bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hierarchical Control Using Networks Trained with Higher-Level Forward Models
Authors: Wayne Greg , Abbott L. F.
Published: July 2014

We propose and develop a hierarchical approach to network control of complex tasks. In this approach, a low-level controller directs the activity of a “plant,” the system that performs the task. However, the low-level controller may be able to solve only fairly simple problems involving the plant. To accomplish more complex tasks, we introduce a higher-level controller that controls the lower-level controller. We use this system to direct an articulated truck to a specified location through an environment filled with static or moving obstacles. The final system consists of networks that have memorized associations between the sensory data they receive and the commands they issue. These networks are trained on a set of optimal associations generated by minimizing cost functions. Cost function minimization requires predicting the consequences of sequences of commands, which is achieved by constructing forward models, including a model of the lower-level controller. The forward models and cost minimization are used only during training, allowing the trained networks to respond rapidly. In general, the hierarchical approach can be extended to larger numbers of levels, dividing complex tasks into more manageable subtasks. The optimization procedure and the construction of the forward models and controllers can be performed in similar ways at each level of the hierarchy, which allows the system to be modified to perform other tasks or to be extended for more complex tasks without retraining lower-levels.
Design of Charge-Balanced Time-Optimal Stimuli for Spiking Neuron Oscillators
Authors: Dasanayake Isuru S. , Li Jr-Shin
Published: July 2014

In this letter, we investigate the fundamental limits on how the interspike time of a neuron oscillator can be perturbed by the application of a bounded external control input (a current stimulus) with zero net electric charge accumulation. We use phase models to study the dynamics of neurons and derive charge-balanced controls that achieve the minimum and maximum interspike times for a given bound on the control amplitude. Our derivation is valid for any arbitrary shape of the phase response curve and for any value of the given control amplitude bound. In addition, we characterize the change in the structures of the charge-balanced time-optimal controls with the allowable control amplitude. We demonstrate the applicability of the derived optimal control laws by applying them to mathematically ideal and experimentally observed neuron phase models, including the widely studied Hodgkin-Huxley phase model, and by verifying them with the corresponding original full state-space models. This work addresses a fundamental problem in the field of neural control and provides a theoretical investigation to the optimal control of oscillatory systems.
Fragility in Dynamic Networks: Application to Neural Networks in the Epileptic Cortex
Authors: Sritharan Duluxan , Sarma Sridevi V.
Published: July 2014

Epilepsy is a network phenomenon characterized by atypical activity at the neuronal and population levels during seizures, including tonic spiking, increased heterogeneity in spiking rates, and synchronization. The etiology of epilepsy is unclear, but a common theme among proposed mechanisms is that structural connectivity between neurons is altered. It is hypothesized that epilepsy arises not from random changes in connectivity, but from specific structural changes to the most fragile nodes or neurons in the network. In this letter, the minimum energy perturbation on functional connectivity required to destabilize linear networks is derived. Perturbation results are then applied to a probabilistic nonlinear neural network model that operates at a stable fixed point. That is, if a small stimulus is applied to the network, the activation probabilities of each neuron respond transiently but eventually recover to their baseline values. When the perturbed network is destabilized, the activation probabilities shift to larger or smaller values or oscillate when a small stimulus is applied. Finally, the structural modifications to the neural network that achieve the functional perturbation are derived. Simulations of the unperturbed and perturbed networks qualitatively reflect neuronal activity observed in epilepsy patients, suggesting that the changes in network dynamics due to destabilizing perturbations, including the emergence of an unstable manifold or a stable limit cycle, may be indicative of neuronal or population dynamics during seizure. That is, the epileptic cortex is always on the brink of instability and minute changes in the synaptic weights associated with the most fragile node can suddenly destabilize the network to cause seizures. Finally, the theory developed here and its interpretation of epileptic networks enables the design of a straightforward feedback controller that first detects when the network has destabilized and then applies linear state feedback control to steer the network back to its stable state.
Dimensionality of Object Representations in Monkey Inferotemporal Cortex
Authors: Lehky Sidney R. , Kiani Roozbeh , Esteky Hossein , Tanaka Keiji
Published: July 2014

We have calculated the intrinsic dimensionality of visual object representations in anterior inferotemporal (AIT) cortex, based on responses of a large sample of cells stimulated with photographs of diverse objects. Because dimensionality was dependent on data set size, we determined asymptotic dimensionality as both the number of neurons and number of stimulus image approached infinity. Our final dimensionality estimate was 93 (SD: [Formula: see text] 11), indicating that there is basis set of approximately 100 independent features that characterize the dimensions of neural object space. We believe this is the first estimate of the dimensionality of neural visual representations based on single-cell neurophysiological data. The dimensionality of AIT object representations was much lower than the dimensionality of the stimuli. We suggest that there may be a gradual reduction in the dimensionality of object representations in neural populations going from retina to inferotemporal cortex as receptive fields become increasingly complex.
‘Developed Socialism’ and Soviet Economic Thought in the 1970s and Early ’80s
Authors: Zweynert Joachim
Published: July 2014

