bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Acupressure for Postoperative Gastrointestinal Symptoms among Abdominal Surgery Patients
Authors: Liu Yunhong , Tang Winnie P. Y. , Gong Shengxiang , Chan Carmen W. H.
Published: August 2017

Postoperative ileus is a common and often life-threatening gastrointestinal complication with few management methods available for patients. Integrating acupressure into perioperative care promises to bring benefits into preventing postoperative ileus. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of acupressure in identifying the signs and symptoms of postoperative ileus among patients undergoing abdominal surgery. The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, China Journal Net and Wanfang databases were searched for high-quality RCTs using keywords such as acupressure, postoperative ileus, abdominal surgery, etc. A total of six studies ([Formula: see text]) were included in this review and meta-analysis. The quality of the literature was found to be uniformly moderate by the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) assessment tool. The results of meta-analyses revealed that acupressure could significantly reduce risks for postoperative nausea (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.39–0.70, [Formula: see text]) and vomiting (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.39–0.75, [Formula: see text]) compared with the control group, without significant heterogeneity among studies. Meta-analysis of the need for antiemetic drugs suggested that the OR was 0.39 (95% CI 0.20–0.78, [Formula: see text]) with significant heterogeneity among studies. Our results suggested that acupressure might be effective in reducing the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting and the need for antiemetic drugs among patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Considering the substantial risk of bias in the articles included, future high-quality RCTs with a rigorous methodology are desirable to provide solid evidence. Furthermore, other signs and symptoms of postoperative ileus should be explored in future.
Ginseng on Nuclear Hormone Receptors
Authors: Park Joonwoo , Bui Phuong T. C. , Song Heewon , Kim Si-Kwan , Rhee Dong-Kwon , Kim Eun-Young , Rhyu Mee-Ra , Lee Myeong Soo , Lee Young Joo
Published: August 2017

The first record of ginseng use dates back over two millennia, and ginseng is now popular in more than 35 countries. Ginsenosides are the pharmacological constituents responsible for the beneficial effects of ginseng. There is increasing evidence that ginseng and its bioactive ingredients are involved in the regulation of nuclear receptors, molecules that act in response to the specific binding of hormones, which link to a diverse array of signaling pathways, such as the ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways. Knowledge of the mechanism of how ginseng mediates these complexes is essential for the development of multi-target phytomedicine as possible therapy for different diseases. Here, we discuss the literature on the effects of ginseng and its constituents on estrogen, glucocorticoid, peroxisome proliferator-activated, and androgen nuclear hormone receptors, as well as how ginseng and its constituents exert their biological function in the treatment of cancer, obesity, and cardiovascular and neurological disorders. The accumulated results definitely show that the nuclear receptors are cellular targets of ginsenosides, but more rigorous data are required to establish and provide a scientific basis to confirm the suggested efficacy of ginseng or products with ginsenosides.
The chordal Loewner equation and monotone probability theory
Authors: Schleißinger Sebastian
Published: August 2017

In Ref. 5, O. Bauer interpreted the chordal Loewner equation in terms of noncommutative probability theory. We follow this perspective and identify the chordal Loewner equations as the non-autonomous versions of evolution equations for semigroups in monotone and anti-monotone probability theory. We also look at the corresponding equation for free probability theory.
A note on FC-nilpotency
Authors: Hempel Nadja , Palacín Daniel
Published: August 2017

The notion of bounded FC-nilpotent group is introduced and it is shown that any such group is nilpotent-by-finite, generalizing a result of Neumann on bounded FC-groups.
Amalgamated duplication of the Banach algebra 𝔄 along a 𝔄-bimodule 𝒜
Authors: Javanshiri Hossein , Nemati Mehdi
Published: August 2017

Let [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] be Banach algebras such that [Formula: see text] is a Banach [Formula: see text]-bimodule with compatible actions. We define the product [Formula: see text], which is a strongly splitting Banach algebra extension of [Formula: see text] by [Formula: see text]. After characterization of the multiplier algebra, topological center, (maximal) ideals and spectrum of [Formula: see text], we restrict our investigation to the study of semisimplicity, regularity, Arens regularity of [Formula: see text] in relation to that of the algebras [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and the action of [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text]. We also compute the first cohomology group [Formula: see text] for all [Formula: see text] as well as the first-order cyclic cohomology group [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text]th dual space of [Formula: see text] when [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] itself when [Formula: see text]. These results are not only of interest in their own right, but also they pave the way for obtaining some new results for Lau products and module extensions of Banach algebras as well as triangular Banach algebra. Finally, special attention is devoted to the cyclic and [Formula: see text]-weak amenability of [Formula: see text]. In this context, several open questions arise.
Inflationary universe in terms of a van der Waals viscous fluid
Authors: Brevik I. , Elizalde E. , Odintsov S. D. , Timoshkin A. V.
Published: August 2017

