bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional stress effects under different nitrogen sources on the genes in microalga Isochrysis zhangjiangensis and the assistance of Alteromonas macleodii in releasing the stress of amino acid deficiency
Authors: Wu Shuang , Zhou Jiannan , Xin Yanjuan , Xue Song
Published: July 2015

The expressions of nine nitrogen assimilation‐associated genes, NRT2, NAR1, NIA2, NIR, GLN2, GLSF, GSN1, GDH, and AAT2, in the microalga Isochrysis zhangjiangensis were investigated to unveil the effects of limitations of various nitrogen sources (NaNO3, NH4Cl, NaNO2, and an amino acid mixture) on the microalgae. The results demonstrated that the NRT2, NAR1, GLN2, GSN1, and AAT2 genes were highly expressed in lipid‐rich microalgae under inorganic nitrogen‐deficient conditions and they decreased after nitrogen resupply. Significant increases in the expressions of NAR1, GLN2, and GLSF were found in nitrate‐depleted microalgae, whereas significant increases in the expressions of NRT2, NAR1, GLN2, and GSN1 were found in nitrite‐depleted microalgae. Significant increases in the expressions of only NRT2 and GSN1 were found in ammonium‐depleted microalgae (P < 0.05). Except for the NRT2, other genes were expressed at lower levels under amino acid‐deficient conditions compared with amino acid‐sufficient controls. The expression of the NIA2 gene decreased in nitrogen‐depleted microalgae regardless of the initial nitrogen source. However, the results of fatty acid analyses showed that the features of fatty acid profiles followed a similar mode, in which the percentage compositions of C16:0 and C18:1Δ9 increased in nitrogen‐depleted cells and that of C16:1Δ9, C18:3Δ9,12,15, C18:4Δ6,9,12,15, and C18:5Δ3,6,9,12,15 decreased, regardless of the type of nitrogen source applied. It was also found that the epiphytic bacterium Alteromonas macleodii played a particularly important role in releasing microalgae from the stress of amino acid deficiency. These findings also provide a foundation for regulating microalgal lipid production through manipulation of the nitrogen assimilation‐associated genes.
Assessing spatial population structure and heterogeneity in the dronefly
Authors: Francuski L. , Milankov V.
Published: July 2015

In order to secure pollination services and improve conservation strategies, a better understanding of factors influencing population structure of pollinator species is vital. Here, we aimed to empirically evaluate various individual‐ and population‐based statistical methods for characterization of genetic structure of the widespread dronefly, Eristalis tenax. Thirty‐five European populations, comprising 888 individuals, were genotyped at five polymorphic allozyme loci. Three Bayesian genotypic clustering approaches (STRUCTURE, BAPS and Geneland), pairwise FST estimates, analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA), principle component analysis (PCA) and Mantel tests were applied in a comparative way in attempt to reveal the patterns of gene flow that occurs at various spatial scales in E. tenax. STRUCTURE analysis and PCA results provided no evidence of conspecific differentiation. In contrast, BAPS and Geneland clustering solutions did acknowledge low but significant proportion of among‐populations genetic variation revealed by AMOVA. Similarly, pairwise FST estimates partially argue against genetic homogeneity across Europe. The lack of correlation between genetic distance and both latitude and longitude variation suggests that the flies disperse in multiple directions. Therefore, our results indicate that continued long‐range dispersal tend to homogenize populations over time, resulting in little population structure in E. tenax across the European landmass. On the other hand, significant differentiations between geographically proximate populations indicate that dispersal potential may not be realized and that gene flow patterns in E. tenax might be geographically complex. Using information from our genetic approaches will be useful for identifying patterns of migration and population connectivity across continent, which is an important issue for conservation efforts. Since E. tenax is an important pollinator, our results contribute to understanding the potential extent to which this taxon can facilitate gene flow among plant populations across natural and semi‐natural habitats, agroecosystems and urban environments. Dronefly‐mediated gene flow in plants is likely to occur over large distances and plant–dronefly conservation will require large‐scale action.
The Long‐term Effects of Political Violence on Political Attitudes: Evidence from the Spanish Civil War
Authors: Oto‐Peralías Daniel
Published: July 2015

This article investigates whether political violence has long‐term effects on attitudes toward political participation. This is an interesting topic because public engagement and social capital play a crucial role in shaping the economy and democracy. We exploit a recent survey on the 1936‐1939 Spanish Civil War to shed light on this question. Our findings indicate that being a member of a family that suffered violence during the Civil War is related to a higher interest, knowledge and engagement in politics. These results stand in stark contrast to the common expectation that political violence leads to lower public engagement, while they are consistent with other studies focusing on the short‐term consequences of civil conflicts. Therefore, the legacy of political violence, far from creating political apathy, may be the higher involvement of citizens in politics.
Cooperative interaction of antimicrobial peptides with the interrelated immune pathways in plants
Authors: Bolouri Moghaddam Mohammad Reza , Vilcinskas Andreas , Rahnamaeian Mohammad
Published: July 2015

