bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implementing error detection in fast counting Bloom filters
Authors: Reviriego P. , Maestro J.A.
Published: October 2014

Bloom filters have found numerous applications in computing and networking systems. They are used to determine whether a given element is present in a set. Counting Bloom filters (CBFs) are an extension of Bloom filters that supports the removal of elements from the set. Traditional Bloom filters require several memory accesses to determine whether an element is present in the set. Recently, fast CBFs that can complete a search operation with only one memory access have been presented. Modern electronic systems are prone to soft errors. These errors can corrupt the contents of memories, causing system failures. In the case of Bloom filters, errors can cause failures where an element that is in the set is classified as not being in the set and the other way around. To avoid those failures, a per‐word parity bit is commonly added to detect errors in memories. It is shown that error detection can be implemented in fast CBFs without adding any parity bit. This is achieved by exploiting the properties of the filters to implement error detection.
Design of broadband and tunable terahertz absorbers based on graphene metasurface: equivalent circuit model approach
Authors: Huang Xianjun , Zhang Xiao , Hu Zhirun , Aqeeli Mohammed , Alburaikan Abdullah
Published: October 2014

This study presents an effective method to model, analyse and design graphene metasurface‐based terahertz (THz) absorbers using equivalent circuit model approach. Broadband and tunable absorbers consisting of graphene metasurface and metal‐backed dielectric layer have been designed based on the formulas derived from this approach and verified by full‐wave electromagnetic simulation. By properly constructing the graphene metasurface, broadband absorption over 70% fraction bandwidth has been achieved, showing that graphene can provide a wideband absorption in the low THz spectrum. Furthermore, tunability of the graphene metasurface has also been investigated. It is demonstrated that the absorption peak frequencies can be tuned while maintaining the peak absorption unchanged, which is highly desirable for THz sensing applications.
Signal‐to‐noise ratio and time‐modulated signal spectrum in four‐dimensional antenna arrays
Authors: Zhu Quanjiang , Yang Shiwen , Rocca Paolo , Nie Zaiping
Published: October 2014

The signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and the time‐modulated signal spectrum in four‐dimensional (4D) receiving antenna arrays are investigated. The expression of the SNR for the time‐modulated signal is presented for the case where the bandwidth of the received signal is lower than the time modulation frequency and is demodulated in both cases of binary phase shift keying signal and Gaussian signal reception. It is shown that a narrowband signal can be received, time‐modulated and then correctly demodulated by the 4D array, with an output SNR equivalent to that of a conventional phased array. Moreover, it is shown that 4D arrays can simultaneously receive multiple signals incoming from different directions at the same band by utilising multiple beams within the centre frequency band and low‐order sidebands, with better output SNRs than that of a conventional array.
Antenna Q calculation using radiated modes and reflection coefficient
Authors: Thal Herbert L.
Published: October 2014

Optimisation techniques are currently being used to design antennas with Q values close to theoretical limits. In order to evaluate how closely these designs approach the limits, it is necessary to calculate their Qs from measured or simulated data. Many standard techniques are accurate for large Qs, but yield values significantly below the actual Q for low Q cases. In this study, equations are derived to bracket the actual value of Q, and the issues involved in attempting to determine an exact value are discussed. Both time‐averaged and time‐varying energies are considered. The derivations and conclusions are different from those previously published. Data from electromagnetic simulations of design examples are used to illustrate.
Optimal fuzzy multi-objective design of a renewable energy system with economics, reliability, and environmental emissions considerations
Authors: Gharavi H. , Mohammadi F. , Gharoei H. , Ghanbari-Tichi S. , Salehi R.
Published: October 2014

Besides economical issues, reliability and environmental emissions have become major concerns whenever an energy system is designed. The objective of this study is to design both an autonomous and non-autonomous hybrid green power system (HGPS) to supply a specific load demand considering economics, reliability indices, and environmental emissions. The HGPS includes wind turbine (WT), photovoltaic (PV) array, fuel cell, and the actual data used for simulation which are annual solar irradiation and wind speed for the state of Illinois. For reliability analysis, it is assumed that only WT, PV, DC/AC convertor, and electrical network might have failure in supplying power. To evaluate the actual reliability level of the HGPS equipments, all possible conditions should be considered and for each one of them, the reliability indices are estimated by determining the quantity and probability of load demands not supplied. However, in this study, an approximate model is utilized to examine the reliability indices. In the approximate model, the average power generation of WT units and PV array is utilized (instead of considering the outage of each WT unit and PV array separately) and then the mathematical expectation of reliability indices is calculated. The results show that the reliability indices are activated when there is no backup (electrical network) for the HGPS. The utilization of HGPS in parallel with electrical network, when cost is given the highest importance, leads to the purchase of all power from the electrical network. However, when emission is considered as the second objective function in the fuzzy multi-objective problem; the degree of importance given to each function (total cost and emission) plays a major role in the optimal design of HGPS.
Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations: The Efficiency Effect of Taxes, Transfers, and Fiscal Illusion
Authors: López-Laborda Julio , Zabalza Antoni
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficiency cost of transfers. To this end, we develop a model of individual demand decisions about the provision of a regional public good that encompasses a continuum of tax—transfer scenarios to finance regional public expenditure. We assume that individuals have identical quasi-linear preferences defined over private consumption and the regional public good, that endowment income varies between individuals and regions, and that regions have different predetermined sizes. In an economy-wide resource constrained framework we show that, despite its simplicity, this model is capable of discriminating the efficiency properties of the different scenarios considered, and that the substitution of matching transfers for own-regional taxes always raises the provision of the regional public good, despite the resource-constrained nature of the exercise. The model allows very easily the analysis of equalising transfers, which we show to be distorting only when a matching element is present. We also find that, when transfers have a matching element, ‘fiscal illusion’ increases the elasticity of public good provision with respect to transfers, and suggest a potentially refutable hypothesis to identify the existence of this phenomenon.
Experiences and views of a brokerage model for primary care for Aboriginal people
Authors: Dennis Sarah , Hasan Iqbal , Jackson Pulver Lisa , Wilson Ian , Zwar Nicholas
Published: October 2014

