bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cervical Muscle Strength and Muscle Coactivation During Isometric Contractions in Patients With Migraine: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Florencio Lidiane Lima , de Oliveira Anamaria Siriani , Carvalho Gabriela Ferreira , Tolentino Gabriella de Almeida , Dach Fabiola , Bigal Marcelo Eduardo , Fernández‐de‐las‐Peñas César , Bevilaqua Grossi Débora
Published: September 2015

Objectives

This cross‐sectional study investigated potential differences in cervical musculature in groups of migraine headaches vs. non‐headache controls. Differences in cervical muscle strength and antagonist coactivation during maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) were analyzed between individuals with migraine and non‐headache subjects and relationships between force with migraine and neck pain clinical aspects.

Method

A customized hand‐held dynamometer was used to assess cervical flexion, extension, and bilateral lateral flexion strength in subjects with episodic migraine (n=31), chronic migraine (n = 21) and healthy controls (n = 31). Surface electromyography (EMG) from sternocleidomastoid, anterior scalene, and splenius capitis muscles were recorded during MIVC to evaluate antagonist coactivation. Comparison of main outcomes among groups was conducted with one‐way analysis of covariance with the presence of neck pain as covariable. Correlations between peak force and clinical variables were demonstrated by Spearman's coefficient.

Results

Chronic migraine subjects exhibited lower cervical extension force (mean diff. from controls: 4.4 N/kg; mean diff from episodic migraine: 3.7 N/kg; P = .006) and spent significantly more time to generate peak force during cervical flexion (mean diff. from controls: 0.5 seconds; P = .025) and left lateral‐flexion (mean diff. from controls: 0.4 seconds; mean diff. from episodic migraine: 0.5 seconds; P = .007). Both migraine groups showed significantly higher antagonist muscle coactivity of the splenius capitis muscle (mean diff. from controls: 20%MIVC, P = .03) during cervical flexion relative to healthy controls. Cervical extension peak force was moderately associated with the migraine frequency (rs: −0.30, P = .034), neck pain frequency (rs:−0.26, P = .020), and neck pain intensity (rs:−0.27, P = .012).

Conclusion

Patients with chronic migraine exhibit altered muscle performance, took longer to reach peak of force during some cervical movements, and had higher coactivation of the splenius capitis during maximal isometric cervical flexion contraction. Finally, patients with migraine reported the presence of neck and head pain complaints during maximal isometric voluntary cervical contractions.
Sex, Vagueness, and the Olympics
Authors: Daly Helen L.
Published: September 2015

Sex determines much about one's life, but what determines one's sex? The answer is complicated and incomplete: on close examination, ordinary notions of female and male are vague. In 2012, the International Olympic Committee further specified what they mean bywomanin response to questions about who, exactly, is eligible to compete in women's Olympic events. I argue, first, that their stipulation is evidence that the use of vague terms is better described by semantic approaches to vagueness than by epistemic approaches. In addition, the IOC's 2012 stipulation was made with sensitivity to its practical consequences. Linguistic actions often have morally relevant consequences, and I contend that, other things equal, we should adopt theories about language that acknowledge the responsibility we bear for what we say. Taking vagueness to be an epistemic phenomenon precludes the sense of agency needed for moral responsibility; taking it to be semantic does not. Thus I advance two arguments for semantic approaches to vagueness, as against epistemic approaches: one descriptive and one normative.
Subspecialisation in cardiology care and outcome: should clinical services be redesigned, again?
Authors: Pathik B. , De Pasquale C. G. , McGavigan A. D. , Sinhal A. , Vaile J. , Tideman P. A. , Jones D. , Bridgman C. , Selvanayagam J. B. , Heddle W. , Chew D. P.
Published: September 2015

Background

Inpatient management of cardiac patients by cardiologists results in reduced mortality and hospitalisation. With increasing subspecialisation of the field because of growing management complexity and use of technological innovations, the impact of sub‐specialisation on patient outcomes is unclear.

Aim

To investigate whether management by subspecialty cardiologists impacts the outcomes of patients with subspecialty‐specific diseases.

Methods

All patients admitted to a tertiary centre over nine years with a diagnosis of heart failure, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) or primary arrhythmia were reviewed. The outcomes of these patients managed by cardiologists subspecialised in their admission diagnosis (heart failure specialists, interventionalists and electrophysiologists) were compared with those treated by general cardiologists.

Results

Heart failure was diagnosed in 1704 patients, ACS in 7763 and arrhythmia in 4398. There was no difference in length of stay (LOS) (P = 0.26), mortality (P = 0.57) or cardiovascular readmissions (P = 0.50) in heart failure patients treated by general cardiologists compared with subspecialists. In ACS patients, subspecialty management was associated with reduced LOS, cardiovascular readmissions and mortality (all P < 0.05). This reduction in mortality was seen mainly in lower risk patients (P < 0.05). There was a reduction in LOS and cardiovascular readmissions in arrhythmia patients receiving subspecialty management (both P < 0.05) but no difference in mortality (P = 0.14). ACS patients managed by interventionalists were more likely to undergo coronary intervention (P < 0.05). Electrophysiologists more frequently referred patients for catheter ablation and pacemaker implantation than general cardiologists (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The benefits of subspecialty care seem attributable to the appropriate selection of patients who would benefit from technological innovations in care. These results suggest that the development of healthcare systems which align cardiovascular disease with the subspecialist may be more effective.
Polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic syndrome in Indigenous Australian women
Authors: Boyle J. A. , Cunningham J. , Norman R. J. , Dunbar T. , O'Dea K.
Published: September 2015

Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects around 15% of Indigenous women who are also a group at high risk of cardiometabolic disease.

