bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability and Internal Consistency of the Spanish Version for Colombia of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC)
Authors: Martínez Cano Juan Pablo , Arango Gutiérrez Ana Sofia , Cabrera Salom Carolina , Castro Llanos Andres Mauricio , Martínez Rondanelli Alfredo
Published: August 2018

Background: The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) is an assessment tool developed to evaluate quality of life in patients with rotator cuff disease (RCD). The purpose of this study is to translate the WORC index into Spanish and to evaluate its reproducibility and internal consistency in patients with RCD. Methods: Following guidelines from literature, the WORC index was translated. Sixty patients with RCD were asked to complete the questionnaire. To evaluate reliability, they were asked to answer it for a second time within the next 14 days. The Cronbach’s α (CA) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated to determine test-retest reliability and internal consistency. Bland-Altman plot and reliable change index (RCI) were used to evaluate measurement error. Results: Cronbach’s α was 0.96 for the total WORC score (ranges 0.85-0.94 for the five domains).Excellent test-retest reliability was seen with an ICC of 0.98, with the domains ranging between 0.91-0.97. The Bland-Altman plot showed no systematic differences, and the RCI for the total WORC index was 7.6%. Conclusion: The Spanish version of the WORC index is a valid and reliable tool for evaluating quality of life in patients with RCD and may be used in Spanish speaking countries like Colombia. Level of evidence: Basic Science Study, Development or Validation of Outcomes Instruments/Classification Systems.
Reflexiones sobre los contratos marco
Authors: Bernal Fandiño Mariana
Published: August 2018

Los contratos marco son una herramienta de uso frecuente en el tráfico jurídico pero  la doctrina colombiana los ha estudiado de forma muy limitada a pesar de las dificultades que presenta tanto en la teoría como en la práctica.

El presente artículo busca analizar la noción de contrato marco para diferenciarlo de otras figuras afines; estudiar su naturaleza jurídica y determinar cuáles son sus efectos jurídicos.
Laser generated ultrasound sources using carbon-polymer nanocomposites for high frequency metrology
Authors: Rajagopal Srinath , Sainsbury Toby , Treeby Bradley E. , Cox Ben T.
Published: August 2018

The characterization of ultrasound fields generated by diagnostic and therapeutic equipment is an essential requirement for performance validation and to demonstrate compliance against established safety limits. This requires hydrophones calibrated to a traceable standard. Currently, the upper calibration frequency range available to the user community is limited to 60 MHz. However, high frequencies are increasingly being used for both imaging and therapy necessitating calibration frequencies up to 100 MHz. The precise calibration of hydrophones requires a source of high amplitude, broadband, quasi-planar, and stable ultrasound fields. There are challenges to using conventional piezoelectric sources, and laser generated ultrasound sources offer a promising solution. In this study, various nanocomposites consisting of a bulk polymer matrix and multi-walled carbon nanotubes were fabricated and tested using pulsed laser of a few nanoseconds for their suitability as a source for high frequency calibration of hydrophones. The pressure amplitude and bandwidths were measured using a broadband hydrophone from 27 different nanocomposite sources. The effect of nonlinear propagation of high amplitude laser generated ultrasound on bandwidth and the effect of bandlimited sensitivity response on the deconvolved pressure waveform were numerically investigated. The stability of the nanocomposite sources under sustained laser pulse excitation was also examined.
Doppler Passive Fathometry
Authors: Harrison Chris H.
Published: August 2018

Passive fathometry is a technique whereby broadband ambient ocean noise received on an array of hydrophones is averaged and cross-correlated to produce a sub-bottom profile [Siderius, Harrison, and Porter (2006). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 120, 1315–1323]. Here this technique is extended to determine the vertical velocity of the array, and compensate for it, without any prior knowledge, i.e., Doppler Passive Fathometry. For Fourier transform lengths beyond a certain limit, the differing Doppler between the direct and bottom reflected paths spoils the correlation match, however it is shown by using some experimental data, where the array was known to suffer from arbitrary but near periodic motion, that compensation is possible, enabling continuing time integration. In the process, the vertical velocity becomes known. Velocity, with peak value ∼±1 m/s, is plotted against time and shown to be 90° out of phase with depth, as expected for periodic motion. Since stationary targets have already been detected by noise correlation [Harrison (2008). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 123, 1834–1837], it is implied that the range of moving targets can also be determined.
Neutrophil cytoplasts induce T
H
17 differentiation and skew inflammation toward neutrophilia in severe asthma
Authors: Krishnamoorthy Nandini , Douda David N. , Brüggemann Thayse R. , Ricklefs Isabell , Duvall Melody G. , Abdulnour Raja-Elie E. , Martinod Kimberly , Tavares Luciana , Wang Xiao , Cernadas Manuela , Israel Elliot , Mauger David T. , Bleecker Eugene R. , Castro Mario , Erzurum Serpil C. , Gaston Benjamin M. , Jarjour Nizar N. , Wenzel Sally , Dunican Eleanor , Fahy John V. , Irimia Daniel , Wagner Denisa D. , Levy Bruce D. ,   National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Severe Asthma Research Program-3 Investigators
Published: August 2018

