bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Load Determination for the 3-Minute All-Out Exercise Test for Cycle Ergometry
Authors: Dicks Nathan D. , Jamnick Nicholas A. , Murray Steven R. , Pettitt Robert W.
Published: July 2015

Purpose:

To investigate a new power-to-body-mass (BM) ratio 3-min all-out cycling test (3MT%BM) for determining critical power (CP) and finite work capacity above CP (W ′).

Methods:

The gas-exchange threshold (GET), maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), and power output evoking VO2max (Wpeak) and GET (WGET) for cycle ergometry were determined in 12 participants. CP and W′ were determined using the original “linear factor” 3MT (3MTrpm^2) and compared with CP and W′ derived from a procedure, the 3MT%BM, using the subject’s body mass and self-reported physical activity rating (PA-R), with values derived from linear regression of the work–time model and power–inverse-time model (1/time) data from 3 separate exhaustive squarewave bouts.

Results:

The VO2max, VO2GET, Wpeak, and WGET values estimated from PA-R and a non-exercise-regression equation did not differ (P > .05) from actual measurements. Estimates of CP derived from the 3MT%BM (235 ± 56 W), 3MTrpm^2 (234 ± 62 W), work–time (231 ± 57 W), and 1/time models (230 ± 57 W) did not differ (F = 0.46, P = .72). Similarly, estimates of W′ between all methods did not differ (F = 3.58, P = .07). There were strong comparisons of the 3MT%BM to 1/time and work–time models with the average correlation, standard error of the measurement, and CV% for critical power being .96, 8.74 W, and 4.64%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The 3MT%BM is a valid, single-visit protocol for determining CP and W′.
The Effect of Shoulder Plyometric Training on Amortization Time and Upper-Extremity Kinematics
Authors: Swanik Kathleen A. , Thomas Stephen J. , Struminger Aaron H. , Bliven Kellie C. Huxel , Kelly John D. , Swanik Charles B.
Published: July 2015

Context:

Plyometric training is credited with providing benefits in performance and dynamic restraint. However, limited prospective data exist quantifying kinematic adaptations such as amortization time, glenohumeral rotation, and scapulothoracic position, which may underlie the efficacy of plyometric training for upper-extremity rehabilitation or performance enhancement.

Objective:

To measure upper-extremity kinematics and plyometric phase times before and after an 8-wk upper-extremity strength- and plyometric-training program.

Design:

Randomized pretest–posttest design.

Setting:

Research laboratory.

Participants:

40 recreationally active men (plyometric group, age 20.43 ± 1.40 y, height 180.00 ± 8.80 cm, weight 73.07 ± 7.21 kg; strength group, age 21.95 ± 3.40 y, height 173.98 ± 11.91 cm, weight 74.79 ± 13.55 kg).

Intervention:

Participants were randomly assigned to either a strength-training group or a strength- and plyometric-training group. Each participant performed the assigned training for 8 wk.

Main Outcome Measures:

Dynamic and static glenohumeral and scapular-rotation measurements were taken before and after the training programs. Dynamic measurement of scapular rotation and time spent in each plyometric phase (concentric, eccentric, and amortization) during a ball-toss exercise were recorded while the subjects were fitted with an electromagnetic tracking system. Static measures included scapular upward rotation at 3 different glenohumeral-abduction angles, glenohumeral internal rotation, and glenohumeral external rotation.

Results:

Posttesting showed that both groups significantly decreased the time spent in the amortization, concentric, and eccentric phases of a ball-toss exercise (P < .01). Both groups also exhibited significantly decreased static external rotation and increased dynamic scapular upward rotation after the training period (P < .01). The only difference between the training protocols was that the plyometric-training group exhibited an increase in internal rotation that was not present in the strength-training group (P < .01).

Conclusion:

These findings support the use of both upper-extremity plyometrics and strength training for reducing commonly identified upper-extremity-injury risk factors and improving upper-extremity performance.
An Evaluation of a Mental Toughness Education and Training Program for Early-Career English Football League Referees
Authors: Slack Liam A. , Maynard Ian W. , Butt Joanne , Olusoga Peter
Published: July 2015

The present study evaluated the effectiveness of a Mental Toughness Education and Training Program (MTETP) in elite football officiating. The MTETP consisted of four individual and two group-based workshops designed to develop mental toughness (MT) and enhance performance in three English Football League (EFL) referees. Adopting a single-subject, multiple-baseline-across-participants design, MT and referee-assessor reports were evaluated. Self and coach-ratings of MT highlighted an instant and continued improvement in all three referees during the intervention phases. Performance reports of all referees improved throughout the intervention phases compared with the baseline phase. Social validation data indicated that an array of strategies within the MTETP facilitated MT development. Discussions acknowledge theoretical and practical implications relating to the continued progression of MT interventions in elite sport.
U.S. to review agricultural biotech regulations
Authors: Servick Kelly
Published: July 2015

New gene-editing methods challenge old framework.
Hydrologic connectivity constrains partitioning of global terrestrial water fluxes
Authors: Good Stephen P. , Noone David , Bowen Gabriel
Published: July 2015

Continental global water filter

Mobile surface waters and soil waters are relatively disconnected on a global scale. Water on land is eventually lost by surface runoff into the oceans or is ultimately sent back to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration processes. Good
et al.
determined that 65% of continental water evaporation is from soils, which includes water taken up and transpired by plants (see the Perspective by Brooks). Although just a small fraction of global surface waters pass through soils, individual stream ecosystems may be affected by water quality changes in nearby soils.

