bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review of physical activity interventions among African American adults: evidence from 2009 to 2013
Authors: Whitt‐Glover M. C. , Keith N. R. , Ceaser T. G. , Virgil K. , Ledford L. , Hasson R. E.
Published: September 2014

This review extends findings from four previous reviews of physical activity (PA) interventions among African Americans (AA) and includes papers published between January 2009 and August 2013. Eligible papers were retrieved using strategies employed in previous reviews. Overall, 16 relevant papers were identified, including four pilot studies and 12 full trials. Interventions were based on a variety of behavioural sciences theories. The most common setting for interventions was churches. Most interventions lasted >6 months; few interventions included >6 months of post‐intervention follow‐up. Overall, studies identified within‐group differences showing positive improvements in PA, and most studies showed statistically significant between‐group differences in at least one measure of PA. A quality score was used to rate various elements of the studies and provide a numerical assessment of each paper; scores ranged from 3 to 10 out of 13 possible points. The current review indicates a continued need for studies that use objective PA measures, assess long‐term intervention impact, provide specific PA goals for interventions, include more attention to strategies that can increase retention and adherence among AA study participants, include AA men and determine the independent and synergistic effects of individual and environmental (socio‐cultural and built) change strategies.
Obesity interventions in African American faith‐based organizations: a systematic review
Authors: Lancaster K. J. , Carter‐Edwards L. , Grilo S. , Shen C. , Schoenthaler A. M.
Published: September 2014

African Americans, especially women, have higher obesity rates than the general US population. Because of the importance of faith to many African Americans, faith‐based organizations (FBOs) may be effective venues for delivering health messages and promoting adoption of healthy behaviours. This article systematically reviews interventions targeting weight and related behaviours in faith settings. We searched literature published through July 2012 for interventions in FBOs targeting weight loss, diet and/or physical activity (PA) in African Americans. Of 27 relevant articles identified, 12 were randomized controlled trials; seven of these reported a statistically significant change in an outcome. Four of the five quasi‐experimental and single‐group design studies reported a statistically significant outcome. All 10 pilot studies reported improvement in at least one outcome, but most did not have a comparison group. Overall, 70% of interventions reported success in reducing weight, 60% reported increased fruit and vegetable intake and 38% reported increased PA. These results suggest that interventions in African American FBOs can successfully improve weight and related behaviours. However, not all of the findings about the success of certain approaches were as expected. This review identifies gaps in knowledge and recommends more rigorous studies be conducted to strengthen the comparative methodology and evidence.
Lack of costs associated with nest‐related behaviors in an arachnid with exclusive paternal care
Authors: Requena Gustavo S. , Machado Glauco
Published: September 2014

Nest‐related behaviors may benefit males by increasing offspring survival and their attractiveness to females, but may also limit males’ foraging activity, increase their metabolic expenses, and expose them to increased mortality during nest attendance. Although intensively studied among birds and ectothermic vertebrates, the costs of nest‐related behaviors in arthropods remain poorly explored. Females of the Neotropical harvestman Zygopachylus albomarginis (Arachnida: Opiliones) lay eggs exclusively inside mud nests that are built, repaired, cleaned and defended by males, which may remain stationary and associated with the nest for up to five months. To assess energetic and survival costs of nest‐related behaviors in this arthropod species, we measured body condition of nesting and non‐nesting males and conducted a field capture‐mark‐recapture study to estimate their survival rates. Despite the long period of nest attendance, nesting males sustained good body conditions and presented higher survival rates than non‐nesting males and females. Two ecological conditions may play an important role modulating the costs of nest attendance in the species. First, high food supply in tropical rainforests may provide males with frequent access to food in the vicinity of their nests, reducing or eliminating the costs related to limited foraging opportunities. Second, predation pressure seems to be directly mostly to vagrant individuals, so that the more they move, the more likely they are to be singled out by predators. Taken together, our findings indicate that nest and offspring defense in Z. albomarginis provide numerous benefits, surprisingly imposing no evident cost to the males.
Pure Quotation
Authors: Maier Emar
Published: September 2014

Pure quotation, as in ‘cat’has three letters, is a linguistic device designed for referring to linguistic expressions. I present a uniform reconstruction of the four classic philosophical accounts of the phenomenon: the proper name theory, the description theory, the demonstrative theory, and the disquotational theory. I evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each proposal with respect to fundamental semantic properties like compositionality, productivity, and recursivity.
Cronartium rust sporulation on hemiparasitic plants
Authors: Kaitera J. , Hiltunen R. , Hantula J.
Published: September 2014