The present paper is part of a larger project by the same author that deals with the relationship between economic ideas and institutional change in post-socialist Russia. The paper develops two main theses: First, it argues that the concept of “developed socialism” as introduced by Leonid Brezhnev in 1971 on the one hand deprived the planned economy of political “mobilizing energy”, yet at the other hand prevented it from turning it into a self-organizing system. Thus it was, I argue, the perfect recipe for stagnation. Secondly, based on Imre Lakatos’ theory of scientific research programs, I argue that the concept of developed socialism in its official Soviet version can be seen as an attempt to cushion the critique of central planning that had developed in some of the Central Eastern European countries in the 1960s: By allowing some more, yet insignificant critiques (broadening the protective belt), the hard core of the ideological program (e.g. the structure of property rights) was made safer against criticism. The inability of Gorbachev’s economic advisors to provide practical guidance for reforms was, I argue, partly due to the fact that the ideology of developed socialism had favored an “idealist turn” in economics. As a result of this turn, the shestidesyatniki generation of Soviet political economists had rather little to say about economic reality.
A Note on the Early Sino-Vietnamese Loanword for ‘Rake/Harrow’
Authors: Alves Mark J.
Published: July 2014

The Vietnamese word for ‘rake/harrow’ has been determined to be from the colloquial layer of pre-Tang Dynasty Early Sino-Vietnamese loanwords. Phonological, comparative, and historical data is provided to support this claim. The discussion addresses Vietnamese, Chinese, and Tai historical phonology and the language contact among these three groups. 

Dans cet article, nous montrons que le mot vietnamien pour ‘râteau/herse’ appartient à la couche parlée des emprunts sino-vietnamiens anciens datant d’avant la dynastie des Tang. Des données phonologiques, comparatives et historiques corroborent cette hypothèse. La discussion aborde la phonogie historique du vietnamien, du chinois et du kradai, ainsi que le contact entre ces trois groupes de langues.
Studies on European species of the water mite family Aturidae Thor (Acari: Hydrachnidia)
Authors: GERECKE REINHARD
Published: July 2014

Selected water mite species of the family Aturidae are revised. The following synonyms are established: Aturus intermedius serrata K. Viets, 1922 = A. asserculatus Walter, 1906; A. lelgioensis Rensburg, 1971 = A. natangensis Protz, 1900; A. oudemansi Besseling, 1932 = A. intermedius Protz, 1900. The proposal of E. Angelier (1965), to synonymize A. paucisetus Motaş & Tanasachi, 1946 with A. brachypus K. Viets, 1934 is rejected. Aturus elongatus Walter, 1927 (described after females, type material heavily damaged) and Ljania bipapillata subterranea Schwoerbel, 1964 (no type material available, no type locality defined) are considered as species incertae. Ljania macilenta longissima Schwoerbel, 1962 is redescribed and elevated to species rank.        Two species of the genus Kongsbergia are described as new to science from interstitial habitats in the Central Mediterranean: K. albanorum sp. nov. from Western Sicily and K. jaentschi sp. nov. from Sicily and Sardinia. Woolastookia basilicalabrica sp. nov. is described from mountain streams in Southern Italy.        Numerous new records are given, extending noteworthy the known distribution area of several species in Southern Europe. Aturus rotundus Romijn, 1921, Kongsbergia dentata Walter, 1947 and K. simillima K. Viets, 1949 are recorded for the first time from Italy, K. pectinigera Motaş & Tanasachi, 1946 from France and Italy; first records from Corsica are given for Aturus intermedius and A. spatulifer Piersig, 1904.        Lectotypes are designated for Aturus asserculatus Walter, 1906; A. asserculatus serratus K. Viets, 1922; A. oudemansi Besseling, 1932.
A new species of the genus Hydroporus Clairville, 1806 from the Central Rif mountains of northern Morocco (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)
Authors: MANUEL MICHAEL
Published: July 2014

Hydroporus rifensis sp. n. is described from Central Rif in northern Morocco. The new species is the first member of the Hydroporus tristis-group to be recorded from the African continent. Analyses of cytochrome oxydase 1 (CO1) and 16S rRNA partial sequences indicate unambiguously that H. rifensis sp. n. is a geographical vicariant of the widespread and common European species Hydroporus gyllenhalii Schiödte, 1841, whose closest Iberian populations are known from southern Spain and southern Portugal. Genetically the two species are very close, but in terms of morphology they differ considerably, to the extent that in several respects H. rifensis sp. n. is more similar to some species of the H. striola-group, the sister clade of the H. tristis-group. The new species differs from H. gyllenhalii notably by its larger size, lighter elytra, stronger pubescence, much finer elytral punctation, morphology of the median prosternum area, and marked differentiation of protarsal claws in male. Hydroporus rifensis sp. n. is the first dytiscid species endemic to the Rif and the second Hydroporus species endemic to Morocco.
The Influence of Stratification on the Instabilities in an Idealized Two-Layer Ocean Model
Authors: Irwin R. L. , Poulin F. J.
Published: July 2014

