bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro evaluation of antifungal susceptibility and keratinase, elastase, lipase and DNase activities of different dermatophyte species isolated from clinical specimens in Iran
Authors: Sharifzadeh Aghil , Shokri Hojjatollah , khosravi Ali Reza
Published: June 2016

The aims of this study were to evaluate the enzymatic activity of various dermatophyte species and their antifungal susceptibility profiles. A total of 60 dermatophyte isolates, including Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, Microsporum canis and Microsporum gypseum, were examined. Fungal isolates were analysed for the production of keratinase, lipase, elastase and deoxyribonuclease (DNase). A broth microdilution method was performed on the basis of M38‐A2 Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. T. mentagrophytes, M. canis and M. gypseum isolates were capable of producing keratinase, lipase, elastase and DNase, while T. rubrum isolates were elastase negative. The highest mean diameter of the clear zone around the colonies (PZ) was associated with keratinase (PZ: 4.56 ± 1.29 mm), followed by lipase (PZ: 1.53 ± 0.90 mm), DNase (PZ: 0.65 ± 0.54 mm) and elastase (PZ: 0.22 ± 0.27 mm) (P < 0.05). The mean minimum inhibitory concentration 90 (MIC90) of all strains were as follows: itraconazole (MIC90: 0.28 ± 0.31 μg ml−1), ketoconazole (MIC90: 0.48 ± 0.51 μg ml−1), griseofulvin (MIC90: 0.86 ± 1.00 μg ml−1) and fluconazole (MIC90: 18.57 ± 20.10 μg ml−1). Dermatophyte isolates had higher keratinolytic activity than other enzymes. Itraconazole was the most effective antifungal drug and fluconazole had the poorest activity.
Reducing the risk of HIV transmission among men who have sex with men: A feasibility study of the motivational interviewing counseling method
Authors: Chen Jia , Li Xianhong , Xiong Yang , Fennie Kristopher P. , Wang Honghong , Williams Ann Bartley
Published: June 2016

HIV prevalence among Chinese men who have sex with men has rapidly increased in recent years. In this randomized, controlled study, we tested the feasibility and efficacy of motivational interviewing to reduce high‐risk sexual behaviors among this population in Changsha, China. Eighty men who have sex with men were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, in which participants received a three‐session motivational interviewing intervention over 4 weeks, or the control group, in which participants received usual counseling from peer educators. High‐risk behavior indicators and HIV knowledge level were evaluated at baseline and 3 months after the intervention. Motivational interviewing significantly improved consistent anal condom use. However, there was no significant change in consistent condom use for oral sex or in the number of sexual partners over time. HIV knowledge scores improved equally in both groups. This study demonstrated that an intervention using motivational interviewing is feasible and results in increased condom use during anal sex for Chinese men who have sex with men. However, further work must be done to increase the use of condoms during oral sexual encounters.
Plant microRNAs: key regulators of root architecture and biotic interactions
Authors: Couzigou Jean‐Malo , Combier Jean‐Philippe
Published: June 2016

Plants have evolved a remarkable faculty of adaptation to deal with various and changing environmental conditions. In this context, the roots have taken over nutritional aspects and the root system architecture can be modulated in response to nutrient availability or biotic interactions with soil microorganisms. This adaptability requires a fine tuning of gene expression. Indeed, root specification and development are highly complex processes requiring gene regulatory networks involved in hormonal regulations and cell identity. Among the different molecular partners governing root development, microRNAs (miRNAs) are key players for the fast regulation of gene expression. miRNAs are small RNAs involved in most developmental processes and are required for the normal growth of organisms, by the negative regulation of key genes, such as transcription factors and hormone receptors. Here, we review the known roles of miRNAs in root specification and development, from the embryonic roots to the establishment of root symbioses, highlighting the major roles of miRNAs in these processes.

Contents

Summary
22

I.
Introduction
22

II.
The roles of miRNAs in the specification of embryonic roots
24

III.
The roles of miRNAs at the post‐embryonic root meristem (Fig. 2)
25

IV.
The roles of miRNAs during lateral and adventitious root formation (Fig. 3)
27

V.
The roles of miRNAs during root endosymbioses
29

VI.
Concluding remarks and future perspectives
10

Acknowledgements
31

References
32
Storying the world: a posthumanist critique of phenomenological‐humanist representational practices in mental health nurse qualitative inquiry
Authors: Grant Alec J.
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to build on my previously published critique of phenomenological‐humanist representational practices in mental health nursing qualitative inquiry. I will unpack and trouble these practices from an explicitly posthumanist philosophical position on the basis of seminal posthumanist texts and my own single‐ and co‐authored work. My argument will be that researchers in mental health nurse qualitative inquiry, who display a phenomenological‐humanist narrative bent in their writing, continually endorse the validity of the institutional psychiatric assumptions, practices, and ways of representing human psychological distress. These are all explicitly rejected in more critical forms of qualitative inquiry in mental health, including in my own work. I will conclude that the use of phenomenological‐humanist representational practices, in mental health nursing and by implication and extension other healthcare disciplines, is unethical, un‐empathic, and morally compromised. This is because such practices present accounts of the worlds of mental health service users, survivors, and carers that lack necessary and sufficient levels of criticality and context.
Elevated blood eosinophils in early infancy are predictive of atopic dermatitis in children with risk for atopy
Authors: Rossberg Siri , Gerhold Kerstin , Geske Thomas , Zimmermann Kurt , Menke Georg , Zaino Mohammad , Wahn Ulrich , Hamelmann Eckard , Lau Susanne
Published: June 2016

Background

Accessible markers to predict the development of atopic diseases are highly desirable but yet matter of debate.

