bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Education Increases Daily Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activity and Reduces Sedentary Time
Authors: Mooses Kerli , Pihu Maret , Riso Eva‐Maria , Hannus Aave , Kaasik Priit , Kull Merike
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) is important to mental and physical health. Physical education (PE) lessons have the potential to increase daily moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and reduce sedentary time (SED). We measured MVPA and SED in primary school PE, determined the contribution of PE to daily MVPA and SED, and compared PA on days with and without PE.

METHODS

PA was measured in 504 first (ages 7‐9) and second (ages 10‐12) school level children for 1 school week, with inclusion criteria of at least 10 hours of valid data. Linear mixed methods were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

In PE, students spent 28.6 ± 16.5% in MVPA and 29.3 ± 19.8% in SED. Each additional MVPA minute in PE was associated with 1.4 more daily MVPA minutes. On days with PE, students had 12.8 (95% CI 10.5; 15.0) minutes more MVPA and 9.7 (95% CI 16.3; 3.1) minutes less SED compared with days without PE.

CONCLUSIONS

Although MVPA in PE was relatively low and SED high, PE significantly increased daily MVPA and reduced SED, confirming the important role of PE in supporting the healthy development of children.
Mineral trioxide aggregate improves healing response of periodontal tissue to injury in mice
Authors: Vidovic Zdrilic I. , de Azevedo Queiroz I. O. , Matthews B. G. , Gomes‐Filho J. E. , Mina M. , Kalajzic I.
Published: July 2017

Background and Objective

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a biomaterial used in endodontic procedures as it exerts beneficial effects on regenerative processes. In this study, we evaluate the effect of MTA on healing of periodontal ligament (PDL) and surrounding tissue, following injury, in a transgenic mouse model and on the differentiation of murine mesenchymal progenitor cells in vitro.

Material and Methods

We used an inducible Cre‐loxP in vivo fate mapping approach to examine the effects of MTA on the contributions of descendants of cells expressing the αSMA‐CreERT2 transgene (SMA9+) to the PDL and alveolar bone after experimental injury to the root furcation on the maxillary first molars. Col2.3GFP was used as a marker to identify mature osteoblasts, cementoblasts and PDL fibroblasts. The effects of MTA were examined 2, 17 and 30 days after injury and compared histologically with sealing using an adhesive system. The effects of two dilutions of medium conditioned with MTA on proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells derived from bone marrow (BMSC) and periodontal ligament (PDLC) in vitro were examined using the PrestoBlue viability assay, alkaline phosphatase and Von Kossa staining. The expression of markers of differentiation was assessed using real‐time PCR.

Results

Histological analyses showed better repair in teeth restored with MTA, as shown by greater expansion of SMA9+ progenitor cells and Col2.3GFP+ osteoblasts compared with control teeth. We also observed a positive effect on differentiation of SMA9+ progenitors into osteoblasts and cementoblasts in the apical region distant from the site of injury. The in vitro data showed that MTA‐conditioned medium reduced cell viability and osteogenic differentiation in both PDLC and BMSC, indicated by reduced von Kossa staining and lower expression of osteocalcin and bone sialoprotein. In addition, cultures grown in the presence of MTA had marked decreases in SMA9+ and Col2.3GFP+ areas as compared with osteogenic medium, confirming reduced osteogenesis.

Conclusion

MTA promotes regeneration of injured PDL and alveolar bone, reflected as contribution of progenitors (SMA9+ cells) into osteoblasts (Col2.3GFP+ cells). In vitro, MTA‐conditioned medium fails to promote osteogenic differentiation of both PDLC and BMSC.
GSK2878175, a pan‐genotypic non‐nucleoside NS5B polymerase inhibitor, in healthy and treatment‐naïve chronic hepatitis C subjects
Authors: Gardner S. D. , Kim J. , Baptiste‐Brown S. , Lopez V. , Hamatake R. , Gan J. , Edwards S. , Elko‐Simms L. , Dumont E. F. , Leivers M. , Hong Z. , Paff M. T.
Published: July 2017

GSK2878175 is a potent, pan‐genotypic, non‐nucleoside, nonstructural protein 5B palm polymerase inhibitor being developed for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). A first‐in‐human, randomized, placebo‐controlled, dose escalation study, evaluated the safety and pharmacokinetics of GSK2878175 administered as single and repeat oral doses (once daily for 14 days) to healthy volunteers. A separate proof‐of‐concept, placebo‐controlled, repeat dose (once daily for 2 days) study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics and antiviral activity of GSK2878175 monotherapy in treatment‐naïve, noncirrhotic, subjects with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 [1a and 1b], 2, or 3. No deaths or SAEs were reported in either study, and treatment was well‐tolerated. Across all the HCV genotypes, GSK2878175 monotherapy at doses of 10, 30 or 60 mg once daily for 2 days produced a statistically significant multilog reduction (P<.001) in plasma HCV RNA log10 IU/mL from Baseline to 24, 48 and 72 hours after the first dose of GSK2878175 compared to placebo. The reduction in HCV RNA was sustained for a prolonged period across all of the active treatment groups, consistent with the long apparent half‐life of GSK2878175 that was observed (mean t1/2 range: 60‐63 hours in the CHC subjects). In summary, GSK2878175, when administered to healthy subjects and subjects with CHC, did not reveal any safety concerns that would limit or preclude further clinical development. GSK2878175 monotherapy across a wide dose range produced substantial reduction in HCV RNA, irrespective of HCV genotype. The results from these studies support further evaluation of GSK2878175‐based regimens.
New insights into enterocin CRL35: mechanism of action and immunity revealed by heterologous expression in Escherichia coli
Authors: Barraza Daniela E. , Ríos Colombo Natalia S. , Galván Adriana E. , Acuña Leonardo , Minahk Carlos J. , Bellomio Augusto , Chalón Miriam C.
Published: July 2017

