bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food and Beverage Promotions in Minnesota Secondary Schools: Secular Changes, Correlates, and Associations With Adolescents' Dietary Behaviors
Authors: Larson Nicole , Davey Cynthia S. , Coombes Brandon , Caspi Caitlin , Kubik Martha Y. , Nanney Marilyn S.
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to describe promotions for unhealthy and healthy foods and beverages within Minnesota secondary schools from 2008 to 2012, and to examine associations with school‐level coordination of environmental improvements and students' dietary behaviors.

METHODS

The Minnesota School Health Profiles and Minnesota Student Survey data were used along with National Center for Education Statistics data to conduct analyses accounting for school‐level demographics.

RESULTS

There was no significant improvement over time in the proportion of schools that banned advertising for unhealthy products in school buildings, on school grounds, on buses, or in publications. Whereas more than two thirds of schools had implemented strategies focused on the promotion of fruits/vegetables by 2012, only 37% labeled healthful foods with appealing names and just 17% used price incentives to encourage healthy choices. The number of stakeholders representing different roles on school health councils was positively correlated with implementation of healthy food and beverage promotion strategies. Little evidence was found to support an influence of in‐school advertising bans or promotions on students' diets.

CONCLUSIONS

Policy changes are needed to protect students from food and beverage advertising and additional opportunities exist to reduce disparities in the selection of healthy options at school.
Clinical Safety and Effectiveness of Collagenase Clostridium Histolyticum Injection in Patients with Peyronie’s Disease: A Phase 3 Open-Label Study
Authors: Levine Laurence A. , Cuzin Beatrice , Mark Stephen , Gelbard Martin K. , Jones Nigel A. , Liu Genzhou , Kaufman Gregory J. , Tursi James P. , Ralph David J.
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (CCH; Xiaflex, Auxilium Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Chesterbrook, PA, USA) is a Food and Drug Administration-approved, intralesional treatment for Peyronie’s disease (PD).

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and effectiveness of CCH in the treatment of PD.

Methods

This phase 3, open-label study enrolled subjects who were CCH-naïve, were enrolled in a previous pharmacokinetic study, or had received placebo in an earlier phase 2 CCH study. Each treatment cycle included two intralesional injections of CCH 0.58 mg, approximately 24–72 hours apart, and plaque modeling 24–72 hours after the second injection of each cycle. The treatment cycle was repeated after 6 weeks for ≤4 treatment cycles.

Main Outcome Measures

The co-primary end points were the mean percent change in penile curvature deformity and the mean improvement in PD bother score (range 0–16) from baseline to week 36.

Results

Of the 347 subjects treated with ≥1 injection, 238 had both a penile curvature measurement and a Peyronie’s Disease Questionnaire response at baseline and ≥1 subsequent time point. Mean baseline penile curvature deformity was 53.0° and mean PD symptom bother was 7.3. Statistically significant mean improvements from baseline to week 36 were observed in both penile curvature deformity (34.4% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 31.2%, 37.6%]) and PD symptom bother score (3.3 [95% CI, 2.8, 3.7]). Most adverse events (AEs) were mild or moderate in severity and local to the penis. There were three serious treatment-related AEs, two penile hematomas and one corporal rupture; all resolved with treatment.

Conclusions

Potentially clinically meaningful and statistically significant improvements in penile curvature deformity and PD symptom bother scores were observed with intralesional injection of CCH compared with baseline in men with PD. CCH was generally well tolerated, with AEs primarily transient and local to injection site. In conjunction with previous studies, the results of this open-label study support the use of CCH in the treatment of PD.
Prospective evaluation of PBC‐specific health‐related quality of life questionnaires in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Raszeja‐Wyszomirska Joanna , Wunsch Ewa , Krawczyk Marek , Rigopoulou Eirini I , Bogdanos Dimitrios , Milkiewicz Piotr
Published: November 2014

Background & Aims

Primary biliary cirrhosis and Primary sclerosing cholangitis are autoimmune cholestatic liver diseases sharing a lot in common, including a significant impairment of patients’ health‐related quality of life HRQoL HRQoL in PBC is assessed with disease‐specific PBC‐40 and PBC‐27 questionnaires. A PSC‐specific questionnaire has not been developed. Neither PBC‐40 nor PBC‐27s applicability for PSC has been evaluated. We applied these three questionnaires for HRQoL assessment in a large homogenous cohort of PSC patients.

Patients and Methods

This cross‐sectional study enrolled 102 Caucasian PSCs and 53 matched healthy controls and measured HRQoL using generic SF‐36, and disease‐specific (PBC‐40/PBC‐27) questionnaires.

Results

(i) SF‐36. Most SF‐36 domains were significantly lower in PSCs than controls. Physical Functioning and Mental Component Summary scores were significantly lower in female patients and correlated negatively with age but not with concurrent inflammatory bowel disease. Cirrhosis was associated with lower Physical Functioning, Role Physical, General Health, Vitality and Physical Component Summary. (ii) PBC‐40 and PBC‐27. Both tools showed similar HRQoL impairment scoring. Fatigue and Cognitive were impaired in female patients. Several correlations existed between HRQoL and laboratory parameters, including cholestatic tests and Itch. Cirrhosis correlated with Other symptoms and Fatigue PBC‐40. (iii) PBC‐40 vs PBC‐27. Strong correlations among most domains of both questionnaires were seen, as well as between (iv) SF‐36 vs PBC‐40 or SF‐36 vs PBC‐27.

