bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Return to Play After Soleus Muscle Injuries
Authors: Pedret Carles , Rodas Gil , Balius Ramon , Capdevila Lluis , Bossy Mireia , Vernooij Robin W.M. , Alomar Xavier
Published: July 2015

Background

Soleus muscle injuries are common in different sports disciplines. The time required for recovery is often difficult to predict, and reinjury is common. The length of recovery time might be influenced by different variables, such as the involved part of the muscle.

Hypothesis

Injuries in the central aponeurosis have a worse prognosis than injuries of the lateral or medial aponeurosis as well as myofascial injuries.

Study Design

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods

A total of 61 high-level or professional athletes from several sports disciplines (soccer, tennis, track and field, basketball, triathlon, and field hockey) were reviewed prospectively to determine the recovery time for soleus muscle injuries. Clinical and magnetic resonance imaging evaluation was performed on 44 soleus muscle injuries. The association between the different characteristics of the 5 typical muscle sites, including the anterior and posterior myofascial and the lateral, central, and medial aponeurosis disruption, as well as the injury recovery time, were determined. Recovery time was correlated with age, sport, extent of edema, volume, cross-sectional area, and retraction extension or gap.

Results

Of the 44 patients with muscle injuries who were analyzed, there were 32 (72.7%) strains affecting the myotendinous junction (MT) and 12 (23.7%) strains of the myofascial junction. There were 13 injuries involving the myotendinous medial (MTM), 7 affecting the MT central (MTC), 12 the MT lateral (MTL), 8 the myofascial anterior (MFA), and 4 the myofascial posterior (MFP). The median recovery time (±SD) for all injuries was 29.1 ± 18.8 days. There were no statistically significant differences between the myotendinous and myofascial injuries regarding recovery time. The site with the worst prognosis was the MTC aponeurosis, with a mean recovery time of 44.3 ± 23.0 days. The site with the best prognosis was the MTL, with a mean recovery time of 19.2 ± 13.5 days ( P < .05). There was a statistically significant correlation between recovery time and age ( P < .001) and between recovery time and the extent of retraction ( P < .05).

Conclusion

Wide variation exists among the different types of soleus injuries and the corresponding recovery time for return to the same level of competitive sports. Injuries in the central aponeurosis have a significantly longer recovery time than do injuries in the lateral and medial aponeurosis and myofascial sites.
Fractures in the Color Line
Authors: Patterson Evelyn J. , Dagadu Helena E.
Published: July 2015

Studies of social stratification and factors that contribute to inequalities by indices such as race, ethnicity, and gender are core contributions sociologists make to the discipline and to general discourse. The measurement and construction of such indices play a crucial role in the understanding or misunderstanding of inequalities in society. Focusing on within-group heterogeneity of persons of Hispanic origin, the authors examined the percentage of incarceration to demonstrate the varied understandings that arise from the changing definitions and categorizations of racial and ethnic groups in the United States. As social scientists, we often ask the general question of if and how racial and ethnic categorizations affect a specific area; however, we tend to pay less attention to how the exclusion of incarcerated persons from many of the national surveys that inform our areas of study affects the knowledge we produce. This is particularly important because the U.S. incarcerated population consists mostly of persons from marginalized groups. Not taking incarcerated populations into account paints a misleading picture of the United States regarding racial and ethnic inequalities. It is imperative that we recognize the implications of using race and ethnicity in studies such that our findings do not contribute to inaccurate representations of society.
The Recovery Process When Participating in Cancer Support and Rehabilitation Programs in Sweden
Authors: Melin-Johansson Christina , Öhlén Joakim , Koinberg Ingalill , Berg Linda , Nolbris Margaretha Jenholt
Published: July 2015

The aim was to illuminate the meaning of participating in support and rehabilitation programs described by people diagnosed with cancer. Nineteen persons were interviewed in focus groups and face-to-face. Data were analyzed with a qualitative phenomenological hermeneutical method for researching lived experiences. Interpretation proceeded through three phases: naïve reading, structural analysis, and comprehensive understanding. Three themes were disclosed: receiving support for recovery when being most vulnerable, recapturing capabilities through supportive activities, and searching to find stability and well-being in a changed life situation. Participating in the programs was an existential transition from living in an unpredictable situation that was turned into something meaningful. Recovery did not mean the return to a state of normality; rather, it meant a continuing recovery from cancer treatments and symptoms involving recapturing capabilities and searching for a balance in a forever changed life. This study provides new insights about the experiences of participating in cancer support and rehabilitation programs.
Hot workability of burn resistant Ti–35V–15Cr–0.3Si–0.1C alloy
Authors: Zhang S. , Zeng W. , Zhou D. , Lai Y.
Published: July 2015

