bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modernism Meets Digital Humanities
Authors: Ross Stephen , Sayers Jentery
Published: September 2014

This essay traces some of the ways modernism and digital humanities have converged of late. It covers some of the key modes in which that convergence has so far found expression: popular websites and mobile apps, issues of copyright, the production of digital scholarly editions, the practice of versioning, questions of scale, and geospatial techniques. We cite examples of productive convergences of modernist studies and digital humanities, and articulate the issues listed above with specific research and teaching projects. Our overview advances the basic argument that there are special affinities between modernism and digital humanities and that digital approaches afford some of the most promising lines of development for the ongoing expansion of the “new modernist studies.”
Gender and the Public Sphere in Habermas and Milton: New Critical Directions
Authors: Knoppers Laura
Published: September 2014

This essay assesses the evolving field of feminist scholarship on Jürgen Habermas's public sphere theory, especially the move from critique to dialogue and recognition of the uses of the public sphere in opening up democratic debate and in interrogating the relations between public and private. While Habermas has proven equally useful and productive for formulations of the public sphere in John Milton's prose and poetry, Milton scholarship has largely separated out the analysis of a political public sphere of implicitly masculine readers from discussions of gender, the private sphere, and Eve in Paradise Lost. Examples of more recent criticism, however, indicate how bridging gender and the public sphere and breaking down binaries between public and private can open new conversations about women and gender in Milton's political prose and about the political resonances of Eve and Eden in Paradise Lost.
Stigmatized Neighborhoods, Social Bonding, and Health
Authors: Wutich Amber , Ruth Alissa , Brewis Alexandra , Boone Christopher
Published: September 2014

The relationship between living in impoverished neighborhoods and poor health is well established, but impacts of neighborhood stigma on health are not well understood. Drawing on long‐term research with Latino immigrants, we examine how neighborhood stigma and social bonding affect health in Phoenix, Arizona. During preliminary ethnographic analysis, we developed a novel neighborhood stigma scale. In survey research, we examined effects of neighborhood stigma and social bonding on self‐reported physical and mental health. Regression models show that perceived neighborhood stigma and low social bonding are associated with poorer physical and mental health, controlling for other factors.
Significance and limitation of the pathological classification of TDP‐43 proteinopathy
Authors: Arai Tetsuaki
Published: September 2014

Based on the cerebral tans‐activation response DNA protein 43 (TDP‐43) immunohistochemistry, frontotemporal lobar degeneration with TDP‐43 pathology (FTLD‐TDP) is classified into four subtypes: type A has numerous neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions (NCIs) and dystrophic neurites (DNs); type B has numerous NCIs with few DNs; type C is characterized by DNs which are often longer and thicker than DNs in type A, with few NCIs; and type D has numerous neuronal intranuclear inclusions and DNs with few NCIs. The relevance of this classification system is supported by clinical, biochemical and genetic correlations, although there is still significant heterogeneity, especially in cases with type A pathology. The subtypes of TDP‐43 pathology should be determined in cases with other neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies, to evaluate the pathological significance of TDP‐43 abnormality in them. The results of the biochemical analyses of the diseased brains and the cellular models suggest that different strains of TDP‐43 with different conformations may determine the clinicopathological phenotypes of TDP‐43 proteinopathy, like prion disease. Clarifying the mechanism of the conformational changes of TDP‐43 leading to the formation of multiple abnormal strains may be important for differential diagnosis and developing disease‐modifying therapy for TDP‐43 proteinopathy.
Influence of Smoking Dosage and Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease on the Incidence of Appropriate Therapies and Mortality in Patients with Structural Heart Disease and an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Authors: KREUZ JENS , SKOWASCH DIRK , KAMRATH PHILIP , LORENZEN HENNING , TIYERILI VEDAT , LINHART MARKUS , NICKENIG GEORG , SCHWAB JÖRG O.
Published: September 2014

Background

Smoking is known as a relevant risk factor for severe cardiac morbidities and mortality. This study was initiated to explore the influence of smoking dosage and presence of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) on the incidence of appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) interventions and on mortality.

Methods

Prior studies on patients equipped with an ICD suggested that nicotine consumption increases the risk of experiencing an appropriate ICD therapy. There is no substantial data regarding the influence of cigarette smoking dosage on overall mortality in such endangered patients.

A total of 349 patients with structural heart disease, either coronary artery disease or nonischemic cardiomyopathy equipped with an ICD, were included. Every patient answered a questionnaire regarding his smoking status and performed a spirometry and body plethysmography.

