bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marked Biological Variance in Endocrine and Biochemical Markers in Childhood: Establishment of Pediatric Reference Intervals Using Healthy Community Children from the CALIPER Cohort
Authors: Bailey Dana , Colantonio David , Kyriakopoulou Lianna , Cohen Ashley H , Chan Man Khun , Armbruster David , Adeli Khosrow
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND

Reference intervals are indispensable in evaluating laboratory test results; however, appropriately partitioned pediatric reference values are not readily available. The Canadian Laboratory Initiative for Pediatric Reference Intervals (CALIPER) program is aimed at establishing the influence of age, sex, ethnicity, and body mass index on biochemical markers and developing a comprehensive database of pediatric reference intervals using an a posteriori approach.

METHODS

A total of 1482 samples were collected from ethnically diverse healthy children ages 2 days to 18 years and analyzed on the Abbott ARCHITECT i2000. Following the CLSI C28-A3 guidelines, age- and sex-specific partitioning was determined for each analyte. Nonparametric and robust methods were used to establish the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles for the reference intervals as well as the 90% CIs.

RESULTS

New pediatric reference intervals were generated for 14 biomarkers, including α-fetoprotein, cobalamin (vitamin B12), folate, homocysteine, ferritin, cortisol, troponin I, 25(OH)-vitamin D [25(OH)D], intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone, total thyroxine (TT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine. The influence of ethnicity on reference values was also examined, and statistically significant differences were found between ethnic groups for FT4, TT3, TT4, cobalamin, ferritin, iPTH, and 25(OH)D.

CONCLUSIONS

This study establishes comprehensive pediatric reference intervals for several common endocrine and immunochemical biomarkers obtained in a large cohort of healthy children. The new database will be of global benefit, ensuring appropriate interpretation of pediatric disease biomarkers, but will need further validation for specific immunoassay platforms and in local populations as recommended by the CLSI.
Automatische Inhaltserschließung in der Fachinformation / Automatic indexing of domain-specific information / L´indexation automatique dans l´information spécialisée
Authors: Kempf Andreas Oskar
Published: May 2013

Der Artikel basiert auf einer Masterarbeit mit dem Titel „Automatische Indexierung in der sozialwissenschaftlichen Fachinformation. Eine Evaluationsstudie zur maschinellen Erschließung für die Datenbank SOLIS“ (Kempf 2012), die im Rahmen des Aufbaustudiengangs Bibliotheks- und Informationswissenschaft an der Humboldt- Universität zu Berlin am Lehrstuhl Information Retrieval verfasst wurde. Auf der Grundlage des Schalenmodells zur Inhaltserschließung in der Fachinformation (vgl. Krause 1996, 2006) stellt der Artikel Evaluationsergebnisse eines automatischen Erschließungsverfahrens für den Einsatz in der sozialwissenschaftlichen Fachinformation vor. Ausgehend von dem von Krause beschriebenen Anwendungsszenario, wonach SOLIS-Datenbestände (Sozialwissenschaftliches Literaturinformationssystem) von geringerer Relevanz automatisch erschlossen werden sollten, wurden auf dieser Dokumentgrundlage zwei Testreihen mit der Indexierungssoftware MindServer der Firma Recommind1 durchgeführt. Neben den Auswirkungen allgemeiner Systemeinstellungen in der ersten Testreihe wurde in der zweiten Testreihe die Indexierungsleistung der Software für die Rand- und die Kernbereiche der Literaturdatenbank miteinander verglichen. Für letztere Testreihe wurden für beide Bereiche der Datenbank spezifische Versionen der Indexierungssoftware aufgebaut, die anhand von Dokumentkorpora aus den entsprechenden Bereichen trainiert wurden. Die Ergebnisse der Evaluation, die auf der Grundlage intellektuell generierter Vergleichsdaten erfolgt, weisen auf Unterschiede in der Indexierungsleistung zwischen Rand- und Kernbereichen hin, die einerseits gegen den Einsatz automatischer Indexierungsverfahren in den Randbereichen sprechen. Andererseits deutet sich an, dass sich die Indexierungsresultate durch den Aufbau fachteilgebietsspezifischer Trainingsmengen verbessern lassen.
Multilingual Access to Digital Libraries: The Europeana Use Case / Mehrsprachiger Zugang zu Digitalen Bibliotheken: Europeana / Accès multilingue aux bibliothèques numériques: Le cas d’Europeana
Authors: Stiller Juliane , Gäde Maria , Petras Vivien
Published: May 2013

The article determines multilingual access features in digital libraries with a special focus on cultural heritage digital libraries. An analysis of existing information systems in the GLAM-domain (galleries, libraries, archives and museums) was conducted to establish and collect solutions for searching, browsing and interacting with multilingual content. In particular, Europeana, the European digital library, archive and museum for cultural heritage was studied with a focus on multilingual interactions. Challenges and recommendations for the implementation of multilingual access features are presented and discussed.
„Die digitale Forschungswelt“ als Gegenstand der Forschung / Research on Digital Research / Recherche dans la domaine de la recherche numérique
Authors: Kindling Maxi , Schirmbacher Peter
Published: May 2013

