bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motor Cortex Inhibition is Increased During a Secondary Cognitive Task
Authors: Holste Katherine G. , Yasen Alia L. , Hill Matthew J. , Christie Anita D.
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a cognitive task on motor cortex excitability and inhibition. Transcranial magnetic stimulation of the motor cortex was performed on 20 healthy individuals (18–24 years; 9 females) to measure motor evoked potentials (MEPs) and cortical silent periods at baseline, during, and following a secondary cognitive task. The MEP amplitude increased from 0.50 ± 0.09–0.87 ± 0.50 mV during a secondary cognitive task (p = .04), and returned to baseline (0.48 ± 0.31 mV; p = .90) posttask. The CSP duration also increased from 93.48 ± 28.76–113.6 ± 33.68 ms (p = .001) during the cognitive task, and returned to baseline posttask (89.0 ± 6.9 ms; p = .88). In the presence of a cognitive task, motor cortex excitability and inhibition were both increased relative to baseline. The increase in inhibition may help to explain the motor deficits experienced while performing a secondary cognitive task.
Postural Steadiness and Ankle Force Variability in Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Paxton Roger J. , Feldman-Kothe Caitlin , Trabert Megan K. , Hitchcock Leah N. , Reiser Raoul F. , Tracy Brian L.
Published: August 2015

Introduction:

The purpose was to determine the effect of peripheral neuropathy (PN) on motor output variability for ankle muscles of older adults, and the relation between ankle motor variability and postural stability in PN patients.

Methods:

Older adults with (O-PN) and without PN (O), and young adults (Y) underwent assessment of standing postural stability and ankle muscle force steadiness.

Results:

O-PN displayed impaired ankle muscle force control and postural stability compared with O and Y groups. For O-PN, the amplitude of plantarflexor force fluctuations was moderately correlated with postural stability under no-vision conditions (r = .54, p = .01).

Discussion:

The correlation of variations in ankle force with postural stability in PN suggests a contribution of ankle muscle dyscontrol to the postural instability that impacts physical function for older adults with PN.
Athletic Trainers’ Perspectives on Sport Psychology: Professional Roles, Training, and Referrals
Authors: Ramaeker Joey , Petrie Trent A.
Published: August 2015

We explored athletic trainers’ (ATs) beliefs regarding the roles of fellow ATs and sport psychologists (SPs) when working with athletes, and assessed where ATs’ typically refer athletes with psychological concerns. ATs’ beliefs and referral preferences across three hypothetical sport performance scenarios also were evaluated. ATs viewed aiding athletes’ psychological recovery from injury as their most acceptable role followed by teaching mental skills and counseling regarding personal issues. ATs rated SPs’ roles similarly. Regarding the scenarios, ATs were most likely to refer to a SP when performance was affected by mental factors. Considering performance difficulties attributed to interpersonal concerns, ATs were most likely to refer to a counselor. When recovering from physical injury, ATs viewed referring to a sport psychologist and assisting on their own as equally viable options. ATs’ views regarding their roles and referral preferences likely reflect educational and clinical experiences. Collaboration between athletic training and sport psychology professional organizations and individual professionals is warranted to enhance athlete care.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 11 August 2015
Authors: Hla Timothy , Galvani Sylvain , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: August 2015

When it is bound to HDL, the lipid S1P protects vascular endothelial cells by suppressing inflammation.
p85α homodimerizes
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: August 2015

Homodimers of the PI3K regulatory subunit p85α enhance the stability and activity of PTEN.
Dual activator and inhibitor of TGF-β signaling
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: August 2015

Coco enhances TGF-β1 signaling and inhibits signaling by other TGF-β superfamily members.
Repurposing statins for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: August 2015

By inducing the abundance of neurotrophins, statins enhance memory in Alzheimer’s disease.
An inflammation-targeting hydrogel for local drug delivery in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Zhang Sufeng , Ermann Joerg , Succi Marc D. , Zhou Allen , Hamilton Matthew J. , Cao Bonnie , Korzenik Joshua R. , Glickman Jonathan N. , Vemula Praveen K. , Glimcher Laurie H. , Traverso Giovanni , Langer Robert , Karp Jeffrey M.
Published: August 2015

A hydrogel binds to inflamed tissues, delivering therapeutics locally and reducing systemic drug exposure in mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease.
Chimpanzee adenovirus– and MVA-vectored respiratory syncytial virus vaccine is safe and immunogenic in adults
Authors: Green Christopher A. , Scarselli Elisa , Sande Charles J. , Thompson Amber J. , de Lara Catherine M. , Taylor Kathryn S. , Haworth Kathryn , Del Sorbo Mariarosaria , Angus Brian , Siani Loredana , Di Marco Stefania , Traboni Cinzia , Folgori Antonella , Colloca Stefano , Capone Stefania , Vitelli Alessandra , Cortese Riccardo , Klenerman Paul , Nicosia Alfredo , Pollard Andrew J.
Published: August 2015

The RSV vaccine candidates PanAd3-RSV and MVA-RSV were safe and immunogenic in healthy adults.
The curious case of intracranial lymphatics
Authors: Janson Christopher G.
Published: August 2015

Previously elusive intracranial lymphatic vessels and their functions have been mapped in transgenic mice by using lymphatic cell-specific reporters.
Bed rest, then rehab
Authors: Lanza Ian R.
Published: August 2015

