bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Row Spacing on Seed Yield and Yield Components of Five Cool‐Season Grasses
Authors: Han Yunhua , Wang Xianguo , Hu Tianming , Hannaway David B. , Mao Peisheng , Zhu Zhenlei , Wang Zhengwei , Li Yongxiang
Published: September 2013

Increasing seed yield and quality of key cool‐season perennial grasses is an important component of meeting China's environmental, food security, and urban beautification goals. Determining a suitable seed producing region and developing best management practices for this region with specific, high priority grasses will contribute to the availability of seed for reducing desertification, increasing livestock production, and improving urban living conditions. Previous research in other areas has addressed various agronomic practices on some grasses, but none has evaluated optimal row spacings for producing high yields of high quality seed in conditions similar to the Hexi Corridor, currently a major seed producing area in China for other seed crops. We compared our field trials in this area with those of other regions in China and the world to determine if this area would be suitable as a grass seed production center. Five important perennial, cool‐season grasses {[Elymus kamoji (ohwi) S.L. Chen, slender wheatgrass [Elymus trachycaulus (Link) Gould ex Shinners ssp. Trachycaulus], smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss), Siberian wildrye (Elymus sibiricus L.), and Chinese sheepgrass [Leymus chinensis (Trin) Tzvel]} were evaluated from 2010 to 2012 under four row spacing treatments (30, 50, 70, and 90 cm). Results showed all five grasses have potential for high seed production in this region, with yields equivalent to or significantly higher than other areas. Optimal row spacing for Elymus kamoji and smooth bromegrass was 30 cm while a 50 cm row spacing was better for seed production and weed control for slender wheatgrass, Siberian wildrye, and Chinese sheepgrass. This work will allow multinational seed companies, development agencies, and government program directors to better evaluate the potential economic sustainability of grass seed production in this region compared to importing seed from other regions of the world.
Tele-ICU: Efficacy and Cost-Effectiveness Approach of Remotely Managing the Critical Care
Authors: Kumar Sajeesh , Merchant Shezana , Reynolds Rebecca
Published: September 2013

Tele-ICU has an off-site command center in which a critical care team (intensivists and critical care nurses) is connected with patients in distance intensive care units (ICUs) through a real-time audio, visual and electronic means and health information is exchanged. The aim of this paper is to review literature to explore the available studies related to efficacy and cost effectiveness of Tele-ICU applications and to study the possible barriers to broader adoption. While studies draw conclusions on cost based on the mortality and Length of Stay (LOS), actual cost was not reported. Another problem in the studies was the lack of consistent measurement, reporting and adjustment for patient severity. From the data available, Tele-ICU seems to be a promising path, especially in the United States where there is a limited number of board-certified intensivists.
Environmental crisis as the final stage of the evolution of culture
Authors: Škorpíková Zuzana
Published: September 2013

The article discusses possible ways of overcoming the environmental crisis. It is based on Šmajs’ evolutionary ontological understanding of the environmental crisis of nature, which distinguishes between natural and cultural evolution and demonstrates the opposing relationships between them. It critically develops one of Šmajs’ proposals for initiating a biophilic transformation of culture by dealing with some of the consequences of the economic crisis (specifically unemployment).
Biophilic transformation of culture from the point of view of psychology of environmental problems (from cognitive psychology to Gestalt theory)
Authors: Timko Marek
Published: September 2013

The author of the article deals with the causes of anti-naturalism in culture today from the point view of both a philosophical conception of evolutionary ontology, and the psychology of environmental problems. He highlights the real potential for a biophilic transformation of culture in the context of current knowledge on cognitive psychology, where emphasis is placed on the limits to the phenomena of cognitive dissonance. The author of the article seeks certain options to repress these limits in Gestalt theory, which on some aspects corresponds substantially to the insights and goals of evolutionary psychology.
A spiritual dimension to cybercrime in Nigeria: The ‘yahoo plus’ phenomenon
Authors: Tade Oludayo
Published: September 2013

Cybercrime in Nigeria is largely perpetrated by young people and students in tertiary institutions, and are socially tagged yahoo yahoo or yahoo boys. Yahoo boys rely on their computer dexterity to victimise unsuspecting persons in cyberspace. A new phenomenon in cybercrime is mixing spiritual elements with internet surfing to boost cybercrime success rates. This paper examines the factors underlying this spiritual dimension (cyber spiritualism) to cybercrime, and discusses some of the strategies employed in perpetuating cyber crime. Using Space Transition Theory of cybercrime, data were generated on yahoo boys and those involved in yahoo plus. The clampdown on Internet fraudsters by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in-group conflict among yahoo boys over social recognition, reduced victimisation and delayed success, and mass media enlightenment were reported factors influencing the fusion of spiritual elements in cyber crime. The methods used include ase or mayehun (incontrovertible order), charmed or magical rings (oruka-ere) and incisions made around the wrist, which are used to surf the net, while ijapa (tortoise) is used to navigate profitable sites. Unsuspecting victims fall under the spell of the ase via phone conversation where spiritual orders are made to the victims without their objecting.
Unusual cases of nesting by the Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) in Eastern Slovakia
Authors: Danko Štefan , Balla Miloš
Published: September 2013

