bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Degradation of anionic surfactants using the reactor based on dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Aonyas Munera , Dojcinovic Biljana , Dolic Slobodan , Obradovic Bratislav , Manojlovic Dragan , Markovic Marijana , Roglic Goran
Published: June 2016

Two anionic surfactants (sodium lauryl sulfate - SDS and sodium
dodecylbenzenesulfonate - SDBS) were treated with dielectric barrier
discharge. Loss of surfactant activity, decrease of chemical oxygen demand
and total organic carbon as well as lower toxicity of degradation products
were determined. Effects of catalysts - hydrogen peroxide and iron (II), on
parameters mentioned above, were determined. Catalysts affect the
degradation of SDBS and in the case of SDS catalysts have no effect on
degradation. Both catalysts induce the decrease of COD and TOC values.
Toxicity of solutions after the plasma treatment is lower in all the systems
tested.
Antisense-Mediated Lowering of Plasma Apolipoprotein C-III by Volanesorsen Improves Dyslipidemia and Insulin Sensitivity in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Digenio Andres , Dunbar Richard L. , Alexander Veronica J. , Hompesch Marcus , Morrow Linda , Lee Richard G. , Graham Mark J. , Hughes Steven G. , Yu Rosie , Singleton Walter , Baker Brenda F. , Bhanot Sanjay , Crooke Rosanne M.
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effects of volanesorsen (ISIS 304801), a second-generation 2'-O-methoxyethyl chimeric antisense inhibitor of apolipoprotein (apo)C-III, on triglyceride (TG) levels and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed in 15 adult patients with type 2 diabetes (HbA1c >7.5% [58 mmol/mol]) and hypertriglyceridemia (TG >200 and <500 mg/dL). Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive volanesorsen 300 mg or placebo for a total of 15 subcutaneous weekly doses. Glucose handling and insulin sensitivity were measured before and after treatment using a two-step hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedure.

RESULTS

Treatment with volanesorsen significantly reduced plasma apoC-III (−88%, P = 0.02) and TG (−69%, P = 0.02) levels and raised HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) (42%, P = 0.03) compared with placebo. These changes were accompanied by a 57% improvement in whole-body insulin sensitivity (P < 0.001). Importantly, we found a strong relationship between enhanced insulin sensitivity and both plasma apoC-III (r = −0.61, P = 0.03) and TG (r = −0.68, P = 0.01) suppression. Improved insulin sensitivity was sufficient to significantly lower glycated albumin (−1.7%, P = 0.034) and fructosamine (−38.7 μmol/L, P = 0.045) at the end of dosing and HbA1c (−0.44% [−4.9 mmol/mol], P = 0.025) 3 months postdosing.

CONCLUSIONS

Volanesorsen reduced plasma apoC-III and TG while raising HDL-C levels. Importantly, glucose disposal, insulin sensitivity, and integrative markers of diabetes also improved in these patients after short-term treatment.
Emergence of Dallisgrass as Affected by Soil Water Availability
Authors: Cornaglia Patricia S. , Schrauf Gustavo E. , Nardi Matías ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

Water supply affects seed germination and seedling establishment of shallow-rooted warm-season grasses. This may explain the difficulty of incorporating Dallisgrass (Paspalum dilatatum Poir.) into humid temperate grasslands through interseeding. We studied the effects of water availability on seed germination and seedling growth under controlled conditions to determine which step of the establishment process was most affected. In a laboratory experiment, seeds were germinated at 0, -0.25, -0.5, -0.75, and -1 MPa water availability generated with solutions of polyethylene glycol. Although both maximum rate and total germination (P < 0.05) significantly decreased with increased water stress, the speed of germination was even more sensitive. In a greenhouse experiment, variations in seedling emergence and morphological characteristics were measured in relation to water availability. Pregerminated and dry seeds were sown in pots that were irrigated at 1-, 2- , 4-, or 7-day intervals. This species showed high sensitivity to water stress during germination and early emergence. High emergence was obtained from the daily irrigation treatment. In all other treatments, where watering frequency was extended, emergence was decreased. Results suggest that rapid germination and early adventitious root growth can be obtained only with reliable availability of water. These conditions, combined with the high temperatures required for breaking seed dormancy, occur infrequently, explaining the difficulty of achieving successful establishment of Dallisgrass. Water availability during seed germination and seedling emergence is a critical factor for survival of this species.
Identification and Creation of Optimum Habitat Conditions for Livestock
Authors: Bailey Derek W. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

