bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flow Kinematics in Variable-Height Rotating Cylinder Arrays
Authors: Craig Anna E. , Dabiri John O. , Koseff Jeffrey R.
Published: May 2016

Experimental data are presented for large arrays of rotating, variable-height cylinders in order to study the dependence of the three-dimensional mean flows on the height heterogeneity of the array. Elements in the examined arrays were spatially arranged in the same staggered paired configuration, and the heights of each element pair varied up to ±37.5% from the mean height (kept constant across all arrays), such that the arrays were vertically structured. Four vertical structuring configurations were examined at a nominal Reynolds number (based on freestream velocity and cylinder diameter) of 600 and nominal tip-speed ratios of 0, 2, and 4. It was found that the vertical structuring of the array could significantly alter the mean flow patterns. Most notably, a net vertical flow into the array from above was observed, which was augmented by the arrays' vertical structuring, showing a 75% increase from the lowest to highest vertical flows (as evaluated at the maximum element height, at a single rotation rate). This vertical flow into the arrays is of particular interest as it represents an additional mechanism by which high streamwise momentum can be transported from above the array down into the array. An evaluation of the streamwise momentum resource within the array indicates up to a 56% increase in the incoming streamwise velocity to the elements (from the lowest to highest ranking arrays, at a single rotation rate). These arrays of rotating cylinders may provide insight into the flow kinematics of arrays of vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs). In a physical VAWT array, an increase in incoming streamwise flow velocity to a turbine corresponds to a (cubic) increase in the power output of the turbine. Thus, these results suggest a promising approach to increasing the power output of a VAWT array.
The principle of relativity and the de Broglie relation
Authors: Güémez Julio , Fiolhais Manuel , Fernández Luis A.
Published: May 2016

The de Broglie relation is revisited in connection with an ab initio relativistic description of particles and waves, which is the same treatment that historically led to this famous relation. In the same context of the Minkowski four-vector formalism, we also discuss the phase and the group velocity of a matter wave, explicitly showing that both transform as ordinary velocities under a Lorentz transformation. We show that such a transformation rule is a necessary condition for the covariance of the de Broglie relation, and stress the pedagogical value of the Einstein-Minkowski-Lorentz relativistic context in the presentation of the de Broglie relation.
A relativistic trolley paradox
Authors: Matvejev Vadim N. , Matvejev Oleg V. , Grøn Ø.
Published: May 2016

We present an apparent paradox within the special theory of relativity, involving a trolley with relativistic velocity and its rolling wheels. Two solutions are given, both making clear the physical reality of the Lorentz contraction, and that the distance on the rails between each time a specific point on the rim touches the rail is not equal to 2πR, where R is the radius of the wheel, but 2πR/1−R2Ω2/c2, where Ω is the angular velocity of the wheels. In one solution, the wheel radius is constant as the velocity of the trolley increases, and in the other the wheels contract in the radial direction. We also explain two surprising facts. First that the shape of a rolling wheel is elliptical in spite of the fact that the upper part of the wheel moves faster than the lower part, and thus is more Lorentz contracted, and second that a Lorentz contracted wheel with relativistic velocity rolls out a larger distance between two successive touches of a point of the wheel on the rails than the length of a circle with the same radius as the wheels.
Applicability of the Newtonian gravity concept inventory to introductory college physics classes
Authors: Williamson Kathryn , Prather Edward E. , Willoughby Shannon
Published: May 2016

The study described here extends the applicability of the Newtonian Gravity Concept Inventory (NGCI) to college algebra-based physics classes, beyond the general education astronomy courses for which it was originally developed. The four conceptual domains probed by the NGCI (Directionality, Force Law, Independence of Other Forces, and Threshold) are well suited for investigating students' reasoning about gravity in both populations, making the NGCI a highly versatile instrument. Classical test theory statistical analysis with physics student responses pre-instruction (N = 1,392) and post-instruction (N = 929) from eight colleges and universities across the United States indicate that the NGCI is composed of items with appropriate difficulty and discrimination and is reliable for this population. Also, expert review and student interviews support the NGCI's validity for the physics population. Emergent similarities and differences in how physics students reason about gravity compared to astronomy students are discussed, as well as future directions for analyzing the instrument's item parameters across both populations.
A simple demonstration when studying the equivalence principle
Authors: Mayer Valery , Varaksina Ekaterina
Published: May 2016

The paper proposes a lecture experiment that can be demonstrated when studying the equivalence principle formulated by Albert Einstein. The demonstration consists of creating stroboscopic photographs of a ball moving along a parabola in Earth's gravitational field. In the first experiment, a camera is stationary relative to Earth's surface. In the second, the camera falls freely downwards with the ball, allowing students to see that the ball moves uniformly and rectilinearly relative to the frame of reference of the freely falling camera. The equivalence principle explains this result, as it is always possible to propose an inertial frame of reference for a small region of a gravitational field, where space-time effects of curvature are negligible.
Resilience and Growth in Marathon Runners in the Aftermath of the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings
Authors: Timm Kelsey , Kamphoff Cindra , Galli Nick , Gonzalez Stephen P.
Published: May 2016

