bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Noninvasive Determination of HV Interval Using Magnetocardiography
Authors: SENTHILNATHAN SENGOTTUVEL , SELVARAJ RAJA J. , PATEL RAJESH , SATHEESH SANTHOSH , KATHOLIL GIREESAN , JANAWADKAR MADHUKAR P. , RADHAKRISHNAN THIMMAKUDY S. 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundThe His‐ventricular (HV) interval is an important index of atrioventricular conduction, but at present can be reliably measured only during an invasive electrophysiology (EP) study. Magnetocardiography (MCG) is a noninvasive measurement of weak magnetic fields generated by the heart. We compared HV interval noninvasively assessed using MCG with the corresponding values measured directly in an EP study.MethodsMCG was measured using a 37‐channel system inside a magnetically shielded room in patients who had previously undergone an EP study. His‐bundle potential was identified in the PR segment after signal averaging. Magnetic field maps representing the spatial distribution of ramp‐like signals in the PR segment generated at various instants of time were used to identify His‐bundle signals in cases where the deflection representing the His was ambiguous.ResultsThe study included 23 patients (14 male, nine female) with a wide range of HV intervals measured during EP study (49 ± 17 ms, range 35–120 ms). In 21 (91%) subjects, discernible His‐bundle signals are observed in the PR segment of MCG traces. HV intervals measured between the two methods showed a correlation (r2 = 0.87, P < 0.0001) with a mean difference of 5.4 ± 3.2 ms.ConclusionWith the use of new criteria to identify the His‐bundle deflection in signal‐averaged MCG signals, we report a high success rate in noninvasive HV interval measurement and a good agreement with those from EP study. The results encourage the use of MCG as a noninvasive method for measurement of the HV interval.
Productivity, persistence and traits related to drought tolerance in smooth bromegrass
Authors: Saeidnia Fatemeh , Majidi Mohammad Mahdi , Mirlohi Aghafakhr , Manafi Marziye 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis study was conducted to evaluate drought tolerance and persistence in a germplasm of smooth bromegrass and association of forage productivity with different traits. Thirty‐six genotypes of smooth bromegrass were clonally propagated and evaluated under two soil moisture environments for three years (2013–2015). High genotypic variation was observed among genotypes for all the measured traits. Drought stress decreased mean values for traits related to productivity. Also, the long‐term stress for three years reduced the persistence of plants. Results indicated that indirect selection based on components of forage yield, which had high heritability and high correlation with yield, would be more effective to improve drought tolerance in this germplasm. The results of principal component analysis showed that there was a negative relationship between phenological traits with the persistence‐related traits and yield production. This suggests that selection for earliness may indirectly promote persistent genotypes. The results showed that some Hungarian genotypes are valuable gene sources for persistence. The most persistent genotypes from both groups (Iranian and foreign) were identified using the biplot method. These genotypes may be useful for the development of populations for future studies.
Your brain on bikes: P3, MMN/N2b, and baseline noise while pedaling a stationary bike
Authors: Scanlon Joanna E. M. , Sieben Alex J. , Holyk Kevin R. , Mathewson Kyle E. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIncreasingly, there is a trend to measure brain activity in more ecologically realistic scenarios. Normally, the confines of the laboratory and sedentary tasks mitigate sources of electrical noise on EEG measurement. Moving EEG outside of the lab requires understanding of the impact of complex movements and activities on traditional EEG and ERP measures. Here, we recorded EEG with active electrodes while participants were either riding or sitting on a stationary bike in an electrical and sound‐attenuated chamber in the lab. Participants performed an auditory oddball task, pressing a button when they detected rare target tones in a series of standard frequent tones. We quantified both the levels of spectral, single‐trial baseline, and ERP baseline noise, as well as classic MMN/N2b and P3 ERP components measured during both biking and sitting still. We observed slight increases in posterior high frequency noise in the spectra, and increased noise in the baseline period during biking. However, morphologically and topographically similar MMN/N2b and P3 components were measured reliably while both biking and sitting. A quantification of the power to reliably measure ERPs as a function of the number of trials revealed slight increases in the number of trials needed during biking to achieve the same level of power. Taken in sum, our results confirm that classic ERPs can be measured reliably during biking activities in the lab. Future directions will employ these techniques outside the lab in ecologically valid situations.