In diesem Beitrag wird der Lehr- und Forschungsbereich Informationsmanagement am IBI vorgestellt. Aktuelle und zukünftige Lehrgebiete werden benannt und der Bezug zu Forschungsschwerpunkten herausgestellt. Dazu gehören drittmittelgeförderte Projekte, Forschungsarbeiten sowie Projekte in der Lehre. Die Forschungsschwerpunkte werden darüber hinaus in die Entwicklung der Forschungsgebiete in der Bibliotheks- und Informationswissenschaft eingeordnet.
Lehrstuhl Digital Library / Lehrstuhl Digitale Bibliothek / La chaire bibliothèques numériques
Authors: Seadle Michael
Published: May 2013

The article provides an overview of the “Lehrstuhl” (professorship) for digital libraries at the Berlin School of Library and Information Science. The “Lehrstuhl” teaches both bachelor and masters students, and offers support for its doctoral students. The main areas of teaching are (1) research methods, with a particular focus on statistics and ethnography, and (2) digital libraries, with a focus on the development, scope, structure and metadata standards of digital libraries. Research covers the areas of long-term digital archiving - including “digital cultural migration”. The Berlin School is a partner of the LOCKSS (“Lots Of Copies Keep Stuff Safe”) long-term archiving network. A second research focus is on information behavior especially in the digital environment, and using ethnographic methods. Other research areas include the impact of copyright legislation and the history of information.
Fluid Catalytic Cracking
Authors: Voolapalli Ravi Kumar , Thota Chiranjeevi , Gokak D. T. , Choudary N. V. , Siddiqui M. A.
Published: May 2013

Fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) is the most versatile secondary processing unit which produces high value distillates and light olefins from heavy petroleum residues. As a process it is nearly seventy years old and was primarily developed for making gasoline. Over these years, continuous improvements in hardware and catalyst systems enabled this process to expand its application span, offered flexibility, and also achieved superior product yields. The advent of zeolite based catalysts has brought in step change in yield as well as quality of gasoline, which also led to the development of riser cracking technology. Improved understanding of the reaction chemistry helped optimize the hardware, process conditions, and catalyst system to maximize gasoline, distillates, or olefins selectively. Further, the development of catalyst additives enabled FCC process to effectively handle environmental and fuel quality issues. FCC process is the highest value adding unit in refinery and hence continuous efforts are being made to improve the process through advanced modeling, optimization, and catalyst management. In this chapter the basic FCC process, and developments in system hardware, catalyst, and additives have been presented. Process and catalyst design guidelines, selection, monitoring, and process optimization aspects were summarized, and future challenges and opportunities were discussed.
Heavy-Oil Processing
Authors: Eser Semih , Guitian Jose
Published: May 2013

With the prospects of declining conventional crude oil reserves and large reserves of heavy crudes scattered around the world, there is increasing interest in efficient processing of heavy oils defined with respect to API gravity, viscosity, and mobility at the field conditions. Because of these properties and the complexity of their chemical constitution, heavy oils present challenges for analysis and upgrading into light distillates that have large demands. A common approach for analyzing the heavy oil to guide selection of the optimum processing paths and processing conditions calls for integrated schemes in both tracks. For analysis, an integration of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques helps in obtaining as detailed information as possible generating data ultimately on the molecular composition of heavy oils. On the processing side, an integration of carbon rejection (solvent separation and thermal treatment) and hydrogen addition (catalytic hydrogenation and hydrocracking) and heteroatom removal (hydrotreating) offers viable means of upgrading for transportation over long distances and conversion into light distillates. This chapter provides an overview of current analytical techniques and upgrading processes used to address the formidable challenges of bringing the heavy oils into the refineries and to the marketplace.
Process Modeling and Simulation of Refineries
Authors: Guerra Maria J. , Jiménez-Asenjo Pablo , López-Rodríguez Antonio , Peña Díez José L.
Published: May 2013

Market competition in the refining industry is motivating companies to optimize their processes to maximize margins and make better products while meeting more stringent constraints to comply with safety and environmental regulations. Refinery models constitute valuable tools to support operation covering the whole time horizon, from long to medium term in the planning and process engineering to short term in production operation and process control. Simulation models are common tools, improving collaboration between different refinery departments and allowing optimizing the production, operating in a safe manner, and maintaining technical and environmental product specifications.
Environmental Issues Related to the Petroleum Refining Industry
Authors: Khor Cheng Seong , Elkamel Ali
Published: May 2013

