bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scale adaptive visual tracking with latent SVM
Authors: Zhang Jin , Liu Kai , Cheng Fei , Ding Wenwen
Published: December 2014

A scale adaptive visual tracking algorithm based on the latent support vector machine (SVM) is proposed. The location of the object to be tracked is predicted by scanning all possible candidate locations and the scale is treated as a latent variable. With the predicted location, the latent SVM is optimised by a coordinate descent approach that optimises the latent variable and SVM parameters in an iterative manner. The separation of location and scale searching makes the tracker less likely to drift. Experimental results on test video sequences demonstrate that the proposed approach shows better accuracy than several state‐of‐the‐art visual tracking algorithms.
Compact tri‐band bandpass filter using three stub‐loaded open‐loop resonator with wide stopband and improved bandwidth response
Authors: Kumar N. , Singh Y. K.
Published: December 2014

A compact three stub‐loaded open‐loop resonator‐based tri‐band bandpass filter with better out‐of‐band suppression is presented. The position and length of the three stubs loaded to an open‐loop resonator determine the position of the three passbands. Mathematical analysis has also been performed to calculate the resonance condition of the proposed resonator. To demonstrate the concept, two second‐order filters are fabricated having three passbands centred at fo = 1.93 GHz, f1 = 3.6 GHz, f2 = 4.89 GHz and fo = 1.59 GHz, f1 = 3.12 GHz, f2 = 4.02 GHz, respectively. The fabricated filters show better 3 dB bandwidth as well. The simulation and measured results are in good agreement.
Energy detection of unknown signals in Gamma‐shadowed Rician fading environments with diversity reception
Authors: Peppas Kostas P. , Efthymoglou George , Aalo Valentine A. , Alwakeel Mohammed , Alwakeel Sami
Published: December 2014

This study presents a comprehensive performance analysis of an energy detector over Gamma‐shadowed Rician fading channels, namely Rician fading channels with the fluctuating line‐of‐sight components following the Gamma distribution. This composite multi‐path/shadowing model has been shown to provide a remarkably accurate fading characterisation while leading to closed‐form expressions for important channel statistics. Rapidly convergent infinite series representations are firstly derived for the average probability of detection and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the no‐diversity reception case. These results are then extended to the case of maximal ratio, equal gain and selection diversity. To this end, novel analytical expressions for the statistics of the end‐to‐end signal‐to‐noise ratio of equal gain and selection diversity receivers, operating over Gamma‐shadowed Rician fading channels are derived. Analytical results are substantiated by Monte Carlo simulation, as well as by extensive numerically evaluated results.
Cognitive interference channel: achievable rate region and power allocation
Authors: Al‐qudah Zouhair , Al Bataineh Mohammad
Published: December 2014

In this study, the authors consider a state‐dependent two user interference channel. The two users sharing the spectrum are assumed to be cognitive and each user has a non‐causal access to the signal from the other user. For this channel model, an achievable rate region is established for both discrete memoryless model and Gaussian channel. In particular, the achievable rate region is obtained by combining Han–Kobayashi rate splitting coding scheme, superposition coding, Gelfand–Pinsker coding scheme and zero‐forcing dirty paper coding. Furthermore, the sum rate maximisation and the associated power allocation problem are studied, numerically and theoretically. The corresponding numerical examples show that the proposed combined coding scheme outperforms the existing schemes in the sense of achievable rate region. Moreover, the effectiveness of the optimal power allocation between the two cognitive nodes is also shown.
Hardware architectures for the H.265/HEVC discrete cosine transform
Authors: Pastuszak Grzegorz
Published: December 2014

This study presents a design methodology for the two‐dimensional (2D) discrete cosine transform dedicated for H.265/HEVC hardware encoders. The methodology decomposes matrix multiplications for different transform sizes into some steps based on the division of transform units into fixed‐size blocks. The modified order of processed blocks allows a significant reduction of the size of the transposition buffer. As a consequence, the resource consumption of the whole 2D‐transform architecture is decreased. Separate transform cores assigned to two transform stages increase the throughput more than twice. The decomposition enables different hardware configurations of the architectures. Particularly, the architectures applying the proposed methodology are parametrically specified in VHDL, and configuration parameters enable the tradeoff between resources and the throughput. Furthermore, the interface adaptation to desired horizontal and vertical sizes is possible. The use of regular multipliers allows the support for transforms specified in other video standards. Computational elements embedded in architectures are well‐suited to FPGA devices, which improves the area‐speed efficiency. Synthesis results show that they can operate at 200 and 400 MHz when implemented in FPGA Arria II and TSMC 90 nm, respectively.
Gefäßveränderungen der Stimmlippen – Teil 1: Horizontale Gefäßveränderungen
Authors: Voigt-Zimmermann S. , Arens C.
Published: December 2014

Hintergrund: In den letzten Jahrzehnten haben sich die larynxendoskopischen Verfahren und Technologien derart verbessert, dass nicht nur epitheliale, sondern auch vaskuläre Veränderungen frühzeitiger erkennbar werden. Die damit einhergehende zunehmende Differenzierung solcher vaskulärer Veränderungen führt bei der Perzeption älterer und jüngerer Fachliteratur zu terminologischen Unschärfen hinsichtlich sichtbarer Gefäßveränderungen der Stimmlippen. Das erschwert den fachlich-wissenschaftlichen Diskurs.

