bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Une Joute verbale traditionnelle de Côte d’Ivoire sur internet à l’aube des années 2000
Authors: Derive Jean
Published: March 2014

This paper deals with a genre consisting in a traditional contest of conventional insults produced in Ivory Coast and called gategate (insulting is translated gâter le nom in local French). The gate-gate, born in an urban context of interethnic and interlinguistic hybridity, is performed in a variant of local popular French called Nouchi (a sort of pidgin, mixing French and main local languages: Agni-Baoulé, Bété, Dioula, Gouro …) and mainly used by young people. This genre appeared in the 1990s when the political perturbations began in Ivory Coast after the death of President Houphouet-Boigny. In the early 2000, it migrated to the web to be practiced by the Ivorian diaspora dispersed across the world. This study analyses how the web promotes the rules of the gate-gate in form and content, with the modalities of communication specific to this new media, as well as the evolution of this genre’s functions, which becomes a sign of cultural solidarity and complicity.
A Comparative Study of 25 mcg vs 50 mcg of Vaginal Misoprostol for Induction of Labor
Authors: Bharathi Anjanappa , Kumar K Ashok , Ganga A Pavana
Published: March 2014

Objectives

To compare the efficacy and safety of 25 mcg intravaginal misoprostol vs 50 mcg misoprostol for induction of labor.

Material and methods

This study group consisted of 100 cases of low-risk singleton pregnancies attending the antenatal clinic of SAH and RC, or admitted to the antenatal ward. Study group included singleton pregnancy, Over 37 weeks of gestation with Vertex presentation, with unfavorable cervix (bishop score <4) and patients not in labor with reactive fetal heart rate pattern with intact membranes.

Women were randomized to either 25 mcg (n = 50) or 50 mcg (n = 50) of intravaginal misoprostol. The dose was repeated every 4 hours (maximum number of doses limited to 3 doses). The main outcome was induction vaginal delivery interval.

Results

Induction delivery interval was significantly less with 50 mcg misoprostol —9.45 hours in comparison to 25 mcg 14.2 hours (p-value <0.001), most cases delivered vaginally with 25 mcg misoprostol p value < 0.013, cesarean section rates were high in 50 mcg misoprostol group p-value <0.007, the proportion of women delivering vaginally with single dose of vaginal misoprostol was high in 50 mcg group, i.e. 64%, incidence of maternal complications like tachysystole and hyperstimulation was more with 50 mcg group.

Conclusion

In the present study, it is concluded that 25 mcg of misoprostol is safe and effective for labor induction.

How to cite this article

Bharathi A, Kumar KA, Ganga AP. A Comparative Study of 25 mcg vs 50 mcg of vaginal Misoprostol for Induction of Labor. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2013;5(3):111-115.
Hysterosalpingography vs Hysteroscopy: Role in Assessment of Uterine Factor during Infertility Workup
Authors: Nanda Smiti , Malhotra Vani , Malik Roopa , Lakra Pinkey , Chauhan Meenakshi B
Published: March 2014

Objective

Uterine pathologies are the cause of infertility in 15% of infertile couples and their correction is associated with improved pregnancy rates. This prospective study was carried out to compare hysterosalpingography (HSG) with hysteroscopy (HSC) in evaluation of uterine pathology.

Study design

The research was approved by the institutional review board. A total of 100 infertile women were included in the study. HSC and HSG were performed in the follicular phase and the findings were compared. Student's t-test and chi-square test were applied wherever applicable. Degree of agreement between the two procedures was calculated using kappa estimates.

Results

Thirteen percent of the women had abnormal HSG regarding the uterine cavity while 20% had abnormal HSC findings (chi-square value 1.77, p > 0.05). Sensitivity of HSG in detecting uterine cavity abnormality was 50% and specificity 98.1%. Positive predictive value was 76.9% and negative predictive value was 88.5%. Result of HSG was false negative in 10% of women and false positive in 3%. In 77% of patients, both HSG and HSC were normal and in 10% of patients, both were abnormal. The degree of agreement between HSG and HSC as calculated by kappa estimates was 0.545.

Conclusion

Hysteroscopy should be considered essential while investigating infertile women. Since HSG provides valuable information about tubes, it may supplement the hysteroscopic assessment.

Keywords

Hysterosalpingography, Hysteroscopy, Uterine cavity.

How to cite this article

Chauhan MB, Lakra P, Nanda S, Malik R, Malhotra V. Hysterosalpingography vs Hysteroscopy: Role in Assessment of Uterine Factor during Infertility Workup. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2013;5(3):116-119.
A Comparative Study of Two Disposable Supraglottic Devices in Diagnostic Laparoscopy in Gynecology
Authors: Goswami Sebanti , Chattopadhyay Suman
Published: March 2014

Introduction

This prospective study compares the efficacy of two disposable supraglottic airway devices with separate gastric access and integral bite block, the inflatable cuff of the LMA SupremeTM against the noninflatable i-gelTM cuff in providing an adequate seal for laparoscopic surgery.

Materials and methods

Ninety women of ASA grade I and II undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy with Trendelenburg position were randomly allocated to receive either size 3 LMA Supreme or i-gel. Induction and maintenance protocols were similar and patients were not paralyzed. We compared the airway leak pressure, ease and time to insert the device and a 10 FG nasogastric tube through it, and to note complications if any.

