bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
IMPORTANCE OF GENETIC VARIANTS AND ETHNICITY IN NON-CONTACT MUSCULOSKELETAL SOFT TISSUE INJURIES
Authors: Ricard Pruna , Rosa Artells , Jordi Ribas , Bruno Montoro , Mariano Monzo
Published: June 2013

Background

The prevention, diagnosis, and management of noncontact musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries (NCMSTI) related to participation in sport are key components of sport and exercise medicine physician. Epidemiological data have demonstrated the existence of interindividual differences in NCMSTI severity indicating that those injuries occur as a consequence of a combination of both, extrinsic and intrinsic factors, including genetic variations.

Methodology

We examined 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the following genes (ELN, TTN, SOX15, IGF2, CCL2, COL1A1, COL5A1 and TNC) related to tissue recovery and tissue repair in a total of 73 elite european football players population from white, black-african and hispanic origin and, at the same time, we have collected NCMSTI suffered by these population during three consecutive seasons. Finally we have correlated results with type, degree and recovery time in injuries collected and then with the distribution of injuries in the three studied populations.

Results

242 injuries were recorded (203 were muscle, 24 were ligament, and 15 were tendon). The degree of muscle injury was related to IGF2 (P=0.032). Moreover, we observed a close but non-significant relation between degree of muscle injury and CCL2 (P=0.1) and COL5A1 (P=0.07). We also found a close relation between ELN and degree (P=0.09) and a significant relation between ELN and recovery time (P=0.027) of ligament injuries.

The frequency of the SNPs varied among the three sub-groups in the present study (p<0.0001). Our results shown a significant relation between ligament injuries and ELN (p=0.001) and a significant relation between tendinous injuries and ELN (p=0.05) and IGF2 (p=0.05) in white population. Moreover, we have observed a significant relation between muscle injuries and ELN (p=0.032) and IGF2 (p=0.016) in Hispanic population.

Conclusions

SNPs study constitutes a new field of investigation in Sports Medicine which will help us to identify individuals with shorter recovery and those with greater risk of injury. Our results are only the pave to demonstrate that these genotyping interracial differences are important when studying injuries and let us to indicate that the genetic profile based on the SNPs can be use to describe, as objectively as possible each individuals injurability risk and may well be a useful tool for football players to receive a more specific treatment and preventive care options.
DEFORMATION OF THE HUMAN HEEL PAD DURING WALKING APPROACHES PREDICTED LIMITS OF PAIN TOLERANCE
Authors: Wearing Scott , Hooper Sue , Dubois Philip , Smeathers James
Published: June 2013

Background

The plantar heel pad is a specialised fibroadipose tissue that attenuates and dissipates, in part, the impact energy associated with heel strike. Although near maximal deformation of the heel pad has been shown to occur during running,1in vivo measurement of the mechanical properties of the heel pad during walking remain largely unexplored. This study used a digital fluoroscope, synchronised with a pressure plate, to obtain force–deformation data for the heel pad during walking.

Methods

Dynamic lateral foot radiographs were acquired from sixteen healthy adults while walking at their preferred speed. Sagittal thickness and deformation of the heel pad relative to the support surface were calculated. Simultaneous measurement of peak force beneath the heel was used to estimate the principal structural properties of the heel pad.

Results

Transient loading profiles associated with walking induced rapidly changing deformation rates in the heel pad and resulted in irregular load–deformation curves. The initial stiffness (32±11 N.mm–1) of the heel pad was an order of magnitude lower than its final stiffness (212±125 N.mm–1) and only 1.0 J of energy, on average, was dissipated by the heel pad during walking. Peak deformation (10.3 mm) approached that predicted for the limit of pain tolerance (10.7 mm).

Discussion/Conclusions

Peak deformation of the heel pad approached that predicted for the limit of pain tolerance,2suggesting the heel pad operates close to its pain threshold even at speeds encountered during walking. These findings raise questions as to the function of the heel pad during gait, highlight the need for alternative energy dissipating mechanisms during high impact activities often encountered in sport, and provide insight as to why barefoot runners adopt ‘forefoot’ strike patterns that minimise heel loading.
DIABETES EM MOVIMENTO® - COMMUNITY-BASED EXERCISE PROGRAM FOR PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES
Authors: Mendes Romeu , Sousa Nelson , Reis Victor Machado , Themudo Barata José Luís
Published: June 2013

Background

Exercise is widely recommended as a nonpharmacological therapeutic strategy essential to control of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular related risk. This study aims to presentDiabetes em Movimento®a community-based group exercise program designed for patients with type 2 diabetes developed in the city of Covilhã, Portugal.

Program structure

The content of this program has been prepared in accordance with international recommendations for physical activity and exercise to control diabetes type 2 and taking into consideration that the majority of this population is more than 60 years old, is overweight, sedentary and has low physical fitness. Exercise sessions are held three times per week on non consecutive days (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) with a duration of around 70 minutes. Sessions consist of five phases: 1) Warm up (5 min), which includes brisk walking; 2) cardiovascular training with aerobic exercise (30 min), which includes walking at different speeds, relay races, obstacle and stairs courses; 3) Muscle strength training through resistance exercises (20 min) performed with chairs, dumbbells, fitness balls and bodyweight exercises; 4) Agility training (10 min) consisting of reduced, simplified and adapted team ball games; and 5) Cool down/flexibility (5 min) through static and dynamic stretching exercises.

