bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Proximity on Park and Beach Use and Physical Activity Among Rural Adolescents
Authors: Edwards Nicole Joy , Giles-Corti Billie , Larson Ann , Beesley Bridget
Published: September 2014

Background:

Associations between access to environments and levels of physical activity (PA) among adolescents have been established; however the influence of neighborhood design barriers (eg, major roads) on these relationships is less understood.

Methods:

In 2006, adolescents (n = 1304) in rural Western Australia completed the Up4it Physical Activity Survey measuring frequency and duration of organized and nonorganized physical activity by season. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to objectively measure distance to nearest park and beach and busy road barriers en route to these destinations.

Results:

Proximity to parks and beaches was associated with use of these environments for PA among adolescents, but this relationship attenuated after adjustment for presence of a major road. Park and beach use was positively associated with achieving recommended levels of PA. Paradoxically, proximity to these environments was not associated with achieving recommended levels of PA. Results suggest access to parks and beaches is necessary but may be insufficient to achieve recommended levels of PA. These relationships varied by season.

Conclusions:

Strategies should be put in place to encourage use of proximate supportive environments. Planning neighborhoods to reduce barriers to access and interventions to overcome seasonal variations in behavior may improve participation levels among adolescents.
Smoking Impact on Grip Strength and Fatigue Resistance: Implications for Exercise and Hand Therapy Practice
Authors: Al-Sayegh Nowall , Al-Obaidi Saud , Nadar Mohammed
Published: September 2014

Background:

Grip strength assessment reflects on overall health of the musculoskeletal system and is a predictor of functional prognosis and mortality. The purpose of this study was: examine whether grip-strength and fatigue resistance are impaired in smokers, determine if smoking-related impairments (fatigue-index) can be predicted by demographic data, duration of smoking, packets smoked-per-day, and physical activity.

Methods:

Maximum isometric grip strength (MIGS) of male smokers (n = 111) and nonsmokers (n = 66) was measured before/after induced fatigue using Jamar dynamometer at 5-handle positions. Fatigueindex was calculated based on percentage change in MIGS initially and after induced fatigue.

Results:

Number of repetitions to squeeze the soft rubber ball to induce fatigue was significantly lower in smokers compared with nonsmokers (t = 10.6, P < .001 dominant hand; t = 13.9, P < .001 nondominant), demonstrating a significantly higher fatigue-index for smokers than nonsmokers (t = –8.7, P < .001 dominant hand; t = –6.0, P < .001 nondominant). The effect of smoking status on MIGS scores was significantly different between smokers and nonsmokers after induced fatigue (β = –3.98, standard error = 0.59, P < .001) where smokers experienced on average a reduction of nearly 4 MIGS less than nonsmokers before fatigue. Smoking status was the strongest significant independent predictor of the fatigue-index.

Conclusions:

Smokers demonstrated reduced grip strength and fast fatigability in comparison with nonsmokers.
Expert Approaches to Promote Adolescent Physical Activity in Iran: Development of the Promoting Strategies Using the Nominal Group Technique Meeting
Authors: Baheiraei Azam , Hamzehgardeshi Zeinab , Mohammadi Mohammad Reza , Mohammadi Eesa , Vedadhir AbouAli
Published: September 2014

Background:

Several studies have shown that physical activity decreases as the age increases. This study was for evaluating the perspectives of health sciences specialists or informants on the strategies for increasing physical activity among Iranian adolescents using Nominal Group Technique (NGT).

Methods:

a semiquantitative/qualitative methodology research using NGT for prioritizing the strategies for alleviating the physical activities among Iranian adolescents based on the opinions of health sciences experts. This study conducted in Tehran, Iran, 2011.

Results:

Overall, 16 items received scores from 2–29 and were further listed as the accepted strategies for promoting physical activity among adolescents. The most and least recommended strategies were respectively in the categories of school, neighborhood and family. This study findings show ‘the constructionist activities or strategies (eg, claim-making, image-making, myth-constructing and framing) among adolescents using main claim-makers of Iranian society, including the state-sponsored media.,’ received the highest score by all the participants of NGT.

Conclusions:

The interesting finding of this study is the special view point of the specialists to role of socioecological factors in promoting physical activity in the context of Iranian society.
Durations and Domains of Daily Aerobic Activity: Evidence From the 2010 Canadian Time-Use Survey
Authors: Millward Hugh , Spinney Jamie E. L. , Scott Darren
Published: September 2014

Background:

This study employs national time-diary data to evaluate how much aerobic activity Canadians engage in on a daily basis, how that activity is apportioned by activity domain, and how subgroups within the population vary in their aerobic attainment.

Methods:

The study employs time-use data from the 2010 General Social Survey of Canada, for 15,390 respondents aged 15 and older. To estimate effort levels, the authors harmonized survey codes with those in the Compendium of Physical Activities. Aerobic activity was defined as moderate or vigorous effort at 3.5 Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) or higher.

