bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Four Draft Single-Cell Genome Sequences of Novel, Nearly Identical
Kiritimatiellaeota
Strains Isolated from the Continental Deep Subsurface
Authors: Sackett Joshua D. , Kruger Brittany R. , Becraft Eric D. , Jarett Jessica K. , Stepanauskas Ramunas , Woyke Tanja , Moser Duane P.
Published: March 2019

The recently proposed bacterial phylum
Kiritimatiellaeota
represents a globally distributed monophyletic clade distinct from other members of the
Planctomycetes
,
Verrucomicrobia
, and
Chlamydiae
(PVC) superphylum. Here, we present four phylogenetically distinct single-cell genome sequences from within the
Kiritimatiellaeota
lineage sampled from deep continental subsurface aquifer fluids of the Death Valley Regional Flow System in the United States.
PEBBLES study protocol: a randomised controlled trial to prevent atopic dermatitis, food allergy and sensitisation in infants with a family history of allergic disease using a skin barrier improvement strategy
Authors: Lowe Adrian , Su John , Tang Mimi , Lodge Caroline J , Matheson Melanie , Allen Katrina J , Varigos George , Sasi Arun , Cranswick Noel , Hamilton Simone , Robertson Colin F , Hui Jennie , Abramson Michael , O’Brien Shaie , Dharmage Shyamali
Published: March 2019

Introduction

The skin is an important barrier against environmental allergens, but infants have relatively impaired skin barrier function. There is evidence that impaired skin barrier function increases the risk of allergic sensitisation, atopic dermatitis (AD) and food allergy. We hypothesise that regular prophylactic use of emollients, particularly those that are designed to improve skin barrier structure and function, will help prevent these conditions. With the aim of determining if application of a ceramide-dominant emollient two times per day reduces the risk of AD and food allergy, we have commenced a multicentre phase III, outcome assessor blinded, randomised controlled trial of this emollient applied from birth to 6 months.

Methods and analysis

Infants (n=760) with a family history of allergic disease will be recruited from maternity hospitals in Melbourne. The primary outcomes are as follows: the presence of AD, assessed using the UK Working Party criteria, and food allergy using food challenge, in the first 12 months of life as assessed by a blinded study outcome assessor. Secondary outcomes are as follows: food sensitisation (skin prick test), skin barrier function, AD severity, the presence of new onset AD after treatment cessation (between 6 and 12 months) and the presence of parent reported AD/eczema. Recruitment commenced in March 2018.

Ethics and dissemination

The PEBBLES Study is approved by the Human Research Ethics Committees of the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) (#37090A) and the Mercy Hospital for Women (2018–008). Parents or guardians will provide written informed consent. Outcomes will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presented at scientific conferences.

Trial registration numbers

ACTRN12617001380381 andNCT03667651.
Association between socioeconomic status and prevalence of non-communicable diseases risk factors and comorbidities in Bangladesh: findings from a nationwide cross-sectional survey
Authors: Biswas Tuhin , Townsend Nick , Islam Md Saimul , Islam Md Rajibul , Das Gupta Rajat , Das Sumon Kumar , Mamun Abdullah Al
Published: March 2019

Objectives

This study aimed to examine the prevalence and distribution in the comorbidity of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the adult population in Bangladesh by measures of socioeconomic status (SES).

Design

This was a cross-sectional study.

Setting

This study used Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011 data.

Participants

Total 8763 individuals aged ≥35 years were included.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome measures were diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN) and overweight/obesity. The study further assesses factors (in particular SES) associated with these comorbidities (DM, HTN and overweight/obesity).

Results

Of 8763 adults,12% had DM, 27% HTN and 22% were overweight/obese (body mass index ≥23 kg/m2). Just over 1% of the sample had all three conditions, 3% had both DM and HTN, 3% DM and overweight/obesity and 7% HTN and overweight/obesity. DM, HTN and overweight/obesity were more prevalent those who had higher education, were non-manual workers, were in the richer to richest SES and lived in urban settings. Individuals in higher SES groups were also more likely to suffer from comorbidities. In the multivariable analysis, it was found that individual belonging to the richest wealth quintile had the highest odds of having HTN (adjusted OR (AOR) 1.49, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.72), DM (AOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.14) and overweight/obesity (AOR 4.3, 95% CI 3.32 to 5.57).

Conclusions

In contrast to more affluent countries, individuals with NCDs risk factors and comorbidities are more common in higher SES individuals. Public health approaches must consider this social patterning in tackling NCDs in the country.
Proximity extension assay testing reveals novel diagnostic biomarkers of atypical parkinsonian syndromes
Authors: Jabbari Edwin , Woodside John , Guo Tong , Magdalinou Nadia K , Chelban Viorica , Athauda Dilan , Lees Andrew J , Foltynie Thomas , Houlden Henry , Church Alistair , Hu Michele TM , Rowe James B , Zetterberg Henrik , Morris Huw R
Published: March 2019

Objective

The high degree of clinical overlap between atypical parkinsonian syndromes (APS) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) makes diagnosis challenging. We aimed to identify novel diagnostic protein biomarkers of APS using multiplex proximity extension assay (PEA) testing.

