bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calculation Method for Rocking Die Motion Track in Cold Orbital Forging
Authors: Han Xinghui , Zhang Xinchang , Hua Lin
Published: June 2015

In cold orbital forging, the rocking die performs complex motions on the components and the intervention between them cannot emerge, otherwise the components cannot be shaped successfully. Calculating the rocking die motion track is essential to determining whether there is intervention between the rocking die and components. Thus, this study aims to comprehensively investigate the rocking die motion track in cold orbital forging. For this purpose, an analytical model for calculating the rocking die motion track is first established. Then a universal motion track equation that can denote any geometry and kinematics relationships between the rocking die and components is obtained using this analytical model. To verify the validity of this motion track equation, an experimental study is conducted. The result shows that the calculated rocking die motion track is consistent with the experimental one. According to this valid motion track equation, the characteristics of the rocking die motion track are revealed. Finally, to apply the calculated rocking die motion track for analyzing the intervention between the rocking die and components, two case studies are examined.
Active Transportation in Kingston, Ontario: An Analysis of Mode, Destination, Duration, and Season among Walkers and Cyclists
Authors: Collins Patricia A. , Mayer Daphne
Published: June 2015

Background:

Individuals that engage in active transportation (AT) have healthier weights and fitness levels. Most AT research has focused on work- or school-based destinations. Meanwhile, little is known about the differences between individuals that engage in the most common forms of AT—walking and cycling—and how these AT patterns vary by destination, duration, and season.

Methods:

We recruited 1400 randomly sampled adults (350 per season) in Kingston, Ontario, Canada to complete a cross-sectional telephone survey. The survey captured the prevalence, destinations, and duration of AT, and we examined the observed differences by mode.

Results:

The majority (72%) of respondents were AT-users; walking constituted 93% of overall mode share. Cyclists were more likely to be male, younger, and employed than walkers. Walkers tended to access neighborhood-based destinations, while cyclists were more likely to use AT to get to work. AT duration was comparable by mode, ranging from approximately 8 to 20 minutes. Overall rates of AT were lowest in the winter, but walking rates were reasonably high year-round.

Conclusions:

Beyond commuting to work and school, policy-makers and planners should consider the breadth of destinations accessed by different modes when aiming to increase physical activity through AT in their communities.
Participation in Types of Physical Activities among US Adults—National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2006
Authors: Dai Shifan , Carroll Dianna D. , Watson Kathleen B. , Paul Prabasaj , Carlson Susan A. , Fulton Janet E.
Published: June 2015

Background:

Information on specific types of physical activities in which US adults participate is important for community and program development to promote physical activity.

Methods:

Prevalence of participation and average time spent for 33 leisuretime aerobic activities and 10 activity categories were calculated using self-reported data from 22,545 participants aged ≥ 18 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2006.

Results:

Overall, 38% of US adults reported no leisure-time physical activities, and 43% reported 1 or 2 activities in the past 30 days. Walking was the most frequently reported activity for both men (29%) and women (38%). Among walkers, the average time spent walking was 198 minutes/week for men and 152 minutes/week for women. The most reported activities for men after walking were bicycling and yard work, and for women were aerobics and dance. For most activity categories, participation was lower among adults aged ≥ 65 years than among younger adults, and among Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic blacks than among non-Hispanic whites. Participation in most categories increased with increasing educational attainment.

Conclusions:

Participation in physical activity differs by types of activities and demographic characteristics. Physical activity promotion programs should take these differences into account when developing intervention strategies.
Cardiac aging: Send in the vinculin reinforcements
Authors: DeLeon-Pennell Kristine Y. , Lindsey Merry L.
Published: June 2015

Integration of multiple analytical approaches across three species—fly, rat, and nonhuman primate—reveals additional roles for vinculin in cytoskeletal aging and cardiovascular disease (Kaushik
et al
., this issue).
Biological maturation of youth athletes: assessment and implications
Authors: Malina Robert M , Rogol Alan D , Cumming Sean P , Coelho e Silva Manuel J , Figueiredo Antonio J
Published: June 2015

The search for talent is pervasive in youth sports. Selection/exclusion in many sports follows a maturity-related gradient largely during the interval of puberty and growth spurt. As such, there is emphasis on methods for assessing maturation. Commonly used methods for assessing status (skeletal age, secondary sex characteristics) and estimating timing (ages at peak height velocity (PHV) and menarche) in youth athletes and two relatively recent anthropometric (non-invasive) methods (status—percentage of predicted near adult height attained at observation, timing—predicted maturity offset/age at PHV) are described and evaluated. The latter methods need further validation with athletes. Currently available data on the maturity status and timing of youth athletes are subsequently summarised. Selection for sport and potential maturity-related correlates are then discussed in the context of talent development and associated models. Talent development from novice to elite is superimposed on a constantly changing base—the processes of physical growth, biological maturation and behavioural development, which occur simultaneously and interact with each other. The processes which are highly individualised also interact with the demands of a sport per se and with involved adults (coaches, trainers, administrators, parents/guardians).
Survival of the fittest: retrospective cohort study of the longevity of Olympic medallists in the modern era
Authors: Clarke Philip M , Walter Simon J , Hayen Andrew , Mallon William J , Heijmans Jeroen , Studdert David M
Published: June 2015

Objective

To determine whether Olympic medallists live longer than the general population.

