bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical analysis of the effect of congruence, depth and radius on the stability ratio of a simplistic ‘ball-and-socket’ joint model
Authors: Ernstbrunner L. , Werthel J-D. , Hatta T. , Thoreson A. R. , Resch H. , An K-N. , Moroder P.
Published: October 2016

Objectives

The bony shoulder stability ratio (BSSR) allows for quantification of the bony stabilisers in vivo. We aimed to biomechanically validate the BSSR, determine whether joint incongruence affects the stability ratio (SR) of a shoulder model, and determine the correct parameters (glenoid concavity versus humeral head radius) for calculation of the BSSR in vivo.

Methods

Four polyethylene balls (radii: 19.1 mm to 38.1 mm) were used to mould four fitting sockets in four different depths (3.2 mm to 19.1mm). The SR was measured in biomechanical congruent and incongruent experimental series. The experimental SR of a congruent system was compared with the calculated SR based on the BSSR approach. Differences in SR between congruent and incongruent experimental conditions were quantified. Finally, the experimental SR was compared with either calculated SR based on the socket concavity or plastic ball radius.

Results

The experimental SR is comparable with the calculated SR (mean difference 10%, sd 8%; relative values). The experimental incongruence study observed almost no differences (2%, sd 2%). The calculated SR on the basis of the socket concavity radius is superior in predicting the experimental SR (mean difference 10%, sd 9%) compared with the calculated SR based on the plastic ball radius (mean difference 42%, sd 55%).

Conclusion

The present biomechanical investigation confirmed the validity of the BSSR. Incongruence has no significant effect on the SR of a shoulder model. In the event of an incongruent system, the calculation of the BSSR on the basis of the glenoid concavity radius is recommended. Cite this article: L. Ernstbrunner, J-D. Werthel, T. Hatta, A. R. Thoreson, H. Resch, K-N. An, P. Moroder. Biomechanical analysis of the effect of congruence, depth and radius on the stability ratio of a simplistic ‘ball-and-socket’ joint model. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:453–460. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.510.BJR-2016-0078.R1.
Estórias Portugal-África: concepção de um espaço digital de partilha
Authors: Soares Francisco , Cruz Maria Teresa
Published: October 2016

Um dos traços mais marcantes da cultura digital contemporânea é a constante partilha de memórias e experiências, vividas ou imaginadas. A presença ubíqua das redes sociais, associada a um desenvolvimento frenético do software e das aplicações que permitem captar e transmitir as mais variadas mensagens, alterou o modo como nos confrontamos com as imagens e narrativas que vão constituindo a memória cultural da nossa sociedade. Este artigo enquadra teoricamente e apresenta o projeto de investigação artística Estórias: Portugal-África que pretende responder a estes processos através da produção de um arquivo digital sobre experiências de entrosamento entre Portugal e África com raíz em histórias individuais, familiares e comunitárias, de migrações e cruzamentos culturais, provenientes da época colonial ou dos fenómenos pós-coloniais da miscigenação cultural e da afro-descendência. Neste texto, reflete-se em torno das dinâmicas transculturais possibilitadas pelos media, pelas redes de informação, pelas indústrias culturais e pelas artes contemporâneas mobilizadas por este projeto.
Tightrope walking towards maximising secondary uses of digitised health data: a qualitative study.
Authors: Robertson Ann R R , Smith Pam , Sood Harpreet , Cresswell Kathrin , Nurmatov Ulugbek Nurmatov , Sheikh Aziz
Published: October 2016

Background Timely progress with attaining benefits from Health Information Technology (HIT) investments requires UK policymakers and others to negotiate challenges in developing structures and processes to catalyse the trustworthy secondary uses of HIT-derived data.Aims We aimed to uncover expert insights into perceived barriers and facilitators for maximising safe and secure secondary uses of HIT-derived data in the UK.Methods We purposively selected individuals from a range of disciplines in the UK and abroad to participate in a thematically analysed, semi-structured interview study.Results We identified a main theme of ‘tightrope walking’ from our interviews (n = 23), reflecting trying to balance different stakeholders’ views and priorities, with sub-themes of ‘a culture of caution’, ‘fuzzy boundaries’ and ‘cultivating the ground’. The public interest concept was fundamental to interviewees’ support for secondary uses of HIT-derived data. Small scale and prior collaborative relationships facilitated progress. Involving commercial companies, improving data quality, achieving proportionate governance and capacity building remained challenges.Conclusions One challenge will be scaling up data linkage successes more evident internationally with regional population datasets. Within the UK, devolved nations have the advantage that ‘small scale’ encompasses national datasets. Proportionate governance principles developed in Scotland could be more widely applicable, while lessons on public engagement might be learned from Western Australia. A UK policy focus now should be on expediting large-scale demonstrator projects and effectively communicating their findings and impact. Progress could be jeopardised if national data protection laws were superseded by any Europen Union-wide regulation governing personal data.
Migranten, Recht und Identität
Authors: Feldman-Savelsberg Pamela
Published: October 2016

