bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-reported stressors among patients with Exhaustion Disorder: an exploratory study of patient records
Authors: Hasselberg Karin , Jonsdottir Ingibjörg H , Ellbin Susanne , Skagert Katrin
Published: March 2014

Background

Several researchers imply that both work-related and non-work-related stress exposure are likely to contribute to stress-related mental illness. Yet empirical studies investigating both domains seem to be limited, particularly in a clinical population. The purpose of this study was to a) explore which stressors (non-work and work-related) are reported as important for the onset of illness by patients seeking medical care for stress-related exhaustion and b) explore the prevalence of each stressor and examine whether the pattern differs between men and women.

Methods

This is an exploratory mixed method study, comprising patients at a specialist outpatient stress clinic. Information from medical records of 20 patients was initially used in a first qualitative step to construct the instrument, using a combination of a conventional content analysis and a directed content analysis. In the second phase patient records from 50 men and 50 women were selected and coded in accordance with the coding instrument. Frequency statistics were calculated for all stressors.

Results

A total of 24 categories of stressors (11 related to work and 13 related to private life) were identified in the first qualitative step. A median of four stressors, usually both work and non-work-related was reported by the patients. The most common stressors were 1) quantitative demands at work, 2) private relational conflicts and 3) emotional demands at work.

Conclusions

Work demands are, by far, the most prevalent stressor, followed by relational problems in private life. The pattern was similar for women and men, with a slight difference in the distribution between work and non-work stressors. Men and women also show similar patterns when comparing the occurrence of each stressor. Slight differences were seen, in particular with regard to managerial responsibility that was reported by 6% of the women compared to 36% of the men. One important practical implication of this study is that patients with stress-related exhaustion often have a long period of impaired ability at work. Successful prevention at the workplace is thus of great importance. However, it is equally important to discuss how society can support individuals such as single parents or couples with relational conflicts.
Basis approach to estimate the instantaneous frequencies in multicomponent AM-FM signals
Authors: Sebghati Mohammadali , Amindavar Hamidreza , Ritcey James A
Published: March 2014

In this paper, an analytical approach to estimate the instantaneous frequencies of a multicomponent signal is presented. A non-stationary signal composed of oscillation modes or resonances is described by a multicomponent AM-FM model. The proposed method has two main stages. At first, the signal is decomposed into its oscillation components. Afterwards, the instantaneous frequency of each component is estimated. The decomposition stage is performed through the basis expansion exploiting orthogonal rational functions in the complex plane. Orthogonal rational bases are generalized to expand linear time-varying systems. To decompose the non-stationary signal, its equivalent time-varying system is sought. The time-varying poles of this system are required to construct appropriate basis functions. An adaptive data segmentation algorithm is provided for this purpose. The effect of noise is scrutinized analytically and evaluated experimentally to verify the robustness of the new method. The performance of this method in extraction of embedded instantaneous frequencies is asserted by simulations on both synthetic data and real-world audio signal.
Cortical activation change induced by neuromuscular electrical stimulation during hand movements: a functional NIRS study
Authors: Jang Sung Ho , Jang Woo Hyuk , Chang Pyung Hun , Lee Seung-Hyun , Jin Sang-Hyun , Kim Young Gi , Yeo Sang Seok
Published: March 2014

Objectives

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used in the field of rehabilitation for a long time. Previous studies on NMES have focused on the peripheral effect, in contrast, relatively little is known about the effect on the cerebral cortex. In the current study, we attempted to investigate the change of cortical activation pattern induced by NMES during execution of hand movements in normal subjects, using functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

Methods

Twelve healthy normal subjects were randomly assigned to the NMES group (six subjects) and the sham group (six subjects). We measured oxy-hemoglobin (HbO) in six regions of interest (ROI) during pre-NMES and post-NMES motor phase; the left dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, premotor cortex, primary sensory-motor cortex (SM1), hand somatotopic area of SM1, and posterior parietal cortex. Between the pre-NMES and the post-NMES motor phases, real or sham NMES was applied on finger and wrist extensors of all subjects during a period of 5 minutes.

Results

In all groups, during the pre-NMES motor phase, the HbO value in the hand somatotopic area of the left SM1 was higher than those of other ROIs. In the NMES group, during the post-NMES motor phase, HbO value variation in the hand somatotopic area of the left SM1 showed a significant decrease, compared with that of sham group (p < 0.05). However, in the sham group, similar aspect of results in HbO values of all ROIs was observed between pre-NMES and post-NMES motor phases (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Results of this study showed that NMES induced a decrease of cortical activation during execution of hand movements. This finding appears to indicate that application of NMES can increase the efficiency of the cerebral cortex during execution of motor tasks.
The cultural significance of wild mushrooms in San Mateo Huexoyucan, Tlaxcala, Mexico
Authors: Alonso-Aguilar Luis Enrique , Montoya Adriana , Kong Alejandro , Estrada-Torres Arturo , Garibay-Orijel Roberto
Published: March 2014

Background

We performed an ethnomycological study in a community in Tlaxcala, Central Mexico to identify the most important species of wild mushrooms growing in an oak forest, their significance criteria, and to validate the Cultural Significance Index (CSI).

