bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomics of contrasting rice genotypes: Identification of potential targets for raising crops for saline environment
Authors: Lakra Nita , Kaur Charanpreet , Anwar Khalid , Singla‐Pareek Sneh Lata , Pareek Ashwani
Published: March 2017

High salinity is one of the major problems in crop productivity, affecting seed germination as well as yield. In order to enhance tolerance of crops towards salinity, it is essential to understand the underlying physiological and molecular mechanisms. In this endeavor, study of contrasting genotypes of the same species differing in their response towards salinity stress can be very useful. In the present study, we have investigated temporal differences in morphological, physiological and proteome profiles of two contrasting genotypes of rice to understand the basis of salt tolerance. When compared to IR64 rice, Pokkali, the salt‐tolerant wild genotype, has enhanced capacity to cope with stress, better growth rate and possesses efficient antioxidant system, as well as better photosynthetic machinery. Our proteome studies revealed a higher and an early abundance of proteins involved in stress tolerance and photosynthesis in Pokkali in comparison with IR64, which, in contrast, showed greater changes in metabolic machinery even during early duration of stress. Our findings suggest important differences in physicochemical and proteome profiles of the two genotypes, which may be the basis of observed stress tolerance in the salt‐tolerant Pokkali.
Knockdown of an inflorescence meristem‐specific cytokinin oxidase – OsCKX2 in rice reduces yield penalty under salinity stress condition
Authors: Joshi Rohit , Sahoo Khirod Kumar , Tripathi Amit Kumar , Kumar Ritesh , Gupta Brijesh Kumar , Pareek Ashwani , Singla‐Pareek Sneh Lata
Published: March 2017

Cytokinins play a significant role in determining grain yield in plants. Cytokinin oxidases catalyse irreversible degradation of cytokinins and hence modulate cellular cytokinin levels. Here, we studied the role of an inflorescence meristem‐specific rice cytokinin oxidase – OsCKX2 – in reducing yield penalty under salinity stress conditions. We utilized an RNAi‐based approach to study the function of OsCKX2 in maintaining grain yield under salinity stress condition. Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐based estimation revealed a significant increase in cytokinins in the inflorescence meristem of OsCKX2‐knockdown plants. To determine if there exists a correlation between OsCKX2 levels and yield under salinity stress condition, we assessed the growth, physiology and grain yield of OsCKX2‐knockdown plants vis‐à‐vis the wild type. OsCKX2‐knockdown plants showed better vegetative growth, higher relative water content and photosynthetic efficiency and reduced electrolyte leakage as compared with the wild type under salinity stress. Importantly, we found a negative correlation between OsCKX2 expression and plant productivity as evident by assessment of agronomical parameters such as panicle branching, filled grains per plant and harvest index both under control and salinity stress conditions. These results suggest that OsCKX2, via controlling cytokinin levels, regulates floral primordial activity modulating rice grain yield under normal as well as abiotic stress conditions.
Histone H2B monoubiquitination regulates salt stress‐induced microtubule depolymerization in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhou Sa , Chen Qiuhong , Sun Yuhui , Li Yingzhang
Published: March 2017

Histone H2B monoubiquitination (H2Bub1) is recognized as a regulatory mechanism that controls a range of cellular processes. We previously showed that H2Bub1 was involved in responses to biotic stress in Arabidopsis. However, the molecular regulatory mechanisms of H2Bub1 in controlling responses to abiotic stress remain limited. Here, we report that HISTONE MONOUBIQUITINATION1 (HUB1) and HUB2 played important regulatory roles in response to salt stress. Phenotypic analysis revealed that H2Bub1 mutants confer decreased tolerance to salt stress. Further analysis showed that H2Bub1 regulated the depolymerization of microtubules (MTs), the expression of PROTEIN TYROSINE PHOSPHATASE1 (PTP1) and MAP KINASE PHOSPHATASE (MKP) genes – DsPTP1, MKP1, IBR5, PHS1, and was required for the activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase3 (MAP kinase3, MPK3) and MPK6 in response to salt stress. Moreover, both tyrosine phosphorylation and the activation of MPK3 and MPK6 affected MT stability in salt stress response. Thus, the results indicate that H2Bub1 regulates salt stress‐induced MT depolymerization, and the PTP–MPK3/6 signalling module is responsible for integrating signalling pathways that regulate MT stability, which is critical for plant salt stress tolerance.
Populations of Ceratocystis fimbriata on Colocasia esculenta and other hosts in the Mata Atlântica region in Brazil
Authors: Oliveira L. S. S. , Harrington T. C. , Ferreira M. A. , Freitas R. G. , Alfenas A. C.
Published: March 2017

