bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative characteristics of diabetes risk scores
Authors: Mustafina Svetlana Vladimirovna , Simonova Galina Il'inichna , Rymar Oksana Dmitrievna
Published: October 2014

The worldwide prevalence of diabetes among adults (aged 20?79 years) was 8.35% in 2013, and this is expected to increase by 55% (592 million adults) by 2035. To avoid the increase in the prevalence of diabetes, primary prevention and early diagnosis of prediabetes are required. It is important to identify individuals at a high risk of hyperglycaemia using inexpensive and available methods. At present, risk score is an alternative to identify the risk of developing diabetes. There are approximately 10 types of risk scores in the world, and further research for the development and adaptation of risk scores for various populations are being conducted. The use of risk score methods for prediction allows the setting of the level of total risk, identification of high-risk patients and prescription of necessary preventive measures. Actual validation of existing diabetes risk score for the Russian population is being conducted. Assessment of the risk of diabetes is simple, fast, inexpensive, non-invasive and reliable.
Risk of chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes determined by polymorphisms in NOS3, APOB, KCNJ11, TCF7L2 genes as compound effect of risk genotypes combination
Authors: Zheleznyakova Anna Viktorovna , Lebedeva Nadezhda Olegovna , Vikulova Olga Konstantinovna , Nosikov Valery Vyacheslavovich , Shamkhalova Minara Shamkhalovna , Shestakova Marina Vladimirovna
Published: October 2014

Genetic susceptibility plays an important role in the risk of developing chronic complications in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Aims. In this study, we evaluated the possible association of the polymorphic variants that encode key renal damage mediators (endothelial dysfunction, lipid metabolism and insulin secretion/sensitivity) with the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in patients with T2DM. Materials and Methods. We enrolled 435 patients with T2DM using case-control study design. In 253 patients, we used non-overlapping criteria to form groups with/without CKD (defined as GFR=10 years) (n=75 and 178, respectively) and analysed the following 4 polymorphic markers: I/D in ACE, ecNOS4a/4b in NOS3, I/D in APOB and e2/e3/e4 in APOE genes. We then divided 182 patients in groups with/without CKD (n=38 and 144, respectively) regardless of the duration of diabetes and studied pro12ala in PPARG2, rs5219 in KCNJ11, rs12255372 in TCF7L2 and rs13266634 in SLC30A8 genes. 2 test, and data were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Values of p
Der Pädagogenstaat
Authors: Geiss Michael
Published: October 2014

Die öffentliche Schule kann auf verschiedene Weise beaufsichtigt und verwaltet werden. Ob sie durch demokratisch legitimierte Laienbehörden, bürokratische Organisationen oder professionelle Agenturen kontrolliert werden soll, ist in Geschichte und Gegenwart umstritten. Im Zentrum der Studie stehen Organisationspraxis und Behördenkommunikation in der badischen Unterrichtsverwaltung zwischen 1860 und 1912. Für diesen Zeitraum von gut 50 Jahren arbeitet Michael Geiss tatsächlich realisierte oder auch zunächst intensiv debattierte und später vergessene Möglichkeiten, die Aufsicht und Administration der Bildungsverwaltung zu organisieren, heraus.
Wissenschaft der Transformation – Transformationen der Wissenschaft
Authors: Böschen Stefan
Published: October 2014

Transformative Wissenschaft sieht sich in einem Spannungsfeld: Einerseits soll sie nützliches Wissen für kollektives Problemlösen bereitstellen, was transdisziplinäres Arbeiten und weite Spielräume erfordert. Andererseits soll sie mit immer weniger Mitteln
auskommen und sich im disziplinären Wettbewerb behaupten. Drei aktuelle Bücher loten in ihrer Zusammenschau dieses Spannungsfeld aus.
Price-level instability and international monetary policy coordination
Authors: Nguyen Hong Thang
Published: October 2014

In a two-country open economy model, Bencivenga, Huybens, and Smith [2002, What to Stabilize in the Open Economy, International Economic Review 43, 1289–1307] investigate three policy regimes and find that a fixed exchange rate regime, where the country with the lowest reserve-to-deposit ratio is charged with maintaining the fixed rate, and a price-level targeting regime are both more prone to price-level instability than a constant money growth rate regime. This paper, by replacing their “helicopter drops” assumption with an open market operations assumption, shows that the two rules of fixing the money growth rate and targeting the time path of the price level work equally well. Additionally, under a regime of fixed exchange rates, it does not matter which country is charged with keeping the fixed exchange rate.
Characterization of auxetic polyurethanes foam for biomedical implants
Authors: Bhullar Sukhwinder K.
Published: October 2014

Aging, accidents and diseases are the leading causes of disability in today’s world. Therefore, implants and prostheses for hard and soft tissues are becoming increasingly common to restore daily activity and improve the quality of life of patients. Although implants have been extensively developed and are in the clinical use, deformation mechanism, inflexibility and mismatch of the elastic and mechanical behavior of the implants with native tissues are challenges for tissue engineering. The objective of this study was to characterize auxetic polyurethane foam as an auxetic soft tissue implant based on mathematical modeling using a nonlinear elasticity theory. The compressibility effects on auxetic soft tissue implants due to equibiaxial loading were studied. Numerical results were computed using experimentally obtained data and compared with the non-auxetic behavior of a soft tissue.
Green synthesis of dual-surface nanocomposite films using Tollen’s method
Authors: Badawy Sayed M.
Published: October 2014