Methods

Thirty-three mestizo individuals were randomly selected in San Mateo Huexoyucan and were asked seven questions based on criteria established by the CSI. Among the 49 mushroom species collected in the oak forest and open areas, 20 species were mentioned most often and were analyzed in more detail. Ordination and grouping techniques were used to determine the relationship between the cultural significance of the mushroom species, according to a perceived abundance index, frequency of use index, taste score appreciation index, multifunctional food index, knowledge transmission index, and health index.

Results

The mushrooms with highest CSI values were Agaricus campestris, Ramaria spp., Amanita aff. basii, Russula spp., Ustilago maydis, and Boletus variipes. These species were characterized by their good taste and were considered very nutritional. The species with the lowest cultural significance included Russula mexicana, Lycoperdon perlatum, and Strobylomyces strobilaceus. The ordination and grouping analyses identified four groups of mushrooms by their significance to the people of Huexoyucan. The most important variables that explained the grouping were the taste score appreciation index, health index, the knowledge transmission index, and the frequency of use index.

Conclusions

A. aff. basii and A. campestris were the most significant wild mushrooms to the people of San Mateo. The diversity of the Russula species and the variety of Amanita and Ramaria species used by these people was outstanding. Environments outside the forest also produced useful resources. The CSI used in Oaxaca was useful for determining the cultural significance of mushrooms in SMH, Tlaxcala. This list of mushrooms can be used in conservation proposals for the Quercus forests in the area.
Visualization of hospital cleanliness in three Japanese hospitals with a tendency toward long-term care
Authors: Watanabe Reina , Shimoda Tomoko , Yano Rika , Hayashi Yasuhiro , Nakamura Shinji , Matsuo Junji , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki
Published: March 2014

Background

Hospital cleanliness in hospitals with a tendency toward long-term care in Japan remains unevaluated. We therefore visualized hospital cleanliness in Japan over a 2-month period by two distinct popular methods: ATP bioluminescence (ATP method) and the standard stamp agar method (stamp method).

Methods

The surfaces of 752 sites within nurse and patient areas in three hospitals located in a central area of Sapporo, Japan were evaluated by the ATP and stamp methods, and each surface was sampled 8 times in 2 months. These areas were located in different ward units (Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Obstetrics and Gynecology). Detection limits for the ATP and stamp methods were determined by spike experiments with a diluted bacterial solution and a wipe test on student tables not in use during winter vacation, respectively. Values were expressed as the fold change over the detection limit, and a sample with a value higher than the detection limit by either method was defined as positive.

Results

The detection limits were determined to be 127 relative light units (RLU) per 100 cm2 for the ATP method and 5.3 colony-forming units (CFU) per 10 cm2 for the stamp method. The positive frequency of the ATP and stamp methods was 59.8% (450/752) and 47.7% (359/752), respectively, although no significant difference in the positive frequency among the hospitals was seen. Both methods revealed the presence of a wide range of organic contamination spread via hand touching, including microbial contamination, with a preponderance on the entrance floor and in patient rooms. Interestingly, the data of both methods indicated considerable variability regardless of daily visual assessment with usual wiping, and positive surfaces were irregularly seen. Nurse areas were relatively cleaner than patient areas. Finally, there was no significant correlation between the number of patients or medical personnel in the hospital and organic or microbiological contamination.

Conclusions

Ongoing daily hospital cleanliness is not sufficient in Japanese hospitals with a tendency toward long-term care.
New extended (G’/G)-expansion method to solve nonlinear evolution equation: the (3 + 1)-dimensional potential-YTSF equation
Authors: Roshid Harun-Or- , Akbar M Ali , Alam Md Nur , Hoque Md Fazlul , Rahman Nizhum
Published: March 2014

In this article, a new extended (G′/G) -expansion method has been proposed for constructing more general exact traveling wave solutions of nonlinear evolution equations with the aid of symbolic computation. In order to illustrate the validity and effectiveness of the method, we pick the (3 + 1)-dimensional potential-YTSF equation. As a result, abundant new and more general exact solutions have been achieved of this equation. It has been shown that the proposed method provides a powerful mathematical tool for solving nonlinear wave equations in applied mathematics, engineering and mathematical physics.
Anatomy of wintertime ozone associated with oil and natural gas extraction activity in Wyoming and Utah
Authors: Oltmans Samuel , Schnell Russell , Johnson Bryan , Pétron Gabrielle , Mefford Thomas , Neely Ryan
Published: March 2014

Winter maximum daily 8-hour average (MDA8) ozone concentrations in the Upper Green River Basin, Wyoming (UGRBWY) and the Uintah Basin, Utah (UBUT) have frequently exceeded 100 ppb in January, February and March, in the past few years. Such levels are well above the U.S. air quality standard of 75 ppb. In these two remote basins in the Rockies, local ozone precursor emissions result from intense oil and gas extraction activities that release methane, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) to the atmosphere. These emissions become trapped beneath a stable and shallow (∼50–200 m) boundary layer maintained in low wind conditions. Wintertime surface ozone formation conditions are more likely in the UBUT than in the UGRBWY as the topography of the UBUT is an enclosed basin whereas the UGRBWY is open on its southern perimeter thus allowing for more air turnover. With snow-covered ground, high ozone events regularly begin in mid-December and last into early March in the UBUT whereas they usually do not begin in earnest until about a month later in the UGRBWY and may persist until mid-March. Winters without snow cover and the accompanying cold pool meteorological conditions do not experience high ozone events in either basin. For nine years with ozone observations in the UGRBWY (2005–2013) and four in the UBUT (2010–2013), all years with adequate (≥6 inches) and persistent snow cover, experienced days with ozone values ≥75 ppb except in 2012 in the UGRBWY when persistent high wind (>5 m/s) conditions were prevalent. Year to year differences in the occurrences of high ozone episodes appear to be driven primarily by differing meteorological conditions rather than by variations in ozone precursor levels.
Tangent cones and regularity of real hypersurfaces
Authors: Ghomi Mohammad , Howard Ralph
Published: March 2014

