bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Policy of National Interest as an Alternative to Liberalism
Authors: Моргунов  , Morgunov E. , Чернявский  , Chernyavskiy S.
Published: October 2014

It has been shown in this paper that among the expert community there is no consensus on the global economy prospects. Optimists suggest that as soon as the crisis in the euro area will be overcome, and the world economy in the coming years will increase slowly but surely (about 3% per year). But pessimists suggest that depression, or at least short-term stagnation will occur. However, some of them not only predict a financial crisis, but in the middle-term – a natural resource´s one. Our analysis of global and Russian oil and gas market is confirming that at least "oil props" of the modern world economy are becoming quite shaky: the world is moving from the "oil era" to the "age of gas". With specific regard to Russia, its natural resources and raw materials primarily hydrocarbons (in particular enough high world prices for them), keep her from the financial and budget crisis, despite the absurd liberal economic policy and off-scale corruption. However, analysis of Russian oil and gas market shows that many of old highly profitable fields almost used up its resources and new ones are often at least marginally profitable and require a huge capital investment in their development. Therefore, from our point of view, in any case, to be a shift from the liberal to an active policy of national interest: improving the living standards of own people, economic development of the territory, industry restoration.
The problem of joint co-ownership in a Polish civil law partnership
Authors: Лик  , Lic Jan
Published: October 2014

The problem of joint co-ownership in a Polish civil law partnership constitutes one of the most complex and contentious problems in Polish civil law. On one hand, there are many reasons why a civil law partnership should have legal capacity, capacity to be a party in civil cases, bankruptcy capacity and a status of an entrepreneur. On the other hand, the system of joint co-ownership precludes the partnership from being accorded that status. Recognising the legal capacity of a partnership would mean that it is a carrier of rights and obligations. This, however, would be defied by the system of joint co-ownership, since in that case it would be the partners, as coowners, that would be the carriers of rights and obligations. It is not possible that a partnership and its partners are both carriers of the same property rights; particularly, the right to the property of partnership. Even if the legislature de-cided that a civil law partnership is not just a civil law obligation, but also an organisa-tional unit and that the legal capacity should be accorded to it, then the system of joint co-ownership in a civil law partnership would also have to be waived. Numerous provi-sions of public law, including in particular tax law, suggest such a solution. They already treat a civil law partnership as a legal entity. Accordance of” as the act of granting civil law capacity would unify its status in all areas of law. Furthermore, there are cases from foreign law that speak for the above-presented solution. In France and Scotland a civil law partnership has legal personality. In Germany the equivalent partnership was granted legal capacity. In the latter country, this was possible without the need to resign from the system of community of joint co-ownership (Gesamthand). Contrary to the Polish joint co-ownership, the German Gesamthand is not a type of co-ownership, but a type of legal community of personal rather than property nature. In countries in which a civil law partnership has not been granted legal capacity, problems similar to those that occur in Polish law arise. The postulate of granting legal capacity to a civil law partnership is justified. However, it should be limited to partnerships that operate business activity. Ordinary external partnerships do not require legal capacity; therefore they can still retain the system of joint co-ownership.
Solving the Single Vehicle Routing Problem with Variable Capacity
Authors: Louveaux François V. , Salazar-González Juan-José
Published: October 2014

This paper considers the classical vehicle routing problem (VRP) where the vehicle capacity is not fixed. Indeed, at the moment of acquiring (or renting) the vehicle that will serve all customers, there is some freedom of choice. A larger vehicle capacity implies a lower total distance travelled but larger operating costs. The reverse is true for a smaller vehicle. This paper gives an approach to select the best capacity and the best route to minimize a function of the acquisition cost and travelled distance.

We first consider an enumerative approach, which consists of solving a sequence of VRPs, starting from the one having the largest capacity. The number of VRPs to solve using this approach is unknown. Based on computational experiments, this number is mostly large in our benchmark instances. We then proceed to a direct approach based on the two-index formulation of the VRP. We introduce several valid inequalities that allow us to have an integer linear programming formulation of the VRP with fixed vehicle capacity. We describe separation procedures for these inequalities. We conclude with computational results that confirm the utility of these inequalities when solving benchmark VRP instances.
Opinions of labouring women about companionship in labour wards
Authors: Ntombana Rala , Sindiwe James , Ntombodidi Tshotsho
Published: October 2014

Companionship, which is having the support of a companion during labour and birth, is an important part of the management of women in labour. A quantitative, exploratory and descriptive design was used to explore the opinions of women on having support during labour. A semi-structured interview guide was used to gather data from a convenience sample of 62 women. Data were analysed using Epi Info software. Twenty-seven women in the study knew of companionship and its benefits before their birth but only 15 had companions during labour and some misinterpreted companionship to apply to lawful partners only. The women who had companions attributed the following to companionship, namely, comfort and support, reduced pain and shortened labour. Of the 47 women who had no companions, 35 had no knowledge of companionship. These women viewed labour differently, as some attributed the following to absence of companionship, namely, long and painful labour, loneliness, panic and feeling as though they were dying. These women felt that labour could have been better with the support of a companion and even recommended that companionship was a necessity during labour. It is recommended that the psychosocial benefits of companionship should be emphasised during antenatal care as a means to a less stressful labour process for both the women and the midwives.
An assessment of weight and weight awareness of patients presenting for outpatient care in Cameroon
Authors: Njecko Boniface Takwe , Meyer Dorothy J , Ashu Agbor Micheal , Gobte Nkwan Jacob
Published: October 2014

