bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Premature Hair Graying in Young Turkish Adults
Authors: Akin Belli Asli , Etgu Fatma , Ozbas Gok Seyran , Kara Bilge , Dogan Gursoy
Published: June 2016

Background

Premature hair graying (PHG) is a common condition resulting in loss of self‐esteem. Studies investigating PHG risk factors for both sexes with a large number of patients are scarce. We sought to investigate the socioclinical risk factors for PHG in young Turkish men and women and the differences between the sexes.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 1,119 participants who answered a survey about PHG and some socioclinical characteristics between February and July 2015. The number of gray hairs, onset age of hair graying, and family history of PHG were asked about, as well as demographic characteristics, anthropometric measures, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, sports life, diet, medical history, educational status, occupation, marital status, monthly income, and Fitzpatrick skin type.

Results

Of 1,119 participants, 315 (28.1%) had PHG and 804 did not. Maternal and paternal PHG, alcohol consumption, presence of chronic disease, educational status, hair loss, perceived stress scale (PSS) score, age, and height were significantly higher in subjects with PHG. Rates of maternal and paternal PHG were high in women with PHG, and the rate of paternal PHG was high in men with PHG. According to the multivariate ordinal regression analysis, PSS score, age, hair loss, and family history of PHG were correlated with the severity of PHG.

Conclusion

PHG is closely related to factors causing oxidative stress, such as emotional stress, alcohol consumption, and chronic diseases in genetically predisposed men and women.
The experience of nurses working within a voluntary network: a qualitative study of health care for undocumented migrants
Authors: Sandblom Maria , Mangrio Elisabeth
Published: June 2016

Purpose

To illuminate the experience of nurses providing health care to undocumented migrants in a voluntary network.

Methods and sample

In a qualitative study, semistructured interviews were conducted with RNs regarding their experience of providing health care to undocumented migrants within a voluntary network. The interview transcripts were analysed using the inductive method of content analysis.

Findings

Three main categories emerged – structural inadequacy, ethical dilemmas and challenges, and personal impact and insights. The informants were driven by a strong ethical approach and a great sense of responsibility as human beings and as nurses.

Conclusion

Engaging with the voluntary network allowed the informants to cope with their frustration and feelings of inadequacy which emerged when confronted with institutionalised injustice in the conventional healthcare system.
Whole body frontal plane mechanics across walking, running, and sprinting in young and older adults
Authors: Kulmala J‐P. , Korhonen M. T. , Kuitunen S. , Suominen H. , Heinonen A. , Mikkola A. , Avela J.
Published: June 2016

This study investigated the whole body frontal plane mechanics among young (26 ± 6 years), early old (61 ± 5 years), and old (78 ± 4 years) adults during walking, running, and sprinting. The age‐groups had similar walking (1.6 m/s) and running (4.0 m/s) speeds, but different maximal sprinting speed (young 9.3 m/s, early old 7.9 m/s, and old 6.6 m/s). Surprisingly, although the old group exerted much lower vertical ground reaction force during running and sprinting, the hip frontal plane moment did not differ between the age‐groups. Kinematic analysis demonstrated increased hip adduction and pelvis drop, as well as reduced trunk lateral flexion among old adults, especially during sprinting. These alterations in the hip and pelvis motions may reflect insufficient force production of hip abductors to stabilize the pelvis during single‐limb support, while limited trunk lateral flexion may enhance control of the mediolateral balance. On the other hand, larger trunk side‐to‐side movement among the young and early old adults may provide a mechanism to prevent the increase of the hip frontal moment despite greater vertical ground reaction force. This, in turn, can assist hip abductors to maintain stability of the pelvis during sprinting while allowing powerful force generation by a large adductor muscle group.
Efficacy of ACL injury risk screening methods in identifying high‐risk landing patterns during a sport‐specific task
Authors: Fox A. S. , Bonacci J. , McLean S. G. , Saunders N.
Published: June 2016

Screening methods sensitive to movement strategies that increase anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) loads are likely to be effective in identifying athletes at‐risk of ACL injury. Current ACL injury risk screening methods are yet to be evaluated for their ability to identify athletes' who exhibit high‐risk lower limb mechanics during sport‐specific maneuvers associated with ACL injury occurrences. The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of two ACL injury risk screening methods in identifying high‐risk lower limb mechanics during a sport‐specific landing task. Thirty‐two female athletes were screened using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) and Tuck Jump Assessment. Participants' also completed a sport‐specific landing task, during which three‐dimensional kinematic and kinetic data were collected. One‐dimensional statistical parametric mapping was used to examine the relationships between screening method scores, and the three‐dimensional hip and knee joint rotation and moment data from the sport‐specific landing. Higher LESS scores were associated with reduced knee flexion from 30 to 57 ms after initial contact (P = 0.003) during the sport‐specific landing; however, no additional relationships were found. These findings suggest the LESS and Tuck Jump Assessment may have minimal applicability in identifying athletes' who exhibit high‐risk landing postures in the sport‐specific task examined.
Central and peripheral fatigue in knee and elbow extensor muscles after a long‐distance cross‐country ski race
Authors: Boccia G. , Dardanello D. , Zoppirolli C. , Bortolan L. , Cescon C. , Schneebeli A. , Vernillo G. , Schena F. , Rainoldi A. , Pellegrini B.
Published: June 2016

