bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of Pd on martensitic transformation and magnetic properties for Ni50Mn38−xPdxSn12Heusler alloys
Authors: Jing C. , Zheng D. , Li Z. , Yu L. J. , Zhang Y. L. , Liu Y. , Sun J. K. , Liu C. Q. , Deng D. M. , Yang W. T.
Published: February 2016

In the past decade, Mn rich Ni-Mn based alloys have attained considerable attention due to their abundant physics and potential application as multifunctional materials. In this paper, polycrystalline Ni50Mn38−xPdxSn12 (x = 0, 2, 4, 6) Heusler alloys have been prepared, and the martensitic phase transformation (MPT) together with the shape memory effect and the magnetocaloric effect has been investigated. The experimental result indicates that the MPT evidently shifts to a lower temperature with increase of Pd substitution for Mn atoms, which can be attributed to the weakness of the hybridization between the Ni atom and excess Mn on the Sn site rather than the electron concentration. The physics properties study focused on the sample of Ni50Mn34Pd4Sn12 shows a good two-way shape memory behavior, and the maximum value of strain Δ L/L reaches about 0.13% during the MPT. The small of both entropy change Δ ST and magnetostrain can be ascribed to the inconspicuous influence of magnetic field induced MPT.
Processing of MnBi bulk magnets with enhanced energy product
Authors: Poudyal Narayan , Liu Xubo , Wang Wei , Nguyen V. Vuong , Ma Yilong , Gandha Kinjal , Elkins Kevin , Liu J. Ping , Sun Kewei , Kramer M. J. , Cui Jun
Published: February 2016

We report magnetic properties and microstructure of high energy-product MnBi bulk magnets fabricated by low-temperature ball-milling and warm compaction technique. A maximum energy product (BH)max of 8.4 MGOe and a coercivity of 6.2 kOe were obtained in the bulk MnBi magnet at room temperature. Magnetic characterization at elevated temperatures showed an increase in coercivity to 16.2 kOe while (BH)max value decreased to 6.8 MGOe at 400 K. Microstructure characterization revealed that the bulk magnets consist of oriented uniform nanoscale grains with average size about 50 nm.
Magnetoelectric coupling characteristics in multiferroic heterostructures with different thickness of nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloy
Authors: Chen Lei , Wang Yao
Published: February 2016

Magnetoelectric(ME) coupling characteristics in multiferroic heterostructures with different thickness of nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloy has been investigated at low frequency. The ME response with obvious hysteresis, self-biased and dual-peak phenomenon is observed for multiferroic heterostructures, which results from strong magnetic interactions between two ferromagnetic materials with different magnetic properties, magnetostrictions and optimum bias magnetic fields Hdc,opti. The proposed multiferroic heterostructures not only enhance ME coupling significantly, but also broaden dc magnetic bias operating range and overcomes the limitations of narrow bias range. By optimizing the thickness of nanocrystalline soft magnetic alloy Tf, a significantly zero-biased ME voltage coefficient(MEVC) of 14.8mV/Oe (185 mV/cm⋅ Oe) at Tf = 0.09 mm can be obtained, which is about 10.8 times as large as that of traditional PZT/Terfenol-D composite with a weak ME coupling at zero bias Hdc,zero. Furthermore, when Tf increases from 0.03 mm to 0.18 mm, the maximum MEVC increases nearly linearly with the increased Tf at Hdc,opti. Additionally, the experimental results demonstrate the ME response for multiferroic heterostructures spreads over a wide magnetic dc bias operating range. The excellent ME performance provides a promising and practicable application for both highly sensitive magnetic field sensors without bias and ME energy harvesters.
Commissioning services and Primary Health Networks
Authors: Booth Mark , Boxall Anne-marie
Published: February 2016

Commissioning is set to become a stronger feature in the Australian health system as Primary Health Networks embrace it as a tool for improving population health outcomes. International experience shows that developing into a commissioning organisation is not always easy. Drawing on international experiences of commissioning, as well as those from the Australian hospital sector, will help smooth the path for Primary Health Networks.
Effect of spermatozoa motility hyperactivation factors and gamete coincubation duration on in vitro bovine embryo development using flow cytometrically sorted spermatozoa
Authors: Ferré Luis B. , Bogliotti Yanina , Chitwood James L. , Fresno Cristóbal , Ortega Hugo H. , Kjelland Michael E. , Ross Pablo J.
Published: February 2016