Plants express a diverse repertoire of functionally and structurally distinct antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) which provide innate immunity by acting directly against a wide range of pathogens. AMPs are expressed in nearly all plant organs, either constitutively or in response to microbial infections. In addition to their direct activity, they also contribute to plant immunity by modulating defence responses resulting from pathogen‐associated molecular pattern/effector‐triggered immunity, and also interact with other AMPs and pathways involving mitogen‐activated protein kinases, reactive oxygen species, hormonal cross‐talk and sugar signalling. Such links among AMPs and defence signalling pathways are poorly understood and there is no clear model for their interactions. This article provides a critical review of the empirical data to shed light on the wider role of AMPs in the robust and resource‐effective defence responses of plants.
Functional dyspepsia and the Rome criteria: a success story
Authors: Talley N. J.
Published: July 2015

The Rome III criteria for functional dyspepsia (FD), published in 2006, immediately generated controversy but have arguably helped to jump start the field in terms of mechanistic and therapeutic research. One controversy has surrounded the veracity of FD symptom subgroups and their overlap. In clinical practice the overlap of postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) is striking. In this issue, results from Belgium suggest overlap can be reduced by reclassifying those who have postprandial pain or nausea as PDS, and meal‐related symptoms predominate in FD. This is consistent with other objective experimental observations. The realization most FD occurs postmeal ingestion is driving a new conceptualization of the syndrome. For example, the observation there is an excess of duodenal eosinophils in PDS has been confirmed, with recent observations implicating increased duodenal permeability and immune activation. The link between PDS and anxiety, not identified in EPS, provides yet further evidence for distinct pathophysiological entities. While symptom‐based criteria likely need refinement, the recognition of PDS and EPS has promoted exciting progress.
Effect of short‐term heat acclimation with permissive dehydration on thermoregulation and temperate exercise performance
Authors: Neal R. A. , Corbett J. , Massey H. C. , Tipton M. J.
Published: July 2015

We examined the effect of short‐term heat acclimation with permissive dehydration (STHADe) on heat acclimation (HA) and cycling performance in a temperate environment. Ten trained male cyclists [mean (SD) maximal oxygen uptake: 63.3(4.0) mL/kg/min; peak power output (PPO): 385(40) W; training: 10 (3) h/week] underwent a STHADe program consisting of 5 days of exercise (maximum 90 min/day) in a hot environment (40 °C, 50% RH) to elicit isothermic heat strain [rectal temperature 38.64(0.27) °C]. Participants abstained from fluids during, and 30 min after, HA sessions. Pre‐ and post‐STHADe HA was evaluated during euhydrated fixed‐intensity exercise (60 min) in hot conditions; the effect of STHADe on thermoregulation was also examined under temperate conditions (20 min fixed‐intensity exercise; 22 °C, 60% RH). Temperate cycling performance was assessed by a graded exercise test (GXT) and 20‐km time trial (TT). STHADe reduced thermal and cardiovascular strain in hot and temperate environments. Lactate threshold [Δ = 16 (17) W] and GXT PPO [Δ = 6 (7) W] were improved following STHADe (P < 0.05), but TT performance was not affected (P > 0.05), although there was a trend for a higher mean power (P = 0.06). In conclusion, STHADE can reduce thermal and cardiovascular strain under hot and temperate conditions and there is some evidence of ergogenic potential for temperate exercise, but longer HA regimens may be necessary for this to meaningfully influence performance.
Effects of biochar amendment on greenhouse gas emissions, net ecosystem carbon budget and properties of an acidic soil under intensive vegetable production
Authors: Wang J. , Chen Z. , Xiong Z. , Chen C. , Xu X. , Zhou Q. , Kuzyakov Y.
Published: July 2015

Biochar addition to soils has been frequently proposed as a means to increase soil fertility and carbon (C) sequestration. However, the effect of biochar addition on greenhouse gas emissions from intensively managed soils under vegetable production at the field scale is poorly understood. The effects of wheat straw biochar amendment with mineral fertilizer or an enhanced‐efficiency fertilizer (mixture of urea and nitrapyrin) on N2O efflux and the net ecosystem C budget were investigated for an acidic soil in southeast China over a 1‐yr period. Biochar addition did not affect the annual N2O emissions (26–28 kg N/ha), but reduced seasonal N2O emissions during the cold period. Biochar increased soil organic C and CO2 efflux on average by 61 and 19%, respectively. Biochar addition greatly increased C gain in the acidic soil (average 11.1 Mg C/ha) compared with treatments without biochar addition (average −2.2 Mg C/ha). Biochar amendment did not increase yield‐scaled N2O emissions after application of mineral fertilizer, but it decreased yield‐scaled N2O by 15% after nitrapyrin addition. Our results suggest that biochar amendment of acidic soil under intensive vegetable cultivation contributes to soil C sequestration, but has only small effects on both plant growth and greenhouse gas emissions.
A phylogeny of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), using recent Ethiopian collections and a broad selection of publicly available DNA sequence data
Authors: GRACE‐LEMA DANIELLE M. , YARED SOLOMON , QUITADAMO ANDREW , JANIES DANIEL A. , WHEELER WARD C. , BALKEW MESHESHA , HAILU ASRAT , WARBURG ALON , CLOUSE RONALD M.
Published: July 2015

