bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fixational saccades alter the gap effect
Authors: Watanabe Masayuki , Matsuo Yuka , Zha Ling , MacAskill Michael R. , Kobayashi Yasushi 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe reaction times of saccadic eye movements have been studied extensively as a probe for cognitive behavior controlled by large‐scale cortical and subcortical neural networks. Recent studies have shown that the reaction times of targeting saccades toward peripheral visual stimuli are prolonged by fixational saccades, the largest miniature eye movements including microsaccades. We have shown previously that the frequency of fixational saccades is decreased by volitional action preparation controlled internally during the antisaccade paradigm (look away from a stimulus). Instead, here we examined whether fixational saccade modulation induced externally by sensory events could also account for targeting saccade facilitation by the same sensory events. When targeting saccades were facilitated by prior fixation stimulus disappearance (gap effect), fixational saccade occurrence was reduced, which could theoretically facilitate targeting saccades. However, such reduction was followed immediately by the rebound of fixational saccade occurrence in some subjects, which could eliminate potential benefits from the previous fixational saccade reduction. These results do not mean that fixational saccades were unrelated to the gap effect because they indeed altered that effect by delaying targeting saccade initiation on trials without the fixation gap more strongly than trials with it. Such changes might be attributed to the disruption of volitional saccade preparation because the frequency of fixational saccades observed in this study was associated with the ability of volitional control over antisaccade behavior. These results suggest that fixational saccades alter the gap effect on targeting saccade reaction times, presumably by disrupting volitional saccade commands.
An alternative definition of the shear stress amplitude based on the Maximum Rectangular Hull method and application to the C‐S (Carpinteri‐Spagnoli) criterion
Authors: Araújo J. A. , Carpinteri A. , Ronchei C. , Spagnoli A. , Vantadori S. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTIn the present paper, the fatigue strength estimation capabilities of the modified C‐S (Carpinteri‐Spagnoli) criterion are improved by employing the Maximum Rectangular Hull (MRH) method proposed by the first author. The C–S criterion is a multiaxial high‐cycle fatigue criterion based on the critical plane approach and takes into account both shear stress (Mode II) and normal stress (Mode I) mechanisms to evaluate the orientation of the critical plane. The fatigue damage parameter used is given by a nonlinear combination of the equivalent normal stress amplitude, Na,eq, and the shear stress amplitude, Ca, acting on the critical plane. In the present paper, the shear stress amplitude is evaluated through the MRH method. Some experimental data available in the literature are compared with the theoretical estimations, concluding that the multiaxial fatigue strength evaluations provided by the C–S criterion are improved when Ca is computed applying the MRH method instead of the Minimum Bounding Circle (MBC) method.
Understanding cracked materials: is Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics obsolete?
Authors: Askes H. , Susmel L. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractLinear elastic fracture mechanics has enabled the research community to solve a wide variety of problems of practical and scientific interest; however, it has historically suffered from two main shortcomings. Firstly, it predicts physically unrealistic singular stresses and strains at crack tips. Secondly, microstructural effects are lacking, so that a major source of size‐dependent behaviour is not captured. Gradient‐enriched elasticity overcomes both these shortcomings: singularities are avoided, so that crack‐tip stresses can be used to assess integrity, and the inclusion of microstructural terms implies that size effects can be captured. In this investigation, it is shown that gradient‐enriched crack tip stresses can directly be used to model the transition from the short to the long crack regime. The accuracy of this approach was validated by a wide range of experimental results taken from the literature and generated under both static and high‐cycle fatigue loading. This high level of accuracy was achieved without having to resort to phenomenological model parameters: the extra constitutive coefficient was simply the (average) grain size of the material.
