bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of and factors associated with antenatal care seeking and adherence to recommended iron‐folic acid supplementation among pregnant women in Zinder, Niger
Authors: Begum Khadija , Ouédraogo Césaire T. , Wessells K. Ryan , Young Rebecca R. , Faye M. Thierno , Wuehler Sara E. , Hess Sonja Y.
Published: March 2018

The World Health Organization recommends iron and folic acid (IFA) supplementation for pregnant women. The high prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women in Niger warrants better understanding of the utilization of antenatal care (ANC) and IFA. We aimed to assess the prevalence of and factors associated with ANC coverage and adherence to IFA recommendation among pregnant women. Pregnant women (n = 923) from 64 randomly selected villages within the catchment area of 12 health centres were interviewed during a baseline household survey in Zinder, Niger. ANC and IFA coverage were 60.1% and 43.6%, respectively. Only 71.7% of women who attended ANC received IFA. Of the 401 women who reportedly received any IFA supplements, 99.3% had attended any ANC during their current pregnancy and 68.6% reported adherence to recommended IFA supplementation (i.e., consumed IFA every day in the previous week). Women with gestational age ≥27 weeks were more likely to have attended ANC than women with gestational age <27 weeks (85.9% vs. 27.5%, odds ratio [OR]: 21.81, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.81, 34.45). Women who reportedly received husbands' advice about attending ANC were more likely to attend ANC (OR: 1.48, 95% CI [1.03, 2.11]) and adhere to IFA recommendations (OR: 1.80, 95% CI [1.04, 3.13]) compared to those who did not receive any advice. ANC attendance is crucial to ensure distribution of IFA supplementation among pregnant women in Zinder. Interventions to improve ANC and IFA adherence will require promotion of early ANC, ensure availability of IFA at ANC, and involve husbands in ANC.
Factors associated with socio‐demographic characteristics and antenatal care and iron supplement use in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Senegal
Authors: Verney Allison , Reed Barbara A. , Lumumba Jude B. , Kung'u Jacqueline K.
Published: March 2018

Antenatal care (ANC) offers remarkable opportunities to reach a large number of women with effective nutrition and health interventions, including iron (Fe) supplementation. However, all women do not equally seek nor benefit from ANC. We aimed to identify characteristics associated with ANC and Fe use among women in hard‐to‐reach areas in Afar, Ethiopia; Sedhiou and Kolda, Senegal; and Kakamega, Kenya. Women who gave birth within 1 year preceding the survey (n = 4,575) from 15 different sub‐regions were randomly selected and surveyed. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associations of socio‐demographic characteristics with ANC and Fe use. Factors that showed positive associations with ANC uptake included education, income, possession of a mobile phone, and the occupation of the mother or another household member. Beginning ANC in the first trimester associated positively with achievement of 4 or more ANC visits, and having any ANC visits related positively with Fe intake. Distance to the nearest health facility was negatively associated, and type of nearest facility and counselling and health education were positively associated with some outcomes. The results from these surveys demonstrate the need to ensure access of services across all population groups and can help identify ANC programming needs.
Community perceptions towards the new role of traditional birth attendants as birth companions and nutrition advocates in Kakamega County, Kenya
Authors: Anono Esther L. , Ochola Sophie , Wawire Salome , Ogada Irene , Ndedda Crispin , Kung'u Jacqueline K.
Published: March 2018

Delivery with skilled birth attendants is important for reducing maternal mortality in developing countries. However, traditional birth attendants (TBAs) are abundant in such settings, managing deliveries without the skills and resources necessary to prevent mortality in this situations. Interventions that have been proposed to mitigate the situation include redefining the role of TBAs to nutrition advocates and birth companions for pregnant women to health facilities. We thus explored community perceptions on these new roles of TBAs, as birth companions and nutrition advocates, and their influence on health facility deliveries in Kakamega County, Kenya. Qualitative data was collected through key informant interviews with health workers and focus group discussions with lactating mothers, pregnant women, husbands, community leaders, community health volunteers, and TBA. Content analysis was conducted; data was organized into subthemes and conclusions made from each subtheme using Atlas.ti software. TBAs adopted their birth companion role as the majority offered companionship to mothers delivering at health facilities. Mothers were happy with this role as TBAs continued providing companionship even after delivery. The community members were happy with the new role of TBAs and reported increased deliveries at the health facilities. In contrast, TBAs did not adopt the nutrition advocacy role sufficiently. We found that redefining the role of the TBAs into birth companions to support facility‐based delivery is thus feasible and acceptable. Nutrition advocacy by the TBAs should be strengthened to maximize on the opportunity provided by the close association between TBAs and mothers and the community.
Validation of a smartphone‐based event recorder for arrhythmia detection
Authors: Narasimha Deepika , Hanna Nader , Beck Hiroko , Chaskes Michael , Glover Robert , Gatewood Robert , Bourji Mohamad , Gudleski Gregory D. , Danzer Susan , Curtis Anne B.
Published: March 2018

Introduction

Ambulatory cardiac monitoring devices such as external loop recorders (ELRs) are often used in the outpatient clinic to evaluate palpitations. However, ELRs can be bulky and uncomfortable to use, especially in public, at work, or in social situations. An alternative approach is a smartphone‐based electrocardiographic (ECG) recorder/event recorder (Kardia Mobile [KM]), but the comparative diagnostic yield of each approach has not been studied.