Nanocomposite films with dual-surface, silver (Ag) layers and silver-polyvinyl alcohol (Ag-PVA) bulk layers were prepared by Tollen’s reagent using β-D-glucose as a green reducing agent in water as an environmentally-friendly solvent and in PVA as a bio-friendly polymer. The gradual color change of Ag in PVA solutions from colorless to light brown and then to brown, and finally dark brown, indicated the formation of Ag nanoparticles in the bulk of the PVA solution which finally formed Ag layers on the inner side of the glass. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the nanocomposite films with two surfaces. The Ag content of the Ag layers reached 93% with a higher crystallinity. The Ag content of the Ag-PVA bulk layers reached 10.8% with a lower crystallinity due to incorporation of Ag nanoparticles in the polymer chains. The structure and morphology of the two surfaces were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Attenuating effect of standardized lyophilized Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract against streptozotocin-induced experimental dementia of Alzheimer’s type
Authors: Malik Jai , Munjal Kavita , Deshmukh Rahul
Published: October 2014

Background: The Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CZ; family Lauraceae) bark, an important spice, has also been used traditionally for nervous stress, as a nervine tonic, and as a stimulant. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of the standardized lyophilized aqueous extract of CZ bark (LCZE) on learning and memory in rodents at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, p.o. dose levels against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced memory impairment.

Methods: LCZE was standardized based on the cinnamaldehyde content using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). The effect on learning and memory was evaluated using two widely used behavioral models, the Morris water maze (MWM) test and the object recognition test (ORT). The effect of LCZE on the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative stress parameters in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of rat brain was also evaluated.

Results: LCZE significantly (p<0.05) and dose-dependently attenuated STZ-induced cognitive deficit in both models in comparison to only STZ-treated animals. In the MWM test, LCZE (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly decreased the transfer latency and increased the time spent by the animals in target quadrant. Similarly in the ORT, the LCZE-treated animals exhibited an improved discrimination between a familiar object and a novel object, indicating the reversal of STZ-induced memory impairment. LCZE also restored STZ-induced alteration in AChE activity and oxidative stress parameters in both brain parts.

Conclusions: The results clearly indicate toward the memory-enhancing effect of LCZE, which could be due to the synergistic effect of anti-AChE and antioxidant activities.
A dual version of Huppert's conjecture on conjugacy class sizes
Authors: Akhlaghi Zeinab , Khatami Maryam , Le Tung , Moori Jamshid , Tong-Viet Hung P.
Published: October 2014

In [J. Algebra 344 (2011), 205–228], a conjecture of J. G. Thompson for PSL
n
(q) was proved. It was shown that every finite group G with the property Z(G) = 1 and cs(G) = cs(PSL
n
(q))
is isomorphic to PSL
n
(q) where cs(G) is the set of conjugacy class sizes of G. In this article we improve this result for PSL2(q). In fact we prove that if cs(G) = cs(PSL2(q)),
for q > 3, then G ≅ PSL2(q) × A, where A is abelian. Our proof does not depend on the classification of finite simple groups.
Free vibration and postbuckling of laminated composite Timoshenko beams
Authors: Ansari Reza , Shojaei Mostafa Faghih , Mohammadi Vahid , Rouhi Hessam
Published: October 2014

A numerical solution method was developed to investigate the postbuckling behavior and vibrations around the buckled configurations of symmetrically and unsymmetrically laminated composite Timoshenko beams subject to different boundary conditions. The Hamilton principle was employed to derive the governing equations and corresponding boundary conditions which are then discretized by introducing a set of matrix differential operators. The pseudo-arc-length continuation method was used to solve the postbuckling problem. To study the free vibration that takes place around the buckled configurations, the corresponding eigenvalue problem was solved by means of the postbuckling configuration modes obtained in the previous step. The static bifurcation diagrams for composite beams with different lay-up laminates are given, and it is shown that the lay-up configuration considerably affects the magnitude of critical buckling load and postbuckling behavior. The study of the vibrations of composite beams with different laminations around the buckled configurations indicates that the natural frequency in the prebuckling domain increases as the stiffness of a beam increases, while there is no specific relation between the lay-up lamination and natural frequency in the postbuckling domain which necessitates conducting an accurate analysis in this area.
Polymer Brush/Metal Nanoparticle Hybrids for Optical Sensor Applications: from Self-Assembly to Tailored Functions and Nanoengineering
Authors: Christau Stephanie , Genzer Jan , von Klitzing Regine
Published: October 2014

This review article summarizes the progress of research in the field
of polymer brush/metal nanoparticle hybrid materials. We will
discuss the mutual influence of polymer brush matrix and
particles. Self-assembly of particles within polymer brushes, and ways
to control the loading and location of nanoparticles inside polymer
brushes will be described, as well as the possibility to use the brush
templates as nanoreactors to generate metal nanoparticles. The
combination of stimuli-responsive polymer brushes and nanoparticles
exhibiting surface plasmon resonance, such as gold or silver, enables
the design of optical sensors based on reversible variations of the
brush conformation. Sensing devices are capable of detecting a variety
of extrinsic variations in their surrounding enviroments. The progress
in the development of such optical sensors using brush/particle
hybrids will be discussed in more detail.
Effects of 12 weeks of treatment with fermented milk on blood pressure, glucose metabolism and markers of cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study
Authors: Hove K D , Brøns C , Færch K , Lund S S , Rossing P , Vaag A
Published: October 2014

Objective

Studies have indicated a blood pressure (BP)-lowering effect of milk-derived peptides in non-diabetic individuals, but the cardiometabolic effects of such peptides in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are not known. We investigated the effect of milk fermented with Lactobacillus helveticus on BP, glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in T2D.

