bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Photobiomodulation Affects Key Cellular Pathways of all Life‐Forms: Considerations on Old and New Laser Light Targets and the Calcium Issue
Authors: Amaroli Andrea , Ferrando Sara , Benedicenti Stefano
Published: October 2018

After 50 years of studies on photobiomodulation (PBM), there is still so much to investigate to understand the laser light‐nonplant cells interactions. The current scientific knowledge allows to say that the phenomena induced by PBM are based on cellular pathways that are the key points of cell life. The mitochondria chromophores, also present on the bacterial membrane, the calcium channels, ion that regulates the life‐and‐death cellular processes, as well as the TRP family, whose genes have been found in protozoa and suggest that its basic mechanism evolved long before the appearance of animals, seem to be elective targets in photobiomodulatory events by wavelengths from 600 up to 980 nm. The ambiguous resulting cellular communication way, mediated by ATP, ROS and/or calcium, leads to cell manipulation, which modifies its metabolism and whose response connects all life‐forms from bacteria to vertebrates. Because of the Giano‐Bifronte features of ROS and calcium, as well as the fine balance of energetic mitochondrial processes, whose alteration is responsible for several diseases, the PBM can show unpredictable results and it requires scrupulous approach to avoid cellular damages. However, when carefully applied, PBM is able to improve nonhealthy cell's responses and represents a reliable support in human and veterinary medicine.
An Emerging Geography of the Agrarian Question: Spatial Analysis as a Tool for Identifying the New American Agrarianism
Authors: Flachs Andrew , Abel Matthew
Published: October 2018

Karl Kautsky’s Agrarian Question remains a useful lens for analyzing the relationship between small and large agricultural producers under the conditions of industrial capitalism. The U.S. agricultural census provides an opportunity to identify socioeconomic, demographic, and agricultural factors associated with new and alternative farming at the county level, and then analyze these for spatial patterns within a geographic information system. By associating these county‐level indicators with a crowd‐sourced USDA directory of farmers’ markets as a proxy for local demand, we identified four hot spots of new American agriculture: The West Coast, central Texas and Oklahoma, central Florida, and the Great Lakes region. Furthermore, we show that these areas have been growing since 1997. An additional farmer hot spot in central Appalachia diminished after 1997 and finally disappeared in 2012. We argue that spatial analysis is a tool for defining new agrarian landscapes, observing geographic and social shifts in small, alternative farming, and conducting more focused ethnographic research.
Effect of pedogenesis on the stable isotopic composition of calcretes and n‐alkanes: Implications for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction
Authors: Sarangi Vijayananda , Kumar Anurag , Sanyal Prasanta
Published: October 2018

In a fluvial system, depending on sub‐aerial exposure, non‐pedogenic pond calcretes can be modified into pedogenic calcretes. The present study attempts to understand the effect of sub‐aerial exposure and pedogenesis on calcretes using carbon and oxygen isotopic composition. For this purpose, two profiles (profile‐A and profile‐B) from the same stratigraphic level in Rayka from the western part of India were selected. The profiles are separated by a distance of 500 m and showed differences in calcrete characteristics. In profile‐A, the calcretes showed pedogenic features (root traces and void filling spar) whereas calcretes in profile‐B showed non‐pedogenic characteristics (fine laminations). However, some of the calcretes in profile‐A exhibited remnants of fine laminations suggesting that initially the calcretes had a non‐pedogenic origin but were modified due to pedogenesis. In profile‐A, the carbon and oxygen isotope values of pedogenic calcrete (δ13CPC and δ18OPC) showed more variation compared with non‐pedogenic pond calcretes (δ13CSPC and δ18OSPC) in profile‐B. The δ13CPC and δ13CSPC values exhibited a spread of 3·0‰ and 1·3‰, respectively, and δ18OPC and δ18OSPC values showed a spread of 2·3‰ and 1·3‰, respectively. The differences in the isotopic composition between the two profiles suggest that pedogenesis controlled the isotopic inheritance in calcretes. In addition, the carbon isotopic composition of organic matter (δ13COM) and n‐alkanes (δ13Cn‐alk) that forms the basis of palaeovegetational reconstruction have also been measured to understand the effect of pedogenesis on organic matter in both of the profiles. The average δ13COM values in profile‐A and profile‐B are −23·4‰ and −21·1‰, respectively. The disparity in δ13COM values is a result of the difference in the sources and preservation of organic matter. However, the δ13Cn‐alk values show a similar trend in profile‐A and profile‐B, indicating that sources of n‐alkanes are the same in both of the profiles and δ13Cn‐alk values are unaffected by the pedogenic modifications.
Cryopreservation of buffy coat–derived platelet concentrates photochemically treated with amotosalen and UVA light
Authors: Meinke Stephan , Wikman Agneta , Gryfelt Gunilla , Hultenby Kjell , Uhlin Michael , Höglund Petter , Sandgren Per
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Cryopreserved platelets (CPPs) are considered a promising approach for extended platelet storage, bridging inventory shortages of conventionally stored platelets. It is unknown if platelet concentrates exposed to photochemical treatment (PCT) with amotosalen and ultraviolet A (UVA) light, to inactivate pathogens, are suitable for freezing. The objective of this study was to analyze potential effects of PCT on CPPs as compared with untreated CPPs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 12 PCT‐treated and 12 untreated platelet units from buffy coats were cryopreserved at −80°C in 5% dimethyl sulfoxide. CPPs of both types were rapidly thawed at 37°C and resuspended in 200 mL fresh plasma. In vitro properties were analyzed prefreezing, postfreezing and thawing, and on Day 1 after thawing.