Notch stress and fracture mechanics based assessment of fatigue of seam weld ends under shear loading
Authors: Shams E. , Malikoutsakis M. , Savaidis G. , Vormwald M. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTWelding processes often lead to pronounced weld termination points (start/end), which are prone to fatigue events such as crack initiation. The fatigue of weld ends under shear loading, especially in thin sheet structures, is not sufficiently explored yet. In the present investigation, the real geometry of welds was obtained by scanning the three‐dimensional surface, especially of weld ends. Cryogenic breaking of the weld opened the view to the weld root geometry and especially to the critical location, where the weld root migrates to a weld toe at the weld end. In the experimental part of this research, fatigue testing of thin sheet plane and cylindrical specimens as well as large components containing weld ends was performed. Based on the data, weld end life curves have been obtained. The notch stress concept and a fracture mechanics based approach were applied for describing the results of fatigue tests providing sufficient accuracy.
Sulphur supply affects morphology, growth and nutritional status of TanzaniaGuinea grass andMineirão stylo
Authors: Schmidt F. , Monteiro F. A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractForage plants constitute the primary food source for ruminants, and their aboveground growth and belowground growth depend on mineral nutrient supply. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify variation in morphology, production and nutritional status inPanicum maximumcv. Tanzânia andStylosanthes guianensiscv. Mineirão grown with varying levels of S availability. In an experimental setting, plants of both species received rates of S calculated to reflect suboptimum, adequate and excessive levels of the element. S had a direct effect on morphology and production in both species. S limitation altered the allocation of photosynthates between the aboveground and belowground portions of Guinea grass and stylo, and was associated with lower root dry mass production. Guinea grass plants increased root surface area as an adaptive mechanism when S was limiting in the growth medium. The relative chlorophyll index of recently expanded leaves was correlated with aboveground dry mass production. After the initial growth, Guinea grass and stylo plants showed similar S requirements and use efficiency to achieve the maximum of aboveground productivity, although leguminous plants have a substantially higher capacity for store S in the shoot tissue as compared to gramineous plants growing under similar availability of S in the medium. While applying S was necessary for increasing dry mass production in both species, planting these species together is a promising strategy for guaranteeing high yields of forage with a nutritional value that satisfies the S requirements of ruminants.
Lower frequency of NPM1 and FLT3‐ITD mutations in a South African adult de novo AML cohort
Authors: Marshall R. C. , Tlagadi A. , Bronze M. , Kana V. , Naidoo S. , Wiggill T. M. , Carmona S. C. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryIntroductionAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous clonal disorder of hemopoietic progenitor cells diagnosed in individuals of any age, but with a median age of 67 years at presentation in adults. Assessment of the mutation status of nucleophosmin protein‐1 (NPM1) and FMS‐like tyrosine kinase 3 internal tandem duplication (FLT3‐ITD) is essential for the prognosis, and treatment of AML.MethodsA total of 160 de novo AML cases, both cytogenetically normal and abnormal, were analyzed for the presence of NPM1 and FLT3‐ITD mutations, and the results assessed in conjunction with epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory findings.ResultsNucleophosmin protein‐1 mutations were found in 7.5%, while FLT3‐ITD was present in 12% of these cases. Both of these were lower than expected. The median age at diagnosis of AML was 41 years, and for the FLT3‐ITD only cases, median age was 33 years; these ages were younger than expected.ConclusionThe lower reported frequencies and younger median age at diagnosis of AML and these specific mutations may be contributed to by a number of factors including effects of race on age of presentation, inclusion of patients diagnosed with de novo AML only, and a generally younger median age of the South African population.
