bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete and Incomplete Genome Packaging of Influenza A and B Viruses
Authors: Nakatsu Sumiho , Sagara Hiroshi , Sakai-Tagawa Yuko , Sugaya Norio , Noda Takeshi , Kawaoka Yoshihiro
Published: September 2016

The genomes of influenza A and B viruses comprise eight segmented, single-stranded, negative-sense viral RNAs (vRNAs). Although segmentation of the virus genome complicates the packaging of infectious progeny into virions, it provides an evolutionary benefit in that it allows viruses to exchange vRNAs with other strains. Influenza A viruses are believed to package their eight different vRNAs in a specific manner. However, several studies have shown that many viruses are noninfectious and fail to package at least one vRNA. Therefore, the genome-packaging mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, we used electron microscopy to count the number of ribonucleoproteins (RNPs) inside the virions of different influenza A and B virus strains. All eight strains examined displayed eight RNPs arranged in a “7+1” configuration in which a central RNP was surrounded by seven RNPs. Three-dimensional analysis of the virions showed that at least 80% of the virions packaged all eight RNPs; however, some virions packaged only five to seven RNPs, with the exact proportion depending on the strain examined. These results directly demonstrate that most viruses package eight RNPs, but some do indeed package fewer. Our findings support the selective genome-packaging model and demonstrate the variability in the number of RNPs incorporated by virions, suggesting that the genome-packaging mechanism of influenza viruses is more flexible than previously thought.

IMPORTANCE
The genomes of influenza A and B viruses contain segmented RNAs, which complicates genome packaging but provides the evolutionary advantage of allowing the exchange of individual genome segments with those of other strains. Some studies have shown that influenza A viruses package all eight genome segments in a specific manner, whereas others have shown that many virions are noninfectious and fail to package at least one genome segment. However, such viruses have never been directly observed. Here, we used electron microscopy to provide the first direct visual evidence of virions packaging an incomplete set of ribonucleoproteins. The percentage of these noninfectious virions varied from 0 to 20, depending on the virus strain, indicating that most virions package all eight genome segments. These results extend our knowledge about how infectious and noninfectious virions coordinate for successful virus infection.
Nasopharyngeal foreign body triggered by a blind finger sweep
Authors: Mori Takaaki , Inoue Nobuaki
Published: September 2016

A previously healthy 1-year-old boy suddenly began choking and coughing after ingesting a coin. The child's mother attempted to extract the coin by inserting her fingers in his mouth and sweeping the oral cavity. The mother felt the object momentarily with her fingertips but was unable to retrieve it, and brought her son to a local hospital for assistance. The patient was referred to our emergency department (ED) for possible oesophageal obstruction by a foreign body based on the X-ray findings. On arrival at our ED, the child exhibited mild gagging but presented no respiratory symptoms and normal pulmonary examination. The chest X-ray revealed a nasopharyngeal foreign body. The patient was placed under procedural sedation and emergency removal was successfully completed by an otolaryngologist. Subsequently, the patient was discharged without complications.
Young female handball players and sport specialisation: how do they cope with the transition from primary school into a secondary sport school?
Authors: Kristiansen Elsa , Stensrud Trine
Published: September 2016

Objective

The aim of the present study was to examine how six young female handball players (aged 13–14 years) perceived the transition from primary school to a sport-specialised secondary school.

Methods

Physical and physiological data as well as data from questionnaires were collected at baseline and after the first year at the sport school, and qualitative interviews were performed retrospectively after the first year at school.

Results

Evidence of competition-related stressors, organisational stressors (sport and school balance) and personal stressors (social life and sport balance, lack of sleep and severe injuries) was found. Three girls developed long-lasting musculoskeletal injuries (>3 months out of ordinary training) and one experienced repeated short periods (≤2 weeks out of ordinary training) of injuries during the first year. Onset of menarche and a length growth between 6 and 8 cm during the first year were characteristic traits of the four injured girls.

Conclusions

From our small study, it appears that young athletes attending a specialised secondary sport school experienced many stressors due to a significant increase in training volume, reduction in sleeping time and development of severe and long-lasting injuries. Hence, trainers at sport schools, club trainers and parents need to communicate and support them in order to prevent this.
Descriptive, cross-country analysis of the nurse practitioner workforce in six countries: size, growth, physician substitution potential
Authors: Maier Claudia B , Barnes Hilary , Aiken Linda H , Busse Reinhard
Published: September 2016

Objectives

Many countries are facing provider shortages and imbalances in primary care or are projecting shortfalls for the future, triggered by the rise in chronic diseases and multimorbidity. In order to assess the potential of nurse practitioners (NPs) in expanding access, we analysed the size, annual growth (2005–2015) and the extent of advanced practice of NPs in 6 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries.

Design

Cross-country data analysis of national nursing registries, regulatory bodies, statistical offices data as well as OECD health workforce and population data, plus literature scoping review.

Setting/participants

NP and physician workforces in 6 OECD countries (Australia, Canada, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand and USA).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The main outcomes were the absolute and relative number of NPs per 100 000 population compared with the nursing and physician workforces, the compound annual growth rates, annual and median percentage changes from 2005 to 2015 and a synthesis of the literature on the extent of advanced clinical practice measured by physician substitution effect.

