrapolated to the inverse kinematic framework. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the sensitivity of kinematic outcomes to inter-marker set variability in an inverse kinematic framework. The compared marker sets were plug-in-gait, University of Ottawa motion analysis model and a three-marker-cluster marker set. Walking trials of 12 participants were processed in opensim. The coefficient of multiple correlations was very good for sagittal (>0.99) and transverse (>0.92) plane angles, but worsened for the transverse plane (0.72). Absolute reliability indices are also provided for comparison among studies: minimum detectable change values ranged from 3 deg for the hip sagittal range of motion to 16.6 deg of the hip transverse range of motion. Ranges of motion of hip and knee abduction/adduction angles and hip and ankle rotations were significantly different among the three marker configurations (P < 0.001), with plug-in-gait producing larger ranges of motion. Although the same model was used for all the marker sets, the resulting minimum detectable changes were high and clinically relevant, which warns for caution when comparing studies that use different marker configurations, especially if they differ in the joint-defining markers.
Application of an Adaptive Polynomial Chaos Expansion on Computationally Expensive Three-Dimensional Cardiovascular Models for Uncertainty Quantification and Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Quicken Sjeng , Donders Wouter P. , van Disseldorp Emiel M. J. , Gashi Kujtim , Mees Barend M. E. , van de Vosse Frans N. , Lopata Richard G. P. , Delhaas Tammo , Huberts Wouter
Published: September 2016

When applying models to patient-specific situations, the impact of model input uncertainty on the model output uncertainty has to be assessed. Proper uncertainty quantification (UQ) and sensitivity analysis (SA) techniques are indispensable for this purpose. An efficient approach for UQ and SA is the generalized polynomial chaos expansion (gPCE) method, where model response is expanded into a finite series of polynomials that depend on the model input (i.e., a meta-model). However, because of the intrinsic high computational cost of three-dimensional (3D) cardiovascular models, performing the number of model evaluations required for the gPCE is often computationally prohibitively expensive. Recently, Blatman and Sudret (2010, “An Adaptive Algorithm to Build Up Sparse Polynomial Chaos Expansions for Stochastic Finite Element Analysis,” Probab. Eng. Mech., 25(2), pp. 183–197) introduced the adaptive sparse gPCE (agPCE) in the field of structural engineering. This approach reduces the computational cost with respect to the gPCE, by only including polynomials that significantly increase the meta-model’s quality. In this study, we demonstrate the agPCE by applying it to a 3D abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) wall mechanics model and a 3D model of flow through an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The agPCE method was indeed able to perform UQ and SA at a significantly lower computational cost than the gPCE, while still retaining accurate results. Cost reductions ranged between 70–80% and 50–90% for the AAA and AVF model, respectively.
An Experimental, Analytical, and Numerical Investigation of Hydraulic Bulge Test in Two-Layer Al–Cu Sheets
Authors: Marandi F. A. , Jabbari A. H. , Sedighi M. , Hashemi R.
Published: September 2016

The objective of this study is to investigate hydraulic bulge test in double layer sheets, which is based on experimental tests, analytical investigation, and numerical method. Bulge test due to creating plane stress condition on test sheet is extremely similar to sheet metal forming processes, such as hydroforming, stamping, and deep drawing. The results of the bulge test are more accurate and practical for analyzing the sheet forming process than tensile test. In multilayer sheets, the diverse properties of the constituent layers cause favorable properties on multilayer sheets, such as low weight, high strength, better ductility and corrosion resistance, and good thermal and electrical properties at the same time. For these reasons, multilayer sheets are highly useful in automotive, aviation, and chemical industries. Therefore, the necessity of investigating mechanical properties and formability in multilayer sheets is crucially important. During this study, the hydraulic bulge test has been investigated thoroughly, and then accurate analytical relations have been developed for bulge test in double layer Al–Cu sheet. In addition, the hydraulic bulge test in double layer sheets has been investigated by FEM. Finally, analytical and FE results have been verified by experimental tests. The results from the experimental tests are in good consistency with the extracted analytical relations and numerical method in the bulge test of double layer sheets.
The Contribution of Different Fracture Modes on Drilling Delamination Crack Propagation
Authors: Reza Vaziri Sereshk Mohammad , Mohammadi Bidhendi Hamed
Published: September 2016

