bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Where Are the Kids?
Authors: Messner Michael A. , Musto Michela
Published: April 2014

Huge numbers of children participate in sports. However, kids and sports are rarely seen, much less systematically studied by sport sociologists. Our survey of the past decade of three major sport sociology journals illustrates a dearth of scholarly research on children and sport. While noting the few exceptions, we observe that sport studies scholars have placed a disproportionate amount of emphasis on studying sport media, and elite amateur, college, and professional athletes and sport organizations, while largely conceding the terrain of children’s sports to journalists and to a handful of scholars whose work is not grounded in sport sociology. We probe this paradox, speculating why sport scholars focus so little on such a large and important object of study in sport studies. We end by outlining a handful of important scholarly questions for sport scholars, focusing especially on key questions in the burgeoning sociological and interdisciplinary fields of children and youth, bodies and health, and intersectional analyses of social inequality.
Football Fandom, Mobilization and Herbert Blumer: A Social Movement Analysis of F.C. United of Manchester
Authors: Millward Peter , Poulton George
Published: April 2014

This article explores the establishment and development of fan-owned association football club, F.C. United of Manchester. It does this by drawing upon extensive ethnographic fieldwork, including interviews, observations and an analysis of multiple texts, such as fanzines, web-based and media reports materials and discusses this using Herbert Blumer’s theory of collective behavior. As such, the article addresses two research questions: first, what the empirical case example of F.C. United of Manchester offers to the critical understanding of Blumer’s theory and second, what the theory can give to the understanding of twenty-first century protests in popular culture. Therefore this article contributes to contemporary debates on association football fandom, social movements and the theories of Herbert Blumer.
Activating hotspot L205R mutation in
PRKACA
and adrenal Cushing’s syndrome
Authors: Cao Yanan , He Minghui , Gao Zhibo , Peng Ying , Li Yanli , Li Lin , Zhou Weiwei , Li Xiangchun , Zhong Xu , Lei Yiming , Su Tingwei , Wang Hang , Jiang Yiran , Yang Lin , Wei Wei , Yang Xu , Jiang Xiuli , Liu Li , He Juan , Ye Junna , Wei Qing , Li Yingrui , Wang Weiqing , Wang Jun , Ning Guang
Published: April 2014

Adrenal Cushing’s syndrome is caused by excess production of glucocorticoid from adrenocortical tumors and hyperplasias, which leads to metabolic disorders. We performed whole-exome sequencing of 49 blood-tumor pairs and RNA sequencing of 44 tumors from cortisol-producing adrenocortical adenomas (ACAs), adrenocorticotropic hormone–independent macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasias (AIMAHs), and adrenocortical oncocytomas (ADOs). We identified a hotspot in the
PRKACA
gene with a L205R mutation in 69.2% (27 out of 39) of ACAs and validated in 65.5% of a total of 87 ACAs. Our data revealed that the activating L205R mutation, which locates in the P+1 loop of the protein kinase A (PKA) catalytic subunit, promoted PKA substrate phosphorylation and target gene expression. Moreover, we discovered the recurrently mutated gene
DOT1L
in AIMAHs and
CLASP2
in ADOs. Collectively, these data highlight potentially functional mutated genes in adrenal Cushing’s syndrome.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Extremophile Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans A01, Isolated from the Wastewater of a Coal Dump
Authors: Yin Huaqun , Zhang Xian , Liang Yili , Xiao Yunhua , Niu Jiaojiao , Liu Xueduan
Published: April 2014

The draft genome of
Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans
A01 contains 3,820,158 bp, with a G+C content of 53.08% and 3,660 predicted coding sequences (CDSs). The bacterium contains a series of specific genes involved in the oxidation of elemental sulfur and reduced inorganic sulfur compounds (RISCs).
Complete Genome Sequence of the Edwardsiella ictaluri-Specific Bacteriophage PEi21, Isolated from River Water in Japan
Authors: Yasuike Motoshige , Kai Wataru , Nakamura Yoji , Fujiwara Atushi , Kawato Yasuhiko , Hassan Ebtsam Sayed , Mahmoud Mahmoud Mostafa , Nagai Satoshi , Kobayashi Takanori , Ototake Mitsuru , Nakai Toshihiro
Published: April 2014

We present the complete genome sequence for a novel
Edwardsiella ictaluri
-specific bacteriophage, PEi21, isolated from river water in Japan. An initial comparative genome analysis revealed that the phage was closely related to the previously reported
Edwardsiella tarda
phage MSW-3 isolated from a red sea bream farm in Japan.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Sphingobium
sp. Strain BHC-A, Revealing Genes for the Degradation of Hexachlorocyclohexane
Authors: Xue Chao , Cao Li , Zhang Rong , He Jian , Li Shunpeng , Hong Qing
Published: April 2014

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Sphingobium
sp. strain BHC-A, a
lin
gene-based hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-degrading strain, isolated from soil that suffered long-term HCH contamination in an insecticide factory.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Host-Restricted Salmonella enterica Serovar Abortusovis Strain SS44
Authors: Deligios M. , Bacciu D. , Deriu E. , Corti G. , Bordoni R. , De Bellis G. , Leori G. S. , Rubino S. , Uzzau S.
Published: April 2014