Older adults are more susceptible to muscle loss during bed rest, but exercise effectively reverses these detrimental effects.
What’s bugging your gut?
Authors: Singh Anne Marie
Published: August 2015

Regulatory T cells promote tolerance

to gut microbiota through MyD88 signaling
.
Shutting down the messenger: Antisense treatment for hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Wang Andrew Z.
Published: August 2015

Antisense therapy against the apolipoprotein C-III messenger RNA lowers triglyceride concentrations in patients with hypertriglyceridemia.
Heat-Labile Enterotoxin IIa, a Platform To Deliver Heterologous Proteins into Neurons
Authors: Chen Chen , Przedpelski Amanda , Tepp William H. , Pellett Sabine , Johnson Eric A. , Barbieri Joseph T.
Published: August 2015

Cholera toxin (CT) and the related heat-labile enterotoxins (LT) ofEscherichia colihave been implicated as adjuvants in human therapies, but reactivity upon intranasal delivery dampened efforts to develop other clinical applications. However, each CT family member variant has unique biological properties that may warrant development as therapeutic platforms. In the current study, a nontoxic variant of the heat-labile enterotoxin IIa (LTIIa) was engineered to deliver heterologous, functional proteins into the cytosol of neurons. As proof of principle, the LTIIa variant delivered two cargos into neurons. LTIIa delivered β-lactamase efficiently into cells containing complex gangliosides, such as GD1b, as host receptors. LTIIa delivery of β-lactamase was sensitive to brefeldin A, an inhibitor that collapses the Golgi compartment into the endoplasmic reticulum, but not sensitive to treatment with botulinum neurotoxin D (BoNT/D), an inhibitor of synaptic vesicle cycling. LTIIa delivered a single-chain, anti-BoNT/A camelid antibody that inhibited SNAP25 cleavage during post-BoNT/A exposure of neurons. Delivery of functional, heterologous protein cargos into neurons demonstrates the potential of LTII variants as platforms to deliver therapies to inactivate toxins and microbial infections and to reverse the pathology of human neurodegenerative diseases.

IMPORTANCEThis study engineered a protein platform to deliver functional, heterologous proteins into neurons. The protein platform developed was a variant of the heat-labile enterotoxin IIa (LTIIa) which lacked the catalytic domain, yielding a nontoxic protein. As proof of principle, LTIIa variants delivered two functional proteins into neurons, β-lactamase and a camelid antibody. These studies show the utility of LTIIa variants to deliver therapies into neurons, which could be extended to inactivate toxins and microbial infections and potentially to reverse the progression of neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Findings from a novel approach to publication guideline revision: user road testing of a draft version of SQUIRE 2.0
Authors: Davies Louise , Donnelly Kyla Z , Goodman Daisy J , Ogrinc Greg
Published: August 2015

Background

The Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE) Guideline was published in 2008 (SQUIRE 1.0) and was the first publication guideline specifically designed to advance the science of healthcare improvement. Advances in the discipline of improvement prompted us to revise it. We adopted a novel approach to the revision by asking end-users to ‘road test’ a draft version of SQUIRE 2.0. The aim was to determine whether they understood and implemented the guidelines as intended by the developers.

Methods

Forty-four participants were assigned a manuscript section (ie, introduction, methods, results, discussion) and asked to use the draft Guidelines to guide their writing process. They indicated the text that corresponded to each SQUIRE item used and submitted it along with a confidential survey. The survey examined usability of the Guidelines using Likert-scaled questions and participants’ interpretation of key concepts in SQUIRE using open-ended questions. On the submitted text, we evaluated concordance between participants’ item usage/interpretation and the developers’ intended application. For the survey, the Likert-scaled responses were summarised using descriptive statistics and the open-ended questions were analysed by content analysis.

Results

Consistent with the SQUIRE Guidelines’ recommendation that not every item be included, less than one-third (n=14) of participants applied every item in their section in full. Of the 85 instances when an item was partially used or was omitted, only 7 (8.2%) of these instances were due to participants not understanding the item. Usage of Guideline items was highest for items most similar to standard scientific reporting (ie, ‘Specific aim of the improvement’ (introduction), ‘Description of the improvement’ (methods) and ‘Implications for further studies’ (discussion)) and lowest (<20% of the time) for those unique to healthcare improvement (ie, ‘Assessment methods for context factors that contributed to success or failure’ and ‘Costs and strategic trade-offs’). Items unique to healthcare improvement, specifically ‘Evolution of the improvement’, ‘Context elements that influenced the improvement’, ‘The logic on which the improvement was based’, ‘Process and outcome measures’, demonstrated poor concordance between participants’ interpretation and developers’ intended application.

Conclusions

User testing of a draft version of SQUIRE 2.0 revealed which items have poor concordance between developer intent and author usage, which will inform final editing of the Guideline and development of supportingsupplementary materials. It also identified the items that require special attention when teaching about scholarly writing in healthcare improvement.
Do critically ill liver patients experience negative bias? A web-based survey examining doctors opinions to critical care escalation
Authors: Berry Philip A , Peck Marcus , Standley Tom , Thomson Sam J
Published: August 2015

Objective

To test the hypothesis that there is negative bias towards escalating levels of care in decompensated cirrhosis, compared with other patient groups.

