bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of LaB6 thin films grown by pulsed laser deposition
Authors: Craciun Valentin , Cristea Daniel , Socol Gabriel , Lambers Eric , Trusca Roxana , Fairchild Steven , Back Tyson , Gruen Greggory , Craciun Doina
Published: August 2016

LaB6 thin films were deposited at a temperature of 500 °C under vacuum or Ar atmosphere by the pulsed laser deposition technique on (100) Si substrates using a KrF laser. Grazing incidence x-ray diffraction investigations found that films were nanocrystalline, with grain size dimensions from 86 to 102 nm and exhibited microstrain values around 1.1%. Simulations of the x-ray reflectivity curves acquired from the deposited films showed that films had a density around 4.55 g/cm3, and were very smooth, with a surface roughness root-mean-square of 1.5 nm, which was also confirmed by scanning electron and atomic force microscopy measurements. All films were covered by a ∼2 nm thick contamination layer that formed when samples were exposed to the ambient. Auger electron spectroscopy investigations found very low oxygen impurity levels below 1.5 at. % once the contamination surface layer was removed by Ar ion sputtering. Four point probe measurements showed that films were conductive, with a resistivity value around 200 μΩ cm for those deposited under Ar atmosphere and slightly higher for those deposited under vacuum. Nanoindentation and scratch investigations showed that films were rather hard, H ∼ 16 GPa, E ∼ 165 GPa, and adherent to the substrate. Thermionic emission measurements indicated a work function value of 2.66 eV, very similar to other reported values for LaB6.
Fabrication and characterization of a tungsten microneedle array based on deep reactive ion etching technology
Authors: Ma Shenglin , Xia Yanming , Wang Yaohua , Ren Kuili , Luo Rongfeng , Song Lu , Chen Xian , Chen Jing , Jin Yufeng
Published: August 2016

In this paper, the authors report on a novel tungsten microneedle array fabricated using deep reactive ion etching. The fabricated sample was 10 mm long, 10 mm wide, and 40 μm in pitch. Each microneedle had a top-end diameter of 7.7 μm, a bottom-end diameter of 30 μm, a length of 60 μm, and a sidewall tilt angle of approximately 14°. The mechanical strength, hydrophobicity and contact impedance of the tungsten microneedle array were characterized. For the mechanical strength, a rubbing test was conducted, which involved moving the tungsten microneedle array structure on a 800-grit abrasive paper with an equivalent slide friction force of 2 × 10−3 μN. Results indicated no obvious damage to the microneedles at the scanning electron microscopy level. Hydrophobicity test results showed that the surface of the tungsten microneedle array was uniform and hydrophobic, with an average contact angle of 137.9° and a maximum contact angle variation of 5.9° for the best sample. The contact impedance of the tungsten microneedle array sample to skin was found to be stable after 1 h of contact at a value of less than 2000 Ω in the range of 50–100 kHz.
Effect of response context and masker type on word recognition in school-age children and adults
Authors: Buss Emily , Leibold Lori J. , Hall Joseph W.
Published: August 2016

In adults, masked speech recognition improves with the provision of a closed set of response alternatives. The present study evaluated whether school-age children (5–13 years) benefit to the same extent as adults from a forced-choice context, and whether this effect depends on masker type. Experiment 1 compared masked speech reception thresholds for disyllabic words in either an open-set or a four-alternative forced-choice (4AFC) task. Maskers were speech-shaped noise or two-talker speech. Experiment 2 compared masked speech reception thresholds for monosyllabic words in two 4AFC tasks, one in which the target and foils were phonetically similar and one in which they were dissimilar. Maskers were speech-shaped noise, amplitude-modulated noise, or two-talker speech. For both experiments, it was predicted that children would not benefit from the information provided by the 4AFC context to the same degree as adults, particularly when the masker was complex (two-talker) or when audible speech cues were temporally sparse (modulated-noise). Results indicate that young children do benefit from a 4AFC context to the same extent as adults in speech-shaped noise and amplitude-modulated noise, but the benefit of context increases with listener age for the two-talker speech masker.
High-contrast active cavitation imaging technique based on multiple bubble wavelet transform
Authors: Lu Shukuan , Xu Shanshan , Liu Runna , Hu Hong , Wan Mingxi
Published: August 2016

In this study, a unique method that combines the ultrafast active cavitation imaging technique with multiple bubble wavelet transform (MBWT) for improving cavitation detection contrast was presented. The bubble wavelet was constructed by the modified Keller–Miksis equation that considered the mutual effect among bubbles. A three-dimensional spatial model was applied to simulate the spatial distribution of multiple bubbles. The effects of four parameters on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of cavitation images were evaluated, including the following: initial radii of bubbles, scale factor in the wavelet transform, number of bubbles, and the minimum inter-bubble distance. And the other two spatial models and cavitation bubble size distributions were introduced in the MBWT method. The results suggested that in the free-field experiments, the averaged SNR of images acquired by the MBWT method was improved by 7.16 ± 0.09 dB and 3.14 ± 0.14 dB compared with the values of images acquired by the B-mode and single bubble wavelet transform (SBWT) methods. In addition, in the tissue experiments, the averaged cavitation-to-tissue ratio of cavitation images acquired by the MBWT method was improved by 4.69 ± 0.25 dB and 1.74± 0.29 dB compared with that of images acquired by B-mode and SBWT methods.
De novo synaptogenesis induced by GABA in the developing mouse cortex
Authors: Oh Won Chan , Lutzu Stefano , Castillo Pablo E. , Kwon Hyung-Bae
Published: August 2016

