bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of muscle action type on corticospinal excitability and triceps surae muscle-tendon mechanics
Authors: Valadão P. , Kurokawa S. , Finni T. , Avela J. 
Published: November 2017

This study investigated whether the specific motor control strategy reported for eccentric muscle actions is dependent on muscle mechanical behavior. Motor evoked potentials, Hoffman reflex (H-reflex), fascicle length, pennation angle, and fascicle velocity of soleus muscle were compared between isometric and two eccentric conditions. Ten volunteers performed maximal plantarflexion trials in isometric, slow eccentric (25°/s), and fast eccentric (100°/s) conditions, each in a different randomized testing session. H-reflex normalized by the preceding M wave (H/M) was depressed in both eccentric conditions compared with isometric ( P < 0.001), while no differences in fascicle length and pennation angle were found among conditions. Furthermore, although the fast eccentric condition had greater fascicle velocity than slow eccentric ( P = 0.001), there were no differences in H/M. There were no differences in motor evoked potential size between conditions, and silent period was shorter for both eccentric conditions compared with isometric ( P = 0.009). Taken together, the present results corroborate the hypothesis that the central nervous system has an unique activation strategy during eccentric muscle actions and suggest that sensory feedback does not play an important role in modulating these muscle actions.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study provides new insight into the motor control of eccentric muscle actions. It was demonstrated that task-dependent corticospinal excitability modulation does not seem to depend on sensory information processing. These findings support the hypothesis that the central nervous system has a unique activation strategy during eccentric muscle actions.
A fast, invariant representation for human action in the visual system
Authors: Isik Leyla , Tacchetti Andrea , Poggio Tomaso 
Published: November 2017

Humans can effortlessly recognize others’ actions in the presence of complex transformations, such as changes in viewpoint. Several studies have located the regions in the brain involved in invariant action recognition; however, the underlying neural computations remain poorly understood. We use magnetoencephalography decoding and a data set of well-controlled, naturalistic videos of five actions (run, walk, jump, eat, drink) performed by different actors at different viewpoints to study the computational steps used to recognize actions across complex transformations. In particular, we ask when the brain discriminates between different actions, and when it does so in a manner that is invariant to changes in 3D viewpoint. We measure the latency difference between invariant and noninvariant action decoding when subjects view full videos as well as form-depleted and motion-depleted stimuli. We were unable to detect a difference in decoding latency or temporal profile between invariant and noninvariant action recognition in full videos. However, when either form or motion information is removed from the stimulus set, we observe a decrease and delay in invariant action decoding. Our results suggest that the brain recognizes actions and builds invariance to complex transformations at the same time and that both form and motion information are crucial for fast, invariant action recognition. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The human brain can quickly recognize actions despite transformations that change their visual appearance. We use neural timing data to uncover the computations underlying this ability. We find that within 200 ms action can be read out of magnetoencephalography data and that this representation is invariant to changes in viewpoint. We find form and motion are needed for this fast action decoding, suggesting that the brain quickly integrates complex spatiotemporal features to form invariant action representations.
Intrinsic and Atmospherically Forced Variability of the AMOC: Insights from a Large-Ensemble Ocean Hindcast
Authors: Leroux Stephanie , Penduff Thierry , Bessières Laurent , Molines Jean-Marc , Brankart Jean-Michel , Sérazin Guillaume , Barnier Bernard , Terray Laurent 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This study investigates the origin and features of interannual–decadal Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) variability from several ocean simulations, including a large (50 member) ensemble of global, eddy-permitting (1/4°) ocean–sea ice hindcasts. After an initial stochastic perturbation, each member is driven by the same realistic atmospheric forcing over 1960–2015. The magnitude, spatiotemporal scales, and patterns of both the atmospherically forced and intrinsic–chaotic interannual AMOC variability are then characterized from the ensemble mean and ensemble spread, respectively. The analysis of the ensemble-mean variability shows that the AMOC fluctuations north of 40°N are largely driven by the atmospheric variability, which forces meridionally coherent fluctuations reaching decadal time scales. The amplitude of the intrinsic interannual AMOC variability never exceeds the atmospherically forced contribution in the Atlantic basin, but it reaches up to 100% of the latter around 35°S and 60% in the Northern Hemisphere midlatitudes. The intrinsic AMOC variability exhibits a large-scale meridional coherence, especially south of 25°N. An EOF analysis over the basin shows two large-scale leading modes that together explain 60% of the interannual intrinsic variability. The first mode is likely excited by intrinsic oceanic processes at the southern end of the basin and affects latitudes up to 40°N; the second mode is mostly restricted to, and excited within, the Northern Hemisphere midlatitudes. These features of the intrinsic, chaotic variability (intensity, patterns, and random phase) are barely sensitive to the atmospheric evolution, and they strongly resemble the “pure intrinsic” interannual AMOC variability that emerges in climatological simulations under repeated seasonal-cycle forcing. These results raise questions about the attribution of observed and simulated AMOC signals and about the possible impact of intrinsic signals on the atmosphere.
Recursive Partitioning Analysis of Mediastinal N2 Lymph Node Involvement with Selected Biological Markers in Operable Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Correlative Study
Authors: Bozcuk H , Gumus A , Ozbilim G , Sarper A , Kucukosmanoglu I , Ozdogan M , Demircan A 
Published: November 2017

