bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rituximab-Vincristine Chemotherapy-Induced Acute Anterior Wall Myocardial Infarction with Cardiogenic Shock
Authors: Roy Ambuj , Khanna Naveen , Senguttuvan Nagendra Boopathy
Published: February 2014

We present a case of an elderly man with coronary artery disease who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Soon after the administration of chemotherapy, which included rituximab and vincristine, he developed acute myocardial infarction with cardiogenic shock. The condition was managed successfully with primary percutaneous coronary intervention. We briefly discuss the possible pathogenic mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced ischemic syndrome and the management of chemotherapy in patients with high cardiovascular risk.
Aortic Valve Leaflet Replacement with Bovine Pericardium to Preserve Native Dynamic Capabilities of the Aortic Annulus
Authors: Kim Kyung Hwa , Choi Jong Bum , Kim Min Ho , Kim Won Ho , Lee Mi Kyung , Lee Sam Youn
Published: February 2014

Valve replacement is typically the most appropriate option for treating aortic valve stenotic insufficiency. However, neither mechanical nor bioprosthetic replacement components preserve the circumferential expansion and contraction of a native aortic annulus during the cardiac cycle, because the prosthetic ring is affixed to the annulus.

A 64-year-old man presented with a bicuspid and stenotic aortic valve, and the native annulus was too small to accommodate a porcine replacement valve. We fashioned new aortic leaflets from bovine pericardium with use of a template, and we affixed the sinotubular junction with use of inner and outer stabilization rings. Postoperative echocardiograms revealed coaptation of the 3 new leaflets with no regurgitation. At the patient's 5.5-year follow-up examination, echocardiograms showed flexible leaflet movement with a coaptation height of 7 mm, and expansion and contraction of the aortic annulus similar to that of a normal native annulus. The transvalvular pressure gradient was insignificant. If long-term durability of the new leaflets is confirmed, this method of leaflet replacement and fixation of the sinotubular junction might serve as an acceptable alternative to valve replacement in the treatment of aortic valve stenosis. We describe the patient's case and present our methods and observations.
Inappropriate Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator Shocks Attributed to Alternating-Current Leak in a Swimming Pool
Authors: Makaryus John N. , Angert-Gilman Julia , Yacoub Mena , Patel Apoor , Goldner Bruce
Published: February 2014

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are the standard of care for preventing sudden cardiac death in patients who are predisposed to malignant ventricular arrhythmias. Causes of inappropriate ICD shock include equipment malfunction, improper arrhythmia evaluation, misinterpretation of myopotentials, and electromagnetic interference. As the number of implanted ICDs has increased, other contributors to inappropriate therapy have become known, such as minimal electrical current leaks that mimic ventricular fibrillation. We present the case of a 63-year-old man with a biventricular ICD who received 2 inappropriate shocks, probably attributable to alternating-current leaks in a swimming pool. In addition, we discuss ICD sensitivity and offer recommendations to avoid similar occurrences.
Evaluation of Coronary Artery–Saphenous Vein Composite Grafts: The Aortic No-Touch Technique
Authors: Coskun Isa , Colkesen Yucel , Demirturk Orhan Saim , Tunel Huseyin Ali , Turkoz Riza , Gulcan Oner
Published: February 2014

We retrospectively compared the results of conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) performed on patients who showed no preoperative evidence of serious atherosclerosis of the ascending aorta with the results of the aortic no-touch technique (using coronary artery–saphenous vein composite grafts) on CABG patients who did show such evidence.

From 2003 through 2012, 3,152 consecutive patients underwent isolated primary CABG at our hospital. We chose 360 for the current study. The study group (n=120) comprised patients who had undergone operation via the aortic no-touch technique. Propensity-score-matching (1:2) was used to select the control group of 240 patients who had undergone conventional CABG. Early and late survival rates, reintervention-free survival rates, and freedom from cardiac death were compared.

Early and late mortality rates were similar in the study and control groups (P=0.19 vs P=0.29, respectively), as were cardiac-related death (2.5% vs 2.1%, respectively; P=0.53) and overall death (8.3% vs 7.9%, respectively; P=0.51). Overall survival rates were 91.7% vs 92.1% and freedom-from-cardiac-death rates were 97.4% vs 97.5% (P=0.71 vs P=0.78, respectively; mean follow-up period, 5.27 ± 2.51 yr). Reintervention-free survival rates were also similar (96.7% vs 98.8%, respectively; P=0.2).

