bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The trajectories of sleep disturbances in Rett syndrome
Authors: Wong Kingsley , Leonard Helen , Jacoby Peter , Ellaway Carolyn , Downs Jenny
Published: September 2014

Rett syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder usually affecting females, and is associated with a mutation in the MECP2 gene. Sleep problems occur commonly and we investigated the trajectories and influences of age, mutation and treatments. Data were collected at six time points over 12 years from 320 families registered with the Australian Rett Syndrome Database. Regression analysis was used to investigate relationships between sleep disturbances, age, mutation type and use of treatment, and latent class growth analysis was performed to identify sleep problem phenotypes and model the effect of mutation type. The age range of subjects was 2.0–35.8 years. The study showed that sleep problems occurred in more than 80% of individuals and the prevalence decreased with age. Night laughing and night screaming occurred in 77 and 49%, respectively, when younger. Those with a large deletion had a higher prevalence of night laughing, which often occurred frequently. Treatment was associated with a 1.7% reduction in risk of further sleep problems. High and low baseline prevalence groups were identified. Approximately three‐quarters of girls and women with sleep disturbances were in the high baseline group and problems persisted into adulthood. Conversely, 57% with night laughing and 42% with night screaming in the high baseline group exhibited mild improvement over time. Mutation type was not found to be a significant predictor of group membership. In conclusion, the evolution of sleep problems differed between subgroups of girls and women with Rett syndrome, in part explained by age and genotype. Treatment was not associated with improvement in sleep problems.
Using Critical Realism to Explain Indeterminacy in Role Behaviour Systematically
Authors: Luke Darcy , Bates Stephen
Published: September 2014

We demonstrate in this article how critical realism can be used to explain indeterminacy in role behaviour systematically. In so doing, we both rebut various criticisms of critical realism made recently by Kemp and Holmwood and attempt to illustrate the weaknesses and absences of approaches that concentrate unduly on the collection of expectations of (different groups of) actors concerning roles and the behaviour of incumbents. Within a framework that recognises that structure and agency are ontologically distinct but necessarily empirically related entities, we argue that structures should be seen as sources of indeterminacy within role behaviour for at least four reasons: the co‐determination of roles through the intersection of structures; conflicting role expectations caused by contradictions inhering within structures; asymmetries of power within social relations; and asymmetric repetition within structural reproduction/transformation. In light of this discussion of structural sources of indeterminacy, we then go on to demonstrate how critical realism is also able to analyse systematically the agential sources of indeterminacy within role behaviour and expectations through theories of psychobiography and reflexivity. We thus conclude that critical realism contains the conceptual tools required to illuminate the point(s) of intersection between structure, culture and agency which is central to understanding both role behaviour and the plurality of expectations concerning such behaviour.
Hepatitis B reactivation during cancer chemotherapy: an international survey of the membership of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
Authors: Hwang J. P. , Barbo A. G. , Perrillo R. P.
Published: September 2014

Hepatitis B virus reactivation (HBVr) can be a serious complication of cancer chemotherapy. However, underutilization of HBV screening and secondary underutilization of antiviral prophylaxis have been frequently reported. The authors electronically distributed a 30‐point questionnaire to members of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases to capture experiences with HBVr during cancer chemotherapy. The questionnaire specified diagnostic criteria and collected information on HBV screening, antiviral prophylaxis and clinical outcomes. Ninety‐nine respondents reported 188 patients who met the criteria for HBV reactivation. Forty‐one practised outside the United States, and most were hepatologists (n = 71) or gastroenterologists (n = 12). One hundred and twenty‐six patients had haematologic malignancies, of which 88 (70%) had lymphoma. Seventy‐five patients (40%) had screening for both hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc), and an additional 24 patients (13%) had HBsAg screening alone. Prophylactic antiviral therapy was reported in only 18 patients (10%). Chemotherapy was interrupted in 52 patients (41%) with haematologic malignancies and 26 of 41 patients (63%) with solid tumours (P = 0.01). Rituximab‐treated patients (n = 66) required hospitalization more frequently (P = 0.04), but their overall survival did not differ from individuals not treated with rituximab. Death due to liver failure was reported in 43 patients overall (23%). Underutilization of prophylactic antiviral therapy occured in a substantial number of patients who were found to be HBV infected prior to the initiation of cancer chemotherapy. The reasons for this need further exploration because reactivation results in serious yet preventable outcomes.
Cost‐effectiveness of sofosbuvir in the treatment of patients with hepatitis C
Authors: Leleu H. , Blachier M. , Rosa I.
Published: September 2014

