bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Homophobia in Women’s Intercollegiate Basketball: Views of Women Coaches Regarding Coaching Careers and Recruitment of Athletes
Authors: Wellman Susan , Blinde Elaine
Published: August 2016

This is an examination of how homophobia and the lesbian label impact the professional careers of women basketball coaches at Division I universities. In-depth telephone interviews were conducted with 10 women who were head coaches of women’s intercollegiate basketball programs. Two areas in particular were explored in this 75-minute interview: (1) coaching careers, and (2) recruitment of athletes. Relative to coaching careers, coaches discussed how the homophobia in women’s sport narrowed career choices for women and impacted decisions related to the hiring of both head and assistant coaches. The lesbian label also was a concern in terms of the image projected by a basketball program. Secondly, coaches discussed how various aspects of the recruitment process were influenced by the lesbian label. Inquiries by prospective student-athletes, parents, and high school coaches about lesbians on a coaching staff or team were common. The practice of using insinuations about the presence of lesbians on rival teams was mentioned as a frequent negative recruitment technique. Concerns relative to lesbian issues also were identified as being influential in the recruitment decisions of some coaches. In general, most coaches preferred to discuss how lesbian issues impacted other coaches rather than relay accounts of their own experiences in coaching. Fear, silence, denial, and the apologetic were noted to underlie many of the responses provided by coaches.
Lesbian Identity Formation and the Sport Environment
Authors: Riemer Brenda A.
Published: August 2016

This study is an examination of the identity formation of lesbians in sport and how lesbians interpreted the softball environment with regard to social support and the ability to be open about their lesbianism. Twenty four women on summer slow pitch softball teams, and 5 spectators, participated in qualitative interviews. Responses were consistent with a model of lesbian identity formation that included preconformist, conformist, post-conformist, lesbian conformist, and lesbian post-conformist levels. The support these women received from softball players helped them to come out to others and to enter the lesbian community.
Women Elite Athletes; Do They Differ from Men? Gender Patterns in Psychological Characteristics of International Cross-Country Ski Medalists
Authors: Vikander Nils , Solbakken Tor , Vikander Margarita
Published: August 2016

The propose of the study was to investigate gender patterns in psychological/behavioral characteristics of elite Cross County skiers. Twentyeight athletes who won medals in Olympic Games or World Championships were accessed using the Behavior Inventories for Cross County Skiers (Rushall and Vikander, 1987). Nine clusters common to both men and women were identified as: relationship with other athletes; relationship with the coach; relationship to significant others; training factors; pre-competition factors; competition factors; reactions to things that go wrong; considerations about the sport, and things champions like about cross country skiing. With this inquiry we have uncovered both gender similarities and differences among the world’s foremost cross country skiers in psychological dimensions as well as in the behavioral arena.
Weight Concerns and Disordered Eating Attitudes among Male and Female College Cheerleaders
Authors: Reel Justine J. , Gill Diane L.
Published: August 2016

College cheerleaders (73 females and 51 males) participated in the current study on eating disorders and weight-related concerns within cheerleading. The participants completed the Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI), the Social Physique Anxiety Scale (SPAS), and CHEER, a measure of weight-related stressors within cheerleading. Significant gender differences were identified through a one-way MANOVA with these measures. As expected, female cheerleaders reported more weight-related concerns and had higher scores on SPAS, EDI Drive for Thinness and Body Dissatisfaction than did male cheerleaders. Both males and females reported weight-related concerns, although the actual stressors were different. Based upon these data, we suggest that males, as well as females, face unique pressures in cheerleading related to body weight.
Belly Dancing: A Feminist Project?
Authors: Wright Jan , Dreyfus Shoshana
Published: August 2016

The notion of the body as “a medium of culture” (Bordo, 1990, p. 13), and specifically the female body as a site on which the oppression of patriarchy is inscribed or played out has been discussed by many feminist theorists (Bartky, 1988; Bordo, 1990; Dimen, 1989). More recently there has been increasing interest in the material body as a source of kinesthetic pleasure rather than, or simultaneously as, a site of inscription and oppression. In searching for new ways to think and talk about the body, there is a recognition that it cannot be seen simply as either a site of oppression or pleasure, but rather as a site where many apparently contradictory and opposing discourses can coexist and where interesting and complex mixes of pleasure and oppression can occur simultaneously (Shilling, 1993).

In this paper we attempt to explore these complexities through a study of belly dancing. This is a form of physical activity with an increasingly large following. On one hand, it seems possible to conceive of belly dancing as ‘feminist project’ as it offers possibilities for challenging hegemonic constructions of femininity and for women’s empowerment; on the other hand, many of the practices associated with belly dancing work to construct discourses which sit uncomfortably with feminist understandings of the body. This paper then becomes an exploration of the complex meanings which constitute the contemporary practice of belly dancing, with reference to a specific dance class in a regional city in Australia.

