bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses of soil carbon and nitrogen transformations to stump removal
Authors: Kataja-aho Saana , Smolander Aino , Fritze Hannu , Norrgård Sini , Haimi Jari
Published: March 2014

We studied in central Finland whether stump harvesting after clear felling of coniferous forest poses further short-term changes in soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics when compared to the traditional site preparation method, mounding. Exposed mineral soil patches in Norway spruce (Picea abies) dominated clear-cut stands were sampled 1â5 years after the treatments. The extent of the exposed mineral soil surface was significantly larger at the stump removal sites when compared to the mounding sites. No differences were found in soil pH, organic matter content or total concentration of soil C between the treatments or treatment years. Total concentration of soil N was consistently higher and C:N ratio lower in the stump removal plots than in the mounded plots. Further, both net N mineralisation and nitrification were clearly increased in the stump removal plots one year after the treatments. Soil microbial activity (CO production) was higher in the stump removal plots but similar difference was not found in sieved soil samples incubated in the laboratory. Fluxes of other important greenhouse gases (CH and NO) did not seem to be affected by stump removal. The differences between the stump removal and mounding procedures were most obviously attributed to more substantial soil disturbance by stump pulling and/or differences in the microbial communities and quality of soil organic matter in the differently treated soil.242
The Stuff of Fiction: Digital Editing, Multiple Drafts and the Extended Mind
Authors: Van Hulle Dirk
Published: March 2014

Since genetic criticism regards modern manuscripts as a research object in and of itself, it objects to an editorial practice that treats manuscript studies as a mere tool towards the making of a scholarly edition. Still, an exchange of ideas between genetic criticism and scholarly editing can be mutually beneficial and may work in two directions. This essay therefore starts from digital scholarly editing, more specifically from recent developments in computer-assisted collation of multiple draft versions, to see how it can contribute to the study of modern manuscripts. The argument is that the combination of textual scholarship and genetic criticism can be an effective instrument for literary critics, enabling them to study the material aspect of the writing process as an inherent part of what cognitive philosophy calls “the extended mind”; and that this extensiveness does not only apply to the writer’s mind, but that an awareness of manuscripts as a crucial part of the “stuff of fiction” can also contribute to a better understanding of literary evocations of the fictional mind.
Fliposomes: stimuli-triggered conformational flip of novel amphiphiles causes an instant cargo release from liposomes
Authors: Samoshin Vyacheslav V.
Published: March 2014

This review presents a new strategy for the design of stimuli-responsive liposomes for targeted delivery – the construction of a liposome membrane (lipid bilayer) using amphiphiles able to perform a stimuli-triggered conformational flip (‘flipids’). When done simultaneously by a major or significant part of the bilayer molecules, this massive flip disrupts the liposome membrane and induces a rapid release of the liposome load specifically in response to the initial stimulus. The conformational switches incorporated into the amphiphilic molecules could potentially be controlled by various internal or external factors (pH, metal complexation, light, electric field, etc.). Using this concept, we designed a series of pH-triggerable flipids, and prepared and tested ‘fliposomes’ with extraordinary characteristics: high stability in storage and in serum combined with an instant release of their cargo in response to a weakly acidic medium.
The Future of US Health Care: Is Medicare Really Better at “Saving” Money?
Authors: Edlin Aaron , Goldman Dana P. , Leive Adam A.
Published: March 2014

Paul Krugman, Robert Reich, and others see Medicare as a panacea. Krugman, for example, points out that average Medicare costs have grown only 400 percent while private insurance costs have grown 700 percent. Should the US move to Medicare for all? The case is not as clear as such statistics suggest.
Co-supervision of Doctoral Students: Enhancing the Learning Experience
Authors: Paul Pauline , Olson Joanne K. , Gul Raisa B.
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this paper is to examine the advantages and challenges of co-supervision of doctoral students, as found in the literature and from our experiences. We define co-supervision and then discuss the process in detail. Examples are based on experiences of co-supervision from faculty perspectives as well as from the point of view of a former doctoral student. We propose that the advantages of co-supervision far outweigh the challenges and should be regularly considered by seasoned academics to enhance student learning. In addition, we suggest that co-supervision is intellectually stimulating for academics.
Minimal faithful permutation degrees for irreducible Coxeter groups and binary polyhedral groups
Authors: Saunders Neil
Published: March 2014

The minimal faithful permutation degree of a finite group G, denoted by μ(G), is the least non-negative integer n such that G embeds inside Sym(n). In this article we calculate the
minimal faithful permutation degree for all of the irreducible Coxeter groups. We also exhibit new examples of finite groups that possess a quotient whose minimal degree is strictly greater than that of the group.
An Approach to Multi-attribute Group Decision Making with Trapezoidal Interval Type-2 Fuzzy Sets and Application to Teaching Quality Assessment
Authors: Jiang Hongren
Published: March 2014