In France, 190 306 patients were suffering from chronic hepatitis C in 2012. These patients have a decreased life expectancy and are susceptible to complications associated with chronic hepatitis. Current treatments are poorly tolerated and their effectiveness varies depending on the genotype of the virus. Sofosbuvir, a new class of treatment, has demonstrated in five phase III trials sustained viral response (SVR) rates of over 90% across genotypes, higher than current treatments and has a tolerance profile similar to placebo. The objective was to determine the cost‐effectiveness of using sofosbuvir in the treatment of chronic HCV infection. A Markov model was used to compare treatment strategies with and without sofosbuvir. The model simulated the natural history of HCV infection. SVR rates were based on data from clinical trials. Utilities associated with different stages of disease were based on data from the literature. French direct medical costs were used. Price for sofosbuvir was the price used in the early access program for severe fibrosis stages. The incremental cost–effectiveness ratio for sofosbuvir versus current reference treatments was € 16 278/QALY and varied from 40 000 €/QALY for F0 stages to 12 080 €/QALY for F4 stages. The sensitivity analyses carried out confirmed the robustness of this result. Sofosbuvir is a cost‐effective treatment option for patients with hepatitis C.
Adaptations of the Endothelin System After Exercise Training in a Porcine Model of Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Robles Juan Carlos , Heaps Cristine L.
Published: September 2014

Objective

To the test the hypothesis that exercise training would increase endothelin‐mediated vasoconstriction in collateral‐dependent arteries via enhanced contribution ofETA.

Methods

An ameroid constrictor was surgically placed around the proximalLCXartery to induce gradual occlusion in Yucatan miniature swine. Eight weeks postoperatively, pigs were randomized into sedentary or exercise‐training (treadmill; 5 days/week; 14 weeks) groups. Subsequently, arteries (~150 μm diameter) were isolated from collateral‐dependent and nonoccluded myocardial regions and studied.

Results

Following exercise training, ET‐1‐mediated contraction was significantly enhanced in collateral‐dependent arteries. Exercise training induced a disproportionate increase in the ETAcontribution to the ET‐1 contractile response in collateral‐dependent arteries, with negligible contributions by ETB. In collateral‐dependent arteries of sedentary pigs, inhibition of ETAor ETBdid not significantly alter ET‐1 contractile responses in collateral‐dependent arteries, suggesting compensation by the functionally active receptor. These adaptations occurred without significant changes in ETA, ETB, or ECEmRNAlevels but with significant exercise‐training‐induced elevations in endothelin levels in both nonoccluded and collateral‐dependent myocardial regions

Conclusions

Taken together, these data reveal differential adaptive responses in collateral‐dependent arteries based upon physical activity level.ETAandETBappear to compensate for one another to maintain contraction in sedentary pigs, whereas exercise‐training favors enhanced contribution ofETA.
Regionally Enhanced Multiphase Segmentation Technique for Damaged Surfaces
Authors: O'Byrne Michael , Ghosh Bidisha , Schoefs Franck , Pakrashi Vikram
Published: September 2014

Imaging‐based damage detection techniques are increasingly being utilized alongside traditional visual inspection methods to provide owners/operators of infrastructure with an efficient source of quantitative information for ensuring their continued safe and economic operation. However, there exists scope for significant development of improved damage detection algorithms that can characterize features of interest in challenging scenes with credibility. This article presents a new regionally enhanced multiphase segmentation (REMPS) technique that is designed to detect a broad range of damage forms on the surface of civil infrastructure. The technique is successfully applied to a corroding infrastructure component in a harbour facility. REMPS integrates spatial and pixel relationships to identify, classify, and quantify the area of damaged regions to a high degree of accuracy. The image of interest is preprocessed through a contrast enhancement and color reduction scheme. Features in the image are then identified using a Sobel edge detector, followed by subsequent classification using a clustering‐based filtering technique. Finally, support vector machines are used to classify pixels which are locally supplemented onto damaged regions to improve their size and shape characteristics. The performance of REMPS in different color spaces is investigated for best detection on the basis of receiver operating characteristics curves. The superiority of REMPS over existing segmentation approaches is demonstrated, in particular when considering high dynamic range imagery. It is shown that REMPS easily extends beyond the application presented and may be considered an effective and versatile standalone segmentation technique.
Light intensity and temperature affect systemic spread of silencing signal in transient agroinfiltration studies
Authors: Patil Basavaprabhu L. , Fauquet Claude M.
Published: September 2014

RNA silencing is a sequence‐specific post‐transcriptional gene inactivation mechanism that operates in diverse organisms and that can extend beyond its site of initiation, owing to the movement of the silencing signal, called non‐autonomous gene silencing. Previous studies have shown that several factors manifest the movement of the silencing signal, such as the size (21 or 24 nucleotides) of the secondary small interfering RNA (siRNA) produced, the steady‐state concentration of siRNAs and their cognate messenger RNA (mRNA) or a change in the sink–source status of plant parts affecting phloem translocation. Our study shows that both light intensity and temperature have a significant impact on the systemic movement of the silencing signal in transient agroinfiltration studies in Nicotiana benthamiana. At higher light intensities (≥450 μE/m2/s) and higher temperatures (≥30 °C), gene silencing was localized to leaf tissue that was infiltrated, without any systemic spread. Interestingly, in these light and temperature conditions (≥450 μE/m2/s and ≥30 °C), the N. benthamiana plants showed recovery from the viral symptoms. However, the reduced systemic silencing and reduced viral symptom severity at higher light intensities were caused by a change in the sink–source status of the plant, ultimately affecting the phloem translocation of small RNAs or the viral genome. In contrast, at lower light intensities (<300 μE/m2/s) with a constant temperature of 25 °C, there was strong systemic movement of the silencing signal in the N. benthamiana plants and reduced recovery from virus infections. The accumulation of gene‐specific siRNAs was reduced at higher temperature as a result of a reduction in the accumulation of transcript on transient agroinfiltration of RNA interference (RNAi) constructs, mostly because of poor T‐DNA transfer activity of Agrobacterium, possibly also accompanied by reduced phloem translocation.
Serendipitous identification of a new Iflavirus‐like virus infecting tomato and its subsequent characterization
Authors: Saqib M. , Wylie S. J. , Jones M. G. K.
Published: September 2014