We characterize

𝒞
1

$\mathcal {C}^1$

embedded hypersurfaces of

𝐑
n

$\mathbf {R}^n$

as the only locally closed sets with continuously varying flat tangent cones whose
measure-theoretic-multiplicity is at most

m
<
3
/
2

$m<3/2$

. It follows then that any (topological) hypersurface which has flat tangent cones and is supported everywhere by balls of uniform radius is

𝒞
1

$\mathcal {C}^1$

. In the real analytic case the same conclusion holds under the weakened hypothesis that each tangent cone be a hypersurface. In particular, any convex real analytic hypersurface

X
⊂

𝐑
n

$X\subset \mathbf {R}^n$

is

𝒞
1

$\mathcal {C}^1$

. Furthermore, if X is real algebraic, strictly convex, and unbounded, then its projective closure is a

𝒞
1

$\mathcal {C}^1$

hypersurface as well, which shows that X is the graph of a function defined over an entire hyperplane. Finally we show that the last property is a special feature of real algebraic sets, in the sense that it does not hold in the real analytic category.
Effects of drawing process on the structure and tensile properties of textile-grade PAN fiber and its carbon fiber
Authors: Lee Hwayoung , Lee Lo-Woon , Lee Seung-Wook , Joh Han-Ik , Jo Seong-Mu , Lee Sungho
Published: March 2014

Carbon fibers (CFs) were prepared using low-cost, textile-grade polyacrylonitrile fibers, which were 200% to 400% drawn in a hot water bath at 90°C or/and in a tubular furnace at 180°C. X-ray diffractograms confirmed that the drawing process led to higher crystallinity and molecular orientation. These fibers were stabilized in a convection oven at 25–255°C for 390 min. After stabilization, carbonization was performed to obtain carbon fibers. The tensile strength of CFs without drawing was ∼0.8 GPa; however, CFs with 200% and 200% drawing in a hot water bath at 90°C and in a tubular furnace at 180°C, respectively, showed a tensile strength of ∼1.7 GPa. These results suggest that the drawing process of precursor fibers affected the tensile properties of the resulting CFs significantly.
Pharmacological evaluation of the analgesic and anxiolytic activities of Jobelyn® in mice
Authors: Umukoro Solomon , Eduviere Anthony T. , Ogunbiyi Rukayat , Adeoluwa Olusegun A.
Published: March 2014

Background: This study presents the results of the pharmacological evaluation of the analgesic and anxiolytic potentials of Jobelyn®, a potent antioxidant African herbal formulation, in mice. The analgesic effect was assessed utilizing acetic acid-induced writhing, tail immersion and formalin-induced paw licking pain models. The anxiolytic activity was evaluated using elevated-plus maze (EPM) and light/dark box.

Methods: Mice (5/group) were treated with JB (10–200 mg/kg, p.o.) 1 h before the tests were carried out. In the writhing test, the number of abdominal constrictions was recorded for a period of 30 min after induction of nociception with 0.6% acetic acid, i.p. In the tail immersion test, the latency to tail withdrawal responses to noxious heat was measured. The duration of paw licking (s) was measured as an index of nociception in the formalin test. In the anxiolytic test, the patterns of transition in the two arms of the EPM and in the light/dark box were assessed.

Results: JB (10–200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited the inflammatory pain produced by acetic acid as evidenced by decreased number of abdominal constrictions in comparison with the control. It also shows higher potency in suppressing the inflammatory pain associated with the second phase of the formalin test. However, JB did not exhibit anxiolytic properties nor modify the pain behavior in the tail immersion test.

Conclusions: The results obtained from this study suggest that Jobelyn® might be efficacious against inflammatory pain and further support its recommendation for the management of pain with inflammation as the underlying factor.
Properties of high temperature resistance and salt tolerance drilling fluids incorporating acrylamide/2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid/N-vinylpyrrolidone/dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride quadripolymer as fluid loss additives
Authors: Su Junlin , Chu Qi , Ren Mao
Published: March 2014

