bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequential stream segregation in normally-hearing and cochlear-implant listeners
Authors: Tejani Viral D. , Schvartz-Leyzac Kara C. , Chatterjee Monita
Published: January 2017

Sequential stream segregation by normal hearing (NH) and cochlear implant (CI) listeners was investigated using an irregular rhythm detection (IRD) task. Pure tones and narrowband noises of different bandwidths were presented monaurally to older and younger NH listeners via headphones. For CI users, stimuli were delivered as pure tones via soundfield and via direct electrical stimulation. Results confirmed that tonal pitch is not essential for stream segregation by NH listeners and that aging does not reduce NH listeners' stream segregation. CI listeners' stream segregation was significantly poorer than NH listeners' with pure tone stimuli. With direct stimulation, however, CI listeners showed significantly stronger stream segregation, with a mean normalized pattern similar to NH listeners, implying that the CI speech processors possibly degraded acoustic cues. CI listeners' performance on an electrode discrimination task indicated that cues that are salient enough to make two electrodes highly discriminable may not be sufficiently salient for stream segregation, and that gap detection/discrimination, which must depend on perceptual electrode differences, did not play a role in the IRD task. Although the IRD task does not encompass all aspects of full stream segregation, these results suggest that some CI listeners may demonstrate aspects of stream segregation.
Energy Intake and Expenditure of Professional Soccer Players of the English Premier League: Evidence of Carbohydrate Periodization
Authors: Anderson Liam , Orme Patrick , Naughton Robert J. , Close Graeme L. , Milsom Jordan , Rydings David , O’Boyle Andy , Di Michele Rocco , Louis Julien , Hambly Catherine , Speakman John Roger , Morgans Ryland , Drust Barry , Morton James P.
Published: January 2017

In an attempt to better identify and inform the energy requirements of elite soccer players, we quantified the energy expenditure (EE) of players from the English Premier League (n = 6) via the doubly labeled water method (DLW) over a 7-day in-season period. Energy intake (EI) was also assessed using food diaries, supported by the remote food photographic method and 24 hr recalls. The 7-day period consisted of 5 training days (TD) and 2 match days (MD). Although mean daily EI (3186 ± 367 kcals) was not different from (p > .05) daily EE (3566 ± 585 kcals), EI was greater (p < .05) on MD (3789 ± 532 kcal; 61.1 ± 11.4 kcal.kg-1 LBM) compared with TD (2956 ± 374 kcal; 45.2 ± 9.3 kcal.kg-1 LBM, respectively). Differences in EI were reflective of greater (p < .05) daily CHO intake on MD (6.4 ± 2.2 g.kg-1) compared with TD (4.2 ± 1.4 g.kg-1). Exogenous CHO intake was also different (p < .01) during training sessions (3.1 ± 4.4 g.h-1) versus matches (32.3 ± 21.9 g.h-1). In contrast, daily protein (205 ± 30 g.kg-1, p = .29) and fat intake (101 ± 20 g, p = .16) did not display any evidence of daily periodization as opposed to g.kg-1, Although players readily achieve current guidelines for daily protein and fat intake, data suggest that CHO intake on the day before and in recovery from match play was not in accordance with guidelines to promote muscle glycogen storage.
Are There Potential Safety Problems Concerning the Use of Electronic Performance-Tracking Systems? The Experience of a Multisport Elite Club
Authors: Medina Daniel , Pons Eduard , Gomez Antonio , Guitart Marc , Martin Andres , Vazquez-Guerrero Jairo , Camenforte Ismael , Carles Berta , Font Roger
Published: January 2017

Despite approval of the use of electronic performance-tracking systems (EPTSs) during competition by the International Football Association Board, other team-sport organizations and leagues have banned their use due to “safety concerns,” with no evidence to support this assertion. The aim of the current brief report was to provide empirical evidence to support the widespread use of EPTSs across all sports by examining safety issues concerning their use in a multi-team-sport club. Five outdoor football teams (1st team, 2nd team, under 19 [U-19], under 18 [U-18], and 1st team female) and 3 indoor-sport (basketball, futsal, and handball) teams were monitored, accounting for a total of 63,734 h of training and 12,748 h of game time. A questionnaire was sent to all fitness coaches involved, and the clinical history was reviewed for every medical issue reported. Six minor chest contusions were recorded in female football goalkeepers wearing the frontal chest strap (3.17 episodes per 1000 training h). During training, 3 episodes of minor skin abrasion affecting the thoracic area due to wearing vests too tight were recorded in the U-19 football team (0.21 per 1000 h) and 2 episodes in U-18 (0.39 per 1000 h). It must be noted that none of these episodes resulted in lost days of training or games, and none required medical assistance. In conclusion, empirical evidence confirms that EPTSs are safe to use across team sports.
Reliability Assessment of Scores From Video-Recorded TGMD-3 Performances
Authors: Rintala Pauli Olavi , Sääkslahti Arja Kaarina , Iivonen Susanna
Published: January 2017