Design

An electronic survey containing eight acute clinical scenarios with equivalent physiological derangement, in which respondents were asked to score the degree to which they would advocate for intensive care unit admission on a scale of 1–10. Scenarios included respiratory, haematology, vascular, renal, gastrointestinal, postoperative and hepatological conditions. Follow-up questions examined the reasons why the patient should or should not be transferred, and enquired about ceilings of care, end-of-life decisions, degree of organ support and healthcare financial rationing. 273 doctors responded.

Setting

Secondary care hospitals in south of England.

Patients

None involved.

Interventions

None.

Main outcome measures

Advocacy score (1–10) and subsidiary responses.

Results

The hepatology patient ranked 4th of 8 with a mean advocacy score of 7.2. There were no significant differences between intensivists and physicians or between grades of seniority. Of those less likely to escalate (score 1–5, n=42), the reasons given were based on unsurvivability or excessive burden of treatment rather than aetiology. One-fifth cited ‘lifestyle decision’. 25 (62.5%) respondents not favouring escalation would make the patient DNACPR, 17 (42.5%) would stipulate ward-based care only and a small minority would instigate active palliation. Of those favouring escalation (advocacy score 6–10), 70% (n=122) would consider unlimited organ support. Fifty-four (29.5% of those who answered) said they ‘sometimes’ or ‘frequently’ consider resource allocation when making decisions about escalation of care.

Conclusions

When compared with a variety of acute medical scenarios, doctors did not overly appear to exhibit therapeutic nihilism for patients with decompensated liver disease; however, significant variation in interpretation of the data and management approaches was identified.
Safety and efficacy of hCDR1 (Edratide) in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus: results of phase II study
Authors: Urowitz Murray B , Isenberg David A , Wallace Daniel J
Published: August 2015

Objective

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of hCDR1 (Edratide) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Patients (n=340) with SLE ≥4 ACR criteria (4–11, mean 7) with active disease (SLEDAI-2K of 6–12). Patients were on average 7.1 years post-diagnosis and their organ involvement was mainly musculoskeletal, mucocutaneous and haematologic. Placebo or Edratide was administered subcutaneously weekly at doses of 0.5, 1.0 or 2.5 mg. The co-primary endpoints were SLEDAI-2K SLE Disease Activity and Adjusted Mean SLEDAI (AMS) reduction in patients compared with controls using a landmark analysis. Secondary outcomes were improvement in British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) Responder Index and medicinal flare analysis.

Results

Edratide was safe and well tolerated. The primary endpoints based solely on SLEDAI-2K and AMS were not met. The secondary predefined endpoint, BILAG, was met for the 0.5 mg Edratide arm in the intention to treat (ITT) cohort (N=316) (OR=2.09, p=0.03) with trends in the 1.0 and 2.5 mg doses. There was also a positive trend in the Composite SLE Responder Index of the ITT cohort. Post hoc analysis showed that the BILAG secondary endpoint was also met for the 0.5 mg Edratide for a number of subgroup dose levels, including low or no steroids, seropositivity and patients with 2 grade BILAG improvement.

Conclusions

The favourable safety profile and encouraging clinically significant effects noted in some of the endpoints support the need for additional longer term Edratide studies that incorporate recent advances in the understanding and treatment of SLE, including steroid treatment algorithms, and using a composite primary endpoint which is likely to include BILAG.

Trial registration number

NCT00203151.
Trophic transfer of flame retardants (PBDEs) in the food web of Lake Erie
Authors: Pérez-Fuentetaja Alicia , Mackintosh Susan A. , Zimmerman Lisa R. , Clapsadl Mark D. , Alaee Mehran , Aga Diana S.
Published: August 2015

We studied the occurrence, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in a mixed food web of native and non-native species in Lake Erie. Non-native species were found at the basal level of the web (dreissenid mussels), at the intermediate level (round gobies, rainbow smelt), and at the top predator rung (steelhead trout). Mean concentrations of total PBDEs in biota (wet mass) ranged from 1.03 ng·g–1 in dreissenid mussels to 31.5 ng·g–1 in walleye. Large piscivores (smallmouth bass, steelhead trout, walleye, and lake trout) had PBDE concentrations three to seven times higher than prey fish (emerald shiners, round gobies, rainbow smelt, and yellow perch). Walleye had the highest concentration of PBDEs among all of the fish species analyzed. BDE 47 was the dominant congener found in biota. Biomagnification factors (corrected for trophic level) indicated that total PBDEs were biomagnified in three fish species: rainbow smelt, smallmouth bass, and steelhead trout. Overall, BDEs 47 and 100 had the highest level of trophic magnification (TMF) from invertebrates to top predators. For fish species, the highest TMF was for BDEs 47 and 49+71. We found that dreissenid mussels and round gobies had the lowest PBDE contamination of the organisms analyzed; however, other non-native prey species such as rainbow smelt contributed significantly to the biomagnification of PBDEs.
Co-localization of growth QTL with differentially expressed candidate genes in rainbow trout
Authors: Kocmarek Andrea L. , Ferguson Moira M. , Danzmann Roy G.
Published: August 2015

