bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Galloping instabilities of Z-shaped shading louvers
Authors: Alonso Gustavo , Pérez-Grande Isabel , Meseguer José
Published: October 2014

Modern design of civil constructions such as office blocks, airport terminal buildings, factories, etc. incorporates more and more environmental considerations that lead to, amongst other elements, the use of glazed façades with shading devices to optimize energy consumption. These shading devices, normally slats or louvers, are very flexible structures exposed to the action of wind, and therefore aeroelastic effects such as galloping must be taken into account in their design. A typical cross-section for such elements is a Z-shaped profile made out of a central web and two side wings. The results of a parametric analysis based on static wind tunnel tests and performed on different Z-shaped louvers to determine translational galloping instability regions are presented in this paper.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection of the subacromial bursa: an unusual complication following subacromial corticosteroid injection (a report of two cases)
Authors: Teoh Kar H , Jones Sian A , Gurunaidu Subramaniam , Pritchard Mark G
Published: October 2014

Subacromial corticosteroid injections are frequently used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in shoulder pain. Subacromial septic bursitis is a recognized but rare complication. There have been no reports of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections of the subacromial bursa after subacromial injections in the literature. We describe case reports of two patients who presented with subacromial methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus septic bursitis following subacromial corticosteroid injections in the community and highlight the diagnostic and management challenges of this condition.
Microlaminated dual phase steel presenting with high strength and ultrahigh toughness
Authors: Zhang M-d. , Hu J. , Cao W-q. , Dong H.
Published: October 2014

In the present study, a steel with the chemical composition of Fe–0·15 wt-C–5 wt-Mn–3 wt-Al was designed. Its microstructure and mechanical properties were examined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and mechanical tests. It was found that hot rolling in the dual phase region of ferrite and austenite at high temperature resulted in microlaminated dual phase microstructure. An excellent combination of high strength (∼1200 MPa) and ultrahigh impact toughness (∼400 J) of the microlaminated dual phase steel was obtained. Based on the measurement of the phase volume fraction and the analysis of the fractography, it was shown that the high strength was mainly dependent on the high martensite volume fraction, while the ultrahigh impact toughness was attributed to the microlaminated microstructure.
Dobutamine stress for evaluation of right ventricular reserve in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Sharma Tripura , Lau Edmund M.T. , Choudhary Preeti , Torzillo Paul J. , Munoz Phillip A. , Simmons Lisa R. , Naeije Robert , Celermajer David S.
Published: October 2014

Right ventricular contractile response to pharmacological stress in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has not been characterised. We evaluated right ventricular contractile reserve in adults with PAH using dobutamine stress echocardiography.

16 PAH patients and 18 age-matched controls underwent low-dose dobutamine stress echocardiography. Contractile reserve was assessed by the change (Δ; peak stress minus rest value) in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and tricuspid annular systolic velocity (S′). A subgroup of 13 PAH patients underwent treadmill cardiopulmonary exercise testing for peak oxygen uptake (V′O2peak).

At rest, TAPSE and S′ were reduced in the PAH group compared with controls (1.7±0.4versus2.4±0.2 cm and 9.7±2.6versus12.5±1.2 cm·s−1, respectively; p<0.05). Contractile reserve was markedly attenuated in PAH compared to controls (ΔTAPSE 0.1±0.2versus0.6±0.3 cm and ΔS′ 4.6±2.8versus11.2±3.6 cm·s−1; p<0.0001). In the sub-group of PAH patients with preserved right ventricular systolic function at rest, contractile reserve remained depressed compared to controls.V′O2peakwas significantly correlated with ΔS′ (r=0.87, p=0.0003) and change in stroke volume (r=0.59, p=0.03).

Dobutamine stress can reveal sub-clinical reduction in right ventricular contractile reserve in patients with PAH. A correlation with exercise capacity suggests potential clinical value beyond resting measurements.
An official European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society technical standard: field walking tests in chronic respiratory disease
Authors: Holland Anne E. , Spruit Martijn A. , Troosters Thierry , Puhan Milo A. , Pepin Véronique , Saey Didier , McCormack Meredith C. , Carlin Brian W. , Sciurba Frank C. , Pitta Fabio , Wanger Jack , MacIntyre Neil , Kaminsky David A. , Culver Bruce H. , Revill Susan M. , Hernandes Nidia A. , Andrianopoulos Vasileios , Camillo Carlos Augusto , Mitchell Katy E. , Lee Annemarie L. , Hill Catherine J. , Singh Sally J.
Published: October 2014

Field walking tests are commonly employed to evaluate exercise capacity, assess prognosis and evaluate treatment response in chronic respiratory diseases. In recent years, there has been a wealth of new literature pertinent to the conduct of the 6-min walk test (6MWT), and a growing evidence base describing the incremental and endurance shuttle walk tests (ISWT and ESWT, respectively). The aim of this document is to describe the standard operating procedures for the 6MWT, ISWT and ESWT, which can be consistently employed by clinicians and researchers.

The Technical Standard was developed by a multidisciplinary and international group of clinicians and researchers with expertise in the application of field walking tests. The procedures are underpinned by a concurrent systematic review of literature relevant to measurement properties and test conduct in adults with chronic respiratory disease.

