bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dimensionless Optimization of Thermoelectric Cooler Performance When Integrated Within a Thermal Resistance Network
Authors: Pearson Matthew R. , Lents Charles E.
Published: April 2016

Thermoelectric coolers (TECs) are solid-state cooling devices which can be used in certain applications to reduce the operating temperature of electronics or increase their heat dissipation. However, the performance of the cooler is strongly influenced by the thermal system into which it is placed, and the cooler design should be optimized for a given system. In this work, the possible benefits of a TEC implemented within a realistic thermal system are quantified. Finite thermal conductances between the cooled device and the TEC and between the TEC and the heat sink are considered. The entire problem is treated using dimensionless parameters, which reduces the number of independent parameters and enables generalized performance maps which clearly show the maximum benefit (in terms of a reduced device temperature or increased device heat dissipation) that a prescribed TEC can deliver to a particular application. The use of these dimensionless parameters also allows for optimization of TEC parameters without considering the cooler detailed design geometry.
Cognitive Function as a Mediator in the Relationship Between Physical Activity and Depression Status in Older Adults
Authors: Birch Kelly , ten Hope Merritt , Malek-Ahmadi Michael , O’Connor Kathy , Schofield Sharon , Coon David , Nieri Walter
Published: April 2016

Previous research has found that increased physical activity may provide a protective effect on depression status; however, these studies do not account for cognitive function. This study’s aim was to determine whether cognitive function mediates the association between physical activity depression status in older adults. Data from 501 older adults were used for this analysis. Physical activity had a significant protective effect on depression (OR = 0.761, 95% CI [0.65, 0.89], p = .001). Adjusted analysis yielded an attenuated association (OR = 0.81, 95% CI [0.69, 0.95], p = .01) with a significant interaction for physical activity and cognitive function (OR = 0.991, 95% CI [0.985, 0.997], p = .005). MoCA performance also had a significant mediating effect on the relationship between physical activity and depression status (p = .04). These findings suggest that cognitive function is associated with, and does mediate, the relationship between physical activity and depression status.
Nordic Walking Improves Postural Alignment and Leads to a More Normal Gait Pattern Following Weeks of Training: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dalton Christopher , Nantel Julie
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of an 8-week Nordic walking (NW) intervention on older adult gait patterns and postural alignment. Twelve healthy older adults aged 60–80 years (8 female, 4 male) participated, all performing two 6-min walk tests (one with poles [WP], one without poles [NP]) and six 5-m walk trials (3 WP, 3 NP) at pre- and posttesting. Gait and postural variables were compared between poling conditions (i.e., WP to NP) as well as before and following the intervention. Following training, pole use resulted in various gait changes including: longer stride, faster gait, and increased power generation at the hip (H3) and power absorption at the knee (K1 and K4). We conclude that an initial 8-week training period is necessary for novice NW to perfect technique and to restore gait to a more natural, normal pattern following training.
Fundamental Movement Skills: An Important Focus
Authors: Barnett Lisa M. , Stodden David , Cohen Kristen E. , Smith Jordan J. , Lubans David Revalds , Lenoir Matthieu , Iivonen Susanna , Miller Andrew D. , Laukkanen Arto , Dudley Dean , Lander Natalie J. , Brown Helen , Morgan Philip J.
Published: April 2016

Purpose:

Recent international conference presentations have critiqued the promotion of fundamental movement skills (FMS) as a primary pedagogical focus. Presenters have called for a debate about the importance of, and rationale for teaching FMS, and this letter is a response to that call. The authors of this letter are academics who actively engage in FMS research.

Method:

We have answered a series of contentions about the promotion of FMS using the peer reviewed literature to support our perspective.

Results:

We define what we mean by FMS, discuss the context of what skills can be considered fundamental, discuss how the development of these skills is related to broader developmental health contexts, and recommend the use of different pedagogical approaches when teaching FMS.

Conclusions:

We conclude the promotion of FMS is an important focus in Physical Education (PE) and sport and provide future research questions for investigation.
Exploring the Job Satisfaction of Late Career Secondary Physical Education Teachers
Authors: Carson Russell L. , Hemphill Michael A. , Richards K. Andrew R. , Templin Tom
Published: April 2016

As teachers move toward the end of their careers, understanding the experiences that help them derive satisfaction from their work has implications for helping them stay engaged in teaching. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine the job satisfaction of late career physical education teachers. Jessica, Sandy, and Bill were later career physical education teachers (17–28 years of experience) who served as participants. All three had been colleagues at Harrisburg Middle School for 13 years. Data were collected using a job satisfaction graphing technique and qualitative interviews, and were analyzed using inductive analysis and constant comparison. Data analysis resulted in three themes related to the interactions teachers experienced with people in the school: ‘the kids and control,’ ‘our administration and marginalization,’ and ‘my fellow coworkers.’ Each theme related to both positive and negative appraisals of the teachers’ work. Implications for practice and future research are noted.
Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Infections in Children
Authors: Doern Christopher D. , Richardson Susan E.
Published: April 2016

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common occurrence in children. The management and laboratory diagnosis of these infections pose unique challenges that are not encountered in adults. Important factors, such as specimen collection, urinalysis interpretation, culture thresholds, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, require special consideration in children and will be discussed in detail in the following review.
Important issues in the justification of a control treatment in paediatric drug trials
Authors: Kelly Lauren E , Davies Elin Haf , Saint-Raymond Agnes , Tomasi Paolo , Offringa Martin
Published: April 2016

Objective

The value of comparative effectiveness trials in informing clinical and policy decisions depends heavily on the choice of control arm (comparator). Our objective is to identify challenges in comparator reasoning and to determine justification criteria for selecting a control arm in paediatric clinical trials.