The genomic sequence of a previously undescribed virus was identified from symptomless tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). The viral genome is a positive‐sense ssRNA molecule of 8506 nucleotides. It is predicted to encode a single polyprotein of 314·5 kDa that is subsequently processed into three coat protein components of 13·7, 17·9 and 13·5 kDa, and a viral replicase of approximately 207 kDa with conserved motifs for a helicase, a protease and RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Pairwise analysis of the deduced amino acid sequence of the RdRp revealed that it shares closest identity with members of the family Iflaviridae, genus Iflavirus (19–47% identity). Evidence of replication in plants was detected by RT‐PCR of the viral replicative strand, and short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) matching the virus. The name Tomato matilda virus (TMaV) is proposed, and furthermore, that the genus Tomavirus (Tomato matilda virus) be created within the family Iflaviridae. This is the first report of a plant‐infecting virus resembling members of the Iflaviridae.
Evidence‐based Medicine in Animal Reproduction
Authors: Arlt SP , Heuwieser W
Published: September 2014

Contents

With new knowledge being generated and published daily, the importance of evidence‐based approaches in veterinary medicine is obvious. Clinicians must stay current or risk making poor decisions that clients may challenge. Especially in animal reproduction, several new substances and procedures to diagnose or treat reproductive disorders have been introduced in the last years. On the other hand, a closer look at the quality of published literature on animal reproduction reveals major deficits in methodology and reporting of many clinical trials. We strongly recommend systematically assessing the quality of scientific information when reading journal papers before using the given information in practice. The aim of evidence‐based medicine (EBM) is to base the decisions in the practice of medicine on valid, clinically relevant research data. Therefore, we suggest that students should become familiar with the concepts of evidence‐based veterinary medicine (EBVM) at the beginning of their veterinary education. Concepts and supporting tools such as checklists for literature assessment have been developed and validated. The purpose of this article is to review and discuss the importance of incorporating EBVM in animal reproduction. The need for further research that produces strong evidence in different fields of animal reproduction and better reporting of relevant study information is obvious.
Seminal Fluid and Immune Adaptation for Pregnancy – Comparative Biology in Mammalian Species
Authors: Schjenken JE , Robertson SA
Published: September 2014

Contents

Seminal fluid delivered to the female reproductive tract at coitus not only promotes the survival and fertilizing capacity of spermatozoa, but also contains potent signalling agents that influence female reproductive physiology to improve the chances of conception and reproductive success. Male to female seminal fluid signalling occurs in rodents, domestic and livestock animals, and all other mammals examined to date. Seminal plasma is instrumental in eliciting the female response, by provision of cytokines and prostaglandins synthesized in the male accessory glands. These agents bind to receptors on target cells in the cervix and uterus, activating changes in gene expression leading to functional adaptations in the female tissues. Sperm also interact with female tract cells, although the molecular basis of this interaction is not yet defined. The consequences are increased sperm survival and fertilization rates, conditioning of the female immune response to tolerate semen and the conceptus, and molecular and cellular changes in the endometrium that facilitate embryo development and implantation. Studies in porcine, equine, bovine, ovine and canine species all show evidence of male–female signalling function for seminal fluid. There are variations between species that relate to their different reproductive strategies and behaviours, particularly the site of seminal fluid deposition and female reproductive tract anatomy. Although the details of the molecular mechanisms require more study, the available data are consistent with both the sperm and plasma fractions of seminal fluid acting in a synergistic fashion to activate inflammation‐like responses and downstream female tract changes in each of these species. Insight into the biological function and molecular basis of seminal fluid signalling in the female will inform new interventions and management practices to support optimal reproductive outcomes in domestic, livestock and endangered animal species.
Effect of Breeding Activity on the Microflora of the External Genitalia and in the Semen of Stallions, and the Relationship Between Micro‐organisms on the Skin and on the External Genitalia
Authors: Guimarães T , Miranda C , Pinto M , Silva E , Damásio L , Costa AL , Correia MJ , Duarte JC , Cosinha C , Lopes G , Thompson G , Rocha A
Published: September 2014