As a result of the similar rates of early and late survival, reintervention-free survival, and freedom from cardiac death, we conclude that the aortic no-touch technique with composite grafts might be a reasonable option in patients who have atherosclerotic ascending aorta that cannot be clamped.
Pitfalls in Diagnosis: Suspected Anomalous Origin of the Right Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Robinson Jeffrey A. , MacLellan-Tobert Susan G. , Horner Justin M. , Cetta Frank
Published: February 2014

Anomalous coronary arteries are rare in the general population. We report the case of a term neonate who underwent an echocardiogram to evaluate a possible patent ductus arteriosus. Unexpectedly, an apparent anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the main pulmonary artery was detected by surface 2-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography and color-flow Doppler imaging. Because ventricular size and function were normal, the patient ultimately underwent cardiac catheterization to verify the anatomy before proposed surgery. Angiograms showed that the right coronary artery arose from the left anterolateral portion of the mid-ascending aorta. The patient did not require surgery. This case report illustrates pitfalls that can occur in the diagnosis of coronary artery anomalies.
Fine properties of the subdifferential for a
class of one-homogeneous functionals
Authors: Chambolle Antonin , Goldman Michael , Novaga Matteo
Published: February 2014

We collect some known results on the subdifferentials of a class of one-homogeneous functionals, which consist in anisotropic and nonhomogeneous variants of the total variation.
It is known that the subdifferential at a point is the divergence of some “calibrating field”.
We establish new relationships between Lebesgue points of a calibrating field and regular points of the level surfaces of the corresponding calibrated function.
Universal and homogeneous embeddings of dual polar spaces of rank 3 defined over quadratic alternative division algebras
Authors: De Bruyn Bart , Van Maldeghem Hendrik
Published: February 2014

Suppose 𝕆 is an alternative division algebra that is quadratic over some subfield 𝕂 of its center

Z
(
𝕆
)

$Z(\mathbb {O})$

. Then with

(
𝕆
,
𝕂
)

$(\mathbb {O},\mathbb {K})$

, there is associated a dual polar space. We provide an explicit representation of this dual polar space into a

(
6
n
+
7
)

$(6n+7)$

-dimensional projective space over 𝕂, where

n
=

dim
𝕂

(
𝕆
)

$n = \dim _\mathbb {K}(\mathbb {O})$

. We prove that this embedding is the universal one, provided

|
𝕂
|
>
2

$\vert \mathbb {K}\vert >2$

. When 𝕆 is not an inseparable field extension of 𝕂, we show that this universal embedding is the unique polarized one. When 𝕆 is an inseparable field extension of 𝕂, then we determine the minimal full polarized embedding, and show that all homogeneous embeddings are either universal or minimal. We also provide explicit generators of the corresponding projective representations of the little projective group associated with the (dual) polar space.
Synthesis of aluminum hydroxide thin coating and its influence on the thermomechanical and fire-resistant properties of wood
Authors: Wang Nana , Fu Yanchun , Liu Yongzhuang , Yu Haipeng , Liu Yixing
Published: February 2014

Aluminum hydroxide [Al(OH)3] film on wood substrate has been synthesized by means of the hydrothermal (HT) method for improvement of wood’s mechanical properties and resistance to combustion. The HT temperature was set to 100°C and 120°C, and the reaction time varied from 4 h to 10 h. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) results show that the thin film grown on wood surface was amorphous Al(OH)3 and the relative crystallinity of treated woods slightly improved. SEM observation revealed that the Al(OH)3 film is composed of regular micro/nano-sized spheres, whose production and size increase with the reaction time, and some AlO(OH) structures emerged at 120°C with reaction times longer than 6 h. The storage modulus of the wood treated at 100°C and 120°C for 8 h can be improved by 30%, while the viscoelastic properties are also influenced by the HT treatment and Al(OH)3 coating. The limiting oxygen index of raw wood rose from 24.7% to 27.9% after the treatment, which can be interpreted as a moderate improvement of the fire resistance.
Chemical remediation of wood treated with micronised, nano or soluble copper preservatives
Authors: Kartal Saip Nami , Terzi Evren , Woodward Bessie , Clausen Carol A. , Lebow Stan T.
Published: February 2014

The potential for extraction of copper from wood treated with micronised, nano or soluble forms of copper has been evaluated in view of chemical remediation. In focus were EDTA, oxalic acid, bioxalate, and d-gluconic acid for extraction of Cu from treated wood. Bioxalate extractions for 24 h resulted in Cu removal over 95% for all tested materials, and the effectiveness of oxalic acid extraction was very similar to that of nano-CuO-treated wood. Bioxalate was more effective than oxalic acid in removing Cu from ACQ-D, MCQ, MCA, CA-C and Cu-ethanolamine treated wood. d-gluconic acid extractions resulted in the lowest Cu removal for nano-CuO even though d-gluconic acid was effective for all other materials. As the pH of d-gluconic acid decreased, Cu removal was improved except for nano-CuO. There is no distinctive difference in Cu removal from wood treated with ACQ-D, MCQ, CA-C, MCA and Cu-ethanolamine.
The structural biology of the amyloid precursor protein APP – a complex puzzle reveals its multi-domain architecture
Authors: Coburger Ina , Hoefgen Sandra , Than Manuel E.
Published: February 2014

The amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its processing are widely believed to be central for the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and appear essential for neuronal development and cell homeostasis in mammals. Many studies show the proteolysis of APP by the proteases α-, β- and γ-secretase, functional aspects of the protein and the structure of individual domains. It is, however, largely unclear and currently also widely debated of how the structures of individual domains and their interactions determine the observed functionalities of APP and how they are arranged within the three-dimensional architecture of the entire protein. Further unanswered questions relate to the physiologic function of APP, the regulation of its proteolytic processing and the structural and functional effect of its cellular trafficking and processing. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the structure-function-relationship of the multi-domain protein APP. This type-I transmembrane protein consists of the two folded E1 and E2 segments that are connected to one another and to the single transmembrane helix by flexible segments and likely fulfills several independent functions.
Understanding the Process of Contextualization
Authors: Wyatt Tasha
Published: February 2014