Results

There was no difference in airway leak pressure between the two devices (24.4 ± 4.0 vs 23.6 ± 3.8 cm H2O, p > 0.05). Forty-one (91%) LMA Supremes and forty (88.8%) i-gels were successfully inserted on the first attempt, with similar ease, and comparable times (13.8 ± 4.9 sec for LMA Supreme vs 14.5 ± 6.7 sec for i-gel; p > 0.05). Gastric tube insertion was easier and achieved more quickly with LMA Supreme compared to i-gel (9.0 ± 3.1 sec vs 14.3 ± 7.5 sec, respectively; p < 0.01), but clinical significance of this finding is questionable. There was blood on removal of four LMA Supremes and three i-gel. Four patients in the LMA Supreme group and one patient in the i-gel group experience mild postoperative sore throat.

Conclusion

Both LMA Supreme and i-gel are equally effective ventilator devices for diagnostic gynecological laparoscopic procedures.

How to cite this article

Chattopadhyay S, Goswami S. A Comparative Study of Two Disposable Supraglottic Devices in Diagnostic Laparoscopy in Gynecology. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2013;5(3):124-128.
Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index as an Emerging Promising Marker in the Management of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Partha , Bag Tara Sankar , Kyal Amit , Saha Dipta Prasun , Neogi Monalisa , Soreng Prabodh
Published: March 2014

Objective

Increasing new blood vessel formation (neoangiogenesis) within tumors is one of the adverse prognostic factors for survival in several cancers. Neoangiogenesis in vivo can be assessed by Doppler ultrasonography by measuring uterine artery pulsatility index (UAPI) in patients with gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). In this study we assessed whether UAPI can be an independent prognostic factor predictive of response to chemotherapy.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study conducted in Medical College, Kolkata from May 2011 to December 2012. Twenty-two patients of GTN had their FIGO prognostic scoring done, 19 patients were of low risk (scored ≤T6) and three patients were of high risk (score > 6). The 3 high risk GTN patients were excluded from the study. The study population therefore consisted of 19 low risk (scored ≤6) patients of GTN who were treated with fortnightly cycles of 50 mg of methotrexate IM on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 and with 15 mg of folinic acid rescue IM on days 2, 4, 6 and 8. Treatment was continued in all patients till hCG values were negative and 2 further cycles of chemotherapy were given. The patients were followed up with UAPI and serum β-hCG levels every 2 weeks following chemotherapy to assess whether fall in β-hCG correlated with rise in UAPI values following chemotherapy. Data collected were analyzed using standard statistical protocol.

Results

The β-hCG concentration of these patients at the time of diagnosis ranged from 1400 to 210,000 mIU/ml and UAPI varied from 0.47 to 2.1. The mean β hCG of these 19 patients before chemotherapy (week 0) was 63705.47 mIU/ml and subsequently following chemotherapy at the end of 16 weeks was 1.64 mIU/ml. The mean UAPI before chemotherapy (week 0) was 1.33 and following chemotherapy at the end of 16 weeks was 1.952. All patients achieved complete remission with chemotherapy. The fall in beta-hCG levels corelated with the rise in UAPI values.

Conclusion

This study provides proof of principle that the UAPI can serve as a noninvasive in vivo measure of functional tumor vascularity, which independently can predict the response to chemotherapy.

How to cite this article

Kyal A, Mukhopadhyay P, Bag TS, Saha DP, Neogi M, Soreng P. Uterine Artery Pulsatility Index as an Emerging Promising Marker in the Management of Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2013;5(3):139-141.
Abdominal Ectopic Pregnancy: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Ambreen Afshan , Intsar Ayesha
Published: March 2014

Abdominal pregnancy is a rare event but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The incidence of abdominal pregnancy is 1 in 10 000 live births. We report a case on an abdominal pregnancy that presented at 17 weeks of gestation and was not picked up till then on previous ultrasound reports and was eventually diagnosed when presented as missed abortion with placental hemorrhage. The clinical presentation of abdominal pregnancy varies, and the diagnosis depends on a high index of suspicion. Ultrasonography is useful for early diagnosis of the condition. The treatment of the placenta is a matter of controversy. In general, expectant management is suggested. When the placenta is left behind, the use of prophylactic methrotrexate is advocated in some cases although expectant management with serial B-hCG monitoring has also shown to result in subsequent placental shrinkage. An awareness of abdominal pregnancy is very important for reducing associated morbidity and mortality.