Delamination as the main defect created during drilling of composite laminate is principally a crack nucleation and propagation phenomenon. The fracture-based investigation is performed to identify the significance of different modes involving in this process. The sensitivity analysis is implemented to evaluate magnitude and importance of each mode. As a result, mode I is a dominant mode while drill point removes the material; however, the crack continues to propagate under pure mode III for a while after drilling due to contact of flutes with spalls. This paper investigates the crack formation process for wide variety of drilling conditions and tool geometries. It is demonstrated that although mode III contributes, its minor effect might be neglected if comparing with fracture mode I. Therefore, it may be vanished as a tool design strategy. It is indicated that chisel edge plays a great role in crack propagation under major mode I; therefore, any further design approach which limits or eliminates opening action of chisel edge decreases delamination significantly. Material removal starting from hole perimeter as well as implementing small predrilled holes (such as action of primary cutting lips in step drill) are examined as solutions based on this approach.
Two-Temperature Thermodynamics for Metal Viscoplasticity: Continuum Modeling and Numerical Experiments
Authors: Roy Chowdhury Shubhankar , Kar Gurudas , Roy Debasish , Reddy J. N.
Published: September 2016

A physics-based model for dislocation mediated thermoviscoplastic deformation in metals is proposed. The modeling is posited in the framework of internal-variables theory of thermodynamics, wherein an effective dislocation density, which assumes the role of the internal variable, tracks permanent changes in the internal structure of metals undergoing plastic deformation. The thermodynamic formulation involves a two-temperature description of viscoplasticity that appears naturally if one considers the thermodynamic system to be composed of two weakly interacting subsystems, namely, a kinetic-vibrational subsystem of the vibrating atomic lattices and a configurational subsystem of the slower degrees-of-freedom (DOFs) of defect motion. Starting with an idealized homogeneous setup, a full-fledged three-dimensional (3D) continuum formulation is set forth. Numerical exercises, specifically in the context of impact dynamic simulations, are carried out and validated against experimental data. The scope of the present work is, however, limited to face-centered cubic (FCC) metals only.
Variational Integrators for Structure-Preserving Filtering
Authors: Schultz Jarvis , Flaßkamp Kathrin , Murphey Todd D.
Published: September 2016

Estimation and filtering are important tasks in most modern control systems. These methods rely on accurate discrete-time approximations of the system dynamics. We present filtering algorithms that are based on discrete mechanics techniques (variational integrators), which are known to preserve system structures (momentum, symplecticity, and constraints, for instance) and have stable long-term energy behavior. These filtering methods show increased performance in simulations and experiments on a real digital control system. The particle filter as well as the extended Kalman filter benefits from the statistics-preserving properties of a variational integrator discretization, especially in low bandwidth applications. Moreover, it is shown how the optimality of the Kalman filter can be preserved through discretization by means of modified discrete-time Riccati equations for the covariance updates. This leads to further improvement in filter accuracy, even in a simple test example.
Shooting With Deflation Algorithm-Based Nonlinear Response and Neimark-Sacker Bifurcation and Chaos in Floating Ring Bearing Systems
Authors: Kim Sitae , Palazzolo Alan B.
Published: September 2016

The double-sided fluid film force on the inner and outer ring surfaces of a floating ring bearing (FRB) creates strong nonlinear response characteristics such as coexistence of multiple orbits, Hopf bifurcation, Neimark-Sacker (N-S) bifurcation, and chaos in operations. An improved autonomous shooting with deflation algorithm is applied to a rigid rotor supported by FRBs for numerically analyzing its nonlinear behavior. The method enhances computation efficiency by avoiding previously found solutions in the numerical-based search. The solution manifold for phase state and period is obtained using arc-length continuation. It was determined that the FRB-rotor system has multiple response states near Hopf and N-S bifurcation points, and the bifurcation scenario depends on the ratio of floating ring length and diameter (L/D). Since multiple responses coexist under the same operating conditions, simulation of jumps between two stable limit cycles from potential disturbance such as sudden base excitation is demonstrated. In addition, this paper investigates chaotic motions in the FRB-rotor system, utilizing four different approaches, strange attractor, Lyapunov exponent, frequency spectrum, and bifurcation diagram. A numerical case study for quenching the large amplitude motion by adding unbalance force is provided and the result shows synchronization, i.e., subsynchronous frequency components are suppressed. In this research, the fluid film forces on the FRB are determined by applying the finite element method while prior work has utilized a short bearing approximation. Simulation response comparisons between the short bearing and finite bearing models are discussed.
Cathode Loading Effect on Sulfur Utilization in Lithium–Sulfur Battery
Authors: Sun Ke , Liu Helen , Gan Hong
Published: September 2016

