bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social and Environmental Filters to Market Incentives: The Persistence of Common Land in Nineteenth‐Century Spain
Authors: Beltrán Tapia Francisco J.
Published: February 2014

The regional diversity of communal persistence in nineteenth‐century Spain has been well documented by historiographers. Although the explanation of this divergence has been attributed to the social and environmental context, together with the prevailing market incentives, that characterized the different rural societies of this period, there has been no clear assessment of the role played by each of these factors. Through a comparative study of the historical data at the provincial level, this paper analyses the relative contribution of these elements to that divergence. The results diminish the significance of market signals and show how the social and environmental conditions interacted to limit, or promote, the dismantling of the common lands. Apart from the greater need to resort to the commons when it was necessary to increase agricultural production in dry regions, this paper highlights the role of unequal levels of access to land in promoting enclosure. The Spanish case illustrates the limitations of the theories that predict the inevitable drift towards individual property rights.
New insights into the hybrid origin of Malus toringoides and its close relatives based on a single‐copy nuclear gene SbeI and three chloroplast fragments
Authors: TANG Liang , LI Ju , TAN Si , LI Ming‐Xia , MA Xiang , ZHOU Zhi‐Qin
Published: February 2014

Malus toringoides Hughes and its close relatives, M. maerkangensis M. H. Cheng et al., M. setok Vassilcz., and M. xiaojinensis M. H. Cheng & N. G. Jiang were supposed to derive from hybridizations. However, molecular data are still inadequate to corroborate the hybrid origin hypotheses. In this study, we sequenced a single‐copy nuclear gene SbeI and three chloroplast fragments and carried out phylogenetic analyses to investigate the evolutionary origins of the above four putative hybrid taxa. The hybrid nature of M. toringoides is confirmed by the detection of two distinct types of SbeI sequences from it. The chloroplast and SbeI gene phylogenies show that the maternal progenitor of M. toringoides is closely related to M. sikkimensis N. P. Balakr. and M. spectabilis Borkh., and the paternal progenitor is most likely M. transitoria C. K. Schneid. The hypothesis that M. kansuensis (Batalin) C. K. Schneid. is one of the parents of M. toringoides is not supported. Malus maerkangensis and M. xiaojinensis might have originated through hybridization between M. toringoides and M. kansuensis, whereas M. setok is genetically closely related to M. toringoides. The three close relatives of M. toringoides were designated as three novel species by some researchers, however, as they were all apomictic with limited distribution areas and they originated from hybridization and polyploidization, we recommend that their species status should be re‐evaluated.
A Pilot Study to Determine Penile Oxygen Saturation Before and After Vacuum Therapy in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction After Radical Prostatectomy
Authors: Welliver R. Charles , Mechlin Clay , Goodwin Brianne , Alukal Joseph P. , McCullough Andrew R.
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Provoked and spontaneous nocturnal erections are thought to play a role in maintenance of male sexual health through oxygenation of the corpus cavernosa. Conversely, hypoxia is thought to be an etiological factor in the pathogenesis of cavernosal fibrosis and long-term erectile dysfunction. It has been hypothesized that the early penile hypoxia after radical prostatectomy (RP) may lead to fibrosis and consequently a decrease in stretched penile length and long-term erectile dysfunction.

Aim

The aim of this study was to assess the changes in penile tissue oxygenation with vacuum erection device (VED) use.

Methods

Twenty men between 2 and 24 months following RP were enrolled prospectively. Each man cycled a VED to achieve full erection 10 consecutive times over a period of approximately 2 minutes without constriction ring.

Main Outcome Measures

Tissue oximetry was measured at baseline and immediately after VED using a tissue oximeter at five sites: right thigh, right corpora, glans, left corpora, and left thigh. Additional measurements were captured over the course of an hour.

Results

Mean age and time from surgery was 58.2 years and 12.6 months, respectively, and the average Sexual Health Inventory for Men score was 7. Use of the VED significantly increased both glanular and corporal oximetry relative to the baseline values for the entire 60 minutes. An initial increase of 55% was seen in corporal oxygenation with VED use.

Conclusions

This is the first study demonstrating that a single, brief application of the VED without a constriction ring results in significant improvement in penile oxygen saturation. The use of a VED has significant benefits for patients both with regard to cost and invasiveness when compared with other penile rehabilitation protocols.
Acute and chronic immune biomarker changes during interferon/ribavirin treatment in HIV/HCV co‐infected patients
Authors: Jain M. K. , Adams‐Huet B. , Terekhova D. , Kushner L. E. , Bedimo R. , Li X. , Holodniy M.
Published: February 2014