This work investigates the instability of a two-layer Bickley jet in the context of the rotating shallow water (RSW) model. This provides a general context in which the instability of oceanographic jets with simple stratification can be investigated. The three objectives of this work are as follows: First, the study investigates the morphology of unstable modes that can occur in this two-layer model. This is done by performing a linear stability analysis to investigate different types of flows both with and without vertical shear. Second, the authors study how the growth rates of the unstable modes are affected by changes in the stratification. Third, this study looks at the nonlinear evolution of some of these instabilities to determine how easy it is for nonprimary instabilities to develop. This is motivated by the fact that in the literature there have been many investigations that have found a multitude of unstable modes in this model, and it is not evident as to how easily they can be generated in oceanographic flows.
Storm-Scale Ensemble Kalman Filter Assimilation of Total Lightning Flash-Extent Data
Authors: Mansell Edward R.
Published: July 2014

A set of observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) demonstrates the potential benefit from ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) assimilation of total lightning flash mapping data. Synthetic lightning data were generated to mimic the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) instrument that is planned for the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R series (GOES-R) platform. The truth simulation was conducted using multimoment bulk microphysics, explicit electrification mechanisms, and a branched lightning parameterization to produce 2-min-averaged synthetic pseudo-GLM observations at 8-km GLM resolution and at a hypothetical 1-km resolution.

The OSSEs use either perfect (two-moment bulk) or imperfect (single-moment, graupel only) microphysics. One OSSE with perfect microphysics included the same electrification physics as the truth simulation to generate lightning flash rates and flash-extent densities (FED). The other OSSEs used linear relationships between flash rate and graupel echo volume as the observation operator. The assimilation of FED at 8-km horizontal resolution can effectively modulate the convection simulated at 1-km horizontal resolution by sharpening the location of reflectivity echoes and the spatial location probability of convective updrafts. Tests with zero flash rates show that the lightning assimilation can help to limit spurious deep convection, as well. Pseudo-GLM observations at 1 km further sharpen the analyses of location (updraft and reflectivity) of the relatively simple storm structure.
Restoring Host-Microbe Homeostasis via Selective Chemoattraction of Tregs
Authors: Garlet G.P. , Sfeir C.S. , Little S.R.
Published: July 2014

The disruption of host-microbe homeostasis at the site of periodontal disease is considered a key factor for disease initiation and progress. While the downstream mechanisms responsible for the tissue damage per se are relatively well-known (involving various patterns of immune response operating toward periodontal tissue destruction), we are only beginning to understand the complexity of host-microbe interactions in the periodontal environment. Unfortunately, most of the research has been focused on the disruption of host-microbe homeostasis instead of focusing on the factors responsible for maintaining homeostasis. In this context, regulatory T-cells (Tregs) comprise a CD4+FOXp3 +T-cell subset with a unique ability to regulate other leukocyte functions to avoid excessive immune activation and its pathological consequences. Tregs act as critical determinants of host-microbe homeostasis, as well as determinants of a balanced host response after the disruption of host-microbe homeostasis by pathogens. In periodontitis, Tregs play a protective role, with their natural recruitment being responsible for conversion of active into inactive lesions. With controlled-release technology, it is now possible to achieve a selective chemoattraction of Tregs to periodontal tissues, attenuating experimental periodontitis evolution due to the local control of inflammatory immune response and the generation of a pro-reparative environment.
Impact of Providing a Combination Lipid Emulsion Compared With a Standard Soybean Oil Lipid Emulsion in Children Receiving Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Finn Kristen Lawler , Chung Mei , Rothpletz‐Puglia Pamela , Byham‐Gray Laura
Published: July 2014

Background: Soybean oil lipid emulsion may compromise immune function and promote hepatic damage due to its composition of long‐chain fatty acids, phytosterols, high proportion of ω‐6 fatty acids, and low α‐tocopherol levels. Combination lipid emulsions have been developed using medium‐chain triglyceride oil, fish oil, and/or olive oil, which provide adequate essential fatty acids, a smaller concentration of ω‐6 fatty acids, and lower levels of phytosterols. The purpose of this systematic review is to determine if combination lipid emulsions have a more favorable impact on bilirubin levels, triglyceride levels, and incidence of infection compared with soybean oil lipid emulsions in children receiving parenteral nutrition. Methods: This study comprises a systematic review of published studies. Data were sufficient and homogeneous to conduct a meta‐analysis for total bilirubin and infection. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Meta‐analysis showed that combination lipid emulsion decreased total bilirubin by a mean difference of 2.09 mg/dL (95% confidence interval, –4.42 to 0.24) compared with soybean oil lipid emulsion, although the result was not statistically significant (P = .08). Meta‐analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in incidence of infection between the combination lipid emulsion and the soybean oil lipid emulsion groups (P = .846). None of the 4 studies that included triglyceride as an outcome detected a significant difference in triglyceride levels between the combination lipid emulsion and soybean oil lipid emulsion groups. Conclusion: There is inadequate evidence that combination lipid emulsions offer any benefit regarding bilirubin levels, triglyceride levels, or incidence of infection compared with soybean oil lipid emulsions.
The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Muscle Contusion Healing in a Rat Model
Authors: Delos Demetris , Leineweber Matthew J. , Chaudhury Salma , Alzoobaee Saif , Gao Yingxin , Rodeo Scott Alan
Published: July 2014

Background:

Current therapy for muscle contusions is usually limited to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or use of the RICE principle (rest, ice, compression, elevation); thus, other forms of treatment that can potentially accelerate the rate of healing are desirable.