Design

A randomised, double-blinded, prospective, placebo-controlled study.

Methods

In one arm of a factorial study design, 41 patients with T2D were randomised to receive 300 ml milk fermented with L. helveticus (Cardi04 yogurt) (n=23) or 300 ml artificially acidified milk (placebo yogurt) (n=18) for 12 weeks. BPs were measured over 24-h, and blood samples were collected in the fasting state and during a meal test before and after the intervention.

Results

Cardi04 yogurt did not reduce 24-h, daytime or nighttime systolic or diastolic BPs compared with placebo (P>0.05). Daytime and 24-h heart rate (HR) were significantly reduced in the group treated by Cardi04 yogurt compared with the placebo group (P<0.05 for both). There were no differences in HbA1c, plasma lipids, C-reactive protein, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, tumour necrosis factor alpha, tissue-type plasminogen activator: Ag, and von Willebrand factor: Ag between the groups. The change in fasting blood glucose concentration differed significantly between the two groups with a larger increase in the placebo group (P<0.05).

Conclusions

Ingestion of milk fermented with L. helveticus compared with placebo for 12 weeks did not significantly reduce BP in patients with T2D. Our finding of lower HRs and fasting plasma glucose levels in T2D patients during ingestion of fermented milk needs further validation.
Three-dimensional echocardiography in a dynamic heart phantom: comparison of five different methods to measure chamber volume using a commercially available software
Authors: Wood Peter W , Gibson Patrick H , Becher Harald
Published: October 2014

Several methods of analysis are available for quantification of left ventricular volumes and ejection fraction using three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography. This study compared the accuracy and reproducibility of five methods of analysis in a novel, irregularly shaped dynamic heart phantom with excellent image quality. Five 3D datasets were acquired on a Philips IE33 platform using an X5-1 3D transducer. Each dataset was analysed by five different methods using the Philips QLab v8.1 software: Methods A1, A2 and A3, semi-automated contour detection with varying degrees of user correction; Method B, Simpson's biplane method using optimally aligned four- and two-chamber views and Method C, method of discs, manually delineated in reconstructed short-axis views. Time–volume curves were generated for each method and compared with the true volumes measured throughout systole in the phantom heart. A second observer repeated measurements by each method in a single 3D dataset. Method A1 (uncorrected semi-automated contouring) produced the most consistent time–volume curves, although end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes varied between datasets. Any manual correction of contours (Methods A2, A3 and B) resulted in significant variation in the time–volume curves, with less consistent endocardial tracking. Method C was not only the most accurate and reproducible method, but also the most time-consuming one. Different methods of 3D volume quantification vary significantly in accuracy and reproducibility using an irregular phantom heart model. Although contouring may appear optimal in long-axis views, this may not be replicated circumferentially, and the resulting measures appeared to be less robust following the manual correction of semi-automated contours.
CRITICAL CARE ECHO ROUNDS: Echo in cardiac arrest
Authors: Zafiropoulos Andreas , Asrress Kaleab , Redwood Simon , Gillon Stuart , Walker David
Published: October 2014

Management of medical cardiac arrest is challenging. The internationally agreed approach is highly protocolised with therapy and diagnosis occurring in parallel. Early identification of the precipitating cause increases the likelihood of favourable outcome. Echocardiography provides an invaluable diagnostic tool in this context. Acquisition of echo images can be challenging in cardiac arrest and should occur in a way that minimises disruption to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In this article, the reversible causes of cardiac arrest are reviewed with associated echocardiography findings.

Case

A 71-year-old patient underwent right upper lobectomy for lung adenocarcinoma. On the 2nd post-operative day, he developed respiratory failure with rising oxygen requirement and right middle and lower lobe collapse and consolidation on chest X-ray. He was commenced on high-flow oxygen therapy and antibiotics. His condition continued to deteriorate and on the 3rd post-operative day he was intubated and mechanically ventilated. Six hours after intubation, he became suddenly hypotensive with a blood pressure of 50 systolic and then lost cardiac output. ECG monitoring showed pulseless electrical activity. CPR was commenced and return of circulation occurred after injection of 1 mg of adrenaline. Focused echocardiography was performed, which demonstrated signs of massive pulmonary embolism. Thrombolytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator was given and his condition stabilised.
Functional Multi-Locus QTL Mapping of Temporal Trends in Scots Pine Wood Traits
Authors: Li Zitong , Hallingbäck Henrik R , Abrahamsson Sara , Fries Anders , Gull Bengt Andersson , Sillanpää Mikko J , García-Gil M Rosario
Published: October 2014

