bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of remote sensing to understand the terroir of the Niagara Peninsula. Applications in a Riesling vineyard
Authors: Marciniak Matthieu , Brown Ralph , Reynolds Andrew , Jollineau Marilyne
Published: May 2016

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine if multispectral high spatial resolution airborne imagery could be used to segregate zones in vineyards to target fruit of highest quality for premium winemaking. We hypothesized that remotely sensed data would correlate with vine size and leaf water potential (ψ), as well as with yield and berry composition.

Methods and results: Hypotheses were tested in a 10-ha Riesling vineyard [Thirty Bench Winemakers, Beamsville (Ontario)]. The vineyard was delineated using GPS and 519 vines were geo-referenced. Six sub-blocks were delineated for study. Four were identified based on vine canopy size (low, high) with remote sensing in 2005. Airborne images were collected with a four-band digital camera every 3-4 weeks over 3 seasons (2007-2009). Normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) values (NDVI-red, green) and greenness ratio were calculated from the images. Single-leaf reflectance spectra were collected to compare vegetation indices (VIs) obtained from ground-based and airborne remote-sensing data. Soil moisture, leaf ψ, yield components, vine size, and fruit composition were also measured. Strong positive correlations were observed between VIs and vine size throughout the growing season. Vines with higher VIs during average to dry years had enhanced fruit maturity (higher °Brix and lower titratable acidity). Berry monoterpenes always had the same relationship with remote sensing variables regardless of weather conditions.

Conclusions: Remote sensing images can assist in delineating vineyard zones where fruit will be of different maturity levels, or will have different concentrations of aroma compounds. Those zones could be considered as sub-blocks and processed separately to make wines that reflect those terroir differences. Strongest relationships between remotely sensed VIs and berry composition variables occurred when images were taken around veraison.
Significance and impact of the study: Remote sensing may be effective to quantify spatial variation in grape flavour potential within vineyards, in addition to characteristics such as water status, yield, and vine size. This study was unique by employing remote sensing in cover-cropped vineyards and using protocols for excluding spectral reflectance contributed by inter-row vegetation.
Perception and acceptance of white wines by consumers belonging to different age groups
Authors: Bazala Beatrix , Knoll Mathilde , Derndorfer Eva
Published: May 2016

Aims: This study investigated whether age has an impact on perception and liking of white wine.

Methods and results: Differences between two groups of 50plus consumers (each n=50, 50-65 and 65-80 years) and a group of young subjects (n=50, 25-40 years) regarding white wine perception and liking were investigated. Participants blindly rated the perceived sweetness, sourness, aroma intensity and overall liking of six different wines on an 11-point scale. Subjects also performed a taste and smell test. Finally, socio-demographic data and consumerism were collected. This study demonstrated that elderly people perceive sweetness, sourness and aroma intensity only slightly differently compared to younger subjects. The older groups gave slightly higher liking-marks, but results were not significantly different. Sensory attributes (sweet, sour, aroma) of the wines had most influence on liking.

Conclusion: This study delivers no proof that age and/or gender explains liking as insulated factor. Generally it seems that sour products were liked less, whereas regularly consumed and sweeter products were preferred.
Significance and impact of the study: As sensory properties of the wines, in combination with experience, contribute most to the overall liking of the product, it seems to be more successful economically for producers/outlets to provide wines rich in positively engaged attributes or possessing familiar flavour profiles to the consumers, irrespective of the socio-demographic group of the potential buyer.
Ion and mineral concentrations in roots and leaves of two grapevine cultivars as affected by nitric oxide foliar application under NaCl stress
Authors: Amiri Jafar , Eshghi Saeid
Published: May 2016

Aim: The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of SNP (sodium nitroprusside, as nitric oxide donor) on mineral concentration in two grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) cultivars, Qarah Shani and Thompson Seedless, under different levels of NaCl stress.

Methods and results: The plants were exposed to NaCl at the rate of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mM in nutrient solution and foliar spray of SNP at 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mM under an open hydroponic system. Results indicated that with increasing salinity levels, the Cl- and Na+ concentrations increased and the K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, NO3-N, Zn2+, Fe2+ concentrations and K+/Na+ ratio decreased in both cultivars. However, application of SNP mitigated the Cl- and Na+ concentrations and improved the K+, Ca2+, Mg2+ and NO3-N concentrations in leaves and roots of both cultivars. The application of SNP did not significantly affect Zn2+ and Fe2+ concentrations under 100 mM NaCl.

Conclusion: The adverse effects of NaCl stress in nutrient element uptake were ameliorated by the exogenous application of SNP in grapevine.

Significance and impact of the study: Salinity of soil and water sources is one of the most serious environmental threats in Iran. Iran ranks tenth among grape-producing countries in the world. Therefore, the application of SNP can serve as an important component to reduce the adverse effects of salinity stress in nutrient element uptake in grapevine.
Agrobiological and wine quality traits of Vitis vinifera cv. Merlot clones selected in Serbia
Authors: Vujović Dragan S. , Žunić Dragoljub M. , Popović Blaženka S. , Pantelić Milica M. , Popović-Djordjević Jelena B.
Published: May 2016

Aims: The selection of cv. Merlot clones performed in the Grocka winegrowing region, Republic of Serbia, and the study of agrobiological and technological traits of three selected clones and Merlot standard.