In Africa, the disease burden is changing with many populations now experiencing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and diabetes. The worldwide association of obesity with an increase of NCDs has been well established. In African nations, the estimated obesity rates vary from 3.7 to 70.5%. This study aimed to identify: (1) the prevalence of obesity in the clinic user population and (2) the knowledge of and attitude toward obesity. The study population included 550 participants (332 females; 218 males). By body mass index (BMI), the prevalence of overweight/obesity was 58.2% and was associated with age and hypertension. Many participants (73.4%) thought that being overweight/obese does not promote good health. Yet, 60.6% of the overweight/obese participants viewed their weight as being normal or underweight. Almost a quarter (22.4%) of all participants said they were taking actions to maintain or reduce their weight. It was noteworthy that men preferred exercise and women diet as their weight management strategy. Of the 200 women participants of reproductive age (20-40 years), 111 (55.5%) were overweight/obese, and 8 (4.0%) had an elevated blood pressure ≥140/90. This raises concerns that increased numbers of women of reproductive age will develop NCDs impacting the obstetrical and reproductive care workload. To avoid this, it is essential to provide health education in hopes of improving women's weight awareness and preventing NCDs.
Community engagement within an undergraduate nursing and midwifery course
Authors: Donovan Patricia , Hami Melanie , Khonje Violet , Kafulafula Ursula , Kumbani Lily , Ngalande Rebecca , Chikalipo Maria , Kapito Esnath
Published: October 2014

Malawi has a maternal mortality rate of 675/100 000 with 85% of the population living in rural areas. To reduced maternal mortality in Malawi, the government prioritised midwifery training. Therefore, a community midwifery module was developed by Kamuzu College of Nursing as part of their Bachelor of Science Nursing and Midwifery (BSCNM) programme. After clinical experience for this module, students presented reports on their experience and the problems facing eight peri-urban communities. This article describes aspects of this module, the activities the students engaged in, and problems the communities voiced. Their reports were subjected to basic content analysis and the following three themes were identified: ‘community use of reproductive health services’, ‘resources’ and ‘healthcare delivery systems’. This article focuses on the ‘community use of reproductive health services’ theme, and its three sub-themes (attitudes, knowledge and accessibility) in light of current research based in sub-Saharan Africa.
Types of variables
Authors: Campbell Malcolm
Published: October 2014

This regular series of articles will tell you about Statistics, what it is, the key concepts and approaches, statistical tests and how to choose them, and how to write up your findings. In each issue of the journal, we will focus on a different topic, see how it was applied in relevant papers, and gradually build up your understanding of this important subject.
Web-based care home software: a system to suit
Authors: Dewsbury Guy , Ballard Debbie
Published: October 2014

Software supports the day-to-day management of care homes, which are increasingly becoming modernised and now can support web-based systems. There do not appear to be many providers of web-based software, but this form of system is likely to proliferate in the future, as it is easy and convenient
Care home insurance: never to be underestimated
Authors: Ashurst Adrian
Published: October 2014

In this article, the first in the series on care home insurance matters, Adrian Ashurst discusses the importance of purchasing the correct insurance cover for the care home and personal indemnity for nurses
Prevalence and Antibiogram Pattern of Some Nosocomial Pathogens Isolated from Hospital Environment in Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Hammuel Chrinius , Jatau Edward D. , Whong Clement M.Z.
Published: October 2014

Many ordinary surfaces and hands of healthcare givers in hospitals are sometimes inadequately decontaminated with routine disinfection techniques. It is necessary to determine the distribution of these pathogens in the hospitals. In this study 160 swab samples were collected from ten different surfaces including nurses’ hand swab, Nurses’ table top, door knob/handle, toilet seat, operation table, sink, stretcher, floor, bedrail, and cupboard. Biochemical tests were used to identify the bacteria. Kirby-Bauer-Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) modified single disc diffusion technique was used to determine the antibiogram profile of the pathogens at 0.5 scale McFarland’s standard (1.5 × 108 cells/ml). The total percentage prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus was 50.80%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 28.60% and Escherichia coli 20.60%. Out of 20.60% of E. coli isolates7.7% were found to be E. coli O157:H7. S. aureus isolates were highly resistant to ampcillin and cefoxitin P. aeruginosa and E. coli were resistant to tetracycline. The multiple antibiotic resistance indexes of the pathogens were more than 0.2. Among the isolates, S. aureus showed more multidrug resistance (31.30%) and E. coli had the least multidrug. Frequently touched surfaces within the hospital environment are contaminated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. These pathogens can be transfer from surfaces to patients and to surfaces again through healthcare workers. The widespread use of antimicrobials, especially over- or inappropriate use of antibiotics, has contributed to an increased incidence of antimicrobial-resistant organisms.
A Preliminary Study on Microbial Contamination of Leafy Vegetables in Sokoto Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Shehu Kasimu , Maishanu Asma’u M. , Salau Ibrahim A.
Published: October 2014

