bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fluoreszenz-Lymphographie
Authors: Schingale F.-J.
Published: June 2013

Der fluoreszierenden Farbstoff Indocyaningrün ermöglicht es uns, in Verbindung mit einer Infrarotkamera den Lymphabfluss zu beurteilen, den Sentinel-Lymphknoten zu entdecken, in neuen Operationstechniken die Funktionsfähigkeit der Lymphgefäße zu beurteilen, sowie die Wirksamkeit alter und neuer Behandlungsmethoden zu erkennen.
Photochemistry for pollution abatement
Authors: López Moises Canle , Fernández M. Isabel , Martínez Cristina , Santaballa J. Arturo
Published: June 2013

Sunlight is a clean, cheap, and abundant reagent. Many light-initiated reactions can be carried out in water, making photochemistry an ideal tool for pollution abatement and/or elimination. We studied the photoreactivity of different families of common organic micropollutants: light-initiated processes in the absence or presence of co-oxidants, and photocatalyzed reactions using different photocatalysts and composites. Based on the experimental evidences found, detailed transformation mechanisms have been proposed that help understand the reactivity of organic micropollutants and predict their environmental fate. Our approach includes the study of the photophysics for each family of compounds, its reactivity upon direct photolysis, adsorption onto photocatalysts, photocatalytic reactivity, thermodynamics, and kinetics of the processes involved (pKa,Eº, rate constants, etc.), product analysis, and ecotoxicological assessment. Different commonly overlooked problems, related to the kinetics of the process, are reported, and a model is proposed that includes the possibility of adsorption on different types of active sites, leading to different reactivities.
Reduced FHIT Expression Is Associated with Mismatch Repair Deficient and High CpG Island Methylator Phenotype Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Al-Temaimi Rabeah Abbas , Jacob Sindhu , Al-Ali Waleed , Thomas Diana Ann , Al-Mulla Fahd
Published: June 2013

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease and a major contributor to world cancer mortality rates. Molecular subtypes of CRC have become standards for CRC classification and have established prognostic potential. Here, we attempt to corroborate and provide further insight pertinent to the fragile histidine triad ( FHIT) gene in microsatellite instable (MSI), microsatellite stable (MSS), and CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) CRC subtypes. We employed array comparative genomic hybridization and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) techniques to survey genomic aberrations in FHIT gene and their effects on FHIT protein expression using immunohistochemistry (IHC) in a CRC cohort. We further studied FHIT protein expression by IHC in a larger CRC cohort defined for its mismatch repair (MMR) protein expression and genomic methylation profiles. Our results show FHIT genomic deletions centered in exons 4 and 5 in most of MSI-CRC samples. Moreover, we confirmed the significant association of FHIT protein expression diminution ( p=0.035) with MSI-CRC. In the larger cohort, reduced FHIT protein expression was significantly associated with CIMP-high subtype of CRC ( p=0.009) and loss of PMS2 protein expression ( p=0.017). We conclude that FHIT expression may be a valuable marker for CRC subtyping, and its diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential should be perused.
Measurement of immature platelets with Abbott CD-Sapphire and Sysmex XE-5000 in haematology and oncology patients
Authors: Meintker Lisa , Haimerl Maria , Ringwald Jürgen , Krause Stefan W.
Published: June 2013

Background:Measurement of immature platelets was introduced into routine diagnostics by Sysmex as immature platelet fraction (IPF) some years ago and recently by Abbott as reticulated platelet fraction (rPT). Here, we compare both methods.

Methods:We evaluated the precision and agreement of these parameters between Sysmex XE-5000 and Abbott CD-Sapphire in three distinct thrombocytopaenic cohorts: 30 patients with beginning thrombocytopaenia and 64 patients with recovering platelets (PLT) after chemotherapy, 16 patients with immune thrombocytopaenia (ITP) or heparin-induced thrombocytopaenia type 2 (HIT) and 110 additional normal controls. Furthermore, we analysed, how IPF/rPT differed between these thrombocytopaenic cohorts and controls.

Results:Both analysers demonstrated acceptable overall precision (repeatability) of IPF/rPT with lower precision at low PLT counts. IPF/rPT artificially increased during storage of blood samples overnight. Inter-instrument comparison showed a moderate correlation (Pearson r²=0.38) and a systematic bias of 1.04 towards higher IPF-values with the XE-5000. IPF/rPT was highest in recovering thrombopoesis after chemotherapy and moderately increased in ITP/HIT. The normal range deduced from control samples was much narrower with CD-Sapphire (1.0%–3.8%, established here for the first time) in comparison to XE-5000 (0.8%–7.9%) leading to a smaller overlap of samples with increased PLT turnover and normal controls.