Methods and results: The selection of clones was done using the method of individual clone selection in four phases over 15-20 years (Cindrić, 2003). O.I.V. methods were used in determining the most important agrobiological and economic-technological traits of grapes. The results of studied traits of grape and wine suggest that the quality of the clones surpassed the quality of the standard. Although the highest values for most of the studied traits were obtained for clone 025, there was no statistically significant difference between the clones. Indeed, the significant distinction between the clones was obtained for total polyphenol content (TPC) and total anthocyanin content (TAC) in wines: the wine of clone 025 had the highest TPC and TAC values. According to the tasting scores, wines of the clones may be classified as "quality wines with geographical indications".

Conclusion: The selected clones were characterised by good quality grapes and wines. Improved viticultural parameters, versus the mother vine, indicate the need for further research work on the chemistry of both grapes and wines, aiming to better understand the characteristics of the selected clones and their market potential. Significance and impact of the study: The development of new clones (namely 022, 025 and 029) of better quality than the mother vine will, in the long term, lead to the introduction of the best clone(s) in viticultural practices and production. Until today, the clonal selection of Merlot has not been done in the Republic of Serbia and there are no recognised clones.
Winter Wheat Response to Nitrogen under Simulated Winterkill Conditions
Authors: Mourtzinis Spyridon , Gaska John M. , Conley Shawn P.
Published: May 2016

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important crop in North America. Winterkill can reduce plant populations, subsequently causing significant yield losses. Agronomic management to mitigate yield losses associated with winterkill could be very important to wheat growers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the potential of spring N fertilization to mitigate wheat winterkill‐related yield loss. Field experiments were conducted in Wisconsin during the 2007–2008 and 2009–2010 growing seasons at two locations. Five seeding rates (in million seeds ha−1) and simulated winterkill treatments (percentages, shown in parentheses) (1.85 (60%), 2.47 (45%), 3.09 (30%), 3.70 (15%), and 4.32 (0%)) and five urea N rates (0, 34, 67, 101, and 134 kg ha−1) were applied. Simulated winterkill in the form of lower spring plant populations significantly reduced wheat yield, tiller and head formation, and harvested grain quality. Nitrogen fertilization did not fully mitigate the negative effects of winterkill on yield and head population. When wheat followed oat (Avena sativa L. var. nuda), 89 and 119 kg ha−1 N maximized yield, whereas when soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] preceded wheat, 43 kg ha−1 N maximized yield regardless of the winterkill level. Spring N fertilization reduced test weight by 5% in two out of three sites. The overall results suggest that additional N fertilization did not mitigate winterkill‐related impacts on wheat yield. Plant breeding focused on winter‐hardy cultivars and the potential of other agronomic factors to mitigate the impact of winterkill on wheat yield and quality should be evaluated.

Core Ideas

Nitrogen fertilization did not mitigate winterkill‐related impacts on wheat yield.

Winterkill reduced winter wheat yield, tiller and head formation, and test weight.

Considering the previous crop is important before recommending N fertilization.
Genotype × Environment Interaction for Plant Density Response in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Edwards Jode W.
Published: May 2016

Increased adaptation to high plant density has been an important factor in improvements in grain yield in maize (Zea mays L.). Despite extensive public literature on variation and improvement in plant density response among maize varieties, much less public information is available on effects of environment and genotype × environment interactions (G × E) on plant density response for grain yield in maize. The present study was conducted to quantify environment effects and G × E effects on plant density response for maize grain yield. A set of 57 synthetic populations, synthetic × inbred line crosses, and synthetic × synthetic population crosses were evaluated across a five year period including 17 individual location–years. The data in this study were an unbalanced combination of multiple experiments that included 370 pedigree‐environment combinations with each containing at least four planting densities and two replications per environment in most cases. G × E accounted for 26% of total genetic variance (genetic variance plus G × E variance) in linear regression coefficients and 39% of variance in quadratic regression coefficients in the regression of grain yield on observed plant density. Variance in G × E for linear and quadratic regression coefficients resulted in variation in optimal densities among varieties being highly specific to individual environments. Average plant density responses varied widely among environments with average optimal plant densities ranging from 5.6 to 9.1 plants m–2.
Quantitative Trait Loci for Water‐Stress Tolerance Traits Localize on Chromosome 9 of Wild Tomato
Authors: Lounsbery Jared K. , Arms Erin M. , Bloom Arnold J. , St. Clair Dina A.
Published: May 2016