Wie gelingt es afrikanischen Migrantenmüttern in Deutschland, Zugehörigkeit zu erwerben? Pamela Feldman-Savelsberg zeigt, mit welcher Kraft diese Frauen Netzwerke bauen, die Grundsteine ihrer Identität werden: Hier tauschen sie Geschichten aus, die Leitlinien zur Überwindung vieler Hindernisse bieten und gleichzeitig zu einem rechtlichen Bewusstsein, einer Orientierung gegenüber den Behörden und den Regeln des Staates und der NRO beitragen. Anhand von inter-individuellen Besonderheiten wird zudem die Vielfalt afrikanischer Migration und der Gründung afro-deutscher Familien veranschaulicht.
ESTUDIO FICOLÓGICO Y BACTERIOLÓGICO DE UNA LAGUNA URBANA DE USO RECREATIVO (SANTA FE, ARGENTINA)
Authors: Polla Wanda Marina , Bainotti María Fernanda , Novoa Martín David
Published: October 2016

La laguna urbana Parque “Juan de Garay” es un espacio recreativopara los habitantes de la ciudad de Santa Fe. Se realizaron muestreosen cinco sitios de la laguna en cada estación del año registrando: pro-fundidad, oxígeno disuelto, transparencia del agua, temperatura, pH,conductividad eléctrica, nutrientes e iones; fitoplancton y bacterias.Se identificaron y cuantificaron muestras bacteriológicas medianteel recuento de microorganismos aerobios y anaerobios facultativos ymesófilos viables (RAT). Se identificaron 86 especies fitoplanctónicas,la mayor riqueza se observó en Chlorophyceae y Bacillariophyceaey mayor densidad en Cyanobacteria y Chlorophyceae. La mayor ri-queza específica y densidad fitoplanctónica se observó durante la es-tación primaveral. Los análisis bacterianos no registraron coliformesfecales ni Escherichia coli. El valor de saprobiedad determinó nivel β(beta–mesosaprobio), donde el agua presentó contaminación mo-derada y la presencia de grupos algales como Chlorophyceae, Cya-nobacteria y Bacillariophyceae. El diagnóstico permitió identificar enqué estado de saprobiedad está la laguna urbana “Parque Juan deGaray” y obtener información útil para el mejor manejo de éste siste-ma, posterior a su restauración en el 2009.
Substitution and Haplotype Diversity Analysis on The Partial Sequence of The Mitochondrial DNA Cyt b of Indonesian Swamp Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)
Authors: Sukri Akhmad , Amin Mohamad , Winaya Aris , Gofur Abdul
Published: October 2016

This research aims to investigate the substitution pattern of nucleotide base and haplotype diversity of Indonesian swamp buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) based on the mitochondrial DNA cyt b partial gene sequence. 17 samples were chosen from 7 different regions with each uniquely represents Indonesian biogeography which comprise Aceh, Riau, Madiun, Blitar, Lombok, South Borneo and Tana Toraja. The result of cyt b gene sequence alignment showed the presence of transition and transversion substitutions and the absence of insertion and deletion. The amount of transitions was found to be higher than that of transversions and the amount of substitution in pyrimidine was also higher than that in purine. The highest amount of transitions happened in base TàC which is a silent substitution. The result of median joining network analysis showed that Indonesian haplotype Bubalus bubalis could be classified into 16 haplotypes which form different haplogroups unique to their geographical region. The result of median joining network analysis also indicated that the genetic relationships of swamp buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) in Indonesia are highly influenced by their geographical locations.
Venous Myocardial Infarction in an Infant with Obstructed Totally Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Drainage and Coronary Sinus Ostial Atresia
Authors: Prasad Deepa , Strainic James P. , Pandya Khyati , Kouretas Peter C. , Ashwath Ravi C.
Published: October 2016

We report a rare causal association between obstructed supracardiac totally anomalous pulmonary venous drainage and coronary sinus ostial atresia. Our 12-week-old patient developed venous myocardial infarction secondary to coronary venous hypertension because her sole route of coronary venous drainage was obstructed. She recovered after the obstruction was relieved by balloon dilation. Surgical repair then included anastomosis of the pulmonary venous confluence to the left atrium, ligation of the vertical vein, and unroofing of the coronary sinus. Coronary sinus ostial atresia is rarely diagnosed before autopsy.
Long-Term Follow-Up Study of Temporary Tricuspid Valve Detachment as Approach to VSD Repair without Consequent Tricuspid Dysfunction
Authors: Lucchese Gianluca , Rossetti Lucia , Faggian Giuseppe , Luciani Giovanni B.
Published: October 2016

Temporary tricuspid valve detachment improves the operative view of certain congenital ventricular septal defects (VSDs), but its long-term effects on tricuspid valve function are still debated.

From 2002 through 2012, we performed a prospective study of 68 children (mean age, 1.28 ± 1.01 yr) who underwent transatrial closure of VSDs following temporary tricuspid valve detachment. Sixty patients had conoventricular and 8 had mid-muscular VSDs. All were in sinus rhythm. Seventeen patients had systemic pulmonary artery pressures. Preoperative echocardiograms showed trivial-to-mild tricuspid regurgitation in 62 patients and tricuspid dysplasia with severe regurgitation in 6 patients. Patients were clinically and echocardiographically monitored at 30 postoperative days, 3 months, 6 months, every 6 months thereafter for the first 2 years, and then once a year.