Objective

We investigated the role of blood eosinophils at 4 weeks and 7 months of life and their association with developing atopic dermatitis (AD) in a birth cohort of children with atopic heredity.

Methods

Infant blood samples for eosinophil counts were taken from 559 infants at 4 weeks and from 467 infants at 7 month of life with at least one atopic parent. Elevation of blood eosinophils was defined as ≥ 5% of total leukocytes and the asscociation for the occurrence of AD was assessed by entering 2 × 2 tables and the odds ratios were estimated followed by hypothesis testing against the alternate working hypothesis: odds ratio < > 1. Survival analysis was carried out estimating the Kaplan‐Meier product limit estimator from the life‐time table of AD score and time to AD manifestation stratified by the eosinophil binary score.

Results

Elevated blood eosinophils observed at 4 weeks were significantly associated with the occurrence of AD in the whole cohort at the age of 7 months (p = 0.007), 1 year (p = 0.004), 2 years (p = 0.007) and 3 years (p = 0.006) of life. AD occurred app. 12 weeks earlier in infants with elevated blood eosinophils at 4 weeks of life. Blood eosinophil counts ≥5% at 7 months of life failed to show significance for AD; for eosinophils at 4.5% a significant association at 7 months (p = 0.005), and 1 year of life (p = 0.039), 2 years (p = 0.033) and 3 years (p = 0.034) was observed.

Conclusion

Elevated blood eosinophils at age 4 weeks have a predictive value for the onset of atopic dermatitis in infancy and early childhood in children with high risk for atopy. Early eosinophil counts may therefore be helpful for counseling parents to provide infant skincare but furthermore identify individuals for interventional trials aiming at allergy prevention.
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children with PHACE Syndrome
Authors: Brosig Cheryl L. , Siegel Dawn H. , Haggstrom Anita N. , Frieden Ilona J. , Drolet Beth A.
Published: June 2016

Background

Practitioners who work with children with posterior fossa, facial hemangiomas, arterial anomalies, cardiovascular anomalies, and abnormalities of the eye (PHACE) syndrome need information about neurodevelopmental outcomes to provide appropriate anticipatory guidance and education for parents. This study aimed to determine the neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with PHACE syndrome and identify which children may be at greatest risk for delays.

Methods

Children with a diagnosis of PHACE syndrome (ages 4–18 yrs) were recruited from the PHACE Syndrome International Clinical Registry and Genetic Repository. Participants (n = 25) underwent a neurodevelopmental evaluation at a children's hospital tertiary care referral center between 2009 and 2013. Children completed standardized neurocognitive tests assessing multiple domains. Parents completed standardized questionnaires assessing behavioral and emotional functioning.

Results

Results were analyzed according to cohort and individual subject. Mean scores for the cohort did not differ significantly from test norms in most domains. The only subtest that the cohort scored lower on than test norms was Word Structure, a language task. Forty‐four percent of the sample scored within the normal range in all domains, 28% had one score in the at‐risk range (1–2 standard deviations [SDs] below the mean), 12% had two or more scores in the at‐risk range, and 16% had at least one score in the impaired range (>2 SDs below the mean).

Conclusion

Although most children in this cohort of patients with PHACE syndrome did not have significant neurodevelopmental deficits, a subset of patients had delays in multiple areas. Practitioners who work with these children should routinely ask about neurocognitive and developmental skills. Children with more severe phenotypes should be referred for appropriate evaluations and intervention services.
Late‐Onset Nail Changes Associated with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: A Clinical Analysis of 56 Cases
Authors: Long Dong‐ling , Zhu Shi‐yuan , Li Cai‐zi , Chen Cui‐yan , Du Wan‐tao , Wang Xi
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To investigate the development and clinical characteristics of nail changes in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).

Methods

A telephone survey was conducted with the parents of patients diagnosed with HFMD in the Fourth General Hospital of Nanhai from June to August 2013 to document nail changes within 3 months of diagnosis of HFMD.

Results

Valid survey results were obtained from 273 cases. Definitive nail changes were identified in 56 patients (20.5%). More boys (25.8%) than girls (10.6%) (p < 0.01) showed changes. The age distribution ranged from 1 to 5 years, and nail changes were rare in children younger than 1 year of age (p < 0.01). Nail changes were usually seen 1 to 2 months after the onset of HFMD and lasted for 1 to 8 weeks, most for approximately 4 weeks. Toenails or fingernails could be affected and the changes were more likely to occur synchronously. Fingernails were more commonly involved than toenails. When both fingernails and toenails were involved, this typically occurred synchronously. Although there were cases with all toenails and fingernails involved (16.1%), we did not encounter any instances involving 13 to 19 nails. The nail changes mainly presented as onychomadesis. Spontaneous recovery without special treatment was the course for all patients. No relapse or new nail involvement was identified.

