bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RISK FACTORS FOR OVERUSE SHOULDER INJURIES AMONG MALE PROFESSIONAL HANDBALL PLAYERS
Authors: Clarsen B , Bahr R , Andersson S , Kristensen RM , Myklebust G
Published: March 2014

Background

Overuse shoulder injuries are common among professional male handball players. However, little is known about risk factors for the development of injury.

Objective

To determine whether rotator cuff strength, glenohumeral joint range of motion and scapular stability are associated with the presence of overuse shoulder problems among elite male handball players.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

The Norwegian professional handball league for men (Postenliga).

Participants

A total of 206 professional players were tested prior to the 2011–12 season and followed prospectively over the course of the season (30 weeks). During this time, shoulder problems were registered bi-weekly using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire. Sufficient data was collected from 162 players to be able to be included in risk-factor analyses.

Risk factor assessment

Risk factor measures included: (1) Glenohumeral internal and external rotation range using a digital inclinometer; (2) isometric internal rotation, external rotation and abduction strength using a hand-held dynamometer, and (3) assessment of scapular control, using a validated subjective protocol.

Main outcome measurements

A cumulative severity score was calculated for each player based on their questionnaire responses. The score reflects the degree to which they experienced shoulder pain throughout the season, as well as reductions in handball participation and performance due to shoulder problems.

Results

The average prevalence of shoulder problems throughout the season was 28% (95% CI: 25–31%). A significant associations was found between obvious scapular dyskinesis and shoulder problems (OR 11.6, 95% CI 2.0–68.4, P<.05). Players with shoulder problems also had reduced Glenohumeral total rotational motion (mean difference 9°, P<.05). No significant associations were identified between isometric strength and shoulder problems.

Conclusions

The prevalence of overuse shoulder problems is high among male professional handball players. This study provides important information which may help to guide the development of prevention programs.
REHABILITATION EXERCISES FOR ATHLETES WITH BICEPS PATHOLOGY AND SLAP LESIONS: A CONTINUUM OF EXERCISES WITH INCREASING LOAD ON THE BICEPS
Authors: Cools A , Borms D , Cottens S , Himpe M , Meersdom S , Cagnie B
Published: March 2014

Background

Although conservative treatment is often recommended in biceps related pathology and SLAP lesions in overhead athletes, a progressive exercise protocol with controlled low to moderate load on the biceps has not been described yet.

Objective

To describe a continuum of exercises with progressive low to moderate load on the biceps, based on EMG analysis.

Design

Descriptive laboratory study.

Participants

Non-injured participants, age 22.3 yrs (±1.3 yrs).

Risk factor assessment

Electromyographic (EMG) activity of 8 muscles (upper (UT), middle (MT), lower (LT) trapezius, serratus anterior (SA), anterior (DA) and posterior (DP) portions of the deltoid, biceps (BB) and triceps (TB) brachii) was measured in 32 healthy subjects performing 16 commonly described shoulder rehabilitation exercises, using surface electromyography.

Main outcome measurements

EMG activity, normalized to MIVC.

Results

Out of the 16 exercises, 13 show low (<20% MIVC) and 3 moderate (20-50% MIVC) EMG activity in the BB. Based on the results, a ranking is presented of the exercises with EMG levels between 2.2±1.24 (during internal rotation against resistance in 90° of shoulder abduction) and 35.9±18.82 (during forward flexion in external rotation and supination) % MIVC.

Conclusion

A continuum of exercises may be used in the rehabilitation of biceps pathology and SLAP lesions, based on the EMG activity of the BB, varying from very low to moderate load. The results may assist the clinician in the appropriate choice of exercises in a graded rehabilitation program of biceps related pathology.
HIP SCREENING IN ELITE YOUTH TENNIS PLAYERS
Authors: Cotorro AR , Philippon M , Briggs K , Boykin R , Dominguez D
Published: March 2014

Background

Tennis continues to be a popular sport with increasing participation in youth acadameys. As players begin to play competitive tennis earlier in life, more injuries are possible. Hip problems including femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) have been frequently reported in this population.

Objective

To determine how many young tennis players have abnormal findings on clinical exam of the hip.

Design

Pre-participation screening of youth tennis players.

Setting

Tennis academy.

Participants

148 tennis players with an average age of the subjects was 15.1 years (range 11–19) with 58 females and 90 males. Started tennis at an average age of 6 years (range 3–14) and participate in average of 20 tournaments per year and play tennis 47 weeks per year (range 39–52).

Risk factor assessment

Screening.

Main outcome measurement

“Hip At-Risk”.A positive test for risk of FAI was defined as positive anterior impingement sign, a positive FABER, or decreased internal rotation (>5 degrees) compared to contralateral hip.

Results

6 players had previous hip injury and and 3 had history of a sports hernia. 31/148 (21%) had a positive impingement test on one or both hips, 34/148 (23%) had FABER distance difference between hips of greater than 3 cm, and 53/148 (36%) had decreased internal rotation (>5 degrees). Other positive findings included the Thomas test (31%), Ober test (27%), pain with lumbar extension (13%), Trendelenberg (5%), and straight leg raise(3%). Overall 92/148 (62%) were considered to have a hip “at-risk for FAI. The subjects at risk of FAI had played tennis longer (9.5 years) compared to those without risk (8.6 years) P=.041.