Background Expressions of various biomarkers in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been linked with the prognosis and involvement of mediastinal lymph nodes. Methods In this study, we utilized recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) by using P53, c-erb-B2, and P-glycoprotein (PGP) expressions evaluated by immunohistochemistry to estimate retrospectively the likelihood of the occult N2 mediastinal lymph node involvement in patients with operable NSCLC. Results In univariate tests, immunohistochemical staining of the primary tumor for these 3 markers in 61 patients undergoing surgery revealed no direct relationship with the N2 involvement. However, RPA demonstrated in patients aged <75 and with ≥4 mediastinal lymph nodes removed that, high PGP expression frequency (≥20%) predicted an increased likelihood of the N2 involvement (46.7%, R2 = 0.25). Univariate nominal logistic regression analysis revealed that RPA group affiliation, and the number of mediastinal lymph nodes resected (logarithmic transformation) were associated with the metastasis to N2 lymph nodes (χ2 = 17.59, p = 0.0005, and χ2 = 2.40, p = 0.0654, respectively). Multivariate analysis confirmed that only RPA group affiliation predicted the N2 involvement (χ2 = 14.63, p = 0.0022). Conclusion This study shows for the first time that PGP expression of the primary tumor may help to predict the occult N2 mediastinal lymph node involvement in NSCLC. Thus, further research is required to understand whether PGP expression may aid in the decision process for preoperative mediastinoscopy.
The Sample Type used Affects the Levels of Gelatinases (MMP-2 and -9) and their Inhibitors (TIMP-1 and -2) in Circulating Blood of Healthy Controls and Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Paula Kuvaja , Anne Talvensaari-Mattila , Taina Turpeenniemi-Hujanen 
Published: November 2017

New potential tumor markers such as matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors have been extensively studied during the last decades. The aim is to find prognostic markers that are measurable in easily available samples, such as serum or plasma. The proper sample type to use when measuring the levels of gelatinases and their inhibitors from blood samples is currently under critical evaluation. In this study, the effect of sample type is studied in 26 healthy controls, and the result is confirmed in a series of 80 breast carcinoma patients. Sample type had the most evident effect on the levels of TIMP-1 and MMP-9. Serum samples gave about two-fold levels of TIMP-1 compared to plasma samples (p < 0.001), with a strong linear correlation between these two (r = 0.79). Pro-MMP-9 levels were significantly affected by the presence of a blood coagulation activator in the serum sample, or a different anticoagulant in the plasma sample. The serum and plasma values had only a weak correlation (r = 0.37). In conclusion, sample type should be carefully considered, especially when measuring proMMP-9, and plasma should be preferred for this measurement. For TIMP-1 the correlation of serum and plasma values is good; the use of serum samples can therefore be justified as long as the generally higher levels in the serum are acknowledged.
Hamstring Injuries in Professional Soccer Players: Extent of MRI-Detected Edema and the Time to Return to Play
Authors: Crema Michel D. , Godoy Ivan R. B. , Abdalla Rene J. , de Aquino Jose Sanchez , Ingham Sheila J. McNeill , Skaf Abdalla Y. 
Published: November 2017

