bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterning of silicon nitride for CMOS gate spacer technology. II. Impact of subsilicon surface carbon implantation on epitaxial regrowth
Authors: Blanc Romuald , Jenny Cécile , Lagrasta Sébastien , Leverd François , Joubert Olivier
Published: February 2014

Molecular beam epitaxy of silicon is a key step in the complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor integration process flow as it allows the fabrication of raised source/drains for fully depleted silicon on insulator technology. One of the most important criteria is the surface state of crystalline silicon before epitaxy, which influences the preliminary stages of the epitaxial growth as well as the interface electrical properties. In this work, the authors study the effect of the Si3N4 spacer etching in CH3F/O2/He plasmas on the Si epitaxial regrowth. Using angle resolved x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the authors demonstrate that carbon can be implanted into the silicon substrate below the oxygen rich silicon layer that typically forms on the silicon surface during nitride spacer etching. The level of C-Si bonds is modulated by the energy of ions bombarding the silicon surface during the etching process and is correlated to the post-epitaxy silicon thickness. Using N2/H2 plasma post-treatments, the authors show the reduction of the C-Si bonds level leading to a good silicon epitaxial regrowth.
Degradation of transparent conductive properties of undoped ZnO and Ga-doped ZnO films left in atmospheric ambient for several years and trials to recover initial conductance
Authors: Akazawa Housei
Published: February 2014

This study evaluated the long-term stability of the transparent conductive properties of undoped ZnO and Ga-doped ZnO (GZO) films that had been left in an atmospheric ambient environment for 5 to 6 yr. When ZnO films are stored in a clean room with a controlled temperature and humidity of 23 °C and 45%, respectively, throughout the year, the increases in sheet resistance are less than 5% of their initial value. The ZnO films stored in a non-air-conditioned laboratory room, whose temperature varies between 5 and 35 °C and humidity varies between 30% and 70% per year, suffer from increases in the sheet resistance by almost 13%, which is associated with a slight rise in the near-infrared transmittance level. Postannealing of these degraded ZnO films at 150–200 °C recovers the initial conductance by removing the H2O molecules that have penetrated the film. One hour of irradiation with electron cyclotron resonance Ar plasma effectively restores the conductive surfaces while maintaining a temperature below 70 °C. The GZO films containing a few weight percent of Ga2O3 are stable even when stored in a non-air-conditioned laboratory room, with changes in the sheet resistance of less than 3%. The GZO films with a Ga2O3 content larger than 10 wt. %, however, exhibit serious degradation probably due to the strong affinity of segregated Ga2O3 domains with H2O vapor molecules. Neither postannealing nor Ar plasma irradiation can recover the initial sheet resistance of these GZO films.
Accelerometer Load as a Measure of Activity Profile in Different Standards of Netball Match Play
Authors: Cormack Stuart J. , Smith Renee L. , Mooney Mitchell M. , Young Warren B. , O’Brien Brendan J.
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

To determine differences in load/min (AU) between standards of netball match play.

Methods:

Load/min (AU) representing accumulated accelerations measured by triaxial accelerometers was recorded during matches of 2 higher- and 2 lower-standard teams (N = 32 players). Differences in load/min (AU) were compared within and between standards for playing position and periods of play. Differences were considered meaningful if there was >75% likelihood of exceeding a small (0.2) effect size.

Results:

Mean (± SD) full-match load/min (AU) for the higher and lower standards were 9.96 ± 2.50 and 6.88 ± 1.88, respectively (100% likely lower). The higher standard had greater (mean 97% likely) load/min (AU) values in each position. The difference between 1st and 2nd halves’ load/min (AU) was unclear at the higher standard, while lower-grade centers had a lower (−7.7% ± 10.8%, 81% likely) load/min (AU) in the 2nd half and in all quarters compared with the 1st. There was little intrastandard variation in individual vector contributions to load/min (AU); however, higher-standard players accumulated a greater proportion of the total in the vertical plane (mean 93% likely).

Conclusions:

Higher-standard players produced greater load/min (AU) than their lower-standard counterparts in all positions. Playing standard influenced the pattern of load/min (AU) accumulation across a match, and individual vector analysis suggests that different-standard players have dissimilar movement characteristics. Load/min (AU) appears to be a useful method for assessing activity profile in netball.
Functional Movement Scores and Longitudinal Performance Outcomes in Elite Track and Field Athletes
Authors: Chapman Robert F. , Laymon Abigail S. , Arnold Todd
Published: February 2014

Subjects with scores on the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) assessment of ≤14 or with at least 1 bilateral asymmetry have been shown to have greater future injury incidence than subjects with FMS scores >14 or no movement asymmetries.

Purpose:

To determine if FMS injury risk factors extend to longitudinal competitive performance outcomes in elite track and field athletes.

Methods:

Elite track and field athletes were examined (N = 121), each completing an FMS before the 2011 competitive season. Best competition marks for the year were obtained from athletes’ actual performances for 2010 and 2011. Performance change between 2010 and 2011 was examined in cohorts of FMS scores ≤14 (LoFMS) vs >14 (HiFMS), athletes with bilateral asymmetry in at least 1 of the 5 FMS movements vs athletes with no asymmetry, and athletes who scored 1 on the deep-squat movement vs athletes who scored 2 or 3.