Conclusion:

Hip screening of elite youth tennis players demonstrated that 62% of the athletes have a hip “at-risk” for femeroacetabular impingement based on physical examination, This risk was associated with years of tennis played.
MULTI-SEGMENTED FOOT LANDING KINEMATICS IN SUBJECTS WITH CHRONIC ANKLE INSTABILITY
Authors: De Ridder R , Willems T , Vanrenterghem J , Robinson M , Palmans T , Roosen P
Published: March 2014

Background

Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is associated with inadequate control during landing tasks. Joint kinematics have been shown influential in the capacity to accommodate for the incurred high loading.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether multi-segmented foot kinematics of the impact phase of landing tasks can reveal further control issues in subjects with CAI, copers, and controls.

Design

Case-control design.

Setting

All subjects were evaluated in a laboratory setting with a 3D kinematic setup.

Participants

96 recreationally active subjects (38 subjects with CAI, 28 copers and 30 controls) were included in the study.

Risk factor assessment

All subjects performed a vertical drop and side jump landing task. Data were collected using a force plate and a 6-camera opto-electronic system.

Main outcome measurements

Foot and ankle kinematics were registered using a rigid foot model and the six-segment Ghent Foot Model (GFM), along with vertical ground reaction forces. Group differences were evaluated using Statistical Parametric Mapping and ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni correction.

Results

In general, similar sagittal plane differences were found for vertical drop and side jump. Subjects with CAI and copers exhibited less plantar flexion at touch down. In addition, unlike the coper group, the CAI group demonstrated a stiffer landing pattern (smaller ROM) compared to the control group, leading to higher loading rates. Furthermore, subjects with CAI had a more inverted midfoot position compared to controls during side jump and more midfoot in/eversion ROM than copers during vertical drop. Copers exhibited less plantarflexion/dorsiflexion ROM in the lateral and medial forefoot for both conditions.

Conclusions

Subjects with CAI displayed an altered, stiffer kinematic landing strategy and related alterations in landing kinetics, which might predispose them for episodes of giving way and actual ankle sprain events.
ACUTE ANKLE SPRAIN INJURY ALTERS KINEMATIC AND CENTRE OF PRESSURE MEASURES OF POSTURAL CONTROL DURING SINGLE LIMB STANCE
Authors: Doherty C , Delahunt E , Bleakley C , Hertel J , Ryan J , Caulfield B
Published: March 2014

Background

Upright single-limb stance (SLS) is maintained via integration of visual, vestibular and somatosensory afferents. The presence of redundancies between these afferents allows the sensorimotor system to simplify a specific task within a number of strategies. Musculoskeletal injury challenges the somatosensory system to reweight distorted sensory afferents. No current investigation has supplemented kinetic analysis of eyes-open and eyes-closed SLS tasks with a kinematic profile of lower limb postural orientation in an acute lateral ankle sprain (LAS) group to assess the adaptive capacity of the sensorimotor system to injury.

Objective

To compare centre of pressure (COP) and lower limb postural orientation characteristics of participants with acute LAS to non-injured participants during a SLS task.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

University biomechanics laboratory.

Participants

66 participants with acute LAS completed a task of eyes-open SLS on their injured and non-injured limbs (task 1). 23 of these participants successfully completed the SLS task with their eyes closed (task 2). A non-injured control group of nineteen participants completed task 1, with 16 completing task 2.

Main outcome measures

3D kinematics of the hip, knee and ankle joints as well as associated fractal dimension (FD) of the COP path.

Results

Between trial analyses of groups revealed significant differences in lower limb kinematics and FD of the COP path for task 2. Post-hoc testing revealed that non-injured control group bilaterally assumed a position of greater hip flexion compared to LAS participants (injured limb=7.41±6.1◦vs 1.44±4.8◦; non-injured limb=9.59±8.5◦vs 2.16±5.6◦), with a corollary of greater FD of the COP path (injured limb=1.39±0.16 vs 1.25±0.14; non-injured limb=1.37±0.21 vs 1.23±0.14).

Conclusion

Acute LAS causes bilateral impairment in postural control strategies.
ACUTE ANKLE SPRAIN INJURY ALTERS KINEMATIC AND CENTRE OF PRESSURE MEASURES OF POSTURAL CONTROL DURING THE STAR EXCURSION BALANCE TEST
Authors: Doherty C , Delahunt E , Bleakley C , Hertel J , Ryan J , Caulfield B
Published: March 2014

Background

Postural control assessments are frequently used in clinical and research settings to evaluate movement deficits following acute lateral ankle sprain (LAS). The Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) is one such postural control assessment tool. To date, no research has investigated the immediate post-injury movement strategies associated with LAS, as quantified by center of pressure (COP) and kinematic analyses during performance of selected reach directions of the SEBT.

Objective

To compare the kinematic and COP patterns of a group with acute LAS and a non-injured control group during performance of selected reach directions of the SEBT.

Design

Cross-sectional.

Setting

University biomechanics laboratory.

Participants

81 participants with acute LAS and 19 non-injured controls.

Main outcome measures

3D kinematics of the hip, knee and ankle joints as well as associated fractal dimension (FD) of the COP path during the performance of the anterior (ANT), posterior-lateral (PL) and posterior-medial (PM) reach directions of the SEBT.

