bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kinematic Gait Patterns in Competitive and Recreational Runners
Authors: Clermont Christian A. , Osis Sean T. , Phinyomark Angkoon , Ferber Reed
Published: March 2017

Certain homogeneous running subgroups demonstrate distinct kinematic patterns in running; however, the running mechanics of competitive and recreational runners are not well understood. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether we could separate and classify competitive and recreational runners according to gait kinematics using multivariate analyses and a machine learning approach. Participants were allocated to the ‘competitive’ (n = 20) or ‘recreational’ group (n = 15) based on age, sex, and recent race performance. Three-dimensional (3D) kinematic data were collected during treadmill running at 2.7 m/s. A support vector machine (SVM) was used to determine if the groups were separable and classifiable based on kinematic time point variables as well as principal component (PC) scores. A cross-fold classification accuracy of 80% was found between groups using the top 5 ranked time point variables, and the groups could be separated with 100% cross-fold classification accuracy using the top 14 ranked PCs explaining 60.29% of the variance in the data. The features were primarily related to pelvic tilt, as well as knee flexion and ankle eversion in late stance. These results suggest that competitive and recreational runners have distinct, ‘typical’ running patterns that may help explain differences in injury mechanisms.
The Examination of Patient-Reported Outcomes and Postural Control Measures in Patients With and Without a History of ACL Reconstruction: A Case Control Study
Authors: Hoch Johanna M. , Sinnott Cori W. , Robinson Kendall P. , Perkins William O. , Hartman Jonathan W.
Published: March 2017

Context: There is a lack of literature to support the diagnostic accuracy and cut-off scores of commonly used patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and clinician-oriented outcomes such as postural-control assessments (PCAs) when treating post-ACL reconstruction (ACLR) patients. These scores could help tailor treatments, enhance patient-centered care and may identify individuals in need of additional rehabilitation. Objective: To determine if differences in 4-PROMs and 3-PCAs exist between post-ACLR and healthy participants, and to determine the diagnostic accuracy and cut-off scores of these outcomes. Design: Case control. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: A total of 20 post-ACLR and 40 healthy control participants. Main Outcome Measures: The participants completed 4-PROMs (the Disablement in the Physically Active Scale [DPA], The Fear-Avoidance Belief Questionnaire [FABQ], the Knee Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score [KOOS] subscales, and the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia [TSK-11]) and 3-PCAs (the Balance Error Scoring System [BESS], the modified Star Excursion Balance Test [SEBT], and static balance on an instrumented force plate). Mann-Whitney U tests examined differences between groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were employed to determine sensitivity and specificity. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) was calculated to determine the diagnostic accuracy of each instrument. The Youdin Index was used to determine cut-off scores. Alpha was set a priori at P < 0.05. Results: There were significant differences between groups for all PROMs (P < 0.05). There were no differences in PCAs between groups. The cut-off scores should be interpreted with caution for some instruments, as the scores may not be clinically applicable. Conclusions: Post-ACLR participants have decreased self-reported function and health-related quality of life. The PROMs are capable of discriminating between groups. Clinicians should consider using the cut-off scores in clinical practice. Further use of the instruments to examine detriments after completion of standard rehabilitation may be warranted.
Effects of Taping on Achilles Tendon Protection and Kendo Performance
Authors: Tsai Feng-Hua , Chu I-Hua , Huang Chun-Hao , Liang Jing-Min , Wu Jia-Hroung , Wu Wen-Lan
Published: March 2017

Context: It has been reported that there is a high rate of Achilles tendon injury among kendo athletes. For protection and to support the area, kendo athletes habitually use taping during practice or games. Objective: To investigate the effect of various taping techniques on injury prevention and functional performance in kendo athletes. Design: Case-control study. Setting: Laboratory. Participants: 15 University Kendo Team athletes with at least 2 y kendo experience. Main Outcome Measures: Athletes completed 5 stepping backwards and striking cycles under 4 taping conditions: no taping, athletic taping of ankle joint (AT-Ankle), athletic taping of Achilles tendon (AT-Achilles), and Kinesio-Tex taping of Achilles tendon (KT-Achilles). Jump distance, lower limb angular motion, left foot-ground contact time, Achilles tendon force (ATF), and soleus and medial gastrocnemius muscle activities were measured. Results: Lowest peak ATF was found in AT-Achilles during heel-down phase, with statistically significant difference from KT-Achilles peak force. Significant decline of soleus muscle electromyography amplitude was also found when compared to no taping during heel-down phase and other conditions during pushing phase. Conversely, KT-Achilles showed significant decrease in foot-ground contact time compared with no taping and greater ankle range of motion than in AT-Ankle. Conclusion: To protect the Achilles tendon, AT-Achilles taping is recommended since it tends to decrease ATF. Conversely, to enhance athlete performance, we recommend KT-Achilles taping to speed up kendo striking motion. However, the Achilles tendon must withstand greatest forces concurrently. This finding implies that AT-Achilles taping can protect the injured Achilles tendon and KT-Achilles taping can enhance performance on the kendo striking motion.
Radar interferometry offers new insights into threats to the Angkor site
Authors: Chen Fulong , Guo Huadong , Ma Peifeng , Lin Hui , Wang Cheng , Ishwaran Natarajan , Hang Peou
Published: March 2017

