bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of DIC Spatial Resolution, Noise and Interpolation Error on Identification Results with the VFM
Authors: Rossi M. , Lava P. , Pierron F. , Debruyne D. , Sasso M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe use of experimental tests that involve full‐field measurements to characterize mechanical material properties is becoming more widespread within the engineering community. In particular digital image correlation (DIC) on white light speckles is one of the most used tools, thanks to the relatively low cost of the equipment and the availability of dedicated software. Nonetheless the impact of measurement errors on the identified parameters is still not completely understood. To this purpose, in this paper, a simulator able to numerically simulate an experimental test, which involves DIC is presented. The chosen test is the Unnotched Iosipescu test used to identify the orthotropic elastic parameters of composites. Synthetic images are generated and then analysed by DIC. Eventually the obtained strain maps are used to identify the elastic parameters with the Virtual Fields Method (VFM). The numerical errors propagating through the simulation procedure are carefully characterized. Besides, the simulator is used to compare the performances of DIC and the grid method in the identification process with the VFM. Finally, the influence of DIC settings on the identification error is studied as a function of the camera digital noise level, in order to find the best testing configuration.
A novel missense mutation nt737T>G of JK gene with Jk(a−b−) phenotype in Chinese blood donors
Authors: Ma L. , Liu Y. C. , Zhu S. W. , Hu W. J. , Chen X. , Xue M. , Zhen L. , Wu M. H. , Liu Y. , Sun J. 
Published: March 2015

SUMMARYObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of the JK‐null phenotype in the Chinese population.BackgroundThe Jk(a−b−) phenotype is vanishingly rare and the molecular basis differs between ethnic groups. The information regarding the molecular basis of JK‐null alleles in the Chinese population is limited.Materials and methodsThree unrelated Jk(a−b−) phenotype donors were selected from 52 260 randomly blood samples through the urea lysis test and serological analysis. The JK gene‐coding regions were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and the products were sequenced directly.ResultsSequencing results revealed that one sample of JK*B alleles carried the well‐known Polynesian Jk(a−b−) mutation IVS5‐1g>a. Another null allele, also on the JK*B background, presented with two heterozygous missense mutation, including nt222C>A(Asn74Lys) in exon 5 and nt896G>A(Gly299Glu) in exon 9. The third null allele carried two heterozygous missense mutations, nt222C>A and a novel allele nt737T>G(Leu246Arg) in exon 8. The family investigation revealed that the proband was JK*A(737T>G)/JK*B(222C>A).ConclusionThe Jk(a−b−) phenotype in the Chinese population shows several different molecular mechanisms. A novel missense mutation nt737T>G of JK gene was found as associated with Jk(a−b−) phenotype.
Preparation of red blood cell concentrates and plasma units from whole blood held overnight using a hollow‐fibre separation system
Authors: Johnson L. , Kwok M. , Marks D. C. 
Published: March 2015

