bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effects of muscle action, repetition duration, and loading strategies of a whole-body, progressive resistance training programme on muscular performance and body composition in trained males and females
Authors: Fisher James Peter , Carlson Luke , Steele James
Published: June 2016

Research has produced equivocal results with regard to eccentric (ECC) only compared with traditional concentric/eccentric resistance training (RT). When considered in relation to load- and repetition duration-accentuated (ECC) training as well as the use of isokinetic and isoinertial training methods, there is a relative dearth of literature considering multi-joint, multi-exercise RT interventions. The present study considered 59 male and female participants randomly divided in to 3 sex counterbalanced groups; ECC only (ECC, n = 20), repetition duration-accentuated ECC (ECC-A, n = 20), and traditional (CON, n = 19) performing full-body, effort matched RT programmes for 2 days·week−1 for 10 weeks. Outcomes were muscular performance, including absolute muscular endurance and predicted 1-repetition maximum, in addition to body composition. No significant between-groups differences were identified for change in muscular performance measures for leg press or chest press exercises, or for body composition changes. Analyses revealed a significantly greater improvement for CON compared with ECC groups (p < 0.05) for change in absolute muscular endurance for the pull-down exercise. Effect sizes for muscular performance changes were moderate to large for all groups and exercises (0.75–2.00). The present study supports previous research that ECC-only training produces similar improvements in muscular performance to traditional training where intensity of effort is controlled. Data herein further supports the use of uncomplicated, low-volume RT to momentary failure as an efficacious method of improving muscular performance in trained persons.
Seasonal, multi-scale spatial and slope-oriented effects in cambial dynamics: an evaluation of sampling methods in Cedrela odorata (Meliaceae) in an Atlantic Forest area
Authors: Arêdes-dos-Reis Maxmira de Souza , Costa Monique Silva , Sasada-Sato Cristiano Yuji , Callado Cátia Henriques
Published: June 2016

Studies of cambial dynamics have been employed to investigate the growth behavior of trees. In these investigations, however, spatial variation in cambial rhythm within the stem is usually not taken into account. This study aims to evaluate the contribution of multiple sampling scales on the cambial dynamics of Cedrela odorata L. (Meliaceae) in different seasons. The effects of slope orientation were also tested. Samples were processed and analyzed with standard plant histology techniques. Data from multiple sampling scales were analyzed with nested ANOVA for each season, and the total variance was partitioned according to the fraction related to each scale. The main sources of variability were associated with the scale of tree and scales smaller than 1 cm. Radial growth was not significantly related to acclivity orientation. Thus, to obtain samples that represent total variability in cambial dynamics, it is preferable to increase the number of sampled trees; to take multiple samples from a few millimetres apart from each other, or to assess multiple histological sections. Samples on scales greater than a few centimetres apart should not be given priority.
Exogenous hydrogen sulfide attenuates cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury by inhibiting autophagy in mice
Authors: Shui Mengyang , Liu Xiaoyan , Zhu Yuanjun , Wang Yinye
Published: June 2016

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), the third gas transmitter, has been proven to be neuroprotective in cerebral ischemic injury, but whether its effect is mediated by regulating autophagy is not yet clear. The present study was undertaken to explore the underlying mechanisms of exogenous H2S on autophagy regulation in cerebral ischemia. The effects and its connection with autophagy of NaHS, a H2S donor, were observed through neurological deficits and cerebral infarct volume in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice; autophagy-related proteins and autophagy complex levels in the ischemic hemisphere were detected with Western blot assay. Compared with the model group, NaHS significantly decreased infarct volume and improved neurological deficits; rapamycin, an autophagy activator, abolished the effect of NaHS; NaHS decreased the expression of LC3-II and up-regulated p62 expression in the ischemic cortex 24 h after ischemia. However, NaHS did not significantly influence Beclin-1 expression. H2S has a neuroprotective effect on ischemic injury in MCAO mice; this effect is associated with its influence in down-regulating autophagosome accumulation.
Review and evaluation of a chiral enrichment model for chlordane enantiomers in the environment
Authors: Singh Kavita , Hegeman Wim J.M. , Laane Remi W.P.M. , Chan Hing Man
Published: June 2016

Chlordane is an organochlorine pesticide that contains a mixture of components, some of which are chiral. Analysis of enantiomers can provide insights into the mechanisms of their sources, pathway, and fate. The objectives of this work were: (i) to review the published literature that reported chlordane enantiomer concentrations in various environmental compartments; (ii) to evaluate the applicability of a model developed by Hegeman and Laane (2002) for predicting the relative distribution of various chiral pesticides in the environment. This model predicts that enantiomer deviation increases in the following order: air, water, soil, molluscs, fish/birds, marine mammals, specific tissues, and enzymes; (iii) to determine the relative ranking of plants within the model. All data were converted into an enantiomer fraction and aggregated by environmental compartment using bootstrap averaging to compare to model predictions. Enantiomer distributions of cis-chlordane, trans-chlordane, oxychlordane, and heptachlor exo-epoxide were reported in soil, air, water/sediments, plants, and animals. Based on aggregated average estimates for enantiomer fraction, the deviation from racemic increased in the following order for cis-chlordane: water/sediments = lower trophic aquatic organisms < air < fish < soil < plants (all combined) < seal < polar bear < bird < whale; for trans-chlordane: fish < water/sediments < lower trophic aquatic organisms < air < soil < plants (all combined) < seal < whales < bird < polar bear; and for heptachlor exo-epoxide: plants (all combined) < fish < soil = whale < water/sediments < bird < air < seal < polar bear. Depending on the species used to represent marine mammals, the Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficients of observed data against model predictions were + 0.75 or + 0.84 for cis-chlordane, + 0.41 or + 0.49 for trans-chlordane, and −0.59 or + 0.12 for heptachlor exo-epoxide. This suggests that the model is applicable for cis- and trans-chlordane, but not for heptachlor exo-epoxide. The fundamental mechanisms behind the observed enantiomeric enrichment are of eminent importance in understanding the enantioselective deviations.
Constraining the texture mass matrices
Authors: Ahuja Gulsheen
Published: June 2016

