bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic Stability Assessment of the Lower Limbs of Karate Kyokushin Master Class Athletes
Authors: Jurkiewicz Tomasz , Mejnartowicz Daria , Plenzler Marcin , Mierzwińska Anna , Popieluch Marcin , Śmigielski Robert 
Published: December 2014

Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the level of stability of the lower limbs in dynamic conditions in Karate Kyokushin master class athletes. We compared the results of the karate athletes with the control group. In the analysis, both the dominant (kicking) limb and non-dominant (supporting) one were taken into account. Methods: The study involved 22 Karate Kyokushin master class athletes (13 men and 9 women aged 26.5 ± 3.9). This group consisted mainly of European Championships medalists in various weight categories. Their average training history was 14.6 ± 5.1 years. The control group consisted of 18 healthy, active volunteers (14 men and 4 women aged 21.4 ± 1.2). The measurements of dynamic stabilography were made with the Biodex Balance System (BBS) device. The dispersion of sway in the A/P (anterior/posterior) plane, M/L (medial/lateral) plane and overall stability indicator (OSI) were analyzed. The measurements were made with one leg position on the lower right and left limb successively and consisted of three 30-second repetitions at the second stiffness level of the stabilographic platform. For the purpose of further material development, persons declaring the right lower limb as the dominant one were selected in order to make the test and the control group more homogeneous. The results were analyzed statistically using the U-Mann-Whitney test assuming the significance threshold of p≤0.05. To assess the correlation, the Pearson's correlation coefficient was used. Results: The analysis of the results showed a statistically significant difference in the overall stability indicator (OSI) of a non-dominant (supporting) limb between the test and the control groups. The abovementioned dependence concerning the overall indicator was affected mainly by stability parameters obtained in the A/P sagittal plane. A correlation between the training history and the overall stability indicator (OSI) in both limbs of karate athletes was also demonstrated. Namely, the increase in training experience of the athlete correlated with the increase in the stability level of both legs. Other results showed no statistically significant differences. Conclusion: 1. Kyokushin Karate master class athletes are characterized by lower level of stability of a non-dominant (supporting) lower limb in comparison with the control group. 2. The more training history experience the athlete has gained, the higher stability level in both lower limbs they have.
The further generalization on the inequalities for Hadamard products of any number of invertible Hermitian matrices
Authors: Chen Meixiang , Chen Qinghua , Yang Zhongpeng , Feng Xiaoxia , Lin Zhixing 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Without ‘positive definiteness’ demanded in the present papers, the forward and reverse inequalities for Hadamard products of any number of invertible Hermitian matrices are obtained, and the sufficient and necessary conditions for the equations in these inequalities are given. As Hermitian positive matrices naturally satisfy the added constraints, these results generalize and improve the corresponding results in the present papers. Beyond that, with no demand of ‘positive definiteness’, these forward and backward inequalities are not determined mutually any longer.
Cognitive behavioural treatment for the chronic post-traumatic headache patient: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kjeldgaard Dorte , Forchhammer Hysse B , Teasdale Thomas W , Jensen Rigmor H 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Background
Chronic post-traumatic headache (CPTH) after mild head injury can be difficult to manage. Research is scarce and successful interventions are lacking.
To evaluate the effect of a group-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) intervention in relation to headache, pain perception, psychological symptoms and quality of life in patients with CPTH.

Methods
Ninety patients with CPTH according to ICHD-2 criteria were enrolled from the Danish Headache Center into a randomized, controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned to either a waiting list group or to a nine-week CBT group intervention. At baseline and after 26 weeks all patients completed the Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire, SF-36, SCL-90-R and a headache diary.

Results
The CBT had no effect on headache and pressure pain thresholds and only a minor impact on the CPTH patients’ quality of life, psychological distress, and the overall experience of symptoms. The waiting-list group experienced no change in headache but, opposed to the treatment group, a significant decrease in somatic and cognitive symptoms indicating a spontaneous remission over time.

