bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
En Route to Depression: Self‐Esteem Discrepancies and Habitual Rumination
Authors: Phillips Wendy J. , Hine Donald W.
Published: October 2014

Dual‐process models of cognitive vulnerability to depression suggest that some individuals possess discrepant implicit and explicit self‐views, such as high explicit and low implicit self‐esteem (fragile self‐esteem) or low explicit and high implicit self‐esteem (damaged self‐esteem). This study investigated whether individuals with discrepant self‐esteem may employ depressive rumination in an effort to reduce discrepancy‐related dissonance, and whether the relationship between self‐esteem discrepancy and future depressive symptoms varies as a function of rumination tendencies. Hierarchical regressions examined whether self‐esteem discrepancy was associated with rumination in an Australian undergraduate sample at Time 1 (N = 306; Mage = 29.9), and whether rumination tendencies moderated the relationship between self‐esteem discrepancy and depressive symptoms assessed 3 months later (n = 160). Damaged self‐esteem was associated with rumination at Time 1. As hypothesized, rumination moderated the relationship between self‐esteem discrepancy and depressive symptoms at Time 2, where fragile self‐esteem and high rumination tendencies at Time 1 predicted the highest levels of subsequent dysphoria. Results are consistent with dual‐process propositions that (a) explicit self‐regulation strategies may be triggered when explicit and implicit self‐beliefs are incongruent, and (b) rumination may increase the likelihood of depression by expending cognitive resources and/or amplifying negative implicit biases.
Value Stability and Change in an ISAF Contingent
Authors: Sundberg Ralph
Published: October 2014

Studying an International Security Assistance Force contingent on tour in Afghanistan, the aim of the present study was to test assertions of the relative stability of personal values in a challenging environment. Three hundred twenty Swedish soldiers answered questionnaires on their values before and after a 6‐month tour of Afghanistan. Value change and stability were studied via mean‐level change, rank‐order stability, and individual‐level change methods. Regression analysis was used to study the impact of combat exposure and personality traits on change. The analysis concluded that even when experiencing such a different social context as a military mission to Afghanistan, the soldiers' values remained stable. Some minor changes occurred, in a pattern similar to a regression toward the mean. It was also shown that combat exposure—to a minor extent—predicted changes in values, whereas Big Five scores yielded stronger effects. The present findings suggest that the assertion of the stability of values is a well‐founded proposition, even after radical changes in environment. However, the findings on the effects of combat exposure point to the possibility of severe life events having the power to exert change in values. Personality traits were, however, more important factors in the present context.
Serum Adipokine Concentrations in Dogs with Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Paek J. , Kang J.‐H. , Kim H.‐S. , Lee I. , Seo K.W. , Yang M.‐P.
Published: October 2014

Background

Limited information is available about the role of adipokines in the development and progression of acute pancreatitis (AP) in dogs.

Objectives

To determine whether the circulating concentrations of adipokines differed between healthy dogs and dogs withAP, and whether the circulating concentrations differed betweenAPsurvivors andAPnonsurvivors.

Animals

Twenty‐eight healthy dogs and 25 client‐owned dogs withAP.

Methods

Prospective observational cohort study of 25 client‐owned dogs with newly diagnosedAPand 28 otherwise healthy dogs with similar body condition scores. The serum concentrations of leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin, interleukin (IL)‐1β,IL‐6,IL‐10,IL‐18, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α were measured.

Results

The serum concentrations of leptin (P = .0021), resistin (P = .0010), visfatin (P < .0001),IL‐1β (P < .0001),IL‐6 (P = .0002),IL‐10 (P < .0001), andIL‐18 (P < .0001) were significantly higher in dogs withAPthan healthy dogs, whereas the adiponectin concentration (P = .0011) was significantly lower. There were significant differences in the serum concentrations of leptin (P = .028) and adiponectin (P = .046) in survivors and nonsurvivors. After the disappearance of clinical signs, the concentrations of resistin (P = .037) andIL‐1β (P = .027) decreased significantly, whereas the serum concentrations of leptin (P > .999), adiponectin (P = .11), visfatin (P = .83),IL‐6 (P = .82),IL‐10 (P = .82),IL‐18 (P = .56), andTNF‐α (P = .94) did not differ significantly.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

This study showed that dysregulation of adipokines might be involved in the pathogenesis ofAP. In addition, leptin and adiponectin are likely to be associated with mortality rate inAP.
Intensive Intravenous Infusion of Insulin in Diabetic Cats
Authors: Hafner M. , Dietiker‐Moretti S. , Kaufmann K. , Mueller C. , Lutz T.A. , Reusch C.E. , Zini E.
Published: October 2014

Background

Remission occurs in 10–50% of cats with diabetes mellitus (DM). It is assumed that intensive treatment improves β‐cell function and increases remission rates.

Hypothesis

Initial intravenous infusion of insulin that achieves tight glycemic control decreases subsequent insulin requirements and increases remission rate in diabetic cats.

Animals

Thirty cats with newly diagnosedDM.

