bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE INTERACTION OF AMINE LOCAL ANAESTHETICS WITH MUSCARINIC RECEPTORS
Authors: TAYLOR W.J. , WOLF A. , YOUNG J.M.
Published: May 2015

Amine local anaesthetics inhibited the binding of (‐)‐[3H]‐quinuclidinyl benzilate ((‐)‐[3H]‐QNB) to muscarinic receptors in crude synaptosomal preparations from guinea‐pig brain. The order of potency was SKF 525A > tetracaine > procaine ⋍ quinidine > procainamide > bupivacaine > lignocaine > prilocaine.

The concentration of tetracaine or prilocaine causing 50% inhibition of the receptor‐specific binding of [3H]‐QNB varied linearly with the concentration of [3H]‐QNB present for the range of concentrations of prilocaine used and at lower concentrations of tetracaine, thus providing evidence for a competitive interaction. The affinity constant for tetracaine was 2.6 ± 0.2 × 105 m−1 and that for prilocaine 2.6 ± 0.8 × 103 m−1. At higher concentrations of tetracaine the interaction appears to diverge from simple competitive kinetics.

The log dose‐response curve for the contractile response of longitudinal muscle strips from guinea‐pig intestine to carbachol was shifted in a parallel fashion by low concentrations of tetracaine, but flattened by higher doses. A similar effect was observed for both lignocaine and prilocaine. The affinity constants for tetracaine and prilocaine calculated from the parallel shifts, 1 × 105 m−1 and 4 × 103m‐1, respectively, were in reasonable accord with the binding data.

The curve for the inhibition of [3H]‐QNB binding by carbachol was not significantly altered, either in position or shape, in the presence of 1 mm prilocaine. Thus there is no evidence that prilocaine, which increases the affinity of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors for agonists, has any similar effect on agonist binding to muscarinic receptors.
INFLUENCE OF CONVERTING ENZYME INHIBITION ON THE RELEASE OF VASOPRESSIN INDUCED BY ANGIOTENSIN
Authors: KNEPEL W. , MEYER D.K.
Published: May 2015

The effects of intravenous infusion of angiotensin I, II and (des‐1‐Asp) angiotensin II (angiotensin III) on the plasma vasopressin levels, with and without converting enzyme inhibition, were investigated in conscious rats by use of a specific radioimmunoassay.

All three peptides caused a dose‐dependent increase in vasopressin release, angiotensin III infusion being less effective than angiotensin I or II.

The converting enzyme inhibitor, SQ 20881 (Pyr‐Trp‐Pro‐Arg‐Pro‐Gln‐Ile‐Pro‐Pro) (1.0 mg/kg, i.v.), had no effect on the plasma vasopressin concentrations in bilaterally nephrectomized rats, but increased them in intact or sham‐operated animals.

SQ 20881 potentiated vasopressin release elicited by angiotensin I, leaving that elicited by angiotensin II unchanged. The receptor antagonist, saralasin, prevented the angiotensin‐induced increase in plasma vasopressin concentration, even after pretreatment with SQ 20881.

These data support the assumption that the renin‐angiotensin system may be involved in the control of vasopressin release, and indicate that in addition to angiotensin II, angiotensin I and III may also contribute, acting in concert.
ANTI‐TREMOR ACTION OF C10DICHOL, A PERIPHERAL ACETYLCHOLINE SYNTHESIS INHIBITOR
Authors: DAS M. , GANGULY D.K. , VEDASIROMONI J.R.
Published: May 2015

Anti‐tremor action of decamethylene bis‐(hydroxyethly)‐dimethylammonium bromide (C10Dichol), a peripheral acetylcholine synthesis inhibitor, was investigated.

C10Dichol inhibited tremor induced by oxotremorine, nicotine and physostigmine and afforded partial protection from physostigmine‐induced mortality in mice.

In non‐paralysing doses, C10Dichol antagonized the neuromuscular effects of oxotremorine, nicotine and physostigmine.

Prior administration of C10Dichol failed to prevent tremor and neuromuscular paralysis induced by harmine and arecoline.

In the absence of any antimuscarinic property of C10Dichol, its neuromuscular effects appeared to be causually related to its anti‐tremor action.

This study reveals a possibility for the development of peripherally acting anti‐Parkinson drugs.
Systematic review of decreased intracranial pressure with optimal head elevation in postcraniotomy patients: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Jiang Yan , Ye Zeng pan‐pan , You Chao , Hu Xin , Liu Yi , Li Hao , Lin Sen , Li Ji‐Pin
Published: May 2015

Aim

To determine an optimal head elevation degree to decrease intracranial pressure in postcraniotomy patients by meta‐analysis.

Background

A change in head position can lead to a change in intracranial pressure; however, there are conflicting data regarding the optimal degree of elevation that decreases intracranial pressure in postcraniotomy patients.

Design

Quantitative systematic review with meta‐analysis following Cochrane methods.

Data sources

The data were collected during 2014; three databases (PubMed, Embase and China National Knowledge Internet) were searched for published and unpublished studies in English. The bibliographies of the articles were also reviewed. The inclusion criteria referred to different elevation degrees and effects on intracranial pressure in postcraniotomy patients.

Review methods

According to pre‐determined inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria, two reviewers extracted the eligible studies using a standard data form.