Conclusions:IPF and rPT both give useful information on PLT turnover, although the two analysers only show a moderate inter-instrument correlation and have different reference ranges. A better separation of patient groups with high PLT turnover like ITP/HIT from normal controls is obtained by CD-Sapphire.
Red cell indices: differentiation between β-thalassemia trait and iron deficiency anemia and application to sickle-cell disease and sickle-cell thalassemia
Authors: Sahli Chaima Abdelhafidh , Bibi Amina , Ouali Faida , Fredj Sondess Hadj , Dakhlaoui Boutheina , Othmani Rym , Laouini Naouel , Jouini Latifa , Ouenniche Fekria , Siala Hajer , Touhami Imed , Becher Mariem , Fattoum Slaheddine , Toumi Nour El Houda , Messaoud Taieb
Published: June 2013

Background: In Tunisia, thalassemia and sickle cell disease represent the most prevalent monogenic hemoglobin disorders with 2.21% and 1.89% of carriers, respectively. This study aims to evaluate the diagnosis reliability of a series of red blood cell indices and parameters in differentiation of beta-thalassemia trait (β-TT) from iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and between homozygous sickle cell disease (SS) and sickle cell-thalassemia (ST).

Methods: The study covered 384 patients divided into three groups. The first one is composed of 145 control group, the second consists of 57 β-TT and 52 IDA subjects and the last one with 88 SS and 42 ST patients. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive values, negative-predictive values, percentage of correctly identified patients and Youden’s index for each indice. We also established new cut-off values by receiver operating characteristic curves for each indice. An evaluation study was performed on another population composed of 106 β-TT, 125 IDA, 31 SS and 17 ST patients.

Results: Srivastava Index, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, red blood cell, Mentzer Index (MI) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration show the highest reliability in discriminating β-TT from IDA with new cut-offs slightly different from those described in literature. Ehsani Index, mean corpuscular volume, MI, Shine and Lal Index and Sirdah Index are the most powerful in the differentiation between SS and ST.

Conclusions: The effectiveness and the simplicity of calculation of these indices make them acceptable and easy to use for differential diagnosis.
Biological characterization of the antiproliferative potential of Co(II) and Sn(IV) coordination compounds in human cancer cell lines: a comparative proteomic approach
Authors: Silva Ana , Luís Daniel , Santos Susana , Silva Joana , Mendo Ana Soraia , Coito Lidia , Silva Telma F.S. , da Silva Maria Fatima C. Guedes , Martins Luísa M.D.R.S. , Pombeiro Armando J.L. , Borralho Pedro M. , Rodrigues Cecília M.P. , Cabral Maria Guadalupe , Videira Paula A. , Monteiro Carolino , Fernandes Alexandra R.
Published: June 2013

Background: The discovery of cisplatin’s antitumor activity led to a great interest in the potential application of coordination compounds as chemotherapeutic agents. It is essential to identify new compounds that selectively inhibit tumor proliferation, evading secondary effects and resistance associated with chemotherapeutics.

Methods: The in vitro antiproliferative potential of an organotin(IV) compound was evaluated using colorectal and hepatocellular carcinoma, mammary gland adenocarcinoma cell lines, and human fibroblasts. Tumor cell death was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry for the Sn(IV) compound and also for a Co(II) compound bearing 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione as ligand. Comparative proteomic analysis for both compounds was assessed in the colorectal cancer cell line.

Results: The Sn(IV) compound presented a high cytotoxic effect in colorectal and hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (IC50 of 0.238±0.011 μM, 0.199±0.003 μM, respectively), and a lower cytotoxicity in human fibroblasts. Both compounds induced cell apoptosis and promoted the overexpression of oxidative stress-related enzyme superoxide dismutase [Cu-Zn] (SODC). The Co(II) compound induced a decreased expression of anti-apoptotic proteins (translationally-controlled tumor protein and endoplasmin), and the Sn(IV) compound decreased expression of proteins involved in microtubule stabilization, TCTP, and cofilin-1.

Conclusions: Our data reveals a high in vitro antiproliferative potential against cancer cell lines and a moderate selectivity promoted by the Sn(IV) compound. Proteomic analysis of Sn(IV) and Co(II) compounds in the colorectal cancer cell line allowed an insight to their mechanisms of action, particularly by affecting the expression of proteins typically deregulated in cancer, and also suggesting a promising therapeutic potential for both compounds.
Ethanol Catalytic Oxidation on Ordered Mesoporous CuO/KIT-6 Catalyst
Authors: Zhou Guilin , Zhang Haibing , Xie Hongmei , Wu Mao , Wei Mengying
Published: June 2013

CuO/KIT-6 catalyst was prepared by the excess impregnation method, and used for ethanol selective catalytic oxidation to produce acetaldehyde. The properties of the prepared CuO/KIT-6 catalyst were investigated by XRD and TEM. The results indicate that the synthesized CuO/KIT-6 catalyst still retains highly ordered mesoporous structure with well-dispersed CuO species. The CuO/KIT-6 catalyst shows predominant ethanol selective catalytic oxidation activities. The ethanol conversion and acetaldehyde selectivity of the CuO/KIT-6 catalyst at 275°C are 93.8% and 96.6%, respectively. The CuO/KIT-6 catalyst has high ethanol selective catalytic oxidation activity and acetaldehyde selectivity, which can be attributed to the highly ordered mesoporous structure and well-dispersed CuO species.
Finding the Trustworthiness Nodes from Signed Social Networks
Authors: Li Hui , Zhang Shu , Wang Xia
Published: June 2013