Contents

A possible role of breeding activities in the composition of the microbial population in stallions' external genitalia (EG) and the relationship between micro‐organisms colonizing the skin of the abdomen and the ones colonizing the EG have not been studied. In experiment 1, EG microbiological samples were collected from 41 stallions used for both natural cover and semen collection (BST) and from 18 non‐breeding stallions (NBST). A higher (p < 0.05) frequency of isolation of potentially pathogenic species was found for BST. Age did not influence number of micro‐organism species isolated both in BST and NBST. In experiment 2, the microbial content of the EG and semen was compared in 23 BST. Most micro‐organisms isolated from the EG were present in semen, albeit with a numerically lower prevalence. In 7 stallions, six microbial species isolated from semen were absent from the EG cultures, suggesting contamination by the operator. In experiment 3, a numerically higher number of micro‐organism species was isolated from the EG of 31 stallions, than from their skin of the ventral abdomen in contact with the penis or from the skin of the thorax. With the sole exception of Escherichia coli, potentially pathogenic bacteria were only isolated from the EG but not from the skin. Results suggest that breeding activity increased the number of species colonizing the EG; most species isolated from the EG were also found in semen even if with a lower frequency, and additional semen contamination seemed to occur during its manipulation. Many micro‐organism species of the skin were also isolated from the penis, but independently of being or not in contact with the penis, skin did not seem to provide an adequate environment for the growth of potentially pathogenic bacteria that were isolated from EG, with the sole exception for E. coli.
Putting lung function and physiology into perspective: cystic fibrosis in adults
Authors: Horsley Alex , Siddiqui Salman
Published: September 2014

Adult cystic fibrosis (CF) is notable for the wide heterogeneity in severity of disease expression, both between patients and within the lungs of individuals. Although CF airways disease appears to start in the small airways, in adults there is typically widespread bronchiectasis, increased airway secretions, and extensive obstruction and inflammation of the small airways. The complexity and heterogeneity of airways disease in CF means that although there are many different methods of assessing and describing lung ‘function’, none of these single‐dimensional tests is able to provide a comprehensive assessment of lung physiology across the spectrum seen in adult CF. The most widely described measure, the forced expiratory volume in 1 s, remains a useful and simple clinical tool, but is insensitive to early changes and may be dissociated from other more detailed assessments of disease severity such as computed tomography. In this review, we also discuss the use of more sensitive novel assessments such as multiple breath washout tests and impulse oscillometry, as well as the role of cardiopulmonary exercise testing. In the future, hyperpolarized gas magnetic resonance imaging techniques that combine regional structural and functional information may help us to better understand these measures, their applications and limitations.
The Market for Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance
Authors: Fier Stephen G. , Liebenberg Andre P.
Published: September 2014

Directors’ and officers’ (D&O) liability insurance is a commonly used risk management tool for corporations both in the United States and abroad. While prior research has focused on the demand for D&O insurance and its role in corporate governance, there is an absence of literature on the supply side of the D&O market. Using the newly available D&O Insurance Coverage Supplement to insurers’ statutory filings, we develop a more comprehensive understanding of the D&O insurance market and of those firms that write D&O coverage. We develop and estimate a model of the decision to write D&O insurance and the extent of market participation. Our results suggest that there are significant operational and financial differences between firms that supply D&O insurance and those that do not. Several of these differences (specifically, size, diversification, and organizational form) are consistent with the predictions of the managerial discretion hypothesis.
Embedded States in the Continuum for ‐Symmetric Systems
Authors: Molina Mario I. , Kivshar Yuri S.
Published: September 2014

We introduce the novel concept of a bound state in the continuum (BIC) for a binary lattice satisfying the ‐symmetry condition. We show how to build such state and the local potential necessary to sustain it. We find that an appropriate choice of the envelope function can bring the system from a ‐symmetric phase into a Hermitian one. For more general envelope functions, the BIC can still be created but the bounded state will force the system to undergo the ‐symmetry breaking transition.
Deep sequencing of the ancestral tobacco species Nicotiana tomentosiformis reveals multiple T‐DNA inserts and a complex evolutionary history of natural transformation in the genus Nicotiana
Authors: Chen Ke , Dorlhac de Borne François , Szegedi Ernö , Otten Léon
Published: September 2014

Nicotiana species carry cellular T‐DNA sequences (cT‐DNAs), acquired by Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. We characterized the cT‐DNA sequences of the ancestral Nicotiana tabacum species Nicotiana tomentosiformis by deep sequencing. N. tomentosiformis contains four cT‐DNA inserts derived from different Agrobacterium strains. Each has an incomplete inverted‐repeat structure. TA is similar to part of the Agrobacterium rhizogenes 1724 mikimopine‐type T‐DNA, but has unusual orf14 and mis genes. TB carries a 1724 mikimopine‐type orf14‐mis fragment and a mannopine‐agropine synthesis region (mas2‐mas1‐ags). The mas2′ gene codes for an active enzyme. TC is similar to the left part of the A. rhizogenes A4 T‐DNA, but also carries octopine synthase‐like (ocl) and c‐like genes normally found in A. tumefaciens. TD shows a complex rearrangement of T‐DNA fragments similar to the right end of the A4 TL‐DNA, and including an orf14‐like gene and a gene with unknown function, orf511. The TA, TB, TC and TD insertion sites were identified by alignment with N. tabacum and Nicotiana sylvestris sequences. The divergence values for the TA, TB, TC and TD repeats provide an estimate for their relative introduction times. A large deletion has occurred in the central part of the N. tabacum cv. Basma/Xanthi TA region, and another deletion removed the complete TC region in N. tabacum. Nicotiana otophora lacks TA, TB and TD, but contains TC and another cT‐DNA, TE. This analysis, together with that of Nicotiana glauca and other Nicotiana species, indicates multiple sequential insertions of cT‐DNAs during the evolution of the genus Nicotiana.
Relative IgA‐deficient recipients have an increased risk of severe allergic transfusion reactions
Authors: Anani W. , Triulzi D. , Yazer M. H. , Qu L.
Published: September 2014