Neutrophil cytoplasts promote T
H
17 inflammation.
Neutrophil ghosts worsen asthma
Authors: Wills-Karp Marsha
Published: August 2018

Neutrophil cytoplasts are linked to amplification of T helper 17–mediated inflammation and severe asthma. See related Research Article by

Krishnamoorthy
et al
.
Harnessing TORC to boost the horsepower of aging immune systems
Authors: Clark Rachael A.
Published: August 2018

Treating elderly patients with two low-dose mTOR inhibitors that selectively block TORC1 led to a decrease in infection rates.
The Hydrogen Economy of Methanosarcina barkeri: Life in the Fast Lane
Authors: Lovley Derek R.
Published: August 2018

Two recent studies (T. D. Mand, G. Kulkarni, and W. W. Metcalf, J. Bacteriol 200:e00342-18, 2018,
https://doi.org/10.1128/JB.00342-18
, and G. Kulkarni, T. D. Mand, and W. W. Metcalf, mBio 9:e01256-18, 2018,
https://doi.org/10.1128/mBio.01256-18
) analyzed an impressive array of hydrogenase-deficient mutant strains of
Methanosarcina barkeri
not only to describe H
2
-based growth but also to demonstrate the conservation of energy with intracellular hydrogen cycling, a novel strategy for creating a proton motive force to support ATP synthesis.
Adjuvant-Dependent Enhancement of HIV Env-Specific Antibody Responses in Infant Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Phillips Bonnie , Van Rompay Koen K. A. , Rodriguez-Nieves Jennifer , Lorin Clarisse , Koutsoukos Marguerite , Tomai Mark , Fox Christopher B. , Eudailey Josh , Dennis Maria , Alam S. Munir , Hudgens Michael , Fouda Genevieve , Pollara Justin , Moody Anthony , Shen Xiaoying , Ferrari Guido , Permar Sallie , De Paris Kristina
Published: August 2018

Alum remains the adjuvant of choice for pediatric vaccines. Yet the distinct nature of the developing immune system in infants likely requires novel adjuvants targeted specifically at the pediatric population to reach maximal vaccine efficacy with an acceptable safety profile. The current study supports the idea that additional adjuvants for pediatric vaccines should be, and need to be, tested in infants for their potential to enhance immune responses. Using an infant macaque model, our results suggest that both AS01 and 3M-052-SE can significantly improve and better sustain HIV Env-specific antibody responses than alum. Despite the limited number of animals, the results revealed interesting differences that warrant further testing of promising novel adjuvant candidates in larger preclinical and clinical studies to define the mechanisms leading to adjuvant-improved antibody responses and to identify targets for adjuvant and vaccine optimization.
Licensing and Approval of Antimicrobial Agents for Use in Animals
Authors: Pomba Constança , Catry Boudewijn , Edo Jordi Torren , Jukes Helen
Published: August 2018

The importance of antimicrobial resistance and the urgent need to combat it has increased the already existent complexity of licensing and approval of antimicrobial agents for use in animals due to its possible impact on animal and public health. VICH—the International Cooperation on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Veterinary Medicinal Products—is the trilateral (European Union-Japan-United States) program that has the goal of harmonizing technical requirements for veterinary product registration. This article aims to describe the data requirements and testing necessary to build a registration file to obtain marketing authorization for a new antimicrobial agent for use in animals. This information is needed in the context of the risk assessment framework currently used in the approval of veterinary medicinal products containing antimicrobial substances. This framework considers the consequences of the uncontrolled quality of the antimicrobial product, the direct exposure of people to the antimicrobial product (human occupational safety and consumer safety), inadvertent exposure of organisms to the antimicrobial product (environmental safety), the antimicrobial product causing harm in the treated animals (target animal safety), and failure to achieve claims (efficacy). Approved veterinary medicines need to have a clear positive benefit associated with their use because of the risk to public health, animal health, and the environment. However, the presence of antimicrobials in the environment exerts a selective pressure for resistance genes in bacteria, and there is growing worldwide concern about the role of polluted soil and water environments in spreading antimicrobial resistance and the role of the contaminant resistome due to food-producing animal antimicrobial treatment. Additionally, the international developments regarding the categorization of critically important antimicrobials with the possible restrictions of use and the monitoring and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in animals are reviewed.
Selection of Appropriate Metagenome Taxonomic Classifiers for Ancient Microbiome Research
Authors: Velsko Irina M. , Frantz Laurent A. F. , Herbig Alexander , Larson Greger , Warinner Christina
Published: August 2018