A wild tomato species (Solanum habrochaites S. Knapp & D.M. Spooner) is tolerant to many abiotic stresses, including limited water, and can serve as a valuable genetic resource for breeding cultivated tomato (S. lycopersicum L.). Previously, we developed and used a set of 18 sub‐near‐isogenic lines (sub‐NILs) containing introgressions from chromosome 9 of S. habrochaites to determine the genetic basis of tolerance to rapid‐onset water stress imposed by root chilling. In this study, we used this same set of 18 sub‐NILs to investigate the genetic basis of tolerance to slow‐onset water stress in the field imposed by restricted irrigation (with full water treatment as control) in replicated experiments for 2 yr in Davis, CA. The sub‐NILs were evaluated for C isotope discrimination (Δ13C), specific leaf area (SLA), shoot dry weight (SDW), yield, and other horticultural traits. A total of 19 QTL for Δ13C, SLA, SDW, yield, and maturity traits were mapped on chromosome 9. Significant genotype × environment interactions were detected for Δ13C, SLA, yield, and maturity. Agriculturally beneficial effects were conferred by S. habrochaites alleles at QTL for traits associated with water‐stress tolerance: low Δ13C, low SLA, and high SDW. The majority of QTL mapped to the centromeric end of the introgression, suggesting a gene‐rich region containing valuable wild alleles for breeding tomato for improved abiotic stress tolerance.
Influence of the Semi‐dwarf Growth Type on Seed Yield and Agronomic Parameters at Low and High Nitrogen Fertilization in Winter Oilseed Rape
Authors: Miersch Sebastian , Gertz Andreas , Breuer Frank , Schierholt Antje , Becker Heiko C.
Published: May 2016

In cereals like wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) or rice (Oryza sativa L.), a short‐straw ideotype is characteristic for all modern cultivars, mainly due to the use of genes affecting the dwarf genotype. In oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), several dwarf mutants are known but so far not widely used. An interesting approach is the production of semi‐dwarf hybrids from dwarf and normal‐type parents, which might have an increased harvest index (HI) and a higher grain yield, especially when nitrogen (N) availability is restricted. To this point, no systematic comparison using a large number of semi‐dwarf and normal‐type hybrids has been published. A double haploid (DH) population was developed that was segregating for the bzh dwarf locus with 54 dwarf and 54 normal‐type lines. By crossing with a normal‐type tester, 108 testcrosses were produced with 54 hybrids each of semi‐dwarf and normal types. These were evaluated under high and zero N fertilization in five and seven environments, respectively, for yield and agronomic parameters. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) were estimated for yield‐relevant traits. Semi‐dwarf hybrids had a significantly higher yield compared with normal types in N‐deficient conditions (2.24 and 2.05 Mg ha−1). At an optimal N supply, no significant difference between growth types was found for seed yield. Oil content was slightly lower in semi‐dwarfs under both N treatments, whereas this was compensated by oil yield. All major QTL for plant height, straw yield, HI, and seed yield co‐segregated with the bzh dwarf locus on linkage group A06, indicating that the dwarf gene is not only reducing plant height but also causing increased HI and higher yield under N limitation for semi‐dwarf hybrids. We conclude that semi‐dwarf hybrids are of high interest for the N‐balanced oilseed rape production, especially when N is scarce.
Orbit limited theory in the solar wind - κ distributions
Authors: Martinovic M.M.
Published: May 2016

When a solid object is immersed into ionized gas it gets brought to a certain
value of electrostatic potential and surrounded by a space charge region
called ?plasma sheath?. Through this region, particles are attracted or
repelled from the surface of the charge collecting object. For collisionless
plasma, this process is described by the so-called orbit limited theory,
which explains how the collection of particles is determined by the collector
geometry and plasma velocity distribution function (VDF). In this article, we
provide explicit expressions for orbit-limited currents for generalized
Lorentzian (?) distributions. This work is useful to describe the charging
processes of objects in non-collisional plasmas like the solar wind, where
the electrons VDF is often observed to exhibit quasi power-law populations of
suprathermal particles. It is found that these ?suprathermals? considerably
increase the charge collection. Since the surface charging process that
determines the value of electrostatic potential is also affected by the
plasma VDF, calculation of the collector potential in the solar wind is
described along with some quantitative predictions. [Projekat Ministarstva
nauke Republike Srbije, br. 176002]

 This article has been corrected. Link to the correction 10.2298/SAJ1795071E
An analytical model on thermal performance evaluation of counter flow wet cooling tower
Authors: Wang Qian , Wang Pei-Hong , Su Zhi-Gang
Published: May 2016

This paper proposes an analytical model for simultaneous heat and mass transfer processes in a counter flow wet cooling tower, with the assumption that the enthalpy of the saturated air is a linear function of the water surface temperature. The performance of the proposed analytical model is validated in some typical cases. The validation reveals that, when cooling range is in a certain interval, the proposed model is not only comparable with the accurate model, but also can reduce computational complexity. In addition, with the proposed analytical model, the thermal performance of the counter flow wet cooling towers in power plants is calculated. The results show that the proposed analytical model can be applied to evaluate and predict the thermal performance of counter flow wet cooling towers.
Fraud Risk Awareness and the Likelihood of Audit Enforcement Action
Authors: Eutsler Jared , Nickell Erin Burrell , Robb Sean W. G.
Published: May 2016