Susceptibility of potential alternate host plants to pine stem rusts belonging to Cronartium spp. was artificially tested in Finland during 2012–2013. Forty‐three species representing 11 plant families were inoculated in the laboratory; 34 species (11 families) were inoculated in the greenhouse with aeciospores of Cronartium flaccidum or C. ribicola. Twenty‐one selected species (10 families) were also exposed to natural inoculum of C. flaccidum in the field in two severely affected Pinus sylvestris stands. After 5–8 weeks’ incubation, C. flaccidum sporulated on 17 species (nine families) in the laboratory, 17 species (eight families) in the greenhouse and seven species (five families) in the field. Cronartium ribicola sporulated on three species (three families) in the laboratory or greenhouse. All of the hemiparasitic plants that belong to Orobanchaceae were infected by C. flaccidum, and several species supported rust sporulation when exposed to natural inoculum. Susceptible species belonged to genera Veronica, Euphrasia, Castilleja, Pedicularis, Rhinanthus, Saxifraga, Loasa, Ribes, Tropaeolum, Swertia, Physalis, Nicotiana, Hyoscyamus, Paeonia, Apocynum, Impatiens, Vincetoxicum and Myrica.
Subjective ratings of prolonged inspiratory resistive loaded breathing in males and females
Authors: Miller Sarah , Davenport Paul W.
Published: September 2014

Dyspnea and fear of suffocation are burdensome to patients with respiratory disease. Inspiratory resistive loads offer an experimental respiratory stimulus to quantify the discriminative domain of respiratory perception. Resistive (R) load magnitude estimation (ME) and subjective ratings were measured over sustained multiple breaths in healthy subjects. There was no significant group difference between the ME for Breath 1 and 20 for small R loads, but a significant gender difference for large R loads. Subjective responses of fear, fear of suffocation, displeasure, chest pressure, faintness, dizziness, fear of losing control, trembling, and tingling were significantly greater for females. These results demonstrate that ME of large resistive sustained loads elicits nonsignificant increases in ME in females, but a significant decrease in ME for males. The maintenance of ME in females co‐occurs with increased aversive processing relative to males.
Early Warning Indicators for Challenges in Underground Coal Storage
Authors: Sipilä Juha , Auerkari Pertti , Holmström Stefan , Vela Iris
Published: September 2014

Early warning or leading indicators are discussed for unexpected incidences in case of large‐scale underground coal storage at a power plant. The experience is compared with above‐ground stockpiles for which established procedures are available but where access for prevention and mitigation are much easier. It is suggested that while the explicit organization, procedures, and the general safety systems aim to provide the targeted levels of performance for the storage, representing new technology without much precedence elsewhere in the world, the extensive experience and tacit knowledge from above‐ground open and closed storage systems can help to prepare for and to prevent unwanted incidents in the underground storage. This kind of experience has been also found useful for developing the leading or early warning indicators for underground storage. Examples are given on observed autoignition and freezing of coal in the storage silos, and on occupational hazards. Selection of the leading indicators needs to consider the specific features of the unique underground facility.
Women Migrants Today: New Directions, No Papers, Old Barriers
Authors: Bloch Alice , Kumarappan Leena , McKay Sonia
Published: September 2014

The article explores the changing nature of female migration, showing how the composition of the migrant population has altered, with women migrants now comprising a majority of the recent migrant populations. Drawing on data from interviews with undocumented migrant women in London, the article looks at the consequence of undocumented status for women, explores how they look for work, their jobs, pay, and terms and conditions, how they express their relationships within the workplace, what they identify as the supportive characteristics of coworkers, and how they manage when not in work.
Slump Molding of Microchannel Arrays in Soda-Lime Glass for Bioanalytical Device Development
Authors: Billo Richard E. , Wilson Paul A. , Priest John W. , Romero-Ortega Mario , Brunskill Shannon R. , Keens David
Published: September 2014

A slump molding process was developed to place microchannel geometries in a soda-lime glass substrate for a lab-on-chip bioanalytical device. The process was developed to overcome the biological and chemical reactivity associated with current polymer lab-on-a-chip substrates, and as an alternative to using more expensive glass material. A high speed micro mill and UV laser micromachining center were used to fabricate the negative geometries in the graphite mold material that was used. The slumping process of the soda-lime glass was done using a glass kiln. Microchannel dimensions were in the mesa scale range of 50 μm width × 10 μm depth. The heating schedule for slump molding of the soda-lime glass to take its final shape to these dimensions was determined and documented. The functionality of the slumping process and resultant soda-lime glass device was validated through murine nerve tissue experiments conducted through the bioanalytical device that was developed. The research represented a novel use of slump molding, a process traditionally known for producing artistic works for: (a) embossing engineered microchannels and (b) reliably processing a soda-lime glass substrate, a material known to be difficult to work with due to its poor physical properties.
Development of an Inverse Approach for the Characterization of In Vivo Mechanical Properties of the Lower Limb Muscles
Authors: Affagard Jean-Sébastien , Bensamoun Sabine F. , Feissel Pierre
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study was to develop an inverse method, coupling imaging techniques with numerical methods, to identify the muscle mechanical behavior. A finite element model updating (FEMU) was developed in three main interdependent steps. First, a 2D FE modeling, parameterized by a Neo-Hookean behavior (C10 and D), was developed from a segmented thigh muscle 1.5T MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). Thus, a displacement field was simulated for different static loadings (contention, compression, and indentation). Subsequently, the optimal mechanical test was determined from a sensitivity analysis. Second, ultrasound parameters (gain, dynamic, and frequency) were optimized on the thigh muscles in order to apply the digital image correlation (DIC), allowing the measurement of an experimental displacement field. Third, an inverse method was developed to identify the Neo-Hookean parameters (C10 and D) by performing a minimization of the distance between the simulated and measured displacement fields. To replace the experimental data and to quantify the identification error, a numerical example was developed. The result of the sensitivity analysis showed that the compression test was more adapted to identify the Neo-Hookean parameters. Ultrasound images were recorded with a frequency, gain, and dynamic of 9 MHz, 34 dB, 42 dB, respectively. In addition, the experimental noise on displacement field measurement was estimated to be 0.2 mm. The identification performed on the numerical example revealed a low error for the C10 (<3%) and D (<7%) parameters with the experimental noise. This methodology could have an impact in the scientific and medical fields. A better knowledge of the muscle behavior will help to follow treatment and to ensure accurate medical procedures during the use of robotic devices.
Steady/Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes and Large Eddy Simulations of a Turbine Blade at High Subsonic Outlet Mach Number
Authors: Léonard Thomas , Gicquel Laurent Y. M. , Gourdain Nicolas , Duchaine Florent
Published: September 2014

Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS), unsteady RANS (URANS), and large eddy simulation (LES) numerical approaches are clear candidates for the understanding of turbine blade flows. For such blades, the flow unsteady nature appears critical in certain situations and URANS or LES should provide more physical understanding as illustrated here for a laboratory high outlet subsonic Mach blade specifically designed to ease numerical validation. Although RANS offers good estimates of the mean isentropic Mach number and boundary layer thickness, LES and URANS are the only approaches that reproduce the trailing edge flow. URANS predicts the mean trailing edge wake but only LES offers a detailed view of the flow. Indeed, LESs identify flow phenomena in agreement with the experiment, with sound waves emitted from the trailing edge separation point that propagate upstream and interact with the lower blade suction side.
Nonlinear Dynamic Response and Structural Evaluation of Container Ship in Large Freak Waves
Authors: Liu Weiqin , Suzuki Katsuyuki , Shibanuma Kazuki
Published: September 2014

Many ship accidents and casualties are caused by large freak ocean waves. Traditionally, the strength of ships against freak waves is assessed by means of ultimate strength evaluation, assuming quasi-static conditions, but the nonlinear dynamic structural response of ships to freak waves should be considered as well. This paper describes how the strength of a ship can be evaluated in terms of its nonlinear vertical bending moment (VBM). Linear dynamic VBM of a ship, which is derived from hydrodynamics, is calculated using a time-domain strip theory code under freak wave conditions, and the nonlinear dynamic VBM, which is dependent on structural nonlinearity, is calculated using a combination of quasi-static and dynamic nonlinear analyses based on the finite element method (FEM). The nonlinear and linear VBMs are then compared to assess how they differ. Then, the influence of freak wave height and wave speed on the VBMs and deformation is studied.
Correlation Between Microstructure and Mechanical Properties in an Inconel 718 Deposit Produced Via Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication
Authors: Tayon Wesley A. , Shenoy Ravi N. , Redding MacKenzie R. , Keith Bird R. , Hafley Robert A.
Published: September 2014

Electron beam freeform fabrication (EBF3), a metallic layer-additive manufacturing process, uses a high-power electron beam in conjunction with a metal feed wire to create a molten pool on a substrate, which on solidification produces a component of the desired configuration made of sequentially deposited layers. During the build-up of each solidified layer, the substrate is translated with respect to the electron beam and the feed wire. EBF3 products are similar to conventional cast products with regard to the as-deposited (AD) microstructure and typical mechanical properties. Inconel 718 (IN 718), a high-temperature superalloy with attractive mechanical and oxidation properties well suited for aerospace applications, is typically used in the wrought form. The present study examines the evolution of microstructure, crystallographic texture, and mechanical properties of a block of IN 718 fabricated via the EBF3 process. Specimens extracted out of this block, both in the AD and in a subsequently heat treated (HT) condition, were subjected to (1) microstructural characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM); (2) in-plane elastic modulus, tensile strength, and microhardness evaluations; and (3) crystallographic texture characterization using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Salient conclusions stemming from this study are: (1) mechanical properties of the EBF3-processed IN 718 block are strongly affected by texture as evidenced by their dependence on orientation relative to the EBF3 fabrication direction, with the AD EBF3 properties generally being significantly reduced compared to wrought IN 718; (2) significant improvement in both strength and modulus of the EBF3 product to levels nearly equal to those for wrought IN 718 may be achieved through heat treatment.
Validity of the Session Rating of Perceived Exertion for Monitoring Exercise Demands in Youth Soccer Players
Authors: Rodríguez-Marroyo Jose A. , Antoñan Carlos
Published: September 2014

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to examine the concurrent and construct validity of the Borg (0–10) and children’s OMNI scales for quantifying the exercise intensity and training load (TL) in youth soccer players.

Methods:

Twelve children (mean ± SD age 11.4 ± 0.5 y, height 154.3 ± 6.5 cm, body mass 39.5 ± 5.4 kg) took part in this study. Exercise intensity and TL were calculated on the basis of the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) and heart rate (HR; Edwards method) during 20 technical-tactical training sessions. Players’ sRPEs were obtained from the Borg and OMNI scales.