Salmonella enterica
serovar Abortusovis is a pathogen strictly adapted to ovines, in which it causes abortion. To enhance our understanding of this pathogen, we assembled the first draft sequence of an
S.
Abortusovis genome (strain SS44). The obtained genomic data might facilitate the study of
S. enterica
evolution and host adaptation.
Draft Genome Sequence of Nafulsella turpanensis ZLM-10
T
, a Novel Member of the Family
Flammeovirgaceae
Authors: Zhang Lei , Si Meiru , Zhu Lingfang , Li Changfu , Wei Yahong , Shen Xihui
Published: April 2014

Nafulsella turpanensis
ZLM-10
T
is a slightly halophilic, Gram-negative, rod-shaped, gliding, pale-pink-pigmented bacterium in the family
Flammeovirgaceae
, and it shows resistance to gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, and streptomycin. Here, we report the genome sequence of
N. turpanensis
strain ZLM-10
T
, which has a 4.8-Mb genome and a G+C content of 45.67%.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Strain LR09, Isolated from a Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Leonard Susan R. , Lacher David W. , Elkins Christopher A. , Jung Carina M.
Published: April 2014

We report the draft genome sequence of
Escherichia coli
O1:H6 strain LR09, which was isolated from a wastewater treatment plant and displays high resistance to five fluoroquinolone antimicrobials. The assembled data determine that the strain clusters with
E. coli
phylogroup F and harbors a plasmid conferring resistance to a broad spectrum of antibiotics.
First Complete Genome Sequences of Genogroup VI Porcine Sapoviruses
Authors: Oka Tomoichiro , Saif Linda J. , Yang Zongzhao , Scheuer Kelly A. , Stoltzfus Garrett T. , Wang Qiuhong
Published: April 2014

Sapoviruses, members of the family
Caliciviridae
, are genetically diverse and divided into multiple genogroups. Only a few complete genome sequences of animal strains are available. We report the first complete genome sequences of genogroup VI sapoviruses, those of strains JJ674 and JJ681, isolated from fecal samples from diarrheic pigs.
A cautionary tale on the use of antiplatelet treatment following TURP
Authors: Murray Aileen Marie , Keville Norah , Gray Sam
Published: April 2014

A pleasant 74-year-old man was discharged home following a complication-free transurethral resection of his prostate (TURP) and successful trial without catheter. Unfortunately, on postoperative day 6, he presented to A&E with chest pain requiring emergency intervention for a confirmed myocardial infarction. A drug-eluting stent was inserted into his right coronary artery and he was started on dual antiplatelet therapy of aspirin and clopidogrel. On day 7, the patient developed significant haematuria requiring transfusion and an obstructive uropathy, requiring an emergency laparotomy and 1 L of organised clot evacuation from his bladder. The dual antiplatelet treatment was restarted on day 4 postlaparotomy, following debate between both the cardiology and urology teams regarding its appropriate reintroduction. On day 7, he was rushed back to the theatre for a re-laparotomy after CT confirmed reaccumulation of clot following an acute deterioration at ward level. The patient made an excellent recovery and was discharged home with regular outpatient follow-up.
Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in case of Hurler-Scheie syndrome
Authors: Sati Alok , Ramappa Muralidhar , Chaurasia Sunita , Prasad Sitarama M
Published: April 2014

A 12-year-old boy with Hurler-Scheie syndrome (H/S syndrome) reported with reduced vision in both the eyes for past few years. Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) was performed for visual rehabilitation in his left eye. During surgery, the predescemet's plane was reached by meticulously dissecting the lamellar fibres using a manual technique. Histopathology of the dissected cornea showed the presence of numerous alcian blue positive deposits corroborating with the diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). Postoperative course was uneventful. One year following surgery, the graft was clear and had a visual acuity of 20/50 with +1.00 170° − 0.75 refractive correction. Endothelial cell count, as measured by non-contact specular microscopy, was 2473.4 cells/mm2. This case report highlights the application of DALK in a case of MPS-related corneal stromal opacification.
Lung adenocarcinoma masquerading as refractoryKlebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: McCartney Clair , Moghadam Afshin , Sriram Krishna B
Published: April 2014

We report the case of a middle-aged man where a diagnosis ofKlebsiella pneumoniaeobscured the underlying malignancy. The patient was hospitalised for management of a presumed refractory community-acquired pneumonia with radiological features of right lower lobe consolidation. Bronchoscopy did not identify an endobronchial lesion and washings grewK pneumoniae. CT-guided fine-needle aspirate samples did not detect any malignancy. However, despite appropriate antibiotic treatment there was no improvement in the patient’s clinical condition. Consequently, a CT-guided lung core biopsy was performed to obtain more tissue for histopathology, which was diagnostic of primary lung adenocarcinoma. This case highlights the need to continue to investigate a patient who is not progressing as clinically appropriate to their original diagnosis.
‘Trapped temporal horn’ of lateral ventricle in tuberculous meningitis
Authors: Sharma Chandramohan , Acharya Mihir , Kumawat Bansi Lal , Kochar Abhishek
Published: April 2014

