bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Ga, ga, ooh-la-la’: the childlike use of language in pop-rock music
Authors: Appel Nadav
Published: January 2014

In this paper, I examine several aspects of pop-rock music that are characterised by the childlike use of language. Relying on the theoretical work of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari – particularly on their concept of ‘becoming-child’ – I locate, describe and analyse three distinct childlike strategies common in pop-rock: the use of gibberish and nonsense that unbinds language from sense, enabling it to release its own expressive intensities; the utilisation of baby talk and other childlike vocal mannerisms, drawing attention to the physical properties of the act of singing as bodily experimentation; and different forms of repetition that ‘shake’ sense out of words, allowing them to draw their own lines of flight. Foregrounding these strategies, I ultimately claim, expands our understanding of pop-rock music while problematising its traditional interpretation as ‘rebellious’ music, offering its positive, productive qualities and ‘minoritarian’ politics as an alternative to the restricting dichotomy between oppression and liberation implied by the concept of rebellion.
‘One for all …’: The case of the MIMIs awards and their exemplarity of Montréal's ‘musiques émergentes’
Authors: Lussier Martin
Published: January 2014

Award ceremonies have played a central role in popular music. One aspect of this role is their exemplarity: they place in full view what is to be valued in popular culture and, at the same time, they embody a sample of something larger than themselves, an ensemble. The Félix award, organised by ADISQ (Québec's music trade association), has played this role in Québec since 1979. However, in 1995, members of the underground scene, claiming that this award ceremony was not representative of all of Québec's musical families, created their own gala: the MIMIs (Montreal's International Music Initiative). This paper focuses on the exemplarity of this event for the Québec (Canada) ‘musiques émergentes’. In the first part, I look at one of the most visible faces of the MIMIs – its categories – to give an overview of the ways in which the event highlights its exemplarity of the totality of ‘musiques émergentes’ through their celebration. In the second part, I discuss the totalising processes implemented by the MIMIs to ensure that all artists, records or organisations could be considered in the pool of potential nominees.
The relationship between meteorological variables and sporadic cases of Legionnaires' disease in residents of England and Wales
Authors: HALSBY K. D. , JOSEPH C. A. , LEE J. V. , WILKINSON P.
Published: January 2014

We studied the timing of occurrence of 1676 sporadic, community-acquired cases of Legionnaires' disease in England and Wales between 1993 and 2008, in relation to temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, windspeed and ultraviolet light using a fixed-stratum case-crossover approach. The analysis was conducted using conditional logistic regression, with consideration of appropriate lag periods. There was evidence of an association between the risk of Legionnaires' disease and temperature with an apparently long time lag of 1–9 weeks [odds of disease at 95thvs. 75th centiles: 3·91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2·06–7·40], and with rainfall at short time lags (of 2–10 days) (odds of disease at 75thvs.50th centiles: 1·78, 95% CI 1·50–2·13). There was some evidence that the risk of disease in relation to high temperatures was greater at high relative humidities. A higher risk of Legionnaires' disease may be indicated by preceding periods of warmer wetter weather.
Exercise capacity in the Fontan circulation
Authors: Goldberg David J. , Avitabile Catherine M. , McBride Michael G. , Paridon Stephen M.
Published: January 2014

The Fontan operation can create a stable circulation from childhood through early adulthood. However, the absence of a sub-pulmonary pumping chamber leads to a physiology in which exercise capacity is limited and decreases with age starting in adolescence. The limitation in exercise capacity is more pronounced at peak levels of exercise, but is still present during more modest levels of activity. The underlying causes of exercise impairment relate to both central cardiovascular factors (oxygen delivery) and peripheral factors (oxygen extraction). Interventions to improve cardiac preload and to improve lean muscle mass may help to improve exercise capacity and, perhaps, will alter the “natural history” of the progressive decline.
Introduction: Highlights of HeartWeek 2013 at the Sixth World Congress of Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery in Cape Town South Africa
Authors: Jacobs Jeffrey Phillip
Published: January 2014

This December issue of Cardiology in the Young represents the 11th annual publication generated from the two meetings that compose “HeartWeek in Florida”. “HeartWeek in Florida”, the joint collaborative project sponsored by the Cardiac Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, together with Johns Hopkins All Children's Heart Institute of Saint Petersburg, Florida, averages over 1000 attendees every year and is now recognised as one of the major planks of continuing medical and nursing education for those working in the fields of diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease in the foetus, neonate, infant, child, and adult. “HeartWeek in Florida” combines the International Symposium on Congenital Heart Disease, organised by All Children's Hospital and Johns Hopkins Medicine and entering its 14th year, with the Annual Postgraduate Course in Pediatric Cardiovascular Disease, organised by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and entering its 17th year.