Results:

Low correlations between HR-based TL and sRPE TL based on the Borg (r= .17,P= .335) and OMNI (r= .34,P= .007) scales were obtained. Significant (P< .001) relationships in sRPE (r= .76) and TL (r= .79) between RPE scales were found.

Conclusion:

The current data do not support the relationship between the sRPE and HR methods for quantifying TL in youth soccer players. However, the sRPE method could be considered a better indicator of global internal TL, since sRPE is a measure of both physical and psychological stress. In addition, the authors demonstrated the construct validity for the OMNI scale to control exercise demands.
Angle-Specific Eccentric Hamstring Fatigue After Simulated Soccer
Authors: Cohen Daniel D. , Zhao Bingnan , Okwera Brian , Matthews Martyn J. , Delextrat Anne
Published: September 2014

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of simulated soccer on the hamstrings eccentric torque-angle profile and angle of peak torque (APTeccH), and on the hamstrings:quadriceps torque ratio at specific joint angles (ASHecc:Qcon).

Methods:

The authors assessed dominant-limb isokinetic concentric and eccentric knee flexion and concentric knee extension at 120°/s in 9 semiprofessional male soccer players immediately before and after they completed the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST).

Results:

The LIST resulted in significant decreases in eccentric hamstrings torque at 60°, 50°, and 10° and a significant (21.8%) decrease in ASHecc:Qcon at 10° (P < .05). APTeccH increased from 7.1° ± 1.0° to 18.8° ± 4.2° (P < .05). Eccentric hamstrings peak torque significantly declined from 185.1 ± 70.4 N·m pre-LIST to 150.9 ± 58.5 N·m post-LIST (P = .002), but there were no significant changes in hamstrings or quadriceps concentric peak torque (P = .312, .169, respectively).

Conclusions:

Simulated soccer results in a selective loss of eccentric hamstrings torque and hamstrings-to-quadriceps muscle balance at an extended joint position and a shift in the eccentric hamstrings APT to a shorter length, changes that could increase vulnerability to hamstrings injury. These findings suggest that injury-risk screening could be improved by evaluating the eccentric hamstrings torque-angle profile and hamstrings strength-endurance and that the development of hamstrings fatigue resistance and long-length eccentric strength may reduce injury incidence.
Team Mums: Team Sport Experiences of Athletic Mothers
Authors: Batey Jo , Owton Helen
Published: September 2014

Maintaining involvement in sport and exercise activities is a challenge for mothers with young children. This study therefore qualitatively explores the experiences of 7 mothers who have managed to remain physically active in team sports exploring how the team environment might meet their psychological needs. We analyze the results through Self-Determination Theory (SDT). Semistructured interviews were thematically analyzed to reveal the following themes: perceived benefits of sport, perceived benefits of being part of a team, needing time out from being a mother, social support and empowerment and self-determination. Feelings of competence, autonomy and relatedness were interwoven to these themes thus demonstrating the applicability of SDT to this domain.
Response to Comments on “Local impermeant anions establish the neuronal chloride concentration”
Authors: Glykys J. , Dzhala V. , Egawa K. , Balena T. , Saponjian Y. , Kuchibhotla K. V. , Bacskai B. J. , Kahle K. T. , Zeuthen T. , Staley K. J.
Published: September 2014

We appreciate the interest in our paper and the opportunity to clarify theoretical and technical aspects describing the influence of Donnan equilibria on neuronal chloride ion (Cl
–
) distributions.
A fracture-resistant high-entropy alloy for cryogenic applications
Authors: Gludovatz Bernd , Hohenwarter Anton , Catoor Dhiraj , Chang Edwin H. , George Easo P. , Ritchie Robert O.
Published: September 2014

A metal alloy that is stronger when cold

Metal alloys normally consist of one dominant element, with others in small amounts to improve specific properties. For example, stainless steel is primarily iron with nickel and chromium but may contain trace amounts of other elements. Gludovatz
et al.
explored the properties of a high-entropy alloy made from equal amounts of chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, and nickel. Not only does this alloy show excellent strength, ductility, and toughness, but these properties improve at cryogenic temperatures where most alloys change from ductile to brittle.

Science
, this issue p.
1153
Culture of responsibility
Authors: Berkelman Ruth L. , Le Duc James W.
Published: September 2014

The current crisis with the Ebola virus vividly illustrates the priority that must be given to infectious diseases because of their potentially devastating consequences to individuals and to society. Few would argue against the need for more research on Ebola and the expedited development of a cure; however, recent incidents in biocontainment laboratories and the proliferation of such facilities globally raise concerns about safety and have split the scientific community. Scientists who defend research on dangerous pathogens as vital to protecting populations are opposed by those who fear the potential devastation caused by the intentional or unintentional release of pathogens from the lab. Achieving a “culture of safety,” so often alluded to after recent lapses in biosafety procedures, demands adopting a “culture of responsibility” as well.
Police claim leading flu researcher illegally sold virus
Authors: Margottini Laura
Published: September 2014

Italian probe depicts web of scandal, including illegal animal vaccines and deliberate outbreaks.
Draft Genome Sequences of Four Strains of Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Three of Which Cause Early Mortality Syndrome/Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease in Shrimp in China and Thailand
Authors: Yang Yi-Ting , Chen I-Tung , Lee Chung-Te , Chen Chien-Yu , Lin Shih-Shun , Hor Lien-I , Tseng Ta-Chien , Huang Yun-Tzu , Sritunyalucksana Kallaya , Thitamadee Siripong , Wang Han-Ching , Lo Chu-Fang
Published: September 2014