Ziel: Basierend auf einer eingehenden Beschreibung vaskulärer Veränderungen der Stimmlippen zielt die vorliegende Arbeit deshalb auf eine theoretische und begriffliche Klärung für beginnende Gefäßveränderungen der Stimmlippen.

Ergebnis: Vaskuläre Veränderungen, wie ektatische und mäanderförmige Gefäße, eine zunehmende Anzahl und Verästelung von Gefäßen und Richtungswechsel der Gefäße stellen beginnende, meist reversible Gefäßveränderungen der Stimmlippen dar. Sie treten zudem als Vorstufen und Prädiktoren von manifesten Gefäßveränderungn der Stimmlippen auf, wie Stimmlippenvarizen, Polypen und Haemorrhagien bei Gefäßrupturen der Stimmlippen. Wenn diese überwiegend horizontalen vaskulären Veränderungen frühzeitig entdeckt und ätiologisch abgeklärt werden, erlauben sie differenzierte prognostische Aussagen und Therapieentscheidungen, z. B. für Phonochi­rurgie, Stimmfunktionstherapie oder Stimmhygiene. Vertikale Veränderungen treten erst bei Larynxpapillomen, prä- und kanzerösen Veränderungen der Stimmlippen auf. Bereits bei kleinen kanzerösen Stimmlippenveränderungen ist die reguläre vaskuläre Stimmlippenstruktur dann völlig zerstört.
Balancing high gain and bandwidth in multilayer organic photodetectors with tailored carrier blocking layers
Authors: Hammond William T. , Mudrick John P. , Xue Jiangeng
Published: December 2014

We present detailed studies of the high photocurrent gain behavior in multilayer organic photodiodes containing tailored carrier blocking layers we reported earlier in a Letter [W. T. Hammond and J. Xue, Appl. Phys. Lett. 97, 073302 (2010)], in which a high photocurrent gain of up to 500 was attributed to the accumulation of photogenerated holes at the anode/organic active layer interface and the subsequent drastic increase in secondary electron injection from the anode. Here, we show that both the hole-blocking layer structure and layer thickness strongly influence the magnitude of the photocurrent gain. Temporal studies revealed that the frequency response of such devices is limited by three different processes with lifetimes of 10 μs, 202 μs, and 2.72 ms for the removal of confined holes, which limit the 3 dB bandwidth of these devices to 1.4 kHz. Furthermore, the composition in the mixed organic donor-acceptor photoactive layer affects both gain and bandwidth, which is attributed to the varying charge transport characteristics, and the optimal gain-bandwidth product is achieved with approximately 30% donor content. Finally, these devices show a high dynamic range of more than seven orders of magnitude, although the photocurrent shows a sublinear dependence on the incident optical power.
Bipod flexure for 1-m primary mirror system
Authors: Kihm Hagyong , Yang Ho-Soon , Lee Yun-Woo
Published: December 2014

We present an analytical formulation of the bipod flexure for mounting the 1-m primary mirror in a space telescope. Compliance and stiffness matrices of the bipod flexure are derived to estimate theoretical performance and to make initial design guidelines. We use finite element analysis to optimize the bipod design satisfying the application requirements. Experimental verification is achieved by vibration test with a dummy mirror system.
Classical nuclear motion coupled to electronic non-adiabatic transitions
Authors: Agostini Federica , Abedi Ali , Gross E. K. U.
Published: December 2014

Based on the exact factorization of the electron-nuclear wave function, we have recently proposed a mixed quantum-classical scheme [A. Abedi, F. Agostini, and E. K. U. Gross, Europhys. Lett. 106, 33001 (2014)] to deal with non-adiabatic processes. Here we present a comprehensive description of the formalism, including the full derivation of the equations of motion. Numerical results are presented for a model system for non-adiabatic charge transfer in order to test the performance of the method and to validate the underlying approximations.
Nanomanipulation-coupled nanospray mass spectrometry as an approach for single cell analysis
Authors: Phelps Mandy , Hamilton Jason , Verbeck Guido F.
Published: December 2014

Electrospray mass spectrometry is now a widely used technique for observing cell content of various biological tissues. However, electrospray techniques (liquid chromatography and direct infusion) often involve lysing a group of cells and extracting the biomolecules of interest, rather than a sensitive, individual cell method to observe local chemistry. Presented here is an approach of combining a nanomanipulator workstation with nanospray mass spectrometry, which allows for extraction of a single cell, followed by rapid mass analysis that can provide a detailed metabolic profile. Triacylglycerol content was profiled with this tool coupled to mass spectrometry to investigate heterogeneity between healthy and tumorous tissues as well as lipid droplet containing adipocytes in vitro as proof of concept. This selective approach provides cellular resolution and complements existing bioanalytical techniques with minimal invasion to samples. In addition, the coupling of nanomanipulation and mass spectrometry holds the potential to be used in a great number of applications for individual organelles, diseased tissues, and in vitro cell cultures for observing heterogeneity even amongst cells and organelles of the same tissue.
Transient ejection phase modeling of a Plasma Synthetic Jet actuator
Authors: Laurendeau F. , Chedevergne F. , Casalis G.
Published: December 2014

