bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conocimientos de salud bucodental en relación con el nivel socioeconómico en adultos de la ciudad de Corrientes, Argentina
Authors: Dho María Silvina
Published: October 2015

Objetivo: analizar los conocimientos de salud bucodental y su relación con el nivel socioeconómico en individuos adultos. Metodología: se realizó un estudio transversal. A través de una encuesta domiciliaria se recolectó información referente a las variables de estudio. Se determinó el tamaño de la muestra estableciéndose un nivel de confianza del 95% (381 individuos) para la generalización de los resultados. Se aplicó un diseño muestral aleatorio simple para la selección de las viviendas a encuestar, que se complementó con un muestreo no probabilístico por cuotas para la selección de los individuos a entrevistar. Resultados: Los individuos adultos de la Ciudad de Corrientes presentan en general un nivel de conocimientos de salud bucodental aceptable, pues en una escala de 0 a 28 puntos utilizada para valorar los conocimientos, se registró un mínimo de 15 puntos. Los individuos de NSE bajo presentan un nivel de conocimientos de salud bucodental similar a los individuos de NSE medio-alto/alto. Las personas de NSE medio-bajo presentaron un nivel significativamente menor de conocimientos de salud bucodental. Conclusión: Estos resultados deberían contemplarse en el diseño estrategias de intervención que incidan en los determinantes socioculturales del proceso salud-enfermedad.
Presencia de parásitos y enterobacterias en palomas ferales (Columba livia) en áreas urbanas en Envigado, Colombia
Authors: Pérez-García Janeth , Monsalve-Arcila Daniela , Márquez-Villegas Camilo
Published: October 2015

Objetivo: diagnosticar la presencia de parásitos y enterobacterias de importancia en salud pública en poblaciones ferales de Columba livia en zonas urbanas del municipio de Envigado, Colombia. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo transversal prospectivo con cuarenta palomas en seis lugares diferentes. Se evaluó plumaje para determinar ectoparásitos, hisopado coanal y cloacal, y muestra de sangre de la vena axilar. Se realizó examen directo con solución salina y yodada; técnica de flotación y tinción de Ziehl-Neelsen. El diagnóstico de hemoparásitos se efectuó mediante método de gota gruesa, coloración de Wright y tinción Hemacolor®. Se utilizó API 20e® para Enterobacterias. Se realizó estadística descriptiva y análisis de correlación entre hemoparásitos y ectoparásitos. Resultados: Escherichia coli (95%), Haemoproteus spp. (73%), Columbicola columbae (64%), ooquistes compatibles con Eimeria spp. (55%), Pseudolynchia canariensis (52%), Trichomona spp. (40%), Capillaria spp. (28%), Menopon gallinae (24%), Ascaridia spp. (8%), y un caso de Enterobacter cloacae. Se identificó la presencia de Ornithonyssus bursa en nidos de algunas de las aves muestreadas. Discusión: Aunque se han presentado reportes de casos eventuales de ellos en personas dentro de la revisión de literatura, los microorganismos aislados tienen un bajo riesgo de transmisión en humanos; sin embargo pueden convertirse en un problema de salud pública veterinaria al ser potenciales fuentes de infección a la fauna silvestre urbana con quienes comparten albergue, fuentes de agua y alimento. Conclusión: El mayor porcentaje fue ooquistes compatibles con Eimeria spp (55%) y enterobacterias como E. coli (95%). Ornithonyssus bursa en las palomeras evidencia la presencia de un patógeno potencialmente zoonótico, causante de lesiones dérmicas en humanos.
Intervención educativa con docentes: fortalecimiento de habilidades psicosociales para la vida y hábitos saludables con escolares en Bogotá
Authors: Mantilla-Uribe Blanca P. , Oviedo-Cáceres Maria del Pilar , Hernandez-Quirama Andrea , Hakspiel-Plata Maria C.
Published: October 2015

Objetivo: Determinar los resultados de la intervención educativa dirigida a docentes para el fortalecimiento de hábitos saludables y habilidades psicosociales para la vida en niños y niñas de básica primaria en instituciones públicas de la ciudad de Bogotá. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio cualitativo con enfoque descriptivo para lo cual se utilizó como técnica de recolección de información el grupo focal, buscando ahondar con las personas participantes su experiencia, metodología, implementación y resultados del proceso formativo con enfoque de promoción de la salud con énfasis en  Habilidades psicosociales para la Vida y Hábitos Saludables con los grupos de escolares.  Para el análisis de la información se tuvo en cuenta el enfoque propuesto por Taylor y Bogdan,  y para apoyar el análisis se utilizó el software ATLAS ti (v. 6.2). Resultados: La participación de docentes en los procesos formativos tuvo una repercusión en diferentes escenarios de sus vidas, es así como se identifican vivencias en su vida personal, familiar y laboral.  Lo cual se explica desde tres ámbitos: lo novedoso del proceso formativo, la creatividad generada en su práctica docente y la solidaridad a la hora de la implementación en las instituciones educativas. Conclusiones: Las personas participantes de la investigación identifican la metodología participativa utilizada en el proceso formativo como innovador y elemento importante para su adherencia al programa, superando así sus predisposiciones iniciales a participar.  De la misma manera, el fortalecimiento de la creatividad de docentes es un factor que contribuye al ejercicio docente.
La investigación éticamente reflexionada
Authors: Arias-Valencia Samuel , Peñaranda Fernando
Published: October 2015

