bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic Analysis of Ground Vibrations Produced by Vibroseis Arrays
Authors: Kalinski Michael E. , Taluskie S. Taylor
Published: June 2013

Vibroseis arrays consisting of multiple trucks are typically used to acquire reflection seismic data to increase the amount of P-wave energy imparted to the earth and reduce surface wave energy in the recorded signal. Vibroseis trucks are beneficial with respect to reducing peak levels of shaking when compared to explosives, and are often used in urban areas to reduce vibrations. Nevertheless, ground vibrations are still of concern when using Vibroseis trucks, and are typically monitored using a particle velocity meter. Measured values of Peak Particle Velocity (PPV) are compared to vibration standards to assess whether or not structures are being exposed to excessive vibrations. Numerical studies have demonstrated that PPV levels surrounding Vibroseis arrays vary because of constructive and destructive interference patterns between the individual trucks in the array, and that caution is warranted when identifying appropriate monitoring points to capture the highest PPVs generated by the array. To identify potential points of high PPV in the field, a rigorous and highly specialized numerical analysis would be required. As an alternative, a probabilistic approach based on existing PPV data may be employed. Herein, such an approach is implemented by performing statistical analyses of experimental and numerical PPV datasets. Analysis of the field data reveals that probability of exceeding a given PPV can be calculated as a function of distance from the array. Analysis of synthetic numerical data reveals similar results, but variability in PPV is less for the numerical data and the numerical analysis tends to overestimate PPV. This difference is attributed to variables in site conditions and ground coupling that cannot be reliably simulated in an idealized numerical model. Analyses such as those presented herein may be useful in quantifying and mitigating the risk associated with vibration exposure caused by Vibroseis exploration to existing structures.
Nitrogen removal capacity of simultaneously autotrophic and heterotrophic denitrification in a sewer receiving nitrified source-separated urine
Authors: Jiang Feng , Liang Zhen-Sheng , Peng Guo-Liang , Qian Jin , Chen Guang-Hao
Published: June 2013

Discharging source-separated and nitrified urine into sewer helps to save cost and space in biological nitrogen treatment as in-sewer denitrification is induced. This unique denitrification process may become complicated in sewers with sulfide contamination as simultaneously autotrophic and heterotrophic denitrification possibly occur but may compete each other for nitrate in oxidation of sulfide and organics. The objective of this study is to estimate the mixed denitrification rate in a sulfide-contaminated sewer when nitrified urine (mainly nitrite and nitrate) is discharged. In this study two investigations were conducted: (1) determination of the autotrophic, heterotrophic and mixed denitrification rates via lab batch tests and (2) determination of the total nitrogen removal rate in a 6.5-km long force main sewer via field study with calcium nitrate dosed at an average influent rate of 15.6 mg N/L. The lab tests determined the rates of autotrophic, heterotrophic and mixed denitrification at 0.36 ± 0.06, 6.54 ± 0.04 and 1.99 ± 0.1 mg N/L/h, respectively, while the field study estimated the total in-sewer denitrification rate at 2.32 mg N/L/h in the sewer when sulfide was present. Simultaneously autotrophic and heterotrophic denitrification was found when sewage was contaminated with sulfide. However, nitrogen removal rate of heterotrophic denitrification was 3.3 times higher that of the mixed denitrification process. The results indicate that discharging source-separated and nitrified urine into sewer is meaningful to decentralized sewage treatment, especially when sulfide is absent in the sewer.
Advancements in the application of aerobic granular biomass technology for sustainable treatment of wastewater
Authors: Giesen A. , de Bruin L. M. M. , Niermans R. P. , van der Roest H. F.
Published: June 2013

Aerobic granular sludge technology can be regarded as the future standard for industrial and municipal wastewater treatment. As a consequence, a growing number of institutes and universities focus their scientific research on this new technology. Recently, after extensive Dutch research and development effort, an aerobic granular biomass technology has become available to the market. Full scale installations for both industrial and municipal applications are already on stream, under construction or in design. The technology is distinguished by the name ‘Nereda®’ and based on the specific characteristics of aerobic granular sludge. It can be considered as the first mature aerobic granular sludge technology applied at full scale. It improves on traditional activated sludge systems by a significantly lower use of energy and chemicals, its compactness and its favorable capital and operational costs.
Experimental assessment of RSF, UF, RSF-O3 and RSF-H2O2/UV for unrestricted agricultural wastewater reuse in Italy
Authors: Parabita C. , Guglielmi L. , Canovi L. , Sorlini S. , Gialdini F. , Furatian L. , Santoro D.
Published: June 2013