The lithium–sulfur (Li–S) battery is under intensive research in recent years due to its potential to provide higher energy density and lower cost than the current state-of-the-art lithium-ion battery technology. To meet cost target for transportation application, high-sulfur loading up to 8 mAh cm−2 is predicted by modeling. In this work, we have investigated the sulfur loading effect on the galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling performance of Li–S cells with theoretical sulfur loading ranging from 0.5 to 7.5 mAh cm−2. We found that the low sulfur utilization of electrodes with sulfur loading of > 3.0 mAh cm−2 is due to their inability to deliver capacities at the voltage plateau of 2.1 V, which corresponds to the conversion of soluble Li2S4 to insoluble Li2S2/Li2S. This electrochemical conversion process recovers to deliver the expected sulfur utilization after several activation cycles for electrodes with sulfur loading up to 4.5 mAh cm−2. For electrodes with 7.0 mAh cm−2 loading, no sulfur utilization recovery was observed for 100 cycles. The root cause of this phenomenon is elucidated by SEM/EDS and EIS investigation. Carbon-interlayer cell design and low-rate discharge activation are demonstrated to be effective mitigation methods.
Sub-100 nm features seamless roller mold using anodization and atomic layer deposition, for roll-to-roll nanoimprint lithography
Authors: Tan Lee Kheng , Ho Audrey Yoke Yee
Published: September 2016

The authors demonstrate an approach using direct anodization and atomic layer deposition (ALD) to prepare a sub-100 nm seamless roller mold for roll-to-roll nanoimprinting. In this approach, the roller mold is prepared by direct anodization of a cylindrical Al roller and the mold's pore size is further reduced by ALD process. This direct anodization of the Al rod as a roller mold creates a hard and durable seamless roller mold for nanoimprinting process. The pores were found to be uniformly anodized on the cylindrical Al rod and ordered pores can be obtained after multisteps anodization. The sub-100 nm pores are hexagonally packed with a diameter of 43.8 ± 3 nm (before pore-widening process) and interpore spacing of 87.0 ± 8 nm, estimated using an image processing software (imagej). The size, interpore spacing, and depth of the pores depend on the anodization conditions such as type of electrolyte solution, anodization voltage, and duration. The pores' size can be further reduced by ALD of TiO2 film which can coat conformally and precisely onto the cylindrical Al roller mold. The Al roller mold was nanoimprinted onto polycarbonate (PC) and creates PC nanopillars of desired dimensions depending on the anodization condition and the number of ALD cycles. Thus, sub-100 nm pattern resolution can be produced directly on a cylindrical object, achieving a high resolution and seamless roller mold for continuous nanoimprint processing.
Multichannel processing for dispersion curves extraction of ultrasonic axial-transmission signals: Comparisons and case studies
Authors: Xu Kailiang , Ta Dean , Cassereau Didier , Hu Bo , Wang Weiqi , Laugier Pascal , Minonzio Jean-Gabriel
Published: September 2016

Some pioneering studies have shown the clinical feasibility of long bones evaluation using ultrasonic guided waves. Such a strategy is typically designed to determine the dispersion information of the guided modes to infer the elastic and structural characteristics of cortical bone. However, there are still some challenges to extract multimode dispersion curves due to many practical limitations, e.g., high spectral density of modes, limited spectral resolution and poor signal-to-noise ratio. Recently, two representative signal processing methods have been proposed to improve the dispersion curves extraction. The first method is based on singular value decomposition (SVD) with advantages of multi-emitter and multi-receiver configuration for enhanced mode extraction; the second one uses linear Radon transform (LRT) with high-resolution imaging of the dispersion curves. To clarify the pros and cons, a face to face comparison was performed between the two methods. The results suggest that the LRT method is suitable to separate the guided modes at low frequency-thickness-product (fh) range; for multimode signals in broadband fh range, the SVD-based method shows more robust performances for weak mode enhancement and noise filtering. Different methods are valuable to cover the entire fh range for processing ultrasonic axial transmission signals measured in long cortical bones.
All Rivals Are Not Equal: Clarifying Misrepresentations and Discerning Three Core Properties of Rivalry
Authors: Tyler B. David , Cobbs Joe
Published: September 2016

