bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of hematopoietic stem cell integrity through p53 and its related factors
Authors: Yamashita Masayuki , Nitta Eriko , Suda Toshio
Published: December 2015

The majority of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are maintained in a quiescent state to minimize premature exhaustion induced by various stresses. However, quiescent HSCs are vulnerable to mutagenesis because of attenuated DNA repair and DNA damage response programs. Basal abundant expression of prosurvival BCL‐2 proteins further endows HSCs with high resistance to apoptosis. In contrast, HSCs elicit strong activation of p53 upon DNA damage, resulting in enhanced activation of proapoptotic BCL‐2 signals through p53. ASPP1, an apoptosis‐stimulating protein of p53, is highly expressed in HSCs and preserves HSC pool integrity via selective induction of apoptosis. In this paper, we discuss the role of p53 and mitochondrial apoptosis in HSC regulation and introduce the current understanding of how p53 activity is regulated to achieve a good balance between maintaining the HSC pool and preventing hematological malignancies.
Understanding α‐globin gene regulation and implications for the treatment of β‐thalassemia
Authors: Mettananda Sachith , Gibbons Richard J. , Higgs Douglas R.
Published: December 2015

Over the past three decades, a vast amount of new information has been uncovered describing how the globin genes are regulated. This knowledge has provided significant insights into the general understanding of the regulation of human genes. It is now known that molecular defects within and around the α‐ and β‐globin genes, as well as in the distant regulatory elements, can cause thalassemia. Unbalanced production of globin chains owing to defective synthesis of one, and the continued unopposed synthesis of another, is the central causative factor in the cellular pathology and pathophysiology of thalassemia. A large body of clinical, genetic, and experimental evidence suggests that altering globin chain imbalance by reducing the production of α‐globin synthesis ameliorates the disease severity in patients with β‐thalassemia. With the development of new genetic‐based therapeutic tools that have a potential to decrease the expression of a selected gene in a tissue‐specific manner, the possibility of decreasing expression of the α‐globin gene to improve the clinical severity of β‐thalassemia could become a reality.
Miniscleral lens wear influences corneal curvature and optics
Authors: Vincent Stephen J. , Alonso‐Caneiro David , Collins Michael J.
Published: December 2015

Purpose

Transient changes in corneal topography associated with soft and conventional or reverse geometry rigid contact lens wear have been well documented; however, only a few studies have examined the influence of scleral contact lens wear upon the cornea. Therefore, in this study, we examined the influence of modern miniscleral contact lenses, which land entirely on the sclera and overlying tissues, upon anterior corneal curvature and optics.

Methods

Anterior corneal topography and elevation data were acquired using Scheimpflug imaging (www.pentacam.com) immediately prior to and following 8 h of miniscleral contact lens wear in 15 young healthy adults (mean age 22 ± 3 years, eight East Asian, seven Caucasian) with normal corneae. Corneal diurnal variations were accounted for using data collected on a dedicated measurement day without contact lens wear. Corneal clearance was quantified using an optical coherence tomographer (RS‐3000, www.nidek.com) following lens insertion and after 8 h of lens wear.

Results

Although corneal clearance was maintained throughout the 8‐h lens wear period, significant corneal flattening (up to 0.08 ± 0.04 mm) was observed, primarily in the superior mid‐peripheral cornea, which resulted in a slight increase in against‐the‐rule corneal astigmatism (mean +0.02/−0.15 × 94 for an 8 mm diameter). Higher order aberration terms of horizontal coma, vertical coma and spherical aberration all underwent significant changes for an 8 mm corneal diameter (p ≤ 0.01), which typically resulted in a decrease in RMS error values (mean change in total higher order RMS −0.035 ± 0.046 μm for an 8 mm diameter). There was no association between the magnitude of change in central or mid‐peripheral corneal clearance during lens wear and the observed changes in corneal curvature (p > 0.05). However, East Asian participants displayed a significantly greater reduction in corneal clearance (p = 0.04) and greater superior‐nasal corneal flattening compared to Caucasians (p = 0.048).

Conclusions

Miniscleral contact lenses that vault the cornea induce significant changes in anterior corneal surface topography and higher order aberrations following 8 h of lens wear. The region of greatest corneal flattening was observed in the superior‐nasal mid‐periphery, more so in East Asian participants. Practitioners should be aware that corneal measurements obtained following miniscleral lens removal may mask underlying corneal steepening.
An Integrated Logistic Model for Predictable Disasters
Authors: Vanajakumari Manoj , Kumar Subodha , Gupta Sushil
Published: December 2015