Optimum habitat condition is a concept typically used for wildlife rather than livestock. The definition for optimal livestock habitat will vary with management objectives. Abiotic factors, such as topography, water availability, and thermal cover, affect animal performance and uniformity of grazing. Livestock usually prefer gentle slopes and avoid traveling long horizontal and vertical distances to water. Shade and nearby water are used for thermoregulation when temperatures are high, and topographic relief and woody vegetation can be used for thermal cover during cooler temperatures. Biotic factors, such as forage quality and quantity, influence spatial grazing preferences and affect animal performance. Livestock prefer areas with higher forage quality and quantity. Uniformity of grazing may be greater in homogeneous vegetation, but animal performance may be greater in heterogeneous vegetation, especially at lower stocking rates. Livestock grazing patterns have been predicted using multiple regression and other models, but their success has typically been limited to a specific site. Managers can improve livestock habitat conditions by changing abiotic attributes of the pastures, such as developing water, building structures for thermal cover, and changing biotic attributes of the pasture through burning, fertilizing, varying stocking rates, and manipulating grazing systems. Managers can also choose animals that are more adapted to specific rangeland conditions. Practices such as strategic supplementation and herding can modify livestock behavioral patterns to use more of the available habitat. The spatial and temporal variability of rangeland requires multiple management practices to optimize use of livestock habitat.
Microhistological Estimation of Grass Leaf Blade Percentages in Pastures and Diets
Authors: Sierra Paula V. , Cid M. Silvia , Brizuela Miguel A. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

Herbivores select plant parts to maximize the quality of their diets. However, there are few procedures available to quantify the relative consumption of leaf blades. In this study, we initially identified epidermal features that were specific of the blade in 4 grasses: Kleingrass (Panicum coloratum L.), tall wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum [Podp.] Barkw. Dewey), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), and salt grass (Distichlis scoparia L.). Then, we quantified the percentage of fragments with the blade epidermal feature for each species, evaluating whether they varied with plant maturity. We also evaluated whether those percentages were affected by digestion to determine if the procedure we propose could be used in diet analysis. Finally, by linear regression, we analyzed whether the relationships between the actual blade dry mass percentages (y) and those estimated by microanalysis (x) were 1:1 in mixes of different plant parts of the individual species as well as in mixed vegetation samples. Digestion affected the percentage of identifiable blade fragments of each species; but, after correction by digestion, all the estimates were accurate (a = 0 and b = 1 in all the regression equations) and precise (r2 > 0.90). Results indicate that epidermal features specific to blades would make it possible to estimate by microanalysis the percentage of this plant part for each species in vegetation samples from pastures composed of few species and also in the diets of herbivores grazing them. Although the proposed procedure was tested in simple systems, it could also be used to estimate the percentage of blades of the dominant species in the diets of herbivores grazing more complex systems.
Evaluation of Native and Introduced Grasses for Reclamation and Production
Authors: Willms Walter D. , Ellert Ben H. , Janzen H. Henry ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

Crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum [L.] Gaertn.) and Russian wildrye (Elymus junceus Fisch.) are commonly used for reseeding in the more xeric Mixed Prairie of the Canadian prairies because they are perceived to be more productive than native species. However, they have been implicated in soil deterioration. The objectives of our study were to compare the aboveground net primary production and soil organic carbon (C) among monoculture communities of selected native grass species, crested wheatgrass, and Russian wildrye and to compare the native grass monocultures with their mixtures. In 1995, a 5-year study was initiated on Dark Brown Chernozemic (Typic Haploboroll) soil near Lethbridge, Alberta. Ten treatments consisting of monocultures of introduced and selected native species and mixtures of native species were established in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications. Aboveground net primary production and soil organic C were measured. Monocultures of 2 native species, green needlegrass (Stipa viridula Trin.) and blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis [H.B.K.] Lag. ex Steud.), were more productive than crested wheatgrass or Russian wildrye under both normal moisture and drought conditions. Monocultures of these native species also tended to be more productive than their mixtures. The western wheatgrass (A. smithii Rydb.) monoculture and the western wheatgrass-blue grama mixture experienced the greatest yield reduction as a result of drought. Treatment effects on soil organic C were not detected (P > 0.05) 5 years after seeding. Soils of the June grass (Koeleria macrantha [Ledeb.] J.A. Schultes f.) community had less (P < 0.05) macro-organic C than most other treatments.
Relationships Between Chihuahuan Desert Perennial Grass Production and Precipitation
Authors: Khumalo Godfrey , Holechek Jerry ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

Perennial grass production on the Chihuahuan Desert Rangeland Research Center in south-central New Mexico was correlated with precipitation characteristics over a 34-year period. Total December through September precipitation was highly correlated (r = +0.77, n = 34) with perennial grass production. Practical generalized indices were developed that could be broadly applied by managers for predicting perennial grass production from precipitation characteristics. Perennial grass production and precipitation data on 3 separate pastures were collected over a 6-year period to evaluate the reliability of models to predict perennial grass production. Simple linear, 2-variable, quadratic, and polynomial regression models gave perennial grass production estimates that were well correlated with actual values (r = +0.85 to +0.91, n = 17) across the 3 pastures. The quadratic regression model (Y = 4.04 – 0.24X + 0.012 X2, X = December through September precipitation, Y = forage production, n = 34, r = 0.85) gave the most accurate predicted values. Our quadratic regression model should be of practical use to ranchers and range managers on Chihuahuan Desert upland rangelands receiving 200-300 mm annual precipitation, with loamy to sandy loam soils and in mid- to late-seral ecological condition. These conditions match those generally found on Chihuahuan Desert Uplands. We consider our quadratic regression model to be highly useful over large areas to ranchers in southern New Mexico, southeastern Arizona, southwestern Texas, and north-central Mexico.
Cattle and Salmon II: Interactions Between Cattle and Spawning Spring Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) in a Northeastern Oregon Riparian Ecosystem
Authors: Ballard Teena M. , Krueger William C. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

