bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic implications of a simulation model of litter size in swine based on ovulation rate, potential embryonic viability and uterine capacity: II. Simulated selection.
Authors: Bennett G. L. , Leymaster K. A.
Published: August 2016

Direct selection for ovulation rate, uterine capacity, litter size and embryo survival and selection for indexes of ovulation rate with each of the remaining traits were simulated for a swine population. The relationships among these traits were determined from a simulation model that assumed that litter size was always less than or equal to both ovulation rate and uterine capacity. Heritabilities of ovulation rate and uterine capacity were assumed to be .25 and .20, respectively, and uncorrelated genetically and phenotypically. No additional genetic variation was assumed. Responses to weak selection pressure were simulated by recurrent updating of phenotypic variances and covariances combined with the heritabilities of ovulation rate and uterine capacity. Two indexes of ovulation rate and uterine capacity each resulted in 37% greater increase in litter size than direct selection for litter size. Indexes of ovulation rate and either litter size or embryo survival increased litter size by 21% more than direct selection for litter size. Selection for ovulation rate, uterine capacity or embryo survival was 6, 35 and 79%, respectively, less effective than direct selection for litter size. Responses to intense selection pressure were determined by direct simulation of genotypes and phenotypes of individuals. The two indexes of ovulation rate and uterine capacity exceeded direct selection for litter size by 39 and 27%. The indexes of ovulation rate and either litter size or embryo survival exceeded direct selection for litter size by 19 and 13%, respectively. Intense selection for ovulation rate or uterine capacity decreased selection response by 26 and 67%, respectively, relative to direct selection for litter size. Intense selection for embryo survival decreased litter size slightly.
Am I My Brother’s Keeper?
Authors: Jackson Michael D.
Published: August 2016

The violence in Syria that every day forces tens of thousands of people from their homes and homelands, giving them no choice but to further risk their lives in seeking a place of refuge, is a violence those refugees can do nothing about, and we who observe their tragedy at a distance also feel powerless to prevent. Yet, though we live in countries where there is no war, we and our governments perpetuate a social violence against those refugees that masks its xenophobic origins with rationales as self-serving as those produced by the regimes that bomb, torture, starve, and stigmatize their citizens in the name of preserving law and order. Blaming refugees for their own misfortunes, reducing them to a single undifferentiated mass of alien otherness, and persuading ourselves that our own life and liberty would be in jeopardy were we to admit them into our midst, we apportion our compassion with discriminating care, mourning the loss of a single child whose body washed up on a Turkish beach while treating millions of others as potential criminals and usurpers.
Introduction
Authors: Vigh Henrik , Bjarnesen Jesper
Published: August 2016

Wars unsettle our commonsense understandings of movement and mobility. Simultaneously entropic and inertial, they conjure up images of rampant disorder and chaos as well as strained and crippled formations locked in negative tension. On the one hand, detrimental movement; on the other, deadly stalemate. Both mobility and immobility are, as such, associated with the iconography of warfare and conflicts. They may be presented as out of time through pictures of empty streets, ruins, trenches, and dead bodies frozen in contorted positions, yet, conversely, some of the most archetypical images of war connote speed, flows, and movement, seen in images of troop advances or retreats, rows of traveling refugees, and hauls of humanitarian aid shipped or flown into airports and harbors from afar. In temporal terms, conflict and violence are oft en represented in the lethargy of decay or the entropy of aggression.
Analyzing Resistance to Transitional Justice
Authors: Jones Briony
Published: August 2016

A focus on understanding and managing the reactions of affected populations has led to hybridity’s being an important part of the discussions about, and applications of, transitional justice. However, despite the presence of “resistance” as a component in theories of hybrid peace, there is limited in-depth theoretical or empirical work on resistance to transitional justice. Th e content of this article addresses this gap in two main ways. First, it asks what we can learn from theories of hybrid peace about resistance to transitional justice. Second, it proposes a particular approach to resistance that would allow for a more dynamic and ultimately more useful understanding of resistance to transitional justice. Th e argument presented here states not only that we must seek to understand the nature of resistance as a part of hybridity, but we must do so by analyzing the relational process through which acts come to be defined as resistance.
Contesting Transitional Justice as Liberal Governance in Revolutionary Tunisia
Authors: Mullin Corinna , Patel Ian
Published: August 2016

Th is article discusses the politics of “transition” in Tunisia and locates Tunisia’s post-uprising justice initiatives within existing critical literature on global liberal governance and transitional justice. Methodologically, it treats transitional justice as a site of contestation, involving the exercise of domestic and transnational strategies of power as well as the oft en subversive agency of former and ongoing victims of state crime. By examining noninstitutionalized forms of contestation, this article seeks to understand and contextualize the fears expressed by some victims that the formal transitional justice process may be a diversion from, rather than bridge to, revolutionary aims.
Introduction
Authors: Seraïdari Katerina
Published: August 2016

Since the creation of independent nation-states in Southeast Europe, several programs of mass population displacement and politics of dislocation have been implemented. Th e 1923 compulsory population exchange between Greece and Turkey, which fixed the destiny and the legal status of two million people, was considered at the time as a successful solution to interstate crisis regarding minorities. Th e geographical and political separation of Greek and Turkish Cypriots in 1976 and, more recently, the partitioning of Bosnia, define different ways of treating the same “problem.” What is interesting, however, is that different political regimes—royal (in the case of Greece), postcolonial “democratic” (in the case of Cyprus), postsocialist “democratic” (in the case of Bosnia)— resorted to similar “solutions.”
Test-retest reproducibility and validity of the back-leg-chest strength measurements
Authors: Ten Hoor Gill A. , Musch Kirsty , Meijer Kenneth , Plasqui Guy
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND:

A single measure to characterize overall muscle strength is advantageous because it saves time and costs of evaluation. For this reason, the back-leg-chest (BLC) strength might be an appropriate single measure in characterizing total body strength.