Five leafy vegetables commonly consumed in Sokoto metropolis were evaluated for microbiological quality using standard procedures involving standard plate count (SPC). The vegetables investigated included Lactuaca sativa (Lettuce), Amaranthus hybridus (Spinach), Vernonia amagdalina (Bitter leaf), Brassica oleracea (Cabbage) and Moringa oleifera Lam (Horse radish). Ten fungal species which include Alternaria alternata, Absidia corymbifera, Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, Cladosporium herbarum, Fusarium oxysporium, Geotrichum candidum, Mucor racemoses, Rhizopus stolonifer and Trichoderma harzianum and four species of bacteria: Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocystogens and Staphyllococus aureus were isolated from the leafy vegetables. The total colony counts of fungi ranged from 1.8 x 106 – 6.28 x 105 (cfu/g) of the vegetables while that of bacteria ranged from 1.0 x 106 to 2.94 x 106 cfu/g of the vegetables. The highest counts of microbial organisms were found on A. hybridus while M. oleifera and B. olerarea had the lowest fungal and bacterial counts respectively. There is a need to reduce the levels of  microbial contamination on leafy vegetables through appropriate production practices, careful handling by the vendors and appropriate processing  with a view to minimize  the risk of human exposure to fungal and bacterial pathogens associated with the vegetables.
Policy transfer using the ‘gold standard’: exploring policy tourism in practice
Authors: Hudson John , Kim Bo-Yung
Published: October 2014

Policy transfer features prominently in the policy analysis literature, yet relatively little is known about how government officials seek to learn lessons from abroad in practice. This research, based on interviews with officials in government institutes in South Korea who were involved in a series of study visits to the United Kingdom, addresses this knowledge gap using Evans and Davies’ policy transfer network model and the recently developed notion of ‘policy tourism’. We conclude that policy tourism rarely leads directly to policy change but is a valuable part of ongoing processes of policy learning.
Predictions of chemical species via diode laser spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Shin-Juh , Silver Joel A. , Dahm Werner J. A. , Piltch Nancy D.
Published: October 2014

A technique to predict temperature and chemical species in flames from absorbance measurement of one chemical species is presented. Predicted temperature and mole fractions of methane and water agreed well with measured and published results.
Investigations on laser-induced incandescence (LII) for soot diagnostics at high pressure
Authors: Hofmann Max , Bessler Wolfgang G. , Gronki Joachim , Schulz Christof , Jander Helga
Published: October 2014

LII has been investigated in sooting ethylene/air flames at 1 – 15 bar with wavelength-, energy-density- and time-resolved detection. LII decay coefficients increase linearly with pressure. Pressure influence on the LII intensity is limited with prompt detection.
Analysis by diode laser absorption spectroscopy in a linear dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: Kunze K. , Miclea M. , Franzke J. , Niemax K. , Vadla C.
Published: October 2014

The diagnostic as well as the application of a miniaturized dielectric barrier discharge as detector for analytical spectrometry were investigated using diode laser absorption spectrometry of the excited species produced in the plasma.
Sculpted Tone Burst Modulation Spectroscopy
Authors: Hovde Chris
Published: October 2014

By manipulating the amplitude modulation waveform for tone burst spectroscopy, the response of a tunable diode laser spectrometer can be tailored to avoid the effects of many interference fringes that otherwise limit sensitivity.
Optimization of the mode matching in pulsed cavity ringdown spectroscopy
Authors: Lee Dong-Hoon , Yoon Youngjee , Kim Bongsoo , Lee Jae Yong , Yoo Yong Shim , Hahn Jae Won
Published: October 2014

A simple and reliable method is presented for optimizing the mode matching of pulsed cavity-ringdown spectroscopy (CRDS). The method is based on monitoring the non-degenerate transversal mode beating induced by beam clipping and slight cavity misalignment.
Low cost, low power diode laser sensing: A weather balloon hygrometer
Authors: Paige Mark E.
Published: October 2014

An inexpensive diode laser hygrometer is described. The engineering advances of this system greatly increase the applicability of diode laser sensors for commercial sensing applications.
A Near-IR TDL-based Sensor for Eddy Covariance Flux Measurements of CO2
Authors: Sonnenfroh David , Allen Mark , Livingston Gerry
Published: October 2014

We describe some of the design considerations for a near-IR TDL-based sensor for eddy covariance flux measurements of CO2 and H2O. Initial data from recent field trials will be discussed.
External cavity diode laser based on a transmission grating
Authors: Laurila Toni , Joutsenoja Timo , Hernberg Rolf , Kuittinen Markku
Published: October 2014