Results

A total of 104 patients (30%) suffered from COPD. Fifty‐eight patients (17%) were “current smokers,” 196 patients (56%) were revealed as “former smokers,” while 93 (27%) patients were registered as “never smokers.” A total of 163 patients (47%) received at least one appropriate ICD intervention during follow‐up (median 48 ± 8 months). Twenty‐three patients died during this study (6.6%). There was no association of COPD with the incidence of appropriate ICD therapies or mortality. Smoking dosage revealed as a significant risk factor for both appropriate ICD interventions (hazard ratio [HR] 1.5 for 60 pack years [PY] P = 0.04) and mortality (HR 2.3 for 60 PY P = 0.02).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a dose‐related increased risk of smokers for appropriate ICD interventions and mortality. The results of this trail urge a strict nicotine abstinence, especially in patients with a structural heart disease undergoing ICD therapy.
Evolution of the rudist bivalve Agriopleura Kühn (Radiolitidae, Hippuritida) from the Mediterranean region
Authors: Masse Jean‐Pierre , Fenerci‐Masse Mukerrem
Published: September 2014

The genus Agriopleura (Radiolitidae) is restricted to the Lower Cretaceous of the Mediterranean region, including the Middle East, and this rudist is apparently absent from the New World. Agriopleura underwent a size increase from late Hauterivian to mid‐late Barremian, matching Cope's rule, followed by a Lilliput phase in the early Aptian. The relative development of radial bands increased through time and represents a key evolutionary index. During its evolution, Agriopleura increased in species diversity and expanded geographically onto the European Mediterranean Tethyan margin from the late Hauterivian to Barremian, after which it disappeared from the region (pseudotermination). In the lower Aptian, after a Lazarus gap, the genus reappears in the southern Mediterranean Tethyan margin. Assuming that Archaeoradiolites is the direct descendant of Agriopleura, the disappearance of the genus in the mid‐Aptian was a pseudoextinction and this coincided with a major crisis of shallow carbonate settings and their associated biota. The definition of Agriopleura species is based on a set of qualitative and quantitative external and internal characters. Five species are recognized: three Barremian species, Agriopleura blumenbachi, the type species, A. marticensis and A. carinata; one lower Aptian species A. libanica; and a new species A. sequana restricted to the upper Hauterivian. Principal component analysis is used to test the distinctiveness of the species and the pattern of relationships of some of their key quantitative characters.
Evaluation of recombinant antigens of Trypanosoma cruzi to diagnose infection in naturally infected dogs from Chaco region, Argentina
Authors: Floridia‐Yapur N. , Vega‐Benedetti A. F. , Monje Rumi M. , Ragone P. , Lauthier J. J. , Tomasini N. , Alberti d'Amato A. M. , Lopez‐Quiroga I. , Diosque P. , Marcipar I. , Nasser J. R. , Cimino R. O.
Published: September 2014

Dogs are considered the main mammal reservoir of Trypanosoma cruzi in domiciliary environments. Consequently, accurate detection of T. cruzi infection in canine populations is epidemiologically relevant. Here, we analysed the utility of the T. cruzi recombinant antigens FRA, SAPA, CP1, Ag1 and a SAPA/TSSA VI mixture, in an ELISA format. We used a positive control group of sera obtained from 38 dogs from the Chaco region in Argentina with positive homogenate‐ELISA reaction, all of them also positive by xenodiagnosis and/or PCR. The negative group included 19 dogs from a nonendemic area. Sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating charactheristic (ROC) curve and Kappa index were obtained to compare the diagnostic efficiency of the tests. The SAPA/TSSA VI had the highest performance, with a sensitivity of 94·7% and an AUC ROC of 0·99 that indicates high accuracy. Among individual antigens, SAPA‐ELISA yielded the highest sensitivity (86·8%) and AUC ROC (0·96), whereas FRA‐ELISA was the least efficient test (sensitivity = 36·8%; AUC ROC = 0·53). Our results showed that the use of SAPA/TSSA VI in ELISAs could be a useful tool to study dogs naturally infected with T. cruzi in endemic areas.
Shrimp‐based livelihoods in mangrove silvo‐aquaculture farming systems
Authors: Bosma Roel H. , Nguyen Tin H. , Siahainenia Audrie J. , Tran Ha T. P. , Tran Hai N.
Published: September 2014

The paper reviews the following three types of mangrove‐shrimp systems: (i) integrated with canals between platforms planted with mangrove; (ii) associated having larger areas of water and a large mangrove area; and (iii) separated, with a dyke separating ponds from forest. The variations in shrimp yield of integrated and associated systems, that is, mixed systems, are attributable to water exchange, % water surface, primary production, stocking of post‐larvae, leaf litter fall and decomposition, species, cover and age of mangrove, and predators. Leaf litter from all mangrove species except Nipa palm adversely affect water quality. Leaf composition and decomposition rate vary between species; submersed leaves decompose faster. Low concentrations of decomposing leaves of certain species temporarily boosted shrimp growth. Shrimp yield has been found to be highest in ponds with 30–50% mangrove cover, but remained <400 kg ha−1 year−1, if not fed timber production peaked at 55% mangrove cover (about 10 m3 ha−1 year−1). Annual benefit–cost ratio was better in integrated systems than in associated systems, but one study found the reverse in a long‐term computation. An integrated mangrove‐shrimp farm of 4 ha may provide farmers with a decent livelihood in Vietnam, if contracts do not restrict recommended practices to keep water quality within the limits acceptable for shrimp. Separated systems, where mangroves are fully connected to open water, have more potential to contribute to ecological, economic and social sustainability. Enhancing the economic returns by capitalizing on ecosystem services through carbon credits and organic certification, will require support for initial investment and clustering of farms.
Systemic Levels of CCL2, CCL3, CCL4 and CXCL8 Differ According to Age, Time Period and Season among Children Newly Diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes and their Healthy Siblings
Authors: Thorsen S. U. , Eising S. , Mortensen H. B. , Skogstrand K. , Pociot F. , Johannesen J. , Svensson J. ,   the Danish Childhood Diabetes Registry
Published: September 2014