The literature on culture and education points to the importance of using students’ cultural knowledge in the teaching and learning process. While the theory of culturally relevant education has expanded in the last several decades, the practical implementation continues to lag far behind. This disparity points to the lack of tools and other resources available to assist teachers with implementation. By examining the practice of six teachers who scored high on a rubric measuring Contextualization, this pedagogical strategy was articulated into a three-step process. The findings indicate that the role of the teacher in guiding students through tasks that require cognitive processing has been missing from our understanding of this strategy. This study advances the practice of using culture in teaching by operationalizing how to use students’ cultural experiences to make academic connections.
Extraction and purification of 227Ac and development of solid 219Rn source
Authors: Tang Quan , Qiu Shoukang , Xiao Detao , Zhou Yaohui , An Xiaogang
Published: February 2014

The method of 227Ac extraction and purification from high-grade uranium ore and the test results of solid 219Rn
source made from 227Ac are reported in this paper. With five years of follow-up monitoring, radiochemical purity of
227Ac and the emanation power of solid 219Rn source has been checked by emanation method and γ-spectrometry, the results showed that 228Th, 231Pa and 226Ra have been effectively removed and
the emanation power of 219Rn source is about 80%. The long-term test results also showed that the
219Rn emanation rate remains stable in a wide air humidity range (40% ∼ 90%). Though the
219Rn source has not been accurately calibrated yet, it has been applied in the research for delay coincidence measurement
of 223Ra.
Gas-phase chemistry of Mo, Ru, W, and Os metal carbonyl complexes
Authors: Wang Y. , Qin Z. , Fan F.-L. , Fan F.-Y. , Cao S.-W. , Wu X.-L. , Zhang X. , Bai J. , Yin X.-J. , Tian L.-L. , Zhao L. , Tian W. , Li Z. , Tan C.-M. , Guo J.-S. , Gäggeler H. W.
Published: February 2014

Metal carbonyl complexes were used for studying the gas-phase chemical behavior of Mo, Ru, W and Os isotopes with an on-line low
temperature isothermal gas chromatography apparatus. Short-lived Mo and Ru isotopes were produced by a 252Cf spontaneous
fission source. Short-lived nuclides of W and Os were produced using the heavy ion reactions 19F +159Tb and
165Ho, respectively. Short-lived products were thermalized in a recoil chamber filled with a gas mixture of helium and
carbon monoxide. The carbonyls formed were then transported through capillaries to an isothermal chromatography column for study of the
adsorption behavior as a function of temperature. On-line isothermal chromatography (IC) experiments on Teflon (PTFE) and quartz
surfaces showed that short-lived isotopes of the listed elements can form carbonyl complexes which are very volatile and interact most
likely in physical sorption processes. Deduced adsorption enthalpies of Mo and Ru carbonyls were − 38 ± 2 kJ/mol and
− 36 ± 2 kJ/mol, respectively. These values are in good agreement with literature data, partly obtained with different
chromatographic techniques. A validation of the applied Monte Carlo model to deduce adsorption enthalpies with Mo isotopes of different
half-lives proved the validity of the underlying adsorption model. The investigations using a gas-jet system coupled to a heavy ion
accelerator without any preseparator clearly showed the limitations of the approach. The He and CO gas mixture, which was directly
added into the chamber, will result in decomposition of CO gas and produce some aerosol particles. After the experiment of
173W and 179Os in the heavy ion experiments, the Teflon column was covered by a yellowish deposit; the
adsorption enthalpy of W and Os carbonyls could therefore not be properly deduced using Monte Carlo simulations.
Organometallic water splitting – from coordination chemistry to catalysis
Authors: Klahn Marcus , Beweries Torsten
Published: February 2014

This review gives an overview on the recent developments in the field of coordination chemistry of water at transition metal centres, which could give implications for a better understanding of the elementary steps of light-driven overall water splitting. Additionally, selected examples for homogeneous catalyst systems that are capable of producing hydrogen and/or oxygen from water are presented, focussing on the mechanistic aspects of water reduction and water oxidation.
Resveratrol and cancer: focus on in vivo evidence
Authors: Carter Lindsay G , D'Orazio John A , Pearson Kevin J
Published: February 2014

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol that provides a number of anti-aging health benefits including improved metabolism, cardioprotection, and cancer prevention. Much of the work on resveratrol and cancer comes fromin vitrostudies looking at resveratrol actions on cancer cells and pathways. There are, however, comparatively fewer studies that have investigated resveratrol treatment and cancer outcomesin vivo, perhaps limited by its poor bioavailability when taken orally. Although research in cell culture has shown promising and positive effects of resveratrol, evidence from rodents and humans is inconsistent. This review highlights thein vivoeffects of resveratrol treatment on breast, colorectal, liver, pancreatic, and prostate cancers. Resveratrol supplementation in animal models of cancer has shown positive, neutral as well as negative outcomes depending on resveratrol route of administration, dose, tumor model, species, and other factors. Within a specific cancer type, there is variability between studies with respect to strain, age, and sex of animal used, timing and method of resveratrol supplementation, and dose of resveratrol used to study cancer endpoints. Together, the data suggest that many factors need to be considered before resveratrol can be used for human cancer prevention or therapy.
Heat-shock protein A8 restores sperm membrane integrity by increasing plasma membrane fluidity
Authors: Moein-Vaziri Najmeh , Phillips Ian , Smith Simon , Almiňana Carmen , Maside Carolina , Gil Maria A , Roca Jordi , Martinez Emilio A , Holt William V , Pockley A Graham , Fazeli Alireza
Published: February 2014

