bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond emotions: A meta-analysis of neural response within face processing system in social anxiety
Authors: Gentili Claudio , Cristea Ioana Alina , Angstadt Mike , Klumpp Heide , Tozzi Leonardo , Phan K Luan , Pietrini Pietro
Published: September 2015

Patients with social anxiety disorder (SAD) experience anxiety and avoidance in face-to-face interactions. We performed a meta-analysis of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies in SAD to provide a comprehensive understanding of the neural underpinnings of face perception in this disorder. To this purpose, we adopted an innovative approach, asking authors for unpublished data. This is a common procedure for behavioral meta-analyses, which, however has never been used in neuroimaging studies. We searched Pubmed with the key words “Social Anxiety AND faces” and “Social Phobia AND faces.” Then, we selected those fMRI studies for which we were able to obtain data for the comparison between SAD and healthy controls (HC) in a face perception task, either from the published papers or from the authors themselves. In this way, we obtained 23 studies (totaling 449 SAD and 424 HC individuals). We identified significant clusters in which faces evoked a higher response in SAD in bilateral amygdala, globus pallidus, superior temporal sulcus, visual cortex, and prefrontal cortex. We also found a higher activity for HC in the lingual gyrus and in the posterior cingulate. Our findings show that altered neural response to face in SAD is not limited to emotional structures but involves a complex network. These results may have implications for the understanding of SAD pathophysiology, as they suggest that a dysfunctional face perception process may bias patient person-to-person interactions.
Age-associated expression of HCN channel isoforms in rat sinoatrial node
Authors: Huang Xin , Yang Pei , Yang Zhao , Zhang Hong , Ma Aiqun
Published: September 2015

The expression of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation (HCN) channel isoforms varies among species, cardiac tissues, developmental stages, and disease generation. However, alterations in the HCN channels during aging remain unclear. We investigated the protein expressions of HCN channel isoforms, HCN1-HCN4, in the sinoatrial nodes (SANs) from young (1-month-old), adult (4-month-old), and aged (30-month-old) rats. We found that HCN2 and HCN4 proteins were present in rat SAN using immunohistochemistry; therefore, we quantitatively analyzed their expression by Western blot. Aim to correlate protein expression and pacemaking function, specific blockade of HCN channels with 3 µmol/L ivabradine prolonged the cycle length in the intact rat heart. During the senescent process, the HCN2 and HCN4 protein levels declined, which was accompanied with a decreased effect of ivabradine on rat SAN automaticity. These results indicated the age-associated expression and relative function of HCN channel isoforms.
The quantitative role of flexor sheath incision in correcting Dupuytren proximal interphalangeal joint contractures
Authors: Blazar P. E. , Floyd E. W. , Earp B. E.
Published: September 2015

Controversy exists regarding intra-operative treatment of residual proximal interphalangeal joint contractures after Dupuytren’s fasciectomy. We test the hypothesis that a simple release of the digital flexor sheath can correct residual fixed flexion contracture after subtotal fasciectomy. We prospectively enrolled 19 patients (22 digits) with Dupuytren’s contracture of the proximal interphalangeal joint. The average pre-operative extension deficit of the proximal interphalangeal joints was 58° (range 30–90). The flexion contracture of the joint was corrected to an average of 28° after fasciectomy. In most digits (20 of 21), subsequent incision of the flexor sheath further corrected the contracture by an average of 23°, resulting in correction to an average flexion contracture of 4.7° (range 0–40). Our results support that contracture of the tendon sheath is a contributor to Dupuytren’s contracture of the joint and that sheath release is a simple, low morbidity addition to correct Dupuytren’s contractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Additional release of the proximal interphalangeal joint after fasciectomy, after release of the flexor sheath, is not necessary in many patients.

Level of Evidence: IV (Case Series, Therapeutic)
Altered release of chemokines by phagocytes from fibromyalgia patients: a pilot study
Authors: García Juan José , Carvajal-Gil Julián , Guerrero-Bonmatty Rafael
Published: September 2015

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome characterized by widespread chronic pain and is associated with elevated systemic inflammatory biomarkers, and an elevated innate cellular response. The aim of this study was to determine if fibromyalgia patients have altered ability to release pro-inflammatory chemokines by isolated neutrophils and monocytes. The study participants were women diagnosed with FM ( n = 6) and a control group of healthy women (HW) ( n = 6). Supernatant concentrations of eotaxin (CCL11), human macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) (CCL22) and growth regulated-oncogene (GRO-α) (CXCL1) released by both monocytes and neutrophils either resting or stimulated by LPS were determined by ELISA and compared between the FM and HW groups. Both resting and activated monocytes from FM patients released more eotaxin, MDC and GRO-α than those from HW. However, there were no significant differences in the release of chemokines from neutrophils of FM patients and the ones from healthy women. In conclusion, monocytes from women with FM are deregulated, releasing higher amounts of eotaxin, MDC and GRO-α than healthy individuals. This fact does not occur in neutrophils from women with FM.
Ciprofloxacin during upper respiratory tract infections to reduce Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in paediatric cystic fibrosis: a pilot study
Authors: Connett Gary J. , Pike Katharine C. , Legg Julian P. , Cathie Katrina , Dewar Ann , Foote Keith , Harris Amanda , Faust Saul N.
Published: September 2015

Objectives:

Acute viral respiratory illnesses are associated with acquisition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. This study aimed to pilot a protocol for a randomized controlled trial to determine whether oral antipseudomonal antibiotics used at the onset of such episodes might delay onset of infection with this organism.