Ancient biomolecules from oral and gut microbiome samples have been shown to be preserved in the archaeological record. Studying ancient microbiome communities using metagenomic techniques offers a unique opportunity to reconstruct the evolutionary trajectories of microbial communities through time. DNA accumulates specific damage over time, which could potentially affect taxonomic classification and our ability to accurately reconstruct community assemblages. It is therefore necessary to assess whether ancient DNA (aDNA) damage patterns affect metagenomic taxonomic profiling. Here, we assessed biases in community structure, diversity, species detection, and relative abundance estimates by five popular metagenomic taxonomic classification programs using
in silico
-generated data sets with and without aDNA damage. Damage patterns had minimal impact on the taxonomic profiles produced by each program, while false-positive rates and biases were intrinsic to each program. Therefore, the most appropriate classification program is one that minimizes the biases related to the questions being addressed.
Mind the (support) gap: supporting academic trainees through peer networks
Authors: Soto Carmen , Walsh Verena
Published: August 2018

Academic Foundation Programme (AFP) trainees face challenges in making the most of the research opportunities available to them. Improved support for trainees throughout the AFP may result in improved outcomes and increase retention of clinical academic trainees. Peer support may address some of the challenges faced by AFP trainees at this early stage of their careers. A Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) approach was used to design and implement a peer support programme for AFP trainees in paediatrics. Feedback from recent AFP graduates was used to identify challenges and possible solutions, which were then incorporated into the programme. Trainee views informed the format of the support offered, especially the role of trainee coordinator and importance of regular meetings. The PDSA approach facilitated constant re-evaluation of the programme, which continued to evolve over several years. Peer support is highly valued by AFP trainees, who use the network to obtain information, as well as concrete assistance, and emotional support from their peers. Such networks are not self-perpetuating, and a significant commitment is required from fellow trainees to ensure the success of the network.
Peripheral leptochoroid: clinical and anatomical findings
Authors: Francis Jasmine H , Habib Larissa A , Abramson David H
Published: August 2018

Background/Aims

To investigate the clinical findings and anatomical characteristics of patients with a thinned peripheral choroid (leptochoroid) presenting with bilateral macular geographical hyperpigmented fundus and compare with matched controls.

Methods

A retrospective, observational case series of 44 eyes (24 patients): 22 study eyes (12 study patients) with clinical findings of leptochoroid (geographical hyperpigmented fundus centred in the macula) matched with 22 control eyes (12 control patients). All eyes received enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Two independent observers performed all measurements. Statistical analysis was used to correlate interobserver findings, and compare patient and eye characteristics.

Results

Study patients had a female predominance and median age of 70 years. Iris colour and refractive error of these eyes were varied: 8 eyes were myopic (one of which was highly myopic with a refractive error of −9.00) and 14 eyes were emmetropic or hyperopic (up to+3.00). The best-corrected visual acuity was 20/40 or better in all study eyes. The geographical macular areas of relative hyperpigmentation correspond to normal choroidal thickness compared with controls (p=0.74). The relative hypopigmented surrounding fundus had significantly thinner choroid compared with controls (p value=0.0001). Choroidal thickness had a strong interobserver correlation (r=0.99, p<0.0001).

Conclusion

Described here is a clinical entity referred to as peripheral leptochoroid. It appears as geographical hyperpigmented fundus centred in the macula, with adjacent relative hypopigmented fundus. Compared with matched normal subjects, the hyperpigmented and hypopigmented fundus correspond with equivocal and decreased choroidal thickness, respectively.
In utero exposure to antiepileptic drugs is associated with learning disabilities among offspring
Authors: Bech Laura Fuglsang , Polcwiartek Christoffer , Kragholm Kristian , Andersen Mikkel Porsborg , Rohde Christopher , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Nielsen Jimmi , Hagstrøm Søren
Published: August 2018

Objectives

In utero exposure to antiepileptic drugs has previously been associated with adverse outcome among offspring, but evidence on longer term milestone development remains limited. We investigated the association between in utero exposure to antiepileptic drugs and learning disabilities in the first year of compulsory education among offspring and assessed which antiepileptic drugs carried the highest risk.

Methods

This population-based case–cohort study used Danish nationwide register data from 2005 to 2008. Cases were offspring exposed to antiepileptic drugs in utero, and controls were unexposed offspring of mothers previously redeeming antiepileptic drug prescriptions. Offspring were followed from birth until the first year of compulsory education from 2011 to 2015. Learning disabilities were defined as mental retardation, specific developmental disorders, autism spectrum disorders, emotional/behavioural disorders or having special educational needs. Logistic regression was used to compute ORs with 95% CIs adjusted for potential confounding.

Results

Of 117 475 incident singleton births, 636 cases and 434 controls were included (median age: 6.1 years, males: 55.7%). Learning disabilities were identified among 7.1% cases compared with 3.7% for controls. During any trimester, the adjusted OR of the association between in utero exposure to antiepileptic drugs and learning disabilities was 2.20 (95% CI 1.16 to 4.17). Among cases not exposed to polytherapy (n=556), in utero exposure to lamotrigine compared with another antiepileptic drug was associated with the lowest adjusted risk (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.92), and valproate carried a higher risk (OR 4.67, 95% CI 1.73 to 12.59).