In this paper, tertiary treatment processes aimed at achieving a wastewater quality suitable for reuse in agriculture in Italy have been investigated, with experimental results generated by means of pilot and bench scale tests. Studies were conducted to assess the removal of mineral oil, total surfactants, total coliforms, Escherichia coli and Salmonella using the following treatment options: rapid sand filtration (RSF), hollow fiber ultrafiltration (UF), RSF followed by ozonation (RSF-O3) and RSF followed by hydrogen peroxide combined with UV radiation (RSF-H2O2/UV). Mineral oil concentration, evaluated by means of the hydrocarbon oil index measurement, indicated an effluent concentration consistently below 0.05 mg/L for all processes studied. While total surfactants in the secondary effluent never exceeded the applicable limit of 0.5 mg/L during the studies, the degree of removal measured in studied treatments ranged from moderate to low, with the greatest removal observed using RSF-O3 (24%) and RSF-H2O2/UV (30%) under applied conditions. Overall, the optimal treatment performances were achieved by the RSF-H2O2/UV combined process using ≥1.5 mg/L H2O2 and UV dose ≥45 mJ/cm2, which provided adequate mineral oil and total surfactants removal, complete removal of measurable total suspended solids (TSS) and Salmonella, and greater than 4-log reduction in total coliforms and Escherichia coli.
Case study on evaluation of the performance of waste stabilization pond system of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Goyal Bhawana , Mohan Devendra
Published: June 2013

The objective of this study is to find out physico-chemical and microbiological characteristics of influent and effluent generated by the sewage treatment plant of Jodhpur city. The treatment plant was constructed in the year 2003–2004 and based on waste stabilization pond (WSP) system. The treatment capacity of the plant is 45 ML/d. Relationship between different physico-chemical and microbiological parameters were studied. After the treatment of wastewater in WSP, average removal of BOD, COD, TSS and TKN were 84.1, 53.4, 79.7 and 61.7% respectively. Average removal of Total Coliforms (TC), Fecal Coliforms (FC), E. coli and Fecal Streptococci (FS) were 2.79 logs, 2.47 logs, 1.65 logs and 1.58 logs respectively. Maximum efficiency of fecal bacteria removal was found during the summers (2.7 to 4.0 log units) and minimum in winters (1 to 1.8 log unit). Further correlation of temperature, pH and biological oxygen demand with TC, FC, E. coli and FS were studied. Among all these parameters temperature shows highest correlation with microbiological parameters as follows: TC (−0.85), FC (−0.62), E. coli (−0.65) and FS (−0.75). High ambient temperature, long photoperiod and high intensity of light can be considered as the major factor for the removal of fecal indicators during the sewage treatment. After treatment pH, BOD, COD, TSS and TKN were found within the permissible limit of Central Pollution Control Board, India. The observed values of fecal indicator organisms are higher than the permissible limit of World Health Organization (WHO). There are no maturation ponds in the treatment plant; construction of maturation ponds will provide better removal of fecal coliforms.
Struvite recovery: pilot-scale results and economic assessment of different scenarios
Authors: Garcia-Belinchón C. , Rieck T. , Bouchy L. , Galí A. , Rougé P. , Fàbregas C.
Published: June 2013

A pilot study was carried out in a waste water treatment plant (WWTP) to recover phosphorous by Struvite precipitation from anaerobic digester centrate by means of Ostara's Pearl technology with the objective to assess technically and economically the performance and reliability of this process treating sidestreams with different concentrations of phosphorous and also to assess the quality of the fertilizer obtained. Different scenarios were studied: phosphorous inlet ranged from 31 to 150 mg PO4-P/L. The phosphorous removal varied from 60 to 81% depending on the influent, and the quality of the Struvite obtained was suitable to be used as a fertilizer. The economic assessment of implementing Struvite Pearl recovery process at full scale in WWTPs with anaerobic digestion (AD) and P-physicochemical or bio-P removal was carried out, taking into account investment (CAPEX) and operating costs (OPEX) of the Struvite recovery process and the economic savings due to phosphorous and ammonium removal in centrates. The results showed that with the current reagent strategies and investment costs, the Struvite recovery process was not economically feasible for WWTPs with AD and P-physicochemical removal. However, in the case of bio-P removal WWTPs with AD, the process can be an economic solution (pay back between 5 and 10 years, OPEX recovered due to the selling Struvite) which creates a high value re-cycled fertilizer and saves the environment due to the higher efficiency of the fertilizer usage.
Nucleic Acid-programmed Assemblies: Translating Instruction into Function in Chemical Biology
Authors: Winssinger Nicolas
Published: June 2013

The predictability of nucleic acid hybridization offers an attractive platform to program the assembly of tagged ligands or reactants. Hybridization can be used to display multiple ligands in order to gain affinity and/or selectivity through the cooperative interaction of each ligand.
Additionally, hybridization of tagged reagents increases their effective concentration and accelerates reactions. In both cases, an oligonucleotide directs an assembly to yield a functional output in the form of enhanced binding, inhibition, or reaction; for example, a reaction can be used
to unmask a fluorophore or a bioactive molecule. This review provides an account of our research in this area as well as future directions.
Strengthening of Prestressed Concrete Bridges by External Tendons
Authors: Novák Balthasar , Pelke Eberhard , Berger Dieter , Boros Vazul , Priestaff Sven , Reinhard Jochen
Published: June 2013

Prestressed concrete bridges built in the late last century are essential elements of the highway network. However they need to be retrofitted to ensure their continued operation under the increasing traffic loads. The retrofitting of these structures with external tendons requires the careful design of the end anchorage of the cables. The presently used anchorage concepts in Germany were investigated and evaluated. As a result some risks of this construction method could be identified.