Sand flies in the psychodid subfamily Phlebotominae carry important human pathogens in the trypanosomatid protozoan genus Leishmania (Cupolillo). Despite the fact that hundreds of sequences for this group are now publicly available, they constitute different sets of taxa and genetic markers. Integrating these data to construct a molecular phylogeny of the family is a significant bioinformatics challenge. We used sequences of eight markers obtained from freshly collected sand flies from Ethiopia and combined them with over 1300 publicly available sequences, performing a combined analysis after generating single terminal sequences from ancestral reconstructions for some individual markers. The resulting phylogeny had 113 terminals and recovered Phlebotominae and certain species groups as monopheletic. Although the 20 outgroups in Psychodinae were recovered as a well‐resolved clade with bootstrap support for many internal clades, Phlebotominae was recovered as several lineages with unclear relationships among them. However, phlebotomines clustered by geographic region, the most notable being all the New World species except Brumptomyia (Galati), which were recovered as monophyletic. Our phylogeny suggests a Sub‐Saharan African or South Asian origin for the subfamily, which subsequently expanded to the north and west, and eventually to the New World. Supported species groups are often composed of widespread species with overlapping ranges. This result highlights the need for a large increase in the amount and diversity of molecular sequence data, and a broad selection of terminals, to test taxonomic hypotheses and examine speciation processes in this important group of flies.
Necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis and ventricular assist device infection: case report and review of literature
Authors: Kornberger A. , Walter V. , Jaeger F. , Lehnert T. , Soriano M. , Moritz A. , Stock U.A. , Beiras‐Fernandez A.
Published: July 2015

Necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis and Aspergillus device infection are rare and have potentially fatal complications after left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. To date, few cases of patients surviving Aspergillus device infection have been published, with survival reported only after device removal. We present a patient implanted with an LVAD in whom necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis with device involvement was successfully treated by segmentectomy and prolonged antifungal treatment without device exchange or removal. Similar cases in the literature were searched for and are discussed in view of the severity of this complication.
Integration of Geometry and Analysis for Vehicle System Applications: Continuum-Based Leaf Spring and Tire Assembly
Authors: Yu Zuqing , Liu Yiguan , Tinsley Brian , Shabana Ahmed A.
Published: July 2015

The development of new and complex vehicle models using the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF) and multibody systems (MBS) algorithms is discussed in this paper. It is shown how a continuum-based finite element (FE) leaf spring and tire assembly can be developed at a preprocessing stage and integrated with MBS algorithms, allowing for the elimination of dependent variables before the start of the dynamic simulations. Leaf springs, which are important elements in the suspension system of large vehicles, are discretized using ANCF FEs and are integrated with ANCF tire meshes to develop new models with significant details. To this end, the concept of the ANCF reference node (ANCF-RN) is used in order to systematically assemble the vehicle model using linear algebraic constraint equations that can be applied at a preprocessing stage. These algebraic constraint equations define new FE connectivity conditions that include the leaf spring shackle/chassis assembly, tire flexible tread/rigid rim assembly, tire/axle assembly, and revolute joints between different vehicle components. The approach presented in this paper allows for using both gradient deficient and fully parameterized ANCF FEs to develop the new models. In order to develop accurate leaf spring models, the prestress of the leaves and the contact forces between leaves are taken into consideration in the ANCF models developed in this investigation. Numerical results are presented in order to demonstrate the use of the computational framework described in this paper to build continuum-based leaf spring/tire assembly that can be integrated with complex vehicle models. The results of this paper also demonstrate the feasibility of developing a CAD (computer-aided design)/analysis system in which the geometry and analysis mesh of a complete vehicle can be developed in one step, thereby avoiding the incompatibility and costly process of using different codes in the flexible MBS analysis.
Microscale Correlations Adoption in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell
Authors: Wang C.
Published: July 2015

In order to develop a predictive model of real cell performance, firm relationships and assumptions need to be established for the definition of the physical and microstructure parameters for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). This study explores the correlations of microstructure parameters from a microscale level, together with mass transfer and electrochemical reactions inside the electrodes, providing a novel approach to predict SOFC performance numerically. Based on the physical connections and interactions of microstructure parameters, two submodel correlations (i.e., porosity–tortuosity and porosity–particle size ratio) are proposed. Three experiments from literature are selected to facilitate the validation of the numerical results with experimental data. In addition, a sensitivity analysis is performed to investigate the impact of the adopted submodel correlations to the SOFC performance predictions. Normally, the microstructural inputs in the numerical model need to be measured by experiments in order to test the real cell performance. By adopting the two submodel correlations, the simulation can be performed without obtaining relatively hard-to-measure microstructural parameters such as tortuosity and particle size, yet still accurately mimicking a real-world well-structured SOFC operation. By accurately and rationally predicting the microstructural parameters, this study can eventually help to aid the experimental and optimization study of SOFC.
An Experimental Study of Forced Heat Convection in Concentric and Eccentric Annular Channels
Authors: Kline N. , Tavoularis S.
Published: July 2015

