bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Infrared imaging spectroscopy with micron resolution of Sutter's Mill meteorite grains
Authors: Yesiltas Mehmet , Kebukawa Yoko , Peale Robert E. , Mattson Eric , Hirschmugl Carol J. , Jenniskens Peter
Published: October 2014

Synchrotron‐based Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy are applied with submicrometer spatial resolution to multiple grains of Sutter's Mill meteorite, a regolith breccia with CM1 and CM2 lithologies. The Raman and infrared active functional groups reveal the nature and distribution of organic and mineral components and confirm that SM12 reached higher metamorphism temperatures than SM2. The spatial distributions of carbonates and organic matter are negatively correlated. The spatial distributions of aliphatic organic matter and OH relative to the distributions of silicates in SM2 differ from those in SM12, supporting a hypothesis that the parent body of Sutter's Mill is a combination of multiple bodies with different origins. The high aliphatic CH2/CH3 ratios determined from band intensities for SM2 and SM12 grains are similar to those of IDPs and less altered carbonaceous chondrites, and they are significantly higher than those in other CM chondrites and diffuse ISM objects.
Seasonal occurrence of southeast Pacific blue whale songs in southern Chile and the eastern tropical Pacific
Authors: Buchan Susannah J. , Stafford Kathleen M. , Hucke‐Gaete Rodrigo
Published: October 2014

Passive acoustic data were collected January 2012 to April 2013 at four sites in the Chiloense Ecoregion (CER) in southern Chile (≈43°S–44°S, 71°W–73°W) and 1996–2002 from one site in the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP) (8°S, 95°W). Automatic detectors were used to detect the two songs (SEP1 and SEP2) described for southeast Pacific (SEP) blue whales. There was a strong seasonal pattern of occurrence of SEP songs in the CER from December to August, peaking March to May. In the ETP, the occurrence of songs was an order of magnitude lower but songs were present year‐round, with a peak around June. These findings support austral summer/autumn seasonal residency in the CER and a seasonal movement of blue whales towards the ETP during June/July, returning in December. Interannual differences in the ETP were possibly linked to the 1997–1998 El Niño event. At both study sites, SEP2 was significantly more common than SEP1; both songs largely followed the same temporal trends. These findings contribute to our understanding of the seasonal movements of endangered SEP blue whales and can inform conservation strategies, particularly in the CER coastal feeding ground. We recommend future year‐round passive acoustic studies in the CER and the ETP (e.g., near the Galapagos Islands), ideally coupled with oceanographic data.
The effect of water bolus temperature on esophageal motor function as measured by high‐resolution manometry
Authors: Choi Y. J. , Park M. I. , Park S. J. , Moon W. , Kim S. E. , Kwon H. J. , Kim J. H. , Jeon W. S.
Published: October 2014

Background

Ingestion of cold fluids may induce pain in patients with esophageal motility disorders. Hot fluids, on the other hand, may help to relieve pain. We studied changes in esophageal motility as a variable of water bolus temperature using high‐resolution manometry (HRM) in healthy human.

Methods

Thirty‐two healthy subjects were recruited at Kosin University Hospital. HRM was performed in a sitting position, with room temperature (RT, 25 °C), hot (45 °C), and cold (2 °C) water swallowed in that order. This exam included single swallowing (10 swallows of 5 mL water, 30 s intervals) and multiple water swallows (MWS; 100 mL water within 30 s).

Key Results

In the single swallowing, hot water caused a decrease in lower esophageal sphincter (LES) residual pressure (5.87 ± 4.20 mmHg vs 7.45 ± 4.17 mmHg (RT), p = 0.001) and duration of esophageal body (EB) contraction (3.01 ± 0.80 s vs 3.15 ± 1.16 s (RT), p = 0.009). Cold water caused an increase in the duration of EB contraction (3.52 ± 0.87 s vs 3.15 ± 1.16 s (RT), p = 0.001) and a decrease in contractile front velocity (CFV) (4.43 ± 1.50 cm/s vs 4.90 ± 2.53 cm/s (RT), p = 0.007). Similarly, in the MWS, hot water caused a decrease in the duration of EB contraction (12.95 ± 5.02 s vs 16.33 ± 5.94 s (RT), p = 0.024) and an increase in the amplitude of EB contraction (114.27 ± 83.36 mmHg vs 82.70 ± 46.77 mmHg (RT), p = 0.007). Cold water caused an increase in the duration of EB contraction (27.38 ± 2.89 s vs 16.33 ± 5.94 s (RT), p = 0.03) and a decrease in the amplitude of EB contraction (51.68 ± 33.94 mmHg vs 82.70 ± 46.77 mmHg (RT), p = 0.001).

Conclusions & Inferences

This study showed changes in esophageal motility to be dependent on water temperature. Especially, MWS showed clear changes in esophageal motility at different temperatures of water.
Condition‐specific role of colonic inflammatory molecules in persistent functional colorectal hypersensitivity in the mouse
Authors: La J.‐H. , Gebhart G. F.
Published: October 2014

Background

A low‐level inflammation has been hypothesized to mediate visceral hypersensitivity in functional bowel disorders that persist after or even in the absence of gut inflammation. We aimed to test the efficacy of a steroidal anti‐inflammatory treatment, and identify local inflammatory molecules mediating post‐ and non‐inflammatory colorectal hypersensitivity using two mouse models.