Based on this study new and improved end anchorage concepts were developed and their feasibility and effect on the existing superstructure was assessed. Finally the paper highlights crucial points in both design and construction of end anchorages for external tendons.
Removing Weak Spots from Railway Lines
Authors: Hołowaty Janusz
Published: June 2013

Deficient bridges and track structures form weak points on railways, which limit safety, comfort and the travel speed. A new modernisation programme for Polish Railways was introduced several years ago; however, this had to be preceded by a “weak spot removal” programme, where highly deficient structures were upgraded or replaced. This paper describes three railway bridges which were rebuilt during the programme. The bridges are located on main double track lines and were designated for upgrade by their regional railway agencies. The bridges were rebuilt using different techniques such as refurbishing and strengthening of an existing structure, partial rebuilding with replacement of the superstructure and full replacement. For the new superstructures, ballast track was used. The different techniques adopted for rebuilding the defective bridges ensured that the removal of weak spots was successful, but not without problems.
The Defense of Buero Vallejo
Authors: Giuliano William
Published: June 2013

TODAY'S HEROES are sometimes tomorrow's villains, and unfortunately, to a limited extent, that is the unhappy lot of Antonio Buero Vallejo, whose play Historia de una escalera (Story of a Staircase) in 1949 injected new life into the stagnant Spanish theater and inspired many young dramatists to write serious plays, directly or indirectly criticizing the political, social, and economic policies of Spain. A prisoner for six and a half years, under sentence of death for eight months, Buero was released in 1946 and soon after won the Lope de Vega prize for Historia de una escalera, which became an instant hit. Within several years, he and another outstanding young dramatist, Alfonso Sastre, became symbols of liberal opposition to the Franco regime. liberal opposition to the Franco regime.
Documentary Drama from the Revue to the Tribunal
Authors: Mason Gregory
Published: June 2013

DOCUMENTARY DRAMA PRESENTS and re-enacts records from history. Unlike traditional drama, it is not founded on a freely imagined plot. Historically, documentary drama is still in its infancy, dating from Erwin Piscator's production of In Spite of Everything (Trotz Alledem) in 1925. This paper begins by characterizing documentary drama in its initial wave of expression, and then suggests some factors which have determined the form taken by documentary drama since that time. Finally, it discusses current theory and practice, with particular reference to the dominant form today, the tribunal.
Arthur Miller's The Crucible: Background and Sources
Authors: Martin Robert
Published: June 2013

WHEN THE CRUCIBLE opened on January 22, 1953, the term "witchhunt" was nearly synonymous in the public mind with the Congressional investigations then being conducted into allegedly subversive activities. Arthur Miller's plays have always been closely identified with contemporary issues, and to many observers the parallel between the witchcraft trials at Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 and the current Congressional hearings was the central issue of the play.
The Ending of O'Neill's Beyond the Horizon
Authors: Scheick William
Published: June 2013

IN GENERAL, CRITICS of Eugene O'Neill's plays agree that in spite of its importance in 1920, Beyond the Horizon is a flawed work. Chief among the problems is the ending of the play, which Emil Roy typically describes as burdened with "unresolved tensions," with "a cluster of irreconcilable impressions." Doris Falk objects to the explicitness of the final scene as well as to the way its "tragic affirmation lacks convincing logical steps"; and Frederic Carpenter similarly complains of the play's uncertain and confusing conclusion, remarking that this defect probably derived from O'Neill's vacillating attitude toward Robert Mayo. Such observations, among others of identical nature, indicate that in some sense Beyond the Horizon is indeed marred; but I would like to suggest that however unsatisfying the final scene may be, it does in fact follow from what has preceded it in the play. Specifically, Rob's waning capacity to articulate his dream, read in the light of that dream's origin and of the death motif in the play, not only anticipates the conclusion but also informs the audience how to respond to it.
Revolution in The Iceman Cometh
Authors: Frazer Winifred
Published: June 2013

A POETIC LINE-"The days grow hot, 0 Babylon! 'Tis cool beneath thy willow trees!"-is repeated with variations some dozen times in The Iceman Cometh by the anarchist character Hugo Kalmar. Biographers and critics of O'Neill have failed to note the origin of this important thematic line which reinforces the connotation of the title, wherein the warm, loving bridegroom of the Bible is replaced by the cold, profane iceman of death. The absence of comment might make one wonder if the playwright made up the line and its variations himself, were it not for the fact that they appear in quotation marks and are designated as "Hugo's favorite quotation."
Comparative Ethics and the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline Debate
Authors: Hutchinson Roger
Published: June 2013

For the past few years I have been working on a case study of the involvement of the Canadian churches in the Mackenzie Valley pipeline debate. My aim in this paper is to use the pipeline debate to illustrate a method for the clarification of ethical issues. This approach was developed in a contemporary issues course that I have been helping to teach since 1969, in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Toronto. It therefore reflects the influence of developments in religious studies and religious ethics during the past decade and a half, and of an academic setting characterized by religious diversity and public funding. After I have used the pipeline debate to illustrate this 'comparative religious ethics' approach, I will suggest that it is appropriate for both university and theological college contexts.
Unanticipated Inner Experiences: Three Cases and a Reflection on Discernment
Authors: Van Beeck Frans Jozef
Published: June 2013

