bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fox–Fordyce Disease: An under‐diagnosed adverse event of laser hair removal?
Authors: Sammour R. , Nasser S. , Debahy N. , El Habr C.
Published: May 2016

Background

Fox–Fordyce Disease (FFD) is a rare chronic inflammatory skin disease of the apocrine glands, mainly affecting post‐pubertal women. It involves apocrine gland‐bearing areas including the axilla, areola, anogenital area and umbilicus. FFD induced by laser hair removal is a newly reported entity of unknown pathogenesis. To the best of our knowledge, there are only four reported cases in the literature describing a total of four patients.

Objectives

We are reporting the first case series of laser‐induced FFD with a histopathological and clinical evaluation of the reported cases.

Methods

A review of the available literature to date about laser‐induced FFD was performed. Clinical and histopathological features were reviewed.

Results

In our case series, the clinical and histological appearance of FFD following laser hair removal is similar to that of classic FFD. Exacerbating factors were present in two patients, and were similar to that of classic FFD. The main histopathological features included dilatation of the follicular infundibulum, follicular hyperkeratosis, dyskeratosis in the follicular infundibulum, periductal lymphohistiocytic infiltrate and perifollicular fibrosis. Two of the four reported cases as well as one of our patients had no perifollicular xanthomatous inflammation, a hallmark feature of classic FFD. Mast cells were absent in all reported cases, as well as in our patients.

Conclusion: We believe that laser‐induced FFD is under‐diagnosed as a newly reported adverse event of laser hair removal. It is clinically and histopathologically similar to classic FFD.
The Hidradenitis suppurativa patient journey in Italy: current status, unmet needs and opportunities
Authors: Bettoli V. , Pasquinucci S. , Caracciolo S. , Piccolo D. , Cazzaniga S. , Fantini F. , Binello L. , Pintori G. , Naldi L.
Published: May 2016

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, progressive inflammatory, debilitating, follicular disease of the skin with a reported incidence of less than 1% in the general population. Diagnosis of HS may typically be delayed for years, and even when diagnosed, is challenging to treat. Thus, HS has considerable negative impact on patient quality of life.

Objectives

To describe the HS patient journey in Italy, identify unmet needs and provide a proposal for integrated patient care.

Methods

A multidisciplinary panel of leading Italian experts met to evaluate routine clinical practice and patient experience, and analyse the available scientific evidence on HS.

Results

A comprehensive map of the journey of the HS patient in Italy was built based on integrated data obtained from clinical practice and patient experience. The journey is non‐linear and can be grouped into four broad stages that are somewhat overlapping and intersecting: (i) onset to diagnosis; (ii) circle of visits; (iii) circle of treatments; (iv) living with HS. Several unmet needs were identified that included greater awareness of disease by both healthcare practitioners and patients.

Conclusion

Improved disease awareness can be addressed through continuing medical education for physicians and development of educational materials for patients, in addition to greater utilization of social networks. Moreover, the development of integrated treatment centres was considered a worthwhile goal, and would offer patients the possibility to receive multidisciplinary care, ideally with dermatologists coordinating treatment, along with surgeons, psychologists, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, pain specialists, gynaecologists and paediatricians as needed. Lastly, standardized management protocols for HS are also needed.
At‐home monitoring after surgery/anaesthesia – a challenge
Authors: Warren‐Stomberg Margareta , Jacobsson Jan , Brattwall Metha , Jildenstål Pether
Published: May 2016

Rationale, aims and objectives

Day surgery is evolving, with a majority of recoveries occurring at home. There is, in parallel, an evolution in telemedical technology. The aim of the present project was to identify patients’ willingness to use predefined follow‐up techniques and to clinically test preferred techniques at home using a two‐step study.┅

Methods

In Part I, a paper‐based questionnaire study of identified patients’ attitudes with three follow‐up techniques was used. In Part II, a feasibility test of a mobile (smart‐phone) application for follow‐up at home was used.

Results

Part I showed overall positive attitudes to telemedical follow‐ups. Part II showed the preference for a follow‐up technique with a mobile application was not fully consistent with the clinical study of the smart‐phone app, where there was a large non‐response. The application provided safe transfer of data to the hospital and helped make it easy to retrieve and analyse patient self‐assessment of recovery. This application is one‐way directed, and no feedback to the patient was given, which may have influenced the non‐response.

Conclusion

Bringing telemedicine into follow‐up after surgery/anaesthesia is requested, and furthermore, the feasibility study on day surgery presented here shows that it is technically easy to perform and will provide robust information. It should be noted that further studies are needed in order to find better patient cooperation.
Effects of acute change in salinity and moulting on the infection of white leg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) with white spot syndrome virus upon immersion challenge
Authors: Van Thuong K , Van Tuan V , Li W , Sorgeloos P , Bossier P , Nauwynck H
Published: May 2016

