bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mid‐Weichselian interstadial in Kolari, western Finnish Lapland
Authors: Salonen Veli‐Pekka , Moreau Julien , Hyttinen Outi , Eskola Kari O.
Published: January 2014

Finnish Lapland is known as an area where numerous sites with sediments from Pleistocene glacial and interglacial periods occur. Recent sedimentological observations and dating call for reinterpretation of the record, which shows a complicated Mid‐Weichselian ice‐sheet evolution within the ice‐divide zone. Here, a large, previously unstudied section from a former Hannukainen iron mine was investigated sedimentologically and dated with optically stimulated luminescence (OSL). Ten sedimentary units were identified displaying a variety of depositional environments (glacial, glaciolacustrine, fluvial and aeolian). They are all – except for the lowermost, deeply weathered till – interpreted to be of Mid‐ or Late Weichselian/Holocene age. Five OSL samples from fluvial sediments give ages ranging from 55 to 35 ka, indicating two MIS 3 ice‐free intervals of unknown duration. The Mid‐Weichselian interstadial was interrupted by a re‐advance event, which occurred later than 35 ka and caused glaciotectonic deformation, folding and stacking of older sediments. This new evidence emphasizes the importance of the Kolari area when unravelling the complex Late Pleistocene glacial history of northern Finland and adjacent regions.
In Search of Potent 5‐HT6 Receptor Inverse Agonists
Authors: Hostetler Greg , Dunn Derek , McKenna Beth Ann , Kopec Karla , Chatterjee Sankar
Published: January 2014

A series of non‐sulfonamide/non‐sulfone derived potent 5‐HT6 receptor inverse agonists has been disclosed. Representative compound 9 (Ki = 14 nm) displayed selectivity against a set of family members as well as brain permeability 6 h post‐oral administration. In addition, the separated enantiomers of compound 9 displayed difference in activity indicating the influence of chirality on potency.
An overview of platelet indices and methods for evaluating platelet function in thrombocytopenic patients
Authors: Vinholt Pernille J. , Hvas Anne‐Mette , Nybo Mads
Published: January 2014

Thrombocytopenia is associated with bleeding risk. However, in thrombocytopenic patients, platelet count does not correlate with bleeding risk and other factors are thus likely to contribute to this risk. This review presents currently available platelet‐related markers available on automated haematology analysers and commonly used methods for testing platelet function. The test principles, advantages and disadvantages of each test are described. We also evaluate the current literature regarding the clinical utility of the test for prediction of bleeding in thrombocytopenia in haematological and oncological diseases. We find that several platelet‐related markers are available, but information about the clinical utility in thrombocytopenia is limited. Studies support that mean platelet volume (MPV) can aid diagnosing the cause of thrombocytopenia and low MPV may be associated with bleeding in thrombocytopenia. Flow cytometry, platelet aggregometry and platelet secretion tests are used to diagnose specific platelet function defects. The flow cytometric activation marker P‐selectin and surface coverage by the Cone‐and‐Plate[let] analyser predict bleeding in selected thrombocytopenic populations. To fully uncover the clinical utility of platelet‐related tests, information about the prevalence of platelet function defects in thrombocytopenic conditions is required. Finally, knowledge of the performance in thrombocytopenic samples from patients is essential.
Computational fretting fatigue maps for different plasticity models
Authors: Alquezar M. , Arrieta V. , Constantinescu A. , Flandi L. , Maitournam M. H. , Wackers P.
Published: January 2014

This paper presents qualitative elastoplastic simulations and analyses of fretting fatigue. Three hardening constitutive models are considered, and their effects on stick–slip conditions and lifetime prediction are compared. The computational analysis consists of the estimation of the shakedown limit cycle and the fatigue prediction using Dang Van or Crossland criterion.

A particular configuration, the interaction of a flat pad with rounded corners in contact with a flat substrate made, respectively, of Inconel In718 and Titanium Ti64 alloys, is studied. The shakedown state is analysed using the cyclic and ratcheting equivalent strain concepts already discussed in the literature.

In the paper, different fretting maps, based on slip, shakedown and fatigue regimes, are numerically produced and analysed. A new variable, the global slip percentage, is proposed for the characterization of the stick–slip regimes. Analyses of a series of slip maps show that the different hardening models do not introduce significant changes in the stick–slip conditions. Using finite element method simulations combined with fatigue limit criteria (Dang Van and Crossland), fretting fatigue maps are qualitatively reproduced. The main contribution of this work is a comparative discussion on the influence of the hardening models complexity on such maps.
Quantitative trait loci mapping and gene network analysis implicate protocadherin‐15 as a determinant of brain serotonin transporter expression
Authors: Ye R. , Carneiro A. M. D. , Han Q. , Airey D. , Sanders‐Bush E. , Zhang B. , Lu L. , Williams R. , Blakely R. D.
Published: January 2014