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of sperm motility enhancers and different IVF times on cleavage, polyspermy, blastocyst formation, embryo quality and hatching ability. In Experiment 1, sex-sorted X chromosome-bearing Bos taurus spermatozoa were incubated for 30 min before 18 h fertilisation with hyperactivating factors, namely 10 mM caffeine (CA), 5 mM theophylline (TH), 10 mM caffeine and 5 mM theophylline (CA + TH); and untreated spermatozoa (control). In Experiment 2, matured B. taurus oocytes were fertilised using a short (8 h) or standard (18 h) fertilisation length, comparing two different fertilisation media, namely synthetic oviducal fluid (SOF) fertilisation medium (SOF-FERT) and M199 fertilisation medium (M199-FERT). Cleavage and blastocyst formation rates were significantly higher in the CA + TH group (77% and 27%, respectively) compared with the control group (71% and 21%, respectively). Cleavage rates and blastocyst formation were significantly lower for the shortest fertilisation time (8 h) in M199-FERT medium (42% and 12%, respectively). The SOF-FERT medium with an 8 h fertilisation time resulted in the highest cleavage rates and blastocyst formation (74% and 29%, respectively). The SOF-FERT medium produced the highest embryo quality (50% Grade 1) and hatching rate (66%). Motility enhancers did not affect polyspermy rates, whereas polyspermy was affected when fertilisation length was extended from 8 h (3%) to 18 h (9%) and in M199-FERT (14%) compared with SOF-FERT (6%). We conclude that adding the motility enhancers CA and TH to sex sorted spermatozoa and Tyrode’s albumin lactate pyruvate (TALP)-Sperm can improve cleavage and embryo development rates without increasing polyspermy. In addition, shortening the oocyte–sperm coincubation time (8 h) resulted in similar overall embryo performance rates compared with the prolonged (18 h) interval.
Implications of the Nagoya Protocol for genome resource banks composed of biomaterials from rare and endangered species
Authors: Comizzoli Pierre , Holt William V.
Published: February 2016

The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable Sharing of Benefits Arising from their Utilisation is a multilateral legal instrument within the Convention on Biodiversity. It has now come into force, having been signed by 92 countries, 68 of which have ratified it, but notably these do not yet include the US, China, Canada and Russia. The overarching objective of the Nagoya Protocol is to prevent the unfair commercial exploitation of a country’s biodiversity and it also protects traditional knowledge. Although the intentions seem reasonable and equitable, the provisions of the Nagoya Protocol will have major effects on the ability of researchers in both the commercial and non-commercial sectors to access genetic materials (which are widely defined and include almost every conceivable animal product, as well as whole animals) from around the world. It also places a heavy bureaucratic burden on researchers and their institutions, which must comply with an international standard and obtain an International Certificate of Compliance proving that all samples will be collected according to the terms of the Protocol. Herein we review of the unforeseen implications of the Nagoya Protocol in relation to biobanking and animal conservation.
Non-mereological pluralistic supersubstantivalism: an alternative perspective on the matter/spacetime relationship
Authors: Dumsday Travis
Published: February 2016

In both the historical and contemporary literature on the metaphysics of space (and, more recently, spacetime), a core dispute is that between relationism and substantivalism. One version of the latter is supersubstantivalism, according to which space (or, again, spacetime) is the only kind of substance, such that what we think of as individual material objects (electrons, quarks, etc.) are actually just parts of spacetime which instantiate certain properties. If those parts are ontologically dependent on spacetime as a whole, then we arrive at an ontology with only a single genuinely independent substance, namely the entire spacetime manifold. This is monist supersubstantivalism. A view on which the parts of spacetime are ontologically prior to the whole has been called pluralistic supersubstantivalism. As currently formulated, supersubstantivalism (in either its monist or pluralistic forms) carries significant advantages and encounters major difficulties. I argue that some of the latter motivate an alternative formulation, non-mereological pluralistic supersubstantivalism, according to which spacetime is a real substance, but what we think of as material objects are also real substances, irreducible to and numerically distinct from that larger spacetime manifold and any of its parts. Yet, the underlying nature of those material objects is ultimately the same type as that of spacetime: at bottom, a particle is just a smaller quantity of spacetime embedded in or contained by or co-located with the larger whole that we would normally think of as ‘spacetime, ’ capable both of genuine movement within/across the larger spacetime manifold and (at least in principle) independent existence from it.
The role of a vertical reference point in changing gait regulation in cricket run‐ups
Authors: Greenwood Daniel , Davids Keith , Renshaw Ian
Published: February 2016

The need to identify information sources which facilitate a functional coupling of perception and action in representative practice contexts is an important challenge for sport scientists and coaches. The current study investigated the role of visual information in regulating athlete gait behaviours during a locomotor pointing task in cricket. Integration of experiential knowledge of elite coaches and theoretical understanding from previous empirical research led us to investigate whether the presence of an umpire would act as a vertical informational constraint that could constrain the emergent coordination tendencies of cricket bowlers’ run‐up patterns. To test this idea, umpire presence was manipulated during run‐ups of 10 elite medium‐fast bowlers. As hypothesised, removal of the umpire from the performance environment did not result in an inability to regulate gait to intercept a target, however, the absence of this informational constraint resulted in the emergence of different movement patterns in participant run‐ups. Significantly lower standard deviation values of heel‐to‐crease distances were observed in the umpire condition at multiple steps, compared to performance in the no‐umpire condition. Manipulation of this informational constraint altered gait regulation of participants, offering a mechanism to understand how perception–action couplings can be varied during performance in locomotor pointing tasks in sport.
A prefoldin-associated WD-repeat protein (WDR92) is required for the correct architectural assembly of motile cilia
Authors: Patel-King Ramila S. , King Stephen M.
Published: February 2016