An experimental study of the effect of eccentricity on forced convective heat transfer was conducted for upward flows in vertical, open-ended annular channels with a diameter ratio of 0.61, a length to outer diameter ratio of 18:1, and both internal surfaces heated uniformly. Flows with Reynolds numbers Re = 5450, 10,000, and 27,500 and eccentricities varying from 0 to 0.9 were examined. These results are deemed to be mostly in the forced convection regime with some possible overlap with the mixed convection regime at the lowest Reynolds number considered. This work complements our previous work on natural and mixed convection using the same facility. The effect of eccentricity was not significant at lower eccentricities, but, in highly eccentric cases, the wall temperature in the narrow gap was much higher than in the wide gap and the average heat transfer coefficient was as low as one-fifth of the concentric value. For Re > 10,000, the average Nusselt number for the concentric case was nearly four times higher than the value predicted by the Dittus–Boelter correlation.
Ab initio study of Ga-GaN system: Transition from adsorbed metal atoms to a metal–semiconductor junction
Authors: Witczak Przemysław , Kempisty Pawel , Strak Pawel , Krukowski Stanisław
Published: July 2015

Ab initio studies of a GaN(0001)-Ga system with various thicknesses of a metallic Ga layer were undertaken. The studied systems extend from a GaN(0001) surface with a fractional coverage of gallium atoms to a Ga-GaN metal–semiconductor (m–s) contact. Electronic properties of the system are simulated using density functional theory calculations for different doping of the bulk semiconductor. It is shown that during transition from a bare GaN(0001) surface to a m–s heterostructure, the Fermi level stays pinned at a Ga-broken bond highly dispersive surface state to Ga–Ga states at the m–s interface. Adsorption of gallium leads to an energy gain of about 4 eV for a clean GaN(0001) surface and the energy decreases to 3.2 eV for a thickly Ga-covered surface. The transition to the m–s interface is observed. For a thick Ga overlayer such interface corresponds to a Schottky contact with a barrier equal to 0.9 and 0.6 eV for n- and p-type, respectively. Bond polarization-related dipole layer occurring due to an electron transfer to the metal leads to a potential energy jump of 1.5 eV, independent on the semiconductor doping. Additionally high electron density in the Ga–Ga bond region leads to an energy barrier about 1.2 eV high and 4 Å wide. This feature may adversely affect the conductivity of the n-type m–s system.
Silicon oxynitride films deposited by reactive high power impulse magnetron sputtering using nitrous oxide as a single-source precursor
Authors: Hänninen Tuomas , Schmidt Susann , Jensen Jens , Hultman Lars , Högberg Hans
Published: July 2015

Silicon oxynitride thin films were synthesized by reactive high power impulse magnetron sputtering of silicon in argon/nitrous oxide plasmas. Nitrous oxide was employed as a single-source precursor supplying oxygen and nitrogen for the film growth. The films were characterized by elastic recoil detection analysis, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, x-ray reflectivity, scanning electron microscopy, and spectroscopic ellipsometry. Results show that the films are silicon rich, amorphous, and exhibit a random chemical bonding structure. The optical properties with the refractive index and the extinction coefficient correlate with the film elemental composition, showing decreasing values with increasing film oxygen and nitrogen content. The total percentage of oxygen and nitrogen in the films is controlled by adjusting the gas flow ratio in the deposition processes. Furthermore, it is shown that the film oxygen-to-nitrogen ratio can be tailored by the high power impulse magnetron sputtering-specific parameters pulse frequency and energy per pulse.
A level set method for cupping artifact correction in cone‐beam CT
Authors: Xie Shipeng , Li Chunming , Li Haibo , Ge Qi
Published: July 2015

Purpose:

To reduce cupping artifacts and improve the contrast‐to‐noise ratio in cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods:

A level set method is proposed to reduce cupping artifacts in the reconstructed image of CBCT. The authors derive a local intensity clustering property of the CBCT image and define a local clustering criterion function of the image intensities in a neighborhood of each point. This criterion function defines an energy in terms of the level set functions, which represent a segmentation result and the cupping artifacts. The cupping artifacts are estimated as a result of minimizing this energy.

Results:

The cupping artifacts in CBCT are reduced by an average of 90%. The results indicate that the level set‐based algorithm is practical and effective for reducing the cupping artifacts and preserving the quality of the reconstructed image.

