bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suizidalität erkennen und beurteilen
Authors: Prinz Susanne , Egger Stephan T.
Published: October 2014

Suizidalität ist ein häufig gesehenes, aber leider auch häufig übersehenes Phänomen. Jedes Jahr sterben in der Schweiz etwa 1000 Personen durch Suizid; Suizidversuche sind um ein vielfaches häufiger. Wird Suizidalität rechtzeitig erkannt, angemessen beurteilt und eine adäquate Therapie eingeleitet, so können Suizide verhindert werden. Durch die Kenntnis der wichtigsten Risikogruppen und Risikofaktoren, aber auch protektiver Faktoren, kann die Beurteilung der Suizidalität im Alltag erleichtert werden. Es gibt verschiedene Instrumente, die einen Überblick über die beeinflussenden Faktoren geben können, wobei einige Risikofaktoren, z.B. Zugang zu Suizidmethoden, oder eine konkrete Suizidplanung, eine höhere Suizidgefährdung mit sich bringen als andere. Allerdings ersetzen solche Instrumente nie die Gesamtbeurteilung des Klinikers, die aus einem von Empathie und Transparenz geprägten Gespräch entstehen sollte.
Der Beitrag subjektiver Krankheitsrepräsentationen zur Erklärung beeinträchtigter Krankheitseinsicht bei Schizophrenie
Authors: Pruß Linda , Wiedl Karl Heinz , Waldorf Manuel
Published: October 2014

Theoretischer Hintergrund: Die Genese von Defiziten der Krankheitseinsicht bei Schizophrenie wird bisher unzureichend und teilweise widersprüchlich erklärt. Mehrfaktorielle Einsichtsmodelle, die inkonsistente Befunde integrieren, existieren kaum. Fragestellung: Kann ein typologischer Ansatz und die Erweiterung um die gesundheitspsychologische Perspektive subjektiver Krankheitskonzepte bisherige klinisch-psychiatrische Einsichtsmodelle verbessern? Methode: Für 95 Personen mit Diagnosen aus dem Schizophrenie-Spektrum wurden Krankheitseinsicht, subjektive Krankheitskonzepte, Symptomatik und Neurokognition querschnittlich erhoben. Ergebnisse: Eine einsichtige, kognitiv intakte sowie zwei uneinsichtige Subgruppen (kognitiv beeinträchtigt vs. unbeeinträchtigt) wurden clusteranalytisch identifiziert. Letztere ließ sich anhand von mehr Positivsymptomen, Bewertungen von verringerter Kontrollierbarkeit und emotionaler Bedeutung ihrer Problematik multinomial vorhersagen (R2N = .56). Schlussfolgerungen: Der Einschluss subjektiver Krankheitskonzepte in klinisch-psychiatrische Einsichtsmodelle erscheint fruchtbar. Neben einer defizitbasierten Uneinsichtigkeit lassen sich angesichts spezifischer Krankheitsbewertungen motivationale Einsichtsbarrieren vermuten.
Current approaches to calibration of LA-ICP-MS analysis
Authors: Miliszkiewicz Natalia , Walas Stanisław , Tobiasz Anna
Published: October 2014

For solid sample quantitative analysis by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) the main analytical problems are adequate standards preparation and signals standardization.
A deeper look into sonic spray ionization
Authors: Özdemir Abdil , Lin Jung-Lee , Wang Yi Sheng , Chen Chung-Hsuan
Published: October 2014

Sonic spray ionization (SSI) has been explored as an ambient ionization method for mass spectrometric analysis of different compounds.
In situ synthesis of graphene/carbon nanotube modified ordered mesoporous carbon as protective film of stainless steel bipolar plates for proton exchange membrane fuel cells
Authors: Xue Hairong , Wang Tao , Guo Hu , Fan Xiaoli , Zhu Zetao , Pan Xuchen , He Jianping
Published: October 2014

Graphene/CNT modified ordered mesoporous carbon films as protect coatings of the 304 stainless steel bipolar plate for PEFMCs by spin-coating.
Hierarchically structured TiO2 for Ba-filled skutterudite with enhanced thermoelectric performance
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyuan , Wang Guiwen , Guo Lijie , Chi Hang , Wang Guoyu , Zhang Qifeng , Chen Changqiang , Thompson Travis , Sakamoto Jeff , Dravid Vinayak P. , Cao Guozhong , Uher Ctirad
Published: October 2014

Ba0.3Co4Sb12 samples containing hierarchically structured TiO2 show a very good thermoelectric performance, with the highest ZT value reaching 1.2 when 0.5% P25 plus 0.5% TiO2 aggregates are added to the Ba0.3Co4Sb12 matrix.
The clinically approved drugs dasatinib and bosutinib induce anti-inflammatory macrophages by inhibiting the salt-inducible kinases
Authors: Ozanne James , Prescott Alan R. , Clark Kristopher
Published: October 2014

