bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of the Cressie-Read Family of Additive Divergences for Information Recovery
Authors: Judge George , Mittelhammer Ron
Published: December 2012

To address the unknown nature of probability-sampling models, in this paper we use information theoretic concepts and the Cressie-Read (CR) family of information divergence measures to produce a flexible family of probability distributions, likelihood functions, estimators, and inference procedures. The usual case in statistical modeling is that the noisy indirect data are observed and known and the sampling model-error distribution-probability space, consistent with the data, is unknown. To address the unknown sampling process underlying the data, we consider a convex combination of two or more estimators derived from members of the flexible CR family of divergence measures and optimize that combination to select an estimator that minimizes expected quadratic loss. Sampling experiments are used to illustrate the finite sample properties of the resulting estimator and the nature of the recovered sampling distribution.
Maximum Entropy Gibbs Density Modeling for Pattern Classification
Authors: Mezghani Neila , Mitiche Amar , Cheriet Mohamed
Published: December 2012

Recent studies have shown that the Gibbs density function is a good model for visual patterns and that its parameters can be learned from pattern category training data by a gradient algorithm optimizing a constrained entropy criterion. These studies represented each pattern category by a single density. However, the patterns in a category can be so complex as to require a representation spread over several densities to more accurately account for the shape of their distribution in the feature space. The purpose of the present study is to investigate a representation of visual pattern category by several Gibbs densities using a Kohonen neural structure. In this Gibbs density based Kohonen network, which we call a Gibbsian Kohonen network, each node stores the parameters of a Gibbs density. Collectively, these Gibbs densities represent the pattern category. The parameters are learned by a gradient update rule so that the corresponding Gibbs densities maximize entropy subject to reproducing observed feature statistics of the training patterns. We verified the validity of the method and the efficiency of the ensuing Gibbs density pattern representation on a handwritten character recognition application.
Comparing Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Disability Between Immigrants and the Chilean-Born: Are There Different Stories to Tell?
Authors: Cabieses Baltica , Pickett Kate , Tunstall Helena
Published: December 2012

This study explored a range of sociodemographic factors associated with disability among international immigrants in Chile, and compared them to the Chilean-born. Secondary data analysis of the Chilean population-based survey CASEN-2006 was conducted (268,873 participants). Main health outcomes: any disability and six different types of disability: visual, hearing, learning, physical, psychiatric and speaking (binary outcomes). Sociodemographic variables: Demographic factors (age, sex, marital status, urban/rural, ethnicity), socioeconomic status (SES: income, education, employment status, and an integrated indicator combining the SES measures through cluster analysis for the immigrant population), material factors (overcrowding, sanitation, housing quality) and migration related (country of origin and length of stay). Immigrants reported a significantly lower prevalence of any disability (3.55%), visual (1.00%) and physical disability (0.38%). Factors associated with any disability among immigrants were age, low SES or over 20 years duration of residence in Chile; while a range of sociodemographic factors were associated with disability in the Chilean-born. Conditional regression models by age group varied between populations, but SES remained significantly associated with disability across immigrants and the Chilean-born. However, there are no similar patterns of factors associated to different types of disability between the populations under study. Factors associated with disability varied between populations under study, but SES showed a consistent association with any disability in immigrants and the Chilean-born. Types of disability showed different patterns of factors associated to them between populations, which suggest the great complexity of underlying mechanisms related to disability in Chile.
Integration of DNA Damage and Repair with Murine Double-Minute 2 (Mdm2) in Tumorigenesis
Authors: Lehman Jason , Mayo Lindsey
Published: December 2012

The alteration of tumorigenic pathways leading to cancer is a degenerative disease process typically involving inactivation of tumor suppressor proteins and hyperactivation of oncogenes. One such oncogenic protein product is the murine double-minute 2, or Mdm2. While, Mdm2 has been primarily associated as the negative regulator of the p53 tumor suppressor protein there are many p53-independent roles demonstrated for this oncogene. DNA damage and chemotherapeutic agents are known to activate Mdm2 and DNA repair pathways. There are five primary DNA repair pathways involved in the maintenance of genomic integrity: Nucleotide excision repair (NER), Base excision repair (BER), Mismatch repair (MMR), Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) and homologous recombination (HR). In this review, we will briefly describe these pathways and also delineate the functional interaction of Mdm2 with multiple DNA repair proteins. We will illustrate the importance of these interactions with Mdm2 and discuss how this is important for tumor progression, cellular proliferation in cancer.
Molecular Diversity Assessment Using Sequence Related Amplified Polymorphism (SRAP) Markers in Vicia faba L.
Authors: Alghamdi Salem , Al-Faifi Sulieman , Migdadi Hussein , Khan Muhammad , EL-Harty Ehab , Ammar Megahed
Published: December 2012

Sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers were used to assess the genetic diversity and relationship among 58 faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes. Fourteen SRAP primer combinations amplified a total of 1036 differently sized well-resolved peaks (fragments), of which all were polymorphic with a 0.96 PIC value and discriminated all of the 58 faba bean genotypes. An average pairwise similarity of 21% was revealed among the genotypes ranging from 2% to 65%. At a similarity of 28%, UPGMA clustered the genotypes into three main groups comprising 78% of the genotypes. The local landraces and most of the Egyptian genotypes in addition to the Sudan genotypes were grouped in the first main cluster. The advanced breeding lines were scattered in the second and third main clusters with breeding lines from the ICARDA and genotypes introduced from Egypt. At a similarity of 47%, all the genotypes formed separated clusters with the exceptions of Hassawi 1 and Hassawi 2. Group analysis of the genotypes according to their geographic origin and type showed that the landraces were grouped according to their origin, while others were grouped according to their seed type. To our knowledge, this is the first application of SRAP markers for the assessment of genetic diversity in faba bean. Such information will be useful to determine optimal breeding strategies to allow continued progress in faba bean breeding.
Promoter Trapping in Microalgae Using the Antibiotic Paromomycin as Selective Agent
Authors: Vila Marta , Díaz-Santos Encarnación , De la Vega Marta , Rodríguez Herminia , Vargas Ángeles , León Rosa
Published: December 2012

The lack of highly active endogenous promoters to drive the expression of transgenes is one of the main drawbacks to achieving efficient transformation of many microalgal species. Using the model chlorophyte Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the paromomycin resistance APHVIII gene from Streptomyces rimosus as a marker, we have demonstrated that random insertion of the promoterless marker gene and subsequent isolation of the most robust transformants allows for the identification of novel strong promoter sequences in microalgae. Digestion of the genomic DNA with an enzyme that has a unique restriction site inside the marker gene and a high number of target sites in the genome of the microalga, followed by inverse PCR, allows for easy determination of the genomic region, which precedes the APHVIII marker gene. In most of the transformants analyzed, the marker gene is inserted in intragenic regions and its expression relies on its adequate insertion in frame with native genes. As an example, one of the new promoters identified was used to direct the expression of the APHVIII marker gene in C. reinhardtii, showing high transformation efficiencies.
Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Isohexenylnaphthazarins from Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Jonst. (Boraginaceae) Callus and Cell Suspension Culture
Authors: Damianakos Harilaos , Kretschmer Nadine , Sykłowska-Baranek Katarzyna , Pietrosiuk Agnieszka , Bauer Rudolf , Chinou Ioanna
Published: December 2012

The phytochemical investigation of the n-hexane extract from callus and cell suspension culture of Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Jonst. resulted in the isolation of nine isohexenylnaphthazarins: deoxyalkannin (1), alkannin (2), acetylalkannin (3), isobutyrylalkannin (4), β-hydroxyisovalerylalkannin (5), 2''-(S)-α-methylbutyrylalkannin (6), propionylalkannin (7), teracrylalkannin (8) and acetylshikonin (9). Their structures were determined by MS and NMR spectroscopy. Pigments 2–8 are isolated for the first time from Arnebia in vitro cultures, 4 and 7 are reported in the present work as novel metabolites within the Arnebia genus, while 9 is a known constituent of both natural roots and in vitro cultures of A. euchroma. Moreover, methyl jasmonate and 1-monoglyceryl olate, palmitate and stearate are reported for the first time within the Boraginaceae family. The antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of all isolated pigment compounds were tested, revealing a very interesting profile.
Ionic Liquid-Based Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Flavonoids from Bauhinia championii (Benth.) Benth.
Authors: Xu Wei , Chu Kedan , Li Huang , Zhang Yuqin , Zheng Haiyin , Chen Ruilan , Chen Lidian
Published: December 2012

An ionic liquids (IL)-based microwave-assisted approach for extraction and determination of flavonoids from Bauhinia championii (Benth.) Benth. was proposed for the first time. Several ILs with different cations and anions and the microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) conditions, including sample particle size, extraction time and liquid-solid ratio, were investigated. Two M 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([bmim] Br) solution with 0.80 M HCl was selected as the optimal solvent. Meanwhile the optimized conditions a ratio of liquid to material of 30:1, and the extraction for 10 min at 70 °C. Compared with conventional heat-reflux extraction (CHRE) and the regular MAE, IL-MAE exhibited a higher extraction yield and shorter extraction time (from 1.5 h to 10 min). The optimized extraction samples were analysed by LC-MS/MS. IL extracts of Bauhinia championii (Benth.)Benth consisted mainly of flavonoids, among which myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol, β-sitosterol, triacontane and hexacontane were identified. The study indicated that IL-MAE was an efficient and rapid method with simple sample preparation. LC-MS/MS was also used to determine the chemical composition of the ethyl acetate/MAE extract of Bauhinia championii (Benth.) Benth, and it maybe become a rapid method to determine the composition of new plant extracts.
Molecular Nutrition Research—The Modern Way Of Performing Nutritional Science
Authors: Norheim Frode , Gjelstad Ingrid , Hjorth Marit , Vinknes Kathrine , Langleite Torgrim , Holen Torgeir , Jensen Jørgen , Dalen Knut , Karlsen Anette , Kielland Anders , Rustan Arild , Drevon Christian
Published: December 2012