This December, 2013 issue of Cardiology in the Young highlights the sessions from HeartWeek 2013 that were held at The Sixth World Congress of Paediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery in Cape Town, South Africa. We would like to acknowledge the tremendous contributions made to medicine by John Brown, and therefore we dedicate this HeartWeek 2013 issue of Cardiology in the Young to him.
Introvision zur Reduktion von Mathematikangst bei Lehramtsstudierenden
Authors: Iwers-Stelljes Telse , Koch Kai-Christian , Krauthausen Günter , Löser Sonja , Nolte Marianne , Wagner Angelika C.
Published: January 2014

Mathematikangst von LehrerInnen zeigt Auswirkungen auf die mathematische Leistungsfähigkeit von SchülerInnen. Die vorliegenden Studie schließt an einen Befund über Mathematikangst von Studierenden des Grundschullehramts (n = 421) an der Universität Hamburg an, in dem 36,8 % der Befragten sich als mathematikängstlich einschätzten. Es wird zunächst theoretisch erörtert, inwieweit Mathematikangst zu eingeschränkter Lehrbefähigung führen kann und inwieweit sie mit mentalen Blockaden verbunden ist. Darauf folgend wird ein Verfahren zur Auflösung mentaler Blockaden, die Introvision, vorgestellt. Die Introvision wurde innerhalb der befragten Studierendengruppe als Coaching zur Reduktion von Mathematikangst angeboten. Es werden die Coachingverläufe zweier Versuchspersonen präsentiert, die mehrperspektivisch qualitativ evaluiert wurden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die TeilnehmerInnen einen veränderten Zugang zur Mathematik entwickeln konnten und dass ihre Fähigkeit zur mentalen Selbstregulation zugenommen hat.
The Measurement of Servant Leadership
Authors: Verdorfer Armin Pircher , Peus Claudia
Published: January 2014

A new research stream in the field of leadership that has been linked to managerial ethics is servant leadership. The present study investigated the psychometric properties of a German version of the multidimensional Servant Leadership Survey (SLS) developed by Van Dierendonck and Nuijten (2011) . Based on ratings by 533 participants from various branches of business, results from a confirmatory analysis demonstrated that the translated instrument had adequate factorial validity. In terms of content validity, results showed that servant leadership was related to other relevant leadership measures such as transformational leadership and ethical leadership. Evidence for criterion-related validity was based on findings relating servant leadership to leader-member exchange as well as positive work-related attitudes and behavioral orientations such as job satisfaction, affective commitment, and organizational citizenship behaviors. Moreover, servant leadership was found to be related to important self-constructs of the followers including occupational self-efficacy and organization-based self-esteem. Overall, the results suggest that the translated servant leadership instrument represents a valid and reliable measure that can be used in the area of leadership research with German-speaking samples.
Selective α-amination and α-acylation of esters and amides via dual reactivity of O-acylhydroxylamines toward zinc enolates
Authors: McDonald Stacey L. , Wang Qiu
Published: January 2014

α-Amination and α-acylation of esters and amides have been developed, employing O-acylhydroxylamines as a dually reactive aminating and acylating reagent.
Challenging conventional wisdom: single domain metallothioneins
Authors: Sutherland Duncan E. K. , Stillman Martin J.
Published: January 2014

Metallation studies of human metallothioneins support the role of single metal-binding-domains as commonplace with the typical two-domain-cluster structure as exceptional.
Synthesis of chlorinated and anhydride-modified low density polyethylene by solid-phase chlorination and grafting—improving the adhesion of a film-forming polymer
Authors: Wang Yuan , Liu Lijuan , Jing Zhao , Zhao Jiruo , Feng Ying
Published: January 2014

Maleic anhydride was grafted onto high chlorinated polyethylene made of low density polyethylene (LHCPE) prepared from low density polyethylene by in situ chlorinating graft copolymerization, to improve the adhesion.
Maternal inheritance of circulating irisin in humans
Authors: Al-Daghri Nasser M. , Al-Attas Omar S. , Alokail Majed S. , Alkharfy Khalid M. , Yousef Mansour , Vinodson Benjamin , Amer Osama E. , Alnaami Abdullah M. , Sabico Shaun , Tripathi Gyanendra , Piya Milan K. , McTernan Philip G. , Chrousos George P.
Published: January 2014

The recently discovered myokine irisin has been implicated in several observational studies as a potential therapeutic target for obesity-related diseases. However, no information is available as to the heritability of this hormone. The present study aims to fill this gap. A total of 120 families (n=254; 121 adults and 133 children) were included in the study taken from the Riyadh Biomarkers Research Program cohort. Information gathered include anthropometrics, and glycaemic, lipid and adipocytokine profiles. Irisin was measured using ELISA. Examining heritability between mother and offspring, the most significant heritable traits in sons included irisin (P=1.6×10−5), systolic blood pressure (P=3.6×10−4), total cholesterol (P=3.5×10−7) and LDL (low-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol (P=1.2×10−6). Heritable traits between mother and daughter again included irisin (P<0.002), as well as anthropometric associations such as waist (P<0.01) and hip (P<0.005) circumference and blood pressure (P<0.002); biochemically, principal associations were observed with HDL (high-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol (P<0.04) and TNF-α (tumour necrosis factor-α) (P<0.002). HDL-cholesterol was the single most significant predictor for irisin levels in adults, explaining 17% of the variance, whereas in children AngII (angiotensin II) was the most significant predictor of irisin levels, explaining 19% of the variance (P=0.003). Circulating irisin appears to be maternally inherited and is predicted by HDL-cholesterol in adults and AngII in children, both factors influenced by energy expenditure and regulation. Taken together, these findings suggest a significant role of irisin in energy-generating processes.
Evidence for the suppression of intermediate anti-ferroelectric ordering and observation of hardening mechanism in Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3 ceramics through cobalt substitution
Authors: Thangavelu Karthik , Ramadurai Ranjith , Asthana Saket
Published: January 2014