Methods

Thirty‐three patients with palpitations wore an ELR and carried a KM for a period of 14–30 days. They were instructed to transmit ECGs via KM and also to activate the ELR whenever they had symptoms. The tracings obtained from both devices were independently analyzed by two cardiologists, and the overall arrhythmia yield, as well as patient preference and compliance, were evaluated. The paired binomial data obtained from both devices were compared using an unconditional test of noninferiority.

Results

Of the 38 patients enrolled in the study, more patients had a potential diagnosis for their symptoms (i.e., at least one symptomatic recording during the entire monitoring period) with KM than with the ELR (KM = 34 [89.5%] vs ELR = 26 [68.4%]; χ2 = 5.1, P = 0.024). In the per protocol analysis, all 33 patients (100%) had a potential diagnosis using the KM device, which was significantly higher compared to 24 patients (72.2%) using the ELR (χ2 = 10.4, P = 0.001).

Conclusions

KM is noninferior to an ELR for detecting arrhythmias in the outpatient setting. The ease of use and portability of this device make it an attractive option for the detection of symptomatic arrhythmias.
Ultrasound‐guided serratus anterior plane block combined with the two‐incision technique for subcutaneous ICD implantation
Authors: Droghetti Andrea , Basso Ricci Erika , Scimia Paolo , Harizai Fabiola , Marini Massimiliano
Published: March 2018

Background

The standard technique for implanting a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S‐ICD) requires three incisions and the pocket of the device is created in the subcutaneous tissue of the left lateral thoracic wall. However, a two‐incision technique may be adopted, in which the cranial parasternal region is avoided and the device is positioned more deeply, completely under the latissimus dorsi muscle. This can also be combined with ultrasound‐guided serratus anterior plane block (US‐SAPB) for intraoperative anesthesia and perioperative analgesia. We describe our preliminary experience of US‐SAPB combined with the two‐incision intermuscular technique.

Methods

We performed US‐SAPB 40 minutes before starting the procedure, while the patient was in the supine position. The devices were implanted under the latissimus dorsi muscle. All patients were followed‐up after hospital discharge.

Results

Twelve patients (male 50%, 53 ± 16 years, body mass index 23 ± 4) underwent the S‐ICD implantation with the combined technique. The mean procedure duration was 47 ± 11 minutes. The procedure was successful and a shock energy of 65 J was successful in converting the induced ventricular fibrillation in all patients. The US‐SAPB was successful in 92% of cases and only one patient required convertion into general anesthesia due to pain during the procedure. In the postoperative period, patients did not report major discomfort and analgesics were not required. During a median follow‐up of 12 months, no complications were reported.

Conclusions

Serratus anterior plane block combined with the intermuscular and two‐incision technique proved to be safe and effective during the S‐ICD implantation procedure.
Study of the beneficial effects of green light on lettuce grown under short‐term continuous red and blue light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Bian Zhonghua , Yang Qichang , Li Tao , Cheng Ruifeng , Barnett Yvonne , Lu Chungui
Published: March 2018

Red and blue light are the most important light spectra for driving photosynthesis to produce adequate crop yield. It is also believed that green light may contribute to adaptations to growth. However, the effects of green light, which can trigger specific and necessary responses of plant growth, have been underestimated in the past. In this study, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was exposed to different continuous light (CL) conditions for 48 h by a combination of red and blue light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) supplemented with or without green LEDs, in an environmental‐controlled growth chamber. Green light supplementation enhanced photosynthetic capacity by increasing net photosynthetic rates, maximal photochemical efficiency, electron transport for carbon fixation (JPSII) and chlorophyll content in plants under the CL treatment. Green light decreased malondialdehyde and H2O2 accumulation by increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase (EC 1.15.1.1) and ascorbate peroxidase (EC 1.11.1.11) after 24 h of CL. Supplemental green light significantly increased the expression of photosynthetic genes LHCb and PsbA from 6 to 12 h, and these gene expressions were maintained at higher levels than those under other light conditions between 12 and 24 h. However, a notable downregulation of both LHCb and PsbA was observed during 24 to 48 h. These results indicate that the effects of green light on lettuce plant growth, via enhancing activity of particular components of antioxidative enzyme system and promoting of LHCb and PsbA expression to maintain higher photosynthetic capacity, alleviated a number of the negative effects caused by CL.
Esthetic evaluation and patient‐centered outcomes in single‐tooth implant rehabilitation in the esthetic area
Authors: Stefanini Martina , Felice Pietro , Mazzotti Claudio , Mounssif Ilham , Marzadori Matteo , Zucchelli Giovanni
Published: March 2018

