bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repurposing Materials and Waste through Online Exchanges: Overcoming the Last Hurdle
Authors: Dhanorkar Suvrat , Donohue Karen , Linderman Kevin
Published: January 2015

Online material and waste exchanges (OMWEs) provide online channels to repurpose by‐products, unused materials and waste from industrial and commercial facilities. Unfortunately, OMWE's also have challenges. First, sellers may have access to other disposal options and, as a result, may not fully commit to the exchange. Second, buyers can face high uncertainty about the product exchanged and the transaction being undertaken. Overcoming these challenges is the “last hurdle” to making OMWEs successful. This study investigates the factors that reduce the buyers' uncertainty and increase the sellers' commitment to the OMWE. We analyze novel transaction‐level data from an online exchange (MNExchange.org) combined with other archival public records on county‐level repurposing and disposal statistics. First, we find that regional repurposing policies and alternatives have a complementary effect on sellers' commitment toward OMWEs, resulting in increased OMWE exchanges. However, regional disposal policies and alternatives have a substitution effect on sellers' commitment, resulting in reduced exchange success. Further, greater product and transaction information reduce the buyer's uncertainty and increase exchange success. Finally, the analysis shows that users' (buyers and sellers) heavily rely on their prior experience with OMWEs. Specifically, higher familiarity between the buyer–seller pair and familiarity with the OMWE system leads to higher likelihood of exchange success. This study lays the foundation for understanding OMWEs and has important implications for developing policies and operations to increase online transactions of by‐products, materials and wastes.
Long‐Term Contracting: The Role of Private Information in Dynamic Supply Risk Management
Authors: Gao Long
Published: January 2015

We examine the critical role of evolving private information in managing supply risk. The problem features a dyadic channel where a dominant buyer operates a multiperiod inventory system with lost sales and fixed cost. He replenishes from a supplier, whose private state of production is vulnerable to random shocks and evolves dynamically over time. We characterize the optimal inventory policy with a simple semi‐stationary structure; it distorts order quantity for limiting information rent only in the initial period; the optimal payment compensates for production cost in every period but concedes real information rent only in the initial period. These properties allow us to derive an easy‐to‐implement revenue‐sharing contract that facilitates ex ante strategic planning and ex post dynamic execution. This work advances our understanding on when and how to use private information in dynamic risk management.
Investing in a Shared Supplier in a Competitive Market: Stochastic Capacity Case
Authors: Qi Anyan , Ahn Hyun‐Soo , Sinha Amitabh
Published: January 2015

When firms invest in a shared supplier, one key concern is whether the invested capacity will be used for a competitor. In practice, this concern is addressed by restricting the use of the capacity. We consider what happens when two competing firms invest in a shared supplier. We consider two scenarios that differ in how capacity is used: exclusive capacity and first‐priority capacity. We model firms' investment and production decisions, and analyze the equilibrium outcomes in terms of the number of investing firms and capacity levels for each scenario; realized capacity is a stochastic function of investment levels. We also identify conditions under which the spillover effect occurs, where one firm taps into the other firm's invested capacity. Although the spillover supposedly intensifies competition, it actually discourages firms' investment. We also characterize the firms' and supplier's preference about the capacity type. While the non‐investing firm always prefers spillovers from the first‐priority capacity, the investing firm does not always want to shut off the other firm's access to its leftover capacity, especially when allowing spillover induces the other firm not to invest. The supplier's preference depends on the trade‐off between over‐investment and flexibility.
High‐affinity nitrate/nitrite transporter genes (Nrt2) in Tisochrysis lutea: identification and expression analyses reveal some interesting specificities of Haptophyta microalgae
Authors: Charrier Aurélie , Bérard Jean‐Baptiste , Bougaran Gaël , Carrier Grégory , Lukomska Ewa , Schreiber Nathalie , Fournier Flora , Charrier Aurélie F. , Rouxel Catherine , Garnier Matthieu , Cadoret Jean‐Paul , Saint‐Jean Bruno
Published: February 2015

Microalgae have a diversity of industrial applications such as feed, food ingredients, depuration processes and energy. However, microalgal production costs could be substantially improved by controlling nutrient intake. Accordingly, a better understanding of microalgal nitrogen metabolism is essential. Using in silico analysis from transcriptomic data concerning the microalgae Tisochrysis lutea, four genes encoding putative high‐affinity nitrate/nitrite transporters (TlNrt2) were identified. Unlike most of the land plants and microalgae, cloning of genomic sequences and their alignment with complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences did not reveal the presence of introns in all TlNrt2 genes. The deduced TlNRT2 protein sequences showed similarities to NRT2 proteins of other phyla such as land plants and green algae. However, some interesting specificities only known among Haptophyta were also revealed, especially an additional sequence of 100 amino acids forming an atypical extracellular loop located between transmembrane domains 9 and 10 and the function of which remains to be elucidated. Analyses of individual TlNrt2 gene expression with different nitrogen sources and concentrations were performed. TlNrt2.1 and TlNrt2.3 were strongly induced by low NO3− concentration and repressed by NH4+ substrate and were classified as inducible genes. TlNrt2.2 was characterized by a constitutive pattern whatever the substrate. Finally, TlNrt2.4 displayed an atypical response that was not reported earlier in literature. Interestingly, expression of TlNrt2.4 was rather related to internal nitrogen quota level than external nitrogen concentration. This first study on nitrogen metabolism of T. lutea opens avenues for future investigations on the function of these genes and their implication for industrial applications.
Financial Support from the Family Network and Illegal Immigration
Authors: Djajić Slobodan
Published: February 2015

