bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Off-Road Vehicle Seat Suspension Optimisation, Part II: Comparative Study between Meta-Heuristic Optimisation Algorithms
Authors: Gohari Mohammad , Tahmasebi Mona
Published: January 2015

Clinical observations show that a significant number of low back pain, spine disorders and head injuries are related to exposure to vibration of vehicles. Implementation of seat to suspensions reduces the effects of vibration in vehicle operators in long terms. This paper discusses three evolutionary algorithms in off-road seat suspension design. Genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimisation (PSO) and harmony search (HS) algorithm were used to minimise transmitted vibration to the driver's spine which was modelled by artificial neural network biodynamic model based on experimental data, as was discussed in part I. The reliability of results was studied by simulation of vibration in vertical direction. The suspension was tuned based on harmony search depicting lower values of seat to spine vibration transmissibility and mobility. Thus, the transmitted vibration to spine and risk of spine problem may be alleviated by using this tuned seat suspension.
Study on the Bearing Resistance in a Wind Turbine Generator System
Authors: Aso Toshiyuki , Seki Kazuichi , Ushiyama Izumi
Published: January 2015

The vertical axis wind turbine generators are mainly used for small size wind turbine generators, and are independent on wind direction. The rotor of the vertical axis wind turbine is required to start rotating at a low wind speed and to smoothly rotate with small torque loss so that the energy loss from the energy of wind is minimized and the power generation efficiency is increased. But when the rotor is designed according to the wind conditions and the safety factors in the international safety standard for small wind turbines, IEC61400–2, commercially-available bearings are not suitable for the rotor, because both of the static and dynamic load ratings are larger than those demanded for the vertical axis wind turbine. That is, the frictional force and the rotating torque resistance of the commercially-available bearings are too large for the rotor to meet the above mentioned requirements.

In this study, the bearings having the most suitable load ratings and the very low frictional force for the rotor were newly designed conforming to the wind conditions and the safety factors in the above mentioned IEC61400–2. And the low torque shaft unit for the rotor using these newly designed bearings was also designed and experimentally produced. This low torque shaft unit was equipped in the real vertical axis wind turbine and a demonstration experiment was conducted. The result of the experiment showed that the low torque shaft unit started rotating at low wind speed and the power generation efficiency was improved. It is verified that the low torque shaft unit satisfies the above mentioned requirements well.
Atmospheric Ice Loading and its Impact on Natural Frequencies of Wind Turbines
Authors: Alsabagh Abdel Salam Y. , Xu Yigeng , Virk Muhammad S. , Badran Omar
Published: January 2015

Wind energy is a promising way in the middle of growing demand for clean energy in high north, where atmospheric icing is a hazard for safe operations of wind turbines. In this research work, the vibrational effects due to atmospheric ice accretion on a multi megawatt large wind turbine are numerically investigated using a finite element based approach. Three different icing scenarios were addressed and accreted on-blade ice mass was calculated analytically based upon ISO 95214 standards. Special attentions are given to the first natural frequency of the wind turbine blade and its interaction when the exciting frequency approaches the natural frequency of the wind turbine tower. Results show variations of natural frequencies due to different accreted icing loads scenarios, which may have different implications to the integrity of the structure.
Parallel Blade-Vortex Interaction Modelling for Helicopter Rotor Noise Control Synthesis
Authors: Modini Sara , Graziani Giorgio , Bernardini Giovanni , Gennaretti Massimo
Published: January 2015

The present work deals with a methodology for the alleviation of loads and corresponding emitted noise generated by blade-vortex interaction (BVI) phenomena occurring on helicopter main rotors in low-speed, descent flight. It consists of a multi-cyclic, optimal control approach driving higher harmonic blade pitch actuation. First, for the specific flight condition to be examined, the BVI phenomena are simulated as equivalent two-dimensional, multi-vortex, parallel BVI problems and then a local controller methodology is applied for the efficient identification of the closed-loop control algorithm. In order to assess the capability of the proposed control approach to alleviate rotor blade loads and emitted noise, the results of a numerical investigation concerning a realistic helicopter main rotor in descent flight are presented and discussed.
Catheter care: helping reduce the risk of infection
Authors: Peate Ian , Gil Michael
Published: January 2015

Catheter care (sometimes this is also referred to as catheter hygiene) is a procedure that is undertaken to reduce the risk of infection. Catheter care is a common procedure that is often undertaken by the healthcare assistant and assistant practitioner (HCA and AP). This article provides a brief overview of the male and female urinary tract and details how catheter care should be undertaken in a safe and effective manner. The article describes the care of a person with an indwelling urethral catheter.
Disability discrimination 5: how much does it cost?
Authors: Barber Chris
Published: January 2015

The effects of discrimination on nurses, nursing students and healthcare assistants who have disabilities were highlighted in the previous article in this series. This article will focus still further on the effects and costs of discrimination on the person being discriminated against, the nurse who engages in discriminatory behaviour, the nursing profession and society in general. A number of ways that the HCA can combat such discrimination will be suggested.
Principle-Based Consumption Communities: Exploring the Meanings Derived from Socially Conscious Consumption Practices
Authors: DeVincenzo Marie Hafey , Scammon Debra
Published: January 2015