Design

A literature search was completed to identify existing sources of guidance on comparator selection. Subsequently, we reviewed a randomly selected sample of comparators selected for paediatric investigation plans (PIPs) adopted by the Paediatric Committee of the European Medicines Agency in 2013. We gathered descriptive information and evaluated their review process to identify challenges and compromises between regulators and sponsors with regard to the selection of the comparator. A tool to help investigators justify the selection of active controls and placebo arms was developed using the existing literature and empirical data.

Results

Justifying comparator selection was a challenge in 28% of PIPs. The following challenging paediatric issues in the decision-making process were identified: use of off-label medications as comparators, ethical and safe use of placebo, duration of placebo use, an undefined optimal dosing strategy, lack of age-appropriate safety and efficacy data, and drug dosing not supported by extrapolation of safety/efficacy evidence from other populations.

Conclusions

In order to generate trials that will inform clinical decision-making and support marketing authorisations, researchers must systemically and transparently justify their selection of the comparator arm for their study. This report highlights key areas for justification in the choice of comparator in paediatric clinical trials.
Spontaneous coronary artery rupture without a pericardial effusion: a diagnostic challenge
Authors: Sevuk Utkan , Ozyalcin Sertan , Ayaz Firat , Kose Kaan
Published: April 2016

Spontaneous coronary artery rupture (CAR) is an extremely rare, life-threatening entity. It is a challenge to make a diagnosis of CAR in the absence of pericardial effusion. We describe a case of a spontaneous rupture of the right coronary artery (RCA) without pericardial effusion that emphasises the benefit of high clinical suspicion and early diagnosis. A 60-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department, with inferior myocardial infarction. Echocardiogram was negative for a pericardial effusion. Coronary angiography revealed complete occlusion of the RCA with intraluminal dissection and extravasation of contrast into the epicardium at the mid-portion of the RCA, which suggested rupture of the RCA. The patient underwent uneventful emergency coronary artery bypass grafting. CAR should be considered as a differential diagnosis in patients with acute chest pain, even in the absence of pericardial effusion, particularly in case of inferior wall involvement.
Impact of a Dutch urban regeneration programme on mental health trends: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Jongeneel-Grimen Birthe , Droomers Mariël , Kramer Daniëlle , Bruggink Jan-Willem , van Oers Hans , Kunst Anton E , Stronks Karien
Published: April 2016

Background

This paper aims to assess the mental health impact of an urban regeneration programme implemented from 2008 onwards in the 40 most deprived districts in the Netherlands. Interventions varied from improvements in the built environment to activities promoting social cohesion.

Methods

We accessed repeated cross-sectional data from the annual Health Interview Survey, for the period 2004–2011 among adults (n target districts=1445, n rest of the Netherlands=44 795). We used multilevel logistic regression models to compare the development of mental health in the target districts with the rest of the Netherlands and with comparably deprived districts. Results were presented as ‘slope estimates’ with corresponding 95% CIs. Finally, we analysed the trends by gender and by the intensity of the programme.

Results

The trend change in mental health between the intervention and preintervention period was approximately the same in the target districts as in broadly comparably deprived control districts (Δ slope 0.06 (−0.08 to 0.20)). However, among women, a tendency was found towards more positive trend changes in the target districts compared with control districts (Δ slope 0.17 (−0.01 to 0.34)). Those districts that implemented an intensive programme experienced an improvement in mental health, while residents of the comparably deprived control districts experienced a deterioration, resulting in a statistically significantly more positive trend change between the preintervention and intervention period in those target districts (Δ slope 0.19 (0.01 to 0.38)).

Conclusions

Implementing an urban regeneration programme with a wide range of intensive interventions may be effective in promoting good mental health. Further research is required to examine which mix of interventions is needed for the programme to be effective.
Subjective and objective evaluation of image quality in biplane cerebral digital subtraction angiography following significant acquisition dose reduction in a clinical setting
Authors: Honarmand Amir R , Shaibani Ali , Pashaee Tamila , Syed Furqan H , Hurley Michael C , Sammet Christina L , Potts Matthew B , Jahromi Babak S , Ansari Sameer A
Published: April 2016

Objective

Different technical and procedural methods have been introduced to develop low radiation dose protocols in neurointerventional examinations. We investigated the feasibility of minimizing radiation exposure dose by simply decreasing the detector dose during cerebral DSA and evaluated the comparative level of image quality using both subjective and objective methods.