The study addressed the interaction between cattle and spawning spring chinook salmon late in the summer, when it is common for cattle to be present in pastures that have streams where spawning occurs. We addressed the occurrence of spawning in the study area and 2 potential impacts of cattle behavior during chinook salmon spawning: 1) disruption of spawning behavior by the presence of cattle near the redd and 2) the frequency of actual cattle contact with redds. Frequency of salmon redds was not significantly different in the stream reaches accessible to cattle compared with excluded reaches. Salmon continued preexisting patterns of behavior while cattle were within visible range of a redd. Cattle were seldom close to a redd and the chance for direct interaction to occur was minimal. When cattle were visibly near the active redd, cattle remained greater than 3.0 m from the active redd 84% of the time. Of the total time redds were observed, cattle contacted the redds <0.01% of the time. Previous studies have shown salmon that are harassed during spawning can retain eggs and even go completely unspawned. All salmon fully spawned in the study area in both years of the study.
Elk and Mule Deer Diets in North-Central New Mexico
Authors: Sandoval Leonard , Holechek Jerry , Biggs James ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

Botanical composition of mule deer and elk diets in winter, spring, summer, and autumn was studied during 1998 and 1999 on woodland rangeland in north-central New Mexico using microhistological analysis of fecal samples. Our study area had no livestock grazing for 60 years but was moderately grazed by mule deer and elk. Elk and mule deer shared 3 of the top 5 key forage species when diets were pooled across seasons and years. These 3 species were oak (Quercus sp.), ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Dougl.), and mullein (Verbascum thapsus L.). When data were pooled across seasons and years, overall dietary overlap between mule deer and elk was 64%. Diet overlaps of 50% or more occurred between mule deer and elk in all 4 seasons in both years of study. Throughout both years, mule deer and elk diets were dominated by browse. Mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus Raf.) was the most abundant browse plant in mule deer diets; ponderosa pine was most abundant in elk diets. Both animals selected forbs, which were in low supply during the study. Scarlet globemallow (Sphaeralcea coccinea Pursh), a nutritious forb, was common in both mule deer and elk diets. Our study and others from woodland rangelands in New Mexico show high potential for forage competition between mule deer and elk. Elk are more dietarily adaptable to changing forage availability than are mule deer. Our study indicates that diets of mule deer and elk are not complementary on woodland rangelands in New Mexico. Therefore, grazing capacity is not increased by common-use grazing of the 2 animals. Both mule deer and elk herds have been increasing on our study area. Therefore, if use of common forage species is kept at moderate levels on southwestern woodland rangelands, mule deer herds can be maintained or increased when elk are present.
Silver Sagebrush Community Associations in Southeastern Alberta, Canada
Authors: Jones Paul F. , Penniket Roy , Fent Livio ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) habitat in southeastern Alberta is limited by the distribution of silver sagebrush (Artemisia cana Pursh). We conducted a landscape assessment of silver sagebrush throughout the current range of sage-grouse in southeastern Alberta. Black-and-white aerial photography acquired in the fall of 2001 was used to map silver sagebrush. Contact print stereo pairs were interpreted using a stereoscope and initially classified into 1 of 13 site classes based on soil type and landscape feature (e.g., recent agriculture). Each site polygon was further broken down into smaller polygons based on the percentage of silver sagebrush occupancy, density distribution, and height. A total of 4 626 site polygons were identified and classed into 1 of 13 site classes. To ensure all assumptions of statistical tests were met, the data set was reduced to 9 site classes. The mean percentage of silver sagebrush occupancy was significantly different between the 9 site classes (F = 285.00, df = 8, P < 0.001). The lotic site class had the highest mean percentage of occupancy, followed by overflow and old cultivated site classes. The frequencies of density distribution were not equal for all site classes (Pearson’s chi-square = 5 727.09, df = 72, P < 0.001). Lotic had greater than expected occurrences in distribution classes 8 through 12 whereas overflow had greater than expected occurrences in distribution classes 8 and 10. The frequencies of height class were not equal for all site classes (Pearson’s chi-square = 4 382.15, df = 24, P < 0.001). Lotic and overflow sites had greater than expected occurrences in the mixed and tall height classes, whereas blowouts, loamy and saline lowlands had greater occurrences in the small height class. Understanding the occupancy, density distribution, and height of silver sagebrush across the landscape will assist in understanding the resource selection patterns and management of sage-grouse in Alberta, Canada.
Consequences of Selecting Rambouillet Ewes for Mountain Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. vaseyana) Dietary Preference
Authors: Seefeldt Steven S. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