Dendrites of cortical pyramidal neurons contain intermingled excitatory and inhibitory synapses. We studied the local mechanisms that regulate the formation and distribution of synapses. We found that local γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) release on dendrites of mouse cortical layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons could induce gephyrin puncta and dendritic spine formation via GABA type A receptor activation and voltage-gated calcium channels during early postnatal development. Furthermore, the newly formed inhibitory and excitatory synaptic structures rapidly gained functions. Bidirectional manipulation of GABA release from somatostatin-positive interneurons increased and decreased the number of gephyrin puncta and dendritic spines, respectively. These results highlight a noncanonical function of GABA as a local synaptogenic element shaping the early establishment of neuronal circuitry in mouse cortex.
ZBP1/DAI is an innate sensor of influenza virus triggering the NLRP3 inflammasome and programmed cell death pathways
Authors: Kuriakose Teneema , Man Si Ming , Subbarao Malireddi R. K. , Karki Rajendra , Kesavardhana Sannula , Place David E. , Neale Geoffrey , Vogel Peter , Kanneganti Thirumala-Devi
Published: August 2016

ZBP1 activates the NLRP3 inflammasome and programmed cell death.
Complete Genome Sequence of a
Gluconacetobacter hansenii
ATCC 23769 Isolate, AY201, Producer of Bacterial Cellulose and Important Model Organism for the Study of Cellulose Biosynthesis
Authors: Pfeffer Sarah , Mehta Kalpa , Brown R. Malcolm
Published: August 2016

The cellulose producer and model organism used for the study of cellulose biosynthesis,
Gluconacetobacter hansenii
AY201, is a variant of
G. hansenii
ATCC 23769. We report here the complete nucleotide sequence of
G. hansenii
AY201, information which may be utilized to further the research into understanding the genes necessary for cellulose biosynthesis.
Draft Genome Sequence of Highly Rifampin-Resistant
Propionibacterium namnetense
NTS 31307302
T
Isolated from a Patient with a Bone Infection
Authors: Aubin Guillaume Ghislain , Kambarev Stanimir , Bémer Pascale , Lawson Paul A. , Corvec Stéphane
Published: August 2016

Propionibacterium namnetense
was recently described as a potential bone pathogen, which is closely related to
Propionibacterium acnes
, a skin commensal microorganism. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of the highly rifampin-resistant strain NTS 31307302
T
isolated from a patient with a tibia infection.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Chelatococcus sambhunathii
Strain HT4
T
(DSM 18167
T
) Isolated from a Hot Spring in India
Authors: Badhai Jhasketan , Whitman William B. , Das Subrata K.
Published: August 2016

The moderately thermophilic bacterium
Chelatococcus sambhunathii
strain HT4
T
was isolated from hot spring sediment. Based upon the draft genome sequence, the genome is 4.4 Mb and encodes 4,147 proteins.
Rivaroxaban in treatment refractory heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Authors: Casan Joshua Misha Lewis , Grigoriadis George , Chan Noel , Chunilal Sanjeev
Published: August 2016

Following orthopaedic surgery, a 56-year-old woman developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), complicated by extensive proximal deep vein thrombosis. The patient did not respond to multiple conventional therapies; however, a prompt treatment response occurred after starting rivaroxaban at standard dosing. This case represents the first documentation of efficacy for rivaroxaban in the setting of treatment refractory HIT and strengthens the limited existing evidence for this agent in HIT.
Richmond Wellbeing Service Access Strategy for Older Adults
Authors: Gowling Sarah , Persson Jennie , Holt Genevieve , Ashbourne Sue , Bloomfield James , Shortland Hannah , Bate Clare
Published: August 2016

IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) is a national programme aimed at increasing availability of evidence based psychological therapies in the NHS. IAPT is primarily for people who have mild to moderate, common mental health difficulties such as depression, anxiety, phobias and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The programme seeks to use the least intrusive method of care possible to treat people at the time when it will be of most help to them. Individuals are able to self-refer into most IAPT services or alternatively can request to be referred by their GP or other services in the community.

Richmond Wellbeing Service (RWS) is one such IAPT Service and this research is based on our work to promote accessibility of the service to one of the harder to reach population groups - older adults. We know that IAPT services could have a positive impact on older adults as it is believed on average, 25% of over 65 year olds face common mental health problems. However, only a third of these people discuss this with their GP and so are less likely to be referred to an IAPT Service.

In relation to the above, this project was designed to look at increasing access for older adults into Richmond Wellbeing Service (RWS) specifically to improve access to the RWS by older adults by 100. The overall goal was to increase older adult (65+) referral rates by 20% over a year, in raw number this would translate to an increase of 100 over a year period, and in percentage terms an average of 8% of total referrals.

Results yielded an increase of 39 referrals between baseline and test period. The majority of this increase had occurred in the final five months of the projects duration(31). Interestingly the number of older adults in the older age band (85+) almost doubled within this period (from 12 to 21). In total, in percentage terms this translates to an an increase of OA referrals from 6% up to 6.7%, as above we are aiming for 8% or an additional increase of 61 patients. Thus during the duration of the project there were signals of an increase in the desired direction, as the number of OA referrals increased following the period of time the interventions were implemented. However referral rates did not fully reach the target set.