We sequenced four
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
strains, three of which caused serious acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease. Sequence analysis of the virulent strains revealed not only genes related to cholera toxin and the type IV pilus/type IV secretion system but also a unique, previously unreported, large extrachromosomal plasmid that encodes a homolog to the insecticidal
Photorhabdus
insect-related binary toxin PirAB.
Complete Genome Sequence of Methanolinea tarda NOBI-1
T
, a Hydrogenotrophic Methanogen Isolated from Methanogenic Digester Sludge
Authors: Yamamoto Kyosuke , Tamaki Hideyuki , Cadillo-Quiroz Hinsby , Imachi Hiroyuki , Kyrpides Nikos , Woyke Tanja , Goodwin Lynne , Zinder Stephen H. , Kamagata Yoichi , Liu Wen-Tso
Published: September 2014

Here, we report a 2.0-Mb complete genome sequence of
Methanolinea tarda
NOBI-1
T
, a methanogenic archaeon isolated from an anaerobic digested sludge. This is the first genome report of the genus
Methanolinea
isolate belonging to the family
Methanoregulaceae
, a recently proposed novel family within the order
Methanomicrobiales
.
Spontaneous subdural haemorrhage in a patient with scleroderma renal crisis
Authors: Bhangoo Munveer Singh , Hein Paul , Nicholson Laura , Carter Caitlin
Published: September 2014

A 52-year-old woman with a history of systemic sclerosis presented with new onset seizures and renal failure. The patient's history, laboratory data and pathology supported the diagnosis of scleroderma renal crisis. The patient was also noted to have a subdural haemorrhage (SDH) in the absence of trauma. This is the first report of scleroderma renal crisis associated with a spontaneous SDH.
Progressive supra-aortic stenosis in a young adult with the findings of Singleton Merten Syndrome
Authors: Ozyuksel Arda , Ersoy Cihangir , Canturk Emir , Akcevin Atif
Published: September 2014

Singleton Merten Syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder of unknown origin. Patients often present with muscular weakness, failure to thrive, abnormal dentition, glaucoma, psoriatic skin lesions, aortic calcification and musculoskeletal abnormalities. In this case, we present a young girl with a history of aortic root replacement, who had an unusual progressive supra-aortic stenosis managed with urgent surgery during the course of the syndrome. Cardiovascular involvement needs special attention, since it is the major cause of mortality along with rhythm disturbances in the course of Singleton Merten Syndrome.
Lamivudine/telbivudine-associated neuromyopathy: neurogenic damage, mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial DNA depletion
Authors: Xu Hongliang , Wang Zhaoxia , Zheng Lemin , Zhang Wei , Lv He , Jin Suqin , Yuan Yun
Published: September 2014

Aims

Myopathy or neuropathy has been associated with lamivudine/telbivudine therapy in hepatitis B patients. We aim to describe the pathological changes of lamivudine/telbivudine-associated neuromyopathy.

Methods

We retrospectively recruited six patients who were diagnosed with nucleotide analogues-associated myopathy or neuropathy. Muscle and nerve biopsy were performed, and the specimens were prepared for the light microscopy and electron microscopy. Genomic DNA was extracted from frozen muscle specimens, and the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content was quantified by real-time PCR.

Results

Recovery of the myopathy can be achieved after the discontinuation or changing the drugs to entecavir. Muscle and nerve biopsy revealed similar changes under either the light or electronic microscopy in all the subjects. Quantitative real-time PCR revealed decrease of mtDNA content in the affected muscle.

Conclusions

MtDNA depletion results in mitochondrial dysfunction in the lamivudine/telbivudine-associated neuromyopathy. Myopathy was characterised by mitochondrial dysfunction accompanied with neurogenic damage due to axonal neuropathy. Ultrastructure changes of mitochondria included vacuolisation, simplification of the cristae and homogenised matrix.
Fetal ultrasound measurements and associations with postnatal outcomes in infancy and childhood: a systematic review of an emerging literature
Authors: Alkandari Farah , Ellahi Awaiss , Aucott Lorna , Devereux Graham , Turner Steve
Published: September 2014

Background

Several hypotheses predict that faltering fetal growth is an antecedent for common non-communicable diseases. This is the first systematic review of an emerging literature linking antenatal fetal measurements to postnatal outcomes.

Methods

Electronic databases (OVID, EMBASE and Google Scholar) and cohort study websites were searched in July 2014. Studies were selected which examined associations between antenatal fetal ultrasound measurements and postnatal outcomes. Neonatal outcomes, e.g. premature delivery, were not included.

Results

There were 23 papers identified from cohorts in Western countries, including 11 from a single cohort. Four papers reported outcomes in children aged over 6 years. Small, but not large, for gestational age (SGA) was associated with adverse outcomes except for one study where individuals with the lightest or heaviest estimated fetal weight risk were at increased risk for autistic spectrum disorder. The magnitude of associations was modest, e.g. each z score reduction in fetal size was associated with 10–20% increased risk for delayed development or a 1 mm Hg increase in blood pressure. Both growth acceleration and deceleration were both associated with adverse outcomes.

