bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence and early evolution of fungicide resistance in North American populations of Zymoseptoria tritici
Authors: Estep L. K. , Torriani S. F. F. , Zala M. , Anderson N. P. , Flowers M. D. , McDonald B. A. , Mundt C. C. , Brunner P. C.
Published: October 2014

Although fungicide resistance in crop pathogens is a global threat to food production, surprisingly little is known about the evolutionary processes associated with the emergence and spread of fungicide resistance. Early stages in the evolution of fungicide resistance were evaluated using the wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici, taking advantage of an isolate collection spanning 20 years in Oregon, USA, and including two sites with differing intensity of fungicide use. Sequences of the mitochondrial cytb protein conferring single‐mutation resistance to QoI fungicides and the nuclear CYP51 gene implicated in multiple‐mutation resistance to azole fungicides were analysed. Mutations associated with resistance to both fungicides were absent in the 1992 isolates, but frequent in the 2012 collection, with higher frequencies of resistance alleles found at the field site with more intensive fungicide use. Results suggest that the QoI resistance evolved independently in several lineages, and resulted in significant mitochondrial genome bottlenecks. In contrast, the CYP51 gene showed signatures of diversifying selection and intragenic recombination among three phylogenetic clades. The findings support a recent emergence of resistance to the two fungicide classes in Oregon, facilitated by selection for mutations in the associated resistance genes.
Effect of acute exercise and cardiovascular fitness on cognitive function: An event‐related cortical desynchronization study
Authors: Chang Yu‐Kai , Chu Chien‐Heng , Wang Chun‐Chih , Song Tai‐Fen , Wei Gao‐Xia
Published: October 2014

This study aimed to clarify the effects of acute exercise and cardiovascular fitness on cognitive function using the Stroop test and event‐related desynchronization (ERD) in an aged population. Old adults (63.10 ± 2.89 years) were first assigned to either a high‐fitness or a low‐fitness group, and they were then subjected to an acute exercise treatment and a reading control treatment in a counterbalanced order. AlphaERDwas recorded during the Stroop test, which was administered after both treatments. Acute exercise improved cognitive performance regardless of the level of cognition, and old adults with higher fitness levels received greater benefits from acute exercise. Additionally, acute exercise, rather than overall fitness, elicited greater lower and upper alphaERDsrelative to the control condition. These findings indirectly suggest that the beneficial effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance may result from exercise‐induced attentional control observed during frontal neural excitation.
Effect of Overnight Staining on the Quality of Flow Cytometric Sorted Stallion Sperm: Comparison with Tradtitional Protocols
Authors: Balao da Silva CM , Ortega Ferrusola C , Gallardo Bolaños JM , Plaza Dávila M , Martín‐Muñoz P , Morrell JM , Rodriguez Martínez H , Peña FJ
Published: October 2014

Contents

Flow cytometry is considered the only reliable method for the separation of X and Y chromosome bearing spermatozoa in equines. The MoFlo SX DP sorter is highly efficient, allowing the production of foals of the desired sex. However, to achieve acceptable pregnancy rates the currently used protocol requires working with fresh semen obtained close to, or at, the sorting facility. An alternative protocol was tested during two consecutive breeding seasons. Fresh stallion semen was cooled for 20 h, during which staining with Hoechst 33342 took place. On the following day, this sample was flow sorted and compared with spermatozoa from the same ejaculate that had been sexed on the previous day. All sperm parameters evaluated remained unchanged when fresh sorted and refrigerated sorted semen were compared. Pre‐sorting storage at 5°C did not alter sperm velocities nor kinetics, viability or membrane permeability, production of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential or DNA fragmentation index of the sorted sample. The findings open for the possibility of using semen from stallions housed far from the sorting facilities. Processed and stained sperm could be shipped refrigerated on the previous day, sorted and inseminated on the next day.
Increased CD8 T‐cell granzyme B in COPD is suppressed by treatment with low‐dose azithromycin
Authors: Hodge Sandra , Hodge Greg , Holmes Mark , Jersmann Hubertus , Reynolds Paul N.
Published: October 2014

Background and objective

Corticosteroid resistance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major challenge. We have reported increased bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis and increased airway CD8 T‐cell numbers in COPD. Apoptosis can be induced via the serine protease, granzyme B. However, glucocorticosteroids fail to adequately suppress granzyme B production by CD8 T cells. We previously showed that low‐dose azithromycin reduced airways inflammation in COPD subjects and we hypothesized that it would also reduce granzyme B production by CD8 T cells.

Methods

We administered 250 mg azithromycin daily for 5 days then twice weekly (total 12 weeks) to 11 COPD subjects (five current smokers; six ex‐smokers) and assessed granzyme B in the airway (bronchoalveolar lavage), intra‐epithelial compartment and peripheral blood, collected before and following administration of azithromycin. To then dissect the effects of on CD4 and CD8 T‐cell subsets, we applied an in vitro assay and physiologically relevant concentrations of azithromycin (and, for comparison, n‐acetyl cysteine) and stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from five healthy subjects with CD3/CD28 T‐cell expander.