New insights into threats to the Angkor site and implications for the sustainable conservation of World Heritage sites elsewhere.
Air pollution–aerosol interactions produce more bioavailable iron for ocean ecosystems
Authors: Li Weijun , Xu Liang , Liu Xiaohuan , Zhang Jianchao , Lin Yangting , Yao Xiaohong , Gao Huiwang , Zhang Daizhou , Chen Jianmin , Wang Wenxing , Harrison Roy M. , Zhang Xiaoye , Shao Longyi , Fu Pingqing , Nenes Athanasios , Shi Zongbo
Published: March 2017

Acidic air pollutants dissolve iron in aerosols and fertilize the ocean.
Test blasts simulate a nuclear attack on a port
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: March 2017

Data could help point to perpetrators in aftermath.
Radical-polar crossover reactions of vinylboron ate complexes
Authors: Kischkewitz Marvin , Okamoto Kazuhiro , Mück-Lichtenfeld Christian , Studer Armido
Published: March 2017

Boron choreographs a double reaction

In the widely used Suzuki coupling reaction, boron surrenders an olefinic substituent to a metal catalyst en route to carbon-carbon bond formation. Kischkewitz
et al.
report a metal-free alternative pathway, wherein the boron stays bound to one end of the olefin while a carbon radical attacks the other end. Charge transfer then prompts migration of an alkyl or aryl group from the boron to form a second carbon-carbon bond. The boron can subsequently be displaced, generating a versatile array of alcohols, lactones, and quaternary carbon centers from simple precursors.

Science
, this issue p.
936
Clathrate colloidal crystals
Authors: Lin Haixin , Lee Sangmin , Sun Lin , Spellings Matthew , Engel Michael , Glotzer Sharon C. , Mirkin Chad A.
Published: March 2017

Turning colloidal gold into clathrates

Clathrates contain extended pore structures that can trap other molecules. Lin
et al.
created colloidal analogs of clathrates in which bipyramidal gold nanoparticles functionalized with DNA molecules assembled into polyhedral clusters to create open-pore structures (see the Perspective by Samanta and Klajn). These clathrate colloidal crystals exhibit extraordinary structural complexity and substantially broaden both the scope and the possibilities provided by DNA-inspired methodologies.

Science
, this issue p.
931
; see also p.
912
Real-Time Electronic Tracking of Diarrheal Episodes and Laxative Therapy Enables Verification of Clostridium difficile Clinical Testing Criteria and Reduction of Clostridium difficile Infection Rates
Authors: Truong Cynthia Y. , Gombar Saurabh , Wilson Richard , Sundararajan Gopalakrishnan , Tekic Natasa , Holubar Marisa , Shepard John , Madison Alexandra , Tompkins Lucy , Shah Neil , Deresinski Stan , Schroeder Lee F. , Banaei Niaz
Published: March 2017

Health care-onset health care facility-associated
Clostridium difficile
infection (HO-CDI) is overdiagnosed for several reasons, including the high prevalence of
C. difficile
colonization and the inability of hospitals to limit testing to patients with clinically significant diarrhea. We conducted a quasiexperimental study from 22 June 2015 to 30 June 2016 on consecutive inpatients with
C. difficile
test orders at an academic hospital. Real-time electronic patient data tracking was used by the laboratory to enforce testing criteria (defined as the presence of diarrhea [≥3 unformed stools in 24 h] and absence of laxative intake in the prior 48 h). Outcome measures included
C. difficile
test utilization, HO-CDI incidence, oral vancomycin utilization, and clinical complications. During the intervention, 7.1% (164) and 9.1% (211) of 2,321
C. difficile
test orders were canceled due to absence of diarrhea and receipt of laxative therapy, respectively.
C. difficile
test utilization decreased upon implementation from an average of 208.8 tests to 143.0 tests per 10,000 patient-days (
P
< 0.001). HO-CDI incidence rate decreased from an average of 13.0 cases to 9.7 cases per 10,000 patient-days (
P
= 0.008). Oral vancomycin days of therapy decreased from an average of 13.8 days to 9.4 days per 1,000 patient-days (
P
= 0.009). Clinical complication rates were not significantly different in patients with 375 canceled orders compared with 869 episodes with diarrhea but negative
C. difficile
results. Real-time electronic clinical data tracking is an effective tool for verification of
C. difficile
clinical testing criteria and safe reduction of inflated HO-CDI rates.
Porcine Deltacoronavirus nsp5 Antagonizes Type I Interferon Signaling by Cleaving STAT2
Authors: Zhu Xinyu , Wang Dang , Zhou Junwei , Pan Ting , Chen Jiyao , Yang Yuting , Lv Mengting , Ye Xu , Peng Guiqing , Fang Liurong , Xiao Shaobo
Published: March 2017

Porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) is an emerging swine enteropathogenic coronavirus. The first outbreak of PDCoV was announced from the United States in 2014, followed by reports in Asia. The nonstructural protein nsp5 is a 3C-like protease of coronavirus, and our previous study showed that PDCoV nsp5 inhibits type I interferon (IFN) production. In this study, we found that PDCoV nsp5 significantly inhibited IFN-stimulated response element (ISRE) promoter activity and transcription of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs), suggesting that PDCoV nsp5 also suppresses IFN signaling. Detailed analysis showed that nsp5 cleaved signal transducer and activator of transcription 2 (STAT2) but not Janus kinase 1 (JAK1), tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2), STAT1, and interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9), key molecules of the JAK-STAT pathway. STAT2 cleavage was dependent on the protease activity of nsp5. Interestingly, nsp5 cleaved STAT2 at two sites, glutamine 685 (Q685) and Q758, and similar cleavage was observed in PDCoV-infected cells. As expected, cleaved STAT2 impaired the ability to induce ISGs, demonstrating that STAT2 cleavage is an important mechanism utilized by PDCoV nsp5 to antagonize IFN signaling. We also discussed the substrate selection and binding mode of PDCoV nsp5 by homologous modeling of PDCoV nsp5 with the two cleaved peptide substrates. The results of our study demonstrate that PDCoV nsp5 antagonizes type I IFN signaling by cleaving STAT2 and provides structural insights for comprehending the cleavage mechanism of PDCoV nsp5, revealing a potential new function for PDCoV nsp5 in type I IFN signaling.

IMPORTANCE
The 3C-like protease encoded by nsp5 is a major protease of coronaviruses; thus, it is an attractive target for development of anticoronavirus drugs. Previous studies have revealed that the 3C-like protease of coronaviruses, including PDCoV and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), antagonizes type I IFN production by targeting the NF-κB essential modulator (NEMO). Here, for the first time, we demonstrate that overexpression of PDCoV nsp5 also antagonizes IFN signaling by cleaving STAT2, an essential component of transcription factor complex ISGF3, and that PDCoV infection reduces the levels of STAT2, which may affect the innate immune response.
Immunization with DNA Plasmids Coding for Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Capsid and Envelope Proteins and/or Virus-Like Particles Induces Protection and Survival in Challenged Mice
Authors: Hinkula Jorma , Devignot Stéphanie , Åkerström Sara , Karlberg Helen , Wattrang Eva , Bereczky Sándor , Mousavi-Jazi Mehrdad , Risinger Christian , Lindegren Gunnel , Vernersson Caroline , Paweska Janusz , van Vuren Petrus Jansen , Blixt Ola , Brun Alejandro , Weber Friedemann , Mirazimi Ali
Published: March 2017

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a bunyavirus causing severe hemorrhagic fever disease in humans, with high mortality rates. The requirement of a high-containment laboratory and the lack of an animal model hampered the study of the immune response and protection of vaccine candidates. Using the recently developed interferon alpha receptor knockout (IFNAR
−/−
) mouse model, which replicates human disease, we investigated the immunogenicity and protection of two novel CCHFV vaccine candidates: a DNA vaccine encoding a ubiquitin-linked version of CCHFV Gc, Gn, and N and one using transcriptionally competent virus-like particles (tc-VLPs). In contrast to most studies that focus on neutralizing antibodies, we measured both humoral and cellular immune responses. We demonstrated a clear and 100% efficient preventive immunity against lethal CCHFV challenge with the DNA vaccine. Interestingly, there was no correlation with the neutralizing antibody titers alone, which were higher in the tc-VLP-vaccinated mice. However, the animals with a lower neutralizing titer, but a dominant cell-mediated Th1 response and a balanced Th2 response, resisted the CCHFV challenge. Moreover, we found that in challenged mice with a Th1 response (immunized by DNA/DNA and boosted by tc-VLPs), the immune response changed to Th2 at day 9 postchallenge. In addition, we were able to identify new linear B-cell epitope regions that are highly conserved between CCHFV strains. Altogether, our results suggest that a predominantly Th1-type immune response provides the most efficient protective immunity against CCHFV challenge. However, we cannot exclude the importance of the neutralizing antibodies as the surviving immunized mice exhibited substantial amounts of them.

IMPORTANCE
Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is responsible for hemorrhagic diseases in humans, with a high mortality rate. There is no FDA-approved vaccine, and there are still gaps in our knowledge of the immune responses to infection. The recently developed mouse models mimic human CCHF disease and are useful to study the immunogenicity and the protection by vaccine candidates. Our study shows that mice vaccinated with a specific DNA vaccine were fully protected. Importantly, we show that neutralizing antibodies are not sufficient for protection against CCHFV challenge but that an extra Th1-specific cellular response is required. Moreover, we describe the identification of five conserved B-cell epitopes, of which only one was previously known, that could be of great importance for the development of diagnostics tools and the improvement of vaccine candidates.
Application of the subsequent injury categorisation model for longitudinal injury surveillance in elite rugby and cricket: intersport comparisons and inter-rater reliability of coding
Authors: Moore Isabel S , Mount Stephen , Mathema Prabhat , Ranson Craig
Published: March 2017

Background

When an athlete has more than one injury over a time period, it is important to determine if these are related to each other or not. The subsequent injury categorisation (SIC) model is a method designed to consider the relationship between an index injury and subsequent injury(ies).