Current data confirm that the 6MWT, ISWT and ESWT are valid, reliable and responsive to change with some interventions. However, results are sensitive to small changes in methodology. It is important that two tests are conducted for the 6MWT and ISWT.

This Technical Standard for field walking tests reflects current evidence regarding procedures that should be used to achieve robust results.
An official systematic review of the European Respiratory Society/American Thoracic Society: measurement properties of field walking tests in chronic respiratory disease
Authors: Singh Sally J. , Puhan Milo A. , Andrianopoulos Vasileios , Hernandes Nidia A. , Mitchell Katy E. , Hill Catherine J. , Lee Annemarie L. , Camillo Carlos Augusto , Troosters Thierry , Spruit Martijn A. , Carlin Brian W. , Wanger Jack , Pepin Véronique , Saey Didier , Pitta Fabio , Kaminsky David A. , McCormack Meredith C. , MacIntyre Neil , Culver Bruce H. , Sciurba Frank C. , Revill Susan M. , Delafosse Veronica , Holland Anne E.
Published: October 2014

This systematic review examined the measurement properties of the 6-min walk test (6MWT), incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) and endurance shuttle walk test (ESWT) in adults with chronic respiratory disease.

Studies that report the evaluation or use of the 6MWT, ISWT or ESWT were included. We searched electronic databases for studies published between January 2000 and September 2013.

The 6-min walking distance (6MWD) is a reliable measure (intra-class correlation coefficients ranged from 0.82 to 0.99 in seven studies). There is a learning effect, with greater distance walked on the second test (pooled mean improvement of 26 m in 13 studies). Reliability was similar for ISWT and ESWT, with a learning effect also evident for ISWT (pooled mean improvement of 20 m in six studies). The 6MWD correlates more strongly with peak work capacity (r=0.59–0.93) and physical activity (r=0.40–0.85) than with respiratory function (r=0.10–0.59). Methodological factors affecting 6MWD include track length, encouragement, supplemental oxygen and walking aids. Supplemental oxygen also affects ISWT and ESWT performance. Responsiveness was moderate to high for all tests, with greater responsiveness to interventions that included exercise training.

The findings of this review demonstrate that the 6MWT, ISWT and ESWT are robust tests of functional exercise capacity in adults with chronic respiratory disease.
Szász-Baskakov type operators based on q-integers
Authors: Agrawal Purshottam N , Karsli Harun , Goyal Meenu
Published: November 2014

In the present paper, we introduce the q-analog of the Stancu variant of Szász-Baskakov operators. We establish the moments of the operators by using the q-derivatives and then prove the basic convergence theorem. Next, the Voronovskaja type theorem and some direct results for the above operators are discussed. Also, the rate of convergence and weighted approximation by these operators in terms of modulus of continuity are studied. Then we obtain a point-wise estimate using the Lipschitz type maximal function. Lastly, we study the A-statistical convergence of these operators and also, in order to obtain a better approximation, we study a King type modification of the above operators.

MSC:41A25, 26A15, 40A35.
The existence of solutions for some fractional finite difference equations via sum boundary conditions
Authors: Agarwal Ravi P , Baleanu Dumitru , Rezapour Shahram , Salehi Saeid
Published: October 2014

In this manuscript we investigate the existence of the fractional finite difference equation (FFDE)

Δ

μ
−
2

μ

x
(
t
)
=
g
(
t
+
μ
−
1
,
x
(
t
+
μ
−
1
)
,
Δ
x
(
t
+
μ
−
1
)
)

via the boundary condition

x
(
μ
−
2
)
=
0

and the sum boundary condition

x
(
μ
+
b
+
1
)
=

∑

k
=
μ
−
1

α

x
(
k
)

for order

1
<
μ
≤
2

, where

g
:

N

μ
−
1

μ
+
b
+
1

×
R
×
R
→
R

,

α
∈

N

μ
−
1

μ
+
b

, and

t
∈

N
0

b
+
2

. Along the same lines, we discuss the existence of the solutions for the following FFDE:

Δ

μ
−
3

μ

x
(
t
)
=
g
(
t
+
μ
−
2
,
x
(
t
+
μ
−
2
)
)

via the boundary conditions

x
(
μ
−
3
)
=
0

and

x
(
μ
+
b
+
1
)
=
0

and the sum boundary condition

x
(
α
)
=

∑

k
=
γ

β

x
(
k
)

for order

2
<
μ
≤
3

, where

g
:

N

μ
−
2

μ
+
b
+
1

×
R
→
R

,

b
∈

N
0

,

t
∈

N
0

b
+
3

, and

α
,
β
,
γ
∈

N

μ
−
2

μ
+
b

with

γ
<
β
<
α

.

MSC:34A08.
Ultrasound composite scores for the assessment of inflammatory and structural pathologies in Psoriatic Arthritis (PsASon-Score)
Authors: Ficjan Anja , Husic Rusmir , Gretler Judith , Lackner Angelika , Graninger Winfried B , Gutierrez Marwin , Duftner Christina , Hermann Josef , Dejaco Christian
Published: October 2014

Introduction

This study was performed to develop ultrasound composite scores for the assessment of inflammatory and structural lesions in Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA).