For several years, a promising Plasma Synthetic Jet actuator for high-speed flow control has been under development at ONERA. So far, its confined geometry and small space-time scales at play have prevented its full experimental characterization. Complementary accurate numerical simulations are then considered in this study in order to provide a complete aerothermodynamic description of the actuator. Two major obstacles have to be overcome with this approach: the modeling of the energy deposited by the electric arc and the accurate computation of the transient response of the cavity generating the pulsed jet. To solve the first problem, an Euler solver coupled with an electric circuit model was used to evaluate the energy deposition in the cavity. Such a coupling is performed by considering the electric field between the two electrodes. The second issue was then addressed by injecting these source terms in large Eddy simulations of the entire actuator. Aerodynamic results were finally compared with Schlieren visualizations. Using the proposed methodology, the temporal evolution of the jet front is remarkably well predicted.
Rayleigh analysis of dielectric properties in textured K0.5Na0.5NbO3 ceramics
Authors: Haugen Astri Bjørnetun , Morozov Maxim I. , Jones Jacob L. , Einarsrud Mari-Ann
Published: December 2014

Grain texturing is a known method of exploiting the intrinsic dielectric and piezoelectric anisotropy in ferroelectric ceramics. However, the role of crystallographic texture on anisotropic extrinsic contributions including domain wall motion is not yet understood. Here, we investigate the dielectric and piezoelectric properties and small signal dielectric nonlinearities in K0.5Na0.5NbO3 ceramics in different directions of textured specimens and compare to ceramics without crystallographic texture. We demonstrate that directions in which pseudo-cubic 〈100〉 poles have greatest orientation density exhibit both an enhanced longitudinal piezoelectric response and lower dielectric nonlinearity.
Electronic structure of C and N co-doped TiO2: A combined hard x-ray photoemission spectroscopy and density functional theory study
Authors: Ruzybayev Inci , Baik Seung Su , Rumaiz Abdul. K. , Sterbinsky G. E. , Woicik J. C. , Choi Hyoung Joon , Ismat Shah S.
Published: December 2014

We have studied the electronic structure of C and N co-doped TiO2 using hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and first-principles density functional theory calculations. Our results reveal overlap of the 2p states of O, N, and C in the system which shifts the valence band maximum towards the Fermi level. Combined with optical data we show that co-doping is an effective route for band gap reduction in TiO2. Comparison of the measured valence band with theoretical photoemission density of states reveals the possibility of C on Ti and N on O site.
Band-gap corrected density functional theory calculations for InAs/GaSb type II superlattices
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2014

We performed pseudopotential based density functional theory (DFT) calculations for GaSb/InAs type II superlattices (T2SLs), with bandgap errors from the local density approximation mitigated by applying an empirical method to correct the bulk bandgaps. Specifically, this work (1) compared the calculated bandgaps with experimental data and non-self-consistent atomistic methods; (2) calculated the T2SL band structures with varying structural parameters; (3) investigated the interfacial effects associated with the no-common-atom heterostructure; and (4) studied the strain effect due to lattice mismatch between the two components. This work demonstrates the feasibility of applying the DFT method to more exotic heterostructures and defect problems related to this material system.
Production of systemically circulating Hedgehog by the intestine couples nutrition to growth and development
Authors: Rodenfels Jonathan , Lavrynenko Oksana , Ayciriex Sophie , Sampaio Julio L. , Carvalho Maria , Shevchenko Andrej , Eaton Suzanne
Published: December 2014

In Drosophila larvae, growth and developmental timing are regulated by nutrition in a tightly coordinated fashion. The networks that couple these processes are far from understood. Here, we show that the intestine responds to nutrient availability by regulating production of a circulating lipoprotein-associated form of the signaling protein Hedgehog (Hh). Levels of circulating Hh tune the rates of growth and developmental timing in a coordinated fashion. Circulating Hh signals to the fat body to control larval growth. It regulates developmental timing by controlling ecdysteroid production in the prothoracic gland. Circulating Hh is especially important during starvation, when it is also required for mobilization of fat body triacylglycerol (TAG) stores. Thus, we demonstrate that Hh, previously known only for its local morphogenetic functions, also acts as a lipoprotein-associated endocrine hormone, coordinating the response of multiple tissues to nutrient availability.
Confocal FLIM of Genetically Encoded FRET Sensors for Quantitative Ca2+ Imaging
Authors: Sauer Benjamin , Tian Qinghai , Lipp Peter , Kaestner Lars
Published: December 2014

Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) is a powerful imaging mode that can be combined with confocal imaging. Changes in the fluorescence decay time of a donor in an intramolecular Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensor provide intrinsic quantitative data. Here, we describe a protocol using both the Ca2+ sensor TN-XL, which uses troponin C, as the Ca2+-sensing unit, and the FLIM technology based on time-correlated single-photon counting.
Mapping RNA–Protein Interactions Using Iodine Footprinting
Authors: Nilsen Timothy W.
Published: December 2014