Presynaptic serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine, 5‐HT) transporters (SERT) regulate 5‐HT signaling via antidepressant‐sensitive clearance of released neurotransmitter. Polymorphisms in the human SERT gene (SLC6A4) have been linked to risk for multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, obsessive‐compulsive disorder and autism. Using BXD recombinant inbred mice, a genetic reference population that can support the discovery of novel determinants of complex traits, merging collective trait assessments with bioinformatics approaches, we examine phenotypic and molecular networks associated with SERT gene and protein expression. Correlational analyses revealed a network of genes that significantly associated with SERT mRNA levels. We quantified SERT protein expression levels and identified region‐ and gender‐specific quantitative trait loci (QTLs), one of which associated with male midbrain SERT protein expression, centered on the protocadherin‐15 gene (Pcdh15), overlapped with a QTL for midbrain 5‐HT levels. Pcdh15 was also the only QTL‐associated gene whose midbrain mRNA expression significantly associated with both SERT protein and 5‐HT traits, suggesting an unrecognized role of the cell adhesion protein in the development or function of 5‐HT neurons. To test this hypothesis, we assessed SERT protein and 5‐HT traits in the Pcdh15 functional null line (Pcdh15av‐3J), studies that revealed a strong, negative influence of Pcdh15 on these phenotypes. Together, our findings illustrate the power of multidimensional profiling of recombinant inbred lines in the analysis of molecular networks that support synaptic signaling, and that, as in the case of Pcdh15, can reveal novel relationships that may underlie risk for mental illness.
Spatial Quantification of Groundwater Abstraction in the Irrigated Indus Basin
Authors: Cheema M.J.M. , Immerzeel W.W. , Bastiaanssen W.G.M.
Published: January 2014

Groundwater abstraction and depletion were assessed at a 1‐km resolution in the irrigated areas of the Indus Basin using remotely sensed evapotranspiration (ET) and precipitation; a process‐based hydrological model and spatial information on canal water supplies. A calibrated Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to derive total annual irrigation applied in the irrigated areas of the basin during the year 2007. The SWAT model was parameterized by station corrected precipitation data (R) from the Tropical Rainfall Monitoring Mission, land use, soil type, and outlet locations. The model was calibrated using a new approach based on spatially distributed ET fields derived from different satellite sensors. The calibration results were satisfactory and strong improvements were obtained in the Nash‐Sutcliffe criterion (0.52 to 0.93), bias (−17.3% to −0.4%), and the Pearson correlation coefficient (0.78 to 0.93). Satellite information on R and ET was then combined with model results of surface runoff, drainage, and percolation to derive groundwater abstraction and depletion at a nominal resolution of 1 km. It was estimated that in 2007, 68 km3 (262 mm) of groundwater was abstracted in the Indus Basin while 31 km3 (121 mm) was depleted. The mean error was 41 mm/year and 62 mm/year at 50% and 70% probability of exceedance, respectively. Pakistani and Indian Punjab and Haryana were the most vulnerable areas to groundwater depletion and strong measures are required to maintain aquifer sustainability.
Constraints on Upward Migration of Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid and Brine
Authors: Flewelling Samuel A. , Sharma Manu
Published: January 2014

Recent increases in the use of hydraulic fracturing (HF) to aid extraction of oil and gas from black shales have raised concerns regarding potential environmental effects associated with predictions of upward migration of HF fluid and brine. Some recent studies have suggested that such upward migration can be large and that timescales for migration can be as short as a few years. In this article, we discuss the physical constraints on upward fluid migration from black shales (e.g., the Marcellus, Bakken, and Eagle Ford) to shallow aquifers, taking into account the potential changes to the subsurface brought about by HF. Our review of the literature indicates that HF affects a very limited portion of the entire thickness of the overlying bedrock and therefore, is unable to create direct hydraulic communication between black shales and shallow aquifers via induced fractures. As a result, upward migration of HF fluid and brine is controlled by preexisting hydraulic gradients and bedrock permeability. We show that in cases where there is an upward gradient, permeability is low, upward flow rates are low, and mean travel times are long (often >106 years). Consequently, the recently proposed rapid upward migration of brine and HF fluid, predicted to occur as a result of increased HF activity, does not appear to be physically plausible. Unrealistically high estimates of upward flow are the result of invalid assumptions about HF and the hydrogeology of sedimentary basins.
Probiotic antigens stimulate hepatic natural killer T cells
Authors: Liang Shuwen , Webb Tonya , Li Zhiping
Published: January 2014

Increasing evidence suggests that gut flora play an important role in the pathogenesis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our previous studies show that hepatic natural killer T (NKT) cells play a significant role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. In this study, we explore the mechanism by which modification of gut flora leads to the alteration of hepatic NKT cells and improvement of steatosis. Mice were fed a high‐fat (HF) diet to induce NAFLD. Some of them also received different doses of mixed‐strain probiotics (VSL#3); single‐strain probiotic (Bifidobacterium infantis) or antibiotics. Animal weight, glucose tolerance, liver steatosis and hepatic NKT cells were assessed. Lipid extracts from probiotics were tested for their ability to activate NKT cells. Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) knockout mice were also evaluated for their responses to HF diet. High‐dose VSL#3 was more effective than low‐dose VSL#3 and B. infantis for the improvement of hepatic NKT cell depletion and steatosis. The lipids extracted from VSL#3 stimulated NKT cells both in vivo and in vitro. In contrast, lipids from B. infantis decreased α‐GalCer‐mediated NKT cell activation in vitro, but were able to stimulate NKT cells. TLR4 knockout mice have a similar response to HF‐diet‐induced NKT cell depletion and obesity. These results suggest that alterations in the gut flora have profound effects on hepatic NKT cells and steatosis, which are both strain‐specific and dose‐dependent, but not through TLR4 signalling. Furthermore, these data suggest that probiotics may contain bacterial glycolipid antigens that directly modulate the effector functions of hepatic NKT cells.
Arecoline‐induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation from human buccal mucosal fibroblasts is mediated by ZEB1
Authors: Chang Yu‐Chao , Tsai Chung‐Hung , Lai You‐Liang , Yu Cheng‐Chia , Chi Wan‐Yu , Li Jung Jung , Chang Wen‐Wei
Published: January 2014