SYNOPSIS

Prior research indicates that issuing a going concern opinion to financially stressed clients generally reduces the risk of litigation against the auditor following a bankruptcy (Kaplan and Williams 2013; Carcello and Palmrose 1994). However, we propose that a going concern report may indicate prior knowledge of financial distress, an important fraud risk factor, and this may have repercussions for the auditor if a fraud is subsequently uncovered. Consistent with counterfactual reasoning theory, experimental research suggests that a documented awareness of fraud risk actually increases the likelihood of litigation against the auditor following a fraud (Reffett 2010). This concern has been echoed by the professional community (AICPA 2004; Golden, Skalak, and Clayton 2006) and may be exacerbated by the current outcome-based regulatory environment (Peecher, Solomon, and Trotman 2013). To examine this issue we review Auditing and Accounting Enforcement Releases (AAERs) issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for alleged financial reporting frauds between 1995 and 2012. Results suggest that going concern report modifications accompanying the last set of fraudulently stated financials are associated with a greater likelihood of enforcement action against the auditor. This finding is consistent with counterfactual reasoning theory and suggests that, from a regulatory perspective, auditors may be penalized for documenting their awareness of fraud risk when financial statements are later determined to be fraudulent.
Client Acceptance and Engagement Pricing following Auditor Resignations in Family Firms
Authors: Khalil Samer , Mazboudi Mohamad
Published: May 2016

This paper investigates whether auditors' client acceptance and pricing decisions following the resignation of the incumbent auditor in family firms are significantly different from those in non-family firms. Relying on the auditing literature (client acceptance and audit pricing) and using insights from the agency theory, we document that successor auditors incorporate a firm's ownership structure into their acceptance and pricing decisions following the resignation of the incumbent auditor. Big 4 auditors are more likely to serve as successor auditors following auditor resignations in family firms as opposed to non-family firms. The changes in audit fees following auditor resignations in family firms, however, are significantly smaller than those in non-family firms. These results hold when we account for whether a family firm is managed by a founder, a descendant, or by a professional manager, and when we use the percentage of shares held by the family members as another proxy for family ownership. Additional analysis further demonstrates that the likelihood of financial restatements in family firms in the post-resignation period are significantly lower than those in non-family firms. Overall, our findings suggest that Big 4 auditors perceive family firms from which the incumbent auditors resigned as being less risky than their non-family counterparts.
Language pathway tracking: comparing nTMS-based DTI fiber tracking with a cubic ROIs-based protocol
Authors: Negwer Chiara , Sollmann Nico , Ille Sebastian , Hauck Theresa , Maurer Stefanie , Kirschke Jan S. , Ringel Florian , Meyer Bernhard , Krieg Sandro M.
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) fiber tracking (FT) has been widely used in glioma surgery in recent years. It can provide helpful information about subcortical structures, especially in patients with eloquent space-occupying lesions. This study compared the newly developed navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS)-based DTI FT of language pathways with the most reproducible protocol for language pathway tractography, using cubic regions of interest (ROIs) for the arcuate fascicle.

METHODS

Thirty-seven patients with left-sided perisylvian lesions underwent language mapping by repetitive nTMS. DTI FT was performed using the cubic ROIs–based protocol and the authors' nTMS-based DTI FT approach. The same minimal fiber length and fractional anisotropy were chosen (50 mm and 0.2, respectively). Both protocols were performed with standard clinical tractography software.

RESULTS

Both methods visualized language-related fiber tracts (i.e., corticonuclear tract, arcuate fascicle, uncinate fascicle, superior longitudinal fascicle, inferior longitudinal fascicle, arcuate fibers, commissural fibers, corticothalamic fibers, and frontooccipital fascicle) in all 37 patients. Using the cubic ROIs-based protocol, 39.9% of these language-related fiber tracts were detected in the examined patients, as opposed to 76.0% when performing nTMS-based DTI FT. For specifically tracking the arcuate fascicle, however, the cubic ROIs-based approach showed better results (97.3% vs 75.7% with nTMS-based DTI FT).

CONCLUSIONS

The cubic ROIs-based protocol was designed for arcuate fascicle tractography, and this study shows that it is still useful for this intention. However, superior results were obtained using the nTMS-based DTI FT for visualization of other language-related fiber tracts.
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion with cortical bone trajectory screw fixation versus posterior lumbar interbody fusion using traditional pedicle screw fixation for degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis: a comparative study
Authors: Sakaura Hironobu , Miwa Toshitada , Yamashita Tomoya , Kuroda Yusuke , Ohwada Tetsuo
Published: May 2016

OBJECTIVE

Several biomechanical studies have demonstrated the favorable mechanical properties of the cortical bone trajectory (CBT) screw. However, no reports have examined surgical outcomes of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) with CBT screw fixation for degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) compared with those after PLIF using traditional pedicle screw (PS) fixation. The purposes of this study were thus to elucidate surgical outcomes after PLIF with CBT screw fixation for DS and to compare these results with those after PLIF using traditional PS fixation.