Conclusion

In utero exposure to antiepileptic drugs was significantly associated with learning disabilities among offspring. Lamotrigine should preferentially be considered over, for example, valproate if clinically feasible.
Country-wide surveillance of norovirus outbreaks in the Portuguese Army, 2015–2017
Authors: Lopes-João António , Mesquita J R , de Sousa R , Oleastro M , Silva C , Penha-Gonçalves C , Nascimento M S J
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Gastrointestinal infections are among the most common foodborne and waterborne diseases in military populations, with direct implications in operational efficiency and force readiness. Through the surveillance system of reportable acute gastrointestinal illness in the Portuguese Army, four norovirus outbreaks were identified between October 2015 and October 2017 in mainland Portugal and the Azores archipelago. The present study documents the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory investigations of these norovirus outbreaks.

Methods

Cases were investigated and epidemiological questionnaires were distributed to all soldiers in each military setting where the outbreaks occurred. Stool samples from soldiers with acute gastroenteritis illness were collected and screened for common enteropathogenic agents. Food and water samples served on the settings were also collected for microbiological investigation. Norovirus-positive samples were further characterised by sequence analysis using a public automated genotyping tool.

Results

The four outbreaks affected a total of 99 soldiers among the 618 stationed on base units and in a military exercise. A total of 27 soldiers provided a stool sample, of which 20 were positive for norovirus by real-time PCR. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the noroviruses involved were all genogroup II, namely GII.17, GII.Pe-GII.4 Sydney 2012, GII.P2-GII.2 and GII.P16-GII.2. Of note, 30 soldiers had to receive treatment at the military hospital due to severity of symptoms.

Conclusion

In this short, two-year surveillance period, a total of four norovirus gastroenteritis outbreaks were detected in the Portuguese Army which caused a considerable morbidity, showing once again the impact of norovirus on Army effectiveness and force readiness.
What are we to make of the charge that human biological enhancement technologies are ‘unnatural’?
Authors: Miller Paul Richard
Published: August 2018

In popular lay discourse, objections to human biological enhancement technologies are sometimes expressed in terms of the charge that they are unnatural. This paper critiques the literal claim that seems to be presented here, namely that such technologies are in some ordinary sense ’unnatural' and that it follows from this they are immoral. Such a conceptual ’nature argument' is unsound. However, the paper contends that this does not mean that the charge of unnaturalness should be dismissed out of hand. Rather, the charge of unnaturalness made by a non-philosophically trained public can be construed as expressive of a general attitude of conservative concern about enhancement technologies. Viewed in this way, the charge invites philosophers to take seriously the underlying empirical concerns that underpin these widespread lay reactions.
Therapeutic effects of human mesenchymal stem cell microvesicles in an ex vivo perfused human lung injured with severeE. colipneumonia
Authors: Park Jeonghyun , Kim Seonguk , Lim Hyungsun , Liu Airan , Hu Shuling , Lee JaeHoon , Zhuo Hanjing , Hao Qi , Matthay Michael A , Lee Jae-W
Published: August 2018

Background

We previously reported that microvesicles (MVs) released by human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were as effective as the cells themselves in bothEscherichia colilipopolysaccharide and live bacteria-induced acute lung injury (ALI) mice models. However, it remained unclear whether the biological effect of MSC MV can be applied to human ALI.

Methods

In the current study, we tested the therapeutic effects of MSC MVs in a well-established ex vivo perfused human model of bacterial pneumonia. Using human donor lungs not used for transplantation, we instilledE. colibacteria intrabronchially and, 1 hour later, administered MSC MVs into the perfusate as therapy.

Results

After 6 hours, instillation ofE. colibacteria caused influx of inflammatory cells, which resulted in significant inflammation, lung protein permeability and pulmonary oedema formation. Administration of MSC MV significantly increased alveolar fluid clearance and reduced protein permeability and numerically lowered the bacterial load in the injured alveolus. The beneficial effect on bacterial killing was more pronounced with pretreatment of MSCs with a Toll-like receptor 3 agonist, polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (Poly (I:C)), prior to the isolation of MVs. Isolated human alveolar macrophages had increased antimicrobial activity with MSC MV treatment in vitro as well. Although oxygenation and lung compliance levels were similar between injury and treatment groups, administration of MSC MVs numerically decreased median pulmonary artery pressure at 6 hours.

Conclusions

In summary, MSC MVs increased alveolar fluid clearance and reduced lung protein permeability, and pretreatment with Poly (I:C) enhanced the antimicrobial activity of MVs in an ex vivo perfused human lung with severe bacteria pneumonia.
Commercial tobacco and indigenous peoples: a stock take on Framework Convention on Tobacco Control progress
Authors: Maddox Raglan , Waa Andrew , Lee Kelley , Nez Henderson Patricia , Blais Genevieve , Reading Jeff , Lovett Raymond
Published: August 2018

Background

The health status and needs of indigenous populations of Australia, Canada and New Zealand are often compared because of the shared experience of colonisation. One enduring impact has been a disproportionately high rate of commercial tobacco use compared with non-indigenous populations. All three countries have ratified the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), which acknowledges the harm caused to indigenous peoples by tobacco.

