bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex differences and blood pressure regulation in humans
Authors: Joyner Michael J. , Wallin B. Gunnar , Charkoudian Nisha
Published: July 2015

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

Over the past decade, our team has investigated interindividual variability in human blood pressure regulation.

What advances does it highlight?

In men, we have found a tight relationship between indices of sympathetic activity and vascular resistance across the age span. This relationship is absent in young women but seen in postmenopausal women. These sex and age differences in vascular resistance are largely a result of changes in the balance of vasodilating and vasoconstricting adrenergic receptor tone. When these changes are considered along with cardiac output, a coherent picture is beginning to emerge of why blood pressure rises more with age in women than men.

Arterial pressure is a key regulated variable in the cardiovascular system with important health implications. Over the last 12 years, we have used physiological measurements, including muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), to explore the balance among mean arterial blood pressure, cardiac output and total peripheral resistance (TPR) in normotensive humans. We have shown that these determinants of blood pressure can vary widely in different subjects and how they vary depends on sex and age. In young men, there is a direct relationship between MSNA and TPR but no relationship with blood pressure. This is because cardiac output is proportionally lower in those with high MSNA and TPR. In contrast, in young women there is no relationship between MSNA and TPR (or cardiac output); this is because β‐adrenergic vasodilator mechanisms offset α‐adrenergic vasoconstriction. Thus, blood pressure is unrelated to MSNA in young women. In older women, β‐adrenergic vasodilator mechanisms are diminished, and a direct relationship between MSNA and TPR is seen. In older men, the relationships among these variables are less clear cut, perhaps owing to age‐related alterations in endothelial function. With ageing, the relationship between MSNA and blood pressure becomes positive, more so in women than in men. The finding that the physiological control of blood pressure is so different in men and women and that it varies with age suggests that future studies of mechanisms of hypertension will reveal corresponding differences among groups.
Application of the VPSC Model to the Description of the Stress–Strain Response and Texture Evolution in AZ31 Mg for Various Strain Paths
Authors: Chandola Nitin , Mishra Raja K. , Cazacu Oana
Published: July 2015

Accurate description of the mechanical response of AZ31 Mg requires consideration of its strong anisotropy both at the single crystal and polycrystal levels, and its evolution with accumulated plastic deformation. In this paper, a self-consistent mean field crystal plasticity model, viscoplastic self-consistent (VPSC), is used for modeling the room-temperature deformation of AZ31 Mg. A step-by-step procedure to calibrate the material parameters based on simple tensile and compressive mechanical test data is outlined. It is shown that the model predicts with great accuracy both the macroscopic stress–strain response and the evolving texture for these strain paths used for calibration. The stress–strain response and texture evolution for loading paths that were not used for calibration, including off-axis uniaxial loadings and simple shear, are also well described. In particular, VPSC model predicts that for uniaxial tension along the through-thickness direction, the stress–strain curve should have a sigmoidal shape.
Is the Lattice Boltzmann Method Applicable to Rarefied Gas Flows? Comprehensive Evaluation of the Higher-Order Models
Authors: Watari Minoru
Published: July 2015

Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) whose equilibrium distribution function contains higher-order terms is called higher-order LBM. It is expected that nonequilibrium physics beyond the Navier–Stokes can be accurately captured using the higher-order LBM. Relationship between the level of higher-order and the simulation accuracy of rarefied gas flows is studied. Theoretical basis for constructing higher-order LBM is presented. On this basis, specific higher-order models are constructed. To confirm that the models have been correctly constructed, verification simulations are performed focusing on the continuum regime: sound wave and supersonic flow in Laval nozzle. With applications to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) in mind, low Mach number flows are studied. Shear flow and heat conduction between parallel walls in the slip flow regime are investigated to confirm the relaxation process in the Knudsen layer. Problems between concentric cylinders are investigated from the slip flow regime to the free molecule regime to confirm the effect of boundary curvature. The accuracy is discussed comparing the simulation results with pioneers' studies. Models of the fourth-order give sufficient accuracy even for highly rarefied gas flows. Increase of the particle directions is necessary as the Knudsen number increases.
Mathematical Model for Viscoplastic Fluid Hammer
Authors: Oliveira Gabriel M. , Franco Admilson T. , Negrão Cezar O. R.
Published: July 2015

The current work presents a mathematical model to simulate “viscoplastic fluid hammer”-overpressure caused by sudden viscoplastic fluid deceleration in pipelines. The flow is considered one-dimensional, isothermal, laminar, and weakly compressible and the fluid is assumed to behave as a Bingham plastic. The model is based on the mass and momentum balance equations and solved by the method of characteristics (MOC). The results show that the overpressures taking place in viscoplastic fluids are smaller than those occurring in Newtonian fluids and also that two pressure gradients-one negative and one positive-are possibly noted after pressure stabilization. The pressure stabilizes nonuniformly on the pipeline because viscoplastic fluids present yield stresses. Overpressure magnitudes depend not only on the ratio of pressure wave inertia to viscous effect but also on the Bingham number. The pipeline designer should take into account the viscoplastic fluid behavior reported in this paper when engineering a new pipeline system.
Combined Effect of Irradiation and Temperature on the Mechanical Strength of Inconel 800H and AISI 310 Alloys for In-Core Components of a Gen-IV SCWR
Authors: Klassen Robert J. , Rajakumar Heygaan
Published: July 2015