Methods

Prospective study. Cats were randomly assigned to one of 2 groups. Cats in group 1 (n = 15) received intravenous infusion of insulin with the goal of maintaining blood glucose concentrations at 90–180 mg/dL, for 6 days. Cats in group 2 (n = 15) received subcutaneous injections of insulin glargine (cats ≤4 kg: 0.5–1.0 IU, q12h; >4 kg 1.5–2.0 IU, q12h), for 6 days. Thereafter, all cats were treated with subcutaneous injections of insulin glargine and followed up for 6 months. Cats were considered in remission when euglycemia occurred for ≥4 weeks without the administration of insulin. Nonparametric tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

In groups 1 and 2, remission was achieved in 10/15 and in 7/14 cats (P = .46), and good metabolic control was achieved in 3/5 and in 1/7 cats (P = .22), respectively. Overall, good metabolic control or remission occurred in 13/15 cats of group 1 and in 8/14 cats of group 2. In group 1, the median insulin dosage given during the 6‐month follow‐up was significantly lower than in group 2 (group 1: 0.32 IU/kg/day, group 2: 0.51 IU/kg/day;P = .013).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Initial intravenous infusion of insulin for tight glycemic control in cats withDMdecreases insulin requirements during the subsequent 6 months.
The genetic architecture of traits associated with the evolution of self‐pollination in Mimulus
Authors: Fishman Lila , Beardsley Paul M. , Stathos Angela , Williams Charles F. , Hill Jeffrey P.
Published: October 2014

Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping is a first step toward understanding the genetic basis of adaptive evolution and may also reveal reproductive incompatibilities unique to hybrids. In plants, the shift from outcrossing to self‐pollination is common, providing the opportunity for comparisons of QTL architecture among parallel evolutionary transitions.

We used QTL mapping in hybrids between the bee‐pollinated monkeyflower Mimulus lewisii and the closely related selfer Mimulus parishii to determine the genetic basis of divergence in floral traits and flowering time associated with mating‐system evolution, and to characterize hybrid anther sterility.

We found a moderately polygenic and highly directional basis for floral size evolution, suggesting adaptation from standing variation or in pursuit of a moving optimum, whereas only a few major loci accounted for substantial flowering‐time divergence. Cytonuclear incompatibilities caused hybrid anther sterility, confounding estimation of reproductive organ QTLs.

The genetic architecture of floral traits associated with selfing in M. parishii was primarily polygenic, as in other QTL studies of this transition, but in contrast to the previously characterized oligogenic basis of a pollinator shift in close relatives. Hybrid anther sterility appeared parallel at the molecular level to previously characterized incompatibilities, but also raised new questions about cytonuclear co‐evolution in plants.
Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulatory subunit B′γ interacts with cytoplasmic ACONITASE 3 and modulates the abundance of AOX1A and AOX1D in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Konert Grzegorz , Trotta Andrea , Kouvonen Petri , Rahikainen Moona , Durian Guido , Blokhina Olga , Fagerstedt Kurt , Muth Dorota , Corthals Garry L. , Kangasjärvi Saijaliisa
Published: October 2014

Organellar reactive oxygen species (ROS) signalling is a key mechanism that promotes the onset of defensive measures in stress‐exposed plants. The underlying molecular mechanisms and feedback regulation loops, however, still remain poorly understood. Our previous work has shown that a specific regulatory B′γ subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is required to control organellar ROS signalling and associated metabolic adjustments in Arabidopsis thaliana. Here, we addressed the mechanisms through which PP2A‐B′γ impacts on organellar metabolic crosstalk and ROS homeostasis in leaves.

Genetic, biochemical and pharmacological approaches, together with a combination of data‐dependent acquisition (DDA) and selected reaction monitoring (SRM) MS techniques, were utilized to assess PP2A‐B′γ‐dependent adjustments in Arabidopsis thaliana.

We show that PP2A‐B’γ physically interacts with the cytoplasmic form of aconitase, a central metabolic enzyme functionally connected with mitochondrial respiration, oxidative stress responses and regulation of cell death in plants. Furthermore, PP2A‐B’γ impacts ROS homeostasis by controlling the abundance of specific alternative oxidase isoforms, AOX1A and AOX1D, in leaf mitochondria.

We conclude that PP2A‐B’γ‐dependent regulatory actions modulate the functional status of metabolic enzymes that essentially contribute to intracellular ROS signalling and metabolic homeostasis in plants.
Suppression of xylan endotransglycosylase PtxtXyn10A affects cellulose microfibril angle in secondary wall in aspen wood
Authors: Derba‐Maceluch Marta , Awano Tatsuya , Takahashi Junko , Lucenius Jessica , Ratke Christine , Kontro Inkeri , Busse‐Wicher Marta , Kosik Ondrej , Tanaka Ryo , Winzéll Anders , Kallas Åsa , Leśniewska Joanna , Berthold Fredrik , Immerzeel Peter , Teeri Tuula T. , Ezcurra Ines , Dupree Paul , Serimaa Ritva , Mellerowicz Ewa J.
Published: October 2014

Certain xylanases from family GH10 are highly expressed during secondary wall deposition, but their function is unknown. We carried out functional analyses of the secondary‐wall specific PtxtXyn10A in hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × tremuloides).

PtxtXyn10A function was analysed by expression studies, overexpression in Arabidopsis protoplasts and by downregulation in aspen.