Results:

Among the 4 activity domains, aerobic participation is highest in leisure activities, followed by chores, paid work, and active transportation (AT). Only a minority (42%) of respondents recorded at least 20 mins/day of aerobic activity. Aerobic totals were particularly low for women and those in poor or fair health, and low for students, 15- to 24-year-olds, and those residing in Quebec, Ontario, and larger cities.

Conclusions:

The majority of Canadian adults are failing to meet recommended aerobic activity levels. However, there is considerable opportunity to increase aerobic participation for some groups, particularly women and young adults, especially in the leisure and AT domains.
Designing Active Communities: A Coordinated Action Framework for Planners and Public Health Professionals
Authors: Bergeron Kim , Lévesque Lucie
Published: September 2014

Background:

Community design can have a positive or negative influence on the physical activity level of residents. The complementary expertise of professionals from both planning and public health is needed to build active communities. The current study aimed to develop a coordinated framework for planners and public health professionals to enhance the design of active communities.

Methods:

Planners and public health professionals working in Ontario, Canada were recruited to participate in a concept mapping process to identify ways they should work together to enhance the design of active communities.

Results:

This process generated 72 actions that represent collaborative efforts planners and public health professionals should engage in when designing active communities. These actions were then organized by importance and feasibility. This resulted in a coordinated action framework that includes 19 proximal and 6 distal coordinated actions for planners and public health professionals.

Conclusion:

Implementation of the recommended actions has the potential to make a difference in community design as a way to enhance physical activity in community members. This Coordinated Action Framework provides a way to address physical inactivity from an environmental and policy standpoint.
Supportive Environments for Physical Activity, Community Action, and Policy in 8 European Union Member States: Comparative Analysis and Specificities of Context
Authors: Ruetten Alfred , Frahsa Annika , Engbers Luuk , Gusi Narcis , Mota Jorge , Pacenka Rimantas , Troelsen Jens , Vasickova Jana , Vuillemin Anne
Published: September 2014

Background:

A multilevel theoretical framework of physical activity (PA) promotion that addresses supportive environments, PA behavior, community action, and PA promoting policies is related to research and development in an international comparative study.

Methods:

Most-different and most-similar case selection was applied to data from 8 European Union Member States. Data from semistructured key informant qualitative interviews, focus group interviews with experts and policy-makers, as well as document analysis were linked to corresponding Eurobarometer data.

Results:

The framework on the interplay of environment, PA behavior, community action and policies appears to be working across most different countries. Comprehensive systems of PA infrastructures are interlinked with relatively high levels of PA prevalence. These countries implement comprehensive national policies on PA promotion and show a positive perception of related local governments’ engagement. Less comprehensive systems of infrastructures interplay with lower levels of PA prevalence, less community action and fewer policies. Differences between similar cases are linked to country-specific contexts.

Conclusions:

Framework application and comparative analysis indicates how to relate theory to empirical research and complex data sets. In-depth analysis of country-specific contexts and longitudinal observation on changes within and between countries might advise on how to integrate the framework into intervention research.
Considering Sport Participation as a Source for Physical Activity Among Adolescents
Authors: Pharr Jennifer , Lough Nancy L.
Published: September 2014

Background:

Studies have shown participation in sport is lower among girls than boys, decreases as students matriculate through high school, is lowest among Black and Hispanic girls and has a positive relationship with SES. With sport recognized as a contributor to physical activity and health in adolescents, consideration of diminishing rates of participation appears warranted. The purpose of this study was to identify patterns related to differences in self-reported sport participation between genders, ethnic groups, grades and SES.

Methods:

This study was a cross-sectional, secondary analysis of data collected for a sport interest survey. All students in grades 8–11 attending middle and high schools were provided an opportunity to participate in the survey. Data from 49,832 students were analyzed.

Results:

Among the participants, Black girls participated more and White girls participated less than expected. Black boys participated more while White and Asian boys participated less than expected. Reported sport participation was high compared with national data when analyzed by gender and ethnic group. Sport participation was higher in low SES schools compared with high SES schools.

Conclusion:

The importance of sport as a source of physical activity in underserved groups is significant.
Should Physical Activity Intervention Efforts Take a Whole Population, High-Risk, or Middle Road Strategy?
Authors: Peeters Geeske , Hockey Richard , Brown Wendy
Published: September 2014

Purpose:

This study was designed to compare theoretical strategies for changing physical activity (PA) in terms of their potential to reduce the incidence of chronic conditions in midage women: (1) whole population: +30 minutes/week in all, (2) high-risk: +60 minutes/week in the lowest 25% of the PA distribution, and (3) middle road: shift all those not meeting guidelines to a level commensurate with meeting guidelines.

Methods:

10,854 participants (50–55 years in 2001) in the Australian Longitudinal Study of Women’s Health completed mail surveys in 2001, 2004, 2007, and 2010. PA was calculated as MET·minutes/week spent in walking, moderate and vigorous PA in the previous week. Incidence rates per 1000 person-years for diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, cancer, and depression were calculated for the actual distribution and after modeled shifts in PA.