Design and characterization of an external cavity diode laser at 650 nm based on a transmission grating is described. The transmission grating enables compact design and removes the beam direction variation during the wavelength tuning.
Towards a practical theory of polarisation spectroscopy
Authors: Walewski J. , Kaminski C. F. , Hanna S. F. , Lucht R. P.
Published: October 2014

We present a simple phenomenological theory of polarisation spectroscopy and apply it in an assessing fashion to measurements and detailed theoretical calculations. Onr model serves also to intorproto polarisation spectroscopy measurements of relative OH concentrations.
Insights into the Renal Pathogenesis in Schimke Immuno-Osseous Dysplasia
Authors: Sarin Sanjay , Javidan Ashkan , Boivin Felix , Alexopoulou Iakovina , Lukic Dusan , Svajger Bruno , Chu Stephanie , Baradaran-Heravi Alireza , Boerkoel Cornelius F. , Rosenblum Norman D. , Bridgewater Darren
Published: October 2014

Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD) is a pleiotropic disorder caused by mutations in the SWI/SNF2-related, matrix-associated, actin-dependent regulator of chromatin, subfamily a-like-1 ( SMARCAL1) gene, with multiple clinical features, notably end-stage renal disease. Here we characterize the renal pathology in SIOD patients. Our analysis of SIOD patient renal biopsies demonstrates the tip and collapsing variants of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Additionally, electron microscopy revealed numerous glomerular abnormalities most notably in the podocyte and Bowman’s capsule. To better understand the role of SMARCAL1 in the pathogenesis of FSGS, we defined SMARCAL1 expression in the developing and mature kidney. In the developing fetal kidney, SMARCAL1 is expressed in the ureteric epithelium, stroma, metanephric mesenchyme, and in all stages of the developing nephron, including the maturing glomerulus. In postnatal kidneys, SMARCAL1 expression is localized to epithelial tubules of the nephron, collecting ducts, and glomerulus (podocytes and endothelial cells). Interestingly, not all cells within the same lineage expressed SMARCAL1. In renal biopsies from SIOD patients, TUNEL analysis detected marked increases in DNA fragmentation. Our results highlight the cells that may contribute to the renal pathogenesis in SIOD. Further, we suggest that disruptions in genomic integrity during fetal kidney development contribute to the pathogenesis of FSGS in SIOD patients.
Extreme PCR: Efficient and Specific DNA Amplification in 15–60 Seconds
Authors: Farrar Jared S , Wittwer Carl T
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND

PCR is a key technology in molecular biology and diagnostics that typically amplifies and quantifies specific DNA fragments in about an hour. However, the kinetic limits of PCR are unknown.

METHODS

We developed prototype instruments to temperature cycle 1- to 5-μL samples in 0.4–2.0 s at annealing/extension temperatures of 62 °C–76 °C and denaturation temperatures of 85 °C–92 °C. Primer and polymerase concentrations were increased 10- to 20-fold above typical concentrations to match the kinetics of primer annealing and polymerase extension to the faster temperature cycling. We assessed analytical specificity and yield on agarose gels and by high-resolution melting analysis. Amplification efficiency and analytical sensitivity were demonstrated by real-time optical monitoring.

RESULTS

Using single-copy genes from human genomic DNA, we amplified 45- to 102-bp targets in 15–60 s. Agarose gels showed bright single bands at the expected size, and high-resolution melting curves revealed single products without using any “hot start” technique. Amplification efficiencies were 91.7%–95.8% by use of 0.8- to 1.9-s cycles with single-molecule sensitivity. A 60-bp genomic target was amplified in 14.7 s by use of 35 cycles.

CONCLUSIONS

The time required for PCR is inversely related to the concentration of critical reactants. By increasing primer and polymerase concentrations 10- to 20-fold with temperature cycles of 0.4–2.0 s, efficient (>90%), specific, high-yield PCR from human DNA is possible in <15 s. Extreme PCR demonstrates the feasibility of while-you-wait testing for infectious disease, forensics, and any application where immediate results may be critical.
Social media scripts in The Chinese Wall
Authors: Hollander Inez
Published: October 2014

With the spread of social media and virtual communities rather than actual ones, The Chinese Wall could well be interpreted as a yearning for connecting with people in real time. However, at the same time, it seems to utilize social media strategies to bring relative strangers closer together, even though, curiously, the film was made at a moment in time when the first forms of social media were just emerging on the horizon.
Interpreting The Chinese Wall knowing Dutch and ‘Dutchness’
Authors: Forceville Charles
Published: October 2014

Many film scholars equate ‘film’ with ‘moving images’. But knowledge of language and background information importantly influence a film’s possible interpretations. In this article I discuss how comprehension of Dutch language and culture affords subtle aspects of meaning unavailable to viewers who have to rely exclusively on the English subtitles.
On Kieslowski’s Urzad/The Office
Authors: Raskin Richard
Published: October 2014