METHODS

Ninety-five consecutive patients underwent PLIF with CBT screw fixation for DS (CBT group; mean followup 35 months). A historical control group consisted of 82 consecutive patients who underwent PLIF with traditional PS fixation (PS group; mean follow-up 40 months). Clinical status was assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scale score. Fusion status was assessed by dynamic plain radiographs and CT. The need for additional surgery and surgery-related complications was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean JOA score improved significantly from 13.7 points before surgery to 23.3 points at the latest follow-up in the CBT group (mean recovery rate 64.4%), compared with 14.4 points preoperatively to 22.7 points at final follow-up in the PS group (mean recovery rate 55.8%; p < 0.05). Solid spinal fusion was achieved in 84 patients from the CBT group (88.4%) and in 79 patients from the PS group (96.3%, p > 0.05). Symptomatic adjacent-segment disease developed in 3 patients from the CBT group (3.2%) compared with 9 patients from the PS group (11.0%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

PLIF with CBT screw fixation for DS provided comparable improvement of clinical symptoms with PLIF using traditional PS fixation. However, the successful fusion rate tended to be lower in the CBT group than in the PS group, although the difference was not statistically significant between the 2 groups.
Validation of a Smartphone Application Measuring Motor Function in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Lee Will , Evans Andrew , Williams David R.
Published: May 2016

Background: Measurement of motor function is critical to the assessment and management of Parkinson’s disease. Ambulatory motor assessment has the potential to provide a glimpse of the patient’s clinical state beyond the consultation. We custom-designed a smartphone application that quantitatively measures hand dexterity and hypothesized that this can give an indication of a patient’s overall motor function.

Objective: The aims of this study were to (i) validate this smartphone application against MDS-UPDRS motor assessment (MDS-UPDRS-III) and the two-target tapping test; (ii) generate a prediction model for MDS-UPDRS-III; (iii) assess repeatability of our smartphone application and (iv) examine compliance and user-satisfaction of this application.

Methods: 103 patients with Parkinson’s disease were recruited from two movement disorders clinics. After initial assessment, a group of patients underwent repeat assessment within two weeks. Patients were invited to use the smartphone application at home over three days, followed by a survey to assess their experience.

Results: Significant correlation between key smartphone application test parameters and MDS-UPDRS-III ( r = 0.281–0.608, p < 0.0001) was demonstrated. A prediction model based on these parameters accounted for 52.3% of variation in MDS-UPDRS-III (R2 = 0.523, F(4,93) = 25.48, p < 0.0001). Forty-eight patients underwent repeat assessment under identical clinical conditions. Repeatability of key smartphone application tests parameters and predicted MDS-UPDRS-III was moderate to strong (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.584–0.763, p < 0.0001). The follow-up survey identified that our patients were very comfortable with the smartphone application and mobile technology.

Conclusions: Our smartphone application demonstrated satisfactory repeatability and validity when measured against MDS-UPDRS-III. Its performance is acceptable considering our smartphone application measures hand dexterity only.
Age Limits for Deep Brain Stimulation of Subthalamic Nuclei in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Bouwyn Jean-Paul , Derrey Stéphane , Lefaucheur Romain , Fetter Damien , Rouille Audrey , Le Goff Floriane , Maltête David
Published: May 2016

Background: Clinical pre-operative predictive factors of optimal STN-DBS motor outcome in Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been previously reported. However, available data involving elderly patients are conflicting.

Objective: To compare early post-operative outcomes in parkinsonian patients younger than 65 years old (group 1) vs patients 65 years old or older (group 2) at the time of surgery.

Methods: The cognitive and motor effects of DBS were evaluated by comparison of different scores obtained before (baseline) and 6 months after surgery using a repeated measures analysis of variance.

Results: Post-operative motor improvement (UPDRS part III and UPDRS part IV scores) and drug reduction were not statistically different between groups 1 and 2 ( P > 0.05). Axial motor score which was significantly worse in group 2 in the on-drug condition before surgery was also significantly worse both in off-drug/ on-stimulation and on-drug/ on-stimulation conditions ( P < 0.05). Similarly, cognitive performances (Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Stroop interference test, Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test with Immediate Recall, Verbal Fluency) significantly worsened post-operatively ingroup 2.

Conclusions: Although effective and safe, STN-DBS has a more negative impact on cognitive functions in elderly patient, requiring a careful preoperative selection.
Rotigotine in Combination with the MAO-B Inhibitor Selegiline in Early Parkinson’s Disease: A Post Hoc Analysis
Authors: Giladi Nir , Asgharnejad Mahnaz , Bauer Lars , Grieger Frank , Boroojerdi Babak
Published: May 2016

Background: Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors and dopamine receptor agonists are common first-line treatment options in early Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of rotigotine transdermal patch as an add-on therapy to an MAO-B inhibitor in patients with early-PD.

Methods: In two Phase III, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in early-PD (SP512, SP513), patients were randomized to rotigotine (titrated to optimal dose ≤8 mg/24 h) or placebo, and maintained for 24 (SP512) or 33 (SP513) weeks. Post hoc analyses were performed on pooled data for patients receiving an MAO-B inhibitor (selegiline) at a stable dose at randomization and throughout the studies, with groups defined as “Selegiline+Rotigotine” and “Selegiline+Placebo”. Outcome measures included change from baseline in Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) II (activities of daily living), III (motor), UPDRS II+III and responders (patients achieving ≥20%, ≥25% or ≥30% decrease in UPDRS II+III). As post hoc analyses, p-values are exploratory.