Inconel 800H and AISI 310 alloy samples were exposed to Fe4+ ions to simulate neutron irradiation damage, and then annealed at 400°C and 500°C to study the kinetics of thermal recovery of the irradiation damage. The increase in hardness with ion irradiation and the decrease in hardness due to thermal recovery were recorded. Our findings suggest that under thermal and neutron irradiation conditions envisaged for the Canadian Gen-IV SCWR concept, both alloys will experience significant irradiation hardening; however, this will be concurrently negated by even more rapid thermal recovery of the irradiation damage.
Microstructural Effects on the Oxidation Behavior of Alloy 800HT in Supercritical Water
Authors: Akhiani Hamed , Nezakat Majid , Penttilä Sami , Szpunar Jerzy
Published: July 2015

Alloy 800HT is one promising candidate for use as a fuel cladding material in supercritical water-cooled rectors. In the present study, specific thermomechanical processing (TMP) was used to study the effects of grain size and grain boundary character distribution (GBCD) on the oxidation behavior of alloy 800HT in supercritical water (SCW). The processed samples were exposed to SCW at 600°C and 25 MPa for 100, 300, and 1000 h. The results showed that grain size and grain boundaries are important factors that affect the oxidation behavior of alloy 800HT in SCW. We also found that TMP improves the adhesion and integrity of the oxide scale.
Temporal weighting of binaural information at low frequencies: Discrimination of dynamic interaural time and level differences
Authors: Diedesch Anna C. , Stecker G. Christopher
Published: July 2015

The importance of sound onsets in binaural hearing has been addressed in many studies, particularly at high frequencies, where the onset of the envelope may carry much of the useful binaural information. Some studies suggest that sound onsets might play a similar role in the processing of binaural cues [e.g., fine-structure interaural time differences (ITD)] at low frequencies. This study measured listeners' sensitivity to ITD and interaural level differences (ILD) present in early (i.e., onset) and late parts of 80-ms pure tones of 250-, 500-, and 1000-Hz frequency. Following previous studies, tones carried static interaural cues or dynamic cues that peaked at sound onset and diminished to zero at sound offset or vice versa. Although better thresholds were observed in static than dynamic conditions overall, ITD discrimination was especially impaired, regardless of frequency, when cues were not available at sound onset. Results for ILD followed a similar pattern at 1000 Hz; at lower frequencies, ILD thresholds did not differ significantly between dynamic-cue conditions. The results support the “onset” hypothesis of Houtgast and Plomp [(1968). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 44, 807–812] for ITD discrimination, but not necessarily ILD discrimination, in low-frequency pure tones.
Measurements of ultrasonic diffusivity and transport speed from coda waves in a resonant multiple scattering medium
Authors: Viard Nicolas , Derode Arnaud
Published: July 2015

Frequency-resolved experimental measurements of ultrasonic diffusivity in the MHz range are presented. The samples under study are two-dimensional random arrangements of parallel steel rods immersed in water and exhibit high-order multiple scattering. Their physical characteristics, particularly the density and pair-correlation functions of the scatterers, are well controlled. These synthetic samples are used as phantoms for actual inhomogeneous materials. The resonant nature of the scatterers has a strong effect on diffusivity, which is shown to vary significantly with frequency. This may affect the result of broadband measurements of apparent diffusivity, which can be expected to depend on time and sample thickness, whereas diffusivity is intrinsically an intensive parameter. Moreover, the transport speed is shown to vary drastically with frequency, sometimes by more than 50%, due to a very narrow resonance that slows down transport. Interestingly, this sharp resonance could only be revealed by experiments performed with coda waves, and not with ballistic or coherent waves whose frequency resolution is intrinsically limited from an experimental point of view.
Characterization of the Sprint and Repeated-Sprint Sequences Performed by Professional Futsal Players, According to Playing Position, During Official Matches
Authors: Caetano Fabio Giuliano , de Oliveira Murilo José , Marche Ana Lorena , Nakamura Fábio Yuzo , Cunha Sergio Augusto , Moura Felipe Arruda
Published: July 2015

The purposes of this study were to investigate sprints and to characterize repeated-sprint sequences (RS) performed by athletes during professional futsal matches. We analyzed 97 players during 5 official matches using the DVideo automatic tracking system. The sprints were analyzed during the first and second halves according to playing position, and RS were categorized according to the number of sprints and the time between them. The results showed an increase (F[1, 2520] = 3.96; P = .046) in the sprint duration from the first (mean = 3.1 ± 1.3) to the second half (mean = 3.2 ± 1.2). However, no differences were found for other variables (distance covered, peak velocity, initial velocity, recovery time between sprints, and sprints performed per minute) or among playing positions. In addition, when considering RS, the results showed that RS comprising two sprints interspersed with a maximum of 15 seconds of recovery were significantly more frequent than other RS. The findings of this study characterizing the sprinting features of futsal players can help coaches to plan physical training and assessments according to the requirements of the sport.
Absence of sperm RNA elements correlates with idiopathic male infertility
Authors: Jodar Meritxell , Sendler Edward , Moskovtsev Sergey I. , Librach Clifford L. , Goodrich Robert , Swanson Sonja , Hauser Russ , Diamond Michael P. , Krawetz Stephen A.
Published: July 2015