Conclusion

This is the first study directly comparing PBC‐40, PBC‐27 and SF‐36 in PSC. PSC patients, especially females, show HRQoL impairment. PBC‐40 and PBC‐27 questionnaires could be of potential use for HRQoL assessment in PSC.
Transcutaneous measurement of glomerular filtration rate in small rodents: Through the skin for the win?
Authors: Ellery Stacey J , Cai Xiaochu , Walker David D , Dickinson Hayley , Kett Michelle M
Published: November 2014

Rodent models of renal physiology and pathology are crucial to our understanding of the molecular, histological and functional sequelae that contribute to kidney diseases. One of the most important measures of renal function is glomerular filtration rate (GFR). While the accurate determination of GFR is pivotal to understanding the progression of disease and/or the benefits of treatment strategies, in rodents the conventional methods for assessment of GFR are inconvenient and cumbersome, not the least because they involve stress and often anaesthesia. The legitimacy of assay‐based assessment of plasma and urine markers of GFR in mice has also been heavily scrutinized for their insensitivity to minor declines in GFR and inaccurate detection of renal biomarkers. While infusion‐based clearance methods of GFR assessment are thus the gold standard in terms of accuracy, they are limited by the fact that they are primarily non‐recovery procedures. This presents a dilemma when trying to document the progression of renal disease, as these measures cannot be taken in the same experimental subject. Here we review a technique of transcutaneous measurement of fluorescein isothiocyanate‐labelled sinistrin to calculate GFR in small rodents, using a non‐invasive clearance device (NIC‐Kidney Device). This is a recently validated non‐invasive technique for measuring GFR in small rodents that allows for the real‐time measurement of GFR in conscious animals, without the need for plasma and urine assays.
Effects of 1‐week sacral nerve stimulation on the rectal intestinal epithelial barrier and neuromuscular transmission in a porcine model
Authors: Provost M. , Brégeon J. , Aubert P. , Duchalais‐Dassonneville E. , D'Aldebert E. , Vergnolle N. , Neunlist M. , Meurette G.
Published: November 2014

Background

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is a validated treatment for fecal incontinence, although the mechanism of action remains unknown. Short‐term effects of SNS on the intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB) have been reported previously. The aim of our study was to assess the impact of a 1‐week SNS on the IEB in a preclinical model.

Methods

Fourteen pigs were implanted for bilateral SNS. Seven pigs received 7‐day stimulation, whereas the remaining animals received no stimulation. Rectal biopsies were performed before and after SNS. We assessed IEB permeability, mucosal tight junction and cytokine mRNA expression, IL‐6 production in an organotypic culture model, and neuromuscular transmission in muscle strips.

Key Results

IEB permeability was not modified after stimulation, as compared with baseline. The PAR‐induced increase in IEB permeability and the mucosal ZO‐1 mRNA decrease observed in the controls were not observed into the stimulated group. Cytokine overexpression was not observed in the mucosa in either group. SNS decreased IL‐6 production in the organotypic culture model. In the stimulated group, the area‐under‐the‐curve of the EFS‐induced contractile response was significantly increased.

Conclusions & Inferences

The main conclusions of our work are (i) the successful development of a preclinical model of bilateral SNS and (ii) in physiological conditions, 1‐week SNS did not lead to functional changes in the mucosa. While under stress‐induced conditions, SNS modified the properties of the IEB, leading to a decrease in its permeability. Neuromuscular transmission was modified by SNS, leading to neuronal hyperexcitability. These results add evidence to the reinforcement of the IEB by SNS.
Cumulative Advantage: Conductors and Insulators of Heavy‐Tailed Productivity Distributions and Productivity Stars
Authors: Aguinis Herman , O'Boyle Ernest , Gonzalez‐Mulé Erik , Joo Harry
Published: November 2014

We use the metatheoretical principle of cumulative advantage as a framework to understand the presence of heavy‐tailed productivity distributions and productivity stars. We relied on 229 datasets including 633,876 productivity observations collected from approximately 625,000 individuals in occupations including research, entertainment, politics, sports, sales, and manufacturing, among others. We implemented a novel methodological approach developed in the field of physics to assess the precise shape of the productivity distribution rather than relying on a normal versus nonnormal artificial dichotomy. Results indicate that higher levels of multiplicity of productivity, monopolistic productivity, job autonomy, and job complexity (i.e., conductors of cumulative advantage) are associated with a higher probability of an underlying power law distribution, whereas lower productivity ceilings (i.e., insulator of cumulative advantage) are associated with a lower probability. In addition, higher levels of multiplicity of productivity, monopolistic productivity, and job autonomy were associated with a greater proportion of productivity stars (i.e., productivity distributions with heavier tails), whereas lower productivity ceilings were associated with a smaller proportion of productivity stars (i.e., productivity distributions with lighter tails). Results serve as a building block for future theory development and testing efforts aimed at understanding why, when, and how the distribution of individual productivity may follow a nonnormal curve—and to what extent. We also discuss implications for organizations and management in terms of the design and implementation of human resource systems (e.g., selection, training, compensation), as well as for individuals interested in becoming productivity stars themselves.
Preserving whole blood in formalin extends the specimen stability period for manual cell counts for fish
Authors: Arnold Jill E. , Matsche Mark A. , Rosemary Kevin
Published: November 2014

