bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Of Buddhism and Militarism in Northern Thailand: Solving the Puzzle of the Saint Khruubaa Srivichai
Authors: Bowie Katherine A.
Published: July 2014

A growing body of scholarship on Buddhism is exploring the historical role of warfare and militarism. Buddhist polities have generally exempted monastic communities from military conscription and taxation. Although the monk Khruubaa Srivichai (1878–1938) is revered as a saint in northern Thailand today, during his lifetime he was detained under temple arrest on multiple occasions. He was sent to Bangkok in 1920 and 1935 to face charges that ranged from conducting unauthorized ordinations to treason. For the controversies he generated, the media of the day called him “that puzzling monk.” Prevailing scholarship has explained the controversies as the result of conflicts internal to the Thai monastic order. In this essay, I argue that the puzzle posed by Srivichai is solved by recognizing the importance of changing policies regarding military conscription, changes which sought to restrict the traditional rights of the northern population to ordain and expanded state access to manpower.
A graphomorphemic approach to identifying and selecting a set of high utility, stable affixes common to the technical vocabulary of science
Authors: NELLENBACH KRISTIN , ZOSKI JENNIFER , DIAMOND JOY , ERICKSON KAREN
Published: July 2014

Adolescents often learn science vocabulary through reading. This vocabulary is frequently characterized by multisyllabic words derived from Greek and Latin roots. While most adolescents have acquired the decoding skills to read these multisyllabic words, many students, particularly those with disabilities, cannot engage in independent word learning because they lack the skills to decode these multisyllabic words. Graphomorphemic elements of words, including affixes, support effective decoding and can eventually support word learning. This article describes an approach used to identify the most frequently occurring, stable affixes within science words so that they could be used in “big word” decoding instruction. To illustrate the approach, a subset of high frequency science words and a list of high utility, stable affixes are provided.
The will to mobility: life-space satisfaction and distress in people with dementia who live alone
Authors: LLOYD BARBARA TERESA , STIRLING CHRISTINE
Published: July 2014

Increasing numbers of people with dementia reside in single-person households, yet little is known of their experiences and priorities. This exploratory Australian study elicited perceptions of seven people with dementia living alone, regarding their domestic environment and its surroundings. The general aim was to identify unmet service needs in this vulnerable population. Drawing upon the theoretical concepts of ‘the will to mobility’ and ‘life-space’, we identified four factors of particular salience to our respondents. These were access to public space, social distance and proximity, changing meanings of space and objects, and imaginative co-presence. Participants provided useful insights into a soon-to-be-common scenario in which increased numbers of people with dementia will be living without a resident carer. The findings have implications for the development of more personalised and targeted dementia care in the domestic setting, more inclusive public planning and more extensive public education programmes.
Response to Howard and Walters
Authors: Lynch Marc
Published: July 2014

Political scientists did fail to predict the precise timing and nature of the outbreak of the Arab uprisings. They, however, did not miss the realities of rising social discontent, institutional degradation, economic struggles, and political stalemates. The literature generally concluded that authoritarian Arab regimes had proven their ability to survive such challenges, and retained sufficient capabilities and strategies to overcome their potential challengers. The survival of most Arab regimes in the face of protests and the resurgence of the old regime in Egypt suggest the continuing relevance of attention to the power of these authoritarian structures. There are a wide range of vital new research questions currently being explored, such as the intensity and rapid diffusion of protest across borders, the variation in the political choices by militaries, the distinctive resilience of monarchies, and the post-uprising struggles to consolidate new institutional orders. Overall, however, the response of Middle East specialists in political science should be viewed as a success story rather than a failure.
Selective glycerol transformations to high value-added products catalysed by aluminosilicate-supported iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Gonzalez-Arellano Camino , De Sudipta , Luque Rafael
Published: July 2014

Conversion of glycerol to cyclic acetals and to mono-, di- and triacetylglycerides was investigated using a supported iron oxide nanoparticle system of a mesoporous aluminosilicate heterogeneous catalyst (Fe/Al-SBA-15).
Response of discharge, TSS, and E. coli to rainfall events in urban, suburban, and rural watersheds
Authors: Chen H. J. , Chang H.
Published: July 2014

Understanding dominant processes influencing microorganism responses to storm events aids in the development of effective management controls on pathogen contamination in surface water so that they are suitable for water supply, recreation, and aquatic habitat.
Li3.33Cu1.005Ti4.665O12/CuO composite with P4332 space group for Li-ion batteries: synergistic effect of substituting and compositing
Authors: Lin Chunfu , Lai Man On , Zhou Henghui , Lu Li
Published: July 2014

Li3.33Cu1.005Ti4.665O12 with P4332 space group composited with CuO was fabricated and exhibits a small potential hysteresis and high rate performance.
“The green side of the moon: ecofriendly aspects of organoselenium chemistry”
Authors: Santoro Stefano , Azeredo Juliano B. , Nascimento Vanessa , Sancineto Luca , Braga Antonio L. , Santi Claudio
Published: July 2014

Key aspects for the development of a greener synthesis and the use of the organoselenium compounds.
Establishing Healthy Chest Register in Child Singers
Authors: Wilson Arboleda Barbara M.
Published: July 2014

