bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and characterization of self-sensing steel fiber reinforced concrete
Authors: Ferdiansyah Teuku , Turatsinze Anaclet , Balayssac Jean-Paul
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this communication is to develop a self-sensing cement composite capable of detecting stress variation in concrete by monitoring its electrical property. The relationship between the electrical properties, i.e. electrical resistance of steel fiber reinforced concrete, and stress under loading as part of self-sensing study is presented in here. Amorphous metallic fibers (AMF) with two different lengths i.e. 10 mm and 30 mm are used as concrete reinforcement at a content of 40 kg/m3. A water to cement ratio of 0.39 was adopted for the mix proportions. Natural fine and coarse siliceous aggregates were used for this research. Superplasticizer was used to achieve the target of workability. The two-probe method is used for measuring electrical properties on cylinder specimens with diameter 100 mm and height 200 mm. The influence of different parameters such as fiber length, frequency of power input, maximum stress and variation of potential input on the sensitivity of the sensing are investigated. The results indicate that the electrical resistance of the concrete decreases reversibly during loading and increases reversibly during unloading. Good sensitivity obtained for the mix using 30 mm AMF length indicates that the addition of this type of fiber into concrete can be suitable to produce a self-sensing cement composite.
Dynamic vibration testing of fasteners: fastener self-loosening theory, vibration testing practical applications, comparison of the international standards and recommendations on how to set-up a meaningful testing protocol
Authors: Pichoff Franck , Kummel Matthieu , Schiff Morten
Published: October 2018

Vibration can be desirable, such as when it is used to make music. More often, however, vibration is undesirable. It can introduce stress into mechanical systems and create fatigue that decreases service life. It can also loosen fasteners. Following a discussion on the root causes of the self-loosening of fasteners, two practical examples illustrate the benefits and possible applications of vibration testing of fasteners, according to either standardised testing protocols or customised testing strategies simulating real-life conditions of the assembled parts. The requirements and protocols of the international standard ISO 16130, the USA national aerospace standard NASM 1312-7, the German national standard DIN 25201-4 B and its predecessor DIN 65151 are compared, with insights on their most suitable applications. Finally, the article describes a lean methodology to design a meaningful testing protocol.
CIMPA School on Mathematical Models in Biology and Medicine
Authors: Dauhoo Muhammad Zaid , Dumas Laurent , Gabriel Pierre
Published: October 2018

Contributions to the CIMPA School on mathematical models in biology and medicine
Sustainable infrastructure delivery in Nigeria: implementation of the analytic network process for contractor selection
Authors: Arowosafe Oluwunmi , Oduyemi Olufolahan , Ceranic Boris , Dean Angela
Published: October 2018

Purpose: This paper presents research findings that involve the use of analytic network process (ANP) to select contractors for build–operate–transfer (BOT) infrastructure in Nigeria. To deliver sustainable infrastructure (SI), a responsive methodology is required for contractors' selection process, which combines judgement and data for an effective outcomes prediction. Design/methodology/approach: Theoretically grounded on a system theory, sustainable infrastructure delivery (SID) model has been developed in this study. At the deductive phase of the model is the integration of the ANP (a multicriteria decision-making technique) for data synthesis. To obtain decision criteria, 55 sustainability indicators for contractor selection were identified from the literature review. The criteria were first developed to a web-based questionnaire where respondents were requested to rank the importance of the criteria towards selecting contractors that deliver SI, using Likert scale of 1–5 (where “5” is very important and “1” is not important). The results were analysed using factor analysis. Data were further reduced to 16 variables after multicollinearity issues in the data set had been resolved. To weigh the relative importance of the 16 criteria among contractors, ANP methodology was adopted for the second-round questionnaire. The seven-man decision panel that completed the pairwise comparison survey was selected through a purposeful sampling technique. The final survey results were synthesised by Super Decisions (computer package that implements ANP) trial version to rank contractors' options and predict outcomes. Findings/results: Sensitivity analysis of the research findings reveals that the 16 criteria have differential comparative advantages, which requires critical judgement during contractor's pre-evaluation process. Although the overall priorities rank multinational construction corporations (MCC) higher than local construction companies (LCC), MCC are not absolute to deliver SI. LCC are sensitive to some key criteria that are critical to the actualisation SI agenda. Originality/value: This study fills the gap in the knowledge of SID in Nigeria. The study theoretically suggests a framework to harmonise sustainability indicators in contractor selection. The findings further provide feedbacks that can be incorporated to Government's Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) procurement policy to promote SID.
S2k-Leitlinie Diagnostik, Therapie und Verlaufskontrolle des Diabetes mellitus im Alter
Authors: Bahrmann Anke , Bahrmann Philipp , Baumann Jeannette , Bauer Jürgen , Brückel Elke , Dreyer Manfred , Freitag Michael , Friedl Alexander , Gölz Stefan , Grundke Susanne , Hiddemann Sonja , Hodeck Katja , Kern Werner , Kintscher Ulrich , Kubiak Thomas , Kulzer Bernhard , Lee-Barkey Young , Lobmann Ralf , Marx Nikolaus , Schröder Frank , Tombek Astrid , Uebel Til , Wernecke Jürgen , Zeyfang Andrej
Published: October 2018