Co-ion (5 mol %) substitution in Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3 (NBT) host lattice and their effects on the structural, ferroelectric and dielectric behavior has been investigated thoroughly in this present study. The substituted Co-ion at Ti-site acts an acceptor type doping and hardens (i.e., increase in coercivity) the system without any noticeable change in the remanent polarization values. However, the intermediate antiferroelectric (AFE) ordering which exists between 200 °C–280 °C in NBT system has been suppressed due to Co-ion substitution, which is an interesting feature for device applications.
Correlations between predicted protein disorder and post-translational modifications in plants
Authors: Kurotani Atsushi , Tokmakov Alexander A. , Kuroda Yutaka , Fukami Yasuo , Shinozaki Kazuo , Sakurai Tetsuya
Published: January 2014

Motivation: Protein structural research in plants lags behind that in animal and bacterial species. This lag concerns both the structural analysis of individual proteins and the proteome-wide characterization of structure-related properties. Until now, no systematic study concerning the relationships between protein disorder and multiple post-translational modifications (PTMs) in plants has been presented.

Results: In this work, we calculated the global degree of intrinsic disorder in the complete proteomes of eight typical monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plant species. We further predicted multiple sites for phosphorylation, glycosylation, acetylation and methylation and examined the correlations of protein disorder with the presence of the predicted PTM sites. It was found that phosphorylation, acetylation and O-glycosylation displayed a clear preference for occurrence in disordered regions of plant proteins. In contrast, methylation tended to avoid disordered sequence, whereas N-glycosylation did not show a universal structural preference in monocotyledonous and dicotyledonous plants. In addition, the analysis performed revealed significant differences between the integral characteristics of monocot and dicot proteomes. They included elevated disorder degree, increased rate of O-glycosylation and R-methylation, decreased rate of N-glycosylation, K-acetylation and K-methylation in monocotyledonous plant species, as compared with dicotyledonous species. Altogether, our study provides the most compelling evidence so far for the connection between protein disorder and multiple PTMs in plants.

Contact:  tokmak@phoenix.kobe-u.ac.jp or tetsuya.sakurai@riken.jp

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Notification that new names of prokaryotes, new combinations and new taxonomic opinions have appeared in volume 63, part 10, of the IJSEM
Authors: Oren Aharon , Garrity George M.
Published: January 2014

This listing of names of prokaryotes published in a previous issue of the IJSEM is provided as a service to bacteriology to assist in the recognition of new names and new combinations. This procedure was proposed by the Judicial Commission [Minute 11(ii), Int J Syst Bacteriol
41 (1991), p. 185]. The names given herein are listed according to the Rules of priority (i.e. page number and order of valid publication of names in the original articles).
A hydrogen-bonded three-component complex: bis(dicyclohexylammonium) 2,4-dichlorophenolate 2,4,6-trichlorophenolate 2,4-dichlorophenol
Authors: Cai Xiao-Qing , Jin Zhi Min
Published: January 2014

The title complex, 2C12H24N+·C6H3Cl2O−·C6H2Cl3O−·C6H4Cl2O, consists of three different achiral components, dicyclohexylammonium cations, 2,4,6-trichlorophenolate anions and H-atom-bridged 2,4-dichlorophenolate/2,4-dichlorophenol units, held together by O—H...N and O—H...O hydrogen bonds to form a chiral hydrogen-bonded ring. A helical cylinder is established by the packing of these rings along a crystallographic 41screw axes. Helical cylinders may be generated from each other by translation, resulting in the formation of the chiral crystal. Neighbouring parallel helical cylinders are associated by van der Waals interactions only.
Interpopulation variability on embryo growth, seed dormancy break, and germination in the endangered Iberian daffodil Narcissus eugeniae (Amaryllidaceae)
Authors: Copete Elena , Herranz José Mª , Copete Miguel Ángel , Ferrandis Pablo
Published: January 2014

The main goal of the study was to assess germination requirements in a threatened daffodil to elaborate a detailed protocol for plant production from seeds, a key tool for conservation. Experiments were carried out both in the laboratory and outdoor conditions. In Pseudonarcissi section, endemic Iberian species of Narcissus studied heretofore have different levels of morphophysiological dormancy (MPD). Embryo length, radicle emergence, and shoot emergence were analyzed to determine the level of MPD. Both interpopulational variability and seed storage duration were also studied. Mean embryo length in fresh seeds was 1.32 mm and the embryo had to grow until it reached at least 2.00 mm to germinate. Embryo growth occurs during warm stratification, after which the radicle emerges when temperatures go down. Seed dormancy was broken in the laboratory at 28/14°C in darkness followed by 15/4°C, but the germination percentage varies depending on the population. In outdoor conditions, seed dispersal occurs in June, the embryo grows during the summer and then the radicle emerges in autumn. The radicle system continues to grow during the winter months, but the shoot does not emerge until the beginning of the spring because it is physiologically dormant and requires a cold period to break dormancy. Early cold temperatures interrupt embryo growth and induce dormancy in seeds with an advanced embryo development. Seeds of N. eugeniae have deep simple epicotyl MPD. In addition, we found that embryo growth and germination were improved by seed storage duration.
Shortening the Work Preference Inventory for Use with Physician Scientists: WPI‐10
Authors: Robinson Georgeanna F. W. B. , Switzer Galen E. , Cohen Elan D. , Primack Brian A. , Kapoor Wishwa N. , Seltzer Deborah L. , Rubio Doris McGartland
Published: January 2014