Stable isotope analysis as an early monitoring tool for community‐scale effects of rat eradication
Authors: Nigro Katherine M. , Hathaway Stacie A. , Wegmann Alex S. , Miller‐ter Kuile Ana , Fisher Robert N. , Young Hillary S. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractInvasive rats have colonized most of the islands of the world, resulting in strong negative impacts on native biodiversity and on ecosystem functions. As prolific omnivores, invasive rats can cause local extirpation of a wide range of native species, with cascading consequences that can reshape communities and ecosystems. Eradication of rats on islands is now becoming a widespread approach to restore ecosystems, and many native island species show strong numerical responses to rat eradication. However, the effect of rat eradication on other consumers can extend beyond direct numerical effects, to changes in behavior, dietary composition, and other ecological parameters. These behavioral and trophic effects may have strong cascading impacts on the ecology of restored ecosystems, but they have rarely been examined. In this study, we explore how rat eradication has affected the trophic ecology of native land crab communities. Using stable isotope analysis of rats and crabs, we demonstrate that the diet or trophic position of most crabs changed subsequent to rat eradication. Combined with the numerical recovery of two carnivorous land crab species (Geograpsus spp.), this led to a dramatic widening of the crab trophic niche following rat eradication. Given the established importance of land crabs in structuring island communities, particularly plants, this suggests an unappreciated mechanism by which rat eradication may alter island ecology. This study also demonstrates the potential for stable isotope analysis as a complementary monitoring tool to traditional techniques, with the potential to provide more nuanced assessments of the community‐ and ecosystem‐wide effects of restoration.
Can biomarkers help us hit targets in difficult‐to‐treat asthma?
Authors: Fricker Michael , Heaney Liam G. , Upham John W. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTBiomarkers may be a key foundation for the precision medicine of the future. In this article, we review current knowledge regarding biomarkers in difficult‐to‐treat asthma and their ability to guide the use of both conventional asthma therapies and novel (targeted) therapies. Biomarkers (as measured by tests including prednisolone and cortisol assays and the fractional exhaled nitric oxide (NO) suppression test) show promise in the assessment and management of non‐adherence to inhaled and oral corticosteroids. Multiple markers of type 2 inflammation have been developed, including eosinophils in sputum and blood, exhaled NO, serum IgE and periostin. Although these show potential in guiding the selection of novel interventions for refractory type 2 inflammation in asthma, and in determining if the desired response is being achieved, it is becoming clear that different biomarkers reflect distinct components of the complex type 2 inflammatory pathways. Less progress has been made in identifying biomarkers for use in difficult‐to‐treat asthma that is not associated with type 2 inflammation. The future is likely to see further biomarker discovery, direct measurements of individual cytokines rather than surrogates of their activity and the increasing use of biomarkers in combination. If the promise of biomarkers is to be fulfilled, they will need to provide useful information that aids clinical decision‐making, rather than being ‘just another test’ for clinicians to order.
Velocity‐specific and time‐dependent adaptations following a standardized Nordic Hamstring Exercise training
Authors: Alt T. , Nodler Y. T. , Severin J. , Knicker A. J. , Strüder H. K. 
Published: March 2017

The Nordic Hamstring Exercise (NHE) is effective for selective hamstring strengthening to improve muscle balance between knee flexors and extensors. The purpose of this study (within subject design of repeated measures) was to determine the effects of a standardized 4‐week NHE training on thigh strength and muscle balance with concomitant kinetic and kinematic monitoring. Sixteen male sprinters (22 years, 181 cm, 76 kg) performed a standardized 4‐week NHE training consisting of three sessions per week (each 3×3 repetitions). Six rope‐assisted and six unassisted sessions were performed targeting at a constant knee extension angular velocity of ~15°/s across a ~90‐100° knee joint range of motion. Kinetic (peak and mean moment, impulse) and kinematic parameters (eg, ROM to downward acceleration, ROMDWA) were recorded during selected sessions. Unilateral isokinetic tests of concentric and eccentric knee flexors and extensors quantified muscle group‐, contraction mode‐, and velocity‐specific training adaptations. Peak moments and contractional work demonstrated strong interactions of time with muscle group, contraction modes, and angular velocities (η²>.150). NHE training increased eccentric hamstring strength by 6%‐14% as well as thigh muscle balance with biggest adaptations at 150°/s 2 weeks after NHE training. Throughout the training period significant increases (P<.001) of peak (η²=.828) and mean moments (η²=.611) became apparent, whereas the impulse and the ROMDWA of unassisted NHE repetitions remained unchanged (P>.05). A 4‐week NHE training significantly strengthened the hamstrings and improved muscle balance between knee flexors and extensors. Despite the slow training velocity, biggest adaptations emerged at the highest velocity 2 weeks after training ended.