A young girl presented with a 1-month history of constitutional symptoms, headache and vomiting and 7-day history of left hemiparesis. Neuroimaging showed the ‘trapped temporal horn’ sign, suggestive of focal obstructive hydrocephalus at the foramen of Monro. Analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid and other investigations revealed a tubercular aetiology. The patient was managed with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt and antitubercular medications.
Isolated extraocular muscle abscess presenting 40 years after squint surgery
Authors: Lim Wei Sing , Aclimandos Wagih , Pringle Edward , Shah Brinda
Published: April 2014

A 57-year-old man presented with an abscess localised to the lateral rectus region. He was treated as a case of orbital cellulitis because of the presence of soft tissue swelling with a localised abscess discharging through the conjunctiva with associated reduction of visual acuity and restriction of ocular movements laterally. No specific risk factors were identified but an ultrasound scan picked up a hyperechoic signal suggestive of a foreign body within the abscess. Surgical exploration did not identify a foreign body but fibrotic changes between the globe and the lateral rectus muscle were found which was suggestive of previous squint surgery. This was confirmed by the patient later on specific questioning. Periorbital infection is a rare occurrence after squint surgery and reported cases are mainly within a week after surgery. Orbital abscess probably related to an old suture granuloma 40 years after surgery has not been documented before.
Quantifying public preferences for different bowel preparation options prior to screening CT colonography: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Ghanouni Alex , Halligan Steve , Taylor Stuart A , Boone Darren , Plumb Andrew , Stoffel Sandro , Morris Stephen , Yao Guiqing Lily , Zhu Shihua , Lilford Richard , Wardle Jane , von Wagner Christian
Published: April 2014

Objectives

CT colonography (CTC) may be an acceptable test for colorectal cancer screening but bowel preparation can be a barrier to uptake. This study tested the hypothesis that prospective screening invitees would prefer full-laxative preparation with higher sensitivity and specificity for polyps, despite greater burden, over less burdensome reduced-laxative or non-laxative alternatives with lower sensitivity and specificity.

Design

Discrete choice experiment.

Setting

Online, web-based survey.

Participants

2819 adults (45–54 years) from the UK responded to an online invitation to take part in a cancer screening study. Quota sampling ensured that the sample reflected key demographics of the target population and had no relevant bowel disease or medical qualifications. The analysis comprised 607 participants.

Interventions

After receiving information about screening and CTC, participants completed 3–4 choice scenarios. Scenarios showed two hypothetical forms of CTC with different permutations of three attributes: preparation, sensitivity and specificity for polyps.

Primary outcome measures

Participants considered the trade-offs in each scenario and stated their preferred test (or chose neither).

Results

Preparation and sensitivity for polyps were both significant predictors of preferences (coefficients: −3.834 to −6.346 for preparation, 0.207–0.257 for sensitivity; p<0.0005). These attributes predicted preferences to a similar extent. Realistic specificity values were non-significant (−0.002 to 0.025; p=0.953). Contrary to our hypothesis, probabilities of selecting tests were similar for realistic forms of full-laxative, reduced-laxative and non-laxative preparations (0.362–0.421). However, they were substantially higher for hypothetical improved forms of reduced-laxative or non-laxative preparations with better sensitivity for polyps (0.584–0.837).

Conclusions

Uptake of CTC following non-laxative or reduced-laxative preparations is unlikely to be greater than following full-laxative preparation as perceived gains from reduced burden may be diminished by reduced sensitivity. However, both attributes are important so a more sensitive form of reduced-laxative or non-laxative preparation might improve uptake substantially.
Trends in the incidence and mortality of multiple births by socioeconomic deprivation and maternal age in England: population-based cohort study
Authors: Smith Lucy K , Manktelow Bradley N , Draper Elizabeth S , Boyle Elaine M , Johnson Samantha J , Field David J
Published: April 2014

Objective

To investigate temporal trends in multiple birth rates and associated stillbirth and neonatal mortality by socioeconomic deprivation and maternal age in England.

Design

Population cohort study.

Setting

England.

Participants

All live births and stillbirths (1 January 1997 to 31 December 2008).

Main outcome measures

Multiple maternity rate, stillbirth and neonatal death rate by year of birth, decile of socioeconomic deprivation and maternal age.

Results

The overall rate of multiple maternities increased over time (+0.64% per annum 95% CI (0.47% to 0.81%)) with an increase in twin maternities (+0.85% per annum 95% CI (0.67% to 1.0%)) but a large decrease in triplet and higher order maternities (−8.32% per annum 95% CI (−9.39% to −7.25%)). Multiple maternities were significantly lower in the most deprived areas, and this was most evident in the older age groups. Women over 40 years of age from the most deprived areas had a 34% lower rate of multiple births compared with similar aged women from the most deprived areas (rate ratio (RR) 0.66 95% CI (0.61 to 0.73)). Multiple births remain at substantially higher risk of neonatal mortality (RR 6.30 95% CI (6.07 to 6.53)). However, for stillbirths, while twins remain at higher risk, this has decreased over time (1997–2000: RR 2.89 (2.69 to 3.10); 2005–2008: RR 2.22 95% CI (2.06 to 2.40)). Socioeconomic inequalities existed in mortality for singletons and multiple births.