Methods

Visceromotor responses to colorectal distension were quantified as a measure of colorectal sensitivity. On day 1, mice received intracolonic saline (control), trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (postinflammatory on day 15), or acidified hypertonic saline (non‐inflammatory). Colorectal sensitivity before (day 10) and after (day 15) 4‐day dexamethasone (Dex) treatment was compared, and colonic gene expression of inflammatory molecules was quantified.

Key Results

Dexamethasone effectively inhibited gene expression of inflammatory molecules such as interleukin (IL)‐1β and mast cell protease‐1 in the colon, but did not attenuate colorectal hypersensitivity in either model. Gene expression of inflammatory molecules in the colon did not differ between control and the non‐inflammatory model, but the postinflammatory model showed increased IL‐10 and tight junction protein 2, and decreased IL‐6, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β, a precursor of β‐endorphin, occludin, and mucin 2. While no common molecule explained colorectal hypersensitivity in these models, hypersensitivity was positively correlated with TGF‐β2 mRNA in control, and with IL‐1β, inhibin βA, and prostaglandin E2 synthase in the Dex‐treated postinflammatory model. In the non‐inflammatory model, cyclooxygenase‐2 mRNA was negatively correlated with colorectal sensitivity.

Conclusions & Inferences

These results suggest that persistent functional colorectal hypersensitivity is mediated by condition‐specific mediators whose gene expression in the colon is not inevitably sensitive to steroidal anti‐inflammatory treatment.
Low temperature reduces the energetic requirement for the CO2 concentrating mechanism in diatoms
Authors: Kranz Sven A. , Young Jodi N. , Hopkinson Brian M. , Goldman Johanna A. L. , Tortell Philippe D. , Morel François M. M.
Published: October 2014

The goal of this study is to investigate the CO2 concentrating mechanism (CCM) of the dominant phytoplankton species during the growing season at Palmer station in the Western Antarctic Peninsula.

Key CCM parameters (cellular half‐saturation constants for CO2 fixation, carbonic anhydrase activity, CO2/HCO3− uptake, δ13Corg) in natural phytoplankton assemblages were determined. Those results, together with additional measurements on CO2 membrane permeability from Fragilariopsis cylindrus laboratory cultures, were used to develop a numerical model of the CCM of cold water diatoms.

The field data demonstrate that the dominant species throughout the season possess an effective CCM, which achieves near saturation of CO2 for fixation. The model provides a means to examine the role of eCA activity and HCO3−/CO2 uptake in the functioning of the CCM. According to the model, the increase in δ13Corg during the bloom results chiefly from decreasing ambient CO2 concentration (which reduces the gross diffusive flux across the membrane) rather than a shift in inorganic carbon uptake from CO2 to HCO3−.

The CCM of diatoms in the Western Antarctic Peninsula functions with a relatively small expenditure of energy, resulting chiefly from the low half‐saturation constant for Rubisco at cold temperatures.
Identification and characterization of sources for photo‐ and thermo‐insensitivity in Vigna species
Authors: Pratap Aditya , Basu Partha Sarathi , Gupta Sanjeev , Malviya Nupur , Rajan Neha , Tomar Rakhi , Madhavan Latha , Nadarajan Nagasamy , Singh Narendra Pratap
Published: October 2014

Cultivation of the same varieties of mungbean and blackgram across different seasons and locations is constrained by their photo‐ and thermo‐sensitive behaviour. Developing insensitive genotypes, which can fit well across all seasons, requires robust donors which would provide genes imparting this trait. This study was undertaken to identify such donors in the Vigna species. Forty‐eight accessions belonging to 13 Vigna species and eight released cultivars were evaluated under natural field conditions. Among these, two accessions, viz. V. umbellata (IC251442) and V. glabrescens (IC251372) were found photo‐ and thermo‐insensitive as these were able to flower and set pods at temperatures as high as 43.9°C and as low as 2.7°C. Pollen viability studies indicated viable pollen (>75% at 2.7°C and >85% at 41.9°C) and normal pollen tube growth at both the extremes of temperature. The identified V. glabrescens accession has long, constricted pods and dark green, mottled seeds while V. umbellata has smooth, curved pods and shining, oval, large seeds. Both these accessions can be utilized in developing photo–thermo insensitive genotypes in cultivated Vigna species.
Interspecific amphiploid‐derived alloplasmic male sterility with defective anthers, narrow disc florets and small ray flowers in sunflower
Authors: Liu Zhao , Cai Xiwen , Seiler Gerald J. , Jan Chao‐Chien
Published: October 2014

