bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planned and Reactive Agility Performance in Semiprofessional and Amateur Basketball Players
Authors: Lockie Robert G. , Jeffriess Matthew D. , McGann Tye S. , Callaghan Samuel J. , Schultz Adrian B.
Published: August 2014

Context:

Research indicates that planned and reactive agility are different athletic skills. These skills have not been adequately assessed in male basketball players.

Purpose:

To define whether 10-m-sprint performance and planned and reactive agility measured by the Y-shaped agility test can discriminate between semiprofessional and amateur basketball players.

Methods:

Ten semiprofessional and 10 amateur basketball players completed 10-m sprints and planned- and reactive-agility tests. The Y-shaped agility test involved subjects sprinting 5 m through a trigger timing gate, followed by a 45° cut and 5-m sprint to the left or right through a target gate. In the planned condition, subjects knew the cut direction. For reactive trials, subjects visually scanned to find the illuminated gate. A 1-way analysis of variance (P < .05) determined between-groups differences. Data were pooled (N = 20) for a correlation analysis (P < .05).

Results:

The reactive tests differentiated between the groups; semiprofessional players were 6% faster for the reactive left (P = .036) and right (P = .029) cuts. The strongest correlations were between the 10-m sprints and planned-agility tests (r = .590–.860). The reactive left cut did not correlate with the planned tests. The reactive right cut moderately correlated with the 10-m sprint and planned right cut (r = .487–.485).

Conclusions:

The results reemphasized that planned and reactive agility are separate physical qualities. Reactive agility discriminated between the semiprofessional and amateur basketball players; planned agility did not. To distinguish between male basketball players of different ability levels, agility tests should include a perceptual and decision-making component.
Skin-resident memory CD8
+
T cells trigger a state of tissue-wide pathogen alert
Authors: Ariotti Silvia , Hogenbirk Marc A. , Dijkgraaf Feline E. , Visser Lindy L. , Hoekstra Mirjam E. , Song Ji-Ying , Jacobs Heinz , Haanen John B. , Schumacher Ton N.
Published: August 2014

Resident memory T cells sound the alarm

Immunological memory protects against reinfection. Resident memory T cells (T
RM
) are long-lived and remain in the tissues where they first encountered a pathogen (see the Perspective by Carbone and Gebhardt). Schenkel
et al.
and Ariotti
et al.
found that CD8
+
T
RM
cells act like first responders in the female reproductive tissue or the skin of mice upon antigen reencounter. By secreting inflammatory proteins, T
RM
cells rapidly activated local immune cells to respond, so much so that they protected against infection with an unrelated pathogen. Iijima and Iwasaki found that CD4
+
T
RM
cells protected mice against reinfection with intravaginal herpes simplex virus 2.

Science
, this issue p.
98
, p.
101
, p.
93
; see also p.
40
Closed Genome Sequence of Noninvasive Streptococcus pyogenes M/
emm
3 Strain STAB902
Authors: Soriano Nicolas , Vincent Pascal , Moullec Séverine , Meygret Alexandra , Lagente Vincent , Kayal Samer , Faili Ahmad
Published: August 2014

We report a closed genome sequence of group A
Streptococcus
genotype
emm
3 (GAS M/
emm
3) strain STAB902, isolated from a superficial pyodermatitis. The genome is composed of 1,892,124 bp, 6 integrated prophages, and has 1,858 identified coding sequences (CDSs). It has been fitted with the two available invasive GAS M/
emm
3 strains.
Isolation of Protein-Associated Circular DNA from Healthy Cattle Serum
Authors: Funk Mathis , Gunst Karin , Lucansky Vincent , Müller Hermann , zur Hausen Harald , de Villiers Ethel-Michele
Published: August 2014

Three replication-competent single-stranded DNA molecules sharing nucleotide similarity to transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE)-associated isolate Sphinx 2.36 were isolated from healthy bovine serum.
Isolation of Bacterial Plasmid-Related Replication-Associated Circular DNA from a Serum Sample of a Multiple Sclerosis Patient
Authors: Gunst Karin , zur Hausen Harald , de Villiers Ethel-Michele
Published: August 2014

Psychrobacter
species are considered to be opportunistic human pathogens. We report here the isolation of a circular DNA molecule, MSSI1.162, from a serum sample taken from a multiple sclerosis patient during relapse. This isolate is distantly related to known
Psychrobacter
species and their plasmids.
Mycovirus-Like DNA Virus Sequences from Cattle Serum and Human Brain and Serum Samples from Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Lamberto Iranzu , Gunst Karin , Müller Hermann , zur Hausen Harald , de Villiers Ethel-Michele
Published: August 2014

Myco-like viruses have been isolated from fungi, feces of various animals, and plant leaves. We report here the isolation of 3 complete genome sequences of gemycircularvirus-related viruses from healthy bovine serum and human brain and serum samples from patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Their putative capsid proteins share similarity to Torque teno virus (TTV) open reading frame 1 (ORF1) proteins.
Novel Replication-Competent Circular DNA Molecules from Healthy Cattle Serum and Milk and Multiple Sclerosis-Affected Human Brain Tissue
Authors: Whitley Corinna , Gunst Karin , Müller Hermann , Funk Mathis , zur Hausen Harald , de Villiers Ethel-Michele
Published: August 2014