Barriers to immigration of low‐skilled workers from developing countries into the advanced countries prevent many potential migrants from leaving their countries of origin. With very low home‐country wages in relation to the cost of undocumented migration, the opportunity to migrate often hinges on the possibility of obtaining credit from a human smuggling organization or family and friends. This paper examines the conditions under which migration is optimal for an individual who lacks liquid assets, with a focus on alternative options for financing migration costs. One is by accumulating the required amount of savings out of source‐country income, with or without financial support from the family or social network. The other is debt‐bonded migration, which involves borrowing from a smuggling organization and paying off the loan while working in the host country. I find that greater financial support from the family network increases the attractiveness of debt‐bonded relative to self‐financed migration.
Variability of Total and Free IgE Levels and IgE Receptor Expression in Allergic Subjects in and Out of Pollen Season
Authors: Carlsson M. , Thorell L. , Sjölander A. , Larsson‐Faria S.
Published: January 2015

The inter‐ and intra‐individual variability and seasonal variation of IgE, and high (FcεRI)‐ and low‐affinity (CD23) IgE receptor expression in blood of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) subjects, is not well studied. Thirty‐two otherwise healthy subjects with a history of SAR to birch pollen and a positive skin prick test to birch pollen were sampled three times out of the pollen season and three times during the pollen season. FcεRI and CD23 expressions were analysed using flow cytometry. Total IgE was analysed using ImmunoCAP® and free IgE was analysed with a novel customised research assay using an IgG‐FcεRI‐chimera protein coupled to ImmunoCAP as capture reagent, ImmunoCAP‐specific IgE conjugate and ImmunoCAP IgE calibrators. The performance of the free IgE assay was compared well with the reference ImmunoCAP total IgE assay. The working range of the assay was 0.35–200 kU/l IgE. FcεRI expression on basophils and CD23 expression on B cells showed low intrasubject variability both in and out of the pollen season (<10% CV). There was a small seasonal difference with lower total IgE levels (120 versus 128 kU/l; P = 0.004) and FcεRI expression (283 versus 325 mean fluorescence intensity (MFI); P < 0.001) during the pollen season. IgE, FcεRI expression and CD23 expression fulfilled biomarker and assay requirements of variability, and allergen exposure affected the biomarkers only to a minor degree. The free IgE assay may be used for measurement of free IgE levels in patients after anti‐IgE antibody treatment.
Expression of NK Cell and Monocyte Receptors in Critically Ill Patients – Potential Biomarkers of Sepsis
Authors: Kjærgaard A. G. , Nielsen J. S. , Tønnesen E. , Krog J.
Published: January 2015

Sepsis is characterized by activation of both the innate and adaptive immune systems as a response to infection. During sepsis, the expression of surface receptors expressed on immune competent cells, such as NKG2D and NKp30 on NK cells and TLR4 and CD14 on monocytes, is partly regulated by pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators. In this observational study, we aimed to explore whether the expression of these receptors could be used as diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers in sepsis. Patients with severe sepsis or septic shock (n = 21) were compared with critically ill non‐septic patients (n = 15). Healthy volunteers (n = 15) served as controls. To elucidate variations over time, all patients were followed for 4 days. Cell surface expression of NKG2D, NKp30, TLR4 and CD14 and serum levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐4 and IL‐10 was estimated by flow cytometry. We found that NK cell expression of NKG2D and monocyte expression of CD14 were lower in the septic patients compared with the non‐septic patients, both at ICU admission and during the observation period (P < 0.01 for all comparisons). Both at ICU admission, and during the observation period, levels of IL‐6 and IL‐10 were higher in the septic patients compared with the non‐septic patients (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Conclusion: As both NKG2D and CD14 levels appear to distinguish between septic and non‐septic patients, both NKG2D and CD14 may be considered potential diagnostic biomarkers of severe sepsis and septic shock.
Immune Response Against 2,4‐Dinitrofluorobenzene‐Induced Atopic Dermatitis‐Like Clinical Manifestation is Suppressed by Spermidine in NC⁄Nga Mice
Authors: Kim G.‐D. , Kim T.‐H. , Park Y. S. , Ahn H.‐J. , Cho J.‐J. , Park C.‐S.
Published: February 2015

