bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combinatorial Synthesis of Structurally Diverse Triazole-Bridged Flavonoid Dimers and Trimers
Authors: Sum Tze , Sum Tze , Galloway Warren , Collins Súil , Twigg David , Hollfelder Florian , Spring David
Published: September 2016

Flavonoids are a large family of compounds associated with a broad range of biologically useful properties. In recent years, synthetic compounds that contain two flavonoid units linked together have attracted attention in drug discovery and development projects. Numerous flavonoid dimer systems, incorporating a range of monomers attached via different linkers, have been reported to exhibit interesting bioactivities. From a medicinal chemistry perspective, the 1,2,3-triazole ring system has been identified as a particularly attractive linker moiety in dimeric derivatives (owing to several favourable attributes including proven biological relevance and metabolic stability) and triazole-bridged flavonoid dimers possessing anticancer and antimalarial activities have recently been reported. However, there are relatively few examples of libraries of triazole-bridged flavonoid dimers and the diversity of flavonoid subunits present within these is typically limited. Thus, this compound type arguably remains underexplored within drug discovery. Herein, we report a modular strategy for the synthesis of novel and biologically interesting triazole-bridged flavonoid heterodimers and also very rare heterotrimers from readily available starting materials. Application of this strategy has enabled step-efficient and systematic access to a library of structurally diverse compounds of this sort, with a variety of monomer units belonging to six different structural subclasses of flavonoid successfully incorporated.
Chemical Constituents from Flueggea virosa and the Structural Revision of Dehydrochebulic Acid Trimethyl Ester
Authors: Chao Chih-Hua , Lin Ying-Ju , Cheng Ju-Chien , Huang Hui-Chi , Yeh Yung-Ju , Wu Tian-Shung , Hwang Syh-Yuan , Wu Yang-Chang
Published: September 2016

In an attempt to study the chemical constituents from the twigs and leaves of Flueggea virosa, a new terpenoid, 9(10→20)-abeo-ent-podocarpane, 3β,10α-dihydroxy-12-methoxy-13- methyl-9(10→20)-abeo-ent-podocarpa-6,8,11,13-tetraene (1), as well as five known compounds were characterized. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analysis. In addition, the structure of dehydrochebulic acid trimethyl ester was revised as (2S,3R)-4E-dehydrochebulic acid trimethyl ester based on a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. The in vitro anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) activity and cytotoxicity against Huh7.5 cells for the isolated compounds were evaluated.
Comparison of the Antioxidant Effects of Quercitrin and Isoquercitrin: Understanding the Role of the 6″-OH Group
Authors: Li Xican , Jiang Qian , Wang Tingting , Liu Jingjing , Chen Dongfeng
Published: September 2016

The role of the 6″-OH (ω-OH) group in the antioxidant activity of flavonoid glycosides has been largely overlooked. Herein, we selected quercitrin (quercetin-3-O-rhamnoside) and isoquercitrin (quercetin-3-O-glucoside) as model compounds to investigate the role of the 6″-OH group in several antioxidant pathways, including Fe2+-binding, hydrogen-donating (H-donating), and electron-transfer (ET). The results revealed that quercitrin and isoquercitrin both exhibited dose-dependent antioxidant activities. However, isoquercitrin showed higher levels of activity than quercitrin in the Fe2+-binding, ET-based ferric ion reducing antioxidant power, and multi-pathways-based superoxide anion-scavenging assays. In contrast, quercitrin exhibited greater activity than isoquercitrin in an H-donating-based 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging assay. Finally, in a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl assay based on an oxidatively damaged mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) model, isoquercitrin performed more effectively as a cytoprotector than quercitrin. Based on these results, we concluded that (1) quercitrin and isoquercitrin can both indirectly (i.e., Fe2+-chelating or Fe2+-binding) and directly participate in the scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to protect MSCs against ROS-induced oxidative damage; (2) the 6″-OH group in isoquercitrin enhanced its ET and Fe2+-chelating abilities and lowered its H-donating abilities via steric hindrance or H-bonding compared with quercitrin; and (3) isoquercitrin exhibited higher ROS scavenging activity than quercitrin, allowing it to improve protect MSCs against ROS-induced oxidative damage.
Asiatic Acid Attenuates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Akt/GSK-3β/HIF-1α Signaling in Rat H9c2 Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Huang Xiang , Zuo Li , Lv Yanni , Chen Chuqiao , Yang Yaqin , Xin Hongbo , Li Yunman , Qian Yisong
Published: September 2016

