bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic RSA: Examining parasympathetic regulatory dynamics via vector‐autoregressive modeling of time‐varying RSA and heart period
Authors: Fisher Aaron J. , Reeves Jonathan W. , Chi Cyrus 
Published: April 2016

AbstractExpanding on recently published methods, the current study presents an approach to estimating the dynamic, regulatory effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on heart period on a moment‐to‐moment basis. We estimated second‐to‐second variation in respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) in order to estimate the contemporaneous and time‐lagged relationships among RSA, interbeat interval (IBI), and respiration rate via vector autoregression. Moreover, we modeled these relationships at lags of 1 s to 10 s, in order to evaluate the optimal latency for estimating dynamic RSA effects. The IBI (t) on RSA (t‐n) regression parameter was extracted from individual models as an operationalization of the regulatory effect of RSA on IBI—referred to as dynamic RSA (dRSA). Dynamic RSA positively correlated with standard averages of heart rate and negatively correlated with standard averages of RSA. We propose that dRSA reflects the active downregulation of heart period by the parasympathetic nervous system and thus represents a novel metric that provides incremental validity in the measurement of autonomic cardiac control—specifically, a method by which parasympathetic regulatory effects can be measured in process.
Technology Transfer and North–South
Authors: Davies Martin 
Published: April 2016

AbstractCostless technology transfer is a standard assumption in the international trade literature, however, by some estimates the average technology transfer cost is nearly 20% of total project costs. This analysis examines the conditions under which the advanced country gains when the transfer of technology from the advanced North to the less advanced South incurs resource costs. Results are derived for the effect on production, wages, prices and welfare of lower transmission and absorption costs, and productivity and population shocks. The framework is extended to examine the implications of an improvement in the enforcement of international intellectual property rights.
Aeolian dune sediment flux variability over an annual cycle of wind
Authors: Swanson Travis , Mohrig David , Kocurek Gary 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAeolian dune motion is thought to be driven by an annual cycle of sediment‐transporting wind events. Each wind event drives uneven motion of dune crestlines, yet dune crestlines align as a trend to an annual cycle of wind. Understanding the variability in dune motion over such a cycle aids the interpretation of aeolian cross‐stratification, often available only in the limiting exposure of core and outcrop. Digital elevation models obtained by light detection and ranging are used to estimate dune brink motion and sediment flux along the sinuous crestlines of crescentic dunes at White Sands gypsum dune field (south‐central New Mexico, USA) over an annual cycle of wind. In tandem, meteorological observations over the same annual cycle are used to drive a kinematic model of dune crestline motion. Wind‐driven kinematic modelling does well to predict the mean and overall variation in sediment flux with compass direction. Digital elevation model‐based estimations of brink motion and sediment flux reveal that dune motion and sediment flux very nearly follow a circular normal distribution. Dunes at White Sands were found to achieve steady mean values of lee surface dip direction, brink motion and sediment flux within a sample window the size of approximately six dunes of average crestline length. Due to the symmetrical distribution of dune motion about the average lee surface dip direction, uneven motion of dune crestlines averages to become motion of dune crestlines normal to a trend, as predicted by wind‐driven kinematic models.
Intimate Violence against Rural Women: The Current and Future State of Feminist Empirical and Theoretical Contributions
Authors: Hall‐Sanchez Amanda 
Published: April 2016

AbstractRural crime in general ranks among the least studied social problems in the social sciences; however, a growing body of research shows that rural woman abuse is a major problem. The current state of progressive critical feminist social scientific knowledge enhances an empirical and theoretical understanding of intimate violence against rural women. Revealing the complexities of rural women's experiences and struggles with violent relationships reconstitutes violence against women as a public crisis that requires continued serious attention with regard research, theory, and policy. Three primary objectives of this article are as follows: (i) briefly review recent feminist social scientific literature on research, methodology, and theoretical contributions on violence against women in rural areas, (ii) suggest new directions in researching and theorizing rural women's experiences with intimate violence, and (iii) offer creative practical and policy solutions towards a broad vision of social change.