Colonial criminology: A survey of what it means and why it is important
Authors: King Sanna 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAs the United States is experiencing unprecedented high rates of incarceration, especially of minorities and marginalized communities, racialized punishment has been addressed by many scholars (Alexander 2010; Wacquant 2001; Cole 1999, Tonry 2011; Stevenson 2014). Studies have shown the connection between racialized structures of inequality, punishment, and colonization (Agozino 2000, 2003; Irwin and Umemoto 2016; Bosworth and Flavin 2007). However, scholars have recognized a void in the discussion of colonial theory in the field of criminology (Agozino 2003; Cunneen and Tauri 2016; Bosworth and Flavin 2007). In this paper, I identify several ways in which criminology is closely tied to colonialism. I argue that a colonial criminology perspective assists in identifying power distinctions that construct notions of difference, thus providing a more nuanced understanding of crime, violence, and criminalization as a response to oppression and alienation. I focus primarily on colonialism in Hawai'i because of its fairly recent colonization and continuing indigenous struggle for Hawaiian sovereignty. Furthermore, Hawai'i is representative of racial and ethnic inequality and disparity within the United States criminal justice system, as the majority of both the adult and juvenile incarcerated populations in Hawai'i are of Native Hawaiian and/or Pacific Islander decent.
KELULUT HONEY SUPPLEMENTATION PREVENTS SPERM AND TESTICULAR OXIDATIVE DAMAGE IN STREPTOZOTOCIN-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS
Authors: Budin Siti Balkis , Jubaidi Fatin Farhana , Mohd Noor Azam Siti Nur Farahana , Mohamed Yusof Nur Liyana , Taib Izatus Shima , Mohamed Jamaludin 
Published: March 2017

Previous studies found that Kelulut Honey produced by Trigona spp. bees is able to prevent oxidative damage in various pathological conditions. Thus, the present study aimed to determine whether Kelulut Honey could prevent the sperm and testicular damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Male Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: Non-Diabetic (NDM), Non-Diabetic with Kelulut Honey supplementation (NDMKH), Diabetic without supplementation (DM) and Diabetic with Kelulut Honey supplementation (DMKH). Kelulut honey was given at the dose of 2.0 g/kg weight daily via gavage for 28 consecutive days. Results showed that sperm quality produced by diabetic rats supplemented with Kelulut honey significantly improved compared to the diabetic control groups (p<0.05). SOD activity and GSH level increased significantly (p<0.05) whereas PC and MDA levels significantly decreased in sperm and testis of DMKH rats when compared to DM rats (p<0.05). Histological observation showed obvious increase in spermatozoa in the lumen of epididymis and increased spermatogenic cells density in the testis of DMKH group. In conclusion, Kelulut Honey has a potential in preventing the damage of sperm and testis in diabetic rats.
