bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dapagliflozin reduces albuminuria in patients with diabetes and hypertension receiving renin‐angiotensin blockers
Authors: Heerspink H. J. L. , Johnsson E. , Gause‐Nilsson I. , Cain V. A. , Sjöström C. D.
Published: March 2016

Aims

To characterize the effect of dapagliflozin on albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and to determine whether effects on albuminuria were mediated through changes in glycated haemoblogin (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure (SBP), body weight or eGFR.

Methods

We conducted a post hoc analysis of data pooled from two phase III clinical trials in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) on stable angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker therapy, randomly assigned to dapagliflozin 10 mg/day or matched placebo. This analysis included only patients with microalbuminuria or macroalbuminuria at baseline.

Results

Patients were randomized to receive dapagliflozin 10 mg (n = 167) or placebo (n = 189). Dapagliflozin resulted in greater 12‐week reductions in albuminuria compared with placebo: −33.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) −45.4, −18.2]. The reduction in albuminuria was also present after adjusting for age, sex and changes in HbA1c, SBP, body weight and eGFR: −23.5% (95% CI −37.6, −6.3). There was a decrease in eGFR with dapagliflozin versus placebo that was readily reversed 1 week after last dose. No serious renal‐related adverse events were observed in any group.

Conclusions

Dapagliflozin was effective in lowering albuminuria in patients with T2DM and hypertension using renin‐angiotensin system blockade therapy. Reductions in albuminuria were still present after adjusting for changes in HbA1c, SBP, body weight and eGFR. Dapagliflozin‐induced improvements in glycaemic control and reductions in SBP, coupled with other potentially beneficial renal effects, may lead to a reduced long‐term renal and cardiovascular risk.
Marital Sorting, Inequality and the Role of Female Labour Supply: Evidence from East and West Germany
Authors: Pestel Nico
Published: March 2016

This paper examines the effect of marital sorting on earnings inequality, taking into account extensive and intensive margin labour supply choices. Using German microdata, the observed distribution of couples’ earnings is compared to a counterfactual of random matches. In West Germany, marital sorting is found to be disequalizing only after adjusting for labour supply. This means that positive sorting in earnings potential is veiled by low female participation rates. In East Germany, the impact is highly disequalizing even when earnings are taken as given, due to the fact that East German women are more attached to the labour market.
Acquisition of genomic events leading to lymphoblastic transformation in a rare case of myeloproliferative neoplasm with BCR–JAK2 fusion transcript
Authors: Duployez Nicolas , Nibourel Olivier , Ducourneau Benoît , Grardel Nathalie , Boyer Thomas , Bories Claire , Darre Stéphane , Coiteux Valérie , Berthon Céline , Preudhomme Claude , Roche‐Lestienne Catherine
Published: March 2016

We report a case of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) with an atypical t(9;22;15)(p24;q11;q21) translocation, leading to a BCR–JAK2 fusion, associated with a trisomy of chromosome 8 in clonal evolution at karyotype. Patient's evolution was marked by an aggressive clinical course with rapid progression to blast phase within the first year after diagnosis. Examination of matched chronic phase and blast crisis samples by SNP‐array karyotyping identified secondary acquired cryptic genetic events at the time of lymphoblastic transformation, including biallelic IKZF1 alteration and EBF1 and CDKN2A/B codeletions. This case is the first report describing acquisition of secondary genetic events leading to acute lymphoblastic progression in a rare MPN with BCR–JAK2 fusion.
Cyclic behaviour of 12% Cr ferritic‐martensitic steel upon long‐term on‐site service in power plants
Authors: Zhang Z. , Hu Z. F. , Schmauder S.
Published: March 2016

The strain‐controlled and stress‐controlled low‐cycle fatigue behaviour of served 12% Cr ferritic–martensitic steel is conducted at room temperature. Continuous softening is observed at both control modes, and the fitting results show that the fatigue properties of 12% Cr steel are not reduced significantly after 230 000 h service at 550 °C/13.7 MPa. Scanning electron microscopy has been employed to investigate the microstructure evolution after long‐term service. It is proved that the decomposition of martensite laths structure and the coarsening of carbides at grain/lath boundaries are the main reasons why the pipe bursts after 180 000 h service at 550 °C/17.1 MPa. The fracture under both control modes has been observed by using scanning electron microscopy, and it indicates coarse carbides along grain/lath boundaries are favourable sites for micro‐crack nucleation and the secondary cracks along the fatigue striations are formed by the connection of micro‐cracks nucleated during fatigue behaviour.
Assembling Urban Regeneration? Resourcing Critical Generative Accounts of Urban Regeneration through Assemblage.
Authors: MGuirk Pauline M. , Mee Kathy J. , Ruming Kristian J.
Published: March 2016