Criteria for successful implants, in the rehabilitation of a single missing tooth in the esthetic area, should be determined by composite outcomes, including functional and esthetic aspects of soft tissues and the reconstruction, as well as patient‐reported outcomes. This paper focuses on current methods in esthetic assessment and patient‐centered/reported outcomes in single‐tooth implant rehabilitation in the esthetic area. The relationship between subjective, patient‐based esthetic evaluations and objective, professional‐based esthetic evaluations is reviewed. In spite of increasing interest in the assessment of ‘success’ in implant dentistry, it is not yet possible to provide evidence‐based conclusions because of the lack of consensus on a universal implant‐supported crown esthetic index. There is also a need to standardize reporting of patient‐centered outcomes in partially edentulous patients treated with implants.
Molecular depth profiling on rat brain tissue sections prepared using different sampling methods
Authors: Shon Hyun Kyong , Kim Shin Hye , Yoon Sohee , Shin Chan Young , Lee Tae Geol
Published: March 2018

Brain imaging using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) has been reported to produce the distorted biomolecular distributions due to the cholesterol-induced matrix effect when cholesterol migrates to the surface, particularly in white matter, which contains a high level of cholesterol. Frozen-hydrated analysis has been used to inhibit the movement of cholesterol in the brain. In this paper, the authors propose new sample preparation and drying methods that can be used to obtain accurate biomolecular images at room temperature, instead of frozen-hydrated analysis using liquid-nitrogen, which must be continuously supplied to maintain the sample at –160 °C during the experiment. The rat brain prepared by the tape-supporting method on a precooled (–20 °C) stainless steel plate was freeze-dried in a load-lock chamber of ToF-SIMS for about an hour and moved directly to the main chamber. Using this preparation method, the authors found that cholesterol did not migrate to the surface in the corpus callosum (white matter) of the rat brain and sulfatide-related signals obtained from the cerebellum were not reduced in white matter. Our tape-supporting and freeze-drying sampling method for brain tissues could be a useful tool to study important metabolites of neurodegenerative diseases.
Investigating the status of a rare cross-linguistic contrast: The case of Romanian palatalized postalveolars
Authors: Spinu Laura
Published: March 2018

This study examines a rare cross-linguistic contrast, that between plain and secondarily palatalized postalveolar fricatives, through (i) an acoustic analysis of the production of 31 Romanian speakers, and (ii) a perception experiment with a different group of 31 native speakers. Evidence of acoustic separation between plain and palatalized forms was found for 27 of the subjects, suggesting that the contrast is produced by the majority. This is consistent with previous reports of native speakers collected in 1961. These findings were supported by the results of the perceptual experiment, which showed that native speakers exhibit moderate sensitivity to this contrast. An examination of each of the two genders' production separately suggests that a process of neutralization may be in progress, more strongly realized by males compared to females. Aside from documenting this phenomenon in Romanian, an explanation is sought for its longevity, and it is proposed that grammatical restructuring offers the best account for the observed facts.
Understanding low-pass-filtered Mandarin sentences: Effects of fundamental frequency contour and single-channel noise suppression
Authors: Wang Lei , Zheng Dingchang , Chen Fei
Published: March 2018

The present work assessed the effects of flattening the fundamental frequency (F0) contour and processing by single-channel noise suppression on the intelligibility of low-pass (LP)-filtered (LPF) sentences. The original F0 contour was replaced by an average flat F0 contour or treated by single-channel noise suppression, followed by application of LP filtering to Mandarin sentences. Processed stimuli were presented to normal-hearing listeners to recognize. Flattening the F0 contour significantly affected the understanding of LPF sentences. Noise suppression by existing single-channel algorithms did not improve the intelligibility of LPF sentences.
Archean kerogen as a new tracer of atmospheric evolution: Implications for dating the widespread nature of early life
Authors: Bekaert David V. , Broadley Michael W. , Delarue Frédéric , Avice Guillaume , Robert Francois , Marty Bernard
Published: March 2018

Abundant ancient air in Archean kerogen reveals temporal atmospheric Xe evolution, providing a dating tool for early organics.
Arecibo telescope saved by university consortium
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: March 2018

University of Central Florida will take over operations of iconic radio dish.
After the deluge
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: March 2018

Twelve years after Hurricane Katrina, social scientists seek lessons from its survivors.
Nature's strategies: Fish that switch sex to thrive
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: March 2018

Paddling the Atlantic Ocean, sea breams react to overfishing.
Nature's strategies: Resilience by regeneration
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: March 2018

Through regrowth of damaged tissue, a salamander heals itself.
Nature's strategies: Stealing genes to survive
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: March 2018

Horizontal gene transfer gives bacteria new powers.
Nature's strategies: Squirrels with a rainy day fund
Authors: Leslie Mitch
Published: March 2018

Packing on the fat to last until spring.
Linking climate policies to advance global mitigation
Authors: Mehling Michael A. , Metcalf Gilbert E. , Stavins Robert N.
Published: March 2018

Joining jurisdictions can increase efficiency of mitigation
Fermi arcs connect topological degeneracies
Authors: Özdemir Şahin K.
Published: March 2018

Surface or bulk Fermi arcs are engineered in photonic structures to connect ideal Weyl points or exceptional points
pHirst sour taste channels pHound?
Authors: Montell Craig
Published: March 2018

Newly discovered acid channels may finally resolve the sour taste reception mystery
Seeking resilience in marine ecosystems
Authors: Darling Emily S. , Côté Isabelle M.
Published: March 2018