The historic Boston Marathon was struck by tragedy in 2013 when two bombs exploded near the finish line during the race. This tragedy provided the opportunity to study resilience in marathon runners, whose experience overcoming minor adversities may help them respond resiliently to trauma (Dyer & Crouch, 1988). The purpose of this study was to employ qualitative methods to examine the role of resilience in helping runners overcome their experience at the 2013 Boston Marathon. The researchers used Galli and Vealey’s (2008) Conceptual Model of Sport Resilience as a guide. Sixteen 2013 Boston Marathon runners were interviewed. Participants reported experiencing a confusing, unpleasant race day, followed by months of mixed emotions and coping strategies, which were mediated by personal resources and ultimately led to positive outcomes including increased motivation, strength, new perspectives, and a greater sense of closeness in the running community.
Coping With the Demands of Professional Practice: Sport Psychology Consultants’ Perspectives
Authors: Cropley Brendan , Baldock Lee , Mellalieu Stephen D. , Neil Rich , Wagstaff Christopher Robert David , Wadey Ross
Published: May 2016

This study aimed to gain an insight into the general coping strategies used by sport psychology consultants (SPCs) based in the UK, and an in-depth understanding of their development and impact. To achieve these aims a mixed-method approach was adopted by means of two linked studies. In study one, BASES accredited and/or BPS chartered SPCs (n = 29) completed the modified COPE inventory (Crocker & Graham, 1995) to gain a better understanding of the general coping strategies used by practitioners. In study two, follow-up interviews (n = 6) with participants sampled from study one were conducted to explore how the reported strategies were developed, the perceived impact of coping/not coping with stressors, and how future SPCs may be better prepared for the stressful nature of consultancy. Findings suggested that the participants had a statistically significant preference to using problem-focused coping strategies. Further, the interviews suggested that coping strategies were primarily developed through reflection on experiences in different contexts. The impacts of coping/not coping and the practical development implications raised are discussed.
A Composite Vignette on Striving to Become “Someone” in My New Sport System: The Critical Acculturation of Immigrant Athletes
Authors: Schinke Robert Joel , Blodgett Amy T. , McGannon Kerry R. , Ge Yang , Oghene Odirin , Seanor Michelle
Published: May 2016

This study explores a composite vignette of athletes acculturating in a national sport system. The research questions were: What acculturation narratives did the athletes’ construct when they considered the notion of their receiving culture’s national sport system? And within these, what are the key challenges in relation to support that the athletes storied about their receiving culture’s national sport system as they sought to acculturate? The research was framed in critical acculturation (see Chirkov, 2009a, 2009b). The fluid process of acculturation is illustrated using creative nonfiction presenting one unifying voice presented within a composite vignettes (see Spalding & Phillips, 2007). The three themes in the acculturation vignette were as follows: (a) nothing but love—a nationalistic romance, (b) losing my romance with nationalism, and (c) dollars in exchange for newcomer results. This project reveals how immigrant elite athletes can move between distinct narratives that can contradict one another.
Experimental river delta size set by multiple floods and backwater hydrodynamics
Authors: Ganti Vamsi , Chadwick Austin J. , Hassenruck-Gudipati Hima J. , Fuller Brian M. , Lamb Michael P.
Published: May 2016

Experimental delta lobe size is controlled by bed adjustment to transient floods within the backwater zone.
Laser vaporization of cirrus-like ice particles with secondary ice multiplication
Authors: Matthews Mary , Pomel François , Wender Christiane , Kiselev Alexei , Duft Denis , Kasparian Jérôme , Wolf Jean-Pierre , Leisner Thomas
Published: May 2016

Intense laser illumination of cirrus-like ice particles increases the amount of condensed water and modifies the particles’ albedo.
Representing higher-order dependencies in networks
Authors: Xu Jian , Wickramarathne Thanuka L. , Chawla Nitesh V.
Published: May 2016

A general method to discover and embed variable orders of dependencies in a network representation.
Anticyclonic eddies are more productive than cyclonic eddies in subtropical gyres because of winter mixing
Authors: Dufois François , Hardman-Mountford Nick J. , Greenwood Jim , Richardson Anthony J. , Feng Ming , Matear Richard J.
Published: May 2016

In subtropical ocean gyres, anticyclonic eddies increase surface nutrient injection and primary production during winter.
Antagonistic Donor Density Effect Conserved in Multiple Enterococcal Conjugative Plasmids
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Arpan , O'Brien Sofie , Frank Kristi L. , Dunny Gary M. , Hu Wei-Shou
Published: May 2016