Methods:

A total of 41 children with CF aged 2–14 years, without chronic Pseudomonas infection, were randomized to receive ciprofloxacin ( n = 28) or placebo ( n = 13) at the onset of acute viral respiratory infections on an intention to treat basis, during a study period of up to 32 months.

Results:

There were no unexpected adverse events believed related to the use of the study medication. The rate of withdrawal from the study was low (approximately 7%) and did not differ between groups. Randomization was effective and acceptable to participants. Primary and secondary outcome measures all favoured active treatment, but there were no significant between group differences. The median rate of Pseudomonas isolates was 0/patient/year (interquartile range 0–0.38) in both the active and placebo groups. Kaplan–Meier survival curves showed no significant difference in time to first Pseudomonas isolate between groups.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated the clinical feasibility of using oral ciprofloxacin in CF patients at times of viral infection. Within this sample size, no significant association was found between active treatment and decreased growth of Pseudomonas in follow-up microbiological samples. A definitive study would require at least 320 children to demonstrate significant differences in the rate of pseudomonal isolates.
Making Your Instruments Work for You
Authors: Valipoor Shabboo , Pati Debajyoti
Published: September 2015

Objective measures are alluring owing to the apparent robustness of data generated. However, there are numerous validity, reliability, cost, and logistics issues that can affect a study involving objective instruments. Using an ongoing study on patient chair design, this article highlights some of the important issues that an investigator must address, including repeatability, sensitivity and specificity, generalizability, integration, installation, budget, outcome, and time.
Prevalence of normal head CT and positive CT findings in a large cohort of patients with chronic headaches
Authors: Gupta Vivek , Khandelwal N , Prabhakar Anuj , Satish Kumar A , Ahuja Chirag K , Singh Paramjeet
Published: September 2015

This study was carried out to ascertain the frequency of normal head computed tomography (CT) scans and positive CT scan findings in patients having chronic headache as chief complaint. Head CT scans done over a period of two years were retrospectively evaluated. On the basis of CT reports, the patients were divided into two groups: Group A, having headache as the only complaint, and Group B, having headache and additional neurological signs or symptoms. A total of 2498 patient reports were evaluated. There were 1772 patients in Group A and 726 patients in Group B. In Group A, 82% ( n = 1453) patients had normal head CT, whereas in Group B 74.5% ( n = 541) patients had a normal CT scan. There were 13.22% head CT scans showing significant findings in Group B, as compared to 6.2% in Group A. Both these differences were found to be statistically significant. CT findings such as infections, neoplasm, hydrocephalus, and extra-axial collections were higher in Group B when compared to Group A. CT examination in patients with isolated chronic headache is normal in high percentage of patients. The frequency and distribution of various CT findings over different age groups in a large cohort of patients presenting with chronic headache are discussed.
Homogeneity of Prototypical Attributes in Soccer Teams
Authors: Zepp Christian , Kleinert Jens
Published: September 2015

Research indicates that the homogeneous perception of prototypical attributes influences several intragroup processes. The aim of the present study was to describe the homogeneous perception of the prototype and to identify specific prototypical subcategories, which are perceived as homogeneous within sport teams. The sample consists of N = 20 soccer teams with a total of N = 278 athletes (age M = 23.5 years, SD = 5.0 years). The results reveal that subcategories describing the cohesiveness of the team and motivational attributes are mentioned homogeneously within sport teams. In addition, gender, identification, team size, and the championship ranking significantly correlate with the homogeneous perception of prototypical attributes. The results are discussed on the basis of theoretical and practical implications.
Making Them Pay
Authors: Orazulike Ugochukwu
Published: September 2015

This article looks at occupational safety and health (OSH) regulatory models by deconstructing the two prevailing business practices that shape the OSH right of workers. The two practices are: the introspective, and the extrospective OSH. The article further presents the legal, social, and economic factors driving the OSH standards adopted by enterprises, thereby exposing an increasingly challenging problem facing the two models. This challenge is the trans-territorial OSH problem - a scenario where occupational dangers caused by a given employer are transported to workers in other occupational environments—outside the employer’s scope of legal liability. Three key methods are used for analyses: doctrinal approach, interdisciplinary approach, and comparative approach. The doctrinal analysis includes a descriptive overview of OSH so as to show how the right to OSH eludes some workers due to the trans-territorial OSH problem. It covers the overall approaches used, to deconstruct legal, institutional, and economic factors that shape OSH regulation. The interdisciplinary elements of the analysis concern: an analysis of OSH law; an analysis of the economic and social factors that drive corporate behaviors, including corporate views of OSH regulation; and the use of environmental factors to demonstrate the trans-territorial challenge. Drawing insights from the literature, the comparative method used concerns: an analysis of the OSH pratices of some large enterprises in the United States, and the EU OSH perspective—particularly the OSH model practiced by enterprises in France. It is shown that while the American OSH model is introspective in character, the EU model is extrospective.
Propylene Glycol Poisoning From Excess Whiskey Ingestion
Authors: Cunningham Courtney A. , Ku Kevin , Sue Gloria R.
Published: September 2015