RESULTS

Directly after thawing, no major differences in platelet content, lactase hydrogenase, adenosine triphosphate, mitochondrial membrane potential, CD62P, CD42b, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule were seen between PCT‐CPPs and conventional CPPs. Agonist‐induced PAC‐1 expression and contribution of CPPs to blood coagulation in an experimental rotational thromboelastometry setup were also similar between the groups. On Day 1 after thawing, the CPPs of both types performed less well. The PCT‐CPPs tended to be more affected by the freezing process than the conventional CPPs.

CONCLUSIONS

PCT‐CPPs appeared slightly more susceptible to lesion effects by freezing than conventional CPPs, in particular in assays on Day 1 after thawing, but these differences were small relative to the dramatic effects of the freezing process itself.
Distribution of hepatitis A antibodies in US blood donors
Authors: Tejada‐Strop Alexandra , Zafrullah Mohammad , Kamili Saleem , Stramer Susan L. , Purdy Michael A.
Published: October 2018

BACKGROUND

Recently, there has been an increase in the number of hepatitis A outbreaks in the United States. Although the presence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) RNA in blood donors is known to be low, HAV antibody prevalence in this population is unknown.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Samples from 5001 US blood donors collected primarily in the midwestern United States in 2015 were tested for the presence of HAV IgG antibodies using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays on the ARCHITECT platform (Abbott Laboratories).

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of IgG anti‐HAV was 60%. Only one specimen was IgM anti‐HAV positive, for an incidence of 0.02%. IgG anti‐HAV prevalence among donors aged 16 to 19 years was 67%, decreased to 54% among donors aged 40 to 49 years and increased to 70% among donors aged 80 to 93 years. No differences were seen by sex with overall IgG anti‐HAV prevalence of 61% and 60% for males and females, respectively. Among the five states (Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, and Missouri) with the highest number of donors tested, IgG anti‐HAV prevalence in Missouri (65%) was significantly higher (p <0.01) than that in Illinois (52%) or Kentucky (59%). No other significant differences between states were noted.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the overall high rates of IgG anti‐HAV in US blood donors, with the low associated risk of HAV transfusion transmission likely the result of low incidence and effective vaccination.
Fear of Childbirth, Postpartum Depression, and Birth‐Related Variables as Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder After Childbirth
Authors: Çapik Ayla , Durmaz Hatice
Published: October 2018

Background

Childbirth may be a significant cause of postpartum posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women.

Aims

The objective of this study is to examine the effect of fear of childbirth, postpartum depression, and certain birth‐related variables on postpartum PTSD.

Methods

This study is a cross‐sectional study. The study was carried out in a maternity hospital nonstress unit between December 1, 2015, and February 29, 2016. Three hundred and one pregnant women who met the criteria for inclusion in the study made up the research sample.

Results

Fear of childbirth and postpartum depression significantly and positively predicted the level of posttraumatic stress after childbirth (β = 0.17, p < .01; β = 0.68, p < .001). Fear of childbirth explains 3% of the total variance in posttraumatic stress (R2 = .03, adjusted R2 = .02, F = 7.141, p < .01), while postpartum depression explains 47% of it (R2 = .47, adjusted R2 = .46, F = 196.35, p < .001). Satisfaction with the attitudes of the medical staff during childbirth, defining the childbirth experience, and the state of experiencing postpartum problems by the mother are significant predictors of postpartum posttraumatic stress (β = −0.21, p < .01; β = −0.14, p < .05; β = 0.17, p < .01). When these three variables are addressed together, they explain 14% of the total variance (R2 = .14, adjusted R2 = .13, F = 9.33, p < .001).

Linking Evidence to Action

Postpartum PTSD is a situation that must be carefully emphasized in terms of maternal, baby, and family health. For this reason, it is necessary to evaluate postpartum PTSD more quickly and objectively, and healthcare providers have major duties in this respect.
Effect of Circumferential Location of Radial Injection on Rotordynamic Performance of Hybrid Air Foil Bearings
Authors: Yazdi Behzad Zamanian , Kim Daejong
Published: October 2018

Air foil bearings (AFBs) are introduced as promising bearings for oil-free turbomachinery applications. AFBs provide reliable operation at high speed and high temperature with negligible power loss. Hybrid air foil bearing (HAFB) technology utilizes the radial injection of externally pressurized air into the traditional hydrodynamic AFB's film thickness through orifices attached to the top foil. Previous studies have reported enhancement in the rotordynamic stability of HAFBs compared to traditional hydrodynamic AFBs. HAFBs have several orifices distributed in the circumferential direction. In this study, the effect of the circumferential location of radial injection on the rotordynamic performance of the rotor-HAFB is studied. Analytical and experimental evaluations of the rotordynamic performance of a rotor supported by two single-pad HAFBs are presented. Parametric studies are conducted using three sets of single-pad HAFBs. The circumferential locations of orifices are different for each set. The presented simulation analyses consist of time-domain orbit simulation and frequency-domain modal analysis. Imbalance responses of rotor-HAFB were measured with various orifice locations and the results agree well with predictions. Comparison of the rotordynamic performance of HAFBs with different orifice configurations demonstrates substantial improvement in rotordynamic stability as well as enhancement in the stiffness and damping coefficients of HAFBs by choosing the best circumferential location for radial injection to control rotor eccentricity and attitude angle.
Thermo-Mechanical Modeling of Abradable Coating Wear in Aircraft Engines
Authors: Nyssen Florence , Batailly Alain
Published: October 2018