Environmental considerations are increasingly affecting the profit margins of petroleum refineries and thus ought to be taken into account in the design and operations of refineries. This chapter is divided into three main parts, each addressing the three major types of environmental pollution related to the operations of a petroleum refinery: water pollution, air pollution, and noise pollution. The structure adopted in the systematic exposition of these different pollution types typically begins with the sources and characteristics of the pollutants and the consequences or effects that these pollutants bring about. Next, the related environmental regulations are covered in general. Subsequently, the associated reduction, control, and treatment technologies for the removal of the pollutants are presented in light of the legislative requirements. In the spirit of keeping up with up-to-date developments, the paper also discusses how the refining industry is reacting to global concerns over climate change as induced by greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide, as part of a suite of measures in the framework of refinery environmental management. The chapter concludes with a general outlook of the shape of events to come, particularly in view of the anticipated impending massive effects of global climate change.
Biofuels and Biorefineries
Authors: Calle José Baro
Published: May 2013

“Biofuel” is a generic term to designate fuels that are produced from biological raw materials. Although the term “biofuel” applies to any fuel, it commonly refers to liquid biofuels, especially when it is used as transport fuel. Biofuels for transport is an “old” modern subject. In fact, biofuel was proposed as a feed for internal combustion engines from the beginning of automotive industry. During the 20th century there were several unsuccessful attempts to develop the use of biofuels as automotive energy supply, but cheap fossil resources made biofuel a noncompetitive option. Recently, biofuel was identified again as an alternative fuel, mainly because of the exponential growth of the concerns about crude oil supply. Today, technical barriers have been overcome, at least for low percentage blends of biofuel with conventional fossil fuels, but there are other challenges that biofuels have to face, like sustainability of massive biofuel production. Depending on the criteria considered in the certification schemes adopted, the future of biofuels (or more widely the bioenergy) could be uncertain. A brief description of current biofuels such as bioethanol, biobutanol, FAME, and biodiesel is presented in this chapter. The nature, production processes, end use, and future forecast for biofuels, as well as HVO, synthetic diesel from BTL, and DME are also included in this chapter. Finally, an analysis of future research needs on biofuels is discussed.
Current and Future Practices for the Testing of Multi-Component Geosynthetic Clay Liners
Authors: von Maubeuge Kent P. , Kline J. P.
Published: May 2013

Description

Fifteen peer-reviewed papers address a decade of significant changes in manufacturing technology, design utilization, and market acceptance of multi-component geosynthetic clay liner materials. They are characterized by specially-engineered surface coatings, film attachments, bentonite modifications, and other components that enhance performance in specific ways.

This new publication helps to better identify changing material characteristics and designs, commonalities among these changes, and testing and standardization needs to better support the engineering community in regards to geosynthetic clay liners.
Boundary Effects of Gripping System on Internal Shear Strength Tests of Multi-Component Geosynthetic Clay Liners
Authors: Tang Xiaochao , Yuan Zehong
Published: May 2013

The internal shear strength of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) can be evaluated through direct shear testing in accordance with ASTM D6243 under a specific set of boundary conditions for a given normal stress. In order to prevent slippage at the GCL–gripping system interface and ensure an internal shear failure of the GCL, a gripping surface made of spikes 1 to 2mm tall mounted on a rigid substrate is recommended in the standard method and has been commonly used. It is recognized that certain boundary effects exist as a result of the aggressive gripping system. To improve the hydraulic performance and/or protect the bentonite core, a multi-component GCL is designed to have a thin membrane or film laminated or glued to one of the carrier geotextiles. It is necessary to investigate the boundary effect on the multi-component GCL internal shear strength tests, because the film– or membrane–geotextile interface is more prone to interference from the rough gripping surface recommended by the current standard. A series of internal shear strength tests were conducted on the same multi-component GCL product under different gripping conditions. It was found that tests using the aggressive gripping system yield a significantly higher peak shear strength of the multi-component GCL and a lower residual shear strength at large displacements.
Large-Scale Flow Testing through Seamed and Unseamed Samples of a Multi-Component Geosynthetic Clay Liner
Authors: Athanassopoulos C. , Yuan Z. , Trauger R. J. , Goldenberg M.
Published: May 2013

Large-scale flow rate testing was performed on a multi-component GCL, a needlepunch-reinforced woven/nonwoven product with a polyethylene geofilm laminated to the nonwoven side. Testing was performed in a 0.56 -m (1.8-ft) inside diameter pressure vessel commonly used for large-scale hydrostatic puncture testing of geosynthetics by ASTM D5514 [Annual Book of ASTM Standards, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA]. Two separate large-scale flow tests were performed in this study: (1) intact (unseamed) samples of the multi-component GCL placed over a subgrade stone protrusion, and (2) seamed samples of the multi-component GCL. Samples were placed over a compacted soil subgrade under a confining stress of 6.3 kPa (132 psf), soaked with tap water for 24 h, and then subjected to hydrostatic pressures ranging from 69 to 620 kPa (10 to 90 psi). Flow rates through the samples were monitored through a burette for at least 24 h. Measurements of inflow versus time for the two tests were used to assess vertical flow through the intact GCL specimen and preferential flow through the GCL seams. Because seam coverage in the field differs from the seam coverage in the laboratory testing device, seam coverage factors were derived to predict leakage through GCL field-scale seams. The testing program concluded that the flow rate through seamed GCL sections were only slightly higher than the unseamed sections.
Pluralerwerb im Deutschen bei ­russisch- und türkischsprachigen Kindern im Vergleich mit anderen Migranten und monolingualen Muttersprachlern
Authors: Zaretsky Eugen , Neumann Katrin , Euler Harald A. , Lange Benjamin P.
Published: May 2013