Trapezoidal interval type-2 fuzzy sets (TIT2FSs) are a special kind of type-2 fuzzy sets. TIT2FSs are useful in dealing with fuzziness inherent in decision data and the decision-making process. For multi-attribute group decision-making problems in which the attribute values and attribute weights are TIT2FSs, a new decision-making approach is proposed. On the basis of the concept of barycenters, a new approach to ranking TIT2FSs is given. Four kinds of geometric aggregation operators for TIT2FSs are developed, including the TIT2FS weighted geometric average operator, TIT2FS ordered weighted geometric average operator, TIT2FS hybrid weighted geometric average operator, and extended TIT2FS hybrid weighted geometric average operator. The individual comprehensive values of alternatives are derived through the extended TIT2FS weighted geometric average operators. Using the TIT2FS hybrid weighted geometric average operator and the expert weights, the individual comprehensive values of alternatives are integrated into the collective ones, which are used to rank the alternatives. The practicability and effectiveness of the developed method are illustrated with a teaching quality assessment example.
Stochastic sequential dispersal and nutrient enrichment drive beta diversity in space and time
Authors: Steiner Christopher F.
Published: March 2014

Nutrient pollution constitutes a major threat to biodiversity, one whose magnitude is predicted to increase greatly in the near future. While the negative effects of excessive nitrogen and phosphorus loading on local species diversity are widely appreciated, a growing body of evidence indicates that increases in productivity (a correlate of nutrient supply) can also reduce predictability in community composition by driving community divergence and increases in beta diversity (or compositional dissimilarity among communities). Stochastic variation in dispersal history has frequently been cited as a cause of such patterns. However, underlying mechanisms have not received strong experimental scrutiny. I present results of a microcosm experiment testing the effects of enrichment and dispersal mode on zooplankton community structure. I show that beta diversity increases with enrichment but only in the presence of sequential dispersal and variation in dispersal history. Sequential dispersal and enrichment enhanced beta diversity by driving increases in temporal compositional turnover (or beta diversity in time). These results suggest that nutrient enrichment and dispersal may have interactive effects on community organization by facilitating persistent compositional flux and reducing our ability to predict the structure of communities in both space and time.
The changes of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ perovskite oxide on heating in oxygen and carbon dioxide atmospheres
Authors: Zeljkovic Sasa , Ivas Toni , Vaucher Sebastien , Jelic Dijana , Gauckler Ludwig
Published: March 2014

In the first part of this study, the oxygen deficiency, ?, in
Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3 - ? (BSCF) was measured by means of thermogravimetry
as a function of oxygen partial pressure, p(O2), in the range of 1.1?10?6 <
p(O2)/% < 41.67 at elevated temperatures ranging 873 ? T/K ? 1073. It was
shown that ? becomes more pronounced with increasing T and with decreasing
p(O2). The isotherms ? vs. p(O2) were determined. The second part of this
study relates to the reaction of CO2 with Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.8O3-? perovskite
oxide in the absence and presence of O2 at temperatures ranging from 673 to
973 K also by thermogravimetry. The reactivity of CO2 with BSCF increased
with increasing temperature and increasing exposure to CO2. Reaction of CO2
with BSCF was described by a equilibrium reaction isotherms. The results of
X-ray diffractometry evidenced that the exposure to CO2 leads to the
formation of carbonates.
Spigelian Port-site Hernia, a Complication after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy - a Clinical Case Report
Authors: C Molnar , C Tîlvescu , Vi Neagoe , Vo Butiurca , Cv Molnar , C Copotoiu
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Spiegelian hernias are rare entities in abdominal wall pathology (2%). They occur in the semilunar line described by Adriaan van den Spiegel. Klinklosch (1764) defined it as a congenital or acquired defect of the transverse abdominal aponeurosis junction with the Douglas arch. Port-site hernias due to wrong placement of laparoscopic trocars in the right abdominal flank are rare, but possible complications of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Case presentation: Our observation shows diagnostic and therapeutic aspects in a patient with port-site Spigelian hernia post laparoscopic cholecystectomy admitted in Surgical Clinic 1, County Emergency Clinical Hospital Tîrgu Mureș in the 28.01.2013 - 30.01.2013 period. Following surgery performed using an open approach, postoperative evolution was favorable, with no signs of recurrence at 9 months postoperatively. Conclusions: Spigelian port-site hernia post laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a very rare entity, iatrogeny being a certainty in its development
Quantitative Determination of Arsenic in Bottled Drinking Water Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Maria Guţu Claudia , D Bălălău , Mihaela Ilie , Nicoleta Purdel Carmen , Miriana Gubandru
Published: March 2014

Background: Many studies have been performed in the past few years, to determine arsenic speciation in drinking water, food chain and environment, arsenic being a well-recognized carcinogenic and toxic agent mainly in its inorganic species. The instrumental techniques used for arsenic determination, such as hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HGAAS), graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), can provide a great sensitivity only on the total amount. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a simple and rapid method and to analyze the concentration of total inorganic arsenic in bottled drinking water. Methods: Total arsenic was determined in samples from six different types of commercially available bottled drinking water using atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal or hydride generation vaporisation. All drinking water samples were acidified with 0.1M nitric acid to match the acidity of the standards. Results: The method was linear within the studied range (1-5 μg/L, R = 0.9943). The quantification limits for arsenic determination were 0.48 μg/L (HGAAS) and 0.03 μg/L (GFAAS). The evaluated arsenic content in drinking water was within the accepted limits provided by law. Conclusions: A simple and sensitive method for the quantification of arsenic in drinking water using atomic absorbtion spectroscopy was described, which can be further used in toxicological studies. As an additional advantage, the system is very fast, efficient and environmental friendly
Using Abdominal CT Data for Visceral Fat Evaluation
Authors: M Pop , Raluca Pop
Published: March 2014