Historically, teaching children to utilize their chest voice in singing has been actively discouraged. These admonitions arise from assumed rather than scientifically based conclusions regarding the anatomical and physiological differences between children and adults. Chest voice singing is both an enjoyable and functional activity for children. The general lack of distinction children have between speaking and singing and their readiness to incorporate new motor patterns—for better or worse—make them ideally suited for age-appropriate training. In this article, the controversy regarding children's use of chest register will be reviewed along with relevant information about anatomy and physiology. Updated information regarding the impact of training on children will be illuminated and a framework for implementing chest voice training will be presented.
Load angle estimation for two‐phase hybrid stepping motors
Authors: Derammelaere Stijn , Debruyne Colin , De Belie Frederik , Stockman Kurt , Vandevelde Lieven
Published: July 2014

Stepping motors are often used for low‐power open‐loop positioning. In conventional stepping motor drives, a step rate or speed is imposed. To avoid step loss in open‐loop, most stepping motors are driven at maximum current resulting in a poor energy efficiency. However, when position feedback is available, the drive current can be optimised. A position sensor adds costs and complexity to the system. Therefore, rotor position estimators are developed, often referred to as sensorless controllers. A drawback in some of these methods is the requirement of information on the mechanical load which is usually not available or varies over time. In this study, an alternative estimator is proposed, based on the load angle between the current excitation vector and the instantaneous rotor flux position. This load angle reflects the capability of the system to follow the speed setpoint and gives an indication of the robustness to torque disturbances. Therefore the load angle estimation is interesting to provide feedback to a controller which adapts the drive current. Here, an estimator is proposed solely based on electrical motor parameters and electrical measurements. The algorithm, based on a sliding discrete Fourier transformation, is applicable with the typical full‐, half‐ and micro‐stepping drive algorithms. Finally, measurement results validate the estimation algorithm.
Fracture of the Coronoid Process Associated with Frontosphenoidal Fractures
Authors: Baliga Mohan , Baptist Joanna
Published: July 2014

Coronoid process fractures are rarely encountered, commonly undiagnosed, usually asymptomatic, and most commonly treated conservatively, hence very little written about. We present two cases of coronoid process fractures with associated frontosphenoidal injuries.
Tales from the Thousand Lakes: Placing the Creative Network of Metal Music in Finland
Authors: Makkonen Teemu
Published: July 2014

Music in general and the music industry in particular have been understudied subjects in the field of geography. The relatively scarce amount of literature on music industries has concentrated its attention on companies operating inside the industry, and on popular music. There is a gap in the knowledge on the networking processes of individuals inside the music industry and the geographical dynamics of music genres. Thus, as a point of departure, this study focuses on the creative individuals of a distinct music genre: namely, the bands and artists of the Finnish metal music genre, owing to the genre's international recognition and its importance in the Finnish economy and society. According to the analysis the metal bands in Finland tend to cluster in the largest cities. There are, however, some exceptions—very small municipalities (in terms of population) with a fair number of metal bands. Still, the capital Helsinki is the most prominent cluster of metal music in Finland. A further social network analysis reveals that the metal music cluster of Helsinki has a network of short average path length and a high degree of clustering. In other words, the members of the network function in close collaboration with each other. This notion was also verified by mapping the joint-career path of the most prolific (connected) individuals inside the network.
The Development of Trade Blocs in an Era of Globalisation
Authors: Kohl Tristan , Brouwer Aleid E
Published: July 2014

This study investigates the economic geography of international trade during the period 1950–2005. We introduce a new trade bloc variable that relies on the intramax hierarchical clustering technique to identify endogenous trade blocs with annual trade flows. Multivariate analysis with gravity-equation-based variables is used to explain how mechanisms of globalisation have affected trade patterns over the past half century. In particular, proximity and economic integration agreements are key to explaining the persistence of region-based trade blocs in a globalising world economy.
Effects of concentrate proportion and protein supplementation on performance of growing and finishing crossbred bulls fed a whole-crop barley silage-based diet
Authors: Pesonen M. , Joki-Tokola E. , Huuskonen A.
Published: July 2014

A 2 × 3 factorial design was used to study the effects of concentrate proportion and protein supplementation on performance of growing and finishing bulls fed a whole-crop barley silage (WCBS)-based diet. A feeding experiment comprised 30 crossbred bulls with average initial liveweight of 315 kg. The bulls were offered WCBS ad libitum. The two concentrate proportions were 200 and 400 g/kg diet dry matter (DM). The concentrate used was (1) rolled barley, (2) rolled barley plus rapeseed meal or (3) rolled barley plus urea-based supplement. The crude protein (CP) content of rolled barley was 119 g/kg DM and both protein supplements were given so that the CP content of the concentrate was raised to 170 g/kg DM. The final liveweight of the bulls was 669 kg, on average, and it was not affected by dietary treatments. The dietary treatments had no effects on total DM intake of the bulls (8.91 kg/day). However, the increasing concentrate proportion increased energy intake (P < 0.05), carcass gain (P < 0.01) and dressing proportion (P < 0.05) and improved carcass conformation (P < 0.05). Protein supplementation had no effects on energy intake, carcass gain, dressing proportion or carcass conformation but it tended to increase carcass fat score (P = 0.06) compared to the bulls fed without protein supplementation. Overall, the results indicate that there is no reason to use protein supplementation for growing and finishing bulls more than 300-kg liveweight when they are fed with good quality whole-crop barley silage and barley-based concentrate.
Experimental Study on the Cleavage Fracture Behavior of an ASTM A285 Grade C Pressure Vessel Steel
Authors: Savioli Rafael G. , Ruggieri Claudio
Published: July 2014

