bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
China's Energy Reduction Policy System: Outcomes and Responses of Local Governments
Authors: Wang Yuzhe , Zhao Jing , Chi Cheryl S.F.
Published: May 2014

The paper examines the outcomes of and responses to the policy system (the “obligatory indicator system”) used by the Chinese central government to induce provincial governments to meet energy‐saving targets during the 11th Five Year Plan. The institutional mechanisms underlying the policy system that promotes implementation of energy saving are identified An analytical framework is developed to identify the strategic responses of provincial governments and the factors shaping their responses. Comprehensive sets of provincial data on economic and energy performance are collected and analyzed. The findings indicate that the central government's credible commitment to implement the policy system drove the initially disparate attitudes of provinces to a converged outcome. However, the outcome is significantly constrained by provinces’ initial energy intensity. In particular, provincial governments have applied strategies of ceremonial implementation, efficiency‐oriented efforts and effectiveness‐focused efforts to attain specific targets. This paper discusses the implications in comparison with the modified obligatory indicator system in the 12th Five Year Plan and offers policy suggestions accordingly.
Origin of the Lake Ohrid gammarid species flock: ancient local phylogenetic lineage diversification
Authors: Wysocka Anna , Grabowski Michał , Sworobowicz Lidia , Mamos Tomasz , Burzyński Artur , Sell Jerzy
Published: May 2014

Aim

Lake Ohrid is the oldest existing lake in Europe, dating back to the Tertiary. Given its surface area and the adjusted endemism rate, it seems to hold the greatest biodiversity of any ancient lake. Of all the animal groups endemic to this lake, gammarids form one of the largest species flocks. The goal of our study was (1) to develop the phylogenetic framework for the Ohridian endemic Gammarus species flock and place it within a regional palaeobiogeographical context, and (2) to interpret the data with respect to the putative origin of the Lake Ohrid fauna.

Location

Lake Ohrid, Balkan Peninsula.

Methods

Sequences of two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and 16S ribosomal RNA) and one nuclear gene (28S ribosomal RNA) of the Ohridian endemic Gammarus species and of other Balkan gammarids from 69 localities were analysed. The phylogenetic relationships of the group were studied using Bayesian methods. The biogeographical history and the chronology of diversification events were investigated using a relaxed molecular clock with two calibration points.

Results

It appears that the Lake Ohrid gammarids derive from an old local lineage of the Gammarus balcanicus complex. This lineage arrived from the northern part of the Proto‐Balkans, after its emergence during the Tethys/Paratethys regression, and differentiated during the last 18 Myr of the Dinaric uplift (Alpine orogeny). It is also closely affiliated with the biota endemic to the neighbouring area of the former Miocene lake system and to lineages from the upper Vardar and Črni Drim river systems.

Main conclusions

The Lake Ohrid endemic fauna is closely affiliated to the local biota and its roots are more ancient than the lake itself.
Association between anticonvulsant drugs and teeth‐grinding in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy
Authors: Ortega A. O. L. , Dos Santos M. T. B. R. , Mendes F. M. , Ciamponi A. L.
Published: May 2014

The relation between teeth‐grinding and the use of drugs acting on the central nervous system of cerebral palsy (CP) patients has not yet been described. The aim of this research was to evaluate the presence or absence of teeth‐grinding (sleep and/or awake periods) in normal and in CP children and adolescents, as well as the association of teeth‐grinding and use of anticonvulsant drugs. The sample consisted of 207 children and adolescents, divided into three groups: G1, individuals with CP who did not take anticonvulsant drugs; G2, individuals with CP administered medications on a regular basis; and CG, normal individuals. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of teeth‐grinding with some variables. No significant statistical differences were observed regarding the presence or absence of teeth‐grinding when G1 and G2 were compared. However, compared with the CG, a statistically significant difference was determined, with the CG showing fewer children presenting teeth‐grinding (P < 0·001). Among those children/adolescents prescribed drug therapy, the barbiturate group showed a greater frequency of teeth‐grinding. CP children and adolescents show a greater and significant presence of grinding of the teeth compared with normal individuals. Subjects taking barbiturate drugs showed greater presence of teeth‐grinding, than those who were taking medications from the other groups of anticonvulsant drugs.
Cyclosporine A up‐regulates Sonic hedgehog in gingiva: role of the up‐regulation on gingival cell proliferation
Authors: Chung Y. , Fu E.
Published: May 2014

Background and Objective

Sonic hedgehog protein (SHH) is a mitogen that stimulates cell proliferation. Cyclosporine A enhances the proliferation of gingival cells; however, the relationships of SHH to cyclosporine A or to cyclosporine A‐enhanced gingival cell proliferation have not been described.

Material and Methods

Here, we investigated SHH expression in gingiva in vitro and in vivo after cyclosporine A treatment and tested the effect of SHH inhibition on cyclosporine A‐enhanced gingival fibroblast proliferation in vitro.

Results

In human gingival fibroblasts, cyclosporine A treatment increased the expression of SHH transcripts and SHH protein, and stimulated cell proliferation; the addition of cyclopamine, an SHH signaling inhibitor, suppressed cyclosporine A‐enhanced cell proliferation. Up‐regulated expression of SHH and up‐regulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen transcripts and protein were observed in the edentulous gingiva of cyclosporine A‐treated rats.

