bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On a Neg‐Raising Fallacy in Determining Enthymematicity: If She Did not Believe or Want …
Authors: Paprzycka Katarzyna
Published: January 2014

Many arguments that show p to be enthymematic (in an argument for q) rely on claims like “if one did not believe that p, one would not have a reason for believing that q.” Such arguments are susceptible to the neg‐raising fallacy. We tend to interpret claims like “X does not believe that p” as statements of disbelief (X's belief that not‐p) rather than as statements of withholding the belief that p. This article argues that there is a tendency to equivocate in arguments for the enthymematicity of arguments (e.g., Lewis Carroll's paradox, Hume's problem) as well as in arguments for the enthymematicity of action explanations (e.g., arguments for psychologism and for explanatory individualism). The article concludes with a warning, because the equivocation is often helpful in teaching and because neg‐raising verbs include philosophically vital verbs: desire, want, intend, think, suppose, imagine, expect, feel, seem, appear.
Direct assessment in bacteria of prionoid propagation and phenotype selection by Hsp70 chaperone
Authors: Gasset‐Rosa Fátima , Coquel Anne‐Sophie , Moreno‐del Álamo María , Chen Peipei , Song Xiaohu , Serrano Ana M. , Fernández‐Tresguerres M. Elena , Moreno‐Díaz de la Espina Susana , Lindner Ariel B. , Giraldo Rafael
Published: January 2014

Protein amyloid aggregates epigenetically determine either advantageous or proteinopathic phenotypes. Prions are infectious amyloidogenic proteins, whereas prionoids lack infectivity but spread from mother to daughter cells. While prion amyloidosis has been studied in yeast and mammalian cells models, the dynamics of transmission of an amyloid proteinopathy has not been addressed yet in bacteria. Using time‐lapse microscopy and a microfluidic set‐up, we have assessed in Escherichia coli the vertical transmission of the amyloidosis caused by the synthetic bacterial model prionoid RepA‐WH1 at single cell resolution within their lineage context. We identify in vivo the coexistence of two strain‐like types of amyloid aggregates within a genetically identical population and a controlled homogeneous environment. The amyloids are either toxic globular particles or single comet‐shaped aggregates that split during cytokinesis and exhibit milder toxicity. Both segregate and propagate in sublineages, yet show interconversion. ClpB (Hsp104) chaperone, key for spreading of yeast prions, has no effect on the dynamics of the two RepA‐WH1 aggregates. However, the propagation of the comet‐like species is DnaK (Hsp70)‐dependent. The bacterial RepA‐WH1 prionoid thus provides key qualitative and quantitative clues on the biology of intracellular amyloid proteinopathies.
The role of thiol oxidative stress response in heat‐induced protein aggregate formation during thermotolerance in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Runde Stephanie , Molière Noël , Heinz Anja , Maisonneuve Etienne , Janczikowski Armgard , Elsholz Alexander K. W. , Gerth Ulf , Hecker Michael , Turgay Kürşad
Published: January 2014

Using Bacillus subtilis as a model organism, we investigated thermotolerance development by analysing cell survival and in vivo protein aggregate formation in severely heat‐shocked cells primed by a mild heat shock. We observed an increased survival during severe heat stress, accompanied by a strong reduction of heat‐induced cellular protein aggregates in cells lacking the ClpXP protease. We could demonstrate that the transcription factor Spx, a regulatory substrate of ClpXP, is critical for the prevention of protein aggregate formation because its regulon encodes redox chaperones, such as thioredoxin, required for protection against thiol‐specific oxidative stress. Consequently B. subtilis cells grown in the absence of oxygen were more protected against severe heat shock and much less protein aggregates were detected compared to aerobically grown cells. The presented results indicate that in B. subtilis Spx and its regulon plays not only an important role for oxidative but also for heat stress response and thermotolerance development. In addition, our experiments suggest that the protection of misfolded proteins from thiol oxidation during heat shock can be critical for the prevention of cellular protein aggregation in vivo.
Transgenic Brassica rapa plants over‐expressing eIF(iso)4E variants show broad‐spectrum Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) resistance
Authors: Kim Jinhee , Kang Won‐Hee , Hwang Jeena , Yang Hee‐Bum , Dosun Kim , Oh Chang‐Sik , Kang Byoung‐Cheorl
Published: January 2014