Methods

We performed a prospective study on 83 PsA patients undergoing two study visits scheduled 6 months apart. B-mode and Power Doppler (PD) findings were semi-quantitatively scored at 68 joints (evaluating synovia, perisynovial tissue, tendons and bone) and 14 entheses. We constructed bilateral and unilateral (focusing the dominant site) ultrasound composite scores selecting relevant sites by a hierarchical approach. We tested convergent construct validity, reliability and feasibility of inflammatory and structural elements of the scores as well as sensitivity to change for inflammatory items.

Results

The bilateral score (termed PsASon22) included 22 joints (6 metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPs), 4 proximal interphalangeal joints (PIPs) of hands (H-PIPs), 2 metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPs), 4 distal interphalangeal joints (DIPs) of hands (H-DIPs), 2 DIPs of feet (F-DIPs), 4 large joints) and 4 entheses (bilateral assessment of lateral epicondyle and distal patellar tendon). The unilateral score (PsASon13) compromised 13 joints (2 MCPs, 3 H-PIPs, 1 PIP of feet (F-PIP), 2 MTPs, 1 H-DIP and 2 F-DIPs and 2 large joints) and 2 entheses (unilateral lateral epicondyle and distal patellar tendon). Both composite scores revealed a moderate to high sensitivity (bilateral composite score 43% to 100%, unilateral 36% to 100%) to detect inflammatory and structural lesions compared to the 68-joint/14-entheses score. The inflammatory and structural components of the composite scores correlated weakly with clinical markers of disease activity (corrcoeffs 0 to 0.40) and the health assessment questionnaire (HAQ, corrcoeffs 0 to 0.39), respectively. Patients with active disease achieving remission at follow-up yielded greater reductions of ultrasound inflammatory scores than those with stable clinical activity (Cohen’s d effect size ranging from 0 to 0.79). Inter-rater reliability of bi- and unilateral composite scores was moderate to good with ICCs ranging from 0.42 to 0.96 and from 0.36 to 0.71, respectively for inflammatory and structural sub-scores. The PsASon22 and PsASon13 required 16 to 26 and 9 to 13 minutes, respectively to be completed.

Conclusion

Both new PsA ultrasound composite scores (PsASon22 and PsASon13) revealed sufficient convergent construct validity, sensitivity to change, reliability and feasibility.
Cognitive-friendly hospitals: a leap from Flat Earthers to Galileo: commentary on… managing delirium in everyday practice
Authors: Jolley David
Published: November 2014

General hospitals and hospices see mostly older people, many of whom have dementia and multiple pathologies: delirium is common, costly and damaging. Informed and kindly care can reduce the incidence of delirium and hasten its resolution. O'Connell et al demand ownership of this phenomenon by the whole hospital. This will require a turnabout of philosophy, management and training for all professions.
Positive attributes in children and reduced risk of future psychopathology
Authors: Vidal-Ribas Pablo , Goodman Robert , Stringaris Argyris
Published: October 2014

Background

There is little research on children's positive attributes and their association with psychiatric outcomes.

Aims

To examine the hypothesis that children's positive attributes are associated with a reduced risk of developing psychopathology in future.

Method

Positive attributes, measured with the Youth Strengths Inventory (YSI) and psychiatric outcomes were assessed on two occasions over 3 years in a large epidemiological sample of British children and adolescents (n= 5325).

Results

The YSI showed high to moderate cross-informant correlations and longitudinal stability. Children scoring high on positive attributes at baseline had fewer psychiatric symptoms and disorders at follow-up, adjusting for symptoms at baseline, disorder at baseline and child and family factors. Analyses with propensity score matching also suggested that positive attributes decrease the likelihood of psychiatric morbidity.

Conclusions

Children's positive attributes are associated with significantly less psychopathology across time and may be a target for intervention.
Bone Turnover, Bone Mineral Density, and Fracture Risk in Acromegaly: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mazziotti Gherardo , Biagioli Elena , Maffezzoni Filippo , Spinello Maurizio , Serra Vincenza , Maroldi Roberto , Floriani Irene , Giustina Andrea
Published: November 2014

Context:

GH excess causes an increase in bone turnover, but the consequences in terms of skeletal fragility have long been uncertain due to the heterogeneity of studies dealing with this topic.

Objective:

We conducted a meta-analysis of studies examining the effects of acromegaly on bone turnover, bone mineral density (BMD), and fractures. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of sex, gonadal status, and activity of disease on skeletal end-points in acromegaly.

Data Sources:

We conducted MEDLINE and EMBASE systematic searches up to December 31, 2013.

Study Eligibility Criteria:

Studies conducted in patients with acromegaly and reporting at least one determinant of skeletal fragility.

Data Extraction and Analysis:

Study design, patient characteristics, interventions, and outcomes were independently extracted by two authors. We calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) of bone turnover and BMD differences, whereas fractures were presented as relative frequencies in acromegaly and odds ratios between patients and controls.

Results:

Forty-one studies fulfilled eligibility criteria and were therefore selected for data extraction and analysis. A total of 1935 patients were included (eight to 206 per study). Acromegaly patients had higher bone formation (SMD, 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97–2.01; P < .0001) and bone resorption (SMD, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.03–2.10; P < .0001) as compared to control subjects, without significant differences in lumbar spine BMD. BMD at the femoral neck tended to be higher in acromegaly patients vs control subjects (SMD, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.07–1.27; P = .03). Patients with acromegaly had high frequency of vertebral fractures (odds ratio, 8.26; 95% CI, 2.91–23.39; P < .0001), in close relationship with male gender, hypogonadism, and active acromegaly.