In this study, hot workability of Ti–35V–15Cr–0.3Si–0.1C alloy is investigated in the temperature range of 900–1150°C and strain rate range of 0.01–10 s− 1 using processing maps. In the maps, the stability domain displays the feature of dynamic recrystallisation and dynamic recovery. The fraction of recrystallisation in this alloy is much larger than that in other β-Ti alloys, which can be attributed to the effect of titanium carbides by a ‘particle stimulated nucleation’ mechanism. Higher temperature and lower strain rate are helpful for breaking down the carbides and improving the workability. However, deforming >1100°C would result in grain coarsening. In instability domain, the occurrence of flow localisation, shear bands and cracking is discussed. The optimised processing window is in 1050–1100°C /0.01–0.1 s− 1.
Supersonic plasma sprayed MoSi2–ZrB2 antioxidation coating for SiC–C/C composites
Authors: Wang L. , Fu Q. G. , Liu N. K. , Shan Y. C.
Published: July 2015

A dense and crack free MoSi2–ZrB2 coating was prepared on the SiC coated carbon/carbon (C/C) composites using a supersonic plasma spraying technique. The coated composites were characterised using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The analysis shows that the as prepared MoSi2–ZrB2 coating, with a thickness of ∼100 μm, combines well with the inner SiC coating. After oxidation at 1200°C for 72 h in air, the mass loss of MoSi2–ZrB2/SiC coated C/C is only 4.24 wt-%, which is significantly lower than that of MoSi2/SiC coated C/C (11.35 wt-%). The excellent oxidation protective ability of the MoSi2–ZrB2 coating is mainly attributed to ZrSiO4 produced by dispersive ZrO2 particles and SiO2 in the coating at high temperature.
Fatigue behaviour of cold sprayed metals and alloys: critical review
Authors: Cavaliere P. , Silvello A.
Published: July 2015

Cold spray is an innovative coating technology mainly based on the high speed impact of metallic particles on various substrates. Low temperature carrier gases (air, He and N2) accelerate particles (usually 1–50 μm in diameter) to high velocity (typically 300–1200 m s− 1) that is generated through a convergent–divergent de Laval type nozzle. Particles' severe plastic deformation occurs at temperature well below the melting point leading to the unique mechanical properties experienced by cold spray coatings. In the recent past, different papers were published describing the fatigue properties of cold sprayed metals and alloys. Generally, mechanical results are related to the microstructural evolution due to different coating materials and different processing parameters. The present paper presents a critical review of the results belonging to the available literature on fatigue properties of cold sprayed coatings.
Precise cutting microstructured superhydrophobic surface
Authors: Luo Y. , Zhang D. , Xu X. , Green L.
Published: July 2015

Superhydrophobic surface has potential drag reduction effect on both laminar and turbulent flowing stations, and it has increasingly come into the picture throughout the world. Superhydrophobicity is not only determined by the chemical properties on the interfaces, but also the hierarchical nano/microstructure on the contact surface. In this paper, the precise cutting method in turning machine is explored and exploited to fabricate the microgrooved surfaces. The wetting experiments illustrate that as the size of microgrooves becomes smaller, the water repellent property is improved progressively. In addition, the hydrodynamic experiments in a water tunnel show that friction force is decreased >8% with a smooth skin as baseline. The results in this research would expand the applications of bioinspired surfaces in fluid engineering.
Coexpression Network Analysis of Macronutrient Deficiency Response Genes in Rice
Authors: Takehisa Hinako , Sato Yutaka , Antonio Baltazar , Nagamura Yoshiaki
Published: July 2015

Background

Macronutrients are pivotal elements for proper plant growth and development. Although extensive gene expression profiling revealed a large number of genes differentially expressed under various nutrient deprivation, characterization of these genes has never been fully explored especially in rice. Coexpression network analysis is a useful tool to elucidate the functional relationships of genes based on common expression. Therefore, we performed microarray analysis of rice shoot under nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) deficiency conditions. Moreover, we conducted a large scale coexpression analysis by integrating the data with previously generated gene expression profiles of organs and tissues at different developmental stages to obtain a global view of gene networks associated with plant response to nutrient deficiency.

Results

We statistically identified 5400 differentially expressed genes under the nutrient deficiency treatments. Subsequent coexpression analysis resulted in the extraction of 6 modules (groups of highly interconnected genes) with distinct gene expression signatures. Three of these modules comprise mostly of downregulated genes under N deficiency associated with distinct functions such as development of immature organs, protein biosynthesis and photosynthesis in chloroplast of green tissues, and fundamental cellular processes in all organs and tissues. Furthermore, we identified one module containing upregulated genes under N and K deficiency conditions, and a number of genes encoding protein kinase, kinase-like domain containing protein and nutrient transporters. This module might be particularly involved in adaptation to nutrient deficiency via phosphorylation-mediated signal transduction and/or post-transcriptional regulation.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that large scale coexpression analysis is an efficient approach in characterizing the nutrient response genes based on biological functions and could provide new insights in understanding plant response to nutrient deficiency.
The reliability of a smartphone goniometer application compared with a traditional goniometer for measuring first metatarsophalangeal joint dorsiflexion
Authors: Otter Simon J. , Agalliu Brunilda , Baer Nicola , Hales Georgie , Harvey Katrina , James Keeley , Keating Richard , McConnell Warren , Nelson Rachel , Qureshi Saddaf , Ryan Steven , St. John Abigail , Waddington Heather , Warren Katie , Wong Duane
Published: July 2015

Background

Adequate sagittal plane motion of the first metatarsalphalangeal joint (1st MTPJ) is important during normal gait and goniometric measurement is commonly used as a diagnostic and outcome assessment tool. We aimed to determine the intra and inter‐rater reliability together with the concurrent validity of a universal plastic goniometer (UG) and a smartphone applicationlication (Dr G) for the measurement of dorsiflexion at the 1st MTPJ.

