bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Glimpse into the Future of the Climate Regime: Lessons from the REDD+ Architecture
Authors: Savaresi Annalisa
Published: July 2016

In 2015, parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) formally closed negotiations on measures to maintain and enhance the carbon storage capacity of forests in developing countries, commonly referred to as ‘REDD+’. This unusual and largely symbolic gesture seemingly signals that UNFCCC parties consider the international set of rules on REDD+ a ‘job done’, at least for the time being. This article reflects on the outcome of these negotiations and on the related lawmaking process, arguing that REDD+ may be regarded as the first ripe fruit in the pledge‐and‐review architecture recently enshrined in the Paris Agreement. REDD+ is therefore used in this article as a lens to understand how the new architecture for climate change governance may work, as well as challenges facing its implementation. In doing so, the article aims to shine a light on the path ahead for the Paris Agreement, making predictions on challenges likely to emerge with its implementation, the solutions that may be adopted, as well as areas where more international rules may be needed.
Loss, Damage and Responsibility after COP21: All Options Open for the Paris Agreement
Authors: Mace M.J. , Verheyen Roda
Published: July 2016

The issue of ‘loss and damage’ has proven to be a legally and politically challenging one within the international climate change regime. This article presents a brief history of the issue, and reviews related Paris outcomes, focusing on the issues of compensation and liability, governance, financial support, insurance and displacement. It concludes that despite paragraph 51 of Decision 1/CP.21 adopting the Paris Agreement, all options remain open for the development of a system under the climate regime that can address the underlying concerns raised by small island developing States and others in calling for a system of compensation and liability. In the context of the 1.5 °C temperature limit and increasing climate impacts, this article also highlights the need for the Warsaw International Mechanism to play an active role in quantifying the scale of loss and damage that is projected from human‐induced climate change in different regions and in different national contexts, over different time frames and at different emission pathways, and in sharing developments in attribution science, to help in the design of approaches to address loss and damage that are suited to assisting the most vulnerable developing country parties and to underscore the need for urgent emission reductions.
The location of the Trait Emotional Intelligence in the Zuckerman's Personality Model space and the role of General Intelligence and social status
Authors: Blanco Eduardo , García Luis Francisco , Aluja Anton
Published: July 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between Emotional Intelligence (EI) measured by the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue) and personality measured by the Zuckerman‐Kuhlman‐Aluja Personality Questionnaire (ZKA‐PQ) with the purpose of analyzing similarities and differences of both psychological constructs. Additionally, we studied the relationship among EI, personality, General Intelligence (GI) and a social position index (SPI). Results showed that the ZKA‐PQ predicts the 66% (facets) and the 64% (factors) of the TEIQue. High scores in EI correlated negatively with Neuroticism (r: –0.66) and Aggressiveness (r: –0.27); and positively with Extraversion (r: 0.62). Oblique factorial analyses demonstrated that TEIQue scales were located basically in the Neuroticism and Extraversion factors. The SPI and GI no loaded in any factor. These findings showed that EI is a not a distinct construct of personality and it cannot be isolated in the ZKA‐PQ personality space. GI is related with the SPI (r: 0.26), and EI correlated with GI (r: 0.18) and SPI (r: 0.16). Nevertheless, we found differences between GI high groups and the TEIQue and ZKA‐PQ factors when controlling age and sex. These findings are discussed in the individual differences context.
Minutewomen, Victims, and Parasites: The Discursive and Performative Construction of Women by The Minuteman Civil Defense Corps
Authors: Haltinner Kristin
Published: July 2016

This study uses data from 40 interviews and 80 hours of participant observation to examine the discursive and performative (embodied, enacted, and nonverbal) position of women in twenty‐first‐century militia–nativist organizations, using the case study of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps (MCDC). The case of the MCDC demonstrates that the organization produces competing narratives for understanding the role of white and migrant women in U.S. society. White American women are constructed as victims of immigration, while white women within the organization are viewed as capable colleagues. Migrant women are produced as both parasites on American society and victims of Mexican male sexuality. As this article shows, women's demands for agency, their political drives, their ascribed race, and their intentions shape their discursive production.
Effect of Low-NOX Combustor Swirl Clocking on Intermediate Turbine Duct Vane Aerodynamics With an Upstream High Pressure Turbine Stage—An Experimental and Computational Study
Authors: Johansson Martin , Povey Thomas , Chana Kam , Abrahamsson Hans
Published: July 2016