In spite of amazing progress in food supply and nutritional science, and a striking increase in life expectancy of approximately 2.5 months per year in many countries during the previous 150 years, modern nutritional research has a great potential of still contributing to improved health for future generations, granted that the revolutions in molecular and systems technologies are applied to nutritional questions. Descriptive and mechanistic studies using state of the art epidemiology, food intake registration, genomics with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, advanced biostatistics, imaging, calorimetry, cell biology, challenge tests (meals, exercise, etc.), and integration of all data by systems biology, will provide insight on a much higher level than today in a field we may name molecular nutrition research. To take advantage of all the new technologies scientists should develop international collaboration and gather data in large open access databases like the suggested Nutritional Phenotype database (dbNP). This collaboration will promote standardization of procedures (SOP), and provide a possibility to use collected data in future research projects. The ultimate goals of future nutritional research are to understand the detailed mechanisms of action for how nutrients/foods interact with the body and thereby enhance health and treat diet-related diseases.
Nucleic Acid Sandwich Hybridization Assay with Quantum Dot-Induced Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer for Pathogen Detection
Authors: Chou Cheng-Chung , Huang Yi-Han
Published: December 2012

This paper reports a nucleic acid sandwich hybridization assay with a quantum dot (QD)-induced fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) reporter system. Two label-free hemagglutinin H5 sequences (60-mer DNA and 630-nt cDNA fragment) of avian influenza viruses were used as the targets in this work. Two oligonucleotides (16 mers and 18 mers) that specifically recognize two separate but neighboring regions of the H5 sequences were served as the capturing and reporter probes, respectively. The capturing probe was conjugated to QD655 (donor) in a molar ratio of 10:1 (probe-to-QD), and the reporter probe was labeled with Alexa Fluor 660 dye (acceptor) during synthesis. The sandwich hybridization assay was done in a 20 μL transparent, adhesive frame-confined microchamber on a disposable, temperature-adjustable indium tin oxide (ITO) glass slide. The FRET signal in response to the sandwich hybridization was monitored by a homemade optical sensor comprising a single 400 nm UV light-emitting diode (LED), optical fibers, and a miniature 16-bit spectrophotometer. The target with a concentration ranging from 0.5 nM to 1 μM was successfully correlated with both QD emission decrease at 653 nm and dye emission increase at 690 nm. To sum up, this work is beneficial for developing a portable QD-based nucleic acid sensor for on-site pathogen detection.
Influence of Parasitic Capacitance on Output Voltage for Series-Connected Thin-Film Piezoelectric Devices
Authors: Kanda Kensuke , Saito Takashi , Iga Yuki , Higuchi Kohei , Maenaka Kazusuke
Published: December 2012

Series-connected thin film piezoelectric elements can generate large output voltages. The output voltage ideally is proportional to the number of connections. However, parasitic capacitances formed by the insulation layers and derived from peripheral circuitry degrade the output voltage. Conventional circuit models are not suitable for predicting the influence of the parasitic capacitance. Therefore we proposed the simplest model of piezoelectric elements to perform simulation program with integrated circuit emphasis (SPICE) circuit simulations). The effects of the parasitic capacitances on the thin-film Pb(Zr, Ti)O3, (PZT) elements connected in series on a SiO2 insulator are demonstrated. The results reveal the negative effect on the output voltage caused by the parasitic capacitances of the insulation layers. The design guidelines for the devices using series-connected piezoelectric elements are explained.
Crouzon Syndrome: Clinico-Radiological Illustration of a Case
Authors: Mohan Raviprakash Sasankoti , Vemanna Naveen Shanker , Verma Sankalp , Agarwal Neha
Published: December 2012

Crouzon syndrome, also called craniofacial dysostosis, is an autosomal dominant disorder with complete penetrance and variable expressivity. Described by a French neurosurgeon in 1912, it is a rare genetic disorder characterized by premature closure of cranial sutures, midfacial hypoplasia, and orbital defects. Here, we report a case of this rare entity. The patient presented with brachycephaly, maxillary hypoplasia, exophthalmos, mandibular prognathism, along with dental and orbital abnormalities.
Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound Treatment for Uterine Fibroids: First Study in Indian Women
Authors: Desai Shrinivas B. , Patil Abhijit A. , Nikam Rahul , Desai Ajinkya S. , Bachhav Vrushali
Published: December 2012

Objectives:

To study the results of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) treatment carried out on Indian patients in our Hospital.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty Indian women (mean age = 36.2 ± 8.3 years) were treated for fibroids as outpatients using the ExAblate MRgFUS system (InSightec). Non-perfused volumes (NPVs) were measured immediately after treatment to calculate the treatment outcomes. A validated symptom-specific questionnaire to record their symptoms prior to treatment and six months following treatment was completed by patients. The size of the fibroids was measured on the day of the treatment and during the 6-month checkup to calculate shrinkage. Adverse events during and following treatment were recorded and monitored.

Results:

The average NPV ratio measured after the treatment was 88% ± 6%, indicative of high ablated fibroid tissue. Prior to treatment, the mean Symptoms Severity Score was 56.9 ± 4.8 (n = 50), which is indicative of highly symptomatic patients. Six months following treatment, there was an average fibroid shrinkage of 30% ± 11%, and a significant decrease in the mean score to 28.6 ± 6.0 (n = 50) (P < 0.001). There were no reports of serious or unexpected adverse events at any point during treatment or during the follow-up period from any of the 50 women treated in the current study.