In the aftermath of a disaster, the relief items are transported from temporary warehouses (Staging Areas, SAs) to the Points of Distribution (PODs). Reducing the response time to provide relief items to disaster victims and cost minimization are two important objectives of this study. We propose an integrated optimization model for simultaneously determining (1) locations of staging areas, (2) inventory assignments to these SAs, (3) selecting sizes and numbers of trucks, and (4) routing of trucks from SAs to PODs. We also introduce another variable, a value function, which forces the model to reduce the logistics response time. We study the interactions among these variables through extensive sensitivity analysis. The time horizon for supply of relief items to disaster areas is usually limited to six days after the disaster occurs. Therefore, we use the proposed optimization model in a rolling‐horizon manner, one day at a time. This reduces daily demand uncertainty. We analyze three disaster scenarios: (1) a low impact disaster, (2) a medium impact disaster, and (3) a high impact disaster. We conduct 720 experiments with different parameter values, and provide answers to the following questions that are useful for the logistic managers: (i) What are the right sizes (in terms of storage capacities) of SAs closer to the PODs? (ii) How should the budget be allocated in a disaster scenario? (iii) What mix of different types (in terms of sizes) of trucks should be selected in a given scenario? The most important managerial insights include: (i) operational budget beyond a limit does not improve the operational efficiency, (ii) when the budget is very low, it is essential to select smaller SAs close to the PODs in order to carry out operations in a feasible manner, (iii) when the impact of disaster is high, it is always beneficial to select larger SAs close to the PODs (as long as the budget is not very low), (iv) when the budget is high and the impact of disaster is not very high, the emergency management administrators need to select SAs prudently based on the tradeoff between the operational cost and the humanitarian value, and (v) the cost of operations is higher when all the trucks are of the same type compared to the case when there is a mix of different types of trucks. Also, we find that the optimal selection of SAs is not impacted by different combinations of the types of trucks. The focus of this study is on disasters that can be forecasted in advance and provide some lead time for preparations, for example, hurricanes. In order to understand the disaster management process of such disasters and develop our model, we (i) interviewed several emergency management administrators, and (ii) studied the disaster management processes available in documents released by various government agencies.
When Does a Retailer's Advance Selling Capability Benefit Manufacturer, Retailer, or Both?
Authors: Zhao Xuying , Pang Zhan , Stecke Kathryn E.
Published: December 2015

Advance selling (AS) from a retailer to consumers is commonly observed in practice. With an AS capability, a retailer has the option to sell in advance or not. Having the AS option seems to increase flexibility and thus profit for a retailer. However, we show that the AS option can hurt the retailer's profit as well as supply chain performance. We identify two thresholds for a product's marginal production cost. A retailer's AS option benefits both the manufacturer and retailer when the marginal production cost is high, that is, above both thresholds. It benefits the manufacturer but hurts the retailer when the marginal production cost is moderate, that is, between the two thresholds. The result is ambiguous when the marginal production cost is low, that is, below both thresholds. We find that consumer valuation uncertainty under AS is the key driving force for the surprising result that having the retailer's AS option can hurt the retailer. When compared to the scenario where the retailer does not have the AS option, we find that the manufacturer's optimal wholesale price weakly decreases under the retailer's AS option if the marginal production cost is high. The statement is reversed if the marginal production cost is moderate or low.
The impact of deep vertical supply chain relationships upon focal‐firm innovation performance
Authors: Tomlinson Philip R. , Fai Felicia M.
Published: December 2015

Managers increasingly invest in relationships with suppliers and customers to stimulate innovation. Existing literature has demonstrated the potential for diminishing returns to the breadth of relationships but less attention has been paid to the depth of relationships. We combine resource based theory with social capital perspectives to consider the depth of vertical inter‐firm relationships and their impact on innovation for a focal firm. Using multivariate analysis to examine supplier‐led and user‐led innovation across firms in UK manufacturing, we find that embedded relationships in either direction correlate with both product and/or process innovation. However, with further depth of embeddedness, simultaneous and varied effects on product and process innovations occur. Our findings suggest that managers need to understand the unique dynamics of relationship depth (in addition to breadth) upon product and process innovation otherwise the focal firm may waste managerial effort and resources in relationship building.
How can we better align private security with the public interest? Towards a civilizing model of regulation
Authors: Loader Ian , White Adam
Published: December 2015

How can we better align private security with the public interest? This question has met with two answers in the literature on private security regulation, one seeking tocleansethe market of deviant sellers, the other tocommunalizethe market through the empowerment of buyers. Both models of regulation are premised upon a limited neoclassical economic conception of how market transactions map onto the public interest. This article makes the case for a new model of regulation, one that seeks tocivilizethe market. Drawing upon the insights of economic sociology, our model regards the market for security as a moral economy in which commodity and non‐commodity values jostle and collide. On this basis, we propose a regulatory architecture where buyers and sellers are cast not only as economic actors but also as moral actors, revealing new avenues through which to encompass private security within the democratic promise of security.
The politics of resonance: Transnational sustainability governance in Argentina
Authors: Peña Alejandro Milcíades
Published: December 2015

Why do private governance initiatives trigger greater participation in one country than another? This article examines the domestic dimension of transnational regulation through a case study of private sustainability governance in Argentina. Drawing from theories of contentious politics, the argument poses that the resonance of transnational private governance is shaped by the semantic compatibility of “incoming” sustainability programs against national political culture. Analyzing the limited participation of Argentine actors in contemporary sustainability initiatives, the article claims that the validity and relevance of sustainability programs is affected by three dimensions of national political culture accentuated over the last decade: a politicized model of state‐society relations, the low visibility of environmental matters, and a widespread anti‐corporate culture. By examining the ideational fundamentals of the “politics of resonance” in Argentina, the article makes a relevant and original contribution to transnational regulation literature, highlighting the need for theoretical accounts and empirical analyses that address domestic and cultural variables as fundamental pieces in transnational norm diffusion and effectiveness.
Empirical Likelihood Inference for the Rao‐Hartley‐Cochran Sampling Design
Authors: Berger Yves G.
Published: December 2015