Subjectivity in Feminist Science and Technology Studies: Implications and Applications for Sociological Research
Authors: Schnabel Landon , Breitwieser Lindsey , Hawbaker Amelia 
Published: April 2016

AbstractFeminist science and technology studies calls the researcher to reconsider subjectivity in three ways. First, who or what has subjectivity? Second, is subjectivity a property of an individual being with sentience, or is it a more diffuse process? Third, who or what acts in meaningful ways to impact social relations (and are thus worthy of sociological study)? According to feminist STS, the conferral of subjectivity has been nationalized, racialized, and sexualized, and the influence of non‐human life and non‐living matter has been underemphasized. We suggest that sociological research could benefit from a more expansive understanding of subjectivity and a more interactive (or “entangled”) notion of social–material relations. Human relations and action need not just be considered in the context of the human and social but can also be considered in relation to the non‐human and material. To make the implications of feminist STS more concrete, we offer specific applications of feminist STS methodologies across a range of sociological methods and topics.
Transitioning to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics: A Mixed Methods Study of Elementary Teachers’ Experiences and Perspectives
Authors: Swars Susan Lee , Chestnutt Cliff 
Published: April 2016

This mixed methods study explored elementary teachers’ (n = 73) experiences with and perspectives on the recently implemented Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS‐Mathematics) at a high‐needs, urban school. Analysis of the survey, questionnaire, and interview data reveals the findings cluster around: familiarity with and preparation to use the standards; implementation of the standards, including incorporation and teacher change; and tensions associated with enactment of the standards. Notably, the teachers believed in the merit of the standards but were constrained by their inadequate content knowledge, limited aligned curricular resources, lack of student readiness, and a perceived mismatch with ELLs. The results illuminate the professional needs of teachers during this critical time of transition to the standards and also add to the scant research on this national‐scale reform in mathematics education.This article features a Research to Practice Companion Article. Please click on the supporting information link below to access.
Blood removal therapy in hereditary hemochromatosis induces a stress response resulting in improved genome integrity
Authors: Distante Sonia , Eikeland Joakim , Pawar Tina , Skinnes Ragnhild , Høie Kari , You Panpan , Mørkrid Lars , Eide Lars 
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUNDHereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is a common disease of iron metabolism, manifesting with iron overload and affecting up to 1% of individuals of northern European descent. Untreated HH can result in irreversible damage of the liver and pancreas, potentially leading to cancer and diabetes. Therapy consists of normalizing iron stores by repeated blood donations (phlebotomy). Treated HH patients have normal survival rates and report less tiredness after phlebotomy; however, it is not understood why musculoskeletal symptoms may persist in spite of iron removal. We hypothesize that phlebotomy therapy does not simply reverse iron accumulation but has additional effects at the subcellular level. In particular, the systemic impact of phlebotomy on mitochondria and genome integrity is largely unknown.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe effects of phlebotomy therapy on mitochondrial iron proteins and genome integrity were investigated in peripheral blood mononuclear blood cells from HH patients.RESULTSAfter the reduction of systemic iron load in these patients with phlebotomy, we observed increased expression of mitochondrial superoxide dismutase, reduced iron sulfur assembly protein (Iscu1/2), and improved genome integrity.CONCLUSIONWe conclude that phlebotomy therapy in HH does not merely restore systemic iron homeostasis, but induces an “oxidative stress” defense response that manifests as improved genome integrity. These findings provide novel insights into an ancient therapy.
The effects of sulforaphane on canine osteosarcoma proliferation and invasion
Authors: Rizzo V. L. , Levine C. B. , Wakshlag J. J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractRecent evidence in in vitro and in vivo models suggests that sulforaphane (SFN), found in raw cruciferous vegetables, may have utility in chemoprevention, as an antineoplastic agent and as a free radical scavenger. The effects of SFN alone or with doxorubicin on cell viability were examined, as well as cell cycle kinetics, invasion capabilities and apoptosis in three canine osteosarcoma cell line (D17, OS 2.4 and HMPOS). Results showed that SFN could not induce cell death at potentially physiological concentrations (<50 μM), but significantly diminished cell invasion and downregulation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling. Modest cell cycle changes were observed in each cell line. When doxorubicin was used in conjunction with SFN, there was a protective effect to doxorubicin‐induced cytotoxicity in D17 and OS 2.4 cells. Further studies examining SFN as a supplement are warranted, particularly in light of pro‐proliferative and cytoprotective properties in canine osteosarcoma.