Flow in an intermediate turbine duct (ITD) is highly complex, influenced by the upstream turbine stage flow structures, which include tip leakage flow and nonuniformities originating from the upstream high pressure turbine (HPT) vane and rotor. The complexity of the flow structures makes predicting them using numerical methods difficult, hence there exists a need for experimental validation. To evaluate the flow through an intermediate turbine duct including a turning vane, experiments were conducted in the Oxford Turbine Research Facility (OTRF). This is a short duration high speed test facility with a 3/4 engine-sized turbine, operating at the correct nondimensional parameters for aerodynamic and heat transfer measurements. The current configuration consists of a high pressure turbine stage and a downstream duct including a turning vane, for use in a counter-rotating turbine configuration. The facility has the ability to simulate low-NOx combustor swirl at the inlet to the turbine stage. This paper presents experimental aerodynamic results taken with three different turbine stage inlet conditions: a uniform inlet flow and two low-NOx swirl profiles (different clocking positions relative to the high pressure turbine vane). To further explain the flow through the 1.5 stage turbine, results from unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) are included. The effect of varying the high pressure turbine vane inlet condition on the total pressure field through the 1.5 stage turbine, the intermediate turbine duct vane loading, and intermediate turbine duct exit condition are discussed and CFD results are compared with experimental data. The different inlet conditions are found to alter the flow exiting the high pressure turbine rotor. This is seen to have local effects on the intermediate turbine duct vane. With the current stator–stator vane count of 32-24, the effect of relative clocking between the two is found to have a larger effect on the aerodynamics in the intermediate turbine duct than the change in the high pressure turbine stage inlet condition. Given the severity of the low-NOx swirl profiles, this is perhaps surprising.
Coordinated Control of Gas and Steam Turbines for Efficient Fast Start-Up of Combined Cycle Power Plants
Authors: Yoshida Yasuhiro , Yamanaka Kazunori , Yamashita Atsushi , Iyanaga Norihiro , Yoshida Takuya
Published: July 2016

In the fast start-up for combined cycle power plants (CCPP), the thermal stresses of the steam turbine rotor are generally controlled by the steam temperatures or flow rates by using gas turbines (GTs), steam turbines, and desuperheaters to avoid exceeding the thermal stress limits. However, this thermal stress sensitivity to steam temperatures and flow rates depends on the start-up sequence due to the relatively large time constants of the heat transfer response in the plant components. In this paper, a coordinated control method of gas turbines and steam turbine is proposed for thermal stress control, which takes into account the large time constants of the heat transfer response. The start-up processes are simulated in order to assess the effect of the coordinated control method. The simulation results of the plant start-ups after several different cool-down times show that the thermal stresses are stably controlled without exceeding the limits. In addition, the steam turbine start-up times are reduced by 22–28% compared with those of the cases where only steam turbine control is applied.
The Impact of Reciprocating Compressor Pulsations on the Surge Margin of Centrifugal Compressors
Authors: Brun Klaus , Kurz Rainer , Simons Sarah
Published: July 2016

Pressure pulsations into a centrifugal compressor can move its operating point into surge. This is concerning in pipeline stations where centrifugal compressors operate in series/parallel with reciprocating compressors. Sparks (1983), Kurz et al., (2006), and Brun et al., (2014) provided predictions on the impact of periodic pressure pulsation on the behavior of a centrifugal compressor. This interaction is known as the “Compressor Dynamic Response” (CDR) theory. Although the CDR describes the impact of the nearby piping system on the compressor surge and pulsation amplification, it has limited usefulness as a quantitative analysis tool, due to the lack of prediction tools and test data for comparison. Testing of compressor mixed operation was performed in an air loop to quantify the impact of periodic pressure pulsation from a reciprocating compressor on the surge margin of a centrifugal compressor. This data was utilized to validate predictions from Sparks' CDR theory and Brun's numerical approach. A 50 hp single-stage, double-acting reciprocating compressor provided inlet pulsations into a two-stage 700 hp centrifugal compressor. Tests were performed over a range of pulsation excitation amplitudes, frequencies, and pipe geometry variations to determine the impact of piping impedance and resonance responses. Results provided clear evidence that pulsations can reduce the surge margin of centrifugal compressors and that geometry of the piping system immediately upstream and downstream of a centrifugal compressor will have an impact on the surge margin reduction. Surge margin reductions of <30% were observed for high centrifugal compressor inlet suction pulsation.
Methods for the Extraction and Analysis of the Global Mode in Swirling Jets Undergoing Vortex Breakdown
Authors: Rukes Lothar , Sieber Moritz , Oliver Pashereit C. , Oberleithner Kilian
Published: July 2016

Swirling jets undergoing vortex breakdown are widely used in combustion applications, due to their ability to provide aerodynamic flame stabilization. It is well known that vortex breakdown is accompanied by a dominant coherent structure, the so-called precessing vortex core (PVC). Reports on the impact of the PVC on the combustion process range from beneficial to detrimental. In any event, efficient methods for the analysis of the PVC help to increase the benefit or reduce the penalty resulting from it. This study uses particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements of a generic nonisothermal swirling jet to demonstrate the use of advanced data analysis techniques. In particular, the finite time Lyapunov exponent (FTLE) and the local linear stability analysis (LSA) are shown to reveal deep insight into the physical mechanisms that drive the PVC. Particularly, it is demonstrated that the PVC amplitude is strongly reduced, if heating is applied at the wavemaker of the flow. These techniques are complemented by the traditionally used proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and spatial correlation techniques. It is demonstrated how these methods complement each other and lead to a comprehensive understanding of the PVC that lays out the path to efficient control strategies.
View Factors to Grounds of Photovoltaic Collectors
Authors: Appelbaum J.
Published: July 2016