The role of the class IIa bacteriocin membrane receptor protein remains unclear, and the following two different mechanisms have been proposed: the bacteriocin could interact with the receptor changing it to an open conformation or the receptor might act as an anchor allowing subsequent bacteriocin insertion and membrane disruption. Bacteriocin‐producing cells synthesize an immunity protein that forms an inactive bacteriocin–receptor–immunity complex. To better understand the molecular mechanism of enterocin CRL35, the peptide was expressed as the suicidal probe EtpM‐enterocin CRL35 in Escherichia coli, a naturally insensitive microorganism since it does not express the receptor. When the bacteriocin is anchored to the periplasmic face of the plasma membrane through the bitopic membrane protein, EtpM, E. coli cells depolarize and die. Moreover, co‐expression of the immunity protein prevents the deleterious effect of EtpM‐enterocin CRL35. The binding and anchoring of the bacteriocin to the membrane has demonstrated to be a sufficient condition for its membrane insertion. The final step of membrane disruption by EtpM‐enterocin CRL35 is independent from the receptor, which means that the mannose PTS might not be involved in the pore structure. In addition, the immunity protein can protect even in the absence of the receptor.
Pick's disease with neuronal four‐repeat tau accumulation in the basal ganglia, brain stem nuclei and cerebellum
Authors: Ikeda Chikako , Yokota Osamu , Miki Tomoko , Takenoshita Shintaro , Ishizu Hideki , Mori Yoko , Yamazaki Kiyohiro , Ozaki Yuki , Ueno Shu‐Ichi , Ishihara Takeshi , Hasegawa Masato , Terada Seishi , Yamada Norihito
Published: July 2017

It is very rare that cases of Pick's disease, a representative three‐repeat (3R) tauopathy, also have significant four‐repeat (4R) tau accumulation. Here, we report a Pick's disease case that clinically showed behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia without motor disturbance during the course, and pathologically had 3R tau‐positive Pick bodies as well as numerous 4R tau‐positive neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCIs). Abundant 3R tau‐positive 4R tau‐negative spherical or horseshoe‐shaped Pick bodies were found in the frontotemporal cortex, limbic region, striatum and pontine nucleus. On the other hand, many 4R tau‐positive, 3R tau‐negative, Gallyas‐negative dot‐, rod‐ or intertwined skein‐like NCIs were found mainly in the subthalamic nucleus, pontine nucleus, inferior olivary nucleus and cerebellar dentate nucleus. Tufted astrocytes, astrocytic plaques, argyrophilic grains or globular glial inclusions were absent. Double‐labeling immunofluorescence demonstrated that 3R tau was hardly accumulated in 4R tau‐positive inclusions. On tau immunoblotting, while 60 and 64 kDa bands were demonstrated in the frontal cortex, 60, 64 and 68 kDa bands, as well as the 33 kDa tau fragments that are reported to be characteristic of progressive supranuclear palsy brains, were found in the basal ganglia and cerebellum. No mutation was identified in the tau gene. The present case suggests that, although probably rare, some Pick's disease cases have non‐negligible 4R tau pathology in the subcortical nuclei, and that such 4R tau pathology can affect the evaluation of the distribution of AT8‐positive tau pathology in Pick's disease cases.
Cucurbit[7]uril: an emerging candidate for pharmaceutical excipients
Authors: Kuok Kit Ieng , Li Shengke , Wyman Ian W. , Wang Ruibing
Published: July 2017

Cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), belonging to the cucurbit[n]uril family (CB[n], n = 5–8, 10, or 13–15), may form host–guest complexes with a variety of small molecules of biomedical interest. The physical and chemical properties of the complexed drugs are often improved as a result of this complexation, suggesting the potential application of CB[7] as a pharmaceutical excipient. This review has summarized the most recent research progress reported between 2011 and early 2017 regarding the biocompatibility of CB[7] and the influence of CB[7] on the stability, solubility, biouptake, and biological activities (including therapeutic efficacies and toxicities) of guest drug molecules. Through this systemic summary and analysis, we intend to stimulate further research efforts in this area and promote the use of CB[7] as an emerging pharmaceutical excipient to improve various properties of drug molecules (or active pharmaceutical ingredients).
Methadone versus Fentanyl in Patients with Radiation‐Induced Nociceptive Pain with Head and Neck Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Noninferiority Trial
Authors: Haumann Johan , van Kuijk Sander M.J. , Geurts José W. , Hoebers Frank J.P. , Kremer Bernd , Joosten Elbert A. , van den Beuken‐van Everdingen Marieke H.J.
Published: July 2017

Background

Pain is still a burden for many patients with cancer. A recent trial showed the superiority of methadone over fentanyl in neuropathic pain, and we expect that this finding could influence the number of patients treated with methadone.