Aim

To explore the impact of PCOS on metabolic syndrome in Indigenous women.

Methods

A cross‐sectional reproductive health questionnaire, biochemical and anthropometric assessments, of 109 Indigenous women (35 with PCOS and 74 without PCOS) aged 15–44 years in and around Darwin between 2003 and 2005. PCOS was defined using the National Institutes of Health criteria, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) using the National Cholesterol Education Programme Adult Treatment Programme III criteria. The outcome was prevalence of MetS by PCOS status; relationship of PCOS with MetS before and after adjustment for markers of obesity and insulin resistance.

Results

Women with PCOS had a significantly higher body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.0001) and MetS was more frequent in women with PCOS (51%) than those without PCOS (23%) (P = 0.003). The most frequent components of MetS in both groups were a high density lipoprotein cholesterol ≤1.29 mmol/L (80% PCOS, 55% non‐PCOS) and a waist circumference >88 cm (77% PCOS, 41% non‐PCOS); these were significantly more frequent in women with PCOS (P = 0.01). In logistic regression models, PCOS was significantly associated with MetS by itself but not after adjustment for BMI or sex hormone binding globulin.

Conclusions

While MetS was more common in Indigenous women with PCOS, PCOS was not an independent predictor of MetS. This may be because obesity and insulin resistance are integral parts of PCOS and are the mechanisms through which PCOS exerts metabolic effects.
Application of simplified Complexity Theory concepts for healthcare social systems to explain the implementation of evidence into practice
Authors: Chandler Jacqueline , Rycroft‐Malone Jo , Hawkes Claire , Noyes Jane
Published: September 2015

Aim

To examine the application of core concepts from Complexity Theory to explain the findings from a process evaluation undertaken in a trial evaluating implementation strategies for recommendations about reducing surgical fasting times.

Background

The proliferation of evidence‐based guidance requires a greater focus on its implementation. Theory is required to explain the complex processes across the multiple healthcare organizational levels. This social healthcare context involves the interaction between professionals, patients and the organizational systems in care delivery. Complexity Theory may provide an explanatory framework to explain the complexities inherent in implementation in social healthcare contexts.

Design

A secondary thematic analysis of qualitative process evaluation data informed by Complexity Theory.

Method

Seminal texts applying Complexity Theory to the social context were annotated, key concepts extracted and core Complexity Theory concepts identified. These core concepts were applied as a theoretical lens to provide an explanation of themes from a process evaluation of a trial evaluating the implementation of strategies to reduce surgical fasting times. Sampled substantive texts provided a representative spread of theoretical development and application of Complexity Theory from late 1990's–2013 in social science, healthcare, management and philosophy.

Findings

Five Complexity Theory core concepts extracted were ‘self‐organization’, ‘interaction’, ‘emergence’, ‘system history’ and ‘temporality’. Application of these concepts suggests routine surgical fasting practice is habituated in the social healthcare system and therefore it cannot easily be reversed. A reduction to fasting times requires an incentivised new approach to emerge in the surgical system's priority of completing the operating list.

Conclusion

The application of Complexity Theory provides a useful explanation for resistance to change fasting practice. Its utility in implementation research warrants further attention and evaluation.
Reflectance confocal microscopy for cutaneous infections and infestations
Authors: Cinotti E. , Perrot J.L. , Labeille B. , Cambazard F.
Published: September 2015

Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) is a high‐resolution emerging imaging technique that allows non‐invasive diagnosis of several cutaneous disorders. A systematic review of the literature on the use of RCM for the study of infections and infestations has been performed to evaluate the current use of this technique and its possible future applications in this field. RCM is particularly suitable for the identification of Sarcoptes scabies, Demodex folliculorum, Ixodes, Dermatophytes and Candida species in the clinical practice and for the follow‐up after treatment. The cytopathic effect of herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus and molluscipoxvirus is also detectable by this imaging technique even in a pre‐vesicular stage. In addition, thanks to its non‐invasiveness, RCM allows pathophysiological studies.
Effects of acute handling stress on cerebral monoaminergic neurotransmitters in juvenile Senegalese sole Solea senegalensis
Authors: Weber R. A. , Pérez Maceira J. J. , Aldegunde M. J. , Peleteiro J. B. , García Martín L. O. , Aldegunde M.
Published: September 2015