We tested whether genes differentially expressed between large and small rainbow trout co-localized with familial QTL regions for body size. Eleven chromosomes, known from previous work to house QTL for weight and length in rainbow trout, were examined for QTL in half-sibling families produced in September (1 XY male and 1 XX neomale) and December (1 XY male). In previous studies, we identified 108 candidate genes for growth expressed in the liver and white muscle in a subset of the fish used in this study. These gene sequences were BLASTN aligned against the rainbow trout and stickleback genomes to determine their location (rainbow trout) and inferred location based on synteny with the stickleback genome. Across the progeny of all three males used in the study, 63.9% of the genes with differential expression appear to co-localize with the QTL regions on 6 of the 11 chromosomes tested in these males. Genes that co-localized with QTL in the mixed-sex offspring of the two XY males primarily showed up-regulation in the muscle of large fish and were related to muscle growth, metabolism, and the stress response.
Spectral stability of unitary network models
Authors: Asch Joachim , Bourget Olivier , Joye Alain
Published: August 2015

We review various unitary network models used in quantum computing, spectral analysis or condensed matter physics and establish relationships between them. We show that symmetric one-dimensional quantum walks are universal, as are CMV matrices. We prove spectral stability and propagation properties for general asymptotically uniform models by means of unitary Mourre theory.
Global weighted W2,p estimates for nondivergence elliptic equations with small BMO coefficients
Authors: Yao Fengping
Published: August 2015

Recently, Byun and Lee [On weighted W2,p estimates for elliptic equations with BMO coefficients in nondivergence form, Internat. J. Math.26 (2015), Article ID: 1550001, 28pp.] proved that [Formula: see text] for the solutions of [Formula: see text] with small BMO coefficients. In this paper we shall extend the result in the above-mentioned paper to the following result under the same assumptions [Formula: see text] As a corollary we obtain Lp-type regularity for such equations.
An Efficient Density Biased Sampling Algorithm for Clustering Large High-Dimensional Datasets
Authors: Qian Xue-Zhong , Deng Jie , Qian Heng , Wu Qin
Published: August 2015

As one of the most popular data reduction category for large scale data mining, simple random sampling (SRS) often leads to the loss of small clusters when dealing with unevenly distributed datasets. A density biased sampling algorithm based on grid can avoid the problem. However, the grid division granularity has an influence on the efficiency and effectiveness of the algorithm. To overcome the drawback, a variable grid density biased sampling is proposed to deal with large scale unevenly distributed datasets. However, the efficiency is restricted by dimensionality. Aiming at this, an efficient density biased sampling algorithm is proposed for large high-dimensional datasets. Firstly, an efficient feature selection method is designed to obtain the feature subsets. Secondly, the variable grid division is executed in the selected feature subsets. Finally, the sample is obtained from the grid space. Synthetic datasets and UCI datasets, tested in our experiments, reveal that the proposed algorithm can achieve higher quality than SRS. Meanwhile, the proposed algorithm consumes less sampling time comparing with density biased sampling algorithm based on grid and density biased sampling algorithm based on variable grid division.
EFFECT OF PLASMA NITRIDING TEMPERATURES ON CHARACTERISTICS OF AISI 201 AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL
Authors: GAO YUXIN , ZHENG SHAOMEI
Published: August 2015

Samples of AISI 201 austenitic stainless steel were produced by plasma nitriding at 350[Formula: see text]C, 390[Formula: see text]C, 420[Formula: see text]C, 450[Formula: see text]C and 480[Formula: see text]C for 5[Formula: see text]h. Systematic characterization of the nitrided layer was carried out in terms of micrograph observations, phase identification, chemical composition depth profiling, surface microhardness measurements and electrochemical corrosion tests. The results show that the surface hardness and the layer thickness increased with increasing temperature. XRD indicated that a single S-phase layer was formed during low temperature ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]420[Formula: see text]C), while Cr2N or CrN phase was formed besides S-phase when nitrided at 450[Formula: see text]C and 480[Formula: see text]C. The specimen treated at 390[Formula: see text]C presents a much enhanced corrosion resistance compared to the untreated substrate. The corrosion resistance deteriorated for samples treated above 450[Formula: see text]C due to the formation of chromium nitrides.
A Light Weight Text Extraction Technique for Hand-Held Device
Authors: Angadi S. A. , Kodabagi M. M.
Published: August 2015

Automated systems for understanding display boards are finding many applications useful in guiding tourists, assisting visually challenged and also in providing location aware information. Such systems require an automated method to detect and extract text prior to further image analysis. In this paper, a new approach that uses zonewise profile features to identify and segment text regions from low resolution images of display boards captured from mobile phone cameras is presented. The method computes zonewise profile features on every 40 × 40 pixel image block and identifies potential text blocks using newly defined discriminant functions. Further, a merging algorithm is used to merge text blocks to obtain text regions. The method is implemented using the android software development kit and experimented on Sony X-PeriaTM Z C6603/C6602 mobile.