Investigation of the location effect of external markers in respiratory‐gated radiotherapy
Authors: Yan Hui , Zhu Guopei , Yang James , Lu Mei , Ajlouni Munther , Kim Jae Ho , Yin Fang‐Fang 
Published: March 2017

In 7 lung and breast cancer patients, we investigated the location effect of external markers on the correlation between the motions of external markers and of an internal target under various breathing patterns.Our department developed a tumor tracking system consisting of two infrared cameras and a medical simulator. Using the system, we monitored the simultaneous motions of tumor and external markers placed at various locations on a patient's skin and saved the results for offline analysis. We then used a cross‐covariance approach to analyze the correlation between the motions of individual markers and of the tumor. Based on the additive model, we evaluated the predictability of tumor motion from the motions of the external markers.The effect of marker location on the correlation between the motions of the tumor and of the external markers varied widely from patient to patient. At no specific marker location did the surrogate signal consistently present superior correlation with tumor motion in 3 breathing sessions with 7 patients. When the composite external signal generated from multiple external motion signals was correlated with tumor motion, the quality of the correlation improved significantly. In most cases, the composite signal provided the best surrogate signal for correlating with tumor motion.Correlation between the motions of external markers and of a tumor may be affected by several factors, including patient characteristics, marker locations, and breathing pattern. A single external marker cannot provide sufficient and reliable tracking information for tumor motion. A composite signal generated from the motions of multiple external makers provides an excellent surrogate signal, which in this study demonstrated superior correlation with tumor motion as compared with the signal provided by an individual marker. A composite signal would be a more reliable way to track tumor motion during respiratory‐gated radiotherapy.PACS numbers: 87.53.Jw
The Proximity of Ribosomal Protein Genes to
oriC
Enhances
Vibrio cholerae
Fitness in the Absence of Multifork Replication
Authors: Soler-Bistué Alfonso , Timmermans Michaël , Mazel Didier 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Recent works suggest that bacterial gene order links chromosome structure to cell homeostasis. Comparative genomics showed that, in fast-growing bacteria, ribosomal protein genes (RP) locate near the replication origin (
oriC
). We recently showed that
Vibrio cholerae
employs this positional bias as a growth optimization strategy: under fast-growth conditions, multifork replication increases RP dosage and expression. However, RP location may provide advantages in a dosage-independent manner: for example, the physical proximity of the many ribosomal components, in the context of a crowded cytoplasm, may favor ribosome biogenesis. To uncover putative dosage-independent effects, we studied isogenic
V. cholerae
derivatives in which the major RP locus,
S10-spc-α
(S10), was relocated to alternative genomic positions. When bacteria grew fast, bacterial fitness was reduced according to the S10 relative distance to
oriC
. The growth of wild-type
V. cholerae
could not be improved by additional copies of the locus, suggesting a physiologically optimized genomic location. Slow growth is expected to uncouple RP position from dosage, since multifork replication does not occur. Under these conditions, we detected a fitness impairment when S10 was far from
oriC
. Deep sequencing followed by marker frequency analysis in the absence of multifork replication revealed an up to 30% S10 dosage reduction associated with its relocation that closely correlated with fitness alterations. Hence, the impact of S10 location goes beyond a growth optimization strategy during feast periods. RP location may be important during the whole life cycle of this pathogen.

IMPORTANCE
The role of gene order within the bacterial chromosome is poorly understood. In fast growers, the location of genes linked with the expression of genetic information (i.e., transcription and translation) is biased toward
oriC
. It was proposed that the location of these genes helps to maximize their expression by recruiting multifork replication during fast growth. Our results show that such genomic positioning impacts cell fitness beyond fast-growth conditions, probably across the whole life cycle of fast growers. Thus, the genomic position of key highly expressed genes, such as RP, was finely tuned during the evolution of fast-growing bacteria and may also be important in slow growers. In the near future, many more genes whose genomic position impacts bacterial phenotype will be described. These studies will contribute to discovery the rules of genome organization and application of them for the design of synthetic chromosomes and the creation of artificial life forms.
Role of Eosinophils and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha in Interleukin-25-Mediated Protection from Amebic Colitis
Authors: Noor Zannatun , Watanabe Koji , Abhyankar Mayuresh M. , Burgess Stacey L. , Buonomo Erica L. , Cowardin Carrie A. , Petri William A. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

The parasite
Entamoeba histolytica
is a cause of diarrhea in infants in low-income countries. Previously, it was shown that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production was associated with increased risk of
E. histolytica
diarrhea in children. Interleukin-25 (IL-25) is a cytokine that is produced by intestinal epithelial cells that has a role in maintenance of gut barrier function and inhibition of TNF-α production. IL-25 expression was decreased in humans and in the mouse model of amebic colitis. Repletion of IL-25 blocked
E. histolytica
infection and barrier disruption in mice, increased gut eosinophils, and suppressed colonic TNF-α. Depletion of eosinophils with anti-Siglec-F antibody prevented IL-25-mediated protection. In contrast, depletion of TNF-α resulted in resistance to amebic infection. We concluded that IL-25 provides protection from amebiasis, which is dependent upon intestinal eosinophils and suppression of TNF-α.