Myocardial ischemic/reperfusion injury results from severe impairment of coronary blood supply and leads to irreversible cell death, with limited therapeutic possibilities. Asiatic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid derived from the tropical medicinal plant Centella asiatica and serves a variety of bioactivities. In this study, we determined the effect of asiatic acid on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury and investigated the underlying mechanisms, using an in vitro rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes model of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury. Results showed that pre-treatment with asiatic acid significantly augmented cell viability and prevented lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release in a concentration-dependent manner after OGD/R exposure. Asiatic acid at 10 μM effectively inhibited apoptotic cell death, suppressed the activities of caspase-3 and caspase-9, and reversed Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in hypoxic H9c2 cells. In addition, asiatic acid improved mitochondrial function, as evidenced by reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, enhanced mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased intracellular calcium concentration. Using Western blot assay, we found that asiatic acid promoted the phosphorylation of Akt and subsequent inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and induced the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) after OGD/R. The cardioprotective effects of asiatic acid were attenuated by the Akt or HIF-1α inhibitor. Taken together, these data suggested that asiatic acid exerted protective effects against OGD/R-induced apoptosis in cardiomyocytes, at least partly via the Akt/GSK-3β/HIF-1α pathway.
Estimating Ladder Fuels: A New Approach Combining Field Photography with LiDAR
Authors: Kramer Heather , Collins Brandon , Lake Frank , Jakubowski Marek , Stephens Scott , Kelly Maggi
Published: September 2016

Forests historically associated with frequent fire have changed dramatically due to fire suppression and past harvesting over the last century. The buildup of ladder fuels, which carry fire from the surface of the forest floor to tree crowns, is one of the critical changes, and it has contributed to uncharacteristically large and severe fires. The abundance of ladder fuels makes it difficult to return these forests to their natural fire regime or to meet management objectives. Despite the importance of ladder fuels, methods for quantifying them are limited and imprecise. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), a form of active remote sensing, is able to estimate many aspects of forest structure across a landscape. This study investigates a new method for quantifying ladder fuel in the field (using photographs with a calibration banner) and remotely (using LiDAR data). We apply these new techniques in the Klamath Mountains of Northern California to predict ladder fuel levels across the study area. Our results demonstrate a new utility of LiDAR data to identify fire hazard and areas in need of fuels reduction.
Evaluation of Single Photon and Geiger Mode Lidar for the 3D Elevation Program
Authors: Stoker Jason , Abdullah Qassim , Nayegandhi Amar , Winehouse Jayna
Published: September 2016

Data acquired by Harris Corporation’s (Melbourne, FL, USA) Geiger-mode IntelliEarth™ sensor and Sigma Space Corporation’s (Lanham-Seabrook, MD, USA) Single Photon HRQLS sensor were evaluated and compared to accepted 3D Elevation Program (3DEP) data and survey ground control to assess the suitability of these new technologies for the 3DEP. While not able to collect data currently to meet USGS lidar base specification, this is partially due to the fact that the specification was written for linear-mode systems specifically. With little effort on part of the manufacturers of the new lidar systems and the USGS Lidar specifications team, data from these systems could soon serve the 3DEP program and its users. Many of the shortcomings noted in this study have been reported to have been corrected or improved upon in the next generation sensors.
A Differential Reflective Intensity Optical Fiber Angular Displacement Sensor
Authors: Jia Binghui , He Lei , Yan Guodong , Feng Yong
Published: September 2016

In this paper, a novel differential reflective intensity optical fiber angular displacement sensor was proposed. This sensor can directly measure the angular and axial linear displacement of a flat surface. The structure of the sensor probe is simple and its basic principle was first analyzed according to the intensity modulation mechanisms. Secondly, in order to trim the dark output voltage to zero, the photoelectric conversion circuit was developed to adjust the signals. Then, the sensor model including the photoelectric conversion circuit has been established, and the influence of design parameters on the sensor output characteristic has been simulated. Finally, the design parameters of the sensor structure were obtained based on the simulation results; and an experimental test system was built for the sensor calibration. Experimental results show that the linear angular range and the sensitivity of the sensor were 74.4 and 0.051 V/°, respectively. Its change rules confirm the operating principle of the sensor well.
Flexible Touch Sensors Made of Two Layers of Printed Conductive Flexible Adhesives
Authors: Seo Sungwon , Kim Seonggi , Jung Jiyeon , Ma Rujun , Baik Seunghyun , Moon Hyungpil
Published: September 2016

Touch sensors are crucial in controlling robotic manipulation when a robot interacts with environmental objects. In this study, multilayer flexible touch sensors in the form of an array were developed. The sensors use ink-type conductive flexible adhesives as electrodes which were printed on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) films in a parallel equidistance stripe pattern. Between the two printed layers, a double-sided adhesive film was used to combine each layer and was perforated at the junctions of the top and bottom electrodes with different-sized circles. These holes represent switching mechanisms between the top and bottom electrodes, and their sizes make the sensor respond to different levels of external pressure. We showed the durability of the fabricated sensor with 1 mm diameter holes by repeated experiments of exerting normal pressure ranging from 0 to 159.15 kPa for 1000 cycles. In case of 1 mm diameter holes, the state of each sensor node was reliably determined by the threshold pressures of 127.3 kPa for increasing pressure and 111.4 kPa for decreasing pressure. On the other hand, decreasing the hole size from 3 to 0.5 mm caused an increase in the threshold pressure from 1.41 to 214 kPa. The relation between the hole size and the threshold pressure was analyzed by a mechanical model. The sensor performance was also verified on curved surfaces up to 60 mm radius of curvatures. Additionally, we fabricated a sensor with three levels of sensitivity with a conventional method which was a thermal evaporation to show the extendibility of the idea.
Mechanical Enhancement of Sensitivity in Natural Rubber Using Electrolytic Polymerization Aided by a Magnetic Field and MCF for Application in Haptic Sensors
Authors: Shimada Kunio , Saga Norihiko
Published: September 2016