Objective

The primary aim was to apply SIC to longitudinal injury data from two team sports: rugby union and cricket. The secondary aim was to determine SIC inter-rater reliability.

Methods

Rugby union (time-loss; TL) and cricket (TL and non-time-loss; NTL) injuries sustained between 2011 and 2014 within one international team, respectively, were recorded using international consensus methods. SIC was applied by multiple raters, team clinicians, non-team clinicians, and a sports scientist. Weighted kappa and Cohen’s kappa scores were calculated for inter-rater reliability of the rugby union TL injuries and cricket NTL and TL injuries.

Results

67% and 51% of the subsequent injuries in rugby union and cricket respectively were categorised as injuries to a different body part not related to an index injury (SIC code 10). At least moderate agreement (weighted and Cohen kappa ≥0.60) was observed for team clinicians and the non-team clinician for both sports. Including NTL and TL injuries increased agreement between team clinician and non-team clinician, but not between clinician and sports scientist.

Conclusion

The most common subsequent injury in both sports was an injury to a different body part that was not related to an index injury. The SIC model was generally reliable, with the highest agreement between clinicians working within the same team. Recommendations for future use of SIC are provided based on the proximity of the rater to the team and the raters’ level of clinical knowledge.
Awareness, knowledge and practice of dyslipidaemia management among postgraduate primary care trainees in Malaysia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Said Abdul Hadi , Chia Yook Chin
Published: March 2017

Objectives

Dyslipidaemia is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death in Malaysia. This study assessed the awareness, knowledge and practice of lipid management among primary care physicians undergoing postgraduate training in Malaysia.

Design

Cross sectional study.

Setting

Postgraduate primary care trainees in Malaysia.

Participants

759 postgraduate primary care trainees were approached through email or hard copy, of whom 466 responded.

Method

A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess their awareness, knowledge and practice of dyslipidaemia management. The total cumulative score derived from the knowledge section was categorised into good or poor knowledge based on the median score, where a score of less than the median score was categorised as poor and a score equal to or more than the median score was categorised as good. We further examined the association between knowledge score and sociodemographic data. Associations were considered significant when p<0.05.

Results

The response rate achieved was 61.4%. The majority (98.1%) were aware of the national lipid guideline, and 95.6% reported that they used the lipid guideline in their practice. The median knowledge score was 7 out of 10; 70.2% of respondents scored 7 or more which was considered as good knowledge. Despite the majority (95.6%) reporting use of guidelines, there was wide variation in their clinical practice whereby some did not practise based on the guidelines. There was a positive significant association between awareness and the use of the guideline with knowledge score (p<0.001). However there was no significant association between knowledge score and sociodemographic data (p>0.05).

Conclusions

The level of awareness and use of the lipid guideline among postgraduate primary care trainees was good. However, there were still gaps in their knowledge and practice which are not in accordance with standard guidelines.
Plasmablastic lymphoma versus plasmablastic myeloma: an ongoing diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Ahn Janice S , Okal Ryan , Vos Jeffrey A , Smolkin Matthew , Kanate Abraham S , Rosado Flavia G
Published: March 2017

Aims

To determine the utility of clinical, morphological and phenotypical features in the differential diagnosis of plasmablastic lymphoma and myeloma with plasmablastic features.

Methods

All plasmablastic neoplasms identified from a 15-year retrospective search were reviewed and classified into ‘lymphoma’, ‘myeloma’ or ‘indeterminate’. The classification was then compared with the previously established clinical diagnosis. Lessons learned from this review were used to design a diagnostic algorithm for pathologists to use in the absence of known clinical history.

Results

The classification was possible in 10 of 11 cases, 8 lymphomas and 2 myelomas (n=2). No distinctive morphological or phenotypical features were identified. The most useful histopathological parameter was a positive Epstein-Barr virus in situ hybridisation. Presence of associated lymphadenopathy and/or oral mass in the absence of complete myeloma-defining signs was used to favour a diagnosis of lymphoma in 4 of 8 cases.

Conclusions

The distinction between plasmablastic lymphoma from plasmablastic myeloma warrants detailed knowledge of clinical, radiological and laboratorial findings. New studies identifying distinctive phenotypical or genetic features are needed to improve the histopathological differentiation of plasmablastic neoplasms.
Awake versus asleep deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease: a critical comparison and meta-analysis
Authors: Ho Allen L , Ali Rohaid , Connolly Ian D , Henderson Jaimie M , Dhall Rohit , Stein Sherman C , Halpern Casey H
Published: March 2017

Objective

No definitive comparative studies of the efficacy of ‘awake’ deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease (PD) under local or general anaesthesia exist, and there remains significant debate within the field regarding differences in outcomes between these two techniques.

Methods

We conducted a literature review and meta-analysis of all published DBS for PD studies (n=2563) on PubMed from January 2004 to November 2015. Inclusion criteria included patient number >15, report of precision and/or clinical outcomes data, and at least 6 months of follow-up. There were 145 studies, 16 of which were under general anaesthesia. Data were pooled using an inverse-variance weighted, random effects meta-analytic model for observational data.