WDR92 is a highly conserved WD-repeat protein that has been proposed to be involved in apoptosis and also to be part of a prefoldin-like cochaperone complex. We found that WDR92 has a phylogenetic signature that is generally compatible with it playing a role in the assembly or function of specifically motile cilia. To test this hypothesis, we performed an RNAi-based knockdown of WDR92 gene expression in the planarian Schmidtea mediterranea and were able to achieve a robust reduction in mRNA expression to levels undetectable under our standard RT-PCR conditions. We found that this treatment resulted in a dramatic reduction in the rate of organismal movement that was caused by a switch in the mode of locomotion from smooth, cilia-driven gliding to muscle-based, peristaltic contractions. Although the knockdown animals still assembled cilia of normal length and in similar numbers to controls, these structures had reduced beat frequency and did not maintain hydrodynamic coupling. By transmission electron microscopy we observed that many cilia had pleiomorphic defects in their architecture, including partial loss of dynein arms, incomplete closure of the B-tubule, and occlusion or replacement of the central pair complex by accumulated electron-dense material. These observations suggest that WDR92 is part of a previously unrecognized cytoplasmic chaperone system that is specifically required to fold key components necessary to build motile ciliary axonemes.
Association Between Blood Pressure and Adherence to French Dietary Guidelines
Authors: Lelong Helene , Blacher Jacques , Menai Mehdi , Galan Pilar , Fezeu Leopold , Hercberg Serge , Kesse-Guyot Emmanuelle
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Adopting a healthy diet like the Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension (DASH) or Mediterranean diet (MD) represents a major lifestyle for blood pressure (BP) control in general population. Nutritional policies, such as the French Nutrition and Health Program ( Programme National Nutrition Santé or PNNS), have been implemented in several countries with the aims of preventing chronic diseases. The objective of our study was to investigate association between BP and adherence to PNNS guidelines compared with adherence to DASH or MD.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study in 11,302 untreated participants from the NutriNet-Santé study, a French web-based cohort study. Three validated scores reflecting adherence to PNNS guidelines, DASH diet, and MD were calculated from repeated 24-hour records. Three BP measurements using a standardized protocol were collected. Multivariate linear models were used to assess the associations between the dietary scores and BP.

RESULTS

In women, independent of age, socioeconomic status, body mass index, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and physical activity, adherence to PNNS guidelines was inversely significantly associated with systolic BP (β = −0.63, P < 0.0001). This association was of similar amplitude that between BP and adherence to DASH-style diet (β = −0.66, P < 0.0001) or MD (β = −0.63, P = 0.0002). No significant association was found in men.

CONCLUSION

Adherence to French nutritional recommendations was found negatively associated with BP at the same magnitude as adherence to well-known dietary pattern in the prevention and treatment of hypertension.
OpenSegSPIM: a user-friendly segmentation tool for SPIM data
Authors: Gole Laurent , Ong Kok Haur , Boudier Thomas , Yu Weimiao , Ahmed Sohail
Published: February 2016

Summary: OpenSegSPIM is an open access and user friendly 3D automatic quantitative analysis tool for Single Plane Illumination Microscopy data. The software is designed to extract, in a user-friendly way, quantitative relevant information from SPIM image stacks, such as the number of nuclei or cells. It provides quantitative measurement (volume, sphericity, distance, intensity) on Light Sheet Fluorescent Microscopy images.

Availability and implementation: freely available from http://www.opensegspim.weebly.com. Source code and binaries under BSD License.

Contact:  lgole@imcb.a-star.edu.sg or wmyu@imcb.a-star.edu.sg or sohail.ahmed@imb.a-star.edu.sg

Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Are the hosts of VLBI-selected radio-AGN different to those of radio-loud AGN?
Authors: Rees G. A. , Norris R. P. , Spitler L. R. , Herrera-Ruiz N. , Middelberg E.
Published: February 2016

Recent studies have found that radio-AGN selected by radio-loudness show little difference in terms of their host galaxy properties when compared to non-AGN galaxies of similar stellar mass and redshift. Using new 1.4 GHz very long baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations of the Cosmological Evolution Survey field, we find that approximately 49 ± 8 per cent of high-mass (M > 1010.5 M⊙), high-luminosity (L1.4 > 1024 W Hz−1) radio-AGN possess a VLBI-detected counterpart. These objects show no discernible bias towards specific stellar masses, redshifts or host properties other than what is shown by the radio-AGN population in general. Radio-AGN that are detected in VLBI observations are not special, but form a representative sample of the radio-loud AGN population.
Cutaneous PEComas Express CD10: Implications for the Classification of PEComas and the Differential Diagnosis With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Fernandez-Flores Angel , Nguyen Catherine M. , Cassarino David S.
Published: February 2016