No in-hospital or late death was observed at the median follow-up evaluation of 5.9 years. Mean intensive care unit and hospital stays were 1.6 ± 1.1 and 7.3 ± 2.7 days, respectively. Residual small VSDs occurred in 3 patients, and temporary atrioventricular block in one. After VSD repair, 62 patients (91%) had trivial or mild tricuspid regurgitation, and 6 moderate. Five of these last had severe tricuspid regurgitation preoperatively and had undergone additional tricuspid valve repair during the procedure. The grade of residual tricuspid regurgitation remained stable postoperatively, and no tricuspid stenosis was documented. All patients were in New York Heart Association class I at follow-up.

Temporary tricuspid valve detachment is a simple and useful method for a complete visualization of certain VSDs without incurring substantial tricuspid dysfunction.
Long-Term Survival on Medical Therapy Alone after Blunt-Trauma Aortic Regurgitation: Report of a New Case with Summary of 95 Others
Authors: Tsugu Toshimitsu , Murata Mitsushige , Mahara Keitaro , Iwanaga Shiro , Fukuda Keiichi
Published: October 2016

Aortic regurgitation resulting from blunt chest trauma has been reported only 95 times, to our knowledge. The noncoronary and right coronary cusps are the cardiac structures most often injured. Although the aortic leaflets can appear to be undamaged after nonpenetrating trauma, they can have pathologic abnormalities and insufficient function. Some cases of posttraumatic aortic regurgitation progress slowly. Aortic valve replacement is the optimal treatment. We present the case of a then-62-year-old man who has lived more than 5 years after blunt-trauma aortic regurgitation. His is the only case of long-term survival on medical therapy alone among the 96 cases summarized in this report.
Incidence, Predictors, and Impact of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation after Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting in Military Veterans
Authors: Omer Shuab , Cornwell Lorraine D. , Bakshi Ankur , Rachlin Eric , Preventza Ourania , Rosengart Todd K. , Coselli Joseph S. , LeMaire Scott A. , Petersen Nancy J. , Pattakos Greg , Bakaeen Faisal G.
Published: October 2016

Little is known about the frequency and clinical implications of postoperative atrial fibrillation in military veterans who undergo coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). We examined long-term survival data, clinical outcomes, and associated risk factors in this population.

We retrospectively reviewed baseline, intraoperative, and postoperative data from 1,248 consecutive patients with similar baseline risk profiles who underwent primary isolated CABG at a Veterans Affairs hospital from October 2006 through March 2013. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of postoperative atrial fibrillation. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate long-term survival (the primary outcome measure), morbidity, and length of hospital stay.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred in 215 patients (17.2%). Independent predictors of this sequela were age ≥65 years (odds ratios [95% confidence intervals], 1.7 [1.3–2.4] for patients of age 65–75 yr and 2.6 [1.4–4.8] for patients >75 yr) and body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 (2.0 [1.2–3.2]). Length of stay was longer for patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation than for those without (12.7 ± 6.6 vs 10.3 ± 8.9 d; P ≤0.0001), and the respective 30-day mortality rate was higher (1.9% vs 0.4%; P=0.014). Seven-year survival rates did not differ significantly.

Older and obese patients are particularly at risk of postoperative atrial fibrillation after CABG. Patients who develop the sequela have longer hospital stays than, but similar long-term survival rates to, patients who do not.
How Serious Is Threat of Radiological Terrorism?
Authors: Kuna Pavel , Hon Zdeněk , Patočka Jiří
Published: October 2016

Radiological terrorism (radioterrorism) is the deliberate use of radiological weapons. These weapons use radioactive materials to disperse and emit ionizing radiation. There are two classes of radiological weapons – radiological dispersal devices (RDD) and radiation emission devices (RED). These weapons would no cause massive numbers of dead. In most radiological attack scenarios, only few people may die immediately or shortly after exposure to the ionizing radiation. Nevertheless, many people could develop cancer within several years to decade after the radiological weapon attack. Such attack might spur panic and result in high economic costs because of the need for decontamination and possible tearing down and reconstruction of contaminated structures. Thus, radiological weapons may be considered rather weapons of mass disruption than weapons threating of human life.
A Study of Intima Media Thickness and Their Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Mazlan Sadhanah Aqashiah , bin Mohamed Said Mohd Shahrir , Hussein Heselynn , binti Shamsuddin Khadijah , Shah Shamsul Azhar , Basri Hamidon
Published: October 2016