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping of wood properties in conifer species has focused on single time point measurements or on trait means based on heterogeneous wood samples (e.g., increment cores), thus ignoring systematic within-tree trends. In this study, functional QTL mapping was performed for a set of important wood properties in increment cores from a 17-yr-old Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) full-sib family with the aim of detecting wood trait QTL for general intercepts (means) and for linear slopes by increasing cambial age. Two multi-locus functional QTL analysis approaches were proposed and their performances were compared on trait datasets comprising 2 to 9 time points, 91 to 455 individual tree measurements and genotype datasets of amplified length polymorphisms (AFLP), and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. The first method was a multilevel LASSO analysis whereby trend parameter estimation and QTL mapping were conducted consecutively; the second method was our Bayesian linear mixed model whereby trends and underlying genetic effects were estimated simultaneously. We also compared several different hypothesis testing methods under either the LASSO or the Bayesian framework to perform QTL inference. In total, five and four significant QTL were observed for the intercepts and slopes, respectively, across wood traits such as earlywood percentage, wood density, radial fiberwidth, and spiral grain angle. Four of these QTL were represented by candidate gene SNPs, thus providing promising targets for future research in QTL mapping and molecular function. Bayesian and LASSO methods both detected similar sets of QTL given datasets that comprised large numbers of individuals.
MiFID: Eine systematische Analyse der Zielerreichung
Authors: Gomber Peter , Jäger Benedikt
Published: October 2014

Der vorliegende Artikel analysiert systematisch die Erreichung der MiFID-Ziele anhand der wissenschaftlichen Literatur. Ziel der MiFID ist es, die Rahmenbedingungen für einen effizienten und kostengünstigen Wertpapierhandel zu schaffen. Erreicht werden soll dies durch die Verschärfung des Wettbewerbs, die Integration der Märkte, die Offenlegung von Handelsintentionen und -geschäften sowie die Stärkung der rechtlichen Position der Investoren. Im Ergebnis zeigt sich, dass die Förderung des Wettbewerbs als erfolgreich bewertet wird, aber die regulatorischen Möglichkeiten der Marktintegration nicht ausgeschöpft werden. Ferner wird die Forderung nach einheitlichen Transparenzbestimmungen für alle Ordermechanismen nur teilweise umgesetzt. Der Anleger erfährt letztlich gegenüber Finanzintermediären durch die MiFID keinen höheren Schutz.
Zur Ausgestaltung von Mittelstandsanleihen: Eine kritische Bestandsaufnahme zu Ratings, Spreads, Covenants und Sicherheiten
Authors: Schüler Andreas , Kaufmann Patrick
Published: October 2014

Der Beitrag erfasst und analysiert zentrale Merkmale sämtlicher bis Mitte 2013 emittierten Mittelstandsanleihen. Die Merkmale sind Ratings, Spreads, Covenants und Sicherheiten. Ihre Entwicklung wird insbesondere vor dem Hintergrund der beobachtbaren Platzierungsquoten, der nicht vernachlässigbaren Zahl an Insolvenzanträgen von Anleiheschuldnern und der häufigen Rating-Herabstufungen untersucht.
MAPbI3-xClx mixed halide perovskite for hybrid solar cells: the role of chloride as dopant on the transport and structural properties
Authors: Colella Silvia , Mosconi Edoardo , Fedeli Paolo , Listorti Andrea , Rizzo Aurora , Gazza Francesco , Orlandi Fabio , Ferro Patrizia , Besagni Tullo , Calestani Gianluca , De Angelis Filippo , Mosca Roberto , Gigli Giuseppe
Published: October 2014

Hybrid halide perovskites represent one of the most promising solutions toward the fabrication of all solid nanostructured solar cells with improved efficiency and long-term stability. This article aims at investigating the structural properties of the iodide/chloride mixed-halide perovskites and correlating them with the photovoltaic performances of the related sensitized solar cells. We found out that, independently on the components ratio in the precursor solution, Cl incorporation, in a I-based structure, is possible only at relatively low concentration levels (below 3-4%). However, even if the material band-gap remains substantially unchanged, incorporation of Cl as a dopant dramatically improves the charge transport within the perovskite layer, explaining the outstanding performances of meso-superstructured solar cells based on this material.
Suction effects in deep Callovo-Oxfordian claystone
Authors: Delage P. , Menaceur H. , Tang A. M. , Talandier J.
Published: October 2014

An experimental programme was carried out with the aim of investigating suction effects in a specimen of Callovo-Oxfordian claystone extracted at great depth (479 m). A specimen that was saturated in an oedometer with limited swelling exhibited significant swelling and desaturation upon quick unloading at constant water content. The microstructure after unloading was compared with the initial microstructure based on mercury intrusion porosimetry measurements. Since the pore size distribution curves before and after loading appeared to be comparable in the range of pore sizes covered by mercury intrusion (entrance diameter between 363ṡ6 μm and 5ṡ5 nm), it was concluded, based on microstructure considerations, that swelling occurred in pores with a diameter less than 5ṡ5 nm, from water transfer within the clay matrix from inter-platelet to intra-platelet pores. This mechanism might occur when excavating galleries in areas of an excavation damaged zone that support instantaneous unloading sequences, as a first desaturation process prior to subsequent evaporation due to the ventilation of galleries.
Liana competition with tropical trees varies seasonally but not with tree species identity
Authors: Álvarez-Cansino Leonor , Schnitzer Stefan A. , Reid Joseph P. , Powers Jennifer S.
Published: October 2014