Design

Retrospective cohort study, with passive follow-up and conditional survival analysis to account for unidentified loss to follow-up.

Setting and participants

15 174 Olympic athletes from nine country groups (United States, Germany, Nordic countries, Russia, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Canada, and Australia and New Zealand) who won medals in the Olympic Games held in 1896–2010. Medallists were compared with matched cohorts in the general population (by country, age, sex, and year of birth).

Main outcome measures

Relative conditional survival.

Results

More medallists than matched controls in the general population were alive 30 years after winning (relative conditional survival 1.08,95% confidence interval 1.07 to1.10). Medallists lived an average of2.8 years longer than controls. Medallists in eight of the nine country groups had a significant survival advantage compared with controls. Gold, silver, and bronze medallists each enjoyed similar sized survival advantages. Medallists in endurance sports and mixed sports had a larger survival advantage over controls at 30 years (1.13, 1.09 to 1.17; 1.11,1.09 to 1.13) than that of medallists in power sports (1.05,1.01 to 1.08).

Conclusions

Olympic medallists live longer than the general population, irrespective of country, medal, or sport. This study was not designed to explain this effect, but possible explanations include genetic factors, physical activity, healthy lifestyle, and the wealth and status that come with international sporting glory.
Training for teamwork throughin situsimulations
Authors: Sorensen Asta , Poehlman Jon , Bollenbacher John , Riggan Scott , Davis Stan , Miller Kristi , Ivester Thomas , Kahwati Leila
Published: June 2015

In situsimulations allow healthcare teams to practice teamwork and communication as well as clinical management skills in a team's usual work setting with typically available resources and equipment. The purpose of this video is to demonstrate how to plan and conductin situsimulation training sessions, with particular emphasis on how such training can be used to improve communication and teamwork. The video features anin situsimulation conducted at a labour and delivery unit in response to postpartum hemorrhage.
Pinocembrin reduces cardiac arrhythmia and infarct size in rats subjected to acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion
Authors: Lungkaphin Anusorn , Pongchaidecha Anchalee , Palee Siripong , Arjinajarn Phatchawan , Pompimon Wilart , Chattipakorn Nipon
Published: June 2015

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury induced by cardiac dysfunction. Pinocembrin (5,7-dihydroxyflavanone) is a flavonoid found in propolis and in rhizomes of fingerroot (Boesenbergia pandurata) that is reported to have pharmacological properties including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. The cardioprotective effects of pinocembrin in an I/R model were investigated in this study. Male Wistar rats (n = 20) were randomly divided into 2 groups to receive either pinocembrin (30 mg/kg body weight) or the vehicle intravenously. Thirty minutes later, the left anterior descending coronary artery of each rat was ligated for 30 min, and then reperfusion was allowed for 120 min. Cardiac function improved in the pinocembrin-treated group: the time to first ventricular fibrillation (VF) was significantly longer in the treated group (550 ± 54 s) than in the vehicle-only control group (330 ± 27 s) (p < 0.05). VF incidence and arrhythmia score were lower and infarcts were 49% smaller in the pinocembrin-treated group than in the control group (p < 0.05). In the pinocembrin-treated group, malondialdehyde levels and Bax/Bcl-2 ratios decreased, and the ratio of phosphorylated connexin 43 (phospho-Cx43) to total Cx43 increased in infarcted tissues compared with the non-infarcted area (p < 0.05). Pinocembrin exhibited cardioprotective effects during I/R, evidenced by improved cardiac function, fewer arrhythmias, and smaller infarcts in treated hearts than in controls. These benefits may be due to pinocembrin’s antiapoptotic and anti-oxidative stress effects and its ability to increase the phosphorylation of Cx43 in ischemic myocardium.
Small to intermediate strain properties of fly ashes with various carbon and biomass contents
Authors: Choo H. , Yeboah N.N. , Burns S.E.
Published: June 2015

High-carbon-content fly ashes with biomass particles are typically landfilled in accordance with the ASTM C618 regulation. To quantify their geotechnical properties relating to storage and disposal, this study evaluates the small to intermediate strain properties of fly ashes with various carbon and biomass contents. Tested fly ashes had carbon contents ranging from 1.1% to 9.6%, resulting from co-combusting coal with biomass (biomass contents ranging from 0% to 8.2% by weight). The small-strain stiffness and intermediate-strain constrained modulus were evaluated using consolidation tests performed in a modified oedometer cell equipped with bender elements. It was found that initial void ratio governed the compressibility (or constrained modulus) of fly ashes, and with an increase in carbon and biomass contents, the small-strain stiffness of fly ashes decreased due to the decrease in number of direct contacts between microspheres. In addition, the interfine void ratio, ef, was employed instead of global void ratio to capture the alteration of interparticle contact or interparticle coordination between microspheres, due to the change in carbon and biomass contents. Finally, the stiffness in an overconsolidated state and the stiffness anisotropy of fly ashes were evaluated.
Characteristic Analysis and DSP Realization of Fractional-Order Simplified Lorenz System Based on Adomian Decomposition Method
Authors: Wang Huihai , Sun Kehui , He Shaobo
Published: June 2015