This study examined the intrarater and interrater reliability of the Test of Gross Motor Development—3rd Edition (TGMD-3). Participants were 60 Finnish children aged between 3 and 9 years, divided into three separate samples of 20. Two samples of 20 were used to examine the intrarater reliability of two different assessors, and the third sample of 20 was used to establish interrater reliability. Children’s TGMD-3 performances were video-recorded and later assessed using an intraclass correlation coefficient, a kappa statistic, and a percent agreement calculation. The intrarater reliability of the locomotor subtest, ball skills subtest, and gross motor total score ranged from 0.69 to 0.77, and percent agreement ranged from 87 to 91%. The interrater reliability of the locomotor subtest, ball skills subtest, and gross motor total score ranged from 0.56 to 0.64. Percent agreement of 83% was observed for locomotor skills, ball skills, and total skills, respectively. Hop, horizontal jump, and two-hand strike assessments showed the most difference between the assessors. These results show acceptable reliability for the TGMD-3 to analyze children’s gross motor skills.
Unleashing the wrath of Ras
Authors: Beltran Himisha
Published: January 2017

Combined epigenetic silencing of two tumor suppressors promotes metastasis in luminal B breast cancers.
Type I Protein Secretion—Deceptively Simple yet with a Wide Range of Mechanistic Variability across the Family
Authors: Holland I. Barry , Peherstorfer Sandra , Kanonenberg Kerstin , Lenders Michael , Reimann Sven , Schmitt Lutz
Published: January 2017

A very large type I polypeptide begins to reel out from a ribosome; minutes later, the still unidentifiable polypeptide, largely lacking secondary structure, is now in some cases a thousand or more residues longer. Synthesis of the final hundred C-terminal residues commences. This includes the identity code, the secretion signal within the last 50 amino acids, designed to dock with a waiting ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter. What happens next is the subject of this review, with the main, but not the only focus on hemolysin HlyA, an RTX protein toxin secreted by the type I system. Transport substrates range from small peptides to giant proteins produced by many pathogens. These molecules, without detectable cellular chaperones, overcome enormous barriers, crossing two membranes before final folding on the cell surface, involving a unique autocatalytic process.

Unfolded HlyA is extruded posttranslationally, C-terminal first. The transenvelope “tunnel” is formed by HlyB (ABC transporter), HlyD (membrane fusion protein) straddling the inner membrane and periplasm and TolC (outer membrane). We present a new evaluation of the C-terminal secretion code, and the structure function of HlyD and HlyB at the heart of this nanomachine. Surprisingly, key details of the secretion mechanism are remarkably variable in the many type I secretion system subtypes. These include alternative folding processes, an apparently distinctive secretion code for each type I subfamily, and alternative forms of the ABC transporter; most remarkably, the ABC protein probably transports peptides or polypeptides by quite different mechanisms. Finally, we suggest a putative structure for the Hly-translocon, HlyB, the multijointed HlyD, and the TolC exit.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Probiotic Bifidobacterium longum subsp.
longum
Strain MC-42
Authors: Tupikin Alexey E. , Kalmykova Anna I. , Kabilov Marsel R.
Published: January 2017

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Bifidobacterium longum
subsp.
longum
strain MC-42 isolated from the feces of a healthy infant, and which was used in the commercially available probiotic product Biovestin.
Observation of a p < 10–9 life-history event: implications of record-late caribou birth on ungulate reproductive ecology and field studies
Authors: Bonar M. , Laforge M.P. , Vander Wal E.
Published: January 2017

Life-history traits in temperate ungulates are highly seasonal, with events corresponding to the seasonal availability of resources. An important example is birth date, with later-born individuals typically having reduced survival compared with those born earlier in the season. Ungulates, especially those whose offspring are at their mother’s heel soon after birth, are typically born in a narrow window of time in late May–early June. In Newfoundland, mean birth date in caribou (Rangifer tarandus (L., 1758); n = 1175) was 31 May. Here, we document a sighting of a caribou calf born ∼25 July on Fogo Island, Newfoundland (∼55 days after the mean birth date). Calving date was estimated using movement rate of the mother and validated by visual observations of the mother. We discuss the implications of this finding as it pertains to caribou ecology, and suggest that studies of ungulate birth date should ensure that observations are continued well past the initial birth pulse to guarantee that a complete picture of ungulate breeding ecology be maintained.
High-Speed Room Temperature Terahertz Detectors Based on InP Double Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors
Authors: Coquillat D. , Nodjiadjim V. , Blin S. , Konczykowska A. , Dyakonova N. , Consejo C. , Nouvel P. , Pènarier A. , Torres J. , But D. , Ruffenach S. , Teppe F. , Riet M. , Muraviev A. , Gutin A. , Shur M. , Knap W.
Published: January 2017

Compact and fast detectors, for imaging and wireless communication applications, require efficient rectification of electromagnetic radiation with frequencies approaching 1 THz and modulation bandwidth up to a few tens of GHz. This can be obtained only by using a mature technology allowing monolithic integration of detectors with low-noise amplifiers. One of the best candidates is indium phosphide bipolar transistor (InP HBT) technology. In this work, we report on room temperature high sensitivity terahertz detection by InP double-heterojunction bipolar transistors (DHBTs) operating in a large frequency range (0.25–3.1 THz). The performances of the DHBTs as terahertz sensors for communications were evaluated showing the modulation bandwidth of investigated DHBTs close to 10 GHz.
Calculation of Modal Gain for Terahertz Lasers Based on HgCdTe Heterostructures with Quantum Wells
Authors: Dubinov Alexander A. , Aleshkin Vladimir Ya.
Published: January 2017

