bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Red blood cell transfusions for thalassemia: results of a survey assessing current practice and proposal of evidence‐based guidelines
Authors: Goss Cheryl , Giardina Patricia , Degtyaryova Diana , Kleinert Dorothy , Sheth Sujit , Cushing Melissa
Published: February 2014

Background

In the absence of curative treatment, such as stem cell transplant, regular transfusions remain the mainstay of therapy for individuals with thalassemia major, a syndrome that results from marked ineffective erythropoiesis and the resultant anemia. The primary objectives of transfusion therapy are twofold: to suppress ineffective erythropoiesis and to ensure appropriate growth and development through childhood. In practice, a number of different transfusion protocols are in use across the developed world, with on‐demand transfusion still being the paradigm in most of the developing world with limited resources.

Study Design and Methods

To investigate perceived differences in transfusion practice, a self‐reported electronic survey was disseminated to eight US thalassemia treatment centers in February 2011. The survey was divided into sections ranging from laboratory and clinical practices to emerging transfusion‐transmitted diseases.

Results

The survey response rate was 100%. The total number of transfused patients was 411. One‐hundred percent of institutions used leukoreduced blood. No centers routinely provided cytomegalovirus‐seronegative red blood cells (RBCs). Half the centers provided irradiated RBCs; only one routinely provided washed RBCs, and none transfused RBCs of defined storage age. Seventy‐five percent of centers routinely phenotyped thalassemia patients' RBC antigens; 50% prophylactically matched for Rh and K antigens. The frequency of antibody investigations varied widely, and 25% of centers routinely medicated patients before transfusion.

Conclusion

Eight thalassemia centers in the United States were surveyed to determine the uniformity of transfusion practice. The variability of the results was surprising. Consequently, we performed a literature review and propose an evidence‐based protocol for routine transfusion therapy for patients with thalassemia.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Catalytic Effect: Do IMF Agreements Improve Access of Emerging Economies to International Financial Markets?
Authors: Arabaci Mehmet C. , Ecer Sencer
Published: February 2014

We investigate whether countries have access to loans with better conditions after an International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreement. We conduct an empirical analysis which takes into account both the maturity and the interest rate of public and publicly guaranteed private debt. A two‐stage least squares estimation method is used to avoid selection bias problems. Panel data covering 116 countries between 1984 and 2007 and two other subsets of this panel data are used. The results indicate an improvement in access to international financial markets when an IMF programme is announced. The improvement increases as the sample consists of better‐performing countries. We conclude that, the catalytic effect may lower the level of commitment, political will and ‘ownership’ of the programme of the borrower country. On the other hand, borrower countries should consider the catalytic effect in determining the amount of financial assistance from the IMF.
The effects of pH on wound healing, biofilms, and antimicrobial efficacy
Authors: Percival Steven L. , McCarty Sara , Hunt John A. , Woods Emma J.
Published: February 2014

It is known that pH has a role to play in wound healing. In particular, pH has been shown to affect matrix metalloproteinase activity, tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases activity, fibroblast activity, keratinocyte proliferation, microbial proliferation, and also immunological responses in a wound; the patient's defense mechanisms change the local pH of a wound to effect microorganism invasion and proliferation; this pH change has been found to affect the performance of antimicrobials, and therefore the efficacy in biological environments directly relevant to wound healing. Based on the available body of scientific evidence to date, it is clear that pH has a role to play in both the healing of and treatment of chronic and acute wounds. It is the purpose of this review to evaluate the published knowledge base that concerns the effect of pH changes, the role it plays in wound healing and biofilm formation, and how it can affect treatment efficacy and wound management strategies.
The combinational use of CRISPR/Cas9‐based gene editing and targeted toxin technology enables efficient biallelic knockout of the α‐1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene in porcine embryonic fibroblasts
Authors: Sato Masahiro , Miyoshi Kazuchika , Nagao Yozo , Nishi Yohei , Ohtsuka Masato , Nakamura Shingo , Sakurai Takayuki , Watanabe Satoshi
Published: February 2014

Background

The recent development of the type II clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system has enabled genome editing of mammalian genomes including those of mice and human; however, its applicability and efficiency in the pig have not been studied in depth. Here, using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we aimed to destroy the function of the porcine α‐1,3‐galactosyltransferase (α‐GalT) gene (GGTA1) whose product is responsible for the synthesis of the α‐Gal epitope, a causative agent for hyperacute rejection upon pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation.

Methods

Porcine embryonic fibroblasts were transfected with a Cas9 expression vector and guide RNA specifically designed to target GGTA1. At 4 days after transfection, the cells were incubated with IB4 conjugated with saporin (IB4SAP), which eliminates α‐Gal epitope‐expressing cells. Therefore, the cells surviving after IB4SAP treatment would be those negative for α‐Gal epitope expression, which in turn indicates the generation of GGTA1 biallelic knockout (KO) cells.

Results

Of the 1.0 × 106 cells transfected, 10–33 colonies survived after IB4SAP treatment, and almost all colonies (approximately 90%) were negative for staining with red fluorescence‐labeled IB4. Sequencing of the mutated portion of GGTA1 revealed a frameshift of the α‐GalT protein. Porcine blastocysts derived from the somatic cell nuclear transfer of these α‐Gal epitope‐negative cells also lacked the α‐Gal epitope on their surface.