Lianas in tropical forests compete intensely with trees for above‐ and belowground resources and limit tree growth and regeneration. Liana competition with adult canopy trees may be particularly strong, and, if lianas compete more intensely with some tree species than others, they may influence tree species composition. We performed the first systematic, large‐scale liana removal experiment to assess the competitive effects of lianas on multiple tropical tree species by measuring sap velocity and growth in a lowland tropical forest in Panama. Tree sap velocity increased 60% soon after liana removal compared to control trees, and tree diameter growth increased 25% after one year. Although tree species varied in their response to lianas, this variation was not significant, suggesting that lianas competed similarly with all tree species examined. The effect of lianas on tree sap velocity was particularly strong during the dry season, when soil moisture was low, suggesting that lianas compete intensely with trees for water. Under the predicted global change scenario of increased temperature and drought intensity, competition from lianas may become more prevalent in seasonal tropical forests, which, according to our data, should have a negative effect on most tropical tree species.
Male Partners’ Attachment Styles as Predictors of Women’s Coerced First Sexual Intercourse in Chinese College Students’ Dating Relationships
Authors: He Shanshan , Tsang Sandra
Published: October 2014

Attachment theory has great potential to help our understanding of the apparent contradiction between violence and intimacy. Yet very few studies applied this theory to explain or predict sexual coercion in the context of intimate relationships. This study examined the relation between male partners’ attachment styles and women’s coerced first sexual intercourse in dating relationships. There were 927 valid questionnaires collected by purposive snowball sampling in five main cities in China to college students who were currently in a romantic relationship. Results showed that in both male and female samples, male partners’ anxious attachment style were significantly and positively predicted emotional manipulation coercive tactics. In the female sample, male partners’ two attachment styles (anxious and avoidant) positively predicted violence threat tactics, and male partners’ avoidant attachment style positively predicted defection threat tactics. The research hypothesis of this study has been successfully supported, and implications and limitations were discussed.
The Role of Borderline Personality Disorder and Depression in the Relationship Between Sexual Assault and Body Mass Index Among Women Veterans
Authors: Cheney Ann M. , Booth Brenda M. , Davis Teri D. , Mengeling Michelle A. , Torner James C. , Sadler Anne G.
Published: October 2014

This article examines lifetime sexual assault (LSA) and mental health history as risk factors associated with body mass index (BMI) in a population of women veterans. This cross-sectional study of a retrospective cohort of 948 Veterans Affairs (VA)–enrolled midwestern enlisted rank women veterans included computer-assisted telephone interviews. Findings show that 33.4% of the participants had a BMI of 30.0 or more meeting the criteria for obesity and 62.5% reported lifetime attempted or completed sexual assault. Greater BMI was positively associated with older age, less education, LSA, depression, and borderline personality disorder (BPD) and negatively associated with current substance use disorder in multivariate models. Mediation analysis found that the relationship between sexual assault and BMI was completely mediated by BPD and depression. Interventions should combine physical and mental health care in gender-specific services for overweight women veterans with trauma histories and mental health conditions.
Psychological and Physical Dating Violence Perpetrated by Pregnant and Parenting Latina Adolescents
Authors: Toews Michelle L. , Yazedjian Ani
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of psychological and physical dating violence perpetrated by 126 pregnant and parenting Latina adolescents. We found 85.7% had perpetrated at least one act of psychological abuse and 47.6% had perpetrated at least one act of physical abuse against the father of their child in the past 3 months. When examining predictors of psychological dating violence, we found that Latina adolescents who engaged in less positive communication patterns with their parents as well as those who were both the victim and perpetrator of physical abuse within their dating relationships were more likely to perpetrate psychological abuse. When examining predictors of physical dating violence, we found that Latina adolescents who perpetrated psychological abuse against the father of their child were also more likely to perpetrate physical abuse.
Relational Caring: The Use of the Victim Impact Statement by Sexually Assaulted Women
Authors: Miller Karen-Lee
Published: October 2014

The victim impact statement (VIS) is a written account of harms experienced as a result of crime. This study investigates VIS use by sexually assaulted women through interviews with Canadian victims, victim services workers, and feminist advocates (N = 35). Findings suggest that victims use the VIS to express relational caring. Relational caring is an ethic of care that prioritizes others through privileging the harms experienced by others because of witnessing the sexual assault or coping with the victim’s postassault sequelae, protecting future or hypothetical victims, and promoting the interests of intimate partner offenders. Relational caring challenges traditional conceptions of victim agency and VIS use for instrumental purposes, as well as the targets and temporalities of sexual assault harms that are detailed in the statement. Relational caring has unique implications for victims who are mothers, especially those abused as minors, and for intimate partners. Legal, therapeutic, and social service consequences are discussed.
Exogenous Hormones Alleviated Salinity and Temperature Stresses on Germination and Early Seedling Growth of Sweet Sorghum
Authors: Ahmed Nimir Nimir Eltyb , Lu Shiyuan , Zhou Guisheng , Ma B. L. , Guo Wenshan , Wang Yonghui
Published: October 2014

