bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure and Mechanical Properties of 1.4539 Austenic Steel Joints Made by TIG and Laser-Beam Welding
Authors: Bogdanowicz Zdzisław , Nasiłowska Barbara , Jóźwik Paweł , Zasada Dariusz
Published: November 2014

This paper presents the analysis of structural research, micro-hardness and fatigue properties of the base material which is 1.4539 steel and joints made with CO2laser beam and TIG method. Theoretical and experimental analysis of low cycle fatigue based on deformation criterion was presented. Safe fatigue estimation consistent with the results of experiments was obtained during calculations.
Spurious Middlemen in Corrupt Transactions
Authors: Bayar Güzin
Published: November 2014

The first step in solving the problem of corruption lies in diagnosing its root causes and determining the underlying factors. One of the most important facilitators of corrupt transactions is intermediaries who make corrupt dealings less risky, thereby increasing corruption. Even worse, there are spurious intermediaries who obtain bribes in connection with public services by pretending to have power over the issue. This deception may be carried out even if the officer providing the public service in question is honest. The simple game theoretical model formulated in this article tries to capture the mechanisms behind such deception. From the solutions of the model, certain policy recommendations to prevent such a process from occurring shall be provided.
Time-dependent freezing rate parcel model
Authors: Vali G. , Snider J. R.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The Time-Dependent Freezing Rate (TDFR) model here described represents the formation of ice particles by immersion freezing within an air parcel. The air parcel trajectory follows an adiabatic ascent and includes a period at time with the parcel remaining stationary at the top of its ascent. The description of the ice nucleating particles (INPs) in the air parcel is taken from laboratory experiments with cloud and precipitation samples and is assumed to represent the INP content of the cloud droplets in the parcel. Time-dependence is included to account for variations in updraft velocity and for the continued formation of ice particles at isothermal conditions. The magnitudes of these factors are assessed on the basis of laboratory measurements. Results show that both factors give rise to factors of about 3 variations in ice concentration for a realistic range of the input parameters. Refinements of the parameters specifying time-dependence and INP concentrations are needed to make the results more specific to different atmospheric aerosol types. The simple model framework described in this paper can be adapted to more elaborate cloud models. The results here presented can help guide decisions on whether to include a time-dependent ice nucleation scheme or a simpler singular description in models.
Technical Note: Linking climate change and downed woody debris decomposition across forests of the eastern United States
Authors: Russell M. B. , Woodall C. W. , D'Amato A. W. , Fraver S. , Bradford J. B.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Forest ecosystems play a critical role in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Forest carbon (C) is stored through photosynthesis and released via decomposition and combustion. Relative to C fixation in biomass, much less is known about C depletion through decomposition of woody debris, particularly under a changing climate. It is assumed that the increased temperatures and longer growing seasons associated with projected climate change will increase the decomposition rates (i.e., more rapid C cycling) of downed woody debris (DWD); however, the magnitude of this increase has not been previously addressed. Using DWD measurements collected from a national forest inventory of the eastern United States, we show that the residence time of DWD may decrease (i.e., more rapid decomposition) by as much as 13% over the next 200 years, depending on various future climate change scenarios and forest types. Although existing dynamic global vegetation models account for the decomposition process, they typically do not include the effect of a changing climate on DWD decomposition rates. We expect that an increased understanding of decomposition rates, as presented in this current work, will be needed to adequately quantify the fate of woody detritus in future forests. Furthermore, we hope these results will lead to improved models that incorporate climate change scenarios for depicting future dead wood dynamics in addition to a traditional emphasis on live-tree demographics.
The contribution of zooplankton faecal pellets to deep carbon transport in the Scotia Sea (Southern Ocean)
Authors: Manno C. , Stowasser G. , Enderlein P. , Fielding S. , Tarling G. A.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The northern Scotia Sea contains the largest seasonal uptake of atmospheric carbon dioxide yet measured in the Southern Ocean. This study examines one of the main routes by which this carbon fluxes to the deep ocean, through the production of faecal pellets (FPs) by the zooplankton community. Deep sediment traps were deployed in two sites with contrasting ocean productivity regimes (P3, naturally iron-fertilized and P2, iron-limited), within the same water mass. The magnitude and seasonal pattern of particulate organic carbon (POC) and FPs in the traps was markedly different between the two sites. Maximum fluxes at P3 (22.91 mg C m−2 d−1; 2534 × 10 FP m−2 d−1) were an order of magnitude higher than at P2 (4.01 mg C m−2 d−1; 915 × 10 FP m−2 d−1), with flux at P3 exhibiting a double seasonal peak, compared to a single flatter peak at P2. The maximum contribution of FP carbon to the total amount of POC was twice as high at P3 (91%) compared to P2 (40%). The dominant FP category at P3 varied between round, ovoidal, cylindrical and tabular over the course of the year while, at P2, ovoidal FPs were consistently dominant, always making up more than 60% of the FP assemblage. There was also a difference in the FP state between the two sites, with FPs being relatively intact at P3, while FPs were often fragmented with broken peritrophic membranes at P2. The exception was ovoidal FPs, which were relatively intact at both sites. Our observations suggest that there was community shift from an herbivorous to an omnivorous diet from spring through to autumn at P3 while detritivores had a higher relative importance over the year at P2. Furthermore, the flux was mainly a product of the vertically migrating zooplankton community at P3 while the FP flux was more likely to be generated by deeper-dwelling zooplankton feeding on recycled material at P2. The results demonstrate that the feeding behavior and vertical distribution of the zooplankton community plays a critical role in controlling the magnitude of carbon export to the deep ocean in this region.