Conclusions

Nail change associated with HFMD usually occurs within 1 to 2 months after onset, mainly presents as onychomadesis, and is a self‐limited process. Possible mechanisms are discussed.
Prognosis and Management of Congenital Hair Shaft Disorders with Fragility—Part I
Authors: Singh Gaurav , Miteva Mariya
Published: June 2016

Hair shaft disorders are characterized by congenital or acquired abnormalities of the hair shaft. The objective was to review the literature regarding the prognosis and treatment options of hair shaft disorders. We used keywords in the search engines PubMed and Medline to identify all publications in the English language related to the prognosis and management of hair shaft disorders. Data were extracted from 96 articles that met search criteria. Findings were limited to case reports and small case series, as no studies were found. Disorders that improve in childhood include pili torti, trichorrhexis invaginata, wooly hair, and pili trianguli et canaliculi. Others, such as trichorrhexis nodosa, monilethrix, pili annulati, and pili bifurcati improve with minoxidil. Oral retinoids have improved hair abnormalities in trichorrhexis invaginata and monilethrix. There is no specific treatment for congenital hair shaft abnormalities. Gentle hair care is the mainstay of care for hair shaft disorders associated with fragility. Practices for gentle care include no brushing, backcombing, chemical products, tight braids, heat exposure, or mechanical grooming. Any inherited or congenital disorder requires genetic counseling as part of management.
Prognosis and Management of Congenital Hair Shaft Disorders without Fragility—Part II
Authors: Singh Gaurav , Miteva Mariya
Published: June 2016

Hair shaft disorders are characterized by congenital or acquired abnormalities of the hair shaft. The objective of this study was to review the literature regarding the prognosis and treatment options for hair shaft disorders. We used keywords in the search engines PubMed and Medline to identify all publications in English related to the prognosis and management of hair shaft disorders. Data were extracted from 96 articles that met search criteria. Findings were limited to case reports and small case series, as no studies were found. Disorders that improve in childhood include pili torti, trichorrhexis invaginata, woolly hair, and pili trianguli et canaliculi. Others, such as trichorrhexis nodosa, monilethrix, pili annulati, and pili bifurcati, improve with minoxidil. Oral retinoids have been found to improve hair abnormalities in trichorrhexis invaginata and monilethrix. There is no specific treatment for congenital hair shaft abnormalities. Gentle hair care is the mainstay of care for hair shaft disorders associated with fragility. Practices for gentle care include no brushing, backcombing, chemical products, tight braids, heat exposure, or mechanical grooming. Furthermore, any inherited or congenital disorder requires genetic counseling as part of management.
Quantifying levels of function between different subgroups of chronic ankle instability
Authors: Terada M. , Bowker S. , Hiller C. E. , Thomas A. C. , Pietrosimone B. , Gribble P. A.
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this original investigation was to determine if selected sensorimotor, mechanical, and self‐reported measures are different among chronic ankle instability (CAI) subgroups, healthy control participants, and lateral ankle sprain copers (LAS‐Copers). Ninety‐four participants volunteered and were categorized into perceived ankle instability (PI) alone (n = 13), recurrent ankle sprains (RAS) alone (n = 12), PI in combination with RAS (PI‐RAS; n = 25), LAS‐Copers (n = 18), and controls (n = 26). Participants completed self‐assessed global, regional, and psychological health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQOL) questionnaires and assessments of sensorimotor function and mechanical joint laxity. One‐way ANOVAs were performed with the intention of reducing the number of original outcomes into a smaller number of predictor variables. Discriminant functional analysis was used to establish which specific measures best differentiate between groups. Eight outcome measures from neural excitability, postural control, static postural control, and HRQOL showed a significant differentiation between five groups (Wilk's λ = 0.26, χ232 = 114 45, P < 0.001, canonical correlation = 0.80) and correctly determined only 58.1% of group membership, and the PI‐RAS and control groups were the only fit in the proposed model. A different model or other sensorimotor outcomes from more dynamic and complex tasks may be needed for the PI, RAS, and LAS‐Coper groups.
Diabetic wound healing in a MMP9‐/‐ mouse model
Authors: Cho Hongkwan , Balaji Swathi , Hone Natalie L. , Moles Chad M. , Sheikh Abdul Q. , Crombleholme Timothy M. , Keswani Sundeep G. , Narmoneva Daria A.
Published: June 2016