Conclusions
Our primarily negative findings confirm that management of patients with CPTH still remains a considerable challenge. Psychological group therapy with CBT might be effective in an earlier stage of CPTH and in less severely affected patients but our findings strongly underline the need for randomized controlled studies to test the efficacy of psychological therapy.
Pulsed laser deposition of single-crystalline Cu7In3/CuIn0.8Ga0.2Se2 core/shell nanowires
Authors: Zhao Yu , Li Hui , Zhu Yan-Yan , Guan Lei-Lei , Li Yan-Li , Sun Jian , Ying Zhi-Feng , Wu Jia-Da , Xu Ning 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Single-crystalline Cu7In3/CuIn0.8Ga0.2Se2 (CI/CIGS) core/shell nanowires are fabricated by pulsed laser deposition with Ni nanoparticles as catalyst. The CI/CIGS core/shell nanowires are made up of single-crystalline CI cores surrounded by single-crystalline CIGS shells. The CI/CIGS nanowires are grown at a considerably low temperature (350°C ~ 450°C) by vapor-liquid-solid mode combined with vapor-solid mode. The distribution density of the nanowires increases with the increasing of the deposition duration, and the substrate temperature determines the lengths of the nanowires. The U-V absorption spectra of the CIGS thin films with and without the CI/CIGS core/shell nanowires demonstrate that the CI/CIGS nanowires can remarkably enhance the absorption of CIGS thin films in the spectrum range of 300 to 900 nm.

PACS

61.46. + w; 61.41.e; 81.15.Fg; 81.07.b
An improved k-NN algorithm for localization in multipath environments
Authors: Zhao Yang , Liu Kaihua , Ma Yongtao , Li Zhuo 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
To improve the localization accuracy in multipath environments, this paper presents an effective localization approach with the utilization of reference tags. In this approach, an improved k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) algorithm is proposed based on radio-frequency (RF) phases. The traditional k-NN algorithm only focuses on the weighting factors of the coordinates of the selected reference tags, while the improved k-NN algorithm aims at the estimation of direct distance from a reader antenna to a target tag. Then, the location is estimated by linear least squares with a new reference selection scheme. Simulation results show that our approach is superior to the traditional localization approaches under multipath environments. In addition, we conclude that phase has the superiority over strength in the selection of reference tags for range estimation, and range estimation is more accurate than coordinate estimation with k-NN algorithm for localization.
Prevalence estimates of substandard drugs in Mongolia using a random sample survey
Authors: Khurelbat Daariimaa , Dorj Gereltuya , Bayarsaikhan Enkhtuul , Chimedsuren Munkhdelger , Sanjjav Tsetsegmaa , Morimoto Takeshi , Morley Michael , Morley Katharine 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
To determine the prevalence of substandard drugs in urban (Ulaanbaatar) and rural (selected provinces) areas of Mongolia, samples of 9 common, therapeutically important drugs were collected from randomly selected drug outlets in Ulaanbaatar and 4 rural provinces by “mystery shoppers”. Samples were analyzed by visual inspection, registration status, and biochemical analysis. Samples failing to meet all Pharmacopeia quality tests were considered substandard.
In the rural provinces, 69 out of 388 samples were substandard, giving an estimated prevalence of substandard drugs of 17.8% (95% CI: 14.1-22.0). There were 85 unregistered samples, giving a prevalence estimate of unregistered drugs of 21.9%. (95% CI: 17.9-26.3). In the urban Ulaanbaatar districts, 112 out of 848 samples were substandard, giving an estimated prevalence of substandard drugs of 13.2% (95% CI: 11.0-15.7). There were 150 unregistered samples, giving a prevalence estimate of unregistered drugs of 17.7% (95% CI: 15.2-20.4).
In the rural provinces, 35 out of 85 (41.2%) unregistered samples were substandard; whereas 34 out of 303 (11.2%) registered samples were substandard. (p < 0.0001) In the urban districts, 18 out of 150 (12.0%) unregistered samples were substandard, whereas 94 out of 698 registered were substandard. (13.5%) (p = 0.6).
The prevalence of substandard and unregistered drugs is higher in rural provinces. There is a significant association between substandard and unregistered drugs in the provinces but not in the urban districts. The underlying causes for substandard drugs need to be further investigated in order to help formulate strategies to improve pharmacovigilance and the drug supply quality in Mongolia.
Movement of the human foot in 100 pain free individuals aged 18–45: implications for understanding normal foot function
Authors: Nester Christopher J , Jarvis Hannah L , Jones Richard K , Bowden Peter D , Liu Anmin 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding motion in the normal healthy foot is a prerequisite for understanding the effects of pathology and thereafter setting targets for interventions. Quality foot kinematic data from healthy feet will also assist the development of high quality and research based clinical models of foot biomechanics. To address gaps in the current literature we aimed to describe 3D foot kinematics using a 5 segment foot model in a population of 100 pain free individuals.MethodsKinematics of the leg, calcaneus, midfoot, medial and lateral forefoot and hallux were measured in 100 self reported healthy and pain free individuals during walking. Descriptive statistics were used to characterise foot movements. Contributions from different foot segments to the total motion in each plane were also derived to explore functional roles of different parts of the foot.ResultsFoot segments demonstrated greatest motion in the sagittal plane, but large ranges of movement in all planes. All foot segments demonstrated movement throughout gait, though least motion was observed between the midfoot and calcaneus. There was inconsistent evidence of movement coupling between joints. There were clear differences in motion data compared to foot segment models reported in the literature.ConclusionsThe data reveal the foot is a multiarticular structure, movements are complex, show incomplete evidence of coupling, and vary person to person. The data provide a useful reference data set against which future experimental data can be compared and may provide the basis for conceptual models of foot function based on data rather than anecdotal observations.
UDP-glucose dehydrogenase modulates proteoglycan synthesis in articular chondrocytes: its possible involvement and regulation in osteoarthritis
Authors: Wen Yinxian , Li Jing , Wang Linlong , Tie Kai , Magdalou Jacques , Chen Liaobin , Wang Hui 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Introduction
The objective of this study was to investigate the possible role of UDP-glucose dehydrogenase (UGDH) in osteoarthritis (OA) and uncover whether, furthermore how interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) affects UGDH gene expression.