Results:

The incidence rates were 10.6 for diabetes, 7.0 for heart disease, 30.7 for hypertension, 8.0 for cancer, and 28.4 for depression. Greater reductions in incidence were found for the middle road strategy than for the whole population and high-risk strategies, with reductions ranging from –6.3% for cancer to –12.3% for diabetes.

Discussion:

This theoretical modeling showed that a middle road strategy to increasing PA was superior to the whole population and high-risk strategies, in terms of reducing incidence rates of chronic conditions in middle-aged women.
Does Daylight Savings Time Encourage Physical Activity?
Authors: Zick Cathleen D.
Published: September 2014

Background:

Extending Daylight Savings Time (DST) has been identified as a policy intervention that may encourage physical activity. However, there has been little research on the question of if DST encourages adults to be more physically active.

Methods:

Data from residents of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah ages 18–64 who participated in the 2003–2009 American Time Use Survey are used to assess whether DST is associated with increased time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The analysis capitalizes on the natural experiment created because Arizona does not observe DST.

Results:

Both bivariate and multivariate analyses indicate that shifting 1 hour of daylight from morning to evening does not impact MVPA of Americans living in the southwest.

Conclusions:

While DST may affect the choices people make about the timing and location of their sports/recreational activities, the potential for DST to serve as a broad-based intervention that encourages greater sports/recreation participation is not supported by this analysis. Whether this null effect would persist in other climate situations is an open question.
World population stabilization unlikely this century
Authors: Gerland Patrick , Raftery Adrian E. , Ševčíková Hana , Li Nan , Gu Danan , Spoorenberg Thomas , Alkema Leontine , Fosdick Bailey K. , Chunn Jennifer , Lalic Nevena , Bay Guiomar , Buettner Thomas , Heilig Gerhard K. , Wilmoth John
Published: September 2014

The United Nations (UN) recently released population projections based on data until 2012 and a Bayesian probabilistic methodology. Analysis of these data reveals that, contrary to previous literature, the world population is unlikely to stop growing this century. There is an 80% probability that world population, now 7.2 billion people, will increase to between 9.6 billion and 12.3 billion in 2100. This uncertainty is much smaller than the range from the traditional UN high and low variants. Much of the increase is expected to happen in Africa, in part due to higher fertility rates and a recent slowdown in the pace of fertility decline. Also, the ratio of working-age people to older people is likely to decline substantially in all countries, even those that currently have young populations.
Complete Genome Sequence of an Avian Reovirus Isolated from Wild Mallard Ducks in China
Authors: Yu Kexiang , Li Yufeng , Han Hongyu , Song Minxun , Ma Xiuli , Liu Cunxia , Huang Bin , Li Feng
Published: September 2014

We report here the complete sequence of novel duck reovirus (N-DRV) strain SD12 isolated from diseased wild mallard ducklings in the Shandong Province of China in 2012. The complete genome consists of 23,420 nucleotide base pairs (bp), including 10 segments ranging from 1,191 bp (S4) to 3,959 bp (L1).
Complete Genome Sequence of Flavobacterium psychrophilum Strain CSF259-93, Used To Select Rainbow Trout for Increased Genetic Resistance against Bacterial Cold Water Disease
Authors: Wiens Gregory D. , LaPatra Scott E. , Welch Timothy J. , Rexroad Caird , Call Douglas R. , Cain Kenneth D. , LaFrentz Benjamin R. , Vaisvil Benjamin , Schmitt Daniel P. , Kapatral Vinayak
Published: September 2014

The genome sequence of
Flavobacterium psychrophilum
strain CSF259-93, isolated from rainbow trout (
Oncorhynchus mykiss
), consists of a single circular genome of 2,900,735 bp and 2,701 predicted open reading frames (ORFs). Strain CSF259-93 has been used to select a line of rainbow trout with increased genetic resistance against bacterial cold water disease.
Genome Sequence of Actinobacillus suis Type Strain ATCC 33415
T
Authors: Calcutt Michael J. , Foecking Mark F. , Mhlanga-Mutangadura Tendai , Reilly Thomas J.
Published: September 2014

The assembled and annotated genome of
Actinobacillus suis
ATCC 33415
T
is reported here. The 2,501,598-bp genome encodes 2,246 open reading frames (ORFs) with strain variable incursion of an integrative conjugative element into a tRNA locus. Comparative analysis of the deduced gene set should inform our understanding of pathogenesis, genomic plasticity, and serotype variation.
Abdominal cocoon secondary to disseminated tuberculosis
Authors: Puppala Radha , Sripathi Smiti , Kadavigere Rajagopal , Koteshwar Prakashini , Singh Jyoti
Published: September 2014