Ceratocystis fimbriata is native to Brazil, where it is able to cause serious diseases on numerous hosts, especially on non‐native plants. Because C. fimbriata is soilborne and not wind dispersed, highly differentiated populations are found in different regions of Brazil. The present study compared populations of C. fimbriata on taro, mango, eucalyptus and kiwifruit from the coastal Mata Atlântica region with native populations of the fungus from the Cerrado‐transition region in Brazil by using 14 SSR markers and DNA sequences of ITS and mating type genes. Microsatellite and phylogenetic analyses were performed to test the hypothesis that populations on different hosts from the Mata Atlântica region are related to each other and are native to the region. The ITS sequences varied greatly among the taro isolates, with six sequences identified, from which two had not been previously reported. For mating type genes, four sequences were identified among the isolates on taro, mango, eucalyptus and kiwifruit. Phylogenetic analyses showed that Mata Atlântica populations formed a monophyletic group distinct from Cerrado‐transition region populations, although earlier studies had shown that isolates from the two regions are interfertile and are considered as a single biological species. Microsatellite analysis revealed low gene diversity for each of the three Mata Atlântica populations on taro, mango and kiwifruit, suggesting that these populations had gone through genetic bottlenecks, probably by dispersal of select genotypes in vegetative propagation material. Also, microsatellite markers showed that two microsatellite genotypes from taro are widely spread in Brazil, probably by infected corms.
An update on the regulation of photosynthesis by thylakoid ion channels and transporters in Arabidopsis
Authors: Spetea Cornelia , Herdean Andrei , Allorent Guillaume , Carraretto Luca , Finazzi Giovanni , Szabo Ildikò
Published: March 2017

In natural, variable environments, plants rapidly adjust photosynthesis for optimal balance between light absorption and utilization. There is increasing evidence suggesting that ion fluxes across the chloroplast thylakoid membrane play an important role in this regulation by affecting the proton motive force and consequently photosynthesis and thylakoid membrane ultrastructure. This article presents an update on the thylakoid ion channels and transporters characterized in Arabidopsis thaliana as being involved in these processes, as well as an outlook at the evolutionary conservation of their functions in other photosynthetic organisms. This is a contribution to shed light on the thylakoid network of ion fluxes and how they help plants to adjust photosynthesis in variable light environments.
Intentionality in frontal asymmetry research
Authors: Hewig Johannes
Published: March 2017

The present article provides a theoretical viewpoint on several aspects in frontal asymmetry research. Based on a brief overview of evidence related to an approach‐avoidance perspective and the relation to BIS‐BAS models on frontal asymmetry I propose that intentionality is valuable to understanding frontal asymmetry. In particular, I argue that defining arguments and previous experimental research often focused on a phase of human action that may be denoted as a volitional phase, which is linked to intentions. Further, I argue that intentions are accompanied by an affective‐motivational component that I denote as the strength of an intention. Finally, I suggest that the lack of this kind of intentional strength might be an interesting concept in trying to explain certain subtypes of depression.
A comparative study of the effects of intramuscular administration of gonadorelin, mating and intrauterine infusion of either raw seminal plasma or seminal plasma purified β‐NGF on luteal development in llamas
Authors: Silva M , Urra F , Ulloa‐Leal C , Ratto MH
Published: March 2017

Contents

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the intramuscular administration of 50 μg of gonadorelin acetate versus natural mating, intrauterine infusion (i.u.) of a physiological relevant dose of either raw llama seminal plasma (SP) or purified beta‐nerve growth factor from seminal origin (spβ‐NGF) on ovulation rate and corpus luteum (CL) development and function in llamas. Females with a follicle (≥8 mm) were assigned to groups: (i) i.m. administration of 50 μg of gonadorelin acetate (GnRH; positive control; n = 4); (ii) single mating (mating; n = 6); (iii) i.u. infusion of 4 ml of llama SP (SP; n = 4); or (iv) i.u. infusion of 10 mg of spβ‐NGF contained in 4 ml of PBS (phosphate‐buffered saline) (spβ‐NGF; n = 6). Ovaries were examined by power Doppler ultrasonography at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hr after treatment to determine preovulatory follicle vascularization area (VA), and additionally every 12 hr until Day 2 (Day of treatment = Day 0) to determine ovulation. Afterwards, ovaries were examined every other day until Day 8 to evaluate CL diameter and VA. Blood samples were collected on Days 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 to determine plasma progesterone (P4) concentration. Ovulation rate did not differ (p = .7) among groups, but treatment affected (p < .0001) preovulatory follicle VA. Neither treatment administration nor treatment by time interaction affected (p ≥ .4) CL diameter, VA and plasma P4 concentration. Mating tended (p = .08) to increase CL VA when compared to the seminal plasma group by Day 8. Intrauterine administration of seminal plasma or spβ‐NGF does not increase CL size and function when compared to i.m. GnRH treatment, suggesting that the administration route of spβ‐NGF influences its luteotrophic effect in llamas.
Evaluation of the Consequences of a Cistern Truck Accident While Transporting Dangerous Substances through a Tunnel
Authors: Malecha Ziemowit M. , Poliski Jarosaw , Chorowski Maciej
Published: March 2017

The transportation of dangerous substances by truck carriers harbors important safety issues in both road and mine tunnels. Even though traffic conditions in road and mine tunnels are different, the potential geometric and hydrodynamic similarities can lead to similar effects from the uncontrolled leakage of the dangerous material. This work was motivated by the design study of the LAGUNA‐LBNO (Large Apparatus studying Grand Unification and Neutrino Astrophysics and Long Baseline Neutrino Oscillations) project. The considered neutrino detector requires a huge amount of liquid argon, which must be transported down the tunnel. The present work focuses on the estimation of the most credible incident and the resulting consequences in the case of a truck accident in the tunnel. The approach and tools used in the present work are generic and can be adapted to other similar situations.
Statistical Inference for Expectile‐based Risk Measures
Authors: Krätschmer Volker , Zähle Henryk
Published: March 2017