Results

The USA showed the highest absolute number of NPs and rate per population (40.5 per 100 000 population), followed by the Netherlands (12.6), Canada (9.8), Australia (4.4), and Ireland and New Zealand (3.1, respectively). Annual growth rates were high in all countries, ranging from annual compound rates of 6.1% in the USA to 27.8% in the Netherlands. Growth rates were between three and nine times higher compared with physicians. Finally, the empirical studies emanating from the literature scoping review suggested that NPs are able to provide 67–93% of all primary care services, yet, based on limited evidence.

Conclusions

NPs are a rapidly growing workforce with high levels of advanced practice potential in primary care. Workforce monitoring based on accurate data is critical to inform educational capacity and workforce planning.
Randomised factorial mixed method pilot study of aerobic and resistance exercise in haemodialysis patients: DIALY-SIZE!
Authors: Thompson Stephanie , Klarenbach Scott , Molzahn Anita , Lloyd Anita , Gabrys Iwona , Haykowsky Mark , Tonelli Marcello
Published: September 2016

Objectives

For people with end-stage renal disease requiring haemodialysis, exercise can improve aspects of quality of life (QoL). However, the relative benefits and risks of different types of exercise in this population are unknown. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a main study evaluating the efficacy of cycling and resistance exercise each performed during the haemodialysis treatment on QoL.

Methods

In this factorial (2×2) pilot trial, 31 haemodialysis patients were randomised to cycling, resistance, cycling and resistance, or an attention control. Feasibility was defined a priori by criteria on recruitment, fidelity to the protocol and patient response to the intervention. To better understand feasibility, we conducted interviews with dialysis unit staff and trial participants. As secondary outcomes, we estimated the main effect of cycling and weights each compared with control on QoL, physical function and strength.

Findings

We exceeded the target accrual of 28 participants over 12 weeks. Irrespective of exercise group allocation, adherence was high; of the 1038 training sessions offered, 87% were initiated and over 80% of exercise sessions were performed as per protocol. Progression based on perceived exertion, individual instruction and interactions with the kinesiologist facilitated acceptability across exercise groups. Using an attention control, measures of contamination and attrition were low. Important barriers to unit staff readiness for the intervention were initial safety and workflow concerns, unit workload and onerous data collection. Secondary outcomes were not statistically significant. Adverse events were low and did not increase with a higher volume of exercise.

Conclusions

The main study is feasible with minor modifications. In addition to practical assistance, involvement from unit staff could increase patient participation and improve trial implementation. Strategies to increase acceptability of the intervention for staff include improving workflow integration and using a prestudy demonstration phase to introduce the intervention.

Trial registration number

NCT02234232. Results
Diagnostic evaluation for autism spectrum disorder: a survey of health professionals in Australia
Authors: Taylor Lauren J , Eapen Valsamma , Maybery Murray T , Midford Sue , Paynter Jessica , Quarmby Lyndsay , Smith Timothy , Williams Katrina , Whitehouse Andrew J O
Published: September 2016

Objectives

There is currently no agreed Australian standard for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) even though there are specific diagnostic services available. We suspected inconsistency in the diagnostic practices of health professionals in Australia and aimed to assess these practices across the nation by surveying all relevant professional groups.

Design

In this study, we completed a survey of 173 health professionals whose clinical practice includes participating in the diagnostic process for ASD in Australia. Participants completed an online questionnaire which included questions about their diagnostic setting, diagnostic practice and diagnostic outcomes in 2014–2015.

Participants

Participants covered a range of disciplines including paediatrics, psychiatry, psychology, speech pathology and occupational therapy. All states and territories of Australia were represented.

Setting

Participants came from a range of service settings which included hospitals, non-governmental organisations, publicly funded diagnostic services and private practice.

Results

There was variability in diagnostic practices for ASD in Australia. While some clinicians work within a multidisciplinary assessment team, others practice independently and rarely collaborate with other clinicians to make a diagnostic decision. Only half of the respondents reported that they include a standardised objective assessment tool such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule in ASD assessments, and one-third indicated that they do not include measures of development, cognition and language in assessments where ASD is suspected.

Conclusions

Reported practice of some professionals in Australia may not be consistent with international best practice guidelines for ASD diagnosis. These findings highlight the need for a minimum national standard for ASD diagnosis throughout Australia that ensures best practice regardless of the type of setting in which the service is provided.
Induction maintenance with tumour necrosis factor-inhibitor combination therapy with discontinuation versus methotrexate monotherapy in early rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of efficacy in randomised controlled trials
Authors: Emamikia Sharzad , Arkema Elizabeth V , Györi Noémi , Detert Jacqueline , Chatzidionysiou Katerina , Dougados Maxime , Burmester Gerd Rüdiger , van Vollenhoven Ronald
Published: September 2016

Objective

To determine whether an induction-maintenance strategy of combined therapy (methotrexate (MTX)+tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor (TNFi)) followed by withdrawal of TNFi could yield better long-term results than a strategy with MTX monotherapy, since it is unclear if the benefits from an induction phase with combined therapy are sustained if TNFi is withdrawn.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis of trials using the initial combination of MTX+TNFi in conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug-naïve patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A systematic literature search was performed for induction-maintenance randomised controlled trials (RCTs) where initial combination therapy was compared with MTX monotherapy in patients with clinically active early RA. Our primary outcome was the proportion of patients who achieved low disease activity (LDA; Disease Activity Score (DAS)28<3.2) and/or remission (DAS28<2.6) at 12–76 weeks of follow-up. A random-effects model was used to pool the risk ratio (RR) for LDA and remission and heterogeneity was explored by subgroup analyses.