In critical urban studies, managed urban regeneration has been linked to trajectories of neo‐liberalising urban policy and urban entrepreneurialism. While the insights arising from this work have been many and valuable, significant gaps remain particularly in terms of the foci of analysis and the conception of politics. In this paper, we aim to address these gaps and to reposition the conceptualization of regeneration as a performed and emergent consequence of ‘relatedness’ and as subject to a range of relational effects and determinations. To do so we work through four capacities of assemblage thinking that are particularly productive for this task: (i) revealing the relational, multiple and processual nature of urban trajectories; (ii) revealing the multi‐scalar labouring involved in configuring the (socio‐material) assemblages that constitute regeneration; (iii) identifying openings for multiple possible trajectories of regeneration; (iv) providing critical insights into how regeneration trajectories are constrained. We conclude with reflections on what assemblage thinking offers in terms of critically and generatively rethinking urban regeneration.
Freezing and melting behaviors of H2O‐NaCl‐CaCl2 solutions in fused silica capillaries and glass‐sandwiched films: implications for fluid inclusion studies
Authors: Chu H. , Chi G. , Chou I‐M.
Published: March 2016

Fluid inclusions of the H2O‐NaCl‐CaCl2 system are notorious for their metastable behavior during cooling and heating processes, which can render microthermometric measurement impossible or difficult and interpretation of the results ambiguous. This study addresses these problems through detailed microscopic examination of synthetic solutions during cooling and warming runs, development of methods to enhance nucleation of hydrates, and comparison of microthermometric results with different degrees of metastability with values predicted for stable conditions. Synthetic H2O‐NaCl‐CaCl2 solutions with different NaCl/(NaCl + CaCl2) ratios were prepared and loaded in fused silica capillaries and glass‐sandwiched films for microthermometric studies; pure solutions were used with the capillaries to simulate fluid inclusions, whereas alumina powder was added in the solutions to facilitate ice and hydrate crystallization in the sandwiched samples. The phase changes observed and the microthermometric data obtained in this study have led to the following conclusions that have important implications for fluid inclusion studies: (i) most H2O‐NaCl‐CaCl2 inclusions that appear to be completely frozen in the first cooling run to −185°C actually contain large amounts of residual solution, as also reported in some previous studies; (ii) inability of H2O‐NaCl‐CaCl2 inclusions to freeze completely may be related to their composition (low NaCl/(NaCl + CaCl2) ratios) and lack of solid particles; (iii) crystallization of hydrates, which is important for cryogenic Raman spectroscopic studies of fluid inclusion composition, can be greatly enhanced by finding an optimum combination of cooling and warming rates and temperatures; and (iv) even if an inclusion is not completely frozen, the melting temperatures of hydrohalite and ice are still valid for estimating the fluid composition.
The Warehouse Wellington Zoofari: school visits to Wellington Zoo for conservation‐based learning programmes – an example of effective collaboration between zoos and business
Authors: Hughes A. , Allan L.
Published: March 2016

Over the last 2 years, more than 3500 students have participated in The Warehouse Wellington Zoofari (Zoofari), a partnership between Wellington Zoo and The Warehouse, a retailer and iconic New Zealand brand. Zoofari enables children from schools from low socio‐economic areas, who may not otherwise be able to visit, to attend Wellington Zoo for conservation‐based learning sessions. During their visit, the children engage with and learn about the world around them, in order to inspire a long‐term love for nature. This programme has increased the number of Māori and Pasifika children experiencing learning sessions at the Zoo, making it possible to engage further with these underserved ethnic groups. The programme provides the opportunity to connect to the wider community around these students, both through in‐store fundraising in their local communities and with a high level of engagement from parents on the trips to the Zoo. Zoofari is a successful example of an effective collaboration and partnership between zoos and business. Wellington Zoo and The Warehouse are both passionate about making a difference, and Zoofari helps us to connect our local communities with conservation learning and the environment.
Maintaining Equivalent Cut Scores for Small Sample Test Forms
Authors: Dwyer Andrew C.
Published: March 2016

This study examines the effectiveness of three approaches for maintaining equivalent performance standards across test forms with small samples: (1) common‐item equating, (2) resetting the standard, and (3) rescaling the standard. Rescaling the standard (i.e., applying common‐item equating methodology to standard setting ratings to account for systematic differences between standard setting panels) has received almost no attention in the literature. Identity equating was also examined to provide context. Data from a standard setting form of a large national certification test (N examinees = 4,397; N panelists = 13) were split into content‐equivalent subforms with common items, and resampling methodology was used to investigate the error introduced by each approach. Common‐item equating (circle‐arc and nominal weights mean) was evaluated at samples of size 10, 25, 50, and 100. The standard setting approaches (resetting and rescaling the standard) were evaluated by resampling (N = 8) and by simulating panelists (N = 8, 13, and 20). Results were inconclusive regarding the relative effectiveness of resetting and rescaling the standard. Small‐sample equating, however, consistently produced new form cut scores that were less biased and less prone to random error than new form cut scores based on resetting or rescaling the standard.
Modeling Student Test‐Taking Motivation in the Context of an Adaptive Achievement Test
Authors: Wise Steven L. , Kingsbury G. Gage
Published: March 2016