Macrophages switch to an anti-inflammatory, ‘regulatory’-like phenotype characterized by the production of high levels of interleukin (IL)-10 and low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines to promote the resolution of inflammation. A potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases would be to administer drugs that could induce the formation of ‘regulatory’-like macrophages at sites of inflammation. In the present study, we demonstrate that the clinically approved cancer drugs bosutinib and dasatinib induce several hallmark features of ‘regulatory’-like macrophages. Treatment of macrophages with bosutinib or dasatinib elevates the production of IL-10 while suppressing the production of IL-6, IL-12p40 and tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) in response to Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation. Moreover, macrophages treated with bosutinib or dasatinib express higher levels of markers of ‘regulatory’-like macrophages including LIGHT, SPHK1 and arginase 1. Bosutinib and dasatinib were originally developed as inhibitors of the protein tyrosine kinases Bcr-Abl and Src but we show that, surprisingly, the effects of bosutinib and dasatinib on macrophage polarization are the result of the inhibition of the salt-inducible kinases. Consistent with the present finding, bosutinib and dasatinib induce the dephosphorylation of CREB-regulated transcription co-activator 3 (CRTC3) and its nuclear translocation where it induces a cAMP-response-element-binding protein (CREB)-dependent gene transcription programme including that of IL-10. Importantly, these effects of bosutinib and dasatinib on IL-10 gene expression are lost in macrophages expressing a drug-resistant mutant of salt-inducible kinase 2 (SIK2). In conclusion, our study identifies the salt-inducible kinases as major targets of bosutinib and dasatinib that mediate the effects of these drugs on the innate immune system and provides novel mechanistic insights into the anti-inflammatory properties of these drugs.
Surgical Management of Vocal Fold Paralysis and Cricopharyngeal Dysfunction as a Cause of Aspiration
Authors: Chandran Swapna
Published: October 2014

Aspiration and pharyngeal dysphagia occur across various age groups as a result of numerous conditions, such as neurological, oncological, or inflammatory processes. After nonsurgical techniques fail, surgical options for treatment of the larynx or cricopharygeus muscle are considered. The most common causes of laryngeal causes of dysphasia/aspiration can be treated with procedures aimed at closing the laryngeal gap resulting from paralysis. Cricopharyngeal dysfunction often can be identified by various diagnostic modalities, but dilation, botulinum toxin, and myotomy are commonly employed management options.
Star polymers rupture induced by constant forces
Authors: García N. A. , Febbo M. , Vega D. A. , Milchev A.
Published: October 2014

In this work, we study the breakage process of an unknotted three-arm star-shaped polymer when it is pulled from its free ends by a constant force. The star polymer configuration is described through an array of monomers coupled by anharmonic bonds, while the rupture process is tracked in three-dimensional space by means of Langevin Molecular Dynamics simulations. The interaction between monomers is described by a Morse potential, while a Weeks-Chandler-Anderson energetic contribution accounts for the excluded volume interaction. We explore the effect of the molecular architecture on the distributions of rupture times over a broad interval of pulling forces and star configurations. It was found that the rupture time distribution of the individual star arms is strongly affected by the star configuration imposed by the pulling forces and the length of the arms. We also observed that for large pulling forces the rupture time distributions resemble the dominant features observed for linear polymer chains. The model introduced here provides the basic ingredients to describe the effects of tensile forces on stress-induced degradation of branched macromolecules and polymer networks.
Does Perisaccadic Compression Require Foveal Vision?
Authors: Matziridi Maria , Hartendorp Mijke O , Brenner Eli , Smeets Jeroen B J
Published: October 2014

People make systematic errors when localizing a stimulus that is presented briefly near the time of a saccade. These errors have been interpreted as compression towards the position that is fixated after the saccade. Normally, fixating a position means that its image falls on the fovea. Macular degeneration (MD) damages the central retina, obliterating foveal vision. Many people with MD adopt a new retinal locus for fixation, called the preferred retinal locus (PRL). If the compression of space during the saccade is a special characteristic of the fovea, possibly due to the high density of cones that is found in the fovea, one might expect people lacking central vision to show no compression of space around the time of a saccade. If the compression of space during the saccade is related to the position that is fixated after the saccade, one would expect compression towards the PRL, despite the lack of a high density of cones in this area. We found that a person with MD showed a clear compression towards her PRL. We conclude that perisaccadic compression is related to the position that is fixated after the saccade rather than to the high density of receptors in the fovea.
Adhesion properties of Lactobacillus rhamnosus mucus-binding factor to mucin and extracellular matrix proteins
Authors: Nishiyama Keita , Nakamata Koichi , Ueno Shintaro , Terao Akari , Aryantini Ni Putu Desy , Sujaya I Nengah , Fukuda Kenji , Urashima Tadasu , Yamamoto Yuji , Mukai Takao
Published: October 2014

We previously described potential probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains, isolated from fermented mare milk produced in Sumbawa Island, Indonesia, which showed high adhesion to porcine colonic mucin (PCM) and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Recently, mucus-binding factor (MBF) was found in the GG strain of L. rhamnosus as a mucin-binding protein. In this study, we assessed the ability of recombinant MBF protein from the FSMM22 strain, one of the isolates of L. rhamnosus from fermented Sumbawa mare milk, to adhere to PCM and ECM proteins by overlay dot blot and Biacore assays. MBF bound to PCM, laminin, collagen IV, and fibronectin with submicromolar dissociation constants. Adhesion of the FSMM22 mbf mutant strain to PCM and ECM proteins was significantly less than that of the wild-type strain. Collectively, these results suggested that MBF contribute to L. rhamnosus host colonization via mucin and ECM protein binding.
Automated identification of social interaction criteria in
Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Schneider J. , Levine J. D.
Published: October 2014