Epidemiological data point to the involvement of a cow milk factor in the etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Eleven circular DNA molecules closely related to transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE)-associated isolate Sphinx 1.76 were isolated from healthy cattle serum, cow milk, and serum and brain tissue from MS patients.
Draft Genome Sequence of Staphylococcus aureus subsp.
aureus
Strain HG003, an NCTC8325 Derivative
Authors: Sassi Mohamed , Felden Brice , Augagneur Yoann
Published: August 2014

We report the draft genome sequence of a
Staphylococcus aureus
NCTC8325 derivative, strain HG003. HG003 contains functional global regulators
rsbU
and
tcaR
and is therefore considered as a reference for studies of regulation and virulence. The genome is composed of 2,797,898 bp and will be essential for subsequent RNAseq analysis.
Complete Genome Sequences of IncI1 Plasmids Carrying Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Genes
Authors: Brouwer Michael S. M. , Bossers Alex , Harders Frank , van Essen-Zandbergen Alieda , Mevius Dik J. , Smith Hilde E.
Published: August 2014

Extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) confer resistance to clinically relevant antibiotics. Often, the resistance genes are carried by conjugative plasmids which are responsible for dissemination. Five IncI1 plasmids carrying ESBLs from commensal and clinical
Escherichia coli
isolates were completely sequenced and annotated along with a non-ESBL carrying IncI1 plasmid.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Moderately Thermophilic Bacterium Schleiferia thermophila Strain Yellowstone (
Bacteroidetes
)
Authors: Thiel Vera , Hamilton Trinity L. , Tomsho Lynn P. , Burhans Richard , Gay Scott E. , Ramaley Robert F. , Schuster Stephan C. , Steinke Laurey , Bryant Donald A.
Published: August 2014

The draft genome sequence of the moderately thermophilic bacterium
Schleiferia thermophila
strain Yellowstone (
Bacteroidetes
), isolated from Octopus Spring (Yellowstone National Park, WY, USA) was sequenced and comprises 2,617,694 bp in 35 contigs. The draft genome is predicted to encode 2,457 protein coding genes and 37 tRNA encoding genes and two rRNA operons.
Antigen Reversal Identifies Targets of Opsonizing IgGs against Pregnancy-Associated Malaria
Authors: Lambert Lester H. , Bullock Jeanee L. , Cook Sharma T. , Miura Kazutoyo , Garboczi David N. , Diakite Mahamadou , Fairhurst Rick M. , Singh Kavita , Long Carole A.
Published: August 2014

Clinical immunity to pregnancy associated-malaria (PAM) in multigravida women has been attributed to antibodies that recognize VAR2CSA on the infected erythrocyte (IE) surface. The size and complexity of VAR2CSA have focused efforts on selecting one or more of its six Duffy binding-like (DBL) domains for vaccine development. Presently, however, there is no consensus as to which DBL domain(s) would be most effective in eliciting immunity. This is because antibodies to a number of the DBL domains have been found to block the adhesion of VAR2CSA-expressing erythrocytes to chondroitin sulfate A (CSA)—a major criterion for evaluating vaccine candidacy. Opsonization of IEs by cytophilic antibodies that recognize VAR2CSA represents an important yet understudied effector mechanism in acquired immunity to PAM. To date, no studies have sought to determine the targets of those antibodies. In this study, we found that IgGs from multigravida Malian women showed (i) higher reactivity to recombinant DBL domains by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), (ii) more binding to VAR2CSA-expressing IEs, and (iii) greater opsonization of these IEs by human monocytic cells than IgGs from malaria-exposed Malian men and malaria-naive American adults. Preincubation of IgGs from multigravida women with recombinant DBL2χ, DBL3χ, or DBL5ε domains significantly diminished opsonization of VAR2CSA-expressing IEs by human monocytes. These data identify the DBL2χ, DBL3χ, and DBL5ε domains as the primary targets of opsonizing IgGs for the first time. Our study introduces a new approach to determining the antigenic targets of opsonizing IgGs in phagocytosis assays.
Discrepancy between subjectively reported symptoms and objectively measured clinical findings in dry eye: a population based analysis
Authors: Hua Rui , Yao Kai , Hu Yuedong , Chen Lei
Published: August 2014

Objective

To investigate the discrepancy between patient-reported symptoms and measured clinical findings and influencing factors in dry eye (DE).

Setting

A population-based, cross-sectional study was performed in July–August 2007 in northeast China. The study was performed on populations originating from two rural districts that are respectively located approximately 377 and 177 km from our hospital.

Participants

2600 eligible residents from 1300 households were identified; valid responses were obtained from 2262 residents (mean age 48 (range 12–88) years; 926 men and 1336 women; response rate 87%).

Primary outcome measures

Patient-reported symptoms of DE, tear film break up time (BUT) and Schirmer scores (Schirmer II).

Results

Subjects with normal BUT and Schirmer scores without any DE symptoms were defined as the control group. Those with abnormal BUT and Schirmer scores and symptoms of DE were defined as the DE group. Subjects with disparities between the occurrence of DE symptoms and measured clinical findings were regarded as the discrepancy. Out of 2262 subjects, the discrepant group contained 960 subjects (42.44%) with significant difference (χ2=4.027, p=0.045<0.05). Factors that influenced the subjective reporting of DE symptoms included gender, smoking status, environment and age. Schirmer II test and tear film BUT values were remarkably different among control, DE and discrepant groups.