Methods
UGDH specific siRNAs were applied to determine the role of UGDH in proteoglycan (PG) synthesis in human articular chondrocytes. Protein levels of UGDH and Sp1 in human and rat OA cartilage were detected. Then, human primary chondrocytes were treated with IL-1β to find out whether and how IL-1β could regulate the gene expression of UGDH and its trans-regulators, that is Sp1, Sp3 and c-Krox. Finally, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB203580 and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAP/JNK) inhibitor SP600125 were used to pick out the pathway that mediated the IL-1β-modulated PGs synthesis and gene expression of UGDH, Sp1, Sp3 and c-Krox.

Results
UGDH specific siRNAs markedly inhibited UGDH mRNA and protein expression, and thus led to an obvious suppression of PGs synthesis in human articular chondrocytes. UGDH protein level in human and rat OA cartilage were much lower than the corresponding controls and negatively correlated to the degree of OA. Decrease in Sp1 protein level was also observed in human and rat OA cartilage respectively. Meanwhile, IL-1β suppressed UGDH gene expression in human articular chondrocytes in the late phase, which also modulated gene expression of Sp1, Sp3 and c-Krox and increased both Sp3/Sp1 and c-Krox/Sp1 ratio. Moreover, the inhibition of SAP/JNK and p38 MAPK pathways both resulted in an obvious attenuation of the IL-1β-induced suppression on the UGDH gene expression.