Results

We identified 6 published RCTs, 4 of them where MTX+adalimumab was given as initial therapy and where adalimumab was withdrawn in a subset of patients after LDA/remission had been achieved. 2 additional trials used MTX+infliximab as combination therapy. The pooled RRs for achieving LDA and clinical remission at follow-up after withdrawal of TNFi were 1.41 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.89) and 1.34 (95% CI 0.95 to 1.89), respectively. There was significant heterogeneity between trials due to different treatment strategies, which was a limitation to this study.

Conclusions

Initial therapy with MTX+TNFi is associated with a higher chance of retaining LDA and/or remission even after discontinuation of TNFi.
Rariglanda jerseyensis, a new ericalean fossil flower from the Late Cretaceous of New Jersey
Authors: Martínez Camila , Choo Thereis Y.S. , Allevato Daniella , Nixon Kevin C. , Crepet William L. , Harbert Robert S. , Daghlian Charles P.
Published: September 2016

A new species, Rariglanda jerseyensis, is described from well-preserved fusainized fossil flowers collected from the Late Cretaceous of New Jersey. Phylogenetic analyses and comparisons with extant and extinct taxa place R. jerseyensis within the monophyletic Ericales, sister to Clethraceae. The most distinctive feature of R. jerseyensis is a dense covering of conspicuous multicellular trichomes on the abaxial surface of the calyx. These multicellular trichomes appear to be glandular, and similar trichomes are found in several other, unrelated, Late Cretaceous fossils. In particular, the ericalean fossil Glandulocalyx upatoiensis bears the most similarity to R. jerseyensis, although differences in androecium and trichome characters clearly separate the two taxa. In addition, phylogenetic analyses confirm the position of G. upatoiensis within the Ericales, but place it within the sarracenioid clade, in a polytomy with Actinidiaceae and Roridulaceae. Past ecological studies associating trichomes with defense against herbivores and pathogens, coupled with the prevalence of multicellular trichomes on flowers among different lineages of fossils in the Cretaceous, suggest that glandular trichomes could have been an important adaptation against herbivore feeding during the Cretaceous.
Life stages, demographic rates, and leaf damage for the round-leaved orchids,Platanthera orbiculata(Pursh.) Lindley andP. macrophylla(Goldie) P.M. Brown in a northern hardwood forest in New Hampshire, USA
Authors: Cleavitt Natalie L. , Berry Eric J. , Hautaniemi Jill , Fahey Timothy J.
Published: September 2016

Terrestrial orchids are especially susceptible to population declines, and hence are the focus of plant conservation efforts worldwide, but the life history and demography of heterotrophic orchids is not well understood. Our objective was to quantify life stage transition rates for a species pair of rare round-leaved orchids (Platanthera spp.) in a northern hardwood forest. Marked individuals were measured over 5 years, and metrics included: leaf area, damage by herbivores and pathogens, flowering, and seed production. Germination trials were also conducted. Vital rates were very similar for the two species, which were about equally abundant despite large differences in seed production. Mortality was twice as high for juvenile as for adult stages, and juvenile abundance was markedly lower than for adults. Both species are vulnerable to leaf damage by invertebrates and fungi and exhibit clear leaf area thresholds for progression across life stages, both suggesting a delicate carbon balance for these mixotrophic orchids. The likely role of mycosymbiont distribution in facilitating seedling establishment deserves further detailed study to inform conservation efforts as these and other orchid species face an uncertain future owing to rapid environmental change and increasing pressure from white-tailed deer herbivory in the northern part of their range.
Incorporating lakes in stream fish habitat models: are we missing a key landscape attribute?
Authors: Pépino Marc , Rodríguez Marco A. , Magnan Pierre
Published: September 2016

Although lakes and rivers are intimately connected, more effort is needed to develop conceptual approaches accounting for lake–stream interactions within the drainage network. Lakes can buffer the impacts of environmental variability in streams and facilitate stream fish recolonization processes. However, lakes have rarely been incorporated in habitat models for stream fish. We examine whether including the presence of lakes in habitat models can improve our understanding of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) abundance in streams. We quantified brook trout relative abundance in 36 streams over 3 consecutive years by single-pass electrofishing. Relative abundance of brook trout in streams was greatest when lakes were present in the stream network. Lakes had greater influence on relative abundance in headwater streams than in larger streams. These results emphasize the importance of considering lakes as a critical attribute in landscape fish habitat models, many of which focus on terrestrial landscape variables. We discuss potential gains from incorporating the presence of lakes in (i) multiscale habitat models, (ii) analyses of spatiotemporal distribution of thermal refuges, and (iii) metrics of habitat connectivity in lake–stream networks.
Short-term stress: effects on cortisol levels and carotenoid spots in Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus)
Authors: Backström Tobias , Johansson Kajsa , Brännäs Eva , Nilsson Jan , Magnhagen Carin
Published: September 2016