Conclusions

These results demonstrated that the CRISPR/Cas9 system can efficiently induce the biallelic conversion of GGTA1 in the resulting somatic cells and is thus a promising tool for the creation of KO cloned piglets.
THE IMAGO DEI AS A WORK IN PROGRESS: A PERSPECTIVE FROM PALEOANTHROPOLOGY
Authors: De Smedt Johan , De Cruz Helen
Published: February 2014

This article considers the imago Dei from the perspective of paleoanthropology. We identify structural, functional, and relational elements of the imago Dei that emerged mosaically during human evolution. Humans are unique in their ability to relate to each other and to God, and in their membership of cultural communities where shared attention, the transmission of moral norms, and symbolic behavior are important elements. We discuss similarities between our approach and the concept of theosis adopted in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
BUDDHISM, NATURALISM, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
Authors: Goodman Charles
Published: February 2014

Owen Flanagan's important book The Bodhisattva's Brain presents a naturalized interpretation of Buddhist philosophy. Although the overall approach of the book is very promising, certain aspects of its presentation could benefit from further reflection. Traditional teachings about reincarnation do not contradict the doctrine of no self, as Flanagan seems to suggest; however, they are empirically rather implausible. Flanagan's proposed “tame” interpretation of karma is too thin; we can do better at fitting karma into a scientific worldview. The relationship between eudaimonist and utilitarian strands in Buddhist ethics is more complex than the book suggests. Flanagan is right to criticize incautious and imprecise claims that Buddhism will make practitioners happy. We can make progress by distinguishing between happiness in the sense of a Buddhist version of eudaimonia, and happiness in the sense of attitudinal pleasure. Doing so might result in an interpretation of Buddhist views about happiness that was simultaneously philosophically interesting, historically credible, and psychologically testable.
Turbulent Features in the Coherent Central Region of a Plane Water Jet Issuing Into Quiescent Air
Authors: Kang Can , Liu Haixia
Published: February 2014

A plane water jet issuing into quiescent air at a Reynolds number of 2.5 × 105 is experimentally studied using phase Doppler anemometry (PDA). The plane water jet contains a coherent central region, which is situated immediately downstream of the nozzle exit. Particular emphasis is placed upon the distinctive attributes of such a region. Both mean flow pattern and turbulent features are obtained statistically based upon instantaneous velocity data. The central region is overwhelmingly dominated by uniformly distributed velocity, and remarkably high velocity gradient is present near the boundary of this region. Evidence shows that self-preservation is not satisfied in the central region. Explicit energy dissipation mechanisms in the central region are appreciated from cross-sectional uniform distributions of Kolmogorov length scales. Turbulent kinetic energy increases as the plane jet progresses, which is opposite to the general tendency associated with self-preservation. Although the central region is filled with near-zero Reynolds shear stress, distributions of skewness and flatness in this region are non-Gaussian and the instability caused by small-scale flow structures is thereby substantiated.
Nonlinear Analysis of Vibro-Impacts for Unloaded Gear Pairs With Various Excitations and System Parameters
Authors: Yoon Jong-yun , Lee Iljae
Published: February 2014

Torsional systems with clearance-type nonlinearities have inherent vibratory problems such as gear rattle. Such vibro-impacts generally occur on the unloaded gear pairs of a vehicle correlated with the firing excitation of an engine. This study investigates the gear rattle phenomena on unloaded gear pairs with different excitation conditions and various system parameters. First, a linear time-invariant system model with six degrees of freedom is constructed and then a numerical analysis is applied to the gear rattle motion. Smoothening factors for clutch stiffness and hysteresis are employed for the stability of numerical simulations. Second, the dynamic characteristics of vibro-impacts are studied by examining the fast Fourier transform (FFT) components of the gear mesh force in a high frequency range. The effects of various system parameters on the vibro-impacts are examined using a nonlinear system model. Finally, the vibro-impacts, in terms of “single-sided” and “double-sided” impacts, are identified in phase planes.
Effect of PTFE Content and Sintering Temperature on the Properties of a Fuel Cell Electrode Backing Layer
Authors: Rohendi D. , Majlan E. H. , Mohamad A. B. , Daud W. R. W. , Kadhum A. A. H. , Shyuan L. K.
Published: February 2014

The effects of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) content and sintering temperature on the properties of a fuel cell electrode backing layer are studied in this work. Characterization of the electrical conductivity, hydrophobicity, and surface structure of the backing layer is carried out for various PTFE content values (15–45 wt. %) and sintering temperatures (175–400 °C). The results showed that, generally, the electrical conductivity of the backing layer surface decreased whereas the hydrophobicity increased as the PTFE content and the sintering temperature increased. Based on the observations made via scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis and testing of the electrical conductivity and hydrophobicity, the PTFE content should not exceed 35 wt. %, and the best sintering temperature was 350 °C.
La0.5Sr0.2TiO3-δ Perovskite as Anode Material for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Roudeau S. , Grenier J. C. , Bassat J. M.
Published: February 2014