Results

T‐cell granzyme B production in both airway and intra‐epithelial compartments was reduced in COPD patients following 12 weeks of azithromycin treatment, with no significant effect in blood. Both azithromycin and n‐acetyl cysteine suppressed CD4 T‐cell granzyme B production, but only azithromycin was effective at reducing CD8+ T‐cell granzyme B production in vitro.

Conclusions

We provide further evidence for the application of low‐dose azithromycin as an attractive adjunct treatment option for controlling epithelial cell apoptosis, abnormal airway repair and chronic inflammation in COPD.
Evaluating the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire: Comparison of the Reliability, Factor Structure, and Predictive Validity across Five Versions
Authors: Hill Ryan M. , Rey Yasmin , Marin Carla E. , Sharp Carla , Green Kelly L. , Pettit Jeremy W.
Published: October 2014

Five versions of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ), a self‐report measure of perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness, have been used in recent studies (including 10‐, 12‐, 15‐, 18‐, and 25‐items). Findings regarding the associations between perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and suicidal ideation using different versions have been mixed, potentially due to differences in measurement scales. This study evaluated factor structure, internal consistency, and concurrent predictive validity of these five versions in three samples. Samples 1 and 2 were comprised of 449 and 218 undergraduates, respectively; Sample 3 included 114 adolescent psychiatric inpatients. All versions demonstrated acceptable internal consistency. The 10‐item version and 15‐item version demonstrated the best, most consistent model fit in confirmatory factor analyses. Both perceived burdensomeness and thwarted belongingness consistently predicted concurrent suicidal ideation on the 10‐item INQ only. Future research should consider using the 15‐item or 10‐item versions.
Trends and Determinants of Social Expenditure in Korea, Japan and Taiwan
Authors: Hong Ijin
Published: October 2014

Social expenditure analyses have always been a central topic of research for welfare states in Western Europe, with more institutional approaches added to such studies later in time. Research on welfare states in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, on the contrary, has a shorter history, and attention has been paid more on understanding politico‐economic institutions on a case‐by‐case basis, instead of focusing on social expenditure causes and dynamics. This study aims to contribute to the literature with an up‐to‐date comparative perspective in the study of public social expenditures in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, in a two‐fold way. First, after discussing briefly the state of art of research on welfare in East Asia, descriptive data on public social expenditure trends in Korea, Japan and Taiwan are presented in comparison with industrialized welfare states in the West. Second, a pooled cross‐sectional regression analysis for panel data is run to uncover the determinants of social expenditure in Korea, Japan and Taiwan. A new comparative dataset has been constructed by merging secondary data on public social expenditures and socio‐economic and political variables made publicly available by the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the Taiwanese national government. Results seem to suggest that there is a serious need of better conceptualizing political determinants of welfare expenditures in East Asia, since they will probably represent the most important field for welfare development in these countries in years to come.
Pacing and Mood Changes While Crossing the Adriatic Sea From Italy to Albania: A Case Study
Authors: De Ioannon Giulia , Cibelli Giuseppe , Mignardi Sergio , Antonelli Agnese , Capranica Laura , Piacentini Maria Francesca
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

To evaluate the pacing strategy, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and mood during a 78.1-km solo ultraendurance open-water swim.

Methods:

Before and after the event, anthropometric parameters, cortisol, and the profile of mood state (POMS) of 1 male athlete (age 48 y, height 172 cm, body mass 68 kg, body fat 7.2%, athletic achievement: Italian record holder of the Channel Swim) were ascertained. Every 3 h during the event, average swimming speed (SS), stroke rate, stroke length (SL), and RPE were recorded.

Results:

The athlete completed the event in 23:44 h:min. Compared with the first 3 h of swimming, decreases in SS (−33%) and SL (−25%) were observed between 18 h and 21 h. Thereafter, the athlete increased SS (+41%) and SL (+17%) between 21 h and the end. RPE steadily increased from the beginning to the last 6 h of swimming. Cortisol showed a 23-fold increase. After the event, POMS showed a 500% increase in fatigue, 44% decrease in tension, and 77% decrease in vigor.

Conclusion:

For the first time ever an athlete crossed the Adriatic Sea. This case study shows that the athlete adopted a variable pacing strategy to complete 78 km. Despite the athlete perceiving his effort at maximum during the last 6 h, the observed increases in SS at the end of the event might substantiate his high potential motivation to accomplish this challenging and unique event.
Criterion-Related Validity of Knee Joint-Position-Sense Measurement Using Image Capture and Isokinetic Dynamometry
Authors: Relph Nicola , Herrington Lee
Published: October 2014