Online social network services have brought a kind of new lifestyle to the world that is parallel to people’s daily offline activities. Social network analysis provides a useful perspective on a range of social computing applications. Social interaction on the Web includes both positive and negative relationships, which is certainly important to social networks. The authors of this article found that the accuracy of the signs of links in the underlying social networks can be predicted. The trust that other users impart on a node is an important attribute of networks. In this article, the authors present a model to compute the prestige of nodes in a trust-based network. The model is based on the idea that trustworthy nodes weigh more. To fulfill this task, the authors first attempt to infer the attitude of one user toward another by predicting signed edges in networks. Then, the authors propose an algorithm to compute the prestige and trustworthiness where the edge weight denotes the trust score. To prove the algorithm’s effectiveness, the authors conducted experiments on the public dataset. Theoretical analysis and experimental results show that this method is efficient and effective.
Calcium Carbonate Content of Various Bentonites Used in GCLs
Authors: Koerner George R.
Published: June 2013

A practical method is described to determine the carbonate content of the bentonites used in geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs). The determination of the carbonate content of bentonite uses a reactor wherein hydrochloric acid (HCl) is mixed with the bentonite specimen in a closed vessel. After activation, the reaction creates carbon dioxide (CO2) pressure proportional to the calcium carbonate (CaCO3) content of the sample. It has been suggested that the calcium carbonate content might be related to long-term performance insofar as cation exchange is concerned. In addition to determining the CaCO3 content of the various bentonites, long-term permeability tests were conducted on the same GCL specimens to illustrate this possibility.
Hydraulic Testing of Multi-Component Geosynthetic Clay Liners
Authors: Ehrenberg Henning , von Maubeuge Kent P.
Published: June 2013

Multi-component geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are a new variation of GCLs or GBR-Cs (Geosynthethic Clay Barriers—CEN and ISO definition) and are fast growing in the current sealing applications. During the manufacturing process, the “classic” geosynthetic clay liners are combined with either an adhered film, coating, or membrane that can decrease the hydraulic conductivity of the product but can also add other features. ASTM D5887 [2009, “Standard Test Method for Measurement of Index Flux through Saturated Geosynthetic Clay Liner Specimens Using a Flexible Wall Permeameter,” Annual Book of ASTM Standards, ASTM International, West Conshohocken, PA] is the standard test method for hydraulic testing/testing the index flux through saturated geosynthetic clay liner specimens using a flexible wall permeameter. It gives guidance for testing procedures and apparatus but it is noted in the standard that it may not be applicable to GCL products with geomembrane backing(s). In this paper, results will be shown of the testing of the different multi-component geosynthetic clay liners using exactly the ASTM D5887 procedure. Further modifications will be discussed to allow testing according to this method and suggestions for a new method will be presented.
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in ADHD Diagnosis From Kindergarten to Eighth Grade
Authors: Morgan Paul L. , Staff Jeremy , Hillemeier Marianne M. , Farkas George , Maczuga Steven
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Whether and to what extent racial/ethnic disparities in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnosis occur across early and middle childhood is currently unknown. We examined the over-time dynamics of race/ethnic disparities in diagnosis from kindergarten to eighth grade and disparities in treatment in fifth and eighth grade.

METHODS:

Analyses of the nationally representative Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998–1999 (N = 17 100) using discrete-time hazard modeling.

RESULTS:

Minority children were less likely than white children to receive an ADHD diagnosis. With time-invariant and -varying confounding factors statistically controlled the odds of ADHD diagnosis for African Americans, Hispanics, and children of other races/ethnicities were 69% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 60%–76%), 50% (95% CI: 34%–62%), and 46% (95% CI: 26%–61%) lower, respectively, than for whites. Factors increasing children’s risk of an ADHD diagnosis included being a boy, being raised by an older mother, being raised in an English-speaking household, and engaging in externalizing problem behaviors. Factors decreasing children’s risk of an ADHD diagnosis included engaging in learning-related behaviors (eg, being attentive), displaying greater academic achievement, and not having health insurance. Among children diagnosed with ADHD, racial/ethnic minorities were less likely than whites to be taking prescription medication for the disorder.

CONCLUSIONS:

Racial/ethnic disparities in ADHD diagnosis occur by kindergarten and continue until at least the end of eighth grade. Measured confounding factors do not explain racial/ethnic disparities in ADHD diagnosis and treatment. Culturally sensitive monitoring should be intensified to ensure that all children are appropriately screened, diagnosed, and treated for ADHD.
Enrollment in Early Intervention Programs Among Infants Born Late Preterm, Early Term, and Term
Authors: Shapiro-Mendoza Carrie , Kotelchuck Milton , Barfield Wanda , Davin Carol A. , Diop Hafsatou , Silver Michael , Manning Susan E.
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To compare the prevalence of and characteristics associated with early intervention (EI) program enrollment among infants born late preterm (34–36 weeks’ gestation), early term (37–38 weeks’ gestation), and term (39–41 weeks’ gestation).

METHODS:

A Massachusetts cohort of 554 974 singleton infants born during 1998 through 2005 and survived the neonatal period was followed until the third birthday of each infant. Data came from the Pregnancy to Early Life Longitudinal Data System that linked birth certificates, birth hospital discharge reports, death certificates, and EI program enrollment records. We calculated prevalence and adjusted risk ratios to compare differences and understand associations.