Aim and objectives

We evaluated and compared reporting on FCTC progress related to indigenous peoples by Australia, Canada and New Zealand as States Parties. The critiqued data included disparities in smoking prevalence between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples; extent of indigenous participation in tobacco control development, implementation and evaluation; and what indigenous commercial tobacco reduction interventions were delivered and evaluated.

Data sources

We searched FCTC: (1) Global Progress Reports for information regarding indigenous peoples in Australia, Canada and New Zealand; and (2) country-specific reports from Australia, Canada and New Zealand between 2007 and 2016.

Study selection

Two of the authors independently reviewed the FCTC Global and respective Country Reports, identifying where indigenous search terms appeared.

Data extraction

All data associated with the identified search terms were extracted, and content analysis was applied.

Results

It is difficult to determine if or what progress has been made to reduce commercial tobacco use by the three States Parties as part of their commitments under FCTC reporting systems. There is some evidence that progress is being made towards reducing indigenous commercial tobacco use, including the implementation of indigenous-focused initiatives. However, there are significant gaps and inconsistencies in reporting. Strengthening FCTC reporting instruments to include standardised indigenous-specific data will help to realise the FCTC Guiding Principles by holding States Parties to account and building momentum for reducing the high prevalence of commercial tobacco use among indigenous peoples.
Overexpression of MAPT-AS1 is associated with better patient survival in breast cancer
Authors: Wang Dongfeng , Li Jian , Cai Fengling , Xu Zhi , Li Li , Zhu Huanfeng , Liu Wei , Xu Qingyu , Cao Jian , Sun Jingfeng , Tang Jinhai
Published: August 2018

Breast cancer is the most frequent malignant disease in women worldwide. It is a heterogeneous and complex genetic disease with different molecular characteristics. MAPT-AS1, a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) existing at the anti-sense strand of the MAPT (microtubule associated protein tau) promoter region, was believed to regulate MAPT, which was associated with disease state in Parkinson’s disease. But the role of MAPT-AS1 in breast cancer has never been reported. In our study we found that MAPT-AS1 is overexpressed in breast cancer but not in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), and that high expression of MAPT-AS1 was correlated with better patient survival. In addition, the level of MAPT-AS1 was correlated with the expression of MAPT, and MAPT was associated with survival time in breast cancer. Our study suggests that MAPT-AS1 may play a role and be a potential survival predictive biomarker in breast cancer.
Insight into the roles of hepatoma derived growth factor related protein-3 under physiological and pathological conditions
Authors: Eltahir Heba M.
Published: August 2018

Hepatoma derived growth factor related protein-3 (HRP-3) is a HDGF growth factor family member that is expressed mainly in nervous tissues. It shares structural similarities with HDGF but differs in its expression and scope of action. It has recently attracted more attention due to its variable roles. HRP-3 was originally reported as a mitogenic factor. However, over the last decade, additional functions for this growth factor have been uncovered. In addition to its mitogenic activity, other physiological functions were discovered including those related to proliferation, differentiation, and maintenance of neurons, presenting it as a neurotrophic and neuroprotective growth factor. Interestingly, HRP-3 was also shown to be involved in the pathogenesis of certain tumors via its mitogenic, angiogenic, and antiapoptotic effects. Based on this, HRP-3 represents a molecule that can be targeted for the treatment of cancer and various neurodegenerative diseases.
Reasons for large annual yield fluctuations in wild arctic bramble (Rubus arcticus subsp. arcticus) in Finland
Authors: Kostamo K. , Toljamo A. , Kokko H. , Kärenlampi S.O. , Rita H.
Published: August 2018

Fluctuations in the yield of wild berries are markedly influenced by weather conditions. However, the cause–effect relationship is often poorly understood. Based on data spanning a 20-year period in Finland, we made an effort to elucidate the influence of different weather conditions on the yield of arctic bramble (Rubus arcticus L.). We analyzed the regression coefficients of various weather conditions in several regression models using the elaboration approach. Temperature accumulated in July had a positive effect on yield. Yield was negatively influenced by temperature accumulated during the previous summer, rainfall in the October of the previous year, and temperature accumulated in May of the same year. It is notable that the same weather conditions had a positive influence on yield of the same year whereas these conditions had a negative effect on the yield potential of the following year. Compared with traditional analysis methods, the elaboration approach provided a better understanding of the relationship between weather parameters and yield. The rarity of a good yield could be explained by the particular vulnerability of arctic bramble to the negative effects of weather conditions. Some of these factors could be controlled in field conditions when cultivating arctic bramble.
Home-range size and fidelity of two sympatric Martes species
Authors: Larroque J. , Ruette S. , Vandel J.M. , Devillard S.
Published: August 2018