Absence of required RNA elements in sperm correlates with infertility but can be overcome with assisted reproductive technologies.
Stopping superbugs, maintaining the microbiota
Authors: Nizet Victor
Published: July 2015

The U.S.
National Action Plan for Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
will succeed only if we alter the definition of “antibiotic.”
Gene therapy for deafness: How close are we?
Authors: Moser Tobias
Published: July 2015

Virus-mediated transfer of genes encoding the mechanotransducer channel candidates TMC1 and TMC2 into hair cells of the ear partially restores hearing in animal models of human genetic deafness (Askew
et al
., this issue).
Untangling the diversity of
KRAS
-driven lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Behjati Sam
Published: July 2015

KRAS
-driven lung adenocarcinomas can be organized into three subgroups with different phenotypes.
Metagenomic Assembly and Draft Genome Sequence of an Uncharacterized
Prevotella
sp. from Nelore Rumen
Authors: Kishi Luciano T. , de Jesus Raphael B. , Pavani Claudio D. , Lemos Eliana G. M. , de Souza Jackson A. M.
Published: July 2015

Prevotella
is one of the most abundant genera in bovine rumen, although no genome has yet been assembled by a metagenomics approach applied to Brazilian Nelore. We report the draft genome sequence of
Prevotella
sp., comprising 2,971,040 bp, obtained using the Illumina sequencing platform. This genome includes 127 contigs and presents a low 48% GC.
The Tat Inhibitor Didehydro-Cortistatin A Prevents HIV-1 Reactivation from Latency
Authors: Mousseau Guillaume , Kessing Cari F. , Fromentin Rémi , Trautmann Lydie , Chomont Nicolas , Valente Susana T.
Published: July 2015

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) inhibits HIV-1 replication, but the virus persists in latently infected resting memory CD4+T cells susceptible to viral reactivation. The virus-encoded early gene product Tat activates transcription of the viral genome and promotes exponential viral production. Here we show that the Tat inhibitor didehydro-cortistatin A (dCA), unlike other antiretrovirals, reduces residual levels of viral transcription in several models of HIV latency, breaks the Tat-mediated transcriptional feedback loop, and establishes a nearly permanent state of latency, which greatly diminishes the capacity for virus reactivation. Importantly, treatment with dCA induces inactivation of viral transcription even after its removal, suggesting that the HIV promoter is epigenetically repressed. Critically, dCA inhibits viral reactivation upon CD3/CD28 or prostratin stimulation of latently infected CD4+T cells from HIV-infected subjects receiving suppressive ART. Our results suggest that inclusion of a Tat inhibitor in current ART regimens may contribute to a functional HIV-1 cure by reducing low-level viremia and preventing viral reactivation from latent reservoirs.

IMPORTANCEAntiretroviral therapy (ART) reduces HIV-1 replication to very low levels, but the virus persists in latently infected memory CD4+T cells, representing a long-lasting source of resurgent virus upon ART interruption. Based on the mode of action of didehydro-cortistatin A (dCA), a Tat-dependent transcription inhibitor, our work highlights an alternative approach to current HIV-1 eradication strategies to decrease the latent reservoir. In our model, dCA blocks the Tat feedback loop initiated after low-level basal reactivation, blocking transcriptional elongation and hence viral production from latently infected cells. Therefore, dCA combined with ART would be aimed at delaying or halting ongoing viral replication, reactivation, and replenishment of the latent viral reservoir. Thus, the latent pool of cells in an infected individual would be stabilized, and death of the long-lived infected memory T cells would result in a continuous decay of this pool over time, possibly culminating in the long-awaited sterilizing cure.
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita in a 17-year-old boy with Crohn's disease
Authors: Russo Irene , Ferrazzi Anna , Zanetti Irene , Alaibac Mauro
Published: July 2015

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is a rare, acquired, autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease of the skin, characterised by blisters and erosions, especially in trauma-prone sites and extensor skin surface, scarring with formation of milia, skin fragility and nail dystrophy. Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is extremely rare in childhood and it has been reported to be frequently associated with Crohn's disease. Furthermore, autoantibodies against type VII collagen have been found in a large number of patients with Crohn's disease without epidermolysis bullosa acquisita. We report a case of a 17-year-old boy affected by Crohn's disease who presented with milia on infiltrated erythematous plaques over the back of the hands. The diagnosis of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita was confirmed by histopathology, direct and indirect immunofluorescence analysis and ELISA.
Undetected supraventricular tachycardia causing congestive heart failure: a pitfall of remote monitoring system
Authors: Nakabayashi Keisuke , Sugiura Ryo , Oka Toshiaki
Published: July 2015