Context: Clinicians require portable, valid, and cost-effective methods to monitor knee joint-position-sense (JPS) ability. Objective: To examine the criterion-related validity of image-capture JPS measures against an isokinetic-dynamometer (IKD) procedure. Design: Random crossover design providing a comparison of knee JPS measures from image capture and IKD procedures. Participants: 10 healthy participants, 5 female, age 28.0 ± 13.29 y, mass 60.3 ± 9.02 kg, height 1.65 ± 0.07 m, and 5 male, 29.6 ± 10.74 y, mass 73.6 ± 5.86 kg, height 1.75 ± 0.07 m. Main Outcome Measures: The dependent variables were absolute error scores (AES) provided by 2 knee directions (flexion and extension). The independent variables were the method (image capture and IKD). Results: There was no significant difference between clinical and IKD AED into knee-extension data (P = .263, r = 0.55). There was a significant difference between clinical and IKD AES into knee-flexion data (P = .016, r =.70). Conclusions: Analysis of photographic images to assess JPS measurements using knee flexion is valid against IKD techniques. However, photo-analysis measurements provided a lower error score using knee-extension data and thus may provide an optimal environment to produce maximal knee JPS acuity. Therefore, clinicians do not need expensive equipment to collect representative JPS ability.
Gastrocnemius Stretching Program: More Effective in Increasing Ankle/Rear-Foot Dorsiflexion When Subtalar Joint Positioned in Pronation Than in Supination
Authors: Johanson Marie A. , Armstrong Megan , Hopkins Chris , Keen Meghan L. , Robinson Michael , Stephenson Scott
Published: October 2014

Context:

Stretching exercises are commonly prescribed for patients and healthy individuals with limited extensibility of the gastrocnemius muscle.

Objective:

To determine if individuals demonstrate more dorsiflexion at the ankle/rear foot and less at the midfoot after a gastrocnemius-stretching program with the subtalar joint (STJ) positioned in supination compared with pronation.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Biomechanical laboratory.

Participants:

22 volunteers with current or recent history of lower-extremity cumulative trauma and gastrocnemius tightness (10 women and 4 men, mean age 28 y) randomly assigned to stretching groups with the STJ positioned in either pronation (n = 11) or supination (n = 11).

Intervention:

3-wk home gastrocnemius-stretching program using a template to place the subtalar joint in either a pronated or a supinated position.

Main Outcome Measures:

A 7-camera Vicon motion-analysis system measured ankle/rear-foot dorsiflexion and midfoot dorsiflexion of all participants during stretching with the STJ positioned in both pronation and supination before and after the 3-wk gastrocnemius-stretching program.

Results:

A 2-way mixed-model ANOVA revealed a significant interaction (P = .019). At posttest, the group who performed the 3-week stretching program with the STJ positioned in pronation demonstrated more increased ankle/rear-foot dorsiflexion when measured with the STJ in pronation than the group who performed the 3-wk stretching program with the STJ positioned in supination. No significant main effect of stretching group or interaction for dorsiflexion at the midfoot was detected (P = .755 and P = .820, respectively).

Conclusion:

After a 3-wk gastrocnemius-stretching program, when measuring dorsiflexion with the STJ positioned in supination, the participants who completed a 3-wk gastrocnemius stretching program with the STJ positioned in pronation showed more increased dorsiflexion at the ankle/rear foot than participants who completed the stretching program with the STJ positioned in supination.
Cysticercosis of deltoid muscle
Authors: Chaudhary Sanjeev
Published: October 2014

Cysticercosis is a disease caused by tapewormTaenia solium. It is commonly found in developing countries, but reports of its frequent occurrences even in developed countries due to immigrants from infected areas are widely reported. When cysticercosis affects the brain, the condition is commonly called neurocysticercosis however, sporadic cases of solitary intramuscular cysticercosis have been reported in the literature. We present a case of solitary cysticercosis in the right deltoid muscle in a 25-year-old woman who presented with a painful swelling on the right shoulder. The diagnosis was established by MRI and targetedultrasonography. Surgical removal of a cyst followed by 2 weeks of albendazole treatment resolved the symptoms.
Eosinophilic cystitis: three cases, and a review over 10 years
Authors: Mosholt Karina Sif Søndergaard , Dahl Claus , Azawi Nessn Htum
Published: October 2014

Eosinophilic cystitis (EC) is a rare disease. We describe three cases, where presentations of the disease are similar. To highlight probable causes of the disease, symptoms, clinical findings and treatment modalities, we reviewed 56 cases over a 10-year period. The most common symptoms were frequency, dysuria, urgency, pain and haematuria. Common clinical findings were presence of bladder mass, peripheral eosinophilia and thickened bladder wall. A variety of medical treatments were used, most frequently steroids, antibiotics and antihistamines. Recurrence occurred in patients on tapering or discontinuing prednisone, among other reasons. There is no consensus about the treatment of EC, but In light of our findings in this review, the treatment of choice in our department will be tapered prednisone over 6–8 weeks in combination with antihistamine.
Pathological pelvic fracture following long-term bisphosphonate use in a 63-year-old woman
Authors: Watson H I , Hopper G P , Gupta S , Roberts J L
Published: October 2014

A 63-year-old woman presented with a low energy pelvic fracture, which showed no signs of healing. Initial fractures were to the right hemipelvis, later followed by a right fractured neck of femur. We present a complicated patient journey, management dilemmas and highlight the growing concern with long-term bisphosphonate treatment.
Superwarfarin poisoning and its management
Authors: Card David John , Francis Sebastian , Deuchande Krutika , Harrington Dominic Jon
Published: October 2014