A quadripolymer of acrylamide (AM), 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid (AMPS), N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) and dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (DMDAAC) was synthesized by solution free radical polymerization, and characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) methods. The rheological and filtrate properties of saturated brine-based fluid with AM/AMPS/NVP/DMDAAC quadripolymer were investigated before and after thermal aging tests. The apparent viscosity (AV), plastic viscosity (PV) and yield point (YP) increased and the filtrate volume decreased with increase in the concentration of AM/AMPS/NVP/DMDAAC quadripolymer after thermal aging test at 180°C for 16 h. The filtrate volume could be controlled when the concentration of AM/AMPS/NVP/DMDAAC quadripolymer reached 2.0% under these conditions. The filtrate volume of saturated brine-based fluid could be controlled effectively at a thermal aging temperature not exceeding 200°C and was smaller than that of the AM/AMPS/NVP terpolymer. The AM/AMPS/NVP/DMDAAC quadripolymer was better at improving the quality of a filter cake than the AM/AMPS/NVP terpolymer. The drilling fluid containing the AM/AMPS/NVP/DMDAAC quadripolymer had an excellent tolerance to salt and high temperature.
Production and wear property of electroless Ni-plated B4C-AstaloyCr-M composites
Authors: Yonetken Ahmet , Talaş Şükrü , Erol Ayhan , Gökoğlan Ömer , Mersin Taner
Published: March 2014

Nickel (Ni) matrix reinforced with boron carbide (B4C) has been produced by conventional furnace sintering at various temperatures. A uniform Ni layer on B4C powders was deposited prior to sintering using electroless plating technique, allowing close surface contact between particles. A composite consisting of quaternary additions, a ceramic phase, B4C, within a matrix of Ni and AstaloyCr-M powders has been prepared at a temperature range of 1000°C–1200°C under Ar shroud. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study, compressive testing, and hardness measurements were employed to characterize the properties of the composite. Experimental results showed that the best properties as compressive strength σmax and hardness (HB) were obtained at 1150°C. Wear resistance was relatively higher than cast iron.
Quantitative X-Ray Powder Diffraction Analysis of Portland Cements: Proficiency Testing for Laboratory Assessment
Authors: Stutzman Paul
Published: March 2014

Quantitative X-ray powder diffraction analysis (QXRD) is being used within the cement industry for phase characterization of hydraulic cement. The current ASTM standard test method for powder diffraction analysis of cements provides guidance, but not an explicit method, for quantifying phase concentrations. The standard utilizes qualification criteria, where an analysis of a set of certified reference materials must fall within stated precision and bias limits. Validation of X-ray powder diffraction analyses by the Rietveld method is particularly important because the normalization inherent in the mass fraction calculations can obscure accuracy problems. Currently, the only certified reference materials for phase abundance are a set of NIST SRM clinkers, which lack the calcium sulfate and carbonate phases found in portland cements. A set of portland cements was distributed to 29 laboratories for analysis according to each lab’s individual protocols. The objective was to provide each lab with quantitative feedback on its precision and accuracy performance. The results from all the labs are presented graphically with Youden plots that incorporate ranking to illustrate relative lab precision and accuracy based upon a consensus mean for each phase and ASTM C1365 performance qualification criteria. Labs that fall outside of the compliance limits are provided with information via the Youden plots to assess their systematic and random error. Proficiency testing of this sort provides participating laboratories with a quantitative assessment of their performance relative to peers using a wider range of materials encompassing the broad spectrum of modern hydraulic cement production. These newer materials may include, for example, the calcium sulfate phases and the limestone additions that have become commonplace in today’s cements. Such a quantitative assessment could be used to qualify laboratories and may be stipulated in a specification.
Chronic Alcohol Disrupts Dopamine Receptor Activity and the Cognitive Function of the Medial Prefrontal Cortex
Authors: Trantham-Davidson Heather , Burnett Elizabeth J. , Gass Justin T. , Lopez Marcelo F. , Mulholland Patrick J. , Centanni Samuel W. , Floresco Stan B. , Chandler L. Judson
Published: March 2014

Dopamine (DA) receptors in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) exert powerful effects on cognition by modulating the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission. The present study examined the impact of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure on cognitive function and DA receptor-mediated neurotransmission in the rat mPFC. Consistent with alterations in executive function in alcoholics, CIE-exposed rats exhibited deficits in behavioral flexibility in an operant set-shifting task. Since alterations in dopaminergic neurotransmission in the mPFC have been implicated in a number of behavioral disorders including addiction, studies were then performed in the adult acute slice preparation to examine changes in DA receptor function in the mPFC following CIE exposure. In slices obtained from control rats, DA receptor stimulation was observed to exert complex actions on neuronal firing and synaptic neurotransmission that were not only dependent upon the particular receptor subtype but also whether it was a pyramidal cell or a fast-spiking interneuron. In contrast to slices from control rats, there was a near complete loss of the modulatory actions of D2/D4 receptors on cell firing and neurotransmission in slices obtained immediately, 1 and 4 weeks after the last day of CIE exposure. This loss did not appear to be associated with changes in receptor expression. In contrast, CIE exposure did not alter D1 receptor function or mGluR1 modulation of firing. These studies are consistent with the suggestion that chronic alcohol exposure disrupts cognitive function at least in part through disruption of D2 and D4 receptor signaling in mPFC.
Decreased Anxiety-Like Behavior and Gαq/11-Dependent Responses in the Amygdala of Mice Lacking TRPC4 Channels
Authors: Riccio Antonio , Li Yan , Tsvetkov Evgeny , Gapon Svetlana , Yao Gui Lan , Smith Kiersten S. , Engin Elif , Rudolph Uwe , Bolshakov Vadim Y. , Clapham David E.
Published: March 2014

