bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and cellular studies of molecular nanoparticle of iron (III)-tannic complexes; toward a low cost magnetic resonance imaging agent
Authors: Krungchanuchat Saowalak , Thongtem Titipun , Thongtem Somchai , Pilapong Chalermchai
Published: June 2017

Herein, a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agent based on molecular nanoparticles of iron(III)–tannic complexes (Fe–TA NPs) is reported. The paramagnetic and molecularlike Fe–TA NPs were successfully synthesized at room temperature within a few minutes without the use of any toxic agents or expensive equipment. The coordination states of the Fe–TA NPs were pH-dependent. The r1 relaxivity values of the bis-dominated and tris-dominated structures of the Fe–TA NPs were determined to be 6.31 and 5.24 mM−1 s−1, respectively, by using a Philips Achieva 1.5T MRI scanner. The Fe–TA NPs were 177 ± 12 nm in diameter (hydrodynamic size) with a zeta potential value of −28 ± 0.9 mV, dispersing very well in aqueous solution and were highly stable in phosphate buffered saline buffer (pH 7.4) containing competitive ligands and metals. From in vitro studies, it was evident that the Fe–TA NPs exhibited good biocompatibility, with high cellular uptake in HepG2 cells. Clearly, the Fe–TA NPs were found to induce signal enhancement in the T1-weighted image of the HepG2 cells. As a result, it can be stated that the Fe–TA NPs may have the potential for being developed as low-cost and clinically translatable magnetic resonance imaging agents in the near future.
Reactive ion beam sputtering of Ti: Influence of process parameters on angular and energy distribution of sputtered and backscattered particles
Authors: Lautenschläger Thomas , Bundesmann Carsten
Published: June 2017

This work focuses on the angular and energy distribution of secondary particles during the ion beam sputtering of a Ti target in a reactive oxygen atmosphere. The influence of ion species, ion energy, and scattering geometry (ion incidence angle and polar emission angle) was investigated systematically. Ion energies of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 keV and an ion current of roughly 10 mA were used to sputter deposit TiO2 films from a pure Ti target at an operating pressure of 5.0 × 10−5 and 6.5 × 10−5 mbar and an oxygen partial pressure of 1.0 × 10−5 and 2.5 × 10−5 mbar for sputtering with Ar and Xe ions, respectively. The angular distribution of the flux of sputtered Ti particles was determined by measuring the thickness of TiO2 films. The flux of sputtered Ti particles is described by the superposition of an isotropic and anisotropic part. The isotropic part increases when increasing ion energy, decreasing the incidence angle, or changing the sputtering gas from Xe to Ar. An energy-selective mass spectrometer was used to measure the mass and energy distribution of secondary ions. Several species of sputtered particles were detected, e.g., Ti, TiO, TiO2, Ti2, O, and O2 ions. The most prevalent species are Ti, TiO, and O ions. The energy distribution of the sputtered Ti and TiO ions shows a maximum at an energy between 10 and 30 eV followed by a high-energetic tail proportional to exp(−n·E). Decreasing the scattering angle leads to a decrease in the slope of the high-energetic tail, i.e., it extends to higher energies. The backscattered primary ions (Ar and Xe) and the sputtered atomic O ions show a maximum between 5 and 20 eV, which is followed by a sudden signal drop. For scattering angles less than 90°, additional peaks at higher energy can appear in the energy distribution of Ar, Xe, and O ions. These peaks are related to direct scattering and sputtering events. The experimental results are compared with calculations based on a simple elastic two-particle-interaction theory and with simulations carried out using the Monte Carlo code SDTrimSP.
Biosonar signal propagation in the harbor porpoise's (Phocoena phocoena) head: The role of various structures in the formation of the vertical beam
Authors: Wei Chong , Au Whitlow W. L. , Ketten Darlene R. , Song Zhongchang , Zhang Yu
Published: June 2017

Harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) use narrow band echolocation signals for detecting and locating prey and for spatial orientation. In this study, acoustic impedance values of tissues in the porpoise's head were calculated from computer tomography (CT) scan and the corresponding Hounsfield Units. A two-dimensional finite element model of the acoustic impedance was constructed based on CT scan data to simulate the acoustic propagation through the animal's head. The far field transmission beam pattern in the vertical plane and the waveforms of the receiving points around the forehead were compared with prior measurement results, the simulation results were qualitatively consistent with the measurement results. The role of the main structures in the head such as the air sacs, melon and skull in the acoustic propagation was investigated. The results showed that air sacs and skull are the major components to form the vertical beam. Additionally, both beam patterns and sound pressure of the sound waves through four positions deep inside the melon were demonstrated to show the role of the melon in the biosonar sound propagation processes in the vertical plane.
Low-intensity ultrasound activates vestibular otolith organs through acoustic radiation force
Authors: Iversen M. M. , Christensen D. A. , Parker D. L. , Holman H. A. , Chen J. , Frerck M. J. , Rabbitt R. D.
Published: June 2017