Expectiles were introduced by Newey and Powell in 1987 in the context of linear regression models. Recently, Bellini et al. revealed that expectiles can also be seen as reasonable law‐invariant risk measures. In this article, we show that the corresponding statistical functionals are continuous w.r.t. the 1‐weak topology and suitably functionally differentiable. By means of these regularity results, we can derive several properties such as consistency, asymptotic normality, bootstrap consistency and qualitative robustness of the corresponding estimators in nonparametric and parametric statistical models.
Understanding Environmental Risk Perceptions: A Case of Contested Illness in South Florida
Authors: Jacobson Ginger , Adams Alison E.
Published: March 2017

Communities facing environmental health threats can experience contention when residents have conflicting interpretations of risks; yet little is known about the social–psychological processes that contribute to divergent risk perceptions in these cases. Drawing on previous work on environmental contamination, contested illness, and literature on risk perceptions, we offer a framework for analyzing how residents assess potential environmental risks. Using the case of The Acreage, Florida, we examine a community where a cancer cluster has been established, but an environmental cause has not been determined. Specifically, we ask how residents individually assess risks concerning possible environmental contamination in cases of contested illness. Data come from 57 in‐depth interviews conducted with current and former residents of The Acreage. We argue that residents utilized particular cognitive heuristics to develop understandings and assessments of the situation. However, when these assessments contradicted those of other residents, community conflict emerged. We conclude by discussing how the framework utilized in our analysis can be applied in future research of contaminated communities.
Reflexivity in Meadow Mari: Binding and Agree
Authors: Volkova Anna
Published: March 2017

According to the Canonical Binding Theory (Chomsky 1981), anaphors must be bound in their local domain and pronominals must be free. The discovery of “long‐distance anaphors” (e.g. Thrainsson 1976, Giorgi 1984), which violate the locality condition, induced the search for independent criteria. Giorgi (1984:310) proposed a widely adopted criterion: “pronouns can have split antecedents and anaphors cannot”. Recent minimalist binding theories derive this property of anaphors from the way a dependency on the antecedent is established which makes it intrinsic to binding. However, this leads to an important problem, since some languages have elements that i) may be locally bound and, hence, look like anaphors; yet ii) allow split antecedents which is a property of pronouns (e.g. Japanese and Korean, Katada 1991, Kasai 2000). In this paper I analyze the data of another such language, namely Meadow Mari (Uralic), and show that such facts require a modular approach to binding (see Reuland 2011). I further argue that here the left periphery contains the relevant factor.
The biosynthesis of nitrous oxide in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Plouviez Maxence , Wheeler David , Shilton Andy , Packer Michael A. , McLenachan Patricia A. , Sanz‐Luque Emanuel , Ocaña‐Calahorro Francisco , Fernández Emilio , Guieysse Benoit
Published: March 2017

Over the last decades, several studies have reported emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) from microalgal cultures and aquatic ecosystems characterized by a high level of algal activity (e.g. eutrophic lakes). As N2O is a potent greenhouse gas and an ozone‐depleting pollutant, these findings suggest that large‐scale cultivation of microalgae (and possibly, natural eutrophic ecosystems) could have a significant environmental impact. Using the model unicellular microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, this study was conducted to investigate the molecular basis of microalgal N2O synthesis. We report that C. reinhardtii supplied with nitrite (NO2−) under aerobic conditions can reduce NO2− into nitric oxide (NO) using either a mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase (COX) or a dual enzymatic system of nitrate reductase (NR) and amidoxime‐reducing component, and that NO is subsequently reduced into N2O by the enzyme NO reductase (NOR). Based on experimental evidence and published literature, we hypothesize that when nitrate (NO3−) is the main Nitrogen source and the intracellular concentration of NO2− is low (i.e. under physiological conditions), microalgal N2O synthesis involves the reduction of NO3− to NO2− by NR followed by the reduction of NO2− to NO by the dual system involving NR. This microalgal N2O pathway has broad implications for environmental science and algal biology because the pathway of NO3− assimilation is conserved among microalgae, and because its regulation may involve NO.
Serum eye drops: a survey of international production methods
Authors: Marks D. C. , van der Meer P. F. ,   the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative
Published: March 2017

Background

Serum eye drops (SEDs) are used to treat dry eye syndrome and non‐healing corneal lesions when other treatments fail. Despite many clinical studies demonstrating the efficacy of both autologous and allogeneic SEDs, there is no internationally harmonized method for producing SEDs.

Materials and Methods

A 40‐question survey requesting information regarding donor selection, blood collection and processing, infectious disease screening, shelf life and regulatory requirements for the production of autologous and allogeneic SEDs was developed by the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion Collaborative. Survey data were collected into a database via a secure web interface and then downloaded into Excel for further analysis.

Results

A total of 55 responses were received, with 21 responses from centres indicating they produce SEDs. Based on the responses, collection and processing practices differ widely, according to the size of the centre making the SEDs, and their ability to collect, process and test the blood.