The article focuses on the differences and common characteristics of the plural acquisition in German by children with Russian and Turkish mother tongues, compared with other immigrant children and Germans. Although not absolutely identical, the overgeneralization patterns of all groups appear to be very similar and obviously dependent only on the proficiency in German, without clear influences of the foreign linguistic background, the only exception being e-overgeneralizations in Russian children. Whereas immigrant children tend to account mostly for the frequency of the plural allomorphs in the input when choosing a plural marker, German children have already internalized the gender based distribution of some plural allomorphs.
Selektive Ableitung und Stimulation für ein blutdrucksenkendes Implantat unter Verwendung von Vielkanal-Cuff-Elektroden
Authors: Plachta Dennis T. T. , Cota Oscar , Stieglitz Thomas , Gierthmühlen Mortimer
Published: May 2013

Mit der Möglichkeit, blutdruckrelevante Fasern des N. vagus zu identifizieren und selektiv zu stimulieren, hat die Vagusnervstimulation das Potential, als Alternative zur Behandlung des therapierefraktären Blutdruckes etabliert zu werden. Die Selektivität dieser Stimulation ist essentiell, da eine unselektive Stimulation des gesamten N. vagus zu kardialen und gastrointestinalen Nebenwirkungen führen kann, die für eine chronische Therapie inakzeptabel sind. Durch den Einsatz von Vielkanal-Polyimid-Dünnfilm-Cuff-Elektroden ist es möglich, barorezeptiven Fasern im Vagusnerv zu lokalisieren und selektiv zu stimulieren. Hierzu werden die abgeleiteten neuronalen Signale in Echtzeit mit simultan aufgezeichneten EKG und Blutdrucksignalen korreliert, um diejenigen Elektroden zu identifizieren, welche den barorezeptiven Fasern am nächsten liegen. Der hierfür entwickelte Algorithmus basiert auf der kohärenten Mittelung und setzt keine dauerstabile Elektroden-Gewebe-Impedanz voraus. Die den blutdruckrelevanten Fasern am nächsten gelegenen Elektroden werden in tri- oder pentapolarer Konfiguration verwendet, um die Fasern selektiv zu stimulieren und über Aktivierung des Baroreflexes eine Blutdrucksenkung ohne relevante Bradykardie zu erreichen.
A Hands-on Activity to Introduce the Effects of Transmission by an Invasive Species
Authors: May Barbara Jean
Published: May 2013

This activity engages students to better understand the impact of transmission by invasive species. Using dice, poker chips, and paper plates, an entire class mimics the spread of an invasive species within a geographic region. The activity can be modified and conducted at the K–16 levels.
Campus Eco Tours
Authors: Boes Katie E.
Published: May 2013

Outdoor areas within or near college campuses offer an opportunity for biology students to observe the natural world and apply concepts from class. Here, I describe an engaging and integrative project where undergraduate non-major biology students work in teams to develop and present professional “eco tours.” This project takes place over multiple class sessions and is customizable on the basis of course content. This project encourages students to work collaboratively and demonstrate creativity, and empowers students with opportunities to enhance public-speaking skills and share findings with the greater campus community.
A Hair & a Fungus
Authors: Richter Dana L.
Published: May 2013

A simple method is presented to show kids the size of a microbe – a fungus hypha – compared to a human hair. Common household items are used to make sterile medium on a stove or hotplate, which is dispensed in the cells of a weekly plastic pill box. Mold fungi can be easily and safely grown on the medium from the classroom environment. A microscope capable of 200–400× is necessary. Students can use a hair from their own head to view a fungus and a hair side-by-side on the same slide. They will see that a microscopic fungus hypha is 20–50× smaller in diameter than a hair. Older students will also learn that microbes are measured in micrometers, that fungi are ubiquitous, and that decay is an inevitable part of Earth’s processes.
Evaluating Scientific Content
Authors: Worsham Heather , Diepenbrok Lauren
Published: May 2013

An evaluation of the scientific content in a popular children’s movie about bees provides an opportunity for discussion about the sources and consequences of scientific misconceptions.
Beyond the Scope of this Paper
Authors: Hughes Hilary E. , Bridges-Rhoads Sarah C.
Published: May 2013

While qualitative researchers include reflexive analyses about their research processes in publications, they are generally less forthcoming about their writing processes. Here we suggest that reflection on the thinking that happens in the writing process itself is a key analytic practice researchers can use to understand and transform the world. We invite readers to examine with us how productivity as a discourse in doctoral education relegates the act of writing to just another task to be completed, one more stage within the hierarchical processes of what we call PhDness. Using multiple texts as reflexive accounts of our writing as inquiry practices, written throughout and after our phenomenological and poststructural dissertation work, respectively, we demonstrate how writing not included in the final dissertation served as a necessary space to think potential action.
Research from a Social Justice Perspective
Authors: Peñaranda Fernando , Vélez-Zapata Claudia , Bloom Leslie Rebecca
Published: May 2013