This essay, "a spiritual-theological sinfonietta in five movements of unequal length" is written to draw the reader's attention to a distinctive phase of growth in the affective life with both God and God's entire human family, the latter often referred to as "the neighbour" (i.e., any actual neighbour(s)). Being distinctive, it is possible to describe it; it actually has been described, not just by "light on" mystics, but also by spiritual theologians familiar with the phenomenology of mysticism. Unsurprisingly in this light, it has also been accounted for, in strictly intellectual—i.e., philosophical and theological—terms.
"The Righteous Among the Nations": Bonhoeffer, Yad Vashem and the Church
Authors: Lindsay Mark
Published: June 2013

In 1986, twenty-three years after establishing the Righteous Among the Nations project, Yad Vashem brought down the first of its many decisions to deny the title to the martyred Lutheran theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. As recently as October 2003, when the Israeli Supreme Court ruled that the summary of the reasons behind the committee's rejection could be published, Yad Vashem has consistently maintained that Bonhoeffer falls outside the scope of the legal definition. While he does deserve recognition as a meritorious fighter against the Nazi regimeaccording to Mordecai Paldiel, he was "one ofthe good guys"l -Bonhoeffer simply does not fit the criteria of righteous, as established by the Yad Vashem Law (5713/1953) of August 1953.

Curiously, Bonhoeffer's own ecclesiastical authorities adopted a similar stance during the Nazi era. As Victoria Barnett has noted, neither Bonhoeffer's nor Niemoeller's names were included in churches' weekly Fürbittenlisten because their resistance was deemed to be political rather than theological. As far as the bishops were concerned, Bonhoeffer did not deserve prayerful intercession within the context of corporate worship, as his imprisonment had nothing to do with his faith.

The intent of this article is neither to argue against Yad Vashem's decision (with which I nonetheless disagree), nor to explore the ecclesiastical-political context which gave rise to the general malaise from which the German churches suffered during the Nazi period. Rather, this paper will suggest that Bonhoeffer's reflections on the Beatitudes provide a more appropriate paradigm of ~hKawcruVll (righteousness) and correlative ethical praxis than either the Church or Yad Vashem have to date permitted. The key texts that will be considered are Nachfolge, Ethics, Letters and Papers from Prison — and, of course, the text of Bonhoeffer's own life.
Jurgen Moltmann and Pentecostalism(s): Toward a Cultural Theology of the Spirit
Authors: Medina Néstor
Published: June 2013

As a theological movement, Pentecostalism is entering a new phase marked by attempts to give substance to its central theological beliefs. To that end, Pentecostals have entered into conversation with Protestant and evangelical theologians as partners in framing their unique beliefs. In this article, I intend to celebrate the entrance of Pentecostalism as a theological conversation partner in the academy. I seek to continue the conversation that other Pentecostals have begun with the theological work of Jörgen Moltmann. On a second note, focusing particularly on Moltmann's kenotic view of the Spirit, and adapting United States Latino/a theology's contribution on popular religion as locus theologicus, I propose a reading of the activity of the Spirit as a cultural kenosis. This, I argue, allows a new understanding of Pentecostalism's emphasis on the work of the Spirit. It also establishes new avenues for Pentecostalism to contribute to ecumenical debates in its affirmation of ethnocultural context as the unique place of the Spirit's activity.
Nature of Pre-Earthquake Phenomena and their Effects on Living Organisms
Authors: Freund Friedemann , Stolc Viktor
Published: June 2013

Earthquakes occur when tectonic stresses build up deep in the Earth before catastrophic rupture. During the build-up of stress, processes that occur in the crustal rocks lead to the activation of highly mobile electronic charge carriers. These charge carriers are able to flow out of the stressed rock volume into surrounding rocks. Such outflow constitutes an electric current, which generates electromagnetic (EM) signals. If the outflow occurs in bursts, it will lead to short EM pulses. If the outflow is continuous, the currents may fluctuate, generating EM emissions over a wide frequency range. Only ultralow and extremely low frequency (ULF/ELF) waves travel through rock and can reach the Earth surface. The outflowing charge carriers are (i) positively charged and (ii) highly oxidizing. When they arrive at the Earth surface from below, they build up microscopic electric fields, strong enough to field-ionize air molecules. As a result, the air above the epicentral region of an impending major earthquake often becomes laden with positive airborne ions. Medical research has long shown that positive airborne ions cause changes in stress hormone levels in animals and humans. In addition to the ULF/ELF emissions, positive airborne ions can cause unusual reactions among animals. When the charge carriers flow into water, they oxidize water to hydrogen peroxide. This, plus oxidation of organic compounds, can cause behavioral changes among aquatic animals.
Musical Expertise and Second Language Learning
Authors: Chobert Julie , Besson Mireille
Published: June 2013

Increasing evidence suggests that musical expertise influences brain organization and brain functions. Moreover, results at the behavioral and neurophysiological levels reveal that musical expertise positively influences several aspects of speech processing, from auditory perception to speech production. In this review, we focus on the main results of the literature that led to the idea that musical expertise may benefit second language acquisition. We discuss several interpretations that may account for the influence of musical expertise on speech processing in native and foreign languages, and we propose new directions for future research.
The Soundscape Quality in Some Urban Parks in Milan, Italy
Authors: Brambilla Giovanni , Gallo Veronica , Zambon Giovanni
Published: June 2013