Determining variation in home-range behavior and the factors shaping this variation is crucial to better understand the biology of species and thus improve their management and conservation. We investigated age and sex variations in the home-range and core-area sizes, as well as fidelity to home range, of the stone marten (Martes foina (Erxleben, 1777)) and the European pine marten (Martes martes (Linnaeus, 1758)) in a rural area (Bresse, France) over several seasons. As expected, pine martens had larger home ranges and core areas than stone martens. Sex differences were also evidenced in both species in accordance with the typical mustelid pattern of socio-spatial organization. Beyond these differences, we found that both species responded to seasonal changes by adjusting seasonally the locations rather than their home-range and core-area sizes, especially stone martens. This difference might come from the higher intensity of perturbation in the preferred habitat of stone martens (human buildings), which explains why stone martens showed lower fidelity than pine martens.
Endure your parasites: Sleepy Lizard (Tiliqua rugosa) movement is not affected by their ectoparasites
Authors: Taggart Patrick L. , Leu Stephan T. , Spiegel Orr , Godfrey Stephanie S. , Sih Andrew , Bull C. Michael
Published: August 2018

Movement is often used to indicate host vigour, as it has various ecological and evolutionary implications, and has been shown to be affected by parasites. We investigate the relationship between tick load and movement in the Australian Sleepy Lizard (Tiliqua rugosa (Gray, 1825)) using high resolution GPS tracking. This allowed us to track individuals across the entire activity season. We hypothesized that tick load negatively affects host movement (mean distance moved per day). We used a multivariate statistical model informed by the ecology and biology of the host and parasite, their host–parasite relationship, and known host movement patterns. This allowed us to quantify the effects of ticks on lizard movement above and beyond effects of other factors such as time in the activity season, lizard body condition, and stress. We did not find any support for our hypothesis. Instead, our results provide evidence that lizard movement is strongly driven by internal state (sex and body condition independent of tick load) and by external factors (environmental conditions). We suggest that the Sleepy Lizard has largely adapted to natural levels of tick infection in this system. Our results conform to host–parasite arms race theory, which predicts varying impacts of parasites on hosts in natural systems.
Quiescent luminosities of accreting neutron stars-possibility of neutrino losses due to strong pion condensations
Authors: Matsuo Yasuhide , Liu HeLei , Hashimoto Masa-aki , Noda Tsuneo
Published: August 2018

We construct the quiescent neutron star models in the evolutionary calculations. The X-ray luminosities have been derived in terms of the time-averaged mass accretion rate for various neutron star masses and surface compositions. We compare the quiescent luminosities observed from X-ray transients in low mass X-ray binaries, where the stellar evolutionary calculations of accreting neutron stars include neutrino cooling due to strong pion condensations. Our results based on the evolutionary calculations suggest that stronger cooling process would be necessary to be consistent with observations.
Data assimilation for a multiscale stochastic dynamical system with Gaussian noise
Authors: Zhang Yanjie , Ren Jian
Published: August 2018

This paper is devoted to studying dimensional reduction for slow-fast data assimilation driven by Gaussian noise via stochastic averaging. We apply an energy method to show that the probability density for the reduced lower-dimensional system approximates that for the original system in mean square. In other words, the reduced system filter thus effectively captures the filter of the original system.
Dimensionality reduction for protein secondary structure and solvent accesibility prediction
Authors: Aydin Zafer , Kaynar Oğuz , Görmez Yasin
Published: August 2018

Secondary structure and solvent accessibility prediction provide valuable information for estimating the three dimensional structure of a protein. As new feature extraction methods are developed the dimensionality of the input feature space increases steadily. Reducing the number of dimensions provides several advantages such as faster model training, faster prediction and noise elimination. In this work, several dimensionality reduction techniques have been employed including various feature selection methods, autoencoders and PCA for protein secondary structure and solvent accessibility prediction. The reduced feature set is used to train a support vector machine at the second stage of a hybrid classifier. Cross-validation experiments on two difficult benchmarks demonstrate that the dimension of the input space can be reduced substantially while maintaining the prediction accuracy. This will enable the incorporation of additional informative features derived for predicting the structural properties of proteins without reducing the accuracy due to overfitting.
Units of commutative group rings over polynomial ring
Authors: Kaur S. , Khan M.
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we obtain the structure of the normalized unit group [Formula: see text] of the modular group algebra [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a finite abelian group and [Formula: see text] is the univariate polynomial ring over a finite field [Formula: see text] of characteristic [Formula: see text]
New traveling wave solutions of the perturbed nonlinear Schrödingers equation in the left-handed metamaterials
Authors: Houwe Alphonse , Justin Mibaile , Doka Serge Y. , Crepin Kofane Timoleon
Published: August 2018

This paper extracts the analytical soliton solutions of the perturbed NLSE given in (1). We use successfully two integration methods namely the extended simple equation method and generalized Kudryashov method. In view of the results obtained, some new additional ones have been obtained. The results are dark, bright and exact solutions that propagate in the fiber optic and left-handed metamaterials (LHMs).
Grain size effect on piezoelectric properties of Sr2Nb2O7ceramics
Authors: Chen Tao , Zhou Zhiyong , Liang Ruihong , Dong Xianlin
Published: August 2018