Of the biogenic polyamines, spermidine is a natural constituent of living cells and organisms. Spermidine is associated with regulation of cell growth, proliferation and differentiation, and with the suppression of oxidation and inflammation. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that has a complex and multiple pathogenesis, which includes genetic abnormality, modified or abnormal immune response and the production of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. We investigated whether spermidine can relieve AD‐like clinical manifestation induced by the continual application of 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) in NC⁄Nga mice. Spermidine at concentrations of 1 or 10 mg/kg reduced increasing ear swelling and attenuated oedema, haemorrhage and hyperkeratosis in AD‐like skin lesions. Repetitive application of DNFB induced inflammatory cell infiltration to skin lesions, whereas intraperitoneal injection of spermidine inhibited DNFB‐evoked infiltration of eosinophils, mast cells and T lymphocytes. Furthermore, spermidine suppressed mast cell degranulation and production of interferon‐gamma by activated CD4+ T cells in AD‐like skin lesions. Spermidine may be a potential therapeutic agent for treatment of AD.
Trends in health facility deliveries and caesarean sections by wealth quintile in Morocco between 1987 and 2012
Authors: Cresswell Jenny A. , Assarag Bouchra , Meski Fatima‐Zahra , Filippi Veronique , Ronsmans Carine
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To examine trends in the utilisation of facility‐based delivery care and caesareans in Morocco between 1987 and 2012, particularly among the poor, and to assess whether uptake increased at the time of introduction of policies or programmes aimed at improving access to intrapartum care.

Methods

Using data from nationally representative household surveys and routine statistics, our analysis focused on whether women delivered within a facility, and whether the delivery was by caesarean; analyses were stratified by relative wealth quintile and public/private sector where possible. A segmented Poisson regression model was used to assess whether trends changed at key events.

Results

Uptake of facility‐based deliveries and caesareans in Morocco has risen considerably over the past two decades, particularly among the poor. The rate of increase in facility deliveries was much faster in the poorest quintile (annual increase RR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.07–1.11) than the richest quintile (annual increase RR: 1.01; 95% CI: 1.02–1.02). A similar pattern was observed for caesareans (annual increase among poorest RR: 1.13; 95% CI: 1.07–1.19 vs. annual increase among richest RR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.06–1.10). We found no significant acceleration in trend coinciding with any of the events investigated.

Conclusions

Morocco's success in improving uptake of facility deliveries and caesareans is likely to be the result of the synergistic effects of comprehensive demand and supply‐side strategies, including a major investment in human resources and free delivery care. Equity still needs to be improved; however, the overall trend is positive.
Regulation of a maize HD–ZIP IV transcription factor by a non‐conventional RDR2‐dependent small RNA
Authors: Klein‐Cosson Catherine , Chambrier Pierre , Rogowsky Peter M. , Vernoud Vanessa
Published: January 2015

Small non‐coding RNAs are versatile riboregulators that control gene expression at the transcriptional or post‐transcriptional level, governing many facets of plant development. Here we present evidence for the existence of a 24 nt small RNA (named small1) that is complementary to the 3′ UTR of OCL1 (Outer Cell Layer1), the founding member of the maize HD–ZIP IV gene family encoding plant‐specific transcription factors that are mainly involved in epidermis differentiation and specialization. The biogenesis of small1 depends on DICER‐like 3 (DCL3), RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase 2 (RDR2) and RNA polymerase IV, components that are usually required for RNA‐dependent DNA‐methylation. Unexpectedly, GFP sensor experiments in transient and stable transformation systems revealed that small1 may regulate its target at the post‐transcriptional level, mainly through translational repression. This translational repression is attenuated in an rdr2 mutant background in which small1 does not accumulate. Our experiments further showed the possible involvement of a secondary stem‐loop structure present in the 3′ UTR of OCL1 for efficient target repression, suggesting the existence of several regulatory mechanisms affecting OCL1 mRNA stability and translation.
HOS1 regulates Argonaute1 by promoting transcription of the microRNA gene MIR168b in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Bangshing , Duan Cheng‐Guo , Wang Xingang , Hou Yueh‐Ju , Yan Jun , Gao Caiqiu , Kim Jin‐Hong , Zhang Huiming , Zhu Jian‐Kang
Published: January 2015

Proper accumulation and function of miRNAs is essential for plant growth and development. While core components of the miRNA biogenesis pathway and miRNA‐induced silencing complex have been well characterized, cellular regulators of miRNAs remain to be fully explored. Here we report that HIGH EXPRESSION OF OSMOTICALLY RESPONSIVE GENES1 (HOS1) is a regulator of an important miRNA, mi168a/b, that targets the ARGONAUTE1 (AGO1) gene in Arabidopsis. HOS1 functions as an ubiquitin E3 ligase to regulate plant cold‐stress responses, associates with the nuclear pores to regulate mRNA export, and regulates the circadian clock and flowering time by binding to chromatin of the flowering regulator gene FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC). In a genetic screen for enhancers of sic–1, we isolated a loss‐of‐function Arabidopsis mutant of HOS1 that is defective in miRNA biogenesis. Like other hos1 mutant alleles, the hos1–7 mutant flowered early and was smaller in stature than the wild‐type. Dysfunction in HOS1 reduced the abundance of miR168a/b but not of other miRNAs. In hos1 mutants, pri‐MIR168b and pre‐MIR168b levels were decreased, and RNA polymerase II occupancy was reduced at the promoter of MIR168b but not that of MIR168a. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that HOS1 protein is enriched at the chromatin of the MIR168b promoter. The reduced miR168a/b level in hos1 mutants results in an increase in the mRNA and protein levels of its target gene, AGO1. Our results reveal that HOS1 regulates miR168a/b and AGO1 levels in Arabidopsis by maintaining proper transcription of MIR168b.
The Alfin‐like homeodomain finger protein AL5 suppresses multiple negative factors to confer abiotic stress tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wei Wei , Zhang Yu‐Qin , Tao Jian‐Jun , Chen Hao‐Wei , Li Qing‐Tian , Zhang Wan‐Ke , Ma Biao , Lin Qing , Zhang Jin‐Song , Chen Shou‐Yi
Published: January 2015