Thermal, electrical, and electrocatalytical properties of the oxygen deficient La0.5Sr0.2TiO2.95 perovskite are studied in relation to their possible use as solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode material. La0.5Sr0.2TiO2.95 is chemically stable under air and reduced atmosphere. Its thermal expansion coefficient is close to that of yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) under air and Ar/H2 (5%). No significant chemical expansion or contraction of La0.5Sr0.2TiO2.95 are observed between air and reduced atmosphere. La0.5Sr0.2TiO2.95 material has an electrical conductivity at 800 °C of 1 S cm−1 under moist hydrogen (H2/H2O (3%)), reaching 10 S cm−1 when LSTO is prereduced under Ar/H2(5%). The polarization resistance of La0.5Sr0.2TiO2.95 at 800 °C under moist hydrogen is about 1.5 Ω cm2, a value which has been obtained when including a thin CGO buffer layer between the dense YSZ electrolyte and the porous electrode.
Control of Lay on Cobalt Chromium Alloy Finished Surfaces Using Magnetic Abrasive Finishing and Its Effect on Wettability
Authors: Graziano Arthur A. , Ganguly Vasishta , Schmitz Tony , Yamaguchi Hitomi
Published: February 2014

Freeform surfaces, including the femoral components of knee prosthetics, present a significant challenge in manufacturing. The finishing process is often performed manually, which leads to surface finish variations. In the case of knee prosthetics, this can be a factor leading to accelerated wear of the polyethylene tibial component. The wear resistance of polyethylene components might be influenced by not only the roughness but also the lay of femoral component surfaces. This study applies magnetic abrasive finishing (MAF) for nanometer-scale finishing of cobalt chromium alloys, which are commonly used in knee prosthetics and other freeform components. Using flat disks as workpieces, this paper shows the dominant parameters for controlling the lay in MAF and demonstrates the feasibility of MAF to alter the lay while controlling the surface roughness. The manually finished disk surfaces (with roughness around 3 nm Sa), consisting of random cutting marks, were compared to MAF-produced surfaces (also with roughness around 3 nm Sa) with different lays. Tests using deionized water droplets show that the lay influences the wetting properties even if the surface roughness changes by no more than a nanometer. Surfaces with unidirectional cutting marks exhibit the least wettability, and increasing the cross-hatch angle in the MAF-produced surfaces increases the wettability. Surfaces consisting of short, intermittent cutting marks were the most wettable by deionized water.
A “Ciclovia” in San Francisco: Characteristics and Physical Activity Behavior of Sunday Streets Participants
Authors: Zieff Susan G. , Kim Mi-Sook , Wilson Jackson , Tierney Patrick
Published: February 2014

Background:

Temporary parks such as the monthly event, Sunday Streets SF, support public health goals by using existing infrastructure and street closures to provide physical activity in neighborhoods underserved for recreational resources. Sunday Streets creates routes to enhance community connection.

Methods:

Six hundred and thirty-nine participants at 3 Sunday Streets events were surveyed using a 36-item instrument of open- and closed-ended questions about overall physical activity behavior, physical activity while at Sunday Streets, experience of the events, and demographic data.

Results:

Overall, Sunday Streets participants are physically active (79% engage in activity 3–7 days/week) and approximately represent the ethnic minority distribution of the city. There were significant differences between first-time attendees and multiple-event attendees by duration of physical activity at the event (55.83 minutes vs. 75.13 minutes) and by frequency of physical activity bouts per week (3.69 vs. 4.22). Both groups emphasized the positive experience and safe environment as reasons to return to the event; for first-time attendees, the social environment was another reason to return.

Conclusions:

Temporary parks like Sunday Streets have the potential to provide healthful, population-wide physical activity using existing streets. The trend toward increased activity by multiple-event attendees suggests the importance of a regular schedule of events.
Independent and Combined Associations of Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Fatness With Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Brazilian Youth
Authors: Bergmann Gabriel Gustavo , de Araújo Bergmann Mauren Lúcia , Hallal Pedro C.
Published: February 2014

Background:

The purpose of this study was to examine the independent and combined influence of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), body mass index (BMI) and percentage of fat (% fat) on total cholesterol (TC) and blood pressure (BP) in male and female youth.

Methods:

1442 (721 girls) children and adolescents aged 7–12 years were randomly selected. CRF, BMI, % fat (predictor variables), TC, systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP; outcome variables) were measured. Using standardized cut-off points, we created categories for each variable. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were used to test the independent influence of predictors on outcomes.

Results:

The prevalence of increased TC, SBP, and DBP were 34.4% (95% CI 31.9–37.0), 9.1% (95% CI 7.5–10.6), and 15.5% (95% CI 13.5–17.4), respectively. In multivariable analyses, CRF was a significant predictor of all outcome variables (P < .05). BMI was associated with SBP and DBP (P < .05) and % fat was associated only with SBP (P < .05). CRF had stronger associations with TC than BMI, whereas the opposite was observed for SBP and DBP.

