bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Nutrition Guidelines for International Rugby Sevens Tournaments
Authors: Dziedzic Christine E. , Higham Dean G.
Published: January 2014

Rugby sevens is an abbreviated version of rugby union, played by teams of seven players over 7-min halves. International competitions are usually played in a tournament format. While shorter in duration, the movement demands of rugby sevens per min of match time are greater than rugby union, resulting in an accentuated load on players. This load can be repeated up to six times over a typical 2- or 3-day competition period. The potential cumulative effect of inadequate carbohydrate, protein and/or fluid intake over the course of a tournament is the greatest nutrition-related concern for players. Nutritional strategies before and during competition are suggested to replenish substrate stores, maintain fluid balance and promote recovery between matches. The use of ergogenic aids known to enhance intermittent, high-intensity activity and/or the execution of motor skills may be advantageous to rugby sevens performance and is discussed. This review provides a best-practice model of nutritional support for international rugby sevens competition based on our current understanding of the sport combined with pragmatic guidelines and considerations for the practitioner.
The Importance of a Normal Breathing Pattern for an Effective Abdominal-Hollowing Maneuver in Healthy People: An Experimental Study
Authors: Ha Sung-min , Kwon Oh-yun , Kim Su-jung , Choung Sung-dae
Published: January 2014

Context:

A normal breathing pattern while performing the abdominal-hollowing (AH) maneuver or spinal-stabilization exercise is essential for the success of rehabilitation programs and exercises. In previous studies, subjects were given standardized instructions to control the influence of respiration during the AH maneuver. However, the effect of breathing pattern on abdominal-muscle thickness during the AH maneuver has not been investigated.

Objective:

To compare abdominal-muscle thickness in subjects performing the AH maneuver under normal and abnormal breathing-pattern conditions and to investigate the effect of breathing pattern on the preferential contraction ratio (PCR) of the transverse abdominis.

Design:

Comparative, repeated-measures experimental study.

Setting:

University research laboratory.

Participants:

16 healthy subjects (8 male, 8 female) from a university population.

Measurement:

A real-time ultrasound scanner was used to measure abdominal-muscle thickness during normal and abnormal breathing patterns. A paired t test was used to assess the effect of breathing pattern on abdominal-muscle thickness and PCR.

Results:

Muscle thickness in the transverse abdominis and internal oblique muscles was significantly greater under the normal breathing pattern than under the abnormal pattern (P < .05). The PCR of the transverse abdominis was significantly higher under the normal breathing pattern compared with the abnormal pattern (P < .05).

Conclusion:

The results indicate that a normal breathing pattern is essential for performance of an effective AH maneuver. Thus, clinicians should ensure that patients adopt a normal breathing pattern before performing the AH maneuver and monitor transverse abdominis activation during the maneuver.
Physical Education Pedagogy Faculty Perceptions of Journal Quality
Authors: Silverman Stephen , Kulinna Pamela Hodges , Phillips Sharon R.
Published: January 2014

This study examined perceived journal quality by physical education pedagogy faculty members. Participants (N = 273) were identified in three ways and recruited through e-mail. Based on research in other fields investigating journal quality and on publication patterns in physical education, a web-based survey was used to examine (a) whether participants knew a journal and viewed it as scholarly, (b) ratings of journal quality, (c) what factors influenced their ratings, and (d) demographic and scholarly productivity measures. There was a wide range of journals known by the participants and clear indicators of which journals had higher and lower perceived quality. There were differences in ratings between those employed at master’s and doctoral institutions and relationships between scholarly productivity and the number of journals known. The results provide strong indications of journal quality for those who have reasons to evaluate journals in physical education.
Succeed Together or Fail Alone: Going From Good to Great in Physical Education
Authors: Pennington Todd R. , Prusak Keven A. , Wilkinson Carol
Published: January 2014

“What we have is a systemic failure —one that involves the relationship of physical education programs in public schools with teacher preparation in higher education.”(Siedentop & Locke, 1997). This assessment led Prusak, Pennington, Vincent-Graser, Beighle, and Morgan (2010) to an examination of a school district that seemed to have achieved Systemic Success in PE (SSPE). The authors sought to understand SSPE’s history from conception to institutionalization. This three-year, qualitative, follow-up study was conducted using Collins’ (2001) framework from Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t.

Making this examination from a business sector perspective provides an insightful look into the making of SSPE. Results of this study provide evidence that while social sector organizations (such as education) share much in common with business sector companies, there are distinct and fascinating differences. Collins’ (2001) framework is both confirmed and extended in this study. Findings also provide a means for PE practitioners and PETE programs to accomplish what Siedentop and Locke (1997) hoped for—to succeed together.
Adolescents’ Interest and Performances in Aerobic Fitness Testing
Authors: Zhu Xihe , Chen Senlin , Parrott James
Published: January 2014