Plant homeodomain (PHD) finger proteins affect processes of growth and development by changing transcription and reading epigenetic histone modifications, but their functions in abiotic stress responses remain largely unclear. Here we characterized seven Arabidopsis thaliana Alfin1‐like PHD finger proteins (ALs) in terms of the responses to abiotic stresses. ALs localized to the nucleus and repressed transcription. Except AL6, all the ALs bound to G‐rich elements. Mutations of the amino acids at positions 34 and 35 in AL6 caused loss of ability to bind to G‐rich elements. Expression of the AL genes responded differentially to osmotic stress, salt, cold and abscisic acid treatments. AL5‐over‐expressing plants showed higher tolerance to salt, drought and freezing stress than Col‐0. Consistently, al5 mutants showed reduced stress tolerance. We used ChIP‐Seq assays to identify eight direct targets of AL5, and found that AL5 binds to the promoter regions of these genes. Knockout mutants of five of these target genes exhibited varying tolerances to stresses. These results indicate that AL5 inhibits multiple signaling pathways to confer stress tolerance. Our study sheds light on mechanisms of AL5‐mediated signaling in abiotic stress responses, and provides tools for improvement of stress tolerance in crop plants.
Differential effects of ambient or diminished CO2 and O2 levels on thylakoid membrane structure in light‐stressed plants
Authors: Tsabari Onie , Nevo Reinat , Meir Sagit , Carrillo L. Ruby , Kramer David M. , Reich Ziv
Published: January 2015

Over‐reduction of the photosynthetic electron transport chain may severely damage the photosynthetic apparatus as well as other constituents of the chloroplast and the cell. Here, we exposed Arabidopsis leaves to saturating light either under normal atmospheric conditions or under CO2‐ and O2‐limiting conditions, which greatly increase excitation and electron pressures by draining terminal electron acceptors. The two treatments were found to have very different, often opposing, effects on the structure of the thylakoid membranes, including the width of the granal lumenal compartment. Modulation of the latter is proposed to be related to movements of ions across the thylakoid membrane, which alter the relative osmolarity of the lumen and stroma and affect the partitioning of the proton motive force into its electrical and osmotic components. The resulting changes in thylakoid organization and lumenal width should facilitate the repair of photodamaged photosystem II complexes in response to light stress under ambient conditions, but are expected to inhibit the repair cycle when the light stress occurs concurrently with CO2 and O2 depletion. Under the latter conditions, the changes in thylakoid structure are predicted to complement other processes that restrict the flow of electrons into the high‐potential chain, thus moderating the production of deleterious reactive oxygen species at photosystem I.
The heritability of hemolysis in stored human red blood cells
Authors: Van 't Erve Thomas J. , Wagner Brett A. , Martin Sean M. , Knudson C. Michael , Blendowski Robyn , Keaton Mignon , Holt Tracy , Hess John R. , Buettner Garry R. , Ryckman Kelli K. , Darbro Benjamin W. , Murray Jeffrey C. , Raife Thomas J.
Published: February 2015

BACKGROUND

The transfusion of red blood cells (RBCs) with maximum therapeutic efficacy is a major goal in transfusion medicine. One of the criteria used in determining stored RBC quality is end‐of‐storage hemolysis. Between donors, a wide range of hemolysis is observed under identical storage conditions. Here, a potential mechanism for this wide range is investigated. We hypothesize that the magnitude of hemolysis is a heritable trait. Also, we investigated correlations between hemolysis and RBC metabolites; this will establish pathways influencing hemolysis as future targets for genetic analysis.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Units of RBCs from identical and nonidentical twins were collected and stored under standard conditions for 56 days. Hemolysis, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and total glutathione (tGSH) were measured throughout storage. Nontargeted metabolic analyses were performed on RBCs that had been stored for 28 days. Heritability was determined by comparing values between identical and nonidentical twins.

RESULTS

Hemolysis was found to be heritable (mean > 45%) throughout the storage period. Potential correlations were observed between hemolysis and metabolites from the purine metabolism, lysolipid, and glycolysis pathways. These also exhibited heritability (>20%). No correlation was found with ATP or tGSH.