In modern turbomachine designs, the nominal clearances between rotating bladed-disks and their surrounding casing are reduced to improve aerodynamic performances of the engine. This clearance reduction increases the risk of contacts between components and may lead to hazardous interaction phenomena. A common technical solution to mitigate such interactions consists in the deposition of an abradable coating along the casing inner surface. This enhances the engine efficiency while ensuring operational safety. However, contact interactions between blade tips and an abradable layer may yield unexpected wear removal phenomena. The aim of this work is to investigate the numerical modeling of thermal effects within the abradable layer during contact interactions and compare it with experimental data. A dedicated thermal finite element mesh is employed. At each time-step, a weak thermo-mechanical coupling is assumed: thermal effects affect the mechanics of the system, but the mechanical deformation of the elements has no effect on temperatures. Weak coupling is well appropriated in the case of rapid dynamics using small time-step and explicit resolution schemes. Moreover, only heat transfer by conduction is considered in this work. To reduce computational times, a coarser spatial discretization is used for the thermal mesh comparing to the mechanical one. The time-step used to compute the temperature evolution is larger than the one used for the mechanical iterations since the time constant of thermal effect is larger than contact events. The proposed numerical modeling strategy is applied on an industrial blade to analyze the impact of thermal effects on the blade's dynamics.
Improvement of Steam Turbine Stage Efficiency by Controlling Rotor Shroud Leakage Flows—Part II: Effect of Axial Distance Between a Swirl Breaker and a Rotor Shroud on Efficiency Improvement
Authors: Duan Chongfei , Fukushima Hisataka , Segewa Kiyoshi , Shibata Takanori , Fujii Hidetoshi
Published: October 2018

The basic principle of a distinct idea to reduce an aerodynamic mixing loss induced by the difference in tangential velocity between mainstream flow and rotor shroud leakage flow is presented in “Part I: Design Concept and Typical Performance of a Swirl Breaker.” When the swirl breaker is installed in the circulating region of leakage flow at the rotor shroud exit cavity, the axial distance between the swirl breaker and the rotor shroud is a crucial factor to trap the leakage flow into the swirl breaker cavity. In Part II, five cases of geometry with different axial distances between the swirl breaker and the rotor shroud, which covered a range for the stage axial distance of actual high and intermediate pressure (HIP) steam turbines, were investigated using a single-rotor computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis and verification tests in a 1.5-stage air model turbine. By decreasing the axial distance between the swirl breaker and the rotor shroud, the tangential velocity and the mixing region in the tip side which is influenced by the rotor shroud leakage flow were decreased and the stage efficiency was increased. The case of the shortest axial distance between the swirl breaker and the rotor shroud increased turbine stage efficiency by 0.7% compared to the conventional cavity geometry. In addition, the measured maximum pressure fluctuation in the swirl breaker cavity was only 0.7% of the entire flow pressure. Consequently, both performance characteristics and structural reliability of swirl breaker were verified for application to real steam turbines.
Quantification and Propagation of Uncertainties in Identification of Flame Impulse Response for Thermoacoustic Stability Analysis
Authors: Guo Shuai , Silva Camilo F. , Ghani Abdulla , Polifke Wolfgang
Published: October 2018

The thermoacoustic behavior of a combustion system can be determined numerically via acoustic tools such as Helmholtz solvers or network models coupled with a model for the flame dynamic response. Within such a framework, the flame response to flow perturbations can be described by a finite impulse response (FIR) model, which can be derived from large eddy simulation (LES) time series via system identification. However, the estimated FIR model will inevitably contain uncertainties due to, e.g., the statistical nature of the identification process, low signal-to-noise ratio, or finite length of time series. Thus, a necessary step toward reliable thermoacoustic stability analysis is to quantify the impact of uncertainties in FIR model on the growth rate of thermoacoustic modes. There are two practical considerations involved in this topic. First, how to efficiently propagate uncertainties from the FIR model to the modal growth rate of the system, considering it is a high dimensional uncertainty quantification (UQ) problem? Second, since longer computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation time generally leads to less uncertain FIR model identification, how to determine the length of the CFD simulation required to obtain satisfactory confidence? To address the two issues, a dimensional reduction UQ methodology called “Active subspace approach (ASA)” is employed in the present study. For the first question, ASA is applied to exploit a low-dimensional approximation of the original system, which allows accelerated UQ analysis. Good agreement with Monte Carlo analysis demonstrates the accuracy of the method. For the second question, a procedure based on ASA is proposed, which can serve as an indicator for terminating CFD simulation. The effectiveness of the procedure is verified in the paper.
A Reduced Order Model for Nonlinear Dynamics of Mistuned Bladed Disks With Shroud Friction Contacts
Authors: Mehrdad Pourkiaee S. , Zucca Stefano
Published: October 2018