Footprinting methods are used to determine the binding site of a protein on an RNA. They are based on the fact that a protein bound to an RNA protects the RNA from cleavage by chemicals or nucleases. The footprinting method described here relies on the ability of iodoethanol to cleave the backbone of RNA when a phosphodiester bond contains sulfur in place of a nonbridging oxygen. A potential advantage of using iodoethanol for cleavage is that one can prepare RNAs that contain selective thiol substitutions such that the resulting cleavage patterns contain fewer bands, making quantification “easier” and the results cleaner. For example, a population of RNAs that only contains nonbridging thiol substitutions 5′ to each adenine can be prepared by including αS ATP in the transcription reaction. In this protocol, all positions on an RNA are surveyed. First, a series of RNAs is synthesized by transcription in the presence of αS ATP, αS CTP, αS UTP, or αS GTP. Each of the selectively substituted RNAs is probed with the binding protein of interest. The portion of the RNA that is not bound by protein is accessible and vulnerable to cleavage by iodoethanol. Finally, the cleavage products are analyzed by gel electrophoresis on denaturing polyacrylamide gels.
Generation of Transgenic Zebra Finches with Replication-Deficient Lentiviruses
Authors: Velho Tarciso A.F. , Lois Carlos
Published: December 2014

Zebra finches have been a rich experimental system for studying neurobiological questions of relevance to human health for decades. In particular, finches are the leading nonhuman model organisms for investigating the biological basis of vocal learning, a critical behavioral substrate for speech acquisition. In addition, zebra finches are an ideal system for the study of brain asymmetry, hormonal control of brain development, physiological function of sleep, sex differences in the brain, behavioral-induced gene expression, and adult neurogenesis, among other questions. Despite their importance for neurobiology, the usefulness of finches as an experimental system has been restricted by a lack of genetic manipulation methods. To overcome this barrier, our laboratory has developed methods for generating transgenic birds, including zebra finches. The successful implementation of this transgenic technology by multiple research laboratories has the potential to dramatically accelerate the progress of our understanding of the genetic basis of complex biological processes such as vocal learning. Moreover, the ability to genetically manipulate zebra finches could also be used to generate novel genetic models for human disorders that cannot be studied elsewhere or that can be more easily studied in this small bird. Here, we describe a protocol to generate transgenic zebra finches using recombinant lentiviruses.
Assembled structures of tetrakis(biimidazole)dirhodium complexes hydrogen-bonded with common inorganic anions
Authors: Jin-Long  , Uemura Kazuhiro , Ebihara Masahiro
Published: December 2014

Eight new structures of dirhodium complexes, each with four biimidazole (H2bim) ligands, were obtained: [Rh2(H2bim)4(H2O)2](NO3)4·4H2O (I), [Rh2(H2bim)4(H2O)2](ClO4)4·5H2O (II), [Rh2(H2bim)4(MeOH)2](ClO4)4(III), [Rh2(H2bim)4(DMF)2](BF4)4(IV), [Rh2(H2bim)4(Mepy)2](SiF6)2·8H2O (V), [{Rh2(H2bim)4(pz)}2(μ-pz)](SiF6)(ClO4)6·12.7H2O (VI), [{Rh2(H2bim)4(pz)}2(μ-pz)](ClO4)8·11.4H2O (VII) and [Rh2(H2bim)4(μ-pz)](SiF6)2·6H2O (VIII). The unbridged Rh—Rh bond distances range between 2.6313 (8) and 2.7052 (5) Å. The dirhodium units adopt a staggered conformation with torsion angles N—Rh—Rh—N of 37.6 (4)–48.98 (8)°. Various assembled structures were constructed by hydrogen bonding between the complexes and the anions: a discrete structure in (IV), one-dimensional structure in (II), two-dimensional structures in (I), (III), (VI), (VII) and (VIII) and a three-dimensional structure in (V).
From Scepticism to Liberalism? Bernard Williams, the Foundations of Liberalism and Political Realism
Authors: Sagar Paul
Published: December 2014

Bernard Williams was an ethical sceptic, but he was also a proponent of liberalism. To what extent can one finally be both? This article explores this question through a particular emphasis on Williams, but seeks to draw wider lessons regarding what ethical scepticism should and should not amount to. It shows how ethical scepticism can be reconciled with a commitment to what Williams, following Judith Shklar, called ‘the liberalism of fear’, which is revealed as an ecumenical outlook for different stripes of ethical sceptic. The article concludes by drawing some lessons for the recent ‘realist’ turn in political theory.
The Importance of Equal Respect: What the Capabilities Approach Can and Should Learn from Human Rights Law
Authors: Barclay Linda
Published: December 2014

Martha Nussbaum has argued for the superiority of her capabilities approach over the language of human rights. In this article it is argued that the capabilities approach is incapable of justifying something crucially important expressed in international human rights law: the requirement that every government treat all people as having equal status. Nussbaum has recently grappled with the role of equality within her approach, but has failed to offer a satisfactory explanation of its importance. The reason is that the value and importance of equal status cannot be fully articulated in the language of capabilities alone. While most philosophical conceptions of human rights also fail to incorporate the importance of equal respect, the limitations of the capability approach are more serious. For the purposes of specifying the duties of governments, capabilities are not the only things that matter.
Paying Restitution: Experimental Analysis of the Effects of Information and Rationale
Authors: Ruback R. Barry , Gladfelter Andrew S. , Lantz Brendan
Published: December 2014

Research Summary

Most crime victims do not receive the restitution they are owed. This study is an experiment that addresses two reasons offenders give for why they do not pay their court‐ordered restitution: (a) lack of understanding of how much they owe and where their payments are directed and (b) a belief that the sanctions are unfair. A total of 771 offenders were randomly assigned to one of four conditions in a 2 × 2 between‐subjects design in which, over a 6‐month period, three quarters of the offenders received monthly letters that contained (a) information or no information about the economic sanctions they had paid and what they still owed (Information manipulation) and (b) a statement or no statement about reasons for paying restitution (Rationale manipulation). The remaining offenders did not receive a letter. The results 1 year after the experiment began (6 months after the last letter had been sent) indicated that offenders who had received letters containing information (Information condition) paid significantly more money and made significantly more monthly payments than did offenders in the other three experimental conditions. A cost‐effectiveness analysis indicated that for every dollar spent on the experimental manipulation, approximately $6.44 in restitution was received.