Conclusion

Cyclosporine A up‐regulates gingival SHH expression in vitro and in vivo, and the inhibition of the SHH pathway counteracts the stimulatory effect of cyclosporine A on gingival fibroblast proliferation. Therefore, we suggest that SHH mediates a novel molecular mechanism for cyclosporine A‐induced gingival complications.
Glacier foreland succession and the fading effect of terrain age
Authors: Rydgren Knut , Halvorsen Rune , Töpper Joachim P. , Njøs Joar M.
Published: May 2014

Questions

What are the most important factors explaining present‐day variation in species composition in a glacier foreland? Does the rate of species compositional change in glacier forelands decelerate through primary succession? How do data set properties and analytic methods influence our understanding of glacier foreland successional dynamics?

Location

Nigardsbreen glacier foreland, western Norway.

Methods

We sampled the species composition and recorded 21 explanatory variables in 74 plots, distributed on eight classes of terrain age (dated moraines). Gradients in species composition found using global non‐metric multidimensional scaling (GNMDS) ordination were interpreted with split‐plot generalized linear models. Yearly succession rates were calculated from plot positions along a vector of maximum compositional change related to terrain age in the interpreted GNMDS ordination.

Results

We interpreted the main gradient in species composition as being related to a complex gradient with soil moisture and soil nutrients as primary constituents. Terrain age contributed to the second most important gradient. Succession rates were nonlinear with time. Terrain age explained variation in species composition only when plots from the two youngest terrain age classes were retained in the data set.

Conclusions

In contrast to the majority of studies of glacier foreland successions performed so far, we find that terrain age is not the principal factor that explains present‐day variation in species composition. Instead, local environmental variables are the main determinants of species composition. This result emphasizes the importance of taking environmental gradients into account when variation in glacier foreland vegetation is studied. The limited importance of terrain age in our study is interpreted as likely due to this glacier foreland being situated below the tree line, the relatively long distance between the bulk of the studied foreland and the glacier snout, and inclusion of few plots from young terrain in our data set. The non‐linearity of succession rates with time implies that a linear time‐since‐deglaciation variable is inappropriate for constrained ordination of glacier foreland vegetation.
The strength of regolith and rubble pile asteroids
Authors: Sánchez P. , Scheeres D. J.
Published: May 2014

We explore the hypothesis that, due to small van der Waals forces between constituent grains, small rubble pile asteroids have a small but nonzero cohesive strength. The nature of this model predicts that the cohesive strength should be constant independent of asteroid size, which creates a scale dependence with relative strength increasing as size decreases. This model counters classical theory that rubble pile asteroids should behave as scale‐independent cohesionless collections of rocks. We explore a simple model for asteroid strength that is based on these weak forces, validate it through granular mechanics simulations and comparisons with properties of lunar regolith, and then explore its implications and ability to explain and predict observed properties of small asteroids in the NEA and Main Belt populations, and in particular of asteroid 2008 TC3. One conclusion is that the population of rapidly rotating asteroids could consist of both distributions of smaller grains (i.e., rubble piles) and of monolithic boulders.
Natural and human effects on harbor seal abundance and spatial distribution in an Alaskan glacial fjord
Authors: Jansen John K. , Boveng Peter L. , Ver Hoef Jay M. , Dahle Shawn P. , Bengtson John L.
Published: May 2014

Tidewater glacial fjords support the largest populations of harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardii) in Alaska and are a prime destination for tour ships. Chronic disturbance from ships, however subtle, could impact long‐term population stability. We examined variation in abundance and distribution of harbor seals on floating ice in Disenchantment Bay, Alaska, a tour ship destination for over a century with near daily visitation by ships in the spring/summer over the last decade. Counts of seals by aerial transect showed a sharp decline in May, prior to pupping and the first ships arriving; counts rebounded by the end of June remaining high until August. Seal distribution and abundance peaked in 5–7 tenths ice cover; total area of ice cover showed no effect. Despite regular flushing of seals by ships, we found no broad‐scale patterns in seal abundance and distribution that could be explained by ship presence. We cannot rule out mechanisms of long‐term disturbance, difficult to detect and that might explain notable differences with other, similar sites. Population declines at disturbed glacial sites and the still rising popularity of vessel‐based tourism indicate a need for individual‐based studies on how seals respond to the dynamics of glacial ice environments and human‐caused stresses.
Leading dimensions in absorptive root trait variation across 96 subtropical forest species
Authors: Kong Deliang , Ma Chengen , Zhang Qian , Li Le , Chen Xiaoyong , Zeng Hui , Guo Dali
Published: May 2014

Absorptive root traits show remarkable cross‐species variation, but major root trait dimensions across species have not been defined.

We sampled first‐order roots and measured 14 root traits for 96 angiosperm woody species from subtropical China, including root diameter, specific root length, stele diameter, cortex thickness, root vessel size and density, mycorrhizal colonization rate, root branching intensity, tissue density, and concentrations of carbon and nitrogen ([N]).

