bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Interdependent Network Design Problem for Optimal Infrastructure System Restoration
Authors: González Andrés D. , Dueñas‐Osorio Leonardo , Sánchez‐Silva Mauricio , Medaglia Andrés L.
Published: December 2015

This study introduces the Interdependent Network Design Problem (INDP), concerned with defining the minimum‐cost reconstruction strategy of a partially destroyed system of infrastructure networks, subject to budget, resources, and operational constraints, while considering interdependencies between them. To solve the INDP, the authors develop an efficient Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) model, which considers different types of interdependency while exploiting efficiencies from joint restoration due to colocation for the first time. The authors also propose heuristic methodologies based on simulation and the iterative use of the INDP model, to enable studying problems with additional complexity, such as accounting for uncertainty from possible disaster scenarios, or determining not only what to reconstruct but the order of reconstruction. Such methodologies enable the analysis of expected costs and performance associated to reconstruction of the system of networks, providing an effective tool for infrastructure decision makers. To exemplify the capabilities of the presented INDP‐based methodologies, the authors study the process of restoration of a set of interdependent networks after hypothetical earthquakes in Shelby County, TN, United States. Results show that the INDP‐based approaches that account for time‐dependent recovery converge to quasi‐optimal solutions in all 16 configurations studied, considering four different resource levels and four different earthquake magnitudes. Similarly, as desired in emergency response scenarios, the rate of performance recovery is high in the early reconstruction stages, recovering more than 85% of performance in the first stage in a worst‐case scenario.
Self‐efficacy beliefs, locus of control, religiosity and non‐adherence to immunosuppressive medications in kidney transplant patients
Authors: Silva Andresa Nascimento , Moratelli Lucas , Tavares Paula Liziero , Marsicano Elisa De Oliveira , Pinhati Renata Romanholi , Colugnati Fernando Antonio Basile , Lucchetti Giancarlo , Sanders‐Pinheiro Helady
Published: December 2015

Aim

Adherence to immunosuppressive medication is essential for favourable kidney transplant outcomes. The present study aims to investigate how self‐efficacy beliefs, health locus of control and religiosity are associated with adherence to immunosuppressives in post kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study with 88 recipients with more than 1 year after transplantation. Three methods were used to classify patients as adherent or non‐adherent: Basel Assessment of Adherence Scale for Immunosuppressives – BAASIS, the collateral report and blood levels of immunosuppressive medications. Self‐efficacy, health locus of control, and religiosity were evaluated applying General Perceived Self‐Efficacy Scale, Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale and Duke University Religion Index, respectively. Non‐adherence was modelled by uni‐ and multivariated analysis.

Results

Sixty‐three percent of the patients were male, age 47.2 ± 12.9 years, and median post‐transplant time 108.71 (49.0–266.0) months. We found 70.5% of patients were non‐adherent through at least one method. Adherent patients presented higher self‐efficacy scores (45.1 ± 4.9 vs 38.3 ± 8.6; P < 0.001) and higher intrinsic religiosity (14.0 ± 1.6 vs. 12.8 ± 2.5; P = 0.016) compared to the non‐adherents. Organizational and non‐organizational religiosity did not differ between these groups. By logistic regression, non‐adherence was associated with lower self‐efficacy (OR 0.81, IC 0.70–0.92, P = 0.002), chance locus of control (OR 1.23, IC 1.04–1.45, P = 0.016) and lower intrinsic religiosity (OR 0.56, IC 0.38–0.84, P = 0.006).

Conclusion

Our study showed that self‐efficacy, chance locus of control, and intrinsic religiosity were associated with non‐adherence to immunosuppressives. A broader perception of the kidney transplant patient´s integrality can help health professionals to design strategies to promote adherence in this population.
Economic Crises, Economic Structure, and State Credit Quality Through‐the‐Cycle
Authors: Moldogaziev Tima T. , Guzman Tatyana
Published: December 2015

The study examines “through‐the‐cycle” stability of S&P and Moody's state credit ratings to national and state level business cycles during 1977–2010. Additionally, the study evaluates the associations between economic concentration and credit quality in a long panel of state credit ratings. The findings suggest that, with other temporal effects held constant, the ratings of S&P and Moody's are not procyclical and are robust to ups and downs in national or state‐specific business cycles. Economic concentration is inversely associated with state credit quality and remains significant for the period of an average business cycle, controlling for national and state economic expansions and contractions.
A Comparison of Financial Indicators: The Case of Detroit
Authors: Stone Samuel B. , Singla Akheil , Comeaux James , Kirschner Charlotte
Published: December 2015

Financial condition analysis is a critical task for public managers, but it is still unclear which indicators are the most salient measures of financial well‐being. The financial health of Detroit, Michigan is unequivocally poor, providing an interesting case to evaluate the financial condition indicators that currently exist. We calculate the key financial indicators using data from Detroit over the last 11 years. We find the indicators fall into three groups: those that show no sign of impending financial crisis, those that show a steady worsening financial condition, and those that demonstrate a substantial change immediately prior to filing bankruptcy.
Fetal growth restriction but not preterm birth is a risk factor for severe hypospadias
Authors: Hashimoto Yukiko , Kawai Masahiko , Nagai Sizuyo , Matsukura Takashi , Niwa Fusako , Hasegawa Takeshi , Heike Toshio
Published: December 2015

Background

Hypospadias has multifactorial causes and occurs at a high frequency among very low‐birthweight infants. Placental insufficiency is hypothesized to be one cause of hypospadias; that is, decreased human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secretion caused by placental insufficiency is suspected to result in abnormal male external genitalia, but there is little direct evidence to support this. The aim of this study was therefore to identify the features of hypospadias and to clarify the male genital abnormalities caused by fetal growth restriction (FGR).