Methods

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from two independent cohorts, each consisting of APS and PD cases, and controls, were analysed for neurofilament light chain (NF-L) and Olink Neurology and Inflammation PEA biomarker panels. Whole-cohort comparisons of biomarker concentrations were made between APS (n=114), PD (n=37) and control (n=34) groups using logistic regression analyses that included gender, age and disease duration as covariates.

Results

APS versus controls analyses revealed 11 CSF markers with significantly different levels in cases and controls (p<0.002). Four of these markers also reached significance (p<0.05) in APS versus PD analyses. Disease-specific analyses revealed lower group levels of FGF-5, FGF-19 and SPOCK1 in multiple system atrophy compared with progressive supranuclear palsy and corticobasal syndrome. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses suggested that the diagnostic accuracy of NF-L was superior to the significant PEA biomarkers in distinguishing APS, PD and controls. The biological processes regulated by the significant proteins include cell differentiation and immune cell migration. Delta and notch-like epidermal growth factor-related receptor (DNER) had the strongest effect size in APS versus controls and APS versus PD analyses. DNER is highly expressed in substantia nigra and is an activator of the NOTCH1 pathway which has been implicated in the aetiology of other neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusions

PEA testing has identified potential novel diagnostic biomarkers of APS.
Morphine, Morphine-6-Glucuronide, and Morphine-3-Glucuronide in Cerebrospinal Fluid and Plasma After Epidural Administration of Morphine
Authors: Kalman Sigga , Metcalf Kerstin , Eintrei Christina
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

It has been suggested that the potency of epidural morphine might be explained by spinal metabolism to the active and potent metabolite morphine-6-glucuronide (M6G). The main objective of this study was to describe the early pharmacokinetics of epidurally administered, morphine with special attention to the appearance of the glucuronated metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Methods

Morphine was administered epidurally to eight patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery. The concentrations of morphine and its 6-glucuronide and 3-glucuronide metabolites were monitored in blood and CSF at 10, 30, 60, and 120 minutes and 10 and 24 hours. Postoperative pain was estimated on a visual analog scale, and analgesia requirements (administered by a patient-controlled techique) were recorded.

Results

Only traces of the metabolites were found in CSF and in only two patients throughout the 24 hours. Both metabolites appeared rapidly (within 30 minutes) in plasma in all patients and were found in plasma throughout the study period. Morphine concentration peaked in CSF within 30 minutes at a very high level; in plasma, it peaked at 10 minutes. No correlation was seen between initial or later concentrations of morphine in CSF and postoperative pain or morphine requirements.

Conclusions

No evidence of spinal metabolism of morphine could be found. Rapid distribution of morphine to CSF and plasma occurred after epidural administration. No value of initial CSF morphine concentrations for prediction of analgesic requirements could be demonstrated.
Postoperative Analgesia Following Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Allen J. G. , Denny N. M. , Oakman N.
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

The quality of analgesia and subsequent morphine requirements following spinal anesthetic block (SAB) or combined sciatic and femoral (3-in-1) block (SFB) for total knee arthroplasty were compared.

Methods

The 39 patients studied were randomly assigned to receive either SAB (n = 19) or SFB (n = 20). All patients received a standardized general anesthetic, patient-controlled analgesia, and regular diclofenac. Visual analog pain scores and morphine requirements were recorded for 48 hours following surgery. Observations were grouped into four 12-hour periods. Pain scores (0-10 cm) were expressed as 95% confidence intervals; the criterion for analgesic success was a confidence interval in the range 0-3 cm.

Results

Although pain-free on awakening, the SAB patients failed to achieve analgesic success in any of the four periods, while the SFB patients did so in three of the four periods. Morphine consumption was significantly higher in the SAB group during the first two periods but similar to the SFB group thereafter.

Conclusion

In comparison with SAB, SFB resulted in superior analgesia and reduced morphine consumption for the first 24 hours following total knee arthroplasty.
Pain Evaluation in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Terai Takekazu , Yukioka Hidekazu , Asada Akira
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

The visual analog scale (VAS) is a simple and sensitive mean of pain assessment. The faces scale is also a simple, self-reporting method for children. Facial signs of pain have not been used to assess pain in postoperative adult patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

Fifty patients undergoing esophageal cancer surgery by a thoracoabdominal procedure were studied. Epidural opioids, such as morphine or buprenorphine, combined with bupivacaine were administered during and after surgery. Pain measurement was performed by a physician in the ICU using the self-reported VAS 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours after tracheal extubation and thereafter every 4 hours during the stay in the ICU. A nurse who was unaware of the patients' VAS scores assessed facial expression as a measure of pain intensity using a five-grade faces scale immediately before pain evaluation by VAS. The VAS was rescaled into five discrete units that would match the five faces scale scores. Weighted kappa statistics were used to establish a relative level of agreement between the five-grade VAS and faces scale.