Policy Implications

Research on deterrence has suggested that threatened punishment can lead to compliance only if the threat is real. The problem with such enforcement measures, however, is that this type of deterrence is too expensive to be broadly imposed. By contrast, inducing offenders to act based on internal motivation rather than in response to external contingencies of reward and punishment can lead to long‐term behavior change. This study suggests that informing offenders on a regular basis about how much restitution they have paid and how much they still owe can lead them to pay more restitution and to make more monthly payments. We believe these effects primarily are the result of a change in internal motivation because if it were fear of being monitored that led to the increased payments, then the absence of monitoring (i.e., no letters for 6 months) should have reduced that fear, meaning that payments should have been reduced. They were not. Although the question of the generalizability of the procedure remains open, the results of this experiment suggest that, at relatively little cost (because information about payments was gathered from individuals’ court dockets publicly available on the Web), governments can increase restitution payments, benefiting victims, society, and perhaps the offenders themselves.
Haemostatic management of cardiac surgical haemorrhage
Authors: Besser M. W. , Ortmann E. , Klein A. A.
Published: December 2014

Almost 30 000 cardiopulmonary bypass operations are performed in the UK every year, consuming a considerable portion of the UK blood supply. Each year, in cardiac surgery, 90% of blood products are used by only 10% of patients, and over the past 25 years, much innovation and research has gone into improving peri‐operative diagnosis and therapy for these patients. Visco‐elastic tests performed at the bedside, with modifications to allow direct quantification of fibrinogen levels, are probably the biggest advancement. There is no clear advantage of thromboelastometry over thromboelastography, and the published literature remains scarce. Visco‐elastic testing has recently been coupled with the systematic replacement of clotting factors by means of factor concentrates, with objective improvement in terms of blood loss, red blood cell usage and surgical re‐exploration. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has reviewed the available evidence and recommended visco‐elastic tests as cost effective in cardiac surgery. Factor concentrates, however, carry significant risks, particularly unnecessary donor exposures, potential selective over‐correction of partial deficiencies and the possibility that the postoperative risk of venous thromboembolism is increased; as yet there are no data on risk–benefit analysis. There are a number of promising drugs used in topical haemostasis, but the requirement to apply these before major bleeding is manifest limits their use considerably. Hyperfibrinolysis is less important than in the past due to the wide spread adoption of antifibrinolytic agents and close intra‐operative monitoring of heparin effect.
Correlation analysis of hypothalamic mRNA levels of appetite regulatory neuropeptides and several metabolic parameters in 28‐day‐old layer chickens
Authors: Honda Kazuhisa , Saneyasu Takaoki , Aoki Koji , Shimatani Tomohiko , Yamaguchi Takuya , Kamisoyama Hiroshi
Published: December 2014

Various lines of evidence suggest that appetite‐related neuropeptides in the hypothalamus are regulated by adiposity signals such as leptin and insulin in mammals. In the present study, we examined age‐dependent changes in the weight of abdominal fat and hypothalamic mRNA levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY, an orexigenic neuropeptide) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC, a precursor of anorexigenic neuropeptides) in growing chickens at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of age. Hypothalamic NPY mRNA levels were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased after 14 days of age, whereas hypothalamic POMC mRNA levels were significantly (P < 0.05) increased at 28 days of age. The percentage of abdominal fat was significantly increased after 14 days of age in chickens. We next examined the correlation of hypothalamic NPY and POMC mRNA levels and several parameters at 28 days of age. There were no significant correlations between hypothalamic mRNA levels of NPY or POMC and the percentage of abdominal fat. These findings suggest that the gene expressions of NPY and POMC do not depend on adiposity in chickens, at least in 28‐day‐old layer chickens.
A new rolling culture‐based in vitro fertilization system capable of reducing polyspermy in porcine oocytes
Authors: Kitaji Hideki , Ookutsu Shoji , Sato Masahiro , Miyoshi Kazuchika
Published: December 2014

The high incidence of polyspermy is one of the major obstacles during in vitro fertilization (IVF) in pigs. To overcome this, we developed a novel IVF method, which involves constant rotation. Oocytes matured in vitro were mixed with spermatozoa (0.2 × 105 sperm/mL) in an IVF medium (200 μL) using a 200 μL PCR tube. This tube was then rotated at 1 rpm for 6 h at 38.5°C in a rotation mixer (experimental group). A second PCR tube was simultaneously cultured without rotation (control group). The rate of polyspermy was evaluated 12 h after insemination and was significantly (P < 0.05; 21.0% vs. 48.3%) lower in the experimental group than in the control group. Sperm penetration rate was similar in oocytes from the experimental and control groups (75.2% vs. 83.1%). However, monospermic fertilization rate of the oocytes was significantly (P < 0.05; 44.8% vs. 21.2%) higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Furthermore, the rate of blastocyst formation (30.1% vs. 20.8%) increased in the experimental group, as compared to the control group. This present system will contribute to increase the efficacy of blastocyst production through reduction of polyspermic penetration.
Effects of hypothalamic dopamine on growth hormone‐releasing hormone‐induced growth hormone secretion and thyrotropin‐releasing hormone‐induced prolactin secretion in goats
Authors: Jin Jin , Hashizume Tsutomu
Published: December 2014