Ground reflected radiation is one component of the global radiation on photovoltaic collectors in a solar field. This component depends on the view factor of the collector to ground, hence depends on the relative position of the collectors to each other. General analytical expressions and numerical values for the view factor to the ground were developed between flat-plate collectors positioned in a general configuration. Based on the general expression, the view factors to ground for particular collector configurations were derived. For deployment of photovoltaic collectors in multiple rows with common inclination angles, the view factor to ground is rather small, and hence, the reflected radiation from the ground on the collectors may be neglected compared to the direct beam and the diffuse components. However, in some cases the reflected radiation from the ground may constitute an appreciable amount as in snowy area. Bifacial photovoltaic (PV) panels can absorb solar radiation by both the front and the rear sides and are usually deployed vertically. In this case the reflected radiation from the ground on the panels may be appreciable depending on the ground albedo. The mathematical expressions of the different view factors may be used by the solar field designer to estimate the amount of reflected radiation from the ground reaching the collectors for different configurations of solar PV plants.
Flow Boiling in Microgaps for Thermal Management of High Heat Flux Microsystems
Authors: Han Xuefei , Fedorov Andrei , Joshi Yogendra
Published: July 2016

In the first part of this paper, a review of fundamental experimental studies on flow boiling in plain and surface enhanced microgaps is presented. In the second part, complimentary to the literature review, new results of subcooled flow boiling of water through a micropin-fin array heat sink with outlet pressure below atmospheric are presented. A 200 μm high microgap device design was tested, with a longitudinal pin pitch of 225 μm, a transverse pitch of 135 μm, and a diameter of 90 μm, respectively. Tested mass fluxes ranged from 1351 to 1784  kg/m2s, and effective heat flux ranged from 198 to 444 W/cm2 based on the footprint surface area. The inlet temperature varied from 6 to 12 °C, and outlet pressure ranged from 24 to 36 kPa. The two-phase heat transfer coefficient showed a decreasing trend with increasing heat flux. High-speed visualizations of flow patterns revealed a triangular wake after bubble nucleation. Flow oscillations were seen and discussed.
Dielectric and piezoelectric properties of percolative three-phase piezoelectric polymer composites
Authors: Sundar Udhay , Cook-Chennault Kimberly Ann , Banerjee Sankha , Refour Eric
Published: July 2016

Three-phase piezoelectric bulk composites were fabricated using a mix and cast method. The composites were comprised of lead zirconate titanate (PZT), aluminum (Al), and an epoxy matrix. The volume fraction of the PZT and Al was varied from 0.1 to 0.3 and 0.0 to 0.17, respectively. The influences of an electrically conductive filler (Al), polarization process (contact and Corona), and Al surface treatment, on piezoelectric and dielectric properties, were observed. The piezoelectric strain coefficient, d33, effective dielectric constant, εr, capacitance, C, and resistivity were measured and compared according to polarization process, the volume fraction of constituent phases, and Al surface treatment. The maximum values of d33 were ∼3.475 and ∼1.0 pC/N for corona and contact poled samples, respectively, for samples with volume fractions of 0.40 and 0.13 of PZT and Al (surface treated), respectively. Also, the maximum dielectric constant for the surface treated Al samples was ∼411 for volume fractions of 0.40 and 0.13 for PZT and Al, respectively. The percolation threshold was observed to occur at an aluminum volume fraction of 0.13. The composites achieved a percolated state for Al volume fractions >0.13 for both contact and corona poled samples. In addition, a comparative time study was conducted to examine the influence of surface treatment processing time of aluminum particles. The effectiveness of the surface treatment, sample morphology and composition was observed with the aid of scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy images. These images were correlated with piezoelectric and dielectric properties.
ACOUSTICAL STANDARDS NEWS
Authors: Stremmel Neil , Struck Christopher J.
Published: July 2016

American National Standards (ANSI Standards) developed by Accredited Standards Committees S1, S2, S3, S3/SC 1, and S12 in the areas of acoustics, mechanical vibration and shock, bioacoustics, animal bioacoustics, and noise, respectively, are published by the Acoustical Society of America (ASA). In addition to these standards, ASA publishes a catalog of Acoustical American National Standards. To receive a copy of the latest Standards catalog, please contact Neil Stremmel.

Comments are welcomed on all material in Acoustical Standards News.

This Acoustical Standards News section in JASA, as well as the National Catalog of Acoustical Standards and other information on the Standards Program of the Acoustical Society of America, are available via the ASA home page: http://acousticalsociety.org.
Hominid superorganisms
Authors: Segre Julia A. , Salafsky Nick
Published: July 2016

Ancient microbial symbionts cospeciated with hominids
Science advice for Europe
Authors: Wilsdon James
Published: July 2016

On 23 July, exactly 1 month after Britain's momentous decision to leave the European Union, around 4500 scientists and friends of science will assemble in Manchester, UK, for the opening of the EuroScience Open Forum (ESOF), Europe's largest interdisciplinary research conference. The vote for Britain's exit (“Brexit”)—with worrying repercussions for European science and wider society—and questions about the plans of the new UK Prime Minister Theresa May, will inevitably cast a shadow over proceedings. But as Jerzy Langer, chair of ESOF's program committee, argues, the meeting has now acquired a sharper purpose: to demonstrate at a time of acute uncertainty that “we, the scientists, are one big family, whose rules and values extend beyond political and geographic borders.”
Comment on “NRF2 activation by antioxidant antidiabetic agents accelerates tumor metastasis”
Authors: Decalf Jérémie , da Silva Rosa Barreira , Werneke Scott , Albert Matthew L.
Published: July 2016