The proposed methodology is evaluated on 3240 low resolution images of display boards captured from 2 and/or 5 mega pixel cameras on mobile phones at various pixel sizes 240 × 320, 480 × 640 and 960 × 1280 and reports an average processing time of 13 s and detection rate of 95.5%. The proposed method is found to be robust and insensitive to the variations in size and style of font, thickness and spacing between characters.
Stereo Vision-Based Conic Reconstruction Using a Ray-Quadric Intersection
Authors: Saini Deepika , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: August 2015

This paper presents a new method for inverse geometric reconstruction of conics in 3D space using a ray–surface intersection. The perspective views of the conic in both the image planes are used as the input of the reconstruction algorithm. Least-square curve fitting is used in one of the 2D image planes to obtain the algebraic equation of the projected conic. The ray–surface intersection is performed using a second-order method, where a new criterion is given to provide the unique intersection. A plane is fitted through the evolved intersection points. The constructed plane cuts the conical surface to the desired conic. The proposed method does not require to establish correspondence between the two perspective views. Moreover, it requires only three intersection points. Various experiments are presented to support the validity of the proposed algorithm. Simulation studies are also performed to observe the effect of noise on errors of reconstruction. Effect of quantization errors are also considered in the final reconstruction.
Finite groups in which the normal closures of non-normal subgroups have the same order
Authors: Wang Lifang , Qu Haipeng
Published: August 2015

We describe the structure of finite groups in which all normal closures of non-normal subgroups have the same order. In particular, in the case of [Formula: see text]-groups, we give a complete classification.
Integrating Metacognitive and Psychometric Decision-Making Approaches for Bank Customer Loyalty Measurement
Authors: Jalali Marjan S. , Ferreira Fernando A. F. , Ferreira João J. M. , Meidutė-Kavaliauskienė Ieva
Published: August 2015

Greater competition and the aftermath of the financial crisis have meant that banks are increasingly focused on improving service quality and achieving higher levels of customer loyalty. Doing so requires being able to identify, understand and measure the determinants of such loyalty, however; and given the variety of multi-faceted factors involved, and the interrelationships among them, this is a complex undertaking. This paper proposes and tests an integrated application of cognitive mapping and multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA), thus combining metacognitive and psychometric decision-making approaches, to create a framework for the assessment of bank customer loyalty, which identifies its determinants and allows the trade-offs among them to be calculated. Practical advantages and limitations of our proposal are also discussed.
Structural, QTAIM, thermodynamic properties, bonding, aromaticity and NMR analyses of cation–π interactions of mono and divalent metal cations (Li+, Na+, K+, Be2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+) with substituted pyrazine derivatives
Authors: Zaboli Maryam , Raissi Heidar
Published: August 2015

Theoretical investigation of 42 cation-π complexes formed by the alkali metal ( Li +, Na +, K +), alkaline-earth cations ( Be 2+, Mg 2+, Ca 2+) and π-system of the pyrazine and its derivatives have been performed at density functional theory (DFT) (B3LYP functional) and MP2 methods with 6-311++G** basis set in the gas phase and the polarized continuum model (PCM)-water solvation. The following substituents have been taken into consideration: Br , Cl , CH 3, OH , OCH 3 and SH . The interactions present in these complexes have been investigated by means of the natural bond orbital (NBO) and the Bader's quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIMs) approaches. The effects of the interactions on NMR data have been probed using the GIAO-based method to extend investigation of the studied compounds. The calculated highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energies show that charge transfer occurs within each complex. Vibrational frequencies and physical properties such as dipole moment, chemical potential, chemical hardness and chemical electrophilicity of these compounds have been systematically explored. The aromaticity of aromatic rings has been measured using several well-established indices of aromaticity such as nucleus-independent chemical shift, harmonic oscillator models of the aromaticity, para-delocalization index, average two-center indices, aromatic fluctuation index and π-fluctuation aromatic index.
Pseudo Jahn–Teller origin of twisting in 3,6-pyridazinedione derivatives; N2C4H2Y2Z2 (Y = O, S, Se, Z = H, F, Cl, Br) compounds
Authors: Ilkhani Ali Reza
Published: August 2015

3,6-pyridazinedione and two of its derivatives where oxygen atoms of the molecule are substituted by two sulfur or selenium ( N 2 C 4 Y 2 H 4) were studied with the goal of answering the following question: "Which N 2 C 4 Y 2 H 4 compounds are unstable in their planar configuration?" Additionally, the origin of the twisting instability of 3,6-pyridazinedione planar configuration and three of its 1,2-dihalo derivatives ( N 2 C 4 H 2 O 2 Z 2) were rationalized by employing the pseudo Jahn–Teller effect (PJTE) to explain the difference between N 2 C 4 H 2 O 2 Z 2 structures in series. Therefore, the structures of six 3,6-pyridazinediones ( N 2 C 4 H 2 Y 2 Z 2) were optimized in both equilibrium and planar configurations, and their vibrational frequencies were calculated. Then the adiabatic potential energy surface (APES) profiles along the a2 distortion coordinates were calculated. Based on the calculation results, N 2 C 4 S 2 H 4 and N 2 C 4 Se 2 H 4 compounds were stable in the planar structure; but, due to the vibronic coupling interaction between the 1A1 ground state and the first excited state 1A2, the twisting instability occurred in planar N 2 C 4 H 2 O 2 Z 2 series. The (1 A 1 + 1 A 2) ⊗ a2 problem was found to be the reason of the breaking symmetry phenomena in all the four N 2 C 4 H 2 O 2 Z 2 in series from unstable planar configuration (highest-symmetry C 2v ) to the stable twisted geometry with C 2 symmetry. Finally, the vibronic coupling constants of the PJTE of the compounds in series were estimated by fitting the secular equation roots along the normal coordinates of distortion.
Noether gauge symmetry classes for pp-wave spacetimes
Authors: Camci Ugur , Yildirim Aydin
Published: August 2015