The mechanisms by which antigen‐specific T cells migrate to the islets of Langerhans in type 1 diabetes (T1D) are largely unknown. Chemokines attract immune cells to sites of inflammation. The aim was to elucidate the role of inflammatory chemokines in T1D at time of diagnosis. From a population‐based registry of children diagnosed with T1D from 1997 to 2005, we studied five different inflammatory chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5 and CXCL8). Four hundred and eighty‐two cases and 479 sibling frequencies matched on age and sample year distribution were included. Patients showed lower levels of CCL4 compared to siblings, but this result was not significant after correction for multiple testing. CCL2, CCL3, CCL4 and CXCL8 levels were highest in the most recent cohorts (P < 0.01) in both patients and siblings. A significant seasonal variation – for most of the chemokines – was demonstrated with the highest level during the summer period in both patients and siblings. In addition, there was a significant inverse relationship between CCL4 levels and age. When comparing patients and siblings, remarkably few differences were identified, but interestingly chemokine levels varied with age, season and period for the entire study population. Such variations should be taken into account when studying chemokines in paediatric populations.
A Class of Pseudolikelihood Ratio Tests for Homogeneity in Exponential Tilt Mixture Models
Authors: Ning Yang , Chen Yong
Published: September 2014

Mixture models are commonly used in biomedical research to account for possible heterogeneity in population. In this paper, we consider tests for homogeneity between two groups in the exponential tilt mixture models. A novel pairwise pseudolikelihood approach is proposed to eliminate the unknown nuisance function. We show that the corresponding pseudolikelihood ratio test has an asymptotic distribution as a supremum of two squared Gaussian processes under the null hypothesis. To maintain the appeal of simplicity for conventional likelihood ratio tests, we propose two alternative tests, both shown to have a simple asymptotic distribution of under the null. Simulation studies show that the proposed class of pseudolikelihood ratio tests performs well in controlling type I errors and having competitive powers compared with the current tests. The proposed tests are illustrated by an example of partial differential expression detection using microarray data from prostate cancer patients.
Crustal structure beneath the central Tien Shan from ambient noise tomography
Authors: Gao Xing , Guo Zhi , Wang Wei , Wu Yuming
Published: September 2014

Through analysis of seismic ambient noise recorded by the GHENGIS array, we constructed a high‐resolution 3‐D crustal shear‐wave velocity model for the central Tien Shan. The obtained shear‐wave velocity model provides insight into the detailed crustal structure beneath the Tien Shan. The results obtained at shallow depths are well correlated with known subsurface geological features. Low velocities are found mainly beneath sedimentary basins, whereas high velocities are mainly associated with mountain ranges. At greater depths of ~43–45 km, high velocities were observed beneath the Tarim Basin and Kazakh Shield; these high velocities extend forward in opposite directions and tilt down towards the central Tien Shan to a depth of in excess of 50 km, most likely reflecting lateral variations in crustal thickness beneath the Tien Shan and surrounding platforms.
Lipid changes after leaf wounding in Arabidopsis thaliana: expanded lipidomic data form the basis for lipid co‐occurrence analysis
Authors: Vu Hieu Sy , Shiva Sunitha , Roth Mary R. , Tamura Pamela , Zheng Lianqing , Li Maoyin , Sarowar Sujon , Honey Samuel , McEllhiney Dedan , Hinkes Paul , Seib Lawrence , Williams Todd D. , Gadbury Gary , Wang Xuemin , Shah Jyoti , Welti Ruth
Published: September 2014

A direct‐infusion electrospray ionization triple–quadrupole mass spectrometry method with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was employed to measure 264 lipid analytes extracted from leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana subjected to mechanical wounding. The method provided precise measurements with an average coefficient of variation of 6.1%. Lipid classes analyzed comprised galactolipids and phospholipids (including monoacyl molecular species, molecular species with oxidized acyl chains, phosphatidic acids (PAs)), tri‐ and tetra‐galactosyldiacylglycerols (TrGDGs and TeGDGs), head‐group‐acylated galactolipids, and head‐group‐acylated phosphatidylglycerol (acPG), sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerols (SQDGs), sphingolipids, di‐ and tri‐acylglycerols (DAGs and TAGs), and sterol derivatives. Of the 264 lipid analytes, 254 changed significantly in response to wounding. In general, levels of structural lipids decreased, whereas monoacyl molecular species, galactolipids and phosphatidylglycerols (PGs) with oxidized fatty acyl chains, PAs, TrGDGs, TeGDGs, TAGs, head‐group‐acylated galactolipids, acPG, and some sterol derivatives increased, many transiently. The observed changes are consistent with activation of lipid oxidizing, hydrolyzing, glycosylating, and acylating activities in the wounding response. Correlation analysis of the levels of lipid analytes across individual control and treated plants was used to construct a lipid dendrogram and to define clusters and sub‐clusters of lipid analytes, each composed of a group of lipids which occurred in a coordinated manner. Current knowledge of metabolism supports the notion that observed sub‐clusters comprise lipids generated by a common enzyme and/or metabolically downstream of a common enzyme. This work demonstrates that co‐occurrence analysis, based on correlation of lipid levels among plants, is a powerful approach to defining lipids generated in vivo by a common enzymatic pathway.
Understanding the effects of gamma‐irradiation on potassium levels in red cell concentrates stored in SAG‐M for neonatal red cell transfusion
Authors: Winter K. M. , Johnson L. , Kwok M. , Reid S. , Alarimi Z. , Wong J. K. L. , Dennington P. M. , Marks D. C.
Published: September 2014

Background and Objectives

Red cell transfusions, to paediatric patients, are often gamma‐irradiated to prevent transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease. This study measured changes in potassium and other in vitro parameters immediately following gamma‐irradiation of paediatric and full‐size red cell concentrates (RCCs).