The inflationary expansion of our early-time universe is considered in terms of the van der Waals equation, as equation of state for the cosmic fluid, where a bulk viscosity contribution is assumed to be present. The corresponding gravitational equations for the energy density in a homogeneous and isotropic Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker universe are solved, and an analytic expression for the scale factor is obtained. Attention is paid, specifically, to the role of the viscosity term in the accelerated expansion; the values of the slow-roll parameters, the spectral index, and the tensor-to-scalar ratio for the van der Waals model are calculated and compared with the most recent astronomical data from the Planck satellite. By imposing reasonable restrictions on the parameters of the van der Waals equation, in the presence of viscosity, it is shown to be possible for this model to comply quite precisely with the observational data. One can therefore conclude that the inclusion of viscosity in the theory of the inflationary epoch may definitely improve the cosmological models.
Simple and Green Synthesis of Boron-, Sulfur-, and Nitrogen-Co-Doped Carbon Dots as Fluorescent Probe for Selective and Sensitive Detection of Sunset Yellow
Authors: Huang Ying , Cheng Zhengjun
Published: August 2017

Herein, we have reported the synthesis of boron-, sulfur-, and nitrogen-co-doped carbon dots (B/S/N-CDs) by one-step hydrothermal method using D-([Formula: see text])-maltose monohydrate, boracic acid, and thiocarbamide as the precursors. The prepared B/S/N-CDs possess good water dispersibility, excellent pH stabilities, and resistance to photobleaching. Furthermore, the transmission electron microscope image indicates that the B/S/N-CDs are homogeneously spherical and show good dispersion. Noticeably, the B/S/N-CDs show bright blue photoluminescence with a quantum yield of 8.9% in aqueous solution and can be used as a potent photoluminescent probe for selective and sensitive detection of sunset yellow (SY). Compared with other food colors, SY can dramatically quench the fluorescence of B/S/N-CDs. Meanwhile, the fluorescence intensity displays a good linear response with SY concentration in the range of 0–70[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]M ([Formula: see text]) and the detection limit is as low as 4.65[Formula: see text]nM. The B/S/N-CDs can also be applied for the detection of SY in mineral water and business drink with satisfactory recovery. Our study has demonstrated that the B/S/N-CDs may have wide application values in medical detection, environmental monitoring, and related researches.
Nonlinear stability of traveling waves for a multi-type SIS epidemic model
Authors: Li Mengqi , Weng Peixuan , Yang Yong
Published: August 2017

The nonlinear stability of traveling waves for a multi-type SIS epidemic model is investigated in this paper. By using the comparison principle together with the weighted energy function, we obtain the exponential stability of traveling wavefront with large wave speed. The initial perturbation around the traveling wavefront decays exponentially as [Formula: see text], but it can be arbitrarily large in other locations.
Fiber-integrated Brillouin microspectroscopy: Towards Brillouin endoscopy
Authors: Kabakova Irina V. , Xiang YuChen , Paterson Carl , Török Peter
Published: August 2017

Brillouin imaging (BI) for micromechanical characterization of tissues and biomaterials is a fast-developing field of research with a strong potential for medical diagnosis of disease-modified tissues and cells. Although the principles of BI imply its compatibility with in vivo and in situ measurements, the integration of BI with a flexible catheter, capable of reaching the region of interest within the body, is yet to be reported. Here, for the first time, we experimentally investigate integration of the Brillouin spectroscope with standard optical fiber components to achieve a Brillouin endoscope. The performance of single-fiber and dual-fiber endoscopes are demonstrated and analyzed. We show that a major challenge in construction of Brillouin endoscopes is the strong backward Brillouin scattering in the optical fiber and we present a dual-fiber geometry as a possible solution. Measurements of Brillouin spectra in test liquids (water, ethanol and glycerol) are demonstrated using the dual-fiber endoscope and its performance is analyzed numerically with the help of a beam propagation model.
Fabrication of CaFe2O4 nanofibers via electrospinning method with enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity
Authors: Wang Jianmin , Wang Yunan , Liu Yinglei , Li Song , Cao Feng , Qin Gaowu
Published: August 2017

CaFe2O4 nanofibers with diameters of about 130[Formula: see text]nm have been fabricated via a facile electrospinning method. The structures, morphologies and optical properties of the obtained CaF2O4 nanofibers have been investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and UV–Visible UV–Vis diffuse reflectance spectrum. The photocatalytic activities of the CaFe2O4 nanofibers are evaluated by the photo-degradation of Methyl orange (MO). The results show that the CaFe2O4 nanofibers (72%) exhibit much higher photocatalytic performance than the CaFe2O4 powders (27%) prepared by conventional method under visible light irradiation. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of CaFe2O4 nanofibers could be attributed to the large surface area, high photogenerated charge carriers density and low charge transfer resistance, as revealed by photoelectrochemical measurement. And fundamentally, it could be attributed to the decreased particle size and the fibrous nanostructure. This work not only provides an efficient way to improve the photocatalytic activity of CaFe2O4, but also provides a new method for preparing materials with nanofibrous structure.
Cross-polarization suppression in C-shaped microstrip patch antenna employing anisotropic dielectrics
Authors: Shi Hongyu , Zhu Shitao , Li Jianxing , Zhang Anxue , Xu Zhuo
Published: August 2017