The present work attempts to provide an overview of texture specific mass matrices, which, along with Weak Basis (WB) transformations, emerge as a viable framework for explaining the fermion masses and mixing data in the quark as well as lepton sector.
Block-based KLT compression for multispectral images
Authors: Nian Yongjian , Xu Ke , Wan Jianwei , Wang Ling , He Mi
Published: June 2016

An efficient lossy compression algorithm for multispectral images based on block Karhunen–Loève transform (KLT) is proposed. First, a two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform is performed on each band of multispectral images to remove the spatial correlation. Subsequently, each band is partitioned into non-overlapping blocks of the same size, and the transform coefficients of each block in the wavelet domain are treated as a single object. Blocks that are co-located in the spectral orientation are affected by an adaptive Karhunen–Loève transform to remove their spectral correlation. Finally, embedded block coding with optimized truncation is performed on all principal components to generate the final bit-stream. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm, based on block KLT, outperforms the algorithm based on global KLT, without significant increase of complexity.
Derived Equivalences and Recollements of Differential Graded Algebras and Schemes
Authors: Chen Xinhong , Lu Ming
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we first prove for two differential graded algebras (DGAs) A, B which are derived equivalent to k-algebras Λ, Γ, respectively, that [Formula: see text]. In particular, [Formula: see text]. Secondly, for two quasi-compact and separated schemes X, Y and two algebras A, B over k which satisfy [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], we show that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Finally, we prove that if X is a quasi-compact and separated scheme over k, then [Formula: see text] admits a recollement relative to [Formula: see text], and we describe the functors in the recollement explicitly. This recollement induces a recollement of bounded derived categories of coherent sheaves and a recollement of singularity categories. When the scheme X is derived equivalent to a DGA or algebra, then the recollement which we get corresponds to the recollement of DGAs in [14] or the recollement of upper triangular algebras in [7].
(G,s)-Transitive Graphs of Valency 7
Authors: Guo Songtao , Li Yantao , Hua Xiaohui
Published: June 2016

Let X be a finite simple undirected graph and G an automorphism group of X. If G is transitive on s-arcs but not on (s+1)-arcs then X is called (G,s)-transitive. Let X be a connected (G,s)-transitive graph of a prime valency p, and Gv the vertex stabilizer of a vertex v ∈ V(X) in G. For the case p=3, the exact structure of Gv has been determined by Djoković and Miller in [Regular groups of automorphisms of cubic graphs, J. Combin. Theory (Ser. B) 29 (1980) 195 – 230]. For the case p=5, all the possibilities of Gv have been given by Guo and Feng in [A note on pentavalent s-transitive graphs, Discrete Math.312 (2012) 2214 – 2216]. In this paper, we deal with the case p=7 and determine the exact structure of the vertex stabilizer Gv.
On Local Nilpotency of the Normal Subgroups of a Group
Authors: Zhang Zhirang , Li Jiachao
Published: June 2016

A group G is said to have property μ whenever N is a non-locally nilpotent normal subgroup of G, there is a finite non-nilpotent G-quotient of N. FC-groups and groups with property ν satisfy property μ, where a group G is said to have property ν if every non-nilpotent normal subgroup of G has a finite non-nilpotent G-quotient. HP(G) is the Hirsch-Plotkin radical of G, and Φf(G) is the intersection of all the maximal subgroups of finite index in G (here Φf(G)=G if no such maximal subgroups exist). It is shown that a group G has property μ if and only if HP(G/Φf(G))=HP(G)/Φf(G) and that the class of groups with property ν is a proper subclass of that of groups with property μ. Also, the structure of the normal subgroups of a group: nilpotency with the minimal condition, is investigated.
Large random simplicial complexes, II; the fundamental group
Authors: Costa A. , Farber M.
Published: June 2016

We study random simplicial complexes in the multi-parameter model focusing mainly on the properties of the fundamental groups. We describe thresholds for nontrivially and hyperbolicity (in the sense of Gromov) for these groups. Besides, we find domains in the multi-parameter space where these groups have 2-torsion. We also prove that these groups never have odd-prime torsion and their geometric and cohomological dimensions are either 0, 1, 2 or [Formula: see text]. Another result presented in this paper states that aspherical 2-dimensional subcomplexes of random complexes satisfy the Whitehead Conjecture, i.e. all their subcomplexes are also aspherical, with probability tending to one.
Evolution of the South Atlantic lacustrine deposits in response to Early Cretaceous rifting, subsidence and lake hydrology
Authors: Sabato Ceraldi Teresa , Green Darryl
Published: June 2016