Introduction: Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory arthritis associated with Psoriasis. Its recognition as an inflammatory disease distinct from Rheumatoid Arthritis has put forward for consideration several questions regarding its specific CVS mortality and morbidity (9, 11, 16, 26). Carotid intima media thickness is a useful surrogate and sensitive marker to determine atherosclerosis even in its subclinical stages (6, 14, 22, 27, 32). Objective: Prevalence of carotid intima media thickness in patients with Psoriatic arthritis is unknown in Asian population. We aim to identify the presence of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with psoriatic arthritis and disease activity association and its predictors in a series of patients with PsA attended to the rheumatology clinic, tertiary hospitals. Methods: A total of 63 patients with PsA who fulfilled the CASPAR criteria were recruited from UKM Medical Centre and Hospital Putrajaya. Common carotid intima media thickness (IMT) was measured in both right and left carotid artery by using high resolution B-mode ultrasound. This was a cross sectional study first done in Malaysia for PsA patients. Results: The positive IMT (IMT >1.00 mm) among PsA was observed in 10 out of 63 patients (15.9 %) regardless of background cardiovascular risk. The mean±SD of IMT was 0.725 ±0.260 mm for this study. Variables significantly associated with positive IMT (p<0.05) included age at the time of study (p=0.005), waist circumference (p=0.001), Hypertension (p=0.007), Diabetes (p=0.002) and Metabolic syndrome (p=0.001) and not associated with gender, ethnicity, duration of PsA disease, pattern of PsA, disease activity and severity. Above all, only age had positive IMT independent predictor (p=0.032), with OR 1.116; 95 % CI (1.010–1.234). Conclusions: There was a significant association between CVS risk and positive Intima Media Thickness in Psoriatic Arthritis patients. Otherwise, there was no association in disease activity, disease severity and DMARDS therapy with positive Intima Media Thickness in Psoriatic Arthritis patients. The study was approved by Research and Ethics Committee of the faculty of medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia with project code FF-114-2008 and by Community Research Center (CRC) of National Institutes of Health (NIH) for the case study in Hospital Putrajaya with the project code NMRR-08- 970-2125.
Preterm Premature Rupture of the Membranes and Genital Mycoplasmas
Authors: Kacerovský Marian , Pavlovský Michal , Tošner Jindřich
Published: October 2016

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of cervical colonization by genital mycoplasmas in patients with preterm premature rupture of the membranes (PPROM). Method: We studied 225 women between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation with PPROM. Cervical swabs were obtained for genital mycoplasmas and standard vaginal smears of bacterial culture were performed at the time of patients’ admission. In the control group were 225 women with a normal pregnancy. Results: Ureaplasma urealyticum was detected in 68 % (152/225) and Mycoplasma hominis was detected in 28 % (63/225) of the patients with PPROM between 24 and 36 weeks of gestation and. In the control group Ureaplasma urealyticum was found in 17 % (38/225) and Mycoplasma hominis in 15 % (35/225) pregnant women. Conclusion: Our results provide evidence of an association between cervical colonization with genital mycoplasmas and preterm premature rupture of the membranes.
Towards a new paradigm in laboratory medicine: the five rights
Authors: Plebani Mario
Published: October 2016

A body of evidence collected in the last few decades demonstrates that the pre- and post-analytical phases of the testing cycle are more error-prone than the analytical phase. However, the paradigm of errors and quality in laboratory medicine has been questioned, analytical mistakes continuing to be a major cause of adverse clinical outcomes and patient harm. Although the brain-to-brain concept is widely recognized in the community of laboratory professionals, there is lack of clarity concerning the inter-relationship between the different phases of the cycle, interdependence between the pre-analytical phase and analytical quality, and the effect of the post-analytical steps on the quality of ultimate laboratory information. Analytical quality remains the “core business” of clinical laboratories, but laboratory professionals and clinicians alike should never lose sight of the fact that pre-analytical variables are often responsible for erroneous test results and that quality biospecimens are pre-requisites for a reliable analytical phase. In addition, the pressure for expert advice on test selection and interpretation of results has increased hand in hand with the ever-increasing complexity of tests and diagnostic fields. Finally, the data on diagnostic errors and inappropriate clinical decisions made due to delay or misinterpretation of laboratory data underscore the current need for greater collaboration at the clinical-laboratory interface.
Utilisation of maternal health services by adolescent mothers in Kenya: analysis of the demographic health survey 2008–2009
Authors: Banke-Thomas Oluwasola , Banke-Thomas Aduragbemi , Ameh Charles Anawo
Published: October 2016

Background:

Many Kenyan adolescents die following pregnancy and childbirth complications. Maternal health services (MHS) utilisation is key to averting such poor outcomes. Our objectives were to understand the characteristics of adolescent mothers in Kenya, describe their MHS utilisation pattern and explore factors that influence this pattern.

Methods:

We collected demographic and MHS utilisation data of all 301 adolescent mothers aged 15–19 years included in the Kenya Demographic Health Survey 2008/2009 (KDHS). Descriptive statistics were used to characterise them and their MHS utilisation patterns. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to test associations between selected predictor variables and MHS utilisation.

Findings:

Eighty-six percent, 48% and 86% of adolescent mothers used ante-natal care (ANC), skilled birth attendance (SBA) and post-natal care (PNC), respectively. Adolescent mothers from the richest quintile were nine (CI=2.00–81.24, p=0.001) and seven (CI=3.22–16.22, p<0.001) times more likely to use ANC and SBA, respectively, compared to those from the poorest. Those with primary education were four (CI=1.68–9.64, p<0.001) and two (CI=0.97–4.81, p=0.043) times more likely to receive ANC and SBA, respectively, compared to uneducated mothers, with similar significant findings amongst their partners. Urban adolescent mothers were six (CI=1.89–32.45, p=0.001) and four (CI=2.00–6.20, p<0.001) times more likely to use ANC and SBA, respectively, compared to their rural counterparts. The odds of Maasai adolescent mothers using ANC was 90% (CI=0.02–0.93, p=0.010) lower than that of Kalenjin mothers.