In this report, we describe a case of high anion gap metabolic acidosis with a significant osmolal gap attributed to the ingestion of liquor containing propylene glycol. Recently, several reports have characterized severe lactic acidosis occurring in the setting of iatrogenic unintentional overdosing of medications that use propylene glycol as a diluent, including lorazepam and diazepam. To date, no studies have explored potential effects of excess propylene glycol in the setting of alcohol intoxication. Our patient endorsed drinking large volumes of cinnamon flavored whiskey, which was likely Fireball Cinnamon Whisky. To our knowledge, this is the first case of propylene glycol toxicity from an intentional ingestion of liquor containing propylene glycol.
First-Line Use of Vemurafenib to Enable Thyroidectomy and Radioactive Iodine Ablation for BRAF-Positive Metastatic Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Dao Bao D. , Lingvay Ildiko , Sailors Joseph , Landay Michael , Shapiro Gabriel
Published: September 2015

Background. Patients with metastatic or radioactive iodine refractory papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) have poor prognosis due to ineffective therapy for this condition beyond surgery and radioactive iodine (RAI or 131I). BRAF mutation occurs in more than 44% of PCT. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the most commonly used agents for these patients, have weak BRAF inhibition activity. BRAF inhibitors have demonstrated promising efficacy in relapsed metastatic PCT after standard treatment, though they are not currently approved for this indication. Case Presentation. We present the case of a 48-year-old Hispanic male who initially presented with columnar-cell variant subtype of PTC and positive BRAFV600E mutation. The patient had widespread bulky metastases to lungs, chest wall, brain, and bone. Discussion. Initial use of vemurafenib demonstrated a 42% cytoreduction of targeted pulmonary metastases and facilitated thyroidectomy and RAI treatment. The patient achieved a durable response over 21 months in the setting of widely metastatic disease. Conclusion. Vemurafenib may be effectively used for cytoreduction in patients with bulky metastatic PTC to bridge them to thyroidectomy and RAI treatment.
Coagulation factor V mediates inhibition of tissue factor signaling by activated protein C in mice
Authors: Liang Hai Po H. , Kerschen Edward J. , Basu Sreemanti , Hernandez Irene , Zogg Mark , Jia Shuang , Hessner Martin J. , Toso Raffaella , Rezaie Alireza R. , Fernández José A. , Camire Rodney M. , Ruf Wolfram , Griffin John H. , Weiler Hartmut
Published: September 2015

Key Points

Factor V and protein S are required for sepsis mortality reduction and suppression of inflammatory gene expression by activated protein C. The R506Q mutation (Leiden mutation) abrogates the anti-inflammatory cofactor function of factor V for activated protein C.
Automated drug dispensing systems in the intensive care unit: a financial analysis
Authors: Chapuis Claire , Bedouch Pierrick , Detavernier Maxime , Durand Michel , Francony Gilles , Lavagne Pierre , Foroni Luc , Albaladejo Pierre , Allenet Benoit , Payen Jean-Francois
Published: September 2015

Introduction

To evaluate the economic impact of automated-drug dispensing systems (ADS) in surgical intensive care units (ICUs). A financial analysis was conducted in three adult ICUs of one university hospital, where ADS were implemented, one in each unit, to replace the traditional floor stock system.

Method

Costs were estimated before and after implementation of the ADS on the basis of floor stock inventories, expired drugs, and time spent by nurses and pharmacy technicians on medication-related work activities. A financial analysis was conducted that included operating cash flows, investment cash flows, global cash flow and net present value.

Results

After ADS implementation, nurses spent less time on medication-related activities with an average of 14.7 hours saved per day/33 beds. Pharmacy technicians spent more time on floor-stock activities with an average of 3.5 additional hours per day across the three ICUs. The cost of drug storage was reduced by €44,298 and the cost of expired drugs was reduced by €14,772 per year across the three ICUs. Five years after the initial investment, the global cash flow was €148,229 and the net present value of the project was positive by €510,404.

Conclusion

The financial modeling of the ADS implementation in three ICUs showed a high return on investment for the hospital. Medication-related costs and nursing time dedicated to medications are reduced with ADS.
Stress evolution in thermal barrier coatings for rocket engine applications
Authors: Bäker Martin , Fiedler Torben , Rösler Joachim
Published: September 2015

Background

Thermal barrier coatings are a promising concept to improve the lifetime of the copper liner of a rocket engine. Due to the high heat fluxes and the large thermal conductivity of copper, coatings have to be designed especially for this application.

Methods

In this paper, we perform fully thermo-mechanically coupled finite element analyses of a small section of a combustion chamber with a coating system comprising a NiCuCrAl bond coat and a NiCrAlY top coat.

Results

Heat fluxes are calculated to determine reasonable coating thickness values. Elastic and plastic deformation in the materials is considered to study the stress evolution. A crack model serves to estimate the possibility of vertical cracks propagating through the coating system.