A dense mountain big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata Nutt. ssp. vaseyana [Rydb] Beetle) canopy suppresses understory vegetation. Rambouillet ewes with high and low dietary preferences for mountain big sagebrush were tested for their ability to reduce the cover of dense stands of sagebrush. Eighty ewes with high and low preferences for mountain big sagebrush were grazed in October on 8 pastures with a 33% shrub cover for 3 years. Even though near infrared reflectance spectroscopy measurements of feces indicated that high-preference ewes consumed up to twice as much mountain big sagebrush than did low- preference ewes (P < 0.005), there was no difference in the reduction of sagebrush canopy between the high- and low- preference ewes (P = 0.46). Indeed, grazing did not reduce mountain big sagebrush more than in the ungrazed pastures. However, ewes with a high preference for mountain big sagebrush consumed more antelope bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata [Pursh] DC.) (P < 0.05) than did low-preference ewes (length reductions of 30 cm and 10 +/- 3.7 cm [mean +/- SE], respectively). In this study, the selection of ewes with a dietary preference for mountain big sagebrush had the unintended consequence of selecting ewes with a dietary preference for antelope bitterbrush. Antelope bitterbrush is a desirable shrub in sagebrush steppe ecosystems, and reductions in antelope bitterbrush as a result of altered livestock preferences will reduce rangeland health. Animals selected with a dietary preference for one plant species must be screened to determine what other plants they will preferentially select to limit potential negative consequences for plant communities and ecosystems.
Book Review: Biological Confinement of Genetically Engineered Organisms, the National Research Council of the National Academics
Authors: Larsen Brett ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

Book Review: Biological Confinement of Genetically Engineered Organisms, the National Research Council of the National Academics. The National Academies Press, Washington, DC (2004).
Heifer Production on Rangeland and Seeded Forages in the Northern Great Plains
Authors: Haferkamp M. R. , MacNeil M. D. , Grings E. E. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

Integrating use of seeded perennial cool-season grass pastures with native rangeland can increase available forage and provide a high plane of nutrition for grazing livestock. Our objective was to compare performance of yearling beef heifers grazing native rangeland with those grazing an integrated system that included seeded forages. Twice-replicated, 3-ha pastures seeded to either ‘Rosana’ western wheatgrass (Pascopyron smithii [Rydb.] A. Love), ‘Luna’ pubescent wheatgrass (Elytrigia intermedia [Host] Nevski), or ‘Hycrest’ crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum [L.] Gaertn. ssp. desertorum [Fisch. ex Link] A. Love) were grazed in spring, whereas twice-replicated, 3.24-ha pastures seeded to either ‘Alkar’ tall wheatgrass (Thinopyrum ponticum [Podp.] ZW Liu RC Wang), ‘NewHy’ hybrid wheatgrass (Elymus hoffmannii KB Jensen KH Asay), ‘Bozoisky’ Russian wildrye (Psathyrostachys juncea [Fisch.] Nevski.), or ‘Prairieland’ Altai wildrye (Leymus angustus [Trin.] Pilger) were grazed in autumn. Native rangeland was grazed during summer in the integrated system and spring, summer, and autumn in the rangeland treatment. Heifers exhibited greater weight gains on seeded pastures than on native rangeland in spring and autumn of most years. In 2 out of 3 years, heifers that grazed native rangeland during spring gained more (P = 0.012 for gain head-1 and P = 0.021 for gain head-1 day-1) while grazing native rangeland during summer than heifers that grazed seeded pastures in spring. Spring + summer gains averaged (mean +/- SE) 0.56 +/- 0.01 kg head-1 d-1 and 73.1 +/- 1.6 kg head-1. Livestock managers need to consider their livestock marketing and management strategies when using seeded pastures for seasonal grazing.
Detection-Threshold Calibration and Other Factors Influencing Digital Measurements of Ground Cover
Authors: Booth D. Terrance , Cox Samuel E. , Johnson Douglas E. ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

New methods of image acquisition and analysis are advancing rangeland assessment techniques. Most image-analysis programs require users to adjust detection thresholds for color or object classification, a subjective process we postulated would be influenced by human error and variation. We developed a ground-cover-measurement calibration procedure, the digital grid overlay (DGO), which is similar to image point sampling (dot grid) advanced by earlier researchers. We asked 21 rangeland professionals to measure ground cover using 2 subjective visual-estimate methods (threshold adjustment process, or TAP, and external [to the software] visual estimate, or EVE) and the DGO on 5 different nadir-view images of rangeland. We also compared cover measurements made by DGO-calibrated software in automated batch processing against DGO manual-only measurements. We found an unacceptable range of variation among rangeland professionals using TAP. The DGO and EVE values were more closely aligned. We discovered an age-related bias in bare-ground measurements: all users over 50 years of age classified more bare ground than did all users under 50 years of age when using TAP. One explanation for this bias is age-related yellowing of the eye lens. Manual DGO measurements required up to 15 minutes per image compared to about 1 second per image for automated computer analysis after software calibration. The greatest bare-ground difference between the DGO- calibrated software and manual DGO measurements for the data sets analyzed was 5.6% and the correlations imply that reasonably accurate automated measurements can be used for bare-ground measurements from digital-image data sets. The exception is where the software cannot adequately separate litter and bare ground. The digital methods we tested need improvement. However, external calibration (DGO or EVE) of current-generation image-analysis algorithms bring economical, statistically adequate monitoring of extensive land areas within the realm of practical application.
Book Review: Animal Behavior and Wildlife Conservation, Marco Festa-Bianchet, Marco Apollonio
Authors: Slone J. Brent ,   Society for Range Management
Published: June 2016