In this work we calculate and analyze modal gain for terahertz lasers based on HgCdTe heterostructures with quantum wells (QWs) taking into account the symmetry-enforced light hole-heavy hole mixing at the quantum well interfaces. We have found that modal gain for a structure with 5 HgTe QWs of the 5.2 nm width can be 33 cm−1 at 9 THz.
Terahertz Quantum-Cascade Laser Based on the Resonant-Phonon Depopulation Scheme
Authors: Khabibullin Rustam A. , Shchavruk Nikolay V. , Pavlov Aleksandr Yu. , Klochkov Alexey N. , Ponomarev Dmitry S. , Glinskiy Igor A. , Maltsev Petr P. , Zhukov Alexey E. , Cirlin George E. , Alferov Zhores I.
Published: January 2017

We have designed GaAs/Al0.15Ga0.85As multilayer heterostructure (MH) with diagonal transitions and optimized oscillator strength – 0.425. We investigate the dependence of the MH energy band profile on the electric field and thermal properties of terahertz quantum cascade lasers (THz QCL) under different operation conditions. Furthermore, we develop a technique for the fabrication of THz QCL with double metal waveguide via low-temperature In-Au wafer bonding followed by substrate removal. Inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching in BCl3/Ar at 15:15 sccm has been used to obtain ridge structure of various widths with vertical sidewalls.
Degeneration at E2 of certain spectral sequences
Authors: Popovici Dan
Published: January 2017

We propose a Hodge theory for the spaces [Formula: see text] featuring at the second step either in the Frölicher spectral sequence of an arbitrary compact complex manifold [Formula: see text] or in the spectral sequence associated with a pair [Formula: see text] of complementary regular holomorphic foliations on such a manifold. The main idea is to introduce a Laplace-type operator associated with a given Hermitian metric on [Formula: see text] whose kernel in every bidegree [Formula: see text] is isomorphic to [Formula: see text] in either of the two situations discussed. The surprising aspect is that this operator is not a differential operator since it involves a harmonic projection, although it depends on certain differential operators. We then use this Hodge isomorphism for [Formula: see text] to give sufficient conditions for the degeneration at [Formula: see text] of the spectral sequence considered in each of the two cases in terms of the existence of certain metrics on [Formula: see text]. For example, in the Frölicher case, we prove degeneration at [Formula: see text] if there exists an SKT metric [Formula: see text] (i.e. such that [Formula: see text]) whose torsion is small compared to the spectral gap of the elliptic operator [Formula: see text] defined by [Formula: see text]. In the foliated case, we obtain degeneration at [Formula: see text] under a hypothesis involving the Laplacians [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] associated with the splitting [Formula: see text] induced by the foliated structure.
Mixed Models: Combining incompatible scalar models in any space–time dimension
Authors: Klauder John R.
Published: January 2017

Traditionally, covariant scalar field theory models are either super renormalizable, strictly renormalizable, or nonrenormalizable. The goal of “Mixed Models” is to make sense of sums of these distinct examples, e.g. [Formula: see text], which includes an example of each kind for space–time dimension [Formula: see text]. We show how the several interactions such mixed models have may be turned on and off in any order without any difficulties. Analogous results are shown for [Formula: see text], etc. for all [Formula: see text]. Different categories hold for [Formula: see text] such as, e.g. [Formula: see text], that involve polynomial [Formula: see text] and suitable nonpolynomial [Formula: see text] interactions, etc. Analogous situations for [Formula: see text] (time alone) offer simple “toy” examples of how such mixed models may be constructed. As a general rule, if the introduction of a specific interaction term reduces the domain of the free classical action, we invariably find that the introduction of the associated quantum interaction leads, effectively, to a “nonrenormalizable” quantum theory. However, in special cases, a classical interaction that does not reduce the domain of the classical free action may generate an “unsatisfactory” quantum theory, which generally involves a model-specific, different approach to become “satisfactory.” We will encounter both situations in our analysis.
Spin polarization in high density quark matter under a strong external magnetic field
Authors: Tsue Yasuhiko , da Providência João , Providência Constança , Yamamura Masatoshi , Bohr Henrik
Published: January 2017

In high density quark matter under a strong external magnetic field, possible phases are investigated by using the two-flavor Nambu–Jona–Lasinio (NJL) model with tensor-type four-point interaction between quarks, as well as the axial-vector-type four-point interaction. In the tensor-type interaction under the strong external magnetic field, it is shown that a quark spin polarized phase is realized in all regions of the quark chemical potential under consideration within the lowest Landau level approximation. In the axial-vector-type interaction, it is also shown that the quark spin polarized phase appears in the wide range of the quark chemical potential. In both the interactions, the quark mass in zero and small chemical potential regions increases which indicates that the chiral symmetry breaking is enhanced, namely the magnetic catalysis occurs.
Transition energy and half-life determinations of photonuclear reaction products of erbium nuclei
Authors: Bayram Tuncay , Akkoyun Serkan , Uruk Serhat , Dapo Haris , Dulger Fatih , Boztosun Ismail
Published: January 2017