Background: Discrepancies exist in the literature regarding the association of the extent of injuries assessed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with recovery times. Hypothesis: MRI-detected edema in grade 1 hamstring injuries does not affect the return to play (RTP). Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: Grade 1 hamstring injuries from 22 professional soccer players were retrospectively reviewed. The extent of edema-like changes on fluid-sensitive sequences from 1.5-T MRI were evaluated using craniocaudal length, percentage of cross-sectional area, and volume. The time needed to RTP was the outcome. Negative binomial regression analysis tested the measurements of MRI-detected edema-like changes as prognostic factors. Results: The mean craniocaudal length was 7.6 cm (SD, 4.9 cm; range, 0.9-19.1 cm), the mean percentage of cross-sectional area was 23.6% (SD, 20%; range, 4.4%-89.6%), and the mean volume was 33.1 cm3 (SD, 42.6 cm3; range, 1.1-161.3 cm3). The mean time needed to RTP was 13.6 days (SD, 8.9 days; range, 3-32 days). None of the parameters of extent was associated with RTP. Conclusion: The extent of MRI edema in hamstring injuries does not have prognostic value. Clinical Relevance: Measuring the extent of edema in hamstring injuries using MRI does not add prognostic value in clinical practice.
Wrist Motion Variation between Novices and Experienced Surgeons Performing Simulated Airway Surgery
Authors: Callahan Edward , Bly Randall , Johnson Kaalan , Aghdasi Nava , Hannaford Blake , Moe Kris , Sardesai Maya G. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveTo determine whether wrist motion measured by a smartphone application can be used as a performance metric for a simulated airway procedure requiring both wrist and finger dexterity. We hypothesized that this accelerometer application could detect differences between novices and experienced surgeons performing simulated cricothyrotomy.SettingAcademic medical center.Study DesignProspective pilot cohort study.MethodsVoluntary surgeons and nonsurgeons were recruited. After viewing a training video, smartphones with accelerometer applications were attached to both wrists while subjects performed a cricothyrotomy on a validated task trainer. Procedure time and motion parameters, including average resultant acceleration (ARA), total resultant acceleration (TRA), and suprathreshold acceleration events (STAEs), were collected for dominant and nondominant hands. Subjects were stratified by prior experience. Blinded experts scored each performance using Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS), and t tests were used to compare performance.ResultsThirty subjects were enrolled. Median age was 26 years, and 20 subjects were male. In the dominant hand, significant differences were seen between novice and experienced surgeons in TRA (P =. 005) and procedure time (P =. 006), while no significant differences were seen in STAEs (P =. 42) and ARA (P =. 33). In the nondominant hand, all variables were significantly different between the 2 groups: STAEs (P =. 012), ARA (P =. 007), TRA (P =. 004), and procedure time (P =. 006).ConclusionsWrist motion measured by a low‐cost smartphone application can distinguish between novice and experienced surgeons performing simulated airway surgery. This tool provides cost‐effective and objective performance feedback.
GnRH Neurons on LSD: A Year of Rejecting Hypotheses That May Have Made Karl Popper Proud
Authors: Moenter Suzanne M 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons are critical to many aspects of fertility regulation, from producing episodic release critical to both sexes, to providing a central signal to induce the ovulatory cascade in females. This year saw progress through the rejection, and occasional support, of hypotheses in understanding how GnRH neurons contribute to these processes. This brief review provides one laboratory’s view of new insights into possible roles for these cells in development, adult reproductive function, and what may go wrong with GnRH neurons in some cases of infertility.
Assessment of Tricuspid Annular Motion by Speckle Tracking in Anesthetized Patients Using Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Shen Tao , Picard Michael H. , Hua Lanqi , Burns Sara M. , Andrawes Michael N. 
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND:
The perioperative assessment of right ventricular (RV) function remains a challenge. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) using M-mode is a widely used measure of RV function. However, accurate alignment of the ultrasound beam with the direction of annular movement can be difficult with transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) to measure TAPSE, precluding effective use of M-mode to measure annular excursion. Tracking of specular reflectors in the myocardium may provide an angle-independent method to assess annular motion with TEE. We hypothesized that TEE speckle tracking of the lateral tricuspid annular motion represents a comparable measurement to the well-validated M-mode TAPSE on transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE), and may be considered as a reasonable alternative to TAPSE.