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the test-retest reproducibility and smallest real difference (SRD) of the BLC dynamometer in healthy adults and adolescents and to examine whether handgrip, knee-extensor and knee-flexor strength predict BLC strength in healthy adults.

METHODS:

Forty-five adults and 58 adolescents were recruited. In a first session back-leg-chest strength, handgrip strength, and additionally, in adults, isometric knee-extensor strength, and knee-flexor strength were measured. In a second session, 2-5 days later, BLC strength was measured again for test-retest reproducibility.

RESULTS:

Inter-session correlations of BLC strength were high (all r's and ICC's > 0.92). Bland-Altman-plots showed high agreement. The SRD and SRD% were between 14-26, and 19% and 26% respectively. Strength variables (handgrip, knee-extensor, and knee-flexor strength) explained 87% of the variance in BLC strength. A stepwise linear regression showed that dominant knee extensor and flexor strength were the most important significant predictors of BLC strength (r2 = 0.86).

CONCLUSIONS:

This study demonstrated that the BLC dynamometer has reasonably high test-retest reproducibility and hence may serve in some pertinent situations to be an appropriate tool for clinical, basic and applied research.
Modeling and control of a bearingless permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Sun Xiaodong , Shen Yichen , Zhou Zhi , Yang Zebin , Chen Long
Published: August 2016

This paper presents a suspension force modeling method of BPMSMs based on Maxwell stress tensor method. By deducing the magnetic flux density of the airgap in BPMSMs using magnetic circuit analytic approach, the suspension force model with rotor eccentricity is established. And then the suspension force of a surface-mounted BPMSM is computed by the finite element method. Furthermore, in order to confirm the performance of the BPMSM and the magnetic suspension in real time, a prototype machine and its control scheme is set up and then corresponding experimental study is carried on. Rotor stabilization with magnetic levitation by using Maxwell tensor modeling method is verified by the simulation and experimental results.
Development of a human friendly walking and running training system
Authors: Sano Yuka , Quan Changqin , Luo Zhiwei
Published: August 2016

Increasing attention is being paid to the research of heart-rate-based training to improve the safety and efficiency of exercises. The present study develops a walking and running exercise training system, which is able to provide a more human friendly way to adjust exercise intensity by measuring user's heart rate in real-time. Specifically, the proposed training system makes it possible for the user to control the speed of the treadmill based on the results of heart rate analysis. Two types of exercise intensity adjustment approaches are tested by four health human subjects. From the frequency analysis of heart rates, it was found that, for the same type of intensity adjustment, the subjects may feel different stress with respect to whether he/she has been used to do exercise or not.
Uses of milk in sweetmeat shops and consumer preferences to milk products at Mymensingh municipality in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed ABM Kawsar , Habib Md Rezwanul , Afrin Samia , Islam Mohammad Ashiqul , Rashid Md Harun Ur
Published: August 2016

The work has been designed to investigate the utilization of milk for consumption of fluid milk and milk products, their distribution pattern, pricing, shelf life and consumers preference of Mymensingh municipality in Bangladesh. The study was based on milk and milk products and data were collected from the selected sweetmeat shops by direct interview, of which 20 samples were collected from sweetmeat shops and 7 from goalas. Both tabular and statistical methods were used for collected data analysis. Shopkeepers of different sweetmeat shops received raw milk from farmers (52.6%) and goalas (47.4%) and the highest amount of whole milk was required in per unit production of rasomalai (21%) and ghee (18%) whereas the lowest amount in chomchom (9%). Milk products prices were not remained same throughout the year in this municipality due to fluctuation of raw milk availability and their price. Eid, Puja festivals and other educational activities results that may increase milk products selling especially rasogolla and kalojam. Research findings also showed non-significant difference in case of pricing, distribution pattern, shelf life and selling of milk and milk products following sweetmeats.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 266-273
Isolation, molecular identification and antibiotic susceptibility profile of Aeromonas hydrophila from cultured indigenous Koi (Anabus testudineus) of Bangladesh
Authors: Borty Shuvho Chakra , Rahman Fabaya , Reza AKM Ali , Khatun Mst Sharifa , Kabir Md Luthful , Rahman Muhammed Hafizur , Monir Md Shirajum
Published: August 2016