Results

Good agreement was found between the five-grade VAS and the faces scale 30 minutes and 1 hour after tracheal extubation (weighted kappa values .67 and .62, respectively). The VAS and faces scales were measured 7-13 times per patient during the stay in the ICU, and 518 observations were collected. Although moderate agreement was found between the five-graded VAS and faces scale for all pairs of observation (weighted kappa values .54), less agreement was found between them in patients with moderate pain. In addition, the calculated mean differences between the five-graded VAS and faces scale differed significantly between patients.

Conclusion

The faces scale may be useful for pain evaluation in the ICU.
Intrafascicular Injection of Ammonium Sulfate and Bupivacaine in Peripheral Nerves of Neonatal and Juvenile Rats
Authors: Hertl M. Catherine , Hagberg Patricia K. , Hunter Daniel A. , Mackinnon Susan E. , Langer Jacob C.
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

Regional nerve blocks are often used for the treatment of postoperative pain in children. Ammonium sulfate is a non-narcotic anesthetic agent, which has been reported to provide pain relief lasting days to weeks, with few reported side effects in adult studies. Prior to considering clinical use in children, the neurotoxicity of ammonium sulfate in 4-day and 3-week old rats was assessed and compared with that of bupivacaine.

Methods

Each rat received a posterior tibial nerve intrafascicular injection (0.01 mL in 4-day-old and 0.02 mL in 3-week-old rats) using either 10% ammonium sulfate (n = 24 per age group), 0.5% bupivacaine (n = 18 per age group), 0.9% saline (n = 18 per age group), or 5% phenol (n = 18 per age group). A functional assessment by serial walking track analysis and a morphologic assessment by neurohistology were made.

Results

No abnormalities in serial walking track analysis and no structural nerve damage were detected after ammonium sulfate, bupivacaine, or saline injection. Bupivacaine caused mild focal changes in both age groups, which recovered by 8 weeks.

Conclusions

Intrafascicular injection of ammonium sulfate was as safe as bupivacaine in this animal model. Further animal studies must be made before human trials are initiated.
The Recovery Profile of Hyperbaric Spinal Anesthesia With Lidocaine, Tetracaine, and Bupivacaine
Authors: Frey Kere , Holman Stephen , Mikat-Stevens Marianne , Vazquez John , White Lee , Pedicini Eric , Sheikh Taqdees , Kao T. C. , Kleinman Bruce , Stevens Rom A.
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives

Surgical procedures previously considered too lengthy for the ambulatory surgery setting are now being performed during spinal anesthesia. The complete recovery profile of tetracaine and bupivacaine are now of interest but are not available in the literature. This study was conducted to compare times to ambulation, voiding, and complete block resolution, as well as the incidence of back and radicular pain, after spinal anesthesia with lidocaine, bupivacaine, and tetracaine.

Methods

Twelve adult volunteers underwent spinal anesthesia on three separate occasions with three local anesthetics (lidocaine 100 mg, bupivacaine 15 mg, and tetracaine 15 mg in hyperbaric solutions) in random order and in a double-blind fashion. A 24-gauge Sprotte spinal needle was placed at the L2-3 interspace. The level of analgesia to pinprick was determined moving cephalad in the midclavicular line until a dermatome was reached at which the prick felt as sharp as over an unblocked dermatome. One dermatome caudad to this point was recorded every 5 minutes as the level of analgesia. We also recorded the times to voiding, unassisted ambulation, and complete resolution of sacral anesthesia.

Results

There was no difference between tetracaine and bupivacaine in time taken for two- and four-segment regression of the analgesia level. However, times to ambulation and complete resolution of the block were significantly shorter with bupivacaine then with tetracaine. With lidocaine, times to four-segment regression, ambulation, voiding, and complete regression of the block were significantly shorter than with bupivacaine and tetracaine. Time to two-segment regression did not differ among local anesthetics. Back and radicular pain symptoms were reported by three subjects after lidocaine subarachnoid block but not after tetracaine or bupivacaine.

Conclusion

Among individual subjects, lidocaine exhibited the shortest recovery profile. However, the recovery profiles of the three anesthetics were very variable between subjects. Time to meeting discharge criteria after bupivacaine or tetracaine was faster in a few subjects than that after lidocaine in other subjects. For ambulatory anesthesia, times to two- and four-segment regression do not accurately predict time to readiness for discharge after spinal anesthesia.
Propidium monoazide real-time PCR amplification for viable Salmonella species and Salmonella Heidelberg in pork
Authors: Zhai Ligong , Li Junjie , Tao Tingting , Lu Zhaoxin , Lv Fengxia , Bie Xiaomei
Published: March 2019

Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg causes foodborne infections and is a major threat to the food chain and public health. In this study, we aimed to develop a rapid molecular typing approach to identify Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg. Using comparative genomics, four serovar-specific gene fragments were identified, and a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with a propidium monoazide (PMA) pretreatment method was developed for simultaneous detection of viable Salmonella sp. (invA) and Salmonella Heidelberg (SeHA_C3258). The assay showed 100% specificity for all strains tested. The assay was able to distinguish effectively viable or dead cells with the PMA. The detection limit was 2.4 CFU/mL following 6 h of incubation in enrichment Luria–Bertani medium, and the assay could detect 1.7 × 102 CFU/mL in the presence of pork background flora. In artificially contaminated pork, real-time PCR detected inoculum levels of 1.15 CFU/25 g of pork after a 6 h enrichment. Thus, our findings indicated that this comparative genomics approach could be used to screen for serovar-specific fragments and that real-time PCR with PMA was a simple and reliable method for detecting viability of Salmonella species and Salmonella Heidelberg.
Quintessence compact stars satisfying Karmarkar condition
Authors: Abbas G. , Qaisar Shahid , Javed Wajiha , Ibrahim W.
Published: March 2019