Sensors are essential to the fulfillment of every condition of haptic technology, and they need simultaneously to sense shear stress as well as normal force, and temperature. They also must have a strong and simple structure, softness, and large extension. To achieve these conditions simultaneously, we enhanced the sensitivity of sensors utilizing natural rubber (NR)-latex through the application of electrolytic polymerization focused on the isoprene C=C bonds in natural rubbers such as NR-latex, and then applied a magnetic field and magnetic compound fluid (MCF) as magnetically responsive fluid. When an electric field alone was used in the rubber, the effect of electrolytic polymerization was very small compared to the effect in well-known conductive polymer solution such as plastic. The MCF developed by Shimada in 2001 involved magnetite and metal particles, and acts as a filler in NR-latex. By utilizing the magnetic, electric fields and the MCF, we aligned the electrolytically polymerized C=C along the magnetic field line with the magnetic clusters formed by the aggregation of magnetite and metal particles so as to enhance the effect of electrolytic polymerization. We then demonstrated the effectiveness of the new method of rubber vulcanization on the sensitivity of the rubber by experimentally investigating its electric and dynamic characteristics.
Potential Seasonal Terrestrial Water Storage Monitoring from GPS Vertical Displacements: A Case Study in the Lower Three-Rivers Headwater Region, China
Authors: Zhang Bao , Yao Yibin , Fok Hok , Hu Yufeng , Chen Qiang
Published: September 2016

This study uses the observed vertical displacements of Global Positioning System (GPS) time series obtained from the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC) with careful pre- and post-processing to estimate the seasonal crustal deformation in response to the hydrological loading in lower three-rivers headwater region of southwest China, followed by inferring the annual EWH changes through geodetic inversion methods. The Helmert Variance Component Estimation (HVCE) and the Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) criterion were successfully employed. The GPS inferred EWH changes agree well qualitatively with the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE)-inferred and the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS)-inferred EWH changes, with a discrepancy of 3.2–3.9 cm and 4.8–5.2 cm, respectively. In the research areas, the EWH changes in the Lancang basin is larger than in the other regions, with a maximum of 21.8–24.7 cm and a minimum of 3.1–6.9 cm.
Financial Risk Factor Analysis for Facility Gas Leakages of H2 and NG
Authors: Lee In-Bok , Song Chang
Published: September 2016

Fuel cells may be the key to a more environmentally-friendly future because they emit low carbon dioxide per unit of energy supplied. However, little work has investigated the potential financial risks pertaining to fuel cell systems. Often used in the analysis of the safety of systems involving flammable or hazardous materials, risk factor analysis has recently been used to analyze the potential financial losses that may occur from industrial hazards. Therefore, this work undertakes a financial risk factor analysis to determine the costs of leakages of hydrogen and natural gas, which are used in fuel cell systems. Total leakage was calculated from an analysis of several leakage rates and modes. The impact of applying appropriate detection and prevention systems was also investigated. The findings were then used to analyze the consequences for various sections of the system and to calculate the overall cost based on facility outage or damage, and the cost of taking safety precautions. This provides a basis for comparison among proposed potential reactionary measures.
Green Economy Performance and Green Productivity Growth in China’s Cities: Measures and Policy Implication
Authors: Li Jianglong , Lin Boqiang
Published: September 2016

Resource depletion and environmental degradation have become serious challenges for China’s sustainable development. This paper constructs indicators to assess China’s green economy performance and green productivity growth, in which economic expansion, resource conservation and environmental protection need to be incorporated simultaneously. For this purpose, we combine non-radial directional distance function and meta-frontier Malmquist productivity to develop the indicators. The methodology also allows for the decomposition of driving forces of China’s green economy. Moreover, the dataset employed in this paper allows for the evaluation of 275 cities in China during the period 2003–2012. The main findings are as follows. First, most of China’s cities did not perform efficiently in terms of the green economy, with an average score of only 0.233. Second, the growth rate of green productivity is slower than real GDP, and the green productivity growth in China is only moderate. Third, innovation is the main driving force of China’s green productivity growth, but the central region lags behind when it comes to green innovation. Fourth, artificial local protectionism and transport limitations impede the progress of cities that perform ineffectively in the green economy. Based on our empirical findings, we provide policy implications and suggestions for enhancing China’s green economy performance and productivity growth.
Quantification of Lyssavirus-Neutralizing Antibodies Using Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Pseudotype Particles
Authors: Moeschler Sarah , Locher Samira , Conzelmann Karl-Klaus , Krämer Beate , Zimmer Gert
Published: September 2016