Die Diabetesprävalenz liegt in der Altersgruppe ab 80 Jahren bei über 30 %. Bei der Diagnostik und Therapie älterer Menschen mit Typ-1- und Typ-2 Diabetes müssen altersspezifische Besonderheiten wie funktionelle und kognitive Einschränkungen sowie Komorbiditäten und Aspekte der Polypharmazie in besonderem Maße berücksichtigt werden. Die S2k-Leitlinie der Deutschen Diabetes Gesellschaft wurde mit 6 weiteren Fachgesellschaften (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Kardiologie, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Allgemeinmedizin und Familienmedizin, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Geriatrie, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährungsmedizin, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Pflegewissenschaft, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Palliativmedizin) und der Patientenvertretung (DBW) erarbeitet. Therapieziele wie Erhalt der Lebensqualität und strikte Vermeidung von Akutkomplikationen wie schwere Hypoglykämien treten in den Vordergrund. HbA1c-Ziele sollten gemeinsam mit den Patienten in Abhängigkeit der individuellen Wünsche und Fähigkeiten festgelegt werden. Altersspezifische Besonderheiten einzelner Medikamente müssen insbesondere im Kontext der Multimorbidität beachtet werden. In der Leitlinie werden pflegerische Aspekte, Schnittstellenmanagement, Schmerztherapie sowie häufige Komorbiditäten bei Diabetes wie Hypertonie, Frailty, Sarkopenie, Demenz, Depression, End-of-Life Situationen ausführlich dargestellt.
Hafer bei Typ-2-Diabetes
Authors: Zerm Roland , Kröz Matthias
Published: October 2018

Hafer spielte viele Jahrzehnte lang eine wichtige Rolle in der diätetischen Therapie von Diabetes mellitus. Mit der Entdeckung des Insulins durch Frederick G. Banting und Charles H. Best 1921 und im weiteren Verlauf durch die Verbreitung oraler Antidiabetika geriet Hafer als Therapeutikum zunehmend in Vergessenheit. Doch in den vergangenen 15 Jahren erlebt er eine regelrechte Renaissance, insbesondere in der Behandlung der Insulinresistenz bei Diabetes mellitus Typ 2. Standen zunächst die guten klinischen Erfahrungen im Vordergrund, konnten in den letzten Jahren immer mehr wissenschaftliche Daten zur Wirksamkeit sowie Erkenntnisse zu möglichen Wirkmechanismen auf molekularbiologischer Ebene gewonnen werden.
Narrative Expositionstherapie bei einem Flüchtling mit schwerer PTBS in der stationären Regelversorgung
Authors: Bichescu-Burian Dana , Tschöke Stefan , Borbé Raoul
Published: October 2018

Chronisch verlaufende posttraumatische Belastungsstörungen (PTBS) erschweren die psychosoziale Integration von Flüchtlingen. Wir berichten über eine erfolgreiche narrative Expositionstherapie (NET) bei einem 42-jährigen Flüchtling aus Zentralafrika mit schwerer Psychopathologie, die mit Hilfe des stationären Settings möglich wurde. Der Therapieverlauf unterstreicht die Wirksamkeit und Notwendigkeit der Intervention auch bei komplizierten Fällen.
Vorgeburtliche Untersuchungen: Wenn das Selbstverständliche außer Kraft gesetzt wird
Authors: Maurer Franziska
Published: October 2018

In der aktuellen geburtsmedizinischen Schwangerschaftsüberwachung bilden die vorgeburtlichen Untersuchungen des Kindes eine kaum mehr in Frage gestellte Routine. Die Auswirkungen dieser Testverfahren führen alle Beteiligten immer mehr in die Enge – Fachleute ebenso wie werdende Eltern und die ungeborenen Kinder. Ein Zustand, der zunehmend weder zum Sein noch zum Handeln ist. Welche Wege könnten aus dieser Sackgasse führen? Ein Nachdenken über Herausforderung, Grenzüberschreitungen, Konsequenzen und Verantwortung.
Diabetes-Technologie
Authors: Heinemann Lutz
Published: October 2018

Im Rahmen einer optimalen Betreuung von Patienten mit Diabetes ist die Diabetes-Technologie (DT) heute eine tragende Säule. Im Fokus stehen vor allem Glukosemonitoring, Insulinapplikation und digitale Optionen. Dieser Beitrag stellt die verschiedenen DT-Themen kurz dar – auch in Hinsicht auf anstehende Aufgaben. Im Anschluss werden die diesbezüglichen Aktivitäten der Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Diabetes & Technologie (AGDT) und der DDG vorgestellt.
Synthesis and In Vitro Anti-inflammatory Activity of C20 Epimeric Ocotillol-Type Triterpenes and Protopanaxadiol
Authors: Zhang Jianqiang , Zhang Qian , Xu Yangrong , Li Huixiang , Zhao Fenglan , Wang Chaoming , Liu Zhi , Liu Pan , Liu Yanan , Meng Qingguo , Zhao Feng
Published: October 2018