Peru upwelling plankton respiration: calculations of carbon flux, nutrient retention efficiency and heterotrophic energy production
Authors: Packard T. T. , Osma N. , Fernández-Urruzola I. , Codispoti L. A. , Christensen J. P. , Gómez M.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Oceanic depth profiles of plankton respiration are described by a power function, RCO2 = (RCO2)0(z/z0)b similar to the vertical carbon flux profile. Furthermore, because both ocean processes are closely related, conceptually and mathematically, each can be calculated from the other. The exponent (b), always negative, defines the maximum curvature of the respiration depth-profile and controls the carbon flux. When b is large, the C flux (FC) from the epipelagic ocean is low and the nutrient retention efficiency (NRE) is high allowing these waters to maintain high productivity. The opposite occurs when b is small. This means that the attenuation of respiration in ocean water columns is critical in understanding and predicting both vertical FC as well as the capacity of epipelagic ecosystems to retain their nutrients. The NRE is a new metric defined as the ratio of nutrient regeneration in a seawater layer to the nutrients introduced into that layer via FC. A depth-profile of FC is the integral of water column respiration. This relationship facilitates calculating ocean sections of FC from water column respiration. In a FC section across the Peru upwelling system we found a FC maximum extending down to 400 m, 50 km off the Peru coast. Finally, coupling respiratory electron transport system activity to heterotrophic oxidative phosphorylation promoted the calculation of an ocean section of heterotrophic energy production (HEP). It ranged from 250 to 500 J d−1 m−3 in the euphotic zone, to less than 5 J d−1 m−3 below 200 m on this ocean section.
Effect of the Ordovician paleogeography on the (in)stability of the climate
Authors: Pohl A. , Donnadieu Y. , Le Hir G. , Buoncristiani J.-F. , Vennin E.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The Ordovician Period (485–443 Ma) is characterized by abundant evidence for continental-sized ice sheets. Modeling studies published so far require a sharp CO2 drawdown to initiate this glaciation. They mostly used non-dynamic slab mixed-layer ocean models. Here, we use a general circulation model with coupled components for ocean, atmosphere, and sea ice to examine the response of Ordovician climate to changes in CO2 and paleogeography. We conduct experiments for a wide range of CO2 (from 16 to 2 times the preindustrial atmospheric CO2 level (PAL)) and for two continental configurations (at 470 and at 450 Ma) mimicking the Middle and the Late Ordovician conditions. We find that the temperature-CO2 relationship is highly non-linear when ocean dynamics are taken into account. Two climatic modes are simulated as radiative forcing decreases. For high CO2 concentrations (≥ 12 PAL at 470 Ma and ≥ 8 PAL at 450 Ma), a relative hot climate with no sea ice characterizes the warm mode. When CO2 is decreased to 8 PAL and 6 PAL at 470 and 450 Ma, a tipping point is crossed and climate abruptly enters a runaway icehouse leading to a cold mode marked by the extension of the sea ice cover down to the mid-latitudes. At 450 Ma, the transition from the warm to the cold mode is reached for a decrease in atmospheric CO2 from 8 to 6 PAL and induces a ~9 °C global cooling. We show that the tipping point is due to the existence of a 95% oceanic Northern Hemisphere, which in turn induces a minimum in oceanic heat transport located around 40° N. The latter allows sea ice to stabilize at these latitudes, explaining the potential existence of the warm and of the cold climatic modes. This major climatic instability potentially brings a new explanation to the sudden Late Ordovician Hirnantian glacial pulse that does not require any large CO2 drawdown.
Model simulations of the modulating effect of the snow cover in a rain-on-snow event
Authors: Wever N. , Jonas T. , Fierz C. , Lehning M.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. In October 2011, the Swiss Alps underwent a marked rain-on-snow (ROS) event when a large snowfall on 8 and 9 October was followed by intense rain on 10 October. This resulted in severe flooding in some parts of Switzerland. Model simulations were carried out for 14 meteorological stations in two affected regions of the Swiss Alps using the detailed physics-based snowpack model SNOWPACK. We also conducted an ensemble sensitivity study, in which repeated simulations for a specific station were done with meteorological forcing and rainfall from other stations. This allowed the quantification of the contribution of rainfall, snow melt and liquid water storage on generating snowpack runoff. In the simulations, the snowpack produced runoff about 4–6 h after rainfall started, and total snowpack runoff became higher than total rainfall after about 11–13 h. These values appeared to be strongly dependent on snow depth, rainfall and melt rates. Deeper snow covers had more storage potential and could absorb all rain and meltwater in the first hours, whereas the snowpack runoff from shallow snow covers reacts much more quickly. However, the simulated snowpack runoff rates exceeded the rainfall intensities in both snow depth classes. In addition to snow melt, the water released due to the reduction of liquid water storage contributed to excess snowpack runoff. This effect appears to be stronger for deeper snow covers and likely results from structural changes to the snowpack due to settling and wet snow metamorphism. These results are specifically valid for the point scale simulations performed in this study and for ROS events on relatively fresh snow.
Ascetic Slaves: Rereading Nietzsche's On the Genealogy of Morals
Authors: Morrisson Iain
Published: November 2014