Background

Total blood cell counts for fish are challenging, especially due to cell fragility. Thrombocyte aggregation, cell distortion, and lysis can occur within hours of collection; therefore, hemocytometer counts may not be possible for large sample numbers. Preserving whole blood in formalin offers a simple way to extend the specimen stability period for cell counts.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to characterize and compare the analytical performance of the Natt–Herrick method for fish blood cell counts using freshly collected and formalin‐fixed specimens.

Methods

Specimens from 11 elasmobranch species (n = 36) were compared for WBC counts. WBC, RBC, and thrombocyte counts from 50 striped bass, Morone saxatilis, were compared including 2 time points for the formalin‐preserved cells (appr. 1‐week and 1‐month storage). Coefficient of variation (CV), bias, and total error (TEcalc) were calculated. TEcalc was compared with allowable total error (TEa) defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendment (CLIA) for human blood cell counts.

Results

The CV and TEcalc for fresh and fixed WBC and thrombocyte counts met CLIA limits. In both the fresh and preserved cells, the RBC CV and TEcalc were nearly 3 times higher than the TEa.

Conclusions

Preserving freshly collected blood in 10% formalin is a reliable method to maintain cell morphology for manual counts for up to 1 month post collection. This is especially useful for field studies, where laboratory access is limited. Further evaluation is needed to determine the clinical usefulness of the manual RBC count in fish.
A Moored Arctic Floater in First-Year Sea Ice Ridges
Authors: Dalane Oddgeir , Aksnes Vegard , Løset Sveinung
Published: November 2014

First-year sea ice ridges are a major concern for structures operating in the Arctic offshore and will in many cases give the design mooring load. In this paper, the response of a moored conical floater, somewhat similar to the well-known Kulluk, is studied in first-year ridges. The study is based on model tests performed at Hamburg Ship Model Basin (HSVA) in several ridges with different properties. Mooring forces and floater response, resulting from interaction with different ridges, were compared with respect to ridge properties, ridge behavior, and simulated ice management. Clearance of accumulated rubble upstream the structure was the dominating physical process in the ridge–structure interaction. Accumulation of rubble caused large mooring forces. The amount of accumulated rubble depended on the ridge cross-sectional area, thus the mooring forces increased with ridge cross-sectional area. Large mooring forces were also experienced after the ridge was passed by the structure due to difficulties with clearing of accumulated rubble.
Carbon-induced trapping levels in oxide dielectrics
Authors: Tailor Hiral D. , Lyons John L. , Choi Minseok , Janotti Anderson , Van de Walle Chris G.
Published: November 2014

Carbon impurities are easily unintentionally incorporated into oxide dielectrics during growth. Carbon substituting on the cation site in these oxides leads to carrier-trapping levels within the band gap, which are detrimental for metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors. Here, the authors examine the role of C impurities in a range of wide-band-gap oxide dielectrics. The authors find that though the electrical character of the Ccation center depends on the valence of the host cation, these centers lead to charge-state transition levels that all fall roughly −3.5 eV below the vacuum level when the band structures of the dielectrics are put on an absolute energy scale. This level lies near the conduction-band minima of channel materials such as GaN, Si, and GaAs, indicating that C impurities may be a common source of carrier-trapping in oxide dielectrics.
Prediction of resistance development against drug combinations by collateral responses to component drugs
Authors: Munck Christian , Gumpert Heidi K. , Wallin Annika I. Nilsson , Wang Harris H. , Sommer Morten O. A.
Published: November 2014

Collateral sensitivity profiles of drug-evolved lineages can be used to predict drug combinations that suppress evolution of resistance.
Relationship between aneurysm occlusion and flow diverting device oversizing in a rabbit model
Authors: Hodis Simona , Ding Yong-Hong , Dai Daying , Lingineni Ravi , Mut Fernando , Cebral Juan , Kallmes David , Kadirvel Ramanathan
Published: November 2014

Background and purpose

Implanted, actual flow diverter pore density is thought to be strongly influenced by proper matching between the device size and parent artery diameter. The objective of this study was to characterize the correlation between device sizing, metal coverage, and the resultant occlusion of aneurysms following flow diverter treatment in a rabbit model.

Methods

Rabbit saccular aneurysms were treated with flow diverters (iso-sized to proximal parent artery, 0.5 mm oversized, or 1.0 mm oversized, respectively, n=6 for each group). Eight weeks after implantation, the angiographic degree of aneurysm occlusion was graded (complete, near-complete, or incomplete). The ostium of the explanted aneurysm covered with the flow diverter struts was photographed. Based on gross anatomic findings, the metal coverage and pore density at the ostium of the aneurysm were calculated and correlated with the degree of aneurysm occlusion.

