bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prolactin, Androstenedione and IGF1 Serum Concentrations During Induced Follicular Growth by eCG Administration in the Bitch
Authors: Stornelli MC , García Mitacek MC , Praderio RG , Nuñez Favre R , de la Sota RL , Stornelli MA
Published: December 2015

Contents

The oestrus cycle in the domestic bitch, a monoestrous species, differs considerably from that of other veterinary domestic animals species. In the bitch the combined use of eCG and hCG is effective to induce oestrus predictably and safely (Stornelli et al., Theriogenology, 78, 2012 and 1056). Although several studies were done to describe the hormonal changes during the canine oestrus cycle, to our knowledge none was done to describe the hormonal changes during induced follicular growth after the administration of eCG. The aim of this work was to study prolactin (PRL), insulin‐like growth factor (IGF1) and androstenedione (ANDR) serum concentrations during follicular growth induced by a single dose of eCG administered to late anoestrous bitches. PRL and ANDR concentrations were lower before than after eCG TRT (before eCG vs pro‐oestrus, oestrus and dioestrus; 4.3 ± 1.8 ng/ml vs 6.5 ± 1.6 ng/ml, p < 0.05; 0.08 ± 0.2 ng/ml vs 0.42 ± 0.16 ng/ml, p < 0.05). Conversely, IGF1 concentrations were similar before and after eCG TRT (286.0 ng/ml ±32.2, p > 0.53). Additionally, PRL concentrations were similar before oestrus compared to during oestrus and dioestrus (6.9 ± 1.7 ng/ml, p > 0.19). Furthermore, IGF1 concentrations were higher before and during oestrus compared to first day of dioestrus (286.1 ± 29.8vs 200.4 ± 29.2 ng/ml, p < 0.01). On the contrary, ANDR concentrations were lower before and during oestrus compared to first day of diestrum (0.35 ± 0.17 ng/ml and 0.38 ± 0.15 vs 0.68 ± 0.17 ng/ml, p < 0.05). These results show that treatment with a single injection of 50 IU/kg of eCG in late anoestrous bitches successfully induced changes in follicular growth which were paralleled with changes in PRL, IGF1 and ANDR serum concentration similar to those occurring during a normally occurring oestrous cycle. In addition, our results suggest that IGF1 in the bitch could play an important role in ovarian folliculogenesis.
Absence of airway inflammation in a large proportion of adolescents with asthma
Authors: Brooks Collin R. , van Dalen Christine J. , Zacharasiewicz Angela , Simpson Jodie L. , Harper Jacquie L. , Le Gros Graham , Gibson Peter G. , Pearce Neil , Douwes Jeroen
Published: December 2015

Background and objective

Neutrophilic inflammation has been implicated in non‐eosinophilic asthma (NEA) in adults, but little is known about NEA in children/adolescents. We assessed clinical and inflammatory characteristics of NEA in adolescent asthma.

Methods

Airway inflammation, sputum endotoxin, airway hyper‐reactivity, atopy and lung function were assessed in 77 adolescents with asthma and 68 without asthma (12–17 years). Asthma was identified on the basis of wheeze and asthma history.

Results

The proportion of NEA (sputum eosinophils <2.5%) was 54%. In this group, atopy, sputum neutrophil, eosinophil, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), endotoxin, neutrophil elastase and IL‐8 levels were not different from those without asthma. In contrast, eosinophilic asthma (EA) was associated with atopy and sputum ECP and IL‐8. The majority of NEA had no evidence of inflammation; only 14% had neutrophilia (≥61% neutrophils), compared with 11% of EA, and 15% of those without asthma. Small differences in FEV1 (NS) were found between EA and NEA, but symptom prevalence and severity was not different (63% of EA and 52% of NEA were classified moderate to severe).

Conclusion

NEA is common in adolescent asthma and has similar clinical characteristics as EA. Neutrophils do not appear to play a role in NEA in adolescents, and underlying mechanisms may not involve airway inflammation.
Vibrational Spectroscopic Study for Qualitative Assessment of Mn‐oxide Ore
Authors: Pani Swatirupa , Singh Saroj K. , Mohapatra Birendra K.
Published: December 2015

Manganese oxide ore from the Bonai‐Keonjhar belt of Odisha, India, has been qualitatively assessed through Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Three categories of ore, namely, high‐grade (MnO2: >72%), medium‐grade (MnO2: 55‐72%) and low‐grade (MnO2:40‐55%) from four mine profiles, Purnapani, Joda West, Khandbandh and Bamebariwere, were collected and subjected to vibrational spectroscopic studies. The use of Raman analysis in the microscopic configuration allowed the spectra to be taken at different points on the polished ore. Besides the Raman features of the ß‐MnO2(Pyrolusite) phases, other signals were assigned to isolated FeO ions accommodated in vacancies and to some aluminium silicates. The three grades of ore show different Raman spectra. The FTIR spectra also exhibit contrasting pattern in different grade sample and support these findings. This study demonstrates the use of vibrational spectroscopy to assess the quality of Mn‐oxide ore that could provide a substitute to cumbersome wet chemical analysis
Privileged American Families and Independent Academic Consultants They Employ
Authors: Smith Jill M. , Sun Ken Chih‐Yan
Published: December 2015