The Work Preference Inventory (WPI) is a four‐factor, 30‐item measure that assesses work motivation. Used to help individuals choose appropriate career paths, its length contributes to response burden, especially when combined with other measures. We aimed to develop a shortened, valid, and reliable version of the WPI. Trainees at the University of Pittsburgh's Institute for Clinical Research Education completed the 30‐item WPI between 2007 and 2012. We conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses to reduce the number of items. Of the 402 eligible trainees, 371 (92%) provided data for the exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and 134 of the eligible 144 trainees (93%) provided data for the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). EFA revealed four factors that were roughly equivalent to those of the original. CFA used the three items with the highest loadings on each factor, with two items removed due to low loadings and R‐squareds, resulting in a 10‐item scale. Cronbach's alpha for each of the four factors ranged from 0.68 to 0.76. Factors in the WPI‐10 were strongly and significantly associated with factors in the original WPI, indicating strong validity of the shortened measure. The WPI‐10 shows evidence for similar validity and reliability to the original instrument while reducing respondent burden.
Optimizing chamber methods for measuring nitrous oxide emissions from plot‐based agricultural experiments
Authors: Chadwick D. R. , Cardenas L. , Misselbrook T. H. , Smith K. A. , Rees R. M. , Watson C. J. , McGeough K. L. , Williams J. R. , Cloy J. M. , Thorman R. E. , Dhanoa M. S.
Published: January 2014

Nitrous oxide emissions (N2O) from agricultural land are spatially and temporally variable. Most emission measurements are made with small (≪ 1 m2 area) static chambers. We used N2O chamber data collected from multiple field experiments across different geo‐climatic zones in the UK and from a range of nitrogen treatments to quantify uncertainties associated with flux measurements. Data were analysed to assess the spatial variability of fluxes, the degree of linearity of headspace N2O accumulation and the robustness of using ambient air N2O concentrations as a surrogate for sampling immediately after closure (T0). Data showed differences of up to more than 50‐fold between the maximum and minimum N2O flux from five chambers within one plot on a single sampling occasion, and that reliability of flux measurements increased with greater numbers of chambers. In more than 90% of the 1970 cases where linearity of headspace N2O accumulation was measured (with four or more sampling points), linear accumulation was observed; however, where non‐linear accumulation was seen this could result in a 26% under‐estimate of the flux. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the use of ambient air as a surrogate for T0 headspace samples did not result in any consistent bias in calculated fluxes. Spatial variability has the potential to result in erroneous flux estimates if not taken into account, and generally introduces a far larger uncertainty into the calculated flux (commonly orders of magnitude more) than any uncertainties introduced through reduced headspace sampling or assumption of linearity of headspace accumulation. Hence, when deploying finite resources, maximizing chamber numbers should be given priority over maximizing the number of headspace samplings per enclosure period.
Serum miRNA expression profiles change in autoimmune vitiligo in mice
Authors: Shi Yu‐Ling , Weiland Matthew , Lim Henry W. , Mi Qing‐Sheng , Zhou Li
Published: January 2014

It is widely believed that non‐segmental vitiligo results from the autoimmune destruction of melanocytes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non‐coding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression, are involved in the immune cell development and function and regulate the development of autoimmune diseases. Recent studies demonstrate that functional miRNAs can be detected in the serum and serve as biomarkers of various diseases. In the present study, we used a mouse autoimmune vitiligo model, in which melanocyte autoreactive CD4+ T cells were adoptively transferred into Rag1−/− host mice. Serum miRNA expression was profiled in vitiligo developed mice and control mice using TaqMan RT‐PCR arrays. We have found that the expressions of 20 serum miRNAs were changed in vitiligo mice compared to control mice. Three increased miRNAs, miR‐146a, miR‐191, and miR‐342‐3p, were further confirmed by a single TaqMan RT‐PCR. Our findings suggest that miRNAs may be involved in vitiligo development and serum miRNAs could serve as serum biomarkers for vitiligo in mice.
In situconservation breeding and the role of zoological institutions and private breeders in the recovery of highly endangeredIndonesian passerine birds
Authors: Owen A. , Wilkinson R. , Sözer R.
Published: January 2014

Indonesian birds are especially threatened both by habitat loss and trapping for the cage‐bird trade. This paper describes recent zoo‐supported work atCikanangaWildlifeCenter,Java, for the conservation breeding of a number of threatened passerine birds. The founder populations of these birds were obtained from local private bird keepers. Zoos and similar‐minded conservation organizations have backed this work through both funding and technical support. Conservation breeding has been highly successful for the Black‐winged starlingSturnus melanopterusandSumatran laughingthrushGarrulax bicolor. A more recently initiated programme forJavan green magpieCissa thalassinahas already resulted in breeding success and another programme has recently been initiated for the Rufous‐fronted laughingthrushGarrulax rufifrons. Reintroduction trials have already been initiated for Black‐winged starling and others are at the planning stages.
Selenium induces a multi‐targeted cell death process in addition to ROS formation
Authors: Wallenberg Marita , Misra Sougat , Wasik Agata M. , Marzano Cristina , Björnstedt Mikael , Gandin Valentina , Fernandes Aristi P
Published: January 2014