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are abundant in the brain where they regulate transmission of sensory signals. The expression patterns of different TRPC subunits (TRPC1, 4, and 5) are consistent with their potential role in fear-related behaviors. Accordingly, we found recently that mutant mice lacking a specific TRP channel subunit, TRPC5, exhibited decreased innate fear responses. Both TRPC5 and another member of the same subfamily, TRPC4, form heteromeric complexes with the TRPC1 subunit (TRPC1/5 and TRPC1/4, respectively). As TRP channels with specific subunit compositions may have different functional properties, we hypothesized that fear-related behaviors could be differentially controlled by TRPCs with distinct subunit arrangements. In this study, we focused on the analysis of mutant mice lacking the TRPC4 subunit, which, as we confirmed in experiments on control mice, is expressed in brain areas implicated in the control of fear and anxiety. In behavioral experiments, we found that constitutive ablation of TRPC4 was associated with diminished anxiety levels (innate fear). Furthermore, knockdown of TRPC4 protein in the lateral amygdala via lentiviral-mediated gene delivery of RNAi mimicked the behavioral phenotype of constitutive TRPC4-null (TRPC4−/−) mouse. Recordings in brain slices demonstrated that these behavioral modifications could stem from the lack of TRPC4 potentiation in neurons in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala through two Gαq/11protein-coupled signaling pathways, activated via Group I metabotropic glutamate receptors and cholecystokinin 2 receptors, respectively. Thus, TRPC4 and the structurally and functionally related subunit, TRPC5, may both contribute to the mechanisms underlying regulation of innate fear responses.
The Transcriptome of Utricle Hair Cell Regeneration in the Avian Inner Ear
Authors: Ku Yuan-Chieh , Renaud Nicole A. , Veile Rose A. , Helms Cynthia , Voelker Courtney C.J. , Warchol Mark E. , Lovett Michael
Published: March 2014

Sensory hair cell loss is the major cause of hearing and balance disorders. Mammals are incapable of sustained hair cell regeneration, but lower vertebrates can regenerate these mechano-electrical transducers. We present the first comprehensive transcriptome (by mRNA-Seq) of hair cell regeneration in the chick utricle. We provide pathway and pattern annotations and correlate these with the phenotypic events that occur during regeneration. These patterns are surprisingly synchronous and highly punctuated. We show how these patterns are a new resource for identifying components of the hair cell transcriptome and identify 494 new putative hair-cell-specific genes and validate three of these (of three tested) by immunohistochemical staining. We describe many surprising new components and dynamic expression patterns, particularly withinNOTCHsignaling. For example, we show thatHES7is specifically expressed during utricle hair cell regeneration and closely parallels the expression ofHES5. Likewise, the expression ofATOH1is closely correlated withHEYLand the HLH inhibitory transcription factorsID1,ID2, andID4. We investigate the correlation between fibroblast growth factor signaling and supporting cell proliferation and show that FGF20 inhibits supporting cell proliferation. We also present an analysis of 212 differentially expressed transcription factor genes in the regenerative time course that fall into nine distinct gene expression patterns, many of which correlate with phenotypic events during regeneration and represent attractive candidates for future analysis and manipulation of the regenerative program in sensory epithelia and other vertebrate neuroepithelia.
Cocaine Disrupts Histamine H3Receptor Modulation of Dopamine D1Receptor Signaling: σ1-D1-H3Receptor Complexes as Key Targets for Reducing Cocaine's Effects
Authors: Moreno Estefanía , Moreno-Delgado David , Navarro Gemma , Hoffmann Hanne M. , Fuentes Silvia , Rosell-Vilar Santi , Gasperini Paola , Rodríguez-Ruiz Mar , Medrano Mireia , Mallol Josefa , Cortés Antoni , Casadó Vicent , Lluís Carme , Ferré Sergi , Ortiz Jordi , Canela Enric , McCormick Peter J.
Published: March 2014

The general effects of cocaine are not well understood at the molecular level. What is known is that the dopamine D1receptor plays an important role. Here we show that a key mechanism may be cocaine's blockade of the histamine H3receptor-mediated inhibition of D1receptor function. This blockade requires the σ1receptor and occurs upon cocaine binding to σ1-D1-H3receptor complexes. The cocaine-mediated disruption leaves an uninhibited D1receptor that activates Gs, freely recruits β-arrestin, increases p-ERK 1/2 levels, and induces cell death when over activated. Usingin vitroassays with transfected cells and inex vivoexperiments using both rats acutely treated or self-administered with cocaine along with mice depleted of σ1receptor, we show that blockade of σ1receptor by an antagonist restores the protective H3receptor-mediated brake on D1receptor signaling and prevents the cell death from elevated D1receptor signaling. These findings suggest that a combination therapy of σ1R antagonists with H3receptor agonists could serve to reduce some effects of cocaine.
Local Entrainment of Alpha Oscillations by Visual Stimuli Causes Cyclic Modulation of Perception
Authors: Spaak Eelke , de Lange Floris P. , Jensen Ole
Published: March 2014