Chronic viral infections lead to persistent immune activation, which is alleviated by eradicating or suppressing the infection. To understand the effects of interferon treatment on immune system activation by chronic infections, we evaluated kinetic patterns of a broad spectrum of serum biomarkers during HCV treatment in HIV/HCV co‐infected patients. HCV viral load and 50 biomarkers were analysed at baseline and 27 time points during pegylated interferon‐alpha and ribavirin (IFN/RBV) treatment of 12 HIV/HCV co‐infected patients. We evaluated biomarker changes from baseline for each time point and biomarker correlations with clinical parameters, treatment response and liver histopathology. IL‐1α, IL‐12p40, IL‐1RA, IP‐10, MIG, MIP‐1α/1β, HGF, sCD40L, TRAIL and leptin increased in the first day. IL‐12p70, IL‐17A, IL‐10, GROα, IL‐8, MCP‐3, IL‐4 and M‐CSF peaked later during week 1. IL‐1α, HGF, IP‐10, MIP‐1α, TRAIL, sCD40L, IL‐10, IL‐12p70, MCP‐3, FGFb, ENA‐78, TGF‐β, IL‐2, IFN‐γ, IL‐6, IL‐15, IL‐7 and PDGF‐BB decreased below baseline over the course of treatment. Higher BMI, baseline HCV viral load and leptin levels were associated with lack of sustained virologic response. ENA‐78 was associated with sustained viral response. Positive correlations were found between liver inflammation and baseline CD4 count, sVCAM and HGF; fibrosis stage and HGF; liver steatosis, BMI and leptin. Our findings suggest IFN/RBV treatment initially increases levels of several biomarkers, but eventually leads to a decline in many immune markers. These findings shed light on the relationship between IFN treatment and immune activation by chronic viral infections, such as HCV.
Ticks and associated diseases: a retrospective review
Authors: WALKER A. R.
Published: February 2014

This is a retrospective review of contributions to the understanding of ticks and associated diseases published in Medical and Veterinary Entomology since its first issue. It highlights the large and significant changes in the style and conduct of this field over the last 25 years. The selected papers refer to disease‐related categories of host immunity to ticks, population dynamics, pathogen transmission and tick control.
Targeted mutation of Δ12 and Δ15 desaturase genes in hemp produce major alterations in seed fatty acid composition including a high oleic hemp oil
Authors: Bielecka Monika , Kaminski Filip , Adams Ian , Poulson Helen , Sloan Raymond , Li Yi , Larson Tony R. , Winzer Thilo , Graham Ian A.
Published: February 2014

We used expressed sequence tag library and whole genome sequence mining to identify a suite of putative desaturase genes representing the four main activities required for production of polyunsaturated fatty acids in hemp seed oil. Phylogenetic‐based classification and developing seed transcriptome analysis informed selection for further analysis of one of seven Δ12 desaturases and one of three Δ15 desaturases that we designate CSFAD2A and CSFAD3A, respectively. Heterologous expression of corresponding cDNAs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae showed CSFAD2A to have Δx+3 activity, while CSFAD3A activity was exclusively at the Δ15 position. TILLING of an ethyl methane sulphonate mutagenized population identified multiple alleles including non‐sense mutations in both genes and fatty acid composition of seed oil confirmed these to be the major Δ12 and Δ15 desaturases in developing hemp seed. Following four backcrosses and sibling crosses to achieve homozygosity, csfad2a‐1 was grown in the field and found to produce a 70 molar per cent high oleic acid (18:1Δ9) oil at yields similar to wild type. Cold‐pressed high oleic oil produced fewer volatiles and had a sevenfold increase in shelf life compared to wild type. Two low abundance octadecadienoic acids, 18:2Δ6,9 and 18:2Δ9,15, were identified in the high oleic oil, and their presence suggests remaining endogenous desaturase activities utilize the increased levels of oleic acid as substrate. Consistent with this, CSFAD3A produces 18:2Δ9,15 from endogenous 18:1Δ9 when expressed in S. cerevisiae. This work lays the foundation for the development of additional novel oil varieties in this multipurpose low input crop.
Risk Factors and Consequences of Maternal Anaemia and Elevated Haemoglobin Levels during Pregnancy: a Population‐Based Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gaillard Romy , Eilers Paul H. C. , Yassine Siham , Hofman Albert , Steegers Eric A. P. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V.
Published: February 2014

Background

To determine sociodemographic and life style‐related risk factors and trimester specific maternal, placental, and fetal consequences of maternal anaemia and elevated haemoglobin levels in pregnancy.

Methods

In a population‐based prospective cohort study of 7317 mothers, we measured haemoglobin levels in early pregnancy [gestational age median 14.4 weeks (inter‐quartile‐range 12.5–17.5)]. Anaemia (haemoglobin ≤11 g/dl) and elevated haemoglobin levels (haemoglobin ≥13.2 g/dl) were defined according to the WHO criteria. Maternal blood pressure, placental function and fetal growth were measured in each trimester. Data on gestational hypertensive disorders and birth outcomes was collected from hospitals.

Results

Older maternal age, higher body mass index, primiparity and European descent were associated with higher haemoglobin levels (P < 0.05). Elevated haemoglobin levels were associated with increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure throughout pregnancy (mean differences 5.1 mmHg, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.8, 6.5 and 4.1 mmHg, 95% CI 3.0, 5.2, respectively) and with a higher risk of third trimester uterine artery notching (RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0, 1.7). As compared with maternal normal haemoglobin levels, not anaemia, but elevated haemoglobin levels were associated with fetal head circumference, length, and weight growth restriction from third trimester onwards (P < 0.05). Elevated haemoglobin levels were associated with increased risks of gestational hypertensive disorders (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1, 1.8) and adverse birth outcomes (RR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1, 1.7).