Conclusions

Development of DE can be related to many factors. It is of great importance to put forward the preclinical phase concept (patients who are symptomatic for DE and yet show no aqueous deficiency or evaporative signs) and to screen outpatients with DE-inducing features. Future interventions should focus on patients demonstrating a discrepancy between self-reported symptomology and measured clinical findings.
The performance of seven QPrediction risk scores in an independent external sample of patients from general practice: a validation study
Authors: Hippisley-Cox Julia , Coupland Carol , Brindle Peter
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To validate the performance of a set of risk prediction algorithms developed using the QResearch database, in an independent sample from general practices contributing to the Clinical Research Data Link (CPRD).

Setting

Prospective open cohort study using practices contributing to the CPRD database and practices contributing to the QResearch database.

Participants

The CPRD validation cohort consisted of 3.3 million patients, aged 25–99 years registered at 357 general practices between 1 Jan 1998 and 31 July 2012. The validation statistics for QResearch were obtained from the original published papers which used a one-third sample of practices separate to those used to derive the score. A cohort from QResearch was used to compare incidence rates and baseline characteristics and consisted of 6.8 million patients from 753 practices registered between 1 Jan 1998 and until 31 July 2013.

Outcome measures

Incident events relating to seven different risk prediction scores: QRISK2 (cardiovascular disease); QStroke (ischaemic stroke); QDiabetes (type 2 diabetes); QFracture (osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture); QKidney (moderate and severe kidney failure); QThrombosis (venous thromboembolism); QBleed (intracranial bleed and upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage). Measures of discrimination and calibration were calculated.

Results

Overall, the baseline characteristics of the CPRD and QResearch cohorts were similar though QResearch had higher recording levels for ethnicity and family history. The validation statistics for each of the risk prediction scores were very similar in the CPRD cohort compared with the published results from QResearch validation cohorts. For example, in women, the QDiabetes algorithm explained 50% of the variation within CPRD compared with 51% on QResearch and the receiver operator curve value was 0.85 on both databases. The scores were well calibrated in CPRD.

Conclusions

Each of the algorithms performed practically as well in the external independent CPRD validation cohorts as they had in the original published QResearch validation cohorts.
Early evidence about the predicted unintended consequences of standardised packaging of tobacco products in Australia: a cross-sectional study of the place of purchase, regular brands and use of illicit tobacco
Authors: Scollo Michelle , Zacher Meghan , Durkin Sarah , Wakefield Melanie
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To test for early evidence whether, following the standardisation of tobacco packaging, smokers in Australia were—as predicted by the tobacco industry—less likely to purchase from small mixed business retailers, more likely to purchase cheap brands imported from Asia and more likely to use illicit tobacco.

Design

Serial cross-sectional population telephone surveys in November 2011 (a year prior to implementation), 2012 (during roll-out) and 2013 (a year after implementation).

Setting/participants

Smokers aged 18 years and over identified in an annual population survey in the Australian state of Victoria (2011: n=754; 2012: n=590; 2013: n=601).

Main outcome measures

Changes between 2011 and 2013 in: proportions of current smokers who purchased their last cigarette from discount outlets such as supermarkets compared with small mixed business retail outlets; prevalence of regular use of low-cost brands imported from Asia and use of unbranded tobacco.

Results

The proportion of smokers purchasing from supermarkets did not increase between 2011 (65.4%) and 2013 (65.7%; p=0.98), and the percentage purchasing from small mixed business outlets did not decline (2011: 9.2%; 2012: 11.2%; p=0.32). The prevalence of low-cost Asian brands was low and did not increase between 2011 (1.1%) and 2013 (0.9%; p=0.98). The proportion reporting current use of unbranded illicit tobacco was 2.3% in 2011 and 1.9% in 2013 (p=0.46). In 2013, 2.6% of cigarette smokers reported having purchased one or more packets of cigarettes in non-compliant packaging in the past 3 months; 1.7% had purchased one or more packets from an informal seller in the past year.

Conclusions

One year after implementation, this study found no evidence of the major unintended consequences concerning loss of smoker patrons from small retail outlets, flooding of the market by cheap Asian brands and use of illicit tobacco predicted by opponents of plain packaging in Australia.
High HIV seroprevalence, rectal STIs and risky sexual behaviour in men who have sex with men in Dar es Salaam and Tanga, Tanzania
Authors: Ross Michael W , Nyoni Joyce , Ahaneku Hycienth O , Mbwambo Jessie , McClelland R Scott , McCurdy Sheryl A
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To assess HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevalence and associated risk factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in two cities in mainland Tanzania.

Methods

We conducted respondent-driven sampling of 300 MSM in Dar es Salaam and Tanga.

Results

In Dar es Salaam, 172 (86%) men (median age 23, IQR 21–28) consented to HIV/STI testing, and 30.2% were HIV seropositive. Only five reported a previous positive HIV test: >90% were new HIV detections. 2.5% were syphilis-exposed and none hepatitis B positive, but 21.4% had a curable STI. Over 90% of the gonorrhoea and chlamydia was rectal. In Tanga, 11.1% of MSM were HIV seropositive, 8% hepatitis B positive and 0% were syphilis-exposed, with 4.4% having a curable STI. Predictors of HIV infection were number of MSM known, city, identifying as gay and having first sex with a man. Predictors for STIs were recent unprotected receptive anal intercourse, and number of MSM seen in the last month. 30% of the sample reported that they sold sex. There was no significant association between HIV and STI infection.