Hoy día, el ejercicio de la ética de la investigación se soporta en la teoría principialista de Beauchamp & Childres. Ellos propusieron el análisis de la reflexión ética a partir de cuatro principios Prima facie: autonomía, no maleficencia, beneficencia y justicia. Su instrumentalización ha facilitado la discusión y la argumentación ética en las ciencias biomédicas y la investigación en salud. Sin embargo, la valoración y el seguimiento ético de la investigación se ha burocratizado. Tanto para el investigador como para los comités de ética el ejercicio consiste en un trámite donde se debe verificar el cumplimiento de requisitos establecidos por unas listas de chequeo, que es a lo que han quedado reducidos en la práctica los códigos de ética de la investigación basados en la propuesta principialista; donde se excluye generalmente la discusión de la justicia social como prioridad de la investigación en salud. Por tal razón, los autores consideran necesario proponer otros marcos para el abordaje de la ética de la investigación que no se restrinjan a la aplicación de normas sino que inviten a una reflexión ética en los procesos de investigación en salud. Consideran que asumir la ética como reflexión sobre la justicia genera un marco más amplio para comprender la ética de investigación. Se supera así, una perspectiva limitada a reglas y normas externas para reconocerla como un asunto vital que compromete al investigador en su calidad de sujeto moral.
Privileging the individual through the collective commitment: Parental strategies and dynamics of involvement in a middle-class school
Authors: González-Patiño Javier , Poveda David
Published: October 2015

This paper attempts to contribute to the growing literature focusing on middle-class parents, their educational strategies and their role in the construction of socio-educational advantages/inequalities especially in the contexts of Spanish educational discourses, to the de-naturalization of middle-class parental ideologies and the educational policies that are presented as ideologically neutral but are closely aligned to this middle-class ideological complex.

The findings come from an action research project in a public (state-run) primary school in Spain, attempting to track and document the “natural history” of the various strategies of “school involvement” displayed by parents which range from collaboration with classroom, school and teacher-initiated activities, to surveillance of school policies and programming to open confrontation with the school administration and among parents.

This case study uncovers a complex scenario in a relatively homogeneous (in socio-economic and ethnic terms) site where parental dynamics of school involvement are varied and shaped by a complex and heterogeneous set of interests and beliefs that seriously invite to reconsider “school-family continuity” in middle-class settings. Additionally, we would also like to use the case study to raise some ethical and methodological questions in relation to the complexities of holding multiple identities and roles in the field.
Creation and extinction: The geological background to the initial American reception of Charles Darwin's Origin of Species
Authors: Herbert Sandra
Published: October 2015

On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin (1809–1882) was published in 1859 in England and in 1860 in the United States. Its relatively positive initial reception in the United States was facilitated by a number of factors including the prominence of geology among the sciences, the high standing of Darwin with James Dwight Dana (1813–1895), and common knowledge about geology among many non-geologists. As indicated by the example of Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865), knowledge of a long duration for the Earth and of the fact of species extinction was taken for granted. At the level of elite science, knowledge of geological concepts was also widespread, as indicated by the example of Joseph Henry (1797–1878), first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Instructed in geology not only by Amos Eaton (1776–1842) but also by the lectures of Charles Lyell (1797–1875), Henry proved a well-placed advocate for giving Darwin's book a fair hearing. In doing so Henry allied himself with the Harvard botanist Asa Gray (1810–1888). The fact that Darwin's Origin was published at a time of high political tension in the United States added to the drama: the opponent of evolution Louis Agassiz (1807–1873) engaged Gray, the proponent of evolution, on numerous grounds both intellectual and institutional. Further, vocabulary during the period moved back and forth across scientific and political contexts, as suggested by varied applications of the word “extinction.”
Utility of cartographic history to historical studies of the earth sciences
Authors: Spanagel David I.
Published: October 2015

Attention to the histories of geography and of cartography can enable the historian of earth sciences to frame fruitful historical research questions. This paper briefly analyzes various nineteenth-century representations of geological and geographical information on maps of North American interior regions, as well as several examples drawn from the twentieth century geological debate surrounding continental drift/plate tectonics ideas (during the pre- and post-seafloor mapping eras). The purpose of reviewing these examples is to demonstrate how one might utilize analytical approaches and concepts developed by historians of cartography to interpret and trace the broader consequences of maps in the history of the earth sciences.
The history of science in the science classroom: The past is the key to the future in science education
Authors: Clary Renee M. , Wandersee James H.
Published: October 2015