With recovery windows closing, how can reef corals resist climate change?
Exploring the Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Relationship of Relebactam (MK-7655) in Combination with Imipenem in a Hollow-Fiber Infection Model
Authors: Wu Jin , Racine Fred , Wismer Michael K. , Young Katherine , Carr Donna M. , Xiao Jing C. , Katwaru Ravi , Si Qian , Harradine Paul , Motyl Mary , Bhagunde Pratik R. , Rizk Matthew L.
Published: March 2018

Resistance to antibiotics among bacterial pathogens is rapidly spreading, and therapeutic options against multidrug-resistant bacteria are limited. There is an urgent need for new drugs, especially those that can circumvent the broad array of resistance pathways that bacteria have evolved. In this study, we assessed the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship of the novel β-lactamase inhibitor relebactam (REL; MK-7655) in a hollow-fiber infection model. REL is intended for use with the carbapenem β-lactam antibiotic imipenem for the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections. In this study, we used an
in vitro
hollow-fiber infection model to confirm the efficacy of human exposures associated with the phase 2 doses (imipenem at 500 mg plus REL at 125 or 250 mg administered intravenously every 6 h as a 30-min infusion) against imipenem-resistant strains of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. Dose fractionation experiments confirmed that the pharmacokinetic parameter that best correlated with REL activity is the area under the concentration-time curve, consistent with findings in a murine pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model. Determination of the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship between β-lactam antibiotics and β-lactamase inhibitors is complex, as there is an interdependence between their respective exposure-response relationships. Here, we show that this interdependence could be captured by treating the MIC of imipenem as dynamic: it changes with time, and this change is directly related to REL levels. For the strains tested, the percentage of the dosing interval time that the concentration remains above the dynamic MIC for imipenem was maintained at the carbapenem target of 30 to 40%, required for maximum efficacy, for imipenem at 500 mg plus REL at 250 mg.
Diagnostic Yield of Laboratory Methods and Value of Viral Genotyping during an Outbreak of Mumps in a Partially Vaccinated Population in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Nunn Alexandra , Masud Shazia , Krajden Mel , Naus Monika , Jassem Agatha N.
Published: March 2018

Mumps remains endemic in North America despite routine use of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. In 2016, an outbreak of mumps in British Columbia, Canada, provided an opportunity to determine the diagnostic utility of laboratory testing methods. Specimens from patients with clinical mumps were tested for infection using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for antibody detection and an in-house reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) targeting viral fusion and small hydrophobic (SH) genes. Viral genotyping was performed by SH gene sequencing. Laboratory data was linked with epidemiologic case data. Of the 139 confirmed cases, 94 (68%) had reported or documented history of MMR vaccination. Specimens were typically collected 1 day (for buccal and IgM tests) or 2 days (for urine tests) after symptom onset. Most confirmed cases (69%) were confirmed by buccal swab RT-PCR. Among cases tested by multiple methods, the percent positivity for buccal swab RT-PCR was 90% (96/107) compared to 43% (30/69) for both IgM ELISA and urine RT-PCR. Mumps IgM detection was higher in confirmed cases with no history of vaccination than in those with history (64% versus 34%,
P
= 0.02). The outbreak strain was identified as genotype G related to MuVi/Sheffield.GBR/1.05 but with conserved variations in five nucleotides within the SH gene that allowed linkage of geographically distinct cases. In conclusion, RT-PCR of buccal specimens had the highest diagnostic yield during a mumps outbreak in a partially vaccinated population. To optimize mumps diagnostic potential, clinicians should collect specimens depending on when the patient presents for care and their immunization history.
Efficacy of Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis and Repetitive Element Sequence-Based PCR in Typing of Salmonella Isolates from Assam, India
Authors: Gogoi Purnima , Borah Probodh , Hussain Iftikar , Das Leena , Hazarika Girin , Tamuly Shantanu , Barkalita Luit Moni
Published: March 2018

A total of 12
Salmonella
isolates belonging to different serovars,
viz
.,
Salmonella enterica
serovar Enteritidis (
n
= 4),
Salmonella enterica
serovar Weltevreden (
n
= 4),
Salmonella enterica
serovar Newport (
n
= 1),
Salmonella enterica
serovar Litchifield (
n
= 1), and untypeable strains (
n
= 2) were isolated from 332 diarrheic fecal samples collected from animals, birds, and humans. Of the two molecular typing methods applied,
viz
., repetitive element sequence-based PCR (REP-PCR) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), PFGE could clearly differentiate the strains belonging to different serovars as well as differentiate between strains of the same serovar with respect to their source of isolation, whereas REP-PCR could not differentiate between strains of the same serovar. Thus, it can be suggested that PFGE is more useful and appropriate for molecular typing of
Salmonella
isolates during epidemiological investigations than REP-PCR.
Hospitalisation rates among patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome: a population-based study, 1995–2016
Authors: Maciel Gabriel , Servioli Luisa , Nannini Carlotta , Berti Alvise , Crowson Cynthia S , Achenbach Sara J , Matteson Eric L , Cornec Divi
Published: March 2018

Objective

To determine rates and primary discharge diagnoses of hospitalisation in a cohort of patients with incident primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) compared with the general population.