The cytoplasmic male‐sterility (CMS)/fertility‐restoration system is important for hybrid sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) seed production. The objective of this study was to characterize two novel alloplasmic CMSs, designated CMS GRO1 and CMS MAX3, with defective anthers, narrow disc florets with no swollen corolla, and short, narrow ray flowers derived from two tetraploid amphiploids (AMPs). Among 26 tested lines, only AMP Helianthus cusickii/P 21 and HA 410 failed to restore male‐fertility. Segregation of CMS, male‐fertile plants and plants with reduced male‐fertility was observed both in the testcross progeny of a six line half‐diallel cross of F1s with CMS MAX3 and in an F2 population of CMS GRO1 × RHA 274. Male‐fertility restoration was controlled by at least two dominant genes. Detailed analysis of the mitochondrial genes may provide insight into the differences between these CMSs and other CMS lines. The new CMSs will facilitate the studies of the incompatibility between cytoplasmic and nuclear genes, especially for the alloplasmic CMS involving perennial species, and also provide unique ornamental flower types and CMS sources for hybrid sunflower breeding.
Academic‐Hospital Partnership: Conducting a Community Health Needs Assessment as a Service Learning Project
Authors: Krumwiede Kelly A. , Van Gelderen Stacey A. , Krumwiede Norma K.
Published: October 2014

Objectives

The purposes of this service learning project were to trial nursing student application of the Community‐Based Collaborative Action Research (CBCAR) framework while conducting a community health needs assessment and to assess the effectiveness of the CBCAR framework in providing real‐world learning opportunities for enhancing baccalaureate nursing students’ public health knowledge.

Design and Sample

In this case study analysis, the CBCAR framework linked service learning and community health needs assessment with public health nursing core competencies. Fifteen nursing students partnered with collaborative members.

Measures

Student observational field notes and narrative reflections were analyzed qualitatively for fidelity to the CBCAR framework and to evaluate student public health knowledge.

Results

Students successfully employed the CBCAR framework in collaboration with the critical access hospital and community stakeholders to design and conduct the community health needs assessment. Service learning themes were real‐world solutions, professional development, community collaboration, and making a difference. Students developed skills in six of the eight domains of the Quad Council's core competencies for public health nurses.

Conclusions

Community‐Based Collaborative Action Research facilitates collaborative partnerships and relationships throughout the research process. Students benefited by applying what they have learned from their education to a real community who lacks resources.
Wright Back to Dretske, or Why You Might as Well Deny Knowledge Closure
Authors: Alspector‐Kelly Marc
Published: October 2014

Fred Dretske notoriously claimed that knowledge closure sometimes fails. Crispin Wright agrees that warrant does not transmit in the relevant cases, but only because the agent must already be warranted in believing the conclusion in order to acquire her warrant for the premise. So the agent ends up being warranted in believing, and so knowing, the conclusion in those cases too: closure is preserved. Wright's argument requires that the conclusion's having to be warranted beforehand explains transmission failure. I argue that it doesn't, and that the correct explanation does not imply that the agent will end up warranted in believing the conclusion when transmission fails. Those who agree that transmission does fail in those cases, therefore, might as well follow Dretske in denying knowledge closure too.
Phenotyping Castanea hybrids for Phytophthora cinnamomi resistance
Authors: Santos C. , Machado H. , Correia I. , Gomes F. , Gomes‐Laranjo J. , Costa R.
Published: October 2014

Castanea sativa is susceptible to Phytophthora spp., a serious root pathogen causing ink disease, while C. crenata and C. mollissima show resistance to infection. Interspecific controlled crosses were established for introgression of resistance genes from the resistant species into the susceptible C. sativa, and two mapping populations were created. Phytophthora cinnamomi resistance of each progeny was evaluated by root and excised shoot inoculation tests. The number of days of survival after root inoculation was the best discriminator of resistance to P. cinnamomi while the percentage of shoots with internal lesions was the symptom most associated with survival. The lesion progression rate in the excised shoot inoculation test was strongly and negatively correlated with survival in the root inoculation test. The excised shoot inoculation test appears to be a reliable approach for screening the resistance of chestnut genotypes to P. cinnamomi. Strong genetic correlations were obtained between survival and ink disease symptoms and among symptoms, indicating that common or linked genes might influence resistance to P. cinnamomi. The most resistant genotypes selected from this study will be tested for other commercial variables, such as ease of vegetative propagation and stock–scion compatibility.
Auxin‐mediated relationships between apple plants and root inhabiting fungi: impact on root pathogens and potentialities of growth‐promoting populations
Authors: Manici L. M. , Kelderer M. , Caputo F. , Mazzola M.
Published: October 2014

This study aimed to elucidate the relationship between plant hosts and root‐colonizing fungi recovered from apple orchard soils that had been replanted over multiple generations. Functional relationships of three groups of filamentous fungi (Ceratobasidium sp., Cylindrocarpon‐like group and Fusarium acuminatum) with apple rootstocks were evaluated in plant growth bioassays. The Cylindrocarpon‐like group and Ceratobasidium sp. showed a relationship with the host plant varying from pathogenic to commensal through to mutualistic for the latter group, while that of F. acuminatum tended to be mutualistic. Seven fungal isolates of each group, which induced the highest plant growth in bioassays, were evaluated for auxin (IAA) and gibberellin (GA3 and GA4) production in culture filtrate. All isolates of F. acuminatum as well as most of those of the Ceratobasidium sp. and Cylindrocarpon‐like groups produced IAA in culture filtrate. IAA production was evaluated for additional isolates of endophytic fungal species from fruit tree orchards and the functionality of IAA was confirmed by growing in vitro micropropagated plantlets of apple rootstock on MS medium supplemented with fungal culture filtrate. Findings from this study may explain the difficulty in defining the precise role of diverse root‐colonizing fungal populations in replant disease aetiology of fruit tree orchards. However, the results demonstrate the presence of a positive and widely available biotic component of the orchard soil biology that may be exploited for the benefit of tree growth and production.
Is it time for a comprehensive approach in older home care clients’ care planning in Finland?
Authors: Turjamaa Riitta , Hartikainen Sirpa , Kangasniemi Mari , Pietilä Anna‐Maija
Published: October 2014

Background

Home‐care services require access to high quality information. Apart from the provision of right‐time organised planning of care and to document information about clients’ needs, in home care, the care planning is intended to facilitate continuity and individual nursing through nursing documentation of the assessment of the client.