Results

The LAS group had bilateral decreased reach distances normalised to leg length in the ANT, PL and PM reach directions of the SEBT compared to non-injured control participants (P<.05). The LAS group were also characterized by altered temporal sagittal plane kinematic profiles at the hip, knee and ankle joints of their injured and non-injured limbs for each of the reach directions of the SEBT, compared to the control group (P<.05). This altered kinematic profile was associated with a reduced FD of the COP path for each reach direction on the involved limb only (P<.05).

Conclusion

Acute LAS is associated with bilateral deficits in postural control, evidenced by reduced angular displacements of the hip, knee and ankle joints, as well as reduced reach distances and FD of the COP path during the performance of a dynamic postural control assessment task.
IS BICEPS FEMORIS LONG HEAD APONEUROSIS SIZE A RISK FACTOR FOR HAMSTRING STRAIN INJURY?
Authors: Evangelidis PE , Massey GJ , Pain MT , Folland JP
Published: March 2014

Background

Biceps femoris long head (BFlh) proximal aponeurosis (PA) size appears to be highly variable between individuals (Handsfieldet al., 2010) and may not be proportional to muscle size and strength. Individuals with a relatively small aponeurosis may be at higher risk of strain injury (Fiorentinoet al., 2012), and this could be an important intrinsic risk factor.

Objective

To examine the relationship of BFlh PA area with BFlh muscle size (volume and maximal anatomical cross-sectional area, ACSAmax) and hamstrings voluntary maximal isometric strength (MIS).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Laboratory.

Participants

Thirty healthy, recreationally active participants (age: 20.7±2.6 yrs, height: 179.3±7.0 cm, body mass: 72.2±7.2 kg, mean±s) with no history of hamstrings injury.

Risk factor assessment

The dominant thigh was scanned (1.5T MRI scanner) and axial plane images (slice thickness: 5 mm) were used to measure BFlh muscle ACSAmax and volume. PA area was calculated as the sum of aponeurosis to muscle contact distance within each image (external and internal) multiplied by the slice thickness. MIS was measured in a prone position (hip and knee joint angles of 150°;full extension=180°).

Main outcome measurements

BFlh muscle volume, BFlh ACSAmax, BFlh PA area, MIS.

Results

BFlh PA area varied considerably across participants (mean=20.4±5.4 cm2, range=7.5-33.5 cm2, CV=26.6%) and it was not related to BFlh ACSAmax (r=0.041, P=.830) or volume (r=0.354, P=.055). Also, BFlh PA area was not related to MIS (r=0.178, P=.347). BFlh PA relative size (ratio to ACSAmax) was >4 times smaller in some individuals than others (CV=38%).

Conclusions

BFlh PA area was not related to BFlh muscle size or hamstrings strength. Our results confirm the large aponeurosis size variability previously reported (Handsfieldet al., 2010) and support the notion that this could be a risk factor for hamstrings strain injury.
SAGITTAL SPINAL CURVATURES AND PELVIC TILT OF FEMALE DANCERS IN STANDING POSTURE
Authors: Esparza-Ros F , Vaquero-Cristóbal R , Alacid F , Martínez-Ruiz E , López-Miñarro PA
Published: March 2014

Background

A good control of the spinal posture may induce greater ability to change spinal angles in several positions. The spinal posture influences vertebral loading during daily activities. Neutral postures have been associated to lower spinal forces in the intervertebral joints.

Objective

To compare the spinal posture and pelvic tilt between relaxed standing and active alignment while standing in elementary education dancers.

Design

Comparative study.

Setting

Dance Conservatory professional. The sample included dance students of 4th year.

Participants

46 female dancers (mean±SD, age: 12.07±1.01 years-old) were recruited for this study. All participants had at less 4 years of experience in the Dance Conservatory.

Risk factor assessment

Not applicable.

Main outcome measurements

Thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis and pelvic tilt were measured in relaxed standing and during active alignment of spinal curvatures using a Spinal Mouse®.

Results

Thoracic and lumbar curvatures and pelvic tilt values while relaxed standing were 18.72±11.11°, -25.52±7.14° and 19.52±5.10°, respectively. Mean values in the active alignment were: 4.96±13.54°, -3.76±12.12° and 4.57±7.06°, respectively. Significant differences between both postures were found in the thoracic (t=6.39; P<.001) and lumbar curvatures (t=−10.33; P<.001), and pelvic tilt (t=12.29; P<.001).

Conclusions

Dance is associated with a large control of spinal posture in standing position. Dance training is related to a great curvature change when active alignment of spinal curves is required. This control of spinal curvatures may reduce the risk of injury in dance and daily activities.
HIGH PREVALENCE OF INJURIES IN THE NORWEGIAN NATIONAL BALLET
Authors: Fredriksen H , Clarsen B
Published: March 2014

Background

Ballet dancers are both artists and athletes with extreme physical demands placed on them. Clinical experience and previous studies suggest that they are at high risk of sustaining injuries, but more high-quality prospective studies are needed.

Objective

To assess the prevalence of injuries and illnesses among professional ballet dancers in the Norwegian National Ballet Company, using a newly developed injury surveillance method. Information gained may provide a foundation for future prevention interventions.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Participants

A total of 57 dancers in the National ballet company agreed to participate. During the first 32 weeks of the registration there has been 5 drop-outs.