Conclusion

Despite divergences in the methods for producing SEDs, the end result is a small‐volume aliquot of serum that can be administered by a patient at home. If more centres move from producing autologous to allogeneic SEDs, this may provide an opportunity for production methods to become more standardized internationally.
Short‐term effects of arthrotomy with and without infrapatellar fat pad resection on the normal canine stifle
Authors: Fujita Yukihiro , Nakajo Tetsuya , Muto Makoto
Published: March 2017

Objective

To investigate the short‐term effects of infrapatellar fat pad (IFP) resection in normal dogs.

Study design

Experimental in vivo study.

Animals

Five normal adult female beagle dogs.

Methods

The IFP was resected via arthrotomy in the left stifle joint (experimental side) while the right stifle underwent arthrotomy alone (sham side). An orthopedic examination was performed every week for 4 weeks and synovial fluid was analyzed before and 4 weeks after the procedure. The ratio of the length of the patellar ligament to the patellar length (L:P) was calculated on a lateral radiograph of the stifle before, 2 and 4 weeks after the procedure. Patellar depth (PD) and the contact area (CA) between the femur and patella were calculated from computed tomographic images taken at 3 different stifle angles (extended, flexed, hyperflexed) before, immediately after, and 4 weeks following the procedure. The dogs were euthanatized 4 weeks after the procedure for macroscopic and microscopic evaluation of the patellofemoral joint.

Results

No difference was found between treatment groups throughout the study. No evidence of postoperative osteoarthritis was detected in any of the dogs. Orthopedic examinations, radiographs, and synovial fluid analyses remained within normal limits. Most PD, but not CA measurements, increased with time in both joints and at all stifle angles.

Conclusions

Excision of the IFP subsequent to medial arthrotomy did not result in any measurable changes in the canine patellofemoral joint when compared with medial arthrotomy alone after 4 weeks of follow‐up.
Carotid artery bursting pressure and seal time after multiple uses of a vessel sealing device
Authors: Blake Jocelin S. , Trumpatori Brian J. , Mathews Kyle G. , Griffith Emily H.
Published: March 2017

Objective

To determine any loss of function of a single‐use bipolar vessel sealing device after repeated sterilization and use on canine carotid arteries.

Study design

Ex vivo; randomized block design (dog).

Sample population

Carotid artery segments (n = 90) from 15 canine cadavers.

Methods

Six 10‐mm LigaSure Atlas 20 cm devices (Covidien Inc, Minneapolis, Minnesota) were used to seal canine carotid artery segments in one cadaver, then resterilized using ethylene oxide and reused in a second cadaver, and so on, for a total of 15 uses/15 cadavers per LigaSure. Sealing times and bursting pressures of each carotid artery segment after each use were recorded. Charring and sticking at each seal location was qualitatively assessed.

Results

Mean (SD) sealing time for all segments was 5.3 (1.4) seconds, ranging from 2.7 to 9.5 seconds. There was no significant change in sealing time for successive uses (P = .117). The mean (SD) bursting pressure for all segments was 1041.3 (316.7) mm Hg, ranging from 355 to 1555 mm Hg. There was no change in bursting pressure across uses (P = .57). Moderate sticking and charring occurred at each time point but was not subjectively different throughout the study.

Conclusion

The LigaSure Atlas vessel sealing device can be used and resterilized with ethylene oxide up to 15 times with no change in sealing time or bursting pressure of the seal.
General features of inhibition in the inner retina
Authors: Franke Katrin , Baden Tom
Published: March 2017

Visual processing starts in the retina. Within only two synaptic layers, a large number of parallel information channels emerge, each encoding a highly processed feature like edges or the direction of motion. Much of this functional diversity arises in the inner plexiform layer, where inhibitory amacrine cells modulate the excitatory signal of bipolar and ganglion cells. Studies investigating individual amacrine cell circuits like the starburst or A17 circuit have demonstrated that single types can possess specific morphological and functional adaptations to convey a particular function in one or a small number of inner retinal circuits. However, the interconnected and often stereotypical network formed by different types of amacrine cells across the inner plexiform layer prompts that they should be also involved in more general computations. In line with this notion, different recent studies systematically analysing inner retinal signalling at a population level provide evidence that general functions of the ensemble of amacrine cells across types are critical for establishing universal principles of retinal computation like parallel processing or motion anticipation. Combining recent advances in the development of indicators for imaging inhibition with large‐scale morphological and genetic classifications will help to further our understanding of how single amacrine cell circuits act together to help decompose the visual scene into parallel information channels. In this review, we aim to summarise the current state‐of‐the‐art in our understanding of how general features of amacrine cell inhibition lead to general features of computation.