Background

Absolute IgA deficiency is the most common immunodeficiency in the Western world. These patients are at risk of severe allergic reactions when receiving a transfusion with a plasma‐containing blood product. However, it is unclear whether patients with relative IgA deficiency, that is levels below detection on routine assays, are also at risk of severe reactions. This retrospective study evaluated the number of severe allergic transfusion reactions in relative IgA‐deficient patients who were transfused with unwashed blood products.

Study Design and Methods

Patients who had an IgA measurement performed for any reason over a 10‐year period were compared with a list of transfusion recipients over the same period. Those who had both an IgA measurement and a transfusion were then compared with the transfusion reaction database to determine whether an allergic reaction had been reported, and if so, the severity of the reaction. Patients with IgA concentrations of <7 mg/dL were defined as relative IgA deficient.

Results

Of the 22 362 IgA measurements performed on 19 737 patients over 10 years, a total of 168 relative IgA‐deficient patients were identified; 39 of these patients were also transfusion recipients and 4 of 39 (10%) experienced a severe allergic transfusion reaction (SALTR). Eight SALTRs were reported amongst 1545 (0·52%) IgA replete transfusion recipients.

Conclusion

The significantly increased risk of SALTRs in relative IgA‐deficient patients warrants consideration of premedications and/or washing of plasma‐containing blood products.
Detection of Invasive Borrelia burgdorferi Strains in North‐Eastern Piedmont, Italy
Authors: Pintore M. D. , Ceballos L. , Iulini B. , Tomassone L. , Pautasso A. , Corbellini D. , Rizzo F. , Mandola M. L. , Bardelli M. , Peletto S. , Acutis P. L. , Mannelli A. , Casalone C.
Published: September 2014

Following reports of human cases of Lyme borreliosis from the Ossola Valley, a mountainous area of Piemonte, north‐western Italy, the abundance and altitudinal distribution of ticks, and infection of these vectors with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato were evaluated. A total of 1662 host‐seeking Ixodes ricinus were collected by dragging from April to September 2011 at locations between 400 and 1450 m above sea level. Additional 104 I. ricinus were collected from 35 hunted wild animals (4 chamois, 8 roe deer, 23 red deer). Tick density, expressed as the number of ticks per 100 m2, resulted highly variable among different areas, ranging from 0 to 105 larvae and from 0 to 22 nymphs. A sample of 352 ticks (327 from dragging and 25 from wild animals) was screened by a PCR assay targeting a fragment of the 16S rRNA gene of B. burgdorferi s.l. Positive samples were confirmed with a PCR assay specific for the 5S‐23S rRNA intergenic spacer region and sequenced. Four genospecies were found: B. afzelii (prevalence 4.0%), B. lusitaniae (4.0%), B. garinii (1.5%) and B. valaisiana (0.3%). Phylogenetic analysis based on the ospC gene showed that most of the Borrelia strains from pathogenic genospecies had the potential for human infection and for invasion of secondary body sites.
The diminished base locus is not always closed
Authors: Lesieutre John
Published: September 2014

We exhibit a pseudoeffective$\mathbb{R}$-divisor${D}_{\lambda }$on the blow-up of${\mathbb{P}}^{3}$at nine very general points which lies in the closed movable cone and has negative intersections with a set of curves whose union is Zariski dense. It follows that the diminished base locus${\boldsymbol{B}}_{-}({D}_{\lambda })={\bigcup }_{A\,\text{ample}}\boldsymbol{B}({D}_{\lambda }+A)$is not closed and that${D}_{\lambda }$does not admit a Zariski decomposition in even a very weak sense. By a similar method, we construct an$\mathbb{R}$-divisor on the family of blow-ups of${\mathbb{P}}^{2}$at ten distinct points, which is nef on a very general fiber but fails to be nef over countably many prime divisors in the base.
Hermitian forms over quaternion algebras
Authors: Karpenko Nikita A. , Merkurjev Alexander S.
Published: September 2014