The Noether gauge symmetries of geodesic Lagrangian for the pp-wave spacetimes are determined in each of the Noether gauge symmetry classes of the pp-wave spacetimes. It is shown that a type N pp-wave spacetime can admit at most three Noether gauge symmetry, and furthermore the number of Noether gauge symmetries turn out to be four, five, six, seven and eight. We found that all conformally flat plane wave spacetimes admit the maximal, i.e. 10, Noether gauge symmetry. Also it is found that if the pp-wave spacetime is non-conformally flat plane wave, then the number of Noether gauge symmetry is nine or 10. By means of the obtained Noether constants the search of the exact solutions of the geodesic equations for the pp-wave spacetimes is considered and we found new exact solutions of the geodesic equations in some special Noether gauge symmetry classes.
Lattice points in bodies of rotation with a dent
Authors: Nowak Werner Georg
Published: August 2015

In the sense of the theory of lattice points in large bodies, a fairly general body of rotation [Formula: see text] in [Formula: see text] is considered whose convexity is being hampered by a “dent” (see Fig. 1). It turns out that, for [Formula: see text] a large real parameter, the true order of magnitude of the lattice discrepancy of [Formula: see text] essentially can be evaluated, contrary to the convex case.
Akashi series, characteristic elements and congruence of Galois representations
Authors: Lim Meng Fai
Published: August 2015

In this paper, we compare the Akashi series of the Pontryagin dual of the Selmer groups of two Galois representations over a strongly admissible [Formula: see text]-adic Lie extension. Namely, we show that whenever the two Galois representations in question are congruent to each other, the Akashi series of one is a unit if and only if the Akashi series of the other is also a unit. We will also obtain a similar result for the Euler characteristics of the Selmer groups and the characteristic elements attached to the Selmer groups.
A symbolic approach to some identities for Bernoulli–Barnes polynomials
Authors: Jiu Lin , Moll Victor H. , Vignat Christophe
Published: August 2015

The Bernoulli–Barnes polynomials are defined as a natural multidimensional extension of the classical Bernoulli polynomials. Many of the properties of the Bernoulli polynomials admit extensions to this new family. A specific expression involving the Bernoulli–Barnes polynomials has recently appeared in the context of self-dual sequences. The work presented here provides a proof of this self-duality using the symbolic calculus attached to Bernoulli numbers and polynomials. Several properties of the Bernoulli–Barnes polynomials are established by this procedure.
The Potential of Nucleic Acid-Based Nanoparticles for Biomedical Application
Authors: Biocca Silvia , Desideri Alessandro
Published: August 2015

The recent development of biomedical nanotechnology is providing the appropriate know-how to build novel nanocarriers/nanocapsules to be used in the pharmaceutical industry for delivery of drugs and/or therapeutic payloads to specific cells. DNA is an extremely suitable polymer for the generation of nanocapsules being biocompatible, stable and chemically modifiable. Moreover, the simple four bases mechanism allows the auto-assembly of geometrically defined systems. In this review, we describe the general properties of DNA nanocarriers, how they can be functionalized for different tasks, their interaction with cellular systems and we provide an outlook of their use in a therapeutic perspective.
Review: General Issues and Correlations for Predicting Flow Boiling Heat Transfer Coefficients in Micro-Scale Channels
Authors: Park Chang Yong
Published: August 2015

A review study was performed for basic heat transfer mechanism and quantitative analysis of correlations for flow boiling heat transfer in micro-scale channels. Several criteria for determining threshold diameter for micro-scale channels were discussed and the concept of confinement number was commented. The distinctive feature of flow boiling in micro-scale channels were considered and it was found out that the effect of the heat flux, latent heat, viscous force, surface tension, and inertial force was more significant. Important dimensionless parameters were summarized and it was pointed out that the boiling number, capillary number, and Weber number could be expected to play important roles at flow boiling in micro-scale channels. 17 correlations for flow boiling in micro-scale channels were reviewed in this study, and they were categorized by three types of correlations such as an equivalent Nusselt number correlation, a correlation with superposition of nucleate and convection boiling mechanism, and a flow pattern-based correlation. The predicted values by the correlations were compared with 536 experimental data from four different literatures and a correlation with smallest prediction errors was found. Some correlations showed distinct trends of convection heat transfer coefficient (h) change with respect to the variation of vapor quality. The trends are categorized by three trends such as noticeable increase of h with the increase of vapor quality and significant continuous decrease after dryout point, minor increase and decrease or decrease and increase of h, and gradual and continuous decrease of h with the increase of vapor quality. For each trend of h change, recommendable correlations and their basic equation forms were proposed to compare the prediction results with experimental data or to develop a new correlation by modifying existing correlations.
Understanding the Enhanced Catalytic Performance of Ultrafine Transition Metal Nanoparticles–Graphene Composites
Authors: Liu Xin , Meng Changgong , Han Yu
Published: August 2015