Interventions

Every second week all dancers received a recently developed online questionnaire which records symptoms of illness and injury, as well as reduced participation and dancing performance due to health problems.

Main outcome measurements

Prevalence of injuries and illnesses.

Results

Preliminary results after 32 weeks. The average response rate was 81% (64–89%). The average injury prevalence was 64% (32–84%), and the average illness prevalence was 9% (4–20%). The prevalence of substantial injuries, defined as injuries leading to moderate or severe reductions in dance participation or performance, or total inability to dance, was 29% (18–45%). Thirty-four percent of injuries were located in the ankle, 18% in the lower leg, 12% in the knee and 11% in the foot.

Conclusions

The prevalence of injury is extremely high among dancers at the Norwegian National Ballet Company, being considerably higher than among elite athletes from Olympic sports. Future efforts to prevent injuries in this group are warranted.
The independent associations of recorded crime and perceived safety with physical health in a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of men and women in New Zealand
Authors: Lovasi Gina S , Goh Charlene E , Pearson Amber L , Breetzke Gregory
Published: March 2014

Objectives

We investigated associations of officially recorded crime and perceived neighbourhood safety with physical health, evaluating potential effect modification by gender.

Setting

Nationally representative population-based survey in New Zealand.

Participants

Individual-level data from 6995 New Zealand General Social Survey (2010–2011) participants with complete data on physical health status, perceived neighbourhood safety, sociodemographic characteristics and smoking. Crime rate for each participant's home census was estimated based on data from the New Zealand Police (2008–2010).

Primary outcome measure

The Transformed Physical Composite Score from the SF-12, a physical health summary score based on self-report ranging from 0 to 100.

Results

We used cluster robust multivariable regression models to examine the associations among neighbourhood crime rates, perceived neighbourhood safety and the physical health summary score. Crime rates predicted adults’ perception that it was unsafe to walk in their neighbourhood at night: for each additional crime per 100 000 residents adults were 1.9% more likely to perceive their neighbourhood as unsafe (95% CI 1.2% to 2.5%). While relatively uncommon, the rate of crime with a weapon strongly predicted perceived safety: for each additional crime per 100 000 residents in this category, adults were 12.9% more likely to report the neighbourhood as unsafe (95% CI 8.8% to 17.0%). Police-recorded violent and night crime rates were associated with worse physical health among women: for each additional crime per 100 000 residents in these category women had a 0.3 point lower physical health score (95% CIs −0.6 to −0.1 for violent crime and −0.5 to −0.1 for crime at night, gender interaction p values 0.08 and 0.01, respectively). Perceiving the neighbourhood as unsafe was independently associated with 1.0 point lower physical health score (95% CI −1.5 to −0.5).

Conclusions

Gender may modify the associations of officially recorded crime rates with physical health. Perceived neighbourhood safety was independently associated with physical health.
Detection of new genetic profiles and allelic variants in improperly classified grapevine accessions
Authors: Gismondi A. , Impei S. , Di Marco G. , Crespan M. , Leonardi D. , Canini A.
Published: March 2014

Thirty-seven grapevine accessions, collected in Central Italy, were characterized by morphological and genetic analysis, according to guidelines developed by European Union programs of grapevine research and standardization. Traditional denominations of some sampled varieties were revealed to be incorrect; moreover, 10 synonymies and 12 homonymies were recognized. Ampelographic and ampelometric measurements of leaf characters were performed. These data generated a phenotypic similarity matrix and a relative diagram showing morphological differences between specimens. Many samples presented different morphology even in the presence of the same genotype, probably as a result of various environmental pressures. Grapevines were typed by 12 microsatellite loci and then compared with the CRA-VIT genetic resource database. Twenty-five SSR profiles were clearly identified as well-known cultivars, while nine genotypes did not find a direct correspondence: these samples could represent putative new autochthonous Latial Vitis vinifera cultivars or hybrid varieties. The genetic approach also detected three new (169 and 173 in VVMD27 locus; 179 in ISV2 locus) and seven rare allelic variants. Plant sample classification by oral history, morphological observations, and molecular results were compared and discussed. Scions of samples were planted in the Botanic Garden of the University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, to preserve grapevine biodiversity and to protect possible new autochthonous varieties.
Range use and movement rates of woodland caribou in Saskatchewan
Authors: Rettie W James , Messier François
Published: March 2014

We employed satellite-telemetry data to examine seasonal movement rates, annual- and seasonal-range sizes, and season-to-season range fidelity of female woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) from five populations in the boreal forest of Saskatchewan. The populations studied are limited by predation, and we investigated whether female caribou exhibited movement and range use consistent with predator avoidance. Additionally, we document an animal-centred technique for assessing site fidelity on the basis of individual range use throughout a year. Females accompanied by calves had lower movement rates and smaller seasonal ranges than females without calves. Movement rates among female caribou tended to decline between the rut and the postcalving and summer seasons. Trends indicated that seasonal ranges were larger prior to calving than during the postcalving and summer seasons. We interpreted the range sizes and movement rates observed as being consistent with predator avoidance in nonmigratory caribou populations. Despite these results and high rates of calf mortality in the area, we did not find interannual fidelity to calving sites.
Parasitic cheyletoid mites (Acari: Cheyletoidea) associated with passeriform birds (Aves: Passeriformes) in Canada
Authors: Bochkov Andre V , Galloway Terry D
Published: March 2014

