bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation on the Effect of Shrinkage Reducing Admixtures on Shrinkage and Durability of High-Performance Concrete
Authors: Hatami Behzad , Ramezanianpour Amir Mohammad , Saedi Daryan Amir 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Because of the advances in material science, new materials are launched to market that make it possible to produce concretes with more desirable properties for technical applications. These new concretes that cannot be made using the common materials and mixing ratios are called high-performance concretes. High-performance concretes are usually made with a low water-to-cement (w/c) ratio and high cement contents. High-performance concrete and its properties have gained the attention of engineers in recent years. One of the major shortcomings of cement-based materials such as concrete is their shrinkage. In this study, the effect of shrinkage-reducing admixture (SRA) on the shrinkage and durability of concrete is investigated. To examine SRA effects on shrinkage, free and constrained shrinkage tests are carried out while taking into account the impact of changing w/c ratio and cement content. Moreover, to study the durability of high-performance concrete, tests are carried out on durability parameters, including electrical resistance, depth of water penetration under pressure, and the percentage of water absorbed by the concrete. The results show that the use of shrinkage-reducing material decreases free shrinkage of concrete. When applying a lower w/c ratio and higher contents of cementitious materials, the use of this substance has a greater impact. Constrained shrinkage test results also indicate that the use of SRA additive causes a significant increase in the time of shrinkage crack formation during the test. The results of the durability tests indicate significantly improved durability properties of concrete aged 28 days.
The Case for Technical Performance Standards for Radiation Inspection Systems
Authors: Hudson Larry 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Technical performance standards operate within the homeland security enterprise to save significant time and money while increasing public safety. This is illustrated in this white paper through the lens of the standards infrastructure that is being developed to ensure the imaging performance and radiation safety of security screening systems in the United States that use active radiation probes to detect explosives and other contraband. The products of this effort include standard test objects, test methods, objective scoring algorithms, minimum performance requirements, technical guidance documents, and dosimetry protocols supported by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) measurement science and computational modeling. This project responds to government requirements for 100 % screening of transnational cargo and airline passengers and baggage while also establishing the means to harmonize national standards across disparate agencies and with international norms. This report will show how standards gaps are identified and anticipated and outline the standards development process, especially highlighting issues unique to technical performance standardization. Specific use cases are offered that document the impact of measurement standards when applied across the life cycle of radiation inspection systems in ways that complement and inform threat-based and operational testing and evaluation (T&E). Finally, a list of specific benefits to both public- and private-sector actors is given that, based upon experience to date, demonstrates the manifold and leveraged returns from applying technical performance standards to security screening.
Glutamate Activates AMPA Receptor Conductance in the Developing Schwann Cells of the Mammalian Peripheral Nerves
Authors: Chen Ting-Jiun , Fröhlich Nicole , Kula Bartosz , Barzan Ruxandra , Kukley Maria 
Published: December 2017

Schwann cells (SCs) are myelinating cells of the PNS. Although SCs are known to express different channels and receptors on their surface, little is known about the activation and function of these proteins. Ionotropic glutamate receptors are thought to play an essential role during development of SC lineage and during peripheral nerve injury, so we sought to study their functional properties. We established a novel preparation of living peripheral nerve slices with preserved cellular architecture and used a patch-clamp technique to study AMPA-receptor (AMPAR)-mediated currents in SCs for the first time. We found that the majority of SCs in the nerves dissected from embryonic and neonatal mice of both sexes respond to the application of glutamate with inward current mediated by Ca2+-permeable AMPARs. Using stationary fluctuation analysis (SFA), we demonstrate that single-channel conductance of AMPARs in SCs is 8–11 pS, which is comparable to that in neurons. We further show that, when SCs become myelinating, they downregulate functional AMPARs. This study is the first to demonstrate AMPAR-mediated conductance in SCs of vertebrates, to investigate elementary properties of AMPARs in these cells, and to provide detailed electrophysiological and morphological characterization of SCs at different stages of development.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe provide several important conceptual and technical advances in research on the PNS. We pioneer the first description of AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-mediated currents in the PNS glia of vertebrates and provide new insights into the properties of AMPAR channels in peripheral glia; for example, their Ca2+permeability and single-channel conductance. We describe for the first time the electrophysiological and morphological properties of Schwann cells (SCs) at different stages of development and show that functional AMPARs are expressed only in developing, not mature, SCs. Finally, we introduce a preparation of peripheral nerve slices for patch-clamp recordings. This preparation opens new possibilities for studying the physiology of SCs in animal models and in surgical human samples.
Cellular Functions of the Autism Risk Factor PTCHD1 in Mice
Authors: Tora David , Gomez Andrea M. , Michaud Jean-Francois , Yam Patricia T. , Charron Frédéric , Scheiffele Peter 
Published: December 2017