How to cite this article

Ambreen A, Intsar A. Abdominal Ectopic Pregnancy: A Diagnostic Dilemma. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2013;5(3):163-165.
Characterization of opioid overdose and response in a high-risk community corrections sample: A preliminary study
Authors: Cropsey, PsyD Karen L. , Martin, MD, EdM Stephen , Clark, PhD C. Brendan , McCullumsmith, MD, PhD Cheryl B. , Lane, DO Peter S. , Hardy, MS Sonya , Hendricks, PhD Peter S. , Redmond, MD, PhD, MPH Nicole
Published: March 2014

Opiate overdose is an increasingly common cause of death, yet could be easily treated with available opioid antagonists. Opiate use is very common in criminal justice populations, and individuals recently released from prisons or jails are an especially vulnerable group for both overdose and death, particularly in the immediate postrelease period. Participants (N =478) were individuals under community corrections supervision who were surveyed about their opioid use, overdose history, medical history, and demographics. Most participants were male (67.4 percent) and either African American (52.4 percent) or Caucasian (44.2 percent) with an average age of 35 years (SD = 11.1). Two hundred twenty participants (46 percent) reported lifetime use of opioids, whereas 88 (40 percent) reported experiencing an opioid-related overdose. Relative to those with no history of opioid overdose or lifetime opioid use, participants with a history of opioid overdose were more likely to be Caucasian, female, and report higher educational attainment; more likely to be willing to receive additional training about overdose; and reported double to triple the rates of witnessing an overdose or knowing someone who had died from overdose —78 percent and 69 percent, respectively. The rates of actions taken when witnessing overdose were relatively low: 59 percent had called 911, 33 percent had taken someone to a hospital with 23 percent providing no intervention, and only 4 percent having used an opioid antagonist, naloxone. These findings suggest that while opioid overdose is a significant problem in the criminal justice population, affected individuals are open to instruction in effective strategies, such as naloxone training, to prevent fatal opioid overdose.
Perioperative dilemma: Challenges of the management of a patient on mega doses of morphine and methadone
Authors: Kaye, MD, PhD, DABA, DABPM, DABIPP Alan David , Alian, MD Aymen A. , Vadivelu, MD Nalini , Chung, MD Keun Sam
Published: March 2014

High doses of opioids are often needed in the management of cancer-related pain. A discussion of a patient’s perioperative opioid management and mechanisms contributing to opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) are presented. In the present case report, a patient on high doses of opioids, including morphine and methadone, with severe worsening back pain and a history of increasing opioid requirements for the last 2 months due to metastatic leiomyosarcoma to the femur, spine, and neck is described. Use of high dose opioids is associated with numerous challenges, including tolerance. The successful management of this patient was multimodal and included the use of potent analgesics, N-methyl-D-aspartatereceptor antagonists, and the α-2 agonist clonidine.
Multi-modal analysis of aerosol robotic network size distributions for remote sensing applications: dominant aerosol type cases
Authors: Taylor M. , Kazadzis S. , Gerasopoulos E.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. To date, size distributions obtained from the aerosol robotic network (AERONET) have been fit with bi-lognormals defined by six secondary microphysical parameters: the volume concentration, effective radius, and the variance of fine and coarse particle modes. However, since the total integrated volume concentration is easily calculated and can be used as an accurate constraint, the problem of fitting the size distribution can be reduced to that of deducing a single free parameter – the mode separation point. We present a method for determining the mode separation point for equivalent-volume bi-lognormal distributions based on optimization of the root mean squared error and the coefficient of determination. The extracted secondary parameters are compared with those provided by AERONET's Level 2.0 Version 2 inversion algorithm for a set of benchmark dominant aerosol types, including desert dust, biomass burning aerosol, urban sulphate and sea salt. The total volume concentration constraint is then also lifted by performing multi-modal fits to the size distribution using nested Gaussian mixture models, and a method is presented for automating the selection of the optimal number of modes using a stopping condition based on Fisher statistics and via the application of statistical hypothesis testing. It is found that the method for optimizing the location of the mode separation point is independent of the shape of the aerosol volume size distribution (AVSD), does not require the existence of a local minimum in the size interval 0.439 μm ≤ r ≤ 0.992 μm, and shows some potential for optimizing the bi-lognormal fitting procedure used by AERONET particularly in the case of desert dust aerosol. The AVSD of impure marine aerosol is found to require three modes. In this particular case, bi-lognormals fail to recover key features of the AVSD. Fitting the AVSD more generally with multi-modal models allows automatic detection of a statistically significant number of aerosol modes, is applicable to a very diverse range of aerosol types, and gives access to the secondary microphysical parameters of additional modes currently not available from bi-lognormal fitting methods.
Analysis of synoptic conditions for tornadic days over Western Greece
Authors: Nastos P. T. , Matsangouras I. T.
Published: March 2014

Abstract. Tornadoes have been reported in Greece during the last decades and recent studies have given evidence that west Greece is a vulnerable area for tornadoes, waterspouts and funnel clouds to occur. In this study, the composite means and anomalies of synoptic conditions for tornadic events (tornadoes, waterspouts and funnel clouds) over west Greece are analyzed and discussed. The daily composite means of synoptic conditions were based on National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalysis datasets, for the period 12 August 1953 to 31 December 2012. The daily composite anomalies were calculated with respect to 30 years climatology (1981–2010) of the synoptic conditions. The analysis was carried out in terms of seasonal and monthly variability of composite means and anomalies of synoptic conditions for specific isobaric levels of 500, 700, 850, 925 hPa and the sea level pressure (SLP). In addition, an analysis and discussion about the dynamic Lifted Index from NCEP/NCAR Reanalysis datasets is presented.
Charming Witches:
Authors: Purkiss Diane
Published: March 2014

