In previous studies we found indications of stress reduction in saline-injected rats when exposed to an oxytocin (OT)-injected cage mate. Olfactory impairment and OT antagonist treatment abolished the effects. This suggested an olfactorily mediated oxytocinergic stress-inhibitory mechanism. To test this hypothesis bodyweight, tail skin temperatures, food-intake and plasma ACTH and corticosteron...

At two trench segments below the Andes, the Nazca Plate is subducting sub-horizontally over ∼200-300 km, thought to result from a combination of buoyant oceanic-plateau subduction and hydrodynamic mantle-wedge suction. Whether the actual conditions for both processes to work in concert existed is uncertain. Here we infer from a tectonic reconstruction of the Andes constructed in a mantle refere...

The connectivity of complex networks and functional implications has been attracting much interest in many physical, biological and social systems. However, the significance of the weight distributions of network links remains largely unknown except for uniformly- or Gaussian-weighted links. Here, we show analytically and numerically, that recurrent neural networks can robustly generate interna...

Free-space optical (FSO) communication technology has the potential to provide power-efficient communication links for small satellites that outperform traditional radio frequency approaches. Extremely high-gain apertures at optical carrier frequencies enable significantly improved performance. We present a design for a miniaturized CubeSat-scale optical transmitter capable of supporting downli...

This paper describes a hybrid mobility system that combines the advantages of both legged and wheeled locomotion. The legs of the hybrid mobility system permit it to surmount obstacles and navigate difficult terrain, while the wheels allow efficient locomotion on prepared surfaces and provide a reliable passive mechanism for supporting the weight of the vehicle. We address the modeling, analysi...

abstract background: chronic renal disease and hemodialysis cause numerous psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual challenges for both patients and their families. overcoming these challenges is possible only through providing holistic support for the patients. today, despite the support provided by family and professional caregivers for the patients, patients still express dissatisfacti...

This paper focuses on the face stability analysis of Double-O-Tube shield tunnel. This kind of analysis is significant to ensure the safety of workers and reduce the influence on the surrounding environment. The key point of the stability analysis is to determine the supporting pressure applied to the face by the shield. A collapse failure will occur when the supporting pressure is not sufficie...

A diet rich in high quality protein is gaining scientific support as a successful strategy to promote weight loss, prevent weight-regain (following weight loss), or to simply maintain a healthy body weight. One key factor in the effectiveness of higher protein diets includes the improvement in appetite control and satiety. this paper provides clinical evidence supporting the role of higher prot...

BACKGROUND Demand is increasing for primary care to deliver effective weight management services to patients, but research suggests that staff feel inadequately resourced for such a role. Supporting service delivery with a free and effective web-based weight management programme could maximise primary care resource and provide cost-effective support for patients. However, integration of e-healt...