We study a Hermitian form$h$over a quaternion division algebra$Q$over a field ($h$is supposed to be alternating if the characteristic of the field is two). For generic$h$and$Q$, for any integer$i\in [1,\;n/2]$, where$n:=\dim _{Q}h$, we show that the variety of$i$-dimensional (over$Q$) totally isotropic right subspaces of$h$is$2$-incompressible. The proof is based on a computation of the Chow ring for the classifying space of a certain parabolic subgroup in a split simple adjoint affine algebraic group of type$C_{n}$. As an application, we determine the smallest value of the$J$-invariant of a non-degenerate quadratic form divisible by a$2$-fold Pfister form; we also determine the biggest values of the canonical dimensions of the orthogonal Grassmannians associated to such quadratic forms.
Hydrodynamic Analysis of Different Finger Positions in Swimming: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach
Authors: Vilas-Boas J. Paulo , Ramos Rui J. , Fernandes Ricardo J. , Silva António J. , Rouboa Abel I. , Machado Leandro , Barbosa Tiago M. , Marinho Daniel A.
Published: September 2014

The aim of this research was to numerically clarify the effect of finger spreading and thumb abduction on the hydrodynamic force generated by the hand and forearm during swimming. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of a realistic hand and forearm model obtained using a computer tomography scanner was conducted. A mean flow speed of 2 m·s−1 was used to analyze the possible combinations of three finger positions (grouped, partially spread, totally spread), three thumb positions (adducted, partially abducted, totally abducted), three angles of attack (a = 0°, 45°, 90°), and four sweepback angles (y = 0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) to yield a total of 108 simulated situations. The values of the drag coefficient were observed to increase with the angle of attack for all sweepback angles and finger and thumb positions. For y = 0° and 180°, the model with the thumb adducted and with the little finger spread presented higher drag coefficient values for a = 45° and 90°. Lift coefficient values were observed to be very low at a = 0° and 90° for all of the sweepback angles and finger and thumb positions studied, although very similar values are obtained at a = 45°. For y = 0° and 180°, the effect of finger and thumb positions appears to be much most distinct, indicating that having the thumb slightly abducted and the fingers grouped is a preferable position at y = 180°, whereas at y = 0°, having the thumb adducted and fingers slightly spread yielded higher lift values. Results show that finger and thumb positioning in swimming is a determinant of the propulsive force produced during swimming; indeed, this force is dependent on the direction of the flow over the hand and forearm, which changes across the arm’s stroke.
Association of Fitness Level With Cardiovascular Risk and Vascular Function in Older Nonexercising Individuals
Authors: Oudegeest-Sander Madelijn H. , Thijssen Dick H.J. , Smits Paul , van Dijk Arie P.J. , Rikkert Marcel G.M. Olde , Hopman Maria T.E.
Published: September 2014

It is currently unknown whether differences in physical fitness in older, nonexercising individuals affect cardiovascular risk profile and vascular function. To examine this, 40 healthy older individuals (age 69 ± 4 years) who were classified as nonexercising for the past 5-10 years were allocated to a lower physical fitness (LF; VO2max 20.7 ± 2.4 mlO2/min/kg) or higher physical fitness group (HF; VO2max 29.1 ± 2.8 mlO2/min/kg, p < .001). Cardiovascular risk profile was calculated using the Lifetime Risk Score (LRS). Vascular function was examined using the gold standard venous occlusion plethysmography to assess blood flow changes in response to intra-arterial infusion of acetylcholine, sodium nitroprusside, and L-NNMA. Daily life activity level of the HF group was higher compared with the LF group (p = .04). LRS was higher (p < .001) and blood flow ratio response to acetylcholine was lower (p = .04) in the LF group. This study shows that a higher physical fitness level is associated with better cardiovascular health and vascular function in nonexercising older individuals.
ST-elevation myocardial infarction secondary to coronary artery spasm provoked by food
Authors: Young William , Bhichhyan Rai , Kabir Alamgir , Hussain Wajid
Published: September 2014

We describe a patient with recurrent episodes of inferior ST elevation, secondary to coronary artery spasm. Each episode appeared to be provoked by the ingestion of rice and accompanied by a troponin T rise. An inpatient coronary angiogram immediately following an episode of pain demonstrated a focal area of spasm affecting the right coronary artery, which resolved with intracoronary nitrate injection. Although these episodes were self-limiting, cardiac MRI confirmed an acute subendocardial infarct. An association between food substances and coronary artery spasm with subsequent infarction has not been documented previously. Following appropriate advice and titration of antispasmodic medication, the patient has been pain free.
A study on fluorescence quenching of a laser dye by aromatic amines in alcohols
Authors: Deepa H.R. , Thipperudrappa J. , Suresh Kumar H.M.
Published: September 2014

The fluorescence quenching of 1,2,3,8-tetrahydro-1,2,3,3,8-pentamethyl-5-(trifluoromethyl)-7H-pyrrolo[3,2-g]quinolin-7-one (LD-473) by aromatic amines, namely, aniline, dimethyl aniline, and diethyl aniline, in methanol, ethanol, propanol, and butanol has been studied at room temperature using steady-state and time-resolved methods. A positive deviation from linearity has been observed in Stern–Volmer (S–V) plots. Various quenching rate parameters have been determined using the extended S–V equation and are found to be dependent on the dielectric constant of alcohols. The quenching ability of amines increases with increasing their ionization energies. Further, with the use of the sphere of action, static quenching model, and finite sink approximation model, it is concluded that the bimolecular quenching reactions are due to the combined effect of both dynamic and static quenching processes.
Photon-added chaotic field and its damping in a thermo enviroment
Authors: Fan Hong-Yi , He Rui
Published: September 2014