Methods

We reviewed the clinical data of boys who underwent hypospadias repair between 2005 and 2011 at Kyoto University Hospital.

Results

Twenty boys were included in this study. Fifteen (75%) of the subjects were preterm or low‐birthweight infants. Thirteen (65%) had FGR, 60% of whom had severe hypospadias regardless of gestational age. In addition, 92% of the FGR infants also had other genital anomalies, such as cryptorchidism, bifid scrotum, or micropenis. In contrast, only 14% and 43% of the non‐FGR infants had severe hypospadias or genital anomalies other than hypospadias, respectively. Placental histopathology was available in eight FGR infants, in seven of whom it was suggestive of blood flow deficiency such as infarction and single umbilical artery.

Conclusions

Infants with FGR have a high incidence of hypospadias. FGR caused by placental dysfunction, but not low birthweight, is a risk factor for severe hypospadias associated with multiple genital anomalies.
Lung transplantation in IIP: A review
Authors: Brown A. Whitney , Kaya Hatice , Nathan Steven D.
Published: December 2015

The idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIP) encompass a large and diverse subtype of interstitial lung disease (ILD) with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and non‐specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) being the most common types. Although pharmacologic treatments are available for most types of IIP, many patients progress to advanced lung disease and require lung transplantation. Close monitoring with serial functional and radiographic tests for disease progression coupled with early referral for lung transplantation are of great importance in the management of patients with IIP. Both single and bilateral lung transplantation are acceptable procedures for IIP. Procedure selection is a complex decision influenced by multiple factors related to patient, donor and transplant centre. While single lung transplant may reduce waitlist time and mortality, the long‐term outcomes after bilateral lung transplantation may be slightly superior. There are numerous complications following lung transplantation including primary graft dysfunction, chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD), infections, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and airway disease that limit post‐transplant longevity. The median survival after lung transplantation is 4.7 years in patients with ILD, which is less than in patients with other underlying lung diseases. Although long‐term survival is limited, this intervention still conveys a survival benefit and improved quality of life in suitable IIP patients with advanced lung disease and chronic hypoxemic respiratory failure.
Nosocomial Acinetobacter pneumonia: Treatment and prognostic factors in 356 cases
Authors: Özvatan Tülay , Akalın Halis , Sınırtaş Melda , Ocakoğlu Gökhan , Yılmaz Emel , Heper Yasemin , Kelebek Nermin , İşçimen Remzi , Kahveci Ferda
Published: December 2015

Background and objective

Acinetobacter baumannii and A. baumannii/calcoaceticus complex are commonly encountered pathogens in nosocomial infections. This study aimed to evaluate the treatment and prognostic risk factors in nosocomial pneumonia caused by these microorganisms.

Methods

The study was conducted retrospectively in Uludag University Hospital and included 356 adult non‐neutropenic patients with nosocomial pneumonia.

Results

Of the subjects, 94.9% (n = 338) had ventilator‐associated pneumonia. The clinical response rate was 57.2%, the 14‐day mortality 39.6% and the 30‐day mortality 53.1%. The significant independent risk factors for the 30‐day mortality were severe sepsis (OR, 2.60; 95% CI: 1.49–4.56; P = 0.001), septic shock (OR, 6.12; 95% CI: 2.75–13.64; P < 0.001), APACHE II score ≥ 20 (OR, 2.12; 95% CI: 1.28–3.50; P = 0.003) and empiric monotherapy (OR, 1.63; 95% CI: 1.00–2.64; P = 0.048). Multi‐trauma (OR, 2.50; 95% CI: 1.11–5.68; P = 0.028) was found to be a protective factor. In patients with a clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) > 6 on the third day of treatment, both the 14‐ and 30‐day mortality rates were high (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Also, the 14‐ and 30‐day mortality rates were significantly higher in the patients treated with empiric monotherapy compared with combination therapy (48/93 (51.6%)–46/123 (37.4%), P = 0.037 and 62/93 (66.7%)–65/123 (52.8%), P = 0.041, respectively) in pneumonia caused by imipenem‐resistant strains.

Conclusion

Mortality rates were high in pneumonia caused by imipenem‐resistant A. baumannii or A. baumannii/calcoaceticus complex. In the units with a high level of carbapenem resistance, antibiotic combinations should be considered for empiric therapy.
Increased post‐operative cardiopulmonary fitness in gastric bypass patients is explained by weight loss
Authors: Lund M. T. , Hansen M. , Wimmelmann C. L. , Taudorf L. R. , Helge J. W. , Mortensen E. L. , Dela F.
Published: December 2015

Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) leads to a major weight loss in obese patients. However, given that most patients remain obese after the weight loss, regular exercise should be part of a healthier lifestyle. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the cardiopulmonary fitness in obese patients before and after RYGB. Thirty‐four patients had body composition and cardiopulmonary fitness (VO2max) assessed and completed questionnaires regarding physical activity and function twice before RYGB (time points A and B) and 4 and 18 months after surgery (time points C and D). Weight loss was 37 ± 2 kg during the study period. VO2max increased (A: 21 ± 1 vs D: 29 mL/min/kg, P < 0.001), but absolute VO2max decreased (A: 2713 ± 126 vs 2609 ± 187 mL/min, P = 0.02) and VO2max per kilogram fat free mass did not change. Self‐perceived limitations to perform exercise decreased and self‐perceived physical fitness increased after RYGB. Self‐reported low‐ and high‐intensity physical activity did not change. With weight loss, self‐rated fitness level increased and the limitations to perform exercise decreased in RYGB patients. Nevertheless, as shown by the lower absolute VO2max, RYGB patients do not adopt new exercise habits following surgery.
Crime scenes and mystery players! Using driving questions to support the development of statistical literacy
Authors: Leavy Aisling , Hourigan Mairead
Published: December 2015

We argue that the development of statistical literacy is greatly supported by engaging students in carrying out statistical investigations. We describe the use of driving questions and interesting contexts to motivate two statistical investigations. The PPDAC cycle is use as an organizing framework to support the process statistical investigation.
Successful treatment of severe hypokalemia in a dog with acute kidney injury caused by leptospirosis
Authors: Allen Ashley E. , Buckley Gareth J. , Schaer Michael
Published: December 2015

Objective

To report the case management of a patient with severe hypokalemia resulting in cardiopulmonary arrest caused by infection with leptospirosis.

Case Summary

A 3‐year‐old intact female Dachshund presented for polyuria, polydipsia, and refractory hypokalemia, which progressed to flaccid paralysis and cardiorespiratory arrest. Following successful resuscitation, the dog was apneic and managed with mechanical ventilation while volume status and electrolytes were corrected. The dog showed rapid improvement allowing for weaning from the ventilator within the first day. The dog was identified as having leptospirosis causing severe kaliuresis (fractional excretion of potassium 31%). Following discharge from hospital, the dog was managed with doxycycline, oral potassium supplementation, and spironolactone and made a full clinical recovery.

New or Unique Information Provided

This report identifies an unusually severe presentation of leptospirosis in a dog from a region where the disease is not considered common, which was successfully treated despite cardiopulmonary arrest on initial presentation.
Stem cell‐derived astrocytes: are they physiologically credible?
Authors: Hill Eric , Nagel David , Parri Rheinallt , Coleman Michael
Published: December 2015

Astrocytes are now increasingly acknowledged as having fundamental and sophisticated roles in brain function and dysfunction. Unravelling the complex mechanisms that underlie human brain astrocyte–neuron interactions is therefore an essential step on the way to understanding how the brain operates. Insights into astrocyte function to date have almost exclusively been derived from studies conducted using murine or rodent models. Whilst these have led to significant discoveries, preliminary work with human astrocytes has revealed a hitherto unknown range of astrocyte types with potentially greater functional complexity and increased neuronal interaction with respect to animal astrocytes. It is becoming apparent, therefore, that many important functions of astrocytes will only be discovered by direct physiological interrogation of human astrocytes. Recent advancements in the field of stem cell biology have provided a source of human‐based models. These will provide a platform to facilitate our understanding of normal astrocyte functions as well as their role in CNS pathology. A number of recent studies have demonstrated that stem cell‐derived astrocytes exhibit a range of properties, suggesting that they may be functionally equivalent to their in vivo counterparts. Further validation against in vivo models will ultimately confirm the future utility of these stem cell‐based approaches in fulfilling the need for human‐based cellular models for basic and clinical research. In this review we discuss the roles of astrocytes in the brain and highlight the extent to which human stem cell‐derived astrocytes have demonstrated functional activities that are equivalent to those observed in vivo.

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Changes in sarcomere length during isometric tension development in frog skeletal muscle
Authors: Cleworth D. R. , Edman K. A. P.
Published: December 2015

1. Changes in sarcomere length during isometric contraction of isolated semitendinosus muscle fibres from the frog were studied using laser diffraction techniques. Movements of the first‐order diffraction line relative to the zero‐order reference were recorded from a screen on continuously moving film. Sarcomere length changes of 50 Å could be resolved in this way.

2. Following a latent period of approximately 12 msec after the stimulus of a single skeletal muscle fibre at 1–2° C, there appeared to be a simultaneous onset of tension development and sarcomere shortening. Provided that the fibre was uniformly excited along its length, different regions shortened together by approximately the same amount. The extent of the shortening was a function of the total compliance of the tendons and tension measuring device.

3. During the plateau of a smooth tetanus no fluctuations of first‐order line width or zero‐ to first‐order line spacing were detectable at any point examined along the preparation. This finding provides evidence that, in a functionally intact fibre, no synchronous oscillations of the sarcomeres, at least no length changes exceeding 50 Å, occur during a fused tetanus. Furthermore, the fact that the first‐order line did not increase in width as the preparation went from rest to full activity indicates that contraction proceeds without appreciable change in distribution of sarcomere lengths.

4. The sarcomere movements during relaxation differed along the length of the fibre. As the tension declined smoothly, sarcomeres in some parts of the fibre underwent further shortening, while the end sarcomeres near the tendons and in one or two regions in the middle segment of the fibre were further extended. These data indicate that the duration of the mechanical activity differs in different regions along the length of the fibre. The pattern of relaxation, i.e. the behaviour of the sarcomeres in different fibre segments, is unique to any particular fibre.
The geometrical factors determining the electrotonic properties of a molluscan neurone
Authors: Mirolli Maurizio , Talbott Susan R. , Mirolli Maurizio
Published: December 2015

1. Light and electron micrographs of sections of the gastro‐oesophageal giant neurone (G cell) of the nudibranch mollusc, Anisodoris nobilis, show that its somatic and axonal membranes are deeply infolded. The surface and volume of its soma and axon have been calculated from measurements taken at the light and electron microscope on sections of the G cell.