In the field, moulting and salinity drop in the water due to excessive rainfall have been mentioned to be risk factors for WSSV outbreaks. Therefore, in this study, the effect of an acute change in environmental salinity and shedding of the old cuticle shell on the susceptibility of Penaeus vannamei to WSSV was evaluated by immersion challenge. For testing the effect of abrupt salinity stress, early premoult shrimp that were acclimated to 35 g L−1 were subjected to salinities of 50 g L−1, 35 g L−1, 20 g L−1, 10 g L−1 and 7 g L−1 or 5 g L−1 and simultaneously exposed to 105.5 SID50 mL−1 of WSSV for 5 h, after which the salinity was brought back to 35 g L−1. Shrimp that were transferred from 35 g L−1 to 50 g L−1, 35 g L−1 and 20 g L−1 did not become infected with WSSV. Shrimp became infected with WSSV after an acute salinity drop from 35 g L−1 to 10 g L−1 and lower. The mortality in shrimp, subjected to a salinity change to 10 g L−1, 7 g L−1 and 5 g L−1, was 6.7%, 46.7% and 53.3%, respectively (P < 0.05). For testing the effect of moulting, shrimp in early premoult, moulting and post‐moult were immersed in sea water containing 105.5 SID50 mL−1 of WSSV. The resulting mortality due to WSSV infection in shrimp inoculated during early premoult (0%), ecdysis (53.3%) and post‐moult (26.72%) demonstrated that a significant difference exists in susceptibility of shrimp during the short moulting process (P < 0.05). The findings of this study indicate that during a drop in environmental salinity lower than 10 g L−1 and ecdysis, shrimp are at risk for a WSSV infection. These findings have important implications for WSSV control measures.
Characterization of the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) immune response under a natural lymphocystis disease virus outbreak
Authors: Cordero H , Cuesta A , Meseguer J , Esteban M A
Published: May 2016

Lymphocystis or lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) is distributed worldwide and affects many fresh and marine water fish species. LCDV is commonly found in aquaria fish species but also in farmed fish species, among them the gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.). The immune status of gilthead seabream (S. aurata) specimens under a natural outbreak of LCDV was studied. The replication of the virus was demonstrated in infected fish, but not in control fish. The results showed decreased total serum IgM levels and increased innate cellular immune response (peroxidase and respiratory burst activities) of head kidney leucocytes in LCDV‐infected fish, compared to the values obtained in uninfected specimens. In addition, transcription of antiviral genes (ifn and irf3) was down‐regulated in the skin of LCDV‐positive fish as well as genes involved in cellular immunity (csf1r, mhc2a, tcra and ighm) that were down‐regulated in skin and head kidney of infected fish. By contrast, the transcription of nccrp1 was up‐regulated in head kidney after LCDV infection. These present results show that head kidney leucocytes are activated to encounter the virus at the sites of replication.
Reliability and validity of the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication among Portuguese‐speaking Brazilian patients with hypertension
Authors: Sauer Liberato Ana Carolina , Cunha Matheus Rodrigues Roberta , Kim MyoungJin , Mallory Caroline
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectives

This study examined the reliability and validity of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (version 1.4) among patients with hypertension. Understanding the patient experience with treatment satisfaction will contribute to improved medication adherence and control of hypertension.

Background

Hypertension is a serious problem in Brazil that is associated with chronic illness controlled, in part, by consistent adherence to medications. Patient satisfaction with medication treatment is associated with adherence to medication. The Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (version 1.4) is a promising instrument for measuring medication; however, to date there has been no report of the reliability and validity of the instrument with Portuguese‐speaking adults with hypertension in Brazil.

Design

Cross‐sectional descriptive exploratory study.

Methods

A convenience sample of 300 patients with hypertension in an outpatient setting in the southeast region of São Paulo state in Brazil completed the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (version 1.4). The instrument, comprised of four subscales, was evaluated for reliability using correlation analyses and internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to determine factorial validity.

Results

Correlational analyses, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and hierarchical confirmatory factor analysis demonstrate adequate support for the four‐factor dimensionality, reliability and factorial validity of the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (version 1.4).

Conclusions

This study provides modest evidence for internal consistency and factorial validity of the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (version 1.4) in Portuguese‐speaking adult Brazilians with hypertension. Future testing should focus on extending reliability testing, discriminant validity and potential translation and literacy issues in this population.

Relevance to clinical practice

Within known limitations, clinicians will find the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication (version 1.4) useful for identifying adult Portuguese‐speaking Brazilian patients at risk of poor adherence and tailoring adherence interventions to promote hypertension control.
Phenology of cryptomonads and the CRY1 lineage in a coastal brackish lagoon (Vistula Lagoon, Baltic Sea)
Authors: Piwosz Kasia , Kownacka Janina , Ameryk Anetta , Zalewski Mariusz , Pernthaler Jakob
Published: May 2016