The protein–protein interaction between VPg (viral protein genome‐linked) of potyviruses and eIF4E (eukaryotic initiation factor 4E) or eIF(iso)4E of their host plants is a critical step in determining viral virulence. In this study, we evaluated the approach of engineering broad‐spectrum resistance in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa) to Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV), which is one of the most important potyviruses, by a systematic knowledge‐based approach to interrupt the interaction between TuMV VPg and B. rapa eIF(iso)4E. The seven amino acids in the cap‐binding pocket of eIF(iso)4E were selected on the basis of other previous results and comparison of protein models of cap‐binding pockets, and mutated. Yeast two‐hybrid assay and co‐immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated that W95L, K150L and W95L/K150E amino acid mutations of B. rapa eIF(iso)4E interrupted its interaction with TuMV VPg. All eIF(iso)4E mutants were able to complement an eIF4E‐knockout yeast strain, indicating that the mutated eIF(iso)4E proteins retained their function as a translational initiation factor. To determine whether these mutations could confer resistance, eIF(iso)4E W95L, W95L/K150E and eIF(iso)4E wild‐type were over‐expressed in a susceptible Chinese cabbage cultivar. Evaluation of the TuMV resistance of T1 and T2 transformants demonstrated that the over‐expression of the eIF(iso)4E mutant forms can confer resistance to multiple TuMV strains. These data demonstrate the utility of knowledge‐based approaches for the engineering of broad‐spectrum resistance in Chinese cabbage.
A systematic review of the influence of the retail food environment around schools on obesity‐related outcomes
Authors: Williams J. , Scarborough P. , Matthews A. , Cowburn G. , Foster C. , Roberts N. , Rayner M.
Published: January 2014

The high prevalence of childhood obesity has led to questions about the influence of ‘obesogenic’ environments on children's health. Public health interventions targeting the retail food environment around schools have been proposed, but it is unclear if they are evidence based. This systematic review investigates associations between food outlets near schools and children's food purchases, consumption and body weight. We conducted a keyword search in 10 databases. Inclusion criteria required papers to be peer reviewed, to measure retailing around schools and to measure obesity‐related outcomes among schoolchildren. Thirty papers were included. This review found very little evidence for an effect of the retail food environment surrounding schools on food purchases and consumption, but some evidence of an effect on body weight. Given the general lack of evidence for association with the mediating variables of food purchases and consumption, and the observational nature of the included studies, it is possible that the effect on body weight is a result of residual confounding. Most of the included studies did not consider individual children's journeys through the food environment, suggesting that predominant exposure measures may not account for what individual children actually experience. These findings suggest that future interventions targeting the food environment around schools need careful evaluation.
Summertime scorcher: assessing and promoting sunscreen protection in an amusement park setting
Authors: Kirby Joslyn S. , Hansen Timothy J. , Sabella Colleen , Sisti Ashley J. , Fields Maxine
Published: January 2014

Background/Purpose

Intense, intermittent exposure, the kind of exposure associated with attending an amusement park for example, is correlated with the development of basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. The goals of this study were to assess the use of the station by visitors and to identify opportunities to increase the utilization of the sunscreen station.

Methods

The study was a descriptive observational study of attendees at an amusement park in Pennsylvania. The study included a paper survey and observation of the station for frequency of use.

Results

The station was very infrequently used; observation showed that 0.9% (8/879) of attendees in proximity used the station. There were numerous suggestions from attendees about increased utilization by improved station signage and locations as well as station advertising. Surveys were collected from 283 attendees and 59% (n = 165) had used sunscreen on the day of the study and 29% (n = 81) reported typical sunscreen use as ‘Never’ or ‘Rarely’ used. Once visitors were made aware of the station, 76% (201/263) reported that they would utilize it.

Conclusion

This study showed that sunscreen use at an amusement park can be improved, especially among men and young adults. Therefore, men and younger visitors need to be purposefully encouraged in advertising and marketing the sunscreen stations.
Long‐term macrolides for non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Qibiao , Shen Weixing , Cheng Haibo , Zhou Xiqiao
Published: January 2014

Long‐term macrolides are increasingly being prescribed for stable bronchiectasis. This meta‐analysis assessed the clinical effect of this treatment in bronchiectasis. A systematic review and meta‐analysis were carried out. All randomized, controlled trials (RCT) comparing long‐term macrolides with placebo and/or usual medical care, with outcome measures relating to efficacy and safety were selected. Nine RCT recruiting 530 patients were included. Compared with placebo and/or usual medical care, long‐term macrolides significantly reduced the risk of the exacerbations (number of participants with exacerbations (relative risk = 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60–0.82, P < 0.00001); average exacerbations per participant (weighted mean difference = −1.01, 95% CI −1.35 to −0.67, P < 0.00001)), the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire total scores (weighted mean difference = −5.39 95% CI −9.89 to −0.88, P = 0.02), dyspnoea scale (weighted mean difference = −0.31 95% CI −0.42 to −0.20, P < 0.00001), 24‐h sputum volume (P < 0.00001), and attenuated the decline of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (weighted mean difference 0.02 L, 95% CI 0.00–0.04, P = 0.01). Eradication of pathogens (P = 0.06), overall rate of adverse events (P = 0.61), and emergence of new pathogens (P = 0.61) were not elevated, while gastrointestinal events increased significantly with macrolides (P = 0.0001). Macrolide resistance increased, but a meta‐analysis was not possible due to the diversity of parameters. Long‐term use of macrolides appears to be a treatment option for stable bronchiectasis. The results of this review justify further investigation about adding this intervention to the treatment regimens of bronchiectasis.
International Trade, Offshoring and Heterogeneous Firms
Authors: Baldwin Richard E. , Okubo Toshihiro
Published: January 2014