The genepatched domain containing 1(PTCHD1) is mutated in patients with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities and has been hypothesized to contribute to Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling and synapse formation. We identify a panel of Ptchd1-interacting proteins that include postsynaptic density proteins and the retromer complex, revealing a link to critical regulators of dendritic and postsynaptic trafficking.Ptchd1knock-out (KO) male mice exhibit cognitive alterations, including defects in a novel object recognition task. To test whether Ptchd1 is required for Shh-dependent signaling, we examined two Shh-dependent cell populations that express high levels ofPtchd1mRNA: cerebellar granule cell precursors and dentate granule cells in the hippocampus. We found that proliferation of these neuronal precursors was not altered significantly inPtchd1KO male mice. We used whole-cell electrophysiology and anatomical methods to assess synaptic function in Ptchd1-deficient dentate granule cells. In the absence of Ptchd1, we observed profound disruption in excitatory/inhibitory balance despite normal dendritic spine density on dentate granule cells. These findings support a critical role of the Ptchd1 protein in the dentate gyrus, but indicate that it is not required for structural synapse formation in dentate granule cells or for Shh-dependent neuronal precursor proliferation.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe mechanisms underlying neuronal and cellular alterations resulting frompatched domain containing 1(Ptchd1) gene mutations are unknown. The results from this study support an association with dendritic trafficking complexes of Ptchd1. Loss-of-function experiments do not support a role in sonic hedgehog-dependent signaling, but reveal a disruption of synaptic transmission in the mouse dentate gyrus. The findings will help to guide ongoing efforts to understand the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders arising from Ptchd1 deficiency.
Hippocampal-Prefrontal Reactivation during Learning Is Stronger in Awake Compared with Sleep States
Authors: Tang Wenbo , Shin Justin D. , Frank Loren M. , Jadhav Shantanu P. 
Published: December 2017

Hippocampal sharp-wave ripple (SWR) events occur during both behavior (awake SWRs) and slow-wave sleep (sleep SWRs). Awake and sleep SWRs both contribute to spatial learning and memory, thought to be mediated by the coordinated reactivation of behavioral experiences in hippocampal-cortical circuits seen during SWRs. Current hypotheses suggest that reactivation contributes to memory consolidation processes, but whether awake and sleep reactivation are suited to play similar or different roles remains unclear. Here we addressed that issue by examining the structure of hippocampal (area CA1) and prefrontal (PFC) activity recorded across behavior and sleep stages in male rats learning a spatial alternation task. We found a striking state difference: prefrontal modulation during awake and sleep SWRs was surprisingly distinct, with differing patterns of excitation and inhibition. CA1-PFC synchronization was stronger during awake SWRs, and spatial reactivation, measured using both pairwise and ensemble measures, was more structured for awake SWRs compared with post-task sleep SWRs. Stronger awake reactivation was observed despite the absence of coordination between network oscillations, namely hippocampal SWRs and cortical delta and spindle oscillations, which is prevalent during sleep. Finally, awake CA1-PFC reactivation was enhanced most prominently during initial learning in a novel environment, suggesting a key role in early learning. Our results demonstrate significant differences in awake and sleep reactivation in the hippocampal-prefrontal network. These findings suggest that awake SWRs support accurate memory storage and memory-guided behavior, whereas sleep SWR reactivation is better suited to support integration of memories across experiences during consolidation.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHippocampal sharp-wave ripples (SWRs) occur both in the awake state during behavior and in the sleep state after behavior. Awake and sleep SWRs are associated with memory reactivation and are important for learning, but their specific memory functions remain unclear. Here, we found profound differences in hippocampal-cortical reactivation during awake and sleep SWRs, with key implications for their roles in memory. Awake reactivation is a higher-fidelity representation of behavioral experiences, and is enhanced during early learning, without requiring coordination of network oscillations that is seen during sleep. Our findings suggest that awake reactivation is ideally suited to support initial memory formation, retrieval and planning, whereas sleep reactivation may play a broader role in integrating memories across experiences during consolidation.
Arrested Development
Authors: Cortés Juvenal J. 
Published: December 2017