Results

These included a total of 237 participants who were included in the meta‐analysis. (1) Compared with 0 degree: 10, 15, 30 and 45 degrees of head elevation resulted in lower intracranial pressure. (2) Intracranial pressure at 30 degrees was not significantly different in comparison to 45 degrees and was lower than that at 10 and 15 degrees.

Conclusion

Patients with increased intracranial pressure significantly benefitted from a head elevation of 10, 15, 30 and 45 degrees compared with 0 degrees. A head elevation of 30 or 45 degrees is optimal for decreasing intracranial pressure. Research about the relationship of position changes and the outcomes of patient primary diseases is absent.
Cytokine profiles in interstitial fluid from chronic atopic dermatitis skin
Authors: Szegedi K. , Lutter R. , Res P.C. , Bos J.D. , Luiten R.M. , Kezic S. , Middelkamp‐Hup M.A.
Published: May 2015

Background

The in vivo levels of inflammatory mediators in chronic atopic dermatitis (AD) skin are not well‐defined due to the lack of a non‐invasive or minimally invasive sampling technique.

Objectives

To investigate the cytokine milieu in interstitial fluid (ISF) collected from chronic lesional AD skin as compared to ISF from non‐lesional AD skin and/or healthy donor skin.

Methods

ISF was obtained using a minimally invasive technique of creating micropores in the skin by a laser, and harvesting ISF through aspiration. We determined the levels of 33 cytokines by Luminex and ELISA in ISF and plasma from sixteen AD patients and twelve healthy individuals. In seven AD patients, we analysed the IL‐13, IL‐31, IL‐17, IL‐22 and IFN‐γ production by T cells isolated from lesional skin. AD patients were genotyped for the filaggrin gene (FLG)‐null mutations 2282del4, R501X, R2447X and S3247X.

Results

Twenty‐five of 33 examined mediators were detected in the ISF. The levels of IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐18, IL‐1RA, IL‐5, IL‐13, IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, RANTES(CCL‐5), MIG(CXCL‐9), IP‐10(CXCL‐10), TARC(CCL‐17), VEGF and G‐CSF showed significant differences between either lesional, non‐lesional and/or healthy skin. IP‐10 levels in ISF from lesional and non‐lesional AD skin showed significant correlation with IP‐10 blood levels. IP‐10 also showed a significant correlation with clinical severity (SCORAD), as did IL‐13. Levels of both IP‐10 and IL‐13 were more pronounced in patients with FLG‐null mutations. Furthermore, FLG‐null mutation carriers had more severe AD.

Conclusion

The presented minimally invasive technique is a valuable tool to determine the in vivo cytokine profile of AD skin.
Risk Indicators of Papillary Recession in the Anterior Maxilla
Authors: Ioannou Andreas L. , Koidou Vasiliki P. , Kamintzi Georgia I. , Hinrichs James E. , Kotsakis Georgios A. , Romanos Georgios E.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

The interdental papilla is the portion of the gingiva that occupies the space between two adjacent teeth. When papillary recession occurs, an array of problems arises ranging from phonetics to food impaction and esthetic concerns. The aim of this study was to identify risk indicators for visible papillary recession in the anterior maxilla among a Caucasian population utilizing an advanced analytical approach.

Materials and Methods

A dataset of 211 adult dentate Caucasian patients that had undergone intraoral assessment of midline papillary recession and extra‐oral assessment of visible papillary recession during maximum (“Duchenne”) smile was utilized. An enhanced analytical approach was employed to identify risk indicators for papillary recession.

Results

Approximately one‐third of the participants (38%) demonstrated papillary recession during maximum smile (“visible papillary recession”). An association between sex (male preference) and visible papillary recession was found in this sample population, while age was found to be a risk indicator for papillary recession in individuals over 65 years of age.

Conclusions

Visible midline papillary recession in the maxilla is a highly prevalent clinical entity in Caucasian individuals, thus the development of efficacious treatment modalities for papillary regeneration is necessary. Findings of the present study on risk indicators for visible papillary absence, namely sex and age, may facilitate clinicians in treating patient with compromised interdental aesthetics as well as identifying patients that are in high risk for loss of interdental tissues.

Clinical Significance

Findings of the present study on risk indicators for visible papillary absence, namely sex and age, indicate the need for careful assessment and meticulous treatment planning with respect to preservation of the interdental tissues. The consideration of these risk indicators can help dentists to identify patients at risk for papillary recession.
Antimicrobial Activity of Essential Oils on Clostridium perfringens Type A Inoculated in Mortadella
Authors: Dias Nayane Aparecida Araujo , Rodrigues Luciana Teixeira de Siqueira , Palhares Priscila Cotta , Ramos Eduardo Mendes , Piccoli Roberta Hilsdorf
Published: May 2015

The antimicrobial activity of essential oils on Clostridium perfringens type A and the influence of such oils on mortadella quality were assessed. The anticlostridial effects of several essential oils and their combinations were identified and some essential oils and their combinations were selected for further study in mortadellas supplemented with 75 ppm sodium nitrite and inoculated with C. perfringens. The growth of C. perfringens in mortadella was not inhibited by nitrite (control treatments of 75 and 150 ppm), but the essential oils presented a significant inhibitory effect. The essential oil of Origanum vulgare presented the highest anticlostridial activity. Moreover, higher concentrations of residual nitrite were found in mortadellas containing essential oils than in controls.