PtxtXyn10A overexpression in Arabidopsis protoplasts resulted in increased xylan endotransglycosylation rather than hydrolysis. In aspen, the enzyme was found to be proteolytically processed to a 68 kDa peptide and residing in cell walls. Its downregulation resulted in a corresponding decrease in xylan endotransglycosylase activity and no change in xylanase activity. This did not alter xylan molecular weight or its branching pattern but affected the cellulose‐microfibril angle in wood fibres, increased primary growth (stem elongation, leaf formation and enlargement) and reduced the tendency to form tension wood. Transcriptomes of transgenic plants showed downregulation of tension wood related genes and changes in stress‐responsive genes.

The data indicate that PtxtXyn10A acts as a xylan endotransglycosylase and its main function is to release tensional stresses arising during secondary wall deposition. Furthermore, they suggest that regulation of stresses in secondary walls plays a vital role in plant development.
Continuity of Care for Older Adults with Chronic Illness in China: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Cheng Shu‐Ling , Zhao Jin‐Zhi , Bai Jinbing , Zang Xiao‐Ying
Published: October 2014

Objective

To explore nurses' understanding of continuity of care and existing problems in implementation of continuity of care for Chinese elders with chronic illnesses.

Design and Sample

Cross‐sectional survey and semi‐structured interview were performed on 15 nurses and older patients and 1,902 older patients between July 2010 and February 2011.

Measures

Semi‐structured interview guideline and four‐section scale were used.

Results

The interviews showed nurses lacked knowledge of continuity of care, and nurses from small towns or rural areas had less understanding of continuity of care and discharge planning than nurses from central cities. Significant differences were found among patients located in referred areas in selection of medical institutions for treatment, suggesting older adults were more likely to choose general hospitals for treatment. Self‐reported surveys demonstrated more than 70% of hospitalized elders chose community hospitals for further recovery after discharge from general hospitals.

Conclusions

Chinese nurses lack knowledge of continuity of care, and significant discontinuity exists between health care provided by general hospitals, community hospitals and other institutions for elders. A further model for the development of continuity of care should be established that addresses older patients' demands and current barriers in China.
Resampling the peak, some dos and don'ts
Authors: Zoumpoulaki Alexia , Alsufyani Abdulmajeed , Bowman Howard
Published: October 2014

Resampling techniques are used widely within the ERP community to assess statistical significance and especially in the deception detection literature. Here, we argue that because of statistical bias, bootstrap should not be used in combination with methods like peak‐to‐peak. Instead, permutation tests provide a more appropriate alternative.
An Innovative Approach to Treating Combat Veterans with PTSD at Risk for Suicide
Authors: Hendin Herbert
Published: October 2014

Suicide rates among military personnel had a significant drop in 2013, but there is no evidence of a drop among veterans. The problem of suicide among combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains a source of concern. The Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs are now calling for innovative treatment approaches to the problem. A short‐term psychodynamic therapy presented here may be able to fill that need by dissipating the guilt from veterans' combat‐related actions that leads to suicidal behavior. The treatment showed promise of success with veterans of the war in Vietnam. Preliminary work with combat veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan indicates that it may be equally successful in treating them. Basic aspects of the psychodynamic approach could be incorporated into current therapies and should improve their ability to treat veterans with PTSD at risk for suicide.
Presidents, Prime Ministers and Politics of Care – Why Korea Expanded Childcare Much More than Japan
Authors: Estévez‐Abe Margarita , Kim Yeong‐Soon
Published: October 2014

Japan and South Korea have been known as ‘familialistic’ welfare states, where the family was the main caregiver. Both countries are in the process of transformation. Today, their welfare states provide more care services than never before. Korea has expanded care services much more rapidly than Japan. Korea today outperforms Japan and many other countries of the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development in enrolment rates of children up to the age of three in childcare. We develop an institutional model to explain why Korea responded to childcare needs much more drastically than Japan. We also apply the same model to explain why Korea prioritized childcare over elderly care, while Japan has done just the opposite.
Why the Social Investment Approach is Not Enough – The Female Labour Market and Family Policy in theRepublic ofKorea
Authors: Lee Sophia Seung‐yoon , Baek Seung‐ho
Published: October 2014

Despite the gradual increase in the female labour market activity rate in most of the countries of theOrganisation forEconomicCo‐operation andDevelopment, the rate has been stagnant in theRepublic ofKorea. The low female employment rate inKorea also reflects the withdrawal of a majority of women at the time of marriage or childbirth, resulting in anM‐shaped pattern. The discourse on social investment attracted much attention from theKimDae‐JungGovernment (1998–2003) and was more facilitated from the mid‐2000s towards the later period of theRohMoo‐HyunGovernment (2003–08). Against this background and along with a frantic focus on the low fertility rate from the mid‐2000s, the government has expanded expenditure on family policy. In this article, we analyze social investment policies related to female employment and discuss their effect on promotingKorean women to work. We first closely examine theKorean female labour market in three aspects: precarious employment pattern; career breaks; and under‐employment. Based on our policy analysis, we suggest that there is a mismatch in implemented policy and policy preference. Lastly, this article questions how effective social investment policies can be without a consideration of changes in job quality in theKorean female labour market.
The Expansion of the Korean Welfare State and Its Results – Focusing on Long‐term Care Insurance for the Elderly
Authors: Chon Yongho
Published: October 2014