Photon induced reactions are called as photonuclear reactions and used in many research fields of nuclear science and nuclear physics. The photonuclear data are used in many nuclear applications such as radiation shielding and protection, radiation transport analyses, reactor core design, activation analysis and nuclear waste transmutation. In the past, many studies had been devoted to extract photonuclear data covering the isotopic chart. However, there is still lack of existing data. In the present study, we have performed photonuclear reactions on erbium (Er) target by using clinical electron linear accelerators (cLINAC). By using measured residual activity of photonuclear reaction products of Er nuclei, we have determined the half-life of [Formula: see text]Er nucleus and transition energies of [Formula: see text]Ho nucleus. Also, new measurements on gamma-ray energies of the products have been determined accurately. Furthermore, this study shows that repurposed cLINAC with limited budget can contribute to the global nuclear science knowledge.
Charge, proton and neutron systems and matter radii of N ≈ Z odd-mass nuclei using a particle-number projection approach in the T = 1 pairing case
Authors: Allal N. H. , Fellah M. , Douici M. , Oudih M. R.
Published: January 2017

The charge radii, the proton and neutron systems radii, as well as the matter radii of [Formula: see text] odd-mass nuclei are studied using a particle-number projection approach in the neutron–proton (np) isovector ([Formula: see text]) pairing case. Expressions of the proton and neutron systems quadratic radii are first established within a projection after variation method (i.e., of PBCS type) using a recently proposed wave function for odd-mass nuclei. It is checked that they reduce to the ones obtained in the like-particles pairing case. The new expressions are then used to study numerically the various radii of nuclei such as [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], using the single-particle energies of a Woods–Saxon mean-field. It is shown that the few available experimental data are satisfactorily described by means of the present work approach. Furthermore, it appears that the np pairing and projection effects on the various radii are small on average in the case of odd-mass nuclei. However, the relative discrepancies with the values when only the pairing between like-particles is taken into account or the values obtained before the projection may reach up to 3% or 4% for some nuclei.
From the Physiocrats to Fairness in Nations
Authors: Adigüzel Yekbun , Flomenbom Ophir , Coban Gul Unal
Published: January 2017

In this review, work from three centuries of biophysical economics is presented, starting from the physiocrats’ early work in biophysical economics in 1755, to the most recent modeling of modern societies with approaches from biophysics and physics, to explain the wealth distribution, opinions and power structures in societies and nations. At the same time, we are also dealing with generalizations, in particular, how to define and create fairness in nations. The general conclusions emphasize the strength of socio-econo-physics in explaining nations, also in comparison to the other approaches, due to the unbiased starting points and diversity in methods. The results emphasize that fairness is increased with citizens’ activities that create smoother income distributions and improving the flow of opportunities in the nation. Fairness also fights unjust socio-economic biases and suggests advancing citizens-managed organizations.
SA-EAST
Authors: Gai Keke , Qiu Longfei , Chen Min , Zhao Hui , Qiu Meikang
Published: January 2017

The expected advanced network explorations and the growing demand for mobile data sharing and transferring have driven numerous novel applications in
Cyber-Physical Systems
(CPSs), such as
Intelligent Transportation Systems
(ITSs). However, current ITS implementations are restricted by the conflicts between security and communication efficiency. Focusing on this issue, this article proposes a
Security-Aware Efficient Data Sharing and Transferring
(SA-EAST) model, which is designed for securing cloud-based ITS implementations. In applying this approach, we aim to obtain secure real-time multimedia data sharing and transferring. Our experimental evaluation has shown that our proposed model provides an effective performance in securing communications for ITS.
Dynamic Data-Cache Locking for Minimizing the WCET of a Single Task
Authors: Zheng Wenguang , Wu Hui
Published: January 2017

Caches have been widely used in modern embedded processors to bridge the increasing speed gap between processors and off-chip memory. In real-time embedded systems, computing the Worst-Case Execution Time (WCET) of a task is essential for the task scheduler to construct a valid schedule for a task set. Unfortunately, caches make it much harder to compute the WCET of a task. Cache locking has been proposed to alleviate the timing unpredictability problem caused by caches. In this article, we investigate the following WCET-aware data-cache locking problem for a single task. Given a task, select a set of variables as locked cache contents such that the WCET of the task is minimized. We propose two dynamic full cache-locking approaches. The first formulates the problem as a global Integer Linear Programming (ILP) problem that simultaneously selects a minimum set of memory blocks of variables as locked cache contents and allocates them to the data cache. The second iteratively constructs a subgraph of the Control Flow Graph (CFG) of the task in which the lengths of all the paths are close to the longest path length, uses an ILP formulation to select a minimum set of memory blocks of variables in the subgraph as locked cache contents, and allocates the selected memory blocks to the data cache. We also propose two novel, efficient data-cache allocation algorithms for the global ILP approach and the iterative ILP approach, respectively. We have implemented both approaches and compared them with two state-of-the-art approaches, the longest path-based dynamic cache-locking approach and the static WCET analysis approach without cache locking by using a set of benchmarks from the Mälardalen WCET benchmark suite, SNU real-time benchmarks, and Powerstone benchmarks. Compared to the static WCET analysis approach, the average WCET improvements of the first approach range between 11.4% and 26.4%. Compared to the longest path--based, dynamic cache-locking approach, the average WCET improvements of the first approach range between 5.0% and 15.4%. The second approach performs slightly better than the first approach.
BiqCrunch
Authors: Krislock Nathan , Malick Jérôme , Roupin Frédéric
Published: January 2017