Eleven species belonging to four families of cheyletoid mites (Acari: Cheyletoidea) are recorded from several species of passeriform birds from Manitoba, Canada. Descriptions and diagnoses are provided for four new species, and six species are recorded for the first time in Canada: Ornithocheyletia turdi sp.nov. (Cheyletidae) ex Turdus migratorius (Turdidae); Ornithocheyletia prognae sp.nov. ex Progne subis (Hirundinidae); Neocheyletiella microrhyncha (Berlese et Trouessart, 1889) (Cheyletiellidae) ex Hirundo rustica and P. subis (Hirundinidae); Harpyrhynchoides zumpti (Fain, 1972) (Harpirhynchidae) ex Quiscalus quiscula (Icteridae); Syringophilopsis icteri sp.nov. (Syringophilidae) ex Icterus galbula (Icteridae); Syringophilopsis troglodytis (Fritsch, 1958) ex Troglodytes aedon (Troglodytidae); Syringophilopsis dendroicae sp.nov. ex Dendroica coronata (Parulidae); Syringophiloidus minor (Berlese, 1887) (Syringophilidae) ex Passer domesticus (Ploceidae); Syringophiloidus motacillae Bochkov et Mironov, 1998 ex Zonotrichia albicollis (Emberizidae); Syringophiloidus seiuri (Clark, 1964), for which the female is redescribed and the male is described for the first time, ex Seiurus aurocapillus (Parulidae). Syringophilopsis elongatus (Ewing, 1911) (Syringophilidae) is recorded here ex Q. quiscula, and has been previously recorded from the red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoenicius, in Manitoba.
Trumpeter swan behaviour at spring-migration stopover areas in southern Alberta
Authors: LaMontagne Jalene M , Barclay Robert MR , Jackson Leland J
Published: March 2014

The use of breeding and wintering areas has been a focus of studies on trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator), but the importance of migration stopover areas has been overlooked. We conducted a behavioural study to assess trumpeter swans' use of spring-migration stopover areas in southern Alberta, Canada. Adult swans foraged for 48% of the day, preened for 12%, rested for 26%, and were involved in locomotion for 14% of the time. Cygnets foraged for 49% of the day, preened for 15%, rested for 19%, and were involved in locomotion for 18% of their time. Temperature had a significant effect on the time budget of trumpeter swans: below 4°C, foraging diminished and sleeping was the dominant activity. The dominant activity of trumpeter swans in spring-migration stopover areas was foraging. We therefore suggest that these stopover areas are important for building the energy reserves required for successful migration and breeding.
The plasmonic eigenvalue problem
Authors: Grieser Daniel
Published: March 2014

A plasmon of a bounded domain Ω ⊂ ℝn is a non-trivial bounded harmonic function on ℝn\∂Ω which is continuous at ∂Ω and whose exterior and interior normal derivatives at ∂Ω have a constant ratio. We call this ratio a plasmonic eigenvalue of Ω. Plasmons arise in the description of electromagnetic waves hitting a metallic particle Ω. We investigate these eigenvalues and prove that they form a sequence of numbers converging to one. Also, we prove regularity of plasmons, derive a variational characterization, and prove a second-order perturbation formula. The problem can be reformulated in terms of Dirichlet–Neumann operators, and as a side result, we derive a formula for the shape derivative of these operators.
Geometric approach to the stability analysis of the periodic solution in a semi-continuous dynamic system
Authors: Tian Yuan , Sun Kaibiao , Chen Lansun
Published: March 2014

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a long-term management strategy and has been proved to be more effective in pest control. To well-understand the mechanism and effect of the action of IPM, the geometric theory of the involved semi-continuous dynamic systems is becoming more and more important. In this work, a geometric approach is applied to analyze the stability of the positive order-one periodic solution in semi-continuous dynamic systems. A stability criterion to test the stability of the order-one periodic solution is established. As an application, a stage-structure model involved chemical control is presented to show the efficiency of the proposed method. The sufficient conditions to insure the existence of the periodic solution are provided. In addition, the number and the stability of the periodic solutions are discussed accordingly. The simulations are carried out to verify the results.
Scalable and axiomatic ranking of network role similarity
Authors: Jin Ruoming , Lee Victor E. , Li Longjie
Published: March 2014

A key task in analyzing social networks and other complex networks is role analysis: describing and categorizing nodes according to how they interact with other nodes. Two nodes have the same role if they interact with
equivalent
sets of neighbors. The most fundamental role equivalence is automorphic equivalence. Unfortunately, the fastest algorithms known for graph automorphism are nonpolynomial. Moreover, since exact equivalence is rare, a more meaningful task is measuring the role
similarity
between any two nodes. This task is closely related to the structural or link-based similarity problem that SimRank addresses. However, SimRank and other existing similarity measures are not sufficient because they do not guarantee to recognize automorphically or structurally equivalent nodes. This article makes two contributions. First, we present and justify several axiomatic properties necessary for a role similarity measure or metric. Second, we present RoleSim, a new similarity metric that satisfies these axioms and can be computed with a simple iterative algorithm. We rigorously prove that RoleSim satisfies all of these axiomatic properties. We also introduce Iceberg RoleSim, a scalable algorithm that discovers all pairs with RoleSim scores above a user-defined threshold θ. We demonstrate the interpretative power of RoleSim on both both synthetic and real datasets.
A large-scale study of daily information needs captured in situ
Authors: Church Karen , Cherubini Mauro , Oliver Nuria
Published: March 2014