The authors concluded that sustainable and meaningful change in improving access for older adults into an IAPT service is possible but does take time. (Alongside the increase of referral a continous assessment of quality is required and where neccessary improve upon the appropriateness of the service offered to Older adults).
Interest of convex spherical anamorphosis in better understanding of brain AVMs' angioarchitecture
Authors: Clarençon Frédéric , Maizeroi-Eugène Franck , Maingreaud Flavien , Bresson Damien , Ayoub David , Sourour Nader-Antoine , Menjot de Champfleur Nicolas , Chiras Jacques , Yardin Catherine , Mounayer Charbel
Published: August 2016

Introduction

Convex spherical anamorphosis is a barrel distortion that consists of the application of a plane surface on a convex hemisphere. Applied in vascular imaging of brain arteriovenous malformations (bAVMs), this deformation may help to ‘spread’ the nidus and surrounding vessels (arteries/veins) and thus to differentiate the different components of bAVMs more accurately.

Methods

The imaging data from 15 patients (8 male, 7 female; 14 supratentorial bAVMs, 1 infratentorial) were used to test the algorithm. The algorithm was applied to three-dimensional rotational angiography (3D-RA) volume rendering reconstructions in anteroposterior, lateral and oblique views and compared with regular 3D-RA and DSA. Arterial feeder and draining vein count and quality visualization of the main draining vein and intranidal aneurysms were compared between the three imaging techniques.

Results

Anamorphosis was able to depict more arterial feeders than 3D-RA alone (p=0.027). There was no statistically significant difference between 6 f/s DSA and anamorphosis for arterial feeder count. No difference was observed in draining vein count between the three imaging modalities. Visualization of the precise origin of the main draining vein was considered to be good in 67% of the cases with anamorphosis versus 47% and 33% for 6 f/s DSA and 3D-RA alone, respectively. Intranidal aneurysms were accurately depicted by anamorphosis (2 cases), whereas 6 f/s DSA and 3D-RA showed doubtful images in one and two additional cases, respectively, which were finally confirmed as focal venous ectasias on supraselective injection.

Conclusions

Anamorphosis can help to visualize more precisely the main draining vein origin of the bAVM and depict more accurately intranidal aneurysms.
Fully Differential, Bulk-Driven, Class AB, Sub-Threshold OTA With Enhanced Slew Rates and Gain
Authors: Sharan Tripurari , Bhadauria Vijaya
Published: August 2016

This paper presents a single-stage ultra-low-power fully differential operational transconductance amplifier (FD-OTA) with rail-to-rail linear input range operating in weak inversion region. The input core of the OTA is comprised of source degenerated, flipped voltage follower (FVF)-based bulk-driven class AB input pair, into which a regenerative feedback loop has been inserted to boost its bulk transconductance ([Formula: see text]). The proposed FD-OTA has utilized self-cascode current mirror (SC-CM) loads, which increase its open loop gain from nominal intrinsic value of 42[Formula: see text]dB to 70.4[Formula: see text]dB. It has provided 9.24[Formula: see text]kHz gain bandwidth (GBW), consuming 64[Formula: see text]nW of quiescent power from a 0.51[Formula: see text]V single power supply at 15[Formula: see text]pF load. The proposed OTA in unity gain configuration has ensured reduced total harmonic distortion (THD) of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]dB at 200[Formula: see text]Hz frequency and 1[Formula: see text]V[Formula: see text] signal swing. Its fully differential class AB input and output structures have ensured increased gain, GBW, slew rates and output swings with reduced nonlinearity and common mode substrate noise. The Cadence Virtuoso environment using GPDK 180[Formula: see text]nm standard [Formula: see text]-well CMOS process technology has been used to simulate the proposed circuit.
Revisit on the thermodynamic stability of the noncommutative Schwarzschild black hole
Authors: Ma Meng-Sen , Liu Yan-Song , Li Huai-Fan
Published: August 2016

In two frameworks, we discuss the thermodynamic stability of noncommutative geometry inspired Schwarzschild black hole (NCSBH). Under the horizon thermodynamics of black holes, we show that the NCSBH cannot be thermodynamically stable if requiring positive temperature. We note the inconsistency in the work of Larrañaga et al. and propose an effective first law of black hole thermodynamics for the NCSBH to eliminate the inconsistency. Based on the effective first law, we recalculate the heat capacity and the thermodynamic curvature by means of geometrothermodynamics (GTD) to revisit the thermodynamic stability.
Noise in Quantum Devices: A Unified Computational Approach for Different Scattering Mechanisms
Authors: Marian Damiano , Colomés Enrique
Published: August 2016

When talking about noise in quantum devices two issues must be faced: how to model the evolution of an electronic system with scattering and how this noise is practically computed in a quantum device simulator. In the present paper, we address both problems from a practical and computational point of view. In particular, as the electronic quantum subsystem is an open (normally far from equilibrium) system, we use the notion of conditional wave function, the wave function of a subsystem in Bohmian mechanics, an alternative version of quantum mechanics which along with the wave function posited definite positions for the particles. This allows us to define an effective equation in several physical situations, ranging from the simple tunneling barrier to the interaction with a bath of phonons. Finally, we present how this development can be used to compute quantum noise in a quantum device simulator.
Hypersurface of a Finsler space subjected to an h-exponential change of metric
Authors: Gupta M. K. , Gupta Anil K.
Published: August 2016