The Hartley‐Rao‐Cochran sampling design is an unequal probability sampling design which can be used to select samples from finite populations. We propose to adjust the empirical likelihood approach for the Hartley‐Rao‐Cochran sampling design. The approach proposed intrinsically incorporates sampling weights, auxiliary information and allows for large sampling fractions. It can be used to construct confidence intervals. In a simulation study, we show that the coverage may be better for the empirical likelihood confidence interval than for standard confidence intervals based on variance estimates. The approach proposed is simple to implement and less computer intensive than bootstrap. The confidence interval proposed does not rely on re‐sampling, linearization, variance estimation, design‐effects or joint inclusion probabilities.
Long‐term effects of frequent maximal breath‐holding on the cardiac health of elite freedivers
Authors: Zelenkova I. , Chomahidze P.
Published: December 2015

Cardiac arrhythmias are commonly reported in freedivers during maximal voluntary breath‐holds, but their influence on the cardiological status and their long‐term effects on the cardiac health of these athletes have not been investigated. Here we present the results of a study on 32 healthy young men (mean age 32.6 ± 1.3 years) who were divided into two groups of 16 subjects. One group included 16 continuously training freedivers at the “high achievers in sports” level (DIVERS group). The CONTROL group included 16 healthy young men not involved in sports. The subjects were monitored using 24‐h electrocardiogram (ECG), and echocardiological study (EchoCG) for all the subjects was performed. The mean heart rate in the DIVERS group was 69.5 ± 1.7 bpm compared with 70.9 ± 1.5 bpm in the CONTROL group. The minimal heart rate was 42.3 ± 1.0 bpm in the DIVERS group and 48.8 ± 1.7 bpm in the CONTROL group (P < 0.005). The maximal heart rate was 132.8 ± 4.6 bpm in the DIVERS group and 132.1 ± 2.9 bpm in the CONTROL group. ECG analysis revealed supraventricular arrhythmias in the DIVERS group: four of the DIVERS (25%) exhibited supraventricular couplets and triplets, three (19%) exhibited transient first‐ and second‐degree AV blocks (Mobitz type 1) at night, and one (6%) exhibited a second‐degree sinoatrial block at night. According to the echocardiogram, the DIVERS had slightly larger left ventricles (5.1 ± 1.33, P < 0.05) and left atriums (41.1 ± 12.7) compared with the CONTROL group without exceeding the normal values. The right ventricle volume (3.6 ± 0.69, P < 0.05) was somewhat above the upper normal value (up to 3.5 cm). In conclusion, freediving athletes exhibited changes in their cardiac status, most likely due to the regular exercise, that were not associated with regular maximal voluntary breath‐holds. These changes are within the normal physiological values and do not limit their freediving practice.
Beyond Coping: Smallholder Intensification in Southern Ukraine
Authors: Kuns Brian
Published: December 2015

This article empirically investigates rural, small‐scale household farming in post‐Soviet southern Ukraine, focusing on a particular group of households that have managed to intensify their production beyond subsistence without help from large farms. Large‐farm support for small‐scale household agricultural production in the former Soviet Union is generally considered necessary for small‐scale household farming, so the absence of this support is noteworthy. The conditions of this intensification are explored and mapped out. Further, this intensification is related to discussions in the peasant study literature on the general viability of intensive smallholder production. While the investigated farms do present some sustainability concerns, this paper concludes that this production is not less viable than large‐scale agricultural production. The main future challenge is how upcoming agrarian reforms will affect smallholders, particularly with respect to formalising informal resource use.
Inequality in Social Insurance Participation and Generosity: Do Firm Characteristics Matter?
Authors: Gao Qin , Rickne Johanna
Published: December 2015

Income inequality in China has been much documented and debated. However, one important aspect of income inequality – social insurance inequality – has been largely understudied. We use a large national panel of firm data to examine the possible influence of various firm characteristics on the inequalities in social insurance participation and generosity in the period 2004–07. Our findings reveal substantial ownership sector and regional gaps in social insurance provision by firms, with the private domestic sector and those in the central region lagging behind. Unionized firms, larger firms, and firms with greater market shares also tend to provide better social insurance to their employees. While being an exporting firm is linked with greater social insurance participation and generosity, being a purely exporting firm, however, is associated with reduced social insurance generosity. Lastly, highly educated workers receive substantially better social insurance coverage than their less educated peers. These social insurance inequalities are highly relevant as China pushes forward with establishing a unified social insurance system across urban‐rural boundaries, ownership sectors and industries.
Contrasting phylogeographic signatures in two Australo‐Papuan bowerbird species complexes (Aves: Ailuroedus)
Authors: Irestedt Martin , Batalha‐Filho Henrique , Roselaar Cees S. , Christidis Les , Ericson Per G. P.
Published: December 2015