2. The surface of the soma is approximately 7·5 times as large as that of a sphere having the same volume. For a typical cell the soma has a volume of 1·5 × 10−5 cm3 and a surface of 2 × 10−2 cm2; the axon has a volume of 5 × 10−5 cm3 and a surface of 5 × 10−1 cm2.

3. Because the axon is star shaped in cross‐section, its geometry cannot be described by a single parameter (diameter or radius). Furthermore, the axon is beaded, and both the area (A) and the perimeter (P) of its cross‐section change from point to point.

4. However, in spite of the apparent irregularity of their cross‐sections, all axons examined could be characterized by a constant A/P ratio. This ratio also remains constant when the axons are stretched.

5. According to the equations derived in the Appendix, the geometrical factor for the length constant in a folded fibre is H = √(A/P); therefore, in the G cell the length constant (and hence the conduction velocity) should be independent of the stretch applied to the axon.

6. The geometrical factor required to calculate the axonal input conductance is M = √(A.P). M changes in adjacent segments of the same axon; in each segment its value depends on how much the axon is stretched.

7. The input conductance of the whole axon can be calculated by applying a modified form of Rall's equations for dendritic trees. The results suggest that the input conductance of the G cell axon should vary with stretch and should be large in comparison to that of the soma.
The binding of labelled tetrodotoxin to non‐myelinated nerve fibres
Authors: Colquhoun D. , Henderson R. , Ritchie J. M.
Published: December 2015

1. Tritiated tetrodotoxin has been prepared and purified, and its binding to rabbit, lobster, and garfish non‐myelinated nerve fibres examined.

2. In each case a component of the binding curve was found that saturated at concentrations of a few nanomolar.

3. In addition, non‐specific binding, indicated by a linear dependence of the amount bound on concentration, occurred.

4. The kinetics of wash‐in and wash‐out of the radioactive toxin were consistent with a model in which all binding was rapid and reversible and in which diffusion into and out of the nerve bundle was rate‐limiting. This was shown by numerical solution of the appropriate non‐linear diffusion equation. An extension of the limited biophase model that allows for non‐specific binding was shown to give good semiquantitative approximations to the proper diffusion equation; and (unlike the latter) the extension was shown to have a relatively simple solution.

5. A number of pharmacological agents were tested for competition with, or perturbation of, tetrodotoxin binding: sodium, calcium and hydrogen ions, lidocaine, batrachotoxin and saxitoxin. Apart from a small calcium effect, only saxitoxin, whose effect on sodium current is similar to that of tetrodotoxin, was found to interfere with binding. Increasing saxitoxin concentrations resulted in reduced amounts of tetrodotoxin binding in a manner consistent with a competition between the two toxins for the same site.
Composition of fluid obtained from choroid plexus tissue isolated in a chamber in situ*
Authors: Miner L. C. , Reed D. J.
Published: December 2015

1. A method was developed for isolating a segment of the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricle of the cat brain in a chamber in situ.

2. A comparison of electrolyte and protein concentrations in serum, ultrafiltrate of serum, cisterna magna fluid, fluid accumulated in the chamber and fluid collected from the choroid plexus by another technique, demonstrates that the chamber fluid is a secretory product of the choroid plexus.

3. The rate of fluid formation in the chamber was 0·4 μl. min−1 mg−1 of tissue, a value in good agreement with reports in the literature.

4. The observation that the concentration of K+ in choroid plexus fluid was lower than that in the serum ultrafiltrate suggests that K+ is regulated by an active transport process at the choroid plexus.

5. Significant correlation was found between electrolyte values and the protein content of the chamber fluid. This suggests that plasma is the probable source of the protein in the chamber fluid and that K+ and probably Ca2+ and Mg2+ in c.s.f. are subject to active homoeostatic regulation by the choroid plexus.

6. The technique described provides a new opportunity to study in detail the functional characteristics of the choroid plexus.
Ionic basis of membrane potentials of epithelial cells in rat small intestine
Authors: Barry R. J. C. , Eggenton Jacqueline
Published: December 2015

1. Potentials across the mucosal and serosal membranes of the epithelial cells of rat jejunum together with transmural potentials were recorded using everted sac preparations.

2. Ionic changes in either mucosal or serosal fluids affect mucosal or serosal membrane potentials respectively with comparable changes in the transmural potential. The contralateral membrane potential is relatively unaffected.

3. Replacement of mucosal sodium chloride by potassium chloride or lithium chloride had little effect on potentials, but its replacement by mannitol or Tris chloride increased the negativity of the mucosal potential, giving linear relationships against log10[Na]m with slopes of 41·4 and 30·7 mV respectively for tenfold change in [Na]m.

4. At constant [Na]m, potassium or lithium increased the mucosal potential by 25·7 and 19·8 mV respectively for tenfold concentration changes.

5. Qualitatively similar changes occurred in the serosal potential when the ionic composition of the serosal fluid was varied.

6. Mucosal potential changes in response to modifications of the ionic composition of the mucosal fluid were the same in the presence and absence of galactose.

7. Sodium and potassium diffusion potentials largely determine both the mucosal and serosal membrane potentials. For the mucosal membrane, PK:PNa is 1·26:1, and is probably higher for the serosal membrane. Chloride makes no significant contribution to membrane potentials.