Book Review: Animal Behavior and Wildlife Conservation, Marco Festa-Bianchet, Marco Apollonio. Island Press, Washington, DC (2003).
Reliability of a Qualitative Video Analysis for Running
Authors: Pipkin Andrew , Kotecki Kristy , Hetzel Scott , Heiderscheit Bryan
Published: June 2016

Study Design

Reliability study.

Background

Video analysis of running gait is frequently performed in orthopaedic and sports medicine practices to assess biomechanical factors that may contribute to injury. However, the reliability of a whole-body assessment has not been determined.

Objective

To determine the intrarater and interrater reliability of the qualitative assessment of specific running kinematics from a 2-dimensional video.

Methods

Running-gait analysis was performed on videos recorded from 15 individuals (8 male, 7 female) running at a self-selected pace (3.17 ± 0.40 m/s, 8:28 ± 1:04 min/mi) using a high-speed camera (120 frames per second). These videos were independently rated on 2 occasions by 3 experienced physical therapists using a standardized qualitative assessment. Fifteen sagittal and frontal plane kinematic variables were rated on a 3- or 5-point categorical scale at specific events of the gait cycle, including initial contact (n = 3) and midstance (n = 9), or across the full gait cycle (n = 3). The video frame number corresponding to each gait event was also recorded. Intrarater and interrater reliability values were calculated for gait-event detection (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] and standard error of measurement [SEM]) and the individual kinematic variables (weighted kappa [κw]).

Results

Gait-event detection was highly reproducible within raters (ICC = 0.94–1.00; SEM, 0.3–1.0 frames) and between raters (ICC = 0.77–1.00; SEM, 0.4–1.9 frames). Eleven of the 15 kinematic variables demonstrated substantial (κw = 0.60–0.799) or excellent (κw>0.80) intrarater agreement, with the exception of foot-to-center-of-mass position (κw = 0.59), forefoot position (κw = 0.58), ankle dorsiflexion at midstance (κw = 0.49), and center-of-mass vertical excursion (κw = 0.36). Interrater agreement for the kinematic measures varied more widely (κw = 0.00–0.85), with 5 variables showing substantial or excellent reliability.

Conclusion

The qualitative assessment of specific kinematic measures during running can be reliably performed with the use of a high-speed video camera. Detection of specific gait events was highly reproducible, as were common kinematic variables such as rearfoot position, foot-strike pattern, tibial inclination angle, knee flexion angle, and forward trunk lean. Other variables should be used with caution. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(7):556–561. Epub 6 Jun 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6280
Kinesio Taping Does Not Provide Additional Benefits in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain Who Receive Exercise and Manual Therapy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Added Marco Aurélio Nemitalla , Costa Leonardo Oliveira Pena , de Freitas Diego Galace , Fukuda Thiago Yukio , Monteiro Renan Lima , Salomão Evelyn Cassia , de Medeiros Flávia Cordeiro , Costa Lucíola da Cunha Menezes
Published: June 2016

Study Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Background

Many clinical practice guidelines endorse both manual therapy and exercise as effective treatment options for patients with low back pain. To optimize the effects of the treatments recommended by the guidelines, a new intervention known as Kinesio Taping is being widely used in these patients.

Objectives

To determine the effectiveness of Kinesio Taping in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain when added to a physical therapy program consisting of exercise and manual therapy.

Methods

One hundred forty-eight patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain were randomly allocated to receive 10 (twice weekly) sessions of physical therapy, consisting of exercise and manual therapy, or the same treatment with the addition of Kinesio Taping applied to the lower back. The primary outcomes were pain intensity and disability (5 weeks after randomization) and the secondary outcomes were pain intensity, disability (3 months and 6 months after randomization), global perceived effect, and satisfaction with care (5 weeks after treatment). Data were collected by a blinded assessor.

Results

No between-group differences were observed in the primary outcomes of pain intensity (mean difference, −0.01 points; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.88, 0.85) or disability (mean difference, 1.14 points; 95% CI: −0.85, 3.13) at 5 weeks' follow-up. In addition, no between-group differences were observed for any of the other outcomes evaluated, except for disability 6 months after randomization (mean difference, 2.01 points; 95% CI: 0.03, 4.00) in favor of the control group.