Recently, we have obtained the Cartan connection for the Finsler space whose metric is given by an exponential change with an [Formula: see text]-vector. In this paper, we discuss certain geometric properties of a Finslerian hyperspace subjected to an [Formula: see text]-exponential change of metric.
Increasing Activity in Enterprise Online Communities Using Content Recommendation
Authors: Guy Ido , Ronen Inbal , Kravi Elad , Barnea Maya
Published: August 2016

Although online communities have become popular both on the web and within enterprises, many of them often experience low levels of activity and engagement from their members. Previous studies identified the important role of community leaders in maintaining the health and vitality of their communities. One of their key means for doing so is by contributing relevant content to the community. In this paper, we study the effects of recommending social media content on enterprise community leaders. We conducted a large-scale user survey with four recommendation rounds, in which community leaders indicated their willingness to share social media items with their communities. They also had the option to instantly share these items. Recommendations were generated based on seven types of community interest profiles that were member-based, content-based, or hybrid. Our results attest that providing content recommendations to leaders can help uplift activity within their communities.
Design for Rituals of Letting Go
Authors: Sas Corina , Whittaker Steve , Zimmerman John
Published: August 2016

People increasingly live their lives online, accruing large collections of digital possessions, which symbolically represent important relationships, events, and activities. Most HCI research on bereavement focuses on
retaining
these significant digital possessions to honor the departed. However, recent work suggests that significant digital possessions may complicate moving on; they function as both comforting and painful reminders but currently provide inflexible methods for disposal. A few works have investigated the disposal of digital objects as a means of
letting go
. To better understand this we interviewed 10 psychotherapists who employ rituals of letting go to help patients overcome loss in situations such as a divorce, a breakup, or a stillbirth. Patients disposed of either natural artifacts or symbolic personal possessions through actions such as burning, burying, or placing in a body of water. Therapists noted that people increasingly have digital possessions, and that the act of deletion does not offer the same cathartic sense of release as disposal of material artifacts. Based on the analysis of this grief therapy, we propose a new conceptual framework for rituals of letting go that highlights temporality, visibility, and force. It provides a vocabulary to talk about disposal. We then offer design implications connecting the rituals of letting go to the disposal of digital things. Based on our interviews and analytic framework, we propose novel technologies that better connect the embodied nature of letting go rituals to the process of digital disposal.
User Intent in Multimedia Search
Authors: Kofler Christoph , Larson Martha , Hanjalic Alan
Published: August 2016

Today's multimedia search engines are expected to respond to queries reflecting a wide variety of information needs from users with different goals. The topical dimension (“what” the user is searching for) of these information needs is well studied; however, the
intent
dimension (“why” the user is searching) has received relatively less attention. Specifically, intent is the
“immediate reason, purpose, or goal”
that motivates a user to query a search engine. We present a thorough survey of multimedia information retrieval research directed at the problem of enabling search engines to respond to user intent. The survey begins by defining intent, including a differentiation from related, often-confused concepts. It then presents the key conceptual models of search intent. The core is an overview of intent-aware approaches that operate at each stage of the multimedia search engine pipeline (i.e., indexing, query processing, ranking). We discuss intent in conventional text-based search wherever it provides insight into multimedia search intent or intent-aware approaches. Finally, we identify and discuss the most important future challenges for intent-aware multimedia search engines. Facing these challenges will allow multimedia information retrieval to recognize and respond to user intent and, as a result, fully satisfy the information needs of users.
Monosodium glutamate inhibits the lymphatic transport of lipids in the rat
Authors: Kohan Alison B. , Yang Qing , Xu Min , Lee Dana , Tso Patrick
Published: August 2016

It is not well understood how monosodium glutamate (MSG) affects gastrointestinal physiology, especially regarding the absorption and the subsequent transport of dietary lipids into lymph. Thus far, there is little information about how the ingestion of MSG affects the lipid lipolysis, uptake, intracellular esterification, and formation and secretion of chylomicrons. Using lymph fistula rats treated with the infusion of a 2% MSG solution before a continuous infusion of triglyceride, we show that MSG causes a significant decrease in both triglyceride and cholesterol secretion into lymph. Intriguingly, the diminished lymphatic transport of triglyceride and cholesterol was not caused by an accumulation of these labeled lipids in the intestinal lumen or in the intestinal mucosa. Rather, it is a result of increased portal transport in the animals fed acutely the lipid plus 2% MSG in the lipid emulsion. This is a first demonstration of MSG on intestinal lymphatic transport of lipids.
Hepatocellular autophagy modulates the unfolded protein response and fasting-induced steatosis in mice
Authors: Kwanten Wilhelmus J. , Vandewynckel Yves-Paul , Martinet Wim , De Winter Benedicte Y. , Michielsen Peter P. , Van Hoof Viviane O. , Driessen Ann , Timmermans Jean-Pierre , Bedossa Pierre , Van Vlierberghe Hans , Francque Sven M.
Published: August 2016