A new reduced order modeling technique for nonlinear vibration analysis of mistuned bladed disks with shrouds is presented. The developed reduction technique employs two component mode synthesis methods, namely, the Craig-Bampton (CB) method followed by a modal synthesis based on loaded interface (LI) modeshapes (Benfield and Hruda). In the new formulation, the fundamental sector is divided into blade and disk components. The CB method is applied to the blade, where nodes lying on shroud contact surfaces and blade–disk interfaces are retained as master nodes, while modal reductions are performed on the disk sector with LIs. The use of LI component modes allows removing the blade–disk interface nodes from the set of master nodes retained in the reduced model. The result is a much more reduced order model (ROM) with no need to apply any secondary reduction. In the paper, it is shown that the ROM of the mistuned bladed disk can be obtained with only single-sector calculation, so that the full finite element model of the entire bladed disk is not necessary. Furthermore, with the described approach, it is possible to introduce the blade frequency mistuning directly into the reduced model. The nonlinear forced response is computed using the harmonic balance method and alternating frequency/time domain approach. Numerical simulations revealed the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of the new developed technique for nonlinear vibration analysis of mistuned bladed disks with shroud friction contacts.
Upgrading traditional liquid electrolyte via in situ gelation for future lithium metal batteries
Authors: Liu Feng-Quan , Wang Wen-Peng , Yin Ya-Xia , Zhang Shuai-Feng , Shi Ji-Lei , Wang Lu , Zhang Xu-Dong , Zheng Yue , Zhou Jian-Jun , Li Lin , Guo Yu-Guo
Published: October 2018

In situ gelation adds fresh potential for conventional liquid electrolytes in applications to lithium metal batteries.
Secondary building units as the turning point in the development of the reticular chemistry of MOFs
Authors: Kalmutzki Markus J. , Hanikel Nikita , Yaghi Omar M.
Published: October 2018

The SBU approach facilitated the development of permanently porous MOFs with unique properties, chemistry, and applications.
Kinetic approach to superconductivity hidden behind a competing order
Authors: Oike Hiroshi , Kamitani Manabu , Tokura Yoshinori , Kagawa Fumitaka
Published: October 2018

Nonvolatile and reversible switching of superconductivity has been demonstrated with electric pulses.
Emergence of immunoregulatory Ym1
+
Ly6C
hi
monocytes during recovery phase of tissue injury
Authors: Ikeda Naoki , Asano Kenichi , Kikuchi Kenta , Uchida Yoshimi , Ikegami Hiroki , Takagi Ryo , Yotsumoto Satoshi , Shibuya Takumi , Makino-Okamura Chieko , Fukuyama Hidehiro , Watanabe Takashi , Ohmuraya Masaki , Araki Kimi , Nishitai Gen , Tanaka Masato
Published: October 2018

Ym1
+
Ly6C
hi
monocytes arise in bone marrow during the recovery phase of inflammation and participate in tissue repair.
The cysteinyl leukotriene 3 receptor regulates expansion of IL-25–producing airway brush cells leading to type 2 inflammation
Authors: Bankova Lora G. , Dwyer Daniel F. , Yoshimoto Eri , Ualiyeva Saltanat , McGinty John W. , Raff Hannah , von Moltke Jakob , Kanaoka Yoshihide , Frank Austen K. , Barrett Nora A.
Published: October 2018

The leukotriene E
4
receptor, CysLT
3
R, regulates allergen-elicited expansion of airway brush cells and type 2 inflammation.
Lipase Precursor-Like Protein Promotes Miltefosine Tolerance in Leishmania donovani by Enhancing Parasite Infectivity and Eliciting Anti-inflammatory Responses in Host Macrophages
Authors: Deep Deepak Kumar , Singh Ruchi , Kulshrestha Arpita , Wajid Saima , Salotra Poonam
Published: October 2018

The oral drug miltefosine (MIL) was introduced in the Indian subcontinent in the year 2002 for the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). However, recent reports on its declining efficacy and increasing relapse rates pose a serious concern.
Competitive Fitness of Essential Gene Knockdowns Reveals a Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Inhibitor of the Cell Division Protein FtsZ
Authors: Hogan Andrew M. , Scoffone Viola C. , Makarov Vadim , Gislason April S. , Tesfu Haben , Stietz Maria S. , Brassinga Ann Karen C. , Domaratzki Michael , Li Xuan , Azzalin Alberto , Biggiogera Marco , Riabova Olga , Monakhova Natalia , Chiarelli Laurent R. , Riccardi Giovanna , Buroni Silvia , Cardona Silvia T.
Published: October 2018

To streamline the elucidation of antibacterial compounds’ mechanism of action, comprehensive high-throughput assays interrogating multiple putative targets are necessary. However, current chemogenomic approaches for antibiotic target identification have not fully utilized the multiplexing potential of next-generation sequencing.
Two Regulators, PA3898 and PA2100, Modulate the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Multidrug Resistance MexAB-OprM and EmrAB Efflux Pumps and Biofilm Formation
Authors: Heacock-Kang Yun , Sun Zhenxin , Zarzycki-Siek Jan , Poonsuk Kanchana , McMillan Ian A. , Chuanchuen Rungtip , Hoang Tung T.
Published: October 2018

It is generally believed that the
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
biofilm matrix itself acts as a molecular sieve or sink that contributes to significant levels of drug resistance, but it is becoming more apparent that multidrug efflux pumps induced during biofilm growth significantly enhance resistance levels. We present here a novel transcriptional regulator, PA3898, which controls biofilm formation and multidrug efflux pumps in
P. aeruginosa
.
The Expanding Molecular Genetics Tool Kit in Chlamydia
Authors: Valdivia Raphael H. , Bastidas Robert J.
Published: October 2018