By adopting Adomian decomposition method, the fractional-order simplified Lorenz system is solved and implemented on a digital signal processor (DSP). The Lyapunov exponent (LE) spectra of the system is calculated based on QR-factorization, and it accords well with the corresponding bifurcation diagrams. We analyze the influence of the parameter and the fractional derivative order on the system characteristics by color maximum LE (LEmax) and chaos diagrams. It is found that the smaller the order is, the larger the LEmaxis. The iteration step size also affects the lowest order at which the chaos exists. Further, we implement the fractional-order simplified Lorenz system on a DSP platform. The phase portraits generated on DSP are consistent with the results that were obtained by computer simulations. It lays a good foundation for applications of the fractional-order chaotic systems.
Bifurcation Analysis of a Belousov–Zhabotinsky Reaction Model
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Chang Yu , Xu Dashun
Published: June 2015

We investigate the bifurcation phenomena in a Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction model by applying Hopf bifurcation theory in frequency domain and harmonic balance method. The high accurate predictions, i.e. fourth-order harmonic balance approximation, on frequencies, amplitudes, and approximation expressions for periodic solutions emerging from Hopf bifurcation are provided. We also detect the stability and location of these periodic solutions. Numerical simulations not only confirm the theoretical analysis results but also illustrate some complex oscillations such as a cascade of period-doubling bifurcation, quasi-periodic solution, and period-doubling route to chaos. All these results improve the understanding of the dynamics of the model.
Computational Complexity Via Finite Types
Authors: Asperti Andrea
Published: June 2015

We address computational complexity writing
polymorphic
functions between
finite types
(i.e., types with a finite number of canonical elements), expressing costs in terms of the cardinality of these types. This allows us to rediscover, in a more syntactical setting, the known result that the different levels in the hierarchy of higher-order primitive recursive functions (Gödel system T), when interpreted over finite structures, precisely capture basic complexity classes: functions of rank 1 characterize LOGSPACE, rank 2 PTIME, rank 3 PSPACE, rank 4 EXPTIME = DTIME(2
poly
), and so on.
Selective overexpression of Toll-like receptor-4 in skeletal muscle impairs metabolic adaptation to high-fat feeding
Authors: McMillan Ryan P. , Wu Yaru , Voelker Kevin , Fundaro Gabrielle , Kavanaugh John , Stevens Joseph R. , Shabrokh Elika , Ali Mostafa , Harvey Mordecai , Anderson Angela S. , Boutagy Nabil E. , Mynatt Randall L. , Frisard Madlyn I. , Hulver Matthew W.
Published: June 2015

Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) is elevated in skeletal muscle of obese humans, and data from our laboratory have shown that activation of TLR-4 in skeletal muscle via LPS results in decreased fatty acid oxidation (FAO). The purpose of this study was to determine whether overexpression of TLR-4 in skeletal muscle alters mitochondrial function and whole body metabolism in the context of a chow and high-fat diet. C57BL/6J mice (males, 6–8 mo of age) with skeletal muscle-specific overexpression of the TLR-4 (mTLR-4) gene were created and used for this study. Isolated mitochondria and whole muscle homogenates from rodent skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius and quadriceps) were investigated. TLR-4 overexpression resulted in a significant reduction in FAO in muscle homogenates; however, mitochondrial respiration and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production did not appear to be affected on a standard chow diet. To determine the role of TLR-4 overexpression in skeletal muscle in response to high-fat feeding, mTLR-4 mice and WT control mice were fed low- and high-fat diets for 16 wk. The high-fat diet significantly decreased FAO in mTLR-4 mice, which was observed in concert with elevated body weight and fat, greater glucose intolerance, and increase in production of ROS and cellular oxidative damage compared with WT littermates. These findings suggest that TLR-4 plays an important role in the metabolic response in skeletal muscle to high-fat feeding.
Ascorbic acid supplementation diminishes microparticle elevations and neutrophil activation following SCUBA diving
Authors: Yang Ming , Barak Otto F. , Dujic Zeljko , Madden Dennis , Bhopale Veena M. , Bhullar Jasjeet , Thom Stephen R.
Published: June 2015