Objective A mixed methods study was conducted to determine the views of Aboriginal people on their experiences of a brokerage model for access to community-based health services in an urban setting. Methods A broad range of approaches, using surveys, semi-structured interviews and community forums with Aboriginal people were used to find out people’s views and experiences of using the brokerage service. Results Of the 1304 people invited to participate, only 127 people provided feedback on the brokerage service model for Aboriginal people. Of these, 120 people identified as being Aboriginal. Participants said that the service helped them to navigate the system and access health care. Participants felt that the health professionals involved with the service were respectful of their needs. The service was not able to improve access to dental care. Conclusions The brokerage model implemented in this area appears to have been well received and is supporting urban Aboriginal people to access some of the health care needed. What is known about the topic? Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people often experience difficulty accessing health services. Urban brokerage models of care were funded by the Office for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH) under the Improving Indigenous Access to Health Care Services initiative and aimed to increase access to mainstream health services. What does this paper add? The brokerage model of care in South West Sydney has been well-received by the Aboriginal people receiving the service and participants are positive about the role of the service in increasing access to mainstream health care. What are the implications for practitioners? Navigating the healthcare system is difficult for some and a brokerage service with supportive Aboriginal health workers increases access.
Ocean–estuarine connection for ichthyoplankton through the inlet channel of a temperate choked coastal lagoon (Argentina)
Authors: Bruno Daniel O. , Delpiani Sergio M. , Cousseau María B. , Díaz de Astarloa Juan M. , Blasina Gabriela E. , Mabragaña Ezequiel , Acha Eduardo M.
Published: October 2014

We examined the fish larvae colonising pattern of the Mar Chiquita lagoon (Argentina). We hypothesised that in this microtidal lagoon, winds could regulate fish larvae dynamics. Ichthyoplankton samples were taken in marine waters, the surf zone and the estuary. Previous studies showed no reproduction by fishes with planktonic eggs inside the lagoon. However high abundance of eggs and larvae of Brevoortia aurea collected within the estuary also suggest possible spawning activity. Throughout the study period, the cumulated richness of fish larvae was slightly higher in the estuary. However, univariate analysis revealed a higher number of species per tow in marine waters than in the estuary. The lowest average values of fish density, number of species and diversity recorded in the surf zone suggest that this area is only used as a transient corridor between the sea and the lagoon. The canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that wind direction, tidal stage, temperature and rainfall contributed significantly to the fish larvae distribution patterns observed; being ‘onshore wind’ the most important variable affecting fishes. Our results show how winds, in addition to pushing seawater into the lagoon, contribute to larvae recruitment into this estuary. Finally, we discuss the role of small lagoons in the life-history of coastal fishes.
The distribution and abundance of electrosensory pores in two benthic sharks: a comparison of the wobbegong shark, Orectolobus maculatus, and the angel shark, Squatina australis
Authors: Egeberg Channing A. , Kempster Ryan M. , Theiss Susan M. , Hart Nathan S. , Collin Shaun P.
Published: October 2014

Electroreception is an ancient sense found in many aquatic animals, including sharks, which may be used in the detection of prey, predators and mates. Wobbegong sharks (Orectolobidae) and angel sharks (Squatinidae) represent two distantly related families that have independently evolved a similar dorso-ventrally compressed body form to complement their benthic ambush feeding strategy. Consequently, these groups represent useful models in which to investigate the specific morphological and physiological adaptations that are driven by the adoption of a benthic lifestyle. In this study, we compared the distribution and abundance of electrosensory pores in the spotted wobbegong shark (Orectolobus maculatus) with the Australian angel shark (Squatina australis) to determine whether both species display a similar pattern of clustering of sub-dermal electroreceptors and to further understand the functional importance of electroreception in the feeding behaviour of these benthic sharks. Orectolobus maculatus has a more complex electrosensory system than S. australis, with a higher abundance of pores and an additional cluster of electroreceptors positioned in the snout (the superficial ophthalmic cluster). Interestingly, both species possess a cluster of pores (the hyoid cluster, positioned slightly posterior to the first gill slit) more commonly found in rays, but which may be present in all benthic elasmobranchs to assist in the detection of approaching predators.
Caenorhabditis elegans period
homolog
lin-42
regulates the timing of heterochronic miRNA expression
Authors: McCulloch Katherine A. , Rougvie Ann E.
Published: October 2014