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is considered as a pre‐cancerous condition of the oral mucosa and is highly associated with habitual areca quid chewing. Arecoline is the major alkaloid in areca quid and is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of OSF. Our previous studies have demonstrated that arecoline could induce epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related factors in primary human buccal mucosal fibroblasts (BMFs). Therefore, we investigated the expression of zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), which is a well‐known transcriptional factor in EMT, in OSF tissues and its role in arecoline‐induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation from BMFs. The expression of ZEB1, as well as the myofibroblast marker α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), was significantly increased in OSF tissues, respectively. With immunofluorescence analysis, arecoline induced the formation of α‐SMA‐positive stress fibres in BMFs expressing nuclear ZEB1. Arecoline also induced collagen contraction of BMFs in vitro. By chromatin immunoprecipitation, the binding of ZEB1 to the α‐SMA promoter in BMFs was increased by arecoline. The promoter activity of α‐SMA in BMFs was also induced by arecoline, while knockdown of ZEB1 abolished arecoline‐induced α‐SMA promoter activity and collagen contraction of BMFs. Long‐term exposure of BMFs to arecoline induced the expression of fibrogenic genes and ZEB1. Silencing of ZEB1 in fibrotic BMFs from an OSF patient also suppressed the expression of α‐SMA and myofibroblast activity. Inhibition of insulin‐like growth factor receptor‐1 could suppress arecoline‐induced ZEB1 activation in BMFs. Our data suggest that ZEB1 may participate in the pathogenesis of areca quid–associated OSF by activating the α‐SMA promoter and inducing myofibroblast transdifferentiation from BMFs.
First Report of Sclerotium rolfsii in Dandelion in Parana, Brazil
Authors: Severino José J. , Dias‐Arieira Cláudia R. , Abe Vinícius H. F. , Roldi Miria , Da Silva Cleiltan N. , Tessmann Dauri J.
Published: January 2014

Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) is a medicinal plant that occurs in various countries and is also reported as an invasive plant in some parts of the world. Recently, a severe case of southern blight was observed in dandelion in the Medicinal Plant House at the State University of Maringa, Umuarama, State of Parana, Brazil. A dense, cottony mycelial growth and the formation of sclerotia were observed on the plants. The fungus was isolated, inoculated into healthy plants and re‐isolated. Samples were sequenced for rDNA regions ITS4 and ITS5. The inoculated plants presented symptoms of southern blight, beginning at the base of the plant and eventually killing the plant. DNA analysis revealed a 99% species identity index for Athelia rolfsii (anamorph: Sclerotium rolfsii).
Foliar functional traits that predict plant biomass response to warming
Authors: Gornish Elise S. , Prather Chelse M.
Published: January 2014

Question

Ecologists are increasingly interested in making accurate predictions of plant response to climate change. Many studies have attempted to document plant response to warming by grouping species into functional groups. Within functional groups, however, species often display divergent responses. Determining how foliar functional traits might be used to predict plant responses to warming could reduce analytical complexity while maintaining generalizations across systems.

Methods

We conducted a meta‐analysis on 18 studies (consisting of 38 species) of plant biomass response to experimental or natural warming. We determined whether plant trait estimates associated with the leaf economics spectrum [leaf life span (LL), leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf nitrogen (Nmass), leaf phosphorus (Pmass), photosynthetic capacity (Amax) and stomatal conductance (Gs)] from a global plant database of experimentally unmanipulated plants,GloPNet, could be used to predict biomass response to experimental warming.

Results

We found that three single leaf traits (LL,NmassandAmax) were significant predictors for the response of plant biomass to warming treatments, perhaps due to their association with plant growth rates, adaptation rate and ability, each explaining between 21–46% of the variation in plant biomass responses. The magnitude of response to warming decreased with increasingLL, but increased with increasingNmassandAmax. We found no linear combination of any of these traits that predicted warming response.

Conclusions

These results show that foliar traits can aid in understanding the mechanisms by which plants respond to temperature across species. Because each trait only explained a portion of variation in how plant growth responded to warming, however, future studies that examine how plant communities respond to warming should simultaneously measure multiple leaf traits, especially those most sensitive to warming, across plant species, to determine whether the predictive ability of functional traits changes between different ecosystems or plant taxonomic groups.
The Efficiency of Multivariate Macroeconomic Forecasts
Authors: Deschamps Bruno , Ioannidis Christos
Published: January 2014

We examine the efficiency of multivariate macroeconomic forecasts by estimating a vector autoregressive model on the forecast revisions of four variables (GDP, inflation, unemployment and wages). Using a data set of professional forecasts for the G7 countries, we find evidence of cross‐series revision dynamics. Specifically, forecasts revisions are conditionally correlated to the lagged forecast revisions of other macroeconomic variables, and the sign of the correlation is as predicted by conventional economic theory. This indicates that forecasters are slow to incorporate news across variables. We show that this finding can be explained by forecast underreaction.
A Generalized Bayesian Instrumental Variable Approach under Student t‐distributed Errors with Application
Authors: Salois Matthew J. , Balcombe Kelvin G.
Published: January 2014