Residential water demand analysis of a Low‐Income Rate Assistance Program in California, United States
Authors: Lee Juneseok 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis paper presents a statistical analysis of residential water demand in a Low‐Income Rate Assistance (LIRA) Program. A comparison of 10 years of monthly household level water use data (2002–2011) for LIRA versus non‐LIRA customers revealed significant differences in water use patterns in four of the five study cities. In addition, seasonal index (averages summer versus winter water use) were investigated for LIRA versus non‐LIRA. There was a statistically significant difference for some cities; however, the level of difference was not large enough to conclusively demonstrate an outstanding difference between the two groups. Finally, the peaking factor approach coupled with the statistical modelling of demand elaborated in this paper will provide a more realistic way of representing residential water demand variations in system performance assessment/evaluations.
Skeletal Muscle Function in Young Patients With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Stein Lothar , Pacht Constanze , Junge Sibylle , Kaeding Tobias S. , Kück Momme , Maassen Norbert , Wittke Torge , Shushakov Vladimir 
Published: April 2016

Purpose:Defects in the gene encoding the cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) cause CF. Absence of the CFTR may result in skeletal muscle dysfunction. Here, we tested skeletal muscle function in male adolescent patients with CF.Methods:Ten CF and 10 control participants (age: 16.8 ± 0.6 years) performed 7 repetitive sets of maximum voluntary contractions (MVCs) and underwent an isometric fatigue test of the knee extensors. Electromyography (EMG) activity was recorded from the m. vastus lateralis (VL) and m. vastus medialis (VM).Results:In CF, the MVC torque was lower and correlated with the predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (r = .73, p = .012, n = 10). The M-wave in the VL was shorter in CF than in controls (18.6 ± 0.5 vs. 20.3 ± 0.5 ms, p < .028). In the VM, both the M-wave (4.96 ± 0.61 vs. 7.97 ± 0.60 mV, p = .001) and the EMG (0.29 ± 0.04 vs. 0.47 ± 0.04 mV, p = .004) amplitudes were smaller in CF.Conclusion:The differences in the VL and VM EMG signals between the groups indicate that the lower MVC torque in CF did not result from the direct impact of a CFTR defect on the sarcolemmal excitability; the differences more likely resulted from the less developed musculature in the patients with CF.
Adaptation of the Resistance Training Skills Battery for Use in Children Across the Motor Proficiency Spectrum
Authors: Bebich-Philip Marc Daniel , Thornton Ashleigh Lorenz , Reid Siobhan L. , Wright Kemi E. , Furzer Bonnie J. 
Published: April 2016

Purpose:The study aim was to adapt the Resistance Training Skills Battery for use in children and assess its interrater and intrarater reliability. The RTSBc provides an assessment of resistance training (RT) skill competency and an indication of readiness to perform RT. The RTSBc includes 6 basic RT skills. Scoring for individual RT skills is based on the number of performance criteria correctly demonstrated and a gross resistance training skills quotient for children (RTSQc) is calculated by summing the individual skill scores.Methods:Twenty participants (mean age = 8.2 ± 1.8 years) were assessed while performing the RTSBc on 2 occasions. The 3 raters completing the assessments had varying levels of movement analysis and RT experience and received training in how to appraise RT skill competency using the RTSBc.Results:Interrater reliability for the 3 raters was very good for the RTSQc (ICC = 0.92) and individual RT skills (ICC range = 0.82–0.94). Intrarater reliability of the live rater was also very good for the RTSQc (ICC = 0.97) and individual RT skills (ICC range = 0.87–0.95).Conclusion:This study has demonstrated the interrater and intrarater reliability of the RTSBc for children with varying levels of motor proficiency. The RTSBc can be used reliably within and between-raters to assess the RT skill competency of children.