This study examined the utility of response time‐based analyses in understanding the behavior of unmotivated test takers. For the data from an adaptive achievement test, patterns of observed rapid‐guessing behavior and item response accuracy were compared to the behavior expected under several types of models that have been proposed to represent unmotivated test taking behavior. Test taker behavior was found to be inconsistent with these models, with the exception of the effort‐moderated model. Effort‐moderated scoring was found to both yield scores that were more accurate than those found under traditional scoring, and exhibit improved person fit statistics. In addition, an effort‐guided adaptive test was proposed and shown by a simulation study to alleviate item difficulty mistargeting caused by unmotivated test taking.
Effects of Short‐Chain Inulin on Quality of Chinese Steamed Bread
Authors: Liu Juan , Luo Denglin , Chen Ruihong , Xu Baocheng , Liu Jianxue
Published: March 2016

Effects of short‐chain inulin on apparent characteristics, textural and aging properties of Chinese steamed bread (CSB) were investigated. Specific volume, ratio of height to diameter and sensory assessment scores increased initially with increasing inulin substitution and then started decreasing as inulin substitution increased further, and reached the highest value with 5.0% inulin substitution. CSB with inulin (2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, 10.0% w/w) were all much whiter based on L*a*b* assessment. The substitution of inulin improved textural properties of fresh CSB but accelerated the aging rate. It was found that moisture migration was an important factor affecting the aging rate of CSB. It indicated that appropriate amount of short‐chain inulin could improve the quality of CSB. The results could provide a theoretical basis for the practical application of inulin to CSB.

Practical Applications

Inulin has a potential for developing a novel Chinese steamed bread (CSB) with better functionality and more nutritional benefit. The optimal substitution proportion is 5.0% with the consideration of improving the quality of CSB, such as the volume, color, and texture. The research provides a theoretical basis for the practical application of inulin to CSB and possesses a board market prospect.
“Who Are You Calling Exploitative?” Defensive Motherhood, Child Labor, and Urban Poverty in Lima, Peru
Authors: Campoamor Leigh
Published: March 2016

Este artículo examina la relación imaginada entre la maternidad y el trabajo infantil. Sobre la base de un estudio con familias de niños que trabajan en las calles limeñas como malabaristas, vendedores de caramelos y limpiavidrios, sostengo que la campaña contra el trabajo infantil, incorporando la retórica neoliberal de derechos y desarrollo, y discursos históricos civilizadores, representa a las madres pobres y mestizas como las explotadoras principales de sus hijos. Frente a las intervenciones moralizantes y criminalizadoras del Estado en sus vidas cotidianas, madres e hijos practican lo que denomino “maternidad defensiva.” Al contrario de las presuposiciones de que el trabajo infantil es principalmente una manera de satisfacer necesidades económicas inmediatas y/o una tradición cultural retrógada que puede reformarse mediante la educación, demuestro que las madres, profundamente concientes de su mortalidad bajo un sistema estatal que no las cuida, enseñan a sus hijos el valor del trabajo como manera de invertir en su futuro. [clase, género, trabajo infantil, Perú, maternidad, urbano]
A META‐ANALYSIS OF FDI AND PRODUCTIVITY SPILLOVERS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: Demena Binyam A. , van Bergeijk Peter A. G.
Published: March 2016

This meta‐analysis reviews the intrasector heterogeneity of productivity spillovers from foreign direct investment (FDI) in 31 developing countries through a larger more comprehensive data set. We investigate how the inconsistencies in the reported spillover findings are affected by publication bias, characteristics of the data, estimation techniques, and empirical specification, analyzing 1450 spillover estimates from 69 empirical studies published in 1986–2013. Our findings suggest that reported FDI spillover estimates are affected by publication bias. In combination with model misspecification of the primary studies, the bias overstates the genuine underlying meta‐effect, but the meta‐effect remains economically and statistically significant. Our results emphasize that spillovers and their sign largely depend systematically on specification characteristics of the primary studies and publication bias. Publication bias is not caused by “best practice” choices. Future research needs to cover more developing countries and to investigate not only whether spillovers occur, but also to explore inside the black box of how spillovers actually emerge.
Small effective population sizes of bee social parasites compared to their hosts raise important questions for evolutionary arms race
Authors: Shokri Bousjein N. , Gardner M. G. , Schwarz M. P.
Published: March 2016

Social parasitism in insects has raised major questions in evolutionary biology, firstly in terms of adaptations that parasites use to circumvent host defenses and, secondly, in terms of whether social parasites have arisen via allopatric or sympatric speciation. Here, we raise a third and major evolutionary issue: a priori considerations suggest that social parasites have much smaller effective population sizes (Ne) than their hosts, and should therefore have much slower rates of evolution than their hosts. The evolutionary arms race should therefore be weighted in favor of host species, raising the question of how social parasites have been able to persist over evolutionary time? Very few studies, however, have actually estimated the relative sizes of Ne for social insects and their social parasites, and therefore the dimensions of unequal host–parasite evolutionary rates are unknown. Here, we use extensive samples of allodapine bee host species and their inquilines from two localities over multiple years to gage their relative Nes. We show that inquiline species have Nes that are about an order of magnitude lower than their hosts, so explaining the evolutionary persistence of social parasitism poses a major puzzle for evolutionary biology. We propose several hypotheses that may be able to address this puzzle and discuss how they could be evaluated.
Greek nationhood and ‘Greek love’: sexualizing the nation and multiple readings of the glorious Greek past
Authors: Apostolidou Anna
Published: March 2016