The aim of the present study was to clarify the effects of hypothalamic dopamine (DA) on the secretion of growth hormone (GH) in goats. The GH‐releasing response to an intravenous (i.v.) injection of GH‐releasing hormone (GHRH, 0.25 μg/kg body weight (BW)) was examined after treatments to augment central DA using carbidopa (carbi, 1 mg/kg BW) and L‐dopa (1 mg/kg BW) in male and female goats under a 16‐h photoperiod (16 h light, 8 h dark) condition. GHRH significantly and rapidly stimulated the release of GH after its i.v. administration to goats (P < 0.05). The carbi and L‐dopa treatments completely suppressed GH‐releasing responses to GHRH in both male and female goats (P < 0.05). The prolactin (PRL)‐releasing response to an i.v. injection of thyrotropin‐releasing hormone (TRH, 1 μg/kg BW) was additionally examined in male goats in this study to confirm modifications to central DA concentrations. The treatments with carbi and L‐dopa significantly reduced TRH‐induced PRL release in goats (P < 0.05). These results demonstrated that hypothalamic DA was involved in the regulatory mechanisms of GH, as well as PRL secretion in goats.
Beyond the Union‐Centred Approach: A Critical Evaluation of Recent Trade Union Elections in China
Authors: Hui Elaine Sio‐ieng , Chan Chris King‐chi
Published: December 2014

Many Western scholars have regarded union democracy and elections as affairs that are internal to trade unions and unconnected with outside forces. Going beyond the mainstream union‐centred approach, this study critically assesses one significant type of union election that has been emerging in China since 2010 and that has been driven by different forces from previous elections. Previous workplace union elections had been ‘top‐down’ — initiated by the party‐state or its apparatuses, or else transnational corporation‐induced — but this newer type of election has been driven by workers' strikes. This study illustrates how the dynamics among the quadripartite actors — party‐state, higher‐level trade unions, capital and labour — have shaped these strike‐driven elections. Contrary to the claim that these elections have been ‘direct’ and ‘democratic’, our case studies show that they have been indirect and quasi‐democratic in nature.
Resolving clinical diagnoses for syndromic cleft lip and/or palate phenotypes using whole‐exome sequencing
Authors: Pengelly R.J. , Upstill‐Goddard R. , Arias L. , Martinez J. , Gibson J. , Knut M. , Collins A.L. , Ennis S. , Collins A. , Briceno I.
Published: December 2014

Individuals from three families ascertained in Bogota, Colombia, showing syndromic phenotypes, including cleft lip and/or palate, were exome‐sequenced. In each case, sequencing revealed the underlying causal variation confirming or establishing diagnoses. The findings include very rare and novel variants providing insights into genotype and phenotype relationships. These include the molecular diagnosis of an individual with Nager syndrome and a family exhibiting an atypical incontinentia pigmenti phenotype with a missense mutation in IKBKG. IKBKG mutations are typically associated with preterm male death, but this variant is associated with survival for 8–15 days. The third family exhibits unusual phenotypic features and the proband received a provisional diagnosis of Pierre Robin sequence (PRS). Affected individuals share a novel deleterious mutation in IRF6. Mutations in IRF6 cause Van der Woude and popliteal pterygium syndrome and contribute to nonsyndromic cleft lip phenotypes but have not previously been associated with a PRS phenotype. Exome sequencing followed by in silico screening to identify candidate causal variant(s), and functional assay in some cases offers a powerful route to establishing molecular diagnoses. This approach is invaluable for conditions showing phenotypic and/or genetic heterogeneity including cleft lip and/or palate phenotypes where many underlying causal genes have not been identified.
Encoding of point of view during action observation in the local field potentials of macaque area F5
Authors: Caggiano Vittorio , Giese Martin , Thier Peter , Casile Antonino
Published: December 2014

The discovery of mirror neurons compellingly shows that the monkey premotor area F5 is active not only during the execution but also during the observation of goal‐directed motor acts. Previous studies have addressed the functioning of the mirror‐neuron system at the single‐unit level. Here, we tackled this research question at the network level by analysing local field potentials in area F5 while the monkey was presented with goal‐directed actions executed by a human or monkey actor and observed either from a first‐person or third‐person perspective. Our analysis showed that rhythmic responses are not only present in area F5 during action observation, but are also modulated by the point of view. Observing an action from a subjective point of view produced significantly higher power in the low‐frequency band (2–10 Hz) than observing the same action from a frontal view. Interestingly, an increase in power in the 2–10 Hz band was also produced by the execution of goal‐directed motor acts. Independently of the point of view, action observation also produced a significant decrease in power in the 15–40 Hz band and an increase in the 60–100 Hz band. These results suggest that, depending on the point of view, action observation might activate different processes in area F5. Furthermore, they may provide information about the functional architecture of action perception in primates.
Association between alcohol consumption and periodontal disease among older Nigerians in plateau state: a preliminary study
Authors: Akpata E. Samuel , Adeniyi Abiola A. , Enwonwu Cyril O. , Adeleke Oyeladun A. , Otoh Emmanuel C.
Published: December 2014

Objective

To report the periodontal status of older adults in Plateau State, Nigeria, and determine its Association with alcohol consumption.