Methods

In a prospective study of patients undergoing diagnostic cerebral DSA, randomly selected vertebral arteries (VA) and/or internal carotid arteries and their contralateral equivalent arteries were injected. Detector dose of 3.6 and 1.2 μGy/frame were selected to acquire standard dose (SD) and low dose (LD) images, respectively. Subjective image quality assessment was performed by two neurointerventionalists using a 5 point scale. For objective image quality evaluation, circle of Willis vessels were categorized into conducting, primary, secondary, and side branch vessels. Two blinded observers performed arterial diameter measurements in each category. Only image series obtained from VA injections opacifying the identical posterior intracranial circulation were utilized for objective assessment.

Results

No significant difference between SD and LD images was observed in subjective and objective image quality assessment in 22 image series obtained from 10 patients. Mean reference air kerma and kerma area product were significantly reduced by 61.28% and 61.24% in the LD protocol, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the necessity for reconsidering radiation dose protocols in neurointerventional procedures, especially at the level of baseline factory settings.
Metabolic consequences of β-alanine supplementation during exhaustive supramaximal cycling and 4000-m time-trial performance
Authors: Bellinger Phillip M. , Minahan Clare L.
Published: April 2016

The present study investigated the effects of β-alanine supplementation on the resultant blood acidosis, lactate accumulation, and energy provision during supramaximal-intensity cycling, as well as the aerobic and anaerobic contribution to power output during a 4000-m cycling time trial (TT). Seventeen trained cyclists (maximal oxygen uptake = 4.47 ± 0.55 L·min−1) were administered 6.4 g of β-alanine (n = 9) or placebo (n = 8) daily for 4 weeks. Participants performed a supramaximal cycling test to exhaustion (equivalent to 120% maximal oxygen uptake) before (PreExh) and after (PostExh) the 4-week supplementation period, as well as an additional postsupplementation supramaximal cycling test identical in duration and power output to PreExh (PostMatch). Anaerobic capacity was quantified and blood pH, lactate, and bicarbonate concentrations were measured pre-, immediately post-, and 5 min postexercise. Subjects also performed a 4000-m cycling TT before and after supplementation while the aerobic and anaerobic contributions to power output were quantified. β-Alanine supplementation increased time to exhaustion (+12.8 ± 8.2 s; P = 0.041) and anaerobic capacity (+1.1 ± 0.7 kJ; P = 0.048) in PostExh compared with PreExh. Performance time in the 4000-m TT was reduced following β-alanine supplementation (−6.3 ± 4.6 s; P = 0.034) and the mean anaerobic power output was likely to be greater (+6.2 ± 4.5 W; P = 0.035). β-Alanine supplementation increased time to exhaustion concomitant with an augmented anaerobic capacity during supramaximal intensity cycling, which was also mirrored by a meaningful increase in the anaerobic contribution to power output during a 4000-m cycling TT, resulting in an enhanced overall performance.
On molecular topological properties of benzenoid structures
Authors: Akhter Shehnaz , Imran Muhammad
Published: April 2016

The degree-based topological indices correlate certain physicochemical properties such as boiling point, strain energy, and stability, etc., of certain chemical compounds. Among the major classes of topological indices are the distance-based topological indices, degree-based topological indices, and counting-related polynomials and corresponding indices of graphs. Among all of the degree-based indices, namely the first general Zagreb index, general Rndić connectivity index, general sum-connectivity index, atom–bond connectivity index (ABC), and geometric–arithmetic index (GA), are most important due to their chemical significance. In this paper, we compute the first general Zagreb index, general Randić connectivity index, general sum-connectivity index, ABC, GA, ABC4, and GA5 indices of hexagonal parallelogram P(m,n) nanotubes, triangular benzenoid Gn, and zigzag-edge coronoid fused with starphene ZCS(k,l,m) nanotubes by using the line graphs of the subdivision of these chemical graphs.
Physiological basis of metabolic trade-offs between growth and performance among different strains of rainbow trout
Authors: Allen David , Rosenfeld Jordan , Richards Jeffrey
Published: April 2016

Adaptive trade-offs define the trait combinations that differentiate taxa and allow coexistence along environmental gradients. To understand the physiological trade-offs associated with growth, we examined relationships among metabolic rate, digestive capacity, tissue energy content, and growth in juveniles of three strains of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) that differ in growth. Fish were reared under satiation, 1% of body mass per day, and complete food deprivation treatments to assess differences in performance and adaptive trade-offs along a gradient of resource availability. The fast-growing hatchery strain had higher standard metabolic rate (SMR), lower aerobic scope, and potentially lower maximum metabolic rates, suggesting that high growth trades off against a reduced capacity to do metabolic work. Trout with high growth rates also generally had larger gastrointestinal tracts, maximum food consumption, and growth efficiency. Results demonstrate (i) higher SMR of fast growers appears to be related to a greater investment in high-maintenance digestive tissue that supports rapid growth; (ii) growth appears to trade off against active metabolism; and (iii) selection on growth involves a suite of integrated physiological and anatomical traits that are affected by both genotype and environment (ration).
Asymptotic regimes for hadron diffractive scatterings and Coulomb interaction: Arguments for the black disk mode
Authors: Anisovich V. V. , Nikonov V. A. , Nyiri J.
Published: April 2016