While we are using the description ‘feminist project’ as a guiding principle for this paper, we also recognize that this is not a totalizing concept and will be different for different women in different contexts. We also recognize that the attribute “feminist” is itself not unitary but that feminist theory takes many forms, takes up different issues and defines its objects of study in a variety of ways. In the paper we draw on feminist post-structuralist theory to examine the various discourses and social practices of belly dancing. This allows us to recognize that in talking about the dance, the women interviewed may draw on a wide range of discourses which are concerned with women and their bodies, and which in their different ways may be characterized as feminist. On the other hand, the consequences of taking up one discourse rather than another have implications for how women are located and locate themselves in relations of power. We are wary, for instance, of essentializing discourses which attempt to naturalize sexual differences in a context where male and female attributes are often seen as constituting the opposite sides of a binary where those attributes associated with women are regarded as of lesser value.
Stress in Male and Female Sport Psychologists
Authors: Griffin Joy , Harris Mary B.
Published: August 2016

In this study, two groups of sport psychologists (N = 107) were surveyed six years apart to (a) identify sources of stress and rate the intensity of selected stressors, (b) investigate gender and other demographic variables associated with stress, and (c) determine if level of stress had changed over time. Self-reported stressors included time demands, interpersonal interactions, role conflict, limited resources, credibility, marketing/business issues, lack of support, professional isolation, politics, research, teaching loads, ethical issues, job security, and family demands. Time demands and institutional policies were rated as most stressful. Both gender and tenure status were related to stress, but age, years of experience, and number of hours worked per day did not correlate with intensity of stress. Based upon respondents’ beliefs and a comparison of the two samples we concluded that stress has increased over time.
Television Coverage of Professional Golf: A Focus on Gender
Authors: Weiller Karen H. , Higgs Catriona T.
Published: August 2016

Patriarchal ideology and subsequent gender differences are reproduced in various cultural practices, with organized sport being one of the most important and critical arenas for perpetuating this ideology. Conventions for representing gender in mass media have come under increasing scrutiny during the last 25 years (Boutilier & San Giovanni, 1983; Higgs & Weiller, 1994; Weiller & Higgs, 1993). In this study we endeavored to increase current understanding of how gender is represented in the production and content of televised coverage of four professional golf tournaments. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods were used to analyze the content of gender images in televised coverage of womenis and men’s professional golf tournaments. Based upon the results, gender marking/comparisons were consistently present throughout the two women’s events examined, and differentials existed with respect to time allocations in story focus for male and female golfers. Noticeable differentials were found in commentators’ descriptions of strength, as well as type of personal information provided.With this study, an extention of previous research, we demonstraed that what is occurring in media representation of female athletes is mirrored in the professional world. In addition we advance the coverage by previous researchers and highlight the inequities that exist in one of the few areas of professional sports open to women.
Influencing Exercise Adherence in Physically Non-Active Young Women: Suggestion for a Model
Authors: Lindgren Eva-Carin , Fridlund Bengt
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretical understanding of what could influence exercise adherence in physically non-active young women. Interviews with twelve physically nonactive young women were strategically selected and analyzed by grounded theory. The results were that several factors could influence exercise adherence in physically non-active young women, and that these factors can be regarded as a number of interrelated dimensions. The influence was coming either from the exercise or from the environment connected to the exercise. The participants wanted to feel enjoyment and to learn something during the exercise (recreation/learning influence). They also wanted to feel belongingness during the exercise (social influence). An influence that promotes health or builds skills (investment influence) could be a trigger to start exercising among the participants, but not to maintain exercise adherence. Influence coming from the environment (enabling influence) was both important and stimulating for physically non-active young women in establishing regular exercise. It is important to present the model developed in this study to communities, sports federations and other authorities working with health promotion activities so that they can explore innovative ways to promote exercise adherence among physically non-active young women. Good examples could be to offer non-competitive sports as well as to develop well-designed exercise programs for physically non-active young women.
Multiple Realities of Women’s Work Experiences in Coaching and Athletic Management
Authors: Inglis Sue , Danylchuk Karen E. , Pastore Donna L.
Published: August 2016

This paper is an exploration of the multiple realities of women’s work experiences in coaching and athletic management positions. Eleven women who had previously coached or directed women’s athletics programs were interviewed using a semi-structured approach. Three general categories emerged from the data — Support, Gender Differences, and Change. The work experiences reflect problems the women encountered at work, how organizations can be empowering, and the impact empowered women can have on the social construction of work. Based upon the data, we suggest that the individual search for empowerment takes different forms, yet also acknowledges that systemic changes must take place in order to improve the work environment for women. These findings are significant because they validate women’s experiences and contribute to the understanding of work experiences of those who are underrepresented and often left out of key circles of power and control.
Staying Active while Still Being You: Addressing the Loss of Interest in Sport amongst Adolescent Girls
Authors: Biscomb Kay , Matheson Hilary , Beckerman Natalie D. , Tungatt Malcolm , Jarrett Haydn
Published: August 2016