Selenium compounds inhibit neoplastic growth. Redox active selenium compounds are evolving as promising chemotherapeutic agents through tumour selectivity and multi‐target response, which are of great benefit in preventing development of drug resistance. Generation of reactive oxygen species is implicated in selenium‐mediated cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. Recent findings indicate that activation of diverse intracellular signalling leading to cell death depends on the chemical form of selenium applied and/or cell line investigated. In the present study, we aimed at deciphering different modes of cell death in a single cell line (HeLa) upon treatment with three redox active selenium compounds (selenite, selenodiglutathione and seleno‐DL‐cystine). Both selenite and selenodiglutathione exhibited equipotent toxicity (IC50 5 μM) in these cells with striking differences in toxicity mechanisms. Morphological and molecular alterations provided evidence of necroptosis‐like cell death in selenite treatment, whereas selenodiglutathione induced apoptosis‐like cell death. We demonstrate that selenodiglutathione efficiently glutathionylated free protein thiols, which might explain the early differences in cytotoxic effects induced by selenite and selenodiglutathione. In contrast, seleno‐DL‐cystine treatment at an IC50 concentration of 100 μM induced morphologically two distinct different types of cell death, one with apoptosis‐like phenotype, while the other was reminiscent of paraptosis‐like cell death, characterized by induction of unfolded protein response, ER‐stress and occurrence of large cytoplasmic vacuoles. Collectively, the current results underline the diverse cytotoxic effects and variable potential of redox active selenium compounds on the survival of HeLa cells and thereby substantiate the potential of chemical species‐specific usage of selenium in the treatment of cancers.
Vitamin K Antagonists: Beyond Bleeding
Authors: Krüger Thilo , Floege Jürgen
Published: January 2014

Warfarin is the most widely used oral anticoagulant in clinical use today. Indications range from prosthetic valve replacement to recurrent thromboembolic events due to antiphospholipid syndrome. In hemodialysis (HD) patients, warfarin use is even more frequent than in the nonrenal population due to increased cardiovascular comorbidities. The use of warfarin in dialysis patients with atrial fibrillation requires particular caution because side effects may outweigh the assumed benefit of reduced stroke rates. Besides increased bleeding risk, coumarins exert side effects which are not in the focus of clinical routine, yet they deserve special consideration in dialysis patients and should influence the decision of whether or not to prescribe vitamin K antagonists in cases lacking clear guidelines. Issues to be taken into consideration in HD patients are the induction or acceleration of cardiovascular calcifications, a 10‐fold increased risk of calciphylaxis and problems related to maintaining a target INR range. New anticoagulants like direct thrombin inhibitors are promising but have not yet been approved for ESRD patients. Here, we summarize the nontraditional side effects of coumarins and give recommendations about the use of vitamin K antagonists in ESRD patients.
Improving Strength and Power in Trained Athletes With 3 Weeks of Occlusion Training
Authors: Cook Christian J. , Kilduff Liam P. , Beaven C. Martyn
Published: January 2014

Purpose:

To examine the effects of moderate-load exercise with and without blood-flow restriction (BFR) on strength, power, and repeated-sprint ability, along with acute and chronic salivary hormonal parameters.

Methods:

Twenty male semiprofessional rugby union athletes were randomized to a lower-body BFR intervention (an occlusion cuff inflated to 180 mmHg worn intermittently on the proximal thighs) or a control intervention that trained without occlusion in a crossover design. Experimental sessions were performed 3 times a week for 3 wk with 5 sets of 5 repetitions of bench press, leg squat, and pull-ups performed at 70% of 1-repetition maximum.

Results:

Greater improvements were observed (occlusion training vs control) in bench press (5.4 ± 2.6 vs 3.3 ± 1.4 kg), squat (7.8 ± 2.1 vs 4.3 ± 1.4 kg), maximum sprint time (−0.03 ± 0.03 vs –0.01 ± 0.02 s), and leg power (168 ± 105 vs 68 ± 50 W). Greater exercise-induced salivary testosterone (ES 0.84–0.61) and cortisol responses (ES 0.65–0.20) were observed after the occlusion intervention sessions compared with the nonoccluded controls; however, the acute cortisol increases were attenuated across the training block.