The present study examined the efficacy of 5 MHz low-intensity focused ultrasound (LiFU) as a stimulus to remotely activate inner ear vestibular otolith organs. The otolith organs are the primary sensory apparati responsible for detecting orientation of the head relative to gravity and linear acceleration in three-dimensional space. These organs also respond to loud sounds and vibration of the temporal bone. The oyster toadfish, Opsanus tau, was used to facilitate unobstructed acoustic access to the otolith organs in vivo. Single-unit responses to amplitude-modulated LiFU were recorded in afferent neurons identified as innervating the utricle or the saccule. Neural responses were equivalent to direct mechanical stimulation, and arose from the nonlinear acoustic radiation force acting on the otolithic mass. The magnitude of the acoustic radiation force acting on the otolith was measured ex vivo. Results demonstrate that LiFU stimuli can be tuned to mimic directional forces occurring naturally during physiological movements of the head, loud air conducted sound, or bone conducted vibration.
Should Carbohydrate Concentration of a Sports Drink Be Less Than 8% During Exercise in the Heat?
Authors: Millard-Stafford Mindy L. , Sparling Phillip B. , Rosskopf Linda B. , Snow Teresa K.
Published: June 2017

Our purpose was to determine if sports drinks with 6 and 8% CHO differentially affect physiological responses or run performance in the heat. Ten men ran 32 km while ingesting: placebo (P), 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte (CE6), and 8% carbohydrate-electrolyte (CE8). At 15 km, a 250 mL drink labeled with deuterium oxide (D2O) was ingested. Blood glucose and respiratory exchange ratio were significantly higher (P < 0.05) for CE6 and CE8 compared to P. Rectal temperature (Tre) at 32 km was higher for CE8 (40.1 ± 0.2 °C) compared to P (39.5 ± 0.2 °C) but similar to CE6 (39.8 ± 0.2 °C). D2O accumulation was not different among drink trials. Run performance was 8% faster for CE8 (1062 ± 31 s) compared to P (1154 ± 56 s) and similar to CE6 (1078 ± 33 s). Confirming the ACSM Position Stand, 8% CE are acceptable during exercise in the heat and attenuate the decline in performance.
Cognitive Dietary Restraint Is Associated with Stress Fractures in Women Runners
Authors: Guest Nanci S. , Barr Susan I.
Published: June 2017

High levels of cognitive dietary restraint (CDR) have been associated with subclinical menstrual cycle irregularities and increased cortisol levels, both of which can affect bone mineral density (BMD). Low BMD has been implicated in stress fracture risk. We assessed CDR in female runners (≥ 20 km/wk) with a recent stress fracture (SF) and with no stress fracture history (NSF). A sample of 79 runners (n = 38 SF, 29 ± 5 y; n = 41 NSF, 29 ± 6 y) completed a 3-d food record and questionnaire assessing physical activity, menstrual cycle history, and perceived stress. SF and NSF runners had similar body mass index (21.2 ± 1.8 vs. 22.0 ± 2.5 kg/m2), physical activity (35.7 ± 13.5 vs. 33.4 ± 1.34 km/wk), perceived stress, and dietary intakes. CDR, however, was higher in SF runners (11.0 ± 5.4 vs. 8.4 ± 4.3, P < 0.05). Subclinical menstrual cycle disturbances and increased cortisol levels that are associated with high CDR, might in turn contribute to lowered BMD and increased stress fracture risk.
Ingestion of Tyrosine: Effects on Endurance, Muscle Strength, and Anaerobic Performance
Authors: Sutton Erin E. , Coll M. Regina , Deuster Patricia A.
Published: June 2017

Acute tyrosine ingestion is thought to improve aerobic endurance, muscle strength and endurance, and anaerobic power of men undergoing severe physiologic stress. In a double-blind, crossover study, 20 men (32 ± 1 y old) underwent 2 loadcarriage treadmill sessions, 1 after taking tyrosine (150 mg/kg L-crystalline tyrosine) and 1 after taking placebo. Tyrosine dosage was based on subject weight and ingested 30 min before load carriage. A physical performance battery was administered after the load carriage: maximal and submaximal handgrip, pull-ups, and stair stepping with weight. Total time on treadmill was not significantly lengthened with ingestion of tyrosine (118.9 ± 1.4 min) as compared with placebo (119.2 ± 1.2 min). Total power for stair stepping (tyrosine 223 ± 8 watts, placebo 216 ± 9 watts) and muscle strength and endurance (handgrip) was not significantly improved by tyrosine ingestion. The results indicate that acute ingestion of tyrosine by healthy men has no measurable effect on endurance, muscle strength, or anaerobic power.
Validation of a New Handheld Device for Measuring Resting Metabolic Rate and Oxygen Consumption in Children
Authors: Nieman David C. , Austin Melanie D. , Chilcote Shannon M. , Benezra Laura
Published: June 2017

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the MedGem™ device to measure resting metabolic rate (RMR) in children. Subjects included 59 children (29 boys, 30 girls; mean age, 11.0 ± 0.2 y). Subjects were given 4 RMR tests during 1 test session, cconsisting of 2 Douglas bag and 2 MedGem tests, in random counterbalanced order. No significant differences were found between Douglas bag and MedGem systems for oxygen consumption (209 ± 5 and 213 ± 5 mL/min, respectively, P = 0.106, r = 0.911, mean ± standard deviation absolute difference 3.72 ± 17.40 mL/min) or RMR (1460 ± 39 and 1477 ± 35 kcal/d, P = 0.286, r = 0.909, mean ± standard deviation absolute difference 17.4 ± 124 kcal/d). Standard error of estimates for oxygen consumption and RMR were 17.4 mL/min and 124 kcal/d, respectively. In conclusion, these data indicate that the MedGem is a reliable and valid system for measuring oxygen consumption and RMR in children.
Alignment of Masters Swim Coaches’ Approaches With the Andragogy in Practice Model
Authors: Callary Bettina , Rathwell Scott , Young Bradley W.
Published: June 2017