This article examines the charms transcribed in detail in Thomas Potts's pamphlet The wonderfull discouerie of witches in the countie of Lancaster (1613), hitherto treated only briefly by historians. All the charms are related closely to authentic and well-attested older and mostly late medieval traditions of charming, identified here. After considering the possibility that Potts includes these charms as part of his anti-Papist polemical stance, the article then ponders the ways in which the charms are both meticulously detailed and also garbled. Through an examination of the role of gabbling or garbling in both medieval high magic and in Protestant anti-Latin satire, the place of garbled or ungrammatical Latin in particular is presented as an integral part both of magic and of antipopery. In particular, the reference to the Five Wounds in one of the charms is read as bringing together the themes of authentic remembrance of Catholic religious practice and fear of Catholic insurgency harking back to the rebellions of the past.
Case studies of the expansion of Acacia dealbata in the valley of the river Miño (Galicia, Spain)
Authors: Vazquez de la Cueva Antonio
Published: March 2014

Aim of study: Acacia dealbata is a naturalized tree of invasive behaviour that has expanded from small plots associated with vineyards into forest ecosystems. Our main objective is to find evidence to support the notion that disturbances, particularly forest fires, are important driving factors in the current expansion of A. dealbata.Area of study: We mapped it current distribution using three study areas and assesses the temporal changes registered in forest cover in these areas of the valley of the river Miño. Material and Methods: The analyses were based on visual interpretation of aerial photographs taken in 1985 and 2003 of three 1x1 km study areas and field works.Main result: A 62.4%, 48.6% and 22.2% of the surface area was covered by A. dealbata in 2003 in pure or mixed stands. Furthermore, areas composed exclusively of A. dealbata make up 33.8%, 15.2% and 5.7% of the stands. The transition matrix analyses between the two dates support our hypothesis that the areas currently covered by A. dealbata make up a greater proportion of the forest area previously classified as unwooded or open forest than those without A. dealbata cover. Both of these surface types are the result of an important impact of fire in the region. Within each area, A. dealbata is mainly located on steeper terrain, which is more affected by fires. Research highlights: A. dealbata is becoming the dominant tree species over large areas and the invasion of this species gives rise to monospecific stands, which may have important implications for future fire regimes.Keywords: Fire regime; Mimosa; plant invasion; silver wattle.
Carbon storage as affected by different site preparation techniques two years after mixed forest stand installation
Authors: Fonseca Felicia , Figueiredo Tomas , Martins Afonso
Published: March 2014

Aim of study: This study aims at evaluating the impact of site preparation techniques prior to plantation on carbon storage and distribution in a young mixed stand of Pseudotsuga menziesii (PM) and Castanea sativa (CS). Area of study: The experimental field was established near Macedo de Cavaleiros, Northern Portugal, at 700 m elevation, mean annual temperature 12ºC and mean annual rainfall 678 mm. Material and Methods: The experimental layout includes three replicates, where the different treatments corresponding to different tillage intensities were randomly distributed (high, moderate and slight intensity), in plots with an area of 375 m2 each. Twenty six months after forest stand installation, samples of herbaceous vegetation (0.49 m2 quadrat), forest species (8 PM and 8 CS) and mineral soil (at 0-5, 5-15, 15-30 and 30-60 cm depth) were collected in 15 randomly selected points in each treatment, processed in laboratory and analyzed for carbon by elemental carbon analyzer. Main results: The results obtained showed that: (i) more than 90% of the total carbon stored in the system is located in the soil, increasing in depth with tillage intensity; (ii) the contribution of herbaceous vegetation and related roots to the carbon storage is very low; (iii) the amount of carbon per tree is higher in CS than in PM; (iv) the global carbon storage was affected by soil tillage generally decreasing with the increase of tillage intensity. Accordingly, carbon storage capacity as affected by the application of different site preparation techniques should be a decision support tool in afforestation schemes.Keywords: Site preparation; forest species; herbaceous vegetation; carbon storage; mineral soil; Portugal.
Development of Grousers with a Tactile Sensor for Wheels of Lunar Exploration Rovers to Measure Sinkage
Authors: Iizuka Kojiro , Sasaki Tatsuya , Yamano Mitsuhiro , Kubota Takashi
Published: March 2014

This paper presents a grouser developed for the wheels of lunar exploration rovers to measure sinkage. The wheels, which are intended to traverse loose soil such as lunar regolith, contain grousers that transfer thrust to the wheels and thus to the body of the rover. The interaction between the wheel (with grousers) and the loose soil can be described using a kinematic model. When traversing loose soil, the wheel sinks into the soil, which necessitates knowledge of the entrance angle needed in order to avoid this problem. If the entrance angle is known, the sinkage can be measured in real time before adverse conditions occur. Because of the importance and usefulness of detecting the entrance angle of the wheel, we herein propose a grouser with an embedded tactile sensor. A strain gauge on the surface of the grousers serves as the tactile sensor. In order to confirm the precision of the proposed grouser, we have performed tests on a rigid surface and loose soil surfaces.
VFI-Based Robotic Arm Control for Natural Adaptive Motion
Authors: Yang Woosung , Bae Ji-Hun , Kim Hyungjoo
Published: March 2014