The goal of this work is to provide a fundamental understanding of the daily information needs of people through a large-scale, in-depth, quantitative investigation. To this end, we have conducted one of the most comprehensive studies of information needs to date, spanning a 3-month period and involving more than 100 users. The study employed a contextual experience sampling method, a snippet-based diary technique using SMS technology, and an online Web diary to gather in situ insights into the types of needs that occur from day to day, how those needs are addressed, and how contextual, technological, and demographic factors impact on those needs. Our results not only complement earlier studies but also provide a new understanding of the intricacies of people’s daily information needs.
Application of pedagogical fundamentals for the holistic development of cybersecurity professionals
Authors: Endicott-Popovsky Barbara E. , Popovsky Viatcheslav M.
Published: March 2014

Nowhere is the problem of lack of human capital more keenly felt than in the field of cybersecurity where the numbers and quality of well-trained graduates are woefully lacking [10]. In 2005, the National Academy of Sciences indicted the US education system as the culprit contributing to deficiencies in our technical workforce, sounding the alarm that we are at risk of losing our competitive edge [14]. While the government has made cybersecurity education a national priority, seeking to stimulate university and community college production of information assurance (IA) expertise, they still have thousands of IA jobs going unfilled. The big question for the last decade [17] has been 'where will we find the talent we need?' In this article, we describe one university's approach to begin addressing this problem and discuss an innovative curricular model that holistically develops future cybersecurity professionals.
Xenoimplantation of an Extracellular-Matrix-Derived, Biphasic, Cell-Scaffold Construct for Repairing a Large Femoral-Head High-Load-Bearing Osteochondral Defect in a Canine Model
Authors: Qiang Yang , Yanhong Zhao , Jiang Peng , Shibi Lu , Quanyi Guo , Xinlong Ma , Qun Xia , Baoshan Xu , Bin Zhao , Aiyuan Wang , Li Zhang , Wengjing Xu , Chao Zeng
Published: March 2014

This study was aimed to develop an ECM-derived biphasic scaffold and to investigate its regeneration potential loaded with BM-MSCs in repair of large, high-load-bearing osteochondral defects of the canine femoral head. The scaffolds were fabricated using cartilage and bone ECM as a cartilage and bone layer, respectively. Osteochondral constructs were fabricated using induced BM-MSCs and the scaffold. Osteochondral defects (11 mm diameter × 10 mm depth) were created on femoral heads of canine and treated with the constructs. The repaired tissue was evaluated for gross morphology, radiography, histological, biomechanics at 3 and 6 months after implantation. Radiography revealed that femoral heads slightly collapsed at 3 months and severely collapsed at 6 months. Histology revealed that some defects in femoral heads were repaired, but with fibrous tissue or fibrocartilage, and femoral heads with different degrees of collapse. The bone volume fraction was lower for subchondral bone than normal femoral bone at 3 and 6 months. Rigidity was lower in repaired subchondral bone than normal femoral bone at 6 months. The ECM-derived, biphasic scaffold combined with induced BM-MSCs did not successfully repair large, high-load-bearing osteochondral defects of the canine femoral head. However, the experience can help improve the technique of scaffold fabrication and vascularization.
Decreasing Quality of the New Generations of Anti-Müllerian Hormone Assays
Authors: Lukaszuk Krzysztof , Ludwikowska Beata , Liss Joanna , Kunicki Michal , Sawczak Miroslaw , Lukaszuk Aron , Plociennik Lukasz , Jakiel Grzegorz , Wasniewski Tomasz , Woclawek-Potocka Izabela , Bialobrzeska Dorota
Published: March 2014

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) measurements are widely used to optimize the stimulation protocols. First generation AMH kits correlated well with ovarian reserve and response to stimulation. In the present study we aimed to asses if the new generation kits share the same accurate correlations. Retrospective data were collected from 8323 blood samples. For comparison we used Immunotech I generation kit (ImI 4035 samples), Beckman Coulter II generation kit RUO (BCII RUO 3449, samples) and Beckman Coulter II generation kit with IVD certificate (BCII IVD 839 samples). We compared average AMH concentrations measured with different kits, as well as correlation between kits. We also compared average AMH concentrations in sera collected on different cycle days and samples of different quality of preservation. AMH serum concentrations differed for each kit, ranging 4.4 ± 4.12 (mean ± SD) for the ImI, 2.68 ± 3.15 for the BCII RUO, and 1.64 ± 2.85 for BCII IVD. The mean differences from an adjusted regression model were −48.7%, −40%, and −69.2%, respectively. In conclusion, the changes of the BC AMH kits are unpredictable; however, the improvement of them is still possible. It would be very dangerous to use elaborated stimulation protocol (based on the Ist generation AMH results) with the results from the IInd generation assays.
Synthesis and Characterization of Optically Active Fractal Seed Mediated Silver Nickel Bimetallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Adekoya Joseph Adeyemi , Dare Enock Olugbenga , Mesubi Michael Adediran , Revaprasadu Neerish
Published: March 2014