Methods

Measurement of joint position and passive range of motion of the 1st MTPJ dorsiflexion was compared using a UG and DrG goniometer. A double‐blind repeated measures design was utilized, with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) used to determine levels of reliability.

Results

For joint position good intra‐rater reliability (ICC >0.861) and good inter‐rater reliability (ICC >0.823) was noted. However, the Dr G application consistently measured lower angles (mean 27.8° (SD 8.37)) than the UG (mean 32° (SD 11.7)) and these associations were significant (r = 0.399, p < 0.001). For passive range of motion, the mean total range of dorsiflexion motion (from maximum plantarflexed position to maximum dorsiflexed position) was 82.8° (SD 12.2) for the UG and 82.9° (SD 11.3) for the Dr G application. Both instruments demonstrated high levels of intra‐rater reliability (ICC >0.809). Inter‐rater reliability was moderate to good for the UG (ICC 0.693 (95 % CI 0.580 to 0.788)) and good for the Dr G application (ICC 0.708 (95 % CI 0.597 to 0.799)).

Conclusions

Moderate to high intra and inter‐rater reliability of joint position and passive 1st MTPJ motion can be achieved with traditional and smartphone‐based goniometric measurement. The Dr G application may provide a slightly higher reliability, but devices should not be used inter‐changeably as significant variation in measurement between devices may occur.
Effects of Souvenaid on plasma micronutrient levels and fatty acid profiles in mild and mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Rijpma Anne , Meulenbroek Olga , van Hees Anneke M. J. , Sijben John W. C. , Vellas Bruno , Shah Raj C. , Bennett David A. , Scheltens Philip , Olde Rikkert Marcel G. M.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Circulating levels of uridine, selenium, vitamins B12, E and C, folate, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have been shown to be lower in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) than in healthy individuals. These low levels may affect disease pathways involved in synapse formation and neural functioning. Here, we investigated whether, and to what extent, circulating levels of micronutrients and fatty acids can be affected by oral supplementation with Souvenaid (containing a specific nutrient combination), using data derived from three randomized clinical trials (RCT) and an open-label extension (OLE) study with follow-up data from 12 to 48 weeks.

Methods

Subjects with mild (RCT1, RCT2) or mild-to-moderate AD (RCT3) received active or control product once daily for 12–24 weeks or active product during the 24-week OLE following RCT2 (n = 212–527). Measurements included plasma levels of B vitamins, choline, vitamin E, selenium, uridine and homocysteine and proportions of DHA, EPA and total n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in plasma and erythrocytes. Between-group comparisons were made using t tests or non-parametric alternatives.

Results

We found that 12–24-week active product intake increased plasma and/or erythrocyte micronutrients: uridine; choline; selenium; folate; vitamins B6, B12 and E; and fatty acid levels of DHA and EPA (all p < 0.001). In the OLE study, similar levels were reached in former control product/initial active product users, whereas 24-week continued active product intake showed no suggestion of a further increase in nutrient levels.

Conclusions

These data show that circulating levels of nutrients known to be decreased in the AD population can be increased in patients with mild and mild-tomoderate AD by 24–48-week oral supplementation with Souvenaid. In addition, to our knowledge, this is the first report of the effects of sustained dietary intake of uridine monophosphate on plasma uridine levels in humans. Uptake of nutrients is observed within 6 weeks, and a plateau phase is reached for most nutrients during prolonged intake, thus increasing the availability of precursors and cofactors in the circulation that may be used for the formation and function of neuronal membranes and synapses in the brain.
Ex vivo immunosuppressive effects of mesenchymal stem cells on Crohn’s disease mucosal T cells are largely dependent on indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase activity and cell-cell contact
Authors: Ciccocioppo Rachele , Cangemi Giuseppina C. , Kruzliak Peter , Gallia Alessandra , Betti Elena , Badulli Carla , Martinetti Miryam , Cervio Marila , Pecci Alessandro , Bozzi Valeria , Dionigi Paolo , Visai Livia , Gurrado Antonella , Alvisi Costanza , Picone Cristina , Monti Manuela , Bernardo Maria E. , Gobbi Paolo , Corazza Gino R.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a disabling chronic enteropathy sustained by a harmful T-cell response toward antigens of the gut microbiota in genetically susceptible subjects. Growing evidence highlights the safety and possible efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as a new therapeutic tool for this condition. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of bone marrow-derived MSCs on pathogenic T cells with a view to clinical application.