An anisotropic dielectric realized by layered ceramic structures was adopted to design a low cross-polarization C-shaped patch antenna. The anisotropic dielectric performs as a substrate and can cause additional cross-polarized fields which are able to cancel the cross-polarized fields generated by the C-shaped patch itself, and then reduce the cross-polarization level. Compared to the C-shaped patch antenna with an isotropic substrate, the cross-polarization of the proposed antenna is suppressed by more than 15[Formula: see text]dB with a little gain enhancement at 2.4[Formula: see text]GHz. The anisotropic dielectric has a little impact on the direction of the C-shaped patch antenna. The gain of the proposed C-shaped patch antenna is 6.8[Formula: see text]dB with a cross-polarization of [Formula: see text]28[Formula: see text]dB.
Dielectric dispersion and thermodynamic behavior of stearic acid binary mixtures with alcohol as co-solvent using time domain reflectometry
Authors: Sylvester M. Maria , Ganesh T. , Karunakaran D. J. S. Anand , Senthilkumar P. , Hudge Praveen G. , Kumbharkhane A. C.
Published: August 2017

Dielectric permittivity and relaxation dynamics of binary and ternary mixture of stearic acid on various concentration and their thermodynamic effects are studied. The static dielectric constant ([Formula: see text]), dielectric permittivity ([Formula: see text]) and dielectric loss ([Formula: see text]) are found by bilinear calibration. The relaxation time ([Formula: see text]), dielectric strength ([Formula: see text]) and the excess permittivity ([Formula: see text]) are found. The thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy ([Formula: see text]), entropy ([Formula: see text]) and Gibb’s free energy ([Formula: see text]) are evolved. The significant changes in dielectric parameters are due to the intramolecular and intermolecular interactions in response to the applied frequency. The permittivity spectra of stearic acid–alcohol in the frequency range of 10[Formula: see text]MHz to 30[Formula: see text]GHz have been measured using picoseconds Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR). The dielectric parameters ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]) are found by bilinear calibration method. Influence of temperature in intermolecular interaction and the relaxation process are also studied. The FT-IR spectral analysis reveals that the conformation of functional groups and formation for hydrogen bonding are present in both binary and ternary mixtures of stearic acid.
The dielectric and ferroelectric properties of (Ba0.5Sr0.5)TiO3-doped (Bi0.5Na0.5)TiO3 lead-free ceramics
Authors: Xue Guoliang , Wu Qiankun , Li Gang , Lin Huaizhou , Liu Gang , Chen Yi , Liu Xiaokui , Yan Yan
Published: August 2017

This work prepares (Ba[Formula: see text]Sr[Formula: see text])TiO3 (BST)-doped (Bi[Formula: see text]Na[Formula: see text])TiO3 (NBT) lead free ceramics through conventional solid reaction method and analyzes the doping effect of BST on phases, microstructure, dielectric and ferroelectric properties. The phase and structure of the NBT-BST ceramics were investigated through X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Raman. The XRD results showed that BST has diffused into the NBT lattices to form a stable solid solution; while, Raman spectrum showed the bands at low frequency are different with that of pure NBT and divided into two ranges around 247[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text] and 303[Formula: see text]cm[Formula: see text]. Relative dense and homogeneous ceramic microstructures could be achieved, with the observation of a slight decrease in average grain size with the increase of BST doping content. The dielectric and ferroelectric properties were also investigated. The dielectric constant increases gradually with increasing the temperature to [Formula: see text], and then decrease. The temperature dependence property showed diffused phase transition near [Formula: see text]. The polarization-electric field ([Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]) hysteresis loops of BST-doped NBT ceramics showed typical ferroelectric or relaxor nature. Both the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] increased first, then decreased with respect to the increase of the BST content.
Neonate morphology and development in pterosaurs: evidence from a Ctenochasmatid embryo from the Early Cretaceous of Argentina
Authors: Codorniú Laura , Chiappe Luis , Rivarola David
Published: August 2017

We report on a diminutive pterosaur specimen (MIC-V246), from the Lower Cretaceous Lagarcito Formation, which has anatomical features and general proportions that agree with those of other juvenile specimens of the filter-feeding pterosaur
Pterodaustro guinazui
. MIC-V246 is nearly complete, with the majority of its bones in natural articulation. The specimen is preserved within a small oval surface inferred to demarcate the outline of an egg. It includes remains of the skull and mandible, some cervical, dorsal, sacral and caudal vertebrae, ribs, gastralia, both shoulder girdles, part of the ilium, and the forelimbs and hindlimbs. The skeleton is arranged in a position similar to that of avian embryos, with the wings folded sideways, the hindlimbs flexed, and the skull tucked beneath a wing. The bones are partially covered by an irregularly distributed substance differing in texture and colour from the bony elements, and identified as remnants of the eggshell. The diminutive size of the skeleton, along with its arrangement and morphology, support the identification of this specimen as one of the very few pterosaur embryos known worldwide. Its similarity in size to other
Pterodaustro
specimens interpreted as hatchlings suggests that MIC-V246 was near hatching when it died.
Anthropogenic Extinction Dominates Holocene Declines of West Indian Mammals
Authors: Cooke Siobhán B. , Dávalos Liliana M. , Mychajliw Alexis M. , Turvey Samuel T. , Upham Nathan S.
Published: August 2017