RESULTS:

The prevalence of EI program enrollment increased with each decreasing week of gestation before 41 weeks (late preterm [23.5%], early term [14.9%], and term [11.9%]. In adjusted analyses, the strongest predictors of EI enrollment (adjusted risk ratio ≥1.20) for all gestational age groups were male gender, having a congenital anomaly, and having mothers who were ≥40 years old, nonhigh school graduates, and recipients of public insurance.

CONCLUSIONS:

Infants born late preterm and early term have higher prevalence of EI program services enrollment than infants born at term, and may benefit from more frequent monitoring for developmental delays or disabilities.
Implementation of a Parental Tobacco Control Intervention in Pediatric Practice
Authors: Winickoff Jonathan P. , Nabi-Burza Emara , Chang Yuchiao , Finch Stacia , Regan Susan , Wasserman Richard , Ossip Deborah , Woo Heide , Klein Jonathan , Dempsey Janelle , Drehmer Jeremy , Hipple Bethany , Weiley Victoria , Murphy Sybil , Rigotti Nancy A.
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To test whether routine pediatric outpatient practice can be transformed to assist parents in quitting smoking.

METHODS:

Cluster RCT of 20 pediatric practices in 16 states that received either CEASE intervention or usual care. The intervention gave practices training and materials to change their care delivery systems to provide evidence-based assistance to parents who smoke. This assistance included motivational messaging; proactive referral to quitlines; and pharmacologic treatment of tobacco dependence. The primary outcome, assessed at an exit interview after an office visit, was provision of meaningful tobacco control assistance, defined as counseling beyond simple advice (discussing various strategies to quit smoking), prescription of medication, or referral to the state quitline, at that office visit.

RESULTS:

Among 18 607 parents screened after their child’s office visit between June 2009 and March 2011, 3228 were eligible smokers and 1980 enrolled (999 in 10 intervention practices and 981 in 10 control practices). Practices’ mean rate of delivering meaningful assistance for parental cigarette smoking was 42.5% (range 34%–66%) in the intervention group and 3.5% (range 0%–8%) in the control group (P < .0001). Rates of enrollment in the quitline (10% vs 0%); provision of smoking cessation medication (12% vs 0%); and counseling for smoking cessation (24% vs 2%) were all higher in the intervention group compared with the control group (P < .0001 for each).

CONCLUSIONS:

A system-level intervention implemented in 20 outpatient pediatric practices led to 12-fold higher rates of delivering tobacco control assistance to parents in the context of the pediatric office visit.
Evidence for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute Uncomplicated Sinusitis in Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Smith Michael J.
Published: June 2013

In 2001, the American Academy of Pediatrics published clinical practice guidelines for the management of acute bacterial sinusitis (ABS) in children. The technical report accompanying those guidelines included 21 studies that assessed the diagnosis and management of ABS in children. This update to that report incorporates studies of pediatric ABS that have been performed since 2001. Overall, 17 randomized controlled trials of the treatment of sinusitis in children were identified and analyzed. Four randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials of antimicrobial therapy have been published. The results of these studies varied, likely due to differences in inclusion and exclusion criteria. Because of this heterogeneity, formal meta-analyses were not performed. However, qualitative analysis of these studies suggests that children with greater severity of illness at presentation are more likely to benefit from antimicrobial therapy. An additional 5 trials compared different antimicrobial therapies but did not include placebo groups. Six trials assessed a variety of ancillary treatments for ABS in children, and 3 focused on subacute sinusitis. Although the number of pediatric trials has increased since 2001, there are still limited data to guide the diagnosis and management of ABS in children. Diagnostic and treatment guidelines focusing on severity of illness at the time of presentation have the potential to identify those children most likely to benefit from antimicrobial therapy and at the same time minimize unnecessary use of antibiotics.
SnO2:F with Very High Haze Value and Transmittance in Near Infrared Wavelength for Use as Front Transparent Conductive Oxide Films in Thin-Film Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Isshiki Masanobu , Ishikawa Yasuko , Ikeda Toru , Oyama Takuji , Odaka Hidefumi , Sichanugrist Porponth , Konagai Makoto
Published: June 2013

Low sheet resistance (high mobility) with high transmittance in all wavelength is required for front TCO. High haze value is also required for effective light trapping. For this purpose, we have combined F-doped SnO2(FTO) with high mobility deposited by LPCVD and reactive ion etching (RIE) processed glass substrate. However, two problems have been found. (1) The mobility of FTO on RIE substrate dropped from that on flat glass (75 to 36 cm2/Vs). To avoid this drop, thicker film is needed. (2) To keep high transmittance with thicker film, lower carrier concentration is needed. But the mobility dropped with lower carrier concentration. In order to solve these constrains, we have adopted a stacked structure using thick non-doped layer of 2700 nm and thin F-doped layer of 500 nm. With this novel approach, we have successfully achieved the high mobility (80 cm2/Vs), low carrier concentration (2.2x1019/cm3) and high haze value (77% at wavelength of 1000 nm) at the same time. This new developed high-haze SnO2is a new promising TCO for thin-film Si solar cells.
Microstructure Characterization of Amorphous Silicon Films by Effusion Measurements of Implanted Helium
Authors: Beyer W. , Hilgers W. , Lennartz D. , Maier F.C. , Nickel N.H. , Pennartz F. , Prunici P.
Published: June 2013