This article focuses on how economically advantaged families hire independent educational consultants (IECs) to help them navigate the college application process. We argue that the help provided byIECs embodies the marketization of emotional and relational mediation that many privileged families pursue during times of great anxiety. We offer the concept of “family mediator” to illustrate the relationship between parents, children, and theIECs whom these families employ. First, this article will chronicle why many advantaged parents feel apprehensive about their children's application to college and how they decide to turn toIECs for help. Furthermore, we will demonstrate how privileged parents, especially mothers, rely onIECs to assuage their feelings and emotions. Finally, we will examine howIECs enable parents and children to avoid conflicts and sustain connections to each other. Nevertheless, we find that resorting toIECs as emotional and intergenerational mediators may not always work. Some parents and children occasionally resist the mediation provided by theseIECs, just as a fewIECs are unwilling to work as the bridge persons in these privileged families in order to protect their professional reputation and boundaries.
Coherent forecasting for count time series using Box–Jenkins's AR(p) model
Authors: Maiti Raju , Biswas Atanu , Das Samarjit
Published: December 2015

During the last three decades, integer‐valued autoregressive process of order p [or INAR(p)] based on different operators have been proposed as a natural, intuitive and maybe efficient model for integer‐valued time‐series data. However, this literature is surprisingly mute on the usefulness of the standard AR(p) process, which is otherwise meant for continuous‐valued time‐series data. In this paper, we attempt to explore the usefulness of the standard AR(p) model for obtaining coherent forecasting from integer‐valued time series. First, some advantages of this standard Box–Jenkins's type AR(p) process are discussed. We then carry out our some simulation experiments, which show the adequacy of the proposed method over the available alternatives. Our simulation results indicate that even when samples are generated from INAR(p) process, Box–Jenkins's model performs as good as the INAR(p) processes especially with respect to mean forecast. Two real data sets have been employed to study the expediency of the standard AR(p) model for integer‐valued time‐series data.
Experimental Determination of Inflatable, Braided Tube Constitutive Properties
Authors: Clapp J. D. , Davids W. G. , Goupee A. J. , Young A. C.
Published: December 2015

The primary objective of this study was to conduct constitutive tests of relatively large diameter inflatable, braided fabric tubes at different inflation pressures and braid angles in order to quantify the longitudinal modulus, in‐plane shear modulus and effective lamina stiffness properties. The stiffness properties quantified here are of high interest because the same braided fabric tubes have been used in the construction of test articles for a major, multi‐year, ground based test campaign led by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration. These properties are also input directly into high‐fidelity yet computationally intensive 3D shell‐based finite‐element simulations of the large, inflatable structures. Experimental methods employed during this study included tension–torsion testing, uniaxial tension testing of individual fibre tows, and uniaxial tension testing of gas bladder coupons. Digital image correlation was used to measure all of the geometric information that is necessary to perform netting theory calculations. The test results indicate that fabric in‐plane shear modulus is highly dependent on both braid angle and inflation pressure, but that longitudinal stiffness is quite small and relatively unaffected by braid angle and pressure. In addition to advancing the state‐of‐the art in experimental constitutive property determination of inflatable, braided fabric, this study includes the development of a method to back calculate lamina properties from the experimental results that are suitable for use as input to commonly used finite‐element programmes. The digital image correlation data revealed spatial variation of shear strain that was important to consider when computing the gross shear stiffness. Digital image correlation data also captured the braid surface flattening with increasing inflation pressure, which supports the fibre de‐crimping theory.
Climate Justice: High‐Status Ingroup Social Models Increase Pro‐Environmental Action Through Making Actions Seem More Moral
Authors: Sweetman Joseph , Whitmarsh Lorraine E.
Published: December 2015

Recent work has suggested that our cognitive biases and moral psychology may pose significant barriers to tackling climate change. Here, we report evidence that through status and group‐based social influence processes, and our moral sense of justice, it may be possible to employ such characteristics of the human mind in efforts to engender pro‐environmental action. We draw on applied work demonstrating the efficacy of social modeling techniques in order to examine the indirect effects of social model status and group membership (through perceptions of efficacy, pro‐environmental social identity and moral judgments of how fair it is for individuals to perform particular pro‐environmental actions) on pro‐environmental action tendencies. We find evidence that high‐ (vs. low‐) status models increase pro‐environmental action, in part, through making such actions seem morally fairer to undertake. This effect of high‐status models only occurs when they share a meaningful ingroup membership with the target of influence. Further, we find evidence that this conditional effect of high‐status models may also have a direct impact on action tendencies. While the exact behaviors that are influenced may vary across student and non‐student samples, we argue that a focus on the “justice pathway” to action and the social‐cognitive features of models may offer a good opportunity for cognitive and behavioral scientists to integrate insights from basic research with those stemming from more applied research efforts.
Practice of transfusing D‐positive platelets in D‐negative recipients – a reappraisal (POINT‐R)
Authors: Dara R. C. , Tiwari A. K. , Arora D. , Aggarwal G. , Acharya D. , Raina V.
Published: December 2015

Background

Many centres provide D‐mismatched platelet transfusions. Platelet concentrates may contain enough red cells leading to the formation of anti‐D antibody in D‐negative recipient. In resource‐poor settings, random donor platelet concentrate (RDPC) is used often and carries higher risk of alloimmunization. At our institution, platelets are transfused across the ABO and Rh blood group barrier without any RhIG immunoprophylaxis. In this study, we retrospectively appraised alloimmunization after D‐positive platelet transfusion in D‐negative patients.