We propose a new photon field in quantum field theory, named Laguerre-polynomial-weighted chaotic field. This field will emerge when an initial photon-added chaotic field, which is represented by its density operator [Formula: see text], dissipates in an amplitude damping channel described by time evolution equation [Formula: see text], where κ is a damping coefficient, that is, the initial field will evolve into [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], where Ls is the s-order Laguerre-polynomial, and : : denotes normal ordering. We employ the method of summation within an ordered product of operators to obtain our result.
Pattern selection in neuronal network driven by electric autapses with diversity in time delays
Authors: Ma Jun , Qin Huxin , Song Xinlin , Chu Runtong
Published: September 2014

The electric activity of neuron and collective behaviors of neurons can be modulated by autapse, which can be described by self-feedback current in close loop with time delay being considered. Distribution of electric autapses in a local area can introduce heterogeneity in the network and thus traveling wave emits from this area. In this paper, diversity in time delay of electric autapse is considered and collision between emitting waves from different local areas driven by electric autapses under different time delays is observed. In the numerical studies, neurons in the square area with 15×15 (and/or 20×20) nodes are connected electric autapses with different time delays and target-like waves are induced and converted into, spiral waves after continuous collision between wave fronts. It is found that a group of spiral waves can emerge in the network, or coexist with target waves under appropriate coupling intensity due to time delay diversity in autapse and these waves can regulate the collective behaviors of neurons as continuous pacemakers.
The effect of dissipation on the torque and force experienced by nanoparticles in an AC field
Authors: Claro F. , Fuchs R. , Robles P. , Rojas R.
Published: September 2014

We discuss the force and torque acting on spherical particles in an ensemble in the presence of a uniform AC electric field. We show that for a torque causing particle rotation to appear the particle must be absorptive. Our proof includes all electromagnetic excitations, which in the case of two or more particles gives rise to one or more resonances in the spectrum of force and torque depending on interparticle distance. Several peaks are found in the force and torque between two spheres at small interparticle distances, which coalesce to just one as the separation grows beyond three particle radii. We also show that in the presence of dissipation the force on each particle is nonconservative and may not be derived from the classical interaction potential energy as has been done in the past.
MULTI-TONE WAVEFORM MEASUREMENT SYSTEM ENABLING CHARACTERIZATION OF MICROWAVE DEVICES
Authors: CHAUDHARY MUHAMMAD AKMAL , LEES JONATHAN , BENEDIKT JOHANNES , TASKER PAUL
Published: September 2014

This paper presents a fully automated time domain, waveform measurement system, capable of measuring multi-tone waveforms up to a frequency of 14 GHz. Multi-tone waveform measurement capabilities will prove useful in enhancing the understanding of the response of devices under realistic operating conditions, and allow for detailed investigation into device problems leading to memory effects. The system, which is based around a standard sampling oscilloscope, is capable of measuring all four traveling waves simultaneously. It is a cost effective solution, capable of capturing high quality measurement data, it consists of two test sets one to measure RF components of the signal and one to measure IF components, which are then recombined before being measured by the sampling oscilloscope. Vector error correction is applied to the measured data to fully calibrate the system to the device plane, ensuring any dispersion in the connecting hardware is removed. A multi-tone waveform sampling method is employed, ensuring the waveforms are captured in the most efficient manner. Device results are presented showing the multi-tone voltage and current waveforms at the device plane. Some useful applications of the system are demonstrated and explained.
Stationary waves of Schrödinger-type equations with variable exponent
Authors: Repovš Dušan
Published: September 2014

We are concerned with a class of nonlinear Schrödinger-type equations with a reaction term and a differential operator that involves a variable exponent. By using related variational methods, we establish several existence results.
Convergence in measure of approximate identities in variable Lebesgue spaces
Authors: Cruz-Uribe David , Fiorenza Alberto
Published: September 2014

We give a necessary and sufficient condition on the exponent function p(⋅) for approximate identities to converge in measure in the variable Lebesgue spaces.
Global existence and long time behavior of solutions of a quantum Boltzmann equation
Authors: Zhong Mingying
Published: September 2014

In this paper, we study a quantum Boltzmann equation with a harmonic oscillator for isotropic gases of bosons and fermions, respectively. This model comes from physics literatures (see, e.g., [M. Holland, J. Williams and J. Cooper, Bose–Einstein condensation: Kinetic evolution obtained from simulated trajectories, Phys. Rev. A 55 (1997) 3670–3677]). The distribution function, i.e. the solution, is discrete in the energy variable. We give the classification of equilibria of the equation for bosons and fermions, respectively, and prove the global existence, uniqueness and the strong convergence to equilibrium for solutions of the equation.
Effect of Cultivars and Planting Date on Yield, Oil Content, and Fatty Acid Profile of Flax Varieties (Linum usitatissimumL.)
Authors: Gallardo Maricel Andrea , Milisich Héctor José , Drago Silvina Rosa , González Rolando José
Published: September 2014

In order to determine the effect of cultivars and planting date on flax fatty acid profile, seed yield, and oil content, an assay with seven cultivars (Baikal, Prointa Lucero, Prointa Ceibal, Panambí INTA, Curundú INTA, Carapé INTA, and Tape INTA) was carried out at Parana Agricultural Experimental Station, Argentina. Significant differences among cultivars were found for content of palmitic (5–7 g/100 g), stearic (5–8 g/100 g), linoleic (13–19 g/100 g), saturated (11–15 g/100 g), and unsaturated acids (92–96 g/100 g) within the seven cultivars. The best seed yields were observed in Prointa Lucero and Carapé INTA varieties (2091.50 kg·ha−1and 2183.34 kg·ha−1, respectively) in the first planting date and in Carapé INTA and Prointa Lucero (1667 kg·ha−1and 1886 kg·ha−1, respectively) in the second planting date. A delayed planting date had a negative effect on seed yield (1950 kg·ha−1and 1516 kg·ha−1) and oil content (845 kg·ha−1and 644 kg·ha−1) but did not affect oil composition.
A PUBS Case in a Palliative Care Unit Experience
Authors: Restuccia M. R. , Blasi M.
Published: September 2014

Purple urine bag syndrome (PUBS) is a rare condition in which purple discoloration of the collecting bag and its associated tubing occurs. It is considered a benign condition. PUBS is usually associated with urinary tract infection occurring in elderly bedridden women, with chronic urinary catheterization. This syndrome is usually reported to occur in alkaline urine, but here we describe a rare case of PUBS involving acidic urine.
Mycobacterium aviumsubsp.hominissuisInfection in Swine Associated with Peat Used for Bedding
Authors: Johansen Tone Bjordal , Agdestein Angelika , Lium Bjørn , Jørgensen Anne , Djønne Berit
Published: September 2014

Mycobacterium aviumsubsp.hominissuisis an environmental bacterium causing opportunistic infections in swine, resulting in economic losses. Additionally, the zoonotic aspect of such infections is of concern. In the southeastern region of Norway in 2009 and 2010, an increase in condemnation of pig carcasses with tuberculous lesions was seen at the meat inspection. The use of peat as bedding in the herds was suspected to be a common factor, and a project examining pigs and environmental samples from the herds was initiated. Lesions detected at meat inspection in pigs originating from 15 herds were sampled. Environmental samples including peat from six of the herds and from three peat production facilities were additionally collected. Samples were analysed by culture and isolates genotyped by MLVA analysis.Mycobacterium aviumsubsp.hominissuiswas detected in 35 out of 46 pigs, in 16 out of 20 samples of peat, and in one sample of sawdust. MLVA analysis demonstrated identical isolates from peat and pigs within the same farms. Polyclonal infection was demonstrated by analysis of multiple isolates from the same pig. To conclude, the increase in condemnation of porcine carcasses at slaughter due to mycobacteriosis seemed to be related to untreated peat used as bedding.
Correlates and Predictors of Increasing Waist Circumference in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mogre Victor , Abedandi Robert , Salifu Zenabankara S.
Published: September 2014

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) has become a disease of public health concern worldwide. Obesity and elevated blood pressure have been shown to be comorbidities of type 2 DM. In this cross-sectional study in Tamale, Ghana, we determined the prevalence of abdominal obesity among type 2 DM patients. Furthermore, we examined the demographic, clinical, and anthropometric predictors of increasing waist circumference in this population. Three hundred type 2 DM patients attending the outpatient diabetes clinic of the Tamale Teaching Hospital, Ghana, were recruited for the study. Waist circumference (WC) and hip circumferences were measured appropriately. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were taken from the personal health record files of patients. Demographic data were obtained. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression models were employed to identify predictors of increasing WC. The prevalence of abdominal obesity was 77.0% and was significantly higher in women than in men. A positive correlation was observed between waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and WC (r=0.56, P<0.001), female gender (r=0.73, P<0.001), and age (r=0.20, P<0.001). A high prevalence of abdominal obesity was observed. Predictors of increasing WC were gender, age, FPG, and WHR.
Vibrational Order, Structural Properties, and Optical Gap of ZnO Nanostructures Sintered through Thermal Decomposition
Authors: Londono-Calderon Alejandra , Jurado-Lasso Fernando F. , Romero-Salazar Juan D. , Jurado-Lasso Nathaly , Jurado J. Fabian
Published: September 2014

The sintering of different ZnO nanostructures by the thermal decomposition of zinc acetate is reported. Morphological changes from nanorods to nanoparticles are exhibited with the increase of the decomposition temperature from 300 to 500°C. The material showed a loss in the crystalline order with the increase in the temperature, which is correlated to the loss of oxygen due to the low heating rate used. Nanoparticles have a greater vibrational freedom than nanorods which is demonstrated in the rise of the main Raman mode (high) during the transformation. The energy band gap of the nanostructured material is lower than the ZnO bulk material and decreases with the rise in the temperature.