An important property of thin film silicon and related materials is the microstructure which may involve the presence of interconnected and isolated voids. We report on effusion measurements of implanted helium (He) to detect such voids. Several series of hydrogenated and unhydrogenated amorphous silicon films prepared by the methods of plasma deposition, hot wire deposition and vacuum evaporation were investigated. The results show common features like a He effusion peak at low temperatures attributed to He out-diffusion through a compact material or through interconnected voids, and a He effusion peak at high temperatures attributed to He trapped in isolated voids. While undoped plasma-grown device-grade hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) films show a rather low concentration of such isolated voids, its concentration can be rather high in doped a-Si:H, in unhydrogenated evaporated material and others.
Employing μc-SiOX:H as n-Type Layer and Back TCO Replacement for High-Efficiency a-Si:H/μc-Si:H Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Liang S.W. , Hsu C.H. , Tseng Y.W. , Lin Y.P. , Tsai C.C.
Published: June 2013

The n-type hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon oxide (μc-SiOX:H(n)) films with different stoichiometry have been successfully prepared by varying the CO2-to-SiH4flow ratio in the PECVD system. By using the μc-SiOX:H(n) as a replacement for μc-Si:H(n) and ITO, the conversion efficiency of μc-Si:H single-junction and a-Si:H/μc-Si:H tandem cells were improved to 6.35% and 10.15%, respectively. The major improvement of the short circuit current density (JSC) and these cell efficiencies were originated from the increased optical absorption, which was confirmed by the quantum efficiency measurement showing increased response in the long-wavelength region. Moreover, the all PECVD process except the metal contact simplified the fabrication and might benefit the industrial production.
Characterization of Boron Doped Amorphous Silicon Films by Multiple Internal Reflection Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Ross N. , Shrestha K. , Chyan O. , Littler C. L , Lopes V. C. , Syllaios A. J.
Published: June 2013

In this study, we employed Multiple Internal Reflection Infrared Spectroscopy (MIR-IR) to characterize chemical bonding structures of boron doped hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H(B)). This technique has been shown to provide over a hundred fold increase of detection sensitivity when compared with conventional FTIR. Our MIR-IR analyses reveal an interesting counter-balance relationship between boron-doping and hydrogen-dilution growth parameters in PECVD-grown a-Si:H. Specifically, an increase in the hydrogen dilution ratio (H2/SiH4) was found to cause the increase in the Si-H bonding and a decrease in the B-H and SiH2 bonding, as evidenced by the changes in corresponding IR absorption peaks. In addition, although a higher boron dopant gas concentration was seen to increase the BH and SiH2 bonding, it also resulted in the decrease of the most stable SiH bonding configuration. The new chemical bonding information of a-Si:H thin film was correlated with the various boron doping mechanisms proposed by theoretical calculations.
On the Origin of the Urbach Rule and the Urbach Focus
Authors: Guerra J. A. , Montañez L. , De Zela F. , Winnacker A. , Weingärtner R.
Published: June 2013

A simple derivation of sub-bandgap exponential tails and fundamental absorption equations ruling the optical absorption of amorphous semiconductors are presented following the frozen phonon model. We use the Kubo-Greenwood formula to describe the average transition rate for the optical absorption process. Asymptotic analysis leads to the commonly observed exponential tail as well as the Tauc expression for the fundamental absorption. We test our theoretical results with experimental absorption coefficients of amorphous Si:H, SiC:H, AlN and SiN. The validity of the Urbach focus concept is evaluated.
Experimental investigation of leak hydraulics
Authors: Ferrante M. , Massari C. , Todini E. , Brunone B. , Meniconi S.
Published: June 2013

In recent decades the hydraulics of leaks, i.e. the definition of the relationships linking the hydraulic quantities in pipes with leaks, has received increasing attention. On the one hand, the definition of the relationship between the leak outflow and the relevant parameters – e.g. the leak area and shape, the pressure inside the pipe and outside the leak, and the pipe material – is crucial for pressure control and inverse analysis techniques. On the other hand, if the effect of the leakage on the governing equations is not taken into account, i.e. the loss of the flow axial momentum is not considered, significant errors can be introduced in the simulation of water distribution systems. In this paper, the governing equations for a pipe with a leak are derived. The basic equations, obtained within different approaches, are presented in a consistent formulation and then compared with the results of some experimental tests. The leak jet angle and other major features of the results are analysed. The estimated values of the parameters can be used in the water distribution network models when pipes with a diffuse leakage are considered.
Sensitivity analysis of bridge pier scour depth predictive formulae
Authors: Gaudio Roberto , Tafarojnoruz Ali , De Bartolo Samuele
Published: June 2013