Recent trade models determine the equilibrium distribution of firm‐level efficiency endogenously and show that freer trade shifts the distribution towards higher average productivity because of entry and exit of firms. These models ignore the possibility that freer trade also alters the firm‐size distribution via international firm migration (offshoring); firms must, by assumption, produce in their “birth nation.” We show that when firms are allowed to switch locations, new productivity effects arise. Freer trade induces the most efficient small‐nation firms to move to the large nation. The large country gets an “extra helping” of the most efficient firms while the small nation's firm‐size distribution is truncated on both ends. This reinforces the large‐nation productivity gain while reducing or even reversing the small‐nation productivity gain. The small nation is nevertheless better off allowing firm migration.
FDI Location and the Relevance of Spatial Linkages: Evidence from Provincial and Industry FDI in China
Authors: Sharma Shalendra , Wang Miao , Wong M. C. Sunny
Published: January 2014

In this study both aggregate and industry‐level foreign direct investment (FDI) data are employed to investigate the spatial dependence of FDI hosts. The analysis contributes to the existing literature by focusing on the heterogeneous spatial correlation of FDI in different industries. Using more comprehensive FDI data across multiple industries and multiple provinces in China from 1999 to 2007, the results show a significant spatial correlation among provinces. Aggregate FDI tends to be regional trade platform oriented indicating neighboring provinces become competitors for FDI. In contrast, results based on industry‐level provincial FDI show stronger support for vertical or complex vertical FDI.
Nontraded Goods and Real Exchange Rates in a Multi‐Good Ricardian Model
Authors: Ruffin Roy J.
Published: January 2014

The two‐country Ricardian trade model with discrete goods and uniform transport costs for tradable goods is applied to the decomposition of the real exchange rate into traded and nontraded components. The real exchange rate is driven almost entirely by changes in the productivity differentials in nontraded goods and also explains the Balassa–Samuelson effect of a lower cost of living in poor countries, but extraordinary transport costs for some nontraded goods are necessary to easily explain the Balassa–Samuelson effect.
Intertemporal Budget Policies and Macroeconomic Adjustment in Indebted Open Economies
Authors: Bianconi Marcelo , Fisher Walter H.
Published: January 2014

This paper analyzes the role of government intertemporal budget policies in a growing open economy including nominal assets in the presence of an upward sloping supply of debt. This introduces transitional dynamics that influence the effects of government policy instruments on economic growth and the long term fiscal liability. It is shown that capital income taxes or a combination of tax‐cum‐expenditure or government expenditure alone can balance the long term intertemporal government budget constraint. However, those results are shown to depend critically upon the extent of distortion in capital flows brought about the upward sloping supply of debt.
Civil Wars and Party Systems
Authors: Ishiyama John
Published: January 2014

Objective

This article examines the effects of civil wars on the characteristics of postconflict party systems, in terms of fractionalization, whether a dominant party emerges, and party systems stability.

Methods

Data were collected for 92 developing countries, 44 of which experienced a civil war from 1975 to 2009. Regression and logistic regression analyses are conducted to examine the impact of civil wars, while controlling for a number of other variables.

Results

This article finds no relationship between civil war and fractionalization, but does find that intense, bloodier civil wars tend to produce party systems that are dominant‐party systems with less electoral volatility than transitional states that did not experience a civil war.

Conclusion

These results suggest support for the argument that particularly bloody civil wars are likely to have an especially powerful freezing effect on party systems (and may not lead to fully competitive party politics).
Multidimensional Inequalities in Health Care Distribution in Provincial China: A Case Study of Henan Province
Authors: Li Yingru , Wei Yehua Dennis
Published: January 2014

This paper analyses multidimensional inequalities in health care distribution for Henan Province in central China. The paper has two objectives: (1) examining the multi‐scale health care inequality in Henan from two dimensions, urban‐rural and core‐periphery and (2) revealing the spatial effects of China's multiple transitions, provincial development strategies, and local economic development on health care distribution. The authors used geographic information systems‐based spatial statistical methods to detect the spatial‐temporal variation of health care distribution, and applied geographically weighted regression to reveal the effects of multiple transitions on the health care sector. The results illustrate that urban‐rural and core‐periphery gaps in Henan are still significant even though health care reforms and recent provincial policies have improved the access of rural and peripheral areas to health care. Health care inequality is sensitive to geographical scale and clustering, and spatial patterns of health care are shaped by the interwoven forces at national, provincial, and local scales.
On the Spatial Dimension of the Gender Division of Paid Work in Two‐Parent Families: The Case of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Authors: Boterman Willem R. , Karsten Lia
Published: January 2014

Research shows that female participation rates are lower in suburbs than in urban areas. In this paper we explore the residential patterns of the gender division of family households at the level of the neighbourhood. We draw on national register data (SSB) to define various arrangements of the way in which parents with dependent children divide paid work. These household arrangements are plotted onto maps to sketch the geography of division of paid work in Amsterdam. Our findings show that family households with specific gender divisions of paid work tend to cluster in specific residential environments: (1) families who work with a traditional division of labour are concentrated in social‐housing estates in neighbourhoods with high shares of non‐Western minorities; (2) one‐and‐a‐half earner families are clustered in the most suburban parts of the city; and (3) symmetrical and female‐breadwinner households concentrate in central gentrification areas of the city.
Deontic Tense Logic With Historical Necessity, Frame Constants, and a Solution to the Epistemic Obligation Paradox (The “Knower”)
Authors: Åqvist Lennart
Published: January 2014