Root traits differed in the degree of variation and phylogenetic conservatism, but showed predictable patterns of cross‐trait coordination. Root diameter, cortex thickness and stele diameter displayed high variation across species (coefficient of variation (CV) = 0.51–0.69), whereas the stele:root diameter ratio and [N] showed low variation (CV < 0.32). Root diameter, cortex thickness and stele diameter showed a strong phylogenetic signal across species, whereas root branching traits did not, and these two sets of traits were segregated onto two nearly orthogonal (independent) principal component analysis (PCA) axes.

Two major dimensions of root trait variation were found: a diameter‐related dimension potentially integrating root construction, maintenance, and persistence with mycorrhizal colonization, and a branching architecture dimension expressing root plastic responses to the environment. These two dimensions may offer a promising path for better understanding root trait economics and root ecological strategies world‐wide.
Oral health‐related quality of life: pre‐ and post‐dental implant treatment
Authors: Patel N. , Vijayanarayanan R.P. , Pachter D. , Coulthard P.
Published: May 2014

Aim

Oral health changes, such as tooth loss can have a profound effect on a patient's quality of life. The partial and fully edentulous condition has negative impacts on ability to chew, speech and appearance. Dental implants support either a fixed or removable prosthesis and can provide a significant benefit to partially or fully edentulous patients. This study evaluates changes in oral health quality of life in patients receiving dental implant treatment.

Materials and methods

One hundred fifty patients attending a primary care dental practice specialising in dental implant treatment were given an Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) questionnaire to complete before their implant treatment and 6 months post‐operatively.

Results

One hundred seven patients successfully completed the study. Results of the analysis demonstrate statistically significant decreases in frequency of oral health problems post treatment. For every OHIP statement, the t‐test revealed a statistically significant improvement in oral health quality of life (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Dental implant therapy has a positive effect on oral health quality of life as determined by the OHIP. Long term follow up is required to provide an understanding of continuing benefits from dental implant therapy.
Development and validation of a risk score to predict the probability of postoperative vomiting in pediatric patients: the VPOP score
Authors: Bourdaud Nathalie , Devys Jean‐Michel , Bientz Jocelyne , Lejus Corinne , Hebrard Anne , Tirel Olivier , Lecoutre Damien , Sabourdin Nada , Nivoche Yves , Baujard Catherine , Orliaguet Gilles A.
Published: May 2014

Background

Few data are available in the literature on risk factors for postoperative vomiting (POV) in children.

Objective

The aim of the study was to establish independent risk factors for POV and to construct a pediatric specific risk score to predict POV in children.

Methods

Characteristics of 2392 children operated under general anesthesia were recorded. The dataset was randomly split into an evaluation set (n = 1761), analyzed with a multivariate analysis including logistic regression and backward stepwise procedure, and a validation set (n = 450), used to confirm the accuracy of prediction using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROCAUC), to optimize sensitivity and specificity.

Results

The overall incidence of POV was 24.1%. Five independent risk factors were identified: stratified age (>3 and <6 or >13 years: adjusted OR 2.46 [95% CI 1.75–3.45]; ≥6 and ≤13 years: aOR 3.09 [95% CI 2.23–4.29]), duration of anesthesia (aOR 1.44 [95% IC 1.06–1.96]), surgery at risk (aOR 2.13 [95% IC 1.49–3.06]), predisposition to POV (aOR 1.81 [95% CI 1.43–2.31]), and multiple opioids doses (aOR 2.76 [95% CI 2.06–3.70], P < 0.001). A simplified score was created, ranging from 0 to 6 points. Respective incidences of POV were 5%, 6%, 13%, 21%, 36%, 48%, and 52% when the risk score ranged from 0 to 6. The model yielded a ROCAUC of 0.73 [95% CI 0.67–0.78] when applied to the validation dataset.

Conclusions

Independent risk factors for POV were identified and used to create a new score to predict which children are at high risk of POV.
Does obesity prolong anesthesia in children undergoing common ENT surgery?
Authors: Lee Jennifer J. , Sun Lena S. , Gu Brian , Kim Minjae , Wang Shuang , Han Sena
Published: May 2014

Objectives

To report the epidemiology of obesity in a pediatric surgical population and determine whether obesity is a risk factor for longer anesthesia duration.

Background

Childhood obesity is a significant public health problem in the United States. Epidemiologic studies on pediatric surgical populations have been limited to states with very high prevalence of adult obesity (Michigan, Texas). Data from other states and more recent data since 2006 are unavailable.

Methods

We examined anesthesia records for surgical patients age 2–18 years at Columbia University Medical Center from January 2009 to December 2010. Patients undergoing bariatric surgery or those with records missing preoperative height or weight data were excluded. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as weight (kg)/height (m2). BMI ≥95th percentile according to national growth charts were considered obese.

Results

We reviewed 9522 patients of which 1639 were obese (17.2%). The sex–age category interaction on obesity was not significant using logistic regression (P = 0.11). Among surgical groups, the otolaryngology (ENT) cohort had the highest obesity rate (21.7%, 360/1656). Obese children who had tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, or both did not have a prolonged anesthetic (P = 0.33) or surgical duration (P = 0.61) compared with nonobese children, adjusting for surgeon, season, surgical procedure code, and ASA status.