This work addresses an experimental investigation on the cleavage fracture behavior of an ASTM A285 Grade C pressure vessel steel. One purpose of this study is to enlarge previously reported work on mechanical and fracture properties for this class of steel to provide a more definite database for use in structural and defect analyses of pressurized components, including pressure vessels and storage tanks. Another purpose is to determine the reference temperature, T0, derived from the Master curve methodology which defines the dependence of fracture toughness with temperature for the tested material. Fracture toughness testing conducted on single edge bend SE(B) specimens in three-point loading extracted from an A285 Grade C pressure vessel steel plate provides the cleavage fracture resistance data in terms of the J-integral and crack tip opening displacement (CTOD) at cleavage instability, Jc and δc. Additional tensile and conventional Charpy tests produce further experimental data which serve to characterize the mechanical behavior of the tested pressure vessel steel. The experimental results reveal a strong effect of specimen geometry on Jc and δc-values associated with large scatter in the measured values of cleavage fracture toughness. Overall, the present investigation, when taken together with previous studies, provides a fairly extensive body of experimental results which describe in detail the fracture behavior of an ASTM A285 Grade C pressure vessel steel.
Radial Deformation Frequency Effect on the Three-Dimensional Flow in the Cylinder Wake
Authors: Aissa Mohamed , Bouabdallah Ahcène , Oualli Hamid
Published: July 2014

In the current paper, the three-dimensional air flow evolution around a circular cylinder is studied. The main aim is to control the flow field upstream and downstream of a circular cylinder by means of radial deformation. Within a particular step, one focuses on the response of the topological structures, which is developing in the cylinder near wake to applied pulsatile motion. Furthermore, a special care is considered to the aerodynamics forces behavior in adjusting the applied controlling strategy. The used controlling frequency range extends from f = 1fn = 17 Hz to f = 6fn = 102.21 Hz, which corresponds to a series of multiharmonic frequency varying from one to six times the natural vortex shedding frequency (VSF) in none forced wake. Throughout this work, the forcing amplitude is fixed at 16% of cylinder diameter and the Reynolds number as Re = 550. Through Fluent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code and Matlab simulations, the obtained results showed a good accordance with the calculated ones.
Assisting and Opposing Combined Convective Heat Transfer and Nanofluids Flows Over a Vertical Forward Facing Step
Authors: Mohammed H. A. , Hussein Omar A.
Published: July 2014

Numerical simulations of two-dimensional (2D) laminar mixed convection heat transfer and nanofluids flows over forward facing step (FFS) in a vertical channel are numerically carried out. The continuity, momentum, and energy equations were solved by means of a finite volume method (FVM). The wall downstream of the step was maintained at a uniform wall heat flux, while the straight wall that forms the other side of the channel was maintained at constant temperature equivalent to the inlet fluid temperature. The upstream walls for the FFS were considered as adiabatic surfaces. The buoyancy assisting and buoyancy opposing flow conditions are investigated. Four different types of nanoparticles, Al2O3, CuO, SiO2, and ZnO with different volumes' fractions in the range of 1–4% and different nanoparticle diameters in the range of 25–80 nm, are dispersed in the base fluid (water) are used. In this study, several parameters, such as different Reynolds numbers in the range of 100 < Re < 900, and different heat fluxes in the range of 500 ≤ qw ≤ 4500 W/m2, and different step heights in the range of 3 ≤ S ≤ 5.8 mm, are investigated to identify their effects on the heat transfer and fluid flow characteristics. The numerical results indicate that the nanofluid with SiO2 has the highest Nusselt number compared with other nanofluids. The recirculation region and the Nusselt number increase as the step height, Reynolds number, and the volume fraction increase, and it decreases as the nanoparticle diameter increases. This study has revealed that the assisting flow has higher Nusselt number than opposing flow.
Cold Metal Transfer Joining of Aluminum AA6061-T6-to-Galvanized Boron Steel
Authors: Cao R. , Sun J. H. , Chen J. H. , Wang Pei-Chung
Published: July 2014

Along with the development of automobile industry for lightweight vehicles, more and more advanced and ultrahigh strength steels (e.g., hot stamping steel) have been used for automotive applications. Making use of the high strength steels not only reduces the vehicle weight and air emissions but also improves crash safety. Meanwhile, aluminum alloys are one of the lightest structural materials, and they have been widely used in automotive industry due to their many attractive properties such as low density, high specific strength along with good damping capacity. Since both hot stamping steel and aluminum alloys are being widely used for automotive applications, joining of hot stamping steel to aluminum alloys is inevitable. In this study, the feasibility of joining aluminum alloy AA6061-T6 to galvanized boron steel by cold metal transfer (CMT) method using AA4043 filler metal was investigated. The microstructures and chemical compositions of the welded lap joints were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), while the static strengths of the joints were measured. Test results showed that a sound weld-brazed joint which consisted of rich zinc zone, reaction interface zone, weld metal zone and fusion zone was formed. The phases and thickness of the reaction layers were analyzed and identified. In addition, the strength of CMT weld-brazed aluminum AA6061-T6 to galvanized boron steel depends on the torch deviation (i.e., distance between the welding torch and the edge of the weld seam). The joints fabricated with a deviation distance of 2 mm had greater strength than that of the joints made a deviation distance of 0 mm. Finally, the effect of temperature exposure of hot stamping on the weldability of CMT joining of joining aluminum AA6061-T6 to galvanized boron steel was investigated. It was found that the surface of galvanized boron steel was severely oxidized after heat treatment process and consequently reduced the weldability in CMT joining AA6061-T6 and galvanized boron steel.
SU‐E‐T‐330: To Analyze the Calculation Error of Live Dose‐Volume Indices Applying 4D‐CT in Radiotherapy for PTVs Within the Liver Completely
Authors: Gong G , Liu C , Yin Y
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To study the variation rule of normal liver dose‐volume indices calculation for the liver malignancy patients whose plan target volumes were in the liver completely in all breath phases.