In this research article, the authors have presented the modelling of quintessence compact stars, which satisfies the Karmarkar conditions. For this purpose, we have formulated the set of Einstein field equations with the static metric, anisotropic perfect fluid, and quintessence field. The equation of state pr = αρ and Karmarkar condition have been used to solve the set of field equations. The unknown constant in the metric functions (appearing due to the Karmarkar conditions) have been found by matching the interior metric with the Schwarzschild exterior metric. The observed value of mass and radius of some well-known classes of stars has been used. The fluid variables density, radial and transverse pressures, and anisotropic parameter have been plotted graphically. The first and second derivatives of density and radial pressure have been evaluated to discuss the regularity of the model. The speed of sound for the radial and transverse directions determines the stability of the proposed model. Moreover, the redshift for the proposed model of the star has been discussed.
Lattice Boltzmann simulation of conjugate forced convection in a channel heat sink with surface-mounted blocks
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Li Dinggen , Ye Peixin , Yu Zihao
Published: March 2019

The study of the conjugate forced convection in a channel has many practical applications and has attracted attention from researchers, although the conjugate heat transfer in this configuration is usually ignored. In this paper, the conjugate forced convection heat transfer in a channel heat sink with surface-mounted blocks is numerically studied with the lattice Boltzmann method. The effects of Reynolds numbers and geometrical parameters of the blocks in different aspect ratios on the flow field and temperature distribution for various thermal conductivity ratio of solid wall to the fluid are analyzed. The results reveal that the distributions of the vortices and streamlines in the channel heat sink largely depend on the geometric parameters, and the increase of the distance between two mounted blocks tends to cause the pressure drop to increase and the average Nusselt number decreases. In addition, we found that a modification of the thermal conductivity ratio of solid to fluid has little effect on the pressure drop, whereas the heat transfer performance becomes much better.
The spatial distribution and fecundity of sympatric species ofDiplostomum(subclass Digenea) in single-species and mixed-species infections in the intestine of the Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)
Authors: Lapierre Angela Rose , Scott Marilyn E. , McLaughlin J. Daniel , Marcogliese David J.
Published: March 2019

Interactions between parasite species may influence their distribution and abundance within communities. Experimental single-species infections of Diplostomum spp. in the gut of the definitive host, the Ringed-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis Ord, 1815), were compared with mixed-species infections to explore interactions among parasites. Three species of Diplostomum von Nordmann, 1832 (Digenea), designated as Diplostomum sp. 1, Diplostomum sp. 4, and Diplostomum baeri Dubois, 1937, were examined for intestinal distribution and fecundity in single and mixed infections. In single-species infections, most specimens of Diplostomum sp. 1 and D. baeri were recovered from the mid-region of the intestine, whereas Diplostomum sp. 4 were mainly present in the anterior region. Significant spatial displacement was observed only for D. baeri when Diplostomum sp. 1 was also present. Intensity was directly correlated to the number of occupied intestinal segments, and there was no significant difference in mean linear span for each species between single-species and mixed-species infections. Diplostomum sp. 4 had the highest mean number of eggs per worm in utero in single-species infections. In mixed-species infections, the fecundity of Diplostomum sp. 4 declined dramatically in the presence of Diplostomum sp. 1, whereas fecundity of Diplostomum sp. 1 increased in the presence of D. baeri. These results highlight interspecific interactions that may play a role in population dynamics of Diplostomum spp. and community structure.
Fast Algorithms for Diameter-Optimally Augmenting Paths and Trees
Authors: Große Ulrike , Knauer Christian , Stehn Fabian , Gudmundsson Joachim , Smid Michiel
Published: March 2019

We consider the problem of augmenting an [Formula: see text]-vertex graph embedded in a metric space, by inserting one additional edge in order to minimize the diameter of the resulting graph. We present exact algorithms for the cases when (i) the input graph is a path, running in [Formula: see text] time, and (ii) the input graph is a tree, running in [Formula: see text] time. We also present an algorithm for paths that computes a [Formula: see text]-approximation in [Formula: see text] time.
Kinematic spin decoherence of a wave packet in a gravitational field
Authors: Dai Yue , Shi Yu
Published: March 2019

The spin state of a wave packet of a spin-1/2 particle in a gravitational field is a mixed state, obtained by integrating out the momentum degree of freedom. The entropy of this spin mixed state depends on the deviation of spacetime from the flatness. In terms of a succession of local inertial frames, it is shown that spin decoherence occurs even if the particle is uniformly moving or static in a gravitational field.
Deformation and orientation effects on reaction cross-sections at intermediate and high energies
Authors: Rashdan M. , Sewailem Sh. M.
Published: March 2019