On March 2014, Mexico adopted laws outlining the use of direct democracy. Direct democracy promised to give citizens greater control of government by reducing the gap between citizens and government. However, the first four referendums were not proposed by citizens but one each by the four major parties. Using process tracing, I examine the congressional debate of direct democracy and demonstrate that its design and rules leave little room for citizens to use the process but allow large organizations, like parties, ample room to use it. The lesson is that direct democracy should not be studied independently from the political parties that adopt it.
En marzo de 2014, México aprobó leyes que delineaban el uso de la democracia directa. Ésta prometía otorgar a los ciudadanos un mayor control sobre el gobierno reduciendo la distancia entre ciudadanos y gobernantes. Sin embargo, los cuatro primeros referendos no fueron propuestos por ciudadanos, sino por cada uno de los cuatro partidos principales. Mediante el seguimiento de procesos, analizo el debate del Congreso en torno a la democracia directa y demuestro que el diseño y las reglas dejan poco espacio para que los ciudadanos hagan uso del procedimiento, y sin embargo, permiten que organizaciones como los partidos tengan amplio margen para utilizarlo. La lección es que la democracia directa no debe estudiarse independientemente de los partidos políticos que la adoptan.
Cell-Type Transcriptomes of the Multicellular Green AlgaVolvox carteriYield Insights into the Evolutionary Origins of Germ and Somatic Differentiation Programs
Authors: Matt Gavriel Y , Umen James G 
Published: December 2017