Prevention of exercise-related acute adverse events.

Exercise intensity is monitored with Borg's Rating of Perceived Exertion Scale and hydration during exercise is encouraged in breaks designed for this purpose. Capillary blood glucose and blood pressure monitoring are performed regularly before and after exercise and patients are educated to recognize symptoms of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, hypotension, hypertensive crisis, myocardial ischemia and stroke. Patients are also educated to avoid the Valsalva maneuver either during resistance exercises either during flexibility exercises. Sessions are monitored and supervised by qualified exercise professionals trained to the potential acute adverse events associated with exercise in this population.

Conclusions

This exercise program has a high applicability and involves minimal material resources and can be easily replicated in a community context. Type 2 diabetic patients can practice exercise safely with this type of supervised exercise programs.

Trial funding and registration

Diabetes em Movimento®is funded by Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology with reference SFRH/BD/47733/2008 and is registered in Current Controlled Trials with referenceISRCTN09240628.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL SHAME AND CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GREEK MEN AND WOMEN ATHLETES
Authors: Baliotis Konstantinos , Korakakis Vasileios , Dragioti Elena , Kotrsotsiou Evangelia , Gouva Mary
Published: June 2013

Introduction

Chronic pain can lead the subjective emotional pain response of an individual and has the potential to interplay with emotions at a cognitive level such as internal or external shame.

Aim

The present study examined the relationship of internal and external shame with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and the differences between genders of athletes with CLBP.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred athletes with CLBP participated in the present study (110 men, 90 women, mean age±SD 24,5±6,7). The measures used were: Other As Shamer Scale-OAS, (Goss, Gilbert & Allan, 1994), Experience of Shame Scale-ESS (Andrews, Qian & Valentine, 2002) and another questionnaire with socio-demographics, attitudes and self-reported questions data on the impact of the chronic pain in their life.

Results

The mean scores (±SD) for men and women with CLBP and the p values from the T-tests were respectively: for total OAS, 12.96±7.0 and 15.68±8.8 (p=0.045) and for total ESS, 48.8±9.7 and 50.3±13 (p=0.366). Despite that there were no significant differences in ESS, the subscale of ESS regarding bodily shame revealed statistically significant difference between men and women (p=0.002).

Conclusion

The results of the present study revealed the high levels of external shame in athletes of both genders with CLBP and confirmed that shame is an emotion highly connected with woman nature. Furthermore, from the subscale of ESS regarding bodily shame was presented that women have the self-perception of lower social power and the trend to judge there self less favorably to others.
ACUTE EFFECTS OF MUSCLE MASSAGE PREVIOUS TO STRENGTH TRAINING ON BIOCHEMICAL MARKERS OF DELAYED ONSET MUSCLE SORENESS
Authors: Garrido Nuno , Oliveira Gabriel , Mendes Romeu , Sousa Nelson , Sousa Maria
Published: June 2013

Background

Delayed onset muscle soreness has been consistently studied, and special attention has been given to possible techniques capable to prevent it or to accelerate muscle recovery. This study aimed to assess the acute effects of classic muscle massage before a session of strength training on biochemical markers of delayed onset muscle soreness.

Methods

Twenty-four healthy men with no history of strength training were randomized into two groups, one submitted to a classic muscle massage technique before strength training exercises (n=12; 23.54±1.94years, 21,57±2,64kg/m2); and a control group with no muscle massage before the strength training exercises (n=12; 22.57±1.65years, 22.25±1.23kg/m2). Classical manual massage was applied to muscle groups involved in strength exercises (biceps brachii and quadriceps femoris) with 10-min duration for each muscle group. Strength training session consisted in two exercises: elbow flexion and knee extension at an intensity of 85% of one maximum repetition (6 to 10 repetitions, four sets). Muscle damage biochemical markers (creatine kinase; lactate dehydrogenase, and C reactive protein) were assessed by venous blood samples from the antecubital vein before exercise (1st collect), immediately after exercise (2nd collect), 24 and 48 hours later (third and fourth collect). Experimental protocol was conducted in the laboratory of the Center of Experimental Design of the University Hospital Lauro Wanderley, Brazil.

Results

No significant differences were observed between muscle massage before the strength training exercises and control for the creatine kinase (p=0.380), lactate dehydrogenase (p=0.700), and C reactive protein (p=0.292) at all moments.

Conclusions

The presents results suggest that delayed onset muscle soreness induced by two classical strength training exercises, is not prevented or attenuated by muscle massage before exercise.
RADIOLOGICAL EVALUATION AND INVESTIGATION WITH X-RAY CT AND MRI FINDINGS IN PATIENTS WITH SPINAL TRAUMA DURING PROFESSIONAL AND AMATEUR SPORT ACTIVITIES
Authors: Syrmos N , Mylonas A , Gavridakis G , Grigoriou K , Valadakis V , Iliadis C , Arvanitakis D
Published: June 2013

Background

Radiological evaluation is very important in spinal trauma patients, specially during sport activity.

Aim

Aim of this study was to analyze the type of sport activity, the timing of injury, the radiological evaluation and the role of X-Ray, CT and MRI findings in 40 patients with spinal trauma during sport activities (amateur and professional).

Material/Methods

During a five year period (2005–2009) we analyzed 40 patients with spinal trauma during sports activity. 35 male (87.5%) and 5 female(12.5%), range 14–64 years, mean age 39.5 years.