Since the early 2000s, there has been considerable expansion of the Korean welfare state. In particular, a new compulsory long‐term care insurance (LTCI) for older people was introduced in 2008, facilitating the socialization of long‐term care (LTC) services at a national level. This study aims to examine how the Korean welfare state has coped with the increasing LTC needs of older people caused by introducing and implementing a new LTCI system and reforming it. This study argues that the LTCI was designed to meet limited objectives, such as providing minimal coverage and affording private for‐profit market forces a predominant role in the provision of LTCI services. Owing to the implementation of the insurance, a number of achievements and shortcomings with respect to the LTCI have become evident. To address the challenges that have emerged, the Korean government announced a reform plan in 2012, which emphasized changes such as increasing coverage and improving the quality of services. Although the reform plan also shows a number of fundamental limitations, it is expected to contribute to the development of the Korean LTCI to a certain extent.
Do Ads Add Up? The Impact of Parties' Advertisements on the Stability of Vote Choice at the Swiss National Elections 2011
Authors: Gerber Marlène , Bühlmann Marc
Published: October 2014

Our contribution analyses the influence of campaign advertisements on vote choice in the 2011 elections to the Swiss National Council. Concretely, we ask whether and to what extent the relative exposure to party ads of a preferred party exerts a reinforcing effect on an individual's party choice. We make use of the two‐wave panel structure contained in the RCS survey data of the Selects 2011 and combine it with data on advertisements in 20 important national and regional newspapers. We find that increasing exposure to the campaign of one's preferred party may reinforce individuals with strong party attachment in their initial vote choice. Yet this effect only materializes with substantial campaign duration and exposure. Additional and exploratory analyses revealed that particularly the two recently emerged parties, the GLP and BDP, might have made a slight difference by potentially persuading defecting voters with the help of their campaign.
Investigation of antimalarial activity, cytotoxicity and action mechanism of piperazine derivatives of betulinic acid
Authors: Silva Gloria N. S. , Schuck Desirée C. , Cruz Laura N. , Moraes Miriam S. , Nakabashi Myna , Gosmann Grace , Garcia Célia R. S. , Gnoatto Simone C. B.
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To semisynthesise piperazine derivatives of betulinic acid to evaluate antimalarial activity, cytotoxicity and action mechanism.

Methods

The new derivatives were evaluated against the CQ‐sensitive Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain by flow cytometry (FC) using YOYO‐1 as stain. Cytotoxicity of 4a and 4b was performed with HEK293T cells for 24 and 48 h by MTT assay. The capability of compound 4a to modulate Ca2+ in the trophozoite stage was investigated. The trophozoites were stained with Fluo4‐AM and analysed by spectrofluorimetry. Effect on mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was tested for 4a by FC with DiOC6 (3) as stain. For β‐haematin assay, 4a was incubated for 24 h with reagents such as haemin, and the fluorescence was measured by FlexStation at an absorbance of 405 nm.

Results

Antimalarial activity of 4a and 4b was IC50 = 1 and 4 μm, respectively. Compound 4a displayed cytotoxicity with IC50 = 69 and 29 μm for 24 and 48 h, respectively, and 4b was not cytotoxic at the tested concentrations. Addition of 4a leads to an increase in cytosolic Ca2+. We have measured ΔΨm after treating parasites with the compound. Data on Figure 4a show that mitochondria were not affected. The action mechanism for 4a, inhibition of β‐haematin formation (17%), was lower than CQ treatment (83%; IC50 = 3 mm).

Conclusion

Compound 4a showed excellent antimalarial activity, and its action mechanism is involved in Ca2+ pathway(s).
Arabidopsis p24δ5 and p24δ9 facilitate Coat Protein I‐dependent transport of the K/HDELreceptorERD2 from the Golgi to the endoplasmic reticulum
Authors: Montesinos Juan Carlos , Pastor‐Cantizano Noelia , Robinson David G. , Marcote María Jesús , Aniento Fernando
Published: October 2014

The p24 proteins belong to a family of type I membrane proteins which cycle between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi via coat protein I (COPI) and COPII vesicles. Current nomenclature classifies them into four subfamilies, although plant p24 proteins belong to either the p24β or the p24δ subfamilies. Here, we show that Arabidopsis p24δ5/δ9 andHDELligands shift the steady‐state distribution of the K/HDELreceptorERD2 from the Golgi to theER. We also show that p24δ5/δ9 interact directly withERD2. This interaction requires the Golgi dynamics (GOLD) domain in p24δ5 and is much higher at acidic than at neutralpH, consistent with both proteins interacting at thecis‐Golgi. In addition, p24δ5 also inhibits the secretion ofHDELligands, but not constitutive secretion, showing a role for p24δ5 in retrograde Golgi‐to‐ERtransport. Both p24δ5 andERD2 interact withADP‐ribosylation factor 1 (ARF1) andCOPIsubunits, mostly at acidicpH, consistent withCOPIvesicles being involved in retrograde transport of both proteins. In contrast, both proteins interact with theCOPIIsubunit Sec23, mostly at neutralpH, consistent with this interaction taking place at theERfor anterograde transport to the Golgi apparatus.
Evaluation of the SenseWear Mini Armband to Assess Energy Expenditure During Pole Walking
Authors: Vernillo Gianluca , Savoldelli Aldo , Pellegrini Barbara , Schena Federico
Published: October 2014