Experimental cancer models must consider the role of the immune system.
Viral infection crosses up antigen presentation to drive autoimmunity
Authors: Moore Daniel J.
Published: July 2016

Infection of B cells can change their antigen processing machinery to enable them to promote aggressive autoimmune disease.
Rugby World Cup 2015: World Rugby injury surveillance study
Authors: Fuller Colin W , Taylor Aileen , Kemp Simon P T , Raftery Martin
Published: July 2016

Objective

To determine the incidence, severity and nature of injuries sustained during the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2015 together with the inciting events leading to the injuries.

Design

A prospective, whole population study.

Population

639 international rugby players representing 20 countries.

Method

The study protocol followed the definitions and procedures recommended in the consensus statement for epidemiological studies in rugby union; output measures included players' age (years), stature (cm), body mass (kg) and playing position, and the group-level incidence (injuries/1000 player-hours), mean and median severity (days-absence), location (%), type (%) and inciting event (%) for match and training injuries.

Results

Incidence of injury was 90.1 match injuries/1000 player-match-hours (backs: 100.4; forwards: 81.1) and 1.0 training injuries/1000 player-training-hours (backs: 0.9; forwards: 1.2). The mean severity of injuries was 29.8 days-absence (backs: 30.4; forwards: 29.1) during matches and 14.4 days-absence (backs: 6.3; forwards: 19.8) during training. During matches, head/face (22.0%), knee (16.2%), muscle-strain (23.1%) and ligament-sprain (23.1%) and, during training, lower limb (80.0%) and muscle-strain (60.0%) injuries were the most common locations and types of injury. Being-tackled (24.7%) was the most common inciting event for injury during matches and rugby-skills-contact activities (70.0%) the most common during training.

Conclusions

While the incidence, nature and inciting events associated with match injuries at RWC 2015 were similar to those reported previously for RWCs 2007 and 2011, there were increasing trends in the mean severity and total days-absence through injury.
Recovery of premorbid BMI trajectory without overshoot during the first year of treatment of children with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Grönberg Annika , Swenne Ingemar
Published: July 2016

Objective

To study body mass index (BMI) changes and metabolic control in children and adolescents during the first year following the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.

Research design and methods

200 children and adolescents (<18 years) diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, started on multiple injection treatment and followed up for 1 year were studied with respect to metabolic control and weight change. Growth curves preceding the onset of diabetes were procured from the school health services. BMI was recalculated into BMI SD scores (BMISDS).

Results

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at 1 year was 6.7±1.3% (50±10 mmol/mol). HbA1c was positively correlated with daily insulin dose (R2=0.13; p<0.001), negatively correlated with age (R2=0.03; p<0.05) but not related to gender, BMISDS at 1 year, HbA1c at presentation, or ketoacidosis at presentation. Prior to the onset of diabetes, BMISDS was 0.41±1.20 and decreased to −0.63±1.25 at presentation. BMISDS at 1 year was 0.54±0.97 and not different from the premorbid value (p>0.05). In a multiple regression analysis, BMISDS at 1 year was directly proportional to and highly predicted by BMISDS prior to onset of diabetes (R2=0.57; p<0.001). BMISDS at 1 year was also inversely correlated with age (R2=0.03; p<0.001) but could not be predicted by gender, daily insulin dose, HbA1c at 1 year, HbA1c at presentation, or by ketoacidosis at presentation.

Conclusions

During the first year of treatment of type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents, it is possible to achieve good metabolic control without excess weight gain.
The influence of subcutaneous fat on the relationship between body composition and ultrasound-derived muscle quality
Authors: Ryan Eric D. , Shea Nicholas W. , Gerstner Gena R. , Barnette Timothy J. , Tweedell Andrew J. , Kleinberg Craig R.
Published: July 2016

Ultrasound echo intensity (EI) values are a popular assessment of muscle quality. The relationship between EI and total (%fat) and regional (%fatlimb) body composition was examined in 40 men, prior to and after accounting for subcutaneous fat thickness. Uncorrected EI values suggest that muscle quality improves (r = –0.329 to –0.224; P = 0.038–0.165) with greater %fat and %fatlimb. However, corrected EI values indicated that muscle quality decreases (r = 0.711 to 0.798; P < 0.001) with greater %fat and %fatlimb.
Seasonal and spatial fluctuations inOncorhynchustrout diet in a temperate mixed-forest watershed
Authors: Li Judith L. , Gerth William J. , Van Driesche Richard P. , Bateman Doug S. , Herlihy Alan T.
Published: July 2016