Methods:

Ten patients who accepted radiotherapy for malignant tumor were selected in our study. All patients underwent 4D‐CT simulation and 3D‐CT simulation in free breathing(FB). 4D‐CT was sorted into 10 series CT images according to breath phase, named CT0, CT10 to CT90, respectively. And GTVs were contoured on different CT series, and the individual target volume(ITV) was obtained by merging 10 GTVs from 4D‐CT. The PTVs were obtained from ITV applying margins. The PTVs were not beyond the boundary of liver in all breath phase observed by dynamic 4D‐CT. The radiotherapy plans were designed and irradiation dose was calculated on 3D‐CT images, and the livers were contoured on different series CT images and mapped to 3D‐CT images applying rigid registration. To compare the dose‐volume difference of livers based on distinct CT images.

Results:

(1)The liver volumes were similar on 4D‐CT and 3D‐CT images(CTFB 1485±500cm3, CT0 1413±377cm3, CT10 1409±396cm3, CT20 1419±418cm3,CT30 1485±500cm3, CT40 1438±392cm3, CT50 1437±404cm3, CT60 1439±409cm3, CT70 1408±393cm3, CT80 1384±397cm3, CT90 1398±397cm3; F=0.064,p=1.00) (2) The PTVs volume were 30.17±14.62cm3;(3) The mean dose and V5 to V10 of liver were similar among 4D‐CT different series CT images(p>0.05), and the indices varied less than ±4% refer to liver on CT50.

Conclusion:

The calculation affection of liver dose‐volume indices induced by breath motion were not significant for the PTV within liver completely as estimation before. And more objective prediction indices for radiation induced l
SU‐E‐T‐332: TomoTherapy Patient Treatment Delivery QA Utilizing Phantom‐Less Exit‐Detector Patient Delivery Coupled with Monte Carlo Dose Calculations: Validation
Authors: Handsfield L , Jones R , Siebers J , Read P , Chen Q
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To describe and validate a pre‐treatment end‐to‐end patient dose verification system for TomoTherapy capable of detecting plan transfer, dose calculation, and plan delivery errors and evaluating the dosimetric impact of those errors.

Methods:

The MCLogQA method for TomoTherapy utilizes a pre‐treatment Monte Carlo (MC) dose calculation, post‐delivery log file examination and exit‐detector based MLC sinogram comparison to confirm intended machine performance. The delivered leaf sinogram is then used with MC for dose reconstruction to evaluate the dosimetric impact of any delivery discrepancies by examining target and OAR DVH metrics. A traditional phantom/ion chamber‐based QA plan was created and delivered for ten randomly selected patients to evaluate the accuracy of the MCLogQA algorithms. The ion chamber dose measurements were compared with MC dose calculated using the log file and exit detector data collected during the delivery. Delivered linac output and MLC opening deviations found using the MCLogQA method are reported for 10 patients.

Results:

The MCLogQA reconstructed dose agreed with ion chamber measurements within 1%, while the planned dose deviated from measurement by 2‐5%. Analysis of the 10 patients treatment delivery demonstrated that the output during TomoTherapy delivery can vary by approximately 2%. Although patient plans vary from ‐0.6% to 1.6%, the MLC leaf errors were consistent across fractions for the same patient (excluding one patient). The MCLogQA methods capability of evaluating the impact of deliver errors on patient geometry is demonstrated.

Conclusion:

The agreement of MC dose calculations utilizing measured delivered sinograms with ion chamber measurements validates the delivered sinogram based QA method. Our system QAs the on‐patient TPS dose computation via MC dose recalculation. Plan transfer and delivery errors are validated by using measured delivered sonograms. Patient dose affects are validated by dose volume metric comparison. Our procedure is an effective and efficient alternative to traditional phantom‐based TomoTherapy plan specific QA.

Research supported by Funding Opportunity Number CMS‐1C1‐12‐0001 from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and have not been approved by the Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
SU‐E‐T‐351: Verification of Monitor Unit Calculation for Lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy Using a Secondary Independent Planning System
Authors: Tsuruta Y , Nakamura M , Nakata M , Miyabe Y , Akimoto M , Ono T , Mukumoto N , Ishihara Y , Matsuo Y , Higashimura K , Mizowaki T , Hiraoka M
Published: July 2014

Purpose:

To compare isocenter (IC) dose between X‐ray Voxel Monte Carlo (XVMC) and Acuros XB (AXB) as part of an independent verification of monitor unit (MU) calculation for lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) using a secondary independent treatment planning system (TPS).

