bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The science of dermocosmetics and its role in dermatology
Authors: Dreno B. , Araviiskaia E. , Berardesca E. , Bieber T. , Hawk J. , Sanchez‐Viera M. , Wolkenstein P.
Published: March 2014

Our increased knowledge of normal skin physiology has ushered in a subtle revolution in cosmetic science. Originally designed as preparations to enhance personal appearance by direct application on to the skin, cosmetics have now taken on a new role in dermatology, through the support of the management of many skin disorders. This evolving role of cosmetics in skin care is primarily due to scientific and technological advancements that have changed our understanding of normal skin physiology and how cosmetics modify its appearance both physically and biologically. The vast array of techniques currently available to investigate skin responsivity to multiple stimuli has brought about a new era in cosmetic and dermocosmetic development based on a robust understanding of skin physiology and its varied responses to commonly encountered environmental insults. Most cosmetic research is undertaken on reconstructed skin models crucial in dermatological research, given the strict ban imposed by the European Union on animal testing. In addition, the design and conduct of trials evaluating cosmetics now follow rules comparable to those used in the development and evaluation of pharmaceutical products. Cosmetic research should now aim to ensure all trials adhere to strictly reproducible and scientifically sound methodologies. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the multidisciplinary scientific approach used in formulating dermocosmetics, and to examine the major advances in dermocosmetic development and assessment, the safety and regulatory guidelines governing their production and the exciting future outlook for these dermocosmetic processes following good practice rules.
Melanoma incidence and Breslow tumour thickness development in the central Alpine region of South Tyrol from 1998 to 2012: a population‐based study
Authors: Ambrosini‐Spaltro A. , Dal Cappello T. , Deluca J. , Carriere C. , Mazzoleni G. , Eisendle K.
Published: March 2014

Background

Cutaneous melanoma incidence is increasing worldwide, especially for in situ and thin (<1 mm) lesions, while thick (≥1 mm) lesions have been generally stable in many studies; although epidemiological data on melanoma is readily available, population‐based studies, especially on mountain regions, are rare.

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyse cutaneous melanoma incidence and Breslow tumour thickness in the central Alpine mountain region of South Tyrol, northern Italy.

Methods

All newly diagnosed cutaneous in situ and invasive melanomas in the resident population from 1998 to 2012 were taken from the Pathology Unit, Bolzano Hospital and South Tyrol Cancer Registry. Incidence and Breslow tumour thickness were analyzed. Statistical analyses included Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests.

Results

A total of 784 in situ melanomas and 1663 invasive melanomas were collected. In situ melanomas showed the highest increase: European age‐standardized incidence rose from 2.44 per 100 000 inhabitants in 1998–2002 to 16.01 in 2008–2012. Invasive melanoma incidence increased from 12.69 in 1998–2002, to 22.88 in 2008–2012. The incidence rise was observed in thin melanomas (from 8.39 to 16.18) and in thick melanomas (from 4.30 to 6.70). Breslow distribution revealed a median value of 0.62 mm (mean 1.34; SD 2.24; range 0.09–30.0) and did not change significantly over time (P = 0.286). Higher Breslow values were observed at advanced age (P < 0.001), among males (P = 0.017), in nodular melanomas (P < 0.001) and at higher Clark levels (P < 0.001). Significant differences were also found in urban hospitals compared to rural hospitals during the whole period (P = 0.004), but not in the last 5 years (P = 0.053).

Conclusion

Incidence of cutaneous melanoma is increasing in South Tyrol, especially for in situ and thin lesions, but also for thick lesions; no reduction in median tumour thickness is observed. Rural areas and elevated altitudes may contribute to this effect.
Anatomy of hepatic arteriolo‐portal venular shunts evaluated by 3D micro‐CT imaging
Authors: Kline Timothy L. , Knudsen Bruce E. , Anderson Jill L. , Vercnocke Andrew J. , Jorgensen Steven M. , Ritman Erik L.
Published: March 2014

The liver differs from other organs in that two vascular systems deliver its blood – the hepatic artery and the portal vein. However, how the two systems interact is not fully understood. We therefore studied the microvascular geometry of rat liver hepatic artery and portal vein injected with the contrast polymer Microfil®. Intact isolated rat livers were imaged by micro‐CT and anatomic evidence for hepatic arteriolo‐portal venular shunts occurring between hepatic artery and portal vein branches was found. Simulations were performed to rule out the possibility of the observed shunts being artifacts resulting from image blurring. In addition, in the case of specimens where only the portal vein was injected, only the portal vein was opacified, whereas in hepatic artery injections, both the hepatic artery and portal vein were opacified. We conclude that mixing of the hepatic artery and portal vein blood can occur proximal to the sinusoidal level, and that the hepatic arteriolo‐portal venular shunts may function as a one‐way valve‐like mechanism, allowing flow only from the hepatic artery to the portal vein (and not the other way around).
Trends in Agricultural Incomes: An Analysis at the Select Crop and State Levels in India
Authors: Kannan Elumalai
Published: March 2014