Most Nietzsche scholars read the third essay of On the Genealogy of Morals as an account of the development of Christian asceticism after the slave revolution in morals. In this article, I argue that that is a misreading of Nietzsche's argument, the consequence of which is a failure to understand Nietzsche's treatment of the transition from noble morality to slave morality. I contend that we can track this transition only once we understand the role of the ascetic priest in the slave revolution. The third essay's account of asceticism, then, is indispensable in understanding how slave morality grows out of priestly values. With this argument in place I begin to trace the deep lines of asceticism in the slave revolt as described in the first essay.
Nietzsche, Carlyle, and Perfectionism
Authors: Meakins William
Published: November 2014

Perfectionist readings of Nietzsche have paid much attention to the positive influence of Emerson. I suggest that exploring Nietzsche's reception of Thomas Carlyle, a leading contemporary and friend of Emerson's, provides us with additional interesting insights into Nietzsche's thought. What is distinctive here is that Nietzsche strongly objects to the ethical picture that Carlyle propounds in the lecture series On Heroes, Hero-Worship and the Heroic in History. By looking at the grounds of this opposition I argue that Nietzsche holds a skeptical, antiromantic perfectionism that is sensitive to the very dangers to which it gives rise.
Determinants of systematic risk in the US Restaurant industry
Authors: Park Sung Y. , Kim Sang Hyuck
Published: November 2014

To compare previous studies, this study re-examines the determinants of systematic risk in the restaurant industry. To estimate systematic risk, the authors specify flexible models that take care of serial dependence, autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity and non-normality of the time series data. Using the estimated systematic risk, they analyse the determinants of risk using a quantile regression approach. The empirical results show that a firm’s liquidity ratio, efficiency ratio, debt leverage ratio and size are the main determinants of systematic risk in the restaurant industry. Moreover, it turns out that the effects of liquidity, debt leverage and efficiency decrease as the considered risk levels increase.
Avaliação dos níveis de depressão em idosos praticantes de diferentes exercícios físicos
Authors: Ferreira Lilian , Roncada Cristian , Tiggemann Carlos Leandro , Dias Caroline Pieta
Published: November 2014

Introdução: A população de idosos vem aumentando em todo o mundo, assim como a preocupação com a qualidade de vida, que abrange aspectos físicos, psicológicos e sociais. Objetivo: Avaliar o nível de depressão em idosos praticantes de diferentes tipos de exercícios físicos. Métodos: A amostra foi composta de 116 idosos, praticantes regulares de exercícios físicos: G1-Musculação (n=23), G2-Hidroginástica (n=22), G3-Ginástica (n=25), G4-Pilates (n=22), além do grupo G5-Controle (n=24), sendo aplicada a escala GDS (Geriatric Depression Scale), em forma de entrevista, para avaliar os níveis de depressão. Foi utilizada estatística descritiva (média±DP) e Anova One Way para comparação da variável dependente entre os grupos, sendo adotado um α=0,05. Resultados: Apenas o G5 obteve pontuação para depressão (n=12, 50%). O G3 apresentou os escores mais baixos para depressão em relação aos demais grupos (p≤0,01). Conclusão: A prática regular de exercícios físicos pode contribuir para redução de sintomas depressivos em idosos, independente da atividade escolhida.
Column Preconcentration and FAAS Determination of Heavy Metal Ions using Artemisia Siberi as an Adsorbent
Authors: Mousavi Hassan Zavvar , Derakhshankhah Jalal
Published: November 2014

A new column procedure for the determination of trace amounts of cadmium (II), lead (II), nickel (II), zinc (II), and copper (II), which combines flame atomic absorption spectrometry is described. These metals were sorbed on Artemisia siberi herb as an adsorbent at pH 4.0 and eluted with 3 mL of 1.5 M HNO3. The influences of analytical parameters including pH, flow rate, sample volume, type of eluent, and effect of diverse salts and cations on the recoveries of analyte ions were studied. The developed procedure provides preconcentration factors of about 117. LODs were 0.2 (Cd), 0.4 (Cu), 0.2 (Ni), 0.6 (Zn), and 1.4 (Pb) μg/L. The present method was successfully applied to the determination of the above-mentioned ions in water samples from Semnan, Iran. Recoveries greater than 95% and RSDs below 10% were obtained.
Determination of Total Selenium in Pharmaceutical and Herbal Supplements by Hydride Generation and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry
Authors: Kazi Tasneem G , Kolachi Nida F , Afridi Hassan I , Brahman Kapil Dev , Shah Faheem
Published: November 2014