Conclusions

There is consistency for antenatal SGA and growth deceleration being associated with adverse outcomes determined in early childhood. Accelerating fetal growth was associated with both advantageous and disadvantageous outcomes, and this is consistent with the concept of predictive adaptive responses where exposure to a postnatal environment which was not anticipated predisposes the fetus to adverse health.
Mode of exercise and sex are not important for oxygen consumption during and in recovery from sprint interval training
Authors: Townsend Logan K. , Couture Katie M. , Hazell Tom J.
Published: September 2014

Most sprint interval training (SIT) research involves cycling as the mode of exercise and whether running SIT elicits a similar excess postexercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) response to cycling SIT is unknown. As running is a more whole-body–natured exercise, the potential EPOC response could be greater when using a running session compared with a cycling session. The purpose of the current study was to determine the acute effects of a running versus cycling SIT session on EPOC and whether potential sex differences exist. Sixteen healthy recreationally active individuals (8 males and 8 females) had their gas exchange measured over ∼2.5 h under 3 experimental sessions: (i) a cycle SIT session, (ii) a run SIT session, and (iii) a control (CTRL; no exercise) session. Diet was controlled. During exercise, both SIT modes increased oxygen consumption (cycle: male, 1.967 ± 0.343; female, 1.739 ± 0.296 L·min−1; run: male, 2.169 ± 0.369; female, 1.791 ± 0.481 L·min−1) versus CTRL (male, 0.425 ± 0.065 L·min−1; female, 0.357 ± 0.067; P < 0.001), but not compared with each other (P = 0.234). In the first hour postexercise, oxygen consumption was still increased following both run (male, 0.590 ± 0.065; female, 0.449 ± 0.084) and cycle SIT (male, 0.556 ± 0.069; female, 0.481 ± 0.110 L·min−1) versus CTRL and oxygen consumption was maintained through the second hour postexercise (CTRL: male, 0.410 ± 0.048; female, 0.332 ± 0.062; cycle: male, 0.430 ± 0.047; female, 0.395 ± 0.087; run: male, 0.463 ± 0.051; female, 0.374 ± 0.087 L·min−1). The total EPOC was not significantly different between modes of exercise or males and females (P > 0.05). Our data demonstrate that the mode of exercise during SIT (cycling or running) is not important to O2 consumption and that males and females respond similarly.
1,3,5-Triarylpyrazolines — pH-driven off-on-off molecular logic devices based on a “receptor1-fluorophore-spacer-receptor2” format with internal charge transfer (ICT) and photoinduced electron transfer (PET) mechanisms
Authors: Zammit Ramon , Pappova Maria , Zammit Esther , Gabarretta John , Magri David C.
Published: September 2014

The excited state photophysical properties of the 1,3,5-triarylpyrazolines 1–4 were studied in methanol and 1:1 (v/v) methanol–water, as well as 1:4 (v/v) methanol–water and water by fluorescence spectroscopy. The molecules 2–4 incorporate a “receptor1-fluorophore-spacer-receptor2” format while 1 is a reference compound based on a “fluorophore-receptor1” design. The molecular probes operate according to photoinduced electron transfer (PET) and internal charge transfer (ICT) processes. At basic and neutral pHs, 2–4 are essentially nonfluorescent due to PET from the electron-donating dimethylamino moiety appended on the 5-phenyl ring to the excited state of the 1,3,5-triarylpyrazoline fluorophore. At proton concentrations of 10−3 mol/L, the dimethylamino unit is protonated resulting in a strong blue fluorescence about 460 nm with significant quantum yields up to 0.54. At acid concentrations above 10−2 mol/L, fluorescence quenching is observed by an ICT mechanism due to protonation of the pyrazoline chromophore. Symmetrical off-on-off fluorescence–pH profiles are observed, spanning six log units with a narrow on window within three pH units. Hence, 2–4 are novel examples of ternary photonic pH sensing molecular devices.
Simulation of solid body motion in a Newtonian fluid using a vorticity-based pseudo-spectral immersed boundary method augmented by the radial basis functions
Authors: Sabetghadam Fereidoun , Soltani Elshan
Published: August 2014