METHODS:
This is a prospective, observational cohort study. We included all patients, who were in sinus rhythm, with a preoperative TTE within 3 months of scheduled cardiac surgery that required intraoperative TEE. Tissue motion annular displacements (TMAD) of the lateral (L), septal (S), and midpoint (M) tricuspid annulus were measured (QLAB Cardiac Motion Quantification; Philips Medical, Andover, MA) after induction of general anesthesia. This was compared to the preoperative M-mode TAPSE on TTE.

RESULTS:
Seventy-two consecutive patients who met eligibility requirements were enrolled from September to November 2016. Twelve were excluded due to poor image quality, allowing TMAD to be analyzed in 60 patients. TMAD was analyzed offline and TMAD analysis was able to track tricuspid annular motion in all patients. The mean TMAD (L), TMAD (S), and TMAD (M) were 17.4 ± 5.2, 10.2 ± 4.8, and 14.2 ± 4.8 mm, respectively. TMAD (L) showed close correlation with M-mode TAPSE on TTE (r = 0.87, 95% confidence interval, 0.79–0.92; P < .01). All patients with a preoperative TAPSE <17 mm had a TMAD (L) <17 mm, while 71% of those with a TAPSE ≥ 17 mm had a TMAD (L) ≥ 17 mm. There was strong positive correlation between TMAD (L) and intraoperative RV fractional area change (r = 0.86, 95% confidence interval, 0.77–0.91; P < .01). Reproducibility analysis of TMAD within and across observers showed excellent correlation.

CONCLUSIONS:
TMAD is a quick and angle-independent method to quantitatively assess RV longitudinal function by TEE. It correlates strongly with M-mode TAPSE on TTE. Because TMAD and TAPSE were not simultaneously measured in this study, their correlation is subject to differences in loading conditions, general anesthesia, and changes in the disease process. TMAD may be easily applied in routine clinical settings and its role in the perioperative environment deserves to be further explored.
Harmful mesostigmatic mites ectoparasitic to honey bees
Authors: Emmanouel N.G. , Pelekassis C.D. , Santas L.A. 
Published: November 2017

Mites of the order Mesostigmata are among the frequent and dominant components of the beehive acarofauna. Several of them belonging to the families: Varroidae. Laelapidae and Ameroseiidae are important parasites or capably harmful species to the honey bee. Among them, V. jacobsoni and Neocypholaelaps favus are widespread in Greece, while the existence of a third species Mellitiphis alvearius is quite probable. A brief treatise of the harmful mesostigmatic mites found in the beehives all over the world is given. Detailed drawings of all stages of V. jacobsoni are given, of which drawings the immature stages appear for the first time.
Factors affecting the potential increase rate (eλ, PIR), as defined by Hughes, in populations of Sitobion αvenαe (F.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae
Authors: Lykouressis D.Ρ. , Emden Η.F. Υan 
Published: November 2017

The potential rate of increase (PIR), used in Hughes’ time-specific life table analysis for aphid populations as a multiplication factor for the instar-period was studied in popula(ions of Sitobion avenae (F.) in the absence and presence of the parasite Aphelinus abdominalis (Dalman) under controlled conditions. Two factors were mainly found to alter PIR values in the presence of parasites. These were the feeding preference of adult A. abdominalis for the first instar aphids and the prolonged instar duration of the third instar of aphids which had been parasitized by an adult parasite at the first instar. These two factors contributed to lower values of PIR and as a consequence to an underestimation of the expected (potential) population for the next instar-period
Inhibition of larval growth of Dαcus oleαe by topical application of streptomycin to olives
Authors: Tzanakakis Μ.Ε. , Prophetou D.Α. , Vassiliou G.N. , Papadopoulos J.J. 
Published: November 2017