SUMMARYBackgroundThe ErySep system represents an alternative to centrifuge‐based whole blood (WB) separation, using gravity and filtration through hollow‐fibres (0·2 µm pore size) to produce red blood cell (RBC) and plasma components. The aim of this study was to characterise the quality of ErySep RBC and plasma units compared with standard products from WB held overnight.Methods/MaterialsTwo ABO‐compatible WB units (n = 24) were pooled and split to produce matched products. One of the WB units was separated into components using the ErySep system (ErySep; n = 12), whereas the other units were separated by centrifugation (control; n = 12). RBC units were stored at 2–6 °C and assessed for in vitro quality over 42 days of storage. Plasma was frozen at −30 °C and tested upon thawing.ResultsProcessing WB with the ErySep system took longer than controls. The ErySep RBC units were of an appropriate volume (307 ± 17 mL) and contained sufficient Hb (50 ± 2 g unit−1). ErySep RBC components contained more microparticles relative to controls at expiry. The plasma volume, total protein, coagulation factor activity (fibrinogen, FV, FVIII) and number of microparticles was lower in the ErySep units compared with controls.ConclusionFollowing overnight hold of WB, the ErySep system was capable of producing RBC components that met specifications. However, the ErySep plasma components did not meet quality specifications.
Novelty and Inductive Generalization in Human Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Gershman Samuel J. , Niv Yael 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn reinforcement learning (RL), a decision maker searching for the most rewarding option is often faced with the question: What is the value of an option that has never been tried before? One way to frame this question is as an inductive problem: How can I generalize my previous experience with one set of options to a novel option? We show how hierarchical Bayesian inference can be used to solve this problem, and we describe an equivalence between the Bayesian model and temporal difference learning algorithms that have been proposed as models of RL in humans and animals. According to our view, the search for the best option is guided by abstract knowledge about the relationships between different options in an environment, resulting in greater search efficiency compared to traditional RL algorithms previously applied to human cognition. In two behavioral experiments, we test several predictions of our model, providing evidence that humans learn and exploit structured inductive knowledge to make predictions about novel options. In light of this model, we suggest a new interpretation of dopaminergic responses to novelty.
Highly specific gene silencing in a monocot species by artificial microRNAs derived from chimeric miRNA precursors
Authors: Carbonell Alberto , Fahlgren Noah , Mitchell Skyler , Cox Kevin L. , Reilly Kevin C. , Mockler Todd C. , Carrington James C. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryArtificial microRNAs (amiRNAs) are used for selective gene silencing in plants. However, current methods to produce amiRNA constructs for silencing transcripts in monocot species are not suitable for simple, cost‐effective and large‐scale synthesis. Here, a series of expression vectors based on Oryza sativa MIR390 (OsMIR390) precursor was developed for high‐throughput cloning and high expression of amiRNAs in monocots. Four different amiRNA sequences designed to target specifically endogenous genes and expressed from OsMIR390‐based vectors were validated in transgenic Brachypodium distachyon plants. Surprisingly, amiRNAs accumulated to higher levels and were processed more accurately when expressed from chimeric OsMIR390‐based precursors that include distal stem–loop sequences from Arabidopsis thaliana MIR390a (AtMIR390a). In all cases, transgenic plants displayed the predicted phenotypes induced by target gene repression, and accumulated high levels of amiRNAs and low levels of the corresponding target transcripts. Genome‐wide transcriptome profiling combined with 5′‐RLM‐RACE analysis in transgenic plants confirmed that amiRNAs were highly specific.
Financial implications of RHD genotyping of pregnant women with a serologic weak D phenotype
Authors: Kacker Seema , Vassallo Ralph , Keller Margaret A. , Westhoff Connie M. , Frick Kevin D. , Sandler S. Gerald , Tobian Aaron A.R. 
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUNDHemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, classically caused by maternal–fetal incompatibility of the Rh blood group D antigen, can be prevented by RhIG prophylaxis. While prophylactic practices for pregnant women with serologic weak D phenotypes vary widely, RHD genotyping could provide clear guidance for management. This analysis evaluated the financial implications of using RHD genotyping to guide RhIG prophylaxis among pregnant females.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA Markov‐based model was constructed to evaluate the costs of RHD genotyping for pregnant females with serologic weak D phenotypes to inform RhIG prophylaxis. Using a comparison strategy of managing these women conservatively as D–, direct medical costs were assessed over 10‐ and 20‐year periods for a simulated population of US women. One‐way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were used to assess the robustness of conclusions.RESULTSUsing base‐case variables, RHD genotyping for pregnant women with serologic weak D phenotypes is expected to marginally reduce overall costs. RHD genotyping these patients, rather than conservatively managing them as D–, would be cost‐saving when the cost of genotyping is below $256. Genotyping would decrease net costs among non‐Hispanic Caucasian females (–$0.17/pregnancy), but would increase costs among non‐Hispanic African Americans (+$0.51/pregnancy), non‐Hispanic American Indian/Alaskans (+$0.10/pregnancy), and Hispanics (+$0.37/pregnancy). Incorporating RHD genotyping would not significantly impact costs among Asians and Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders.CONCLUSIONSUsing RHD genotyping to guide RhIG prophylaxis among pregnant women with serologic weak D phenotypes may be clinically beneficial without increasing overall costs.
Extensive functional analyses of RHD splice site variants: Insights into the potential role of splicing in the physiology of Rh
Authors: Fichou Yann , Gehannin Pierre , Corre Manon , Le Guern Alice , Le Maréchal Cédric , Le Gac Gérald , Férec Claude 
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUNDAmong more than 300 mutated alleles identified so far within the RHD gene, almost 40 are assumed to alter cellular splicing and therefore may have a direct effect on Rh phenotype both at the quantitative and at the qualitative levels. Functional data are, however, mostly unavailable to assess the direct involvement of splicing defect in the underlying physiology.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe generated plasmid constructs to carry out an exhaustive investigation of 38 RHD variants located within or in the vicinity of exon–intron junctions by a minigene splicing assay, further characterized the transcript structures by sequencing, and identified cryptic sites activated by the genetic defect. Bioinformatics predictions were carried out in parallel and compared with the functional data.RESULTSFor the first time we demonstrate that a product including the full‐length Exon 9 is transcribed in the presence of the c.1227G>A substitution frequently carried by Asians with DEL phenotype and confirmed that splicing is altered in the RHD*weak D Type 2 allele, a rare variant most commonly found in Caucasians.CONCLUSIONOverall we 1) show significant correlation between functional analyses, bioinformatics predictions, and phenotypes, when available, especially for variants in close proximity of the consensus splice sites; 2) classify the variations as splicing or nonsplicing variants; and 3) provide functional data to further improve bioinformatics splicing tools. Conversely assessment of seven silent exonic variants was mainly inconclusive.
Remittances and the Changing Composition of Migration
Authors: Le Goff Maëlan , Salomone Sara 
Published: March 2015