Coaches working with Masters Athletes (MAs) are tasked with facilitating learning and enhancing performance and quality of experience specifically for an adult cohort. In education, the Andragogy in Practice Model (APM) characterizes adult learners and provides teachers with principles for how to best facilitate learning (Knowles, Holton III, & Swanson, 2012). The purpose of the current study was to explore how coaches describe approaches with their MAs to discover how they align with andragogical principles. Eleven coaches were interviewed regarding their approaches in working with Masters swimmers. Data were thematically analyzed according to the six APM principles. The results revealed the bidirectional pattern of communication between the coaches and MAs, the coaches’ awareness of the athletes’ matured self-concept and prior experiences, the personalized goal oriented approach, the various approaches coaches used to motivate, and strategies that the coaches used to prepare MAs for training. The findings suggest that coaches who reported approaches in keeping with andragogical principles more effectively accommodated their MAs’ interests. When their approaches countered the principles, there appeared to be a disconnect between the coaches’ approaches and the MAs’ preferences. Together, these results provide evidence of the importance of coaches’ understanding of adult learning principles when coaching MAs.
Observational Heuristics in a Group of High Level Paddle Sports Coaches
Authors: Simon Scott , Collins Loel , Collins Dave
Published: June 2017

Observation of performance forms a critical part of the complex coaching process. A professional judgment and decision making (PJDM) framework enables optimum decisions to be made under time pressure and with limited information that derive from that observation. Observation and the associated decision making can be particularly affected by heuristic bias. We extend the work on PJDM via a greater focus on its relationship with observation within the coaching process. After revisiting PJDM and observation, we introduce and explore heuristics as a “tool” within the observation process. Specifically, we propose that observation is prone to heuristics built on a coach’s experience and understanding. We report on a small scale preliminary investigation with a group of high-level paddle sport coaches. We identify heuristics that both restrict and enhance the effectiveness of the observation in an effort to promote discussion and further research.
Novel Nonreplicating Vaccinia Virus Vector Enhances Expression of Heterologous Genes and Suppresses Synthesis of Endogenous Viral Proteins
Authors: Wyatt Linda S. , Xiao Wei , Americo Jeffrey L. , Earl Patricia L. , Moss Bernard
Published: June 2017

Viruses are used as expression vectors for protein synthesis, immunology research, vaccines, and therapeutics. Advantages of poxvirus vectors include the accommodation of large amounts of heterologous DNA, the presence of a cytoplasmic site of transcription, and high expression levels. On the other hand, competition of approximately 200 viral genes with the target gene for expression and immune recognition may be disadvantageous. We describe a vaccinia virus (VACV) vector that uses an early promoter to express the bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase; has the A23R intermediate transcription factor gene deleted, thereby restricting virus replication to complementing cells; and has a heterologous gene regulated by a T7 promoter. In noncomplementing cells, viral early gene expression and DNA replication occurred normally but synthesis of intermediate and late proteins was prevented. Nevertheless, the progeny viral DNA provided templates for abundant expression of heterologous genes regulated by a T7 promoter. Selective expression of the
Escherichia coli lac
repressor gene from an intermediate promoter reduced transcription of the heterologous gene specifically in complementing cells, where large amounts might adversely impact VACV replication. Expression of heterologous proteins mediated by the A23R deletion vector equaled that of a replicating VACV, was higher than that of a nonreplicating modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vector used for candidate vaccines
in vitro
and
in vivo
, and was similarly immunogenic in mice. Unlike the MVA vector, the A23R deletion vector still expresses numerous early genes that can restrict immunogenicity as demonstrated here by the failure of the prototype vector to induce interferon alpha. By deleting immunomodulatory genes, we anticipate further improvements in the system.

IMPORTANCE
Vaccines provide an efficient and effective way of preventing infectious diseases. Nevertheless, new and better vaccines are needed. Vaccinia virus, which was used successfully as a live vaccine to eradicate smallpox, has been further attenuated and adapted as a recombinant vector for immunization against other pathogens. However, since the initial description of this vector system, only incremental improvements largely related to safety have been implemented. Here we described novel modifications of the platform that increased expression of the heterologous target gene and decreased expression of endogenous vaccinia virus genes while providing safety by preventing replication of the candidate vaccine except in complementing cells used for vector propagation.
Combining Genome-Scale Experimental and Computational Methods To Identify Essential Genes in Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Burger Brian T. , Imam Saheed , Scarborough Matthew J. , Noguera Daniel R. , Donohue Timothy J.
Published: June 2017

Knowledge about the role of genes under a particular growth condition is required for a holistic understanding of a bacterial cell and has implications for health, agriculture, and biotechnology. We developed the Tn-seq analysis software (TSAS) package to provide a flexible and statistically rigorous workflow for the high-throughput analysis of insertion mutant libraries, advanced the knowledge of gene essentiality inR. sphaeroides, and illustrated how Tn-seq data can be used to more accurately identify genes that play important roles in metabolism and other processes that are essential for cellular survival.
Neonatal ethanol exposure from ethanol-based hand sanitisers in isolettes
Authors: Hsieh Shizuka , Sapkota Amir , Wood Rebecca , Bearer Cynthia , Kapoor Shiv
Published: June 2017

Objective

The aims of this study is to measure the ethanol vapours in the isolette after use of hands cleaned with ethanol-based hand sanitiser (EBHS).