Significance

Caenorhabditis elegans
studies have contributed greatly to our understanding of the temporal regulation of development. These studies led to the discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) and revealed that a succession of stage-specifically expressed miRNAs act as switches to guide life-stage transitions in cell fates. These miRNAs are conserved to humans and cause disease states when misexpressed, highlighting the importance of their temporal regulation. Much is known about the biogenesis and function of miRNAs, but how these processes are temporally sculpted is not well understood. This study reports that LIN-42, the
C. elegans
homolog of the circadian rhythm protein Period, regulates timing of miRNA expression by modulating transcription. These findings further our understanding of the functions of developmental timekeepers and regulation of miRNAs.
Diversity of Bacteria Cultured from the Blood of Lesser Electric Rays Caught in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Tao Zhen , Bullard Stephen A. , Arias Cova R.
Published: October 2014

The prevalence and taxonomic diversity of bacteria cultured from the blood of apparently healthy Lesser Electric Rays Narcine bancroftii captured from open beach habitat in the north-central Gulf of Mexico are reported herein. The blood of 9 out of 10 Lesser Electric Rays was positive for bacteria, and bacterial isolates (n = 83) were identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The majority of the isolates belonged to the phylum Proteobacteria (91.5%). Vibrio spp. comprised 53% of all isolates and were recovered from all Lesser Electric Rays with culture-positive blood. Among them, V. harveyi (n = 14) and V. campbellii (n = 11) were most common, followed by a group of unidentified Vibrio sp. (n = 10) related to V. nigripulchritudo. Isolates representing other species of Proteobacteria included Pseudoalteromonas (n = 13), Shewanella (n = 5), Amphritea (n = 3), Nautella (n = 3), and Arenibacter (n = 1). Higher bacterial diversity was observed in blood cultured on marine agar relative to blood agar, but gram-positive bacteria were isolated from the latter only. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of bacterial isolates were compared phylogenetically to those from related type strains. Most isolates were identified to the level of species, but some clustered independently from reference strains, likely representing new species of Vibrio, Amphritea, Shewanella, and Tenacibaculum. The present study is the first record of any bacterium from this ray species and reveals a taxonomically and phylogenetically diverse microbiota associated with its blood. Moreover, these data document that the presence of bacteria in elasmobranch blood is not coincident with clinical signs of disease, thereby rejecting the paradigm of septicemia indicating a disease condition in aquatic vertebrates.

Received April 30, 2013; accepted April 16, 2014
Occurrence of the Parasitic Copepod Ergasilus labracis on Threespine Sticklebacks from the South Coast of Newfoundland
Authors: Eaves Alexandra A. , Ang Keng Pee , Murray Harry M.
Published: October 2014

A study conducted from August to October 2013 surveyed Threespine Sticklebacks Gasterosteus aculeatus (n = 822) for the presence of parasitic copepods in the vicinity of large sea-cage salmonid farms in Bay d'Espoir, Newfoundland. The majority of parasitic copepods surveyed were Ergasilus labracis (n = 4,684). Other parasitic copepods observed on Threespine Sticklebacks during the survey included chalimus-stage Lepeophtheirus spp. (n = 3), adult Argulus alosae (n = 2), and a single Thersitina gasterostei. This represents a new host record for E. labracis. The copepods were present on fish collected in a broad range of temperatures (6.9–17.7°C) and salinities (10.2–30.2 [Practical Salinity Scale]). The parasitic copepods were most commonly found on larger hosts estimated to be age 1 or older. Surprisingly, the highest infestations (approximately 65%) were found on regions of the hosts outside of the gills (behind the pectoral fins and pelvic spines); in some cases, the copepods had inflicted significant damage to the skin of their hosts. Among host fish with evidence of an additional infection, such as microsporidian tumors (xenomas) or hemorrhagic-like symptoms (dark red abdomens and bloody mucus), the prevalence of E. labracis was significantly higher (43.4%) than among healthy fish (28.9%) despite there being no significant difference in size between the two fish health groups. In contrast, intensity (mean number of individual parasites per host) was significantly higher among healthy hosts (23.6) than among unhealthy ones (7.63). Although this parasite has been listed as present in Newfoundland previously, it has a broad host range and has been reported to be pathogenic to farmed salmonids. Therefore, its potential impact on wild and farmed fish populations around Newfoundland should not be underestimated.