Science
, this issue p.
175
; see also p.
138
Comment on “Asymmetric syntheses of sceptrin and massadine and evidence for biosynthetic enantiodivergence”
Authors: Sherman David H. , Tsukamoto Sachiko , Williams Robert M.
Published: July 2015

Ma
et al
. (Reports, 10 October 2014, p. 219) report asymmetric syntheses of sceptrin and massadine and, through a stereochemical reassignment, claim to “uncover enantiodivergence as a new biosynthetic paradigm for natural products.” We challenge and clarify this claim with relevant examples from the literature of this well-known phenomenon of enantiodivergent congener biosynthesis within the same producing organism.
A structure of the COPI coat and the role of coat proteins in membrane vesicle assembly
Authors: Dodonova S. O. , Diestelkoetter-Bachert P. , von Appen A. , Hagen W. J. H. , Beck R. , Beck M. , Wieland F. , Briggs J. A. G.
Published: July 2015

A coat of many components

The formation of coated trafficking vesicles is among the most fundamental of cellular processes. COP1 transport vesicles are involved in retrograde membrane trafficking in the Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum. Dodonova
et al.
applied cryo–electron tomography to determine the structure of the COPI coat in its fully assembled form on budded vesicles (see the Perspective by Noble and Stagg). They combined structural data with cross-linking mass spectrometry to generate a complete molecular model. The model suggests a mechanism of coat assembly in which coat proteins cluster via flexible interactions instead of forming a protein cage on the membrane.

Science
, this issue p.
195
; see also p.
142
The safety dance
The Ethics Police? The Struggle to Make Human Research Safe
Robert L. Klitzman
Oxford University Press, 2015. 432 pp.
Authors: Ross Lainie Friedman
Published: July 2015

A researcher takes aim at the committees charged with protecting human subjects
The modern era of HIV-1 vaccine development
Authors: Mascola John R.
Published: July 2015

Current vaccine designs are on the path to eliciting antibodies that neutralize HIV-1

[Also see Research Articles by

Sanders
et al.

,

Jardine
et al.

, and a Report by

Chen
et al.

]
Biosynthesis and Insertion of the Molybdenum Cofactor
Authors: Magalon Axel , Mendel Ralf R.
Published: July 2015

The transition element molybdenum (Mo) is of primordial importance for biological systems, because it is required by enzymes catalyzing key reactions in the global carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen metabolism. To gain biological activity, Mo has to be complexed by a special cofactor. With the exception of bacterial nitrogenase, all Mo-dependent enzymes contain a unique pyranopterin-based cofactor coordinating a Mo atom at their catalytic site. Various types of reactions are catalyzed by Mo-enzymes in prokaryotes including oxygen atom transfer, sulfur or proton transfer, hydroxylation, or even nonredox reactions. Mo-enzymes are widespread in prokaryotes and many of them were likely present in the Last Universal Common Ancestor. To date, more than 50 – mostly bacterial – Mo-enzymes are described in nature. In a few eubacteria and in many archaea, Mo is replaced by tungsten bound to the same unique pyranopterin. How Mo-cofactor is synthesized in bacteria is reviewed as well as the way until its insertion into apo-Mo-enzymes.
Comparison of FilmArray and Quantitative Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase PCR for Detection of Zaire Ebolavirus from Contrived and Clinical Specimens
Authors: Southern Timothy R. , Racsa Lori D. , Albariño César G. , Fey Paul D. , Hinrichs Steven H. , Murphy Caitlin N. , Herrera Vicki L. , Sambol Anthony R. , Hill Charles E. , Ryan Emily L. , Kraft Colleen S. , Campbell Shelley , Sealy Tara K. , Schuh Amy , Ritchie James C. , Lyon G. Marshall , Mehta Aneesh K. , Varkey Jay B. , Ribner Bruce S. , Brantly Kent P. , Ströher Ute , Iwen Peter C. , Burd Eileen M.
Published: July 2015

Rapid, reliable, and easy-to-use diagnostic assays for detection of Zaire ebolavirus (ZEBOV) are urgently needed. The goal of this study was to examine the agreement among emergency use authorization (EUA) tests for the detection of ZEBOV nucleic acids, including the BioFire FilmArray BioThreat (BT) panel, the FilmArray BT-E panel, and the NP2 and VP40 quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase (qRT) PCR assays from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Specimens used in this study included whole blood spiked with inactivated ZEBOV at known titers and whole-blood, plasma, and urine clinical specimens collected from persons diagnosed with Ebola virus disease (EVD). The agreement for FilmArray and qRT-PCR results using contrived whole-blood specimens was 100% (6/6 specimens) for each ZEBOV dilution from 4 × 10
7
to 4 × 10
2
50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID
50
)/ml, as well as the no-virus negative-control sample. The limit of detection for FilmArray and qRT-PCR assays with inactivated ZEBOV, based on duplicate positive results, was determined to be 4 × 10
2
TCID
50
/ml. Rates of agreement between FilmArray and qRT-PCR results for clinical specimens from patients with EVD were 85% (23/27 specimens) for whole-blood specimens, 90% (18/20 specimens) for whole-blood specimens tested by FilmArray testing and matched plasma specimens tested by qRT-PCR testing, and 85% (11/13 specimens) for urine specimens. Among 60 specimens, eight discordant results were noted, with ZEBOV nucleic acids being detected only by FilmArray testing in four specimens and only by qRT-PCR testing in the remaining four specimens. These findings demonstrate that the rapid and easy-to-use FilmArray panels are effective tests for evaluating patients with EVD.
Republished: Spontaneous thrombosis of a basilar tip aneurysm after ventriculoperitoneal shunting
Authors: Pop Raoul , Chibarro Salvatore , Manisor Monica , Proust Francois , Beaujeux Remy
Published: July 2015