CONCLUSION

The susceptibility of RBCs to lysis during storage is partly determined by inheritance. We have also uncovered several pathways that are candidate targets for future genomewide association studies. These findings will aid in the design of better storage solutions and the development of donor screening tools that minimize hemolysis during storage.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Wildlife: Implications for Public Health
Authors: Carroll D. , Wang J. , Fanning S. , McMahon B. J.
Published: February 2015

The emergence and spread of antimicrobial‐resistant (AMR) bacteria in natural environments is a major concern with serious implications for human and animal health. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of AMR Escherichia coli (E. coli) in wild birds and mammalian species. Thirty faecal samples were collected from each of the following wildlife species: herring gulls (Larus argentatus), black‐headed gulls (Larus ridibundus), lesser black‐back gulls (Larus fuscus), hybrid deer species (Cervus elaphus x Cervus nippon) and twenty‐six from starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). A total of 115 E. coli isolates were isolated from 81 of 146 samples. Confirmed E. coli isolates were tested for their susceptibility to seven antimicrobial agents by disc diffusion. In total, 5.4% (8/146) of samples exhibited multidrug‐resistant phenotypes. The phylogenetic group and AMR‐encoding genes of all multidrug resistance isolates were determined by PCR. Tetracycline‐, ampicillin‐ and streptomycin‐resistant isolates were the most common resistant phenotypes. The following genes were identified in E. coli: blaTEM, strA, tet(A) and tet(B). Plasmids were identified in all samples that exhibited multidrug‐resistant phenotypes. This study indicates that wild birds and mammals may function as important host reservoirs and potential vectors for the spread of resistant bacteria and genetic determinants of AMR.
Surface Pressures Developed on an Airfoil Undergoing Heaving and Pitching Motion
Authors: Lee T. , Su Y. Y.
Published: February 2015

The surface pressure distributions and flow patterns developed on and around a NACA 0012 airfoil undergoing heaving and pitching were investigated at Re = 3.6 × 104. Despite extensive investigations conducted by researchers elsewhere, the surface pressure measurements are, however, not readily available in the open archives, which are of importance not only in understanding the unsteady-airfoil boundary-layer flow but also for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) validation. Nevertheless, the results show that the behavior of the surface pressure distribution and the flow pattern of pure heaving closely resembled those of pure pitching. For combined heaving and pitching, the critical aerodynamic values (such as dynamic Cl,max, peak negative Cm, Cl-hysteresis and torsional damping) always exhibited a maximum value at phase shift ϕ = 0 deg. More interestingly, the ϕ = 180 deg phase shift produced a virtually unchanged surface pressure distribution over an entire combined motion cycle.
Nanomechanical properties of the sea-water bacterium Paracoccus seriniphilus—A scanning force microscopy approach
Authors: Davoudi Neda , Müller-Renno Christine , Ziegler Christiane , Raid Indek , Seewig Jörg , Schlegel Christin , Muffler Kai , Ulber Roland
Published: February 2015

The measurement of force–distance curves on a single bacterium provides a unique opportunity to detect properties such as the turgor pressure under various environmental conditions. Marine bacteria are very interesting candidates for the production of pharmaceuticals, but are only little studied so far. Therefore, the elastic behavior of Paracoccus seriniphilus, an enzyme producing marine organism, is presented in this study. After a careful evaluation of the optimal measurement conditions, the spring constant and the turgor pressure are determined as a function of ionic strength and pH. Whereas the ionic strength changes the turgor pressure passively, the results give a hint that the change to acidic pH increases the turgor pressure by an active mechanism. Furthermore, it could be shown, that P. seriniphilus has adhesive protrusions outside its cell wall.
A computational model to generate simulated three‐dimensional breast masses
Authors: de Sisternes Luis , Brankov Jovan G. , Zysk Adam M. , Schmidt Robert A. , Nishikawa Robert M. , Wernick Miles N.
Published: February 2015

Purpose:

To develop algorithms for creating realistic three‐dimensional (3D) simulated breast masses and embedding them within actual clinical mammograms. The proposed techniques yield high‐resolution simulated breast masses having randomized shapes, with user‐defined mass type, size, location, and shape characteristics.

Methods:

The authors describe a method of producing 3D digital simulations of breast masses and a technique for embedding these simulated masses within actual digitized mammograms. Simulated 3D breast masses were generated by using a modified stochastic Gaussian random sphere model to generate a central tumor mass, and an iterative fractal branching algorithm to add complex spicule structures. The simulated masses were embedded within actual digitized mammograms. The authors evaluated the realism of the resulting hybrid phantoms by generating corresponding left‐ and right‐breast image pairs, consisting of one breast image containing a real mass, and the opposite breast image of the same patient containing a similar simulated mass. The authors then used computer‐aided diagnosis (CAD) methods and expert radiologist readers to determine whether significant differences can be observed between the real and hybrid images.

Results:

The authors found no statistically significant difference between the CAD features obtained from the real and simulated images of masses with either spiculated or nonspiculated margins. Likewise, the authors found that expert human readers performed very poorly in discriminating their hybrid images from real mammograms.