Received March 28, 2014; accepted June 16, 2014
Florfenicol Residues in Rainbow Trout after Oral Dosing in Recirculating and Flow-through Culture Systems
Authors: Meinertz J. R. , Hess K. R. , Bernardy J. A. , Gaikowski M. P. , Whitsel M. , Endris R. G.
Published: October 2014

Aquaflor is a feed premix for fish containing the broad spectrum antibacterial agent florfenicol (FFC) incorporated at a ratio of 50% (w/w). To enhance the effectiveness of FFC for salmonids infected with certain isolates of Flavobacterium psychrophilum causing coldwater disease, the FFC dose must be increased from the standard 10 mg·kg−1 body weight (BW)·d−1 for 10 consecutive days. A residue depletion study was conducted to determine whether FFC residues remaining in the fillet tissue after treating fish at an increased dose would be safe for human consumption. Groups of Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (total n = 144; weight range, 126–617 g) were treated with FFC at 20 mg·kg−1 BW·d−1 for 10 d in a flow-through system (FTS) and a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) each with a water temperature of ∼13°C. The two-tank RAS included a nontreated tank containing 77 fish. Fish were taken from each tank (treated tank, n = 16; nontreated tank, n = 8) at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 120, 240, 360, and 480 h posttreatment. Florfenicol amine (FFA) concentrations (the FFC marker residue) in skin-on fillets from treated fish were greatest at 12 h posttreatment (11.58 μg/g) in the RAS and were greatest at 6 h posttreatment (11.09 μg/g) in the FTS. The half-lives for FFA in skin-on fillets from the RAS and FTS were 20.3 and 19.7 h, respectively. Assimilation of FFC residues in the fillets of nontreated fish sharing the RAS with FFC-treated fish was minimal. Florfenicol water concentrations peaked in the RAS-treated tank and nontreated tanks at 10 h (453 μg/L) and 11 h (442 μg/L) posttreatment, respectively. Monitoring of nitrite concentrations throughout the study indicated the nitrogen oxidation efficiency of the RAS biofilter was minimally impacted by the FFC treatment.

Received January 8, 2014; accepted July 7, 2014
Effectiveness of Aquaflor (50% Florfenicol) Administered in Feed to Control Mortality Associated with Streptococcus iniae in Tilapia at a Commercial Tilapia Production Facility
Authors: Gaikowski Mark P , Schleis Susan M , Leis Eric , Lasee Becky A , Endris Richard G
Published: October 2014

The efficacy of Aquaflor (florfenicol; FFC) to control mortality caused by Streptococcus iniae in tilapia was evaluated under field conditions. The trial was initiated following presumptive diagnosis of S. iniae infection in a mixed group of fingerling (mean, 4.5 g) Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus and a hybrid of Nile Tilapia×Blue Tilapia O. aureus. Diagnoses included mortality in source tank; examination of clinical signs and presence or absence of gram-positive cocci in brain, and collection of samples for microbiological review and disease confirmation of 60 moribund fish. Following presumptive diagnosis, tilapia (83/tank) were randomly transferred to each of 20 test tanks receiving the same water as the source tank (test tank water was not reused). Tilapia were offered either nonmedicated control feed or FFC-medicated feed (FFC at 15 mg/kg body weight/d; 10 tanks per regimen) for 10 consecutive days followed by a 14-d observation period during which only the nonmedicated control feed was offered. Streptococcus iniae was presumptively identified during pretreatment necropsy and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction assay; S. iniae was confirmed in samples taken during the dosing period but was not detected during the postdosing period. The FFC disk diffusion zone of inhibition ranged from 29 to 32 mm, while the minimum inhibitory concentration of FFC ranged from 2 to 4 μg/mL for the S. iniae isolates collected. Survival of tilapia assigned to the FFC-dose group was significantly greater at 14 d posttreatment than that of the nonmedicated controls. The odds of tilapia assigned to the FFC-dose group surviving to the end of the postdosing period were 1.34 times the odds of survival of tilapia assigned to the nonmedicated control group. There were no clinically apparent adverse effects associated with the administration of FFC-medicated feed in this study.
Potential for a Mycotoxin Deactivator to Improve Growth and Performance of Rainbow Trout fed High Levels of an Ethanol Industry Co-Product, Grain Distiller's Dried Yeast
Authors: Hauptman Blake S , Barrows Frederic T , Block Stephanie S , Gaylord T Gibson , Paterson John A , Sealey Wendy M
Published: October 2014

Coproducts from the production of fuel ethanol may have the potential to be used as protein sources for Rainbow Trout Oncorhynchus mykiss if dietary supplementation strategies that can maintain fish performance can be identified. A random sample of one such coproduct, grain distiller's dried yeast (GDDY), contained detectable levels of ochratoxin A, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonsin B1, and fumonsin B3. Therefore, the goal of this study was to test whether growth performance of Rainbow Trout fed GDDY could be improved by dietary supplementation of a mycotoxin deactivator (Mycofix Plus). The study was conducted as a 2 × 3 factorial design in which there were two levels of mycotoxin deactivator (0.1% or 0%) and three levels of GDDY inclusion (0, 15, and 30%). All diets were formulated to include 42% digestible protein and 20% crude lipid and were balanced for lysine, methionine, threonine, and total phosphorus. Juvenile Rainbow Trout (average initial body weight, 26.4 ± 0.9 g [mean ± SD]) were stocked at 15 fish per tank, three replicates per diet, and were fed twice daily for 12 weeks. Grain distiller's dried yeast inclusion at 15% and 30% of the diet reduced the growth of Rainbow Trout (P = 0.0010). In contrast, no significant differences in feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were observed for Rainbow Trout fed diets having the 0% and 15% GDDY inclusion levels. However, increased feed intake (P = 0.0002) and FCR (P = 0.0002) were observed in Rainbow Trout fed the 30% GDDY diet. Only minor trends of increased fish growth (P = 0.0773) and protein (P = 0.0527) and energy (P = 0.0538) retention were observed when mycotoxin deactivator was supplemented regardless of yeast inclusion. These results suggest that there are minor benefits of myctoxin deactivator supplementation to Rainbow Trout diets where mycotoxin contamination may be suspected but was independent of GDDY inclusion level.
The Influence of Dietary Lysine on Yellow Perch Female Reproductive Performance and the Quality of Eggs
Authors: Kwasek Karolina , Dabrowski Konrad , Nynca Joanna , Takata Rodrigo , Wojno Michal , Wick Macdonald
Published: October 2014