Methods

Two squirts (1.5 mL) of hand sanitiser were rubbed on hands for 10 or 20 s before inserting the hands in the isolette for 5 min. Ethanol vapours were measured in the isolette with photoionisation detector and alcohol breathalyser for 30 min.

Results

Peak ethanol concentration in the isolette was considerably higher with a 10 s hand rub (381±192 ppm) compared with a 20 s hand rub (99±50 ppm), and dissipated to ≤5 ppm within 30 min. Under routine care, EBHS use by care providers exposes neonates in isolettes to 3.7–7.3 or 1.4–2.8 mg/kg ethanol per day with 10 or 20 s hand rubs, respectively. The expected blood level from average single exposure is 0.036 mg/dL with 10 s hand rub and may increase further with multiple exposures in a short period.

Conclusion

Preterm neonates in the isolette are at risk of inadvertent exposure to ethanol. The expected blood alcohol level from this exposure is small and below 1 mg/dL level recommended by European Medicines Agency to limit the ethanol exposure in children. The unintended ethanol exposure can be avoided by rubbing hands for at least 20 s after applying EBHS.
Antenatal consultations for preterm labour: how are future mothers reassured?
Authors: Gaucher Nathalie , Nadeau Sophie , Barbier Alexandre , Payot Antoine
Published: June 2017

Objective

To evaluate whether the antenatal consultation for preterm labour worries or reassures women, and to identify factors contributing to these feelings.

Design

This is a prospective survey study from April 2012 to September 2013. This mixed-methodology tool was co-constructed with patients and first tested in a single-centre pilot study.

Setting

Three university-affiliated, tertiary care, high-risk obstetrics inpatient units in Quebec, Canada.

Participants

Women hospitalised with threatened preterm labour between 26 and 32 weeks’ gestational age completed the survey within 72 hours of an antenatal consultation by neonatology. 341 women were invited to participate and 226 mothers completed the survey (72% response rate), at a median gestational age of 30 weeks.

Main outcome measures

Participant worry, reassurance and change in perception after the antenatal consultation were the main outcome measures. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with these outcomes.

Results

23% of participants were worried by the consultation, and 87% were reassured by it. Lower gestational age and higher maternal education were associated with feeling worried (adjusted OR=0.83, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.99; and adjusted OR=2.15, 95% CI 1.04 to 4.44, respectively). Longer consultations were associated with reassurance (adjusted OR=8.21, 95% CI 2.67 to 25.26). Women were reassured by (1) feeling well informed about prematurity with optimistic outlooks, and (2) a trusting and reassuring expert neonatology team. High-quality interactions with neonatologists were associated with reassurance, while poorer communications were associated with feelings of worry.

Conclusions

To be reassuring, neonatologists should strive to establish a trusting relationship with mothers, in which realistic and clear, but optimistic, information is offered.
Evidence for the effectiveness of minimum pricing of alcohol: a systematic review and assessment using the Bradford Hill criteria for causality
Authors: Boniface Sadie , Scannell Jack W , Marlow Sally
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To assess the evidence for price-based alcohol policy interventions to determine whether minimum unit pricing (MUP) is likely to be effective.

Design

Systematic review and assessment of studies according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, against the Bradford Hill criteria for causality. Three electronic databases were searched from inception to February 2017. Additional articles were found through hand searching and grey literature searches.

Criteria for selecting studies

We included any study design that reported on the effect of price-based interventions on alcohol consumption or alcohol-related morbidity, mortality and wider harms. Studies reporting on the effects of taxation or affordability and studies that only investigated price elasticity of demand were beyond the scope of this review. Studies with any conflict of interest were excluded. All studies were appraised for methodological quality.

Results

Of 517 studies assessed, 33 studies were included: 26 peer-reviewed research studies and seven from the grey literature. All nine of the Bradford Hill criteria were met, although different types of study satisfied different criteria. For example, modelling studies complied with the consistency and specificity criteria, time series analyses demonstrated the temporality and experiment criteria, and the analogy criterion was fulfilled by comparing the findings with the wider literature on taxation and affordability.