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Topological Synthesis of Epicyclic Gear Trains Using Vertex Incidence Polynomial
Authors: Kamesh Vinjamuri Venkata , Mallikarjuna Rao Kuchibhotla , Srinivasa Rao Annambhotla Balaji
Published: March 2017

Epicyclic gear trains (EGTs) are used in the mechanical energy transmission systems where high velocity ratios are needed in a compact space. It is necessary to eliminate duplicate structures in the initial stages of enumeration. In this paper, a novel and simple method is proposed using a parameter, Vertex Incidence Polynomial (VIP), to synthesize epicyclic gear trains up to six links eliminating all isomorphic gear trains. Each epicyclic gear train is represented as a graph by denoting gear pair with thick line and transfer pair with thin line. All the permissible graphs of epicyclic gear trains from the fundamental principles are generated by the recursive method. Isomorphic graphs are identified by calculating VIP. Another parameter “Rotation Index” (RI) is proposed to detect rotational isomorphism. It is found that there are six nonisomorphic rotation graphs for five-link one degree-of-freedom (1-DOF) and 26 graphs for six-link 1-DOF EGTs from which all the nonisomorphic displacement graphs can be derived by adding the transfer vertices for each combination. The proposed method proved to be successful in clustering all the isomorphic structures into a group, which in turn checked for rotational isomorphism. This method is very easy to understand and allows performing isomorphism test in epicyclic gear trains.
Male and Female Cervical Spine Biomechanics and Anatomy: Implication for Scaling Injury Criteria
Authors: Yoganandan Narayan , Bass Cameron R. , Voo Liming , Pintar Frank A.
Published: March 2017

There is an increased need to develop female-specific injury criteria and anthropomorphic test devices (dummies) for military and automotive environments, especially as women take occupational roles traditionally reserved for men. Although some exhaustive reviews on the biomechanics and injuries of the human spine have appeared in clinical and bioengineering literatures, focus has been largely ignored on the difference between male and female cervical spine responses and characteristics. Current neck injury criteria for automotive dummies for assessing crashworthiness and occupant safety are obtained from animal and human cadaver experiments, computational modeling, and human volunteer studies. They are also used in the military. Since the average human female spines are smaller than average male spines, metrics specific to the female population may be derived using simple geometric scaling, based on the assumption that male and female spines are geometrically scalable. However, as described in this technical brief, studies have shown that the biomechanical responses between males and females do not obey strict geometric similitude. Anatomical differences in terms of the structural component geometry are also different between the two cervical spines. Postural, physiological, and motion responses under automotive scenarios are also different. This technical brief, focused on such nonuniform differences, underscores the need to conduct female spine-specific evaluations/experiments to derive injury criteria for this important group of the population.
Electrochemical Performance Optimization of Li2NixFe1−xSiO4 Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Shenouda Atef Y. , Sanad M. M. S.
Published: March 2017

Li2NixFe1−xSiO4 (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1) samples were prepared by sol–gel process. The crystal structure of prepared samples of Li2NixFe1−xSiO4 was characterized by XRD. The different crystallographic parameters such as crystallite size and lattice cell parameters have been calculated. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) investigations were carried out explaining the morphology and function groups of the synthesized samples. Furthermore, electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) measurements are applied. The obtained results indicated that the highest conductivity is achieved for Li2Ni0.4Fe0.6SiO4 electrode compound. It was observed that Li/Li2Ni0.4Fe0.6SiO4 battery has initial discharge capacity of 164 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C rate. The cycle life performance of all Li2NixFe1−xSiO4 batteries was ranged between 100 and 156 mAh g−1 with coulombic efficiency range between 70.9% and 93.9%.
Impact From Fly Ash as Additive to Concrete on the Radiation Exposure in Dwellings
Authors: de With Govert
Published: March 2017

Fly ash is widely used as a supplementary cementitious material in the production of cement and concrete, and improves durability and strength of the concrete. However, as for all materials of mineral origin, fly ash is a source for natural radioactivity; hence, its need for responsible use. The aim of this study is to investigate the radiation impact from fly ash as an additive to concrete compared against concrete without fly ash. For this purpose, eight concrete mixtures are experimentally tested, followed by a computation of the radiation dose when used as bulk material in building constructions. The results demonstrate an increase in the total radiation dose from around 0.8 mSv with no fly ash up to 0.92 mSv when fly ash is used. The increase mostly comes from external radiation, while the radon exhalation factor is reduced and sometimes even reduces the radon dose despite the higher radium content. The work has demonstrated that the impact from fly ash on the radiation exposure is limited when applied as a supplementary cementitious material. At the same time, fly ash provides real benefits to the quality and durability of the concrete. For this reason, exemption strategies for such applications should be developed.
Exploring the perceived harshness of cello sounds by morphing and synthesis techniques
Authors: Rozé Jocelyn , Aramaki Mitsuko , Kronland-Martinet Richard , Ystad Sølvi
Published: March 2017

Cello bowing requires a very fine control of the musicians' gestures to ensure the quality of the perceived sound. When the interaction between the bow hair and the string is optimal, the sound is perceived as broad and round. On the other hand, when the gestural control becomes more approximate, the sound quality deteriorates and often becomes harsh, shrill, and quavering. In this study, such a timbre degradation, often described by French cellists as harshness (décharnement), is investigated from both signal and perceptual perspectives. Harsh sounds were obtained from experienced cellists subjected to a postural constraint. A signal approach based on Gabor masks enabled us to capture the main dissimilarities between round and harsh sounds. Two complementary methods perceptually validated these signal features: First, a predictive regression model of the perceived harshness was built from sound continua obtained by a morphing technique. Next, the signal structures identified by the model were validated within a perceptual timbre space, obtained by multidimensional scaling analysis on pairs of synthesized stimuli controlled in harshness. The results revealed that the perceived harshness was due to a combination between a more chaotic harmonic behavior, a formantic emergence, and a weaker attack slope.
Neuromuscular Fatigue After Repeated Jumping With Concomitant Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Neyroud Daria , Samararatne Jimmy , Kayser Bengt , Place Nicolas
Published: March 2017