Conclusions:

Occlusion training can potentially improve the rate of strength-training gains and fatigue resistance in trained athletes, possibly allowing greater gains from lower loading that could be of benefit during high training loads, in competitive seasons, or in a rehabilitative setting. The clear improvement in bench-press strength resulting from lower-body occlusion suggests a systemic effect of BFR training.
Rare Celestial Trio to Put Einstein's Theory to the Test
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: January 2014

A pulsar in orbit with two other stars—the first trio of its kind ever discovered—could soon be used to put Einstein's theory of gravity to an unprecedented test.
Time Capsule in the Desert
Authors: Qiu Jane
Published: January 2014

Deep beneath western China's Qaidam Basin are traces of gigantic freshwater lakes and lush forests that gave way to steppe and desert tens of millions of years ago.
Evaluation of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry for Rapid Detection of β-Lactam Resistance in Enterobacteriaceae Derived from Blood Cultures
Authors: Jung Jette Sophia , Popp Christina , Sparbier Katrin , Lange Christoph , Kostrzewa Markus , Schubert Soeren
Published: January 2014

The identification of pathogens directly from blood cultures by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) can be a valuable tool for improving the treatment of patients with sepsis and bacteremia. However, the increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria makes it difficult to predict resistance patterns based only on pathogen identification. Most therapy regimens for sepsis caused by Gram-negative rods consist of at least one β-lactam antibiotic. Thus, it would be of great benefit to have an early marker of resistance against these drugs. In the current study, we tested 100 consecutive blood cultures containing
Enterobacteriaceae
for resistance against 3rd-generation cephalosporins in a MALDI-TOF MS β-lactamase assay.
Escherichia coli
was also tested for resistance against aminopenicillins. The results of the β-lactamase assay were compared with those of conventional methods. The assay permitted discrimination between
E. coli
strains that were resistant or susceptible to aminopenicillins with a sensitivity and a specificity of 100%. The same was true for resistance to 3rd-generation cephalosporins in
Enterobacteriaceae
that constitutively produced class C β-lactamases. Discrimination was more difficult in species expressing class A β-lactamases, as these enzymes can generate false-positive results. Thus, the sensitivity and specificity for this group were 100% and 91.5%, respectively. The test permitted the prediction of resistance within 2.5 h after the blood culture was flagged as positive.
Identification, Genotypic Relation, and Clinical Features of Colistin-Resistant Isolates of Acinetobacter Genomic Species 13BJ/14TU from Bloodstreams of Patients in a University Hospital
Authors: Lee Seung Yeob , Shin Jong Hee , Park Kyung Hwa , Kim Ju Hee , Shin Myung Geun , Suh Soon Pal , Ryang Dong Wook , Kim Soo Hyun
Published: January 2014

Colistin resistance remains rare among clinical isolates of
Acinetobacter
species. We noted the emergence of colistin-resistant bloodstream isolates of the
Acinetobacter
genomic species (GS) 13BJ/14TU from patients at a university hospital between 2003 and 2011. We report here, for the first time, the microbiological and molecular characteristics of these isolates, with clinical features of
Acinetobacter
GS 13BJ/14TU bacteremia. All 11 available patient isolates were correctly identified as
Acinetobacter
GS 13BJ/14TU using partial
rpoB
gene sequencing but were misidentified using the phenotypic methods Vitek 2 (mostly as
Acinetobacter baumannii
), MicroScan (mostly as
A. baumannii/Acinetobacter haemolyticus
), and the API 20 NE system (all as
A. haemolyticus
). Most isolates were susceptible to commonly used antibiotics, including carbapenems, but all were resistant to colistin, for which it is unknown whether the resistance is acquired or intrinsic. However, the fact that none of the patients had a history of colistin therapy strongly suggests that
Acinetobacter
GS 13BJ/14TU is innately resistant to colistin. The phylogenetic tree of multilocus sequence typing (MLST) showed that all 11 isolates formed a separate cluster from other
Acinetobacter
species and yielded five sequence types. However, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) revealed 11 distinct patterns, suggesting that the bacteremia had occurred sporadically. Four patients showed persistent bacteremia (6 to 17 days), and all 11 patients had excellent outcomes with cleared bacteremia, suggesting that patients with
Acinetobacter
GS 13BJ/14TU-associated bacteremia show a favorable outcome. These results emphasize the importance of precise species identification, especially regarding colistin resistance in
Acinetobacter
species. In addition, MLST offers another approach to the identification of
Acinetobacter
GS 13BJ/14TU, whereas PFGE is useful for genotyping for this species.
The Value of Postmortem Microbiology Cultures
Authors: Riedel Stefan
Published: January 2014

Since the inception of evidence-based scientific concepts in medicine in the 19th century, the utility of postmortem microbiologic examinations has been a topic of controversy. For every study describing a lack of correlation between antemortem clinical and laboratory findings and postmortem culture results, there is equal evidence from other studies that indicates at least some limited utility in select cases. While the contributions of autopsies and postmortem microbiologic examinations in the discovery of novel infectious microorganisms are generally appreciated by the medical and scientific societies, the problems of implementing routine procedures in daily autopsy practice clearly relate to the lack of consensus on their broader utility as well as to a lack of regulatory guidelines. This review provides an overview of the literature-based evidence regarding the utility of postmortem microbiologic examinations together with some practical aspects and guidelines for those confronted with the issue of whether to allow or discourage the use of bacteriologic cultures obtained during autopsies.
Glycerol − glycerol triacetate mixtures as green reaction mediums
Authors: Wolfson A. , Dlugy C. , Mordechaiev I. , Sliman T. , Tavor D.
Published: January 2014

Three representative organic reactions were performed in various glycerol−triacetin mixtures to tune the polarity of the reaction mixture and thus to increase both the solubility of reactants and the product yields. In all reactions, it was found that reaction performance was affected by the glycerol to triacetin ratio as the solubility of the substrates in the solvent determined product yield. Thereby, employing optimal glycerol to triacetin ratio will result in maximum product yield.
Microstructural analysis of asphalt mixtures using digital image processing techniques
Authors: Moon Ki Hoon , Falchetto Augusto Cannone , Jeong Jin Hoon
Published: January 2014