Enterococcus faecalis
, a common causative agent of hospital-acquired infections, is resistant to many known antibiotics. Its ability to acquire and transfer resistance genes and virulence determinants through conjugative plasmids poses a serious concern for public health. In some cases, induction of transfer of
E. faecalis
plasmids results from peptide pheromones produced by plasmid-free recipient cells, which are sensed by the plasmid-bearing donor cells. These plasmids generally encode an inhibitory peptide that competes with the pheromone and suppresses self-induction of donors. We recently demonstrated that the inhibitor peptide encoded on plasmid pCF10 is part of a unique quorum-sensing system in which it functions as a “self-sensing signal,” reducing the response to the pheromone in a density-dependent fashion. Based on the similarities between regulatory features controlling conjugation in pAD1 and pAM373 and those controlling conjugation in pCF10, we hypothesized that these plasmids are likely to exhibit similar quorum-sensing behaviors. Experimental findings indicate that for both pAD1 and pAM373, high donor densities indeed resulted in decreased induction of the conjugation operon and reduced conjugation frequencies. This effect was restored by the addition of exogenous inhibitor, confirming that the inhibitor serves as an indicator for donor density. Donor density also affects cross-species conjugative plasmid transfer. Based on our experimental results, we propose models for induction and shutdown of the conjugation operon in pAD1 and pAM373.

IMPORTANCE
Enterococcus faecalis
is a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections. Its ability to transfer antibiotic resistance and virulence determinants by sharing its genetic material with other bacteria through direct cell-cell contact via conjugation poses a serious threat. Two antagonistic signaling peptides control the transfer of plasmids pAD1 and pAM373: a peptide pheromone produced by plasmid-free recipients triggers the conjugative transfer in plasmid-containing donors, and an inhibitor peptide encoded on the plasmid and produced by donor cells serves to modulate the donor response in accordance with the relative abundance of donors and recipients. We demonstrate that high donor density reduces the conjugation frequency of both of these plasmids, which is a consequence of increased inhibitor concentration in high-donor-density cultures. While most antibiotic strategies end up selecting resistant strains and disrupting the community balance, manipulating bacterial signaling mechanisms can serve as an alternate strategy to prevent the spread of antibiotic resistance.
Pichia pastoris Exhibits High Viability and a Low Maintenance Energy Requirement at Near-Zero Specific Growth Rates
Authors: Rebnegger Corinna , Vos Tim , Graf Alexandra B. , Valli Minoska , Pronk Jack T. , Daran-Lapujade Pascale , Mattanovich Diethard
Published: May 2016

The yeastPichia pastorisis a widely used host for recombinant protein production. Understanding its physiology at extremely low growth rates is a first step in the direction of decoupling product formation from cellular growth and therefore of biotechnological relevance. Retentostat cultivation is an excellent tool for studying microbes at extremely low specific growth rates but has so far not been implemented forP. pastoris. Retentostat feeding regimes were based on the maintenance energy requirement (mS) and maximum biomass yield on glucose (YX/Smax) estimated from steady-state glucose-limited chemostat cultures. Aerobic retentostat cultivation enabled reproducible, smooth transitions from a specific growth rate (μ) of 0.025 h−1to near-zero specific growth rates (μ < 0.001 h−1). At these near-zero specific growth rates, viability remained at least 97%. The value ofmSat near-zero growth rates was 3.1 ± 0.1 mg glucose per g biomass and h, which was 3-fold lower than themSestimated from faster-growing chemostat cultures. This difference indicated thatP. pastorisreduces its maintenance energy requirement at extremely low μ, a phenomenon not previously observed in eukaryotes. Intracellular levels of glycogen and trehalose increased, while μ progressively declined during retentostat cultivation. Transcriptional reprogramming toward zero growth included the upregulation of many transcription factors as well as stress-related genes and the downregulation of cell cycle genes. This study underlines the relevance of comparative analysis of maintenance energy metabolism, which has an important impact on large-scale industrial processes.

IMPORTANCEThe yeastPichia pastorisnaturally lives on trees and can utilize different carbon sources, among them glucose, glycerol, and methanol. In biotechnology, it is widely used for the production of recombinant proteins. For both the understanding of life in its natural habitat and optimized production processes, a better understanding of cell physiology at an extremely low growth rate would be of extraordinary value. Therefore, we have grownP. pastorisin a retentostat, which allows the cultivation of metabolically active cells even at zero growth. Here we reached doubling times as long as 38 days and found thatP. pastorisdecreases its maintenance energy demand 3-fold during very slow growth, which enables it to survive with a much lower substrate supply than baker's yeast.
Oral Administration of Probiotics Inhibits Absorption of the Heavy Metal Cadmium by Protecting the Intestinal Barrier
Authors: Zhai Qixiao , Tian Fengwei , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Narbad Arjan , Chen Wei
Published: May 2016

The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant that causes adverse health effects in humans and animals. Our previous work demonstrated that oral administration of probiotics can significantly inhibit Cd absorption in the intestines of mice, but further evidence is needed to gain insights into the related protection mode. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether probiotics can inhibit Cd absorption through routes other than the Cd binding, with a focus on gut barrier protection. In the
in vitro
assay, both the intervention and therapy treatments of
Lactobacillus plantarum
CCFM8610 alleviated Cd-induced cytotoxicity in the human intestinal cell line HT-29 and protected the disruption of tight junctions in the cell monolayers. In a mouse model, probiotics with either good Cd-binding or antioxidative ability increased fecal Cd levels and decreased Cd accumulation in the tissue of Cd-exposed mice. Compared with the Cd-only group, cotreatment with probiotics also reversed the disruption of tight junctions, alleviated inflammation, and decreased the intestinal permeability of mice.
L. plantarum
CCFM8610, a strain with both good Cd binding and antioxidative abilities, exhibited significantly better protection than the other two strains. These results suggest that along with initial intestinal Cd sequestration, probiotics can inhibit Cd absorption by protecting the intestinal barrier, and the protection is related to the alleviation of Cd-induced oxidative stress. A probiotic with both good Cd-binding and antioxidative capacities can be used as a daily supplement for the prevention of oral Cd exposure.