Methods

T-cell lines from both inflamed and non-inflamed colonic mucosal specimens of CD patients and from healthy mucosa of control subjects were grown with the antigen muramyl-dipeptide in the absence or presence of donors’ MSCs. The MSC effects were evaluated in terms of T-cell viability, apoptotic rate, proliferative response, immunophenotype, and cytokine profile. The role of the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) was established by adding a specific inhibitor, the 1-methyl-DL-tryptophan, and by using MSCs transfected with the small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting IDO. The relevance of cell-cell contact was evaluated by applying transwell membranes.

Results

A significant reduction in both cell viability and proliferative response to muramyl-dipeptide, with simultaneous increase in the apoptotic rate, was found in T cells from both inflamed and non-inflamed CD mucosa when co-cultured with MSCs and was reverted by inhibiting IDO activity and expression. A reduction of the activated CD4+CD25+subset and increase of the CD3+CD69+population were also observed when T-cell lines from CD mucosa were co-cultured with MSCs. In parallel, an inhibitory effect was evident on the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, interleukin-17A and -21, whereas that of the transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-6 were increased, and production of the tolerogenic molecule soluble HLA-G was high. These latter effects were almost completely eliminated by blocking the IDO, whose activity was upregulated in MSCs co-cultured with CD T cells. The use of a semipermeable membrane partially inhibited the MSC immunosuppressive effects. Finally, hardly any effects of MSCs were observed when T cells obtained from control subjects were used.

Conclusion

MSCs exert potent immunomodulant effects on antigen-specific T cells in CD through a complex paracrine and cell-cell contact-mediated action, which may be exploited for widespread therapeutic use.
ASSURE‐CSU: a real‐world study of burden of disease in patients with symptomatic chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Weller Karsten , Maurer Marcus , Grattan Clive , Nakonechna Alla , Abuzakouk Mohamed , Bérard Frédéric , Sussman Gordon , Giménez‐Arnau Ana M. , Ortiz de Frutos Javier , Knulst André , Canonica G. Walter , Hollis Kelly , McBride Doreen , Balp Maria‐Magdalena
Published: July 2015

Background

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) formerly known as chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is a severe and distressing skin condition that remains uncontrolled in approximately one half of patients, despite the use of licensed, recommended doses of modern, second‐generation H1‐antihistamines. So far, the humanistic, societal and economic burden of CSU/CIU has not been well quantified. Therefore it is important to broaden our understanding of how CSU/CIU impacts patients, society, and healthcare systems, by determining the disease burden of CSU/CIU and the associated unmet need; as well as to further guide the use of new treatments in an efficient and cost‐effective manner.

Methods

ASSURE‐CSU is an observational, multicenter study being conducted in the UK, Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, and The Netherlands. The study comprises a retrospective medical chart review in conjunction with patient surveys (including validated tools for assessment of disease impact) and an 8‐day patient diary. The primary objectives of the study are to describe patient demographics, medical history, treatments, and healthcare resource utilization based on medical‐record data and to assess the impact of disease, healthcare resource utilization, work days missed, and productivity loss based on patient‐reported data. Approximately 700 patients (aged ≥18 years) will be enrolled who have CSU/CIU despite currently receiving treatment, and have had persistent symptoms for at least 12 months. Data will be collected retrospectively for the 12 months (±1 month) prior to enrolment wherever possible, and prospectively for the week following enrolment.

Discussion

ASSURE‐CSU will be the first study to examine the economic and humanistic burden of disease in patients diagnosed with CSU/CIU who are symptomatic despite treatment. By combining retrospective evaluation of medical records with prospective patient surveys and 8‐day diaries, across seven different countries, the ASSURE‐CSU study will contribute to a better understanding and acknowledgement of the burden of disease in patients with symptomatic chronic spontaneous urticaria.
Female labour market outcomes and the impact of maternity leave policies
Authors: Low Hamish , Sánchez-Marcos Virginia
Published: July 2015

This paper shows how family policies aimed at reconciling the pressures of family and work generate substantial variation in labour market outcomes across developed countries. We use a life-cycle model of female labour supply and savings behaviour, calibrated to the US economy, to assess the effect of introducing to the US a maternity leave policy similar to Scandinavian-type policies. We focus on the impact on gender differences in participation and in wages. We distinguish between the effect of the job protection offered by maternity leave and the effect of income replacement. Job protection leads to substantial increases in participation of mothers with children under 6, but with little long term effects. The effects on wages are minimal, with negative selection effects offsetting the reduced human capital depreciation. Income replacement has a limited impact on participation or wages.