Conclusions

Several design guidelines are developed from these results that will aid future development of thermal barrier coatings.
The rostral migratory stream generates hippocampal CA1 pyramidal-like neurons in a novel organotypic slice co-culture model
Authors: Singec Ilyas , Knoth Rolf , Vida Imre , Frotscher Michael
Published: September 2015

The mouse subventricular zone (SVZ) generates large numbers of neuroblasts, which migrate in a distinct pathway, the rostral migratory stream (RMS), and replace specific interneurons in the olfactory bulb (OB). Here, we introduce an organotypic slice culture model that directly connects the RMS to the hippocampus as a new destination. RMS neuroblasts widely populate the hippocampus and undergo cellular differentiation. We demonstrate that RMS cells give rise to various neuronal subtypes and, surprisingly, to CA1 pyramidal neurons. Pyramidal neurons are typically generated before birth and are lost in various neurological disorders. Hence, this unique slice culture model enables us to investigate their postnatal genesis under defined in vitro conditions from the RMS, an unanticipated source for hippocampal pyramidal neurons.
AINTEGUMENTA and the D-type cyclin CYCD3;1 regulate root secondary growth and respond to cytokinins
Authors: Randall Ricardo S. , Miyashima Shunsuke , Blomster Tiina , Zhang Jing , Elo Annakaisa , Karlberg Anna , Immanen Juha , Nieminen Kaisa , Lee Ji-Young , Kakimoto Tatsuo , Blajecka Karolina , Melnyk Charles W. , Alcasabas Annette , Forzani Celine , Matsumoto-Kitano Miho , Mähönen Ari Pekka , Bhalerao Rishikesh , Dewitte Walter , Helariutta Ykä , Murray James A. H.
Published: September 2015

Higher plant vasculature is characterized by two distinct developmental phases. Initially, a well-defined radial primary pattern is established. In eudicots, this is followed by secondary growth, which involves development of the cambium and is required for efficient water and nutrient transport and wood formation. Regulation of secondary growth involves several phytohormones, and cytokinins have been implicated as key players, particularly in the activation of cell proliferation, but the molecular mechanisms mediating this hormonal control remain unknown. Here we show that the genes encoding the transcription factor AINTEGUMENTA (ANT) and the D-type cyclin CYCD3;1 are expressed in the vascular cambium of Arabidopsis roots, respond to cytokinins and are both required for proper root secondary thickening. Cytokinin regulation of ANT and CYCD3 also occurs during secondary thickening of poplar stems, suggesting this represents a conserved regulatory mechanism.
The relationship between acoustic habitat, hearing and tonal vocalizations in the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus, Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Rivera Chavarría Mario , Castro Jorge , Camacho Arturo
Published: September 2015

The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) is an endangered marine mammal that inhabits the Caribbean Sea and riverine systems in Central America. Their acoustic behavior is relevant for individual identification, mating and parental care. Manatees produce tonal sounds with highest energy in the second harmonic (usually 5 kHz), and their audiogram indicates sensitivity from 0.3 kHz to 90 kHz with lowest thresholds in the 16 to 18 kHz range. We recorded manatees in the San San River, a highly polluted riverine system in Panama, using a stereo array. Frequency transmission experiments were conducted in four subhabitats, categorized using riverine vegetation. Incidental interactions of manatees and small motorboats were examined. Acoustic transmission was linearly related to tonal vocalization characters: correlations were stronger in freshwater than in transition and marine environments. Two bands, 0.6 to 2 kHz and 3 to 8 kHz, attenuate similarly in all subhabitats, and these bands encompass F0 (tone) and peak frequency respectively of manatee tonal calls. Based on our data we conclude that frequency transmission depends mainly on river depth and bottom characteristics, also motorboat sounds mask signals from 3.5 kHz to 8 kHz, which overlaps the peak frequency of tonal calls. In spite of differences between acoustic transmission in subhabitats of the San San River, manatees utilize bands that transmit efficiently in all subhabitats.
Investigating prevalence of pathogenic genes (ETA and TSST-1) in Staphylococcus aureus isolated from different wards of the hospitals by PCR method
Authors: Ramazanzadeh Rashid , Mohammadi Talvar Hadi , Mirzaii Mahdi , Hasheminasab Seyed Sajjad , Narenji Hanar
Published: September 2015

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogenic organisms in the hospitals and communities' infections. It is responsible for more than 80 percent of infectious diseases. The purpose of the present paper is to determine the incidence of Staphylococcus pathogenic genes isolated from different wards of hospitals by PCR method. This study included 61 Staphylococcus aureusisolates collected from different wards hospital, between 2011 and 2012 in University of Kurdistan (Toohhid and Besat hospitals). All isolates were previously identified as Staphylococcus aureusby a standard microbiological procedure. It isolates were incubated at 37ÄŠ for 24h on blood agar; single colonies were tested with tube and slide coagulase, catalase tests and growth on Manito salt agar. Following genomic DNA extraction, the presence of ETA, TSST-1 genes was analyzed by PCR.61 strains of Staphylococcus aureushave been isolated from different wards of the hospital. Frequency of tst gene was 81% and eta gene was 47%. Moreover, frequency of strains with both eta and tst genes was 40%. Results of the present paper indicate that the prevalence of Staphylococcusaureus results on prevalence of eta and tst genes, and this is a matter of concern.
On the steady flow of reactive gaseous mixture
Authors: Giovangigli Vincent , Pokorný Milan , Zatorska Ewelina
Published: September 2015