Remote monitoring systems with automated clinician alerts are a milestone development for implantable cardiovascular devices, and improve the quality of life for patients and physicians by reducing the number of conventional clinic visits. In addition, remote monitoring systems can detect many bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias earlier than traditional methods, although these devices are not perfect. We report the case of an 80-year-old woman with an implanted pacemaker and a remote monitoring system that failed to report acute heart failure at 10 months after implantation. ECG and telemetry revealed relatively slow supraventricular tachycardia, which did not trigger the alert, and catheter ablation successfully controlled the heart failure. Subsequent analysis revealed that the monitoring function had detected the arrhythmia as frequent premature ventricular contraction, although the arrhythmia did not trigger the automated clinician alert. Therefore, remote monitoring systems with accurate settings are essential, although conventional monitoring methods are still important for some patients.
Urrets-Zavalia syndrome after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)
Authors: Avadhani Kavitha , Prakash Gaurav , Srivastava Dhruv , Shakunthala Anitha
Published: July 2015

We report a case of fixed, non-reactive pupil (Urrets-Zavalia syndrome) in a 34-year-old patient following laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) caused probably by intermittent postoperative intraocular pressure fluctuations. This case highlights the possibility of a fixed and dilated pupil even after LASIK, a technically non-intraocular surgery, which is due to a preventable cause: postoperative intraocular pressure fluctuations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Urrets-Zavalia syndrome following LASIK.
Refractory ventricular fibrillation managed by coronary revascularisation performed during ongoing manual cardiac resuscitation lasting 1½ h
Authors: Bhatnagar Udit Bhaskar , Bajwa Ata , Sharma Amit , Baweja Paramdeep
Published: July 2015

Myocardial infarction is the most common cause of ventricular arrhythmias. Although there have been several improvements and refinements in coronary catheterisation with percutaneous intervention over the years, this intervention is still rarely considered during active ongoing resuscitation of patients, especially in cases of persistent ventricular arrhythmias. We present a case of refractory ventricular fibrillations due to in-stent thrombosis that was managed by emergent coronary angiogram and stent placement during ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a code that lasted about 1½ h. The patient subsequently made an excellent recovery and was discharged home 13 days later.
Injuries in women's international ice hockey: an 8-year study of the World Championship tournaments and Olympic Winter Games
Authors: Tuominen Markku , Stuart Michael J , Aubry Mark , Kannus Pekka , Tokola Kari , Parkkari Jari
Published: July 2015

Background

We report the incidence, type, mechanism and severity of ice hockey injuries in women's international ice hockey championships.

Methods

All injuries in the International Ice Hockey Federation World Women's Championship, World Women's under-18 Championship and Olympic Winter Games tournaments were analysed over an 8-year period using a strict injury definition, standardised reporting and team physician diagnosis.

Results

168 injuries were recorded in 637 games over an 8-year period resulting in an injury rate (IR) of 6.4 per 1000 player-games and 22.0/1000 player-game hours. The IRs were 2.7/1000 player-games for the lower body, 1.4 for the upper body, 1.3 for the head and face and 0.9 for the spine and trunk. Contusion was the most common injury followed by a sprain. The most commonly injured site was the knee (48.6% of lower body injuries; IR 1.3/1000 player-games). The Medial collateral ligament sprain occurred in 37.1% and ACL rupture in 11.4% of knee injuries. A concussion (74.3%; IR 1.0/1000 player-games) was the most common head injury.

Conclusions and recommendations

The risk of injury to female ice hockey players at World Championship and Olympic tournaments was about half of that observed in the men's Championships. Full facial protection decreases the risk of lacerations and should be continued in all future female tournaments. More effective prevention strategies for knee, ankle and shoulder injuries are needed in women's ice hockey. Improved concussion education is necessary to promote more consistent diagnosis and return to play protocols.
A kinematic and metabolic analysis of the first Lu of Tai Chi in experts and beginners
Authors: Zorzi Elena , Nardello Francesca , Fracasso Enrico , Franchi Sara , Clauti Anna , Cesari Paola , Zamparo Paola
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to compare movement kinematics, cocontraction times, and metabolic data in expert and nonexpert Tai Chi practitioners. Significant differences were observed for all kinematic parameters: experts moved smoothly (lower jerk) and with a lower frequency. No differences in metabolic and electromyography data were observed but for the breathing pattern (experts breathed slowly and deeply). Movement frequency and breathing pattern are thus the main features that distinguish expert and nonexpert practitioners.
Influence of curing temperature and stress conditions on mechanical properties of cementing paste backfill
Authors: Walske Megan L. , McWilliam Heather , Doherty James , Fourie Andy
Published: July 2015

Cemented paste backfill (CPB) has been observed to achieve greater cemented strength when cured in situ compared with equivalent mixes cured and tested in a laboratory environment. This is in part due to the development of effective stress and generation of elevated temperatures by exothermic cement hydration reactions occurring during curing in a typical underground stope environment. This differs from curing in typical laboratory environments, where little or no effective stresses are generated and curing occurs under constant-temperature conditions. This paper outlines the development, calibration, and testing of a temperature-controlled hydration cell that provides closer representation of in situ conditions by controlling the rate and final amount of specimen temperature increase, in addition to curing under effective stress. The temperature-controlled hydration cell was used to examine the effect of curing under combined effective stress and temperature conditions on the development of small-strain stiffness over a 7 day curing period and the unconfined compressive strength at the end of this period. Curing with both elevated temperature and effective stress was found to significantly increase the mechanical properties of CPB compared with curing at elevated effective stress or ambient temperatures alone.
Normalization of twisted Alexander invariants
Authors: Kitayama Takahiro
Published: July 2015