Conclusion

Patients who received a physical therapy program consisting of exercise and manual therapy did not get additional benefit from the use of Kinesio Taping.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 1b. Prospectively registered May 28, 2013 at www.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01866332). J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(7):506–513. Epub 6 Jun 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6590
The Effect of Velocity of Joint Mobilization on Corticospinal Excitability in Individuals With a History of Ankle Sprain
Authors: Fisher Beth E. , Piraino Andrew , Lee Ya-Yun , Smith Jo Armour , Johnson Sean , Davenport Todd E. , Kulig Kornelia
Published: June 2016

Study Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Background

Joint mobilization and manipulation decrease pain and improve patient function. Yet, the processes underlying these changes are not well understood. Measures of corticospinal excitability provide insight into potential mechanisms mediated by the central nervous system.

Objectives

To investigate the differential effects of joint mobilization and manipulation at the talocrural joint on corticospinal excitability in individuals with resolved symptoms following ankle sprain.

Methods

Twenty-seven participants with a history of ankle sprain were randomly assigned to the control, joint mobilization, or thrust manipulation group. The motor-evoked potential (MEP) and cortical silent period (CSP) of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius were obtained with transcranial magnetic stimulation at rest and during active contraction of the tibialis anterior. The slopes of MEP/CSP input/output curves and the maximal MEP/CSP values were calculated to indicate corticospinal excitability. Behavioral measures, including ankle dorsiflexion and dynamic balance, were evaluated.

Results

A repeated-measures analysis of variance of the MEP slope showed a significant group-by-time interaction for the tibialis anterior at rest (P = .002) and during active contraction (P = .042). After intervention, the thrust manipulation group had an increase in corticospinal excitability, while the corticospinal excitability decreased in the mobilization group. The thrust manipulation group, but not other groups, also demonstrated a significant increase in the maximal MEP amplitude of the tibialis anterior after intervention.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that joint manipulation and mobilization have different effects on corticospinal excitability. The increased corticospinal excitability following thrust manipulation may provide a window for physical therapists to optimize muscle recruitment and subsequently movement. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00847769). J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(7):562-570. Epub 6 Jun 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6602
Use of Power Spectral Density for Effective Turnout Geometry Maintenance
Authors: Minbashi Niloofar , Bagheri Morteza , Golroo Amir , Arasteh Khouy Iman
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to assess the geometrical quality of railway turnouts through application of power spectral density (PSD). PSD in the form of a continuous curve can show turnout irregularities by means of wavelength and amplitude. As a case study, the data related to longitudinal level parameter measurements for four turnouts in the Swedish Railways from 2007 to 2011 were acquired. The PSD curves for these measurements were calculated by means of ProVal software. The PSD curves were compared by PSD standard in a program written in MATLAB and turnout irregularities were determined. The results show that PSD is able to demonstrate the condition of turnouts individually and can also identify the wavelength faults present in different sections of a turnout. More important, PSD can be applied to prioritize maintenance needs of turnouts on the basis of their criticality. Use of PSD can help identify tamping needs more precisely. As a result, the geometrical quality can be restored before the defined maintenance thresholds are exceeded. This maintenance action also would reduce the total downtime, obligatory speed reductions, and maintenance costs.
Microwave Radar Vehicle Detection Performance at Railroad Grade Crossings with Quad Gates in Normal and Adverse Weather Conditions
Authors: Medina Juan C. , Benekohal Rahim (Ray) F.
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a comprehensive all-weather evaluation of a dual microwave radar vehicle detection system at a highway–rail grade crossing equipped with four quadrant (quad) gates. Weather conditions ranged from favorable (normal) to adverse and included rain (light and heavy), snow (light and heavy), fog, and wind. Initial assessment of the detection performance in adverse weather showed higher than acceptable error rates mostly in heavy rain (false calls > 30%) and heavy snow (systemwide missed calls > 11%). However, after detailed feedback was provided to the vendor and the system parameters were remodified, a subsequent reevaluation was made by using more than 110,000 radar activations and close to 450 h of data. Final results showed that the remodified setup not only reduced the frequency of errors in heavy rain and heavy snow conditions but also maintained a desirable performance in the other weather conditions (including light rain and light snow). After remodification, there were no systemwide missed calls, stuck-on calls, or dropped calls, with less than 1% detection errors in good weather and up to 2.6% during specific periods of adverse weather. This paper describes the process followed to achieve this performance in the field. To ensure reliability, before the system is set as the primary gate control mechanism, thorough evaluation and monitoring of similar systems at other locations is recommended, particularly at wider crossings and longer crossings.
Experimental study on plasma discharge induced by high-velocity impact solar array associated with projectile incidence angles
Authors: Tang Enling , Wang Hongliang , Xia Jin , Wang Meng , Li Zheng , Zhang Lijiao , Xiang Shenghai , Liu Shuhua , He Liping , Yuan Jianfei , Xu Mingyang , Zhang Shuang
Published: June 2016