The discovery of the giant Lula Field (Santos Basin, Brazil) has focused exploration on the pre-salt lacustrine carbonate play in both Brazil and Angola. Understanding the main controls on deposition and the link to the unique tectonic setting of the South Atlantic during the Early Cretaceous is paramount in successful exploration. Observations from conjugate regional seismic lines between the Kwanza and South Campos basins define the key megasequences as pre-rift, rift, sag, salt basin, post-salt carbonates and post-salt clastic sediments. The pre-salt stratigraphy can be described by three significant phases. In the first phase, the synrift lakes (Valanginian–Hauterivian), representing the onset of continental break-up and the formation of synrift graben, created several deep basins leading to overfilled freshwater lakes. In the second phase, Sag 1 (Barremian–Aptian), there was widespread subsidence created by syn-kinematic stretching of the continental crust and/or continuous rifting. Lacustrine sediments composed of coarse Pelecypod coquina with moderate faunal diversity are found, suggesting a fresh to brackish, balanced-filled, interconnected lake. In the third phase, Sag 2 (Aptian), there was continuous subsidence and isolation of the lake. Base level falls below sea-level resulted in an under-filled, alkaline and hypersaline lake with widespread microbialite growth. Based on the integration of seismic data, well data, biostratigraphy and tectonic models, a regional predictive model has been developed for reservoirs in phases 2 and 3.
Proposed mechanisms for oligonucleotide IMT504 induced diabetes reversion in a mouse model of immunodependent diabetes
Authors: Bianchi María S. , Bianchi Stefanía , Hernado-Insúa Andrés , Martinez Leandro M. , Lago Néstor , Libertun Carlos , Chasseing Norma A. , Montaner Alejandro D. , Lux-Lantos Victoria A.
Published: June 2016

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) originates from autoimmune β-cell destruction. IMT504 is an immunomodulatory oligonucleotide that increases mesenchymal stem cell cloning capacity and reverts toxic diabetes in rats. Here, we evaluated long-term (20 doses) and short-term (2–6 doses) effects of IMT504 (20 mg·kg−1·day−1 sc) in an immunodependent diabetes model: multiple low-dose streptozotocin-injected BALB/c mice (40 mg·kg−1·day−1 ip for 5 consecutive days). We determined blood glucose, glucose tolerance, serum insulin, islet morphology, islet infiltration, serum cytokines, progenitor cell markers, immunomodulatory proteins, proliferation, apoptosis, and islet gene expression. IMT504 reduced glycemia, induced β-cell recovery, and impaired islet infiltration. IMT504 induced early blood glucose decrease and infiltration inhibition, increased β-cell proliferation and decreased apoptosis, increased islet indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) expression, and increased serum tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-6 (IL-6). IMT504 affected islet gene expression; preproi nsulin-2, proglucagon, somatostatin, nestin, regenerating gene-1, and C-X-C motif ligand-1 cytokine ( Cxcl1) increased in islets from diabetic mice and were decreased by IMT504. IMT504 downregulated platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule- 1 ( Pecam1) in islets from control and diabetic mice, whereas it increased regenerating gene-2 ( Reg2) in islets of diabetic mice. The IMT504-induced increase in IL-6 and islet IDO expression and decreased islet Pecam1 and Cxcl1 mRNA expression could participate in keeping leukocyte infiltration at bay, whereas upregulation of Reg2 may mediate β-cell regeneration. We conclude that IMT504 effectively reversed immunodependent diabetes in mice. Corroboration of these effects in a model of autoimmune diabetes more similar to human T1D could provide promising results for the treatment of this disease.
Hypernatremia-induced vasopressin secretion is not altered in TRPV1−/− rats
Authors: Tucker Andrew Blake , Stocker Sean D.
Published: June 2016

Changes in osmolality or extracellular NaCl concentrations are detected by specialized neurons in the hypothalamus to increase vasopressin (VP) and stimulate thirst. Recent in vitro evidence suggests this process is mediated by an NH2-terminal variant of the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channel expressed by osmosensitive neurons of the lamina terminalis and vasopressinergic neurons of the supraoptic nucleus. The present study tested this hypothesis in vivo by analysis of plasma VP levels during acute hypernatremia in awake control and TRPV1−/− rats. TRPV1−/− rats were produced by a Zinc-finger-nuclease 2-bp deletion in exon 13. Intravenous injection of the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin produced hypotension and bradycardia in control rats, but this response was absent in TRPV1−/− rats. Infusion of 2 M NaCl (1 ml/h iv) increased plasma osmolality, electrolytes, and VP levels in both control and TRPV1−/− rats. However, plasma VP levels did not differ between strains at any time. Furthermore, a linear regression between plasma VP versus osmolality revealed a significant correlation in both control and TRPV1−/− rats, but the slope of the regression lines was not attenuated in TRPV1−/− versus control rats. Hypotension produced by intravenous injection of minoxidil decreased blood pressure and increased plasma VP levels similarly in both groups. Finally, both treatments stimulated thirst; however, cumulative water intakes in response to hypernatremia or hypotension were not different between control and TRPV1−/− rats. These findings suggest that TRPV1 channels are not necessary for VP secretion and thirst stimulated by hypernatremia.
Transient Global Amnesia following Neural and Cardiac Angiography May Be Related to Ischemia
Authors: Duan Hongzhou , Li Liang , Zhang Yang , Zhang Jiayong , Chen Ming , Bao Shengde
Published: June 2016