Earlier studies have shown that the carotenoid pigmentation in Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus (L., 1758)) is connected to stress responsiveness. These studies also suggested that the pigmentation is dynamic and can change quickly. Therefore, we wanted to investigate the effect of a short-term stressor on the number of carotenoid spots before and after certain time intervals after the stressor. Individuals were exposed to a net-restraint stressor for 1 min and then assigned a recovery time of either 0, 1, 2, 8, or 24 h. Photographs were taken before the stressor and after the recovery time to count carotenoid spots and to look at the relative changes over time. Behaviour during the stressor and cortisol levels after the assigned recovery time were evaluated. We found that the change in spottiness, measured as the ratio of spots after and before the stressor, changed with recovery time on the right side but not on the left side. Furthermore, left-side spots were correlated with struggling activity. Thus, carotenoid pigmentation seems to be lateralized, with more static spots on the left side connected to stress responsiveness, whereas spots on the right side seem to be more dynamic.
Selective spin transport through a quantum heterostructure: Transfer matrix method
Authors: Dey Moumita , Maiti Santanu K.
Published: September 2016

In the present work, we propose that a one-dimensional quantum heterostructure composed of magnetic and non-magnetic (NM) atomic sites can be utilized as a spin filter for a wide range of applied bias voltage. A simple tight-binding framework is given to describe the conducting junction where the heterostructure is coupled to two semi-infinite one-dimensional NM electrodes. Based on transfer matrix method, all the calculations are performed numerically which describe two-terminal spin-dependent transmission probability along with junction current through the wire. Our detailed analysis may provide fundamental aspects of selective spin transport phenomena in one-dimensional heterostructures at nanoscale level.
The combined effect of lattice’s uniaxial strains and electron–phonon interaction’s screening on TBEC of the intersite bipolarons
Authors: Yavidov B. , Djumanov SH. , Saparbaev T. , Ganiyev O. , Zholdassova S. , Tulepbergenov S. , Kurbanov U.
Published: September 2016

Having accepted a more generalized form for density-displacement type electron–phonon interaction (EPI) force we studied the simultaneous effect of uniaxial strains and EPI’s screening on the temperature of Bose–Einstein condensation [Formula: see text] of the ideal gas of intersite bipolarons. [Formula: see text] of the ideal gas of intersite bipolarons is calculated as a function of both strain and screening radius for a one-dimensional chain model of cuprates within the framework of Extended Holstein–Hubbard model. It is shown that the chain model lattice comprises the essential features of cuprates regarding of strain and screening effects on transition temperature [Formula: see text] of superconductivity. The obtained values of strain derivatives of [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] are in qualitative agreement with the experimental values of [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] of La[Formula: see text]Sr[Formula: see text]CuO4 under moderate screening regimes.
Effect of inhomogeneous re-oxidation on Ni-based SOFC oxidation resistance
Authors: Lou Kang , Wang Feng Hui , Lu Yong Jun , Zhao Xiang
Published: September 2016

Inhomogeneous re-oxidation, which causes graded NiO content along anode thickness, has been confirmed to be a key reason for Ni-based cell cracking during redox progress. In this paper, an analytical model is developed to estimate the impact of inhomogeneous re-oxidation on Ni-based solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) oxidation resistance. And experiments, in which the SOFC was partially re-oxidized, were implemented for model trial. Model results show that electrolyte internal stress can be significantly reduced (from 367 MPa to 135 MPa, when the oxidation degree is 60%), and the electrolyte can remain intact even when the oxidation degree reaches about 70%, if the anode was re-oxidized uniformly. This impact of inhomogeneous re-oxidation on stress in the electrolyte decreases as the anode thickness increases. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images of partially oxidized anode cross-sections confirmed that Ni oxidation was inhomogeneous, in which the outer regions of the anode became almost fully oxidized, while the inner regions remained metallic. And the inhomogeneity increases with the redox times. Consequently, it is important to avoid gradients in NiO content during oxidation progress to prevent cell cracking.
Contribution to modeling the viscosity Arrhenius-type equation for saturated pure fluids
Authors: Tian Jianxiang , Zhang Laibin
Published: September 2016

Recently, Haj-Kacem et al. proposed an equation modeling the relationship between the two parameters of viscosity Arrhenius-type equations [Fluid Phase Equilibria 383, 11 (2014)]. The authors found that the two parameters are dependent upon each other in an exponential function form. In this paper, we reconsidered their ideas and calculated the two parameter values for 49 saturated pure fluids by using the experimental data in the NIST WebBook. Our conclusion is different with the ones of Haj-Kacem et al. We found that (the linearity shown by) the Arrhenius equation stands strongly only in low temperature range and that the two parameters of the Arrhenius equation are independent upon each other in the whole temperature range from the triple point to the critical point.
Answering Arabic Why-Questions
Authors: Azmi Aqil M. , Alshenaifi Nouf A.
Published: September 2016