Aims

The aim was to describe the contents of older (+75 years) home‐care clients’ electronic care and service plans and to evaluate how the clients’ resources have been taken into account.

Design and methods

The data were collected from the care and service plans (n = 437) of home‐care services during July 2010. The data were analysed by quantitative methods and by thematic content analysis.

Results

Based on the analysis, medication was the most reported component in all plans (92.7%); other commonly reported components were self‐care (85.4%) and coping (78.0%). Components within respiratory, follow‐up treatment, life cycle and health behaviour were forgotten. Most of the care and service plans were designed from the home‐care professionals’ point of view but the plans lacked the perspective of older clients.

Conclusion

To be able to promote older home clients’ ability to live at home, home‐care planning needs to be individually designed and must take into account clients’ needs and their perspectives regarding meaningful activities and social relationships. In addition, there is a need to develop a more comprehensive care planning system, based on the clients’ individual needs and standards of care planning.
Who Leaves Suicide Notes? A Six‐Year Population‐Based Study
Authors: Cerel Julie , Moore Melinda , Brown Margaret M. , van de Venne Judy , Brown Sabrina L.
Published: October 2014

Popular culture insists on the significance of suicide notes, but research has yielded conflicting results about who leaves notes. Utilizing 6 years of suicides from a comprehensive statewide data surveillance system, differences were examined between cases with suicide notes and those without in terms of demographics, circumstances of the suicide, and precipitating circumstances. Of the 2,936 suicides, 18.25% included a note. Demographics and circumstances did not differ for cases with a note compared to cases with no note. Results have implications for working with people bereaved by suicide in helping understand that the notes are uncommon and not systematic. However, it is also possible that for some individuals, the content of a note is meaningful and can help or hinder their course of bereavement.
The ‘Chameleon’ Korean Welfare Regime
Authors: Powell Martin , Kim Ki‐tae
Published: October 2014

The path‐breaking work of Gosta Esping‐Andersen (1990), The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism, was based on 18 countries of the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) in 1980, and subsequently has been largely limited to ‘advanced Western’ OECD nations. However, this ignores much work on the East Asian welfare model (EAWM). This article aims to export the ‘welfare modeling business’ to East Asia in general and to Korea in particular. We search for articles in English or Korean which aim to classify Korea. We find 26 studies that are rather different in terms of concepts, measures and analysis. Korea seems to be a ‘chameleon’ changing its appearances to different viewers, with some support for almost every possible classification, apart from the social democratic regime. We find six possible types: liberal; conservative; hybrid; EAWM as the fourth regime; EAWM as a distinct regime; and underdeveloped. In addition, some studies suggest that Korea is moving too fast to enable a clear classification. The modal conclusion is of a fourth regime, but there are some differences between writers and over time, with scholars writing in Korean having a rather different view to scholars writing in English, and with early Korean writers placing Korea in the original triad, but later studies favouring a distinct world. We conclude that it is not clear whether the Western welfare modelling business can be successfully exported to other parts of the world without a change in strategy (concepts and measures).
A Comparison of the Match Demands of International and Provincial Rugby Sevens
Authors: Ross Alex , Gill Nicholas D. , Cronin John B.
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

To compare the running demands and match activity profiles of international and provincial rugby sevens players.

Participants:

84 rugby sevens players, consisting of 16 international players from 1 team and 68 provincial players from 8 teams.

Methods:

Global positioning system analysis was completed during international and provincial tournament matches. Video analysis was also used to quantify the individual match activities during tournament matches.

Results:

Trivial to moderate differences were found in the running demands of international and provincial players, with internationals covering a greater distance at very high speed (ES = 0.30) and performing a greater number of sprints (ES = 0.80). Small differences were found between the 2 levels in all but total tackles (ES = 0.07) and defensive ruck effectiveness (ES = 0.64). International matches incurred a greater overall ball-in-play time than provincial matches (proportion ratio = 1.32).

Conclusions:

These findings demonstrate that both physical and technical factors distinguish international and provincial rugby sevens, although overall match demands are similar.
An Online Training-Monitoring System to Prevent Nonfunctional Overreaching
Authors: Piacentini Maria Francesca , Meeusen Romain
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

This longitudinal case study evaluated the effectiveness of an online training-monitoring system to prevent nonfunctional overreaching (NFOR).

Methods:

A female master track and field athlete was followed by means of a daily online training diary (www.spartanova.com) and a weekly profile of mood state (POMS). The online diary consists of objective training data and subjective feelings reported on a 10-cm visual analog scale. Furthermore, parameters that quantify and summarize training and adaptation to training were calculated. The novelty consists in the inclusion of a specific measuring parameter tested to detect NFOR (OR score).