Methods

This was a retrospective population-based cohort study focused on Olmsted County, Minnesota. The pSS cohort consisted of patients with incident pSS in the 1976–2015 period and was compared with a cohort of individuals without pSS matched 3:1 for age, sex and calendar year, randomly selected from the same population. Hospitalisations in 1995–2016 were examined. Discharge diagnoses were categorised using the Clinical Classifications Software for International Classification of Diseases, 9th revision, Clinical Modification.

Results

A total of 385 hospitalisations occurred in the 160 patients with pSS during 1592 person-years of follow-up. Among 466 comparators, there were 899 hospitalisations during 4660 person-years of follow-up, resulting in a significantly higher rate of hospitalisations in patients with pSS (rate ratio (RR): 1.25, 95% CI: 1.11 to 1.41). Rates of hospitalisation were increased among patients with pSS for endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases and immunity disorders (RR 1.82, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.98), diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.05) and for injuries and poisoning (RR 1.46, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.06). While not significantly increased overall, hospitalisations for diseases of the circulatory system were significantly increased in patients with pSS aged ≥75 years (RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.11).

Conclusions

Patients with pSS experienced higher rates of hospitalisation than the general population. Hospitalisations for endocrine/metabolic disorders, diseases of the circulatory system, diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue disorders, and injuries were more common among patients with pSS than comparators.
Contribution of diffusion, perfusion and functional MRI to the disconnection hypothesis in subcortical vascular cognitive impairment
Authors: Ye Qing , Bai Feng
Published: March 2018

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) describes all forms of cognitive impairment caused by any type of cerebrovascular disease. Early identification of VCI is quite difficult due to the lack of both sensitive and specific biomarkers. Extensive damage to the white matter tracts, which connect the cortical and subcortical regions, has been shown in subcortical VCI (SVCI), the most common subtype of VCI that is caused by small vessel disease. Two specific MRI sequences, including diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and functional MRI (fMRI), have emerged as useful tools for identifying subtle white matter changes and the intrinsic connectivity between distinct cortical regions. This review describes the advantages of these two modalities in SVCI research and the current DTI and fMRI findings on SVCI. Using DTI technique, a variety of studies found that white matter microstructural damages in the anterior and superior areas are more specific to SVCI. Similarly, functional brain abnormalities detected by fMRI have also been mainly shown in anterior brain areas in SVCI. The characteristic distribution of brain abnormalities in SVCI interrupts the prefrontal-subcortical loop that results in cognitive impairments in particular domains, which further confirms the ‘disconnection syndrome’ hypothesis. In addition, another MRI technique, arterial spin labelling (ASL), has been used to describe the disconnection patterns in a variety of conditions by measuring cerebral blood flow. The role of the ASL technique in SVCI research is also assessed. Finally, the review proposes the application of multimodality fusion in the investigation of SVCI pathogenesis.
Resonant enhancement in leptogenesis
Authors: Dev P. S. B. , Garny M. , Klaric J. , Millington P. , Teresi D.
Published: March 2018

Vanilla leptogenesis within the type I seesaw framework requires the mass scale of the right-handed neutrinos to be above [Formula: see text] GeV. This lower bound can be avoided if at least two of the sterile states are almost mass degenerate, which leads to an enhancement of the decay asymmetry. Leptogenesis models that can be tested in current and upcoming experiments often rely on this resonant enhancement, and a systematic and consistent description is therefore necessary for phenomenological applications. In this paper, we give an overview of different methods that have been used to study the saturation of the resonant enhancement when the mass difference becomes comparable to the characteristic width of the Majorana neutrinos. In this limit, coherent flavor transitions start to play a decisive role, and off-diagonal correlations in flavor space have to be taken into account. We compare various formalisms that have been used to describe the resonant regime and discuss under which circumstances the resonant enhancement can be captured by simplified expressions for the CP asymmetry. Finally, we briefly review some of the phenomenological aspects of resonant leptogenesis.
A Compact Size, High Isolation and Low Insertion Loss Microstrip Diplexer
Authors: Esmaeli S. H. , Sedighy S. H.
Published: March 2018

A compact microstrip diplexer with low insertion loss and high isolation is proposed by combination of two coupled line bandpass filters (BPFs). An additional zero in the lower BPF transmission is created by a coupling capacitance which can be tuned at the higher channel and improve the isolation, consequently. Moreover, defected ground structures (DGSs) are used for more design flexibility and fine tuning of the structure. A diplexer prototype with two passbands at 1.24[Formula: see text]GHz and 1.5[Formula: see text]GHz is fabricated and tested. The measured insertion losses in the passbands are less than 1.2[Formula: see text]dB while the isolation between two channels is greater than 25[Formula: see text]dB and the input return losses of the three ports are about 20[Formula: see text]dB. These results in comparison with the references verify the good performance and ability of the designed duplexer.
A Novel Type of Chaotic Attractor for Quadratic Systems Without Equilibriums
Authors: Dantsev Danylo
Published: March 2018

In this paper, a new chaotic dynamic system without equilibriums is presented. A conducted research of the qualitative properties of the discovered system reveals a noncompliance between the bifurcation behavior of the system and the Feigenbaum–Sharkovskii–Magnitsky theory. Additional research of known systems confirms the discrepancy.
An Estimation of the Logarithmic Timescale in Ergodic Dynamics
Authors: Gomez Ignacio S.
Published: March 2018