Conclusions

This period has seen increasing rates of twin pregnancies and decreasing rates of higher order births which have coincided with changes in recommendations regarding assisted reproductive techniques. Socioeconomic differences in multiple births may reflect differential access to these treatments. Improved monitoring of multiple pregnancies is likely to have led to the reductions in stillbirths over this time.
Relationship between target organ damage and blood pressure, retinal vessel calibre, oxidative stress and polymorphisms in VAV-2 and VAV-3 genes in patients with hypertension: a case–control study protocol (LOD-Hipertensión)
Authors: Gomez-Marcos Manuel A , Gonzalez-Sarmiento Rogelio , Recio-Rodríguez José I , Agudo-Conde Cristina , Gamella-Pozuelo Luis , Perretta-Tejedor Nuria , Martínez-Salgado Carlos , García-Ortiz Luis
Published: April 2014

Introduction

Target organ damage (TOD) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. The study objectives were to analyse the relationship of TOD to blood pressure, size of retinal arteries and veins, oxidative stress and different polymorphisms in the VAV-2 and VAV-3 genes in participants with hypertension.

Methods and analysis

A case–control study to analyse the relationship between clinical, biochemical and genetic parameters and presence of cardiac, vascular and renal TOD in 486 patients with hypertension. Participants with TOD will be considered as cases, and those without TOD will be enrolled as controls. This will be a collaborative study conducted by the groups of Primary Care, Cardiovascular and Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases of the Instituto de Investigación Biomédica of Salamanca (IBSAL). Assessment of cardiac, renal and vascular TOD. Measurement of peripheral and central blood pressure, size of eye fundus arteries and veins, and oxidative stress, and polymorphisms in the VAV-2 and VAV-3 genes.

Ethics and dissemination

The study will be conducted after approval is obtained from the Ethics Committee of Hospital Clínico Universitario of Salamanca. All study participants will sign an informed consent to agree to participate in the study, and another consent to agree on the genetic study, in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the WHO standards for observational studies. The results of this study will allow for an understanding of the relationship of the different TODs with blood pressure, retinal artery and vein diameters, oxidative stress and polymorphisms in VAV-2 and VAV-3 genes.

Trial registration number

Clinical Trials. gov Identifier:NCT02022618.
Would you have laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication again? A patient satisfaction survey in a UK population
Authors: Courtney Michael J , Rao Milind , Teasdale Rebecca , Jain Rajesh , Gopinath Bussa
Published: April 2014

Objective

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) effectively reduces objective gastro-oesophageal reflux. It can however cause side effects which affect quality of life or fail to improve subjective reflux symptoms. This study aims to assess patient satisfaction following LNF by assessing whether patients would have the procedure again.

Design

Telephone survey using a structured questionnaire. Participation was voluntary.

Setting

UK Foundation Trust (two university hospitals).

Patients

All patients who had LNF performed by a single surgeon between November 2008 and June 2012.

Main outcome measures

Primarily, current reflux symptoms, antiacid medication requirement and whether participants would choose to have the procedure again (should they still have their initial symptoms). Further measures were conversion to open procedure, need for redo or reversal, and mortality.

Results

99 patients underwent LNF in the quoted period; 71 were contactable and willing to participate. Of the 99, two required redo operations (neither of whom was contactable), and one had a reversal (primary operation included). Median time since the operation was 33 months (range 5–48 months). Compared with preoperatively, 72% rated their current reflux-symptom severity as ≤2/10, 23% as 3–6/10 and 4% as 7–10/10. 75% were not taking any antiacid medication. 89% of patients said that they would have the procedure again.

Conclusions

This study provides supporting evidence that LNF improves reflux symptoms and decreases medication use at intermediate-term follow-up. These results will aid counselling and reassurance of patients regarding the risks and benefits of LNF as the majority of postoperative patients were sufficiently satisfied to choose the operation again.
The potential for reducing differences in life expectancy between educational groups in five European countries: the effects of obesity, physical inactivity and smoking
Authors: Mäki Netta E , Martikainen Pekka T , Eikemo Terje , Menvielle Gwenn , Lundberg Olle , Östergren Olof , Mackenbach Johan P ,   the EURO-GBD-SE consortium members
Published: April 2014

Introduction

This study assesses the effects of obesity, physical inactivity and smoking on life expectancy (LE) differences between educational groups in five European countries in the early 2000s.

Methods

We estimate the contribution of risk factors on LE differences between educational groups using the observed risk factor distributions and under a hypothetically more optimal risk factor distribution. Data on risk factor prevalence were obtained from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe study, and data on mortality from census-linked data sets for the age between 50 and 79 according to sex and education.

Results

Substantial differences in LE of up to 2.8 years emerged between men with a low and a high level of education in Denmark, Austria and France, and smaller differences among men in Italy and Spain. The educational differences in LE were not as large among women. The largest potential for reducing educational differences was in Denmark (25% among men and 41% among women) and Italy (14% among men).