Conclusions
UGDH is essential in the PGs synthesis of articular chondrocytes, while the suppressed expression of UGDH might probably be involved in advanced OA, partly due to the modulation of p38 MAPK and SAP/JNK pathways and its trans-regulators by IL-1β.
The Brazilian wood biomass supply and utilization focusing on eucalypt
Authors: Colodette Jorge L , Gomes Claudia M , Gomes Fernando J , Cabral Carla P 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Brazil has 8.51 million km2 of territorial area and a tropical climate. In 2010, the occupation of the Brazilian soil consists of 20.8% pasture, 6.8% agriculture, 0.8% forested areas, 61.0% natural forests, and 9.7% other areas. In 2012, of the total area of the country 3.25% (27.65 million ha) is occupied by soy bean cultivation and 1% (8.5 million ha) by sugar cane cultivation. In 2012, the main cultivated species in the country were Eucalyptus spp. (71.0%), Pinus spp. (21.75%), Acacia mearnsii and Acacia mangium (2.12%), Hevea brasiliensis (2.36%), and Schizolobium amazonicum (1.22%). From 2004 to 2012, the planted forest area growth was 50.4%. The main factor that boosted this growth was the demand of the pulp and paper, followed by wood-based panels sector. It is also notable the development of new planted forests in Brazil for energy purposes. In recent decades, scientific and technological advance shave resulted in significant improvements in productivity, resistance to diseases, uniform degree of the forest plantations, wood quality etc. Among the most researched species are the ones belonging to Eucalyptus gender for having excellent adaptability to the edaphoclimatic conditions in the country. The current average productivity of Eucalyptus is of 40.7 m3/ha·year. In some regions of the country the average productivity of Eucalyptus has reached 100 m3/ha·year. The Brazilian forestry industry uses mainly planted forests, and the pulp and paper industry consumes only this type of wood. The pulp and wood panel sectors are more technologically advanced in relation to the other wood products sectors.
Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Armodafinil for Insomnia After Cancer Treatment
Authors: Roscoe Joseph A. , Garland Sheila N. , Heckler Charles E. , Perlis Michael L. , Peoples Anita R. , Shayne Michelle , Savard Josée , Daniels Nina P. , Morrow Gary R. 
Published: December 2014

Purpose Insomnia is a distressing and often persisting consequence of cancer. Although cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the treatment of choice in the general population, the use of CBT-I in patients with cancer is complicated, because it can result in transient but substantial increases in daytime sleepiness. In this study, we evaluated whether CBT-I, in combination with the wakefulness-promoting agent armodafinil (A), results in better insomnia treatment outcomes in cancer survivors than CBT-I alone. Patients and Methods We report on a randomized trial of 96 cancer survivors (mean age, 56 years; female, 87.5%; breast cancer, 68%). The primary analyses examined whether ≥ one of the 7-week intervention conditions (ie, CBT-I, A, or both), when compared with a placebo capsule (P) group, produced significantly greater clinical gains. Insomnia was assessed by the Insomnia Severity Index and sleep quality by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory. All patients received sleep hygiene instructions. Results Analyses controlling for baseline differences showed that both the CBT-I plus A (P = .001) and CBT-I plus P (P = .010) groups had significantly greater reductions in insomnia severity postintervention than the P group, with effect sizes of 1.31 and 1.02, respectively. Similar improvements were seen for sleep quality. Gains on both measures persisted 3 months later. CBT-I plus A was not significantly different from CBT-I plus P (P = .421), and A alone was not significantly different from P alone (P = .584). Conclusion CBT-I results in significant and durable improvements in insomnia and sleep quality. A did not significantly improve the efficacy of CBT-I or independently affect insomnia or sleep quality.
Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Syndromes: American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline Endorsement of the Familial Risk–Colorectal Cancer: European Society for Medical Oncology Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Stoffel Elena M. , Mangu Pamela B. , Gruber Stephen B. , Hamilton Stanley R. , Kalady Matthew F. , Lau Michelle Wan Yee , Lu Karen H. , Roach Nancy , Limburg Paul J. 
Published: December 2014

Purpose To provide recommendations on prevention, screening, genetics, treatment, and management for people at risk for hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndromes. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) has a policy and set of procedures for endorsing clinical practice guidelines that have been developed by other professional organizations. Methods The Familial Risk–Colorectal Cancer: European Society for Medical Oncology Clinical Practice Guideline published in 2013 on behalf of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Guidelines Working Group in Annals of Oncology was reviewed for developmental rigor by methodologists, with content and recommendations reviewed by an ASCO endorsement panel. Results The ASCO endorsement panel determined that the recommendations of the ESMO guidelines are clear, thorough, and based on the most relevant scientific evidence. The ASCO panel endorsed the ESMO guidelines and added a few qualifying statements. Recommendations Approximately 5% to 6% of patient cases of CRC are associated with germline mutations that confer an inherited predisposition for cancer. The possibility of a hereditary cancer syndrome should be assessed for every patient at the time of CRC diagnosis. A diagnosis of Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, or another genetic syndrome can influence clinical management for patients with CRC and their family members. Screening for hereditary cancer syndromes in patients with CRC should include review of personal and family histories and testing of tumors for DNA mismatch repair deficiency and/or microsatellite instability. Formal genetic evaluation is recommended for individuals who meet defined criteria.
Revised Risk Classification for Pediatric Extracranial Germ Cell Tumors Based on 25 Years of Clinical Trial Data From the United Kingdom and United States
Authors: Frazier A. Lindsay , Hale Juliet P. , Rodriguez-Galindo Carlos , Dang Ha , Olson Thomas , Murray Matthew J. , Amatruda James F. , Thornton Claire , Arul G. Suren , Billmire Deborah , Shaikh Furqan , Pashankar Farzana , Stoneham Sara , Krailo Mark , Nicholson James C. 
Published: December 2014