This exploratory study examines the consumption behavior of people participating in a wind energy program. The authors use the psychological sense of community as a theoretical grounding for the study because it provides a way to examine socially conscious behaviors not solely as the behaviors of individuals but rather as behaviors within a social context with social meaning. The authors analyze indepth interviews using a hermeneutical approach, and the findings identify a principle-based, consumption community to which the informants felt they belonged. The article concludes with a discussion of implications for marketers, policy makers, and environmental activists.
Mostow’s lattices and cone metrics on the sphere
Authors: Boadi Richard K. , Parker John R.
Published: January 2015

In his seminal paper of 1980, Mostow constructed a family of lattices in PU(2, 1), the holomorphic isometry group of complex hyperbolic 2-space. In this paper, we use a description of these lattices given by Thurston in terms of cone metrics on the sphere, which is equivalent to Deligne and Mostow’s description of them using monodromy of hypergeometric functions. We give an explicit fundamental domain for some of Mostow’s lattices, specifically those with large phase shift. Our approach follows Parker’s approach of describing Livné’s lattices in terms of cone metrics on the sphere. The content of this paper is based on Boadi’s PhD thesis.
Results on coupled Ricci and harmonic map flows
Authors: Williams Michael Bradford
Published: January 2015

Abstract We explore the harmonic-Ricci flow - that is, Ricci flow coupled with harmonic map flow - both as it arises naturally in certain principal bundle constructions related to Ricci flow and as a geometric flow in its own right. We demonstrate that one natural geometric context for the flow is a special case of the locally ℝN-invariant Ricci flow of Lott, and provide examples of gradient solitons for the flow. We prove a version of Hamilton’s compactness theorem for the flow, and then generalize it to the category of étale Riemannian groupoids. Finally, we provide a detailed example of solutions to the flow on the Lie group Nil3.
Effect of Boron and Titanium Addition on the Hot Ductility of Low-Carbon Nb-Containing Steel
Authors: Liu Wei-Jian , Li Jing , Shi Cheng-Bin , Huo Xiang-Dong
Published: January 2015

The effect of boron and titanium addition on the hot ductility of Nb-containing steel was investigated using hot tensile tests. The fracture surface and the quenched longitudinal microstructure were examined by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that both steel samples had the similar change from 1,100°C to 700°C. The hot ductility of Nb-containing steel with boron and titanium addition was higher than the steel without boron and titanium in the temperature range of 900–750°C. Because the formation of intergranular ferrite was inhibited by solute boron segregating on the grain boundary, the formation of TiN changed the distribution of Nb- and boron-containing precipitates and improved the amount of intragranular ferrite.
A hydro-ethanolic extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn ameliorates hyperalgesia and allodynia in vincristine-induced neuropathic pain in rats
Authors: Amoateng Patrick , Adjei Samuel , Osei-Safo Dorcas , Ameyaw Elvis Ofori , Ahedor Believe , N’guessan Benoit Banga , Nyarko Alexander Kwadwo
Published: January 2015

Background: The hydro-ethanolic extract of Synedrella nodiflora (L.) Gaertn whole plant has demonstrated analgesic effects in acute pain models. The extract has also demonstrated anticonvulsant effects in murine models of experimental epilepsy. The present study illustrates an evaluation of the hydro-ethanolic extract of the plant for possible analgesic properties in hyperalgesia and allodynia associated with vincristine-induced neuropathy in rats.

Methods: Neuropathic pain was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by injecting 100 μg/kg of vincristine sulphate on alternative days for 6 days (days 0, 2, 4, 8, 10 and 12). Vincristine-induced cold allodynia, mechanical hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia were measured pre-vincristine administration and on days 15, 17 and 19 post-vincristine administration. The rats were then treated with S. nodiflora extract (SNE) (100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg), pregabalin (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg) and distilled water as vehicle daily for 5 days and pain thresholds were measured on alternate days for 3 days.

Results: SNE and pregabalin produced analgesic properties observed as increased paw withdrawal latencies to mechanical, tactile, cold water stimuli and thermal hyperalgesic tests during the 5 days of treatment.

Conclusions: The findings suggest that hydro-ethanolic extract of S. nodiflora possesses anti-hyperalgesic and anti-allodynic effects in vincristine-induced neuropathic pain in rats.
The eternal youth of azobenzene: new photoactive molecular and supramolecular devices
Authors: Baroncini Massimo , Ragazzon Giulio , Silvi Serena , Venturi Margherita , Credi Alberto
Published: January 2015