Conclusion

Children presenting for surgery, particularly the ENT cohort, have a high prevalence of obesity. Obese and nonobese children who had tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, or both had comparable durations of anesthesia. Therefore, obesity did not lead to longer anesthetic duration.
Adaptive resistance to RAF inhibitors in melanoma
Authors: Kugel Curtis H. , Aplin Andrew E.
Published: May 2014

The discovery of activating mutations in BRAF at high frequency in cutaneous melanoma opened the door to new treatment options, which have resulted in significantly better patient outcomes. Treatments such as the FDA‐approved RAF inhibitor vemurafenib and the more recently approved dabrafenib and trametinib combination therapy are designed to target the ERK1/2 pathway. Initial success in targeting this pathway is evidenced by the high percentage of melanoma patients who undergo tumor remission. However, the beneficial effects of these targeted therapies are usually short‐lived due to the development of resistance, which leads to disease progression. As a result, studies have focused on the acquired forms of resistance that develop following continued exposure to therapy. Conversely, far fewer studies have investigated the adaptive forms of resistance, which activate rapidly, promote cell survival, and may underlie the development of acquired resistance by providing melanoma cells the time to develop additional mutations. We provide a detailed review of the known mechanisms of adaptive resistance in melanoma and relate them to similar responses to targeted therapies in other tumor types.
Case Reports of Extracorporeal Treatments in Poisoning: Historical Trends
Authors: Mardini Joelle , Lavergne Valery , Roberts Darren , Ghannoum Marc
Published: May 2014

There are currently limited data on the trends in case reporting of poisoned patients undergoing enhanced elimination with an extracorporeal treatment (ECTR). The present manuscript specifically reviews the longitudinal trends of reports according to technique, poison, and country of publication. To identify case reports of ECTR use in the management of poisoning, multiple databases were searched. There were no limitations on language and year of publication. All case reports describing individual patients undergoing ECTR with the intent of enhancing the elimination of a poison were included in the analysis. Since 1913, 2908 reports were identified. There were an increasing number of published reports with time except for a slight decrease during the 1990s. Hemodialysis was by far the most commonly used ECTR in poisoning, followed by hemoperfusion. The number of reported peritoneal dialyses decreased steadily since 1980s. Methanol, ethylene glycol, lithium, and salicylates remained among the most commonly reported poisons in every decade. The large majority of publications originated from either Europe or North America, and more specifically from the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and China. Despite the emerging apparition of new techniques, hemodialysis remains to this day the favoured ECTR in the treatment of poisoned patients.
Blueschist facies metamorphism in Nordenskiöld Land of west‐central Svalbard
Authors: Kośmińska Karolina , Majka Jarosław , Mazur Stanisław , Krumbholz Michael , Klonowska Iwona , Manecki Maciej , Czerny Jerzy , Dwornik Maciej
Published: May 2014

Recent fieldwork in Nordenskiöld Land, Svalbard's Southwestern Basement Province, has established the presence of high‐pressure (HP) lithologies. They are strongly retrogressed blueschists consisting mainly of garnet and Ca‐amphibole with remnants of ferroglaucophane and phengite. The pressure–temperature (P–T) conditions were estimated using phase equilibrium modelling in the NCKFMMnASHTO system. P–T estimates based on the garnet, phengite and ferroglaucophane compositional isopleths and modelled paragenetic assemblage indicate peak metamorphism at 470–490 °C and 14–18 kbar. These data fall close to the 7–8 °C km−1 geotherm, which is similar to that from Motalafjella, the only previously known occurrence of blueschists in Svalbard's Caledonides. The newly discovered blueschists could have formed during the early stage of the Caledonian Orogeny and may represent a vestige of missing marginal basins of the western Iapetus developed at the onset of subduction. The likely counterpart to Svalbard's blueschists is the ophiolitic sequence in the Pearya Terrane of northern Ellesmere Island.
Corneal anesthesia following application of 0.4% oxybuprocaine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution to normal feline eyes
Authors: Giudici Valentina , Baeza Sophia , Douet Jean‐Yves , Regnier Alain
Published: May 2014

Objective

To evaluate the loss and recovery of corneal sensitivity after instillation of 0.4% oxybuprocaine hydrochloride solution in the normal feline eye.

Animal studied

Eighteen European shorthair cats free of ocular disease

Procedures

Baseline corneal touch threshold (CTT) readings were obtained bilaterally with a Cochet–Bonnet aesthesiometer prior to treatment. Subsequently, each cat received a single drop of 0.4% oxybuprocaine ophthalmic solution in the right eye and one drop of sterile 0.9% NaCl in the left eye to serve as control. The corneal touch threshold (CTT) of both eyes was then measured 1 min after drug administration and every 5 min for 60 min. The potential for ocular irritation following oxybuprocaine application was also evaluated.

Results

Baseline CTT readings were not significantly different (P > 0.05) between the control and oxybuprocaine‐treated eyes with values of 1.75 ± 0.31 cm and 1.75 ± 0.30 cm, respectively. In control eyes, mean CTT did not significantly change (P > 0.05) during the study period. By contrast, after oxybuprocaine application mean CTT was significantly reduced from baseline (P < 0.05) for 45 min. Maximal corneal anesthesia, with a CTT value of 0, was achieved at 1 and 5 min in all treated eyes. A markedly reduced mean CTT of 0.14 ± 0.23 cm was still present at 20 min. Age and gender did not significantly affect corneal anesthesia. No clinically relevant ocular side effects occurred during the observation period.