Conclusions

The magnitude of the effect of unhealthy behaviours on educational differences in LE varied between countries. LE among those with a low or medium level of education could increase in some European countries if the behavioural risk factor distributions were similar to those observed among the highly educated.
Antegrade rheolytic thrombectomy and thrombolysis for superior sagittal sinus thrombosis using burr hole access
Authors: Lee Darrin J , Latchaw Richard E , Dahlin Brian C , Dong Paul R , Verro Piero , Muizelaar J Paul , Shahlaie Kiarash
Published: April 2014

Superior sagittal sinus (SSS) thrombosis has high morbidity and mortality, and urgent recanalization is critical for severe cases. Standard endovascular techniques for thrombolysis and thrombectomy use retrograde venous access, an approach that may be unsuccessful in cases with extensive firm clot burden involving the dural sinuses distal to the SSS. An anterior open transcranial approach to the SSS for catheter sheath placement to facilitate antegrade mechanical thrombectomy and thrombolysis of the SSS and more distal sinuses has not been previously described. Here we describe a case in which multiple unsuccessful attempts at retrograde endovascular access were attempted. Thus, a burr hole over the anterior SSS was performed for daily endovascular antegrade procedures using the Angiojet rheolytic catheter device and chemical thrombolysis. Near-complete recanalization of the SSS was achieved with venous outflow via dilated left transverse and left sigmoid sinuses, along with significant collateral flow in multiple cerebral veins.
Low-profile Visualized Intraluminal Support device (LVIS Jr) as a novel tool in the treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms: initial experience in 32 cases
Authors: Behme Daniel , Weber Anushe , Kowoll Annika , Berlis Ansgar , Burke Thomas H , Weber Werner
Published: April 2014

Background and purpose

The focus of this study was to determine ease of deployment, safety and effectiveness of the LVIS Jr device.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of 32 cases comprising 34 aneurysms in which the LVIS Jr device was used for stent-assisted coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms from February to October 2012, including all clinical and angiographic data as well as mid-term follow-up (1–12 months of treatment).

Results

The median age of the patients was 54 years (range 21–76) and 19 (59%) were women. The aneurysms were ruptured in 12/34 cases (35.3%); 26 (76.4%) were located within the anterior circulation and the remaining 8 (23.5%) were located in the posterior circulation. Eleven of the 34 aneurysms (32.3%) were treated with a Y-stent configuration. Immediate total occlusion was observed in 16/34 (47%), near total occlusion (90–95%) in 5/34 (14.7%) and a ‘dog ear’ or subtotal occlusion in 12/34 (35.2%). A single aneurysm was treated without coil embolization. Complications occurred in 5/34 cases (15%), including two cases of in-stent thrombosis.

Conclusions

Implantation of the LVIS Jr device as a support device for stent-assisted coil embolization seems to be safe and effective. The LVIS Jr device can also be implanted in a Y-stent configuration, offering a novel technique with a potentially lower risk of thromboembolic complications compared with other devices.
Modeling the unsaturated soil zone in slope stability analysis
Authors: Zhang L. L. , Fredlund Delwyn G. , Fredlund Murray D. , Wilson G. Ward
Published: April 2014

The linear form of the extended Mohr–Coulomb shear strength equation uses a [Formula: see text] parameter to quantify the rate of increase in shear strength relative to matric suction. When the [Formula: see text] value is unknown, a [Formula: see text] equal to 15° is sometimes used in the slope stability study to assess the influence of matric suction on the stability of a slope. In many cases, however, a [Formula: see text] value of zero is used, signifying that the effect of matric suction is ignored. Experiment results have shown that the relationship between the shear strength of an unsaturated soil and matric suction is nonlinear. Several semi-empirical estimation equations have been proposed relating the unsaturated shear strength to the soil-water characteristic curve. In this paper, the results of a study using two-dimensional slope stability analysis along with an estimated nonlinear shear strength equations is presented. The effects of using an estimated nonlinear shear strength equation for the unsaturated soils are illustrated using three example problems. Several recommendations are made for engineering practice based on the results of the example problems. If the air-entry value (AEV) of a soil is smaller than 1 kPa, the effect of matric suction on the calculated factor of safety is trivial and the [Formula: see text] value can be assumed to be zero. If the AEV of a soil is between 1 and 20 kPa, the nonlinear equations of unsaturated shear strength should be adopted. For soils with an AEV value between 20 and 200 kPa, an assumed [Formula: see text] value of 15° provides a reasonable estimation of the effects of unsaturated shear strength in most cases. For soils with an AEV greater than 200 kPa, [Formula: see text] can generally be assumed to be equal to the effective angle of internal friction, [Formula: see text], in applications where geotechnical structures have matric suctions around 100 kPa.
Bearing capacity of eccentrically loaded strip footings close to geotextile-reinforced sand slope
Authors: Turker Emel , Sadoglu Erol , Cure Evrim , Uzuner Bayram Ali
Published: April 2014

A series of bearing capacity tests were conducted with an eccentrically (e/B = 0, 1/12, 1/6, 1/3) loaded model surface (Df/B = 0) and shallow (Df/B = 0.25) strip footings (B = 80 mm) resting close to reinforced finite sand slopes to investigate ultimate loads, failure surfaces, load–displacement curves, rotation of footing, etc. The experimental set-up used to run the tests consists of a tank, model footing, sand, and a loading mechanism. A single woven geotextile strip sheet was placed horizontally below the footing’s base at a depth of half of the footing’s width. Ultimate loads decreased with increasing eccentricity. This decrease is due to a combination of eccentricity and slope. The use of geotextile reinforcement increased ultimate loads in comparison with unreinforced cases. Failure surfaces were not symmetrical, primary failure surfaces developed on the eccentricity (slope) side, and secondary failure surfaces developed on the other side. Lengths of failure surfaces decreased with increasing eccentricity. Prior to failure, footings always rotated towards the eccentricity (slope) side a few degrees.
Impacts of different salinities on bacterial biofilm communities in fresh water
Authors: Zhang Lei , Gao Guang , Tang Xiangming , Shao Keqiang
Published: April 2014