The development of multicomponent chemical systems that can perform predetermined functions under external control – i.e., molecular devices – is a challenging task in chemistry and a fascinating objective in the frame of a bottom-up approach to nanostructures. Photochromic units undergo profound changes in their chemical and/or electronic structure upon light excitation, and are highly interesting for the construction of photocontrollable molecular devices, machines and materials. The E–Z photoisomerization of azobenzene – owing to its high efficiency, excellent reversibility and significant physico-chemical differences between the two forms – is a highly useful reaction in this regard. Azobenzene photoisomerization has been known for almost 80 years and has been exploited to implement light-induced functionalities with a large variety of compounds, biomolecules, nanosystems and materials. Here we present some of our recent investigations highlighting how this outstanding photochrome can be utilized to develop (supra)molecular systems with valuable light-induced functionalities.
Evaluation of Coarse Aggregate in Cold Recycling Mixes Using X-Ray CT Scanner and Image Analysis
Authors: Gao Lei , Ni Fujian , Luo Hailong , Wang Hainian , Chen Yunqing
Published: January 2015

The performance of cold recycling (CR) mixtures has been widely evaluated, but these studies rarely focused on the internal structure of CR mixtures. The objective of this research is to investigate the distribution, orientation, and shape properties of coarse aggregates in CR mixtures with emulsion by processing a series of sectional images from an X-ray CT scanner. The uniformity index (UI) was derived to describe the distribution of coarse aggregates. The aggregate orientation was obtained by calculating the average angle of inclination θ and the coherence of orientation Δ. The morphological indices, such as the flat and elongated ratio (FER), angularity index (AI), and surface texture index (STI) were used to address the shape properties of CR mixtures. According to the results, the distribution uniformity of CR aggregates becomes worse with coarser gradation. Compaction methods significantly influence the aggregate orientation in CR mixtures. The superpave gyratory compaction (SGC) method makes the best coherence of aggregate orientation, but the static load compacted specimen shows the opposite result. The CR mix tends to have worse uniformity of aggregate distribution, larger angle of aggregate inclination, and more random aggregate orientation compared with the HMA mix. It is estimated that more crushed faces of aggregates are produced in the process of pavement milling and the surface texture of RAP materials decreases with the long-term effects of traffic loading and environment. Adding new coarse aggregates to CR mixtures disturbs the aggregate distribution, but it can improve the average surface texture of aggregates in CR mixtures.
fMRI and EEG Predictors of Dynamic Decision Parameters during Human Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Frank Michael J. , Gagne Chris , Nyhus Erika , Masters Sean , Wiecki Thomas V. , Cavanagh James F. , Badre David
Published: January 2015

What are the neural dynamics of choice processes during reinforcement learning? Two largely separate literatures have examined dynamics of reinforcement learning (RL) as a function of experience but assuming a static choice process, or conversely, the dynamics of choice processes in decision making but based on static decision values. Here we show that human choice processes during RL are well described by a drift diffusion model (DDM) of decision making in which the learned trial-by-trial reward values are sequentially sampled, with a choice made when the value signal crosses a decision threshold. Moreover, simultaneous fMRI and EEG recordings revealed that this decision threshold is not fixed across trials but varies as a function of activity in the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and is further modulated by trial-by-trial measures of decision conflict and activity in the dorsomedial frontal cortex (pre-SMA BOLD and mediofrontal theta in EEG). These findings provide converging multimodal evidence for a model in which decision threshold in reward-based tasks is adjusted as a function of communication from pre-SMA to STN when choices differ subtly in reward values, allowing more time to choose the statistically more rewarding option.
Structure–Function Relationships between Aldolase C/Zebrin II Expression and Complex Spike Synchrony in the Cerebellum
Authors: Tsutsumi Shinichiro , Yamazaki Maya , Miyazaki Taisuke , Watanabe Masahiko , Sakimura Kenji , Kano Masanobu , Kitamura Kazuo
Published: January 2015

Simple and regular anatomical structure is a hallmark of the cerebellar cortex. Parasagittally arrayed alternate expression of aldolase C/zebrin II in Purkinje cells (PCs) has been extensively studied, but surprisingly little is known about its functional significance. Here we found a precise structure–function relationship between aldolase C expression and synchrony of PC complex spike activities that reflect climbing fiber inputs to PCs. We performed two-photon calcium imaging in transgenic mice in which aldolase C compartments can be visualizedin vivo, and identified highly synchronous complex spike activities among aldolase C-positive or aldolase C-negative PCs, but not across these populations. The boundary of aldolase C compartments corresponded to that of complex spike synchrony at single-cell resolution. Sensory stimulation evoked aldolase C compartment-specific complex spike responses and synchrony. This result further revealed the structure–function segregation. In awake animals, complex spike synchrony both within and between PC populations across the aldolase C boundary were enhanced in response to sensory stimuli, in a way that two functionally distinct PC ensembles are coactivated. These results suggest that PC populations characterized by aldolase C expression precisely represent distinct functional units of the cerebellar cortex, and these functional units can cooperate to process sensory information in awake animals.
Hemisphere-Dependent Attentional Modulation of Human Parietal Visual Field Representations
Authors: Sheremata Summer L. , Silver Michael A.
Published: January 2015

