bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological inhibition of the M‐current
Authors: Adams P. R. , Brown D. A. , Constanti A. 
Published: December 2014

1. The effects of muscarinic agonists, luteinizing hormone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues, uridine triphosphate (UTP) and divalent cations on K+‐currents in voltage‐clamped bullfrog sympathetic neurones have been studied.2. Muscarine (1‐10 μM), D‐ala6 LHRH (1‐5 μM), UTP (50‐100 μM) and Ba2+ (1‐4 mM) selectively depressed the M‐current (IM), without appreciable effect on the delayed rectifier, Ca2+‐activated or transient outward currents (IK, IC or IA).3. IM‐inhibition was characterized by: (a) elimination of slow current relaxations accompanying voltage jumps in the membrane potential range ‐30 to ‐60 mV; (b) reduced voltage‐dependent chord conductance over this range with no change in the voltage‐independent chord conductance at more negative membrane potentials; (c) suppression of outward rectification in the steady‐state current—voltage curve between ‐70 and ‐25 mV; and (d) development of an inward current which increased in amplitude between ‐70 and ‐20 mV in proportion to the decrease in steady‐state IM. The kinetics and voltage sensitivity of residual IM were unchanged.4. The magnitude of the inward current produced by muscarine or LHRH could be accounted for quantitatively by the reduction in steady‐state IM. No increase in leak current could be detected in the range ‐60 to ‐30 mV. In two cells muscarine (10 μM) increased the leak current and conductance at ‐70 to ‐100 mV, but not at more depolarized levels.5. IM was not modified by removing extracellular Ca2+, adding a selective Ca2+‐channel blocker (Cd2+), adding 1 mM‐dibutyryl cyclic AMP or 8′Br cyclic GMP, or by intracellular ionophoresis of Ca2+, 8′Br cyclic GMP, dibutyryl cyclic AMP, GTP‐γ‐S or S‐adenosylmethionine.6. It is concluded that the principal effects of these agents in unclamped neurones — depolarization, increased input resistance, reduced outward rectification and increased excitability — are due entirely to a selective inhibition of IM. The intracellular transduction mechanism for IM inhibition is unknown.
Neurotransmitter release and nerve terminal morphology at the frog neuromuscular junction affected by the dye Erythrosin B
Authors: Augustine George J. , Levitan Herbert 
Published: December 2014

1. The quantal release of neurotransmitter and the fine structure of frog neuromuscular junctions has been examined in the presence of the xanthene dye Erythrosin B.2. At concentrations of 10 μM or greater, Erythrosin B produced time‐ and dose‐dependent increases in transmitter release from presynaptic nerve terminals.3. Miniature end‐plate potential (m.e.p.p.) frequency increased in an exponential manner during continuous exposure to the dye. The rate constant for this exponential was dose‐dependent, increasing with concentrations from 10 μM to 1 mM.4. The amplitude of evoked end‐plate potentials (e.p.p.s) also increased exponentially during dye treatment, primarily due to an increase in quantal content. Rate constants for this effect were also dose‐dependent, and were approximately 1/5 as large as those for m.e.p.p.s.5. While the frequency of m.e.p.p.s was increasing, their amplitude distribution did not qualitatively change. Thus the dye has little effect on the size of individual quanta.6. The presynaptic effects of Erythrosin B were irreversible under these experimental conditions. Brief exposure to the dye caused increases in m.e.p.p. frequency and e.p.p. amplitude which were maintained at steady levels during extensive rinsing with dye‐free Ringer solution.7. Prolonged exposure to the dye caused an eventual decrease in m.e.p.p. frequency and abolition of e.p.p.s. Coincident with this decline ‘giant’ m.e.p.p.s as large as 40 mV were observed.8. At dye concentrations greater than approximately 200 μM, Erythrosin B rapidly and reversibly increased the membrane potential and input resistance of muscle fibres. This post‐synaptic effect was small and variable in normal saline, but was pronounced in low potassium solutions.9. During the period that release was enhanced by Erythrosin B, presynaptic nerve terminals contained the normal complement of synaptic vesicles and other organelles. Mitochondria were swollen in this condition.10. After m.e.p.p. frequency declined below normal levels and ‘giant’ m.e.p.p.s appeared, the number of synaptic vesicles within nerve terminals declined and dilated cisternae were present. Mitochondria were swollen further.11. These results do not reveal any mechanism to explain the ability of Erythrosin B to increase transmitter release, but the decline in release may be caused by partial depletion of synaptic vesicles. The ‘giant’ m.e.p.p.s could be due to the discharge of acetylcholine from cisternae.
Periodic hyperpolarizing responses in hamster and mouse eggs fertilized with mouse sperm
Authors: Igusa Yukio , Miyazaki Shun‐Ichi , Yamashita Naohide 
Published: December 2014