The development and pilot stage of a Sport England programme called GirlSportTM is described. The programme consisted of a magazine and workshop addressing issues surrounding the loss of interest from sport and physical activity amongst adolescent girls. Although teenagers were a clear target market for the programme, it was also designed to be delivered to adult facilitators. Focus groups were undertaken with a select group of 14 & 15-year-old teenage girls and their responses fed into the production of a magazine. The magazine was developed into a supporting workshop. The resources were then utilised in a pilot phase during which the messages and content were evaluated and monitored to assess the effectiveness of the programme. The girls enjoyed an opportunity to reflect about their sport and welcomed the positive messages of women in physical activity. The adults were not surprised by the messages and felt that the content reinforced many of their previously held views. They considered the workshop to be a worthwhile experience and the magazine an interesting read. The comments highlighted in the evaluation are discussed in the context of the cult of femininity and the role of teenage magazines in the construction of successful health promotion messages.
Loss-of-function mutations in the RNA biogenesis factor
NAF1
predispose to pulmonary fibrosis–emphysema
Authors: Stanley Susan E. , Gable Dustin L. , Wagner Christa L. , Carlile Thomas M. , Hanumanthu Vidya Sagar , Podlevsky Joshua D. , Khalil Sara E. , DeZern Amy E. , Rojas-Duran Maria F. , Applegate Carolyn D. , Alder Jonathan K. , Parry Erin M. , Gilbert Wendy V. , Armanios Mary
Published: August 2016

Mutations in the RNA biogenesis factor
NAF1
cause short telomeres and, consequently, age-related lung disease in people.
Localization of the Houdinisome (Ejection Proteins) inside the Bacteriophage P22 Virion by Bubblegram Imaging
Authors: Wu Weimin , Leavitt Justin C. , Cheng Naiqian , Gilcrease Eddie B. , Motwani Tina , Teschke Carolyn M. , Casjens Sherwood R. , Steven Alasdair C.
Published: August 2016

The P22 capsid is a T=7 icosahedrally symmetric protein shell with a portal protein dodecamer at one 5-fold vertex. Extending outwards from that vertex is a short tail, and putatively extending inwards is a 15-nm-long α-helical barrel formed by the C-terminal domains of portal protein subunits. In addition to the densely packed genome, the capsid contains three “ejection proteins” (E-proteins [gp7, gp16, and gp20]) destined to exit from the tightly sealed capsid during the process of DNA delivery into target cells. We estimated their copy numbers by quantitative SDS-PAGE as approximately 12 molecules per virion of gp16 and gp7 and 30 copies of gp20. To localize them, we used bubblegram imaging, an adaptation of cryo-electron microscopy in which gaseous bubbles induced in proteins by prolonged irradiation are used to map the proteins’ locations. We applied this technique to wild-type P22, a triple mutant lacking all three E-proteins, and three mutants each lacking one E-protein. We conclude that all three E-proteins are loosely clustered around the portal axis, in the region displaced radially inwards from the portal crown. The bubblegram data imply that approximately half of the α-helical barrel seen in the portal crystal structure is disordered in the mature virion, and parts of the disordered region present binding sites for E-proteins. Thus positioned, the E-proteins are strategically placed to pass down the shortened barrel and through the portal ring and the tail, as they exit from the capsid during an infection.

IMPORTANCE
While it has long been appreciated that capsids serve as delivery vehicles for viral genomes, there is now growing awareness that viruses also deliver proteins into their host cells. P22 has three such proteins (ejection proteins [E-proteins]), whose initial locations in the virion have remained unknown despite their copious amounts (total of 2.5 MDa). This study succeeded in localizing them by the novel technique of bubblegram imaging. The P22 E-proteins are seen to be distributed around the orifice of the portal barrel. Interestingly, this barrel, 15 nm long in a crystal structure, is only about half as long
in situ
: the remaining, disordered, portion appears to present binding sites for E-proteins. These observations document a spectacular example of a regulatory order-disorder transition in a supramolecular system and demonstrate the potential of bubblegram imaging to map the components of other viruses as well as cellular complexes.
Host Physiologic Changes Induced by Influenza A Virus Lead to Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm Dispersion and Transition from Asymptomatic Colonization to Invasive Disease
Authors: Reddinger Ryan M. , Luke-Marshall Nicole R. , Hakansson Anders P. , Campagnari Anthony A.
Published: August 2016

Staphylococcus aureusis a ubiquitous opportunistic human pathogen and a major health concern worldwide, causing a wide variety of diseases from mild skin infections to systemic disease.S. aureusis a major source of severe secondary bacterial pneumonia after influenza A virus infection, which causes widespread morbidity and mortality. While the phenomenon of secondary bacterial pneumonia is well established, the mechanisms behind the transition from asymptomatic colonization to invasive staphylococcal disease following viral infection remains unknown. In this report, we have shown thatS. aureusbiofilms, grown on an upper respiratory epithelial substratum, disperse in response to host physiologic changes related to viral infection, such as febrile range temperatures, exogenous ATP, norepinephrine, and increased glucose. Mice that were colonized withS. aureusand subsequently exposed to these physiologic stimuli or influenza A virus coinfection developed pronounced pneumonia. This study provides novel insight into the transition from colonization to invasive disease, providing a better understanding of the events involved in the pathogenesis of secondary staphylococcal pneumonia.