This article focuses on production issues relating to the shoot, the disjunction of sound and image, several interpretive parameters, and the running time of Urzad.
Navigating bureaucracy: Urzad’s dissociation of sound and image
Authors: Varner Matt
Published: October 2014

In Urzad, sounds and images often uncouple viewers’ ears and eyes; the film’s sounds often do not issue from what viewers see in the frame. This article will explore these effects and what they mean in the film’s documentary and bureaucratic contexts.
Formless world and ‘paperless’ people
Authors: Ostrowska Elzbieta
Published: October 2014

This article proposes that in The Office Kieslowski uses visual fragmentation and asynchronous sound to express an epistemological doubt. The film’s disjunctive form represents the impossibility of a rational depiction of the world of a communist bureaucracy. Instead, only an archive of images and sounds can be compiled.
The voice of the system
Authors: Szymkowska-Bartyzel Jolanta
Published: October 2014

The disjunction of the visual and auditory elements of the film creates an impression that voices are totally independent of their sources. The dominant voice of a young clerk contrasted with calm, mumbling utterances of old petitioners becomes an acousmêtre and a representation of the system.
The representation of loneliness in The Chinese Wall
Authors: Lefebvre-Linetzky Jacques
Published: October 2014

How does one represent loneliness on film and make it tangible? Doing so implies the choice of a specific space, entering the main character’s inner thoughts and guiding the spectator’s gaze by alternating subjective shots with pseudo-objective close-ups. And here, the film-maker deftly avoids melodrama by resorting to irony.
Brief an die Gemeinden
Authors: Ein Text aus der Ekm
Published: October 2014

Der Landeskirchenrat der Evangelischen Kirche in Mitteldeutschland hat im Mai dieses Jahres beschlossen, einen »Brief an die Gemeinden« zu versenden. Vorausgegangen waren nach einer oft zitierten und umstrittenen Äußerung der Landesbischöfin Ilse Junkermann vor der Synode der EKM im Herbst 2009 (s. u.) Gespräche mit in diesem Thema Engagierten und Betroffenen. Dabei wurde deutlich, dass in den Gemeinden weitaus weniger »aufgearbeitet« wurde als auf der Fachebene, in den Betroffenenverbänden, in den Kirchenleitungen. Mit dem »Brief an die Gemeinden« verbindet der Landeskirchenrat die Hoffnung, dass die Gemeinden Räume für den immer noch schwachen Dialog von früher politisch Verfolgten mit früheren Verantwortlichen öffnen und dass sie zu Versöhnungsgebeten einladen. Dafür sind ebenso wie für die Arbeit am Thema mit KonfirmandInnen und mit Jugendlichen in der Gemeindearbeit wie im Religionsunterricht Materialien zusammengestellt worden. Ein vergleichbares Vorhaben in den ostdeutschen Kirchen gab es in der EKBO (Evangelische Kirche in Berlin-Brandenburg und der schlesischen Oberlausitz). Der »Brief an die Gemeinden« der EKM wird hier in seinem ersten einführenden Teil dokumentiert.
Computerspiele und Soziale Netzwerke
Authors: Rosenstock Roland
Published: October 2014

Ethics regarding media use can be pointed out in several situations in which media are used. The article takes Grand Theft Auto V, published by Rockstar Games, as an example to show opportunities and limits of the »acting subject« - the gamer - in computer and online games. Human dignity is debated by reference to socio-critical aspects which are confronted with the violation of moral limits. Finally, computer games are highlighted as a convenient medium for the process of ethical learning.
Peripheral natural killer cell maturation depends on the transcription factor Aiolos
Authors: Holmes Melissa L , Huntington Nicholas D , Thong Rebecca PL , Brady Jason , Hayakawa Yoshihiro , Andoniou Christopher E , Fleming Peter , Shi Wei , Smyth Gordon K , Degli‐Esposti Mariapia A , Belz Gabrielle T , Kallies Axel , Carotta Sebastian , Smyth Mark J , Nutt Stephen L
Published: October 2014

Natural killer (NK) cells are an innate lymphoid cell lineage characterized by their capacity to provide rapid effector functions, including cytokine production and cytotoxicity. Here, we identify the Ikaros family member, Aiolos, as a regulator of NK‐cell maturation. Aiolos expression is initiated at the point of lineage commitment and maintained throughout NK‐cell ontogeny. Analysis of cell surface markers representative of distinct stages of peripheral NK‐cell maturation revealed that Aiolos was required for the maturation in the spleen of CD11bhighCD27− NK cells. The differentiation block was intrinsic to the NK‐cell lineage and resembled that found in mice lacking either T‐bet or Blimp1; however, genetic analysis revealed that Aiolos acted independently of all other known regulators of NK‐cell differentiation. NK cells lacking Aiolos were strongly hyper‐reactive to a variety of NK‐cell‐mediated tumor models, yet impaired in controlling viral infection, suggesting a regulatory function for CD27− NK cells in balancing these two arms of the immune response. These data place Aiolos in the emerging gene regulatory network controlling NK‐cell maturation and function.
The Role of Transcription in the Activation of aDrosophilaAmplification Origin
Authors: Hua Brian L , Li Sharon , Orr-Weaver Terry L
Published: October 2014