Juvenile Senegalese sole Solea senegalensis were subjected for short periods to two different types of handling‐related stress: air exposure stress and net handling stress. The S. senegalensis were sacrificed 2 and 24 h after the stress events and the levels of serotonin (5‐HT), noradrenaline (NA), dopamine (DA) and their respective major metabolites, 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA), 3‐methoxy‐4‐hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG) and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), were measured in three brain regions (telencephalon, hypothalamus and optic tectum) and compared with those in control, non‐stressed S. senegalensis. Neither type of stress caused any significant alteration of serotoninergic activity (5‐HIAA:5‐HT ratio) or NA levels. Dopaminergic activity (DOPAC:DA ratio) was lower in stressed fish in all of the brain regions studied. For both air exposure stress and net handling stress, DA levels were significantly higher (P < 0·05) than in the control S. senegalensis. In addition, the higher DA levels after net handling stress were always significantly higher (P < 0·05) than those observed after acute air exposure stress, except in the telencephalon after 24 h. The significantly lower DOPAC:DA ratio (P < 0·05) in all of the brain regions studied was only observed in response to net handling stress.
SMS‐CQ: A Quality and Safety Traceability System for Aquatic Products in Cold‐Chain Integrated WSN and QR Code
Authors: Xiao Xinqing , Fu Zetian , Zhang Yongjun , Peng Zhaohui , Zhang Xiaoshuan
Published: September 2015

As one of the widely consumed foods, aquatic products are prone to spoilage and deteriorate in the cold chain. It is very important and necessary to trace and track the aquatic products' quality and safety in the cold chain. This paper aims to develop a quality and safety traceability system integrated with wireless sensor network (WSN) and quick response (QR) code (SMS‐CQ) for aquatic products. This paper analyzed temperature fluctuations of aquatic products in cold‐chain logistics that is implemented and evaluated in an actual cold chain. The results show that compared with the traditional system, SMS‐CQ is an effective quality management tool that leads to real‐time monitoring and tracing of the aquatic products in the cold chain: WSN technology enables SMS‐CQ to automatically realize the real‐time temperature acquisition, wireless remote transmission and monitoring; QR code provides valid means for the QR code generation, error correction and static and sensed dynamic information inquiry.

Practical Applications

The proposed method could be extended by future researchers or practitioners for future work in many wide areas in cold‐chain monitoring and traceability applications.
Modulation of Renin‐Angiotensin System May Slow Conversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Wharton Whitney , Goldstein Felicia C. , Zhao Liping , Steenland Kyle , Levey Allan I. , Hajjar Ihab
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To assess the effect of modulation of the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) on conversion to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cognitive decline in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and the effect of the permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and race on the potential relationship between the RAS and AD.

Design

Analysis of data from AD centers funded by the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center, National Institute on Aging.

Setting

Alzheimer's Disease Centers.

Participants

Individuals receiving antihypertensive medications who had MCI at baseline and had cognitive assessments on at least two follow‐up visits (N = 784; mean age 75 l 48/% male).

Measurements

Conversion to AD and cognitive and functional decline.

Results

Four hundred eighty‐eight participants were receiving RAS‐acting antihypertensive medications. RAS‐acting medication users were less likely to convert to AD (33% vs 40%; P = .04) and had slower decline on the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes (CDR‐SOB, P = .005) and Digit Span Forward (P = .02) than nonusers. BBB‐crossing RAS‐acting medications were associated with slower cognitive decline on the CDR‐SOB, (P = .009), the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE), (P = .001), and the Boston Naming test (P = .002). RAS‐acting medications were associated with cognitive benefits more in African Americans than in Caucasians (MMSE, P = .05; category fluency, P = .04; Digit Span Backward, P = .03).

Conclusion

RAS‐acting medication users were less likely to convert to AD. BBB permeability may produce additional cognitive benefit, and African Americans may benefit more from RAS modulation than Caucasians. Results highlight the need for trials investigating RAS modulation during prodromal disease stages.
Age‐Related Differences in Sleep–Wake Symptoms of Adults Undergoing Polysomnography
Authors: Vaz Fragoso Carlos A. , Van Ness Peter H. , Araujo Katy L. B. , Iannone Lynne P. , Klar Yaggi Henry
Published: September 2015

Objectives

To evaluate age‐related differences in sleep–wake symptoms.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Technologist‐attended, laboratory‐based polysomnography (PSG).

Participants

Community‐dwelling adults aged 20 to 89 (N = 201): 52 aged 18 to 39, 72 aged 40 to 59, and 77 aged 60 and older.

Measurements

Medical burden (Charlson Comorbidity Index, medications, health status), PSG‐defined sleep disorders (sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB), sleep‐associated hypoxemia, periodic limb movements in sleep (PLMS)), sleep–wake symptoms (Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), fatigue (Facit‐F Scale)).

Results

Medical burden increased significantly with age (Charlson Comorbidity Index and number of medications, P < .001; health status, P = .005). Severity of sleep disorders also increased significantly with age (SDB and hypoxemia, P < .001; PLMS, P = .008). Conversely, sleep–wake symptoms decreased with age (daytime drowsiness (ESS ≥ 10), P = .02; insomnia (ISI ≥ 8), P = .04; fatigue, P < .001). In adjusted models, a 1‐year increase in age was significantly associated with a 4% decrease in the odds of having daytime drowsiness (odds ratio (OR) = 0.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.93–0.98). Similarly, but only in those with mild SDB, a 1‐year increase in age was significantly associated with a 5% decrease in the odds of having insomnia (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.92–0.99).