A Question Answering (QA) system is concerned with building a system that automatically answer questions posed by humans in a natural language. Compared to other languages, little effort was directed towards QA systems for Arabic. Due to the difficulty of handling
why
-questions, most Arabic QA systems tend to ignore it. In this article, we specifically address the
why
-question for Arabic using two different approaches and compare their performance and the quality of their answer. The first is the baseline approach, a generic method that is used to answer all types of questions, including factoid; and for the second approach, we use Rhetorical Structure Theory (RST). We evaluate both schemes using a corpus of 700 textual documents in different genres collected from Open Source Arabic Corpora (OSAC), and a set of 100 question-answer pairs. Overall, the performance measures of recall, precision, and
c@1
was 68% (all three measures) for the baseline approach, and 71%, 78%, and 77.4%, respectively, for the RST-based approach. The recently introduced extension of the accuracy, the
c@1
measure, rewards unanswered questions over those wrongly answered.
Aerobic capacity and hepatic mitochondrial lipid oxidation alters susceptibility for chronic high-fat diet-induced hepatic steatosis
Authors: Morris E. Matthew , Meers Grace M. E. , Koch Lauren G. , Britton Steven L. , Fletcher Justin A. , Fu Xiaorong , Shankar Kartik , Burgess Shawn C. , Ibdah Jamal A. , Rector R. Scott , Thyfault John P.
Published: September 2016

Rats selectively bred for high capacity running (HCR) or low capacity running (LCR) display divergence for intrinsic aerobic capacity and hepatic mitochondrial oxidative capacity, both factors associated with susceptibility for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Here, we tested if HCR and LCR rats display differences in susceptibility for hepatic steatosis after 16 wk of high-fat diets (HFD) with either 45% or 60% of kcals from fat. HCR rats were protected against HFD-induced hepatic steatosis, whereas only the 60% HFD induced steatosis in LCR rats, as marked by a doubling of liver triglycerides. Hepatic complete fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and mitochondrial respiratory capacity were all lower in LCR compared with HCR rats. LCR rats also displayed lower hepatic complete and incomplete FAO in the presence of etomoxir, suggesting a reduced role for noncarnitine palmitoyltransferase-1-mediated lipid catabolism in LCR versus HCR rats. Hepatic complete FAO and mitochondrial respiration were largely unaffected by either chronic HFD; however, 60% HFD feeding markedly reduced 2-pyruvate oxidation, a marker of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle flux, and mitochondrial complete FAO only in LCR rats. LCR rats displayed lower levels of hepatic long-chain acylcarnitines than HCR rats but maintained similar levels of hepatic acetyl-carnitine levels, further supporting lower rates of β-oxidation, and TCA cycle flux in LCR than HCR rats. Finally, only LCR rats displayed early reductions in TCA cycle genes after the acute initiation of a HFD. In conclusion, intrinsically high aerobic capacity confers protection against HFD-induced hepatic steatosis through elevated hepatic mitochondrial oxidative capacity.
Novel single skeletal muscle fiber analysis reveals a fiber type-selective effect of acute exercise on glucose uptake
Authors: Cartee Gregory D. , Arias Edward B. , Yu Carmen S. , Pataky Mark W.
Published: September 2016

One exercise session can induce subsequently elevated insulin sensitivity that is largely attributable to greater insulin-stimulated glucose uptake by skeletal muscle. Because skeletal muscle is a heterogeneous tissue comprised of diverse fiber types, our primary aim was to determine exercise effects on insulin-independent and insulin-dependent glucose uptake by single fibers of different fiber types. We hypothesized that each fiber type featuring elevated insulin-independent glucose uptake immediately postexercise (IPEX) would be characterized by increased insulin-dependent glucose uptake at 3.5 h postexercise (3.5hPEX). Rat epitrochlearis muscles were isolated and incubated with 2-[3H]deoxyglucose. Muscles from IPEX and sedentary (SED) controls were incubated without insulin. Muscles from 3.5hPEX and SED controls were incubated ± insulin. Glucose uptake (2-[3H]deoxyglucose accumulation) and fiber type (myosin heavy chain isoform expression) were determined for single fibers dissected from the muscles. Major new findings included the following: 1) insulin-independent glucose uptake was increased IPEX in single fibers of each fiber type (types I, IIA, IIB, IIBX, and IIX), 2) glucose uptake values from insulin-stimulated type I and IIA fibers exceeded the values for the other fiber types, 3) insulin-stimulated glucose uptake for type IIX exceeded IIB fibers, and 4) the 3.5hPEX group vs. SED had greater insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in type I, IIA, IIB, and IIBX but not type IIX fibers. Insulin-dependent glucose uptake was increased at 3.5hPEX in each fiber type except for IIX fibers, although insulin-independent glucose uptake was increased IPEX in all fiber types (including type IIX). Single fiber analysis enabled the discovery of this fiber type-related difference for postexercise, insulin-stimulated glucose uptake.
α1D-Adrenoceptor blockade increases voiding efficiency by improving external urethral sphincter activity in rats with spinal cord injury
Authors: Ishida Hirokazu , Yamauchi Hiroki , Ito Hideaki , Akino Hironobu , Yokoyama Osamu
Published: September 2016