Materials and Methods

The effects of irradiation on potassium release in RCCs stored in SAG‐M were investigated under three scenarios. In the first scenario, RCC < 5 days was split into paediatric packs, gamma‐irradiated and tested for potassium and haemolysis at 0, 2, 4, 6, 24 and 48 h. In the second scenario, full‐size RCCs < 5 days postcollection were gamma‐irradiated and tested as for the paediatric packs. Thirdly, RCCs < 14 days postcollection were gamma‐irradiated and assessed at 6 and 24 h and 7 and 14 days. Each group contained paired controls that were not gamma‐irradiated.

Results

In all situations, gamma‐irradiation resulted in a twofold increase in potassium concentrations after 24 h of storage, compared to matched unirradiated controls. This difference was detectable as early as 2 h postirradiation. Few differences were observed between control and irradiated RCCs in other key parameters, including ATP, 2,3‐DPG, haemoglobin, pH, glucose and lactate concentration.

Conclusion

Gamma‐irradiation of RCCs significantly increased extracellular potassium. Irradiation of fresher RCCs results in lower potassium concentrations, which is less likely to lead to hyperkalaemia upon transfusion.
Dietary Intake, Eating Behaviors, and Diurnal Patterns of Salivary Cortisol and Alpha-Amylase Secretion Among Professional Young Adult Female Tennis Players
Authors: Filaire Edith , Massart Alain , Hua Jiewen , Scanff Christine Le
Published: September 2014

Purpose:

The aims of study were to examine the eating behaviors among 26 professional female tennis players and to assess the diurnal patterns of stress hormones through the measurement of awakening and diurnal profiles of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and cortisol concentrations.

Methods:

Eating behaviors were assessed through three questionnaires (Eating Attitudes Test-26; Eating Disorders Inventory 2; and Body Shape Questionnaire), food intake by a 7-day diet record, and menstrual status by questionnaire. Perceived stress scale and anxiety state were also evaluated. Saliva samples were collected at awakening, 30 min, 60 min, and 12 hr post awakening after 6-days’ rest.

Results:

Forty-six percent of tennis players presented Disordered Eating attitudes (DE) (n = 12) with a lower body mass index, and higher state anxiety as compared with the group without DE. No differences in the Perceived Stress Scale scores were noted. Mean energy intake, protein and carbohydrates intakes were lower (p > .05) in the DE group as compared with the group without DE. Although in both groups, sAA concentrations presented a decrease in the first 30 min after awakening, and then progressively rose toward the afternoon, DE players exhibited reduced concentrations of the sAA with a decrease in its overall day secretion. Moreover, they showed a higher overall day secretion of salivary cortisol and a higher Cortisol Awakening Response.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that the activity of the sympathetic nervous system is impaired whereas the cortisol awakening response is enhanced. The long-term consequences of these modifications on health remain to be elucidated.
The Ingestion of 39 or 64 g·hr−1 of Carbohydrate is Equally Effective at Improving Endurance Exercise Performance in Cyclists
Authors: Newell Michael L. , Hunter Angus M. , Lawrence Claire , Tipton Kevin D. , Galloway Stuart D. R.
Published: September 2014

In an investigator-blind, randomized cross-over design, male cyclists (mean± SD) age 34.0 (± 10.2) years, body mass 74.6 (±7.9) kg, stature 178.3 (±8.0) cm, peak power output (PPO) 393 (±36) W, and VO2max 62 (±9) ml·kg−1min−1 training for more than 6 hr/wk for more than 3y (n = 20) completed four experimental trials. Each trial consisted of a 2-hr constant load ride at 95% of lactate threshold (185 ± 25W) then a work-matched time trial task (~30min at 70% of PPO). Three commercially available carbohydrate (CHO) beverages, plus a control (water), were administered during the 2-hr ride providing 0, 20, 39, or 64g·hr−1 of CHO at a fluid intake rate of 1L·hr−1. Performance was assessed by time to complete the time trial task, mean power output sustained, and pacing strategy used. Mean task completion time (min:sec ± SD) for 39g·hr−1 (34:19.5 ± 03:07.1, p = .006) and 64g·hr−1 (34:11.3 ± 03:08.5 p = .004) of CHO were significantly faster than control (37:01.9 ± 05:35.0). The mean percentage improvement from control was −6.1% (95% CI: −11.3 to −1.0) and −6.5% (95% CI: −11.7 to −1.4) in the 39 and 64g·hr−1 trials respectively. The 20g·hr−1 (35:17.6 ± 04:16.3) treatment did not reach statistical significance compared with control (p = .126) despite a mean improvement of −3.7% (95% CI −8.8−1.5%). No further differences between CHO trials were reported. No interaction between CHO dose and pacing strategy occurred. 39 and 64g·hr−1 of CHO were similarly effective at improving endurance cycling performance compared with a 0g·hr−1 control in our trained cyclists.
Vitamin D Supplementation and Physical Performance in Adolescent Swimmers
Authors: Dubnov-Raz Gal , Livne Netachen , Raz Raanan , Cohen Avner H. , Constantini Naama W.
Published: September 2014