Background

Periodontal disease is common among Nigerians, and the prevalence increases with age. The role that alcohol consumption plays in the occurrence of the disease among Africans is uncertain.

Materials and methods

Sample selection was performed using a multistage cluster sampling technique among older adults in Plateau State, Nigeria. Interviews, using structured questionnaires, were conducted for each of the participants. Clinical examinations were then carried out to determine the occurrence of periodontal disease, assessed by clinical attachment loss and probing depth.

Results

The prevalence of periodontal disease was 79%, being severe in 46% of the population. Almost half of the participants (46.7%) examined were still actively consuming alcohol, among which 48% reported a history of intoxication. There was no statistically significant relationship between periodontal disease and the frequency of alcohol consumption, or quantity consumed on each occasion. However, alcohol consumption was highly correlated with periodontal disease among those who reported intoxication from the drink (r = 0.095; p = 0.033). A history of intoxication with alcohol was the only significant predictor of periodontal disease, after adjusting for age and gender.

Conclusion

Periodontal disease was highly prevalent among older Nigerians in this study. Apart from those who reported intoxication from alcohol, there was no statistically significant relationship between the prevalence of periodontal disease and the frequency of alcohol consumption or the quantity consumed on each occasion.
Flamingo, a seven‐pass transmembrane cadherin, cooperates with Netrin/Frazzled in Drosophila midline guidance
Authors: Organisti Cristina , Hein Irina , Grunwald Kadow Ilona C. , Suzuki Takashi
Published: December 2014

During central nervous system development, several guidance cues and receptors, as well as cell adhesion molecules, are required for guiding axons across the midline and along the anterior–posterior axis. In Drosophila, commissural axons sense the midline attractants Netrin A and B (Net) through Frazzled (Fra) receptors. Despite their importance, lack of Net or fra affects only some commissures, suggesting that additional molecules can fulfill this function. Recently, planar cell polarity (PCP) proteins have been implicated in midline axon guidance in both vertebrate and invertebrate systems. Here, we report that the atypical cadherin and PCP molecule Flamingo/Starry night (Fmi/Stan) acts jointly with Net/Fra signaling during midline development. Additional removal of fmi strongly increases the guidance defects in Net/fra mutants. Rescue and domain deletion experiments suggest that Fmi signaling facilitates commissural pathfinding potentially by mediating axonal fasciculation in a partly homophilic manner. Altogether, our results indicate that contact‐mediated cell adhesion via Fmi acts in addition to the Net/Fra guidance system during axon pathfinding across the midline, underlining the importance of PCP molecules during vertebrates and invertebrates midline development.
Vanishing bile duct syndrome and immunodeficiency preceding the diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Yeh P. , Lokan J. , Anantharajah A. , Grigg A.
Published: December 2014

Vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) in association with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is well described but not well understood. We report an unusual case of a 75‐year‐old patient presenting with biopsy‐proven VBDS and immunodeficiency, without identifiable cause, which showed a waxing and waning course, culminating in the development of HL 18 months later. To our knowledge, this is the first adult case in which VBDS preceded the diagnosis of HL by such a long period.
Molecular Simulation of Calcium Silicate Composites: Structure, Dynamics, and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Hou Dongshuai , Zhao Tiejun , Jin Zuquan , Ma Hongyan , Li Zongjin
Published: December 2014

Calcium silicate composite (CaO)x(SiO2)1−x has significant applications in the bioactive materials in medical treatment and cementitious materials in construction engineering. In this study, to unravel the role of calcium atoms on the silicate composite, the molecular dynamics (MD) technique was used to simulate the structures, dynamics, and mechanical properties of (CaO)x(SiO2)1−x systems, with x varying from 0 to 0.6. The Feuston–Garofalini model was employed to describe the interatomic interactions in the systems. Q species, the connectivity factor, shows that the increase in calcium content in the silicate composite can lead to the depolymerization of the silicate network. Due to the high diffusion rate, the presence of Ca atoms also weakens the stability of the chemical bonds in the system. With the increasing calcium content, the molecular structure of the silicate skeleton is transformed from an integrity network to separated short chains, which significantly decreases the stiffness and cohesive force of the calcium silicate composites. On the other hand, the uniaxial tension response of the calcium silicate composites suggests that at the postfailure stage, Ca atoms associate with the nonbridging oxygen atoms and the reconstructed Ca–O connection slows down the irreversible damage of the composite, hereby enhancing the plasticity.
Debt Maturity Structure and Accounting Conservatism
Authors: Khurana Inder K. , Wang Changjiang
Published: December 2014