The mechanisms that underlie metazoan DNA replication initiation, especially the connection between transcription and replication origin activation, are not well understood. To probe the role of transcription in origin activation, we exploited a specific replication origin in Drosophila melanogaster follicle cells, ori62, which coincides with the yellow-g2 transcription unit and exhibits transcription-dependent origin firing. Within a 10-kb genomic fragment that contains ori62 and is sufficient for amplification, RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that all detected RNAs mapped solely to the yellow-g2 gene. To determine whether transcription is required in cis for ori62 firing, we generated a set of tagged yellow-g2 transgenes in which we could prevent local transcription across ori62 by deletions in the yellow-g2 promoter. Surprisingly, inhibition of yellow-g2 transcription by promoter deletions did not affect ori62 firing. Our results reveal that transcription in cis is not required for ori62 firing, raising the possibility that a trans-acting factor is required specifically for the activation of ori62. This finding illustrates that a diversity of mechanisms can be used in the regulation of metazoan DNA replication initiation.
Validity and Reliability of Visual Analog Scaling for Assessment of Hypernasality and Audible Nasal Emission in Children with Repaired Cleft Palate
Authors: Baylis Adriane , Chapman Kathy , Whitehill Tara L.
Published: October 2014

Objective

To investigate the validity and reliability of multiple listener judgments of hypernasality and audible nasal emission, in children with repaired cleft palate, using visual analog scaling (VAS) and equal-appearing interval (EAI) scaling.

Design

Prospective comparative study of multiple listener ratings of hypernasality and audible nasal emission.

Setting

Multisite institutional.

Participants

Five trained and experienced speech-language pathologist listeners from the Americleft Speech Project.

Measures

Average VAS and EAI ratings of hypernasality and audible nasal emission/turbulence for 12 video-recorded speech samples from the Americleft Speech Project. Intrarater and interrater reliability was computed, as well as linear and polynomial models of best fit.

Results

Intrarater and interrater reliability was acceptable for both rating methods; however, reliability was higher for VAS as compared to EAI ratings. When VAS ratings were plotted against EAI ratings, results revealed a stronger curvilinear relationship.

Conclusions

The results of this study provide additional evidence that alternate rating methods such as VAS may offer improved validity and reliability over EAI ratings of speech. VAS should be considered a viable method for rating hypernasality and nasal emission in speech in children with repaired cleft palate.
The Rate of Oronasal Fistula following Primary Cleft Palate Surgery: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bykowski Michael R. , Naran Sanjay , Winger Daniel G. , Losee Joseph E.
Published: October 2014

Background

Despite decades of craniofacial surgeons repairing cleft palates, there is no consensus for the rate of fistula formation following surgery. The authors present a meta-analysis of studies that reported on primary cleft palate to determine the rate of oronasal fistula and to identify risk factors for their development.

Methods

A literature search for the period between 2000 and 2012 was performed. Articles were queried and strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to focus on primary cleft palate repair. A meta-analysis of these data was conducted.

Results

The meta-analysis included 11 studies, comprising 2505 children. The rate of oronasal fistula development was 4.9% (95% confidence interval, 3.8% to 6.1%). When analyzing a larger cohort, there was a significant relationship between Veau classification and the occurrence of a fistula ( P < .001), with fistulae most prevalent in patients with a Veau IV cleft. The most common location for a fistula was at the soft palate-hard palate junction. One study used decellularized dermis in cleft repair with a fistula rate of 3.2%.

Conclusions

Using 11 studies comprising 2505 children, we find the rate of reported fistula occurrence to be 4.9%. Furthermore, patients with a Veau IV cleft are significantly more likely to develop an oronasal fistula. When fistulae do occur, they do so most often at the soft palate-hard palate junction. A deeper understanding of fistula formation will help cleft palate surgeons improve their outcomes in the operating room and will allow them to effectively communicate expectations with patients' families in the clinic.
Gotthard base tunnel, Switzerland – the world's longest railway tunnel
Authors: Simoni Renzo
Published: October 2014

When it opens in 2016 the 57 km long Gotthard base tunnel under the Swiss Alps will be the world's longest. Together with the 15 km Ceneri base tunnel to the south, which will open 3 years later, it will provide a vritually flat railway across Switzerland. The tunnels aim to reduce significantly the amount of envrionmentally damaging lorry traffic crossing the country between Germany and Italy as well as cut north–south passenger train journeys by 1·5 h. This paper reports on the backround to the £7 billion project, describes the design and construction of the twin-bore tunnel and its sophisticated railway systems, and summarises lessons learned from over 10 years of tunnelling in hard rock up to 2·5 km underground.
London 2012 legacy: creating a more sustainable future for London and beyond
Authors: Daothong Jennifer , Stubbs David
Published: October 2014