Catalysis, as the key to minimize the energy requirement and environmental impact of today's chemical industry, plays a vital role in many fields directly related to our daily life and economy, including energy generation, environment control, manufacture of chemicals, medicine synthesis, etc. Rational design and fabrication of highly efficient catalysts have become the ultimate goal of today's catalysis research. For the purpose of handling and product separation, heterogeneous catalysts are highly preferred for industrial applications and a large part of which are the composites of transition metal nanoparticles (TMNPs). With the fast development of nanoscience and nanotechnology and assisted with theoretical investigations, basic understanding on tailoring the electronic structure of these nanocomposites has been gained, mainly by precise control of the composition, morphology, interfacial structure and electronic states. With the rise of graphene, chemical routes to prepare graphene were developed and various graphene-based composites were fabricated. Transition metal nanoparticles-reduced graphene oxide (TMNPs–rGO) composites have attracted considerable attention, because of their intriguing catalytic performance which have been extensively explored for energy- and environment-related applications to date. This review summarizes our recent experimental and theoretical efforts on understanding the superior catalytic performance of subnanosized TMNPs–rGO composites.
China in the Post-World War II International Legal System
Authors: Hongsheng Sheng
Published: August 2015

Dramatic changes have taken place in the international legal system since the end of World War II, such as the expanding arenas for application of international law, the emergence of a series of new legal institutions, and the parallel extension of both rights and obligations of states. In recent years, new developments have been arising in the international legal system, manifested by three important sets of transition, that is, from a "sovereign priority" to a "human rights priority"; from "consent-orientation" to "coercion-orientation"; and from "integrity" to "fragmentation." The rise of China and the evolution of international law are closely related: while China's ascent has been achieved within the parameters of the international legal system, a more prosperous and stronger China will certainly influence the future trajectory of the evolving system. China should and can be a positive force in constructing a contemporary international legal order through promoting domestic justice and international rule of law. In this process, China needs to take a more proactive role and evolve from being a recipient to a rule-maker, in order to modify the outdated principles and rules in international law.
China's Foreign Assistance and Its Implications for the International Aid Architecture
Authors: Pan Yaling
Published: August 2015

China is now emerging as one of the most important development partners in the world. Based on its double identities as both recipient and donor, China has developed some specialties in terms of international development assistance. What new elements has China brought to the international aid architecture? This essay argues that the Chinese foreign assistance theory has four unique features, namely prioritizing development without setting any precondition; building win-win relationships with recipient countries through promotion of their independent development and national interests; insisting on equality rather than moral preaching, as well as keeping strategic patience while avoiding technical short-sightedness. Despite such specialties, China's foreign assistance is still practiced under international frameworks; the changes it aims to make should not be regarded as a "quiet revolution," but as an amendment to the existing international aid architecture.
The Silk Road Renaissance and New Potential of the Russian-Chinese Partnership
Authors: Podberezkin Alexey , Podberezkina Olga
Published: August 2015

The similarity between the Russian and Chinese stances in international politics is driving their strategic partnership. Cooperation in building international transport corridors across Central Asia can make their economies stronger and the region safer. This article presents the main reasons for China and Russia to develop their transport corridors, details of the various international transport corridor projects of other global powers in Central Asia, and the prospects for cooperation in this sphere. Recently China has encountered a slowdown in its economic growth whereby Chinese goods become more expensive, thus impairing their main competitive advantage — low price. This prospect highlights a need to explore strategies to make transportation of goods more efficient. For the Russian government, even in times of economic sanctions and crisis, development of transport infrastructure such as the Moscow-Kazan high-speed railway is a high priority, which is expected not only to return financial results, but also to have positive effects on demography, population mobility, job creation, as well as foster new opportunities for local small- and medium-sized businesses. While both Russia and China are well aware of the economic reasons for developing transport corridors in the region, each has its own tertiary ambitions which are not yet quite clear. Trans-Russian transport corridors are twice more efficient than Trans-Caucasian or Trans-Turkish ones, and China's "Silk Road Economic Belt" initiative will be more effective with Russia. Previously suspicious about the advancement of other great powers in Central Asia, Russia has been awakened by the greatest Eurasian transport project under development, the "Silk Road Economic Belt," with particular regard to the opportunities of the project, as well as the risks of non-participation. Transport corridors may have great effects on the regional order in Central Asia and are of tremendous strategic impact. Both Russia and China are interested in building transport corridors and strengthening their positions in Central Asia. To prevent rivalry between Russia and China for transport corridors and cooperation with Central Asian countries, both countries must understand each other's goals and fears. With good management, cooperation in transport corridors can bring both countries great benefits.
Influence of menopause and Type 2 diabetes on pulmonary oxygen uptake kinetics and peak exercise performance during cycling
Authors: Kiely Catherine , Rocha Joel , O'Connor Eamonn , O'Shea Donal , Green Simon , Egaña Mikel
Published: August 2015

We investigated if the magnitude of the Type 2 diabetes (T2D)-induced impairments in peak oxygen uptake (V̇o2) and V̇o2 kinetics was affected by menopausal status. Twenty-two women with T2D (8 premenopausal, 14 postmenopausal), and 22 nondiabetic (ND) women (11 premenopausal, 11 postmenopausal) matched by age (range = 30–59 yr) were recruited. Participants completed four bouts of constant-load cycling at 80% of their ventilatory threshold for the determination of V̇o2 kinetics. Cardiac output (CO) (inert gas rebreathing) was recorded at rest and at 30 s and 240 s during two additional bouts. Peak V̇o2 was significantly ( P < 0.05) reduced in both groups with T2D compared with ND counterparts (premenopausal, 1.79 ± 0.16 vs. 1.55 ± 0.32 l/min; postmenopausal, 1.60 ± 0.30 vs. 1.45 ± 0.24 l/min). The time constant of phase II of the V̇o2 response was slowed ( P < 0.05) in both groups with T2D compared with healthy counterparts (premenopausal, 29.1 ± 11.2 vs. 43.0 ± 12.2 s; postmenopausal, 33.0 ± 9.1 vs. 41.8 ± 17.7 s). At rest and during submaximal exercise absolute CO responses were lower, but the “gains” in CO larger (both P < 0.05) in both groups with T2D. Our results suggest that the magnitude of T2D-induced impairments in peak V̇o2 and V̇o2 kinetics is not affected by menopausal status in participants younger than 60 yr of age.
IL-15Rα is a determinant of muscle fuel utilization, and its loss protects against obesity
Authors: Loro Emanuele , Seifert Erin L. , Moffat Cynthia , Romero Freddy , Mishra Manoj K. , Sun Zheng , Krajacic Predrag , Anokye-Danso Frederick , Summer Ross S. , Ahima Rexford S. , Khurana Tejvir S.
Published: August 2015