Results: 130 patients were evaluable for efficacy analyses (“Selegiline+Rotigotine”: 84, “Selegiline+Placebo”: 46). Combined treatment with rotigotine and selegiline improved UPDRS III and UPDRS II+III scores versus selegiline alone (LS-mean [95% CI] treatment difference for UPDRS III: –4.89 [–7.87 to –1.91], p = 0.0015; for UPDRS II+III: –5.76 [–9.71 to –1.82], p = 0.0045). Higher proportion of patients in the “Selegiline+Rotigotine” group were classified as ≥20%, ≥25% or ≥30% responders (all p < 0.001). Combined treatment appeared more effective in patients aged ≤65 years versus > 65 years (although patient numbers in the subgroups were low). Adverse event profile was consistent with the known safety profile of rotigotine.

Conclusions: In these post hoc analyses, adjunctive treatment with rotigotine in patients already receiving an MAO-B inhibitor improved UPDRS II+III score; this appeared to be largely driven by improvements in the motor aspects of PD.
Obtaining Reliable Estimates of Ambulatory Physical Activity in People with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Paul Serene S. , Ellis Terry D. , Dibble Leland E. , Earhart Gammon M. , Ford Matthew P. , Foreman K. Bo , Cavanaugh James T.
Published: May 2016

We determined the number of days required, and whether to include weekdays and/or weekends, to obtain reliable measures of ambulatory physical activity in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Ninety-two persons with PD wore a step activity monitor for seven days. The number of days required to obtain a reliable estimate of daily activity was determined from the mean intraclass correlation (ICC2,1) for all possible combinations of 1–6 consecutive days of monitoring. Two days of monitoring were sufficient to obtain reliable daily activity estimates (ICC2,1 > 0.9). Amount ( p = 0.03) but not intensity ( p = 0.13) of ambulatory activity was greater on weekdays than weekends. Activity prescription based on amount rather than intensity may be more appropriate for people with PD.
Altered Expression of D1 and D2 Dopamine Receptors in Vagal Neurons Innervating the Gastric Muscularis Externa in a Parkinson’s Disease Rat Model
Authors: Wang Zhi-Yong , Lian Hui , Zhou Li , Zhang Yi-Min , Cai Qing-Qing , Zheng Li-Fei , Zhu Jin-Xia
Published: May 2016

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by dopaminergic neuron degeneration in the substantia nigra (SN) accompanied by pathology of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV). Gastroparesis is a common non-motor system symptom of PD in patients and in animal models. However, the underlying mechanism of this symptom is not clear. We previously reported on the expression of enhanced tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and decreased choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the DMV of a PD animal model and colocalization of TH and ChAT with the dopamine receptors D1 and D2. We hypothesize that these receptors might contribute to the delayed gastric emptying observed in PD.

Objective: To investigate the distribution of D1 and D2 in gastric-projecting DMV neurons and alteration of their distribution in a PD rat model.

Methods: Retrograde tracing, double-labeling immunofluorescence techniques and western blotting were used.

Results: After injection of the retrograde tracer fluoro-gold (FG) into the gastric wall, FG-labeled gastric-projecting motoneurons were observed in the caudal and rostral parts of the DMV, and neurons with D1-, D2- and ChAT- immunoreactivity (IR) were widely colocalized in the DMV. Many TH-IR fibers were observed around the D1- and D2-IR neurons. Moreover, decreased D1 and enhanced D2 expression in the DMV was observed in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rats that were treated with a bilateral microinjection of 6-OHDA in the SN.

Conclusions: The results indicate that dopamine receptors might affect the activity of gastric-projecting neurons in the DMV, their altered expression may contribute to the gastroparesis observed in PD.
Multiphoton Controllable Transport between Remote Resonators
Authors: Qin Wei , Long Guilu
Published: May 2016

We develop a novel method for multiphoton controllable transport between remote resonators. Specifically, an auxiliary resonator is used to control the coherent long-range coupling of two spatially separated resonators, mediated by a coupled-resonator chain of arbitrary length. In this manner, an arbitrary multiphoton quantum state can be either transmitted through or reflected off the intermediate chain on demand, with very high fidelity. We find, on using a time-independent perturbative treatment, that quantum information leakage of an arbitrary Fock state is limited by two upper bounds, one for the transmitted case and the other for the reflected case. In principle, the two upper bounds can be made arbitrarily small, which is confirmed by numerical simulations.
A Design Alternative to Improve the Interconnection Capability of New Distributed-Generation Installations into Existing Griddle
Authors: Agüero-Rubio José , López-Martínez Javier , Rojas-Sola José , Callejón-Ferre Ángel
Published: May 2016

Most distributed-generation facilities are performed on pre-built distribution grids. The design conditions of these existing grids may limit the ability of new users to get a connection due to technical and/or cost constraints. This work proposes a simple solution, adjusted to the relevant regulations and embodied in a radial distribution grid of Spanish low voltage, to improve the interconnection of distributed generation, usually grid connected photovoltaic systems. The proposed solution, based on increasing the section of the neutral line, achieves a capacity of increasing the length of the supply grid by more than 20%.
The Magic and Science of Grimm: A Television Fairy Tale for Modern Americans
Authors: Lindsay Julianna
Published: May 2016