The study of social behaviour within groups has relied on fixed definitions of an ‘interaction’. Criteria used in these definitions often involve a subjectively defined cut-off value for proximity, orientation and time (e.g. courtship, aggression and social interaction networks) and the same numerical values for these criteria are applied to all of the treatment groups within an experiment. One universal definition of an interaction could misidentify interactions within groups that differ in life histories, study treatments and/or genetic mutations. Here, we present an automated method for determining the values of interaction criteria using a pre-defined rule set rather than pre-defined values. We use this approach and show changing social behaviours in different manipulations of
Drosophila melanogaster
. We also show that chemosensory cues are an important modality of social spacing and interaction. This method will allow a more robust analysis of the properties of interacting groups, while helping us understand how specific groups regulate their social interaction space.
Standing genetic variation in host preference for mutualist microbial symbionts
Authors: Simonsen Anna K. , Stinchcombe John R.
Published: October 2014

Many models of mutualisms show that mutualisms are unstable if hosts lack mechanisms enabling preferential associations with mutualistic symbiotic partners over exploitative partners. Despite the theoretical importance of mutualism-stabilizing mechanisms, we have little empirical evidence to infer their evolutionary dynamics in response to exploitation by non-beneficial partners. Using a model mutualism—the interaction between legumes and nitrogen-fixing soil symbionts—we tested for quantitative genetic variation in plant responses to mutualistic and exploitative symbiotic rhizobia in controlled greenhouse conditions. We found significant broad-sense heritability in a legume host's preferential association with mutualistic over exploitative symbionts and selection to reduce frequency of associations with exploitative partners. We failed to detect evidence that selection will favour the loss of mutualism-stabilizing mechanisms in the absence of exploitation, as we found no evidence for a fitness cost to the host trait or indirect selection on genetically correlated traits. Our results show that genetic variation in the ability to preferentially reduce associations with an exploitative partner exists within mutualisms and is under selection, indicating that micro-evolutionary responses in mutualism-stabilizing traits in the face of rapidly evolving mutualistic and exploitative symbiotic bacteria can occur in natural host populations.
Collective action and the collaborative brain
Authors: Gavrilets Sergey
Published: October 2014

Humans are unique both in their cognitive abilities and in the extent of cooperation in large groups of unrelated individuals. How our species evolved high intelligence in spite of various costs of having a large brain is perplexing. Equally puzzling is how our ancestors managed to overcome the collective action problem and evolve strong innate preferences for cooperative behavior. Here I theoretically study the evolution of social-cognitive competencies as driven by selection emerging from the need to produce public goods in games against nature or in direct competition with other groups. I use collaborative ability in collective actions as a proxy for social-cognitive competencies. My results suggest that collaborative ability is more likely to evolve first by between-group conflicts and then later be utilized and improved in games against nature. If collaborative abilities remain low, the species is predicted to become genetically dimorphic with a small proportion of individuals contributing to public goods and the rest free-riding. Evolution of collaborative ability creates conditions for the subsequent evolution of collaborative communication and cultural learning.
A consumer adoption model for personalized medicine: an exploratory study
Authors: Hitz Anja , Prevel Katsanis Lea
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this research is to identify factors linked to the potential acceptance of personalized medicine (PM) by consumers. Roger’s diffusion of innovation model (1995) and the work of Duguayet al.(2003) on transgenic biopharmaceuticals contributed to the development of the proposed conceptual model.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study design was an exploratory cross-sectional survey that used a Canadian national online panel of 307 respondents.

Findings

– The results suggest that the most important factors leading to consumer adoption of PM are knowledge, relative advantage and compatibility with existing values. The level of homophilus traits was negatively related to the acceptance of PM.

Originality/value

– Marketers will need to provide documented evidence of PM’s benefits over existing therapy based on improved efficacy and reduced side effects. Further, concerns about higher price, product distribution and drug reimbursement policies may limit its acceptance. This is the first study to examine the potential adoption and acceptance of PM by consumers.
Forensic triage of email network narratives through visualisation
Authors: Haggerty John , Haggerty Sheryllynne , Taylor Mark
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel approach that automates the visualisation of both quantitative data (the network) and qualitative data (the content) within emails to aid the triage of evidence during a forensics investigation. Email remains a key source of evidence during a digital investigation, and a forensics examiner may be required to triage and analyse large email data sets for evidence. Current practice utilises tools and techniques that require a manual trawl through such data, which is a time-consuming process.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper applies the methodology to the Enron email corpus, and in particular one key suspect, to demonstrate the applicability of the approach. Resulting visualisations of network narratives are discussed to show how network narratives may be used to triage large evidence data sets.