Sensitivity analysis is an approach to recognising the behaviour of models and relative importance of causative factors. In this paper, behaviours of six pier scour depth empirical formulae are evaluated on the basis of an analytical method. The sensitivity of predicted scour depth is analysed with respect to the following independent parameters: approach flow depth, riverbed slope and median sediment size. Also their combined influence is studied examining the relative importance of each parameter with respect to the total variation of the maximum scour depth. Results show that: (1) sensitivity significantly depends on flow intensity for most of the selected formulae, whereas for the others it is a constant value or depends on other influencing parameters; (2) different formulae demonstrate various level of sensitivity to the input variables, so that, for a certain error in the input variables, the error in the results may vary consistently; (3) some formulae are very sensitive to the input parameters under some conditions, hence an error in an input variable may be amplified in the output results; and (4) most of the formulae are more sensitive to the variations of the influencing parameters in clear-water than in live-bed conditions.
Conjunction of SOM-based feature extraction method and hybrid wavelet-ANN approach for rainfall–runoff modeling
Authors: Nourani Vahid , Parhizkar Masoumeh
Published: June 2013

In rainfall–runoff modeling, the wavelet-ANN model, which includes a wavelet transform to capture multi-scale features of the process, as well as an artificial neural network (ANN) to predict the runoff discharge, is a beneficial approach. One of the essential steps in any ANN-based development process is determination of dominant input variables. This paper presents a two-stage procedure to model the rainfall–runoff process of the Delaney Creek and Payne Creek Basins, Florida, USA. The two-stage procedure includes data pre-processing and model building stages. In the data pre-processing stage, a wavelet transform is used to decompose the rainfall and runoff time series into several sub-series at different scales. Subsequently, independent sub-series are chosen via a self-organizing map (SOM). In the model building stage, selected sub-series are imposed as input data to a feed-forward neural network (FFNN) to forecast runoff discharge. To make a better interpretation of the model efficiency, the proposed model is compared with the Auto Regressive Integrated Moving Average with eXogenous input (ARIMAX) and with the ad hoc FFNN methods, without any data pre-processing. The results proved that the proposed model leads to better outcome especially in term of determination coefficient for detecting peak points (DCpeak).
SARA – An enhanced curve number-based tool for estimating direct runoff
Authors: Hernández-Guzmán Rafael , Ruiz-Luna Arturo
Published: June 2013

This paper introduces the Spatial Analysis of surface Runoff in ArcGis (SARA v1.0) interface to estimate curve number and runoff volume for hydrologic evaluations. This version runs in a vector platform as with other extensions of ArcGIS, introducing changes to the original Natural Resources Conservation Services-Curve Number method, and allowing adaptation to local conditions. The programming syntax was developed in Visual Basic 6.0 as an ActiveX Dynamic Link Library (DLL) to interact with ArcMap, and it is released as Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) that can be modified or upgraded to other programming languages.
Credibility analysis of computational fluid dynamic simulations for compound channel flow
Authors: Filonovich M. S. , Azevedo R. , Rojas-Solórzano L. R. , Leal J. B.
Published: June 2013

In this paper, verification and validation of a turbulence closure model is performed for an experimental compound channel flow, where the velocity and turbulent fields were measured by a Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV). Detailed Explicit Algebraic Reynolds Stress Model (EARSM) simulations are reported. There are numerous methods and techniques available to evaluate the numerical uncertainty associated with grid resolution. The authors have adopted the Grid Convergence Index (GCI) approach. The velocity components, the turbulence kinetic energy (TKE), the dissipation rate and the Reynolds stresses were used as variables of interest. The GCI results present low values for the u velocity component, but higher values in what concerns the v velocity component and w velocity component (representing secondary flows) and for Reynolds stresses RSxy and RSyz. This indicates that the mean flow has converged but the turbulent field and secondary flows still depend on grid resolution. Based on GCI values distribution, the medium and fine meshes were further refined. In addition to GCI analysis, the authors have performed linear regression analysis for estimating the mesh quality in what concerns small value variables. Comparison of numerical and experimental results shows good agreement.
The Impact of Negative Interpersonal Life Events on Social Adaptation of Chinese College Students: Mediator Effect of Self-Esteem
Authors: Li Wentao , Zhang Lin , Liu Binbin , Cao Huaying
Published: June 2013

In this study, we investigated the source and impact of negative interpersonal life events confronted by 210 Chinese college students, and discussed the mediator role of self-esteem. We collected data using the Self-Esteem Scale, the Loneliness Scale (LS), the Self-Report Depression
Scale, the Social Avoidance Scale, and the Interpersonal Negative Life Events Scale. The results showed that: (1) According to the occurrence rate and the stress index of interpersonal negative life events, the following events ranked in the top three: “having a weak social network”,
“reducing or losing contact with good friends”, and “being nervous or silent with unfamiliar people”. (2) Self-esteem partly mediated the impact of negative interpersonal life events on negative emotions such as depression and loneliness, and fully mediated the impact
of interpersonal negative life events on social avoidance.
The Influence of Message Appeal, Environmental Hyperopia, and Environmental Locus of Control on Green Policy Communication
Authors: Lee Yu-Kang
Published: June 2013