Conclusions

In a low‐risk population, various sociodemographic and life style factors affect haemoglobin levels during pregnancy. Elevated haemoglobin levels are associated with increased risks of maternal, placental, and fetal complications.
Laurencia laurahuertana sp. nov. (Rhodomelaceae, Rhodophyta): An epiphytic species from the Mexican Caribbean
Authors: Mateo‐Cid Luz Elena , Mendoza‐González A. Catalina , Sentíes Abel , Díaz‐Larrea Jhoana , Acosta Calderón Julio A.
Published: February 2014

Laurencia laurahuertana Mateo‐Cid, Mendoza‐González, Sentíes & Díaz‐Larrea sp. nov. is described from Quintana Roo, Mexican Caribbean, on the basis of comparative morphology and ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase gene sequence analysis. It is distinguished from other Laurencia species by the small size of the sporophytes and dioecious gametophytes, the branching thalli, and its epiphytic habits. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the Mexican Caribbean sample, from Punta Herrero (Quintana Roo), formed a distinctive and well supported clade segregated from other species of Laurencia from Brazil and Mexico. The Mexican entity is morphologically and genetically distinct from other Laurencia species, warranting description as a new species.
IL‐6/Stat3‐driven pulmonary inflammation, but not emphysema, is dependent on interleukin‐17A in mice
Authors: Ruwanpura Saleela M. , McLeod Louise , Brooks Gavin D. , Bozinovski Steven , Vlahos Ross , Longano Anthony , Bardin Philip G. , Anderson Gary P. , Jenkins Brendan J.
Published: February 2014

Background and objective

Pulmonary emphysema is linked to T cell‐mediated autoimmune inflammation, although the pathogenic role of specific pro‐inflammatory cytokines remains unclear. The Th17 type response, characterized by the production of the cytokine interleukin (IL)‐17A, is modulated in part by the IL‐6/signal transducer and activator of transcription (Stat)3 signalling axis and is associated with numerous autoimmune diseases. We therefore evaluated a causal role for IL‐17A in the IL‐6‐driven gp130F/F mouse model for spontaneous pulmonary inflammation and emphysema.

Methods

The expression of Th17‐related factors was quantified in the lungs of gp130F/F mice and emphysematous patients, and the degree of pulmonary inflammation and emphysema was measured in gp130F/F : Il17a−/− mice by immunohistochemistry, stereology and respiratory mechanics.

Results

In gp130F/F mice, lung gene expression of Il17a and other Th17‐related factors was augmented compared with gp130+/+ (wild‐type), gp130F/F : Il6−/− and gp130F/F : Stat3−/+ mice displaying normalized Stat3 activity and no lung inflammation. Importantly, genetic ablation of Il17a in gp130F/F : Il17a−/− mice prevented lung inflammation; however, emphysema still developed. Additionally, messenger RNA expression of inflammatory genes Cxcl1, Cxcl2, Ccl2 and Tnfα; as well as Il6 and the Stat3‐target gene, Socs3, were upregulated in the lungs of gp130F/F mice compared with gp130F/F : Il17a−/− and gp130+/+ mice. Consistent with these findings, augmented IL17A expression was observed in emphysema patients presenting with inflammation compared with inflammation‐free individuals.

Conclusions

Collectively, our data suggest that the integration of IL‐17A into the IL‐6/Stat3 signalling axis mediates lung inflammation, but not emphysema, and that discrete targeting of IL‐17A may alleviate pulmonary inflammatory‐related diseases.
Origin, evolution and anatomy of silt‐prone submarine external levées
Authors: Morris Emma A. , Hodgson David M. , Brunt Rufus L. , Flint Stephen S.
Published: February 2014

Submarine external levées are constructional features that develop outside slope channel systems, and are a volumetrically significant component of continental margins. However, detailed observations of their process sedimentology and depositional architecture are rare. Extensive exposures of external levées at multiple stratigraphic intervals and well‐constrained palaeogeographic positions in the Fort Brown Formation, Karoo Basin, South Africa, have been calibrated with research boreholes. This integrated data set permits their origin, evolution and anatomy to be considered, including high‐resolution analysis of sedimentary facies distribution and characterization of depositional sub‐environments. An idealized model of the stratigraphic evolution and depositional architecture of external levées is presented, and variations can be attributed to allogenic (for example, sediment supply) and autogenic (for example, channel migration) factors. Initiation of external levée construction is commonly marked by deposition of a basal sand‐rich facies with sedimentary structures indicating rapid deposition from unconfined flows. These deposits are interpreted as frontal lobes. Propagation of the parent channel, and resultant flow confinement, lead to partial erosion of the frontal lobe and development of constructional relief (levées) by flow overspill and flow stripping. Overall fining‐upwards and thinning‐upwards profiles reflect increased flow confinement and/or waning flow magnitude through time. Identification of a hierarchy of levée elements is not possible due to the absence of internal bounding surfaces or sharp facies changes. The down‐slope taper in levée height and increasing channel sinuosity results in increasing numbers of crevasse lobe deposits, and is reflected by the increased occurrences of channel avulsion events down‐dip. External levées from the Fort Brown Formation are silt‐rich; however their stratigraphic evolution and the distribution of many components (such as sediment waves and crevasse lobe) share commonalities with mud‐rich external levées. This unique integrated data set has permitted the first high‐resolution characterization of external submarine levée systems.
Facies and flow regimes of sandstone‐hosted columnar intrusions: Insights from the pipes of Kodachrome Basin State Park
Authors: Ross Jessica A. , Peakall Jeff , Keevil Gareth M.
Published: February 2014