Comparative analysis of the interplay of hadron and Coulomb interactions in [Formula: see text] scattering amplitudes is performed in a broad energy interval, [Formula: see text], for two extreme cases: for the asymptotic interactions of hadrons in black disk and resonant disk modes. The interactions are discussed in terms of the [Formula: see text]-matrix function technique. In the asymptotic regime, the real part of the hadronic amplitude is concentrated in both cases on the boundary of the disks in the impact parameter space but the LHC energy region is not asymptotic for the resonant disk mode that lead to a specific interplay of hadronic and Coulombic amplitudes. For the [Formula: see text] scattering at [Formula: see text] an interplay of the hadron and Coulomb interactions in the resonant disk modes is realized in a shoulder in [Formula: see text] at [Formula: see text]. The absence of such a shoulder in the data at 8 TeV can be considered as an argument against the resonant disk mode.
Modeling and predicting the tensile strength of poly (lactic acid)/graphene nanocomposites by using support vector regression
Authors: Cheng W. D. , Cai C. Z. , Luo Y. , Li Y. H. , Zhao C. J.
Published: April 2016

According to an experimental dataset under different process parameters, support vector regression (SVR) combined with particle swarm optimization (PSO) for its parameter optimization was employed to establish a mathematical model for prediction of the tensile strength of poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/graphene nanocomposites. Four variables, while graphene loading, temperature, time and speed, were employed as input variables, while tensile strength acted as output variable. Using leave-one-out cross validation test of 30 samples, the maximum absolute percentage error does not exceed 1.5%, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) is only 0.295% and the correlation coefficient [Formula: see text] is as high as 0.99. Compared with the results of response surface methodology (RSM) model, it is shown that the estimated errors by SVR are smaller than those achieved by RSM. It revealed that the generalization ability of SVR is superior to that of RSM model. Meanwhile, multifactor analysis is adopted for investigation on significances of each experimental factor and their influences on the tensile strength of PLA/graphene nanocomposites. This study suggests that the SVR model can provide important theoretical and practical guide to design the experiment, and control the intensity of the tensile strength of PLA/graphene nanocomposites via rational process parameters.
An Edge Detection Method Based on Adjacent Dispersion
Authors: Sun Qindong , Qiao Yimin , Wu Hua , Wang Jiamin
Published: April 2016

Edge detection is a vital part in image segmentation. In this paper, a novel method based on adjacent dispersion for edge detection is proposed. This method utilizes adjacent dispersion to detect edges, avoiding thresholds selection, anisotropy in convolution computation and discontinuity in edges, and it is composed of two modules, namely the dispersion operator and the refinement. The dispersion is to obtain a matrix of discrete coefficient of a gray level image and the refinement is to thin edges to one-pixel-point and ensure it logically continuous. The performance of the proposed edge detector is evaluated on different test images and compared with popular edge detectors, Canny and Sobel. Experiment results indicate that the proposed method performs well without thresholds and offers superior performance in continuity in edge detection in digital images.
Fast and Parallel Summed Area Table for Fabric Defect Detection
Authors: Ragab Khaled
Published: April 2016

Automating fabric defect detection has a significant role in fabric industries. However, the existing fabric defect detection algorithms lack the real-time performance that is required in real applications due to their high demanding computation. To ensure real time, high accuracy and reliable fabric defect detection this paper developed a fast and parallel normalized cross-correlation algorithm based on summed-area table technique called PFDD-SAT. To meet real-time requirements, extensive use of the NVIDIA CUDA framework for Graphical Processing Unit (GPU) computing is made. The detailed implementation steps of the PFDD-SAT are illustrated in this paper. Several experiments have been carried out to evaluate the detection time and accuracy and then the robustness to illumination and Gaussian noises. The results show that the PFDD-SAT has robustness to noise and speeds the defect detection process more than 200 times than normal required time and that greatly met the needs for real-time automatic fabric defect detection.
Spinning bodies in general relativity
Authors: van Holten J. W.
Published: April 2016

A covariant Hamiltonian formalism for the dynamics of compact spinning bodies in curved space-time in the test-particle limit is described. The construction allows a large class of Hamiltonians accounting for specific properties and interactions of spinning bodies. The dynamics for a minimal and a specific non-minimal Hamiltonian is discussed. An independent derivation of the equations of motion from an appropriate energy–momentum tensor is provided. It is shown how to derive constants of motion, both background-independent and background-dependent ones.
Gauge gravitation theory: Gravity as a Higgs field
Authors: Sardanashvily Gennadi
Published: April 2016

Gravitation theory is formulated as gauge theory on natural bundles with spontaneous symmetry breaking, where gauge symmetries are general covariant transformations, gauge fields are general linear connections, and Higgs fields are pseudo-Riemannian metrics.
Central limit theorem for Artin L-functions
Authors: Cho Peter J. , Kim Henry H.
Published: April 2016

We show that the sum of the traces of Frobenius elements of Artin [Formula: see text]-functions in a family of [Formula: see text]-fields satisfies the Gaussian distribution under certain counting conjectures. We prove the counting conjectures for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]-fields. We also prove a central limit theorem for the [Formula: see text]-functions of modular forms on congruence subgroups [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text].
Fundamental units and consecutive squarefull numbers
Authors: Aktaş Kevser , Ram Murty M.
Published: April 2016