Cutaneous perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are peculiar, rare mesenchymal tumors of uncertain lineage. They show a characteristic epithelioid morphology, and they are usually composed of monomorphous clear-to-granular appearing perivascular cells. One of the main differential diagnoses with PEComas is a cutaneous metastasis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC). CD10 has been emphasized to be a crucial marker in the diagnosis of metastasis from RCC. Although visceral PEComas have been studied for CD10 expression, primary cutaneous PEComas have not. Although it could be assumed a priori that cutaneous PEComas would stain as their visceral counterpart, there is increasing evidence that cutaneous PEComas could actually be unrelated to PEComas from other organs. In this report, the author's studied three primary cutaneous PEComas, and included CD10 in our immunohistochemical studies. All three PEComas expressed the marker. They conclude that a CD10+ clear-cell dermal tumor is not necessarily equivalent to a metastasis from RCC and that additional stains should be added to rule out PEComa, even if the biopsy or the panel of antibodies is limited.
Cellular Blue Nevomelanocytic Lesions: Analysis of Clinical, Histological, and Outcome Data in 37 Cases
Authors: Hung Tawny , Argenyi Zsolt , Erickson Lori , Guitart Joan , Horenstein Marcelo G. , Lowe Lori , Messina Jane , Piepkorn Michael W. , Prieto Victor G. , Rabkin Michael S. , Schmidt Birgitta , Selim Maria A. , Shea Christopher R. , Trotter Martin J. , Barnhill Raymond L.
Published: February 2016

Cellular blue nevomelanocytic lesions (CBNLs) frequently pose diagnostic problems to pathologists, and their biological potential may be difficult to establish. In this study, the authors have analyzed the clinical, histological, and outcome data of 37 cellular blue nevomelanocytic lesions and the molecular characteristics of 4 lesions. The cohort of cases comprised 8 cellular blue nevi (CBNs), 17 atypical cellular blue nevi (ACBNs), and 12 blue-nevus–like melanomas (BNLMs) with a mean follow-up of 5 years. The average age at diagnosis was 25.9 years for patients with ACBN, versus 30.4 years for CBN, and 44.6 years for BNLM. Both CBN and ACBN occurred most frequently on the trunk or extremities, whereas BNLM primarily involved the scalp. Histologically, CBN and ACBN were characterized by a mean diameter of <1 cm, absence of necrosis, low mitotic rate (mean: 1–2 mitotic figures/mm2), little or no infiltrative properties, and usually low-grade cytologic atypia. In contrast, BNLM had a mean diameter of 1.6 cm, necrosis, tissue infiltration, greater mitotic activity (mean: 6 mitotic figures/mm2), and high-grade cytologic atypia. ACBNs often were larger, more densely cellular, exhibited higher mitotic counts, and were cytologically more atypical than CBN. Seven CBN cases with follow-up had a benign clinical course (average follow-up of 4.7 years). Among 6 patients with ACBN who underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy, 3 were positive, and a single additional case had 1 positive non-SLN (this patient did not have a SLN biopsy performed). All 14 cases of ACBN with follow-up were alive and without recurrence with mean follow-up of 5 years. Of the 9 melanoma cases with follow-up, 3 patients with SLN and non-SLN involvement died from their disease (average follow-up of 4.8 years). Array comparative genomic hybridization was performed on 2 ACBNs and 1 BNLM: One of the 2 ACBNs showed chromosomal aberrations and 1 BNLM showed multiple chromosomal gains and losses. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction was performed on 1 ACBN, and no mutations were found. From these results, the authors conclude that ACBN occupy an intermediate position within the spectrum of CBN and BNLM, yet many lesions cannot be reliably distinguished from either CBN or BNLM because of overlapping histologic features. However, in general, ACBNs seem to aggregate more closely with CBN in terms of clinical, histological, molecular profile (limited data), and biological behavior.
ERG Is a Useful Immunohistochemical Marker to Distinguish Leukemia Cutis From Nonneoplastic Leukocytic Infiltrates in the Skin
Authors: Xu Bin , Naughton Daisy , Busam Klaus , Pulitzer Melissa
Published: February 2016

Leukemia cutis (LC) and reactive myeloid infiltrates in the skin may be difficult to distinguish pathologically, sometimes even after an extensive immunohistochemical work-up. This poses a serious clinical dilemma, as the prognosis and treatment of either condition are markedly different. Although most reactive myeloid infiltrates require a simple course of corticosteroids before the symptoms regress, the development of LC may require chemotherapeutic or transplant-variant interventions. Erythroblast transformation specific regulated gene-1 (ERG) is a member of the erythroblast transformation specific family of transcription factors, which are downstream effectors of mitogenic signaling transduction pathways. ERG is a key regulator of cell proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis, inflammation, and apoptosis and has recently been found to be overexpressed in acute myeloid and lymphoblastic leukemia. In this study, the authors aimed to explore the diagnostic utility of ERG immunohistochemistry in LC by comparing the frequency and expression level of ERG immunostain in 32 skin biopsies, 16 with LC and 16 with reactive leukocytic infiltrates. A significantly higher frequency of ERG positivity was detected in LC (13/16, 81.4%), compared with reactive conditions (0/16). In addition, the expression level of ERG in LC, calculated using H score (mean ± standard error of mean, 188 ± 24), was significantly higher than that in nonneoplastic leukocytic infiltrate (28 ± 8). Our results strongly suggest that ERG expression is potentially an extremely useful marker to distinguish between cases of LC from those of reactive myeloid infiltrates in the skin with a positive predictive value of 100% and negative predictive value of 84.2%.
Thoracoscopic Ablation with Appendage Ligation versus Medical Therapy for Stroke Prevention a Proof-of-Concept Randomized Trial
Authors: Beaver Thomas M. , Hedna Vishnumurthy Shushrutha , Khanna Anna Y. , Miles William M. , Price Catherine C. , Schmalfuss Ilona M. , Aalaei-Andabili Seyed Hossein , Waters Michael F.
Published: February 2016

Objective

Atrial fibrillation (AF) has a demonstrable effect on quality of life (QOL). Recurrent stroke occurs in 10% of patients with AF. The objective of this study was to demonstrate proof of concept that thoracoscopic pulmonary vein isolation and atrial appendage ligation (TPVIAL) could prevent recurrent stroke and could potentially improve QOL in patients with AF with a previous stroke.