The National Broadcasting Company’s (NBC) Grimm uses fairy tales and an altered history to explore modern issues in American society such as environmental concerns, individuality, and social and cultural change through magic and magic-tinged science. Worldwide chaos and strife are easily explained as part of the Grimm universe (Grimmverse) through Wesen (humanoid creatures who share characteristics with animals such as appearance and behavior), leading to a more united view of humanity and equality of human experience. Evil is often more scientifically explained, and what may appear random within our reality becomes part of a pattern in Grimm. Grimm gives its American audience a form of societal unity through historic folklore and a fictional explanation for the struggles Americans perceive to be happening within their own society as well as in other parts of the world.
Situation of Diabetes and Related Disease Surveillance in Rural Areas of Jilin Province, Northeast China
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhang Peng , Lv Xin , Jiang Lingling , Gao Chunshi , Song Yuanyuan , Yu Yaqin , Li Bo
Published: May 2016

Background: Several studies have investigated the prevalence and awareness of diabetes mellitus (DM) in China, but little is known about the situation of DM in the northeastern rural areas. Our present study investigated the prevalence, awareness and associated characteristics of DM in rural areas of Jilin Province, aiming to suggest more efforts for the prevention and control of DM. Methods: A multistage stratified random cluster sampling design was used in this cross-sectional study which took place in 2012. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews and physical examinations. Rao-Scott Chi-square test, t test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used. Results: The estimated prevalence of DM in rural areas of Jilin province was 7.2%. DM was positively associated with age, Body mass index (BMI), hypotension, dyslipidemia and was high in participants with a family history of diabetes and those who exercise frequently, but low for high education level and married participants. 69.0% participants with DM were aware of their diabetes status, 88.2% of whom received treatment and 34.4% of whom had received treatment controlled their DM status. Conclusions: We observed a high prevalence and low awareness status of DM among the rural residents in Jilin Province, but the rate of effective control in those who have received treatment was considerable. The low rate of disease surveillance should draw health authority’s attention.
Room Temperature Consolidation of a Porous Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Matrix by the Addition of Maltose to the Water-in-Oil Emulsion
Authors: Esposito Eliana , Ruggiero Flavia , Vecchione Raffaele , Netti Paolo
Published: May 2016

In composite materials made of polymer matrices and micro-nano dispersed compartments, the morphology of the dispersed phase can strongly affect several features of the final material, including stability, loading efficiency, and kinetic release of the embedded molecules. Such a polymer matrix composite can be obtained through the consolidation of the continuous polymer phase of a water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion. Here, we show that the morphology of the dispersed phase in a poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid, PLGA) matrix can be optimized by combining an effective mild temperature drying process with the addition of maltose as a densifying compound for the water phase of the emulsion. The influence of this addition on final stability and consequent optimal pore distribution was theoretically and experimentally confirmed. Samples were analyzed in terms of morphology on dried flat substrates and in terms of rheology and interfacial tension at the liquid state. While an increase of interfacial tension was found following the addition of maltose, the lower difference in density between the two emulsion phases coming from the addition of maltose allowed us to estimate a reduced creaming tendency confirmed by the experimental observations. Rheological measurements also confirmed an improved elastic behavior for the maltose-containing emulsion.
The Lightweight Design of a Seismic Low-Yield-Strength Steel Shear Panel Damper
Authors: Zhang Chaofeng , Zhu Jiajia , Wu Meiping , Yu Jinhu , Zhao Junhua
Published: May 2016

The lightweight design and miniaturization of metallic dampers have broad application prospects in seismic engineering. In this study, the superplastic property and the maximum energy dissipation capacity per unit mass of low-yield-strength steel (LYS) are investigated via comparison with those of several common metallic damping materials by tests. Additionally, the boundary constraints of an LYS shear panel damper are studied further. Our experimental results suggest that LYS is an excellent damping material for achieving the lightweight design goal. A novel design of a lightweight damper, having excellent deformation ability and robust mechanical properties, is presented. The findings of this study are expected to be useful in understanding the lightweight design of dampers.
Characterization of Active Packaging Films Made from Poly(Lactic Acid)/Poly(Trimethylene Carbonate) Incorporated with Oregano Essential Oil
Authors: Liu Dong , Li Hongli , Jiang Lin , Chuan Yongming , Yuan Minglong , Chen Haiyun
Published: May 2016

Antimicromial and antioxidant bioactive films based on poly(lactic acid)/poly(trimenthylene carbonate) films incorporated with different concentrations of oregano essential oil (OEO) were prepared by solvent casting. The antimicrobial, antioxidant, physical, thermal, microstructural, and mechanical properties of the resulting films were examined. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the cross-section of films became rougher when OEO was incorporated into PLA/PTMC blends. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated that crystallinity of PLA phase decreased by the addition of OEO, but this did not affect the thermal stability of the films. Water vapor permeability of films slightly increased with increasing concentration of OEO. However, active PLA/PTMC/OEO composite films showed adequate barrier properties for food packaging application. The antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities were significantly improved with the incorporation of OEO (p < 0.05). The results demonstrated that an optimal balance between the mechanical, barrier, thermal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of the films was achieved by the incorporation of 9 wt % OEO into PLA/PTMC blends.
Association between Metabolite Profiles, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity Status
Authors: Allam-Ndoul Bénédicte , Guénard Frédéric , Garneau Véronique , Cormier Hubert , Barbier Olivier , Pérusse Louis , Vohl Marie-Claude
Published: May 2016