The effects of deformation and orientation on the nucleus–nucleus and proton–nucleus reaction cross-sections are investigated at intermediate and high energies, in the framework of the Coulomb modified Glauber model. The matter density of the projectile is treated by a deformed Fermi shape with quadrupole and hexadecapole deformations. In-medium effects are included through a local density- and an energy-dependent effective nucleon–nucleon total cross-section. Calculations are performed for the deformed projectiles [Formula: see text] colliding by [Formula: see text] and by protons. It is found that the average of reaction cross-section over all directions of the symmetry axis of the deformed projectile differs by about 2[Formula: see text] compared with that calculated for a spherical projectile with the same rms matter radius as the deformed one. The difference between the cross-sections calculated with and without medium effects is of the order 2[Formula: see text] for both deformed and spherical cases. The integrated reaction cross-sections over all orientation angles provide a consistent explanation of the experimental data. The orientation of the heavy projectile can produce a difference in the calculated cross-section about 35[Formula: see text] for nucleus–nucleus and about 45[Formula: see text] for proton–nucleus. This study is also useful for experiments of polarized beams that have created opportunities to study oriented collisions of deformed nuclei. The method is applied to extract the rms radius of [Formula: see text] and it is found to be about 3.56 and 3.45[Formula: see text]fm when using deformation with and without in-medium effects.
Early studies of airway submucosal glands
Authors: Widdicombe Jonathan H.
Published: March 2019

This historical article provides a comprehensive review of early research on the structure and function of airway submucosal glands. The literature before 1950 or so, is virtually unknown, but in addition to being of historical interest it contains much of relevance to current research. Airway glands were first mentioned in 1602. The first description of their general form, size, and distribution was in 1712. Gland morphology was determined in 1827 by injecting mercury into their openings. Wax was later used. Detailed comparative information for all regions of the tracheobronchial tree was provided by Frankenhauser in 1879 ( Untersuchungen uber den bau der Tracheo-Bronchial-Schleimhaut). Histological studies began in 1870, and by the end of the 19th century, all the major histological features had been described. The first physiological studies on airway mucous secretion were published in 1892. Kokin, in 1896 ( Archiv für die gesamte Physiologie des Menschen und der Tiere 63: 622–630), was the first to measure secretion from individual glands. It was not, however, until 1933 that gland secretion was quantified. This early literature raises important questions as to the role of the collecting duct epithelium in modifying primary secretions. It also provides perhaps the most accurate measure of basal gland secretion in vivo.
Central command increases muscle sympathetic nerve activity more to contracting than noncontracting muscle during rhythmic isotonic leg exercise
Authors: Taylor Chloe E. , Boulton Daniel , Howden Erin J. , Siebenmann Christoph , Macefield Vaughan G.
Published: March 2019

We have previously shown that the increase in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) to contracting muscle during sustained isometric exercise is due primarily to central command and that contracting muscle does not express a metaboreceptor-driven increase in MSNA. Here we tested the hypothesis that MSNA increases to the contracting muscle also during rhythmic isotonic exercise, in which muscle metabolites will not accumulate because the contraction is performed without external load. MSNA was recorded from the common peroneal nerve in 10 participants, and negative-going sympathetic spikes were extracted during 50 cycles of sinusoidal (0.15 Hz) isotonic dorsiflexions of the ipsilateral or contralateral ankle. Electromyographic activity (EMG) was recorded from the tibialis anterior muscle on both sides. Cross-correlation analysis between MSNA and EMG revealed a marked cyclic modulation of MSNA to the contracting (ipsilateral) muscle. This modulation, in which MSNA increased during the contraction phase, was three times greater than that to the noncontracting muscle (modulation index = 27.4 ± 3.2% vs. 9.2 ± 1.5%; P < 0.002). There were no differences in either the intensity or the magnitude of modulation of EMG during ipsilateral and contralateral contractions. We conclude that central command increases MSNA to the contracting muscle during rhythmic isotonic exercise.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) increases to contracting muscle during isometric exercise, but whether this occurs during rhythmic isotonic exercise is unknown. We recorded MSNA to the pretibial flexors during cyclic dorsiflexion of the ipsilateral or contralateral ankle. MSNA showed a cyclic increase during the contraction phase that was significantly higher to the contracting than the noncontracting muscle, supporting central command as the primary mechanism responsible for increasing MSNA.
Thermonociceptive interaction: interchannel pain modulation occurs before intrachannel convergence of warmth
Authors: Cataldo Antonio , Ferrè Elisa Raffaella , Haggard Patrick
Published: March 2019