Conclusions:

The current results obtained after 6 months of treatment corroborated previous data on the safety and efficacy of MRgFUS for treating uterine fibroids. This is the first publication that provides such data for a large cohort of Indian women.
Antimalaria Action of Antiretroviral Drugs on Plasmodium berghei in Mice
Authors: Akinyede Akinwumi , Akintonwa Alade , Awodele Olufunsho , Olayemi Sunday , Oreagba Ibrahim , Okany Charles , Aina Oluwagbemiga , Akindele Samuel
Published: December 2012

Malaria parasitemia enhances replication of human immunodeficiency virus. Antiretroviral drugs that possess antiplasmodial activity may reverse such an effect. Activity of the antiretroviral drugs lamivudine (L), zidovudine (Z), nevirapine (N), and stavudine (S) against Plasmodium berghei inoculated into 70 adult albino mice was investigated. Eight groups of five animals each were treated with different drugs as either curative or prophylactic regimens. These regimens were also given to four groups as L/Z/N or L/S/N. Z therapy alone and L/Z/N eliminated malaria parasites as follows: curative and prophylactic Z groups, mean ± SEM = 62,132.87 ± 22,816.1 parasites/μL and 62,474.85 ± 14,639.1 parasites/μL, respectively on day 4 and 0 parasites/μL on day 26; curative L/Z/N group, 31,583.53 ± 6,361.67 parasites/μL, and 0 parasites/μL (days 4 and 18, respectively); prophylactic L/Z/N group, 41,138.1 ± 3,528.03 parasites/μL, and 0 parasites/μL (days 4, and 20 respectively). Peters four-day suppressive values were 67–82.2%. Zidovudine or L/Z/N therapy may modify the epidemiology of malaria and therefore the pandemic of human immunodeficiency virus infection.
Serological Evidence for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus Activity in White-Tailed Deer, Odocoileus virginianus, in Vermont, 2010
Authors: Berl Erica , Eisen Rebecca J. , MacMillan Katherine , Swope Bethany N. , Saxton-Shaw Kali D. , Graham Alan C. , Turmel Jon P. , Mutebi John-Paul
Published: December 2012