Sandstone‐hosted intrusions are found in a wide variety of environments, but remain poorly understood compared with their mudstone‐hosted counterparts. In particular, they remain largely unrecognized in the subsurface, in part because they are problematic to image in seismic data. This study reports on the facies and fluid flow associated with a 20 000 km3 sandstone intrusion province in Utah, USA. Forming a small portion of this intrusion province, the intrusions cropping out in Kodachrome Basin State Park display a very wide array of facies and morphologies, factors which would make their identification in core a significant challenge. Remobilized sediment is shown to have been injected at least 200 m vertically from its source, with flow prolonged enough to concentrate heavy minerals in placer‐style deposits at the pipe margins. Evidence for lateral pipe migration and for associated broader fluidization regions is also presented. A new approach to estimating flow parameters in injectites is implemented herein, and indicates that previous work has overestimated velocities and flow Reynolds numbers by up to two orders of magnitude. Flow modelling suggests turbulent flow in the pipes that is consistent with field observations of erosive margins and chaotic internal structures. Post‐emplacement, these pipes remained as long‐term fluid conduits, as revealed by their diagenetic history, focussing and facilitating flow of extraformational fluids, despite the relatively high porosity and permeability of the aeolian host strata.
Social neighborhood environment and sports participation among Dutch adults: Does sports location matter?
Authors: Kramer D. , Stronks K. , Maas J. , Wingen M. , Kunst A. E.
Published: February 2014

Studies on the relation between the social neighborhood environment and sports participation have produced inconsistent results. Use of generic sports outcomes may have obscured associations only apparent for sports at certain locations. This study aims to assess the association between the social neighborhood environment and three location‐specific sports outcomes. Repeated cross‐sectional data on sports participation (any type of sports, sports at indoor sports clubs, sports at outdoor sports clubs, sports on streets) were obtained from 20 600 adults using the Dutch national health survey 2006–2009. Data on neighborhood social safety and social capital were obtained using the Dutch Housing Research 2006. Over 40% of Dutch adults participated in any type of sports. Indoor sports clubs were most popular. Multilevel logistic regression analyses revealed that neighborhood social safety was positively associated with sports at indoor sports clubs [odds ratio (OR) = 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.06–1.48), but not with the other sports outcomes. Contrary, neighborhood social capital was positively associated with sports on streets only (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.17–2.44). The results suggest that a positive social neighborhood environment enhances sports participation, but that this impact depends on the location of the sports activity. This study highlights the importance of using location‐specific sports outcomes when assessing environmental determinants.
Early Maternal Depression and Social Skills in Adolescence: A Marginal Structural Modeling Approach
Authors: DeRose Laura M. , Shiyko Mariya , Levey Simone , Helm Jonathan , Hastings Paul D.
Published: February 2014

Early maternal depression is a risk factor that may have adverse effects on adolescent social skills. Although evidence indicates links between early maternal depression and social outcomes during early childhood, whether an association extends to adolescence needs further examination. We tested the possible long‐term association between early maternal depression and adolescent social skills using a national secondary dataset. A secondary objective was to test if maternal parenting at the transition to adolescence mediated the association, with the notion that adverse outcomes of early maternal depression could be ameliorated by positive parenting practices at an important developmental transition. Data were obtained from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development. Marginal structural modeling within the context of structural equation modeling revealed a significant association between early maternal depression and adolescent social skills while controlling for maternal depression during pre‐adolescence and adolescence. Maternal parenting skills partially mediated the association between early maternal depression and mother report of adolescent social skills. These findings have important implications for understanding the link between early maternal depression and adolescent social skills, and for informing parenting practices during pre‐adolescence.
Implementation of a new platelet pooling system for platelet concentrates led to a higher corrected count increment after transfusion: a comparative observational study of platelet concentrates before and after implementation
Authors: Dijkstra‐Tiekstra M. J. , van de Watering L. M. G. , Rondeel J. M. M. , Slomp J. , de Wildt‐Eggen J.
Published: February 2014

Objectives

To study the effect of extended storage of platelet concentrates (PCs) and the implementation of a new platelet pooling system for PCs on corrected count increment (CCI) after transfusion.

Background

Due to new developments and changes in processes or procedures, one should remain alert for the effects of these changes. Besides in vitro studies and validation, in vivo studies are also important, as it has been shown that in vitro results do not always predict in vivo outcomes.

Methods/Materials

After introduction of extended storage of PCs for 5–7 days prepared from five buffy coats and plasma, transfusion monitoring for transfusions of PCs in haemato‐oncological patients was set up. After 9 months, a new pooling system for PCs was implemented, Composelect instead of Optipure PLT, and transfusion monitoring was continued for another 8 months. The CCI was used as primary outcome.