This article presents
BiqCrunch
, an exact solver for binary quadratic optimization problems.
BiqCrunch
is a branch-and-bound method that uses an original, efficient semidefinite-optimization-based bounding procedure. It has been successfully tested on a variety of well-known combinatorial optimization problems, such as Max-Cut, Max-
k
-Cluster, and Max-Independent-Set. The code is publicly available online; a web interface and many conversion tools are also provided.
Inverted Treaps
Authors: Konow Roberto , Navarro Gonzalo , Clarke Charles L. A. , López-Ortíz Alejandro
Published: January 2017

We introduce a new representation of the inverted index that performs faster ranked unions and intersections while using similar space. Our index is based on the treap data structure, which allows us to intersect/merge the document identifiers while simultaneously thresholding by frequency, instead of the costlier two-step classical processing methods. To achieve compression, we represent the treap topology using different alternative compact data structures. Further, the treap invariants allow us to elegantly encode differentially both document identifiers and frequencies. We also show how to extend this representation to support incremental updates over the index. Results show that, under the tf-idf scoring scheme, our index uses about the same space as state-of-the-art compact representations, while performing up to 2--20 times faster on ranked single-word, union, or intersection queries. Under the BM25 scoring scheme, our index may use up to 40% more space than the others and outperforms them less frequently but still reaches improvement factors of 2--20 in the best cases. The index supporting incremental updates poses an overhead of 50%--100% over the static variants in terms of space, construction, and query time.
Broadened population-level frequency tuning in the auditory cortex of tinnitus patients
Authors: Sekiya Kenichi , Takahashi Mariko , Murakami Shingo , Kakigi Ryusuke , Okamoto Hidehiko
Published: January 2017

Tinnitus is a phantom auditory perception without an external sound source and is one of the most common public health concerns that impair the quality of life of many individuals. However, its neural mechanisms remain unclear. We herein examined population-level frequency tuning in the auditory cortex of unilateral tinnitus patients with similar hearing levels in both ears using magnetoencephalography. We compared auditory-evoked neural activities elicited by a stimulation to the tinnitus and nontinnitus ears. Objective magnetoencephalographic data suggested that population-level frequency tuning corresponding to the tinnitus ear was significantly broader than that corresponding to the nontinnitus ear in the human auditory cortex. The results obtained support the hypothesis that pathological alterations in inhibitory neural networks play an important role in the perception of subjective tinnitus.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Although subjective tinnitus is one of the most common public health concerns that impair the quality of life of many individuals, no standard treatment or objective diagnostic method currently exists. We herein revealed that population-level frequency tuning was significantly broader in the tinnitus ear than in the nontinnitus ear. The results of the present study provide an insight into the development of an objective diagnostic method for subjective tinnitus.
Synaptic control of the shape of the motoneuron pool input-output function
Authors: Powers Randall K. , Heckman Charles J.
Published: January 2017

Although motoneurons have often been considered to be fairly linear transducers of synaptic input, recent evidence suggests that strong persistent inward currents (PICs) in motoneurons allow neuromodulatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs to induce large nonlinearities in the relation between the level of excitatory input and motor output. To try to estimate the possible extent of this nonlinearity, we developed a pool of model motoneurons designed to replicate the characteristics of motoneuron input-output properties measured in medial gastrocnemius motoneurons in the decerebrate cat with voltage-clamp and current-clamp techniques. We drove the model pool with a range of synaptic inputs consisting of various mixtures of excitation, inhibition, and neuromodulation. We then looked at the relation between excitatory drive and total pool output. Our results revealed that the PICs not only enhance gain but also induce a strong nonlinearity in the relation between the average firing rate of the motoneuron pool and the level of excitatory input. The relation between the total simulated force output and input was somewhat more linear because of higher force outputs in later-recruited units. We also found that the nonlinearity can be increased by increasing neuromodulatory input and/or balanced inhibitory input and minimized by a reciprocal, push-pull pattern of inhibition. We consider the possibility that a flexible input-output function may allow motor output to be tuned to match the widely varying demands of the normal motor repertoire.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Motoneuron activity is generally considered to reflect the level of excitatory drive. However, the activation of voltage-dependent intrinsic conductances can distort the relation between excitatory drive and the total output of a pool of motoneurons. Using a pool of realistic motoneuron models, we show that pool output can be a highly nonlinear function of synaptic input but linearity can be achieved through adjusting the time course of excitatory and inhibitory synaptic inputs.
Some Discussions about the Error Functions on SO(3) and SE(3) for the Guidance of a UAV Using the Screw Algebra Theory
Authors: Zhu Yi , Chen Xin , Li Chuntao
Published: January 2017

In this paper a new error function designed on 3-dimensional special Euclidean group SE(3) is proposed for the guidance of a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle). In the beginning, a detailed 6-DOF (Degree of Freedom) aircraft model is formulated including 12 nonlinear differential equations. Secondly the definitions of the adjoint representations are presented to establish the relationships of the Lie groups SO(3) and SE(3) and their Lie algebras so(3) and se(3). After that the general situation of the differential equations with matrices belonging to SO(3) and SE(3) is presented. According to these equations the features of the error function on SO(3) are discussed. Then an error function on SE(3) is devised which creates a new way of error functions constructing. In the simulation a trajectory tracking example is given with a target trajectory being a curve of elliptic cylinder helix. The result shows that a better tracking performance is obtained with the new devised error function.
Protective Effect of Green Tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) against Prostate Cancer: From In Vitro Data to Algerian Patients
Authors: Lassed Somia , Deus Cláudia M. , Djebbari Radja , Zama Djamila , Oliveira Paulo J. , Rizvanov Albert A. , Dahdouh Abderrezak , Benayache Fadila , Benayache Samir
Published: January 2017