Autophagy and the unfolded protein response (UPR) are key cellular homeostatic mechanisms and are both involved in liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Although increasing but conflicting results link these mechanisms to lipid metabolism, their role and potential cross talk herein have been poorly investigated. Therefore, we assessed the effects of hepatocyte-specific autophagy deficiency on liver parenchyma, the UPR, and lipid metabolism. Adult hepatocellular-specific autophagy-deficient mice ( Atg7F/FAlb-Cre+) were compared with their autophagy-competent littermates ( Atg7+/+Alb-Cre+). Livers were analyzed by electron microscopy, histology, real-time qPCR, and Western blotting. Atg7F/FAlb-Cre+mice developed hepatomegaly with significant parenchymal injury, as shown by inflammatory infiltrates, hepatocellular apoptosis, pericellular fibrosis, and a pronounced ductular reaction. Surprisingly, the UPR exhibited a pathway-selective pattern upon autophagy deficiency. The activity of the adaptive activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) pathway was abolished, whereas the proapoptotic protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase pathway was increased compared with Atg7+/+Alb-Cre+mice. The inositol-requiring enzyme-1α signal was unaltered. Fasting-induced steatosis was absent in Atg7F/FAlb-Cre+mice. Remarkably, some isolated islands of fat-containing and autophagy-competent cells were observed in these livers. Hepatocellular autophagy is essential for parenchymal integrity in mice. Moreover, in the case of autophagy deficiency, the three different UPR branches are pathway selectively modulated. Attenuation of the ATF6 pathway might explain the observed impairment of fasting-induced steatosis. Finally, autophagy and lipid droplets are directly linked to each other.
The role of stretch-activated ion channels in acute respiratory distress syndrome: finally a new target?
Authors: Schwingshackl Andreas
Published: August 2016

Mechanical ventilation (MV) and oxygen therapy (hyperoxia; HO) comprise the cornerstones of life-saving interventions for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Unfortunately, the side effects of MV and HO include exacerbation of lung injury by barotrauma, volutrauma, and propagation of lung inflammation. Despite significant improvements in ventilator technologies and a heightened awareness of oxygen toxicity, besides low tidal volume ventilation few if any medical interventions have improved ARDS outcomes over the past two decades. We are lacking a comprehensive understanding of mechanotransduction processes in the healthy lung and know little about the interactions between simultaneously activated stretch-, HO-, and cytokine-induced signaling cascades in ARDS. Nevertheless, as we are unraveling these mechanisms we are gathering increasing evidence for the importance of stretch-activated ion channels (SACs) in the activation of lung-resident and inflammatory cells. In addition to the discovery of new SAC families in the lung, e.g., two-pore domain potassium channels, we are increasingly assigning mechanosensing properties to already known Na+, Ca2+, K+, and Cl− channels. Better insights into the mechanotransduction mechanisms of SACs will improve our understanding of the pathways leading to ventilator-induced lung injury and lead to much needed novel therapeutic approaches against ARDS by specifically targeting SACs. This review 1) summarizes the reasons why the time has come to seriously consider SACs as new therapeutic targets against ARDS, 2) critically analyzes the physiological and experimental factors that currently limit our knowledge about SACs, and 3) outlines the most important questions future research studies need to address.
Improved single muscle fiber quality in the oldest-old
Authors: Grosicki Greg J. , Standley Robert A. , Murach Kevin A. , Raue Ulrika , Minchev Kiril , Coen Paul M. , Newman Anne B. , Cummings Steven , Harris Tamara , Kritchevsky Stephen , Goodpaster Bret H. , Trappe Scott ,   The Health ABC Study
Published: August 2016

We examined single muscle fiber contractile function of the oldest-old (3F/2M, 89 ± 1 yr old) enrolled in The Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study (The Health ABC Study). Vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained and single muscle fiber function was determined ( n = 105) prior to myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform identification with sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Cross-sectional area of MHC I muscle fibers (5,576 ± 333 μm2; n = 58) was 21% larger ( P < 0.05) than MHC IIa fibers (4,518 ± 386 μm2; n = 47). Normalized power (an indicator of muscle fiber quality incorporating size, strength, and speed) of MHC I and IIa muscle fibers was 2.3 ± 0.1 and 17.4 ± 0.8 W/l, respectively. Compared with previous research from our lab using identical procedures, MHC I normalized power was 28% higher than healthy 20 yr olds and similar to younger octogenarians (∼80 yr old). Normalized power of MHC IIa fibers was 63% greater than 20 yr olds and 39% greater than younger octogenarians. These comparative data suggest that power output per unit size (i.e., muscle quality) of remaining muscle fibers improves with age, a phenomenon more pronounced in MHC IIa fibers. Age-related single muscle fiber quality improvements may be a compensatory mechanism to help offset decrements in whole muscle function.
Approximation by First-Order Linear Differential Equations with an Initial Condition
Authors: Roh Jaiok , Jung Soon-Mo
Published: August 2016

We will consider a continuously differentiable functiony:I→Rsatisfying the inequalitypty′t-qtyt-rt≤εfor allt∈Iandyt0-α≤δfor somet0∈Iand someα∈R. Then we will approximateyby a solutionzof the linear equationptz′t-qtzt-r(t)=0withz(t0)=α.
Low-Fluence Photodynamic Therapy versus Subthreshold Micropulse Yellow Wavelength Laser in the Treatment of Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: Özmert Emin , Demirel Sibel , Yanık Özge , Batıoğlu Figen
Published: August 2016