We present a case of a large unruptured basilar tip aneurysm with concomitant hydrocephalus. Complete thrombosis of the aneurysm was observed after ventriculoperitoneal shunting. Analyzing preoperative and postoperative MRI and DSA images, we identified reduced intracranial pressure and widening of the aneurysm–artery inclination angle as possible factors influencing spontaneous thrombosis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of aneurysm thrombosis occurring after CSF diversion.
Chloride intrusion into thermally damaged self-compacting concrete
Authors: Haddad Rami H. , Hinawi Ayat
Published: July 2015

The post-heating resistance of limestone self-compacting concrete (SCC) against chloride intrusion is investigated considering key parameters such as water-to-cement ratio (0.4, 0.45, and 0.5), relative humidity, and elevated temperature (300 °C and 400 °C). The SCC mixtures were proportioned to conform to universal specification with regard to different workability requirements. Chloride profiles were determined for post-heated and companion prismatic (100 mm × 100 mm × 250 mm) specimens, kept at room temperature. Consequently, diffusion coefficients were determined based on Fick’s steady state formula. Post-heating damage was quantified, as well, using various techniques such as ultrasonic pulse velocity waves, resonant frequency, compression test measurements. The results indicated significant reductions in compressive strength and estimated dynamic modulus ranging from 20 to 60% and 10 to 40%, respectively, with a corresponding increase in chloride diffusion coefficient reaching 80%. Both temperature and relative humidity levels had tangible impact on post-heating damage of SCC, hence percentage increase in chloride diffusion coefficient. The empirical models developed in this work showed excellent correlation between various damage indices and the percentage increase in diffusion coefficient. Furthermore, the electrical charge passing through SCC compared very well with the percentage increase in diffusion coefficient.
Wave packet dynamics of an atomic ion in a Paul trap
Authors: Hashemloo A. , Dion C. M. , Rahali G.
Published: July 2015

Using numerical simulations of the time-dependent Schrödinger equation, we study the full quantum dynamics of the motion of an atomic ion in a linear Paul trap. Such a trap is based on a time-varying, periodic electric field and hence corresponds to a time-dependent potential for the ion, which we model exactly. We compare the center-of-mass motion with that obtained from classical equations of motion, as well as to results based on a time-independent effective potential. We also study the oscillations of the width of the ion’s wave packet, including close to the border between stable (bounded) and unstable (unbounded) trajectories. Our results confirm that the center-of-mass motion always follows the classical trajectory, that the width of the wave packet is bounded for trapping within the stability region, and therefore that the classical trapping criterion is fully applicable to quantum motion.
Product Design Strategy with Commonality by Considering Customer-Choice Behavior in Supply Chain
Authors: Zhang Xuemei , Wei Yao , Liu Jiqiong , Chen Gang
Published: July 2015

Product design decisions have significant impact on a firm's competitive edge. This paper investigates the condition under which component commonality is a profitable product design strategy for a firm by considering customer-choice behavior in the supply chain environment. The design configuration with commonality can lower manufacturing cost, but it also reduces product differentiation and revenue. While the customer-choice behavior with utility maximization will impact the retailer's product pricing, we analyze a stylized model of the manufacturer who designs a product family consisting of two products for two market segments with different valuations of quality. By explicitly considering the interrelationship between customer's utility and retail price, we find that commonality strategy is conditionally profitable. Theoretical research reveals that the optimal product design strategy depends on the marginal valuations of customer-choice behavior and the cost-coefficient of the common component determined by the supplier. An example is used to illustrate how some supply chain parameters impact the optimal product design strategy.
Associated production of ϒ and open charm at LHC
Authors: Berezhnoy Alexander , Likhoded Anatoly
Published: July 2015

The yield of [Formula: see text] associated with open charm has been estimated with different approaches. The crucial differences between SPS and DPS predictions are discussed.
A model for transient flow in porous media embedded with randomly distributed tree-shaped fractal networks
Authors: Tan Xiao-Hua , Li Xiao-Ping , Liu Jian-Yi , Zhang Lie-Hui , Cai Jianchao
Published: July 2015