Results:

HiFMS had a significantly different change in performance from 2010 to 2011 (0.41% ± 2.50%, n = 80) compared with LoFMS (−0.51% ± 2.30%,P= .03, n = 41). Athletes with no asymmetries had a longitudinal improvement in performance (+0.60% ± 2.86%, n = 50) compared with athletes with at least 1 asymmetry (−0.26% ± 2.10%,P= .03, n = 71). Athletes who scored 1 on the deep-squat movement had a significantly different change in performance (−1.07 ± 2.08%, n = 22) vs athletes who scored 2 (0.13% ± 2.28%,P= .03, n = 87) or 3 (1.98% ± 3.31%,P= .001, n = 12).

Conclusion:

Functional movement ability, known to be associated with the likelihood of future injury, is also related to the ability to improve longitudinal competitive performance outcomes.
Perceived Exertion in Coaches and Young Swimmers With Different Training Experience
Authors: Barroso Renato , Cardoso Ronaldo K. , Carmo Everton Crivoi , Tricoli Valmor
Published: February 2014

Session rating of perceived exertion (SRPE) is a practical method to assess internal training load to provide appropriate stimuli. However, coaches and athletes might rate training sessions differently, which can impair performance development. In addition, SRPE might be influenced by athletes’ training experience. The authors studied 160 swimmers of different age groups and different competitive swimming experience and 9 coaches. SRPE was indicated by the swimmers 30 min after the end of a training session and before the training session by the coaches. Training-session intensities were classified into easy (SRPE <3), moderate (SRPE 3–5), and difficult (SRPE >5), based on coaches’ perception. We observed that the correlation between coaches’ and athletes’ SRPE increased with increased age and competitive swimming experience, r = .31 for the 11- to 12-y-old group (P < .001), r = .51 for the 13- to 14-y-old group (P < .001), and r = .74 for the 15- to 16-y-old group (P < .001). In addition, younger swimmers (11–12 y, P < .01; 13–14 y, P < .01) rated training intensity differently from coaches in all 3 categories (easy, moderate, and difficult), while the older group rated differently in only 1 category (difficult, P < .01). These findings suggest that the more experienced swimmers are, the more accurate their SRPE is.
Critical Evaluation of a Badminton-Specific Endurance Test
Authors: Fuchs Michael , Faude Oliver , Wegmann Melissa , Meyer Tim
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

To overcome the limitations of traditional 1-dimensional fitness tests in analyzing physiological properties of badminton players, a badminton-specific endurance test (BST) was created. This study aimed at analyzing the influence of various fitness dimensions on BST performance.

Methods:

18 internationally competing male German badminton players (22.4 ± 3.2 y, 79.2 ± 7.7 kg, 1.84 ± 0.06 m, world-ranking position [WRP] 21–501) completed a straight-sprint test, a change-of-direction speed test, various jump tests (countermovement jump, drop jump, standing long jump), a multistage running test (MST), and the BST. During this on-court field test players have to respond to a computerized sign indicating direction and speed of badminton-specific movements by moving into the corresponding corners.

Results:

Significant correlations were found between performance in MST and BST (individual anaerobic threshold [IAT], r = .63, P = .005; maximum velocity [Vmax], r = .60, P = .009). A negative correlation (r = –.59, P = .014) was observed between IAT in BST and drop-jump contact time. No further associations between performance indices could be detected. Apart from a small portion explained by MST results (IAT, R2 = .40; Vmax, R2 = .36), the majority of BST performance cannot be explained by the determined physiological correlates. Moreover, it was impossible to predict the WRP of a player on the basis of BST results (r = –.15, P = .55).

Conclusions:

Neither discipline-specific performance nor basic physiological properties were appropriately reflected by a BST in elite badminton players. This does not substantiate its validity for regular use as a testing tool. However, it may be useful for monitoring on-court training sessions.
The Energetics of Semicontact 3 × 2-min Amateur Boxing
Authors: Davis Philip , Leithäuser Renate M. , Beneke Ralph
Published: February 2014

The energy expenditure of amateur boxing is unknown.

Purpose:

Total metabolic cost (Wtot) as an aggregate of aerobic (Waer), anaerobic lactic (W[lactate]), and anaerobic alactic (WPCr) energy of a 3 × 2-min semicontact amateur boxing bout was analyzed.

Methods:

Ten boxers (mean ± SD [lower/upper 95% confidence intervals]) age 23.7 ± 4.1 (20.8/26.6) y, height 180.2 ± 7.0 (175.2/185.2) cm, body mass 70.6 ± 5.7 (66.5/74.7) kg performed a semicontact bout against handheld pads created from previously analyzed video footage of competitive bouts. Net metabolic energy was calculated using respiratory gases and blood [lactate].

Results:

Waer, 526.0 ± 57.1 (485.1/566.9) kJ, was higher (P < .001) than WPCr, 58.1 ± 13.6 (48.4/67.8) kJ. W[lactate], 26.2 ± 7.1 (21.1/31.3) kJ, was lower (P < .001) than Waer and WPCr. An ~70-kJ fraction of the aerobic energy expenditure reflects rephosphorylation of high-energy phosphates during the breaks between rounds, which elevated Wtot to ~680 kJ with relative contributions of 77% Waer, 19% WPCr, and 4% W[lactate].

Conclusions:

The results indicate that the metabolic profile of amateur boxing is predominantly aerobic. They also highlight the importance of a highly developed aerobic capacity as a prerequisite of a high activity rate during rounds and recovery of the high-energy phosphate system during breaks as interrelated requirements of successful boxing.
Reliability of a 2-Bout Exercise Test on a Wattbike Cycle Ergometer
Authors: Driller Matthew W. , Argus Christos K. , Bartram Jason C. , Bonaventura Jacinta , Martin David T. , West Nicholas P. , Halson Shona L.
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

To determine the intraday and interday reliability of a 2 × 4-min performance test on a cycle ergometer (Wattbike) separated by 30 min of passive recovery (2 × 4MMP).