Limitations:

Limitations included heterogeneous study protocols with possible variability in the assessment of skeletal end-points.

Conclusions:

Skeletal fragility is an emerging complication of acromegaly.
A Natural Androgen Receptor Antagonist Induces Cellular Senescence in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Hessenkemper Wiebke , Roediger Julia , Bartsch Sophie , Houtsmuller Adriaan B. , van Royen Martin E. , Petersen Iver , Grimm Marc-Oliver , Baniahmad Aria
Published: October 2014

We have previously identified a natural occurring, androgen receptor-specific antagonist. Atraric acid (AA) inhibits the transactivation of the androgen receptor (AR) and androgen-mediated growth of AR-expressing human prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines. Here we show that AA treatment of living cells provokes molecular changes of AR signaling. In addition to a deceleration of nuclear translocation a block of the intramolecular amino/carboxy (N/C)-terminal interaction of the AR was observed. Furthermore, using high-resolution confocal fluorescence microscopy, a reduced speckle formation of the AR was observed in line with an increased intranuclear mobility of the receptor. This suggests decreased DNA binding of the AR, which is further indicated by an impaired chromatin recruitment of the AR to the prostate-specific antigen promoter and enhancer shown by chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments. Using inhibitors of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase Src or Akt, known interaction partners of AR, reduced the level of androgen-induced cellular senescence suggesting a partly non-genomic pathway to induce cellular senescence by AA. Using PP2 (4-Amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine) pyrimidine or Akt inhibitors, inhibitors of the nonreceptor tyrosine kinase Src or Akt, known interaction partners of AR, reduced the level of androgen-induced cellular senescence, suggesting a partly nongenomic pathway to induce cellular senescence by AA. Treatment of LNCaP cells with AA is associated with hypophosphorylation of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor and an increase of p16 expression, whereas the p53-p21 signaling pathway seems not be affected by AA treatment. Analyzing human PCa tissue samples treated with AA ex vivo also indicates an induction of cellular senescence associated with an increase of p16 expression but not p21. Taken together, these data indicate that AA exhibits novel features to inhibit AR amino/carboxy-terminal interaction, the AR-mediated nuclear activities and growth of PCa cells.
The lncRNA Neat1 is required for corpus luteum formation and the establishment of pregnancy in a subpopulation of mice
Authors: Nakagawa Shinichi , Shimada Masayuki , Yanaka Kaori , Mito Mari , Arai Takashi , Takahashi Eiki , Fujita Youko , Fujimori Toshihiko , Standaert Laura , Marine Jean-Christophe , Hirose Tetsuro
Published: October 2014

Neat1 is a non-protein-coding RNA that serves as an architectural component of the nuclear bodies known as paraspeckles. Although cell-based studies indicate that Neat1 is a crucial regulator of gene expression, its physiological relevance remains unclear. Here, we find that Neat1 knockout (KO) mice stochastically fail to become pregnant despite normal ovulation. Unilateral transplantation of wild-type ovaries or the administration of progesterone partially rescued the phenotype, suggesting that corpus luteum dysfunction and concomitant low progesterone were the primary causes of the decreased fertility. In contrast to the faint expression observed in most of the adult tissues, Neat1 was highly expressed in the corpus luteum, and the formation of luteal tissue was severely impaired in nearly half of the Neat1 KO mice. These observations suggest that Neat1 is essential for the formation of the corpus luteum and for the subsequent establishment of pregnancy under a suboptimal condition that has not yet been identified.
Blocking Hedgehog release from pancreatic cancer cells increases paracrine signaling potency
Authors: Damhofer Helene , Veenstra Veronique L. , Tol Johanna A. M. G. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M. , Medema Jan Paul , Bijlsma Maarten F.
Published: October 2014

Members of the Hedgehog (Hh) family of morphogens play critical roles in development, but are also involved in the progression of certain types of cancer. Despite being synthesized as hydrophobic dually lipid modified molecules, and thus strongly membrane-associated, Hh ligands are able to spread through tissue and act on target cells several cell diameters away. Various mechanism that mediate Hh release have been discussed in recent years, however, little is known about dispersion of this ligand from cancer cells. Using coculture models in conjunction with a newly developed reporter system, we were able to show that different members of the ADAM family of metalloproteases strongly contribute to the release of endogenous, bioactive Hh from pancreatic cancer cells, but that this solubilization decreases the potency of cancer cells to signal to adjacent stromal cells in direct coculture models. These findings imply that under certain conditions, cancer cell-tethered Hh molecules are the more potent signaling activators and that retaining Hh on the surface of cancer cells can unexpectedly increase the effective signaling range of this ligand depending on tissue context.
Reliable quantification of bite-force performance requires use of appropriate biting substrate and standardization of bite out-lever
Authors: Lappin A. Kristopher , Jones Marc E.H.
Published: October 2014