Chlamydia
has emerged as an important model system for the study of host pathogen interactions, in part due to a resurgence in the development of tools for its molecular genetic manipulation. An additional tool, published by Keb et al.
Outcomes of cataract surgery performed by non-physician cataract surgeons in remote North Cameroon
Authors: Fortané Magali , Bensaid Philippe , Resnikoff Serge , Seini Kali , Landreau Nathalie , Paugam Jean-Michel , Nagot Nicolas , Mura Thibault , Serrand Chris , Villain Max , Daien Vincent
Published: October 2018

Objective

To report the outcomes of cataract surgery performed by non-physician cataract surgeons due to lack of ophthalmologists in remote areas of North Cameroon.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

The main centre of the non-governmental organisation Ophtalmo Sans Frontières in Lagdo.

Participants and interventions

Age-related cataract surgery performed between 28 November 2016 and 17 May 2017.

Main outcomes measures

The main outcome measure was presenting visual acuity (PVA) 1–4 weeks after surgery, classified according to the WHO as good (PVA ≥6/18), borderline (PVA 6/60–6/18) and poor (PVA <6/60). The WHO definition of blindness (visual acuity <3/60) and severe visual acuity (visual acuity 3/60–6/60) was used to assess the proportion of patients with a change in WHO category.

Results

We included 474 eyes of 474 patients; the mean (SD) age was 63.9 (15) years (42.2% female). At 1–4 weeks after surgery, the surgical outcome was good for 170 patients (41.1%), borderline for 213 (51.5%) and poor for 31 (7.5%). In all, 224 patients (47.2%) had blindness or severe visual impairment before cataract surgery and 22 (5.3%) at 1–4 weeks after surgery. Poor visual outcome was associated with older age (p=0.018), preoperative blindness or severe impairment (p=0.012) and surgical complications (p=0.019).

Conclusion

Blindness and severe visual impairment were significantly decreased in the early postoperative period. Poor outcomes were associated with older age, low preoperative binocular visual acuity and intraoperative complications. Non-physician cataract surgeons may compensate for the lack of ophthalmologists in remote areas of low-income and middle-income countries.
10-year follow-up after standardised treatment for Achilles tendinopathy
Authors: Johannsen Finn , Jensen Signe , Wetke Eva
Published: October 2018

Background

Achilles tendinopathy is a common and often long-lasting injury. We present a 10-year follow-up on a pragmatic study on Achilles tendinopathy treated with controlled exercises supplemented with corticosteroid injections if necessary in order to continue training.

Methods

All patients who completed the original study (n=93) were invited for a 10-year follow-up. 83% participated. Patients were evaluated with ultrasound scanning (n=58) and with a questionnaire (n=77) using the same outcome measures as in the primary study. The 10-year overall outcome on a 4-point scale (excellent, good, fair, poor), other treatments and adverse event and present activity level were recorded.

Results

Excellent outcome was reported in 63% and good outcome in 27%. 76% reported an activity level at 75%–100% of preinjury level. The average Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles score for all patients was 84 (SD 19). 16% had surgery. Three ruptures occurred 5–8 years after the primary study. The improvement from entry to 6 months in the primary study was maintained until 10-year follow-up. Insertional tendinopathy did not differ from mid-substance tendinopathy in any outcome measure (short term and long term). We encountered no prognostic markers on ultrasound for the long-term outcome; however, present heterogeneity and increased flow resemble present pain. Thickened tendons seem to maintain their thickness despite improvement of symptoms.

Conclusion

One to two corticosteroid injections are a safe and effective supplement to controlled exercises in the treatment of Achilles tendon pain with no signs of deterioration in the very long term. Mid-substance and insertional tendinopathies benefit equally from this treatment.
Low energy availability assessed by a sport-specific questionnaire and clinical interview indicative of bone health, endocrine profile and cycling performance in competitive male cyclists
Authors: Keay Nicola , Francis Gavin , Hind Karen
Published: October 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of a sport-specific energy availability (EA) questionnaire, combined with clinical interview, for identifying male athletes at risk of developing bone health, endocrine and performance consequences of relative energy deficiency in sports (RED-S).

Methods

Fifty competitive male road cyclists, recruited through links of participants in a pilot study, were assessed by a newly developed sport-specific questionnaire and clinical interview (SEAQ-I) and received dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) and body composition scans and blood tests for endocrine markers.

Results

Low EA as assessed using the SEAQ-I, was observed in 28% of cyclists. Low lumbar spine BMD (Z-score<−1.0) was found in 44% of cyclists. EA was the most significant determinant of lumbar spine BMD Z-score (p<0.001). Among low EA cyclists, lack of previous load-bearing sport was associated with the lowest BMD (p=0.013). Low EA was associated with reduced total percentage fat (p<0.019). The 10 cyclists with chronic low EA had lower levels of testosterone compared with those having adequate EA (p=0.024). Mean vitamin D concentration was below the level recommended for athletes (90  nmol/L). Training loads were positively associated with power-to-weight ratios, assessed as 60  min functional threshold power (FTP) per kg (p<0.001). Percentage body fat was not significantly linked to cycling performance.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that a SEAQ-I is effective for identifying male road cyclists with acute intermittent and chronic sustained low EA. Cyclists with low EA, particularly in the long-term, displayed adverse quantifiable measures of bone, endocrinology and performance consequences of RED-S.
Chinese translation and validation of the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 3 (SCAT3)
Authors: Yeung Ella W , Sin Yan-Wing , Lui Sweetie R , Tsang Toni W T , Ng Ka-wing , Ma Pui-ka , Yeung Simon S , Woo Peter Y , Ma Tracy M
Published: October 2018

Objective

The aim of this study was to translate, adapt and validate the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 3rd edition (SCAT3), a test for assessing athletes for concussion, into the Chinese context.