IMPORTANCE
The intestinal epithelial barrier is important for protection from intestinal amebiasis. We discovered that the intestinal epithelial cytokine IL-25 was suppressed during amebic colitis in humans and that protection could be restored in the mouse model by IL-25 administration. IL-25 acted via eosinophils and suppressed TNF-α. This work illustrates a previously unrecognized pathway of innate mucosal immune response.
First-principles study on structural, elastic and thermal properties of γ-TiAl and α2-Ti3Al phases in TiAl-based alloy under high pressure
Authors: Zhang Chaoyan , Hou Hua , Zhao Yuhong , Yang Xiaomin , Guo Yaqiong 
Published: March 2017

The structural, elastic and thermal properties of [Formula: see text]-TiAl and [Formula: see text]-Ti3Al phases in the TiAl-based alloy under pressure were reported using CASTEP program based on the density functional theory. The calculated equilibrium parameters and elastic constants are in good agreement with experimental and the available theoretical data. The results indicate that under the same pressure, the [Formula: see text] phase in the direction along [Formula: see text]-axis is easier to be compressed than the [Formula: see text] phase, while the compression along [Formula: see text]-axis of [Formula: see text] phase is larger than that of [Formula: see text] phase; when the pressure is below 20 GPa, both the two phases are elastically stable, but the [Formula: see text] phase have higher shear modulus and Young’s modulus, and the [Formula: see text] phase has better ductility and plasticity. Debye temperature, bulk modulus, thermal expansion coefficient and heat capacity of the [Formula: see text] phase and [Formula: see text] phase under high pressure and high temperature were also successfully calculated and compared using the quasi-harmonic Debye model in the present work.
Mixed magmatic–phreatomagmatic explosions during the formation of the Joya Honda maar, San Luis Potosí, Mexico
Authors: Saucedo R. , Macías J. L. , Ocampo-Díaz Y. Z. E. , Gómez-Villa W. , Rivera-Olguín E. , Castro-Govea R. , Sánchez-Núñez J. M. , Layer P. W. , Torres Hernández J. R. , Carrasco-Núñez G. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

The Joya Honda maar (JHm) is located in central Mexico, 35 km NNE of the city of San Luis Potosí. It lies in the Plio-Quaternary alkaline Ventura-Espíritu Santo Volcanic Field located in the eastern part of Mesa Central province. The JHm eruption occurred at 311±19 ka (
40
Ar/
39
Ar) along a fissure that formed an elliptical crater (
c.
1.3×0.9 km wide and
c.
270 m deep) with a major axis oriented to the ENE–WSW. The eruption generated pyroclastic surge deposits that preferentially extended up to a distance of 7 km to the NW–NE of the crater, with a very limited distribution to the south. At the crater rim, the sequence is 60–80 m thick on the NE–NW wall and 1–15 m thick on the south–SW rim. The JHm sequence is divided into five units with different structures, textures, granulometry and components. The juvenile basanite clasts of these units display differences in vesicularity, density and morphology under scanning electron microscopy. These units correspond to the same number of eruptive phases as follows: Phase 1 occurred as a series of alternating strombolian and phreatomagmatic explosions that dispersed fall deposits and base surges; Phase 2 began with strombolian activity that emplaced basanite scoria with low contents of mantle xenoliths; Phase 3 continued with phreatomagmatic explosions that emplaced wet and dry pyroclastic surges; Phase 4 generated strombolian explosions rich in mantle xenoliths; and Phase 5 produced a violent strombolian phase that dispersed fallouts rich in mantle xenoliths and intermixed with discrete phreatomagmatic explosions that emplaced pyroclastic surges. These eruptive fluctuations during the genesis of JHm are a response to the relative proportions of magma–water interaction through time and complex faulting of the calcareous rocks underneath the volcano. The distribution and textural characteristics of the deposits suggest that simultaneous or alternating vents were active during the eruption, possibly following a fissure. These variations may have been subordinated to factors such as the availability of groundwater, the velocity of magma ascent, the discharge rate and degassing.