Methods:

Twelve highly trained cyclists (mean ± SD; age = 20 ± 2 y, predicted VO2max = 59.0 ± 3.6 mL · kg−1 · min−1) completed six 2 × 4MMP cycling tests on a Wattbike ergometer separated by 7 d. Mean power was measured to determine intraday (test 1 [T1] to test 2 [T2]) and interday reliability (weeks 1–6) over the repeated trials.

Results:

The mean intraday reliabilities of the 2 × 4MMP test, as expressed by the typical error of measurement (TEM, W) and coefficient of variation (CV, %) over the 6 wk, were 10.0 W (95% confidence limits [CL] 8.2–11.8), and 2.6% (95%CL 2.1–3.1), respectively. The mean interday reliability TEM and CV for T1 over the 6 wk were 10.4 W (95%CL 8.7–13.3) and 2.7% (95%CL 2.3–3.5), respectively, and 11.7 W (95%CL 9.8–15.1) and 3.0% (95%CL 2.5–3.9) for T2.

Conclusion:

The testing protocol performed on a Wattbike cycle ergometer in the current study is reproducible in highly trained cyclists. The high intraday and interday reliability make it a reliable method for monitoring cycling performance and for investigating factors that affect performance in cycling events.
Relationship Between Pregame Concentrations of Free Testosterone and Outcome in Rugby Union
Authors: Gaviglio Christopher M. , Crewther Blair T. , Kilduff Liam P. , Stokes Keith A. , Cook Christian J.
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

To assess the measures of salivary free testosterone and cortisol concentrations across selected rugby union matches according to game outcome.

Methods:

Twenty-two professional male rugby union players were studied across 6 games (3 wins and 3 losses). Hormone samples were taken 40 min before the game and 15 min after. The hormonal data were grouped and compared against competition outcomes. These competition outcomes included wins and losses and a game-ranked performance score (1–6).

Results:

Across the entire team, pregame testosterone concentrations were significantly higher during winning games than losses (P = 5.8 × 10−5). Analysis by playing position further revealed that, for the backs, pregame testosterone concentrations (P = 3.6 × 10−5) and the testosterone-to-cortisol ratio T:C (P = .038) were significantly greater before a win than a loss. Game-ranked performance score correlated to the team’s pregame testosterone concentrations (r = .81, P = .049). In backs, pregame testosterone (r = .91, P = .011) and T:C (r = .81, P = .05) also correlated to game-ranked performance. Analysis of the forwards’ hormone concentrations did not distinguish between game outcomes, nor did it correlate with game-ranked performance. Game venue (home vs away) only affected postgame concentrations of testosterone (P = .018) and cortisol (P = 2.58 × 10−4).

Conclusions:

Monitoring game-day concentrations of salivary free testosterone may help identify competitive readiness in rugby union matches. The link between pregame T:C and rugby players in the back position suggests that monitoring weekly training loads and enhancing recovery modalities between games may also assist with favorable performance and outcome in rugby union matches.
Lower-Extremity Isokinetic Strength Profiling in Professional Rugby League and Rugby Union
Authors: Brown Scott R. , Brughelli Matt , Griffiths Peter C. , Cronin John B.
Published: February 2014

Purpose:

While several studies have documented isokinetic knee strength in junior and senior rugby league players, investigations of isokinetic knee and hip strength in professional rugby union players are limited. The purpose of this study was to provide lower-extremity strength profiles and compare isokinetic knee and hip strength of professional rugby league and rugby union players.

Participants:

32 professional rugby league and 25 professional rugby union players.

Methods:

Cross-sectional analysis. Isokinetic dynamometry was used to evaluate peak torque and strength ratios of the dominant and nondominant legs during seated knee-extension/flexion and supine hip-extension/flexion actions at 60°/s.

Results:

Forwards from both codes were taller and heavier and had a higher body-mass index than the backs of each code. Rugby union forwards produced significantly (P < .05) greater peak torque during knee flexion in the dominant and nondominant legs (ES = 1.81 and 2.02) compared with rugby league forwards. Rugby league backs produced significantly greater hip-extension peak torque in the dominant and nondominant legs (ES = 0.83 and 0.77) compared with rugby union backs. There were no significant differences in hamstring-to-quadriceps ratios between code, position, or leg. Rugby union forwards and backs produced significantly greater knee-flexion-to-hip-extension ratios in the dominant and nondominant legs (ES = 1.49–2.26) than rugby union players.

Conclusions:

It seems that the joint torque profiles of players from rugby league and union codes differ, which may be attributed to the different demands of each code.
Draft Genome Sequencing of Methanobrevibacter oralis Strain JMR01, Isolated from the Human Intestinal Microbiota
Authors: Khelaifia Saber , Garibal Marc , Robert Catherine , Raoult Didier , Drancourt Michel
Published: February 2014

Methanobrevibacter oralis
, an anaerobic methanogenic archaeon, has been previously isolated from the human oral cavity. Here, sequencing a stool isolate (strain JMR01) yielded a 2.065-Mb genome with a 27.78% G+C content containing a total of 2,042 open reading frames and 3 clusters of regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) loci with associated Cas proteins.
A nationwide population-based study on incidence and cost of non-fatal injuries in Iran
Authors: Hafezi-Nejad Nima , Rahimi-Movaghar Afarin , Motevalian Abbas , Amin-Esmaeili Masoumeh , Sharifi Vandad , Hajebi Ahmad , Radgoodarzi Reza , Hefazi Mitra , Eslami Vahid , Saadat Soheil , Rahimi-Movaghar Vafa
Published: February 2014

Background:

Elucidating the epidemiological status of injuries is a critical component of preventive strategies in countries with high incidence of injuries, like Iran. Population-based surveys are able to estimate all types of non-fatal injuries.