This study examined adolescents’ interest in aerobic fitness testing and its relation to the test performances. Adolescents (N = 356) from three middle schools participated in the study. The participants took two aerobic fitness tests: the Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run (PACER) and One-Mile Run (1MR) with a two-day interval, and completed two interest scales immediately after each test. Test performances, interest, and body mass index data were collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis of variance/covariance, and hierarchical regression analyses. Student situational and personal interests were low-to-moderate overall in both aerobic fitness tests. Boys reported significantly higher situational interest than girls, but there was no gender difference in personal interest. Personal interest was a significant predictor for PACER (b=.27) and 1MR (b=-.37). The predictability of situational interest to testing performances varied between PACER and 1MR. PACER and 1MR might have rendered distinct motivational stimuli that led to the varied predicting power of situational interest.
Genome Sequences of Three Novel Bacillus cereus Bacteriophages
Authors: Grose Julianne H. , Jensen Jordan D. , Merrill Bryan D. , Fisher Joshua N. B. , Burnett Sandra H. , Breakwell Donald P.
Published: January 2014

The
Bacillus cereus
group is an assemblage of highly related firmicute bacteria that cause a variety of diseases in animals, including insects and humans. We announce three high-quality, complete genome sequences of bacteriophages we isolated from soil samples taken at the bases of fruit trees in Utah County, Utah. While two of the phages (Shanette and JL) are highly related myoviruses, the bacteriophage Basilisk is a siphovirus.
Complete Genome Sequence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa MTB-1, Isolated from a Microbial Community Enriched by the Technical Formulation of Hexachlorocyclohexane
Authors: Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Sato Takuya , Kishida Kouhei , Tabata Michro , Ogura Yoshitoshi , Hayashi Tetsuya , Tsuda Masataka , Nagata Yuji
Published: January 2014

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
MTB-1 does not degrade gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), but this bacterium persistently coexists with a γ-HCH-degrading strain,
Sphingomonas
sp. MM-1, in a microbial community enriched by the technical formulation of HCH. Here we report the complete MTB-1 genome sequence, with a 6.6-Mb circular chromosome.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Alkaliphilic and Xylanolytic
Paenibacillus
sp. Strain JCM 10914, Isolated from the Gut of a Soil-Feeding Termite
Authors: Ohkuma Moriya , Yuki Masahiro , Oshima Kenshiro , Suda Wataru , Oshida Yumi , Kitamura Keiko , Iida Toshiya , Hattori Masahira
Published: January 2014

Panibacillus
sp. strain JCM 10914 is a xylanolytic alkaliphile isolated from the gut of a soil-feeding termite. Its draft genome sequence revealed various genes for hydrolytic enzymes and will facilitate studies on adaptation to the highly alkaline gut environment and its role in digesting soil organic matter in the gut.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Mortierella alpina
Isolate CDC-B6842
Authors: Etienne Kizee A. , Chibucos Marcus C. , Su Qi , Orvis Joshua , Daugherty Sean , Ott Sandra , Sengamalay Naomi A. , Fraser Claire M. , Lockhart Shawn R. , Bruno Vincent M.
Published: January 2014

We report the draft genome sequence of
Mortierella alpina
isolate CDC-B6842.
M. alpina
is a nonpathogenic member of the
Mucoromycotina
subphylum of fungi that is an important model for understanding the molecular mechanisms of lipid production and metabolism.
Draft Genome Sequence of Enterococcus faecalis Strain PF3, Isolated from Adélie Penguin Feces from Antarctica
Authors: Spence Robert J. , Pavasovic Ana , Smith James J. , Prentis Peter J.
Published: January 2014

Enterococcus faecalis
is one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections and is a common commensal organism in humans and other animals. In this study, we report a draft genome sequence for the
E. faecalis
strain PF3, isolated from Adélie penguin feces collected from Warriner Island, Antarctica.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Thermophilic Polychlorinated Biphenyl Degrader
Geobacillus
sp. Strain JF8 (NBRC 109937)
Authors: Shintani Masaki , Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Fukuda Kohei , Hosoyama Akira , Ohji Shoko , Yamazoe Atsushi , Fujita Nobuyuki , Nagata Yuji , Tsuda Masataka , Hatta Takashi , Kimbara Kazuhide
Published: January 2014

Geobacillus
sp. strain JF8 (NBRC 109937) utilizes biphenyl and naphthalene as sole carbon sources and degrades polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) at 60°C. Here, we report the complete nucleotide sequence of the JF8 genome (a 3,446,630-bp chromosome and a 39,678-bp plasmid). JF8 has the smallest genome among the known PCB degraders.
Complete Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strain MtURU-001, Isolated from a Rapidly Progressing Outbreak in Uruguay
Authors: Greif Gonzalo , Iraola Gregorio , Berná Luisa , Coitinho Cecilia , Rivas Carlos M. , Naya Hugo , Robello Carlos
Published: January 2014

Despite efficient control programs, large clonal outbreaks of tuberculosis (TB) may arise in low-risk populations. Recently, an unusual TB outbreak was reported in Uruguay, reaching an elevated disease attack rate (53 to 69%). Here, we report the genome sequence of the
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
strain associated with this rapidly progressing outbreak, named MtURU-001.
Draft Genome Sequences of Fusobacterium nucleatum ChDC F145, ChDC F174, ChDC F206, and ChDC F300, Isolated from Human Subgingival Plaques in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Park Soon-Nang , Cho Eugene , Lim Yun Kyong , Kim Hwa-Sook , Kim Dae-Soo , Jung Jaeeun , Baek Jeong-Hun , Jo Eojin , Chang Young-Hyo , Shin Jeong Hwan , Choi Sang-Haeng , Kang Jihee , Choi YongUn , Park Hong-Seog , Kim Hongik , Kook Joong-Ki
Published: January 2014

Recently, five strains were isolated from human subgingival plaques and were proposed as a novel subspecies of
Fusobacterium nucleatum
. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of the strains, except one for which the draft sequence was already introduced.
Recovery from sleep disturbance precedes that of depression and anxiety following mild traumatic brain injury: a 6-week follow-up study
Authors: Ma Hon-Ping , Ou Ju-Chi , Yeh Chun-Ting , Wu Dean , Tsai Shin-Han , Chiu Wen-Ta , Hu Chaur-Jong
Published: January 2014

Objectives

The detailed course of mental disorders at the acute and subacute stages of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), especially with regard to recovery from sleep disturbances, has not been well characterised. The aim of this study was to determine the course of depression, anxiety and sleep disturbance, following an mTBI.