Rabies is a highly fatal zoonotic disease which is primarily caused by rabies virus (RABV) although other members of the genus Lyssavirus can cause rabies as well. As yet, 14 serologically and genetically diverse lyssaviruses have been identified, mostly in bats. To assess the quality of rabies vaccines and immunoglobulin preparations, virus neutralization tests with live RABV are performed in accordance with enhanced biosafety standards. In the present work, a novel neutralization test is presented which takes advantage of a modified vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) from which the glycoprotein G gene has been deleted and replaced by reporter genes. This single-cycle virus was trans-complemented with RABV envelope glycoprotein. Neutralization of this pseudotype virus with RABV reference serum or immune sera from vaccinated mice showed a strong correlation with the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test (RFFIT). Importantly, pseudotype viruses containing the envelope glycoproteins of other lyssaviruses were neutralized by reference serum to a significantly lesser extent or were not neutralized at all. Taken together, a pseudotype virus system has been successfully developed which allows the safe, fast, and sensitive detection of neutralizing antibodies directed against different lyssaviruses.
Functional Equivalence of Retroviral MA Domains in Facilitating Psi RNA Binding Specificity by Gag
Authors: Rye-McCurdy Tiffiny , Olson Erik , Liu Shuohui , Binkley Christiana , Reyes Joshua-Paolo , Thompson Brian , Flanagan John , Parent Leslie , Musier-Forsyth Karin
Published: September 2016

Retroviruses specifically package full-length, dimeric genomic RNA (gRNA) even in the presence of a vast excess of cellular RNA. The “psi” (Ψ) element within the 5′-untranslated region (5′UTR) of gRNA is critical for packaging through interaction with the nucleocapsid (NC) domain of Gag. However, in vitro Gag binding affinity for Ψ versus non-Ψ RNAs is not significantly different. Previous salt-titration binding assays revealed that human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag bound to Ψ RNA with high specificity and relatively few charge interactions, whereas binding to non-Ψ RNA was less specific and involved more electrostatic interactions. The NC domain was critical for specific Ψ binding, but surprisingly, a Gag mutant lacking the matrix (MA) domain was less effective at discriminating Ψ from non-Ψ RNA. We now find that Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) Gag also effectively discriminates RSV Ψ from non-Ψ RNA in a MA-dependent manner. Interestingly, Gag chimeras, wherein the HIV-1 and RSV MA domains were swapped, maintained high binding specificity to cognate Ψ RNAs. Using Ψ RNA mutant constructs, determinants responsible for promoting high Gag binding specificity were identified in both systems. Taken together, these studies reveal the functional equivalence of HIV-1 and RSV MA domains in facilitating Ψ RNA selectivity by Gag, as well as Ψ elements that promote this selectivity.
The Political Ecology of Chinese Large Dams in Cambodia: Implications, Challenges and Lessons Learnt from the Kamchay Dam
Authors: Siciliano Giuseppina , Urban Frauke , Tan-Mullins May , Pichdara Lonn , Kim Sour
Published: September 2016

Given the opportunities offered by foreign investment in energy infrastructure mostly by Chinese firms, the Government of Cambodia is giving high priority to developing hydropower resources for reducing energy poverty and powering economic growth. Using a “Political ecology of the Asian drivers” framework, this paper assesses China’s involvement in the development of large dams’ in Cambodia and its impacts on the access of natural resources such as water and energy by dam builders, local communities and the government. This analysis is based on 61 interviews and 10 focus group discussions with affected communities, institutional actors, Chinese dam builders and financiers in relation to the first large Chinese dam built in Cambodia: the Kamchay dam. Based on the results of the analysis this paper makes recommendations on how to improve the planning, implementation and governance of future large dams in Cambodia.
Small unmanned aerial vehicles (micro‐UAVs, drones) in plant ecology
Authors: Cruzan Mitchell B. , Weinstein Ben G. , Grasty Monica R. , Kohrn Brendan F. , Hendrickson Elizabeth C. , Arredondo Tina M. , Thompson Pamela G.
Published: September 2016

Premise of the study:

Low‐elevation surveys with small aerial drones (micro–unmanned aerial vehicles [UAVs]) may be used for a wide variety of applications in plant ecology, including mapping vegetation over small‐ to medium‐sized regions. We provide an overview of methods and procedures for conducting surveys and illustrate some of these applications.

Methods:

Aerial images were obtained by flying a small drone along transects over the area of interest. Images were used to create a composite image (orthomosaic) and a digital surface model (DSM). Vegetation classification was conducted manually and using an automated routine. Coverage of an individual species was estimated from aerial images.

Results:

We created a vegetation map for the entire region from the orthomosaic and DSM, and mapped the density of one species. Comparison of our manual and automated habitat classification confirmed that our mapping methods were accurate. A species with high contrast to the background matrix allowed adequate estimate of its coverage.

Discussion:

The example surveys demonstrate that small aerial drones are capable of gathering large amounts of information on the distribution of vegetation and individual species with minimal impact to sensitive habitats. Low‐elevation aerial surveys have potential for a wide range of applications in plant ecology.
Metabarcoding of marine nematodes – evaluation of reference datasets used in tree-based taxonomy assignment approach
Authors: Holovachov Oleksandr
Published: September 2016

Metabarcoding is becoming a common tool used to assess and compare diversity of organisms in environmental samples. Identification of OTUs is one of the critical steps in the process and several taxonomy assignment methods were proposed to accomplish this task. This publication evaluates the quality of reference datasets, alongside with several alignment and phylogeny inference methods used in one of the taxonomy assignment methods, called tree-based approach. This approach assigns anonymous OTUs to taxonomic categories based on relative placements of OTUs and reference sequences on the cladogram and support that these placements receive.