Posterior parietal cortex contains several areas defined by topographically organized maps of the contralateral visual field. However, recent studies suggest that ipsilateral stimuli can elicit larger responses in the right than left hemisphere within these areas, depending on task demands. Here we determined the effects of spatial attention on the set of visual field locations (the population receptive field [pRF]) that evoked a response for each voxel in human topographic parietal cortex. A two-dimensional Gaussian was used to model the pRF in each voxel, and we measured the effects of attention on not only the center (preferred visual field location) but also the size (visual field extent) of the pRF. In both hemispheres, larger pRFs were associated with attending to the mapping stimulus compared with attending to a central fixation point. In the left hemisphere, attending to the stimulus also resulted in more peripheral preferred locations of contralateral representations, compared with attending fixation. These effects of attention on both pRF size and preferred location preserved contralateral representations in the left hemisphere. In contrast, attentional modulation of pRF size but not preferred location significantly increased representation of the ipsilateral (right) visual hemifield in right parietal cortex. Thus, attention effects in topographic parietal cortex exhibit hemispheric asymmetries similar to those seen in hemispatial neglect. Our findings suggest potential mechanisms underlying the behavioral deficits associated with this disorder.
Long-Delayed Expression of the Immediate Early Gene Arc/Arg3.1 Refines Neuronal Circuits to Perpetuate Fear Memory
Authors: Nakayama Daisuke , Iwata Hirokazu , Teshirogi Chie , Ikegaya Yuji , Matsuki Norio , Nomura Hiroshi
Published: January 2015

Fear memories typically persist for long time periods, and persistent fear memories contribute to post-traumatic stress disorder. However, little is known about the cellular and synaptic mechanisms that perpetuate long-term memories. Here, we find that mouse hippocampal CA1 neurons exhibit biphasic Arc (also known as Arg3.1) elevations after fear experience and that the late Arc expression regulates the perpetuation of fear memoires. An early Arc increase returned to the baseline after 6 h, followed by a second Arc increase after 12 h in the same neuronal subpopulation; these elevations occurred via distinct mechanisms. Antisense-induced blockade of late Arc expression disrupted memory persistence but not formation. Moreover, prolonged fear memories were associated with the delayed, specific elimination of dendritic spines and the reactivation of neuronal ensembles formed during fear experience, both of which required late Arc expression. We propose that late Arc expression refines functional circuits in a delayed fashion to prolong fear memory.
Actions of Bupivacaine, a Widely Used Local Anesthetic, on NMDA Receptor Responses
Authors: Paganelli Meaghan A. , Popescu Gabriela K.
Published: January 2015

NMDA receptors mediate excitatory neurotransmission in brain and spinal cord and play a pivotal role in the neurological disease state of chronic pain, which is caused by central sensitization. Bupivacaine is the indicated local anesthetic in caudal, epidural, and spinal anesthesia and is widely used clinically to manage acute and chronic pain. In addition to blocking Na+channels, bupivacaine affects the activity of many other channels, including NMDA receptors. Importantly, bupivacaine inhibits NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, an area critically involved in central sensitization. We used recombinant NMDA receptors expressed in HEK293 cells and found that increasing concentrations of bupivacaine decreased channel open probability in GluN2 subunit- and pH-independent manner by increasing the mean duration of closures and decreasing the mean duration of openings. Using kinetic modeling of one-channel currents, we attributed the observed current decrease to two main mechanisms: a voltage-dependent “foot-in-the-door” pore block and an allosteric gating effect. Further, the inhibition was state-independent because it occurred to the same degree whether the drug was applied before or after glutamate stimulation and was mediated by extracellular and intracellular inhibitory sites, via hydrophilic and hydrophobic pathways. These results predict that clinical doses of bupivacaine would decrease the peak and accelerate the decay of synaptic NMDA receptor currents during normal synaptic transmission. These quantitative predictions inform possible applications of bupivacaine as preventative and therapeutic approaches in chronic pain.
Cholinergic Basal Forebrain Structure Influences the Reconfiguration of White Matter Connections to Support Residual Memory in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Ray Nicola J. , Metzler-Baddeley Claudia , Khondoker Mizanur R. , Grothe Michel J. , Teipel Stefan , Wright Paul , Heinsen Helmut , Jones Derek K. , Aggleton John P. , O'Sullivan Michael J.
Published: January 2015

The fornix and hippocampus are critical to recollection in the healthy human brain. Fornix degeneration is a feature of aging and Alzheimer's disease. In the presence of fornix damage in mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a recognized prodrome of Alzheimer's disease, recall shows greater dependence on other tracts, notably the parahippocampal cingulum (PHC). The current aims were to determine whether this shift is adaptive and to probe its relationship to cholinergic signaling, which is also compromised in Alzheimer's disease. Twenty-five human participants with MCI and 20 matched healthy volunteers underwent diffusion MRI, behavioral assessment, and volumetric measurement of the basal forebrain. In a regression model for recall, there was a significant group × fornix interaction, indicating that the association between recall and fornix structure was weaker in patients. The opposite trend was present for the left PHC. To further investigate this pattern, two regression models were generated to account for recall performance: one based on fornix microstructure and the other on both fornix and left PHC. The realignment to PHC was positively correlated with free recall but not non-memory measures, implying a reconfiguration that is beneficial to residual memory. There was a positive relationship between realignment to PHC and basal forebrain gray matter volume despite this region demonstrating atrophy at a group level, i.e., the cognitive realignment to left PHC was most apparent when cholinergic areas were relatively spared. Therefore, cholinergic systems appear to enable adaptation to injury even as they degenerate, which has implications for functional restoration.
Topologically Dissociable Patterns of Development of the Human Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Vandekar Simon N. , Shinohara Russell T. , Raznahan Armin , Roalf David R. , Ross Michelle , DeLeo Nicholas , Ruparel Kosha , Verma Ragini , Wolf Daniel H. , Gur Ruben C. , Gur Raquel E. , Satterthwaite Theodore D.
Published: January 2015