We present the study of systems of equations governing a steady flow of polyatomic,
heat-conducting reactive gas mixture. It is shown that the corresponding system of PDEs admits a weak solution and renormalized solution to the continuity equation, provided the adiabatic exponent for the mixture γ is greater than

5
3

${\frac{5}{3}}$

.
Bioconversion of degraded husked sorghum grains to ethanol
Authors: Nasidi Muhammad , Agu Reginald C. , Deeni Yusuf , Giginyu Idris Bala , Walker Graeme
Published: September 2015

Efficient starch saccharification is an essential step towards achieving improved ethanol yields by fermentation. Sorghum grains are important starch sources for bioconversion to ethanol. In the present study, disease degraded (spoilt) husked grains from Nigerian sorghum cultivars were obtained from field sites and subjected to bioprocessing to ethanol. The crude husked grains (comprising husks, spikelet, awn, rachis and pubescence materials) were hammer milled and each meal separately mashed with enzyme cocktails comprising amylase, glucanase and protease enzymes. The saccharified worts obtained were then fermented with the yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia stipitis (aka Scheffersomyces stipitis), without exogenous nutrient supplementation. Sugars liberated during mashing were determined and it was found that enzymatic hydrolysis of milled sorghum grains was effective in yielding favourable levels of fermentable sugars up to 70g sugar/100g substrate with one particular cultivar (KSV8). Ethanol and carbon dioxide production was measured from subsequent trial fermentations of the sorghum mash and it was found that S. cerevisiae produced ethanol levels equating to 420 L/t that compares very favourably with yields from wheat and barley. Our findings show that crude degraded sorghum grains represent favourable low-cost feedstocks for bioconversion to ethanol with reduced energy input and without additional costs for nutrient supplementation during fermentation. Consequently, our results suggest some economic benefits could be derived from spoilt or degraded sorghum grains.
DAPT inhibits the chondrogenesis of human
umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Hu Xiaoke , Zhang Jiawen , Shao Xinxin , Luo Ermei , Yu Li
Published: September 2015

Notch signaling plays a key role in cell
proliferation and differentiation, and is important
in several biological processes, but its role in the
chondrogenesis of human umbilical cord mesenchymal
stem cells (UC-MSCs) is still unknown. N-[N-(3,5-
difluorophenacetyl-L-alanyl)]-(S)-phenylglycinet-butyl
ester (DAPT) is the inhibitor of Notch pathway. The aim
of this study is to investgate the influence of DAPT on
the chondrogenesis of UC-MSCs. In our study, UC-MSCs
were isolated from human umbilical cord and their
characteristics were identified. The UC-MSCs were
induced to differentiate into chondrocytes in vitro and
treated with 5 μM DAPT. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and
collagen type II (COL-2A1) were analyzed qualitatively and
quantitatively. The gene expression of Notch-1, Hes-1, GAG
and COL-2A1 were analyzed by quantitative polymerase
chain reaction (qPCR). The UC-MSCs separated from
human umbilical cord, followed the characteristics of
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). The gene expression of
Notch-1 and Hes-1 decreased after chondrogenic induction
but the percentage in G1 period and the content of GAG
and COL-2A1 increased. The expression of all tested Notch
signaling and proliferation genes declined when 5 μM
DAPT was added, also the content of GAG and COL-2A1
also decreased. Our study revealed that Notch signaling
exists in UC-MSCs and it may remain the proliferative
activity of UC-MSCs. Once the chondrogenesis begins,
Notch signaling strength decline evidently. DAPT inhibits
the chondrogenesis of UC-MSCs.
Navigation Signal Disturbances by Multipath Propagation – Scaled Measurements with a Universal Channel Sounder Architecture
Authors: Geise Robert , Neubauer Bjoern , Zimmer Georg
Published: September 2015

The performance of navigation systems is always reduced by unwanted multipath propagation. This is especially of practical importance for airborne navigation systems like the instrument landing system (ILS) or the VHF omni directional radio range (VOR). Nevertheless, the quantitative analysis of corresponding, potentially harmful multipath propagation disturbances is very difficult due to the large parameter space. Experimentally difficulties arise due to very expensive, real scale measurement campaigns and numerical simulation techniques still have shortcomings which are briefly discussed. In this contribution a new universal approach is introduced on how to measure very flexibly multipath propagation effects for arbitrary navigation systems using a channel sounder architecture in a scaled measurement environment. Two relevant scenarios of multipath propagation and the impact on navigation signals are presented. The first describes disturbances of the ILS due to large taxiing aircraft. The other example shows the influence of rotating wind turbines on the VOR.
Modeling US Farmer Soybean Seed Choice with Path Dependencies: Inevitable Patented Seed Market Dominance?
Authors: Jenson Robert A. , McIntosh Christopher Richard
Published: September 2015