Prestimulus oscillatory neural activity in the visual cortex has large consequences for perception and can be influenced by top-down control from higher-order brain regions. Making a causal claim about the mechanistic role of oscillatory activity requires that oscillations be directly manipulated independently of cognitive instructions. There are indications that a direct manipulation, or entrainment, of visual alpha activity is possible through visual stimulation. However, three important questions remain: (1) Can the entrained alpha activity be endogenously maintained in the absence of continuous stimulation?; (2) Does entrainment of alpha activity reflect a global or a local process?; and (3) Does the entrained alpha activity influence perception? To address these questions, we presented human subjects with rhythmic stimuli in one visual hemifield, and arhythmic stimuli in the other. After rhythmic entrainment, we found a periodic pattern in detection performance of near-threshold targets specific to the entrained hemifield. Using magnetoencephalograhy to measure ongoing brain activity, we observed strong alpha activity contralateral to the rhythmic stimulation outlasting the stimulation by several cycles. This entrained alpha activity was produced locally in early visual cortex, as revealed by source analysis. Importantly, stronger alpha entrainment predicted a stronger phasic modulation of detection performance in the entrained hemifield. These findings argue for a cortically focal entrainment of ongoing alpha oscillations by visual stimulation, with concomitant consequences for perception. Our results support the notion that oscillatory brain activity in the alpha band provides a causal mechanism for the temporal organization of visual perception.
Murine Arcuate Nucleus Kisspeptin Neurons Communicate with GnRH NeuronsIn Utero
Authors: Kumar Devesh , Freese Maria , Drexler Dagmar , Hermans-Borgmeyer Irm , Marquardt Annette , Boehm Ulrich
Published: March 2014

Puberty is a transition period of reproductive development from juvenile stages to adulthood and depends upon the activity of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons. GnRH neurons are initially activatedin uterobut remain quiescent throughout the juvenile period. Premature reactivation of GnRH neurons results in precocious puberty in mice and humans, but the mechanisms underlying developmental control of GnRH neuron activity remain unknown. The neuropeptide kisspeptin, a potent activator of GnRH neurons that is implicated as a critical permissive signal triggering puberty and a major regulator of the adult female hypothalamus–pituitary–gonadal axis, is paradoxically produced by neurons in the developing brain well before puberty onset. Thus, the neural circuits controlling the timing of reproductive maturation remain elusive. Here, we delineate the underlying neural circuitry using conditional genetic transsynaptic tracing in female mouse embryos. We find that kisspeptin-producing neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) already communicate with a specific subset of GnRH neuronsin utero. We show that ARC kisspeptin neurons are upstream of GnRH neurons, and that GnRH neuron connectivity to ARC kisspeptin neurons does not depend on their spatial position in the brain. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the neural circuits between ARC kisspeptin and GnRH neurons are fully established and operative before birth. Finally, we find that most GnRH neurons express the kisspeptin receptor GPR54 upon circuit formation, suggesting that the signaling system implicated in gatekeeping puberty becomes operative in the embryo.
The Boom Interview
Authors: Rodriguez Richard
Published: March 2014

Boom editor Jon Christensen interviews author Richard Rodriguez. Rodriguez has lived in California nearly all of his life. So what is it that now makes him say he once was but is no longer a California writer? There is something world-weary in the statement. Rodriguez has seen too much of the world in California, and perhaps too much of California in the world. At his writing table in his apartment in San Francisco, Rodriguez spoke with Boom about California’s soul, why he is no longer a California writer, what’s the matter with his hometown, San Francisco, these days, and love.
Hotel California
Authors: Wasserstrom Jeffrey
Published: March 2014

This essay examines the song “Hotel California” by The Eagles, which has garnered legions of fans (and detractors) and taken on a variety of meanings as it has made its way around the globe. Well known in China and India, among other places, it even made a cameo appearance in the American spy plane incident of 2001, when Chinese guards asked members of the U.S. crew of a downed surveillance jet to tell them the words to this well known song from their country. The essay looks at the song’s popularity abroad, and the power of music in forming memories and conjuring a sense of place and time.
My Father’s Charrería, My Rodeo
Authors: Guzmán Romeo
Published: March 2014

Reflecting on the stories behind a belt buckle that he inherited from his father, the author traces his father’s history and his family’s several migrations across the U.S.-Mexico border. The belt buckle depicts a bull and rider, and the article discusses the history of charrería and rodeo, the mingling of Mexican, American, European and indigenous traditions
Stochastic Demography and the Neutral Substitution Rate in Class-Structured Populations
Authors: Lehmann Laurent
Published: March 2014

The neutral rate of allelic substitution is analyzed for a class-structured population subject to a stationary stochastic demographic process. The substitution rate is shown to be generally equal to the effective mutation rate, and under overlapping generations it can be expressed as the effective mutation rate in newborns when measured in units of average generation time. With uniform mutation rate across classes the substitution rate reduces to the mutation rate.
Developing a Measure of Cultural-, Maturity-, or Esteem-Driven Modesty Among Jewish Women
Authors: Andrews Caryn Scheinberg
Published: March 2014