Methods

The study was a National Institutes of Health-funded single-center proof-of-concept design that randomized 23 patients with AF-related stroke to TPVIAL (n = 12) or to medical management (n = 11). Quality of life was the primary outcome variable; secondary end points included restoration of rhythm, recurrent stroke, and surgical morbidity.

Results

Quality-of-life subscores at 3 and 6 months revealed improvements in energy and decreases in fatigue in the TPVIAL arm [baseline, 33 (19.8); 3 months, 49.5 (20.6), P = 0.01; 6 months, 55.5 (14.4), P = 0.03]. At 12-month follow-up, there were no recurrent strokes in the TPVIAL group. In the medically treated arm, two patients at 6 months (P = 0.22) and three total patients at 12 months (P = 0.09) had recurrent ischemic stroke. There was one death in the medical management arm. In the TPVIAL arm, no AF recurrence occurred in patients with paroxysmal AF, and one patient had recurrence of persistent and long-standing AF. Seven patients in the TPVIAL arm discontinued warfarin therapy for secondary stroke prevention.

Conclusions

This small proof-of-concept study showed that TPVIAL improved QOL on two subscores and restored normal sinus rhythm in all but one patient, and it showed the potential to prevent secondary stroke. A larger study will be needed.
Effects of First High-Dose Atorvastatin Loading in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhao Yong-Gang , Wang Zhen , Jiang Hai-Peng , Liu Wen-Bo , Cao Bing-Feng
Published: February 2016

To determine the effects of 80-mg atorvastatin administration for the first time in patients with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) before emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). A total of 118 patients with STEMI who underwent emergency PCI were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into 80-mg group (n = 59) and 40-mg group (n = 59), according to the loading dose of atorvastatin firstly before operation. The occurrence of no-reflows and changes of HbA1c were observed preoperatively and postoperatively on second and fifth days. All patients were followed up for 1 year with major adverse cardiac events (MACE) recorded. The incidence of no-reflow in 80-mg group was obviously lower than in 40-mg group (13.56% vs. 25.42%) (χ2 = 4.374, P = 4.374). The preoperative HbA1c levels exhibited no significant difference between 80-mg group and 40-mg group (P > 0.05). The postoperative HbA1c levels in 2 groups showed a trend of gradual decline, which were lower in 80-mg group than in 40-mg group for second day, fifth day, first month, sixth month, and 12th month (all P < 0.05). The postoperative incidence of MACE in 80-mg group was significantly lower than in 40-mg group for sixth and 12th months (both P < 0.05). The incidence of MACE in patients with reflow in 80-mg and 40-mg groups was significantly higher than in patients with no-reflow who were in 80-mg and 40-mg groups for postoperative 12th month (both P < 0.05). The first loading high dose of atorvastatin can significantly prevent occurrence of postoperative no-reflow in patients with STEMI after PCI, reduce HbA1c levels and the incidence of MACE. Clinical randomized controlled trial with larger sample size is required to confirm this finding.
Role of the Funny Current Inhibitor Ivabradine in Cardiac Pharmacotherapy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Petite Sarah E. , Bishop Bryan M. , Mauro Vincent F.
Published: February 2016

The pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy and safety of ivabradine are reviewed. Ivabradine is an oral medication that directly and selectively inhibits the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic-nucleotide gated funny (If) current in the sinoatrial node resulting in heart rate reduction. It has a plasma elimination half-life of 6 hours and is administered twice daily. Ivabradine is extensively metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4, and its metabolism is affected by inducers and inhibitors of the 3A4 enzyme. Studies in patients with heart failure indicate that ivabradine improves surrogate markers such as exercise tolerance. The results of (1) phase III trial demonstrated ivabradine significantly reduced heart failure hospitalizations but had no effect on mortality. Ivabradine has been extensively evaluated for coronary artery disease wherein (2) large trials was shown to have no mortality benefit. Ivabradine has been associated with improved symptoms in stable chronic angina pectoris. Ivabradine has been evaluated for other cardiovascular conditions including tachycardias of various natures, arrhythmia prevention postcardiac surgery, in acute coronary syndrome, and for heart rate control during coronary computed tomography angiogram. The most common adverse events reported in clinical trials were bradycardia, new-onset atrial fibrillation, and phosphenes. Ivabradine, a novel cardiac medication, has been studied in numerous cardiac conditions. It is only currently approved in the United States to reduce hospitalizations for systolic heart failure. The role of this medication in other conditions has not been fully elucidated.
Heat Vulnerability Index Mapping for Milwaukee and Wisconsin
Authors: Christenson Megan , Geiger Sarah Dee , Phillips Jeffrey , Anderson Ben , Losurdo Giovanna , Anderson Henry A.
Published: February 2016

Context:

Extreme heat waves elevate the population's risk for heat-related morbidity and mortality, specifically for vulnerable groups such as older adults and young children. In this context, we developed 2 Heat Vulnerability Indices (HVIs), one for the state of Wisconsin and one for the Milwaukee metropolitan area.