Conclusion

This is the first study that provides objective information on the depth and duration of corneal anesthesia following instillation of oxybuprocaine in healthy feline eyes.
Molecular taxonomy of Osedax (Annelida: Siboglinidae) in the Southern Ocean
Authors: Amon Diva J. , Wiklund Helena , Dahlgren Thomas G. , Copley Jonathan T. , Smith Craig R. , Jamieson Alan J. , Glover Adrian G.
Published: May 2014

We report the discovery of three new species of Osedax in the deep Southern Ocean, expanding the diversity and geographical range of this genus of bone‐eating worms. Osedax rogersi sp. n. and Osedax crouchi sp. n. were found on a whale skeleton at 1444 m in the Kemp Caldera in the East Scotia Sea during the Chemosynthetic Ecosystems of the Southern Ocean (ChEsSo) project. The recently described species, Osedax antarcticus, found on whale bones implanted at a depth of 550–650 m off Smith Island in the Bransfield Strait, was also found inhabiting the whale skeleton in the Kemp Caldera. Osedax crouchi as well as another new species Osedax nordenskjoeldi sp. n. have also been found on the implanted whale bones off Smith Island. These two localities are approximately 1800 km apart demonstrating a wide distribution of species within the genus. We describe the three new species, O. rogersi, O. crouchi and O. nordenskjoeldi and report the second record of O. antarcticus. We also present a new phylogenetic analysis for Osedax, including data examining genetic connectivity between the Scotia Arc and the Bransfield Strait.
Analysis of In-Cylinder Turbulent Flows in a DISI Gasoline Engine With a Proper Orthogonal Decomposition Quadruple Decomposition
Authors: Qin Wenjin , Xie Maozhao , Jia Ming , Wang Tianyou , Liu Daming
Published: May 2014

The proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) method is applied to analyze the particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement data and large eddy simulation (LES) result from an in-cylinder turbulence flow field in a four-valve direct injection spark ignition (DISI) engine. The instantaneous flow fields are decomposed into four parts, namely, mean field, coherent field, transition field and turbulent field, respectively, by the POD quadruple decomposition. The filtering method for separating the four flow parts is based on examining the relevance and correlations between different flow fields reconstructed with various POD mode numbers, and the corresponding reconstructed fields have been verified by their statistical properties. Then, the in-cylinder flow evolution and cycle-to-cycle variations (CCV) are studied separately upon the four field parts. Results indicate that each one of the four field parts exhibits its own flow characteristics and has close connection with others. Furthermore, the mean part contains the most kinetic energy of the entire flow field and represents the bulk flow of the original in-cylinder velocity field; the CCV in this part could almost be neglected, while the coherent field part contains larger scale structures and the most fluctuating energy, and possesses the highest CCV level among the four parts.
Low Mass-Damping Vortex-Induced Vibrations of a Single Cylinder at Moderate Reynolds Number
Authors: Jus Y. , Longatte E. , Chassaing J.-C. , Sagaut P.
Published: May 2014

The feasibility and accuracy of large eddy simulation is investigated for the case of three-dimensional unsteady flows past an elastically mounted cylinder at moderate Reynolds number. Although these flow problems are unconfined, complex wake flow patterns may be observed depending on the elastic properties of the structure. An iterative procedure is used to solve the structural dynamic equation to be coupled with the Navier–Stokes system formulated in a pseudo-Eulerian way. A moving mesh method is involved to deform the computational domain according to the motion of the fluid structure interface. Numerical simulations of vortex-induced vibrations are performed for a freely vibrating cylinder at Reynolds number 3900 in the subcritical regime under two low mass-damping conditions. A detailed physical analysis is provided for a wide range of reduced velocities, and the typical three-branch response of the amplitude behavior usually reported in the experiments is exhibited and reproduced by numerical simulation.
Measurement and Description of Three-Dimensional Shoulder Range of Motion With Degrees of Freedom Interactions
Authors: Haering Diane , Raison Maxime , Begon Mickael
Published: May 2014

The shoulder is the most mobile joint of the human body due to bony constraint scarcity and soft tissue function unlocking several degrees of freedom (DOF). Clinical evaluation of the shoulder range of motion (RoM) is often limited to a few monoplanar measurements where each DOF varies independently. The main objective of this study was to provide a method and its experimental approach to assess shoulder 3D RoM with DOF interactions. Sixteen participants performed four series of active arm movements with maximal amplitude consisting in (1) elevations with fixed arm axial rotations (elevation series), (2) axial rotations at different elevations (rotation series), both in five planes of elevation, (3) free arm movements with the instruction to fill the largest volume in space while varying hand orientation (random series), and (4) a combination of elevation and rotation series (overall series). A motion analysis system combined with an upper limb kinematic model was used to estimate the 3D joint kinematics. Thoracohumeral Euler angles with correction were chosen to represent rotations. The angle-time-histories were treated altogether to analyze their 3D interaction. Then, all 3D angular poses were included into a nonconvex hull representing the RoM space accounting for DOF interactions. The effect of series of movements (n = 4) on RoM volumes was tested with a one-way repeated-measures ANOVA followed by Bonferroni posthoc analysis. A normalized 3D RoM space was defined by including 3D poses common to a maximal number of participants into a hull of average volume. A significant effect of the series of movements (p < 0.001) on the volumes of thoracohumeral RoM was found. The overall series measured the largest RoM with an average volume of 3.46 ± 0.89 million cubic degrees. The main difference between the series of movements was due to axial rotation. A normalized RoM hull with average volume was found by encompassing arm poses common to more than 50% of the participants. In general, the results confirmed and characterized the complex 3D interaction of shoulder RoM between the DOF. The combination of elevation and rotation series (overall series) is recommended to fully evaluate shoulder RoM. The normalized 3D RoM hull is expected to provide a reliable reference to evaluate shoulder function in clinical research and for defining physiologic continuous limits in 3D shoulder computer simulation models.
Dynamic Properties of Human Stapedial Annular Ligament Measured With Frequency–Temperature Superposition
Authors: Zhang Xiangming , Gan Rong Z.
Published: May 2014