The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate if dietary lysine (Lys) has an effect on the free amino acid (FAA) pool of Yellow Perch Perca flavescens eggs, and (2) determine how dietary Lys influences the reproductive performance and eggs fertilization rate (embryo survival) of female Yellow Perch. Two-year-old Yellow Perch of initial size of approximately 75 g were randomly distributed into six 400-L tanks at 32±1 fish per tank. This experiment included two wheat gluten-based diets in triplicate Lys-deficient ([−]Lys) and Lys-supplemented ([+]Lys; 2.23% in dry feed) diets. Females from the reference group were fed a commercial diet. Females from reference, (+)Lys, and (−)Lys groups were stripped and their eggs divided into 0.4–1.2-g portions and mixed with sperm (21.4±4.3 μL) from either reference, (+)Lys, or (−)Lys males. The mean weight of Yellow Perch females and mean total weight of ovulated eggs were the greatest in the reference group compared with both (+)Lys and (−)Lys groups. There were no differences in the ratio of weight of eggs to female body weight as well as egg size among groups. There was no difference among treatments in the concentration of free amino acids except glutamic and aspartic acids in Yellow Perch eggs. There was significant effect of female dietary treatments on the egg fertilization rate averaged across all males. The higher fertilization rate was observed in the reference and (+)Lys groups compared with the (−)Lys group. The effect of female dietary treatment on the egg survival was also dependent on the dietary treatment of males.
An Isolated Picochlorum Species for Aquaculture, Food, and Biofuel
Authors: Tran Duc , Giordano Mario , Louime Clifford , Tran Ngan , Vo Trung , Nguyen Du , Hoang Tung
Published: October 2014

More than 500 marine algal strains in Vietnam were screened for their ability to produce high lipids. Among these, a Picochlorum species of Trebuxiophyceae emerged as the species that had the highest total lipid content with a value of 48.6% dry weight (DW), including 27.84% docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The remaining lipid was mostly C16 and C18 fatty acids, which is appropriate for biofuel production. In addition, 20 different amino acids were identified and included a high ratio of essential amino acids. Subsequently, the effect of environmental conditions for growth, such as salinity, temperature, and media, on the oleogenic potential of this species was investigated. The alga grew better (μ = 0.25 divisions per day) at a salinity of 0.5 M NaCl in enriched seawater medium (MD1) and at high temperature, but the lipid production was higher at 2 M NaCl in artificial medium (MD2) and at low temperature. Consequently, a two-phase culture system is recommended for obtaining high nutritional lipids and essential amino acids: MD1 can be used for biomass maximization at a high temperature (25°C), and cells can then be transferred into MD2 at a lower temperature (15°C) for oleogenesis.
Adult Recovery of Hatchery Spring Chinook Salmon Adipose Fin-Clipped and Coded-Wire-Tagged Using an Automated and Manual Marking Trailer
Authors: Hand David M , Brignon William R , Olson Douglas E
Published: October 2014

Marking and tagging fish is a critical component of many hatchery monitoring and evaluation programs, and coded wire tags are part of the foundation for managing Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. Fin-clipping and coded-wire-tagging large numbers of juvenile salmonids is done either by hand or by using an automated tagging trailer system. We compared the hatchery adult recovery rate of spring Chinook Salmon O. tshawytscha marked and tagged as juveniles by manual and automated tagging trailers at Warm Springs National Fish Hatchery (NFH) and Carson NFH. At Warm Springs NFH, the adult recovery rate for fish marked in the automated trailer was 0.16%, compared with a recovery rate of 0.14% for fish marked in the manual trailer. A fish was 1.17 times more likely to be recovered as an adult at the hatchery if marked in an automated trailer. Coded wire tag retention rates were more variable for manually marked fish. At Carson NFH, there was no difference in recovery rate or coded wire tag retention rate between marking trailers. These data suggest that the automated marking procedure does not reduce adult recovery rates from the time of marking to adult return when compared with manual marking. The lower recovery rate of manually marked fish at Warm Springs NFH may have been due to manual marker inexperience, use of anesthetic, or other factors. Additional information on the implications of differential coded wire tag retention and adult survival related to marking methods is necessary for hatchery managers to make decisions on how to mark and tag their fish.
Low energy availability and low body fat of female gymnasts before an international competition
Authors: Silva M.‐R. G. , Paiva T.
Published: October 2014