Practical Applications

Clostridium perfringens is an anaerobic bacteria, gram‐positive and with the ability to form spores that are highly resistant to environmental conditions and causes two important human illnesses: a relatively mild, classic type A diarrhea and the more serious type C human necrotic enteritis. Approximately 75% of cases of illness due to C. perfringens are attributed to meat, meat products and poultry. Nitrite and nitrate salts are added to cooked meat products to control the growth of sporulated bacteria, however, such salts can react with amines to form N‐nitrous compounds, particularly nitrosamines, which are mutagenic, neurotoxic, nephrotoxic and carcinogenic. The natural compounds with antimicrobial activity can be used to reduce them. As high concentration of essential oils may negatively affect the flavor of foods, several combinations of essential oils should be minimized to the concentration required. The growth of C. perfringens in mortadella was not inhibited by nitrite, but the essential oils presented a significant anticlostridial activity shown to be possible to use.
Dental implants inserted in male versus female patients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chrcanovic B. R. , Albrektsson T. , Wennerberg A.
Published: May 2015

The aim of this meta‐analysis was to test the null hypothesis of no difference in the failure rates, marginal bone loss (MBL) and post‐operative infection for implants inserted in male or female patients, against the alternative hypothesis of a difference. An electronic search without time or language restrictions was undertaken in December 2014. Eligibility criteria included clinical human studies, either randomized or not. Ninety‐one publications were included, with a total of 27 203 implants inserted in men (1185 failures), and 25 154 implants inserted in women (1039 failures). The results suggest that the insertion of dental implants in male patients statistically affected the implant failure rates (RR 1·21, 95% CI 1·07–1·37, P = 0·002). Due to the limited number of studies reporting results on MBL, it is difficult to estimate the real effect of the insertion of implants in different sexes on the marginal bone level. Due to lack of satisfactory information, meta‐analysis for the outcome ‘post‐operative infection’ was not performed. The results have to be interpreted with caution due to the presence of several confounding factors in the included studies.
Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and ceftiofur in plasma, interstitial fluid, and gastrointestinal tract of calves after subcutaneous injection, and bactericidal impacts on representative enteric bacteria
Authors: Foster D. M. , Jacob M. E. , Warren C. D. , Papich M. G.
Published: May 2015

This study's objectives were to determine intestinal antimicrobial concentrations in calves administered enrofloxacin or ceftiofur sodium subcutaneously, and their impact on representative enteric bacteria. Ultrafiltration devices were implanted in the ileum and colon of 12 steers, which received either enrofloxacin or ceftiofur sodium. Samples were collected over 48 h after drug administration for pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic analysis. Enterococcus faecalis or Salmonella enterica (5 × 105 CFU/mL of each) were exposed in vitro to peak and tail (48 h postadministration) concentrations of both drugs at each location for 24 h to determine inhibition of growth and change in MIC. Enrofloxacin had tissue penetration factors of 1.6 and 2.5 in the ileum and colon, while ciprofloxacin, an active metabolite of enrofloxacin, was less able to cross into the intestine (tissue penetration factors of 0.7 and 1.7). Ceftiofur was rapidly eliminated leading to tissue penetration factors of 0.39 and 0.25. All concentrations of enrofloxacin were bactericidal for S. enterica and significantly reduced E. faecalis. Peak ceftiofur concentration was bactericidal for S. enterica, and tail concentrations significantly reduced growth. E. faecalis experienced growth at all ceftiofur concentrations. The MICs for both organisms exposed to peak and tail concentrations of antimicrobials were unchanged at the end of the study. Enrofloxacin and ceftiofur achieved intestinal concentrations capable of reducing intestinal bacteria, yet the short exposure of ceftiofur in the intestine may select for resistant organisms.
Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics of oral amitriptyline and its active metabolite nortriptyline in fed and fasted Greyhound dogs
Authors: Norkus C. , Rankin D. , KuKanich B.
Published: May 2015

This study reports the pharmacokinetics of oral amitriptyline and its active metabolite nortriptyline in Greyhound dogs. Five healthy Greyhound dogs were enrolled in a randomized crossover design. A single oral dose of amitriptyline hydrochloride (actual mean dose 8.1 per kg) was administered to fasted or fed dogs. Blood samples were collected at predetermined times from 0 to 24 h after administration, and plasma drug concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic analyses were performed. Two dogs in the fasted group vomited following amitriptyline administration and were excluded from analysis. The range of amitriptyline CMAX for the remaining fasted dogs (n = 3) was 22.8–64.5 ng/mL compared to 30.6–127 ng/mL for the fed dogs (n = 5). The range of the amitriptyline AUCINF for the three fasted dogs was 167–720 h·ng/mL compared to 287–1146 h·ng/mL for fed dogs. The relative bioavailability of amitriptyline in fasted dogs compared to fed dogs was 69–91% (n = 3). The exposure of the active metabolite nortriptyline was correlated to amitriptyline exposure (R2 = 0.84). Due to pharmacokinetic variability and the small number of dogs completing this study, further studies are needed assessing the impact of feeding on oral amitriptyline pharmacokinetics. Amitriptyline may be more likely to cause vomiting in fasted dogs.
Repression by H‐NS of genes required for the biosynthesis of the Vibrio cholerae biofilm matrix is modulated by the second messenger cyclic diguanylic acid
Authors: Ayala Julio C. , Wang Hongxia , Silva Anisia J. , Benitez Jorge A.
Published: May 2015