Results

There was no significant difference in mean target error between local and general anaesthesia, but there was a significantly less mean number of DBS lead passes with general anaesthesia (p=0.006). There were also significant decreases in DBS complications, with fewer intracerebral haemorrhages and infections with general anaesthesia (p<0.001). There were no significant differences in Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Section II scores off medication, UPDRS III scores off and on medication or levodopa equivalent doses between the two techniques. Awake DBS cohorts had a significantly greater decrease in treatment-related side effects as measured by the UPDRS IV off medication score (78.4% awake vs 59.7% asleep, p=0.022).

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis demonstrates that while DBS under general anaesthesia may lead to lower complication rates overall, awake DBS may lead to less treatment-induced side effects. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences in clinical motor outcomes between the two techniques. Thus, DBS under general anaesthesia can be considered at experienced centres in patients who are not candidates for traditional awake DBS or prefer the asleep alternative.
3D-guided direct puncture therapeutic embolization of intracranial tumors
Authors: Caroff Jildaz , Benachour Nidhal , Ikka Léon , Nevoux Jérôme , Parker Fabrice , Da Ros Valerio , Mihalea Cristian , Iacobucci Marta , Moret Jacques , Spelle Laurent
Published: March 2017

Background

Direct punctures of intracranial tumors have rarely been described in the literature.

Objective

To assess the feasibility, safety, efficacy, and advantages of using 3D DSA-guided direct puncture rather than the traditional transarterial route to preoperatively devascularize intracranial lesions in particular clinical situations, paying special attention to any correlation with surgical observations; we present the largest series to date.

Methods

Between July 2015 and July 2016, data from all presurgical embolizations performed in our institution were prospectively collected. Information on tumor type, location, size, eventual bone erosion, complications, devascularization percentage, and estimated blood loss was analyzed.

Results

Tumors of four patients (two meningioma, two endolymphatic sac tumor) were embolized using direct puncture. 3D XperGuide planning software was used in all procedures. Embolization was feasible in all cases. In one case, a small craniotomy was specifically performed to allow needle positioning. In all cases n-butyl cyanoacrylate was used. No ischemic or hemorrhagic complications related to embolization occurred. Complete or near complete devascularization was obtained in all cases. In one case, surgery was not performed and the patient was monitored. Resection was complete without significant blood loss in two cases, and resection was incomplete but satisfactory in one case.

Conclusions

In selected cases, 3D-guided direct puncture of intracranial tumors appears safe, feasible, and efficient for preoperative embolization.
Lay beliefs about hypertension among HIV-infected adults in Kenya
Authors: Temu Tecla M , Bahiru Ehete , Bukachi Fredrick , Bloomfield Gerald S , Muiruri Peter , Farquhar Carey
Published: March 2017

Objective

Hypertension affects 23% of Kenyans and is the most prevalent modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Despite this, hypertension awareness and treatment adherence is very low. We conducted a qualitative study to explore lay beliefs about hypertension among HIV-infected adults to inform the development of culture sensitive hypertension prevention and control program.

Methods

Eight focus group discussions were held for 53 HIV-infected adults at the HIV clinic in Kenya.

Results

Respondents had difficulties in describing hypertension. Hypertension was considered a temporary illness that is fatal and more serious than HIV. Stress was perceived as a main cause for hypertension with a large majority claiming stress reduction as the best treatment modality. Alcohol and tobacco use were not linked to hypertension. Obesity was cited as a cause of hypertension but weight control was not considered as a treatment modality even though the majority of our participants were overweight. Most participants did not believe hypertension could be prevented.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest a limited understanding of hypertension among people living with HIV and points to an urgent need to integrate hypertension education programmes in HIV care facilities in Kenya. To effect change, these programmes will need to tie in the culture meaning of hypertension.
Structural and electrical studies of sol–gel synthesized nanocrystalline hexagonal yttrium iron manganite ceramics
Authors: Touthang Jangkhohao , Maisnam Mamata
Published: March 2017

Hexagonal yttrium manganites, YMnO3, are interesting materials for their multiferroic behavior. Substituting suitable cations either at the Y-site or Mn-site offers great opportunities to produce a variety of manganites and tune their properties. Nanocrystalline yttrium iron manganites with the compositional formula Y[Formula: see text]Fe[Formula: see text]MnO3, [Formula: see text] = 0.0, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25, were synthesized by sol–gel autocombustion method. The prepared samples were heated at 1100[Formula: see text]C for 1 h. Another set of samples with compositional formula YFe[Formula: see text]Mn[Formula: see text]O3, [Formula: see text] = 0.0, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25, were also synthesized by the same method and heated at 1100[Formula: see text]C for 1 h. Various characterizations were done on these manganite systems synthesized by substituting iron at different sites. X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique studied the structure of the samples and analysis of XRD patterns confirmed the formation of hexagonal phase in the samples. Structural parameters such as lattice constants, crystallite size, theoretical density, etc. were determined using the XRD data. The unit cell dimensions have been found to agree with the standard data and the Debye–Scherrer crystallite size obtained from XRD data ranges from 42 nm to 77 nm. The room temperature frequency variations of electrical properties such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss and AC conductivity were measured in the range of 100 Hz–2 MHz and the variations showed a dispersive behavior for all the samples. The various measurements and the results obtained were studied and discussed in the paper.
The conical conformal MEMS quasi-end-fire array antenna
Authors: Cong Lin , Xu Lixin , Li Jianhua , Wang Ting , Han Qi
Published: March 2017