Results

In total, 93 patients were included and transfused with PCs prepared in the Optipure PLT system (262 transfusions) or in the Composelect system (127 transfusions). Extended storage of PCs for 7 days had no significant effect on CCI. Although the implementation of the Composelect system did not influence the CCI1 h (13·8 ± 6·0 vs 13·0 ± 5·8; n.s.), it seemed to have a positive effect on CCI24 h (7·0 ± 4·9 vs 4·7 ± 4·5; P < 0·05).

Conclusion

Although the influence of confounders could not be excluded, it seemed that implementation of the Composelect system for PCs led to an improved CCI24 h and that extended storage of PCs did not influence the CCI.
Strengthening national health laboratories in sub‐Saharan Africa: a decade of remarkable progress
Authors: Alemnji G. A. , Zeh C. , Yao K. , Fonjungo P. N.
Published: February 2014

Objectives

Efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic have underscored the fragile and neglected nature of some national health laboratories in Africa. In response, national and international partners and various governments have worked collaboratively over the last several years to build sustainable laboratory capacities within the continent. Key accomplishments reflecting this successful partnership include the establishment of the African‐based World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa (WHO‐AFRO) Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA); development of the Strengthening Laboratory Management Toward Accreditation (SLMTA) training programme; and launching of a Pan African‐based institution, the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM). These platforms continue to serve as the foundations for national health laboratory infrastructure enhancement, capacity development and overall quality system improvement. Further targeted interventions should encourage countries to aim at integrated tiered referral networks, promote quality system improvement and accreditation, develop laboratory policies and strategic plans, enhance training and laboratory workforce development and a retention strategy, create career paths for laboratory professionals and establish public–private partnerships. Maintaining the gains and ensuring sustainability will require concerted action by all stakeholders with strong leadership and funding from African governments and from the African Union.
TECHNIQUE FOR ULTRASOUND‐GUIDED INTRAARTICULAR CERVICAL ARTICULAR PROCESS INJECTION IN THE DOG
Authors: Levy Matthew , Gaschen Lorrie , Rademacher Nathalie , Bragulla Hermann
Published: February 2014

Ultrasound‐guided intraarticular injection of cervical articular process joints is a well‐established procedure in both humans and horses for neck pain resulting from osteoarthritis, but the technique has not been described in dogs. Aims of this study were to describe the ultrasonographic anatomy and landmarks for cervical articular process joint injections in the dog, develop a technique for articular process joint injections using these landmarks, and determine the accuracy of injections and factors that may influence it. Eleven canine cadavers were used and bilateral joint spaces from C2–3 to C7‐T1 were injected under ultrasound guidance with a blue radiopaque solution. A computed tomographic scan was acquired following each injection, and an injection score was assigned and compared with other patient‐specific factors. Of the 132 injections performed, 110 (83.3%) were intraarticular, 20 (15.1%) were periarticular within 5 mm, and 2 (1.5%) were periarticular beyond 5 mm from the joint. There was no significant difference in mean scores between dogs. Only C2–3 had a significantly lower mean score than any other joint. There was no significant correlation between injection score and any other factors measured. The transverse processes of the cervical vertebrae served as excellent ultrasonographic landmarks for identifying the cervical articular process joints in dogs regardless of the size of the dog or location along the vertebrae. Accuracy of ultrasound‐guided intraarticular process joint injection was 83% in dogs and similar to published techniques in horses. Further studies are needed to examine the safety and efficacy of this procedure in live animals.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS – SEMINOMA CAUSING LIVER COMPRESSION IN A SPUR‐THIGHED TORTOISE (TESTUDO GRAECA)
Authors: Pees Michael , Ludewig Eberhard , Plenz Bastian , Schmidt Volker
Published: February 2014

A 13‐year‐old male spur‐thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) was presented with anorexia, apathy, and prolapse of penile tissue. Ultrasonography revealed a large heterogeneous mass in the coelomic cavity, and fine‐needle aspiration demonstrated sperm. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a sharply defined mass originating from the left testis. Appearance and signal intensities were similar to those reported in testicular neoplasms in humans, in particular sharing similarities with seminomas. Necropsy results and histopathological findings were consistent with a seminoma. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first report of the diagnosis of testicular neoplasia in a reptile using imaging techniques.
Belief, Doubt, and Legitimacy in a Performance System: National Sport Organization Perspectives
Authors: Macris Luke I. , Sam Michael P.
Published: February 2014

With growing governmental involvement in sport, there has been a corresponding demand on national sport organizations (NSOs) to operate within performance measurement systems. In this study, we analyze data from New Zealand to determine NSO officials’ perceptions of (a) their reporting relationship with the central agency (Sport and Recreation New Zealand), and (b) the system of performance contracts (or “investment schedules”). Following Norman (2002), we found differing perceptions regarding the legitimacy of performance systems and three tensions emerged. First, the clarity of focus enabled by performance measurement was tempered by the perception of an ever-changing political environment. Second, NSO officials acted strategically and opportunistically at times, marshalling arguments around performance measures to “capture” their principal. Third, neither trust nor distrust in the system necessarily translated into compliance; some NSOs sought independence from the system. This research speaks to the legitimacy of performance systems, a significant but tenuous element to their sustainability.
Malignancy-associated gastroparesis: an important and overlooked cause of chronic nausea and vomiting
Authors: Kelly Dearbhla , Moran Carthage , Maher Michael , O'Mahony Seamus
Published: February 2014