Objectives:

This study protocol is the core unit in describing Iran's national cost and epidemiology of non-fatal injuries, and also as a guide for other studies.

Study design and methods:

In a cross-sectional study, 1525 primary sampling units are randomly selected with probability proportional to size regarding the number of households in each enumeration area based on Iran's 2006 national census. Six of the households are randomly selected. One member of each household is chosen using Kish Grid tables. In all, 9150 subjects are selected. Data on demographics are collected. For each injury during the past three months, activity, place, mechanism, site, type and the place of treatment are coded to match the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision 2012 (ICD10-2012) classifications. Subjects are contacted via telephone to obtain data on cost of injury. Finally, sampling weights are calculated so that data for each respondent can be inflated to represent other individuals in Iran. Quality control and quality assurance issues are discussed.

Discussion:

Our objectives will describe the present impact and the future priorities of injury prevention in Iran.
Using computerised surface wound mapping to compare the potential medical effectiveness of Enhanced Protection Under Body Armour Combat Shirt collar designs
Authors: Breeze John , Allanson-Bailey L C , Hunt N C , Delaney R , Hepper A E , Lewis E A
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Protecting the neck from explosively propelled fragments has traditionally been achieved through a collar attached to the ballistic vest. An Enhanced Protection Under Body Armour Combat Shirt (EP-UBACS) collar has been identified as an additional method of providing neck protection but limited evidence as to its potential medical effectiveness exists to justify its procurement.

Method

Entry wound locations and resultant medical outcomes were determined using Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) for all fragmentation neck wounds sustained by UK soldiers between 01 January 2010 and 31 December 2011. Data were prospectively entered into a novel computerised tool base and comparisons made between three EP-UBACS neck collar designs in terms of predicted reduction in AIS scores.

Results

All collars reduced AIS scores, with the greatest reduction provided by designs incorporating increased standoff from the neck and an additional semi-circle of ballistic material underneath the collar at the front and back.

Discussion

This technique confirms that reinforcing the neck collar of an EP-UBACS would be expected to reduce injury severity from neck wounds. However, without knowledge of entry wound locations for injuries to other body areas as well as the use of AIS scores without clinical or pathological verification its further use in the future may be limited. The ability to overlay any armour design onto a standardised human was potentially the most useful part of this tool and we would recommend developing this technique using underlying anatomical structures and not just the skin surface.
Estimation of the superconducting parameters for silane at high pressure
Authors: Durajski A. P. , Szczȩśniak R.
Published: February 2014

The properties of the superconducting state in the Cmca phase of silane ( SiH4 ) at the pressure of 250 GPa have been considered. In particular, the critical temperature (TC), the free energy difference between the superconducting and normal state (ΔF ≡ FS - FN), the thermodynamic critical field (HC) and the specific heat jump (ΔC ≡ CS - CN) have been determined. It has been shown that the dimensionless ratios: [Formula: see text] and RC ≡ ΔC(TC)/CN(TC) assume the values: RH(μ⋆) ∈ 〈0.147, 0.154〉 and RC(μ⋆) ∈ 〈2.20, 1.79〉, where the symbol μ⋆ denotes the Coulomb pseudopotential and μ⋆∈ 〈0.1, 0.3〉.
Study on band gap structure of Fibonacci quantum superlattices by using the transfer matrix method
Authors: Ferrando V. , Castro-Palacio J. C. , Marí B. , Monsoriu J. A.
Published: February 2014

The scattering properties of particles in a one-dimensional Fibonacci sequence based potential have been analyzed by means of the Transfer Matrix Method. The electronic band gaps are examined comparatively with those obtained using the corresponding periodic potentials. The reflection coefficient shows self-similar properties for the Fibonacci superlattices. Moreover, by using the generalized Bragg's condition, the band gaps positions are derived from the golden mean involved in the design of the superlattice structure.
Identification of a MIS 6 age (
c.
180 ka) Icelandic tephra within NE Atlantic sediments: a new potential chronostratigraphic marker
Authors: Hibbert F. D. , Wastegård S. , Gwynn R. , Austin W. E. N.
Published: February 2014

The incidence of volcanic ash (tephra) within marine sediments serves as a useful stratigraphic marker and tool for correlation. In addition, where an independent age estimate exists, tephra layers can provide a means of dating the sediments themselves. Here we present a geochemically characterized, size sorted tephra layer within Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 6, most likely resulting from primary air-fall from an Icelandic volcanic source. This tephra layer is tentatively correlated to the Kerlingarfjöll volcanic system using major element geochemistry. The ash layer has an interpolated age of 181±6 ka based on the age model for MD04-2822. We briefly review the occurrence of silicic tephra in the North Atlantic region from MIS 7 to MIS 5e inclusive and find potential correlatives to the MD04-2822 MIS 6 ash layer in the Norway Basin and Irminger Sea.
Thin-beam ultrasound overestimation of blood flow: how wide is your beam?
Authors: Buck Tahisha M. , Sieck Dylan C. , Halliwill John R.
Published: February 2014