The total selenium (Se) was determined in herbal and pharmaceutical supplements used for liver diseases. The total Se contents were determined in different pharmaceutical and herbal supplements by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry (HGAAS) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) after microwave-assisted acid digestion. The accuracy of the techniques was evaluated by using certified reference material and the standard addition method. The recoveries of total Se were 99.4 and 99.0% for HGAAS and GFAAS, respectively. The precision of the techniques expressed as RSD were 2.34 and 4.54% for HGAAS and GFAAS measurements, respectively. The LOD values for HGAAS and GFAAS were 0.025 and 0.052 μg/g, respectively. The concentrations of Se in pharmaceutical and herbal supplements were found in the range of 19.2–53.8 and 25.0–42.5 μg/g, respectively, corresponding to 35–76% and 45–76% of the total recommended dose of Se for adults.
Simultaneous Determination of 15 Nitroimidazoles in Cosmetics by HPLC Coupled with Electrospray Ionization-Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Meng Xian-Shuang , Bai Hua , Zhang Qing , Lv Qing , Chen Yun-Xia , Ma Hui-Juan , Li Jing-Rui , Ma Qiang
Published: November 2014

A sensitive and reliable analytical method based on HPLC/MS/MS has been developed for the simultaneous determination of 15 nitroimidazoles in cosmetics. A diversity of cosmetic samples, including powder, lotion, shampoo, and cream were collected. The samples were ultrasonically extracted with aqueous methanol, and the extracts were then subjected to cleanup by SPE using an Oasis HLB cartridge followed by filtration with a 0.20 μm membrane filter. Afterwards, chromatographic separation was performed on an XSelect CSH C18 column (2.1 × 150 mm, 3.5 μm) maintained at 30°C within 15 min by a gradient of acetonitrile–0.1% aqueous formic acid solution at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. The mass spectrometric detection was carried out using electrospray positive ionization under the multiple reaction monitoring mode. A good linearity was observed over the concentration range from 0.5 to 500 ng/mL. The intraday and interday precisions, which were investigated by determining all target compounds in cosmetics seven times/day and on 7 consecutive days, were below 5.00%. The mean recoveries at three spiked levels ranged from 80.42 to 100.83% with the RSDs from 0.45 to 9.02%. The LOQs were determined to be between 0.01 and 0.1 mg/kg. The method was sufficiently rapid, reliable, and sensitive for the determination of 15 nitroimidazoles in cosmetics.
A Rapid Method for Determination of 22 Selected Drugs in Human Urine by UHPLC/MS/MS for Clinical Application
Authors: Magiera Sylwia , Baranowska Irena
Published: November 2014

A rapid and sensitive ultra-HPLC/MS/MS (UHPLC/MS/MS) assay method for the simultaneous determination in human urine of 22 drugs belonging to different pharmaceutical groups was developed. The drugs were extracted from urine samples and then separated on a Zorbax Rapid Resolution High Definition SB-C18 column. The mobile phase consisted of methanol and water containing formic acid with gradient elution. The chromatographic separation time was 7 min. The MS/MS detector, equipped with an electrospray ionization source, was set up in both positive and negative modes. The lower LOQs for the drugs in this method were between 0.05 and 0.60 ng/mL. Calibration curves in human urine were generated in the range of 0.05–600 ng/mL. Method validation parameters such as intraday and interday precision, accuracy, extraction recovery, stability, selectivity, dilution integrity, and carryover effect for all the compounds were within the acceptable ranges. This simple and fast method was applied successfully to study the pharmacokinetics of four selected drugs in human urine collected from patients. This UHPLC/MS/MS method offers an attractive way forward for the development of a routine rapid analysis for selected substances, particularly given the growing amount of new information about drug properties.
HPLC/Tandem Mass Spectrometric Studies on Steroidal Saponins: An Example of Quantitative Determination of Shatavarin IV from Dietary Supplements Containing Asparagus racemosus
Authors: Patil Dada , Gautam Manish , Gairola Sunil , Jadhav Suresh , Patwardhan Bhushan
Published: November 2014

Asparagus racemosus (AR) is a popular botanical present in several Ayurvedic medicines and nutritional and dietary supplements with immunomodulatory, galactogogue, and anticancer activity. A steroidal saponin known as shatavarin IV is one of the active constituents of AR. A new, selective, and rapid HPLC/MS/MS method has been developed and validated for quantitative estimation of shatavarin IV in crude, processed, and marketed samples of AR. The analytes were separated on a Luna C18 column using simple isocratic elution with water (0.1% acetic acid)–acetonitrile (0.1% acetic acid; 70 + 30, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The analytes were detected by electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS/MS and quantified using multiple reaction monitoring techniques in the positive ion mode. The method showed excellent linearity (r2 > 0.998) over the concentration range of 7.5 to 254 ng/mL with LOD of 2.5 ng/mL. Precision (RSD) and accuracy (recovery) were found in the ranges of 2.00 to 5.15 and 102 to 110%, respectively. The validated HPLC/ESI-MS/MS method was successfully applied to the quantification of shatavarin IV in crude, processed, and marketed (single or multiherb) AR samples. Therefore, this method could be used for QC and standardization of pharmaceutical or nutritional products containing AR.
A Simple and Rapid Method for the Multielement Analysis of Wheat Crispbread Products by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry
Authors: Szymczycha-Madeja Anna
Published: November 2014