Methods

We performed a randomized controlled noninferiority trial in patients with nociceptive pain. Eighty‐two strong‐opioid‐naïve patients with head and neck cancer with substantial pain (pain numeric rating scale [NRS] score ≥ 4) due to radiation therapy were included. Forty‐two patients were treated with methadone, and 40 with fentanyl. Patients were evaluated at 1, 3, and 5 weeks. The primary outcomes were reduction in average pain and clinical success (50% pain decrease). We set the predefined noninferiority margin at 1 on the NRS and 10% clinical success. Secondary outcomes were pain interference, global perceived effect (GPE), side effects, and opioid escalation index.

Results

Noninferiority was shown for decrease in NRS for maximum and mean pain scores at 1 and 3 weeks. Noninferiority was shown for clinical success at 1 week only. The opioid escalation index was lower in the methadone group at 3 and 5 weeks as compared to fentanyl (1.44 vs. 1.99, P = 0.004; and 1.50 vs. 2.32, P = 0.013). The pain interference in the methadone group was significantly decreased at 3 weeks only. GPE and side effects were not different.

Conclusion

This is the first study to show noninferiority of methadone compared to fentanyl at 1 and 3 weeks in the treatment of radiation‐induced nociceptive pain in patients with head and neck cancer.
Risk Factors for Post‐treatment Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): An Analysis of 647 Cases of CRPS from the Danish Patient Compensation Association
Authors: Petersen Pelle B. , Mikkelsen Kim L. , Lauritzen Jes B. , Krogsgaard Michael R.
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Complex regional pain syndrome is a challenging condition that includes a broad spectrum of sensory, autonomic, and motor features predominantly in extremities recovering from a trauma. Few large‐scale studies have addressed occurrence of and factors associated with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) following orthopedic treatment. The present study aimed to identify factors associated with post‐treatment development of CRPS.

Methods

Using the Danish Patient Compensation Association's database, we identified 647 patients claiming post‐treatment CRPS between 1992 and 2015. Age, gender, initial diagnosis, treatment, and amount of compensation were extracted. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify variables associated with approval of the claim. For carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients, we registered whether symptoms were bilateral or unilateral and if neurophysiology prior to treatment was pathologic.

Results

The following ratios were found: women:men was 4:1, primary diagnosis to the upper limb:lower limb was 2.5:1, and surgical:nonsurgical treatment was 3:1. Mean age was 47.5 ± 13.7 years, and no intergender difference was detected. Antebrachial fracture (23%) and CTS (9%) were the most common primary conditions. Surgical treatment was associated with approval of the claim (odds ratio 3.5, 95% confidence interval 2.3 to 5.3; P < 0.001). Half of CTS patients had normal neurophysiology prior to surgery; among patients with unilateral symptoms, 71.4% had normal neurophysiology.

Conclusions

Female gender, surgical treatment, and treatment to the upper limb were risk factors. Elective surgery accounted for a large number of post‐treatment CRPS patients. In CTS patients developing CRPS, normal neurophysiological examination findings were common, and it could be suspected that these patients were suffering from an pre‐clinical stage of CRPS, not CTS.
Application of functional near infrared spectroscopy as supplementary examination for diagnosis of clinical stages of psychosis spectrum
Authors: Koike Shinsuke , Satomura Yoshihiro , Kawasaki Shingo , Nishimura Yukika , Kinoshita Akihide , Sakurada Hanako , Yamagishi Mika , Ichikawa Eriko , Matsuoka Jun , Okada Naohiro , Takizawa Ryu , Kasai Kiyoto
Published: July 2017

Aim

Research efforts aiming at neuroimaging‐aided differential diagnosis for psychiatric disorders have been progressing rapidly. A previous multisite study has developed a supplementary diagnostic system using functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) that can be easily applied to clinical settings. However, few neuroimaging biomarkers have been developed for the psychosis spectrum with various clinical stages.

Methods

We employed the fNIRS as a clinical examination device for 143 participants, comprising 47 ultra‐high risk for psychosis (UHR) individuals, 30 patients with first‐episode psychosis (FEP), 34 patients with chronic schizophrenia (ChSZ), and 33 healthy controls, who were independent of the previous study. A 12‐month follow‐up measurement was also carried out on 34 UHR individuals (72%), 21 patients with FEP (70%), and 33 controls. The fNIRS algorithm variables used for classification were the intensity and timing of prefrontal activation following the start of the cognitive task as used in the previous multisite study.

Results

The discrimination rate by timing of activation was modest but it became acceptable after adjusting confounding factors. Discrimination by intensity of activation was not improved by similar adjustment. A total of 63.8%, 86.7%, and 81.3% patients were classified as UHR, FEP, and ChSZ, respectively; and 85.1%, 86.7%, and 71.9% of patients in these groups, respectively, were classified as being on the psychosis spectrum. In the follow‐up measurement, 88.2% of individuals with UHR and 95.0% of patients with FEP were successfully classified into the psychosis spectrum group.