AbstractRemittances are seen as a sustainable source of funding for developing countries. During recent decades, the level of remittances has increased dramatically, and the recent financial crisis has scarcely affected the trend. In the same period, the structure of international migration flows has changed. These flows are now characterised by a growing feminisation and by increasing skill levels. In this paper, we establish a link between these two facts and assess the effect of the change in the structure of migration on the level of remittances. We use a recent data set on bilateral remittances and estimate a gravity model in which the gender and education background of migration flows are accounted for. We find that remittances are positively associated with the share of female and college‐educated migrants. In particular, we argue that the rising share of college‐educated women has had a significant impact on the increase in remittances.
Review: Lymphocytes, cytokines, chemokines and the T‐helper 1–T‐helper 2 balance in canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: Pucheu‐Haston Cherie M. , Bizikova Petra , Marsella Rosanna , Santoro Domenico , Nuttall Tim , Eisenschenk Melissa N. C. 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundThe development of atopic dermatitis (AD) and other cutaneous hypersensitivities involves the activation and differentiation of allergen‐specific lymphocytes. Although hypersensitivity is often considered to be a ‘T‐helper 2‐polarized’ lymphocyte response, recent evidence suggests that clinical disease is associated with the development of multiple lymphocyte phenotypes.ObjectivesThe purpose of this paper is to review recent advances in the understanding of the roles of lymphocytes, cytokines and noncytokine factors in the pathogenesis of canine AD.MethodsCitation databases, abstracts and proceedings from international meetings published between 2001 and 2013 were reviewed in this update. Where necessary, older articles were included for background information.ResultsThe development of canine AD is associated with changes in both cutaneous and circulating lymphocyte populations. These lymphocyte responses are characterized by the production of a complex variety of cytokines, including not only T‐helper 2 but also T‐helper 1, T‐helper 17 and regulatory T‐cell responses. In addition, microarray gene expression analysis has enabled the identification of a number of noncytokine factors that appear to be associated with atopic inflammation. These include the calcium‐binding protein S100A8, serum amyloid A and a number of protease inhibitors, as well as genes involved in epidermal barrier formation, innate immunity receptors, cell cycle proteins and apoptosis.ConclusionsThe development of AD in dogs is characterized by the development of a delicate balance between a variety of T‐cell phenotypes and inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines and noncytokine factors.
Bartonellae are Prevalent and Diverse in Costa Rican Bats and Bat Flies
Authors: Judson S. D. , Frank H. K. , Hadly E. A. 
Published: March 2015