A simple and fast method for the determination of total concentrations of Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Sr, and Zn in wheat crispbreads using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry was developed. Initially, three different sample preparation procedures, i.e., microwave-assisted digestion in an HNO3 and H2O2 mixture and solubilization in aqua regia or tetramethylammonium hydroxide solution were compared. The performance of these procedures was evaluated for precision, accuracy, and LOD of the elements. It was established that the application of aqua regia allows determining elements with LOD within 0.1–42 ng/mL, precision of 0.2–4.1%, and accuracy better than 5%. Furthermore, good agreement between measured and certified values of a National Institute of Standards and Technology certified reference material of wheat flour (SRM 1567a) was found. It was confirmed that the proposed method could be used successfully as an alternative to microwave-assisted acid digestion in routine multielement analyses of wheat crispbreads.
Development and Single-Laboratory Validation of an Improved Method for the Determination of Cyclamate in Foods Using Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Shah Romina , De Jager Lowri S , Begley Timothy H
Published: November 2014

A fast and reliable LC-MS/MS method for the determination of cyclamate in a variety of food matrices was developed and validated. This method provides both quantitation and qualitative mass spectral determination important for analysis of regulatory samples. Utilization of a cyclamate-d11 internal standard corrects for potential matrix interferences during sample injection and allows minimal sample preparation. Seventeen commercially available food products were fortified at 250 μg/mL and tested as part of the method validation. Recoveries ranged from 72 to 110%, with RSDs ranging from 3 to 15%. The linear range spanned 0.010–1.00 μg/mL. LODs were 0.1 and 0.6 ng/mL, determined in pomegranate juice and dried fig, respectively. LOQs were 0.3 and 1.6 ng/mL, which are significantly lower than needed to measure cyclamate when used as a food additive. The interday and intraday accuracy and precision data are presented. This method was validated for analysis of a variety of commonly adulterated products, including drinks, dried fruits, jams, and hard candies.
Real-Time Immuno-PCR: An Approach for Detection of Trace Amounts of Transgenic Proteins
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Sinha Rajeshwar P
Published: November 2014

The research on manipulation of crop genomes for transgenic development is continuously increasing due to several benefits. The major concerns linked to the effect of transgenic crops are human health and environment sustainability. To monitor transgenic samples in the food chain, several highly sensitive and specific DNA-based and protein-based detection methods are being used. However, real-time immuno-PCR (RT-IPCR) assay would be able to provide a sensitive detection of trace amounts of transgenic proteins or allergens in the samples and help in monitoring these materials. In the present study, we developed a novel RT-IPCR method to monitor Cry1Ac transgenic protein in samples with an LOD of 100 pg/mL. The assay may also be useful in the evaluation of functional stability of transgenes inserted in the plant genome.
Analytical Method for the Determination of Various Arsenic Species in Rice, Rice Food Products, Apple Juice, and Other Juices by Ion Chromatography-Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ellingson David , Zywicki Richard , Sullivan Darryl
Published: November 2014

Recent studies have shown that there are detectable levels of arsenic (As) in rice, rice food products, and apple juice. This has created significant concern to the public, the food industry, and various regulatory bodies. Classic test methods typically measure total As and are unable to differentiate the various As species. Since different As species have greatly different toxicities, an analytical method was needed to separate and quantify the different inorganic and organic species of As. The inorganic species arsenite [As(+3)] and arsenate [As(+5)] are highly toxic. With this in mind, an ion chromatography-inductively coupled plasma (IC-ICP/MS) method was developed and validated for rice and rice food products that can separate and individually measure multiple inorganic and organic species of As. This allows for the evaluation of the safety or risk associated with any product analyzed. The IC-ICP/MS method was validated on rice and rice food products, and it has been used successfully on apple juice. This paper provides details of the validated method as well as some lessons learned during its development. Precision and accuracy data are presented for rice, rice food products, and apple juice.
Evaluation of Qualitative and Quantitative Immunoassays To Detect Barley Contamination in Gluten-Free Beer with Confirmation Using LC/MS/MS
Authors: Allred Laura K , Sealey Voyksner Jennifer A , Voyksner Robert D
Published: November 2014

To meet the need for the detection and quantitation of barley gluten in beer, qualitative screening and quantitative immunoassays based on the monoclonal antigluten antibody 401/21 (Skerritt) were validated in a single laboratory. Sample replicates were tested at each stage of beer production using multiple yeast strains and methods of end-stage protein removal. Quantitation was performed using barley-specific standards based on barley flour extracts. Immunoassay results were confirmed using LC/MS/MS for barley-specific peptides. The LOD for the qualitative screening test was 5 mg/L barley gluten. Recovery for the barley-spiked worts ranged from 81 to 128% in the quantitative ELISA assay; the LOD was <1 mg/L, and the LOQ was 5 mg/L. Both screening and confirmation methods were found to be fit for the purposes of detection of low levels of barley gluten in beer.
Validation Study of a HistaSure™ ELISAFast Track for the Determination of Histamine in Fish Samples
Authors: Manz Georg , Booltink Esther
Published: November 2014