Over 90 years ago, anatomists noted the cortex is thinner in sulci than gyri, suggesting that development may occur on a fine scale driven by local topology. However, studies of brain development in youth have focused on describing how cortical thickness varies over large-scale functional and anatomic regions. How the relationship between thickness and local sulcal topology arises in development is still not well understood. Here, we investigated the spatial relationships between cortical thickness, folding, and underlying white matter organization to elucidate the influence of local topology on human brain development. Our approach included using both T1-weighted imaging and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in a cross-sectional sample of 932 youths ages 8–21 studied as part of the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental Cohort. Principal components analysis revealed separable development-related processes of regionally specific nonlinear cortical thickening (from ages 8–14) and widespread linear cortical thinning that have dissociable relationships with cortical topology. Whereas cortical thinning was most prominent in the depths of the sulci, early cortical thickening was present on the gyri. Furthermore, decline in mean diffusivity calculated from DTI in underlying white matter was correlated with cortical thinning, suggesting that cortical thinning is spatially associated with white matter development. Spatial permutation tests were used to assess the significance of these relationships. Together, these data demonstrate that cortical remodeling during youth occurs on a local topological scale and is associated with changes in white matter beneath the cortical surface.
Cholinergic Control of Gamma Power in the Midbrain Spatial Attention Network
Authors: Bryant Astra S. , Goddard C. Alex , Huguenard John R. , Knudsen Eric I.
Published: January 2015

The modulation of gamma power (25–90 Hz) is associated with attention and has been observed across species and brain areas. However, mechanisms that control these modulations are poorly understood. The midbrain spatial attention network in birds generates high-amplitude gamma oscillations in the local field potential that are thought to represent the highest priority location for attention. Here we explore, in midbrain slices from chickens, mechanisms that regulate the power of these oscillations, using high-resolution techniques including intracellular recordings from neurons targeted by calcium imaging. The results identify a specific subtype of neuron, expressing non-α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, that directly drives inhibition in the gamma-generating circuit and switches the network into a primed state capable of producing high-amplitude oscillations. The special properties of this mechanism enable rapid, persistent changes in gamma power. The brain may employ this mechanism wherever rapid modulations of gamma power are critical to information processing.
Accounting for the Delay in the Transition from Acute to Chronic Pain: Axonal and Nuclear Mechanisms
Authors: Ferrari Luiz F. , Bogen Oliver , Reichling David B. , Levine Jon D.
Published: January 2015

Acute insults produce hyperalgesic priming, a neuroplastic change in nociceptors that markedly prolongs inflammatory mediator-induced hyperalgesia. After an acute initiating insult, there is a 72 h delay to the onset of priming, for which the underlying mechanism is unknown. We hypothesized that the delay is due to the time required for a signal to travel from the peripheral terminal to the cell body followed by a return signal to the peripheral terminal. We report that when an inducer of hyperalgesic priming (monocyte chemotactic protein 1) is administered at the spinal cord of Sprague Dawley rats, priming is detected at the peripheral terminal with a delay significantly shorter than when applied peripherally. Spinally induced priming is detected not only when prostaglandin E2(PGE2) is presented to the peripheral nociceptor terminals, but also when it is presented intrathecally to the central terminals in the spinal cord. Furthermore, when an inducer of priming is administered in the paw, priming can be detected in spinal cord (as prolonged hyperalgesia induced by intrathecal PGE2), but only when the mechanical stimulus is presented to the paw on the side where the priming inducer was administered. Both spinally and peripherally induced priming is prevented by intrathecal oligodeoxynucleotide antisense to the nuclear transcription factor CREB mRNA. Finally, the inhibitor of protein translation reversed hyperalgesic priming only when injected at the site where PGE2was administered, suggesting that the signal transmitted from the cell body to the peripheral terminal is not a newly translated protein, but possibly a newly expressed mRNA.
Distribution extension of Dasyonchocotyle dasyatis (Yamaguti, 1968) Boeger & Kritsky, 1989 (Monogenea: Hexabothriidae) in Dasyatis longa (Garman, 1880) (Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae) from Sinaloa, México
Authors: Escorcia-Ignacio Rafaela , Pulido-Flores Griselda , Monks Scott
Published: January 2015