This article presents the results of the reflective process of “systematization” that was carried out by a group of researchers from different disciplines. The goal of the reflective process was to answer the question “What does it mean to have a social justice perspective when conducting qualitative research?” We draw from moral and political philosophy to chart our theoretical route. We highlight how research grounded on social justice values requires researchers to take into account instrumental-methodological matters in the service of such values and to consider them as guiding principles. Moral and political philosophy also leads us to evaluate the results of research differently. Finally, we assert that a research perspective centered on social justice becomes a political movement that exerts pressure on traditional hegemonic scientific practice. Social justice research, we conclude, challenges science to democratize and to meaningfully contribute to overcoming unjust conditions and discrimination.
Travels with Jon and Sarah
Authors: Berger Ronald J. , Feucht Jon
Published: May 2013

This essay describes the first author's personal and professional journey to and through the Eighth International Congress of Qualitative Inquiry. The story is told in Ron Berger's voice but is written in the context of his friendship and professional collaboration with Jon Feucht, who uses a computerized augmentative communication device to speak. From the very beginning, the authors anticipated that their experiences at the Congress would contain possibilities for collecting ethnographic data and writing an article that would illuminate the lived experience of disability and augmentative communication. After arriving at the Congress, additional possibilities for a multilayered essay unfolded as well.
A glucocorticoid education group meeting: an effective strategy for improving self-management to prevent adrenal crisis
Authors: Repping-Wuts Han J W J , Stikkelbroeck Nike M M L , Noordzij Alida , Kerstens Mies , Hermus Ad R M M
Published: May 2013

Objective

To assess self-management in patients receiving glucocorticoid replacement therapy for primary or secondary adrenal failure before and 6 months after a glucocorticoid education group meeting.

Methods

All patients with primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency, treated at the Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, were invited by their endocrinologist to participate in a 3-h glucocorticoid education group meeting, consisting of a lecture about the disease and glucocorticoid doses adjustments in case of stress, followed by an instruction on how to inject hydrocortisone i.m. Finally, all participants could practise the i.m. injection and discuss their experience with (imminent) adrenal crises with other patients and the health care providers. Two weeks before the meeting and 6 months after the meeting, patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire about how they would act in six different conditions (e.g. febrile illness or vomiting).

Results

Of the 405 patients who were invited, 246 patients (61%) participated. At baseline the response by the participants on the questionnaire was 100% (n=246) and at follow-up 74% (n=183). At follow-up, significantly more participants (P≤0.005) gave the correct answers to how to act in different situations (e.g. self-administration of a glucocorticoid injection and phone contact in case of vomiting/diarrhoea without fever). Moreover, the use of self-management tools, such as having a ‘medicine passport (travel document with information about disease and medication) (P=0.007) or SOS medallion (P=0.0007)’, increased.

Conclusion

A glucocorticoid education group meeting for patients with adrenal failure seems helpful to improve self-management and proper use of stress-related glucocorticoid dose adjustment.
Gestational diabetes mellitus among Norwegian women with polycystic ovary syndrome: prevalence and risk factors according to the WHO and the modified IADPSG criteria
Authors: Helseth R , Vanky E , Salvesen Ø , Carlsen S M
Published: May 2013

Objective

The consequences of the recently proposed International Association of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group (IADPSG) criteria for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are not known. We compared the prevalence rates and risk factors for GDM in PCOS women according to both the WHO and the modified IADPSG criteria.

Design

Post hoc analyses from a randomized, multicenter study were used.

Methods

Fasting and 2-h plasma glucose levels were measured using a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. GDM was diagnosed according to both the WHO and the modified IADPSG criteria.

Results

The prevalence rates of GDM according to the WHO and the modified IADPSG criteria were 9.2 and 15.0% at week 12, 18.7 and 18.7% at week 19, and 25.6 and 24.2% at week 32. Shorter stature and increased insulin levels were correlated with WHO-GDM, but not with modified IADPSG-GDM at weeks 12 and 19. Less weight gain in pregnancy predicted GDM according to both sets of criteria. GDM diagnosis was correlated with less maternal weight loss the first year post-partum.

Conclusions

No difference was found in the prevalence of GDM between the two sets of criteria used. Less weight gain in pregnancy was associated with GDM, independent of the diagnostic criteria used. Reduced weight loss the first year post-partum in women with GDM raises the question of whether GDM diagnosis per se or the fact that these women lose less weight after pregnancy predicts later diabetes mellitus.
Statistical Methods for Analyzing Drosophila Germline Mutation Rates
Authors: Fu Yun-Xin
Published: May 2013