Ideal therapy for lower urinary tract dysfunction in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) should decrease detrusor overactivity, thereby promoting urine storage at low intravesical pressure and promoting efficient voiding at low pressure by decreasing detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia. Here we investigated blockade of various α-adrenoceptors to determine the subtype that was principally responsible for improving the voiding dysfunction. The effects of the intravenous α-blocker naftopidil, the α-blocker BMY 7378, and the α-blocker silodosin were evaluated using cystometrography and external urethral sphincter-electromyography (EMG) in decerebrated, unanesthetized female Sprague-Dawley rats with chronic SCI following transection at Th8. Parameters measured included the voided volume, residual volume, voiding efficiency, and burst and silent periods on EMG. Compared with values in decerebrated non-SCI rats, EMG of decerebrated SCI rats revealed more prominent tonic activity, significantly shorter periods of bursting activity, and a reduced ratio of the silent to active period during bursting. Compared with the value before drug administration (control), the voiding efficiency was significantly increased by naftopidil (1 and 3 mg/kg) (<0.05 each), and the burst (<0.01 and <0.05, respectively) and silent periods (<0.01 each) on EMG were significantly lengthened. BMY 7378 (1 mg/kg) significantly increased voiding efficiency and lengthened the burst periods (<0.05 each). Silodosin did not affect any parameters. These results suggest that α-blockade reduces the urethral resistance associated with detrusor-sphincter dyssynergia, thus improving voiding efficiency in SCI rats.
L-type calcium channels refine the neural population code of sound level
Authors: Grimsley Calum Alex , Green David Brian , Sivaramakrishnan Shobhana
Published: September 2016

The coding of sound level by ensembles of neurons improves the accuracy with which listeners identify how loud a sound is. In the auditory system, the rate at which neurons fire in response to changes in sound level is shaped by local networks. Voltage-gated conductances alter local output by regulating neuronal firing, but their role in modulating responses to sound level is unclear. We tested the effects of L-type calcium channels (CaL: CaV1.1–1.4) on sound-level coding in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (ICC) in the auditory midbrain. We characterized the contribution of CaL to the total calcium current in brain slices and then examined its effects on rate-level functions (RLFs) in vivo using single-unit recordings in awake mice. CaL is a high-threshold current and comprises ∼50% of the total calcium current in ICC neurons. In vivo, CaL activates at sound levels that evoke high firing rates. In RLFs that increase monotonically with sound level, CaL boosts spike rates at high sound levels and increases the maximum firing rate achieved. In different populations of RLFs that change nonmonotonically with sound level, CaL either suppresses or enhances firing at sound levels that evoke maximum firing. CaL multiplies the gain of monotonic RLFs with dynamic range and divides the gain of nonmonotonic RLFs with the width of the RLF. These results suggest that a single broad class of calcium channels activates enhancing and suppressing local circuits to regulate the sensitivity of neuronal populations to sound level.
Persistent Down-Beating Torsional Positional Nystagmus: Posterior Semicircular Canal Light Cupula?
Authors: Ichimura Akihide , Otsuka Koji
Published: September 2016

A 16-year-old boy with rotatory positional vertigo and nausea, particularly when lying down, visited our clinic. Initially, we observed vertical/torsional (downward/leftward) nystagmus in the supine position, and it did not diminish. In the sitting position, nystagmus was not provoked. Neurological examinations were normal. We speculated that persistent torsional down-beating nystagmus was caused by the light cupula of the posterior semicircular canal. This case provides novel insights into the light cupula pathophysiology.
An Improved Backstepping-Based Controller for Three-Dimensional Trajectory Tracking of a Midwater Trawl System
Authors: Yan Zhao , Mao Yun sheng , Liu Cheng gang
Published: September 2016

An improved backstepping control method for three-dimensional trajectory tracking of a midwater trawl system is investigated. A new mathematical model of the trawl system while considering the horizontal expansion effect of two otter boards is presented based on the Newton Euler method. Subsequently, an active path tracking strategy of the trawl system based on the backstepping method is proposed. The nonstrict feedback characteristic of the proposed model employs a control allocation method and several parallel nonlinear PID (Proportion Integration Differentiation) controllers to eliminate the high-order state variables. Then, the stability analysis by the Lyapunov Stability Theory shows that the proposed controller can maintain the stability of the trawl system even with the presence of external disturbances. To validate the proposed controller, a simulation comparison with a linear PID controller was conducted. The simulation results illustrate that the improved backstepping controller is effective for three-dimensional trajectory tracking of the midwater trawl system.
Diagnostics of Corrosion on a Real Bridge Structure
Authors: Koteš Peter , Brodňan Miroslav , Bahleda František
Published: September 2016