Introduction. Transient global amnesia (TGA) following angiography is rare, and the pathogenesis has not been illustrated clearly till now. The aim of this research is to explore the pathogenesis of TGA following angiography by analyzing our data and reviewing the literature. Methods. We retrospectively studied 20836 cases with angiography in our hospital between 2007 and 2015 and found 9 cases with TGA following angiography. The data of these 9 cases were analyzed. Results. We found all 9 cases with TGA following neural angiography (5 in 4360) or cardiac angiography (4 in 8817) and no case with TGA following peripheral angiography (0 in 7659). Statistical difference was found when comparing the neural and cardiac angiography group with peripheral group (p=0.022). Two cases with TGA were confirmed with small acute infarctions in hippocampus after angiography. This might be related to the microemboli which were rushed into vertebral artery following blood flow during neural angiography or cardiac angiography. There was no statistical difference when comparing the different approaches for angiography (p=0.82) and different contrast agents (p=0.619). Conclusion. Based on the positive findings of imaging study and our analysis, we speculate that ischemia in the medial temporal lobe with the involvement of the hippocampus might be an important reason of TGA following angiography.
An Improved MPPT Algorithm for PV Generation Applications Based onP-UCurve Reconstitution
Authors: Wang Yaoqiang , Zhang Meiling , Cheng Xian
Published: June 2016

The output power of PV array changes with the variation of environmental factors, such as temperature and solar irradiation. Therefore, a maximum power point (MPP) tracking (MPPT) algorithm is essential for the photovoltaic generation system. However, theP-Ucurve changes dynamically with the variation of the environmental factors; here, the misjudgment may occur if a simple perturb-and-observe (P&O) MPPT algorithm is used. In order to solve this problem, this paper takes MPPT as the main research object, and an improved MPPT algorithm for PV generation applications based onP-Ucurve reconstitution is proposed. Firstly, the mathematical model of PV array is presented, and then the output dynamic characteristics are analyzed. Based on this, aP-Ucurve reconstitution strategy is introduced, and the improved MPPT algorithm is proposed. At last, simulation and comparative analysis are conducted. Results show that, with the proposed algorithm, MPP is tracked accurately, and the misjudgment problem is solved effectively.
Flakka-Induced Prolonged Psychosis
Authors: Crespi Craig
Published: June 2016

In South Florida, there has been a highly addictive new synthetic drug flooding the streets for people looking for a cheap high. Alpha-PVP, better known as Flakka, is an illegal substance that sells on the streets for as little as $5 a hit and delivers an instant high that can last from hours to days with lingering effects for weeks after it has been ingested. Although people use Flakka for its potential euphoric high, symptoms are known to easily escalate into frightening delusions, paranoid psychosis, extreme agitation, and a multitude of other altered mental states. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Florida appears to be the nation’s hot spot for reports of Flakka. In this case report, a 17-year-old female with no prior psychiatric diagnosis presents to the hospital under a 72-hour involuntary placement for altered mental status with agitation and psychotic behaviors. After multiple days of symptomatic treatment with benzodiazepines and antipsychotics, the patient became coherent enough to give a history of a “friend” putting Flakka in her food at school as a joke. Although she continues to have residual symptoms including psychomotor agitation and slowing of cognition, she was alert, oriented, and able to be discharged home with proper follow-up.
Left Main Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in a Young Male with Rheumatic Heart Disease and Porcelain Aorta
Authors: Chainani Vinod , Perez Osman , Hanno Ram , Hourani Patrick , Rengifo-Moreno Pablo , Martinez-Clark Pedro , Alfonso Carlos E.
Published: June 2016

We highlight the presence of a calcified mass in the left main coronary artery without significant atherosclerosis seen in the other coronary arteries or in the peripheral large arteries. In our view, the calcified character of the obstruction and the calcification of the aortic valve are characteristic of a variant type of coronary artery disease (CAD) not associated with the same risk factors as diffuse coronary atherosclerosis, but, in this case, with rheumatic heart disease. This case report also emphasizes the interventional approach for patients with aortic valve stenosis secondary to rheumatic heart disease.
Υ(nS)→Bc⁎π,Bc⁎KDecays with Perturbative QCD Approach
Authors: Sun Junfeng , Yang Yueling , Chang Qin , Lu Gongru , Huang Jinshu
Published: June 2016