Conclusion

Older age was characterized by less‐severe sleep–wake symptoms (daytime drowsiness, insomnia, fatigue), despite an age‐related increase in disease severity (medical burden, sleep disorders). Because the increase in disease severity included well‐established risk factors for having sleep–wake symptoms, the age‐related decrease in sleep–wake symptoms may reflect a decrease in symptom awareness.
Turkish validity and reliability of Organ Donation Attitude Scale
Authors: Yazici Sayin Yazile
Published: September 2015

Aims and Objectives

To report the translation and adaptation process from English to Turkish and the psychometric estimates of the validity and reliability of The Organ Donation Attitude Scale Turkish. Its aim (1) is to provide data about and (2) to assess Turkish people's attitudes and volunteerism towards organ donation.

Background

Lack of donors is a significant problem for organ transplantation worldwide. Attitudes about organ donation and volunteerism are important factors in the lack of donors.

Design

To collect survey data from Turkish participants, a cross‐sectional design was used: the classical measurement method.

Methods

The Organ Donation Attitude Scale was translated from English to Turkish and back‐translated into English. The analysis included a total of 892 Turkish participants. The validity of the scale was confirmed by exploratory factor analysis and criterion‐relation validity testing. A test–retest procedure was implemented for the reliability of the scale over time.

Results

The Organ Donation Attitude Scale consists of three relatively independent components: humanity and moral conviction, fears of medical neglect and fears of bodily mutilation. Internal consistency of these three components resulted in acceptable Cronbach's α levels. Positive correlation occurred between the volunteerism score and positive attitude about organ donation. The correlation between volunteerism score and negative attitude about organ donation was negative. Fears of bodily mutilation were most significantly related to unwillingness to commit to organ donation. The test–retest correlation coefficients proves that the Organ Donation Attitude Scale were reliable over time.

Conclusion

The Organ Donation Attitude Scale Turkish version is both a reliable and valid instrument that can be useful in measuring positive and negative attitudes of Turkish people about organ donation.

Relevance to clinical practice

With the Organ Donation Attitude Scale, researchers in Turkey will be able to ascertain important data on volunteerism and attitudes towards organ donation. Thus, positive attitudes towards cadaver organ donations will be able to encourage organ donation in Turkey.
Sunk Costs, Extensive R&D Subsidies and Permanent Inducement Effects
Authors: Arqué‐Castells Pere , Mohnen Pierre
Published: September 2015

Using firm‐level data on Spanish manufacturing firms we estimate a model of the firm's optimal R&D decisions (whether to perform R&D and how much to invest). We quantify the fixed (proper fixed costs plus firms' outside option) and sunk costs of R&D and find the former to be substantially higher than the latter. While sunk costs act as a barrier to entry into R&D for some firms, fixed costs are the binding obstacle for many more firms. Simulation based on the estimated model reveals that one‐shot trigger subsidies cause a substantial increase in both the share of R&D firms and average R&D expenditures. This effect shows persistence over time, but totally fades away after seven years as firms are gradually hit by negative R&D profitability shocks.
Competitive Pressure and Innovation at the Firm Level
Authors: Beneito Pilar , Coscollá‐Girona Paz , Rochina‐Barrachina María Engracia , Sanchis Amparo
Published: September 2015

This paper provides empirical evidence on the relationship between market competitive pressure and firms' innovation using panel data of Spanish manufacturing firms for 1990–2006. We depart from standard measures of competition, and construct variables capturing the fundamentals of competitive pressure (product substitutability, market size and entry costs) to test the theoretical predictions of Vives [2008, The Journal of Industrial Economics] for free entry. Our results line up favourably with these predictions. We obtain that greater product substitutability and higher costs of entry lead to more process innovation but less product innovation, whereas market enlargement spurs both product and process innovation.
Competition and Price Discrimination: Evidence from the Parking Garage Industry
Authors: Lin Haizhen , Wang Isabelle Yijia
Published: September 2015

We study the relationship between competition and price discrimination through an empirical examination of hourly price schedules in the parking garage industry. We find that the degree of price schedule curvature decreases with competition, implying a greater proportionate drop in low‐end prices than in high‐end prices when competition intensifies. Our findings suggest that competition constrains a firm's capacity to exercise price discrimination, confirming the classic textbook theory. We also offer possible explanations for our findings, including a search cost explanation, for which we find some support in the data.
SOURCE‐ROCK MATURITY, HYDROCARBON POTENTIAL AND OIL – SOURCE‐ROCK CORRELATION IN WELL SHORISH‐1, ERBIL PROVINCE, KURDISTAN REGION, IRAQ
Authors: Sachsenhofer R. F. , Bechtel A. , Gratzer R. , Rainer T. M.
Published: September 2015

The Shorish‐1 exploration well is located in Erbil Province in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, on the outskirts of Erbil City near the dividing line between the Low Folded and High Folded Zones of the Zagros foldbelt. The well penetrated rocks which are between Miocene and Late Triassic in age. The depositional environment, source potential and maturity of organic‐rich intervals within the well succession were investigated using 38 cuttings samples. All samples were analysed for bulk geochemical parameters (i.e. total organic carbon, total carbon, sulphur, Rock‐Eval). A subset of 13 samples was selected for biomarker analysis, pyrolysis – gas chromatography and isotope investigations. In addition non‐commercial oil and oil impregnations were investigated for oil‐source correlations.