The constitutive 70 kDa heat-shock protein, HSPA8, has previously been shown to contribute to the long-term survival of spermatozoa inside the mammalian female reproductive tract. Here, we show that a recombinant form of HSPA8 rapidly promotes the viability of uncapacitated spermatozoa, the ability of spermatozoa to bind to oviductal epithelial cells, enhances IVF performance, and decreases sperm mitochondrial activity. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching revealed that the repair of membrane damage is achieved by an almost instantaneous increase in sperm membrane fluidity. The ability of HSPA8 to influence membrane stability and fluidity, as well as its conserved nature among mammalian species, supports the idea that this protein protects sperm survival through membrane repair mechanisms.

Free Persian abstract

A Persian translation of the abstract is freely available online athttp://www.reproduction-online.org/content/147/5/719/suppl/DC1
Material Properties of Fibre-Cement and Fibre-Concrete Composites Used for Plated Components of Building Structures
Authors: Karmazínová Marcela
Published: February 2014

The paper presents the brief information on particular results of experimental studies dealing with the problems of properties of materials based on fibre-cement and fibre-concrete composites, which are being recently developed, tested and verified, to use them in the plated components of load-carrying structures of building constructions. The problems mentioned are solved in the co-operation with the company of the Research Institute of Building Materials Inc. (“VUSTAH a.s.”) at Brno city in the Czech Republic. The attention is paid to two basic types of material: (i) fibre-cement composite used for the slab components intended for vertical or horizontal building or technology structures, such as permanent shuttering of bridges, timber floor structures and slab flooring, the wall cladding of buildings and formwork of components in manufacturing plants of the concrete units; (ii) glass-fibre-concrete composite mainly intended for the building façade claddings, but also for the objects of daily use. The experimental verification has been mainly oriented to the investigation of physical-mechanical properties, like as the tensile-bending strength, as well as the corresponding modulus of elasticity.
Validação de método de cromatografia líquida para a determinação de sete ácidos graxos voláteis intermediários da digestão anaeróbia
Authors: Mesquita Patrícia da Luz , Afonso Robson José de Cássia Franco , Aquino Sérgio Francisco de , Leite Gustavo de Sousa
Published: February 2014

Ácidos graxos voláteis (AGV) são importantes compostos intermediários indicadores da digestão anaeróbia. Este artigo apresenta dados de validação de uma metodologia para análise de uma mistura de sete AGV (C1 a C5) em amostras ambientais por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE). Foi utilizada uma coluna de exclusão iônica a 55ºC, volume de injeção de 10 µL e fase móvel (0,01 mol.L-1 H2SO4) a 0,6 mL.min-1. Os critérios de validação foram: limites de detecção e de quantificação, que ficaram na faixa de 5,0 a 10 mg.L-1 e 15 a 30 mg.L-1, respectivamente; linearidade (comprovada para todos os ácidos); repetitividade e sensibilidade (muito boa para a maioria dos ácidos); efeito de matriz (efeito de supressão observado para o ácido isobutírico) e exatidão (85 a 104%). Sendo assim, as condições operacionais adotadas se mostraram válidas para a quantificação de AGV em efluentes de reatores anaeróbios.
Barreira capilar construída com resíduo pré-tratado mecânica e biologicamente
Authors: Izzo Ronaldo Luis dos Santos , Mahler Cláudio Fernando , Rose Juliana Lundgren
Published: February 2014

O controle da entrada de água de chuva no interior do aterro de resíduos sólidos urbanos durante sua construção e após seu fechamento é crucial para manter o controle da geração de lixiviado. Este fator pode contribuir para a elevação de gastos com tratamento e monitoramento e para a instabilidade mecânica do aterro. Por esta razão, o sistema de cobertura final de um aterro de resíduos sólidos urbanos é decisivo ao controle da entrada de água no mesmo. Na maioria dos casos, o sistema de cobertura final é composto por solo compactado. Frequentemente, um solo adequado para a cobertura não é encontrado nos arredores do aterro; portanto, recursos têm que ser despendidos para o transporte do mesmo até o devido local. Uma alternativa seria a utilização de uma barreira capilar construída com resíduos pré-tratados mecânica e biologicamente. No entanto, o uso deste material para esta construção ainda não foi bem estudado, e as diversas variáveis envolvidas no funcionamento de uma barreira capilar construída com resíduos sólidos pré-tratados mecânica e biologicamente são desconhecidas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar os parâmetros envolvidos no funcionamento de uma barreira capilar construída exclusivamente de resíduos sólidos urbanos pré-tratados mecânica e biologicamente. Observou-se que este utilizado como material de uma barreira capilar pode funcionar de maneira equivalente àquela construída com solo, sendo boa a sua capacidade de retenção da água de chuva.
Proposição de um sistema de indicadores de desempenho para avaliação da qualidade dos serviços de esgotamento sanitário
Authors: Sperling Tiago Lages von , Sperling Marcos von
Published: February 2014