Serum samples from 489 free-ranging white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were screened for antibodies against the Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) using plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNTs). EEEV antibodies were detected in 10.2% of serum samples. This is the first evidence that EEEV is present in Vermont. Serum was collected from deer in all 14 counties in the state, and positive EEEV sera were found in 12 (85%) of 14 counties, suggesting statewide EEEV activity in Vermont. Analysis of the spatial distribution of PRNT-positive samples revealed a random distribution of EEEV throughout the state. The results indicate widespread EEEV activity in Vermont and suggest that EEEV is not a recent introduction to the state but that EEEV activity has not been detected until now.
No statistically significant effect of a short-term decrease in the nucleation rate on atmospheric aerosols
Authors: Dunne E. M. , Lee L. A. , Reddington C. L. , Carslaw K. S.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Observed correlations between short-term decreases in cosmic ray ionisation and cloud and aerosol properties have been attributed to short-term decreases in the ion-induced nucleation rate. We use a global aerosol microphysics model to determine whether a 10 day reduction of 15% in the nucleation rate could generate a statistically significant response in aerosol concentrations and optical properties. As an upper limit to the possible effect of changes in ion-induced nucleation rate, we perturb the total nucleation rate, which has been shown to generate particle concentrations and nucleation events in reasonable agreement with global observations. When measured against a known aerosol control state, the model predicts a 0.15% decrease in global mean cloud condensation nucleus concentration at the surface. However, taking into account the variability in aerosol, no statistically significant response can be detected in concentrations of particles with diameters larger than 10 nm, in cloud condensation nuclei with diameters larger than 70 nm, or in the Ångström exponent. The results suggest that the observed correlation between short-term decreases in cosmic ray ionisation and cloud and aerosol properties cannot be explained by associated changes in the large-scale nucleation rate.
Evolution of particle composition in CLOUD nucleation experiments
Authors: Keskinen H. , Virtanen A. , Joutsensaari J. , Tsagkogeorgas G. , Duplissy J. , Schobesberger S. , Gysel M. , Riccobono F. , Slowik J. G. , Bianchi F. , Yli-Juuti T. , Lehtipalo K. , Rondo L. , Breitenlechner M. , Kupc A. , Almeida J. , Amorin A. , Dunne E. M. , Downward A. J. , Ehrhart S. , Franchin A. , Kajos M. K. , Kirkby J. , Kürten A. , Nieminen T. , Makhmutov V. , Mathot S. , Miettinen P. , Onnela A. , Petäjä T. , Praplan A. , Santos F. D. , Schallhart S. , Sipilä M. , Stozhkov Y. , Tomé A. , Vaattovaara P. , Wimmer D. , Prévôt A. , Dommen J. , Donahue N. M. , Flagan R. C. , Weingartner E. , Viisanen Y. , Riipinen I. , Hansel A. , Curtius J. , Kulmala M. , Worsnop D. R. , Baltensperger U. , Wex H. , Stratmann F. , Laaksonen A.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Sulphuric acid, ammonia, amines, and oxidised organics play a crucial role in nanoparticle formation in the atmosphere. In this study, we investigate the composition of nucleated nanoparticles formed from these compounds in the CLOUD chamber experiments at CERN. The investigation is carried out via analysis of the particle hygroscopicity, ethanol affinity, oxidation state, and ion composition. Hygroscopicity was studied by a hygroscopic tandem differential mobility analyser and a cloud condensation nuclei counter, ethanol affinity by an organic differential mobility analyser and particle oxidation level by a high-resolution time-of-flight aerosol mass spectrometer. The ion composition was studied by an atmospheric pressure interface time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The volume fraction of the organics in the particles during their growth from sizes of a few nanometers to tens of nanometers was derived from measured hygroscopicity assuming the Zdanovski-Stokes-Robinson relationship, and compared to values gained from the spectrometers. The ZSR-relationship was also applied to obtain the measured ethanol affinities during the particle growth, which were used to derive the volume fractions of sulphuric acid and the other inorganics (e.g. ammonium salts). In the presence of sulphuric acid and ammonia, particles with a mobility diameter of 150 nm were chemically neutralised to ammonium sulphate. In the presence of oxidation products of pinanediol, the organic volume fraction of freshly nucleated particles increased from 0.4 to ∼0.9, with an increase in diameter from 2 to 63 nm. Conversely, the sulphuric acid volume fraction decreased from 0.6 to 0.1 when the particle diameter increased from 2 to 50 nm. The results provide information on the composition of nucleated aerosol particles during their growth in the presence of various combinations of sulphuric acid, ammonia, dimethylamine and organic oxidation products.
Improved quantification of microbial CH4 oxidation efficiency in Arctic wetland soils using carbon isotope fractionation
Authors: Preuss I. , Knoblauch C. , Gebert J. , Pfeiffer E.-M.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Permafrost-affected tundra soils are significant sources of the climate-relevant trace gas methane (CH4). The observed accelerated warming of the Arctic will cause a deeper permafrost thawing followed by increased carbon mineralization and CH4 formation in water saturated tundra soils which might cause a positive feedback to climate change. Aerobic CH4 oxidation is regarded as the key process reducing CH4 emissions from wetlands, but quantification of turnover rates has remained difficult so far. The application of carbon stable isotope fractionation enables the in situ quantification of CH4 oxidation efficiency in arctic wetland soils. The aim of the current study is to quantify CH4 oxidation efficiency in permafrost-affected tundra soils in Russia's Lena River Delta based on stable isotope signatures of CH4. Therefore, depth profiles of CH4 concentrations and δ13CH4-signatures were measured and the fractionation factors for the processes of oxidation (αox) and diffusion (αdiff) were determined. Most previous studies employing stable isotope fractionation for the quantification of CH4 oxidation in soils of other habitats (e.g. landfill cover soils) have assumed a gas transport dominated by advection (αtrans = 1). In tundra soils, however, diffusion is the main gas transport mechanism, aside from ebullition. Hence, diffusive stable isotope fractionation has to be considered. For the first time, the stable isotope fractionation of CH4 diffusion through water-saturated soils was determined with an αdiff = 1.001 ± 0.000 (n = 3). CH4 stable isotope fractionation during diffusion through air-filled pores of the investigated polygonal tundra soils was αdiff = 1.013 ± 0.003 (n = 18). Furthermore, it was found that αox differs widely between sites and horizons (mean αox, = 1.017 ± 0.009) and needs to be determined individually. The impact of both fractionation factors on the quantification of CH4 oxidation was analyzed by considering both the potential diffusion rate under saturated and unsaturated conditions and potential oxidation rates. For a submerged organic rich soil, the data indicate a CH4 oxidation efficiency of 50% at the anaerobic-aerobic interface in the upper horizon. The improved in situ quantification of CH4 oxidation in wetlands enables a better assessment of current and potential CH4 sources and sinks in permafrost affected ecosystems and their potential strengths in response to global warming.
Climatic controls on diffuse groundwater recharge across Australia
Authors: Barron O. V. , Crosbie R. S. , Dawes W. R. , Charles S. P. , Pickett T. , Donn M. J.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Reviews of field studies of groundwater recharge have attempted to investigate how climate characteristics control recharge, but due to a lack of data have not been able to draw any strong conclusions beyond that rainfall is the major determinant. This study has used numerical modelling for a range of Köppen-Geiger climate types (tropical, arid and temperate) to investigate the effect of climate variables on recharge for different soil and vegetation types. For the majority of climate types, the correlation between the modelled recharge and total annual rainfall is weaker than the correlation between recharge and the annual rainfall parameters reflecting rainfall intensity. Under similar soil and vegetation conditions for the same annual rainfall, annual recharge in regions with winter-dominated rainfall is greater than in regions with summer-dominated rainfall. The importance of climate parameters other than rainfall in recharge estimation is highest in the tropical climate type. Mean annual values of solar radiation and vapour pressure deficit show a greater importance in recharge estimation than mean annual values of the daily mean temperature. Climate parameters have the lowest relative importance in recharge estimation in the arid climate type (with cold winters) and the temperate climate type. For 75% of all soil, vegetation and climate types investigated, recharge elasticity varies between 2 and 4 indicating a 20% to 40% change in recharge for a 10% change in annual rainfall. Understanding how climate controls recharge under the observed historical climate allows more informed choices of analogue sites if they are to be used for climate change impact assessments.
Why first-year college students select online research resources as their favorite
Authors: Purdy James P.
Published: December 2012