Since neural oscillator based control methods can generate rhythmic motion without information on system dynamics, they can be a promising alternative to traditional motion planning based control approaches. However, for field application, they still need to be robust against unexpected forces or changes in environments so as to be able to generate “natural motion” like most biological systems. In this study a biologically inspired control algorithm that combines neural oscillators and virtual force is proposed. This work gives the condition with respect to parameters tuning to stably activate the neural oscillators. This is helpful to achieve motion adaptability to environmental changes keeping the motion repeatability. He efficacy and efficiency of the proposed methods are tested in the control of a planar three-linkage robotic arm. It is shown that the proposed controller generates a given circular path stably and repeatedly, even with unexpected contact with a wall. The adaptivity of motion control is also tested in control of a robotic arm with redundant degrees of freedom. The proposed control algorithm works throughout the simulations and experiments.
Design and Implementation of a Modular Self-Reconfigurable Robot
Authors: Qiao Guifang , Song Guangming , Wang Weiguo , Zhang Ying , Wang Yali
Published: March 2014

This paper presents the design and implementation of a new modular self-reconfigurable robot. The single module has three joints and can perform rectilinear motion, lateral shift, lateral rolling, and rotation. A flexible pin-hole-based docking mechanism is designed for self-assembly. With the proposed infrared-sensor-based docking method, multiple modules can be self-assembled to form versatile configurations. The modules communicate with each other through ZigBee protocols. The locomotion planning and geometry analysis of the single module are presented in detail and the efficiency of the single module's mobility is also demonstrated by experimental results. In automatic docking experiments with two modules, the proposed method is shown to be able to achieve an average success rate of 78% within the effective region. The average time of the docking process is reduced to 75 s. The maximum velocity of the I-shaped robot is up to 3.6 cm/s and the maximum velocity of the X-shaped robot is 4.8 cm/s. The detach-dock method for I-to-X transformation planning is also verified. The ZigBee-based communication system can achieve 100% receiving rate at 55 ms transformation interval.
Steps that count! A feasibility study of a pedometer-based, health-promotion intervention in an employed, South African population
Authors: Pillay Julian David , Kolbe-Alexander Tracy Lynn , Proper Karin I , Van Mechelen Willem , Lambert Estelle Victoria
Published: March 2014

Background. The emergence of the pedometer as a useful motivational aid for increasing physical activity (PA) has supported its use in PA interventions. Objectives. To examine the feasibility of a 10-week pedometer-based intervention complemented by regular motivational messages, to increase ambulatory PA; and to determine the minimum sample size required for a randomised, controlled trial (RCT). Methods. Participants, sourced by convenience sampling of employees from an academic institution, were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (IG) (n=11) or control group (CG) (n=11), following baseline health measurements and blinded pedometer wear (week 1). Participants in the IG subsequently wore an unblinded pedometer (10 weeks) to self-monitor daily steps. Individualised messages using pedometer data (IG) and general motivational messages (IG and CG) were provided bi-weekly. Blinded pedometer wear (IG and CG) and a feedback questionnaire (IG) were completed at week 12. Pedometer data were compared between the IG and CG at week 12. Results. Participants’ perceptions of the intervention supported the benefit of the pedometer as a useful motivational aid and a reminder to increase steps per day. Occupational sitting time and inability to incorporate PA into daily routine emerged as the main barrier to adherence. Steps per day increased more in the IG (mean ± standard deviation (SD) 996±1 748) than in the CG (mean±SD 97±750). Modest improvements were noted in all clinical measures (IG). Conclusion. Based on the improvement of 1 000 steps/day (IG), a minimum of 85 participants in the IG and CG, respectively, is required for a future RCT (80% power; p<0.05). We recommend a minimum of 150 participants in each group to account for loss to follow-up and to allow for subgroup analyses.
The prevalence of self-reported neck pain in rugby union players in Gauteng Province
Authors: Watson Estelle D , Hodge Rikki-Lee , Gekis Michael
Published: March 2014

Background. Rugby is a highly demanding sport that carries a high risk of injury, specifically to the neck region. Repetitive loading of the neck during the scrum or tackle phase may increase neck symptoms and pain.Objectives. The objective of this cross-sectional, descriptive study was to determine the prevalence of self-reported neck pain in rugby union players in Gauteng Province, South Africa.Methods. One hundred rugby union players of a mean ± standard deviation age of 22.1±2.4 years, height 1.84±0.07 m and weight 95.3±15.2 kg, completed the four-part questionnaire.Results. We found a 12% prevalence of current neck pain, and 52% of the players reported experiencing previous neck pain. Neck pain was more frequently reported in forwards, with the tackle being the most commonly stated cause. Eighteen players reported mild to moderate disability as a result of neck pain. The players reported that neck strengthening, on-field treatment and coaching could be improved to prevent neck pain.Conclusion. Current and previous neck pain is prevalent in rugby union players. Neck pain may be a sign of underlying pathology; therefore, players presenting with chronic or acute neck pain should be assessed thoroughly by a sports physician. Neck conditioning and strengthening should be encouraged in all players to prevent the deleterious effects that rugby union may have on the cervical spine.
Field identification of groundwater flow systems and hydraulic traps in drainage basins using a geophysical method
Authors: Jiang Xiao‐Wei , Wan Li , Wang Jun‐Zhi , Yin Bin‐Xi , Fu Wen‐Xiang , Lin Chang‐Hong
Published: March 2014