Findings

– Using the network narrative approach enables a forensics examiner to quickly identify relevant evidence within large email data sets. Within the case study presented in this paper, the results identify key witnesses, other actors of interest to the investigation and potential sources of further evidence.

Practical implications

– The implications are for digital forensics examiners or for security investigations that involve email data. The approach posited in this paper demonstrates the triage and visualisation of email network narratives to aid an investigation and identify potential sources of electronic evidence.

Originality/value

– There are a number of network visualisation applications in use. However, none of these enable the combined visualisation of quantitative and qualitative data to provide a view of what the actors are discussing and how this shapes the network in email data sets.
The impact of trust, motivation and rewards on knowledge sharing attitudes among the secondary and higher secondary level students’
Authors: Sabbir Rahman Muhammad , Hussain Bashir
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper’s aim is to inspect the influence of trust, motivation and rewards on knowledge-sharing attitudes among secondary and higher secondary students in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

– A sample of 200 Bangladeshi students from secondary and higher secondary-level educational institutions in Dhaka city participated in this study. Data were analysed using exploratory factor analysis followed by confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling techniques.

Findings

– The findings suggested that trust variables play a significant role in encouraging knowledge-sharing behaviour among the students.

Practical Implications

– This research also provides a guideline to teachers and policymakers on enhancing a knowledge-sharing environment among secondary and higher secondary-level students.

Originality

– This paper is a pioneer in understanding knowledge-sharing patterns among secondary and higher secondary students in a developing country such as Bangladesh.
Mutualistic interaction between Salmonella enterica and Aspergillus niger and its effects on Zea mays colonization
Authors: Balbontín Roberto , Vlamakis Hera , Kolter Roberto
Published: October 2014

Salmonella Typhimurium inhabits a variety of environments and is able to infect a broad range of hosts. Throughout its life cycle, some hosts can act as intermediates in the path to the infection of others. Aspergillus niger is a ubiquitous fungus that can often be found in soil or associated to plants and microbial consortia. Recently, S. Typhimurium was shown to establish biofilms on the hyphae of A. niger. In this work, we have found that this interaction is stable for weeks without a noticeable negative effect on either organism. Indeed, bacterial growth is promoted upon the establishment of the interaction. Moreover, bacterial biofilms protect the fungus from external insults such as the effects of the anti‐fungal agent cycloheximide. Thus, the Salmonella–Aspergillus interaction can be defined as mutualistic. A tripartite gnotobiotic system involving the bacterium, the fungus and a plant revealed that co‐colonization has a greater negative effect on plant growth than colonization by either organism in dividually. Strikingly, co‐colonization also causes a reduction in plant invasion by S. Typhimurium. This work demonstrates that S. Typhimurium and A. niger establish a mutualistic interaction that alters bacterial colonization of plants and affects plant physiology.
Drought resistance and recovery in mature Bituminaria bituminosa var. albomarginata
Authors: Foster K. , Lambers H. , Real D. , Ramankutty P. , Cawthray G.R. , Ryan M.H.
Published: October 2014

Few studies have investigated the response of perennial legumes to drought stress (DS) and their ability, following rewatering, to regrow and restore photosynthetic activity. We examined these responses for two genotypes of drought‐tolerant tedera (Bituminaria bituminosa var. albomarginata) and one genotype of lucerne (Medicago sativa). Plants were grown outdoors in 1‐m deep PVC pots with a reconstructed field soil profile, regularly watered for 8 months (winter to mid‐summer), and then moved to a glasshouse where either watering was maintained or drought was imposed for up to 47 days, before rewatering for 28 days. Drought stress greatly decreased shoot dry matter (DM) production in both species. Lucerne plants showed severe leaf desiccation after 21 days of withholding water. Relative leaf water content (RWC = 42%) and midday leaf water potential (LWP = −6.5 MPa) decreased in tedera in response to DS, whereas leaf angle (85°) and lateral root DM both increased. Proline and pinitol accumulated in tedera leaves during DS, and their concentration declined after rewatering. Nine days after rewatering, previously drought‐stressed tedera had similar RWC and LWP to well‐watered control plants. In tedera and lucerne, 28 days after rewatering, photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were greater than in the well‐watered controls. The lateral root DM for one tedera genotype decreased during the recovery phase but for lucerne, the lateral root DM did not change during either the drought or the recovery phases. Overall, the root systems in tedera showed greater plasticity in response to DS and rewatering than in lucerne. In conclusion, tedera and lucerne showed different physiological and morphological strategies to survive and recover from DS. Proline and soluble sugars may act as a carbon source for regrowth in tedera during recovery. In comparison with lucerne, tedera's more rapid recovery after rewatering should contribute to a greater aboveground DM yield under alternating dry and wet periods. Tedera genotypes are highly heterogeneous and selecting genotypes with enhanced concentrations of pinitol and proline could be a valuable tool to improve plant performance during DS and recovery.
Economic evaluation of arsenic trioxide compared to all‐trans retinoic acid + conventional chemotherapy for treatment of relapsed acute promyelocytic leukemia in Canada
Authors: Lachaine Jean , Mathurin Karine , Barakat Stéphane , Couban Stephen
Published: October 2014

Objectives

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is an uncommon type of acute leukemia characterized by high early mortality. Current first‐line treatments include all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA), anthracyclines, and other conventional chemotherapies (CTs). Although APL is generally associated with a good prognosis, about 20% of patients who achieve remission subsequently relapse and are resistant to the previously administrated treatment. The objective of this study was to assess, from a Canadian perspective, the economic impact of arsenic trioxide (ATO) compared to ATRA+CT for treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory APL.