Conclusions

HIV and STI rates were substantially lower in MSM in a provincial city than in a large metropolis and rates appear to depend on larger numbers of MSM known. Most HIV detected were new cases, and there was a high burden of asymptomatic curable rectal STIs (>1 in 5 MSM). Owing to stigma, MSM may not report homosexuality and thus not have rectal STIs treated. High need for tailored HIV testing and STI screening and treatment of MSM in Tanzania is apparent.
Impact of smoking cessation therapy on health-related quality of life
Authors: Tomioka Hiromi , Sekiya Reina , Nishio Chihiro , Ishimoto Gakuji
Published: August 2014

Background

Smoking is associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQL); however, there are few data regarding effects of smoking cessation treatment on HRQL. The purpose of this study was to describe changes in HRQL after smoking cessation treatment and to elucidate factors influencing this improvement in HRQL.

Setting

Smoking cessation clinic at a 358-bed community teaching hospital in Japan.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study of cigarette smokers who participated in a 3-month smoking cessation programme. HRQL was assessed at baseline and at the end of the programme using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). The abstinence was subjected to verification by an exhaled CO level of ≤10 ppm.

Results

Of 570 participants in the programme, 277 (mean age: 60.9±12.2 y, male/female=180/97) were eligible; excluded were 277 participants who dropped out of the programme and 16 for whom SGRQs were not available or were incomplete. Initial prescribed pharmacotherapy was transdermal nicotine patches in 160 participants and varenicline in 117. At 12 weeks, SGRQ scores improved significantly as follows (mean±SD): Δ symptoms score, −5.7±16.0; Δ activity score, −4.4±18.3; Δ impact score, −5.3±13.5 and Δ total score, −5.1±12.2 (p<0.0001 in all cases). There were no significant differences in changes in SGRQ scores between quitters (n=183) and continuous smokers (n=94). In a multivariate analysis, only the average nicotine addiction level according to the Tobacco Dependence Screener test was associated with a clinically significant improvement in the SGRQ (OR 1.35 (95% CI 1.15 to 1.59)). Marked reduction in number of cigarettes smoked with a corresponding low median exhaled CO level of 7 ppm in continuous smokers following therapy was observed.

Conclusions

Smoking cessation treatment improved HRQL regardless of quit status. Baseline nicotine addiction level was predictive of that improvement.
Rise in testing and diagnosis associated with Scotland's Action Plan on Hepatitis C and introduction of dried blood spot testing
Authors: McLeod Allan , Weir Amanda , Aitken Celia , Gunson Rory , Templeton Kate , Molyneaux Pamela , McIntyre Paul , McDonald Scott , Goldberg David , Hutchinson Sharon
Published: August 2014

Background

A key aim of the Hepatitis C Action Plan for Scotland was to reduce the undiagnosed population through awareness-raising activities, for general practitioners and those at risk, and the introduction of dried blood spot (DBS) sampling in community drug services to overcome barriers to testing. This study evaluates the impact of these activities on testing and diagnosis.

Methods

Data on hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing undertaken between January 1999 and December 2011 in Scotland's four largest health boards were analysed. Segmented regression analysis was used to examine changes in testing following the (1) launch of the Action Plan and (2) introduction of DBS testing.

Results

Between the pre-Action Plan and Action Plan periods, increases were observed in the average number of HCV tests (19 058–29 045), positive tests (1993–2405) and new diagnoses (1221–1367). Since July 2009, 26% of new diagnoses were made in drug services. The trend in the number of positive tests was raised during the Action Plan, compared to pre-Action Plan, particularly in drug services (rate ratio (RR)=1.4, p<0.001) and prisons (RR=1.2, p<0.001); no change was observed in general practice. Following introduction of DBS testing, there was a 3-fold increase in testing (RR=3.5, p<0.001) and 12-fold increase in positives (RR=12.1, p<0.001) in drug services.

Conclusions

The introduction of DBS sampling in community drug services has made an appreciable contribution to efforts to diagnose the HCV-infected population in Scotland. These findings are important to other countries, with injecting-related HCV epidemics, needing to scale-up testing/case-finding initiatives.
Micro Vascular Plug (MVP)-assisted vessel occlusion in neurovascular pathologies: technical results and initial clinical experience
Authors: Beaty Narlin B , Jindal Gaurav , Gandhi Dheeraj
Published: August 2014

Background

Deconstructive approaches may be necessary to treat a variety of neurovascular pathologies. Recently, a new device has become available for endovascular arterial occlusion that may have unique applications in neurovascular disease. The Micro Vascular Plug (MVP, Reverse Medical, Irvine, California, USA) has been designed for vessel occlusion through targeted embolization.

Purpose

To report the results from our initial experience with eight consecutive patients in whom the MVP was used to achieve endovascular occlusion of an artery in the head and neck.

Methods

Eight consecutive patients treated over a nine-month period were included. The patients’ radiographic and electronic medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Specifically demographic information, clinical indication, site of arterial occlusion, size of MVP, time to vessel occlusion, clinical complications, use of other secondary embolic agents, and clinical outcome were recorded. Follow-up information when available is presented.