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate dietary intake and body composition of elite rhythmic gymnastics (RG) athletes prior to a competition event. Sixty‐seven rhythmic gymnasts (18.7 ± 2.9 years old) of high performance level, with 36.6 ± 7.6 h of training/week were evaluated in order to collect training and competition data, medical and gynaecological history, detailed dietary intake and body composition before an international competition. The majority of the participants (n = 40; 59.7%) had already menstruated, but age of menarche was delayed (15.3 ± 1.3 years) and all revealed menstrual irregularities. Gymnasts' body mass (48.4 ± 4.9 kg) and body mass index (BMI; 17.4 ± 1.1 kg/m2) were below the normal for age, and height (1.66 ± 0.05 m) was normal or even slightly above normal for age. Body fat was 9.0 ± 2.0% with no significant differences between age strata. Gymnasts exhibited low energy availability (EA; 31.5 ± 11.9 kcal/kg fat‐free mass (FFM)/day). The average carbohydrate and protein intakes were 5.1 ± 2.3 g/kg/day and 1.6 ± 04 g/kg/day, which correspond to 51.4 ± 7.2% and 16.9 ± 3.4% of total energy intakes, respectively; average fat contribution was 33.0 ± 5.3%. Low intakes of pantothenic acid, folate and vitamins D, E and K and of minerals, including calcium, iron and magnesium were reported. Intakes of thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamins A, B‐6, B‐12, C and manganese and zinc were above‐adequate (P < 0.05). Low EA, low body fat and micronutrient deficiencies are common among RG.
Effect of acute L‐Alanyl‐L‐Glutamine and electrolyte ingestion on cognitive function and reaction time following endurance exercise
Authors: Pruna Gabriel J. , Hoffman Jay R. , McCormack William P. , Jajtner Adam R. , Townsend Jeremy R. , Bohner Jonathan D. , La Monica Michael B. , Wells Adam J. , Stout Jeffrey R. , Fragala Maren S. , Fukuda David H.
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the L‐Alanyl‐L‐Glutamine dipeptide (AG) on cognitive function and reaction time (RT) following endurance exercise. Twelve male endurance athletes (23.5 ± 3.7 y; 175.5 ± 5.4 cm; 70.7 ± 7.6 kg) performed four trials, each consisting of running on a treadmill at 70% of VO2max for 1h, then at 90% of VO2max until exhaustion. One trial consisted of no hydration (DHY), another required ingestion of only a sports electrolyte drink (ED) and two trials required ingestion of a low dose (LD; 300 mg·500 ml−1) and high dose (HD) of AG (1 g·500ml−1) added to the ED. Cognitive function and reaction tests were administered pre‐ and post‐exercise. Magnitude based inferences were used to analyze ∆ cognitive function and ∆ reaction test data. Results indicated that DHY had a possible negative effect on number of hits in a 60‐sec reaction test compared to LD and HD, while ED appeared to have a negative effect compared to HD. Analysis of lower body quickness indicated that LD and HD were likely improved in comparison to DHY. Performance on the serial subtraction test appeared to be possibly better in ED than DHY, while other comparisons between groups regarding cognitive function were unclear. In conclusion, rehydrating with AG during submaximal exercise may maintain or enhance subsequent RT in upper and lower body activities compared to DHY. These same effects were not apparent when participants consumed ED.
The influence of temporal regularities on the implicit learning of pitch structures
Authors: Selchenkova Tatiana , Jones Mari Riess , Tillmann Barbara
Published: October 2014

Implicit learning is the acquisition of complex information without the intention to learn. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of temporal regularities on the implicit learning of an artificial pitch grammar. According to the dynamic attending theory (DAT) external regularities can entrain internal oscillators that guide attention over time, inducing temporal expectations that influence perception of future events. In the present study, the presentation of the artificial pitch grammar in the exposure phase was temporally either regular or irregular for one of two participant groups. Based on the DAT, it was hypothesized that the regular temporal presentation would favour implicit learning of tone structures in comparison to the irregular temporal presentation. Results demonstrated learning of the artificial grammar for the group with the regular exposure phase and partial learning for the group with the irregular exposure phase. These findings suggest that the regular presentation helps listeners to develop perceptual expectations about the temporal occurrence of future tones and thus facilitates the learning of the artificial pitch grammar.
Variability in Hemodynamic Evaluation of Pulmonary Hypertension at Large Referral Centers
Authors: Pugh Meredith E. , Hemnes Anna R. , Trammell Aaron , Newman John H. , Robbins Ivan M.
Published: October 2014

Despite consensus guidelines for right heart catheterization (RHC) in the diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), considerable differences exist in the performance of RHC, interpretation of hemodynamic data, and frequency of RHC performance in patients with established disease. These differences may lead to variability in diagnosis or treatment of PAH. We sought to gather information on the standard practice of RHC for the diagnosis and management of PAH from experienced pulmonary vascular disease specialists. We developed a semiquantitative online survey of diagnosis and treatment patterns of pulmonary hypertension and distributed it to physicians at pulmonary hypertension centers in the United States. Thirty of 50 physicians completed the survey: 20 pulmonologists and 10 cardiologists, all of whom reported treating >100 patients with PAH in the past year. All respondents perform RHC in ≥90% of patients with suspected PAH. All physicians determine the pulmonary wedge pressure at end expiration; however, only half of respondents personally review tracings. Physicians differed in frequency of vasodilator testing (8 of 24 performed testing in >90% of patients with PAH), fluid challenge and exercise (19 of 30 performed testing in <25% of patients with PAH for both). Most physicians (70%) report repeating RHC between 6 months and 1 year after PAH treatment initiation. Variability exists in the interpretation of hemodynamic tracings and performance of vasodilator, fluid, and exercise challenges in the management of PAH by experienced physicians in the United States. Additional consensus guidelines delineating appropriate adjunctive testing to standardize the diagnosis of PAH are needed.
On the spectrum of an anharmonic oscillator
Authors: Mughetti Marco
Published: October 2014