The purpose of the paper is to investigate the discharge characteristics of plasma generated by a projectile high-velocity impact solar array with 2A12 aluminum substrate structures at the incidence angles of 30°, 45° and 60°, respectively. Three sets of experiments were performed to impact solar array by taking advantage of discharge measurement system established and two-stage light gas gun loading system. Experimental results showed that the second discharge phenomenon did happen in the solar array at the given experimental conditions, and the discharge current peak and time interval between the primary discharge and the second discharge are the biggest at the projectile incidence angle of 45° in the conditions of the near impact velocity and the different projectile incidence angles.
Nonlinear flux linkage modeling of a bearingless permanent magnet synchronous motor based on AW-LSSVM regression algorithm
Authors: Sun Xiaodong , Su Bokai , Chen Long , Yang Zebin , Chen Jianfeng , Zhang Weiyu
Published: June 2016

Considering the nonlinear magnetization characteristic of bearingless permanent magnet synchronous motors (BPMSMs), this paper describes a novel nonlinear model of the flux linkage for BPMSMs using adaptive weighted (AW) least square support vector machine (AW-LSSVM) regression algorithm. The inputs of the AW-LSSVM are the rotor angle, and torque winding current and suspension force winding current, and the output of the AW-LSSVM is the flux linkage of the BPMSM. Firstly, the LSSVM regression algorithm is used to build the model according to the sample data and obtain the fitting errors of the sample data. Thus, the initial error weights can be calculated on the basis of the fitting errors. And then, the lever weights can be defined based on the space distribution of the sample data. Secondly, according to the error weights and lever weights, the sample weights can be obtained adaptively by the proposed weight value iterative scheme. Finally, the relation between inputs and output is trained and the accuracy AW-LSSVM model of flux linkage can be gained. To compare the property of the proposed flux linkage model, the AW-LSSVM and the LSSVM are employed to build the flux linkage model. The simulation results indicate that by using the proposed AW-LSSVM regression algorithm, the influence of the unavoidable outliers on the model property can be effectively eliminated and the superior performance in high precision, strong robustness and quick convergence can also be obtained.
Radiated emission mechanism for semi- active control strategy of magneto- rheological damper
Authors: Yan Wei , Tang Qiang , Wang Enrong
Published: June 2016

The magneto-rheological damper (MRD) has been widely explored in the study of vibration suppression for vehicle suspension and constructional systems, which includes strong nonlinearities arisen from the semi-active control strategy, road surface shock excitations, high-frequency devices in control circuit. Due to the displacement vibration and semi-active control strategy, radiated emission are produced through the cable and excitation coil based on the semi-active control signal. To solve the problem, the radiated emission mechanism and models are proposed and analyzed. Moreover, a novel smoothing algorithm is designed to mitigate the above radiated emission. The simulation and experiment results show that radiated emission can be suppressed 2-4 dBμ V/m by employing the present smoothing algorithm and comply with EN 55022, which will play an important role in future application study for the electromagnetic interference reduction of intelligent vehicle suspension design with MRDs.
Dynamic analysis and simulation on continuous flow processing of biodiesel production in single-mode microwave cavity
Authors: Zhang Chun , Lan Junqing , Hong Tao , Gulati Tushar , Zhu Huacheng , Yang Yang , Huang Kama
Published: June 2016

A comprehensive physics-based model is developed to understand and explain the process of continuous production of biodiesel via the application of microwaves. Microwave assisted biodiesel production is a complex interplay of electromagnetics, reaction between different components and heat and mass transfer in a tube for continuous manufacturing. The multiphysics model is based on a single mode cavity operating at 2450 MHz. Material properties required for multiphysics modeling are assumed as bivariate functions of reaction solution's component and temperature in this work. An elaborate experimental system was developed to validate the multiphysics model through temperature measurements carried out for different initial velocities of the reacting components. Excellent agreement was found between experimental values and model predictions with a maximum relative error of 0.908%. The model developed is elaborate from the point of view of physics which can explain the process of microwave-assisted production of biodiesel and it's very important for optimize the process before scaling up. Also, due to fluid flow, presence of hot spots and thermal runaway caused by the short penetration depth of the microwaves and relative long term microwave heating can be done away with especially for large scale.
Revised Translations: Strategic Rationales and the Intricacies of Authorship
Authors: Washbourne Kelly
Published: June 2016