Most studies of mutation rates implicitly assume that they remain constant throughout development of the germline. However, researchers recently used a novel statistical framework to reveal that mutation rates differ dramatically during sperm development in Drosophila melanogaster. Here a general framework is described for the inference of germline mutation patterns, generated from either mutation screening experiments or DNA sequence polymorphism data, that enables analysis of more than two mutations per family. The inference is made more rigorous and flexible by providing a better approximation of the probabilities of patterns of mutations and an improved coalescent algorithm within a single host with realistic assumptions. The properties of the inference framework, both the estimation and the hypothesis testing, were investigated by simulation. The refined inference framework is shown to provide (1) nearly unbiased maximum-likelihood estimates of mutation rates and (2) robust hypothesis testing using the standard asymptotic distribution of the likelihood-ratio tests. It is readily applicable to data sets in which multiple mutations in the same family are common.
Role of Postoperative Vitamin D and/or Calcium Routine Supplementation in Preventing Hypocalcemia After Thyroidectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alhefdhi Amal , Mazeh Haggi , Chen Herbert
Published: May 2013

Learning Objectives

Discuss the role of routine early postoperative oral calcium and/or vitamin D supplementation in preventing symptomatic post-thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. Describe the effect of treatment with a combination of oral calcium and vitamin D supplements on the risk of hypocalcemia in post-thyroidectomy patients and its potential to facilitate early discharge.
Onset of Maturity and Ontogenetic Tagmatization of the Pygidium in the Development ofLonchopygella megaspina(Trilobita, Later Furongian, Cambrian)
Authors: Zhu Xuejian , Hughes Nigel C. , Peng Shanchi
Published: May 2013

Onset of maturity in trilobites is generally considered to occur when the last trunk segment is released into the thorax, marking the start of the holaspid stage. Here we describe striking morphological changes that occur within the holaspid ontogeny ofLonchopygella megaspinaZhouinZhou et al., 1977, which include the effacement of dorsal furrows, the rapid and complete degeneration of pygidial lateral spines, and the increasing prominence of a pygidial axial spine. These notable changes, which are not coincident with the onset of the holaspid phase, emphasize that the onset of maturity in trilobites should be viewed on a character-by-character basis before assessing whether the exoskeleton as a whole can be described as mature. The holaspid pygidial condition inL. megaspinamay represent an intermediate step in an evolutionary transition in the number, form, and allocation of segments in the tsinaniid trunk. Pygidial transition from a dynamically changing complement of segments in the meraspid phase to a static complement in the holaspid phase was accompanied by a marked change in the extent to which segment boundaries defined pygidial structure. Attaining this static complement allowed subsequent pygidial development to emphasize its structure as an integrated unit in which internal segmental boundaries became diffuse, a continuous margin to become prominent, and an elongated terminal spine, first evident at onset of epimorphic growth, to develop allometrically. Trilobite body development suggests that while the segmented construction placed constraints on how morphology varied, the influence of these constraints diminished following completion of thoracic segment construction. Selective premium for a distinct posterior tagma might favor the early ontogenetic acquisition of such a structure, and could have been a driver of the repeated trend toward caudalization witnessed among derived trilobite clades.
Limited Migration of Scaphitid Ammonoids: Evidence from the Analyses of Shell Whorls
Authors: Yahada Hiroyuki , Wani Ryoji
Published: May 2013

The thickness ratios of shells (=whorl breadth/shell diameter) in the heteromorphic scaphitid ammonoidScaphites planus(Yabe, 1910) from the lower middle Turonian in the Oyubari and Kotanbetsu areas of Hokkaido, Japan were examined in order to determine their mode of migration. The thickness ratios ofS. planusdiffer significantly between the two localities, which suggest that these different populations did not frequently migrate between the two areas (currently ∼130 km apart, although the actual distance during Turonian is uncertain due to the presence of faults and folds between the two areas). There is no difference in hatchling diameters between the two areas, suggesting that the thickness ratios became manifested after the post-hatchling stage due to limited migration with in a nektobenthic habitat. This study suggests that scaphitid ammonoids became nektobenthic with limited migration at a stage earlier than previously thought (not during the transition from normal to abnormal coiling). The limited migration in scaphitid ammonoids might relate to their higher evolutionary volatility.
Ontogeny of the Ptychaspidid TrilobiteQuadraticephalus elongatusKobayashi, 1935 from the Furongian (Late Cambrian) Hwajeol Formation, Korea
Authors: Kihm Ji-Hoon , Park Tae-Yoon , Choi Duck K.
Published: May 2013