Conclusions

Overall, the Bradford Hill criteria for causality were satisfied. There was very little evidence that minimum alcohol prices are not associated with consumption or subsequent harms. However the overall quality of the evidence was variable, a large proportion of the evidence base has been produced by a small number of research teams, and the quantitative uncertainty in many estimates or forecasts is often poorly communicated outside the academic literature. Nonetheless, price-based alcohol policy interventions such as MUP are likely to reduce alcohol consumption, alcohol-related morbidity and mortality.
Building a visual aid for a triage tool in a developing health service
Authors: Ahmad Mir Saaduddin , Wood Darryl R
Published: June 2017

Resources in the modern day emergency department are often stretched, and this holds true more so in developing services. With limited manpower, it is essential that efficient tools are created so that processes can be run safely. Here we pilot the use of a vital signs matrix in a medical camp in Dhaka to screen patients at triage. We further modified this matrix to include the National Early Warning Score as our recording of the NEWS have remained poor in triage. A trial and validation study for the use of this matrix in an NHS setting is currently underway.
Polymer-free sirolimus-eluting stents in a large-scale all-comers population
Authors: Krackhardt Florian , Kočka Viktor , Waliszewski Matthias W. , Utech Andreas , Lustermann Meik , Hudec Martin , Studenčan Martin , Schwefer Markus , Yu Jiangtao , Jeong Myung Ho , Ahn Taehoon , Wan Ahmad Wan Azman , Boxberger Michael , Schneider André , Leschke Matthias
Published: June 2017

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a polymer-free sirolimus coated, ultrathin strut drug-eluting stent (PF-SES) in an unselected patient population with a focus on acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Furthermore, stable coronary artery disease (CAD) with short (≤6 months) versus long (>6 months) dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) were also studied.

Methods

Patients who received PF-SES were investigated in an unselected large-scale international, single-armed, multicenter, ‘all comers’ observational study. The primary endpoint was the 9-month target lesion revascularisation (TLR) rate, whereas secondary endpoints included the 9-month major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and procedural success rates. A priori defined subgroups such as patients with ACS, diabetes, lesion subsets and procedural characteristics relative to DAPT were investigated.

Results

A total of 2877 patients of whom 1084 had ACS were treated with PF-SES (1.31±0.75 stents per patient). At 9 months, the accumulated overall TLR rate was 2.3% (58/2513). There was no significant difference between ACS and stable CAD (2.6% vs 2.1%, p=0.389). However, the overall MACE rate was 4.3% (108/2513) with a higher rate in patients with ACS when compared with the stable CAD subgroup (6.1%, 58/947 vs 3.2%, 50/1566, p<0.001).

Conclusions

PF-SES angioplasty is safe and effective in the daily clinical routine with low rates of TLR and MACE in an unselected patient population. Our data are in agreement with prior clinical findings that extended DAPT duration beyond 6 months do not improve clinical outcomes in patients with stable CAD (ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT02629575).

Trial registration number

NCT02629575.
Evaluating the groundwater resource potential of the Dundas buried bedrock valley, southwestern Ontario: an integrated geological and hydrogeological case study
Authors: Bajc Andy F. , Marich Andrea S. , Priebe Elizabeth H. , Rainsford Desmond R.B.
Published: June 2017

Population growth in the groundwater-dependent municipalities of southwestern Ontario has prompted interest in the exploration for new, previously untapped, groundwater resources. In this study, the groundwater resource potential of the sediments infilling a deeply buried bedrock valley network centred beneath the Region of Waterloo and the counties of Brant and Hamilton–Wentworth are explored. The objectives of this study are to further refine valley location and geometry, understand infilling sediments and their hydrogeological properties, and characterize waters contained within the aquifers to inform future water management decisions. Results of a regional ground gravity survey were instrumental in locating buried bedrock valleys and guided follow-up drilling. Continuous sediment coring and monitoring well installations were completed to target thick and coarse-grained sediment packages that, based on existing borehole data, showed aquifer potential. Hydraulic testing and groundwater sampling results provided valuable insights into groundwater quantity and quality. Highly transmissive aquifers, some worth investigating further, have been identified within portions of the valley network. The aquifers appear to occur at a number of stratigraphic positions and do not necessarily occur as the deepest unit overlying bedrock. Bedrock topography likely played a role, however, in their preferential preservation. They are commonly overlain by thick sequences of relatively impermeable sediments, providing excellent protection from anthropogenic contamination. Information from water chemistry, however, does suggest hydraulic connection to the surface at some locations. Groundwater quality and quantity information combined with a conceptual three-dimensional geologic model aids in the selection of groundwater resource exploration targets within the untapped resources of the deep, Dundas buried valley sediments.
The robustness of Brownie tag return models to complex spatiotemporal dynamics evaluated through simulation analysis
Authors: Lauretta Matthew V. , Goethel Daniel R.
Published: June 2017

The development of a reliable tagging program requires simulation testing the experimental design. However, the potential for model misspecification, particularly in the underlying spatiotemporal dynamics, is often ignored. A continuous time, spatially explicit, age-structured, capture–recapture operating model was developed to better emulate real-world population dynamics typically overlooked in spatially aggregated or discrete time tagging models. Various spatiotemporal model parametrizations, including case studies with Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), were explored to evaluate the bias associated with Brownie tag return estimation models. Simulations demonstrated that accounting for connectivity was essential for obtaining unbiased parameter estimates and that migration rates could be reliably estimated without the correlation associated with other parameters (e.g., between tag reporting and mortality). Mortality parameter estimates were particularly sensitive to the temporal dynamics of the tagging and fishing seasons, but accounting for the seasonality in tag releases and fishery recaptures allowed for relatively unbiased estimation. Our results indicate that parameter bias and uncertainty can be severely underestimated when discrete time or spatially aggregated operating models are used to determine optimal experimental design of tagging studies.
Comparative growth, age at maturity and sex change, and longevity of Hawaiian parrotfishes, with bomb radiocarbon validation
Authors: DeMartini Edward E. , Andrews Allen H. , Howard Kathrine G. , Taylor Brett M. , Lou Dong-Chun , Donovan Mary K.
Published: June 2017