Real bridge structures are affected by environmental conditions. The environmental loads in time cause the degradation of concrete and reinforcement. The diagnostics of real state of existing bridges are very important due to actual degradation and corrosion. In the frame of research activities of Department of Structures and Bridges, Civil Engineering Faculty, University of Žilina, the real bridge structure was observed for a few years. It is girder reinforced concrete bridge near town of Žilina in Slovakia. The results of diagnostics which focused on reinforcement corrosion are presented. The paper deals with reinforcement corrosion and its influence on the moment resistance of the existing concrete structures.
miR-203 Expression in Exfoliated Cells of Tongue Coating Represents a Sensitive and Specific Biomarker of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Authors: Yan Xiuli , Zhu Shengliang , Zhang Hui
Published: September 2016

Background and Aim. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in the pathophysiology of numerous human diseases including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The objective of this study was to investigate the miRNA expression of exfoliated cells of the tongue in patients with GERD versus healthy controls (Ctrls).Methods. Using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR), expression levels of six candidate miRNAs (miR-143, miR-145, miR-192, miR-194, miR-203, and miR-205) were examined across a discovery cohort of patients with GERD (n=24) versus Ctrls (n=24). These findings were confirmed across a validation cohort (GERD,n=142; Ctrls,n=48). Differences in miRNA expression levels were evaluated using the Mann-WhitneyUtest while the specificity and sensitivity were obtained using receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curves.Results. miR-203 was significantly downregulated in GERD patients as compared to Ctrls (P<0.0001) with ROC curve of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.90–0.97). The sensitivity and the specificity of miR-203 were 91.7% and 87.3%, respectively, in the GERD and Ctrls. These results suggest that miR-203 may be a useful diagnostic marker for discriminating GERD from Ctrls.Conclusions. miR-203 testing may assist in the diagnosis of patients with symptoms suggestive of GERD.
Immune Thrombocytopenia in a Child with T Cell Lymphoblastic Lymphoma
Authors: Tokeji Kayo , Sakaguchi Sachi , Kurimoto Tomoko , Fujimura Junya , Shimizu Toshiaki
Published: September 2016

We describe the case of a 13-year-old boy who presented with persistent thrombocytopenia during maintenance chemotherapy with mercaptopurine and methotrexate for T cell lymphoblastic lymphoma. He was diagnosed with immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) after thorough investigations for the relapse of lymphoma and was successfully treated with immunoglobulin and steroids. ITP is known to be associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, and various types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma but rarely with T cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma or in children. Diagnosis of ITP with lymphoma is challenging due to the many factors affecting platelet counts, and ITP often complicates the diagnosis or treatment course of lymphoma. The underlying mechanism of ITP with NHL is still unclear. Drug-induced immunomodulation with a reduction of regulatory T cells might have contributed to the development of ITP in our case.
Bacterial Etiology and Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infections in a Cameroonian City
Authors: Nzalie Rolf Nyah-tuku , Gonsu Hortense Kamga , Koulla-Shiro Sinata
Published: September 2016

Introduction. Community-acquired urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are usually treated empirically. Geographical variations in etiologic agents and their antibiotic sensitivity patterns are common. Knowledge of antibiotic resistance trends is important for improving evidence-based recommendations for empirical treatment of UTIs. Our aim was to determine the major bacterial etiologies of CAUTIs and their antibiotic resistance patterns in a cosmopolitan area of Cameroon for comparison with prescription practices of local physicians.Methods. We performed a cross-sectional descriptive study at two main hospitals in Yaoundé, collecting a clean-catch mid-stream urine sample from 92 patients having a clinical diagnosis of UTI. The empirical antibiotherapy was noted, and identification of bacterial species was done on CLED agar; antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method.Results. A total of 55 patients had samples positive for a UTI. Ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid were the most empirically prescribed antibiotics (30.9% and 23.6%, resp.); bacterial isolates showed high prevalence of resistance to both compounds.Escherichia coli(50.9%) was the most common pathogen, followed byKlebsiella pneumoniae(16.4%). Prevalence of resistance for ciprofloxacin was higher compared to newer quinolones.Conclusions.E. coliandK. pneumoniaewere the predominant bacterial etiologies; the prevalence of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics was high.
Qualitative Analysis of a Pest Management Gompertz Model with Interval State Feedback Impulsive Control
Authors: Tian Yuan , Zhang Zhantao , Sun Kaibiao
Published: September 2016

An integrated pest management Gompertz model with interval impulsive control is put forward. Through pest density monitoring, an integrated control strategy is adopted; that is when pest density reaches an environmental damage level, pesticide is used as a control method; when pest density is lower than the damage level, predators as its natural enemy are released in case pest density is higher than the slightly harmful level and predator density is below its maintainable level. The analysis on the existence of order-1 or order-2 periodic orbit is carried out by the construction of Poincaré map of semicontinuous dynamical system. The stability and attractiveness of the periodic state are obtained by geometry approach, which ensures a certain robustness of control. The analytical results presented in the work are validated by numerical simulations for a specific model.
From “Kidneys Govern Bones” to Chronic Kidney Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, and Metabolic Bone Disorder: A Crosstalk between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Modern Science
Authors: Wang Xiao-Qin , Zou Xin-Rong , Zhang Yuan Clare
Published: September 2016