Methods

The cost‐effectiveness of ATO compared to ATRA+CT for treating patients with relapsed/refractory APL was assessed over a lifetime horizon using a Markov model. The model considers five health states: induction, second remission, treatment failure or relapse, postfailure, and death. Markov cycle length was 1 month for the first 24 months and 1 yr thereafter. The model also takes into account the incidence of grade 3–4 adverse events reported in clinical trials. Analyses were conducted from a Canadian Ministry of Health (MoH) and a societal perspective.

Results

Compared to ATRA+CT, ATO was associated with incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios of $20 551/quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) from a MoH perspective and $22 219/QALY from a societal perspective. Results of the probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated that ATO is a cost‐effective strategy in 99.27% and 98.98% of the simulations from a MoH and a societal perspective, respectively.

Conclusions

This economic evaluation demonstrates that ATO is a cost‐effective strategy compared to ATRA+CT for treatment of patients with relapsed/refractory APL in Canada.
Impact of a modified nursing handover model for improving nursing care and documentation in the emergency department: A pre‐ and post‐implementation study
Authors: Kerr Debra , Klim Sharon , Kelly Anne‐Maree , McCann Terence
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether implementation of a new nursing handover model led to improved completion of nursing care activities and documentation. A pre‐ and post‐implementation study, using a survey and document audit, was conducted in a hospital ED in Melbourne. A convenience sample of nurses completed the survey at baseline (n = 67) and post‐intervention (n = 59), and the audit was completed at both time points. Results showed significant improvements in several processes: handover in front of the patient (P < 0.001), patients contributed and/or listened to handover discussions (P < 0.001), and provision of adequate information about all patients in the department (P < 0.001). Nurses also reported a reduction in omission of vital signs (P = 0.022) during handover. Three hundred sixty‐eight medical records were audited in the two study periods: 173 (pre‐intervention) and 195 (post‐intervention). Statistically significant improvements in the completion of two nursing care tasks and three documentation items were identified. The findings suggest that implementation of a new handover model improved completion of nursing care activities and documentation, and transfer of important information to nurses on oncoming shifts.
Mesenchymal stem‐cell potential in cartilage repair: an update
Authors: Mazor M. , Lespessailles E. , Coursier R. , Daniellou R. , Best T. M. , Toumi H.
Published: October 2014

Articular cartilage damage and subsequent degeneration are a frequent occurrence in synovial joints. Treatment of these lesions is a challenge because this tissue is incapable of quality repair and/or regeneration to its native state. Non‐operative treatments endeavour to control symptoms and include anti‐inflammatory medications, viscosupplementation, bracing, orthotics and activity modification. Classical surgical techniques for articular cartilage lesions are frequently insufficient in restoring normal anatomy and function and in many cases, it has not been possible to achieve the desired results. Consequently, researchers and clinicians are focusing on alternative methods for cartilage preservation and repair. Recently, cell‐based therapy has become a key focus of tissue engineering research to achieve functional replacement of articular cartilage. The present manuscript is a brief review of stem cells and their potential in the treatment of early OA (i.e. articular cartilage pathology) and recent progress in the field.
Are Virtual Environments the New Frontier in Obesity Management?
Authors: Cornick Jessica E. , Blascovich Jim
Published: October 2014

Advances in virtual environment technology, particularly digital immersive virtual environment technology, enable people to engage in increasingly compelling experiences. Such technology not only has entertainment value but also provides a powerful research platform for behavioral scientists and clinicians. Although many immersive virtual environment‐based studies have been conducted in the last 20 years, investigations of psychological and physical health remain relatively rare. In short, virtual environment technology provides investigators and health care providers with a powerful tool to study motivate their research participants and patients to improve or regain health. Here, the nature of the technology, ideas for future research using it, and how it has and can be used to assess and combat the obesity epidemic sweeping the United States.
Predictors of Repeated High-Intensity-Effort Ability in Rugby League Players
Authors: Gabbett Tim J. , Wheeler Aaron J.
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

To investigate the relationship between repeated high-intensity-effort (RHIE) ability and selected physical qualities in rugby league players.

Methods:

Sixteen rugby league players underwent measurements of upper-body strength (4-repetition-maximum [4RM] bench press, weighted chin-up, weighted dips), upper-body muscle endurance (body-mass maximum-repetition chin-up, body-mass maximum-repetition dips), lower-body strength (4RM squat), estimated maximal aerobic power (multistage fitness test), and RHIE ability. The RHIE-ability test consisted of 1 × 10-m sprint, 3 × full-contact 1-on-1 tackling efforts, and a 30-m jog recovery. Players performed 4 repetitions of the test, with each repetition completed in 40 second. During the RHIE test, player speed was evaluated with a 10-m sprint effort while the movement of players was recorded using a wearable microtechnology device. 2D Player Load was used to quantify the collision component of the test.