Methods

Translation and adaptation were performed in several stages, which included forward translation by two independent teams, translation merging, backward translation, reviews by both native Cantonese-speaking and Mandarin-speaking multidisciplinary expert panels (n=49) for semantic and conceptual equivalence and reviews by pitch-side physiotherapists (n=18) as end-users of the SCAT3 and rugby players (n=11) for face validity. The Serial 3  s subtraction test was used as a substitute for the Months Backward Test (MBT) for measures of concentration in the Standardized Assessment of Concussion subscale. English-speaking and Chinese-speaking rugby players (n=52) were recruited to perform these tests to assess the level of difficulty, time for completion and accuracy. Inter-rater and test–retest reliability were assessed in 33 and 38 healthy young individuals, respectively.

Results

Despite the longer mean completion time (p<0.05) for the Serial 3  s test, no significant difference was found in the percentage accuracy between MBT and the Serial 3  s test. No significant difference was found in either the percentage accuracy or completion time between English-speaking and Cantonese-speaking rugby players. All subscales in the Chinese SCAT3 had excellent levels of inter-rater reliability for all items (ICC2,1range: 0.96–0.99) but a low to moderate test–retest reliability (ICC3,2range: 0.32–0.65). The mean completion time of the Chinese SCAT3 was 10.6±1.1  min.

Conclusion

Chinese SCAT3 is a valid instrument for pitch-side assessment of concussed Chinese-speaking athletes.
Can patient and carers’ experiences shape services?
Authors: Parry Laura
Published: October 2018

Dementia is an increasingly recognised medical condition which, towards its later stages, leads to the manifestation of symptoms that often require palliation. Hospice admission for patients with dementia has been shown to increase caregiver satisfaction. Yet, admission can be harmful for the patient. This feature follows the case of one patient, Mr Smith, who was admitted to Royal Trinity Hospice (RTH) for symptom control, along with providing respite for his carers. Shortly into Mr Smith’s admission, he became increasingly agitated and was ultimately discharged home. After investigating the cause of early discharge, it was concluded that the newly built, modernised private rooms were in fact very dissimilar to the homes of patients with dementia. Adapting the clinical environment to improve patient and carer satisfaction has been explored in numerous studies. Significant amendments used by hospices and care homes include bold signs and natural lighting to facilitate way-finding, in addition to vintage furnishings to create a sense of familiarity. Taking recent evidence into consideration, RTH designed a new dementia-friendly bay situated on the ground floor of its inpatient unit. Since then, many other patients with dementia have been admitted to the hospice, one being Mr Thomas. Unlike Mr Smith, Mr Thomas was much more relaxed during his admission and his wife commented on how pleased she was with his care. This feature demonstrates the importance of being receptive to feedback and identifying the need for change.
Towards ‘a balanced delegation’ or enhancing global health governance? Analysis of parties’ participation in the Conference of the Parties to WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control
Authors: Plotnikova Evgeniya , Hill Sarah E , Wright Alex , Collin Jeff
Published: October 2018

Introduction

The success of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) depends on parties’ active participation in its governance and implementation, particularly via biennial Conference of the Parties (COP) meetings. The COP’s efficacy is threatened by declining attendance and reductions in travel support for low-income and middle-income countries, and there are growing concerns about transparency and representation in country delegations amid industry efforts to shape their composition.

Methods

We examined parties’ participation in the COP based on official meeting records, and the relationship between attendance and strength of tobacco control based on national global tobacco control reports.

Results

Attendance at the COP has decreased over time, and at several meetings would have fallen below 66% (the threshold for decision-making) if it was not for high levels of participation among low-income and lower-middle-income countries. Despite their higher attendance at COP meetings, these countries represent a smaller share of meeting attendees due to the smaller size of their delegations. Additionally, there has been a decline in the proportion of delegates from ministries of health and tobacco control focal points. Nationally, COP participation is correlated with stronger tobacco control policies; attendance by low-income countries has a strong correlation with implementation of advertising bans, while attendance among high-income and lower-middle-income countries shows a moderate correlation with implementation of tobacco taxes.