IMPORTANCE
The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant that causes adverse health effects in humans and animals. For the general population, food and drinking water are the main sources of Cd exposure due to the biomagnification of Cd within the food chain; therefore, the intestinal tract is the first organ that is susceptible to Cd contamination. Moreover, Cd exposure causes the disruption of the intestinal barrier and further induces the amplification of Cd absorption. The present study confirms that, along with initial intestinal Cd sequestration, oral administration of probiotics can inhibit Cd absorption by protecting the intestinal barrier. A probiotic with both good Cd-binding and antioxidative capacities can be used as a daily supplement for the prevention of oral Cd exposure.
Response of Vibrio cholerae to Low-Temperature Shifts: CspV Regulation of Type VI Secretion, Biofilm Formation, and Association with Zooplankton
Authors: Townsley Loni , Sison Mangus Marilou P. , Mehic Sanjin , Yildiz Fitnat H.
Published: May 2016

The ability to sense and adapt to temperature fluctuation is critical to the aquatic survival, transmission, and infectivity of
Vibrio cholerae
, the causative agent of the disease cholera. Little information is available on the physiological changes that occur when
V. cholerae
experiences temperature shifts. The genome-wide transcriptional profile of
V. cholerae
upon a shift in human body temperature (37°C) to lower temperatures, 15°C and 25°C, which mimic those found in the aquatic environment, was determined. Differentially expressed genes included those involved in the cold shock response, biofilm formation, type VI secretion, and virulence. Analysis of a mutant lacking the cold shock gene
cspV
, which was upregulated >50-fold upon a low-temperature shift, revealed that it regulates genes involved in biofilm formation and type VI secretion. CspV controls biofilm formation through modulation of the second messenger cyclic diguanylate and regulates type VI-mediated interspecies killing in a temperature-dependent manner. Furthermore, a strain lacking
cspV
had significant defects for attachment and type VI-mediated killing on the surface of the aquatic crustacean
Daphnia magna
. Collectively, these studies reveal that
cspV
is a major regulator of the temperature downshift response and plays an important role in controlling cellular processes crucial to the infectious cycle of
V. cholerae
.

IMPORTANCE
Little is known about how human pathogens respond and adapt to ever-changing parameters of natural habitats outside the human host and how environmental adaptation alters dissemination.
Vibrio cholerae
, the causative agent of the severe diarrheal disease cholera, experiences fluctuations in temperature in its natural aquatic habitats and during the infection process. Furthermore, temperature is a critical environmental signal governing the occurrence of
V. cholerae
and cholera outbreaks. In this study, we showed that
V. cholerae
reprograms its transcriptome in response to fluctuations in temperature, which results in changes to biofilm formation and type VI secretion system activation. These processes in turn impact environmental survival and the virulence potential of this pathogen.
Contribution of Anammox to Nitrogen Removal in Two Temperate Forest Soils
Authors: Xi Dan , Bai Ren , Zhang Limei , Fang Yunting
Published: May 2016

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation with nitrite reduction to dinitrogen (termed anammox) has been reported to be an important process for removing fixed nitrogen (N) in marine ecosystems and in some agricultural and wetland soils. However, its importance in upland forest soils has never been quantified. In this study, we evaluated the occurrence of anammox activity in two temperate forest soils collected from northeastern China. With15N-labeled NO3−incubation, we found that the combined potential of the N2production rates of anammox and codenitrification ranged from 0.01 ± 0.01 to 1.2 ± 0.18 nmol N per gram of soil per hour, contributing 0.5% to 14.4% of the total N2production along the soil profile. Denitrification was the main pathway of N2production and accounted for 85.6% to 99.5% of the total N2production. Further labeling experiments with15NH4+and15NO2−indicated that codenitrification was present in the mixed forest soil. Codenitrification and anammox accounted for 2% to 12% and 1% to 7% of the total N2production, respectively. Two anammox species, “CandidatusBrocadia fulgida” and “CandidatusJettenia asiatica,” were detected in this study but in very low abundance (as indicated by thehzsBgene). Our results demonstrated that the anammox process occurs in forest soils, but the contribution to N2loss might be low in these ecosystems. More research is necessary to determine the activities of different N2releasing pathways in different forest soils.