Green tea (GT) has been studied for its effects as antioxidant and cancer‐preventive agent. Epidemiological studies showed that GT consumption decreases the risk for prostate cancer (PC). To investigate whether erythrocyte oxidative stress (OS) is associated with PC and whether daily consumption of GT improves the oxidative phenotype, we performed a study in a group of Algerian PC patients, preceded by an in vitro study to characterize composition and antioxidant/antiproliferative activities of the GT used. This contained a high content of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, demonstrating in vitro antioxidant activity and significant antiproliferative effect on human prostate cancer PC‐3 cell line. Seventy PC patients and 120 age‐matched healthy subjects participated in the study, with glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase activity evaluated before and after GT consumption. The results showed a reduced GSH and catalase activity and a high level of MDA in erythrocytes from PC patients. The consumption of 2‐3 cups per day of GT during 6 months significantly increased GSH concentration and catalase activity and decreased MDA concentration. In conclusion, GT significantly decreased OS in Algerian PC patients. Regular consumption of GT for a long period may prevent men from developing PC or at least delay its progression.
Corneal Topographic and Aberrometric Measurements Obtained with a Multidiagnostic Device in Healthy Eyes: Intrasession Repeatability
Authors: Piñero David P. , López-Navarro Alberto , Cabezos Inmaculada , Fez Dolores de , Caballero María T. , Camps Vicent J.
Published: January 2017

Purpose. To evaluate the intrasession repeatability of corneal curvature, eccentricity, and aberrometric measurements obtained with a multidiagnostic device in healthy eyes.Methods. This study enrolled 107 eyes of 107 patients ranging in age from 23 to 65 years. All of them underwent a complete anterior segment examination with the VX120 system (Visionix-Luneau Technologies, Chartres, France). Three consecutive measurements were obtained. The within-subject standard deviation (Sw), intrasubject precision (1.96×Sw), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated.Results. AllSwfor corneal power measurements were below 0.26 D, with ICC above 0.982. TheSwfor corneal astigmatism at different areas (3, 5, and 7 mm) was below 0.21 D, with ICC above 0.913. Concerning the axis of astigmatism, itsSwwas below 11.27°, with ICC above 0.975. TheSwand ICC for corneal eccentricity were 0.067 and 0.957, respectively. TheSwand ICC for high-order aberration root mean square (RMS) were 0.048 µm and 0.901, respectively. For 3rd- and 4th-order aberrometric parameters, allSwwere below 0.037 µm and all ICC were higher than 0.84, except for quadrafoil RMS (ICC: 0.689).Conclusions. The multidiagnostic device evaluated is able to provide consistent measurements of corneal power, eccentricity, and third- and fourth-order aberrations in healthy eyes.
Secondary Hemochromatosis due to Chronic Oral Iron Supplementation
Authors: Lands Ronald , Isang Emmanuel
Published: January 2017

Iron may accumulate in excess due to a mutation in the HFE gene that upregulates absorption or when it is ingested or infused at levels that exceed the body’s ability to clear it. Excess iron deposition in parenchymal tissue causes injury and ultimately organ dysfunction. Diabetes mellitus and hepatic cirrhosis due to pancreas and liver damage are just two examples of diseases that result from iron overload. Despite the rapid growth of information regarding iron metabolism and iron overload states, the most effective treatment is still serial phlebotomies. We present a patient who developed iron overload due to chronic ingestion of oral ferrous sulfate. This case illustrates the importance of querying geriatric patients regarding their use of nonprescription iron products without a medical indication.
Interaction of MRE11 and Clinicopathologic Characteristics in Recurrence of Breast Cancer: Individual and Cumulated Receiver Operating Characteristic Analyses
Authors: Yang Cheng-Hong , Moi Sin-Hua , Chuang Li-Yeh , Yuan Shyng-Shiou F. , Hou Ming-Feng , Lee Yi-Chen , Chang Hsueh-Wei
Published: January 2017

The interaction between the meiotic recombination 11 homolog A (MRE11) oncoprotein and breast cancer recurrence status remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the interaction between MRE11 and clinicopathologic variables in breast cancer. A dataset for 254 subjects with breast cancer (220 nonrecurrent and 34 recurrent) was used in individual and cumulated receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses of MRE11 and 12 clinicopathologic variables for predicting breast cancer recurrence. In individual ROC analysis, the area under curve (AUC) for each predictor of breast cancer recurrence was smaller than 0.7. In cumulated ROC analysis, however, the AUC value for each predictor improved. Ten relevant variables in breast cancer recurrence were used to find the optimal prognostic indicators. The presence of any six of the following ten variables had a high (79%) sensitivity and a high (70%) specificity for predicting breast cancer recurrence: tumor size ≥ 2.4 cm, tumor stage II/III, therapy other than hormone therapy, age ≥ 52 years, MRE11 positive cells > 50%, body mass index ≥ 24, lymph node metastasis, positivity for progesterone receptor, positivity for epidermal growth factor receptor, and negativity for estrogen receptor. In conclusion, this study revealed that these 10 clinicopathologic variables are the minimum discriminators needed for optimal discriminant effectiveness in predicting breast cancer recurrence.
Human Papillomavirus Positivity in the Anal Canal in HIV-Infected and HIV-Uninfected Men Who Have Anal Sex with Men in Guangzhou, China: Implication for Anal Exams and Early Vaccination
Authors: Ren Xuqi , Ke Wujian , Zheng Heping , Yang Ligang , Huang Shujie , Qin Xiaolin , Yang Bin , Zou Huachun
Published: January 2017