In many science classes, students encounter ‘final form’ science (Duschl 1990, 1994) in which scientific knowledge is presented as a rhetoric of conclusions (Schwab 1962). Incorporation of the history of science in modern science classrooms combats this false image of linear science progression. History of science can facilitate student understanding of the nature of science, pique student interest, and expose the cultural and societal constraints in which a science developed, revealing science's ‘human side’ (Matthews 1994). Carefully selected and researched episodes from the history of science illustrate that scientists sometimes chose incorrect hypotheses, misinterpreted data, and argued about data analysis. Our research documented that historical vignettes can hook students' attention, and past controversies can be used to develop students' analysis and argumentation skills before turning class attention to modern controversial issues. Historical graphics also have educational potential, as they reveal the progression of a science and offer alternative vehicles for data interpretation. In the United States, the National Science Education Standards (United States National Research Council 1996) acknowledged the importance of the History and Nature of Science by designating it as one of eight science content strands. However, the new United States Next Generation Science Standards (Achieve 2013) no longer include this strand, although the importance of the nature of science is still emphasized in the science framework (United States National Research Council 2012). Therefore, it is crucial that science education researchers continue to research and implement the history of science via interdisciplinary approaches to ensure its inclusion in United States science classrooms for better student understanding of the nature of science.
On the history of the first Russian geological map
Authors: Kolbantsev Leonid R.
Published: October 2015

The earliest Russian geologic map, the “Map of the Environs of the Nerchinsk Mining Establishment (1789–1794)”, was found in the Central State Historical Archive, Leningrad in 1925. At that time it was described by Presnyakov (1927). Shortly after that, the map was lost from view and was not available for study until recently. This paper investigates the provenance and history of the manuscript map in six sheets. It is likely that the Russian government commissioned the map in order to assess the mineral resources of the Nerchinsk district. The map was the result of six summer field seasons where the six base maps showing stream networks and topography were assembled using compasses and tapes. The rock types were superimposed on the base maps and depicted using different colors. The mapping effort was overseen by Egor Barboth de Marny, the director of the Nerchinsk mining establishment, and the fieldwork was undertaken by Dorofey Lebedev, Mikhail Ivanov and Alexey Cheredov. The innovative use of color may have been inspired by earlier maps of mining districts in Germany and suggested by Benedict Franz Johann Hermann, a member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences.
Habitual Coffee Consumption Does Not Correlate with Blood Pressure, Inflammation and Endothelial Dysfunction but Partially Correlates with Oxidative Stress
Authors: Sugiono Erizal , Arif Mansyur , Santoso Anwar
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Coffee is the most widely consumed beverage in the world and has been known to have effects on cardiovascular system. Many researchers have examined the effects of coffee consumption on blood pressure (BP) and risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), but their results were inconsistent and still remain a subject of controversy. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction have been known as risk factors of hypertension and CVD. Those factors are also known to be affected by coffee consumption. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the effects of habitual coffee consumption on BP and to examine the role of oxidative stress (F2 isoprostane), inflammation (high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP)) and endothelial dysfunction (asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA)).METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which 47 healthy, non-smoking men aged 30-60 years with varying coffee-drinking habits were enrolled. BP and blood/urine analysis of biomarkers were measured in the morning before activity. Coffee consumption was assessed using a questionnaire. The differences among variables were analyzed using ANOVA and the correlations between variables were analyzed using Kendall’s Tau correlation analysis.RESULTS: Habitual coffee consumption did not correlate with systolic/diastolic BP (r=-0.02; p=0.856 and r=0.15; p=0.230, respectively). Concentrations of ADMA and hsCRP were also not correlated with coffee consumption (r=0.03; p=0.764 and r=0.04; p=0.701, respectively). Coffee consumption only showed significant correlation with F2 isoprostane (r=0.34; p=0.004).CONCLUSION: BP was not affected by coffee consumption although coffee consumption has a significant correlation with F2 isoprostane. These findings suggest that correlation between coffee consumption and BP might be explained by other factors that were not included in this study.KEYWORDS: coffee, caffeine, cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction
Hypertrophic Obesity and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Dysfunction
Authors: Meiliana Anna , Wijaya Andi
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Over the past 50 years, scientists have recognized that not all adipose tissue is alike, and that health risk is associated with the location as well as the amount of body fat. Different depots are sufficiently distinct with respect to fatty-acid storage and release as to probably play unique roles in human physiology. Whether fat redistribution causes metabolic disease or whether it is a marker of underlying processes that are primarily responsible is an open question.CONTENT: The limited expandability of the subcutaneous adipose tissue leads to inappropriate adipose cell expansion (hypertrophic obesity) with local inflammation and a dysregulated and insulin-resistant adipose tissue. The inability to store excess fat in the subcutaneous adipose tissue is a likely key mechanism for promoting ectopic fat accumulation in tissues and areas where fat can be stored, including the intra-abdominal and visceral areas, in the liver, epi/pericardial area, around vessels, in the myocardium, and in the skeletal muscles. Many studies have implicated ectopic fat accumulation and the associated lipotoxicity as the major determinant of the metabolic complications of obesity driving systemic insulin resistance, inflammation, hepatic glucose production, and dyslipidemia.SUMMARY: In summary, hypertrophic obesity is due to an impaired ability to recruit and differentiate available adipose precursor cells in the subcutaneous adipose tissue. Thus, the subcutaneous adipose tissue may be particular in its limited ability in certain individuals to undergo adipogenesis during weight increase. Inability to promote subcutaneous adipogenesis under periods of affluence would favor lipid overlow and ectopic fat accumulation with negative metabolic consequences.KEYWORDS: obesity, adipogenesis, subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue, adipocyte dysfunction
Molecular Regulation and Rejuvenation of Muscle Stem (Satellite) Cell Aging
Authors: Meiliana Anna , Dewi Nurrani Mustika , Wijaya Andi
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND: Age-related muscle loss leads to lack of muscle strength, resulting in reduced posture and mobility and an increased risk of falls, all of which contribute to a decrease in quality of life. Skeletal muscle regeneration is a complex process, which is not yet completely understood.CONTENT: Skeletal muscle undergoes a progressive age-related loss in mass and function. Preservation of muscle mass depends in part on satellite cells, the resident stem cells of skeletal muscle. Reduced satellite cell function may contribute to the age-associated decrease in muscle mass. Recent studies have delineated that the aging process in organ stem cells is largely caused by age-specific changes in the differentiated niches, and that regenerative outcomes often depend on the age of the niche, rather than on stem cell age. It is likely that epigenetic states will be better define such key satellite cell features as prolonged quiescence and lineage fidelity. It is also likely that DNA and histone modifications will underlie many of the changes in aged satellite cells that account for age-related declines in functionality and rejuvenation through exposure to the systemic environment.SUMMARY: Skeletal muscle aging results in a gradual loss of skeletal muscle mass, skeletal muscle function and regenerative capacity, which can lead to sarcopenia and increased mortality. Although the mechanisms underlying sarcopenia remain unclear, the skeletal muscle stem cell, or satellite cell, is required for muscle regeneration. Decreased muscle stem cell function in aging has long been shown to depend on altered environmental cues, whereas the contribution of intrinsic mechanisms remained less clear. Signals in the aged niche were shown to cause permanent defects in the ability of satellite cells to return to quiescence, ultimately also impairing the maintenance of self-renewing satellite cells. Therefore, only anti-aging strategies taking both factors, the stem cell niche and the stem cells per se, into consideration may ultimately be successful.KEYWORDS: satellite cell, muscle, aging, niche, regenerations
Pay Now or Pay Later: An Economic Rationale for State-Funded Helping Services to Assist Women Leaving an Abusive Relationship
Authors: DeRiviere Linda
Published: October 2015