Results:

Speed decrement was lower for the first- (−2.4% ± 1.0%) than the second-grade (−4.7% ± 2.1%) players. Players with greater initial speed had a higher average speed over the 4 sprints (r = .75), while players with greater maximum-repetition dips maintained a higher 2D Player Load (r = .76).

Conclusions:

These findings demonstrate a relationship between well-developed acceleration and upper-body muscle-endurance qualities and RHIE ability in rugby league players. Training programs designed to develop acceleration and upper-body muscle endurance are likely to improve RHIE ability.
Cardiac Parasympathetic Activity and Race Performance: An Elite Triathlete Case Study
Authors: Stanley Jamie , D’Auria Shaun , Buchheit Martin
Published: October 2014

The authors examined whether changes in heart-rate (HR) variability (HRV) could consistently track adaptation to training and race performance during a 32-wk competitive season. An elite male long-course triathlete recorded resting HR (RHR) each morning, and vagal-related indices of HRV (natural logarithm of the square root of mean squared differences of successive R−R intervals [ln rMSSD] and the ratio of ln rMSSD to R−R interval length [ln rMSSD:RR]) were assessed. Daily training load was quantified using a power meter and wrist-top GPS device. Trends in HRV indices and training load were examined by calculating standardized differences (ES). The following trends in week-to-week changes were consistently observed: (1) When the triathlete was coping with a training block, RHR decreased (ES −0.38 [90% confidence limits −0.05;−0.72]) and ln rMSSD increased (+0.36 [0.71;0.00]). (2) When the triathlete was not coping, RHR increased (+0.65 [1.29;0.00]) and ln rMSSD decreased (−0.60 [0.00;−1.20]). (3) Optimal competition performance was associated with moderate decreases in ln rMSSD (−0.86 [−0.76;−0.95]) and ln rMSSD:RR (−0.90 [−0.60;−1.20]) in the week before competition. (4) Suboptimal competition performance was associated with small decreases in ln rMSSD (−0.25 [−0.76;−0.95]) and trivial changes in ln rMSSD:RR (−0.04 [0.50;−0.57]) in the week before competition. To conclude, in this triathlete, a decrease in RHR concurrent with increased ln rMSSD compared with the previous week consistently appears indicative of positive training adaptation during a training block. A simultaneous reduction in ln rMSSD and ln rMSSD:RR during the final week preceding competition appears consistently indicative of optimal performance.
Thyroid dysfunction following a kelp-containing marketed diet
Authors: Di Matola Tiziana , Zeppa Pio , Gasperi Maurizio , Vitale Mario
Published: October 2014

Complementary medications and herbal medicine for weight loss have become very popular. We report a case of thyroid dysfunction following the ingestion of a kelp-containing marketed diet in a 45-year-old woman with no previous thyroid disease. Signs of hyperthyroidism occurred shortly after a kelp-containing diet. Hyperthyroidism lasted 2 months and was followed by an overt hypothyroidism. The thyroid scintiscan exhibited an extremely low uptake and colour-Doppler ultrasonography revealed multiple small areas of pulsatile flow. After 3 months of levothyroxine substitutive therapy, normal thyroid function was recovered after levothyroxine discontinuation. This clinical history is compatible with a case of iodine-induced thyrotoxicosis followed by prolonged block of the sodium–iodide symporter activity as a consequence of excessive iodine consumption from kelp. Consumers of marketed diets containing kelp or other iodine-rich ingredients should be advised of the risk to develop a thyroid dysfunction also in the absence of underlying thyroid disease.
Subhepatic caecal tumour in an adult with intestinal malrotation
Authors: Norris Joseph Michael , Owusu Desmond , Abdullah Ammar Adel , Rajaratnam Kanapathippillai
Published: October 2014

Intestinal malrotation is an abnormality that usually presents in infanthood. Following correction, complications are rare in adults. We describe a case of a 64-year-old woman with a history of malrotation who presented with anaemia and weight loss. Colonic cancer was apparently excluded by colonoscopy. In fact, endoscopy had only been performed up to the hepatic flexure, which was unexpectedly positioned in the right iliac fossa. The patient then underwent a CT pneumocolon study, which demonstrated a caecal tumour, unusually located subhepatically. Repeat colonoscopy was performed to the true caecum and the lesion was biopsied. The patient underwent uncomplicated open right hemicolectomy and made a full recovery. To avoid diagnostic delay and, at worst, missing pathology entirely, clinicians must always thoroughly review a patient's history. Adults with malrotation may have atypical presentations of abdominal disease and so it is pertinent that surgeons, endoscopists and general practitioners remain alert and cognisant of their patients’ history.
The utility of ERG, CD31 and CD34 in the cytological diagnosis of angiosarcoma: an analysis of 25 cases
Authors: Sullivan Harold C , Edgar Mark A , Cohen Cynthia , Kovach Charles K , HooKim Kim , Reid Michelle D
Published: October 2014

Aims

Erythroblast transformation specific related gene (ERG), a proto-oncogene member of the erythroblast transformation specific transcription factor family, is a sensitive marker of endothelial differentiation and is expressed in vascular tumours, including angiosarcomas (AS). Immunohistochemistry is necessary for the diagnosis of AS in fine needle aspirates where low cellularity and lack of preserved tissue architecture impedes diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of an ERG-enriched immunohistochemistry panel in the cytological diagnosis of AS.