Twisted Alexander invariants of knots are well defined up to multiplication of units. We get rid of this multiplicative ambiguity via a combinatorial method and define normalized twisted Alexander invariants. We then show that the invariants coincide with sign-determined Reidemeister torsion in a normalized setting, and refine the duality theorem. We further obtain necessary conditions on the invariants for a knot to be fibered, and study behavior of the highest degrees of the invariants.
AN INDIVIDUAL PERSPECTIVE ON OPEN INNOVATION CAPABILITIES IN THE CONTEXT OF HAUTE CUISINE
Authors: BRAUN ANDREAS , BOCKELMANN LAURA
Published: July 2015

Previous research on open innovation (OI) has primarily focused on the organisational level of R&D intensive industries. With this paper, we contribute to research on the individual level of analysis by analysing specific perspectives in the context of creative industries. Our study is based on 36 interviews with Haute cuisine chefs in France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland listed in the 2012 Michelin Guide. Building on the OI capability concept, our results demonstrate that chefs use absorptive and desorptive capacity (AC, DC) as means to generate and market culinary innovations, respectively. Moreover, we found that chefs almost exclusively rely on their own inventive and innovative capabilities in the early stages of the culinary innovation process. In subsequent phases, however, chefs increasingly integrate other sources such as employees, suppliers, and guests. Our study contributes to the literature in two ways. First, we research the individual level within the OI process, and second, we provide insight into OI practices in the creative industries.
The Fezouata fossils of Morocco; an extraordinary record of marine life in the Early Ordovician
Authors: Van Roy Peter , Briggs Derek E. G. , Gaines Robert R.
Published: July 2015

The discovery of the Fezouata biota in the latest Tremadocian of southeastern Morocco has significantly changed our understanding of the early Phanerozoic radiation. The shelly fossil record shows a well-recognized pattern of macroevolutionary stasis between the Cambrian Explosion and the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event, but the rich soft-bodied Fezouata biota paints a different evolutionary picture. The Fezouata assemblage includes a considerable component of Cambrian holdovers alongside a surprising number of crown group taxa previously unknown to have evolved by the Early Ordovician. Study of the Fezouata biota is in its early stages, and future discoveries will continue to enrich our view of the dynamics of the early Phanerozoic radiation and of the nature of the fossil record.

Supplementary material:

A complete faunal list is available at
http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SUP18843
.
A low-protein diet combined with low-dose endotoxin leads to changes in glucose homeostasis in weanling rats
Authors: Bandsma Robert H. J. , Ackerley Cameron , Koulajian Khajag , Zhang Ling , van Zutphen Tim , van Dijk Theo H. , Xiao Changting , Giacca Adria , Lewis Gary F.
Published: July 2015

Severe malnutrition is a leading cause of global childhood mortality, and infection and hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia are commonly present. The etiology behind the changes in glucose homeostasis is poorly understood. Here, we generated an animal model of severe malnutrition with and without low-grade inflammation to investigate the effects on glucose homeostasis. Immediately after weaning, rats were fed diets containing 5 [low-protein diet (LP)] or 20% protein [control diet (CTRL)], with or without repeated low-dose intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 2 mg/kg), to mimic inflammation resulting from infections. After 4 wk on the diets, hyperglycemic clamps or euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamps were performed with infusion of [U-13C6]glucose and [2-13C]glycerol to assess insulin secretion, action, and hepatic glucose metabolism. In separate studies, pancreatic islets were isolated for further analyses of insulin secretion and islet morphometry. Glucose clearance was reduced significantly by LP feeding alone (16%) and by LP feeding with LPS administration (43.8%) compared with control during the hyperglycemic clamps. This was associated with a strongly reduced insulin secretion in LP-fed rats in vivo as well as ex vivo in islets but signficantly enhanced whole body insulin sensitivity. Gluconeogenesis rates were unaffected by LP feeding, but glycogenolysis was higher after LP feeding. A protein-deficient diet in young rats leads to a susceptibility to low-dose endotoxin-induced impairment in glucose clearance with a decrease in the islet insulin secretory pathway. A protein-deficient diet is associated with enhanced peripheral insulin sensitivity but impaired insulin-mediated suppression of hepatic glycogenolysis.
Combined facial heating and inhalation of hot air do not alter thermoeffector responses in humans
Authors: Wingo Jonathan E. , Low David A. , Keller David M. , Kimura Kenichi , Crandall Craig G.
Published: July 2015