Growth rates and longevities were estimated for five major fishery species of parrotfishes (“uhu”) at Oahu, Hawai’i. All species grew rapidly with von Bertalanffy growth formula k values ≥0.4·year−1. Longevities were found to range broadly among the three small species, 4 years in Calotomus carolinus and 6 and 11 years in Scarus psittacus and Chlorurus spilurus, and to 15–20 years in Scarus rubroviolaceus and Chlorurus perspicillatus for the two large species. Age reading and growth curves for the latter two large species were validated using bomb radiocarbon dating. Median ages at sexual maturity as females (AM50) and at sex change (from female to terminal phase male, AΔ50) were estimated using logistic models. Sexual maturation occurred at 1–2 years for the small species and at 3–3.5 years in the large species. AΔ50 estimates ranged from 2 to 4 years in the small species and were about 5 and 7 years in S. rubroviolaceus and C. perspicillatus, respectively. Estimated milestones poorly corresponded to the current minimum legal size for uhu in Hawai’i (12 in. or 30.5 cm fork length). Pooling these parrotfishes for management seems generally inappropriate, especially for the two large species. Age-based metrics are more informative than size-based metrics for these fishes.
Electrosedation of freshwater fishes for the surgical implantation of transmitters
Authors: Kim Jaewoo , Doyle Bradley , Mandrak Nicholas E.
Published: June 2017

Although electrosedation is becoming a frequently used technique to anaesthetize fish for a variety of commercial, management, and research applications, limited information is available on the effectiveness of different settings (e.g., voltage, frequency, shocking duration) and target species. We examined recovery times and short-term survival while using a commercially available electroanaesthesia unit to prepare fishes for transmitter implantation surgeries and ran experimental tests without surgery on different electrosedation settings. Our results indicate that electrosedation is a quick and efficient form of anaesthesia, with full anaesthesia achieved, surgeries completed, and recovery in under 10 min for common carp (Cyprinus carpio L., 1758), goldfish (Carassius auratus (L. 1758)), and others. We had zero mortality over at least 24 h associated with electrosedation. We found no significant differences in recovery times related to species or mass, nor did we find any significant changes to recovery time when changing voltage applied, frequency, shocking duration, or when changing the type of pulse applied (e.g., burst pulses vs. standard pulse). Although further researches are needed to address the sublethal and long-term effects of eletrosedation, these findings are important to researchers for selecting suitable target species and optimizing recovery time and survival for a quick release after surgery, tagging, or any time fish sedation is required.
St. Matthew Island colonized through multiple long-distance red fox (Vulpes vulpes) dispersal events
Authors: Colson K.E. , Smith James D. , Hundertmark Kris J.
Published: June 2017

Expansion of red fox (Vulpes vulpes (L., 1758)) into new arctic habitat and the potential for competition with arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus (L., 1758)) are of considerable conservation concern. Previous work has focused on red fox expanding into contiguous areas with few barriers to dispersal. Here, we examine mitochondrial DNA in red fox on recently colonized St. Matthew Island in the Bering Sea to determine their ultimate origin. Though limited in sample size (n = 7), we found that St. Matthew Island was colonized by North American lineages; surprisingly, despite the >400 km distance to the mainland, we found the island was colonized by at least three mitochondrial matrilines. These results suggest that even extremely isolated places may be colonized by red fox, and that the over-ice or over-ocean dispersal ability of red fox may have been previously underappreciated.
Almost sure mixing rates for non-uniformly expanding maps
Authors: Li Xin , Vilarinho Helder
Published: June 2017

We consider random perturbations of non-uniformly expanding maps, possibly having a non-degenerate critical set. We prove that if the volume measure of the set of points failing the non-uniform expansion or the slow recurrence to the critical set, at a certain times has a (stretched) exponential decay for almost all random orbits, then the decay of correlations along random orbits is stretched exponential, up to some waiting time. As applications we obtain almost sure stretched exponential decay of correlations along random orbits for Viana maps, as for a class of non-uniformly expanding local diffeomorphisms and a family of unimodal maps.
RESEARCH ON THE TYMPANIC MEMBRANE FREE VIBRATION MODEL BASED ON THIN PLATE THEORY
Authors: WU CAN , NI JING , YANG XIAO , LANG JIANRONG
Published: June 2017