Groundwater flow systems and stagnant zones in drainage basins are critical to a series of geologic processes. Unfortunately, the difficulty of mapping flow system boundaries and no field example of detected stagnant zones restrict the application of the concept of nested flow systems. By assuming the variation in bulk resistivity of an aquifer with uniform porosity is mainly caused by groundwater salinity, the magnetotelluric technique is used to obtain the apparent resistivity of a profile across a groundwater‐fed river in the Ordos Plateau, China. Based on the variations in apparent resistivity of the Cretaceous sandstone aquifer, the basin‐bottom hydraulic trap below the river has been detected for the first time, and its size is found to be large enough for possible deposition of large ore bodies. The boundaries between local and regional flows have also been identified, which would be useful for groundwater exploration and calibration of large‐scale groundwater models.
Predictions of electron temperatures in the Mars ionosphere and their effects on electron densities
Authors: Withers Paul , Fallows Kathryn , Matta Majd
Published: March 2014

Observations of peak electron densities in the Mars ionosphere are well fit by a simplistic theory that assumes the electron temperature, Te, at the peak remains constant as solar zenith angle, χ, changes. However, Te ought to vary with both altitude and χ. Here we use an existing numerical model of ionospheric energetics, which includes both vertical and diurnal variations in temperatures, to predict that Te at the ionospheric peak is relatively independent of χ. This model accurately predicts the observed dependence of peak electron density on χ, whereas predictions using Viking‐based electron temperatures that are held constant with time do not. A simplified analytic model is developed to interpret these results further. It predicts that the difference between electron and neutral temperatures is proportional to the ratio of electron heating rate to electron production rate and proportional to the square root of solar irradiance.
Decrypting geophysical signals at Stromboli Volcano (Italy): Integration of seismic and Ground‐Based InSAR displacement data
Authors: Di Traglia F. , Cauchie L. , Casagli N. , Saccorotti G.
Published: March 2014

We present the integration of seismic and Ground‐Based Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar system (GBInSAR) displacement data at Stromboli Volcano. Ground deformation in the area of summit vents is positively correlated with both seismic tremor amplitude and cumulative amplitudes of very long period (VLP) signals associated with Strombolian explosions. Changes in VLP amplitudes precede by a few days the variations in ground deformation and seismic tremor. We propose a model where the arrival of fresh, gas‐rich magma from depth enhances gas slug formation, promoting convection and gas transfer throughout the conduit system. At the shallowest portion of the conduit, an increase in volatile content causes a density decrease, expansion of the magmatic column and augmented degassing activity, which respectively induce inflation of the conduit, and increased tremor amplitudes. The temporal delay between increase of VLP and tremor amplitudes/conduit inflation can be interpreted in terms of the different timescales characterizing bulk gas transfer versus slug formation and ascent.
Ceramic Fibers Based on SiC and SiCN Systems: Current Research, Development, and Commercial Status
Authors: Flores Octavio , Bordia Rajendra K. , Nestler Daisy , Krenkel Walter , Motz Günter
Published: March 2014

Non‐oxide ceramic fibers are of considerable interest due to the ability to combine the high performance, especially high temperature thermal and creep resistance, with the structural advantages of fibers including their use as reinforcements for metal (MMCs) and ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). In this paper the development of CVD SiC fibers and three generations of polymer derived SiC fibers over the past 50 years are discussed, illustrating the effect of fiber precursor and processing on the microstructure and physical properties of the non‐oxide ceramic fibers. Additionally recent advances in research and development related to fibers from SiC and SiCN systems are presented with discussion of the current focus on reducing the costs of the fiber processing, while increasing their thermostructural stability.
Composite Living Fibers for Creating Tissue Constructs Using Textile Techniques
Authors: Akbari Mohsen , Tamayol Ali , Laforte Veronique , Annabi Nasim , Najafabadi Alireza Hassani , Khademhosseini Ali , Juncker David
Published: March 2014

The fabrication of cell‐laden structures with anisotropic mechanical properties while having a precise control over the distribution of different cell types within the constructs is important for many tissue engineering applications. Automated textile technologies for making fabrics allow simultaneous control over the color pattern and directional mechanical properties. The use of textile techniques in tissue engineering, however, demands the presence of cell‐laden fibers that can withstand the mechanical stresses during the assembly process. Here, the concept of composite living fibers (CLFs) in which a core of load bearing synthetic polymer is coated by a hydrogel layer containing cells or microparticles is introduced. The core thread is drawn sequentially through reservoirs containing a cell‐laden prepolymer and a crosslinking reagent. The thickness of the hydrogel layer increases linearly with to the drawing speed and the prepolymer viscosity. CLFs are fabricated and assembled using regular textile processes including weaving, knitting, braiding, winding, and embroidering, to form cell‐laden structures. Cellular viability and metabolic activity are preserved during CLF fabrication and assembly, demonstrating the feasibility of using these processes for engineering functional 3D tissue constructs.
Synchrotron‐Based X‐Ray‐Sensitive Nanoprobes for Cellular Imaging
Authors: Zhu Ying , Earnest Thomas , Huang Qing , Cai Xiaoqing , Wang Zhili , Wu Ziyu , Fan Chunhai
Published: March 2014