In an earlier paper by the author, Åqvist (1999), I presented an approach to the logic of historical necessity, or inevitability, in the sense of a “two‐dimensional” combination of tense and modal logic for worlds, or histories, with the same time order, known as T × W logic. Distinctive features of that approach were, apart from its two‐dimensionality, its being based on discrete and finite time, and its use of so‐called systematic frame constants in order to enable us to indicate longitudes (x‐values) and latitudes (y‐values) of any points in the co‐ordinate systems under consideration. This led us to study and axiomatize an infinite hierarchy HTWxy of two‐dimensional modal tense logics with the characteristic operators for historical necessity and possibility added to the original basic vocabulary. The main purpose of the present paper is then twofold: (A) to extend the logics HTWxy to the interesting branch of philosophical logic constituted by deontic logic as combined with tense (or temporal) logic; and (B) to deal with a curious puzzle known as the so‐called epistemic obligation paradox – a well known stumbling‐block in this area of research in philosophical logic. We argue for a solution to both these problems, which appeals to a new infinite hierarchy DHTWxym of extensions of the HTWxy in the sense of logics combining dyadic deontic modalities with temporal ones such as those for historical necessity and other two‐dimensional modalities.
Partnership on Rotational ViscoElastic Test Standardization (PROVETS): Evidence‐based guidelines on rotational viscoelastic assays in veterinary medicine
Authors: Goggs Robert , Brainard Benjamin , de Laforcade Armelle M. , Flatland Bente , Hanel Rita , McMichael Maureen , Wiinberg Bo
Published: January 2014

Objective

To systematically examine the evidence relating to the performance of rotational viscoelastic testing in companion animals, to develop assay guidelines, and to identify knowledge gaps.

Design

Multiple questions were considered within 5 parent domains, specifically system comparability, sample handling, assay activation and test protocol, definitions and data reporting, and nonstandard assays. Standardized, systematic evaluation of the literature was performed. Relevant articles were categorized according to level of evidence and assessed for quality. Consensus was developed regarding conclusions for application of concepts to clinical practice.

Setting

Academic and referral veterinary medical centers.

Results

Databases searched included Medline, Commonwealth Agricultural Bureaux abstracts, and Google Scholar. Worksheets were prepared evaluating 28 questions across the 5 domains and generating 84 assay guidelines.

Conclusions

Evidence‐based guidelines for the performance of thromboelastography in companion animals were generated through this process. Some of these guidelines are well supported while others will benefit from additional evidence. Many knowledge gaps were identified and future work should be directed to address these gaps and to objectively evaluate the impact of these guidelines on assay comparability within and between centers.
Peripherally driven low‐threshold inhibitory inputs to lamina I local‐circuit and projection neurones: a new circuit for gating pain responses
Authors: Luz Liliana L. , Szucs Peter , Safronov Boris V.
Published: January 2014

Key points

Spinal lamina I is a key element of the pain processing system which relays peripheral inputs to supraspinal areas.

In this study, we focused on signal processing in identified lamina I local‐circuit and projection neurones in their functionally preserved network in an isolated spinal cord preparation.

We found that local‐circuit neurones generate spontaneous rhythmic firing, which persists in the presence of blockers of fast synaptic transmission.

We describe a novel, low‐threshold, primary afferent‐driven inhibitory input to lamina I neurones, which temporally preceded classical high‐threshold excitatory inputs and may function as a postsynaptic gate controlling pain.

One‐third of local‐circuit neurones and two‐thirds of projection neurones responded to substance P application.

These results help us understand the role of lamina I neurones in a new circuit for gating pain responses.

Spinal lamina I is a key element of the pain processing system which relays primary afferent input to supraspinal areas. However, little is known about how the signal is modulated by its intrinsic network including local‐circuit neurones (LCNs) and much less numerous anterolateral tract projection neurones (PNs). Here, we used whole‐cell patch clamp recordings in an isolated spinal cord preparation to examine properties of identified LCNs (n = 85) and PNs (n = 73) in their functionally preserved local networks. Forty LCNs showed spontaneous rhythmic firing (2–7 Hz) at zero current injection, which persisted in the presence of blockers of fast synaptic transmission. In the remaining cases, most LCNs and PNs fired tonically in response to depolarizing current injections. We identified LCNs and PNs receiving low‐threshold primary afferent‐driven inhibitory inputs, which in many cases were disynaptic and temporally preceded classical high‐threshold excitatory inputs. This direct inhibitory link between low‐threshold afferents and PNs can function as a postsynaptic gate controlling the nociceptive information flow in the spinal cord. The LCNs were found to be integrated into the superficial dorsal horn network by their receipt of monosynaptic and disynaptic inputs from other lamina I and II neurones. One‐third of LCNs and two‐thirds of PNs tested responded to substance P application. Thus, substance P released by a noxious afferent stimulation may excite PNs in two ways: directly, and via the activation of presynaptic LCN circuitries. In conclusion, we have described important properties of identified lamina I neurones and their roles in a new circuit for gating pain responses.
Characterizing the distribution of the quadrilateral vowel space area
Authors: Berisha Visar , Sandoval Steven , Utianski Rene , Liss Julie , Spanias Andreas
Published: January 2014