The extensive postglacial mammal losses in the West Indies provide an opportunity to evaluate extinction dynamics, but limited data have hindered our ability to test hypotheses. Here, we analyze the tempo and dynamics of extinction using a novel data set of faunal last-appearance dates and human first-appearance dates, demonstrating widespread overlap between humans and now-extinct native mammals. Humans arrived in four waves (Lithic, Archaic, Ceramic, and European), each associated with increased environmental impact. Large-bodied mammals and several bats were extinct by the Archaic, following protracted extinction dynamics perhaps reflecting habitat loss. Most small-bodied rodents and lipotyphlan insectivores survived the Ceramic, but extensive landscape transformation and the introduction of invasive mammals following European colonization caused further extinctions, leaving a threatened remnant fauna. Both large- and small-bodied nonvolant mammals disappeared, reflecting complex relationships between body size, ecology, and anthropogenic change. Extinct bats were generally larger species, paralleling declines from natural catastrophes.
Landscape Approaches: A State-of-the-Art Review
Authors: Arts Bas , Buizer Marleen , Horlings Lummina , Ingram Verina , van Oosten Cora , Opdam Paul
Published: August 2017

Landscape approaches have become en vogue in the past couple of decades. Originating from nineteenth-century landscape geography, this renewed popularity since the 1980s is fueled by debates on—among others—nature conservation, landscape restoration, ecosystem services, competing claims on land and resources, sectorial land-use policies, sustainable development, and sense of place. This review illuminates the ambition and potential of these landscape approaches for interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral collaboration. To show this, we work with a T-shaped interdisciplinary model. After a short history of the landscape approaches, we dive into their key dimensions—from ecology to economics and culture to politics. Thereafter, we bring these dimensions together again and reflect on the integrative potential of landscape approaches for offering common ground to various disciplines and sectors. Two examples of applications are also dealt with: a landscape governance framework and a landscape capability framework.
Smallholder Agriculture and Climate Change
Authors: Cohn Avery S. , Newton Peter , Gil Juliana D.B. , Kuhl Laura , Samberg Leah , Ricciardi Vincent , Manly Jessica R. , Northrop Sarah
Published: August 2017

Hundreds of millions of the world's poorest people directly depend on smallholder farming systems. These people now face a changing climate and associated societal responses. We use mapping and a literature review to juxtapose the climate fate of smallholder systems with that of other agricultural systems and population groups. Limited direct evidence contrasts climate impact risk in smallholder agricultural systems versus other farming systems, but proxy evidence suggests high smallholder vulnerability. Smallholders distinctively adapt to climate shocks and stressors. Their future adaptive capacity is uncertain and conditional upon the severity of climate change and socioeconomic changes from regional development. Smallholders present a greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation paradox. They emit a small amount of CO2 per capita and are poor, making GHG regulation unwarranted. But they produce GHG-intensive food and emit disproportionate quantities of black carbon through traditional biomass energy. Effectively accounting for smallholders in mitigation and adaption policies is critical and will require innovative solutions to the transaction costs that enrolling smallholders often imposes. Together, our findings show smallholder farming systems to be a critical fulcrum between climate change and sustainable development.
Anesthesia and bariatric surgery gut preparation alter plasma acylcarnitines reflective of mitochondrial fat and branched-chain amino acid oxidation
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sudeepa , Ali Mohamed , Smith William H. , Minkler Paul E. , Stoll Maria S. , Hoppel Charles L. , Adams Sean H.
Published: August 2017

The period around bariatric surgery offers a unique opportunity to characterize metabolism responses to dynamic shifts in energy, gut function, and anesthesia. We analyzed plasma acylcarnitines in obese women ( n = 17) sampled in the overnight fasted/postabsorptive state approximately 1–2 wk before surgery ( condition A), the morning of surgery (prior restriction to a 48-h clear liquid diet coupled in some cases a standard polyethylene glycol gut evacuation: condition B), and following induction of anesthesia ( condition C). Comparisons tested if 1) plasma acylcarnitine derivatives reflective of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) and xenometabolism would be significantly increased and decreased, respectively, by preoperative gut preparation/negative energy balance ( condition A vs. B), and 2) anesthesia would acutely depress markers of FAO. Acylcarnitines associated with fat mobilization and FAO were significantly increased in condition B: long-chain acylcarnitines (i.e., C18:1, ~70%), metabolites from active but incomplete FAO [i.e., C14:1 (161%) and C14:2 (102%)] and medium- to short-chain acylcarnitines [i.e., C2 (91%), R-3-hydroxybutyryl-(245%), C6 (45%), and cis-3,4-methylene-heptanoyl-(17%), etc.]. Branched-chain amino acid markers displayed disparate patterns [i.e., isobutyryl-(40% decreased) vs. isovaleryl carnitine (51% increased)]. Anesthesia reduced virtually every acylcarnitine. These results are consistent with a fasting-type metabolic phenotype coincident with the presurgical “gut preparation” phase of bariatric surgery, and a major and rapid alteration of both fat and amino acid metabolism with onset of anesthesia. Whether presurgical or anesthesia-associated metabolic shifts in carnitine and fuel metabolism impact patient outcomes or surgical risks remains to be evaluated experimentally.
White-nose syndrome increases torpid metabolic rate and evaporative water loss in hibernating bats
Authors: McGuire Liam P. , Mayberry Heather W. , Willis Craig K. R.
Published: August 2017