Conclusion

The fNIRS for supplementary clinical examination could be validly applied to differentiating people with the psychosis spectrum in various clinical stages. The fNIRS is a candidate biological marker for aiding diagnosis of psychosis spectrum in routine clinical settings.
Vitis vinifera root and leaf metabolic composition during fruit maturation: implications of defoliation
Authors: Rossouw Gerhard C. , Orchard Beverley A. , Šuklje Katja , Smith Jason P. , Barril Celia , Deloire Alain , Holzapfel Bruno P.
Published: July 2017

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera) roots and leaves represent major carbohydrate and nitrogen (N) sources, either as recent assimilates, or mobilized from labile or storage pools. This study examined the response of root and leaf primary metabolism following defoliation treatments applied to fruiting vines during ripening. The objective was to link alterations in root and leaf metabolism to carbohydrate and N source functioning under conditions of increased fruit sink demand. Potted grapevine leaf area was adjusted near the start of véraison to 25 primary leaves per vine compared to 100 leaves for the control. An additional group of vines were completely defoliated. Fruit sugar and N content development was assessed, and root and leaf starch and N concentrations determined. An untargeted GC/MS approach was undertaken to evaluate root and leaf primary metabolite concentrations. Partial and full defoliation increased root carbohydrate source contribution towards berry sugar accumulation, evident through starch remobilization. Furthermore, root myo‐inositol metabolism played a distinct role during carbohydrate remobilization. Full defoliation induced shikimate pathway derived aromatic amino acid accumulation in roots, while arginine accumulated after full and partial defoliation. Likewise, various leaf amino acids accumulated after partial defoliation. These results suggest elevated root and leaf amino N source activity when leaf N availability is restricted during fruit ripening. Overall, this study provides novel information regarding the impact of leaf source restriction, on metabolic compositions of major carbohydrate and N sources during berry maturation. These results enhance the understanding of source organ carbon and N metabolism during fruit maturation.
Can Transparency Foster More Understanding and Compliant Citizens?
Authors: Porumbescu Gregory A. , Lindeman Meghan I. H. , Ceka Erica , Cucciniello Maria
Published: July 2017

Voluntary policy compliance is an important yet rarely studied topic in public administration. To address the paucity of research, this article proposes and empirically tests a conceptual framework that ties policy transparency and policy understanding to voluntary policy compliance intentions. The reasoning is that the extent to which citizens understand a policy contributes to their intentions to comply with that policy. Further, the authors argue that policy transparency indirectly influences voluntary policy compliance intentions through a positive effect on citizens’ levels of policy understanding. To enhance the validity of the findings, the authors assess these relationships across two policy domains. The findings reflect an indirect positive effect of transparency on voluntary compliance occurring through policy understanding. However, this emerged only for one policy domain. These results suggest that the effects of policy transparency on policy understanding and voluntary policy compliance intentions may depend on the policy domain.
Different origins of two corpora lutea recovered from a pregnant African elephant (Loxodonta africana)
Authors: Yamamoto Y , Nagaoka K , Kamite Y , Watanabe G , Allen T , Stansfield F , Taya K
Published: July 2017

Contents

Elephant ovaries contain multiple corpora lutea (CLs) throughout pregnancy. Two CLs (P‐1 and P‐2) collected from a pregnant African elephant were used to investigate their origin and physiological state in this study. The mRNA expressions of prolactin receptor, CYP11A and inhibin betaB subunit were higher in P‐2 than in P‐1, while LHCGR and inhibin betaA subunit mRNA were higher in P‐1 than in P‐2. Protein expression of cleaved caspase‐3 was detected in P‐1 but not in P‐2. These results suggest different origins for the two CLs in this one pregnant elephant, and we also demonstrated the production of bioactive prolactin by the elephant placenta.
Seasonal or pathological findings? Morphofunctional characteristics of the equine endometrium during the autumn and spring transition
Authors: Killisch R , Böttcher D , Theuß T , Edzards H , Martinsson G , Einspanier A , Gottschalk J , Schoon H‐A
Published: July 2017

Contents

The deep anoestrous phase in winter is part of the anovulatory season in mares and is bordered by the autumn and spring transitional periods (ATP/STP). To define an annual time span for effective prognostic biopsy sampling, the aim of this study was to provide a morphofunctional characterization of the endometrium during ATP and STP. To outline both transitional periods, endometrial specimens were taken in September, October and November (n = 76) as well as February, March and April (n = 184) with the requirement of a detailed clinical documentation. Tissue samples were examined histologically with special emphasis on the functional endometrial morphology. Additionally, an immunohistochemical evaluation was performed on selected specimens regarding the expression of oestrogen receptor α, progesterone receptor and Ki67‐antigen. An absent to low endometrial activity was ascertained in more than 60% of all specimens from late October onwards, whereas a comparably lacking or low activity in STP was observed until early April. Approximately 30% (ATP) to 22% (STP) of all samples exhibited a predominantly “irregular” endometrial differentiation. During the transitional periods, the clinically evaluated ovarian status (transrectal palpation, transrectal ultrasonography and/or serum progesterone and oestrogen analyses) and the endometrial functional morphology were in accordance with approximately 70% of all cases. The expression of steroid hormone receptors and Ki67‐antigen was generally low. Given that endometrial maldifferentiations were frequently found during ATP and STP, its occurence might display a characteristic and physiological feature of the transitional periods. Regarding the functional endometrial morphology, a diagnostic biopsy sampling should therefore be performed between late April and before September.
Ovsynch Plus protocol improves ovarian response in anovular Murrah buffaloes in low‐breeding season
Authors: Sharma RK , Phulia SK , Jerome A , Singh I
Published: July 2017