Reduced mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from the bone marrow (BM) and impaired EPC recruitment into the wound represent a fundamental deficiency in the chronic ulcers. However, mechanistic understanding of the role of BM‐derived EPCs in cutaneous wound neovascularization and healing remains incomplete, which impedes development of EPC‐based wound healing therapies. The objective of this study was to determine the role of EPCs in wound neovascularization and healing both under normal conditions and using single deficiency (EPC) or double‐deficiency (EPC + diabetes) models of wound healing. MMP9 knockout (MMP9 KO) mouse model was utilized, where impaired EPC mobilization can be rescued by stem cell factor (SCF). The hypotheses were: (1) MMP9 KO mice exhibit impaired wound neovascularization and healing, which are further exacerbated with diabetes; (2) these impairments can be rescued by SCF administration. Full‐thickness excisional wounds with silicone splints to minimize contraction were created on MMP9 KO mice with/without streptozotocin‐induced diabetes in the presence or absence of tail‐vein injected SCF. Wound morphology, vascularization, inflammation, and EPC mobilization and recruitment were quantified at day 7 postwounding. Results demonstrate no difference in wound closure and granulation tissue area between any groups. MMP9 deficiency significantly impairs wound neovascularization, increases inflammation, decreases collagen deposition, and decreases peripheral blood EPC (pb‐EPC) counts when compared with wild‐type (WT). Diabetes further increases inflammation, but does not cause further impairment in vascularization, as compared with MMP9 KO group. SCF improves neovascularization and increases EPCs to WT levels (both nondiabetic and diabetic MMP9 KO groups), while exacerbating inflammation in all groups. SCF rescues EPC‐deficiency and impaired wound neovascularization in both diabetic and nondiabetic MMP9 KO mice. Overall, the results demonstrate that BM‐derived EPCs play a significant role during wound neovascularization and that the SCF‐based therapy with controlled inflammation could be a viable approach to enhance healing in chronic diabetic wounds.
Medicare‐VHA dual use is associated with poorer chronic wound healing
Authors: Bouldin Erin D. , Littman Alyson J. , Wong Edwin , Liu Chuan‐Fen , Taylor Leslie , Rice Kenneth , Reiber Gayle E.
Published: June 2016

Veterans who use Veterans Health Affairs (VHA) have the option of enrolling in and obtaining care from other non‐VA sources. Dual system use may improve care by increasing options or it may result in poorer outcomes because of fragmented care. Our objective was to assess whether dual system use of VHA and Medicare for wound care was associated with chronic wound healing. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 227 Medicare‐enrolled VHA users in the Pacific Northwest who had an incident, chronic lower limb wound between October 1, 2006 and September 30, 2007 identified through VHA chart review. All wounds were followed until resolution or for up to one year. Dual system wound care was identified through Medicare claims during follow‐up. We used a proportional hazards model to compare wound healing among VHA‐exclusive and dual wound care users, using a time‐varying measure of dual use and treating amputation and death as competing risks. About 18.1% of subjects were classified as dual wound care users during follow‐up. After adjustment using propensity scores, dual use was associated with a significantly lower hazard of wound healing compared to VHA‐exclusive use (HR = 0.63, 95%CI: 0.39–0.99, p = 0.047). Hazards for the competing risks, amputation (HR = 4.23, 95% CI: 1.61–11.15, p = 0.003) and death (HR = 3.08, 95%CI: 1.11–8.56, p = 0.031), were significantly higher for dual users compared to VHA‐exclusive users. Results were similar in inverse probability of treatment weighted analyses and in sensitivity analyses that excluded veterans enrolled in a Medicare managed care plan and that used a revised wound resolution date based on Medicare claims data, but were not always statistically significant. Overall, dual wound care use was associated with substantially poorer wound healing compared to VHA‐exclusive wound care use. VHA may need to design programs or policies that support and improve care coordination for veterans needing chronic wound care.
Application of Fatty Acid Based Phase-Change Material to Reduce Energy Consumption From Roofs of Buildings
Authors: Sleiti Ahmad K. , Naimaster Edward J.
Published: June 2016

Buildings account for a significant portion of the total energy consumption in the U.S., especially the energy-inefficient commercial building sector. As part of the future path toward realizing net zero energy buildings, innovative energy-efficient technologies must be developed. In this study, the potential of phase-change material (PCM)-enhanced constructions to lower heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) energy consumption in a commercial restaurant building was investigated. A commercially available fatty acid based PCM product was selected due to their promising thermal and chemical properties. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used in isothermal step mode to accurately measure the latent heat energy storage of the PCM. A U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) commercial reference building model with a PCM-enhanced ceiling was simulated using a finite-difference conduction heat transfer algorithm in EnergyPlus to determine the effects of the PCM on the building energy performance. It was found that, although the PCM-enhanced ceiling had a beneficial stabilizing effect on the interior surface temperature of the ceiling, the zone mean air temperatures were not significantly altered. As such, minimal HVAC energy savings were seen. Future work should focus on active PCM systems, which utilize heat exchanging fluids to discharge the PCM to remove the stored thermal energy of the PCM during the night in summer, overcoming the fundamental issue of the passive PCM system returning stored thermal energy back into the building.
Theoretical Investigation of Particle Behavior on Flame Propagation in Lycopodium Dust Cloud
Authors: Rahbari Alireza , Wong Kau-Fui , Vakilabadi Moslem Akbari , Poorfar Alireza Khoeini , Afzalabadi Abolfazl
Published: June 2016

The main aim of this research is focused on determining the velocity and particle density profiles across the flame propagation of microlycopodium dust particles. In this model, it is tried to incorporate the forces acting on the particles such as thermophoretic, gravitational, and buoyancy in the Lagrangian equation of motion. For this purpose, it is considered that the flame structure has four zones (i.e., preheat, vaporization, reaction, and postflame zones) and the temperature profile, as the unknown parameter in the thermophoretic force, is extracted from this model. Consequently, employing the Lagrangian equation with the known elements results in the velocity distribution versus the forefront of the combustion region. Satisfactory agreement is achieved between the present model and previously published experiments. It is concluded that the maximum particle concentration and velocity are gained on the flame front with the gradual decrease in the distance away from this location.
Predictor-Based Adaptive Output Feedback Control: Application to Functional Electrical Stimulation of a Human Arm Model
Authors: Nguyen Chuong H. , Leonessa Alexander
Published: June 2016