Cryptomonadales have acquired their plastids by secondary endosymbiosis. A novel clade—CRY1—has been discovered at the base of the Cryptomonadales tree, but it remains unknown whether it contains plastids. Cryptomonadales are also an important component of phytoplankton assemblages. However, they cannot be readily identified in fixed samples, and knowledge on dynamics and distribution of specific taxa is scarce. We investigated the phenology of the CRY1 lineage, three cryptomonadales clades and a species Proteomonas sulcata in a brackish lagoon of the Baltic Sea (salinity 0.3–3.9) using fluorescence in situ hybridization. A newly design probe revealed that specimens of the CRY1 lineage were aplastidic. This adds evidence against the chromalveolate hypothesis, and suggests that the evolution of cryptomonadales’ plastids might have been shorter than is currently assumed. The CRY1 lineage was the most abundant cryptomonad clade in the lagoon. All of the studied cryptomonads peaked in spring at the most freshwater station, except for P. sulcata that peaked in summer and autumn. Salinity and concentration of dissolved inorganic nitrogen most significantly affected their distribution and dynamics. Our findings contribute to the ecology and evolution of cryptomonads, and may advance understanding of evolutionary relationships within the eukaryotic tree of life.
Macrochaete gen. nov. (Nostocales, Cyanobacteria), a taxon morphologically and molecularly distinct from Calothrix
Authors: Berrendero Gómez Esther , Johansen Jeffrey R. , Kaštovský Jan , Bohunická Markéta , Čapková Kateřina
Published: May 2016

Historically, the genus Calothrix included all noncolonial, tapered, heterocytous filaments within the cyanobacteria. However, recent molecular phylogenies show that “Calothrix” defined in this sense represents five distinct clades. The type species of Calothrix is marine, with solitary basal heterocytes, no akinetes, and distal ends tapering abruptly into short hairs. We examined the morphology and phylogeny of 45 tapering cyanobacteria in the Rivulariaceae, including freshwater and marine representatives of both Calothrix (35 strains) and its sister taxon Rivularia (10 strains). The marine Calothrix fall into two lineages, but we lack the generitype and so cannot identify the clade corresponding to the type species. The freshwater and soil Calothrix fall into the C. parietina clade and are characterized by having a basal heterocyte, no akinetes, and gradual tapering—but not into a long hyaline hair. Macrochaete gen. nov. is a freshwater taxon sister to the Calothrix lineages but clearly separated from Rivularia. The species in this genus differ morphologically from Calothrix by their ability to produce two heteromorphic basal heterocytes and specific secondary structures of the 16S–23S ITS. An additional feature present in most species is the presence of a distal, long hyaline hair, but this character has incomplete penetrance due to its expression only under specific environmental conditions (low phosphate), and in one species appears to be lost. We recognize three species: M. psychrophila (type species) from cold environments (high mountains, Antarctica), M. santannae from wet walls of subtropical South America, and M. lichenoides, a phycobiont of lichens from Europe.
Periodontal treatment in patients with chronic kidney disease: a pilot study
Authors: Almeida S. , Figueredo C. M. , Lemos C. , Bregman R. , Fischer R. G.
Published: May 2016

Background and Objective

This pilot cohort study evaluated the effect of periodontal treatment on renal function, metabolic markers and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in patients with pre‐dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) presenting chronic periodontitis.

Material and Methods

Twenty‐six patients with CKD and severe chronic periodontitis were selected. Periodontal parameters included plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), triglycerides, total cholesterol, albumin and ADMA levels were evaluated at baseline, 90 and 180 d after periodontal therapy. eGFR was evaluated by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation.

Results

All periodontal clinical parameters significantly improved (p < 0.05) 180 d after periodontal therapy. There was a significant improvement on the median values (25%; 75% percentiles) of eGFR from 34.6 (27; 44.7) mL/min/1.73 m2 on baseline to 37.6 (29.7; 57) mL/min/1.73 m2 on day 90, and to 37.6 (28.6; 56) mL/min/1.73 m2 (p < 0.05) on day 180. ADMA levels significantly reduced 180 d after periodontal treatment. No significant differences were observed at the median values of metabolic markers comparing baseline and 180 d after periodontal treatment.

Conclusions

The results point to a link of kidney disease with endothelium dysfunction and periodontitis, suggesting that periodontal treatment may be beneficial to the course of CKD.
Size affects digestive responses to increasing temperature in fishes: physiological implications of being small under climate change
Authors: Di Santo Valentina , Lobel Phillip S.
Published: May 2016

Digestive metabolism is considered key to resilience of fish populations as it determines energy and nutrient availability for growth and survival. In cleaner fishes, digestion performance also influences the amount and the rate at which parasites can be removed from co‐operating fishes, called hosts. Therefore, understanding the effect of temperature on digestive metabolic scope (i.e. the energy allocated to digestive processes) is crucial to predicting responses of fish communities to ocean warming. Body size can affect many physiologic processes and is thought to decrease with increasing temperature; therefore, we examined the effect of body mass and warming on digestive metabolic scopes in two sister species of cleaner gobies of the genus Elacatinus that reach different adult sizes. The dwarf‐size Elacatinus lobeli increased digestive metabolic rates and scope while the larger Elacatinus oceanops decreased digestive metabolic scope with warming. Intra‐specifically, larger E. lobeli also showed a decreased scope when compared to smaller individuals. Results from this study suggest that perhaps smaller fishes may have a digestive and metabolic advantage at higher temperatures and may be more resilient under warming temperatures.
The P450 CYP6Z1 confers carbamate/pyrethroid cross‐resistance in a major African malaria vector beside a novel carbamate‐insensitive N485I acetylcholinesterase‐1 mutation
Authors: Ibrahim Sulaiman S. , Ndula Miranda , Riveron Jacob M. , Irving Helen , Wondji Charles S.
Published: May 2016