An estimation of the logarithmic timescale in quantum systems having an ergodic dynamics in the semiclassical limit, is presented. The estimation is based on an extension of the Krieger’s finite generator theorem for discretized [Formula: see text]-algebras and using the time rescaling property of the Kolmogorov–Sinai entropy. The results are in agreement with those obtained in the literature but with a simpler mathematics and within the context of the ergodic theory. Moreover, some consequences of the Poincaré’s recurrence theorem are also explored.
Dynamics Near the Heterodimensional Cycles with Nonhyperbolic Equilibrium
Authors: Xingbo Liu
Published: March 2018

In this paper, bifurcations of heterodimensional cycle with one nonhyperbolic equilibrium and one saddle-focus in three-dimensional vector fields are investigated. We study the interaction of a transcritical bifurcation with a codimension-0/codimension-2 heteroclinic cycle. Based on the construction of a Poincaré return map, we obtain the expressions of parametric curves of homoclinic and heteroclinic connections around the heterodimensional cycle as well as periodic orbits. Furthermore, the configurations of the parametric curves corresponding to different bifurcations are illustrated.
ESTIMATING AND ENHANCING THE FEEDBACKABILITY OF COMPLEX NETWORKS
Authors: TU CHENGYI , YAN RUIYANG
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we explore the relationship between Minimum Feedbackability Set (MFS) and Feedbackability Set (FS) of complex networks and use simulated annealing algorithm to obtain a relatively fast and reliable estimation of the MFS. Then, we implement this method to estimate the MFS of some real-world networks and explore whether the topological features influence the size of MFS. Additionally, we propose an optimal perturbation strategy to enhance the feedbackability of complex networks. Finally, we also research the intricate relationship between the structural properties and the feedbackability of various networks perturbed by optimal and random perturbation strategies.
Lie symmetries analysis and conservation laws for the fractional Calogero–Degasperis–Ibragimov–Shabat equation
Authors: Sahoo S. , Saha Ray S.
Published: March 2018

The present paper includes the study of symmetry analysis and conservation laws of the time-fractional Calogero–Degasperis–Ibragimov–Shabat (CDIS) equation. The Erdélyi–Kober fractional differential operator has been used here for reduction of time fractional CDIS equation into fractional ordinary differential equation. Also, the new conservation theorem has been used for the analysis of the conservation laws. Furthermore, the new conserved vectors have been constructed for time fractional CDIS equation by means of the new conservation theorem with formal Lagrangian.
Shifted Boubaker Lagrangian approach for solving biological systems
Authors: Parand Kourosh , Yousefi Hossein , Fotouhifar Mina , Delkhosh Mehdi , Hosseinzadeh Mehdi
Published: March 2018

Mathematical models and computer simulations are useful experimental tools for building and testing theories. Many mathematical models in biology can be formulated by a nonlinear system of ordinary differential equations. This work deals with the numerical solution of the hantavirus infection model, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection model of CD4[Formula: see text]T cells and the susceptible–infected–removed (SIR) epidemic model using a new reliable algorithm based on shifted Boubaker Lagrangian (SBL) method. This method reduces the solution of such system to a system of linear or nonlinear algebraic equations which are solved using the Newton iteration method. The obtained results of the proposed method show highly accurate and valid for an arbitrary finite interval. Also, those are compared with fourth-order Runge–Kutta (RK4) method and with the solutions obtained by some other methods in the literature.
Understanding and Assessing the User Burden of Urden of Mobile Apps
Authors: Kientz Julie A. , Suh Hyewon
Published: March 2018

When evaluating the design of a mobile app, many designers focus on a number of varying metrics related to the user experience, namely its usability, look and feel, usefulness, and overall delight that users experience when using it. However, even the most usable, beautiful, and delightful application can have an impact on its user in a negative way. Have you ever thought about how the application might burden the user, even in light of these positive attributes? For example, maybe the game that you designed to be irresistibly engaging makes the user feel guilty about how much time she spends with it. Or consider how a food-tracking application, which allows the user to take photos of his food to monitor his diet, may violate his family rules about no phones at the dinner table. Perhaps the fitness tracker you've designed to help people be more active only serves to make them feel badly about themselves for not exercising after sustaining an injury.
Nano-Enabled Approaches to Chemical Imaging in Biosystems
Authors: Retterer Scott T. , Morrell-Falvey Jennifer L. , Doktycz Mitchel J.
Published: March 2018

Understanding and predicting how biosystems function require knowledge about the dynamic physicochemical environments with which they interact and alter by their presence. Yet, identifying specific components, tracking the dynamics of the system, and monitoring local environmental conditions without disrupting biosystem function present significant challenges for analytical measurements. Nanomaterials, by their very size and nature, can act as probes and interfaces to biosystems and offer solutions to some of these challenges. At the nanoscale, material properties emerge that can be exploited for localizing biomolecules and making chemical measurements at cellular and subcellular scales. Here, we review advances in chemical imaging enabled by nanoscale structures, in the use of nanoparticles as chemical and environmental probes, and in the development of micro- and nanoscale fluidic devices to define and manipulate local environments and facilitate chemical measurements of complex biosystems. Integration of these nano-enabled methods will lead to an unprecedented understanding of biosystem function.
Hemagglutinin-Mediated Membrane Fusion: A Biophysical Perspective
Authors: Boonstra Sander , Blijleven Jelle S. , Roos Wouter H. , Onck Patrick R. , van der Giessen Erik , van Oijen Antoine M.
Published: March 2018