Germination and vigorous growth are critical for seedling establishment, especially under salinity and high temperature. A laboratory experiment was done to determine the effects of salinity (0, 100, 200, and 300 mM NaCl) and temperature (25, 35, and 39°C) on germination and early seedling growth of two genotypes (Yajin 13 and Yajin 71) of sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. Seeds were soaked in solutions with one of three hormones [288.7 μM gibberellic acid (GA3), 232.3μM kinetin, or their combination] and germinated under controlled conditions. Water imbibition, germination, radicle and shoot length, and the electrical conductivity of leachate were measured. Seed water imbibition increased with increasing temperature and decreased with increasing salinity level. Yajin 13 had 17.9% higher germination percentage with 16.3% higher germination velocity index than Yajin 71. Salinity and temperature stresses clearly affected germination and decreased subsequent shoot and root growth. The application of GA3, kinetin, or their combination alleviated the negative effects of salinity and temperature stresses on all the measurements. Among the tested hormones, GA3 was better in alleviating salinity and temperature stress in both genotypes in germination and other parameters except water uptake. It was concluded that seeds treated with suitable exogenous hormones may serve as a possible way to improve water imbibition and to alleviate the negative effects produced by salinity and high temperature on germination and early seedling growth of sweet sorghum.
Foliar or Soil Applications of Silicon Alleviate Water‐Deficit Stress of Potato Plants
Authors: Pilon Cristiane , Soratto Rogério P. , Broetto Fernando , Fernandes Adalton M.
Published: October 2014

Root‐supplied Si is thought to play a role in alleviating the effects of water‐deficit stress in several crops. However, little information is known about the contribution of Si, especially foliar application, in the biochemical and physiological mechanisms of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under water‐deficit stress. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soil‐ and foliar‐applied soluble Si on Si accumulation, osmotic adjustment, antioxidant defense responses, pigments concentrations, and tuber yield of potato plants grown under water deficit. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using pots containing 35 dm3 of a Typic Acrortox soil. Treatments included a control (no water‐deficit stress or Si application), water‐deficit stress (–0.060 MPa soil matric potential) without Si application, water‐deficit stress with soil‐applied soluble Si (50 mg dm–3 Si), and water‐deficit stress with foliar‐applied soluble Si (five sprays of 1.425 mM Si water solution). Soil‐applied Si increased concentration and accumulation of Si in all parts of water‐stressed potato plants while foliar‐applied Si increased the Si concentration only in the tuber + roots, compared to the control and water‐deficit treatment. Both soil‐ and foliar‐applied Si increased proline, activity of catalase (CAT), and tuber dry weight and decreased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) concentration in water‐stressed plants. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was increased only by the foliar application of Si. Water‐stressed plants that received either soil‐ or foliar‐applied Si maintained relative water content, concentrations of chlorophyll a and carotenoids, chlorophyll a/b ratio, and tuber yield similar to well‐watered potato plants.
Maize Root Architecture and Water Stress Tolerance: An Approximation from Crop Models
Authors: Carretero Ramiro , Bert Federico Esteban , Podestá Guillermo
Published: October 2014

This work presents an assessment of potential advantages of drought tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.) production. A higher water uptake resulting from an enhanced root exploration at deep soil layers seems to be the most promising mechanism. The potential field‐level impacts of this mechanism is assessed in two contrasting agroecological areas of the Argentine Pampas using the CERES‐Maize model. The soil root growth factor parameter (SRGF) was manipulated to represent a modified maize hybrid with higher density of deep roots. Enhanced root exploration increased maize transpiration and consequently biomass production and yields. Benefits of the modified hybrid tend to be higher under low water availability conditions (low soil water content at sowing and/or rains during crop cycle). Although higher yield responses to root architecture changes were initially expected in the marginal semiarid area (Pilar), the opposite was observed: the average yield increases were 4.7 and 11.7% for Pilar and Pergamino, respectively. The modified hybrid showed lower yields than the current one in approximately 10% of the simulated situations. There were no yield penalties for the modified hybrid in cropping cycles with high water availability. This work shows strong interactions between root architecture and the environmental conditions in which crops are grown that affect potential field‐level benefits. We highlight the need for assessing attributes tied to drought tolerance in the context of agroecological conditions in which plants will be grown to identify which drought‐tolerance mechanisms might prove effective under different water‐stress conditions.
Influence of Latanoprost on Retinal Microcirculation in Glaucoma
Authors: Kremmer S , Iliadou M , Anastassiou G , Schallenberg M , Vilser W , Steuhl K.P , Selbach J.M
Published: October 2014

Purpose :

To test whether latanoprost has an influence on ocular haemodynamics, considering the general reputation of prostaglandins which is frequently associated with vasoconstriction. The effect of latanoprost on the retinal blood supply of treatment-naïve glaucoma patients was tested.

Materials and Methodology :

13 patients (7 male, 6 female) who had just recently been diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) were treated with latanoprost (0.005%). The average age of our study group was 63.8 years (+/- 2.9 years).