Hypotheses:

A local injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) would lead to accelerated healing rates compared with controls; also, delayed administration of PRP would lead to a blunted response compared with immediate treatment.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Forty-six male Lewis rats each underwent a single blunt, nonpenetrating impact to the gastrocnemius muscle via a drop-mass technique and subsequently received either a single injection of saline into the area of injury immediately after injury (controls, n = 11) or rat PRP (either immediately after injury [PRP day 0, n = 12], the first day after injury [PRP day 1, n = 12], or the third day after injury [PRP day 3, n = 11]). The primary outcome was maximal isometric torque strength of the injured muscle, which was assessed before injury as well as on postinjury days 1, 4, 7, 10, and 14. All animals were sacrificed on postinjury day 15. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on 6 specimens from each group after sacrifice.

Results:

The mean platelet concentration in the PRP was 2.19 × 106 (±2.69 × 105)/μL. The mean white blood cell count in the PRP was 22.54 × 103/μL. Each group demonstrated statistically significant decreases in maximal isometric torque strength after injury when compared with preinjury levels, followed by significant increases back toward baseline values by postinjury day 14 (controls, 90.6% ± 7.90%; PRP day 0, 105.0% ± 7.60%; PRP day 1, 92.4% ± 7.60%; PRP day 3, 77.8% ± 7.90%) ( P = .121). There were no statistically significant differences between the treatment and control groups at any of the time points. There were also no statistically significant differences between any of the groups in the percentage of centronucleated fibers (controls, 3.31% ± 5.10%; PRP day 0, 0.62% ± 1.59%; PRP day 1, 3.24% ± 5.77%; PRP day 3, 2.13% ± 3.26%) ( P = .211) or the presence of inflammatory cells and macrophages.

Conclusion:

In this rat contusion model, a local injection of PRP into the injured gastrocnemius muscle resulted in no significant differences in functional or histological outcomes, indicating no likely benefit to healing. Additionally, there was no significant difference between immediate or delayed administration of PRP.

Clinical Relevance:

Before PRP can be recommended for the treatment of muscle contusion injuries, further translational and clinical investigations need to be performed.
Transformative Learning
Authors: Newman Michael
Published: July 2014

The author finds himself rereading an article he wrote several years ago, in which he questioned transformative learning. He recalls some of his reasons for writing the article, and considers his present position. He reflects on the understanding of consciousness that underlies much of the literature on transformative learning, and compares it with his own understanding. He ends by speculating on the purpose of adult education.
Biodegradable uniform microspheres based on solid-in-oil-in-water emulsion for drug delivery: A comparison of homogenization and fluidic device
Authors: Ryu Tae-Kyung , Kim Sung Eun , Kim Joo-Hwan , Moon Seung-Kwan , Choi Sung-Wook
Published: July 2014

Based on solid-in-oil-in-water emulsification, we fabricated biodegradable poly(ϵ-caprolactone) microspheres containing gentamicin using conventional homogenization and a fluidic device. The feasibility of the poly(ϵ-caprolactone) microspheres as drug carriers was evaluated in terms of encapsulation efficiency, release behavior of gentamicin, and antimicrobial activity. The poly(ϵ-caprolactone) microspheres prepared using a fluidic device (fluidic device microspheres) had a uniform diameter and a smooth surface, whereas the poly(ϵ-caprolactone) microspheres prepared using conventional homogenization (conventional homogenization microspheres) exhibited polydisperse and a porous structure. At 0.3 wt% of gentamicin concentration, the encapsulation efficiencies of the conventional homogenization and fluidic device microspheres were 39.5% and 72.0%, respectively. In addition, a significant amount of gentamicin was only released initially from the conventional homogenization microspheres, whereas the fluidic device microspheres released gentamicin in a sustained manner for 28 days. These results confirmed the superior performances of the uniform fluidic device microspheres for drug delivery system. We further proposed a model for microsphere formation to explain the difference in performance of the conventional homogenization and fluidic device microspheres.
Climatic and autogenic control on Holocene carbon sequestration in ombrotrophic peatlands of maritime Quebec, eastern Canada
Authors: Magnan Gabriel , Garneau Michelle
Published: July 2014

Ombrotrophic peatlands (bogs) act as important terrestrial sinks of organic carbon (C). These ecosystems are widespread in coastal maritime regions of eastern Canada. This study aims to evaluate and compare Holocene peatland C dynamics between two maritime ecoclimatic regions along the St. Lawrence North Shore. The investigated bogs are located on two postglacial deltas along the Estuary (Baie-Comeau) and the Gulf of St Lawrence (Havre-St-Pierre) in eastern Quebec. Long-term apparent rates of C accumulation (LORCA) are calculated for eight peat cores, and temporal variations in C accumulation are compared between six peatlands. Our data suggest that long-term C sequestration is affected by a constant anoxic decay, but the LORCA are considerably lower in Havre-St-Pierre (16−46 g C/m2/yr) than in Baie-Comeau (53−68 g C/m2/yr). The interactions between water table levels, peat humification and C accumulation are also evaluated and suggest an influence of internal (autogenic) processes and feedbacks. The bogs of the two regions show distinct patterns of C sequestration and different sensitivities to climate especially during the late Holocene. These results show that in spite of the internal influences, the regional climate has exerted a pervasive control on primary production in these peatlands over the Holocene.
APRIL levels strongly correlate with IL-17 in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Eilertsen GØ , Nossent J C
Published: July 2014

Introduction

Activated self-reactive B cells play an important part in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) and B cell-activating factor (BAFF) are B-cell specific stimulators, but activate B cells through different receptors. We investigated the reciprocal association between serum APRIL (s-APRIL), serum BAFF (s-BAFF) and immunological and clinical findings in SLE patients.