The growth in the US market share of soybeans including Monsanto’s patented “Roundup Ready” (RR1 and RR2) traits has been extraordinary. This growth is likely due to a number of factors that affect the number of competitor firms and individual farmers’ seed choices. This study outlines how two path dependencies, transition and expected fine, may be contributing. Herein, these path dependencies are explored to consider whether they are legitimate, how they might affect a farmer’s planting decisions and their possible effects on soybean seed markets. Our simulation models consider the number of periods for patented seed market share to converge from zero to 85%. Results indicate that the path dependencies create pockets of significant convergence influence over various alternative price ranges, i.e. the dependencies can accelerate or create a convergence that would not have existed without them. When a relatively large expected fine path or a strong version of the transition dependency is considered, the pocket includes reasonable price premiums for conventional and organic seed.
Kinetics of Lithium Intercalation in
TiX2
Single Crystals (X = S, Se, Te) under Hydrostatic
Pressure
Authors: Knobel Robert , Behrens Harald , Schwarzburger Nele I. , Binnewies Michael , Horn Ingo
Published: September 2015

Chemical intercalation of lithium in single crystals of TiX2
(X = S, Se, Te) was studied at
pressures of 10–500 MPa and temperatures of
293–363 K. Crystals were synthesized by chemical vapor
synthesis and cut with a LASER into squares (2.2 × 2.2 mm). Samples and 1.6 mol · L
–1
n-butyl lithium solutions in n-hexane (BuLi) were sealed in gold
capsules. Experiments were carried out in cold seal pressure vessels
for 5–20 days using Ar as pressure medium. A large
fraction of samples showed degradation after the experiments, i.e., at
low pressures and at high temperatures. On samples with minor
degradation, lithium profiles were measured parallel to the
crystallographic ab-plane, using femtosecond-LASER
Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectroscopy and
-Mass Spectrometry (fs-LA-ICP-OES and -MS). Most of the profiles could
be well fitted by the specific solution of Fick's second law for the
given boundary conditions. Lithium diffusivities (D
Li) and
lithium contents at the crystal edges (x
Li,S) were
determined from the fits.

At 500 MPa and room temperature lithium diffusivities are
similar in TiS2 ((1.07 to
2.41) × 10
–15 m2 · s
–1) and
TiSe2 ((1.48 to 2.10) × 10
–15 m2 · s
–1) but significantly lower in TiTe2
((0.07 to 0.55) × 10
–15 m2 · s
–1). Moreover, diffusivity of Li in TiTe2 decreases
significantly with increasing pressure whereas for the other
chalcogenides a pressure dependence cannot be evidenced. Lithium
surface contents are lower for TiS2 (x  =  0.15 to 0.36)
than for TiSe2 (0.66 to 0.71) and TiTe2
(0.59 to 0.99), slightly elevated compared to ambient pressure
experiments. These findings indicate, that the ionicity of the
Ti–X bonding as well as the size of the interlayer
space (van der Waals gap) play a crucial role for the degree of
lithium insertion and for the pressure dependence of lithium
diffusivity.
Application of WSe2 Nanoparticles Synthesized by Chemical Vapor Condensation Method for Li-Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Vasilyeva Ekaterina , Nasibulin Albert , Tolochko Oleg , Rudskoy Andrey , Sachdev Anil , Xiao Xingcheng
Published: September 2015

Crystalline low agglomerated tungsten diselenide (WSe2)
nanoparticles were successfully produced by the aerosol synthesis
method. The particle size and morphology were changed by process
parameters. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction and
high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The
WSe2 nanoparticle morphology varies from a spherical shape to
flake-like, layered structures. Usually, as-prepared particles consist
of 5–7 single layers of WSe2. These as-synthesized WSe2
nanoparticles were used as anodes to assemble lithium-ion
batteries. A high reversible capacity and very stable cycle
performance can be obtained, implying that these WSe2
nanostructures could provide new types of electrode materials for
rechargeable Li-ion batteries.
Mixed Ionic–Electronic Conducting Li4Ti5O12 as Anode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries with Enhanced Rate Capability – Impact of Oxygen Non-Stoichiometry and Aliovalent Mg2+-Doping Studied by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance
Authors: Jakes Peter , Granwehr Josef , Kungl Hans , Eichel Rüdiger-A.
Published: September 2015

Spinel-type Li4Ti5O12 is an attractive anode material for lithium-ion battery applications owing to its high specific energy and almost vanishing mechanical strain upon Li-(de)intercalation. The impact of oxygen non-stoichiometry and aliovalent Mg-doping on the defect chemistry of Li4Ti5O12 has been characterized by quantitative electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The results obtained demonstrate that the Mg2+-ions are amphoterically incorporated at the here studied concentrations on both lithium (MgLi
•) and titanium (Mg′′Ti) sites. Mg2+-doping thus simultaneously results in the formation of donor (MgLi
•) and acceptor (Mg′′Ti) centers. Furthermore, upon both oxygen deficiency and Mg2+-doping, the concentration of `polaronic'-type Ti3+-states is increased, accounting for the enhanced electronic conductivity.
Evaluation of Antibacterial Activities of 4-Hydroxycoumarin Derivatives
Authors: Hu Yue , Li Jing , Lv Chang-Wei , Qu Di , Hou Zheng , Jia Min , Li Jiang-Tao , Zhang Zi-Dan , Luo Xiao-Xing , Yuan Zhi , Li Ming-Kai
Published: September 2015