Rivalry is ubiquitous across sports, yet the representation and specification of rivalry varies widely. Such discrepancy poses problems when distinguishing between multiple out-groups and when employing rivalry to explain related questions such as demand for sport consumption. In this paper, we critically examine the many differing conceptions of rivalry and to discern properties of rivalry across different sports. We survey college football fans (N = 5,304) to empirically test the exclusivity, scale, and symmetry of rivalry; then, we replicate the study twice in the context of professional sports (1,649 National Football League fans; 1,435 National Hockey League fans). Results consistently indicate that fans perceive multiple rivals (nonexclusive), rivalry intensity varies among rivals (continuous in scale), and opposing fans rarely share equivalent perceptions of the rivalry (bidirectional). Accordingly, we develop and test a parsimonious 100-point rivalry allocation measure that specifies these three properties of rivalry.
The Role of Interorganizational Relationships on Elite Athlete Development Processes
Authors: Sotiriadou Popi , Brouwers Jessie , De Bosscher Veerle , Cuskelly Graham
Published: September 2016

Previous studies acknowledge the importance of sporting organizations’ developing partnerships with clubs for athlete development purposes. However, there are no studies that address the way partnerships influence athlete progression and pathways. This study explores interorganizational relationships (IORs) between a tennis federation and tennis clubs in their efforts to improve player development processes. Document analysis and semistructured interviews with representatives from clubs and the Flemish federation were used. The findings show that the federation and the clubs engaged in IORs to achieve reciprocity and efficiency. The federation anticipated gaining legitimacy and asymmetry, and clubs expected to develop stability. Formal and informal control mechanisms facilitated IOR management. The conceptual model discussed in this study shows the types of IOR motives, management, and control mechanisms that drive and influence the attraction, retention/ transition, and nurturing processes of athlete development.
First Directly Sequenced Genome of Hepatitis E Virus from the Serum of a Patient from the United Kingdom
Authors: Caddy Sarah L. , Goodfellow Ian , Jalal Hamid
Published: September 2016

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 is endemic in the United Kingdom but the complete sequence of HEV, generated directly from a clinical sample, is lacking. We report a near full-length genome sequence of genotype 3 HEV from the serum of a patient with acute hepatitis.
Complete Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus oris J-1, a Potential Probiotic Isolated from the Human Oral Microbiome
Authors: Jia Fang
Published: September 2016

Lactobacilli can exert health-promoting effects in the human oral microbiome through many mechanisms, including pathogen inhibition, maintenance of microbial balance, immunomodulation, and enhancement of the epithelial barrier function. Here, we present the complete genome sequence of a potential probiotic,
Lactobacillus oris
J-1, that was isolated from the oral cavity of a health child.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bordetella pertussis Strain VA-190 Isolated from a Vaccinated 10-Year-Old Patient with Whooping Cough
Authors: Eby Joshua C. , Turner Lauren , Nguyen Bryan , Kang June , Neville Carly , Temple Louise
Published: September 2016

The number of cases of pertussis has increased in the United States despite vaccination. We present the genome of an isolate of
Bordetella pertussis
from a vaccinated patient from Virginia. The genome was sequenced by long-read methodology and compared to that of a clinical isolate used for laboratory studies, D420.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Leptolyngbya
sp. KIOST-1, a Filamentous Cyanobacterium with Biotechnological Potential for Alimentary Purposes
Authors: Kim Ji Hyung , Kang Do-Hyung
Published: September 2016