Conclusions:

CRF and BMI are independently associated to TC and BP in male and female youth, and individuals unfit/overweight have greater likelihood of presenting these risk factors.
Comparing Quality-Adjusted Life Expectancy at Different Levels of Physical Activity
Authors: Jia Haomiao , Lubetkin Erica I.
Published: February 2014

Background:

Physical activity is a determinant of health which has been shown to impact both morbidity and mortality. This study compares quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) according to different levels of physical activity.

Methods:

This study estimated health-related quality of life from the 2001–2009 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System and then applied these estimates to the life tables to calculate QALE for individuals who engaged in 4 categories of physical activity–vigorous, moderate only, leisure-time only, and inactive.

Results:

The QALE at 18 years old was 58.4, 54.0, 54.2, and 47.0 years for individuals who reported vigorous activity, moderate activity, leisure-time activity, and inactivity, respectively. The QALE for inactive white females was 9.2 years less than the QALE for white females who engaged in some physical activity, the most among the 4 sex-by-race groups; this was followed by white males (7.8 years), Black females (6.7 years), and Black males (6.0 years).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates the incremental improvement of individuals’ life expectancy and QALE with increases in physical activity. These findings could be of assistance to clinicians in motivating patients to become more active and public health officials and policymakers evaluating intervention programs designed to promote physical activity.
Predictors of Physical Activity 6 Months Postintervention in the Active for Life Initiative
Authors: Baruth Meghan , Wilcox Sara
Published: February 2014

Background:

Understanding who is most and least likely to remain active after the completion of physical activity (PA) interventions can assist in developing more targeted and effective programs to enhance prolonged behavior change. The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of meeting PA recommendations 6 months postintervention in participants enrolled in Active for Life.

Methods:

Participants from 2 behavioral PA programs [158 Active Choices (AC); 1025 Active Living Every Day (ALED)] completed surveys 6 months after completion of the active intervention. Analyses examined predictors of meeting PA recommendations at follow-up.

Results:

The following were significant predictors: In ALED: self-report health status, satisfaction with body function, and self-efficacy at baseline; PA status at posttest; changes in self-efficacy, perceived stress, and satisfaction with body function and appearance from baseline to posttest. In AC: PA status at posttest.

Conclusions:

The ultimate goal of health promotion programs is to teach the behavioral skills necessary to sustain behavior change once an active intervention is complete. The findings from this study suggest that predicting PA behavior after cessation of PA interventions may not be straightforward, and predictor variables may operate differently in different intervention approaches.
The Relationship Between Physical Activity and Care-Seeking Behavior Among Employed Adults
Authors: Katz Abigail Sherman , Pronk Nicolaas Petrus
Published: February 2014

Background:

Physical activity is regarded an important health behavior. Routine doctor visits, dentist visits, and willingness to seek phone advice from a nurse are considered important care-seeking behaviors (ie, behaviors that reflect the way in which people seek and access health care delivery resources available to them). Employers promote physical activity as well as care-seeking behavior to protect and promote health, optimize productivity, and manage health care costs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between physical activity and 3 care-seeking behaviors among a sample of 5500 employed adults.

Methods:

Data were obtained from employee health assessments. Logistic regression was used to test the relationship between physical activity and care-seeking behavior.

Results:

Physical activity was positively associated with all 3 measures of care-seeking behavior: doctor visits (P < .001), dentist visits (P < .001), and willingness to seek phone advice from a nurse (P < .05). For individuals reporting chronic conditions, physical activity was negatively associated with doctor visits for the condition (P < .05) and positively associated with self-perceived health (P < .001).

Conclusions:

Physical activity is associated with important care-seeking behaviors for employees with and without chronic conditions.
Active Commuting and Sociodemographic Factors Among University Students in Spain
Authors: Molina-García Javier , Sallis James F. , Castillo Isabel
Published: February 2014

Background:

Commuting to university represents an opportunity to incorporate physical activity (walking or biking) into students’ daily routines. There are few studies that analyze patterns of transport in university populations. This cross-sectional study estimated energy expenditure from active commuting to university (ACU) and examined sociodemographic differences in findings.

Methods:

The sample included 518 students with a mean age of 22.4 years (59.7% female) from 2 urban universities in Valencia, Spain. Time spent in each mode of transport to university and sociodemographic factors was assessed by self-report.

Results:

Nearly 35% of the students reported walking or biking as their main mode of transport. ACU (min/wk) were highest for walkers (168) and cyclists (137) and lowest for motorbike riders (0.0) and car drivers (16). Public transport users, younger students, low socioeconomic status students, and those living ≤ 2 km from the university had higher energy expenditure from active commuting than comparison groups. Biking was highest among those living 2–5 km from the university.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that active commuting and public transit use generated substantial weekly energy expenditure, contributed to meeting physical activity recommendations, and may aid in obesity prevention.
Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in a Randomized Trial of an Internet-Based Versus Workbook-Based Family Intervention Study
Authors: Catenacci Victoria , Barrett Christopher , Odgen Lorraine , Browning Ray , Schaefer Christine Adele , Hill James , Wyatt Holly
Published: February 2014

Background:

The America on the Move (AOM) Family Intervention Program has been shown to prevent excess weight gain in overweight children. Providing intervention materials via the internet would have the potential to reach more families but may increase sedentary behavior. The purpose was to evaluate whether delivering the AOM Family Intervention via the internet versus printed workbook would have a similar impact on sedentary behaviors in children.