Bite-force performance is an ecologically important measure of whole-organism performance that shapes dietary breadth and feeding strategies and, in some taxa, determines reproductive success. It also is a metric critical to testing and evaluating biomechanical models. We reviewed nearly one-hundred published studies of a range of taxa that incorporate direct in vivo measurements of bite force. Problematically, methods of data collection and processing vary considerably among studies. In particular, there is little consensus on the appropriate substrate to use on the biting surface of force transducers. In addition, the bite out-lever, defined as the distance from the fulcrum (i.e. jaw joint) to the position along the jawline at which the jaws engage the transducer, is rarely taken into account. We examined the effect of bite substrate and bite out-lever on bite-force estimates in a diverse sample of lizards. Results indicate that both variables have a significant impact on the accuracy of measurements. Maximum bite force is significantly greater using leather as the biting substrate, as compared to a metal substrate. Less forceful bites on metal are likely due to inhibitory feedback from mechanoreceptors that prevent damage to the feeding apparatus. Standardization of bite out-lever affected which trial produced maximum performance for a given individual. Indeed, maximum bite force usually is underestimated without standardization because it is expected to be greatest at the minimum out-lever (i.e. back of jaws), which in studies is rarely targeted with success. We assert that future studies should use a pliable substrate, such as leather, and employ appropriate standardization for bite out-lever.
Jumping mechanisms in lacewings (Neuroptera, Chrysopidae and Hemerobiidae)
Authors: Burrows Malcolm , Dorosenko Marina
Published: October 2014

Lacewings launch themselves into the air by simultaneous propulsive movements of the middle and hind legs as revealed in video images captured at a rate of 1000 s-1. These movements were powered largely by thoracic trochanteral depressor muscles but did not start from a particular preset position of these legs. Ridges on the lateral sides of the meso- and metathorax fluoresced bright blue when illuminated with ultraviolet light suggesting the presence of the elastic protein resilin. The middle and hind legs were longer than the front legs but their femora and tibiae were narrow tubes of similar diameter. Jumps were of two types. First, those in which the body was oriented almost parallel to the ground (-7 ± 8 degrees in green lacewings, 13.7 ± 7 degrees in brown lacewings) at take-off and remained stable once airborne. The wings did not move until 5 ms after take-off when flapping flight ensued. Second, were jumps in which the head pointed downwards at take-off (-37 ± 3 degrees green lacewings, -35 ± 4 degrees in brown lacewings) and the body rotated in the pitch plane once airborne without the wings opening. The larger green lacewings (mass 9 mg, body length 10.3 mm) took 15 ms to accelerate the body and the smaller brown lacewings (3.6 mg and 5.3 mm) 9 ms, to mean take-off velocities of 0.6 and 0.5 m s-1. During their fastest jumps both green and brown lacewings respectively experienced accelerations of 5.5 or 6.3 g, required an energy expenditure of 5.6 or 0.7 μJ, a power output of 0.3 or 0.1 mW and exerted a force of 0.6 or 0.2 mN. The required power was well within the maximum active contractile limit of normal muscle, so that jumping could be produced by direct muscle contractions without a power amplification mechanism or an energy store.
Severe hypoxia impairs lateralization in a marine teleost fish
Authors: Lucon-Xiccato Tyrone , Nati Julie J. H. , Blasco Felipe Rocco , Johansen Jacob L. , Steffensen John F. , Domenici Paolo
Published: October 2014

In intertidal environments, the recurring hypoxic condition at low tide is one of the main factors affecting fish behaviour, causing broad effects on ecological interactions. We assessed the effects of hypoxia on lateralization (e.g. the tendency to turn left or right), a behaviour related to brain functional asymmetry, which is thought to play a key role in several life history aspects of fish. Using staghorn sculpin (Leptocottus armatus), a benthic fish that typically inhabits the intertidal zone, we found that hypoxia affects behavioural lateralization at population-level. On average, staghorn sculpins showed a distinct preference for right turns under normoxic conditions (> 90 % oxygen saturation), but an equal probability of turning right or left after exposure to hypoxia for 2 hours (20 % oxygen saturation). The specific turning preference observed in the staghorn sculpin control population is likely to have an adaptive value, for example in predator-prey interactions by enhancing attack success or survival from predatory attacks. Therefore the alteration of lateralization expressed by staghorn sculpins under hypoxic conditions may have far-reaching implications for species ecology and trophic interactions. Moreover, our work raises the need to study this effect in other species, in which a hypoxia-driven disruption of lateralization could affect a wider range of behaviours, such as social interactions and schooling.
Saving energy during hard times: Energetic adaptations of Shetland pony mares
Authors: Brinkmann Lea , Gerken Martina , Hambly Catherine , Speakman John R. , Riek Alexander
Published: October 2014