A model for transient flow in porous media embedded with randomly distributed tree-shaped fractal networks was presented based on the fractal properties of tree-shaped capillaries and generalized Darcy's law. The dimensionless expression of flowing pressure was developed using the Laplace transform and Stehfest numerical inversion method. The bilogarithmic type curves were illustrated and the influences of different fractal factors on dimensionless flowing pressure were also discussed. The presented study indicated that the fractal characteristics for the tree-shaped fractal networks should be considered in analysis of transient flow in the heterogeneous porous media. The proposed model may be conducible to a better understanding of the mechanism for transient flow in the multi-porosity porous media.
Energy Efficiency Analysis in Adaptive FEC-Based Lightpath Elastic Optical Networks
Authors: Durand Fábio , Abrão Taufik
Published: July 2015

In this paper, an energy efficiency (EE) analysis for elastic optical networks (EONs) considering the adaptive allocation of the transmitted power, spectrum bandwidth, modulation format and forward error correction (FEC) type has been proposed. The trade-off between the FEC coding types and the optical layer EE (OL-EE) was investigated considering the capacity of information transmission and power consumption. The power consumption model considers elements involved in the lightpath establishment, namely transmitter, receiver, bandwidth-variable optical crossconnect (BV-OXC), optical amplifiers and network control. Numerical examples have demonstrated EE increasing for the lightpaths when adaptive FEC coding is deployed; furthermore, the EE varies with the distance of the optical network nodes and hop count. In this sense, it is observed that the EE decreases with the increasing of FEC energy per bit consumption; however, an operation region is verified in which the overall EE network with FEC is superior to the system without FEC coding. After this point, the increases in the FEC energy per bit consumption will affect negatively the EE metric. For instance, with the proposed OL-EE model it is possible to determinate the maximum energy consumption allowed to the FEC codes without OL-EE system degradation.
A New Triple-Slope Pipelined Time to Digital Converter by Stretching of Time
Authors: Rezvanyvardom Mahdi , Farshidi Ebrahim
Published: July 2015

This study investigates a novel approach for pipeline time-to-digital converters (TDCs) which employs analog interpolation and time stretching techniques for digitizing the time interval between two input signals as well as increasing resolution. In the proposed converter, analog interpolation is performed based on a triple-slope conversion. This converter will be a 9-bit pipeline TDC which contains three time stretching amplifiers (TSAs) and four 2.5-b/stage TDCs. This converter does not use delay lines in its structure. It features low circuit complexity, low sensitivity to temperature, power supply and process (PVT) variations and high accuracy compared with the TDCs which have previously been proposed. Also, the time resolution, the dynamic range and the linear range of the TDC are improved. The proposed structure reduces the active chip area, the power consumption and the figure of merit (FoM). In addition, the integral nonlinearity (INL) and the differential nonlinearity (DNL) errors are reduced. In order to evaluate the idea, the TDC is designed in TSMC 45-nm CMOS technology and simulated. Comparison of the theoretical and simulation results confirms the benefits of the proposed TDC.
A genesis of special relativity
Authors: Messager Valérie , Letellier Christophe
Published: July 2015

The genesis of special relativity is intimately related to the development of the theory of light propagation. When optical phenomena were described, there are typically two kinds of theories: (i) One based on light rays and light particles and (ii) one considering the light as waves. When diffraction and refraction were experimentally discovered, light propagation became more often described in terms of waves. Nevertheless, when attempts were made to explain how light was propagated, it was nearly always in terms of a corpuscular theory combined with an ether, a subtle medium supporting the waves. Consequently, most of the theories from Newton's to those developed in the 19th century were dual and required the existence of an ether. We therefore used the ether as our Ariadne thread for explaining how the principle of relativity became generalized to the so-called Maxwell equations around the 1900's. Our aim is more to describe how the successive ideas were developed and interconnected than framing the context in which these ideas arose.
Deformed compact extra space as dark matter candidate
Authors: Gani Vakhid A. , Dmitriev Alexander E. , Rubin Sergey G.
Published: July 2015

We elaborate the possibility for a deformed extra space to be considered as the dark matter candidate. To perform calculations, a class of two-dimensional extra metrics was considered in the framework of the multidimensional gravity. It was shown that there exists a family of stationary metrics of the extra space possessing point-like defect. Estimation of cross-section of scattering of a particle of the ordinary matter on a spatial domain with deformed extra space is in agreement with the observational constraints.
Parametric resonance of entropy perturbations in massless preheating
Authors: Moghaddam Hossein Bazrafshan , Brandenberger Robert H. , Cai Yi-Fu , Ferreira Elisa G. M.
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we revisit the question of possible preheating of entropy modes in a two-field model with a massless inflaton coupled to a matter scalar field. Using a perturbative approximation to the covariant method we demonstrate that there is indeed a parametric instability of the entropy mode which then at second-order leads to exponential growth of the curvature fluctuation on super-Hubble scale. Back-reaction effects shut off the induced curvature fluctuations, but possibly not early enough to prevent phenomenological problems. This confirms previous results obtained using different methods and resolves a controversy in the literature.
Macroeconomic and Financial Determinants of the Volatility of Corporate Bond Returns
Authors: Nieto Belén , Novales Alfonso , Rubio Gonzalo
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we address the issue of how macroeconomic conditions affect corporate bond volatility. We employ the GARCH-MIDAS multiplicative two-component model of volatility that distinguishes the short-term dynamics from the long-run component of volatility. Both the in-sample and out-of-sample analysis show that recognizing the existence of a stochastic low-frequency component captured by macroeconomic and financial indicators may improve the fit of the model to actual bond return data, relative to the constant long-run component embedded in a typical GARCH model.
Matriptase activation and shedding through PDGF-D-mediated extracellular acidosis
Authors: Najy Abdo J. , Dyson Gregory , Jena Bhanu P. , Lin Chen-Yong , Kim Hyeong-Reh C.
Published: July 2015