The synthesis of new seed mediated AgNi allied bimetallic nanocomposites was successfully carried out by the successive reduction of the metal ions in diethylene glycol, ethylene glycol, glycerol, and pentaerythritol solutions, with concomitant precipitation of Ag/Ni bimetal sols. The optical measurement revealed the existence of distinct band edge with surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in the region of 400–425 nm and excitonic emission with maximum peak at 382 nm which were reminiscent of cluster-in-cluster surface enriched bimetallic silver-nickel sols. The morphological characterization by transmission electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses complimented by surface scan using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy strongly supported the formation of intimately alloyed face-centered silver/nickel nanoclusters.
Effective Control of Bioelectricity Generation from a Microbial Fuel Cell by Logical Combinations of pH and Temperature
Authors: Tang Jiahuan , Liu Ting , Yuan Yong , Zhuang Li
Published: March 2014

In this study, a microbial fuel cell (MFC) with switchable power release is designed, which can be logically controlled by combinations of the most physiologically important parameters such as “temperature” and “pH.” Changes in voltage output in response to temperature and pH changes were significant in which voltage output decreased sharply when temperature was lowered from 30°C to 10°C or pH was decreased from 7.0 to 5.0. The switchability of the MFC comes from the microbial anode whose activity is affected by the combined medium temperature and pH. Changes in temperature and pH cause reversible activation-inactivation of the bioanode, thus affecting the activity of the entire MFC. With temperature and pH as input signals, an AND logic operation is constructed for the MFC whose power density is controlled. The developed system has the potential to meet the requirement of power supplies producing electrical power on-demand for self-powered biosensors or biomedical devices.
Phylogenetic Diversity of Archaea and the Archaeal Ammonia Monooxygenase Gene in Uranium Mining-Impacted Locations in Bulgaria
Authors: Radeva Galina , Kenarova Anelia , Bachvarova Velina , Flemming Katrin , Popov Ivan , Vassilev Dimitar , Selenska-Pobell Sonja
Published: March 2014

Uranium mining and milling activities adversely affect the microbial populations of impacted sites. The negative effects of uranium on soil bacteria and fungi are well studied, but little is known about the effects of radionuclides and heavy metals on archaea. The composition and diversity of archaeal communities inhabiting the waste pile of the Sliven uranium mine and the soil of the Buhovo uranium mine were investigated using 16S rRNA gene retrieval. A total of 355 archaeal clones were selected, and their 16S rDNA inserts were analysed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) discriminating 14 different RFLP types. All evaluated archaeal 16S rRNA gene sequences belong to the 1.1b/Nitrososphaeracluster of Crenarchaeota. The composition of the archaeal community is distinct for each site of interest and dependent on environmental characteristics, including pollution levels. Since the members of 1.1b/Nitrososphaeracluster have been implicated in the nitrogen cycle, the archaeal communities from these sites were probed for the presence of the ammonia monooxygenase gene (amoA). Our data indicate thatamoA gene sequences are distributed in a similar manner as in Crenarchaeota, suggesting that archaeal nitrification processes in uranium mining-impacted locations are under the control of the same key factors controlling archaeal diversity.
Asymmetric Electrodes Constructed with PAN‐Based Activated Carbon Fiber in Capacitive Deionization
Authors: Li Mingzhe , Chen Yingzhi , Huang Zheng-Hong , Kang Feiyu
Published: March 2014

Capacitive deionization (CDI) method has drawn much attention for its low energy consumption, low pollution, and convenient manipulation. Activated carbon fibers (ACFs) possess high adsorption ability and can be used as CDI electrode material. Herein, two kinds of PAN‐based ACFs with different specific surface area (SSA) were used for the CDI electrodes. The CDI performance was investigated; especially asymmetric electrodes’ effect was evaluated. The results demonstrated that PAN‐based ACFs showed a high electrosorption rate (complete electrosorption in less than half an hour) and moderate electrosorption capacity (up to 0.2 mmol/g). CDI experiments with asymmetric electrodes displayed a variation in electrosorption capacity between forward voltage and reverse voltage. It can be attributed to the electrical double layer (EDL) overlap effect and inner pore potential; thus the ions with smaller hydrated ionic radius can be adsorbed more easily.
Prediction Based Proactive Thermal Virtual Machine Scheduling in Green Clouds
Authors: Kinger Supriya , Kumar Rajesh , Sharma Anju
Published: March 2014

Cloud computing has rapidly emerged as a widely accepted computing paradigm, but the research on Cloud computing is still at an early stage. Cloud computing provides many advanced features but it still has some shortcomings such as relatively high operating cost and environmental hazards like increasing carbon footprints. These hazards can be reduced up to some extent by efficient scheduling of Cloud resources. Working temperature on which a machine is currently running can be taken as a criterion for Virtual Machine (VM) scheduling. This paper proposes a new proactive technique that considers current and maximum threshold temperature of Server Machines (SMs) before making scheduling decisions with the help of a temperature predictor, so that maximum temperature is never reached. Different workload scenarios have been taken into consideration. The results obtained show that the proposed system is better than existing systems of VM scheduling, which does not consider current temperature of nodes before making scheduling decisions. Thus, a reduction in need of cooling systems for a Cloud environment has been obtained and validated.
Condition Monitoring of Blade in Turbomachinery: A Review
Authors: Abdelrhman Ahmed M. , Hee Lim Meng , Leong M. S. , Al-Obaidi Salah
Published: March 2014