Conclusions:

The proposed method focuses on the reconstructed image without requiring any additional physical equipment, is easily implemented, and provides cupping correction through a single‐scan acquisition. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method successfully reduces the cupping artifacts.
Comparison and uncertainty evaluation of different calibration protocols and ionization chambers for low‐energy surface brachytherapy dosimetry
Authors: Candela‐Juan C. , Vijande J. , García‐Martínez T. , Niatsetski Y. , Nauta G. , Schuurman J. , Ouhib Z. , Ballester F. , Perez‐Calatayud J.
Published: July 2015

Purpose:

A surface electronic brachytherapy (EBT) device is in fact an x‐ray source collimated with specific applicators. Low‐energy (<100 kVp) x‐ray beam dosimetry faces several challenges that need to be addressed. A number of calibration protocols have been published for x‐ray beam dosimetry. The media in which measurements are performed are the fundamental difference between them. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface dose rate of a low‐energy x‐ray source with small field applicators using different calibration standards and different small‐volume ionization chambers, comparing the values and uncertainties of each methodology.

Methods:

The surface dose rate of the EBT unit Esteya (Elekta Brachytherapy, The Netherlands), a 69.5 kVp x‐ray source with applicators of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 mm diameter, was evaluated using the AAPM TG‐61 (based on air kerma) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) TRS‐398 (based on absorbed dose to water) dosimetry protocols for low‐energy photon beams. A plane parallel T34013 ionization chamber (PTW Freiburg, Germany) calibrated in terms of both absorbed dose to water and air kerma was used to compare the two dosimetry protocols. Another PTW chamber of the same model was used to evaluate the reproducibility between these chambers. Measurements were also performed with two different Exradin A20 (Standard Imaging, Inc., Middleton, WI) chambers calibrated in terms of air kerma.

Results:

Differences between surface dose rates measured in air and in water using the T34013 chamber range from 1.6% to 3.3%. No field size dependence has been observed. Differences are below 3.7% when measurements with the A20 and the T34013 chambers calibrated in air are compared. Estimated uncertainty (with coverage factor k = 1) for the T34013 chamber calibrated in water is 2.2%–2.4%, whereas it increases to 2.5% and 2.7% for the A20 and T34013 chambers calibrated in air, respectively. The output factors, measured with the PTW chambers, differ by less than 1.1% for any applicator size when compared to the output factors that were measured with the A20 chamber.

Conclusions:

Measurements using both dosimetric protocols are consistent, once the overall uncertainties are considered. There is also consistency between measurements performed with both chambers calibrated in air. Both the T34013 and A20 chambers have negligible stem effect. Any x‐ray surface brachytherapy system, including Esteya, can be characterized using either one of these calibration protocols and ionization chambers. Having less correction factors, lower uncertainty, and based on measurements, performed in closer to clinical conditions, the TRS‐398 protocol seems to be the preferred option.
Which factors may determine the necessary and feasible type of effectiveness evidence? A mixed methods approach to develop an instrument to help coverage decision-makers
Authors: de Groot Saskia , Rijnsburger Adriana J , Versteegh Matthijs M , Heymans Juanita M , Kleijnen Sarah , Redekop W Ken , Verstijnen Ilse M
Published: July 2015

Objectives

Reimbursement decisions require evidence of effectiveness and, in general, a blinded randomised controlled trial (RCT) is the preferred study design to provide it. However, there are situations where a cohort study, or even patient series, can be deemed acceptable. The aim of this study was to develop an instrument that first examines which study characteristics of a blinded RCT are necessary, and then, if particular characteristics are considered necessary, examines whether these characteristics are feasible.

Design

We retrospectively studied 22 interventions from 20 reimbursement reports concerning medical specialist care made by the Dutch National Health Care Institute (ZIN) to identify any factors that influenced the necessity and feasibility of blinded RCTs, and their constituent study characteristics, that is, blinding, randomisation and a control group. A literature review was performed to identify additional factors. Additional expertise was included by interviewing eight experts in epidemiology, medicine and ethics. The resulting instrument was called the FIT instrument (Feasible Information Trajectory), and was prospectively validated using three consecutive reimbursement reports.

Results

(Blinded) RCT evidence was lacking in 5 of 11 positive reimbursement decisions and 3 of 11 negative decisions. In the reimbursement reports, we found no empirical evidence supporting situations where a blinded RCT is unnecessary. The literature also revealed few arguments against the necessity of a blinded RCT. In contrast, many factors influencing the feasibility of randomisation, a control group and blinding, were found in the reimbursement reports and the literature; for example, when a patient population is too small or when an intervention is common practice, randomisation will be hindered.

Conclusions

Policy regarding the necessity and feasibility of different types of evidence of effectiveness would benefit from systematic guidance. The FIT instrument has the potential to support transparent, reproducible and well-founded decisions on appropriate evidence of effectiveness in medical specialist care.
Childhood abuse is associated with increased hair cortisol levels among urban pregnant women
Authors: Schreier Hannah M C , Enlow Michelle Bosquet , Ritz Thomas , Gennings Chris , Wright Rosalind J
Published: July 2015

Background

Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis activity is known to be altered following events such as childhood abuse. However, despite potential adverse consequences for the offspring of women who have experienced abuse, very little is known about altered HPA axis activity during pregnancy.