In this paper, the internal microstructure of asphalt mixture is analyzed through digital image processing (DIP) of two-dimensional asphalt mixture images. A set of 12 mixtures prepared with two binders, two air voids percentages, and different recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) contents is used. First, small asphalt mixture beams of the same size of bending beam rheometer specimens are prepared for the images acquisition. Then, based on mixture volumetric properties, a three-phase material model is obtained. Finally, 2- and 3-point correlation functions of the material phases are numerically evaluated. No significant differences were observed in the microstructure and spatial distributions of aggregates, asphalt mastic, and air voids for asphalt mixtures containing up to 40% of RAP. However, an increase in auto correlation length (ACL) was found for RAP mixtures in comparison with the conventional mixtures.
CANONICAL FORM IN SECOND-ORDER FRAME BUNDLES IN A NATURAL WAY
Authors: MARTÍN MÉNDEZ A.
Published: January 2014

Using horizontal n-bases of the tangent bundle of the linear frame bundle [Formula: see text] of an n-dimensional manifold M, the canonical form in the non-holonomic second-order frame bundle of M is introduced as a restriction of the canonical form of the bundle [Formula: see text]. This construction generalizes the ones in the corresponding semi-holonomic and holonomic second-order frame bundles. We prove that the natural projection of the set of all non-holonomic second-order frames of M into [Formula: see text] defines a principal bundle structure.
MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF LOW POWER 10 T FULL ADDER WITH REDUCED GROUND BOUNCE NOISE
Authors: SINGH RAGHVENDRA , AKASHE SHYAM
Published: January 2014

In the design of high performance complex arithmetic logic circuits, ground bounce noise, leakage current and leakage power are important and challenging issues in nanometer down scaling. In this paper, the low power and reduced ground bounce noise using 10 transistor full adder has been proposed. Full adder is the most important basic building of digital circuits employing arithmetic operation. Adder circuit is widely used in many digital circuits not only for arithmetic operation but also for address generation in processors and microcontrollers. It is therefore necessary to make these systems more efficient so that they consume less power. Here, we use stacking power gating technique to evaluate leakage current, power and ground bounce noise. This paper describes reduction of leakage power and ground bounce noise from the 10 T full adder circuits to make it more reliable to be used to have low power and stable and errorless output. All the simulation in this paper has been carried out using cadence virtuoso at 45 nm technology at various voltages and various temperatures. By using this technique the leakage current reduction can be improved by 80% and leakage power to 70% as compared to conventional 10 T full adder. Ground bounce noise can be reduced to 60% as compared to the base full adder.
On the binomial arithmetical rank of toric ideals
Authors: Katsabekis Anargyros
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we investigate sufficient conditions which ensure that the minimal number of generators of a toric ideal IA is equal to its binomial arithmetical rank. We study particularly the case where IA is the toric ideal of a graph.
On the Steinberg character of an orthogonal group over a finite field
Authors: Zalesski A. E.
Published: January 2014

We determine the irreducible constituents of the Steinberg character of an orthogonal group over a finite field restricted to the orthogonal group of one less dimension.
A NEW DETECTION STRATEGY FOR TWO-STEP QSDC PROTOCOL BASED ON THE FIVE-PARTICLE CLUSTER STATE
Authors: LI JIAN , LI LINGYUN , CHEN SICONG , LIU XUDONG
Published: January 2014

Detection efficiency of a quantum secure direct communication (QSDC) protocol is crucial. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the security of these protocols on the basis of new detection strategies. In this paper, a new strategy based on the five-particle cluster state is proposed, and applied to the two-step QSDC protocol. Moreover, information theoretical method and numerical analysis is applied to analyze the security of the improved protocol. If Eve intends to eavesdrop all of the information, the probability of being detected reaches up to 7/8, whereas the same is 0.5 in the original protocol. It is concluded that using the new detection strategy in the two-step QSDC protocol is more secure than using the original protocol when the quantum key distribution (QKD) protocol is considered.
Coupling concepts for simulation: A systematic and comprehensive view and advantages with declarative models
Authors: Ören Tuncer
Published: January 2014

A brief review of the importance of simulation-based engineering and science (including social sciences) is followed by a historic perspective of model-based simulation. Section 2 is on declarative modeling of component systems as well as its advantages for self-documentation and for computer-aided checks and coupling. As an example for declarative modeling, General System Theory (GEST) implementor is given. In Sec. 3, basic concepts for coupling of component models, and rules for computer-assisted coupling specification are explained. Section 4 is devoted to possible computerized checks in couplings of declarative models such as: (1) automatic unit checking to avoid meaningless input/output matching at the time of coupling specification, (2) automatic threshold checking to provide warnings and/or to avoid disasters, and (3) automatic unit conversion for convenience of using library models. Section 5 is about several layers of nested couplings for modeling systems of systems. In Sec. 6, two types of variable couplings are discussed: (1) couplings with variable connections (to allow input/output relations of models to depend on time or state conditions) and (2) coupling with variable component models (to allow component (or coupled) models to be switched based on time or state conditions). Section 7 is on the use of multimodels as component models in couplings. Section 8 is on types of inputs and their use in couplings as well as on external inputs to simulation studies. In Sec. 9, conclusions and future work for complex systems are outlined. Especially, the values of simulation systems engineering as well as understanding and avoidance of misunderstanding in cognitive and emotive simulations are stressed. Appendix A is a list of almost 50 types of couplings and Appendix B lists over 50 terms related with couplings in modeling and simulation. To show the richness of "input" concept which is important in specification of input/output relations of component models, Appendix C lists almost 150 types of inputs. Information shared in this article may be useful in developing advanced modeling and simulation software, tools and environments.
Role of the lateral parabrachial nucleus in the control of sodium appetite
Authors: Menani Jose V. , De Luca Laurival A. , Johnson Alan Kim
Published: January 2014