Setting

We recruited patients with mTBI from three university hospitals in Taipei and healthy participants as control group for this study.

Participants

100 patients with mTBI (35 men) who were older than 20 years, with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13–15 and loss of consciousness for <30 min, completed the baseline and 6-week follow-up assessments. 137 controls (47 men) without TBI were recruited in the study. None of the participants had a history of cerebrovascular disease, mental retardation, previous TBI, epilepsy or severe systemic medical illness.

Primary outcome measures

The Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were assessed for the patients with mTBI at baseline and 6 weeks after mTBI and for the controls.

Results

The ESS scores were not significantly different between the mTBI at baseline or at 6 weeks after mTBI and controls. Although the BAI, BDI and PSQI scores of the mTBI group were significantly different than those of the control group at baseline, all had improved significantly 6 weeks later. However, only the PSQI score improved to a level that was not significantly different from that of the control group.

Conclusions

Daytime sleepiness is not affected by mTBI. However, mTBI causes depression and anxiety and diminished sleep quality. Although all these conditions improve significantly within 6 weeks post-mTBI, only sleep quality improves to a pre-mTBI level. Thus, recovery from mTBI-induced sleep disturbance occurs more rapidly than that of mTBI-induced depression and anxiety.
Update on treating canine staphylococcal skin infections
Authors: Nuttall Tim
Published: January 2014

The use of antimicrobials in veterinary practice has become a controversial issue and responsible use of such medicines is encouraged throughout the profession. This article highlights the advances in treating staphylococcal skin infections that are most relevant to general practitioners and explains how to prescribe responsibly when treating these conditions.
Diagnostic and therapeutic approach to common ectoparasitoses in small animal practice
Authors: Cerundolo Rosario
Published: January 2014

Cheyletiella species, Demodex species, Sarcoptes scabiei and Otodectes cynotis are briefly reviewed. It also offers guidance on choosing the safest and the most efficient treatment for parasitic skin diseases in small animals as part of the investigation of pruritic animals.
Role of n-3 fatty acids in muscle loss and myosteatosis
Authors: Ewaschuk Julia B. , Almasud Alaa , Mazurak Vera C.
Published: January 2014

Image-based methods such as computed tomography for assessing body composition enables quantification of muscle mass and muscle density and reveals that low muscle mass and myosteatosis (fat infiltration into muscle) are common in people with cancer. Myosteatosis and low muscle mass have emerged as independent risk factors for mortality in cancer; however, the characteristics and pathogenesis of these features have not been resolved. Muscle depletion is associated with low plasma eicosapentaenoic (20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic (22:6n-3) in cancer and supplementation with n-3 fatty acids has been shown to ameliorate muscle loss and myosteatosis in clinical studies, suggesting a relationship between n-3 fatty acids and muscle health. Since the mechanisms by which n-3 fatty acids alter body composition in cancer remain unknown, related literature from other conditions associated with myosteatosis, such as insulin resistance and obesity is considered. In these noncancer conditions, it has been reported that n-3 fatty acids act by increasing insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammatory mediators, and altering adipokine profiles and transcription factors; therefore, the plausibility of these mechanisms of action in the neoplastic state are considered. The aim of this review is to summarize what is known about the effects of n-3 fatty acids with regards to muscle condition and to discuss potential mechanisms for effects of n-3 fatty acids on muscle health.
Quantifying effective restoration: reassessing the productive capacity of a constructed stream 14 years after construction
Authors: Scrimgeour Garry J. , Tonn William M. , Jones Nicholas E.
Published: January 2014

Using natural streams as references against which ecosystem structure and function could be compared, we examined the short-term (1–3 years) and long-term (14 years) effectiveness of a 3.4 km constructed stream in the Northwest Territories, Canada. The constructed stream variously showed little to marked improvements 14 years after construction (2011), relative to 1998–2000 and to reference streams, depending on the stream attribute. Many attributes related to stocks of organic matter remained well below reference levels in the constructed stream after 14 years. Leaf matter processing rates increased in the constructed stream to the point of convergence with reference streams in 2011, but the latter still had superior leaf retention abilities. By Year 14, benthic invertebrate composition in the constructed stream showed some convergence with reference streams, although densities generally lagged, especially in riffles. In 2011, growth of young-of-the-year Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus) from the constructed stream was substantially greater relative to 1998–2001, but remained well below contemporary reference levels. Our mixed results raise questions about the definition and time scale of successful restoration.
Defect states in amorphous Ge2Sb2Te5 phase change material
Authors: Qamhieh N. , Mahmoud S.T. , Ayesh A.I.
Published: January 2014