Besides the traditional strong and electromagnetic decay modes,Υ(nS)meson can also decay through the weak interactions within the standard model of elementary particle. With anticipation of copiousΥ(nS)data samples at the running LHC and coming SuperKEKB experiments, the two-body nonleptonic bottom-changingΥ(nS)→Bc⁎π,Bc⁎Kdecays (n=1,2,3) are investigated with perturbative QCD approach firstly. The absolute branching ratios forΥ(nS)→Bc⁎πandBc⁎Kdecays are estimated to reach up to about10-10and10-11, respectively, which might possibly be measured by the future experiments.
A Genetic Algorithm with Location Intelligence Method for Energy Optimization in 5G Wireless Networks
Authors: Sachan Ruchi , Choi Tae Jong , Ahn Chang Wook
Published: June 2016

The exponential growth in data traffic due to the modernization of smart devices has resulted in the need for a high-capacity wireless network in the future. To successfully deploy 5G network, it must be capable of handling the growth in the data traffic. The increasing amount of traffic volume puts excessive stress on the important factors of the resource allocation methods such as scalability and throughput. In this paper, we define a network planning as an optimization problem with the decision variables such as transmission power and transmitter (BS) location in 5G networks. The decision variables lent themselves to interesting implementation using several heuristic approaches, such as differential evolution (DE) algorithm and Real-coded Genetic Algorithm (RGA). The key contribution of this paper is that we modified RGA-based method to find the optimal configuration of BSs not only by just offering an optimal coverage of underutilized BSs but also by optimizing the amounts of power consumption. A comparison is also carried out to evaluate the performance of the conventional approach of DE and standard RGA with our modified RGA approach. The experimental results showed that our modified RGA can find the optimal configuration of 5G/LTE network planning problems, which is better performed than DE and standard RGA.
Variation in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Management
Authors: Jones Jason M. , Tyndall Joseph A. , Van Dillen Christine M.
Published: June 2016

Objective. To evaluate variation in airway management strategies in one suburban emergency medical services system treating patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Method. Retrospective chart review of all adult OHCA resuscitation during a 13-month period, specifically comparing airway management decisions. Results. Paramedics demonstrated considerable variation in their approaches to airway management. Approximately half of all OHCA patients received more than one airway management attempt (38/77 [49%]), and one-quarter underwent three or more attempts (25/77 [25%]). One-third of patients arrived at the emergency department with a different airway device than initially selected (25/77 [32%]). Conclusion. This study confirmed our hypothesis that paramedics’ selection of ventilation strategies in cardiac arrest varies considerably. This observation raises concern because airway management diverts time and energy from interventions known to improve outcomes in OHCA management, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation. More research is needed to identify more focused airway management strategies for prehospital care providers.
Exploiting Performance of Different Low-Cost Sensors for Small Amplitude Oscillatory Motion Monitoring: Preliminary Comparisons in View of Possible Integration
Authors: Benedetti Elisa , Ravanelli Roberta , Moroni Monica , Nascetti Andrea , Crespi Mattia
Published: June 2016

We address the problem of low amplitude oscillatory motion detection through different low-cost sensors: a LIS3LV02DQ MEMS accelerometer, a Microsoft Kinect v2 range camera, and a uBlox 6 GPS receiver. Several tests were performed using a one-direction vibrating table with different oscillation frequencies (in the range 1.5–3 Hz) and small challenging amplitudes (0.02 m and 0.03 m). A Mikrotron EoSens high-resolution camera was used to give reference data. A dedicated software tool was developed to retrieve Kinect v2 results. The capabilities of the VADASE algorithm were employed to process uBlox 6 GPS receiver observations. In the investigated time interval (in the order of tens of seconds) the results obtained indicate that displacements were detected with the resolution of fractions of millimeters with MEMS accelerometer and Kinect v2 and few millimeters with uBlox 6. MEMS accelerometer displays the lowest noise but a significant bias, whereas Kinect v2 and uBlox 6 appear more stable. The results suggest the possibility of sensor integration both for indoor (MEMS accelerometer + Kinect v2) and for outdoor (MEMS accelerometer + uBlox 6) applications and seem promising for structural monitoring applications.
Components of Lens Power That Regulate Surface Principal Powers and Relative Meridians Independently
Authors: Abelman H. , Abelman S.
Published: June 2016

Paraxial light rays incident in air on alternate refracting surfaces of a thick lens can yield complementary powers. This paper aims to test when these powers are invariant as surface refractive powers interchange in the expression. We solve for relevant surface powers. Potential anticommutators yield the nature of surface principal refractions along obliquely crossing perpendicular meridians; commutators yield meridians that align with those on the next surface. An invariant power component orients relative meridians or the nature of the matrix power on each noncylindrical surface demands that the other component varies. Another component of lens power aligns relative meridian positions for distinct principal powers. Interchanging surface power matrices affects this component. A symmetric lens power results if perpendicular principal meridians are associated with meridians on an opposite rotationally symmetric surface. For thin lenses, meridian alignment may be waived. An astigmatic contact lens can be specified by symmetric power despite having separated surfaces.
Characterization of Photovoltaic Panels by means of Thermograph Analysis
Authors: Samano Noe , Padilla-Medina José Alfredo , Vázquez Nimrod
Published: June 2016