The paper addresses the ways in which the idea of homosexuality has been expelled from local dominant narrations about the Modern Greek nation and seeks to culturally frame this historical erasure. The ancient past and Ottoman rule are viewed as the two key moments of negotiating (and repeatedly placing in oblivion) any link between ‘Greekness’ and homoeroticism. Placing this institutional silence in juxtaposition to multiple Western readings of ‘Greek love’, the study provides ethnographic instances that reveal the appropriations of the Western gaze and moments of breaking the silence about Greek homosexuality. Selected individuals and cultural locales serve as terrains of negotiating the present‐day Greek state's façade as cosmopolitan, Western and post‐modern. On the one hand, Greece is perpetually re‐constituted as atopos, appropriate(d) for projections of varying versions of history‐telling from Western and local agents alike; on the other hand, homoeroticism is being negotiated through consecutive articulations of Greekness in past and present tense.
Novel eosinophilic neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions in the external cuneate nucleus of humans
Authors: Ito Masako , Nakamura Keiko , Mori Fumiaki , Miki Yasuo , Tanji Kunikazu , Wakabayashi Koichi
Published: March 2016

We report the occurrence of neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCIs) in the external cuneate nucleus of humans. The NCIs appeared as accumulations of eosinophilic rod‐like structures in the neuronal somata in 20 (9.5%) of 211 consecutive autopsy cases. Histochemically, the NCIs were stained bright red with Gomori trichrome, Azan‐Mallory and methyl green‐pyronin, indicating that they contain protein and RNA. Immunohistochemically, the NCIs were positive for stress granule marker proteins, including Hu‐antigen R, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3 and poly(A)‐binding protein 1, but negative for ubiquitin‐ and autophagy‐related proteins. Ultrastructurally, the NCIs were composed of randomly oriented arrays of parallel fibrillar crystalline material with a well‐defined substructure consisting of longitudinal striations, and were often associated with ribosome‐like granules. These NCIs are morphologically, immunohistochemically and topographically distinct from any other inclusions previously described. Their incidence was found to increase with age. A high incidence was also observed in individuals with noninfectious inflammatory disease. These findings suggest that eosinophilic NCIs in the external cuneate nucleus are novel inclusions and might be formed under stress conditions.
General anesthesia for dental care management of a patient with epidermolysis bullosa: 24‐month follow‐up
Authors: Mello Bianca Zeponi Fernandes , Neto Natalino Lourenço , Kobayashi Tatiana Yuriko , Mello Marina Barbosa Almeida , Ambrosio Eloá Cristina Passucci , Yaedú Renato Yassutaka Faria , Machado Maria Aparecida Andrade Moreira , Oliveira Thais Marchini
Published: March 2016

Epidermolysis bullosa comprises a group of uncommon skin‐related diseases, characterized by the formation of blisters on mucocutaneous regions occurring spontaneously, following a trauma, exposure to heat, or as a result of minimal mechanical trauma. The dental treatment of the patient with epidermolysis bullosa raises many questions and discussions, due to the difficulty of carrying out the procedures. This report aimed to detail the clinical considerations of the treatment under general anesthesia of a patient with epidermolysis bullosa. The extraction of all deciduous teeth under general anesthesia was recommended based on the clinical and radiographic examinations. At 24‐month follow‐up, the patient had great improvement in oral hygiene without new caries lesions. The patient has been followed‐up at every month for caries lesion prevention and permanent tooth development. The treatment under general anesthesia provided the ideal safe conditions and was beneficial for the patient.
What We Can Intend: Recognition and Collective Intentionality
Authors: Arruda Caroline T.
Published: March 2016

The concept of recognition has played a role in two debates. In political philosophy, it is part of a communitarian response to liberal theories of distributive justice. It describes what it means to respect others’ right to self‐determination. In ethics, Stephen Darwall argues that it comprises our judgment that we owe others moral consideration. I present a competing account of recognition on the grounds that most accounts answer the question of why others deserve recognition without answering the question of what is involved in recognizing them. This paper answers the latter. I argue that, in general, recognition is something that we do to others rather than something that we think about others. In particular, recognition is an intentional action to treat another individual as a legitimate, self‐determining agent. I then show that recognition's realizability requires that agents understand their intentions as dependent on others for their satisfaction. Thus, relations of recognition are instances of collective intentionality.
On the (In)Validity of Tests of Simple Mediation: Threats and Solutions
Authors: Pek Jolynn , Hoyle Rick H.
Published: March 2016

Mediation analysis is a popular framework for identifying underlying mechanisms in social psychology. In the context of simple mediation, we review and discuss the implications of three facets of mediation analysis: (a) conceptualization of the relations between the variables, (b) statistical approaches, and (c) relevant elements of design. We also highlight the issue of equivalent models that are inherent in simple mediation. The extent to which results are meaningful stem directly from choices regarding these three facets of mediation analysis. We conclude by discussing how mediation analysis can be better applied to examine causal processes, highlight the limits of simple mediation, and make recommendations for better practice.
Functional recovery of stored platelets after transfusion
Authors: Bikker Angela , Bouman Esther , Sebastian Silvie , Korporaal Suzanne J.A. , Urbanus Rolf T. , Fijnheer Rob , Boven Leonie A. , Roest Mark
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND

Platelet (PLT) concentrates are prophylactically given to prevent major bleeding complications. The corrected count increment (CCI) is currently the only tool to monitor PLT transfusion efficacy. PLT function tests cannot be performed in patients with thrombocytopenia. Therefore, an optimized agonist‐induced assay was used to determine PLT function, in patients with severe thrombocytopenia before and after transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

PLT reactivity toward adenosine diphosphate (ADP), thrombin receptor–activating peptide SFLLRN (TRAP), and convulxin (CVX) was assessed by flow cytometry. P‐selectin expression was measured on PLTs from 11 patients with thrombocytopenia before and 1 hour after transfusion, on stored PLTs, and on stored PLTs incubated for 1 hour in whole blood from patients ex vivo.

RESULTS

The mean (±SEM) CCI after 1 hour was 11.4 (±1.5). After transfusion, maximal agonist‐induced PLT P‐selectin expression was on average 29% higher for ADP (p = 0.02), 25% higher for TRAP (p = 0.007), and 24% higher for CVX (p = 0.0008). ADP‐induced reactivity of stored PLTs increased with 46% after ex vivo incubation (p = 0.007). These PLTs also showed an overall higher P‐selectin expression compared to PLTs 1 hour after transfusion (p = 0.005). After normalization for this background expression, a similar responsiveness was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows recovery of PLT function after transfusion in patients with thrombocytopenia. The majority of functional PLTs measured after transfusion most likely represents stored transfused PLTs that regained functionality in vivo. The difference in baseline P‐selectin expression in vivo versus ex vivo suggests a rapid clearance from circulation of PLTs with increased P‐selectin expression.
Use of an ophthalmic formulation of megestrol acetate for the treatment of eosinophilic keratitis in cats
Authors: Stiles Jean , Coster Martin
Published: March 2016

Objective

To evaluate a compounded ophthalmic formulation of 0.5% megestrol acetate to treat eosinophilic keratitis in cats.

Study design

Prospective study.

Animals studied

Seventeen client owned cats with eosinophilic keratitis in one or both eyes.

Methods

Eosinophilic keratitis was confirmed by cytology. At each visit, fluorescein staining and photography were performed. Cats were initially treated q 8–12 h with 0.5% megestrol acetate in an aqueous base. Serum glucose was measured at the first or second reexamination.

Results

Fifteen of 17 (88%) cats had a positive response to treatment, with 6 of 17 (35%) having complete resolution at the first reexamination (2–4 weeks). Two of 17 (12%) cats did not respond to treatment. Most cats required a treatment frequency of once daily to once weekly to maintain remission of disease. No ocular irritation or systemic side effects were noted in any cat.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

The use of an ophthalmic formulation of 0.5% megestrol acetate is a viable option for treating feline eosinophilic keratitis.
NSF makes a new bid to boost diversity
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: March 2016

Initiative aims for fresh answers, but researchers are still framing the questions.
Immunohistochemistry for the 21st Century
Authors: Perkel Jeffrey M.
Published: March 2016

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) dates back decades, but that doesn't mean it's stagnant. Automated sample processors, digital slide scanners, image analysis software, and more have given the aged procedure a decidedly 21st century flair.

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An RNA twist to T
H
17 cells
Authors: Atianand Maninjay K. , Fitzgerald Katherine A.
Published: March 2016

A long noncoding RNA and RNA helicase constitute a new layer of T cell control
Highlights of the 8th International Conference on Vaccines for Enteric Diseases: the Scottish Encounter To Defeat Diarrheal Diseases
Authors: Tennant Sharon M. , Steele A. Duncan , Pasetti Marcela F.
Published: March 2016

Infectious diarrhea is a leading cause of morbidity and of mortality; the burden of disease affects individuals of all ages but particularly young children, especially those living in poor regions where the disease is endemic. It is also a health concern for international travelers to these areas. Experts on vaccines and enteric infections and advocates for global health improvement gathered in Scotland from 8 to 10 July 2015 to discuss recent advances in the assessment and understanding of the burden of enteric diseases and progress in the development and implementation of strategies to prevent these infections. Highlights of the meeting included description of advances in molecular assays to estimate pathogen-specific prevalence, methods to model epidemiologic trends, novel approaches to generate broad-spectrum vaccines, new initiatives to evaluate vaccine performance where they are most needed, renewed interest in human challenge models, immunological readouts as predictors of vaccine efficacy, maternal immunization to prevent enteric infections, and the impact of maternal immunity on the vaccine take of infants. A follow-up scientific gathering to advance
Shigella
and enterotoxigenic
Escherichia coli
(ETEC) vaccine efforts will be held from 28 to 30 June 2016 in Washington, DC.
Application of Alternative Nucleic Acid Extraction Protocols to ProGastro SSCS Assay for Detection of Bacterial Enteric Pathogens
Authors: Munson Erik , Napierala Maureen , Munson Kimber L. , Bilbo Dorothy , Schulte Michael A.
Published: March 2016