In tree-based taxonomy assignment approach, reliable identification of anonymous OTUs is based on their placement in monophyletic and highly supported clades together with identified reference taxa. Therefore, it requires high quality reference dataset to be used. Resolution of phylogenetic trees is strongly affected by the presence of erroneous sequences as well as alignment and phylogeny inference methods used in the process. Two preparation steps are essential for the successful application of tree-based taxonomy assignment approach.

Curated collections of genetic information do include erroneous sequences. These sequences have detrimental effect on the resolution of cladograms used in tree-based approach. They must be identified and excluded from the reference dataset beforehand.

Various combinations of multiple sequence alignment and phylogeny inference methods provide cladograms with different topology and bootstrap support. These combinations of methods need to be tested in order to determine the one that gives highest resolution for the particular reference dataset.

Curated collections of genetic information do include erroneous sequences. These sequences have detrimental effect on the resolution of cladograms used in tree-based approach. They must be identified and excluded from the reference dataset beforehand.

Various combinations of multiple sequence alignment and phylogeny inference methods provide cladograms with different topology and bootstrap support. These combinations of methods need to be tested in order to determine the one that gives highest resolution for the particular reference dataset.

Completing the above mentioned preparation steps is expected to decrease the number of unassigned OTUs and thus improve the results of the tree-based taxonomy assignment approach.
Las yeserías del Patio de las Doncellas del Real Alcázar de Sevilla. Avance de resultados de la caracterización de materiales y la técnica
Authors: Calero-Castillo Ana Isabel , García-Bueno Ana , López-Cruz Olimpia , Medina-Flórez Víctor Jesús
Published: September 2016

Este artículo presenta un avance de resultados del estudio de la policromía de las yeserías del Patio de las Doncellas del Real Alcázar de Sevilla. Este espectacular patio es parte del Palacio de Pedro I (1356- 1366), considerado como una de las obras mudéjares de mayor relevancia y uno de los palacios más antiguos todavía en uso. Su condición continuada como residencia de los monarcas españoles, ha permitido su conservación, pero también ha supuesto numerosas intervenciones que se agudizan en las policromías de los revestimientos decorativos. Tras un completo trabajo de campo se realizó un muestreo de la zona con el objetivo de conocer la naturaleza de los materiales e identificar las intervenciones realizadas. Para ello se han utilizado diversas técnicas analíticas (microscopía óptica, microscopía electrónica de barrido SEM/EDX, métodos cromatográficos y difracción de rayos X). Los resultados han permitido confirmar la existencia de policromías sucesivas sobre la obra original. En los estratos más profundos, y por lo tanto probablemente originales, se han identificado restos de pigmentos naturales como rojo de plomo, cinabrio, azurita natural o malaquita, mientras que en los estratos más superficiales se identifican azul ultramar artificial o verde esmeralda entre otros, que son pigmentos industriales y, por lo tanto corresponden a intervenciones modernas.
Influencia del programa Campus de Excelencia Internacional en la posición de las universidades españolas en el ranking de Shanghái
Authors: Luque-Martínez Teodoro , Doña-Toledo Luis , Docampo Domingo
Published: September 2016

En 2009 nace la iniciativa Campus de Excelencia Internacional (CEI) entre cuyos objetivos estaba mejorar la posición de las universidades españolas en los rankings internacionales con un horizonte de 2015. Este trabajo analiza el impacto de los CEI en la clasificación ARWU o ranking de Shanghái. Comparando la media de los tres años del inicio (2009-2012) y del final (2013-2015), el sistema universitario español ha mejorado sensiblemente su prestación investigadora a juzgar por el incremento en puntuación media y en posiciones. Las universidades coordinadoras de proyectos CEI presentan una evolución más estable (aumento del 9%) que las no coordinadoras (aumento del 21%) resultando un sistema universitario más homogéneo. Las universidades con proyectos CEI con una sola universidad alcanzan mejores posiciones. A pesar del contexto de crisis, escaso tiempo y financiación de la iniciativa CEI, la experiencia ha resultado positiva a la vista de la evolución de las universidades españolas en dicho ranking.
Secondary prevention in cognitive frailty: the Treviso Dementia Registry
Authors: Gallucci Maurizio
Published: September 2016

Dementia is one of the most disabling health conditions for older people. Increasing attention is paid to the preclinical phase such as cognitive frailty and mild cognitive impairment, and to the prevention programs designed to reduce the number of patients in the future. The aims of this brief report are therefore: i) to illustrate an action plan currently active in Treviso and that is aimed at secondary prevention in cognitive frailty subjects on the Treviso Dementia (TREDEM) Registry; ii) to highlight the results achieved by the TREDEM Registry up to now and how these can be used in future research.
Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (pcnl) in renal allografts: a case report and mini-review
Authors: Falahatkar Siavash , Mokhtari Gholamreza , Esmaeili Samaneh , Bashiri Ebrahimian Seyed Morteza , Rastjou Herfeh Nadia
Published: September 2016