It is hypothesized that vitamin D insufficiency in athletes might negatively affect sport performance. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of vitamin D3 supplementation on physical performance of adolescent swimmers with vitamin D insufficiency. Fifty-three adolescent competitive swimmers with vitamin D insufficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D concentrations (25(OH)D)<30ng/ml, mean 24.2 ± 4.8ng/ml) were randomized to receive 2,000IU/day of vitamin D3 or placebo for 12 weeks. Swimming performance at several speeds, arm-grip strength, and one-legged balance, were measured before and after supplementation. The age-adjusted changes in performance variables during the study were compared between groups. 25(OH) D concentrations at study end were significantly higher in the vitamin group compared with the placebo group (29.6 ± 6.5ng/ml vs. 20.3 ± 4.2ng/ml, p < .001), yet only 48% of the vitamin group became vitamin D sufficient with this dosing. No between-group differences were found in the changes of the performance variables tested. No significant differences in performance were found between participants that became vitamin D sufficient, and those who did not. No significant correlation was found between the change in serum 25(OH)D and ageadjusted balance, strength or swimming performance at study end. Vitamin D3 supplementation that raised serum 25(OH)D concentrations by a mean of 9.3ng/ml above placebo in adolescent swimmers with vitamin D insufficiency, did not improve physical performance more than placebo.
Sensitivity of Joint Kinematics and Kinetics to Different Pose Estimation Algorithms and Joint Constraints in the Elderly
Authors: Moniz-Pereira Vera , Cabral Silvia , Carnide Filomena , Veloso António P.
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this research was to study the sensitivity of lower limb joint kinematics and kinetics, calculated during different functional tasks (walking, stair descent and stair ascent) in a sample of older adults, to different pose estimation algorithms and models’ joint constraints. Three models were developed and optimized differently: in one model, each segment had 6 degrees of freedom (segment optimization, SO), while in the other two, global optimization (GO) was used, with different joint constraints: (1) GO, allowing all joint rotations; (2) GOR, allowing three rotations at the hip, one at the knee (flexion/extension) and two at the ankle (dorsi/plantar flexion and eversion/inversion). The results showed that joint angles are more sensitive to the model’s constraints than joint moments and, the more restrictive the model, the higher the differences between models, especially for the frontal and transverse planes (max. RMS difference during gait: 11.7 degrees (64%) vs 0.12 N·m/kg (35.4%). In addition, except for knee abduction/adduction angle, differences between SO and GO models were relatively low. Since GO avoids the nonanatomical dislocations sometimes observed in SO, choosing this model seems to be reasonable for future studies with a similar sample and study design.
Optimal Starting Block Configuration in Sprint Running: A Comparison of Biological and Prosthetic Legs
Authors: Taboga Paolo , Grabowski Alena M. , Prampero Pietro Enrico di , Kram Rodger
Published: September 2014

In the 2012 Paralympic 100 m and 200 m finals, 86% of athletes with a unilateral amputation placed their unaffected leg on the front starting block. Can this preference be explained biomechanically? We measured the biomechanical effects of starting block configuration for seven nonamputee sprinters and nine athletes with a unilateral amputation. Each subject performed six starts, alternating between their usual and unusual starting block configurations. When sprinters with an amputation placed their unaffected leg on the front block, they developed 6% greater mean resultant combined force compared with the opposite configuration (1.38 ± 0.06 vs 1.30 ± 0.11 BW, P = .015). However, because of a more vertical push angle, horizontal acceleration performance was equivalent between starting block configurations. We then used force data from each sprinter with an amputation to calculate the hypothetical starting mechanics for a virtual nonamputee (two unaffected legs) and a virtual bilateral amputee (two affected legs). Accelerations of virtual bilateral amputees were 15% slower compared with athletes with a unilateral amputation, which in turn were 11% slower than virtual nonamputees. Our biomechanical data do not explain the starting block configuration preference but they do explain the starting performance differences observed between nonamputee athletes and those with leg amputations.
Motivational Factors in Young Spanish Athletes: A Qualitative Focus Drawing From Self-Determination Theory and Achievement Goal Perspectives
Authors: Almagro Bartolomé J. , Sáenz-López Pedro , Moreno-Murcia Juan A. , Spray Chris
Published: September 2014