India's agricultural sector is at a crossroads, facing challenges of stagnation in crop yields, non‐remunerative prices, falling crop incomes and tardy responses from public service systems. There are reports of peasant suicides due to non‐profitability of farming. However, scant empirical evidence is available on changes in real income and wages in the Indian agricultural sector. The present study uses data from the National Accounts Statistics and Cost of Cultivation Surveys to analyse the changes in real income and discusses the underlying reasons. The study reveals that the purchasing power of farmers has remained low and has worsened over recent years. The value of crop output has increased, but a disproportionate rise in input costs has resulted in a fall in crop incomes in several states, with the agriculturally developed Punjab being an exception. Interestingly, real wage rates for agricultural labour have shown an increasing trend, indicating improvement in the welfare of labour.
Efficiency of microbial phytase supplementation in diets formulated with different calcium:phosphorus ratios, supplied to broilers from 22 to 33 days old
Authors: Naves L. de P. , Rodrigues P. B. , Teixeira L. do V. , de Oliveira E. C. , Saldanha M. M. , Alvarenga R. R. , Corrêa A. D. , Lima R. R.
Published: March 2014

An experiment was conducted with broilers from 22 to 33 days of age to evaluate the efficiency of six microbial phytases supplemented in diets (1500 FTU/kg) that were formulated with three different calcium:available phosphorus (Ca:Pavail) ratios (4.5:1.0, 6.0:1.0 and 7.5:1.0). A positive control diet without phytase was formulated with a Ca:Pavail ratio of 7.5:3.4 to meet the nutritional requirements of the broilers. The P and ash contents of the tibia, magnesium in the plasma, performance, balance and retention of phytate phosphorus (Pphyt), intake of total P and nitrogen (N), nitrogen‐corrected apparent metabolizable energy and apparent digestibility of dry matter of the diets were not influenced (p > 0.05) by the type of phytase or the dietary Ca:Pavail ratio. However, there was an interaction (p < 0.05) between the phytase type and the Ca:Pavail ratio for the retention coefficients of total P, Ca and N. Phytase B resulted in the highest Ca deposition in the tibia (p < 0.01). Phytases D, E and F reduced the Ca concentrations in the tibia (p < 0.01) and plasma (p < 0.05). Phytase D increased the P level in the plasma and decreased the total P excretion (p < 0.01). Phytases E and F increased Ca excretion, while phytase A reduced it (p < 0.01). Regardless of the phytase type, increasing the dietary Ca:Pavail ratio reduced (p < 0.05) the plasma P concentration and the excretion of total P and N and, conversely, increased (p < 0.05) the plasma concentration, intake and excretion of Ca. For the rearing period evaluated, it is possible to reduce the Pavail of the diet to 1.0 g/kg when Ca is maintained at 7.5 g/kg, and the diet is supplemented with 1500 FTU of phytase A, C, D or E/kg. This diet allows the maintenance of performance and adequate bone mineralization, and it improves the Ca, total P and Pphyt utilization in addition to reducing the excretion of N and P into the environment.
Postglacial expansion and not human influence best explains the population structure in the endangered kea (Nestor notabilis)
Authors: Dussex N. , Wegmann D. , Robertson B. C.
Published: March 2014

Inferring past demography is a central question in evolutionary and conservation biology. It is, however, sometimes challenging to infer the processes that shaped the current patterns of genetic variation in endangered species. Population substructuring can occur as a result of survival in several isolated refugia and subsequent recolonization processes or via genetic drift following a population decline. The kea (Nestor notabilis) is an endemic parrot widely distributed in the mountains of the South Island of New Zealand that has gone through a major human‐induced population decline during the 1860s–1970s. The aims of this study were to understand the glacial and postglacial history of kea and to determine whether the recent population decline played a role in the shaping of the current genetic variation. We examined the distribution of genetic variation, differentiation and admixture in kea using 17 microsatellites and the mitochondrial control region. Mitochondrial data showed a shallow phylogeny and a genetic distinction between the North and South of the range consistent with the three genetic clusters identified with microsatellite data. Both marker types indicated an increase in genetic isolation by geographic distance. Approximate Bayesian Computation supported a scenario of postglacial divergence from a single ancestral glacial refugium, suggesting that the contemporary genetic structure has resulted from recolonization processes rather than from a recent population decline. The recent evolutionary origin of this genetic structure suggests that each genetic cluster does not need to be considered as independent conservation units.
Binding of the RNA chaperone Hfq to the type IV pilus base is crucial for its function in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Schuergers Nils , Ruppert Ulrike , Watanabe Satoru , Nürnberg Dennis J. , Lochnit Günter , Dienst Dennis , Mullineaux Conrad W. , Wilde Annegret
Published: March 2014