1. The zona‐free hamster egg allows multiple entries of heterologous as well as homologous sperm. The hamster egg inseminated with mouse sperm (M × H egg) showed recurring, transient hyperpolarizing responses (h.r.s) with the peak of ‐70 to ‐80 mV. They were superimposed on a hyperpolarizing shift of the resting potential (h.s.) which gradually reached ‐60 mV in 50 min after insemination.2. Unlike the hamster sperm, the cessation of flagellar motion of the first mouse sperm (‘1‐stop’) failed to induce the first h.r. but produced only a small hyperpolarizing ‘step’ of 3‐7 mV. Similar steps occurred for each of additional sperm with a one‐to‐one correspondence, 4‐50 sec ahead of the cessation of sperm motion.3. In M × H eggs, the h.r. first appeared about 15 min after the ‘1‐stop’. The intervals of the h.r.s thereafter were in the range between 2‐10 min, in contrast to 30‐45 sec in hamster eggs inseminated with hamster sperm (H × H eggs).4. The h.r.s in M × H eggs were abolished by intracellular injection of EGTA, suggesting that they were caused by periodic increase in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) as in H × H eggs.5. The gradual h.s. in M × H eggs was considered to be due mainly to an increase in Ca‐independent K permeability, since the resting potential beyond ‐60 mV at 50‐70 min after insemination was changed by only 3‐5 mV on the removal of Cl ions and on EGTA injection.6. Histological observations revealed that the resumption of the second meiosis, the indication of egg activation, is delayed in M × H eggs by about 15 min, compared with that in H × H eggs. There was a good correlation between the delay of activation and that of the occurrence of the first h.r.7. In M × H eggs, the probability of egg activation within 70 min was dependent on the number of sperm penetrations: 90% for more than ten sperm while 20‐30% for less than five sperm. Eggs in which sperm penetration was not followed by activation showed no h.r.s.8. The mouse egg inseminated with mouse sperm showed small h.r.s (3‐4 mV) superimposed on the h.s. from ‐35 to ‐55 mV in 50 min after insemination. Both h.r.s and h.s. were associated with an increase in the membrane conductance. The h.s. was considered to be due mainly to a Ca‐independent increase in K permeability.9. Iontophoretic injection of Ca2+ into the unfertilized mouse egg could not increase the K conductance with injection currents up to 4 nA. However, the h.r.s were suggested to be resulted from a periodic increase in [Ca2+]i, since they were abolished by injection of EGTA.
Separate mechanisms inside and outside the blood—brain barrier inducing metabolic changes in febrile rabbits
Authors: Morimoto Akio , Murakami Naotoshi , Myogin Takahito , Takada Mitsuaki , Teshirogi Shyuichi , Watanabe Tatsuo 
Published: December 2014