There has been an increase in costing analysis of intimate partner violence in recent decades, including the monetary impact to government, society, and the individual. Using data collected in a Canadian longitudinal study, the empirical analysis in this article provides an economic rationale for mobilizing public resources that improve the well-being of women leaving an abusive relationship. I estimated six variants of a selection model and used a costing exercise to build an economic case for preventive and other helping services to support women over their healing journey. The removal of financial constraints suffered by abused women, in support of their training needs, as well as reduced barriers to preventive health care services, may potentially lead to fiscal resource savings in the long run.
Consequences of Using Self-Protective Behaviors in Nonsexual Assaults: The Differential Risk of Completion and Injury by Victim Sex
Authors: Powers Ráchael A.
Published: October 2015

This study examines the consequences of using self-protective behaviors in nonsexual assaults. Particular attention is paid to how victim sex modifies conclusions regarding the effectiveness of countermeasures as completion or injury avoidance strategies. These relationships are tested using 16,309 incidents of nonsexual assaults from the National Crime Victimization Survey. Several outcomes of violent encounters (i.e., completion, injury, injury severity) are regressed on measures of self-protective behaviors through a sequence of logistic regressions. Interactions between victim sex and self-protective behavior are also estimated. Forceful physical strategies are associated with a greater probability of assault completion and injury. Conversely, nonforceful verbal strategies serve as protective factors for both completion and injury and nonforceful physical strategies are associated with a lower probability of injury. Furthermore, there is some evidence that the effectiveness of these countermeasures varies by the sex of the victim.
Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Initiation in Boys Before and Since Routine Use: Southern California, 2009–2013
Authors: Hechter Rulin C. , Chao Chun R. , Sidell Margo A. , Sy Lina S. , Ackerson Bradley K. , Slezak Jeff M. , Patel Nilesh J. , Tseng Hung Fu , Jacobsen Steven J.
Published: October 2015

Objectives. We examined the trends and correlates of quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV4) initiation in insured boys during the periods before and after routine use recommendation.

Methods. We grouped data from electronic medical records of boys aged 9 to 17 years from the Kaiser Permanente Southern California prepaid health plan into 3 open cohorts: permissive use: 2009 to 2010; anal cancer indication added: 2010 to 2011; and routine use: 2011 to 2013. We estimated adjusted risk ratios (ARRs) between demographics and vaccination initiation using Poisson regression.