Os indicadores de desempenho (ID) são amplamente utilizados como ferramenta de avaliação dos serviços de saneamento básico e o seu uso vem se tornando uma prática cada vez mais comum. Guiando-se por uma base norteadora de 699 indicadores de 11 entidades e organizações do Brasil e do mundo, a presente pesquisa propôs um sistema único de 46 ID específicos para o serviço de esgotamento sanitário. O sistema proposto foi baseado em uma metodologia criteriosa, fundamentada principalmente na avaliação comparativa dos ID hoje utilizados e na consulta aos especialistas do setor. Tendo como princípio metodológico a determinação de duas variáveis consideradas fundamentais aos indicadores de desempenho - a importância e a praticidade deles -, foi possível propor um sistema relevante para os quatro atores do saneamento: as prestadoras de serviço, as agências reguladoras, a administração pública e os usuários.
Avaliação da eficiência da gestão dos serviços municipais de abastecimento de água e esgotamento sanitário utilizandoData Envelopment Analysis
Authors: Scaratti Dirceu , Michelon William , Scaratti Gidiane
Published: February 2014

O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a eficiência da gestão dos serviços municipais de abastecimento de água e esgotamento sanitário utilizando-se da abordagem Data Envelopment Analysis. Foram avaliados 53 municípios prestadores de serviços de abastecimento de água potável e esgotamento sanitário, conforme definições da Lei 11.445/2007, com população residente entre 50 mil e 100 mil habitantes e constantes da amostra do Sistema Nacional de Informações sobre Saneamento. Utilizaram-se na avaliação 33 indicadores de desempenho cujos resultados foram transformados em medidas adimensionais de intervalo [0, 1]. Da amostra total, nove serviços de abastecimento de água potável e três de esgotamento sanitário obtiveram avaliação com índice igual a 1 e classificação eficiente, sendo que os demais obtiveram avaliação inferior, ou seja, menores que 1 e classificação ineficiente. Na avaliação agregada da gestão do saneamento básico (abastecimento de água potável e esgotamento sanitário), somente um município obteve classificação eficiente.
Desempenho de reator integrado de lodo ativado com biofilme em leito móvel
Authors: Fujii Fábio Yugo , Piveli Roque Passos , Campos Fábio , Bueno Rodrigo Freitas , Sobrinho Pedro Alem
Published: February 2014

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da presença de suportes plásticos móveis (carriers) no processo de lodo ativado por meio da operação, sob diferentes tempos de retenção de sólidos para remoção de matéria carbonácea e nitrogênio, de dois sistemas aeróbios. Um deles, denominado LAC, foi constituído por reatores de lodo ativado com biomassa apenas em suspensão, e comparado com outro, LAI, com reatores integrados de lodo ativado com biofilme em leito móvel. Monitorou-se o crescimento das biomassas em suspensão e aderida e as condições ambientais nos reatores. Testes respirométricos determinaram os coeficientes cinéticos relativos à nitrificação. Foi possível a aplicação de carga de aproximadamente duas vezes a que foi suportada por um sistema de lodo ativado, a nitrificação se estendeu até reduzidas idades do lodo aeróbio e a desnitrificação ocorreu eficientemente. As velocidades específicas de crescimento das bactérias nitritantes e nitratantes foram determinadas para o processo com biofilme aderido, resultando similares às obtidas apenas com biomassa em suspensão
Caregiving as Ministry: Perceptions of African Americans Providing Care for Elders
Authors: Bennett Susanne , Sheridan Michael J. , Richardson Francesca
Published: February 2014

This article provides qualitative findings from a community-based, mixed-method study of African American caregivers of elders. Using constant comparative analysis of 21 in-depth interviews, investigators explored the reciprocal, interactive influence between caregiving and religion or spirituality. Findings suggested that participants perceived their approach to care as a personal ministry. Analysis of the core category of Caregiving as Ministry identified four characteristics of the participant's care approach: (a) caregiving is an honor and a blessing, (b) caregiving is my identity, (c) caregiving is sustained by a personal relationship with God, and (d) caregiving is a higher calling from God. The article concludes with three implications for direct and community-based social work practice.
Individual and Ecological Correlates of Attitudes toward Help Seeking among African American Adolescents in Urban Public Housing
Authors: Nebbitt Von Eugene , Lombe Margaret , Salas-Wright Christopher P. , Cryer-Coupet Qiana
Published: February 2014