Purpose: To evaluate the etiology and extent of neuromuscular fatigue induced by 50 squat jumps performed with and without neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of the knee extensors. Methods: Nine healthy, recreationally active men (24 ± 2 y) took part in 2 experiments. These consisted of 50 squat jumps performed with stimulation (NMES) or without (CON). Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) force, maximal voluntary activation level (VAL), and forces evoked by single and double (10 and 100 Hz) stimulations were recorded before and after the 50 jumps. NMES was delivered at the maximal tolerated intensity. Results: Despite average jump height being ∼16% lower in the NMES than in the CON session, a reduction over time in jump height was only found in the NMES condition (−6%). After the 50 jumps, MVC force was reduced to a greater extent in NMES than in CON (−25% ± 11% vs −11% ± 12%). Similarly, forces evoked by single stimulations, as well as by 10-Hz and 100-Hz paired stimulations, were reduced to a greater extent in NMES (−33% ± 12%, −42% ± 15%, and −25% ± 13%) than in CON (−21% ± 6%, −30% ± 9%, and −14% ± 11%). VAL was not significantly altered by either condition. Conclusion: Performing repeated squat jumps with concomitant NMES induced a greater fatigue than squat jumps performed alone and might potentially represent a stronger training stimulus.
Effects of Bout Duration on Players’ Internal and External Loads During Small-Sided Games in Young Soccer Players
Authors: Köklü Yusuf , Alemdaroğlu Utku , Cihan Hamit , Wong Del P.
Published: March 2017

Purpose: To investigate the effects of different bout durations on internal and external loads of young soccer players during different small-sided games (SSGs). Methods: Fifteen young male soccer players (average age 17 ± 1 y) participated in 2 vs 2, 3 vs 3, and 4 vs 4 SSGs. All games lasted 12 min playing time in total, but each SSG format further consisted of 4 bout durations: continuous (CON: 1 bout × 12 min) or interval with short (SBD: 6 bouts  × 2 min), medium (MBD: 3 bouts × 4 min), or long (LBD: 2 bouts × 6 min) bout durations. During the SSGs, heart-rate (HR) responses and distance covered in different speed zones (walking and low-intensity, moderate-intensity, and high-intensity running) were measured. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and blood lactate (La−) were determined at the end of each SSG. Results: The SBD format elicited significantly lower %HRmax responses compared to LBD and CON in all formats (P < .05). The SBD format also showed significantly shorter distances covered in walking and greater distances covered in moderate-intensity running, as well as significantly greater total distance covered compared to LBD and CON in all formats (P < .05). In addition, LBD produced significantly lower La− and RPE responses than SBD and CON in all formats (P < .05). Conclusions: These results suggest that coaches and sport scientists who want to achieve higher internal loads could use SBD and CON timing protocols, while those who want to achieve higher external loads might prefer to use SBD and MBD when planning all SSG formats.
The Association Between Physical Activity With Cognitive Function and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in People With Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Khalil Hanan , Alomari Mahmoud A. , Khabour Omar , Al-Hieshan Aya , Bajwa Jawad A.
Published: March 2017

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of physical capacity on the relationship of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with cognitive function in people with PD. For this study, serum BDNF levels were measured in 29 PD participants and 30 healthy controls. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) scale. Physical capacity was evaluated using the 6-min walk distance (6-MWD). Participants were categorized into low or high physical capacity group according to their 50th percentile 6-MWD. It was found that MOCA total score correlated with serum BDNF level (r = .44, P = .012) in the entire PD sample. This correlation remained significant only in the low physical capacity group (r = .62; P = .03) but not in the high physical capacity group (r = .31; P = .22). It was concluded that the relationship of BDNF with cognitive function might be dependent on physical capacity. The results are preliminary, thus future studies are needed to confirm these findings.
How Visual and Motor Experience Shapes the Development of Infants’ Perception of Actions Performed by Social Partners
Authors: Gredebäck Gustaf
Published: March 2017

This review focuses on three different processes: action priming, action prediction, and outcome evaluation. Together, these processes form a foundation for social perception early in life. Priming and prediction is argued to be separable processes with different degrees of plasticity, based in part on unique neural structures. These two future-oriented processes are assumed to operate in a sequential manner. A third set of processes, outcome evaluations, follows the completion of observed events and compare the actual events with the assumptions postulated by the preceding future-oriented processes. Together, these processes are argued to provide good grounds for learning via internal models that detect error signals that arise from the potential mismatch between priming and prediction and actual events as they unfold in the external world and use this information to update the accuracy of future-oriented processes.
Targeted Functional Movement Retraining to Improve Pain, Function, and Biomechanics in Subjects With Anterior Knee Pain: A Case Series
Authors: Leibbrandt Dominique C. , Louw Quinette A.
Published: March 2017