JEL codes:
J13; J18; J22
Redox stress unbalances the inflammatory cytokine network: role in autoinflammatory patients and healthy subjects
Authors: Lavieri Rosa , Rubartelli Anna , Carta Sonia
Published: July 2015

The cell stress and redox responses are increasingly acknowledged as factors contributing to the generation and development of the inflammatory response. Several inflammation-inducing stressors have been identified, inside and outside of the cell. Furthermore, many hereditary diseases associate with inflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting a role for mutated proteins as stressors. The nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat-containing family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is an important node at the crossroad between redox response and inflammation. Remarkably, monocytes from patients with mutations in the NLRP3 gene undergo oxidative stress after stimulation with minute amounts of TLR agonists, resulting in unbalanced production of IL-1β and regulatory cytokines. Similar alterations in cytokine production are found in healthy monocytes upon TLR overstimulation. This mini-review summarizes recent progress in this field, discusses the molecular mechanisms underlying the loss of control of the cytokine network following oxidative stress, and proposes new therapeutic opportunities.
Coblending of seismic attributes for interpretation of channel geometries in Rence Field of Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Chinwuko Augustine Ifeanyi , Onwuemesi Ajana Godwin , Anakwuba Emmanuel Kenechukwu , Onyekwelu Clement Udenna , Okeke Harold Chinedu , Obiadi Izuchukwu Ignatius
Published: July 2015

Coblending of seismic attributes is used in the interpretation of channel geometries in the Rence Field of Niger Delta, Nigeria. We aimed at seismically defining the geometries of hydrocarbon reservoirs with particular emphasis on channels in the shallow marine (offshore) Niger Delta. The coblending application enhanced the ease of detection and the continuity of the channels, leaving the channel environs unchanged. The result of the seismic facies analysis revealed that the Rence Field can be distinguished into two seismic facies, namely, layered complexes and chaotic complexes. The result of well to seismic ties revealed high- and low-amplitude reflection events for sand and shale units, respectively. Seismic structural interpretation of the Rence Field revealed 4 major regional faults and 12 minor faults. Seven of the faults were antithetic, and the rest were synthetic faults. One mega-channel feature that trends east–west was identified in the attribute maps generated. It was characterized by sinuosity of 1.3, with a length of 22,500 m, and a distance of 17,500 m. The average depth of the channel was approximately 170 m with amplitude of 1670 m and the wavelength as high as 7640 m. A depositional model generated from the attribute maps indicated a prograding fluvial environment of deposition. The attribute map also determined that there was shifting in the location of barrier bars within the area. This shifting could be attributed to the growth fault mechanism. At the stoss side of the sinusoidal channel, there were prominent sand point bar sequences. The petrophysical analysis of the well data revealed 90% net-to-gross, 28% porosity, 27% volume of shale, and 24% water saturation indicating that the reservoir was of pay quality. Based on the petrophysical analysis, results, and identification of channel deposits, the study area proved highly promising for hydrocarbon exploration.
On Binomial Observations of Continuous-Time Markovian Population Models
Authors: Bean N. G. , Elliott R. , Eshragh A. , Ross J. V.
Published: July 2015

In this paper we consider a class of stochastic processes based on binomial observations of continuous-time, Markovian population models. We derive the conditional probability mass function of the next binomial observation given a set of binomial observations. For this purpose, we first find the conditional probability mass function of the underlying continuous-time Markovian population model, given a set of binomial observations, by exploiting a conditional Bayes' theorem from filtering, and then use the law of total probability to find the former. This result paves the way for further study of the stochastic process introduced by the binomial observations. We utilize our results to show that binomial observations of the simple birth process are non-Markovian.
Flight-motor-driven respiratory airflow increases tracheal oxygen to nearly atmospheric level in blowflies (Calliphora vicina)
Authors: Wasserthal Lutz T.
Published: July 2015

It is widely accepted that an efficient oxygen supply and removal of CO2 in small flying insects are sufficiently performed by diffusion with open spiracles. This paper shows that in the tethered flying blowfly, gas exchange occurs by autoventilation and unidirectional airflow. The air is inspired through the mesothoracic spiracles (Sp1) during the downstroke of the wings and is expired through the metathoracic spiracles (Sp2) during the upstroke. This directed airflow through the thoracic tracheal system was documented by pre-atrial pressure measurements at the Sp1 and Sp2, revealing a sub-atmospheric mean pressure at the Sp1 and an over-atmospheric mean pressure at the Sp2. In the mesothoracic air sacs, the mean pressure is sub-atmospheric, conditioned by the only slightly open spiracles. In a split flow-through chamber experiment, the CO2 released through the Sp2 confirmed this unidirectional respiratory gas flow, implicating an inner tracheal valve. In the thoracic tracheal system, the PO2 during flight exceeds the high resting PO2 by 1–2 kPa, reaching nearly atmospheric values. In the abdominal large air sacs, the PO2 drops during flight, probably due to the accumulation of CO2. Periodic heartbeat reversals continue during flight, with a higher period frequency than at rest, supporting the transport of CO2 via the haemolymph towards the metathoracic tracheae and abdominal air sacs.
Pre-Treatment of Calcium Carbonate with Meso Tartaric Acid to Induce Acid Resistant Surface Coatings
Authors: Work Sarah N. , Kan Amy T. , Tomson Mason B.
Published: July 2015

Hypothesis

Depending upon the matrix composition near a CO2 injection well, the mineralogy may be acid soluble. This study presents a discussion on the expected changes to the near well bore mineralogy in carbonate formations. A tartaric acid pre-wash is tested to determine if it can prevent dissolution of the matrix in an acidic environment.