Predicated on evidence that diving-related microparticle generation is an oxidative stress response, this study investigated the role that oxygen plays in augmenting production of annexin V-positive microparticles associated with open-water SCUBA diving and whether elevations can be abrogated by ascorbic acid. Following a cross-over study design, 14 male subjects ingested placebo and 2–3 wk later ascorbic acid (2 g) daily for 6 days prior to performing either a 47-min dive to 18 m of sea water while breathing air (∼222 kPa N2/59 kPa O2) or breathing a mixture of 60% O2/balance N2 from a tight-fitting face mask at atmospheric pressure for 47 min (∼40 kPa N2/59 kPa O2). Within 30 min after the 18-m dive in the placebo group, neutrophil activation, and platelet-neutrophil interactions occurred, and the total number of microparticles, as well as subgroups bearing CD66b, CD41, CD31, CD142 proteins or nitrotyrosine, increased approximately twofold. No significant elevations occurred among divers after ingesting ascorbic acid, nor were elevations identified in either group after breathing 60% O2. Ascorbic acid had no significant effect on post-dive intravascular bubble production quantified by transthoracic echocardiography. We conclude that high-pressure nitrogen plays a key role in neutrophil and microparticle-associated changes with diving and that responses can be abrogated by dietary ascorbic acid supplementation.
Molecular phenotyping of clinical AKI with novel urinary biomarkers
Authors: Huen Sarah C. , Parikh Chirag R.
Published: June 2015

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common hospital complication. There are no effective treatments to minimize kidney injury or limit associated morbidity and mortality. Currently, serum creatinine and urine output remain the gold standard used clinically in the diagnosis of AKI. Several novel biomarkers can diagnose AKI earlier than elevations of serum creatinine and changes in urine output. Recent long-term observational studies have elucidated a subgroup of patients who have positive biomarkers of AKI but do not meet criteria for AKI by serum creatinine or urine output, termed subclinical AKI. These patients with subclinical AKI have increased risk of both short- and long-term mortality. In this review, we will highlight the implications of what these patients may represent and the need for better phenotyping of AKI by etiology, severity of injury, and ability to recover. We will discuss two AKI biomarkers, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and breast regression protein-39 (BRP-39)/YKL-40, that exemplify the need to characterize the complexity of the biological meaning behind the biomarker, beyond elevated levels reporting on tissue injury. Ultimately, careful phenotyping of AKI will lead to identification of therapeutic targets and appropriate patient populations for clinical trials.
Hippocampus and subregions of the dorsal striatum respond differently to a behavioral strategy change on a spatial navigation task
Authors: Regier Paul S. , Amemiya Seiichiro , Redish A. David
Published: June 2015

Goal-directed and habit-based behaviors are driven by multiple but dissociable decision making systems involving several different brain areas, including the hippocampus and dorsal striatum. On repetitive tasks, behavior transitions from goal directed to habit based with experience. Hippocampus has been implicated in initial learning and dorsal striatum in automating behavior, but recent studies suggest that subregions within the dorsal striatum have distinct roles in mediating habit-based and goal-directed behavior. We compared neural activity in the CA1 region of hippocampus with anterior dorsolateral and posterior dorsomedial striatum in rats on a spatial choice task, in which subjects experienced reward delivery changes that forced them to adjust their behavioral strategy. Our results confirm the importance of the hippocampus in evaluating predictive steps during goal-directed behavior, while separate circuits in the basal ganglia integrated relevant information during automation of actions and recognized when new behaviors were needed to continue obtaining rewards.
Neuronal variability in orbitofrontal cortex during economic decisions
Authors: Conen Katherine E. , Padoa-Schioppa Camillo
Published: June 2015

Neuroeconomic models assume that economic decisions are based on the activity of offer value cells in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), but testing this assertion has proven difficult. In principle, the decision made on a given trial should correlate with the stochastic fluctuations of these cells. However, this correlation, measured as a choice probability (CP), is small. Importantly, a neuron's CP reflects not only its individual contribution to the decision (termed readout weight), but also the intensity and the structure of correlated variability across the neuronal population (termed noise correlation). A precise mathematical relation between CPs, noise correlations, and readout weights was recently derived by Haefner and colleagues (Haefner RM, Gerwinn S, Macke JH, Bethge M. Nat Neurosci 16: 235–242, 2013) for a linear decision model. In this framework, concurrent measurements of noise correlations and CPs can provide quantitative information on how a population of cells contributes to a decision. Here we examined neuronal variability in the OFC of rhesus monkeys during economic decisions. Noise correlations had similar structure but considerably lower strength compared with those typically measured in sensory areas during perceptual decisions. In contrast, variability in the activity of individual cells was high and comparable to that recorded in other cortical regions. Simulation analyses based on Haefner's equation showed that noise correlations measured in the OFC combined with a plausible readout of offer value cells reproduced the experimental measures of CPs. In other words, the results obtained for noise correlations and those obtained for CPs taken together support the hypothesis that economic decisions are primarily based on the activity of offer value cells.
Glucose sensing by GABAergic neurons in the mouse nucleus tractus solitarii
Authors: Boychuk Carie R. , Gyarmati Peter , Xu Hong , Smith Bret N.
Published: June 2015