The bacterial RNA‐binding protein Hfq functions in post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression. There is evidence in a range of bacteria for specific subcellular localization of Hfq; however, the mechanism and role of Hfq localization remain unclear. Cyanobacteria harbour a subfamily of Hfq that is structurally conserved but exhibits divergent RNA binding sites. Mutational analysis in the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 revealed that several conserved amino acids on the proximal side of the Hfq hexamer are crucial not only for Hfq‐dependent RNA accumulation but also for phototaxis, the latter of which depends on type IV pili. Co‐immunoprecipitation and yeast two‐hybrid analysis show that the secretion ATPase PilB1 (a component of the type IV pilus base) is an interaction partner of Hfq. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that Hfq is localized to the cytoplasmic membrane in a PilB1‐dependent manner. Concomitantly, Hfq‐dependent RNA accumulation is abrogated in a ΔpilB1 mutant, indicating that localization to the pilus base via interaction with PilB1 is essential for Hfq function in cyanobacteria.
A comprehensive analysis of the geranylgeranylglyceryl phosphate synthase enzyme family identifies novel members and reveals mechanisms of substrate specificity and quaternary structure organization
Authors: Peterhoff David , Beer Barbara , Rajendran Chitra , Kumpula Esa‐Pekka , Kapetaniou Evangelia , Guldan Harald , Wierenga Rik K. , Sterner Reinhard , Babinger Patrick
Published: March 2014

Geranylgeranylglyceryl phosphate synthase (GGGPS) family enzymes catalyse the formation of an ether bond between glycerol‐1‐phosphate and polyprenyl diphosphates. They are essential for the biosynthesis of archaeal membrane lipids, but also occur in bacterial species, albeit with unknown physiological function. It has been known that there exist two phylogenetic groups (I and II) of GGGPS family enzymes, but a comprehensive study has been missing. We therefore visualized the variability within the family by applying a sequence similarity network, and biochemically characterized 17 representative GGGPS family enzymes regarding their catalytic activities and substrate specificities. Moreover, we present the first crystal structures of group II archaeal and bacterial enzymes. Our analysis revealed that the previously uncharacterized bacterial enzymes from group II have GGGPS activity like the archaeal enzymes and differ from the bacterial group I enzymes that are heptaprenylglyceryl phosphate synthases. The length of the isoprenoid substrate is determined in group II GGGPS enzymes by ‘limiter residues’ that are different from those in group I enzymes, as shown by site‐directed mutagenesis. Most of the group II enzymes form hexamers. We could disrupt these hexamers to stable and catalytically active dimers by mutating a single amino acid that acts as an ‘aromatic anchor’.
A single‐component multidrug transporter of the major facilitator superfamily is part of a network that protects Escherichia coli from bile salt stress
Authors: Paul Stephanie , Alegre Kamela O. , Holdsworth Scarlett R. , Rice Matthew , Brown James A. , McVeigh Paul , Kelly Sharon M. , Law Christopher J.
Published: March 2014

Resistance to high concentrations of bile salts in the human intestinal tract is vital for the survival of enteric bacteria such as Escherichia coli. Although the tripartite AcrAB–TolC efflux system plays a significant role in this resistance, it is purported that other efflux pumps must also be involved. We provide evidence from a comprehensive suite of experiments performed at two different pH values (7.2 and 6.0) that reflect pH conditions that E. coli may encounter in human gut that MdtM, a single‐component multidrug resistance transporter of the major facilitator superfamily, functions in bile salt resistance in E. coli by catalysing secondary active transport of bile salts out of the cell cytoplasm. Furthermore, assays performed on a chromosomal ΔacrB mutant transformed with multicopy plasmid encoding MdtM suggested a functional synergism between the single‐component MdtM transporter and the tripartite AcrAB–TolC system that results in a multiplicative effect on resistance. Substrate binding experiments performed on purified MdtM demonstrated that the transporter binds to cholate and deoxycholate with micromolar affinity, and transport assays performed on inverted vesicles confirmed the capacity of MdtM to catalyse electrogenic bile salt/H+ antiport.
Eggplant and related species are promising genetic resources to dissect the plant immune response to Pseudomonas syringae and Xanthomonas euvesicatoria and to identify new resistance determinants
Authors: Clarke Christopher R. , Hayes Byron W. , Runde Brendan J. , Wicker Emmanuel , Vinatzer Boris A.
Published: March 2014

The apparent lack of durability of many resistance (R) genes highlights the need for the constant identification of new genetic sources of resistance for the breeding of new disease‐resistant crop cultivars. To this end, we screened a collection of accessions of eggplant and close relatives for resistance against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pto) and Xanthomonas euvesicatoria (Xeu), foliar plant pathogens of many solanaceous crops. Both pathogens caused substantial disease on most genotypes of eggplant and its relatives. Promisingly, however, some of the genotypes were fully or partially resistant to either of the pathogens, suggesting the presence of effective resistance determinants in these genotypes. Segregation of resistance to the growth of Xeu following infiltration in F2 progeny from a cross of a resistant and susceptible genotype suggests that resistance to Xeu is inherited as a multigenic trait. With regard to Pto, a mutant strain lacking all 28 functional type III secreted effectors, and a Pseudomonas fluorescens strain expressing a P. syringae type III secretion system (T3SS), both elicit a strong cell death response on most eggplant lines. Several genotypes thus appear to harbour a mechanism for the direct recognition of a component of the T3SS. Therefore, eggplant and its close relatives are promising resources to unravel novel aspects of plant immunity and to identify new candidate R genes that could be employed in other Solanaceae in which Xeu and Pto cause agriculturally relevant diseases.
District nurses' lived experiences of meeting significant others in advanced home care
Authors: Pusa Susanna , Hägglund Katharina , Nilsson Maria , Sundin Karin
Published: March 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to illuminate the meanings of district nurses′ lived experiences of meeting significant others in the home when giving advanced home care to patients.