Conclusions:

Adolescent MHS utilisation in Kenya is an inequality issue. To address this, focus should be on the poorest, least educated, rural-dwelling adolescent mothers living in the most disadvantaged communities.
Sustainability of the results of a non communicable diseases prevention program among youth in the region of Sousse, Tunisia
Authors: Zammit Nawel , Maatoug Jihene , Ghammam Rim , Raoudha Kebaili , Lamia Boughammoura , Mustafa Al’Absi , Harry Lando , Ghannem Hassen
Published: October 2016

Introduction:

Implementation of a healthy lifestyle at an early age is described as a successful intervention to prevent non communicable diseases. However, successful programs are not necessarily sustainable. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a 1-year sustainability of a 3-year comprehensive intervention conducted to promote a healthy lifestyle among schoolchildren.

Materials and methods:

A cohort study of 204 schoolchildren enrolled in middle schools was conducted after a quasi-experimental study in the region of Sousse, Tunisia. The survey lasted 1 year. An exposed group (n=105) was selected from the intervention group and the not-exposed group (n=99) was selected from the control group. The exposition was the intervention. The same questionnaire used at pre-intervention and post-intervention was self-administered to collect data about tobacco use, physical activity and eating habits. The biometric measurements were taken by trained medical doctors at schools.

Results:

After 1 year of follow-up, none of participants became smokers in the exposed group. However, in the not-exposed group five (5.1%) participants became smokers. The proportion of schoolchildren who experimented with tobacco for the first time increased insignificantly by 2.9% (p=0.77) in the exposed group versus a significant increase by 11.1% (p=0.001) in the not-exposed group. Concerning the recommended physical activity practice, fast food and fried food consumption and overweight, there were no significant changes in the two groups.

Conclusion:

A 3-year non communicable diseases prevention program has limited sustainable effects among schoolchildren in the short-term. Its repetition or a continued program through multisectoral actions is required.
A Novel Technique for Maximum Power Point Tracking of a Photovoltaic Based on Sensing of Array Current Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS)
Authors: El-Zoghby Helmy M. , Bendary Ahmed F.
Published: October 2016

Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is now widely used method in increasing the photovoltaic (PV) efficiency. The conventional MPPT methods have many problems concerning the accuracy, flexibility and efficiency. The MPP depends on the PV temperature and solar irradiation that randomly varied. In this paper an artificial intelligence based controller is presented through implementing of an Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) to obtain maximum power from PV. The ANFIS inputs are the temperature and cell current, and the output is optimal voltage at maximum power. During operation the trained ANFIS senses the PV current using suitable sensor and also senses the temperature to determine the optimal operating voltage that corresponds to the current at MPP. This voltage is used to control the boost converter duty cycle. The MATLAB simulation results shows the effectiveness of the ANFIS with sensing the PV current in obtaining the MPPT from the PV.
On categorization: Stick to the facts of the languages
Authors: LaPolla Randy J.
Published: October 2016

This paper argues that in doing both description and comparison we should work inductively, staying true to the facts of the languages as manifested in natural data, and not resort to abstractions that lead to classifying languages or constructions in a way that ignores the actual facts of the languages. A non-Structuralist alternative view of communication and typological description is also presented.
Comparative concepts and language-specific categories: Theory and practice
Authors: Croft William
Published: October 2016

What are comparative concepts and how are they related to language-specific categories used in language description? Three general categories of comparative concepts are defined here: purely functional comparative concepts and two types of hybrid formal-functional concepts, constructions and strategies. The two hybrid types provide more explicit and precise definitions of common typological practice. However a terminological issue is that Western grammatical terms are frequently used to describe strategies which are not universal rather than constructions which are. Language-specific categories appear to be radically different from comparative concepts because the former are defined distributionally whereas the latter are defined in universal functional and formal terms. But language-specific constructions have functions, that is, they are instances of constructions in the comparative sense and their form is an instantiation of a strategy. Typology forms generalizations across language-specific constructions in both their form and their function. Finally, a major issue is the confusion of terminological choices for language-specific categories. Four rules of thumb for useful labeling of language-specific categories, largely following best descriptive practice, are offered.
Some language-particular terms are comparative concepts
Authors: Beck David
Published: October 2016

draws a categorial distinction between language-particular terms – terms used in the description of specific languages – and comparative concepts – terms used for crosslinguistic comparison. This seems like a valid distinction for a lot of terminology, but it is also true that there are “portable” terms that are suitable both for the description of specific languages and for crosslinguistic comparison. This descriptive metalanguage is analogous to the descriptive vocabulary employed in other observational sciences, and its elaboration is an important enterprise for both descriptivist and comparative linguists.
On the right of being a comparative concept
Authors: Lander Yury , Arkadiev Peter
Published: October 2016