Here, we report the draft genome of cyanobacterium
Leptolyngbya
sp. KIOST-1 isolated from a microalgal culture pond in South Korea. The genome consists of 13 contigs containing 6,320,172 bp, and a total of 5,327 coding sequences were predicted. This genomic information will allow further exploitation of its biotechnological potential for alimentary purposes.
Draft Genome Sequences of Four Novel Thermal- and Alkaline-Tolerant Egyptian
Rhizobium
Strains Nodulating Berseem Clover
Authors: Shamseldin Abdelaal , Nelson Matthew S. , Staley Christopher , Guhlin Joseph , Sadowsky Michael J.
Published: September 2016

Four
Rhizobium
strains were isolated from berseem clover in Egypt. The symbiotically effective, salt-tolerant, strain Rhiz950 was identified as new species,
Rhizobium aegypticaum
sv.
trifolii
(USDA 7124
T
). The other three thermal- and pH-tolerant strains were identified as
Rhizobium bangladeshense
sv.
trifolii
, the type strain is USDA 7125
T
.
Permanent Draft Genome Sequence of
Frankia
sp. Strain BR, a Nitrogen-Fixing Actinobacterium Isolated from the Root Nodules of
Casuarina equisetifolia
Authors: D'Angelo Timothy , Oshone Rediet , Abebe-Akele Feseha , Simpson Stephen , Morris Krystalynne , Thomas W. Kelley , Tisa Louis S.
Published: September 2016

Frankia
sp. strain BR is a member of
Frankia
lineage Ic and is able to reinfect plants of the
Casuarinaceae
family. Here, we report a 5.2-Mbp draft genome sequence with a G+C content of 70.0% and 4,777 candidate protein-encoding genes.
Cambrian geology of the Baraboo Hills
Authors: Dott Robert H. , Byers Charles W.
Published: September 2016

Cambrian strata in Wisconsin compose a sheet of mostly marine sandstone, with minor dolomite, deposited during the fluctuating advance of the North American epeiric sea. Sedimentary features and fossils indicate that deposition took place in both shallower, current-dominated regimes and deeper quiet-water settings swept by episodic storm surges. The sand sheet surrounds inliers of Precambrian rocks in the Baraboo area. The Baraboo inliers are remnants of an elliptical ring of islands in a subtropical shallow sea, which were gradually buried by Cambrian and Ordovician sediments. Spectacular conglomerates composed of red quartzite clasts accumulated around the islands, which were pounded repeatedly by waves that we presume to have been generated by tropical storms. Paleomagnetic evidence places Cambrian Wisconsin in the southern tropics. Boulders up to 1.5 m in diameter are well rounded whereas larger ones (up to 8 m) are not. This suggests the possibility of estimating the magnitude of the Cambrian storm waves using knowledge from modern oceanography and from wave trough experiments by coastal engineers. Such analysis suggests waves necessary to tumble quartzite boulders 1.5 m in diameter were of the order of 7–8 m high at their point of breaking. Such magnitudes are not uncommon today during storms on many modern rocky coasts.
Extensive choroidal infarction in a case of mixed essential cryoglobulinaemia in a postpartum female
Authors: Takkar Brijesh , Azad Shorya Vardhan , Kumar Uma , Venkatesh Pradeep
Published: September 2016

A case of mixed essential cryoglobulinaemia resulting in massive choroidal infarction and irreversible vision loss in a postpartum female is discussed. Cryoglobulinaemia can rarely involve ocular vessels and, in this case, was adjunctive to mild hypertension in causing acute choroidopathy. Although the systemic condition of the patient improved after steroids and immunosuppressive agents, the visual loss was permanent.
Mixed methods study of engagement in behaviors to prevent type 2 diabetes among employees with pre-diabetes
Authors: Kullgren Jeffrey T , Knaus Megan , Jenkins Kristi Rahrig , Heisler Michele
Published: September 2016

Background

Many employers use screenings to identify and recommend modification of employees' risk factors for type 2 diabetes, yet little is known about how often employees then engage in recommended behaviors and what factors influence engagement. We examined the frequency of, facilitators of, and barriers to engagement in recommended behaviors among employees found to have pre-diabetes during a workplace screening.

Methods

We surveyed 82 University of Michigan employees who were found to have pre-diabetes during a 2014 workplace screening and compared the characteristics of employees who 3 months later were and were not engaged in recommended behaviors. We interviewed 40 of these employees to identify the facilitators of and barriers to engagement in recommended behaviors.