Results

The MVP was used in eight patients for the treatment of neurovascular disease. Indications for treatment included post-traumatic head/neck bleeding (n=3), carotid–cavernous fistula (1), vertebral–vertebral fistula (1), giant fusiform vertebral aneurysm (1), stump-emboli after carotid dissection (1), and iatrogenic vertebral artery penetrating injury (1). One device was used in five patients, two in two patients, and one patient with extensive vertebral–vertebral venous fistula required three plugs to effectively trap the fistula from proximal and distal aspects. Vessel occlusion was obtained in <2 min in each case and there were no procedural complications. Four patients were followed up and no incidence of plug migration or vessel recanalization was seen.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first series reporting the use of MVP in neurovascular disease. Use of this device may be associated with shorter procedural times and cost savings in comparison with the use of microcoils for vessel occlusion. Our experience shows that MVP can have unique applications in neurovascular pathologies and it complements other occlusive devices.
Prognostic factors for survival in dogs with pituitary‐dependent hypercortisolism treated with trilostane
Authors: Fracassi F. , Corradini S. , Floriano D. , Boari A. , Aste G. , Pietra M. , Bergamini P. F. , Dondi F.
Published: August 2014

Pituitary‐dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) is one of the most frequent endocrinopathies in dogs, but prognostic factors are largely unknown. The aim of this retrospective case series study was to determine the prognostic value of different clinical and clinicopathological variables evaluated in dogs newly diagnosed with PDH that were subsequently treated with trilostane. Medical records from one referral centre were evaluated. Eighty‐five dogs with PDH were included. The median survival time was 852 days (range 2–3210 days); 60/85 (70 per cent) and 25/85 (29 per cent) dogs survived more than one and three years, respectively. In multivariable model analysis the length of survival of older dogs (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.40) and dogs with higher serum phosphate concentrations (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.81) was shorter. Serum phosphate concentrations were above the reference range in 37/85 (44 per cent) of animals. Clinical signs, liver enzymes, serum cortisol concentrations of the endocrine tests, proteinuria, systolic hypertension, the presence of concomitant disorders, and the frequency of trilostane administration were not associated with survival time. Hyperphosphataemia is a common finding in dogs with newly diagnosed PDH and represents a negative prognostic factor.
Rabies control and elimination: a test case for One Health
Authors: Cleaveland Sarah , Lankester Felix , Townsend Sunny , Lembo Tiziana , Hampson Katie
Published: August 2014

One Health approaches have already been shown to be successful in controlling rabies in different parts of the world. In this article, the latest in Veterinary Record' s series promoting One Health, Sarah Cleaveland and her colleagues at the University of Glasgow discuss why integrated strategies are needed to enhance the cost effectiveness of measures to control and eliminate rabies, particularly in low‐income countries
Axial monotonic and cyclic compression behaviour of hollow-bar micropiles
Authors: Drbe Osama F. El Hadi , El Naggar M. Hesham
Published: August 2014

Micropiles are used in various applications, including low-capacity micropile networks, underpinning, and seismic retrofitting of existing foundations and high-capacity foundations for new structures. Hollow-bar micropiles have an added advantage, as they provide fast installation with a high degree of ground improvement. The current Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) design guidelines designate hollow-bar micropiles as type B, even though the FHWA construction technique is different than the technique used for typical type B, which results in an overly conservative design. In addition, the current practice for construction of hollow-bar micropiles is limited to a drilling bit / hollow-bar diameter ratio of 2.5 or less. In this paper, full-scale load tests were conducted to evaluate the suitability of FHWA design guidelines to hollow-bar micropiles installed in cohesive soil and to evaluate the performance of hollow-bar micropiles constructed with a drilling bit / hollow-bar diameter ratio of 3. Eight micropiles were constructed using 76 mm (3 in.) hollow bars (76 mm outside diameter and 48 mm inside diameter) with the air–water flushing technique and advanced to a depth of 5.75 m: six micropiles were installed using a 228 mm (9 in.) drill bit and two micropiles were installed using a 178 mm (7 in.) drill bit. All micropiles were instrumented with vibrating wire strain gauges to measure the axial strain at three stations along the micropile shaft. The load tests included four axial monotonic and four cyclic axial loading tests. The results are presented and discussed in terms of load–displacement curves and load transfer mechanism. The load test results showed that the grout–ground bond strength values proposed by the FHWA (in 2005) for type B micropiles grossly underestimate the bond strength for calculating the ultimate capacity. In addition, the toe resistance can be significant for micropiles resting on sand due to the increased toe diameter. No tangent stiffness degradation was observed in the micropile capacity after applying 15 load cycles.
Coordination complexes of thiazyl rings — Synthesis, structure, and density functional theory (DFT) computational analysis of CpCr(CO)x(x= 2, 3) complexes of fluorinated and nonfluorinated 1λ3-1,2,4,6-thiatriazinyls with differing Cr–S bond orders
Authors: Ang Chwee Ying , Kuan Seah Ling , Tan Geok Kheng , Goh Lai Yoong , Roemmele Tracey L. , Yu Xin , Boeré René T.
Published: August 2014

The reaction of [3,5-Ph2-C2N3S]2with [CpCr(CO)3]2in toluene at room temperature forms an adduct via a Cr–S bond, formulated as CpCr(CO)3SN3C2Ph2, which has fitting NMR, IR, and combustion analysis data. The structure was determined by a single-crystal X-ray structure diffraction study (P21/n, a = 8.4611(17) Å, b = 20.509(4) Å, c = 11.757(2) Å, β = 104.453(7)°). The Cr–S bond length of 2.4908(11) Å corresponds to a bond order of 1.0 from >90 values for CpCr(CO)xor Cp*Cr(CO)xmoieties (x = 2, 3) bonded to S, which are used to establish a Pauling-type bond order scale specific to this class of compounds. Similar reactions of fluorinated thiatriazinyls derived from [3-Ph-5-CF3-C2N3S]2or [4-MeOC6H4-5-CF3-C2N3S]2are accompanied by the loss of CO to produce CpCr(CO)2SN3C2PhCF3(P1, a = 8.0929(8) Å, b = 10.3160(10) Å, c = 11.2405(11) Å, α = 70.032(2)°, β = 72.076(2)°, γ = 82.375(2)°) and CpCr(CO)2SN3(CCF3)(C6H4OCH3) (P21/c, a = 8.1311(7) Å, b = 24.284(2) Å, c = 9.1025(8) Å, β = 97.218(2)°), also fully characterized by spectroscopy and crystallography. Their measured Cr–S bond lengths, 2.2987(14) and 2.2965(11) Å, correspond to bond orders of 1.5. (U/R)B3PW91/6-311+G(2df,2p)//B3PW91/6-31G(2d,p) hybrid density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that the tricarbonyl complex has an unusual σ bond. However, the dicarbonyl complexes of the fluorinated thiatriazinyls are π bonded.
Charge-induced instabilities of droplets containing macromolecular complexes
Authors: Sheriff Falana Aziza , Consta Styliani
Published: August 2014