We consider the one-dimensional anharmonic oscillator

−

∂
x
2

+
a

x

2
h

+
μ

x

h
−
1

-\partial ^2_x+ax^{2h}+\mu x^{h-1}

and we study the qualitative behaviour of its eigenvalues

λ
j

\lambda _j

; in particular, we show how the sign of its eigenvalues depends on the parameters

h
∈

N

,

h\in \mathbb {N},

a
∈

R

+

,

a\in \mathbb {R}_+,

μ
∈

R

\mu \in \mathbb {R}

. We applied our results to the study of

C
∞

C^\infty

-hypoellipticity and of a priori estimates for certain non-transversally elliptic operators.
Correlations of three-dimensional motion of chromosomal loci in yeast revealed by the double-helix point spread function microscope
Authors: Backlund Mikael P. , Joyner Ryan , Weis Karsten , Moerner W. E.
Published: October 2014

Single-particle tracking has been applied to study chromatin motion in live cells, revealing a wealth of dynamical behavior of the genomic material once believed to be relatively static throughout most of the cell cycle. Here we used the dual-color three-dimensional (3D) double-helix point spread function microscope to study the correlations of movement between two fluorescently labeled gene loci on either the same or different budding yeast chromosomes. We performed fast (10 Hz) 3D tracking of the two copies of the GAL locus in diploid cells in both activating and repressive conditions. As controls, we tracked pairs of loci along the same chromosome at various separations, as well as transcriptionally orthogonal genes on different chromosomes. We found that under repressive conditions, the GAL loci exhibited significantly higher velocity cross-correlations than they did under activating conditions. This relative increase has potentially important biological implications, as it might suggest coupling via shared silencing factors or association with decoupled machinery upon activation. We also found that on the time scale studied (∼0.1–30 s), the loci moved with significantly higher subdiffusive mean square displacement exponents than previously reported, which has implications for the application of polymer theory to chromatin motion in eukaryotes.
Neuromuscular synapse integrity requires linkage of acetylcholine receptors to postsynaptic intermediate filament networks via rapsyn–plectin 1f complexes
Authors: Mihailovska Eva , Raith Marianne , Valencia Rocio G. , Fischer Irmgard , Banchaabouchi Mumna Al , Herbst Ruth , Wiche Gerhard
Published: October 2014

Mutations in the cytolinker protein plectin lead to grossly distorted morphology of neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in patients suffering from epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS)-muscular dystrophy (MS) with myasthenic syndrome (MyS). Here we investigated whether plectin contributes to the structural integrity of NMJs by linking them to the postsynaptic intermediate filament (IF) network. Live imaging of acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) in cultured myotubes differentiated ex vivo from immortalized plectin-deficient myoblasts revealed them to be highly mobile and unable to coalesce into stable clusters, in contrast to wild-type cells. We found plectin isoform 1f (P1f) to bridge AChRs and IFs via direct interaction with the AChR-scaffolding protein rapsyn in an isoform-specific manner; forced expression of P1f in plectin-deficient cells rescued both compromised AChR clustering and IF network anchoring. In conditional plectin knockout mice with gene disruption in muscle precursor/satellite cells (Pax7-Cre/cKO), uncoupling of AChRs from IFs was shown to lead to loss of postsynaptic membrane infoldings and disorganization of the NMJ microenvironment, including its invasion by microtubules. In their phenotypic behavior, mutant mice closely mimicked EBS-MD-MyS patients, including impaired body balance, severe muscle weakness, and reduced life span. Our study demonstrates that linkage to desmin IF networks via plectin is crucial for formation and maintenance of AChR clusters, postsynaptic NMJ organization, and body locomotion.
Intravenous Anesthetic Propofol Inhibits Multiple Human Cardiac Potassium Channels
Authors: Yang Lei , Liu Hui , Sun Hai-Ying , Li Gui-Rong
Published: October 2014

AbstractAbstract

Propofol blocks several important potassium currents including I
Kur in human atrial myocytes or stably expressing cell lines and prolongs the action potential in human atria. The findings have particular relevance to the understanding of the potential antitachycardia and antiatrial fibrillation effects of propofol on our patients.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Propofol is widely used clinically for the induction and maintenance of anesthesia. Clinical case reports have shown that propofol has an antiatrial tachycardia/fibrillation effect; however, the related ionic mechanisms are not fully understood. The current study investigates the effects of propofol on human cardiac potassium channels.