The vowel space area (VSA) has been studied as a quantitative index of intelligibility to the extent it captures articulatory working space and reductions therein. The majority of such studies have been empirical wherein measures of VSA are correlated with perceptual measures of intelligibility. However, the literature contains minimal mathematical analysis of the properties of this metric. This paper further develops the theoretical underpinnings of this metric by presenting a detailed analysis of the statistical properties of the VSA and characterizing its distribution through the moment generating function. The theoretical analysis is confirmed by a series of experiments where empirically estimated and theoretically predicted statistics of this function are compared. The results show that on the Hillenbrand and TIMIT data, the theoretically predicted values of the higher-order statistics of the VSA match very well with the empirical estimates of the same.
Hearing threshold measurements of five stranded short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus)
Authors: Greenhow Danielle R. , Brodsky Micah C. , Lingenfelser Robert G. , Mann David A.
Published: January 2014

On May 5, 2011, 23 short-finned pilot whales, Globicephala macrorhynchus, were stranded along the coastline near Cudjoe Key, FL. Five animals (two adult females, two juvenile females, and an adult male) were transported to a rehabilitation facility in Key Largo, FL. Auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) were recorded in response to amplitude modulated tone pips modulated at 1000 Hz. AEP thresholds were determined at 10, 20, 40, 80, and 120 kHz for the four females. However, the adult male was euthanized prior to testing. Short-finned pilot whales had peak sensitivity at lower frequencies than other odontocetes such as bottlenose dolphins. Greatest sensitivity was around 40 kHz for all whales, while thresholds for the two adult females were 25–61 dB higher at 80 kHz than the juveniles. Click evoked potentials were similar between the four whales and comparable to other echolocating odontocetes. Click evoked potential data from a fifth short-finned pilot whale that had stranded in Curacao showed no response. These findings add to the limited database of pilot whale (short- and long-finned) hearing studies, of which there are only two others [Schlundt et al. (2011). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 129, 1111–1116 and Pacini et al. (2010). J. Exp. Biol. 213, 3138–3143].
Comparison of acoustic and seismic excitation, propagation, and scattering at an air-ground interface containing a mine-like inclusion
Authors: Muir Thomas G. , Costley R. Daniel , Sabatier James M.
Published: January 2014

Finite element methods are utilized to model and compare the use of both a remote loudspeaker and a vertical shaker in the generation of sound and shear and interface waves in an elastic solid containing an imbedded elastic scatterer, which is resonant. Results for steady state and transient insonification are presented to illustrate excitation, propagation, and scattering mechanisms and effects. Comparisons of acoustic and vibratory excitation of the solid interface are made, with a view towards remote sensing of induced vibratory motion through optical measurement of the ground interface motion above the imbedded inclusion. Some advantages of the acoustic excitation method for exciting plate mode resonances in the target are observed.
Amplitude modulation of sound from wind turbines under various meteorological conditions
Authors: Larsson Conny , Öhlund Olof
Published: January 2014

Wind turbine (WT) sound annoys some people even though the sound levels are relatively low. This could be because of the amplitude modulated “swishing” characteristic of the turbine sound, which is not taken into account by standard procedures for measuring average sound levels. Studies of sound immission from WTs were conducted continually between 19 August 2011 and 19 August 2012 at two sites in Sweden. A method for quantifying the degree and strength of amplitude modulation (AM) is introduced here. The method reveals that AM at the immission points occur under specific meteorological conditions. For WT sound immission, the wind direction and sound speed gradient are crucial for the occurrence of AM. Interference between two or more WTs could probably enhance AM. The mechanisms by which WT sound is amplitude modulated are not fully understood.
Human response to vibration in residential environments
Authors: Waddington David C. , Woodcock James , Peris Eulalia , Condie Jenna , Sica Gennaro , Moorhouse Andrew T. , Steele Andy
Published: January 2014

This paper presents the main findings of a field survey conducted in the United Kingdom into the human response to vibration in residential environments. The main aim of this study was to derive exposure-response relationships for annoyance due to vibration from environmental sources. The sources of vibration considered in this paper are railway and construction activity. Annoyance data were collected using questionnaires conducted face-to-face with residents in their own homes. Questionnaires were completed with residents exposed to railway induced vibration (N = 931) and vibration from the construction of a light rail system (N = 350). Measurements of vibration were conducted at internal and external positions from which estimates of 24-h vibration exposure were derived for 1073 of the case studies. Sixty different vibration exposure descriptors along with 6 different frequency weightings were assessed as potential predictors of annoyance. Of the exposure descriptors considered, none were found to be a better predictor of annoyance than any other. However, use of relevant frequency weightings was found to improve correlation between vibration exposure and annoyance. A unified exposure-response relationship could not be derived due to differences in response to the two sources so separate relationships are presented for each source.
Tongue kinematics in palate relative coordinate spaces for electro-magnetic articulography
Authors: Neufeld Chris , van Lieshout Pascal
Published: January 2014