1. We investigated the acute phase response induced by either intravenous (I.V.) or intracerebroventricular injections of bacterial endotoxin or endogenous pyrogen. These caused either monophasic or biphasic fever, and the response includes changes in plasma concentration of iron, zinc, copper, fibrinogen and in circulating leucocyte count.2. The I.V. injection of a small dose of endotoxin or endogenous pyrogen produced a monophasic fever, while a large dose produced a biphasic fever. The ventricular injection of endogenous pyrogen produced a fever similar to the second phase of the biphasic fever.3. The I.V. injection of a small dose of endotoxin or endogenous pyrogen produced a low plasma zinc 8 h after injection, while the ventricular injection of endogenous pyrogen produced a low plasma zinc 24 h after injection. The I.V. injection of a large dose of endotoxin or endogenous pyrogen induced a low plasma zinc 8 and 24 h after injection, suggesting that the hypozincaemia induced by the large dose was mediated by both peripheral and central action of endogenous pyrogen with different time courses.4. The I.V. injection of the small dose did not affect the level of the plasma copper concentration but the I.V. injection of the large dose and the ventricular injection increased it 24 h after injection. It is considered that the plasma copper concentration is mainly controlled by the central action of endogenous pyrogen.5. The changes in the plasma iron and fibrinogen concentration and the circulating white blood cell count induced by the different doses and by the different routes showed very similar patterns, indicating that these are simultaneously controlled by both peripheral and central actions of endogenous pyrogen.6. The present results show that there are two separate mechanisms involved in the acute phase response, one inside and one outside the blood—brain barrier. From the consideration that endogenous pyrogen released from the phagocytic leucocytes induces fever and acute phase response by its action on both the peripheral target organs and the central nervous system, it is suggested that endogenous pyrogen acts both centrally and peripherally, in the same manner as other hormonal agents such as corticosteroids.
Experimental Validation of a Nonlinear Self-Tuning Observer
Authors: Mastory Constantine G. , Chalhoub Nabil G. 
Published: December 2014

The present work provides an experimental validation for the robust performance of a nonlinear self-tuning observer in accurately estimating the state variables of a structure with configuration-dependent natural frequencies. The observer design combines the advantages of the variable structure systems theory and the self-tuning fuzzy logic technique. The robustness of the observer enables the use of an imprecise model of the plant while the self-tuning characteristic eliminates the need for the extensive tuning of a fixed rule-based expert fuzzy inference system.
The experimental set-up consists of a spherical robotic manipulator with the protruding portion of the third link from the second link considered to be deformable. The prismatic joint induces considerable variations in the natural frequencies of the flexible element. The observer has been implemented to estimate the generalized coordinates pertaining to the flexible motion of the third link. The experimental results confirm the robustness of the observer in accurately estimating the required state variables of the system in spite of significant modeling imprecision and disturbances.
Electrochemical-Thermal Modeling of Li-Ion Battery Packs
Authors: Fan Guodong , Pan Ke , Bartlett Alexander , Canova Marcello , Rizzoni Giorgio 
Published: December 2014

Lithium-ion batteries for automotive applications are subject to aging with usage and environmental conditions, leading to the reduction of the performance, reliability and life span of the battery pack. To this extent, the ability of simulating the dynamic behavior of a battery pack using high-fidelity electrochemical and thermal models could provide very useful information for the design of Battery Management Systems (BMS). For instance such models could be used to predict the impact of cell-to-cell variations in the electrical and thermal properties on the overall performance of the pack, as well as on the propagation of degradation from one cell to another.
This paper presents a method for fast simulation of an integrated electrochemical-thermal battery pack model based on first-principles. First, a coupled electrochemical and thermal model is developed for a single cell, based upon the data of a composite LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 – LiMn2O4 (LMO-NMC) Li-ion battery, and validated on experimental data. Then, the cell model is extended to a reconfigurable and parametric model of a complete battery pack. The proposed modeling approach is completely general and applicable to characterize any pack topology, varying electrical connections and thermal boundary conditions. Finally, simulation results are shown to illustrate the effects of parameter variability on the pack performance.
Study of a Non-Circular Gear Infinitely Variable Transmission
Authors: Hebbale Kumar , Li Dongxu , Zhou Jing , Duan Chengwu , Kao Chi-Kuan , Samie Farzad , Lee Chunhao , Gonzales Robert 
Published: December 2014