It is one of the ultimate goals in cell biology to understand the complex spatio–temporal interplay of biomolecules in the cellular context. To this end, there have been great efforts on the development of various probes to detect and localize specific biomolecules in cells with a variety of microscopic imaging techniques. In this Research News, we first summarize several types of microscopy for visualizing specific biomolecular targets. Then we focus on recent advances in the design of X‐ray sensitive nanoprobes for applications in synchrotron‐based cellular imaging. With the availability of advanced synchrotron techniques, there has been rapid progress toward high‐resolution and multi‐color X‐ray imaging in cells with various types of functional nanoprobes.
Hollow‐Structured Mesoporous Materials: Chemical Synthesis, Functionalization and Applications
Authors: Li Yongsheng , Shi Jianlin
Published: March 2014

Hollow‐structured mesoporous materials (HMMs), as a kind of mesoporous material with unique morphology, have been of great interest in the past decade because of the subtle combination of the hollow architecture with the mesoporous nanostructure. Benefitting from the merits of low density, large void space, large specific surface area, and, especially, the good biocompatibility, HMMs present promising application prospects in various fields, such as adsorption and storage, confined catalysis when catalytically active species are incorporated in the core and/or shell, controlled drug release, targeted drug delivery, and simultaneous diagnosis and therapy of cancers when the surface and/or core of the HMMs are functionalized with functional ligands and/or nanoparticles, and so on. In this review, recent progress in the design, synthesis, functionalization, and applications of hollow mesoporous materials are discussed. Two main synthetic strategies, soft‐templating and hard‐templating routes, are broadly sorted and described in detail. Progress in the main application aspects of HMMs, such as adsorption and storage, catalysis, and biomedicine, are also discussed in detail in this article, in terms of the unique features of the combined large void space in the core and the mesoporous network in the shell. Functionalization of the core and pore/outer surfaces with functional organic groups and/or nanoparticles, and their performance, are summarized in this article. Finally, an outlook of their prospects and challenges in terms of their controlled synthesis and scaled application is presented.
Controllable Printing Droplets for High‐Resolution Patterns
Authors: Kuang Minxuan , Wang Libin , Song Yanlin
Published: March 2014

Inkjet printing has attracted wide attention due to the important applications in fabricating biological, optical, and electrical devices. During the inkjet printing process, the solutes prefer to deposit along the droplet periphery and form an inhomogeneous morphology, known as the coffee‐ring effect. Besides, the feature size of printed dots or lines of conventional inkjet printing is usually limited to tens or even hundreds of micrometers. The above two issues greatly restrict the extensive application of printed patterns in high‐performance devices. This paper reviews the recent advances in precisely controlling the printing droplets for high‐resolution patterns and three‐dimensional structures, with a focus on the development to suppress the coffee‐ring effect and minimize the feature size of printed dots or lines. A perspective on the remaining challenges of the research is also proposed.
Spray impact resistance of a superhydrophobic nanocomposite coating
Authors: Davis Alexander , Yeong Yong Han , Steele Adam , Loth Eric , Bayer Ilker S.
Published: March 2014

The performance of a polyurethane/organoclay superhydrophobic nanocomposite modified with perfluoroalkyl methacrylic copolymer in the presence of a high‐pressure air‐water spray which mimics an icing cloud impact is investigated in this study. To quantify the average velocites of droplets impacting the superhydrophobic samples, a computational study was performed. Such a study is important to understand the interaction between the jet and surface. Impacting velocities for three different testing conditions were estimated to be 14.5, 4.5, and 3.4 m/s. Liquid saturation did not occur immediately, but over time, the high mass flow rate of water led to antiwetting performance degradation. Upon evaporation, contact angle returned to pretest values, indicating little mechanical erosion. This was consistent with scanning electron microscopy which showed that the nano and microstructure was preserved, and with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, which showed no surface chemistry change after testing. However, sliding angle showed stronger degradation, especially at higher impact velocities. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 3025–3032, 2014
Approximation of Model Predictive Control Laws for Polynomial Systems
Authors: Canale M. , Cerone V. , Piga D. , Regruto D.
Published: March 2014

A fast implementation of a given predictive controller for polynomial systems is introduced by approximating the optimal control law with a piecewise constant function defined over a hyper‐cube partition of the system state space. Such a state‐space partition is computed in order to guarantee stability, an a priori fixed trajectory error as well as input and state constraints fulfilment. The presented approximation procedure is achieved by solving a set of nonconvex polynomial optimization problems, whose approximate solutions are computed by means of semidefinite relaxation techniques for semialgebraic problems.
Decoupled Robust Velocity Control for Uncertain Quadrotors
Authors: Liu Hao , Hou Xiaolei , Kim Jonghyuk , Zhong Yisheng
Published: March 2014

In this paper, a decoupled robust velocity control method is investigated for a quadrotor. Although the quadrotor dynamics involves inter‐axis coupling and nonlinearity, the quadrotor system is divided into four single‐input single‐output (SISO) subsystems. For each subsystem, a linear time‐invariant robust controller is proposed, which uses its own states and consists of a nominal controller and a robust compensator. The nominal controller is designed by the proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) control method to achieve the desired tracking for the nominal system. A robust compensator is added to restrain the influence of the parametric uncertainties, nonlinear dynamics, coupling, and external disturbances. The tracking error of each subsystem is proven to converge into an a priori set in the neighborhood of the origin in a finite time. Experimental results on the quadrotor demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
Investigation of thermochemical biorefinery sizing and environmental sustainability impacts for conventional supply system and distributed pre‐processing supply system designs
Authors: Muth David J. , Langholtz Matthew H. , Tan Eric C.D. , Jacobson Jacob J. , Schwab Amy , Wu May M. , Argo Andrew , Brandt Craig C. , Cafferty Kara G. , Chiu Yi‑Wen , Dutta Abhijit , Eaton Laurence M. , Searcy Erin M.
Published: March 2014