Solvated macromolecular complexes are ubiquitous in nature, notably in biological systems containing proteins and nucleic acids. Studies of the interactions within a macromolecular complex and between the complex and the solvent in droplet environments are critical for understanding the stability of macromolecular complexes in electrospray ionization (ESI) and nanofluidic experiments. In this study, two distinct cases of macromolecular complexes in aqueous nanodrops are examined by using molecular dynamics simulations: (i) a pair of sodiated poly(ethylene) glycol (PEG) macroions and (ii) a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA). PEG represents a case in which the surface energy of the aqueous droplet is larger than the solvent–macromolecule energy. Conversely, in a droplet solvating dsDNA, the solvent–macromolecule interaction energy overcomes the solvent interaction energy. We report that charge-induced instabilities previously identified for single macroions also appear in the case of complexes, but with a higher level of complexity. In the case of a pair of PEG macroions, we found that their conformations on the surface of a droplet “sense” each other. The charged PEGs are each released from a droplet at different times through contiguous extrusion or drying-out mechanisms. In the case of the DNA, the charge-induced instability manifests as a spine droplet morphology. Narrow regions of the spines promote break down of the hydrogen bonds that hold the dsDNA together. The dsDNA separates into two single strands as it is increasingly exposed to vacuum. These findings elucidate charge-induced instabilities of macromolecular complexes in droplets, which are critical intermediates in ESI and nanofluidic experiments.
Assessing the biological relevance of aquatic connectivity to stream fish communities
Authors: Mahlum Shad , Kehler Dan , Cote David , Wiersma Yolanda F. , Stanfield Les
Published: August 2014

Recent advances in the ability to quantify longitudinal connectivity of riverine systems is enabling a better understanding of how connectivity affects fish assemblages. However, the role of connectivity relative to other factors, such as land use, in structuring biological assemblages is just emerging. We assessed the relevance of a structural connectivity index to stream fish communities at a relatively large scale (across five watersheds of Lake Ontario) while controlling for confounding habitat variables, such as land use, elevation, and stream topology. The results were assessed to determine whether species’ sensitivities to connectivity are in accordance with expectations of life history. Our results indicated that at large scales, structural connectivity explains significant amounts of variation in community structure (1% to 5.4% as measured by Bray–Curtis similarity), but remains secondary to other habitat components. Connectivity also was significantly related to abundance in three of the seven species assessed. The lower explanatory power of our models compared with studies done at smaller scales suggests that the relevance of connectivity to fish communities is scale-dependent and diminishes relative to other environmental factors at larger spatial extents.
ONLINE MINIMUM MAKESPAN SCHEDULING WITH A BUFFER
Authors: DING NING , LAN YAN , CHEN XIN , DÓSA GYÖRGY , GUO HE , HAN XIN
Published: August 2014

In this paper we study an online minimum makespan scheduling problem with a reordering buffer. We obtain the following results: (i) for m > 51 identical machines, we give a 1.5-competitive online algorithm with a buffer of size ⌈1.5m⌉; (ii) for three identical machines, we give an optimal online algorithm with a buffer size six, better than the previous nine; (iii) for m uniform machines, using a buffer of size m, we improve the competitive ratio from 2 + ε to 2 − 1/m+ ε, where ε > 0 is sufficiently small and m is a constant.
ON SCHEDULING SERIES-PARALLEL DAGs TO MAXIMIZE AREA
Authors: CORDASCO GENNARO , ROSENBERG ARNOLD L.
Published: August 2014

The AREA of a schedule for executing DAGs is the average number of DAG-chores that are eligible for execution at each step of the computation. AREA maximization is a new optimization goal for schedules that execute DAGs within computational environments, such as Internet-based computing, clouds, and volunteer computing projects, that are dynamically heterogeneous, in the sense that the environments' constituent computers can change their effective powers at times and in ways that are not predictable. This paper is motivated by the thesis that, within dynamically heterogeneous environments, DAG-schedules that have larger AREAs execute a computation-DAG with smaller completion time under many circumstances; this thesis is supported by preliminary simulation-based experiments. While every DAG admits an AREA-maximizing schedule, it is likely computationally difficult to find such a schedule for an arbitrary DAG. Earlier work has shown how to craft AREA-maximizing schedules efficiently for a number of families of DAGs whose structures are reminiscent of many scientific computations. The current paper extends this work by showing how to efficiently craft AREA-maximizing schedules for series-parallel DAGs, a family that models a multithreading computing paradigm. The techniques for crafting these schedules promise to apply also to other large families of recursively defined DAGs. Moreover, the ability to derive these schedules efficiently leads to an efficient AREA-oriented heuristic for scheduling arbitrary DAGs.
WEIGHTED NESTED WORD AUTOMATA AND LOGICS OVER STRONG BIMONOIDS
Authors: DROSTE MANFRED , PIBALJOMMEE BUNDIT
Published: August 2014