Improving automobile fuel efficiency is an important research and development effort in the automotive industry. In the transmission area, it is generally understood that optimum fuel economy can be achieved via a combination of highly efficient power transfer (gears, for example) and an ability to transmit power at an infinite number of ratios (CVT, for example). In this paper, a geared infinitely variable transmission (IVT) is analyzed for efficiency through static analysis. This IVT is based on a non-circular gear concept described in [1, 2]. This IVT consists of multiple function generators with each function generator comprising two sets of non-circular gear sets whose outputs are combined with a summing planetary gear set. Each function generator provides the desired gear ratio for only a part of the driving rotation. So, multiple function generators are combined along with multiple one-way clutches to provide an infinitely variable transmission.
This paper first explains the operating principle of the geared IVT. A static analysis of the IVT powerflow is derived and it is shown that this powerflow exhibits a torque recirculation phenomenon, which is not desired. This recirculation phenomenon is expected to be present in all similarly arranged IVTs where two inputs are combined using a planetary gear set to provide infinite gear ratio capability. The efficiency of the IVT is calculated based on assumed individual component efficiency and it is shown that, owing to torque recirculation, the efficiency of this transmission may not compare well with that of current automatic transmissions for a passenger car application.
Autonomous Lighting Audits: Part 1 — Building Navigation and Mapping
Authors: Bay Christopher J. , Terrill Trevor J. , Rasmussen Bryan P. 
Published: December 2014

Buildings represent a large portion, approximately 40%, of all US energy use and carbon emissions. Significant savings can be found by conducting energy audits of the buildings, but the extensive training and cost of the audits prevent more widespread use. Automating the audit process with robots can greatly reduce the cost and provide more information to give better recommendations. This paper is the first in a series that proposes a system of autonomous robots that can conduct energy audits.
Specifically, this paper presents an overview of the autonomous system and details an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform which is used to perform automated lighting audits. Also, modifications to an existing exploration algorithm are proposed that will allow autonomous exploration of an unknown, GPS-denied environment while identifying and navigating to targets in real-time. This new algorithm is called SRT-Target. The UAV navigates to the lights, the target objects, in order to take additional measurements so that the light type can be determined. Movement of the UAV can be limited by a calibration factor β to account for sensor capabilities of the target sensor. Simulations of the algorithm show the exploration of the unknown area and the UAV moving to targets as they are identified.
Autonomous Lighting Audits: Part 2 — Light Identification and Analysis
Authors: Terrill Trevor J. , Bay Christopher J. , Rasmussen Bryan P. 
Published: December 2014

Buildings are responsible for approximately 40% of all US energy use and carbon emissions. There exists large potential to improve building efficiency through retro-commissioning, but expense and required expertise of building auditors limit current implementation. Autonomous robotic assessments have the potential to provide consistent building energy audits with reduced cost and enhanced capabilities. As a first step in automating building audits, this paper presents work on automating the lighting analysis of a building.
As an aerial vehicle navigates and explores a room, the prototype system captures images and collects spectrometer readings. These data are used to quantify and classify lighting in a room. Additionally, images acquired from the optical camera are merged to form a composite image of the area. This composite image is used for navigation to lights to record spectrometer readings. Lighting type is then classified from these spectrometer readings. The combined lighting quantification and classification is used to create a topology map of light levels. The combined data are used to perform a thorough analysis of lighting and make lighting recommendations.
Classification of Complex Machine Data to be Used for Structural Health Monitoring Purposes
Authors: Schiffer S. , Söffker D. 
Published: December 2014

In this contribution a recently developed new modeling and classification approach to be used with streamed measurement data of industrial processes is applied.
This briefly repeated approach can be used for fault classification and diagnostic purposes. The approach is based on a fuzzy-like modeling using statistical features from training data. Based on the trained model classification can be realized allowing to distinguish unknown data sets to the given number of data classes each related to states.
Beside the brief introduction to the proposed approach, experimental data are used to demonstrate the approach and the complex example distinguishing different wear states of machine components during operation.
Exploring New Relationships Between Physical Activity Volume and Intensity and Cardiometabolic Risk in U.S. Adolescents
Authors: Hatfield Daniel P. , Chomitz Virginia R. , Chui Kenneth , Sacheck Jennifer M. , Economo Christina D. 
Published: December 2014