AbstractGerm–soma differentiation is a hallmark of complex multicellular organisms, yet its origins are not well understood. Volvox carteri is a simple multicellular green alga that has recently evolved a simple germ–soma dichotomy with only two cell-types: large germ cells called gonidia and small terminally differentiated somatic cells. Here, we provide a comprehensive characterization of the gonidial and somatic transcriptomes of V. carteri to uncover fundamental differences between the molecular and metabolic programming of these cell-types. We found extensive transcriptome differentiation between cell-types, with somatic cells expressing a more specialized program overrepresented in younger, lineage-specific genes, and gonidial cells expressing a more generalist program overrepresented in more ancient genes that shared striking overlap with stem cell-specific genes from animals and land plants. Directed analyses of different pathways revealed a strong dichotomy between cell-types with gonidial cells expressing growth-related genes and somatic cells expressing an altruistic metabolic program geared toward the assembly of flagella, which support organismal motility, and the conversion of storage carbon to sugars, which act as donors for production of extracellular matrix (ECM) glycoproteins whose secretion enables massive organismal expansion. V. carteri orthologs of diurnally controlled genes from C. reinhardtii, a single-celled relative, were analyzed for cell-type distribution and found to be strongly partitioned, with expression of dark-phase genes overrepresented in somatic cells and light-phase genes overrepresented in gonidial cells- a result that is consistent with cell-type programs in V. carteri arising by cooption of temporal regulons in a unicellular ancestor. Together, our findings reveal fundamental molecular, metabolic, and evolutionary mechanisms that underlie the origins of germ–soma differentiation in V. carteri and provide a template for understanding the acquisition of germ–soma differentiation in other multicellular lineages.
Whole Genome Sequencing of Hulunbuir Short-Tailed Sheep for Identifying Candidate Genes Related to the Short-Tail Phenotype
Authors: Zhi Dafu , Da Lai , Liu Moning , Cheng Chen , Zhang Yukun , Wang Xin , Li Xiunan , Tian Zhipeng , Yang Yanyan , He Tingyi , Long Xin , Wei Wei , Cao Guifang 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
The Hulunbuir short-tailed sheep (Ovis aries) is a breed native to China, in which the short-tail phenotype is the result of artificial and natural selection favoring a specific set of genetic mutations. Here, we analyzed the genetic differences between short-tail and normal-tail phenotypes at the genomic level. Selection signals were identified in genome-wide sequences. From 16 sheep, we identified 72,101,346 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Selection signals were detected based on the fixation index and heterozygosity. Seven genomic regions under putative selection were identified, and these regions contained nine genes. Among these genes, T was the strongest candidate as T is related to vertebral development. In T, a nonsynonymous mutation at c.G334T resulted in p.G112W substitution. We inferred that the c.G334T mutation in T leads to functional changes in Brachyury—encoded by this gene—resulting in the short-tail phenotype. Our findings provide a valuable insight into the development of the short-tail phenotype in sheep and other short-tailed animals.
A 12.3-kb Duplication Within the VWF Gene in Pigs Affected by Von Willebrand Disease Type 3
Authors: Lehner Stefanie , Ekhlasi-Hundrieser Mahnaz , Detering Carsten , Allerkamp Hanna , Pfarrer Christiane , von Depka Prondzinski Mario 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Von Willebrand Disease (VWD) type 3 is a serious and sometimes fatal hereditary bleeding disorder. In pigs, the disease has been known for decades, and affected animals are used as models for the human disease. Due to the recessive mode of inheritance of VWD type 3, severe bleeding is typically seen in homozygous individuals. We sequenced the complete porcine VWF (Von Willebrand Factor) complementary DNA (cDNA) and detected a tandem duplication of exons 17 and 18, causing a frameshift and a premature termination codon (p.Val814LeufsTer3) in the affected pig. Subsequent next generation sequencing on genomic DNA proved the existence of a 12.3-kb tandem duplication associated with VWD. This duplication putatively originates from porcine Short Interspersed Nuclear Elements (SINEs) located within VWF introns 16 and 18 with high identity. The premature termination truncates the VWF open reading frame by a large part, resulting in an almost entire loss of the mature peptide. It is therefore supposed to account for the severe VWD type 3. Our results further indicate the presence of strong, nonsense-mediated decay in VWF messenger RNA (mRNA) containing the duplication, which was supported by the almost complete absence of the complete VWF protein in immunohistochemistry analysis of the VWD-affected pig. In the past, differentiation of wild-type and heterozygous pigs in this VWD colony had to rely on clinical examinations and additional laboratory methods. The present study provides the basis to distinguish both genotypes by performing a rapid and simple genetic analysis.
Risk of Rotavirus Nosocomial Spread After Inpatient Pentavalent Rotavirus Vaccination
Authors: Hofstetter Annika M. , Lacombe Kirsten , Klein Eileen J. , Jones Charla , Strelitz Bonnie , Jacobson Elizabeth , Ranade Daksha , Ward M. Leanne , Mijatovic-Rustempasic Slavica , Evans Diana , Wikswo Mary , Bowen Michael D. , Parashar Umesh D. , Payne Daniel C. , Englund Janet A. 
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND:
Infants born prematurely or with underlying conditions are at increased risk of severe rotavirus disease and associated complications. Given the theoretical risk of nosocomial transmission of vaccine-type rotavirus, rotavirus vaccination is recommended for infants at or after discharge from neonatal care settings. Because the first dose should be administered by 104 days of age, some infants may be age-ineligible for vaccination if delayed until discharge.

METHODS:
This prospective cohort included infants admitted to an urban academic medical center between birth and 104 days who received care in intensive care settings. Pentavalent human-bovine reassortant rotavirus vaccine (RV5) was used, per routine clinical care. Stool specimens were collected weekly (February 2013–April 2014) and analyzed for rotavirus strains using real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Demographic and vaccine data were collected. RV5 safety was not assessed.

RESULTS:
Of 385 study infants, 127 were age-eligible for routine vaccinations during hospitalization. At discharge, 32.7% were up-to-date for rotavirus vaccination, compared with 82.7% for other vaccinations. Of rotavirus-unvaccinated infants, 42.6% were discharged at age &gt;104 days and thus vaccination-ineligible. Of 1192 stool specimens collected, rotavirus was detected in 13 (1.1%): 1 wild-type strain from an unvaccinated infant; 12 vaccine-type strains from 9 RV5-vaccinated infants. No vaccine-type rotavirus cases were observed among unvaccinated infants (incidence rate: 0.0 [95% confidence interval: 0.0–1.5] cases per 1000 patient days at risk).