Although elbow extensors (EE) have a great role in cross‐country skiing (XC) propulsion, previous studies on neuromuscular fatigue in long‐distance XC have investigated only knee extensor (KE) muscles. In order to investigate the origin and effects of fatigue induced by long‐distance XC race, 16 well‐trained XC skiers were tested before and after a 56‐km classical technique race. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVC) and rate of force development (RFD) were measured for both KE and EE. Furthermore, electrically evoked double twitch during MVC and at rest were measured. MVC decreased more in KE (−13%) than in EE (−6%, P = 0.016), whereas the peak RFD decreased only in EE (−26%, P = 0.02) but not in KE. The two muscles showed similar decrease in voluntary activation (KE −5.0%, EE −4.8%, P = 0.61) and of double twitch amplitude (KE −5%, EE −6%, P = 0.44). A long‐distance XC race differently affected the neuromuscular function of lower and upper limbs muscles. Specifically, although the strength loss was greater for lower limbs, the capacity to produce force in short time was more affected in the upper limbs. Nevertheless, both KE and EE showed central and peripheral fatigue, suggesting that the origins of the strength impairments were multifactorial for the two muscles.
Comparison of the activation peptide regions of protease‐activated receptors (PAR) in members of the Family Felidae
Authors: Boudreaux Mary K. , Barnes Sara Madison
Published: June 2016

Background

There is limited information regarding the nucleotides encoding or the predicted amino acid composition of protease‐activated receptors (PAR) in cats.

Objectives

The purpose of the study was to determine the nucleotide sequence and predicted amino acid composition of the activation peptide regions of protease‐activated receptors PAR1, PAR3, and PAR4 in Felidae family members.

Methods

Genomic DNA isolated from whole blood samples collected from 10 domestic cats and 45 big cats representing 11 species was subjected to PCR using primers flanking the coding regions for the activation peptides of PAR1, PAR3, and PAR4. PCR products were isolated from agarose gels and submitted for sequencing. Nucleotide sequence data was used to predict the amino acid composition of the activation peptide and flanking regions of the 3 receptors. Predicted amino acid sequences were compared between Felidae members and to human beings.

Results

Variations in the predicted amino acid composition of the activation peptides and flanking regions of the various PAR were observed when comparing Felidae family members to each other and to human beings.

Conclusions

While the activation peptide regions of the various PAR tend to be conserved, there are differences that may impact the ability of some agonists to mediate biased signaling events documented to occur in human platelets.
A physiological increase in maternal cortisol alters uteroplacental metabolism in the pregnant ewe
Authors: Vaughan O. R. , Davies K. L. , Ward J. W. , de Blasio M. J. , Fowden A. L.
Published: June 2016

Key points

Fetal nutrient supply is dependent, in part, upon the transport capacity and metabolism of the placenta.

The stress hormone, cortisol, alters metabolism in the adult and fetus but it is not known whether cortisol in the pregnant mother affects metabolism of the placenta.

In this study, when cortisol concentrations were raised in pregnant sheep by infusion, proportionately more of the glucose taken up by the uterus was consumed by the uteroplacental tissues while less was transferred to the fetus, despite an increased placental glucose transport capacity. Concomitantly, the uteroplacental tissues produced lactate at a greater rate.

The results show that maternal cortisol concentrations regulate uteroplacental glycolytic metabolism, producing lactate for usein utero.

Prolonged increases in placental lactate production induced by cortisol overexposure may contribute to the adverse effects of maternal stress on fetal wellbeing.

Fetal nutrition is determined by maternal availability, placental transport and uteroplacental metabolism of carbohydrates. Cortisol affects maternal and fetal metabolism, but whether maternal cortisol concentrations within the physiological range regulate uteroplacental carbohydrate metabolism remains unknown. This study determined the effect of maternal cortisol infusion (1.2 mg kg−1 day−1i.v.for 5 days,n = 20) on fetal glucose, lactate and oxygen supplies in pregnant ewes on day ∼130 of pregnancy (term = 145 days). Compared to saline infusion (n = 21), cortisol infusion increased maternal, but not fetal, plasma cortisol (P < 0.05). Cortisol infusion also raised maternal insulin, glucose and lactate concentrations, and blood pH,and HCO3−concentration. Although total uterine glucose uptake determined by Fick's principle was unaffected, a greater proportion was consumed by the uteroplacental tissues, so net fetal glucose uptake was 29% lower in cortisol‐infused than control ewes (P < 0.05). Concomitantly, uteroplacental lactate production was > 2‐fold greater in cortisol‐ than saline‐treated ewes (P < 0.05), although uteroplacental O2consumption was unaffected by maternal treatment. Materno‐fetal clearance of non‐metabolizable [3H]methyl‐d‐glucose and placentalSLC2A8(glucose transporter 8) gene expression were also greater with cortisol treatment. Fetal plasma glucose, lactate or α‐amino nitrogen concentrations were unaffected by treatment although fetal plasma fructose and hepatic lactate dehydrogenase activity were greater in cortisol‐ than saline‐treated ewes (P < 0.05). Fetal plasma insulin levels and body weight were also unaffected by maternal treatment. During stress, cortisol‐dependent regulation of uteroplacental glycolysis may allow increased maternal control over fetal nutrition and metabolism. However, when maternal cortisol concentrations are raised chronically, prolonged elevation of uteroplacental lactate production may compromise fetal wellbeing.
Technical Note: An investigation of polarity effects for wide‐angle free‐air chambers
Authors: Shen H. , Culberson W. S. , Ross C. K.
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