Although traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine have evolved on distinct philosophical foundations and reasoning methods, an increasing body of scientific data has begun to reveal commonalities. Emerging scientific evidence has confirmed the validity and identified the molecular mechanisms of many ancient TCM theories. One example is the concept of “Kidneys Govern Bones.” Here we discuss the molecular mechanisms supporting this theory and its potential significance in treating complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes mellitus. Two signaling pathways essential for calcium‐phosphate metabolism can mediate the effect of kidneys in bone homeostasis, one requiring renal production of bioactive vitamin D and the other involving an endocrine axis based on kidney‐expressed Klotho and bone‐secreted fibroblast growth factor 23. Disruption of either pathway can lead to calcium‐phosphate imbalance and vascular calcification, accelerating metabolic bone disorder. Chinese herbal medicine is an adjunct therapy widely used for treating CKD and diabetes. Our results demonstrate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of a Chinese herbal formulation, Shen‐An extracts, in diabetic nephropathy and renal osteodystrophy. We believe that the smart combination of Eastern and Western concepts holds great promise for inspiring new ideas and therapies for preventing and treating complications of CKD and diabetes.
Broadband Circular Polarizer Based on Multilayer Gradual Frequency Selective Surfaces
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Jian-ying , Wang Ling
Published: September 2016

This paper presents a broadband circular polarizer based on multilayer gradual frequency selective surfaces. The unit cell includes two identical circles and a bar, whose dimensions decrease layer by layer with a reduction factor. This design can provide a good phase difference that is close to 90°. The bandwidth of the polarizer reaches 66.7%, from 7.9 to 15.8 GHz, which can convert the incident linear polarization waves into circular polarization waves. A sample polarizer is fabricated and measured. The results show that the operation frequency ranges from 7.75 to 15.2 GHz, coinciding with the simulation. Meanwhile, the working frequency band covers the range of 8.2–14.5 GHz when the incident angle increases to 25°.
Fuzzy Constrained Predictive Optimal Control of High Speed Train with Actuator Dynamics
Authors: Wang Xi , Zhao Yan , Tang Tao
Published: September 2016

We investigate the problem of fuzzy constrained predictive optimal control of high speed train considering the effect of actuator dynamics. The dynamics feature of the high speed train is modeled as a cascade of cars connected by flexible couplers, and the formulation is mathematically transformed into a Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model. The goal of this study is to design a state feedback control law at each decision step to enhance safety, comfort, and energy efficiency of high speed train subject to safety constraints on the control input. Based on Lyapunov stability theory, the problem of optimizing an upper bound on the cruise control cost function subject to input constraints is reduced to a convex optimization problem involving linear matrix inequalities (LMIs). Furthermore, we analyze the influences of second-order actuator dynamics on the fuzzy constrained predictive controller, which shows risk of potentially deteriorating the overall system. Employing backstepping method, an actuator compensator is proposed to accommodate for the influence of the actuator dynamics. The experimental results show that with the proposed approach high speed train can track the desired speed, the relative coupler displacement between the neighbouring cars is stable at the equilibrium state, and the influence of actuator dynamics is reduced, which demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Esthetic Rehabilitation through Crown Lengthening Surgery and Conservative CAD/CAM Veneers: A Multidisciplinary Case Report
Authors: Passos Leandro , Soares Fernando Peixoto , Gallo Mauricio
Published: September 2016

This case report describes a successful multidisciplinary approach used to improve the smile esthetics of a patient presenting with excessive gingival display, asymmetric gingival margins, and small upper anterior teeth and lower anterior teeth. The treatment combined esthetic crown lengthening, dental bleaching, and restorative dentistry using CAD/CAM veneer. The 6-month follow-up examination confirmed the stability of the modification and absence of adverse effects.
The Relationship between Mollusks and Oxygen Concentrations in Todos Santos Bay, Baja California, Mexico
Authors: Kuk-Dzul J. Gabriel , Díaz-Castañeda Victoria
Published: September 2016

This study describes the relationship between mollusks, physicochemical properties of seawater, and sediments under natural conditions of low impact. Thirty-nine stations were sampled in October 1994 using a Van Veen grab (0.1 m−2). Temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations of bottom water were obtained with a CTD. Organic matter content and sediment grain analysis were determined. A total of 836 mollusks were collected. Gastropoda was the most abundant (52%) and diverse class with 27 genera, followed by Bivalvia with eight genera and Scaphopoda with only one genus. According to CCA analysis, dominant mollusks were significantly related with high DO concentrations.Donax,Natica,Acteocina,Bulla,Anachis,Odostomia, andCrucibulumcan be classified as sensitive genera because they were found mainly in high oxygen concentrations (3.1–5.6 mL L−1); on the other hand,Cardiomya,Nuculana,Laevicardium,Chione,Truncatella, andDentaliumcan be classified as tolerant genera (1.0–5.6 mL L−1). Todos Santos Bay hosts a diverse malacological fauna (36 genera); our results show that the dominant genera were mainly related to high dissolved oxygen concentrations. Mollusks can be a useful tool in environmental monitoring programs related with oxygen depletion in coastal areas.