To examine seasonal and spatial factors affecting prey consumption by Oncorhynchus trout, we examined trout diet from mainstem and tributary sites at Hinkle Creek, Oregon. Benthic invertebrate densities were similar across seasons and did not differ between tributaries and the mainstem. Fluctuations in diet followed seasonal changes in invertebrate sizes and abundances. Average prey biomass consumed was positively correlated with fish size. Consumption rates were high in spring and summer but fell significantly in fall when fewer and smaller prey were eaten. A switch in consumption from 36% terrestrial prey biomass in spring to 85% in summer coincided with an increase in terrestrial prey size and a decrease in benthic prey size. Location within the watershed also affected prey consumption. Despite similarities in diet composition, tributary trout consumed somewhat more biomass than trout in the mainstem but grew relatively slower. Because stream fishes such as Oncorhynchus trout feed opportunistically on varied prey, studies incorporating multiple seasons and stream types are important to understanding energy exchanges between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Impact of the oasis effect on wind tunnel measurements of ammonia volatilization from urea
Authors: Watt Devon , Rochette Philippe , VanderZaag Andrew , Strachan Ian B. , Bertrand Normand
Published: July 2016

The validity of emission factors derived from small-scale measurements of ammonia (NH3) volatilization has been questioned in the literature because gaseous NH3 concentration gradients differ at the edge of the measurement plot and may result in higher emissions than at field scale. We studied this “oasis effect” using two very long (22 m) wind tunnels constructed indoors over soil plots fertilized with surface-applied urea (20 g N m−2). We hypothesized that NH3 flux would be highest at the start of the tunnel and decrease with distance. Air NH3 concentration was measured every 2 m along each tunnel for 2 wk after urea application; NH3 flux did not decrease along the length of the tunnels. Of the 60 measurement periods, when there was significant NH3 volatilization, only two had a significant nonlinear relationship (P ≤ 0.05) between NH3 concentration and distance. For the other periods, the NH3 concentration increased linearly with distance (P ≤ 0.05). The background NH3 concentration difference between halves of the tunnels was not significantly related to NH3 flux difference (P > 0.1). Our results indicate that wind tunnel measurements of NH3 volatilization fertilized using urea are not impacted by a measurable oasis effect.
DNA barcoding in the media: does coverage of cool science reflect its social context?
Authors: Geary Janis , Camicioli Emma , Bubela Tania
Published: July 2016

Paul Hebert and colleagues first described DNA barcoding in 2003, which led to international efforts to promote and coordinate its use. Since its inception, DNA barcoding has generated considerable media coverage. We analysed whether this coverage reflected both the scientific and social mandates of international barcoding organizations. We searched newspaper databases to identify 900 English-language articles from 2003 to 2013. Coverage of the science of DNA barcoding was highly positive but lacked context for key topics. Coverage omissions pose challenges for public understanding of the science and applications of DNA barcoding; these included coverage of governance structures and issues related to the sharing of genetic resources across national borders. Our analysis provided insight into how barcoding communication efforts have translated into media coverage; more targeted communication efforts may focus media attention on previously omitted, but important topics. Our analysis is timely as the DNA barcoding community works to establish the International Society for the Barcode of Life.
αs from global fits of parton distribution functions
Authors: Alekhin S. , Blümlein J. , Moch S.-O.
Published: July 2016

The status of the determination of the strong coupling constant [Formula: see text] from deep-inelastic scattering and related hard scattering data is reviewed.
LANGEVIN EQUATION ON FRACTAL CURVES
Authors: SATIN SEEMA , GANGAL A. D.
Published: July 2016

We analyze random motion of a particle on a fractal curve, using Langevin approach. This involves defining a new velocity in terms of mass of the fractal curve, as defined in recent work. The geometry of the fractal curve, plays an important role in this analysis. A Langevin equation with a particular model of noise is proposed and solved using techniques of the F[Formula: see text]-Calculus.
Effects of aerobic exercise under different thermal conditions on human somatosensory processing
Authors: Nakata Hiroki , Oshiro Misaki , Namba Mari , Shibasaki Manabu
Published: July 2016

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on human somatosensory processing recorded by somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) under temperate [TEMP, 20°C and 40% relative humidity (RH)] and hot (HOT, 35°C and 30% RH) environments. Fifteen healthy subjects performed 4 × 15-min bouts of a moderate cycling exercise [mean power output: 156.5 ± 7.7 (SE) W], with a 10-min rest period and received a posterior tibial nerve stimulation at the left ankle before and after each exercise bout; SEPs were recorded in five sessions; 1st (pre), 2nd (post-1st exercise bout), 3rd (post-2nd exercise bout), 4th (post-3rd exercise bout), and 5th (post-4th exercise bout). The peak latencies and amplitudes of the P37, N50, P60, and N70 components at Cz were evaluated. The latencies of P37, N50, P60, and N70 were significantly shorter with the repetition of aerobic exercise, and these shortened latencies were significantly greater in the HOT condition than in the TEMP condition (P37: 3rd, P < 0.05, and 5th, P < 0.01; P60: 4th, P < 0.05, and 5th, P < 0.01; N70: 4th, P < 0.05, and 5th, P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the amplitudes of any SEP component under either thermal condition. These results suggest that the conduction velocity of the ascending somatosensory input was accelerated by increases in body temperature, and aerobic exercise did not alter the strength of neural activity in cortical somatosensory processing.
Functional versus effector-specific organization of the human posterior parietal cortex: revisited
Authors: Heed Tobias , Leone Frank T. M. , Toni Ivan , Medendorp W. Pieter
Published: July 2016