Fish play a crucial role in the Bangladeshi diet, providing more than 60% of animal source food, representing a crucial source of micro-nutrients and possessing an extremely strong cultural attachment. In this study isolation and identification of Aeromionas hydrophila was done by studying cultural properties, Grams staining and biochemical properties of isolates of diseased indigenous Koi fish (Anabas testudineus) of different upazillas of Mymensingh district. Antibiogram profile of the isolated bacteria was studied by using wide range of commercially available antibiotics. Quantitative study of bacteria isolated from diseased indigenous Koi fish showed variation of number in different organ. Total bacterial load was found to be 1.90 × 105, 1.19 × 105, 3.21 × 105, 2.18 × 106 and 3.14 × 105 cfu/g in lesions; 2.52 × 107, 2.34 × 108, 5.41 × 108, 2.54 × 109 and 5.21 × 109 cfu/g in liver; 2.54 × 108, 2.41 × 108, 1.90 × 107, 3.65 × 107 and 3.45 × 108 cfu/g in spleen; 3.51 × 107, 5.28 × 107, 3.14 × 106, 1.85 × 107 and 4.52× 107 cfu/g in kidney in diseased Koi of Mymensingh sadar, Muktagacha, Tarakanda, Gouripur and Fulpur upazillas, respectively under Mymensingh districts. Aeromonas hydrophila was initially identified by their specific morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics. Then molecular detection of A. hydrophila was done by PCR. PCR products of desired 760 bp were obtained for A. hydrophila. The results of the antibiotic sensitivity test is exhibited that most of the bacterial samples were sensitive against ciprofloxacin (92%) and levofloxacin (84%), intermediate resistant against gentamicin (40%) and resistant against novobiocin (84%), ampicillin (100%) and penicillin (92%).Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 332-340
Prevalence and pathology of Newcastle disease in broiler at Bochaganj Upazila of Dinajpur, Bangladesh
Authors: Kumar Pabitra , Rashid SM Harun ur , Ali Md Haydar , Mobarak Hosne , Islam Md Aminul , Haydar Rifat
Published: August 2016

The study was schemed to investigate the prevalence, pathological conditions, mortality and clinical features of Newcastle disease in the small scale commercial broiler farms at Bochaganj upazila of Dinajpur district during January to June, 2014. A total 1950 birds (from 5 farms), among which 160 diseased and dead birds were selected out of which 99 (5.35%) birds were found to be positive for Newcastle disease. The clinical signs of the affected birds were sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, laboured breathing, and torticolis. Broiler were inactive, weak and rough in appearance, greenish watery diarrhoea occur severely. Nervous sign include clonic, spasm and paralysis of the legs and wings. In this observation, the gross pathological lesions were slight to severe haemorrhages in caecal tonsils, typical lesions were proventricular haemorrhage, most commonly seen in the surface near the junction with the proventriculus. The prevalence of Newcastle disease in Bochaganj upazila was 5.35%. Mortality of Newcastle disease in non-vaccinated and vaccinated broiler flock was 20.76% and 4.6%, respectively.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2016, 2(2): 352-356
RETRACTED: Development of Gene-Pyramid Lines of the Elite Restorer Line, RPHR-1005 Possessing Durable Bacterial Blight and Blast Resistance
Authors: Abhilash Kumar V. , Balachiranjeevi C. H. , Bhaskar Naik S. , Rambabu R. , Rekha G. , Harika G. , Hajira S. K. , Pranathi K. , Anila M. , Kousik M. , Vijay Kumar S. , Yugander A. , Aruna J. , Dilip Kumar T. , Vijaya Sudhakara Rao K. , Hari Prasad A. S. , Madhav M. S. , Laha G. S. , Balachandran S. M. , Prasad M. S. , Viraktamath B. C. , Ravindra Babu V. , Sundaram R. M.
Published: August 2016

RPHR-1005, the stable restorer line of the popular medium slender (MS) grain type rice hybrid, DRRH-3 was improved in this study for resistance against bacterial blight (BB) and blast diseases through marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB). In this study, four major resistance genes (i.e., Xa21 and Xa33 for BB resistance and Pi2 and Pi54 for blast resistance) have been transferred to RPHR-1005 using RPBio Patho-1 (possessing Xa21 + Pi2), RPBio Patho-2 (possessing Xa21 + Pi54) and FBR1-15EM (possessing Xa33) as the donors. Foreground selection was carried out using PCR-based molecular markers specific for the target resistance genes and the major fertility restorer genes, Rf3 and Rf4, while background selection was carried out using a set of parental polymorphic rice SSR markers and backcrossing was continued uptoBC2 generation. At BC2F2, plants possessing the gene combination- Xa21 + Pi2, Xa21 + Pi54 and Xa33 in homozygous condition and with >92% recovery of the recurrent parent genome (RPG) were identified and intercrossed to combine all the four resistance genes. Twenty-two homozygous, pyramid lines of RPHR-1005 comprising of three single-gene containing lines, six 2-gene containing lines, eight 3-gene containing lines, and five 4-gene containing lines were identified among the double intercross lines at F3 generation (DICF3). They were then evaluated for their resistance against BB and blast, fertility restoration ability and for key agro-morphological traits. While single gene containing lines were resistant to either BB or blast, the 2-gene, 3-gene, and 4-gene pyramid lines showed good level of resistance against both and/or either of the two diseases. Most of the 2-gene, 3-gene, and 4-gene containing pyramid lines showed yield levels and other key agro-morphological and grain quality traits comparable to the original recurrent parent and showed complete fertility restoration ability, with a few showing higher yield as compared to RPHR-1005. Further, the experimental hybrids derived by crossing the gene-pyramid lines of RPHR-1005 with APMS6A (the female parent of DRRH-3), showed heterosis levels equivalent to or higher than DRRH-3. The results of present study exemplify the utility of MABB for targeted improvement of multiple traits in hybrid rice.
Correction: Raman Subrahmanyam, et al. On the Road to Biopolymer Aerogels—Dealing with the Solvent. Gels 2015, 1, 291–313
Authors: Subrahmanyam Raman , Gurikov Pavel , Dieringer Paul , Sun Miaotian , Smirnova Irina
Published: August 2016