The current study aimed to show the validity of a portable motion sensor, the SenseWear Armband (SWA), for the estimation of energy expenditure during pole walking. Twenty healthy adults (mean ± SD: age 30.1 ± 7.2 year, body mass 66.1 ± 10.6 kg, height 172.4 ± 8.0 cm, BMI 22.1 ± 2.4 kg·m−2) wore the armband during randomized pole walking activities at a constant speed (1.25 m·s−1) and at seven grades (0%, ±5%, ±15% and ±25%). Estimates of total energy expenditure from the armband were compared with values derived from indirect calorimetry methodology (IC) using a 2–way mixed model ANOVA (Device × Slope), correlation analyses and Bland-Altman plots. Results revealed significant main effects for device, and slope (p < .025) as well as a significant interaction (p < .001). Significant differences between IC and SWA were observed for all conditions (p < .05). SWA generally underestimate the EE values during uphill PW by 0.04 kcal·kg−1·min−1 (p < .05). Whereas, a significant overestimation has been detected during flat and downhill PW by 0.01 and 0.03 kcal·kg−1·min−1 (p < .05), respectively. The Bland-Altman plots revealed bias of the armband compared with the indirect calorimetry at any condition examined. The present data suggest that the armband is not accurate to correctly detect and estimate the energy expenditure during pole walking activities. Therefore, the observed over- and under-estimations warrants more work to improve the ability of SWA to accurately measure EE for these activities.
Mechanical Properties of Sprinting in Elite Rugby Union and Rugby League
Authors: Cross Matt R. , Brughelli Matt , Brown Scott R. , Samozino Pierre , Gill Nicholas D. , Cronin John B. , Morin Jean-Benoît
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

To compare mechanical properties of overground sprint running in elite rugby union and rugby league athletes.

Methods:

Thirty elite rugby code (15 rugby union and 15 rugby league) athletes participated in this cross-sectional analysis. Radar was used to measure maximal overground sprint performance over 20 or 30 m (forwards and backs, respectively). In addition to time at 2, 5, 10, 20, and 30 m, velocity-time signals were analyzed to derive external horizontal force–velocity relationships with a recently validated method. From this relationship, the maximal theoretical velocity, external relative and absolute horizontal force, horizontal power, and optimal horizontal force for peak power production were determined.

Results:

While differences in maximal velocity were unclear between codes, rugby union backs produced moderately faster split times, with the most substantial differences occurring at 2 and 5 m (ES 0.95 and 0.86, respectively). In addition, rugby union backs produced moderately larger relative horizontal force, optimal force, and peak power capabilities than rugby league backs (ES 0.73−0.77). Rugby union forwards had a higher absolute force (ES 0.77) despite having ~12% more body weight than rugby league forwards.

Conclusions:

In this elite sample, rugby union athletes typically displayed greater short-distance sprint performance, which may be linked to an ability to generate high levels of horizontal force and power. The acceleration characteristics presented in this study could be a result of the individual movement and positional demands of each code.
Gait-Cycle Characteristics and Running Economy in Elite Eritrean and European Runners
Authors: Santos-Concejero Jordan , Oliván Jesús , Maté-Muñoz José L. , Muniesa Carlos , Montil Marta , Tucker Ross , Lucia Alejandro
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

This study aimed to determine whether biomechanical characteristics such as ground-contact time, swing time, and stride length and frequency contribute to the exceptional running economy of East African runners.

Methods:

Seventeen elite long-distance runners (9 Eritrean, 8 European) performed an incremental maximal running test and 3 submaximal running bouts at 17, 19, and 21 km/h. During the tests, gas-exchange parameters were measured to determine maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) and running economy (RE). In addition, ground-contact time, swing time, stride length, and stride frequency were measured.

Results:

The European runners had higher VO2max values than the Eritrean runners (77.2 ± 5.2 vs 73.5 ± 6.0 mL · kg−1 · min−1, P = .011, effect sizes [ES] = 0.65), although Eritrean runners were more economical at 19 km/h (191.4 ± 10.4 vs 205.9 ± 13.3 mL · kg−1 · min−1, P = .026, ES = 1.21). There were no differences between groups for ground-contact time, swing time, stride length, or stride frequency at any speed. Swing time was associated with running economy at 21 km/h in the Eritrean runners (r = .71, P = .033), but no other significant association was found between RE and biomechanical variables. Finally, best 10-km performance was significantly correlated with RE (r = –.57; P = .013).

Conclusions:

Eritrean runners have superior RE compared with elite European runners. This appears to offset their inferior VO2max. However, the current data suggest that their better RE does not have a biomechanical basis. Other factors, not measured in the current study, may contribute to this RE advantage.
Combined Strength and Endurance Session Order: Differences in Force Production and Oxygen Uptake
Authors: Taipale Ritva S. , Mikkola Jussi , Nummela Ari T. , Sorvisto Juha , Nyman Kai , Kyröläinen Heikki , Häkkinen Keijo
Published: October 2014

Purpose:

To examine acute responses of force production and oxygen uptake to combined strength (S) and endurance-running (E) loading sessions in which the order of exercises is reversed (ES vs SE).

Methods:

This crossover study design included recreationally endurance-trained men and women (age 21−45 y; n = 12 men, 10 women) who performed ES and SE loadings. Force production of the lower extremities including countermovement-jump height (CMJ) and maximal isometric strength (MVC) was measured pre-, mid-, and post-ES and -SE, and ground-reaction forces, ground-reaction times, and running economy were measured during E.