Background: Quantitative assessment of body fat is important for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to obesity, Computed tomography (CT) becoming the standard procedure for measuring the abdominal fat distribution. Material and method: The retrospective study included 111 inpatients, who underwent routine abdominal CT exams in the Radiology Laboratory of SCJU Tg.Mures (2013). MPR MDCT (SOMATOM AS 64) data was processed using a custom written MATLAB R2009b software, ImageJ being used for tracing of the visceral fat area (VFA). Patient data (including blood glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides) were analyzed using MO Excel and GraphPad Inprism5. Results: Visceral Fat percentage varied in population from 14.59-68.69 (SD = 11.83) with significant difference between sexes (male vs. female, 46.98 vs. 31.62, p <0.05). Cholesterol values >220 mg% and triglycerides >150 mg% are significantly associated with the VF percent (p <0.05). Overall there is a weak correlation between the lab variables and the measured fat, the strongest one being between triglycerides and the VFA (r = +0.23) and between age and VFA percentage (certain samples). Conclusions: The technique used should decreases the human error in marking of the fat areas providing a better estimation of the VF/VF percentage. CT measured VF relates with certain lab tests. Further analysis, is required for a better use of CT in obesity related pathology diagnosis and treatment
Evaluation of the Skeletal Maturation Using Lower First Premolar Mineralisation
Authors: Krisztina Mártha I. , A Ogodescu , Réka Gyergyay , Zsuzsa Burján
Published: March 2014

Background: Dental age assessment is very useful in the pediatric dentist’s and orthodontist’s everyday practice. The eventual lack of correlation between dental age, skeletal maturation and chronological age can influence treatment procedures regarding mostly their application time. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between dental age based on the calcification stages of the first lower premolar (PM1i) and skeletal maturity stages using cervical vertebrae (C2, C3, C4) among Romanian individuals and to determine the clinical value of the first premolar as a growth evaluation index. Material and methods: In a sample of 30 patients (13 males, 17 females) ranging in age from 9 to 15 years (mean age 11.2 years) we examined the orthopantomography radiographs (OPT) and lateral cephalometric radiographs of each case. Results: The biological development of girls is about 1.5 years more advanced than in boys. When the Demirjian Index was at stage F, then CVS was at stage 3.4, which means that in developmental stage “F” (according to Demirjian index) premolars are indicators of the optimal time for orthodontic treatment. We found a significant correlation (R = 0.871, p <0.001) between CVM and Demirjian's index. Conclusions: The correlation shown in this study will allow clinicians to use mandibular first premolar as an adjunctive tool to assess adolescent growth spurt, combined with the evaluation of the cervical vertebrae. The results also show the usefulness of the assessment of the development of dental status as a simple diagnostic test to determine the biological age of the population
Radiation effects on MHD flow past an impulsively started infinite vertical plate with mass diffusion
Authors: Chandrakala P. , Narayana P.
Published: March 2014

The effects of thermal radiation on a flow past an impulsively started infinite vertical plate in the presence of a magnetic field have been studied. The fluid considered is a gray, absorbing-emitting radiation but non-scattering medium. The dimensionless governing equations are solved by an efficient, more accurate, unconditionally stable and fast converging implicit scheme. The effects of velocity and temperature for different parameters such as the thermal radiation, magnetic field, Schmidt number, thermal Grashof number and mass Grashof number are studied. It is observed that the velocity decreases in the presence of thermal radiation or a magnetic field
On thermosolutal convection in presence of compressible fluid with fine dust
Authors: Singh M. , Gupta R.K.
Published: March 2014

A layer of a Rivlin-Ericksen elastico-viscous fluid heated and soluted from below in the presence of compressibility and suspended particles (fine dust) effect is considered. For stationary convection, the Rivlin- Ericksen, elastico-viscous fluid behaves like a Newtonian fluid. The oscillatory modes are introduced due to the presence of a stable solute gradient, suspended particles destabilize the system whereas the stable solute gradient has a stabilizing effect on the system and the effect of compressibility is to postpone the onset of thermosolutal convection. The stable solute gradient and compressibility postpone the onset of convection, whereas the suspended particles hasten the onset of convection. The stable solute gradient introduces oscillatory modes in the systems which were non-existent in its absence
Radiative flow past a parabolic started isothermal vertical plate with uniform mass diffusion
Authors: Muthucumaraswamy R. , Lakshmi V.
Published: March 2014