Results

Angiographic results showed there were no statistically significant differences in aneurysm geometry and occlusion among groups. The mean parent artery diameter to flow diverter diameter ratio was higher in the 1.0 mm oversized group than in the other groups. Neither the percentage metal coverage nor the pore density showed statistically significant differences among groups. Aneurysm occlusion was inversely correlated with the ostium diameter, irrespective of the size of the device implanted.

Conclusions

Device sizing alone does not predict resultant pore density or metal coverage following flow diverter implantation in the rabbit aneurysm model. Aneurysm occlusion was not impacted by either metal coverage or pore density, but was inversely correlated with the diameter of the ostium.
Cardiorespiratory alterations induced by low-intensity exercise performed in water or on land
Authors: Ayme Karine , Rossi Pascal , Gavarry Olivier , Chaumet Guillaume , Boussuges Alain
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study was to compare the cardiorespiratory alterations induced by a low-intensity exercise performed on land or in water. Sixteen healthy subjects were investigated. The exercise consisted of a 1-h period of ergocycling at 35%–40% of peak oxygen uptake. Investigations were performed at rest and 45 min after the beginning of the exercises. Hemodynamic changes were studied by Doppler-echocardiography. Gas exchanges were continuously monitored by an oxygen gas analyzer. Blood samples were taken successively at baseline, within the last minutes of the exercise bout, and during recovery to measure total protein concentration and natriuretic peptides. Cardiovascular parameters were not significantly different during exercise performed on land or in water. As a result of an accelerated breathing frequency, ventilation output was significantly greater in water. Biological changes included a decrease in total protein concentration and an increase in natriuretic peptides in water. During low-intensity exercise, ventilatory alterations favoured increasing the work of breathing while in the water when compared with the same exercise performed on land. Hemodynamic changes were similar in the 2 conditions. Furthermore, biological findings suggest that the fluid transfer from intravascular sector toward interstitial sector could be facilitated in water.
Effectsof biomass harvest intensity and soil disturbance on jack pine stand productivity: 15-year results
Authors: Fleming R.L. , Leblanc J.-D. , Hazlett P.W. , Weldon T. , Irwin R. , Mossa D.S.
Published: November 2014

Rising demands for forest biomass have raised concerns that the increased removal of organic residues and harvest impacts may reduce longer term site productivity. Replicated field experiments examining the effects of stem-only harvest with disc trenching (SOT), whole-tree harvest with (WTT) and without (WT) disc trenching, whole-tree harvest with forest-floor removal by blading (WTB), and blading followed by compaction (WTBC) were installed on nine sandy jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.) sites in northern Ontario. At year 5, planted-tree diameters, dominant tree heights (HD), and stand aboveground biomass (jPPBio) were smaller without soil disturbance (the WT), but were otherwise similar among treatments. At year 15, planted-tree size and stand yield rankings were WTT= SOT= WT > WTB= WTBC. Biomass production by natural regeneration and total stand aboveground biomass (TotBio) treatment rankings were SOT≥ WTT≥ WT > WTB= WTBC. HD, jPPBio, and TotBio showed increasing divergence over time in WTBvs. WTT– SOTresponse, whereas statistical equivalence of the WTTand SOTtreatments was shown for most tree and stand growth responses. There was some evidence of increasingly negative impacts of WTBas site index declined. Overall, negative WTBeffects on tree and stand productivity have become increasingly apparent.
Community structure of acorn weevils (Curculio): inferences from multispecies occupancy models
Authors: Govindan Byju N. , Swihart Robert K.
Published: November 2014

We tested whether community structure of insect seed predators is influenced by spatiotemporal variation in mast availability on host-tree species. Specifically, mast production and acorn weevil (Curculio L., 1758) occupancy were estimated annually from 2006 to 2008 for individual host trees in a sample of 74 northern red oaks (Quercus rubra L.), 100 white oaks (Quercus alba L.), and 81 shagbark hickories (Carya ovata (Mill.) K. Koch) in west-central Indiana, USA. Occupancy and vital rates of nine Curculio species on their primary host-tree species were derived using multispecies, multiseason (MSMS) models within a Bayesian framework, accounting for imperfect detection. Mast production of host trees had a strong positive effect on community-level occupancy and survival of Curculio. Mast production varied considerably between years and generally was spatially autocorrelated only at distances <2 km, which likely reduced interspecific resource competition. Derived estimates of mean weevil species richness per tree and community similarity were highest in 2007 when mast production on all host-tree species was in phase. Generalist species compensated for lower survival rate on secondary hosts with higher colonization rates on these hosts during a year of mast failure in the primary host. We hypothesize that differential suitability of hosts as resources for Curculio created a spatial storage effect that, when coupled with a temporal storage effect induced by prolonged diapause common among Curculio, facilitated species coexistence. Methodologically, increased precision of parameter estimates from MSMS models makes it generally more useful than single-species models in studies of community dynamics.
The effect of boron doping on the thermal conductivity of zigzag carbon nanotubes
Authors: Rezania Hamed
Published: November 2014