Abdominal cocoon, also known as sclerosing encapsulating peritonitis, represents a rare entity where a variable length of the small bowel is enveloped by a fibrocollagenous membrane giving the appearance of a cocoon. It may be asymptomatic and is often diagnosed incidentally at laparotomy. We present a rare case of abdominal cocoon due to abdominal tuberculosis.
Cross-arch arrangement in complete denture prosthesis to manage an edentulous patient with oral submucous fibrosis and abnormal jaw relation
Authors: Tambe Abhijit , Patil Sanjayagouda B , Bhat Sudhakara , Badadare Mokshada M
Published: September 2014

A patient with oral submucous fibrosis and resorbed ridges poses a challenge for prosthodontic rehabilitation because of the limited mouth opening and fibrotic mucosa. The fabrication of prosthesis is very difficult due to abnormal jaw relations, influencing the long-term prognosis of the patient. To present a case of oral submucous fibrosis with severely resorbed edentulous ridges which was successfully managed by adopting a modified technique in fabricating a complete denture prosthesis. A 55-year-old female patient with completely edentulous maxillary and mandibular arches diagnosed with oral submucous fibrosis was rehabilitated with complete dentures by recording neutral zone for resorbed mandibular ridge and by arranging the posterior teeth in cross arch relation for compensation of the abnormal jaw relations. The cross-arch arrangement of posterior teeth provides a more stable and retentive complete denture prosthesis for patients with severely resorbed ridges and a wider mandibular arch.
Brucella endocarditis in a non-endemic area presenting as pyrexia of unknown origin
Authors: Manade Vivek Vilas , Kakrani Arjun , Gadage Siddharth Narayan , Misra Rabindra
Published: September 2014

A 67-year-old man with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension since 7 years presented with a 3-month history of low-grade fever and malaise. Cardiac auscultation revealed the presence of an ejection systolic murmur in the primary aortic area. Most of the investigations for febrile illness were reported normal. His two-dimensional (2D) echocardiogram revealed a calcified aortic valve with mild aortic stenosis. In view of the prolonged fever and calcified aortic valve with mild aortic stenosis, a transoesophageal echocardiogram was performed, which showed small vegetation noted on right coronary cusp about 2.2 mm with free independent mobility. Blood culture was positive forBrucellaspp from all the three venepuncture sites. Medical therapy for brucellosis was given with ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, co-trimoxazole and streptomycin, resulting in complete recovery. Brucella endocarditis is a rare, mostly ignored and missed clinical infection. It requires a high index of clinical suspicion for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Streptococcus pneumoniaebacteraemia leading to the diagnosis of multiple myeloma
Authors: Shahani Savita , Shahani Lokesh
Published: September 2014

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant plasma cell disorder characterised by the neoplastic proliferation of a single clone of plasma cells producing a monoclonal immunoglobulin. Anaemia, bone pain from lytic lesions, hypercalcaemia and renal failure are the most common presentations at diagnosis; however, the presence of infection at the time of diagnosis is rarely reported. The author reports an elderly male presenting with isolated fever and initial blood cultures positive forStreptococcus pneumoniae. Investigating the patient's underlying immunodeficient state predisposing him to this infection, serum and urine immunofixation electrophoresis identified monoclonal IgG λ and bone marrow biopsy revealed diffuse plasma cell infiltration that comprised 35% of the cellular elements, which were all consistent with MM. This case report highlights the importance of considering MM in asymptomatic elderly patients who present with acute pneumococcal infection without an apparent predisposing factor.
Syphilis: an unusual manifestation?
Authors: Bezalely Shai , Jacob Giris , Flusser Gideon , Ablin Jacob
Published: September 2014

Syphilis is a widely investigated infectious venereal disease with varied presentations frequently mimicking other diseases. It progresses in distinct, well-characterised stages: early (primary and secondary), latent, and late (tertiary), each stage having its own unique presentations. However, there has been increasing evidence of atypical presentations. We describe one such presentation of early syphilis in its secondary stage. A man in his late 20s presented with a rash (which is typical of the secondary stage) and with bone pain with multiple lytic lesions (which is rare in the secondary stage but more typical of the tertiary stage). The patient was successfully treated for secondary syphilis. On the basis of our case, and on analysis of other case reports and research of early-stage syphilitic bone involvement, we conclude that the true incidence of bone involvement in early-stage syphilis may be higher than has been previously appreciated, and thus may be under-recognised and underdiagnosed.
Successful use of blood pleurodesis to resolve an iatrogenic persistent pneumothorax in a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Shaukat Masooma , Hyams Catherine , Macavei Vladimir M , O'Shaughnessy Terence C
Published: September 2014