This paper describes a method for constructing a three-dimensional model of the hard palate using electro-magnetic articulography, and defines two algorithms to derive constriction degree and constriction location values from the trajectories of tongue coils using this model. The kinematics of tongue motion that have been transformed into constriction degree and constriction location values are investigated in detail to determine whether this type of representation obeys the constraints theorized to operate over higher level motor control. Results show that palate-relative coordinate spaces decouple mechanical dependencies present in the tongue, while maintaining low-level kinematic properties. They additionally preserve the 1/3 power law for speed and curvature observed across many motor systems. Finally, it is shown that tongue movements in a palate relative coordinate space more closely correspond to their optimal, jerk-minimized trajectories. These results suggest that this type of coordinate space provides a closer match to higher level motor-planning, in line with production models that specify control units in terms of vocal tract constriction parameters.
The accuracy of a voice vote
Authors: Titze Ingo R. , Palaparthi Anil
Published: January 2014

The accuracy of a voice vote was addressed by systematically varying group size, individual voter loudness, and words that are typically used to express agreement or disagreement. Five judges rated the loudness of two competing groups in A-B comparison tasks. Acoustic analysis was performed to determine the sound energy level of each word uttered by each group. Results showed that individual voter differences in energy level can grossly alter group loudness and bias the vote. Unless some control is imposed on the sound level of individual voters, it is difficult to establish even a two-thirds majority, much less a simple majority. There is no symmetry in the bias created by unequal sound production of individuals. Soft voices do not bias the group loudness much, but loud voices do. The phonetic balance of the two words chosen (e.g., “yea” and “nay” as opposed to “aye” and “no”) seems to be less of an issue.
Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions, threshold microstructure, and psychophysical tuning over a wide frequency range in humans
Authors: Baiduc Rachael R. , Lee Jungmee , Dhar Sumitrajit
Published: January 2014

Hearing thresholds have been shown to exhibit periodic minima and maxima, a pattern known as threshold microstructure. Microstructure has previously been linked to spontaneous otoacoustic emissions (SOAEs) and normal cochlear function. However, SOAEs at high frequencies (>4 kHz) have been associated with hearing loss or cochlear pathology in some reports. Microstructure would not be expected near these high-frequency SOAEs. Psychophysical tuning curves (PTCs), the expression of frequency selectivity, may also be altered by SOAEs. Prior comparisons of tuning between ears with and without SOAEs demonstrated sharper tuning in ears with emissions. Here, threshold microstructure and PTCs were compared at SOAE frequencies ranging between 1.2 and 13.9 kHz using subjects without SOAEs as controls. Results indicate: (1) Threshold microstructure is observable in the vicinity of SOAEs of all frequencies; (2) PTCs are influenced by SOAEs, resulting in shifted tuning curve tips, multiple tips, or inversion. High frequency SOAEs show a greater effect on PTC morphology. The influence of most SOAEs at high frequencies on threshold microstructure and PTCs is consistent with those at lower frequencies, suggesting that high-frequency SOAEs reflect the same cochlear processes that lead to SOAEs at lower frequencies.
Modeling propagation of infrasound signals observed by a dense seismic network
Authors: Chunchuzov I. , Kulichkov S. , Popov O. , Hedlin M.
Published: January 2014

The long-range propagation of infrasound from a surface explosion with an explosive yield of about 17.6 t TNT that occurred on June 16, 2008 at the Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR) in the western United States is simulated using an atmospheric model that includes fine-scale layered structure of the wind velocity and temperature fields. Synthetic signal parameters (waveforms, amplitudes, and travel times) are calculated using parabolic equation and ray-tracing methods for a number of ranges between 100 and 800 km from the source. The simulation shows the evolution of several branches of stratospheric and thermospheric signals with increasing range from the source. Infrasound signals calculated using a G2S (ground-to-space) atmospheric model perturbed by small-scale layered wind velocity and temperature fluctuations are shown to agree well with recordings made by the dense High Lava Plains seismic network located at an azimuth of 300° from UTTR. The waveforms of calculated infrasound arrivals are compared with those of seismic recordings. This study illustrates the utility of dense seismic networks for mapping an infrasound field with high spatial resolution. The parabolic equation calculations capture both the effect of scattering of infrasound into geometric acoustic shadow zones and significant temporal broadening of the arrivals.
Scattering of ultrasonic waves by heterogeneous interfaces: Formulating the direct scattering problem as a least-squares problem
Authors: Leiderman Ricardo , Castello Daniel
Published: January 2014