The authors wish to make the following correction to their paper [1].[...]
From Embryos to Adults: A DOHaD Perspective on In Vitro Fertilization and Other Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Authors: Feuer Sky , Rinaudo Paolo
Published: August 2016

Human in vitro fertilization (IVF) as a treatment for infertility is regarded as one of the most outstanding accomplishments of the 20th century, and its use has grown dramatically since the late 1970s. Although IVF is considered safe and the majority of children appear healthy, reproductive technologies have been viewed with some skepticism since the in vitro environment deviates substantially from that in vivo. This is increasingly significant because the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesis has illuminated the sensitivity of an organism to its environment at critical stages during development, including how suboptimal exposures restricted specifically to gamete maturation or the preimplantation period can affect postnatal growth, glucose metabolism, fat deposition, and vascular function. Today, some of the physiological metabolic phenotypes present in animal models of IVF have begun to emerge in human IVF children, but it remains unclear whether or not in vitro embryo manipulation will have lasting health consequences in the offspring. Our expanding knowledge of the DOHaD field is fueling a paradigm shift in how disease susceptibility is viewed across the life course, with particular emphasis on the importance of collecting detailed exposure information, identifying biomarkers of health, and performing longitudinal studies for any medical treatment occurring during a developmentally vulnerable period. As IVF use continues to rise, it will be highly valuable to incorporate DOHaD concepts into the clinical arena and future approaches to public health policy.
The Development of a Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy (MBMT) Program for Women Receiving Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Lesiuk Teresa
Published: August 2016

Problems with attention and symptom distress are common clinical features reported by women who receive adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Mindfulness practice significantly improves attention and mindfulness programs significantly reduce symptom distress in patients with cancer, and, more specifically, in women with breast cancer. Recently, a pilot investigation of a music therapy program, built on core attitudes of mindfulness practice, reported significant benefits of enhanced attention and decreased negative mood and fatigue in women with breast cancer. This paper delineates the design and development of the mindfulness-based music therapy (MBMT) program implemented in that pilot study and includes clients’ narrative journal responses. Conclusions and recommendations, including recommendation for further exploration of the function of music in mindfulness practice are provided.
Associations of Cough Prevalence with Ambient Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Nitrogen and Sulphur Dioxide: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Anyenda Enoch , Higashi Tomomi , Kambayashi Yasuhiro , Nguyen Thao , Michigami Yoshimasa , Fujimura Masaki , Hara Johsuke , Tsujiguchi Hiromasa , Kitaoka Masami , Asakura Hiroki , Hori Daisuke , Yamada Yohei , Hayashi Koichiro , Hayakawa Kazuichi , Nakamura Hiroyuki
Published: August 2016

Information on potential cough triggers including environmental irritants is vital for successful management of chronic cough in patients. We investigated the relationship between ambient levels of particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) exposures with cough prevalence. Eighty-three adult patients, who had been physician diagnosed with at least asthma, cough variant asthma and/or atopic cough, were divided into asthma and non-asthma groups. They recorded daily cough symptoms during 4 January–30 June 2011 study period while daily samples of total suspended particles were simultaneously collected by use of glass fiber filters and the particulate PAH content determined by high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a fluorescence detector. Ambient concentrations of NO2 and SO2 were obtained from a local monitoring site. Logistic regression models using generalized estimating equations were used to determine population-averaged estimates of association between cough prevalence and ambient pollutant exposures for the two groups. Fully adjusted odds ratios from single pollutant models were 1.083 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.029, 1.140) and 1.097 (95% CI: 1.016, 1.185) per 0.57 ng/m3 for lag2 PAH exposure, while only for asthma group had significant associations with NO2 and SO2 exposures for both lag2 and lag02. Similar associations were observed in multipollutant models. This finding suggests that ambient PAH, NO2, and SO2 exposure even at low levels is related to cough prevalence in adult chronic cough patients and may be considered as aggravating factor during clinical management of the condition.
Comparison of the Combined Obesity Indices to Predict Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Factors and Metabolic Syndrome in Northeast China
Authors: Tao Yuchun , Yu Jianxing , Tao Yuhui , Pang Hui , Yu Yang , Yu Yaqin , Jin Lina
Published: August 2016