Experiments

Calcium carbonate, ground and sieved to about 250μm, was used to study the impact of acidified (pH∼3) brine on carbonate formation material similar to near well bore conditions. The calcite was tested in stirred batch systems (at atmospheric conditions of 1 atm and approximately 25°C) in solutions containing 0.015, 0.08, and 0.15M meso tartaric acid. One experiment also involved gas phase CO2 being sparged in the solution to generate an elevated CO2 content environment. pH was monitored to determine extent of dissolution that occurred; these results were verified by solution composition and SEM images of the calcite grains.

Findings

The results of batch experiments conducted herein show that a meso tartaric acid at 3 pH will form a coating over the calcite in-situ, dramatically reducing the overall dissolution of the carbonate mineral, even at extremely sub-saturated conditions. SEM images and aqueous analysis show the fastest layer formation at the highest tested concentration of 0.15 M meso tartaric acid, with similar but less inhibition observed at 0.08M and 0.015M treatment levels. The calcite saturation index was about SI= −10, while calcium tartrate SI was 0; this confirms that the system was in equilibrium with the precipitated calcium tartrate while highly subsaturated with calcite.
Component-Based Mechanical Models for Concrete-Filled RHS Connections with Diaphragms under Bending Moment
Authors: Qin Ying , Chen Zhihua , Rong Bin
Published: July 2015

One component-based mechanical model is presented in this paper to predict the flexural strength of through-diaphragm connections between concrete-filled RHS columns and H-beams. Three parts are contributed to the overall flexural strength of the connections: the failure of the through-diaphragm, the bending action of the column tube, and the tensile membrane action of the column tube. The component-based strength model is based upon defining a rigid plate deformation pattern for the connection under bending moment and then applying the virtual work principle. The proposed model is capable of predicting the ultimate flexural strength of the connections. The developed model is validated against a series of experiments with varied dimensions of column tubes and diaphragms. The results showed that the derived strength equation provided a reasonable prediction.
Three-Dimensional Cyclic Performance on New Ring-Beam Connection between Concrete-Filled Tubular Column and Reinforced-Concrete Beams
Authors: Wang Wei , Chen Yiyi , Chan Tak-Ming , Li Wanqi
Published: July 2015

This paper introduces a new type of connection between concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) column and reinforced concrete (RC) beam through a transitional RC ring beam encircling the CFST column. Four scaled specimens, representing an interior-column joint, were tested under bi-directional cyclic loads to examine the seismic performance and the influence of the reinforcement on the joint. Load-deformation response, failure mode, strain distribution, and energy dissipative performance were presented. Test results indicated ductile performance and the multi-directional nature of the force system in the ring beam. Finite element models were also calibrated against test results and results from parametric analysis confirmed the effect of tube diameter and longitudinal reinforcement in the ring beam on the structural performance.
Ligand uptake in Mycobacterium tuberculosis truncated hemoglobins is controlled by both internal tunnels and active site water molecules
Authors: Boron Ignacio , Bustamante Juan Pablo , Davidge Kelly S , Singh Sandip , Bowman Lesley AH , Tinajero-Trejo Mariana , Carballal Sebastián , Radi Rafael , Poole Robert K , Dikshit Kanak , Estrin Dario A , Marti Marcelo A , Boechi Leonardo
Published: July 2015

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of human tuberculosis, has two proteins belonging to the truncated hemoglobin (trHb) family. Mt-trHbN presents well-defined internal hydrophobic tunnels that allow O2 and •NO to migrate easily from the solvent to the active site, whereas Mt-trHbO possesses tunnels interrupted by a few bulky residues, particularly a tryptophan at position G8. Differential ligand migration rates allow Mt-trHbN to detoxify •NO, a crucial step for pathogen survival once under attack by the immune system, much more efficiently than Mt-trHbO. In order to investigate the differences between these proteins, we performed experimental kinetic measurements, •NO decomposition, as well as molecular dynamics simulations of the wild type Mt-trHbN and two mutants, VG8F and VG8W. These mutations affect both the tunnels accessibility as well as the affinity of distal site water molecules, thus modifying the ligand access to the iron. We found that a single mutation allows Mt-trHbN to acquire ligand migration rates comparable to those observed for Mt-trHbO, confirming that ligand migration is regulated by the internal tunnel architecture as well as by water molecules stabilized in the active site.
Voltage-gated sodium channel as a target for metastatic risk reduction with re-purposed drugs
Authors: Koltai Tomas
Published: July 2015

Objective: To determine the exact role of sodium channel proteins in migration, invasion and metastasis and understand the possible anti-invasion and anti-metastatic activity of repurposed drugs with voltage gated sodium channel blocking properties.