Methods

The data was collected through 10 audio‐taped narrative focus‐group interviews with 36 district nurses and interpreted using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach.

Findings

Three themes emerged. The first theme, Feeling close, consists of three subthemes: Being available, Sharing understanding and Being aware. The second theme, Mediating strength, contains the subthemes Being a resource and Sharing trust. Being emotionally influenced is the third theme and involves the subthemes Experiencing emotional distress and Experiencing emotional gratitude.

Conclusion

Meeting significant others as a district nurse in advanced home care means creating and maintaining a trustful relationship with significant others, both on a personal and family level, aiming to illuminate and respond to their needs and desires. The district nurses strive to reach a mutual understanding and co‐operate to mediate support. Being a district nurse in advanced home care is both emotionally demanding and emotionally rewarding.
High Functional CD70 Expression on α‐Type 1‐Polarized Dendritic Cells from Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia
Authors: Junevik K. , Werlenius O. , Fogelstrand L. , Karlsson‐Parra A. , Andersson P.‐O.
Published: March 2014

Antigen‐loaded dendritic cells (DCs) used as anticancer vaccine holds promise for therapy, but needs to be optimized. The most frequently described DC vaccine is being matured with a cocktail containing prostaglandin E2 (PGE2DC). However, even though PGE2DCs express both costimulatory and migratory receptors, their IL‐12p70‐prodcution is low, leading to an insufficient Th1 immune response. As an alternative, α‐type‐1 polarized DCs (αDC1s) have shown a superior production of IL‐12p70 and subsequent activation of effector cells. From chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients, αDC1s can be generated to induce a functional Th1‐immune response. Yet, another costimulatory receptor, CD70, appears to be essential for optimal DC function by promotion of T cell survival and function. So far, PGE2 is suggested as one of the most important factors for the induction of CD70 expression on DCs. Therefore, we wanted to investigate whether αDC1s have the ability to express functional CD70. We found that CD70 expression on αDC1s could be upregulated in the same manner as PGE2DCs. In an allogeneic mixed leucocyte reaction, we found that antibody‐blocking of CD70 on αDC1s from controls reduced effector cell proliferation although this could not be found when using CLL αDC1s. Nevertheless, CD70‐blocking of αDC1s from both controls and patients with CLL had a negative influence on the production of both IL‐12p70 and the Th1 cytokine IFN‐γ, while the production of the Th2 cytokine IL‐5 was enhanced. Together, this study further suggests that αDC1s should be considered as a suitable candidate for clinical antitumour vaccine strategies in patients with CLL.
Anterior cruciate ligament injury after more than 20 years. II. Concentric and eccentric knee muscle strength
Authors: Tengman E. , Brax Olofsson L. , Stensdotter A. K. , Nilsson K. G. , Häger C. K.
Published: March 2014

The long‐term consequences on knee muscle strength some decades after rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are not established. The aims of our study were to examine peak torque more than 20 years after ACL injury and to compare their knee muscle strength to that of healthy controls. We tested 70 individuals with unilateral ACL injury 23 ± 2 years after injury, whereof 33 (21 men) were treated with physiotherapy in combination with ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and 37 (23 men) with physiotherapy alone (ACLPT). These were compared with 33 age‐ and gender‐matched controls (21 men). A Kin‐Com® dynamometer (90°/s) was used to measure peak torque in knee flexion and extension in both concentric and eccentric contractions. Knee extension peak torque, concentric and eccentric, was ∼10% lower for the injured leg compared with the non‐injured leg for both ACLR (P < 0.001; P < 0.001) and ACLPT (P = 0.007; P = 0.002). The ACLPT group also showed reduced eccentric knee flexion torque of the injured leg (P = 0.008). The strength of the non‐injured leg in both ACL groups was equal to that of controls. No difference was seen for those with no‐or‐low degree of knee osteoarthritis compared to those with moderate‐to‐high degree of osteoarthritis. ACL injury may lead to a persistent reduction of peak torque in the injured leg, which needs to be considered across the lifespan.
The prevalence and impact of overuse injuries in five Norwegian sports: Application of a new surveillance method
Authors: Clarsen B. , Bahr R. , Heymans M. W. , Engedahl M. , Midtsundstad G. , Rosenlund L. , Thorsen G. , Myklebust G.
Published: March 2014

Little is known about the true extent and severity of overuse injuries in sport, largely because of methodological challenges involved in recording them. This study assessed the prevalence of overuse injuries among Norwegian athletes from five sports using a newly developed method designed specifically for this purpose. The Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire was distributed weekly by e‐mail to 45 cross‐country skiers, 98 cyclists, 50 floorball players, 55 handball players, and 65 volleyball players for 13 weeks. The prevalence of overuse problems at the shoulder, lower back, knee, and anterior thigh was monitored throughout the study and summary measures of an injury severity score derived from athletes' questionnaire responses were used to gauge the relative impact of overuse problems in each area. The area where overuse injuries had the greatest impact was the knee in volleyball where, on average, 36% of players had some form of complaint (95% CI 32–39%). Other prevalent areas included the shoulder in handball (22%, 95% CI 16–27%) the knee in cycling (23%, 95% CI 17–28%), and the knee and lower back in floorball (27%, 95% CI 24–31% and 29%, 95% CI 25–33%, respectively).
Equine orbital fractures: a review of 18 cases (2006–2013)
Authors: Gerding Joseph C. , Clode Alison , Gilger Brian C. , Montgomery Keith W.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To review the clinical features, treatments, complications, and outcomes of horses with traumatic orbital fractures.