The temperature behavior of thermal conductivity of zigzag carbon nanotube (CNT) doped with boron atoms, as acceptor impurities, has been investigated in the context of tight binding model hamiltonian. A local energy term is added to the hamiltonian of the original clean system in order to obtain the effect of scattering of the electrons from impurities on the electronic spectrum. Green's function approach has been implemented to find the behavior of thermal conductivity of CNTs within linear response theory. Depending on the temperature regions, thermal conductivity shows two different behaviors. Thermal transport is found to be decreasing with dopant concentration at low temperatures. It is not the case of higher temperatures where thermal conductivity rises due to increase of boron concentration.
Quantification of potential macroseismic effects of the induced seismicity that might result from hydraulic fracturing for shale gas exploitation in the UK
Authors: Westaway Rob , Younger Paul L.
Published: November 2014

The furore that has arisen in the UK over induced microseismicity from ‘fracking’ for shale gas development, which has resulted in ground vibrations strong enough to be felt, requires the urgent development of an appropriate regulatory framework. We suggest that the existing regulatory limits applicable to quarry blasting (i.e. peak ground velocities (PGV) in the seismic wavefield incident on any residential property of 10 mm s
−1
during the working day, 2 mm s
−1
at night, and 4.5 mm s
−1
at other times) can be readily applied to cover such induced seismicity. Levels of vibration of this order do not constitute a hazard: they are similar in magnitude to the ‘nuisance’ vibrations that may be caused by activities such as walking on wooden floors, or by large vehicles passing on a road outside a building. Using a simple technique based on analysis of the spectra of seismic S-waves, we show that this proposed daytime regulatory limit for PGV is likely to be satisfied directly above the source of a magnitude 3 induced earthquake at a depth of 2.5 km, and illustrate how the proposed limits scale in terms of magnitudes of induced earthquakes at other distances. Previous experience indicates that the length of the fracture networks that are produced by ‘fracking’ cannot exceed 600 m; the development of a fracture network of this size in one single rupture would correspond to an induced earthquake
c
. magnitude 3.6. Events of that magnitude would result in PGV above our proposed regulatory limit and might be sufficient to cause minor damage to property, such as cracked plaster; we propose that any such rare occurrences could readily be covered by a system of compensation similar to that used over many decades for damage caused by coal mining. However, it is highly unlikely that future ‘fracking’ in the UK would cause even this minor damage, because the amount of ‘force’ applied in ‘fracking’ tends to be strictly limited by operators: this is because there is an inherent disincentive to fracture sterile overburden, especially where this may contain groundwater that could flood-out the underlying gas-producing zones just developed. For the same reason, seismic monitoring of ‘fracking’ is routine; the data that it generates could be used directly to police compliance with any regulatory framework. Although inspired by UK conditions and debates, our proposals might also be useful for other regulatory jurisdictions.
Liver growth factor induces testicular regeneration in EDS-treated rats and increases protein levels of class B scavenger receptors
Authors: Lobo M. V. T. , Arenas M. I. , Huerta L. , Sacristán S. , Pérez-Crespo M. , Gutiérrez-Adán A. , Díaz-Gil J. J. , Lasunción M. A. , Martín-Hidalgo A.
Published: November 2014

The aim of the present work was to determine the effects of liver growth factor (LGF) on the regeneration process of rat testes after chemical castration induced by ethane dimethanesulfonate (EDS) by analyzing some of the most relevant proteins involved in cholesterol metabolism, such as hormone sensitive lipase (HSL), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), scavenger receptor SR-BI, and other components of the SR family that could contribute to the recovery of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in the testis. Sixty male rats were randomized to nontreated (controls) and LGF-treated, EDS-treated, and EDS + LGF-treated groups. Testes were obtained on days 10 (T1), 21 (T2), and 35 (T3) after EDS treatment, embedded in paraffin, and analyzed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. LGF improved the recovery of the seminiferous epithelia, the appearance of the mature pattern of Leydig cell interstitial distribution, and the expression of mature SR-BI. Moreover, LGF treatment resulted in partial recovery of HSL expression in Leydig cells and spermatogonia. No changes in serum testosterone were observed in control or LGF-treated rats, but in EDS-castrated animals LGF treatment induced a progressive increase in serum testosterone levels and 3β-HSD expression. Based on the pivotal role of SR-BI in the uptake of cholesteryl esters from HDL, it is suggested that the observed effects of LGF would facilitate the provision of cholesterol for sperm cell growth and Leydig cell recovery.
Neocortical inhibitory activities and long-range afferents contribute to the synchronous onset of silent states of the neocortical slow oscillation
Authors: Lemieux Maxime , Chauvette Sylvain , Timofeev Igor
Published: November 2014