Results. HPV4 initiation increased across cohorts—1.6%, 3.4%, and 18.5%—with the greatest increase among boys aged 11 to 12 years in cohort 3. Initiation was associated with receiving influenza vaccination in the previous year in all cohorts (cohort 3: ARR = 1.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.46, 1.51) and with non-White race/ethnicity following routine recommendation (cohort 3, non-Hispanic Black: ARR = 1.18; 95% CI = 1.08, 1.30; Hispanic: ARR = 1.23; 95% CI = 1.17, 1.29; Asian/Pacific Islanders: ARR = 1.16; 95% CI = 1.11, 1.20).

Conclusions. Routine use recommendation increased the uptake of HPV4 in boys. System-level interventions to encourage providers to routinely recommend HPV4 vaccination may help increase HPV4 uptake in boys.
Heterogeneity of uidA gene in environmental Escherichia coli populations
Authors: Lasalde Clarivel , Rodriguez Roberto , Toranzos Gary A. , Smith Henry H.
Published: October 2015

Previous studies have shown that Escherichia coli can be isolated from non-polluted rivers and from bromeliad axilae in pristine areas of tropical rain forests. Finding E. coli in pristine environments is unusual because this bacterium is thought to only survive in the gut of warm-blooded animals and thus its presence should indicate recent fecal contamination. The aims of this study were 1) to determine if E. coli is part of the native soil microbiota in tropical rain forests and 2) to determine if genetic heterogeneity exists among E. coli populations. High concentrations of total coliforms (104–105 cells per 10 g of soil dry weight) and low concentrations of thermotolerant coliforms (101–102 cells per 10 g dry soil, the majority of these were found to be E. coli) were detected. PCR using uidA-specific primers was done on DNA purified from E. coli isolates and the resulting amplicons analysed by denaturing-gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). Out of several hundred isolates, mixtures of nine different amplicons were consistently observed. The different patterns of DGGE observed indicate that the E. coli populations in these pristine soils are genetically heterogeneous. Fecal and environmental E. coli isolates were also analysed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) which showed high DNA sequence variation among the E. coli isolates. Because of these differences in the genomes, PFGE did not allow grouping of environmental versus human isolates of E. coli when compared side to side. The apparent genetic polymorphisms, as a result of genetic heterogeneity, observed in isolates from the same pristine site indicate that source tracking may be difficult to carry out using E. coli as the target organism.
Evaluation of microbiological quality of coastal waters in Greece
Authors: Vantarakis A. C. , Tsibouxi A. , Venieri D. , Komninou G. , Papapetropoulou M. , Athanassiadou A.
Published: October 2015

To evaluate the microbiological water quality of bathing sites along the Achaia coastline (south western Greece), a survey was conducted to determine the concentration of faecal bacterial and phage indicators as well as the presence of human viruses. Seawater samples (234) were collected from nine bathing sites on the Achaia coastline and were analysed for the presence of: total coliforms, faecal coliforms, faecal streptococci, Escherichia coli, somatic coliphages, F-RNA bacteriophages, bacteriophages infecting Bacteroides fragilis, enteroviruses, adenoviruses and hepatitis A viruses. Most of the bacteriological analysis results were in accordance with the European Union standards. In all sites, bacteriophages were detected occasionally. Enteroviruses and adenoviruses were detected in 24 samples (10.26%) and 37 samples (15.81%) respectively. No samples were positive for the presence of hepatitis A virus. The overall data indicates that bathing sites are impacted by human faecal material. Both bacterial indicators and phages have low predictive capability for the presence of human viruses in coastal waters. None of the environmental parameters analysed was strongly related to the presence of the indicator organisms and viruses. Appropriate and effective administrative measures that should be taken into account may be considered in order to improve water quality and reduce public health risk.
Comparison of disinfectants for biofilm, protozoa and Legionella control
Authors: Loret J. F. , Robert S. , Thomas V. , Lévi Y. , Cooper A. J. , McCoy W. F.
Published: October 2015

The aim of this study was to compare the efficiency of different disinfectants applicable to Legionella control in domestic water systems. A domestic water supply simulation unit that allowed simulation of real-world conditions was developed for this purpose. The system, consisting of seven identical rigs, was used to compare treatment efficiency under equivalent conditions of system design, materials, hydraulics, water quality, temperature and initial contamination. During the study, each of six loops received continuous application of one of the following disinfectants: chlorine, electro-chlorination, chlorine dioxide, monochloramine, ozone, or copper/silver. The seventh loop was used as a control and remained untreated. Performance evaluation of these disinfectants was based on their ability to reduce not only Legionella, but also protozoa and biofilms, which contribute to the establishment and dissemination of these bacteria in water systems, and their resistance to treatments. Regarding these criteria, chlorine dioxide and chlorine (as bleach or obtained by electro-chlorination) were the most effective treatments in this study. However, in comparison with chlorine, chlorine dioxide showed a longer residual activity in the system, which constituted an advantage in the perspective of an application to extensive pipework systems.
The background state leading to arsenic contamination of Bengal Basin groundwater
Authors: Adel Miah M.
Published: October 2015