Bayesian analysis is given of an instrumental variable model that allows for t‐distributed errors in both the structural equation and the instrument equation. Specifically, the approach for dealing with t‐distributed errors is extended to the Bayesian instrumental variable estimator by modelling the variance for each error using a Gamma distributed hierarchical prior. The computation is carried out by using a Markov chain Monte Carlo sampling algorithm for the heteroskedastic case. An example using data illustrates the approach and shows that ignoring the presence of error terms with heavy tails in the instrument equation when it exists may lead to biased estimates.
Genetic assessment of the role of AcrB β‐hairpins in the assembly of the TolC–AcrAB multidrug efflux pump of Escherichia coli
Authors: Weeks Jon W. , Bavro Vassiliy N. , Misra Rajeev
Published: January 2014

The tripartite AcrAB–TolC multidrug efflux pump of Escherichia coli is the central conduit for cell‐toxic compounds and contributes to antibiotic resistance. While high‐resolution structures of all three proteins have been solved, much remains to be learned as to how the individual components come together to form a functional complex. In this study, we investigated the importance of the AcrB β‐hairpins belonging to the DN and DC subdomains, which are presumed to dock with TolC, in complex stability and activity of the complete pump. Our data show that the DN subdomain β‐hairpin residues play a more critical role in complex stability and activity than the DC subdomain hairpin residues. The failure of the AcrB DN β‐hairpin deletion mutant to engage with TolC leads to the drug hypersensitivity phenotype, which is reversed by compensatory alterations in the lipoyl and β‐barrel domains of AcrA. Moreover, AcrA and TolC mutants that induce TolC opening also reverse the drug hypersensitivity phenotype of the AcrB β‐hairpin mutants, indicating a failure by the AcrB mutant to interact and thus induce TolC opening on its own. Together, these data suggest that both AcrB β‐hairpins and AcrA act to stabilize the tripartite complex and induce TolC opening for drug expulsion.
The Hart‐Fuller Debate
Authors: Gomez Juan Vega
Published: January 2014

I will center the discussion of the Hart‐Fuller debate on the five claims Hart mentions might be understood as legal positivisms main tenets: (1) the command theory; (2) the no necessary connection thesis; (3) the methodological claim; (4) the charge of positivism as formalism and the problem of interpretation; and (5) the meta‐ethical confusion. In light of these five claims, I will explore whether the exchange of views between Hart and Fuller in 1957 truly amounted to a debate. Sorting out this issue is the aim of this article.
Photophysical Properties of Metal Ion Functionalized NaY Zeolite
Authors: Duan Tian‐Wei , Yan Bing
Published: January 2014

A series of luminescent ion exchanged zeolite are synthesized by introducing various ions into NaY zeolite. Monometal ion (Eu3+, Tb3+, Ce3+, Y3+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Cu2+) exchanged zeolite, rare‐earth ion (Eu3+, Tb3+, Ce3+) exchanged zeolite modified with Y3+ and rare‐earth ion (Eu3+, Tb3+, Ce3+) exchanged zeolite modified with Zn2+ are discussed here. The resulting materials are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrum radiometer (FTIR), XRD, scanning electronic microscope (SEM), PLE, PL and luminescence lifetime measurements. The photoluminescence spectrum of NaY indicates that emission band of host matrix exhibits a blueshift of about 70 nm after monometal ion exchange process. The results show that transition metal ion exchanged zeolites possess a similar emission band due to dominant host luminescence. A variety of luminescence phenomenon of rare‐earth ion broadens the application of zeolite as a luminescent host. The Eu3+ ion exchanged zeolite shows white light luminescence with a great application value and Ce3+ exchanged zeolite steadily exhibits its characteristic luminescence in ultraviolet region no matter in monometal ion exchanged zeolite or bimetal ions exchanged zeolite.
Greek and Canaanite Mythologies: Zeus, Baal, and their Rivals
Authors: López‐Ruiz Carolina
Published: January 2014

Hesiod's Theogony is normally read as a ‘hymn to Zeus’, praising the victory of the Greek Storm God over the previous generations of gods (Ouranos, Kronos, and the Titans). The backbone of the Theogony is the so‐called Succession Myth, widely accepted by scholars as an adaptation from the Near Eastern theme of the cosmic struggle between generations of gods, leading to the victory of the Storm God. The Mesopotamian Enuma Elish, the Hurro‐Hittite Song of Kumarbi, and less explicitly the Ugaritic and Biblical texts all reflect versions of this type of divine conflict. Behind the neat pattern of the succession, however, Greek sources contain scattered references to stories where even the power of Zeus is occasionally threatened. Through these allusions, we can reconstruct an ‘alternative’ motif of divine instability in Greek mythology. This essay will show that Greek and Northwest Semitic mythologies in particular converge in this less canonical picture of divine kingship, especially if we look at the concerns surrounding Baal's ascension to power in the Ugaritic Baal Cycle and his seemingly fragile position as the new ‘king in heaven’. The mythological representation of the dynamics among the gods, in turn, correlates with different perceptions of kingship among societies in the eastern Mediterranean. These shared theological concerns exemplify a phenomenon latent in many aspects of Greek ‘orientalizing’ literature and art, namely, a more direct and intense contact with the Northwest Semites (Canaanites, later Phoenicians, and others) than is usually granted. This brief overview will remind us of some of the methodological problems that challenge the study of comparative religion and mythology.
Between Sacred and the Profane: Holocaust Collaboration and ‘Political Religion’
Authors: Wennberg Rebecca
Published: January 2014