Results

We analyzed first the type of sport activity, amateur (group a, thirty patients 75%) professional (group b, ten patients, 25%), then the timing of injury, recent trauma (group 1, twenty-five patients 62.5%) and chronic trauma, more than 10 days after the initial injury (group 2, fifteen patients, 37.5%) and the radiological investigation, only X-ray and ctscan (group I, four patients, 10%), X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan (group II, thirty-six patients, 90%). We found three intramedullary hematomas, two intramedullary contusions, one epidural hematoma, five vertebral fractures, four facet joints dislocations, three herniated discs.

Conclusions

The MRI investigation was very helpful to find four sclerotic post traumatic bone changes and one medullary transection. Further studies were warranted but the combination of CT and MRI is is very useful tool for the evaluation, for the therapeutic approach and for the final result in patients with spinal trauma.
ALTERG: AN INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY IN PHYSICAL ACTIVE REHABILITATION OF SPINAL STENOSIS
Authors: Landkammer Yvonne , Bernecker Robert , Wicker Anton
Published: June 2013

Background

Lumbal spinal stenosis causes back pain spreading as far as the legs and thereby constrains the activities of daily living. By walking in a flexed position patients try to extend the foramina intervertebralia. Claudicatio intermittens/ spinalis forces them to stop walking and sit down, because of pain, parasthesias or paresis.1Loss of physical activity may lead to a decline of physical condition and slowly restrict independence.2The differential air pressure technology of AlterG treadmills reduces body weight in lower extremity up to 80% and facilitates normal postural control.5

Methods

After completing physiotherapy, a 70-year-old left sided lower leg amputed man started extensive endurance training. 250 m of walking were challenging. Therefore antigravity treadmill training was initiated in April.

Results

Early therapy, visual analog scale (VAS) was set at 5.5. At the beginning of AlterG training, body weight was decreased by 40% up to 5% in November (VAS 0). As walking time increased (13–35min.) walking distance increased equally from 870 m to 2.4 k m.

Discussion

One aim of functional rehabilitation is to decrease the pain,3keep the patient independent and thereby obtain his physical condition in order to prevent further (cardiorespiratory) diseases. One of the goals of using AlterG in rehabilitation of orthopedic patients is to restore normal walking mechanics.4The combination of physiotherapy and AlterG training leads to absence of lower back pain, walking distance increases significantly, the patient feels safer while walking and his independence is ensured.

Conclusion

The use of innovative AlterG can improve postural control, increase safety while walking as well as economy of movements and thereby affect the lower back pain.
IMPROVING PERFORMANCE? DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION PRACTICE IN ULTRAMARATHON RUNNERS
Authors: Scheer Bernd Volker , Valero Burgos Encarna
Published: June 2013

Background

Ultramarathon races have gained popularity in recent years and test the limits of human endurance. Dietary supplements are widely used, and athletes may attempt to gain a performance advantage through replenishment of real or perceived deficiencies.

Method

We conducted a prospective survey study gathering data on prevalence, types and reasons for consumption of dietary supplements among ultramarathon runners during the Al Andalus Ultimate Trail 2012. Data were obtained post race using a direct-interview technique on standardized questionnaires.

Results

Thirty-two ultramarathon runners (26 male, 6 female, mean age 39.5±7.9, previous ultramarathon experience 7.7±9) enrolled in the study and completed the questionnaires. Over two-thirds of runners said they consumed sports drinks and electrolytes, and over half used carbohydrate drinks and vitamin preparations followed by herbal supplements, minerals, magnesium, amino acids, and caffeine (38%, 38%, 28%, 25% and 22%). The main reasons cited for consumption were for improvement of performance (47%), the perception of acquired deficiencies through training (34%), or being vegetarian (16%). Sixty percent of runners said that they had had recent blood tests taken at their doctors' surgeries - all being in the normal range and not showing any deficiencies. High street shops and/or the Internet were the main sources for obtaining dietary supplements (69%; 47%). Supplements were taken based mostly upon recommendations of fellow runners (50%), self initiative (34%), magazine advertisements (22%) and/or recommendations of friends (19%) and, while less likely, by the recommendation of professionals (doctors 16%, coaches 13%, physiotherapists 3% and nutritionists 3%).

Conclusion

The practice of dietary supplementation is widespread among ultramarathon runners, who take a variety of supplements aimed at increasing performance or treating perceived deficiencies. Athletes should be properly educated about potential benefits and risks, especially those who are regularly tested for performance enhancing drugs, as dietary supplements can contain substances that lead to positive drug tests.
FACE PROTECTIVE ORTHOSIS: A NEED FOR CONTACT SPORTS
Authors: Ghoseiri Kamiar , Bavi Ahlam
Published: June 2013

Background and Aim

Craniomaxillofacial traumas are of the most common sport related injuries. The most common sport related facial traumas are soft tissue injuries and bone fractures primarily due to impact of other players especially in team games. A rehabilitative sport related orthosis, could protect the injured site and help earlier return of athlete to the match.

Technique

Face protective orthosis is custom molded from negative impression of athlete's face. Negative impression should be taken while athlete has lied supine with his/her face upward. The orthosis has an open structure that is critical for sport activities to reduce perspiration and improve ventilation. It is light weight and structured as a one-piece rigid plastic shell that secured in place with three elastic straps. Due to diverse patterns of craniomaxillofacial injuries, the shape, length, trimline and characteristics of face protective orthosis could be modified.