The collection of 13 specimens of Dasyonchocotyle dasyatis (Yamaguti, 1968) Boeger & Kritsky, 1989 on the coast of Sinaloa, México extends the geographic distribution of the species from the original locality (Hawaii, U.S.A.) eastward to at least the Pacific Coast of Mexico. The species is a parasite of Dasyatis longa (Garman, 1880), a common stingray of the tropical eastern Pacific. This species has not been reported since the original description in 1968.
Birds of the Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve, southern Brazil
Authors: Vieira Bianca Pinto , Dias Dayse , Rocha Hellen José Florez , Serafini Patricia Pereira
Published: January 2015

The Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve (RBMA) is a protected area in southern Brazil created in 1990 to safeguard the marine biodiversity of the Arvoredo Archipelago. There are only few studies about bird assemblage in most of the Brazilian coastal islands, including this protected area. Therefore, this paper presents the first complete list of birds for RBMA based on data from literature and surveys between 1986 and 2012 on islands and surrounding waters. Birds were recorded during captures using mist-nets and opportunistic observations on land in January 2012, as well as in monthly strip-transects and sectors on sea between 2010 and 2012. The present list includes 84 species (15 captured) from primary data and 22 species from other sources, totaling 106 species from 37 families. Bird assemblage in the RBMA is composed by 44 aquatic birds and 62 landbirds, whereas 13 are endemic to the Atlantic Forest and 12 are threatened. As expected due to the diversity of habitats, Arvoredo and Galé Islands supported the richest assemblages in the RBMA. The number of species in the whole RBMA is smaller than bigger islands elsewhere in the Atlantic Forest domain, but similar to same-sized and same-habitat ones. Our results highlight the importance of this reserve as a suitable and isolated habitat to forest species. Deserta Island is an important site for nesting, resting, and foraging seabirds.
Isopachys borealis Lang & Böhme, 1990 (Squamata: Scincidae): New distribution record and map
Authors: Chuaynkern Yodchaiy , Duengkae Prateep , Chuaynkern Chantip , Chitchamnong Watchara
Published: January 2015

We present a new locality for Isopachys borealis Lang & Böhme, 1990 based on a specimen collected from Salak Phra Wildlife Sanctuary, Kanchanaburi province, western Thailand. The present work represents a new provincial record for Kanchanaburi province. The geographical distribution of the species is reviewed and an updated distribution map is presented.
Level of anxiety as one of the criteria of efficiency of emotional stability in sport dancing
Authors: Ermolaeva Y.S.
Published: January 2015

Purpose: improve the efficiency of performance of competitive sports dance in pairs due to the formation and improvement of indicators of emotional stability. The objectives of the study was to examine the personality characteristics of athletes in the dance couple, affecting their emotional stability. Also determine the conditions for the formation of emotional stability dancing. Material : the study involved 32 dancers aged 12-14 years old. Spielberger questionnaire was used. Results : it was found that the level of trait anxiety was 40.2 points. Athletes also met with high and low trait anxiety. The average level of situational anxiety at rest the dancers stood at 38.8 points. Before the tournament, this index increased significantly (54.5 points). Conclusions : for dancers with a high level of anxiety should generate a sense of confidence and success in their abilities. For dancers with low levels of anxiety requires waking activity, arousal of interest, a sense of responsibility in the task of training activity.
Coping strategies and psychological readiness of students for professional work
Authors: Pichurin V.V.
Published: January 2015

Purpose: to find out the current trends regarding the use of students coping strategies. Objectives of the study were to identify the coping strategies that are used by students in the cognitive, emotional and behavioral areas, as well as the identification of adaptive, non-adaptive and adaptive choices regarding their coping behavior. Material: the study involved 600 students (300 - boys, 300 - girls). Age of study participants was 17 - 19 years. Results: the level of students using a number of cognitive, emotional and behavioral strategies has been identified according to the method of E.Heim. The tendencies for the use of students of adaptive, maladaptive and adaptive coping relatively fundamental idea lies behind. Conclusions: the most common coping strategy for students in the cognitive sphere is "self-preservation" in the emotional sphere is "optimism" in the behavioral field is "a distraction." The use of adaptive strategies of students quantify exceedes the use of maladaptive and relatively adaptive (except for behavioral adaptive strategies of boys and girls).
CHARACTERISTIC OF PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION CONTENT OF THE USA MOST COMMON MAJORS OF PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES DIVISION
Authors: Medynskyi S.V.
Published: January 2015

Purpose: The given article deals with the phenomena of relative similarity of content components of the USA physical education field academic plans. Material: Undergraduate curriculum as the learning experiences of students in pursuit of a college degree is analyzed for the Parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies division. Data of the comparative analysis of curriculum content of the general education component, division field disciplines and the disciplines of major specialization are presented. Results: It is shown that the structure of curriculum at the USA universities has common and quite unified character and consists of three key components: general education, field disciplines and major courses. It was found that for the Parks, recreation, leisure, and fitness studies division these components are quite similar and display slight divergences not as much in the content of curricula as in the titles of the disciplines studied. Conclusions : It is recommended to examine in more detail the content of syllabi of the disciplines.
Comparison of Enzyme and Growth Characteristics in ALS-Inhibitor Susceptible and Resistant Annual Bluegrass (Poa annua) Biotypes
Authors: Cross Robert B. , McCarty Lambert B. , McElroy J. Scott , Tharayil Nishanth , Bridges William C.
Published: January 2015