I examined message appeal in green policy communication by clarifying the moderating roles of environmental hyperopia and individual differences in environmental locus of control. The results suggested that a guilt appeal had a greater effect in 2 conditions, that is, when a global
issue was promoted to consumers with an external locus of control, or when a local issue was promoted to consumers with an internal locus of control. Guilt appeals were no more effective than nonguilt appeals when a local issue was presented to individuals with an external locus of control.
The guilt appeal backfired in that, when a global issue was promoted to individuals with an internal locus of control, the nonguilt appeal was more persuasive than the guilt appeal. Implications for researchers, nonprofit marketers, and public policymakers are discussed.
Dispositional Manpower Quality as a Predictor of Personal and Departmental Human Resource Performance
Authors: Wu Jun-Yen , Chen Chin-Yi , Li Chun-I
Published: June 2013

In this study our aims were to identify, in the context of the Chinese business environment, the main components of the professional competence of newly recruited employees that are critical to human resource (HR) performance, and, relative to the prediction of individual and departmental
performance, to explore the influences of the identified competencies, and other important human dispositional factors, in terms of supervisors' conscious quality and career aspirations. In Study 1 we conducted in-depth interviews with a representative sample of 13 senior HR managers, in order
to identify the key competencies of newly recruited employees. In Study 2 we developed a questionnaire and conducted a survey with 251 HR managers from a variety of enterprises in Taiwan to explore the impact of dispositional manpower quality on performance. We identified key dispositional
manpower qualities of subordinates and supervisors and verified the relevance of these qualities in the context of the Chinese workforce. The practical implication of our findings to organizations in China is that organizations should provide more training facilitation to develop these key
competencies and dispositional qualities among both managers and new employees.
Training Transfer in the Taiwanese Hotel Industry: Factors and Outcomes
Authors: Ma Chun-Chieh , Chang Hsiao-Ping
Published: June 2013

In this study we utilized structural equation modeling to determine the causal relationship between hotel employee attendance at training courses and the antecedents of training motivation (i.e., career planning and perceived organizational support), training transfer, and training
results (i.e., job performance and organizational commitment). Data were obtained from a sample of 580 respondents who were drawn from 18 hotels in Taiwan that cater to international tourists. The study results indicated that training motivation was positively related to training transfer
and that training transfer was positively related to job performance and organizational commitment. In particular, career planning and perceived organizational support enhanced job performance and organizational commitment through training motivation and training transfer.
Direct Autocrine Action of Insulin on β-Cells: Does It Make Physiological Sense?
Authors: Rhodes Christopher J. , White Morris F. , Leahy John L. , Kahn Steven E.
Published: June 2013

In recent years there has been a growing interest in the possibility of a direct autocrine effect of insulin on the pancreatic β-cell. Indeed, there have been numerous intriguing articles and several eloquent reviews written on the subject (1–3); however, the concept is still controversial. Although many in vitro experiments, a few transgenic mouse studies, and some human investigations would be supportive of the notion, there exist different insights, other studies, and circumstantial evidence that question the concept. Therefore, the idea of autocrine action of insulin remains a conundrum. Here we outline a series of thoughts, insights, and alternative interpretations of the available experimental evidence. We ask, how convincing are these, and what are the confusing issues? We agree that there is a clear contribution of certain downstream elements in the insulin signaling pathway for β-cell function and survival, but the question of whether insulin itself is actually the physiologically relevant ligand that triggers this signal transduction remains unsettled.
Nutritional Factors and Preservation of C-Peptide in Youth With Recently Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J. , Dabelea Dana , Crandell Jamie L. , Crume Tessa , D’Agostino Ralph B. , Dolan Lawrence , King Irena B. , Lawrence Jean M. , Norris Jill M. , Pihoker Catherine , The Natalie
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE

To test the novel hypothesis that nutritional factors previously associated with type 1 diabetes etiology or with insulin secretion are prospectively associated with fasting C-peptide (FCP) concentration among youth recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Included were 1,316 youth with autoantibody-positive type 1 diabetes who participated in the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study (baseline disease duration, 9.9 months; SD, 6.3). Nutritional exposures included breastfeeding and age at introduction of complementary foods, baseline plasma long-chain omega-3 fatty acids including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), vitamin D, vitamin E, and, from a baseline food frequency questionnaire, estimated intake of the branched-chain amino acid leucine and total carbohydrate. Multiple linear regression models were conducted to relate each nutritional factor to baseline FCP adjusted for demographics, disease-related factors, and other confounders. Prospective analyses included the subset of participants with preserved β-cell function at baseline (baseline FCP ≥0.23 ng/mL) with additional adjustment for baseline FCP and time (mean follow-up, 24.3 months; SD, 8.2; n = 656). FCP concentration was analyzed as log(FCP).