Activation of β-platelet-derived growth factor receptor (β-PDGFR) is associated with prostate cancer (PCa) progression and recurrence after prostatectomy. Analysis of the β-PDGFR ligands in PCa revealed association between PDGF-D expression and Gleason score as well as tumor stage. During the course of studying the functional consequences of PDGF ligand-specific β-PDGFR signaling in PCa, we discovered a novel function of PDGF-D for activation/shedding of the serine protease matriptase leading to cell invasion, migration, and tumorigenesis. The present study showed that PDGF-D, not PDGF-B, induces extracellular acidification, which correlates with increased matriptase activation. A cDNA microarray analysis revealed that PDGF-D/β-PDGFR signaling upregulates expression of the acidosis regulator carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX), a classic target of the transcriptional factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Cellular fractionation displayed a strong HIF-1α nuclear localization in PDGF-D-expressing cells. Treatment of vector control or PDGF-B-expressing cells with the HIF-1α activator CoCl2 led to increased CAIX expression accompanied by extracellular acidosis and matriptase activation. Furthermore, the analysis of the CAFTD cell lines, variants of the BPH-1 transformation model, showed that increased PDGF-D expression is associated with enhanced HIF-1α activity, CAIX induction, cellular acidosis, and matriptase shedding. Importantly, shRNA-mediated knockdown of CAIX expression effectively reversed extracellular acidosis and matriptase activation in PDGF-D-transfected BPH-1 cells and in CAFTD variants that express endogenous PDGF-D at a high level. Taken together, these novel findings reveal a new paradigm in matriptase activation involving PDGF-D-specific signal transduction leading to extracellular acidosis.
N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor coagonist d-serine suppresses intake of high-preference food
Authors: Sasaki Tsutomu , Kinoshita Yoshihiro , Matsui Sho , Kakuta Shigeru , Yokota-Hashimoto Hiromi , Kinoshita Kuni , Iwasaki Yusaku , Kinoshita Toshio , Yada Toshihiko , Amano Naoji , Kitamura Tadahiro
Published: July 2015

d-Serine is abundant in the forebrain and physiologically important for modulating excitatory glutamatergic neurotransmission as a coagonist of synaptic N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. NMDA signaling has been implicated in the control of food intake. However, the role of d-serine on appetite regulation is unknown. To clarify the effects of d-serine on appetite, we investigated the effect of oral d-serine ingestion on food intake in three different feeding paradigms (one-food access, two-food choice, and refeeding after 24-h fasting) using three different strains of male mice (C57Bl/6J, BKS, and ICR). The effect of d-serine was also tested in leptin signaling-deficient db/ db mice and sensory-deafferented (capsaicin-treated) mice. The expression of orexigenic neuropeptides [neuropeptide Y ( Npy) and agouti-related protein ( Agrp)] in the hypothalamus was compared in fast/refed experiments. Conditioned taste aversion for high-fat diet (HFD) was tested in the d-serine-treated mice. Under the one-food-access paradigm, some of the d-serine-treated mice showed starvation, but not when fed normal chow. HFD feeding with d-serine ingestion did not cause aversion. Under the two-food-choice paradigm, d-serine suppressed the intake of high-preference food but not normal chow. d-Serine also effectively suppressed HFD intake but not normal chow in db/ db mice and sensory-deafferented mice. In addition, d-serine suppressed normal chow intake after 24-h fasting despite higher orexigenic gene expression in the hypothalamus. d-Serine failed to suppress HFD intake in the presence of L-701,324, the selective and full antagonist at the glycine-binding site of the NMDA receptor. Therefore, d-serine suppresses the intake of high-preference food through coagonism toward NMDA receptors.
Adaptive categorization of sound frequency does not require the auditory cortex in rats
Authors: Gimenez Tyler L. , Lorenc Maja , Jaramillo Santiago
Published: July 2015

A defining feature of adaptive behavior is our ability to change the way we interpret sensory stimuli depending on context. Rapid adaptation in behavior has been attributed to frontal cortical circuits, but it is not clear if sensory cortexes also play an essential role in such tasks. In this study we tested whether the auditory cortex was necessary for rapid adaptation in the interpretation of sounds. We used a two-alternative choice sound-categorization task for rats in which the boundary that separated two acoustic categories changed several times within a behavioral session. These shifts in the boundary resulted in changes in the rewarded action for a subset of stimuli. We found that extensive lesions of the auditory cortex did not impair the ability of rats to switch between categorization contingencies and sound discrimination performance was minimally impaired. Similar results were obtained after reversible inactivation of the auditory cortex with muscimol. In contrast, lesions of the auditory thalamus largely impaired discrimination performance and, as a result, the ability to modify behavior across contingencies. Thalamic lesions did not impair performance of a visual discrimination task, indicating that the effects were specific to audition and not to motor preparation or execution. These results suggest that subcortical outputs of the auditory thalamus can mediate rapid adaptation in the interpretation of sounds.
Higher-Stage Noether Identities and Second Noether Theorems
Authors: Sardanashvily G.
Published: July 2015