Nonnoxious warmth reduces both perceived pain intensity and the amplitude of EEG markers of pain. However, the spatial properties of thermonociceptive interaction, and the level of sensory processing at which it occurs, remain unclear. We investigated whether interchannel warmth-pain interactions occur before or after intrachannel spatial summation of warmth. Warm stimuli were applied to the fingers of the right hand. Their number and location were manipulated in different conditions. A concomitant noxious test pulse was delivered to the middle finger using a CO2 laser. We replicated the classical suppressive effect of warmth on both perceived pain intensity and EEG markers. Importantly, inhibition of pain was not affected by the location and the number of thermal stimuli, even though they increased the perceived intensity of warmth. Our results therefore suggest that the inhibitory effect of warmth on pain is not somatotopically organized. The results also rule out the possibility that warmth affects nociceptive processing after intrachannel warmth summation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We used spatial summation of warmth as a model to investigate thermonociceptive interactions. Painful CO2 laser pulses were delivered during different thermal conditions. We found that warmth inhibited pain regardless of its location. Crucially, spatial summation of multiple warm stimuli did not further inhibit pain. These findings suggest that warmth-pain interaction occurs independently of or after spatial summation of warmth.
Is natural variability in gait sufficient to initiate spontaneous energy optimization in human walking?
Authors: Wong Jeremy D. , Selinger Jessica C. , Donelan J. Maxwell
Published: March 2019

In new walking contexts, the nervous system can adapt preferred gaits to minimize energetic cost. During treadmill walking, this optimization is not usually spontaneous but instead requires experience with the new energetic cost landscape. Experimenters can provide subjects with the needed experience by prescribing new gaits or instructing them to explore new gaits. Yet in familiar walking contexts, people naturally prefer energetically optimal gaits: the nervous system can optimize cost without an experimenter’s guidance. Here we test the hypothesis that the natural gait variability of overground walking provides the nervous system with sufficient experience with new cost landscapes to initiate spontaneous minimization of energetic cost. We had subjects walk over paths of varying terrain while wearing knee exoskeletons that penalized walking as a function of step frequency. The exoskeletons created cost landscapes with minima that were, on average, 8% lower than the energetic cost at the initially preferred gaits and achieved at walking speeds and step frequencies that were 4% lower than the initially preferred values. We found that our overground walking trials amplified gait variability by 3.7-fold compared with treadmill walking, resulting in subjects gaining greater experience with new cost landscapes, including frequent experience with gaits at the new energetic minima. However, after 20 min and 2.0 km of walking in the new cost landscapes, we observed no consistent optimization of gait, suggesting that natural gait variability during overground walking is not always sufficient to initiate energetic optimization over the time periods and distances tested in this study.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY While the nervous system can continuously optimize gait to minimize energetic cost, what initiates this optimization process during every day walking is unknown. Here we tested the hypothesis that the nervous system leverages the natural variability in gait experienced during overground walking to converge on new energetically optimal gaits created using exoskeletons. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found that participants did not adapt toward optimal gaits: natural variability is not always sufficient to initiate spontaneous energy optimization.
Stimulating balance: recent advances in vestibular stimulation for balance and gait
Authors: Herssens Nolan , McCrum Christopher
Published: March 2019

Noisy galvanic vestibular stimulation (nGVS) can boost vestibular sensory thresholds via stochastic resonance and research on nGVS as an intervention for vestibulopathy has accelerated recently. Recent research has investigated the effects and associated mechanisms of nGVS on balance and gait. nGVS has potential as an intervention for balance and gait-related deficits in vestibulopathy, but further research into the mechanisms underlying these effects and consensus on stimulation protocols are required.
Antioxidant Species in Grapes and Wines via Spectrophotometric Methods: No Quenching Effects by Copper(II) and Yeast Derivative Treatments
Authors: Tamasi Gabriella , Pardini Alessio , Bonechi Claudia , Donati Alessandro , Leone Gemma , Consumi Marco , Pagni Daniele , Cini Renzo , Rossi Claudio , Magnani Agnese
Published: March 2019

Analytical determinations for selected parameters in grapes/wines help planning technology treatments in the vineyards and cellars, improving the quality of final products and preserving consumers’ health. The study first reports a comparative analysis for selected parameters on juice, must, and wines at alcoholic and malolactic fermentation stages, from 2013 harvest and refined bottled wines from 2010–2012 and 2015 vintages. This was considered preliminary to the main goal of the work that consisted of testing if the contents of certain antioxidant principles were influenced or not by additions of copper(II) and/or selected fermentation yeasts. Particular attention was devoted to antioxidant molecule contents: total polyphenols, anthocyanins,trans-resveratrol, and quercetin. Selected samples were then analyzed in absence and in presence excess Cu(II)-sulfate (5 mgCu/L) and/or yeast derivatives to evaluate possible effects on antioxidant concentrations. The total polyphenols contents in untreated wine samples were as high as 3334 ± 60 mg (gallic acid)/L and averaged 2883 ± 299 mg/L (wines 2010–2013 and 2015). In particular, high contents of quercetin and quercetin glucoside were found in Sangiovese/Canaiolo/Colorino (harvest 2015) wine, being 21 ± 2 and 3.0 ± 0.2 mg/L, respectively. Even resveratrol had high concentrations in 100% Sangiovese wine (1.3 ± 0.1 mg/L, harvest 2015; 2.6 ± 0.3 mg/L, harvest 2010). Interestingly, no significant effect was revealed by Cu(II) and/or yeast derivatives on antioxidant contents for wine matrixes. In fact, determinations (validated through the standard addition methods) oftrans-resveratrol for untreated Sangiovese wines (1.18 ± 0.09 mg/L) and for wines treated with excess Cu(II) and excess Cu(II) plus excess yeasts mixtures (1.24 ± 0.09 mg/L and 1.22 ± 0.05 mg/L) did not differ significantly.
Decision Support Model for Design of High‐Performance Concrete Mixtures Using Two‐Phase AHP‐TOPSIS Approach
Authors: Ahmed Mohd. , Qureshi M. N. , Mallick Javed , Hasan Mohd. Abul , Hussain Mahmoud
Published: March 2019