Understanding help-seeking behavior in urban African American adolescents living in public housing is a largely understudied area of research. Using a sample of 149 African American youth living in public housing, this study attempts to rectify this gap in knowledge by assessing how factors in multiple domains may be related to attitudes toward help seeking. Results suggest that being young and male are associated with more favorable attitudes toward help seeking. Results also indicate that self-efficacy and neighborhood cohesion are positively related to attitudes toward help seeking. Additionally, youth with positive inclinations toward deviance were less likely to seek help. Overall, findings suggest that youth who seek help are likely to have efficacious beliefs, conventional attitudes, and a sense of closeness in their communities.
Tail probabilities of extinction time in a large number of experimental populations
Authors: Drake John M.
Published: February 2014

Determining the distribution of population extinction times is a fundamental problem in theoretical population biology. In particular, the tail properties, patterns in the probability of long‐term persistence, have not been studied. Further, until now there have been no experimental or observational data sets with which to empirically test the “rare event” predictions of the standard stochastic theory of extinction, which holds that extinction times should be exponentially distributed. I performed an experimental study of extinction in a large number of replicate (n = 1076) laboratory populations of the waterflea Daphnia pulicaria. Observed extinction time ranged from 1 to 1239 days. Statistical models supported the hypothesis of a power‐law distribution over the exponential distribution and other alternatives. This pattern contradicts the notion that population extinction time has an exponential tail, questioning its ubiquitous use in theoretical ecology. It is also a rare instance of a data set that exhibits power‐law scaling under appropriate statistical criteria.
Trade‐offs between supportive and provisioning ecosystem services of forage species in marine food webs
Authors: Essington Timothy E. , Munch Stephen B.
Published: February 2014

Ecosystem‐based management of natural resources involves an explicit consideration of trade‐offs among ecosystem services. In marine fisheries, there is the potential for a trade‐off between the supporting role of small pelagic fish and cephalopods in food webs, and the provisioning service they play as a major target of fisheries. Because these species play central roles in food webs by providing a conduit of energy from small prey to upper trophic level predators, we hypothesized that trade‐offs between these two ecosystem services could be predicted based on energetic properties of predator–prey linkages and food‐web structure. We compiled information from 27 marine food‐web models (all within the Ecopath framework) that included either small pelagic fish or cephalopods, described predator–prey linkages involving these species, and developed a novel analytical framework to estimate how changes in yields of forage species would propagate through food webs and other fisheries. Consistent with expectations, diet overlap between predators and prey was generally low, and predator–prey linkages tended to be asymmetric; contribution of these species to predator diets was, on average, larger than the contribution of individual predator stocks to prey mortality. The estimated trade‐offs between yields of forage fish and predator species were highly variable when we assumed joint bottom‐up and top‐down control on predation. Roughly one‐third of this variance was related to an interactive effect of fishing and predation intensity; strong trade‐offs were predicted when fishing intensity on forage species is high and when predators account for a high proportion of total forage mortality. When trophic connections were presumed to be driven by bottom‐up processes, trade‐offs were more predictable, but generally very small. Contrary to our expectations, trade‐offs were not easily predicted from energetic properties, largely because predators of forage species exhibited a high degree of intra‐guild predation, and also consumed many of the same prey as forage species. Given the limited ability to a priori predict the food‐web implications of forage fisheries, we suggest that a precautionary risk‐based approach be applied to decisions about acceptable biological removals of forage fish and biological targets used for their management.
Groundwater banking: opportunities and management challenges
Authors: Maliva Robert G.
Published: February 2014

Groundwater banking is the use of aquifers to store water to balance seasonal or longer-term variations in supply and demand. The large storage capacity provided by aquifers can be a valuable tool for conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater as well as other elements of integrated water resources management. Successful groundwater banking requires favorable hydrogeological conditions to efficiently recharge, store, and abstract large volumes of water. Additionally, groundwater banking is also highly dependent upon water management and operational policies to ensure that stored water is not abstracted by other users and that the water accounting system of the bank remains in balance. Accumulated credits to withdraw water should not exceed the capacity of an aquifer to safely produce the water at the design rate-of-return for the bank. System participants need to have confidence that credits issued for recharge can be safely recovered when needed. Groundwater banking systems can cause significant local adverse impacts to other aquifer users and sensitive environments during recovery periods. Groundwater modeling is required to develop a sustainable management system that accounts for temporal and spatial variations in the impacts of both recharge and abstraction activities.
Benefits of rainwater harvesting for gardening and implications for future policy in Namibia
Authors: Woltersdorf L. , Jokisch A. , Kluge T.
Published: February 2014

Rainwater harvesting to irrigate small-scale gardens enhances food self-sufficiency to overcome rural poverty. So far rainwater harvesting is not encouraged by the Namibian National Water Supply and Sanitation Policy nor supported financially by the Namibian government. This study proposes two rainwater harvesting facilities to irrigate gardens; one collects rain from household roofs with tank storage, the second collects rain on a pond roof with pond storage. The aim of this paper is to assess the benefits of rainwater harvesting-based gardening and to propose policy and financing implications for the Namibian government. We investigate the benefits of rainwater harvesting through a literature review, a cost–benefit analysis, monitoring of project pilot plants and a comparison with the existing irrigation and drinking water infrastructure. The results indicate that rainwater harvesting offers numerous benefits in technological, economic, environmental and social terms. The facilities have a positive net present value under favourable circumstances. However, material investment costs pose a financing problem. We recommend that government fund the rainwater harvesting infrastructure and finance privately garden and operation and maintenance costs. Integrating these aspects into a national rainwater harvesting policy would create the conditions to achieve the benefits of an up-scale of rainwater harvesting based gardening in Namibia.
Effects of the manager's value orientation on stakeholder participation: at the front line of policy implementation
Authors: Aggestam Filip
Published: February 2014