Commercial Gaming Devices for Stroke Upper Limb Rehabilitation: A Systematic Review
Authors: Thomson Katie , Pollock Alex , Bugge Carol , Brady Marian 
Published: March 2014

Background and purpose Rehabilitation using commercial gaming devices is a new concept for stroke care. Commercial gaming devices such as Nintendo Wii or Sony PlayStation encourage high repetition of arm movements and are being introduced into some clinical settings. The evidence base for gaming use in rehabilitation is growing rapidly and there is a need to systematically synthesise research. Our review aims to integrate evidence on how gaming is being used, explore patient/therapist experience and synthesise evidence of effectiveness. Summary of review An integrative systematic review was undertaken searching Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (2013), Medline (2013), Embase (2013) and twelve additional databases. Two review authors independently selected studies based on pre-defined inclusion criteria, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Nineteen studies including 215 patients met inclusion criteria. Studies were typically small scale feasibility studies using a range of research designs, limiting the ability to reach generalised conclusions. Results have been tabulated (activities of daily living, upper limb function/movement) and qualitative themes identified. Findings suggest that most patients enjoy using commercial gaming and can tolerate 180 mins per week without significant adverse effects. A trend towards improvement was noted for upper limb function/movement. Few studies recorded outcomes related to activities of daily living or focused on understanding patients' experiences of this intervention. Conclusion Commercial gaming can provide high intensity upper limb practice however there is insufficient high quality evidence to reach generalisable conclusions about risks or benefits on activities of daily living or upper limb function/movement.
Role of male pelvic floor muscles and anterior fibromuscular stroma in males on α1‐blocker treatment: A magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Nishio Kojiro , Soh Shigehiro , Syukuya Toshio , Sato Ryo , Sadaoka Yuko , Iwahata Toshiyuki , Suzuki Keisuke , Ashizawa Yoshio , Kobori Yoshitomo , Okada Hiroshi 
Published: March 2014

AbstractDynamic motion of the pelvic floor muscles during voiding was analyzed using real‐time magnetic resonance imaging. To evaluate the contraction of the pelvic floor muscles, striated urethral sphincter distance, levator ani muscle thickness and anterior fibromuscular stroma distance were measured. The percent contraction of the striated urethral sphincter from before voiding to just before initiation of voiding was 14% in the normal group and 5% in the voiding dysfunction group. The percent contraction of the anterior fibromuscular stroma from before voiding to just before initiation of voiding was 11% in the normal group and 1% in the voiding dysfunction group; the percent contraction of the muscles was significantly greater in the normal group (P < 0.05). Striated urethral sphincter and anterior fibromuscular stroma contraction at initiation of voiding open the bladder neck and urethra. This plays an important role in the smooth initiation of voiding.
Human cathelicidin LL‐37 and its derivative IG‐19 regulate interleukin‐32‐induced inflammation
Authors: Choi Ka‐Yee G. , Napper Scott , Mookherjee Neeloffer 
Published: March 2014

SummaryHuman cathelicidin LL‐37 protects against infections and endotoxin‐induced inflammation. In a recent study we have shown that IG‐19, an LL‐37‐derived peptide, protects in a murine model of arthritis. Cytokine interleukin‐32 (IL‐32) is elevated and directly associated with the disease severity of inflammatory arthritis. Therefore, in this study we examined the effects of LL‐37 and IG‐19 on IL‐32‐induced responses in human peripheral blood‐derived mononuclear cells (PBMC) and macrophages. We showed that CD14+ monocytes are the primary cells that produce pro‐inflammatory tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) following stimulation of PBMC with IL‐32. We demonstrated that LL‐37 and IG‐19 significantly suppress IL‐32‐induced production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, e.g. TNF‐α and IL‐1β, without altering chemokine production. In contrast, LL‐37 and IG‐19 enhance the production of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐1RA. Further mechanistic studies revealed that LL‐37 and IG‐19 suppress IL‐32‐mediated phosphorylation of Fyn (Y420) Src kinase. In contrast, IL‐32‐mediated phosphorylation of AKT‐1 (T308) and MKP‐1 (S359) is not suppressed by the peptides. LL‐37 and IG‐19 alone induce the phosphorylation of MKP‐1 (S359), which is a known negative regulator of inflammation. Furthermore, the peptides induce the activity of p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase, which is known to phosphorylate MKP‐1 (S359). This is the first study to demonstrate the regulation of IL‐32‐induced inflammation by LL‐37 and its derivative peptide IG‐19. The mechanistic results from this study suggest that regulation of immune‐mediated inflammation by these peptides may be controlled by the dual phosphatase MKP‐1. We speculate that LL‐37 and its derivatives may contribute to the control of immune‐mediated inflammatory diseases.