Difenacoum is a long-acting superwarfarin-type anticoagulant that exerts its effect through inhibiting vitamin K 2,3-epoxide reductase. Inhibition of this enzyme leads to reduced bioavailability of the metabolically active form of vitamin K resulting in decreased production of vitamin K-dependent proteins including coagulation factors II, VII, IX and X. A 45-year-old woman with psychiatric illness presented with haematuria. Laboratory test results indicated she had been exposed to a vitamin K antagonist which was subsequently identified as difenacoum. She was initially treated with phytomenadione, red cell suspension and octaplex. She was discharged on 30 mg phytomenadione daily but monitoring of vitamin K markers indicated that compliance was poor, and 152 days post-admission she presented with haemoptysis. Difenacoum and other superwarfarin rodenticides are freely available for purchase by the public. Cases such as this continue to raise issues about their availability and regulation.
Chest wall myositis in a patient with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Hussein Laila , Al-Rawi Harith
Published: October 2014

We describe a case of a 42-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with severe left-sided chest pain and chest tenderness of 1-day duration. The pain was episodic and was aggravated by any chest wall movement. His initial blood tests and ECG were suggestive of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). However, his pattern of pain, lack of response to opiates, raised creatine kinase and signs of pleurisy on chest radiograph raised a suspicion of an alternative diagnosis. The patient showed a dramatic response in pain relief to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication. He was suspected to have chest wall myositis with pleural involvement in the form of pleurodynia. His serology test was positive for coxsackie virus antibodies. We will discuss in this case report the pathognomonic features, diagnosis and treatment of a rare infectious condition known as Bornholm disease.
Choledochoduodenal fistula: an unusual case of pneumobilia
Authors: Fedidat Raphael , Safadi Wajdi , Waksman Igor , Hadary Amram
Published: October 2014

Pneumobilia is the finding of air in the biliary tree. Most cases are iatrogenic in origin, especially after sphincterotomy and after hepaticojejunostomy or choledochojejunostomy. In patients without such history, the presence of pneumobilia needs further investigation. Most patients are likely to have an enterobiliary fistula. Although patients may be asymptomatic, possible complications include gallstone ileus, Bouveret syndrome or recurrent episodes of cholangitis. We present a case of a 38-year-old man presenting with obstructive jaundice and pneumobilia in whom choledochoduodenal fistula was diagnosed at endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. A description of different types of choledochoduodenal fistulas and management recommendations are also provided.
ANTIBIOTIC PROPHYLAXIS OF TRAVELLERS' DIARRHOEA IN ATHLETES
Authors: Rossiter M
Published: October 2014

Aims

With the improved fitness and conditioning of athletes, the most common reason to miss training or competition, whilst abroad, is illness; especially Traveller's diarrhoea (TD) with an athlete potentially unable to compete for up to 3 days and after that not performing at optimum level for several more days.

Results

VenueDuration
(weeks)Male AthletesFemale AthletesStaffProphylaxis
(Male)Prophylaxis
(Female)Prophylaxis
(Staff)Cases of TD
(Athletes)Cases of TD
(Staff)Av Days missed TrainingDelhi (World Cup)318070n/a7 (Ciprofloxacin)812Delhi (Commonwealth Games)32018140012 (Ciprofloxacin)10 Male
2 Female3
(1 on Prophylaxis)2South Africa3180720
(Rifaxamin)n/a7
(Rifaxamin)
(2 stopped due to side effects)000Malaysia31801018n/a6010

Methods

Approaches to reduce TD include selecting clean food and bottled drinks, probiotics and Bovine colostrum. The fluroquinolones (Ciprofloxacin) have been the most effective both for prophylaxis and treatment of TD.1 2 However, in the athletic population there is a theoretical risk of tendon rupture with this class of drug. Therefore only non-athletes have used Ciprofloxacin as prophylaxis.Rifaxaminhas poor bioavailability and is therefore poorly systemically absorbed thus acting locally in the intestine. As such, it has few side effects and a very low risk of tendon rupture due to its non-systemic absorption. There has only been one (very small) previous study on the use of Rifaxamin for TD.3

Historically, there has been a high incidence of TD in Hockey athletes when travelling to countries such as India, South Africa and Malaysia, not only from food but unclean water in the showers and on the pitch, on which they can dive and thus at risk of ingesting dirty water. ThereforeRifaxaminwas trialled as TD prophylaxis as shown below:

Conclusions

The results show that the introduction of prophylacticRifaxaminhas produced a significant reduction in the number of cases of TD. OralRifaxaminis now routinely offered (and accepted) by Hockey teams travelling to countries with high risk of TD and the incidence has reduced to almost negligible levels, thus ensuring athletes, and staff, are available for training and matches more often. After 18 months, there have been no cases of tendon rupture, which has been the worry when taking oralCiprofloxacin.
Exercise for lower limb osteoarthritis: systematic review incorporating trial sequential analysis and network meta-analysis
Authors: Uthman Olalekan A , van der Windt Danielle A , Jordan Joanne L , Dziedzic Krysia S , Healey Emma L , Peat George M , Foster Nadine E
Published: October 2014

STUDY QUESTION

Which types of exercise intervention are most effective in relieving pain and improving function in people with lower limb osteoarthritis?