The Australo‐Papuan catbird genus Ailuroedus has a complex distribution and a contested taxonomy. Here, we integrate phylogenetic analysis of DNA data and morphology to study the group's biogeography and to re‐examine its taxonomy. We couple phylogeographic and abiotic data to examine differences between the major groups defined in our phylogenetic analysis. Our results are consistent with Ailuroedus catbirds being divided into two species complexes, one distributed in humid forests in the lowlands on New Guinea and another in comparably drier and colder forests mainly in mid‐mountains on New Guinea and Australia. Vicariant events during the Pliocene are surmised to have been the major force in shaping the contemporary phylogeographical signature of this genus. Several previously suggested vicariant events, such as fragmentation of xeric forests in Australia and the uplift of the central mountain range on New Guinea, are reinforced as important Pliocene barriers for tropical forest taxa in this region. Interaction between Pleistocene climatic fluctuations and differences in habitat requirements may explain a higher and more recent population structures in the mid‐mountain catbird complex and the lack of representatives from the lowland clade in the comparably drier Australia. Phylogeographical patterns in both catbird complexes, respectively, both comply and deviate from other lowland and mid‐mountain taxa in the region. This highlights that taxon‐specific properties, such as their historical spatial and ecological distributions, capacity to disperse and tolerance to habitat changes, affect the phylogeographical histories of organisms. Within both species complexes, the genetic differentiation between several geographically isolated populations was found to exceed those commonly observed for avian sister species. As these genetically distinct taxa also were found to be morphological diagnosable, we suggest a revised classification of the genus Ailuroedus, where we recognize three species within the lowland complex and seven species within the mid‐mountain complex.
Symmetric operations for all primes and Steenrod operations in algebraic cobordism
Authors: Vishik Alexander
Published: December 2015

In this article we construct symmetric operations for all primes (previously known only for $p=2$). These unstable operations are more subtle than the Landweber–Novikov operations, and encode all $p$-primary divisibilities of characteristic numbers. Thus, taken together (for all primes) they plug the gap left by the Hurewitz map $\mathbb{L}{\hookrightarrow}\mathbb{Z}[b_{1},b_{2},\ldots ]$, providing an important structure on algebraic cobordism. Applications include questions of rationality of Chow group elements, and the structure of the algebraic cobordism. We also construct Steenrod operations of tom Dieck style in algebraic cobordism. These unstable multiplicative operations are more canonical and subtle than Quillen-style operations, and complement the latter.
Non-rigid quartic -folds
Authors: Ahmadinezhad Hamid , Kaloghiros Anne-Sophie
Published: December 2015

Let $X\subset \mathbb{P}^{4}$ be a terminal factorial quartic $3$-fold. If $X$ is non-singular, $X$ is birationally rigid, i.e. the classical minimal model program on any terminal $\mathbb{Q}$-factorial projective variety $Z$ birational to $X$ always terminates with $X$. This no longer holds when $X$ is singular, but very few examples of non-rigid factorial quartics are known. In this article, we first bound the local analytic type of singularities that may occur on a terminal factorial quartic hypersurface $X\subset \mathbb{P}^{4}$. A singular point on such a hypersurface is of type $cA_{n}$ ($n\geqslant 1$), or of type $cD_{m}$ ($m\geqslant 4$) or of type $cE_{6},cE_{7}$ or $cE_{8}$. We first show that if $(P\in X)$ is of type $cA_{n}$, $n$ is at most $7$ and, if $(P\in X)$ is of type $cD_{m}$, $m$ is at most $8$. We then construct examples of non-rigid factorial quartic hypersurfaces whose singular loci consist (a) of a single point of type $cA_{n}$ for $2\leqslant n\leqslant 7$, (b) of a single point of type $cD_{m}$ for $m=4$ or $5$ and (c) of a single point of type $cE_{k}$ for $k=6,7$ or $8$.
Cardiac parasympathetic outflow during dynamic exercise in humans estimated from power spectral analysis of P–P interval variability
Authors: Takahashi Makoto , Nakamoto Tomoko , Matsukawa Kanji , Ishii Kei , Watanabe Tae , Sekikawa Kiyokazu , Hamada Hironobu
Published: December 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Should we use the high‐frequency (HF) component of P–P interval as an index of cardiac parasympathetic nerve activity during moderate exercise?

What is the main finding and its importance?

The HF component of P–P interval variability remained even at a heart rate of 120–140 beats min−1 and was further reduced by atropine, indicating incomplete cardiac vagal withdrawal during moderate exercise. The HF component of R–R interval is invalid as an estimate of cardiac parasympathetic outflow during moderate exercise; instead, the HF component of P–P interval variability should be used.