The microelectromechanical system (MEMS) quasi-end-fire array antenna based on a liquid crystal polymer (LCP) substrate is designed and fabricated in this paper. The maximum radiation direction of the antenna tends to the cone axis forming an angle less than 90[Formula: see text], which satisfies the proximity detection system applied at the forward target detection. Furthermore, the proposed antenna is fed at the ended side in order to save internal space. Moreover, the proposed antenna takes small covering area of the proximity detection system. The proposed antenna is fabricated by using the flexible MEMS process, and the measurement results agree well with the simulation results. This is the first time that a conical conformal array antenna is fabricated by the flexible MEMS process to realize the quasi-end-fire radiation. A pair of conformal MEMS array antennas resonates at 14.2 GHz with its mainlobes tending to the cone axis forming a 30[Formula: see text] angle and a 31[Formula: see text] angle separately, and the gains achieved are 1.82 dB in two directions, respectively. The proposed antenna meets the performance requirements for the proximity detection system which has vast application prospects.
Clustering of Micro-Messages Using Similarity Upper Approximation
Authors: Gupta Mukul , Kumar Pradeep , Bhasker Bharat
Published: March 2017

Microblogging platforms like Twitter, Tumblr and Plurk have radically changed our lives. The presence of millions of people has made these platforms a preferred channel for communication. A large amount of User Generated Content, on these platforms, has attracted researchers and practitioners to mine and extract information nuggets. For information extraction, clustering is an important and widely used mining operation. This paper addresses the issue of clustering of micro-messages and corresponding users based on the text content of micro-messages that reflect their primitive interest. In this paper, we performed modification of the Similarity Upper Approximation based clustering algorithm for clustering of micro-messages. We compared the performance of the modified Similarity Upper Approximation based clustering algorithm with state-of-the-art clustering algorithms such as Partition Around Medoids, Hierarchical Agglomerative Clustering, Affinity Propagation Clustering and DBSCAN. Experiments were performed on micro-messages collected from Twitter. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
On the Performance of the Comonotonicity Approach for Pricing Asian Options in Some Benchmark Models from Equities and Commodities
Authors: Chen Jilong , Ewald Christian
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we investigate the applicability of the comonotonicity approach in the context of various benchmark models for equities and commodities. Instead of classical Lévy models as in Albrecher et al. we focus on the Heston stochastic volatility model, the constant elasticity of variance (CEV) model and Schwartz’ 1997 stochastic convenience yield model. We show how the technical difficulties of inverting the distribution function of the sum of the comonotonic random vector can be overcome and that the method delivers rather tight upper bounds for the prices of Asian Options in these models, at least for strikes which are not too large. As a by-product the method delivers super-hedging strategies which can be easily implemented.
Use and Impact of HINARI: An Observation in Bangladesh with Special Reference to icddr,b
Authors: Uddin Md. Nazim , Rahman Md. Shafiur , Khandaker Md. Harun-Or-Rashid , Mamun M. Al , Mannan S. M. , Sack Jean , Dennehy Christine
Published: March 2017

This paper analyses the impact of the use of electronic resources and Health InterNetwork Access to Research Initiative (HINARI) services for medical research libraries in Bangladesh, emphasising the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (icddr,b). Purposeful use of e-resources, time and cost-saving benefits, research impact, and challenges of using HINARI are discussed. The basic study was conducted at icddr,b in January–February 2014, using a mixed methodology, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, including a background literature review, usage data shared from the HINARI secretariat at the World Health Organization (WHO), questionnaires, personal observations, and interviews with staff members of icddr,b. Findings revealed that icddr,b is the heaviest user of HINARI (a major source of public health and medical e-resources) in Bangladesh, with demonstrable increases of health research journal articles after introducing HINARI in 2003.
Quantum private comparison protocol without a third party
Authors: He Guang Ping
Published: March 2017

To evade the well-known impossibility of unconditionally secure quantum two-party computations, previous quantum private comparison protocols have to adopt a third party. Here, we study how far we can go with two parties only. We propose a very feasible and efficient protocol. Intriguingly, although the average amount of information leaked cannot be made arbitrarily small, we find that this average will not exceed 14 bits for any length of the bit-string being compared.
Gauss factorials of polynomials over finite fields
Authors: Li Xiumei , Sha Min
Published: March 2017

In this paper, we initiate a study on Gauss factorials of polynomials over finite fields, which are the analogues of Gauss factorials of positive integers.
A q-analogue of Apagodu–Zeilberger congruence
Authors: Liu Jichun
Published: March 2017

Recently, Apagodu and Zeilberger have obtained a congruence involving the Catalan numbers. In this note, we establish a [Formula: see text]-analogue of this congruence.
Central inhibition of initiation of swallowing by systemic administration of diazepam and baclofen in anaesthetized rats
Authors: Tsujimura Takanori , Sakai Shogo , Suzuki Taku , Ujihara Izumi , Tsuji Kojun , Magara Jin , Canning Brendan J. , Inoue Makoto
Published: March 2017