Carbamates are increasingly used for vector control notably in areas with pyrethroid resistance. However, a cross‐resistance between these insecticides in major malaria vectors such as Anopheles funestus could severely limit available resistance management options. Unfortunately, the molecular basis of such cross‐resistance remains uncharacterized in An. funestus, preventing effective resistance management. Here, using a genomewide transcription profiling, we revealed that metabolic resistance through upregulation of cytochrome P450 genes is driving carbamate resistance. The P450s CYP6P9a, CYP6P9b and CYP6Z1 were the most upregulated detoxification genes in the multiple resistant mosquitoes. However, in silico docking simulations predicted CYP6Z1 to metabolize both pyrethroids and carbamates, whereas CYP6P9a and CYP6P9b were predicted to metabolize only the pyrethroids. Using recombinant enzyme metabolism and inhibition assays, we demonstrated that CYP6Z1 metabolizes bendiocarb and pyrethroids, whereas CYP6P9a and CYP6P9b metabolize only the pyrethroids. Other upregulated gene families in resistant mosquitoes included several cuticular protein genes suggesting a possible reduced penetration resistance mechanism. Investigation of the target‐site resistance in acetylcholinesterase 1 (ace‐1) gene detected and established the association between the new N485I mutation and bendiocarb resistance (odds ratio 7.3; P < 0.0001). The detection of multiple haplotypes in single mosquitoes after cloning suggested the duplication of ace‐1. A TaqMan genotyping of the N485I in nine countries revealed that the mutation is located only in southern Africa with frequency of 10–15% suggesting its recent occurrence. These findings will help in monitoring the spread and evolution of carbamate resistance and improve the design of effective resistance management strategies to control this malaria vector.
Ericaceous plant–fungus network in a harsh alpine–subalpine environment
Authors: Toju H. , Tanabe A. S. , Ishii H. S.
Published: May 2016

In terrestrial ecosystems, plant species and diverse root‐associated fungi form complex networks of host–symbiont associations. Recent studies have revealed that structures of those below‐ground plant–fungus networks differ between arbuscular mycorrhizal and ectomycorrhizal symbioses. Nonetheless, we still remain ignorant of how ericaceous plant species, which dominate arctic and alpine tundra, constitute networks with their root‐associated fungi. Based on a high‐throughput DNA sequencing data set, we characterized the statistical properties of a network involving 16 ericaceous plant species and more than 500 fungal taxa in the alpine–subalpine region of Mt. Tateyama, central Japan. While all the 16 ericaceous species were associated mainly with fungi in the order Helotiales, they varied remarkably in association with fungi in other orders such as Sebacinales, Atheliales, Agaricales, Russulales and Thelephorales. The ericaceous plant–fungus network was characterized by high symbiont/host preferences. Moreover, the network had a characteristic structure called ‘anti‐nestedness’, which has been previously reported in ectomycorrhizal plant–fungus networks. The results lead to the hypothesis that ericaceous plants in harsh environments can host unexpectedly diverse root‐associated fungal taxa, constituting networks whose structures are similar to those of previously reported ectomycorrhizal networks but not to those of arbuscular mycorrhizal ones.
Evaluation of antifungal combination against Cryptococcus spp.
Authors: Reichert‐Lima Franqueline , Busso‐Lopes Ariane F. , Lyra Luzia , Peron Isabela Haddad , Taguchi Hideaki , Mikami Yuzuru , Kamei Katsuiko , Moretti Maria Luiza , Schreiber Angelica Z.
Published: May 2016

The second cause of death among systemic mycoses, cryptococcosis treatment represents a challenge since that 5‐flucytosine is not currently available in Brazil. Looking for alternatives, this study evaluated antifungal agents, alone and combined, correlating susceptibility to genotypes. Eighty Cryptococcus clinical isolates were genotyped by URA5 gene restriction fragment length polymorphism. Antifungal susceptibility was assessed following CLSI‐M27A3 for amphotericin (AMB), 5‐flucytosine (5FC), fluconazole (FCZ), voriconazole (VRZ), itraconazole (ITZ) and terbinafine (TRB). Drug interaction chequerboard assay evaluated: AMB + 5FC, AMB + FCZ, AMB + TRB and FCZ + TRB. Molecular typing divided isolates into 14 C. deuterogattii (VGII) and C. neoformans isolates were found to belong to genotype VNI (n = 62) and VNII (n = 4). C. neoformans VNII was significantly less susceptible than VNI (P = 0.0407) to AMB; C. deuterogattii was significantly less susceptible than VNI and VNII to VRZ (P < 0.0001). C. deuterogattii was less susceptible than C. neoformans VNI for FCZ (P = 0.0170), ITZ (P < 0.0001) and TRB (P = 0.0090). The combination FCZ + TRB showed 95.16% of synergistic effect against C. neoformans genotype VNI isolates and all combinations showed 100% of synergism against genotype VNII isolates, suggesting the relevance of cryptococcal genotyping as it is widely known that the various genotypes (now species) have significant impact in antifungal susceptibilities and clinical outcome. In difficult‐to‐treat cryptococcosis, terbinafine and different antifungal combinations might be alternatives to 5FC.
Delegation vs. Control in Supply Chain Procurement under Competition
Authors: Bolandifar Ehsan , Kouvelis Panos , Zhang Fuqiang
Published: May 2016