Background: Obesity is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes) and metabolic syndrome (MetS), and it may be flawed that most studies only use one obesity index to predict these risk factors. Therefore, our study aims to compare the various combined obesity indices systematically, and to find the optimal combined obesity indices to predict CVD risk factors and MetS. Methods: A total of 16,766 participants aged 18–79 years old were recruited in Jilin Province in 2012. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curves and multiple logistic regressions were used to evaluate the predictive capacity of the combined obesity indices for CVD risk factors and MetS. Results: The adjusted area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) with two combined obesity indices had been improved up to 19.45%, compared with one single obesity index. In addition, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were the optimal combinations, where the AUROC (95% confidence interval (CI)) for hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes and MetS in males were 0.730 (0.718, 0.740), 0.694 (0.682, 0.706), 0.725 (0.709, 0.742) and 0.820 (0.810, 0.830), and in females were 0.790 (0.780, 0.799), 0.727 (0.717, 0.738), 0.746 (0.731, 0.761) and 0.828 (0.820, 0.837), respectively. Conclusions: The more abnormal obesity indices that one has the higher the risk for CVD risk factors and MetS, especially in males. In addition, the combined obesity indices have better predictions than one obesity index, where BMI and WC are the optimal combinations.
Biodegradation of Mixed PAHs by PAH-Degrading Endophytic Bacteria
Authors: Zhu Xuezhu , Ni Xue , Waigi Michael , Liu Juan , Sun Kai , Gao Yanzheng
Published: August 2016

Endophytic bacteria can promote plant growth, induce plant defence mechanisms, and increase plant resistance to organic contaminants. The aims of the present study were to isolate highly PAH-degrading endophytic bacteria from plants growing at PAH-contaminated sites and to evaluate the capabilities of these bacteria to degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in vitro, which will be beneficial for re-colonizing target plants and reducing plant PAH residues through the inoculation of plants with endophytic bacteria. Two endophytic bacterial strains P1 (Stenotrophomonas sp.) and P3 (Pseudomonas sp.), which degraded more than 90% of phenanthrene (PHE) within 7 days, were isolated from Conyza canadensis and Trifolium pretense L., respectively. Both strains could use naphthalene (NAP), PHE, fluorene (FLR), pyrene (PYR), and benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) as the sole sources of carbon and energy. Moreover, these bacteria reduced the contamination of mixed PAHs at high levels after inoculation for 7 days; strain P1 degraded 98.0% NAP, 83.1% FLR, 87.8% PHE, 14.4% PYR, and 1.6% B(a)P, and strain P3 degraded 95.3% NAP, 87.9% FLR, 90.4% PHE, 6.9% PYR, and negligible B(a)P. Notably, the biodegradation of PAHs could be promoted through additional carbon and nitrogen nutrients; therein, beef extract was suggested as the optimal co-substrate for the degradation of PAHs by these two strains (99.1% PHE was degraded within 7 days). Compared with strain P1, strain P3 has more potential for the use in the removal of PAHs from plant tissues. These results provide a novel perspective in the reduction of plant PAH residues in PAH-contaminated sites through inoculating plants with highly PAH-degrading endophytic bacteria.
Microstructure Design of Tempered Martensite by Atomistically Informed Full-Field Simulation: From Quenching to Fracture
Authors: Borukhovich Efim , Du Guanxing , Stratmann Matthias , Boeff Martin , Shchyglo Oleg , Hartmaier Alexander , Steinbach Ingo
Published: August 2016

Martensitic steels form a material class with a versatile range of properties that can be selected by varying the processing chain. In order to study and design the desired processing with the minimal experimental effort, modeling tools are required. In this work, a full processing cycle from quenching over tempering to mechanical testing is simulated with a single modeling framework that combines the features of the phase-field method and a coupled chemo-mechanical approach. In order to perform the mechanical testing, the mechanical part is extended to the large deformations case and coupled to crystal plasticity and a linear damage model. The quenching process is governed by the austenite-martensite transformation. In the tempering step, carbon segregation to the grain boundaries and the resulting cementite formation occur. During mechanical testing, the obtained material sample undergoes a large deformation that leads to local failure. The initial formation of the damage zones is observed to happen next to the carbides, while the final damage morphology follows the martensite microstructure. This multi-scale approach can be applied to design optimal microstructures dependent on processing and materials composition.
Novel Cavity Disinfectants Containing Quaternary Ammonium Monomer Dimethylaminododecyl Methacrylate
Authors: Zhou Wen , Ren Biao , Zhou Xuedong , Xu Hockin , Weir Michael , Li Mingyun , Feng Mingye , Li Jiyao , Xu Xin , Cheng Lei
Published: August 2016

This study was set to assess the possible benefits of novel cavity disinfectants with 5% dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM); and compare the effectiveness of saliva microbial-aging method with water-aging in measuring the changing of resin–dentin bond strength. Three cavity disinfectants were tested: 0.2% Chlorhexidine (CHX); 5% DMADDM; and 5% DMADDM + 0.2% CHX. Microtensile bond strength (μTBS) test was performed after microbial-aging with saliva microbial or water aging for one month. Hydroxyproline (HYP), the production of collagen degradation, was measured spectrophotometrically. Additionally, the antibacterial effects of each reagent were evaluated. The 5% DMADDM exerted the least percentage of resin–dentin bond strength loss after one month microbial-aging (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences of bond strength decrease after one month water aging among the tested groups (p > 0.05). Microbial-aging method yield more drop of bond strength than water aging in all groups except 5% DMADDM (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, 5% DMADDM had the same matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) inhibitory effects as the other two agents (p > 0.05), but much stronger antibacterial capability than 0.2% CHX (p < 0.05). This indicated that a cavity disinfectant with 5% DMADDM is promising for improving the stability of resin–dentin bonds in appearance of saliva biofilm; and the saliva microbial-aging method is more promising for studying the durability of resin–dentin bonds than water aging.
In Vivo Evaluation of Bulk Metallic Glasses for Osteosynthesis Devices
Authors: Imai Kazuhiro , Hiromoto Sachiko
Published: August 2016