Urinary lithiasis in transplanted kidney is a relatively uncommon complication. However, it may lead to a significant morbidity and loss of renal function. The report presents the case of a 32-year-old male renal-transplant recipient, with a stone in renal pelvis who was treated successfully by tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). The patient is currently stone free with no complication. This article also reviews in brief the treatment of this rare complication. Reviewing the literature showed that PCNL is safe and feasible procedure for treating nephrolithiasis in a transplanted kidney.
Selective bilateral internal iliac artery embolization for controlling refractory hematuria due to the metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder: a case report
Authors: Mokhtari Gholamreza , Hemmati Hossein , Baghani Aval Hamidreza , Esmaeili Samaneh
Published: September 2016

Bladder squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) may lead to gross hematuria. However, the metastasis of head and neck cutaneous SCC to the urinary bladder has not been described in literatures. Nowadays, noninvasive methods such as Embolization are considered as an appropriate choice for controlling life-threatening hematuria in patients with high operative risk. However, few reports exist on the effectiveness of this approach in managing the hematuria secondary to metastatic bladder SCC. Here we report a case of bladder SCC originating from the forehead cutaneous SCC. An 83-year-old man, a known case of forehead cutaneous SCC with distant metastasis, referred to our clinic with a chief complaint of hematuria. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic urinary bladder SCC. Angiography and embolization were undertaken and resulted in complete alleviation of the symptoms. The recurrence of hematuria or embolization-related complications was not observed during 3-month follow-up. Selective Embolization of the Bilateral Internal Iliac Artery is a safe and efficient procedure for controlling severe hematuria in patients with primary or metastatic bladder SCC.
Measuring Student Engagement in a Flipped Athletic Training Classroom
Authors: Thompson Gayle A. , Ayers Suzan F.
Published: September 2016

Context

Active learning describes any instructional approach that fosters student engagement in the content and is believed to promote critical thinking more fully than do traditional lecture formats.

Objective

Investigate student engagement, specifically professional relevance and peer interaction, with active learning techniques used in a flipped classroom format.

Design

An exploratory study utilizing both quantitative and qualitative survey instruments.

Setting

Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education–accredited undergraduate entry-level athletic training program.

Patients or Other Participants

Seventeen students (11 females, 6 males) of at least sophomore level, enrolled in the lower extremity orthopaedic assessment course in the athletic training program.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

A mixed-method analysis was used. Quantitative questionnaires were analyzed with comparisons of medians and the Friedman test for nonparametric analysis. Qualitative questionnaires were coded using deductive and inductive reasoning and analyzed with emerging themes and shared coding procedures. Validity evidence is presented for quantitative data. Independent coding was used to confirm the trustworthiness of the qualitative data analysis.

Results

Participants reported a high level of course preparation, perceived content relevance, and value of peer interaction, all of which are indicators of student engagement. Four qualitative themes emerged: (1) content relevant to profession, (2) class activities fostering professional development, (3) becoming a reflective practitioner, and (4) pedagogical reflections.

Conclusions

A primary finding of our study was the high degree of perceived relevance of classroom content to professional practice. Participants indicated they learned as much as they taught in peer interactions and perceived both to be at essentially the same high level. Evidence supports the use of an active learning instructional format to engage students. Participants indicated a high level of support for the flipped classroom despite the greater effort required by the emphasis on student responsibility and the active learning nature of the course.
Athletic Directors' Barriers to Hiring Athletic Trainers in High Schools
Authors: Mazerolle Stephanie M. , Raso Samantha R. , Pagnotta Kelly D. , Stearns Rebecca L. , Casa Douglas J.
Published: September 2016

Context

In its best-practices recommendation, the Inter-Association Task Force for Preventing Sudden Death in Secondary School Athletics Programs urged all high schools to have a certified athletic trainer (AT) on staff. Despite the recommendation, many high schools lack the medical services of an AT.

Objective

To examine the barriers that athletic directors (ADs) face in hiring ATs in public high schools and in providing medical coverage for their student-athletes.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

Semistructured telephone interviews.

Patients or Other Participants

Twenty full-time public high school ADs (17 men, 3 women) from various geographical regions of the United States (6 North, 4 South, 4 Midwest, 6 West) participated. Data saturation guided the total number of participants.

Data Collection and Analysis

We completed telephone interviews guided by a semistructured questionnaire with all participants. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Multiple-analyst triangulation and peer review were included as steps to establish data credibility. We analyzed the data using the principles of the general inductive approach.

Results

We identified 3 themes. Lack of power represented the inability of an AD to hire an AT, which was perceived to be a responsibility of the superintendent and school board. Budget concerns pertained to the funding allocated to specific resources within a school, which often did not include an AT. Nonbudget concerns represented rural locations without clinics or hospitals nearby; misconceptions about the role of an AT, which led to the belief that first-aid–trained coaches are appropriate medical providers; and community support from local clinics, hospitals, and volunteers.