Study design

Retrospective study.

Sample Population

Eighteen horses with confirmed orbital fractures.

Procedures

Medical records of horses presenting with orbital fractures between 2006 and 2013 were reviewed. Signalment, etiology of fracture, clinical signs, fracture descriptions, diagnostic imaging, treatments, complications, and outcomes were evaluated.

Results

Eighteen horses presented with orbital fractures resulting from rearing in a confined space (n = 5), being kicked (4), colliding with a stationary object (3), and unknown trauma (6). Radiography and computed tomography were effective at classifying fractures and evaluating sinus/nasal involvement. Epistaxis/sinusitis were associated with fractures of the zygomatic process of the temporal bone (n = 3) and comminuted fractures of multiple bones (5). Seventeen fractures required treatment, with fifteen receiving a combination of medical and surgical therapy. Surgery included reduction of large bony fragments (n = 8), removal of small fragments (12), stabilization with a wire implant (1), and sinus trephination and lavage (5). Factors contributing to a favorable outcome included: globe retention (n = 16), vision (14), comfort (15), cosmesis (9), and return to previous function (13).

Conclusions

Horses sustaining orbital fractures treated promptly with medical and surgical therapy have a favorable prognosis for return to function and cosmesis. Fractures affecting the zygomatic process of the frontal bone are unlikely to involve the sinus/nasal cavities. Epistaxis and sinusitis warrant more aggressive therapy and decrease functional and cosmetic outcome.
Should all patients be optimized to the same preoperative hemoglobin level to avoid transfusion in primary knee arthroplasty?
Authors: Basora M. , Tió M. , Martin N. , Lozano L. , Salazar F. , Sánchez‐Etayo G. , Raquel B. , Pereira A.
Published: March 2014

Background and Objective

Optimization of the preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) level is an effective way to reduce allogeneic transfusion in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) though the procedure is expensive, requires close monitoring and is often inconvenient for patients with reduced mobility. Our aim was to investigate the value of preoperative Hb levels to predict transfusion and thereby tailoring Hb optimization to patient characteristics.

Materials and Methods

All consecutive patients who undergone primary TKA in our center over 2 years, and received tranexamic acid intraoperatively, were reviewed. The adjusted association between preoperative Hb levels and transfusion was assessed by multivariate logistic regression, and the estimated probability of transfusion for individual patients was derived from the logistic model.

Results

Out of the 784 patients who meet the inclusion criteria, risk of transfusion was associated with poorer performance status, as measured by the America Association of Anestesiology (ASA) score III/IV (OR: 3·3, P < 0·001) and lower preoperative Hb level (OR 3·8 for each g/dl below 13 g/dl; P < 0·001). According to the Hb level, the estimated probability of transfusion was 0·03 (range: 0·03–0·64) for ASA I/II patients and 0·10 (range: 0·10–0·84) for ASA III/IV.

Conclusion

Not all the patients undergoing TKA who receive tranexamic acid need the same preoperative Hb optimization target. Two easily available factors, such as the ASA score and the Hb level, can help individualize the Hb optimization target.
Factors affecting fine bubble creation and bubble size for activated sludge
Authors: Alkhalidi Ammar A. T. , Amano R. S.
Published: March 2014

This paper addresses a study of air bubble creation in wastewater treatment system using both computational fluid dynamic (CFD) and experimental techniques. Based on the results found in this work, it was found that the bubble size depends on several factors such as flow rate, inlet pressure and contact angle for rubber membrane. Among these factors, it was found that the flow rate has the largest effect on the bubble size followed by membrane material contact angle. The punch size has a moderate effect on the bubble size while the punch length and punch direction have slight effect on bubble size. Finer bubbles are desired and they provide larger surface area and longer residency time which will improve the standard oxygen transfer.
Study of Novel Spring Unit for Longstroke Semi-Auto Sliding Mechanism of Information Technology Applications
Authors: Jeon Y. P. , Seo H. Y. , Kim J. D. , Kang C. G.
Published: March 2014

Currently, there is intense competition in the industry for the development of new portable handsets. Maximizing the screen size and enhancing the performance are of utmost importance for the design of contemporary cellular phones. In particular, a sliding phone has a greater number of functions than other types of cellular phones, and the screen size of a sliding phone is relatively larger. However, because the existing spring units have limitations in terms of their mechanical performance, it is impossible for the display size to be maximized by transferring shortcut buttons, called navi-keys, which are located on the same plane of the display unit. The life cycle of a sliding phone is inversely proportional to the degree of spring deformation, which in turn depends on the sliding stroke. Therefore, a long-stroke sliding mechanism was investigated, and the manufacturing process for a novel sliding spring unit was proposed without increasing the thickness of the existing cellular phone. The possibility of performing semi-auto sliding strokes (>60 mm) was verified by flatness tests, life cycle tests, and sliding-force measurements. The performance of the designed spring unit was verified by carrying out reliability tests such as life cycle tests under the condition that the number of strokes was more than 100,000 and measurement tests to check whether the sliding force exceeded 250 gf.
Numerical and Theoretical Investigations of Flow in a Microcone and Plate Viscometer
Authors: Bataineh Khaled
Published: March 2014