A theoretical solution of thermal radiation effects on an unsteady flow past a parabolic starting motion of an infinite isothermal vertical plate with uniform mass diffusion has been studied. The plate temperature as well as the concentration level near the plate are raised uniformly. The dimensionless governing equations are solved using the Laplace-transform technique. The fluid considered here is a gray, absorbing-emitting radiation but a non-scattering medium. The effects of velocity profiles are studied for different physical parameters such as the thermal radiation parameter, thermal Grashof number, mass Grashof number and Schmidt number. It is observed that the velocity increases with increasing values the thermal Grashof number or mass Grashof number. The trend is just reversed with respect to the thermal radiation parameter
On rising Sun von mises and rising Sun wrapped cauchy circular models
Authors: Radhika A.J.V. , Girija S.V.S. , Rao A.V. Dattatreya
Published: March 2014

By applying wrapping (Dattatreya Rao et al (2007)), offsetting (Girija et al (2013 and Radhika et al (2013)) and stereographic projection (Phani et al (2012)) have constructed circular models. Further the circular models based on the Rising Sun function are motivated by purely mathematical considerations as a smoothing function and possible application. This work takes a further step in this direction using several mathematical tools such as Real Analysis along with MATLAB and are applied to enlarge the horizon of Mathematical Statistics. Here an attempt is made to construct new circular models using the Rising Sun function and also the circular rising sun lemma is proposed
Axioms for (α, β, γ)-entropy of a generalized probability scheme
Authors: Kumar Satish , Ram Gurdas , Gupta Vishal
Published: March 2014

In this communication, we characterize a measure of information of type (α, β, γ) by taking certain axioms parallel to those considered earlier by Harvda and Charvat along with the recursive relation (1.7). Some properties of this measure are also studied. This measure includes Shannon information measure as a special case
A one-dimensional model for the heat conduction in ring-like body
Authors: Ecsedi István , Baksa Attila
Published: March 2014

A one-dimensional model based on the Fourier’s theory of heat conduction is developed for ring-like bodies. The ring-like body is an incomplete or complete torus with arbitrary cross section. The thermal properties of considered rings are independent of the polar angle. Examples illustrate the application of model presented
Developing a strategy for the protection of traditional agricultural landscapes based on a complex landscape-ecological evaluation (the case of a mountain landscape in Slovakia)
Authors: Špulerová Jana , Dobrovodská Marta , Izakovičová Zita , Kenderessy Pavol , Štefunková Dagmar , Petrovič František
Published: March 2014

Traditional agricultural landscapes (TALs) in Slovakia are mosaics of small-scale arable fields and permanent agricultural cultivations resulting from continuous succession over centuries. The objective in this paper is to develop a strategy for the protection and management of TAL in the Liptovská Teplička cadastral area, which has mountainous arable land and grassland TALs. Driving forces, threats and other trends related to these TALs were identified, based on the valuation of land-use changes, socioeconomic and demographic phenomena and on biodiversity and sociological research. The strategy was oriented towards optimal multi-functional utilization and management of the investigated landscapes
Short waves of supermarket diffusion in Turkey
Authors: Franz Martin , Appel Alexandra , Hassler Markus
Published: March 2014

In order to categorize the global diffusion of supermarkets, the metaphor of waves is often used. This is a simplification, however, which obscures the fact that developments in the countries experiencing these waves of innovation are much more nuanced. This case study on the development of the Turkish grocery retail sector since the 1950s, shows how this development can be divided into different phases. Furthermore, it demonstrates that state retail chains paved the way for private actors, while most studies about the modernization of the retail sector have a focus on private companies or - even more specifically - on transnational corporations
Integrating Addiction and Mental Health Treatment within a National Addiction Treatment System: Using Multiple Statistical Methods to Analyze Client and Interviewer Assessment of Co-Occurring Mental Health Problems
Authors: Lundgren Lena , Wilkey Catriona , Chassler Deborah , Sandlund Mikael , Armelius Bengt-Åke , Armelius Kerstin , Brännström Jan
Published: March 2014

Aims

For a Swedish national sample of 12,833 individuals assessed for a substance use disorder (SUD) (2002-2008) in the Swedish welfare system, client self-report and clinical staff Addiction Severity Index (ASI) assessment data were used to assess mental health problem severity and needs.

Methods

Analysis of client self-report data using regression methods identified demographic characteristics associated with reporting significant mental health problems. Clinical staff assessment data from the ASI Interviewer Severity Rating (ISR) score were used to develop a K-means cluster analysis with three client cluster profiles: Narcotics (n=4795); Alcohol (n=4380); and Alcohol and Psychiatric Problems (n=3658). Chi-square and one-way ANOVA analyses identified self-reported mental health problems for these clusters.

Results

44% of clients had a history of using outpatient mental health treatment, 45% reported current mental health symptoms, and 19% reported significant mental health problems. Women were 1.6 times more likely to report significant mental health problems than men. Staff assessed that 74.8% of clients had current mental health problems and that 13.9% had significant mental health problems. Client and staff results were congruent in identifying that clients in the Alcohol profile were less likely (5%) to report having significant mental health problems compared to the other two profiles (30% each).