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games' commitment to sustainability provided a strong foundation for legacy. This applied across all venues, infrastructure and green space originally built for the games and has stimulated significant urban regeneration in east London generally. There is also a strong knowledge legacy through the influence of best practices, methodologies and standards. This is having a profound effect on future games and more broadly across the global events sector. This paper focuses on two key legacy strands: the sustainability aspects of the former Olympic Park and sustainable event management.
London 2012 legacy: transformation of the Olympic Park
Authors: Naish Colin , Mason Selina
Published: October 2014

The transformation of London's Olympic Park after the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games has set a new benchmark for future host cities in terms of the speed with which the park and its venues have been adapted and subsequently opened to the public. The park now provides a setting for permanent venues and future development. This paper explains the approach adopted to master planning the long-term legacy of the park. It goes on to describe subsequent delivery of the transformation works, and how this was adapted to meet time frames set to re-open the park to the public while integrating further works and adaptations to support evolving requirements of the legacy operator.
On track: the future for rail infrastructure systems
Authors: Powrie William
Published: October 2014

Rail travel in the UK has seen a renaissance over the past 15 years. However, realising its future potential will require increased capacity and customer satisfaction while reducing cost and environmental impacts. Following a review of recent UK railway history, this paper outlines the challenges facing the rail system in meeting its future roles and aspirations. It describes recent advances in understanding the behaviour of track, ballast and earthworks through field monitoring, laboratory testing and numerical simulations, and suggests ways in which performance might be improved.
London 2012 legacy: putting London Underground on a new track
Authors: Waboso David
Published: October 2014

The London Underground railway played an integral role in delivering the successful London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The games – the first ever public transport games – demonstrated the vital role of the railway in London. This paper explores the legacy of London Underground's investment programme delivered prior to the games, and some of the key transport benefits that will continue to be experienced on the ‘Tube' long after the games. It also highlights the progress made in embedding the legacy arising as a direct or indirect result of inspiration from London 2012.
Heading the drive for women in civil engineering: a personal perspective
Authors: Brewin Katie
Published: October 2014

TPS Schal director Joan Murray, who heads Carillion's construction compliance, surveying and project management division, talks about the vital need for initiatives that focus on recruitment and retention of women in civil engineering.
Merit game celebrates 25 years of developing civil engineers' business skills
Authors: Name A
Published: October 2014

The 25th Merit competition – the annual international construction business game supported by the Institution of Civil Engineers – takes place next year. Former winner Areeb Khan of Arup explains the benefits of taking part, not least in continuing professional development days.
Paraffin wax as an internal curing agent in ordinary concrete
Authors: Chand Madduru Sri Rama , Giri Pollapothu Swamy Naga Ratna , Kumar Garje Rajesh , Kumar Pancharathi Rathish
Published: October 2014

Curing of concrete involves maintaining satisfactory moisture content during early stages to develop the desired properties. Properly cured concrete has improved durability and surface hardness, and is less permeable. Prevention of loss of moisture is important not only for strength development but also to prevent plastic shrinkage, for decreased permeability and to improve resistance to abrasion. Good and complete curing is not always practical for several reasons, particularly in higher grade concretes. Using self-curing agents can solve this problem. The concept of self-curing agents is to reduce water evaporation from concrete, and hence increase its water retention capacity compared to conventional curing. Several materials, including polymeric glycol and paraffin wax, can act as self-curing compounds. This study investigates the role of paraffin wax as a self-curing agent and compares this with the effect of different curing regimes simulating traditional methods of curing. The parameters include grade of concrete, type and dosage of paraffin wax, curing conditions and age of curing. Weight loss and compressive strength are determined as a performance benchmark for the investigated curing compounds. It is found that the lower dosage (0·1%) liquid paraffin wax compounds act as the best curing compounds in higher grade concretes.
Plant neighborhood effects on herbivory: damage is both density and frequency dependent
Authors: Kim Tania N. , Underwood Nora
Published: October 2014

Neighboring plants can affect the likelihood that a focal plant is attacked by herbivores. Both the density of conspecific neighbors (resource concentration or dilution effects) and the relative density of heterospecific neighbors (associational effects or effects of neighbor frequency) within the local neighborhood can affect herbivore load and plant damage. Understanding how these neighborhood effects influence processes such as plant competition or natural selection on plant resistance traits will require knowing how both plant density and frequency affect damage, but previous studies have generally confounded density and frequency effects. In this study, we independently manipulated the absolute density and frequency (i.e., relative density) of two plant species (Solanum carolinense and Solidago altissima) to characterize neighborhood composition effects on S. carolinense damage by herbivores, providing the first picture of how both density and frequency of neighbors influence damage in a single system. We found both a positive effect of S. carolinense density on S. carolinense damage (a resource concentration effect) and a nonlinear effect of S. altissima frequency on S. carolinense damage (associational susceptibility). If these types of patterns are common in nature, future studies seeking to understand neighborhood effects on damage need to incorporate both density and frequency effects and capture any nonlinear effects by selecting a range of values rather than focusing on only a pair of densities or frequencies. This type of data on neighborhood effects will allow us to understand the contribution of neighborhood effects to population‐level processes such as competition, the evolution of plant resistance to herbivores, and yield gains in agricultural crop mixtures.
The “Long Tail” and Public Health: New Thinking for Addressing Health Disparities
Authors: Kreuter Matthew W. , Hovmand Peter , Pfeiffer Debbie J. , Fairchild Maggie , Rath Suchitra , Golla Balaji , Casey Chris
Published: October 2014