Methods:

The whole cell patch voltage clamp technique was used to record transient outward potassium current (I
to) and ultrarapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium current (I
Kur) in human atrial myocytes and hKv1.5, human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG), and hKCNQ1/hKCNE1 channels stably expressed in HEK 293 cells. Current clamp mode was used to record action potentials in human atrial myocytes.

Results:

In human atrial myocytes, propofol inhibited I
to in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50 = 33.5 ± 2.0 μM for peak current, n = 6) by blocking open channels without affecting the voltage-dependent kinetics or the recovery time constant; propofol decreased I
Kur (IC50 = 35.3 ± 1.9 μM, n = 6) in human atrial myocytes and inhibited hKv1.5 current expressed in HEK 293 cells by preferentially binding to the open channels. Action potential duration at 90% repolarization was slightly prolonged by 30 μM propofol in human atrial myocytes. In addition, propofol also suppressed hERG and hKCNQ1/hKCNE1 channels expressed in HEK 293 cells.

Conclusion:

Propofol inhibits multiple human cardiac potassium channels, including human atrial I
to and I
Kur, as well as hKv1.5, hERG, and hKCNQ1/hKCNE1 channels stably expressed in HEK 293 cells, and slightly prolongs human atrial action potential duration, which may contribute to the antiatrial tachycardia/fibrillation effects observed in patients who receive propofol.
Circulating MicroRNAs as Noninvasive Diagnostic Biomarkers of Liver Disease in Children With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Cook Naomi L. , Pereira Tamara N. , Lewindon Peter J. , Shepherd Ross W. , Ramm Grant A.
Published: October 2014

Objectives:

Cystic fibrosis liver disease (CFLD), resulting from progressive hepatobiliary fibrosis, causes significant morbidity and mortality in up to 20% of children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Both pathogenesis and early detection of CFLD are elusive. Current diagnostic procedures to detect early CFLD and stage fibrosis severity are inadequate. Recent studies highlight a role for microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of many diseases and have suggested that serum miRNAs could be used as diagnostic biomarkers.

Methods:

We profiled circulating serum miRNA levels in patients with CFLD (n = 52), patients with CF without liver disease (CFnoLD, n = 30), and non‐CF pediatric controls (n = 20). Extracted RNA was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array of 84 miRNAs detectable in human serum. Seven candidate miRNAs identified were validated by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR), normalizing data to geNorm‐determined stable reference genes, miR‐19b and miR‐93.

Results:

miR‐122 was significantly elevated in patients with CFLD versus patients with CFnoLD and controls (P < 0.0001). miR‐25 (P = 0.0011) and miR‐21 (P = 0.0133) were elevated in patients with CFnoLD versus patients with CFLD and controls. CFLD was discriminated by both miR‐122 (area under the curve [AUC] 0.71, P = 0.002) and miR‐25 (AUC 0.65, P = 0.026). Logistic regression combining 3 miRNAs (‐122, ‐25, ‐21) was greatly predictive of detecting CFLD (AUC 0.78, P < 0.0001). A combination of 6 miRNAs (‐122, ‐21, ‐25, ‐210, ‐148a, ‐19a) distinguished F0 from F3–F4 fibrosis (AUC 0.73, P = 0.04), and miR‐210 combined with miR‐22 distinguished F0 fibrosis from any fibrosis, that is, F1–F4 (AUC 0.72, P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

These data provide the first evidence of changes to circulating miRNA levels in CF, suggesting that serum‐based miRNA analysis may complement and extend current CFLD screening strategies with potential to predict early hepatic fibrosis.
Comparison of WHO and CDC Growth Charts in Predicting Pulmonary Outcomes in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Machogu Evans , Cao Yumei , Miller Tami , Simpson Pippa , Levy Hara , Quintero Diana , Goday Praveen S.
Published: October 2014

Objectives:

The relation of weight‐for‐length (WFL) and weight‐for‐age (WFA) measurements with pulmonary function in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) using the World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards has not been evaluated. The objective of the present study was to show that the relation of WFL and WFA measurements at 2 years with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) at 6 to 8 years differs when using the WHO versus the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts.

Methods:

We assessed 1155 patients in the CF Foundation Patient Registry born between 2001 and 2004. Comparisons were made between the CDC and WHO growth charts.

Results:

The WFL percentiles are significantly higher for the WHO growth standards compared with those for the CDC growth charts (median and interquartile range [IQR] WHO—64.8 [41.7–84.9], CDC—48.1 [23.7–75.7], P < 0.0001). WFL and WFA percentiles at 2 years on both charts are strongly associated with FEV1 at 6 to 8 years of age. The FEV1 at 6 to 8 years was statistically significantly lower for children who were classified as reaching a WFL ≥50th percentile at 2 years by WHO standards alone versus those who qualified by both growth charts (median and IQR 103 [94–115] vs 107 [96–117], P < 0.05). Continued weight gain between 2 and 6 years was associated with a higher lung function at age 6 to 8 years.

Conclusions:

Although children attaining the 50th WFL percentile on the WHO growth chart by age 2 years have a lower FEV1 at 6 years than children attaining the same percentile on the CDC chart, both groups of children attain clinically normal FEV1. Further studies are needed to determine whether this difference is clinically meaningful.