Results:

A significant decrease in CMJ was observed after combined ES and SE in men (4.5% ± 7.0% and 6.6% ± 7.7%, respectively) but not in women (0.2% ± 8.5% and 1.4% ± 7.3% in ES and SE). MVC decreased significantly in both men (20.7% ± 6.1% ES and 19.3% ± 9.4% SE) and women (12.4% ± 9.3% ES and 11.6% ± 12.0% SE). Stride length decreased significantly in ES and SE men, but not in women. No changes were observed in ground-reaction times during running in men or women. Performing S before E caused greater (P < .01) oxygen uptake during running in both men and women than if E was performed before S, although heart rate and blood lactate were similar between ES and SE.

Conclusions:

Performing S before E increased oxygen uptake during E, which is explained, in part, by a decrease in MVC in both men and women, decreased CMJ and stride length in men, and/or an increase in postexercise oxygen consumption.
Development and Evaluation of a Drop-and-Stick Method to Assess Landing Skills in Various Levels of Competitive Surfers
Authors: Tran Tai T. , Lundgren Lina , Secomb Josh , Farley Oliver R.L. , Haff G. Gregory , Newton Robert U. , Nimphius Sophia , Sheppard Jeremy M.
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate a drop-and-stick (DS) test method and to assess dynamic postural control in senior elite (SE), junior elite (JE), and junior development (JD) surfers. Nine SE, 22 JE, and 17 JD competitive surfers participated in a single testing session. The athletes completed 5 drop-and-stick trials barefoot from a predetermined box height (0.5 m). The lowest and highest time-to-stabilization (TTS) trials were discarded, and the average of the remaining trials was used for analysis. The SE group demonstrated excellent single-measures repeatability (ICC = .90) for TTS, whereas the JE and JD demonstrated good single-measures repeatability (ICC .82 and .88, respectively). In regard to relative peak landing force (rPLF), SE demonstrated poor single-measures reliability compared with JE and JD groups. Furthermore, TTS for the SE (0.69 ± 0.13 s) group was significantly (P = .04) lower than the JD (0.85 ± 0.25 s). There were no significant (P = .41) differences in the TTS between SE (0.69 ± 0.13 s) and JE (0.75 ± 0.16 s) groups or between the JE and JD groups (P = .09). rPLF for the SE (2.7 ± 0.4 body mass; BM) group was significantly lower than the JE (3.8 ± 1.3 BM) and JD (4.0 ± 1.1 BM), with no significant (P = .63) difference between the JE and JD groups. A possible benchmark approach for practitioners would be to use TTS and rPLF as a qualitative measure of dynamic postural control using a reference scale to discriminate among groups.
Recreational Physical Activity Experiences Among Guatemalan Families With Children With Visual Impairments
Authors: Columna Luis , Fernández-Vivó Margarita , Lieberman Lauren , Arndt Katrina
Published: October 2014

Background:

Nationwide research indicates that children with visual impairment have limited participation in recreational and sport activities than their peers. This is due in part to the lack of recreational opportunities and facilities, as well as a lack of awareness by parents of how and where their children can participate. The purpose of the current study was to explore the experiences of Latino families of children with visual impairments living in Guatemala regarding physical recreation. Participants were Latino parents (N = 13) who have children with visual impairments recruited from a sport camp.

Methods:

Qualitative data were gathered through one-on-one interviews that were transcribed and analyzed through a constant comparative analysis.

Results:

Participating Latino families who resided in Guatemala City participated at least once a month in low budget recreational activities with their children with visual impairments. Activities were mostly done in local surroundings and led mainly by their mother. Benefits identified by the participants related to relaxation, socialization, and sense of independence, with minimal mention of health related benefits.

Conclusions:

There is a need to disseminate information to the Latino community with children with visual impairments regarding the multiple benefits that arise from being involved in recreational physical activities.
A patient with severe hypoxia secondary to a large iatrogenic pulmonary artery to pulmonary vein fistula
Authors: Diab Khalil , Cucci Anthony , Kukreja Sandeep , Gupta Rajat
Published: October 2014

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations are uncommon communications between the pulmonary arteries and veins, most commonly associated with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia. They can also be associated with a variety of other conditions, and can be single or multiple. We present a case of a female patient with a history of coronary artery bypass grafting and mitral valve repair, who presented to the hospital with severe hypoxia. She was found to have a large pulmonary artery to superior pulmonary vein fistula that was successfully repaired using a septal occluder. To our knowledge, this is the first case of a large pulmonary artery to superior pulmonary vein fistula following mitral valve repair.
Isolated tuberculosis of the calcaneum in a constitutionally well patient
Authors: Hayat Zara , Konan Sujith , Olivier André , Briggs Tim W R
Published: October 2014

A 66-year-old Caucasian man presented with a 9-month history of a painful left heel with associated soft tissue swelling. Pitting oedema was present to the upper shin. Plain radiograph showed a sclerotic calcaneum with lucent patches and the CT scan revealed bony destruction at the posterosuperior aspect of the calcaneus with a moth-eaten appearance. To obtain a more definitive diagnosis, the patient underwent a CT-guided biopsy, which showed caseating granulomatous inflammation strongly suggestive ofMycobacteriuminfection. A Ziehl-Neilson stain did not show any microorganisms. Microbiology confirmed the presence ofStaphylococcus aureas. A diagnosis of tuberculosis with concomitantStaphylococcussuperinfection was made based on the histology and clinical context. The patient was treated with curettage and cementing of the lesion in order to debride the infected tissue and provide structural support to the bone. A 9-month course of quadruple antituberculous therapy was also initiated.
TEARS OF THE FASCIA CRURIS AT THE ATTACHMENT TO THE ACHILLES TENDON
Authors: Webborn N , Morrissey D , Chan O
Published: October 2014

Aim

To describe the clinical presentation, ultrasound imaging characteristics, and the time to recovery of tears of the fascia cruris. The fascia cruris encloses the posterior structures of the calf and connects to the paratenon and Achilles tendon.1 2 Injuries to this structure have not previously been described.