The moving boundary conditions are implemented into the Fourier pseudo-spectral solution of the two-dimensional incompressible Navier–Stokes equations (NSE) in the vorticity-velocity form, using the radial basis functions (RBF). Without explicit definition of an external forcing function, the desired immersed boundary conditions are imposed by direct modification of the convection and diffusion terms. At the beginning of each time-step the solenoidal velocities, satisfying the desired moving boundary conditions, along with a modified vorticity are obtained and used in modification of the convection and diffusion terms of the vorticity evolution equation. Time integration is performed by the explicit fourth-order Runge–Kutta method and the boundary conditions are set at the beginning of each sub-step. The method is applied to a couple of moving boundary problems and more than second-order of accuracy in space is demonstrated for the Reynolds numbers up to Re = 550. Moreover, performance of the method is shown in comparison with the classical Fourier pseudo-spectral method.
The physics programme of the MoEDAL experiment at the LHC
Authors: Acharya B. , Alexandre J. , Bernabéu J. , Campbell M. , Cecchini S. , Chwastowski J. , De Montigny M. , Derendarz D. , De Roeck A. , Ellis J. R. , Fairbairn M. , Felea D. , Frank M. , Frekers D. , Garcia C. , Giacomelli G. , Jakůbek J. , Katre A. , Kim D.-W. , King M. G. L. , Kinoshita K. , Lacarrere D. , Lee S. C. , Leroy C. , Margiotta A. , Mauri N. , Mavromatos N. E. , Mermod P. , Mitsou V. A. , Orava R. , Pasqualini L. , Patrizii L. , Păvălaş G. E. , Pinfold J. L. , Platkevič M. , Popa V. , Pozzato M. , Pospisil S. , Rajantie A. , Sahnoun Z. , Sakellariadou M. , Sarkar S. , Semenoff G. , Sirri G. , Sliwa K. , Soluk R. , Spurio M. , Srivastava Y. N. , Staszewski R. , Swain J. , Tenti M. , Togo V. , Trzebinski M. , Tuszyński J. A. , Vento V. , Vives O. , Vykydal Z. , Widom A. , Yoon J. H. ,   (for the MoEDAL Collaboration)
Published: September 2014

The MoEDAL experiment at Point 8 of the LHC ring is the seventh and newest LHC experiment. It is dedicated to the search for highly-ionizing particle avatars of physics beyond the Standard Model, extending significantly the discovery horizon of the LHC. A MoEDAL discovery would have revolutionary implications for our fundamental understanding of the Microcosm. MoEDAL is an unconventional and largely passive LHC detector comprised of the largest array of Nuclear Track Detector stacks ever deployed at an accelerator, surrounding the intersection region at Point 8 on the LHC ring. Another novel feature is the use of paramagnetic trapping volumes to capture both electrically and magnetically charged highly-ionizing particles predicted in new physics scenarios. It includes an array of TimePix pixel devices for monitoring highly-ionizing particle backgrounds. The main passive elements of the MoEDAL detector do not require a trigger system, electronic readout, or online computerized data acquisition. The aim of this paper is to give an overview of the MoEDAL physics reach, which is largely complementary to the programs of the large multipurpose LHC detectors ATLAS and CMS.
Validating and Improving a Knowledge Acquisition Approach for Architectural Decisions
Authors: Tofan Dan , Avgeriou Paris , Galster Matthias
Published: September 2014

Software architects make architectural decisions such as choosing architecture patterns or frameworks. Capturing architectural decisions reduces evolution costs for software systems. Existing approaches overlook the challenge of capturing tacit knowledge about architectural decisions. Previously, we proposed the REGAIN approach to capture tacit knowledge about architectural decisions. REGAIN is based on the Repertory Grid technique, a powerful knowledge acquisition approach from knowledge engineering. However, REGAIN lacked industrial validation. Therefore, in this paper, we initially present a study to ensure that REGAIN meets the needs of industrial architects. We interviewed 16 architects who indicated REGAIN advantages such as systematic decision-making support. Also, architects indicated improvement opportunities, in particular tool support and the possibility to prioritize concerns that are used to evaluate decision alternatives. Therefore, we conducted an additional study to evaluate two approaches for prioritizing concerns: pairwise-comparisons and the hundred-dollar approach. We conducted an experiment with 30 graduate students to compare the two prioritization approaches. Based on the results of the experiment, we added the hundred-dollar approach to REGAIN. Moreover, based on the study with architects and the experiment with students, we implemented open source tool support for REGAIN, which architects can use to capture architectural decisions.
Nanoparticle Delivery Systems Reduce the Reproductive Toxicity of Docetaxel in Rodents
Authors: Zhang Lijiang , Yang Yongguang , Song Yisheng , Yang Hongzhong , Zhou Guoliang , Xin Yanfei , You Zhenqiang , Xuan Yaoxian
Published: September 2014

Various docetaxel (DTX)-loaded nanoparticle delivery systems have been designed to enhance the solubility and pharmacological effects of DTX. However, the toxicity changes of these nano-modified DTX (nano-DTX) are not yet clear enough. Herein, to compare the reproductive toxicity between conventional DTX and nano-DTX, we performed sperm toxicity test in mice, and fertility and early embryo-fetal developmental toxicity test in rats. It was found that DTX severely repressed spermatogenesis and sperm motility, and dramatically increased sperm abnormality in mice and rats. Moreover, DTX significantly decreased copulation, conception and fertility indexes in rats, and no positive pregnant female rat was obtained after treatment with DTX. However, nano-DTX significantly reduced DTX-induced toxicity to sperm. Most importantly, nano-DTX obviously converted DTX-induced fertility and early embryo-fetal developmental toxicity. Furthermore, organ weights and histopathology examination revealed DTX, but not nano-DTX, significantly decreased testis and epididymis weights, and induced obvious histopathological atrophy of testes and epididymides in rats. Further studies indicated that changed activity of lactate dehydrogenase C4 (LDH-C4) in rodents testes was mainly responsible for the above observations. These results strongly support the idea that DTX-loaded nanoformulations have the potential to overcome the reproductive toxicity of DTX.
Perspectives and Challenges of Cell-Penetrating Peptides in Effective siRNA Delivery
Authors: Yu Zhiqiang , Yu Bin , Kaye Justin Boy , Tang Chenhong , Chen Shengxi , Dong Chenbo , Shen Bing
Published: September 2014