Expression of Vibrio cholerae genes required for the biosynthesis of exopolysacchide (vps) and protein (rbm) components of the biofilm matrix is enhanced by cyclic diguanylate (c‐di‐GMP). In a previous study, we reported that the histone‐like nucleoid structuring (H‐NS) protein represses the transcription of vpsA, vpsL and vpsT. Here we demonstrate that the regulator VpsT can disrupt repressive H‐NS nucleoprotein complexes at the vpsA and vpsL promoters in the presence of c‐di‐GMP, while H‐NS could disrupt the VpsT‐promoter complexes in the absence of c‐di‐GMP. Chromatin immunoprecipitation‐Seq showed a remarkable trend for H‐NS to cluster at loci involved in biofilm development such as the rbmABCDEF genes. We show that the antagonistic relationship between VpsT and H‐NS regulates the expression of the rbmABCDEF cluster. Epistasis analysis demonstrated that VpsT functions as an antirepressor at the rbmA/F, vpsU and vpsA/L promoters. Deletion of vpsT increased H‐NS occupancy at these promoters while increasing the c‐di‐GMP pool had the opposite effect and included the vpsT promoter. The negative effect of c‐di‐GMP on H‐NS occupancy at the vpsT promoter required the regulator VpsR. These results demonstrate that c‐di‐GMP activates the transcription of genes required for the biosynthesis of the biofilm matrix by triggering a coordinated VpsR‐ and VpsT‐dependent H‐NS antirepression cascade.
Catecholate siderophore esterases Fes, IroD and IroE are required for salmochelins secretion following utilization, but only IroD contributes to virulence of extra‐intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Caza Mélissa , Garénaux Amélie , Lépine François , Dozois Charles M.
Published: May 2015

Salmochelins are glucosylated forms of enterobactin (enterochelin) and contribute to the virulence of Salmonella enterica and some extra‐intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC). Fes, IroD and IroE esterases degrade salmochelins and enterobactin to release iron. We investigated the apparently redundant role of these esterases in virulence and in salmochelin production and utilization of the ExPEC strain χ7122. The ΔiroD, ΔfesΔiroD and ΔfesΔiroDΔiroE mutants displayed attenuated virulence phenotypes in an avian systemic infection model. Growth of ΔfesΔiroD and ΔfesΔiroDΔiroE mutants was severely reduced in the presence of conalbumin, and although enterobactin was produced, no salmochelins were detected in the culture supernatants of these mutants. Elimination of catecholate synthesis via an entA deletion in a ΔfesΔiroDΔiroE restored growth in the presence of conalbumin, but only partially restored the virulence of the strain. Salmochelin production was reestablished by reintroducing active esterases. Intracellular accumulation of cyclic mono‐glucosylated enterobactin was observed in the triple mutant ΔfesΔiroDΔiroE, and deletion of fepC, required for catecholate import into the cytoplasm, restored salmochelin detection in supernatants. These results suggest that in the absence of esterases, cyclic salmochelins are synthesized and secreted, but remain cell‐bound after internalization indicating that esterase‐mediated degradation is required for re‐secretion of catecholate siderophore molecules following their utilization.
Identification and characterization of parasitism genes from the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus reveals a multilayered detoxification strategy
Authors: Espada Margarida , Silva Ana Cláudia , Eves van den Akker Sebastian , Cock Peter J. A. , Mota Manuel , Jones John T.
Published: May 2015

The migratory endoparasitic nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, which is the causal agent of pine wilt disease, has phytophagous and mycetophagous phases during its life cycle. This highly unusual feature distinguishes it from other plant‐parasitic nematodes and requires profound changes in biology between modes. During the phytophagous stage, the nematode migrates within pine trees, feeding on the contents of parenchymal cells. Like other plant pathogens, B. xylophilus secretes effectors from pharyngeal gland cells into the host during infection. We provide the first description of changes in the morphology of these gland cells between juvenile and adult life stages. Using a comparative transcriptomics approach and an effector identification pipeline, we identify numerous novel parasitism genes which may be important for the mediation of interactions of B. xylophilus with its host. In‐depth characterization of all parasitism genes using in situ hybridization reveals two major categories of detoxification proteins, those specifically expressed in either the pharyngeal gland cells or the digestive system. These data suggest that B. xylophilus incorporates effectors in a multilayer detoxification strategy in order to protect itself from host defence responses during phytophagy.
Protective natural autoantibodies to apoptotic cells: evidence of convergent selection of recurrent innate‐like clones
Authors: Silverman Gregg J.
Published: May 2015