Conclusions

About 19% of clients with SUDs reported significant mental health problems, need integrated addiction and mental health treatment, and these clients are clustered in two population groups. An additional 25% of the addiction treatment population report current mental health symptoms and have at some point used mental health treatment. This national level assessment of the extent and severity of co-occurring disorders can inform decisions made regarding policy shifts towards an integrated system and the needs of clients with co-occurring disorders.
Potassium phthalimide-catalysed one-pot multi-component reaction for efficient synthesis of amino-benzochromenes in aqueous media
Authors: Kiyani Hamzeh , Ghorbani Fatemeh
Published: March 2014

2-Amino-4-aryl-4H-benzo[h]chromenes and 3-amino-1-aryl-1H-benzo[f]chromenes were prepared by treating cyano-methylene compounds (malononitrile or ethyl cyanoacetate), substituted aromatic aldehydes, and naphtholic compounds in the presence of potassium phthalimide as a green, mild, efficient, and commercially available organocatalyst in aqueous media. The procedure was readily conducted and affords remarkable advantages such as safety, short reaction times, environmentally benign milder reaction conditions, no organic solvent required, and high yields.
Methanolic extract of Malus domestica mitigates formalin - Induced derangements in small intestinal motility and transit
Authors: Oka Victor Otu , Nna Victor Udo , Inyang Ememfon G. , Ikpe John B.
Published: March 2014

Objective: This study was carried out to ascertain the effect of formalin ingestion on smallintestinal motility and transit, and the impact of treatment with Malus domestica on same.Methodology: Twenty albino wistar rats weighing 180 - 200 g were used for this study.The animals were randomly divided into 4 groups of 5 rats each. Group 1 served as control,group 2 - formalin treated group, group 3 - M. domestica treated group and group 4 - formalintreated group administered with M. domestica. The daily oral dose employed in this studywas 2.5mg/100g and 40mg/100g for formalin and M. domestica respectively. After 21days of treatment, intestinal transit experiment was carried out on the animals and intestinalmotility was also carried out on the isolated rat ileum using graded doses of acetylcholine andatropine.Results: Basal contraction of isolated rat ileum was signifi cantly (p<0.001) lower inthe formalin treated and M. domestica treated group compared to control. It was signifi cantly(p<0.001) higher in Formalin+M. domestica group compared to formalin treated and M.domestica treated group. Formalin+M. domestica group showed a dose dependent increasein contraction of isolated rat ileum when acetylcholine was administered, and a signifi cantly(p<0.001) lower percentage relaxation in response to atropine administration, compared toformalin treated and M. domestica treated group. Small intestinal transit was signifi cantly(p<0.05) reduced in formalin treated and M. domestica treated group, compared to control.It was also signifi cantly (p<0.05) reduced in formalin+M. domestica group compared toformalin treated and M. domestica treated group.Conclusion: Malus domestica reversesformalin induced decrease in small intestinal motility and transit and may be benefi cial intreating constipation occasioned by ingestion of formalin. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 45-50 http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9106
Scrub typhus, a reemerging zoonosis – An Indian case series
Authors: Madi Deepak , Achappa Basavaprabhu , Chakrapani M , Pavan MR , Narayanan Saaritha , Yadlapati Sujitha , Yadlapati Sujani , Mahalingam Soundarya
Published: March 2014

Background: Rickettsial diseases are reemerging in many parts of our country. Scrub typhus is a rickettsial disease caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi. It is difficult to diagnose Scrub typhus because of nonspecific clinical presentation and lack of availability of specific tests (ELISA) in all centres. Aim: Our aim was to study the clinical features, lab parameters and outcome of patients diagnosed with Scrub typhus. Materials and Methods: A retrospective hospital based study was done in Mangalore (Karnataka) to identify cases of scrub typhus. Patients who had an acute febrile illness and IgM antibodies against O. tsutsugamushi were included in our study. Results: 10 cases of Scrub typhus were identified. Among them 7(70%) patients were females and 3(30%) were males. Major symptoms on admission were fever10(100%), dyspnea or cough-2(20%), rashes1(10%), altered sensorium1(10%). The major signs were fever10(100%), eschar 2(20%), and signs of meningial irritation in 1(10%). Lab parameters showed leukocytosis in 4(40%), thrombocytopenia in 3(30%), raised liver enzymes in 3(30%) and renal failure in 3(30%). Chest X-ray showed consolidation in 2(20%) patients. There was no mortality in our study. Conclusion: Scrub typhus can present with varying clinical manifestations and eschar can be absent in majority of cases as shown in our study. Therefore diagnosis should be based on a high index of suspicion and empirical treatment with doxycycline must be started whenever there is a strong suspicion of Scrub typhus. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 108-111 http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9213
Right choice of a method for determination of cut-off values: A statistical tool for a diagnostic test
Authors: Sharma Balkishan , Jain Ravikant
Published: March 2014