Discussion

Face protective orthoses could have prophylactive or rehabilitative roles according to task and prescription reason. Governing bodies are responsible of care for safety of athletes and should regulate the use of face protective orthosis in contact sports. Although the main action of the facial orthoses should be protection, the design of face protective orthosis should be improved both functionally and aesthetically to promote its use by athletes.
ROLE OF CT SCAN IN PREDICTING RECURRENCE FOLLOWING PRIMARY TRAUMATIC SHOULDER DISLOCATION
Authors: Akhtar Muhammad Adeel , Jenkins Paul , Ashton Fiona , Beggs Ian , Robinson Christopher Michael
Published: June 2013

Background

Shoulder dislocation is a common sporting injury. Glenoid deficiency is thought to be a risk factor for recurrent shoulder dislocations. This study was performed to assess the role of CT scan in predicting recurrence following primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation.

Methods

Prospective data was collected for 39 patients following first time traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation between April 2008 and June 2009 under the care of a specialist shoulder surgeon, including demographic details and CT scan findings to identify structural defects of the glenoid and humeral head in the form of bony bankart lesion, glenoid flattening and Hill sach's lesion. Electronic records from emergency and orthopaedic departments were checked in January 2013 to confirm recurrent shoulder dislocations.

Results

The mean age was 26 years (range 15–56). There were 36 males and 3 females. CT scan showed bony bankart lesion in ten patients (26%), glenoid flattening in seven patients (18%) and Hill sach's lesion in thirtythree patients (85%). Patients were divided into groups according to the number of bone defects on CT scan (No bone defect-0, bony bankart lesion-1, glenoid flattening-1 and Hill sach's lesion-1).

Group A (no bone defect) had six patients (15%), Group B (Bone defect) had thirtythree patients (85%); twenty-two patients (56%) had 1 bone defect (Group C), five patients (13%) had 2 bone defects (Group D) and six patients (15%) had 3 bone defects ( Group E).

Group A (no bone defect) had 1 recurrent shoulder dislocation (16%) and Group B (Bone defect) had 16 recurrent shoulder dislocations (48%). Group C (1 bone defect) had 11 recurrent shoulder dislocations (50%), Group D (2 bone defects) had 2 recurrent shoulder dislocations (40%) and Group E (3 bone defects) had 3 recurrent shoulder dislocations (50%).

Discussion/Conclusion

We studied the structural defects of glenoid and humeral head on the CT scan following primary shoulder dislocations and risk of recurrence in the presence of bone defects. Hill sach's lesion was the most common finding on the CT scan (85%). Patients with bone defects had a higher rate of recurrent shoulder dislocations (48% vs 16%). We recommend the use of CT scan following primary shoulder dislocations to identify structural defects of humeral head and glenoid before deciding the appropriate treatment to prevent recurrence.
EFFECT OF THE INTER-REPETITION REST LENGTH IN THE CAPACITY TO REPEAT PEAK POWER OUTPUT
Authors: Valverde-Esteve Teresa , García-Manso Juan Manuel , Pablos-Monzó Ana , Pablos-Abella Carlos , Martín-González Juan Manuel , Rodríguez-Ruiz David
Published: June 2013

Background

High volumes of work affect the movement technical quality, reducing the muscular capacity to develop high magnitudes of force. One of the most important parameters that we can use to regulate the training loads are the inter-repetition rests (IRR). The purpose of this study was to compare the Peak Power output (PP) magnitudes in three different inter-repetition length sets with Optimal Load (OL) in Bench Press (BP).

Methods

Our sample was formed by 16 male physical education students (age: 23.6±2.1 years; height: 178.2±6.9 cm; mass: 78.3±7.2 kg; 1RM: 90.2±13.9 kg; 1RM/mass: 1.15±0.16), who performed the BP test with different IRR with OL (48.8±7.2% of 1RM; 44.2±11.5 kg). After establishing the bench press 1-RM and OL, all participants performed three sets of work: IRR15s (1 set×15 repetitions with 15 s inter-repetition rests), IRR10s (1 set×15 repetitions with 10 s inter-repetition rests) and IRR5s (1 set×15 repetitions with 5 s inter-repetition rests) separated by 15 min each.

Results

There were no mechanical significant differences among the 15 repetitions when performing the protocol with IRR15s, although there was a slight tendency to decrease the maximal values of PP (1st Rep.: 324.1±18.9 vs. 15th Rep.: 250.9±16.4 W). Significant decreases were observed from the second repetition in the IRR10s (1st Rep.: 346.2±82.2 vs. 2nd Rep.: 296.6±64.0 W) (13.8 %; p=0.002; ES: –0.60; IC 95%: 14.16–85.07) and IRR5s (1st Rep.: 348.2±70.9 vs. 2nd Rep.: 290.5±72.8) (16.8±11.4%; p=0.001; ES: -0.82; IC 95%: 18.57–96.93).