CONCLUSIONS:
These data suggest that delaying rotavirus vaccination until discharge from the hospital could lead to missed vaccination opportunities and may be unnecessary in institutions using RV5 with comparable infection control standards.
Standardizing the Evaluation of Nonaccidental Trauma in a Large Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Riney Lauren C. , Frey Theresa M. , Fain Emily T. , Duma Elena M. , Bennett Berkeley L. , Murtagh Kurowski Eileen 
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Variability exists in the evaluation of nonaccidental trauma (NAT) in the pediatric emergency department because of misconceptions and individual bias of clinicians. Further maltreatment, injury, and death can ensue if these children are not evaluated appropriately. The implementation of guidelines for NAT evaluation has been successful in decreasing differences in care as influenced by race and ethnicity of the patient and their family. Our Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely aim was to increase the percent of patients evaluated in the emergency department for NAT who receive guideline-adherent evaluation from 47% to 80% by December 31, 2016.

METHODS:
The team determined key drivers for the project and tested them by using multiple plan-do-study-act cycles. Interventions included construction of a best practice guideline, provider education, integration of the guideline into workflow, and order set construction to support guideline recommendations. Data were compiled from electronic medical records to identify patients &lt;3 years of age evaluated in the pediatric emergency department for suspected NAT based on chart review. Adherence to guideline recommendations for age-specific evaluation (&lt;6, 6–12, and &gt;12–36 months) was tracked over time on statistical process control charts to evaluate the impact of the interventions.

RESULTS:
A total of 640 encounters had provider concern for NAT and were included in the analysis. Adherence to age-specific guideline recommendations improved from a baseline of 47% to 69%.

CONCLUSIONS:
With our improvement methodology, we successfully increased guideline-adherent evaluation for patients with provider concern for NAT. Education and electronic support at the point of care were key drivers for initial implementation.
REFINANDO EL TEMPO DE LA MÚSICA PARA UN EFECTO ERGOGÉNICO DURANTE EL EJERCICIO DE CICLISMO ESTACIONARIO
Authors: Aburto-Corona Jorge Alberto , Aragón-Vargas Luis Fernando 
Published: December 2017

El efecto de la música durante el ejercicio ha sido estudiado desde muchas perspectivas, pero los resultados no han sido del todo claros, probablemente por la falta apropiada de control en la investigación. El propósito de este estudio fue medir el rendimiento físico en bicicleta estacionaria en un ambiente caluroso, en condiciones cuidadosamente controladas, modificando solo el tempo de la música. Diez estudiantes físicamente activos, con 24.5±3.6 años de edad (promedio ± desviación estándar), escogieron su música favorita para hacer ejercicio y realizaron una prueba de máximo esfuerzo en bicicleta. Durante las siguientes visitas al laboratorio, los participantes pedalearon a una cadencia de su preferencia y contra una resistencia constante (70% de la carga máxima) dentro de un cuarto de clima controlado (28.6±0.5°C y 65±3%FC), por 30 minutos en tres días diferentes, sin música (NM), con música tempo medio (MT-120ppm) o música tempo rápido (FT-140ppm) en orden aleatorio. Se registró el esfuerzo percibido (EP), la frecuencia cardíaca (FC) y el trabajo realizado (TR). No se encontró diferencia significativa entre condiciones en EP (4.47±1.52; 4.22±1.5; 3.83±2.06u.a. para NM, MT y FT, respectivamente, p=.162) ni FC (142.4±24.53; 142.6±24.37; 142.9±18.36lpm para NM, MT y FT, respectivamente, p=.994). Sin embargo, sí se encontraron diferencias en TR (43.4±19.02; 46.1±20.34; 47.1±20.97kJ para NM, MT y FT, respectivamente, p=.009); el análisis post-hoc demostró que esas diferencias en TR eran entre FT y NM. Al utilizar música del agrado de cada persona durante el ejercicio, los participantes mejoraron el rendimiento físico solo con tempo rápido de 140ppm.