IMPORTANCEIn this study, we have determined that host physiologic changes related to influenza A virus infection causesS. aureusto disperse from a biofilm state. Additionally, we report that these same host physiologic changes promoteS. aureusdissemination from the nasal tissue to the lungs in an animal model. Furthermore, this study identifies important aspects involved in the transition ofS. aureusfrom asymptomatic colonization to pneumonia.
Case of CML lymphoid blast crisis presenting as bilateral breast masses
Authors: Hossain Aneesha , Gupta Kanika , Mener Andrew , Tabbara Imad
Published: August 2016

A woman aged 42 years with a 1-month history of rapidly expanding bilateral breast masses presented with severe leucocytosis, anaemia, blurry vision, headaches and shortness of breath. Evaluation revealed chronic myeloid leukaemia in lymphoid blast crisis with extramedullary leukaemia involving her breasts.
Rapid recovery from catastrophic paraneoplastic anti-NMDAR encephalitis secondary to an ovarian teratoma following ovarian cystectomy
Authors: Tantipalakorn Charuwan , Soontornpun Atiwat , Pongsuvareeyakul Tip , Tongsong Theera
Published: August 2016

This report is aimed to describe a life-threatening case of anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis secondary to ovarian teratoma with rapid recovery in 1 day after the removal of the tumour. A 23-year-old woman presented with sudden headache, personality changes and seizure. After neurological assessment, limbic or herpes encephalitis was provisionally diagnosed and treated with intravenous immunoglobulin, acyclovir and steroids. The patient had progressive severe neurological symptoms, requiring prolonged intubation and mechanical ventilation. An anti-NMDAR antibody test revealed positive in serum and cerebrospinal fluid at 3 weeks of admission. Pelvic ultrasound examination and CT scan revealed bilateral small ovarian teratomas. Bilateral ovarian cystectomy was performed by open surgery. The patient showed rapid improvement and no longer needed intubation 2 days after the operation. In conclusion, we described a catastrophic case of ovarian teratoma-associated encephalitis with delayed diagnosis but rapid recovery after ovarian cystectomy. This information can probably be helpful to neurologists and gynaecologists.
Single benign metastasising leiomyoma of an inguinal lymph node
Authors: Laban Kamil G , Tobon-Morales Roberto E , Hodge Janice A L , Schreuder Henk W R
Published: August 2016

Benign metastasising leiomyoma (BML) is a rare benign disease associated with uterine leiomyoma and history of uterine surgery. It most frequently occurs in premenopausal woman, with a pulmonary localisation, and consisting of multiple nodules. We present an uncommon case of a 69-year-old woman with a single BML of an inguinal lymph node. CT scans of thorax and abdomen excluded other metastasis localisation. The patient was cured with surgical excision of the mass. Lymph node involvement has been reported incidentally in BML literature. Lymphangitic spread can be considered a possible mechanism of BML metastasis.
Progressive outer retinal necrosis-like retinitis in immunocompetent hosts
Authors: Chawla Rohan , Tripathy Koushik , Gogia Varun , Venkatesh Pradeep
Published: August 2016

We describe two young immunocompetent women presenting with bilateral retinitis with outer retinal necrosis involving posterior pole with centrifugal spread and multifocal lesions simulating progressive outer retinal necrosis (PORN) like retinitis. Serology was negative for HIV and CD4 counts were normal; however, both women were on oral steroids at presentation for suspected autoimmune chorioretinitis. The retinitis in both eyes responded well to oral valaciclovir therapy. However, the eye with the more fulminant involvement developed retinal detachment with a loss of vision. Retinal atrophy was seen in the less involved eye with preservation of vision. Through these cases, we aim to describe a unique evolution of PORN-like retinitis in immunocompetent women, which was probably aggravated by a short-term immunosuppression secondary to oral steroids.
Managing player load in professional rugby union: a review of current knowledge and practices
Authors: Quarrie Kenneth L , Raftery Martin , Blackie Josh , Cook Christian J , Fuller Colin W , Gabbett Tim J , Gray Andrew J , Gill Nicholas , Hennessy Liam , Kemp Simon , Lambert Mike , Nichol Rob , Mellalieu Stephen D , Piscione Julien , Stadelmann Jörg , Tucker Ross
Published: August 2016

Background

The loads to which professional rugby players are subjected has been identified as a concern by coaches, players and administrators. In November 2014, World Rugby commissioned an expert group to identify the physical demands and non-physical load issues associated with participation in professional rugby.

Objective

To describe the current state of knowledge about the loads encountered by professional rugby players and the implications for their physical and mental health.