This paper studies the optimal component procurement strategies of two competing OEMs selling substitutable products. The OEMs outsource their production to a common contract manufacturer, who in turn needs an input from a component supplier. Each OEM may either directly procure the input from the component supplier, or delegate the procurement task to the contract manufacturer. We first analyze the OEMs' procurement game under a non‐strategic supplier whose component price is exogenously given. It is found that symmetric equilibria arise for most situations, that is, both OEMs either control or delegate their component procurement in equilibrium. Interestingly, despite the commonly‐held belief that the contract manufacturer would be worse off as OEMs gain component procurement control, we show that the contract manufacturer may enjoy a higher profit. Then we study the OEMs' procurement game under a strategic supplier who can set its component price. We find that the supplier's strategic pricing behavior plays a critical role in the equilibrium procurement structure. In particular, in the equilibrium under strategic supplier, the larger OEM always uses delegation while the smaller OEM may use either delegation or control. By identifying the driving forces behind the OEMs' procurement choices, this research helps explain observed industry practices and offer useful guidelines for firms' component sourcing decisions.
Knowing What Your Customer Wants: Improving Inventory Allocation Decisions in Online Movie Rental Systems
Authors: Ceran Yasin , Singh Harpreet , Mookerjee Vijay
Published: May 2016

In Online Movie Rental Systems, customer desire to rent can often be observed before the actual consumption occurs. Desire represents uncensored (or true) demand information. Hence, the impact of inventory decisions (numbers of physical copies of different movies) can be accurately traced to the creation of desire (via Word‐of‐mouth), and then to rental. Word‐of‐Mouth (WOM) has been recognized as one of the most influential sources of information transmission, especially for experience goods. Poor inventory decisions may result in lost rentals in two ways: One is the loss of rentals because of low inventory (direct effect), and the other is the loss of the possible demand (rentals) that could have been created through WOM (indirect effect). We use data from an online DVD‐by‐mail firm to estimate the direct and indirect effects of inventory decisions, considering the circular relationship: Rental generates WOM, WOM creates Desire, and Desire turns into Rental. We find that the magnitude of indirect effects is significant, comparable to and sometimes even exceeding direct effects. The value of the empirical findings to facilitate better inventory allocation decisions is examined.
Cash‐Flow Based Dynamic Inventory Management
Authors: Katehakis Michael N. , Melamed Benjamin , Shi Jim (Junmin)
Published: May 2016

Small‐to‐medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), including many startup firms, need to manage interrelated flows of cash and inventories of goods. In this study, we model a firm that can finance its inventory (ordered or manufactured) with loans in order to meet random demand which in general may not be time stationary. The firm earns interest on its cash on hand and pays interest on its debt. The objective is to maximize the expected value of the firm's capital at the end of a finite planning horizon. The firm's state at the beginning of each period is characterized by the inventory level and the capital level measured in units of the product, whose sum represents the “net worth” of the firm. Our study shows that the optimal ordering policy is characterized by a pair of threshold parameters as follows. (i) If the net worth is less than the lower threshold, then the firm employs a base stock order up to the lower threshold. (ii) If the net worth is between the two thresholds, then the firm orders exactly as many units as it can afford, without borrowing. (iii) If the net worth is above the upper threshold, then the firm employs a base stock order up to the upper threshold. Further, upper and lower bounds for the threshold values are developed using two simple‐to‐compute myopic ordering policies which yield lower bounds for the value function. We also derive an upper bound for the value function by considering a sell‐back policy. Subsequently, it is shown that policies of similar structure are optimal when the loan and deposit interest rates are piecewise linear functions, when there is a maximal loan limit and when unsatisfied demand is backordered. Finally, further managerial insights are provided with extensive numerical studies.
An Experimental Investigation of Procurement Auctions with Asymmetric Sellers
Authors: Aloysius John , Deck Cary , Hao Li , French Ryan
Published: May 2016

Electronic reverse auctions are a commonly used procurement mechanism. Research to date has focused on suppliers who are ex ante symmetric in that their costs are drawn from a common distribution. However, in many cases, a seller's range of potential costs depends on their own operations, location, or economies of scale and scope. Thus, understanding how different bidder types impact auction outcomes is key when designing an auction. This study reports the results of the first controlled laboratory experiment designed to compare prices between first‐price and second‐price procurement auctions for homogeneous goods when seller cost types are asymmetric and the number of bidders varies. The results indicate that first‐price auctions generate lower prices regardless of market composition. The results also reveal that first‐price auctions are at least weakly more efficient than second‐price auctions despite the theoretical prediction that the reverse should hold in asymmetric auctions. Post hoc analysis of individual bidders' behavior in first‐price auctions revealed evidence that bidders systematically underbid when their cost realizations were close to the lower bound. Furthermore, bidders adjust their behavior based on the type of the other bidders in the market in a manner inconsistent with theory. Consequently, adding a third bidder to a two‐bidder market is not advantageous to the buyer unless that third bidder is a low‐cost type.
Alternative Approaches to Commercial Property Price Indexes for Tokyo
Authors: Diewert Erwin , Shimizu Chihiro
Published: May 2016