The slip flow of fluid in a microcone-plate viscometer has been considered. The first-order slip boundary condition is applied. A slip flow primary solution corresponding to unidirectional flow has been obtained. By ignoring all the convective terms and assuming a small gap angle, another closed-form solution called zeroth-order solution for slip flow is obtained. Previous investigations of the flow in the cone and plate did not consider the slip conditions at the solid-fluid interfacial boundary. Slip flow is also numerically studied in a microcone and plate viscometer. The accuracy of the two solutions is assessed by comparing their results with numerical solutions obtained by solving the full Navier–Stokes equation. The primary solution does not completely describe the flow in microcone and plate, and some deviations are found. On the other hand, the zeroth-order solution perfectly predicted the slip and no-slip flow in the inner region. A slip factor that takes into account spatial distribution yields a perfect match between the zeroth-order solution and numerical solution. On the other hand, analytical zeroth-order solution for outer region does not agree with the numerical work, and we should rely on the numerical solution. Taking a realistic range of slip length resulting from actual devices, numerical and theoretical results show that the differences in viscosity measurements between considering slip and no-slip are significant.
The Meaning of John Key
Authors: Devadas Vijay , Nicholls Brett
Published: March 2014

The aim of this paper is not to present some kind of special biographical insight into John Key, Prime Minister of New Zealand and leader of the National Party. The making of the man narrative is by now well worn, and we readily admit that we do not know what psychological processes motivate John Key. Unlike much of the news media, we do not hold the view that the character and interior world of the private individual directly explains the very public space of political statements and activity. This is not to say, of course, that there is no such thing as personal style, or a predisposition to particular ways of doing things, or a set of beliefs that might engender specific commitments. It is to say that the interior worlds of politicians, which are no doubt interesting in some cases, ultimately don't tell us very much about the assemblages in which politicians and contemporary government operate.
Our stadium of four million
Authors: Begg Anne
Published: March 2014

In 2009, Prime Minister John Key announced that 2011 would be a milestone year for New Zealand, as it hosted one of the world’s biggest sports events, the Rugby World Cup.1 He also stated “the New Zealand Government is proud to be a key partner with Rugby World Cup Ltd in staging Rugby World Cup 2011 here in our Stadium of Four Million”.2 In an era of neoliberal globalization and media spectacle, the hosting of such a sporting mega-event is seen as all positive, as an integral component of a sound national development strategy and as a guarantee of perceived economic benefits, especially in terms of brand building, tourism and place marketing. Reference to ‘perceived economic benefits’ is important here, because the host country pays for the privilege of staging such an event, and it is only through the promise of potential, future benefits that the cost to local and state authorities can be justified.
Evoking 'New Zealandness': representations of nationalism during the (New Zealand) 2011 Rugby World Cup
Authors: Sturm Damion , Lealand Geoff
Published: March 2014

From the moment at the International Rugby Board (IRB) meeting in Dublin in November 2005, when it was announced that New Zealand would be the host nation for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, it was clear this event was not just about a series of games, semi-finals and a winner. It was to be a grand event for New Zealand, which was as much about financial returns, visitor numbers and showcasing New Zealand to the rest of the world—and hopefully getting exposure beyond the usual rugby-watching nations, which can be described as ‘international’ but not necessarily ‘global’. Our article explores the representations of ‘New Zealandness’ that were evoked by holding this host nation status. However, rather the rugby itself, it is the mediated moments, nationalistic communal rituals, ancillary events and the (trans)national promotional cultures of corporate sponsors that coalesced around New Zealand and forms of nation-building that are our prime focus.
Earth observing media and environmental crisis: New Zealand 2011
Authors: Russill Chris
Published: March 2014

On 25 February, Google released satellite images of Christchurch acquired days after the 2011 earthquake. Google obtained the imagery from GeoEye, a paramilitary commercial satellite company, with which it has an exclusive agreement to digitally map data transmitted from the GeoEye-1 satellite for online circulation. Disseminated globally via press release, Google included several “before and after” images of Christchurch taken March 2009 and February 24, 2011. Geo-Eye-1 images were also used on the “Google Crisis Response” page established to aid emergency response in Christchurch, with information overlain graphically on a Google Map of the affected area (depicting shelters, water tanker deliveries, operating medical centers, open supermarkets and pharmacies, payphones, and geographic areas with working electricity).
The media event: the future of television in New Zealand
Authors: Beattie Bronwyn E.
Published: March 2014