A 69-year-old woman was referred to a gastroenterology clinic with a 1-year history of protracted nausea and postprandial vomiting. She had a background of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with a significant smoking history. Her laboratory work-up including autoimmune screen, coeliac serology and synacthen test were unremarkable. Upper gastrointestinalendoscopy and CT imaging ruled out mucosal and obstructive causes. Gastric emptying studies demonstrated a delayed gastric emptying consistent with diagnosis of gastroparesis. Concurrently, she underwent a CT of the thorax for unresolved consolidation on her chest X-ray. This revealed a locally advanced primary lung carcinoma. In this context, with all other causes excluded, her gastroparesis was deemed to represent a paraneoplastic phenomenon. Gastroparesis is a frequent, under-recognised and important complication of cancer.
The journey of mesothelioma: from postmortem to FNA
Authors: Gorecka M , Scott J , Casey R , Breen D
Published: February 2014

A 73-year-old man, non-smoker presented with an 8-week history of left-sided chest pain and shortness of breath on exertion. He had no significant medical history. He worked in construction for 40 years, but denied definite asbestos exposure. His initial chest X-ray demonstrated a large left-sided pleural effusion. Subsequent CT thorax revealed circumferential thickening of the pleura with associated pleural plaques and calcification. A provisional diagnosis of mesothelioma was made. Initial ultrasound-guided thoracocentesis revealed a transudate with negative cytology. In addition, thoracoscopy and CT-guided pleural biopsy failed to obtain a definitive diagnosis. A surgical biopsy was planned, but at the time of admission, the patient developed unilateral neck swelling. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and core biopsies of the lymph node were diagnostic for pleural mesothelioma. Treatment with palliative chemotherapy was planned, but the patient's clinical status rapidly deteriorated and he passed away prior to the beginning of therapy.
Branch aggregation and crown allometry condition the precision of randomized branch sampling estimators of conifer crown mass
Authors: Schlecht R.M. , Affleck D.L.R.
Published: February 2014

Characterizations of conifer crown biomass are important for assessing forest fuel loadings, bioenergy supplies, carbon stocks, and growth and yield. There is considerable variation in conifer crown mass, but to guide sampling programs, there is little quantitative information available concerning its structure or extent. This research examines several randomized branch sampling (RBS) strategies adapted for excurrent crown forms, as well as the impact of allometric relationships on their precision. The RBS strategies differ in terms of how primary branches (those attached directly to the bole) are aggregated into selection nodes and are evaluated using destructively sampled Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) and western larch (Larix occidentalis Nutt.) trees. Strong linear relationships between branch mass and basal area improve the precision of RBS relative to simple random sampling. Yet because the sample trees exhibited area-increasing branching patterns, the RBS strategies could not achieve the same precision as two-pass probability proportional-to-size methods. For the same reason, aggregation of branches improved the precision of RBS. For practical reasons, we recommend aggregating branches by 1 m intervals along the stem. This strategy brought the relative standard errors for crown mass below 20% with sample sizes of four to eight branches, with smaller sample sizes yielding this result for more slender trees. We also report results on the variability of branch area and mass, as well as results that recommend against the practice of allocating equal numbers of sample branches to crown strata of equal length.
Dirac quasinormal modes of MSW black holes
Authors: Sebastian Saneesh , Kuriakose V. C.
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we study the Dirac quasinormal modes of an uncharged 2+1 black hole proposed by Mandal et al. and referred to as MSW black hole. The quasinormal mode is studied using WKB approximation method. The study shows that the imaginary part of quasinormal frequencies increases indicating that the oscillations are damping and hence the black hole is stable against Dirac perturbations.
RECONSTRUCTING MULTISETS OVER COMMUTATIVE GROUPOIDS AND AFFINE FUNCTIONS OVER NONASSOCIATIVE SEMIRINGS
Authors: LEHTONEN ERKKO
Published: February 2014

A reconstruction problem is formulated for multisets over commutative groupoids. The cards of a multiset are obtained by replacing a pair of its elements by their sum. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the reconstructibility of multisets are determined. These results find an application in a different kind of reconstruction problem for functions of several arguments and identification minors: classes of linear or affine functions over nonassociative semirings are shown to be weakly reconstructible. Moreover, affine functions of sufficiently large arity over finite fields are reconstructible.
THE DYNAMICS OF NORMS AND CONVENTIONS UNDER LOCAL INTERACTIONS AND IMITATION
Authors: ILLE SEBASTIAN
Published: February 2014

Restricting the analysis to general 2×2 coordination games, this article shows how under certain conditions, it is highly likely that individuals coordinate on a (pay-off) efficient through risk inferior convention. This contrasts with other equilibrium refinement criteria, such as risk dominance or stochastic stability. Here it is assumed that players are situated on a toroidal regular lattice, interact only locally and, in each period, imitate the last period's most successful player in their neighborhood. If the set of observable players by an individual and the set that he interacts with are both identical and small, pay-off dominance plays the major role in defining the long-term convention. As the latter set of players increases, a risk dominant but pay-off inferior convention becomes more likely. The model also shows that the interaction of two player types in a nonsymmetric game potentially leads to nonegalitarian conventions.
A NOTE ON EQUILIBRIA IN A CIRCULAR LOCATION MODEL WITH A SINGLE-PEAKED DISTRIBUTION OF CONSUMERS
Authors: DAVIS KIRSTEN , FRASCATORE MARK
Published: February 2014