SummarySpecies in the bacterial genus,Bartonella, can cause disease in both humans and animals. Previous reports ofBartonellain bats and ectoparasitic bat flies suggest that bats could serve as mammalian hosts and bat flies as arthropod vectors. We compared the prevalence and genetic similarity of bartonellae in individual Costa Rican bats and their bat flies using molecular and sequencing methods targeting the citrate synthase gene (gltA). Bartonellae were more prevalent in bat flies than in bats, and genetic variants were sometimes, but not always, shared between bats and their bat flies. The detected bartonellae genetic variants were diverse, and some were similar to species known to cause disease in humans and other mammals. The high prevalence and sharing of bartonellae in bat flies and bats support a role for bat flies as a potential vector forBartonella, while the genetic diversity and similarity to known species suggest that bartonellae could spill over into humans and animals sharing the landscape.
Impact of LPL gene rs283 polymorphism on exercise‐induced changes in metabolism of obese adolescents and the regulatory mechanisms behind it
Authors: Gao Rui‐Rui , Wang Min , Hu Yang , Xu Chun‐Yan , Li Yan‐Chun , Zhang Ze‐Ya , Chen Si‐Yun , Mao Xiao‐Yun 
Published: March 2015

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
We investigated whether the LPL gene rs283 polymorphism affects exercise‐induced changes in body composition and lipid and glucose metabolism in obese adolescents and whether it is functional.

What is the main finding and its importance?
Chinese obese adolescents of Han nationality with the GG genotype of the rs283 polymorphism were more sensitive to exercise‐induced reduction of the body fat percentage, insulin resistance and plasma triglyceride levels. The G allele can significantly increase reporter gene expression level, which may be the molecular reason for the difference in exercise‐induced parameter changes among obese adolescents.The aim of this investigation was to explore the association between the rs283 polymorphism located in the lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene and exercise‐induced changes in body composition and lipid and glucose metabolism in obese adolescents and to probe into the molecular regulatory mechanisms. Fifty‐five obese adolescents of Han nationality underwent aerobic training for 4 weeks. Body composition and lipid and glucose metabolic parameters were tested before and after the training. The rs283 polymorphism was genotyped by PCR–restriction fragment length polymorphism, and association analysis with the weight‐reducing effect was performed. The regulatory mechanisms of the rs283 polymorphism were explored through the dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Exercise‐induced change rates were as follows: the change in body fat percentage of GG genotype groups was 3.37 ± 1.60, significantly higher than that of GA genotype groups (2.09 ± 1.53, P < 0.01); the change in the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance was 0.52 ± 0.13, obviously higher than that of GA genotype groups (0.44 ± 0.10, P < 0.05); and the change in triglyceride was 51.91 ± 6.56, much higher than that of GA genotype groups (47.06 ± 5.36, P < 0.01). The relative luciferase activity of the reporter gene in recombinant vector carrying the G allele was 2.67 ± 0.22, markedly higher than that in recombinant vector carrying the A allele (1.63 ± 0.03, P < 0.01). Chinese obese adolescents of Han nationality with GG genotype of the rs283 polymorphism were more sensitive to exercise‐induced parameter changes. The G allele can improve reporter gene expression level, indicating the effects of rs283 on gene expression.
Correction Factors for Photocell Sprint Timing With Flying Start
Authors: Haugen Thomas , Tønnessen Espen , Seiler Stephen 
Published: March 2015

Purpose:A review of published studies monitoring sprint performance reveals considerable variation in start distance behind the initial timing gate. The aim of the current study was to generate correction factors across varying flying-start distances used in sprint testing with photocells.Methods:Forty-four well-trained junior soccer players (age 18.2 ± 1.0 y, height 175 ± 8 cm, body mass 68.4 ± 8.9 kg) performed sprint testing on an indoor sprint track. They were allocated to 3 groups based on sprintperformance level. Times for 10- and 200-m sprint with foot placement ranging from 0.5 to 15 m back from the initial timing gate were recorded twice for each athlete.Results:Correction-factor equation coefficients were generated for each of the 3 analyzed groups derived from the phase-decay equation y = (y0 − PL) × exp(−k × x) + PL, where y = time difference (0.5-m flying start as reference), x = flying-start distance, y0 is the y value when time is zero, PL (plateau) is the y value at infinite times, and k is the rate constant, expressed in reciprocal of the x-axis time units; if x is in seconds, then k is expressed in inverse seconds. R2 was ≥.998 across all athlete groups and sprint distances, demonstrating excellent goodness of fit. Within-group time differences were significant (P < .05) across all flying-start distance checkpoints for all groups. Between-groups time-saving differences up to 0.04 s were observed between the fastest and the slowest groups (P < .05).Conclusions:Small changes in flying-start distances can cause time differences larger than the typical gains made from specific training, or even the difference between the fastest and slowest elite team-sport athletes. The presented correction factors should facilitate more meaningful comparisons of published sprint-performance results.
Different Muscle-Recruitment Strategies Among Elite Breaststrokers
Authors: Guignard Brice , Olstad Bjørn H. , Escobar David Simbaña , Lauer Jessy , Kjendlie Per-Ludvik , Rouard Annie H. 
Published: March 2015