This paper reports results of a preliminary study on why first-year college students select certain online research resources as their favorite. Results, based on a survey of over 500 U.S. college students in first-year writing classes, offer a more complex picture of student motivation than popular accounts of these students as disinterested, lazy, and ignorant. Students reported most frequently that they favored resources for reasons of ease, quality, and connectivity. They reported least frequently that they favored resources for reasons of relevance, variety, and speed. These results suggest that students value finding scholarly sources above relevant sources.
Health information politics: Reconsidering the democratic ideal of the Web as a source of medical knowledge
Authors: Mager Astrid
Published: December 2012

This paper challenges the democratic ideal of the Web as a new public sphere in the medical context. Drawing on a mix of methods it investigates how different Web site providers configure and position their diabetes sites in the multitude of online health information, search engine results in particular. Building on insights gained from critical new media studies and medical sociology, it shows that a range of power relations and information politics are involved in these practices, triggering information visibility hierarchies and a commercialisation of online health information, partly overlapping with off–line contexts. To conclude, it argues for reconsidering the democratic ideal of the Web and focusing on market dynamics involved in the production of medical Web information co–produced by Web site providers and search engine algorithms.
Broadband applications: Categories, requirements, and future frameworks
Authors: Saunders Jeff D. , McClure Charles R. , Mandel Lauren H.
Published: December 2012

Recent telecommunications policies, private sector development, and grant funding have focused on increasing broadband deployment to traditionally unserved and underserved areas, with an emphasis on adoption, meaning the utilization of the broadband infrastructure by end users. However, users are unlikely to adopt broadband until they realize the potential of broadband for their everyday lives. Therefore, it is critical to illustrate to potential commercial and residential subscribers the programs and applications that require broadband to function properly in order to encourage them to adopt high–speed broadband connections. This paper is intended to foster discussion among local officials and others of the ways in which broadband applications can support and encourage broadband adoption, thereby justifying deployment of ubiquitous broadband.
Competitors’ news coverage as a source within economic and symbolic power relations
Authors: Lim Jeongsub
Published: December 2012

News media are positioned within economic and symbolic power relations where a dominant news outlet and a secondary news outlet compete for audience’s attention. In this sense, competitors’ news coverage can be a legitimate source for providing additional news items to journalists, and this study expands this argument to online journalists. An e–mail survey of online journalists reveals that online journalists utilize their competitors’ news coverage as a source for news updates. Online journalists frequently cite competitors’ stories in their stories, and the journalists focus on the context and theme of the competitors’ stories in updating their stories. This strategic response to competitors is not related to online journalists’ personal characteristics, but online journalists working for large news Web sites use their competitors’ news coverage more frequently than ignore it.
Legitimacy and efficacy: The blackout of Wikipedia
Authors: Oz Ayelet
Published: December 2012

The hallmark of the successful online protest against SOPA was the blackout of Wikipedia for a day. This paper tracks the internal dynamics that led to Wikipedia’s blackout and focuses on the place that legitimacy and authority had in crafting the debate.
Nominación de algunos númerous fraccionarios en miskito
Authors: Castrillo Victor Winsin
Published: December 2012

Con el fin de fortalecer la enseñanza-aprendizaje de los nombres de algunos númerous fraccionarios en lengua miskita, este estudio nos brinda algunos nombres de números fraccionarios en dicha lengua, algo poco abordado en el Subsistema Educativo Autonómico Regional. Todo esto, a través de entrevistas directas y observación participativa con comunitarios, Iíderes comunales y docentes, asi como con la revisión de fuentes bibliógraficas. La investigación es un aporte para lIenar el vacío que existe en el currículo del Programa de Educación Intercultural Bilingüe, específicamente, con respecto a los textos de matemáticas.1. EVALUACION CURRICULAR-COSTA ATLANTICA (NICARAGUA) 2. EDUCACION INTERCULTURAL-COSTA ATLANTICA (NICARAGUA) 3. MATEMATICAS-ENSENANZA ELEMENTAL-COSTA ATLANTICA (NICARAGUA) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/wani.v65i0.879 Wani No.65 2012 pp.54-61
Las palabras del miskito: EI diccionario Español-Miskito, Miskito-Español, compilado por Dionisio Melgara
Authors: Salamanca Danilo
Published: December 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/wani.v65i0.881Wani No.65 2012 pp.73-76
On Generalized ()-Derivations in Semiprime Rings
Authors: Dhara Basudeb , Pattanayak Atanu
Published: December 2012

Let be a semiprime ring, a nonzero ideal of , and , two epimorphisms of . An additive mapping is generalized -derivation on if there exists a -derivation such that holds for all . In this paper, it is shown that if , then contains a nonzero central ideal of , if one of the following holds: (i) ; (ii) ; (iii) ; (iv) ; (v) for all .
Blending of Cellulose and Chitosan in Alkyl Imidazolium Ionic Liquids
Authors: Kuzmina Olga , Heinze Thomas , Wawro Dariusz
Published: December 2012