The high‐frequency (HF) component of R–R interval variability has been widely used as an indirect estimate of cardiac parasympathetic (vagal) outflow to the sino‐atrial node of the heart. However, we have recently found that the variability of the R–R interval becomes much smaller during dynamic exercise than that of the P–P interval above a heart rate (HR) of ∼100 beats min−1. We hypothesized that cardiac parasympathetic outflow during dynamic exercise with a higher intensity may be better estimated using the HF component of P–P interval variability. To test this hypothesis, the HF components of both P–P and R–R interval variability were analysed using a Wavelet transform during dynamic exercise. Twelve subjects performed ergometer exercise to increase HR from the baseline of 69 ± 3 beats min−1 to three different levels of 100, 120 and 140 beats min−1. We also examined the effect of atropine sulfate on the HF components in eight of the 12 subjects during exercise at an HR of 140 beats min−1. The HF component of P–P interval variability was significantly greater than that of R–R interval variability during exercise, especially at the HRs of 120 and 140 beats min−1. The HF component of P–P interval variability was more reduced by atropine than that of R–R interval variability. We conclude that cardiac parasympathetic outflow to the sino‐atrial node can be estimated better by the HF component of P–P interval variability during exercise and that cardiac parasympathetic nerve activity exists during moderate dynamic exercise.
Signalling beyond photon absorption: extracellular retinoids and growth factors modulate rod photoreceptor sensitivity
Authors: McKeown Alex S. , Pitale Priyamvada M. , Kraft Timothy W.
Published: December 2015

Key points

We propose that the end product of chromophore bleaching in rod photoreceptors, all‐trans retinol, is part of a feedback loop that increases the sensitivity of the phototransduction cascade in rods.

A previously described light‐induced hypersensitivity in rods, termed adaptive potentiation, is reduced by exogenously applied all‐trans retinol but not all‐trans retinal.

This potentiation is produced by insulin‐like growth factor‐1, whose binding proteins are located in the extracellular matrix, even in our isolated retina preparation after removal of the retinal pigmented epithelium.

Simple modelling suggests that the light stimuli used in the present study will produce sufficient all‐trans retinol within the interphotoreceptor matrix to explain the potentiation effect.

Photoreceptors translate the absorption of photons into electrical signals for propagation through the visual system. Mammalian photoreceptor signalling has largely been studied in isolated cells, and such studies have necessarily avoided the complex environment of supportive proteins that surround the photoreceptors. The interphotoreceptor matrix (IPM) contains an array of proteins that aid in both structural maintenance and cellular homeostasis, including chromophore turnover. In signalling photon absorption, the chromophore 11‐cis retinal is first isomerized to all‐trans retinal, followed by conversion to all‐trans retinol (ROL) for removal from the photoreceptor. Interphotoreceptor retinoid‐binding protein (IRBP) is the most abundant protein in the IPM, and it promotes the removal of bleached chromophores and recycling in the nearby retinal pigment epithelium. By studying the light responses of isolated mouse retinas, we demonstrate that ROL can act as a feedback signal onto photoreceptors that influences the sensitivity of phototransduction. In addition to IRBP, the IPM also contains insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) and its associated binding proteins, although their functions have not yet been described. We demonstrate that extracellular application of physiological concentrations of IGF‐1 can increase rod photoreceptor sensitivity in mammalian retinas. We also determine that chromophores and growth factors can limit the range of a newly described form of photoreceptor light adaptation. Finally, fluorescent antibodies demonstrate the presence of IRBP and IGFBP‐3 in isolated retinas. A simple model of the formation and release of ROL into the extracellular space quantitatively describes this novel feedback loop.
Comparisons among ten models of acoustic backscattering used in aquatic ecosystem research
Authors: Jech J. Michael , Horne John K. , Chu Dezhang , Demer David A. , Francis David T. I. , Gorska Natalia , Jones Benjamin , Lavery Andone C. , Stanton Timothy K. , Macaulay Gavin J. , Reeder D. Benjamin , Sawada Kouichi
Published: December 2015

Analytical and numerical scattering models with accompanying digital representations are used increasingly to predict acoustic backscatter by fish and zooplankton in research and ecosystem monitoring applications. Ten such models were applied to targets with simple geometric shapes and parameterized (e.g., size and material properties) to represent biological organisms such as zooplankton and fish, and their predictions of acoustic backscatter were compared to those from exact or approximate analytical models, i.e., benchmarks. These comparisons were made for a sphere, spherical shell, prolate spheroid, and finite cylinder, each with homogeneous composition. For each shape, four target boundary conditions were considered: rigid-fixed, pressure-release, gas-filled, and weakly scattering. Target strength (dB re 1 m2) was calculated as a function of insonifying frequency (f = 12 to 400 kHz) and angle of incidence (θ = 0° to 90°). In general, the numerical models (i.e., boundary- and finite-element) matched the benchmarks over the full range of simulation parameters. While inherent errors associated with the approximate analytical models were illustrated, so were the advantages as they are computationally efficient and in certain cases, outperformed the numerical models under conditions where the numerical models did not converge.
Classification of underwater targets from autonomous underwater vehicle sampled bistatic acoustic scattered fields
Authors: Fischell Erin M. , Schmidt Henrik
Published: December 2015