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) show higher strength and lower Young’s modulus than Ti-6Al-4V alloy and SUS 316L stainless steel. This study aimed to perform in vivo evaluations of Zr65Al7.5Ni10Cu17.5 BMGs for osteosynthesis devices. In the study for intramedullary implants, osteotomies of the femoral bones were performed in male Wistar rats and were stabilized with Zr65Al7.5Ni10Cu17.5 BMGs, Ti-6Al-4V alloy, or 316L stainless steel intramedullary nails for 12 weeks. In the study for bone surface implants, Zr65Al7.5Ni10Cu17.5 BMGs ribbons were implanted on the femur surface for 6 weeks. Local effects on the surrounding soft tissues of the implanted BMGs were assessed by histological observation. Implanted materials’ surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). In the study for intramedullary implants, bone healing after osteotomy was assessed by peripheral quantitative computed tomography (QCT) and mechanical tests. Histological observation showed no findings of the biological effects. SEM-EDS showed no noticeable change on the surface of BMGs, while Ca and P deposition was seen on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy surface, and irregularities were seen on the 316L stainless steel surface. Mechanical test and peripheral QCT showed that, although there was no significant difference, bone healing of BMGs was more than that of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The results indicated that Zr-based BMGs can lead to bone healing equal to or greater than Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Zr-based BMGs exhibited the advantage of less bone bonding and easier implant removal compared with Ti-6Al-4V alloy. In conclusion, Zr-based BMGs are promising for osteosynthesis devices that are eventually removed.
Vitamin D Status and Supplementation Practices in Elite Irish Athletes: An Update from 2010/2011
Authors: Todd Joshua , Madigan Sharon , Pourshahidi Kirsty , McSorley Emeir , Laird Eamon , Healy Martin , Magee Pamela
Published: August 2016

Vitamin D deficiency is a global health concern that is prevalent in Ireland. The vitamin D status of elite Irish athletes following implementation of a revised supplementation policy in 2010/2011 has not been explored to date. This study aimed to assess the vitamin D status of elite Irish athletes participating in high-profile sports and establish if equatorial travel, supplementation and/or sunbed use predict vitamin D status. Across Ireland, blood samples (n = 92) were obtained from cricketers (n = 28), boxers (n = 21) and women’s rugby sevens players (n = 43) between November 2013 and April 2015. Total 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations were quantified using LC-MS/MS. Parathyroid hormone and adjusted calcium concentrations were measured by clinical biochemistry. Athletes completed a questionnaire that queried equatorial travel, supplementation and sunbed use. Vitamin D sufficiency (25(OH)D >50 nmol/L) was evident in 86% of athletes. Insufficiency (31–49 nmol/L) and deficiency (<30 nmol/L) was present in only 12% and 2% of athletes respectively. On average, athletes from all sport disciplines were vitamin D sufficient and 25% reported vitamin D supplementation which was a significant positive predictor of vitamin D status, (OR 4.31; 95% CI 1.18–15.75; p = 0.027). Equatorial travel and sun bed use were reported in 47% and 16% of athletes respectively however these factors did not predict vitamin D status (both p > 0.05). Although different cohorts were assessed, the overall prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency was 55% in 2010/2011 compared with only 14% in 2013/2015. Targeted supplementation is highly effective in optimising vitamin D status, negating the need for blanket-supplementation in elite cohorts.
Flame Retardant Polyamide Fibres: The Challenge of Minimising Flame Retardant Additive Contents with Added Nanoclays
Authors: Horrocks Richard , Sitpalan Ahilan , Zhou Chen , Kandola Baljinder
Published: August 2016

This work shows that halogen-free, flame retarded polyamide 6 (PA6), fabrics may be produced in which component fibres still have acceptable tensile properties and low levels (preferably ≤10 wt %) of additives by incorporating a nanoclay along with two types of flame retardant formulations. The latter include (i) aluminium diethyl phosphinate (AlPi) at 10 wt %, known to work principally in the vapour phase and (ii) ammonium sulphamate (AS)/dipentaerythritol (DP) system present at 2.5 and 1 wt % respectively, believed to be condense phase active. The nanoclay chosen is an organically modified montmorillonite clay, Cloisite 25A. The effect of each additive system is analysed in terms of its ability to maximise both filament tensile properties relative to 100% PA6 and flame retardant behaviour of knitted fabrics in a vertical orientation. None of the AlPi-containing formulations achieved self-extinguishability, although the presence of nanoclay promoted lower burning and melt dripping rates. The AS/DP-containing formulations with total flame retardant levels of 5.5 wt % or less showed far superior properties and with nanoclay, showed fabric extinction times ≤ 39 s and reduced melt dripping. The tensile and flammability results, supported by thermogravimetric analysis, have been interpreted in terms of the mechanism of action of each flame retardant/nanoclay type.
Recognizing Stewardship Practices as Indicators of Social Resilience: In Living Memorials and in a Community Garden
Authors: McMillen Heather , Campbell Lindsay , Svendsen Erika , Reynolds Renae
Published: August 2016