Concrete mix design is the science to obtain concrete proportions of cement, water, and aggregate, based on the particular concrete design method and their mix design parameters. However, the suitability of concrete proportion for high‐performance concrete depends on resulting mix factors, namely, water, cement, fine aggregate, and coarse aggregate ratios. This paper implements the multicriteria decision‐making techniques (MCDM) for ranking concrete mix factors and representative mix design methods. The study presents a framework to identify critical mix factors found from the concrete mix design methods for high‐performance concrete using the two‐phase AHP and TOPSIS approach. Three methods of concrete mix design, namely, American Concrete Institute (ACI) mix design method, Department of Energy (DOE) method, and Fineness Modulus (FM) method, are considered for ranking mix design methods and the resulting mix factors. Three hierarchy levels, having three criteria and seven subcriteria, and three alternatives are considered. The present research is attempted to provide MCDM framework to rank the concrete mix guidelines for any given environment such as concrete under sulphate and chloride attack and for evolving the performance‐based concrete mix design techniques. Sensitivity and validation analysis is also provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Finite‐Element Simulation on NPGCS Precast Shear Wall Spatial Structure Model
Authors: Wu Dongyue , Liang Shuting , Shen Mengying , Guo Zhengxing , Zhu Xiaojun , Sun Chongfang , Fu Qian
Published: March 2019

Seismic performance is basically required in precast shear wall. This study focuses on evaluation and improvement on precast shear wall seismic performance. By carrying out the finite‐element simulation on a precast shear wall spatial model with new connector from a practical high‐rise precast residential building, which was named as NPGCS and experimentally tested by low‐cyclic reversed lateral loads in early studies, the performance results including strengths, stiffness, stress, and concrete damage ratio distributions were obtained, and the reliability of NPGCS spatial model was verified. According to the testing results, the finite‐element simulation for the NPGCS spatial model is reliable and relatively accurate, especially for applying contact and beam elements into numerical analysis of precast interfaces and dowel shear actions, respectively. The strengths, stiffness, stress, and concrete damage ratio distributions from the simulation also supported the experimental results and conclusions.
Lornoxicam with Low-Dose Ketamine versus Pethidine to Control Pain of Acute Renal Colic
Authors: Metry Ayman A. , Fahmy Neven G. , Nakhla George M. , Wahba Rami M. , Ragaei Milad Z. , Abdelmalek Fady A.
Published: March 2019

Objectives. This study was established to compare single-dose lornoxicam 8 mg (NSAID) in addition to 0.15 mg.kg−1 ketamine with single-dose pethidine 50 mg, both administered intravenously (IV), on the quickness and extent of analgesia, disadvantage, and consequence on utilitarian situation. Patients and Methods. One hundred and twenty patients with acute renal colic pain received in emergency room were included in this prospective, randomized, and double blind clinical study. They were aimlessly designated into one of two groups using a computer-generated table. Group L received lornoxicam 8 mg IV plus 0.15 mg.kg−1 ketamine and Group P received pethidine 50 mg IV. Parameters were noticed at baseline and after 0, 15, 30, and 45 minutes and 1 hour after drug administration. The efficiency of the drug was determined by observing: patient rated pain, time to pain relief, rate of pain recurrence, the need for rescue analgesia, adverse events, and functional status. Results. The visual analogue scale was significantly lower in Group L after 30 minutes in comparison to Group P. In addition, there was statistically significant increase in Group P regarding their need for rescue analgesia after 30 min in comparison to Group L. Group P showed nonsignificantly increased sedation score compared to Group L. Conclusion. Patients receiving lornoxicam-ketamine attained greater reduction in pain scores and less side effects with better functional state and also are less likely to require further analgesia than those administered pethidine to control acute renal colic pain.
Characteristics and Risk Factors for Spontaneous Closure of Idiopathic Full-Thickness Macular Hole
Authors: Liang Xida , Liu Wu
Published: March 2019

Idiopathic full-thickness macular hole is a severe visual impairment disease. Pars plana vitrectomy remains the primary treatment option for idiopathic full-thickness macular holes, and over 90% idiopathic full-thickness macular holes are closed by vitrectomy surgery. However, the full-thickness macular hole may close spontaneously, with a good visual acuity progress. Since recent studies are small-sample studies and case reports, the characteristics for spontaneous closure of idiopathic full-thickness macular holes are not fully understood. Here, we review the articles in PubMed database from 1999 to 2018 and discuss the characteristic and the risk factors, especially OCT structure features, for spontaneous closure of idiopathic full-thickness macular holes.
Allocating Limited Resources to Protect a Massive Number of Targets Using a Game Theoretic Model
Authors: Liu Xu , Di Xiaoqiang , Li Jinqing , Wang Huan , Zhao Jianping , Yang Huamin , Cong Ligang , Jiang Yuming
Published: March 2019