Material and methods: A review of the published medical literature was performed searching for pharmaceuticals used in daily practice, with inhibitory activity on voltage gated sodium channels. For every drug found, the literature was reviewed in order to define if it may act against cancer cells as an anti-invasion and anti-metastatic agent and if it was tested with this purpose in the experimental and clinical settings.

Results: The following pharmaceuticals that fulfill the above mentioned effects, were found: phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproate, lamotrigine, ranolazine, resveratrol, ropivacaine, lidocaine, mexiletine, flunarizine, and riluzole. Each of them are independently described and analyzed.

Conclusions: The above mentioned pharmaceuticals have shown anti-metastatic and anti-invasion activity and many of them deserve to be tested in well-planned clinical trials as adjunct therapies for solid tumors and as anti-metastatic agents. Antiepileptic drugs like phenytoin, carbamazepine and valproate and the vasodilator flunarizine emerged as particularly useful for anti-metastatic purposes.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarkers of Japanese Encephalitis
Authors: Sengupta Nabonita , Mukherjee Sriparna , Tripathi Piyush , Kumar Rashmi , Suryawanshi Amol Ratnakar , Basu Anirban
Published: July 2015

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is the leading cause of viral encephalitis in Asia. Acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) is a group of central nervous system (CNS) disorders caused by a wide range of viruses, bacteria, fungi, chemicals and toxins. It is important to distinguish between various forms of infectious encephalitis with similar clinical manifestations in order to ensure specific and accurate diagnosis and development of subsequent therapeutic strategies. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is in direct contact with the CNS and hence it is considered to be an excellent source for identifying biomarkers for various neurological disorders. With the recent advancement in proteomic methodologies, the field of biomarker research has received a remarkable boost.  The present study identifies potential biomarkers for JE using a proteomics based approach. The CSF proteomes from ten patients each with JE and Non-JE acute encephalitis were analyzed by 2D gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry. Vitamin D-binding protein (DBP), fibrinogen gamma chain, fibrinogen beta chain, complement C4-B, complement C3 and cytoplasmic actin were found to be significantly elevated in case of JE indicating severe disruption of the blood brain barrier and DBP can be suggested to be an important diagnostic marker.
Extraction of polymeric materials from municipal solid waste and their utilization
Authors: Доронкина Ирина , Doronkina Irina , Шубов Лазарь , Shubov Lazar , Борисова Оксана , Borisova Oksana
Published: July 2015

The main effect in solving the problem of municipal solid waste (MSW) gives extraction or preventing the ingress in them secondary material resources (SMR). Ones of the main valuable components falling in the MSW are polymeric wastes. Their content in the MSW is about 10%, and 40% are accounted for the polymeric films. Entering of polymeric materials in the environment leads to its significant pollution because in vivo the plastic waste is not decomposed and not degraded over many decades.

The authors considered some ways to recycle plastic waste and noted that for the extraction of polymeric materials from MSW are most appropriate methods of separation, that isn´t connected with changes in the aggregate state of the plastics in the process of separation.

It was shown experimentally that the best results of polymeric films extraction from the flow of solid waste provides a combination of two enrichment processes - aeroseparation and electrical separation. As the parameters optimization of the separation process of the polymeric films used technological criteria (a combination of the basic parameters of enrichment), and as a method to study the process - mathematical modeling.

The authors noted the methods of intensification of the enrichment processes and control the physical properties of the components of separated composition of materials, and it is reported that in the various methods electrical separation had been used strong electric fields and thus a high voltage.

The dependences of the specific electrical resistance of the samples of waste paper and polymeric film from moisture and curves of ability for enrichment of these components with aeroseparation in different conditions and indicators of their enrichment are shown in the article.
Improvement of financial security of health system of the Russian Federation in modern conditions
Authors: Махнова Наталья , Makhnova Natalya
Published: July 2015

The essence of the problems and ways of improving the single-channel system of financial support of health care system implemented in the Russian Federation today are described in the article. The basic advantages (payment of the final result, the principle of extraterritoriality, etc.) and disadvantages of this type of financing (the growth of corruption in health care facilities, the claiming by regional authorities in advance reduced volumes of work of medical institutions under the territorial program programs of compulsory health insurance etc.) are highlighted. The legal aspects of functioning of the single-channel financing system are represented. In our view the measures for optimize the work of the health system in the Russian Federation should include: transition to the new salary system of health workers and the development of basic and additional list of criteria for the effectiveness of both health professionals and managers of health facilities. The problem of satisfaction of staff requirements in the Russian health care system has a systemic, multifactorial character. Forming an interconnected list of criteria of efficiency of medical staff and their managers would allow, on the one side to attract qualified staff to the region, on the other - to improve control of financial and economic activity of the heads of medical institutions. Furthermore, these measures will allow slightly reduce social tension among health care workers, that will positively impact on the quality of medical care.
Tendencies of development of the concept of service management: analysis of foreign researches
Authors: Илькевич Сергей , Ilkevich Sergey
Published: July 2015