IMPORTANCEIn this study, we examined the anammox activity in temperate upland forest soils using the15N isotope technique. We found that the anammox process contributed little to the N2production rate in the studied forest soil. Two anammox organisms, “CandidatusBrocadia fulgida” and “CandidatusJettenia asiatica,” were detected. In addition, we found that codenitrification was another N2production pathway in forest soils. Our results could contribute to the understanding of soil gaseous N losses and microbial controls in forest soils.
Temporal variations of helium isotopes in volcanic gases quantify pre-eruptive refill and pressurization in magma reservoirs: The Mount Etna case
Authors: Paonita Antonio , Caracausi Antonio , Martelli Mauro , Rizzo Andrea L.
Published: May 2016

Two approaches to the challenging aim of forecasting impending eruptions are searching for empirical precursors and developing suitable interpretative models. Here we present high-resolution time series of 3He/4He ratios measured in gases emitted from peripheral vents around Mount Etna volcano (Italy), which revealed variations with strong correlations over both time and a broad spatial scale. The main eruptive episodes are preceded by increases in 3He/4He, making this ratio a unique tracer for monitoring volcanic activity. These features strongly reflect pressurization beneath the volcano due to deep magma influx. We propose a pioneering model that relates the changes in 3He/4He to the time-dependent outflow of volatiles from a magmatic chamber subjected to evolution of its internal pressure due to magma injection. At Mount Etna, the model makes it possible to estimate in near real time key parameters such as the rate of magma input and volume change in deep chamber preceding eruptions, and to compare them with geodetic estimations. This represents an unprecedented use of 3He/4He to obtain quantitative information on the physics of magmatic systems. Volcanoes showing changes of 3He/4He ratio in discharged gases due to unrest episodes are widespread in the world, and therefore we envisage extensive future applications of this approach.
Pre-Mississippian tectonic affinity across the Canada Basin–Arctic margins of Alaska and Canada
Authors: Houseknecht David W. , Connors Christopher D.
Published: May 2016

New and reprocessed seismic reflection data on the Alaskan and Canadian Arctic margins of the Canada Basin, together with geologic constraints from exploration wells and outcrops, reveal structural and stratigraphic relationships in pre-Mississippian rocks that constrain models of Canada Basin opening. Lithostratigraphic age and acoustic character indicate that the Devonian and older passive-margin to foreland-basin succession in the Canadian M’Clure Strait is also found on the central Alaska margin. This succession also displays similar structural geometry and relief as well as deformational age on both margins. Moreover, Middle Devonian to Early Mississippian tectonic vergence—north directed on the central Alaska margin and east directed in the Canadian M’Clure Strait—indicates a common direction of tectonic transport if the two margins were conjugate. All of these observations demonstrate that pre-Mississippian rocks of the Alaskan and Canadian Arctic margins share a common tectonic history of uplift and exhumation and that the two margins were conjugates prior to opening of the Canada Basin.
Pathways between health, education and income in adolescence and adulthood
Authors: Callander Emily J
Published: May 2016

Objective

To quantify the impact of household income, and physical and mental health in adolescence on education attainment, household income and health status in adulthood.

Design

Path analysis and regression models using waves 1–12 of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey.

Participants

Individuals aged 17 or 18 in 2001, 52% were males (n=655) and 48% were female (52%). Of those participating in wave 1, five did not respond in wave 12.

Main outcome measures

Education attainment, household income, physical and mental health at age 29/30.

Results

For females, physical health at age 17/18 was significantly related to level of education attainment at age 29/30 (standardised total effect 0.290, p<0.001), with this influence being greater in magnitude than that of household income at age 17/18 on level of education attainment at age 29/30 (standardised total effect 0.159, p=0.022). Females' physical health at age 17/18 was also significantly related to household income at age 29/30 (standardised total effect 0.09, p=0.018). Both adjusted for initial household income at age 17/18. For males, the total standardised total effect of physical health at age 17/18 had a greater impact than household income at age 17/18 on education attainment at age 29/30 (0.347, p<0.001 for physical health and 0.276, p<0.001 for household income). The OR of achieving a year 12 or higher level of education attainment was 4.72 (95% CI 1.43 to 15.58, p=0.0110) for females with good physical health at age 17/18 and 5.05 (95% CI 1.78 to 14.36, p=0.0024) for males, compared with those with poor physical health at age 17/18.

Conclusions

As physical health in adolescence appears to have a stronger influence on education attainment in adulthood than household income, equity strategies for education attainment should also target those with poor health.
International normative 20 m shuttle run values from 1 142 026 children and youth representing 50 countries
Authors: Tomkinson Grant R , Lang Justin J , Tremblay Mark S , Dale Michael , LeBlanc Allana G , Belanger Kevin , Ortega Francisco B , Léger Luc
Published: May 2016

Objective

To develop sex-specific and age-specific international norms for the 20 m shuttle run test (20mSRT) in children and youth (aged 9–17 years), and to estimate the prevalence meeting the FITNESSGRAM criterion-referenced standards for healthy cardiorespiratory endurance (CRE).

Methods

A systematic review was undertaken to identify papers explicitly reporting descriptive 20mSRT (with 1 min stages) data on children and youth since 1981. Data were included on apparently healthy (free from known disease/injury) 9–17 years old. Following standardisation to a common metric and for protocol differences, pseudo data were generated using Monte Carlo simulation, with population-weighted sex-specific and age-specific normative centiles generated using the Lambda Mu and Sigma (LMS) method. Sex-related and age-related differences were expressed as per cent and standardised differences in means. The prevalence with healthy CRE was estimated using the sex-specific and age-specific FITNESSGRAM criterion-referenced standards for.