8. Potentials generated by the electrogenic sodium pump are superimposed on diffusion potentials across the serosal membrane.
The effects of stimulation of the left atrial receptors on sympathetic efferent nerve activity
Authors: Karim F. , Kidd C. , Malpus C. M. , Penna P. E.
Published: December 2015

1. Activation of left atrial receptors by distension of balloons at the pulmonary vein—atrial junctions caused an increase in the cardiac sympathetic nerve activity, a decrease in the renal sympathetic nerve activity, and no change in the lumbar and splenic sympathetic nerve activity.

2. The cardiac and renal nerve responses to balloon distension were abolished by vagal blockade in the neck.

3. The results provide additional evidence that the reflex increase in the heart rate following stimulation of the left atrial receptors is mediated by selective activation of cardiac sympathetic nerve fibres.

4. The inhibitory effect of atrial receptor activation on the renal sympathetic nerve activity suggests that a neural factor, possibly involving renal haemodynamics, may be a component of the diuretic response to the activation of the left atrial receptors.

5. The results provide further evidence for the selective nature of the pattern of reflex responses to left atrial receptor activation and show for the first time a directionally fractionated response from sympathetic efferent neurones.
S‐potentials in the dark‐adapted retina of the carp
Authors: Kaneko Akimichi , Yamada Masahiro
Published: December 2015

1. S‐potentials were recorded in the dark‐adapted carp retina. After recording, Procion Yellow was injected from the recording electrode to identify histologically the cell recorded.

2. Both L‐ and C‐type S‐potentials were found. L‐type S‐potentials were further classified into two groups. The first group was characterized by a high threshold, fast rise and fall times and a spectral sensitivity peak of about 620 nm. The second group showed a low threshold, slow response time course and a spectral sensitivity peak of about 520 nm.

3. Cells of the first group were identified as external and internal horizontal cells. Cells of the second group were identified as intermediate horizontal cells.

4. In the dark‐adapted retina, the spectral sensitivity of the intermediate horizontal cell showed a good agreement with the absorption spectrum of the rod pigment, porphyropsin.

5. Neither a chromatic background nor white background illumination of moderate intensity (1 cd.m−2) shifted the spectral sensitivity of the intermediate horizontal cell.

6. Under a strong background (10 cd.m−2), the intermediate horizontal cell was entirely suppressed. Under the same conditions the external horizontal cell was still capable of responding.

7. From these observations it is concluded that the intermediate horizontal cell receives input from rods only.
The voltage dependence of the chloride conductance of frog muscle
Authors: Hutter O. F. , Warner Anne E.
Published: December 2015

1. The effect of extracellular pH changes on the voltage—current relation of frog muscle membrane has been studied using intracellular microelectrodes. To reduce the cation conductance of the membrane, potassium in Ringer solution was replaced by rubidium.

2. When the relatively impermeant methyl sulphate ion replaced extracellular chloride the membrane conductance was low, time independent and little influenced by extracellular pH changes. The voltage—current relation was linear at both high and low pH values.

3. In rubidium Ringer solution at pH 7·4 the membrane conductance fell as the inside of the fibre was made more negative, in a manner consistent with the predictions of the constant field theory.

4. At a high pH value (9·8) the resting conductance was high, but it fell steeply as the membrane potential was increased; for large hyperpolarizing voltages the membrane current tended to a limiting value. The voltage—current relation crossed those recorded at pH 7·4 and 5·0.

5. In acid Ringer solution (pH 5·0) the resting membrane conductance was low and remained constant until the membrane potential was hyperpolarized more than 30 mV beyond the resting value; the conductance then rose as the membrane potential was further increased. For large hyperpolarizations the membrane conductance was higher at pH 5·0 than at pH 9·8.

6. Experiments using two successive, identical, constant current pulses suggested that the membrane conductance altered during the passage of current across the membrane; in alkaline solution the conductance fell with time, in acid solution it rose.

7. Because no time or voltage dependence of the membrane conductance was seen in the absence of chloride ions it is inferred that the movements of chloride ions across the muscle membrane are responsible for both the time and voltage dependent alterations in membrane conductance seen at different pH values.
Kinetic properties of the chloride conductance of frog muscle
Authors: Warner Anne E.
Published: December 2015

1. The anion conductance of frog muscle has been studied at alkaline, neutral and acid extracellular pH values using a voltage clamp technique. Potassium in the extracellular solution was replaced by rubidium in order to simplify the behavior of the cation conductance.

2. At pH 9·8 the chloride conductance fell exponentially during a hyperpolarizing voltage step. The speed of inactivation was directly proportional to the hyperpolarization from the holding potential; at 60 mV the rate constant was about 0·01 msec−1.

3. An exponential fall in chloride current during the voltage pulse also occurred at pH 7·4; the speed of inactivation, which was proportional to the membrane potential, was about 20% greater at neutral than at alkaline pH values.

4. The instantaneous voltage—current relation was approximately linear at pH 7·4 and 9·8; the instantaneous conductance was always greater at the alkaline pH value.

5. At neutral pH values when there were no time‐dependent conductance changes the voltage—current relation was linear.

6. In acid solutions (pH 5·0) the chloride current gradually increased during a hyperpolarizing voltage step. The time course of this increase was complex, but it took place at greater speed during large voltage steps.

7. Comparison of the steady‐state voltage—current relations measured in the absence and presence of chloride ions confirmed that in alkaline solutions the chloride current could reach a limiting value.