Abstract: The ‘reprocessed’ text, in Paloposki and Koskinen's (2010) term, often eludes critical attention, as it is part of the textual evolution of a work's pre-history. This study takes up the revised translation as process and product for closer examination, particularly in its assertions of authority, and in its uncertain relationship to its ecology of predecessor translations and retranslations. The motivations for revision are explored, as is the sometimes misleading role of peritexts in shaping the identities of the revised translation, and the types of revisers and revision distinguished. This research locates the revised translation as a subgenre at the intersection of the translatorial, the editorial, the adaptational, and the promotional. Finally, the ambiguities and multivocality of multiple authorship are considered, case studies explored, and ways of strengthening attributions and textual identity in this ‘palimpsestic’ form are proposed.
Dietary Lecithin Decreases Skeletal Muscle COL1A1 and COL3A1 Gene Expression in Finisher Gilts
Authors: Akit Henny , Collins Cherie , Fahri Fahri , Hung Alex , D’Souza Daryl , Leury Brian , Dunshea Frank
Published: June 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary lecithin on skeletal muscle gene expression of collagen precursors and enzymes involved in collagen synthesis and degradation. Finisher gilts with an average start weight of 55.9 ± 2.22 kg were fed diets containing either 0, 4, 20 or 80 g/kg soybean lecithin prior to harvest for six weeks and the rectus abdominis muscle gene expression profile was analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. Lecithin treatment down-regulated Type I (α1) procollagen (COL1A1) and Type III (α1) procollagen (COL3A1) mRNA expression ( p < 0.05, respectively), indicating a decrease in the precursors for collagen synthesis. The α-subunit of prolyl 4-hydroxylase (P4H) mRNA expression also tended to be down-regulated ( p = 0.056), indicating a decrease in collagen synthesis. Decreased matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) mRNA expression may reflect a positive regulatory response to the reduced collagen synthesis in muscle from the pigs fed lecithin ( p = 0.035). Lecithin had no effect on tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and lysyl oxidase mRNA expression. In conclusion, lecithin down-regulated COL1A1 and COL3A1 as well as tended to down-regulate α-subunit P4H expression. However, determination of muscle collagen content and solubility are required to support the gene functions.
Rapid Detection of Food Allergens by Microfluidics ELISA-Based Optical Sensor
Authors: Weng Xuan , Gaur Gautam , Neethirajan Suresh
Published: June 2016

The risks associated with the presence of hidden allergens in food have increased the need for rapid, sensitive, and reliable methods for tracing food allergens in commodities. Conventional enzyme immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has usually been performed in a centralized lab, requiring considerable time and sample/reagent consumption and expensive detection instruments. In this study, a microfluidic ELISA platform combined with a custom-designed optical sensor was developed for the quantitative analysis of the proteins wheat gluten and Ara h 1. The developed microfluidic ELISA biosensor reduced the total assay time from hours (up to 3.5 h) to 15–20 min and decreased sample/reagent consumption to 5–10 μL, compared to a few hundred microliters in commercial ELISA kits, with superior sensitivity. The quantitative capability of the presented biosensor is a distinctive advantage over the commercially available rapid methods such as lateral flow devices (LFD) and dipstick tests. The developed microfluidic biosensor demonstrates the potential for sensitive and less-expensive on-site determination for rapidly detecting food allergens in a complex sample system.
Using Free Internet Videogames in Upper Extremity Motor Training for Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Sevick Marisa , Eklund Elizabeth , Mensch Allison , Foreman Matthew , Standeven John , Engsberg Jack
Published: June 2016

Movement therapy is one type of upper extremity intervention for children with cerebral palsy (CP) to improve function. It requires high-intensity, repetitive and task-specific training. Tedium and lack of motivation are substantial barriers to completing the training. An approach to overcome these barriers is to couple the movement therapy with videogames. This investigation: (1) tested the feasibility of delivering a free Internet videogame upper extremity motor intervention to four children with CP (aged 8–17 years) with mild to moderate limitations to upper limb function; and (2) determined the level of intrinsic motivation during the intervention. The intervention used free Internet videogames in conjunction with the Microsoft Kinect motion sensor and the Flexible Action and Articulated Skeleton Toolkit software (FAAST) software. Results indicated that the intervention could be successfully delivered in the laboratory and the home, and pre- and post- impairment, function and performance assessments were possible. Results also indicated a high level of motivation among the participants. It was concluded that the use of inexpensive hardware and software in conjunction with free Internet videogames has the potential to be very motivating in helping to improve the upper extremity abilities of children with CP. Future work should include results from additional participants and from a control group in a randomized controlled trial to establish efficacy.
Online Adaptive Local-Global Model Reduction for Flows in Heterogeneous Porous Media
Authors: Efendiev Yalchin , Gildin Eduardo , Yang Yanfang
Published: June 2016

We propose an online adaptive local-global POD-DEIM model reduction method for flows in heterogeneous porous media. The main idea of the proposed method is to use local online indicators to decide on the global update, which is performed via reduced cost local multiscale basis functions. This unique local-global online combination allows (1) developing local indicators that are used for both local and global updates (2) computing global online modes via local multiscale basis functions. The multiscale basis functions consist of offline and some online local basis functions. The approach used for constructing a global reduced system is based on Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) Galerkin projection. The nonlinearities are approximated by the Discrete Empirical Interpolation Method (DEIM). The online adaption is performed by incorporating new data, which become available at the online stage. Once the criterion for updates is satisfied, we adapt the reduced system online by changing the POD subspace and the DEIM approximation of the nonlinear functions. The main contribution of the paper is that the criterion for adaption and the construction of the global online modes are based on local error indicators and local multiscale basis function which can be cheaply computed. Since the adaption is performed infrequently, the new methodology does not add significant computational overhead associated with when and how to adapt the reduced basis. Our approach is particularly useful for situations where it is desired to solve the reduced system for inputs or controls that result in a solution outside the span of the snapshots generated in the offline stage. Our method also offers an alternative of constructing a robust reduced system even if a potential initial poor choice of snapshots is used. Applications to single-phase and two-phase flow problems demonstrate the efficiency of our method.