As an alternative to automated extraction, fecal specimens were processed by investigational lysis/heating (i.e., manual) and by chromatography/centrifugation (i.e., column) methods. ProGastro SSC and Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(i.e., STEC) indeterminate rates for 101 specimens were 1.0% to 3.0% for automated, 11.9% for manual, and 24.8% to 37.6% for column methods. Following freeze-thaw of 247 specimens, indeterminate rates were 1.6% to 2.4% for manual and 0.8 to 5.3% for column methods. Mean processing times for manual and column methods were 30.5 and 69.2 min, respectively. Concordance of investigational methods with automated extraction was ≥98.8%.
Hepatitis C Virus Exploitation of Processing Bodies
Authors: Biegel Jason M. , Pager Cara T.
Published: March 2016

During infection, positive-strand RNA viruses subvert cellular machinery involved in RNA metabolism to translate viral proteins and replicate viral genomes to avoid or disable the host defense mechanisms. Cytoplasmic RNA granules modulate the stabilities of cellular and viral RNAs. Understanding how hepatitis C virus and other flaviviruses interact with the host machinery required for protein synthesis, localization, and degradation of mRNAs is important for elucidating how these processes occur in both virus-infected and uninfected cells.
Trends in body condition in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from the Southern Hudson Bay subpopulation in relation to changes in sea ice
Authors: Obbard M.E. , Cattet M.R.L. , Howe E.J. , Middel K.R. , Newton E.J. , Kolenosky G.B. , Abraham K.F. , Greenwood C.J.
Published: March 2016

Sea ice is declining over much of the Arctic. In Hudson Bay the ice melts completely each summer, and advances in break-up have resulted in longer ice-free seasons. Consequently, earlier break-up is implicated in declines in body condition, survival, and abundance of polar bears (Ursus maritimus Phipps, 1774) in the Western Hudson Bay (WH) subpopulation. We hypothesised that similar patterns would be evident in the neighbouring Southern Hudson Bay (SH) subpopulation. We examined trends 1980–2012 in break-up and freeze-up dates within the entire SH management unit and within smaller coastal break-up and freeze-up zones. We examined trends in body condition for 900 bears captured during 1984–1986, 2000–2005, and 2007–2009 and hypothesised that body condition would be correlated with duration of sea ice. The ice-free season in SH increased by about 30 days from 1980 to 2012. Body condition declined in all age and sex classes, but the decline was less for cubs than for other social classes. If trends towards a longer ice-free season continue in the future, further declines in body condition and survival rates are likely, and ultimately declines in abundance will occur in the SH subpopulation.
Hadron diffractive scattering at ultrahigh energies and Coulomb interaction
Authors: Anisovich V. V. , Nikonov V. A.
Published: March 2016

We study the interplay of hadronic and Coulomb interactions for pp scattering at LHC energies on the basis of the previous determination of the real part of the amplitude [V. V. Anisovich, V. A. Nikonov and J. Nyiri, Int. J. Mod. Phys. A 30, 1550188 (2015)]. The interference of hadron and Coulomb interactions is discussed in terms of the K-matrix function technique. Supposing the black disk mode for the asymptotic interaction of hadrons, we calculate interference effects for the energies right up to [Formula: see text] TeV. It turns out that the real part of the amplitude is concentrated in the impact parameter space at the border of the black disk that results in a growth of interplay effects with the energy increase.
Canonical description of T-duality for fundamental string and D1-brane and double Wick rotation
Authors: Klusoň Josef
Published: March 2016

We study T-duality transformations in canonical formalism for Nambu–Goto action. Then we investigate the relation between worldsheet double Wick rotation and sequence of target space T-dualities and Wick rotation in case of fundamental string and D1-brane.
A generalized model for the classical relativistic spinning particle
Authors: Hajihashemi Mahdi , Shirzad Ahmad
Published: March 2016

Following the Poincaré algebra, in the Hamiltonian approach, for a free spinning particle and using the Casimirs of the algebra, we construct systematically a set of Lagrangians for the relativistic spinning particle which includes the Lagrangian given in the literature. We analyze the dynamics of this generalized system in the Lagrangian formulation and show that the equations of motion support an oscillatory solution corresponding to the spinning nature of the system. Then we analyze the canonical structure of the system and present the correct gauge suitable for the spinning motion of the system.
Modeling and performance analysis of the fractional order quadratic Boost converter in discontinuous conduction mode-discontinuous conduction mode
Authors: Tan Cheng , Liang Zhi-Shan
Published: March 2016

In this paper, based on the fact that the inductors and capacitors are of fractional order in nature, the four-order mathematical model of the fractional order quadratic Boost converter in type I and type II discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) — DCM is established by using fractional calculus theory. Direct current (DC) analysis is conducted by using the DC equivalent model and the transfer functions are derived from the corresponding alternating current (AC) equivalent model. The DCM–DCM regions of type I and type II are obtained and the relations between the regions and the orders are found. The influence of the orders on the performance of the quadratic Boost converter in DCM–DCM is verified by numerical and circuit simulations. Simulation results demonstrate the correctness of the fractional order model and the efficiency of the proposed theoretical analysis.
A class of nonlinear heat-type equations and their multi-wave solutions by a generalized bilinear technique
Authors: Liu Jun-Rong
Published: March 2016