Stapedial annular ligament (SAL) is located at the end of human ear ossicular chain and provides a sealed but mobile boundary between the stapes footplate and cochlear fluid. Mechanical properties of the SAL directly affect the acoustic-mechanical transmission of the middle ear and the changes of SAL mechanical properties in diseases (e.g., otosclerosis) may cause severe conductive hearing loss. However, the mechanical properties of SAL have only been reported once in the literature, which were obtained under quasi-static condition (Gan, R. Z., Yang, F., Zhang, X., and Nakmali, D., 2011, “Mechanical Properties of Stapedial Annular Ligament,” Med. Eng. Phys., 33, pp. 330–339). Recently, the dynamic properties of human SAL were measured in our lab using dynamic-mechanical analyzer (DMA). The test was conducted at the frequency range from 1 to 40 Hz at three different temperatures: 5 °C, 25 °C, and 37 °C. The frequency–temperature superposition (FTS) principle was applied to extend the testing frequency range to a much higher level. The generalized Maxwell model was employed to describe the constitutive relation of the SAL. The storage shear modulus G′ and the loss shear modulus G″ were obtained from seven specimens. The mean storage shear modulus was 31.7 kPa at 1 Hz and 61.9 kPa at 3760 Hz. The mean loss shear modulus was 1.1 kPa at 1 Hz and 6.5 kPa at 3760 Hz. The dynamic properties of human SAL obtained in this study provide a better description of the damping behavior of soft tissues than the classic Rayleigh type damping, which was widely used in the published ear models. The data reported in this study contribute to ear biomechanics and will improve the accuracy of finite element (FE) model of the human ear.
Assessing the Importance of Geometric Nonlinear Effects in the Prediction of Wind Turbine Blade Loads
Authors: Manolas D. I. , Riziotis V. A. , Voutsinas S. G.
Published: May 2014

As the size of commercial wind turbines increases, new blade designs become more flexible in order to comply with the requirement for reduced weights. In normal operation conditions, flexible blades undergo large bending deflections, which exceed 10% of their radius, while significant torsion angles toward the tip of the blade are obtained, which potentially affect performance and stability. In the present paper, the effects on the loads of a wind turbine from structural nonlinearities induced by large deflections of the blades are assessed, based on simulations carried out for the NREL 5 MW wind turbine. Two nonlinear beam models, a second order (2nd order) model and a multibody model that both account for geometric nonlinear structural effects, are compared to a first order beam (1st order) model. Deflections and loads produced by finite element method based aero-elastic simulations using these three models show that the bending–torsion coupling is the main nonlinear effect that drives differences on loads. The main effect on fatigue loads is the over 100% increase of the torsion moment, having obvious implications on the design of the pitch bearings. In addition, nonlinearity leads to a clear shift in the frequencies of the second edgewise modes.
Spatial release from simultaneous echo masking in bat sonar
Authors: Warnecke Michaela , Bates Mary E. , Flores Victoria , Simmons James A.
Published: May 2014

Big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) use biosonar to navigate and locate objects in their surroundings. During natural foraging, they often encounter echoes returned by a target of interest located to the front while other, often stronger, clutter echoes are returned from objects, such as vegetation, located to the sides or above. Nevertheless, bats behave as if they do not suffer interference from this clutter. Using a two-choice delay discrimination procedure, bats were tested for the masking effectiveness of clutter echoes on target echoes when the target echoes were delivered from the bat's front while clutter echoes were delivered from 90° overhead, a direction of lowpass filtering by the external ears. When clutter echoes are presented from the front at the same delay as target echoes, detection performance declines and clutter masking occurs. When the clutter echoes are presented at the same delay but from overhead, discrimination performance is unaffected and no masking occurs. Thus there is masking release for simultaneous off-axis lowpass clutter compared to masking by simultaneous clutter from the front. The bat's performance for simultaneous target and clutter echoes indicates a new role for the mechanism that separates overlapping echoes by decomposing the bat's auditory time-frequency representation.
A study on Rayleigh wave dispersion in bone according to Mindlin's Form II gradient elasticity
Authors: Vavva Maria G. , Gergidis Leonidas N. , Protopappas Vasilios C. , Charalambopoulos Antonios , Polyzos Demosthenes , Fotiadis Dimitrios I.
Published: May 2014