Myringoplasty is one of the routine surgeries in the treatment of tympanic membrane (TM) perforation. Since the anatomic structure of the middle ear cannot be simulated in clinical treatment, the surgery is mainly directed by experiences. Based on the mechanical properties of TM in the anatomy, four hypotheses are presented and TM is simplified as a sectorial annulus plate with fixed boundary condition. This paper proposes a free vibration model of TM. Its natural frequencies of free vibration are obtained by variables separation method and Bessel function. The system of fundamental solutions of fourth-order homogeneous equations can be solved for the analytical expressions of corresponding natural vibration mode. The theoretical model is proved to be valid since the natural frequency of the model is consistent with the experimental data. The effect of geometric parameters and material parameters on TM natural frequency is subsequently discussed in the numerical examples. Especially, the diameter and thickness of TM will cause different natural frequency errors above 40%, while the Young’s modulus and density of TM cause errors below 15% as well.
ENTREPRENEURIAL MOTIVATIONS AS DRIVERS OF EXPERT CREATIVITY
Authors: NISULA ANNA-MAIJA , OLANDER HEIDI , HENTTONEN KAISA
Published: June 2017

Even if creativity is an essential part of innovative work, surprisingly, little is known about the creativity of employee-experts and entrepreneur-experts. Awareness of the motivations that enhance creativity are important for any innovative company, because entrepreneurial motivations are likely to drive innovative individuals’ creativity and performance. We take the entrepreneurial motivation dimensions of achievement, materialism, flexibility and power into examination. We argue that there are differences in the motivations of employee-experts and entrepreneur-experts in relation to their creative performance. We use survey data from 423 expert respondents to analyse the relationships between these different motivations and creative performance. Our results indicate that there are both similarities and differences between the employee-experts and entrepreneur-experts in terms of their drivers of creativity. Entrepreneur creativity is driven by the motivations of materialism, achievement and power; for entrepreneurs, flexibility is not important. Meanwhile, employee-expert creativity is driven by achievement and power motivations; for this group, neither flexibility nor materialism are not important.
LINKING PSYCHOLOGICAL CONTRACT BREACH, INNOVATIVE WORK BEHAVIOUR AND COLLECTIVISM: A MODERATED MEDIATION MODEL
Authors: A AGARWAL UPASNA
Published: June 2017

The present study examines the factors that mediate and moderate the relationship of psychological contract breach (PCB) with innovative work behaviour. Specifically, affective commitment is posited to mediate and collectivism to moderate the above relationship. Data were collected from 707 managers across 12 organisations in India. Hierarchical multiple regression was used for statistical analysis of the moderated-mediation model. Affective commitment was found to mediate the negative relationship between PCB and innovative work behaviour and collectivism moderated the influence of PCB on affective commitment. Results from the moderated mediation analysis revealed that the mediation of affective commitment was moderated by collectivism such that at the lower level of collectivism, the mediation effect of affective commitment became stronger.
Analysis of Effect of Machining Parameters During Electrical Discharge Machining Using Taguchi-Based Multi-Objective PSO
Authors: Dey Abhijit , Debnath Mriganav , Pandey Krishna Murari
Published: June 2017

The present contribution describes an application of a hybrid approach using response surface methodology (RSM) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) for optimizing the machining parameters in electric discharge machining (EDM) of compo casted Al6061/ cenosphere AMCs. Compo casting processing route was employed to prepare the AMCs. Each experimentation in EDM was performed under different machining conditions of Peak Current (Amp), Pulse on time ([Formula: see text]s), and Flushing Pressure (bar). Performance characteristics such as material removal rates (MRRs), surface roughness (SR), and electrode wear rates (EWRs) were evaluated. A Taguchi L27 orthogonal array was considered to plan the experimentation and RSM was applied to model the inter relationship between the input process parameters and responses. A mathematic model has been developed to provide a fitness function to PSO by unifying the multiple responses. Finally, PSO was used to predict the optimal settings of the processing condition for the multi-performance optimization of the EDM operation. The experimental observations confirm the feasibility of the strategy and are in good accordance with the predicted value over a wide range of processing conditions employed in the process.
A Weighted Genetic Approach for Feature Selection in Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Saidani Fayçal Rédha , Rassoul Idir
Published: June 2017

The Sentiment Analysis has been witnessing a booming interest in recent years, due to the enormous growth of digital content, and various types of online reviews such as product and movie reviews. The aim of Sentiment Analysis is to use automated tools to detect and classify subjective information from these reviews. Feature selection happens to be an important step to extract and select more efficient text features, and at the same time to try improve the performance of the used classifier for Opinion Classification task. This paper proposes a methodology based on Genetic Algorithms to optimize the feature selection process for polarity classification. First, it uses a supervised weighting method in order to prune the searching space then, this weighting method is combined with stochastic search methods that generate the next feature subset in a heuristic manner. In order to validate the proposed method, we compared it with three feature selection methods on different sizes of feature subsets. The experimental results show the efficiency of our proposed method.
Dielectric Response and Transport Properties of Pb2Sr2CaCu2O9 [Lead Strontium Calcium Copper Oxide]
Authors: Jacob Reenu , Isac Jayakumari
Published: June 2017

High dielectric permittivity, good mechanical properties and excellent thermal stability are highly desired qualities for the dielectric materials used in embedded capacitors and energy-storage devices. This study reports the temperature dependence and very low loss factor of Pb2Sr2CaCu2O9 ceramics. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) are used to analyze the sample. The dielectric properties of the material prepared has been investigated in the frequency range 42–1[Formula: see text]MHz and in the temperature range 303–873[Formula: see text]K. The result reveals that Pb2Sr2CaCu2O9 have high dielectric constant with significant temperature and frequency dependence which makes them appropriate in the application of miniaturization of electronic devices. The dielectric constant and the loss factor decreases with increase in frequency of the applied field. Impedance studies confirm that dielectric relaxation in the material is of non-Debye type. Conductivity studies proves quality information related to the charge transport properties. The frequency analysis of modulus properties pictures a distribution of the relaxation time existing in the system. The new ceramic material Pb2Sr2CaCu2O9 will be a promising candidate for uses in embedded capacitors, especially in high-temperature circumstance.
Southeast Asia: New Views of the Geology of the Malay Archipelago
Authors: Hall Robert
Published: June 2017