Dysphagia is caused not only by neurological and/or structural damage but also by medication. We hypothesized memantine, dextromethorphan, diazepam, and baclofen, all commonly used drugs with central sites of action, may regulate swallowing function. Swallows were evoked by upper airway (UA)/pharyngeal distension, punctate mechanical stimulation using a von Frey filament, capsaicin or distilled water (DW) applied topically to the vocal folds, and electrical stimulation of a superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) in anesthetized rats and were documented by recording electromyographic activation of the suprahyoid and thyrohyoid muscles and by visualizing laryngeal elevation. The effects of intraperitoneal or topical administration of each drug on swallowing function were studied. Systemic administration of diazepam and baclofen, but not memantine or dextromethorphan, inhibited swallowing evoked by mechanical, chemical, and electrical stimulation. Both benzodiazepines and GABAA receptor antagonists diminished the inhibitory effects of diazepam, whereas a GABAB receptor antagonist diminished the effects of baclofen. Topically applied diazepam or baclofen had no effect on swallowing. These data indicate that diazepam and baclofen act centrally to inhibit swallowing in anesthetized rats.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Systemic administration of diazepam and baclofen, but not memantine or dextromethorphan, inhibited swallowing evoked by mechanical, chemical, and electrical stimulation. Both benzodiazepines and GABAA receptor antagonists diminished the inhibitory effects of diazepam, whereas a GABAB receptor antagonist diminished the effects of baclofen. Topical applied diazepam or baclofen was without effect on swallowing. Diazepam and baclofen act centrally to inhibit swallowing in anesthetized rats.
The roles of KCa, KATP, and KV channels in regulating cutaneous vasodilation and sweating during exercise in the heat
Authors: Louie Jeffrey C. , Fujii Naoto , Meade Robert D. , McNeely Brendan D. , Kenny Glen P.
Published: March 2017

We recently showed the varying roles of Ca2+-activated (KCa), ATP-sensitive (KATP), and voltage-gated (KV) K+ channels in regulating cholinergic cutaneous vasodilation and sweating in normothermic conditions. However, it is unclear whether the respective contributions of these K+ channels remain intact during dynamic exercise in the heat. Eleven young (23 ± 4 yr) men completed a 30-min exercise bout at a fixed rate of metabolic heat production (400 W) followed by a 40-min recovery period in the heat (35°C, 20% relative humidity). Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) and local sweat rate were assessed at four forearm skin sites perfused via intradermal microdialysis with: 1) lactated Ringer solution (control); 2) 50 mM tetraethylammonium (nonspecific KCa channel blocker); 3) 5 mM glybenclamide (selective KATP channel blocker); or 4) 10 mM 4-aminopyridine (nonspecific KV channel blocker). Responses were compared at baseline and at 10-min intervals during and following exercise. KCa channel inhibition resulted in greater CVC versus control at end exercise ( P = 0.04) and 10 and 20 min into recovery (both P < 0.01). KATP channel blockade attenuated CVC compared with control during baseline ( P = 0.04), exercise (all P ≤ 0.04), and 10 min into recovery ( P = 0.02). No differences in CVC were observed with KV channel inhibition during baseline ( P = 0.15), exercise (all P ≥ 0.06), or recovery (all P ≥ 0.14). With the exception of KV channel inhibition augmenting sweating during baseline ( P = 0.04), responses were similar to control with all K+ channel blockers during each time period (all P ≥ 0.07). We demonstrated that KCa and KATP channels contribute to the regulation of cutaneous vasodilation during rest and/or exercise and recovery in the heat.
Reach-relevant somatosensory signals modulate tactile suppression
Authors: Gertz Hanna , Voudouris Dimitris , Fiehler Katja
Published: March 2017

Tactile stimuli on moving limbs are typically attenuated during reach planning and execution. This phenomenon has been related to internal forward models that predict the sensory consequences of a movement. Tactile suppression is considered to occur due to a match between the actual and predicted sensory consequences of a movement, which might free capacities to process novel or task-relevant sensory signals. Here, we examined whether and how tactile suppression depends on the relevance of somatosensory information for reaching. Participants reached with their left or right index finger to the unseen index finger of their other hand (body target) or an unseen pad on a screen (external target). In the body target condition, somatosensory signals from the static hand were available for localizing the reach target. Vibrotactile stimuli were presented on the moving index finger before or during reaching or in a separate no-movement baseline block, and participants indicated whether they detected a stimulus. As expected, detection thresholds before or during reaching were higher compared with baseline. Tactile suppression was also stronger for reaches to body targets than external targets, as reflected by higher detection thresholds and lower precision of detectability. Moreover, detection thresholds were higher when reaching with the left than with the right hand. Our results suggest that tactile suppression is modulated by position signals from the target limb that are required to reach successfully to the own body. Moreover, limb dominance seems to affect tactile suppression, presumably due to disparate uncertainty of feedback signals from the moving limb.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY Tactile suppression on a moving limb has been suggested to release computational resources for processing other relevant sensory events. In the current study, we show that tactile sensitivity on the moving limb decreases more when reaching to body targets than external targets. This indicates that tactile perception can be modulated by allocating processing capacities to movement-relevant somatosensory information at the target location. Our results contribute to understanding tactile processing and predictive mechanisms in the brain.
Reflex wind-up in early chronic spinal injury: plasticity of motor outputs
Authors: Johnson Michael D. , Frigon Alain , Hurteau Marie-France , Cain Charlette , Heckman C. J.
Published: March 2017