8. The equilibrium potential for the time‐dependent conductance changes was close to the holding potential.
Lectoescritura y pensamiento crítico: desafío de la educación contable
Authors: Rojas Rojas William
Published: December 2015

Este texto defiende la formación para el pensamiento crítico que se ancla en un campo de disertación que vincula la dignidad humana con el desarrollo de la disciplina contable. A partir de un trabajo documental y una problematización contextual, se examina cómo el pensar-vivir hipermoderno desechó el poder de la razón crítica como un medio fundamental para promover proyectos ético-políticos orientados hacia el reconocimiento de miles de seres humanos que en la actualidad son excluidos  y desechados por y desde los postulados del modelo neoliberal globalizado. Se describe cómo las contradicciones socioeconómicas del modelo de desarrollo imperante exigen que los programas de Contaduría Pública repiensen sus Proyectos Educativos (PE) para descifrar cómo pueden salir al encuentro de sus estudiantes y acompañarlos en su proceso de formación. Se concluye que la simple lectoescritura funcional, ajena al pensamiento crítico, lleva a la emergencia del computatōris globalizzatus que no pueden fácilmente articular su saber y sus experticias profesionales a las necesidades de su sociedad. Se finaliza proponiendo unas recomendaciones que faciliten proyectar las reformas a los PE y a los desarrollos de las maestrías en contabilidad. 
La privatización del asesoramiento agrícola: Consecuencias para los productores lecheros del valle del Mantaro, Perú
Authors: Faure Guy , Huamanyauri Méndez Kary , Salazar Ivonne , Gómez Carlos , De Nys Erwin , Dulcire Michel
Published: December 2015

A nivel mundial, el papel del sector privado en el asesoramiento agrícola ha venido incrementándose desde los años ochenta y noventa. Una muestra de tal evolución se observa en el valle del Mantaro (Perú), en un contexto de pequeña agricultura. Para evaluar sus consecuencias, se realizaron entrevistas con proveedores de
insumos, extensionistas y productores. En este caso, el asesoramiento privado se realiza de manera asociada a la venta de insumos, lo cual, si bien favorece el acceso de un apoyo técnico a casi todos los productores, no considera sus necesidades globales. Esta investigación muestra la importancia de una mejor coordinación entre los actores públicos y privados del sistema de asesoramiento agrícola.
Numerical Simulation, Design, and Construction of a Double Glazed Compound Parabolic Concentrators-Type Integrated Collector Storage Water Heater
Authors: Kessentini Hamdi , Bouden Chiheb
Published: December 2015

The numerical simulation, design, and construction of a double glazed integrated collector storage (ICS) with compound parabolic concentrators (CPC) reflectors are presented. The design of the double glazing is optimized by means of numerical simulations under Tunisian climatic conditions. The numerical program used for the simulation consists on the transient resolution of the balance energy equations of each component of the solar water heater. Different proposed models of a double glazing are studied and compared with a reference case of a single glass ICS model. The simulation results have shown that the use of double glazing with argon layer and low-e coated lower glass instead of one glass cover significantly improves the thermal behavior of the ICS heater and visibly reduces its thermal losses during night. Taking into account these numerical results, a double-glazing ICS prototype-collector is constructed. The details of the construction, geometry, optical properties, and dimensions of the prototype are presented.
S-Ethane Brayton Power Conversion Systems for Concentrated Solar Power Plant
Authors: Enríquez Luis Coco , Muñoz-Antón Javier , Peñalosa José María Martínez-Val
Published: December 2015

The objective of this investigation is the comparison between supercritical ethane (s-ethane, C2H6) and supercritical carbon dioxide (s-CO2) Brayton power cycles for line-focusing concentrated solar power plants (CSP). In this study, CSP are analyzed with linear solar collectors (parabolic trough (PTC) or linear Fresnel (LF)), direct molten salt (MS), or direct steam generation (DSG) as heat transfer fluids (HTF), and four supercritical Brayton power cycles configurations: simple Brayton cycle (SB), recompression cycle (RC), partial cooling with recompression cycle (PCRC), and recompression with main compression intercooling cycle (RCMCI). All Brayton power cycles were assessed with two working fluids: s-CO2 and s-ethane. As a main result, we confirmed that s-ethane Brayton power cycles provide better net plant performance than s-CO2 cycles for turbine inlet temperatures (TITs) from 300 °C to 550 °C. As an example, the s-ethane RCMCI plant configuration net efficiency is ∼42.11% for TIT = 400 °C, and with s-CO2 the plant performance is ∼40%. The CSP Brayton power plants were also compared with another state-of-the-art CSP with DSG in linear solar collectors and a subcritical water Rankine power cycle with direct reheating (DRH), and a maximum plant performance between ∼40% and 41% (TIT = 550 °C).
Coding pitch differences in voiceless fricatives: Whispered relative to normal speech
Authors: Heeren Willemijn F. L.
Published: December 2015