We provide a critical review of the distinction between “comparative concepts” and “descriptive categories”, showing that in current typological practice the former are usually dependent on the latter and are often vague, being organized around prototypes rather than having sharp boundaries. We also propose a classification of comparative concepts, arguing that their definitions can be based on similarities between languages or on differences between languages or can also be “blind” to language-particular facts. We conclude that, first, comparative concepts and descriptive categories are ontologically not as distinct as some typologists would like to have it, and, second, that attempts at a “non-aprioristic” approach to linguistic description and language typology are more of an illusion than reality or even a desideratum.
Isolation and characterization of an Antarctic Flavobacterium strain with agarase and alginate lyase activities
Authors: Lavín Paris , Atala Cristian , Gallardo-Cerda Jorge , Gonzalez-Aravena Marcelo , De La Iglesia Rodrigo , Oses Rómulo , Torres-Díaz Cristian , Trefault Nicole , Molina-Montenegro Marco A. , Laughinghouse IV H. Dail
Published: October 2016

Several bacteria that are associated with macroalgae can use phycocolloids as a carbon source. Strain INACH002, isolated from decomposing Porphyra (Rhodophyta), in King George Island, Antarctica, was screened and characterized for the ability to produce agarase and alginate-lyase enzymatic activities. Our strain INACH002 was identified as a member of the genus Flavobacterium, closely related to Flavobacterium faecale, using 16S rRNA gene analysis. The INACH002 strain was characterized as psychrotrophic due to its optimal temperature (17ºC) and maximum temperature (20°C) of growth. Agarase and alginate-lyase displayed enzymatic activities within a range of 10°C to 50°C, with differences in the optimal temperature to hydrolyze agar (50°C), agarose (50°C) and alginate (30°C) during the first 30 min of activity. Strain Flavobacterium INACH002 is a promising Antarctic biotechnological resource; however, further research is required to illustrate the structural and functional bases of the enzymatic performance observed during the degradation of different substrates at different temperatures.
Nature’s affordances and formation length: The ontology of quantum physical experiments
Authors: Brock Steen , Harré Rom
Published: October 2016

We argue that Bohrian complementarity is a framework for making new
Synthesis, thermal and magnetic behavior of iron oxide-polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Suhasini A. , Kumar K.P. Vinod , Maiyalagan T.
Published: October 2016

Polymer nanocomposites of various concentrations were prepared using iron oxide (Fe2O3) nanoparticles as filler in an 80:20 ratio of the polyurethane diol and polycaprolactone hybrid. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy studies were performed to find out the interaction of the nanoparticles with the polymer blend. Fe2O3 in the polymer composites was in the nanoscale and uniform dispersion was achieved, as revealed by X-ray diffraction. The thermal stability of the blend was assessed through thermogravimetry analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images ensured the development of the polymer hybrid around Fe2O3 nanoparticles and the prepared composites were indeed in the nanoscale. The magnetic behavior of the prepared nanocomposites is superparamagnetic with high magnetization values, as assessed by vibrating sample magnetometry analysis.
Classifying ordered-disordered proteins using linear and kernel support vector machines
Authors: Kandemir Çavaş Çağın , Yildirim Selen
Published: October 2016

Introduction

Intrinsically disordered proteins occur when the deformations happen in the tertiary structure of a protein. Disordered proteins play an important role in DNA/RNA/protein recognition, modulation of specificity/affinity of protein binding, molecular threading, activation by cleavage. The aim of the study is the identification of ordered-disordered protein which is a very challenging problem in bioinformatics.

Methods

In this paper, this kind of proteins is classified by using linear and kernel (nonlinear) support vector machines (SVM).

Results

Overall accuracy rate of linear SVM and kernel SVM in identifying the ordered-disordered proteins are 86.54% and 94.23%, respectively.

Discussion and conclusion

Since kernel SVM gives the best discriminating scheme, it can be referred that it is a very satisfying method to identify ordered-disordered structures of proteins.
Aerodynamic Performance and Flow Characteristics of an Industrial Centrifugal Blower Volute with Varied Cross-Sectional Shapes/Area Ratios
Authors: Hariharan C. , Govardhan M.
Published: October 2016

An industrial centrifugal blower with different volutes is investigated numerically for its aerodynamic performance and flow characteristics. Towards this, six different volutes are designed from a combination of three cross sectional shapes (parallel, rectangular and circular) and two area ratios (ratio 4.0 and ratio 5.0). A detailed analysis is carried out at design and off-design mass flow rates. Parallel wall volutes not only perform better but also improve stage performance among all cross sectional shapes explored. Parallel and rectangular volutes with ratio 4.0 exhibit higher stage performance, while, circular volute performs better with ratio 5.0. Flow inside the volutes is characterized in terms of circumferential pressure distribution at volute inlet, pressure recovery coefficients and velocity distribution across different cross sections. This detailed flow field investigation revealed the underlying physics behind the loss mechanism inside different volutes. The overall investigations suggest that the parallel wall volute is most compact and efficient one.
Sound Wave Propagation in Immiscible AgBr+LiCl Melts
Authors: Stepanov Victor P. , Minchenko Vladimir I.
Published: October 2016