Results:

During track-season preparation, the athlete was facing some major personal changes, and extratraining stress factors increased. Despite the fact that training load (TL) did not increase, the or score showed a 222% and then a 997% increase compared with baseline. POMS showed a 167% increase in fatigue, a 38% decrease in vigor, a 32% increase in depression scores, and a total mood increase of 22%, with a 1-wk shift compared with the OR score. A 41% decrease in TL restored the OR score and POMS to baseline values within 10 d.

Conclusion:

The results demonstrate that immediate feedback obtained by “warning signals” to both athletes and coaches, based on individual baseline data, seems an optimal predictor of FOR/NFOR.
The Association Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cardiometabolic Risk in Children is Mediated by Abdominal Adiposity: The HAPPY Study
Authors: Bailey Daniel P. , Savory Louise A. , Denton Sarah J. , Kerr Catherine J.
Published: October 2014

Background:

It is unclear whether cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is independently linked to cardiometabolic risk in children. This study investigated a) the association between CRF level and presence of cardiometabolic risk disorders using health-related cut points, and b) whether these associations were mediated by abdominal adiposity in children.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional design study. Anthropometry, biochemical parameters and CRF were assessed in 147 schoolchildren (75 girls) aged 10 to 14 years. CRF was determined using a maximal cycle ergometer test. Children were classified as ‘fit’ or ‘unfit’ according to published thresholds. Logistic regression was used to investigate the odds of having individual and clustered cardiometabolic risk factors according to CRF level and whether abdominal adiposity mediated these associations.

Results:

Children classified as unfit had increased odds of presenting individual and clustered cardiometabolic risk factors (P < .05), but these associations no longer remained after adjusting for abdominal adiposity (P > .05).

Conclusions:

This study suggests that the association between CRF and cardiometabolic risk is mediated by abdominal adiposity in 10- to 14-year-old children and that abdominal adiposity may be a more important determinant of adverse cardiometabolic health in this age group.
Validity and Reliability of an Instrumented Leg-Extension Machine for Measuring Isometric Muscle Strength of the Knee Extensors
Authors: Ruschel Caroline , Haupenthal Alessandro , Fernandes Jacomel Gabriel , de Brito Fontana Heiliane , Pacheco dos Santos Daniela , Dias Scoz Robson , Roesler Helio
Published: October 2014

Context: Isometric muscle strength of knee extensors has been assessed for estimating performance, evaluating progress during physical training, and investigating the relationship between isometric and dynamic/functional performance. Objective: To assess the validity and reliability of an adapted leg-extension machine for measuring isometric knee extensor force. Design: Validity (concurrent approach) and reliability (test and test-retest approach) study. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: 70 healthy men and women aged between 20 and 30 y (39 in the validity study and 31 in the reliability study). Main Outcome Measures: Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values calculated for the maximum voluntary isometric torque of knee extensors at 30°, 60°, and 90°, measured with the prototype and with an isokinetic dynamometer (ICC2,1, validity study) and measured with the prototype in test and retest sessions, scheduled from 48 h to 72 h apart (ICC1,1, reliability study). Results: In the validity analysis, the prototype showed good agreement for measurements at 30° (ICC2,1 = .75, SEM = 18.2 Nm) and excellent agreement for measurements at 60° (ICC2,1 = .93, SEM = 9.6 Nm) and at 90° (ICC2,1 = .94, SEM = 8.9 Nm). Regarding the reliability analysis, between-days' ICC1,1 were good to excellent, ranging from .88 to .93. Standard error of measurement and minimal detectable difference based on test-retest ranged from 11.7 Nm to 18.1 Nm and 32.5 Nm to 50.1 Nm, respectively, for the 3 analyzed knee angles. Conclusions: The analysis of validity and repeatability of the prototype for measuring isometric muscle strength has shown to be good or excellent, depending on the knee joint angle analyzed. The new instrument, which presents a relative low cost and easiness of transportation when compared with an isokinetic dynamometer, is valid and provides consistent data concerning isometric strength of knee extensors and, for this reason, can be used for practical, clinical, and research purposes.
Interexaminer, Intraexaminer, and Test-Retest Reliability of Clinical Knee Joint-Position-Sense Measurements Using an Image-Capture Technique
Authors: Relph Nicola , Herrington Lee
Published: October 2014

Context: Knee joint-position sense (JPS) plays a critical role in controlled and stable joint movement. Poor ability to sense position of the knee can therefore increase risk of injury. There is no agreed consensus on JPS measurement techniques and a lack of reliability statistics on methods. Objective: To identify the most reliable knee JPS measurement technique using image capture. Design: Interexaminer, intraexaminer, and test-retest reliability of knee JPS measurements. Setting: Biomechanics laboratory. Participants: 10 asymptomatic participants. Interventions: None. Main Outcome Measures: Relative and absolute error scores of knee JPS in 3 conditions (sitting, prone, active) through 3 ranges of movement (10-30°, 30-60°, 60-90°), into 2 directions (flexion and extension) using both legs (dominant and nondominant) collected during 15 trials and repeated 7 d after the first data collection. Results: Statistical analysis by intraclass correlations revealed excellent interexaminer reliability between researchers (.98) and intraexaminer reliability within 1 researcher (.96). Test-retest reliability was highest in the sitting condition from a starting angle of 0°, target angle through 60-90° of flexion, using the dominant leg and absolute-error-score variables (ICC = .92). However, it was noted smallest detectable differences were a high percentage of mean values for all measures. Conclusions: The most reliable JPS measurement for asymptomatic participants has been identified. Practitioners should use this protocol when collecting JPS data during prescreening sessions. However, generalizability of findings to a class/group of clients exhibiting knee pathologies should be done with caution.
The Effect of Ankle Kinesio Tape on Ankle Muscle Activity During a Drop Landing
Authors: Fayson Shirleeah D. , Needle Alan R. , Kaminski Thomas W.
Published: October 2014