One of the long term goals of autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) minehunting is to have multiple inexpensive AUVs in a harbor autonomously classify hazards. Existing acoustic methods for target classification using AUV-based sensing, such as sidescan and synthetic aperture sonar, require an expensive payload on each outfitted vehicle and post-processing and/or image interpretation. A vehicle payload and machine learning classification methodology using bistatic angle dependence of target scattering amplitudes between a fixed acoustic source and target has been developed for onboard, fully autonomous classification with lower cost-per-vehicle. To achieve the high-quality, densely sampled three-dimensional (3D) bistatic scattering data required by this research, vehicle sampling behaviors and an acoustic payload for precision timed data acquisition with a 16 element nose array were demonstrated. 3D bistatic scattered field data were collected by an AUV around spherical and cylindrical targets insonified by a 7–9 kHz fixed source. The collected data were compared to simulated scattering models. Classification and confidence estimation were shown for the sphere versus cylinder case on the resulting real and simulated bistatic amplitude data. The final models were used for classification of simulated targets in real time in the LAMSS MOOS-IvP simulation package [M. Benjamin, H. Schmidt, P. Newman, and J. Leonard, J. Field Rob. 27, 834–875 (2010)].
A Comparison of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Vastus Lateralis Electromyography Amplitude for the Barbell, Band, and American Hip Thrust Variations
Authors: Contreras Bret , Vigotsky Andrew D. , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Beardsley Chris , Cronin John
Published: December 2015

Bridging exercise variations are well researched and commonly employed for both rehabilitation and sport performance. However, resisted bridge exercise variations have not yet been compared in a controlled experimental study. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the differences in upper and lower gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and vastus lateralis electromyography (EMG) amplitude for the barbell, band, and American hip thrust variations. Thirteen healthy female subjects (age = 28.9 y; height = 164.3 cm; body mass = 58.2 kg) familiar with the hip thrust performed 10 repetitions of their 10-repetition maximum of each variation in a counterbalanced and randomized order. The barbell hip thrust variation elicited statistically greater mean gluteus maximus EMG amplitude than the American and band hip thrusts, and statistically greater peak gluteus maximus EMG amplitude than the band hip thrust (P ≤ .05), but no other statistical differences were observed. It is recommended that resisted bridging exercise be prescribed according to the individual’s preferences and desired outcomes.
Concurrent Tactile Feedback Provided by a Simple Device Increased Knee Flexion and Decreased Impact Ground Reaction Forces During Landing
Authors: Dai Boyi , Stephenson Mitchell L. , Ellis Samantha M. , Donohue Michael R. , Ning Xiaopeng , Zhu Qin
Published: December 2015

Increased knee flexion and decreased knee valgus angles and decreased impact ground reaction forces (GRF) are associated with decreased anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) loading during landing. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of tactile feedback provided by a simple device on knee flexion and valgus angles and impact GRF during landing. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected when 28 participants performed baseline, training, and evaluation jump-landing trials. During the training trials, the device was placed on participants’ shanks so that participants received tactile feedback when they reached a peak knee flexion angle of a minimum of 100°. During the evaluation trials, participants were instructed to maintain the movement patterns as they learned from the training trials. Participants demonstrated significantly (P < .008) increased peak knee flexion angles, knee flexion range of motion during early landing (first 100 ms of landing) and stance time, decreased impact posterior and vertical GRF during early landing and jump height, and similar knee valgus angles during the evaluation trials compared with the baseline trials. Immediately following training with tactile feedback, participants demonstrated landing patterns associated with decreased ACL loading. This device may have advantages in application because it provides low-cost, independent, and real-time feedback.
Relationship of anthropometric measurements to thyroid nodules in a Chinese population
Authors: Xu Weimin , Chen Zexin , Li Na , Liu Hui , Huo Liangliang , Huang Yangmei , Jin Xingyi , Deng Jin , Zhu Sujuan , Zhang Shanchun , Yu Yunxian
Published: December 2015

Objective

Previous studies have found that overweight and obesity are related to numerous diseases, including thyroid cancer and thyroid volume. This study evaluates the relationship between body size and the presence of thyroid nodules in a Chinese population.

Methods

A total of 6793 adults and 2410 children who underwent thyroid ultrasonography were recruited in this cross-sectional study in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, from March to October, 2010. Sociodemographic characteristics and potential risk factors of thyroid nodules were collected by questionnaire. Height and weight were measured using standard protocols. Associations of height, weight, body mass index (BMI) and body surface area (BSA) with the presence of thyroid nodules were evaluated using multiple logistic regression models.

Results

After adjustment for potential risk factors, an increased risk of thyroid nodule incidence was associated with height (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.30), weight (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.24 to 1.58), BMI (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.42) and BSA (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.62) in all adults, but most obviously in women. In children, similar associations were observed between risk of thyroid nodule incidence and weight, BMI and BSA, but not height. BSA was the measurement most significantly associated with thyroid nodules in both adults and children.

Conclusions

This study identified that the presence of thyroid nodules was positively associated with weight, height, BMI and BSA in both women and girls. It suggests that tall, obese individuals have increased susceptibility to thyroid nodules.