Steady-state photoconductivity measurements in the temperature range 100–300 K on amorphous Ge2Sb2Te5 thin film prepared by dc sputtering are analyzed. The dark conductivity is thermally activated with a single activation energy that allocates the position of the Fermi level approximately in the middle of the energy gap relative to the valance band edge. The temperature dependence of the photoconductivity ensures the presence of a maximum normally observed in chalcogenides with low- and high-temperature slopes, which predict the location of discrete sets of localized states (recombination levels) in the gap. The presence of these defect states close to the valence and conduction band edges leaves the quasi Fermi level shifts in a continuous distribution of gap states at high temperatures, as evidenced from the γ values of the lux–ampere characteristics.
Probing the exciton distribution in organic light-emitting diodes using long-range energy transfer
Authors: Ingram G.L. , Chang Y.-L. , Lu Z.H.
Published: January 2014

We present a technique to probe the exciton distribution in organic light-emitting diodes. Our method involves strategically inserting sensing layers at different locations in proximity to the emissive zone. In contrast to typical sensing layers that act as a probe of the local exciton density, the sensing layers reported here use long-range energy transfer to probe a large area around the sensing layer. We highlight the importance of material selection, such that exciton distribution could be probed without influencing the electrical and optical properties of the organic light-emitting diodes. We expect that this work will provide an invaluable tool for studying excitons in organic light-emitting diodes.
Evaluation of the convolution sum ∑i+25j=n σ(i)σ(j)
Authors: Xia Ernest X. W. , Tian X. L. , Yao Olivia X. M.
Published: January 2014

In this paper, the convolution sum ∑i+25j=n σ(i)σ(j) is evaluated for all n ∈ ℕ based on some identities due to Berndt, Lemire and Williams.
Metamorphic zircon formation at the transition from gabbro to eclogite in Trollheimen–Surnadalen, Norwegian Caledonides
Authors: Beckman Victoria , Möller Charlotte , Söderlund Ulf , Corfu Fernando , Pallon Jan , Chamberlain Kevin R.
Published: January 2014

A transition from gabbro to eclogite has been investigated at Vinddøldalen in south-central Norway, with the aim to link reaction textures to metamorphic zircon growth and to obtain a direct U–Pb zircon age of the metamorphic process. In the different rocks of the transition zone zircon occurs as (I) igneous prismatic grains, (II) metamorphic polycrystalline rims and pseudomorphs after baddeleyite, and (III) as tiny (<10 µm) bead-like zircon grains. Textural relations suggest that type II zircon formed by breakdown of baddeleyite in the presence of silica, whereas Fe–Ti oxides were the main Zr source for the type III zircon. Subsolidus liberation of Zr and formation of bead zircon took place by oxyexsolution of titanomagnetite during fluid-assisted metamorphism, and by resorption of Fe–Ti oxide in rock domains that were completely recrystallized to eclogite. SIMS (secondary ion mass spectrometry) and TIMS (thermal ionization mass spectrometry) dating provides comparable U–Pb ages of magmatic zircon and baddeleyite. Baddeleyite (TIMS) yielded an age of 1457±11 Ma for the gabbro emplacement. Bead-type metamorphic zircon from eclogite gave 425±10 Ma (TIMS) dating the metamorphic transition from gabbro to eclogite in the upper basement of the Lower Allochthon in the south-central Scandinavian Caledonides.
Towards the definition of AMS facies in the deposits of pyroclastic density currents
Authors: Ort M. H. , Newkirk T. T. , Vilas J. F. , Vazquez J. A.
Published: January 2014

Anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) provides a statistically robust technique to characterize the fabrics of deposits of pyroclastic density currents (PDCs). AMS fabrics in two types of pyroclastic deposits (small-volume phreatomagmatic currents in the Hopi Buttes volcanic field, Arizona, USA, and large-volume caldera-forming currents, Caviahue Caldera, Neuquén, Argentina) show similar patterns. Near the vent and in areas of high topographical roughness, AMS depositional fabrics are poorly grouped, with weak lineations and foliations. In a densely welded proximal ignimbrite, this fabric is overprinted by a foliation formed as the rock compacted and deformed. Medial deposits have moderate–strong AMS lineations and foliations. The most distal deposits have strong foliations but weak lineations. Based on these facies and existing models for pyroclastic density currents, deposition in the medial areas occurs from the strongly sheared, high-particle-concentration base of a density-stratified current. In proximal areas and where topography mixes this denser base upwards into the current, deposition occurs rapidly from a current with little uniformity to the shear, in which particles fall and collide in a chaotic fashion. Distal deposits are emplaced by a slowing or stalled current so that the dominant particle motion is vertical, leading to weak lineation and strong foliation.
Chorioamnionitis-induced fetal gut injury is mediated by direct gut exposure of inflammatory mediators or by lung inflammation
Authors: Wolfs Tim G. A. M. , Kramer Boris W. , Thuijls Geertje , Kemp Matthew W. , Saito Masatoshi , Willems Monique G. M. , Senthamarai-Kannan Paranthaman , Newnham John P. , Jobe Alan H. , Kallapur Suhas G.
Published: January 2014