Methods:

131 children (age 8–12) were randomized to receive the AOM Family Intervention via the internet or workbook for 12 weeks. Changes in objectively measured sedentary time and moderate-to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) as well as self-reported screen time were compared between groups.

Results:

There were no significant differences between groups in screen time, sedentary time, or MVPA at the end of the 12 week intervention. Families receiving the intervention via the internet were more likely to remain in the study (98% vs. 82%, P = .016).

Conclusions:

Using the internet to deliver the lifestyle intervention did not increase sedentary behavior in children. Attrition rates were lower when the program was delivered by internet versus via printed materials. These results provide support for using the internet to deliver healthy lifestyle programs for children.
Cadence, Energy Expenditure, and Gait Symmetry During Music-Prompted and Self-Regulated Walking in Adults With Unilateral Transtibial Amputation
Authors: Rowe David A. , McMinn David , Peacock Leslie , Buis Arjan W. P. , Sutherland Rona , Henderson Emma , Hewitt Allan
Published: February 2014

Background:

Walking cadence has shown promise for estimating walking intensity in healthy adults. Auditory cues have been shown to improve gait symmetry in populations with movement disorders. We investigated the walking cadence-energy expenditure relationship in unilateral transtibial amputees (TTAs), and the potential of music cues for regulating walking cadence and improving gait symmetry.

Methods:

Seventeen unilateral TTAs performed 2 5-min treadmill walking trials, followed by 2 5-min overground walking trials (self-regulated “brisk” intensity, and while attempting to match a moderate-tempo digital music cue).

Results:

Walking cadence significantly (P < .001) and accurately (R2 = .55, SEE = 0.50 METs) predicted energy expenditure, and a cadence of 86 steps·min−1 was equivalent to a 3-MET intensity. Although most participants were able to match cadence to prescribed music tempo, gait symmetry was not improved during the music-guided condition, compared with the self-regulated condition.

Conclusions:

This is the first study to investigate the utility of walking cadence for monitoring and regulating walking intensity in adults with lower limb prosthesis. Cadence has similar or superior accuracy as an indicator of walking intensity in this population, compared with the general population, and adults with a unilateral TTA are capable of walking at moderate intensity and above for meaningful bouts of time.
Associations Between Behavior Regulation, Competence, Physical Activity, and Health for Adolescent Females
Authors: Craike Melinda Jane , Polman Remco , Eime Rochelle , Symons Caroline , Harvey Jack , Payne Warren
Published: February 2014

Background:

This study investigated the association between the different types of behavior regulation and competence on sport and physical activity (PA) and perceived health, and the influence of school year level (ie, year 7 and year 11) and setting (ie, metropolitan and rural) on these relationships.

Methods:

A cross sectional self-complete survey was conducted. Competence was measured using the 5-item perceived competence subscale of the 21-item Athletic Identity Questionnaire (AIQ); behavior regulation was measured using a modified version of the Behavior Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire (BREQ-2); PA was measured using an item to assess if adolescents are meeting recommended levels of PA; and perceived health was measured using the Short Form 1 (SF-1).

Results:

This study included 732 participants, 71.2% from metropolitan schools, and 66.8% in year 7. Self-determined behavior regulation and competence were positively associated with PA and health. Intrinsic motivation was more strongly related to older adolescents’ PA than it was for younger adolescents. Behavior regulators and competence were more strongly associated with health than PA.

Conclusions:

The findings of this study suggest that strategies that enhance intrinsic motivation and PA competence may improve the health of adolescent females; enhancing these may lead to greater health regardless of level of PA.
Light-Intensity Physical Activity Is Associated With Insulin Resistance in Elderly Japanese Women Independent of Moderate- to Vigorous-Intensity Physical Activity
Authors: Gando Yuko , Murakami Haruka , Kawakami Ryoko , Tanaka Noriko , Sanada Kiyoshi , Tabata Izumi , Higuchi Mitsuru , Miyachi Motohiko
Published: February 2014

Background:

It is unclear whether light physical activity is beneficially associated with insulin resistance, similar to moderate and/or vigorous physical activity. This cross-sectional study was performed to determine the relationship between the amount of light physical activity, as determined with a triaxial accelerometer, and insulin resistance.

Methods:

A total of 807 healthy men and women participated in this study. Physical activity was measured using a triaxial accelerometer worn for 28 days and summarized as light intensity (1.1–2.9 METs) or moderate to vigorous intensity (≥ 3.0 METs). Insulin resistance was evaluated by HOMA_R (FPG [mg/dL] × IRI [μU/mL]/405).

Results:

The daily time spent in light physical activity was inversely associated with HOMA_R (r = –0.173, P < 0.05). After adjustment for confounders, the association between light physical activity and HOMA_R remained statistically significant (β = –0.119, P < .05). Light physical activity remained significantly associated with HOMA_R following further adjustment for moderate to vigorous intensity activity (β = –0.125, P < .05). Similar results were observed when light physical activity was modeled as quartiles, especially in elderly women.