Ginseng is a perennial herb that contains various medicinal substances. The major active constituents of ginseng are ginsenosides, which have multifarious biological activities. Some pharmacological activities are closely dependent on the stereoisomers derived from the configuration at C20. In this study, the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of C20 epimeric ocotillol-type triterpenes (2, 3, 9, and 10) and protopanaxadiol [20(S/R)-protopanaxadiol] were investigated. Epimers 2 and 3 were prepared starting from 20(S)-protopanaxadiol. Epimers 9 and 10 were synthesized from 20(R)-3-acetylprotopanaxadiol (7). The anti-inflammatory activity of 2, 3, 9, 10, 20(S)-protopanaxadiol, and 20(R)-protopanaxadiol was evaluated in cultured mouse macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. The MTT assay was used to measure the cytotoxicity. RAW 264.7 cells were stimulated by lipopolysaccharide to release the inflammatory mediators nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, TNF-α, and interleukin-6 and anti-inflammatory mediator interleukin-10. The effect of the compounds on the overproduction of nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, TNF-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-10 was determined using Griess and ELISA methods. The results demonstrated that the in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of C20 epimeric ocotillol-type triterpenes and protopanaxadiol were different. Both the 20S-epimers (2 and 3) and 20R-epimers (9 and 10) inhibited the release of inflammatory mediator nitric oxide, while mainly the 20S-epimers inhibited the release of inflammatory mediator prostaglandin E2, and the 20R-epimers inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokine TNF-α. Both the 20S-epimers [2, 3, and 20(S)-protopanaxadiol] and 20R-epimers [9, 10, and 20(R)-protopanaxadiol] inhibited the release of inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6, but mainly the 20S-epimers [2, 3, and 20(S)-protopanaxadiol] increased the release of anti-inflammatory mediator interleukin-10.
Real-time adjustable, 11 μs FWHM, >5 kHz, piezo electric pulsed atomic beam source
Authors: Catanese Anthony , Horton Spencer , Liu Yusong , Weinacht Thomas
Published: October 2018

This paper provides a detailed description of how to construct a pulsed atomic beam source [including a fast ionization gauge (FIG) for characterization] with a unique combination of characteristics. We include technical drawings for a real-time adjustable piezo electric actuated pulsed valve capable of generating a 11 μs duration pulse of gas at a repetition rate of >5 KHz, with a shot-to-shot stability of 0.6%, and maximum densities of 1015 particles/cm3. We also include details on how to construct a FIG, with a 4 μs rise time, to measure the pulse. We report a 3D density map of a supersonic expansion of helium gas with a speed ratio S = 46 and a calculated longitudinal temperature of 0.3 K. Finally, the results of a laser ionization test are provided in order to verify the performance of the pulsed valve in a typical experimental configuration.
Selective electric field assisted dissolution as a technique for micro and nano structuring of metal thin films
Authors: Janicki V. , Fabijanić I. , Okorn B. , Dubček P. , Sancho-Parramon J.
Published: October 2018

A technique for patterning compact thin metal layers is presented. The technique is based on a successive application of well known, cost-effective, and simple methods of glass poling and electric field assisted dissolution. A microstructure from the patterned anode was copied onto a thin silver layer on a glass substrate. It is demonstrated that electric field assisted dissolution can be used for selective dissolution of compact metal layers. Nanostructuring of compact metal layers is interesting as it can be used in the production of metamaterials, metasurfaces, and optical circuits. The proposed two-step technique does not involve expensive equipment, and the duration of the structuring process is independent of the size of the required structured surface.
A novel photovoltaic battery energy storage system based on modular multilevel converter
Authors: Zhang Dan , Li HongLiang , Jiang JianGuo
Published: October 2018

Modular multilevel converters (MMCs) have been widely applied in photovoltaic battery energy storage systems (PV-BESSs). In this paper, a novel topology of PV-BESS based on MMC is proposed, where the batteries are connected to the sub-modules through DC-DC converters. It is necessary to analyze the control strategies of both DC-DC converters and MMC. Specifically, the capacitor voltage balancing and the modulation mode are important. The sorting method is proposed to balance the capacitor voltages in this paper. Moreover, carrier phase shift-square wave modulation with the highest voltage utilization ratio and the highest power transfer capability is proposed to generate PWM singles for MMC-PV-BESS. In order to verify the availability of the proposed control strategy, a simulation model is built and related experiments are carried out. The simulation results and experimental results are consistent with the theory. As a result, the voltages of all capacitors could be balanced, and the MMC-PV-BESS could reliably work.
Communication: A comparison between the solution properties of knotted ring and star polymers
Authors: Vargas-Lara Fernando , Pazmiño Betancourt Beatriz A. , Douglas Jack F.
Published: October 2018

We computationally investigate the good solvent solution properties of knotted ring and star polymers by combining molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and path-integral calculations. We consider knotted rings having a minimal crossing number mc in the range, 0 ≤ mc ≤ 9, and star polymers having a range of f star arms, 2 ≤ f ≤ 20, attached to a common core monomer particle. After generating configurational ensembles of these polymers by MD, we use the path-integration program ZENO to calculate basic configurational properties, i.e., radius of gyration, hydrodynamic radius, intrinsic viscosity, as well as fluctuations in these properties. Our simulations indicate that the configurational properties of knotted rings and star polymers in solution show a similar decrease with increasing mc and f. Moreover, fluctuations in these properties also decrease with increasing topological complexity. Our findings should be helpful in polymer characterization and more generally for understanding the role of polymer topology in polymer material properties.
Effect of a submicrosecond-advanced voltage pulse on the formation of a high-current electron beam in a magnetically insulated coaxial diode
Authors: Mesyats G. A. , Romanchenko I. V. , Rostov V. V. , Sadykova A. G. , Sharypov K. A. , Shpak V. G. , Shunailov S. A. , Ul'masculov M. R. , Yalandin M. I.
Published: October 2018