Enzymes Enhance Biofilm Removal Efficiency of Cleaners
Authors: Stiefel Philipp , Mauerhofer Stefan , Schneider Jana , Maniura-Weber Katharina , Rosenberg Urs , Ren Qun 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Efficient removal of biofilms from medical devices is a big challenge in health care to avoid hospital-acquired infections, especially from delicate devices like flexible endoscopes, which cannot be reprocessed using harsh chemicals or high temperatures. Therefore, milder solutions such as enzymatic cleaners have to be used, which need to be carefully developed to ensure efficacious performance.
In vitro
biofilm in a 96-well-plate system was used to select and optimize the formulation of novel enzymatic cleaners. Removal of the biofilm was quantified by crystal violet staining, while the disinfecting properties were evaluated by a BacTiter-Glo assay. The biofilm removal efficacy of the selected cleaner was further tested by using European standard (EN) for endoscope cleaning EN ISO 15883, and removal of artificial blood soil was investigated by treating TOSI (Test Object Surgical Instrument) cleaning indicators. Using the process described here, a novel enzymatic endoscope cleaner was developed, which removed 95% of
Staphylococcus aureus
and 90% of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
biofilms in the 96-well plate system. With a >99% reduction of CFU and a >90% reduction of extracellular polymeric substances, this cleaner enabled subsequent complete disinfection and fulfilled acceptance criteria of EN ISO 15883. Furthermore, it efficiently removed blood soil and significantly outperformed comparable commercial products. The cleaning performance was stable even after storage of the cleaner for 6 months. It was demonstrated that incorporation of appropriate enzymes into the cleaner enhanced performance significantly.
Linking Murine and Human Plasmodium falciparum Challenge Models in a Translational Path for Antimalarial Drug Development
Authors: McCarthy James S. , Marquart Louise , Sekuloski Silvana , Trenholme Katharine , Elliott Suzanne , Griffin Paul , Rockett Rebecca , O'Rourke Peter , Sloots Theo , Angulo-Barturen Iñigo , Ferrer Santiago , Jiménez-Díaz María Belén , Martínez María-Santos , van Huijsduijnen Rob Hooft , Duparc Stephan , Leroy Didier , Wells Timothy N. C. , Baker Mark , Möhrle Jörg J. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Effective progression of candidate antimalarials is dependent on optimal dosing in clinical studies, which is determined by a sound understanding of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD). Recently, two important translational models for antimalarials have been developed: the NOD/SCID/IL2Rγ
−/−
(NSG) model, whereby mice are engrafted with noninfected and
Plasmodium falciparum
-infected human erythrocytes, and the induced blood-stage malaria (IBSM) model in human volunteers. The antimalarial mefloquine was used to directly measure the PK/PD in both models, which were compared to previously published trial data for malaria patients. The clinical part was a single-center, controlled study using a blood-stage
Plasmodium falciparum
challenge inoculum in volunteers to characterize the effectiveness of mefloquine against early malaria. The study was conducted in three cohorts (
n =
8 each) using different doses of mefloquine. The characteristic delay in onset of action of about 24 h was seen in both NSG and IBSM systems.
In vivo
50% inhibitory concentrations (IC
50
s) were estimated at 2.0 μg/ml and 1.8 μg/ml in the NSG and IBSM models, respectively, aligning with 1.8 μg/ml reported previously for patients. In the IBSM model, the parasite reduction ratios were 157 and 195 for the 10- and 15-mg/kg doses, within the range of previously reported clinical data for patients but significantly lower than observed in the mouse model. Linking mouse and human challenge models to clinical trial data can accelerate the accrual of critical data on antimalarial drug activity. Such data can guide large clinical trials required for development of urgently needed novel antimalarial combinations. (This trial was registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry [
http://anzctr.org.au
] under registration number ACTRN12612000323820.)