Findings

The group defined ‘load’ as it relates to professional rugby players as the total stressors and demands applied to the players. In the 2013–2014 seasons, 40% of professional players appeared in 20 matches or more, and 5% of players appeared in 30 matches or more. Matches account for ∼5–11% of exposure to rugby-related activities (matches, team and individual training sessions) during professional competitions. The match injury rate is about 27 times higher than that in training. The working group surmised that players entering a new level of play, players with unresolved previous injuries, players who are relatively older and players who are subjected to rapid increases in load are probably at increased risk of injury. A mix of ‘objective’ and ‘subjective’ measures in conjunction with effective communication among team staff and between staff and players was held to be the best approach to monitoring and managing player loads. While comprehensive monitoring holds promise for individually addressing player loads, it brings with it ethical and legal responsibilities that rugby organisations need to address to ensure that players’ personal information is adequately protected.

Conclusions

Administrators, broadcasters, team owners, team staff and the players themselves have important roles in balancing the desire to have the ‘best players’ on the field with the ongoing health of players. In contrast, the coaching, fitness and medical staff exert significant control over the activities, duration and intensity of training sessions. If load is a major risk factor for injury, then managing training loads should be an important element in enabling players to perform in a fit state as often as possible.
Do university hospitals perform better than general hospitals? A comparative analysis among Italian regions
Authors: Nuti Sabina , Grillo Ruggieri Tommaso , Podetti Silvia
Published: August 2016

Objective

The aim of this research was to investigate how university hospitals (UHs) perform compared with general hospitals (GHs) in the Italian healthcare system.

Design and setting

27 indicators of overall performance were selected and analysed for UHs and GHs in 10 Italian regions. The data refer to 2012 and 2013 and were selected from two performance evaluation systems based on hospital discharge administrative data: the Inter-Regional Performance Evaluation System developed by the Management and Health Laboratory of the Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna of Pisa and the Italian National Outcome Evaluation Programme developed by the National Agency for Healthcare Services. The study was conducted in 2 stages and by combining 2 statistical techniques. In stage 1, a non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test was carried out to compare the performance of UHs and GHs on the selected set of indicators. In stage 2, a robust equal variance test between the 2 groups of hospitals was carried out to investigate differences in the amount of variability between them.

Results

The overall analysis gave heterogeneous results. In general, performance was not affected by being in the UH rather than the GH group. It is thus not possible to directly associate Italian UHs with better results in terms of appropriateness, efficiency, patient satisfaction and outcomes.

Conclusions

Policymakers and managers should further encourage hospital performance evaluations in order to stimulate wider competition aimed at assigningteaching statusto those hospitals that are able to meet performance requirements. In addition, UH facilities could be integrated with other providers that are responsible for community, primary and outpatient services, thereby creating a joint accountability for more patient-centred and integrated care.
Impact of omalizumab on treatment of severe allergic asthma in UK clinical practice: a UK multicentre observational study (the APEX II study)
Authors: Niven Robert M , Saralaya Dinesh , Chaudhuri Rekha , Masoli Matthew , Clifton Ian , Mansur Adel H , Hacking Victoria , McLain-Smith Susan , Menzies-Gow Andrew
Published: August 2016

Objective

To describe the impact of omalizumab on asthma management in patients treated as part of normal clinical practice in the UK National Health Service (NHS).

Design

A non-interventional, mixed methodology study, combining retrospective and prospective data collection for 12 months pre-omalizumab and post-omalizumab initiation, respectively.

Setting

Data were collected in 22 UK NHS centres, including specialist centres and district general hospitals in the UK.

Participants

258 adult patients (aged ≥16 years; 65% women) with severe persistent allergic asthma treated with omalizumab were recruited, of whom 218 (84.5%) completed the study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome measure was change in mean daily dose of oral corticosteroids (OCS) between the 12-month pre-omalizumab and post-omalizumab initiation periods. A priori secondary outcome measures included response to treatment, changes in OCS dosing, asthma exacerbations, lung function, employment/education, patient-reported outcomes and hospital resource utilisation.

Results

The response rate to omalizumab at 16 weeks was 82.4%. Comparing pre-omalizumab and post-omalizumab periods, the mean (95% CIs) daily dose of OCS decreased by 1.61 (−2.41 to −0.80) mg/patient/day (p<0.001) and hospital exacerbations decreased by 0.97 (−1.19 to −0.75) exacerbations/patient (p<0.001). Compared with baseline, lung function, assessed by percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 s, improved by 4.5 (2.7 to 6.3)% at 16 weeks (p<0.001; maintained at 12 months) and patient quality of life (Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire) improved by 1.38 (1.18 to 1.58) points at 16 weeks (p<0.001, maintained at 12 months). 21/162 patients with complete employment data gained employment and 6 patients lost employment in the 12-month post-omalizumab period. The mean number of A&E visits, inpatient hospitalisations, outpatient visits (excluding for omalizumab) and number of bed days/patient decreased significantly (p<0.001) in the 12-month post-omalizumab period.