It has been proposed that the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) is characterized by an effector-specific organization. However, strikingly similar functional MRI (fMRI) activation patterns have been found in the PPC for hand and foot movements. Because the fMRI signal is related to average neuronal activity, similar activation levels may result either from effector-unspecific neurons or from intermingled subsets of effector-specific neurons within a voxel. We distinguished between these possibilities using fMRI repetition suppression (RS). Participants made delayed, goal-directed eye, hand, and foot movements to visual targets. In each trial, the instructed effector was identical or different to that of the previous trial. RS effects indicated an attenuation of the fMRI signal in repeat trials. The caudal PPC was active during the delay but did not show RS, suggesting that its planning activity was effector independent. Hand and foot-specific RS effects were evident in the anterior superior parietal lobule (SPL), extending to the premotor cortex, with limb overlap in the anterior SPL. Connectivity analysis suggested information flow between the caudal PPC to limb-specific anterior SPL regions and between the limb-unspecific anterior SPL toward limb-specific motor regions. These results underline that both function and effector specificity should be integrated into a concept of PPC action representation not only on a regional but also on a fine-grained, subvoxel level.
Dynamics of excitatory and inhibitory networks are differentially altered by selective attention
Authors: Snyder Adam C. , Morais Michael J. , Smith Matthew A.
Published: July 2016

Inhibition and excitation form two fundamental modes of neuronal interaction, yet we understand relatively little about their distinct roles in service of perceptual and cognitive processes. We developed a multidimensional waveform analysis to identify fast-spiking (putative inhibitory) and regular-spiking (putative excitatory) neurons in vivo and used this method to analyze how attention affects these two cell classes in visual area V4 of the extrastriate cortex of rhesus macaques. We found that putative inhibitory neurons had both greater increases in firing rate and decreases in correlated variability with attention compared with putative excitatory neurons. Moreover, the time course of attention effects for putative inhibitory neurons more closely tracked the temporal statistics of target probability in our task. Finally, the session-to-session variability in a behavioral measure of attention covaried with the magnitude of this effect. Together, these results suggest that selective targeting of inhibitory neurons and networks is a critical mechanism for attentional modulation.
An Extremely Rare Case of Advanced Metastatic Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of Sinonasal Tract
Authors: Thar Yu Yu , Patel Poras , Huang Tiangui , Guevara Elizabeth
Published: July 2016

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SNEC) is a rare form of malignancy. It mainly presents as bronchogenic neoplasm, and the extrapulmonary form accounts for only 0.1% to 0.4% of all cancers. These extrapulmonary tumors have been described most frequently in the urinary bladder, prostate, esophagus, stomach, colon and rectum, gall bladder, head and neck, cervix, and skin. Primary SNEC of the sinonasal tract is extremely rare with only less than 100 cases reported in the literature. Because of extreme rarity and aggressiveness of the tumor, the management for this entity varies considerably mandating multimodality approach. In this paper, we report a patient presented with left-sided facial swelling, and the histopathologic examination confirmed primary SNEC of left sinonasal tract. The tumor involved multiple paranasal sinuses with invasion into the left orbit and left infratemporal fossa and metastasized to cervical lymph nodes and bone. The patient encountered devastating outcome in spite of optimal medical management and treatment with palliative chemotherapy highlighting the necessity for further research of primary SNEC of head and neck.
Study of Antiobesity Effect through Inhibition of Pancreatic Lipase Activity ofDiospyros kakiFruit andCitrus unshiuPeel
Authors: Kim Gyo-Nam , Shin Mi-Rae , Shin Sung Ho , Lee Ah Reum , Lee Joo Young , Seo Bu-Il , Kim Min Yeong , Kim Tae Hoon , Noh Jeong Sook , Rhee Man Hee , Roh Seong-Soo
Published: July 2016

Pancreatic lipase is the enzyme responsible for digestion and absorption of triglycerides, being its inhibition one of the widest studied methods used to determine the potential activity of natural products to inhibit dietary fat absorption. Decrease of energy intake from dietary fat through inhibition of this enzyme may be an excellent strategy to prevent and treat obesity. The inhibitory activity on pancreatic lipase enzyme ofDiospyros kakifruit andCitrus unshiupeel mixture extract (PCM) was evaluatedin vitroand its antiobesity effects were studied based on the serum lipid parameters analysis from high-fat diet- (HFD-) fed micein vivo. PCM was orally administered at a dose of 50 and 200 mg/kg body weight for 6 weeks. In addition, the activity of pancreatic lipase was assessed using orlistat (positive control). PCM exhibited inhibitory effect on lipase activity with IC50value of 507.01 μg/mL. Moreover, serum triacylglycerol, total cholesterol levels, and visceral fat weight were significantly reduced compared to HFD control mice in PCM 200 mg/kg-treated mice (p<0.05). These results suggest that PCM administration may be a novel potential antiobesity agent for reduction of fat absorption via inhibition of pancreatic lipase.
Forethought in Youth with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: An fMRI Study of Sex-Specific Differences
Authors: Poissant H. , Rapin L. , Chenail S. , Mendrek A.
Published: July 2016