Background:Associations between physical activity (PA) intensity and volume and adolescents’ cardiometabolic health have research, policy, and practice implications. This study compares associations between cardiometabolic risk factors and 1) moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) minutes versus total PA volume (accelerometer-derived total activity counts, TAC) and 2) light PA volume (counts at light intensity, L-TAC) versus moderate-to-vigorous PA volume (counts at moderate-to-vigorous intensity, MV-TAC).Methods:2105 adolescents from 2003– 2006 NHANES were included. Independent variables were MVPA minutes, TAC, L-TAC, and MV-TAC. Regression models tested associations between PA variables and continuous metabolic risk index (CMRI), waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HDL, insulin, and triglycerides.Results:TAC demonstrated a slightly stronger inverse association with CMRI (P = .004) than did MVPA (P = .013). TAC and MVPA were both associated with systolic and diastolic pressure, HDL, and insulin; associations were similar or slightly stronger for TAC. L-TAC and MV-TAC were both associated with CMRI and HDL. Only L-TAC was associated with diastolic pressure. Only MV-TAC was associated with waist circumference, systolic pressure, and insulin.Conclusions:Compared with MVPA minutes, TAC demonstrates similar or slightly stronger associations with cardiometabolic risk factors. L-TAC and MV-TAC appear similarly associated with adolescents’ clustered risk but differently associated with individual risk factors.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bifidobacterium longum 105-A, a Strain with High Transformation Efficiency
Authors: Kanesaki Yu , Masutani Hisayoshi , Sakanaka Mikiyasu , Shiwa Yuh , Fujisawa Takatomo , Nakamura Yasukazu , Yokota Atsushi , Fukiya Satoru , Suzuki Tohru , Yoshikawa Hirofumi 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

Bifidobacterium longum
105-A shows high transformation efficiency and allows for the generation of gene knockout mutants through homologous recombination. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of strain 105-A. Genes encoding at least four putative restriction-modification systems were found in this genome, which might contribute to its transformation efficiency.
Genome Sequence of the Deep-Sea Denitrifier
Pseudomonas
sp. Strain MT-1, Isolated from the Mariana Trench
Authors: Fujinami Shun , Oikawa Yuji , Araki Takuma , Shinmura Yui , Midorikawa Ryota , Ishizaka Hikari , Kato Chiaki , Horikoshi Koki , Ito Masahiro , Tamegai Hideyuki 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

Pseudomonas
sp. strain MT-1 was the first deep-sea denitrifier isolated and characterized from mud recovered from a depth of 11,000 m in the Mariana Trench. We report here the genome sequence of this bacterium, which contributes to our understanding of denitrification and bioenergetics in the deep sea.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Principal Etiological Agent of Farmer's Lung Disease, Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula
Authors: Barrera Coralie , Valot Benoît , Rognon Bénédicte , Zaugg Christophe , Monod Michel , Millon Laurence 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT

Saccharopolyspora rectivirgula
is the main cause of farmer's lung disease. The development of recombinant antigens to standardize the serodiagnosis of the disease requires knowledge of the
S. rectivirgula
genome. We sequenced the genome of an environmental strain,
S. rectivirgula
DSM 43113. A total of 3,221 proteins were found to be encoded in a short 3.9-Mb genome.
Physical and Mathematical Representations of Couple Stress Effects on Micro/Nanosolids
Authors: Shaat M. 
Published: December 2014

In the present paper, for linear elastic materials, effects of couple stresses on micro/nanosolids are physically discussed and mathematically represented in the context of the classical, the modified and the consistent couple–stress theories. Then, an evaluation is provided showing the validity and the limit of applicability of each one of these theories. At first, the possible couple stress effects on mechanics of particles and on continuum mechanics are represented. Then, a reasoning comparison with examples is performed to discuss and evaluate the way that each one of these theories represents the couple stress effects. In the context of the classical couple–stress theory, two higher-order material constants are introduced in addition to the conventional ones to capture the microstructure rigid rotation effects. Recently, two alternative theories, the modified couple–stress and the consistent couple–stress theories, with only one additional material constant are introduced with contradictory points of view. Authors of these two alternative theories gave apparently strong motivations for their opposed points of view. Therefore, through the present paper, it will be convenient to analyze the essential points of view based on which these alternative theories are proposed since they lead to exactly opposed conclusions. Thus their essential points of view are discussed and evaluated showing their consistency with the fundamental concepts of the couple stress effects. It has been shown that the scientific bases of these two alternative theories are not consistent with the representation of the couple–stress effects on micro/nanocontinua. Based on discussions and results through the paper, both the modified theory and the consistent theory represent, only, simplifications for the classical couple–stress theory but they did not able to well represent the possible effects of couple stresses and they are limited for only two categories of linear elastic materials problems. This demolishes the scientific points of view based on which the two theories are proposed.