Results

Norms were displayed as tabulated centiles and as smoothed centile curves for the 20mSRT using 4 common metrics (speed at the last completed stage, completed stages/minutes, laps and relative). The final data set included 1 142 026 children and youth from 50 countries, extracted from 177 studies. Boys consistently outperformed girls at each age group (mean difference±95% CI: 0.86±0.28 km/h or 0.79±0.20 standardised units), with the magnitude of age-related increase larger for boys than for girls. A higher proportion of boys (mean±95% CI: 67±14%) had healthy CRE than girls (mean±95% CI: 54±17%), with the prevalence of healthy CRE decreasing systematically with age.

Conclusions

This study provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date set of international sex-specific and age-specific 20mSRT norms for children and youth, which have utility for health and fitness screening, profiling, monitoring and surveillance.
Overweight and its associated risk factors among urban school adolescents in Nepal: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Piryani Suneel , Baral Kedar Prasad , Pradhan Bandana , Poudyal Amod Kumar , Piryani Rano Mal
Published: May 2016

Objectives

The prevalence of non-communicable diseases is increasing in Nepal. Overweight and obesity are the major risk factors of many non-communicable diseases. Adolescence is a critical phase for development of overweight and obesity. Risk factors associated with overweight and obesity are not well understood in Nepal. The objective of the study was to identify the factors associated with overweight and obesity among adolescent students.

Setting

A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out on higher secondary school students in the Lalitpur sub-metropolitan city, Nepal.

Participants

A random sample of 360 students aged 16–19 years from eight schools was included in the study.

Results

The prevalence of overweight among adolescent students was 12.2% (95% CI 8.9 to 15.5). Factors associated with being overweight included being male (adjusted OR (AOR) 2.64, 95% CI 1.18 to 4.88), studying in private school (AOR 2.10, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.28), high socioeconomic status family (AOR 4.77, 95% CI 1.36 to 16.72), watching television for more than 2 h per day (AOR 8.86, 95% CI 3.90 to 20.11), and consuming fruit four times or less per week (AOR 3.13, 95% CI 1.39 to 7.01). There was no statistically significant association between adolescent overweight and age, ethnicity, mother's education level, mother's occupation, number of siblings or family type.

Conclusions

Socioeconomic status, watching television for a longer time and consuming less fruit are major risk factors for overweight among adolescents in Nepal. Interventions are needed to increase awareness about the risk factors of adolescent overweight and obesity to decrease prevalence of overweight-associated non-communicable diseases.
Endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with the LVIS device: a systematic review
Authors: Zhang Xiaoguang , Zhong Junjie , Gao Heng , Xu Feng , Bambakidis Nicholas C
Published: May 2016

Objective

Despite promising initial results, current knowledge regarding the use of the Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support (LVIS) device to treat wide-necked intracranial aneurysms is still limited. Our aim is to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of the LVIS device in stent-assisted coiling of intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for all published studies on the treatment of intracranial aneurysms with the LVIS device up to March 2016. Feasibility was evaluated by the technical success rate during the procedure, efficacy was evaluated by the rate of complete aneurysm occlusion at follow-up angiography, and safety was assessed by procedure-related morbidity and mortality.

Results

A total of nine studies were included in the analysis, including 384 patients with 390 aneurysms. The overall technical success rate was 96.8% (95% CI 94.4% to 99.1%). The aneurysmal complete occlusion rate was 54.6% (95% CI 31.8% to 77.4%) on immediate control and 84.3% (95% CI 78.9% to 89.7%) at follow-up angiography. Procedural-related morbidity and mortality were 1.4% (95% CI 0.2% to 2.6%) and 0% (95% CI 0%), respectively. The thromboembolic event rate was 4.9% (95% CI 1.9% to 7.9%) and the hemorrhagic event rate was 2.1% (95% CI 0.7% to 3.5%), with 0.9% (95% CI 0% to 1.8%) experiencing neurologic hemorrhagic complications and 1.9% (95% CI 0.5% to 3.2%) experiencing non-neurologic hemorrhagic complications.

Conclusions

Our systematic review suggests that endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms with the LVIS device is feasible, safe, and effective in the short term. However, the rate of thromboembolic complications is not negligible. Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of the LVIS device.
Stationary configurations around charged rotating black holes
Authors: Benone Carolina L.
Published: May 2016

Scalar fields can form real bound states around black holes for a specific frequency. In this work, we review the case of a charged and massive scalar field around a charged rotating black hole, in order to find these bound states. We analyze the behavior of these solutions for different parameters and also comment on analytic solutions for certain regimes.
Solutions of evolution equations associated to infinite-dimensional Laplacian
Authors: Ouerdiane Habib
Published: May 2016