The direct and inverse second Noether theorems are formulated in a general case of reducible degenerate Grassmann-graded Lagrangian theory of even and odd variables on graded bundles. Such Lagrangian theory is characterized by a hierarchy of nontrivial higher-stage Noether identities which is described in the homology terms. If a certain homology regularity condition holds, one can associate with a reducible degenerate Lagrangian the exact Koszul–Tate chain complex possessing the boundary operator whose nilpotentness is equivalent to all complete nontrivial Noether and higher-stage Noether identities. The second Noether theorems associate with the above-mentioned Koszul–Tate complex a certain cochain sequence whose ascent operator consists of the gauge and higher-order gauge symmetries of a Lagrangian system. If gauge symmetries are algebraically closed, this operator is extended to the nilpotent BRST operator which brings the above-mentioned cochain sequence into the BRST complex and provides a BRST extension of an original Lagrangian.
Soil Parameter Mapping and Ad Hoc Power Analysis to Increase Blocking Efficiency Prior to Establishing a Long‐Term Field Experiment
Authors: Collins Doug , Benedict Chris , Bary Andy , Cogger Craig
Published: July 2015

The spatial heterogeneity of soil and weed populations poses a challenge to researchers. Unlike aboveground variability, below‐ground variability is more difficult to discern without a strategic soil sampling pattern. While blocking is commonly used to control environmental variation, this strategy is rarely informed by data about current soil conditions. Fifty georeferenced sites were located in a 0.65 ha area prior to establishing a long‐term field experiment. Soil organic matter (OM) and weed seed bank populations were analyzed at each site and the spatial structure was modeled with semivariograms and interpolated with kriging to map the surface. These maps were used to formulate three strategic blocking patterns and the efficiency of each pattern was compared to a completely randomized design and a west to east model not informed by soil variability. Compared to OM, weeds were more variable across the landscape and had a shorter range of autocorrelation, and models to increase blocking efficiency resulted in less increase in power. Weeds and OM were not correlated, so no model examined improved power equally for both parameters. Compared to the west to east blocking pattern, the final blocking pattern chosen resulted in a 7‐fold increase in power for OM and a 36% increase in power for weeds.
Impact of Inorganic Arsenicals on Vegetative Growth of Two Pakistani Origins Sunflower Cultivars
Authors: Imran Muhammad Asif , Wattoo Feroza Hamid , Chaudhry Muhammad Nawaz , Wattoo Muhammad Hamid Sarwar , Masood Khan Rass
Published: July 2015

Inorganic arsenicals impact on vegetative growth of two sunflower (Helianthus annuusL.) cultivars (FH-385 as Hybrid 1 and FH-405 as Hybrid 2) was monitored. Various levels of two different sodium salts of arsenic, namely, sodium arsenate (Na2HAsO4·7H2O) as source of As5+and sodium arsenite (NaAsO2) as source of As3+, were used to evaluate the effect of arsenic on plant water relation parameters. Significant stress effects were found when arsenic was higher in concentrations (>60 mg/kg soil of both salts) as compared to control plants. Genotype FH-405 showed higher levels for shoot and root length, water contents, number of leaves, and leaf area, which indicates well adaptation of this cultivar in arsenic contaminated environment. T5 (100 mg/kg) of both salts showed notable stressful impacts as compared to low arsenic concentrations (20, 40 mg/kg) and especially control plants in case of all morphophysiological parameters of sunflower cultivars.
Case Report of Multiple Tracheostomy Revisions due to Persistent, Recurrent Cuff Leak
Authors: Azimi-Bolourian Jian P. , Hanna Issa A. , Williams George W.
Published: July 2015

This case is a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who was unable to be separated from mechanical ventilator support and required a tracheostomy. The patient underwent an initial open tracheostomy utilizing flexible fiberoptic tracheoscopy (FFT) in the operating room (OR). Subsequently, he developed recurrent leaks in the tracheal tube cuff requiring multiple trips back to the operating room. The recurrent cuff leak occurred following each tube placement until the etiology of the leak was discovered during the fourth procedure. In the fourth procedure, the wound was explored more extensively, and it was found that there was a sharp, calcified, aberrant fragment of a tracheal cartilage ring protruding into the tracheal lumen, which was damaging the cuff of each tube. This fragment was not visible by multiple FFTs, nor was it visible in the wound by the surgeons until wider exploration of the wound occurred. The cartilage fragment was ultimately excised and the patient had no further cuff leaks. Aberrant tracheal cartilage should be on the differential diagnosis for cuff leaks subsequent to surgical tracheostomy (ST) or percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT).
Inguinal Hernias Represent the Most Frequent Surgical Complication after Kasai in Biliary Atresia Infants
Authors: Madadi-Sanjani Omid , Carl Nathalie , Longerich Thomas , Petersen Claus , Andruszkow Julia H. K.
Published: July 2015