Trial registration number:

NCT01838629.
Symptom burden, Metabolic profile, Ultrasound findings, Rhythm, neurohormonal activation, haemodynamics and health-related quality of life in patients with atrial Fibrillation (SMURF): a protocol for an observational study with a randomised interventional component
Authors: Charitakis Emmanouil , Walfridsson Ulla , Nyström Fredrik , Nylander Eva , Strömberg Anna , Alehagen Urban , Walfridsson Håkan
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, with an estimated prevalence of 1.5–2%. It is an independent risk factor for ischaemic stroke and is estimated to cause about 20–25% of all stroke cases. AF has a great impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL); however, one unresolved issue related to AF is the wide variation in its symptoms.

Methods and analysis

The symptom burden, metabolic profile, ultrasound findings, rhythm, neurohormonal activation, haemodynamics and HRQoL in patients with AF (Symptom burden, Metabolic profile, Ultrasound findings, Rhythm, neurohormonal activation, haemodynamics and health-related quality of life in patients with atrial Fibrillation, SMURF) study is a prospective observational, cohort study, with a randomised interventional part. The aim of the study is to investigate, in patients with AF, the relationship between symptom burden and metabolic aspects, atrial function and different neurohormones, and the effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA). The interventional part of the study will give an insight into the neurohormonal and intracardiac pressure changes directly after initiation of AF. Consecutive patients with symptomatic AF accepted for treatment with RFA for the first time at Linköping University Hospital are eligible for participation. The enrolment started in January 2012, and a total of 200 patients are to be included into the study, with 45 of them being enrolled into the interventional study with initiation of AF. The sample size of the interventional study is based on a small pilot study with 5 patients induced to AF while 2 served as controls. The results indicated that, in order to find a statistically significant difference, there was a need to include 28 patients; for safety reasons, 45 patients will be included.

Ethics and dissemination

The SMURF study is approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping, Sweden. The results will be presented through peer-review journals and conference presentation.

Trial registration number

NCT01553045; Pre-results.
Protocol for a single-centre randomised controlled trial of multimodal periarticular anaesthetic infiltration versus single-agent femoral nerve blockade as analgesia for total knee arthroplasty: Perioperative Analgesia for Knee Arthroplasty (PAKA)
Authors: Wall P D H , Sprowson A P , Parsons N , Parsons H , Achten J , Balasubramanian S , Costa M L
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery causes postoperative pain. The use of perioperative injections around the knee containing local anaesthetic, opiates and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has increased in popularity to manage pain. Theoretical advantages include reduced requirements for analgesia and earlier mobilisation. We propose a single-centre randomised controlled trial of multimodal periarticular anaesthetic infiltration versus femoral nerve anaesthetic blockade as analgesia for TKA. The aim is to determine, in patients undergoing TKA, if there is a difference in patient-reported pain scores on the visual analogue scale (VAS) prior to physiotherapy on day 1 postoperatively between treatment groups.

Methods and analysis

Patients undergoing a primary unilateral TKA at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire Hospitals will be assessed for eligibility. A total of 264 patients will provide 90% power to detect a difference of 12 mm on the VAS on day 1 postoperatively at the 5% level. The trial will use 1:1 randomisation, stratified by mode of anaesthetic. Primary outcome measure will be the VAS for pain prior to physiotherapy on day 1. Secondary outcome measures include VAS on day 2, total use of opiate analgesia up to 48 h, ordinal pain scores up to 40 min after surgery, independent functional knee physiotherapist assessment on days 1 and 2. Oxford knee Scores (OKS), EuroQol (EQ-5D) and Douleur Neuropathic Pain Scores (DN2) will be recorded at baseline, 6 weeks and 12 months. Adverse events will be recorded up to 12 months. Analysis will investigate differences in VAS on day 1 between the two treatment groups on an intention-to-treat basis. Tests will be two-sided and considered to provide evidence for a significant difference if p values are less than 0.05.

Ethics and dissemination

NRES Committee West Midlands, 23 September 2013 (ref: 13/WM/0316). The results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration numbers

ISRCTN 60611146 and EUDRACT Number 2013-002439-10 (protocol code number PAKA-33601-AS117013); Pre-results.
Effect of pseudoephedrine in sport: a systematic review
Authors: Trinh Kien V , Kim Jiin , Ritsma Amanda
Published: December 2015

Objective

Pseudoephedrine is a stimulant that can be purchased over-the-counter to relieve symptoms of nasal and sinus congestion. Owing to its similar composition to ephedrine and other amphetamines, pseudoephedrine mirrors some of its ergogenic effects. This study investigates its possible ergogenic effect through a systematic review. Our primary aim was to determine the effects of pseudoephedrine in sport and its potential for performance enhancement.

Design

We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsychINFO and The Cochrane Library for trials conducted from their beginning to March 2015. Any published trial that used randomised assignment to the intervention and control groups in full text and measured pseudoephedrine as an independent variable were included.