Materials and Methods

Single‐centre 5‐year data were collected from Hospital Information System (HIS) for D‐negative patients who received D‐positive platelet transfusions. Naive patients who had neither pre‐existing antibody nor received D‐positive platelet transfusion before admission were included. Those who had repeat antibody screening at least 28 days after D‐positive platelet transfusion were considered.

Results

A total of 332 D‐negative patients who received 1996 D‐positive platelet transfusions were analysed. Median follow‐up was 7 weeks (range = 4–90). Anti‐D was detected in three (0·9%) D‐negative patients at 5, 8 and 24 weeks after receiving D‐positive platelet transfusions. Two of these patients received RDPCs and one received both RDPCs and single donor platelet concentrates.

Conclusion

D‐positive platelet transfusion to D‐negative patients seems an acceptable practice as only 0·9% patients developed anti‐D antibody.
Thickness-dependent growth orientation of F-doped ZnO films formed by atomic layer deposition
Authors: Kang Kyung-Mun , Choi Yong-June , Yeom Geun Young , Park Hyung-Ho
Published: December 2015

ZnO thin films were doped with fluorine using atomic layer deposition (ALD) with an in-house F source at a deposition temperature of 140 °C. Structural and morphological properties of the resulting F-doped ZnO (ZnO:F) films were investigated by x-ray diffraction analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and grazing incidence wide-angle x-ray diffraction. During the initial growth stage of up to 200 ALD cycles, no difference was observed between the preferred growth orientations of undoped ZnO and ZnO:F films. However, after 300 ALD cycles, ZnO and ZnO:F films showed (002) and (100) preferred orientation, respectively. This difference in preferred growth orientation arose from the perturbation-and-passivation effect of F doping, which involves F anions filling the oxygen-related defect sites in the ZnO lattice. Ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopic analyses were carried out to investigate the surface plane dependency of the films' work functions, which confirmed that the ZnO and ZnO:F films had different growth behaviors.
An elementary derivation of first and last return times of 1D random walks
Authors: Kostinski Sarah , Amir Ariel
Published: December 2015

Random walks, and in particular, their first passage times, are ubiquitous in nature. Using direct enumeration of paths, we find the first-return-time distribution of a one-dimensional random walker, which is a heavy-tailed distribution with infinite mean. Using the same method, we find the last-return-time distribution, which follows the arcsine law. Both results have a broad range of applications in physics and other disciplines. The derivation presented here is readily accessible to physics undergraduates and provides an elementary introduction into random walks and their intriguing properties.
An acoustic resonator with a closed geometry
Authors: Yu Hui , Giuliani Giuseppe D. A. , Csáthy G. A.
Published: December 2015

We describe a versatile acoustic resonator that can be built by an undergraduate student and used to demonstrate several concepts of the kinetic theory of gases and wave mechanics. Although simple, the apparatus has a very high Q-factor. Because of this high Q-factor, the error in measuring the Boltzmann constant is limited by the accuracy of the effective length of the resonator. The closed geometry of the resonator allows the use of different types of pure gases as well as measurements of the concentration of binary mixtures of known gases.
Improving student understanding of lock-in amplifiers
Authors: DeVore Seth , Gauthier Alexandre , Levy Jeremy , Singh Chandralekha
Published: December 2015

The lock-in amplifier is a versatile instrument frequently used in physics research. We find that students tend to struggle with its basic operating principles, leading to a variety of difficulties. To improve their understanding, we have developed a research-based tutorial that makes use of a computer simulated lock-in amplifier. The tutorial allows students to realize their conceptual difficulties by comparing their predictions with the outcome of the simulations, hopefully leading them to a better understanding of the process of lock-in amplification.
The computable cell: A step toward personalized medicine
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: December 2015

Generating and cataloging quantitative data for a reference cell is the first step toward computational prediction for individualized therapy.
A complex channel comes into focus
Authors: Vinson Valda
Published: December 2015

A cryo–electron microscopy structure provides a framework for understanding function and disease mechanisms in a family of calcium channels.
How stress can overcome latency
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: December 2015