With the fragmentation of the audience in the digital mediascape, television broadcasters are looking for ways to strengthen their brand and secure strong ratings. This article argues that media events, especially news events, are used by television broadcasters to promote journalistic cultural authority. The core elements of the media event genre (liveness, immediacy, intimacy, dramatic imagery) match the values of the medium, making the news event particularly powerful in its effect. Because of this alignment between medium and genre, and the genre’s ability to attract large audiences, media events demonstrate the relevance of television as a broadcast medium and therefore its potential longevity within the digital mediascape. The Christchurch Earthquake on 22 February 2011 is used as a case study to reveal how TVNZ and TV3 pursued brand recognition through the journalistic cultural authority they could obtain by providing prompt, dramatic and informative rolling coverage to their audiences.
One black friday: another look at the Queen Street Riot
Authors: Mitchell Tony
Published: March 2014

In the crowd nobody commands by right, and in the crowd no new strings of command are formed but all of the old ones are got rid of for the time being ... it is not the fragility of objects which attracts crowd violence (the crowd is not brutal), but rather the noise of broken glass, which represents ‘fresh life’; windows and doors are broken by the crowd as ‘boundaries’, obstacles to growth (McClelland 301, 307).
Introduction: New Zealand/Aotearoa 2011 - Politics, Disaster, Spectacle
Authors: Devadas Vijay , Nicholls Brett
Published: March 2014

Things got really bad in New Zealand this year.
Neoliberalism, media and the return of Brash
Authors: Phelan Sean
Published: March 2014

Kiwi or Iwi?
Testing Measurement Invariance Across Spanish and English Versions of the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire: An Application of Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Tomás Inés , Marsh Herbert W. , González-Romá Vicente , Valls Víctor , Nagengast Benjamin
Published: March 2014

Test of measurement invariance across translated versions of questionnaires is a critical prerequisite to comparing scores on the different versions. In this study, we used exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) as an alternative approach to evaluate the measurement invariance of the Spanish version of the Physical Self-Description Questionnaire (PSDQ). The two versions were administered to large samples of Australian and Spanish adolescents. First, we compared the CFA and ESEM approaches and showed that ESEM fitted the data much better and resulted in substantially more differentiated factors. We then tested measurement invariance with a 13-model ESEM taxonomy. Results justified using the Spanish version of the PSDQ to carry out cross-cultural comparisons in sport and exercise psychology research. Overall, the study can stimulate research on physical self-concept across countries and foster better cross-cultural comparisons.
Sources of Self-Efficacy and Coach/Instructor Behaviors Underlying Relation-Inferred Self-Efficacy (RISE) in Recreational Youth Sport
Authors: Saville Paul D. , Bray Steven R. , Ginis Kathleen A. Martin , Cairney John , Marinoff-Shupe Deborah , Pettit Andrew
Published: March 2014

Interpersonal feedback from coaches may be instrumental in the formation of children’s self-efficacy to learn or perform sport skills. We report on two studies that explored perceived sources of self-efficacy and relation-inferred self-efficacy (RISE) in one-on-one interviews with sport camp participants (N = 61; ages 7–12) and focus groups with recreational league participants (N = 28; ages 8–12). Participants’ responses indicated that prior experiences and socially constructed interactions contributed to the development of self-efficacy and RISE beliefs. Results support Bandura’s (1997) theorizing that self-efficacy is developed through processing of experiential feedback as well as Lent and Lopez’s (2002) tripartite theory proposing interpersonal feedback from influential others contributes to children’s RISE and self-efficacy.
Habits Predict Physical Activity on Days When Intentions Are Weak
Authors: Rebar Amanda L. , Elavsky Steriani , Maher Jaclyn P. , Doerksen Shawna E. , Conroy David E.
Published: March 2014

Physical activity is regulated by controlled processes, such as intentions, and automatic processes, such as habits. Intentions relate to physical activity more strongly for people with weak habits than for people with strong habits, but people’s intentions vary day by day. Physical activity may be regulated by habits unless daily physical activity intentions are strong. University students (N = 128) self-reported their physical activity habit strength and subsequently self-reported daily physical activity intentions and wore an accelerometer for 14 days. On days when people had intentions that were weaker than typical for them, habit strength was positively related to physical activity, but on days when people had typical or stronger intentions than was typical for them, habit strength was unrelated to daily physical activity. Efforts to promote physical activity may need to account for habits and the dynamics of intentions.
What Little Do We Know: Content Analysis of Disability Sport in Sport Management Literature
Authors: Shapiro Deborah R. , Pitts Brenda G.
Published: March 2014

As the field of sport business management develops, it is critical to assess its literature. A content analysis of 34 sport business management journals between 2002 to 2012 was conducted relative to sports, physical activity, recreation, and leisure for individuals with disabilities. Journals were selected based on their alignment with sport management curriculum standards. Results show that of the 5,443 articles reviewed in this study, merely 89, or .016%, pertained to disability sport, leisure, recreation, or physical activity. Information insufficiency was found across all sport management curriculum domains. Similarities and differences are discussed relative to other content analyses conducted in sport management and disability sport. Results provide direction for future scholarship and advancement of studies in disability sport in sport business management.
Chest pain in a young patient: an unusual complication of Epstein-Barr virus
Authors: Raman Lavanya , Rathod Krishnaraj Sinhji , Banka Rajesh
Published: March 2014