The development of the trilobite pygidium involves both an articulation process at the frontal part and the formation of new segments at the rear end, and hence the development of the meraspid pygidium entails complicated morphological changes. This study deals with the ontogeny of the Furongian (late Cambrian) ptychaspidid trilobite,Quadraticephalus elongatus(Kobayashi, 1935), from the Hwajeol Formation of the Taebaek Group, Taebaeksan Basin, Korea, with a special focus on the segmentation process during the meraspid pygidial development. Compared to the ontogeny of a ptychaspidid trilobite,Asioptychaspis subglobosa(Sun, 1924), which is assumed to be an ancestral species ofQ. elongatus, the convexity of the cranidium ofQ. elongatusincreased in a slower rate; the yoked free cheek ofQ. elongatussplits to form a ventral median suture in a later developmental stage; and, a rim-like ridge, which disappeared in the early holaspid pygidium ofA. subglobosa, was maintained in the late holaspid period ofQ. elongatus. These morphological changes with growth imply that paedomorphosis was involved in the evolution ofQ. elongatus. Eleven stages are recognized for the meraspid pygidial development, which began with an accumulation phase during which the number of segments increased from three to seven, followed by an equilibrium phase with seven segments, and ended up with a depletion phase during which the number of segments within the pygidium decreased to four. During the depletion phase, the pygidial length did not increase or even slightly decreased. The onset of the epimorphic phase, in which the total number of trunk segments does not increase anymore, precedes the onset of the holaspid period, demonstrating that the developmental mode ofQ. elongatusis protomeric.
Work Stress, Sense of Coherence, and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in a Prospective Study of Middle-Aged Swedish Men and Women
Authors: Eriksson Anna-Karin , van den Donk Maureen , Hilding Agneta , Östenson Claes-Göran
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the prospective influence of work stress on type 2 diabetes (T2D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This population-based cohort included 3,205 women and 2,227 men, aged 35–56 years, with baseline normal glucose tolerance measured with oral glucose tolerance test. At follow-up 8–10 years later, T2D was diagnosed in 60 women and 111 men. Work stress factors evaluated by questionnaire (i.e., demands, decision latitude, job strain, shift work, overtime work, and also sense of coherence) were studied in association with T2D. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs adjusted for age, education, BMI, physical activity, smoking, family history of diabetes, and psychological distress were calculated.

RESULTS

In women, low decision latitude was associated with T2D on its own (OR 2.4 [95% CI 1.1–5.2]) and combined with high demands: job strain (OR 4.2 [2.0–8.7]), adjusted for all available potential confounders. Also, shift work increased the risk of T2D in women (OR 2.2 [1.0–4.7]) when adjusted for age, education, and psychological distress, although this risk was diluted after multifactor adjustment (OR 1.9 [0.8–4.4]). In men, high work demands and high strain decreased the risk of T2D (OR 0.5 [0.3–0.9]) for both measures, as did an active job (high demands and high decision latitude, OR 0.4 [0.2–0.9]).

CONCLUSIONS

Work stress and shift work may contribute to the development of T2D in women. In men, the risk was decreased by high work demands, high strain, and an active job.
Awareness, Treatment, and Control of LDL Cholesterol Are Lower Among U.S. Adults With Undiagnosed Diabetes Versus Diagnosed Diabetes
Authors: Brown Todd M. , Tanner Rikki M. , Carson April P. , Yun Huifeng , Rosenson Robert S. , Farkouh Michael E. , Woolley J. Michael , Thacker Evan L. , Glasser Stephen P. , Safford Monika M. , Muntner Paul
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes is often undiagnosed, resulting in incorrect risk stratification for lipid-lowering therapy. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2010 to determine the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of elevated LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) among U.S. adults with undiagnosed diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Fasting NHANES participants 20 years of age or older who had 10-year Framingham coronary heart disease (CHD) risk scores <20% and were free of CHD or other CHD risk equivalents (n = 5,528) were categorized as having normal glucose, impaired fasting glucose, undiagnosed diabetes, or diagnosed diabetes. High LDL-C was defined by the 2004 Adult Treatment Panel (ATP) III guidelines.

RESULTS

The prevalence of diagnosed and of undiagnosed diabetes was 8 and 4%, respectively. Mean LDL-C was 102 ± 2 mg/dL among those with diagnosed diabetes and 117 ± 3 mg/dL for those with undiagnosed diabetes (P < 0.001). The prevalence of high LDL-C was similar among individuals with undiagnosed (81%) and diagnosed (77%) diabetes. Among individuals with undiagnosed diabetes and high LDL-C, 38% were aware, 27% were treated, and 16% met the ATP III LDL-C goal for diabetes. In contrast, among individuals with diagnosed diabetes and high LDL-C, 70% were aware, 61% were treated, and 36% met the ATP III goal. Subjects with undiagnosed diabetes remained less likely to have controlled LDL-C after multivariable adjustment (prevalence ratio, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.23–0.80).

CONCLUSIONS

Improved screening for diabetes and reducing the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes may identify individuals requiring more intensive LDL-C reduction.
Diabetes Prevention and Treatment Strategies
Authors: Backholer Kathryn , Peeters Anna , Herman William H. , Shaw Jonathan E. , Liew Danny , Ademi Zanfina , Magliano Dianna J.
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE

Effective interventions to prevent, delay, or remit diabetes are currently available. However, their impact on the prevalence of diabetes at the population level is unknown. This study aimed to estimate the impact of a range of diabetes interventions on the population prevalence of diabetes for Australian adults between 2010 and 2025.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We used the Australian Diabetes Projection Model to estimate the impact of a population-wide strategy, high-risk prevention, surgical diabetes treatment, and a combination strategy on the future population prevalence of diabetes and to estimate the number of diabetes cases that could be potentially prevented in the year 2025.