LDN Labor Diagnostika Nord GmbH & Co. KG has developed an ELISA for the rapid semiquantitative or quantitative determination of histamine in different kinds of fish samples. Fresh/frozen tuna, canned tuna, fresh/frozen mahi mahi, canned sardines, and fish meal were used to validate the method under the requirements of the AOAC Research Institute Performance Tested MethodsSM Program. The results all fell within the defined acceptance criteria. Linearity was given throughout the 0–300 ppm measuring range. Cross reactivity to similarly structured food spoilage indicators (tyramine and cadaverine) was minimal, less than 1%. Overall recoveries for all tested matrixes were within the determined acceptable range (80–120%), and the repeatability of precision was less than 10% overall and less than 5% at the defect action level of 50 ppm set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The LOQ for the ELISA was determined to be 1.27 ppm. No lot-to-lot differences were observed. A 2-year claimed shelf life, at 2–8°C, was confirmed through accelerated stability testing. After the introduction of minor procedural variations to the test, no differences in histamine levels were observed. Independent lab testing revealed that the ELISA works as well in the hands of minimally trained technicians as it does with expert developers. A strong correlation (r = 0.97) between the LDN ELISA and the AOAC 977.13 fluorometric method was observed. This study revealed that the LDN ELISA is equivalent to the AOAC Official Method977.13 for the precise and accurate measurement of histamine in fresh/frozen tuna, canned tuna, fresh/frozen mahi mahi, canned sardines, and fish meal.
Evaluation of the 3M™ Petrifilm™ Salmonella Express System for the Detection of Salmonella Species in Selected Foods: Collaborative Study
Authors: Bird Patrick , Flannery Jonathan , Crowley Erin , Agin James , Goins David , Jechorek Robert ,   Collaborators:, Adams J , Beers K , Blanchard K , Brooks R , Boyle M , Colvin R , Elgaali H , Fedio W , Lewis D , Martin A , McCallum K , Meyer J , Morey A , Morris A , Newman K , Pickett J , Rajkowski K , Rodgers D , Stawick B , Marchant-Tambone J
Published: November 2014

The 3M™ Petrifilm™Salmonella Express (SALX) System is a simple, ready-to-use chromogenic culture medium system for the rapid qualitative detection and biochemical confirmation of Salmonella spp. in food and food process environmental samples. The 3M Petrifilm SALX System was compared using an unpaired study design in a multilaboratory collaborative study to the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA/FSIS) Microbiology Laboratory Guidebook (MLG) 4.07 (2013) Isolation and Identification of Salmonella from Meat, Poultry, Pasteurized Egg and Catfish Products and Carcass and Environmental Sponges for raw ground beef and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual (FDA/BAM) Chapter 5, Salmonella (2011) reference method for dry dog food following the current AOAC validation guidelines. For this study, a total of 17 laboratories located throughout the continental United States evaluated 1872 test portions. For the 3M Petrifilm SALX System, raw ground beef was analyzed using 25 g test portions, and dry dog food was analyzed using 375 g test portions. For the reference methods, 25 g test portions of each matrix were analyzed. The two matrices were artificially contaminated with Salmonella at three inoculation levels: an uninoculated control level (0 CFU/test portion), a low inoculum level (0.2–2 CFU/test portion), and a high inoculum level (2–5 CFU/test portion). Each inoculation level was statistically analyzed using the probability of detection statistical model. For the raw ground beef and dry dog food test portions, no significant differences at the 95% confidence interval were observed in the number of positive samples detected by the 3M Petrifilm SALX System versus either the USDA/FSIS-MLG or FDA/BAM methods.
Muir-Torre Syndrome
Authors: Bhaijee Feriyl , Brown Alexandra S.
Published: November 2014

Muir-Torre syndrome (MTS) is a rare autosomal-dominant genodermatosis characterized by sebaceous neoplasms and one or more visceral malignancies. Sebaceous tumors include sebaceous adenoma and carcinoma, which may be solitary or multiple. Visceral malignancies most often arise in the colorectum and endometrium. Because a subset of patients with phenotypic MTS will have germline mutations in the DNA mismatch repair genes hMSH2 and hMLH1, MTS is considered a phenotypic subtype of Lynch syndrome (also known as hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome), in which inherited defects in DNA mismatch repair genes result in microsatellite instability. Pathologists have an important role in the early detection and initial diagnosis of MTS: identification of at-risk individuals allows appropriate screening and surveillance for visceral malignancies, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. Herein, we describe the clinicopathologic features of MTS.
Standardization of Diagnostic Immunohistochemistry: Literature Review and Geisinger Experience
Authors: Lin Fan , Chen Zongming
Published: November 2014

Context

Immunohistochemistry has become an indispensable ancillary technique in anatomic pathology laboratories. Standardization of every step in preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic phases is crucial to achieve reproducible and reliable immunohistochemistry test results.

Objective

To standardize immunohistochemistry tests from preanalytic, analytic, to postanalytic phases.

Data Sources

Literature review and Geisinger (Geisinger Medical Center, Danville, Pennsylvania) experience.