Conclusions:

The authors’ proposed method permits the realistic simulation of 3D breast masses having user‐defined characteristics, enabling the creation of a large set of hybrid breast images containing a well‐characterized mass, embedded within real breast background. The computational nature of the model makes it suitable for detectability studies, evaluation of computer aided diagnosis algorithms, and teaching purposes.
Kinematics and Kinetics of Vigorous Head Shaking
Authors: Funk James R. , Watson Richard A. , Cormier Joseph M. , Guzman Herb , Bonugli Enrique
Published: February 2015

Previous studies on neck muscle strength and motion have assumed or imposed varying constraints on the heads and bodies of the subjects. In this study, we asked 20 subjects to vigorously shake their heads 5−10 times in a completely unconstrained manner. The kinematics and kinetics of the head and neck were measured from video analysis and instrumentation mounted inside the mouth. Subjects shook their heads at self-selected tempos ranging from 1.9−4.7 Hz over a 20−91° range of motion. The motion of each subject’s head could be approximated by a fixed center of rotation that was typically located in the midcervical spine, but varied widely among subjects. Significant differences between men and women were observed. Peak head accelerations were low (4.3 ± 1.1 g and 250 ± 103 rad/s2 for men, 3.0 ± 0.9 g and 182 ± 58 rad/s2 for women) and estimated peak generated neck moments at C7/T1 were comparable to values reported in isometric neck strength studies (47 ± 14 N·m in extension and 22 ± 9 N·m in flexion for men, 25 ± 8 N·m in extension and 9 ± 7 N·m in flexion for women).
Gait Speed, Quality of Life, and Sedentary Time are Associated with Steps per Day in Community-Dwelling Older Adults with Osteoporosis
Authors: Dohrn Ing-Mari , Hagströmer Maria , Hellénius Mai-Lis , Ståhle Agneta
Published: February 2015

Aim:

To describe objectively-measured physical activity levels and patterns among community-dwelling older adults with osteoporosis, impaired balance, and fear of falling, and to explore the associations with gait, balance performance, falls self-efficacy, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

Methods:

Ninety-four individuals (75.6 ± 5.4 years) were included. Physical activity was assessed with pedometers and accelerometers. Mean steps/day, dichotomized into < 5,000 or = 5,000 steps/day, and time spent in different physical activity intensities were analyzed. Gait was assessed with a GAITRite walkway, balance performance was assessed with the modified figure-eight test and oneleg stance, falls self-efficacy was assessed with the Falls Efficacy Scale International, and HRQoL was assessed with Short Form-36.

Results:

Mean steps/day were 6,201 (991–17,156) and 40% reported < 5,000 steps/day. Participants with < 5,000 steps/day spent more time sedentary, had slower gait speed, poorer balance performance, and lower HRQoL than participants with ≥ 5,000 steps/day. No participants with < 5,000 met the recommended level of physical activity.
Physical Activity in the Prevention of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Etnier Jennifer L.
Published: February 2015

Alzheimer's disease is a chronic illness characterized by clinical cognitive impairment. A behavioral strategy that is being explored in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease is physical activity. Evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) testing the effects of physical activity for cognitively normal older adults supports that physical activity benefits cognitive performance. Evidence from prospective studies supports a protective effect of physical activity with reductions in the risk of cognitive decline ranging from 28% to 45%. RCTs with cognitively impaired older adults also generally support positive effects with greater benefits evident for aerobic interventions. Research examining the potential moderating role of apolipoprotein E (APOE) has yielded mixed results, but the majority of the studies support that physical activity most benefits those who are at greatest genetic risk of Alzheimer's disease. Future directions for research are considered with an emphasis on the need for additional funding to support this promising area of research.
ACL Injury Risk in the Physically Active: Why are Females More Susceptible?
Authors: Shultz Sandra J.
Published: February 2015

Despite extensive research, we still do not fully understand the biological mechanisms that underlie a female's increased susceptibility for suffering a noncontact ACL injury. While sex differences in neuromuscular control are often implicated, prevention efforts addressing these differences have not resulted in a profound or sustainable reduction in injury rates. This paper will explore two likely scenarios that explain this greater susceptibility in females: (1) females have a structurally weaker ligament that is more prone or susceptible to failure at a given load (scenario #1), or (2) females develop less knee protection and experiences higher relative loads on the ACL (scenario #2). While we have learned much over the last two decades about ACL injury risk in females, much remains unknown. Continued research is of paramount importance if we are to effectively identify those females who are at greatest risk for injury and effectively reduce their susceptibility through appropriate interventions.
Physical Activity May Improve Aging Through Impacts on Telomere Biology
Authors: Roth Stephen M.
Published: February 2015

Physical activity has long been touted as a means of reducing susceptibility to age-related disease and multiple studies have shown reduced mortality rates in individuals with a lifestyle including regular exercise. A variety of mechanisms for how physical activity reduces age-related diseases have been explored and multiple, redundant explanatory mechanisms are likely to emerge. Evidence has emerged that physical activity may impact directly on telomere biology, one of the primary theories of cellular aging. Telomeres are located at the ends of chromosomes and as cells divide, incomplete DNA replication results in telomere shortening; once shortening reaches a critical threshold, cell senescence results. Investigators hypothesize that part of the favorable influence of physical activity on mortality rates and age-related disease occurs through a direct impact on telomere biology, including delaying rates of telomere shortening. The present review examines key recent findings in this area and explores some of the unanswered questions and future directions for the field.
Physical Activity, Exercise, and the Immune System: Three Lines of Research That Have Driven the Field
Authors: Woods Jeffrey A. , Pence Brandt D.
Published: February 2015