This article interprets the genealogy of the concept of ‘political religion’ in Holocaust research from the fundamental division between ‘sacred’ and ‘profane’ understandings of traditional religions. It argues that ‘political religion’ is understood as ‘sacred’ and unique when associated with Nazism, whilst its application to European fascism more generally has had a character of understanding religion as comparative and measureable from a ‘profane’ set of criteria. Yet, in light of research on Nazi ideology and fascist collaboration in the Holocaust, which effectively imply an interaction between Nazi and fascist agencies, the article finds that ‘political religion’ needs a re‐theorization that can accommodate for the integration between the sacred and the profane.
Elaboration and Attitude Strength: The New Meta‐cognitive Perspective
Authors: Barden Jamie , Tormala Zakary L.
Published: January 2014

The effect of elaboration (i.e., information processing) on attitude strength has been a key prediction of some of the most influential theories of persuasion over the past few decades. This article provides a new look at this relationship. After reviewing support for the notion that structural processes (i.e., knowledge acquisition, structural consistency, and attitude accessibility) drive the effect of elaboration on attitude strength, we examine recent work investigating the role of meta‐cognitive factors in this domain. Based on recent evidence, we propose that the effect of elaboration on attitude strength depends largely on people's perceptions of their own elaboration and their beliefs that more elaboration produces better judgments that can be held with greater certainty. We highlight the role of naïve theories in these effects, suggesting that they might be more malleable than previously known, and call for future research into some of the important remaining questions in this area that have yet to be fully explored.
The Physiology and Biomechanics of Upper-Body Repeated Sprints in Ice Sledge Hockey
Authors: Sandbakk Øyvind , Spencer Matt , Ettema Gertjan , Sandbakk Silvana Bucher , Skovereng Knut , Welde Boye
Published: January 2014

Purpose:

To investigate performance and the associated physiological and biomechanical responses during upper-body repeated-sprint work.

Methods:

Twelve male ice sledge hockey players from the Norwegian national team performed eight 30-m sprints with start every 30 s and an active recovery between sprints. Time was captured every 10 m by photocells, cycle length and rate were determined by video analyses, and heart rate and blood lactate concentration were measured by conventional methods.

Results:

The percentage sprint decrement was 7% over the 8 trials, with significant reductions in performance from the previous trial already on the second trial (all P < .05). Furthermore, cycle rate was reduced by 9% over the 8 trials (P < .05). Similar changes in performance and kinematic patterns were evident for all 10-m phases of the sprints. Heart rate gradually increased to 94% of maximal (178 ± 10 beats/min) over the 8 trials, and the mean reduction in heart rate was 7 ± 2 beats/min during the 22–24 s of active recovery for all trials (all P < .05). The blood lactate concentration increased to the athletes’ maximal levels over the 8 sprints (P < .05).

Conclusions:

This is the first study to investigate performance, physiological, and biomechanical aspects of self-propelled upperbody repeated-sprint work. The observed sprint decrement over the 8 trials was associated with reductions in cycle rates and high physiological demands. However, no kinematic and physiological characteristics were significantly correlated to repeated-sprint ability or the sprint decrement.
Does Upper-Body Compression Improve 3 × 3-Min Double-Poling Sprint Performance?
Authors: Sperlich Billy , Born Dennis-Peter , Zinner Christoph , Hauser Anna , Holmberg Hans-Christer
Published: January 2014

Purpose:

To evaluate whether upper-body compression affects power output and selected metabolic, cardiorespiratory, hemodynamic, and perceptual responses during three 3-min sessions of double-poling (DP) sprint.

Method:

Ten well-trained male athletes (25 ± 4 y, 180 ± 4 cm, 74.6 ± 3.2 kg) performed such sprints on a DP ski ergometer with and without a long-sleeved compression garment.

Result:

Mean power output was not affected by such compression (216 ± 25 W in both cases; P = 1.00, effect size [ES] = 0.00), although blood lactate concentration was lowered (P < .05, ES = 0.50–1.02). Blood gases (ES = 0.07–0.50), oxygen uptake (ES = 0.04–0.28), production of carbon dioxide (ES = 0.01–0.46), heart rate (ES = 0.00–0.21), stroke volume (ES = 0.33–0.81), and cardiac output (ES = 0.20–0.91) were also all unaffected by upper-body compression (best P = 1.00). This was also the case for changes in the tissue saturation index (ES = 0.45–1.17) and total blood content of hemoglobin (ES = 0.09–0.85), as well as ratings of perceived exertion (ES = 0.15–0.88; best P = .96).