In this study we evaluate temporal summation (wind-up) of reflexes in select distal and proximal hindlimb muscles in response to repeated stimuli of the distal tibial or superficial peroneal nerves in cats 1 mo after complete spinal transection. This report is a continuation of our previous paper on reflex wind-up in the intact and acutely spinalized cat. To evaluate reflex wind-up in both studies, we recorded electromyographic signals from the following left hindlimb muscles: lateral gastrocnemius (LG), tibialis anterior (TA), semitendinosus (ST), and sartorius (Srt), in response to 10 electrical pulses to the tibial or superficial peroneal nerves. Two distinct components of the reflex responses were considered, a short-latency compound action potential (CAP) and a longer duration bout of sustained activity (SA). These two response types were shown to be differentially modified by acute spinal injury in our previous work (Frigon A, Johnson MD, Heckman CJ. J Physiol 590: 973-989, 2012). We show that these responses exhibit continued plasticity during the 1-mo recovery period following acute spinalization. During this early chronic phase, wind-up of SA responses returned to preinjury levels in one muscle, the ST, but remained depressed in all other muscles tested. In contrast, CAP response amplitudes, which were initially potentiated following acute transection, returned to preinjury levels in all muscles except for Srt, which continued to show marked increase. These findings illustrate that spinal elements exhibit considerable plasticity during the recovery process following spinal injury and highlight the importance of considering SA and CAP responses as distinct phenomena with unique underlying neural mechanisms.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This research is the first to assess temporal summation, also called wind-up, of muscle reflexes during the 1-mo recovery period following spinal injury. Our results show that two types of muscle reflex activity are differentially modulated 1 mo after spinal cord injury (SCI) and that spinal reflexes are altered in a muscle-specific manner during this critical period. This postinjury plasticity likely plays an important role in spasticity experienced by individuals with SCI.
Ultrasound, Echocardiography, MRI, and Genetic Analysis of a Fetus with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and Partial 11q Trisomy
Authors: Fernández-Perea Yolanda , García-Díaz Lutgardo , Sánchez Javier , Antiñolo Guillermo , Borrego Salud
Published: March 2017

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a serious birth defect with a significant mortality and morbidity. The current and constant progress in ultrasound techniques has led to the improvement of the prenatal diagnosis of this malformation. CDH is a developmental defect whose etiology is heterogeneous and takes place when the pleuroperitoneal folds and septum transversum fail to converge and fuse. Survival depends on the extent of pulmonary hypoplasia and the disease may be potentially worsened by the presence of added congenital defects. 40% of CDH cases are associated with at least one additional anomaly. The ultrasound diagnosis is established with essential signs: loss of uniform echogenicity of lungs and marked mediastinal shift. We report the case of a fetus with isolated CDH diagnosed at 21 weeks of gestation by ultrasound and confirmed by RMI, whose genetic analysis of amniotic fluid cells identified a de novo partial trisomy of the long arm of chromosome 11. Different genetic causes have been associated with CDH. Moreover, it is expectable that the use of new techniques for prenatal diagnosis will reveal novel CNVs associated with CDH and will help us to estimate the recurrence risk for this defect as well as for other associated anomalies.
Adsorptive Removal of Copper by Using Surfactant Modified Laterite Soil
Authors: Pham Tien Duc , Nguyen Hoang Hiep , Nguyen Ngoc Viet , Vu Thanh Tu , Pham Thi Ngoc Mai , Doan Thi Hai Yen , Nguyen Manh Ha , Ngo Thi Mai Viet
Published: March 2017

Removal of copper ion (Cu2+) by using surfactant modified laterite (SML) was investigated in the present study. Characterizations of laterite were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and total carbon analysis. The optimum conditions for removal of Cu2+ by adsorption using SML were systematically studied and found as pH 6, contact time 90 min, adsorbent dosage 5 mg/mL, and ionic strength 10 mM NaCl. The equilibrium concentration of copper ions was measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F-AAS). Surface modification of laterite by anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) induced a significant increase of the removal efficiency of Cu2+. The surface modifications of laterite by preadsorption of SDS and sequential adsorption of Cu2+ were also evaluated by XRD and FT-IR. The adsorption of Cu2+ onto SML increases with increasing NaCl concentration from 1 to 10 mM, but at high salt concentration this trend is reversed because desorption of SDS from laterite surface was enhanced by increasing salt concentration. Experimental results of Cu2+/SML adsorption isotherms at different ionic strengths can be represented well by a two-step adsorption model. Based on adsorption isotherms, surface charge effects, and surface modification, we suggest that the adsorption mechanism of Cu2+ onto SML was induced by electrostatic attraction between Cu2+ and the negatively charged SML surface and nonelectrostatic interactions between Cu2+ and organic substances in the laterite.