Methods

25 AS diagnosed on fine needle aspirates were stained for ERG, CD31, CD34, and AE1/AE3. Staining intensity and percentage tumour cell positivity were evaluated. Spearman’s correlation was assessed for significant correlations between antibodies.

Results

Sensitivities for ERG, CD31, CD34 and AE1/AE3 were 100%, 100%, 60% and 21%, respectively. Spearman’s analysis revealed that ERG and CD31 staining correlated significantly; there was no significant correlation between CD31 and CD34 staining.

Conclusions

With equal sensitivity to, and strong correlation with CD31, ERG staining is highly suitable for the cytological diagnosis of AS. ERG and CD31 are more sensitive vascular markers than CD34. ERG, a nuclear stain, complements the cytoplasmic/membranous staining of CD31. Used in conjunction with CD31, ERG can corroborate the diagnosis of AS.
Brief history for the search and discovery of the Higgs particle — A personal perspective
Authors: Wu Sau Lan
Published: October 2014

In 1964, a new particle was proposed by several groups to answer the question of where the masses of elementary particles come from; this particle is usually referred to as the Higgs particle or the Higgs boson. In July 2012, this Higgs particle was finally found experimentally, a feat accomplished by the ATLAS Collaboration and the CMS Collaboration using the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. It is the purpose of this review to give my personal perspective on a brief history of the experimental search for this particle since the '80s and finally its discovery in 2012. Besides the early searches, those at the LEP collider at CERN, the Tevatron Collider at Fermilab, and the Large Hadron Collider at CERN are described in some detail. This experimental discovery of the Higgs boson is often considered to be one of the most important advances in particle physics in the last half a century, and some of the possible implications are briefly discussed. This review is based on a talk presented by the author at the conference "OCPA8 International Conference on Physics Education and Frontier Physics," the 8th Joint Meeting of Chinese Physicists Worldwide, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, June 23–27, 2014.
Solving the Monge–Ampère equations for the inverse reflector problem
Authors: Brix Kolja , Hafizogullari Yasemin , Platen Andreas
Published: October 2014

The inverse reflector problem arises in geometrical nonimaging optics: given a light source and a target, the question is how to design a reflecting free-form surface such that a desired light density distribution is generated on the target, e.g. a projected image on a screen. This optical problem can mathematically be understood as a problem of optimal transport and equivalently be expressed by a secondary boundary value problem of the Monge–Ampère equation, which consists of a highly nonlinear partial differential equation of second order and constraints. In our approach the Monge–Ampère equation is numerically solved using a collocation method based on tensor-product B-splines, in which nested iteration techniques are applied to ensure the convergence of the nonlinear solver and to speed up the calculation. In the numerical method special care has to be taken for the constraint: it enters the discrete problem formulation via a Picard-type iteration. Numerical results are presented as well for benchmark problems for the standard Monge–Ampère equation as for the inverse reflector problem for various images. The designed reflector surfaces are validated by a forward simulation using ray tracing.
Compensated convexity and Hausdorff stable extraction of intersections for smooth manifolds
Authors: Zhang Kewei , Orlando Antonio , Crooks Elaine
Published: October 2014

We apply compensated convex transforms to define a multiscale Hausdorff stable method to extract intersections between smooth compact manifolds represented by their characteristic functions or as point clouds embedded in ℝn. We prove extraction results on intersections of smooth compact manifolds and for points of high curvature. As a result of the Hausdorff–Lipschitz continuity of our transforms, we show that our method is stable against dense sampling of smooth manifolds with noise. Examples of explicitly calculated prototype models for some simple cases are presented, which are also used in the proofs of our main results. Numerical experiments in two- and three-dimensional space, and applications to geometric objects are also shown.
Minehunting Mission Planning for Autonomous Underwater Systems Using Evolutionary Algorithms
Authors: Abreu Nuno , Matos Aníbal
Published: October 2014

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) are increasingly being used to perform mine countermeasures (MCM) operations but its capabilities are limited by the efficiency of the planning process. Here we study the problem of multiobjective MCM mission planning with AUVs. The vehicle should cover the operating area while maximizing the probability of detecting the targets and minimizing the required energy and time to complete the mission. A multi-stage algorithm is proposed and evaluated. Our algorithm combines an evolutionary algorithm (EA) with a local search procedure, aiming at a more flexible and effective exploration and exploitation of the search space. An artificial neural network (ANN) model was also integrated in the evolutionary procedure to guide the search. The combination of different techniques creates another problem, related to the high amount of parameters that needs to be tuned. Thus, the effect of these parameters on the quality of the obtained Pareto Front was assessed. This allowed us to define an adaptive tuning procedure to control the parameters while the algorithm is executed. Our algorithm is compared against an implementation of a known EA as well as another mission planner and the results from the experiments show that the proposed strategy can efficiently identify a higher quality solution set.
Reservoir rock typing of Upper Shu’aiba limestones, northwestern Oman
Authors: Al-Tooqi Sabah , Ehrenberg Stephen N. , Al-Habsi Naima , Al-Shukaili Mohammed
Published: October 2014