A simulation study to control the motion of a human arm using muscle excitations as inputs is presented to validate a recently developed adaptive output feedback controller for a class of unknown multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems. The main contribution of this paper is to extend the results of Nguyen and Leonessa (2014, “Adaptive Predictor-Based Output Feedback Control for a Class of Unknown MIMO Linear Systems,” ASME Paper No. DSCC2014-6214; 2014, “Adaptive Predictor-Based Output Feedback Control for a Class of Unknown MIMO Linear Systems: Experimental Results,” ASME Paper No. DSCC2014-6217; and 2015, “Adaptive Predictor-Based Output Feedback Control for a Class of Unknown MIMO Systems: Experimental Results,” American Control Conference, pp. 3515–3521) by combining a recently developed fast adaptation technique and a new controller structure to derive a simple approach for a class of high relative degree uncertain systems. Specifically, the presented control approach relies on three components: a predictor, a reference model, and a controller. The predictor is designed to predict the systems output for any admissible control input. A full state feedback control law is then derived to control the predictor output to approach the reference system. The control law avoids the recursive step-by-step design of backstepping and remains simple regardless of the system relative degree. Ultimately, the control objective of driving the actual system output to track the desired trajectory is achieved by showing that the system output, the predictor output, and the reference system trajectories all converge to each other. Thelen and Millard musculotendon models (Thelen, D. G., 2003, “Adjustment of Muscle Mechanics Model Parameters to Simulate Dynamic Contractions in Older Adults,” ASME J. Biomech. Eng., 125(1), pp. 70–77; Millard, M, Uchida, T, Seth, A, and Delp, Scott L., 2013, “Flexing Computational Muscle: Modeling and Simulation of Musculotendon Dynamics,” ASME J. Biomech. Eng., 135(2), p. 021005) are used to validate the proposed controller fast tracking performance and robustness.
Automatic Detection of Endotracheal Intubation During the Anesthesia Procedure
Authors: Jalali Ali , Rehman Mohamed , Lingappan Arul , Nataraj C.
Published: June 2016

This paper is concerned with the mathematical modeling and detection of endotracheal (ET) intubation in children under general anesthesia during surgery. In major pediatric surgeries, the airway is often secured with an endotracheal tube (ETT) followed by initiation of mechanical ventilation. Clinicians utilize auscultation of breath sounds and capnography to verify correct ETT placement. However, anesthesia providers often delay timely charting of ET intubation. This latency in event documentation results in decreased efficacy of clinical decision support systems. In order to target this problem, we collected real inpatient data and designed an algorithm to accurately detect the intubation time within the clinically valid range; the results show that we are able to achieve high accuracy in more than 96% of the cases. Automatic detection of ET intubation time would thus enhance better real-time data capture to support future improvement in clinical decision support systems.
Low-Dimensional Modeling of Transient Two-Phase Flow in Pipelines
Authors: Meziou Amine , Chaari Majdi , Franchek Matthew , Borji Rafik , Grigoriadis Karolos , Tafreshi Reza
Published: June 2016

Presented are reduced-order models of one-dimensional transient two-phase gas–liquid flow in pipelines. The proposed model is comprised of a steady-state multiphase flow mechanistic model in series with a transient single-phase flow model in transmission lines. The steady-state model used in our formulation is a multiphase flow mechanistic model. This model captures the steady-state pressure drop and liquid holdup estimation for all pipe inclinations. Our implementation of this model will be validated against the Stanford University multiphase flow database. The transient portion of our model is based on a transmission line modal model. The model parameters are realized by developing equivalent fluid properties that are a function of the steady-state pressure gradient and liquid holdup identified through the mechanistic model. The model ability to reproduce the dynamics of multiphase flow in pipes is evaluated upon comparison to olga, a commercial multiphase flow dynamic code, using different gas volume fractions (GVF). The two models show a good agreement of the steady-state response and the frequency of oscillation indicating a similar estimation of the transmission line natural frequency. However, they present a discrepancy in the overshoot values and the settling time due to a difference in the calculated damping ratio. The utility of the developed low-dimensional model is the reduced computational burden of estimating transient multiphase flow in transmission lines, thereby enabling real-time estimation of pressure and flow rate.
Continuum Deformation of Multi-Agent Systems Under Directed Communication Topologies
Authors: Rastgoftar Hossein , Atkins Ella M.
Published: June 2016