Objective:

Through the creation of an HVI, state and local agencies will be able to use the indices as a planning tool for extreme heat events.

Design:

Data used for the HVIs were grouped into 4 categories: (1) population density; (2) health factors; (3) demographic and socioeconomic factors; and (4) natural and built environment factors. These categories were mapped at the Census block group level.

Main Outcome Measures:

Unweighted z-score data were used to determine index scores, which were then mapped by quantiles ranging from “high” to “low” vulnerability.

Results:

Statewide, Menominee County exhibited the highest vulnerability to extreme heat. Milwaukee HVI findings indicated high vulnerability in the city's inner core versus low vulnerability along the lakeshore.

Conclusion:

Visualization of vulnerability could help local public health agencies prepare for future extreme heat events.
Who Participates in Building Disaster Resilient Communities: A Cluster-Analytic Approach
Authors: Adams Rachel M. , Rivard Helene , Eisenman David P.
Published: February 2016

Context:

The Los Angeles County Community Disaster Resilience project is a community-based program to improve disaster resilience. We collected baseline measures of resilience-related attitudes and practices among targeted communities prior to the implementation of the intervention.

Objectives:

This study identified community disaster resilience behavior patterns and assessed their associations with sociodemographic and social cognitive characteristics.

Design:

Telephone surveys during summer 2013.

Setting:

Sixteen communities in Los Angeles County (2 per service planning area).

Participants:

The address-based sample of adults (≥18) was selected to be representative of 2010 census tracts in each of the communities

Main Outcome Measures:

We examined relationships between sociodemographic characteristics, social cognitive factors, and participation in community disaster resilience activities.

Results:

Three clusters of community resilience behavior patterns emerged. Cluster distribution significantly differed across several sociodemographic and social cognitive factors. Participants who were African American, Hispanic, had higher education, income, self-efficacy, trust in the public health department, civic engagement, and social capital were significantly associated with being in the cluster most active in resilience-building activities.

Conclusions:

The results confirm that there are distinct community resilience behavior patterns. These patterns vary according to population characteristics, which supports audience segmentation approaches and developing a range of emergency preparedness programs targeted to the strengths and weaknesses of the different audience segments.
Evaluating the Quality and Usability of Open Data for Public Health Research: A Systematic Review of Data Offerings on 3 Open Data Platforms
Authors: Martin Erika G. , Law Jennie , Ran Weijia , Helbig Natalie , Birkhead Guthrie S.
Published: February 2016

Context:

Government datasets are newly available on open data platforms that are publicly accessible, available in nonproprietary formats, free of charge, and with unlimited use and distribution rights. They provide opportunities for health research, but their quality and usability are unknown.

Objective:

To describe available open health data, identify whether data are presented in a way that is aligned with best practices and usable for researchers, and examine differences across platforms.

Design:

Two reviewers systematically reviewed a random sample of data offerings on NYC OpenData (New York City, all offerings, n = 37), Health Data NY (New York State, 25% sample, n = 71), and HealthData.gov (US Department of Health and Human Services, 5% sample, n = 75), using a standard coding guide.

Setting:

Three open health data platforms at the federal, New York State, and New York City levels.

Main Outcome Measures:

Data characteristics from the coding guide were aggregated into summary indices for intrinsic data quality, contextual data quality, adherence to the Dublin Core metadata standards, and the 5-star open data deployment scheme.

Results:

One quarter of the offerings were structured datasets; other presentation styles included charts (14.7%), documents describing data (12.0%), maps (10.9%), and query tools (7.7%). Health Data NY had higher intrinsic data quality (P < .001), contextual data quality (P < .001), and Dublin Core metadata standards adherence (P < .001). All met basic “web availability” open data standards; fewer met higher standards of “hyperlinked to other data.”

Conclusions:

Although all platforms need improvement, they already provide readily available data for health research. Sustained effort on improving open data websites and metadata is necessary for ensuring researchers use these data, thereby increasing their research value.
Morphological adaptation of the calamistrum to the cribellate spinning process in Deinopoidae (Uloboridae, Deinopidae)
Authors: Joel Anna-Christin , Scholz Ingo , Orth Linda , Kappel Peter , Baumgartner Werner
Published: February 2016

Spiders are famous for their silk with fascinating mechanical properties. However, some can further produce, process and handle nano fibres, which are used as capture threads. These ‘cribellate spiders’ bear a specialized setae comb on their metatarsus (calamistrum), which modifies cribellate nano fibres to assemble a puffy structure within the capture thread. Among different species, the calamistrum morphology can differ remarkably. Although a model of thread production has been established for
Uloborus plumipes
, it is not resolved if/how different shaped calamistra influence the production process. We were able to transfer the model without restrictions to spiders with different shaped calamistra. Fibres are not locked between setae but are passing across a rather smooth surface-like area on the calamistrum. This area can be relocated, explaining the first morphological difference between calamistra, without changing the influence of the calamistrum on fibres. By performing an elongated leg movement, contact between fibres and calamistrum could be adjusted after finishing thread production. This movement has to bring the thread in contact with the second morphological peculiarity: cribellate teeth. We suggest these teeth are used to handle the thread independently of the spinnerets, a feature only necessary for spiders, which do not move during web construction.
Towards a physics-based multiscale modelling of the electro-mechanical coupling in electro-active polymers
Authors: Cohen Noy , Menzel Andreas , deBotton Gal
Published: February 2016