Background. The epidemiology of HPV in men who have sex with men (MSM) in Guangzhou, China, had not been reported previously. Methods. HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected MSM were recruited from a Guangzhou-based MSM clinic in 2013. Sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behaviors were collected. An anal cytological sample was taken for HPV testing. Results. We recruited 79 HIV-infected and 85 HIV-uninfected MSM. The median age was 26 years in both groups. The positivities of anal HPV of any type (81.0% versus 48.2%), any high risk type (50.6% versus 27.1%), any low risk type (55.7% versus 31.8%), and any 9-valent vaccine type (74.7% versus 36.5%) were all significantly higher among HIV-infected compared to that among HIV-negative MSM (p for all < 0.05). The great majority of HPV-infected MSM were infected with 9-valent vaccine types (59 out of 64 HIV-infected and 31 out of 41 HIV-uninfected). Anal bacterial infections were associated with higher anal HPV positivity and greater number of anal HPV types. Conclusion. Sexually active MSM in Guangzhou, especially those infected with HIV, had high and multiple HPV detections. The majority of these cases were potentially preventable by HPV vaccine. Regular anal exams and early HPV vaccination are warranted in this population.
Familial Case of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher Disorder Detected by Oligoarray Comparative Genomic Hybridization: Genotype-to-Phenotype Diagnosis
Authors: Najafi Kimia , Kariminejad Roxana , Hosseini Kaveh , Moshtagh Azadeh , Abbassi Gole Maryam , Sadatian Neda , Bazrgar Masood , Kariminejad Ariana , Kariminejad Mohamad Hassan
Published: January 2017

Introduction. Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease (PMD) is an X-linked recessive hypomyelinating leukodystrophy characterized by nystagmus, spastic quadriplegia, ataxia, and developmental delay. It is caused by mutation in the PLP1 gene. Case Description. We report a 9-year-old boy referred for oligoarray comparative genomic hybridization (OA-CGH) because of intellectual delay, seizures, microcephaly, nystagmus, and spastic paraplegia. Similar clinical findings were reported in his older brother and maternal uncle. Both parents had normal phenotypes. OA-CGH was performed and a 436 Kb duplication was detected and the diagnosis of PMD was made. The mother was carrier of this 436 Kb duplication. Conclusion. Clinical presentation has been accepted as being the mainstay of diagnosis for most conditions. However, recent developments in genetic diagnosis have shown that, in many congenital and sporadic disorders lacking specific phenotypic manifestations, a genotype-to-phenotype approach can be conclusive. In this case, a diagnosis was reached by universal genomic testing, namely, whole genomic array.
EGCG Prevents High Fat Diet‐Induced Changes in Gut Microbiota, Decreases of DNA Strand Breaks, and Changes in Expression and DNA Methylation of Dnmt1 and MLH1 in C57BL/6J Male Mice
Authors: Remely Marlene , Ferk Franziska , Sterneder Sonja , Setayesh Tahereh , Roth Sylvia , Kepcija Tatjana , Noorizadeh Rahil , Rebhan Irene , Greunz Martina , Beckmann Johanna , Wagner Karl-Heinz , Knasmüller Siegfried , Haslberger Alexander G.
Published: January 2017

Obesity as a multifactorial disorder involves low‐grade inflammation, increased reactive oxygen species incidence, gut microbiota aberrations, and epigenetic consequences. Thus, prevention and therapies with epigenetic active antioxidants, (−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), are of increasing interest. DNA damage, DNA methylation and gene expression of DNA methyltransferase 1, interleukin 6, and MutL homologue 1 were analyzed in C57BL/6J male mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) or a control diet (CD) with and without EGCG supplementation. Gut microbiota was analyzed with quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. An induction of DNA damage was observed, as a consequence of HFD‐feeding, whereas EGCG supplementation decreased DNA damage. HFD‐feeding induced a higher inflammatory status. Supplementation reversed these effects, resulting in tissue specific gene expression and methylation patterns of DNA methyltransferase 1 and MutL homologue 1. HFD feeding caused a significant lower bacterial abundance. The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio is significantly lower in HFD + EGCG but higher in CD + EGCG compared to control groups. The results demonstrate the impact of EGCG on the one hand on gut microbiota which together with dietary components affects host health. On the other hand effects may derive from antioxidative activities as well as epigenetic modifications observed on CpG methylation but also likely to include other epigenetic elements.
Hypothyroidism Reduces the Size of Ovarian Follicles and Promotes Hypertrophy of Periovarian Fat with Infiltration of Macrophages in Adult Rabbits
Authors: Rodríguez-Castelán J. , Méndez-Tepepa M. , Carrillo-Portillo Y. , Anaya-Hernández A. , Rodríguez-Antolín J. , Zambrano E. , Castelán F. , Cuevas-Romero E.
Published: January 2017