Conclusions

The longer IRR allows the higher number of efficient repetitions (IRR15s>IRR10s >= IRR5s). In our study, when performing IRR15s there were no significant PP decreases observed, while in IRR10s and IRR5s significant decreases were found from the second repetition.
2-(4-substituted piperazin-1-yl)-1,8-naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acids: Novel 5-HT3 receptor antagonists with anxiolytic-like activity in rodent behavioral models
Authors: Mahesh Radhakrishnan , Dhar Arghya Kusum , Jindal Ankur , Bhatt Shvetank
Published: June 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the anxiolytic potential of a series of novel carboxylic acid based 1,8 naphthyridines as 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. The pA2 values of all the compounds were determined against agonist 2-methyl-5-hydroxytryptamine in longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus preparations from guinea pig ileum. Compounds with higher pA2 values, particularly those greater than ondansetron, a standard 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, and optimal log P values were screened in mice by using behavioral tests such as a light–dark (L/D) aversion test, elevated plus maze (EPM) test, and an open field test (OFT). In the L/D test, compounds 7a, 7b, 7d, 7e, and 7i (2 mg/kg body mass, intraperitoneal) significantly (P < 0.05) increased the latency time to leave the light compartment, total time spent in the light compartment, and the number of transitions between the light and dark compartments. Compounds 7a, 7d, 7f, 7h, and 7i (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (P < 0.05) increased the time spent in the open arms and the number of entries into the open arms in the EPM test. In addition, compounds 7a, 7d, 7e, 7f, and 7h (2 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (P < 0.05) increased the ambulation scores and the frequency of rearing in the OFT.
LIBOR MARKET MODEL UNDER THE REAL-WORLD MEASURE
Authors: YASUOKA TAKASHI
Published: June 2013

This paper consists of two parts. The first part aims to construct a LIBOR market model under the real-world measure (LMRW) according to the Jamshidian framework. Then, LIBOR rates, bond prices and a state price deflator are explicitly described under the LMRW. The second part aims to estimate the market price of risk, as well as to investigate the fundamental properties of real-world simulations. Then, the following subjects are theoretically investigated: (1) a method for determining the number of factors for real-world simulations, (2) the properties of real-world simulations, and (3) the value of the market price of risk in connection with sample data. Numerical examples demonstrate our results.
PURE ASYMMETRIC QUANTUM MDS CODES FROM CSS CONSTRUCTION: A COMPLETE CHARACTERIZATION
Authors: EZERMAN MARTIANUS FREDERIC , JITMAN SOMPHONG , KIAH HAN MAO , LING SAN
Published: June 2013

Using the Calderbank–Shor–Steane (CSS) construction, pure q-ary asymmetric quantum error-correcting codes attaining the quantum Singleton bound are constructed. Such codes are called pure CSS asymmetric quantum maximum distance separable (AQMDS) codes. Assuming the validity of the classical maximum distance separable (MDS) Conjecture, pure CSS AQMDS codes of all possible parameters are accounted for.
REMOTE SCALABLE ENTANGLING OF SYMMETRIC DICKE STATES
Authors: EXMAN IAAKOV , BEN-AV RADEL
Published: June 2013

Symmetric Dicke states are a generalization of W-states that display interesting properties. These properties enable one to generate arbitrarily large symmetric Dicke states using operations on finite (2k) number of qubits. This paper formulates explicitly some basic results needed for this purpose. These results are synthesized into a generic Scalable Entangling Protocol. Examples are provided to illustrate the approach generality. A concomitant graphical representation allows fast comprehension of the protocol inputs, operations and outcomes.
DISCUSSION ON QUANTUM PROXY GROUP SIGNATURE SCHEME WITH χ-TYPE ENTANGLED STATE
Authors: ZUO HUI-JUAN , QIN SU-JUAN , SONG TING-TING
Published: June 2013

Recently, Yin et al. (Int. J. Quantum Inform. 10 (2012) 1250041) proposed a quantum proxy group signature scheme with χ-type entangled states. The scheme combines the properties of group signature and proxy signature. The study points out that the semi-honest Trent can give the forged signature under the assumption of this scheme. And, we find that even if the three parties honestly perform the scheme, the signature still cannot be realized with high efficiency.
Blogs
Authors: Nave Gidi , Huq Arefin
Published: June 2013

The
XRDS
blog highlights a range of topics from conference overviews to privacy and security, from HCI to cryptography. Selected blog posts, edited for print, will be featured in every issue. Please visit xrds.acm.org/blog to read each post in its entirety.
Report on the fifth workshop on exploiting semantic annotations in information retrieval (ESAIR'12)
Authors: Kamps Jaap , Karlgren Jussi , Mika Peter , Murdock Vanessa
Published: June 2013

There is an increasing amount of structure on the web as a result of modern web languages, user tagging and annotation, emerging robust NLP tools, and an ever growing volume of linked data. These meaningful, semantic, annotations hold the promise to significantly enhance information access, by enhancing the depth of analysis of today's systems. Currently, we have only started exploring the possibilities and only begin to understand how these valuable semantic cues can be put to fruitful use. To complicate matters, standard text search excels at shallow information needs expressed by short keyword queries, and here semantic annotation contributes very little, if anything. The main questions for the workshop are how to leverage the rich context currently available, especially in a mobile search scenario, giving powerful new handles to exploit semantic annotations. And how can we fruitfully combine information retrieval and knowledge intensive approaches, and for the first time work actively toward a unified view on exploiting semantic annotations.