This study qualitatively examined how athletes perceive their coach’s support for autonomy, as well as athletes’ motivation, satisfaction of basic psychological needs, and the 2 × 2 achievement goal framework of young Spanish athletes. Fifteen Spanish athletes (six females and nine males) between 13 and 16 years of age were interviewed from various sporting contexts. Content analysis of the interviews revealed: the coexistence of various types of motivation for the practice of these sports by the athletes that were interviewed; the presence of integrated regulation among some of these young athletes; the importance of autonomy support and the satisfaction of basic psychological needs for motivation and athletic commitment. The results are discussed on the basis of self-determination and achievement goal theory. Strategies are proposed for improving motivation and adherence to athletic practice in young athletes.
Verbal Communication in Doubles Tennis: An Analysis of Close Games
Authors: Lausic Domagoj , Razon Selen , Tenenbaum Gershon
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in verbal communication between doubles tennis teams during close game situations. Verbal messages exchanged between team players were recorded by means of audiotapes and videotapes. Recorded communication data were coded and analyzed using the Discussion Analysis Tool software (DAT; Jeong, 2003). Results indicated that most of the verbal communication included action (i.e., 34%) and emotional statements (i.e., 34%). Winning teams communicated twice as many messages than losing teams. Specifically, during the close games they won, winning teams communicated significantly more than losing teams. Losing teams used more communication patterns in close games they won relative to the ones they lost. Winning and losing teams also used distinct communication patterns during the close games they won relative to the ones they lost. These distinct communication patterns may have in turn improved the winning teams’ coordination and thereby increased their likelihood of winning.
Psychological Readiness to Return to Competitive Sport Following Injury: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Podlog Leslie , Banham Sophie M. , Wadey Ross , Hannon James C.
Published: September 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine athlete experiences and understandings of psychological readiness to return to sport following a serious injury. A focus group and follow-up semistructured interviews were conducted with seven English athletes representing a variety of sports. Three key attributes of readiness were identified including: (a) confidence in returning to sport; (b) realistic expectations of one’s sporting capabilities; and (c) motivation to regain previous performance standards. Numerous precursors such as trust in rehabilitation providers, accepting postinjury limitations, and feeling wanted by significant others were articulated. Results indicate that psychological readiness is a dynamic, psychosocial process comprised of three dimensions that increase athletes’ perceived likelihood of a successful return to sport following injury. Findings are discussed in relation to previous research and practical implications are offered.
Combined therapy of insulin-producing cells and haematopoietic stem cells offers better diabetic control than only haematopoietic stem cells’ infusion for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes
Authors: Dave Shruti D , Trivedi Hargovind L , Gopal Saroj C , Chandra Tulika
Published: September 2014

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is a chronic condition characterised by impaired blood sugar metabolism and autoimmunity. We report two children: a 5-year-old girl on exogenous insulin therapy of 30 IU/day and a 9-year-old boy on short-acting insulin 30 IU/day, long-acting insulin 70 IU/day, with IDDM since 4 and 7 years, respectively. We infused in vitro-generated donor bone marrow (BM)-derived haematopoietic stem cells (HSC) in patient 1 and insulin-secreting cells trans-differentiated from autologous adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells along with BM-HSC in patient 2 under non-myeloablative conditioning. Patient 1 improved during the initial 6 months, but then again lost metabolic control with increased blood sugar levels and insulin requirement of 32 IU/day; we lost her to follow-up after 18 months. Patient 2, over follow-up of 24.87 months, has stable blood sugar levels with glycosylated haemoglobin of 6.4% and present insulin requirement of 15 IU/day.
Lymphomatosis cerebri mimicking iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Authors: Rivero Sanz Elena , Torralba Cabeza Miguel Ángel , Portugal Francisco Sanjuán , García-Bragado Federico
Published: September 2014

Lymphomatosis cerebri (LC) is a rare variant of primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) whereby individual lymphoma cells infiltrate the cerebral white matter without causing a mass effect. The disease characteristically presents as a rapidly progressive dementia, which opens an ample differential diagnosis of toxic, metabolic, neurodegenerative and infective causes. Other presentations also include changes in personality, myoclonus and psychotic symptoms. Here we report a patient who presented with a rapidly progressive dementia with a unique surgical history of a dural mater graft in the 1970s. The diagnosis of iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (iCJD) was initially considered. However, the patient’s clinical status deteriorated rapidly with no response to symptomatic treatment and she died 2 months after symptom onset. A diagnosis of T-type LC was reached at autopsy.
Steroid injection for shoulder pain causes prolonged increased glucose level in type 1 diabetics
Authors: Povlsen Bo , Povlsen Sebastian D
Published: September 2014

Shoulder pain is very common in diabetic patients and often treated with steroid injections, with subsequent increases in blood glucose levels or the need for additional insulin being questioned. We report a case of significant and prolonged elevation of blood glucose levels and resultant insulin requirement in a type 1 diabetic man after a single 40 mg injection of triamcinolone for shoulder pain. Within 48 h, the shoulder pain as assessed by a visual analogue scale (0–10) was reduced to zero, but the elevated insulin requirements continued for 4 weeks after the injection. This finding suggests that steroid injections for shoulder pain in diabetics may not always be as safe as previously thought. We propose that medical practitioners advise their patients to monitor their glucose levels more carefully after such injections and that caution is exercised when considering administrating these injections to those who have poorly controlled blood glucose levels preinjection to avoid ketoacidosis.
Spontaneous rupture of uterine leiomyoma during labour
Authors: Ramskill Nikki , Hameed Aisha , Beebeejaun Yusuf
Published: September 2014