Methods:

Treatment plans of 110 lesions from 101 patients who underwent lung SBRT with Vero4DRT (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., Japan, and BrainLAB, Feldkirchen, Germany) were evaluated retrospectively. Dose distribution was calculated with X‐ray Voxel Monte Carlo (XVMC) in iPlan 4.5.1 (BrainLAB, Feldkirchen, Germany) on averaged intensity projection images. A spatial resolution and mean variance were 2 mm and 2%, respectively. The clinical treatment plans were transferred from iPlan to Eclipse (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA, USA), and doses were recalculated with well commissioned AXB ver. 11.0.31 while maintaining the XVMC‐calculated MUs and beam arrangement. Dose calculations were made in the dose‐to‐medium dose reporting mode with the calculation grid size of 2.5 mm. The mean and standard deviation (SD) of the IC dose difference between XVMC and AXB were calculated. The tolerance level was defined as |mean|+2SD. Additionally, the relationship between IC dose difference and the size of planning target volume (PTV) or computed tomography (CT) value of internal target volume (ITV) was evaluated.

Results:

The mean±SD of the IC dose difference between XVMC and AXB was −0.32±0.73%. The tolerance level was 1.8%. Absolute IC dose differences exceeding the tolerance level were observed in 3 patients (2.8%). There were no strong correlations between IC dose difference and PTV size (R=−0.14) or CT value of ITV (R=−0.33).

Conclusion:

The present study suggested that independent verification of MU calculation for lung SBRT using a secondary TPS is useful.
Lifestyle Modification Decreases Arterial Stiffness in Overweight and Obese Men: Dietary Modification vs. Exercise Training
Authors: Maeda Seiji , Zempo-Miyaki Asako , Sasai Hiroyuki , Tsujimoto Takehiko , So Rina , Tanaka Kiyoji
Published: July 2014

Obesity and increased arterial stiffness are independent risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Arterial stiffness is increased in obese individuals than in age-matched nonobese individuals. We demonstrated that dietary modification and exercise training are effective in reducing arterial stiffness in obese persons. However, the differences in the effect on arterial stiffness between dietary modification and exercise training are unknown. The purpose of the current study was to compare the effect of dietary modification and aerobic exercise training on arterial stiffness and endothelial function in overweight and obese persons. Forty-five overweight and obese men (48 ± 1 year) completed either a dietary modification (well-balanced nutrient, 1680 kcal/day) or an exercise-training program (walking, 40–60 min/day, 3 days/week) for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, all participants underwent anthropometric measurements. Arterial stiffness was measured based on carotid arterial compliance, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and endothelial function was determined by circulating level of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and nitric oxide metabolite (nitrites/nitrate as metabolite: NOx). Body mass and waist circumference significantly decreased after both intervention programs. Weight loss was greater after dietary modification than after exercise training (-10.1 ± 0.6 kg vs. -3.6 ± 0.5 kg, p < .01). Although arterial stiffness and the plasma levels of ET-1 and NOx were improved after dietary modification or exercise training, there were no differences in those improvements between the 2 types of interventions. Exercise training improves arterial function in obese men without as much weight loss as after dietary modification.
Assessment of Physical Demands and Fluid Balance in Elite Female Handball Players During a 6-Day Competitive Tournament
Authors: Cunniffe Brian , Fallan Carissa , Yau Adora , Evans Gethin H. , Cardinale Marco
Published: July 2014

Little data exists on drinking behavior, sweat loss, and exercise intensity across a competitive handball tournament in elite female athletes. Heart rate (HR), fluid balance and sweat electrolyte content were assessed on 17 international players across a 6-day tournament involving 5 games and 2 training sessions played indoors (23 ± 2 °C, 30 ± 2% relative humidity). Active play (effective) mean HR was 155 ± 14 bpm (80 ± 7.5% HRmax) with the majority of time (64%) spent exercising at intensities >80% HRmax. Mean (SD) sweat rates during games were 1.02 ± 0.07 L · h-1 and on 56% of occasions fluid intake matched or exceeded sweat loss. A significant relationship was observed between estimated sweat loss and fluid intake during exercise (r2 = .121, p = .001). Mean sweat sodium concentration was 38 ± 10 mmol · L-1, with significant associations observed between player sweat rates and time spent exercising at intensities >90% HRmax (r2 = .181, p = .001). Fluid and electrolyte loss appear to be work rate dependent in elite female handball players, whom appear well capable of replacing fluids lost within a tournament environment. Due to large between-athlete variations, a targeted approach may be warranted for certain players only.
Oxidative Stress Markers After a Race in Professional Cyclists
Authors: Córdova Alfredo , Sureda Antoni , Albina María L. , Linares Victoria , Bellés Montse , Sánchez Domènec J.
Published: July 2014