The effect of a double accelerating voltage pulse on the formation of a high-current electron beam in a magnetically insulated coaxial diode under fore-vacuum pressures has been investigated. High voltage pulses of durations <0.5 and ∼1 ns and amplitudes (modulo) <120 and ≥ 160 kV, respectively, were applied to a graphite cathode with a submicrosecond delay. When the time delay between the pulses was increased to a certain value at a residual gas pressure of 5 × 10−3 Torr, the current of the second beam increased about fourfold and then decreased. The current reached a maximum of 4.5 kA, which was greater than that carried by the matched load of the high voltage generator. The observed effect can be accounted for by the neutralization of the beam charge in the plasma expanding from the cathode. The plasma channel could be formed due to explosive electron emission from the cathode or due to impact ionization of the residual gas.
A quantum mechanical insight into SN2 reactions: Semiclassical initial value representation calculations of vibrational features of the Cl−⋯CH3Cl pre-reaction complex with the VENUS suite of codes
Authors: Ma Xinyou , Di Liberto Giovanni , Conte Riccardo , Hase William L. , Ceotto Michele
Published: October 2018

The role of vibrational excitation of reactants in driving reactions involving polyatomic species has been often studied by means of classical or quasi-classical trajectory simulations. We propose a different approach based on investigation of vibrational features of the Cl−⋯CH3Cl pre-reaction complex for the Cl− + CH3Cl SN2 reaction. We present vibrational power spectra and frequency estimates for the title pre-reaction complex calculated at the level of classical, semiclassical, and second-order vibrational perturbation theory on a pre-existing analytical potential energy surface. The main goals of the paper are the study of anharmonic effects and understanding of vibrational couplings that permit energy transfer between the collisional kinetic energy and the internal vibrations of the reactants. We provide both classical and quantum pictures of intermode couplings and show that the SN2 mechanism is favored by the coupling of a C–Cl bend involving the Cl− projectile with the CH3 rocking motion of the target molecule. We also illustrate how the routines needed for semiclassical vibrational spectroscopy simulations can be interfaced in a user-friendly way to pre-existing molecular dynamics software. In particular, we present an implementation of semiclassical spectroscopy into the VENUS suite of codes, thus providing a useful computational tool for users who are not experts of semiclassical dynamics.
Study on localization of transformer partial discharge source with planar arrangement UHF sensors based on singular value elimination
Authors: Zhang Guozhi , Zhang Xiaoxing , Tang Ju , Cheng Hongtu
Published: October 2018

The large-scale power transformer gap leakage electromagnetic wave partial discharge detection method belongs to the external UHF detection method. This method can perform partial discharge insulation detection on the large-scale power transformer that is running without any modification of the power transformer, and the principle is simple and convenient to use. We have studied the reliability and the leakage electromagnetic wave propagation characteristics. However, this method requires UHF sensors in the same gap plane. When performing PD localization, it has the shortcomings of large positioning error and easy deviation of positioning results due to on-site noise pollution. For this problem, this paper proposes a PD source localization method based on singular value elimination. This method maps the three-dimensional coordinate sample set of the PD source to one-dimensional coordinates, and uses the improved box-plot diagram method to eliminate the singular values. Then the least square method is used to find the optimal coordinate of the real PD source. The proposed method has the advantages of greatly improving the data utilization efficiency of the PD sample set and effectively eliminating the singular values. Finally, the experimental verification of the proposed new method is carried out. The experimental results show that the proposed localization method can effectively improve the localization accuracy of PD source.
It matters when you measure it: using snow-cover Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to isolate post-fire conifer regeneration
Authors: Vanderhoof Melanie K. , Hawbaker Todd J.
Published: October 2018

Abstract. Landsat Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is commonly used to monitor post-fire green-up; however, most studies do not distinguish new growth of conifer from deciduous or herbaceous species, despite potential consequences for local climate, carbon and wildlife. We found that dual season (growing and snow cover) NDVI improved our ability to distinguish conifer tree presence and density. We then examined the post-fire pattern (1984–2017) in Landsat NDVI for fires that occurred a minimum of 20 years ago (1986–1997). Points were classified into four categories depending on whether NDVI, 20 years post-fire, had returned to pre-fire values in only the growing season, only under snow cover, in both seasons or neither. We found that each category of points showed distinct patterns of NDVI change that could be used to characterise the average pre-fire and post-fire vegetation condition Of the points analysed, 43% showed a between-season disagreement if NDVI had returned to pre-fire values, suggesting that using dual-season NDVI can modify our interpretations of post-fire conditions. We also found an improved correlation between 5- and 20-year NDVI change under snow cover, potentially attributable to snow masking fast-growing herbaceous vegetation. This study suggests that snow-cover Landsat imagery can enhance characterisations of forest recovery following fire.
Structural basis for anthrax toxin receptor 1 recognition by Seneca Valley Virus
Authors: Jayawardena Nadishka , Burga Laura N. , Easingwood Richard A. , Takizawa Yoshimasa , Wolf Matthias , Bostina Mihnea
Published: October 2018