Methods

A cross-sectional case-control study was performed in 100 SLE patients (87% female, age 49 years, disease duration 12 years). APRIL and BAFF levels were measured by sandwich ELISA, compared with healthy controls and correlated with autoantibody, cytokine (IL-6 and IL-17) and clinical findings through nonparametric and multivariate regression analyses.

Results

Both median s-APRIL (478 vs. 0 pg/ml, p = 0.01) and s-BAFF (1720 vs. 0.9 pg/ml, p < 0.001) were higher in SLE patients than controls. Increased s-BAFF was observed in 86% of patients, while s-APRIL was increased only in 17% ( p < 0.01). S-APRIL correlated with s-BAFF in controls ( p = 0.04), but not in SLE ( p = 0.8). Increased s-APRIL was strongly and independently associated with IL-17 activation ( p < 0.001), while increased s-BAFF levels were associated with anti-nucleosome antibody presence ( p = 0.001). Disease activity and organ damage were associated with s-BAFF but not s-APRIL.

Conclusions

While both s-BAFF and s-APRIL levels are elevated in SLE patients, they reflect different immunologic and clinical pathways. The strong association between s-APRIL and IL-17 activation supports a role for Th17 helper cells in B cell activation in SLE.
Elevated C-reactive protein and self-reported disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Eudy A M , Vines A I , Dooley M A , Cooper G S , Parks C G
Published: July 2014

C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of inflammation, has been associated with increased disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. However, the association in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains unclear. We examined the association of CRP with self-reported disease activity in the Carolina Lupus Study and described differences by sociodemographic characteristics. The study included baseline and three-year follow-up data on 107 African-American and 69 Caucasian SLE patients enrolled at a median 13 months since diagnosis. Models estimated prevalence differences in the association of baseline CRP with self-reported flares, adjusting for age, sex, race and education. Active disease or flare was reported by 59% at baseline and 58% at follow-up. Higher CRP (>10 µg/ml vs. <3 µg/ml) was associated with a 17% (95% confidence interval (CI): −20, 53%) higher prevalence of flare at baseline and a 26% (95% CI: −9, 62%) higher prevalence of flare at follow-up. These CRP–flare associations were notably stronger in patients with lower education at baseline and in African-Americans at follow-up. These findings suggest that CRP may be a useful marker in studies of SLE health disparities.
Reference intervals for acute phase protein and serum protein electrophoresis values in captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)
Authors: Isaza Ramiro , Wiedner Ellen , Hiser Sarah , Cray Carolyn
Published: July 2014

Acute phase protein (APP) immunoassays and serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) are assays for evaluating the inflammatory response and have use as diagnostic tools in a variety of species. Acute phase proteins are markers of inflammation that are highly conserved across different species while SPEP separates and quantifies serum protein fractions based on their physical properties. In the current study, serum samples from 35 clinically healthy Asian elephants ( Elephas maximus) were analyzed using automated assays for C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, and haptoglobin and SPEP. Robust methods were used to generate reference intervals for the APPs: C-reactive protein (1.3–12.8 mg/l), serum amyloid A (0–47.5 mg/l), and haptoglobin (0–1.10 mg/ml). In addition, SPEP was performed on these samples to establish reference intervals for each protein fraction. A combination of APPs and SPEP measurements are valuable adjunctive diagnostic tools in elephant health care.
CHOICES: An Empirically Supported Intervention for Preventing Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancy in Community Settings
Authors: Johnson Shannon K. , Velasquez Mary M. , von Sternberg Kirk
Published: July 2014

Examples of behavioral interventions that are efficacious in the research setting as well as practical and translatable to the “real-world” are critically needed as models for social work researchers and clinicians. This article presents the Changing High-Risk Alcohol Use and Improving Contraception Effectiveness Study (CHOICES) intervention as a case example of an empirically supported intervention that was systematically developed, implemented, and tested by researchers and practitioners, and then successfully disseminated in a variety of real-world settings. The Project CHOICES research team took deliberate steps to ensure that implementation of the CHOICES intervention would be feasible and flexible and that practitioners would be equipped with the tools needed to maintain treatment fidelity. This team effort enabled the successful, nationwide dissemination of the CHOICES intervention.
Direct determination of stresses from the stress equations of motion and wave propagation for a new class of elastic bodies
Authors: Bustamante R , Sfyris D
Published: July 2014