SUMMARY ANSWER

As of 2002 sufficient evidence had accumulated to show significant benefit of exercise over no exercise. An approach combining exercises to increase strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity is most likely to be effective for relieving pain and improving function.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Current international guidelines recommend therapeutic exercise (land or water based) as “core” and effective management of osteoarthritis. Evidence from this first network meta-analysis, largely based on studies in knee osteoarthritis, indicates that an intervention combining strengthening exercises with flexibility and aerobic exercise is most likely to improve outcomes of pain and function. Further trials of exercise versus no exercise are unlikely to overturn this positive result.
The relation between total joint arthroplasty and risk for serious cardiovascular events in patients with moderate-severe osteoarthritis: propensity score matched landmark analysis
Authors: Ravi Bheeshma , Croxford Ruth , Austin Peter C , Lipscombe Lorraine , Bierman Arlene S , Harvey Paula J , Hawker Gillian A
Published: October 2014

STUDY QUESTION

What are the rates of serious cardiovascular events in those who undergo primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA) compared with those who do not within three years of initial assessment?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Undergoing elective primary TJA within three years of initial assessment was associated with a significant 12.4% absolute reduction in subsequent risk of serious cardiovascular events.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

Osteoarthritis is associated with increased mortality, particularly secondary to cardiovascular disease, with the risk for mortality proportional to the degree of disability secondary to the arthritis. This study suggests that management of hip or knee osteoarthritis with arthroplasty decreases the risk for subsequent serious cardiovascular events.
Thermodynamics of canonical ensemble of an ideal gas in presence of Planck-scale effects
Authors: Miraboutalebi S. , Matin L. Farhang
Published: October 2014

This paper investigates the influence of the generalized uncertainty principle (GUP) on the thermodynamics of the canonical ensemble of an ideal gas. The partition function is obtained by usingquantum and classical approaches. In the quantum procedure, we use the modified energy spectrum of a particle confined in a three-dimensional well in the presence of GUP. In the classical procedure, the phase space mechanism is employed to obtain the desired partition function. In particular, first-order corrections to the thermodynamical characteristics, such as the mean energy, the entropy, and the density of states, are obtained. Although the induced improvements manifest themselves at very high temperatures, if one applies the predicted observational bound on the GUP deformation parameter, the modifications become more observable even at intermediate temperatures.
Tight-binding approximation for bulk and edge electronic states in graphene
Authors: Dobrescu Oana-Ancuta , Apostol M.
Published: October 2014

The tight-binding approximation is employed here to investigate electronic bulk and edge (“surface”) states in semi-infinite graphene sheets and graphene monolayer ribbons with various edge terminations (zigzag, horseshoe, and armchair edges). It is shown that edge states do not exist for a uniform hopping (transfer) matrix. The problem is generalized to include edge elements of the hopping matrix distinct from the infinite-sheet (“bulk”) ones. In this case, semi-infinite graphene sheets with zigzag or horseshoe edges exhibit edge states, while semi-infinite graphene sheets with armchair edges do not. The energy of the edge states lies above the (zero) Fermi level. Similarly, symmetric graphene ribbons with zigzag or horseshoe edges exhibit edge states, while ribbons with asymmetric edges (zigzag and horseshoe) do not. It is also shown how to construct the “reflected” solutions (bulk states) for the intervening equations with finite differences both for semi-infinite sheets and ribbons.
On a stochastic construction of the kinematics in discrete space–time
Authors: Han (Bonghyun) Kyunghoon
Published: October 2014

It has long been speculated that space–time could, in nature, be discrete. In this paper, the author discusses how stochastic tools can be used to describe kinematics in discrete space–time. This description of kinematics considers the time evolution as a random walk that allows time to flow both forwards and backwards — but with bias preferring the forward flow. With this framework, the author gives a solution to the galaxy rotation problem without introducing dark matter. A Dirac equation is also introduced suiting this framework, which allows one to introduce the gravitational influence — via the time-bias term — to a quantum system.
The effects of relaxation times and a moving heat source on a two-temperature generalized thermoelastic thin slim strip
Authors: Abbas Ibrahim A.
Published: October 2014

The problem of two-temperature generalized thermoelastic thin slim strip is investigated in the context of Green and Lindsay theory. As an application of the problem, a particular type of moving heat source is considered and the problem is solved analytically by using the eigenvalue approach in the Laplace transforms domain. The displacement, conductive temperature, thermodynamic temperature, and stress are obtained. The resulting quantities are depicted graphically.
Asymmetric effect on single-file dense pedestrian flow
Authors: Kuang Hua , Cai Mei-Jing , Li Xing-Li , Song Tao
Published: October 2014