It has been predicted that the development of thin-beam ultrasound could lead to an overestimation of mean blood velocity by up to 33% as beam width approaches 0% of vessel diameter. If both beam and vessel widths are known, in theory, this overestimation may be correctable. Therefore, we updated a method for determining the beam width of a Doppler ultrasound system, tested the utility of this technique and the information it provides to reliably correct for the error in velocity measurements, and explored how error-corrected velocity estimates impact the interpretation of in vivo data. Using a string phantom, we found the average beam width of four different probes varied across probes from 2.93 ± 0.05 to 4.41 ± 0.06 mm (mean ± SD) and with depth of insonation. Using this information, we tested the validity of a calculated correction factor to minimize the thin-beam error in mean velocity observed in a flow phantom with known diameter. Use of a correction factor reduced the overestimation from 39 ± 11 to 7 ± 9% ( P < 0.05). Lastly, in vivo we explored how knowledge of beam width improves understanding of physiological flow conditions. In vivo, use of a correction factor reduced the overestimation of mean velocity from 23 ± 11 to −4 ± 9% ( P < 0.05). Thus this large source of error is real, has been largely ignored by the early adaptors of Doppler ultrasound for vascular physiology studies in humans, and is correctable by the described techniques.
Sodium bicarbonate treatment prevents gastric emptying delay caused by acute exercise in awake rats
Authors: Silva Moisés T. B. , Palheta-Junior Raimundo C. , Sousa Daniel F. , Fonseca-Magalhães Patrícia A. , Okoba Willy , Campos Caio P. S. , Oliveira Ricardo B. , Magalhães Pedro J. C. , Santos Armenio A.
Published: February 2014

Physical exercise, mainly after vigorous activity, may induce gastrointestinal dysmotility whose mechanisms are still unknown. We hypothesized that physical exercise and ensuing lactate-related acidemia alter gastrointestinal motor behavior. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of short-term exercise on gastric emptying rate in awake rats subjected to 15-min swimming sessions against a load equivalent to 5% of their body weight. After 0, 10, or 20 min of exercise testing, the rats were gavage fed with 1.5 ml of a liquid test meal (0.5 mg/ml of phenol red in 5% glucose solution) and euthanized 10 min postprandially to measure fractional gastric dye recovery. In addition to inducing acidemia and increasing blood lactate levels, acute exercise increased ( P < 0.05) gastric retention. Such a phenomenon presented a positive correlation ( P < 0.001) between blood lactate levels and fractional gastric dye recovery. Gastric retention and other acidbase-related changes were all prevented by NaHCO3pretreatment. Additionally, exercise enhanced ( P < 0.05) the marker's progression through the small intestine. In anesthetized rats, exercise increased ( P < 0.05) gastric volume, measured by a balloon catheter in a barostat system. Compared with sedentary control rats, acute exercise also inhibited ( P < 0.05) the contractility of gastric fundus strips in vitro. In conclusion, acute exercise delayed the gastric emptying of a liquid test meal by interfering with the acid-base balance.
Influence of oxidative stress, diaphragm fatigue, and inspiratory muscle training on the plasma cytokine response to maximum sustainable voluntary ventilation
Authors: Mills Dean E. , Johnson Michael A. , McPhilimey Martin J. , Williams Neil C. , Gonzalez Javier T. , Barnett Yvonne A. , Sharpe Graham R.
Published: February 2014

The influence of oxidative stress, diaphragm fatigue, and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on the cytokine response to maximum sustainable voluntary ventilation (MSVV) is unknown. Twelve healthy males were divided equally into an IMT or placebo (PLA) group, and before and after a 6-wk intervention they undertook, on separate days, 1 h of ( 1) passive rest and ( 2) MSVV, whereby participants undertook volitional hyperpnea at rest that mimicked the breathing and respiratory muscle recruitment patterns commensurate with heavy cycling exercise. Plasma cytokines remained unchanged during passive rest. There was a main effect of time ( P < 0.01) for plasma interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations and a strong trend ( P = 0.067) for plasma interleukin-1 receptor antagonist concentration during MSVV. Plasma IL-6 concentration was reduced after IMT by 27 ± 18% (main effect of intervention, P = 0.029), whereas there was no change after PLA ( P = 0.753). There was no increase in a systemic marker of oxidative stress [DNA damage in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC)], and diaphragm fatigue was not related to the increases in plasma IL-1β and IL-6 concentrations. A dose-response relationship was observed between respiratory muscle work and minute ventilation and increases in plasma IL-6 concentration. In conclusion, increases in plasma IL-1β and IL-6 concentrations during MSVV were not due to diaphragm fatigue or DNA damage in PBMC. Increases in plasma IL-6 concentration during MSVV are attenuated following IMT, and the plasma IL-6 response is dependent upon the level of respiratory muscle work and minute ventilation.
Monocyte Subpopulations in Angiogenesis
Authors: Dalton Heather J. , Armaiz-Pena Guillermo N. , Gonzalez-Villasana Vianey , Lopez-Berestein Gabriel , Bar-Eli Menashe , Sood Anil K.
Published: February 2014

Growing understanding of the role of the tumor microenvironment in angiogenesis has brought monocyte-derived cells into focus. Monocyte subpopulations are an increasingly attractive therapeutic target in many pathologic states, including cancer. Before monocyte-directed therapies can be fully harnessed for clinical use, understanding of monocyte-driven angiogenesis in tissue development and homeostasis, as well as malignancy, is required. Here, we provide an overview of the mechanisms by which monocytic subpopulations contribute to angiogenesis in tissue and tumor development, highlight gaps in our existing knowledge, and discuss opportunities to exploit these cells for clinical benefit. Cancer Res; 74(5); 1287–93. ©2014 AACR.
Ganetespib and HSP90: Translating Preclinical Hypotheses into Clinical Promise
Authors: Proia David A. , Bates Richard C.
Published: February 2014