During slow-wave sleep, neurons of the thalamocortical network are engaged in a slow oscillation (<1 Hz), which consists of an alternation between the active and the silent states. Several studies have provided insights on the transition from the silent, which are essentially periods of disfacilitation, to the active states. However, the conditions leading to the synchronous onset of the silent state remain elusive. We hypothesized that a synchronous input to local inhibitory neurons could contribute to the transition to the silent state in the cat suprasylvian gyrus during natural sleep and under ketamine-xylazine anesthesia. After partial and complete deafferentation of the cortex, we found that the silent state onset was more variable among remote sites. We found that the transition to the silent state was preceded by a reduction in excitatory postsynaptic potentials and firing probability in cortical neurons. We tested the impact of chloride-mediated inhibition in the silent-state onset. We uncovered a long-duration (100–300 ms) inhibitory barrage occurring about 250 ms before the silent state onset in 3–6% of neurons during anesthesia and in 12–15% of cases during natural sleep. These inhibitory activities caused a decrease in cortical firing that reduced the excitatory drive in the neocortical network. That chain reaction of disfacilitation ends up on the silent state. Electrical stimuli could trigger a network silent state with a maximal efficacy in deep cortical layers. We conclude that long-range afferents to the neocortex and chloride-mediated inhibition play a role in the initiation of the silent state.
Intercalation of Aceclofenac/Sulfobutyl Ether‐β‐cyclodextrin Complex into Layered Double Hydroxides through Swelling/Restoration Reaction and Its Controlled‐Release Properties
Authors: Li Shifeng , Zhang Tan , Xiao Min , Zhang Zhigang , Li Wenxiu , Bai Jing
Published: November 2014

Aceclofenac (AC)/sulfobutyl ether‐β‐cyclodextrin (SBE‐β‐CD) inclusion complex intercalated layered double hydroxides (LDHs) composite were prepared by swelling/restoration method. After swelling/restoration, the d‐spacing of LDHs is expanded to 2.23 nm, which clearly demonstrates the successful intercalation of AC/SBE‐β‐CD into LDHs layer. AC/SBE‐β‐CD inclusion complex in the interlayer has monolayer arrangement based on the d‐spacing of LDHs and torus thickness of SBE‐β‐CD. The AC release performances were also studied in buffer solutions with different pH values. The results show AC/SBE‐β‐CD intercalated LDHs not only enhance the dissolution profile of AC but also exhibit a controlled‐release process, which indicates that the AC/SBE‐β‐CD‐LDHs have a potential application in drug delivery agent.
Influence of Ultrasonic Burnishing Technique on Surface Quality and Change in the Dimensions of Metal Shafts
Authors: Huuki Juha , Hornborg Mikael , Juntunen Jermu
Published: November 2014

This paper presents ultrasonic burnishing as a mechanical surface treatment for improving the quality of rotating shafts. Ultrasonic burnishing is a modern method for finishing workpieces to produce a good surface quality. This process improves the surface quality and increases the surface hardness of the workpiece, and the surface roughness of the workpiece improves. As a result, wear resistance and fatigue life increase. Furthermore, these improvements are achieved without expensive equipment or long processing times. In this paper the influence of the ultraburnishing technique on the change in diameter and its effects on the out-of-roundness of rotating shafts are investigated. This paper also takes a look at the magnitudes of the improvement of the surface roughness as a result of using ultrasonic burnishing. Three different materials, aluminium, 34-CrNiMo6 tempering steel, and S355J2 structural steel, are examined. The results showed that ultrasonic burnishing is a treatment that improves the quality of components. Ultrasonic burnishing also has a reducing effect on the final diameter and out-of-roundness and increases the hardness of the workpiece. It can also be stated that the material of the workpiece does not have a significant effect on the magnitude of the reduced surface roughness values.
An Empirical Analysis of Unpaid Leave in Taiwan
Authors: Ho Shu-Hsi , Hung Wen-Shai
Published: November 2014

This paper investigates the factors influencing unpaid leave or furlough in Taiwan. The data used is from the First Social Image Survey in 2009, which focused on work situation, cross-strait relations, interpersonal trust, institutional trust, and other related issues. The sample ages are from 19 to 89. The method used is probit modelling for examining the influences on unpaid leave. The main empirical results find that older workers, people with highest educational attainment, widows and widowers, middle class workers, and workers living in eastern areas are less likely to take unpaid leave from the labour market. In particular, male Mainlander workers are more likely to take unpaid leave. Moreover, female workers with highest educational attainment, widowed, and of middle class are less likely to take unpaid leave. Finally, workers with high earnings are less likely to take unpaid leave, but female workers with high family income and female workers who are divorced or separated have a higher probability of unpaid leave.
Multiple Positive Solutions of Nonlinear Boundary Value Problem for Finite Fractional Difference
Authors: He Yansheng , Sun Mingzhe , Hou Chengmin
Published: November 2014

We consider a discrete fractional nonlinear boundary value problem in which nonlinear termfis involved with the fractional order difference. And we transform the fractional boundary value problem into boundary value problem of integer order difference equation. By using a generalization of Leggett-Williams fixed-point theorem due to Avery and Peterson, we provide sufficient conditions for the existence of at least three positive solutions.
New Inequalities for Gamma and Digamma Functions
Authors: Farhangdoost M. R. , Kargar Dolatabadi M.
Published: November 2014

By using the mean value theorem and logarithmic convexity, we obtain some new inequalities for gamma and digamma functions.
Counting Closed Orbits for the Dyck Shift
Authors: Alsharari Fahad , Noorani Mohd Salmi Md. , Akhadkulov Habibulla
Published: November 2014