Intonation can be perceived in whispered speech despite the absence of the fundamental frequency. In the past, acoustic correlates of pitch in whisper have been sought in vowel content, but, recently, studies of normal speech demonstrated correlates of intonation in consonants as well. This study examined how consonants may contribute to the coding of intonation in whispered relative to normal speech. The acoustic characteristics of whispered, voiceless fricatives /s/ and /f/, produced at different pitch targets (low, mid, high), were investigated and compared to corresponding normal speech productions to assess if whisper contained secondary or compensatory pitch correlates. Furthermore, listener sensitivity to fricative cues to pitch in whisper was established, also relative to normal speech. Consistent with recent studies, acoustic correlates of whispered and normal speech fricatives systematically varied with pitch target. Comparable findings across speech modes showed that acoustic correlates were secondary. Discrimination of vowel-fricative-vowel stimuli was less accurate and slower in whispered than normal speech, which is attributed to differences in acoustic cues available. Perception of fricatives presented without their vowel contexts, however, revealed comparable processing speeds and response accuracies between speech modes, supporting the finding that within fricatives, acoustic correlates of pitch are similar across speech modes.
Impairment of Performance Variables After In-Season Strength-Training Cessation in Elite Cyclists
Authors: Rønnestad Bent R. , Hansen Joar , Hollan Ivana , Spencer Matt , Ellefsen Stian
Published: December 2015

The current study investigated the effects of 8 wk of strength-training cessation after 25 wk of strength training on strength- and cycling-performance characteristics. Elite cyclists were randomly assigned to either 25 wk of endurance training combined with heavy strength training (EXP, n = 7, maximal oxygen uptake [V̇O2max] 77 ± 6 mL . kg-1 . min-1; 3 × 4–10 RM, 1 to 2 d/wk) or to endurance training only (CON, n = 7, V̇O2max 73 ± 5 mL . kg-1 . min-1). Thereafter, both groups performed endurance training only for 8 wk, coinciding with the initial part of the competition season. Data were assessed for practical significance using magnitude-based inferences. During the 25-wk preparatory period, EXP had a larger positive impact on maximal isometric half-squat force, squat jump (SJ), maximal aerobic power (Wmax), power output at 4 mmol/L [La], and mean power in 30-s Wingate test than did CON (ES = 0.46-0.74). Conversely, during the 8-wk competition period EXP had a reduction in SJ, Wmax, and mean power in the 30-s Wingate test compared with CON (ES = 0.49-0.84). The present findings suggest rapid decline of adaptations on termination of strength training during the first 8 wk of the competition period in elite cyclists.
Contextualizing Parasympathetic Hyperactivity in Functionally Overreached Athletes With Perceptions of Training Tolerance
Authors: Bellenger Clint R. , Karavirta Laura , Thomson Rebecca L. , Robertson Eileen Y. , Davison Kade , Buckley Jonathan D.
Published: December 2015

Purpose:

Heart-rate variability (HRV) as a measure of autonomic function may increase in response to training interventions leading to increases or decreases in performance, making HRV interpretation difficult in isolation. This study aimed to contextualize changes in HRV with subjective measures of training tolerance.

Methods:

Supine and standing measures of vagally mediated HRV (root-mean-square difference of successive normal RR intervals [RMSSD]) and measures of training tolerance (Daily Analysis of Life Demands for Athletes questionnaire, perception of energy levels, fatigue, and muscle soreness) were recorded daily during 1 wk of light training (LT), 2 wk of heavy training (HT), and 10 d of tapering (T) in 15 male runners/triathletes. HRV and training tolerance were analyzed as rolling 7-d averages at LT, HT, and T. Performance was assessed after LT, HT, and T with a 5-km treadmill time trial (5TTT).

Results:

Time to complete the 5TTT likely increased after HT (effect size [ES] ± 90% confidence interval = 0.16 ± 0.06) and then almost certainly decreased after T (ES = −0.34 ± 0.08). Training tolerance worsened after HT (ES ≥ 1.30 ± 0.41) and improved after T (ES ≥ 1.27 ± 0.49). Standing RMSSD very likely increased after HT (ES = 0.62 ± 0.26) and likely remained higher than LT at the completion of T (ES = 0.38 ± 0.21). Changes in supine RMSSD were possible or likely trivial.

Conclusion:

Vagally mediated HRV during standing increased in response to functional overreaching (indicating potential parasympathetic hyperactivity) and also to improvements in performance. Thus, additional measures such as training tolerance are required to interpret changes in vagally mediated HRV.
Increase in Maximal Cycling Power With Acute Dietary Nitrate Supplementation
Authors: Rimer Ernest G. , Peterson Linda R. , Coggan Andrew R. , Martin James C.
Published: December 2015

Muscle-shortening velocity and hence power have been shown to increase in the presence of nitric oxide (NO). NO availability increases after consuming nitrate (NO3-). Ingestion of NO3-rich beetroot juice (BRJ) has increased muscle power in untrained adults.

Purpose:

This study determined whether NO3- supplementation could acutely enhance maximal power in trained athletes.

Methods:

In this double-blind, crossover study, 13 trained athletes performed maximal inertial-load cycling trials (3–4 s) immediately before (PRE) and after (POST) consuming either NO3-rich (NO3) or NO3-depleted (PLA) BRJ to assess acute changes (ie, within the same day) in maximal power (PMAX) and optimal pedaling rate (RPMopt). Participants also performed maximal isokinetic cycling (30 s) to assess performance differences after supplementation.

Results:

2 x 2 repeated-measures ANOVA indicated a greater increase in PMAX from PRE to POST NO3 (PRE 1160 ± 301 W to POST 1229 ± 317 W) than with PLA (PRE 1191 ± 298 W to POST 1213 ± 300 W) (P = .009; ηp2 = 0.45). A paired t-test verified a greater relative change in PMAX after NO3 (6.0% ± 2.6%) than with PLA (2.0% ± 3.8%) (P = .014; d = 1.21). RPMopt remained unchanged from PRE (123 ± 14 rpm) to POST PLA (122 ± 14 rpm) but increased from PRE (120 ± 14 rpm) to POST NO3 (127 ± 13 rpm) (P = .043; ηp2 = 0.30). There was no relative change in RPMopt after PLA (–0.3% ± 4.1%), but there was an increase after NO3 (6.5% ± 11.4%) (P = .049; d = 0.79). No differences were observed between the 30-s isokinetic trials.