The paper studies the problems associated with the construction of price indexes for commercial properties that could be used in the System of National Accounts. Property price indexes are required for the stocks of commercial properties in the balance sheets and related price indexes for the land and structure components of a commercial property are required in the balance sheet accounts for the calculation of the Multifactor Productivity of the Commercial Property Industry. The paper uses a variant of the builder's model that has been used to construct Residential Property Price Indexes. Geometric depreciation rates are estimated for commercial offices in Tokyo using assessment data for REIT. The problems associated with the decomposition of property value into land and structure components are addressed. The problems associated with depreciating capital expenditures on buildings and with measuring the loss of asset value due to early retirement of the structure are also addressed.
Non‐immunosuppressive FTY720‐derivative OSU‐2S mediates reactive oxygen species‐mediated cytotoxicity in canine B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Mani R. , Yan R. , Mo X. , Chen C.‐S. , Phelps M. A. , Klisovic R. , Byrd J. C. , Kisseberth W. C. , London C. A. , Muthusamy N.
Published: May 2016

OSU‐2S is a FTY720 (Fingolimod) derivative that lacks immunosuppressive properties but exhibits strong anti‐tumour activity in several haematological and solid tumour models. We have recently shown OSU‐2S to mediate potent cytotoxicity in human mantle cell lymphoma cell lines and primary cells. We report here the pre‐clinical activity of OSU‐2S in spontaneous B‐cell lymphoma of dogs which shares many characteristics of human lymphoma. OSU‐2S mediated apoptosis in canine B‐cell lines and primary B‐cell lymphoma cells obtained from spontaneous lymphoma bearing dogs. OSU‐2S induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in canine lymphoma cells and inhibition of ROS partially rescued OSU‐2S‐mediated cell death. These studies provide a rational basis for the use of spontaneous lymphoma in pet dogs as a preclinical large animal model for the development of OSU‐2S as small molecule for treating people and dogs with lymphoma.
Proteases as prognostic markers in human and canine cancers
Authors: Pulz L. H. , Strefezzi R. F.
Published: May 2016

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of several types of proteins, which interact and form dynamic networks. These components can modulate cell behaviour and actively influence the growth and differentiation of tissues. ECM is also important in several pathological processes, such as cancer invasion and metastasis, by creating favourable microenvironments. Proteolysis in neoplastic tissues is mediated by proteinases, whose regulation involves complex interactions between neoplastic cells and non‐neoplastic stromal cells. In this review, we discuss aspects of proteinase expression and tumor behaviour in humans and dogs. Different classes of proteases are summarized, with special emphasis being placed on molecules that have been shown to correlate with prognosis, reinforcing the need for a better understanding of the regulation of this microenvironment and its influences in tumor progression and metastasis, which should significantly aid the development of improved prognosis and treatment.
Integrated immunohistochemical and DNA copy number profiling analysis provides insight into the molecular pathogenesis of canine follicular lymphoma
Authors: Thomas R. , Demeter Z. , Kennedy K. A. , Borst L. , Singh K. , Valli V. E. , Le Boedec K. , Breen M.
Published: May 2016

Follicular lymphomas (FLs) typically exhibit a chromosome translocation that induces constitutive expression of the anti‐apoptotic bcl2 protein and accumulation of additional molecular defects. This rearrangement offers a promising therapeutic target, but its nature as a fundamental driver of FL pathogenesis remains unclear as 15% of cases lack the translocation. We performed an integrated immunohistochemical and genomic investigation of 10 naturally occurring FL cases from domestic dogs, showing that, as with human tumours, they exhibit marked heterogeneity in the frequency and intensity of bcl2 protein expression. Genomic copy number aberrations were infrequent and broadly consistent with those of other canine B‐cell lymphoma subtypes. None of the canine FL specimens exhibited a rearrangement consistent with the hallmark translocation of human FL, despite their remarkable histomorphologic similarity. Parallel exploration of canine and human cases may reveal alternative tumour‐initiating mechanisms other than BCL2 disruption, yielding a more complete definition of the molecular pathogenesis of FL.
Simulation and Experimental Investigation of Guide Vane Length to Improve the Performance of a Diesel Engine Run With Biodiesel
Authors: Bari S. , Saad Idris
Published: May 2016

This research investigated the effect of guide vanes into the intake runner of a diesel engine run with higher viscous biodiesel to enhance the in-cylinder intake airflow characteristics. First, simulation of an internal combustion engine base model was done. Guide vanes of various lengths were developed and imposed into the intake runner to investigate the airflow characteristics. Based on the simulation results, five guide vanes models of 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 mm length were constructed and tested on a compression ignition (CI) engine run with biodiesel. According to the experimental results of engine performance and emissions, it was found that guide vanes of 12 mm length showed the highest number of improvements with 14 mm and 10 mm length showed the second and third highest number of improvements, respectively. Therefore, this research concluded that guide vanes successfully improved the in-cylinder air flow characteristics to improve the mixing of higher viscous biodiesel with air resulting in better performances of the engines than without vanes.
The Use of Breathing Exercises in the Treatment of Chronic, Nonspecific Low Back Pain
Authors: Anderson Barton E. , Bliven Kellie C. Huxel
Published: May 2016

Clinical Scenario:

Research has shown a link between poor core stability and chronic, nonspecific low back pain, with data to suggest that alterations in core muscle activation patterns, breathing patterns, lung function, and diaphragm mechanics may occur. Traditional treatment approaches for chronic, nonspecific low back pain focus on exercise and manual therapy interventions, however it is not clear whether breathing exercises are effective in treating back pain.