Changes in blood glucose concentration alter autonomic function in a manner consistent with altered neural activity in brain regions controlling digestive processes, including neurons in the brain stem nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS), which process viscerosensory information. With whole cell or on-cell patch-clamp recordings, responses to elevating glucose concentration from 2.5 to 15 mM were assessed in identified GABAergic NTS neurons in slices from transgenic mice that express EGFP in a subset of GABA neurons. Single-cell real-time RT-PCR was also performed to detect glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD67) in recorded neurons. In most identified GABA neurons (73%), elevating glucose concentration from 2.5 to 15 mM resulted in either increased (40%) or decreased (33%) neuronal excitability, reflected by altered membrane potential and/or action potential firing. Effects on membrane potential were maintained when action potentials or fast synaptic inputs were blocked, suggesting direct glucose sensing by GABA neurons. Glucose-inhibited GABA neurons were found predominantly in the lateral NTS, whereas glucose-excited cells were mainly in the medial NTS, suggesting regional segregation of responses. Responses were prevented in the presence of glucosamine, a glucokinase (GCK) inhibitor. Depolarizing responses were prevented when KATP channel activity was blocked with tolbutamide. Whereas effects on synaptic input to identified GABAergic neurons were variable in GABA neurons, elevating glucose increased glutamate release subsequent to stimulation of tractus solitarius in unlabeled, unidentified neurons. These results indicate that GABAergic NTS neurons act as GCK-dependent glucose sensors in the vagal complex, providing a means of modulating central autonomic signals when glucose is elevated.
Spatial receptive fields in the retina and dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of mice lacking rods and cones
Authors: Procyk Christopher A. , Eleftheriou Cyril G. , Storchi Riccardo , Allen Annette E. , Milosavljevic Nina , Brown Timothy M. , Lucas Robert J.
Published: June 2015

In advanced retinal degeneration loss of rods and cones leaves melanopsin-expressing intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) as the only source of visual information. ipRGCs drive non-image-forming responses (e.g., circadian photoentrainment) under such conditions but, despite projecting to the primary visual thalamus [dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN)], do not support form vision. We wished to determine what precludes ipRGCs supporting spatial discrimination after photoreceptor loss, using a mouse model ( rd/rd cl) lacking rods and cones. Using multielectrode arrays, we found that both RGCs and neurons in the dLGN of this animal have clearly delineated spatial receptive fields. In the retina, they are typically symmetrical, lack inhibitory surrounds, and have diameters in the range of 10–30° of visual space. Receptive fields in the dLGN were larger (diameters typically 30–70°) but matched the retinotopic map of the mouse dLGN. Injections of a neuroanatomical tracer (cholera toxin β-subunit) into the dLGN confirmed that retinotopic order of ganglion cell projections to the dLGN and thalamic projections to the cortex is at least superficially intact in rd/rd cl mice. However, as previously reported for deafferented ipRGCs, onset and offset of light responses have long latencies in the rd/rd cl retina and dLGN. Accordingly, dLGN neurons failed to track dynamic changes in light intensity in this animal. Our data reveal that ipRGCs can convey spatial information in advanced retinal degeneration and identify their poor temporal fidelity as the major limitation in their ability to provide information about spatial patterns under natural viewing conditions.
The spinal control of locomotion and step-to-step variability in left-right symmetry from slow to moderate speeds
Authors: Dambreville Charline , Labarre Audrey , Thibaudier Yann , Hurteau Marie-France , Frigon Alain
Published: June 2015

When speed changes during locomotion, both temporal and spatial parameters of the pattern must adjust. Moreover, at slow speeds the step-to-step pattern becomes increasingly variable. The objectives of the present study were to assess if the spinal locomotor network adjusts both temporal and spatial parameters from slow to moderate stepping speeds and to determine if it contributes to step-to-step variability in left-right symmetry observed at slow speeds. To determine the role of the spinal locomotor network, the spinal cord of 6 adult cats was transected (spinalized) at low thoracic levels and the cats were trained to recover hindlimb locomotion. Cats were implanted with electrodes to chronically record electromyography (EMG) in several hindlimb muscles. Experiments began once a stable hindlimb locomotor pattern emerged. During experiments, EMG and bilateral video recordings were made during treadmill locomotion from 0.1 to 0.4 m/s in 0.05 m/s increments. Cycle and stance durations significantly decreased with increasing speed, whereas swing duration remained unaffected. Extensor burst duration significantly decreased with increasing speed, whereas sartorius burst duration remained unchanged. Stride length, step length, and the relative distance of the paw at stance offset significantly increased with increasing speed, whereas the relative distance at stance onset and both the temporal and spatial phasing between hindlimbs were unaffected. Both temporal and spatial step-to-step left-right asymmetry decreased with increasing speed. Therefore, the spinal cord is capable of adjusting both temporal and spatial parameters during treadmill locomotion, and it is responsible, at least in part, for the step-to-step variability in left-right symmetry observed at slow speeds.
Postactivation depression of the Ia EPSP in motoneurons is reduced in both the G127X SOD1 model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and in aged mice
Authors: Hedegaard A. , Lehnhoff J. , Moldovan M. , Grøndahl L. , Petersen N. C. , Meehan C. F.
Published: June 2015