The prime orbit theorem and Mertens’ theorem are proved for a shift dynamical system of infinite type called the Dyck shift. Different and more direct methods are used in the proof without any complicated theoretical discussion.
An Evaluation Model for Tailings Storage Facilities Using Improved Neural Networks and Fuzzy Mathematics
Authors: Tian Sen , Chen Jianhong
Published: November 2014

With the development of mine industry, tailings storage facility (TSF), as the important facility of mining, has attracted increasing attention for its safety problems. However, the problems of low accuracy and slow operation rate often occur in current TSF safety evaluation models. This paper establishes a reasonable TSF safety evaluation index system and puts forward a new TSF safety evaluation model by combining the theories for the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and improved back-propagation (BP) neural network algorithm. The varying proportions of cross validation were calculated, demonstrating that this method has better evaluation performance with higher learning efficiency and faster convergence speed and avoids the oscillation in the training process in traditional BP neural network method and other primary neural network methods. The entire analysis shows the combination of the two methods increases the accuracy and reliability of the safety evaluation, and it can be well applied in the TSF safety evaluation.
Improvement of Fatty Acid Profile and Studio of Rheological and Technological Characteristics in Breads Supplemented with Flaxseed, Soybean, and Wheat Bran Flours
Authors: Osuna Mariana B. , Judis María A. , Romero Ana M. , Avallone Carmen M. , Bertola Nora C.
Published: November 2014

Functional breads constitute an interesting alternative as vehicle of new essential fatty acids sources. The aim of this study was to improve the fatty acids (FA) profile of bakery products, producing breads with low saturated fatty acid (SFA) content and with high polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content, through partial substitution of wheat flour by other ingredients (soy flour, flax flour, and wheat bran) and to analyze the effect of this change on the technological, rheological, and sensorial characteristics of breads. Flaxseed flour (FF), soybeans flour (SF), or wheat bran (WB) was used to replace 50, 100, and 150 g kg−1of wheat flour (WF) in breads. FF or SF produced a decrease in monounsaturated and SFA and an increase of PUFA in these breads. Furthermore, breads replaced with FF presented considerable increase in the content of n3 FA, while, SF or WB contributed to rise of linoleic and oleic FA, respectively. The substitution percentage increase of FF, SF, or WB to formulation produced changes in the colour, rheological, textural, and technological characteristics of breads. This replacement resulted in improved lipid profile, being breads with 50 g kg−1SF, the better acceptance, baking features, and enhanced fatty acid profile.
Wind Tunnel Analysis of the Aerodynamic Loads on Rolling Stock over Railway Embankments: The Effect of Shelter Windbreaks
Authors: Avila-Sanchez Sergio , Pindado Santiago , Lopez-Garcia Oscar , Sanz-Andres Angel
Published: November 2014

Wind-flow pattern over embankments involves an overexposure of the rolling stock travelling on them to wind loads. Windbreaks are a common solution for changing the flow characteristic in order to decrease unwanted effects induced by the presence of cross-wind. The shelter effectiveness of a set of windbreaks placed over a railway twin-track embankment is experimentally analysed. A set of two-dimensional wind tunnel tests are undertaken and results corresponding to pressure tap measurements over a section of a typical high-speed train are herein presented. The results indicate that even small-height windbreaks provide sheltering effects to the vehicles. Also, eaves located at the windbreak tips seem to improve their sheltering effect.
An Extension of the MULTIMOORA Method for Multiple Criteria Group Decision Making Based upon Hesitant Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Li Zhi-Hui
Published: November 2014

In order to determine the membership of an element to a set owing to ambiguity between a few different values, the hesitant fuzzy set (HFS) has been proposed and widely diffused to deal with vagueness and uncertainty involved in the process of multiple criteria group decision making (MCGDM) problems. In this paper, we develop novel definitions of score function and distance measure for HFSs. Some examples are given to illustrate that the proposed definitions are more reasonable than the traditional ones. Furthermore, our study extends the MULTIMOORA (Multiple Objective Optimization on the basis of Ratio Analysis plus Full Multiplicative Form) method with HFSs. The proposed method thus provides the means for multiple criteria decision making (MCDM) regarding uncertain assessments. Utilization of hesitant fuzzy power aggregation operators also enables facilitating the process of MCGDM. A numerical example of software selection demonstrates the possibilities of application of the proposed method.
Statistical Approximation ofq-Bernstein-Schurer-Stancu-Kantorovich Operators
Authors: Lin Qiu
Published: November 2014

We introduce two kinds of Kantorovich-typeq-Bernstein-Schurer-Stancu operators. We first estimate moments ofq-Bernstein-Schurer-Stancu-Kantorovich operators. We also establish the statistical approximation properties of these operators. Furthermore, we study the rates of statistical convergence of these operators by means of modulus of continuity and the functions of Lipschitz class.
Estimates of Invariant Metrics on Pseudoconvex Domains of Finite Type inC3
Authors: Cho Sanghyun , You Young Hwan
Published: November 2014