Focused Clinical Question:

In adults with chronic, nonspecific low back pain, are breathing exercises effective in reducing pain, improving respiratory function, and/or health related quality of life?

Summary of Key Findings:

Following a literature search, 3 studies were identified for inclusion in the review. All reviewed studies were critically appraised at level 2 evidence and reported improvements in either low back pain or quality of life following breathing program intervention.

Clinical Bottom Line:

Exercise programs were shown to be effective in improving lung function, reducing back pain, and improving quality of life. Breathing program frequencies ranged from daily to 2–3 times per week, with durations ranging from 4 to 8 weeks. Based on these results, athletic trainers and physical therapists caring for patients with chronic, nonspecific low back pain should consider the inclusion of breathing exercises for the treatment of back pain when such treatments align with the clinician’s own judgment and clinical expertise and the patient’s preferences and values.

Strength of Recommendation:

Grade B evidence exists to support the use of breathing exercises in the treatment of chronic, nonspecific low back pain.
Pediatric Exercise Science: A Brief Overview
Authors: Rowland Thomas
Published: May 2016

Interest in the physiological responses to exercise unique to the pediatric age group has grown exponentially over the past 50 years. A number of issues surrounding children’s exercise have been particularly responsible for this trend, particularly a) recognition of the health benefits of exercise in youth, b) the growing involvement of young persons in highly intense levels of sports play, and c) the role that exercise may play in the diagnosis and management of children with chronic disease. As a consequence, current research to date has provided a comprehensive picture of the features specific to children’s response to exercise. Future challenges facing the field of pediatric exercise science involve translating this information into practical guidelines which can be applied to the realms of clinical medical practice, preventive health initiatives, and athletic training regimens which are appropriate for this age group.
Endocrine Response to Exercise and Training—Closing the Gaps
Authors: Eliakim Alon
Published: May 2016

In recent years there has been a remarkable enhancement in the knowledge and understanding of endocrine responses to exercise and exercise training in children and adolescents who participate in sports. This includes, for example, exercise-associated changes in growth factors that regulate muscle adaptations to exercise training, the use of hormonal changes to assess training intensity, as well as deleterious effects of competitive sports, in particularly if associated with inadequate nutrition, on growth and the reproductive system. However, major scientific gaps still exist in our understanding of the application and translation of this knowledge to the everyday use of young athletes and their coaches. These gaps include the translation of laboratory research to “real-life” training setting to optimize training efficiency, mainly due to the lack of “real-life” exercise studies; and the use of genetic endocrinology for sports selection, the prediction of excellence in sports and to improve training.
Physical Activity and Movement Proficiency: The Need for a Biocultural Approach
Authors: Malina Robert M. , Cumming Sean P. , Silva Manuel J. Coelho e
Published: May 2016

“Gaps in Our Knowledge” are discussed in the context of the need to integrate biological and behavioral factors in a biocultural approach to physical activity and movement proficiency. Specific issues considered include outdoor play, organized and informal activity, biological maturation, tracking of activity, development of movement proficiency, and individual differences. Studies considered are largely based on youth in economically better-off, developed countries in the western culture context. There is a need to extend studies of physical activity and movement proficiency to different cultural contexts.
Is Authenticity and Integrity Possible for Sexual Minority Athletes? Lesbian Student-Athlete Experiences of U.S. NCAA Division I Sport
Authors: Fynes Jamie M. , Fisher Leslee A.
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study was to explore the congruence of identity in 10 former U.S. NCAA Division I (DI) lesbian student-athletes using a semistructured personal identity interview guide (adapted from Fisher, 1993) and Consensual Qualitative Research (CQR) (Hill, 2012; Hill, Knox, Thompson, Williams, Hess, & Ladany, 2005). Five domains, nineteen categories, and related core ideas were found in the transcribed interviews. The five domains were: (a) stereotypes and perceptions of female athletes; (b) stereotypes and perceptions of lesbians and lesbian athletes; (c) climate for LGBT athletes; (d) negotiating identities; and (e) recommendations for college campuses. The main goal of the current study was to determine whether lesbian athletes felt comfortable being who they are in the context of U.S. DI sport. Recommendations for how applied sport psychology consultants, coaches, and administrators, all of whom play an important role in athletes’ collegiate sport experience, could change the structure of U.S. universities to help lesbian student-athletes become more comfortable are given.
The Effects of a Running Intervention on the Physical Self-Concept of Obese Novice Adult Female Runners
Authors: Byrd Brigid , Hew-Butler Tamara , Martin Jeffrey J.
Published: May 2016