Grain size effect on piezoelectric properties and thermal stability of perovskite layer structured (PLS) Sr2Nb2O7ceramics are investigated. The Sr2Nb2O7ceramics with different average grain sizes from 1.2[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m to 3.6[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m were prepared in different sintering temperatures by solid state reaction method. The average grain size increases, accompanied by a higher relative density of up to 96%. Pure Sr2Nb2O7ceramics with larger grain size show a remarkable [Formula: see text] of ([Formula: see text])pC/N while still with a very high [Formula: see text] of ([Formula: see text]C. The thermal depolarization temperature of samples with large grain sizes reach over 1200∘C and the thermal stability increased with increasing of grain size. The ferroelectric domains structure was observed by PFM and larger grain is easy to form ferroelectric domain then enhance piezoelectric properties. This study demonstrates enhanced piezoelectric properties can be achieved in pure Sr2Nb2O7by solid state reaction method and bring great revitalization to the Sr2Nb2O7-based ceramics as a promising high-temperature piezoelectric material.
Image Size and Control System Developments of the Airborne Telescope SOFIA
Authors: Graf Friederike , Reinacher Andreas , Jakob Holger , Fasoulas Stefanos
Published: August 2018

The SOFIA telescope is a worldwide unique observatory that enables infrared astronomy aboard a Boeing 747SP at altitudes of up to 45[Formula: see text]kft. Contrary to any ground-based telescope, SOFIA is exposed not only to aerodynamic forces but also aircraft motion and excitation. Nevertheless, the ambitious scientific goals require a stable platform and very precise pointing. As of now, the telescope can be considered diffraction-limited in the far-infrared wavelengths beyond 50[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m. A careful study of the different sources of blur revealed that image jitter is among the most influential. During the course of a flight, the telescope is exposed to various excitation levels, leading to deformation of its flexible structure and vibrations in a wide range of frequencies. Since SOFIA entered its operational phase, continuous efforts have been made to develop and implement upgrades in the pointing and control system. The original design was a robust and conservative structure aimed to ensure safe operations with several different science instruments and many unknown parameters. In recent years, more and more agile system components have followed to tackle the residual image motion. This paper introduces the telescope control system followed by a summary of recently installed upgrades and ends with an outlook on future developments on our way to diffraction-limited imaging beyond 25[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m.
SOFIA Flight Planning and Execution
Authors: Leppik K. , Bower K. , Kaminski C. , Trinh C. , Civeit T. , Kilsdonk T.
Published: August 2018

The Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) is NASA’s airborne observatory. Observing with SOFIA has different challenges than observing from a ground based, or even space-based observatory. Although pointing SOFIA is similar to pointing an alt/az telescope, positioning the telescope requires not only the telescope assembly but also the aircraft. SOFIA’s telescope assembly can move in altitude nominally between 20∘ and 60∘. Since the telescope is pointed out the left side of a modified Boeing 747, the azimuth is determined by the aircraft heading. As a result, observing plans become the basis for a flight plan, and the science observation and aircraft operations are intrinsically linked. This paper will discuss flight planning and execution on this unique observatory.
Control Algorithms for 3-DoF Handheld Robotic Devices Used in Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Klemm Martin , Hanebeck Uwe D. , Hoppe Harald
Published: August 2018

Nowadays, robotic systems are an integral part of many orthopedic interventions. Stationary robots improve the accuracy but also require adapted surgical workflows. Handheld robotic devices (HHRDs), however, are easily integrated into existing workflows and represent a more economical solution. Their limited range of motion is compensated by the dexterity of the surgeon. This work presents control algorithms for HHRDs with multiple degrees of freedom (DOF). These algorithms protect pre- or intraoperatively defined regions from being penetrated by the end effector (e.g., a burr) by controlling the joints as well as the device’s power. Accuracy tests on a stationary prototype with three DOF show that the presented control algorithms produce results similar to those of stationary robots and much better results than conventional techniques. This work presents novel and innovative algorithms, which work robustly, accurately, and open up new opportunities for orthopedic interventions.
Looting, the Antiquities Trade, and Competing Valuations of the Past
Authors: Barker Alex W.
Published: August 2018

Looting and spoliation of archaeological sites represent a known crisis in many parts of the world, and it is widely acknowledged that despite what we know about the scale of site destruction, the reality is worse. Available evidence suggests that the scale and severity of looting are increasing. Legal and ethical remedies exist but have not proven adequate to reduce the impact of looting and antiquities trafficking. This reflects, in part, inadequate resources and uneven enforcement, and also the pressures of rising prices for antiquities, growing market demand, severe economic depression, and lawlessness, particularly in conflict zones. But it also reflects expanding ideological causes for site destruction by others, as well as competing epistemologies and deontological expectations within the discipline itself challenging the site preservation imperative in archaeology. More than ten years ago, a previous review of these topics found the response inadequate; a decade later, matters are worse.
Hunter-Gatherers and Human Evolution: New Light on Old Debates
Authors: Lee Richard B.
Published: August 2018