Contents

The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of ovarian response and pregnancy rate in anovular buffaloes following Ovsynch and Ovsynch Plus protocols. Buffaloes (n = 55) were divided into two groups: Ovsynch group (n = 26): GnRH (10 μg, GnRH1) on Day 0, PGF2α (25 mg) on Day 7, GnRH (10 μg, GnRH2) on Day 9; Ovsynch Plus group (n = 29): 500 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) 72 hr (day −3) prior to Ovsynch protocol, followed by fixed timed artificial insemination (FTAI) 6 and 24 hr after GnRH2 injection in bot groups. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed daily, that is, from day 0 and −3 in Ovsynch and Ovsynch Plus group, respectively for ovarian response and pregnancy diagnosis at day 30 post‐insemination. In Ovsynch Plus group, administration of eCG prior to GnRH1 increased (p < .001) the diameter (mm) of dominant follicle (DF) from 10.15 ± 0.26 to 12.23 ± 0.34 within 72 hr of treatment resulting higher ovulatory response to GnRH1. Ovulation after GnRH1 was higher (p < .01) in Ovsynch Plus group (96.6%) than Ovsynch group (61.5%). However, ovulation rate to GnRH2 was similar (p > .05) between groups (Ovsynch group: 76.9% vs. Ovsynch Plus group: 70.0%). Mean DF diameter (mm) that ovulated to both GnRHs was higher (p < .01) than non‐ovulated counterparts in both groups (Ovsynch group: 10.80 ± 0.27 vs. 8.47 ± 0.53; Ovsynch Plus group: 11.99 ± 0.24 vs. 9.5 ± 0.63). Pregnancy was established in buffaloes which responded to both GnRHs, irrespective of groups, being higher (p = .52) in Ovsynch Plus group (34.5%) than Ovsynch group (23.1%), though non‐significant. In summary, this study showed that eCG inclusion prior to Ovsynch regimen improves ovulatory response in anovular buffaloes during low‐breeding season.
Struggling for cultural survival: Hungarian identity discourses in the face of assimilation
Authors: Andits Petra
Published: July 2017

The Hungarian immigrant community in Australia is struggling with cultural survival. The diaspora has experienced a general decline in community participation as a result of the aging of the émigré population and the rapid assimilation of subsequent generations. Using data derived from the series of annual community‐organised conferences called Megmaradásunk Konferenciák, this article compares the different discourses articulated by community leaders in Australia seeking to preserve and strengthen the diaspora community. I examine how newly emerged narratives of ‘diaspora death’ and cultural survival are debated and how possibilities of strengthened connections with Hungary have impacted these discussions.
Successful liver transplantation despite donor‐transmitted ESBL‐producing Klebsiella pneumoniae infection: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Escolà‐Vergé Laura , Los‐Arcos Ibai , José González‐López Juan , Lung Mayli , Bilbao Itxarone , Farré Mercè , Pont Teresa , Sandiumenge Alberto , Gavaldà Joan , Len Oscar
Published: July 2017

Donor‐derived bacterial infection is a recognized complication of solid organ transplantation. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit are increasingly exposed to infection with multidrug‐resistant microorganisms. However, no specific recommendations are available about their suitability as donors. We report a case of donor‐transmitted extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase‐producing Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in a liver recipient, and review the related literature.
Structure and evolution of ENTH and VHS/ENTH‐like domains in tepsin
Authors: Archuleta Tara L. , Frazier Meredith N. , Monken Anderson E. , Kendall Amy K. , Harp Joel , McCoy Airlie J. , Creanza Nicole , Jackson Lauren P.
Published: July 2017

Tepsin is currently the only accessory trafficking protein identified in adaptor‐related protein 4 (AP4)‐coated vesicles originating at the trans‐Golgi network (TGN). The molecular basis for interactions between AP4 subunits and motifs in the tepsin C‐terminus have been characterized, but the biological role of tepsin remains unknown. We determined X‐ray crystal structures of the tepsin epsin N‐terminal homology (ENTH) and VHS/ENTH‐like domains. Our data reveal unexpected structural features that suggest key functional differences between these and similar domains in other trafficking proteins. The tepsin ENTH domain lacks helix0, helix8 and a lipid binding pocket found in epsin1/2/3. These results explain why tepsin requires AP4 for its membrane recruitment and further suggest ENTH domains cannot be defined solely as lipid binding modules. The VHS domain lacks helix8 and thus contains fewer helices than other VHS domains. Structural data explain biochemical and biophysical evidence that tepsin VHS does not mediate known VHS functions, including recognition of dileucine‐based cargo motifs or ubiquitin. Structural comparisons indicate the domains are very similar to each other, and phylogenetic analysis reveals their evolutionary pattern within the domain superfamily. Phylogenetics and comparative genomics further show tepsin within a monophyletic clade that diverged away from epsins early in evolutionary history (~1500 million years ago). Together, these data provide the first detailed molecular view of tepsin and suggest tepsin structure and function diverged away from other epsins. More broadly, these data highlight the challenges inherent in classifying and understanding protein function based only on sequence and structure.
Plasma protein electrophoresis as a prognostic indicator in Aspergillus species‐infected Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua papua)
Authors: Naylor Adam D. , Girling Simon J. , Brown Donna , Crompton Claire G. , Pizzi Romain
Published: July 2017

Background

Avian aspergillosis presents a significant threat to captive penguin populations. Currently, a lack of objective prognostic factors limits disease staging, objective reassessment throughout treatment, comparative evaluation of treatment regimes, and appropriate timing of euthanasia.