The influence of thermoreceptors in human facial skin on thermoeffector responses is equivocal; furthermore, the presence of thermoreceptors in the respiratory tract and their involvement in thermal homeostasis has not been elucidated. This study tested the hypothesis that hot air directed on the face and inhaled during whole body passive heat stress elicits an earlier onset and greater sensitivity of cutaneous vasodilation and sweating than that directed on an equal skin surface area away from the face. Six men and two women completed two trials separated by ∼1 wk. Participants were passively heated (water-perfused suit; core temperature increase ∼0.9°C) while hot air was directed on either the face or on the lower leg (counterbalanced). Skin blood flux (laser-Doppler flowmetry) and local sweat rate (capacitance hygrometry) were measured at the chest and one forearm. During hot-air heating, local temperatures of the cheek and leg were 38.4 ± 0.8°C and 38.8 ± 0.6°C, respectively ( P = 0.18). Breathing hot air combined with facial heating did not affect mean body temperature onsets ( P = 0.97 and 0.27 for arm and chest sites, respectively) or slopes of cutaneous vasodilation ( P = 0.49 and 0.43 for arm and chest sites, respectively), or the onsets ( P = 0.89 and 0.94 for arm and chest sites, respectively), or slopes of sweating ( P = 0.48 and 0.65 for arm and chest sites, respectively). Based on these findings, respiratory tract thermoreceptors, if present in humans, and selective facial skin heating do not modulate thermoeffector responses during passive heat stress.
Tubular overexpression of Gremlin in transgenic mice aggravates renal damage in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Marchant Vanessa , Droguett Alejandra , Valderrama Graciela , Burgos M. Eugenia , Carpio Daniel , Kerr Bredford , Ruiz-Ortega Marta , Egido Jesús , Mezzano Sergio
Published: July 2015

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is currently a leading cause of end-stage renal failure worldwide. Gremlin was identified as a gene differentially expressed in mesangial cells exposed to high glucose and in experimental diabetic kidneys. We have described that Gremlin is highly expressed in biopsies from patients with diabetic nephropathy, predominantly in areas of tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In streptozotocin (STZ)-induced experimental diabetes, Gremlin deletion using Grem1 heterozygous knockout mice or by gene silencing, ameliorates renal damage. To study the in vivo role of Gremlin in renal damage, we developed a diabetic model induced by STZ in transgenic (TG) mice expressing human Gremlin in proximal tubular epithelial cells. The albuminuria/creatinuria ratio, determined at week 20 after treatment, was significantly increased in diabetic mice but with no significant differences between transgenic (TG/STZ) and wild-type mice (WT/STZ). To assess the level of renal damage, kidney tissue was analyzed by light microscopy (periodic acid-Schiff and Masson staining), electron microscopy, and quantitative PCR. TG/STZ mice had significantly greater thickening of the glomerular basement membrane, increased mesangial matrix, and podocytopenia vs. WT/STZ. At the tubulointerstitial level, TG/STZ showed increased cell infiltration and mild interstitial fibrosis. In addition, we observed a decreased expression of podocin and overexpression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and fibrotic-related markers, including transforming growth factor-β1, Col1a1, and α-smooth muscle actin. Together, these results show that TG mice overexpressing Gremlin in renal tubules develop greater glomerular and tubulointerstitial injury in response to diabetic-mediated damage and support the involvement of Gremlin in diabetic nephropathy.
An Insight into Methods and Practices in Hip Arthroplasty in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Mosleh-shirazi Mohammad Saeed , Ibrahim Mazin , Pastides Philip , Khan Wasim , Rahman Habib
Published: July 2015

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has improved the quality of life of patients with hip arthritis. Orthopedic community is striving for excellence to improve surgical techniques and postoperative care. Despite these efforts, patients continue facing postoperative complications. In particular, patients with rheumatoid arthritis display a higher risk of certain complications such as dislocation, periprosthetic infection, and shorter prosthesis durability. In this review we present the current knowledge of hip arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with more insight into common practices and interventions directed at enhancing recovery of these patients and current shortfalls.
On Fractional Orthonormal Polynomials of a Discrete Variable
Authors: Area I. , Djida J. D. , Losada J. , Nieto Juan J.
Published: July 2015

A fractional analogue of classical Gram or discrete Chebyshev polynomials is introduced. Basic properties as well as their relation with the fractional analogue of Legendre polynomials are presented.
Vibration and Damping Analysis of Composite Fiber Reinforced Wind Blade with Viscoelastic Damping Control
Authors: Cheng Tai-Hong , Ren Ming , Li Zhen-Zhe , Shen Yun-De
Published: July 2015

Composite materials are increasingly used in wind blade because of their superior mechanical properties such as high strength-to-weight and stiffness-to-weight ratio. This paper presents vibration and damping analysis of fiberreinforced composite wind turbine blade with viscoelastic damping treatment. The finite element method based on full layerwise displacement theory was employed to analyze the damping, natural frequency, and modal loss factor of composite shell structure. The lamination angle was considered in mathematical modeling. The curved geometry, transverse shear, and normal strains were exactly considered in present layerwise shell model, which can depict the zig-zag in-plane and out-of-plane displacements. The frequency response functions of curved composite shell structure and wind blade were calculated. The results show that the damping ratio of viscoelastic layer is found to be very sensitive to determination of magnitude of composite structures. The frequency response functions with variety of thickness of damping layer were investigated. Moreover, the natural frequency, modal loss factor, and mode shapes of composite fiber reinforced wind blade with viscoelastic damping control were calculated.
Neuroprotection by Cocktails of Dietary Antioxidants under Conditions of Nerve Growth Factor Deprivation
Authors: Amara Flavio , Berbenni Miluscia , Fragni Martina , Leoni Giampaolo , Viggiani Sandra , Ippolito Vita Maria , Larocca Marilena , Rossano Rocco , Alberghina Lilia , Riccio Paolo , Colangelo Anna Maria
Published: July 2015