LetΩbe a smoothly bounded pseudoconvex domain inC3and assume thatz0∈bΩis a point of finite 1-type in the sense of D’Angelo. Then, there are an admissible curveΓ⊂Ω∪{z0}, connecting points  q0∈Ωandz0∈bΩ, and a quantityM(z,X), alongz∈Γ, which bounds from above and below the Bergman, Caratheodory, and Kobayashi metrics in a small constant and large constant sense.
Outcomes of Renal Transplantation in Brunei Darussalam over a Twenty-Year Period (1993–2012)
Authors: Tan Jackson , Khalil Muhammad Abdul Mabood , Tan Si Yen , Khalil Muhammad , Ahmed Dalinatul , Zinna Shaukat , Chong William
Published: November 2014

Objectives. Brunei Darussalam has a high prevalence and incidence of end stage renal disease (ESRD). Up until 2012, all renal transplantations were performed in overseas centres, either as government-sponsored (living-related transplantation) or as self-sponsored (commercialized transplantation) ones. We hypothesize that graft and patient survival of Brunei renal transplant patients are on a par with international standards.Materials and Methods. Data of all renal transplant patients in Brunei were analysed over a twenty-year period from registry records and case notes. Comparative survival data from other countries were obtained from PubMed-listed literature.Results. A total of 49 transplantation procedures were performed in foreign centres between 1993 and 2012. 29 were government-sponsored and 20 were self-sponsored transplantations. The 5- and 10-year overall patient survival rates were 93.3% and 90.1%, respectively. The 5- and 10-year overall graft survival rates were 91.1% and 81.2%. There is no difference in the survival outcomes of government-sponsored and self-sponsored patients. Living-related (government-sponsored) and commercialised (self-sponsored) grafts had equivalent survival to those reported in the literature.Conclusion. Our survival data was on par with those achieved in many countries. We hope to use this information to convince local stakeholders and patients to favour transplantation as the preferred modality of RRT.
Generation of R-Curve from 4ENF Specimens: An Experimental Study
Authors: Alfred Franklin V. , Christopher T.
Published: November 2014

The experimental determination of the resistance to delamination is very important in aerospace applications as composite materials have superior properties only in the fiber direction. To measure the interlaminar fracture toughness of composite materials, different kinds of specimens and experimental methods are available. This article examines the fracture energy of four-point end-notched flexure (4ENF) composite specimens made of carbon/epoxy and glass/epoxy. Experiments were conducted on these laminates and the mode II fracture energy, GIIC, was evaluated using compliance method and was compared with beam theory solution. The crack growth resistance curve (R-curve) for these specimens was generated and the found glass/epoxy shows higher toughness values than carbon/epoxy composite. From this study, it was observed that R-curve effect in 4ENF specimens is quite mild, which means that the measured delamination toughness, GIIC, is more accurate.
Optimum Disposition of Metal Particles in the Propellant Grain
Authors: Minkov Leonid L. , Shrager Ernst R. , Pikushchak Elizaveta V.
Published: November 2014

Using the dispersed metal in solid propellants to increase the temperature of combustion products leads to such a problem as the specific impulse loss due to the incomplete combustion of metal particles in the exhaust products. A redistribution of metal loaded into the propellant grain is one of the methods to decrease the specific impulse loss. This paper reports on the ways to obtain the optimum metal particle disposition for the case-bounded propellant grain of tube cross-sectional type. Three different approaches to analyze the metal combustion efficiency are discussed. The influence of the dynamic nonequilibrium of two-phase flow on the optimum metal particles disposition in the propellant grain of tube cross-sectional type is investigated.
Paradoxical Decrease in the Capture and Lymph Node Delivery of Cancer Vaccine Antigen Induced by a TLR4 Agonist as Visualized by Dual-Mode Imaging
Authors: Kadayakkara Deepak K. , Korrer Michael J. , Bulte Jeff W.M. , Levitsky Hyam I.
Published: November 2014

Traditionally, cell-mediated immune responses to vaccination in animal models are evaluated by invasive techniques such as biopsy and organ extraction. We show here that by combining two noninvasive imaging technologies, MRI and bioluminescence imaging (BLI), we can visualize both the afferent and efferent arms of cellular events following vaccination longitudinally. To this end, we evaluated the immune response elicited by a novel Toll-like receptor 4 agonist vaccine adjuvant, glucopyranosyl lipid A (GLA), using a whole-cell tumor vaccine. After magnetovaccination, MRI was used to visualize antigen-presenting cell-mediated antigen capture and subsequent migration to draining lymph nodes (DLN). Paradoxically, we observed that the incorporation of GLA in the vaccine reduced these critical parameters of the afferent immune response. For the efferent arm, the magnitude of the ensuing antigen-specific T-cell response in DLN visualized using BLI correlated with antigen delivery to the DLN as measured by MRI. These findings were confirmed using flow cytometry. In spite of the GLA-associated reduction in antigen delivery to the DLN, however, the use of GLA as a vaccine adjuvant led to a massive proliferation of vaccine primed antigen-specific T cells in the spleen. This was accompanied by an enhanced tumor therapeutic effect of the vaccine. These findings suggest that GLA adjuvant changes the temporal and anatomical features of both the afferent and efferent arms of the vaccine response and illustrates the utility of quantitative noninvasive imaging as a tool for evaluating these parameters during vaccine optimization. Cancer Res; 75(1); 51–61. ©2014 AACR.