Three kinds of 4-hydroxycoumarin derivatives, namely, biscoumarins
(1–4), epoxydicoumarins (5–8) and dihydropyrans (9–12),
were synthesized and the antibacterial activity of each of them was
evaluated. The result of preliminary bioassay shows that the lowest
minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of compounds 1 and 2
against drug-sensitive S. aureus (ATCC 29213) and
methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA XJ 75302, Mu50, ATCC
700699 and USA 300) is 4–64 ug/mL. Additionally, there
are two classical intramolecular
O—H⋯O
hydrogen bonds (HBs) in the structures of biscoumarins (1–4), and
their corresponding HB energies were further calculated by the density
functional theory (DFT) [B3LYP/6-31G*] method.
New Insights from an Empirical Multi-Property
Interatomic Potential and Predicted Collision-induced
Light Scattering Spectra for Hg-rare Gas van der Waals
Complexes
Authors: El-Kader Mohamed S. A. , Maroulis George
Published: September 2015

An empirical interatomic potentials for the interaction of Hg with
inert gases are developed by simultaneously fitting the modified
Tang–Toennies (MTT) potential function to spectroscopic data,
thermo-physical and transport properties over a wide temperature
range. The two-body anisotropic collision-induced light scattering
spectra of mercury vapor with mixtures of rare gas has never been
measured. The lineshape calculations through quantum mechanical
methods have been used to predict a reasonable experimental spectra of
the induced light scattering at T = 500 K using these
models of potentials and a suitable models for the anisotropy. The
results of calculations show that these models of the interactions and
the induction mechanisms are the most accurate models reported to date
for these mixtures.
Game Demands of Seven-A-Side Soccer in Young Players
Authors: Barbero-Alvarez José C. , Gómez-López Maite , Castagna Carlo , Barbero-Alvarez Verónica , Romero David V. , Blanchfield Anthony W. , Nakamura Fábio Y.
Published: September 2015

Barbero-Alvarez, JC, Gómez-López, M, Castagna, C, Barbero-Alvarez, V, Romero, DV, Blanchfield, AW, and Nakamura, FY. Game demands of seven-a-side soccer in young players. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1771–1779, 2017—The aim of this study was to examine the activity patterns and physiological demands of 7-a-side youth soccer matches across 2 chronological age categories (U12 and U14). Twenty-two soccer players of a national youth soccer academy were investigated. Players of each age category performed 2 training matches (2 × 25 minutes) and were monitored by global positioning system and heart rate monitor units. Players of both categories covered similar total distance (5,348 ± 307 m), at similar mean heart rate values (86 ± 4% of maximum). However, the number of high-intensity runs (82.5 ± 17.4 vs. 69.7 ± 15.2) and total distance covered during sprints (264 ± 207 vs. 128 ± 74 m) were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in U14 compared with U12. The results suggest a highly demanding nature of 7-a-side soccer for skilled players, with physical maturity possibly influencing the match-related high-intensity performance at these ages.
Postmitotic diversification of olfactory neuron types is mediated by differential activities of the HMG‐box transcription factor SOX‐2
Authors: Alqadah Amel , Hsieh Yi‐Wen , Vidal Berta , Chang Chieh , Hobert Oliver , Chuang Chiou‐Fen
Published: September 2015

Diversification of neuron classes is essential for functions of the olfactory system, but the underlying mechanisms that generate individual olfactory neuron types are only beginning to be understood. Here we describe a role of the highly conserved HMG‐box transcription factor SOX‐2 in postmitotic specification and alternative differentiation of the Caenorhabditis elegans AWC and AWB olfactory neurons. We show that SOX‐2 partners with different transcription factors to diversify postmitotic olfactory cell types. SOX‐2 functions cooperatively with the OTX/OTD transcription factor CEH‐36 to specify an AWC “ground state,” and functions with the LIM homeodomain factor LIM‐4 to suppress this ground state and drive an AWB identity instead. Our findings provide novel insights into combinatorial codes that drive terminal differentiation programs in the nervous system and reveal a biological function of the deeply conserved Sox2 protein that goes beyond its well‐known role in stem cell biology.
MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Metabolic effects of bariatric surgery
Authors: Corcelles Ricard , Daigle Christopher R , Schauer Philip R
Published: September 2015

Obesity is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, numerous cancers and increased mortality. It is estimated that at least 2.8 million adults die each year due to obesity-related cardiovascular disease. Increasing in parallel with the global obesity problem is metabolic syndrome, which has also reached epidemic levels. Numerous studies have demonstrated that bariatric surgery is associated with significant and durable weight loss with associated improvement of obesity-related comorbidities. This review aims to summarize the effects of bariatric surgery on the components of metabolic syndrome (hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and hypertension), weight loss, perioperative morbidity and mortality, and the long-term impact on cardiovascular risk and mortality.
Imaging of the parathyroid glands in primary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Minisola Salvatore , Cipriani Cristiana , Diacinti Daniele , Tartaglia Francesco , Scillitani Alfredo , Pepe Jessica , Scott-Coombes David
Published: September 2015