Acetolactate synthase–- (ALS-) inhibiting herbicides are frequently used to control annual bluegrass in managed turfgrass systems. Recently, the number of annual bluegrass populations resistant to these herbicides has increased on golf courses. Previous research involving annual bluegrass resistance to ALS inhibitors has included elucidating the mechanism of resistance and in vivo response of ALS to ALS-inhibiting herbicides. The purpose of this research was to generate baseline information on enzymatic parameters of resistant (R) and susceptible (S) annual bluegrass biotypes and further distinguish these biotypes by comparing vegetative growth and reproductive characteristics. The R biotype contained a mutation in the ALS gene resulting in a Trp574to Leu amino acid substitution. Compared to the S biotype, the R biotype exhibited a 27- and 10-fold resistance to trifloxysulfuron at the whole-plant level and under in vitro conditions, respectively. No significant differences were observed in substrate concentration at one-half maximum rate of enzyme activity (pyruvate) or extractable ALS activity between biotypes, but the maximum rate of enzyme activity was higher for the R biotype. The feedback inhibition of ALS activity by the branched-chain amino acids was higher for the R biotype than the S biotype, with leucine, valine, and isoleucine inhibiting ALS activity 20, 6, and 4% more in the R biotype, respectively. The R biotype produced more inflorescences and seeds per plant in comparison with the S biotype, but relative growth rates between biotypes were similar at all harvest intervals. Our research provides baseline information regarding ALS enzyme response, vegetative growth, and reproductive characteristics of annual bluegrass biotypes resistant and susceptible to ALS-inhibiting herbicides.
In Reply
Authors: Xu Binghe , Seidman Andrew , Chan Stephen
Published: January 2015

Many factors contribute to patient survival in metastatic breast cancer and other late-stage cancers. It is doubtful that adjuvant therapy causes a worse survival outcome. This being said, should resistance develop following adjuvant therapy, the patient needs to be offered a first-line solution that is free of cross-resistance.
Rethinking failure: time for closer engineer–scientist collaborations on design
Authors: Tye Mari R. , Holland Greg J. , Done James M.
Published: January 2015

Catastrophic failures in the built and natural environment resulting from climate extremes such as flooding have become all too familiar. Limit state design under changing climate conditions may no longer be appropriate and may lead to more frequent and unplanned failures. Developing optimal design responses by rethinking the target ‘failure rate’ to reduce our increasing vulnerability to extremes is essential. Addressing this requires strong communication links between the civil engineering community and climate scientists. These communication links, however, have often lacked the essential component of an ongoing two-way interaction promoting clear communication of the core issues. This paper discusses the need for improved dialogue to understand where the built and natural environment is most vulnerable to today's climate extremes and how this vulnerability may develop in the future, and gives examples of successful communication strategies and collaborations between scientists and engineers.
Hydrate Formation in Systems Containing Methane, Hydrogen Sulphide and Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Robinson D.B. , Hutton J.B.
Published: January 2015

Experimental data have been obtained on the initial hydrate-forming conditions in systems containing, nominally, 72 per cent and 82 per cent methane, with the balance consisting of various mixtures of hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide. The study covered a range in pressure from about 100 psia to 2,200 psia and a range in temperature from about 32°F to 76°F. These data, together with previously published data on systems containing methane and carbon dioxide and methane and hydrogen sulphide, were used to prepare working charts to predict initial hydrate-forming conditions in systems containing about 65 per cent or more methane, with the balance consisting of variable amounts of hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide. A comparison was made with results calculated using the concept of solid-vapour equilibrium ratios. The calculated pressures at any given temperature were always higher than the experimental pressures at the same temperature. The average error was about 42 per cent for the 72-per-cent methane mixtures and 52 per cent for the 82-per-cent methane mixtures.
Gravity Drainage in Thermally Stimulated Wells
Authors: Towson D.E. , Boberg T.C.
Published: January 2015

Continued interest in steam stimulation has led to the publication of a number of predictive techniques for this type of oil production. Most of these involve radial flow through a heated zone around the wellbore. Another possible producing mechanism is gravity drainage. This paper presents a method for calculating gravity drainage production rates as a function of time following steam injection.