Methods

During pregnancy, 180 women from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds reported on their exposure to emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse before the age of 11, and general post-traumatic stress symptoms (ie, not limited to childhood years or abuse experiences). Around delivery, they provided hair samples for the assessment of cortisol levels during pregnancy. Hair cortisol was assessed for each pregnancy trimester. The effect of childhood abuse on hair cortisol was assessed using mixed-effects analyses of covariance models allowing for within-subject correlated observations, and were first performed in the entire sample and subsequently stratified by race/ethnicity.

Results

Controlling for post-traumatic stress symptoms, hair cortisol levels varied by history of child abuse, F(2,166)=3.66, p=0.028. Childhood physical and/or sexual abuse was associated with greater hair cortisol levels, t(166)=2.65, p=0.009, compared with no history of abuse. Because childhood rates of abuse and hair cortisol levels varied by race/ethnicity, analyses were stratified by race/ethnicity. The associations between history of abuse and cortisol levels were only significant among black women, F(2,23)=5.37, p=0.012.

Conclusions

Childhood abuse, especially physical and/or sexual abuse, is associated with differences in cortisol production during pregnancy, particularly among black women. Future research should investigate how these differences impact physical and mental health outcomes among offspring of affected women.
The effect of reduced street lighting on road casualties and crime in England and Wales: controlled interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Steinbach Rebecca , Perkins Chloe , Tompson Lisa , Johnson Shane , Armstrong Ben , Green Judith , Grundy Chris , Wilkinson Paul , Edwards Phil
Published: July 2015

Background

Many local authorities in England and Wales have reduced street lighting at night to save money and reduce carbon emissions. There is no evidence to date on whether these reductions impact on public health. We quantified the effect of 4 street lighting adaptation strategies (switch off, part-night lighting, dimming and white light) on casualties and crime in England and Wales.

Methods

Observational study based on analysis of geographically coded police data on road traffic collisions and crime in 62 local authorities. Conditional Poisson models were used to analyse longitudinal changes in the counts of night-time collisions occurring on affected roads during 2000–2013, and crime within census Middle Super Output Areas during 2010–2013. Effect estimates were adjusted for regional temporal trends in casualties and crime.

Results

There was no evidence that any street lighting adaptation strategy was associated with a change in collisions at night. There was significant statistical heterogeneity in the effects on crime estimated at police force level. Overall, there was no evidence for an association between the aggregate count of crime and switch off (RR 0.11; 95% CI 0.01 to 2.75) or part-night lighting (RR 0.96; 95% CI 0.86 to 1.06). There was weak evidence for a reduction in the aggregate count of crime and dimming (RR 0.84; 95% CI 0.70 to 1.02) and white light (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.77 to 1.03).

Conclusions

This study found little evidence of harmful effects of switch off, part-night lighting, dimming, or changes to white light/LEDs on road collisions or crime in England and Wales.
MACRA: background, opportunities and challenges for the neurointerventional specialist
Authors: Hirsch Joshua A , Leslie-Mazwi Thabele M , Patel Aman B , Rabinov James D , Gonzalez Ramon G , Barr Robert M , Nicola Gregory N , Klucznik Richard P , Prestigiacomo Charles J , Manchikanti Laxmaiah
Published: July 2015

The legislative branch of government took many by surprise when it announced the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015. Once the Act was passed, President Obama quickly signed this bipartisan, bicameral effort into law. A foundational element of this legislation was the permanent repeal of the sustainable growth rate formula. Physicians and their patients were appropriately enthusiastic about this development. The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 included additional elements of considerable interest to neurointerventional specialists.
Forest road quality control using ALS data
Authors: Kiss Katalin , Malinen Jukka , Tokola Timo
Published: July 2015

Good road conditions are necessary for the smooth transportation of forest machines and products. High-density airborne laser scanning data were used here to determine the quality of road surfaces and ditching systems. Forest roads in Kiihtelysvaara, Finland, were assessed in August 2013. Eight categories (structural condition, seasonal damage, drying, bridges, surface wear, visibility, coppicing, and flatness) have been inventoried and divided into three quality classes: poor, satisfactory, and good. The topographic position index, standardize elevation index, and hydrology tools were used on digital elevation models with different resolutions to test which categories could be derived. The road surface quality was most clearly related to surface wearing and flatness, and the topographic position index described the road surface best at resolutions of 0.20 m and 0.25 m; however, the standardized elevation index was superior at a 0.50 m resolution. The ditching system plays an important role in the drying of roads, and the hydrological tools and land facet analysis were most suitable for identifying the location of ditches and assessing their quality at 0.20 m and 0.25 m resolutions, respectively. The road surface was classified in all resolutions at least 66% correctly, whereas the ditches were classified in all resolutions at least 60% correctly. The results confirm that airborne laser scanning data can be used for obtaining quality information on forest roads.
Evaluating the impact of leaf-on and leaf-off airborne laser scanning data on the estimation of forest inventory attributes with the area-based approach
Authors: White Joanne C. , Arnett John T.T.R. , Wulder Michael A. , Tompalski Piotr , Coops Nicholas C.
Published: July 2015