Recent results suggest that wild Northern herbivores reduce their metabolism during times of low ambient temperatures and food shortage in order to reduce their energetic needs. It is however not known if domesticated animals are also able to reduce their energy expenditure. We exposed ten Shetland pony mares to different environmental conditions (summer and winter) and to two food quantities (60 and 100% of maintenance energy requirement, respectively) during low winter temperatures to examine energetic and behavioural responses. In summer ponies showed a considerably higher field metabolic rate (FMR) (63.4±15.0 MJ d-1) compared to restrictively fed and control animals in winter (24.6±7.8 MJ d-1 and 15.0±1.1 MJ d-1, respectively). During summer conditions locomotor activity, resting heart rates and total water turnover were considerably elevated (P<0.001) compared to winter. Restrictively fed animals (N=5) compensated for the decreased energy supply by reducing their FMR by 26% compared to control animals (N=5). Furthermore, resting heart rate, body mass and body condition score were lower (29.2±2.7 beats min-1; 140±22 kg; 3.0±1.0 points) than in control animals (36.8±41 beats min-1; 165 ±31 kg; 4.4±0.7 points; P<0.05). While the observed behaviour did not change, nocturnal hypothermia was elevated. We conclude that ponies acclimatize to different climatic conditions by changing their metabolic rate, behaviour and some physiological parameters. When exposed to energy challenges, ponies, like wild herbivores, exhibited hypometabolism and nocturnal hypothermia.
Influence of Cation-Exchanged Copper on the Adsorption of Phenol onto Zeolite Beta
Authors: Smart D. , Curtin T. , O'Dwyer T.F.
Published: October 2014

The aim of this research was to examine the effect of copper cation-exchanged zeolites on the adsorption uptake of organic pollutants. Two beta zeolites with silica-to-alumina ratios of 25:1 and 150:1 were modified by copper cation exchange and their potential for the removal of phenol from aqueous solutions was investigated. It was found that copper loading could be increased by increasing the pH of the exchange to 7. The exchanged copper was found to be relatively resistant to leaching between 5 and 11. An increase in copper loading or silica content resulted in an increase in the adsorption capacity of the zeolite for phenol. Overall, it was found that the adsorption showed best fit to the generalized Langmuir–Freundlich isotherm model. The adsorption process was exothermic and yielded thermodynamic parameters that were contiguous with phenol adsorption.
Variation in the Pore Structure of Coal after Hydraulic Slotting and Gas Drainage
Authors: Zou Quanle , Lin Baiquan , Liang Jinyan , Liu Ting , Zhou Yan , Yan Fazhi , Zhu Chuanjie
Published: October 2014

The integration of hydraulic slotting and gas drainage techniques has become a mainstream technique for enhancing permeability in coal seams with low permeability. However, the mechanism of action of this process is unclear. In this paper, field experiment and laboratory tests are described that aim at elucidating this process. Given the sensitivity and accuracy of test methods and their corresponding determination principles, a combination of mercury intrusion porosimetry and nitrogen gas adsorption was proposed as a complementary technique and the pore-size distribution (PSD) was obtained. It is shown that the proportion of minipores decreases remarkably, whereas that of the macropores gradually increases with the decrease in the distance from the slotted borehole. By contrast, the mesopores and micropores present insignificant changes. Meanwhile, the adsorption pore and the seepage pore show a similar variation in tendency with the minipores and macropores, respectively. Moreover, the specific surface area decreases substantially with the decrease in borehole distances. The integration of hydraulic slotting and gas drainage can lower the gas-adsorption properties and enhance the gas-seepage capacity within the disturbed zone significantly. The paper highlights the guiding factors for improving the enhanced coal bed methane recovery.
S. Fred Singer and the Nongovernmental International Panel on Climate Change
Authors: Idso Craig D.
Published: October 2014

Among the many highlights of his distinguished career, one of the great scientific contributions of S. Fred Singer is his work with the Nongovernmental International Panel on Climate Change (NIPCC). Formed by Dr. Singer in the early 2000s, this organization of scientists has emerged as one of the leading institutions challenging the contentions that are made in the periodic United Nations reports on climate change. This article briefly describes Dr. Singer's involvement with the NIPCC, from its creation to the publication of its most recent Climate Change Reconsidered reports
Climate Models and Their Simulation of Precipitation
Authors: Legates David R.
Published: October 2014

Current state-of-the-art General Circulation Models (GCMs) do not simulate precipitation well because they do not include the full range of precipitation-forming mechanisms that occur in the real world. It is demonstrated here that the impact of these errors are not trivial – an error of only 1 mm in simulating liquid rainfall is equivalent to the energy required to heat the entire troposphere by 0.3°C. Given that models exhibit differences between the observed and modeled precipitation that often exceed 1 mm day−1, this lost energy is not trivial. Thus, models and their prognostications are largely unreliable.
Parametric Design Strategies for the Generation of Creative Designs
Authors: Lee JuHyun , Gu Ning , Williams Anthony P.
Published: October 2014

As one of the emerging Computer-Aided Design (CAD) technologies for digital design and visualisation in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) domain, parametric design potentially offers an innovative way of generating new design solutions. Despite this potential, design strategies associated with algorithmic scripting are not well understood. This paper provides a comprehensive understanding of individual design strategies supporting creative solutions in parametric design, using the combined application of protocol analysis and Consensual Assessment Technique (CAT). The article examines the generative and evolutionary aspects of parametric design that play an important role in the generation of creative designs. An in-depth analysis conceptualises designers' parametric design strategies into problem-forwarding strategy and solution-reflecting strategy. The solution-reflecting strategy focusing on the solution space of designing has potential to produce creative solutions by parametric design. A more in-depth understanding of parametric design strategies supports its effective adaptation to better serve the needs of digital design and visualisation in the AEC industry.
Nominalized Matter: Agency of Material
Authors: Baerlecken Daniel , Wright Katherine Blair
Published: October 2014