Conclusions

These data support the beneficial effects of omalizumab on asthma-related outcomes, quality of life and resource utilisation in unselected patients treated in ‘real-world’ clinical practice.
Strong dynamics, composite Higgs and the conformal window
Authors: Nogradi Daniel , Patella Agostino
Published: August 2016

We review recent progress in the lattice investigations of near-conformal non-Abelian gauge theories relevant for dynamical symmetry breaking and model building of composite Higgs models. The emphasis is placed on the mass spectrum and the running renormalized coupling. The role of a light composite scalar isosinglet particle as a composite Higgs particle is highlighted.
GAP SEQUENCES OF GRAPH-DIRECTED SETS
Authors: DENG JUAN , XI LIFENG
Published: August 2016

This paper studies the gap sequences of graph-directed sets satisfying the strong separation condition. An interesting application is to investigate the gap sequences of self-similar sets with overlaps.
Taylor’s Law of Temporal Fluctuation Scaling in Stock Illiquidity
Authors: Cai Qing , Xu Hai-Chuan , Zhou Wei-Xing
Published: August 2016

Taylor’s law of temporal fluctuation scaling, variance [Formula: see text], is ubiquitous in natural and social sciences. We report for the first time convincing evidence of a solid temporal fluctuation scaling law in stock illiquidity by investigating the mean-variance relationship of the high-frequency illiquidity of almost all stocks traded on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SHSE) and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) during the period from 1999 to 2011. Taylor’s law holds for A-share markets (SZSE Main Board, SZSE Small & Mediate Enterprise Board, SZSE Second Board, and SHSE Main Board) and B-share markets (SZSE B-share and SHSE B-share). We find that the scaling exponent [Formula: see text] is greater than 2 for the A-share markets and less than 2 for the B-share markets. We further unveil that Taylor’s law holds for stocks in 17 industry categories, in 28 industrial sectors and in 31 provinces and direct-controlled municipalities with the majority of scaling exponents [Formula: see text]. We also investigate the [Formula: see text]-min illiquidity and find that the scaling exponent [Formula: see text] increases logarithmically for small [Formula: see text] values and decreases fast to a stable level.
Adams operations on the virtual K-theory of ℙ(1,n)
Authors: Kimura Takashi , Sweet Ross
Published: August 2016

We analyze the structure of the virtual (orbifold) [Formula: see text]-theory ring of the complex orbifold [Formula: see text] and its virtual Adams (or power) operations, by using the non-Abelian localization theorem of Edidin–Graham [D. Edidin and W. Graham, Nonabelian localization in equivariant [Formula: see text]-theory and Riemann–Roch for quotients, Adv. Math. 198(2) (2005) 547–582]. In particular, we identify the group of virtual line elements and obtain a natural presentation for the virtual [Formula: see text]-theory ring in terms of these virtual line elements. This yields a surjective homomorphism from the virtual [Formula: see text]-theory ring of [Formula: see text] to the ordinary [Formula: see text]-theory ring of a crepant resolution of the cotangent bundle of [Formula: see text] which respects the Adams operations. Furthermore, there is a natural subring of the virtual K-theory ring of [Formula: see text] which is isomorphic to the ordinary K-theory ring of the resolution. This generalizes the results of Edidin–Jarvis–Kimura [D. Edidin, T. J. Jarvis and T. Kimura, Chern classes and compatible power operation in inertial [Formula: see text]-theory, Ann. K-Theory (2016)], who proved the latter for [Formula: see text].
Applications of the preview control method to the optimal problem for linear continuous-time stochastic systems with time-delay
Authors: Wu Jiang , Liao Fucheng , Tang Yuan Yan
Published: August 2016

This paper discusses the optimal control problem for a class of linear continuous-time stochastic systems with time-delay based on the preview control method. In the design procedure, the time-delay terms are formally eliminated and the augmented error system method is used. The optimal controller of the time-delay stochastic system is obtained based on dynamic programming principle. In the previous approaches, the preview control method is applied to continuous-time deterministic system. Consequently, compared with the existing results, the main contributions of this paper are: (1) the conclusion of the non-singular transformation is improved and (2) the conclusion in deterministic system is extended by using the methods of designing an assistant system and introducing an integrator when building the stochastic augmented error system. The optimal tracking of the stochastic system with time-delay is realized by solving the optimal regulation problem of the stochastic augmented error system. The simulation shows the effectiveness of the controller designed in this paper.
Geometric Hamiltonian quantum mechanics and applications
Authors: Pastorello Davide
Published: August 2016

Adopting a geometric point of view on Quantum Mechanics is an intriguing idea since, we know that geometric methods are very powerful in Classical Mechanics then, we can try to use them to study quantum systems. In this paper, we summarize the construction of a general prescription to set up a well-defined and self-consistent geometric Hamiltonian formulation of finite-dimensional quantum theories, where phase space is given by the Hilbert projective space (as Kähler manifold), in the spirit of celebrated works of Kibble, Ashtekar and others. Within geometric Hamiltonian formulation quantum observables are represented by phase space functions, quantum states are described by Liouville densities (phase space probability densities), and Schrödinger dynamics is induced by a Hamiltonian flow on the projective space. We construct the star-product of this phase space formulation and some applications of geometric picture are discussed.
Synthesis and characterization of new porphyrin/β-cyclodextrin derivatives covalently connected by aliphatic chains of different length
Authors: Mercorillo Giuseppa , Puglisi Roberta , Spina Emanuela , Vitalini Daniele
Published: August 2016