The aim was to determine the levels and activities of the oxidative stress markers in erythrocytes, plasma, and urine after a flat cyclist stage. Eight voluntary male professional trained-cyclists participated in the study. Exercise significantly increased erythrocyte, leukocyte, platelet, and reticulocyte counts. The exercise induced significant increases in the erythrocyte activities of catalase (19.8%) and glutathione reductase (19.2%), while glutathione peroxidase activity decreased significantly (29.3%). Erythrocyte GSSG concentration was significantly increased after exercise (21.4%), whereas GSH was significantly diminished (20.4%). Erythrocyte malondialdehyde levels evidenced a significant decrease 3 h after finishing the stage (44.3%). Plasma malondialdehyde, GSH and GSSG levels significantly decreased after 3 hr recovery (26.8%, 48.6%, and 31.1%, respectively). The exercise significantly increased the F2-isoprostane concentration in urine from 359 ± 71 pg/mg creatinine to 686 ± 139 pg/mg creatinine. In conclusion, a flat cycling stage induced changes in oxidative stress markers in erythrocytes, plasma, and urine of professional cyclists. Urine F2-isoprostane is a more useful biomarker for assessing the effects of acute exercise than the traditional malondialdehyde measurement.
Social Agents’ Influence on Self-Perceived Good and Bad Behavior of American Youth Involved in Sport: Developmental Level, Gender, and Competitive Level Effects
Authors: Martin Eric M. , Ewing Martha E. , Gould Daniel
Published: July 2014

Significant social agents are thought to play a vital role in youth development (Brustad, Babkes, & Smith, 2001). The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) commissioned a nationwide survey to examine the effect significant social agents had on youth sport behavior. In Phase I, initial data were collected and results were published in the Journal of Coaching Education (2011). The results of the previous analyses were largely descriptive, and further analyses were desired. Therefore, the current study (Phase II) is a secondary but more in-depth data analysis of the initial data collected by the USADA. Phase II analyses (n = 3379, Mage = 12.23, SD = 2.78) revealed that youth sport coaches have the greatest positive influence on youth followed closely by parents, but all of the significant social agents, to different extents, were seen as more positive than negative by youth. Results varied by developmental level, gender, and competitive level. Results, limitations, and practical implications are discussed.
Endoscopic CO(2) Laser Horizontal Partial Laryngectomy in Larynx Carcinosarcoma
Authors: Ciorba Andrea , Bianchini Chiara , Iannini Valeria , Faita Antonio , Bianchini Enzo , Stomeo Francesco , Pelucchi Stefano , Pastore Antonio
Published: July 2014

Background.Carcinosarcoma is an extremely rare malignant neoplasm, with both a malignant epithelial and mesenchymal component, that rarely affects the larynx.Aim.Aim of this paper is to describe the case of a patient affected by a larynx carcinosarcoma treated by endoscopic horizontal partial laryngectomy with CO(2) laser and particularly discuss the histogenetic hypothesis as well as the possible treatment modalities of this rare lesion.Methods.Case report and literature review.Discussion and Conclusion.Still little is known about the biology of carcinosarcoma and there is still no consensus in the literature on the treatment of these tumors. Endoscopic horizontal partial laryngectomy could represent another treatment option in selected cases.
Activation Effects of Polysaccharides ofFlammulina velutipesMycorrhizae on the T Lymphocyte Immune Function
Authors: Yan Zheng-Fei , Liu Nai-Xu , Mao Xin-Xin , Li Yu , Li Chang-Tian
Published: July 2014

Flammulina velutipesmycorrhizae have increasingly been produced with increasing ofF. velutipesproduction. A mouse model was thus used to examine potential effect ofF. velutipesmycorrhizae on the immune function. Fifty female Wistar mice (5-weeks-old) weighed 15–20 g were randomly allocated into five groups. Polysaccharide ofF. velutipesmycorrhizae were treated with mice and mice spleen lymphocytes. The levels of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+T lymphocyte, interleukin-2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-α) were determined. The results showed that the proportions of CD3+, and CD4+T lymphocyte, the ratio of CD4+/CD8+, and the levels of IL-2 and TNF-a were significantly increased in polysaccharide ofF. velutipesmycorrhizae, while the proportion of CD8+T lymphocyte was decreased in polysaccharide ofF. velutipesmycorrhizae-dose dependent manner. Our findings indicated that a long term exposure of polysaccharide ofF. velutipesmycorrhizae could activate the T lymphocyte immune function. Polysaccharide ofF. velutipesmycorrhizae was expected to develop into the immune health products.
Management of Fibrosis: The Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Breakthrough
Authors: Usunier Benoît , Benderitter Marc , Tamarat Radia , Chapel Alain
Published: July 2014

Fibrosis is the endpoint of many chronic inflammatory diseases and is defined by an abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix components. Despite its slow progression, it leads to organ malfunction. Fibrosis can affect almost any tissue. Due to its high frequency, in particular in the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, many studies have been conducted to find satisfactory treatments. Despite these efforts, current fibrosis management therapies either are insufficiently effective or induce severe adverse effects. In the light of these facts, innovative experimental therapies are being investigated. Among these, cell therapy is regarded as one of the best candidates. In particular, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have great potential in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. The value of their immunomodulatory effects and their ability to act on profibrotic factors such as oxidative stress, hypoxia, and the transforming growth factor-β1 pathway has already been highlighted in preclinical and clinical studies. Furthermore, their propensity to act depending on the microenvironment surrounding them enhances their curative properties. In this paper, we review a large range of studies addressing the use of MSCs in the treatment of fibrotic diseases. The results reported here suggest that MSCs have antifibrotic potential for several organs.
An Integrated Model for Simulating Regional Water Resources Based on Total Evapotranspiration Control Approach
Authors: Wang Jianhua , Sang Xuefeng , Zhai Zhengli , Liu Yang , Zhou Zuhao
Published: July 2014