Urban parks play an important role in preserving and promoting the health of citizens who are often exposed to noise pollution and the stress of daily life. The present study describes the main results obtained from a survey performed in five urban parks in Milan. Measurements of the acoustic environment were carried out in 29 sites together with interviews with 231 users on certain aspects of the parks not limited to merely sound. Acoustic data show that the surveyed parks mostly do not comply with the noise limit issued by the Italian legislation on protected areas. The unweighted 1/3-octave spectrum centre of gravity G and LA50 perform satisfactorily in discriminating among the acoustic environments. Such clear distinction was not observed in the subjective ratings on the perceived quality of the soundscape, likely due to the influence by non-acoustic factors that act as mediators in the assessment. This hypothesis is supported by the collected data on the perceived quality of quietness, which was rated worse than that of the soundscape. Comparing acoustic data with ratings, the perceived quality of the total environment was found to be less dependent on LAeq than soundscape and quietness.
Preparation of Novel Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate)-Grafted Core-Shell Magnetic Chitosan Microspheres and Immobilization of Lactase
Authors: Zhao Wei , Yang Rui-Jin , Qian Ting-Ting , Hua Xiao , Zhang Wen-Bin , Katiyo Wendy
Published: June 2013

Poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate)-grafted magnetic chitosan microspheres (HG-MCM) were prepared using reversed-phase suspension polymerization method. The HG-MCM presented a core-shell structure and regular spherical shape with poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) grafted onto the chitosan layer coating the Fe3O4 cores. The average diameter of the magnetic microspheres was 10.67 μm, within a narrow size distribution of 6.6–17.4 μm. The saturation magnetization and retentivity of the magnetic microspheres were 7.0033 emu/g and 0.6273 emu/g, respectively. The application of HG-MCM in immobilization of lactase showed that the immobilized enzyme presented higher storage, pH and thermal stability compared to the free enzyme. This indicates that HG-MCM have potential applications in bio-macromolecule immobilization.
Eviprostat Activates cAMP Signaling Pathway and Suppresses Bladder Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation
Authors: Li Kai , Yao Jian , Chi Yuan , Sawada Norifumi , Araki Isao , Kitamura Masanori , Takeda Masayuki
Published: June 2013

Eviprostat is a popular phytotherapeutic agent for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). At present, the signaling mechanisms underlying its therapeutic effects are still poorly understood. Given that cAMP has been reported to suppress cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy in various pathological situations, we asked whether the effect of Eviprostat could be ascribed to the activation of the cAMP signaling pathway. In the study, exposure of cAMP response element (CRE)-secreted alkaline phosphatase (SEAP) (CRE-SEAP)-reporter cells to Eviprostat elevated SEAP secretion, which was associated with an increased phosphorylation of vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) and cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), as well as enhanced expression of CRE-regulated protein connexin43, indicating an activation of the cAMP signaling pathway. Consistent with these observations, Eviprostat-induced expression of Cx43 was abolished in the presence of adenylyl cyclase inhibitor SQ22536 or PKA inhibitor H89, whereas it was mimicked by adenylyl cyclase activator, forskolin. Further analysis demonstrated that Eviprostat significantly potentiated the effect of phosphodiesterase 3 (PDE3) inhibitor, but not that of PDE4 inhibitor, on CRE activation. Moreover, Eviprostat suppressed PDGF-induced activation of ERK and Akt and inhibited cell proliferation and hillock formation in both mesangial cells and bladder smooth muscle cells. Collectively, activation of the cAMP signaling pathway could be an important mechanism by which Eviprostat exerts its therapeutic effects for LUTS.
Candidate Biomarkers for Genetic and Clinicopathological Diagnosis of Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Banno Kouji , Nogami Yuya , Kisu Iori , Yanokura Megumi , Umene Kiyoko , Masuda Kenta , Kobayashi Yusuke , Yamagami Wataru , Susumu Nobuyuki , Aoki Daisuke
Published: June 2013

The recent increase in the frequency of endometrial cancer has emphasized the need for accurate diagnosis and improved treatment. The current diagnosis is still based on conventional pathological indicators, such as clinical stage, tumor differentiation, invasion depth and vascular invasion. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying endometrial cancer have gradually been determined, due to developments in molecular biology, leading to the possibility of new methods of diagnosis and treatment planning. New candidate biomarkers for endometrial cancer include those for molecular epigenetic mutations, such as microRNAs. These biomarkers may permit earlier detection of endometrial cancer and prediction of outcomes and are likely to contribute to future personalized therapy for endometrial cancer.
Serum Metallothioneins in Childhood Tumours — A Potential Prognostic Marker
Authors: Kruseova Jarmila , Hynek David , Adam Vojtech , Kizek Rene , Prusa Richard , Hrabeta Jan , Eckschlager Tomas
Published: June 2013