The drug’s effect on retinal autoregulation was assessed by flicker test using the Dynamic Vessel Analyzer (DVA). Examinations took place before initializing treatment, after 4 weeks and once again after 4 to 6 months.

Results :

In our group of POAG patients, the IOP under treatment was significantly reduced about 25%. No intraindividual differences in systemic blood pressure and heart rate were observed. In DVA measurements of glaucoma patients, the maximum flicker dilation of the arteries was significantly lower than reported for healthy volunteers. Beyond that, POAG patients did not show significant differences in vessel diameters, peak amplitudes as well as maximum dilations of retinal arteries and veins before and under treatment with latanoprost (0.005%).

Conclusion :

Latanoprost markedly lowered the IOP but it did not exert a significant effect on retinal haemodynamics. There was neither a tendency towards vasoconstriction nor towards vasodilation. Sustaining reperfusion damage after topical latanoprost therapy thus seems to be highly unlikely. Further studies must show if sole IOP lowering or a dual positive effect – IOP lowering and improvement of retinal vessel autoregulation – have a more positive impact on the long term follow-up of glaucoma patients.
Variety of Crystal Structures of Chiral Schiff Base Lu(III)-Ni(II)/ Cu(II)/Zn(II) and the Related Complexes
Authors: Orita Shingo , Akitsu Takashiro
Published: October 2014

New mononuclear [Cu2(L1)2(H2O)]2H2O・CH3OH] (cyCu)2, multinuclear [Cu2(L1)2K2][Ni(CN)4] (cyCuKNi), and dinuclear Ni(L1)Lu(NO3)3 (cyLuNi), Cu(L1)Lu(NO3)3 (cyLuCu) and Zn(L1)Lu[(NO3)2CH3COO]CH3OH (cyLuZn) complexes incorporating chiral Schiff base ligands were prepared and characterized by various techniques such as solid-state CD spectra, diffuse reflectance electronic spectra, IR spectra, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Crystal structures were also compared with previous ones, namely [Cu(L2)](H2O) (diCu), Cu(L1)Gd(NO3)3 (cyGdCu). Interestingly, determined crystal structures exhibited drastically different structural characteristics as regards coordination numbers, crystalline solvents, features and strain condition, nevertheless with little modification in 3d metal substitution and/or modified organic ligands. In this paper, comparison of common components of structures will be discussed systematically.
Detection and Occurrence of Indicator Organisms and Pathogens
Authors: Kronlein Maggie R. , Stedtfeld Robert D. , Samhan Farag , Kronlein Cathrine , Hashsham Syed A.
Published: October 2014

This review summarizes some key literature published in 2013 that pertains to the detection and occurrence of pathogens and indicators of waterborne pathogens. Particular emphasis was placed on emerging detection methods that when fully developed may have an impact on the application of molecular tools to characterize the microbial quality of water. As such, this review is organized into the following topics: i) nucleic acids‐based detection methods, ii) sequencing‐based detection methods, iii) culturing combined to molecular methods, and iv) sample processing.
Wastewater Collection Systems
Authors: Vallabhaneni Srinivas
Published: October 2014

This chapter presents a review of the literature published in 2013 on topics relating to wastewater collection systems. It presents advances in research and noteworthy industry experiences selected from major literature sources. This review is divided into the following sections: sewer system planning; asset management; sewer condition assessment/rehabilitation; green infrastructure integration system design; operation/ maintenance; and regulatory issues.
Physico‐Chemical Processes
Authors: Hua Bin , Xiong Huixin , Wang Zhengyang , Yang John , Zhang Shichen , Wang Zhongzhen , Deng Baolin
Published: October 2014

This review is on the research literature published in 2013 related to the physico‐chemical processes for water and wastewater treatment. The review is divided into seven sections, including coagulation/flocculation, filtration, oxidation, sedimentation, flotation, sorption process: removal of inorganics, and sorption process: removal of organics.
Automotive Wastes
Authors: Guigard Selma E. , Gee Kathleen , Zhang Longdong , Atkinson John D. , Hashisho Zaher
Published: October 2014

A review of the literature from 2013 related to automotive wastes is presented. Topics include solid wastes from autobodies and tires, and vehicle emissions to soil and air as a result of the use of conventional and alternative fuels. Potential toxicological and health risks related to automotive wastes are also discussed.
Food‐Processing Wastes
Authors: Frenkel Val S. , Cummings Gregg A. , Maillacheruvu K.Y. , Tang Walter Z.
Published: October 2014

Literature published in 2013 and early 2014 related to food processing wastes treatment for industrial applications is reviewed. This review is a subsection of the Treatment Systems section of the annual Water Environment Federation literature review and covers the following food processing industries and applications: general, meat and poultry, fruits and vegetables, dairy and beverage, and miscellaneous treatment of food wastes.
Pulp and Paper Mill Effluents Management
Authors: Sanusi Olanrewaju , Menezes Gustavo B.
Published: October 2014