As with many physiologic processes that become subverted during tumorigenesis, the chaperoning activity of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is often exploited by cancer cells to confer aberrant proliferative, survival, and/or metastatic potential. Functional inhibition of HSP90 results in the degradation of its client proteins, in turn providing a means to concomitantly disrupt multiple oncogenic signaling cascades through one molecular target. Pharmacologic blockade of HSP90 has, therefore, emerged as an innovative and multifaceted approach for the development of new antineoplastic agents. However, no HSP90 inhibitors are currently approved for cancer therapy and the full promise of this class of agents is yet to be realized. This review focuses on the preclinical activity profile of ganetespib, a potent small-molecule inhibitor of HSP90, the characterization of which has provided important frameworks for the optimal design and application of HSP90 inhibitor–based strategies in a variety of cancer types. Beyond client protein–driven tumors, ganetespib can also potentiate the effects of other molecularly targeted and standard-of-care therapeutics while simultaneously overcoming drug resistance in multiple tumor types, thereby positioning this compound as the leading HSP90 inhibitor currently under clinical development. Cancer Res; 74(5); 1294–300. ©2014 AACR.
Identification of a Tumor-Suppressive Human-Specific MicroRNA within theFHITTumor-Suppressor Gene
Authors: Hu Baocheng , Ying Xiaomin , Wang Jian , Piriyapongsa Jittima , Jordan I. King , Sheng Jipo , Yu Fang , Zhao Po , Li Yazhuo , Wang Hongyan , Ng Wooi Loon , Hu Shuofeng , Wang Xiang , Wang Chenguang , Zheng Xiaofei , Li Wuju , Curran Walter J. , Wang Ya
Published: February 2014

Loss or attenuated expression of the tumor-suppressor gene FHIT is associated paradoxically with poor progression of human tumors. Fhit promotes apoptosis and regulates reactive oxygen species; however, the mechanism by which Fhit inhibits tumor growth in animals remains unclear. In this study, we used a multidisciplinary approach based on bioinformatics, small RNA library screening, human tissue analysis, and a xenograft mouse model to identify a novel member of the miR-548 family in the fourth intron of the human FHIT gene. Characterization of this human-specific microRNA illustrates the importance of this class of microRNAs in tumor suppression and may influence interpretation of Fhit action in human cancer. Cancer Res; 74(8); 2283–94. ©2014 AACR.
Methylation of Twelve CpGs in Human Papillomavirus Type 16 (HPV16) as an Informative Biomarker for the Triage of Women Positive for HPV16 Infection
Authors: Brandsma Janet L. , Harigopal Malini , Kiviat Nancy B. , Sun Ying , Deng Yanhong , Zelterman Daniel , Lizardi Paul M. , Shabanova Veronika S. , Levi Angelique , Yaping Tian , Hu Xinyuan , Feng Qinghua
Published: February 2014

An accurate biomarker for the follow-up of women positive for human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) DNA may improve the efficiency of cervical cancer prevention. Previously, we analyzed all 113 HPV16 CpGs in cervical cytology samples and discovered differential methylation at different stages of premalignancy. In the current study, we identified a methylation biomarker consisting of a panel of 12 HPV16 CpG sites in the E5, L2, and L1 open reading frames, and tested whether it fulfilled three necessary conditions of a prospective biomarker. A total of 33 cytology samples from North American and West African women with all grades of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and invasive cervical cancer (ICC) were analyzed by using DNA bisulfite sequencing. The results showed (i) a highly significant trend for increasing HPV16 biomarker methylation with increasing histologic severity (P < 0.0001), (ii) 100% sensitivity for ICC over a wide range of methylation cutoff scores; 80% detection of CIN3 at cutoff scores up to 39% methylation, and (iii) substantially lower detection of CIN2, from 0% to 71%, depending on the cutoff score. Our results support the prognostic potential of the HPV16 methylation biomarker for the triage to colposcopy of women with HPV16-positive screening tests and, eventually, for the management of women with HPV16-positive CIN2. Cancer Prev Res; 7(5); 526–33. ©2014 AACR.
A Functional Cancer Genomics Screen Identifies a Druggable Synthetic Lethal Interaction between MSH3 and PRKDC
Authors: Dietlein Felix , Thelen Lisa , Jokic Mladen , Jachimowicz Ron D. , Ivan Laura , Knittel Gero , Leeser Uschi , van Oers Johanna , Edelmann Winfried , Heukamp Lukas C. , Reinhardt H. Christian
Published: February 2014

Here, we use a large-scale cell line–based approach to identify cancer cell–specific mutations that are associated with DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) dependence. For this purpose, we profiled the mutational landscape across 1,319 cancer-associated genes of 67 distinct cell lines and identified numerous genes involved in homologous recombination–mediated DNA repair, including BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, PAXIP, and RAD50, as being associated with non-oncogene addiction to DNA-PKcs. Mutations in the mismatch repair gene MSH3, which have been reported to occur recurrently in numerous human cancer entities, emerged as the most significant predictors of DNA-PKcs addiction. Concordantly, DNA-PKcs inhibition robustly induced apoptosis in MSH3-mutant cell lines in vitro and displayed remarkable single-agent efficacy against MSH3-mutant tumors in vivo. Thus, we here identify a therapeutically actionable synthetic lethal interaction between MSH3 and the non-homologous end joining kinase DNA-PKcs. Our observations recommend DNA-PKcs inhibition as a therapeutic concept for the treatment of human cancers displaying homologous recombination defects.