Conclusions:

Acute NO3- supplementation can enhance maximal muscle power in trained athletes. These findings may particularly benefit power-sport athletes who perform brief explosive actions.
Brief Morning Light Exposure, Visuomotor Performance, and Biochemistry in Sport Shooters
Authors: Leichtfried Veronika , Hanser Friedrich , Griesmacher Andrea , Canazei Markus , Schobersberger Wolfgang
Published: December 2015

Context:

Demands on concentrative and cognitive performance are high in sport shooting and vary in a circadian pattern, aroused by internal and external stimuli. The most prominent external stimulus is light. Bright light (BL) has been shown to have a certain impact on cognitive and physical performance.

Purpose:

To evaluate the impact of a single half hour of BL exposure in the morning hours on physical and cognitive performance in 15 sport shooters. In addition, courses of sulfateoxymelatonin (aMT6s), tryptophan (TRP), and kynurenine (KYN) were monitored.

Methods:

In a crossover design, 15 sport shooters were exposed to 30 min of BL and dim light (DL) in the early-morning hours. Shooting performance, balance, visuomotor performance, and courses of aMT6s, TRP, and KYN were evaluated.

Results:

Shooting performance was 365.4 (349.7–381.0) and 368.5 (353.9–383.1), identical in both light setups. Numbers of right reactions (sustained attention) and deviations from the horizontal plane (balance-related measure) were higher after BL. TRP concentrations decreased from 77.5 (73.5–81.4) to 66.9 (60.7–67.0) in the DL setup only.

Conclusions:

The 2 light conditions generated heterogeneous visuomotor and physiological effects in sport shooters. The authors therefore suggest that a single half hour of BL exposure is effective in improving cognitive aspects of performance, but not physical performance. Further research is needed to evaluate BL’s impact on biochemical parameters.
Nineteen Whole-Genome Assemblies of Yersinia pestis subsp.
microtus
, Including Representatives of Biovars caucasica, talassica, hissarica, altaica, xilingolensis, and ulegeica
Authors: Kislichkina Angelina A. , Bogun Aleksandr G. , Kadnikova Lidiya A. , Maiskaya Nadezhda V. , Platonov Mikhail E. , Anisimov Nikolai V. , Galkina Elena V. , Dentovskaya Svetlana V. , Anisimov Andrey P.
Published: December 2015

The etiologic agent of plague,
Yersinia pestis
, includes two subspecies, of which
Y. pestis
subsp.
microtus
contains the strains that cause only occasional diseases in humans that are not accompanied by human-to-human transmission. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of 19
Y. pestis
strains (across 6 biovars of
Y. pestis
subsp.
microtus
).
Draft Genome Sequence of Agreia bicolorata Strain AC-1804, a Producer of Large Amounts of Carotenoid Pigments, Isolated from Narrow Reed Grass Infected by the Phytoparasitic Nematode
Authors: Vasilyev Ilya , Siniagina Maria , Malanin Sergey , Boulygina Eugenia , Grygoryeva Tatiana , Yarullina Dina , Ilinskaya Olga
Published: December 2015

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Agreia bicolorata
strain AC-1804, isolated from narrow reed grass galls induced by a plant-parasitic nematode which is able to produce large amounts of carotenoid pigments. The draft genome sequence of 3,919,485 bp provides a resource for carotenoid pathway research.
Draft Genome Sequences of Three Mycobacterium chimaera Respiratory Isolates
Authors: Mac Aogáin Micheál , Roycroft Emma , Raftery Philomena , Mok Simone , Fitzgibbon Margaret , Rogers Thomas R.
Published: December 2015

Mycobacterium chimaera
is an opportunistic human pathogen implicated in both pulmonary and cardiovascular infections. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of three strains isolated from human respiratory specimens.
Characterization and Sequencing of a Genotype VIId Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from Laying Ducks in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Liu Mei , Shen Xinyue , Cheng Xu , Li Jianmei , Dai Yabin
Published: December 2015

We report here the complete genome sequence and biological characterization of a virulent Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strain, NDV/duck/Jiangsu/JSD0812/2008, isolated from laying ducks in Jiangsu Province, China. The genome is 15,192 nucleotides in length and is classified in subgenotype VIId of genotype VII, class II.
The 474-Kilobase-Pair Complete Genome Sequence of CeV-01B, a Virus Infecting
Haptolina
(
Chrysochromulina
)
ericina
(Prymnesiophyceae)
Authors: Gallot-Lavallée Lucie , Pagarete António , Legendre Matthieu , Santini Sebastien , Sandaa Ruth-Anne , Himmelbauer Heinz , Ogata Hiroyuki , Bratbak Gunnar , Claverie Jean-Michel
Published: December 2015

We report the complete genome sequence of CeV-01B, a large double-stranded DNA virus infecting the unicellular marine phytoplankton
Haptolina
(formerly
Chrysochromulina
)
ericina.
CeV-01B and its closest relative
Phaeocystis globosa
virus define an emerging subclade of the Megaviridae family with smaller genomes and particles than the originally described giant Mimiviridae infecting
Acanthamoeba
.