Postactivation depression (PActD) of Ia afferent excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) in spinal motoneurons results in a long-lasting depression of the stretch reflex. This phenomenon (PActD) is of clinical interest as it has been shown to be reduced in a number of spastic disorders. Using in vivo intracellular recordings of Ia EPSPs in adult mice, we demonstrate that PActD in adult (100–220 days old) C57BL/6J mice is both qualitatively and quantitatively similar to that which has been observed in larger animals with respect to both the magnitude (with ∼20% depression of EPSPs at 0.5 ms after a train of stimuli) and the time course (returning to almost normal amplitudes by 5 ms after the train). This validates the use of mouse models to study PActD. Changes in such excitatory inputs to spinal motoneurons may have important implications for hyperreflexia and/or glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). With the use of the G127X SOD1 mutant mouse, an ALS model with a prolonged asymptomatic phase and fulminant symptom onset, we observed that PActD is significantly reduced at both presymptomatic (16% depression) and symptomatic (17.3% depression) time points compared with aged-matched controls (22.4% depression). The PActD reduction was not markedly altered by symptom onset. Comparing these PActD changes at the EPSP with the known effect of the depression on the monosynaptic reflex, we conclude that this is likely to have a much larger effect on the reflex itself (a 20–40% difference). Nevertheless, it should also be accounted that in aged (580 day old) C57BL/6J mice there was also a reduction in PActD although, aging is not usually associated with spasticity.
Chikungunya Virus Infection and Acute Elevation of Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen
Authors: Aiken William Derval , Anzinger Joshua J.
Published: June 2015

A man with prostate cancer on a regime of active surveillance had a laboratory-confirmed acute Chikungunya virus infection. The patient experienced a sudden increase in serum Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) during the acute illness that caused him anxiety and confounded interpretation of the PSA test. Six weeks after the onset of Chikungunya Fever symptoms, the elevated serum PSA returned to baseline. The association of Chikungunya Fever and elevated serum PSA may result in misinterpretation of the PSA test, triggering unnecessary prostate biopsy or other management errors.
Propionibacterium acnes: A Treatable Cause of Constrictive Pericarditis
Authors: Cruz Daniel , Ahmed Haitham , Gandapur Yousuf , Abraham M. Roselle
Published: June 2015

In this case report we share a case of infective Pericarditis caused byPropionibacterium acnes(P. acnes) in an immune-competent, nonsurgical patient. This case and review will illustrate the importance of consideringP. acnesas a cause of idiopathic pericardial effusion and effusive constrictive disease. The patient was a 61-year-old male with history of osteoarthritis of the knee. He received an intra-articular steroid injection in July 2013. Two months later, he presented with atrial fibrillation and heart failure. He was found to have pericardial and bilateral pleural effusions which grewP. acnes. This organism was initially considered to be contaminant; however, asP. acneswas isolated from both pleural and pericardial fluids, he was started on oral amoxicillin. He was noted to have recurrence of effusions within 2 weeks with evidence of constrictive physiology by echocardiography. Treatment was subsequently changed to intravenous Penicillin G with marked symptomatic improvement, resolution of pericardial/pleural effusions, and no echocardiographic evidence of constrictive pericarditis at 10 weeks follow-up. Pursuit and treatment ofP. acnescould lead to prevention of constrictive pericarditis. We believe that further studies are needed to assess prevalence ofP. acnesand response to intravenous Penicillin G in patients presenting with effusive constrictive disease.
A Novel Energy-Efficient Clustering Based Cooperative Spectrum Sensing for Cognitive Radio Sensor Networks
Authors: Rauniyar Ashish , Shin Soo Young
Published: June 2015

Cognitive radio has been proposed as a promising way to effectively utilize the scarce spectrum resources. A cognitive radio sensor network (CRSN) is a wireless sensor network that is equipped with cognitive radio capability. Clustering is a popular technique that can be applied to wireless sensor networks, although it has been proven to be a challenge to implement it in CRSNs. Moreover, few proposals have successfully applied energy-efficient clustering techniques in CRSNs. Therefore, with the aim of increasing energy efficiency, network lifetime, network stability, and optimal cluster-head selection process, this paper proposes a novel energy-efficient clustering based on cooperative spectrum sensing (ECS) for CRSNs. The proposed ECS scheme utilizes the concept of pairing among sensor nodes and switches between Awake and Sleep modes for energy efficiency. A comprehensive simulation in MATLAB was carried out to validate the proposed method. The simulation results show that, compared with conventional methods, the proposed method is more energy efficient and that the overall CRSN's lifetime is prolonged.
Quantitative Assessment of ADL: A Pilot Study of Upper Extremity Reaching Tasks
Authors: Li Saiyi , Pathirana Pubudu N. , Galea Mary P. , Ottmann Goetz , Khan Fary
Published: June 2015

Effective telerehabilitation technologies enable patients with certain physiological disabilities to engage in rehabilitative exercises for performing Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Therefore, training and assessment scenarios for the performance of ADLs are vital for the promotion for telerehabilitation. In this paper we investigate quantitatively and automatically assessing patient’s kinematic ability to perform functional upper extremity reaching tasks. The shape of the movement trajectory and the instantaneous acceleration of kinematically crucial body parts, such as wrists, are used to compute the approximate entropy of the motions to represent stability (smoothness) in addition to the duration of the activity. Computer simulations were conducted to illustrate the consistency, sensitivity and robustness of the proposed method. A preliminary experiment with kinematic data captured from healthy subjects mimicking a reaching task with dyskinesia showed a high degree of correlation (Cohen’s kappa 0.85 withp<0.05) between a human observer and the proposed automatic classification tool in terms of assigning the datasets to various levels to represent the subjects’ kinematic abilities to perform reaching tasks. This study supported the use of Microsoft Kinect to quantitatively evaluate the ability of individuals with involuntary movements to perform an upper extremity reaching task.
Assessment of the Efficiency of Consolidation Treatment through Injections of Expanding Resins by Geotechnical Tests and 3D Electrical Resistivity Tomography
Authors: Apuani T. , Giani G. P. , d’Attoli M. , Fischanger F. , Morelli G. , Ranieri G. , Santarato G.
Published: June 2015