Intra-amniotic exposure to proinflammatory agonists causes chorioamnionitis and fetal gut inflammation. Fetal gut inflammation is associated with mucosal injury and impaired gut development. We tested whether this detrimental inflammatory response of the fetal gut results from a direct local (gut derived) or an indirect inflammatory response mediated by the chorioamnion/skin or lung, since these organs are also in direct contact with the amniotic fluid. The gastrointestinal tract was isolated from the respiratory tract and the amnion/skin epithelia by fetal surgery in time-mated ewes. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline (controls) was selectively infused in the gastrointestinal tract, trachea, or amniotic compartment at 2 or 6 days before preterm delivery at 124 days gestation (term 150 days). Gastrointestinal and intratracheal LPS exposure caused distinct inflammatory responses in the fetal gut. Inflammatory responses could be distinguished by the influx of leukocytes (MPO+, CD3+, and FoxP3+ cells), tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ expression and differential upregulation of mRNA levels for Toll-like receptor 1, 2, 4, and 6. Fetal gut inflammation after direct intestinal LPS exposure resulted in severe loss of the tight junctional protein zonula occludens protein 1 (ZO-1) and increased mitosis of intestinal epithelial cells. Inflammation of the fetal gut after selective LPS instillation in the lungs caused only mild disruption of ZO-1, loss in epithelial cell integrity, and impaired epithelial differentiation. LPS exposure of the amnion/skin epithelia did not result in gut inflammation or morphological, structural, and functional changes. Our results indicate that the detrimental consequences of chorioamnionitis on fetal gut development are the combined result of local gut and lung-mediated inflammatory responses.
Purse-string morphology of external anal sphincter revealed by novel imaging techniques
Authors: Mittal Ravinder K. , Bhargava Valmik , Sheean Geoff , Ledgerwood Melissa , Sinha Shantanu
Published: January 2014

The external anal sphincter (EAS) may be injured in 25–35% of women during the first and subsequent vaginal childbirths and is likely the most common cause of anal incontinence. Since its first description almost 300 years ago, the EAS was believed to be a circular or a “donut-shaped” structure. Using three-dimensional transperineal ultrasound imaging, MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, and muscle fiber tracking, we delineated various components of the EAS and their muscle fiber directions. These novel imaging techniques suggest “purse-string” morphology, with “EAS muscles” crossing contralaterally in the perineal body to the contralateral transverse perineal (TP) and bulbospongiosus (BS) muscles, thus attaching the EAS to the pubic rami. Spin-tag MRI demonstrated purse-string action of the EAS muscle. Electromyography of TP/BS and EAS muscles revealed their simultaneous contraction and relaxation. Lidocaine injection into the TP/BS muscle significantly reduced anal canal pressure. These studies support purse-string morphology of the EAS to constrict/close the anal canal opening. Our findings have implications for the effect of episiotomy on anal closure function and the currently used surgical technique (overlapping sphincteroplasty) for EAS reconstructive surgery to treat anal incontinence.
The effect of lifelong exercise dose on cardiovascular function during exercise
Authors: Carrick-Ranson Graeme , Hastings Jeffrey L. , Bhella Paul S. , Fujimoto Naoki , Shibata Shigeki , Palmer M. Dean , Boyd Kara , Livingston Sheryl , Dijk Erika , Levine Benjamin D.
Published: January 2014

An increased “dose” of endurance exercise training is associated with a greater maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max), a larger left ventricular (LV) mass, and improved heart rate and blood pressure control. However, the effect of lifelong exercise dose on metabolic and hemodynamic response during exercise has not been previously examined. We performed a cross-sectional study on 101 (69 men) seniors (60 yr and older) focusing on lifelong exercise frequency as an index of exercise dose. These included 27 who had performed ≤2 exercise sessions/wk (sedentary), 25 who performed 2–3 sessions/wk (casual), 24 who performed 4–5 sessions/wk (committed) and 25 who performed ≥6 sessions/wk plus regular competitions (Masters athletes) over at least the last 25 yr. Oxygen uptake and hemodynamics [cardiac output, stroke volume (SV)] were collected at rest, two levels of steady-state submaximal exercise, and maximal exercise. Doppler ultrasound measures of LV diastolic filling were assessed at rest and during LV loading (saline infusion) to simulate increased LV filling. Body composition, total blood volume, and heart rate recovery after maximal exercise were also examined. V̇o2max increased in a dose-dependent manner ( P < 0.05). At maximal exercise, cardiac output and SV were largest in committed exercisers and Masters athletes ( P < 0.05), while arteriovenous oxygen difference was greater in all trained groups ( P < 0.05). At maximal exercise, effective arterial elastance, an index of ventricular-arterial coupling, was lower in committed exercisers and Masters athletes ( P < 0.05). Doppler measures of LV filling were not enhanced at any condition, irrespective of lifelong exercise frequency. These data suggest that performing four or more weekly endurance exercise sessions over a lifetime results in significant gains in V̇o2max, SV, and heart rate regulation during exercise; however, improved SV regulation during exercise is not coupled with favorable effects on LV filling, even when the heart is fully loaded.
Acute change of titin at mid-sarcomere remains despite 8 wk of plyometric training
Authors: Macaluso F. , Isaacs A. W. , Di Felice V. , Myburgh K. H.
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate skeletal muscle changes induced by an acute bout of plyometric exercise (PlyEx) both before and after PlyEx training, to understand if titin is affected differently after PlyEx training. Healthy untrained individuals ( N = 11) completed the 1stPlyEx (10 × 10 squat-jumps, 1-min rest). Thereafter, six subjects completed 8 wk of PlyEx, while five controls abstained from any jumping activity. Seven days after the last training session, all subjects completed the 2ndPlyEx. Blood samples were collected before and 6 h and 1, 2, 3, and 4 days after each acute bout of PlyEx, and muscle biopsies 4 days before and 3 days after each acute bout of PlyEx. The 1stPlyEx induced an increase in circulating myoglobin concentration. Muscle sample analysis revealed Z-disk streaming, a stretch or a fragmentation of titin (immunogold), and increased calpain-3 autolysis. After training, 2ndPlyEx did not induce Z-disk streaming or calpain-3 activation. The previously observed post-1stPlyEx positional change of the titin COOH terminus was still present pre-2ndPlyEx, in all trained and all control subjects. Only two controls presented with Z-disk streaming after 2ndPlyEx, while calpain-3 activation was absent in all controls. Eccentric explosive exercise induced a stretch or fragmentation of titin, which presented as a positional change of the COOH terminus. Calpain-3 activation does not occur when titin is already stretched before explosive jumping. Enzymatic digestion results in titin fragmentation, but since an increase in calpain-3 autolysis was visible only after the 1stPlyEx acute bout, fragmentation cannot explain the prolonged positional change.
Selective skin sensitivity changes and sensory reweighting following short-duration space flight
Authors: Lowrey Catherine R. , Perry Stephen D. , Strzalkowski Nicholas D. J. , Williams David R. , Wood Scott J. , Bent Leah R.
Published: January 2014