Solar panels have become attractive in order to generate and supply electricity in commercial and residential applications. Their increased module efficiencies have caused not only a massive production but also a sensible drop on sale prices. Methods of characterization, instrumentation for in situ measurements, defect monitoring, process control, and performance are required. A temperature characterization method by means of thermograph analysis is exposed in this paper. The method was applied to multicrystalline modules, and the characterization was made with respect to two different variables, first a thermal transient and second a characterization with respect to the current. The method is useful in order to detect hot spots caused by mismatch conditions in electrical parameters. The description, results, and limitations of the proposed method are discussed.
Comparison of Survival Rates, Tumor Stages, and Localization in between Obese and Nonobese Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Kocoglu Hakan , Dogan Hakan , Oguz Basak , Ocak Serin Sibel , Okuturlar Yildiz , Gunaldi Meral , Erismis Betul , Ozdemir Bahar , Tural Deniz , Hursitoglu Mehmet , Harmankaya Ozlem , Kumbasar Abdulbaki
Published: June 2016

Purpose.In this study we tried to determine the association between body-mass index (BMI), survival rate, and the stage of tumor at the time of diagnosis in patients with gastric cancer.Methods.A total of 270 gastric cancer patients’ hospital records were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were grouped according to their BMI at the time of tumor diagnosis. Tumor stages at admission were compared according to their BMI values.Results.There were no differences in OS among BMI subgroups (p=0.230). The percent of patients with stage III tumor was significantly higher in nonobese while the percent of stage IV tumor was surprisingly higher in obese patients (pwas 0.011 and 0.004, resp.). Percent of patients who did not have any surgical intervention was significantly lower in overweight and obese patients than normal and/or underweight patients.Conclusions.At the time of diagnosis, obese patients had significantly higher percent of stage IV tumor than nonobese patients. Despite of that, there were no differences in survival rates among BMI subgroups. Our study results are consistent with “obesity paradox” in gastric cancer patients. We also did not find any relationship between BMI and localization of gastric tumor.
Mutant p53 Gain of Function and Chemoresistance: The Role of Mutant p53 in Response to Clinical Chemotherapy
Authors: He Chao , Li Lun , Guan Xuan , Xiong Li , Miao Xiongying
Published: June 2016

Purpose: To review mechanisms underlying mutant p53 (mutp53) gain of function (GOF) and mutp53-induced chemoresistance, and to investigate the role of mutp53 in response to clinical chemotherapy. Methods: We searched the PubMed database for clinical studies from the past decade, including data evaluating the impact of mutp53 in clinical chemotherapy response. Results: Interactions between mutp53 and transcriptional factors, proteins or DNA structures, as well as epigenetic regulation, contribute to mutp53 GOF. Major mechanisms of mutp53-induced chemoresistance include enhanced drug efflux and metabolism, promoting survival, inhibiting apoptosis, upregulating DNA repair, suppressing autophagy, elevating microenvironmental resistance and inducing a stem-like phenotype. Clinically, mutp53 predicted resistance to chemotherapy in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and esophageal and oropharyngeal cancers, but its impact on chronic lymphocytic leukemia was unclear. In bladder cancer, mutp53 did not predict resistance, whereas in some breast and ovarian cancers, it was associated with sensitivity to certain chemotherapeutic agents. Conclusion: mutp53 has an intricate role in the response to clinical chemotherapy and should not be interpreted in isolation. Furthermore, when predicting tumor response to chemotherapy based on the p53 status, the drugs used should also be taken into consideration. These concepts require further investigation.
Risk of Ischemic Stroke in High Risk Atrial Fibrillation Patients during Periods of Warfarin Discontinuation for Surgical Procedures
Authors: Qureshi Adnan I. , Jahangir Nauman , Malik Ahmed A. , Afzal Mohammad Rauf , Orfi Fayyaz , Suri M. Fareed K.
Published: June 2016

Importance: The risk of ischemic stroke during periods of warfarin discontinuation for surgical procedures is recognized but not well characterized. Objective: The study aimed to quantitate the risk of ischemic stroke associated with high risk atrial fibrillation during periods of warfarin discontinuation. Design, Setting and Participants: A cohort of 4,060 patients (mean follow-up period of 3.5 ± 1.3 years) were randomized into the Atrial Fibrillation Follow-Up Investigation of Rhythm Management study. Patients enrolled in the study had atrial fibrillation plus at least one other risk factor for stroke or death: age ≥65 years', systemic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, transient ischemic attack, prior stroke, left atrium >50 mm, left ventricular fractional shortening <25% or left ventricular ejection fraction <40%. Exposure: Warfarin discontinuation for procedure. Main Outcome and Measures: The association of warfarin discontinuation with the incidence of ischemic stroke using pooled repeated measures and Cox proportional hazards analyses during follow-up after adjusting for age, gender, obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, cigarette smoking and study period. Results: Warfarin discontinuation for procedure occurred in 265 (0.4%) of the 71,355 person observations. Compared with those without warfarin discontinuation, the rate of ischemic stroke was higher among participants with surgery-related warfarin discontinuation (1.1% of 265 person observations vs. 0.2% of 71,090 person observations, p = 0.001). Warfarin discontinuation was associated with an increased risk for ischemic stroke (relative risk 5.8; 95% CI 1.8-18.4) after adjusting for potential confounders. The population-attributable risk associated with surgery-related warfarin discontinuation was estimated to be 23.1% (95% CI 15.2-30.9%) for ischemic stroke. Conclusions and Relevance: The 6-fold higher risk of ischemic stroke associated with discontinuation of warfarin for surgical procedures must be recognized in high risk atrial fibrillation patients and considered in the risk-benefit analysis of any procedure.
Characterising the Analgesic Effect of Different Targets for Deep Brain Stimulation in Trigeminal Anaesthesia Dolorosa
Authors: Sims-Williams Hugh P. , Javed Shazia , Pickering Anthony E. , Patel Nikunj K.
Published: June 2016