The purpose of the study was to assess changes in multidimensional physical self-concept (PSC) over time of novice obese female runners participating in a 10-week running intervention. Multidimensional Physical Self-Concept was assessed at pre- and postintervention times and 3 months postintervention. A repeated measures MANOVA was significant, F (2, 7) = 8.82, p < .05. Follow-up tests indicated that 4 of the 9 PSCs significantly changed from Time 1 to Time 2 (p < .05) in the expected directions for physical activity (t = -2.45; h2 = 1.0), body fat (t = Ò3.21; h2 = 0.78), endurance (t = -3.75; h2 = 0.90), and general physical (t = -2.36; h2 = 0.99) self-concepts and these positive changes were maintained 3 months later at Time 3. We found that a 10-week running program appeared to produce positive changes in physical self-concept. Importantly, these positive changes were sustained for 3 months past the end of the intervention. These findings suggest that women running programs may be a viable way to increase physical self-concept, and sustain such positive changes in months following.
An Exploration of Experiences of Female Participants in Power and Performance Sports
Authors: Ming Stacia , Simpson Duncan , Rosenberg Daniel
Published: May 2016

Throughout the history of sport, men have played a leading role in its organization, function, purpose, and exposition (Hargreaves, 2000). Women’s sport participation has drastically risen over the past 40 years and ample new opportunities have emerged within the sport realm for women, which are attributed to a collection of incentives, but chiefly resulting from the passage of Title IX (Coakley, 2009). Women are allowed to participate in physically intense, aggressive, and violent sports, often referred to as power and performance sports (Coakley, 2014), however, the occurrence of this form of sport involvement appears to run counterintuitive to traditionally accepted societal norms. Consequently, the intent of this research was to explore how female athletes experience, interpret, accept, tolerate, and or resist the presumed contradictory role adopted through participation in power and performance sports. For the purpose of this study, existential phenomenological interviews were conducted that yielded in-depth personal accounts of the lived experience of 12 female athletes ranging in age from 21 to 50, representing a variety of power and performance sports (i.e., rugby, ice hockey, jiu-jitsu, kenpo, muay thai, kendo, boxing, and mixed martial arts). Analysis of the transcripts revealed a total of 381 meaning units that were further grouped into subthemes and major themes. This led to the development of a final thematic structure revealing four major dimensions that characterized these athletes’ experiences of power and performance sports: Physicality, Mentality, Opportunity, and Attraction & Alliance.
Olfaction-Enhanced Multimedia
Authors: Murray Niall , Lee Brian , Qiao Yuansong , Muntean Gabriel-Miro
Published: May 2016

Recently, the concept of olfaction-enhanced multimedia applications has gained traction as a step toward further enhancing user quality of experience. The next generation of rich media services will be immersive and multisensory, with olfaction playing a key role. This survey reviews current olfactory-related research from a number of perspectives. It introduces and explains relevant olfactory psychophysical terminology, knowledge of which is necessary for working with olfaction as a media component. In addition, it reviews and highlights the use of, and potential for, olfaction across a number of application domains, namely health, tourism, education, and training. A taxonomy of research and development of olfactory displays is provided in terms of display type, scent generation mechanism, application area, and strengths/weaknesses. State of the art research works involving olfaction are discussed and associated research challenges are proposed.
A Buyer-Friendly and Mediated Watermarking Protocol for Web Context
Authors: Frattolillo Franco
Published: May 2016

Watermarking protocols are used in conjunction with digital watermarking techniques to protect digital copyright on the Internet. They define the schemes of the web transactions by which buyers can purchase protected digital content distributed by content providers in a secure manner. Over the last few years, significant examples of watermarking protocols have been proposed in literature. However, a detailed examination of such protocols has revealed a number of problems that have to be addressed in order to make them suited for current web context. Therefore, based on the most relevant problems derived from literature, this article identifies the main challenges posed by the development of watermarking protocols for web context and presents a watermarking protocol that follows a new secure, buyer-centric and mediated design approach able to meet such challenges.
Q2P
Authors: Wu Wensheng , Meng Weiyi , Su Weifeng , Zhou Guangyou , Chiang Yao-Yi
Published: May 2016

We present Q2P, a system that discovers query templates from search engines via their query autocompletion services. Q2P is distinct from the existing works in that it does not rely on query logs of search engines that are typically not readily available. Q2P is also unique in that it uses a trie to economically store queries sampled from a search engine and employs a beam-search strategy that focuses the expansion of the trie on its most promising nodes. Furthermore, Q2P leverages the trie-based storage of query sample to discover query templates using only two passes over the trie. Q2P is a key part of our ongoing project Deep2Q on a template-driven data integration on the Deep Web, where the templates learned by Q2P are used to guide the integration process in Deep2Q. Experimental results on four major search engines indicate that (1) Q2P sends only a moderate number of queries (ranging from 597 to 1,135) to the engines, while obtaining a significant number of completions per query (ranging from 4.2 to 8.5 on the average); (2) a significant number of templates (ranging from 8 to 32 when the minimum support for frequent templates is set to 1%) may be discovered from the samples.