JNK signaling alters chromatin to induce reactivation of latent herpes simplex virus.
Virologic effects of broadly neutralizing antibody VRC01 administration during chronic HIV-1 infection
Authors: Lynch Rebecca M. , Boritz Eli , Coates Emily E. , DeZure Adam , Madden Patrick , Costner Pamela , Enama Mary E. , Plummer Sarah , Holman Lasonji , Hendel Cynthia S. , Gordon Ingelise , Casazza Joseph , Conan-Cibotti Michelle , Migueles Stephen A. , Tressler Randall , Bailer Robert T. , McDermott Adrian , Narpala Sandeep , O’Dell Sijy , Wolf Gideon , Lifson Jeffrey D. , Freemire Brandie A. , Gorelick Robert J. , Pandey Janardan P. , Mohan Sarumathi , Chomont Nicolas , Fromentin Remi , Chun Tae-Wook , Fauci Anthony S. , Schwartz Richard M. , Koup Richard A. , Douek Daniel C. , Hu Zonghui , Capparelli Edmund , Graham Barney S. , Mascola John R. , Ledgerwood Julie E. ,   VRC 601 Study Team
Published: December 2015

A single infusion with broadly neutralizing antibody VRC01 resulted in lowered plasma virus load in HIV-1–infected subjects.
A shocking development
Authors: Bouvier Nicole M.
Published: December 2015

Shock wave therapy may eventually be an alternative to surgical removal of infected implanted medical devices.
Daddy dearest: Obesity alters the sperm epigenome
Authors: Alvarez Jessica
Published: December 2015

Obesity and weight loss trigger epigenetic changes in sperm.
Efficacy by design
Authors: Spiller Kara L.
Published: December 2015

Biomaterial-stabilized delivery of microRNA molecules abrogates tumors in a recalcitrant triple-negative breast cancer mouse model.
Reapplying the uterine brake in preterm labor
Authors: Smith Roger
Published: December 2015

Blocking the transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channel may be a viable new therapeutic approach to preterm labor (Ying
et al
., this issue).
A Single-Amino-Acid Substitution in Obg Activates a New Programmed Cell Death Pathway in Escherichia coli
Authors: Dewachter Liselot , Verstraeten Natalie , Monteyne Daniel , Kint Cyrielle Ines , Versées Wim , Pérez-Morga David , Michiels Jan , Fauvart Maarten
Published: December 2015

Programmed cell death (PCD) is an important hallmark of multicellular organisms. Cells self-destruct through a regulated series of events for the benefit of the organism as a whole. The existence of PCD in bacteria has long been controversial due to the widely held belief that only multicellular organisms would profit from this kind of altruistic behavior at the cellular level. However, over the past decade, compelling experimental evidence has established the existence of such pathways in bacteria. Here, we report that expression of a mutant isoform of the essential GTPase ObgE causes rapid loss of viability in
Escherichia coli
. The physiological changes that occur upon expression of this mutant protein—including loss of membrane potential, chromosome condensation and fragmentation, exposure of phosphatidylserine on the cell surface, and membrane blebbing—point to a PCD mechanism. Importantly, key regulators and executioners of known bacterial PCD pathways were shown not to influence this cell death program. Collectively, our results suggest that the cell death pathway described in this work constitutes a new mode of bacterial PCD.

IMPORTANCE
Programmed cell death (PCD) is a well-known phenomenon in higher eukaryotes. In these organisms, PCD is essential for embryonic development—for example, the disappearance of the interdigital web—and also functions in tissue homeostasis and elimination of pathogen-invaded cells. The existence of PCD mechanisms in unicellular organisms like bacteria, on the other hand, has only recently begun to be recognized. We here demonstrate the existence of a bacterial PCD pathway that induces characteristics that are strikingly reminiscent of eukaryotic apoptosis, such as fragmentation of DNA, exposure of phosphatidylserine on the cell surface, and membrane blebbing. Our results can provide more insight into the mechanism and evolution of PCD pathways in higher eukaryotes. More importantly, especially in the light of the looming antibiotic crisis, they may point to a bacterial Achilles’ heel and can inspire innovative ways of combating bacterial infections, directed at the targeted activation of PCD pathways.
A unilateral purple urine bag syndrome in a patient with bilateral nephrostomy tubes
Authors: Karim Adil , Abed Firas , Bachuwa Ghassan
Published: December 2015

A change in the colour of urine is always of clinical significance, and a source of concern for the patient and his physician. Among the different urine colours observed, purple is the least common. Although purple discolouration of a catheter and a urine bag is an uncommon finding, it was reported in the literature as early as 1978, by Barlow and Dickson. We present a unique case of purple urine bag syndrome in a patient with bilateral nephrostomy tubes (NT) and associated urine bags (UB) with only the left nephrostomy tube and urine bag exhibiting the purple colour, which resolved with a course of appropriate antibiotics eradicating the causative bacterial pathogen, and change of NT and UB.
Subcutaneous fat patterning in athletes: selection of appropriate sites and standardisation of a novel ultrasound measurement technique: ad hoc working group on body composition, health and performance, under the auspices of the IOC Medical Commission
Authors: Müller Wolfram , Lohman Timothy G , Stewart Arthur D , Maughan Ronald J , Meyer Nanna L , Sardinha Luis B , Kirihennedige Nuwanee , Reguant-Closa Alba , Risoul-Salas Vanessa , Sundgot-Borgen Jorunn , Ahammer Helmut , Anderhuber Friedrich , Fürhapter-Rieger Alfred , Kainz Philipp , Materna Wilfried , Pilsl Ulrike , Pirstinger Wolfram , Ackland Timothy R
Published: December 2015

Background

Precise and accurate field methods for body composition analyses in athletes are needed urgently.