A leader follower model has recently been proposed for homogeneous deformation of a multi-agent system (MAS) in ℝn. Researchers have shown how a desired homogeneous transformation can be designed by choosing proper trajectories for n + 1 leader agents and can be learned by every follower through local communication. However, existing work requires every follower to communicate with n + 1 adjacent agents, where communication between every two adjacent followers is constrained to be bidirectional. These requirements limit the total allowable number of agents, so an arbitrary number of agents may not be able to acquire a desired homogeneous mapping by local interaction. Additionally, if followers are not allowed to communicate with more than n + 1 neighboring agents, the convergence rate of actual positions to the desired positions (defined by a homogeneous transformation) may not be sufficiently high. The system may then considerably deviate from the desired configuration during transition. The main contribution of this article is to address these two issues, where each follower is considered to be a general linear system. It will be proven that followers can acquire desired positions prescribed by a homogeneous mapping in the presence of disturbance and measurement noise by applying a new finite-time reachability model under either fixed or switching topologies, if: (i) communication among followers is defined by a directed and strongly connected subgraph, (ii) each follower applies a consensus protocol with communication weights that are consistent with the positions of the agents in the initial configuration, and (iii) every follower i is allowed to communicate with mi≥n+1 local agents. With this strategy, an MAS with an arbitrary number of agents with linear dynamics can acquire a desired homogeneous mapping in the presence of disturbance and measurement noise, where convergence rate can be enhanced by increasing the number of communication links.
Bulk crystal growth and surface preparation of NiSb, MnSb, and NiMnSb
Authors: Maskery Ian , Burrows Christopher W. , Walker Marc , Singh Ravi P. , Balakrishnan Geetha , Duffy Jon A. , Bell Gavin R.
Published: June 2016

Bulk single crystal and polycrystalline samples of NiSb, MnSb, and NiMnSb have been grown and characterized. The lattice parameter of NiMnSb was found to be 5.945 ± 0.001 Å, around 0.25% larger than previous reports. The surface preparation of these materials was investigated using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Wet etching with HCl and argon ion sputtering were used in tandem with vacuum annealing. For both binary materials, a clean and stoichiometric surface could be regained by HCl etching and annealing alone. However, clean and stoichiometric ternary NiMnSb was not successfully prepared by these methods. The transition metal 2p and 3p levels are analyzed for all three materials.
Integration and fabrication of high-performance Sb-based heterostructure backward diodes with submicron-scale airbridges for terahertz detection
Authors: Rahman Syed M. , Jiang Zhenguo , Fay Patrick , Liu Lei
Published: June 2016

In this work, the authors report integration and fabrication of high-performance Sb-based heterostructure backward diodes (HBDs) with planar folded dipole antennas (FDAs) using submicron-scale airbridges for terahertz (THz) detection. By integrating HBDs into FDAs, high detector responsivity of 20 000 V/W at 200 GHz and 9500 V/W at 585 GHz could be potentially achieved due to the optimized impedance matching between the antenna and HBD detector. In order to minimize interconnect parasitics, the HBD integration is accomplished using submicron-scale airbridges. Electromagnetic simulations coupled to device models show that by introducing submicron-scale airbridges and optimizing the device layout, parasitic capacitance and spreading resistance can be significantly reduced. This allows performance nearly equal to the intrinsic device performance to be obtained. To achieve this level of performance, a novel fabrication and integration process has been developed. The process includes mix-and-match electron beam and optical lithography to span the size scales required for both the FDA and small-area HBDs, and offers high accuracy and reproducibility while requiring fewer critical fabrication steps compared to conventional hybrid integration techniques. Devices fabricated using this process have obtained a record-high device curvature coefficient of −58 V−1, indicating the quality of the devices that can be achieved. The process is scalable—in terms of device size, frequency range, and array size—enabling the development of THz focal plane arrays in a wide frequency range (100 GHz to beyond 1 THz).
Experimental and Monte Carlo studies of fluence corrections for graphite calorimetry in low‐ and high‐energy clinical proton beams
Authors: Lourenço Ana , Thomas Russell , Bouchard Hugo , Kacperek Andrzej , Vondracek Vladimir , Royle Gary , Palmans Hugo
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to determine fluence corrections necessary to convert absorbed dose to graphite, measured by graphite calorimetry, to absorbed dose to water. Fluence corrections were obtained from experiments and Monte Carlo simulations in low‐ and high‐energy proton beams.

Methods:

Fluence corrections were calculated to account for the difference in fluence between water and graphite at equivalent depths. Measurements were performed with narrow proton beams. Plane‐parallel‐plate ionization chambers with a large collecting area compared to the beam diameter were used to intercept the whole beam. High‐ and low‐energy proton beams were provided by a scanning and double scattering delivery system, respectively. A mathematical formalism was established to relate fluence corrections derived from Monte Carlo simulations, using the fluka code [A. Ferrari et al., “fluka: A multi‐particle transport code,” in CERN 2005‐10, INFN/TC 05/11, SLAC‐R‐773 (2005) and T. T. Böhlen et al., “The fluka Code: Developments and challenges for high energy and medical applications,” Nucl. Data Sheets 120, 211–214 (2014)], to partial fluence corrections measured experimentally.

Results:

A good agreement was found between the partial fluence corrections derived by Monte Carlo simulations and those determined experimentally. For a high‐energy beam of 180 MeV, the fluence corrections from Monte Carlo simulations were found to increase from 0.99 to 1.04 with depth. In the case of a low‐energy beam of 60 MeV, the magnitude of fluence corrections was approximately 0.99 at all depths when calculated in the sensitive area of the chamber used in the experiments. Fluence correction calculations were also performed for a larger area and found to increase from 0.99 at the surface to 1.01 at greater depths.