Methods

Retrospective review of 13 fascia cruris tears in 9 patients (6 male and 3 female, mean age 35.52 year, range 11–48) with identified using diagnostic ultrasound, after presenting with Achillodynia.

Results

9 athletic subjects were identified and presented at a mean of 4.5 weeks (range 0.5–12) after the symptom onset. Subjects were typically highly active comprising four sub-3 hr marathon runners, three high level triathletes and two tennis players. The left Achilles was more commonly injured than right (7:4) and lateral side more than medial (6:4) with one bilateral presentation. Clinically there was swelling and well localised tenderness over the tear site and from the mid to upper portion of the Achilles. 7 of the 11 (63.6%) had functional over-pronation. US appearances of the tear included a hypo-echoic area extending from the medial or lateral border of the Achilles anteriorly along the anatomical plane of the fascia cruris. Average return to activity was 5.2 weeks (range 1–22 weeks). Subjects presenting later had longer recovery (r=0.4) but all subjects returned to full activity.

Conclusions

This is the first description of the clinical details and sonographic findings of a tear to the fascia cruris at its attachment to the Achilles tendon and paratenon. It tends to occur at the confluence of the fascia cruris onto the paratenon and Achilles. This needs to be considered as a cause of Achillodynia in athletes and early diagnosis aids early return to activity.
HAMSTRING INJURIES IN A PREMIER LEAGUE FOOTBALL TEAM. MRI VS. CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS
Authors: Eastwood D
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Hamstring injury is the most common injury in professional football1MRI is often used as both a diagnostic and prognostic tool, but clinical judgment is always used to assess injury. There is little evidence in current literature to compare the two.

Aims

To evaluate MRI scanning for predicting time missed after hamstring injuries and compare it to clinical judgment.

Methods

A retrospective study was carried out, using the medical database of Sunderland AFC (SAFC): a Premier League football club. Players with a hamstring injury who had had an MRI scan were selected. Injuries occurred between 7/03/2009 and 16/02/2013. I found 'individual time-loss', 'radiological findings on MRI' and ‘clinical findings’ for each player's injury, in documentation by medical staff at SAFC. MRI findings were interpreted using a modified Peetron's classification into four grades. An established system by Jan Ekstrand2predicts time, in days, out of full contact training and playing football matches, based on Peetron's grades. I used this to analyse the accuracy of MRI and of clinical grading.

Results

In total, 27 players had hamstring injuries, all receiving an MRI scan and clinical assessment. For MRI classification, 7.4% were grade 0 injuries, 55.5% grade 1, 37.0% grade 2 and 0% grade 3. Clinical judgment assessed 3.7% at grade 0, 62.9% grade 1, 25.9% grade 2 and 7.4% grade 3. Therefore, clinical grading given by medical professionals did not always concur with grading reported from MRI. When using Erkstrand's grading system, clinical grading was more accurate in predicting time out. MRI grading appeared to underestimate injuries; injuries assessed as low grade in fact led to more days injured than predicted. Most injuries (18/27) were given the same MRI and clinical grading, illustrating that there was only some variation between methods.

Conclusions

MRI is helpful in verifying the diagnosis and prognosis of a hamstring injury.

Clinical grading appeared more accurate than MRI grading in predicting number of days injured. However, this was not statistically significant (p value 0.25).

MRI “under grading” may result in a tendency to encourage players to train too soon.

Over 60% of hamstring injuries were of radiological grade 0 or 1 (no signs of fibre disruption on MRI) but, in fact, these injuries caused the majority of days out.
Low temperature synthesis of MgAl2O4 Spinel through sol-gel technique and its characterization
Authors: Rani G. Neeraja , Ayachit N.H.
Published: October 2014

MgAl2O4 spinel was synthesized by a novel route method of sol-gel technique. Spinel powders were sintered at various temperatures to investigate the phase contents and crystallinity. The characterization of the samples was carried out by using various techniques. The formation of the spinel phase was inferred by differential thermal analyzer, while crystalline and structural properties were studied by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR). These studies infer the formation of spinel phase at much lower temperature (around 375 °C) and order–disorder transition in the spinel around 700 °C. The studies also indicate the formation of the spinel with better crystallinity. The inversion parameter was also calculated using MAS-NMR and its value is found to be approximately 0.30 for a sample sintered around 1000 °C.
Hot plasma modes across Reissner–Nördstrom–de Sitter horizon in a Veselago medium
Authors: Noureen Ifra , Kausar Hafiza Rizwana
Published: October 2014