Owing to the increasing number of industrial applications of electro-active polymers (EAPs), there is a growing need for electromechanical models which accurately capture their behaviour. To this end, we compare the predicted behaviour of EAPs undergoing homogeneous deformations according to three electromechanical models. The first model is a phenomenological continuum-based model composed of the mechanical Gent model and a linear relationship between the electric field and the polarization. The electrical and the mechanical responses according to the second model are based on the physical structure of the polymer chain network. The third model incorporates a neo-Hookean mechanical response and a physically motivated microstructurally based long-chains model for the electrical behaviour. In the microstructural-motivated models, the integration from the microscopic to the macroscopic levels is accomplished by the micro-sphere technique. Four types of homogeneous boundary conditions are considered and the behaviours determined according to the three models are compared. For the microstructurally motivated models, these analyses are performed and compared with the widely used phenomenological model for the first time. Some of the aspects revealed in this investigation, such as the dependence of the intensity of the polarization field on the deformation, highlight the need for an in-depth investigation of the relationships between the structure and the behaviours of the EAPs at the microscopic level and their overall macroscopic response.
Dynamic interfacial trapping of flexural waves in structured plates
Authors: Haslinger S. G. , Craster R. V. , Movchan A. B. , Movchan N. V. , Jones I. S.
Published: February 2016

The paper presents new results on the localization and transmission of flexural waves in a structured plate containing a semi-infinite two-dimensional array of rigid pins. In particular, localized waves are identified and studied at the interface boundary between the homogeneous part of the flexural plate and the part occupied by rigid pins. A formal connection has been made with the dispersion properties of flexural Bloch waves in an infinite doubly periodic array of rigid pins. Special attention is given to regimes corresponding to standing waves of different types as well as Dirac-like points that may occur on the dispersion surfaces. A single half-grating problem, hitherto unreported in the literature, is also shown to bring interesting solutions.
Fluorescence modulation of cadmium sulfide quantum dots by azobenzene photochromic switches
Authors: Javed Hina , Fatima Kalsoom , Akhter Zareen , Nadeem Muhammad Arif , Siddiq Muhammad , Iqbal Azhar
Published: February 2016

We have investigated the attachment of azobenzene photochromic switches on the modified surface of cadmium sulfide (CdS) quantum dots (QDs). The modification of CdS QDs is done by varying the concentration of the capping agent (mercaptoacetic acid) and NH
3
in order to control the size of the QDs. The X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the crystallite size of CdS QDs ranged from 6 to 10 nm. The azobenzene photochromic derivatives bis(4-hydroxybenzene-1-azo)4,4′(1,1′ diphenylmethane) (I) and 4,4′-diazenyldibenzoic acid (II) were synthesized and attached with surface-modified CdS QDs to make fluorophore–photochrome CdS-(I) and CdS-(II) dyad assemblies. Upon UV irradiation, the photochromic compounds (I) and (II) undergo a reversible
trans
–
cis
isomerization. The photo-induced
trans
–
cis
transformation helps to transfer photo-excited electrons from the conduction band of the CdS QDs to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of
cis
isomer of photochromic compounds (I) and (II). As a result, the fluorescence of CdS-(I) and CdS-(II) dyads is suppressed approximately five times compared to bare CdS QDs. The fluorescence modulation in such systems could help to design luminescent probes for bioimaging applications.
Young children spontaneously invent wild great apes’ tool-use behaviours
Authors: Reindl E. , Beck S. R. , Apperly I. A. , Tennie C.
Published: February 2016

The variety and complexity of human-made tools are unique in the animal kingdom. Research investigating why human tool use is special has focused on the role of social learning: while non-human great apes acquire tool-use behaviours mostly by individual (re-)inventions, modern humans use imitation and teaching to accumulate innovations over time. However, little is known about tool-use behaviours that humans can invent individually, i.e. without cultural knowledge. We presented 2- to 3.5-year-old children with 12 problem-solving tasks based on tool-use behaviours shown by great apes. Spontaneous tool use was observed in 11 tasks. Additionally, tasks which occurred more frequently in wild great apes were also solved more frequently by human children. Our results demonstrate great similarity in the spontaneous tool-use abilities of human children and great apes, indicating that the physical cognition underlying tool use shows large overlaps across the great ape species. This suggests that humans are neither born with special physical cognition skills, nor that these skills have degraded due to our species’ long reliance of social learning in the tool-use domain.
The evolution of genetic and conditional alternative reproductive tactics
Authors: Engqvist Leif , Taborsky Michael
Published: February 2016