Purpose:To investigate electromyographical (EMG) profiles characterizing the lower-limb flexion-extension in an aquatic environment in high-level breaststrokers.Methods:The 2-dimensional breaststroke kick of 1 international- and 2 national-level female swimmers was analyzed during 2 maximal 25-m swims. The activities of biceps femoris, rectus femoris, gastrocnemius, and tibialis anterior were recorded.Results:The breaststroke kick was divided in 3 phases, according to the movements performed in the sagittal plane: push phase (PP) covering 27% of the total kick duration, glide phase (GP) 41%, and recovery phase (RP) 32%. Intrasubject reproducibility of the EMG and kinematics was observed from 1 stroke cycle to another. In addition, important intersubject kinematic reproducibility was noted, whereas muscle activities discriminated the subjects: The explosive Pp was characterized by important muscle-activation peaks. During the recovery, muscles were likewise solicited for swimmers 1 (S1) and 2 (S2), while the lowest activities were observed during GP for S2 and swimmer 3 (S3), but not for S1, who maintained major muscle solicitations.Conclusions:The main muscle activities were observed during PP to perform powerful lower-limb extension. The most-skilled swimmer (S1) was the only 1 to solicit her muscles during GP to actively reach better streamlining. Important activation peaks during RP correspond to the limbs acting against water drag. Such differences in EMG strategies among an elite group highlight the importance of considering the muscle parameters used to effectively control the intensity of activation among the phases for a more efficient breaststroke kick.
The Effect of Target Position on the Accuracy of Cervical-Spine-Rotation Active Joint-Position Sense
Authors: Nagai Takashi , Clark Nicholas C. , Abt John P. , Sell Timothy C. , Heebner Nicholas R. , Smalley Brian W. , Wirt Michael D. , Lephart Scott M. 
Published: March 2015

Context:The cervical spine can be divided into upper and lower units, each making a different contribution to the magnitude of rotation and proprioception. However, few studies have examined the effect of the cervical-rotation positions on proprioception.Objective:To compare cervical-spine rotation active joint-position sense (AJPS) near midrange of motion (mid-ROM; 30°) and near end-ROM (60°).Design:Cross-sectional study.Setting:Human performance research laboratory.Participants:53 military helicopter pilots (age 28.4 ± 6.2 y, height 175.3 ± 9.3 cm, weight 80.1 ± 11.8 kg).Main Outcome Measures:A motion-analysis system was used to record cervical-rotation kinematics. Subjects sat in a chair wearing a headband and blindfold. First, they actively rotated the head right or left to a target position (30°/60°), with real-time verbal cues provided by the tester. Subjects held the target position for 5 s and then returned to the start position. After this, they replicated the target position as closely as possible. Five trials were performed in both directions to both target positions (R30/R60/L30/L60). Order of direction/position was randomized. The difference between target and replicated positions was calculated and defined as absolute error (AE), and the mean of 5 trials was used for analyses. Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests were used to compare AJPS at the different target positions (P < .0125 with Bonferroni adjustments).Results:End-ROM AEs were significantly more accurate than mid-ROM AEs (P = .001).Conclusion:Cervical-spine-rotation AJPS is more accurate near end-ROM than mid-ROM. Both target positions should be used to examine cervical-spine-rotation AJPS of both the upper and lower units.