The velocity of sound wave propagation was measured for the biphasic region of AgBr+LiCl melts using the pulse method at temperatures from melting point to mixing temperature. It was found that temperature dependences of sound velocities on the saturation lines have opposite signs because of the different effect of thermal motion of the particles and the phases’ composition at the sound velocity. The difference between the sound velocities in the coexisting phases, Δu, is described by the exponential equation Δu≈(Tc−T)θ where the exponent is 0.865. This index is close to the values found in salt families formed with silver iodide and lithium and sodium halides but occurs at a lower value than that found for alkali halide melts between each other. The sound velocities in the phases take the same value 1612 m s−1 at the upper critical consolute temperature Tc=843 K. For a family of stratified silver halide containing melts, the versatility of the temperature dependence of the sound velocity near the critical point of mixing is declared. The sound velocity is discussed from the viewpoint of the different character of chemical bonds of salts.
Comparison of Jamar and Bodygrip Dynamometers for Handgrip Strength Measurement
Authors: Guerra Rita S. , Amaral Teresa F. , Sousa Ana S. , Fonseca Isabel , Pichel Fernando , Restivo Maria T.
Published: October 2016

Guerra, RS, Amaral, TF, Sousa, AS, Fonseca, I, Pichel, F, and Restivo, MT. Comparison of Jamar and Bodygrip dynamometers for handgrip strength measurement. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1931–1940, 2017—Studies that compared the agreement between Jamar and other models of dynamometers for handgrip strength (HGS) measurement have exhibited variability in the provided results. The lack of comparability between dynamometers led to the development of the Bodygrip dynamometer. This study aims to examine the reliability of the Bodygrip for HGS measurement, to compare it with the Jamar, and to explore the HGS differences between instruments considering the ergonomic effect of using the Bodygrip with 2 different handles. A cross-sectional study was conducted in free-living (n = 114, 18–89 years) and inpatient (n = 50, 65–93 years) volunteers. Nondominant HGS was tested randomly with the Jamar and Bodygrip, the latter using 2 different handles—curved and straight types. Handgrip strength was obtained for each participant under the same conditions. Each individual performed 2 HGS measurements with each dynamometer, and the maximum HGS value was considered for dynamometers comparison. Differences in the maximum HGS value between the 2 devices (Jamar-Bodygrip), intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), Bland and Altman plots, and limits of agreement were obtained. Correlation between the highest HGS measurement obtained for the nondominant hand with the Jamar and with the Bodygrip using each handle was excellent (ICCs: 0.93–0.95). Mean differences of −0.5 (limits of agreement: −4.6; 3.5) kgf with the curved handle and of 1.0 (−7.7; 9.7) kgf with the straight handle for the free-living participants were obtained, whereas for inpatients these values were −1.0 (−3.8; 1.9) kgf and 2.1 (−3.3; 7.5) kgf, respectively, for the curved and straight handles. The Bodygrip is comparable to the Jamar in free-living adults and in hospitalized older adults, exhibiting excellent interinstrument reliability. The Bodygrip with the curved handle produces results closer to the Jamar when compared with Bodygrip with the straight handle, which emphasizes the importance of grip handle ergonomics to measurement reliability.
Physiological Profile and Activity Pattern of Minor Gaelic Football Players
Authors: Cullen Bryan D. , Roantree Mark T. , McCarren Andrew L. , Kelly David T. , O'Connor Paul L. , Hughes Sarah M. , Daly Pat G. , Moyna Niall M.
Published: October 2016

Cullen, BD, Roantree, M, McCarren, A, Kelly, DT, O'Connor, PL, Hughes, SM, Daly, PG, and Moyna1, NM. Physiological profile and activity pattern of minor Gaelic football players. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1811–1820, 2017—The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physiological profile and activity pattern in club- and county-level under-18 (U-18) Gaelic football players relative to playing position. Participants (n = 85) were analyzed during 17 official 15-a-side matches using global positioning system technology (SPI Pro X II; GPSports Systems, Canberra, Australia) and heart rate (HR) telemetry. During the second part of this study, 63 participants underwent an incremental treadmill test to assess their maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2max) and peak HR (HRmax). Players covered a mean distance of 5,774 ± 737 m during a full 60-minute match. The mean %HRmax and %V̇o

2
max observed during the match play were 81.6 ± 4.3% and 70.1 ± 7.75%, respectively. The playing level had no effect on the distance covered, player movement patterns, or %HRmax observed during match play. Midfield players covered significantly greater distance than defenders (p = 0.033). Playing position had no effect on %HRmax or the frequency of sprinting or high-intensity running during match play. The frequency of jogging, cruise running, striding (p = 0.000), and walking (p = 0.003) was greater in the midfield position than in the forward position. Time had a significant effect (F
(1,39) = 33.512, p-value = 0.000, and

JOURNAL/jscr/04.03/00124278-201707000-00008/inline-formula1/v/2023-08-19T002737Z/r/image-tiff

= 0.462) on distance covered and %HRmax, both of which showed a reduction between playing periods. Gaelic football is predominantly characterized by low-to-moderate intensity activity interspersed with periods of high-intensity running. The information provided may be used as a framework for coaches in the design and prescription of training strategies. Positional specific training may be warranted given the comparatively greater demands observed in the midfield playing position. Replicating the demands of match play in training may reduce the decline in distance covered and %HRmax observed during the second half of match play.
Predicting the Maximum Dynamic Strength in Bench Press: The High Precision of the Bar Velocity Approach
Authors: Loturco Irineu , Kobal Ronaldo , Moraes José E. , Kitamura Katia , Cal Abad César C. , Pereira Lucas A. , Nakamura Fábio Y.
Published: October 2016