During murine immune development, recurrent B cell clones arise in a predictable fashion. Among these B cells, an archetypical clonotypic set that recognizes phosphorylcholine (PC) antigens and produces anti‐PC IgM, first implicated for roles in microbial protection, was later found to become expanded in hyperlipidemic mice and in response to an increased in vivo burden of apoptotic cells. These IgM natural antibodies can enhance clearance of damaged cells and induce intracellular blockade of inflammatory signaling cascades. In clinical populations, raised levels of anti‐PC IgM correlate with protection from atherosclerosis and may also downmodulate the severity of autoimmune disease. Human anti‐PC–producing clones without hypermutation have been isolated that can similarly discriminate apoptotic from healthy cells. An independent report on unrelated adults has described anti‐PC–producing B cells with IgM genes that have conserved CDR3 motifs, similar to stereotypic clonal sets of B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Taken together, emerging evidence suggests that, despite the capacity to form an effectively limitless range of Ig receptors, the human immune system may often recurrently generate lymphocytes expressing structurally convergent B cell receptors with protective and homeostatic roles.
Suppression of glucan, water dikinase in the endosperm alters wheat grain properties, germination and coleoptile growth
Authors: Bowerman Andrew F. , Newberry Marcus , Dielen Anne‐Sophie , Whan Alex , Larroque Oscar , Pritchard Jenifer , Gubler Frank , Howitt Crispin A. , Pogson Barry J. , Morell Matthew K. , Ral Jean‐Philippe
Published: May 2015

Starch phosphate ester content is known to alter the physicochemical properties of starch, including its susceptibility to degradation. Previous work producing wheat (Triticum aestivum) with down‐regulated glucan, water dikinase, the primary gene responsible for addition of phosphate groups to starch, in a grain‐specific manner found unexpected phenotypic alteration in grain and growth. Here, we report on further characterization of these lines focussing on mature grain and early growth. We find that coleoptile length has been increased in these transgenic lines independently of grain size increases. No changes in starch degradation rates during germination could be identified, or any major alteration in soluble sugar levels that may explain the coleoptile growth modification. We identify some alteration in hormones in the tissues in question. Mature grain size is examined, as is Hardness Index and starch conformation. We find no evidence that the increased growth of coleoptiles in these lines is connected to starch conformation or degradation or soluble sugar content and suggest these findings provide a novel means of increasing coleoptile growth and early seedling establishment in cereal crop species.
Phosphohistone‐H3 (PHH3) is prognostic relevant in Merkel cell carcinomas but Merkel cell polyomavirus is a more powerful prognostic factor than AJCC clinical stage, PHH3, Ki‐67 or mitotic indices
Authors: Iwasaki Takeshi , Matsushita Michiko , Nonaka Daisuke , Kato Masako , Nagata Keiko , Murakami Ichiro , Hayashi Kazuhiko
Published: May 2015

Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) associated with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) have better prognosis than those without MCPyV. The relationship between mitotic index (MI) and MCC outcome has remained elusive because of the difficulty in differentiating mitotic cells from apoptotic ones. We evaluated the role of phosphohistone‐H3 (PHH3) (Ser10), a new mitotic count biomarker, in MCPyV‐positive or ‐negative MCC patients, and assessed its prognostic value in comparison to Ki‐67 labeling index or MI using hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. We compared the prognostic value of PHH3 mitotic index with that of MI by HE in 19 MCPyV‐positive and 9 MCPyV‐negative MCC patients. PHH3‐positive immunoreactivity was mostly observed in mitotic figures. Multivariate analysis significantly showed that MCPyV status (HR, 0.004; 95% CI 0.0003–0.058) and the American Joint Committee of Cancer (AJCC) stage (HR, 5.02; 95% CI 1.23–20.51) were observed as significantly independent prognostic factors for OS. PHH3‐positive cell counts/10 HPF was a slightly significant independent prognostic factor for OS (HR, 4.96; 95% CI 0.93–26.55). PHH3‐positive MI and MCPyV status in MCC patients are useful in prognostication, although MCPyV‐infection is a more powerful prognostic factor in MCCs than the AJCC scheme on proliferation or mitotic indices.
Does the Charter Form Improve the Fiscal Health of Counties?
Authors: McDonald Bruce D.
Published: May 2015

The public administration literature has paid attention to the relationship between the structure of a government and its ability to provide public services, reflected by its fiscal health. Although this literature has provided a useful understanding of government structures, it has largely ignored the charter form of government. As a formal written document that grants counties the power of self‐governance, a charter frees the county from state control. Included in this freedom is the ability to establish its own tax policies and services. In this article, the effects of charter adoption on fiscal health are tested using Florida county data from 1980 to 2012. The results show that the presence of a charter can improve the fiscal health of a county, which, in turn, can affect overall service provision.
Causes of Individual Differences in Animal Exploration and Search
Authors: Reader Simon M.
Published: May 2015

Numerous studies have documented individual differences in exploratory tendencies and other phenomena related to search, and these differences have been linked to fitness. Here, I discuss the origins of these differences, focusing on how experience shapes animal search and exploration. The origin of individual differences will also depend upon the alternatives to exploration that are available. Given that search and exploration frequently carry significant costs, we might expect individuals to utilize cues indicating the potential net payoffs of exploration versus the exploitation of known acts. Informative cues could arise from both recent and early‐life experiences, from both the social and physical environment. Open questions are the extent to which an individual's exploratory tendencies are fixed throughout life versus being flexibly adjusted according to prevailing conditions and the actions of other individuals, and the extent to which individual differences in exploration extend across domains and are independent of other processes.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation on Effect of Convergent Angle and Cold Orifice Diameter on Thermal Performance of Convergent Vortex Tube
Authors: Rafiee Seyed Ehsan , Sadeghiazad M. M. , Mostafavinia Nasser
Published: May 2015