Context:

The use of Kinesio Tape among health care professional has grown recently in efforts to efficiently prevent and treat joint injuries. However, limited evidence exists regarding the efficacy of this technique in enhancing joint stability and neuromuscular control.

Objective:

To determine how Kinesio Tape application to the ankle joint alters forces and muscle activity during a drop-jump maneuver.

Design:

Single-group pretest– posttest.

Setting:

University laboratory.

Subjects:

22 healthy adults with no previous history of ankle injury.

Interventions:

Participants were instrumented with electromyography on the lower-leg muscles as they jumped from a 35-cm platform onto force plates. Test trials were performed without tape (BL), immediately after application of Kinesio Tape to the ankle (KT-I), and after 24 h of continued use (KT-24).

Main Outcome Measures:

Peak ground-reaction forces (GRFs) and time to peak GRF were compared across taping conditions, and the timing and amplitude of muscle activity from the tibialis anterior, peroneus longus, and lateral gastrocnemius were compared across taping conditions.

Results:

No significant differences in amplitude or timing of GRFs were observed (P > .05). However, muscle activity was observed to decrease from BL to KT-I in the tibialis anterior (P = .027) and from BL to KT-24 in the PL (P = .022).

Conclusions:

The data suggest that Kinesio Tape decreases muscle activity in the ankle during a drop-jump maneuver, although no changes in GRFs were observed. This is contrary to the proposed mechanisms of Kinesio Tape. Further research might investigate how this affects participants with a history of injury.
Sustained complete remission of primary effusion lymphoma with adjunctive ganciclovir treatment in an HIV-positive patient
Authors: Pereira Rui , Carvalho Joana , Patrício Catarina , Farinha Pedro
Published: October 2014

Primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) is one of the least common of the AIDS-related lymphomas, accounting for less than 1–4% of cases. Clinical manifestations depend on the extent and distribution of disease and, as in the majority of patients no detectable mass lesion is found, symptoms are related to fluid accumulation, dyspnoea (pleural or pericardial effusions), abdominal distension (ascites) or joint swelling. The median survival after diagnosis, even with aggressive chemotherapy, remains poor and remissions are often of short duration. We present the case of a 31-year-old man with AIDS and diagnosis of PEL, in whom sustained and complete remission of the tumour was achieved with adjunctive ganciclovir therapy. Since the disease is so uncommon, there is a paucity of data to guide the treatment of these patients; ganciclovir might be a potential antiviral therapeutic option, as demonstrated by the 2-year remission achieved in our patient.
Squamous cell carcinoma and eosinophilia in a long-term course of pansclerotic morphea
Authors: Grewal Inderjote , Khan Omar , Davis William
Published: October 2014

Pansclerotic morphea is a rare subtype of localised scleroderma. Very few cases have been reported in the literature. This case discusses a young man with a 15-year history of pansclerotic morphea, illustrating the clinical course and complications of this disease. Notably, recurrent squamous cell carcinomas with several high-risk features and frequent cellulitis were the basis of many admissions. As often seen with this disease, autoimmune markers were negative. However, marked eosinophilia was noted late in the course. Furthermore, this disease is quite resistant to treatment. Immunosuppressive therapy thus far has perhaps slowed the progression, although not cured the disease in this patient.
RIDE EVERY CHALLENGE: THE IMPACT OF SURFING ON 100 YOUNG PEOPLE FACING PERSONAL AND EMOTIONAL CHALLENGES
Authors: Colpus S , Taylor J
Published: October 2014

Introduction

The Wave Project began in 2010 when a group of Cornish surfers received a grant from the Cornwall and Isles Of Scilly NHS Primary Care Trust (UK). This was used to explore the effects of surfing on a group of 20 young people with mental health conditions, during a six-week pilot. The results were very positive. Over the last 2 years the Wave Project has grown, enabled by charity funding and volunteers.

Table 1

72 clients rated their wellbeing on a scale of 0–10 (bottom–top) using six measures of confidence

ItemPre Course MeanPost Course MeanPre Course Standard Deviation (SD)Post Course SDP ValueHow confident do I feel?4.59.50.70.7P<0.001Do I believe in myself?591.410P<0.001Do I trust other people?681.411.41P<0.001How much fun am I having?9102.820P<0.001How do I feel about the future?6.58.52.120.71P<0.001How happy am I?7901.41P<0.001

Aim

Show the many positive effects surfing has on young people with varying mental health conditions, personal and social needs.