Over the last two decades, hundreds of cell penetrating peptides (CPPs) have been intensively developed as drug and nucleic acid delivery vectors. In many cases, however, the efficient delivery of exogenous bioactive molecules through the plasma membrane to their targets remains a tremendous challenging issue. CPPs have attracted tremendous research interest as efficient cellular delivery vehicles due to their intrinsic ability to enter cells and mediate uptake of a wide range of macromolecular cargos, such as proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, drugs and nanoparticle carriers. This review presents and discusses the current perspectives of CPP-mediated siRNA delivery system. We focus on the CPP-mediated siRNA delivery approaches, and particular emphasis is placed on the strategies for the advantages and disadvantages for each delivery approach. Lastly, the cellular uptake mechanisms of CPPs and the specific challenges associated with each delivery system of siRNAs are discussed.
Conflict resolution with data currency and consistency
Authors: Fan Wenfei , Geerts Floris , Tang Nan , Yu Wenyuan
Published: September 2014

This article introduces a new approach for conflict resolution: given a set of tuples pertaining to the same entity, it identifies a single tuple in which each attribute has the latest and consistent value in the set. This problem is important in data integration, data cleaning, and query answering. It is, however, challenging since in practice, reliable time stamps are often absent, among other things. We propose a model for conflict resolution by specifying data currency in terms of partial currency orders and currency constraints and by enforcing data consistency with constant conditional functional dependencies. We show that identifying data currency orders helps us repair inconsistent data, and vice versa. We investigate a number of fundamental problems associated with conflict resolution and establish their complexity. In addition, we introduce a framework and develop algorithms for conflict resolution by integrating data currency and consistency inferences into a single process and by interacting with users. We experimentally verify the accuracy and efficiency of our methods using real-life and synthetic data.
Vigour
Authors: ten Bhömer Martijn , van Dongen Pauline
Published: September 2014

A knitted garment for rehabilitation reinvents the grandpa cardigan.
House memory
Authors: Dong Tao , Newman Mark W. , Ackerman Mark S.
Published: September 2014

This forum aims to offer and promote a rich discussion at the intersection of art, performance, and culture that expands the boundaries of HCI while broadening our understanding of how things of the past come to matter in the present. ---
Elisa Giaccardi, Editor
Professional UX credentials
Authors: Wichansky Anna
Published: September 2014

This forum is dedicated to maximizing the success of HCI practitioners within the frenetic world of product and service design. It focuses on UX strategy approaches, leadership, management techniques, and above all the challenge of bringing HCI to peer-level status with longstanding business disciplines such as marketing and engineering.
---Daniel Rosenberg, Editor
Test-driven synthesis
Authors: Perelman Daniel , Gulwani Sumit , Grossman Dan , Provost Peter
Published: September 2014

Programming-by-example technologies empower end-users to create simple programs merely by providing input/output examples. Existing systems are designed around solvers specialized for a specific set of data types or domain-specific language (DSL). We present a program synthesizer which can be parameterized by an arbitrary DSL that may contain conditionals and loops and therefore is able to synthesize programs in any domain. In order to use our synthesizer, the user provides a sequence of increasingly sophisticated input/output examples along with an expert-written DSL definition. These two inputs correspond to the two key ideas that allow our synthesizer to work in arbitrary domains. First, we developed a novel iterative synthesis technique inspired by test-driven development---which also gives our technique the name of
test-driven synthesis
---where the input/output examples are consumed one at a time as the program is refined. Second, the DSL allows our system to take an efficient component-based approach to enumerating possible programs. We present applications of our synthesis methodology to end-user programming for transformations over strings, XML, and table layouts. We compare our synthesizer on these applications to state-of-the-art DSL-specific synthesizers as well to the general purpose synthesizer Sketch.
Dynamic enforcement of determinism in a parallel scripting language
Authors: Lu Li , Ji Weixing , Scott Michael L.
Published: September 2014

Determinism is an appealing property for parallel programs, as it simplifies understanding, reasoning and debugging. It is particularly appealing in dynamic (scripting) languages, where ease of programming is a dominant design goal. Some existing parallel languages use the type system to enforce determinism statically, but this is not generally practical for dynamic languages. In this paper, we describe how determinism can be obtained---and dynamically enforced/verified---for appropriate extensions to a parallel scripting language. Specifically, we introduce the constructs of Deterministic Parallel Ruby (DPR), together with a run-time system (Tardis) that verifies properties required for determinism, including correct usage of reductions and commutative operators, and the mutual independence (data-race freedom) of concurrent tasks. Experimental results confirm that DPR can provide scalable performance on multicore machines and that the overhead of Tardis is low enough for practical testing. In particular, Tardis significantly outperforms alternative data-race detectors with comparable functionality. We conclude with a discussion of future directions in the dynamic enforcement of determinism.