Context: Anterior knee pain (AKP) is a common condition, especially in a young active population. The clinical presentations of this condition vary considerably, and therefore, an individualized approach to treatment is needed. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess the effect of a novel targeted biomechanical intervention on subjects with AKP. Design: A case series was conducted on 8 participants with AKP. Setting: The study was conducted at the Tygerberg Motion Analysis Laboratory and Tygerberg Physiotherapy Clinic in Cape Town, South Africa. Participants: Eight subjects (5 females and 3 males) diagnosed with AKP were included in this case series. Intervention: Participants received a 6-week subject-specific functional movement retraining intervention. Main Outcome Measures: Three-dimensional hip, knee, and ankle kinematics were used for analysis for each participant preintervention and postintervention. Pain was measured weekly using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Two functional scales (Lower-Extremity Functional Scale and Anterior Knee Pain Scale) were used to assess pain and function the preintervention and postintervention. Results: All 8 subjects demonstrated improved pain levels (Numeric Pain Rating Scale) and functional outcomes (Anterior Knee Pain Scale and Lower-Extremity Functional Scale). Seven of the 8 participants (87.7%) demonstrated improvements in their main biomechanical outcome. Conclusion: A subject-specific functional movement retraining intervention may be successful in the treatment of subjects with AKP presenting with biomechanical risk factors. Research on a larger sample is required to further investigate this approach.
Intersession Reliability of Isokinetic Strength Testing in Knee and Elbow Extension and Flexion Using the BTE PrimusRS
Authors: Törpel Alexander , Becker Tim , Thiers Angelina , Hamacher Dennis , Schega Lutz
Published: March 2017

Context:The use of isokinetic dynamometers playing an important role in different settings of sports and medicine. Therefore, a high reliability of these devices is required. Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the intersession reliability of the dynamometer BTE PrimusRS regarding to the isolated single-joint exercises extension/flexion of the knee and elbow for isokinetic testing. Design: Intersession reliability. Setting: Clinical settings and sports science. Participants: 16 young male students. Intervention: The testing protocol includes 5 consecutive repetitions (concentric/concentric) at a velocity of 60°/s for the exercises. Main Outcome Measures: Raw data of torque curves were used to determine the peak torque. Reliability was evaluated with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the limits of agreement (LoA), and the bias and the variability of measurements (V). Results: High ICC values (.954-.991) were found for the used exercises. However, the LoAs yielded up to over 16 Nm and the V yielded up to nearly 9 % in several testing exercises, indicating poor absolute reliability. Conclusion: The BTE PrimusRS shows good to excellent reliability. However, regarding the absolute measures of reliability, the users must decide as experts in their fields whether this reliability is sufficient for their purposes.
Adolescent Changes in Aerobic Fitness Are Related to Changes in Academic Achievement
Authors: Raine Lauren B. , Biggan John R. , Baym Carol L. , Saliba Brian J. , Cohen Neal J. , Hillman Charles H.
Published: March 2017

There is a growing trend of decreasing physical fitness among adolescents, which may result not only in poorer physical health, but also in poorer academic achievement. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in aerobic fitness and academic achievement in reading and mathematics during middle school. Methods: This study employed a prospective, longitudinal cross-sectional design. Fifty-two adolescents were followed from sixth grade through eighth grade. In the spring, sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-grade students completed Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run tests measuring aerobic fitness. In addition, students also completed Illinois Standards Achievement Test academic achievement tests in reading and mathematics. Results: Changes in aerobic fitness between sixth and eighth grade were positively related to changes in academic achievement in both reading and mathematics between sixth and eighth grade. Conclusion: These data suggest that changes in aerobic fitness may modulate changes in academic achievement. These findings highlight the importance of physical activity and have broad relevance for educational systems and policies.
The Role of Exercise in Prevention and Treatment of Osteopenia of Prematurity: An Update
Authors: Eliakim Alon , Litmanovitz Ita , Nemet Dan
Published: March 2017

Premature infants have an increased risk of osteopenia due to limited bone mass accretion in utero and a greater need for bone nutrients. Until recently, most efforts to prevent osteopenia of prematurity focused on nutritional changes. Recent studies indicate that passive range-of-motion exercise of the extremities may lead to beneficial effects on body weight, increased bone mineralization, increased bone formation markers and leptin levels, and attenuation of the natural postnatal decline in bone speed of sound. These results suggest that exercise may play an important role in the prevention and treatment of osteopenia of prematurity. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of osteopenia of prematurity.
Complex multifault rupture during the 2016
M
w
7.8 Kaikōura earthquake, New Zealand
Authors: Hamling Ian J. , Hreinsdóttir Sigrún , Clark Kate , Elliott John , Liang Cunren , Fielding Eric , Litchfield Nicola , Villamor Pilar , Wallace Laura , Wright Tim J. , D’Anastasio Elisabetta , Bannister Stephen , Burbidge David , Denys Paul , Gentle Paula , Howarth Jamie , Mueller Christof , Palmer Neville , Pearson Chris , Power William , Barnes Philip , Barrell David J. A. , Van Dissen Russ , Langridge Robert , Little Tim , Nicol Andrew , Pettinga Jarg , Rowland Julie , Stirling Mark
Published: March 2017

An earthquake with a dozen faults

The 2016 moment magnitude (
M
w
) 7.8 Kaikōura earthquake was one of the largest ever to hit New Zealand. Hamling
et al.
show with a new slip model that it was an incredibly complex event. Unlike most earthquakes, multiple faults ruptured to generate the ground shaking. A remarkable 12 faults ruptured overall, with the rupture jumping between faults located up to 15 km away from each other. The earthquake should motivate rethinking of certain seismic hazard models, which do not presently allow for this unusual complex rupture pattern.