Source rocks occur in the Jurassic Sargelu and Naokelekan Formations and the lowermost Cretaceous Chia Gara Formation. Analytical results suggest that these source rocks were deposited in a carbonate‐rich, anoxic environment in an intrashelf basin setting with free H2S in the water column. Oxygen‐depleted conditions were favoured by salinity stratification. The average preserved TOC contents of the 100 m thick Sargelu Formation and the 25 m thick Naokelekan Formation are 2.2% and 4.6%, respectively. The TOC content of the Chia Gara Formation decreases upwards and averages 3.2% within its lower 40 m. Very high sulphur contents suggest the presence of kerogen Type II‐S, and that all the formations have generated sulphur‐rich hydrocarbons at relatively low maturities.

In contrast to the oil impregnations within Jurassic strata, the oil and the oil impregnations within Cretaceous rocks are heavily biodegraded. Oil biomarker and isotope data indicate generation from the above‐mentioned Jurassic and Cretaceous source rock formations. As a result, generation from Triassic and Paleogene rocks can be excluded or is of negligible significance.

Numerical models show that hydrocarbon generation rates from the Sargelu, Naokelekan and Chia Gara Formations peaked firstly at about 55 Ma (Paleocene/Eocene) and then again at 5 Ma before present (late Miocene/Pliocene). The first peak resulted from increased Paleocene subsidence, and the second peak was related to deep late Miocene/Pliocene burial. Hydrocarbon generation ceased during Recent uplift, during which ∼2000 m of the Late Neogene succession was eroded.
SOME THOUGHTS ON THE INFLUENCE OF PRESSURE AND THERMAL HISTORY ASSUMPTIONS ON PETROLEUM SYSTEMS MODELLING
Authors: Carr A. D. , Uguna C. N.
Published: September 2015

The use of petroleum systems modelling (PSM) requires the integration of the geological sciences with petroleum engineering, physics and chemistry. In a recent paper in JPG (October 2014, vo. 37, pp 329–348), Mahanjane et al. (2014) applied a 1‐D petroleum systems model to the study of maturation and petroleum generation in northern Mozambique. However, PSM cannot divorce itself from the fundamental laws of mechanics and thermodynamics when attempting to derive a thermal history to be used for the modelling of maturation and petroleum generation. As will be shown in this brief Comment, the application of mechanics and thermodynamics to the derivation of the thermal history may require some radical changes to the methods currently used in PSM. Mechanics and thermodynamics require a reducing heat flow during subsidence, but require an increased heat flow during inversion. The failure to apply mechanics and thermodynamics during thermal history derivation in PSM arises from a failure to incorporate the effects of pressure into the kinetic models used for predicting maturation and petroleum generation. Pressure increases the activation energy of endothermic reactions including maturation and petroleum generation in the kinetic model used to predict the reaction rate, and results in higher temperatures being required to produce the same transformation ratio as would be required for the current temperature – time kinetic models. Incorporating pressure should enable the same thermal history obtained from tectonic history‐mechanic‐thermodynamic models to be used as those used to calibrate the thermal history using maturity parameters such as vitrinite reflectance.
Unemployment Insurance and Underemployment
Authors: Godøy Anna , Røed Knut
Published: September 2015

Should unemployment insurance (UI) systems provide coverage for underemployed job seekers? Based on a statistical analysis of Norwegian unemployment spells, we conclude that the answer to this question is yes. Allowing insured job seekers to retain partial UI benefits during periods of insufficient part‐time work not only reduces UI expenditures during the part‐time work period, but it also unambiguously reduces the time until a regular self‐supporting job is found. Probable explanations are that even small temporary part‐time jobs provide access to useful vacancy information and that such jobs are used by employers as a screening device when hiring from the unemployment pool.
Magnetoencephalography study of the effect of attention modulation on somatosensory processing in patients with major depressive disorder
Authors: Kurita Sumie , Takei Yuichi , Maki Yohko , Hattori Suguru , Uehara Toru , Fukuda Masato , Mikuni Masahiko
Published: September 2015

Aims

Although affective and/or attention modulation of somatosensory processing has been well studied, the biological bases of somatic symptoms in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have rarely been examined. To elucidate changes in somatosensory processing underlying somatic symptoms in patients with MDD, we conducted a magnetoencephalography study of patients with MDD and healthy controls.

Methods

After median nerve stimulation, somatosensory evoked fields (SEF) were recorded in 10 patients with MDD and 10 sex‐, age‐, and height‐matched healthy volunteers under somatosensory attending, visually attending, and non‐attending conditions. The latencies and magnitudes of N20m and P60m SEF were examined.

Results

In the MDD group, P60m latency was significantly prolonged, irrespective of attention modulation, whereas N20m latency and root mean squares N20m and P60m amplitudes remained unchanged. Prolonged P60m latency negatively correlated with the somatosensory threshold, which was relatively high in the MDD group. Prolonged P60m latency also negatively correlated with a state of anxiety during the examination, but not with depressive symptoms or psychotropic medication.