Fungal diseases of wildlife typically manifest as superficial skin infections but can have devastating consequences for host physiology and survival. White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a fungal skin disease that has killed millions of hibernating bats in North America since 2007. Infection with the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans causes bats to rewarm too often during hibernation, but the cause of increased arousal rates remains unknown. On the basis of data from studies of captive and free-living bats, two mechanistic models have been proposed to explain disease processes in WNS. Key predictions of both models are that WNS-affected bats will show 1) higher metabolic rates during torpor (TMR) and 2) higher rates of evaporative water loss (EWL). We collected bats from a WNS-negative hibernaculum, inoculated one group with P. destructans, and sham-inoculated a second group as controls. After 4 mo of hibernation, TMR and EWL were measured using respirometry. Both predictions were supported, and our data suggest that infected bats were more affected by variation in ambient humidity than controls. Furthermore, disease severity, as indicated by the area of the wing with UV fluorescence, was positively correlated with EWL, but not TMR. Our results provide the first direct evidence that heightened energy expenditure during torpor and higher EWL independently contribute to WNS pathophysiology, with implications for the design of potential treatments for the disease.
Evaluating the voiding spot assay in mice: a simple method with complex environmental interactions
Authors: Chen Huan , Zhang Lanlan , Hill Warren G. , Yu Weiqun
Published: August 2017

The voiding spot assay (VSA) on filter paper is an increasingly popular method for studying lower urinary tract physiology in mice. However, the ways VSAs are performed differ significantly between laboratories, and many variables are introduced compared with the mouse’s normal housing situation. Rodents are intelligent social animals, and it is increasingly understood that social and environmental stresses have significant effects on their physiology. Surprisingly, little is known about whether change of environment during VSA affects mouse voiding and what the best methodologies are for retaining “natural” micturition patterns. It is well known that stress-related neuropeptide corticotropin-releasing factor is significantly elevated and induces dramatic voiding changes when rodents encounter stresses. Therefore we hypothesized that changes in the environmental situation could potentially alter voiding during VSA. We have examined multiple factors to test whether they affect female mouse voiding patterns during VSA, including cage type, cage floor, water availability, water bottle location, single or group housing, and different handlers. Our results indicate that mice are surprisingly sensitive to changes in cage type and floor surface, water bottle location, and single/group housing, each of which induces significant changes in voiding patterns, indicative of a stress response. In contrast, neither changing handler nor 4 h of water deprivation affected voiding patterns. Our data indicate that VSA should be performed under conditions as close as possible to the mouse’s normal housing. Optimizing VSA methodology will be useful in uncovering voiding alterations in both genetic and disease models of lower urinary dysfunctions.
Microglia-mediated synaptic elimination in neuronal development and disease
Authors: Whitelaw Brendan S.
Published: August 2017

It has recently become clear that microglia, the immune cells of the central nervous system, are far more active in the healthy brain than previously thought. Microglia facilitate many stages of brain development by shaping neuronal connectivity via synaptic elimination. Dysfunction of these same processes likely underlies a wide range of neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Intrinsic frequency biases and profiles across human cortex
Authors: Mellem Monika S. , Wohltjen Sophie , Gotts Stephen J. , Ghuman Avniel Singh , Martin Alex
Published: August 2017

Recent findings in monkeys suggest that intrinsic periodic spiking activity in selective cortical areas occurs at timescales that follow a sensory or lower order-to-higher order processing hierarchy (Murray JD, Bernacchia A, Freedman DJ, Romo R, Wallis JD, Cai X, Padoa-Schioppa C, Pasternak T, Seo H, Lee D, Wang XJ. Nat Neurosci 17: 1661–1663, 2014). It has not yet been fully explored if a similar timescale hierarchy is present in humans. Additionally, these measures in the monkey studies have not addressed findings that rhythmic activity within a brain area can occur at multiple frequencies. In this study we investigate in humans if regions may be biased toward particular frequencies of intrinsic activity and if a full cortical mapping still reveals an organization that follows this hierarchy. We examined the spectral power in multiple frequency bands (0.5–150 Hz) from task-independent data using magnetoencephalography (MEG). We compared standardized power across bands to find regional frequency biases. Our results demonstrate a mix of lower and higher frequency biases across sensory and higher order regions. Thus they suggest a more complex cortical organization that does not simply follow this hierarchy. Additionally, some regions do not display a bias for a single band, and a data-driven clustering analysis reveals a regional organization with high standardized power in multiple bands. Specifically, theta and beta are both high in dorsal frontal cortex, whereas delta and gamma are high in ventral frontal cortex and temporal cortex. Occipital and parietal regions are biased more narrowly toward alpha power, and ventral temporal lobe displays specific biases toward gamma. Thus intrinsic rhythmic neural activity displays a regional organization but one that is not necessarily hierarchical.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The organization of rhythmic neural activity is not well understood. Whereas it has been postulated that rhythms are organized in a hierarchical manner across brain regions, our novel analysis allows comparison of full cortical maps across different frequency bands, which demonstrate that the rhythmic organization is more complex. Additionally, data-driven methods show that rhythms of multiple frequencies or timescales occur within a particular region and that this nonhierarchical organization is widespread.
Ventilation inhibits sympathetic action potential recruitment even during severe chemoreflex stress
Authors: Badrov Mark B. , Barak Otto F. , Mijacika Tanja , Shoemaker Leena N. , Borrell Lindsay J. , Lojpur Mihajlo , Drvis Ivan , Dujic Zeljko , Shoemaker J. Kevin
Published: August 2017