Objective

The study objective was to investigate absolute and relative plasma protein fractions by agarose gel electrophoresis (EPH) as predictors of survival in Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua papua) under treatment for aspergillosis.

Methods

One hundred and eighty‐three EPH profiles from individual clinical cases were examined retrospectively. Animal survival to 90 days post sampling was established from clinical records; birds either survived (n = 146) or died within 90 days (n = 37), and time to death was recorded.

Results

Fourteen variables showed statistically significant differences (P < .05) between surviving and dying birds. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified total albumin concentration (albumin + prealbumin) and albumin‐to‐globulin (A:G) ratio as having strongest discriminatory values (95% CI) at 0.788 (0.710–0.866) and 0.784 (0.696–0.871), respectively. Albumin (concentration and percentage of total protein) displayed moderate discriminatory value but additionally a weak positive correlation with time to death (95% CI); r = .353 (0.033–0.608) and .424 (0.116–0.658), respectively.

Conclusions

Optimized test cutoffs for total albumins, albumin (concentration and percentage of total protein), and A:G ratio achieved moderate sensitivity and specificity, strong negative predictive values, but weak positive predictive values due to a low prevalence of death. Selection of appropriate test cutoff values may provide valuable adjunctive prognostic tools for clinical decision‐making when the prognosis is difficult to assess clinically.
Incipient fault diagnosis in bearings under variable speed conditions using multiresolution analysis and a weighted committee machine
Authors: Tra Viet , Kim Jaeyoung , Khan Sheraz Ali , Kim Jong-Myon
Published: July 2017

Incipient defects in bearings are traditionally diagnosed either by developing discriminative models for features that are extracted from raw acoustic emission (AE) signals, or by detecting peaks at characteristic defect frequencies in the envelope power spectrum of the AE signals. Under variable speed conditions, however, such methods do not yield the best results. This letter proposes a technique for diagnosing incipient bearing defects under variable speed conditions, by extracting features from different sub-bands of the inherently non-stationary AE signal, and then classifying bearing defects using a weighted committee machine, which is an ensemble of support vector machines and artificial neural networks. The proposed method also improves the generalization performance of the neural networks to enhance their classification accuracy, particularly with limited training data.
Covariant Jacobi brackets for test particles
Authors: Asorey M. , Ciaglia F. M. , Di Cosmo F. , Ibort A. , Marmo G.
Published: July 2017

We show that the space of observables of test particles has a natural Jacobi structure which is manifestly invariant under the action of the Poincaré group. Poisson algebras may be obtained by imposing further requirements. A generalization of Peierls procedure is used to extend this Jacobi bracket to the space of time-like geodesics on Minkowski spacetime.
The zitterbewegung region
Authors: Sidharth B. G. , Das Abhishek
Published: July 2017

This paper deals with a precise description of the region of zitterbewegung below the Compton scale and the stochastic nature associated with it. We endeavor to delineate this particular region by means of Ito’s calculus and instigate certain features that are in sharp contrast with conventional physics. Interestingly, our work substantiates that the zitterbewegung region represents a pre-space–time region and from therein emerges the notion of our conventional space–time. Interestingly, this unique region engenders the relativistic and quantum mechanical aspects of space–time.
Vehicle Detection Method for Intelligent Vehicle at Night Time Based on Video and Laser Information
Authors: Zhang Rong-Hui , You Feng , Chen Fang , He Wen-Qiang
Published: July 2017

Front vehicle detection technology is one of the hot spots in the advanced driver assistance system research field. This paper puts forward a method for front vehicles detection based on video-and-laser-information at night. First of all, video images and laser data are pre-processed with the region growing and threshold area expunction algorithm. Then, the features of front vehicles are extracted by use of a Gabor filter based on the uncertainty principle, and the distances to front vehicles are obtained through laser point cloud. Finally, front vehicles are automatically classified during identification with the improved sequential minimal optimization algorithm, which was based on the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm. According to the experiment results, the method proposed by this text is effective and it is reliable to identify vehicles in front of intelligent vehicles at night.
Weak orders on symmetric groups and posets of support τ-tilting modules
Authors: Kase Ryoichi
Published: July 2017

This paper treats algebras whose support [Formula: see text]-tilting posets are isomorphic to the poset of the symmetric group with the weak order. We determine such algebras in terms of quivers and relations.
EFFECTS OF SCAPHOLUNATE LIGAMENT INJURY AND SURGICAL REPAIR ON WRIST CARTILAGE T2 RELAXATION TIME
Authors: Chappell Isaac , Lee Phil , Mciff Terence E. , Toby E. Bruce , Fischer Kenneth J.
Published: July 2017