Conclusions

Many ADs would prefer to employ ATs in their schools; however, they perceive that they are bound by the hiring and budgeting decisions of superintendents and school boards. Public school systems are experiencing the consequences of national budget cuts and often do not have the freedom to hire ATs when other school staff are being laid off.
Brain Activation for Knee Movement Measured Days Before Second Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Neuroimaging in Musculoskeletal Medicine
Authors: Grooms Dustin R. , Page Stephen J. , Onate James A.
Published: September 2016

Background

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury has multifactorial causes encompassing mechanical, hormonal, exposure, and anatomical factors. Alterations in the central nervous system also play a role, but their influence after injury, recovery, and recurrent injury remain unknown. Modern neuroimaging techniques can be used to elucidate the underlying functional and structural alterations of the brain that predicate the neuromuscular control adaptations associated with ACL injury. This knowledge will further our understanding of the neural adaptations after ACL injury and rehabilitation and in relation to injury risk. In this paper, we describe the measurement of brain activation during knee extension-flexion after ACL injury and reconstruction and 26 days before a contralateral ACL injury.

Methods

Brain functional magnetic resonance imaging data for an ACL-injured participant and a matched control participant were collected and contrasted.

Results

Relative to the matched control participant, the ACL-injured participant exhibited increased activation of motor-planning, sensory-processing, and visual-motor control areas. A similar activation pattern was present for the contralateral knee that sustained a subsequent injury.

Conclusions

Bilateral neuroplasticity after ACL injury may contribute to the risk of second injury, or aspects of neurophysiology may be predisposing factors to primary injury.

Clinical Implications

Sensory-visual-motor function and motor-learning adaptations may provide targets for rehabilitation.
Forward Shoulder Posture in Collegiate Swimmers: A Comparative Analysis of Muscle-Energy Techniques
Authors: Laudner Kevin G. , Wenig Melissa , Selkow Noelle M. , Williams Jeffrey , Post Eric
Published: September 2016

Context

Empirical data for treating forward shoulder posture supports stretching the anterior shoulder musculature. Although muscle-energy techniques (METs) have been hypothesized to lengthen muscle, no data have described the usefulness of this technique among swimmers.

Objective

To determine if an MET provides improvements in resting pectoralis minor length (PML), forward scapular position, and scapular upward rotation in female collegiate swimmers.

Design

Controlled laboratory study.

Setting

Athletic training room.

Patients or Other Participants

Thirty-nine asymptomatic National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I women's swimmers (19 experimental, 20 control).

Intervention(s)

The experimental group received 2 treatment sessions per week for 6 weeks. The control group received no intervention during this 6-week period.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

We administered pretest and posttest measurements for PML, forward scapular position, and scapular upward rotation in positions of rest and 60°, 90°, and 120° of humeral elevation. The MET consisted of a 3-second stretch in the direction of the pectoralis minor fibers, followed by a 5-second isometric horizontal adduction contraction at 25% of maximum force. Immediately after this contraction, the entire sequence was repeated with the muscle being stretched to the new endpoint. A total of 4 cycles of MET were continuously applied per treatment session twice per week for 6 weeks. We conducted 1-way analyses of covariance to determine any between-groups postintervention test differences.

Results

The MET group had a greater increase in PML postintervention (P = .001, effect size = 1.6) and a greater decrease in forward scapular position postintervention (P = .001, effect size = 1.07) compared with the control group. No differences were found for scapular upward rotation (P > .10).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that 6 weeks of MET treatments applied to the pectoralis minor of asymptomatic female swimmers provided improvements in PML and forward scapular position compared with a control group.
Dynamic Postural-Stability Deficits After Cryotherapy to the Ankle Joint
Authors: Fullam Karl , Caulfield Brian , Coughlan Garrett F. , McGroarty Mark , Delahunt Eamonn
Published: September 2016

Context

 Decreased postural stability is a primary risk factor for lower limb musculoskeletal injuries. During athletic competitions, cryotherapy may be applied during short breaks in play or during half-time; however, its effects on postural stability remain unclear.

Objective

 To investigate the acute effects of a 15-minute ankle-joint cryotherapy application on dynamic postural stability.

Design

 Controlled laboratory study.

Setting

 University biomechanics laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants

 A total of 29 elite-level collegiate male field-sport athletes (age = 20.8 ± 1.12 years, height = 1.80 ± 0.06 m, mass = 81.89 ± 8.59 kg) participated.

Intervention(s)

 Participants were tested on the anterior (ANT), posterolateral (PL), and posteromedial (PM) reach directions of the Star Excursion Balance Test before and after a 15-minute ankle-joint cryotherapy application.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

 Normalized reach distances; sagittal-plane kinematics of the hip, knee, and ankle joints; and associated mean velocity of the center-of-pressure path during performance of the ANT, PL, and PM reach directions of the Star Excursion Balance Test.

Results

 We observed a decrease in reach-distance scores for the ANT, PL, and PM reach directions from precryotherapy to postcryotherapy (P < .05). No differences were observed in hip-, knee-, or ankle-joint sagittal-plane kinematics (P > .05). We noted a decrease in mean velocity of the center-of-pressure path from precryotherapy to postcryotherapy (P < .05) in all reach directions.