There was a strong feeling that we made substantial progress. Specifically, each of the breakout groups contributed to our understanding of the way forward. First, there is a need for further integration of symbolic and statistical methods with each adopting parts of the other's strengths, by focusing on types of annotations that are informed by and meaningful for the task at hand, and relying on automatic information extraction and annotation based on web scale observations. Second, the discussion contributed to the creation of a concrete shared corpus with state of the art semantic annotation--in particular a web crawl annotated with Freebase concepts--that will benefit research in this area for years to come.
Support for multiprocessor platforms
Authors: Burns A. , Wellings A. J.
Published: June 2013

Multiprocessor platforms are becoming the norm for more powerful embedded real-time systems. Although Ada allows its tasks to be executed on such platforms, until recently it has provided no explicit support. The new revision of Ada now provides facilities for allocating and scheduling tasks on SMP platforms. The notions of a CPU and Dispatching-Domain have been introduced. We summaries these facilities and review the extra support that could be provided in the future for SMP and non-SMP platforms.
Ada 2012
Authors: Lin S. , Wellings A. J. , Burns A.
Published: June 2013

As from Ada 2005, the language has supported different dispatching policies including fixed priority (FP) and earliestdeadline first (EDF). EDF dispatching can be applied across the whole range of priorities or across a restricted range. In this way, EDF scheduling is integrated into a FP framework. Baker's Stack Resource Policy (SRP) is also integrated with Ada's immediate priority ceiling protocol to support resource sharing using protected objects. However, with the introduction of support for global, partitioned and cluster scheduling for multiprocessor systems, the use of protected objects in applications needs to be re-evaluated. This is because Ada does not completely define how protected objects are accessed in a multiprocessor environment and because the SRP cannot be directly applied to multiprocessors.

This paper reviews the currently available multiprocessor resource allocation policies and analyzes their applicability to Ada. It proposes some new Ada mechanisms that would facilitate the programming of a variety of protected object access protocols.
Going real-time with Ada 2012 and GNAT
Authors: Ruiz José F.
Published: June 2013

This paper provides an overview of the real-time additions to Ada 2012 and their implementation status in GNAT. Most of these additions are related to multiprocessors, helping to exploit parallelism in an efficient and predictable way, and this is the area where GNAT has made more progress. There is also execution-time accounting of interrupts that has been added to bare board targets, where that GNAT run-time library has fine-grained control. The area of new scheduling policies is the one which has received less attention in GNAT, because of the lack or required support in underlying operating systems.
Adapting the end-to-end flow model for distributed Ada to the ravenscar profile
Authors: Tijero Héctor Pérez , Gutiérrez J. Javier , Harbour Michael González
Published: June 2013

This paper presents a proposal to develop High-integrity Distributed Real-Time (HDRT) systems by integrating the real-time end-to-end flow model with the Ravenscar profile. Although this profile is being widely used in the development of single-processor critical hard real-time systems, further research is required to apply this profile in a distributed environment. This work is built upon the endpoints pattern, a technique that we have used to integrate the end-to-end flow model into Ada's Distributed Systems Annex (DSA). We adapt our previous work to the requirements of the Ravenscar profile. Therefore, this paper gives a step forward and discusses the modifications needed to make a specific instance of the endpoints pattern compatible with Ravenscar.
Charting the evolution of the Ada Ravenscar code archetypes
Authors: Panunzio Marco , Vardanega Tullio
Published: June 2013

In this paper we present the rationale, the status and the planned enhancement of a set of code archetypes that implement common programming patterns suited for the development of Ravenscar-compliant real-time systems. There have been other attempts at building software frameworks that ease the construction of realtime software systems. Ours is not intended for direct access by the user, but for deployment in the back-end code generation engine of a model-based tool environment. A further distinguishing characteristic of our patterns is that they foster the principle of separation of concerns, whereby the functional code of the system (which we require to be purely sequential) stays under the responsibility of the user, whereas the code that realizes the intended concurrency and real-time semantics is obtained by instantiation of predefined, correct by construction, archetypes.
Investigating SystemAda
Authors: Mahani Negin
Published: June 2013

VHDL as a hardware description language has some short-comings for system level modeling. Since previous researches [10] tried to extend this language for high level modeling, using Ada structures, and also it has derived some of its basic structures from Ada at first, we have decided to extend Ada to a form called SystemAda that can model hardware at transaction level modeling. Ada because of its intrinsic features like concurrency and object orientation can be a good candidate for a high level hardware modeling language. In our previous works we have proved that Ada can have a link to Register Transfer Level (RTL) and Transaction Level Modeling (TLM) modeling [3]. Here we have proofed the detailed characteristics of our TLM_FIFO channel -- just like the real TLM_FIFO -- and a way to TLM2.0 interfaces. Finally by simulation time comparison between SystemAda and SystemC TLM equivalent models we have proved that there is no simulation time penalty in SystemAda over SystemC.
Linear and Nonlinear QSAR Study of N2 and O6 Substituted Guanine Derivatives as Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 Inhibitors
Authors: Goudarzi Nasser , Arab Chamjangali M. , Kalhor Payam
Published: June 2013

The inhibitory activities (pIC50) of N2 and O6 substituted guanine derivatives as cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) inhibitors have been successfully modeled using calculated molecular descriptors. Two linear (MLR) and nonlinear (ANN) methods were utilized for construction of models to predict the pIC50 activities of those compounds. The QSAR models were validated by cross-validation (leave-one-out) as well as application of the models for prediction of pIC50 of external set compounds. Also, the models were validated by calculation of statistical parameters and Y-randomization test. Two methods provided accurate predictions, although more accurate results were obtained by ANN model. The mean-squared errors (MSEs) for validation and test sets of MLR are 0.065, 0.069 and of ANN are 0.017 and 0.063, respectively.
Deconstructing Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Alzheimer Disease
Authors: García-Escudero Vega , Martín-Maestro Patricia , Perry George , Avila Jesús
Published: June 2013