This study investigated the influence of ventilation on sympathetic action potential (AP) discharge patterns during varying levels of high chemoreflex stress. In seven trained breath-hold divers (age 33 ± 12 yr), we measured muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) at baseline, during preparatory rebreathing (RBR), and during 1) functional residual capacity apnea (FRCApnea) and 2) continued RBR. Data from RBR were analyzed at matched (i.e., to FRCApnea) hemoglobin saturation (HbSat) levels (RBRMatched) or more severe levels (RBREnd). A third protocol compared alternating periods (30 s) of FRC and RBR (FRC-RBRALT). Subjects continued each protocol until 85% volitional tolerance. AP patterns in MSNA (i.e., providing the true neural content of each sympathetic burst) were studied using wavelet-based methodology. First, for similar levels of chemoreflex stress (both HbSat: 71 ± 6%; P = NS), RBRMatched was associated with reduced AP frequency and APs per burst compared with FRCApnea (both P < 0.001). When APs were binned according to peak-to-peak amplitude (i.e., into clusters), total AP clusters increased during FRCApnea (+10 ± 2; P < 0.001) but not during RBRMatched (+1 ± 2; P = NS). Second, despite more severe chemoreflex stress during RBREnd (HbSat: 56 ± 13 vs. 71 ± 6%; P < 0.001), RBREnd was associated with a restrained increase in the APs per burst (FRCApnea: +18 ± 7; RBREnd: +11 ± 5) and total AP clusters (FRCApnea: +10 ± 2; RBREnd: +6 ± 4) (both P < 0.01). During FRC-RBRALT, all periods of FRC elicited sympathetic AP recruitment (all P < 0.001), whereas all periods of RBR were associated with complete withdrawal of AP recruitment (all P = NS). Presently, we demonstrate that ventilation per se restrains and/or inhibits sympathetic axonal recruitment during high, and even extreme, chemoreflex stress.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY The current study demonstrates that the sympathetic neural recruitment patterns observed during chemoreflex activation induced by rebreathing or apnea are restrained and/or inhibited by the act of ventilation per se, despite similar, or even greater, levels of severe chemoreflex stress. Therefore, ventilation modulates not only the timing of sympathetic bursts but also the within-burst axonal recruitment normally observed during progressive chemoreflex stress.
Parkinsonism and vigilance: alteration in neural oscillatory activity and phase-amplitude coupling in the basal ganglia and motor cortex
Authors: Escobar Sanabria David , Johnson Luke A. , Nebeck Shane D. , Zhang Jianyu , Johnson Matthew D. , Baker Kenneth B. , Molnar Gregory F. , Vitek Jerrold L.
Published: August 2017

Oscillatory neural activity in different frequency bands and phase-amplitude coupling (PAC) are hypothesized to be biomarkers of Parkinson’s disease (PD) that could explain dysfunction in the motor circuit and be used for closed-loop deep brain stimulation (DBS). How these putative biomarkers change from the normal to the parkinsonian state across nodes in the motor circuit and within the same subject, however, remains unknown. In this study, we characterized how parkinsonism and vigilance altered oscillatory activity and PAC within the primary motor cortex (M1), subthalamic nucleus (STN), and globus pallidus (GP) in two nonhuman primates. Static and dynamic analyses of local field potential (LFP) recordings indicate that 1) after induction of parkinsonism using the neurotoxin MPTP, low-frequency power (8–30 Hz) increased in the STN and GP in both subjects, but increased in M1 in only one subject; 2) high-frequency power (~330 Hz) was present in the STN in both normal subjects but absent in the parkinsonian condition; 3) elevated PAC measurements emerged in the parkinsonian condition in both animals, but in different sites in each animal (M1 in one subject and GPe in the other); and 4) the state of vigilance significantly impacted how oscillatory activity and PAC were expressed in the motor circuit. These results support the hypothesis that changes in low- and high-frequency oscillatory activity and PAC are features of parkinsonian pathophysiology and provide evidence that closed-loop DBS systems based on these biomarkers may require subject-specific configurations as well as adaptation to changes in vigilance.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Chronically implanted electrodes were used to record neural activity across multiple nodes in the basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuit simultaneously in a nonhuman primate model of Parkinson’s disease, enabling within-subject comparisons of electrophysiological biomarkers between normal and parkinsonian conditions and different vigilance states. This study improves our understanding of the role of oscillatory activity and phase-amplitude coupling in the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease and supports the development of more effective DBS therapies based on pathophysiological biomarkers.
Rapid visuomotor feedback gains are tuned to the task dynamics
Authors: Franklin Sae , Wolpert Daniel M. , Franklin David W.
Published: August 2017