Olives of four varieties were oviposited by females of Dacus oleae (Gmelin) (Diptera: Tephritidae). One to four hours or one day later, a 5 μl drop of streptomycin sulphate solution in tap water was applied to the oviposition hole. If applied 1-4 hours after oviposition, concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, or 1% were equally effective, inhibiting larval growth in over 85% of the olive fruits. If applied one day later, the 0.1% concentration was less effective, while the 0.3 and 1% ones retained their high effectiveness. With 2 μl drops, inhibition was not significantly lower than with 5 μl drops. The addition of 0.05% or 0.5% Agral 90 a spreader-wetter, had an activating effect, causing a substantial and significant increase of the percent inhibition.
Α new species of Hystripαlpus (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)
Authors: Hatzinikolis Ε.Ν. 
Published: November 2017

The female, male, deuteronymph and larva of Hystripalpus macedonicus, new species, are described and illustrated. This mite was found on tender shoots and leaves of the olive-tree in Macedonia, Greece. Some information on the distribution and the feeding habits of the genus Hystripalpus on olive-tree is also given.
Using drone brood in the control of the Varroa disease of bees in Greece
Authors: Santas L.A. , Lazarakis D.M. 
Published: November 2017

The use of drone brood to control the Varroa disease (Varroa jacobsoni Ouds) was tested in twenty bee colonies (ten as control) which had a very low Varroa mite infestation. The experiment started in winter 1981-82. Early in spring 1983 the brood was removed from ten hives and later during April, May and June it was replaced by drone combs (trap combs) which were also removed when drone cells were capped. The same treatment was repeated during spring 1984. In July 31, 1984, the adult bee infestation was 0 to 7%, while the worker brood’s infestation was 0 to 17%. The data show that, after two and half years without any acaricidal treatment, six out of the ten bee colonies continued to have a very low mite infestation, while three showed high infestation and had to be treated with acaricide. One of the three colonies was treated by acaricide in the winter 1983-84, that is two years from the beginning of this experiment. On the contrary, in the ten control colonies (with the same low infestation in spring 1982) the mite infestation reached catastrophic levels by August 1983.
Evaluation of fluνalinate, methomyl and kinoprene on the greenhouse whitefly Trialeurodes vaporariorum West. (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Roditakis Ν.Ε. 
Published: November 2017

The effectiveness of three insecticides, fluvalinate, kinoprene and methomyl (synthetic pyrethrin, juvenile hormone analog and organophosphate, respectively), against the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum West. (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae), was evaluated in commercial greenhouses. The impact of chemicals was studied on isolated whitefly stages in a rearing room (24 ± I”C, 65 ± 5% R.H. and L:D 16:8h). Fluvalinate was the most effective toxicant through its broad activity on whitefly life stages. Kinoprene controlled 2nd and 3rd larval instars but a moderate effectiveness was noticed on eggs, first instar larvae and pupae. Methomyl was effective against first instar larvae and adults but it had no substantial effect on the other stages. Of the three materials tested only fluvalinate approached the total control requirements for a successful whitefly suppression.
La teigne de l’ oliνier,Prays oleae Bern. (Lepidoptera, Hyponomeutidae) a Corfou, Grèce
Authors: Tzoras Τ. , Arambourg Υ. 
Published: November 2017

Des campagnes de piégeage de P. oleae a l’’aide de pièges sexuels poursuivis plusieurs années sur l’ensemble de l’ile de Corfou ont permis de mettre en évidence la présence permanents du phytophage dans 1’ensemble des zones oléicoles de l’ile, même celles subissant chaque ann6e des traitements généralises contre D. oleae. Des examens complémentaires d’échantillons de boutons floraux et de fruits ont permis de dénombrer quelques éléments du complexe entomophage lié à la Teigne, entre autre un parasite embryonnaire du groups des Trichogrammes.