Exercise immunology is a relatively new discipline in the exercise sciences that seeks to understand how exercise affects the immune system and susceptibility to infectious and chronic diseases. This brief review will focus on three major observations that have driven the field to date including: (1) acute exercise-induced leukocytosis, (2) the observation that intense, prolonged exercise results in upper respiratory tract symptoms, and (3) the paradoxical effect of acute and chronic exercise on inflammation. This framework will be used to examine the mechanisms and implications behind these seminal observations. Data generally support the conclusion that moderate intensity exercise enhances immune function, whereas prolonged, intense exercise diminishes immune function.
Cognitive functional approach to manage low back pain in male adolescent rowers: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ng Leo , Cañeiro J P , Campbell Amity , Smith Anne , Burnett Angus , O'Sullivan Peter
Published: January 2015

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is prevalent among adolescent rowers. This study evaluated the efficacy of a cognitive functional approach to reduce LBP in this population.

Methods

Thirty-six adolescent male rowers reporting LBP participated. Nineteen were randomly allocated to the intervention group to receive a cognitive functional approach targeting cognitions, movement patterns, conditioning and lifestyle factors relevant to each rower for 8 weeks. The active control group (n=17) received usual care from their coaches (rowing skills and conditioning exercises). The primary outcome of the study was pain intensity as measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale during a 15 min ergometer trial preintervention and postintervention. Disability (Patient Specific Functional Scale and Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire) was measured preintervention/postintervention and at 12 weeks follow-up. Isometric muscle endurance of the back extensors and lower limb muscles, usual sitting posture and regional lumbar kinematic data during a 15 min ergometer row were measured preintervention/postintervention.

Results

Compared with the control group, the intervention group reported significantly less pain during ergometer rowing (Numeric Pain Rating Scale −2.4, p=0.008) and reduced disability (Patient Specific Functional Scale (4.1, p=0.01); Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (−1.7, p=0.003)) following the intervention, and at 12 weeks follow-up. They also demonstrated greater lower limb muscle endurance (20.9 s, p=0.03) and postured their lower lumbar spine in greater extension during static sitting (−9.6°, p=0.007). No significant differences were reported in back muscle endurance and regional lumbar kinematics during ergometer rowing.

Conclusion

Cognitive functional approach was more effective than usual care in reducing pain and disability in adolescent male rowers.

Clinical Trial Registry Number

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry Number 12609000565246.
Sex differences in injury during top-level international athletics championships: surveillance data from 14 championships between 2007 and 2014
Authors: Edouard Pascal , Feddermann-Demont Nina , Alonso Juan Manuel , Branco Pedro , Junge Astrid
Published: January 2015

Background

Injury incidence has been reported for international athletics championships from 2007 to 2012. However, it is unclear whether male or female athletes differ in risk and/or characteristics of injuries.

Objective

To compare the incidences and characteristics of injuries that occurred during international athletics championships between female and male athletes.

Methods

The national medical team and the local organising committee physicians reported all injuries daily on a standardised injury report form during 14 international championships from 2007 to 2014. Relative risks (RR) of injury, 95% CI and magnitude thresholds were calculated.

Results

The rate of injuries per 1000 registered athletes was significantly higher in male (110.3±6.8) than in female (88.5±6.7) athletes (RR=1.25; 95% CI 1.13 to 1.37, small effect size). Male athletes incurred significantly more injuries in the thigh (RR=1.64; 95% CI 1.32 to 2.05, small), lower leg (RR=1.36; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.75, small) and hip/groin injuries (RR=2.26; 95% CI 1.31 to 3.88, moderate), more muscle strains (RR=1.64; 95% CI 1.33 to 2.04, small), cramps (RR=1.81; 95% CI 1.35 to 2.43, small), and especially more thigh strains (RR=1.66; 95% CI 1.25 to 2.19, small), but fewer stress fractures (RR=0.32; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.81, moderate) than female athletes. A higher injury risk of male than of female athletes was observed in sprints (RR=1.32; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.66, small), middle distance runs (RR=1.48; 95% CI 1.06 to 2.06, small), race walks (RR=2.55; 95% CI 1.27 to 5.10, moderate) and jumps (RR=2.13; 95% CI 1.53 to 2.97, moderate). No sex difference was found for cause and severity of injury.

Conclusions

Injury risk during international athletics championships differed between female and male athletes for location, type and event groups. Injury prevention strategies should be sex-specific, regarding the differences in injury location and type.
Metformin and breast and gynecological cancer risk among women with diabetes
Authors: Soffer Diana , Shi Jiaxiao , Chung Joanie , Schottinger Joanne E , Wallner Lauren P , Chlebowski Rowan T , Lentz Scott E , Haque Reina
Published: January 2015

Objective

We investigated if metformin lowers breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer risk in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with women who used other antidiabetic medications.

Research design and methods

We followed a cohort of 66 778 female patients with diabetes for a maximum of 12 years (median 6 years). We examined breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer risk, and the composite cancer risk. We examined drug categories using pharmacy records: metformin only; metformin combination regimens; non-metformin regimens; and non-users. We used χ2analyses to examine categorical variables. We conducted multivariable Cox regression models with time-dependent drug use status.