A Somali patient with previous tuberculosis presented clinically unwell with features consistent with a right-sided pleural effusion. Subsequent investigations confirmed a community-acquired pneumonia and relapse of pulmonary tuberculosis, with a drug resistant strain isolated. The patient developed a large left-sided iatrogenic pneumothorax, which recurred and failed to resolve despite the successful insertion of both Seldinger and surgical chest drains, and the patient remained clinically unstable on the intensive care unit. A blood pleurodesis was successfully used to provide resolution of this patient's previously persistent pneumothorax, which has resulted in stabilisation of the patient and no further pneumothoraces have occurred subsequently. The authors therefore highlight the use of a blood pleurodesis as a little used technique that may provide a valuable tool to other clinicians in similar cases.
Developing an index for the orthodontic treatment need in paediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnoea: a protocol for a novel communication tool between physicians and orthodontists
Authors: Altalibi Mostafa , Saltaji Humam , Roduta Roberts Mary , Major Michael P , MacLean Joanna , Major Paul W
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Sleep disordered breathing in the paediatric population can manifest as an array of different systemic symptoms; among them is a distinct malocclusion and craniofacial phenotype. Emerging research suggests that the treatment of this malocclusion and/or craniofacial phenotype through orthodontic intervention may help with the symptoms of these patients. Selecting the patients who would benefit from orthodontic treatment can be a difficult task for the physician with minimal dental training. Therefore the aim of this study is to develop a simple index to be used by medical professionals to identify those paediatric patients with orthodontic treatment needs who may benefit their obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) symptoms.

Methods and analysis

The methodology in this project has been devised through the WHO's recommendations on developing an index, with modifications based on the specific needs of this study. Based on the available literature, a draft index will be produced and subjected to multiple iterative revisions based on the feedback from: the Index Development Group, a group of multidisciplinary and internationally acclaimed experts in the field; the External Review Group, a group of potential end users and interested parties and the Steering Committee. Once the index has been formalised, it will be subjected to a pair of reliability tests using physicians and orthodontists scored 2 weeks apart. Subsequently, the index will be validated using dichotomous responses from orthodontists on whether they would treat a patient for OSA symptoms, and comparing the responses to the score of the index on the same patient.

Ethics and dissemination

The index will be translated into French and will be presented in orthodontic and medical conferences, workshops, seminars, round table discussions, and free copies for download will be made available on the website of the University of Alberta Interdisciplinary Airway Research Clinic (iarc.ualberta.ca). Furthermore, the index will be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal to further increase the exposure of the index.
Pre-AdolescentCardio-MetabolicAssociations andCorrelates: PACMAC methodology and study protocol
Authors: Castro Nicholas , Faulkner James , Skidmore Paula , Williams Michelle , Lambrick Danielle M , Signal Leigh , Thunders Michelle , Muller Diane , Lark Sally , Hamlin Mike , Lane Andrew M , Kingi Te Kani , Stoner Lee
Published: September 2014

Introduction

Although cardiovascular disease is typically associated with middle or old age, the atherosclerotic process often initiates early in childhood. The process of atherosclerosis appears to be occurring at an increasing rate, even in pre-adolescents, and has been linked to the childhood obesity epidemic. This study will investigate the relationships between obesity, lifestyle behaviours and cardiometabolic health in pre-pubescent children aged 8–10 years, and investigates whether there are differences in the correlates of cardiometabolic health between Māori and Caucasian children. Details of the methodological aspects of recruitment, inclusion/exclusion criteria, assessments, statistical analyses, dissemination of findings and anticipated impact are described.

Methods and analysis

Phase 1: a cross-sectional study design will be used to investigate relationships between obesity, lifestyle behaviours (nutrition, physical activity/fitness, sleep behaviour, psychosocial influences) and cardiometabolic health in a sample of 400 pre-pubescent (8–10 years old) children. Phase 2: in a subgroup (50 Caucasian, 50 Māori children), additional measurements of cardiometabolic health and lifestyle behaviours will be obtained to provide objective and detailed data. General linear models and logistic regression will be used to investigate the strongest correlate of (1) fatness; (2) physical activity; (3) nutritional behaviours and (4) cardiometabolic health.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval will be obtained from the New Zealand Health and Disabilities Ethics Committee. The findings from this study will elucidate targets for decreasing obesity and improving cardiometabolic health among preadolescent children in New Zealand. The aim is to ensure an immediate impact by disseminating these findings in an applicable manner via popular media and traditional academic forums. Most importantly, results from the study will be disseminated to participating schools and relevant Māori health entities.
Prognostic value of bone marrow involvement by clonal immunoglobulin gene rearrangements in follicular lymphoma
Authors: Berget Ellen , Helgeland Lars , Liseth Knut , Løkeland Turid , Molven Anders , Vintermyr Olav Karsten
Published: September 2014

Aims

We aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of routine use of PCR amplification of immunoglobulin gene rearrangements in bone marrow (BM) staging in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL).

Methods

Clonal rearrangements were assessed by immunoglobulin heavy and light-chain gene rearrangement analysis in BM aspirates from 96 patients diagnosed with FL and related to morphological detection of BM involvement in biopsies. In 71 patients, results were also compared with concurrent flow cytometry analysis.