Results

3 months after screening, 54% of employees with pre-diabetes reported attempting to lose weight and getting recommended levels of physical activity, had asked their primary care provider about metformin for diabetes prevention, or had attended a Diabetes Prevention Program. These employees had higher median levels of motivation to prevent type 2 diabetes (9/10 vs 7/10, p<0.001) and lower median estimations of their risk for type 2 diabetes (40% vs 60%, p=0.02). Key facilitators of engagement were high motivation and social and external supports. Key barriers were lack of motivation and resources, and competing demands.

Conclusions

Most employees found to have pre-diabetes through a workplace screening were engaged in a recommended preventive behavior 3 months after the screening. This engagement could be enhanced by optimizing motivation and risk perception as well as leveraging social networks and external supports.
Validity of peptic ulcer disease and upper gastrointestinal bleeding diagnoses in administrative databases: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Montedori Alessandro , Abraha Iosief , Chiatti Carlos , Cozzolino Francesco , Orso Massimiliano , Luchetta Maria Laura , Rimland Joseph M , Ambrosio Giuseppe
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Administrative healthcare databases are useful to investigate the epidemiology, health outcomes, quality indicators and healthcare utilisation concerning peptic ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding, but the databases need to be validated in order to be a reliable source for research. The aim of this protocol is to perform the first systematic review of studies reporting the validation of International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision and 10th version (ICD-9 and ICD-10) codes for peptic ulcer and upper gastrointestinal bleeding diagnoses.

Methods and analysis

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases will be searched, using appropriate search strategies. We will include validation studies that used administrative data to identify peptic ulcer disease and upper gastrointestinal bleeding diagnoses or studies that evaluated the validity of peptic ulcer and upper gastrointestinal bleeding codes in administrative data. The following inclusion criteria will be used: (a) the presence of a reference standard case definition for the diseases of interest; (b) the presence of at least one test measure (eg, sensitivity, etc) and (c) the use of an administrative database as a source of data. Pairs of reviewers will independently abstract data using standardised forms and will evaluate quality using the checklist of the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD) criteria. This systematic review protocol has been produced in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocol (PRISMA-P) 2015 statement.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required given that this is a protocol for a systematic review. We will submit results of this study to a peer-reviewed journal for publication. The results will serve as a guide for researchers validating administrative healthcare databases to determine appropriate case definitions for peptic ulcer disease and upper gastrointestinal bleeding, as well as to perform outcome research using administrative healthcare databases of these conditions.

Trial registration number

CRD42015029216.
Human pluripotent stem cell-derived acinar/ductal organoids generate human pancreas upon orthotopic transplantation and allow disease modelling
Authors: Hohwieler Meike , Illing Anett , Hermann Patrick C , Mayer Tobias , Stockmann Marianne , Perkhofer Lukas , Eiseler Tim , Antony Justin S , Müller Martin , Renz Susanne , Kuo Chao-Chung , Lin Qiong , Sendler Matthias , Breunig Markus , Kleiderman Susanne M , Lechel André , Zenker Martin , Leichsenring Michael , Rosendahl Jonas , Zenke Martin , Sainz Bruno , Mayerle Julia , Costa Ivan G , Seufferlein Thomas , Kormann Michael , Wagner Martin , Liebau Stefan , Kleger Alexander
Published: September 2016

Objective

The generation of acinar and ductal cells from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) is a poorly studied process, although various diseases arise from this compartment.

Design

We designed a straightforward approach to direct human PSCs towards pancreatic organoids resembling acinar and ductal progeny.

Results

Extensive phenotyping of the organoids not only shows the appropriate marker profile but also ultrastructural, global gene expression and functional hallmarks of the human pancreas in the dish. Upon orthotopic transplantation into immunodeficient mice, these organoids form normal pancreatic ducts and acinar tissue resembling fetal human pancreas without evidence of tumour formation or transformation. Finally, we implemented this unique phenotyping tool as a model to study the pancreatic facets of cystic fibrosis (CF). For the first time, we provide evidence that in vitro,but also in our xenograft transplantation assay, pancreatic commitment occurs generally unhindered in CF. Importantly, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) activation in mutated pancreatic organoids not only mirrors the CF phenotype in functional assays but also at a global expression level. We also conducted a scalable proof-of-concept screen in CF pancreatic organoids using a set of CFTR correctors and activators, and established an mRNA-mediated gene therapy approach in CF organoids.