Influenza hemagglutinin (HA) is a viral membrane protein responsible for the initial steps of the entry of influenza virus into the host cell. It mediates binding of the virus particle to the host-cell membrane and catalyzes fusion of the viral membrane with that of the host. HA is therefore a major target in the development of antiviral strategies. The fusion of two membranes involves high activation barriers and proceeds through several intermediate states. Here, we provide a biophysical description of the membrane fusion process, relating its kinetic and thermodynamic properties to the large conformational changes taking place in HA and placing these in the context of multiple HA proteins working together to mediate fusion. Furthermore, we highlight the role of novel single-particle experiments and computational approaches in understanding the fusion process and their complementarity with other biophysical approaches.
Discrete physiological effects of beetroot juice and potassium nitrate supplementation following 4-wk sprint interval training
Authors: Thompson Christopher , Vanhatalo Anni , Kadach Stefan , Wylie Lee J. , Fulford Jonathan , Ferguson Scott K. , Blackwell Jamie R. , Bailey Stephen J. , Jones Andrew M.
Published: March 2018

The physiological and exercise performance adaptations to sprint interval training (SIT) may be modified by dietary nitrate ([Formula: see text]) supplementation. However, it is possible that different types of [Formula: see text] supplementation evoke divergent physiological and performance adaptations to SIT. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 4-wk SIT with and without concurrent dietary [Formula: see text] supplementation administered as either [Formula: see text]-rich beetroot juice (BR) or potassium [Formula: see text] (KNO3). Thirty recreationally active subjects completed a battery of exercise tests before and after a 4-wk intervention in which they were allocated to one of three groups: 1) SIT undertaken without dietary [Formula: see text] supplementation (SIT); 2) SIT accompanied by concurrent BR supplementation (SIT + BR); or 3) SIT accompanied by concurrent KNO3 supplementation (SIT + KNO3). During severe-intensity exercise, V̇o2peak and time to task failure were improved to a greater extent with SIT + BR than SIT and SIT + KNO3 ( P < 0.05). There was also a greater reduction in the accumulation of muscle lactate at 3 min of severe-intensity exercise in SIT + BR compared with SIT + KNO3 ( P < 0.05). Plasma [Formula: see text] concentration fell to a greater extent during severe-intensity exercise in SIT + BR compared with SIT and SIT + KNO3 ( P < 0.05). There were no differences between groups in the reduction in the muscle phosphocreatine recovery time constant from pre- to postintervention ( P > 0.05). These findings indicate that 4-wk SIT with concurrent BR supplementation results in greater exercise capacity adaptations compared with SIT alone and SIT with concurrent KNO3 supplementation. This may be the result of greater NO-mediated signaling in SIT + BR compared with SIT + KNO3.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We compared the influence of different forms of dietary nitrate supplementation on the physiological and performance adaptations to sprint interval training (SIT). Compared with SIT alone, supplementation with nitrate-rich beetroot juice, but not potassium [Formula: see text], enhanced some physiological adaptations to training.
Augmenting exercise capacity with noninvasive ventilation in high-level spinal cord injury
Authors: Morgan James W. , Ferrazzani Eric , Taylor J. Andrew , Vivodtzev Isabelle
Published: March 2018

High-level spinal cord injury (SCI) results in a very limited innervated skeletal muscle mass that strongly reduces exercise capacity. Our recent work showed that when adding functional electrical stimulation (FES) of the paralyzed legs (hybrid FES-exercise) to produce higher exercise capacity, peak ventilation became a limiting factor to training-induced improvement in aerobic capacity. Our assumption was that the systemic adaptations to exercise training are delimited by the maximal ventilation that can be achieved. However, herein, we present a case showing an acute increase in aerobic capacity when using noninvasive ventilatory support (NIV) during FES-rowing test in an individual who had previously experimented a plateau in his aerobic capacity for 18 mo. An 18-yr-old man with C5 SCI trained with arms-only rowing for 6 mo and subsequently trained with hybrid FES-rowing for 18 mo. Peak minute ventilation (V̇epeak) and peak oxygen consumption (V̇o2peak) were increased after arms-only training and increased further with 6 mo of hybrid FES-row training. Despite continued intense and frequent, hybrid FES-row training, neither V̇epeak nor V̇o2peak increased further over the next year (1.94 and 66.0 l/min). However, when this individual performed a FES-rowing V̇o2peak test with the addition of NIV, V̇epeak increased by 5 l/min, resulting in an improved V̇o2peak (2.23 l/min, +12%). This case demonstrates that noninvasive ventilation can overcome limitations to ventilation in high-level SCI and improve aerobic capacity during hybrid FES-exercise to a level not otherwise achievable. In addition, it broadly illustrates the intimate role of pulmonary function in determining the capacity to perform exercise.
Paralytic and nonparalytic muscle adaptations to exercise training versus high-protein diet in individuals with long-standing spinal cord injury
Authors: Yarar-Fisher Ceren , Polston Keith F. L. , Eraslan Mualla , Henley Kathryn Y. , Kinikli Gizem I. , Bickel C. Scott , Windham Samuel T. , McLain Amie B. , Oster Robert A. , Bamman Marcas M.
Published: March 2018