Methods

During September 2011–2012 a free six-week surfing course was delivered to 100 young people aged 8–17, referred by schools, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS), General Practitioners, Educational Psychologists and Bereavement Charities. They were placed on a six-week course, of 2 hours per session. Sessions were held at weekends in three Cornish locations, during the surf season April–October.

The four main evaluation methods were:

Attendance sheets

A pre and post course rating scale

Client, parent and carer feedback forms

Focus Groups

87 clients completed the six-week course and 72 completed self-evaluation questionnaires.

Results

From self evaluation, client and professional feedback and attendance levels give a strong indication that the surfing projects are making a difference to the lives of young people. Self-evaluation revealed that after the course young people felt their confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing had improved. Formal feedback from parents and professionals showed additional improvements in motor and social skills, behaviour and re-engagement with school.

Conclusions

Overall it is clear from available evidence that surfing has a positive and beneficial effect on young people, however further research is needed. It has great importance as a referral service, which could be expanded.
Non-genomic effects of spironolactone and eplerenone in cardiomyocytes of neonatal Wistar rats: do they evoke cardioprotective pathways?
Authors: Hermidorff Milla Marques , Faria Gabriela de Oliveira , Amâncio Gabriela de Cassia Sousa , de Assis Leonardo Vinícius Monteiro , Isoldi Mauro César
Published: October 2014

Mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) antagonists of aldosterone (spironolactone and eplerenone) display beneficial effects in the treatment of cardiopathies; however, many of these responses are independent of this antagonism. The mechanisms of action of these drugs are not well known; few studies have comparatively evaluated whether eplerenone as well as spironolactone display cardioprotective effects independent of the blockade of aldosterone. To study these mechanisms, which lead to cardioprotective responses, and to evaluate comparatively their effects in vitro, we have evaluated the proliferative effect of spironolactone and eplerenone in primary culture of cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts of neonatal Wistar rats in the presence and absence of aldosterone. Spironolactone and eplerenone promoted proliferation of cardiomyocyte even in the absence of aldosterone, suggesting a signaling pathway independent of the antagonism over aldosterone. Spironolactone was able to reduce the proliferation of fibroblasts and to reverse the proliferation promoted by aldosterone, which was also displayed by eplerenone. To elucidate the biochemical pathways evoked by these drugs, we sought to analyze Ca2+, cAMP, and cGMP, and the activity of PKC and ERK1/2. Spironolactone and eplerenone increased the levels of Ca2+, cGMP and activity of ERK 1/2, and reversed the action of aldosterone on the activity of PKC and ERK1/2. Interestingly, only spironolactone increased the levels of cAMP. Our data support the fact that in addition to aldosterone, both spironolactone and eplerenone display rapid responses (non-genomic) such as an increase on cAMP, Ca2+, and cGMP by spironolactone, and Ca2+ and cGMP by eplerenone. We have observed a more consistent cardioprotection promoted by spironolactone; however, these effects have yet to be tested clinically. Therefore, our data show that these drugs do not only act as an antagonist of MR, but could lead to a new pharmacological classification of these drugs.
Effect of aminoguanidine on sciatic functional index, oxidative stress, and rate of apoptosis in an experimental rat model of ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Mohsen Alipour , Farhad Ghadiri Soufi , Mohammad-Reza Jafari
Published: October 2014

This study was conducted to investigate the potential protective effects of aminoguanidine (AG) on sciatic functional index (SFI), oxidative stress status, and apoptosis index using a rat model of experimental sciatic nerve ischemia–reperfusion injury (I/R). Treatment groups received 150 mg AG/kg body mass, 24 h after the induction of ischemia. After reperfusion for 2, 4, 7, 14, and 28 days, we evaluated measured SFI, plasma antioxidant enzymes, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and index of apoptosis. SFI was significantly improved on the 7th and 14th day of reperfusion in the AG-treated groups. AG treatment resulted in the significant reduction of MDA levels on the 7th and 14th day of reperfusion. TAC was only increased after 7 days of reperfusion compared with the untreated group. SOD activity was decreased in both the untreated and AG-treated groups by comparison with the control, but did not show a significant change. GPx activity decreased only after 7 days of reperfusion. The maximal rate of apoptosis occurred on the 7th day of reperfusion. Treatment with AG significantly reduced this enhancement. AG exhibits positive effects against sciatic nerve I/R injury, possibly in part because of the protective effects of AG against apoptosis and I/R-induced oxidative stress.
Determine the critical fermion flavor in three-dimensional QED using nonlocal gauge
Authors: Jiang Hua , Wang Yong-Long , Lu Wei-Tao , Wang Chuan-Cong
Published: October 2014

We determine the critical fermion flavor for dynamical chiral symmetry breaking in three-dimensional quantum electrodynamics using nonlocal gauge (gauge parameter depends on the momentum or coordinate). The coupled Dyson–Schwinger equations of the fermion and gauge boson propagators are considered in the vicinity of the critical point. Illustrated by using the transverse vertex proposed by Bashir et al., we show that: for a variety of the transverse vertex, the critical flavor is still 128/3π2, the same as using the bare vertex.
Effects of quantum gravity on black holes
Authors: Chen Deyou , Wu Houwen , Yang Haitang , Yang Shuzheng
Published: October 2014