Conclusions

This review article delineates some critical points in preanalytic, analytic, and postanalytic phases; reiterates some important questions, which may or may not have a consensus at this time; and updates the newly proposed guidelines on antibody validation from the College of American Pathologists Pathology and Laboratory Quality Center. Additionally, the article intends to share Geisinger's experience with (1) testing/optimizing a new antibody and troubleshooting; (2) interpreting and reporting immunohistochemistry assay results; (3) improving and implementing a total immunohistochemistry quality management program; and (4) developing best practices in immunohistochemistry.
Overview of Automated Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Prichard Jeffrey W.
Published: November 2014

Context

The increasing demand for immunohistochemistry for clinical diagnostics, in combination with an ongoing shortage of staff in the histology laboratory, has brought about a need for automation in immunohistochemistry. The current automated staining platforms vary significantly in their design and capabilities.

Objective

To review how technology has been applied to automating the process of immunohistochemical staining.

Data Sources

Literature review, vendor interviews, and personal practice experience.

Conclusions

Each of the commercially available, automated immunohistochemistry platforms has strategic design differences that produce advantages and disadvantages. Understanding those differences can help match the demands of testing volumes, turnaround time, standardization, and labor savings to the appropriate automated instrumentation.
Application of Immunohistochemistry in Breast Pathology: A Review and Update
Authors: Liu Haiyan
Published: November 2014

Context

Immunohistochemistry is a valuable tool in routine breast pathology, used for both diagnostic and prognostic parameters. The diagnostic immunomarkers are the scope of this review. Most breast lesions can be diagnosed on routine hematoxylin-eosin sections; however, in several scenarios, such as morphologically equivocal cases or metastatic tumors of unknown primary, the appropriate application of immunohistochemistry adds true value in reaching an accurate diagnosis.

Objective

To evaluate the diagnostic utility of the most commonly studied immunomarkers in the field of breast pathology by review of the literature, using the database of indexed articles in PubMed (US National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland) from 1976 to 2013.

Data Sources

Literature review, and author's research data and personal practice experience.

Conclusions

The appropriate use of immunohistochemistry by applying a panel of immunomarkers and using a standardized technical and interpretational method will complement the morphologic assessment and aid in the accurate classification of difficult breast lesions and the identification of metastasis from a breast primary.
Análisis de redes sociales por geo-mapa: las relaciones institucionales de la UFMT/Brasil
Authors: Pinto Adilson Luiz
Published: November 2014

Se pretende identificar la representación científica de la Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso (UFMT) en relación a su participación en los productos Google Earth y Google Maps, en los que se han entrelazado aquellas relaciones más importantes con más de 5 trabajos publicados en conjunto dentro de la Web of Science. Para la recuperación de datos se ha utilizado el método de filiación institucional (C1); mientras que el tratamiento se ha hecho en Excel a través de GPS Visualizer's para mapear las longitudes y latitudes. Posteriormente se generó una página para hospedar la estructura de las relaciones en .kml, lenguaje que es legible por Google Maps y Google Earth. En los análisis de redes sociales, la generación de mapas de relación está pasando por un cambio importante, pues hoy se ha convertido ya en tendencia identificar las relaciones en ámbito macro, siendo una de las forma de alcanzar la visibilidad mundial de una institución de investigación, respecto a sus colaboradores, averiguar los principales compañeros científicos y la transposición a escala de mapamundi, en el que la Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso consiguió firmar buenos acuerdos científicos en Brasil (con participación de las Universidades: de Sao Paulo, Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Federal de Viçosa, Unicamp y Unesp) y fuera, con el Max Planck Institute of Limnology y la Darmstadt University of Technology, que han resultado los más destacados en la escala de productividad. Estas relaciones han sido constantes en Medicina; Agricultura; Ingenierías; Física; Química y Zootecnia.
La descripción archivística. De los instrumentos de descripción hacia la web semántica.
Authors: Moyano Collado Julián
Published: November 2014

El texto realiza una aproximación a la descripción como proceso de trabajo en los archivos, recogiendo los frutos de esta actividad que son los instrumentos de descripción, y las posibilidades que brinda la tecnología web, mediante los Sistemas de Acceso Archivístico y con especial mención a la Web semántica. Para acercarnos al amplio concepto de la descripción, entendida como proceso, resultado e instrumento, se recogen algunos apuntes teóricos fundamentados por diversos autores y ejemplos que permitan entender la importancia de esta tarea en el actual entorno electrónico.
La incorporación de la alfabetización informacional en las bibliotecas universitarias iberoamericanas. Análisis comparativo a partir de la información de sus sitios web.
Authors: Uribe Tirado Alejandro , Pinto Molina María
Published: November 2014

El  artículo busca identificar desde la información que ofrecen los sitios Web de las bibliotecas universitarias de los 22 países iberoamericanos, los posibles niveles de incorporación que desde dichas bibliotecas se están realizando para la formación en ALFIN-COMPINFO. Para esa identificación, se utiliza como metodología el análisis de contenidos Web a partir de los sitios Web de las bibliotecas universitarias iberoamericanas. Los resultados identifican que de un total de 2136 bibliotecas universitarias iberoamericanas, solo 171 dan cuenta de procesos de formación en ALFIN-COMPINFO (6.2%). El artículo concluye que desde el contexto iberoamericano, la ALFIN-COMPINFO aún no tiene todo el alcance que se esperaría y que se hace necesario, no obstante, cada vez más, hay prestigiosas universidades que están asumiendo el reto de esta formación y que mediante el trabajo colaborativo, el benchmarking y el compartir estrategias y objetos de aprendizaje serán guía para que más universidades iberoamericanas desarrollen esta formación.
El Practicum del Grado en Información y Documentación: La experiencia en la UC3M
Authors: Pérez-Lorenzo Belén , Vianello Osti Marina , Pacios Ana Reyes
Published: November 2014