Conclusions:

These cross-sectional data suggest that light-intensity physical activity is beneficially associated with insulin resistance in elderly Japanese women.
Disseminated tuberculosis manifesting as cholestasis in a patient with AIDS: a presentation to remember
Authors: Lee Theresa May , Shenoi Sheela V , Ogbuagu Onyema
Published: February 2014

A 48-year-old man of Indian descent and chronic untreated HIV infection presented with a 3-week history of persistent fever, jaundice and a subacute 10-pound weight loss. His presentation was notable for a painless cholestatic jaundice. An extensive evaluation was pursued around cholestasis and liver disease, with a resulting unremarkable workup for viral, bacterial and tick borne infectious aetiologies. A CT scan of the abdomen fortuitously revealed incidental pleural effusions and a subsequent CT scan of the chest demonstrated miliary infiltrates, suspicious for disseminated tuberculosis (TB). The diagnosis was confirmed by GeneXpert PCR and culture of induced sputa, which were positive forMycobacterium tuberculosis. We have highlighted this unusual presentation of disseminated TB, manifesting initially as cholestasis in a patient with AIDS.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal succession in a long-lived perennial
Authors: Hart Miranda M. , Gorzelak Monika , Ragone Diane , Murch Susan J.
Published: February 2014

It is difficult to understand why arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal communities change over time. The role of host identity confounds our understanding of successional changes in AM fungal communities because hosts exert strong selective pressure on their root-associated microbes. In this study we looked at the AM fungi associated with a long-lived perennial breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg) to see how AM communities change over the life span of a single, long-lived host. Using 454 high-throughput sequencing, we found evidence that older trees had more AM fungal taxa than younger trees and were associated with different AM fungal communities, but these differences were not apparent early in the life cycle. Older trees were dominated by species of Rhizophagus, whereas younger trees and genets were dominated by species of Glomus. Some taxa were only detected in older trees (e.g., Funneliformis) or genets (e.g., Racocetra and Scutellospora), indicating that certain AM fungal taxa may serve as “indicators” of the successional age of the fungal community. These results provide important information about a poorly studied system and give insight into how AM communities change over longer time scales.
Impact of doped microcrystalline silicon oxide layers on crystalline silicon surface passivation
Authors: Ding K. , Aeberhard U. , Lambertz A. , Smirnov V. , Holländer B. , Finger F. , Rau U.
Published: February 2014

This paper reports on a comparative study of the impact of phosphorous and boron doped microcrystalline silicon oxide (μc-SiOx:H) layers on the surface passivation of n- and p-type doped crystalline silicon float zone wafers in correlation with the material properties of the μc-SiOx:H layers. The poor surface passivation of μc-SiOx:H films deposited directly on c-Si surface might be attributed to the incorporation of doping impurities, the surface damaging by ion bombardment and (or) the low amount of hydrogen at the μc-SiOx:H/c-Si interface. The different impact of n- and p-type doped μc-SiOx:H films on the passivation of n- and p-type doped wafers with and without an additional a-SiOx:H passivation layer are correlated to the differences in the strength of the field effect at the heterojunction and to the presence of boron atoms that can cause the rupture of Si–H bonds.
Markovian versus non-Markovian stochastic quantization of a complex-action model
Authors: Krein G. , Menezes G. , Svaiter N. F.
Published: February 2014

We analyze the Markovian and non-Markovian stochastic quantization methods for a complex action quantum mechanical model analog to Maxwell–Chern–Simons electrodynamics in Weyl gauge. We show through analytical methods convergence to the correct equilibrium state for both methods. Introduction of a memory kernel generates a non-Markovian process which has the effect of slowing down oscillations that arise in the Langevin-time evolution towards equilibrium of complex-action problems. This feature of non-Markovian stochastic quantization might be beneficial in large-scale numerical simulations of complex action field theories on a lattice.
Universal mass limits on gluino and third-generation squarks in the context of Natural-like SUSY spectra
Authors: Buchmueller O. , Marrouche J.
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we present results based on a combination of four inclusive topology searches for supersymmetry (SUSY) from the CMS experiment, and use this to determine universal mass limits on gluino and third-generation squarks in the context of Natural-like SUSY spectra. This class of sparticle spectra is inspired by the argument of naturalness, which originates from both consideration of fine-tuning arguments, and the need to satisfy current experimental search constraints. The class of Natural-like SUSY spectra considered follows the typical Natural SUSY model made up of a gluino, third-generation squarks, and higgsino sparticles, but is extended to more complex spectra containing sleptons. We show that the limits obtained from the combination of inclusive topology searches are far more stable than those from individual searches, with respect to the assumed underlying complexity of the spectra, and hence these limits can be considered as universal mass limits on gluino and third-generation squarks, defined in the context of this broad class of Natural-like SUSY spectra. Furthermore, we present our results using a simple colour scheme that allows a straightforward interpretation of any Natural-like SUSY spectrum with our limits.