Conclusion:

The authors conclude that the performance of well-trained athletes during 3 × 3-min DP sprints will not be enhanced by upper-body compression.
An Anthropometric and Physical Profile of Young Swiss Alpine Skiers Between 2004 and 2011
Authors: Gorski Tatiane , Rosser Thomas , Hoppeler Hans , Vogt Michael
Published: January 2014

Purpose:

To describe the development of anthropometric and physical characteristics of young Swiss alpine skiers between 2004 and 2011, to compare them between age and performance-level groups, and to identify age- and sex-dependent reference values for the tests performed.

Methods:

The Swiss-Ski Power Test includes anthropometric measures and physical tests for coordination and speed, strength, anaerobic capacity, and endurance. The authors analyzed the results of 8176 tests performed by 1579 male and 1109 female alpine skiers between 2004 and 2011. Subjects ranged between regional and national level of performance and were grouped according to their competition age groups (U12, 11 y; U14, 12–13 y; U16, 14–15 y; U18, 16–17 y; U21, 18–20 y) and performance level.

Results:

A progressive increase in anthropometric measures and improvements in tests results with increasing age were found. For all tests, male athletes had better results than female athletes. Minor differences were observed in anthropometric characteristics between 2004 and 2011 (mostly <5%), while results of physical and coordinative tests showed significant improvements (up to more than 50% enhancement) or stability over the years. Differences between higher- and lower-level athletes were more pronounced in tests for lower-limb strength and anaerobic capacity.

Conclusions:

The presented profile of young Swiss alpine skiers highlights the improvements in different physical aspects along the maturation process and chronologically over a period of 7 y. Furthermore, reference values are provided for comparisons with alpine skiers or athletes from other sports.
Analysis of Jump Performance of World-Class Mogul Skiers Over an Olympic Quadrennial Cycle: A Case Study
Authors: Pethick Wendy A. , Murray Holly J. , Gathercole Rob J. , Sleivert Gord G.
Published: January 2014

This case study examines the longitudinal jump data of 1 male and 1 female world-class mogul skier over the course of a quadrennial leading to the 2010 Winter Olympics. Between-subjects standard deviation, smallest worthwhile enhancement, % coefficient of variance, and effect size (ES) were calculated from team jump testing taking place immediately preceding the 2010 Winter Olympics, as this was deemed the point in the quadrennial that the athlete group would be most likely near their best performance. These data were then used to characterize the progression of explosive power of elite mogul skiers over an Olympic quadrennial. Jump data for both the male and the female athlete showed trivial to large improvements in jump performance from Q1 (quadrennial year 1) to Q2, variable changes in performance from Q2 to Q4, and an overall improvement (small to large ES) from Q1 to Q4. Explosive power is a critical component of performance for moguls, and an analysis of the group data (Canadian athletes 2006–2010) shows that of all performance markers, jump testing is the variable that clearly delineates between World Cup and developmental athletes.
Progenitor Outgrowth from the Niche in
Drosophila
Trachea Is Guided by FGF from Decaying Branches
Authors: Chen Feng , Krasnow Mark A.
Published: January 2014

Out with the Old, In with the New

In adult animals, resident stem or progenitor cells residing in niches replenish old tissues with new cells, but how they form new tissue is not well understood.
Chen and Krasnow
(p.
186
) examined how progenitor cells in the fruit fly form new tracheae as the old tracheae are destroyed during metamorphosis. Proliferating progenitors move out of their niche by crawling along the surface of decaying tracheal branches. The decaying branches express the chemoattractant FGF (fibroblast growth factor) and create a track that directs progenitors.
Heteroepitaxial Growth of Two-Dimensional Hexagonal Boron Nitride Templated by Graphene Edges
Authors: Liu Lei , Park Jewook , Siegel David A. , McCarty Kevin F. , Clark Kendal W. , Deng Wan , Basile Leonardo , Idrobo Juan Carlos , Li An-Ping , Gu Gong
Published: January 2014

Heteroepitaxy Writ Thin

A common method for creating a thin single-crystal layer of a semiconductor for use in an electronic device is heteroepitaxy—growing the layer on the face of a single crystal of a different material that acts as a template for assembly.

Liu
et al.

(p.
163
) now describe a similar process in which the edge of a graphene layer that was grown on a copper surface directs the assembly of a monolayer of hexagonal boron nitride. The boron nitride grew from inside edge of holes created in the graphene layer. The interface and the relative orientation of the two layers were determined by a variety of scanning microscopy and surface diffraction techniques.
Antitubercular drug-induced violent suicide of a hospitalised patient
Authors: Behera C , Krishna Karthik , Singh H R
Published: January 2014

We present a case where a young adult male, on treatment for multidrug-resistance tuberculosis (MDR-TB), developed drug-induced psychosis. The psychiatric symptoms were ascribed to the anti-TB drug and were duly withdrawn by the treating doctors and supplemented with other drugs. However, the victim continued to have psychiatric symptoms and committed suicide in the hospital. He ended his life in a violent manner by stabbing and cutting himself with a kitchen knife. The case is briefly reported in this paper with a discussion on anti-TB drug-induced psychiatric effects leading to suicide.
Childhood acne in a boy with XYY syndrome
Authors: Kasparis Christos , Loffeld Annette
Published: January 2014