Loturco, I, Kobal, R, Moraes, JE, Kitamura, K, Cal Abad, CC, Pereira, LA, and Nakamura, FY. Predicting the maximum dynamic strength in bench press: the high precision of the bar velocity approach. J Strength Cond Res 31(4): 1127–1131, 2017—The aim of this study was to determine the force-velocity relationship and test the possibility of determining the 1 repetition maximum (1RM) in “free weight” and Smith machine bench presses. Thirty-six male top-level athletes from 3 different sports were submitted to a standardized 1RM bench press assessment (free weight or Smith machine, in randomized order), following standard procedures encompassing lifts performed at 40–100% of 1RM. The mean propulsive velocity (MPV) was measured in all attempts. A linear regression was performed to establish the relationships between bar velocities and 1RM percentages. The actual and predicted 1RM for each exercise were compared using a paired t-test. Although the Smith machine 1RM was higher (10% difference) than the free weight 1RM, in both cases the actual and predicted values did not differ. In addition, the linear relationship between MPV and percentage of 1RM (coefficient of determination ≥95%) allow determination of training intensity based on the bar velocity. The linear relationships between the MPVs and the relative percentages of 1RM throughout the entire range of loads enable coaches to use the MPV to accurately monitor their athletes on a daily basis and accurately determine their actual 1RM without the need to perform standard maximum dynamic strength assessments.
Alcohol Regulates BK Surface Expression via Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Velázquez-Marrero Cristina , Burgos Alexandra , García José O. , Palacio Stephanie , Marrero Héctor G. , Bernardo Alexandra , Pérez-Laspiur Juliana , Rivera-Oliver Marla , Seale Garrett , Treistman Steven N.
Published: October 2016

It has been suggested that drug tolerance represents a form of learning and memory, but this has not been experimentally established at the molecular level. We show that a component of alcohol molecular tolerance (channel internalization) from rat hippocampal neurons requires protein synthesis, in common with other forms of learning and memory. We identify β-catenin as a primary necessary protein. Alcohol increases β-catenin, and blocking accumulation of β-catenin blocks alcohol-induced internalization in these neurons. In transfected HEK293 cells, suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling blocks ethanol-induced internalization. Conversely, activation of Wnt/β-catenin reduces BK current density. A point mutation in a putative glycogen synthase kinase phosophorylation site within the S10 region of BK blocks internalization, suggesting that Wnt/β-catenin directly regulates alcohol-induced BK internalization via glycogen synthase kinase phosphorylation. These findings establishde novoprotein synthesis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling as critical in mediating a persistent form of BK molecular alcohol tolerance establishing a commonality with other forms of long-term plasticity.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAlcohol tolerance is a key step toward escalating alcohol consumption and subsequent dependence. Our research aims to make significant contributions toward novel, therapeutic approaches to prevent and treat alcohol misuse by understanding the molecular mechanisms of alcohol tolerance. In our current study, we identify the role of a key regulatory pathway in alcohol-induced persistent molecular changes within the hippocampus. The canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulates BK channel surface expression in a protein synthesis-dependent manner reminiscent of other forms of long-term hippocampal neuronal adaptations. This unique insight opens the possibility of using clinically tested drugs, targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, for the novel use of preventing and treating alcohol dependency.
Reward Expectancy Strengthens CA1 Theta and Beta Band Synchronization and Hippocampal-Ventral Striatal Coupling
Authors: Lansink Carien S. , Meijer Guido T. , Lankelma Jan V. , Vinck Martin A. , Jackson Jadin C. , Pennartz Cyriel M.A.
Published: October 2016

The use of information from the hippocampal memory system in motivated behavior depends on its communication with the ventral striatum. When an animal encounters cues that signal subsequent reward, its reward expectancy is raised. It is unknown, however, how this process affects hippocampal dynamics and their influence on target structures, such as ventral striatum. We show that, in rats, reward-predictive cues result in enhanced hippocampal theta and beta band rhythmic activity during subsequent action, compared with uncued goal-directed navigation. The beta band component, also labeled theta's harmonic, involves selective hippocampal CA1 cell groups showing frequency doubling of firing periodicity relative to theta rhythmicity and it partitions the theta cycle into segments showing clear versus poor spike timing organization. We found that theta phase precession occurred over a wider range than previously reported. This was apparent from spikes emitted near the peak of the theta cycle exhibiting large “phase precessing jumps” relative to spikes in foregoing cycles. Neither this phenomenon nor the regular manifestation of theta phase precession was affected by reward expectancy. Ventral striatal neuronal firing phase-locked not only to hippocampal theta, but also to beta band activity. Both hippocampus and ventral striatum showed increased synchronization between neuronal firing and local field potential activity during cued compared with uncued goal approaches. These results suggest that cue-triggered reward expectancy intensifies hippocampal output to target structures, such as the ventral striatum, by which the hippocampus may gain prioritized access to systems modulating motivated behaviors.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTHere we show that temporally discrete cues raising reward expectancy enhance both theta and beta band activity in the hippocampus once goal-directed navigation has been initiated. These rhythmic activities are associated with increased synchronization of neuronal firing patterns in the hippocampus and the connected ventral striatum. When transmitted to downstream target structures, this expectancy-related state of intensified processing in the hippocampus may modulate goal-directed action.