Conclusions:

Fluence corrections obtained experimentally are partial fluence corrections because they account for differences in the primary and part of the secondary particle fluence. A correction factor, F(d), has been established to relate fluence corrections defined theoretically to partial fluence corrections derived experimentally. The findings presented here are also relevant to water and tissue‐equivalent‐plastic materials given their carbon content.
Effect of acoustic fine structure cues on the recognition of auditory-only and audiovisual speech
Authors: Meister Hartmut , Fuersen Katrin , Schreitmueller Stefan , Walger Martin
Published: June 2016

This study addressed the hypothesis that an improvement in speech recognition due to combined envelope and fine structure cues is greater in the audiovisual than the auditory modality. Normal hearing listeners were presented with envelope vocoded speech in combination with low-pass filtered speech. The benefit of adding acoustic low-frequency fine structure to acoustic envelope cues was significantly greater for audiovisual than for auditory-only speech. It is suggested that this is due to complementary information of the different acoustic and visual cues. The results have potential implications for the assessment of bimodal cochlear implant fittings or electroacoustic stimulation.
Accumulated Oxygen Deficit During Exercise to Exhaustion Determined at Different Supramaximal Work Rates
Authors: Muniz-Pumares Daniel , Pedlar Charles , Godfrey Richard J. , Glaister Mark
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of supramaximal exercise intensity during constant work-rate cycling to exhaustion on the accumulated oxygen deficit (AOD) and to determine the test–retest reliability of AOD.

Methods:

Twenty-one trained male cyclists and triathletes (mean ± SD for age and maximal oxygen uptake [V̇O2max] were 41 ± 7 y and 4.53 ± 0.54 L/min, respectively) performed initial tests to determine the linear relationship between V̇O2 and power output, and V̇O2max. In subsequent trials, AOD was determined from exhaustive square-wave cycling trials at 105%, 112.5% (in duplicate), 120%, and 127.5% V̇O2max.

Results:

Exercise intensity had an effect (P = .011) on the AOD (3.84 ± 1.11, 4.23 ± 0.96, 4.09 ± 0.87, and 3.93 ± 0.89 L at 105%, 112.5%, 120%, and 127.5% V̇O2max, respectively). Specifically, AOD at 112.5% V̇O2max was greater than at 105% V̇O2max (P = .033) and at 127.5% V̇O2max (P = .022), but there were no differences between the AOD at 112.5% and 120% V̇O2max. In 76% of the participants, the maximal AOD occurred at 112.5% or 120% V̇O2max. The reliability statistics of the AOD at 112.5% V̇O2max, determined as intraclass correlation coefficient and coefficient of variation, were .927 and 8.72%, respectively.

Conclusions:

The AOD, determined from square-wave cycling bouts to exhaustion, peaks at intensities of 112.5–120% V̇O2max. Moreover, the AOD at 112.5% V̇O2max exhibits an 8.72% test–retest reliability.
Quantifying Explosive Actions in International Women’s Soccer
Authors: Meylan César , Trewin Joshua , McKean Kelly
Published: June 2016

The aims of the current study were to examine the external validity of inertial-based parameters (inertial movement analysis [IMA]) to detect multiplanar explosive actions during maximal sprinting and change of direction (COD) and to further determine its reliability, set appropriate magnitude bands for match analysis, and assess its variability during international women’s soccer matches. Twenty U20 female soccer players, wearing global positioning system (GPS) units with a built-in accelerometer, completed 3 trials of a 40-m sprint and a 20-m sprint with a change of direction to the right or left at 10 m. Furthermore, 13 women’s national-team players (157 files; 4–27 matches/player) were analyzed to ascertain match-to-match variability. Video synchronization indicated that the IMA signal was instantaneous with explosive movement (acceleration, deceleration, COD). Peak GPS velocity during the 40-m sprint showed similar reliability (coefficient of variation [CV] = 2.1%) to timing gates but increased before and after COD (CV = 4.5–13%). IMA variability was greater at the start of sprints (CV = 16–21%) than before and after COD (CV = 13–16%). IMA threshold for match analysis was set at 2.5 m · s–1 · s–1 by subtracting 1 SD from the mean IMA during sprint trials. IMA match variability (CV = 14%) differed from high-speed GPS metrics (35–60%). Practitioners are advised that timing lights should remain the gold standard for monitoring sprint and acceleration capabilities of athletes. However, IMA could be a reliable method to monitor explosive actions between matches and assess changes due to various factors such as congested schedule, tactics, heat, or altitude.
Tracking Performance Changes With Running-Stride Variability When Athletes Are Functionally Overreached
Authors: Fuller Joel T. , Bellenger Clint R. , Thewlis Dominic , Arnold John , Thomson Rebecca L. , Tsiros Margarita D. , Robertson Eileen Y. , Buckley Jonathan D.
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

Stride-to-stride fluctuations in running-stride interval display long-range correlations that break down in the presence of fatigue accumulated during an exhaustive run. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether long-range correlations in running-stride interval were reduced by fatigue accumulated during prolonged exposure to a high training load (functional overreaching) and were associated with decrements in performance caused by functional overreaching.

Methods:

Ten trained male runners completed 7 d of light training (LT7), 14 d of heavy training (HT14) designed to induce a state of functional overreaching, and 10 d of light training (LT10) in a fixed order. Running-stride intervals and 5-km time-trial (5TT) performance were assessed after each training phase. The strength of long-range correlations in running-stride interval was assessed at 3 speeds (8, 10.5, and 13 km/h) using detrended fluctuation analysis.