Objective: The clinical diagnostic tests are generally used to identify the presence of a disease. The cutoff value of a diagnostic test should be chosen to maximize the advantage that accrues from testing a population of human and others. When a diagnostic test is to be used in a clinical condition, there may be an opportunity to improve the test by changing the cutoff value. To enhance the accuracy of diagnosis is to develop new tests by using a proper statistical technique with optimum sensitivity and specificity. Method: Mean±2SD method, Logistic Regression Analysis, Receivers Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis and Discriminant Analysis (DA) have been discussed with their respective applications. Results: The study highlighted some important methods to determine the cutoff points for a diagnostic test. The traditional method is to identify the cut-off values is Mean±2SD method. Logistic Regression Analysis, Receivers Operating Characteristics (ROC) curve analysis and Discriminant Analysis (DA) have been proved to be beneficial statistical tools for determination of cut-off points.Conclusion: There may be an opportunity to improve the test by changing the cut-off value with the help of a correctly identified statistical technique in a clinical condition when a diagnostic test is to be used. The traditional method is to identify the cut-off values is Mean ± 2SD method. It was evidenced in certain conditions that logistic regression is found to be a good predictor and the validity of the same can be confirmed by identifying the area under the ROC curve. Abbreviations: ROC-Receiver operating characteristics and DA-Discriminant Analysis. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 30-34 http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9296
Level of willingness to report to work during a pandemic among the emergency department health care professionals
Authors: Khan Anas , Al Johani Mohammad
Published: March 2014

Objectives: To quantify the knowledge and attitudes of Health care providers (HCP) towards their willingness to work during an influenza pandemic. Methods: A Questionnaire based cross sectional study among the 350 emergency departments’ staff in seven different tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was conducted in Jan 2010. A structured questionnaire with items to quantify the knowledge and attitudes of health care providers based on hypothetical scenario about the occurrence of H1N1 pandemic was developed. The questionnaire was validated before it was distributed among the study subjects. Data was analyzed using SPSS Pc+ 21.0 statistical software. Results: Out of the 254 responders, 190 (74.8%) stated that they will report to work during a pandemic, 29 (11.4%) won’t, and 35 (13.7%) don’t know. From those who won’t report or don’t know; 29 (45.31%) won’t change their minds for salary increase, and 40 (62.5%) won’t change their mind even if it meant they were to be dismissed. About 93 (36.4%) of study subjects were of the opinion that, HCP without children should primarily look after the patients. Among the HCPs, higher number of consultants and nurses were more willing to work than other HCPs. The consultants were having positive attitudes towards working during pandemics. Conclusion: Our results suggested that most participants were having positive attitudes towards willingness to work during an influenza pandemic. Their concerns should be considered, so that during a real situation faced, plans could be translated to reality smoothly. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 58-62 http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9343
Clinical management of drug resistant tuberculosis: A comprehensive review
Authors: Jain Sonal , Kumar Arun
Published: March 2014

Despite the introduction 40 years ago of the inexpensive and effective four-drug (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol) treatment regimen, tuberculosis (TB) continues to cause considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. This is because of development of drug resistance in tuberculosis strains, usually called as MDR/XDR-TB. Consequently, novel drugs and regimens for management of these drug resistant TB forms are emerging. Such regimens probably utilize both repurposed drugs and new chemical drugs. This article covers current concepts and recent advances in TB drug discovery and development. An updated review of the mechanisms of action and resistance of the main old and new anti-tuberculosis agents has been described. The consensus statements from RNTCP for management of MDR/XDR-TB have also been discussed.Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 1-9DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9698
Concept of Dividend Irrelevance Theory
Authors: Shrestha Sanjay
Published: March 2014

This Article states that dividend policy does not affect the value of the firm. Their argument is that stack holder’s wealth is unaffected whether corporate profits are distributed or retained in the business. Their reasoning is that under an efficient market condition, a firm’s value is determined by its potential earning power and it does not affect the decision on how profits are to be split between dividends and retained earning. Therefore, as per M-M theory a firm’s value is independent of dividend policy.Academic Voices, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2013, Pages 46-49 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v3i1.9988
Political Awareness among Madheshi Women of Parsa District: A Case Study
Authors: Tiwari Sushma
Published: March 2014

Since half of the population of Nepal consists of women, it is natural that they should claim their rightful place in the society. Women’s political empowerment is a key component of democracy. Women’s relative status, however, varies from one ethnic group to another. Madheshi women are known to be more socially, politically, and economically oppressed than their Nepali sisters of other ethnic backgrounds.Ensuring participation at the grassroots level alone is not adequate for empowerment of women. Madheshi women have participated widely in political movements but after that theyare relegated again to the domestic arena and drowned women’s voices. So attaining positive role in national building, there should be identity, social inclusion, capacity enhancement which is the important prerequisites for a vibrant democracy and overall development of the country. This paper discussed on the situation of political awareness among Madheshi women of Parsa district. The primary data has used by the author in this research article.Academic Voices, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2013, Pages 68-75 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v3i1.9992
Story: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Bhattarai Indra Prasad
Published: March 2014

No AbstractAcademic Voices, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2013, Pages 98-104 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v3i1.9994
Feasibility of Applying Helper-Dependent Adenoviral Vectors for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Farzad Lisa , Suzuki Masataka
Published: March 2014