Background: Several deep brain stimulation (DBS) targets have been explored for the alleviation of trigeminal anaesthesia dolorosa. We aimed to characterise the analgesia produced from the periaqueductal grey (PAG) and centromedian-parafascicular (CmPf) nucleus using a within-subject design. Method: We report a case series of 3 subjects implanted with PAG and CmPf DBS systems for the treatment of anaesthesia dolorosa. At follow-up, testing of onset and offset times, magnitude, and thermal and mechanical sensitivity was performed. Results: The mean pain score of the cohort was acutely reduced by 56% (p < 0.05) with PAG and 67% (p < 0.01) with CmPf stimulation at mean time intervals of 38 and 16 min, respectively. The onset time was 12.5 min (p < 0.05) for PAG stimulation and 2.5 min (p < 0.01) for CmPf. The offset time was 2.5 min (p < 0.05) for PAG and 12.5 min (p < 0.01) for CmPf. The two targets were effective at different stimulation frequencies and were not antagonistic in effect. Conclusion: The mechanisms by which stimulation at these two targets produces analgesia are likely to be different. Certain pain qualities may respond more favourably to specific targets. Knowledge of onset and offset times for the targets can guide optimisation of stimulation settings. The use of more than one stimulation target may be beneficial and should be considered in anaesthesia dolorosa patients.
Cooling Effect on Skin Microcirculation in Asphyxiated Newborn Infants with Increased C-Reactive Protein
Authors: Fredly Siv , Nygaard Cathrine S. , Skranes Janne H. , Stiris Tom , Fugelseth Drude
Published: June 2016

Background: Therapeutic hypothermia is presumed to suppress inflammatory processes after perinatal asphyxia. In a previous study of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) we found altered skin microcirculation in about a third of the infants after rewarming. We speculated whether this could be linked to increased inflammatory responses, such as high C-reactive protein (CRP). The present study further explored this question. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the differences in skin microcirculation and its oxygen delivery ability during cooling and after rewarming in HIE infants with or without high CRP. Methods: A previously studied population of 28 HIE infants was divided into two subgroups depending on low or high CRP (repeated values above 30 mg/l for more than 24 h). The differences between the two groups regarding laser Doppler perfusion measurements (LDPMs), computer-assisted video microscopy and diffuse reflectance spectroscopies during cooling on days 1 and 3 and after rewarming on day 4 were assessed. Results: After rewarming, infants with high CRP showed significantly higher skin LDPM perfusion, lower functional vessel density and larger heterogeneity of capillary flow velocities as compared to infants with low CRP, while no such differences were found during cooling. Conclusion: Skin microcirculatory responses differed significantly after rewarming, but not during cooling, between asphyxiated neonates with or without high CRP. We speculate whether cooling influences the inflammatory skin microcirculatory response and the ability of oxygen delivery to the cells. Further studies are needed to investigate this as well as its applicability to other vascular beds in the body.
Speed of Heart Rate Recovery in Response to Orthostatic Challenge
Authors: McCrory Cathal , Berkman Lisa F. , Nolan Hugh , O’Leary Neil , Foley Margaret , Kenny Rose Anne
Published: June 2016

Rationale:

Speed of heart rate recovery (HRR) may serve as an important biomarker of aging and mortality.

Objective:

To examine whether the speed of HRR after an orthostatic maneuver (ie, active stand from supine position) predicts mortality.

Methods and Results:

A longitudinal cohort study involving a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling older individuals aged ≥50 years. A total of 4475 participants completed an active stand at baseline as part of a detailed clinic-based cardiovascular assessment. Beat-to-beat heart rate and blood pressure responses to standing were measured during a 2-minute window using a finometer and binned in 10-s intervals. We modeled HRR to the stand by age group, cardiovascular disease burden, and mortality status using a random effects model. Mortality status during a mean follow-up duration of 4.3 years served as the primary end point (n=138). Speed of HRR in the immediate 20 s after standing was a strong predictor of mortality. A 1-bpm slower HRR between 10 and 20 s after standing increased the hazard of mortality by 6% controlling for established risk factors. A clear dose–response relationship was evident. Sixty-nine participants in the slowest HRR quartile died during the observation period compared with 14 participants in the fastest HRR quartile. Participants in the slowest recovery quartile were 2.3× more likely to die compared with those in the fastest recovery quartile.