We investigate wave attributes of hot plasma around a Reissner–Nördstrom–de Sitter (RN-dS) metric in a Veselago medium. A perturbation scheme is implemented on general relativistic magnetohydrodynamical (GRMHD) equations that are further used for Fourier analysis. The linearly perturbed Fourier-analyzed GRMHD equations depict the dispersion of hot plasma waves. It is found that inclusion of charge in de Sitter space greatly affects the wave dispersion. A comparison of wave properties is presented, and results reassert the presence of the Veselago medium.
Moments of inertia and B(E2;01+→21+)s in the NpNn scheme
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Sharma S.
Published: October 2014

We examine the collective nuclear structure of light and medium mass (Z = 50–82, N = 82–126) even–even nuclei using valence nucleon pair product (NpNn). We discuss the role of proton–neutron interaction in light mass nuclei and illustrate the variation of observables of collectivity and deformation (i.e., ground band moment of inertia) and B(E2) values with N and NpNn). The plot of these observables against NpNn vividly displays the formation of isotonic multiplets in quadrant I, strong dependence on NpNn in quadrant II and weak constancy with Z in quadrant III is illustrated.
Topological effect of surface plasmon excitation in gapped isotropic topological insulator nanowires
Authors: Li Mingda , Cui Wenping , Wu Lijun , Meng Qingping , Zhu Yimei , Zhang Yong , Liu Weishu , Ren Zhifeng
Published: October 2014

We present a theoretical investigation of the surface plasmon (SP) at the interface between a topologically nontrivial cylindrical core and a topologically trivial surrounding material, from the axion electrodynamics and modified constitutive relations. We find that the topological effect always leads to a red-shift of SP energy, while the energy red-shift decreases monotonically as core diameter decreases. A qualitative picture based on classical perturbation theory is given to explain these phenomena, from which we also infer that to enhance the shift, the difference between the inverse of dielectric constants of two materials must be increased. We also find that the surrounding magnetic environment suppresses the topological effect. All these features can be well described by a simple ansatz surface wave, which is in good agreement with full electromagnetic eigenmodes. In addition, bulk plasmon energy at ωp = 17.5 ± 0.2 eV for a semiconducting Bi2Se3 nanoparticle is observed from high-resolution electron energy loss spectrum measurements.
Simulation of strong nonlinear waves with vectorial lattice Boltzmann schemes
Authors: Dubois François
Published: October 2014

We show that a hyperbolic system with a mathematical entropy can be discretized with vectorial lattice Boltzmann schemes using the methodology of kinetic representation of the dual entropy. We test this approach for the shallow water equations in one and two spatial dimensions. We obtain interesting results for a shock tube, reflection of a shock wave and nonstationary two-dimensional propagation. This contribution shows the ability of vectorial lattice Boltzmann schemes to simulate strong nonlinear waves in nonstationary situations.
Codon usage and protein sequence pattern dependency in different organisms: A Bioinformatics approach
Authors: Foroughmand-Araabi Mohammad-Hadi , Goliaei Bahram , Alishahi Kasra , Sadeghi Mehdi , Goliaei Sama
Published: October 2014

Although it is known that synonymous codons are not chosen randomly, the role of the codon usage in gene regulation is not clearly understood, yet. Researchers have investigated the relation between the codon usage and various properties, such as gene regulation, translation rate, translation efficiency, mRNA stability, splicing, and protein domains. Recently, a universal codon usage based mechanism for gene regulation is proposed. We studied the role of protein sequence patterns on the codons usage by related genes. Considering a subsequence of a protein that matches to a pattern or motif, we showed that, parts of the genes, which are translated to this subsequence, use specific ratios of synonymous codons. Also, we built a multinomial logistic regression statistical model for codon usage, which considers the effect of patterns on codon usage. This model justifies the observed codon usage preference better than the classic organism dependent codon usage. Our results showed that the codon usage plays a role in controlling protein levels, for genes that participate in a specific biological function. This is the first time that this phenomenon is reported.
Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equations in modified Gauss–Bonnet gravity
Authors: Momeni D. , Myrzakulov R.
Published: October 2014

Based on a stringy inspired Gauss–Bonnet (GB) modification of classical gravity, we constructed a model for neutron stars. We derived the modified forms of Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff (TOV) equations for a generic function of f(G) gravity. The hydrostatic equations remained unchanged but the dynamical equations for metric functions are modified due to the effects of GB term.
A Modified Electro-Centrifugal Spinning Method to Enhance the Production Rate of Highly Aligned Nanofiber
Authors: Khamforoush M. , Asgari T.
Published: October 2014

In this paper, for the aim of increasing the production rate of highly aligned nanofibers, electrocentrifuge spinning (ECS) technique was modified by equipping it with two nozzles as the spinneret. This new setup obviously doubles the production rate of nanofibers relative to the conventional ECS. To investigate the effect of this modification on the degree of nanofibers alignment (DeNA), the values of DeNA were measured for 30 distinctive experiments and the results were compared with that of ECS setup with a single nozzle. The originality of this work has lain in the fact that for these 30 experiments, which were designed by Design Expert Software (DES), the DeNA of the new ECS was the same as the conventional setup. Additionally, a spinneret with four nozzles was employed to evaluate the influence of number of nozzles on the DeNA. Lastly, the optimum values of voltage, polymer concentration, spinneret rotational speed and collector diameter were determined in order to maximize the DeNA of the modified ECS setup.