Understanding modesty and how it relates to religiosity among Jewish women was relatively unexplained, and as part of a larger study, a measure was needed. The purpose of this article is to report on three studies which represent the three stages of instrument development of a measure of modesty among Jewish women, “Your Views of Modesty”: (a) content/concept definition; (b) instrument development; and © evaluation of the psychometric properties of the instrument: reliability and validity. In Study I, Q methodology was used to define the domain and results suggesting that modesty has multidimensions. In Study II, an instrument was developed based on distinctive perspectives from each group or what was important and not so important. This formed a 25-item Likert scale. In Study III, a survey of 300 Jewish women revealed internal consistency estimates with Cronbach’s alpha 0.92, indicating high degree of internal consistency reliability for “Your Views of Modesty.” For construct validity, four factors were found explaining 55% of the variance of modesty: (a) religion-driven, (b) maturity-driven, (c) esteem-driven, and (d) public-based modesty was identified. “Your Views of Modesty” shows good evidence for reliability and validity in this Jewish population.
Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial to Evaluate a Xenogeneic Collagen Matrix as an Alternative to Free Gingival Grafting for Oral Soft Tissue Augmentation
Authors: McGuire Michael K. , Scheyer E. Todd
Published: March 2014

Background: The standard of care for increasing keratinized tissue (KT) and vestibular area is an autogenous free gingival graft (FGG) and vestibuloplasty; however, there is morbidity associated with the harvest of autogenous tissue, and supply is limited. The purpose of this study is to determine if a xenogeneic collagen matrix (CM) might be as effective as FGG.

Methods: This study is a single‐masked, randomized, controlled, split‐mouth study of 30 patients with insufficient zones of KT (<2 mm). It uses a within‐patient treatment‐comparison design to establish non‐inferiority of the test (CM) versus control (FGG) therapy. The primary efficacy endpoint was change in KT width (∆KT) from surgery to 6 months post‐surgery. Secondary endpoints included traditional periodontal measures, such as clinical attachment level, recession, and bleeding on probing. Patient‐reported pain, discomfort, and esthetic satisfaction were also recorded. Biopsies were obtained at 6 months.

Results: Surgery and postoperative sequelae were uneventful, with normal healing observed at both test and control sites. The primary outcome, ∆KT width at 6 months, did not establish non‐inferiority of CM compared to FGG (P = 0.9992), with the FGG sites averaging 1.5 mm more KT width than CM sites. However, the amount of new KT generated for both therapies averaged ≥2 mm. Secondary outcomes were not significantly different between test and control sites. All site biopsies appeared as normal mucoperiosteum with keratinized epithelium. CM sites achieved better texture and color matches, and more than two‐thirds of patients preferred the appearance of their CM sites.

Conclusion: With the proviso of sufficient KT (≈2 mm in width) and study goals of lower morbidity, unlimited supply, and patient satisfaction, CM appears to be a suitable substitute for FGG in vestibuloplasty procedures designed to increase KT around teeth.
Experimental study on turbulent convective heat transfer, pressure drop, and thermal performance characterization of ZnO/water nanofluid flow in a circular tube
Authors: Sajadi Ahmad , Sadati Seyed , Nourimotlagh Masoud , Pakbaz Omid , Ashtiani Dariush , Kowsari Farshad
Published: March 2014

In this experimental study heat transfer and pressure drop behavior of
ZnO/water nanofluid flow inside a circular tube with constant wall
temperature condition is investigated where the volume fractions of
nanoparticles in the base fluid are 1% and 2%. The experiments? Reynolds
numbers ranged roughly from 5000 to 30000. The experimental measurements
have been carried out in the fully-developed turbulent regime. The results
indicated that heat transfer coefficient increases by 11% and 18% with
increasing volume fractions of nanoparticles respectively to 1% and 2% vol.
The measurements also showed that the pressure drop of nanofluids were
respectively 45% and145% higher than that of the base fluid for volume
fractions of 1% and 2% of nanoparticles. However experimental results
revealed that overall thermal performance of nanofluid is higher than that
of pure water by up to 16% for 2% vol. nanofluid. Also experimental results
proved that existing correlations can accurately estimate nanofluids
convective heat transfer coefficient and friction factor in turbulent
regime, provided that thermal conductivity, heat capacity, and viscosity of
the nanofluids are used in calculating the Reynolds, Prandtl, and Nusselt
numbers.
Abrogating Monoacylglycerol Acyltransferase Activity in Liver Improves Glucose Tolerance and Hepatic Insulin Signaling in Obese Mice
Authors: Hall Angela M. , Soufi Nisreen , Chambers Kari T. , Chen Zhouji , Schweitzer George G. , McCommis Kyle S. , Erion Derek M. , Graham Mark J. , Su Xiong , Finck Brian N.
Published: March 2014

Monoacylglycerol acyltransferase (MGAT) enzymes convert monoacylglycerol to diacylglycerol (DAG), a lipid that has been linked to the development of hepatic insulin resistance through activation of protein kinase C (PKC). The expression of genes that encode MGAT enzymes is induced in the livers of insulin-resistant human subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, but whether MGAT activation is causal of hepatic steatosis or insulin resistance is unknown. We show that the expression of Mogat1, which encodes MGAT1, and MGAT activity are also increased in diet-induced obese (DIO) and ob/obmice. To probe the metabolic effects of MGAT1 in the livers of obese mice, we administered antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) against Mogat1 to DIO and ob/ob mice for 3 weeks. Knockdown of Mogat1 in liver, which reduced hepatic MGAT activity, did not affect hepatic triacylglycerol content and unexpectedly increased total DAG content. Mogat1 inhibition also increased both membrane and cytosolic compartment DAG levels. However, Mogat1 ASO treatment significantly improved glucose tolerance and hepatic insulin signaling in obese mice. In summary, inactivation of hepatic MGAT activity, which is markedly increased in obese mice, improved glucose tolerance and hepatic insulin signaling independent of changes in body weight, intrahepatic DAG and TAG content, and PKC signaling.
On ideal equal convergence
Authors: Filipów Rafał , Staniszewski Marcin
Published: March 2014