Uterine rupture in labour requires an emergency caesarean section. In women with a uterine scar, either from gynaecological surgery or from a previous caesarean section, it is well documented that the risk of rupture is higher than in those without. Spontaneous uterine rupture in a uterus with fibroids during pregnancy or labour is extremely rare. We present a case of a 33-year-old, unbooked pregnant woman from Nigeria who had a uterine rupture secondary to fibroids. She required an emergency caesarean section in labour. The fibroids were not removed. Her baby was born alive and in good condition and she made an uneventful recovery.
Neostigmine and pulmonary oedema
Authors: Nagella Amrutha Bindu , Bijapur Mubina Begum , Shreyavathi Shreyavathi , R S Raghavendra Rao
Published: September 2014

A 1-year-old child with no pre-existing cardiac or respiratory disease developed frank pulmonary oedema after administration of a neostigmine–glycopyrrolate mixture to reverse neuromuscular blockade during general anaesthesia. Possible cardiac and extra-cardiac factors that could cause pulmonary oedema in this child were ruled out by appropriate investigations. As the pulmonary oedema manifested shortly after administration of the neostigmine–glycopyrrolate mixture, we concluded that neostigmine was the most probable cause. This article briefly reports the occurrence of events and successful management of perioperative pulmonary oedema.
Colistin-mediated neurotoxicity
Authors: Wadia Subeer , Tran Betty
Published: September 2014

We describe a 51-year-old man who developed renal and neural toxicity after the administration of colistin. He developed respiratory apnoea, neuromuscular blockade and severe comatose encephalopathy with the lack of brainstem reflexes. After discontinuation of the antibiotic, he made a prompt recovery to his baseline neurological function. The case illustrates the importance of recognising the toxicities associated with colistin. Although recent literature details its nephrotoxicity, current data have been discordant with the rare cases of respiratory apnoea or neuromuscular blockade once cited over 30 years ago. Additionally, no cases have ever described the profound encephalopathy with lack of brainstem function described here. The awareness of colistin's potentially fatal effects must be kept in mind when administering this antibiotic. Vigilance of the encephalopathic picture can also facilitate the diagnosis of colistin-mediated neurotoxicity in a patient with altered mental status of otherwise unknown aetiology.
Kissing stenting of aorto-ostial lesions in juxtaposed renal arteries
Authors: Hasija Pradeep , Chadha Davinder , Kalra Ravi
Published: September 2014

Percutaneous angioplasty with or without stenting has become an established procedure for treatment of renal artery stenosis for control of hypertension or progressive renal dysfunction. Anatomic variation of renal arteries is common with dual blood supply of unilateral kidney noted in almost 25% of the general population. Renal angioplasty of these anatomic variants of renal arteries is challenging. We present an unusual case of juxtaposed renal arteries with aorto-ostial lesion where direct kissing stenting was done with excellent technical and clinical outcome.
Higher spin fields with reversed spin-statistics relation
Authors: Tóth Gábor Zsolt
Published: September 2014

A construction of massive free fields with arbitrary spin and reversed spin-statistics relation is presented. The main idea of the construction is to consider fields that transform according to representations of the Lorentz group that are doubled in comparison with the representations according to which normal (physical) fields transform. This allows the definition of opposite commutation properties for these fields, while the spin of the particles they describe remains unchanged. The correspondence established by the construction between fields obeying normal and reversed spin-statistics relation makes it possible to express e.g. the polarization states, (anti)commutators, or Feynman propagators of the latter fields in terms of those of the normal fields to which they correspond. The cases of the scalar and Dirac fields are discussed in additional detail.
Does the weather affect the Chinese stock markets? Evidence from the analysis of DCCA cross-correlation coefficient
Authors: Cao Guangxi , Han Yan
Published: September 2014

Recent studies confirm that weather affects the Chinese stock markets, based on a linear model. This paper revisits this topic using DCCA cross-correlation coefficient (ρDCCA(n)), which is a nonlinear method, to determine if weather variables (i.e., temperature, humidity, wind and sunshine duration) affect the returns/volatilities of the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock markets. We propose an asymmetric ρDCCA(n) by improving the traditional ρDCCA(n) to determine if different cross-correlated properties exist when one time series trending is either positive or negative. Further, we improve a statistical test for the asymmetric ρDCCA(n). We find that cross-correlation exists between weather variables and the stock markets on certain time scales and that the cross-correlation is asymmetric. We also analyze the cross-correlation at different intervals; that is, the relationship between weather variables and the stock markets at different intervals is not always the same as the relationship on the whole.
A Multiatlas Segmentation Using Graph Cuts with Applications to Liver Segmentation in CT Scans
Authors: Platero Carlos , Tobar M. Carmen
Published: September 2014