Skin sensory input from the foot soles is coupled with vestibular input to facilitate body orientation in a gravitational environment. Anecdotal observations suggest that foot sole skin becomes hypersensitive following space flight. The veritable level of skin sensitivity and its impact on postural disequilibrium observed post space flight have not been documented. Skin sensitivity of astronauts ( n = 11) was measured as vibration perception at the great toe, fifth metatarsal and heel. Frequencies targeted four classes of receptors: 3 and 25 Hz for slow-adapting (SA) receptors and 60 and 250 Hz for fast-adapting (FA) receptors. Data were collected pre– and post–space flight. We hypothesized that skin sensitivity would increase post–space flight and correlate to balance measures. Decreased skin sensitivity was found on landing day at 3 and 25 Hz on the great toe. Hypersensitivity was found for a subset of astronauts ( n = 6) with significantly increased sensitivity to 250 Hz at the heel. This subset displayed a greater reduction in computerized dynamic posturography (CDP) equilibrium (EQ) scores (−54%) on landing vs. non-hypersensitive participants (−11%). Observed hyposensitivity of SA (pressure) receptors may indicate a strategy to reduce pressure input during periods of unloading. Hypersensitivity of FAs coupled with reduced EQ scores may reflect targeted sensory reweighting. Altered gravito-inertial environments reduce vestibular function in balance control which may trigger increased weighting of FAs (that signal foot contact, slips). Understanding modulations to skin sensitivity has translational implications for mitigating postural disequilibrium following space flight and for on-Earth preventative strategies for imbalance in older adults.
The Four Faces of Autophagy: Implications for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Gewirtz David A.
Published: January 2014

It is generally thought that autophagy has two primary and opposing functions in tumor cells in response to stress induced by chemotherapy or radiation. One is the cytoprotective function that can in theory be inhibited for therapeutic advantage by sensitizing the cells to these treatment modalities. The other is the cytotoxic function that is generally not observed with conventional treatment modalities, but that may function to promote tumor cell killing either alone or in association with apoptosis. In this commentary/review, we advance the premise that autophagy is actually populated by at least two additional players. One we have termed the nonprotective form of autophagy, where the cell is apparently carrying out autophagy-mediated degradative functions, but where autophagy inhibition does not lead to perceptible alterations in drug or radiation sensitivity. The other is what we now term the cytostatic form of autophagy in that its activation results in prolonged growth inhibition as well as reduced clonogenic survival (loss of reproductive capacity) but in the absence of actual loss of cell viability through apoptosis or necrosis; however, as is the case with cytototoxic autophagy, inhibition of cytostatic autophagy protects the tumor cell from the agent (drugs or radiation) that promotes the autophagic response. In view of current clinical efforts to exploit autophagy inhibition as a therapeutic strategy for sensitization of malignancies to chemotherapy and radiation, it is critical to recognize that if chemotherapy and/or radiation actually promote autophagy in patient tumors, the autophagy is not of necessity cytoprotective in function. Cancer Res; 74(3); 647–51. ©2014 AACR.
Genetic analysis of the 9p21.3 CAD risk locus in Asian Indians
Authors: Arvind Prathima , Jambunathan Srikarthika , Nair Jiny , Kakkar Vijay V. , Shanker Jayashree
Published: January 2014