In this study, we explored the consequences of using leaf-on and leaf-off airborne laser scanning (ALS) data on area-based model outcomes in a lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm.) dominated forest in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada. We considered eight forest attributes: top height, mean height, Lorey’s mean height, basal area, quadratic mean diameter, merchantable volume, total volume, and total aboveground biomass. We used 787 ground plots for model development, stratified by ALS acquisition conditions (leaf-on or leaf-off) and dominant forest type (coniferous or deciduous). We also generated pooled models that combined leaf-on and leaf-off ALS data and generic models that combined plot data for all forest types. We evaluated differences in ALS metrics and leaf-on and leaf-off model outcomes, as well as the impacts of pooling leaf-on and leaf-off ALS data, creating generic models, and of applying leaf-on models to leaf-off data (and vice versa). In general, leaf-off and leaf-on ALS metrics were not significantly different (p < 0.05), except for the 5th percentile of height (coniferous) and canopy density metrics (deciduous). Overall, coniferous leaf-on and leaf-off models were comparable, with differences in relative root mean square error (RMSE) and bias of <2% for all attributes except volume, which differed by <4%. RMSE and bias for deciduous leaf-on and leaf-off models for height attributes and quadratic mean diameter differed by <2%, whereas models for volume and biomass differed by <7%. These results affirm that leaf-off data can be used in an area-based approach to estimate forest attributes for both coniferous and deciduous forest types. Relative RMSE and bias for pooled models (combining leaf-on and leaf-off ALS data) differed by <2% relative to leaf-on and leaf-off models, suggesting that in the forests studied herein, combining leaf-on and leaf-off data in an area-based approach does not adversely impact model outcomes. Generic models that did not account for forest type had large errors for volume and biomass (e.g., the relative RMSE for merchantable volume was twice as large as forest type specific models). Likewise, the mixing of leaf-on models with leaf-off data and vice versa resulted in large RMSE and bias for both forest types, and therefore mixing of models and data types should be avoided.
Invariance of the fine structure constant with temperature of the expanding universe
Authors: Nassif Cláudio , de Faria A.C. Amaro
Published: July 2015

Our goal is to interpret the energy equation from doubly special relativity of Magueijo–Smolin with an invariant Planck energy scale to obtain the speed of light with an explicit dependence on the background temperature of the expanding universe (Nassif and de Faria. Phys. Rev. D, 86, 027703 (2012). doi:10.1103/PhysRevD.86.027703 ). We also investigate how other universal constants, including the fine structure constant, have varied since the early universe and, thus, how they have evolved over the cosmological time related to the temperature of the expanding universe. For instance, we show that both the Planck constant and the electron charge were also too large in the early universe. However, we finally conclude that the fine structure constant has remained invariant with the age and temperature of the universe, which is in agreement with laboratory tests and some observational data.
Gallic acid improved behavior, brain electrophysiology, and inflammation in a rat model of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Sarkaki Alireza , Farbood Yaghoub , Gharib-Naseri Mohammad Kazem , Badavi Mohammad , Mansouri Mohammad Taghi , Haghparast Abbas , Mirshekar Mohammad Ali
Published: July 2015

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the main causes of intellectual and cognitive disabilities. In the clinic it is essential to limit the development of cognitive impairment after TBI. In this study, the effects of gallic acid (GA; 100 mg/kg, per oral, from 7 days before to 2 days after TBI induction) on neurological score, passive avoidance memory, long-term potentiation (LTP) deficits, and levels of proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the brain have been evaluated. Brain injury was induced following Marmarou’s method. Data were analyzed by one-way and repeated measures ANOVA followed by Tukey’s post-hoc test. The results indicated that memory was significantly impaired (p < 0.001) in the group treated with TBI + vehicle, together with deterioration of the hippocampal LTP and increased brain tissue levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. GA treatment significantly improved memory and LTP in the TBI rats. The brain tissue levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in the group treated with GA. The results suggest that GA has neuroprotective properties against TBI-induced behavioral, electrophysiological, and inflammatory disorders, probably via the decrease of cerebral proinflammatory cytokines.
Quasifission mass distributions in the synthesis of 274Hs with 26Mg and 36S projectiles
Authors: Budaca R. , Sandulescu A. , Mirea M.
Published: July 2015