Leaf Photosynthesis During Grain Filling Under Mediterranean Environments: Are Barley or Traditional Wheat More Efficient Than Modern Wheats?
Authors: Abeledo L. G. , Savin R. , Slafer G. A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBarley is one of the most popular crops in dryland agricultural systems of Mediterranean areas, where it is assumed that barley, or traditional wheat cultivars, performs better than modern wheat under low‐yielding conditions. It was tested whether variations in net leaf photosynthetic rate (PN) during grain filling provide any basis for the potential better performance of barley and traditional wheat compared to modern wheats in Mediterranean areas. Two groups of field experiments were conducted in Agramunt (NE Spain) during 2005/06 (06) and 2006/07 (07) growing seasons combining low and high nitrogen (N) availabilities under rain‐fed and irrigated conditions. Cultivars used in the first group of experiments were a traditional (Anza) and a modern (Soissons) wheat, whilst in a second group of experiments, a wheat (Soissons) and a barley (Sunrise) modern cultivars were used. Both wheat cultivars showed a similar PN during grain filling but higher than that of the modern barley cultivar. Differences between species in PN were maximized under high‐yielding conditions. There were no differences between cultivars in instantaneous water‐use efficiency. The barley cultivar showed a higher specific leaf area, but lower N content per unit of leaf area, than wheat. Photosynthetic nitrogen‐use efficiency was similar between the traditional and the modern cultivar but lower than barley. Decreases in PN after anthesis were not exactly observable in SPAD measurements. In conclusion, we found no consistent differences between cultivars in terms of post‐anthesis photosynthetic activity to support the assumption of better performance under Mediterranean farm conditions of traditional wheat or barley against modern wheat.
Regional and seasonal differences in skin irritation and neurosensitivity in Chinese and South Korean women
Authors: Oh M. , Lee J. , Kim S. , Cho S.‐A. , Lee E. , Yeon J.‐H. , He Q.‐Q. , Liu W. , Wang X.‐M. , Li L. , Lai W. , Liang H. , Gao X.‐H. , Shin K. , An S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundChina has a great variety of geographical and climatic conditions, and several cultural differences exist within the country; thus, understanding the regional and seasonal differences that cause skin sensitivities in this country is important.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess skin sensitivity of women from six cities in China and from South Korea during the winter and summer seasons to aid the development of suitable and effective dermatological products.MethodsThis multicentre study included 754 healthy female volunteers, and was conducted in the winter (between January and March) and summer (between June and July) of 2011. Patch tests were performed using 0.5% sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) aqueous solution and 0.15% retinol in 1,3‐butylene glycol on the back of the volunteers. Simultaneously, stinging tests were performed on their cheeks by using 5% lactic acid solution and 0.001% capsaicin solution, each in a negative control vehicle (distilled water and 10% ethanol solution, respectively).ResultsThe patch test results showed that the subjects in Beijing and Shenyang were more sensitive to SLS, retinol and lactic acid in the winter than were those in Guangzhou, Shanghai, Wuhan, Chengdu and South Korea. The stinging test results revealed that the subjects in Beijing were more neurosensitive to lactic acid in the winter; however, during the same season, the subjects from Shanghai and Guangzhou were significantly more neurosensitive to capsaicin.ConclusionOur observations indicate that skin sensitivity differs considerably between women from different parts of China and South Korea. We recommend that these differences be considered during the development of cosmetic products in these countries.