Covalently linked porphyrin/β-cyclodextrin derivatives have been synthesized by reaction between 5,10,15-tris-{p-[9-methoxy-tris-(ethyleneoxy)-phenyl]}-20-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-porphyrin, β-cyclodextrin-6-alcoholate and di-brominated aliphatic chains of different length, and characterized by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, 1H NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy. As a function of chain length, these compounds exhibit different degrees of water solubility, becoming higher with increasing chain length. The lack of self-assemblies between porphyrins and β-cyclodextrins (which renders the two sub-units completely free to perform their activities) and their water solubility, make these compounds excellent candidates in fields like drug-delivery or photodynamic therapy.
A novel single-source precursor for collapsed boron nitride nanotubes with high hydrogen storage capacity
Authors: Li Jie , Dai Wei , Chen Muqing , Wu Tian
Published: August 2016

An efficient chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method was successfully utilized to synthesize boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), where Ammonium boron trifluoride (NH3BF[Formula: see text] and MgCl2 were employed as the novel single-source precursor and the promoter, respectively. The as-obtained BNNTs displayed a collapsed structure with the average diameter of 15[Formula: see text]nm and lengths up to tens of micrometers, named as collapsed BNNTs. They exhibited a reproducible hydrogen storage capacity of 2.63[Formula: see text]wt.% under 10 MPa and at ambient temperature. Moreover, they showed an high storage cycling stability due to the excellent chemical and structural stability.
Sustained increases in blood pressure elicited by prolonged face cooling in humans
Authors: Schlader Zachary J. , Coleman Gregory L. , Sackett James R. , Sarker Suman , Johnson Blair D.
Published: August 2016

We tested the hypothesis that increases in blood pressure are sustained throughout 15 min of face cooling. Two independent trials were carried out. In the Face-Cooling Trial, 10 healthy adults underwent 15 min of face cooling where a 2.5-liter bag of ice water (0 ± 0°C) was placed over their cheeks, eyes, and forehead. The Sham Trial was identical except that the temperature of the water was 34 ± 1°C. Primary dependent variables were forehead temperature, mean arterial pressure, and forearm vascular resistance. The square root of the mean of successive differences in R-R interval (RMSSD) provided an index of cardiac parasympathetic activity. In the Face Cooling Trial, forehead temperature fell from 34.1 ± 0.9°C at baseline to 12.9 ± 3.3°C at the end of face cooling ( P < 0.01). Mean arterial pressure increased from 83 ± 9 mmHg at baseline to 106 ± 13 mmHg at the end of face cooling ( P < 0.01). RMSSD increased from 61 ± 40 ms at baseline to 165 ± 97 ms during the first 2 min of face cooling ( P ≤ 0.05), but returned to baseline levels thereafter (65 ± 49 ms, P ≥ 0.46). Forearm vascular resistance increased from 18.3 ± 4.4 mmHg·ml−1·100 g tissue−1·min at baseline to 26.6 ± 4.0 mmHg·ml−1·100 g tissue−1·min at the end of face cooling ( P < 0.01). There were no changes in the Sham Trial. These data indicate that increases in blood pressure are sustained throughout 15 min of face cooling, and face cooling elicits differential time-dependent parasympathetic and likely sympathetic activation.
Gut Microbiota: Modulation of Host Physiology in Obesity
Authors: Nehra Vandana , Allen Jacob M. , Mailing Lucy J. , Kashyap Purna C. , Woods Jeffrey A.
Published: August 2016

Many factors are involved in weight gain and metabolic disturbances associated with obesity. The gut microbiota has been of particular interest in recent years, since both human and animal studies have increased our understanding of the delicate symbiosis between the trillions of microbes that reside in the GI tract and the host. It has been suggested that disruption of this mutual tolerance may play a significant role in modulating host physiology during obesity. Environmental influences such as diet, exercise, and early life exposures can significantly impact the composition of the microbiota, and this dysbiosis can in turn lead to increased host adiposity via a number of different mechanisms. The ability of the microbiota to regulate host fat deposition, metabolism, and immune function makes it an attractive target for achieving sustained weight loss.
Estimation of Individual Cylinder Air-Fuel Ratio in Gasoline Engine with Output Delay
Authors: Wang Changhui , Liu Zhiyuan
Published: August 2016

The estimation of the individual cylinder air-fuel ratio (AFR) with a single universal exhaust gas oxygen (UEGO) sensor installed in the exhaust pipe is an important issue for the cylinder-to-cylinder AFR balancing control, which can provide high-quality torque generation and reduce emissions in multicylinder engine. In this paper, the system dynamic for the gas in exhaust pipe including the gas mixing, gas transport, and sensor dynamics is described as an output delay system, and a new method using the output delay system observer is developed to estimate the individual cylinder AFR. With the AFR at confluence point augmented as a system state, an observer for the augmented discrete system with output delay is designed to estimate the AFR at confluence point. Using the gas mixing model, a method with the designed observer to estimate the individual cylinder AFR is presented. The validity of the proposed method is verified by the simulation results from a spark ignition gasoline engine from engine software enDYNA by Tesis.
15-Lipoxygenase-1 Is Involved in the Effects of Atorvastatin on Endothelial Dysfunction
Authors: Zhang Peng , Xing Xin , Hu Chunxiao , Yu Hui , Dong Qian , Chang Guanglei , Qin Shu , Liu Jian , Zhang Dongying
Published: August 2016