Metallothioneins (MT) are low molecular weight, cysteine-rich proteins maintaining metal ions homeostasis. They play a role in carcinogenesis and may also cause chemoresistance. The aim of the study was to explore the importance of MT serum levels in children suffering from malignant tumours. This prospective study involves examination of 865 samples from 172 patients with malignant tumours treated from 2008 to 2011 at University Hospital Motol. MT serum levels were determined using differential pulse voltammetry–Brdicka reaction. Mean MT level was 2.7 ± 0.5 μM. There was no statistically significant difference between MT levels in different tumours. We also did not find any correlation between MT levels and response to therapy or clinical stages. However, we found a positive correlation between MT levels and age (p = 0.009) and a negative correlation with absolute lymphocyte number (p = 0.001). The fact that patients who had early disease recurrence had lower MT levels during the treatment (complete remission 2.67 vs. recurring 2.34, p = 0.001) seems to be important for clinical practice. Accordingly we believe that there is benefit in further studies of serum MT levels in tumours.
Enhancement of Immune Activation Activities of Spirulina maxima Grown in Deep-Sea Water
Authors: Choi Woon , Kang Do , Lee Hyeon
Published: June 2013

In this study, the immuno-modulatory and anticancer activities of marine algae, Spirulina maxima grown in deep-sea water (DSW), were investigated. It was found that the extract of S. maxima, cultured in DSW, effectively suppressed the expression of Bcl2 in A549 cells as well as inhibiting various human cancer cells with concentration dependency, which possibly implies that the extracts may play more important roles in controlling cancer cell growth. The secretion of cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α from human B cells was also greatly increased, compared to those of the extract grown in conventional sea-water. The growth of Human Natural Killer (NK) cells in the presence of the extracts from DSW was significantly higher (12.2 × 104 viable cells/mL) when compared to the control (1.1 × 104 viable cells/mL). Based on HPLC analysis, the increase in the biological activities of the extracts from DSW was caused by considerably high amounts of β-carotene and ascorbic acid because the DSW contained high concentrations and good ratios of several key minerals for biosynthesizing β-carotene and ascorbic acid, as well as maintaining high cell growth.
Motivations and Barriers to Sharing Biological Samples: A Case Study
Authors: Pereira Stacey
Published: June 2013

One of the most significant impediments to the current goals of genomic research is the limited availability of high quality biological samples. Despite efforts to increase both the quality and quantity of samples collected, access to such samples remains limited. This may be due, at least in part, to a general reluctance of biobanking professionals, clinicians, and researchers to share biological specimens with others. Ethnographic methods were used in a biobank setting to explore professionals’ perspectives toward and practices of sharing samples. Several motivations and barriers to sharing that may influence research practice were identified. Contrary to existing literature that suggests that professionals are unlikely to share samples with one another, the participants of this study were open to and supportive of sharing samples for research. However, clear communication and effective infrastructure are needed to support the distribution of biobank materials.
Use of Amphoteric Copolymer Films as Sacrificial Layers for Constructing Free-Standing Layer-by-Layer Films
Authors: Wang Baozhen , Tokuda Yu , Tomida Koji , Takahashi Shigehiro , Sato Katsuhiko , Anzai Jun-ichi
Published: June 2013

The present paper reports the use of an amphoteric copolymer, poly(diallylamine-co-maleic acid) (PDAMA), as a component of precursor layers (or sacrificial layers) for constructing free-standing layer-by-layer (LbL) films. A PDAMA-poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) film or PDAMA-poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) (PDDA) film was coated on the surface of a quartz slide at pH 4.0 or 8.0, respectively, as a sacrificial layer that can be removed by changing the pH. The surface of the sacrificial layer was further covered with LbL films composed of poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH) and PSS. The PAH-PSS films were released from the substrate upon immersing the film-coated quartz slide in acidic or neutral/basic solution, respectively, as a result of the pH-induced dissolution of the PDAMA-PDDA or PDAMA-PSS sacrificial layer. Thus, PDAMA-based sacrificial layers have been demonstrated to dissolve in both acidic and neutral solutions, depending on the type of counter polymer. The thicknesses of the sacrificial layers and released LbL films are crucial factors for constructing free-standing LbL films. The releasing kinetics also depended on the thickness of the crucial layers. The free-standing PAH-PSS films obtained were stable in water or in air in the dry state. PDAMA-based sacrificial layers may be useful in constructing free-standing LbL films containing biomolecules with limited pH stability.
Self-Assembly of a 1D Hydrogen-Bonded Polymer from a Hexamethyltetraaza Macrocyclic Nickel(II) Complex and Isophthalic Acid
Authors: Lim In-Taek , Choi Ki-Young
Published: June 2013

The compound [Ni(L)(isoph)2][Ni(L)]·8H2O (1; L = C-meso-5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane; H2-isoph = isophthalic acid) has been synthesized and structurally characterized. Complex 1 exhibits a geometrically symmetric core with a {4/6} coordination number set. The coordination environment around the Ni(1) ion is a distorted octahedron, while the geometry around the four-coordinate Ni(2) is depicted as square planar in 1D hydrogen-bonded infinite chain. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic system P-1 with a = 8.602(2), b = 10.684(7), c = 16.550(3) Å, a = 91.04(4), b = 94.09(2), g = 111.09(4)°, V = 1413.9(10) Å3, Z = 1. The cyclic voltammogram of 1 undergoes one-electron wave corresponding to NiII/NiI process. The electronic spectra, electrochemical and TGA behavior of the complex are significantly affected by the nature of the hexamethyltetraaza macrocycle and the axial isoph2− ligand.
Does Excess Weight Interfere with Bone Mass Accumulation during Adolescence?
Authors: Mosca Luciana , Da Silva Valéria , Goldberg Tamara
Published: June 2013