A 3-year-old boy was referred to the dermatology department with a 12-month history of facial erythema associated with a papular-pustular facial eruption consistent with childhood acne. He had been diagnosed with XYY syndrome identified during genetic analysis for cardiac anomalies at birth. XYY syndrome is an aneuploidy of the sex chromosomes which affects 1 in 1000 male births. It is often asymptomatic and identified incidentally following genetic analysis for other conditions. The syndrome can be associated with an increased risk of learning difficulties and delayed language skills. Early diagnosis could alert physicians to the possibility of subtle developmental and learning abnormalities and result in prompt management. Our case highlights the fact that the presence of childhood acne could aid in the early detection of XYY syndrome.
Enterocutaneous fistula 3 years after resection of an advanced gallbladder carcinoma
Authors: Alkhalili Eyas , Falk Gavin A , Morris-Stiff Gareth , Cameron John
Published: January 2014

A 71-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain and fever. Her surgical history was significant for gallbladder adenocarcinoma for which she had undergone extensive resection 32 months previously. At that time she underwent cholecystectomy, wedge resection of the liver, pancreatoduodenectomy, right nephrectomy and right hemicolectomy for a locally advanced gallbladder adenocarcinoma. Examination revealed a tender, warm, upper midline abdominal wall mass. A CT scan with oral contrast revealed a fistulous tract extending from the gastrojejunostomy (GJ) into an abscess cavity in the adjacent anterior abdominal wall. She underwent open wound drainage with debridement, and was started on parenteral nutrition and intravenous antibiotics. The patient then underwent surgical repair excision of the fistula and refashioning of the GJ 1 month later. Histological examination of the specimen revealed well-healed suture lines, and no evidence of tumour recurrence.
The effective use of gastrointestinal histopathology: guidance for endoscopic biopsy in the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Shepherd Neil A , Valori Roland M
Published: January 2014

This is the first of three articles, published inFrontline Gastroenterology, that provides practical guidance of what to, and what not to, biopsy in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This initiative was established by the Endoscopy and Pathology Sections of the British Society of Gastroenterology, and the guidance is published with an initial general review (this manuscript), followed by practical guidance on upper GI and lower GI endoscopic biopsy practice. The three articles are written by experienced operatives, each one by a pathologist and an endoscopist, working in the same hospital/group of hospitals.
TOP2Agene copy number change in breast cancer
Authors: Engstrøm M J , Ytterhus B , Vatten L J , Opdahl S , Bofin A M
Published: January 2014

Aims

The clinical significance ofTOP2Aas a prognostic marker has not been clarified. The aims of this study were to investigate the frequency ofTOP2Acopy number change; to correlateTOP2AwithHER2status, hormone receptor (HR) status and molecular subtype, and further to explore differences in breast cancer-specific survival according toTOP2AandHER2.

Methods

In this study,TOP2A, HER2and chromosome 17 copy number were assessed in 670 cases of breast cancer using in situ hybridisation techniques. Gene to chromosome ratios ≥2 were classified as amplification.TOP2Adeletion (gene to chromosome ratio ≤0.8) or monosomy (only one signal for both gene and chromosome in more than 75% of nuclei) were classified as gene loss.

Results

A strong association betweenTOP2Achange and HR andHER2status was found. During the first 5 years after diagnosis, the risk of death from breast cancer was significantly higher for cases withHER2amplification irrespective ofTOP2Astatus.

Conclusions

TOP2Acopy number change was strongly associated with HR andHER2status and as a prognostic markerTOP2Ais probably of limited value.
A comparison of finite volume method and sharp model for two dimensional saltwater intrusion modeling
Authors: Bouzouf Boutaina , Chen Zhi
Published: January 2014

Seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers is a 3-D phenomenon. However, 3-D regional aquifer models are often limited by insufficient geological and hydrological data, the large horizontal to vertical scales ratio, and by numerical constraints. A mathematical formulation and numerical implementation of the model for saltwater intrusion problems are presented in this paper. The mathematical model is based on assumption of two-phase flow between saltwater and freshwater and Dupuit approximation. Finite volume method is used as the numerical method in non-structured grids to have flexibility upon complex configuration domain and was compared to sharp model that uses finite difference method. Both models are based on the same governing mathematical equations. Finite volume method was validated using analytical test case studies with known closed form solutions, and the results showed good agreement. Both models have then been applied to the case of saltwater intrusion into a real study case. The comparison between both methods indicates that the finite volume method provides predictions closer to the observed results.
Hepatoprotective activity of the neem-based constituent azadirachtin-A in carbon tetrachloride intoxicated Wistar rats
Authors: Baligar N.S. , Aladakatti R.H. , Ahmed Mukhtar , Hiremath M.B.
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective role of azadirachtin-A in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The group allotment for the animals used in the hepatoprotective study included a vehicle treatment group, CCl4(1 mL·(kg body mass)–1) treatment group, silymarin (100 μg·(kg body mass)–1·day–1) + CCl4treatment group, and groups treated with different doses of azadirachtin-A (100 or 200 μg·(kg body mass)–1·day–1) + CCl4. On the 9th day, blood was obtained for measuring the biochemical parameters, and liver tissue was obtained for pathological examination. The acute toxicity test with azadirachtin-A (500, 1000, or 2000 μg·(kg body mass)−1) indicated no mortality after 14 days of treatment; further, there was no change in behavior, food consumption, or organ mass. However with the higher dose, some hematological parameters showed changes. Hepatoprotective studies revealed that the CCl4treatment group exhibited a decrease in total protein and albumin levels, whereas a significant increase in BUN, AST, ALT, and ALP levels were noticed compared with the vehicle-treated control, indicating that there was liver damage caused by CCl4. Histology and ultrastructure study confirmed that pretreatment with azadirachtin-A dose-dependently reduced hepatocellular necrosis and, therefore, protected the liver against toxicity caused by CCl4. The results from this study indicate that pretreatment with azadirachtin-A at the higher dose levels, moderately restores the rat liver to normal. This study confirms that azadirachtin-A possesses greater hepatoprotective action; however, the effective concentration needs to be determined.
CROSSED PRODUCTS OF CERTAIN C*-ALGEBRAS
Authors: HUA JIAJIE , WU YAN
Published: January 2014