Purpose To risk stratify malignant extracranial pediatric germ cell tumors (GCTs). Patients and Methods Data from seven GCT trials conducted by the Children's Oncology Group (United States) or the Children's Cancer and Leukemia Group (United Kingdom) between 1985 and 2009 were merged to create a data set of patients with stage II to IV disease treated with platinum-based therapy. A parametric cure model was used to evaluate the prognostic importance of age, tumor site, stage, histology, tumor markers, and treatment regimen and estimate the percentage of patients who achieved long-term disease-free (LTDF) survival in each subgroup of the final model. Validation of the model was conducted using the bootstrap method. Results In multivariable analysis of 519 patients with GCTs, stage IV disease (P = .001), age ≥ 11 years (P < .001), and tumor site (P < .001) were significant predictors of worse LTDF survival. Elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥ 10,000 ng/mL was associated with worse outcome, whereas pure yolk sac tumor (YST) was associated with better outcome, although neither met criteria for statistical significance. The analysis identified a group of patients age > 11 years with either stage III to IV extragonadal tumors or stage IV ovarian tumors with predicted LTDF survival < 70%. A bootstrap procedure showed retention of age, tumor site, and stage in > 94%, AFP in 12%, and YST in 27% of the replications. Conclusion Clinical trial data from two large national pediatric clinical trial organizations have produced a new evidence-based risk stratification of malignant pediatric GCTs that identifies a poor-risk group warranting intensified therapy.
Forelimb muscle architecture and myosin isoform composition in the groundhog (Marmota monax)
Authors: Rupert Joseph E. , Rose Jacob A. , Organ Jason M. , Butcher Michael T. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractScratch-digging mammals are commonly described as having large, powerful forelimb muscles for applying high force to excavate earth, yet studies quantifying the architectural properties of the musculature are largely unavailable. To further test hypotheses about traits that represent specializations for scratch-digging, we quantified muscle architectural properties and fiber type in the forelimb of the groundhog (Marmota monax), a digger that constructs semi-complex burrows. Architectural properties measured were muscle moment arm, muscle mass (MM), belly length (ML), fascicle length (lF), pennation angle, and physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA), and these metrics were used to estimate maximum isometric force, joint torque, and power. Myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform composition was determined in selected forelimb muscles by SDS-PAGE and densitometry analysis. Groundhogs have large limb retractors and elbow extensors that are capable of applying moderately high torque at the shoulder and elbow joints, respectively. Most of these muscles (e.g., latissimus dorsi and pectoralis superficialis) have high lF/ML ratios, indicating substantial shortening ability and moderate power. The unipennate triceps brachii long head has the largest PCSA and is capable of the highest joint torque at both the shoulder and elbow joints. The carpal and digital flexors show greater pennation and shorter fascicle lengths than the limb retractors and elbow extensors, resulting in higher PCSA:MM ratios and force production capacity. Moreover, the digital flexors have the capacity for both appreciable fascicle shortening and force production indicating high muscle work potential. Overall, the forelimb musculature of the groundhog is capable of relatively low sustained force and power, and these properties are consistent with the findings of a predominant expression of the MHC-2A isoform. Aside from the apparent modifications to the digital flexors, the collective muscle properties observed are consistent with its behavioral classification as a less specialized burrower and these may be more representative of traits common to numerous rodents with burrowing habits or mammals with some fossorial ability.