For a new class of elastic bodies, where the linearized strain tensor is given as a function of the Cauchy stress tensor, the problem of considering unsteady motions is studied. A system of partial differential equations that only depends on the stress tensor is found from the equation of motion, which is a system of six partial differential equations for the six components of the stress tensor. A simple boundary value problem is solved for a 1D bar using exact and numerical methods.
Unilateral and Bilateral Upper-Limb Training Interventions After Stroke Have Similar Effects on Bimanual Coupling Strength
Authors: van Delden A. (Lex) E. Q. , Beek Peter J. , Roerdink Melvyn , Kwakkel Gert , Peper C. (Lieke) E.
Published: July 2014

Background. Bilateral training in poststroke upper-limb rehabilitation is based on the premise that simultaneous movements of the nonparetic upper limb facilitate performance and recovery of paretic upper-limb function through neural coupling effects. Objective. To determine whether the degree of coupling between both hands is higher after bilateral than after unilateral training and control treatment. Methods. In a single-blinded randomized controlled trial, we investigated rhythmic interlimb coordination after unilateral (mCIMT) and bilateral (mBATRAC) upper-limb training and a dose-matched control treatment (DMCT) in 60 patients suffering from stroke. To this end, we used a series of tasks to discern intended and unintended coupling effects between the hands. In addition, we investigated the control over the paretic hand as reflected by movement harmonicity and amplitude. All tasks were performed before and after a 6-week intervention period and at follow-up 6 weeks later. Results. There were no significant between-group differences in change scores from baseline to postintervention and from postintervention to follow-up with regard to interlimb coupling. However, the mBATRAC group showed greater movement harmonicity and larger amplitudes with the paretic hand after training than the mCIMT and DMCT groups. Conclusions. The degree of coupling between both hands was not significantly higher after bilateral than after unilateral training and control treatment. Although improvements in movement harmonicity and amplitude following mBATRAC may indicate a beneficial influence of the interlimb coupling, those effects were more likely due to the particular type of limb movements employed during this training protocol.
GABA Levels Are Decreased After Stroke and GABA Changes During Rehabilitation Correlate With Motor Improvement
Authors: Blicher Jakob Udby , Near Jamie , Næss-Schmidt Erhard , Stagg Charlotte J. , Johansen-Berg Heidi , Nielsen Jørgen Feldbæk , Østergaard Leif , Ho Yi-Ching Lynn
Published: July 2014

Background and Objective. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the dominant inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain and is important in motor learning. We aimed to measure GABA content in primary motor cortex poststroke (using GABA-edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy [MRS]) and in relation to motor recovery during 2 weeks of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT). Methods. Twenty-one patients (3-12 months poststroke) and 20 healthy subjects were recruited. Magnetic resonance imaging structural T1 and GABA-edited MRS were performed at baseline and after CIMT, and once in healthy subjects. GABA:creatine (GABA:Cr) ratio was measured by GABA-edited MRS. Motor function was measured using Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). Results. Baseline comparison between stroke patients (n = 19) and healthy subjects showed a significantly lower GABA:Cr ratio in stroke patients ( P < .001) even after correcting for gray matter content in the voxel ( P < .01) and when expressing GABA relative to N-acetylaspartic acid (NAA; P = .03). After 2 weeks of CIMT patients improved significantly on WMFT, but no consistent change across the group was observed for the GABA:Cr ratio (n = 17). However, the extent of improvement on WMFT correlated significantly with the magnitude of GABA:Cr changes ( P < .01), with decreases in GABA:Cr ratio being associated with better improvements in motor function. Conclusions. In patients 3 to 12 months poststroke, GABA levels are lower in the primary motor cortex than in healthy subjects. The observed association between GABA and recovery warrants further studies on the potential use of GABA MRS as a biomarker in poststroke recovery.
The Influence of Sound Generator Associated With Conventional Amplification for Tinnitus Control: Randomized Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: dos Santos Gisele Munhoes , Bento Ricardo Ferreira , de Medeiros Italo Roberto Torres , Oiticcica Jeanne , da Silva Eleonora Csipai , Penteado Silvio
Published: July 2014

Hearing aids with an integrated sound generator have been used to enhance the treatment of tinnitus. The main aim of this study was to verify whether the combined use of amplification and sound generator is more effective than conventional amplification alone in reducing tinnitus annoyance by means of the use of a new hearing aid with an integrated sound generator. A total of 49 patients underwent a blind randomized clinical trial. Tinnitus annoyance was measured by Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and numerical scales, and psychoacoustic measures of tinnitus were also performed. The sound generator was set at the lowest intensity capable of providing relief from tinnitus. Results showed that 62.5% of the patients presented a reduction in tinnitus annoyance in the combined fitting group and in the group with amplification alone, 78% showed a reduction. This difference between the groups was not statistically significant.
Nestolaite, CaSeO3·H2O, a new mineral from the Little Eva mine, Grand County, Utah, USA
Authors: Kasatkin A. V. , Plášil J. , Marty J. , Agakhanov A. A. , Belakovskiy D. I. , Lykova I. S.
Published: July 2014