The design and execution of consolidation treatment of settled foundations by means of injection of polyurethane expanding resins require a proper investigation of the state of the foundation soil, in order to better identify anomalies responsible for the instability. To monitor the injection process, a procedure has been developed, which involves, in combination with traditional geotechnical tests, the application of a noninvasive, geophysical technique based on the electrical resistivity, which is strongly sensitive to presence of water or voids. Three‐dimensional electrical resistivity tomography is a useful tool to produce effective 3D images of the foundation soils before, during, and after the injections. The achieved information allows designing the consolidation scheme and monitoring its effects on the treated volumes in real time. To better understand the complex processes induced by the treatment and to learn how variations of resistivity accompany increase of stiffness, an experiment was carried out in a full‐scale test site. Injections of polyurethane expanding resin were performed as in real worksite conditions. Results confirm that the experimented approach by means of 3D resistivity imaging allows a reliable procedure of consolidation, and geotechnical tests demonstrate the increase of mechanical stiffness.
Optical Fiber Sensor Experimental Research Based on the Theory of Bending Loss Applied to Monitoring Differential Settlement at the Earth-Rock Junction
Authors: Qiu Jianchun , Zheng Dongjian , Zhu Kai , Fang Bin , Cheng Lin
Published: June 2015

Considering the differential settlement in the junction between the structure perpendicular to the dike and the body and foundation of dike (called the earth-rock junction in this paper) during runtime, an experimental investigation of optical fiber sensor monitoring was conducted. Based on the sensing mechanism of single-mode optical fiber bending loss, the experiment focused on the influence of the bending radius of an optical fiber on the bending loss. In view of the characteristics of the differential settlement in the earth-rock junction, we designed a butterfly-type optical fiber sensor and composite optical fiber sensor for monitoring device in monitoring the differential settlement to enlarge the monitoring range and improve the sensibility of optical fiber sensor. Based on the research on the working principle and bending properties of the composite optical fiber monitoring device, we conducted experiments on the bending of the composite optical fiber sensor monitoring device and the use of the device for monitoring the differential settlement. These experiments verified the feasibility of the composite optical fiber sensor monitoring device at monitoring the differential settlement in the earth-rock junction.
Unusual Presentation of Dengue Fever Leading to Unnecessary Appendectomy
Authors: Kumar Lovekesh , Singh Mahendra , Saxena Ashish , Kolhe Yuvraj , Karande Snehal K. , Singh Narendra , Venkatesh P. , Meena Rambabu
Published: June 2015

Dengue fever is the most important arbovirus illness with an estimated incidence of 50–100 million cases per year. The common symptoms of dengue include fever, rash, malaise, nausea, vomiting, and musculoskeletal pain. Dengue fever may present as acute abdomen leading to diagnostic dilemma. The acute surgical complications of dengue fever include acute pancreatitis, acute acalculous cholecystitis, nonspecific peritonitis, and acute appendicitis. We report a case of dengue fever that mimicked acute appendicitis leading to unnecessary appendectomy. A careful history examination for dengue-related signs, and serial hemogram over the first 3-4 days of disease may prevent unnecessary appendectomy.
Early-Warning Method of Train Running Safety of a High-Speed Railway Bridge Based on Transverse Vibration Monitoring
Authors: Ding You-Liang , Sun Peng , Wang Gao-Xin , Song Yong-Sheng , Wu Lai-Yi , Yue Qing , Li Ai-Qun
Published: June 2015

Making use of long-term transverse vibration monitoring data of DaShengGuan Bridge, the early-warning method of train running safety of the high-speed railway bridge is established by adopting principal component analysis (PCA) method. Firstly, the root mean square (RMS) of the transverse acceleration of the main girder is used as the monitoring parameter for the train running safety. The correlation model between the RMS values measured from different positions is further adopted as the evaluating model for the train running safety. Finally, the effects of the environmental changes on the evaluating model are eliminated using the PCA method and the warning index for the train running safety is further constructed. The analysis results show that the correlation between the RMS values of the accelerations from different measuring positions on the main girder can be analyzed by a quadratic polynomial fitting model. The PCA method can effectively remove the environmental effects on the quadratic polynomial fitting model. The proposed warning method provides a good capability for detecting the abnormal changes of the measured transverse accelerations and hence it is suitable for early-warning of the train running safety.
Aqueous Synthesis of Ru Doped Hematite Nanostructures: A Morphological, Structural, Optical, and Magnetic Study
Authors: Ndlangamandla Ceboliyozakha Leonard , Bharuth-Ram Krish , Ndwandwe Osman Muzi , Ngom Balla Diop , Maaza Malik
Published: June 2015