Complementing the final results of the 2011 searches based on 5 fb-1 of integrated luminosity, with the first published results from 2012 searches using approximately 11 fb-1, we find that gluinos with a mass of [Formula: see text] and third-generation top and bottom squarks with masses of [Formula: see text] are excluded for low masses of the lightest SUSY particle (LSP). These limits weaken to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], when the mass of the LSP is increased to several hundred GeV. Based on this result, we establish a prediction of how these limits might evolve when the full 2012 dataset is analysed, with both the CMS and ATLAS experiments combined. This outlook suggests that for low masses of the LSP, gluinos with a mass of [Formula: see text] and third-generation squarks with masses of [Formula: see text] are likely to be excluded. For high LSP masses, these limits are expected to decrease to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Therefore, despite the fact that the LHC already probes a significant region of the SUSY parameter space, Natural SUSY scenarios based on rather stringent fine-tuning requirements may not be fully excluded by the data taken so far. This suggests that additional data is needed, to be recorded during the higher energy running of the LHC expected in 2015. The importance of combining relevant inclusive topology searches, in order to make the most universal interpretations possible, is a general recommendation for future experimental searches at the LHC.
Architectures and components for high power CW fiber lasers
Authors: Braglia Andrea , Califano Alessio , Liu Yu , Perrone Guido
Published: February 2014

High power fiber lasers are gaining increasing shares in the laser material processing market due to their many advantages over gas and solid-state lasers. The design approaches for the typical architectures used in continuous emission fiber lasers are revised and the impact of the different choices on the specifications of the cavity components are analyzed. Then, some results on the fabrication of key components for an all-fiber setup, such as pump (PCs) and signal combiners (SCs), are reported. Finally, an example of a high power module, suitable for the development of an over 4 kW system is presented.
Spatio-temporal dynamics of single-cycle optical pulses and nonlinear frequency conversion
Authors: Drozdov Arkadiy A. , Sukhorukov Andrey A. , Kozlov Sergey A.
Published: February 2014

We model propagation of initially single-cycle wave packet exhibiting paraxial spatial diffraction in a homogeneous isotropic dielectric medium with normal group velocity dispersion and instantaneous cubic nonlinearity. We show that for higher input intensity, the number of field oscillations is increased and the temporal spectrum shifts to shorter wavelengths in the axial beam part and to longer wavelengths at the periphery of the beam, and this is accompanied by the formation of closed surfaces of equal phase. We find that at tripled frequencies a minimum of spectral density forms at low spatial frequencies, which is characteristic for single-cycle pulses. At higher spatial frequencies, the maximum of the spectral density shifts to quadruple temporal frequencies.
Spectral broadening due to intra-cavity four-wave mixing at low pump powers in erbium-doped fiber ring laser
Authors: Suchita  , Sarbadhikari Soham , Vijaya R.
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we present the experimental results of multi-pump-induced four-wave mixing (FWM) in erbium-doped fiber ring laser (EDFRL) in the wavelength range of 1560–1600 nm. The required multiple pumps are generated within the ring cavity by an appropriate choice of the wavelength range of operation with a suitable length of erbium-doped fiber. By introducing the optical nonlinearity with specialty fibers such as the highly nonlinear fiber (HNLF) and dispersion shifted fiber (DSF), FWM processes occurring in the laser are studied at low powers of the pump laser at 980 nm. The prevalent FWM theory is improved to interpret the two-pump and four-pump-induced side band generation in the first- and second-orders, after including the effect of phase mismatch at the wavelengths used in the experiments.
THE INFLUENCE OF AN INTERACTING VACUUM ENERGY ON THE GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE OF A STAR FLUID
Authors: CAMPOS M.
Published: February 2014

To explain the accelerated expansion of the universe, models with interacting dark components has been considered in the literature. Generally, the dark energy component is physically interpreted as the vacuum energy. However, at the other side of the same coin, the influence of the vacuum energy in the gravitational collapse is a topic of scientific interest. Based in a simple assumption on the collapsed rate of the matter fluid density that is altered by the inclusion of a vacuum energy component that interacts with the matter fluid, we study the final fate of the collapse process.
Solvent effects on the catalytic activity of manganese(III) corroles
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhang Yang , Yu Lan , Yang Hong , Mahmood Mian HR , Liu Hai-Yang
Published: February 2014

Four Mn ( III ) corroles that differ in their electronic environments based on meso-substitution by pentafluorophenyl and phenyl groups were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. Utilization of these Mn ( III ) corroles for styrene oxidation using iodosylbenzene (PhIO) as oxygen source in toluene, dichloromethane (DCM), DMF, DMAc, THF and DMSO revealed a remarkable effect of solvent on the catalytic activity. Furthermore, the transformation of Mn ( III ) corroles into their corresponding Mn ( V )-oxo corroles, and subsequent treatment with styrene also indicated that more electron-deficient Mn ( V )-oxo corroles exhibit higher reactivity in toluene and DCM, while less electron-deficient Mn ( V )-oxo corroles exhibit higher reactivity in DMF and DMAc. A significant difference in the observed rates of reaction suggest that the catalytic oxidation of styrene by manganese corroles may proceed through different pathways, and is strongly solvent-dependent.
THE DESIGN OF A COMPACT RFQ NEUTRON GENERATOR
Authors: HAMM R. W. , BECKER R.
Published: February 2014