Se expone el proceso seguido en la implantación del Practicum en el Grado en Información y Documentación de la Universidad Carlos III de Madrid y se presenta una herramienta para su seguimiento y evaluación. A partir de una revisión de la literatura sobre el concepto de competencia y su importancia en la educación superior, y de las características que deben presentar las prácticas curriculares para una correcta interrelación con el plan de estudios,  se  propone una matriz de evaluación para orientar su realización y evaluación y unas encuestas  para conocer  la percepción y el resultado de la experiencia. Analizadas las encuestas y evaluados informes y memorias de dos cursos académicos podemos considerar que la experiencia ha sido positiva y que la percepción de tutores y alumnos ha sido buena. Sin embargo es posible mejorar algunos aspectos intensificando la relación y el intercambio de información entre los diferentes actores que intervienen en el Practicum.
Interpreting the 50-Year Rule
Authors: Yoder David T.
Published: November 2014

For over 40 years, some archaeologists have labored under a distorted interpretation of the 50-year rule in which anything more than 50 years of age becomes “archaeological” and therefore must be recorded and evaluated for eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places. A reexamination of federal law shows that this is a mistaken interpretation. Data from the Intermountain Antiquities Computer System indicates that, if this practice continues, the number of featureless historical sites requiring documentation in the West will greatly increase at a large expense to the public and that most of these costs will be associated with sites not considered significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture. Solutions are presented that will give archaeologists greater flexibility in recording material culture more than 50 years of age, allowing us to redirect our efforts to resources of greater interest while making the practice of archaeology more defensible to the public. These problems are symptomatic of a larger issue that relates to how cultural remains from the latter part of the twentieth century and beyond will be valued. The discipline of archaeology must begin candid conversations about the relative importance of such recent material culture and its management implications.
Structure and substrate ion binding in the sodium/proton antiporter PaNhaP
Authors: Wöhlert David , Kühlbrandt Werner , Yildiz Özkan
Published: November 2014

Sodium/proton antiporters maintain intracellular pH and sodium levels. Detailed structures of antiporters with bound substrate ions are essential for understanding how they work. We have resolved the substrate ion in the dimeric, electroneutral sodium/proton antiporter PaNhaP from Pyrococcus abyssi at 3.2 Å, and have determined its structure in two different conformations at pH 8 and pH 4. The ion is coordinated by three acidic sidechains, a water molecule, a serine and a main-chain carbonyl in the unwound stretch of trans-membrane helix 5 at the deepest point of a negatively charged cytoplasmic funnel. A second narrow polar channel may facilitate proton uptake from the cytoplasm. Transport activity of PaNhaP is cooperative at pH 6 but not at pH 5. Cooperativity is due to pH-dependent allosteric coupling of protomers through two histidines at the dimer interface. Combined with comprehensive transport studies, the structures of PaNhaP offer unique new insights into the transport mechanism of sodium/proton antiporters.
Chevalier de la Camara (1829–1884), first Spanish botanist in Australia
Authors: Meagher David
Published: November 2014

Chevalier de la Camara was a collector of plants in Australia in the 1870s and 1880s, and at least three species were named in his honour. However, nothing has been recorded of his life or work. In this paper as much as can be gleaned about him is set out, including his origins, birth, marriage, family, honours, botanical and agricultural activities, and death.
Subretinal Drug Delivery in Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration with Sub-macular Hemorrhage
Authors: Kumar Atul , Roy Sangeeta , Tinwala Sana I , Aron Neelima , Temkar Shreyas , Pujari Amar
Published: November 2014

Introduction:

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of a modified approach in the management of thick submacular haemorrhage in patients with wet age related macular degeneration (amd).

Design:

Retrospective study.

Participants:

10 eyes of 10 patients with dense submacular haemorrhage.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of 10 eyes of 10 patients with submacular haemorrhage secondary to wet amd treated with 23g pars plana vitrectomy (ppv),followed by submacular injection of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r-tPA) (12.5µg/0.1ml), bevacizumab (2.5mg/0.1ml) and air (0.3ml). Gas tamponade was given with 20% sf6 and postoperative propped up positioning. Patients were evaluated for displacement of haemorrhage, pre and post-operative best corrected visual acuity (bcva), occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications and recurrence of hemorrhage. All patients were followed up for 6 months.

Results:

complete pneumatic displacement of the subretinal bleed from the macula was seen in all the patients on the first postoperative day. Improvement of bcva was seen in 8 out of 10 patients. Rebleed was seen in 2 eyes which were retreated with intravitreal injection of r-tpa, bevacizumab and 20% sf6 gas injection.

Conclusion:

This modified technique aids in effective displacement of thick submacular hemorrhage with simultaneous treatment of the underlying choroidal neovascular membrane, which halts the disease progression resulting in desired anatomical and functional outcomes.