Adenoviruses (Ads) infect a broad range of tissue types, and derived vectors have been extensively used for gene therapy. Helper-dependent Ad vectors (HDAds), devoid of viral coding sequences, allow for insertion of large or multiple transgenes in a single vector and have been preclinically used for the study of genetic disorders. However, the clinical application of Ad vectors including HDAds for genetic disorders has been hampered by an acute toxic response. This characteristic, while disadvantageous for gene replacement therapy, could be strategically advantageous for the activation of an immune response if HDAds were used as an adjunct treatment in cancer. Cancer treatments including immunotherapy are frequently limited by the inhibitory environment produced by both tumors and their stroma, each of which express numerous inhibitory molecules. Hence, multiple inhibitory mechanisms must be overcome for development of anti-tumor immunity. The large coding capacity of HDAds can accommodate multiple immune modulating transgenes that could produce a combined effect to overcome tumor-derived inhibition and ensure intratumoral effector T-cell proliferation and function. In this review, we discuss the potential advantages of HDAds to cancer immunotherapy based on potent host immune responses to Ads.
Infinite Excess Entropy Processes with Countable-State Generators
Authors: Travers Nicholas , Crutchfield James
Published: March 2014

We present two examples of finite-alphabet, infinite excess entropy processes generated by stationary hidden Markov models (HMMs) with countable state sets. The first, simpler example is not ergodic, but the second is. These are the first explicit constructions of processes of this type.
Synergistic Enhancement of Cancer Therapy Using a Combination of Ceramide and Docetaxel
Authors: Feng Li-Xia , Li Min , Liu Yong-Jun , Yang Shao-Mei , Zhang Na
Published: March 2014

Ceramide (CE)-based combination therapy (CE combination) as a novel therapeutic strategy has attracted great attention in the field of anti-cancer therapy. The principal purposes of this study were to investigate the synergistic effect of CE in combination with docetaxel (DTX) (CE + DTX) and to explore the synergy mechanisms of CE + DTX. The 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and combination index (CI) assay showed that simultaneous administration of CE and DTX with a molar ratio of 0.5:1 could generate the optimal synergistic effect on murine malignant melanoma cell (B16, CI = 0.31) and human breast carcinoma cell (MCF-7, CI = 0.48). The apoptosis, cell cycle, and cytoskeleton destruction study demonstrated that CE could target and destruct the microfilament actin, subsequently activate Caspase-3 and induce apoptosis. Meanwhile, DTX could target and disrupt the microtubules cytoskeleton, leading to a high proportion of cancer cells in G2/M-phase arrest. Moreover, CE plus DTX could cause a synergistic destruction of cytoskeleton, which resulted in a significantly higher apoptosis and a significantly higher arrest in G2/M arrest comparing with either agent alone (p < 0.01). The in vivo antitumor study evaluated in B16 tumor-bearing mice also validated the synergistic effects. All these results suggested that CE could enhance the antitumor activity of DTX in a synergistic manner, which suggest promising application prospects of CE + DTX combination treatment.
Structure of N-Terminal Sequence Asp-Ala-Glu-Phe-Arg-His-Asp-Ser of Aβ-Peptide with Phospholipase A2 from Venom of Andaman Cobra Sub-Species Naja naja sagittifera at 2.0 Å Resolution
Authors: Mirza Zeenat , Pillai Vikram , Zhong Wei-Zhu
Published: March 2014

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most significant social and health burdens of the present century. Plaques formed by extracellular deposits of amyloid β (Aβ) are the prime player of AD’s neuropathology. Studies have implicated the varied role of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in brain where it contributes to neuronal growth and inflammatory response. Overall contour and chemical nature of the substrate-binding channel in the low molecular weight PLA2s are similar. This study involves the reductionist fragment-based approach to understand the structure adopted by N-terminal fragment of Alzheimer’s Aβ peptide in its complex with PLA2. In the current communication, we report the structure determined by X-ray crystallography of N-terminal sequence Asp-Ala-Glu-Phe-Arg-His-Asp-Ser (DAEFRHDS) of Aβ-peptide with a Group I PLA2 purified from venom of Andaman Cobra sub-species Naja naja sagittifera at 2.0 Å resolution (Protein Data Bank (PDB) Code: 3JQ5). This is probably the first attempt to structurally establish interaction between amyloid-β peptide fragment and hydrophobic substrate binding site of PLA2 involving H bond and van der Waals interactions. We speculate that higher affinity between Aβ and PLA2 has the therapeutic potential of decreasing the Aβ–Aβ interaction, thereby reducing the amyloid aggregation and plaque formation in AD.
The First Insight into the Metabolite Profiling of Grapes from Three Vitis vinifera L. Cultivars of Two Controlled Appellation (DOC) Regions
Authors: Teixeira António , Martins Viviana , Noronha Henrique , Eiras-Dias José , Gerós Hernâni
Published: March 2014