Conclusions

These results suggested that patients with MDD experience dysfunction in somatosensory information processing, approximately 60 ms after stimuli, irrespective of attentional conditions.
Linking larval nutrition to adult reproductive traits in the European corn borer Ostrinia nubilalis
Authors: Bonoan Rachael E. , Al‐Wathiqui Nooria , Lewis Sara
Published: September 2015

Throughout an organism's lifetime, resources are strategically allocated to many different functions, including reproduction. Reproduction can be costly for both sexes; females produce nutrient‐rich eggs, whereas males of many species produce large and complex ejaculates. In capital breeding insects, nutrients are mainly acquired during the larval period, yet allocation decisions impact the reproductive fitness of adults. The present study examines the effect of larval dietary nitrogen on both male and female reproductive traits in the European corn borer moth Ostrinia nubilalis Hübner, whose adults do not feed and whose males transfer a large, nitrogen‐rich spermatophore. One day post‐eclosion, O. nubilalis adults reared on one of three different diets (3.0%, 1.6%, or 1.1% nitrogen) are mated and two experiments are undertaken: one to measure nitrogen and carbon content of male ejaculates, and the other to determine female fecundity and fertility. Although male larval diet does not alter the percentage nitrogen content of adult somatic tissue, males reared on the higher nitrogen diet (3.0%) produce spermatophores with increased nitrogen relative to somatic nitrogen. Furthermore, females raised on the 3.0% nitrogen diet receive spermatophores with lower carbon : nitrogen ratios and thus more nitrogen. Overall, females lay more eggs as their larval dietary nitrogen increases, although they lay fewer eggs when their mates are raised on the higher (3.0%) nitrogen diet. This suggests that O. nubilalis females may use male‐derived nitrogen not to supplement egg production, but rather for somatic maintenance. Overall, the present study furthers our understanding of how larval diet can affect adult fitness in Lepidoptera.
High prevalence of the MYD88 mutation in testicular lymphoma: Immunohistochemical and genetic analyses
Authors: Oishi Naoki , Kondo Tetsuo , Nakazawa Tadao , Mochizuki Kunio , Tanioka Fumihiko , Oyama Toshio , Yamamoto Tomoko , Iizuka Junpei , Tanabe Kazunari , Shibata Noriyuki , Kirito Keita , Katoh Ryohei
Published: September 2015

The activating mutation of MYD88 has been identified in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). We investigated the mutational status and both the gene amplification and protein expression of MYD88 in 23 cases of testicular DLBCL. To detect the MYD88 mutations, we employed the allele‐specific PCR and Sanger sequencing. MYD88 gene amplification and protein expression were analyzed by quantitative PCR and by immunohistochemistry, respectively. There were 17 cases of primary testicular DLBCL: 94% (16/17) exhibited a non‐Germinal center B‐cell (non‐GCB) subtype, 82% (14/17) showed the MYD88 L265P, and 65% (11/17) had intense expression of MYD88. When compared with normal lymph nodes, the MYD88 is significantly amplified in primary testicular DLBCL. However, the amplification status showed no correlation with its mutational status or protein expression. Moreover, neither the MYD88 mutational status nor the expression pattern affected overall survival. Six cases were secondary testicular DLBCL with an 83% (5/6) and an 80% (4/5) incidence of the non‐GCB subtype and of the MYD88 L265P, respectively. In conclusion, we demonstrated a high prevalence of the non‐GCB subtype and the common MYD88 L265P in both primary and secondary testicular DLBCL. Our data suggest that the MYD88 mutation is a fairly consistent genetic feature in testicular DLBCL.
Temperature determines size and direction of effects of elevated CO2 and nitrogen form on yield quantity and quality of Chinese cabbage
Authors: Reich M. , van den Meerakker A. N. , Parmar S. , Hawkesford M. J. , De Kok L. J.
Published: September 2015

Rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations (e[CO2]) are presumed to have a significant impact on plant growth and yield and also on mineral nutrient composition, and therefore, on nutritional quality of crops and vegetables. To assess the relevance of these effects in future agroecosystems it is important to understand how e[CO2] interacts with other environmental factors. In the present study, we examined the interactive effects of e[CO2] with temperature and the form in which nitrogen is supplied (nitrate or ammonium nitrate) on growth, amino acid content and mineral nutrient composition of Chinese cabbage (Brassica pekinensis Rupr.), a crop characterised by its high nutritional value and increasing relevance for human nutrition in many developing countries. Higher temperature, ammonium nitrate and e[CO2] had a positive impact on net photosynthesis and growth. A stimulating effect of e[CO2] on growth was only observed if the temperature was high (21/18 °C, day/night), and an interaction of e[CO2] with N form was only observed if the temperature was ambient (15/12 °C, day/night). Mineral nutrient composition was affected in a complex manner by all three factors and their interaction. These results demonstrate how much the effect of e[CO2] on mineral quality of crops depends on other environmental factors. Changes in temperature, adapting N fertilisation and the oxidation state of N have the potential to counteract the mineral depletion caused by e[CO2].
Aleppo pine provenances vary in susceptibility and secondary chemical response toGremmeniella abietinainfection
Authors: Romeralo C. , Witzell J. , Diez J. J.
Published: September 2015