Biliary atresia (BA) is an orphan medical condition of the newborn, resulting in end-stage liver cirrhosis due to obliterative cholangiopathy of the extrahepatic bile duct. Although Kasai’s hepatoportoenterostomy (KPE) is the well-established first-line therapy, little is known about its surgical complications. 153 patients receiving open KPE treated at a single center between 1994 and 2014 were analysed retrospectively regarding short-term complications and survival with the native liver. In brief, 40.5% of patients suffered from 1–3 surgical complications, inguinal hernias (IH) being most prevalent (40.0%). In BA patients, incidence of IH was associated with male gender (p=0.002), the syndromic form of BA (p=0.038), and percutaneous drainage for ascites (p=0.002). No association was found with prematurity (p=0.074) or birth weight (p=0.912) in our study. In conclusion, IH frequently develops after open KPE of BA patients, but this complication does not negatively affect the patient’s outcome. Nevertheless, inspection of the internal inguinal ring and prophylactic closure of inapparent hernias should be discussed in order to prevent secondary surgical procedures.
Microwave Synthesized Monodisperse CdS Spheres of Different Size and Color for Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Rodríguez-Castañeda Carlos A. , Moreno-Romero Paola M. , Martínez-Alonso Claudia , Hu Hailin
Published: July 2015

Monodisperse CdS spheres of size of 40 to 140 nm were obtained by microwave heating from basic solutions. It is observed that larger CdS spheres were formed at lower solution pH (8.4–8.8) and smaller ones at higher solution pH (10.8–11.3). The color of CdS products changed with solution pH and reaction temperature; those synthesized at lower pH and temperature were of green‐yellow color, whereas those formed at higher pH and temperature were of orange‐yellow color. A good photovoltage was observed in CdS:poly(3‐hexylthiophene) solar cells with spherical CdS particles. This is due to the good dispersion of CdS nanoparticles in P3HT solution that led to a large interface area between the organic and inorganic semiconductors. Higher photocurrent density was obtained in green‐yellow CdS particles of lower defect density. The efficient microwave chemistry accelerated the hydrolysis of thiourea in pH lower than 9 and produced monodisperse spherical CdS nanoparticles suitable for solar cell applications.
A Crank-Nicolson Scheme for the Dirichlet-to-Neumann Semigroup
Authors: Ali Ahmad Rola , El Arwadi Toufic , Chrayteh Houssam , Sac-Epée Jean-Marc
Published: July 2015

The aim of this work is to study a semidiscrete Crank-Nicolson type scheme in order to approximate numerically the Dirichlet-to-Neumann semigroup. We construct an approximating family of operators for the Dirichlet-to-Neumann semigroup, which satisfies the assumptions of Chernoff’s product formula, and consequently the Crank-Nicolson scheme converges to the exact solution. Finally, we write aP1finite element scheme for the problem, and we illustrate this convergence by means of a FreeFem++ implementation.
How to Develop an Electronic Clinical Endometriosis Research File Integrated in Clinical Practice
Authors: Vanhie A. , Fassbender A. , O D. , Tomassetti C. , Meuleman C. , Peeraer K. , Debrock S. , D’Hooghe Th.
Published: July 2015

Endometriosis is associated with a range of pelvic-abdominal pain symptoms and infertility. It is a chronic disease that can have a significant impact on various aspects of women’s lives, including their social and sexual relationships, work, and study. Despite several international guidelines on the management of endometriosis, there is a wide variety of clinical practice in the management of endometriosis, resulting in many women receiving delayed or suboptimal care. In this paper we discuss the possibilities and benefits of using electronic health records for clinical research in the field of endometriosis. The development of a wide range of clinical software for electronic patient records has made the registration of large datasets feasible and the integration of research files and clinical files possible. Integration of global standards on registration of endometriosis care in electronic health records could improve reporting of research data and facilitate the execution of large, multicentre randomized trials on the management of endometriosis. These highly needed trials could bring us the evidence needed for the optimisation of management of women with endometriosis.
Genistein Attenuates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Increases Hepatic PPARγin a Rat Model
Authors: Susutlertpanya Warinda , Werawatganon Duangporn , Siriviriyakul Prasong , Klaikeaw Naruemon
Published: July 2015

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become a global chronic liver disease, but no effective medicine has been proven to cure it. This study investigated the protective effects of genistein, a phytoestrogen, on NASH and examined whether it has any effect on hepatic PPARγ. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control group fed ad libitum with standard rat diet, NASH group fed ad libitum with high-fat diet to induce NASH and NASH + Gen8 group and NASH + Gen16 group fed with high-fat diet plus intragastric administration of 8 or 16 mg/kg genistein once daily. After 6 weeks, liver samples were collected to determine MDA, TNF-α, PPARγ, and histopathology. The findings were that levels of hepatic MDA and TNF-αincreased in NASH group, but 16 mg/kg genistein reduced these levels significantly. Downregulation of hepatic PPARγwas observed in NASH group, but genistein significantly upregulated the expression of PPARγin both NASH + Gen groups. The histological appearance of liver in NASH group presented pathological features of steatohepatitis which were diminished in both NASH + Gen groups. The results suggest that genistein attenuates the liver histopathology of NASH with upregulation of hepatic PPARγ, reduction of oxidative stress, and inhibition of inflammatory cytokine.
Common Fixed Points of Generalized Rational Type Cocyclic Mappings in Multiplicative Metric Spaces
Authors: Abbas Mujahid , De la Sen Manuel , Nazir Talat
Published: July 2015