Significance: We associate mutations in the MSH3 gene, which are frequently detected in microsatellite-instable colon cancer (∼40%), with a therapeutic response to specific DNA-PKcs inhibitors. Because potent DNA-PKcs inhibitors are currently entering early clinical trials, we offer a novel opportunity to genetically stratify patients who may benefit from a DNA-PKcs–inhibitory therapy. Cancer Discov; 4(5); 592–605. ©2014 AACR.

See related commentary by Hemann, p. 516

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 495
Inducible Metabolic Adaptation Promotes Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Ischemia
Authors: Zhu Hongming , Sun Aijun , Zou Yunzeng , Ge Junbo
Published: February 2014

Objective—

Ischemic tissue is an environment with limited oxygen and nutrition availability. The poor retention of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in ischemic tissues greatly limits their therapeutic potential. The aim of this study was to determine whether and how inducible metabolic adaptation enhances MSC survival and therapy under ischemia.

Approach and Results—

MSC were subjected to glycogen synthase 1–specific small interfering RNA or vehicle treatment, and then sublethal hypoxic preconditioning (HP) was applied to induce glycogenesis. The treated cells were subjected to ischemic challenge. The results exhibited that HP of MSC induced glycogen storage and stimulated glycogen catabolism and cellular ATP production, thereby preserving cell viability in long-term ischemia. In vivo study using the mouse limb ischemia model transplanted with HP or control MSC into the ischemic thigh muscles revealed a significant increased retention of MSC with glycogen storage associated with improved limb salvage, perfusion recovery and angiogenesis in the ischemic muscles. In contrast, glycogen synthesis inhibition significantly abolished these improvements. Further molecular analysis indicated that phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, and glycogen synthase kinase-3β regulated expression of glycogenesis genes, including glucose transporter 1, hexokinase, phosphoglucomutase 1, glycogen synthase 1, and glycogen phosphorylase, thereby regulating glycogen metabolism of stem cell during HP.

Conclusions—

HP-induced glycogen storage improves MSC survival and therapy in ischemic tissues. Thus, inducible metabolic adaptation in stem cells may be considered as a novel strategy for potentiating stem cell therapy for ischemia.
Small Dense Low-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol Concentrations Predict Risk for Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Hoogeveen Ron C. , Gaubatz John W. , Sun Wensheng , Dodge Rhiannon C. , Crosby Jacy R. , Jiang Jennifer , Couper David , Virani Salim S. , Kathiresan Sekar , Boerwinkle Eric , Ballantyne Christie M.
Published: February 2014

Objective—

To investigate the relationship between plasma levels of small dense low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (sdLDL-C) and risk for incident coronary heart disease (CHD) in a prospective study among Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study participants.

Approach and Results—

Plasma sdLDL-C was measured in 11 419 men and women of the biracial ARIC study using a newly developed homogeneous assay. A proportional hazards model was used to examine the relationship among sdLDL-C, vascular risk factors, and risk for CHD events (n=1158) for a period of ≈11 years. Plasma sdLDL-C levels were strongly correlated with an atherogenic lipid profile and were higher in patients with diabetes mellitus than non–diabetes mellitus (49.6 versus 42.3 mg/dL;
P
<0.0001). In a model that included established risk factors, sdLDL-C was associated with incident CHD with a hazard ratio of 1.51 (95% confidence interval, 1.21–1.88) for the highest versus the lowest quartile, respectively. Even in individuals considered to be at low cardiovascular risk based on their LDL-C levels, sdLDL-C predicted risk for incident CHD (hazard ratio, 1.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.04–2.49). Genome-wide association analyses identified genetic variants in 8 loci associated with sdLDL-C levels. These loci were in or close to genes previously associated with risk for CHD. We discovered 1 novel locus,
PCSK7
, for which genetic variation was significantly associated with sdLDL-C and other lipid factors.

Conclusions—

sdLDL-C was associated with incident CHD in ARIC study participants. The novel association of genetic variants in
PCSK7
with sdLDL-C and other lipid traits may provide new insights into the role of this gene in lipid metabolism.
Stimulation of Platelet Nitric Oxide Production by Nebivolol Prevents Thrombosis
Authors: Momi Stefania , Caracchini Roberta , Falcinelli Emanuela , Evangelista Stefano , Gresele Paolo
Published: February 2014

Objective—

dl
-Nebivolol, a selective β1-adrenergic receptor antagonist, besides its hypotensive activity exerts vasodilatory and platelet inhibitory effects in vitro by a mechanism involving nitric oxide (NO). Our aim was to evaluate whether nebivolol exerts in vivo antithrombotic effects, to unravel the mechanism of this action and to clarify the relative roles of its 2 enantiomers:
d
- and
l
-nebivolol.

Methods and Results—

In wild-type mice,
dl
-nebivolol,
l
-nebivolol, and
d
-nebivolol, but not bisoprolol, reduced mortality consequent to platelet pulmonary thromboembolism induced by the intravenous injection of collagen plus epinephrine (−44%, −45%, −29%, respectively;
P
<0.05), whereas in eNOS
−/−
mice only
dl
-nebivolol and
d
-nebivolol were effective.
dl
-Nebivolol,
l
- and
d
-nebivolol reduced photochemical damage-induced femoral artery thrombosis in wild-type mice, whereas in eNOS
−/−
mice only
dl
-nebivolol and
d
-nebivolol were active. Moreover,
dl
-nebivolol and
l
-nebivolol increased plasma, urinary-, and platelet-derived nitrites and nitrates (NOx), NO degradation products, in wild-type but not in eNOS
−/−
mice. In vivo platelet activation, assessed by platelet P-selectin expression, was reduced by
dl
-nebivolol and
l
- and
d
-nebivolol in wild-type mice but only by
dl
-nebivolol and
d
-nebivolol in eNOS
−/−
mice. In bone marrow–transplanted, chimeric mice with only blood cells, and not the endothelium, producing NO
dl
-nebivolol and
l
-nebivolol maintained their antithrombotic activity, whereas they lose it in chimeras with only endothelium, and not blood cells, producing NO. In vitro, with isolated platelets,
dl
-nebivolol and
l
-nebivolol, but not
d
-nebivolol and bisoprolol, increased platelet cGMP and NOx formation. Treatment with
dl
-nebivolol and
l
-nebivolol increased phophorylated

eNOS in platelets.