Resource allocation is the process of optimizing the rare resources. In the area of security, how to allocate limited resources to protect a massive number of targets is especially challenging. This paper addresses this resource allocation issue by constructing a game theoretic model. A defender and an attacker are players and the interaction is formulated as a trade‐off between protecting targets and consuming resources. The action cost which is a necessary role of consuming resource is considered in the proposed model. Additionally, a bounded rational behavior model (quantal response: QR), which simulates a human attacker of the adversarial nature, is introduced to improve the proposed model. To validate the proposed model, we compare the different utility functions and resource allocation strategies. The comparison results suggest that the proposed resource allocation strategy performs better than others in the perspective of utility and resource effectiveness.
Origin of Non‐Gaussian Velocity Distribution Found in Freestanding Graphene Membranes
Authors: Kai Yue , Xu Wenlong , Zheng Bailin , Yang Nan , Zhang Kai , Thibado P. M.
Published: March 2019

In this study, an analytic derivation is made for the truncated Cauchy‐Lorentz velocity distribution experimentally observed in freestanding graphene membranes. Three methods are used and discussed, including the Fokker‐Planck‐Kolmogorov equation, the maximum nonsymmetric entropy principle, and the Bayesian inference. From these results, a physical mechanism is provided for the non‐Gaussian velocity distribution in terms of carbon atom arrangement in freestanding graphene. Moreover, a new theoretical foundation is proposed for future studies of the anomalous dynamics of carbon atoms in graphene membranes.
Graphene/Sulfur@Graphene Composite Structure Material for a Lithium-Sulfur Battery Cathode
Authors: Tao Zengren , Xiao Jianrong , Yang Zhiyun , Wang Heng
Published: March 2019

Graphene/sulfur@graphene composite structure as a cathode material is synthesized with a facile method. Graphene can provide a more efficient conductive network for sulfur and improve the coulombic efficiency of the battery. On the other hand, it may also show the anchoring effect on sulfur, which reduces the loss of sulfur and improves the cycling performance of the battery. Due to the unique structure, the initial discharge capacity of a battery assembled with this structure could reach 1036 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C, and its reversible capacity of 619 mAh g−1 was retained after 200 cycles with a low fading rate of 0.2% per cycle. The battery could hold a discharge capacity of 501 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.5 C. Thus, the electrochemical performance improved because of the reduction of sulfur loss through polysulfide accumulation at the cathode.
Cascading Failures Analysis Considering Extreme Virus Propagation of Cyber‐Physical Systems in Smart Grids
Authors: Wang Tao , Wei Xiaoguang , Huang Tao , Wang Jun , Valencia-Cabrera Luis , Fan Zhennan , Pérez-Jiménez Mario J.
Published: March 2019

Communication networks as smart infrastructure systems play an important role in smart girds to monitor, control, and manage the operation of electrical networks. However, due to the interdependencies between communication networks and electrical networks, once communication networks fail (or are attacked), the faults can be easily propagated to electrical networks which even lead to cascading blackout; therefore it is crucial to investigate the impacts of failures of communication networks on the operation of electrical networks. This paper focuses on cascading failures in interdependent systems from the perspective of cyber‐physical security. In the interdependent fault propagation model, the complex network‐based virus propagation model is used to describe virus infection in the scale‐free and small‐world topologically structured communication networks. Meanwhile, in the electrical network, dynamic power flow is employed to reproduce the behaviors of the electrical networks after a fault. In addition, two time windows, i.e., the virus infection cycle and the tripping time of overloaded branches, are considered to analyze the fault characteristics of both electrical branches and communication nodes along time under virus propagation. The proposed model is applied to the IEEE 118‐bus system and the French grid coupled with different communication network structures. The results show that the scale‐free communication network is more vulnerable to virus propagation in smart cyber‐physical grids.
Intelligent Process of Spectrum Handoff/Mobility in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Yawada Prince Semba , Dong Mai Trung
Published: March 2019

Cognitive radio is an innovative technology in the field of wireless communication systems, aimed at significantly improving the use of the radio spectrum while allowing secondary users to access the spectral band opportunistically. Spectrum management mechanism ensures the transmission of data by controlling the efficiency of operation between the primary and secondary networks. The main task of spectrum management is to ensure that secondary users benefit from the spectrum without interfering with primary users. This paper deals with some of the important characteristics of spectrum mobility in the cognitive radio networks. The new management approaches of the mobility and the connection are designed to reduce the latency and loss of information during spectrum handoff, a list of channel safeguard is maintained in this effect, but the maintenance and update are a challenge. In this paper, we describe the reasons and mechanisms of spectrum handoff. Protocols have been developed to illustrate this handoff mechanism. We also make a comparison between the different methods of spectrum handoff. The simulation results obtained confirm that the protocols developed and the proposed method performed better than the pure reactive handoff method.