In states of sodium deficiency many animals seek and consume salty solutions to restore body fluid homeostasis. These behaviors reflect the presence of sodium appetite that is a manifestation of a pattern of central nervous system (CNS) activity with facilitatory and inhibitory components that are affected by several neurohumoral factors. The primary focus of this review is on one structure in this central system, the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN). However, before turning to a more detailed discussion of the LPBN, a brief overview of body fluid balance-related body-to-brain signaling and the identification of the primary CNS structures and humoral factors involved in the control of sodium appetite is necessary. Angiotensin II, mineralocorticoids, and extracellular osmotic changes act on forebrain areas to facilitate sodium appetite and thirst. In the hindbrain, the LPBN functions as a key integrative node with an ascending output that exerts inhibitory influences on forebrain regions. A nonspecific or general deactivation of LPBN-associated inhibition by GABA or opioid agonists produces NaCl intake in euhydrated rats without any other treatment. Selective LPBN manipulation of other neurotransmitter systems [e.g., serotonin, cholecystokinin (CCK), corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF), glutamate, ATP, or norepinephrine] greatly enhances NaCl intake when accompanied by additional treatments that induce either thirst or sodium appetite. The LPBN interacts with key forebrain areas that include the subfornical organ and central amygdala to determine sodium intake. To summarize, a model of LPBN inhibitory actions on forebrain facilitatory components for the control of sodium appetite is presented in this review.
Breast Cancer Pathology, Receptor Status, and Patterns of Metastasis in a Rural Appalachian Population
Authors: Vona-Davis Linda , Rose David P. , Gadiyaram Vijaya , Ducatman Barbara , Hobbs Gerald , Hazard Hannah , Kurian Sobha , Abraham Jame
Published: January 2014

Breast cancer patients in rural Appalachia have a high prevalence of obesity and poverty, together with more triple-negative phenotypes. We reviewed clinical records for tumor receptor status and time to distant metastasis. Body mass index, tumor size, grade, nodal status, and receptor status were related to metastatic patterns. For 687 patients, 13.8% developed metastases to bone (n=42) or visceral sites (n=53). Metastases to viscera occurred within five years, a latent period which was shorter than that for bone (P=0.042). More women with visceral metastasis presented with grade 3 tumors compared with the bone and nonmetastatic groups (P=0.0002). There were 135/574 women (23.5%) with triple-negative breast cancer, who presented with lymph node involvement and visceral metastases (68.2% versus 24.3%;P=0.033). Triple-negative tumors that metastasized to visceral sites were larger (P=0.007). Developing a visceral metastasis within 10 years was higher among women with triple-negative tumors. Across all breast cancer receptor subtypes, the probability of remaining distant metastasis-free was greater for brain and liver than for lung. The excess risk of metastatic spread to visceral organs in triple-negative breast cancers, even in the absence of positive nodes, was combined with the burden of larger and more advanced tumors.
Cross‐Correlations between Energy and Emissions Markets: New Evidence from Fractal and Multifractal Analysis
Authors: Wang Gang-Jin , Xie Chi , Chen Shou , Han Feng
Published: January 2014

We supply a new perspective to describe and understand the behavior of cross‐correlations between energy and emissions markets. Namely, we investigate cross‐correlations between oil and gas (Oil‐Gas), oil and CO2 (Oil‐CO2), and gas and CO2 (Gas‐CO2) based on fractal and multifractal analysis. We focus our study on returns of the oil, gas, and CO2 during the period of April 22, 2005–April 30, 2013. In the empirical analysis, by using the detrended cross‐correlation analysis (DCCA) method, we find that cross‐correlations for Oil‐Gas, Oil‐CO2, and Gas‐CO2 obey a power‐law and are weakly persistent. Then, we adopt the method of DCCA cross‐correlation coefficient to quantify cross‐correlations between energy and emissions markets. The results show that their cross‐correlations are diverse at different time scales. Next, based on the multifractal DCCA method, we find that cross‐correlated markets have the nonlinear and multifractal nature and that the multifractality strength for three cross‐correlated markets is arranged in the order of Gas‐CO2 > Oil‐Gas > Oil‐CO2. Finally, by employing the rolling windows method, which can be used to investigate time‐varying cross‐correlation scaling exponents, we analyze short‐term and long‐term market dynamics and find that the recent global financial crisis has a notable influence on short‐term and long‐term market dynamics.