Results

BM involvement was detected by PCR in 34.4% (33/96) of patients. The presence of clonal rearrangements by PCR was associated with advanced clinical stage (I–III vs IV; p<0.001), high FL International Prognostic Index (FLIPI) score (0–1, 2 vs ≥3; p=0.003), and detection of BM involvement by morphology and flow cytometry analysis (p<0.001 for both). PCR-positive patients had a significantly poorer survival than PCR-negative patients (p=0.001, log-rank test). Thirteen patients positive by PCR but without morphologically detectable BM involvement, had significantly poorer survival than patients with negative morphology and negative PCR result (p=0.002). The poor survival associated with BM involvement by PCR was independent of the FLIPI score (p=0.007, Cox regression). BM involvement by morphology or flow cytometry did not show a significant impact on survival.

Conclusions

Our results showed that routine use of PCR-based clonality analysis significantly improved the prognostic impact of BM staging in patients with FL. BM involvement by PCR was also an independent adverse prognostic factor.
Non-galenic arteriovenous fistulas in adults: transarterial embolization and literature review
Authors: Lin Ning , Brouillard Adam M , Snyder Kenneth V , Levy Elad I , Siddiqui Adnan H
Published: September 2014

Background

Non-galenic dural arteriovenous fistula (NGAVF) is a rare congenital vascular abnormality characterized by high flow connections between cerebral arteries and a dilated pial venous varix. These lesions have been reported mostly in the pediatric population.

Objectives

To examine the clinical features and treatment outcomes for adult (≥18 years) patients with NGAVFs.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with NGAVFs who underwent endovascular treatment between 2008 and 2013. A PubMed literature search was conducted to identify reports of adult patients with these lesions.

Results

Two adults with NGAVFs were treated at our institution via transarterial embolization with a favorable outcome. The literature search revealed 24 adult NGAVF cases. Among these cases and ours, mean patient age was 33.4±13.3 years, and 13 were women. Most patients experienced protracted neurological symptoms at the time of treatment whereas 5 (19.2%) patients presented with acute hemorrhage. 18 patients had single hole fistulas; 8 had multi-hole fistulas. 11 patients were treated by microsurgical ligation, 10 by embolization, 4 by combined therapy, and 1 with observation. Two patients died of reperfusion hemorrhage. Women were more likely to have a favorable outcome than men (100% vs 75.0%; p=0.07). No statistical difference was found in terms of clinical outcome for patients with single hole versus multi-hole fistulas or those treated by surgery versus embolization.

Conclusions

NGAVFs are extremely rare in the adult population and present a similar clinical course as in older children. In our experience, transarterial embolization can be safely and effectively utilized for the treatment of these lesions in adults.
Ischemic preconditioning does not improve peak exercise capacity at sea level or simulated high altitude in trained male cyclists
Authors: Hittinger Elizabeth A. , Maher Jennifer L. , Nash Mark S. , Perry Arlette C. , Signorile Joseph F. , Kressler Jochen , Jacobs Kevin A.
Published: September 2014

Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) may improve blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, including skeletal muscle, and has the potential to improve intense aerobic exercise performance, especially that which results in arterial hypoxemia. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of IPC of the legs on peak exercise capacity (Wpeak), submaximal and peak cardiovascular hemodynamics, and peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) in trained males at sea level (SL) and simulated high altitude (HA; 13.3% FIO2, ∼3650 m). Fifteen highly trained male cyclists and triathletes completed 2 Wpeak tests (SL and HA) and 4 experimental exercise trials (10 min at 55% altitude-specific Wpeak then increasing by 30 W every 2 min until exhaustion) with and without IPC. HA resulted in significant arterial hypoxemia during exercise compared with SL (73% ± 6% vs. 93% ± 4% SpO2, p < 0.001) that was associated with 21% lower Wpeak values. IPC did not significantly improve Wpeak at SL or HA. Additionally, IPC failed to improve cardiovascular hemodynamics or SpO2 during submaximal exercise or at Wpeak. In conclusion, IPC performed 45 min prior to exercise does not improve Wpeak or systemic oxygen delivery during submaximal or peak exercise at SL or HA. Future studies must examine the influence of IPC on local factors, such as working limb blood flow, oxygen delivery, and arteriovenous oxygen difference as well as whether the effectiveness of IPC is altered by the volume of muscle made ischemic, the timing prior to exercise, and high altitude acclimatization.
DABCO-functionalized mesoporous SBA-15: an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of spiro-pyranoxindoles as antioxidant agents
Authors: Azimi Razieh , Baharfar Robabeh
Published: September 2014

A series of spiro-pyranoxindole derivatives were prepared in good yields via a three-component reaction of isatins with activated methylene reagents and kojic acid using 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) immobilized on mesoporous SBA-15 as a heterogenized organocatalyst in aqueous media. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant activity by a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay.
Trembling aspen, balsam poplar, and white birch respond differently to experimental warming in winter months
Authors: Man Rongzhou , Colombo Steve , Lu Pengxin , Li Junlin , Dang Qing-Lai
Published: September 2014