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is one of the most frequent endocrine diseases worldwide. Surgery is the only potentially curable option for patients with this disorder, even though in asymptomatic patients 50 years of age or older without end organ complications, a conservative treatment may be a possible alternative. Bilateral neck exploration under general anaesthesia has been the standard for the definitive treatment. However, significant improvements in preoperative imaging, together with the implementation of rapid parathyroid hormone determination, have determined an increased implementation of focused, minimally invasive surgical approach. Surgeons prefer to have a localization study before an operation (both in the classical scenario and in the minimally invasive procedure). They are not satisfied by having been referred a patient with just a biochemical diagnosis of PHPT. Imaging studies must not be utilized to make the diagnosis of PHPT. They should be obtained to both assist in determining disease etiology and to guide operative procedures together with the nuclear medicine doctor and, most importantly, with the surgeon. On the contrary, apart from minimally invasive procedures in which localization procedures are an obligate choice, some surgeons believe that literature on parathyroidectomy over the past two decades reveals a bias towards localization. Therefore, surgical expertise is more important than the search for abnormal parathyroid glands.
Increased prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome in premenopausal women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Vassilatou E , Vassiliadi D A , Salambasis K , Lazaridou H , Koutsomitopoulos N , Kelekis N , Kassanos D , Hadjidakis D , Dimitriadis G
Published: September 2015

Objective

Limited data exist concerning the presence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in premenopausal women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to investigate the prevalence of PCOS in overweight and obese premenopausal women with NAFLD.

Design

Prospective, observational, and cross-sectional study.

Methods

We studied 110 apparently healthy, overweight, and obese (BMI: 25.1–49.1 kg/m2) premenopausal women (age: 18–45 years) reporting no or minimal alcohol consumption for NAFLD with abdominal ultrasonography after excluding causes of secondary liver disease and for PCOS (Rotterdam criteria) with clinical examination, biochemical evaluation, and pelvic ultrasonography. Insulin resistance (IR) was assessed by homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR), and free androgen index was calculated.

Results

NAFLD was detected in 71/110 women (64.5%). Women with NAFLD compared to women without NAFLD were more commonly diagnosed with PCOS (43.7% vs 23.1%, respectively,P=0.04), metabolic syndrome (30.2% vs 5.3%, respectively,P=0.003), and abnormal lipid profile (81.1% vs 51.3%,P=0.002). All women with abnormal glucose metabolism had NAFLD (P=0.01). Although PCOS was associated with NAFLD (OR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1–6.2,P=0.04), in a multivariate analysis higher HOMA-IR values (OR 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1–4.4,P=0.02) and triglyceride levels (OR 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.02,P=0.04) independently predicted NAFLD, after adjusting for age, BMI, and waist-to-hip ratio.

Conclusions

These findings indicate an increased prevalence of PCOS in overweight and obese premenopausal women with NAFLD, although it is not supported that the syndrome is primarily involved in NAFLD. Evaluation for PCOS may be considered in these women.
Stem cells in genetically-engineered mouse models of prostate cancer
Authors: Shibata Maho , Shen Michael M
Published: September 2015

The cancer stem cell model proposes that tumors have a hierarchical organization in which tumorigenic cells give rise to non-tumorigenic cells, with only a subset of stem-like cells able to propagate the tumor. In the case of prostate cancer, recent analyses of genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models have provided evidence supporting the existence of cancer stem cellsin vivo. These studies suggest that cancer stem cells capable of tumor propagation exist at various stages of tumor progression from prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) to advanced metastatic and castration-resistant disease. However, studies of stem cells in prostate cancer have been limited by available approaches for evaluating their functional properties in cell culture and transplantation assays. Given the role of the tumor microenvironment and the putative cancer stem cell niche, future studies using GEM models to analyze cancer stem cells in their native tissue microenvironment are likely to be highly informative.
Inferring Bottlenecks from Genome-Wide Samples of Short Sequence Blocks
Authors: Bunnefeld Lynsey , Frantz Laurent A F , Lohse Konrad
Published: September 2015

The advent of the genomic era has necessitated the development of methods capable of analyzing large volumes of genomic data efficiently. Being able to reliably identify bottlenecks—extreme population size changes of short duration—not only is interesting in the context of speciation and extinction but also matters (as a null model) when inferring selection. Bottlenecks can be detected in polymorphism data via their distorting effect on the shape of the underlying genealogy. Here, we use the generating function of genealogies to derive the probability of mutational configurations in short sequence blocks under a simple bottleneck model. Given a large number of nonrecombining blocks, we can compute maximum-likelihood estimates of the time and strength of the bottleneck. Our method relies on a simple summary of the joint distribution of polymorphic sites. We extend the site frequency spectrum by counting mutations in frequency classes in short sequence blocks. Using linkage information over short distances in this way gives greater power to detect bottlenecks than the site frequency spectrum and potentially opens up a wide range of demographic histories to blockwise inference. Finally, we apply our method to genomic data from a species of pig (Sus cebifrons) endemic to islands in the center and west of the Philippines to estimate whether a bottleneck occurred upon island colonization and compare our scheme to Li and Durbin’s pairwise sequentially Markovian coalescent (PSMC) both for the pig data and using simulations.