Significance

Anthrax toxin receptor 1 (ANTXR1), also known as Tumor Endothelial Marker 8, is overexpressed on the surface of tumor cells in over 60% of human cancers. A serious drawback for developing specific ligands for targeted therapy against ANTXR1 is the cross-reactivity with ANTXR2. Recently, ANTXR1 was identified as the high-affinity cellular receptor for Seneca Valley Virus (SVV). SVV has shown promising results as an oncolytic agent in clinical trials, and this discovery offers a powerful biomarker for selecting patient response to treatment. The identification of specific interaction sites between SVV and ANTXR1 lays the foundation to construct potent virus mutants with specific cancer tropism that can escape host antibody response and to expand the development of both antiangiogenic and anticancer antibody therapy.
Dominant point mutation in a tetraspanin gene associated with field-evolved resistance of cotton bollworm to transgenic Bt cotton
Authors: Jin Lin , Wang Jing , Guan Fang , Zhang Jianpeng , Yu Shan , Liu Shaoyan , Xue Yuanyuan , Li Lingli , Wu Shuwen , Wang Xingliang , Yang Yihua , Abdelgaffar Heba , Jurat-Fuentes Juan Luis , Tabashnik Bruce E. , Wu Yidong
Published: October 2018

Significance

Crops genetically engineered to produce insecticidal proteins from the bacterium
Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt) kill some major pests and reduce use of insecticide sprays. However, evolution of pest resistance to Bt proteins decreases these benefits. Better understanding of the genetic basis of resistance to Bt crops is urgently needed to address this problem. We discovered that a point mutation in the cotton bollworm, one of the world’s most voracious pests, confers dominantly inherited resistance to the Bt protein produced by transgenic cotton grown in China. This mutation increased 100-fold in frequency from 2006 to 2016 in China. Proactive tracking of this mutation may improve management of resistance and enhance sustainability of Bt cotton for millions of smallholder farmers in China.
Fansubbing in subtitling land
Authors: Pedersen Jan
Published: October 2018

Fansubs (subtitles made by fans for fans) have become a global practice, and it is by now a fairly well-described phenomenon, particularly for fansubs of Japaneseanime. However, for Sweden, which has a long and strong tradition of prosubs (commissioned professional subtitles), there have hardly been any studies of this increasingly prolific phenomenon. This paper seeks to remedy this situation by investigating 16 subtitled versions of ten English-language films. The analysis uses the FAR model of quality assessment and also investigates other aspects, such as creativity. The results show that there is great variety between the various fansubbed versions. On average, Swedish fansubs are found to be of lower quality, less adhering to norms and also more abusively faithful than prosubs. Moreover, the fansubs in this study are hardly creative at all. This could be due to fansubbing being a rather marginal phenomenon in Sweden, the land of subtitling.
Oculomotor dynamics in skilled soccer players: The effects of sport expertise and strenuous physical effort
Authors: Zwierko Teresa , Jedziniak Wojciech , Florkiewicz Beata , Stępiński Miłosz , Buryta Rafał , Kostrzewa‐Nowak Dorota , Nowak Robert , Popowczak Marek , Woźniak Jarosław
Published: October 2018

The ability to quickly locate objects within the visual field has a significant influence on athletic performance. Saccades are conjugate eye movements responsible for the rapid shift that brings a new part of the visual field into foveal vision. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sport expertise and intense physical effort on saccade dynamics during a free‐viewing visual search task in skilled soccer players. Two groups of male subjects participated in this study: 18 soccer players and 18 non‐athletes as the control group. Two sessions of visual search tasks without a sport‐specific design were employed. Eye movements during the visual search tasks were recorded binocularly. Between pre‐ and post‐test sessions, athletes performed a maximal incremental treadmill test. Cardiorespiratory parameters were measured continuously. Capillary lactate samples were collected. Pre‐test findings indicated that athletes, in comparison to non‐athletes, achieve higher values of the following characteristics of saccades (1) average acceleration, (2) acceleration peak, (3) deceleration peak, and (4) average velocity. An increase in post‐test saccade duration and a decrease in post‐test saccade velocity was observed in athletes due to the strenuous physical effort in relation to the pre‐test state. Athletes may transfer high saccadic function efficiency to non‐specific visual stimuli. The findings partially confirm that physical exertion can reduce oculomotor efficiency in athletes.
Synthesis and crystal structure of dinuclear based coordination polymer derived from N-6-[(4-pyridylmethylamino)carbonyl]-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid methyl ester
Authors: Kadir M A , Mansor S M T , Mehamod F S , Yusof M S M
Published: October 2018

This study describes the facile synthesis and crystal structure of one dimensional coordination polymer which has been successfully obtained from reaction between semi rigid monoamide ligand namel N6-[(4-pyridylmethylamino)carbonyl]-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid methyl ester (L2) with copper perchlorate. The synthesized coordination polymer, with formula given by elemental analysis and X-ray crystallography as {[Cu3(L2-CH3)3(L2)2(H2O)2(CH3OH)](ClO4)3}n was crystallized in monoclinic crystal system and space group C2/c. The asymmetric unit of this complex consists of three copper atoms, three anionic carboxylate forms of ligand L2, two neutral forms of ligand L2 and four partially-occupied non-coordinated perchlorate anions. This asymmetric unit acts as the repeating fragment to form one-dimensional networks which was stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonds.
Nuclear envelope expansion in budding yeast is independent of cell growth and does not determine nuclear volume
Authors: Walters Alison D. , Amoateng Kwabena , Wang Renjie , Chen Jian-Hua , McDermott Gerry , Larabell Carolyn A. , Gadal Olivier , Cohen-Fix Orna
Published: October 2018