This paper investigates making as a process that brings together diverse materials and combines their flow in anticipation of what might emerge. Ingold calls this approach the textility of making, which gives priority to the formation of materials as a process, in which form is generated through interventions within fields of forces and currents of materials – not through a predefined notion of an ideal outcome. The approach opposes the Aristotelian hylomorphic approach, which focuses on final products. This paper investigates textiles techniques and their potential for simultaneously creating ornamental and structural systems. This work is conducted through a sequence of architecture design studios, producing the case studies found in this paper. Within the paper different examples of textile systems are introduced ranging from a Semperian approach (wall as dress) to form finding experiments with active textile materials – demonstrating the potential for methods utilizing material agency to inform architectural design.
Effect of Magnitude Differences in the Original Data on Price Forecasting
Authors: Zhu Quan-Yin , Yin Yong-Hua , Zhu Hong-Jian , Zhou Hong
Published: October 2014

In order to ensure the stability and high accuracy on price forecasting, a novel idea is found that magnitude differences in the original data have an effect on price forecasting based on experiments. And a general data pre-processing method for the original data magnitude is put forward in this paper according to the novel idea. The new data pre-processing method that normalizes the magnitude of the original data is described in detail in this paper. The different data and models are used to verify the new idea and the generality of the proposed method. And the discrete data are the data of CNY exchange rate and agricultural product price. The different models are improved models of Back Propagation (BP) neural network and Radial Basis Function (RBF) neural network. Compared to other magnitudes, normalizing the magnitude of the original data to a smaller magnitude obtains the best result. And in this paper the smaller magnitude is the order 1. The forecasting average accuracy of the experiments done with the data of CNY exchange rate based on BP neural network and RBF neural network gets 99.14 percent and 99.27 percent. The forecasting average accuracy of the experiments completed with the data of agriculture product price based on BP neural network and RBF neural network gets 98.54 percent and 97.81 percent. Experiment demonstrates that the data pre-processing method has the great generality on discrete data and models. The data pre-processing method proposed in this paper reduces the differences between data which affect the accuracy of the prediction models to a degree. The generality of the proposed method is proved that the innovative idea and method are meaningful and useful for the price forecasting.
DOCLASP - Docking ligands to target proteins using spatial and electrostatic congruence extracted from a known holoenzyme and applying simple geometrical transformations
Authors: Chakraborty Sandeep
Published: October 2014

The ability to accurately and effectively predict the interaction between proteins and small drug-like compounds has long intrigued researchers for pedagogic, humanitarian and economic reasons. Protein docking methods (AutoDock, GOLD, DOCK, FlexX and Glide to name a few) rank a large number of possible conformations of protein-ligand complexes using fast algorithms. Previously, it has been shown that structural congruence leading to the same enzymatic function necessitates the congruence of electrostatic properties (CLASP). The current work presents a methodology for docking a ligand into a target protein, provided that there is at least one known holoenzyme with ligand bound - DOCLASP (Docking using CLASP). The contact points of the ligand in the holoenzyme defines a motif, which is used to query the target enzyme using CLASP. If there are no significant matches, the ligand cannot be docked in the protein. Otherwise, the holoenzyme and the target protein are superimposed based on congruent atoms. The same linear and rotational transformations are also applied to the ligand, thus creating a unified coordinate framework having the holoenzyme, the ligand and the target enzyme. This provides the docked ligand in the target enzyme. Previously, CLASP was used to predict and validate (in vivo) the inhibition of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) from Bacillus cereus by two dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP4) inhibitors - vildagliptin and K-579. In the current work, vildagliptin was docked to the PI-PLC structure complexed with myo-inositol using DOCLASP. The docked ligand is free from steric clashes and interacts with the same side chain residues that bind myo-inositol, providing corroboration of the validity of the proposed methodology.
Collecting rare diseases
Authors: Ekins Sean
Published: October 2014

This editorial introduces the F1000Research rare disease collection. It is common knowledge that for new treatments to be successful there has to be a partnership between the many interested parties such as the patient, advocate, disease foundations, the academic scientists, venture funding organizations, biotech companies, pharmaceutical companies, NIH, and the FDA. Our intention is to provide a forum for discussion and dissemination of any rare disease related topics that will advance scientific understanding and progress to treatments.
Educational and Cognitive Activities of Primary School Pupils: Realities and Fallacies
Authors: Рыдзе  , Rydze Oxana
Published: October 2014

Primary school pupils’ educational and cognitive activities are considered as being the prerequisite for meeting requirements, imposed by the

Federal State Educational Standard (FGOS) of Primary General Education. it is revealed, that separate subject-matter mistakes may hide

certain difficulties in developing primary school pupils’ ability to learn. Ways to prevent and cope with these difficulties are suggested.
The Real Thing
Authors: Фёдорова  , Fedorova N.
Published: October 2014