Total evapotranspiration and water consumption (ET) control is considered an efficient method for water management. In this study, we developed a water allocation and simulation (WAS) model, which can simulate the water cycle and output different ET values for natural and artificial water use, such as crop evapotranspiration, grass evapotranspiration, forest evapotranspiration, living water consumption, and industry water consumption. In the calibration and validation periods, a “piece-by-piece” approach was used to evaluate the model from runoff to ET data, including the remote sensing ET data and regional measured ET data, which differ from the data from the traditional hydrology method. We applied the model to Tianjin City, China. The Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (Ens) of the runoff simulation was 0.82, and its regression coefficientR2was 0.92. The Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (Ens) of regional total ET simulation was 0.93, and its regression coefficientR2was 0.98. These results demonstrate that ET of irrigation lands is the dominant part, which accounts for 53% of the total ET. The latter is also a priority in ET control for water management.
Cardiometabolic Risk Assessments by Body Mass Indexz-Score or Waist-to-Height Ratio in a Multiethnic Sample of Sixth-Graders
Authors: Kahn Henry S. , El ghormli Laure , Jago Russell , Foster Gary D. , McMurray Robert G. , Buse John B. , Stadler Diane D. , Treviño Roberto P. , Baranowski Tom , HEALTHY Study Group
Published: July 2014

Convention defines pediatric adiposity by the body mass indexz-score (BMIz) referenced to normative growth charts. Waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) does not depend on sex-and-age references. In the HEALTHY Study enrollment sample, we compared BMIz with WHtR for ability to identify adverse cardiometabolic risk. Among 5,482 sixth-grade students from 42 middle schools, we estimated explanatory variations (R2) and standardized beta coefficients of BMIz or WHtR for cardiometabolic risk factors: insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipids, blood pressures, and glucose. For each risk outcome variable, we prepared adjusted regression models for four subpopulations stratified by sex and high versus lower fatness. For HOMA-IR,R2attributed to BMIz or WHtR was 19%–28% among high-fatness and 8%–13% among lower-fatness students.R2for lipid variables was 4%–9% among high-fatness and 2%–7% among lower-fatness students. In the lower-fatness subpopulations, the standardized coefficients for total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol and triglycerides tended to be weaker for BMIz (0.13–0.20) than for WHtR (0.17–0.28). Among high-fatness students, BMIz and WHtR correlated with blood pressures for Hispanics and whites, but not black boys (systolic) or girls (systolic and diastolic). In 11-12 year olds, assessments by WHtR can provide cardiometabolic risk estimates similar to conventional BMIz without requiring reference to a normative growth chart.
Identifying the Gene Signatures from Gene-Pathway Bipartite Network Guarantees the Robust Model Performance on Predicting the Cancer Prognosis
Authors: He Li , Wang Yuelong , Yang Yongning , Huang Liqiu , Wen Zhining
Published: July 2014

For the purpose of improving the prediction of cancer prognosis in the clinical researches, various algorithms have been developed to construct the predictive models with the gene signatures detected by DNA microarrays. Due to the heterogeneity of the clinical samples, the list of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) generated by the statistical methods or the machine learning algorithms often involves a number of false positive genes, which are not associated with the phenotypic differences between the compared clinical conditions, and subsequently impacts the reliability of the predictive models. In this study, we proposed a strategy, which combined the statistical algorithm with the gene-pathway bipartite networks, to generate the reliable lists of cancer-related DEGs and constructed the models by using support vector machine for predicting the prognosis of three types of cancers, namely, breast cancer, acute myeloma leukemia, and glioblastoma. Our results demonstrated that, combined with the gene-pathway bipartite networks, our proposed strategy can efficiently generate the reliable cancer-related DEG lists for constructing the predictive models. In addition, the model performance in the swap analysis was similar to that in the original analysis, indicating the robustness of the models in predicting the cancer outcomes.
The Roles of CD73 in Cancer
Authors: Gao Zhao-wei , Dong Ke , Zhang Hui-zhong
Published: July 2014

Purinergic signaling has emerged as an important player in cancer progression and is regulated by a series of nucleotidases. Among the enzyme cascade, CD73, which catelyzes AMP breakdown to adenosine, has been found to be overexpressed in many types of cancer. Various factors and mechanisms are employed to regulate expression of CD73. Accumulating studies have shown that CD73 is a key regulatory molecule of cancer cells proliferation, migration and invasionin vitro, tumor angiogenesis, and tumor immune escapein vivo. With such important roles in cancer, CD73 has become an appealing therapy target. Recent evidences in mice models demonstrated that targeted blockade of CD73 could be a favorable therapeutic approach for cancer patients in the future. In this review, we will summarize the multiple roles of CD73 in cancer development, including its clinical significance, its promotive effects on tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis, and its suppressive effects on immune response, regulatory mechanisms of CD73 expression, and current situation of anti-CD73 cancer therapy.
Syndrome Differentiation of Diabetes by the Traditional Chinese Medicine according to Evidence‐Based Medicine and Expert Consensus Opinion
Authors: Guo Jing , Chen Hongdong , Song Jun , Wang Jia , Zhao Linhua , Tong Xiaolin
Published: July 2014