Conclusions—

Our data show that
dl
-nebivolol exerts an antithrombotic activity by stimulating the formation of NO by platelets, and that this effect is generated by its
l
-enantiomer, whereas the
d
-enantiomer exerts a weak antiplatelet effect because of β−adrenergic receptor–independent stimulation of adenyly cyclase. These results confirm that platelet-derived NO plays a role in thrombosis prevention and it may represent a target of pharmacological intervention.
Meaning in Movement: Adaptation and the Xiqu Body in Intercultural Chinese Theatre
Authors: Wilcox Emily E.
Published: February 2014

Zhuli xiaojie (adapted from Strindberg's Miss Julie) and Xin bi tian gao (from Ibsen's Hedda Gabler) are two works in a recent series of intercultural xiqu productions by playwrights William Huizhu Sun and Faye Chunfang Fei. In these works, the xiqu body serves as a medium for theatrical expression, where music, costume, movement, and props come together in a super-expressive acting technique that foregrounds qing (情), or sentiment. In these adaptations, the xiqu body compensates for what is necessarily cut from the text in the transformation from spoken drama to xiqu performance.
Structure And Development Of Internal Phloem In Solanum Pseudocapsicum (Solanaceae)
Authors: Patil Vidya S. , Koyani Rina D. , Sanghvi Gaurav V. , Rajput Kishore S.
Published: February 2014

The development of internal phloem in the Jerusalem cherry, Solanum pseudocapsicum L. (Solanaceae), was studied in young and mature stems. The early presence of primary internal phloem is succeeded by the development of secondary internal phloem from an internal cambium situated between the protoxylem and primary internal phloem. In the second and third visible internodes of the young stem, procambial derivatives begin to differentiate as discrete strands of internal protophloem in a perimedullary position prior to the differentiation of protoxylem and external protophloem. In 6–8 mm diameter stems, sieve elements of the internal phloem become non-conducting, begin to collapse, and undergo obliteration. In 15–20 mm diameter stems internal cambium is initiated from the parenchyma cells situated between the protoxylem and primary internal phloem. The development of internal phloem and an internal cambium in S. pseudocapsicum is compared with that in other taxa. There seems to be a gradual variation in the origin of an internal cambium from either remnants of the procambium or dedifferentiation of peripheral pith cells across dicotyledons with an internal cambium.
Preparing Blocks of Fossil Woods for Fluorescence Microscopy
Authors: Witovisk L. , Mendonça J.O. , Barbosa T.S. , Ramos R.R.C. , Carvalho M.A.
Published: February 2014

A simple, rapid and non-destructive technique used for preparing coal and kerogen samples was adapted for use with calcified fossil wood. The technique involves embedding samples in resin, polishing their surfaces and observing them using fluorescence microscopy.
Further records of Amphipoda from Baltic Eocene amber with first evidence of prae-copulatory behaviour in a fossil amphipod and remarks on the taxonomic position of Palaeogammarus Zaddach, 1864
Authors: JAŻDŻEWSKI KRZYSZTOF , GRABOWSKI MICHAŁ , KUPRYJANOWICZ JANUSZ
Published: February 2014

Two pieces of Baltic amber with amphipod inclusions were studied. One of them contained approximately twenty individuals identified as belonging to the extinct genus Palaeogammarus and described as P. debroyeri sp. nov. Interestingly, among the individuals there are two pairs preserved in an evident prae-copula position. This is the first finding of such mating behaviour in fossil amphipods. Based on this behavioural trait and on the observed morphological features, we conclude that the genus Palaeogammarus should be placed in Gammaridae and not in Crangonyctidae. The second amber piece contains two individuals identified as belonging to the still extant genus Synurella and described as S. aliciae sp. nov.
Squat lobsters (Crustacea: Anomura) from Mauritanian waters (West Africa), with the description of a new species of Munidopsis
Authors: DE MATOS-PITA SUSANA S. , RAMIL FRAN
Published: February 2014

This paper is the result of the study of a squat lobsters collection obtained along the Mauritanian coast, between 91 and 1867 m depth, during the ‘MAURIT’ surveys carried out in the period from 2007 to 2010. Eumunida bella de Saint Laurent & Macpherson, 1990 (Chirostyloidea) and six species of Munida and Munidopsis (Galatheoidea) are reported in the present work.A new species, Munidopsis anaramosae n. sp. collected off northwestern Banc d’Arguin at 1000–1012 m depth, is described and illustrated. The presence of an eyespine that arises distally from the middle end of the cornea, walking legs merus spinose on dorsal and ventral margins and cheliped merus ventrally unarmed distinguish it from related species. Munida chunii Balss, 1913 is redescribed here and the new records of Munida guineae Miyake & Baba, 1970, M. speciosa von Martens, 1878 and Munidopsis chunii Balss, 1913 extend their geographical distribution northwards, and in the case of the last species, increase its bathymetric range.