Natural and anthropogenic salinization continuously impacts inland aquatic ecosystems. Associated bacterial biofilms respond rapidly to environmental conditions and are potential bioindicators for changes in water quality. This study evaluates the effects of different salinity concentrations (0.3‰–10‰) on bacterial biofilms communities grown in fresh water from Lake Bosten. Bacterial communities associated with biofilms were analyzed using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and clone library analyses of 16S rRNA genes. Results indicated that the attached bacterial community composition (ABCC) changed over several weeks of biofilm growth, but all followed similar bacterial successional trends in the different salinity groups. Detailed analysis showed the following. (i) ABCC did not differ (P > 0.05) in the low-salinity groups (0.3‰–3.5‰), which may be related to the lower osmotic pressure and the shorter time scale (weeks) of their present habitats. (ii) There were significant differences between the oligosaline (3.5‰) and saline (10‰) groups (P < 0.05). In particular, genus Flavobacterium became dominant in attached bacterial communities in the saline groups. The higher abundance of genus Flavobacterium was possibly due to the biological and metabolic characteristics of the bacteria. (iii) Some bacterial taxa can maintain the higher abundance within attached bacteria in the entire process of biofilms growth, such as the genera Hydrogenophaga and Methyloversatilis in Betaproteobacteria and the family Sphingomonadaceae in Alphaproteobacteria. These data suggested that the bacterial successional trends within biofilms seem almost unaffected by salinity (0.3‰–10‰), but ABCC in saline groups (10‰) are notably changed.
High glucose uptake in growing rats adapted to a low-protein, high-carbohydrate diet determines low fasting glycemia even with high hepatic gluconeogenesis
Authors: Pereira Mayara P. , Buzelle Samyra L. , Batistela Emanuele , Doneda Diego L. , de França Suélem A. , dos Santos Maísa P. , Andrade Cláudia M.B. , Garófalo Maria A.R. , do C. Kettelhut Isis , Navegantes Luiz C.C. , Chaves Valéria E. , Bertolini Gisele L. , Kawashita Nair H.
Published: April 2014

The our objective was to investigate the adaptations induced by a low-protein, high-carbohydrate (LPHC) diet in growing rats, which by comparison with the rats fed a control (C) diet at displayed lower fasting glycemia and similar fasting insulinemia, despite impairment in insulin signaling in adipose tissues. In the insulin tolerance test the LPHC rats showed higher rates of glucose disappearance (30%) and higher tolerance to overload of glucose than C rats. The glucose uptake by the soleus muscle, evaluated in vivo by administration of 2-deoxy-[14C]glucose, increased by 81%. The phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase content and the incorporation of [1-14C]pyruvate into glucose was also higher in the slices of liver from the LPHC rats than in those from C rats. The LPHC rats showed increases in l-lactate as well as in other gluconeogenic precursors in the blood. These rats also had a higher hepatic production of glucose, evaluated by in situ perfusion. The data obtained indicate that the main substrates for gluconeogenesis in the LPHC rats are l-lactate and glycerol. Thus, we concluded that the fasting glycemia in the LPHC animals was maintained mainly by increases in the hepatic gluconeogenesis from glycerol and l-lactate, compensating, at least in part, for the higher glucose uptake by the tissues.
Analyses of a continuum traffic flow model for a nonlane-based system
Authors: Gupta Arvind Kumar , Dhiman Isha
Published: April 2014

We develop a heterogeneous continuum model based upon a car-following model for a nonlane-based system taking lateral separation into account. The criterion for linear stability analysis and traveling wave solution of the homogeneous case is studied. The consideration of the lateral separation not only stabilizes the flow but also shrinks the critical region. For heterogeneous case, the fundamental diagram is examined for two different equilibrium speed-density functions and the effect of lane width is investigated for different compositions of heterogeneous traffic. The theoretical findings agree well with the results of numerical simulation which justifies the applicability of the model to a nonlane-based system.
THE SPATIAL MEANING OF PARETO'S SCALING EXPONENT OF CITY-SIZE DISTRIBUTIONS
Authors: CHEN YANGUANG
Published: April 2014