Results

Overall, the review showed that the ergogenic effect of pseudoephedrine is dose-dependent. None of the reviewed studies showed an ergogenic effect at the therapeutic dose of the drug (60–120 mg); however, supratherapeutic doses (≥180 mg) yielded clinically significant results.

Conclusions

Owing to the limitations of the published studies in this field, we were unable to make any firm conclusions with respect to the overall effect of pseudoephedrine and its ergogenic effect. It is evident that there is a correlation between the dose administered and its ergogenic effects, but it is also evident that the side effects of using above the therapeutic dose outweigh the possible benefits of using pseudoephedrine in sport. Further research with larger sample sizes is required to determine the relationship between doses (≥180 mg) and concentrations in urine that cause an ergogenic effect.
Focal cortical dysplasia resulting in seizures in an adult dog
Authors: Cooper Camilla Jayne , McConnell Fraser , Walmsley Gemma , Gonçalves Rita
Published: December 2015

A two‐year‐old, neutered male, old English sheepdog was presented for further investigation of generalised tonic‐clonic seizures. MRI of the brain revealed cortical grey matter thickening, grey‐white matter blurring and malformation of the prorean and precruciate gyrus and absence of the presylvian sulcus. These findings are consistent with congenital focal cortical dysplasia; although the histopathological findings have been previously described in dogs, the MRI findings have not yet been reported in the veterinary literature. Phenobarbitone was added at the time of diagnosis with levetiracetam being added after 12 months due to worsening seizure frequency. Cortical dysplasia, although uncommon, should be considered as a differential diagnosis in an adult dog with generalised seizures.
Tree biomass reconstruction shows no lag in postglacial afforestation of eastern Canada
Authors: Blarquez Olivier , Aleman Julie C.
Published: December 2015

Forest ecosystems in eastern Canada are particularly sensitive to climate change and may shift from carbon sinks to carbon sources in the coming decades. Understanding how forest biomass responded to past climate change is thus of crucial interest, but past biomass reconstruction still represents a challenge. Here we used transfer functions based on modern pollen assemblages and remotely sensed biomass estimation to reconstruct and quantify, for the last 14 000 years, tree biomass dynamics for the six main tree genera of the boreal and mixedwood forests (Abies, Acer, Betula, Picea, Pinus, Populus). We compared the mean genera and total biomass with climatic (summer temperatures and annual precipitation), physical (CO2, insolation, ice area), and disturbance (burned biomass) variables to identify the potential drivers influencing the long-term trends in tree biomass. For most genera, tree biomass was related to summer temperature, insolation, and CO2levels; Picea was the exception and its biomass also correlated with annual precipitation. At the onset of the Holocene and during the Holocene Thermal Maximum (ca. 10 000–6000 BP), tree biomass tracked the melting of the Laurentide Ice Sheet with high values (>50 tonnes·ha–1and a total of 12 Pg). These values, in the range of modern forest ecosystems biomass, indicate that trees were probably able to survive in a periglacial environment and to colonize the region without any discernible lag by tracking the ice retreat. High biomass at the beginning of the Holocene was likely favoured by higher than present insolation, CO2levels higher than during the Last Glacial Maximum, and temperature and precipitation close to present-day levels. Past tree biomass reconstruction thus brings novel insights about the drivers of postglacial tree biomass and the overall biogeography of the region since the deglaciation.
Chromosomal mapping of H3 histone and 5S rRNA genes in eight species of Astyanax (Pisces, Characiformes) with different diploid numbers: syntenic conservation of repetitive genes
Authors: Piscor Diovani , Parise-Maltempi Patricia Pasquali
Published: December 2015

The genus Astyanax is widely distributed from the southern United States to northern Patagonia, Argentina. While cytogenetic studies have been performed for this genus, little is known about the histone gene families. The aim of this study was to examine the chromosomal relationships among the different species of Astyanax. The chromosomal locations of the 5S rRNA and H3 histone genes were determined in A. abramis, A. asuncionensis, A. altiparanae, A. bockmanni, A. eigenmanniorum, A. mexicanus (all 2n = 50), A. fasciatus (2n = 46), and A. schubarti (2n = 36). All eight species exhibited H3 histone clusters on two chromosome pairs. In six species (A. abramis, A. asuncionensis, A. altiparanae, A. bockmanni, A. eigenmanniorum, and A. fasciatus), syntenic clusters of H3 histone and 5S rDNA were observed on metacentric (m) or submetacentric (sm) chromosomes. In seven species, clusters of 5S rDNA sequences were located on one or two chromosome pairs. In A. mexicanus, 5S rDNA clusters were located on four chromosome pairs. This study demonstrates that H3 histone clusters are conserved on two chromosome pairs in the genus Astyanax, and specific chromosomal features may contribute to the genomic organization of the H3 histone and 5S rRNA genes.
Local zeta regularization and the scalar Casimir effect III. The case with a background harmonic potential
Authors: Fermi Davide , Pizzocchero Livio
Published: December 2015

Applying the general framework for local zeta regularization proposed in Part I of this series of papers, we renormalize the vacuum expectation value of the stress-energy tensor (and of the total energy) for a scalar field in presence of an external harmonic potential.