Nestolaite (IMA 2013-074), CaSeO3·H2O, is a new mineral species from the Little Eva mine, Grand County, Utah, USA. It is named in honour of the prominent Italian mineralogist and crystallographer Fabrizio Nestola. The new mineral was found on sandstone matrix as rounded aggregates up to 2 mm across and up to 0.05 μm thick consisting of tightly intergrown oblique-angled, flattened to acicular crystals up to 30 μm long and up to 7 μm (very rarely up to 15 μm) thick. Nestolaite associates with cobaltomenite, gypsum, metarossite, orschallite and rossite. The new mineral is light violet and transparent with a white streak and vitreous lustre. The Mohs hardness is 2½. Nestolaite is brittle, has uneven fracture and perfect cleavage on {100}. The measured and calculated densities areDmeas. = 3.18(2) g/cm3andDcalc.= 3.163 g/cm3. Optically, nestolaite is biaxial positive. The refractive indices are α = 1.642(3), β = 1.656(3), γ = 1.722(6). The measured 2Vis 55(5)° and the calculated 2Vis 51°. In transmitted light nestolaite is colourless. It does not show pleochroism but has strong pseudoabsorption caused by high birefringence. The chemical composition of nestolaite (wt.%, electronmicroprobe data) is: CaO 28.97, SeO2 61.14, H2O (calc.) 9.75, total 99.86. The empirical formula calculated on the basis of 4 O a.p.f.u. (atoms per formula unit) is Ca0.96Se1.02O3·H2O. The Raman spectrum is dominated by the Se–O stretching and O–Se–O bending vibrations of the pyramidal SeO3groups and O–H stretching modes of the H2O molecules. The mineral is monoclinic, space groupP21/c, witha= 7.6502(9),b= 6.7473(10),c= 7.9358(13) Å, β = 108.542 (12)°,V= 388.37(10) Å3andZ= 4. The eight strongest powder X-ray diffraction lines are [dobsin Å(hkl) (Irel)]: 7.277 (100)(100), 4.949 (110)(37), 3.767 (002)(29), 3.630 (200)(58), 3.371 (020)(24), 3.163 (02)(74), 2.9783 (21)(74) and 2.7231 (112)(31). The crystal structure of nestolaite was determined by means of the Rietveld refinement from the powder data toRwp= 0.019. Nestolaite possesses a layered structure consisting of CaΦ–SeO3sheets, composed of edge-sharing polyhedra. Adjacent sheets are held by H bonds emanating from the single (H2O) group within the sheets. The nestolaite structure is topologically unique.
Preamble-based frequency-domain joint CFO and STO estimation for OQAM-based filter bank multicarrier
Authors: Caekenberghe Stijn Van , Bourdoux André , der Perre Liesbet Van , Louveaux Jérôme
Published: July 2014

Filter bank multicarrier systems, similarly to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), are very sensitive to carrier frequency offset (CFO) and symbol timing offset (STO). In this paper, a low-complexity preamble-based joint CFO and STO technique is presented. It is based on a relatively long preamble in order to improve the CFO estimation performance as well as avoid interference coming from the data following this preamble. After CFO and STO correction, the preamble can be reused to estimate the channel. Unlike most current techniques, the CFO and STO estimation occurs in the frequency domain. This allows for a low-complexity estimation with respect to time-domain techniques and, as will be shown by simulations, provide even better performance in a reasonable range. The drawback however is that the estimation range is shorter. Specifically, for large STOs (and to a smaller extent large CFOs), the performance decreases below time-domain estimations. Two versions of the STO estimation technique will be presented, the second one being an approximation of the first one, making it less complex yet also less precise. The performance is assessed by means of computer simulations, testing for both large and small STOs, and compared with existing techniques.
Exploring Pharmacological Activities and Signaling of Morphinans Substituted in Position 6 as Potent Agonists Interacting with the μ Opioid Receptor
Authors: Haddou Tanila Ben , Malfacini Davide , Calo Girolamo , Aceto Mario D , Harris Louis S , Traynor John R , Coop Andrew , Schmidhammer Helmut , Spetea Mariana
Published: July 2014

Background:

Opioid analgesics are the most effective drugs for the treatment of moderate to severe pain. However, they also produce several adverse effects that can complicate pain management. The μ opioid (MOP) receptor, a G protein-coupled receptor, is recognized as the opioid receptor type which primarily mediates the pharmacological actions of clinically used opioid agonists. The morphinan class of analgesics including morphine and oxycodone are of main importance as therapeutically valuable drugs. Though the natural alkaloid morphine contains a C-6-hydroxyl group and the semisynthetic derivative oxycodone has a 6-carbonyl function, chemical approaches have uncovered that functionalizing position 6 gives rise to a range of diverse activities. Hence, position 6 of N-methylmorphinans is one of the most manipulated sites, and is established to play a key role in ligand binding at the MOP receptor, efficacy, signaling, and analgesic potency. We have earlier reported on a chemically innovative modification in oxycodone resulting in novel morphinans with 6-acrylonitrile incorporated substructures.

Results:

This study describes in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities and signaling of new morphinans substituted in position 6 with acrylonitrile and amido functions as potent agonists and antinociceptive agents interacting with MOP receptors. We show that the presence of a 6-cyano group in N-methylmorphinans has a strong influence on the binding to the opioid receptors and post-receptor signaling. One 6-cyano- N-methylmorphinan of the series was identified as the highest affinity and most selective MOP agonist, and very potent in stimulating G protein coupling and intracellular calcium release through the MOP receptor. In vivo, this MOP agonist showed to be greatly effective against thermal and chemical nociception in mice with marked increased antinociceptive potency than the lead molecule oxycodone.