We study an evolution equation associated with the integer power of the Gross Laplacian [Formula: see text] and a potential function V on an infinite-dimensional space. The initial condition is a generalized function. The main technique we use is the representation of the Gross Laplacian as a convolution operator. This representation enables us to apply the convolution calculus on a suitable distribution space to obtain the explicit solution of the perturbed evolution equation. Our results generalize those previously obtained by Hochberg [K. J. Hochberg, Ann. Probab. 6 (1978) 433.] in the one-dimensional case with [Formula: see text], as well as by Barhoumi–Kuo–Ouerdiane for the case [Formula: see text] (See Ref. [A. Barhoumi, H. H. Kuo and H. Ouerdiane, Soochow J. Math. 32 (2006) 113.]).
Selective subepicardial localization of monocyte subsets in response to progressive coronary artery constriction
Authors: Hakimzadeh Nazanin , van Lier Monique G. J. T. B. , van Horssen Pepijn , Daal Mariah , Ly Duy Ha , Belterman Charly , Coronel Ruben , Spaan Jos A. E. , Siebes Maria
Published: May 2016

Following myocardial infarction and atherosclerotic lesion development, monocytes contribute to myocardial protection and repair, while also partaking in myocardial ischemic injury. The balance of proinflammatory and reparative monocyte subsets is crucial in governing these therapeutic and pathological outcomes. Myocardial ischemic damage displays heterogeneity across the myocardium, whereby the subendocardium shows greatest vulnerability to ischemic damage. In this study we examined the transmural distribution of monocyte subsets in response to gradual coronary artery occlusion. CD14+monocytes were isolated from peripheral blood of New Zealand White rabbits and divided into two subgroups based on the expression of CD62L. We employed a rabbit model of progressive coronary artery obstruction to induce chronic myocardial ischemia and reinfused fluorescently labeled autologous monocytes. The distribution of fluorescently labeled autologous monocytes was examined with a high-resolution three-dimensional imaging cryomicrotome. The subepicardial layer contained the largest infiltration of both monocyte subgroups, with a significantly greater proportion of CD14+CD62L+monocytes at the time when the ischemic area was at a maximum. By targeting CD13+angiogenic vessels, we confirmed the presence of angiogenesis in epicardial and midmyocardial regions. These myocardial regions demonstrated the highest level of infiltration of both monocyte subsets. Furthermore, CD14+CD62L+monocytes showed significantly greater migration towards monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, greater adhesive capacity, and higher expression of C-C chemokine receptor type-2 relative to CD14+CD62L−monocytes. In conclusion, we note selective subepicardial distribution of monocyte subpopulations, with changes in proportion depending on the time after onset of coronary narrowing. Selective homing is supported by divergent migratory properties of each respective monocyte subgroup.
Parallel Irregular Fusion Estimation Based on Nonlinear Filter for Indoor RFID Tracking System
Authors: Jin Xue-Bo , Dou Chao , Su Ting-li , Lian Xiao-fen , Shi Yan
Published: May 2016

In practical RFID tracking systems, usually it is impossible that the readers are placed right with a “grid” structure, so effective estimation method is required to obtain the accurate trajectory. Due to the data-driven mechanism, measurement of RFID system is sampled irregularly; therefore the traditional recursive estimation may fail from K to [Formula: see text] sampling point. Moreover, because the distribution density of the readers is nonuniform and multiple measurements might be implemented simultaneously, fusion of estimations also needs to be considered. In this paper, an irregular estimation strategy with parallel structure was developed, where the dynamic model update and states fusion estimation were processed synchronously to achieve real-time indoor RFID tracking. Two nonlinear estimation methods were proposed based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF) and unscented Kalman filter (UKF), respectively. The tracking performances were compared, and the simulation results show that the developed UKF method got lower covariance in indoor RFID tracking while the EKF one cost less calculating time.
Service and Price Decisions of a Supply Chain with Optional After-Sale Service
Authors: Sun Xiaochen , Zhang Qingshuai , Zhou Yancong
Published: May 2016

For durable products, the high quality after-sales service has been playing an increasingly important role in consumers’ purchase behaviors. We mainly study a supply chain composed of a manufacturer and a retailer. In a process of products sales, the manufacturer will provide a basic free quality assurance service. On this basis, the retailer provides paid optional quality assurance service to consumers to promote sales. Users are divided into two categories in this paper: users with no optional service and users with optional services. We derive the equilibrium decisions between the manufacturer and the retailer under the following two cases: (i) the optional after-sales service level and the wholesale price determined by the manufacturer and the retail price determined by the retailer; (ii) the wholesale price determined by the manufacturer and the optional after-sales service level and the retail price determined by the retailer.
Validation of an Endoscopic Fibre-Optic Pressure Sensor for Noninvasive Measurement of Variceal Pressure
Authors: Sun Bin , Kong De-Run , Li Su-Wen , Yu Dong-Feng , Wang Ging-Jing , Yu Fang-Fang , Wu Qiong , Xu Jian-Ming
Published: May 2016