Southeast (SE) Asia is surrounded by subduction zones causing intense seismicity and volcanic activity. Subduction has been the principal tectonic driver of collisions that caused the growth of continental SE Asia, and most recently the collision of Australia with SE Asia. The western part of SE Asia, Sundaland, is a heterogeneous and weak region, reflecting processes that can be observed today in the east, where there are subduction zones in different stages of development. A close relationship between subduction rollback and extension has caused dramatic elevation of land, exhumation of deep crust, and spectacular subsidence of basins, observable with remotely acquired images and seismic and multibeam data obtained from oil exploration. New dating indicates that subsidence and uplift occurred at high rates during short time intervals. Laboratory studies, modeling, and reconstructions provide valuable insights, but field-based studies continue to present surprises and new discoveries essential for interpretations of the geological history of the region.
Adaptation modulates correlated subthreshold response variability in visual cortex
Authors: Wright Nathaniel C. , Hoseini Mahmood S. , Wessel Ralf
Published: June 2017

Correlated response variability has profound implications for stimulus encoding, yet our understanding of this phenomenon is based largely on spike data. Here, we investigate the dynamics and mechanisms of membrane potential-correlated variability (CC) in visual cortex with a combined experimental and computational approach. We observe a visually evoked increase in CC, followed by a fast return to baseline. Our results further suggest a link between this observation and the adaptation-mediated dynamics of emergent network phenomena.
Control of the strength of visual-motor transmission as the mechanism of rapid adaptation of priors for Bayesian inference in smooth pursuit eye movements
Authors: Darlington Timothy R. , Tokiyama Stefanie , Lisberger Stephen G.
Published: June 2017

Bayesian inference can account for the interaction between sensory data and past experience in many behaviors. Here, we show, using smooth pursuit eye movements, that the priors based on past experience can be adapted over a very short time frame. We also show that a single model based on direction-specific adaptation of the strength of visual-motor transmission can explain the implementation and adaptation of priors for both target direction and target speed.
In Vitro Anticancer Effect of Gedunin on Human Teratocarcinomal (NTERA-2) Cancer Stem-Like Cells
Authors: Tharmarajah Luxmiga , Samarakoon Sameera Ranganath , Ediriweera Meran Keshawa , Piyathilaka Poorna , Tennekoon Kamani Hemamamla , Senathilake Kanishka Sithira , Rajagopalan Umapriyatharshini , Galhena Prasanna Bandula , Thabrew Ira
Published: June 2017

Gedunin is one of the major compounds found in the neem tree(Azadirachta indica). In the present study, antiproliferative potential of gedunin was evaluated in human embryonal carcinoma cells (NTERA-2, a cancer stem cell model) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), using Sulforhodamine (SRB) and WST-1 assays, respectively. The effects of gedunin on expression of heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), its cochaperone Cdc37, and HSP client proteins (AKT, ErbB2, and HSF1) were evaluated by real-time PCR. Effects of gedunin on apoptosis were evaluated by (a) apoptosis associated morphological changes, (b) caspase 3/7 expression, (c) DNA fragmentation, (d) TUNEL assay, and (e) real-time PCR of apoptosis related genes (Bax,p53,andsurvivin). Gedunin showed a promising antiproliferative effect in NTERA-2 cells with IC50values of 14.59, 8.49, and 6.55 μg/mL at 24, 48, and 72 h after incubations, respectively, while exerting a minimal effect on PBMCs. Expression of HSP90, its client proteins, andsurvivinwas inhibited andBaxandp53were upregulated by gedunin. Apoptosis related morphological changes, DNA fragmentation, and increased caspase 3/7 activities confirmed the proapoptotic effects of gedunin. Collectively, results indicate that gedunin may be a good drug lead for treatment of chemo and radiotherapy resistant cancer stem cells.
A Practical Framework for Energy-Efficient Node Activation in Heterogeneous LTE Networks
Authors: Virdis Antonio , Stea Giovanni , Sabella Dario , Caretti Marco
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a framework to activate and deactivate micronodes in a heterogeneous multicell LTE network, based on load and energy efficiency consideration. The framework exploits historical data (i.e., per-macro-cell load curves) to select a set of candidate switch-on/switch-off instants of microcells, assuming a limited number of state changes is allowed in a day. The switching instants are instead determined online, by taking into account the actual traffic as well as the load curves. Moreover, intercell interference is fully accounted for. Our simulations show that this framework allows a multicell network to sustain peak-hour load when necessary and to reconfigure to a minimum coverage baseline whenever feasible, thus saving power (up to 25% in our scenarios). Moreover, the framework is robust, meaning that deviations of the actual traffic with respect to the prediction offered by the load curves can easily be handled.