The scaling exponent of a hierarchy of cities used to be regarded as a fractional dimension. The Pareto exponent was treated as the fractal dimension of size distribution of cities, while the Zipf exponent was considered to be the reciprocal of the fractal dimension. However, this viewpoint is not exact. In this paper, I will present a new interpretation of the scaling exponent of rank-size distributions. The ideas from fractal measure relation and the principle of dimension consistency are employed to explore the essence of Pareto's and Zipf's scaling exponents. The Pareto exponent proved to be a ratio of the fractal dimension of a network of cities to the average dimension of city population. Accordingly, the Zipf exponent is the reciprocal of this dimension ratio. On a digital map, the Pareto exponent can be defined by the scaling relation between a map scale and the corresponding number of cities based on this scale. The cities of the United States of America in 1900, 1940, 1960, and 1980 and Indian cities in 1981, 1991, and 2001 are utilized to illustrate the geographical spatial meaning of Pareto's exponent. The results suggest that the Pareto exponent of city-size distributions is a dimension ratio rather than a fractal dimension itself. This conclusion is revealing for scientists to understand Zipf's law on the rank-size pattern and the fractal structure of hierarchies of cities.
FRACTAL ANALYSIS OF THE ELECTROCARDIOGRAM SIGNAL
Authors: SEDJELMACI IBTICEME , BEREKSI-REGUIG F.
Published: April 2014

In this paper, the analysis of the electrocardiogram (ECG) signal is carried out according a non-linear approach. This concerns the eventual fractal behavior of such signal and the correlation of such behavior with normal and pathological ECG signals.

The analysis is carried out on different ECG signals taken from the MIT-BIH arrhythmia database. In fact these signals are those of six subjects with different ages and presenting both normal and abnormal arrhythmias situations. The abnormal situations are atrial premature beat (APB), premature ventricular contraction (PVC), right bundle branch block (RBBB) and left bundle branch block (LBBB). The fractal behavior of these signals is analyzed according to the determination of the multifractal spectrum and the fractal dimension variations and looking for eventually a fractal signature of each heart disease and age of the subject.

The obtained results show a fractal signature according to the age and the pathologies for the studied cases. However further investigations are required on larger databases to confirm such results.
RESEARCH ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF PRESSURE FIELD ON THE BASILAR MEMBRANE IN THE PASSIVE SPIRAL COCHLEA
Authors: MA JIANWEI , YAO WENJUAN
Published: April 2014

The cochlea is the important auditory organ of the inner ear. It is responsible for transforming the acoustic signals into neural impulses that travel along the auditory nerve to the brain. The role of, perhaps, the most characteristic feature of the cochlea, its three-dimensional (3D) helical structure, has remained elusive. To address this problem, the present paper develops a 3D spiral cochlea mathematical model using orthogonal coordinate system. Based on the method of separation of variables and conformal transformation, equations of three cases for the velocity potential are derived to solve the steady flow problem of lymph in the cochlea. Then, the distribution of pressure field on the basilar membrane (BM) is obtained. By comparing the analytical results with FE analyses results, the derived formulas are demonstrated to be accurate and reliable. The conclusion can be drawn that the spiral shape and physical dimension of the cochlea have a significant influence on the distribution of pressure field. Interestingly, near the helicotrema, the velocity potential of the first case plays a leading role in pressure distribution on the BM. Therefore, it may enhance the vibration of BM and improve hearing ability in the low-frequency parts of human ears. The proposed model could provide an approach for further investigation of fluid-structure interaction problem in the cochlea.
SOCIAL COMMERCE FOR INNOVATION
Authors: HAJLI M. NICK
Published: April 2014

Interconnectivity and social relationships of customers on social platforms offered by Web 2.0 technologies drive value for business. Customers are using social technologies to share their information and gain access to others' information and advice, which helps them to know better the products and services or support businesses in innovation process. This research proposes a social commerce adoption model based on the relationships of customers on the internet and social platforms to investigate customer behaviour in New Product Development. The study gathers survey data and applies structural equation modelling to analyze the data. The result shows forums and communities and perceived usefulness (PU) positively affect users' trust, leading to more intention to buy among consumers. The discussions, implications, and conclusion are discussed at the end of the paper.
MORE THAN ONE DECADE OF VIAGRA: WHAT LESSONS CAN BE LEARNED FROM INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IN THE ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION MARKET?
Authors: PEREIRA DA VEIGA CÁSSIA RITA , PEREIRA DA VEIGA CLAUDIMAR , DEL CORSO JANSEN MAIA , WINTER EDUARDO , VIEIRA DA SILVA WESLEY
Published: April 2014

The general objective of this study is to investigate the erectile dysfunction pharmaceutical market over the past two decades (1990–2010) through patent data analysis. The study of the erectile dysfunction market allows the analysis of the technological trajectory of Viagra®in its several phases, since the launching of a radical innovation, going through the accommodation of incremental innovations and eventually the release of generic versions of that product. This is a descriptive, documentary, longitudinal research that analyses five research hypotheses. The results show how the erectile dysfunction market has developed over the years and the lessons that can be extracted regarding Intellectual Property Rights for countries, companies and governments, including political and social considerations about how much should a patent protect innovation.
Equation problem over central extensions of hyperbolic groups
Authors: Liang Hao
Published: April 2014

The Equation problem in finitely presented groups asks if there exists an algorithm which determines in finite amount of time whether any given equation system has a solution or not. We show that the Equation Problem in central extensions of hyperbolic groups is solvable.
Force-Field Parameters from the SAFT-γ Equation of State for Use in Coarse-Grained Molecular Simulations
Authors: Müller Erich A. , Jackson George
Published: April 2014