In this study, the authors have developed endoscopic fibre-optic pressure sensor to detect variceal pressure and presented the validation ofin vivoandin vitrostudies, because the HVPG requires catheterization of hepatic veins, which is invasive and inconvenient. Compared with HVPG, it is better to measure directly the variceal pressure without puncturing the varices in a noninvasive way.
Waterfalls Partial Aggregation in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Li Wuyungerile , Jia Bing , Saruwatari Shunsuke , Watanabe Takashi
Published: May 2016

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), energy saving is a critical issue. Many research works have been undertaken to save energy. Data aggregation is one of the schemes that save energy by reducing the amount of data transmission. Normally, researchers focus on saving energy by aggregating multiple data or turning to achieving short transmission delay in data aggregation; few of them are concerned with network lifetime. This work achieves an optimum network lifetime by balancing energy consumption among nodes in network. Here, we propose a waterfalls partial aggregation, controlled by a set of waterfalls pushing rate vectors. The first contribution of this paper is to propose a waterfalls partial aggregation and to model it with queuing theory. The second contribution is that the optimum network lifetime is achieved mathematically and a near optimum algorithm is proposed for a given transmission delay. The results are compared with existing energy efficient algorithms and the evaluation results show the efficiency of proposed algorithm.
Evolving Paradigm of Radiotherapy for High-Risk Prostate Cancer: Current Consensus and Continuing Controversies
Authors: Juloori Aditya , Shah Chirag , Stephans Kevin , Vassil Andrew , Tendulkar Rahul
Published: May 2016

High-risk prostate cancer is an aggressive form of the disease with an increased risk of distant metastasis and subsequent mortality. Multiple randomized trials have established that the combination of radiation therapy and long-term androgen deprivation therapy improves overall survival compared to either treatment alone. Standard of care for men with high-risk prostate cancer in the modern setting is dose-escalated radiotherapy along with 2-3 years of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). There are research efforts directed towards assessing the efficacy of shorter ADT duration. Current research has been focused on assessing hypofractionated and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) techniques. Ongoing randomized trials will help assess the utility of pelvic lymph node irradiation. Research is also focused on multimodality therapy with addition of a brachytherapy boost to external beam radiation to help improve outcomes in men with high-risk prostate cancer.
Cardiovascular Actions and Therapeutic Potential of Tetramethylpyrazine (Active Component Isolated fromRhizoma Chuanxiong): Roles and Mechanisms
Authors: Guo Ming , Liu Yue , Shi Dazhuo
Published: May 2016

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), a pharmacologically active component isolated from the rhizome of the Chinese herbRhizoma Chuanxiong(Chuanxiong), has been clinically used in China and Southeast Asian countries for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) for about fifty years. The pharmacological effects of TMP on the cardiovascular system have attracted great interest. Emerging experimental studies and clinical trials have demonstrated that TMP prevents atherosclerosis as well as ischemia-reperfusion injury. The cardioprotective effects of TMP are mainly related to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or calcium-homeostasis effects. This review focuses on the roles and mechanisms of action of TMP in the cardiovascular system and provides a novel perspective on TMP’s clinical use.
The Utility of a Digital Virtual Template for Junior Surgeons in Pedicle Screw Placement in the Lumbar Spine
Authors: Zhao Xin , Zhao Jie , Xie Youzhuan , Mi Jie
Published: May 2016

This study assessed the utility of three-dimensional preoperative image reconstruction as digital virtual templating for junior surgeons in placing a pedicle screw (PS) in the lumbar spine. Twenty-three patients of lumbar disease were operated on with bilateral PS fixation in our hospital. The two sides of lumbar pedicles were randomly divided into “hand-free group” (HFG) and “digital virtual template group” (DVTG) in each patient. Two junior surgeons preoperatively randomly divided into these two groups finished the placement of PSs. The accuracy of PS and the procedure time of PS insertion were recorded. The accuracy of PS in DVTG was 91.8% and that in HFG was 87.7%. The PS insertion procedure time of DVTG was74.5±8.1 s and that of HFG was90.9±9.9 s. Although no significant difference was reported in the accurate rate of PS between the two groups, the PS insertion procedure time was significantly shorter in DVTG than in HFG (P<0.05). Digital virtual template is simple and can reduce the procedure time of PS placement.
SEMAN: A Novel Secure Middleware for Mobile Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: da Silva Eduardo , Pessoa Albini Luiz Carlos
Published: May 2016

As a consequence of the particularities of Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs), such as dynamic topology and self-organization, the implementation of complex and flexible applications is a challenge. To enable the deployment of these applications, several middleware solutions were proposed. However, these solutions do not completely consider the security requirements of these networks. Based on the limitations of the existing solutions, this paper presents a new secure middleware, called Secure Middleware for Ad Hoc Networks (SEMAN), which provides a set of basic and secure services to MANETs aiming to facilitate the development of distributed, complex, and flexible applications. SEMAN considers the context of applications and organizes nodes into groups, also based on these contexts. The middleware includes three modules: service, processing, and security. Security module is the main part of the middleware. It has the following components: key management, trust management, and group management. All these components were developed and are described in this paper. They are supported by a cryptographic core and behave according to security rules and policies. The integration of these components provides security guarantees against attacks to the applications that usethe middleware services.