Wide‐angle free‐air chambers (WAFACs) are used as primary standard measurement devices for establishing the air‐kerma strength of low‐energy, low‐dose rate brachytherapy seeds. The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) is commissioning a primary standard wide‐angle free‐air chamber (NRC WAFAC) to serve the calibration needs of Canadian clients. The University of Wisconsin has developed a similar variable‐aperture free‐air chamber (UW VAFAC) to be used as a research tool. As part of the NRC commissioning, measurements were carried out for both polarities of the applied bias voltage and the resulting effects were observed to be very large. Similar effects were identified with the UW VAFAC. The authors describe the measurements carried out to determine the underlying causes of the polarity effect and the approach used to eliminate it.

Methods:

The NRC WAFAC is based on the WAFAC design developed at the National Institute of Standards and Technology in the USA. Charge measurements for 125I and 241Am sources were carried out for both negative and positive polarities on the NRC WAFAC and UW VAFAC. Two aperture sizes were also investigated with the UW VAFAC. In addition, measurements on the NRC WAFAC were carried out with a small bias between the collecting electrode and the shield foil at the downstream end of the chamber. To mitigate all of the polarity effects, the downstream surface of the collecting electrode was covered with a thin layer of graphite on both the NRC and UW chambers.

Results:

Both chamber designs showed a difference of more than 30 % between the charge collected with positive and negative bias voltages for the smallest electrode separation. It was shown for the NRC WAFAC that charge could be collected in the small gap downstream of the collecting volume by applying a voltage between the shield foil and the collecting electrode, even though an insulating foil (Mylar or polyimide film) separated the conducting surface from the small gap region. The unwanted additional current was shown to be proportional to the size of the aperture for the UW VAFAC. The extra ionization produced in the small gap region was eliminated for both chambers by covering the insulating side of the collecting electrode with a grounded conducting layer.

Conclusions:

The small gap region downstream of the collecting electrode in the NRC WAFAC and UW VAFAC can serve as an unwanted source of ion current. It is concluded that a residual electric field in the small gap region may lead to ion transport and to charge being trapped on the surface of the foil. The foil then acts as a capacitor with an equal charge, but of opposite sign, being attracted to the conducting surface. Covering the back of the collecting electrode surface with a grounded conducting layer eliminated the polarity effect.
Correlation of FMISO simulations with pimonidazole‐stained tumor xenografts: A question of O2 consumption?
Authors: Wack L. J. , Mönnich D. , Yaromina A. , Zips D. , Baumann M. , Thorwarth D.
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

To compare a dedicated simulation model for hypoxia PET against tumor microsections stained for different parameters of the tumor microenvironment. The model can readily be adapted to a variety of conditions, such as different human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) xenograft tumors.

Methods:

Nine different HNSCC tumor models were transplanted subcutaneously into nude mice. Tumors were excised and immunoflourescently labeled with pimonidazole, Hoechst 33342, and CD31, providing information on hypoxia, perfusion, and vessel distribution, respectively. Hoechst and CD31 images were used to generate maps of perfused blood vessels on which tissue oxygenation and the accumulation of the hypoxia tracer FMISO were mathematically simulated. The model includes a Michaelis–Menten relation to describe the oxygen consumption inside tissue. The maximum oxygen consumption rate M0 was chosen as the parameter for a tumor‐specific optimization as it strongly influences tracer distribution. M0 was optimized on each tumor slice to reach optimum correlations between FMISO concentration 4 h postinjection and pimonidazole staining intensity.

Results:

After optimization, high pixel‐based correlations up to R2 = 0.85 were found for individual tissue sections. Experimental pimonidazole images and FMISO simulations showed good visual agreement, confirming the validity of the approach. Median correlations per tumor model varied significantly (p < 0.05), with R2 ranging from 0.20 to 0.54. The optimum maximum oxygen consumption rate M0 differed significantly (p < 0.05) between tumor models, ranging from 2.4 to 5.2 mm Hg/s.

Conclusions:

It is feasible to simulate FMISO distributions that match the pimonidazole retention patterns observed in vivo. Good agreement was obtained for multiple tumor models by optimizing the oxygen consumption rate, M0, whose optimum value differed significantly between tumor models.
Sensitivity of the diagnostic radiological index of protection to procedural factors in fluoroscopy
Authors: Jones A. Kyle , Pasciak Alexander S. , Wagner Louis K.
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

To evaluate the sensitivity of the diagnostic radiological index of protection (DRIP), used to quantify the protective value of radioprotective garments, to procedural factors in fluoroscopy in an effort to determine an appropriate set of scatter‐mimicking primary beams to be used in measuring the DRIP.

Methods:

Monte Carlo simulations were performed to determine the shape of the scattered x‐ray spectra incident on the operator in different clinical fluoroscopy scenarios, including interventional radiology and interventional cardiology (IC). Two clinical simulations studied the sensitivity of the scattered spectrum to gantry angle and patient size, while technical factors were varied according to measured automatic dose rate control (ADRC) data. Factorial simulations studied the sensitivity of the scattered spectrum to gantry angle, field of view, patient size, and beam quality for constant technical factors. Average energy (Eavg) was the figure of merit used to condense fluence in each energy bin to a single numerical index.

Results:

Beam quality had the strongest influence on the scattered spectrum in fluoroscopy. Many procedural factors affect the scattered spectrum indirectly through their effect on primary beam quality through ADRC, e.g., gantry angle and patient size. Lateral C‐arm rotation, common in IC, increased the energy of the scattered spectrum, regardless of the direction of rotation. The effect of patient size on scattered radiation depended on ADRC characteristics, patient size, and procedure type.

Conclusions:

The scattered spectrum striking the operator in fluoroscopy is most strongly influenced by primary beam quality, particularly kV. Use cases for protective garments should be classified by typical procedural primary beam qualities, which are governed by the ADRC according to the impacts of patient size, anatomical location, and gantry angle.
Concurrent Training in Rugby Sevens: Effects of High-Intensity Interval Exercises
Authors: Robineau Julien , Lacome Mathieu , Piscione Julien , Bigard Xavier , Babault Nicolas
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

To assess the impact of 2 high-intensity interval-training (HIT) programs (short interval vs sprint interval training) on muscle strength and aerobic performances in a concurrent training program in amateur rugby sevens players.

Methods:

Thirty-six amateur rugby sevens players were randomly assigned to strength and short interval training (INT), strength and sprint interval training (SIT), or a strength-only training group (CON) during an 8-wk period. Maximal strength and power tests, aerobic measurements (peak oxygen uptake [VO2peak] and maximal aerobic velocity), and a specific repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test were conducted before and immediately after the overall training period.

Results:

From magnitude-based inference and effect size (ES ± 90% confidence limit) analyses, the current study revealed substantial gains in maximal strength and jump-height performance in all groups. The difference in change of slow concentric torque production was greater in CON than in SIT (0.65 ± 0.72, moderate). VO2peak and, consequently, mean performance in the RSA test were improved in the SIT group only (0.64 ± 0.29, moderate; –0.54 ± 0.35, moderate).

Conclusions:

The study did not emphasize interference on strength development after INT but showed a slight impairment of slow concentric torque production gains after SIT. Compared with INT, SIT would appear to be more effective to develop VO2peak and RSA but could induce lower muscle-strength gains, especially at low velocity.
Shooting Performance and Fly Time in Highly Trained Wing Handball Players: Not Everything Is as It Seems
Authors: Karcher Claude , Buchheit Martin
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

To (1) assess the usefulness of countermovement jump (CMJ) testing to predict handball-specific jumping ability and (2) examine the acute effect of transiently modified jumping ability (ie, flight time) on shooting efficiency in wing players.

Methods:

Eleven young highly trained wing players performed 3 CMJs and 10 typical wing jump shots with 3 different modalities: without any constraint (CONTROL), while stepping on a 14-cm step (STEP), and wearing a weighted vest (VEST, 5% of body mass). Flight time and the associated scoring efficiency during the jump shots were recorded.

Results:

There was no clear correlation between jump shot and CMJ flight time, irrespective of the condition (r = .04–.18). During jump shots, flight time was most likely longer (effect size [ES] = 1.42–1.97) with VEST (635.4 ± 31 ms) and STEP (615.3 ± 32.9 ms) than CONTROL (566 ± 30.5 ms) and very likely longer with VEST than with STEP (ES = 0.6). The correlation between scoring efficiency and jump-shot flight time was not substantial either in each modality or for all shots pooled. The difference in scoring efficiency between the 3 jumps with the longest vs shortest flight times was either small (VEST, 48% vs 42%) or nonsubstantial (2 other conditions).

Conclusions:

The use of CMJ as a predictor of handball-specific jumping ability is questioned given the dissociation between CMJ and jump-shot flying time. These results also show that transiently affected flight time may not affect scoring efficiency, which questions the importance of jumping ability for success in wing players.
Reference Values of Standing Long Jump in Preschool Children: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Latorre-Román Pedro Ángel , García-Pinillos Felipe , Mora-López David
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine age and sex differences in standing long jump (SLJ) and to determine norm-referenced values for Spanish preschool children.

Method:

A total of 3555 children, aged 3–6 years, participated in this study (1746 girls and 1809 boys). To measure explosive leg power, the SLJ was used.

Results:

In the analysis of reliability using test-retest with 86 children (48% boys, age = 56.22 ± 10.34 months), the following descriptive results were obtained (mean, SD): at pretest = 76.53 ± 20.20 cm, at retest = 74.56 ± 21.12 cm (p = .124), and an intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.913 (95% confidence interval = 0.866–0.943). Boys exhibited a greater performance than girls at 3- to 5-years old, but no significant differences were found at 6 years old. In whole group, the SLJ performance was higher with increased age. However, no significant differences were found between boys aged 5 and 6 years.

Conclusion:

This study provides references values for muscle strength assessment through SLJ test carried out on a large sample of Spanish preschoolers.
Purpura fulminans and severe sepsis due toPasteurella multocidainfection in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: Konda Monoj Kumar , Chang Stephanie , Zaccheo Mathew
Published: June 2016

A 75-year-old woman was admitted into the intensive care unit, with severe sepsis and renal failure. She developed purpura fulminans (PF) of bilateral upper and lower extremities along with gangrene on the tips of her fingers and toes. Blood cultures confirmedPasteurella multocidaas the causative organism. Despite aggressive supportive measures, the patient remained dependent on high doses of vasopressors and the gangrene progressed. She ultimately succumbed to her underlying severe sepsis. PF is a rare and fatal dermatological emergency commonly seen in children, but it also occurs in adults. Acute infectious PF occurs secondary to severe sepsis andP. multocidais a rare cause of PF. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the second reported case of PF due toP. multocidain an adult.
Lack of an association or an inverse association between low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and mortality in the elderly: a systematic review
Authors: Ravnskov Uffe , Diamond David M , Hama Rokura , Hamazaki Tomohito , Hammarskjöld Björn , Hynes Niamh , Kendrick Malcolm , Langsjoen Peter H , Malhotra Aseem , Mascitelli Luca , McCully Kilmer S , Ogushi Yoichi , Okuyama Harumi , Rosch Paul J , Schersten Tore , Sultan Sherif , Sundberg Ralf
Published: June 2016

Objective

It is well known that total cholesterol becomes less of a risk factor or not at all for all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality with increasing age, but as little is known as to whether low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), one component of total cholesterol, is associated with mortality in the elderly, we decided to investigate this issue.

Setting, participants and outcome measures

We sought PubMed for cohort studies, where LDL-C had been investigated as a risk factor for all-cause and/or CV mortality in individuals ≥60 years from the general population.

Results

We identified 19 cohort studies including 30 cohorts with a total of 68 094 elderly people, where all-cause mortality was recorded in 28 cohorts and CV mortality in 9 cohorts. Inverse association between all-cause mortality and LDL-C was seen in 16 cohorts (in 14 with statistical significance) representing 92% of the number of participants, where this association was recorded. In the rest, no association was found. In two cohorts, CV mortality was highest in the lowest LDL-C quartile and with statistical significance; in seven cohorts, no association was found.

Conclusions

High LDL-C is inversely associated with mortality in most people over 60 years. This finding is inconsistent with the cholesterol hypothesis (ie, that cholesterol, particularly LDL-C, is inherently atherogenic). Since elderly people with high LDL-C live as long or longer than those with low LDL-C, our analysis provides reason to question the validity of the cholesterol hypothesis. Moreover, our study provides the rationale for a re-evaluation of guidelines recommending pharmacological reduction of LDL-C in the elderly as a component of cardiovascular disease prevention strategies.
The significance of shared leaf shape in Alseuosmia pusilla and Pseudowintera colorata
Authors: Yager Karl G. , Schaefer H. Martin , Gould Kevin S.
Published: June 2016

Leaf shape, size, and colour are used by herbivores to identify sources of palatable foliage for food. It is possible, therefore, that an undefended plant might gain protection from herbivores by matching leaf characteristics of a chemically defended species. We demonstrate the use of a geometric morphometric approach to quantify spatial variation in leaf shape and size across populations of Pseudowintera colorata (Raoul) Dandy, and a putative Batesian mimic, Alseuosmia pusilla (Colenso) A. Cunningham. These are unrelated, sympatric species that, to the human eye, bear strikingly similar foliage. Using the Cartesian coordinates of leaf margins as descriptors of leaf shape, we found that in the chemically defended P. colorata, leaves were morphologically distinct from all of the neighbouring species except for the undefended A. pusilla. Alseuosmia pusilla individuals were more similar to neighbouring than to distant P. colorata, and 90% of leaf shape variation in the two species varied similarly across an altitudinal gradient. The data are consistent with Batesian mimicry, wherein the conspicuous characteristic of a defended model is replicated by an undefended mimic across its entire growing range. Our study provides the first detailed and powerful quantitative leaf shape evidence of leaf shape being matched between an undefended plant species to a chemically defended unrelated species across a shared growing range, and highlights the importance of using a spatially explicit morphometric method when investigating leaf shape, especially in relation to plant mimicry.
Preparation and lower critical solution temperature behavior investigation of new thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-phthalocyanine) magnetic nanocomposites containing phthalocyanine-coated Fe3O4 hybrid
Authors: Karimi Ali Reza , Rahimi Leila , Azadikhah Farnaz , Ghadimi Sahar
Published: June 2016

New thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide-co-phthalocyanine) magnetic nanocomposites were prepared by in situ dispersion polymerization. 4-Nitrophthalic acid and CoCl2 were employed to synthesize tetranitrophthalocyanine and then it was converted to tetraaminophthalocyanine by sodium sulfide. The cobalt tetra(N-carbonylacrylic)aminophthalocyanine monomer was obtained by reaction of tetraaminophthalocyanine with maleic anhydrid. N-isopropylacrylamide as the main monomers, N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide as the cross-linker, poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) as the steric stabilizer, potassium persulfate as the initiator, and new Fe-phthalocyanine oligomer/Fe3O4 nanohybrid particles (FePc/Fe3O4) as nanoparticles were used. The magnetite nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectrum, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometer, and differential scanning calorimetry. The results showed that the lower critical solution temperatures of the hydrogel nanocomposits were influenced by the content of FePc/Fe3O4 hybrid nanoparticles. The lower critical solution temperatures of the magnetic hydrogel nanocomposites F3 and F4 were at about 34 and 40 °C. The results show that the increase of FePc/Fe3O4 nanoparticle content caused the LCSTs of the hydrogels to increase. FePc/Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared from 4,4′-isopropyliden-bis-dioxydiphthalonitrile and FeCl3·6H2O via the solvothermal route. The sizes of nanoparticles were determined by scanning electron microscopy. They are spherical in shape and the average size of them is between 30 and 70 nm.
Towards a balanced presentation and objective interpretation of acoustic and trawl survey data, with specific reference to the eastern Scotian Shelf
Authors: Jech J. Michael , McQuinn Ian H.
Published: June 2016

A debate has developed over the ecosystem consequences following the collapse of Atlantic cod throughout the coastal waters of eastern Canada. The explosive increase in pelagic fish abundance in scientific bottom-trawl catches on the eastern Scotian Shelf has been interpreted as being due to either (i) a “pelagic outburst” of forage fish abundance resulting from predator release or conversely (ii) a change in pelagic fish vertical distribution leading to a “suprabenthic habitat occupation” thereby increasing their availability to bottom trawls. These two interpretations have diametrically opposing ecological consequences and suggest different management strategies for these important forage fish species. We argue that an objective evaluation of the available evidence supports the hypothesis that the abundance of forage fish has not increased in response to the demise of cod and other top predators, and the reliance on a single sampling gear with low catchability has biased and will continue to bias the interpretation of demographic trends of pelagic fish populations. We advocate that multiple sampling technologies providing alternative perspectives are needed for the monitoring and management of the various trophic levels if we are to achieve a balanced and objective understanding of marine ecosystems.
New symmetric relations among lepton masses and prediction of lepton masses of the fourth generation
Authors: Huang Yong-Chang , Iqbal Syeda Tehreem , Wang Wen-Yu
Published: June 2016

The presence of more than three generation of particles, predicted by various models beyond Standard Model (SM), can be the answer to several unanswered questions. In this paper, we discover a mass space by generalizing the Koide’s relation over the leptons section of SM and deduce some new symmetric relations. By using the magnitude dilation and angular rotation ratio between these relations, we predict the masses of the fourth generation particles. Also, this model constraints the existence of fifth generation leptons which up to now no theory can do.
Microstructure-dependent dynamic stability analysis of torsional NEMS scanner in van der Waals regime
Authors: Abdi Javad , Keivani Maryam , Abadyan Mohamadreza
Published: June 2016

The physico-mechanical behavior of nanoscale devices might be microstructure dependent. However, the classical continuum theory cannot correctly predict the microstructure dependency. In this paper, the strain gradient theory is employed to examine the instability characteristics of a nanoscanner with circular geometry. The governing equation of the scanner is derived incorporating the Coulomb and van der Waals (vdW) forces. The influences of applied voltage, squeeze damping and microstructure parameters on the dynamic instability of equilibrium points are studied by plotting the phase portrait and bifurcation diagrams. In the presence of the applied voltage, the phase portrait shows the saddle-node bifurcation while for freestanding scanner a subcritical pitchfork bifurcation is observed. It is concluded that the microstructure parameter enhances the torsional stability.
A Parametric Programming Method on Gaussian Type-2 Fuzzy Set and Its Application to a Multilevel Supply Chain
Authors: Jana Dipak Kumar , Pramanik Sutapa , Maiti Manoranjan
Published: June 2016