Medical ethical standards in dermatology: an analytical study of knowledge, attitudes and practices
Authors: Mostafa W.Z. , Abdel Hay R.M. , El Lawindi M.I. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundDermatology practice has not been ethically justified at all times.ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to find out dermatologists' knowledge about medical ethics, their attitudes towards regulatory measures and their practices, and to study the different factors influencing the knowledge, the attitude and the practices of dermatologists.MethodsThis is a cross‐sectional comparative study conducted among 214 dermatologists, from five Academic Universities and from participants in two conferences. A 54 items structured anonymous questionnaire was designed to describe the demographical characteristics of the study group as well as their knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the medical ethics standards in clinical and research settings. Five scoring indices were estimated regarding knowledge, attitude and practice. Inferential statistics were used to test differences between groups as indicated. The Student's t‐test and analysis of variance were carried out for quantitative variables. The chi‐squared test was conducted for qualitative variables. The results were considered statistically significant at a P > 0.05.ResultsAnalysis of the possible factors having impact on the overall scores revealed that the highest knowledge scores were among dermatologists who practice in an academic setting plus an additional place; however, this difference was statistically non‐significant (P = 0.060). Female dermatologists showed a higher attitude score compared to males (P = 0.028). The highest significant attitude score (P = 0.019) regarding clinical practice was recorded among those practicing cosmetic dermatology. The different studied groups of dermatologists revealed a significant impact on the attitude score (P = 0.049), and the evidence‐practice score (P < 0.001).ConclusionEthical practices will improve the quality and integrity of dermatology research.
A mortality event in wrasse species (Labridae) associated with the presence of viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus
Authors: Munro E S , McIntosh R E , Weir S J , Noguera P A , Sandilands J M , Matejusova I , Mayes A S , Smith R 
Published: March 2014

AbstractViral haemorrhagic septicaemia (VHS) is an infectious disease of farmed and wild fish and has an extensive host range in both freshwater and marine environments. In December 2012, a wrasse population consisting of ballan, Labrus bergylta (Ascanius), corkwing, Symphodus melops (L.), cuckoo, Labrus mixtus L., goldsinny, Ctenolabrus rupestris (L.), and rock cook, Centrolabrus exoletus (L.), held at a marine hatchery in the Shetland Isles, Scotland, experienced a mortality event. Approximately 10 000 wrasse were being held at the facility on behalf of an Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., aquaculture company prior to being deployed for the biological control of parasites on marine pen Atlantic salmon, aquaculture sites. Fish Health Inspectors from Marine Scotland Science initiated a diagnostic investigation, and subsequent diagnostic testing confirmed the site to be VHSV positive by qRT‐PCR and virus isolation followed by ELISA. A VHSV genotype‐specific qRT‐PCR assay revealed that the isolates belonged to genotype III, the European marine strain of the virus. The virus genotype was further confirmed by nucleic acid sequencing of the partial nucleoprotein (N) and glycoprotein (G) genes followed by BLAST nucleotide searches. This study reports for the first time the detection of VHSV within multiple wrasse species and highlights the need for a comprehensive risk‐based approach to the use of wrasse and other finfish species as biological controls within the aquaculture industry.
Substance use and violence among psychiatric inpatients
Authors: Stewart D. , Bowers L. 
Published: March 2014

Accessible summary
Nursing staff on inpatient psychiatric wards often think that patient violence and aggression is caused by alcohol or illicit drug use.
This study reports on how frequently patients use alcohol or drugs and whether this is linked to incidents of violence and aggression.
There were relatively few incidents of substance use among the patients in the sample. There was no link between physical violence and substance use on wards, but there was an association with verbal aggression.
More research is needed to examine how nurses intervene when a patient has used alcohol or drugs.
AbstractNursing staff on psychiatric wards often attribute patient violence and aggression to substance use. This study examined incidents of alcohol and illicit drug use among acute psychiatric inpatients and associations between substance use and violence or other forms of aggression. A sample of 522 adult psychiatric inpatients was recruited from 84 acute psychiatric wards in England. Data were collected from nursing and medical records for the first 2 weeks of admission. Only a small proportion of the sample was reported to have used or been under the influence of alcohol (5%) or drugs (3%). There was no physical violence during a shift when a patient had used alcohol or drugs. Substance using patients were also no more likely than others to behave violently at any point during the study period. However, incidents of substance use were sometimes followed by verbal aggression. Beliefs that substance using patients are likely to be violent were not supported by this study, and could impact negatively on therapeutic relationships between nurses and this patient group. Future studies are needed to examine how staff intervene and interact with intoxicated patients.