The aim of this paper is to present fixed point result of mappings satisfying a generalized rational contractive condition in the setup of multiplicative metric spaces. As an application, we obtain a common fixed point of a pair of weakly compatible mappings. Some common fixed point results of pair of rational contractive types mappings involved in cocyclic representation of a nonempty subset of a multiplicative metric space are also obtained. Some examples are presented to support the results proved herein. Our results generalize and extend various results in the existing literature.
Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Related Factors in Japanese Employees: A Comparative Study between Surveys from 2007 and 2010
Authors: Fushimi Masahito
Published: July 2015

Aims. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of depressive symptoms and their related factors in Japan. The results were analyzed to identify the relationship between high scores on the CES-D, sociodemographic status, and employment-related variables.Methods. Employees in Akita prefecture completed the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) during a survey period between November and December 2010. The cutoff point for the CES-D scores was 16 or above (high scorers).Results. Data from 1,476 employees indicated that 44.2% had high scores on the CES-D. Sociodemographic and occupation-related factors associated with a high risk of depression were being female, young age, fewer hours of sleep on weekdays, and working over 8 hours per day, whereas drinking alcohol one to two days per week, albeit only in men, was significantly associated with a low risk of depression. The present results were consistent with the results of a previous survey completed in 2007; however, the present results regarding job categories and smoking behavior were not significantly associated with depression and thus were inconsistent with the 2007 survey data.Conclusions. These results can be useful as benchmark values for the CES-D and might help predict depressive disorders.
Metal‐Insulator Phase Transition in Quasi‐One‐Dimensional VO2 Structures
Authors: Hong Woong-Ki , Cha SeungNam , Sohn Jung Inn , Kim Jong Min
Published: July 2015

The metal‐insulator transition (MIT) in strongly correlated oxides has attracted considerable attention from both theoretical and experimental researchers. Among the strongly correlated oxides, vanadium dioxide (VO2) has been extensively studied in the last decade because of a sharp, reversible change in its optical, electrical, and magnetic properties at approximately 341 K, which would be possible and promising to develop functional devices with advanced technology by utilizing MITs. However, taking the step towards successful commercialization requires the comprehensive understanding of MIT mechanisms, enabling us to manipulate the nature of transitions. In this regard, recently, quasi‐one‐dimensional (quasi‐1D) VO2 structures have been intensively investigated due to their attractive geometry and unique physical properties to observe new aspects of transitions compared with their bulk counterparts. Thus, in this review, we will address recent research progress in the development of various approaches for the modification of MITs in quasi‐1D VO2 structures. Furthermore, we will review recent studies on realizing novel functional devices based on quasi‐1D VO2 structures for a wide range of applications, such as a gas sensor, a flexible strain sensor, an electrical switch, a thermal memory, and a nonvolatile electrical memory with multiple resistance.
Synthesis of Thinned Concentric Circular Antenna Arrays Using Modified TLBO Algorithm
Authors: Luo Zailei , He Xueming , Chen Xuedong , Luo Xin , Li Xiaoqing
Published: July 2015

Teaching-learning-based optimization (TLBO) algorithm is a new kind of stochastic metaheuristic algorithm which has been proven effective and powerful in many engineering optimization problems. This paper describes the application of a modified version of TLBO algorithm, MTLBO, for synthesis of thinned concentric circular antenna arrays (CCAAs). The MTLBO is adjusted for CCAA design according to the geometry arrangement of antenna elements. CCAAs with uniform interelement spacing fixed at half wavelength have been considered for thinning using MTLBO algorithm. For practical purpose, this paper demonstrated SLL reduction of thinned CCAAs in the whole regular and extended space other than the phi = 0° plane alone. The uniformly and nonuniformly excited CCAAs have been discussed, respectively, during the simulation process. The proposed MTLBO is very easy to be implemented and requires fewer algorithm specified parameters, which is suitable for concentric circular antenna array synthesis. Numerical results clearly show the superiority of MTLBO algorithm in finding optimum solutions compared to particle swarm optimization algorithm and firefly algorithm.
Physicochemical Parameters and Bioactive Compounds of Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedoL.) Honey
Authors: Ulloa Pablo A. , Maia Miguel , Brigas Amadeu F.
Published: July 2015

Botanical origin, physicochemical properties (ash, colour, diastase activity, electrical conductivity (EC), hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), moisture, optical rotation (OP), pH, reducing sugars, total acidity, total soluble solids, and water activity), bioactive compounds (BC), and antioxidant activity obtained from strawberry tree honey from South Portugal were investigated. Results showed that the pollen analysis and physicochemical parameters were found within to meet international honey specifications. Significant differences (P<0.05) in results of ash content, EC, HMF, OP and colour when were compared with analogous famous Italian honey (Sardinia island). For BC, total phenolic and total flavonoid content were 94.47 mg gallic acid/100 g and 5.33 mg quercetin/100 g, respectively. Concerning Portuguese honey, it was also found that radical scavenging activity (DPPH assay) was 43.46% and antioxidant activity was 18.85 mg ascorbic acid equivalent/100 g and 9.92 mg quercetin equivalent/100 g. These results confirmed that Portuguese strawberry tree honey has the highest antioxidant activity, when compared with other kinds of honey. This complete report demonstrates advantages and can help to promote consumption and shown their benefical properties (e.g., antioxidant); which will may increase the commercial value.