Conclusions

 Dynamic postural stability was adversely affected immediately after cryotherapy to the ankle joint.
Preventing Sudden Cardiac Death: Automated External Defibrillators in Ohio High Schools
Authors: Lear Aaron , Hoang Minh-Ha , Zyzanski Stephen J.
Published: September 2016

Context

Ohio passed legislation in 2004 for optional public funding of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all Ohio high schools.

Objective

To report occurrences of sudden cardiac arrest in which AEDs were used in Ohio high schools and to evaluate the adherence of Ohio high schools with AEDs to state law and published guidelines on AEDs and emergency action plans (EAPs) in schools.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Web-based survey.

Patients or Other Participants

A total of 264 of 827 schools that were members of the Ohio High School Athletic Association.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

We surveyed schools on AED use, AED maintenance, and EAPs.

Results

Twenty-five episodes of AED deployment at 22 schools over an 11-year period were reported; 8 (32%) involved students and 17 (68%) involved adults. The reported survival rate was 60% (n = 15). Most events (n = 20, 80%) in both students and adults occurred at or near athletic facilities. The annual use rate of AEDs was 0.7%. Fifty-three percent (n = 140) of schools reported having an EAP in place for episodes of cardiac arrest. Of the schools with EAPs, 57% (n = 80) reported having rehearsed them.

Conclusions

Our data supported the placement of AEDs in high schools given the frequency of use for sudden cardiac arrest and the survival rate reported. They also suggested the need for increased awareness of recommendations for EAPs and the need to formulate and practice EAPs. School EAPs should emphasize planning for events in the vicinity of athletic facilities.
Anticipatory Effects on Lower Extremity Neuromechanics During a Cutting Task
Authors: Meinerz Carolyn M. , Malloy Philip , Geiser Christopher F. , Kipp Kristof
Published: September 2016

Context

 Continued research into the mechanism of noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injury helps to improve clinical interventions and injury-prevention strategies. A better understanding of the effects of anticipation on landing neuromechanics may benefit training interventions.

Objective

 To determine the effects of anticipation on lower extremity neuromechanics during a single-legged land-and-cut task.

Design

 Controlled laboratory study.

Setting

 University biomechanics laboratory.

Participants

 Eighteen female National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate soccer players (age = 19.7 ± 0.8 years, height = 167.3 ± 6.0 cm, mass = 66.1 ± 2.1 kg).

Intervention(s)

 Participants performed a single-legged land-and-cut task under anticipated and unanticipated conditions.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

 Three-dimensional initial contact angles, peak joint angles, and peak internal joint moments and peak vertical ground reaction forces and sagittal-plane energy absorption of the 3 lower extremity joints; muscle activation of selected hip- and knee-joint muscles.

Results

 Unanticipated cuts resulted in less knee flexion at initial contact and greater ankle toe-in displacement. Unanticipated cuts were also characterized by greater internal hip-abductor and external-rotator moments and smaller internal knee-extensor and external-rotator moments. Muscle-activation profiles during unanticipated cuts were associated with greater activation of the gluteus maximus during the precontact and landing phases.

Conclusions

 Performing a cutting task under unanticipated conditions changed lower extremity neuromechanics compared with anticipated conditions. Most of the observed changes in lower extremity neuromechanics indicated the adoption of a hip-focused strategy during the unanticipated condition.
Asymptomatic Elite Adolescent Tennis Players' Signs of Tendinosis in Their Dominant Shoulder Compared With Their Nondominant Shoulder
Authors: Johansson Fredrik R. , Skillgate Eva , Adolfsson Anders , Jenner Göran , DeBri Edin , Swärdh Leif , Cools Ann M.
Published: September 2016

Context

Tennis is an asymmetric overhead sport with specific muscle-activation patterns, especially eccentrically in the rotator cuff. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in asymptomatic adolescent elite tennis players have not previously been reported.

Objective

The first aim of the study was to describe MRI findings regarding adaptations or abnormalities, as well as muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), of the rotator cuff. The second aim of the study was to investigate the rotator cuff based on the interpretation of the MRI scans as normal versus abnormal, with the subdivision based on the grade of tendinosis, and its association with eccentric rotator cuff strength in the dominant arm (DA) of the asymptomatic elite adolescent tennis player.

Setting

Testing environment at the radiology department of Medicinsk Röntgen AB.

Patients or Other Participants

Thirty-five asymptomatic elite tennis players (age = 17.4 ± 2.7 years) were selected based on ranking and exposure time.

Intervention(s)

We assessed MRI scans and measured the CSA of the rotator cuff muscle. The non-DA (NDA) was used as a control. In addition, eccentric testing of the external rotators of the DA was performed with a handheld dynamometer.

Results

The DA and NDA displayed different frequencies of infraspinatus tendinosis (grade 1 changes) (P < .05). Rotator cuff measurements revealed larger infraspinatus and teres minor CSA (P < .05) in the DA than in the NDA. Mean eccentric external-rotation strength in the DA stratified by normal tendon and tendinosis was not different between groups (P = .723).

Conclusions

Asymptomatic adolescent elite tennis players demonstrated infraspinatus tendinosis more frequently in the DA than in the NDA. Clinicians must recognize these tendon changes in order to modify conditioning and performance programs appropriately.