Climatic warming may increase temperature variability, especially in winter months, leading to increased risk of early loss of cold hardiness and therefore freezing damage. In this study, changes in cold hardiness (measured based on electrolyte leakage), budbreak, and survival were used to indicate the responses of seedlings of 3 boreal broadleaf species [Formula: see text] trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), balsam poplar (P. balsamifera L.), and white birch (Betula papyrifera Marsh.) [Formula: see text] to experimental warming. Seedling responses were greater in winter (January) and spring (March) than fall (November), and were greater in trembling aspen and balsam poplar than white birch. Warming for 5 or 10 days at 16 °C day/–2 °C night with a 10-h photoperiod in winter and spring generally reduced cold hardiness. Combined with freezing temperatures in the postwarming ambient environment, this reduction increased seedling mortality and stem dieback and extended time to budbreak. Cold hardiness increased somewhat 10 days after seedlings were returned to the outdoor environment following warming in spring, when ambient temperatures were less damaging. The resistance of white birch to warming, likely because of its greater thermal requirement for budbreak and slower natural dehardening, suggests that this species is better suited to withstand increasing winter temperature variability that might occur under climate change. To improve the accuracy of phenological modelling, the effects of winter freezing on budbreak should be factored in.
Search for fermionic Higgs boson decays in pp collisions at the ATLAS and CMS experiments
Authors: Madar Romain ,   On behalf of the ATLAS and CMS Collaborations
Published: September 2014

The newly discovered boson was only observed in diboson final states. The measurement of the fermionic decay modes of this new particle is essential to establish its compatibility with the Standard Model Higgs boson. The two main final states accessible at the LHC are the decay into pairs of b quarks and τ leptons, both of which are experimentally challenging. In some cases, the exploitation of specific Higgs boson production modes allows to significantly increase the experimental sensitivity. One can also extend the search by looking for di-muon final states. This article gives an overview of the Higgs boson searches in these three fermionic final states at the ATLAS and CMS experiments, focusing on the most recent developments and results.
Higgs searches beyond the Standard Model
Authors: Mankel R. ,   (On behalf of the ATLAS, CMS, CDF and D0 Collaborations)
Published: September 2014

While the existence of a Higgs boson with a mass near 125 GeV has been clearly established, the detailed structure of the entire Higgs sector is yet unclear. Besides the Standard Model interpretation, various possibilities for extended Higgs sectors are being considered. The minimal supersymmetric extension (MSSM) features two Higgs doublets resulting in five physical Higgs bosons, which are subject to direct searches. Alternatively, more generic Two-Higgs Doublet models (2HDM) are used for the interpretation of results. The Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Model (NMSSM) has a more complex Higgs sector with seven physical states. Also exotic Higgs bosons decaying to invisible final states are considered. This article summarizes recent findings based on results from collider experiments.
Reactor antineutrino experiments
Authors: Lu Haoqi ,   Member of Daya Bay Collaboration
Published: September 2014

Neutrinos are elementary particles in the standard model of particle physics. There are three flavors of neutrinos that oscillate among themselves. Their oscillation can be described by a 3×3 unitary matrix, containing three mixing angles θ12, θ23, θ13, and one CP phase. Both θ12 and θ23 are known from previous experiments. θ13 was unknown just two years ago. The Daya Bay experiment gave the first definitive nonzero value in 2012. An improved measurement of the oscillation amplitude [Formula: see text] and the first direct measurement of the [Formula: see text] mass-squared difference [Formula: see text] were obtained recently. The large value of θ13 boosts the next generation of reactor antineutrino experiments designed to determine the neutrino mass hierarchy, such as JUNO and RENO-50.
REVIEWING EXISTING POLICIES FOR UNLEASHING AND FOSTERING ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN SELECTED AFRICAN COUNTRIES
Authors: SHERIFF MICHAEL , MUFFATTO MORENO
Published: September 2014

Public Policies are vital for unleashing and fostering entrepreneurship in every society. This paper reviewed the national policies for the promotion and support of productive entrepreneurial activities aimed at enhancing the achievement of entrepreneurial economic growth in three countries in Africa. This is an explorative multiple case study that has used national and international documents and reports to examine the state and nature of the entrepreneurship policies in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. The selected countries are all members of the East African Community. The findings revealed what has been accomplished and what challenges policymakers face in improving entrepreneurial performance. The comparison showed the major similarities and dissimilarities between countries and which countries are performing fairly well in specific policy areas. From the findings, an entrepreneurship policy framework was developed that takes into account the type and level of entrepreneurship being practiced. This could be useful to policymakers taking into consideration that entrepreneurship exists in the formal and informal sectors at the national level. At the regional level, the similarities of policies could be a starting point for a regional entrepreneurship policy because entrepreneurial economic growth of countries and regions is a strong indicator of successful entrepreneurship policies.
Stochastic variations of migration speed between cells in clonal populations
Authors: Yan Jun , Irimia Daniel
Published: September 2014