Results:

Relative to performance post-LT7, time to complete the 5TT was increased after HT14 (+18 s; P < .05) and decreased after LT10 (–20 s; P = .03), but stride-interval long-range correlations remained unchanged at HT14 and LT10 (P > .50). Changes in stride-interval long-range correlations measured at a 10.5-km/h running speed were negatively associated with changes in 5TT performance (r –.46; P = .03).

Conclusions:

Runners who were most affected by the prolonged exposure to high training load (as evidenced by greater reductions in 5TT performance) experienced the greatest reductions in stride-interval long-range correlations. Measurement of stride-interval long-range correlations may be useful for monitoring the effect of high training loads on athlete performance.
Repeated-Sprint Training in Hypoxia Induced by Voluntary Hypoventilation in Swimming
Authors: Trincat Laurent , Woorons Xavier , Millet Grégoire P.
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

Repeated-sprint training in hypoxia (RSH) has been shown as an efficient method for improving repeated-sprint ability (RSA) in team-sport players but has not been investigated in swimming. We assessed whether RSH with arterial desaturation induced by voluntary hypoventilation at low lung volume (VHL) could improve RSA to a greater extent than the same training performed under normal breathing (NB) conditions.

Methods:

Sixteen competitive swimmers completed 6 sessions of repeated sprints (2 sets of 16 × 15 m with 30 s send-off) either with VHL (RSH-VHL, n = 8) or with NB (RSN, n = 8). Before and after training, performance was evaluated through an RSA test (25-m all-out sprints with 35 s send-off) until exhaustion.

Results:

From before to after training, the number of sprints was significantly increased in RSH-VHL (7.1 ± 2.1 vs 9.6 ± 2.5; P < .01) but not in RSN (8.0 ± 3.1 vs 8.7 ± 3.7; P = .38). Maximal blood lactate concentration ([La]max) was higher after than before in RSH-VHL (11.5 ± 3.9 vs 7.9 ± 3.7 mmol/L; P = .04) but was unchanged in RSN (10.2 ± 2.0 vs 9.0 ± 3.5 mmol/L; P = .34). There was a strong correlation between the increases in the number of sprints and in [La]max in RSH-VHL only (R = .93, P < .01).

Conclusions:

RSH-VHL improved RSA in swimming, probably through enhanced anaerobic glycolysis. This innovative method allows inducing benefits normally associated with hypoxia during swim training in normoxia.
Are the World Junior Championship Finalists for Middle- and Long-Distance Events Currently Competing at International Level?
Authors: Pizzuto Federico , Bonato Matteo , Vernillo Gialunca , La Torre Antonio , Piacentini Maria Francesca
Published: June 2016

Purpose:

To analyze how many finalists of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Junior Championships (WJCs) in the middle- and long-distance track events had dropped out from high-level competitions.

Methods:

Starting from 2002, the 8 male and the 8 female finalists in the middle- and long-distance events of 6 editions of the WJC were followed until 2015 to evaluate how many missed the IAAF rankings for 2 consecutive years starting from the year after WJC participation. For those still competing at elite level, their careers were monitored.

Results:

In 2015, 61% of the 2002, 54.8% of the 2004, 48.3% of the 2006, 37.5% of the 2008, 26.2% of the 2010, and 29% of the 2012 WJC finalists were not present in the IAAF rankings. Of the 368 athletes considered, 75 (20.4%) were able to achieve the IAAF top 10 in 2.4 ± 2.2 y. There is evidence of relationships between dropout and gender (P = .040), WJC edition (P = .000), and nationality (P = .010) and between the possibility to achieve the IAAF top 10 and dropout (P = .000), continent (P = .001), relative age effect (P = .000), and quartile of birth (P = .050).

Conclusions:

Even if 23 of the finalists won a medal at the Olympic Games or at the World Championships, it is still not clear if participation at the WJC is a prerequisite to success at a senior level.
No Improvement in Sprint Performance With a Neuromuscular Fitted Dental Splint
Authors: Fischer Henrike , Weber Daniel , Beneke Ralph
Published: June 2016

Mouth guards protect against orofacial and dental injuries in sports. However, special fitted dental splints have been claimed to improve strength and speed and, therefore, to enhance athletic performance.

Purpose:

To test the effects of a neuromuscular fitted dental splint in comparison with a habitual verticalizing splint and a no-splint condition on cycling sprint performance in the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT).

Methods:

Twenty-three men (26.0 ± 2.0 y, 1.82 ± 0.06 m, 79.4 ± 7.7 kg) performed 3 WAnTs, 1 with the neuromuscular fitted splint, 1 with a habitual verticalized dental splint of the same height and material, and 1 under control conditions without any mouth guard, in randomized order separated by 1 wk.

Results:

No differences between any splint conditions were found in any aspect of WAnT performance (time to peak power, peak power, minimum power, power drop, and average power). Moderate to nearly perfect correlations between all splint conditions in all WAnT outcomes with coefficients of variation between 1.3% and 6.6% were found.

Conclusions:

Irrespective of habitual verticalization or myocentric positioning, dental splints have no effects on any aspect of WAnT performance. Results are comparable to those of test–retest experiments.