Genetic and Molecular Basis of Kingella kingae Encapsulation
Authors: Starr Kimberly F. , Porsch Eric A. , Seed Patrick C. , St. Geme Joseph W. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Kingella kingae
is a common cause of invasive disease in young children and was recently found to produce a polysaccharide capsule containing
N
-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) and β-3-deoxy-
d
-manno-octulosonic acid (βKdo). Given the role of capsules as important virulence factors and effective vaccine antigens, we set out to determine the genetic determinants of
K. kingae
encapsulation. Using a transposon library and a screen for nonencapsulated mutants, we identified the previously identified
ctrABCD
(ABC transporter) operon, a
lipA
(
kpsC
)-like gene, a
lipB
(
kpsS
)-like gene, and a putative glycosyltransferase gene designated
csaA
(
c
apsule
s
ynthesis type
a
gene
A
). These genes were found to be present at unlinked locations scattered throughout the genome, an atypical genetic arrangement for Gram-negative bacteria that elaborate a capsule dependent on an ABC-type transporter for surface localization. The
csaA
gene product contains a predicted glycosyltransferase domain with structural homology to GalNAc transferases and a predicted capsule synthesis domain with structural homology to Kdo transferases, raising the possibility that this enzyme is responsible for alternately linking GalNAc to βKdo and βKdo to GalNAc. Consistent with this conclusion, mutation of the DXD motif in the GalNAc transferase domain and of the HP motif in the Kdo transferase domain resulted in a loss of encapsulation. Examination of intracellular and surface-associated capsule in deletion mutants and complemented strains further implicated the
lipA
(
kpsC
)-like gene, the
lipB
(
kpsS
)-like gene, and the
csaA
gene in
K. kingae
capsule production. These data define the genetic requirements for encapsulation in
K. kingae
and demonstrate an atypical organization of capsule synthesis, assembly, and export genes.
Laboratory Evolution of Microbial Interactions in Bacterial Biofilms
Authors: Martin Marivic , Hölscher Theresa , Dragoš Anna , Cooper Vaughn S. , Kovács Ákos T. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Microbial adaptation is conspicuous in essentially every environment, but the mechanisms of adaptive evolution are poorly understood. Studying evolution in the laboratory under controlled conditions can be a tractable approach, particularly when new, discernible phenotypes evolve rapidly. This is especially the case in the spatially structured environments of biofilms, which promote the occurrence and stability of new, heritable phenotypes. Further, diversity in biofilms can give rise to nascent social interactions among coexisting mutants and enable the study of the emerging field of sociomicrobiology. Here, we review findings from laboratory evolution experiments with either
Pseudomonas fluorescens
or
Burkholderia cenocepacia
in spatially structured environments that promote biofilm formation. In both systems, ecotypes with overlapping niches evolve and produce competitive or facilitative interactions that lead to novel community attributes, demonstrating the parallelism of adaptive processes captured in the lab.
Comparative Analysis of Cellulophaga algicola and Flavobacterium johnsoniae Gliding Motility
Authors: Zhu Yongtao , McBride Mark J. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Gliding motility is common in members of the phylum
Bacteroidetes
, including
Flavobacterium johnsoniae
and
Cellulophaga algicola.
F. johnsoniae
gliding has been extensively studied and involves rapid movement of the cell surface adhesin SprB. Genetic analysis of
C. algicola
allowed a comparative analysis of gliding. Sixty-three
HimarEm1
-induced mutants that formed nonspreading colonies were characterized. Each had an insertion in an ortholog of an
F. johnsoniae
motility gene, highlighting similarities between the motility systems. Differences were also observed.
C. algicola
lacks orthologs of the
F. johnsoniae
motility genes
gldA
,
gldF
, and
gldG
that are thought to encode the components of an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter. In addition, mutations in any of 12
F. johnsoniae gld
genes result in complete loss of motility, whereas all
C. algicola gld
mutants retained slight residual motility. This may indicate that
C. algicola
has multiple motility systems, that the motility proteins exhibit partial redundancy of function, or that essential components of the motility machinery of both
C. algicola
and
F. johnsoniae
remain to be discovered.

IMPORTANCE
The development of genetic tools for
C. algicola
and comparative analysis of
F. johnsoniae
and
C. algicola
motility mutants identified similarities and differences between their gliding motility machineries. Gliding motility is common in the phylum
Bacteroidetes
. Proteins that are important for gliding in both
C. algicola
and
F. johnsoniae
are potential core components of the
Bacteroidetes
gliding motility machinery.