In Chinese medicine, diabetes belongs to the category of “Xiaoke disease (disease with symptoms of frequent drinking and urination)”; in the traditional sense, its pathogenesis is “Yin deficiency and dryness‐heat.” However, over time, changes in the social environment and lifestyle have also changed the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in diabetes. In this study, we performed diabetes syndrome differentiation using TCM according to evidence‐based medicine and expert consensus opinion.
Depletion of Arginine by Recombinant Arginine Deiminase Induces nNOS-Activated Neurotoxicity in Neuroblastoma Cells
Authors: Lin Shan-Erh , Wu Fe-Lin Lin , Wei Ming-Feng , Shen Li-Jiuan
Published: July 2014

The abnormal regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) is associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Recombinant arginine deiminase (rADI) is a selective NO modulator of iNOS and eNOS in endothelial cells, and it also exhibits neuroprotective activity in an iNOS-induced neuron-microglia coculture system. However, the effect of rADI on nNOS remains unknown. Addressing this issue is important for evaluating the potential application of rADI in neurodegenerative diseases. SH-SY5Y cells were treated withN-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) to activate nNOS. NMDA increased NO production by 39.7 ± 3.9% via nNOS under arginine-containing conditions, but there was no significant increase in both arginine-free and rADI pretreated arginine-containing (citrulline) buffer. Subsequently, neither NMDA nor rADI alone caused cytotoxicity, whereas cotreatment with NMDA and rADI resulted in dissipation of the cell mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased cell viability. The mechanism of rADI cytotoxicity in the presence of NMDA is caused by the inhibition of NO production via nNOS mediated by the NMDA receptor, which was abolished when extracellular arginine was absent, even in the presence of citrulline. rADI not only reduced NO production but also caused cellular toxicity in nNOS-activated SH-SY5Y cells, suggesting a dual role for rADI in NOS-mediated neurotoxicity.
Concomitant Urothelial Cancer and Renal Tuberculosis
Authors: Chin Sheray N. , Foster Tanya , Char Gurendra , Garrison Audene
Published: July 2014

We report a case of coexisting urothelial cancer and renal tuberculosis in the same kidney. The patient is a 72-year-old female with a remote history of treated pulmonary tuberculosis who presented with haematuria, initial investigation of which elucidated no definitive cause. Almost 1 year later, a diagnosis of metastatic urinary tract cancer was made. The patient received chemotherapy for advanced collecting duct type renal cell carcinoma, based on histological features of renal biopsy. Subsequent confirmatory immunostains however led to a revised diagnosis of urothelial cancer, necessitating a change in chemotherapy regimen. A diagnosis of ipsilateral renal tuberculosis was made based on TB-PCR testing of renal biopsy tissue and anti-TB therapy was coadministered with chemotherapy. The patient died 9 months after diagnosis of metastatic urothelial cancer.
PPI Network Analysis of mRNA Expression Profile of Ezrin Knockdown in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wu Bingli , Xie Jianjun , Du Zepeng , Wu Jianyi , Zhang Pixian , Xu Liyan , Li Enmin
Published: July 2014

Ezrin, coding protein EZR which cross-links actin filaments, overexpresses and involves invasion, metastasis, and poor prognosis in various cancers including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). In our previous study, Ezrin was knock down and analyzed by mRNA expression profile which has not been fully mined. In this study, we applied protein-protein interactions (PPI) network knowledge and methods to explore our understanding of these differentially expressed genes (DEGs). PPI subnetworks showed that hundreds of DEGs interact with thousands of other proteins. Subcellular localization analyses found that the DEGs and their directly or indirectly interacting proteins distribute in multiple layers, which was applied to analyze the shortest paths between EZR and other DEGs. Gene ontology annotation generated a functional annotation map and found hundreds of significant terms, especially those associated with cytoskeleton organization of Ezrin protein, such as “cytoskeleton organization,” “regulation of actin filament-based process,” and “regulation of actin cytoskeleton organization.” The algorithm of Random Walk with Restart was applied to prioritize the DEGs and identified several cancer related DEGs ranked closest to EZR. These analyses based on PPI network have greatly expanded our comprehension of the mRNA expression profile of Ezrin knockdown for future examination of the roles and mechanisms of Ezrin.
Antenatal Diagnosis of Alobar Holoprosencephaly
Authors: Raman Rajesh , Mukunda Jagadesh Geetha
Published: July 2014

A twenty-year-old second gravida presented to the department of radiodiagnosis for routine obstetric ultrasound examination. Ultrasonography revealed a live fetus of 17 weeks with absent falx, fused thalami, monoventricle, proboscis, and cyclopia. Fetal MRI was performed and the findings were confirmed. Even though ultrasonography is diagnostic in the detection of fetal anomalies, MRI plays a vital role due to its multiplanar capability and excellent soft tissue resolution. The importance of presenting this classical case of alobar holoprosencephaly is to sensitize the clinicians and radiologists to the imaging manifestations of holoprosencephaly and to stress the importance of early diagnosis. If diagnosed in utero at an early stage of pregnancy, termination can be performed and maternal psychological trauma of bearing a deformed fetus can be avoided.