Aim

Standardisation of a novel ultrasound (US) technique for accurate and reliable measurement of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT).

Methods

Three observers captured US images of uncompressed SAT in 12 athletes and applied a semiautomatic evaluation algorithm for multiple SAT measurements.

Results

Eight new sites are recommended: upper abdomen, lower abdomen, erector spinae, distal triceps, brachioradialis, lateral thigh, front thigh, medial calf. Obtainable accuracy was 0.2 mm (18 MHz probe; speed of sound: 1450 m/s). Reliability of SAT thickness sums (N=36): R2=0.998, SEE=0.55 mm, ICC (95% CI) 0.998 (0.994 to 0.999); observer differences from their mean: 95% of the SAT thickness sums were within ±1 mm (sums of SAT thicknesses ranged from 10 to 50 mm). Embedded fibrous tissues were also measured.

Conclusions

A minimum of eight sites is suggested to accommodate inter-individual differences in SAT patterning. All sites overlie muscle with a clearly visible fascia, which eases the acquisition of clear images and the marking of these sites takes only a few minutes. This US method reaches the fundamental accuracy and precision limits for SAT measurements given by tissue plasticity and furrowed borders, provided the measurers are trained appropriately.
Sidecut radius and the mechanics of turning—equipment designed to reduce risk of severe traumatic knee injuries in alpine giant slalom ski racing
Authors: Spörri Jörg , Kröll Josef , Gilgien Matthias , Müller Erich
Published: December 2015

Background

There is limited empirical knowledge about the effect of ski geometry, particularly in the context of injury prevention in alpine ski racing. We investigated the effect of sidecut radius on biomechanical variables related to the mechanics of turning.

Methods

During a field experiment, six European Cup level athletes skied on three different pairs of giant slalom (GS) skis varying in sidecut radii (30 m, 35 m and 40 m). Using a video-based three-dimensional (3D) kinematic system, a 22-point body segment model of the athletes was reconstructed in 3D, and the variables ground reaction force, centre of mass (COM) speed, COM turn radius, ski turn radius, edge angle, fore/aft position and skid angle were calculated.

Results

While steering out of the fall line after gate passage, ground reaction force significantly differed between the 30 m and 40 m skis and between the 35 m and 40 m skis. These differences were mainly explainable by larger COM turn radii when skiing on the 40 m ski. During the same turn phase, significant differences in ski turn radius also were found, but there were no differences in edge angle, fore/aft position and skid angle.

The sidecut-induced reduction in ground reaction force and the sidecut-induced increase in centre of mass and ski turn radius observed in this study provides indirect evidence of reduced self-steering of the ski. Self-steering plays a central role in the mechanism of anterior cruciate ligament rupture in alpine ski racing.
Effectiveness of systems changes suggested by simulation of adverse surgical outcomes
Authors: Garstka Meghan E , Slakey Douglas P , Martin Christopher A , Simms Eric R , Korndorffer James R
Published: December 2015

Background

Simulation of adverse outcomes (SAO) has been described as a technique to improve effectiveness of root cause analysis (RCA) in healthcare. We hypothesise that SAO can effectively identify unsuspected root causes amenable to systems changes.

Methods

Systems changes were developed and tested for effectiveness in a modified simulation, which was performed eight times, recorded and analysed.

Results

In seven of eight simulations, systems changes were effectively utilised by participants, who contacted anaesthesia using the number list and telephone provided to express concern. In six of seven simulations where anaesthesia was contacted, they provided care that avoided the adverse event. In two simulations, the adverse event transpired despite implemented systems changes, but for different reasons than originally identified. In one case, appropriate personnel were contacted but did not provide the direction necessary to avoid the adverse event, and in one case, the telephone malfunctioned.

Conclusions

Systems changes suggested by SAO can effectively correct deficiencies and help improve outcomes, although adverse events can occur despite implementation. Further study of systems concepts may provide suggestions for changes that function more reliably in complex healthcare systems. The information gathered from these simulations can be used to identify potential deficiencies, prevent future errors and improve patient safety.
Understory species and functional diversity in a chronosequence of jack pine and red pine stands in the south-central boreal forest
Authors: Park Andrew , Carpenter Corey
Published: December 2015

Dominant tree species and anthropogenic disturbances influence understory taxonomic diversity (TD) and species traits (functional diversity, FD) in managed forests. We compared understory TD and FD in managed jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) stands and red pine (Pinus resinosa Ait.) plantations. Understory herbs, grasses, shrubs, and nonvascular species were assessed in 1 m2 quadrats on two perpendicular line transects. Data were analyzed using generalised least squares regression, and multivariate fourth corner and RLQ analyses. Although there were few differences in understory species communities, red pine plantations appeared to impose weak environmental filters on TD in ways that were absent from the jack pine stands. Taxonomic diversity declined with age in red pine but not in jack pine, and may have been affected by the accumulation of litter cover in red pine stands. Although vegetation cover was lower in red pine than in jack pine, species richness on a percent cover basis was greater, and saturated at high cover levels in jack pine. Functional richness and evenness were unaffected by overstory species, but high litter cover favoured higher values of functional divergence. These results imply that there was a high level of functional redundancy among species for the suite of traits that we analyzed.
Estimation of maximum scour depth near a spur dike
Authors: Pandey Manish , Ahmad Z. , Sharma P.K.
Published: December 2015