Statins exert pleiotropic effects on endothelial cells in addition to lowering cholesterol. 15-Lipoxygenase-1 (ALOX15) has been implicated in vascular inflammation and disease. The relationship between atorvastatin and ALOX15 was investigated using a rat carotid artery balloon-injury model. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining showed that ALOX15 overexpression increased the thickness of the intima-media (IMT). Immunohistochemistry and western blotting showed that atorvastatin increased the expression of cellular adhesion molecules (CAMs) but decreased the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS); these effects of atorvastatin were blocked by ALOX15 overexpression. In human umbilical venous endothelial cells (HUVECs), silencing of ALOX15 enhanced the effects of atorvastatin on endothelial function. Expression levels of CAMs and Akt/eNOS/NO under oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) stimulation were modulated by ALOX15 inhibitor and ALOX15 small interfering RNA (siRNA). Atorvastatin abolished the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) induced by ox-LDL. Exposure to ox-LDL induced upregulation of ALOX15 in HUVECs, but this effect was partially abolished by atorvastatin or the NF-κB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC). These results demonstrate that regulation of ALOX15 expression might be involved in the effects of atorvastatin on endothelial dysfunction.
The Safety, Tolerability and Risks Associated with the Use of Newer Generation Antidepressant Drugs: A Critical Review of the Literature
Authors: Carvalho André F. , Sharma Manu S. , Brunoni André R. , Vieta Eduard , Fava Giovanni A.
Published: August 2016

Newer generation antidepressant drugs (ADs) are widely used as the first line of treatment for major depressive disorders and are considered to be safer than tricyclic agents. In this critical review, we evaluated the literature on adverse events, tolerability and safety of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, bupropion, mirtazapine, trazodone, agomelatine, vilazodone, levomilnacipran and vortioxetine. Several side effects are transient and may disappear after a few weeks following treatment initiation, but potentially serious adverse events may persist or ensue later. They encompass gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, diarrhea, gastric bleeding, dyspepsia), hepatotoxicity, weight gain and metabolic abnormalities, cardiovascular disturbances (heart rate, QT interval prolongation, hypertension, orthostatic hypotension), genitourinary symptoms (urinary retention, incontinence), sexual dysfunction, hyponatremia, osteoporosis and risk of fractures, bleeding, central nervous system disturbances (lowering of seizure threshold, extrapyramidal side effects, cognitive disturbances), sweating, sleep disturbances, affective disturbances (apathy, switches, paradoxical effects), ophthalmic manifestations (glaucoma, cataract) and hyperprolactinemia. At times, such adverse events may persist after drug discontinuation, yielding iatrogenic comorbidity. Other areas of concern involve suicidality, safety in overdose, discontinuation syndromes, risks during pregnancy and breast feeding, as well as risk of malignancies. Thus, the rational selection of ADs should consider the potential benefits and risks, likelihood of responsiveness to the treatment option and vulnerability to adverse events. The findings of this review should alert the physician to carefully review the appropriateness of AD prescription on an individual basis and to consider alternative treatments if available.
Assessment of the Protection of Shareholders in Egypt
Authors: Shazly Yassin El , Shaarawy Sayed
Published: August 2016

Egypt has opened the gate for international investment, especially after the 25 January Revolution in 2011, to compensate investments lost both during and after the revolution. Expanding shareholder protection laws may have a positive impact on companies as well as on the Egyptian national income. For example, as companies expand their external financing and decrease conflicts between shareholders and company managers, their profits can increase. Therefore, in order to assess whether the legal and contractual protection of shareholders functions efficiently, it will first be necessary to determine and analyse the system’s possible shortcomings.
Salvia robertoana (Lamiaceae), a new species from Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: MARTÍNEZ-GORDILLO MARTHA , FRAGOSO-MARTÍNEZ ITZI , SALAS-MORALES SILVIA H.
Published: August 2016

A new species of Salvia belonging to Salvia sect. Penellia from the state of Oaxaca is here described and illustrated. Only two species are included within this section: S. pennelli and the new species, S. robertoana. Both species are perennial herbs, with a 3-veined upper calyx lip, included stamens in the galea, late deciduous bracts, corolla tube epapillate inside, pubescent style and violet flowers. However, S. robertoana is distinguished from S. pennellii by its larger, elliptic to elliptic-oblong leaf blades (vs. blades lanceolate, oblong-lanceolate to oblong ovate) with tomentulose upper surface and pale, tomentose lower surface, and shortly decurrent base; usually longer inflorescence and shorter corolla tube and lower lip. A comparative table and an identification key of Salvia sect. Pennellia are provided.