Blade faults and blade failures are ranked among the most frequent causes of failures in turbomachinery. This paper provides a review on the condition monitoring techniques and the most suitable signal analysis methods to detect and diagnose the health condition of blades in turbomachinery. In this paper, blade faults are categorised into five types in accordance with their nature and characteristics, namely, blade rubbing, blade fatigue failure, blade deformations (twisting, creeping, corrosion, and erosion), blade fouling, and loose blade. Reviews on characteristics and the specific diagnostic methods to detect each type of blade faults are also presented. This paper also aims to provide a reference in selecting the most suitable approaches to monitor the health condition of blades in turbomachinery.
Quasilinear Inner Product Spaces and Hilbert Quasilinear Spaces
Authors: Bozkurt Hacer , Çakan Sümeyye , Yılmaz Yılmaz
Published: March 2014

Aseev launched a new branch of functional analysis by introducing the theory of quasilinear spaces in the framework of the topics of norm, bounded quasilinear operators and functionals (Aseev (1986)). Furthermore, some quasilinear counterparts of classical nonlinear analysis that lead to such result as Frechet derivative and its applications were examined deal with. This pioneering work causes a lot of results in such applications such as (Rojas-Medar et al. (2005), Talo and Başar (2010), and Nikol'skiĭ (1993)). His work has motivated us to introduce the concept of quasilinear inner product spaces. Thanks to this new notion, we obtain some new theorems and definitions which are quasilinear counterparts of fundamental definitions and theorems in linear functional analysis. We claim that some new results related to this concept provide an important contribution to the improvement of quasilinear functional analysis.
Preparation and Characterization of Graphene Oxide
Authors: Song Jianguo , Wang Xinzhi , Chang Chang-Tang
Published: March 2014

Graphene oxide (GO) films with two‐dimensional structure were successfully prepared via the modified Hummer method. It is proven that redox method is a promising way to synthesize GO films on a large scale. Comprehensive characterizations of the properties of GO films were conducted. TEM and DFM analyses showed that GO sheets prepared in this study had single and double lamellar layer structure and a thickness of 2~3 nm. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) was selected to measure the crystal structure of GO sheet. Fourier‐transform infrared spectra analyzer (FT‐IR) was used to certify the presence of oxygen‐containing functional groups in GO films. The tests of UV‐VIS spectrometer and TGA analyzer indicated that GO sheet possessed excellent optical response and outstanding thermal stability. Elemental analyzer (EA) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) analyzed the components synthetic material. Simultaneously, chemical structure of GO sheet was described in this study. Discussion and references for further research on graphene are provided.
The Active Role of Leguminous Plant Components in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Gętek Monika , Czech Natalia , Muc-Wierzgoń Małgorzata , Grochowska-Niedworok Elżbieta , Kokot Teresa , Nowakowska-Zajdel Ewa
Published: March 2014

Diabetes appears to be one of the most frequent noncommunicable diseases in the world. A permanent growth in the incidence of diabetes can be observed and according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) the year 2030 will mark the increase in the number of diabetics to 439 mln worldwide. Type 2 diabetes accounts for about 90% of all diabetes incidence. Nutrition model modification not only features the basic element in type 2 diabetes treatment but also constitutes the fundamental factor influencing a morbidity rate decrease. Leguminous plants are a key factor in the diabetic diet; plants such as pulses or soybeans are nutritious products valued highly in nutrition. These legumes are high in the content of wholesome protein and contain large amounts of soluble alimentary fiber fractions, polyunsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, and bioactive substances with antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer activity. They are distinguished by the high amount of bioactive compounds that may interfere with the metabolism of glucose. The most significant bioactive compounds displaying antidiabetic activity in leguminous plants are as follows: genistein and daidzein, alpha‐amylase inhibitors, and alpha‐glucosidase inhibitors. In vitro research using leguminous plant extracts has confirmed their antidiabetic properties. Leguminous plants should be employed in the promotion of healthy lifestyles in terms of functional food.
Effects of Lateral Window Position and Wind Direction on Wind-Driven Natural Cross Ventilation of a Building: A Computational Approach
Authors: Bangalee M. Z. I. , Miau J. J. , Lin S. Y. , Ferdows M.
Published: March 2014

Energy is saved when an effective natural ventilation system can provide comfort air to the occupants in a building by replacing a mechanical ventilation system. It also minimizes the risk of the environmental pollution and the global warming. A one story, full scale building was considered to carry out a comparative study of three different cases of wind-driven natural (WDN) cross ventilation with the help of computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In each case, the location of window was changed in lateral direction to predict the probable position for optimum ventilation performance and the angle of wind was varied to check the sensitivity of the wind direction on the flow field. After validating the current methodology through two satisfactory comparisons with the experimental investigations, the governing equations subjected to the corresponding boundary conditions were solved using commercial software and then the results were analyzed. A better location for the windows in each case was proposed. The ventilation purpose was served quite well even if the wind angle was changed in a moderate range from the original design. Furthermore, the velocity components, ventilation rate, surface pressure, ventilation time, and so forth in each case were investigated and compared extensively with those in other cases.