The potential energy landscape for the [Formula: see text] synthesis is evaluated in the framework of the macroscopic–microscopic model. The fragmentation potential calculated in a configuration space characterized by five degrees of freedom associated to elongation, mass asymmetry, necking, and left/right deformations reveals the existence of several minima and some pronounced valleys. The valleys correspond mainly to the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] quasifission channels, but also for some paths in the formation of the compound nuclear system. In this context, two different paths are obtained for the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] entrance channels. The [Formula: see text] path leads to the formation of an isomeric minimum that decays by fission. The [Formula: see text] path evidences a larger probability for the formation of the compound nucleus. Therefore, the two distributions obtained for the associated quasifission processes are very different.
FRW viscous cosmology with inhomogeneous equation of state and future singularity
Authors: Khadekar G. S. , Raut Deepti , Miskin V. G.
Published: July 2015

A universe media is considered as a bulk viscosity described by inhomogeneous equation of state (EOS) of the form [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a time-dependent parameter. A generalized dynamical equation for the scale factor of the universe is proposed to describe the cosmological evolution, in which we assume the bulk viscosity and time-dependent parameter [Formula: see text] are linear combination of two terms of the form: [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], i.e.[Formula: see text]one is constant and other is proportional to Hubble parameter [Formula: see text]. In this framework, we demonstrate that this model can be used to explain the dark energy dominated universe, and the inhomogeneous term of specific form introduced in EOS, may lead to three kinds of fates of cosmological evolution: no future singularity, big rip or Type[Formula: see text]III singularity as presented by [S. Nojiri and S. D. Odintsov, Phys. Rev. D 72, 023003 (2005)].
High-Speed, High-Frequency and Low-PDP, CNFET Full Adder Cells
Authors: Mehrabani Yavar Safaei , Eshghi Mohammad
Published: July 2015

In this paper, three CNT-based full adder designs, called Design1, Design2 and Design3, are proposed. In these designs 12, 14 and 16 transistors are used, respectively. In all designs only 3-input NAND, Majority-not and NOR functions are used. First, a preliminary structure (Design1) is presented using 12 transistors. Then its weaknesses are tackled in two steps. In fact, in each step a new design is presented by adding two more transistors to its predecessor. Therefore two new structures called Design2 and Design3 are built in which Design3 is the most efficient one. To study the performance of Design3 versus other silicon-based and CNT-based 32-nm classical and state-of-the-art cells, comprehensive simulations with regard to various supplies, loads, operating frequencies, and temperatures are performed using Synopsys HSPICE tool. Simulation results confirm that the proposed cell is superior to the other cells. At last the robustness of Design3 against the diameter mismatches of CNTs which is one of the most important concerns of nanoelectronics is studied using Monte Carlo transient analysis. This simulation reveals that Design3 functions very well against manufacturing process variations.
A New Simulator Based on Multi Core Processor with Improved Sense Amplifier
Authors: Sakthivel Erulappan , Malathi Veluchamy , Arunraja Muruganantham
Published: July 2015

In recent days, network-on-chip (NoC) researchers focus mainly on the area reduction and low power consumption both in architectural and algorithmic approach. To achieve low power and high performance in NoC architecture, sense amplifiers (SAs) introduced which can consume less power under various traffic conditions. In order to analyze the performance of architectural NoC design before fabrication level, the new simulator is developed based on multi core processor with improved sense amplifier (MCPSA) in this work. The MCPSA simulator provides user, the flexibility of incorporating various traffic configurations and routing algorithm with user reconfigurable option. In addition, the different SA model can be put into the simulation in plug and play manner for evaluation. The NoC case studies are presented to demonstrate the NoC architecture with double tail sense amplifier (DTSA) and modified-DTSA (M-DTSA) design. The performance metric such as delay, data rate and power consumption is evaluated. The main idea of this new simulator is to interface multisim environment (MSE) into a NoC environment for validating any DTSA.
DYNAMIC STRESS DISTRIBUTION IN A MODEL OF IMPLANTED MANDIBLE: NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF VISCOELASTIC BONE
Authors: MOTALLEBZADEH H. , TAFAZZOLI-SHADPOUR M. , KHANI M. M.
Published: July 2015

To determine the success of dental implants, mechanical stress distribution in the implant-bone interface is considered to be a determinant. Many researchers have used finite element modeling of implant-bone through applying static loading on the implant; however, dynamic loading has not extensively been investigated specially considering viscoelastic behavior of the bone. The aim of this study is to analyze effects of viscoelasticity of bone and dynamic loading comparable to mastication conditions on stress distribution in an implanted mandible. A three-dimensional finite-element model of an implanted mandible in the first molar region was constructed from computerized tomography data. Effects of several parameters, such as material properties including viscoelastic behavior of the cortical and trabecular bones, load amplitude, duration and direction on the instantaneous and long-term von Mises stress distribution of an implanted mandible were evaluated. In all loading conditions, the maximum von Mises stress occurred in cortical bone surrounding the neck of implant. Stress distribution was not noticeably affected by viscoelastic behavior during the first loading cycles, however, after 100 s periodic loading, the differences between stress magnitudes (especially in the cortical bone) became noticeable. In addition, sensitivity analysis showed that both cortical and trabecular bones were more sensitive to axial load than buccalingual and mesiodistal forces. The results of this study contribute to analysis of parameters involved in success of dental implantation.