The Bengal basin has the world's densest water diversion constructions on the natural courses of rivers. The most damaging water diversion construction is the Farakka Barrage upon the international River Ganges. The diversion of water through this barrage and other constructions upstream of it has reduced the Ganges flow rate by 2.5 times. The resulting downstream effects are the depletion of surface water resources, more withdrawal than recharge of groundwater, sinking groundwater table, spread in depth and extension of the vadose zone, changes in surface features, climatic changes, etc. An investigation was carried out to find the contributions of water diversion to the arsenic contamination of groundwater in the Bengal basin. The reasonable scenario for arsenic contamination is the oxygen deficiency in groundwater and aeration of arsenopyrites buried in the sediment that would remain under water prior to 1975. The mineral forms water-soluble compounds of arsenic when react with atmospheric oxygen. These soluble arsenic compounds infiltrates to the groundwater. This article summarizes the short-time and incomplete study-based quick conclusions reached by investigators that have totally avoided the vital issue of water diversion. It then shows the depleting condition of the water resources under continuing diversions, the generation of favorable condition for arsenic release, the reasons for low sulfur concentration, the reason for first contamination in the Hugly basin, and the hindrance to water's self-purification. The articles advocates that the restoration of the virgin wetland ecosystems in the Bengal basin following the stoppage of the inordinate amount of unilateral upstream water withdrawals can remove the catastrophe.
High-Speed Rail and Urban Decentralization in China
Authors: Zhu Pengyu , Yu Tao , Chen Zhao
Published: October 2015

The construction of a large-scale high-speed rail (HSR) network in China is altering the time–space relationships between cities. As a result, HSR is changing the traditional hierarchical urban system in China, and regions with large-scale networks of cities are forming. At the city level, the construction of HSR new towns could contribute to urban decentralization. The focus in this study is on the impact of HSR at the city level and how HSR is transforming cities in China through urban spatial restructuring. Case studies on two cities located on the Beijing–Shanghai HSR corridor were conducted, and the impact of the planned HSR new towns on the decentralization patterns of these two cities as well as the potential effects on their economic development are discussed. For large cities, the decentralization is actively driven by HSR because these cities are able to carefully choose the locations of their HSR stations. An HSR new town (i.e., a new district built around an HSR station) serves as an opportunity for well-planned spatial restructuring and as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth. For medium-sized to small cities, decentralization is often passively driven by HSR because the site selections of HSR stations are beyond the cities' control. The long distance between the HSR new town and the urban center weakens the economic strength of the existing urban core. The HSR new town presumably functions as a distraction rather than an attraction to the economic growth of the city as a whole. The leapfrog type of development also induces a wasteful use of land and other resources and further increases the living costs of the city's people and the operation costs of its firms.
Analyzing Financial Relationship between Railway Industry Players in Shared Railway Systems
Authors: Levy Sam , Peña-Alcaraz Maite , Prodan Aleksandr , Sussman Joseph M.
Published: October 2015

Capacity pricing and allocation play important roles in efficient management of railway corridors, especially shared ones. This study analyzes how train operators would respond to different track-access charges as a first step to understanding the relationship between train operators and infrastructure managers in railway systems with some level of vertical separation. With the modeling of a corridor whose users are longdistance high-speed trains and freight trains along the entire corridor and commuter trains offering services around large urban areas in the corridor, the focus is narrowed down to each individual operator, and the factors that drive each operator's ultimate service levels are studied. Assuming an environment in which the train operators are competing for capacity, financial goals and boundary conditions of each train operator are derived, and a number of sensitivity analyses for various typical and extreme conditions are performed. This model allows forecasting the train operator's response to track-access charges and can thus help the government, regulators, and infrastructure managers in the design of appropriate capacity pricing and allocation schemes.
Optimal Allocation of Life-Cycle Cost, System Reliability, and Service Reliability in Passenger Rail System Design
Authors: Lai Yung-Cheng (Rex) , Lu Chia-Tsung , Hsu Ya-Wen
Published: October 2015

A number of products with specific cost and reliability for each subsystem can be selected from several equipment suppliers to design a new rail system or upgrade an existing system. Decision makers have to balance the trade-off between life-cycle cost, system reliability (e.g., mean time between failures), and service reliability (e.g., delay) to optimally allocate resources. This research develops an optimization framework with an alternative evaluator and an investment selector to determine an optimal investment plan with a specific allocation for cost, system reliability, and service reliability. Empirical case studies indicate that this optimization process can efficiently and successfully evaluate all of the possible alternatives and determine an optimal investment set according to the design service reliability or life-cycle cost. This tool can help railway agencies and companies maximize their return on investment and provide reliable service to passengers.
Optimal Tilt Angle of Photovoltaic Arrays and Economic Allocation of Energy Storage System on Large Oil Tanker Ship
Authors: Lan Hai , Dai Jinfeng , Wen Shuli , Hong Ying-Yi , Yu David , Bai Yifei
Published: October 2015