Science
, this issue p.
eaam7194
Draft Genome Sequence of Tannerella forsythia Clinical Isolate 9610
Authors: Hanson-Drury Sesha , To Thao T. , Liu Quanhui , Vo Anh T. , Kim Michelle , Watling Michael , Bumgarner Roger S. , McLean Jeffrey S.
Published: March 2017

We present here the draft genome sequence of
Tannerella forsythia
9610, a clinical isolate obtained from a periodontitis patient. The genome is composed of 79 scaffolds with 82 contigs, for a length of 3,201,941 bp and a G+C of 47.3%.
Draft Genome Sequence of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Strain PA07 Biovar
ovis
, Isolated from a Sheep Udder in Amazonia
Authors: Araújo Fabrício Almeida , Marques Joana Montezano , de Moura Vitória Almeida Gonçalves , Schneider Maria Paula Cruz , Andrade Soraya Silva , Lima Alyne Cristina Sodré , Guimarães Luis Carlos , Folador Adriana Ribeiro Carneiro , Silva Artur , Ramos Rommel T. J.
Published: March 2017

In this work, we present the draft genome sequence of
Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis
strain PA07 biovar
ovis
, isolated from a caseous secretion from a sheep udder in Pará, Brazil. The genome contains 2,320,235 bp, 52.2% G+C content, 2,191 coding sequences (CDSs), five pseudogenes, 48 tRNAs, and three rRNAs.
Complete Coding Sequence of Usutu Virus Strain Gracula religiosa/U1609393/Belgium/2016 Obtained from the Brain Tissue of an Infected Captive Common Hill Myna (
Gracula religiosa
)
Authors: Van Borm Steven , Lambrecht Bénédicte , Vandenbussche Frank , Steensels Mieke
Published: March 2017

The complete and annotated coding sequence and partial noncoding sequence of an Usutu virus genome were sequenced from RNA extracted from a clinical brain tissue sample obtained from a common hill myna (
Gracula religiosa
), demonstrating close homology with Usutu viruses circulating in Europe.
Draft Genome Sequence of Chromobacterium aquaticum CC-SEYA-1, a Nonpigmented Member of the Genus
Chromobacterium
Authors: Soby Scott D.
Published: March 2017

Chromobacterium aquaticum
CC-SEYA-1
T
, isolated from a spring in Taiwan, shares many characteristics with other members of the genus but also contains auxin biosynthesis genes and does not produce the pigment violacein.
Chromobacterium
sp. 49, isolated from Brazil, is identified here as
C. aquaticum
, indicating that this is a cosmopolitan species.
Draft Genome Sequence of Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp.
pneumoniae
ATCC 9621
Authors: Poehlein Anja , Najdenski Hristo , Simeonova Diliana D.
Published: March 2017

We present here the 5.561-Mbp assembled draft genome sequence of
Klebsiella pneumoniae
subsp.
pneumoniae
ATCC 9621, a phosphite- and organophosphonate-assimilating Gammaproteobacterium. The genome harbors 5,179 predicted protein-coding genes.
Risk of tuberculosis in patients treated with TNF-α antagonists: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Fan Wei , Yang Gui , Xu Zhigao , Wang June , Cheng Qingyuan , Yu Mingxia
Published: March 2017

Objectives

An increased risk of tuberculosis (TB) has been reported in patients treated with TNF-α antagonists, an issue that has been highlighted in a WHO black box warning. This review aimed to assess the risk of TB in patients undergoing TNF-α antagonists treatment.

Methods

A systematic literature search for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was performed in MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane library and studies selected for inclusion according to predefined criteria. ORs with 95% CIs were calculated using the random-effect model. Subgroup analyses considered the effects of drug type, disease and TB endemicity. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

29 RCTs involving 11 879 patients were included (14 for infliximab, 9 for adalimumab, 2 for golimumab, 1 for etanercept and 3 for certolizumab pegol). Of 7912 patients allocated to TNF-α antagonists, 45 (0.57%) developed TB, while only 3 cases occurred in 3967 patients allocated to control groups, resulting in an OR of 1.94 (95% CI 1.10 to 3.44, p=0.02). Subgroup analyses indicated that patients of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had a higher increased risk of TB when treated with TNF-α antagonists (OR 2.29 (1.09 to 4.78), p=0.03). The level of the evidence was recommended as ‘low’ by the GRADE system.

Conclusions

Findings from our meta-analysis indicate that the risk of TB may be significantly increased in patients treated with TNF-α antagonists. However, further studies are needed to reveal the biological mechanism of the increased TB risk caused by TNF-α antagonists treatment.