We consider ideal equal convergence of a sequence of functions. This is a generalization of equal convergence introduced by Császár and Laczkovich [Császár Á., Laczkovich M., Discrete and equal convergence, Studia Sci. Math. Hungar., 1975, 10(3–4), 463–472]. Our definition of ideal equal convergence encompasses two different kinds of ideal equal convergence introduced in [Das P., Dutta S., Pal S.K., On and *-equal convergence and an Egoroff-type theorem, Mat. Vesnik, 2014, 66(2), 165–177]_and [Filipów R., Szuca P., Three kinds of convergence and the associated I-Baire classes, J. Math. Anal. Appl., 2012, 391(1), 1–9]. We also solve a few problems posed in the paper by Das, Dutta and Pal.
Metric products and continuation of isotone functions
Authors: Dovgoshey O. , Petrov E. , Kozub G.
Published: March 2014

Let ℝ+ = [0,∞) and let A ⊆ ℝ+n. We have found the necessary and sufficient conditions under which a function Φ: A → ℝ+ has an isotone subadditive continuation on ℝ+n. It allows us to describe the metrics, defined on the Cartesian product X
1×...×X
n of given metric spaces $$\left( {X_1 ,d_{X_1 } } \right), \ldots ,\left( {X_n ,d_{X_n } } \right)$$, generated by the isotone metric preserving functions on ℝ+n. It is also shown that the isotone metric preserving functions Φ: ℝ+n → ℝ+ coincide with the first moduli of continuity of the nonconstant bornologous functions g: ℝ+n → ℝ+.
Absolute-Structure Determination: Past, Present and Future
Authors: Flack Howard D.
Published: March 2014

Single-crystal X-ray crystallography is the major analytical technique in use today for absolute-configuration determination. The origins of absolute-structure determination, starting from Friedel's 1913 proof that the intensities of the opposites hkl and hkl are identical, are traced.
The important structural principles derived from the study of chiral, but pseudo-mirror symmetric, methyprylon are described. For the present time, the use of the average and difference intensities of the opposites hkl and hkl are stressed. This leads to the use of Friedif, of 2 AD and selected
D plots, of Rmerge and the D-Patterson. The best techniques for absolute-structure determination in the future are described. Some advice to the scientific community concludes the paper.
Quasicrystals – A Paradigm Shift in Crystallography?
Authors: Steurer Walter
Published: March 2014

The discovery of quasicrystals had important consequences for our understanding of long-range order in thermodynamic equilibrium, the definition of the term 'crystal' as well as diffraction theory. Quasicrystals have been observed not only at the atomic scale in binary and ternary intermetallic
systems, but also at the mesoscale in self-assembled colloids and block-copolymers, and even at the macroscale in packings of hard polyhedra. How important was the discovery of quasicrystals for crystallography? Did it usher in a scientific revolution and a paradigm shift? These questions
are discussed following a short overview of the status of quasicrystal research.
Stereochemistry of 2D Molecular Crystallization
Authors: Ernst Karl-Heinz
Published: March 2014

Different stereochemical aspects of molecular recognition in two-dimensional crystallization on metal surfaces are discussed. Scanning tunneling microscopy, a powerful tool with submolecular resolution capabilities, provides detailed insight into the implications of molecular geometry
for the two-dimensional crystal lattice. The examples presented here include a homo- to heterochiral phase transition, tiling with pentagonal molecules, chiral restructuring of a metal surface and diastereomeric recognition between enantiomers of different molecular species via polar forces
as well as van der Waals interactions.
Crystallography beyond the Bragg Peaks
Authors: Weber Thomas
Published: March 2014

Diffuse scattering contains information on the real structure of disordered crystals that cannot be deduced from conventional structure analysis based on Bragg reflections. In this article the historical development, current state-of-the-art and future perspectives of diffuse scattering
are described. The focus is on the last twenty years, in which progress in X-ray instrumentation and computer-aided modeling has transformed diffuse scattering research from a qualitative to a quantitative discipline. Examples of cutting edge diffuse scattering experiments and modern real structure modeling techniques are given.
Coherent X-ray Imaging: Bridging the Gap between Atomic and Micro-scale Investigations
Authors: Stampanoni Marco , Menzel Andreas , Watts Ben , Mader Kevin S. , Bunk Oliver
Published: March 2014

We present a review of state-of-the art X-ray imaging techniques based on partially coherent synchrotron radiation. Full-field X-ray tomography, X-ray ptychography, scanning small-angle X-ray scattering, and scanning transmission X-ray microscopy are imaging techniques that gather structural
information at spatial resolution ranging from several microns to a few tens of nanometers in both real- and reciprocal space. These methods exploit contrast mechanisms based on absorption, phase, and spectroscopic signals. We provide examples of how these techniques can be applied to address
scientific questions ranging from imaging of biological samples, to foam rheology, and cement composition.