This study optimizes the tilt angle of photovoltaic (PV) panels on a large oil tanker ship system and considers the impact of partial shading to improve the performance of the PV system. This work presents a novel method that considers the difference between the expected and real outputs of PV modules to optimize the size of energy storage system (ESS). The method also takes into account the cost of wasted power, the capital cost of the system, fuel cost and the CO2 emissions. Unlike on land, power generation using a PV on a ship depends on the date, latitude and longitude of the navigation. Accordingly, this work considers a route from Dalian in China to Aden in Yemen, accounting for the seasonal and geographical variations of solar irradiation. This proposed method adopts five conditions associated with the navigation route to model the total shipload. Various cases are discussed in detail to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Michelotti, L. A. and Miesel J. R. Source Material and Concentration of Wildfire-Produced Pyrogenic Carbon Influence Post-Fire Soil Nutrient Dynamics. Forests 2015, 6, 1325–1342
Authors: Michelotti Lucas , Miesel Jessica
Published: October 2015

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [1]: [...]
Association of Exposure to Particular Matter and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Xiaole , Lian Hui , Ruan Yanping , Liang Ruijuan , Zhao Xiaoyi , Routledge Michael , Fan Zhongjie
Published: October 2015

Background: Long time exposure to particular matter has been linked to myocardial infarction, stroke and blood pressure, but its association with atherosclerosis is not clear. This meta-analysis was aimed at assessing whether PM2.5 and PM10 have an effect on subclinical atherosclerosis measured by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Methods: Pubmed, Ovid Medline, Embase and NICK between 1948 and 31 March 2015 were searched by combining the keywords about exposure to the outcome related words. The random-effects model was applied in computing the change of CIMT and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The effect of potential confounding factors was assessed by stratified analysis and the impact of traffic proximity was also estimated. Results: Among 56 identified studies, 11 articles satisfied the inclusion criteria. In overall analysis increments of 10 μg/m3 in PM2.5 and PM10 were associated with an increase of CIMT (16.79 μm; 95% CI, 4.95–28.63 μm and 4.13 μm; 95% CI, −5.79–14.04 μm, respectively). Results shown in subgroup analysis had reference value for comparing with those of the overall analysis. The impact of traffic proximity on CIMT was uncertain. Conclusions: Exposure to PM2.5 had a significant association with CIMT and for women the effect may be more obvious.
Knockdown of PKM2 Suppresses Tumor Growth and Invasion in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Sun Hong , Zhu Anyou , Zhang Lunjun , Zhang Jie , Zhong Zhengrong , Wang Fengchao
Published: October 2015

Accumulating evidence shows that activity of the pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) isoform is closely related to tumorigenesis. In this study, we investigated the relationship betweenPKM2 expression, tumor invasion, and the prognosis of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. We retrospectively analyzed 65 cases of patients with lung adenocarcinoma who were divided into low and a high expression groups based on PKM2immunohistochemical staining. High PKM2 expression was significantly associated with reduced patient survival. We used small interfering RNA (siRNA) technology to investigate the effect of targeted PKM2-knockout on tumor growth at the cellular level. In vitro, siRNA-mediated PKM2-knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation, glucose uptake (25%), ATP generation (20%) and fatty acid synthesis of A549 cells, while the mitochondrial respiratory capacity of the cells increased (13%).Western blotting analysis showed that PKM2-knockout significantly inhibited the expression of the glucose transporter GLUT1 and ATP citrate lyase, which is critical for fatty acid synthesis. Further Western blotting analysis showed that PKM2-knockdown inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which are important in degradation of the extracellular matrix and angiogenesis, respectively. These observations show that PKM2 activates both glycolysis and lipid synthesis, thereby regulating cell proliferation and invasion. This information is important in elucidating the mechanisms by which PKM2 influences the growth and metastasis of lung adenocarcinoma at the cellular and molecular level, thereby providing the basic data required for the development of PKM2-targeted gene therapy.
Bio-Environment-Induced Degradation and Failure of Internal Fixation Implants
Authors: Zhou Yan , Perkins Luke , Wang Guodong , Zhou Dongsheng , Liang Hong
Published: October 2015

Internal fixations provide fast healing but their failure remains problematic to patients. Here, we report an experimental study in failure of three typical cases of metals: a bent intramedullary stainless steel nail, a broken exterior pure Ti plate, and a broken intramedullary stainless steel nail. Characterization of the bent nail indicates that those metals are vulnerable to corrosion with the evidence of increased surface roughness and embrittlement. Depredated surface of the Ti plate resulted debris particles in the surrounding tissue of 15.2 ± 6.5 μm in size. Nanoparticles were observed in transmission electron microscope. The electron diffraction pattern of the debris indicates a combination of nanocrystalline and amorphous phases. The failure mode of the broken nail made of stainless steel was found to be fatigue initiated from the surface. This study clearly shows the biological-attack induced surface degradation resulting in debris and fatigue. Future design and selection of implant materials should consider such factors for improvement.
Dynamic Wet Etching of Silicon through Isopropanol Alcohol Evaporation
Authors: Monteiro Tiago , Kastytis Pamakštys , Gonçalves Luís , Minas Graça , Cardoso Susana
Published: October 2015