One of the most persistent debates in anthropology and related disciplines has been over the relative weight of aggression and competition versus nonaggression and cooperation as drivers of human behavioral evolution. The literature on hunting and gathering societies—past and present—has played a prominent role in these debates. This review compares recent literature from both sides of the argument and evaluates how accurately various authors use or misuse the ethnographic and archaeological research on hunters and gatherers. Whereas some theories provide a very poor fit with the hunter-gatherer evidence, others build their arguments around a much fuller range of the available data. The latter make a convincing case for models of human evolution that place at their center cooperative breeding and child-rearing, as well as management of conflict, flexible land tenure, and balanced gender relations.
Bayesian Statistics in Archaeology
Authors: Otárola-Castillo Erik , Torquato Melissa G.
Published: August 2018

Null hypothesis significance testing (NHST) is the most common statistical framework used by scientists, including archaeologists. Owing to increasing dissatisfaction, however, Bayesian inference has become an alternative to these methods. In this article, we review the application of Bayesian statistics to archaeology. We begin with a simple example to demonstrate the differences in applying NHST and Bayesian inference to an archaeological problem. Next, we formally define NHST and Bayesian inference, provide a brief historical overview of their development, and discuss the advantages and limitations of each method. A review of Bayesian inference and archaeology follows, highlighting the applications of Bayesian methods to chronological, bioarchaeological, zooarchaeological, ceramic, lithic, and spatial analyses. We close by considering the future applications of Bayesian statistics to archaeological research.
Specialized Intercellular Communications via Cytonemes and Nanotubes
Authors: Yamashita Yukiko M. , Inaba Mayu , Buszczak Michael
Published: August 2018

In recent years, thin membrane protrusions such as cytonemes and tunneling nanotubes have emerged as a novel mechanism of intercellular communication. Protrusion-based cellular interactions allow for specific communication between participating cells and have a distinct spectrum of advantages compared to secretion- and diffusion-based intercellular communication. Identification of protrusion-based signaling in diverse systems suggests that this mechanism is a ubiquitous and prevailing means of communication employed by many cell types. Moreover, accumulating evidence indicates that protrusion-based intercellular communication is often involved in pathogenesis, including cancers and infections. Here we review our current understanding of protrusion-based intercellular communication.
Mapping Sea-Level Change in Time, Space, and Probability
Authors: Horton Benjamin P. , Kopp Robert E. , Garner Andra J. , Hay Carling C. , Khan Nicole S. , Roy Keven , Shaw Timothy A.
Published: August 2018

Future sea-level rise generates hazards for coastal populations, economies, infrastructure, and ecosystems around the world. The projection of future sea-level rise relies on an accurate understanding of the mechanisms driving its complex spatio-temporal evolution, which must be founded on an understanding of its history. We review the current methodologies and data sources used to reconstruct the history of sea-level change over geological (Pliocene, Last Interglacial, and Holocene) and instrumental (tide-gauge and satellite alimetry) eras, and the tools used to project the future spatial and temporal evolution of sea level. We summarize the understanding of the future evolution of sea level over the near (through 2050), medium (2100), and long (post-2100) terms. Using case studies from Singapore and New Jersey, we illustrate the ways in which current methodologies and data sources can constrain future projections, and how accurate projections can motivate the development of new sea-level research questions across relevant timescales.
Effects of regular exercise on ventricular myocyte biomechanics and KATPchannel function
Authors: Wang Xinrui , Fitts Robert H.
Published: August 2018

Exercise training is known to protect the heart from ischemia and improve function during exercise by reducing cardiomyocyte action potential duration (APD) and increasing contractility. The cellular mechanisms involve β-adrenergic regulation and the ATP-sensitive K+(KATP) channel, but how each alters function of the left ventricle and sex specificity is unknown. To address this, female and male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to wheel-running (TRN) or sedentary (SED) groups. After 6–8 wk of training, myocytes were isolated from the left ventricle and field stimulated at 1, 2, and 5 Hz. TRN significantly increased cardiomyocyte contractility, the kinetics of the Ca2+transient, and responsiveness to the adrenergic receptor agonist isoproterenol (ISO), as reflected by an increased sarcomere shortening. Importantly, we demonstrated a TRN-induced upregulation of KATPchannels, which was reflected by elevated content, current density, and the channel’s contribution to APD shortening at high activation rates and in the presence of the activator pinacidil. TRN induced increase in KATPcurrent occurred throughout the left ventricle, but channel subunit content showed regional specificity with increases in Kir6.2 in the apex and SUR2A in base regions. In summary, TRN elevated cardiomyocyte cross-bridge kinetics, Ca2+sensitivity, and the responsiveness of contractile function to β-adrenergic receptor stimulation in both sexes. Importantly, upregulation of the KATPchannel accelerates repolarization and shortens APD during stress and exercise. These adaptations have clinical importance, as increased contractility and reduced APD would help protect cardiac output and reduce intracellular Ca2+overload during stresses such as regional ischemia.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our results demonstrate that regular exercise significantly increased ventricular myocyte shortening and relaxation velocity and the rate of rise in intracellular Ca2+transient and enhanced the response of biomechanics and Ca2+reuptake to β-adrenergic stimulation. Importantly, exercise training upregulated the cardiomyocyte sarcolemma ATP-sensitive K+channel across the left ventricle in both sexes, as reflected by elevated channel subunit content, current density, and the channel’s contribution to reduced action potential duration at high activation rates.