Most cells exhibit a constant ratio between nuclear and cell volume. The mechanism dictating this constant ratio and the nuclear component(s) that scale with cell size are not known. To address this, we examined the consequences to the size and shape of the budding yeast nucleus when cell expansion is inhibited by down-regulating components of the secretory pathway. We find that under conditions where cell size increase is restrained, the nucleus becomes bilobed, with the bulk of the DNA in one lobe and the nucleolus in the other. The formation of bilobed nuclei is dependent on fatty acid and phospholipid synthesis, suggesting that it is associated with nuclear membrane expansion. Bilobed nuclei appeared predominantly after spindle pole body separation, suggesting that nuclear envelope expansion follows cell-cycle cues rather than cell size. Importantly, cells with bilobed nuclei had the same nuclear:cell volume ratio as cells with round nuclei. Therefore, the bilobed nucleus could be a consequence of continued NE expansion as cells traverse the cell cycle without an accompanying increase in nuclear volume due to the inhibition of cell growth. Our data suggest that nuclear volume is not determined by nuclear envelope availability but by one or more nucleoplasmic factors.
SJARACNe: a scalable software tool for gene network reverse engineering from big data
Authors: Khatamian Alireza , Paull Evan O , Califano Andrea , Yu Jiyang
Published: October 2018

Over the last two decades, we have observed an exponential increase in the number of generated array or sequencing-based transcriptomic profiles. Reverse engineering of biological networks from high-throughput gene expression profiles has been one of the grand challenges in systems biology. The Algorithm for the Reconstruction of Accurate Cellular Networks (ARACNe) represents one of the most effective and widely-used tools to address this challenge. However, existing ARACNe implementations do not efficiently process big input data with thousands of samples. Here we present an improved implementation of the algorithm, SJARACNe, to solve this big data problem, based on sophisticated software engineering. The new scalable SJARACNe package achieves a dramatic improvement in computational performance in both time and memory usage and implements new features while preserving the network inference accuracy of the original algorithm. Given that large-sampled transcriptomic data is increasingly available and ARACNe is extremely demanding for network reconstruction, the scalable SJARACNe will allow even researchers with modest computational resources to efficiently construct complex regulatory and signaling networks from thousands of gene expression profiles.

Availability and implementation

SJARACNe is implemented in C++ (computational core) and Python (pipelining scripting wrapper, ≥3.6.1). It is freely available at https://github.com/jyyulab/SJARACNe.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Obstacle Negotiation, Gait Variability, and Risk of Falling: Results From the “Gait and Brain Study”
Authors: Pieruccini-Faria Frederico , Montero-Odasso Manuel
Published: October 2018

Background

Gait variability is an early fall predictor. However, it is unknown how gait variability of older adults at high risk of falls is affected by an obstacle negotiation task. We aimed to compare gait performance between older adults with significant history of falls (i.e. fallers) and nonfallers while approaching an obstacle crossing.

Methods

A total of 137 older adults without dementia were enrolled (72.7 ± 5.1 years of age; 60.5% women) from the “Gait and Brain Study.” Fallers were defined as having at least one injurious fall or at least two noninjurious falls in the previous 12 months. Participants performed gait assessments under unobstructed and obstructed conditions. During the obstructed condition, participants walked and stepped over an ad hoc obstacle set at 15% of participants’ height, transversally placed on a 6-meter electronic walkway. Gait speed and step-to-step variabilities were quantified from the last six steps prior to obstacle crossing. Analysis of variance models adjusted for age, sex, fear of falling, comorbidities, and unobstructed gait were used to compare gait performance of fallers and nonfallers during an obstacle approaching.

Results

In the study, 27 older adults were identified as fallers and 110 as nonfallers. Fallers had higher step time variability and step length variability when approaching an obstacle compared with nonfallers, although groups had comparable gait performance during unobstructed walking.

Conclusion

Gait variability of older individuals at high risk of falling is more disturbed, compared with low-risk individuals, while approaching an obstacle crossing. High gait variability prior to crossing an obstacle may be a risk factor for falls.
Maturing satellite kinematics into a competitive probe of the galaxy–halo
connection
Authors: Lange Johannes U , van den Bosch Frank C , Zentner Andrew R , Wang Kuan , Villarreal Antonia Sierra
Published: October 2018

The kinematics of satellite galaxies moving in a dark matter halo are a direct probe of the underlying gravitational potential. Thus, the phase-space distributions of satellites represent a powerful tool to determine the galaxy–halo connection from observations. By stacking the signal of a large number of satellite galaxies this potential can be unlocked even for haloes hosting a few satellites on average. In this work, we test the impact of various modelling assumptions on constraints derived from analysing satellite phase-space distributions in the non-linear, one-halo regime. We discuss their potential to explain the discrepancy between average halo masses derived from satellite kinematics and gravitational lensing previously reported. Furthermore, we develop an updated, more robust analysis to extract constraints on the galaxy–halo relation from satellite properties in spectroscopic galaxy surveys such as the SDSS. We test the accuracy of this approach using a large number of realistic mock catalogues. Furthermore, we find that constraints derived from such an analysis are complementary and competitive with respect to the commonly used galaxy clustering and galaxy–galaxy lensing observables.
The wide binary fraction of solar-type stars: emergence of metallicity dependence at a < 200 au
Authors: El-Badry Kareem , Rix Hans-Walter
Published: October 2018