Purpose. To compare the efficacy and safety of subthreshold micropulse yellow wavelength laser (SMYL) and low-fluence photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the treatment of chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC).Methods. Thirty-three eyes of 30 patients with chronic CSC received either PDT (18 eyes) or SMYL (15 eyes) therapy. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), subretinal fluid (SRF) height, and central macular thickness (CMT) were evaluated at the baseline visit and one, three, six, nine, and 12 months after the therapy.Results. After 12 months, mean BCVA improved from67.3±14.2to71.5±21.4ETDRS letters in SMYL group and from60.7±16.3to64.4±24.9ETDRS letters in PDT group (p=0.285andp=0.440, resp.). Mean CMT decreased from242.8±80 μm to156.9±60 μm in the PDT group and from287.3±126 μm to138.0±40 μm in the SMYL group (p=0.098andp=0.003, resp.). SRF resolved completely in 72.2% and 80.0% of the eyes in the PDT and SMYL groups, respectively. Mean SRF height decreased from117.2±58 μm to31.3±56 μm in the PDT group and from130.0±104 μm to12.5±21 μm in the SMYL group (p=0.031andp=0.014, resp.).Conclusions. Subthreshold micropulse yellow wavelength laser seems to be effective in the treatment of chronic CSC without any side effect and results in the resorption of SRF without causing visible retinal scarring.
Complementary Cycles in Irregular Multipartite Tournaments
Authors: He Zhihong , Wang Xiaoying , Zhang Caiming
Published: August 2016

A tournament is a directed graph obtained by assigning a direction for each edge in an undirected complete graph. A digraphDis cycle complementary if there exist two vertex disjoint cyclesCandC′such thatV(D)=V(C)∪V(C′). LetDbe a locally almost regularc-partite tournament withc≥3and|γ(D)|≤3such that all partite sets have the same cardinalityr, and letC3be a3-cycle ofD. In this paper, we prove that ifD-V(C3)has no cycle factor, thenDcontains a pair of disjoint cycles of length3and|V(D)|-3, unlessDis isomorphic toT7,D4,2,D4,2⁎, orD3,2.
Numerical Investigation of Shock Wave Diffraction over a Sphere Placed in a Shock Tube
Authors: Martyushov Sergey , Igra Ozer , Elperin Tov
Published: August 2016

For evaluating the motion of a solid body in a gaseous medium, one has to know the drag constant of the body. It is therefore not surprising that this subject was extensively investigated in the past. While accurate knowledge is available for the drag coefficient of a sphere in a steady flow condition, the case where the flow is time dependent is still under investigation. In the present work the drag coefficient of a sphere placed in a shock tube is evaluated numerically. For checking the validity of the used flow model and its numerical solution, the present numerical results are compared with available experimental findings. The good agreement between present simulations and experimental findings allows usage of the present scheme in nonstationary flows.
Evidence of Sperm Storage in Nursehound (Scyliorhinus stellaris, Linnaeus 1758): Juveniles Husbandry and Tagging Program
Authors: Micarelli Primo , Sperone Emilio , Serena Fabrizio , Compagno Leonard J. V.
Published: August 2016

Nursehound, Scyliorhinus stellaris (Linnaeus 1758), is a shark of the Scyliorhinidae family, close to the Scyliorhinus canicula (Linnaeus 1758), frequently hosted in public aquaria. Information on biology and ecology is deficiently available regarding this species of sharks. In the Mediterranean basin, they are occasional rare and vulnerable species (Serena, 2005). In 2003 a female specimen of Scyliorhinus stellaris, 90 cm long, fished in the Tyrrhenian Sea was transferred to Tuscany Argentario Mediterranean Aquarium and placed in a 20.000 L tank. The female laid 42 eggs and juveniles were born on 2004 and 2005. They were transferred to the aquarium laboratory in order to get standard protocol for correct juveniles husbandry. After a total of 18-month observations, some of them were tagged and let free on 2006. To collect data about nursehound shark needs in terms of feeding and growing in captivity, especially during the first life years, is a necessary and fundamental step in order to develop a Mediterranean program of tagging and study in the field of conservation policy proposal. Husbandry protocol for this species’ juveniles was developed in this study. This is the first reported case of a nursehound storing sperm for 2 years, in captivity (Pratt, 1993; Hamlett et al., 2002; Awruch, 2007).
Tachyon Warm Intermediate and Logamediate Inflation in the Brane World Model in the Light of Planck Data
Authors: Kamali V. , Setare M. R.
Published: August 2016

Tachyon inflationary universe model on the brane in the context of warm inflation is studied. In slow-roll approximation and in longitudinal gauge, we find the primordial perturbation spectrums for this scenario. We also present the general expressions of the tensor-scalar ratio, scalar spectral index, and its running. We develop our model by using exponential potential; the characteristics of this model are calculated in great detail. We also study our model in the context of intermediate (where scale factor expands asa=a0exp⁡Atf) and logamediate (where the scale factor expands asa=a0exp⁡Aln⁡tν) models of inflation. In these two sectors, dissipative parameter is considered as a constant parameter and a function of tachyon field. Our model is compatible with observational data. The parameters of the model are restricted by Planck data.
Ercc1 Deficiency Promotes Tumorigenesis and Increases Cisplatin Sensitivity in a Tp53 Context-Specific Manner
Authors: Jokić Mladen , Vlašić Ignacija , Rinneburger Miriam , Klümper Niklas , Spiro Judith , Vogel Wenzel , Offermann Anne , Kümpers Christiane , Fritz Christian , Schmitt Anna , Riabinska Arina , Wittersheim Maike , Michels Sebastian , Ozretić Luka , Florin Alexandra , Welcker Daniela , Akyuz Mehmet Deniz , Nowak Michael , Erkel Martin , Wolf Jürgen , Büttner Reinhard , Schumacher Björn , Thomale Jürgen , Persigehl Thorsten , Maintz David , Perner Sven , Reinhardt Hans Christian
Published: August 2016

KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma is among the most common cancer entities and, in advanced stages, typically displays poor prognosis due to acquired resistance against chemotherapy, which is still largely based on cisplatin-containing combination regimens. Mechanisms of cisplatin resistance have been extensively investigated, and ERCC1 has emerged as a key player due to its central role in the repair of cisplatin-induced DNA lesions. However, clinical data have not unequivocally confirmed ERCC1 status as a predictor of the response to cisplatin treatment. Therefore, we employed an autochthonous mouse model of Kras-driven lung adenocarcinoma resembling human lung adenocarcinoma to investigate the role of Ercc1 in the response to cisplatin treatment. Our data show that Ercc1 deficiency in Tp53-deficient murine lung adenocarcinoma induces a more aggressive tumor phenotype that displays enhanced sensitivity to cisplatin treatment. Furthermore, tumors that relapsed after cisplatin treatment in our model develop a robust etoposide sensitivity that is independent of the Ercc1 status and depends solely on previous cisplatin exposure. Our results provide a solid rationale for further investigation of the possibility of preselection of lung adenocarcinoma patients according to the functional ERCC1- and mutational TP53 status, where functionally ERCC1-incompetent patients might benefit from sequential cisplatin and etoposide chemotherapy.

Implications: This study provides a solid rationale for the stratification of lung adenocarcinoma patients according to the functional ERCC1- and mutational TP53 status, where functionally ERCC1-incompetent patients could benefit from sequential cisplatin and etoposide chemotherapy. Mol Cancer Res; 14(11); 1110–23. ©2016 AACR.
Comparative Cytogenetics of Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus (Agassiz, 1829) (Characiformes, Erythrinidae) Species Complex from Different Brazilian Hydrographic Basins
Authors: Martinez Juliana F. , Lui Roberto L. , Traldi Josiane B. , Blanco Daniel R. , Moreira-Filho Orlando
Published: August 2016

Chromosomal characteristics of Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus populations from 5 Brazilian river basins, namely Arinos (Amazonas basin), Araguaia, Paraguai, Alto Paraná, and São Francisco were analyzed by conventional Giemsa staining, C-banding, silver nitrate impregnation, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with 18S and 5S rDNA and telomeric sequence (TTAGGG)n probes. The diploid chromosome number was 2n = 48 in representatives of the populations from Paraguai and Alto Paraná River basins and 2n = 52 for those from the Arinos and Araguaia River basins. The São Francisco population had individuals with 2n = 50 and 52 occurring in sympatry. C-banding showed heterochromatic blocks mainly located at interstitial and pericentromeric positions in most of the chromosomes. Silver nitrate impregnation demonstrated simple NORs for representatives from Arinos and Araguaia River populations and multiple NORs for specimens from Paraguai, Alto Paraná, and São Francisco River populations. FISH with 18S and 5S rDNA probes revealed many chromosomes carrying these cistrons, with up to 21 chromosomes bearing 18S rDNA sites (Alto Rio Paraná basin) and up to 12 chromosomes with 5S rDNA sites (Paraguai basin), besides the occurrence of colocalization in all populations. FISH with telomeric sequence (TTAGGG)n detected sites in the terminal portion of the chromosomes in all populations. These data reinforce the idea that H. unitaeniatus is a species complex. Evolutionary and biogeographical aspects of the group in the Neotropical region are discussed.
Apresentação
Authors: Demant Peter Robert
Published: August 2016

Apresentação
Costume e estrutura no Oriente Médio: da dinâmica familiar aos regimes políticos
Authors: Francisco Alcindo Gabriel
Published: August 2016

Resenha do livro: What’s Really Wrong with the Middle East (Brian Whitaker), Ed. Saqi, Londres, 2009.
De Martin Buber a Edward Said – um Estado binacional na Palestina histórica: uma antiga proposta que ressurge
Authors: Bassi Danilo Guiral
Published: August 2016

O presente ensaio tem por objetivo traçar um breve histórico da proposta de um Estado binacional na Palestina histórica para judeus e árabes-palestinos; trazer os principais argumentos dos defensores deste modelo de Estado; fazer uma periodização da evolução da proposta e, finalmente, abordar e problematizar o debate sobre a questão atualmente entre palestinos e israelenses.
Unifying Algorithm for Mechanistic Diagnosis of Atrial Tachycardia
Authors: Liu Christopher F. , Cheung Jim W. , Ip James E. , Thomas George , Yang Hua , Sharma Sandeep , Markowitz Steven M. , Lerman Bruce B.
Published: August 2016

Background—

No existing criteria unequivocally differentiate focal atrial tachycardia (AT) caused by microreentry, triggered activity, or enhanced automaticity. Although macroreentrant AT is readily diagnosed based on entrainment criteria, the smaller circuit dimension associated with microreentrant AT makes it challenging to validate the presence of reset with fusion. An algorithm was, therefore, developed that is independent of entrainment but which reliably identifies specific mechanisms of focal AT.