Resilience theory has received increased attention from researchers across a range of disciplines who have developed frameworks and articulated categories of indicators; however, there has been less discussion of how to recognize, and therefore support, social resilience at the community level, especially in urban areas. The value of urban environmental stewardship for supporting social-ecological functioning and improving quality of life in cities has been documented, but recognizing it as a strategy for strengthening social resilience to respond to future disturbances has not been fully explored. Here we address the question: How can social resilience indicators be operationalized as stewardship practices in an urban context? Using a deductive coding approach drawing upon existing resilience frameworks we analyze qualitative data from community managed-open spaces in the New York City area that have responded to various chronic presses and acute disturbances including a hurricane and a terrorist attack. In each case we identify and characterize the type of grounded, empirically observable stewardship practices that demonstrate the following indicators of social resilience at the community level: place attachment, social cohesion, social networks, and knowledge exchange and diversification. The process of operationalizing abstract indicators of social resilience has important implications for managers to support social (and ecological) resilience in the specific areas where stewardship takes place, as well as potentially having greater effects that bridge beyond the spatial and temporal boundaries of the site. We conclude by suggesting how researchers and practitioners might learn from our examples so they can recognize resilience in other sites in order to both inform research frameworks and strengthen practice and programming, while keeping larger institutional structures and context in mind.
Examining the Association between Physical Characteristics of Green Space and Land Surface Temperature: A Case Study of Ulsan, Korea
Authors: Park Jong-Hwa , Cho Gi-Hyoug
Published: August 2016

The rapid increase of impervious surfaces and the dense development that accompanies urban growth has reduced the amount of green space in urban landscapes and increased urban surface temperatures. Accordingly, the greening of urban spaces has been proposed as one approach to mitigating urban heat island (UHI) effects. To find the most practical green space design for reducing land surface temperatures (LSTs), we explored the effects of the physical characteristics of green spaces on cooling intensity and distance. The physical characteristics of green spaces were defined as shape, size, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and the land-use type of their surroundings. LANDSAT 8 images were used to examine 30 green spaces in Ulsan, Korea. The analytical results showed that the cooling effect was mainly observed within 120 m of a green area and that the intensity of the cooling effects did not exceed 3.0 K. A belt-shaped green space had a greater cooling distance compared to a compact green space. We also found that the NDVI and size of a green space had a positive but non-linear association with cooling intensity.
Cellular Effects of Pyocyanin, a Secreted Virulence Factor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Hall Susan , McDermott Catherine , Anoopkumar-Dukie Shailendra , McFarland Amelia , Forbes Amanda , Perkins Anthony , Davey Andrew , Chess-Williams Russ , Kiefel Milton , Arora Devinder , Grant Gary
Published: August 2016

Pyocyanin has recently emerged as an important virulence factor produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The redox-active tricyclic zwitterion has been shown to have a number of potential effects on various organ systems in vitro, including the respiratory, cardiovascular, urological, and central nervous systems. It has been shown that a large number of the effects to these systems are via the formation of reactive oxygen species. The limitations of studies are, to date, focused on the localized effect of the release of pyocyanin (PCN). It has been postulated that, given its chemical properties, PCN is able to readily cross biological membranes, however studies have yet to be undertaken to evaluate this effect. This review highlights the possible manifestations of PCN exposure; however, most studies to date are in vitro. Further high quality in vivo studies are needed to fully assess the physiological manifestations of PCN exposure on the various body systems.
Experimental Approaches to Study Genome Packaging of Influenza A Viruses
Authors: Isel Catherine , Munier Sandie , Naffakh Nadia
Published: August 2016

The genome of influenza A viruses (IAV) consists of eight single-stranded negative sense viral RNAs (vRNAs) encapsidated into viral ribonucleoproteins (vRNPs). It is now well established that genome packaging (i.e., the incorporation of a set of eight distinct vRNPs into budding viral particles), follows a specific pathway guided by segment-specific cis-acting packaging signals on each vRNA. However, the precise nature and function of the packaging signals, and the mechanisms underlying the assembly of vRNPs into sub-bundles in the cytoplasm and their selective packaging at the viral budding site, remain largely unknown. Here, we review the diverse and complementary methods currently being used to elucidate these aspects of the viral cycle. They range from conventional and competitive reverse genetics, single molecule imaging of vRNPs by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and high-resolution electron microscopy and tomography of budding viral particles, to solely in vitro approaches to investigate vRNA-vRNA interactions at the molecular level.
A Linguistic Phenomenology of Therapy Talk
Authors: Bennett, Hartmann Adrian T., Barbara Reed
Published: August 2016

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THE INFRARED–GAMMA-RAY CONNECTION: A WISE VIEW OF THE EXTRAGALACTIC GAMMA-RAY SKY
Authors: Massaro F. , D’Abrusco R.
Published: August 2016