A 29-year-old man presented with sudden left-sided pleuritic chest pain on a background of sore throat during the preceding week. On examination he had tender cervical lymphadenopathy, he was tachycardic and had a 24 mm Hg blood pressure difference between the left and right arms. Bloods revealed deranged liver function tests and a lymphocytosis. His D-dimer was raised, hence he was treated for presumed pulmonary embolism before imaging was available. Monospot test was positive. He subsequently had both a CT pulmonary angiogram and a CT angiogram of the aorta to exclude pulmonary embolism and aortic dissection. The CT revealed splenomegaly with a large subdiaphragmatic haematoma secondary to splenic rupture. This had likely caused referred pain through diaphragmatic irritation. He was taken to theatre for urgent splenectomy. The unifying diagnosis was infectious mononucleosis complicated by spontaneous splenic rupture secondary to Epstein-Barr virus infection.
Chest pain with raised troponin, ECG changes but normal coronary arteries
Authors: Amjad Ayesha , Ali Amjad , Bashir Ahmed , Ali Muhammed , Azam Muhammad Najeeb
Published: March 2014

A 65-year-old woman presented to A&E department, with acute onset central chest pain and dyspnoea. ECG showed dynamic T wave changes while 12 h troponin was elevated. A diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome was made and she underwent an inpatient coronary angiogram. Although her coronary arteries were normal, symptoms persisted and D-dimers were found to be elevated. This led to a CT pulmonary angiogram, which ruled out pulmonary embolism, but uncovered a large ascending aortic aneurysm with a contained leak. She was immediately transferred to regional cardiothoracic unit for urgent surgical intervention. This case report illustrates the importance of a good clinical history, physical examination and timely investigations. It also emphasises that not all chest pain events with elevated troponin level are due to acute coronary syndrome and that alternative diagnoses should still be considered.
Severe facial swelling in a pregnant woman after using hair dye
Authors: van Genderen Michel E , Carels Ginette , Lonnee Edward R , Dees Adriaan
Published: March 2014

A 33-year-old Caucasian pregnant woman (26 weeks’ gestation) presented to the emergency department. She had a 2-day history of severe itching of the scalp and steadily worsening swelling of the face over the previous 12 h, which had extended to the neck. She had no difficulty breathing. The itching and swelling had developed 3 days after she had used hair dye. The patient had no history of allergic responses to hair dye or black henna tattoos. A diagnosis of type IV delayed hypersensitivity reaction was made. Permanent hair dyes are the most frequently used professional hair dyes and are most commonly based on paraphenylenediamine (PPD) or related chemicals. PPD is known to be one of the most potent allergens which cause allergic contact dermatitis. After treatment with intravenous antihistamines and steroids, the facial swelling reduced and the patient had completely recovered by the following day.
Incidental ‘ethmoid sinolith’—an unusual cause of frontal recess obstruction
Authors: Nayak Dipak Ranjan , Bhandarkar Ajay M , Valiathan Manna , VVK Sandeep
Published: March 2014

We report a case of a middle aged, hypertensive man who presented with nasal obstruction, sneezing spells, headache and nasal discharge of long duration. On evaluation, he was diagnosed to have a deviated nasal septum with allergic rhinosinusitis with sinonasal polyposis. CT of the paranasal sinuses revealed a hyperdense, oval structure suggestive of a sinolith in the right anterior ethmoid sinus. The patient underwent septoplasty with right Draf 2B procedure and extraction of the sinolith from the ethmoid sinus.
The electrical resistivity of Canada’s lithosphere and correlation with other parameters: contributions from Lithoprobe and other programmes
Authors: Jones Alan G. , Ledo Juanjo , Ferguson Ian J. , Craven James A. , Unsworth Martyn J. , Chouteau Michel , Spratt Jessica E.
Published: March 2014

Over the last 30 years, through Lithoprobe and other programmes, modern, high-quality magnetotelluric (MT) measurements probing deep into the lithosphere and underlying asthenosphere have been made at over 6000 sites across Canada in all provinces and territories, except Nova Scotia. Some regions are well covered, particularly Alberta, southern British Columbia, and western Ontario, whereas others remain poorly covered, such as Quebec and large swaths of Nunavut. Prior publications from individual studies have added significantly to the wealth of Canada’s geoscience knowledge, and have demonstrated that MT can contribute significantly to understanding of the tectonic processes that have shaped Canada. However, to date no continent-scale maps of lithospheric electrical parameters have been constructed from the extensive MT database. Herein we review the contributions made by the MT components of Lithoprobe, and present new continental-scale maps of various electrical parameters at crustal and upper mantle depths for the whole of Canada. From those maps, combined with regional estimates of temperature, we develop derivative information on petrological–geophysical properties, including predictions of temperature and water content. We find that at 100 km depth the Canadian Shield is cold and dry, and the Cordillera is warmer but mostly dry, i.e., little water is present in the peridotite. Exceptions are beneath the Prairies, the Wopmay Orogen, and northeast Nunavut where there does appear to be water in the nominally anhydrous minerals. Also, southwest British Columbia appears colder than the rest of the Cordillera due to the subducting Juan de Fuca plate. In contrast, at 200 km depth almost all of Canada is dry.