We combined microfluidic tools and molecular probes to monitor the migration speed of successive generations of cancer cells. We found that the migratory speed of individual cells changes stochastically from parent cells to their descendants, while the average speed of successive generations of cells remains constant. Further studies of the interrelations between cell migration and division processes may help identify the molecular determinants of cell speed and lead to new therapies to slow the invasion of cancer cells and delay metastases.
Charging and Storage Infrastructure Design for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Momtazpour Marjan , Butler Patrick , Ramakrishnan Naren , Hossain M. Shahriar , Bozchalui Mohammad C. , Sharma Ratnesh
Published: September 2014

Ushered by recent developments in various areas of science and technology, modern energy systems are going to be an inevitable part of our societies. Smart grids are one of these modern systems that have attracted many research activities in recent years. Before utilizing the next generation of smart grids, we should have a comprehensive understanding of the interdependent energy networks and processes. Next-generation energy systems networks cannot be effectively designed, analyzed, and controlled in isolation from the social, economic, sensing, and control contexts in which they operate. In this article, we present a novel framework to support charging and storage infrastructure design for electric vehicles. We develop coordinated clustering techniques to work with network models of urban environments to aid in placement of charging stations for an electrical vehicle deployment scenario. Furthermore, we evaluate the network before and after the deployment of charging stations, to recommend the installation of appropriate storage units to overcome the extra load imposed on the network by the charging stations. We demonstrate the multiple factors that can be simultaneously leveraged in our framework to achieve practical urban deployment. Our ultimate goal is to help realize sustainable energy system management in urban electrical infrastructure by modeling and analyzing networks of interactions between electric systems and urban populations.
Traffic Information Publication with Privacy Preservation
Authors: Gurung Sashi , Lin Dan , Jiang Wei , Hurson Ali , Zhang Rui
Published: September 2014

We are experiencing the expanding use of location-based services such as AT&T’s TeleNav GPS Navigator and Intel’s Thing Finder. Existing location-based services have collected a large amount of location data, which has great potential for statistical usage in applications like traffic flow analysis, infrastructure planning, and advertisement dissemination. The key challenge is how to wisely use the data without violating each user’s location privacy concerns. In this article, we first identify a new privacy problem, namely, the
inference-route
problem, and then present our anonymization algorithms for privacy-preserving trajectory publishing. The experimental results have demonstrated that our approach outperforms the latest related work in terms of both efficiency and effectiveness.
The Requirements Problem for Adaptive Systems
Authors: Jureta Ivan J. , Borgida Alexander , Ernst Neil A. , Mylopoulos John
Published: September 2014

Requirements Engineering (RE) focuses on eliciting, modeling, and analyzing the requirements and environment of a system-to-be in order to design its specification. The design of the specification, known as the Requirements Problem (RP), is a complex problem-solving task because it involves, for each new system, the discovery and exploration of, and decision making in a new problem space. A system is adaptive if it can detect deviations between its runtime behavior and its requirements, specifically situations where its behavior violates one or more of its requirements. Given such a deviation, an Adaptive System uses feedback mechanisms to analyze these changes and decide, with or without human intervention, how to adjust its behavior as a result. We are interested in defining the Requirements Problem for Adaptive Systems (RPAS). In our case, we are looking for a
configurable
specification such that whenever requirements fail to be fulfilled, the system can go through a series of adaptations that change its configuration and eventually restore fulfilment of the requirements. From a theoretical perspective, this article formally shows the fundamental differences between standard RE (notably Zave and Jackson [1997]) and RE for Adaptive Systems (see the seminal work by Fickas and Feather [1995], to Letier and van Lamsweerde [2004], and up to Whittle et al. [2010]). The main contribution of this article is to introduce the RPAS as a new RP class that is specific to Adaptive Systems. We relate the RPAS to RE research on the relaxation of requirements, the evaluation of their partial satisfaction, and the monitoring and control of requirements, all topics of particular interest in research on adaptive systems [de Lemos et al. 2013]. From an engineering perspective, we define a proto-framework for solving RPAS, which illustrates features needed in future frameworks for adaptive software systems.
The NY AI summit
Authors: Rossi Francesca , Veloso Manuela
Published: September 2014

AI is becoming pervasive in our lives. Its impact on society is increasing every day. Its potential is enormous and there have recently been several outstanding achievements.
Fault-localization techniques for software systems
Authors: Agarwal Pragya , Agrawal Arun Prakash
Published: September 2014

Software is a major component of any computer system. To maintain the quality of software, early fault localization is necessary. Many different fault-localization methods have been used by researchers. Ideally, methods for fault-localization are used in such a way that one is able to detect as many faults as possible using the least resources. But, in general, it is hard to predict a test suite's fault-localization capability. This paper gives a review of the previous studies that are related to software fault-localization methods. It reviews various journal and conference papers on localization of faults and various methods for localization of faults proposed in the literature.
Using goto statements
Authors: Doss Roger
Published: September 2014

This article discusses several uses of the goto statement in modern C/C++ code. The goto statement is considered a harmful statement, which is generally not recommended for use in "high-level" languages. In this discussion, several uses of the goto statement that are helpful in a controlled setting will be presented. These usages are for error handling and jumping out of nested loops.