In this review, we discuss the effects of quantum gravity on black hole physics. After a brief review of the origin of the minimal observable length from various quantum gravity theories, we present the tunneling method. To incorporate quantum gravity effects, we modify the Klein–Gordon equation and Dirac equation by the modified fundamental commutation relations. Then we use the modified equations to discuss the tunneling radiation of scalar particles and fermions. The corrected Hawking temperatures are related to the quantum numbers of the emitted particles. Quantum gravity corrections slow down the increase of the temperatures. The remnants are observed as [Formula: see text]. The mass is quantized by the modified Wheeler–DeWitt equation and is proportional to n in quantum gravity regime. The thermodynamical property of the black hole is studied by the influence of quantum gravity effects.
Cooling through quantum criticality and many-body effects in condensed matter and cold gases
Authors: Wolf Bernd , Honecker Andreas , Hofstetter Walter , Tutsch Ulrich , Lang Michael
Published: October 2014

This article reviews some recent developments for new cooling technologies in the fields of condensed matter physics and cold gases, both from an experimental and theoretical point of view. The main idea is to make use of distinct many-body interactions of the system to be cooled which can be some cooling stage or the material of interest itself, as is the case in ultracold gases. For condensed matter systems, we discuss magnetic cooling schemes based on a large magnetocaloric effect as a result of a nearby quantum phase transition and consider effects of geometrical frustration. For ultracold gases, we review many-body cooling techniques, such as spin-gradient and Pomeranchuk cooling, which can be applied in the presence of an optical lattice. We compare the cooling performance of these new techniques with that of conventional approaches and discuss state-of-the-art applications.
Quantum computing gates via optimal control
Authors: Atia Yosi , Elias Yuval , Mor Tal , Weinstein Yossi
Published: October 2014

We demonstrate the use of optimal control to design two entropy-manipulating quantum gates which are more complex than the corresponding, commonly used, gates, such as CNOT and Toffoli (CCNOT): A two-qubit gate called polarization exchange (PE) and a three-qubit gate called polarization compression (COMP) were designed using GRAPE, an optimal control algorithm. Both gates were designed for a three-spin system. Our design provided efficient and robust nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) radio frequency (RF) pulses for 13 C 2-trichloroethylene (TCE), our chosen three-spin system. We then experimentally applied these two quantum gates onto TCE at the NMR lab. Such design of these gates and others could be relevant for near-future applications of quantum computing devices.
Walking Pattern Tuning System Based on ZMP for Humanoid Robot
Authors: Lee Ki Nam , Ryoo Young Jae
Published: October 2014

In this paper, an walking pattern tuning system based on (zero moment point) ZMP for a humanoid robot is proposed. Commonly, programming and languages used for developing a humanoid robot are highly sophisticated or complex. The proposed walking pattern tuning system is a program tool to finely tune the walking pattern based on ZMP by adjusting intuitive parameters that common user can understand easily. The walking pattern tuning system was applied to the humanoid robot of 1.1 meters tall and the humanoid robot with the tuned walking pattern was tested for its performance.
Anomaly of double-decker bis(phthalocyaninato)cerium(IV) in its electrochemical properties amongst rare-earth analogs
Authors: Isago Hiroaki
Published: October 2014

Redox properties of the title complex [ Ce ( pc )2] (where pc denotes phthalocyaninate dianion, C 32 H 16 N 82-) have been investigated in dichloromethane solutions by cyclic- and rotating-disk-electrode voltammetry. Unlike the other rare-earth(III) analogs that show one oxidation and one reduction waves in the potential range of -1 – +1 V vs. the half-wave potential of the redox couple of ferrocene (Fc+/Fc), only the cerium(IV) derivative shows two oxidation and one reduction waves in the same potential range. The first and second oxidation and the first reduction waves have been assigned as pc2-pc•-/pc2-pc2-, pc•-pc•-/pc2-pc•-, and Ce IV / III ( pc 2-)2, respectively, on the basis of spectroelectrochemical works. The ligand-centered electron-transfer processes are fully reversible and diffusion-controlled whereas the first reduction alone is quasi-reversible. Comparison of absorption and magnetic circular dichroism spectra before and after the metal-centered reduction suggests that structural change upon the electron-transfer is not significant in solution apart from the interplanar distance between the two macrocyclic ligands.
Variational finite element approach to study the thermal stress in multi-layered human head
Authors: Aijaz Mir , Khanday M. A. , Rafiq Aasma
Published: October 2014

The human head is one of the most sensitive parts of human body due to the fact that it contains brain. Any abnormality in the functioning of brain may disturb the entire system. One of the disturbing factors of brain is thermal stress. Thus, it is imperative to study the effects of thermal stress on human head at various environmental conditions. For the thermoregulation process, the human head is considered to be a structure of four layers viz.; brain, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), skull and scalp. A mathematical model has been formulated to estimate the variation of temperature at these layers. The model is based on radial form of bio-heat equation with the appropriate boundary conditions and has been solved by variational finite element method. The rate of metabolic heat generation and thermal conductivity in this study have been assumed to be heterogeneous. The results were compared with the experimental studies for their coincidence and it has been observed theoretically and experimentally that the human head has greater resistance to compete with the thermal stress up to large extent.