The 9p21.3 locus is the best replicated region to date for coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated the association of 9p21.3 common variants with CAD, candidate gene expression including ANRIL, a non-coding RNA, followed by in vitro validation. Five variants, rs10757278, rs10757274, rs2383206, rs1333049 and rs4977574 were genotyped in 1,034 cases and 1,034 controls. Gene expression of C9orf5, MTAP 1, MTAP 2, p16INK4a
, p14ARF
, p15INK4b
and two ANRIL splice variants, NR_003529 and EU741058, were measured in 100 cases and 100 controls. Human aortic smooth muscle cells (HuAoSMCs) were transfected with siRNA targeting ANRIL exon 19 (siRNA-1) or exon 2 (siRNA-2) and consequent effect determined. rs2383206 showed the highest association with CAD (odds ratio [OR] 2.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.56 –2.62) and an adjusted OR of 2.55, 1.33–2.88 along with rs10757278. Conventional risk factors (conventional RFs), rs2383206 and rs10757278 variants together yielded a higher c index (OR 0.790, 95% CI 0.770 –0.810) as compared to conventional RFs (OR 0.783, 95% CI 0.763–0.803) or genetic variants (OR 0.561, 95% CI 0.536–0.586) alone. GAAAA haplotype showed significant protective association with CAD compared to CGGGG risk haplotype (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.27–0.77). Expression of p16INK4a
, p14ARF
and p15INK4b
as well as plasma CDKN2A levels were lower in cases than controls. GG genotype was associated with higher EU741058 expression and lower p16INK4a
expression. HuAoSMCs transfected with siRNA-1 showed lower NR_003529, p16INK4a
and p14ARF
expression. Our study provides further evidence on the significance of 9p21.3 locus for CAD wherein the risk allele regulate the expression of ANRIL and adjacent tumour suppressor genes which in turn alter smooth muscle proliferation, a fundamental process in atherosclerosis.
Composite risk scores and composite endpoints in the risk prediction of outcomes in anticoagulated patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Banerjee Amitava , Fauchier Laurent , Bernard-Brunet Anne , Clementy Nicolas , Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: January 2014

Several validated risk stratification schemes for prediction of ischaemic stroke (IS)/thromboembolism (TE) and major bleeding are available for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). On the basis for multiple common risk factors for IS/TE and bleeding, it has been suggested that composite risk prediction scores may be more practical and user-friendly than separate scores for bleeding and IS/TE. In a long-term prospective hospital registry of anticoagulated patients with newly diagnosed AF, we compared the predictive value of existing risk prediction scores as well as composite risk scores, and also compared these risk scoring systems using composite endpoints. Endpoint 1 was the simple composite of IS and major bleeds. Endpoint 2 was based on a composite of IS plus intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). Endpoint 3 was based on weighted coefficients for IS/TE and ICH. Endpoint 4 was a composite of stroke, cardiovascular death, TE and major bleeding. The incremental predictive value of these scores over CHADS2 (as reference) for composite endpoints was assessed using c-statistic, net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). Of 8,962 eligible individuals, 3,607 (40.2%) had NVAF and were on OAC at baseline. There were no statistically significant differences between the c-statistics of the various risk scores, compared with the CHADS2 score, regardless of the endpoint. For the various risk scores and various endpoints, NRI and IDI did not show significant improvement (≥1%), compared with the CHADS2 score. In conclusion, composite risk scores did not significantly improve risk prediction of endpoints in patients with NVAF, regardless of how endpoints were defined. This would support individualised prediction of IS/TE and bleeding separately using different separate risk prediction tools, and not the use of composite scores or endpoints for everyday ‘real world’ clinical practice, to guide decisions on thromboprophylaxis.

Note: The review process for this paper was fully handled by Christian Weber, Editor in Chief.
Sex-Dependent Effects of G Protein–Coupled Estrogen Receptor Activity on Outcome After Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Broughton Brad R.S. , Brait Vanessa H. , Kim Hyun Ah , Lee Seyoung , Chu Hannah X. , Gardiner-Mann Chantelle V. , Guida Elizabeth , Evans Megan A. , Miller Alyson A. , Arumugam Thiruma V. , Drummond Grant R. , Sobey Christopher G.
Published: January 2014

Background and Purpose—

Experimental studies indicate that estrogen typically, but not universally, has a neuroprotective effect in stroke. Ischemic stroke increases membrane-bound G protein–coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) distribution and expression in the brain of male but not female mice. We hypothesized that GPER activation may have a greater neuroprotective effect in males than in females after stroke.

Methods—

Vehicle (dimethyl sulfoxide), a GPER agonist (G-1, 30 μg/kg), or a GPER antagonist (G-15, 300 μg/kg) were administered alone or in combination to young or aged male mice, or young intact or ovariectomized female mice, 1 hour before or 3 hours after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion. Some mice were treated with a combination of G-1 and the pan-caspase inhibitor, quinoline-Val-Asp(Ome)-CH2-O-phenoxy (Q-V
D
-OPh), 1 hour before stroke. We evaluated functional and histological end points of stroke outcome up to 72 hours after ischemia-reperfusion. In addition, apoptosis was examined using cleaved caspase-3 immunohistochemistry.

Results—

Surprisingly, G-1 worsened functional outcomes and increased infarct volume in males poststroke, in association with an increased expression of cleaved caspase-3 in peri-infarct neurons. These effects were blocked by G-15 or Q-V
D
-OPh. Conversely, G-15 improved functional outcomes and reduced infarct volume after stroke in males, whether given before or after stroke. In contrast to findings in males, G-1 reduced neurological deficit, apoptosis, and infarct volume in ovariectomized females, but had no significant effect in intact females.