Managers who implement stakeholder participation often have to navigate a complex subsystem of actors, policy-making institutions, and varying problem definitions. This paper examines how these managers’ values affect decision-making and the operationalisation of stakeholder participation, and how the institutional framework in which the managers are embedded affects these values. It is based on the inside views of 23 managers and expert consultants involved in nine projects implemented by international organisations. Their values and preferences were captured through a review of project documents and interviews. The results demonstrate that the managers’ personal value orientations affect the participatory process when there is a lack of control and support from their commissioning organisation, and also in cases where policy is ambiguous. The decision-making freedom accorded to the project manager defines whether they design stakeholder participation in accordance with personal value orientations, the organisation or policy. This study suggests that more stringent regulations and guidelines, as well as improved educational and awareness-raising activities, are required to resolve this problem. It is also suggested that evaluation tools should be improved to account for the impact that stakeholders have. This may encourage managers to become more actively involved in the use of stakeholder input.
Decoupling dependence on natural water: reflexivity in the regulation and allocation of water in Israel
Authors: Gilmont Michael
Published: February 2014

Since 1999, Israel has secured a decoupling between the total water supplied and water derived from the natural environment through surface and groundwater. Between 2007 and 2010, this decoupling enabled a cut of over 20% in natural water use, while maintaining overall supply volumes despite drought. By 2009–2010, natural water supply had been reduced to the levels of the early 1960s. As seawater desalination contributed less than 10% to the total supply up to 2009, decoupling was achieved primarily through cross-sector efficiency and the recycling of urban effluent. This study uses the case of Israel to exemplify the challenges faced by semi-arid economies in achieving a gap between the upward trend in total national water use and local water withdrawn from natural resources. Decoupling will be shown to comprise two types. One type occurs when an economy ceases to be water self-sufficient. Another type is encountered when an economy has the capacity to remedy its over-exploitation of natural water. It will be shown that the first decoupling is non-contentious and non-politicised. The investments and reforms needed to bring about the second decoupling appear very demanding economically and very politically stressful.
Computing real zeros of a polynomial by branch and bound and branch and reduce algorithms
Authors: Le Thi , Ouanes Mohand , Zidna Ahmed
Published: February 2014

In this paper we propose two algorithms based on branch and bound method and
reduced interval techniques to compute all real zeros of a polynomial.
Quadratic bounding functions are proposed which are better than the well
known linear underestimator. Experimental result shows the efficiency of the
two algorithms when facing ill-conditioned polynomials.
Auditor Industry Specialization, Service Bundling, and Partner Effects in a Mining-Dominated City
Authors: Ferguson Andrew , Pündrich Gabriel , Raftery Adrian
Published: February 2014

This study examines auditor industry specialization effects in Perth, a remote mining town in Australia characterized by a large number of small, homogeneous firms. We consider the impact of leadership by the non-Big 4 auditor BDO Kendalls (BDO) for a sample of 371 mining development stage entities (MDSEs). After controlling for factors known to determine audit fees, we find no evidence of auditor industry leadership fee premiums accruing to BDO, a result robust to a range of sensitivity tests including the broadening of tests Australia-wide. However, when the dependent variable is redefined to the total “bundle” of services provided by the audit firm (including audit and non-audit fees), the industry leader is shown to earn a fee premium suggesting BDO uses audits as a conduit to supply higher-margin non-audit services. Our findings suggest that strategic pricing by industry leaders may not be confined to Big 4 firms.
Effect of Long-term Simulated Pulpal Pressure on the Bond Strength and Nanoleakage of Resin-luting Agents With Different Bonding Strategies
Authors: de Alexandre RS , Santana VB , Kasaz AC , Arrais CAG , Rodrigues JA , Reis AF
Published: February 2014

This study evaluated the effects of simulated hydrostatic pulpal pressure (SPP) on the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) to dentin and nanoleakage patterns produced by self-adhesive luting agents after 12 months. Three self-adhesive luting agents (RelyX Unicem [UN], RelyX U100 [UC], and Clearfil SA Luting [SA]) and three conventional luting agents (Rely X ARC [RX], Panavia F [PF], and a two-step self-etching adhesive system [Clearfil SE Bond] associated with Panavia F [PS]) were evaluated. One hundred twenty-three human molars were abraded to expose occlusal surfaces. Resin cements were used to lute cylindrical composite blocks to the teeth either subjected or not to SPP. Sixty specimens were subjected to 15 cm H2O of SPP for 24 hours before and 24 hours or 12 months after cementation procedures. Afterward, restored teeth were serially sectioned into beams with a cross-sectional area of 1 mm2 at the bonded interface and were tested in tension (cross-head speed of 1 mm/min). Failure mode was determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were statistically analyzed by three-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey test (p=0.05). Two additional teeth in each group were serially sectioned into 0.9-mm-thick slabs, which were submitted to a nanoleakage protocol with AgNO3 and analyzed with scanning and transmission electron microscopes. The μTBS values of the etch-and-rinse group (RX) were negatively influenced by SPP and long-term water storage with SPP. After 12 months, UC and SA presented premature failures in all specimens when submitted to SPP. SPP increased silver deposition in most groups in both evaluation times. The hydrostatic pulpal pressure effect was material dependent. The storage time without SPP did not affect bond strength. However, long-term SPP influenced the performance of the etch-and-rinse and self-adhesive cements regarding μTBS and nanoleakage pattern, except to UN.
Emotion Regulation in Male Abstinent Heroin Abusers
Authors: Xin Zhao , Lu Xie , Li Fu , Haitao He , Ling Yang , Aibao Zhou
Published: February 2014