A description of fluid systems with molecular-based algebraic equations of state (EoSs) and by direct molecular simulation is common practice in chemical engineering and the physical sciences, but the two approaches are rarely closely coupled. The key for an integrated representation is through a well-defined force field and Hamiltonian at the molecular level. In developing coarse-grained intermolecular potential functions for the fluid state, one typically starts with a detailed, bottom-up quantum-mechanical or atomic-level description and then integrates out the unwanted degrees of freedom using a variety of techniques; an iterative heuristic simulation procedure is then used to refine the parameters of the model. By contrast, with a top-down technique, one can use an accurate EoS to link the macroscopic properties of the fluid and the force-field parameters. We discuss the latest developments in a top-down representation of fluids, with a particular focus on a group-contribution formulation of the statistical associating fluid theory (SAFT-γ). The accurate SAFT-γ EoS is used to estimate the parameters of the Mie force field, which can then be used with confidence in direct molecular simulations to obtain thermodynamic, structural, interfacial, and dynamical properties that are otherwise inaccessible from the EoS. This is exemplified for several prototypical fluids and mixtures, including carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, perfluorohydrocarbons, and aqueous surfactants.
Global Positioning System (GPS) and GPS-Acoustic Observations: Insight into Slip Along the Subduction Zones Around Japan
Authors: Nishimura Takuya , Sato Mariko , Sagiya Takeshi
Published: April 2014

The global positioning system (GPS) is one of the most powerful tools available for observation of Earth's surface deformation. In particular, coseismic, postseismic, slow transient, and interseismic deformation have all been observed globally by GPS over the past two decades, especially in subduction zones. Moreover, GPS-acoustic techniques have been developed for practical use in the past decade, allowing observation of offshore deformation immediately above slip regions. Here, we describe the application of GPS and GPS-acoustic observations to the detection of deformation due to plate boundary slip for interplate earthquakes as well as afterslip and slow slip events in subduction zones around Japan, where geodetic data coverage is particularly dense. The data demonstrate temporally variable strain accumulation in the source region of the 2011 Mw9.0 Tohoku-oki earthquake, and observation of the huge slip of the Tohoku-oki earthquake near the trench using GPS-acoustic methods has considerably advanced our knowledge of stress release and accumulation in this subduction zone.
The Endowment Effect
Authors: Marzilli Ericson Keith M , Fuster Andreas
Published: April 2014

The endowment effect is among the best known findings in behavioral economics and has been used as evidence for theories of reference-dependent preferences and loss aversion. However, a recent literature has questioned the robustness of the effect in the laboratory, as well as its relevance in the field. In this review, we provide a summary of the evidence and describe recent theoretical developments that can potentially reconcile the different findings, with a focus on expectation-based reference points. We also survey recent work from psychology that provides either alternatives to or refinements of the usual loss-aversion explanation. We argue that loss aversion is still the leading paradigm for understanding the endowment effect, but given the rich psychology behind the effect, a version of the theory that encompasses multiple reference points may be required.
Designing Radiation Resistance in Materials for Fusion Energy
Authors: Zinkle S.J. , Snead L.L.
Published: April 2014

Proposed fusion and advanced (Generation IV) fission energy systems require high-performance materials capable of satisfactory operation up to neutron damage levels approaching 200 atomic displacements per atom with large amounts of transmutant hydrogen and helium isotopes. After a brief overview of fusion reactor concepts and radiation effects phenomena in structural and functional (nonstructural) materials, three fundamental options for designing radiation resistance are outlined: Utilize matrix phases with inherent radiation tolerance, select materials in which vacancies are immobile at the design operating temperatures, or engineer materials with high sink densities for point defect recombination. Environmental and safety considerations impose several additional restrictions on potential materials systems, but reduced-activation ferritic/martensitic steels (including thermomechanically treated and oxide dispersion–strengthened options) and silicon carbide ceramic composites emerge as robust structural materials options. Materials modeling (including computational thermodynamics) and advanced manufacturing methods are poised to exert a major impact in the next ten years.
The One Percent
Authors: Keister Lisa A.
Published: April 2014

Recent protest movements brought attention to the one percent, a segment of the population that is critical to understanding inequality and social mobility but that attracts relatively little research attention. In this article, I survey current research on the one percent in the United States. I distinguish income from wealth and show that both are very concentrated but that the concentration of wealth, particularly financial wealth, is extremely high. I describe the demographic traits and finances of households who are in the one percent and discuss how these have changed in the past decade. I review literature that explains rising top incomes, and I propose that future research will usefully concentrate more on top wealth owners and on the demographic and life course processes that underlie income and wealth concentration. I conclude by speculating about why Americans are so tolerant of resource concentration.
Atomic-Level Characterization of Interfaces in LiCoO2
Authors: Fisher Craig Andrew James , Zheng Shijian , Kuwabara Akihide , Moriwake Hiroki , Ikuhara Yumi H. , Oki Hideki , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: April 2014

The powerful synergy between atomic-resolution electron microscopy and atomistic simulation techniques encompassing both first-principles and classical force-field calculations is illustrated through a study of grain boundaries, domain boundaries and surfaces of the lithium-ion secondary battery cathode material LiCoO2. Epitaxial thin films of LiCoO2 deposited on sapphire (0001) substrates are used as model samples, and results from simulation and experiment combined to characterize the structures and properties of representative interfaces.