We combine a catalogue of wide binaries constructed from Gaia DR2 with [Fe/H] abundances from wide-field spectroscopic surveys to quantify how the binary fraction varies with metallicity over separations 50 ≲ s/au ≲ 50 000. At a given distance, the completeness of the catalogue is independent of metallicity, making it straightforward to constrain intrinsic variation with [Fe/H]. The wide binary fraction is basically constant with [Fe/H] at large separations (s ≳ 250 au) but becomes quite rapidly anticorrelated with [Fe/H] at smaller separations: for 50 < s/au < 100, the binary fraction at $\rm [Fe/H] = -1$ exceeds that at $\rm [Fe/H] = 0.5$ by a factor of 3, an anticorrelation almost as strong as that found for close binaries with a < 10 au. Interpreted in terms of models where disc fragmentation is more efficient at low [Fe/H], our results suggest that 100 < a/au < 200 is the separation below which a significant fraction of binaries formed via fragmentation of individual gravitationally unstable discs rather than through turbulent core fragmentation. We provide a public catalogue of 8407 binaries within 200 pc with spectroscopically determined [Fe/H] for at least one component.
Congress of Neurological Surgeons Systematic Review and Evidence-Based Guidelines on the Role of Steroids in the Treatment of Adults With Metastatic Brain Tumors
Authors: Ryken Timothy C , Kuo John S , Prabhu Roshan S , Sherman Jonathan H , Kalkanis Steven N , Olson Jeffrey J
Published: October 2018

QUESTION

Do steroids improve neurological symptoms and/or quality of life in patients with metastatic brain tumors compared to supportive care only or other treatment options? If steroids are given, what dose should be used?

TARGET POPULATION

These recommendations apply to adults diagnosed with brain metastases.

RECOMMENDATIONS

 
STEROID THERAPY VERSUS NO STEROID THERAPY

Asymptomatic brain metastases patients without mass effect

Insufficient evidence exists to make a treatment recommendation for this clinical scenario.

Brain metastases patients with mild symptoms related to mass effect

Level 3: Corticosteroids are recommended to provide temporary symptomatic relief of symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure and edema secondary to brain metastases. It is recommended for patients who are symptomatic from metastatic disease to the brain that a starting dose of 4 to 8 mg/d of dexamethasone be considered.

Brain metastases patients with moderate to severe symptoms related to mass effect

Level 3: Corticosteroids are recommended to provide temporary symptomatic relief of symptoms related to increased intracranial pressure and edema secondary to brain metastases. If patients exhibit severe symptoms consistent with increased intracranial pressure, it is recommended that higher doses such as 16 mg/d or more be considered.

CHOICE OF STEROID

Level 3: If corticosteroids are given, dexamethasone is the best drug choice given the available evidence.

Duration of Corticosteroid Administration

Level 3: Corticosteroids, if given, should be tapered as rapidly as possible but no faster than clinically tolerated, based upon an individualized treatment regimen and a full understanding of the long-term sequelae of corticosteroid therapy.

Given the very limited number of studies (2) which met the eligibility criteria for the systematic review, these are the only recommendations that can be offered based on this methodology.

The full guideline can be found at https://www.cns.org/guidelines/guidelines-treatment-adults-metastatic-brain-tumors/chapter_7.
Stunting, dietary diversity and household food insecurity among children under 5 years in ethnic communities of northern Thailand
Authors: Roesler Anna L , Smithers Lisa G , Wangpakapattanawong Prasit , Moore Vivienne
Published: October 2018

Background

The aim of this study was to describe stunting in infants and young children in the ethnic communities of northern Thailand and to explore associations with dietary diversity and household factors including food security.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of households with children under 5 years from eight villages. Adult respondents provided information on foods consumed by each child and details of the household. Heights and weights of children were measured.

Results

Adults from 172 households and 208 children participated. Overall, 38% of children were stunted. Exclusive breastfeeding was rare, but the proportion consuming breastmilk at 24 months (75%) was high. Few children (7%) aged 6–11 months met minimum dietary diversity. Stunted children were less likely than non-stunted children to meet minimum dietary diversity (63 versus 82%). Widespread food insecurity did not discriminate between stunted and non-stunted children. Stunting was elevated when households had little land and few animals.

Conclusions

Stunting was widespread in children under 5 years of age, in part reflecting poor dietary diversity, especially at age 6–11 months. Stunting was worst in households with least assets. Small increases in land or animals, or equivalent resources, appear to be required to improve child nutrition in extremely poor families.
Partial Galois cohomology and related homomorphisms
Authors: Dokuchaev M , Paques A , Pinedo H
Published: October 2018

For a partial Galois extension of commutative rings, we give a seven terms sequence, which is an analog of the Chase–Harrison–Rosenberg sequence.
MANIPULATION OF THE DOSE–RESPONSE OF COMPOSITE GLOW PEAK 5 IN THE THERMOLUMINESCENCE OF LiF:Mg,Ti (TLD-100) VIA OPTICAL EXCITATION POST-IRRADIATION: POTENTIAL FOR IMPROVED DOSE–RESPONSE LINEARITY BEYOND 1 Gy
Authors: Ginzburg D , Oster L , Eliyahu I , Reshes G , Biderman S , Horowitz Y S
Published: October 2018