Purpose: Our objective was to investigate the effects of injury and surgical repair on T2 relaxation time, as a non-invasive biomarker of changes in the biophysical and biochemical status of the cartilage in the wrist. Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed using 3T scanners. Nine subjects attended scan sessions for both their injured wrist and contralateral (normal) wrist pre-operation and post-operation. T2 relaxation times were individually calculated by each cartilage surface of the radioscaphoid, radiolunate, capitoscaphoid and capitolunate articulations. Results: T2 relaxation times were not found to vary significantly according to injury state. Overall, findings were not dependent on which cartilage surface was analyzed. Pre-operative and post-operative normal wrist T2 values were not significantly different. Conclusions: Articular cartilage changes due to scapholunate dissociation do not appear to result in changes of T2 relaxation times measured by MRI. The lack of significant findings was possibly a result of thin wrist cartilage and limited image resolution. Further development of MRI capabilities may allow for more accurate determination of the time progression of T2 changes with injury (if any) and/or establish the change in T2 values after surgery.
Correlation model to estimate the thermodynamic properties
Authors: Goncharov O. Yu.
Published: July 2017

A technique for constructing the correlation dependencies of the thermodynamic properties of similar compounds was proposed. This technique is based on the Taylor expansion in the supposed analytic relationship between properties. The constructed correlation dependencies were used to estimate the thermodynamic properties of the condensed bromides and iodides of hafnium HfGn (G [Formula: see text] Br, I and [Formula: see text], 2, 3, 4) and the compounds formed in the PbO–SiO2 system. Standard formation enthalpy [Formula: see text], entropy [Formula: see text], heat capacity [Formula: see text] and temperature dependencies [Formula: see text] at temperatures T[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]k to 3000[Formula: see text]k were estimated. The standard estimation error of the thermodynamic properties of the compounds in the PbO–SiO2 system does not exceed 2% for all the estimated properties. For condensed halides, the standard estimation error was (1) [Formula: see text]% for enthalpy, (2) [Formula: see text]% for entropy, (3) [Formula: see text]% for heat capacity.
A note on wavelet deconvolution density estimation
Authors: Zeng Xiaochen
Published: July 2017

This paper discusses the uniformly strong convergence of multivariate density estimation with moderately ill-posed noise over a bounded set. We provide a convergence rate over Besov spaces by using a compactly supported wavelet. When the model degenerates to one-dimensional noise-free case, the convergence rate coincides with that of Giné and Nickl’s (Ann. Probab., 2009 or Bernoulli, 2010). Our result can also be considered as an extension of Masry’s theorem (Stoch. Process. Appl., 1997) to some extent.
Numerical investigation of size effects on mechanical behaviors of Fe nanoparticles through an atomistic field theory
Authors: Li Meng , Lin Liqiang , Guo Ruyan , Bhalla Amar , Zeng Xiaowei
Published: July 2017

At nanoscale, the mechanical response of nanoparticles is largely affected by the particle size. To assess the effects of nanoparticle size (e.g., nanoparticle’s volume, cross-sectional area and length) on mechanical behaviors of bcc Fe nanoparticles under compressive loading, an atomistic field theory was introduced in current study. In the theory, atomistic definitions and continuous local density functions of fundamental physical quantities were derived. Through the atomistic potential-based method, the mechanical responses of bcc Fe nanoparticles were analyzed in different sizes. The simulation results reveal that the ultimate stress decreases as Fe nanoparticle’s volume, cross-sectional area or length increases under compressive loading. Nonetheless, the Young’s modulus increases as nanoparticle size increases. In addition, for a fixed finite volume nanoparticle, this study indicates that the ultimate stress will increase as strain rate increases, but Young’s modulus will decrease with increasing strain rate. A loading–unloading study illustrates the energy dissipation due to irreversible structure changes in Fe nanoparticles.
Using Argumentative Structure to Interpret Debates in Online Deliberative Democracy and eRulemaking
Authors: Lawrence John , Park Joonsuk , Budzynska Katarzyna , Cardie Claire , Konat Barbara , Reed Chris
Published: July 2017

Governments around the world are increasingly utilising online platforms and social media to engage with, and ascertain the opinions of, their citizens. Whilst policy makers could potentially benefit from such enormous feedback from society, they first face the challenge of making sense out of the large volumes of data produced. In this article, we show how the analysis of argumentative and dialogical structures allows for the principled identification of those issues that are central, controversial, or popular in an online corpus of debates. Although areas such as controversy mining work towards identifying issues that are a source of disagreement, by looking at the deeper argumentative structure, we show that a much richer understanding can be obtained. We provide results from using a pipeline of argument-mining techniques on the debate corpus, showing that the accuracy obtained is sufficient to automatically identify those issues that are key to the discussion, attracting proportionately more support than others, and those that are divisive, attracting proportionately more conflicting viewpoints.
Effective Natural Supersymmetry from the Yukawa Deflected Mediations
Authors: Liang Tai-ran , Zhu Bin , Ding Ran , Li Tianjun
Published: July 2017

The natural supersymmetry (SUSY) requires light (≤1 TeV) stop quarks, light sbottom quark, and gluinos. The first generation of squarks can be effectively larger than several TeV which does not introduce any hierarchy problem in order to escape the constraints from LHC. In this paper we consider a Yukawa deflected mediation to realize the effective natural supersymmetry where the interactions between squarks and messengers are made natural under certain Froggatt-Nielsen U(1)X charges. The first generation squarks obtain large and positive contribution from the Yukawa deflected mediation. The corresponding phenomenology and sparticle spectra are discussed in detail.
The Influence of Different Parameter on the Seismic Behavior of SRUHSC Frame
Authors: Ma Yingchao , Jia Jinqing
Published: July 2017