Conclusions

Supporting states to actively engage in the COP is crucial for ongoing FCTC implementation, strengthening national capacity for tobacco control, and protecting the legitimacy and efficacy of global health governance.
Large-deformation finite-element modelling of earthquake-induced landslides considering strain-softening behaviour of sensitive clay
Authors: Islam Naveel , Hawlader Bipul , Wang Chen , Soga Kenichi
Published: October 2018

Large-scale landslides in sensitive clays cannot be explained properly using the traditional limit equilibrium or Lagrangian-based finite-element (FE) methods. In the present study, dynamic FE analysis of sensitive clay slope failures triggered by an earthquake is performed using a large-deformation FE modelling technique. A model for post-peak degradation of undrained shear strength as a function of accumulated plastic shear strain (strain-softening) is implemented in FE analysis. The progressive development of “shear bands” (the zone of high plastic shear strains) that causes the failure of a number of soil blocks is simulated successfully. Failure of a slope could occur during an earthquake and also at the post-quake stage until the failed soil masses come to a new static equilibrium. Upslope retrogression and downslope runout of the failed soil blocks are examined for varying geometries and soil properties. The present FE simulations can explain some of the conditions required for different types of seismic slope failure (e.g., spread, flowslide or monolithic slides) to be triggered, as observed in the field.
Effects of exogenous salicylic acid on accumulation of camptothecin and gene expression inCamptotheca acuminata
Authors: Liu Zhiwen , Wu Qiong , Li Ya , Liu Shi , Li Lin , Chen Qiujun , Wang Yanyan , Yu Fang
Published: October 2018

Camptotheca acuminata Decne (Nyssaceae) is major natural source of camptothecin, an anticancer drug widely used for clinic therapy. Previous works have shown that many plant hormones or elicitors could regulate camptothecin biosynthesis, but few reports have examined sustainable effects of these plant hormones on plants for producing camptothecin. In this work, seedlings obtained from in vitro rapid propagation were used for investigating the sustainable effect of salicylic acid (SA) on transplanted C. acuminata tissues, especially leaves, for camptothecin biosynthesis. Our results indicate that exogenous SA could continuously induce the expression of iridoids pathway genes in C. acuminata leaves for promoting camptothecin production. High expression of iridoids pathway genes still could be observed in bioactive young leaves 180 days after seedlings had been transplanted to soil. In C. acuminata, iridoids pathway genes are expressed at very low levels or are not detectable in old leaves, resulting in decreasing production of camptothecin with leaf development. Interestingly, the expression of these genes could be detected clearly in old leaves of transplanted C. acuminata pretreated with 10 μmol·L–1of SA during the in vitro rapid propagation phase, which indicates the particular function of SA for a sustainable effect on maintaining relatively high expression levels of iridoids pathway genes for camptothecin biosynthesis.
Effects of Fusarium avenaceum and Rhizoctonia solani on the growth of soybean in saline soils
Authors: Chang K.F. , Hwang S.F. , Conner R.L. , Ahmed H.U. , Zhou Q. , Fu H. , Turnbull G.D. , Nyandoro R. , Strelkov S.E. , McLaren D.L. , Gossen B.D.
Published: October 2018

Soybean (Glycine max) acreage on the Canadian Prairies has increased rapidly in recent years. Production has expanded into semiarid regions where irrigation and drainage problems often result in the accumulation of salts in the soil. Fusarium avenaceum and Rhizoctonia solani are the two dominant pathogens in the disease complex that cause root rot and seedling blight of legume crops on the Canadian Prairies. The effects of F. avenaceum or R. solani in combination with soil salinity on soybean root rot were evaluated under greenhouse and mini-plot conditions. As expected, inoculation with F. avenaceum or R. solani consistently reduced seedling emergence and increased root rot severity in soybean. At high soil electrical conductivity values and inoculum densities, seedling emergence decreased and root rot severity increased in soybean in both trials with F. avenaceum and R. solani. Twenty short-season soybean cultivars that were well suited for production in Alberta were evaluated for their reactions to inoculation with F. avenaceum or R. solani in a saline soil (21.1 dS m−1). High seedling emergence was observed for cultivars 900Y61, P002T04R, 900Y01, TH27005RR, P001T34R, and 900Y81 in the non-inoculated control, for P002T04R and 900Y61 in the F. avenaceum treatment, and for 900Y61, 900Y81, and 900Y71 in the R. solani treatment. Root rot severity was low for cultivars NSC Portage and 900Y61 in the non-inoculated control and P002T004R in the F. avenaceum treatment. The cultivar 900Y61 also consistently had lower disease severity over the trials in the mini-plot test.
Pharmaceuticals in the marine environment: a review
Authors: Ojemaye Cecilia Y. , Petrik Leslie
Published: October 2018

Despite the increasing presence of pharmaceuticals in marine environments and their potential negative impacts, little research has been reported on the level and occurrence of these contaminants in the marine ecosystem. This review provides information on the occurrence (level–concentration) of pharmaceuticals in marine environments including seawater, sediments, and organisms within and (or) around this ecosystem. Also, the classification, sources, metabolism, and fate of these contaminants in the marine environment were discussed to identify knowledge gaps. We showed that antibiotics are the most commonly investigated and detected drugs in marine environments. In addition, this review suggested that focused case studies should be a priority for future research and highlighted the need for future assessments of the potential risks of pharmaceuticals to marine species. We also suggested that it is necessary to monitor the level of the most frequent and widespread pharmaceuticals like antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in sewage and marine outfalls. Finally, we concluded that there is a need for the development of effective treatment methods for the removal of these pollutants from wastewater before their discharge into the receiving marine environment or the main drinking water networks.
Free immersions and panelled web 4-manifolds
Authors: Kalafat Mustafa
Published: October 2018