The output and target lifetime of a conventional electrostatic neutron generator are limited by the voltage stand-off capability and the acceleration of molecular species from the ion source. As an alternative, we suggest that the deuterium beam achievable from a compact high intensity ECR source can be injected directly into a compact RFQ to produce a more efficient compact neutron production system. Only the d+ ions are accelerated by the RFQ, which can also produce much higher output energies than electrostatic systems, resulting in a higher neutron output with a longer target lifetime. The direct injection of the beam makes the system more compact than the multielement, electrostatic systems typically used for extraction of the beam and subsequent transport and matching into the RFQ. We have designed and optimized a combined extraction/matching system for a compact high current deuterium ECR ion source injected into a high frequency RFQ structure, allowing a beam of about 12 mA of d+ ions to be injected at a modest ion source voltage of 25 kV. The end wall of the RFQ resonator serves as the ground electrode for the ion source, resembling DPI (direct plasma injection). For this design, we used the features of the code IGUN to take into account the electrostatic field between the ion source and the RFQ end wall, the stray magnetic field of the ECR source, the defocusing space charge of the low energy deuteron beam, and the rf focusing in the fringe field between the RFQ vanes and the RFQ flange.
TURN-BY-TURN BEAM EXTRACTION DURING ACCELERATION IN A SYNCHROTRON
Authors: TSOUPAS NICHOLAOS , TRBOJEVIC DEJAN
Published: February 2014

A synchrotron to accelerate protons or carbon ions for medical applications is being designed at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL). Single beam bunches with maximum beam energy of 1.18 GeV and 400 MeV/u for protons and carbon ions respectively will be extracted from the synchrotron at 15 Hz. For protons, the maximum required energy for irradiating a tumor is ∼206 MeV. A pencil-like proton beam containing ∼5.4×107 p/bunch delivers a therapeutic dose of 2.5 Gy in ∼1.5 minutes to treat a tumor of 1 liter volume. It will take ∼80 minutes with bunches containing 4.5×104 ions/bunch to deliver the same dose of 2.5 Gy with a 400 MeV/u pencil-like carbon beam. This extended treatment time when using carbon ions is not acceptable. In addition, the synchrotron cannot be controlled with a beam bunch containing such a low number of carbon ions. To overcome these two problems of the extended treatment time and the low bunch intensity required for the treatment when carbon ions are used, we have devised a method to “peel” the required 4.5×104 carbon-ions/bunch from the accelerating carbon beam bunch containing ∼108 ions/bunch and deliver them to the tumor on a “turn-by-turn” basis. Unlike other methods of beam extraction from a synchrotron, such as resonance extraction, this method does not allow for any beam losses during the extraction and the carbon beam can be peeled off in less than 15 ms during the acceleration or deceleration cycle of the synchrotron. Thus, this turn-by-turn beam extraction method provides beam with variable energy and precisely controlled beam current during the 30 ms acceleration or deceleration time.
MICRO-PIXE STUDIES ON NATIVE TRANSYLVANIAN GOLD FOR ARCHAEOLOGICAL ARTIFACTS AUTHENTICATION
Authors: CRISTEA-STAN DANIELA , CONSTANINESCU BOGDAN , CECCATO DANIELE , PACHECO CLAIRE , PICHON LAURENT , LUCULESCU CATALIN
Published: February 2014

Determination of the geological provenance of gold is a powerful argument in the authentication of ancient gold artifacts. Small samples (hundreds of microns) of native gold from Transylvanian deposits were scanned by micro-PIXE to obtain information on the natural Au – Ag alloy composition and on the presence of trace elements such as Sn , Sb , and Cu . The experiments were performed at the AGLAE Louvre and LNL AN2000 accelerators. Mineral identification was confirmed by a micro-mineralogical study using the INFLPR-Magurele Scanning Electron Microscope associated with an Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) facility.
SPECTROMETRIC INVESTIGATION OF PIGMENTS AND SUBSTRATA IN WOOD PAINTINGS
Authors: CHIOJDEANU CATALINA , VASILESCU ANGELA , MANEA MIHAELA , CONSTANTIN FLORIN , SALIBA JAMES
Published: February 2014

A polychrome and gilded wooden artifact was found, in a heavily deteriorated state, in the stores of the Mdina Cathedral Museum, Malta. The object represents two zoomorphic angels holding a coat of arms. Stylistically, the artifact matches with parts of a late 16th century Organ balcony, currently exhibited at the same Museum. The present study aims to establish whether or not the newly recovered artifact might have formed part of the balcony ensemble by means of material identification techniques. The combined use of XRF, FT-IR and FT-Raman spectroscopy ensure a detailed characterization of the material used. In the case of pigments, for both artifacts the blue pigment was smalt, while cinnabar was used for red and flesh tones. The metallic decorative parts of the panels are gilded, confirmed by the presence of Au peaks in the X-ray spectra. The supporting structure of both artifacts was manufactured from poplar wood.