Conclusions:

Speed of orthostatic HRR predicts mortality and may aid clinical decision making. Attenuated orthostatic HRR may reflect dysregulation of the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
Love, Mobile Phones and the Codification of Intimacy in Contemporary Yemen
Authors: Nevola Luca
Published: June 2016

This article explores practices of ‘remediation’ of love poetry via the mobile phone among countrymen (qabaʾil) of the Yemeni highlands. Qabaʾil respond to rejection in love and to failed marriage by venting their passion through poems of the qasida genre. The romantic discourse of qasidas is inherently conservative and provides a cathartic function and a rationalization of loss. This romantic discourse overtly contradicts dominant ideals of manliness and Islamic morals, yet can be publicly expressed because it is mediated in poetry. The remediation of this discourse via the mobile phone has produced a new poetic genre: the risala. By sending risala poems through mobile phones, the qabaʾil establish a direct contact with women and shape a discourse of intimacy which can set the premises for future conjugal choices. The romantic discourse of the risala is thus generative and constitutes a motivation for action. The analysis of the link between the qasida, the risala and mobile phones demonstrates how ‘new’ media can refashion ‘older’ media, and how discrepant emotions can be distributed in distinct discourses through different media.
The Morality of Premarital Romances
Authors: Costa Elisabetta
Published: June 2016

This article explores how young women use social media to experience premarital romances in Mardin, a medium-sized town in southeast Turkey. It argues that love stories mediated by social media are integral to the enactment of a gendered moral self. The ethnographic data presented here indeed highlight how premarital romances and Muslim morality are not two contradictory and opposing ideals, but rather two constitutive aspects of the same mediated practices. Secrecy, lack of physical co-presence and the performance of a virtuous self in public and semi-public online spaces are common elements of the new romances. Yet social norms ruling the use of the online platforms to start and live premarital relationships are not shared by everybody, and different understandings of religion, morality and modernity have generated different and contrasting expectations. The article aims to contribute not only to the study of the effects of social media on interpersonal relations, but also to the understanding of how, in Muslim societies, moral norms are entangled with everyday practices mediated by digital media.
Pacific Influences on Tropical Atlantic Teleconnections to the Southern Hemisphere High Latitudes
Authors: Simpkins Graham R. , Peings Yannick , Magnusdottir Gudrun
Published: June 2016

Several recent studies have connected Antarctic climate variability to tropical Atlantic sea surface temperatures (SST), proposing a Rossby wave response from the Atlantic as the primary dynamical mechanism. In this investigation, reanalysis data and atmospheric general circulation model experiments are used to further diagnose these dynamical links. Focus is placed on the possible mediating role of Pacific processes, motivated by the similar spatial characteristics of Southern Hemisphere (SH) teleconnections associated with tropical Atlantic and Pacific SST variability. During austral winter (JJA), both reanalyses and model simulations reveal that Atlantic teleconnections represent a two-mechanism process, whereby increased tropical Atlantic SST promotes two conditions: 1) an intensification of the local Atlantic Hadley circulation (HC), driven by enhanced interaction between SST anomalies and the ITCZ, that increases convergence at the descending branch, establishing anomalous vorticity forcing from which a Rossby wave emanates, expressed as a pattern of alternating positive and negative geopotential height anomalies across the SH extratropics (the so-called HC-driven components); and 2) perturbations to the zonal Walker circulation (WC), driven primarily by an SST-induced amplification, that creates a pattern of anomalous upper-level convergence across the central/western Pacific, from which an ENSO-like Rossby wave train can be triggered (the so-called WC-driven components). While the former are found to dominate, the WC-driven components play a subsidiary yet important role. Indeed, it is the superposition of these two separate but interrelated mechanisms that gives the overall observed response. By demonstrating an additional Pacific-related component to Atlantic teleconnections, this study highlights the need to consider Atlantic–Pacific interactions when diagnosing tropical-related climate variability in the SH extratropics.
Climate Feedback Variance and the Interaction of Aerosol Forcing and Feedbacks
Authors: Gettelman A. , Lin L. , Medeiros B. , Olson J.
Published: June 2016

Aerosols can influence cloud radiative effects and, thus, may alter interpretation of how Earth’s radiative budget responds to climate forcing. Three different ensemble experiments from the same climate model with different greenhouse gas and aerosol scenarios are used to analyze the role of aerosols in climate feedbacks and their spread across initial condition ensembles of transient climate simulations. The standard deviation of global feedback parameters across ensemble members is low, typically 0.02 W m−2 K−1. Feedbacks from high (8.5 W m−2) and moderate (4.5 W m−2) year 2100 forcing cases are nearly identical. An aerosol kernel is introduced to remove effects of aerosol cloud interactions that alias into cloud feedbacks. Adjusted cloud feedbacks indicate an “aerosol feedback” resulting from changes to climate that increase sea-salt emissions, mostly in the Southern Ocean. Ensemble simulations also indicate higher tropical cloud feedbacks with higher aerosol loading. These effects contribute to a difference in cloud feedbacks of nearly 50% between ensembles of the same model. These two effects are also seen in aquaplanet simulations with varying fixed drop number. Thus aerosols can be a significant modifier of cloud feedbacks, and different representations of aerosols and their interactions with clouds may contribute to multimodel spread in climate feedbacks and climate sensitivity in multimodel archives.