Dietary antioxidants may be useful in counteracting the chronic inflammatory status in neurodegenerative diseases by reducing oxidative stress due to accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this study, we newly described the efficacy of a number of dietary antioxidants (polyphenols, carotenoids, thiolic compounds, and oligoelements) on viability of neuronal PC12 cells following Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) deprivation, a model of age-related decrease of neurotrophic support that triggers neuronal loss. Neuroprotection by antioxidants during NGF deprivation for 24 h was largely dependent on their concentrations: all dietary antioxidants were able to efficiently support cell viability by reducing ROS levels and restoring mitochondrial function, while preserving the neuronal morphology. Moreover, ROS reduction and neuroprotection during NGF withdrawal were also achieved with defined cocktails of 3–6 different antioxidants at concentrations 5–60 times lower than those used in single treatments, suggesting that their antioxidant activity was preserved also at very low concentrations. Overall, these data indicate the beneficial effects of antioxidants against oxidative stress induced by decreased NGF availability and suggest that defined cocktails of dietary factors at low concentrations might be a suitable strategy to reduce oxidative damage in neurodegenerative diseases, while limiting possible side effects.
On the Use of Threshold for the Ground Validation of Satellite Rain Rate
Authors: Yoon Jungsoo , Yoo Chulsang , Ha Eunho
Published: July 2015

Ground-truthing is a major problem in the satellite estimation of rain rate. This problem is that the measurement taken by the satellite sensor is fundamentally different from the one it is compared with on the ground. Additionally, since the satellite has the limited capability to measure the light rain rate exactly, the comparison should also consider the threshold value of satellite rain rate. This paper proposes a ground-truth design with threshold for the satellite rain rate. This ground-truth design is the generalization of the conventional ground-truth design which considered the only (zero, nonzero) and (nonzero, nonzero) measurement pairs. The mean-square error is used as an index of accuracy in estimating the ground measurement by satellite measurement. An application to the artificial random field shows that the proposed ground-truth design with threshold is valid as the design bias is zero. The same result is also derived in the application to the COMS (Communication, Ocean, and Meteorological Satellite) rain rate data in Korea.
A Vehicle Parking Detection Method Based on Correlation of Magnetic Signals
Authors: Zhu Hongmei , Yu Fengqi
Published: July 2015

Recently, significant research efforts have been focused on vehicle parking detection due to fuel consumption and traffic congestion. Many solutions have been successfully applied in indoor parking lots. However, due to the strong noise disturbance in outdoor parking environment, the detection accuracy for on-street parking is still a challenging task. In this paper, we propose a vehicle parking detection method by the use of normalized cross-correlation (NCC) of magnetic signals generated by magnetoresistive sensors. In the proposed method, the sensed signal is correlated with a reference. If the result is greater than a threshold, a pulse is generated. One of the primary factors that affect the accuracy of the NCC-based detection is the choice of reference which is obtained by using a k-means clustering algorithm in this paper. Compared with the-state-of-the-art vehicle detection methods, the proposed method is competitive in terms of cost, accuracy, and complexity. The proposed method is simulated and tested on the Xueyuan Boulevard, University Town of Shenzhen, Nanshan, Shenzhen, China. The experimental results show that the proposed method can provide the detection accuracy of 99.33% for arrival and 99.63% for departure.
Cytokine Dysregulation inMECP2- andCDKL5-Related Rett Syndrome: Relationships with Aberrant Redox Homeostasis, Inflammation, andω-3 PUFAs
Authors: Leoncini Silvia , De Felice Claudio , Signorini Cinzia , Zollo Gloria , Cortelazzo Alessio , Durand Thierry , Galano Jean-Marie , Guerranti Roberto , Rossi Marcello , Ciccoli Lucia , Hayek Joussef
Published: July 2015

An involvement of the immune system has been suggested in Rett syndrome (RTT), a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder related to oxidative stress, and caused by a mutation in the methyl-CpG binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) or, more rarely, cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5). To date, it is unclear whether both mutations may have an impact on the circulating cytokine patterns. In the present study, cytokines involved in the Th1-, Th2-, and T regulatory (T-reg) response, as well as chemokines, were investigated inMECP2- (MECP2-RTT) (n=16) andCDKL5-Rett syndrome (CDKL5-RTT) (n=8), before and afterω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supplementation. A major cytokine dysregulation was evidenced in untreated RTT patients. InMECP2-RTT, a Th2-shifted balance was evidenced, whereas inCDKL5-RTT both Th1- and Th2-related cytokines (except for IL-4) were upregulated. InMECP2-RTT, decreased levels of IL-22 were observed, whereas increased IL-22 and T-reg cytokine levels were evidenced inCDKL5-RTT. Chemokines were unchanged. The cytokine dysregulation was proportional to clinical severity, inflammatory status, and redox imbalance. Omega-3 PUFAs partially counterbalanced cytokine changes, as well as aberrant redox homeostasis and the inflammatory status. RTT is associated with a subclinical immune dysregulation as the likely consequence of a defective inflammation regulatory signaling system.
Total Hip Arthroplasty in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kennedy John W. , Khan Wasim
Published: July 2015

The prognosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has greatly improved in recent years, resulting in an increased number of patients reporting musculoskeletal complications such as osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be utilised to alleviate the pain associated with this; however postoperative outcomes in patients with SLE are uncertain. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify articles presenting results of THA in SLE, and nine suitable papers were found. All papers were level IV evidence. Pooling the results, a total of 162 patients underwent 214 total hip arthroplasties. Mean follow-up was 72.5 months. The mean Harris Hip Score improved from 45.5 preoperatively to 88.6 and last follow-up. Seventeen percent of patients experienced at least one complication. Superficial wound infection occurred in 3.3%. Revision was required in 2.8% of cases. The mortality rate was 18.5% however no deaths were attributable to undergoing THA. Given the paucity of data present in the literature, more studies are required to adequately assess the postoperative outcomes of THA in patients with SLE, particularly complication rates.
Numerical Studies on Mechanical Behavior of Adhesive Joints
Authors: He Xiaocong , Zhang Yue
Published: July 2015

This paper describes some finite element models for analyzing the mechanical behavior of adhesive joints. In these models five layers of solid elements were used across the adhesive layer in order to increase the accuracy of the results. The finite elements were refined gradually in steps from adherends to adhesive layer. In these models, most of the adherends and adhesive were modeled using solid brick elements but some solid triangular prism elements were used for a smooth transition. In some of the models, linear interpolation elements of full or reduced integration and of hybrid formulation were used. In other models, quadratic interpolation elements of full or reduced integration and of hybrid formulation were used. Comparisons are drawn between models with different modeling approaches as well as different types of element combinations in order to find a suitable model to predict the behavior of adhesive joints.
Nuclear Polymer Explains the Stability, Instability, and Nonexistence of Nuclides
Authors: Pons Dirk J. , Pons Arion D. , Pons Aiden J.
Published: July 2015

Problem. The explanation of nuclear properties from the strong force upwards has been elusive. Approach. Design methods were used to develop conceptual mechanics for the bonding arrangements between nucleons, based on the covert structures for the proton and neutron as defined by the Cordus theory, a type of nonlocal hidden-variable design with discrete fields. Findings. Nuclear bonding arises from the synchronous interaction between the discrete fields of the proton and neutron. This results in not one but multiple types of bond, cis- and transphasic, and assembly of chains and bridges of nucleons into a nuclear polymer. The synchronous interaction constrains the relative orientation of nucleons, and hence the nuclear polymer takes only certain spatial layouts. The stability of nuclides is entirely predicted by morphology of the nuclear polymer and the cis-/transphasic nature of the bonds. The theory successfully explains the qualitative stability characteristics of all hydrogen and helium nuclides. Originality. Novel contributions include the concept of a nuclear polymer and its mechanics; an explanation of the stability, instability, or nonexistence of nuclides starting from the strong/synchronous force; explanation of the role of the neutron. The theory opens a new field of mechanics by which nucleon interactions may be understood.
Comparison of Oxidative Stresses Mediated by Different Crystalline Forms and Surface Modification of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles
Authors: El-Said Karim Samy , Mostafa Ali Ehab , Kanehira Koki , Taniguchi Akiyoshi
Published: July 2015

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are manufactured worldwide for use in a wide range of applications. There are two common crystalline forms of TiO2 anatase and rutile with different physical and chemical characteristics. We previously demonstrated that an increased DNA damage response is mediated by anatase crystalline form compared to rutile. In the present study, we conjugated TiO2 NPs with polyethylene glycol (PEG) in order to reduce the genotoxicity and we evaluated some oxidative stress parameters to obtain information on the cellular mechanisms of DNA damage that operate in response to TiO2 NPs different crystalline forms exposure in hepatocarcinoma cell lines (HepG2). Our results indicated a significant increase in oxidative stress mediated by the anatase form of TiO2 NPs compared to rutile form. On the other hand, PEG modified TiO2 NPs showed a significant decrease in oxidative stress as compared to TiO2 NPs. These data suggested that the genotoxic potential of TiO2 NPs varies with crystalline form and surface modification.
Concurrent Driving Method with Fast Scan Rate for Large Mutual Capacitance Touch Screens
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed Gamal Ahmed , Kim HyungWon
Published: July 2015

A novel touch screen control technique is introduced, which scans each frame in two steps of concurrent multichannel driving and differential sensing. The proposed technique substantially increases the scan rate and reduces the ambient noise effectively. It is also extended to a multichip architecture to support excessively large touch screens with great scan rate improvement. The proposed method has been implemented using 0.18 μm CMOS TowerJazz process and tested with FPGA and AFE board connecting a 23-inch touch screen. Experimental results show a scan rate improvement of up to 23.8 times and an SNR improvement of 24.6 dB over the conventional method.