Scour is a natural phenomenon in rivers caused by the erosive action of the flowing water on the bed and banks. Spur dikes are constructed across the flow to protect the bank from erosion by shifting of the river away from the bank. The spur dike undermines due to river-bed erosion and scouring, which is generally recognized as the main cause of spur dike failure. In this study, accuracy of existing equations for the computation of maximum scour depth has been checked with available data in the literature and data collected in the present study using graphical and statistical performance indices. Three new relationships are also proposed to estimate the maximum scour depth and maximum scour length upstream and downstream of spur dike. This new relationship for maximum scour depth is shown to perform better than other existing equations.
New data on Hirnantian (latest Ordovician) postglacial carbonate rocks and fossils in northern Guizhou, Southwest China
Authors: Wang Guang-Xu , Zhan Ren-Bin , Percival Ian G.
Published: December 2015

The Kuanyinchiao Formation (Hirnantian, Upper Ordovician), yielding the typical Hirnantia fauna, has commonly been accepted as representing cool-water sediments deposited during the glacial interval in the Hirnantian Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) region of South China. Recent investigation reveals that the uppermost carbonate-dominated part of this formation yields a warm-water rugose coral fauna with Silurian affinities at many localities of northern Guizhou Province, which substantially differs from the underlying cool-water fauna. This suggests that these carbonates were probably postglacial warm-water sediments, rather than having formed during the Hirnantian glacial interval as previously thought. Such a conclusion is consistent with the evidence from the associated brachiopod fauna, i.e., the Dalmanella testudinaria – Dorytreta longicrura community, which is similarly distinct from the underlying typical Hirnantia fauna. The sedimentological data show warm-water features at the same level (e.g., the presence of oolitic grains), also supporting this new interpretation.
Differential growth response to increasing growing stock and structural complexity in even- and uneven-sized mixed Picea abies stands in southern Finland
Authors: Zenner Eric K.
Published: December 2015

Widespread application of the selection system will depend on whether creating stands with uneven-sized (UES) structures comes at the expense of net periodic annual basal area increment (PAI) compared with stands with even-sized (ES) structures. I modeled PAI on growing stock and structural complexity over 12 years in midrotation stands with ES and UES structure types. Average PAI of the largest trees did not differ among types and decreased with increasing stocking, whereas PAI of the smallest trees in the UES type declined with stocking. Trees ≥ 10 cm in diameter grew more slowly in the ES type than the UES type, but no difference was seen after incorporating small trees (down to 5 or 2 cm). In the ES type, PAI of most trees increased linearly with increasing stocking, whereas in the UES type, it increased only up to ∼20 m2·ha−1. As structural complexity increased, PAI of the largest trees increased in the ES type, whereas PAI of all but the largest trees decreased in the UES type. Neither silvicultural system was innately more productive, as each can outperform the other under optimal levels of stocking and structural complexity. However, optimizing increment of only large trees would undermine the UES type.
Effect of valsartan on cardiac senescence and apoptosis in a rat model of cardiotoxicity
Authors: Sakr Hussein F. , Abbas Amr M. , Elsamanoudy Ayman Z.
Published: December 2015

The clinical application of doxorubicin is limited by its cardiotoxicity. The present study investigated the effect of valsartan on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Rats were divided into 6 groups: control, control + valsartan (10 mg/kg, for 14 days, orally), doxorubicin-treated (2.5 mg/kg, 3 times/week for 2 weeks, intraperitoneally), valsartan then doxorubicin, valsartan + doxorubicin, and doxorubicin then valsartan. ECG, isolated heart, lipid peroxidation (thiobaribituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and Bax, Bcl-2, and senescence marker protein 30 (SMP30) gene expression were measured in cardiac tissue. Blood samples were collected to measure lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB). Doxorubicin significantly increased LDH, CK-MB, TBARS, heart rate (HR), Bax gene expression, and −dP/dtmaxand decreased TAC, Bcl-2 and SMP30 gene expression, left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), and +dP/dtmax. Also, doxorubicin lengthened ST, QT, and QTc intervals. Concurrent or post- but not pre-treatment of doxorubicin-treated rats with valsartan reduced LDH, CK-MB, TBARS, HR, Bax gene expression, −dP/dtmax, and ST, QT, and QTc intervals and increased TAC, Bcl-2 and SMP30 gene expression, LVDP, and +dP/dtmax. Therefore, we conclude that concurrent or post- but not pre-treatment of doxorubicin-induced rats with valsartan attenuated doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity through inhibiting oxidative stress, apoptosis, and senescence.
How could (should) we make contact between string/M-theory and our four-dimensional world, and associated LHC predictions?
Authors: Kane Gordon
Published: December 2015