Results

Women who used metformin combination regimens versus metformin only had a 15% lower breast cancer risk (adjusted HR=0.85, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.04). After stratifying by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), the association attenuated in those who had poorly controlled HbA1c (adjusted HR=1.06, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.55). Given the small numbers of ovarian and endometrial cancer outcomes, we examined these as a composite. The risk of all cancers combined was similar in those who used metformin combination regimens versus metformin only (adjusted HR=0.92, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.10). We found no significant differences for breast cancer or all cancers combined when we compared risks in non-metformin users versus metformin only users.

Conclusions

Women who used metformin and other antidiabetic drugs had a lower breast cancer risk compared with women who used metformin only, but the results were not significant. We also found no difference in overall cancer risks when we compared women who used other antidiabetic drugs (no metformin) versus metformin users.
Improving screening recall services for women with false-positive mammograms: a comparison of qualitative evidence with UK guidelines
Authors: Bond Mary , Garside Ruth , Hyde Christopher
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To gain an understanding of the views of women with false-positive screening mammograms of screening recall services, their ideas for service improvements and how these compare with current UK guidelines.

Methods

Inductive qualitative content analysis of semistructured interviews of 21 women who had false-positive screening mammograms. These were then compared with UK National Health Service (NHS) guidelines.

Results

Participants’ concerns about mammography screening recall services focused on issues of communication and choice. Many of the issues raised indicated that the 1998 NHS Breast Screening Programme guidelines on improving the quality of written information sent to women who are recalled, had not been fully implemented. This included being told a clear reason for recall, who may attend with them, the length of appointment, who they will see and what tests will be carried out. Additionally women voiced a need for: reassurance that a swift appointment did not imply they had cancer; choice about invasive assessment or watchful waiting; the offer of a follow-up mammogram for those uncertain about the validity of their all-clear and an extension of the role of the clinical nurse specialist, outlined in the 2012 NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP) guidelines, to include availability at the clinic after the all-clear for women with false-positive mammograms.

Conclusions

It is time the NHSBSP 1998 recall information guidelines were fully implemented. Additionally, the further suggestions from this research, including extending the role of the clinical nurses from the 2012 NHSBSP guidelines, should be considered. These actions have the potential to reduce the anxiety of being recalled.
Evidence of poor adherence to secondary prevention after acute coronary syndromes: possible remedies through the application of new technologies
Authors: Cheng Kevin , Ingram Nicola , Keenan Jan , Choudhury Robin P
Published: January 2015

Adherence to secondary prevention medications following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is disappointingly low, standing around 40–75% by various estimates. This is an inefficient use of the resources devoted to their development and implementation, and also puts patients at higher risk of poor outcomes post-ACS. Numerous factors contribute to low adherence including poor motivation, forgetfulness, lack of education about medications, complicated polypharmacy of ACS regimens, (fear of) adverse side effects and limited practical support. Using technology to improve adherence in ACS is an emerging strategy and has the potential to address many of the above factors—computer-based education and mobile phone reminders are among the interventions trialled and appear to improve adherence in patients with ACS. As we move into an increasingly technological future, there is potential to use devices such as smartphones and tablets to encourage patient responsibility for medications. These handheld technologies have great scope for allowing patients to view online medical records, education modules and reminder systems, and although research specific to ACS is limited, they have shown initial promise in terms of uptake and improved adherence among similar patient populations. Given the overwhelming enthusiasm for handheld technologies, it would seem timely to further investigate their role in improving ACS medication adherence.
Can CA describe collective effects of polluting agents?
Authors: Troisi A.
Published: January 2015

Pollution represents one of the most relevant issues of our time. Several studies are on stage but, generally, they do not consider competitive effects, paying attention only to specific agents and their impact. In this paper, it is suggested a different scheme. At first, it is proposed a formal model of competitive noxious effects. Second, by generalizing a previous algorithm capable of describing urban growth, it is developed a cellular automata (CA) model that provides the effective impact of a variety of pollutants. The final achievement is a simulation tool that can model pollution combined effects and their dynamical evolution in relation to anthropized environments.
Power Law Behavior and Self-Similarity in Modern Industrial Accidents
Authors: Lopes António M. , Tenreiro Machado J. A.
Published: February 2015

Advances in technology have produced more and more intricate industrial systems, such as nuclear power plants, chemical centers and petroleum platforms. Such complex plants exhibit multiple interactions among smaller units and human operators, rising potentially disastrous failure, which can propagate across subsystem boundaries. This paper analyzes industrial accident data-series in the perspective of statistical physics and dynamical systems. Global data is collected from the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) during the time period from year 1903 up to 2012. The statistical distributions of the number of fatalities caused by industrial accidents reveal Power Law (PL) behavior. We analyze the evolution of the PL parameters over time and observe a remarkable increment in the PL exponent during the last years. PL behavior allows prediction by extrapolation over a wide range of scales. In a complementary line of thought, we compare the data using appropriate indices and use different visualization techniques to correlate and to extract relationships among industrial accident events. This study contributes to better understand the complexity of modern industrial accidents and their ruling principles.