This study examines the association between debt maturity structure and accounting conservatism. Short‐maturity debt can mitigate agency costs of debt arising from information asymmetry and suboptimal investment problems inherent in debt financing. As such, debt‐contracting demand for accounting conservatism is expected to be lower in the presence of more short‐maturity debt. We find that short‐maturity debt is negatively associated with accounting conservatism. As firms could commit to more accounting conservatism to gain access to long‐maturity debt, we conduct lead‐lag tests of the direction of causality, and the results suggest that more short‐maturity debt leads to less conservative reporting, rather than the reverse. We also find the negative relation between short‐maturity debt and accounting conservatism is more pronounced among financially distressed firms, where ex ante severity of agency costs of debt are higher. Collectively, our results contribute to our understanding of the role of accounting conservatism in debt contracting and show how debt maturity, a key and pervasive feature of creditor protection in debt contracting, affects accounting conservatism.
Color and Gloss of Nano‐Filled Resin‐Modified Glass Ionomers and Resin Composites
Authors: Vance Marc , Lawson Nathaniel C. , Rupal Manpreet , Beck Preston , Burgess John O.
Published: December 2014

Objective

The study aims to compare in vitro stain resistance, color stability, gloss, and gloss retention of a nano‐filled resin‐modified glass ionomers (RMGIs) to a traditional RMGI and resin‐based composites (RBCs).

Materials and Methods

Specimens (N = 20) were fabricated from a nano‐filled RBC (Filtek Supreme Plus, 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA), a nanohybrid RBC (Clearfil Majesty Esthetic, Kuraray; Tokyo, Japan), a nano‐filled RMGI (Ketac Nano, 3M ESPE), and traditional RMGI (Fuji II LC, GC America, Chicago, IL, USA). L*a*b* values were recorded with a spectrophotometer, and gloss was measured with a glossmeter. For each material, 10 specimens were stored in distilled water in darkness for 1 week and 10 specimens were placed in a staining solution for 1 week. After storage, specimens were cleaned and L*a*b* and gloss measurements were remeasured.

Results

Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey analyses. Regarding color change, materials ranked: Ketac = Fuji > Filtek > Clearfil in water, and Ketac > Fuji > Filtek > Clearfil in staining solution. Prior to storage, the initial gloss of the materials ranked: Filtek ≥ Clearfil ≥ Ketac > Fuji. After storage, the materials ranked: Filtek = Clearfil > Ketac > Fuji in water, and Filtek > Clearfil > Ketac > Fuji in staining solution. Gloss retention was similar for all materials in water and gloss retention ranked: Filtek = Clearfil > Ketac = Fuji in staining solution.

Conclusions

The nano‐RMGI showed less stain resistance but higher gloss than the traditional RMGI. Both RMGIs had more color change, less stain resistance, lower gloss and less gloss retention than the RBCs.

Clinical Significance

The clinician should be aware that the use of a nano‐RMGI may improve the gloss of an RMGI restoration; however, color change will likely occur, particularly if the patient consumes a staining diet.
School Influences on the Physical Activity of African American, Latino, and White Girls
Authors: Duncan Susan C. , Strycker Lisa A. , Chaumeton Nigel R.
Published: December 2014

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this research was to examine the impact of school‐related variables on the physical activity (PA) levels of early adolescent African American, Latino, and White girls.

METHODS

Data were collected from 353 African American (N = 123), Latino (N = 118), and White (N = 112) girls. Physical activity levels included a PA latent factor and minutes per day of moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA). School variables included hours of physical education (PE), PE enjoyment, school physical environment, recess activity, and active transport to/from school. Multiple‐group structural equation modeling examined relations between school variables and PA across ethnic groups.

RESULTS

Hours of PE were positively related to higher PA factor scores. Active transport was related to higher PA factor scores for White girls only, and to greater MVPA for African American girls only. Hours of PE were related to PE enjoyment and the school physical environment for some ethnic groups. Physical education enjoyment was related to more recess activity among African American and Latino girls, and PE enjoyment was associated with more active transport to school for all girls.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical education participation and active transport significantly contribute to girls' levels of PA, with differences across ethnic groups.
The Relationship Between School‐Level Characteristics and Implementation Fidelity of a Coordinated School Health Childhood Obesity Prevention Intervention
Authors: Lederer Alyssa M. , King Mindy H. , Sovinski Danielle , Seo Dong‐Chul , Kim Nayoung
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Curtailing childhood obesity is a public health imperative. Although multicomponent school‐based programs reduce obesity among children, less is known about the implementation fidelity of these interventions. This study examines process evaluation findings for the Healthy, Energetic Ready, Outstanding, Enthusiastic, Schools (HEROES) Initiative, a tri‐state school‐based childhood obesity prevention intervention based on the coordinated school health (CSH) model.

METHODS

Site visits were conducted that included key stakeholder interviews, observation, and document review. Scores were given for 8 domains, and a total implementation score was calculated. Two‐way analyses of variance were conducted to examine the relationship of 4 school‐level characteristics: elementary vs. middle/high schools, public vs. private schools, district vs. building level implementation, and socioeconomic status on each implementation area.

RESULTS

Overall, schools had high fidelity scores, although some domains were implemented more successfully than others. Three school‐level characteristics were associated with 1 or more domains, with elementary schools and schools implementing at the building level consistently having higher implementation scores than their counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Process evaluation findings provide insight into successes and challenges schools implementing the CSH approach may encounter. Although preliminary, these findings on school‐level characteristics establish a new area of research related to school‐based childhood obesity prevention programs' implementation fidelity.