The transportation problem is an important and relevant supply chain optimization problem in the traffic engineering. This paper minimizes shipping costs of a three channel distribution system comprised of plants, distribution centers, and customers. Plants manufacture several products that are delivered to distribution centers. If a distribution center is used then fixed cost is charged. Customers are replenished by an only one distribution center. To characterize the uncertainty that typically occurs in many practical decision environments, this paper considers the supply capacities, demands as Gaussian type-2 fuzzy variables. To provide a modelling framework for optimization problems with multi-fold uncertainty, different reduction methods are proposed to transform a Gaussian type-2 fuzzy variable into a type-1 fuzzy variable by mean reduction method. Then the transportation problem is reformulated as a chance-constrained expected value model enlightened by the credibility optimization method. The deterministic models are then solved using two different soft computing techniques (i) Generalized Reduced Gradient (Lingo-14.0), and (ii) modified Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO), where the position of each particle is adjusted according to its own experience and that of its neighbors. The numerical experiments illustrate the application and effectiveness of the proposed solution approaches.
Who is the Most Diligent Employee? A Discriminate Model for e-Government Service Time Analyzing
Authors: Li Ying , Luo Zhiling , Fan Binbin , Yin Jianwei
Published: June 2016

This paper discusses the human-related factors contributing to the service time for government services. We build a discriminate model to extract the subjective factor, e.g. diligence, and objective factor from the working behaviors in logs. This model can be trained by maximum likeness estimation (MLE) to get the parameters which denote the factors. To evaluate the accuracy of our model, we conduct an external experiment on a real dataset from the workflow system employed in the government of Hangzhou City in China, which results in 2,367,598 logs from 400 activities and 732 employees in two years. The experiment result not only proves the correctness of our model but also draws some interesting conclusions about the diligence of different people in different ages and genders.
A Compact Telemanipulated Retinal-Surgery System that Uses Commercially Available Instruments with a Quick-Change Adapter
Authors: Nambi Manikantan , Bernstein Paul S. , Abbott Jake J.
Published: June 2016

We present a telemanipulation system for retinal surgery that uses a full range of unmodified commercially available instruments. The system is compact and light enough that it could reasonably be made head-mounted to passively compensate for head movements. Two mechanisms are presented that enable the system to use commercial actuated instruments, and an instrument adapter enables quick-change of instruments during surgery. A custom stylus for a haptic interface enables intuitive and ergonomic telemanipulation of actuated instruments. Experimental results with a force-sensitive phantom eye show that telemanipulated surgery results in reduced forces on the retina compared to manual surgery, and training with the system results in improved performance.
A case study of pillar-shaped rock mass failure in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China
Authors: Huang B. , Zhang Z. , Yin Y. , Fei M.
Published: June 2016

Pillar-shaped rock masses are widely developed throughout the world with some standing firm for thousands of years. Unstable pillar-shaped rock masses display different failure modes and it is often difficult to determine in advance the specific failure mode of a complex rock mass. For example, the displacement deformation of the Jianchuandong rock mass (JRM) in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area has been about 20 mm over the last 2 years. With a volume of 360 000 m
3
, this unstable pillar-shaped rock mass stands on the bank of the Yangtze River's Wu Gorge, threatening the safety of the waterway and the residents of neighbouring areas. Developing Hungr's quantitative discriminant on the rock collapse and rock slump modes, several cases are used to verify its validity. The failure mode of the JRM is judged to be rock collapse. This judgement matches well with the actual field survey and monitoring data. For pillar-shaped unstable rock masses with a rock collapse failure mode, this paper develops a new slope stability calculation mode by deeming the intact pillar-shaped rock mass to be the load. The result of such a stability calculation shows that the JRM is basically stable at present, but the safety margin is extremely narrow. Prevention work should be carried out as soon as possible for better results at a lower investment before the JRM experiences large-scale deformation and failure.
Anatomy Ontology Matching Using Markov Logic Networks
Authors: Li Chunhua , Zhao Pengpeng , Wu Jian , Cui Zhiming
Published: June 2016

The anatomy of model species is described in ontologies, which are used to standardize the annotations of experimental data, such as gene expression patterns. To compare such data between species, we need to establish relationships between ontologies describing different species. Ontology matching is a kind of solutions to find semantic correspondences between entities of different ontologies. Markov logic networks which unify probabilistic graphical model and first-order logic provide an excellent framework for ontology matching. We combine several different matching strategies through first-order logic formulas according to the structure of anatomy ontologies. Experiments on the adult mouse anatomy and the human anatomy have demonstrated the effectiveness of proposed approach in terms of the quality of result alignment.
Quantum Mechanics on a Curved Snyder Space
Authors: Mignemi Salvatore , Štrajn Rina
Published: June 2016

We study the representations of the three-dimensional Euclidean Snyder-de Sitter algebra. This algebra generates the symmetries of a model admitting two fundamental scales (Planck mass and cosmological constant) and is invariant under the Born reciprocity for exchange of positions and momenta. Its representations can be obtained starting from those of the Snyder algebra and exploiting the geometrical properties of the phase space that can be identified with a Grassmannian manifold. Both the position and momentum operators turn out to have a discrete spectrum.
MicroRNA-Regulated Proinflammatory Cytokines in Sarcopenia
Authors: Fan Jingjing , Kou Xianjuan , Yang Yi , Chen Ning
Published: June 2016