The year of 2013 has shown that pulp and paper (P&P) mills continue to seek sustainability of paper production. Use of innovative technologies is making closed‐loop water systems even more efficient, reducing the water demand of P&P industry. Biogas generation through sludge management continues to provide opportunities for reduction in energy intensity and carbon footprint. P&P industries have also shown their commitment to environmental protection and conservation. Asia Pulp and Paper (APP), for example, promised to restore one million hectares of rainforest. Nevertheless, this industry continues to be one of the largest sources of environmental pollutants and management of pulp and paper mill effluents continues to be a priority to the industry and the focus of many research projects. This manuscript reviews publications in 2013 that geared towards the management of pulp and paper mill effluents. These set of publications addresses remediation technologies, biological treatments and the application of membrane technology for both sludge and wastewater derived from pulp and paper mill effluents. The publications have been categorized into sustainable technologies, membrane technology, agro application, biological and biochemical treatments, and phytoremediation.
Contaminated Aquatic Sediments
Authors: Jaglal Kendrick
Published: October 2014

A review of the literature published in 2013 relating to the assessment, evaluation and remediation of contaminated aquatic sediments is presented. The review is divided into the following sections: policy, methodology, distribution, fate and transport, bioavailability, bioaccumulation, risk, toxicity and remediation.
Thermal Effects
Authors: Ye Jie , Zhang Panyue , Zeng Guangming , Wu Yan , Chang Chein‐Chi
Published: October 2014

This review is on the research literature published in 2013 on topics relating to thermal effects in water pollution control. The review is divided into the following sections: membmne preparation and separation, adsorbent preparation and adsorption proces, aerobic biological treatment, anaerobic biological treatment, natural treatment, resource recovery and water environment.
Pesticides and Herbicides
Authors: Mahour Reza , Khan Muhammad Faizan , Forbes Sara , Perez‐Estrada Leonidas A.
Published: October 2014

This is a review of literature published in 2013 related to the presence of pesticides and herbicides in the environment. The review, divided into four sections, includes toxicology, ecology, risk assessment, modelling and treatment strategies.
Two types of stability conditions for linear delay difference equations
Authors: Cermák Jan , Jánský Jiří , Tomásek Petr
Published: October 2014

The paper discusses asymptotic stability conditions for a four-parameter
linear difference equation appearing in the process of discretization of a
delay differential equation. We present two types of conditions, which are
necessary and sufficient for asymptotic stability of the studied equation. A
relationship between both the types of conditions is established and some of
their consequences are discussed.
Glutarimides: Biological activity, general synthetic methods and physicochemical properties
Authors: Popovic-Djordjevic Jelena , Vitnik Vesna , Vitnik Zeljko , Ivanovic Milovan
Published: October 2014

Glutarimides, 2,6-dioxopiperidines are compounds that rarely occur in natural
sources, but so far isolated ones exert widespread pharmacological
activities, which makes them valuable as potential pharmacotherapeutics.
Glutarimides act as androgen receptor antagonists, anti-inflammatory,
anxiolytics, antibacterials, and tumor suppressing agents. Some synthetic
glutarimide derivatives are already in use as immunosuppressive and sedative
(e.g., thalidomide) or anxiolytics (buspirone) drugs. The wide applicability
of this class of compounds, justify the interest of scientists to explore new
pathways for its syntheses. General methods for synthesis of six-membered
imide ring, are presented in this paper. These methods include: a) reaction
of dicarboxylic acids with ammonia or primary amine, b) reactions of
cyclization: amido-acids, diamides, dinitriles, nitrilo-acids,
amido-nitriles, amido-esters, amidoacyl-chlorides or diacyl-chlorides, c)
adition of carbon-monoxide on a,b-unsaturated amides, d) oxidation reactions,
e) Michael adition of active methylen compounds on methacrylamide or
conjugated amides. Some of the described methods are used for closing
glutarimide ring in syntheses of farmacological active compounds sesbanimide
and aldose reductase inhibitors (ARI). Analyses of the geometry, as well as,
the spectroscopic analyses (NMR and FT-IR) of some glutarimides are presented
because of their broad spectrum of pharmacological activity. To elucidate
structures of glutarimides, geometrical parameters of newly synthesized
tert-pentyl-1-benzyl-4-methyl-glutarimide-3-carboxylate (PBMG) are analyzed
and compared with the experimental data from X-ray analysis for glutarimide.
Moreover, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surface which is plotted
over the optimized geometry to elucidate the reactivity of PBMG molecule is
analyzed. The electronic properties of glutarimide derivatives are explained
on the example of thalidomide. The Frontier Molecular Orbital (FMO) and their
energies are presented, as well as the energy gap between them.
Contemporary Childhoods in Asia: Becoming (Pre)School Students in Hong Kong
Authors: Lee I-Fang
Published: October 2014

Drawing from post-structural theoretical and conceptual frameworks, preschools and kindergartens are thought of as sociopolitical institutions where productions of values, rules and regulations are omnipresent. Highlighting a kindergarten in Hong Kong as an example, this article unpacks the production of a desirable childhood in which the making of young children as miniature students is a sociocultural construction in the early years. Seeking to destabilise such sociocultural production of miniature students as a normative way of being and becoming in childhood, this article de-naturalises the process of (pre)schooling while critically analysing the multiple discourses that come to shape the formation of children as school subjects to further unpack the cultural politics and imaginations of what shall count as a good student/child as well as a productive young citizen in the twenty-first century.