Obesity and osteoporosis are important global health problems characterized by increasing prevalence with high impact on morbidity and mortality. The objective of this review was to determine whether excess weight during adolescence interferes with bone mass accumulation. If bone mineral gain can be optimized during puberty, adults are less likely to suffer from the devastating complications of osteoporosis. The increased fracture risk in obese children has also been attributed to a lower bone mass for weight compared to non-obese children. Thus, adiposity present in this age group may not result in the protection of bone mass, in contrast to what has been observed in adults. However, studies involving adolescents have reported both protective and detrimental effects of obesity on bone. The results and mechanisms of these interactions are controversial and have not been fully elucidated, a fact highlighting the extreme relevance of this topic and the need to monitor intervening and interactive variables.
Relation between Seasonally Detrended Shortwave Infrared Reflectance Data and Land Surface Moisture in Semi‑Arid Sahel
Authors: Olsen Jørgen , Ceccato Pietro , Proud Simon , Fensholt Rasmus , Grippa Manuela , Mougin Eric , Ardö Jonas , Sandholt Inge
Published: June 2013

In the Sudano-Sahelian areas of Africa droughts can have serious impacts on natural resources, and therefore land surface moisture is an important factor. Insufficient conventional sites for monitoring land surface moisture make the use of Earth Observation data for this purpose a key issue. In this study we explored the potential of using reflectance data in the Red, Near Infrared (NIR), and Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) spectral regions for detecting short term variations in land surface moisture in the Sahel, by analyzing data from three test sites and observations from the geostationary Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite. We focused on responses in surface reflectance to soil- and surface moisture for bare soil and early to mid- growing season. A method for implementing detrended time series of the Shortwave Infrared Water Stress Index (SIWSI) is examined for detecting variations in vegetation moisture status, and is compared to detrended time series of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). It was found that when plant available water is low, the SIWSI anomalies increase over time, while the NDVI anomalies decrease over time, but less systematically. Therefore SIWSI may carry important complementary information to NDVI in terms of vegetation water status, and can provide this information with the unique combination of temporal and spatial resolution from optical geostationary observations over Sahel. However, the relation between SIWSI anomalies and periods of water stress were not found to be sufficiently robust to be used for water stress detection.
Whose Diversity Counts? The Politics and Paradoxes of Modern Diversity
Authors: Baker Lauren , Dove Michael , Graef Dana , Keleman Alder , Kneas David , Osterhoudt Sarah , Stoike Jeffrey
Published: June 2013

Is “diversity” a modern concept, like indigeneity or biodiversity, which is conceived precisely at the time that it seems to be threatened and on the verge of disappearing? In the face of perceived threats to diversity, projects and policies have been crafted to protect, promote, or conserve diversity, but in doing so they have often demonstrated a paradoxical propensity toward purity and authority in representations of diversity. Perceptions of “pure” natural diversity might represent native forests comprised solely of native species; “pure” cultural diversity might represent indigenous peoples who still speak indigenous languages and wear native dress. If purity is emblematic of diversity, what, then, is the place of hybrid landscapes and peoples? In our study, we draw on a range of examples—of agrobiodiversity conservation in Bolivia, satellite mapping initiatives in Madagascar and Ecuador, scientific authority about anthropogenic climate change, indigenous language and identity in Peru, and a comparison of the Amazon and Atlantic Forest in Brazil—to demonstrate gaps between representations of diversity, and the heterogeneous local realities they obscure. We suggest that hybridity is a form of diversity unto itself—albeit a form of diversity that is more complex, and thus harder to codify and categorize.
Currencies of Mutualisms: Sources of Alkaloid Genes in Vertically Transmitted Epichloae
Authors: Schardl Christopher , Young Carolyn , Pan Juan , Florea Simona , Takach Johanna , Panaccione Daniel , Farman Mark , Webb Jennifer , Jaromczyk Jolanta , Charlton Nikki , Nagabhyru Padmaja , Chen Li , Shi Chong , Leuchtmann Adrian
Published: June 2013

The epichloae (Epichloë and Neotyphodium species), a monophyletic group of fungi in the family Clavicipitaceae, are systemic symbionts of cool-season grasses (Poaceae subfamily Poöideae). Most epichloae are vertically transmitted in seeds (endophytes), and most produce alkaloids that attack nervous systems of potential herbivores. These protective metabolites include ergot alkaloids and indole-diterpenes (tremorgens), which are active in vertebrate systems, and lolines and peramine, which are more specific against invertebrates. Several Epichloë species have been described which are sexual and capable of horizontal transmission, and most are vertically transmissible also. Asexual epichloae are mainly or exclusively vertically transmitted, and many are interspecific hybrids with genomic contributions from two or three ancestral Epichloë species. Here we employ genome-scale analyses to investigate the origins of biosynthesis gene clusters for ergot alkaloids (EAS), indole-diterpenes (IDT), and lolines (LOL) in 12 hybrid species. In each hybrid, the alkaloid-gene and housekeeping-gene relationships were congruent. Interestingly, hybrids frequently had alkaloid clusters that were rare in their sexual ancestors. Also, in those hybrids that had multiple EAS, IDT or LOL clusters, one cluster lacked some genes, usually for late pathway steps. Possible implications of these findings for the alkaloid profiles and endophyte ecology are discussed.
Photocatalytic antibacterial performance of TiO2 and Ag-doped TiO2 against S. aureus. P. aeruginosa and E. coli
Authors: Gupta Kiran , Singh R P , Pandey Ashutosh , Pandey Anjana
Published: June 2013