Sarcopenia has been defined as the aging-related disease with the declined mass, strength, and function of skeletal muscle, which is the major cause of frailty and falls in elders. The activation of inflammatory signal pathways due to diseases and aging is suggested to reveal the critical impact on sarcopenia. Several proinflammatory cytokines, especially interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), play crucial roles in modulation of inflammatory signaling pathway during the aging-related loss of skeletal muscle. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as the important regulators for the mass and functional maintenance of skeletal muscle through regulating gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines. In this paper, we have systematically discussed regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs for the expression and secretion of inflammatory cytokines during sarcopenia, which will provide some novel targets and therapeutic strategies for controlling aging-related atrophy of skeletal muscle and corresponding chronic inflammatory diseases.
Calculus Rules forV-Proximal Subdifferentials in Smooth Banach Spaces
Authors: Bounkhel Messaoud
Published: June 2016

In 2010, Bounkhel et al. introduced new proximal concepts (analytic proximal subdifferential, geometric proximal subdifferential, and proximal normal cone) in reflexive smooth Banach spaces. They proved, inp-uniformly convex andq-uniformly smooth Banach spaces, the density theorem for the new concepts of proximal subdifferential and various important properties for both proximal subdifferential concepts and the proximal normal cone concept. In this paper, we establish calculus rules (fuzzy sum rule and chain rule) for both proximal subdifferentials and we prove the Bishop-Phelps theorem for the proximal normal cone. The limiting concept for both proximal subdifferentials and for the proximal normal cone is defined and studied. We prove that both limiting constructions coincide with the Mordukhovich constructions under some assumptions on the space. Applications to nonconvex minimisation problems and nonconvex variational inequalities are established.
Comparison of the Effect of Velvet Antler from Different Sections on Longitudinal Bone Growth of Adolescent Rats
Authors: Kim Hye Kyung , Kim Myung-Gyou , Leem Kang-Hyun
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of velvet antler (VA) from different sections for promoting longitudinal bone growth in growing rats. VA was divided into upper (VAU), middle (VAM), and basal sections (VAB). An in vivo study was performed to examine the effect on longitudinal bone growth in adolescent rats. In addition, in vitro osteogenic activities were examined using osteoblastic MG‐63 cells. VA promoted longitudinal bone growth and height of the growth plate in adolescent rats. Bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) in growth plate of VA group was highly expressed compared with control. The anabolic effect of VA on bone was further supported by in vitro study. VA enhanced the proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization of MG‐63 cells. The mRNA expressions of osteogenic genes such as collagen, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin were increased by VA treatment. These effects of in vivo and in vitro study were decreased from upper to basal sections of VA. In conclusion, VA treatment promotes longitudinal bone growth in growing rats through enhanced BMP‐2 expression, osteogenic activities, and bone matrix gene expressions. In addition, present study provides evidence for the regional differences in the effectiveness of velvet antler for longitudinal bone growth.
Dynamic Discrete GM (1,1) Model and Its Application in the Prediction of Urbanization Conflict Events
Authors: Liu Ersi , Wang Qiangqiang , Ge Xinran , Zhou Wei
Published: June 2016

In the empirical researches, the discrete GM (1,1) model is not always fitted well, and sometimes the forecasting error is large. In order to solve this issue, this study proposes a dynamic discrete GM (1,1) model based on the grey prediction theory and the GM (1,1) model. In this paper, we use the equal division technology to fit the concavity and convexity of the cumulative sequence and then construct two dynamic average values. Based on the dynamic average values, we further develop two dynamic discrete GM (1,1) models and provide the gradual heuristics method to draw the initial equal division number and the dichotomy approach to optimize the equal division number. Finally, based on an empirical analysis of the number of conflict events in the urbanization process in China, we verify that the dynamic discrete GM (1,1) model has higher fitting and prediction accuracy than the GM (1,1) model and the discrete GM (1,1) model, and its prediction result is beneficial to the government for prevention and solution of the urbanization conflict events.
The X-Ray Structure of the Ligand-Free Antibiotic Ristocetin-A Reveals the Role of the Monomer/Dimer Equilibrium in Its Binding Mode
Authors: Prangé Thierry , Cruse William B. T.
Published: June 2016

Ristocetin-A belongs to the group of the glycoheptapeptide antibiotics. The sulfate salt of ristocetin-A was crystallized in the P21 monoclinic space group with a homodimer in the asymmetric unit. The two subunits are linked back-to-back like the other members of the family via four peptide bonds forming a twisted β-sheet and exposing the binding pockets to the exterior. The two tetrasaccharide parts of this ligand-free antibiotic are in the anti/anti orientations contrary to what was found in the mono- and diliganded ristocetin-A/-(D-Ala-D-Ala) complexes in which the two tetrasaccharides of the dimer are syn/anti. The ligand-free dimer shows however some conformational differences between the two subunits, particularly in the terminal arabinose leading to one extended and one bent conformation of the tetrasaccharide moiety. Comparison between this structure and the two available mono- and diliganded structures confirms that the anti/anti to syn/anti flipping of the tetrasaccharide is a key step in the binding to the D-Ala-D-Ala-containing target sequence and cannot proceed without displacement of the monomer/dimer equilibrium.