The prevailing approach to improving population health focuses on shifting population means through a few targeted and universal interventions. The success of this approach for eliminating health disparities depends on an assumption about the distribution of demand for such interventions. We explored whether long tail thinking from business might yield greater progress in eliminating disparities.

We examined 2011 to 2013 data from 513 state and local health agency representatives in 47 states who used an online system to create 4351 small media and client reminder products promoting colorectal cancer screening.

Products in the long tail were more likely to target minority groups with higher rates of colorectal cancer and lower rates of screening than Whites. Long tail thinking could help improve the public's health and eliminate disparities.
Association Between Neighborhood Disadvantage and Hypertension Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control in Older Adults: Results From the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging
Authors: Buys David R. , Howard Virginia J. , McClure Leslie A. , Buys Katie Crawford , Sawyer Patricia , Allman Richard M. , Levitan Emily B.
Published: October 2014

Objectives. We evaluated the effect of neighborhood disadvantage (ND) on older adults’ prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension.

Methods. Data were from the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging, an observational study of 1000 community-dwelling Black and White Alabamians aged 65 years and older, in 1999 to 2001. We assessed hypertension prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control with blood pressure measurements and self-report data. We assessed ND with US Census data corresponding with participants’ census tracts, created tertiles of ND, and fit models with generalized estimating equations via a logit link function with a binomial distribution. Adjusted models included variables assessing personal advantage and disadvantage, place-based factors, sociodemographics, comorbidities, and health behaviors.

Results. Living in mid-ND (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2, 2.1) and high-ND tertiles (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.3, 2.3) was associated with higher hypertension prevalence, and living in high-ND tertiles was associated with lower odds of controlled hypertension (AOR = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.4, 0.6). In adjusted models, ND was not associated with hypertension awareness or treatment.

Conclusions. These findings show that neighborhood environmental factors matter for hypertension outcomes and suggest the importance of ND for hypertension management in older adults.
Reducing Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption by Providing Caloric Information: How Black Adolescents Alter Their Purchases and Whether the Effects Persist
Authors: Bleich Sara N. , Barry Colleen L. , Gary-Webb Tiffany L. , Herring Bradley J.
Published: October 2014

Objectives. We examined the ways in which adolescents altered the type and size of their purchases of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), together with whether the effects persisted after removing caloric information signs in stores.

Methods. We used a case-crossover design with 6 stores located in low-income Black neighborhoods in Baltimore, Maryland, from 2012 to 2013. The intervention used 1 of 4 randomly posted signs with caloric information: absolute calories, number of teaspoons of sugar, and number of minutes of running or miles of walking necessary to burn off a beverage. We collected data for 4516 purchases by Black adolescents, including both baseline and postintervention periods with no signs posted.

Results. We found that providing caloric information significantly reduced the number of total beverage calories purchased, the likelihood of buying an SSB, and the likelihood of buying an SSB greater than 16 ounces (P < .05). After removing the signs, the quantity, volume, and number of calories from SSB purchases remained lower than baseline (P < .05).

Conclusions. Providing caloric information was associated with purchasing a smaller SSB, switching to a beverage with no calories, or opting to not purchase a beverage; there was a persistent effect on reducing SSB purchases after signs were removed.
The Association Between Social Stressors and Home Smoking Rules Among Women With Infants in the United States
Authors: Saint Onge Jarron M. , Gurley-Calvez Tami , Orth Teresa A. , Okah Felix A.
Published: October 2014

Objectives. We examined the role of social stressors on home-smoking rules (HSRs) among women with infants in the United States, with attention on the moderating role of smoking status and depression.

Methods. We analyzed data for 118 062 women with recent births in the United States who participated in the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (2004–2010), which is a population-based surveillance data set. We fit multinomial logistic models to predict the odds of partial or no HSRs by a cumulative index of prenatal social stressors.

Results. Compared with those with no stressors, mothers with high levels of social stressors had 2.5 times higher odds of partial or no HSRs. Smokers in the 1–2, 3–5, and ≥ 6 stressor categories were 9.0%, 9.6%, and 10.8% more likely to have partial or no HSRs, respectively. Under the highest levels of stress (≥ 6), nonsmokers were almost as likely as smokers to have partial or no HSRs. In addition, the effects of stress on HSRs were more pronounced for nonsmoker, nondepressed mothers.

Conclusions. Increases in social stressors represented an important risk factor for partial or no HSRs and might have potential negative implications for infants.