Nested words have been introduced by Alur and Madhusudan as a model for e.g. recursive programs or XML documents and have received much recent interest. In this paper, we investigate a quantitative automaton model and a quantitative logic for nested words. The behavior resp. the semantics map nested words to weights which are taken from a strong bimonoid. Strong bimonoids can be viewed as semirings without requiring the distributivity assumption which was essential in the classical theory of formal power series; strong bimonoids include e.g. all bounded lattices and many other structures from multi-valued logics. Our main results show that weighted nested word automata and suitable weighted MSO logics are expressively equivalent. This extends the classical Büchi-Elgot result from words to a weighted setting for nested words.
Electro-Acupuncture Decreases Postoperative Pain and Improves Recovery in Patients Undergoing a Supratentorial Craniotomy
Authors: An Li-Xin , Chen Xue , Ren Xiu-Jun , Wu Hai-Feng
Published: August 2014

We performed this study to examine the effect of electro-acupuncture (EA) on postoperative pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and recovery in patients after a supratentorial tumor resection. Eighty-eight patients requiring a supratentorial tumor resection were anesthetized with sevoflurane and randomly allocated to a no treatment group (Group C) or an EA group (Group A). After anesthesia induction, the patients in Group A received EA at LI4 and SJ5, at BL63 and LR3 and at ST36 and GB40 on the same side as the craniotomy. The stimulation was continued until the end of the operation. Patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA) was used for the postoperative analgesia. The postoperative pain scores, PONV, the degree of dizziness and appetite were recorded. In the first 6 hours after the operation, the mean total bolus, the effective times of PCIA bolus administrations and the VAS scores were much lower in the EA group (p < 0.05). In the EA group, the incidence of PONV and degree of dizziness and feeling of fullness in the head within the first 24 hours after the operation was much lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). In the EA group, more patients had a better appetite than did the patients in group C (51.2% vs. 27.5%) (p < 0.05). The use of EA in neurosurgery patients improves the quality of postoperative analgesia, promotes appetite recovery and decreases some uncomfortable sensations, such as dizziness and feeling of fullness in the head.
Lorentz-violating effects in three-dimensional QED
Authors: Bufalo R.
Published: August 2014

Inspired in discussions presented lately regarding Lorentz-violating interaction terms in B. Charneski, M. Gomes, R. V. Maluf and A. J. da Silva, Phys. Rev. D86, 045003 (2012); R. Casana, M. M. Ferreira Jr., R. V. Maluf and F. E. P. dos Santos, Phys. Lett. B726, 815 (2013); R. Casana, M. M. Ferreira Jr., E. Passos, F. E. P. dos Santos and E. O. Silva, Phys. Rev. D87, 047701 (2013), we propose here a slightly different version for the coupling term. We will consider a modified quantum electrodynamics with violation of Lorentz symmetry defined in a (2+1)-dimensional space–time. We define the Lagrangian density with a Lorentz-violating interaction, where the space–time dimensionality is explicitly taken into account in its definition. The work encompasses an analysis of this model at both zero and finite-temperature, where very interesting features are known to occur due to the space–time dimensionality. With that in mind, we expect that the space–time dimensionality may provide new insights about the radiative generation of higher-derivative terms into the action, implying in a new Lorentz-violating electrodynamics, as well the nonminimal coupling may provide interesting implications on the thermodynamical quantities.
Pure geometric branes and mass hierarchy
Authors: Yang Ke , Zhong Yuan , Wei Shao-Wen , Liu Yu-Xiao
Published: August 2014

We consider a toy model with flat thin branes embedded in a five-dimensional Weyl integrable manifold, where the geometric Weyl scalar provides the material that constitute the brane configurations. The brane configuration is similar to the Randall–Sundrum model. However, it is found that the massless graviton is localized on the brane with negative tension. So, in order to solve the gauge hierarchy problem, our world should be confined on the positive tension brane, and this is crucial to reproduce a correct Friedmann-like equation on the brane. The spacings of graviton mass spectrum are very tiny, but these massive gravitons are hidden in low energy experiments because they are weakly coupled with matter on the brane.
Temperature effects on the fermion localization in smooth space generated by a bounce
Authors: Tofighi A. , Moazzen M.
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we investigate the effects of temperature in the braneworld model, made of a scalar with bounce-type configurations which can be coupled to gravity minimally or nonminimally. It is shown that the smooth warp factor of the model delocalizes at the critical temperature. We also study temperature effects on the localization of fermions on the thermal bouncing brane with gravity.
First principle investigations of the optical properties of Zn1-xMgxS, Zn1-xMgxSe and Zn1-xMgxTe ternary alloys
Authors: Dadsetani M. , Zeinivand A.
Published: August 2014