This study compares the effects of an 8-wk isocaloric high-protein (HP) diet versus a combination exercise (Comb-Ex) regimen on paralytic vastus lateralis (VL) and nonparalytic deltoid muscle in individuals with long-standing spinal cord injury (SCI). Fiber-type distribution, cross-sectional area (CSA), levels of translation initiation signaling proteins (Erk-1/2, Akt, p70S6K1, 4EBP1, RPS6, and FAK), and lean thigh mass were analyzed at baseline and after the 8-wk interventions. A total of 11 participants (C5-T12 levels, 21.8 ± 6.3 yr postinjury; 6 Comb-Ex and 5 HP diet) completed the study. Comb-Ex training occurred 3 days/wk and consisted of upper body resistance training (RT) in addition to neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)-induced-RT for paralytic VL muscle. Strength training was combined with high-intensity arm-cranking exercises (1-min intervals at 85–90%, V̇o2peak) for improving cardiovascular endurance. For the HP diet intervention, protein and fat each comprised 30%, and carbohydrate comprised 40% of total energy. Clinical tests and muscle biopsies were performed 24 h before and after the last exercise or diet session. The Comb-Ex intervention increased Type IIa myofiber distribution and CSA in VL muscle and Type I and IIa myofiber CSA in deltoid muscle. In addition, Comb-Ex increased lean thigh mass, V̇o2peak, and upper body strength ( P < 0.05). These results suggest that exercise training is required to promote favorable changes in paralytic and nonparalytic muscles in individuals with long-standing SCI, and adequate dietary protein consumption alone may not be sufficient to ameliorate debilitating effects of paralysis.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study is the first to directly compare the effects of an isocaloric high-protein diet and combination exercise training on clinical and molecular changes in paralytic and nonparalytic muscles of individuals with long-standing spinal cord injury. Our results demonstrated that muscle growth and fiber-type alterations can best be achieved when the paralyzed muscle is sufficiently loaded via neuromuscular electrical stimulation-induced resistance training.
Mechanisms for the age-related increase in fatigability of the knee extensors in old and very old adults
Authors: Sundberg Christopher W. , Kuplic Andrew , Hassanlouei Hamidollah , Hunter Sandra K.
Published: March 2018

The mechanisms for the age-related increase in fatigability during high-velocity contractions in old and very old adults (≥80 yr) are unresolved. Moreover, whether the increased fatigability with advancing age and the underlying mechanisms differ between men and women is not known. The purpose of this study was to quantify the fatigability of knee extensor muscles and identify the mechanisms of fatigue in 30 young (22.6 ± 0.4 yr; 15 men), 62 old (70.5 ± 0.7 yr; 33 men), and 12 very old (86.0 ± 1.3 yr; 6 men) men and women elicited by high-velocity concentric contractions. Participants performed 80 maximal velocity contractions (1 contraction per 3 s) with a load equivalent to 20% of the maximum voluntary isometric contraction. Voluntary activation and contractile properties were quantified before and immediately following exercise (<10 s) using transcranial magnetic stimulation and electrical stimulation. Absolute mechanical power output was 97 and 217% higher in the young compared with old and very old adults, respectively. Fatigability (reductions in power) progressively increased across age groups, with a power loss of 17% in young, 31% in old, and 44% in very old adults. There were no sex differences in fatigability among any of the age groups. The age-related increase in power loss was strongly associated with changes in the involuntary twitch amplitude ( r = 0.75, P < 0.001). These data suggest that the age-related increased power loss during high-velocity fatiguing exercise is unaffected by biological sex and determined primarily by mechanisms that disrupt excitation contraction coupling and/or cross-bridge function.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that aging of the neuromuscular system results in an increase in fatigability of the knee extensors during high-velocity exercise that is more pronounced in very old adults (≥80 yr) and occurs similarly in men and women. Importantly, the age-related increase in power loss was strongly associated with the changes in the electrically evoked contractile properties suggesting that the increased fatigability with aging is determined primarily by mechanisms within the muscle for both sexes.
A Single-Way Ranging Localization of AUVs Based on PSO of Outliers Elimination
Authors: Fan Xinnan , Wu Zhongjian , Ni Jianjun , Luo Chengming
Published: March 2018

Localization of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is a very important and challenging task for the AUVs applications. In long baseline underwater acoustic localization networks, the accuracy of single-way range measurements is the key factor for the precision of localization of AUVs, whether it is based on the way of time of arrival (TOA), time difference of arrival (TDOA), or angle of arrival (AOA). The single-way range measurements do not depend on water quality and can be taken from long distances; however, there are some limitations which exist in these measurements, such as the disturbance of the unknown current velocity and the outliers caused by sensors and errors of algorithm. To deal with these problems, an AUV self-localization algorithm based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) of outliers elimination is proposed, which improves the performance of angle of arrival (AOA) localization algorithm by taking account of effects of the current on the positioning accuracy and eliminating possible outliers during the localization process. Some simulation experiments are carried out to illustrate the performance of the proposed method compared with another localization algorithm.