The production of cellulose/chitosan blends in alkyl imidazolium ionic liquids (ILs) was studied in this work. Selected organic solvents, such as dimethyl sulfoxide, ethyl acetate, and diethyl ether, were used as cosolvents. The addition of cosolvents decreased the viscosity of cellulose/chitosan solutions in ILs and facilitated the dissolution of polysaccharides, thereby decreasing the and polymer aggregates sizes in the solutions. The cellulose/chitosan films were produced from the studied solutions. The presence of one of cosolvent and ILs in the blended films was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The blended film is stronger than pure cellulose film, and the addition of cosolvents has an influence on its mechanical properties.
How Does an Online Patient-Nurse Communication Service Meet the Information Needs of Men with Recently Diagnosed Testicular Cancer?
Authors: Wibe Torunn , Hellesø Ragnhild , Varsi Cecilie , Ruland Cornelia , Ekstedt Mirjam
Published: December 2012

Online communication has become a potential means of communication between patients and health care providers, but so far few studies are published about online communication as part of nursing care. The aim of this study was to explore how an online patient-nurse communication (OPNC) service meets the information needs of men with newly diagnosed testicular cancer. We applied a qualitative approach by examining the content of online messages sent by patients to nurses in a specialist cancer unit. In addition, individual interviews were conducted with patients who had used the OPNC service. Four themes became distinct through a synthesis of the material from the interviews and the messages: “a means for managing illness-related concerns at home,” “a means for ensuring information flow,” “a means for strategic information seeking,” and “not yet available when needed most.” Individualized information provided by nurses with access to their medical record was shown to be important to these patients. The findings of this study indicate that not only may access to an OPNC service help patients fulfill their otherwise unmet information needs, but also it may prevent delays and discontinuity in care due to informational gaps and lead to improved patient safety.
Feeding of Bait to SnailLymnaea acuminataand Their Effect on Certain Enzyme in the Nervous Tissue
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Singh V. K. , Singh D. K.
Published: December 2012

Fascioliasis, a snail-borne parasitic zoonosis, has been recognized for a long time because of its major veterinary and human impact. Different Bait formulations were fed to the snailLymnaea acuminatain clear glass aquaria having diameter of 30 cm. Snail attractant containing bait formulations was prepared from different binary combination (1 : 1 ratio) of carbohydrates (glucose, starch 10 mM) and amino acid (methionine, histidine 10 mM) in 100 ml of 2% agar solution + sublethal (20% and 60% of 24 h and 96 h LC50) doses of different molluscicides (eugenol, ferulic acid, umbelliferone, and limonene). Snails fed on bait containing sub-lethal concentration of different molluscicides and the snail attractant, causing a significant inhibition in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the nervous tissue of the vector snailL. acuminata. Maximum inhibition in ALP (20% of control) and AChE (49.49% of control) activity was observed in the nervous tissue of theL. acuminataexposed to 60% of 96 h LC50of eugenol in the bait pellets containing starch + histidine, starch + methionine, respectively.
Angiotensin Type 1a Receptor Signaling Is Not Necessary for the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes
Authors: Yamato Fumiko , Takaya Junji , Tsuji Shoji , Hasui Masafumi , Kaneko Kazunari
Published: December 2012

Background. Although angiotensin II (Ang II) has inflammatory effects, little is known about its role in polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMLs). To elucidate the role of Ang II in PMLs ROS production, we examined hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), one of the ROS, and NO production in AT1a receptor knockout (AT1KO) mice. Methods and Results. PMLs were analyzed from Ang II type 1a receptor knockout mice (AT1KO) and C57BL/6 wild type mice. Using flow cytometry, we studied hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production from PMLs after Staphylococcus aureus phagocytosis or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) stimulation. Nitric oxide (NO) production in the AT1KO was low at basal and after phagocytosis. In the AT1KO, basal H2O2 production was low. After PMA or phagocytosis stimulation, however, H2O2 production was comparable to wild type mice. Next we studied the H2O2 production in C57BL/6 mice exposed to Ang II or saline. H2O2 production stimulated by PMA or phagocytosis did not differ between the two groups. Conclusions. AT1a pathway is not necessary for PMLs H2O2 production but for NO production. There was a compensatory pathway for H2O2 production other than the AT1a receptor.
Community Stepdown Care: A Safe Alternative for Selected Elderly Patients Attending Emergency Department?
Authors: Ooi Chee Kheong , Foo Chik Loon , Vasu Alicia , Seow Eillyne
Published: December 2012

Background. The Community Stepdown Care Initiative attempts to provide right siting of care for elderly emergency department attendees whose main need is rehabilitation. Objectives. The aim of this study was to compare reattendance and rehospitalisation rates, length of stay, medical complication rates, and discharge destination between the community hospital cohort and the acute hospital cohort. Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted from June 2007 to November 2008. Results. Two hundred and thirty patients were enrolled in the study. 68 patients were successfully transferred to stepdown care; 162 patients were admitted to acute hospital. The odds ratio of reattendance was similar in both cohorts at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. The odds ratio of rehospitalisation was similar in both cohorts at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. There was no statistical difference in the medical complication rates between the cohorts. Patients were more likely to be discharged home from the community hospital compared to acute hospital (adjusted OR 4.11, P=0.03). 14% of patients from the acute hospital cohort was discharged to community hospital. Conclusions. For selective elderly emergency department attendees whose predominant need is rehabilitation, stepdown care is a safe alternative compared to usual acute hospital care.
Sequences of Mind Development in Boys with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Bakhshipour Abbas , Mahmood Aliloo Majid , Shahrokhi Hassan , Hashemi Toraj , Amiri Shahrokh , Mehdizadeh Fanid Leila , Yadegari Neda , Hagnazari Farzin
Published: December 2012