Conclusions—

Future therapies for acute stroke could exploit the modulation of GPER activity in a sex-specific manner.
SCIENCESTORE: An Art Space Designed for Science
Authors: Pérez-Gallego Jorge
Published: January 2014

Science and art are two ways of thinking about the world—both the inner and the outer. The author’s performative interactive installation, SCIENCESTORE, provided him an ideal scenario for deepening his understanding, by means of design, of the economics of science, science outreach and shifts between science and art.
Description of two new species of Microhyla (Anura: Microhylidae) from Bangladesh
Authors: HASAN MAHMUDUL , ISLAM MOHAMMED MAFIZUL , KURAMOTO MITSURU , KURABAYASHI ATSUSHI , SUMIDA MASAYUKI
Published: January 2014

Two new frog species belonging to genus Microhyla from the southeast, central and northeast regions of Bangladesh are described. Based on a molecular phylogeny derived from mitochondrial DNA sequences, one of the new species forms a clade with M. fissipes, while the second new species is sister to this clade. The DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene from these new species are substantially diverged from M. fissipes (8.9 and 10.2% [3.6 and 4.2% for 16S ribosomal RNA gene] uncorrected pairwise divergence, respectively), and the estimated phylogenetic splits from their closest relative is in the Pliocene (3.4 Mya) and middle Miocene (10.5 Mya). The first new species (Microhyla mukhlesuri sp. nov.) can be diagnosed from its nearest congener (M. fissipes) by the following characteristics: SVL: 16.5–21.0 mm, finger length 1 < 4 < 2 < 3, tips of finger and toes not swollen, subarticular tubercles distinct, an inverse U-shaped mark on the anus, and a distinct X-shaped marking on the dorsum. Although the second new species (M. mymensinghensis sp. nov.) shares some morphological characteristics with the first new species, it can be readily diagnosed from its close congeners by its longer hindlimbs (HLL/SVL), tibia (TIL/SVL) and forearm width (FAW/SVL), in addition to a combination of the following characteristics: SVL: 14.2–21.3 mm, snout truncate, a crescent-shaped marking on the anus, and an X-shaped marking on the dorsum. The tibio-tarsal articulation extends to the eye in M. fissipes but ranges from the eye to the tip of the snout in the two new species.
A new species of the leafhopper genus Multiformis Li & Li (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Evacanthinae) from China
Authors: LI YU-JIAN , LI ZI-ZHONG
Published: January 2014

The species of the Oriental leafhopper genus Multiformis Li & Li are reviewed. A new species, Multiformis ramosus sp. nov., from Yunnan Province, China is described and a key to all known species of Multiformis is provided.
Seamless Stratocumulus Simulation across the Turbulent Gray Zone
Authors: Boutle I. A. , Eyre J. E. J. , Lock A. P.
Published: January 2014

A pragmatic approach for representing partially resolved turbulence in numerical weather prediction models is introduced and tested. The method blends a conventional boundary layer parameterization, suitable for large grid lengths, with a subgrid turbulence scheme suitable for large-eddy simulation. The key parameter for blending the schemes is the ratio of grid length to boundary layer depth. The new parameterization is combined with a scale-aware microphysical parameterization and tested on a case study forecast of stratocumulus evolution. Simulations at a range of model grid lengths between 1 km and 100 m are compared to aircraft observations. The improved microphysical representation removes the correlation between precipitation rate and model grid length, while the new turbulence parameterization improves the transition from unresolved to resolved turbulence as grid length is reduced.
Empirical Localization of Observations for Serial Ensemble Kalman Filter Data Assimilation in an Atmospheric General Circulation Model
Authors: Lei Lili , Anderson Jeffrey L.
Published: January 2014

The empirical localization algorithm described here uses the output from an observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) and constructs localization functions that minimize the root-mean-square (RMS) difference between the truth and the posterior ensemble mean for state variables. This algorithm can automatically provide an estimate of the localization function and does not require empirical tuning of the localization scale. It can compute an appropriate localization function for any potential observation type and kind of state variable. The empirical localization algorithm is investigated in the Community Atmosphere Model, version 5 (CAM5). The empirical localization function (ELF) is computed for the horizontal and vertical separately so that the vertical localization is explored explicitly. The horizontal and vertical ELFs are also computed for different geographic regions. The ELFs varying with region have advantages over the single global ELF in the horizontal and vertical, because different localization functions are more effective in different regions. The ELFs computed from an OSSE can be used as the localization in a subsequent OSSE. After three iterations, the ELFs appear to have converged. When used as localization in an OSSE, the converged ELFs produce a significantly smaller RMS error of temperature and zonal and meridional winds than the best Gaspari–Cohn (GC) localization for a dependent verification period using the observations from the original OSSE, and a similar RMS error to the best GC for an independent verification period. The converged ELFs have a significantly smaller RMS error of surface pressure than the best GC for both dependent and independent verification periods.
The 6 Continents Project: A method for linking social work classrooms for intercultural exchange through asynchronous video sharing
Authors: Rowan Diana , Järkestig-Berggren Ulrika , Cambridge Innette , McAuliffe Donna , Fung Annis , Moore Michael
Published: January 2014

To develop social work students’ understanding of the global context of social work, an asynchronous video uploading project was constructed to link social work classrooms on six continents. Students in social work classrooms around the world video-recorded their responses to prompting questions and uploaded them to a project webpage, to which all classrooms had access. Asynchronous uploading allowed students to view and then respond via video to other students without concern for time zone synchronization. This pedagogical approach was designed and implemented to broaden students’ intercultural competence, perspectives on international social work, and awareness of global social problems.