Let X be a Cantor set, and let A be a unital separable simple amenable [Formula: see text]-stable C*-algebra with rationally tracial rank no more than one, which satisfies the Universal Coefficient Theorem (UCT). We use C(X, A) to denote the algebra of all continuous functions from X to A. Let α be an automorphism on C(X, A). Suppose that C(X, A) is α-simple, [α|1⊗A] = [ id |1⊗A] in KL(1 ⊗ A, C(X, A)), τ(α(1 ⊗ a)) = τ(1 ⊗ a) for all τ ∈ T(C(X, A)) and all a ∈ A, and [Formula: see text] for all u ∈ U(A) (where α‡and id‡are homomorphisms from U(C(X, A))/CU(C(X, A)) → U(C(X, A))/CU(C(X, A)) induced by α and id, respectively, and where CU(C(X, A)) is the closure of the subgroup generated by commutators of the unitary group U(C(X, A)) of C(X, A)), then the corresponding crossed product C(X, A) ⋊αℤ is a unital simple [Formula: see text]-stable C*-algebra with rationally tracial rank no more than one, which satisfies the UCT. Let X be a Cantor set and 𝕋 be the circle. Let γ : X × 𝕋n→ X × 𝕋nbe a minimal homeomorphism. It is proved that, as long as the cocycles are rotations, the tracial rank of the corresponding crossed product C*-algebra is always no more than one.
Multi-state voter model on weighted social networks with committed agents
Authors: Chen Saijun , Hu Haibo , Chen Jun , Chen Zhigao
Published: January 2014

There exist scaling correlations between the edge weights and the nodes' degrees in weighted social networks. Based on the empirical findings, we study a multi-state voter model on weighted social networks where the weight is given by the product of agents' degrees raised to a power θ and there exist persistent individuals whose opinions are independent of those of their friends. We find that the fraction of each opinion will converge to a value which only relates to the degrees of initial committed agents and the scaling exponent θ. The analytical predictions are verified by numerical simulations. The model indicates that agents' degrees and scaling exponent can significantly influence the final coexistence or consensus state of opinions. We also study the influence of degree mixing characteristics on the dynamics model by numerical simulations and discuss the relation between the model and the other related opinion dynamics models on social networks with different topological structures and initial configurations.
STUDY ON PHOTOLUMINESCENCE PROPERTIES OF Co-DOPED ZnO
Authors: GUO SHUXIA , LI JIWU , DU ZULIANG
Published: January 2014

ZnO and Co -doped ZnO have been synthesized by co-precipitation technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and absorption spectra show that Co ions are doped into the lattice positions of ZnO . Photoluminescence (PL) experiments on the samples have been performed in order to study the sp–d interaction in ZnO : Co . Room temperature measurements show two additional emissions related to Co besides the ZnO exciton-related and trap emissions. The two emissions are attributed to the transitions from Co + to the excited Co 2+ state and from 2 E(G) to 4 A 2 (F) , respectively. The charge-transfer transitions related to Co 2+ exciting 3d intrashell luminescence at 1.78 eV has been observed. A blue-shift in the exciton-related emission, a red-shift in the blue emission and no shift in the green emission were revealed and interpreted by the sp–d interaction.
INSULATOR TO METAL TRANSITION AND OPTICAL RESPONSE OF CsCl UNDER PRESSURE
Authors: MURTAZA G. , KHENATA R. , RESHAK A. H. , NAEEM S. , KHALID M. N.
Published: January 2014

First principle calculations on cesium chloride (CsCl) compound have been performed using state of the art full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. Calculated structural parameters are found in excellent agreement to the experimental results. Band gap of the compound decreases with the increase of pressure. At 507GPa, electronic nature of the compound changed from the insulating to metallic. Changes are reported in the optical properties like real and imaginary parts of dielectric function, optical conductivity and reflectivity of CsCl on application of high pressure.
A NANOTHERMOELECTRIC HEAT ENGINE WORKING WITH TWO-LEVEL QUANTUM SYSTEM
Authors: ZHANG YAN-CHAO , HE JI-ZHOU , XIAO YU-LING , LIANG HONG-NI
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we establish a nanothermoelectric engine consisting of two discrete energy levels embedded between two reservoirs at different temperatures and chemical potentials. Based on master equation, the expressions for the power output and efficiency of the nanothermoelectric engine are derived. The characteristic curves between the power output and the efficiency are plotted. Moreover, the optimal performance parameters are obtained by the numerical calculation. The influence of the strength of variations in electron–electron interactions on the optimal performance parameters is analyzed in detail.