The 2011 US Billion‐Ton Update estimates that by 2030 there will be enough agricultural and forest resources to sustainably provide at least one billion dry tons of biomass annually, enough to displace approximately 30% of the country's current petroleum consumption. A portion of these resources are inaccessible at current cost targets with conventional feedstock supply systems because of their remoteness or low yields. Reliable analyses and projections of US biofuels production depend on assumptions about the supply system and biorefinery capacity, which, in turn, depend upon economic value, feedstock logistics, and sustainability. A cross‐functional team has examined combinations of advances in feedstock supply systems and biorefinery capacities with rigorous design information, improved crop yield and agronomic practices, and improved estimates of sustainable biomass availability. A previous report on biochemical refinery capacity noted that under advanced feedstock logistic supply systems that include depots and pre‐processing operations there are cost advantages that support larger biorefineries up to 10 000 DMT/day facilities compared to the smaller 2000 DMT/day facilities. This report focuses on analyzing conventional versus advanced depot biomass supply systems for a thermochemical conversion and refinery sizing based on woody biomass. The results of this analysis demonstrate that the economies of scale enabled by advanced logistics offsets much of the added logistics costs from additional depot processing and transportation, resulting in a small overall increase to the minimum ethanol selling price compared to the conventional logistic supply system. While the overall costs do increase slightly for the advanced logistic supply systems, the ability to mitigate moisture and ash in the system will improve the storage and conversion processes. In addition, being able to draw on feedstocks from further distances will decrease the risk of biomass supply to the conversion facility.
Regulation of high mobility group box 1 and hypoxia in the migration of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Xie Hong‐Lei , Zhang Yi , Huang Yi‐Zhou , Li Shun , Wu Cheng‐Guang , Jiao Xue‐Feng , Tan Mei‐Yun , Huang Yong‐Can , Deng Li
Published: March 2014

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been increasingly offered for tissue regeneration with the premise that they can survive and thrive amidst the microenvironment of injured or degenerate tissues. The role of high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and hypoxia in the proliferation and migration of rat bone marrow MSCs (rBM‐MSCs) has been investigated. First, the effect of HMGB1 on the proliferation of rBM‐MSCs was determined. Second, to evaluate the regulation of hypoxia and HMGB1 in the migration of rBM‐MSCs, cells in the wound healing model were exposed to four conditions: normoxia (20% O2) and complete medium, normoxia and HMGB1, hypoxia (1% O2) and complete medium, hypoxia and HMGB1. RT‐PCR and Western blotting were used to measure the expression of migration‐related genes and proteins. HMGB1 inhibited the proliferation of rBM‐MSCs; HMGB1 alone or together with hypoxia and promoted the migration of MSCs and upregulated the expression of HIF‐1α and SDF‐1. These results demonstrated that HMGB1 arrested the proliferation of rBM‐MSCs, but enhanced the migration of rBM‐MSCs which could be further improved by hypoxia. This study strengthens current understanding of the interaction between MSCs and the microenvironment of damaged tissues.
Studies on primary uveal and cutaneous melanoma cell interaction with vitronectin
Authors: Janik Marcelina Elżbieta , Lityńska Anna , Przybyło Małgorzata
Published: March 2014

We have examined the diversity between primary uveal (92‐1 and Mel202) and cutaneous (FM55P and IGR‐39) melanoma cells in their interaction with vitronectin, and established the effect of integrins and β1,6‐branched N‐oligosaccharides on this process. The adhesion level of uveal melanoma cells to vitronectin was at least twice lower than that of cutaneous ones, but all cells tested repaired scratch wounds on vitronectin‐coated surfaces with similar speed. Swainsonine treatment, by reducing the amount of β1,6‐branches, significantly decreased cell attachment in all cases, but reduction of wound healing efficiency was compromised only in cutaneous melanoma cell. Functional blocking antibodies used in adhesion and migration assays revealed that integrin αvβ3 was strongly involved in adhesion and migration only in cutaneous melanoma cells, but its role here was less pronounced than that of integrin αvβ5. However, in uveal melanoma the specific anti‐αvβ5 integrin antibody had no impact on migration speed. Therefore, the anti‐α3β1 integrin antibody was used in order to explain the nature of uveal melanoma interaction with vitronectin, which caused a mild decrease in adhesion efficiency and reduced their motility. Expression of αvβ5 integrin differed between the cell lines, but there was no distinct pattern to distinguish uveal melanoma from cutaneous melanoma. In conclusion, αvβ5, but not αvβ3 integrin is heavily involved in uveal melanoma cell interaction with vitronectin. The role of β1,6‐branched N‐glycans in the adhesion, but not during migration, of all cells to vitronectin has been confirmed.