Objective. The majority of studies investigating neurocognitive processing in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been conducted on male participants. Few studies evaluated females or examined sex differences. Among various cognitive anomalies in ADHD, deficit in forethought seems particularly important as children with ADHD often fail to adequately use previous information in order to prepare for responses. The main goal of this study was to assess sex-specific differences in behavioral and neural correlates of forethought in youth with ADHD.Methods. 21 typically developing (TD) youth and 23 youth with ADHD were asked to judge whether two pictures told a congruent or incongruent story. Reaction time, performance accuracy, and cerebral activations were recorded during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).Results. Significant sex-specific differences in cerebral activations appeared, despite equivalent performance. Relative to the boys TD participants, boys with ADHD had extensive bilateral frontal and parietal hypoactivations, while girls with ADHD demonstrated more scattered hypoactivations in the right cerebral regions.Conclusion. Present results revealed that youth with ADHD exhibit reduced cerebral activations during forethought. Nevertheless, the pattern of deficits differed between boys and girls, suggesting the use of a different neurocognitive strategy. This emphasizes the importance of including both genders in the investigations of ADHD.
Evaluation of Superselective Transcatheter Arterial Embolization with n-Butyl Cyanoacrylate in Treating Lower Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Retrospective Study on Seven Cases
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Li Gang , Yu Xiang , Xie Ping
Published: July 2016

Background. To investigate the safety and efficacy of superselective transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in treating lower gastrointestinal bleeding caused by angiodysplasia.Methods. A retrospective study was performed to evaluate the clinical data of the patients with lower gastrointestinal bleeding caused by angiodysplasia. The patients were treated with superselective TAE with NBCA between September 2013 and March 2015. Angiography was performed after the embolization. The clinical signs including melena, anemia, and blood transfusion treatment were evaluated. The complications including abdominal pain and intestinal ischemia necrosis were recorded. The patients were followed up to evaluate the efficacy in the long run.Results. Seven cases (2 males, 5 females; age of69.55±2.25) were evaluated in the study. The embolization was successfully performed in all cases. About 0.2–0.8 mL (mean0.48±0.19 mL) NCBA was used. Immediate angiography after the embolization operation showed that the abnormal symptoms disappeared. The patients were followed up for a range of 2–19 months and six patients did not reoccur. No serious complications, such as femoral artery puncture point anomaly, vascular injury, and intestinal necrosis perforation were observed.Conclusion. For the patients with refractory and repeated lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage due to angiodysplasia, superselective TAE with NBCA seem to be a safe and effective alternative therapy when endoscopy examination and treatment do not work.
TP53Alterations Correlate with Response to VEGF/VEGFR Inhibitors: Implications for Targeted Therapeutics
Authors: Wheler Jennifer J. , Janku Filip , Naing Aung , Li Yali , Stephen Bettzy , Zinner Ralph , Subbiah Vivek , Fu Siqing , Karp Daniel , Falchook Gerald S. , Tsimberidou Apostolia M. , Piha-Paul Sarina , Anderson Roosevelt , Ke Danxia , Miller Vincent , Yelensky Roman , Lee J. Jack , Hong David , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: July 2016

TP53 tumor-suppressor gene mutations are among the most frequent abnormalities in cancer, affecting approximately 40% of patients. Yet, there is no accepted way to target these alterations in the clinic. At the same time, antagonists of VEGFR or its ligand are best-selling oncology drugs, with multiple, expensive compounds approved. Although only a subset of patients benefit from these antiangiogenesis agents, no relevant biomarker has been identified. Interestingly, TP53 mutations upregulate VEGF-A and VEGFR2. We prospectively enrolled 500 patients, to be interrogated by comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) (next-generation sequencing, 236 genes), and to be matched, whenever possible, with targeted agents. Herein, we analyze outcomes based on VEGF/VEGFR inhibitor treatment and presence of TP53 mutations. Of the 500 patients, 188 (37.6%; with ≥1 alteration) were treated; 106 (56% of 188) had tumors that harbored TP53 mutations. VEGF/VEGFR inhibitor therapy was independently associated with improvement in all outcome parameters [rate of stable disease (SD) ≥6 months/partial and complete remission (PR/CR); (31% versus 7%; TP53-mutant patients (who received no other molecular-matched agents) treated with versus without VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors), time-to-treatment failure, and overall survival (multivariate analysis: all P ≤ 0.01)] for the patients harboring TP53-mutant cancers, but improvement was not seen in any of these parameters for patients with TP53 wild-type neoplasms. We conclude that TP53 mutations predict sensitivity to VEGF/VEGFR inhibitors in the clinic. TP53 alterations may therefore be a ready biomarker for treatment with antiangiogenesis agents, a finding of seminal importance across the cancer field. Mol Cancer Ther; 15(10); 2475–85. ©2016 AACR.
Impact of Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate on Erectile, Ejaculatory and Urinary Functions
Authors: Saredi Giovanni , Pacchetti Andrea , Pirola Giacomo Maria , Martorana Eugenio , Berti Lorenzo , Scroppo Fabrizio Ildefonso , Marconi Alberto Mario
Published: July 2016