String/M-theory is an exciting framework within which we try to understand our universe and its properties. Compactified string/M-theories address and offer solutions to almost every important question and issue in particle physics and particle cosmology. But earlier goals of finding a top–down “vacuum selection” principle and deriving the 4D theory have not yet been realized. Does that mean we should stop trying, as nearly all string theorists have? Or can we proceed in the historical way to make a few generic, robust assumptions not closely related to observables, and follow where they lead to testable predictions and explanations? Making only very generic assumptions is a significant issue. I discuss how to try to proceed with this approach, particularly in M-theory compactified on a 7D manifold of G2 holonomy. One goal is to understand our universe as a string/M-theory vacuum for its own sake, in the long tradition of trying to understand our world, and what that implies. In addition, understanding our vacuum may be a prelude to understanding its connection to the multiverse.
Chern–Simons theory, Vassiliev invariants, loop quantum gravity and functional integration without integration
Authors: Kauffman Louis H.
Published: December 2015

This paper is an exposition of the relationship between Witten’s Chern–Simons functional integral and the theory of Vassiliev invariants of knots and links in three-dimensional space. We conceptualize the functional integral in terms of equivalence classes of functionals of gauge fields and we do not use measure theory. This approach makes it possible to discuss the mathematics intrinsic to the functional integral rigorously and without functional integration. Applications to loop quantum gravity are discussed.
A Novel Low Rank Representation Algorithm for Subspace Clustering
Authors: Chen Yuanyuan , Zhang Lei , Yi Zhang
Published: December 2015

Low rank representation (LRR) is widely used to construct a good affinity matrix to cluster data drawn from the union of multiple linear subspaces. However, it is not easy to solve the LRR problem in a closed form, and augmented Lagrange multiplier method (ALM) is usually applied. ALM takes a relative long time dealing with the real-world data. To solve the LRR problem efficiently, we propose an efficient low rank representation (eLRR) algorithm. Given a contaminated data set, we propose a novel way to solve the LRR of the data. We establish a useful theorem which directly gives an approximate solution to our LRR optimization problem. Thus, we can construct a good affinity matrix for subspace clustering. Experimental results with several public databases verify the efficiency and effectiveness of our method.
A Methodology to Analyze Multi-Agent Systems Modeled in High Level Petri Nets
Authors: Chang Lily , He Xudong
Published: December 2015

This paper presents a methodology for analyzing multi-agent systems modeled in nested predicate transition nets. The objective is to automate the model analysis for complex systems, and provide a foundation for tool development. We formally define the translation rules that translate the multi-agent model to an executable PROMELA model, and demonstrate the translation with an example.
Hybrid Harmony Search Algorithms
Authors: Siddique Nazmul , Adeli Hojjat
Published: December 2015

Harmony search algorithm (HSA) is a music-inspired population-based meta-heuristic search and optimization algorithm. In order to improve exploration or global search ability, exploit local search more effectively, increase convergence speed, improve solution quality, and minimize computational cost, researchers have advanced the concept of hybridizing HSA with other algorithms. This article presents a review of hybrid harmony search algorithms.
Applications of Harmony Search Algorithms in Engineering
Authors: Siddique Nazmul , Adeli Hojjat
Published: December 2015

In a recent article the authors reviewed the principles of harmony search and journal articles on harmony search algorithm (HSA). This article presents a review of applications of HSA including structural design, hydrologic model design, water distribution network design, water pump switching problem, transmission network expansion planning problem, job shop scheduling problem, university timetable and rosterering problem, training neural networks, clustering, combined heat and power economic dispatch problem, economic load dispatch problem, and economic and emission dispatch problem.
The invariance of decomposed Möbius energies under inversions with center on curves
Authors: Ishizeki Aya , Nagasawa Takeyuki
Published: December 2015

It is well known that one of O’Hara’s knot energies is called the Möbius energy because of its invariance under Möbius transformations. We showed in a previous paper that the Möbius energy can be decomposed into three parts that retain invariance but we left open the question of invariance regarding inversions with respect to spheres centered on a knot. Here, we answer this question under the assumption that the knots have extra regularity. The result holds not only for knots but also for closed curves in [Formula: see text].
Absolute retractness of automata on directed complete posets
Authors: Mehdi Ebrahimi M. , Mahmoudi Mojgan , Yavari Mahdieh
Published: December 2015

The notion of retractness, which is about having left inverses (reflection) for monomorphisms, is crucial in most branches of mathematics. One very important notion related to it is injectivity, which is about extending morphisms to larger domains and plays a fundamental role in many areas of mathematics as well as in computer science, under the name of complete or partial objects. Absolute retractness is tightly related to injectivity and is in fact equivalent to it in many categories. In this paper, combining the two important notions of actions of semigroups and directed complete posets, which are both crucial abstraction and useful in mathematics as well as in computer science, we consider the category Dcpo-[Formula: see text] of actions of a directed complete semigroup on directed complete posets, and study absolute retractness with respect to both monomorphisms and embeddings in this category. Among other things, we show that absolute retract ([Formula: see text]-)dcpo’s are complete but the converse is not necessarily true. Investigating the converse, we find that if we add the property of being a countable chain to completeness, over some kinds of dcpo-monoids such as dcpo-groups and commutative monoids, we get absolute retractness. Furthermore, we show that there are absolute retract [Formula: see text]-dcpo’s, which are not chains.
On partial CAP∗-subgroups of finite groups
Authors: Tang Xingzheng , Guo Wenbin
Published: December 2015