Frequency-dependent selection may drive adaptive diversification within species. It is yet unclear why the occurrence of alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) is highly divergent between major animal taxa. Here we aim to clarify the environmental and social conditions favouring the evolution of intra-population variance of male reproductive phenotypes. Our results suggest that genetically determined ARTs that are fixed for life evolve when there is strong selection on body size due to size-dependent competitiveness, in combination with environmental factors reducing size benefits. The latter may result from growth costs or, more generally, from age-dependent but size-independent mortality causes. This generates disruptive selection on growth trajectories underlying tactic choice. In many parameter settings, the model also predicts ARTs to evolve that are flexible and responsive to current conditions. Interestingly, the conditions favouring the evolution of flexible tactics diverge considerably from those favouring genetic variability. Nevertheless, in a restricted but relevant parameter space, our model predicts the simultaneous emergence and maintenance of a mixture of multiple tactics, both genetically and conditionally determined. Important conditions for the emergence of ARTs include size variation of competitors, which is inherently greater in species with indeterminate growth than in taxa reproducing only after reaching their terminal body size. This is probably the reason why ARTs are more common in fishes than in other major taxa.
Symbiont-mediated RNA interference in insects
Authors: Whitten Miranda M. A. , Facey Paul D. , Del Sol Ricardo , Fernández-Martínez Lorena T. , Evans Meirwyn C. , Mitchell Jacob J. , Bodger Owen G. , Dyson Paul J.
Published: February 2016

RNA interference (RNAi) methods for insects are often limited by problems with double-stranded (ds) RNA delivery, which restricts reverse genetics studies and the development of RNAi-based biocides. We therefore delegated to insect symbiotic bacteria the task of: (i) constitutive dsRNA synthesis and (ii) trauma-free delivery. RNaseIII-deficient, dsRNA-expressing bacterial strains were created from the symbionts of two very diverse pest species: a long-lived blood-sucking bug,Rhodnius prolixus, and a short-lived globally invasive polyphagous agricultural pest, western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis). When ingested, the manipulated bacteria colonized the insects, successfully competed with the wild-type microflora, and sustainably mediated systemic knockdown phenotypes that were horizontally transmissible. This represents a significant advance in the ability to deliver RNAi, potentially to a large range of non-model insects.
Quality and sensory characteristics of soy sauces containing Astragalus membranaceus by aging period
Authors: Park Shin-Young , Lim Ji-Min , Choi Yun-Hee , Choi Hae-Sun , Kim Jae-Hyeon , Kim Eun-Ju , Ji Soo-Jeong , Jang Yeon-Jeong
Published: February 2016

This study investigated changes in quality and sensory characteristics of soy sauce (Kanjang) with added Astragalus membranaceus (AK) to develop a new soy sauce product with improved sensory characteristics. The pure salinity slowly increased, but AK 10% decreased. The pH was a constant in all samples. The soluble solid content (Brix) increased after 2 months, but AK 10% decreased. With increased addition of Astragalus membranaceus (AM), the optical density increased after 4 months. The amino nitrogen increased in soy sauce with AK 5%. The total free amino acid content gradually increased in soy sauce with AK 5% aged for 6 months. As the addition of AM increased, the crude protein level decreased, but there was no difference between AK 0% and 5%. The sensory tests of AK 5% after 6 months showed higher acceptance. According to the aging period, the acceptability of AK 5% was the best. The results showed that soy sauce with of AK 5% and aged for 6 months exhibits greatly enhanced quality and sensory characteristics. Therefore, it is expected to be used as a natural resources in seasoning area.
Anti-inflammatory effect of barley leaf ethanol extract in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage
Authors: Kim Mee-Kyung , Kim Dae-Yong
Published: February 2016

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of barley leaf extract in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and hairless mice. Pre-treatment with barley leaf extract significantly inhibited the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-II (COX-II) in a dose-dependent manner in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Barley leaf extract also significantly inhibited the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Moreover, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were strongly suppressed by barley leaf extract in LPS-stimulated cells. In hairless mice, barley extract significantly decreased the pathological phenotypes of contact dermatitis, such as erythema, edema, and scabs. These results indicate that barley leaf extract has an anti-inflammatory effect and therefore a possible role in the treatment of inflammatory diseases or in functional cosmetics.
Protective effects of mulberry (Morus alba) sugar extracts on hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cell
Authors: Youn Young , Kim Ha-Yan , Park Hoe-Man , Lee Sun-Ho , Park Jong-Ryul , Hong Seong-Gi , Kim Young-Geun
Published: February 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effects of mulberry (Morus alba) sugar extracts (MSE) against H2O2-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. The MSEs was mixed with matured mulberry and sugar at the same ratio (1:1, w/w) and stored at 18±3°C for 40 days. In 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test, MSE stored for 40 days showed high activity with a ratio above 66%. Therefore, we selected 40 days as the optimum storage period. After cell viability analysis using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, we determined that the optimum concentration of MSE was 0.5%. Our results showed that MSE increased the cell viability and antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase in H2O2-treated HepG2 cells. Moreover, the treatment with MSE inhibited malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in H2O2-treated HepG2 cells. We also observed a reduction in apoptotic bodies in the Hoechst staining. These data show that MSE treatment significantly suppressed caspase-3 activity in HepG2 cells expored to H2O2-induced oxidative stress, thereby indicationg the protective effects of MSE in H2O2-induced oxidative stress.