We connect several seemingly unrelated conjectures of Ankeny, Artin, Chowla and Mordell to a conjecture of Erdös on consecutive squarefull numbers. We then study the Erdös conjecture and relate it to the abc conjecture. We also derive by elementary methods several unconditional results pertaining to the Erdös conjecture.
On Sea Level Variability and Trends in United States Coastal Waters and Relationships with Climate Factors
Authors: Pietrafesa Leonard J. , Bao Shaowu , Yan Tingzhuang , Slattery Michael , Gayes Paul T.
Published: April 2016

Significant portions of the United States (U.S.) property, commerce and ecosystem assets are located at or near the coast, making them vulnerable to sea level variability and change, especially relative rises. Although global mean sea level (MSL) and sea level rise (SLR) are fundamental considerations, regional mean sea level (RSL) variability along the boundaries of U.S. along the two ocean basins are critical, particularly if the amplitudes of seasonal to annual to inter-annual variability is high. Of interest is that the conventional wisdom of the U.S. agencies, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) which both contend that the sources of sea level rise are related principally to heat absorption and release by the ocean(s) to the atmosphere and vice versa, and by Polar glacier melting and freshwater input into the ocean(s). While these phenomena are of great importance to SLR and sea level variability (SLV), we assess a suite of climate factors and the Gulf Stream, for evidence of correlations and thus possible influences; though causality is beyond the scope of this study. In this study, climate factors related to oceanic and atmospheric heat purveyors and reservoirs are analyzed and assessed for possible correlations with sea level variability and overall trends on actionable scales (localized as opposed to global scale). The results confirm that oceanic and atmospheric temperature variability and the disposition of heat accumulation or the lack thereof, are important players in sea level variability and rise, but also that the Atlantic Multi-Decadal Oscillation, the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, the Arctic Oscillation, the Quasi-Biennial Oscillation, the North Atlantic Oscillation, Solar Irradiance, the Western Boundary Current-Gulf Stream, and other climate factors, can have strong correlative and perhaps even causal, modulating effects on the monthly to seasonal to annual to inter-annual to decadal to multi-decadal sea level variability at the community level.
Statistical analysis of ocular monochromatic aberrations in Chinese population for adaptive optics ophthalmoscope design
Authors: Zhao Junlei , Xiao Fei , Kang Jian , Zhao Haoxin , Dai Yun , Zhang Yudong
Published: April 2016

It is necessary to know the distribution of the Chinese eye’s aberrations in clinical environment to guide high-resolution retinal imaging system design for large Chinese population application. We collected the monochromatic wave aberration of 332 healthy eyes and 344 diseased eyes in Chinese population across a 6.0-mm pupil. The aberration statistics of Chinese eyes including healthy eyes and diseased eyes were analyzed, and some differences of aberrations between the Chinese and European race were concluded. On this basis, the requirement for adaptive optics (AO) correction of the Chinese eye’s monochromatic aberrations was analyzed. The result showed that a stroke of 20[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m and ability to correct aberrations up to the 8th Zernike order were needed for reflective wavefront correctors to achieve near diffraction-limited imaging in both groups for a reference wavelength of 550[Formula: see text]nm and a pupil diameter of 6.0[Formula: see text]mm. To verify the analysis mentioned above, an AO flood-illumination system was established, and high-resolution retinal imaging in vivo was achieved for Chinese eye including both healthy and diseased eyes.
The effect of laser acupuncture on hypoxia tolerance and inflammation reaction in mice with optical fiber acupuncture needle intra body
Authors: Liu Shupeng , Xu Minmin , Cao Xiumei , Hou Junyi , Chen Na , Pang Fufei , Chen Zhenyi , Yang Xiangfei , Wang Tingyun , Yan Jianshe
Published: April 2016

Hypoxia is a disorder in which the tissues are not oxygenated adequately. The lack of oxygen may cause irreversible damage to the major organs such as the brain, heart and lungs. In severe cases, coma, seizures, and death may happen. In addition to the routine medication, acupuncture treatment has been applied as a complementary treatment to counter hypoxia. In this paper, the optical fiber acupuncture needle was fabricated using the optical fiber imbedding into the metal capillary tube with needle tip, therefore made it easy to insert into the body for the laser treatment. The laser optical fiber needle treatment to the ST36 acupoint conducted with the laser irradiation intra body. The normobaric hypoxia tolerance test results in mice show that the optical fiber needle treatment to the ST36 acupoint with laser acupuncture appears to improve the tolerance to hypoxia. The mice treated with laser acupuncture expressed high level of IL-1[Formula: see text] in serum. Our results suggest that laser optical fiber needle acupuncture may serve as a potential treatment for hypoxia.
The Relation Between Finiteness and Unitarity in Superstring Theory — Froissart–Gribov Bounds and Spin
Authors: Davis Simon
Published: April 2016