An analytic-numerical method to simulate the interaction of time-harmonic ultrasonic waves with imperfectly bonded layered structures is presented. In the proposed formulation, elastic layers may be either isotropic or anisotropic and adhesion interfaces are replaced by equivalent continuous distribution of normal and transversal springs. In addition, adhesion imperfections are allowed to be localized in space and are modeled by a corresponding local reduction in spring constants. The resulting direct scattering problem is formulated as a least-squares problem and solved accordingly. The formulation was extended for three different cases: Scattering from imperfectly bonded half-spaces, scattering from imperfectly bonded layered structures and scattering from imperfectly bonded layered plates immersed in acoustic fluid, and numerical simulations corresponding to each one of these cases are presented. The simulations indicate that the method is capable of capturing the scattering resulting from the interaction of ultrasonic waves with defective bonds as well as indicate that ultrasound has the potential of revealing the presence of defective bonds and interfacial heterogeneities.
Comparative Effects of Horse Exercise Versus Traditional Exercise Programs on Gait, Muscle Strength, and Body Balance in Healthy Older Adults
Authors: Aranda-García Silvia , Iricibar Albert , Planas Antoni , Prat-Subirana Joan A. , Angulo-Barroso Rosa M.
Published: January 2014

This study evaluates the separate effect and retention of 12-week traditional (TE) and horse (HE) exercise programs on physical function in healthy older participants (61 to 87 years old). Thirty-eight participants were randomly assigned to three groups: TE (n = 17), HE (n = 10), and control group (n = 11). TE and HE underwent a supervised exercise program (3 day/week). Maximal gait speed, muscle strength, and body balance were assessed at weeks 0, 12, and 16. Only TE and HE displayed significant improvements (P < .05) in knee extensor strength, and only HE had faster gait speed. Marginal balance improvements were found only in HE in the medial-lateral direction. However, TE showed larger improvements in handgrip than HE. The largest retention was in knee extensor strength but most of the exercise effects were lost in the follow-up. Besides TE, exercise with a horse may be an alternative option to older adults, provided that they want to interact with the animal.
Antipsychotics Activate mTORC1-Dependent Translation to Enhance Neuronal Morphological Complexity
Authors: Bowling Heather , Zhang Guoan , Bhattacharya Aditi , Pérez-Cuesta Luis M. , Deinhardt Katrin , Hoeffer Charles A. , Neubert Thomas A. , Gan Wen-biao , Klann Eric , Chao Moses V.
Published: January 2014

By stimulating the synthesis of a distinct set of proteins, antipsychotics increase neuronal complexity.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 14 January 2014
Authors: Chao Moses V. , Klann Eric , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: January 2014

Antipsychotics such as haloperidol affect neuronal morphology through the Akt-mTOR pathway.
Make Way for the Emerging Rootlet
Authors: Hines Pamela J.
Published: January 2014

Localized disruption of surrounding plant cell walls paves the way for lateral root development.
K-Ras Takes Sides
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: January 2014

Oncogenic K-Ras promotes basal extrusion and survival of delaminated epithelial cells by decreasing the abundance of the signaling lipid S1P.
Deacetylase Activity Not Required
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: January 2014

Catalytically inactive HDAC3 rescues mice with liver-specific deficiency in this enzyme from hepatosteatosis and altered lipid metabolism.
Single-Dose Pharmacokinetics of Cidofovir in Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration
Authors: Vossen Matthias G. , Gattringer Klaus-Bernhard , Jäger Walter , Kraff Stefanie , Thalhammer Florian
Published: January 2014

Dosage recommendations for cidofovir are available for renally competent as well as impaired patients; however, there are no data for patients undergoing continuous renal replacement therapy. We determined the single-dose concentration-versus-time profile of cidofovir in a critically ill patient undergoing continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH). One dose of 450 mg cidofovir (5 mg/kg) was administered intravenously due to a proven cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and failure of first-line antiviral therapy. Additionally, 2 g of probenecid was administered orally 3 h prior to and 1 g was administered 2 h as well as 8 h after completion of the infusion. The concentrations of cidofovir in serum and ultrafiltrate were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The peak serum concentration measured at 60 min postinfusion was 28.01 mg/liter at the arterial port. The trough serum level was 19.33 mg/liter at the arterial port after 24 h. The value of the area under the concentration-versus-time curve from 0 to 24 h was 543.8 mg · h/liter. The total body clearance was 2.46 ml/h/kg, and the elimination half-life time was 53.32 h. The sieving coefficient was 0.138 ± 0.022. Total removal of the drug was 30.99% after 24 h. Because of these data, which give us a rough idea of the concentration profile of cidofovir in patients undergoing CVVH, a toxic accumulation of the drug following repeated doses may be expected. Further trials have to be done to determine the right dosage of cidofovir in patients undergoing CVVH to avoid toxic accumulation of the drug.
Pharmacological Properties of NAI-603, a Well-Tolerated Semisynthetic Derivative of Ramoplanin
Authors: Jabes Daniela , Brunati Cristina , Candiani GianPaolo , Riva Simona , Romanó Gabriella , Maffioli Sonia , Rossi Rosaria , Simone Matteo , Gaspari Eleonora , Donadio Stefano
Published: January 2014