Adaptation to novel dynamics requires learning a motor memory, or a new pattern of predictive feedforward motor commands. Recently, we demonstrated the upregulation of rapid visuomotor feedback gains early in curl force field learning, which decrease once a predictive motor memory is learned. However, even after learning is complete, these feedback gains are higher than those observed in the null field trials. Interestingly, these upregulated feedback gains in the curl field were not observed in a constant force field. Therefore, we suggest that adaptation also involves selectively tuning the feedback sensitivity of the sensorimotor control system to the environment. Here, we test this hypothesis by measuring the rapid visuomotor feedback gains after subjects adapt to a variety of novel dynamics generated by a robotic manipulandum in three experiments. To probe the feedback gains, we measured the magnitude of the motor response to rapid shifts in the visual location of the hand during reaching. While the feedback gain magnitude remained similar over a larger than a fourfold increase in constant background load, the feedback gains scaled with increasing lateral resistance and increasing instability. The third experiment demonstrated that the feedback gains could also be independently tuned to perturbations to the left and right, depending on the lateral resistance, demonstrating the fractionation of feedback gains to environmental dynamics. Our results show that the sensorimotor control system regulates the gain of the feedback system as part of the adaptation process to novel dynamics, appropriately tuning them to the environment.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here, we test whether rapid visuomotor feedback responses are selectively tuned to the task dynamics. The responses do not exhibit gain scaling, but they do vary with the level and stability of task dynamics. Moreover, these feedback gains are independently tuned to perturbations to the left and right, depending on these dynamics. Our results demonstrate that the sensorimotor control system regulates the feedback gain as part of the adaptation process, tuning them appropriately to the environment.
Stochastic Fractal Search Algorithm for Template Matching with Lateral Inhibition
Authors: Luo Qifang , Zhang Sen , Zhou Yongquan
Published: August 2017

Template matching is a basic and crucial process for image processing. In this paper, a hybrid method of stochastic fractal search (SFS) and lateral inhibition (LI) is proposed to solve complicated template matching problems. The proposed template matching technique is called LI-SFS. SFS is a new metaheuristic algorithm inspired by random fractals. Furthermore, lateral inhibition mechanism has been verified to have good effects on image edge extraction and image enhancement. In this work, lateral inhibition is employed for image preprocessing. LI-SFS takes both the advantages of SFS and lateral inhibition which leads to better performance. Our simulation results show that LI-SFS is more effective and robust for this template matching mission than other algorithms based on LI.
NMR Confirmation and HPLC Quantification of Javamide-I and Javamide-II in Green Coffee Extract Products Available in the Market
Authors: Park Jae B.
Published: August 2017

Javamide-I/javamide-II are phenolic amides found in coffee. Recent reports suggested that they may contain several biological activities related to human health. Therefore, there is emergent interest about their quantities in coffee-related products. Green coffee extract is a powder extract made of unroasted green coffee beans, available as a dietary supplement. However, there is little information about the amounts of javamide-I/javamide-II in green coffee extract products in the market. Therefore, in this paper, javamide-I/javamide-II were extracted from green coffee extract products and their identifications were confirmed by NMR. After that, the amounts of javamide-I/javamide-II were individually quantified from seven different green coffee extract samples using the HPLC method coupled to an electrochemical detector. The HPLC method provided accurate and reliable measurement of javamide-I/javamide-II with excellent peak resolution and low detection limit. In all seven green coffee extract samples, javamide-II was found to be between 0.28 and 2.96 mg/g, but javamide-I was detected in only five samples in the concentration levels of 0.15–0.52 mg/g, suggesting that green coffee extract products contain different amounts of javamide-I/javamide-II. In summary, javamide-I/javamide-II can be found in green coffee extract products sold in the market, but their amounts are likely to be comparatively different in between green coffee extract brands.
The Relation between Periodontopathogenic Bacterial Levels and Resistin in the Saliva of Obese Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Al-Rawi Natheer , Al-Marzooq Farah
Published: August 2017

This study aims to investigate the relation between resistin and periodontopathogenic bacterial levels in the saliva of obese adults compared to healthy control and to examine whether salivary resistin can serve as a biomarker of type 2 diabetes in obese patients. A total of 78 saliva samples were collected from patients attending to the University Dental Hospital, Sharjah, UAE. The patients were divided into three equal groups: obese diabetics, obese nondiabetics, and nonobese nondiabetic control. Salivary resistin was measured using ELISA. The levels of bacterial species associated with periodontitis (Treponema denticola, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans) and gingivitis (Fusobacterium spp.) were measured using real-time PCR. Both salivary resistin and periodontopathogenic bacteria including Fusobacterium spp., P. gingivalis, and T. forsythia were detected in significantly higher quantities in the obese patients (diabetics and nondiabetics) than nonobese nondiabetic control. Resistin concentrations were significantly correlated with BMI; however, its level was not correlated with the blood glucose. In this study, high salivary resistin was associated with obesity, which is a major predisposing factor for type 2 diabetes and also a risk factor for oral diseases. The high levels of salivary periodontopathogenic bacteria could upregulate the local release of salivary resistin in obese people.
The Off‐Design Performance Simulation of Marine Gas Turbine Based on Optimum Scheduling of Variable Stator Vanes
Authors: Wang Zhitao , Li Jian , Fan Kuo , Li Shuying
Published: August 2017