Aleppo pine is a thermophilic species that has become a popular tree species in plantings even beyond its natural habitat. In 1999 the pathogenic fungusGremmeniella abietinawas isolated for the first time in Aleppo pine plantations in Spain. The main objective of this study was to analyse the variation in susceptibility toG. abietina(European race, biotype A) infections among trees from five Aleppo pine provenances. Artificial inoculations were performed at two different times in January 2012. The susceptibility of the trees was evaluated by recording disease severity and the length of internal stem necrosis produced by the pathogen. In addition, the concentrations of two flavanone compounds were quantified as putative indicators of resistance. Provenances andG. abietinaisolates both significantly affected levels of necrosis although the results were dependent on the time of inoculation. There was a relationship between provenance and resistance, with trees of higher elevation provenances being more susceptible to disease than trees of lower elevation provenances. The amount of naringenin flavanone from trees was significantly different between provenances, suggesting that it is a possible indicator value for resistance. Conversely, no differences were found in the concentration of eriodictyol in trees between provenances. The results show that the provenance‐dependent variation in the susceptibility of Aleppo pine toG. abietinashould be considered in selection of seed sources for restoration.
Childhood bruxism: Related factors and impact on oral health‐related quality of life
Authors: Antunes Lívia Azeredo Alves , Castilho Thuanny , Marinho Marcello , Fraga Renato Silva , Antunes Leonardo Santos
Published: September 2015

This study aimed to assess childhood bruxism relating associated factors and the bruxism's impact on oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL). A case‐control study was performed with 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children obtained from public preschools in Brazil. The case and control groups had 21 and 40 children, respectively. Associations between bruxism and respiratory problems (p = 0.04, OR: 0.33, CI: 0.09 to 1.14), dental wear (p < 0.01, OR: 0.01, CI: 0.00 to 0.05), malocclusion (p < 0.01, OR: 0.06, CI: 0.01 to 0.35), and dental caries (p = 0.02, OR: 0.22, CI: 0.04 to 1.04) were observed. The OHRQoL overall mean score and subscales were relatively low independent of the evaluated group (p > 0.05). The association between presence and absence of impact with bruxism or other variables showed no statistical relationship (p > 0.05). It could be concluded that childhood bruxism is related to respiratory problems, dental wear, dental caries, and malocclusion. Despite being a topic that demands special care in dentistry, bruxism does not significantly affect the OHRQoL.
The Psycho‐Social Processes Linking Income and Volunteering: Chronic Financial Strain and Well‐Being
Authors: Son Joonmo , Wilson John
Published: September 2015

The positive effect of income on volunteering found in many studies is conventionally explained in utilitarian terms: volunteer work is “costly” or demands “resources.” This explanation overlooks important sociopsychological processes. By situating the income‐volunteering relationship within the stress process framework, we develop a theory that traces the influence of income on chronic financial strain which in turn affects subjective well‐being, which functions as a psychological resource for volunteers. Data taken from two waves of the National Survey of Midlife in the United States confirm this theory: household income has no direct effect on volunteering once chronic financial strain and two measures of subjective well‐being—social and eudaimonic—are taken into account.
Leucoreduction helps to preserve activity of antioxidant barrier enzymes in stored red blood cell concentrates
Authors: Nędzi M. , Chabowska A. M. , Rogowska A. , Boczkowska‐Radziwon B. , Nędzi A. , Radziwon P.
Published: September 2015

Background

Oxidoreductive imbalance is a major cause of excessive haemolysis inin vitroconditions. Leucocytes and blood platelets present in red blood cell concentrates (RBCs) are one of the sources of free radicals, which have a significant effect on the status of stored erythrocytes. The study objective was to assess the effect of leucoreduction on the intensity of lipid peroxidation and the activity of antioxidant barrier enzymes inRBC.

Study Design and Methods

Red blood cell concentrates units obtained from 10 whole‐blood units were split into two equal units, one of which was leucoreduced on the day of donation. Both units were stored for 35 days. The following markers of oxidoreductive balance were measured on day 0 (donation day) and on storage days 7, 14, 21 and 35: concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and activities of antioxidant barrier components, that is superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase.

Results

Lipid peroxidation in leucodepleted units (LRBC) was slower than that in non‐leucodepleted ones. The analysis ofLRBCrevealed statistically significant decrease in concentrations ofMDA. The activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase were higher throughout the storage period as compared to non‐leucoreducedRBC. Statistically significant differences betweenRBCandLRBCunits were noted throughout the storage in the activity of lactate dehydrogenase, and concentrations of K+ions and free haemoglobin.