Ovarian failure is related to dyslipidemias and inflammation, as well as to hypertrophy and dysfunction of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Although hypothyroidism has been associated with obesity, dyslipidemias, and inflammation in humans and animals, its influence on the characteristics of ovarian follicles in adulthood is scarcely known. Control and hypothyroid rabbits were used to analyze the ovarian follicles, expression of aromatase in the ovary, serum concentration of lipids, leptin, and uric acid, size of adipocytes, and infiltration of macrophages in the periovarian VAT. Hypothyroidism did not affect the percentage of functional or atretic follicles. However, it reduced the size of primary, secondary, and tertiary follicles considered as large and the expression of aromatase in the ovary. This effect was associated with high serum concentrations of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). In addition, hypothyroidism induced hypertrophy of adipocytes and a major infiltration of CD68+ macrophages into the periovarian VAT. Our results suggest that the reduced size of ovarian follicles promoted by hypothyroidism could be associated with dyslipidemias, hypertrophy, and inflammation of the periovarian VAT. Present findings may be useful to understand the influence of hypothyroidism in the ovary function in adulthood.
Molecular Analysis of a Genetic Variants Panel Related to Nutrients and Metabolism: Association with Susceptibility to Gestational Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Risk in Affected Women
Authors: Franzago Marica , Fraticelli Federica , Nicolucci Antonio , Celentano Claudio , Liberati Marco , Stuppia Liborio , Vitacolonna Ester
Published: January 2017

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most frequent metabolic disorder in pregnancy. Women with a GDM history are at increased risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Studies have demonstrated a significant correlation between several genes involved in the metabolic pathway of insulin and environmental factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between clinical parameters in GDM and variants in genes involved with nutrients and metabolism. Several variantsPPARG2rs1801282 (C>G);PPARGC1Ars8192678 (C>T);TCF7L2rs7903146 (C>T);LDLRrs2228671 (C>T);MTHFRrs1801133 (C>T);APOA5rs662799 (T>C);GCKRrs1260326 (C>T);FTOrs9939609 (T>A);MC4Rrs17782313 (T>C) were genotyped in 168 pregnant Caucasian women with or without GDM by High Resolution Melting (HRM) analysis. A significant correlation was observed between TT genotype ofTCF7L2gene and increased risk of GDM (OR 5.4 [95% CI 1.5–19.3]). Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between lipid parameters and genetic variations in additional genes, namely,PPARG2[p= 0,02],APOA5[p= 0,02],MC4R[p= 0,03],LDLR[p= 0,01], andFTO[p= 0,02]. Our findings support the association betweenTCF7L2rs7903146 variant and an increased GDM risk. Results about the investigated genetic variants provide important information about cardiometabolic risk in GDM and help to plan future prevention studies.
Features from a Single Vector Pressure Stroke
Authors: Li Qiang , Yang Changhai , Zhang Zhao , Wang Xi , Gong Yongjian , Xuan Cuixian
Published: January 2017

Freehand sketching in a real‐time 3D styling system presents a different way to create a 3D model from the traditional CAD system. Strokes are the most common and useful objects in the expression of a stylist’s intention by using the gesture commands and in the construction of geometries. Not only are they sketched freely as drawing on a paper with a pen, but also they can be converted automatically into spline curves and then can be used to form a surface. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the features of stroke, the extraction and identification of these features, and the applications. Here, the features from a single vector pressure stroke have been discussed in detail according to their applications in an automotive freehand styling system in the early stage of conceptual design. The features have been divided into three parts: the input features, the calculable feature, and the added features. Over a hundred features have been defined and classified with the geometry or performance attributes. The features proposed have been applied in the identification of gesture commands, the expression of art vector stroke by pseudoantialiasing method, and a novel method to generate a spatial curve directly by the pressure of stroke in AutoSketch system.
Bezafibrate Attenuates Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy and Fibrosis
Authors: Xu Si-Chi , Ma Zhen-Guo , Wei Wen-Ying , Yuan Yu-Pei , Tang Qi-Zhu
Published: January 2017

Background. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α) is closely associated with the development of cardiac hypertrophy. Previous studies have indicated that bezafibrate (BZA), a PPAR-α agonist, could attenuate insulin resistance and obesity. This study was designed to determine whether BZA could protect against pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Methods. Mice were orally given BZA (100 mg/kg) for 7 weeks beginning 1 week after aortic banding (AB) surgery. Cardiac hypertrophy was assessed based on echocardiographic, histological, and molecular aspects. Moreover, neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVMs) were used to investigate the effects of BZA on the cardiomyocyte hypertrophic response in vitro. Results. Our study demonstrated that BZA could alleviate cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis in mice subjected to AB surgery. BZA treatment also reduced the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT)/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). BZA suppressed phenylephrine- (PE-) induced hypertrophy of cardiomyocyte in vitro. The protective effects of BZA were abolished by the treatment of the PPAR-α antagonist in vitro. Conclusions. BZA could attenuate pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis.