bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shining a light on the Arabidopsis circadian clock
Authors: Oakenfull Rachael J. , Davis Seth J.
Published: July 2017

The circadian clock provides essential timing information to ensure optimal growth to prevailing external environmental conditions. A major time‐setting mechanism (zeitgeber) in clock synchronization is light. Differing light wavelengths, intensities, and photoperiodic duration are processed for the clock‐setting mechanism. Many studies on light‐input pathways to the clock have focused on Arabidopsis thaliana. Photoreceptors are specific chromic proteins that detect light signals and transmit this information to the central circadian oscillator through a number of different signalling mechanisms. The most well‐characterized clock‐mediating photoreceptors are cryptochromes and phytochromes, detecting blue, red, and far‐red wavelengths of light. Ultraviolet and shaded light are also processed signals to the oscillator. Notably, the clock reciprocally generates rhythms of photoreceptor action leading to so‐called gating of light responses. Intermediate proteins, such as Phytochrome interacting factors (PIFs), constitutive photomorphogenic 1 (COP1) and EARLY FLOWERING 3 (ELF3), have been established in signalling pathways downstream of photoreceptor activation. However, the precise details for these signalling mechanisms are not fully established. This review highlights both historical and recent efforts made to understand overall light input to the oscillator, first looking at how each wavelength of light is detected, this is then related to known input mechanisms and their interactions.
Methotrexate for Severe Childhood Atopic Dermatitis: Clinical Experience in a Tertiary Center
Authors: Dvorakova Veronika , O'Regan Grainne M. , Irvine Alan D.
Published: July 2017

Background/Objectives

Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects up to 20% of children. Although the majority of patients are adequately controlled using emollients, topical corticosteroids, topical calcineurin inhibitors, or phototherapy, children with moderate to severe AD may require systemic treatment for control. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of methotrexate in children with severe AD attending a tertiary referral center.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was undertaken of all children who received methotrexate for severe AD at our tertiary referral center from November 2010 to August 2015.

Results

Forty‐seven children were started on methotrexate for AD during this period. The mean Investigator Global Assessment (IGA) at the 3‐ to 5‐month follow‐up improved from 4.25 to 2.8, with further improvement to 1.9 in the patients that continued therapy beyond 10 months. Changes in the Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI) mirrored changes in the IGA, with improvement in the mean CDLQI from 14.4 at the start of the treatment to 7.5 at the 3‐ to 5‐month follow‐up. Further improvement in the CDLQI to 6.6 in patients who continued methotrexate beyond 10 months confirmed continued improvement in disease control beyond medium‐term therapy. The treatment was well tolerated.

Conclusions

Methotrexate appears to be an effective, safe treatment for severe pediatric AD. Its therapeutic effects continue beyond the medium‐term treatment period, as reflected by further improvement in IGA and CDLQI scores in patients who continued methotrexate therapy beyond 10 months.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa in Children Treated with Finasteride—A Case Series
Authors: Mota Fernando , Machado Susana , Selores Manuela
Published: July 2017

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is rare in childhood, with only 2% of cases in patients younger than 11 years. It is a chronic, recurrent, debilitating condition for which no universally effective treatment has been developed. We present five cases of children with HS diagnosed between the ages of 6 and 11 years.

Methods

Patients were treated with oral finasteride 1 to 5 mg/day. All had entered puberty at the time of treatment initiation. All had normal laboratory results before starting treatment. The maximum duration of treatment was 24 months.

Results

Four patients were female. Two were overweight. Three had been previously treated with oral antibiotics, and two of these with oral isotretinoin, with partial or no improvement. Overall improvement of the disease was observed in all patients, with a reduction of the frequency and intensity of the flares. No adverse effects were observed or reported during treatment.

Conclusion

Treatment of HS can be challenging. The options available include antimicrobials, immunosuppressants, hormonal therapies, lasers, and surgery. The authors report the largest series of children with HS treated with finasteride. The results support the use of finasteride as monotherapy for the treatment of this disease in children. Further studies are necessary to fully understand the role of this drug in the management of this disease.
Diffuse Hepatic Hemangiomas Successfully Treated Using Sirolimus and High‐Dose Propranolol
Authors: Warren Donald , Diaz Lucia , Levy Moise
Published: July 2017

Diffuse hepatic hemangiomas are a challenging disease that can be life threatening. We present the case of an infant with diffuse hepatic hemangiomas who failed first‐line therapies but later responded to sirolimus and high‐dose propranolol.
Concurrent Chondrodysplasia Punctata Type 2 (Conradi–Hunermann–Happle Syndrome) and Ichthyosis Vulgaris in Teenaged Twin Girls
Authors: Jeong Haneol S. , Funari Tara , Gordon Katherine , Richard Gabriele , Agim Nnenna G.
Published: July 2017

We present concurrent X‐linked chondrodysplasia punctata and ichthyosis vulgaris in adolescent fraternal twin girls, notable for initial presentation with dry skin in adolescence, characterized by dark‐brown scale typical of ichthyosis vulgaris and blaschkolinear, atrophic, scaly plaques. This constellation of findings prompted further genetic investigation. Using a multigene approach to examine 39 genes associated with congenital ichthyosis, next‐generation sequencing revealed a novel heterozygous missense mutation at a mutational hotspot in the EBP gene c.439C>T (p.R147C) in conjunction with a single nonsense mutation in the FLG gene (p.R501X) in both sisters. These individuals highlight the clinical variability of Conradi–Hunermann–Happle syndrome, illustrate the possibility of co‐occurrence of rare and common forms of ichthyosis, and demonstrate the utility of multigene analysis.
Arginase activity of Leishmania isolated from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis
Authors: Badirzadeh A. , Taheri T. , Abedi‐Astaneh F. , Taslimi Y. , Abdossamadi Z. , Montakhab‐Yeganeh H. , Aghashahi M. , Niyyati M. , Rafati S.
Published: July 2017

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is one of the most important vector‐borne parasitic diseases, highly endemic in Iran, and its prevalence is increasing all over the country. Arginase (ARG) activity in isolated Leishmania parasites from CL patients is yet to be explored. This study aimed to compare the ARG activity of isolated Leishmania promastigotes from CL patients with a standard strain of Leishmania major and its influences on the disease pathogenesis. We recruited 16 confirmed CL patients from Qom Province, in central Iran; after detection of Leishmania species using PCR‐RFLP, we assessed the levels of ARG in the isolated promastigotes and determined the parasites’ growth rate. Only L. major was identified from CL patients. The level of ARG activity in the isolated Leishmania promastigotes from CL patients was significantly higher than that obtained from the standard strain of L. major. No significant correlations between ARG activity and lesion size, number or duration were observed; in contrast, a significant negative correlation was seen between ARG level and Leishmania’ growth rate. The obtained results suggest that increased ARG expression and activity in the isolated Leishmania promastigotes might contribute to the higher parasite infectivity and play a major role in the pathogenicity of the CL.
Dynamic loop gain increases upon adopting the supine body position during sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: Joosten Simon A. , Landry Shane A. , Sands Scott A. , Terrill Philip I. , Mann Dwayne , Andara Christopher , Skuza Elizabeth , Turton Anthony , Berger Philip , Hamilton Garun S. , Edwards Bradley A.
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is typically worse in the supine versus lateral sleeping position. One potential factor driving this observation is a decrease in lung volume in the supine position which is expected by theory to increase a key OSA pathogenic factor: dynamic ventilatory control instability (i.e. loop gain). We aimed to quantify dynamic loop gain in OSA patients in the lateral and supine positions, and to explore the relationship between change in dynamic loop gain and change in lung volume with position.

Methods

Data from 20 patients enrolled in previous studies on the effect of body position on OSA pathogenesis were retrospectively analysed. Dynamic loop gain was calculated from routinely collected polysomnographic signals using a previously validated mathematical model. Lung volumes were measured in the awake state with a nitrogen washout technique.

Results

Dynamic loop gain was significantly higher in the supine than in the lateral position (0.77 ± 0.15 vs 0.68 ± 0.14, P = 0.012). Supine functional residual capacity (FRC) was significantly lower than lateral FRC (81.0 ± 15.4% vs 87.3 ± 18.4% of the seated FRC, P = 0.021). The reduced FRC we observed on moving to the supine position was predicted by theory to increase loop gain by 10.2 (0.6, 17.1)%, a value similar to the observed increase of 8.4 (−1.5, 31.0)%.

Conclusion

Dynamic loop gain increased by a small but statistically significant amount when moving from the lateral to supine position and this may, in part, contribute to the worsening of OSA in the supine sleeping position.
HFE gene polymorphism defined by sequence‐based typing of the Brazilian population and a standardized nomenclature for HFE allele sequences
Authors: Campos W. N. , Massaro J. D. , Martinelli A. L. C. , Halliwell J. A. , Marsh S. G. E. , Mendes‐Junior C. T. , Donadi E. A.
Published: July 2017

The HFE molecule controls iron uptake from gut, and defects in the molecule have been associated with iron overload, particularly in hereditary hemochromatosis. The HFE gene including both coding and boundary intronic regions were sequenced in 304 Brazilian individuals, encompassing healthy individuals and patients exhibiting hereditary or acquired iron overload. Six sites of variation were detected: (1) H63D C>G in exon 2, (2) IVS2 (+4) T>C in intron 2, (3) a C>G transversion in intron 3, (4) C282Y G>A in exon 4, (5) IVS4 (−44) T>C in intron 4, and (6) a new guanine deletion (G>del) in intron 5, which were used for haplotype inference. Nine HFE alleles were detected and six of these were officially named on the basis of the HLA Nomenclature, defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) Nomenclature Committee for Factors of the HLA System, and published via the IPD‐IMGT/HLA website. Four alleles, HFE*001, *002, *003, and *004 exhibited variation within their exon sequences.
Imaging characteristics and treatment of a penetrating brain injury caused by an oropharyngeal foreign body in a dog
Authors: McKenzie Jennifer , Cooper Murphy Megan , Broome Cameron , Tayari Hamaseh , Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo
Published: July 2017

A 4‐year‐old Border collie was presented with one episode of collapse, altered mentation, and a suspected pharyngeal stick injury. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography showed a linear foreign body penetrating the right oropharynx, through the foramen ovale and the brain parenchyma. The foreign body was surgically removed and medical treatment initiated. Complete resolution of clinical signs was noted at recheck 8 weeks later. Repeat MRI showed chronic secondary changes in the brain parenchyma. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the advanced imaging findings and successful treatment of a penetrating oropharyngeal intracranial foreign body in a dog.
Many Lives of Women Rectors at Turkish Universities
Authors: Ustun Suzan , Gümüseli Ali Ilker
Published: July 2017

Women at Turkish Universities do not have the same level of representation as rectors as they have academics at the higher education. It is vital to have women, as one of the genders which comprises the community, at the higher education management as rectors to ensure the gender equality in Turkey. As well as the traditional roles assigned to women in Turkey, the lack of legal arrangements and challenges based on gender discrimination faced by women might be the cause of the women’s low representation in the higher education management. This study aims to explicate the experience of being a woman rector through qualitative data gathered from four rectors working at state and foundation universities in Turkey. The low representation of women in higher education management has been identified as a universal problem. It is obvious that woman academics in Turkish universities have low representation at the universities’ top management. Following two themes were identified: Perspectives of Women Rectors Regarding Their Roles and Challenges Faced. These themes were revealed through the voices of women rectors in Turkey. Therefore, this study is expected to bring unique insights both for university administrators and policy makers in terms of raising an awareness for the role of women leaders.
Permanence and periodic solution for a modified	Leslie-Gower type predator-prey model with diffusion and non constant coefficients
Authors: Ali Moussaoui , Alaoui M. A. Aziz , Yafia R.
Published: July 2017

In this paper we study a predator-prey system, modeling the interaction of two species with diffusion and T-periodic environmental parameters. It is a Leslie-Gower type predator-prey model with Holling-type-II functional response. We establish some sufficient conditions for the ultimate boundedness of solutions and permanence of this system. By constructing an appropriate auxiliary function, the conditions for the existence of a unique globally stable positive periodic solution are also obtained. Numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the results.
A Rotordynamic, Thermal, and Thrust Load Performance Gas Bearing Test Rig and Test Results for Tilting Pad Journal Bearings and Spiral Groove Thrust Bearings
Authors: Rimpel Aaron M. , Vannini Giuseppe , Kim Jongsoo
Published: July 2017

A high-speed gas bearing test rig was developed to characterize rotordynamic, thermal, and thrust load performance of gas bearings being developed for an oil-free turboexpander. The radial bearings (RBs) tested in this paper were tilting pad journal bearings with radial compliance features that allow the bearing bore to increase to accommodate shaft growth, and the thrust bearings (TBs) were a spiral groove type with axial compliance features. The TB accounts for over 90% of the combined bearing power consumption, which has a cubic relationship with speed and increases with case pressure. RB circumferential pad temperatures increased approximately with speed to the fourth or fifth power, with slightly higher temperature rise for lower case pressure. Maximum steady-state bearing pad temperatures increase with increasing speed for similar cooling mass flow rates; however, only the TB showed a significant increase in temperature with higher case pressure. The TBs were stable at all speeds, but the load capacity was found to be lower than anticipated, apparently due to pad deformations caused by radial temperature gradients in the stator. More advanced modeling approaches have been proposed to better understand the TB thermal behavior and to improve the TB design. Finally, the RBs tested were demonstrated to be stable up to the design speed of 130 krpm, which represents the highest surface speed for tilting pad gas bearings tested in the literature.
Nutritional Habits and Performance in Male Elite Wheelchair Basketball Players During a Precompetitive Period
Authors: Ferro Amelia , Garrido Guadalupe , Villacieros Jorge , Pérez Javier , Grams Lena
Published: July 2017

Physical condition and an optimized diet are relevant to enhance performance and recovery. The diet composition and meal frequency of eleven elite wheelchair basketball players were estimated using a 3-day food-weighing diary in two months during the precompetitive-period. Performance was determined through a 20 m sprint test. The players consumed 4.2 ± 0.8 meals/day in May and 4.5 ± 0.9 meals/day in June, resulting in total energy intakes of 2492 ± 362 kcal/d and 2470 ± 497 kcal/d, respectively. The macronutrient distribution was 3.8 ± 1.3 g/kg carbohydrates, 1.7 ± 0.6 g/kg protein, and 36 ± 5% of energy derived from fat in May, and 4.2 ± 1.9 g/kg carbohydrates, 1.5 ± 0.5 g/kg protein and 32 ± 5% of energy derived from fat in June. The maximum velocity of the sprint test improved from 4.77 ± 0.31 m/s in May to 5.19 ± 0.23 m/s in June. Our results revealed carbohydrate intake below and fat intake above recommendations, but improvements of dietary patterns. Further nutritional advice is necessary to ensure health and performance improvements.
Reconstitution of calcium-mediated exocytosis of dense-core vesicles
Authors: Kreutzberger Alex J. B. , Kiessling Volker , Liang Binyong , Seelheim Patrick , Jakhanwal Shrutee , Jahn Reinhard , Castle J. David , Tamm Lukas K.
Published: July 2017

Calcium control of exocytosis has been reconstituted in a hybrid system with purified DCVs and supported target membranes.
Sulfur injections for a cooler planet
Authors: Niemeier Ulrike , Tilmes Simone
Published: July 2017

Can injections of sulfur into the stratosphere help to counteract climate change?
About face
Face Value: The Irresistible Influence of First Impressions
Alexander Todorov
Princeton University Press, 2017. 333 pp.
Authors: Antonakis John
Published: July 2017

We know better, so why can't we stop making judgments based on appearance?
Assignment of Weight-Based Antibody Units for Four Additional Serotypes to a Human Antipneumococcal Standard Reference Serum, 007sp
Authors: Goldblatt D. , McKeen A. , Burbidge P. , McElhiney S. , McLaughlin L. , Johnson A. , Rauh M. , Giardina P. C.
Published: July 2017

The pneumococcal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) reference standard serum, lot 89SF, had been in use since 1990 and was replaced with a new reference standard serum, 007sp, in 2013. This serum was generated under an FDA-approved clinical protocol where 278 adult volunteers were immunized with the 23-valent unconjugated polysaccharide vaccine Pneumovax II and a unit of blood was obtained twice within 120 days following immunization. Pooled serum was prepared from the plasma, filled at 6 ml per vial, and lyophilized. Five independent laboratories participated in bridging the serotype-specific IgG assignments of 89SF to 007sp to establish equivalent reference values for 13 pneumococcal capsular serotypes (1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F, 23F) using the WHO reference ELISA. A subsequent follow-up study established equivalent reference values for an additional seven serotypes (8, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B, 22F, 33F). In this study, three laboratories assigned weight-based IgG concentrations in micrograms per milliliter of serum to 007sp for four additional serotypes: 2, 9N, 17F, and 20A. This study completes the assignment of serotypes for 89SF to 007sp. In addition, the IgG antibody assignments for a 12-member WHO quality control (QC) serum panel were extended to cover the four additional serotypes. Agreement was excellent, with a concordance correlation coefficient (

r
c

) of >0.996 when values from each laboratory were compared to the assigned values for the 12 WHO QC sera. The 007sp preparation has replaced 89SF as the pneumococcal reference standard. Sufficient quantities of 007sp are projected to be available for the next 25 years.
Finished Whole-Genome Sequences of Clostridium butyricum Toxin Subtype E4 and Clostridium baratii Toxin Subtype F7 Strains
Authors: Halpin Jessica L. , Hill Karen , Johnson Shannon L. , Bruce David Carlton , Shirey T. Brian , Dykes Janet K. , Lúquez Carolina
Published: July 2017

Clostridium butyricum
and
Clostridium baratii
species have been known to produce botulinum toxin types E and F, respectively, which can cause botulism, a rare but serious neuroparalytic disease. Here, we present finished genome sequences for two of these clinically relevant strains.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus Isolated from the First Reported Case in Greece in 2015
Authors: Agianniotaki Eirini I. , Mathijs Elisabeth , Vandenbussche Frank , Tasioudi Konstantia E. , Haegeman Andy , Iliadou Peristera , Chaintoutis Serafeim C. , Dovas Chrysostomos I. , Van Borm Steven , Chondrokouki Eleni D. , De Clercq Kris
Published: July 2017

Lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) causes an economically important disease in cattle. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the first LSDV isolate identified in mainland Europe. LSDV isolate Evros/GR/15 was isolated from the first cases reported on 18 August 2015 in the Evros region, Greece.
Complete Genome Sequence of Burkholderia stabilis FERMP-21014
Authors: Konishi Kenji , Kumagai Toshitaka , Sakasegawa Shin-ichi , Tamura Tomohiro
Published: July 2017

Cholesterol esterase (EC 3.1.1.13) was identified in a bacterium,
Burkholderia stabilis
strain FERMP-21014. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of
B. stabilis
FERMP-21014, which has been used in the commercial production of cholesterol esterase. The genome sequence information may be useful for improving production levels of cholesterol esterase.
Multiple Genome Sequences of Lactobacillus plantarum Strains
Authors: Kafka Thomas A. , Geissler Andreas J. , Vogel Rudi F.
Published: July 2017

We report here the genome sequences of four
Lactobacillus plantarum
strains which vary in surface hydrophobicity. Bioinformatic analysis, using additional genomes of
Lactobacillus plantarum
strains, revealed a possible correlation between the cell wall teichoic acid-type and cell surface hydrophobicity and provide the basis for consecutive analyses.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Microbacterium
sp. Strain LEMMJ01, Isolated from Antarctic Ornithogenic Soil
Authors: Schultz Júnia , de Souza Yuri Alves Pinheiro , Mansur Maria Cristina Pinheiro Pereira Reis , Vermelho Alane Beatriz , da Mota Fábio Faria , Rosado Alexandre Soares
Published: July 2017

We report here the 3,637,012-bp draft genome sequence of
Microbacterium
sp. strain LEMMJ01, isolated from ornithogenic soil from King George Island, Antarctica. The total number of genes presented in the draft genome sequence was 3,553, and the total number of coding sequences was 3,497. In addition, genes related to the production of terpene and carotenoids were revealed.
High-Quality Genome Sequence of the Highly Resistant Bacterium Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Isolated from a Neonatal Bloodstream Infection
Authors: Hosseinkhani Farideh , Emaneini Mohammad , van Leeuwen Willem
Published: July 2017

Using Illumina HiSeq and PacBio technologies, we sequenced the genome of the multidrug-resistant bacterium
Staphylococcus haemolyticus
, originating from a bloodstream infection in a neonate. The sequence data can be used as an accurate reference sequence.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Actinomyces
succiniciruminis
Strain Am4
T
, Isolated from Cow Rumen Fluid
Authors: Palakawong Na Ayudthaya Susakul , Hornung Bastian , Ravikumar Varadarajan Adithi , Plugge Wendy , Plugge Caroline M.
Published: July 2017

Actinomyces succiniciruminis
strain Am4
T
, isolated from cow rumen fluid, can metabolize a range of substrates including complex carbohydrates to organic acids. Here, we report a 3.33-Mbp draft genome of
Actinomyces succiniciruminis
.
Geographic atrophy phenotype identification by cluster analysis
Authors: Monés Jordi , Biarnés Marc
Published: July 2017

Background/aims

To identify ocular phenotypes in patients with geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration (GA) using a data-driven cluster analysis.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of data from a prospective, natural history study of patients with GA who were followed for ≥6 months. Cluster analysis was used to identify subgroups within the population based on the presence of several phenotypic features: soft drusen, reticular pseudodrusen (RPD), primary foveal atrophy, increased fundus autofluorescence (FAF), greyish FAF appearance and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT). A comparison of features between the subgroups was conducted, and a qualitative description of the new phenotypes was proposed. The atrophy growth rate between phenotypes was then compared.

Results

Data were analysed from 77 eyes of 77 patients with GA. Cluster analysis identified three groups: phenotype 1 was characterised by high soft drusen load, foveal atrophy and slow growth; phenotype 3 showed high RPD load, extrafoveal and greyish FAF appearance and thin SFCT; the characteristics of phenotype 2 were midway between phenotypes 1 and 3. Phenotypes differed in all measured features (p≤0.013), with decreases in the presence of soft drusen, foveal atrophy and SFCT seen from phenotypes 1 to 3 and corresponding increases in high RPD load, high FAF and greyish FAF appearance. Atrophy growth rate differed between phenotypes 1, 2 and 3 (0.63, 1.91 and 1.73 mm2/year, respectively, p=0.0005).

Conclusion

Cluster analysis identified three distinct phenotypes in GA. One of them showed a particularly slow growth pattern.
THE EFFECT OF FUNCTIONAL FATIGUE ON KNEE FORCE SENSE IN UNINJURED ADULT MALE FOOTBALL PLAYERS
Authors: Clark Nicholas , Rolleston Mark
Published: July 2017

Background

Intact proprioception (joint position sense (JPS), kinaesthesia, force sense (FS)) is critical for optimal neuromuscular control of knee functional joint stability. Fatigue is known to impair knee JPS and kinaesthesia, but research regarding the effect of fatigue on knee FS is lacking.

Objective

To determine the effect of functional fatigue on knee extension FS in uninjured, adult, male football players. It was hypothesized that functional fatigue would result in significant impairment of FS.

Design

Single-session, pre-/post-intervention repeated measures.

Setting

University sensorimotor control and biomechanics laboratory.

Participants

University team players (n=21; age (mean±SD) 21.0±1.2 years; height 178.7±7.2 cm; mass 76.8±11.5 kg; training×2/week; match×1/week) without history of knee intra-articular derangement or surgery.

Interventions

Functional fatigue was defined/induced using the previously published Functional Agility Short-Term Fatigue Protocol (FAST-FP). The FAST-FP incorporated acceleration-deceleration tasks typical of football training/match play.

Main Outcome Measures

Dominant leg (preferred kicking leg) knee extension FS was measured in Newtons (N). Players were seated on an isokinetic dynamometer set to isometric mode, the knee flexed 45°. A knee extension target trial-reproduction trial sequence was repeated five times, the difference between trials designated the absolute error (AE), the average AE used for data analyses. Reliability and measurement error for this procedure has been previously established. Force sense measurements were performed before and immediately after the FAST-FP. The FS and FAST-FP procedures were adjacent in the same laboratory space with minimal transition time between tasks.

Results

Force sense AE significantly increased following fatigue (pre-fatigue=10.9±5.8 N; post-fatigue=23.0±9.2 N; difference=12.1±7.9 N; P=0.00; d=1.59).

Conclusions

Dominant leg knee extension FS was significantly impaired following functional fatigue. Fatigue-induced impairment of FS could result in sub-optimal neuromuscular control and altered knee functional joint stability that affects knee injury risk.
Veterinary pharmacovigilance in Europe: a survey of veterinary practitioners
Authors: De Briyne Nancy , Gopal Raquel , Diesel Gillian , Iatridou Despoina , O'Rourke Declan
Published: July 2017

A web‐based survey was conducted by the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe with the support of the European Medicines Agency to gain a better insight into the adverse event reporting habits of veterinary practitioners and the level of information on reported adverse events that flows back to them. It was completed by 3545 veterinarians. The findings indicate marked under‐reporting and that the system is poorly equipped to deal with lack of expected efficacy, with few cases reported and most found to be inconclusive. It was also found that feedback systems are greatly lacking. In order to increase spontaneous reporting, there is a need to make reporting easier (eg, by developing mobile apps, to incorporate the reporting into the practice management system software) and to make veterinarians better aware of the importance of reporting and the added value it may bring. Feedback systems should be improved. The best way to motivate reporters is to demonstrate that the reports they submit are indeed useful and contribute to the improved use of veterinary medicinal products. The major role veterinarians can play in improving animal health, welfare and public health by reporting adverse events needs to be further promoted.
Vascular senescence and ageing: a role for the MEOX proteins in promoting endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Northcott Josette M. , Czubryt Michael P. , Wigle Jeffrey T.
Published: July 2017

In the vascular system, ageing is accompanied by the accrual of senescent cells and is associated with an increased risk of vascular disease. Endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction is a hallmark of vascular disease and is characterized by decreased angiogenic potential, reduced nitric oxide bioavailability, impaired vasodilation, increased production of ROS, and enhanced inflammation. In ECs, the major producer of nitric oxide is the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzyme that is encoded by the NOS3 gene. NOS3/eNOS function is tightly regulated at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels to maintain normal vascular function. A key transcriptional regulator of eNOS expression is p53, which has been shown to play a central role in mediating cellular senescence and thereby vascular dysfunction. Herein, we show that, in ECs, the MEOX homeodomain transcription factors decrease the expression of genes involved in angiogenesis, repress eNOS expression at the mRNA and protein levels, and increase the expression of p53. These findings support a role for the MEOX proteins in promoting endothelial dysfunction.
Role of endothelin-1 and its receptors, ETAand ETB, in the survival of human vascular endothelial cells
Authors: Mikhail Marianne , Vachon Pierre H. , D’Orléans-Juste Pedro , Jacques Danielle , Bkaily Ghassan
Published: July 2017

Our previous work showed the presence of endothelin-1 (ET-1) receptors, ETAand ETB, in human vascular endothelial cells (hVECs). In this study, we wanted to verify whether ET-1 plays a role in the survival of hVECs via the activation of its receptors ETAand (or) ETB(ETAR and ETBR, respectively). Our results showed that treatment of hVECs with ET-1 prevented apoptosis induced by genistein, an effect that was mimicked by treatment with ETBR-specific agonist IRL1620. Furthermore, blockade of ETBR with the selective ETBR antagonist A-192621 prevented the anti-apoptotic effect of ET-1 in hVECs. However, activation of ETAreceptor alone did not seem to contribute to the anti-apoptotic effect of ET-1. In addition, the anti-apoptotic effect of ETBR was found to be associated with caspase 3 inhibition and does not depend on the density of this type of receptor. In conclusion, our results showed that ET-1 possesses an anti-apoptotic effect in hVECs and that this effect is mediated, to a great extent, via the activation of ETBR. This study revealed a new role for ETBR in the survival of hVECs.
Chaos, Periodicity, and Quasiperiodicity in a Radio-Physical Oscillator
Authors: Wiggers Vinícius , Rech Paulo C.
Published: July 2017

We report parameter planes displaying dynamical behaviors of a radio-physical oscillator system, which is modeled by a set of four-parameter three autonomous first-order nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Each parameter plane is numerically computed, and the dynamical behavior of each point is characterized by using the respective Lyapunov exponents spectrum. Chaotic, periodic, and quasiperiodic regions are therefore bounded in parameter planes of a radio-physical oscillator system.
Research on the Complexity of Dual-Channel Supply Chain Model in Competitive Retailing Service Market
Authors: Ma Junhai , Li Ting , Ren Wenbo
Published: July 2017

This paper examines the optimal decisions of dual-channel game model considering the inputs of retailing service. We analyze how adjustment speed of service inputs affect the system complexity and market performance, and explore the stability of the equilibrium points by parameter basin diagrams. And chaos control is realized by variable feedback method. The numerical simulation shows that complex behavior would trigger the system to become unstable, such as double period bifurcation and chaos. We measure the performances of the model in different periods by analyzing the variation of average profit index. The theoretical results show that the percentage share of the demand and cross-service coefficients have important influence on the stability of the system and its feasible basin of attraction.
From Hopf Bifurcation to Limit Cycles Control in Underactuated Mechanical Systems
Authors: Khraief Haddad Nahla , Belghith Safya , Gritli Hassène , Chemori Ahmed
Published: July 2017

This paper deals with the problem of obtaining stable and robust oscillations of underactuated mechanical systems. It is concerned with the Hopf bifurcation analysis of a Controlled Inertia Wheel Inverted Pendulum (C-IWIP). Firstly, the stabilization was achieved with a control law based on the Interconnection, Damping, Assignment Passive Based Control method (IDA-PBC). Interestingly, the considered closed-loop system exhibits both supercritical and subcritical Hopf bifurcation for certain gains of the control law. Secondly, we used the center manifold theorem and the normal form technique to study the stability and instability of limit cycles emerging from the Hopf bifurcation. Finally, numerical simulations were conducted to validate the analytical results in order to prove that with IDA-PBC we can control not only the unstable equilibrium but also some trajectories such as limit cycles.
The Coexistence of Invariant Tori and Topological Horseshoe in a Generalized Nosé–Hoover Oscillator
Authors: Wang Lei , Yang Xiao-Song
Published: July 2017

This paper is devoted to the study of dynamical complexity of a generalized Nosé–Hoover oscillator which is a three-dimensional quadratic polynomial system. Precisely, a lot of moderately conservative regions are found, each of which is filled with different sequences of nested tori with various knot types and is embedded in the “chaotic region”. This shows that the generalized Nosé–Hoover oscillator may possess so-called “fat fractal” structure in phase space. In addition, horseshoe chaos can be demonstrated by applying the topological horseshoe theory to a Poincaré map defined in a proper cross-section, which further shows the coexistence of infinitely stable periodic trajectories and infinite saddle periodic trajectories.
DeepLoco
Authors: Peng Xue Bin , Berseth Glen , Yin Kangkang , Van De Panne Michiel
Published: July 2017

Learning physics-based locomotion skills is a difficult problem, leading to solutions that typically exploit prior knowledge of various forms. In this paper we aim to learn a variety of environment-aware locomotion skills with a limited amount of prior knowledge. We adopt a two-level hierarchical control framework. First, low-level controllers are learned that operate at a fine timescale and which achieve robust walking gaits that satisfy stepping-target and style objectives. Second, high-level controllers are then learned which plan at the timescale of steps by invoking desired step targets for the low-level controller. The high-level controller makes decisions directly based on high-dimensional inputs, including terrain maps or other suitable representations of the surroundings. Both levels of the control policy are trained using deep reinforcement learning. Results are demonstrated on a simulated 3D biped. Low-level controllers are learned for a variety of motion styles and demonstrate robustness with respect to force-based disturbances, terrain variations, and style interpolation. High-level controllers are demonstrated that are capable of following trails through terrains, dribbling a soccer ball towards a target location, and navigating through static or dynamic obstacles.
Lighting grid hierarchy for self-illuminating explosions
Authors: Yuksel Can , Yuksel Cem
Published: July 2017

Rendering explosions with self-illumination is a challenging problem. Explosions contain animated volumetric light sources immersed in animated smoke that cast volumetric shadows, which play an essential role and are expensive to compute. We propose an efficient solution that redefines this problem as rendering with many animated lights by converting the volumetric lighting data into a large number of point lights. Focusing on temporal coherency to avoid flickering in animations, we introduce
lighting grid hierarchy
for approximating the volumetric illumination at different resolutions. Using this structure we can efficiently approximate the lighting at any point inside or outside of the explosion volume as a mixture of lighting contributions from all levels of the hierarchy. As a result, we are able to capture high-frequency details of local illumination, as well as the potentially strong impact of distant illumination. Most importantly, this hierarchical structure allows us to efficiently precompute volumetric shadows, which substantially accelerates the lighting computation. Finally, we provide a scalable approach for computing the multiple scattering of light within the smoke volume using our lighting grid hierarchy. Temporal coherency is achieved by relying on continuous formulations at all stages of the lighting approximation. We show that our method is efficient and effective approximating the self-illumination of explosions with visually indistinguishable results, as compared to path tracing. We also show that our method can be applied to other problems involving a large number of (animated) point lights.
A data-driven approach to four-view image-based hair modeling
Authors: Zhang Meng , Chai Menglei , Wu Hongzhi , Yang Hao , Zhou Kun
Published: July 2017

We introduce a novel four-view image-based hair modeling method. Given four hair images taken from the front, back, left and right views as input, we first estimate the rough 3D shape of the hair observed in the input using a predefined database of 3D hair models, then synthesize a hair texture on the surface of the shape, from which the hair growing direction information is calculated and used to construct a 3D direction field in the hair volume. Finally, we grow hair strands from the scalp, following the direction field, to produce the 3D hair model, which closely resembles the hair in all input images. Our method does not require that all input images are from the same hair, enabling an effective way to create compelling hair models from images of considerably different hairstyles at different views. We demonstrate the efficacy of our method using a wide range of examples.
A computational design tool for compliant mechanisms
Authors: Megaro Vittorio , Zehnder Jonas , Bächer Moritz , Coros Stelian , Gross Markus , Thomaszewski Bernhard
Published: July 2017

We present a computational tool for designing compliant mechanisms. Our method takes as input a conventional, rigidly-articulated mechanism defining the topology of the compliant design. This input can be both planar or spatial, and we support a number of common joint types which, whenever possible, are automatically replaced with parameterized flexures. As the technical core of our approach, we describe a number of objectives that shape the design space in a meaningful way, including trajectory matching, collision avoidance, lateral stability, resilience to failure, and minimizing motor torque. Optimal designs in this space are obtained as solutions to an equilibrium-constrained minimization problem that we solve using a variant of sensitivity analysis. We demonstrate our method on a set of examples that range from simple four-bar linkages to full-fledged animatronics, and verify the feasibility of our designs by manufacturing physical prototypes.
Low-cost 360 stereo photography and video capture
Authors: Matzen Kevin , Cohen Michael F. , Evans Bryce , Kopf Johannes , Szeliski Richard
Published: July 2017

A number of consumer-grade spherical cameras have recently appeared, enabling affordable monoscopic VR content creation in the form of full 360° X 180° spherical panoramic photos and videos. While monoscopic content is certainly engaging, it fails to leverage a main aspect of VR HMDs, namely stereoscopic display. Recent stereoscopic capture rigs involve placing many cameras in a ring and synthesizing an omni-directional stereo panorama enabling a user to look around to explore the scene in stereo. In this work, we describe a method that takes images from two 360° spherical cameras and synthesizes an omni-directional stereo panorama with stereo in all directions. Our proposed method has a lower equipment cost than camera-ring alternatives, can be assembled with currently available off-the-shelf equipment, and is relatively small and light-weight compared to the alternatives. We validate our method by generating both stills and videos. We have conducted a user study to better understand what kinds of geometric processing are necessary for a pleasant viewing experience. We also discuss several algorithmic variations, each with their own time and quality trade-offs.
Computational video editing for dialogue-driven scenes
Authors: Leake Mackenzie , Davis Abe , Truong Anh , Agrawala Maneesh
Published: July 2017

We present a system for efficiently editing video of dialogue-driven scenes. The input to our system is a standard film script and multiple video takes, each capturing a different camera framing or performance of the complete scene. Our system then automatically selects the most appropriate clip from one of the input takes, for each line of dialogue, based on a user-specified set of film-editing idioms. Our system starts by segmenting the input script into lines of dialogue and then splitting each input take into a sequence of clips time-aligned with each line. Next, it labels the script and the clips with high-level structural information (e.g., emotional sentiment of dialogue, camera framing of clip, etc.). After this pre-process, our interface offers a set of basic idioms that users can combine in a variety of ways to build custom editing styles. Our system encodes each basic idiom as a Hidden Markov Model that relates editing decisions to the labels extracted in the pre-process. For short scenes (< 2 minutes, 8--16 takes, 6--27 lines of dialogue) applying the user-specified combination of idioms to the pre-processed inputs generates an edited sequence in 2--3 seconds. We show that this is significantly faster than the hours of user time skilled editors typically require to produce such edits and that the quick feedback lets users iteratively explore the space of edit designs.
Spectral and decomposition tracking for rendering heterogeneous volumes
Authors: Kutz Peter , Habel Ralf , Li Yining Karl , Novák Jan
Published: July 2017

We present two novel unbiased techniques for sampling free paths in heterogeneous participating media. Our
decomposition tracking
accelerates free-path construction by splitting the medium into a control component and a residual component and sampling each of them separately. To minimize expensive evaluations of spatially varying collision coefficients, we define the control component to allow constructing free paths in closed form. The residual heterogeneous component is then homogenized by adding a fictitious medium and handled using weighted delta tracking, which removes the need for computing strict bounds of the extinction function. Our second contribution,
spectral tracking
, enables efficient light transport simulation in chromatic media. We modify free-path distributions to minimize the fluctuation of path throughputs and thereby reduce the estimation variance. To demonstrate the correctness of our algorithms, we derive them
directly
from the radiative transfer equation by extending the integral formulation of null-collision algorithms recently developed in reactor physics. This mathematical framework, which we thoroughly review, encompasses existing trackers and postulates an entire family of new estimators for solving transport problems; our algorithms are examples of such. We analyze the proposed methods in canonical settings and on production scenes, and compare to the current state of the art in simulating light transport in heterogeneous participating media.
Playful palette
Authors: Shugrina Maria , Lu Jingwan , Diverdi Stephen
Published: July 2017

We present Playful Palette, a color picker interface for digital paint programs that derives intuition from oil paint and watercolor palettes, but extends them with digital features. A Playful Palette is a set of blobs of color that blend together to create gradients and gamuts. They can be directly manipulated to explore arrangements and harmonies. All edits are non-destructive, and an infinite history allows previous palettes to be revisited and modified, recoloring the painting. The Playful Palette design is motivated by a pilot study of how artists use paint palettes, and we evaluate the final design with a set of traditional and digital media painters to demonstrate that Playful Palette is effective both at enabling artists' color tasks, and at amplifying their creativity.
VoCo
Authors: Jin Zeyu , Mysore Gautham J. , Diverdi Stephen , Lu Jingwan , Finkelstein Adam
Published: July 2017

Editing audio narration using conventional software typically involves many painstaking low-level manipulations. Some state of the art systems allow the editor to work in a text transcript of the narration, and perform select, cut, copy and paste operations directly in the transcript; these operations are then automatically applied to the waveform in a straightforward manner. However, an obvious gap in the text-based interface is the ability to type new words not appearing in the transcript, for example inserting a new word for emphasis or replacing a misspoken word. While high-quality voice synthesizers exist today, the challenge is to synthesize the new word in a voice that matches the rest of the narration. This paper presents a system that can synthesize a new word or short phrase such that it blends seamlessly in the context of the existing narration. Our approach is to use a text to speech synthesizer to say the word in a generic voice, and then use voice conversion to convert it into a voice that matches the narration. Offering a range of degrees of control to the editor, our interface supports fully automatic synthesis, selection among a candidate set of alternative pronunciations, fine control over edit placements and pitch profiles, and even guidance by the editors own voice. The paper presents studies showing that the output of our method is preferred over baseline methods and often indistinguishable from the original voice.