The classical elasticity cannot effectively describe bone's mechanical behavior since only homogeneous media and local stresses are assumed. Additionally, it cannot predict the dispersive nature of the Rayleigh wave which has been reported in experimental studies and was also demonstrated in a previous computational study by adopting Mindlin's Form II gradient elasticity. In this work Mindlin's theory is employed to analytically determine the dispersion of Rayleigh waves in a strain gradient elastic half-space. An isotropic semi-infinite space is considered with properties equal to those of bone and dynamic behavior suffering from microstructural effects. Microstructural effects are considered by incorporating four intrinsic parameters in the stress analysis. The results are presented in the form of group and phase velocity dispersion curves and compared with existing computational results and semi-analytical curves calculated for a simpler case of Rayleigh waves in dipolar gradient elastic half-spaces. Comparisons are also performed with the velocity of the first-order antisymmetric mode propagating in a dipolar plate so as to observe the Rayleigh asymptotic behavior. It is shown that Mindlin's Form II gradient elasticity can effectively describe the dispersive nature of Rayleigh waves. This study could be regarded as a step toward the ultrasonic characterization of bone.
Enhancement of speech intelligibility in reverberant rooms: Role of amplitude envelope and temporal fine structure
Authors: Srinivasan Nirmal Kumar , Zahorik Pavel
Published: May 2014

The temporal envelope and fine structure of speech make distinct contributions to the perception of speech in normal-hearing listeners, and are differentially affected by room reverberation. Previous work has demonstrated enhanced speech intelligibility in reverberant rooms when prior exposure to the room was provided. Here, the relative contributions of envelope and fine structure cues to this intelligibility enhancement were tested using an open-set speech corpus and virtual auditory space techniques to independently manipulate the speech cues within a simulated room. Intelligibility enhancement was observed only when the envelope was reverberant, indicating that the enhancement is envelope-based.
Coffee roasting acoustics
Authors: Wilson Preston S.
Published: May 2014

Cracking sounds emitted by coffee beans during the roasting process were recorded and analyzed to investigate the potential of using the sounds as the basis for an automated roast monitoring technique. Three parameters were found that could be exploited. Near the end of the roasting process, sounds known as “first crack” exhibit a higher acoustic amplitude than sounds emitted later, known as “second crack.” First crack emits more low frequency energy than second crack. Finally, the rate of cracks appearing in the second crack chorus is higher than the rate in the first crack chorus.
The Association Between Exercise Behavior Regulation and Exergaming in Adolescents
Authors: O’Loughlin Erin K. , Sabiston Catherine M. , Dugas Erika N. , O’Loughlin Jennifer L.
Published: May 2014

Background:

It is not known if or how exercise behavior regulations (EBRs) relate to exergaming in adolescents. The study objectives were 1) to determine if EBRs differ between adolescents who do and do not exergame; and 2) among exergamers, to describe the associations between EBRs and exergame duration, intensity, and achieving physical activity (PA) guidelines.

Methods:

This study was a cross-sectional analysis of data collected in mailed self-report questionnaires completed by 1243 students (mean ± SDage = 16.8 ± 0.5 years; 43% boys).

Results:

In girls, those who exergamed scored higher than nonexergamers on introjected (mean ± SD = 1.9 ± 1.0 vs.1.6 ± 0.9; P = .001) and identified (mean ± SD = 3.1 ± .0 vs.2.9 ± 0.9; P = .049) regulation. Exergame intensity was associated with identified regulation [OR (95% CI) = 2.2 (1.0, 4.5)], minutes exergaming per week was associated with amotivation [β (95% CI) = 0.4 (−0.0, 0.8)], and achieving guidelines was associated with external [OR (95% CI) = 3.7 (1.0, 13.4)] and identified [OR (95% CI) = 5.6 (2.0, 16.0)] regulations. In boys who exergamed, intrinsic regulation was associated with exergame duration [β (95% CI) = −0.3 (−0.6, 0.0)].

Conclusions:

Girls who exergame may have partially internalized exergaming as a PA behavior. Boys may prefer other types of PA such as team sports or other more traditional videogames over exergaming or they may not view exergaming as PA.
Interinstrument Reliability of the ActiGraph GT3X+ Ambulatory Activity Monitor During Free-Living Conditions in Adults
Authors: Jarrett Haydn , Fitzgerald Liam , Routen Ash C.
Published: May 2014

Background:

Currently, no studies have investigated interinstrument reliability of the ActiGraph (AG) GT3X+ in free-living conditions.

Methods:

Nineteen adults (11 males, 8 females; aged 36.8 ± 11.9 years) wore a pair of AG’s (one on each hip), during all waking hours for 1 day. Raw outputs were generated for total counts, steps, wear time and mean counts per minute. Intensity outputs were derived for time (minutes) spent in <moderate, moderate, vigorous, very vigorous and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Intraclass correlation (ICC), absolute percent difference (APD), coefficient of variation (CV), Bland-Altman plots, and paired t tests were used to evaluate reliability.

Results:

Interinstrument reliability was high (CV < 5%) for raw count and derived intensity outputs, except vigorous and very vigorous activity. ICC, CV, and APD values for vigorous and very vigorous were .97, 12.28, 17.36% and .98, 18.15, 25.67%, respectively. Amalgamating moderate, vigorous, and very vigorous into a single MVPA category reduced the CV and APD values to 2.85 and 4.02%, and increased the ICC value to .99. No significant differences were found between contralateral units for any outputs (P > .05).