Underlying mechanisms associated with the development of abnormal metabolic phenotypes among obese individuals are not yet clear. Our aim is to investigate differences in plasma metabolomics profiles between normal weight (NW) and overweight/obese (Ov/Ob) individuals, with or without metabolic syndrome (MetS). Mass spectrometry-based metabolite profiling was used to compare metabolite levels between each group. Three main principal components factors explaining a maximum of variance were retained. Factor 1’s (long chain glycerophospholipids) metabolite profile score was higher among Ov/Ob with MetS than among Ov/Ob and NW participants without MetS. This factor was positively correlated to plasma total cholesterol (total-C) and triglyceride levels in the three groups, to high density lipoprotein -cholesterol (HDL-C) among participants without MetS. Factor 2 (amino acids and short to long chain acylcarnitine) was positively correlated to HDL-C and negatively correlated with insulin levels among NW participants. Factor 3’s (medium chain acylcarnitines) metabolite profile scores were higher among NW participants than among Ov/Ob with or without MetS. Factor 3 was negatively associated with glucose levels among the Ov/Ob with MetS. Factor 1 seems to be associated with a deteriorated metabolic profile that corresponds to obesity, whereas Factors 2 and 3 seem to be rather associated with a healthy metabolic profile.
“Present Your Bodies”: Film Style and Unknowability in Jessica Hausner’s Lourdes and Dietrich Brüggemann’s Stations of the Cross
Authors: Wheatley Catherine
Published: May 2016

Since 2005, a number of European films have emerged examining the legacy of Christianity in Western Europe, and the ways in which men, women and children struggle to negotiate questions of religion and secularity, the personal and the institutional, faith and doubt. This article looks at two of these films—Jessica Hausner’s Lourdes (2009) and Dietrich Brüggemann’s Stations of the Cross (2014)—in relation to questions of religious experience, the female body and film style. In both films the battle between these opposing categories is played out on the bodies of women—a paraplegic MS sufferer in Lourdes, an anorexic teen in Stations of the Cross—and both the films end ambiguously with what may, or may not, be a miracle of sorts: a confirmation of faith or a rebuttal. I wish to connect this ambiguity to the use of a very distinctive mise-en-scene in both films, which relies on a heavily restricted colour palate; highly formalised, painterly-compositions; and crucially what David Bordwell has termed “planimetric photography”: a shooting style that eschews depth or diagonals, refusing the spectator entrance into the image and holding her instead at a deliberate distance. My argument, in short, is that these stylistic choices—while gesturing towards a tradition of Christian art—also refuse the spectator either visual or haptic knowledge of the events that the characters undergo. Rather, they are suggestive of the fundamental unknowability that characterises religious experience, leaving us alone, outside of the action, forced to negotiate ourselves between belief and doubt.
Evaluation of a Wobbling Method Applied to Correcting Defective Pixels of CZT Detectors in SPECT Imaging
Authors: Xie Zhaoheng , Li Suying , Yang Kun , Xu Baixuan , Ren Qiushi
Published: May 2016

In this paper, we propose a wobbling method to correct bad pixels in cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detectors, using information of related images. We build up an automated device that realizes the wobbling correction for small animal Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) imaging. The wobbling correction method is applied to various constellations of defective pixels. The corrected images are compared with the results of conventional interpolation method, and the correction effectiveness is evaluated quantitatively using the factor of peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) and structural similarity (SSIM). In summary, the proposed wobbling method, equipped with the automatic mechanical system, provides a better image quality for correcting defective pixels, which could be used for all pixelated detectors for molecular imaging.
New Quality Control Algorithm Based on GNSS Sensing Data for a Bridge Health Monitoring System
Authors: Lee Jae , Lee Jae , Kim Jung
Published: May 2016

This research introduces an improvement plan for the reliability of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning solutions. It should be considered the most suitable methodology in terms of the adjustment and positioning of GNSS in order to maximize the utilization of GNSS applications. Though various studies have been conducted with regards to Bridge Health Monitoring System (BHMS) based on GNSS, the outliers which depend on the signal reception environment could not be considered until now. Since these outliers may be connected to GNSS data collected from major bridge members, which can reduce the reliability of a whole monitoring system through the delivery of false information, they should be detected and eliminated in the previous adjustment stage. In this investigation, the Detection, Identification, Adaptation (DIA) technique was applied and implemented through an algorithm. Moreover, it can be directly applied to GNSS data collected from long span cable stayed bridges and most of outliers were efficiently detected and eliminated simultaneously. By these effects, the reliability of GNSS should be enormously improved. Improvement on GNSS positioning accuracy is directly linked to the safety of bridges itself, and at the same time, the reliability of monitoring systems in terms of the system operation can also be increased.