Using data from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) all-sky survey, we discovered that the nonthermal infrared (IR) emission of blazars, the largest known population of extragalactic γ-ray sources, has peculiar spectral properties. In this work, we confirm and strengthen our previous analyses using the latest available releases of both the WISE and the Fermi source catalogs. We also show that there is a tight correlation between the mid-IR colors and the γ-ray spectral index of Fermi blazars. We name this correlation the infrared–γ-ray connection. We discuss how this connection links both the emitted powers and the spectral shapes of particles accelerated in jets arising from blazars over 10 decades in energy. Based on this evidence, we argue that the infrared–γ-ray connection is stronger than the well-known radio–γ-ray connection.
PHYSICAL ROLES OF INTERSTELLAR-ORIGIN PICKUP IONS AT THE HELIOSPHERIC TERMINATION SHOCK: IMPACT ON THE SHOCK FRONT MICROSTRUCTURES AND NONSTATIONARITY
Authors: Lembège Bertrand , Yang Zhongwei
Published: August 2016

The nonstationary dynamics of the heliospheric termination shock in the presence of pickup ions (PUI) is analyzed by using a one-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation code. This work initially stimulated by Voyager 2 data focusses on this nonstationarity for different percentages of PUIs and for different Alfvén Mach numbers M
A. Solar wind ions (SWIs) and PUIs are described, respectively, as Maxwellian and shell distributions (with a zero/finite thickness). For a moderate M
A, present results show that (1) the shock front is still nonstationary even in the presence of 25% of PUIs; its instantaneous velocity varies, which is in favor for shock multicrossing; (2) the presence of PUIs tends to smooth out the time fluctuations of field amplitude and of microstructure widths at the front and overshoot; (3) the shock has a multiple overshoot, which is analyzed by identifying the contributions of SWIs and the PUIs; (4) as the PUI percentage increases, the shock moves faster and the downstream compression becomes weaker, which is explained by a Rankine–Hugoniot model; (5) the reflection rate of SWIs and PUIs decreases as the PUI percentage increases; (6) the shock structure is almost insensitive to the shell thickness; and (7) for the PUIs dominated shock case (PUI = 55%), the shock becomes stationary. However, for higher M
A regime, the front nonstationarity persists even in the PUI = 55% case. In summary, high M
A regime allows to compensate the smoothing of the microstructures and the time fluctuations of the shock front brought by the presence of PUIs.
Role and Importance of Chlamydia Trachomatis in Pregnant Patients
Authors: Angelova Mariya Angelova , Kovachev Emil , Tsankova Veselina , Koleva Iliana , Mangarova Silvia
Published: August 2016

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of chlamydial infection among pregnant women and to determine the role of this infection in the fetus.MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the first phase of this study were reported 58 pregnant women with a positive test for active chlamydial infection by applying immunofluorescence. In the second phase of the study were reported pregnant with premature burst membranes (PBM), postnatal complications associated with chlamydial infection as puerperal endometritis, and newborns are monitored for low birth weight and growth retardation at birth.RESULTS: With a positive test are 58 patients in the first trimester or pregnancy registration in our consultation. After regimen with Sumamed (2 x 500 mg for three days and after 10 days again same scheme for them and their partner) at the beginning of the third trimester, the PCR test was made again. Of these, 5 were positive again, participants are between 20 and 30 years old. With premature rupture of OM are 20 patients. There was no increased incidence of premature births. Infants born to infected mothers have a higher risk of developing respiratory symptoms in the first 60 days of life. 3 of them have low for his age bodyweight.CONCLUSIONS: The scarcity of data on manifestations of chlamydial infection during pregnancy and neonatal outcomes justifies this study. Early diagnosis for registration of pregnancy and timely treatment of chlamydial infection as well as scrutinising the infection during the third trimester of pregnancy can prevent infection of the newborn. Therefore, preventive examinations should be considered as a priority for early detection of asymptomatic chlamydial infection in the conduct of antenatal care.
The Mini C-arm Adds Quality and Efficiency to the Pediatric Orthopedic Outpatient Clinic
Authors: Fanelli Matthew G. , Hennrikus William L. , Slough Hill Jennifer M. , Armstrong Douglas G. , King Steven H.
Published: August 2016

The mini C-arm has become increasingly popular in the practice of orthopedics. To the authors' knowledge, its use in the pediatric orthopedic outpatient clinic has not been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the practice efficiency and radiation exposure to the patient when the mini C-arm was used in the pediatric orthopedic outpatient clinic. One hundred consecutive midshaft and distal forearm fractures were evaluated by one orthopedic surgeon in follow-up using a mini C-arm. For each case, the radiation physicist calculated the amount of skin exposure in milligray (mGy). The average skin exposure to the patient from the mini C-arm was 0.58 mGy, compared with 0.2 mGy for anteroposterior view and lateral view radiographs. Use of the mini C-arm, in place of plain radiographs obtained in the radiology department, decreased time waiting during clinic visits by 23 minutes. This study reports 2 important findings. First, surprisingly, the mini C-arm used a slightly higher radiation dose than standard imaging with plain radiographs. Second, use of the mini C-arm saved time and improved the efficiency of the clinic visit. Overall, the mini C-arm improves quality and efficiency in the pediatric orthopedic outpatient clinic. [
Orthopedics
. 2016; 39(6):e1097–e1099.]