The paper suggests methodological comments on how to tap into essential ethical issues after reading and discussing at classes fairy tales and

sayings of all sorts of nations concerning compassion, mercifulness and cooperativeness and then unobtrusively, avoiding outright moral maxims,

make pupils get insights in simple truths, underpinning universal human values. The recommendation are appropriate and desirable for fourgrade

classes at the lessons of “The religious cultures and secular ethics” course, as well as at lessons of the “World around us” course and at

Literature reading lessons.
On Bounding the Bandwidth of Graphs with Symmetry
Authors: van Dam E. R. , Sotirov R.
Published: October 2014

We derive a new lower bound for the bandwidth of a graph that is based on a new lower bound for the min-cut problem. Our new semidefinite programming relaxation of the min-cut problem is obtained by strengthening the known semidefinite programming relaxation for the quadratic assignment problem (or for the graph partition problem) by fixing two vertices in the graph; one on each side of the cut. Fixing results in several smaller subproblems that need to be solved to obtain the new bound. To efficiently solve these subproblems we exploit symmetry in the data; that is, both symmetry in the min-cut problem and symmetry in the graphs. To obtain upper bounds for the bandwidth of graphs with symmetry, we develop a heuristic approach based on the well-known reverse Cuthill–McKee algorithm, and that improves significantly its performance on the tested graphs. Our approaches result in the best known lower and upper bounds for the bandwidth of all graphs under consideration, i.e., Hamming graphs, 3-dimensional generalized Hamming graphs, Johnson graphs, and Kneser graphs, with up to 216 vertices.
Risk Preferences and Demand Drivers of Extended Warranties
Authors: Jindal Pranav
Published: October 2014

We disentangle and study the relative importance of different risk preferences in explaining extended warranty purchases and the high premia paid for them. Empirical and behavioral research on insurance is at odds with whether diminishing returns (curvature of the utility function), or loss aversion and nonlinear probability weighting lead to observed consumer behavior. This lack of consensus is primarily due to the inability of standard choice data to separate different risk preferences, and the consequent need to rely on strong parametric assumptions. We design two conjoint studies (consistent with simultaneous and sequential decision making) with choices about washing machines and extended warranties, where subjects are given failure probabilities and repair costs. Using stated choice data from the surveys, we can nonparametrically identify product and risk preferences. We find that loss aversion is significantly more important than curvature and probability weights in explaining extended warranty choices. Importantly, failure to decompose risk-averse behavior into that arising from curvature, loss aversion, and probability weighting leads to lower washer prices and profits. These findings are robust to alternate reference point assumptions. We rationalize the premia paid for warranties by exploring retailer incentives to price discriminate, and test the theory on complementary goods pricing. Finally, based on counterfactual analysis, forcing separate retailers to sell washers and extended warranties is not necessarily welfare enhancing as cited in the media and previous literature.
Spinoffs and the Mobility of U.S. Merchant Semiconductor Inventors
Authors: Cheyre Cristobal , Klepper Steven , Veloso Francisco
Published: October 2014

Data on inventors and assignees of patents are used to analyze the mobility of semiconductor inventors. Exploiting data on the origins of semiconductor producers with larger sales, we argue that the higher mobility of semiconductor inventors in Silicon Valley is in great part due to the entry of spinoffs there. Our empirical evidence suggests that spinoff entry promoted mobility in Silicon Valley even before the industry was clustered there. Agglomeration economies and the ban on noncompete covenants may influence spinoff entry, but spinoffs promote mobility even in the absence of those conditions. Because most of the greater inventor mobility in Silicon Valley corresponds to inventors moving from incumbents to recent entrants, the benefits that arise from greater mobility rates will be disproportionately reaped by new firms.

This paper was accepted by Lee Fleming, entrepreneurship and innovation.
Aging and Financial Decision Making
Authors: Gamble Keith Jacks , Boyle Patricia A. , Yu Lei , Bennett David A.
Published: October 2014

This study examines how cognitive changes associated with aging impact the financial decision-making capability of older Americans. We find that a decrease in cognition is associated with a decrease in financial literacy. Decreases in episodic memory and visuospatial ability are associated with a decrease in numeracy, and a decrease in semantic memory is associated with a decrease in financial knowledge. A decrease in cognition also predicts a drop in self-confidence in general, but importantly, it is not associated with a drop in confidence in managing one’s own finances. Participants experiencing decreases in cognition do show an increased likelihood of getting help with financial decisions; however, many participants experiencing significant drops in cognition still do not get help.

This paper was accepted by Teck-Hua Ho, behavioral economics.
The Impact of a Target on Newsvendor Decisions
Authors: Chen Lucy Gongtao , Long Daniel Zhuoyu , Perakis Georgia
Published: October 2014

Goal achieving is a commonly observed phenomenon in practice, and it plays an important role in decision making. In this paper, we investigate the impact of a target on newsvendor decisions. We take into account the risk and model the effect of a target by maximizing the satisficing measure of a newsvendor’s profit with respect to that target. We study two satisficing measures: (i) conditional value at risk (CVaR) satisficing measure that evaluates the highest confidence level of CVaR achieving the target; (ii) entropic satisficing measure that assesses the smallest risk tolerance level under which the certainty equivalent for exponential utility function achieves the target. For both satisficing measures, we find that the optimal ordering quantity increases with the target level. We determine an optimal order quantity for a target-based newsvendor and characterize its properties with respect to, for example, product’s profit margin.