A subgroup [Formula: see text] of a finite group [Formula: see text] is said to be a partial [Formula: see text]-subgroup of [Formula: see text] if there exists a chief series [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] such that [Formula: see text] either covers or avoids each non-Frattini chief factor of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we study the influence of the partial [Formula: see text]-subgroups on the structure of finite groups. Some new characterizations of the hypercyclically embedded subgroups, [Formula: see text]-nilpotency and supersolubility of finite groups are obtained.
Gravitational massive modes from extended gravity
Authors: Basini Giuseppe , Capozziello Salvatore , De Laurentis Mariafelicia
Published: December 2015

Further gravitational massive modes emerge by extending the geometrical sector of Hilbert–Einstein theory in the most general theory including curvature invariants. Besides massless spin-2, also spin-0 and spin-2 massive and ghost fields have to be considered. We investigate the possible detectability of such additional modes by the Large Hadron Collider and calculate the detectable energy density of the spectrum.
Novel 7-oxy-3-(3′,4′,5′-trimethoxyphenyl)coumarin substituted zinc(II) phthalocyanines: Synthesis, characterization, photophysical and photochemical properties
Authors: Kaya Esra Nur , Durmuş Mahmut , Bulut Mustafa
Published: December 2015

The novel zinc(II) phthalocyanine complexes bearing tetra or octa-[7-oxy-3-(3′,4′,5′-trimethoxyphenyl)coumarin] moieties were synthesized for the first time in this study. These phthalocyanines were characterized by different spectroscopic methods such as FT-IR, 1H NMR, electronic absorption spectra, MALDI-TOF mass and elemental analyses as well. The photochemical properties such as singlet oxygen generation, photostability and photophysical properties such as fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes were investigated in [Formula: see text],[Formula: see text]-dimethylformamide (DMF) solutions. The effect of the structure (the position and number of the coumarin groups on phthalocyanine framework) of novel phthalocyanines on these properties was also determined in this study.
Effective and robust approach for fluorescence molecular tomography based on CoSaMP and SP3 model
Authors: He Xiaowei , Guo Hongbo , Yu Jingjing , Zhang Xu , Hou Yuqing
Published: December 2015

Fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) allows the detection and quantification of various biological processes in small animals in vivo, which expands the horizons of pre-clinical research and drug development. Efficient three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction algorithm is the key to accurate localization and quantification of fluorescent target in FMT. In this paper, 3D reconstruction of FMT is regarded as a sparse signal recovery problem and the compressive sampling matching pursuit (CoSaMP) algorithm is adopted to obtain greedy recovery of fluorescent signals. Moreover, to reduce the modeling error, the simplified spherical harmonics approximation to the radiative transfer equation (RTE), more specifically [Formula: see text], is utilized to describe light propagation in biological tissues. The performance of the proposed reconstruction method is thoroughly evaluated by simulations on a 3D digital mouse model by comparing it with three representative greedy methods including orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP), stagewise OMP(StOMP), and regularized OMP (ROMP). The CoSaMP combined with [Formula: see text] shows an improvement in reconstruction accuracy and exhibits distinct advantages over the comparative algorithms in multiple targets resolving. Stability analysis suggests that CoSaMP is robust to noise and performs stably with reduction of measurements. The feasibility and reconstruction accuracy of the proposed method are further validated by phantom experimental data.
Defining distribution composition (|x|μ)−s
Authors: Özc̣ağ Emin
Published: December 2015

We define the composition of distributions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] via neutrix setting for [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]
Analysis, modeling and simulation of step up converter using Matlab–Simulink and simplorer
Authors: Emar Walid
Published: December 2015

The basic configuration of step up converter usually used in photovoltaic solar systems to increase the DC voltage generated at their outputs suffers from some drawbacks just like high ripple in the output voltage, greater losses in the system and unstable dynamic behavior. To eliminate these drawbacks, this paper introduces a two-phase connection of step up converter with uncoupled smoothing reactors. Detailed analysis, simulation and control strategy have been proposed in this paper to investigate the advantages of using such connection with uncoupled reactors. This paper is intended to prove that two-phase connection with uncoupled reactors helps increasing the output power of the converter, minimizing its output ripple and making its control easier and more efficient. It also increases the converter chopping frequency and consequently decreases the size of smoothing reactors and filters used in the system. Concerning the design of such converters, it requires a long working period of time with a significant cost and specific technical tests at nominal operating points. Therefore, simulation can essentially decrease economic and development costs. Using modulation and simulation software techniques (Simplorer, Simulink, and Matlab) throughout this paper helped simulation of very fast the converter behavior and accurate determination of its dynamic characteristics. Moreover, the paper deals with modulation of voltage control technique using Matlab and Simplorer, thus regulating the converter output current and voltage. Simulation results show that this control technique provides robust output current and voltage of step up converters and is more feasible for their chopper up conversion technique.