Autism is a pervasive neurodevelopment disorder, primarily encompassing difficulties in the social, language, and communicative domains. One of the most common social cognitive theories of autism is based on theory of mind (ToM), the “mentalizing” ability needed to infer that others have their own beliefs and desires in order to understand their behavior. In the current study, this hypothesis was tested using Wellman and Liu's scaled ToM tasks. These were employed in the assessment of ToM development of verbal, school-aged high-functioning boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The results indicated that children with ASD performed significantly worse than normal children on ToM tasks (Z=4.7; P<0 .001). However, it was shown that some of the ASD children were able to pass desire and false-belief tasks whereas none of them could succeed in knowledge and real-apparent emotion tasks.
Nutritional Status Assessment in Cirrhotic Patients after Protein Supplementation
Authors: Putadechakum Supanee , Klangjareonchai Theerawut , Soponsaritsuk Arpussanee , Roongpisuthipong Chulaporn
Published: December 2012

Background. Protein supplementation has been shown to be effective for the treatment of malnourished patients with liver cirrhosis. The parameters used to assess nutritional improvement in cirrhotic patients for such treatment are important. Objective. To evaluate the parameters for assessment of nutritional status in patients with liver cirrhosis after protein supplementation. Material and Method. A cross-sectional, prospective clinical trial with 22 cirrhotic patients was performed. Data from anthropometry, bioelectrical impedance, subjective global assessment (SGA), and visceral protein were gathered and analyzed to assess nutritional improvement after protein supplementation. Results. Twenty-two cirrhotic patients (mean age years; 54.5% male; 63.6% alcoholic cirrhosis; 63.6% Child-Pugh C) were recruited. After protein supplementation, a significant improvement was demonstrated in the SGA class A from 10 patients (45.5%) to 16 (72.7%) and 18 (81.8%) at the 4th and 8th weeks, respectively. Body weight, body mass index, and lean muscle mass were significantly increased from baseline at the 8th week. No significant change in other nutritional parameters was observed. Conclusions. The SGA and lean muscle mass were significant parameters in order to assess nutritional status in cirrhotic patients after protein supplementation.
Imaging of Electrode Position after Cochlear Implantation with Flat Panel CT
Authors: Arweiler-Harbeck Diana , Mönninghoff Christoph , Greve Jens , Hoffmann Thomas , Göricke Sophia , Arnolds Judith , Theysohn Nina , Gollner Ulrich , Lang Stephan , Forsting Michael , Schlamann Marc
Published: December 2012

Background. Postoperative imaging after cochlear implantation is usually performed by conventional cochlear view (X-ray) or by multislice computed tomography (MSCT). MSCT after cochlear implantation often provides multiple metal artefacts; thus, a more detailed view of the implant considering the given anatomy is desirable. A quite new method is flat panel volume computed tomography. The aim of the study was to evaluate the method’s clinical use. Material and Methods. After cochlear implantation with different implant types, flat panel CT scan (Philips Allura) was performed in 31 adult patients. Anatomical details, positioning, and resolution of the different electrode types (MedEL, Advanced Bionics, and Cochlear) were evaluated interdisciplinary (ENT/Neuroradiology). Results. In all 31 patients cochlear implant electrode array and topographical position could be distinguished exactly. Spatial resolution and the high degree of accuracy were superior to reported results of MSCT. Differentiation of cochlear scalae by identification of the osseous spiral lamina was possible in some cases. Scanning artefacts were low. Conclusion. Flat panel CT scan allows exact imaging independent of implant type. This is mandatory for detailed information on cochlear electrode position. It enables us to perform optimal auditory nerve stimulation and allows feed back on surgical quality concerning the method of electrode insertion.
Specialist Physicians in Geriatrics— Report of the Canadian Geriatrics Society Physician Resource Work Group
Authors: Hogan David B. , Borrie Michael , Basran Jenny F.S. , Chung A. Maria , Jarrett Pamela G. , Morais José A. , Peters Eileen , Rockwood Kenneth J. , St. John Philip D. , Sclater Anne L. , Stultz Timothy , Woolmore-Goodwin Sarah
Published: December 2012

BackgroundAt the 2011 Annual Business Meeting of the Canadian Geriatrics Society (CGS), an ad hoc Work Group was struck to submit a report providing an estimate of the number of physicians and full-time equivalents (FTEs) currently working in the field of geriatrics, an estimate of the number required (if possible), and a clearer understanding of what has to be done to move physician resource planning in geriatrics forward in Canada.MethodsIt was decided to focus on specialist physicians in geriatrics (defined as those who have completed advanced clinical training or have equivalent work experience in geriatrics and who limit a significant portion of their work-related activities to the duties of a consultant).ResultsIn 2012, there are 230–242 certified specialists in geriatric medicine and approximately 326.15 FTE functional specialists in geriatrics. While this is less than the number required, no precise estimate of present and future need could be provided, as no attempts at a national physician resource plan in geriatrics based on utilization and demand forecasting, needs-based planning, and/or benchmarking have taken place.ConclusionsThis would be an opportune time for the CGS to become more involved in physician resource planning. In addition to this being critical for the future health of our field of practice, there is increasing interest in aligning specialty training with societal needs (n = 216).