The heat transfer model accounts for cooling of the oil sand by both vertical and radial conduction. Heat losses for any number of productive sands separated by unproductive rock are calculated for the injection, shut-in and production phases. The oil flow rate from the heated region is calculated by the gravity drainage equations. Excellent agreement is shown between calculated and field results. In addition, the results of a number of process and reservoir variable studies are included.
“8 Plate”: An Alternative Device to Fix Highly Recurrent Traumatic Anterior Gleno-Humeral Instability in Patients with Severe Impairment of the Anterior Capsule
Authors: Tudisco C. , Bisicchia S. , Savarese E. , Ippolito E.
Published: January 2015

Background:

There is still debate about the best treatment option for highly recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation in patients with severe impairment of the anterior capsule and/or recurrence after either arthroscopic or open capsulorrhaphy. Materials and

Methods:

The clinical and radiological findings of 7 patients treated with an open capsulorrhaphy stabilized with an “8 plate” for a highly recurrent traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation with severe impairment of the anterior capsule and a large Bankart lesion were retrospectively reviewed. Follow-up evaluation included VAS for pain, Constant-Murley, Simple Shoulder Test, ASES, UCLA, Quick DASH, Rowe, Walsch-Duplay scores, as well as X-rays of the operated shoulder.

Results:

At follow-up none of the patients reported subsequent dislocations. Range of motion of the shoulder was complete in all cases, but one. Results of the functional scoring systems were satisfactory. X-rays showed no osteolysis and good position of the plate.

Conclusion:

To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature about an open capsular tensioning and Bankart lesion repair performed with an “8 plate”. We believe that this is a reliable and effective procedure to address traumatic anterior re-dislocation of the gleno-humeral joint when the capsule is extensively torn and frayed or in revision cases. Moreover the “8 plate” is ideal to be applied in such a narrow space on the slant surface of the scapular neck close to the glenoid rim.
Concomitant Septic Arthritis and Tophaceous Gout of the Knee Managed with Intermittent Closed Joint Irrigation Combined with Negative Pressure Therapy: A Case Study and Literature Review
Authors: Panicker V.N. , Turner J.K. , Chehade M.J.
Published: January 2015

Tophaceous gout complicated by septic arthritis presents a management dilemma which can often require multiple surgical debridements. There is little published in the literature regarding treatment of these concomitant conditions. We postulate that biofilm may play a role increasing the difficulty of sterilising a tophaceous joint. The use of topical negative pressure therapy that targets biofilm has been well established for a range of wounds. A new device that incorporates both intermittent negative pressure therapy and wound irrigation was introduced in 2012. This case report describes the use of this topical negative device with the instillation option in the management of severe septic arthritis with concomitant gout and suggests directions for further research.
Copper minerals and archaeometallurgical materials from the Vinca culture sites of Belovode and Plocnik: Overview of the evidence and new data
Authors: Radivojevic Miljana , Kuzmanovic-Cvetkovic Julka
Published: January 2015

The Vinca culture sites of Belovode and Plocnik have been attracting
scholarly attention for decades now, due to numerous discoveries indicative
of copper mineral and metal use in these settlements, which are confirmed as,
currently, the earliest worldwide and very likely developed independently in
Eurasia.1 The authors attempt to give an overview of already published data
along with new results stemming from the recently completed doctoral research
of the primary author.2 All materials related to copper mineral use and
pyrometallurgical activities are presented through the concept of
metallurgical cha?ne op?ratoire, following the established sequence of
operations,3 which is adjusted for this specific case study and divided into
three categories: copper mineral processing, (s)melting debris, and the
making and working of finished metal objects. The qualitative overview of
available data is therefore focused mainly around the material side of the
studied samples and provides an insight into the technological choices for
making copper mineral ornaments and copper metal artefacts in the sites of
Belovode and Plocnik. Accordingly, it provides a model for the understanding
of similar material assemblages that occur in other Vinca culture sites, or
beyond.
New discoveries of marble sculptures in the Sirmium imperial palace
Authors: Popovic Ivana
Published: January 2015

In the course of archaeological excavations carried out in 2012 and 2013, in
the northwestern section of the palatial complex in Sirmium (locality 85),
many fragments of porphyry and marble sculptures were discovered. Worth
mentioning among the marble sculptures is a female head with a lunular diadem
that had, most probably, been made during the Antonine period. The head was
used as spolia incorporated in the medieval wall. It was a fragment of a
statue of some goddess, possibly Juno, Minerva or the deified empress
Faustina the Younger, and erected in the area of the palatial complex during
the Late Antique period.
Early Byzantine steelyard from Belgrade
Authors: Vujovic Miroslav
Published: January 2015

The initial aim of this paper was to present scholarly circles with a
detailed report about the insufficiently known Early Byzantine steelyard beam
(Figs. 2-5; Pl. I/1) treasured in Belgrade City Museum (further in the text
BCM) together with a small counterweight (Fig. 6; Pl. I/2) which, judging by
its dimensions and weight, does not belong to it. However, after inspecting
the documentation of BCM and the National Museum in Belgrade (further in the
text NMB), the supposition that the steelyard beam from BCM represents a part
of the same hoard with the well known counterweight (Fig. 7) in the form of a
bust of a Byzantine empress, and the unpublished chain system with hooks for
hanging loads (Fig. 8; Pl. IV), which are kept in NMB, was confirmed. The
detailed examination of the museum inventory records shed light on the set of
circumstances which led to the separation of the parts of the Belgrade
steelyard.