RESULTS

We estimate that a population-wide strategy would reduce the number of diabetes cases by 60,000–85,000 in 2025 from an estimated 2 million cases under the status quo scenario. A high-risk prevention strategy would result in 106,000 to 150,000 fewer cases of diabetes in 2025, and surgically induced weight loss would result in 3,000–6,000 fewer cases. No single intervention, or combination of interventions, reversed the increasing trend in diabetes prevalence over the next 15 years.

CONCLUSIONS

To reverse upward trends in diabetes prevalence in future years, it is essential that current approaches to diabetes prevention and treatment are optimized and implemented and that alternative approaches to reduce the prevalence of diabetes at a population level are developed.
Weldability and keyhole behavior of Zn-coated steel in remote welding using disk laser with scanner head
Authors: Lee Su-Jin , Katayama Seiji , Kawahito Yousuke , Kinoshita Keisuke , Kim Jong-Do
Published: May 2013

Zinc-coated steels are widely used in automobile bodies. Laser welding, which offers a lot of advantages over the conventional welding with metal active gas welding, CO2 arc, etc. in terms of improved weld quality, high-speed, and easy automation, has been developed for cars. However, in laser lap welding of zinc-coated steel sheets without gaps, defects such as underfilled beads or porosity were easily formed due to higher pressure of zinc vapor trapped in the molten pool because of the lower boiling point of zinc (1180 K) with respect to the melting point of steel (Fe, 1803 K). Laser lap welding results of two Zn-coated steel sheets have been reported. However, there are not enough data for welding of three Zn-coated steel sheets. Therefore, to understand laser lap weldability of three Zn-coated steel sheets, lap welding of two or three sheets with and without gaps was performed using 16 kW disk laser apparatus with a scanner head, and molten pool motions, spattering, and keyhole behavior during welding were observed by high-speed video cameras and x-ray transmission real-time imaging apparatus. Lap welding of three steel sheets was difficult but acceptably good welds were produced in sheets with upper and lower gaps of 0.1 and 0.1 mm, 0.1 and 0.2 mm, or 0.2 and 0.1 mm, respectively. Bubble generation leading to porosity formation was observed, and it was confirmed that welding phenomena were different depending upon the gap levels.
Random testing reveals excessive power in commercial laser pointers
Authors: Hadler Joshua , Tobares Edna , Dowell Marla
Published: May 2013

In random testing of 122 commercial laser pointers, the authors observed that 90% of green pointers and 44% of red pointers were not in compliance with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), producing laser power in excess of the CFR-allowed limit at one or more laser wavelengths. The measurement results are presented and the authors describe the inexpensive test bed they used. Also, they suggest physical mechanisms that could account for the hazardous levels of laser pointer emissions.
Romanian Bard: A Case Study of Shakespeare’s Adaptations in Contemporary Romania
Authors: Percec Dana , Şerban Andreea
Published: May 2013

In Romania, Shakespeare played an important role in the construction of Romania’s cultural identity and in the reshaping of political awareness during the communist dictatorship. In recent years, the Bard’s work has been translated into a contemporary, accessible Romanian language, with theatrical or musical adaptations targeted at a public whose tastes are shaped by popular culture. The authors discuss, from this perspective, two recent adaptations: The Taming of the Shrew (2005), acclimatized to contemporary Romanian realities (names, locations and folk music), and Romeo and Juliet (2009) that relocates the tragedy in the musical genre. The choice of two musical genres popular with the most widely spread segments of the public - the conservative, but less educated middle-aged group of non-theatre-goers and the youth - indicates an attempt, still new for the Romanian cultural market, to accommodate Shakespeare to the interests of two different communities of consumers, so far absent from this country’s high culture circuit.
Integration of Stream Sediment Geochemical and Aster Data for Porphyry Copper Deposit Exploration in Khatun Abad, North West of Iran / Integracja geochemicznych danych o osadach dennych oraz danych pozyskanych z systemu aster do poszukiwań geologicznych w rejonie złóż miedzi porfirytowej w khatun abad, w północno-zachodniej części iranu
Authors: Honarpazhouh Jamal , Hassanipak Ali Asghar , Seifpanahi Shabani Kumars
Published: May 2013

Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt is the host of large porphyry copper deposits in Iran. Khatun Abad area is located in north west part of this belt, so in this study, the stream sediment geochemical survey and hydrothermal alteration zones extracted from ASTER data were used to generation new target for future lithogeochemical survey. In this study after a brief discussion on descriptive statistics, principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to compress the information to a few maps and to assist in determining multi-element associations. Then C-A fractal method was used for map classification. In order to extraction hydrothermal zones ASTER data were used. ASTER SWIR bands are most useful for the identification of alteration minerals such as Alunite, Pyrophylite, Kaolinite, Sericute and Carbonates. In this paper based on spectral analysis of ASTER SWIR data six maps of alteration zones were prepared. Geochemical study and spectral analysis of ASTER data showed that mineralization and alteration are limited to E1lb and gr lithological units and have NW-SE trends from east of Khatun Abad to Ghezeljeh-Gheshlaghi.