Many dosimetric applications and especially those involved in clinical dosimetry are hampered by the supralinearity of TLD-100 which begins at a level of dose of 1 Gy. This research investigates the effect of optical excitation following irradiation on the dose–response. It is expected that this will lead to a more linear dose–response, however, irrespective of the hoped-for linearity, the theoretical/kinetic simulations of the effect of optical excitation will further enhance our understanding of the thermoluminescence mechanisms, especially the role of spatially correlated trapping and luminescent centers. In the following, the various stages carried out in these investigations are discussed and preliminary results presented.
A Two-Amino Acid Difference in the Coat Protein of Satellite panicum mosaic virus Isolates Is Responsible for Differential Synergistic Interactions with Panicum mosaic virus
Authors: Chowda-Reddy R. V. , Palmer Nathan , Edme Serge , Sarath Gautam , Kovacs Frank , Yuen Gary , Mitchell Robert , Tatineni Satyanarayana
Published: October 2018

Panicum mosaic virus (PMV) (genus Panicovirus, family Tombusviridae) and its molecular parasite, Satellite panicum mosaic virus (SPMV), synergistically interact in coinfected proso and pearl millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) plants resulting in a severe symptom phenotype. In this study, we examined synergistic interactions between the isolates of PMV and SPMV by using PMV-NE, PMV85, SPMV-KS, and SPMV-Type as interacting partner viruses in different combinations. Coinfection of proso millet plants by PMV-NE and SPMV-KS elicited severe mosaic, chlorosis, stunting, and eventual plant death compared with moderate mosaic, chlorotic streaks, and stunting by PMV85 and SPMV-Type. In reciprocal combinations, coinfection of proso millet by either isolate of PMV with SPMV-KS but not with SPMV-Type elicited severe disease synergism, suggesting that SPMV-KS was the main contributor for efficient synergistic interaction with PMV isolates. Coinfection of proso millet plants by either isolate of PMV and SPMV-KS or SPMV-Type caused increased accumulation of coat protein (CP) and genomic RNA copies of PMV, compared with infections by individual PMV isolates. Additionally, CP and genomic RNA copies of SPMV-KS accumulated at substantially higher levels, compared with SMPV-Type in coinfected proso millet plants with either isolate of PMV. Hybrid viruses between SPMV-KS and SPMV-Type revealed that SPMV isolates harboring a CP fragment with four differing amino acids at positions 18, 35, 59, and 98 were responsible for differential synergistic interactions with PMV in proso millet plants. Mutation of amino acid residues at these positions in different combinations in SPMV-KS, similar to those as in SPMV-Type or vice-versa, revealed that A35 and R98 in SPMV-KS CP play critical roles in enhanced synergistic interactions with PMV isolates. Taken together, these data suggest that the two distinct amino acids at positions 35 and 98 in the CP of SPMV-KS and SPMV-Type are involved in the differential synergistic interactions with the helper viruses.
Morbidity and Mortality Among Critically Injured Children With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Killien Elizabeth Y. , Mills Brianna , Watson R. Scott , Vavilala Monica S. , Rivara Frederick P.
Published: October 2018

Objectives:

To evaluate morbidity and mortality among critically injured children with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Four-hundred sixty Level I/II adult or pediatric trauma centers contributing to the National Trauma Data Bank.

Patients:

One hundred forty-six thousand fifty-eight patients less than 18 years old admitted to an ICU with traumatic injury from 2007 to 2016.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

We assessed in-hospital mortality and need for postdischarge care among patients with and without acute respiratory distress syndrome and hospital resource utilization and discharge disposition among survivors. Analyses were adjusted for underlying mortality risk (age, Injury Severity Score, serious brain or chest injury, and admission heart rate and hypotension) and year, transfer status, and facility trauma level designation. Acute respiratory distress syndrome occurred in 2,590 patients (1.8%). Mortality was 20.0% among acute respiratory distress syndrome patients versus 4.3% among nonacute respiratory distress syndrome patients, with an adjusted relative risk of 1.76 (95% CI, 1.52–2.04). Postdischarge care was required in an additional 44.8% of acute respiratory distress syndrome patients versus 16.0% of patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome (adjusted relative risk, 3.59; 2.87–4.49), with only 35.1% of acute respiratory distress syndrome patients discharging to home versus 79.8% of patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome. Acute respiratory distress syndrome mortality did not change over the 10-year study period (adjusted relative risk, 1.01/yr; 0.96–1.06) nor did the proportion of acute respiratory distress syndrome patients requiring postdischarge care (adjusted relative risk, 1.04/yr; 0.97–1.11). Duration of ventilation, ICU stay, and hospital stay were all significantly longer among acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors. Tracheostomy placement occurred in 18.4% of acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors versus 2.1% of patients without acute respiratory distress syndrome (adjusted relative risk, 3.10; 2.59–3.70).

Conclusions:

Acute respiratory distress syndrome development following traumatic injury in children is associated with significantly increased risk of morbidity and mortality, even after adjustment for injury severity and hemodynamic abnormalities. Outcomes have not improved over the past decade, emphasizing the need for new therapeutic interventions, and prevention strategies for acute respiratory distress syndrome among severely injured children.