There is mounting evidence showing that mitochondrial damage plays an important role in Alzheimer disease. Increased oxygen species generation and deficient mitochondrial dynamic balance have been suggested to be the reason as well as the consequence of Alzheimer-related pathology. Mitochondrial damage has been related to amyloid-beta or tau pathology or to the presence of specific presenilin-1 mutations. The contribution of these factors to mitochondrial dysfunction is reviewed in this paper. Due to the relevance of mitochondrial alterations in Alzheimer disease, recent works have suggested the therapeutic potential of mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant. On the other hand, autophagy has been demonstrated to play a fundamental role in Alzheimer-related protein stress, and increasing data shows that this pathway is altered in the disease. Moreover, mitochondrial alterations have been related to an insufficient clearance of dysfunctional mitochondria by autophagy. Consequently, different approaches for the removal of damaged mitochondria or to decrease the related oxidative stress in Alzheimer disease have been described. To understand the role of mitochondrial function in Alzheimer disease it is necessary to generate human cellular models which involve living neurons. We have summarized the novel protocols for the generation of neurons by reprogramming or direct transdifferentiation, which offer useful tools to achieve this result.
Tools for Process Optimizing in Emergency Departments
Authors: Hansen-Nord Michael
Published: June 2013

Overcrowding is a universal challenge in emergency departments (ED). In (re)organizing an ED, experience from other “industries” could be taken into consideration. The recommendations are to ensure standardization and focus on flow and logistics. Examples that can be taken into consideration are described. One of the most important things to focus on is to keep the patients, who are not seriously ill, in flow at all times. They are a great challenge to overcrowding, and one has to use skilled staff to deal with this particular group.
Crystal Defects and Cation Redistribution Study on Nanocrystalline Cobalt-Ferri-Chromites by Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy
Authors: Modi Kunal B. , Vasoya Nimish H. , Lakhani Vinay K. , Pathak Tushar K. , Nambissan P. M. G.
Published: June 2013

Positron lifetime and Doppler broadening measurements were carried out on nanocrystalline (grain size ~60–65 nm) samples of the Cr3+-substituted cobalt ferrite system with general chemical formula CoCrxFe2−xO4 (x=0.0−2.0) synthesized by the coprecipitation technique. The results indicated selective trapping of positrons in large vacancy clusters initially at the tetrahedral (A-) sites and then with Cr3+-substitution up to concentration (x)=0.7, at the octahedral (B-) sites. The results are consistent with the cation distribution determined from X-ray diffraction line intensity calculations, which indicated partial inversion of the inverse spinel ferrite, subsequent stabilization over a range of substitution (x=0.7 to 1.7), and finally the full inversion to the normal spinel chromite (CoCr2O4, x=2.0). In the intermediate range of substitution, lattice contraction prevented a fraction of Co2+ ions released from the (B-) sites from entering the tetrahedral sites, and these vacancies at the (A-) sites trapped positrons. Although the samples were composed of nanocrystalline grains, only an insignificant fraction of positrons were diffused and annihilated at the grain surfaces, since the grain sizes and the thermal diffusion length of positrons nearly overlapped.
Routine Screening for Cushing's Syndrome Is Not Required in Patients Presenting with Obesity
Authors: Sahin Serap Baydur , Sezgin Hacer , Ayaz Teslime , Uslu Gur Emine , Ilkkilic Kadir
Published: June 2013

Background. Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is a relatively unusual condition that resembles many of the phenotypic features of obesity. Our aim was to evaluate the frequency of CS in obese patients. Materials and Methods. This study included 354 consecutive patients (87.9% female, age 37.8±13.4 years) who presented with simple obesity. All the patients were evaluated for the clinical signs of CS. Lipid parameters, fasting glucose (FPG) and insulin, 75 gr oral glucose tolerance test, basal cortisol and ACTH were measured. 1 mg overnight DST was performed. Results. The mean weight of the patients was 102.4±20.1 kg and BMI 40±7.35 kg/m2. 34.5% of the patients were hypertensive. 36.2% of the patients had central obesity, 72% dorsocervical fat accumulation, 28.8% abdominal striae and 23.2% acne. 49.4% of the women had hirsutism. 46.5% had prediabetes and 12.0% had type 2 diabetes, 72.6% had dyslipidemia. The mean cortisol and ACTH levels were as follows: 9.28±3.53 μg/dL and 17.02±10.43 pg/mL. Seven patients failed to suppress plasma cortisol to less than 1.8 μg/dL. Biochemical confirmation tests were performed in these patients and 2 of them were diagnosed glucocorticoid-secreting adrenal adenoma. Conclusions. Routine screening for CS in obese patients is not required.
Biosorption of Zinc from Aqueous Solution Using Chemically Treated Rice Husk
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zheng Ru , Zhao Jiaying , Zhang Yingchao , Wong Po-keung , Ma Fang
Published: June 2013