Conclusions

Taken together, our platform provides novel opportunities to model pancreatic disease and development, screen for disease-rescuing agents and to test therapeutic procedures.
Impact of thrombus length on recanalization and clinical outcome following mechanical thrombectomy in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Seker Fatih , Pfaff Johannes , Wolf Marcel , Schönenberger Silvia , Nagel Simon , Herweh Christian , Pham Mirko , Bendszus Martin , Möhlenbruch Markus A
Published: September 2016

Purpose

The impact of thrombus length on recanalization in IV thrombolysis for acute intracranial artery occlusion has been well studied. Here we analyzed the influence of thrombus length on the number of thrombectomy maneuvers needed for recanalization, intraprocedural complications, recanalization success, and clinical outcome after mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed angiographic and clinical data from 72 consecutive patients with acute occlusion of the M1 segment of the middle cerebral artery who were treated with mechanical thrombectomy using stent retrievers. Successful recanalization was defined as a Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b or 3. Good neurological outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2 at 90 days after stroke onset.

Results

Mean thrombus length was 13.4±5.2 mm. Univariate binary logistic regression did not show an association of thrombus length with the probability of a good clinical outcome (OR 0.95, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.03, p=0.176) or successful recanalization (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.05, p=0.225). There was no significant correlation between thrombus length and the number of thrombectomy maneuvers needed for recanalization (p=0.112). Furthermore, thrombus length was not correlated with the probability of intraprocedural complications (p=0.813), including embolization in a new territory (n=3).

Conclusions

In this study, thrombus length had no relevant impact on recanalization, neurological outcome, or intraprocedural complications following mechanical thrombectomy of middle cerebral artery occlusions. Therefore, mechanical thrombectomy with stent retrievers can be attempted with large clots.
Abelian spatial string tension in finite temperature SU(2) gauge theory
Authors: Sekiguchi Takashige , Ishiguro Katsuya
Published: September 2016

We investigate Abelian and monopole contributions to spatial string tension in the deconfined phase of finite temperature SU(2) gauge theory without imposing any gauge fixing conditions. Lattice calculations of non-Abelian and Abelian spatial string tensions from the Wilson action at gauge coupling [Formula: see text] and lattice volume [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] show that these string tensions agree with each other within error bars at any adopted value of [Formula: see text], which implies Abelian dominance. From measurements of non-Abelian, Abelian and monopole forces that arise from the corresponding spatial string tension, furthermore, we find the tendency that the monopole contribution to the spatial string tension can be almost as large as the non-Abelian and Abelian ones. The temperature dependence of the calculated non-Abelian and Abelian spatial string tensions allows us to conclude that the concept of dimensional reduction holds both for non-Abelian and Abelian sectors at temperatures higher than twice the critical temperature.
Numerical proof of stability of viscous shock profiles
Authors: Barker Blake , Zumbrun Kevin
Published: September 2016

We carry out the first rigorous numerical proof based on Evans function computations of stability of viscous shock profiles, for the system of isentropic gas dynamics with monatomic equation of state. We treat a selection of shock strengths ranging from the lower stability boundary of Mach number [Formula: see text], below which profiles are known by energy estimates to be stable, to the upper stability boundary of [Formula: see text], above which profiles are expected to be provable by rigorous asymptotic analysis to be stable. These results open the possibilities of: (i) automatic rigorous verification of stability or instability of individual shocks of general systems, and (ii) rigorous proof of stability of all shocks of particular systems.
A Visual Tracking Scheme for Accurate Object Retrieval in Low Frame Rate Videos
Authors: Liberman Yoav , Perry Adi
Published: September 2016

Visual tracking in low frame rate (LFR) videos has many inherent difficulties for achieving accurate target recovery, such as occlusions, abrupt motions and rapid pose changes. Thus, conventional tracking methods cannot be applied reliably. In this paper, we offer a new scheme for tracking objects in low frame rate videos. We present a method of integrating multiple metrics for template matching, as an extension for the particle filter. By inspecting a large data set of videos for tracking, we show that our method not only outperforms other related benchmarks in the field, but it also achieves better results both visually and quantitatively, once compared to actual ground truth data.