This article is an attempt to identify and summarize the main trends and issues in the international publications deals with service management in the field of tourism and hospitality. The article considers publications 2012-2015 years of sampling represented eight leading foreign journals of tourism, hospitality and service management: Journal of Service Science and Management, Journal of Service Management, Service Science, Tourism Management, Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Annals of Tourism Research, International Journal of Hospitality Management и Journal of Hospitality Management and Tourism. Based on the review and grouping of publications relevant service management issues in tourism and hospitality, the author makes a conclusion about kinds of topics, that are among the most typical in this field and gives examples of works for demonstration how wide is chosen issues. As can be seen from publications noted in the article , in the international literature of tourism, hospitality and service science is widely investigated the problems of service management in the tourism and hospitality. The author distinguishes ten thematic areas of service management in the tourism and hospitality, which probably kindle the highest interest and which are represented by a large number of publications: 1) the perception by tourists of issues related to risk and safety; 2) factors of customer loyalty; 3) the tourists motivation; 4) joint creation and customization of the tourist product; 5) consumer impressions; 6) methodological aspects of measuring consumer satisfaction; 7) social responsibility of business in the tourism and hospitality; 8) attitude to workers in the sphere of tourism and hospitality; 9) the needs of elderly tourists and tourists with disabilities; 10) use of information technology by consumers of tourist products
Private Equity and Venture Capital: an Empirical Analysis
Authors: Zinecker Marek , Meluzin Tomas
Published: July 2015

The paper deals with the analysis of the private equity and venture capital investment and divestment trends and activities on the European market, particularly on the market of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), in times of economic crises 2007-2009. The analysis is based on the data published by the European Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (EVCA), the Czech Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (CVCA) and the Bundesverband Deutscher Kapitalbeteiligungsgesellschaften (BVK). The economic crisis in 2008-2009 caused a rapid cooling of the European market. Private equity and venture capital management companies located in Europe have decreased significantly both investment and divestment activity. The economic crisis on CEE market showed a delay and a lower intensity in comparison with Western Europe. CEE market is, however, underdeveloped. This argument is supported by the data indicating annual investment and divestment value, and number of companies received private equity financing.
Gender Features of Time Allocation, Gender Stereotypes and Labour Supply
Authors: Arnania-Kepuladze Tamila
Published: July 2015

Securing the well-being, protection of human rights and equality on the ground of age, gender, race, nationality etc along with sustainable economic development becomes the most important goal for any country. Gender differences in labor market are a problem of many countries. Being a larger demographic group, women have played a vital role in employment and economic development. Despite longstanding striving for gender equality, the inequality manifests itself in labor markets around the world. There is no common opinion on the reasons of the existence of gender differences in economic literature. After decades of research most investigators would agree that there can be no single-factor explanation for gender inequality in the labor market. One of the conventional explanations of gender gap in employment sphere includes the differences in men’s and women’s preferences in working hours due their stereotypical roles in the private and public life. This paper is focused on the study of gender feature of time allocation and its impact on the labor supply by men and women. For this purpose, based on the different types of activity, particular: income getting or in­co­me increasing promote activity, non-monetary inco­me obtain activity, income-make activity, non-income-make activity, indirect-receipts activity, the author introduces the time allocation model which includes parameters such as working time, leisure, non-working time, using time, free time and time for satisfying an individual’s physiological needs. For the attribution of different types of practice to certain kinds of activity the “principle of dominant purpose of activity” was offered. According to given time allocation model, the  pattern of features of labor supply by men and women is offered in the paper.
Business Ethics and Education – an Intelligent Solution for a Sustainable Development?
Authors: Rogojanu Angela , Badea Liana
Published: July 2015

Nowadays, ethics seems to be a very important issue when speaking about the way of doing business. Many economists ask if it is necessary to study the way ethics are transmitted to the next generations of businessmen and if business ethics comes from education. Finally, does it have anything to do with the sustainable development. It is a known fact that there are numerous dimensions of education – sustainable development linkages. Rapid expansion of education has not necessarily been accompanied by rapid economic growth in many developing countries. There is a series of variables to be taken into account when talking about the connection between education and sustainable development. First, it is very important to realize that the educational system influences the way a country develops. Second, the development of a country also influences the educational system. That is why it is necessary to analyze a bidirectional connection, where identifying the difference between a simple educational system and a functional one is of vital importance. Starting from such aspects, this paper aims to emphasize the connection existing between the three concepts: education-business ethics-sustainable development. Using qualitative methods and also statistics, this paper offers an analysis of the way ethics and education influence the development of economy.
Public Organizations in the Context of Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Krukowski Krzysztof
Published: July 2015

The debate on corporate responsibility is permeating increasingly to the public sector. The aim of the present work is to discuss possible implications of CSR concepts that could be observed in public organizations. It follows from the research conducted that public organizations are familiarized with the principles of corporate social responsibility and in the majority of cases possess accepted standards of applying them.