The seismic behaviors of steel reinforced ultrahigh strength concrete (SRUHSC) frames with different axial compression ratios and shear span ratios are experimentally studied through the reversed cyclic loading test of four specimens. The test results reveal that the seismic response of the frame is closely related to the failure process and failure mode of the columns. Based on the results, a systematic exploration is further conducted in terms of the characteristics of the skeleton curve, hysteresis curve, strength degradation, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation capacity of the structure. The results indicate that as the axial compression ratio increases, and the shear span ratio decreases, the failure process of the entire structure and the weakening of the beam end are accelerated. Meanwhile, a change of the failure mode is also observed, accompanied by corresponding changes in the strength, stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity of the system.
Investigation of MIMO Channel Characteristics in a Two-Section Tunnel at 1.4725 GHz
Authors: Sun Rongchen , Matolak David W. , Tao Cheng , Liu Liu , Tan Zhenhui , Zhou Tao
Published: July 2017

This paper presents results from a wide band single-input–single-output (SISO) and 16 × 16 virtual multiple-input–multiple-output (MIMO) measurement campaign at a center frequency of 1.4725 GHz in a 100-meter long tunnel laboratory which is terminated by a vertical wall with a metallic door. The path loss, root-mean-square delay spread (RMS-DS) characteristics, and power delay profiles (PDPs) are described. In addition, we provide results for the MIMO channel amplitude matrix, which offers a new perspective in understanding MIMO characteristics in tunnel scenarios. Our measurement results are analyzed and compared to ray tracing simulations. The relationships among the angle spread, channel matrix singular values, and MIMO capacity at various link distances are illustrated, and these provide insights into MIMO system deployment.
Quasi-Particles, Thermodynamic Consistency, and the Gap Equation
Authors: Guadagnini Enore
Published: July 2017

The thermodynamic potentials of superconducting electrons are derived by means of the Bogoliubov-Valatin formalism. The thermodynamic potentials can be obtained by computing the free energy of a gas of quasi-particles, whose energy spectrum is conditional on the gap function. However, the nontrivial dependence of the gap on the temperature jeopardises the validity of the standard thermodynamic relations. In this article, it is shown how the thermodynamic consistency (i.e., the validity of the Maxwell relations) is recovered, and the correction terms to the quasi-particles potentials are computed. It is shown that the Bogoliubov-Valatin transformation avoids the problem of the thermodynamic consistency of the quasi-particle approach; in fact, the correct identification of the variables, which are associated with the quasi-particles, leads to a precise calculation of the quasi-particles vacuum energy and of the dependence of the chemical potential on the electron density. The stationarity condition for the grand potential coincides with the gap equation, which guarantees the thermodynamic consistency. The expressions of various thermodynamic potentials, as functions of the(T,V,N)variables, are produced in the low temperature limit; as a final check, a rederivation of the condensation energy is presented.
Pedestrian Dead Reckoning Navigation with the Help of A⁎-Based Routing Graphs in Large Unconstrained Spaces
Authors: Alaoui F. Taia , Betaille David , Renaudin Valerie
Published: July 2017

An A⁎-based routing graph is proposed to assist PDR indoor and outdoor navigation with handheld devices. Measurements are provided by inertial and magnetic sensors together with a GNSS receiver. The novelty of this work lies in providing a realistic motion support that mitigates the absence of obstacles and enables the calibration of the PDR model even in large spaces where GNSS signal is unavailable. This motion support is exploited for both predicting positions and updating them using a particle filter. The navigation network is used to correct for the gyro drift, to adjust the step length model and to assess heading misalignment between the pedestrian’s walking direction and the pointing direction of the handheld device. Several datasets have been tested and results show that the proposed model ensures a seamless transition between outdoor and indoor environments and improves the positioning accuracy. The drift is almost cancelled thanks to heading correction in contrast with a drift of 8% for the nonaided PDR approach. The mean error of filtered positions ranges from 3 to 5 m.
Modified Application of Nitrogen Fertilizer for Increasing Rice Variety Tolerance toward Submergence Stress
Authors: Gribaldi Gribaldi , Nurlaili Nurlaili , Dewi Nurmala , Danial Ekawati , Sakalena Firnawati , Suwignyo Rujito A.
Published: July 2017

This research was conducted from July to October 2015, using Randomized Block Design with two treatment factors and three replications for each treatment. The first factor was rice varieties (V): V1 = IR 64; V2 = Inpara 5. The second factor was fertilizer (N): N0: without submergence, all N fertilizer was given during planting; N1: all N fertilizer dose was given during planting; and N2: 1/2 dose of N fertilizer was given during planting; the rest was given at 42 days after planting. The submergence was during 7–14 days after planting; N3 = the entire dose of N fertilizer that was given during planting, N4 = 1/2 the dose of N fertilizer that was given during planting, and the rest was given at 42 days after planting. The submergence was during 7–14 and 28–35 days after planting. The results showed that the management of nitrogen fertilizer application had effect on rice growth and production which experienced dirty water submergence stress; the application of 1/2 dose of N fertilizer given during planting had the best effect on rice growth and production; the longer the submergence period for rice variety, the higher the effect on rice growth and production.