In this study, adsorption of zinc onto the adsorbent (untreated rice husk and NaOH-treated rice husk) was examined. During the removal process, batch technique was used, and the effects of pH and contact time were investigated. Langmuir isotherm was applied in order to determine the efficiency of NaOH-treated rice husk used as an adsorbent. The zinc adsorption was fast, and equilibrium was attained within 30 min. The maximum removal ratios of zinc for untreated rice husk and NaOH-treated rice husk after 1.5 h were 52.3% and 95.2%, respectively, with initial zinc concentration of 25 mg/L and optimum pH of 4.0. Data obtained from batch adsorption experiments fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm model. Maximum adsorption capacity of zinc onto untreated rice husk and NaOH-treated rice husk was 12.41 mg/g, and 20.08 mg/g respectively, at adsorbent dosage of 1 g/L at 25°C. The nature of functional groups (i.e., amino, carboxyl, and hydroxyl) and metal ion interactions was examined by the FT-IR technique. It was concluded that the NaOH-treated rice husk had stronger adsorption capacity for Zn2+compared with the untreated rice husk. The NaOH-treated rice husk is an inexpensive and environmentally friendly adsorbent for Zn2+removal from aqueous solutions.
Philtral Columns and Nostril Shapes in Nigerian Children: A Morphometric and Aesthetic Analysis
Authors: Abdulrasheed Ibrahim , Eneye Asuku Malachy
Published: June 2013

Background. The upper lip-nose complex contributes significantly to the concept of symmetry and proportion of the face. A study of the morphology and aesthetic preferences of the lip-nose complex will provide a database that will serve as a guide for reconstruction. Subjects and Methods. Hundred Nigerian children participated in this study. Demographic data and standard photographs of the philtral column and nostrils were obtained. Sixty volunteers were recruited to evaluate the photographs. Each volunteer was asked to rank the photographs based on their aesthetic preference. Results. The morphology of the philtral columns was classified into four groups: (1) triangular, (2) concave, (3) flat, and (4) parallel. The nostril shape was also classified into four groups: (1) triangular, (2) round, (3) teardrop, and (4) rectangular. In both genders, the triangular shape of philtral column was the most common. There are significant age differences in the aesthetic rankings of philtral columns and nostril shapes. Conclusion. Our study establishes the basal values for the morphometric and aesthetic parameters of the lip-nose complex of 5- and 6-year-old children in Nigeria. We hope our results and reconstructive surgery will intersect at a point to treat disfigurements of the philtrum and nostrils successfully.
An Exact Analysis of Heat and Mass Transfer Past a Vertical Plate with Newtonian Heating
Authors: Hussanan Abid , Khan Ilyas , Shafie Sharidan
Published: June 2013

An exact analysis of heat and mass transfer past an oscillating vertical plate with Newtonian heating is presented. Equations are modelled and solved for velocity, temperature, and concentration using Laplace transforms. The obtained solutions satisfy governing equations and conditions. Expressions of skin friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood number are obtained and presented in tabular forms. The results show that increasing the Newtonian heating parameter leads to increase velocity and temperature distributions whereas skin friction decreases and rate of heat transfer increases.
The Design and Implementation of Adsorptive Removal of Cu(II) from Leachate Using ANFIS
Authors: Turan Nurdan Gamze , Ozgonenel Okan
Published: June 2013

Clinoptilolite was investigated for the removal of Cu(II) ions from industrial leachate. Adaptive neural fuzzy interface system (ANFIS) was used for modeling the batch experimental system and predicting the optimal input values, that is, initial pH, adsorbent dosage, and contact time. Experiments were studied under laboratory batch and fixed bed conditions. The outcomes of suggested ANFIS modeling were then compared to a full factorial experimental design (23), which was utilized to assess the effect of three factors on the adsorption of Cu(II) ions in aqueous leachate of industrial waste. It was observed that the optimized parameters are almost close to each other. The highest removal efficiency was found as about 93.65% at pH 6, adsorbent dosage 11.4 g/L, and contact time 33 min for batch conditions of 23 experimental design and about 90.43% at pH 5, adsorbent dosage 15 g/L and contact time 35 min for batch conditions of ANFIS. The results show that clinoptilolite is an efficient sorbent and ANFIS, which is easy to implement and is able to model the batch experimental system.
On the Variational Problems without Having Desired Variational Symmetries
Authors: Nadjafikhah Mehdi , Dodangeh Saeed , Kabi-Nejad Parastoo
Published: June 2013

We will have an attempt to present a method for constructing variational problems without having a desired one-parameter transformation group as a variational symmetry. For this, we use the notation ofμ-symmetry which was introduced by Giuseppe Gaeta and Paola Morando in 2004. Moreover, our given method enabled us to solve those constructed variational problems usingμ-symmetries.
A Short Note on Nonlocal Transformations and First Integrals for Certain Nonlinear Oscillator Equations
Authors: Yaşar Emrullah
Published: June 2013

This short note presents a simple and effective application of the generalized Sundman transformations and the Jacobi last multiplier approach for two nonlinear oscillator equations. We reobtain the first integrals with this method very easily. In addition, we also compute the Sundman symmetries and Lagrangians.
A Tree Formulation for Signaling Games
Authors: Dassiou Xeni , Glycopantis Dionysius
Published: June 2013

The paper has as a starting point the work of the philosopher Professor D. Lewis. We provide a detailed presentation and complete analysis of the sender/receiver Lewis signaling game using a game theory extensive form, decision tree formulation. It is shown that there are a number of Bayesian equilibria. We explain which equilibrium is
the most likely to prevail. Our explanation provides an essential step for understanding the formation of a language convention. The informational content of signals is discussed and it is shown that a correct action is not always the result of a truthful signal. We allow for this to be reflected in the payoff of the sender. Further, concepts and approaches from neighbouring disciplines, notably economics, suggest themselves immediately for interpreting the results of our analysis (rational expectations, self-fulfilling prophesies).