Conclusion:

Reliability decreases beyond moderate intensities. MVPA displays superior interinstrument reliability than individual intensity categories. Research question permitting, reporting time in MVPA may maximize reliability.
Energy Expenditure in Adolescents With Cerebral Palsy: Comparison of the SenseWear Armband and Indirect Calorimetry
Authors: Koehler Karsten , Abel Thomas , Wallmann-Sperlich Birgit , Dreuscher Annika , Anneken Volker
Published: May 2014

Background:

Inactivity and overweight are major health concerns in children and adolescents with disabilities. Methods for the assessment of activity and energy expenditure may be affected negatively by the underlying disability, especially when motor function is impaired. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of the SenseWear Armband in adolescents with cerebral palsy and hemiparesis.

Methods:

Ten volunteers (age: 13.4 ± 1.6 years) were equipped with SenseWear Armbands on the hemiparetic and nonhemiparetic side of the body. Energy expenditure was measured at rest and during treadmill exercise (speed range: 0.85 to 2.35 m/s). Indirect calorimetry served as independent reference method.

Results:

The mean error was between −0.6 and 0.8 kcal/min and there were no significant differences between SenseWear and indirect calorimetry at any speed. Differences between body sides in expenditure (mean: −0.2 to 0.0 kcal/min) and step count (mean: −3.4 to 9.7 steps/min) were not significant.

Conclusions:

The validity of the SenseWear Armband does not appear to be negatively affected by cerebral palsy during laboratory treadmill exercise. Future field studies are necessary to assess the validity and practicability of energy expenditure and physical activity assessment in children and adolescents with physical disabilities.
Advancing Health-Related Cluster Analysis Methodology: Quantification of Pairwise Activity Cluster Similarities
Authors: Ferrar Katia , Maher Carol , Petkov John , Olds Tim
Published: May 2014

Background:

To date, most health-related time-use research has investigated behaviors in isolation; more recently, however, researchers have begun to conceptualize behaviors in the form of multidimensional patterns or clusters.

Methods:

The study employed 2 techniques: radar graphs and centroid vector length, angles and distance to quantify pairwise time-use cluster similarities among adolescents living in Australia (N = 1853) and in New Zealand (N = 679).

Results:

Based on radar graph shape, 2 pairs of clusters were similar for both boys and girls. Using vector angles (VA), vector length (VL) and centroid distances (CD), 1 pair for each sex was considered most similar (boys: VA = 63°, VL = 44 and 50 units, and CD = 48 units; girls: VA = 23°, VL = 65 and 85 units, and CD = 36 units). Both methods employed to determine similarity had strengths and weaknesses. Conclusions: The description and quantification of cluster similarity is an important step in the research process. An ability to track and compare clusters may provide greater understanding of complex multidimensional relationships, and in relation to health behavior clusters, present opportunities to monitor and to intervene.
Promiscuous Glycan Site Recognition by Antibodies to the High-Mannose Patch of gp120 Broadens Neutralization of HIV
Authors: Sok Devin , Doores Katie J. , Briney Bryan , Le Khoa M. , Saye-Francisco Karen L. , Ramos Alejandra , Kulp Daniel W. , Julien Jean-Philippe , Menis Sergey , Wickramasinghe Lalinda , Seaman Michael S. , Schief William R. , Wilson Ian A. , Poignard Pascal , Burton Dennis R.
Published: May 2014

HIV broadly neutralizing monoclonal antibodies targeting the high-mannose patch of Env can use alternate glycan sites for neutralization.
An Antidepressant Decreases CSF Aβ Production in Healthy Individuals and in Transgenic AD Mice
Authors: Sheline Yvette I. , West Tim , Yarasheski Kevin , Swarm Robert , Jasielec Mateusz S. , Fisher Jonathan R. , Ficker Whitney D. , Yan Ping , Xiong Chengjie , Frederiksen Christine , Grzelak Monica V. , Chott Robert , Bateman Randall J. , Morris John C. , Mintun Mark A. , Lee Jin-Moo , Cirrito John R.
Published: May 2014

The antidepressant drug citalopram decreased CSF amyloid-β in healthy humans, and in an aged transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease, it decreased ISF amyloid-β in a dose-dependent manner.
Antimicrobial Resistance: A Global Challenge
Authors: Howard Simon J. , Hopwood Sarah , Davies Sally C.
Published: May 2014

Antimicrobial resistance poses a major global threat to society that can only be tackled through close cooperation and collaboration among nations.
Misidentification of Neosartorya pseudofischeri as Aspergillus fumigatus in a Lung Transplant Patient
Authors: Khare Reeti , Gupta Sounak , Arif Sana , Jentoft Mark E. , Deziel Paul J. , Roden Anja C. , Wilhelm Mark P. , Razonable Raymund R. , Wengenack Nancy L.
Published: May 2014

We present a case of disseminated
Neosartorya pseudofischeri
infection in a bilateral lung transplant patient with cystic fibrosis. The organism was originally misidentified from respiratory specimens as
Aspergillus fumigatus
using colonial and microscopic morphology. DNA sequencing subsequently identified the organism correctly as
N. pseudofischeri
.