Methods and Results—

Fifty-nine patients with AT underwent adenosine testing after mapping of tacycardia. Ten ATs had nonfocal activation, with ≥90% of tachycardia cycle length identified with electroanatomical mapping, findings consistent with macroreenty. All ATs were insensitive to adenosine. Forty-nine patients had focal AT with centrifugal activation. In 32/49 (67%) ATs, electrograms were nonfractionated, and <50% of tachycardia cycle length could be mapped. Based on programmed stimulation, 26/32 (81%) of these ATs were classified as due to triggered activity and 6/32 (19%) as due to enhanced automaticity. Adenosine terminated 100% of triggered ATs and transiently slowed or suppressed 100% of automatic ATs. The remaining 17 focal ATs had localized fractionated electrograms (≥35% of tachycardia cycle length) at the site of successful ablation and were classified as microreentrant. Adenosine had no effect in these ATs. The response to adenosine accurately differentiated all subtypes of focal AT,
P
<0.05.

Conclusions—

Adenosine-sensitivity (termination or transient slowing/suppression) in response to adenosine was 100% sensitive and specific for identifying focal AT mechanisms due to triggered activity or automaticity, respectively. Absence of adenosine effect on focal AT identifies tachycardia due to microreentry.
Aortic Complications Associated With Pregnancy in Marfan Syndrome: The NHLBI National Registry of Genetically Triggered Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Cardiovascular Conditions (GenTAC)
Authors: Roman Mary J. , Pugh Norma L. , Hendershot Tabitha P. , Devereux Richard B. , Dietz Hal , Holmes Kathryn , Eagle Kim A. , LeMaire Scott A. , Milewicz Dianna M. , Morris Shaine A. , Pyeritz Reed E. , Ravekes William J. , Shohet Ralph V. , Silberbach Michael , Dietz Harry C. , Habashi Jennifer , Prakash Siddharth K. , Maslen Cheryl L. , Song Howard K. , Bavaria Joseph E. , Milewski Karianna , Weinsaft Jonathan W. , McDonnell Nazli , Asch Federico M. , Tolunay H. Eser , Desvigne‐Nickens Patrice , Tseng Hung , Kroner Barbara L.
Published: August 2016

Background

The risk of aortic complications associated with pregnancy in women with Marfan syndrome (
MFS
) is not fully understood.

Methods and Results

MFS
women participating in the large National Registry of Genetically Triggered Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Cardiovascular Conditions (Gen
TAC
) were evaluated. Among 184 women with
MFS
in whom pregnancy information was available, 94 (51%) had a total of 227 pregnancies. Among the women with pregnancies, 10 (10.6%) experienced a pregnancy‐related aortic complication (4 type A and 3 type B dissections, 1 coronary artery dissection, and 2 with significant [≥3 mm] aortic growth). Five of 7 aortic dissections, including all 3 type B, and the coronary dissection (75% of all dissections) occurred in the postpartum period. Only 5 of 8 women with pregnancy‐associated dissection were aware of their
MFS
diagnosis. The rate of aortic dissection was higher during the pregnancy and postpartum period (5.4 per 100 person‐years vs 0.6 per 100 person‐years of nonpregnancy; rate ratio, 8.4 [95% CI=3.9, 18.4];
P
<0.0001).

Conclusions

Pregnancy in
MFS
is associated with an increased risk of aortic dissection, both types A and B, particularly in the immediate postpartum period. Lack of knowledge of underlying
MFS
diagnosis before aortic dissection is a major contributing factor. These findings underscore the need for early diagnosis, prepregnancy risk counseling, and multidisciplinary peripartum management.
Evidence of ‘sickness behaviour’ in bats with white-nose syndrome
Authors: Bohn S.J. , Turner J.M. , Warnecke L. , Mayo C. , McGuire L.P. , Misra V. , Bollinger T.K. , Willis C.K.R.
Published: August 2016

Many animals change behaviour in response to pathogenic infections. White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a fungal skin disease causing rapid declines of North American bats. Infection with Pseudogymnoascus destructans causes hibernating bats to arouse from torpor too often, potentially causing starvation. Mechanisms underlying increased arousals are not understood but fungal invasion of the wings could trigger thirst to relieve fluid loss or grooming to relieve skin irritation. Alternatively, bats might exhibit ‘sickness behaviour’, a suite of responses to infection that save energy. We quantified behaviours of healthy and experimentally inoculated little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) that could reflect active (i.e., drinking, grooming) or inactive (i.e., sickness behaviour) responses to infection. Infected bats groomed less and were less likely to visit their water dish compared to controls. These results are consistent with research suggesting that P. destructans causes sickness behaviour which could help bats compensate for energetic costs associated with infection.
Nomenclatural notes in the Pleurothallidinae (Orchidaceae): Phloeophila
Authors: CHIRON GUY R. , KARREMANS ADAM P. , BERG CASSIO VAN DEN
Published: August 2016

Two of us found some years ago that Phloeophila nummularia, type species of the genus Phloeophila, was placed in a molecular phylogentic study in Pabstiella. In this article, we show with the inclusion of new sequences of Phloeophila that this result was not correct. Phloeophila forms a unique clade in Pleurothallidinae and is not closely related to Pabstiella. In addition, the exclusion of three species, one transferred to Dryadella and two others to Acianthera, is proposed.