This paper reports the structural and optical properties and comparative photocatalytic activity of TiO2 and Ag-doped TiO2 nanoparticles against different bacterial strains under visible-light irradiation. The TiO2 and Ag-doped TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized by acid catalyzed sol–gel technique and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL). The XRD pattern revealed that the annealed sample of TiO2 has both anatase and rutile phases while only an anatase phase was found in Ag-doped TiO2 nanoparticles. The decreased band-gap energy of Ag-doped TiO2 nanoparticles in comparison to TiO2 nanoparticles was investigated by UV–vis spectroscopy. The rate of recombination and transfer behaviour of the photoexcited electron–hole pairs in the semiconductors was recorded by photoluminescence. The antimicrobial activity of TiO2 and Ag-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (3% and 7%) was investigated against both gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli) bacteria. As a result, the viability of all three microorganisms was reduced to zero at 60 mg/30 mL culture in the case of both (3% and 7% doping) concentrations of Ag-doped TiO2 nanoparticles. Annealed TiO2 showed zero viability at 80 mg/30 mL whereas doped Ag-TiO2 7% showed zero viability at 40 mg/30 mL culture in the case of P. aeruginosa only.
An Evidence-Based Guide to Clinical Instruction in Audiology
Authors: Mormer Elaine , Palmer Catherine , Messick Cheryl , Jorgensen Lindsey
Published: June 2013

Background:A significant portion of the AuD curriculum occurs in clinical settings outside the classroom. Expert clinicians, employed within and outside of the university, are called upon to provide this clinical education. Most have had little or no formal training in clinical
teaching yet face pedagogical and logistical challenges when simultaneously providing clinical service and teaching. Training to provide optimal methods and approaches to clinical instruction should be based on research evidence; however, there is a paucity of research in this area within
the audiology discipline.Purpose:This article provides a review of literature supplying evidence for important concepts, elements, and approaches to the clinical instruction process. Additionally, we provide readers with some practical tools with which to facilitate application of optimal
clinical teaching principles.Research Design:We conducted a systematic review of literature on clinical education in audiology and across a wide array of health professions. Through the use of content analysis we identified four elements of the clinical teaching process most critical
in examining optimal practices.Results:The elements identified as critical to positive clinical learning outcomes include the establishment of mutual expectations and goals; structured content and delivery of feedback; establishment of a positive instructor/student relationship; and
questioning strategies that lead to the development of critical thinking skills.Conclusions:Many disciplines outside of audiology demonstrate robust research activity related to understanding and optimizing the clinical education process. The application of a number of evidence-based
clinical teaching principles should allow us to improve student outcomes in audiology. Researchers in our field might consider if and how we should develop our own research literature in clinical education.
Serum Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Kinetics in Severe Reactivation of Hepatitis B E Antigen Negative Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Receiving Nucleoside/Nucleotide Analogues
Authors: Wong Grace L-H , Chan Henry L-Y , Lo Angeline O-S , Chan Hoi-Yun , Tse Chi-Hang , Chim Angel M-L , Wong Vincent W-S
Published: June 2013

Background

Kinetics of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B patients presented with severe reactivation and received oral antiviral therapy is unknown. We aimed to investigate the kinetics of HBsAg level among these patients.

Methods

HBeAg-negative patients on antiviral therapy with follow-up for 2 years were studied. Those presented with severe reactivation (alanine aminotransferase [ALT] ≥5 times of normal) were compared to those with mild hepatitis. Serum HBsAg level was measured by Elecsys HBsAg II Quant assay (Roche) at baseline and 6-monthly.

Results

A total of 192 (74 severe reactivation) patients were studied. Eighty-one (42%), 74 (39%) and 37 (19%) patients were on lamivudine, entecavir and telbivudine, respectively. Forty-four (23%) patients had early HBsAg decline, that is, ≥0.5 log10 reduction, at month 6. Patients with severe reactivation had higher serum baseline ALT (1,415 ±897 versus 73 ±39 IU/l), HBV DNA (6.4 ±1.6 versus 5.2 ±1.2 log10 IU/ml) and HBsAg (3.3 ±1.0 versus 2.9 ±0.6 log10 IU/ml), as well as an earlier HBsAg decline (50% versus 6%; all P<0.001) than those without. The HBsAg change of patients with severe reactivation was higher at months 0-6 (-0.58 ±-1.26 versus -0.01 ±-0.26 log10 IU/ml; P<0.001) but then became comparable from months 6–24 (-0.19 ±-0.60 versus -0.13 ±-0.19 log10 IU/ml; P=0.85), compared to those presented with mild hepatitis.

Conclusions

Patients who presented with severe reactivation of HBeAg-negative hepatitis were more likely to develop early HBsAg decline during antiviral therapy. It may indicate a transient strong immune clearance with rapid initial reduction in serum HBsAg, which cannot be sustained due to a faster clearance of serum HBsAg.