We describe a circular location model in which consumers are distributed according to a symmetric, single-peaked distribution function. Optimal location choices are described and it is determined that equilibria are possible only with one or two firms. Firm strategy is also discussed for greater numbers of firms, and it is shown that even out of equilibrium firms tend to choose locations that are symmetric around the point of highest density, and there can be no agglomeration.
STABLE COALITION STRUCTURES UNDER RESTRICTED COALITIONAL CHANGES
Authors: FUNAKI YUKIHIKO , YAMATO TAKEHIKO
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we examine whether farsighted players form the efficient grand coalition structure in coalition formation games. We propose a stability concept for a coalition structure, called sequentially stability, when only bilateral mergers of two separate coalitions are feasible because of high negotiation costs. We provide an algorithm to check the sequential stability of the grand coalition structure as well as sufficient conditions for which the efficient grand coalition structure is sequentially stable. We also illustrate out results by means of common pool resource games and Cournot oligopoly games.
NIKOLAI NIKOLAYEVICH KRASOVSKII: AN EXTRAORDINARY RUSSIAN SCIENTIST
Authors: CHENTSOV A. G.
Published: February 2014

In 2012, the scientific world has lost N.N. Krasovskii, an extraordinary mathematician and mechanician whose works have prominently influenced a number of mathematic fields: differential equations, optimal control, and dynamic games theory. His research had profound effects on the development of mathematical research and education. In addition to his distinguished scientific contributions many of N.N. Krasovskiis disciples are academicians and corresponding members of the Russian Academy of Sciences, doctors and candidates of science, professors and engineers.
Iterated crossed products
Authors: Panaite Florin
Published: February 2014

We define a "mirror version" of Brzeziński's crossed product and we prove that, under certain circumstances, a Brzeziński crossed product D ⊗R,σ V and a mirror version [Formula: see text] may be iterated, obtaining an algebra structure on W ⊗ D ⊗ V. Particular cases of this construction are the iterated twisted tensor product of algebras and the quasi-Hopf two-sided smash product.
On essential extensions of direct sums of either injective or projective modules
Authors: Koşan M. Tamer , Quynh Truong Cong
Published: February 2014

For a ring R, there are classical facts that R is right Noetherian if and only if every direct sum of injective right R-modules is injective, and R is right Noetherian if and only if every essential extension of a direct sum of injective hulls of simple right R-modules is a direct sum of injective right R-modules. In this paper, we prove that R is right Noetherian if and only if every essential extension of a direct sum of injective hulls of simple right R-modules is a direct sum of either injective right R-modules or projective right R-modules.
Characterizations of left orders in left Artinian rings
Authors: Bavula V. V.
Published: February 2014

Small (1966), Robson (1967), Tachikawa (1971) and Hajarnavis (1972) have given different criteria for a ring to have a left Artinian left quotient ring. In this paper, three more new criteria are given.
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOMECHANICAL APPROACH FOR HUMAN FINGER MOVEMENT: MODELING, SIMULATION AND EXPERIMENTAL VALIDATION
Authors: ALLOUCH SAMAR , YOUNÈS RAFIC , BOUDAOUD SOFIANE , KHALIL MOHAMAD
Published: February 2014

The work presented in this paper deals with the description of an analytic modeling of the neuromusculoskeletal system responsible for the finger movement. This simulation task is complex due to the interacting processes (physiological and biomechanical) represented by muscles, joints and bones. In this study, we focused on the presentation of a complete model for the finger motion decomposed in quasi-static positions. In fact, this model can be considered as a preliminary step before dynamic modeling. The proposed model is composed of several compartments: biomechanical finger model, mechanical muscle model and muscle/neural activation model. The main objective of this study is to estimate, by inverse procedure, the muscle forces, muscle activations and neural activations that are responsible for generating a given finger movement decomposed in successive quasi-static positions. The anatomical model contains six muscles which control the decomposed movement of the three joints of the system. To estimate the model unknowns, an optimization technique is proposed for improving robustness to initial conditions and physiological reliability. After, an experimental protocol for recording surface electromyogram (sEMG) data, from three extrinsic muscles, according to specific finger positions is applied on five subjects to evaluate the model reliability.