As one of the antisurge techniques, the adjusting scheme of VSV under off‐design conditions has a significant impact on the performance of gas turbines. In this paper, the one‐dimensional characteristic of the compressor calculation program is embedded into the zero‐dimensional overall gas turbine model, which replaces the original compressor characteristic module. Based on the assembling relationship of the actual components of the marine gas turbine, the architecture of the modular model library is designed, and an integrated simulation platform of marine gas turbine is developed by using MATLAB/GUI software. The influence of the first 3 rows of variable stator vanes of the 9‐stage axial compressor working alone on the performance of the compressor at different speeds and different angles was analyzed by the HARIKA compressor characteristic calculation program. Taking the economics and stability of the gas turbine as the optimization objective, the optimization of the first three‐stage stator vanes regulation schemes under different working conditions was carried out. The steady‐state performance parameters under each working condition of gas turbine of power generation with or without variable stator vane mode were calculated. The study results can provide references for the adjusting scheme of VSV under gas turbine off‐design conditions operating process.
DSRC versus 4G-LTE for Connected Vehicle Applications: A Study on Field Experiments of Vehicular Communication Performance
Authors: Xu Zhigang , Li Xiaochi , Zhao Xiangmo , Zhang Michael H. , Wang Zhongren
Published: August 2017

Dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) and 4G-LTE are two widely used candidate schemes for Connected Vehicle (CV) applications. It is thus of great necessity to compare these two most viable communication standards and clarify which one can meet the requirements of most V2X scenarios with respect to road safety, traffic efficiency, and infotainment. To the best of our knowledge, almost all the existing studies on comparing the feasibility of DRSC or LTE in V2X applications use software-based simulations, which may not represent realistic constraints. In this paper, a Connected Vehicle test-bed is established, which integrates the DSRC roadside units, 4G-LTE cellular communication stations, and vehicular on-board terminals. Three Connected Vehicle application scenarios are set as Collision Avoidance, Traffic Text Message Broadcast, and Multimedia File Download, respectively. A software tool is developed to record GPS positions/velocities of the test vehicles and record certain wireless communication performance indicators. The experiments have been carried out under different conditions. According to our results, 4G-LTE is more preferred for the nonsafety applications, such as traffic information transmission, file download, or Internet accessing, which does not necessarily require the high-speed real-time communication, while for the safety applications, such as Collision Avoidance or electronic traffic sign, DSRC outperforms the 4G-LTE.
Online Model Learning of Buildings Using Stochastic Hybrid Systems Based on Gaussian Processes
Authors: Abdel-Aziz Hamzah , Koutsoukos Xenofon
Published: August 2017

Dynamical models are essential for model-based control methodologies which allow smart buildings to operate autonomously in an energy and cost efficient manner. However, buildings have complex thermal dynamics which are affected externally by the environment and internally by thermal loads such as equipment and occupancy. Moreover, the physical parameters of buildings may change over time as the buildings age or due to changes in the buildings’ configuration or structure. In this paper, we introduce an online model learning methodology to identify a nonparametric dynamical model for buildings when the thermal load is latent (i.e., the thermal load cannot be measured). The proposed model is based on stochastic hybrid systems, where the discrete state describes the level of the thermal load and the continuous dynamics represented by Gaussian processes describe the thermal dynamics of the air temperature. We demonstrate the evaluation of the proposed model using two-zone and five-zone buildings. The data for both experiments are generated using the EnergyPlus software. Experimental results show that the proposed model estimates the thermal load level correctly and predicts the thermal behavior with good performance.
Physicochemical Characterization of Polysaccharides with Macrophage Immunomodulatory Activities Isolated from Red Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer)
Authors: Zheng Liang , Wang Mengyue , Peng Ying , Li Xiaobo
Published: August 2017

In this study, four polysaccharide fractions designated as RGP1, RGP2, RGP3, and RGP4 were isolated from red ginseng by DEAE-52 cellulose chromatography, and their macrophage immunomodulatory activities were investigated. The results revealed that the proliferation, NO production, and neutral red phagocytosis of RAW 264.7 macrophage cells in groups treated with RGP1 and RGP2 in vitro were increased significantly compared to RGP3 and RGP4. In addition, the level of TNF-α in RAW 264.7 cells was significantly increased in RGP1 and RGP2 groups. All the results consistently indicated that polysaccharide fractions RGP1 and RGP2 had strong macrophage immunomodulatory activities. Furthermore, RGP1 and RGP2 were purified by Sephadex G-100 column and RGP2 was further fractionated into a homogeneous fraction RGP2-1, with the molecular weight of 2.16 × 104 Da. The analysis of monosaccharide composition revealed that RGP1 was composed of arabinose, glucose, and galactose with a relative molecular ratio of 0.02 : 0.88 : 0.10. RGP2-1 was composed of rhamnose, arabinose, glucose, and galactose with a relative molecular ratio of 0.02 : 0.10 : 0.77 : 0.11. These results provided evidences that the neutral polysaccharide fractions RGP1 and RGP2 possessed significant immunomodulatory activity and could be explored as a promising natural immunomodulating agent applied in functional foods or medicines.