The present study examined 25 male prisoners with a history of heroin dependency ( M = 35.3 yr., SD = 8.5, range = 21–48) and 25 male prisoners with no history of substance abuse ( M = 31.5 yr., SD = 9.8, range = 19–47) who were selected to complete the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Results showed that the group with a history of heroin dependency used a cognitive reappraisal strategy less frequently than controls and that there was no difference in the use of expression suppression strategies between the two groups. It was concluded that the negative impact of heroin abuse on an individual's emotion regulation is primarily reflected in the cognitive reappraisal dimension.
Allelic isoforms of the chicken and duck histone H1.a
Authors: Górnicka-Michalska Ewa , Kowalski Andrzej , Pałyga Jan
Published: February 2014

Two isoforms of the erythrocyte histone H1.a were identified in two conservative flocks of Rhode Island Red chickens and six conservative flocks of ducks. The H1.a1 and H1.a2 isoforms formed three phenotypes (a1, a2 and a1a2) and were electrophoretically similar in the two species. The frequency of phenotype and histone H1.a allele occurrence varied within the genetic groups of birds, but the relatively rare allele a 2 was only detected in chicken and duck strains with colored feathers. Using mass spectrometry, we established that the difference between the measured masses of the duck H1.a isoforms was 156 Da. Since this value corresponds to the mass of the arginine residue alone or to the combined mass of the valine and glycine residues, we believe that the polymorphism of duck histone H1.a might have originated from sequence variation. A mass difference of 1 Da observed between chicken H1.a isoforms corresponded well to the previously detected Glu/Lys substitution (0.9414 Da) at position 117.
Frontal Sinus Cholesterol Granuloma: Case report
Authors: Deep Nicholas L. , Chaaban Mohamad R. , Chaudhry Ajaz L. , Woodworth Bradford A.
Published: February 2014

A case report of a massive cholesterol granuloma (CG) of the frontal sinus in a 15-year-old male subject treated endoscopically is reported. CGs are slowly expanding, cystic lesions that are rarely observed in the frontal sinus. Frontal sinus CGs characteristically present with proptosis, diplopia, and a unilateral painless expanding mass above the orbit. Patients frequently report a history of chronic nasal obstruction or head trauma. Although the pathogenesis is unclear, it is likely multifactorial in etiology. Surgical resection via endoscopic sinus surgery has been gaining popularity because of the minimally invasive approach and lower rates of recurrence.
Cervical Dystonia in Pregnancy in a Woman with Three Kidneys, Uterine and Ocular Anomalies
Authors: Madu AE
Published: February 2014

Pregnancy complicated by rare or uncommon neurological disorders of movement can present to the obstetrician/ staff andthus present a challenge to the routine obstetric care staff. A case of a 30 - year- primigravida with cervical dystonia, ocular,genital and renal tract anomaly is presented with a literature review.Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Vol 8 / No. 2 / Issue 16 / July-Dec, 2013 / 54-56 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v8i2.9772
Subcutaneous Sterile Water Injection for Labor Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rai R , Uprety DK , Pradhan T , Bhattarai BK , Acharya S
Published: February 2014

Aims: This study was done to evaluate the effectiveness of subcutaneous injection of sterile water compared with placebo in reduction of labor pain. Methods: Two hundred and forty pregnant women at term planned for normal vaginal delivery during the first stage of labor were randomized to receive either subcutaneous injection of sterile water (study group, n=120) or normal saline as placebo (control group, n=120) at painful point in lumbosacral region. Pain score was measured before and 10, 45 and 90 minutes after the injections. Main outcome measured was reduction of low back labor pain using visual analogue scale. Results: The mean pain score was equal in both groups prior to the injection. The pain scores were significantly lower among the intervention group compared to the control group at 10, 45, 90 minutes after injection. There was no difference between the two groups with regard to rate of instrumental delivery, cesarean rate and neonatal outcome.Conclusions: The subcutaneous injection of sterile water administered at painful point in lumbosacral area was effective in reducing low back labor pain during labor. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v8i2.9777
An Unusual Prenatal Ultrasound Image of Placental Lake in High Risk Pregnancy
Authors: Bursac D , Kulas T , Madzarac V , Kardum V , Skrtic A , Hrgovic Z
Published: February 2014

No abstract available.Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology / Vol 8 / No. 2 / Issue 16 / July-Dec, 2013 / 75-76 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njog.v8i2.9779