We show that if a compact, oriented 4-manifold admits a coassociative([Formula: see text])-free immersion into [Formula: see text], then its Euler characteristic [Formula: see text] and signature [Formula: see text] vanish. Moreover, in the spin case, the Gauss map is contractible, so that the immersed manifold is parallelizable. The proof makes use of homotopy theory, in particular, obstruction theory. As a further application, we prove a non-existence result for some infinite families of 4-manifolds that have not been addressed previously. We give concrete examples of parallelizable 4-manifolds with complicated non-simply-connected topology.
Constructing Hopf braces
Authors: Agore A. L.
Published: October 2018

We investigate Hopf braces, a concept recently introduced by Angiono, Galindo and Vendramin [I. Angiono, C. Galindo and L. Vendramin, Hopf braces and Yang–Baxter operators, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 145 (2017) 1981–1995] in connection to the quantum Yang–Baxter equation. More precisely, we propose two methods for constructing Hopf braces. The first one uses matched pairs of Hopf algebras while the second one relies on category-theoretic tools.
AN ANALYSIS OF THE MANAGEMENT OF FISCAL DEFICIT OF PAKISTAN: AN ECONOMETRIC STUDY OF AUTO-REGRESSIVE DISTRIBUTIVE LAGS (ARDL) APPROACH
Authors: CHANDIA KHURRAM EJAZ , IQBAL MUHAMMAD BADAR , AZIZ SAIRA , GUL IFRA , SARWAR BINESH
Published: October 2018

Fiscal policy is an essential ingredient of economic performance. The fiscal policy is considered as a short-run measure; however, this has long-lasting outcomes for any economy. The current study has examined the connection among different constituents of fiscal policy, i.e., federal government revenues and federal government expenditures; federal government revenues and different components of federal government expenditures; federal government expenditures and different components of federal government revenues and fiscal deficit and influential budgetary variables in the context of the economy of Pakistan. The study has empirically investigated the relationship among the budgetary variables for Pakistan from 1979 to 2017. For data analysis, time-series econometric techniques such as auto-regressive distributive lag (ARDL) approach and Granger causality test have been employed. The results of ARDL bounds test approach suggest the existence of long-run equilibrium relationship among the variables. The result of CUSUM and CUSUMSQ shows the stability of functional relationship tested in this study, which means that model is a useful instrument for policymaking. So, a rise or fall in budgetary variables causes changes in fiscal deficit in long run. The results of study endorse the proof of spent-and-tax hypothesis in the economy of Pakistan. The study suggests the need for extensive fiscal policy reforms in Pakistan.
Phase diagrams and hysteresis behaviors of a ferrimagnetic mixed spinsS= 1/2 andS= 1 Ising nanowire
Authors: Alrajhi A. , Madani M. , Hachem N. , El Bouziani M.
Published: October 2018

The ferrimagnetic mixed spin-1/2 and spin-1 cubic Ising nanowire is studied in the framework of the Monte Carlo simulation. The competition between the bilinear interaction and crystal field of spin-1 atoms as well as the nanowire size effect is highlighted. The corresponding phase diagram is discussed showing compensation points and critical second-order phase transitions. The effect of an external magnetic field and the hysteresis loops behavior are also carried out. Finally, we compare our results with other works in the literature.
Tunable magnetocaloric effect in La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 nanoparticles
Authors: Qaseem S. , Naeem M. , Rizwan Ali S.
Published: October 2018

We study ferromagnetic to paramagnetic transition using Banerjee criterion in colossal magnetoresistive La[Formula: see text]Ca[Formula: see text]MnO3 nanoparticles of different sizes (20, 26 and 32 nm). These particles are chemically prepared by a modified citrate route. Particle sizes are estimated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Sample morphology and size distribution are examined by a transmission electron microscope. Order of transition is determined by measuring magnetic field dependence of magnetization near Curie temperature T[Formula: see text]. Our results reveal second-order magnetic transition in all three different-sized particles in contrast to the first-order transition reported in bulk samples. This is further supported by temperature dependences of zero-field-cooled (ZFC) and field-cooled (FC) magnetizations. FC curves show gradual transition for all three samples without any saturation region as is the case of bulk. T[Formula: see text] is extracted from ZFC curves and is found to be 240 K for 20 nm particles and 258 K for both 26 and 32 nm particles. Magnetocaloric effect as a function of particle size also confirms the second-order magnetic transition in all three samples. The relative cooling power at 20 kOe is found to be decreasing with decreasing particle size.
Impact of effective injection rates on density and phase diagram at the branching point
Authors: Xiao Song , Chen Xiaoyu , Liang Ruquan , Liu Yanna
Published: October 2018

In this paper, the effects of different effective injection rates at the branching point on density profiles and phase diagram have been investigated by theoretical calculation and computer simulation. At the branching point, a single-lane is divided into two sub-lanes. The variables p and q which satisfy p+q = 1 and p [Formula: see text] q are used to describe the percent of currents which enter two sub-channels, respectively. With different effective injection rates, the phase diagram includes three regions and two transition lines. Obviously, the sub-lane 2 is always in the low-density (LD) phase because the small p leads to fewer particles moving through sub-lane 2. However, sub-lane 3 is easy in the high-density (HD) phase (namely, traffic jam) because of the large q. In addition, the current of lane 1 is often in the maximal current (MC) when entrance rate [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] 0.5. With the increase of variable q, the regions of LD/LD/LD and MC/LD/LD phases shrink dramatically while the region of the HD/LD/HD phase only expands. This result implies that the changes of the phase diagram are determined by the variable q, meanwhile, the large q will likely lead to traffic congestion.