Conclusion:

Development of such novel chemotypes by targeting position 6 provides valuable insights on ligand-receptor interaction and molecular mode of action, and may aid in identification of opioid therapeutics with enhanced analgesic properties and fewer undesirable effects.
Are nonprofit entrepreneurs also Jacks-of-all-trades?
Authors: Cho Insoo , Orazem Peter F
Published: July 2014

We investigate whether nonprofit and for-profit entrepreneurs share similar observable and unobservable skills. In JLE 23:649-680, 2005 ‘Jacks-of-all-Trades’ model of entrepreneurship, individuals with more diverse academic and occupational training are more likely to become entrepreneurs, while more narrowly trained individuals become employees. Data on college graduates from a single university show that observed diverse skills increase the probability that the graduate will open both for-profit and nonprofit venture. Positive correlation in the errors that jointly affect for-profit and nonprofit start-ups is consistent with the existence of an unobserved entrepreneurial skill, a key factor underlying Lazear’s theory.

JEL codes

J24; L3
Selective Deletion of Leptin Receptors in Gonadotropes Reveals Activin and GnRH-Binding Sites as Leptin Targets in Support of Fertility
Authors: Akhter Noor , CarlLee Tyler , Syed Mohsin M. , Odle Angela K. , Cozart Michael A. , Haney Anessa C. , Allensworth-James Melody L. , Beneš Helen , Childs Gwen V.
Published: July 2014

The adipokine, leptin (LEP), is a hormonal gateway, signaling energy stores to appetite-regulatory neurons, permitting reproduction when stores are sufficient. Dual-labeling for LEP receptors (LEPRs) and gonadotropins or GH revealed a 2-fold increase in LEPR during proestrus, some of which was seen in LH gonadotropes. We therefore investigated LEPR functions in gonadotropes with Cre-LoxP technology, deleting the signaling domain of the LEPR (Lepr-exon 17) with Cre-recombinase driven by the rat LH-β promoter (Lhβ-cre). Selectivity of the deletion was validated by organ genotyping and lack of LEPR and responses to LEP by mutant gonadotropes. The mutation had no impact on growth, body weight, the timing of puberty, or pregnancy. Mutant females took 36% longer to produce their first litter and had 50% fewer pups/litter. When the broad impact of the loss of gonadotrope LEPR on all pituitary hormones was studied, mutant diestrous females had reduced serum levels of LH (40%), FSH (70%), and GH (54%) and mRNA levels of Fshβ (59%) and inhibin/activin β A and β B (25%). Mutant males had reduced serum levels of GH (74%), TSH (31%), and prolactin (69%) and mRNA levels of Gh (31%), Ghrhr (30%), Fshβ (22%), and glycoprotein α-subunit (Cga) (22%). Serum levels of LEP and ACTH and mRNA levels of Gnrhr were unchanged. However, binding to GnRH receptors was reduced in LEPR-null LH or FSH gonadotropes by 82% or 89%, respectively, in females (P < .0001) and 27% or 53%, respectively, in males (P < .03). This correlated with reductions in GnRH receptor protein immunolabeling, suggesting that LEP's actions may be posttranscriptional. Collectively, these studies highlight the importance of LEP to gonadotropes with GnRH-binding sites and activin as potential targets. LEP may modulate population growth, adjusting the number of offspring to the availability of food supplies.
Glucocorticoids Induce Gastroparesis in Mice Through Depletion of l-Arginine
Authors: Reichardt Sybille D. , Weinhage Toni , Rotte Anand , Föller Michael , Oppermann Martin , Lühder Fred , Tuckermann Jan P. , Lang Florian , van den Brandt Jens , Reichardt Holger M.
Published: July 2014

Glucocorticoids (GCs) constitute a highly pleiotropic class of drugs predominantly employed in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. In our search for new mechanisms of action, we identified a hitherto unknown effect of GCs in the gastrointestinal tract. We found that oral administration of dexamethasone (Dex) to mice caused an enlargement of the stomach due to the induction of gastroparesis and that this effect was abolished in GRdim mice carrying the A458T mutation in the GC receptor (GR). Gastroparesis was unrelated to the enhanced gastric acid secretion observed after Dex treatment, although both effects were mediated by the same molecular mechanism of the GR. Using conditional GR-knockout mice, we could further rule out that GC effects on enterocytes or myeloid cells were involved in the induction of gastroparesis. In contrast, we found that Dex upregulated arginase 2 (Arg2) in the stomach both at the mRNA and protein level. This suggests that GC treatment leads to a depletion of l-arginine thereby impeding the production of nitric oxide (NO), which is required for gastric motility. We tested this hypothesis by supplementing the drinking water of the mice with exogenous l-arginine to compensate for the presumed shortage of this major substrate of NO synthases. Importantly, this measure completely prevented both the enlargement of the stomach and the induction of gastroparesis after Dex treatment. Our findings raise considerations of combining orally applied GCs with l-arginine to improve tolerability of GC treatment and provide a possible explanation for the antiemetic effects of GCs widely exploited in chemotherapy.