Multi-wave resonant solutions of a class of nonlinear heat-type equations are investigated by their corresponding generalized bilinear equations. We develop a new technique for searching for resonant solutions to those generalized bilinear equations, using the idea of weights of dependent variables. The results show that generalized bilinear operators and generalized bilinear equations are powerful and irreplaceable tools for dealing with nonlinear differential equations.
Network-based H∞ synchronization control of time-delay neural networks with communication constraints
Authors: Dong Hui , Ling Rongyao , Zhang Dan
Published: March 2016

This paper is concerned with the network-based [Formula: see text] synchronization control for a class of discrete time-delay neural networks, and attention is focused on how to reduce the communication rate since the communication resource is limited. Techniques such as the measurement size reduction, signal quantization and stochastic signal transmission are introduced to achieve the above goal. An uncertain switched system model is first proposed to capture the above-networked uncertainties. Based on the switched system theory and Lyapunov stability approach, a sufficient condition is obtained such that the closed-loop synchronization system is exponentially stable in the mean-square sense with a prescribed [Formula: see text] performance level. The controller gains are determined by solving a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). A numerical example is finally presented to show the effectiveness of the proposed design method.
Tricriticality of the Blume–Emery–Griffiths model in thin films of stacked triangular lattices
Authors: El Hog Sahbi , Diep H. T.
Published: March 2016

We study in this paper the Blume–Emery–Griffiths model in a thin film of stacked triangular lattices. The model is described by three parameters: bilinear exchange interaction between spins [Formula: see text], quadratic exchange interaction [Formula: see text] and single-ion anisotropy [Formula: see text]. The spin [Formula: see text] at the lattice site [Formula: see text] takes three values [Formula: see text]. This model can describe the mixing phase of He-4 [Formula: see text] and He-3 [Formula: see text] at low temperatures. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we show that there exists a critical value of [Formula: see text] below (above) which the transition is of second-(first-)order. In general, the temperature dependence of the concentrations of He-3 is different from layer by layer. At a finite temperature in the superfluid phase, the film surface shows a deficit of He-4 with respect to interior layers. However, effects of surface interaction parameters can reverse this situation. Effects of the film thickness on physical properties will be also shown as functions of temperature.
Application of a new vector mode solver to optical fiber-based plasmonic sensors
Authors: Popescu V. A. , Puscas N. N. , Perrone G.
Published: March 2016

Our analytical method uses a linear combination of the Hankel functions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] to represent the field in the gold region of a fiber-based plasmonic sensor. This method is applied for different structures made from three, four and five layers. When the analyte is distilled water, the difference between the resonant wavelengths calculated with the finite element method and the analytical method is very small (0.00 nm for three layers, 0.19 nm for four layers and 0.07 nm for five layers with two gold layers). The important characteristics of the Bessel and Hankel functions at the loss matching point are analyzed.
The polarimetric multi-frequency radio sources properties
Authors: Galluzzi Vincenzo , Massardi Marcella
Published: March 2016

The polarization properties of extragalactic radio sources at frequencies higher than [Formula: see text]GHz are still poorly constrained. However, their characterization would provide invaluable information about the physics of the emission processes and is crucial to estimate their contamination as foregrounds of the polarized Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) angular power spectrum on scales [Formula: see text]arcmin. In this contribution, after summarizing the state-of-the-art of polarimetric observations in the millimetric wavelength bands, we present our observations of a complete sample of 53 sources with [Formula: see text]mJy carried out with the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ACTA) between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]GHz. The analysis clearly shows that polarization properties cannot be simply inferred from total intensity ones, as the spectral behaviors of the two signals are typically different.
Simulation Study on Quantum Capacitances of Graphene Nanoribbon VLSI Interconnects
Authors: Dutta Arin , Rahman Silvia , Nandy Turja , Mahmood Zahid Hasan
Published: March 2016

In this paper, study on the capacitive effects of Graphene nanoribbon (GNR) in VLSI interconnect has been studied as a function of GNR width, Fermi function and gate voltage. The quantum capacitance of GNR has been simulated in terms of Fermi function for three different values of insulator thickness — 1.5[Formula: see text]nm, 2[Formula: see text]nm and 2.5[Formula: see text]nm. After that, quantum capacitance is studied in both degenerate and nondegenerate region with respect to Fermi function and gate voltage of range 1–5[Formula: see text]V. Then, the total capacitance of GNR is studied as a function of gate voltage of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]–5[Formula: see text]V range at degenerate and nondegenerate regions, where width of GNR is considered 4[Formula: see text]nm. Finally, the total capacitance of GNR is studied in both regions with varying GNR width, considering fixed gate voltage of 3[Formula: see text]V. After analyzing these simulations, it has been found that GNR in degenerate region shows nearly steady capacitance under a certain applied gate voltage.
Influence of Accelerating Force on the Electromechanical Instability of Paddle-Type and Double-Sided Sensors Made of Nanowires
Authors: Keivani Maryam , Kanani Abolfazl , Mardaneh Mohammad Reza , Mokhtari Javad , Abadyan Naeimeh , Abadyan Mohammadreza
Published: March 2016