In this paper, Isopropanol (IPA) availability during the anisotropic etching of silicon in Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) solutions was investigated. Squares of 8 to 40 µm were patterned to (100) oriented silicon wafers through DWL (Direct Writing Laser) photolithography. The wet etching process was performed inside an open HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) flask with ultrasonic agitation. IPA volume and evaporation was studied in a dynamic etching process, and subsequent influence on the silicon etching was inspected. For the tested conditions, evaporation rates for water vapor and IPA were determined as approximately 0.0417 mL/min and 0.175 mL/min, respectively. Results demonstrate that IPA availability, and not concentration, plays an important role in the definition of the final structure. Transversal SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy) analysis demonstrates a correlation between microloading effects (as a consequence of structure spacing) and the angle formed towards the (100) plane.
Paper-Based Electrodeposition Chip for 3D Alginate Hydrogel Formation
Authors: Wan Wenfeng , Dai Gaole , Zhang Lijun , Shen Yajing
Published: October 2015

Hydrogel has been regarded as one significant biomaterial in biomedical and tissue engineering due to its high biocompatibility. This paper proposes a novel method to pattern calcium alginate hydrogel in a 3D way via electrodeposition process based on a piece of paper. Firstly, one insulating paper with patterned holes is placed on one indium tin oxide (ITO) glass surface, which is put below another ITO glass. Then, 1% sodium alginate solution with 0.25% CaCO3 nano particles is filled between these two glasses. In the bottom glass, patterns of electrodes followed patterns of holes on the insulating layer. Hydrogel forms on patterned electrodes when electrochemical potential is applied due to electrodeposition. The experiments demonstrate that the pattern of alginate hydrogels follows the pattern of electrodes exactly. In addition, the hydrogel’s height is controllable by applied potential and reaction time. An equivalent circuit model and a hydrogel growth model have been built to predict the electrodeposition current and hydrogel’s growth. This method for gel formation is easy and cheap since the main material is one piece of insulated paper, which provides an easy and controllable method for 3D hydrogel patterning.
Using the SPEI to Assess Recent Climate Change in the Yarlung Zangbo River Basin, South Tibet
Authors: Li Binquan , Zhou Wei , Zhao Yaoyang , Ju Qin , Yu Zhongbo , Liang Zhongmin , Acharya Kumud
Published: October 2015

The Yarlung Zangbo River (YZR) is the largest river system in the Tibetan Plateau, and its basin is one of the centers of human economic activity in Tibet. Large uncertainties exist in several previous climate change studies in this basin because of limited climate observations. In this paper, we used a meteorological drought index (Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index, SPEI) and a newly-released gridded climate forcing dataset based on high-quality climate station data to re-evaluate climate change in the YZR Basin during the period of 1961–2014. Results showed that precipitation experienced a statistically insignificant increasing trend at a rate of 6.32 mm/10 years, and its annual mean was 512.40 mm. The basin was sensitive to climate change in terms of the air temperature that significantly increased at the rate of 0.32 °C/10 years. This warming rate was obviously larger than that in many other regions. Analysis of SPEI showed that the basin had no obvious statistical trends in the number of dry/wet episodes, but the severity of dry episode aggravated in terms of duration and magnitude. This study provides a reliable analysis of climate change in the YZR Basin, and suggests this large Tibetan river basin is sensitive to climate change.
Assessing the Performance of In-Stream Restoration Projects Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Transponders
Authors: MacVicar Bruce , Chapuis Margot , Buckrell Emma , Roy André
Published: October 2015

Instream channel restoration is a common practice in river engineering that presents a challenge for research. One research gap is the development of monitoring techniques that allow for testable predictions of sediment transport and supply. Here we use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) transponders to compare the short-term (1-year) sediment transport response to flood events in a restored and a control reach. The field site is Wilket Creek, an enlarged creek in a fully urbanized catchment without stormwater management control in Toronto, Ontario. The responses to three flooding periods, each of which are at or above the design bankfull discharge, are described. Key results are that (i) particle mobility is lower in the restored reach for all three periods; (ii) full mobility occurs in the control reach during the first two floods while partial mobility occurs in the restored reach; and (iii) the constructed morphology exerted a controlling influence on particle entrainment, with higher mobility in the pools. Log-transformed travel distances exhibit normal distributions when grouped by particle size class, which allows a statistical comparison with power law and other predictive travel-distance relations. Results show that three bedload transport conditions can occur, with partial mobility associated with a mild relation between particle size and travel distance and full mobility associated with either a flat or steep relation depending on the degree of integration of particles in the bed. Recommendations on seeding strategy and sample sizes are made to improve the precision of the results by minimizing confidence intervals for mobility and travel distances. Even in a short term study, the RFID sediment tracking technique allows a process-based assessment of stream restoration outcomes that can be used to justify the instream intervention and plan future attempts to stabilize and enhance the system.