The finiteness of the eikonal approximation to the superstring amplitude is related to unitarity bounds. The Froissart–Gribov bound is used to establish that only the soft pomeron can contribute at lower energies to the parton distribution. A model of the strongly coupled pomeron, consistent with the intercept of the Regge trajectory, is described.
Valuing Coastal Natural Capital in a Bioeconomic Framework
Authors: Bond Craig A.
Published: April 2016

The wetlands of the Gulf Coast region of the United States are under pressure from relative sea level rise and subsidence pressures that threaten to alter fishery breeding grounds and increase expected damage from stochastic storm events, among other issues. Barrier islands, marshes, and swamps are thus forms of natural capital that serve an intermediate role in supporting fishery stocks, as well as a final demand role in providing direct protection to infrastructure. In order to make good policy choices related to land loss, the values associated with these interacting stocks must be estimated. In this paper, the numerical approach of Fenichel and Abbott (2014) is extended as a proof of concept in order to illustrate the valuation of fish and wetlands stocks, allowing for the recovery of final demand and intermediate service values, and taking into account the scarcity value of each resource. Examples of policies which, when implemented, will change the subsequent valuation of each resource are also presented.
Color Picking
Authors: Koenderink Jan , Doorn Andrea Van , Ekroll Vebjørn
Published: April 2016

Color pickers are widely used in all kinds of display applications. They vary greatly in their utility, depending on user expertise. We focus on nonprofessional, occasional users. Such users may spend from a few seconds up to a few minutes to select a color. Yet, typically they reach final accuracy within the initial 20s. Additional effort leads to random walks in the neighborhood of the target. We explore the efficaciousness of five generic color pickers, analyzing the results in terms of generic user interface properties. There is a major dichotomy between three-slider interfaces, and those that offer some form of 2D selectivity. The accuracy in
rgb
coordinates is about one-tenth to one-twentieth of the full scale (often 0--255 in
r
,
g
, and
b
), whereas a little over 100 hues are resolved. The most efficient color picker, which is presently rarely used in popular applications, is much more efficient than the worst one. We speculate that this derives from a closer match to the user’s internal representation of color space. The study results in explicit recommendations for the implementation of user-friendly and efficient color tools.
A manifest for digital imperfection
Authors: Zoran Amit
Published: April 2016

Artistic style is an important aspect for creative practice. However giving away some computational control over digital design and fabrication is necessary in order to engage designers in a higher-risk practice that enhances attention, creative decision making, and product ownership.
Lots of parts, lots of formats, lots of headache
Authors: Coleman James , Long Craig , Manto Andrew , Wastvedt Trygve
Published: April 2016

After three decades of digitally fabricating the world's wildest architecture, Zahner's R&D team discuss trials, tribulations, and a path to personalized production.
Clarifying Human White Matter
Authors: Wandell Brian A.
Published: April 2016

Progress in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) now makes it possible to identify the major white matter tracts in the living human brain. These tracts are important because they carry many of the signals communicated between different brain regions. MRI methods coupled with biophysical modeling can measure the tissue properties and structural features of the tracts that impact our ability to think, feel, and perceive. This review describes the fundamental ideas of the MRI methods used to identify the major white matter tracts in the living human brain.
Alzheimer's Disease Mechanisms and Emerging Roads to Novel Therapeutics
Authors: Sala Frigerio Carlo , De Strooper Bart
Published: April 2016

Ten years of remarkable progress in understanding the fundamental biochemistry of Alzheimer's disease have been followed by ten years of remarkable and increasing clinical insight into the natural progression of the disorder. The concept of a long, intermediary, prodromal phase between the first appearance of amyloid plaques and tangles and the manifestation of dementia is now well established. The major challenge for the next decade is to chart the many cellular processes that underlie this phase and link the biochemical alterations to the clinical manifestation of Alzheimer's disease. We discuss here how genetics, new cell culture systems, and improved animal models will fuel this work. We anticipate that the resulting novel insights will provide a basis for further drug development for this terrible disease.
The complement receptor C5aR1 contributes to renal damage but protects the heart in angiotensin II-induced hypertension
Authors: Weiss Sebastian , Rosendahl Alva , Czesla Daniel , Meyer-Schwesinger Catherine , Stahl Rolf A. K. , Ehmke Heimo , Kurts Christian , Zipfel Peter F. , Köhl Jörg , Wenzel Ulrich O.
Published: April 2016

Adaptive and innate immune responses contribute to hypertension and hypertensive end-organ damage. Here, we determined the role of anaphylatoxin C5a, a major inflammatory effector of the innate immune system that is generated in response to complement activation, in hypertensive end-organ damage. For this purpose, we assessed the phenotype of C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1)-deficient mice in ANG II-induced renal and cardiac injury. Expression of C5aR1 on infiltrating and resident renal as well as cardiac cells was determined using a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-C5aR1 reporter knockin mouse. Flow cytometric analysis of leukocytes isolated from the kidney of GFP-C5aR1 reporter mice showed that 28% of CD45-positive cells expressed C5aR1. Dendritic cells were identified as the major C5aR1-expressing population (88.5%) followed by macrophages and neutrophils. Using confocal microscopy, we detected C5aR1 in the kidney mainly on infiltrating cells. In the heart, only infiltrating cells stained C5aR1 positive. To evaluate the role of C5aR1 deficiency in hypertensive injury, an aggravated model of hypertension was used. Unilateral nephrectomy was performed followed by infusion of ANG II (1.5 ng·g−1·min−1) and salt in wild-type ( n = 34) and C5aR1-deficient mice ( n = 32). C5aR1-deficient mice exhibited less renal injury, as evidenced by significantly reduced albuminuria. In contrast, cardiac injury was accelerated with significantly increased cardiac fibrosis and heart weight in C5aR1-deficient mice after ANG II infusion. No effect was found on blood pressure. In summary, the C5a:C5aR1 axis drives end-organ damage in the kidney but protects from the development of cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy in experimental ANG II-induced hypertension.
C-reactive protein exacerbates renal ischemia-reperfusion injury: are myeloid-derived suppressor cells to blame?
Authors: Pegues Melissa A. , McWilliams Ian L. , Szalai Alexander J.
Published: April 2016

Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a CD11b+Gr1+population in mice that can be separated into granulocytic (g-MDSC) and monocytic (m-MDSC) subtypes based on their expression of Ly6G and Ly6C. Both MDSC subtypes are potent suppressors of T cell immunity, and their contribution has been investigated in a plethora of diseases including renal cancer, renal transplant, and chronic kidney disease. Whether MDSCs contribute to the pathogenesis of acute kidney injury (AKI) remains unknown. Herein, using human C-reactive protein (CRP) transgenic (CRPtg) and CRP-deficient mice (CRP−/−) subjected to bilateral renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), we confirm our earlier finding that CRP exacerbates renal IRI and show for the first time that this effect is accompanied in CRPtg mice by a shift in the balance of kidney-infiltrating MDSCs toward a suppressive Ly6G+Ly6Clowg-MDSC subtype. In CRPtg mice, direct depletion of g-MDSCs (using an anti-Gr1 monoclonal antibody) reduced the albuminuria caused by renal IRI, confirming they play a deleterious role. Remarkably, treatment of CRPtg mice with an antisense oligonucleotide that specifically blocks the human CRP acute-phase response also led to a reduction in renal g-MDSC numbers and improved albuminuria after renal IRI. Our study in CRPtg mice provides new evidence that MDSCs participate in the pathogenesis of renal IRI and shows that their pharmacological depletion is beneficial. If ongoing investigations confirm that CRP is an endogenous regulator of MDSCs in CRPtg mice, and if this action is recapitulated in humans, then targeting CRP or/and MDSCs might offer a new approach for the treatment of AKI.
Increased Kappa/Lambda Hybrid Antibody in Serum Is a Novel Biomarker Related to Disease Activity and Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Yi Lang , Hao Mingju , Lu Tian , Lin Guigao , Chen Lida , Gao Ming , Fan Gaowei , Zhang Dong , Wang Guojing , Yang Xin , Li Yulong , Zhang Kuo , Zhang Rui , Han Yanxi , Wang Lunan , Li Jinming
Published: April 2016

Theκ/λhybrid antibodies in normal human serum were reported recently, but their clinical relevance has not yet been explored. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the major joint diseases, and the early diagnosis and treatment of RA remain a challenge. Here, we developed a double-sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system to quantify relative serumκ/λhybrid antibody levels in RA patients, osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and healthy controls (HC) in order to assess their potential use as a serological biomarker of early disease and clinical activity and to preliminarily investigate their immunomodulatory roles in RA. Surprisingly, we found thatκ/λhybrid antibody was markedly increased in both early and established RA. Serumκ/λhybrid antibody levels were significantly correlated with clinical indexes and inflammatory markers in RA. Further analysis showed a positive correlation betweenκ/λhybrid antibody levels and the 28-joint disease activity score (DAS28). In conclusion, serumκ/λhybrid antibodies in RA were identified for the first time. High levels ofκ/λhybrid antibody may be a useful tool in distinguishing early RA from OA and HC. We suggestκ/λhybrid antibody as a marker for disease activity. The increasedκ/λhybrid antibodies were associated with inflammatory conditions in RA.
Impact of Precipitants on the Structure and Properties of Fe-Co-Ce Composite Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Yongli , Dai Shujuan , Zhou Yanbo , Lin Kai
Published: April 2016

Fe-Co-Ce composite catalysts were prepared by coprecipitation method using CO(NH2)2, NaOH, NH4HCO3, and NH3·H2O as precipitant agents. The effects of the precipitant agents on the physicochemical properties of the Fe-Co-Ce based catalysts were investigated by SEM, TEM, BET, TG-DTA, and XRD. It was found that the precipitant agents remarkably influenced the morphology and particle size of the catalysts and affected the COD removal efficiency, decolorization rate, and pH of methyl orange for catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO). The specific surface area of the Fe-Co-Ce composite catalysts successively decreased in the order of NH3·H2O, NH4HCO3, NaOH, and CO(NH2)2, which correlated to an increasing particle size that increased for each catalyst. For the CWAO of a methyl orange aqueous solutions, the effects of precipitant agents NH3·H2O and NaOH were superior to those of CO(NH2)2and NH4HCO3. The catalyst prepared using NH3·H2O as the precipitant agent was mostly composed of Fe2O3, CoO, and CeO2. The COD removal efficiency of methyl orange aqueous solution for NH3·H2O reached 92.9% in the catalytic wet air oxidation. Such a catalytic property was maintained for six runs.
Synthesis and Characterization of Polymeric Graphene Quantum Dots Based Nanocomposites for Humidity Sensing
Authors: Long Lam Minh , Dinh Nguyen Nang , Trung Tran Quang
Published: April 2016