The characterization of the metabolites accumulated in the grapes of specific cultivars grown in different climates is of particular importance for viticulturists and enologists. In the present study, the metabolite profiling of grapes from the cultivars, Alvarinho, Arinto and Padeiro de Basto, of two Portuguese Controlled Denomination of Origin (DOC) regions (Vinho Verde and Lisboa) was investigated by gas chromatography-coupled time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF-MS) and an amino acid analyzer. Primary metabolites, including sugars, organic acids and amino acids, and some secondary metabolites were identified. Tartaric and malic acids and free amino acids accumulated more in grapes from vines of the DOC region of Vinho Verde than DOC Lisboa, but a principal component analysis (PCA) plot showed that besides the DOC region, the grape cultivar also accounted for the variance in the relative abundance of metabolites. Grapes from the cultivar, Alvarinho, were particularly rich in malic acid and tartaric acids in both DOC regions, but sucrose accumulated more in the DOC region of Vinho Verde.
Correction: Zainalabdeen, N., et al., Synthesis and Characterization of Naphthalenediimide-Functionalized Flavin Derivatives. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2013, 14, 7468–7479.
Authors: Zainalabdeen Nada , Fitzpatrick Brian , Kareem Mohanad , Nandwana Vikas , Cooke Graeme , Rotello Vincent
Published: March 2014

In the original version of the manuscript [1] some of the analytical data for compounds 1 and 2 were incorrect. The correct NMR data are presented below. [...]
Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Herbacetin Diglucoside from Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) Seed Cakes and Its Quantification using an RP-HPLC-UV System
Authors: Fliniaux Ophélie , Corbin Cyrielle , Ramsay Aina , Renouard Sullivan , Beejmohun Vickram , Doussot Joël , Falguières Annie , Ferroud Clotilde , Lamblin Frédéric , Lainé Eric , Roscher Albrecht , Grand Eric , Mesnard François , Hano Christophe
Published: March 2014

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) seeds are widely used for oil extraction and the cold-pressed flaxseed (or linseed) cakes obtained during this process constitute a valuable by-product. The flavonol herbacetin diglucoside (HDG) has been previously reported as a constituent of the flaxseed lignan macromolecule linked through ester bonds to the linker molecule hydroxymethylglutaric acid. In this context, the development and validation of a new approach using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of HDG from flaxseed cakes followed by quantification with a reverse-phase HPLC system with UV detection was purposed. The experimental parameters affecting the HDG extraction yield, such as microwave power, extraction time and sodium hydroxide concentration, from the lignan macromolecule were optimized. A maximum HDG concentration of 5.76 mg/g DW in flaxseed cakes was measured following an irradiation time of 6 min, for a microwave power of 150 W using a direct extraction in 0.1 M NaOH in 70% (v/v) aqueous methanol. The optimized method was proven to be rapid and reliable in terms of precision, repeatability, stability and accuracy for the extraction of HDG. Comparison with a conventional extraction method demonstrated that MAE is more effective and less time-consuming.
Redeeming Emotion-Focused Therapy: A Christian Analysis of Its Worldview, Epistemology, and Emphasis
Authors: Hardin Todd
Published: March 2014

While emotion-focused therapy (EFT) offers clinically useful information to Christian practitioners, its underlying worldview, epistemology, and emphasis present challenges for Christian therapists. This article advocates that Christian practitioners can redeem EFT for Christ by evaluating and translating these presuppositions in light of Christian alternatives. In offering these alternatives, the article encourages the creation of a distinctively Christian emotion-focused therapy (CEFT).
Towards Responsible Steel: Preliminary Insights
Authors: Benn Suzanne , Giurco Damien , Brown Paul , Agarwal Renu
Published: March 2014

This paper examines the structures and processes underpinning the attempt of the Australian steel industry to establish a certification scheme for Responsible Steel. We take it as a case example of how collective action and collaboration along a supply chain has the potential to be a win-win situation for the environment and for the competitiveness of an industry sector. The paper identifies the drivers that have prompted key stakeholders from all major sectors of the Australian steel product life cycle from mining through steel manufacturing, processing, product fabrication, use and re-use, and recycling to collaborate in the establishment of the Steel Stewardship Forum (SSF), the structure established to lead the development of the certification scheme. The development of this initiative is indicative of the wider shift to sustainability-related certification schemes as a means of garnering legitimacy and market advantage and provides detailed insights into both the drivers for and the challenges associated with such initiatives. Findings from the paper contribute to our understanding of the shift to sustainable supply chains as it is interpreted through institutional and institutional entrepreneurship theory.
The Delineation of Paleo-Shorelines in the Lake Manyara Basin Using TerraSAR-X Data
Authors: Bachofer Felix , Quénéhervé Geraldine , Märker Michael
Published: March 2014

The purpose of this paper is to describe the delineation of paleo-shorelines using high resolution microwave images and digital image processing tools, and with that to contribute to the understanding of the complex landscape evolution of the Lake Manyara Basin. The surroundings of Lake Manyara are the focus of several paleo-archeological investigations, since the location is close to Olduvai Gorge, where paleo-anthropological findings can be traced back to homo habilis. In the catchment of Lake Manyara two hominin-bearing sites (0.78 to 0.63 Ma), lots of vertebrate fossils and hand axes from different periods were found. Understanding the development and extent of the lake is crucial for understanding the regional paleo-environment of the Quaternary. Morphological structures of shorelines and terraces east of Lake Manyara were identified from TerraSAR-X StripMap images. By applying a Canny edge detector, linear features were extracted and revised for different image acquisitions using a contextual approach. Those features match literature and field references. A digital elevation model of the region was used to map the most distinct paleo-shorelines according to their elevation.