In this paper, an extended optimal velocity model is proposed to simulate single-file dense pedestrian flow by considering asymmetric interaction (i.e. attractive force and repulsive force), which depends on the different distances between pedestrians. The stability condition of this model is obtained by using the linear stability theory. The phase diagram comparison and analysis show that asymmetric effect plays an important role in strengthening the stabilization of system. The modified Korteweg–de Vries (mKdV) equation near the critical point is derived by applying the reductive perturbation method. The pedestrian jam could be described by the kink–antikink soliton solution for the mKdV equation. From the simulation of space-time evolution of the pedestrians distance, it can be found that the asymmetric interaction is more efficient compared to the symmetric interaction in suppressing the pedestrian jam. Furthermore, the simulation results are consistent with the theoretical analysis as well as reproduce experimental phenomena better.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Three-Dimensional Hierarchical ZnO Nanoflowers and Photocatalytic Activities for Organic Dyes
Authors: Zhang Xian , Shi Fengqiong
Published: October 2014

We have successfully synthesized three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical ZnO nanostructure through a simple hydrothermal synthetic approach, namely nanoflowers. We have also studied the growth process of nanoflowers based on a series of experiments. In addition, the comparative photocatalytic studies showed the photocatalytic activities of the nanoflowers are obviously over two times than that of nanorods in the photodegradation of organic dyes.
Self-assembled phthalocyanine derivatives on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite
Authors: Colak S. Gokhan , Ince Mine
Published: October 2014

A novel unsymmetrically substituted hydroxy-functionalized Zn ( II ) phthalocyanine (Pc) 1, bearing long aliphatic chains, namely, dodecyloxy units, has been designed and synthesized to investigate the influence of the terminal hydroxyl group on the formation of self-assembled nanostructures. The symmetric derivative, octadodecyloxy- Zn ( II ) Pc (2) has been also synthesized and used as reference compound for comparison purposes. The supramolecular organization of the Pcs has been carried out by spin-coating on a highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface and has been investigated by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (STM). AFM and STM studies showed that unsymmetrically substituted hydroxy-functionalized Zn ( II ) Pc 1 gives rise to the formation of wire-like structures in different lengths from nanometer to micrometer scales, whereas in the case of the symmetrical Zn ( II ) Pc 2 the formation of the wires on HOPG was less pronounced.
Generalizations of the Markoff–Hurwitz equations over residue class rings
Authors: Baoulina Ioulia N.
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we use evaluations of Gauss sums modulo pk to derive expressions that allow us for a given generalized Markoff–Hurwitz equation to determine the number of its solutions over ℤ/pkℤ if the number of solutions over ℤ/pℤ is known. We also calculate the corresponding Poincaré series.
A General Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis Method for Fast and Easy Preparation of Metal Oxide Nanostructures from Low Melting Point Metals
Authors: Liu Nian , Zhang Guodong , Xiao Yadong , Peng Zhifang
Published: October 2014

Different metal oxide nanostructures including SnO 2 nanowires, SnO 2 nanoparticles, ZnO nanorods, ZnO nanoparticles, Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles, SiO 2 nanoarray, and SnO 2– SiO 2 core–shell nanoparticles, can be selectively synthesized by Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS) method with different reaction systems. This method can be easily applied to synthesize metal oxide nanostructures with high yield and excellent purity from low melting point metals in a very short time at low cost without the need for any sophisticated equipment. The composition of reaction system has a crucial influence on the reaction temperature and morphology of the end products. Compared with nanoparticles, nanowires or nanorods can be obtained at lower reaction temperature. And introducing the chemical containing silicon to the reaction system allows the formation of SiO 2 nanoarray and SnO 2– SiO 2 core–shell nanoparticles.
Lead Sorption by Carbon Nanofibers Grown on Powdered Activated Carbon — Kinetics and Equilibrium
Authors: Al Mamun Abdullah , Ahmed Yehya M. , AlKhatib Ma'an Fahmi R. , Jameel Ahmad Tariq , AlSaadi Mohammed Abdul Hakeem Abdul Rahman
Published: October 2014

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were synthesized by using a safe and less hazardous method, compared to using floating catalysts in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. This process used C 2 H 2 as carbon source and oil palm kernel shell-based powdered activated carbon (PAC) as cheap solid substrate. Use of nickel ( Ni 2+) impregnated PAC as fixed substrate for the synthesis of CNF is one of the novelties of the research work accomplished by the authors. The PAC–CNFs porous nanocomposite product was used for the sorption of lead ions ( Pb 2+) from synthetic aqueous solution. Kinetics of Pb 2+ adsorption and isotherms were investigated by varying initial concentration of lead and contact time. PAC–CNFs were found to remove Pb 2+ better at acidic pH of about 5.5. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms were applied to the sorption equilibrium data to find the best fitted model. Langmuir isotherm model with R2 = 0.965 fitted the adsorption data better than the Freundlich isotherm. The kinetic processes of Pb 2+ adsorption on CNFs were investigated by applying different kinetic models, namely zero-order, pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order. The pseudo-second-order rate equation exhibited the best results with R2 = 0.999, qe = 74.79 (mg/g) and K2 = 0.029 (min ⋅ g/mg). The novel nanocomposite product seemed to have the potential to remove Pb 2+ ions from aqueous solution.
Remainder sum and quotient sum function
Authors: Christopher A. David
Published: October 2014