RESULTS

In adjusted prospective analyses, baseline EPA (P = 0.02), EPA plus DHA (P = 0.03), and leucine (P = 0.03) were each associated positively and significantly with FCP at follow-up. Vitamin D was unexpectedly inversely associated with FCP (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased intake of branched-chain amino acids and long-chain omega-3 fatty acids may support preservation of β-cell function. This represents a new direction for research to improve prognosis for type 1 diabetes.
The development and genesis of a small thaw lake filling the Skaliska Basin during the Late Glacial and Holocene
Authors: Stachowicz-Rybka Renata , Obidowicz Andrzej
Published: June 2013

The northern part of the Mazury Lake District is marked by the presence of a depression described as the Skaliska Basin. At the end of the Pleistocene, the Skaliska Basin was the site of functioning of a thaw lake, within series of laminated clayey sediments were formed. The surface of the clayey sediments was overlain by a sandy fan. Blocks of dead ice underlying the fan and the overlying surface of the clayey sediments were the origin of small isolated water basins. Since the Allerod they were filled with limnic sediments, passing into peats towards the upper part. In order to reconstruct the vegetational history of the Skaliska Basin and the conditions of sedimentation of the lacustrine gyttjas and peats, several sections were obtained from such basins and subjected to examination of plant macroremains, palaeolimnological analysis and AMS dating. Sedimentation of lacustrine sediments began with sands with an admixture of silt and peat. The beginning of sedimentation of lacustrine sands of aeolian origin falls within the Allerod, whereas the end of that process in ca the middle of the Preboreal. Sands are frequently overlain by a strongly decomposed lacustrine dy sediment. Subsequently a sequence of detritus gyttja accumulated. The complex of gyttjas is interbedded with occasional Scirpo-Typheti peats. Sedimentation of lacustrine sediments is followed by accumulation of peats formed within communities with tall sedges. These communities, according to their compoition, correspond to the associations of Cicuto- Caricetum pseudocyperi Boer. et Siss. and Caricetum elatae Koch. The upper part comprises peats resembling the present-day community of Sphagnum centrale, displaying features of a transition bog. Also the occurrence of Eriophorum vaginatum confirms changes towards ombrotrophic conditions. The uppermost part of the sections often comprises heavily decomposed peat with components no longer identifiable by macroscopic analysis.
Cladocera record from Budzewo (Skaliska Basin, north-eastern Poland)
Authors: Gąsiorowski Michał
Published: June 2013

The sediment sequence from Budzewo (Skaliska Basin, north-eastern Poland) contains cladoceran records beginning from the early Holocene. A total of 33 Cladocera taxa were identified in the entire sequence. The cladoceran fauna of the initial stage of palaeolake history in the Preboreal shows high similarity to early Holocene Estonian and Scandinavian records. Benthic Alonella nana was dominant at that time. After that, probably during the Boreal and early Atlantic periods, Cladocera species diversity increased and planktonic forms (bosminas) became dominant, pointing to a rise of water level. The species composition indicates that the lake was meso- to eutrophic. The lake began to shallow during the middle Atlantic. The process was completed in the Subboreal and the lake transformed into a bog. The fall in water level and finally the terrestrialization of the lake is correlated with similar processes recorded in other sediment sequences in northern Poland, suggesting that this event may have been driven by regional factors such as lower precipitation.
Deaths during apprehensions of agitated persons. A review of proposed pathophysiological theories
Authors: Tamsen Fredrik , Thiblin Ingemar
Published: June 2013

The pathophysiology of sudden death during apprehension remains largely unclear. The most frequently discussed mechanisms are excited delirium, positional asphyxia, metabolic acidosis, acute and chronic drug abuse, and autonomic instability. As in most areas of forensic medicine, much of the knowledge comes from case reports, which are of little use in understanding causality. Experimental studies of some aspects have been performed, and they show somewhat divergent results and interpretations. The aim of this review is to summarize the different proposed theories, and to point out important issues for further research.
Investigation on Species Composition of Plant Community at Tad Xai at Phou Khao Khouay National Park, Lao PDR
Authors: Soukhavong Metmany , Yong Liu , Nanthavong Khamseng , Millet Jérôme
Published: June 2013

Phou Khao Khouay (PKK) National Park is one of the 21 National Parks in Lao PDR that supports high biodiversity. The plant community was represented by 62 families, 145 species and 1,221 tree size individuals in 50×50 m2 plots. The largest species in terms of individual number were Hydnocarpus ilicifolia, Hopea spp. and the largest families in terms of species number were Rubiaceae and Dipterocarpaceae. A total 24 families, 33 species and 91 sapling individuals were found in the 10×10 m2 sapling plots, the largest species were Rinorea boissieui, Ailanthus triphysa and Hopea spp. and the largest families were Dipterocarpaceae and Myrtaceae. In the seedling quadrat, there were 88 families, 153 species and 1,586 seedling size individuals in 2×2 m2 plots, the largest species were Hopea spp., Hopea ferrea and spp. (leguminoceae), the largest families were Rubiaceae, Annonaceae and Dipterocarpaceae. Diversity was found very high in tree and seedling was significantly higher than that of sapling, but no significant difference between tree and seedling. The largest tree height and maximum mean diameter at breast height (DBH) belonged to the family of Dipterocarpaceae. Canopy cover of Diperocarpaceae was highest (35%) in study area. Lauraceae and other 6 families had lowest crown cover around 5%. The result of this study indicated the pattern of species composition in plant community assembly and density, diversity, abundance for the vegetation layers.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/on.v11i1.8237 Our Nature Vol.11(1) 2013: 1-10