The double-sided and paddle-type nanostructures are promising for developing miniature accelerometers. In the present work, the impact of the accelerating force on the pull-in performance of the double-sided and paddle-type sensors fabricated from nanowire are investigated. The proximity force approximation (PFA) is employed to consider the effect of Casimir attraction in the theoretical model. Using the modified couple stress theory, the constitutive equations of the sensors are derived. The governing equations are solved by two different approaches, i.e. modified variational iteration method (MVIM), and finite difference method (FDM). The influences of the Casimir and accelerating forces, geometrical parameters and the size phenomenon on the pull-in parameters are demonstrated.
SIVA suite
Authors: Meixner Britta , John Stefan , Handschigl Christian
Published: March 2016

The SIVA Suite is an open source framework for the creation, playback, and administration of hypervideos. Allowing the definition of complex navigational structures, our hypervideos are well suited for different scenarios. Compared to traditional linear videos, they especially excel in e-learning and training situations (see [1] and [2]), where fitting the teaching material to the needs of the viewer can be crucial. Other fields of application include virtual tours through buildings or cities, sports events, and interactive video stories. The SIVA Suite consists of an authoring tool (SIVA Producer), an HTML5 hypervideo player (SIVA Player), and a Web server (SIVA Server) for user and video management. It has been evaluated in various scenarios with several usability tests and has been improved step-by-step since 2008.
Action potential amplitude as a noninvasive indicator of motor unit-specific hypertrophy
Authors: Pope Zachary K. , Hester Garrett M. , Benik Franklin M. , DeFreitas Jason M.
Published: March 2016

Skeletal muscle fibers hypertrophy in response to strength training, with type II fibers generally demonstrating the greatest plasticity in regards to cross-sectional area (CSA). However, assessing fiber type-specific CSA in humans requires invasive muscle biopsies. With advancements in the decomposition of surface electromyographic (sEMG) signals recorded using multichannel electrode arrays, the firing properties of individual motor units (MUs) can now be detected noninvasively. Since action potential amplitude (APSIZE) has a documented relationship with muscle fiber size, as well as with its parent MU's recruitment threshold (RT) force, our purpose was to examine if MU APSIZE, as a function of its RT (i.e., the size principle), could potentially be used as a longitudinal indicator of MU-specific hypertrophy. By decomposing the sEMG signals from the vastus lateralis muscle of 10 subjects during maximal voluntary knee extensions, we noninvasively assessed the relationship between MU APSIZEand RT before and immediately after an 8-wk strength training intervention. In addition to significant increases in muscle size and strength ( P < 0.02), our data show that training elicited an increase in MU APSIZEof high-threshold MUs. Additionally, a large portion of the variance (83.6%) in the change in each individual's relationship between MU APSIZEand RT was explained by training-induced changes in whole muscle CSA (obtained via ultrasonography). Our findings suggest that the noninvasive, electrophysiological assessment of longitudinal changes to MU APSIZEappears to reflect hypertrophy specific to MUs across the RT continuum.
Sodium channel diversity in the vestibular ganglion: NaV1.5, NaV1.8, and tetrodotoxin-sensitive currents
Authors: Liu Xiao-Ping , Wooltorton Julian R. A. , Gaboyard-Niay Sophie , Yang Fu-Chia , Lysakowski Anna , Eatock Ruth Anne
Published: March 2016

Firing patterns differ between subpopulations of vestibular primary afferent neurons. The role of sodium (NaV) channels in this diversity has not been investigated because NaVcurrents in rodent vestibular ganglion neurons (VGNs) were reported to be homogeneous, with the voltage dependence and tetrodotoxin (TTX) sensitivity of most neuronal NaVchannels. RT-PCR experiments, however, indicated expression of diverse NaVchannel subunits in the vestibular ganglion, motivating a closer look. Whole cell recordings from acutely dissociated postnatal VGNs confirmed that nearly all neurons expressed NaVcurrents that are TTX-sensitive and have activation midpoints between −30 and −40 mV. In addition, however, many VGNs expressed one of two other NaVcurrents. Some VGNs had a small current with properties consistent with NaV1.5 channels: low TTX sensitivity, sensitivity to divalent cation block, and a relatively negative voltage range, and some VGNs showed NaV1.5-like immunoreactivity. Other VGNs had a current with the properties of NaV1.8 channels: high TTX resistance, slow time course, and a relatively depolarized voltage range. In two NaV1.8 reporter lines, subsets of VGNs were labeled. VGNs with NaV1.8-like TTX-resistant current also differed from other VGNs in the voltage dependence of their TTX-sensitive currents and in the voltage threshold for spiking and action potential shape. Regulated expression of NaVchannels in primary afferent neurons is likely to selectively affect firing properties that contribute to the encoding of vestibular stimuli.