From analysis of the obtained results, both in simulation and experiment, the presented model seems to be able to mimic, in a realistic way, the finger movement decomposed in quasi-static positions. Finally, results, model limitations and further developments are discussed.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SURFACE-FUNCTIONALIZATION OF SILICA-COATED MAGNETITE NANOPARTICLES FOR DRUG DELIVERY
Authors: ZHANG CONG-WANG , ZENG CHANG-CHUN , XU YING
Published: February 2014

Fe 3 O 4– SiO 2 core–shell structure nanoparticles containing magnetic properties were investigated for their potential use in drug delivery. The Fe 3 O 4– SiO 2 core–shell structure nanoparticles were successfully synthesized by a simple and convenient way. The Fe 3 O 4– SiO 2 nanoparticles showed superparamagnetic behavior, indicating a great application potential in separation technologies. From the application point of view, the prepared nanoparticles were found to act as an efficient drug carrier. Specifically, the surface of the core–shell nanoparticles was modified with amino groups by use of silane coupling agent 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTS). Doxorubicin (DOX) was successfully grafted to the surface of the core–shell nanoparticles after the decoration with the carboxyl acid groups on the surface of amino-modified core–shell structure nanoparticles. Moreover, the nanocomposite showed a good drug delivery performance in the DOX-loading efficiency and drug release experiments, confirming that the materials had a great application potential in drug delivery. It is envisioned that the prepared materials are the ideal agent for application in medical diagnosis and therapy.
MECHANOCHEMICAL SYNTHESIS OF NiO NANOPARTICLES: INSIGHT INTO THE NATURE OF PREFERRED GROWTH ORIENTATION
Authors: LI XIAOYU , FU LIANGJIE , LIU TIANCHENG , YANG HUAMING
Published: February 2014

Nickel oxide ( NiO ) nanoparticles were synthesized by calcination at 400°C to 700°C for 8 h of the precursor obtained via mechanochemical reaction of Ni ( NO 3)2 ⋅ 6 H 2 O with citric acid as a dispersant. The nanoparticles were characterized by thermogravimetric-differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The kinetics of different surfaces of the nanocrystals under nonisothermal conditions was investigated. The activation energies for different lattice planes of NiO nanoparticles were determined using the Arrhenius equation, revealing their preferred orientation. The growth of NiO obeyed the general theory that nanoparticles with the largest surface energy tend to form. XRD data reveal that the NiO nanoparticles possess preferred (111) or (200) orientations that reflect their complex activity. The nature of preferred growth orientation was found to be negative diffusion activity among different lattice surfaces, which indicates that oxygen atoms diffuse from low oxygen concentration on the lattice surface to high concentration on the lattice surface.
ENHANCED-MOBILITY ORGANIC FIELD-EFFECT TRANSISTORS FABRICATED UNDER SOLVENT VAPOR ATMOSPHERE
Authors: GUI HAIYANG , ZHU ZONGPENG , WEI BIN , WANG JUN
Published: February 2014

Solvent vapor atmosphere is introduced for solution-evaporated poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) formation in fabricating organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). As changing the solvent vapor atmosphere, prominent influences on the assemblies of P3HT nanowires during solidification were represented, leading to the difference in nanostructure morphologies. We demonstrated that the device fabricated under anisole solvent vapor atmosphere is superior in electrical performance to that of the devices fabricated under other conditions. In this process, anisole solvent vapor atmosphere transparently facilitated one-dimensional (1D) self-assembly through π–π stacking interaction among the P3HT units during solidification.
Highly-sensitive, fast hydrogen sensing employing Pt-coated TiO2 nanotube arrays
Authors: Chen Kansong , Xie Kun , Feng Xinran , Tian Han , Hu Rui , Li Yang , Gu Haoshuang
Published: February 2014

Highly ordered TiO 2 nanotube arrays were fabricated by anodization in an ethylene glycol solution containing NH 4 F . A pair of platinum electrodes was deposited on the surface of the nanotube layer to fabricate a Pt / TiO 2 nanotube arrays hydrogen sensor. The subject sensors exhibited a seven order of magnitude change in resistance with a response time of 13 s at room temperature upon exposure to 2000 ppm (parts per million) hydrogen. We investigated the hydrogen response of the Pt / TiO 2 sensors as a function of the length of the nanotubes and compared their activity with that of a reference film.
Time dependence and mechanism of Au nanostructure transformation during annealing
Authors: Kvítek Ondřej , Konrád Peter , Švorčík Václav
Published: February 2014

Melting point of thin nanostructured materials decreases with decreasing particle size. This can influence thermal stability of thin films used in electronic applications and compromise their function. Therefore it is desirable to explore connection between metal film thickness and its thermal stability. Thin films of Au were sputtered for 10–300 s (2–60 nm thick layers). Post deposition annealing was carried out at 150–300°C for 15–180 min. Sheet electrical resistance measurements were employed to investigate electrical continuousness of the Au film. A significant leap in percolation threshold was found between samples annealed at 250°C and 300°C. This suggests that phase transition occurs during annealing, however, annealing for different times suggests the structural modification is a gradual and slow process, which is a sign of diffusion in a solid state. This was further supported by UV–Vis measurements which showed slow evolution of plasmon resonance peak. Convincing direct evidence of the surface morphology evolution was obtained by AFM microscopy.
TOUGHNESS AND DEGREE CONDITION FOR FRACTIONAL ID-k-FACTOR-CRITICAL GRAPHS
Authors: YUAN YUAN , SUN ZHIREN
Published: February 2014

A graph G is fractional independent-set-deletable k-factor-critical if G-I has a fractional k-factor for every independent set I of G. In this paper, we prove that if |V(G)| ≥ k + 2, [Formula: see text] and t(G) ≥ k2 + 6k, then G is fractional ID-k-factor-critical.