Conclusions

Leucoreduction ofRBCbefore storage helps to preserve the activity of antioxidant barrier enzymes in storedRBCs and significantly improves the quality of stored red blood cell components.
Determining Material Parameters for Critical State Plasticity Models Based on Multilevel Extended Digital Database
Authors: Liu Yang , Sun WaiChing , Fish Jacob
Published: September 2015

This work presents a new staggered multilevel material identification procedure for phenomenological critical state plasticity models. The emphasis is placed on cases in which available experimental data and constraints are insufficient for calibration. The key idea is to create a secondary virtual experimental database from high-fidelity models, such as discrete element simulations, then merge both the actual experimental data and secondary database as an extended digital database (EDD) to determine material parameters for the phenomenological macroscopic critical state plasticity model. The calibration procedure therefore consists of two steps. First, the material parameters of the discrete (distinct) element method (DEM) simulations are identified via the standard optimization procedure. Then, the calibrated DEM simulations are used to expand the experimental database with new simulated loading histories. This expansion of database provides additional constraints necessary for calibration of the phenomenological critical state plasticity models. The robustness of the proposed material identification framework is demonstrated in the context of the Dafalias–Manzari plasticity model.
The Effects of Tip Leakage Flow on the Performance of Multistage Compressors Used in Small Core Engine Applications
Authors: Berdanier Reid A. , Key Nicole L.
Published: September 2015

Large rotor tip clearances and the associated tip leakage flows are known to have a significant effect on overall compressor performance. However, detailed experimental data reflecting these effects for a multistage compressor are limited in the open literature. As design trends lead to increased overall compressor pressure ratio for thermal efficiency benefits and increased bypass ratios for propulsive benefits, the rear stages of the high-pressure compressor will become physically small. Because rotor tip clearances cannot scale exactly with blade size due to the margin needed for thermal growth considerations, relatively large tip clearances will be a reality for these rear stages. Experimental data have been collected from a three-stage axial compressor to assess performance with three-tip clearance heights representative of current and future small core machines. Trends of overall pressure rise, stall margin, and efficiency are evaluated using clearance derivatives, and the summarized data presented here begin to narrow the margin of tip clearance sensitivities outlined by previous studies in an effort to inform future compressor designs. Furthermore, interstage measurements show stage matching changes and highlight specific differences in the performance of rotor 1 and stator 2 compared to other blade rows in the machine.
Compliant Gas Foil Bearings and Analysis Tools
Authors: Branagan Michael , Griffin David , Goyne Christopher , Untaroiu Alexandrina
Published: September 2015

Compliant gas foil bearings are composed of two layers of thin metallic foil and a thin film of gas to support the journal. The bottom foil creates an elastic structure which supports the top foil. This support structure can take a variety of shapes that range from a series of bumps around the circumference to a series of overlapping leaves. The top foil and the rotation of the rotor create a wedge of air that supports the rotor. The complaint foil structure deforms in response to the pressure developed within the gas film. These bearings have several advantages over conventional fluid film bearings. These advantages include reduced weight due to the elimination of the oil system, stable operation at higher speeds and temperatures, low power loss at high speeds and long life with little maintenance. Some disadvantages of gas foil bearings are low load capacities at low speed and modest stiffness and damping values. Due to these properties, compliant gas foil bearings are commonly used in specialized applications such as compressors for aircraft pressurization, engines for turboshaft propulsion, air cycle machines (ACMs), turboexpanders, and small microturbines. The ability to predict the behavior of these bearings and design them to meet the needs of the application is invaluable to the design process. This behavior can include things such as bearing stiffness, damping, and load capacity. Currently most foil bearing analysis tools involve some sort of coupling between hydrodynamics and structural analyses. These analysis tools can often have convergence issues and can require the use of empirically derived characteristics. This paper reviews the current status of the compliant gas foil bearings research, focusing mainly on the journal bump-type gas foil bearings and the development of the analysis tools for these bearings. This paper contributes to the field by making recommendations of the future developments of the analytical tools of journal bump-type gas foil bearings.
Predicting Self-Reported Illness for Professional Team-Sport Athletes
Authors: Thornton Heidi R. , Delaney Jace A. , Duthie Grant M. , Scott Brendan R. , Chivers William J. , Sanctuary Colin E. , Dascombe Ben J.
Published: September 2015

Purpose:

To identify contributing factors to the incidence of illness for professional team-sport athletes, using training load (TL), self-reported illness, and well-being data.

Methods:

Thirty-two professional rugby league players (26.0 ± 4.8 y, 99.1 ± 9.6 kg, 1.84 ± 0.06 m) were recruited from the same club. Players participated in prescribed training and responded to a series of questionnaires to determine the presence of self-reported illness and markers of well-being. Internal TL was determined using the session rating of perceived exertion. These data were collected over 29 wk, across the preparatory and competition macrocycles.

Results:

The predictive models developed recognized increases in internal TL (strain values of >2282 AU, weekly TL >2786 AU, and monotony >0.78 AU) to best predict when athletes are at increased risk of self-reported illness. In addition, a reduction in overall well-being (<7.25 AU) in the presence of increased internal TL, as previously stated, was highlighted as a contributor to self-reported-illness occurrence.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that self-report data can be successfully used to provide a novel understanding of the interactions between competition-associated stressors experienced by professional team-sport athletes and their susceptibility to illness. This may help coaching staff more effectively monitor players during the season and potentially implement preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of illnesses occurring.