The vortex tube (VT) air separator is an invaluable tool which has the ability to separate a high-pressure fluid into the cold and hot fluid streams. The hot tube is a main part of the air separator VT which the energy separation procedure happens along this part. This research has been done to analyze the effect of the convergent angle and cold orifice diameter on the thermal efficiency of a convergent vortex tube (CVT). The CVT is linked to an air pipeline with the fixed pressure of 6.5 bar. The convergent hot tube angle is varied over the range of 1 deg to 9 deg. The consideration of the main angle effect denotes that the highest thermal ability could be achieved at β = 5 deg. The laboratory setup results show this subject that the optimization of the hot tube convergent angle elevates the cooling and heating effectiveness around 32.03% and 26.21%, respectively. Experiments denoted that both cooling capability and heating effectiveness reach the highest magnitudes when the DCold is around 9 mm. After these two stages, the optimized CVT was capable of decreasing and rising air temperatures at the cold and the hot sides up to 9.05 K (42.89%) and 10.48 K (44.74%), respectively. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model was employed to predict the performance of the air flow inside the CVT. The numerical investigation was done by full 3D steady-state CFD-simulation using fluent6.3.26. The results show that the agreement between computation predictions and laboratory measurements is fairly good.
Novel hard, tough HfAlSiN multilayers, defined by alternating Si bond structure, deposited using modulated high-flux, low-energy ion irradiation of the growing film
Authors: Fager Hanna , Howe Brandon M. , Greczynski Grzegorz , Jensen Jens , Mei A. B. , Lu Jun , Hultman Lars , Greene J. E. , Petrov Ivan
Published: May 2015

Hf1−x−yAlxSiyN (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.14, 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.12) single layer and multilayer films are grown on Si(001) at 250 °C using ultrahigh vacuum magnetically unbalanced reactive magnetron sputtering from a single Hf0.6Al0.2Si0.2 target in mixed 5%-N2/Ar atmospheres at a total pressure of 20 mTorr (2.67 Pa). The composition and nanostructure of Hf1−x−yAlxSiyN films are controlled by varying the energy Ei of the ions incident at the film growth surface while maintaining the ion-to-metal flux ratio constant at eight. Switching Ei between 10 and 40 eV allows the growth of Hf0.78Al0.10Si0.12N/Hf0.78Al0.14Si0.08N multilayers with similar layer compositions, but in which the Si bonding state changes from predominantly Si–Si/Si–Hf for films grown with Ei = 10 eV, to primarily Si–N with Ei = 40 eV. Multilayer hardness values, which vary inversely with bilayer period Λ, range from 20 GPa with Λ = 20 nm to 27 GPa with Λ = 2 nm, while fracture toughness increases directly with Λ. Multilayers with Λ = 10 nm combine relatively high hardness, H ∼ 24 GPa, with good fracture toughness.
An Age-Old Problem in Little League Baseball
Authors: Dixon Jess C. , Chittle Laura , Horton Sean
Published: May 2015

The relative age effect (RAE) has become a well-studied consequence of organizations utilizing a cutoff date to establish age cohorts. Within this case study, students will explore and learn how to perform various statistical analyses (i.e., chi-square, effect sizes, standardized residuals) to determine whether the RAE exists among those who competed in the 2011 and 2012 Little League World Series (LLWS). Students will learn about the mission and history of Little League Baseball (LLB) and discuss potential changes and/or strategies that could be used by the organization to make the LLWS more inclusive. Furthermore, students can use the knowledge gained from this case study to critically analyze the current status of various other sport organizations to help develop potential strategies to ensure fairness and equality for all participating athletes.
Exploring Associations between Motor Skill Assessments in Children With, Without, and At-Risk for Developmental Coordination Disorder
Authors: Valentini Nadia C. , Getchell Nancy , Logan Samuel W. , Liang Ling-Yin , Golden Daphne , Rudisill Mary E. , Robinson Leah E.
Published: May 2015

Background:

We compared children with, at-risk for, or without developmental coordination disorder (DCD) on the Test of Gross Motor Development (TGMD-2) and the Movement Assessment Battery for Children (MABC) through (a) correlations, (b) gender and age comparisons, (c) cross tab analyses, and (d) factor analyses.

Method:

Children (N = 424; age range: 4–10 years) from southern Brazil completed the TGMD-2 and MABC and placed into groups (DCD: ≤ 5th%, n = 58; at-risk: > 5th to ≤ 15th%, n = 133; typically developing (TD) >16th%, n = 233).

Results:

The strongest correlation was between total performance on the TGMD-2 and MABC (r = .37). No gender differences were found for performance on the MABC while boys performed better than girls on the TGMD-2. Cross tab analyses indicated a high level of agreement for children who performed in the lowest percentiles on each assessment. Factor analyses suggested that, for both the TD and at-risk groups, three factors loaded on the motor assessments. In contrast, the DCD group loaded on a sport skill, general skill, and a manipulative skill factor, accounting for 42.3% of the variance.