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) were synthesized and incorporated with polyethylenedioxythiophene:poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and carbon nanotube (CNT) to form a composite that can be used for humidity sensors. The 600 nm thick composite films contained bulk heterojunctions of CNT/GQD and CNT/PEDOT:PSS. The sensors made from the composites responded well to humidity in a range from 60 to 80% at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. With a CNT content of 0.4 wt.% (GPC-1) to 0.8 wt.% (GPC-2) and 1.2 wt.% (GPC-3), the sensitivity of the humidity sensing devices based on CNT-doped graphene quantum dot-PEDOT:PSS composites was increased from 4.5% (GPC-1) to 9.0% (GPC-1) and 11.0% (GPC-2), respectively. The fast response time of the GPC sensors was about 20 s and it was much improved due to CNTs doping in the composites. The best value of the recovery time was found to be of 40 s, for the GPC composite film doped with 1.2 wt.% CNT content.
Endothelial Side Population Cells Contribute to Tumor Angiogenesis and Antiangiogenic Drug Resistance
Authors: Naito Hisamichi , Wakabayashi Taku , Kidoya Hiroyasu , Muramatsu Fumitaka , Takara Kazuhiro , Eino Daisuke , Yamane Keitaro , Iba Tomohiro , Takakura Nobuyuki
Published: April 2016

Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in tumor growth, with an undisputed contribution of resident endothelial cells (EC) to new blood vessels in the tumor. Here, we report the definition of a small population of vascular-resident stem/progenitor–like EC that contributes predominantly to new blood vessel formation in the tumor. Although the surface markers of this population are similar to other ECs, those from the lung vasculature possess colony-forming ability in vitro and contribute to angiogenesis in vivo. These specific ECs actively proliferate in lung tumors, and the percentage of this population significantly increases in the tumor vasculature relative to normal lung tissue. Using genetic recombination and bone marrow transplant models, we show that these cells are phenotypically true ECs and do not originate from hematopoietic cells. After treatment of tumors with antiangiogenic drugs, these specific ECs selectively survived and remained in the tumor. Together, our results established that ECs in the peripheral vasculature are heterogeneous and that stem/progenitor–like ECs play an indispensable role in tumor angiogenesis as EC-supplying cells. The lack of susceptibility of these ECs to antiangiogenic drugs may account for resistance of the tumor to this drug type. Thus, inhibiting these ECs might provide a promising strategy to overcome antiangiogenic drug resistance. Cancer Res; 76(11); 3200–10. ©2016 AACR.
Novel Protein Disulfide Isomerase Inhibitor with Anticancer Activity in Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Vatolin Sergei , Phillips James G. , Jha Babal K. , Govindgari Shravya , Hu Jennifer , Grabowski Dale , Parker Yvonne , Lindner Daniel J. , Zhong Fei , Distelhorst Clark W. , Smith Mitchell R. , Cotta Claudiu , Xu Yan , Chilakala Sujatha , Kuang Rebecca R. , Tall Samantha , Reu Frederic J.
Published: April 2016

Multiple myeloma cells secrete more disulfide bond–rich proteins than any other mammalian cell. Thus, inhibition of protein disulfide isomerases (PDI) required for protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) should increase ER stress beyond repair in this incurable cancer. Here, we report the mechanistically unbiased discovery of a novel PDI-inhibiting compound with antimyeloma activity. We screened a 30,355 small-molecule library using a multilayered multiple myeloma cell–based cytotoxicity assay that modeled disease niche, normal liver, kidney, and bone marrow. CCF642, a bone marrow–sparing compound, exhibited a submicromolar IC50 in 10 of 10 multiple myeloma cell lines. An active biotinylated analog of CCF642 defined binding to the PDI isoenzymes A1, A3, and A4 in MM cells. In vitro, CCF642 inhibited PDI reductase activity about 100-fold more potently than the structurally distinct established inhibitors PACMA 31 and LOC14. Computational modeling suggested a novel covalent binding mode in active-site CGHCK motifs. Remarkably, without any further chemistry optimization, CCF642 displayed potent efficacy in an aggressive syngeneic mouse model of multiple myeloma and prolonged the lifespan of C57BL/KaLwRij mice engrafted with 5TGM1-luc myeloma, an effect comparable to the first-line multiple myeloma therapeutic bortezomib. Consistent with PDI inhibition, CCF642 caused acute ER stress in multiple myeloma cells accompanied by apoptosis-inducing calcium release. Overall, our results provide an illustration of the utility of simple in vivo simulations as part of a drug discovery effort, along with a sound preclinical rationale to develop a new small-molecule therapeutic to treat multiple myeloma. Cancer Res; 76(11); 3340–50. ©2016 AACR.