This paper is concerned with two arithmetical functions namely remainder sum function and quotient sum function which are respectively the sequences A004125 and A006218 in Online Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences. The remainder sum function is defined by [Formula: see text] for every positive integer n, and quotient sum function is defined by [Formula: see text] where q(n, i) is the quotient obtained when n is divided by i. We establish few divisibility properties these functions enjoy and we found their bounds. Furthermore, we define restricted remainder sum function by RA(n) = ∑k∈A n mod k where A is a set of positive integers and we define restricted quotient sum function by QA(n) = ∑k∈A q(n, k). The function QA(n) is found to be a quasi-polynomial of degree one when A is a finite set of positive integers and RA(n) is found to be a periodic function with period ∏a∈A a. Finally, the above defined four functions found to have recurrence relation whose derivation requires few results from integer partition theory.
Surgical and Orthodontic Management of Fused Maxillary Central and Lateral Incisors in Early Mixed Dentition Stage
Authors: Ramamurthy Suresh , Satish Ramaswamy , Priya Kalidass
Published: October 2014

Fusion is one of the developmental dental anomalies in which two adjacent teeth are joined at the crown level forming a single tooth with an enlarged crown. Fusion causes some clinical problems such as unaesthetic appearance, pain, caries, and malocclusion. The management of fusion often needs multidisciplinary approach to give best possible esthetic and functional outcome. This paper reports a case of 9-year-old boy with fused maxillary left central and lateral incisors who was treated with2×4fixed orthodontic appliances after surgical separation of fused teeth.
A School-Based Study of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Medical Students in Beijing, China: Prevalence and Some Related Factors
Authors: Liu Yang , Liu Liang , Yang Yi , He Yuxi , Zhang Yanli , Wang Miao , Chen Shuo , Yao Shukun
Published: October 2014

Purpose. To investigate the prevalence and some related factors about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in medical students.Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out from February 2014 to Jun 2014 in Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China. All participants were asked to completed self-administered questionnaires.Results.Seven hundred and sixty-seven medical students (23.26±2.88years, 25.6% males) completed the survey. The prevalence of IBS was 33.3%, with a high prevalence in women (36.1%). Among the IBS patients, 112 cases were IBS-M (43.9%) and 77.6% had moderately severe IBS. There were no statistical differences between control group and IBS patients in anxiety and depression scores (P>0.05). The total score of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was significantly higher for medical students with IBS and 35.5% of IBS patients had severe sleep disorder; the scores of child trauma questionnaire (CTQ) and student-life stress inventory (SLSI) were also higher in IBS patients. Sex and sleep disorder were independently associated with IBS (OR, 1.914, 95%CI, 1.281–2.860; OR, 1.143, 95%CI, 1.074–1.216).Conclusion. Our study has many valuable findings and they may provide valuable suggestions for the necessary intervention and treatment measures towards medical students.
A Survey on Energy Efficient Wireless Sensor Networks for Bicycle Performance Monitoring Application
Authors: Gharghan Sadik Kamel , Nordin Rosdiadee , Ismail Mahamod
Published: October 2014

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have greatly advanced in the past few decades and are now widely used, especially for remote monitoring; the list of potential uses seems endless. Three types of wireless sensor technologies (Bluetooth, ZigBee, and ANT) have been used to monitor the biomechanical and physiological activities of bicycles and cyclists, respectively. However, the wireless monitoring of these activities has faced some challenges. The aim of this paper is to highlight various methodologies for monitoring cycling to provide an effective and efficient way to overcome the various challenges and limitations of sports cycling using wireless sensor interfaces. Several design criteria were reviewed and compared with different solutions for the implementation of current WSN research, such as low power consumption, long distance communications, small size, and light weight. Conclusions were drawn after observing the example of an advanced and adaptive network technology (ANT) network highlighting reduced power consumption and prolonged battery life. The power saving achieved in the slave node was 88–95% compared to the similar ANT protocol used in the medical rehabilitation.
Probing Features of the Lee-Wick Quantum Electrodynamics
Authors: Turcati R. , Neves M. J.
Published: October 2014

We discuss some aspects concerning the electromagnetic sector of the abelian Lee-Wick (LW) quantum electrodynamics (QED). Using the Dirac’s theory of constrained systems, the higher-order canonical quantization of the LW electromagnetism is performed. A quantum bound on the LW heavy mass is also estimated using the best known measurement of the anomalous magnetic moment of the electron. Finally, it is shown that magnetic monopoles can coexist peacefully in the LW scenario.
Signaling Network Map of Endothelial TEK Tyrosine Kinase
Authors: Khan Aafaque Ahmad , Sandhya Varot K. , Singh Priyata , Parthasarathy Deepak , Kumar Awinav , Advani Jayshree , Gattu Rudrappa , Ranjit Dhanya V. , Vaidyanathan Rama , Mathur Premendu Prakash , Prasad T. S. Keshava , Mac Gabhann F. , Pandey Akhilesh , Raju Rajesh , Gowda Harsha
Published: October 2014