Optical properties of Zn 1-x Mg x S , Zn 1-x Mg x Se and Zn 1-x Mg x Te (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) ternary semiconductor alloys are calculated using the full potential linearized augmented plane wave within the density functional theory. The exchange correlation potential is treated by the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) within Perdew et al. scheme. The real and imaginary parts of the dielectric function ε(ω), the refractive index n(ω), the extinction coefficient k(ω), the optical absorption coefficient α(ω), the reflectivity R(ω) and the electron energy loss function (EELS) are calculated within random phase approximation (RPA). Our results are compared with the previous theoretical calculations and available experimental data. Moreover, the interband transitions responsible for the structures seen in the spectra are specified. It is shown that, the chalcogen p states as initial and Zn 4s, Mg 3s, chalcogen d states as final states perform the major role in optical transitions.
Symbolic Dynamics in Multidimensional Annulus and Chimera States
Authors: Afraimovich V. S. , Shilnikov L. P.
Published: August 2014

We derive sufficient conditions for the existence of an invariant set in an absorbing region homeomorphic to the product of a multidimensional torus and a ball. This set consists of low dimensional tori labeled by symbolic sequences. It may appear as a result of the breakdown of an attracting multidimensional torus. Trajectories on the set manifest chaotic behavior for some angular coordinates and may behave regularly for others, i.e. the dynamics on the set is of the chimera state type.
Symbolic Quest into Homoclinic Chaos
Authors: Xing Tingli , Barrio Roberto , Shilnikov Andrey
Published: August 2014

We explore the multifractal, self-similar organization of heteroclinic and homoclinic bifurcations of saddle singularities in the parameter space of the Shimizu–Morioka model that exhibits the Lorenz chaotic attractor. We show that complex transformations that underlie the transitions from the Lorenz attractor to wildly chaotic dynamics are intensified by Shilnikov saddle-foci. These transformations are due to the emergence of Shilnikov flames originating from inclination-switch homoclinic bifurcations of codimension-two. We demonstrate how the original computational technique, based on the symbolic description and kneading invariants, can disclose the complexity and universality of parametric structures and their link with nonlocal bifurcations in this representative model.
Exponentially Small Lower Bounds for the Splitting of Separatrices to Whiskered Tori with Frequencies of Constant Type
Authors: Delshams Amadeu , Gonchenko Marina , Gutiérrez Pere
Published: August 2014

We study the splitting of invariant manifolds of whiskered tori with two frequencies in nearly-integrable Hamiltonian systems, such that the hyperbolic part is given by a pendulum. We consider a two-dimensional torus with a fast frequency vector [Formula: see text], with ω = (1, Ω) where Ω is an irrational number of constant type, i.e. a number whose continued fraction has bounded entries. Applying the Poincaré–Melnikov method, we find exponentially small lower bounds for the maximal splitting distance between the stable and unstable invariant manifolds associated to the invariant torus, and we show that these bounds depend strongly on the arithmetic properties of the frequencies.
Bifurcations of Chaotic Attractors in One-Dimensional Piecewise Smooth Maps
Authors: Avrutin Viktor , Gardini Laura , Schanz Michael , Sushko Iryna
Published: August 2014

In this work, we classify the bifurcations of chaotic attractors in 1D piecewise smooth maps from the point of view of underlying homoclinic bifurcations of repelling cycles which are located before the bifurcation at the boundary of the immediate basin of the chaotic attractor.
When Transitions Between Bursting Modes Induce Neural Synchrony
Authors: Reimbayev Reimbay , Belykh Igor
Published: August 2014

We study the synchronization of bursting cells that are coupled through both excitatory and inhibitory connections. We extend our recent results on networks of Hindmarsh–Rose bursting neurons [Belykh et al., 2014] to coupled Sherman β-cell models and show that the addition of repulsive inhibition to an excitatory network can induce synchronization. We discuss the mechanism of this purely synergenic phenomenon and demonstrate that the inhibition leads to the disappearance of a homoclinic bifurcation that governs the type of synchronized bursting. As a result, the inhibition causes the transition from square-wave to easier-to-synchronize plateau bursting, so that weaker excitation is sufficient to induce bursting synchrony. We dedicate this paper to the memory of Leonid P. Shilnikov, the pioneer of homoclinic bifurcation theory, and emphasize the importance of homoclinic bifurcations for understanding the emergence of synchronized rhythms in bursting networks.
Cascades of Multiheaded Chimera States for Coupled Phase Oscillators
Authors: Maistrenko Yuri L. , Vasylenko Anna , Sudakov Oleksandr , Levchenko Roman , Maistrenko Volodymyr L.
Published: August 2014

Chimera state is a recently discovered dynamical phenomenon in arrays of nonlocally coupled oscillators, that displays a self-organized spatial pattern of coexisting coherence and incoherence. We discuss the appearance of the chimera states in networks of phase oscillators with attractive and with repulsive interactions, i.e. when the coupling respectively favors synchronization or works against it. By systematically analyzing the dependence of the spatiotemporal dynamics on the level of coupling attractivity/repulsivity and the range of coupling, we uncover that different types of chimera states exist in wide domains of the parameter space as cascades of the states with increasing number of intervals of irregularity, so-called chimera's heads. We report three scenarios for the chimera birth: (1) via saddle-node bifurcation on a resonant invariant circle, also known as SNIC or SNIPER, (2) via blue-sky catastrophe, when two periodic orbits, stable and saddle, approach each other creating a saddle-node periodic orbit, and (3) via homoclinic transition with complex multistable dynamics including an "eight-like" limit cycle resulting eventually in a chimera state.
On Families of Diffeomorphisms with Bifurcations of Attractive and Repelling Sets
Authors: Grines V. , Pochinka O. , Zhuzhoma E.
Published: August 2014

In the survey, we consider bifurcations of attracting (or repelling) invariant sets of some classical dynamical systems with a discrete time.