Hematite nanorods doped with ruthenium were successfully deposited on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrates using aqueous chemical growth. Using complementary surface/interface investigation techniques, the Ru incorporation in the Ru-α-Fe2O3 nanorods was evidenced. The optical band gap was found to be Ru doping concentration dependent: varying from 2.32 (2) to 2.47 (2) eV. These band gap values are well suited for the targeted water splitting process without application of an external bias.
Superior Photocurrent of Quantum Dot Sensitized Solar Cells Based on PbS : In/CdS Quantum Dots
Authors: Huang Zongbo , Zou Xiaoping
Published: June 2015

PbS : In and CdS quantum dots (QDs) are sequentially assembled onto a nanocrystalline TiO2film to prepare a PbS : In/CdS cosensitized photoelectrode for QD sensitized solar cells (QDSCs). The results show that PbS : In/CdS QDs have exhibited a significant effect in the light harvest and performance of the QDSC. In the cascade structure of the electrode, the reorganization of energy levels between PbS and TiO2forms a stepwise structure of band-edge levels which is advantageous to the electron injection into TiO2. Energy conversion efficiency of 2.3% is achieved with the doped electrode, under the illumination of one sun (AM1.5, 100 mW cm2). Besides, a remarkable short circuit current density (up to 23 mA·cm−2) is achieved in the resulting PbS : In/CdS quantum dot sensitized solar cell, and the related mechanism is discussed.
Ultrastructure Organization of Collagen Fibrils and Proteoglycans of Stingray and Shark Corneal Stroma
Authors: Alanazi Saud A. , Almubrad Turki , AlIbrahim Ahmad I. A. , Khan Adnan A. , Akhtar Saeed
Published: June 2015

We report here the ultrastructural organization of collagen fibrils (CF) and proteoglycans (PGs) of the corneal stroma of both the stingray and the shark. Three corneas from three stingrays and three corneas from three sharks were processed for electron microscopy. Tissues were embedded in TAAB 031 resin. The corneal stroma of both the stingray and shark consisted of parallel running lamellae of CFs which were decorated with PGs. In the stingray, the mean area of PGs in the posterior stroma was significantly larger than the PGs of the anterior and middle stroma, whereas, in the shark, the mean area of PGs was similar throughout the stroma. The mean area of PGs of the stingray was significantly larger compared to the PGs, mean area of the shark corneal stroma. The CF diameter of the stingray was significantly smaller compared to the CF diameter in the shark. The ultrastructural features of the corneal stroma of both the stingray and the shark were similar to each other except for the CFs and PGs. The PGs in the stingray and shark might be composed of chondroitin sulfate (CS)/dermatan sulfate (DS) PGs and these PGs with sutures might contribute to the nonswelling properties of the cornea of the stingray and shark.
Limitations in ROP Programs in 32 Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Five States in Mexico
Authors: Zepeda-Romero L. Consuelo , Gilbert Clare
Published: June 2015

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is the main cause of avoidable blindness in children in Mexico despite National ROP Guidelines and examination of preterm infants being a legal requirement.Objective. To assess coverage of ROP programs and their compliance with national guidelines.Study Design. Thirty-two neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in five of the largest states were visited. Staff were interviewed to collect information on their ROP programs which were defined as (1) compliant, if National Guidelines for screening and treatment were followed, (2) noncompliant, if other approaches were used, or (3) no program.Results. Only 10 (31.2%) had fully compliant programs and 11 (34.4%) had no program. In the remaining 11 (34.4%) different screening criteria were used (7 units): screening was undertaken by an ophthalmologist in unsalaried time (4), was not undertaken in the NICU (2), and was undertaken by a neonatologist (1) and/or Avastin was used as first-line treatment (7). Poorer states had poorer programs.Conclusions. Despite legislation mandating eye examination of preterm births, many ROP programs in the largest cities in Mexico require improvement or need to be established. Prevention of blindness due to ROP needs to be prioritized in Mexico to control the epidemic of ROP blindness.
Time Power Switching Based Relaying Protocol in Energy Harvesting Mobile Node: Optimal Throughput Analysis
Authors: Do Dinh-Thuan
Published: June 2015

We propose a new protocol for energy harvesting at relay mobile node in wireless communications called energy harvesting cooperative networks (EHCN). In particular, we investigate how the harvested power at relay mobile node affects outage probability and throughput performance. Specifically, we develop outage and throughput performance characterizations in terms of time and power factors in the proposed time power switching based relaying (TPSR) protocol. A simple, highly accurate closed-form formula of outage probability is also derived. It is shown that the optimal throughput of the EHCN is critically dependent on time switching and power splitting factor of the TPSR protocol. In addition, we extend the proposed protocol performance in ideal case of receiver. The tightness of our proposed protocol is determined through Monte Carlo simulation results. Finally, our results provide useful guidelines for the design of the energy harvesting enabled relay mobile node in the EHCN.