Core samples from seven wells in Lower Cretaceous limestones of the Upper Shu’aiba Member were characterized by conventional core analyses, petrography, bulk chemistry and mercury-injection capillary pressure data to define reservoir rock types (RRT). In the main oilfield studied, lithofacies are arranged in three main belts corresponding to ramp crest, upper slope and lower slope, with bioclast content and size decreasing down depositional dip. Rock typing is based on the observation of distinct, but overlapping, porosity–permeability transforms for each lithofacies, although most samples plot in or below the class 3 field of Lucia, reflecting the presence of abundant lime-mud matrix. Because of the wide range of porosity in each of the main lithofacies, an arbitrary division at 20% porosity is used in combination with lithofacies to define RRT with both three-dimensional (3D) geological significance and distinct ranges of permeability and capillary pressure characteristics. The use of total porosity as a rock-typing criterion is based on the interpretation that porosity is controlled on the reservoir scale by the depositional clay content of the local stratigraphic environment. The seaward and uppermost parts of the clinoforms a have low clay, and, thus, highest porosity. Because both lithofacies and porosity are linked to the sedimentological and stratigraphic organization of the Upper Shu’aiba clinoforms, the RRT can potentially be implemented in a reservoir model for assigning distinct ranges of petrophysical properties to the different architectural elements comprising each clinoform. Two additional grain-dominated RRT have also been defined in a single core that was available from a second oilfield.
Application of Signal Analysis to the Climate
Authors: Stallinga Peter , Khmelinskii Igor
Published: October 2014

The primary ingredient of the Anthropogenic Global Warming hypothesis, namely, the assumption that additional atmospheric carbon dioxide substantially raises the global temperature, is studied. This is done by looking at the data of temperature and CO2, both in the time domain and in the phase domain of periodic data. Bicentenary measurements are analyzed and a relaxation model is introduced in the form of an electronic equivalent circuit. The effects of this relaxation manifest themselves in delays in the time domain and correlated phase shifts in the phase domain. For extremely long relaxation time constants, the delay is maximally one-quarter period, which for the yearly-periodic signal means 3 months. This is not in line with the analyzed data, the latter showing delays of 9 (−3) months. These results indicate a reverse function of cause and effect, with temperature being the cause for atmospheric CO2 changes, rather than their effect. These two hypotheses are discussed on basis of literature, where it was also reported that CO2 variations are lagging behind temperature variations.
Headache in General Practice: Frequency, Management, and Results of Encounter
Authors: Frese Thomas , Druckrey Henriette , Sandholzer Hagen
Published: October 2014

Objective. Headache is a common reason for consulting the general practitioner. The goal of the investigation was to characterize the headache consultation rates, the associated symptoms, the frequency of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and the results of the encounter of patients with headache. Methods. Cross-sectional data were collected from randomly selected patients during the German SESAM 2 study and compared with unpublished but publicly available data from the Dutch Transition Project. Results. Headache accounts for up to five percent of all general practice consultations. Women consult the general practitioner for headache twice as often as men. Physical examination and drug prescription are the most frequent procedures. Most of the patients suffer from primary headache; secondary headache is due to upper respiratory tract infections or problems of the spinal column. Dangerous courses occur in very rare cases. Conclusion. This work confirms the findings of earlier studies regarding the management of patients that consult the general practitioner for headache. It broadens the preexisting database since cross-sectional data regarding headache in general practice was rarely published.
Inverted Pendulum Standing Apparatus for Investigating Closed-Loop Control of Ankle Joint Muscle Contractions during Functional Electrical Stimulation
Authors: Tan John F. , Masani Kei , Vette Albert H. , Zariffa José , Robinson Mark , Lynch Cheryl , Popovic Milos R.
Published: October 2014

The restoration of arm-free standing in individuals with paraplegia can be facilitated via functional electrical stimulation (FES). In developing adequate control strategies for FES systems, it remains challenging to test the performance of a particular control scheme on human subjects. In this study, we propose a testing platform for developing effective control strategies for a closed-loop FES system for standing. The Inverted Pendulum Standing Apparatus (IPSA) is a mechanical inverted pendulum, whose angular position is determined by the subject’s ankle joint angle as controlled by the FES system while having the subject’s body fixed in a standing frame. This approach provides a setup that is safe, prevents falling, and enables a research and design team to rigorously test various closed-loop controlled FES systems applied to the ankle joints. To demonstrate the feasibility of using the IPSA, we conducted a case series that employed the device for studying FES closed-loop controllers for regulating ankle joint kinematics during standing. The utilized FES system stimulated, in able-bodied volunteers, the plantarflexors as they prevent toppling during standing. Four different conditions were compared, and we were able to show unique performance of each condition using the IPSA. We concluded that the IPSA is a useful tool for developing and testing closed-loop controlled FES systems for regulating ankle joint position during standing.