TEK tyrosine kinase is primarily expressed on endothelial cells and is most commonly referred to as TIE2. TIE2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase modulated by its ligands, angiopoietins, to regulate the development and remodeling of vascular system. It is also one of the critical pathways associated with tumor angiogenesis and familial venous malformations. Apart from the vascular system, TIE2 signaling is also associated with postnatal hematopoiesis. Despite the involvement of TIE2-angiopoietin system in several diseases, the downstream molecular events of TIE2-angiopoietin signaling are not reported in any pathway repository. Therefore, carrying out a detailed review of published literature, we have documented molecular signaling events mediated by TIE2 in response to angiopoietins and developed a network map of TIE2 signaling. The pathway information is freely available to the scientific community through NetPath, a manually curated resource of signaling pathways. We hope that this pathway resource will provide an in-depth view of TIE2-angiopoietin signaling and will lead to identification of potential therapeutic targets for TIE2-angiopoietin associated disorders.
Fabrication of Gold Nanodot Array for the Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Bae Young Min , Lee Kyeong-Hee , Yang Jeongwon , Heo Duchang
Published: October 2014

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is a promising method for detecting antigen‐antibody binding in label‐free biosensors. In this study, the fabrication of a LSPR substrate with a gold nanodot array through the lift‐off process of an alumina mask is reported. The substrate showed an extinction peak in its extinction spectrum, and the peak position was dependent on the height of the gold nanodot array, and the change of extinction peak with the height could be predicted by the numerical simulation. In addition, the peak position was observed to be red‐shifted with the increasing RIU value of the medium surrounding the gold nanodot array. In particular, the peak position in the 10 nm thick gold nanodot array was approximately 710 nm in air, and the sensitivity, defined as the ratio of the shift of peak position to the RIU of the medium, was 323.6 nm/RIU. The fabrication procedure could be applied to fabricate the LSPR substrates with a large area.
Extremal Solutions to Periodic Boundary Value Problem of Nabla Integrodifferential Equation of Volterra Type on Time Scales
Authors: Shi Yunlong , Zhao Junfang
Published: October 2014

We firstly establish some new theorems on time scales, and then, by employing them together with a new comparison result and the monotone iterative technique, we show the existence of extremal solutions to the following nabla integrodifferential periodic boundary value problem:u∇(t)=f(t,u,∫0t‍g(t,s)∇s),  t∈[0,a]T,  u(0)=u(ρ(a)), whereTis a time scale.
Loading and Contact Stress Analysis on the Thread Teeth in Tubing and Casing Premium Threaded Connection
Authors: Xu Honglin , Shi Taihe , Zhang Zhi , Shi Bin
Published: October 2014

Loading and contact stress distribution on the thread teeth in tubing and casing premium threaded connections are of great importance for design optimization, pretightening force control, and thread failure prevention. This paper proposes an analytical method based on the elastic mechanics. This is quite different from other papers, which mainly rely on finite element analysis. The differential equation of load distribution on the thread teeth was established according to equal pitch of the engaged thread after deformation and solved by finite difference method. Furthermore, the relation between load acting on each engaged thread and mean contact stress on its load flank is set up based on the geometric description of thread surface. By comparison, this new analytical method with the finite element analysis for a modified API 177.8 mm premium threaded connection is approved. Comparison of the contact stress on the last engaged thread between analytical model and FEM shows that the accuracy of analytical model will decline with the increase of pretightening force after the material enters into plastic deformation. However, the analytical method can meet the needs of engineering to some extent because its relative error is about 6.2%~18.1% for the in‐service level of pretightening force.
Remarks on Pre-I-Regular Pre-I-Open Sets
Authors: Sajuntha R.
Published: October 2014

We deal with the new class of pre-I-regular pre-I-open sets in which the notion of pre-I-open set is involved. We characterize these sets and study some of their fundamental properties. We also present other notions called extremally pre-I-disconnectedness, locally pre-I-indiscreetness, and pre-I-regular sets by utilizing the notion of pre-I-open and pre-I-closed sets by which we obtain some equivalence relation for pre-I-regular pre-I-open sets.
Channels Coordination Game Model Based on Result Fairness Preference and Reciprocal Fairness Preference: A Behavior Game Forecasting and Analysis Method
Authors: Ding Chuan , Wang Kaihong , Huang Xiaoying
Published: October 2014

In a distribution channel, channel members are not always self-interested, but altruistic in some conditions. Based on this assumption, this paper adopts a behavior game method to analyze and forecast channel members’ decision behavior based on result fairness preference and reciprocal fairness preference by embedding a fair preference theory in channel research of coordination. The behavior game forecasts that a channel can achieve coordination if channel members consider behavior elements. Using the behavior game theory model we established, we can prove that if retailers only consider the result fairness preference and they are not jealous of manufacturers’ benefit, manufacturers will be more friendly to retailers. In such case, the total utility of the channel is higher compared with that of self-interest channel, and the utility of channel members is Pareto improved. If both manufactures and retailers consider reciprocal fairness preference, the manufacturers will give a lower wholesale price to the retailers. In return, the retailers will also reduce retail prices. Therefore, the total utility of the channels will not be less than the total utility of the channel coordination, as long as the reciprocity wholesale prices meet certain conditions.