NAI-603 is a ramoplanin derivative designed to overcome the tolerability issues of the parent drug as a systemic agent. NAI-603 is highly active against aerobic and anaerobic Gram-positive bacteria, with MICs ranging from 0.008 to 8 μg/ml. MICs were not significantly affected by pH (range, 6 to 8), by inoculum up to 10
8
CFU/ml, or by addition of 50% human serum. Against staphylococci and enterococci, NAI-603 was rapidly bactericidal, with minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC)/MIC ratios never exceeding 4. The frequency of spontaneous resistance was low at 2× to 4× MIC (≤1 × 10
−6
to ≤1 × 10
−8
) and below the detection limit (about ≤1 × 10
−9
) at 8× MIC. Serial subcultures at 0.5× MIC yielded at most an 8-fold increase in MICs. In a systemic infection induced by methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), the 50% effective dose (ED
50
) of intravenous (i.v.) NAI-603 was 0.4 mg/kg, lower than that of oral (p.o.) linezolid (1.4 mg/kg) and subcutaneous (s.c.) teicoplanin (1.4 mg/kg) or vancomycin (0.6 mg/kg). In neutropenic mice infected with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), the ED
50
s for NAI-603 were 1.1 to 1.6 mg/kg i.v., compared to 0.5 mg/kg i.v. of ramoplanin. The bactericidal activity was confirmed
in vivo
in the rat granuloma pouch model induced by MRSA, where NAI-603, at 40 mg/kg i.v., induced about a 2- to 3-log
10
-reduction in viable bacteria in the exudates, which persisted for more than 72 h. The pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of NAI-603 and ramoplanin at 20 mg/kg show similar half-lives (3.27 and 3.80 h, respectively) with the maximum concentration (
C
max
) markedly higher for NAI-603 (207 μg/ml versus 79 μg/ml). The favorable pharmacological profile of NAI-603, coupled with the absence of local tolerability issues, supports further investigation.
DSTP-27 Prevents Entry of Human Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Paeschke Rebekka , Woskobojnik Ina , Makarov Vadim , Schmidtke Michaela , Bogner Elke
Published: January 2014

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) can cause life-threatening diseases in neonates and immunocompromised patients. Due to multiple problems caused by the current available drugs, development of new antiviral compounds is urgently needed. In this study, we characterize the anti-HCMV spectrum and mechanism of action of the
N-N
′-(bis-5 nitropyrimidyl)dispirotripiperazine derivate 27 (DSTP-27). DSTP-27 exhibited strong antiviral activity against two laboratory HCMV strains with different cell tropism as well as ganciclovir (GCV)-sensitive and GCV-resistant clinical isolates in plaque reduction assays and viral growth kinetics experiments. Interestingly, neither infectious nor noninfectious viral particles were observed by electron microscopy. Pretreatment of cell-free virus with DSTP-27 prevented virus infection. The results from time of addition assays, in which DTSP-27 was added to cells (i) before infection, (ii) during virus adsorption, or (iii) after adsorption, demonstrated an inhibitory effect on early steps of the HCMV replication cycle. This observation was confirmed by immunofluorescence as well as Western blot analysis, whereby reduced levels of the immediate early protein IE1, the processivity factor pUL44, and the tegument protein pp28 were detected. Results from attachment and penetration analyses of prechilled human embryonic lung fibroblasts revealed that virus attachment is not blocked. In addition, DSTP-27 inactivated HCMV by stable binding. Taken together, these results demonstrate that DSTP-27 (i) blocks viral penetration by interacting with the host cell and (ii) inactivates HCMV by interacting with the virus.
Overexpression of MexCD-OprJ Reduces Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence by Increasing Its Susceptibility to Complement-Mediated Killing
Authors: Martínez-Ramos Inmaculada , Mulet Xavier , Moyá Bartolomé , Barbier Mariette , Oliver Antonio , Albertí Sebastián
Published: January 2014

We evaluated the resistance to complement-mediated killing of a collection of isogenicPseudomonas aeruginosastrains expressing different antimicrobial resistance phenotypes. Only thenfxBmutant demonstrated increased susceptibility to complement compared with that for the wild-type strain. This increment was due to the overexpression of MexCD-OprJ, which led to increased C3 opsonization and a reduced ability to infect the lungs of mice. Our results show that the acquisition of antibiotic resistance may alter the interplay ofP. aeruginosawith the host immune system.
Resurrecting Inactive Antimicrobial Peptides from the Lipopolysaccharide Trap
Authors: Mohanram Harini , Bhattacharjya Surajit
Published: January 2014

Host defense antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a promising source of antibiotics for the treatment of multiple-drug-resistant pathogens. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the major component of the outer leaflet of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, functions as a permeability barrier against a variety of molecules, including AMPs. Further, LPS or endotoxin is the causative agent of sepsis killing 100,000 people per year in the United States alone. LPS can restrict the activity of AMPs inducing aggregations at the outer membrane, as observed for frog AMPs, temporins, and also in model AMPs. Aggregated AMPs, “trapped” by the outer membrane, are unable to traverse the cell wall, causing their inactivation. In this work, we show that these inactive AMPs can overcome LPS-induced aggregations while conjugated with a short LPS binding β-boomerang peptide motif and become highly bactericidal. The generated hybrid peptides exhibit activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria in high-salt conditions and detoxify endotoxin. Structural and biophysical studies establish the mechanism of action of these peptides in LPS outer membrane. Most importantly, this study provides a new concept for the development of a potent broad-spectrum antibiotic with efficient outer membrane disruption as the mode of action.