Conclusions::

Evidence suggests that children who perform very poorly on one assessment are likely to perform poorly on the other. Children with DCD may have sports-related skill deficiencies.
The End-State Comfort Effect in the Overturned Glass Task: Does Height Change the Influence of Reach Extent and Balance?
Authors: Breslin Casey M. , Fischman Mark
Published: May 2015

We tested the end-state comfort effect (ESCE) under varying reach extents (Experiment 1) and a balancing task (Experiment 2). We hypothesized that as reach extent increased, or when participants had to perform a simultaneous balancing task, sensitivity to end-state comfort would decrease. Participants were divided by height (taller or shorter than 160 cm) to understand the impact of reach extent. In Experiment 1, 86 participants grasped an overturned glass from a shelf, turned the glass upright, placed it on a counter, and then filled the glass with water. Shelf heights were 95, 145, and 168 cm above the floor. In Experiment 2, 82 participants climbed a stepstool, which posed a modest balance challenge, before grasping an overturned glass from a shelf 213.4 cm high. They then turned the glass upright and filled it with water. Three trials were performed. In each experiment, for individuals taller than 160 cm, a Cochran’s Q test revealed a majority used an awkward thumb-down grip to initially grasp the glass in all conditions. However, for participants shorter than 160 cm, sensitivity to end-state comfort decreased. This interaction suggests that the ESCE is influenced by both participant height and tasks requiring extreme reaches. Results are interpreted in context of a constraint hierarchy within a model of posture-based motion planning.
A Proposal for the Improvement of Project's Cost Predictability Using Earned Value Management and Historical Data of Cost — An Empirical Study
Authors: de Souza Adler Diniz , da Rocha Ana Regina Cavalcanti , dos Santos Djenane Cristina Silveira
Published: May 2015

Although the Earned Value Management (EVM) technique has been used by several companies in various industrial sectors (software development, construction, aerospace, aeronautics, among others) for over 35 years to predict time and cost outcomes, many studies have found vulnerabilities, including: (i) cost performance data do not always have normal distribution, which makes reliable projections difficult; (ii) instability of cost performance indexes during the execution of projects, (iii) there is a worsening tendency in cost performance indexes when project approaches termination. This paper proposes an extension of the EVM technique through the integration of historical cost performance data of processes as a means to improve the project's cost predictability. The proposed technique was evaluated through an empirical study, which evaluated the implementation of the proposed technique in 22 software development projects. The proposed technique has been applied in real projects with the aim of evaluating the accuracy and variation compared to the traditional technique. Hypotheses tests with 95% significance level were performed, and the proposed technique was more accurate and more precise than the traditional technique for calculating the Cost Performance Index (CPI) and Estimates at Completion (EAC).
Relativistic three-body quark model of light baryons based on hypercentral approach
Authors: Aslanzadeh M. , Rajabi A. A.
Published: May 2015

In this paper, we have treated the light baryons as a relativistic three-body bound system. Inspired by lattice QCD calculations, we treated baryons as a spin-independent three-quark system within a relativistic three-quark model based on the three-particle Klein–Gordon equation. We presented the analytical solution of three-body Klein–Gordon equation with employing the constituent quark model based on a hypercentral approach through which two- and three-body forces are taken into account. Herewith the average energy values of the up, down and strange quarks containing multiplets are reproduced. To describe the hyperfine structure of the baryon, the splittings within the SU(6)-multiplets are produced by the generalized Gürsey Radicati mass formula. The considered SU(6)-invariant potential is popular "Coulomb-plus-linear" potential and the strange and non-strange baryons spectra are in general well reproduced.
Dynamic Characteristics of Fluid-Conveying Pipes with Piecewise Linear Support
Authors: Li Zhan-Ying , Wang Jian-Jun , Qiu Ming-Xing
Published: May 2015

For the analysis of dynamic characteristics of fluid-conveying pipes with piecewise linear support, a fluid–structure coupling dynamic model based on the finite element method is proposed. A user-defined pipe element based on Euler–Bernoulli beam is developed for modeling the pipes, considering the dynamic flow conditions. A nonlinear spring element is utilized to model the clamp between the pipe and the base. The dynamic responses of the system are obtained through the direct time integration. The stiffness of the clamp support is investigated by the analytical method and the experimental method, in which it is found that the clamp stiffness is piecewise linear. For different pipe geometries the user-defined element model, analytical model and measurement data are compared. The results show high quality of the element developed in this paper. Finally, the dynamic characteristics of the pipe system with piecewise linear support subjected to base harmonic excitation are calculated and the effects of the system parameters on pipe behaviors have also been studied. As a consequence, the model proposed in this paper can represent the piecewise linear nonlinearity of the clamp support and be used conveniently to investigate the effects of the fluid–structure coupling on the system behaviors.
Influence of Process Parameters on Characteristics of Electrical Discharge Machining of PH17-4 Stainless Steel
Authors: Reddy V. Vikram , Valli P. Madar , Kumar A. , Reddy Ch. Sridhar
Published: May 2015

In the present work, an investigation has been made into the electrical discharge machining process during machining of precipitation hardening stainless steel PH17-4. Taguchi method is used to formulate the experimental layout, to analyze the effect of each process parameter on machining characteristics and to predict the optimal choice for each electrical discharge machining process parameters namely, peak current, pulse on time and pulse off time that give up optimal process performance characteristics such as material removal rate, surface roughness, tool wear rate and surface hardness. To identify the significance of parameters on measured response, the analysis of variance has been done. It is found that parameters peak current and pulse on time have the significant affect on material removal rate, surface roughness, tool wear rate and surface hardness. However, parameter pulse off time has significant affect on material removal rate. Confirmation tests are conducted at their respective optimum parametric settings to verify the predicted optimal values of performance characteristics.
The Interaction among Microbiota, Immunity, and Genetic and Dietary Factors Is theCondicio Sine Qua NonCeliac Disease Can Develop
Authors: Pagliari D. , Urgesi R. , Frosali S. , Riccioni M. E. , Newton E. E. , Landolfi R. , Pandolfi F. , Cianci R.
Published: May 2015