An atlas-based segmentation approach is presented that combines low-level operations, an affine probabilistic atlas, and a multiatlas-based segmentation. The proposed combination provides highly accurate segmentation due to registrations and atlas selections based on the regions of interest (ROIs) and coarse segmentations. Our approach shares the following common elements between the probabilistic atlas and multiatlas segmentation: (a) the spatial normalisation and (b) the segmentation method, which is based on minimising a discrete energy function using graph cuts. The method is evaluated for the segmentation of the liver in computed tomography (CT) images. Low-level operations define a ROI around the liver from an abdominal CT. We generate a probabilistic atlas using an affine registration based on geometry moments from manually labelled data. Next, a coarse segmentation of the liver is obtained from the probabilistic atlas with low computational effort. Then, a multiatlas segmentation approach improves the accuracy of the segmentation. Both the atlas selections and the nonrigid registrations of the multiatlas approach use a binary mask defined by coarse segmentation. We experimentally demonstrate that this approach performs better than atlas selections and nonrigid registrations in the entire ROI. The segmentation results are comparable to those obtained by human experts and to other recently published results.
Unusually High Levels of CA19-9 Associated with Mature Cystic Teratoma of the Ovary
Authors: Madaan Monika , Puri Manju , Sharma Ritu , Kaur Harvinder , Trivedi Shubha Sagar
Published: September 2014

Introduction.Mature cystic teratoma is the benign tumor of the ovary. CA19-9 levels, although a marker of pancreatic malignancy, have been found to be raised in large ovarian mature cystic teratomas.Case Report.We report a case of a young female who had unusually high levels of CA19-9 in the blood associated with large ovarian mature cystic teratoma. The levels returned to normal 12 weeks after cystectomy was performed.Conclusion. This case highlights the fact that although raised tumor marker may be associated with a benign pathology thorough evaluation to rule out malignancy still must be done.
Blockade of Lysosomal Acid Ceramidase Induces GluN2B-Dependent Tau Phosphorylation in Rat Hippocampal Slices
Authors: Laurier-Laurin Marie-Elaine , De Montigny Audrée , Attiori Essis Suzanne , Cyr Michel , Massicotte Guy
Published: September 2014

The lysosomal acid ceramidase, an enzyme known to limit intracellular ceramide accumulation, has been reported to be defective in neurodegenerative disorders. We show here that rat hippocampal slices, preincubated with the acid ceramidase inhibitor (ACI) d-NMAPPD, exhibit increased N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-mediated field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in CA1 synapses. The ACI by itself did not interfere with either paired pulse facilitation or alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA) receptor-mediated fEPSPs, indicating that its influence on synaptic transmission is postsynaptic in origin and specific to the NMDA subtype of glutamate receptors. From a biochemical perspective, we observed that Tau phosphorylation at the Ser262 epitope was highly increased in hippocampal slices preincubated with the ACI, an effect totally prevented by the global NMDA receptor antagonist D/L(−)-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (AP-5), the calcium chelator 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), and the GluN2B (but not the GluN2A) receptor antagonist RO25-6981. On the other hand, preincubation of hippocampal slices with the compound KN-62, an inhibitor known to interfere with calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), totally abolished the effect of ACI on Tau phosphorylation at Ser262 epitopes. Collectively, these results provide experimental evidence that ceramides play an important role in regulating Tau phosphorylation in the hippocampus via a mechanism dependent on GluN2B receptor subunits and CaMKII activation.
Successful Reversal of Acute Kidney Failure by Ultrasound-Accelerated Thrombolysis of an Occluded Renal Artery
Authors: Konings Renske , Lely Rutger J. , Nurmohamed Shaikh A. , Hoksbergen Arjan W. J.
Published: September 2014

Purpose. To describe the treatment of renal artery thrombosis with ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis and discuss the management of prolonged renal ischemia.Case. A 76-year-old patient with a single functional kidney, mild chronic renal impairment, and a recent history of endovascular repair of a thoracoabdominal aneurysm with an aortic branch graft presented with acute flank pain, anuria, and renal failure. The side branch from the aortic stent graft to his single, right, functional kidney appeared to be completely thrombosed. Symptoms had started after cessation of oral anticoagulants because of a planned mastectomy for breast cancer. After identification of the occlusion, ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis was started 19 hours after the onset of anuria. Angiography, 4 hours after beginning of therapy, already showed partial dissolution of the thrombus and angiographic control after 18 hours showed complete patency of the renal artery side branch. Despite a long period of ischemia, renal function was completely recovered.Conclusion. In patients with acute renal ischemia due to thrombosis of the renal artery, complete recovery of function can be achieved with ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis, even after prolonged periods of ischemia.
Advances in Proteomic Technologies and Its Contribution to the Field of Cancer
Authors: Mesri Mehdi
Published: September 2014

Systematic studies of the cancer genome have generated a wealth of knowledge in recent years. These studies have uncovered a number of new cancer genes not previously known to be causal targets in cancer. Genetic markers can be used to determine predisposition to tumor development, but molecularly targeted treatment strategies are not widely available for most cancers. Precision care plans still must be developed by understanding and implementing basic science research into clinical treatment. Proteomics is continuing to make major strides in the discovery of fundamental biological processes as well as more recent transition into an assay platform capable of measuring hundreds of proteins in any biological system. As such, proteomics can translate basic science discoveries into the clinical practice of precision medicine. The proteomic field has progressed at a fast rate over the past five years in technology, breadth and depth of applications in all areas of the bioscience. Some of the previously experimental technical approaches are considered the gold standard today, and the community is now trying to come to terms with the volume and complexity of the data generated. Here I describe contribution of proteomics in general and biological mass spectrometry in particular to cancer research, as well as related major technical and conceptual developments in the field.