IL-15Rα is the widely expressed primary binding partner for IL-15. Because of the wide distribution in nonlymphoid tissues like skeletal muscle, adipose, or liver, IL-15/IL-15Rα take part in physiological and metabolic processes not directly related to immunity. In fast muscle, lack of IL-15Rα promotes an oxidative switch, with increased mitochondrial biogenesis and fatigue resistance. These effects are predicted to reproduce some of the benefits of exercise and, therefore, improve energy homeostasis. However, the direct effects of IL-15Rα on metabolism and obesity are currently unknown. We report that mice lacking IL-15Rα (IL-15Rα−/−) are resistant to diet-induced obesity (DIO). High-fat diet-fed IL-15Rα−/− mice have less body and liver fat accumulation than controls. The leaner phenotype is associated with increased energy expenditure and enhanced fatty acid oxidation by muscle mitochondria. Despite being protected against DIO, IL-15Rα−/− are hyperglycemic and insulin-resistant. These findings identify novel roles for IL-15Rα in metabolism and obesity.
Spinal 5-HT7 receptors induce phrenic motor facilitation via EPAC-mTORC1 signaling
Authors: Fields D. P. , Springborn S. R. , Mitchell G. S.
Published: August 2015

Spinal serotonin type 7 (5-HT7) receptors elicit complex effects on motor activity. Whereas 5-HT7 receptor activation gives rise to long-lasting phrenic motor facilitation (pMF), it also constrains 5-HT2 receptor-induced pMF via “cross-talk inhibition.” We hypothesized that divergent cAMP-dependent signaling pathways give rise to these distinct 5-HT7 receptor actions. Specifically, we hypothesized that protein kinase A (PKA) mediates cross-talk inhibition of 5-HT2 receptor-induced pMF whereas 5-HT7 receptor-induced pMF results from exchange protein activated by cAMP (EPAC) signaling. Anesthetized, paralyzed, and ventilated rats receiving intrathecal (C4) 5-HT7 receptor agonist (AS-19) injections expressed pMF for >90 min, an effect abolished by pretreatment with a selective EPAC inhibitor (ESI-05) but not a selective PKA inhibitor (KT-5720). Furthermore, intrathecal injections of a selective EPAC activator (8-pCPT-2′-Me-cAMP) were sufficient to elicit pMF. Finally, spinal mammalian target of rapamycin complex-1 (mTORC1) inhibition via intrathecal rapamycin abolished 5-HT7 receptor- and EPAC-induced pMF, demonstrating that spinal 5-HT7 receptors elicit pMF by an EPAC-mTORC1 signaling pathway. Thus 5-HT7 receptors elicit and constrain spinal phrenic motor plasticity via distinct signaling mechanisms that diverge at cAMP (EPAC vs. PKA). Selective manipulation of these molecules may enable refined regulation of serotonin-dependent spinal motor plasticity for therapeutic advantage.
Interaction of long noncoding RNAs and microRNAs in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Huang Chaoqun , Yang Ye , Liu Lin
Published: August 2015

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcribed RNAs with more than 200 nucleotides in length. A growing body of evidence supports the notion that lncRNAs act as competitive endogenous RNAs for microRNAs and play roles in physiological and pathological processes. Several studies have demonstrated the roles of microRNAs in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, it is unknown whether lncRNAs are involved in IPF. To investigate the roles of lncRNAs in IPF, we determined the interaction of lncRNAs and microRNAs by motif search and manual comparison. The sequences of the dysregulated microRNAs in IPF including miR-21, miR-31, miR-101, miR-29, miR-199, and let-7d were used to search NONCODE database containing 33,829 human lncRNAs. A total of 34 lncRNAs with potential binding sites to these microRNAs were identified. We then examined the expression levels of the identified lncRNAs in the lungs of IPF patients by real-time PCR. Of 34 lncRNAs, nine lncRNAs were dysregulated in the IPF lungs. Four of them were inversely correlated to the microRNA expression in IPF. Further studies revealed that silencing the lncRNA CD99 molecule pseudogene 1 (CD99P1) inhibited proliferation and α-smooth muscle actin expression of lung fibroblasts, while knockdown of the lncRNA n341773 increased collagen expression in lung fibroblasts. These results suggest that CD99P1 and n341773 may be involved in the regulation of lung fibroblast proliferation and differentiation. The identification of regulatory functions of lncRNAs in lung fibroblasts may provide new research directions for the therapy of IPF.