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy, triggered by dietary wheat gluten and similar proteins of barley and rye in genetically susceptible individuals. This is a complex disorder involving both environmental and immune-genetic factors. The major genetic risk factor for CD is determined by HLA-DQ genes. Dysfunction of the innate and adaptive immune systems can conceivably cause impairment of mucosal barrier function and development of localized or systemic inflammatory and autoimmune processes. Exposure to gluten is the main environmental trigger responsible for the signs and symptoms of the disease, but exposure to gluten does not fully explain the manifestation of CD. Thus, both genetic determination and environmental exposure to gluten are necessary for the full manifestation of CD; neither of them is sufficient alone. Epidemiological and clinical data suggest that other environmental factors, including infections, alterations in the intestinal microbiota composition, and early feeding practices, might also play a role in disease development. Thus, this interaction is thecondicio sine qua nonceliac disease can develop. The breakdown of the interaction among microbiota, innate immunity, and genetic and dietary factors leads to disruption of homeostasis and inflammation; and tissue damage occurs. Focusing attention on this interaction and its breakdown may allow a better understanding of the CD pathogenesis and lead to novel translational avenues for preventing and treating this widespread disease.
The Chromosome 9p21 CVD- and T2D-Associated Regions in a Norwegian Population (The HUNT2 Survey)
Authors: Helgeland Øyvind , Hertel Jens K. , Molven Anders , Ræder Helge , Platou Carl G. P. , Midthjell Kristian , Hveem Kristian , Nygård Ottar , Njølstad Pål R. , Johansson Stefan
Published: May 2015

Background.Two adjacent regions upstreamCDKN2Bon chromosome 9p21 have been associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and progression of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The precise location and number of risk variants have not been completely delineated and a possible synergistic relationship between the adjacent regions is not fully addressed. By a population based cross-sectional case-control design, we genotyped 18 SNPs upstream ofCDKN2Btagging 138 kb in and around two LD-blocks associated with CVD and T2D and investigated associations with T2D, angina pectoris (AP), myocardial infarction (MI), coronary heart disease (CHD; AP or AMI), and stroke using 5,564 subjects from HUNT2.Results.Single point and haplotype analysis showed evidence for only one common T2D risk haplotype (rs10757282∣rs10811661: OR = 1.19,P=2.0×10-3) in the region. We confirmed the strong association between SNPs in the 60 kb CVD region with AP, MI, and CHD(P<0.01). Conditioning on the lead SNPs in the region, we observed two suggestive independent single SNP association signals for MI,rs2065501  (P=0.03)andrs3217986  (P=0.04).Conclusions.We confirmed the association of known variants within the 9p21 interval with T2D and CHD. Our results further suggest that additional CHD susceptibility variants exist in this region.
Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomic Study Makes High-Density Lipoprotein a Biomarker for Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease
Authors: Chang Chiz-Tzung , Yang Chao-Yuh , Tsai Fuu-Jen , Lin Shih-Yi , Chen Chao-Jung
Published: May 2015

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is a lipid and protein complex that consists of apolipoproteins and lower level HDL-associated enzymes. HDL dysfunction is a factor in atherosclerosis and decreases patient survival. Mass spectrometry- (MS-) based proteomics provides a high throughput approach for analyzing the composition and modifications of complex HDL proteins in diseases. HDL can be separated according to size, surface charge, electronegativity, or apoprotein composition. MS-based proteomics on subfractionated HDL then allows investigation of lipoprotein roles in diseases. Herein, we review recent developments in MS-based quantitative proteomic techniques, HDL proteomics and lipoprotein modifications in diseases, and HDL subfractionation studies. We also discuss future directions and perspectives in MS-based proteomics on HDL.
Discrete-State-Based Vision Navigation Control Algorithm for One Bipedal Robot
Authors: Wei Dunwen
Published: May 2015

Navigation with the specific objective can be defined by specifying desired timed trajectory. The concept of desired direction field is proposed to deal with such navigation problem. To lay down a principled discussion of the accuracy and efficiency of navigation algorithms, strictly quantitative definitions of tracking error, actuator effect, and time efficiency are established. In this paper, one vision navigation control method based on desired direction field is proposed. This proposed method uses discrete image sequences to form discrete state space, which is especially suitable for bipedal walking robots with single camera walking on a free-barrier plane surface to track the specific objective without overshoot. The shortest path method (SPM) is proposed to design such direction field with the highest time efficiency. However, one improved control method called canonical piecewise-linear function (PLF) is proposed. In order to restrain the noise disturbance from the camera sensor, the band width control method is presented to significantly decrease the error influence. The robustness and efficiency of the proposed algorithm are illustrated through a number of computer simulations considering the error from camera sensor. Simulation results show that the robustness and efficiency can be balanced by choosing the proper controlling value of band width.