Objective: To test the impact of Thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) on erectile and ejaculatory functions, on lower urinary tract symptoms and on quality of life (QoL). Methods: From July 2013 to May 2015, we prospectively evaluated 177 patients with LUTS related to benign prostatic hyperplasia. All patients were assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), Male Sexual Health Questionnaire-Ejaculatory Disease (MSHQ-EjD), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), QoL, PSA and uroflowmetry before and at 4 and 8 months after surgery. Results: Erectile function did not show variation with IIEF-5 preoperative score 22.49 ± 1.8 and postoperative score 22.14 ± 3.1 (p = 0.195) and 22.18 ± 3.2 (p = 0.26) at 4 and 8 months after treatment. The ejaculatory function on the MSHQ-EjD test indicated the reduction of ejaculation, changing from 14.90 ± 6.88 to 5.51 ± 4.17 (p < 0.0001) and 5.38 ± 3.93 (p < 0.0001) at 4 and 8 months follow-up. IPSS score decreased from preoperative 21.12 ± 5.81 to 3.14 ± 3.16 (p < 0.0001) and 3.08 ± 3.12 (p < 0.0001) 4 and 8 months after surgery. PSA decreased from 4.50 ± 3.72 to 1.39 ± 1.04 (p < 0.0001) and 1.47 ± 1.14 ng/ml (p < 0.0001) at 4 and 8 months follow-up, while QoL score improved from 5.41 ± 0.69 to 0.57 ± 0.84 (p < 0.0001) and 0.51 ± 0.80 (p < 0.0001) at 4 and 8 months follow-up. Conclusions: ThuLEP does not affect erectile function and determines the resolution of LUTS with improvement of QoL. Loss of ejaculation did not impair the sexual intercourse activities of the patients.
The Number, Organization, and Size of Polymorphic Membrane Protein Coding Sequences as well as the Most Conserved Pmp Protein Differ within and across Chlamydia Species
Authors: Van Lent Sarah , Creasy Heather Huot , Myers Garry S.A. , Vanrompay Daisy
Published: July 2016

Variation is a central trait of the polymorphic membrane protein (Pmp) family. The number of pmp coding sequences differs between Chlamydia species, but it is unknown whether the number of pmp coding sequences is constant within a Chlamydia species. The level of conservation of the Pmp proteins has previously only been determined for Chlamydia trachomatis. As different Pmp proteins might be indispensible for the pathogenesis of different Chlamydia species, this study investigated the conservation of Pmp proteins both within and across C. trachomatis,C. pneumoniae,C. abortus, and C. psittaci. The pmp coding sequences were annotated in 16 C. trachomatis, 6 C. pneumoniae, 2 C. abortus, and 16 C. psittaci genomes. The number and organization of polymorphic membrane coding sequences differed within and across the analyzed Chlamydia species. The length of coding sequences of pmpA,pmpB, and pmpH was conserved among all analyzed genomes, while the length of pmpE/F and pmpG, and remarkably also of the subtype pmpD, differed among the analyzed genomes. PmpD, PmpA, PmpH, and PmpA were the most conserved Pmp in C. trachomatis,C. pneumoniae,C. abortus, and C. psittaci, respectively. PmpB was the most conserved Pmp across the 4 analyzed Chlamydia species.
Systemic Therapy of Advanced/Metastatic Breast Cancer - Current Evidence and Future Concepts
Authors: Liedtke Cornelia , Kolberg Hans-Christian
Published: July 2016

Systemic therapy of metastatic breast cancer may include chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and targeted therapies (e.g., antibody-based approaches). These agents may be employed alone or in combination based on the patient's breast cancer subtype. Therefore, characterization of the disease phenotype is necessary and may include biopsy of the metastatic site. Novel therapeutic approaches include immunologic therapies, PARP inhibitors, PI3K inhibitors, and CDK4/6 inhibitors, which are currently under investigation in clinical trials.
Prevention of Cervix Cancer in India
Authors: Mishra Gauravi A. , Pimple Sharmila A. , Shastri Surendra S.
Published: July 2016

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally and the second most common cancer among Indian women. India alone bears 23% of the global cervical cancer burden. In India, population-based cervical cancer screening is largely nonexistent in most regions due to competing healthcare priorities, insufficient financial resources and a limited number of trained providers. Hence, most of the cases present in advanced stages of the disease, thus leading to increased mortality and reduced survival. Various screening options like cytology, visual-based screening and testing for high-risk HPV are available. Several cross-sectional studies have looked at the comparative efficacy of different screening tests. Three important randomized controlled trials from India have shown the efficacy of screening once in a life time with HPV DNA, one-time screening with VIA by trained nurses and four-time screening with VIA by trained primary health workers, reducing mortality due to cervical cancers. Prevention of cervical cancers with two-dose HPV vaccination and early detection of precancerous cervical lesions of the eligible population through screening and their appropriate treatment with a single-visit ‘screen-and-treat' approach appear to be promising for low-middle-income countries including India.