Long-term monitoring of the Imperial Eagle in Eastern Slovakia has revealed that some pairs living permanently in an active agricultural environment (agrocoenosis) prove capable of adapting even to extreme conditions. In three cases eagles built their nests near railway lines (59, 22 and 15 m from the tracks), and in one case almost directly above a frequently-used road at a height of 21m.
A New Educational Resource to Improve Veterinary Students' Animal Welfare Learning Experience
Authors: Kerr Annie J. , Mullan Siobhan M. , Main David C. J.
Published: September 2013

A computer-aided learning (CAL) educational resource based on experiential learning principles has been developed. Its aim is to improve veterinary students' ability to critically review the effect on welfare of husbandry systems observed during their work placement on sheep farms. The CAL consisted of lectures, multiple-choice questions, video recordings of animals in various husbandry conditions, open questions, and concept maps. An intervention group of first-year veterinary students (N=31) was selected randomly to access the CAL before their sheep farm placement, and a control group (N=50) received CAL training after placement. Assessment criteria for the categories remember, understand, apply, analyze, evaluate, and create, based on Bloom's revised taxonomy, were used to evaluate farm reports submitted by all students after their 2-week placement. Students in the intervention group were more likely than their untrained colleagues (p<.05) to remember and understand animal-based measurements relating to the freedom from hunger and thirst; the freedom from discomfort; and the freedom from pain, injury, or disease. Intervention group students were also more likely to analyze the freedom from pain, injury, or disease and the freedom to exhibit normal behavior and to evaluate the freedom from fear and distress. Relatively few students in each group exhibited creativity in their reports. These findings indicate that use of CAL before farm placement improved students' ability to assess and report animal welfare as part of their extramural work experience.
Curriculum Asset Mapping for One Health Education
Authors: Mor Siobhan M. , Robbins Alison H. , Jarvin Linda , Kaufman Gretchen E. , Lindenmayer Joann M.
Published: September 2013

The major premise of One Health is engagement of multiple disciplines to address shared problems spanning human, animal, and ecosystem health. The current model of academic specialization encourages development of isolated disciplines within the university setting, thereby creating barriers to resource sharing and academic collaboration. The aim of this project was to develop a systematic approach to mapping university assets that could be harnessed to advance One Health education. Asset in this context was defined as a course, program, or faculty expertise relevant to a particular One Health problem. The approach adopted comprised the following steps: (1) identify a current problem that would benefit from an integrated, interdisciplinary perspective (e.g., EIDs [emerging infectious diseases]); (2) identify individual disciplinary teaching areas pertinent to the problem (e.g., health communication, wildlife ecology); (3) identify competencies expected to be attained by graduates who will address the problem (e.g., respond to outbreaks); (4) survey faculty members on their teaching areas and curricular offerings that address these competencies; and (5) compile responses in a database that is searchable by teaching area and competency. We discuss our recent experiences mapping the assets at Tufts University that are relevant to the problem of EIDs with emphasis on zoonotic-disease surveillance, outbreak investigation, and outbreak response. Using 13 teaching areas and 16 competencies relevant to applied epidemiology, we identified and characterized previously untapped resources across the university. Asset mapping is thus a useful tool for identifying university resources and opportunities that can be leveraged to support interdisciplinary education for One Health.
The Directness Factor
Authors: Cornillie Thomas C.
Published: September 2013

The past 20 years have witnessed a remarkable period of growth for commuter rail. The potential to share existing infrastructure has made this mode of transportation an attractive solution to challenges posed by population growth and rising fuel costs. The increasing value placed on urban planning strategies that promote density has also boosted the attractiveness of this mode. This popularity has increased demand for high levels of service performance, defined by trip times that are competitive with automobile travel, and high rates of cost recovery relative to other transit modes. The development and the implementation of strategies that reduce travel time and improve asset use have become timely and appropriate considerations for commuter rail planners. This paper introduces the directness factor, a measure that can facilitate the evaluation of transit service alternatives through the synthesis of timetable characteristics that otherwise may require an extended explanation. Organizations may find the measure helpful if they are considering options for accelerated service, defined as service plans for which not all trains serve all stations. This measure can help identify the connections between timetable alternatives and system performance. For sketch-level planning exercises, for which limited information and institutional resources are available, the directness factor can be used to focus questions and to structure investigations that are more intensive than they otherwise would be. Within the current range of available planning and evaluation tools, the measure is intended to fill a gap between extended descriptions of service at stops on a specific line and modeled service demand and operating characteristics. This paper considered three specific implementations of accelerated service on American commuter railroads and used the directness factor to analyze the impact of those improvements.
Automatic Data for Applied Railway Management
Authors: Frumin Michael , Zhao Jinhua , Wilson Nigel , Zhao Zhan
Published: September 2013

In 2009, London Overground management implemented a new tactical plan for a.m. and p.m. peak service on the North London Line (NLL). This paper documents that tactical planning intervention and evaluates its outcomes in terms of certain aspects of service delivery (the operator's perspective on system performance) and service quality (the passenger's perspective). Analyses of service delivery and quality and of passenger demand contributed to the development, proposal, and implementation of the new tactical plan. NLL trains were delayed routinely en route, with excessive dwell time a major cause. Near-random passenger incidence behavior suggested that an even headway service for NLL might have been more appropriate. The confluence of these analyses was confirmed by the corresponding excess journey time results. On the basis of longitudinal analysis, an evaluation showed that on-time performance increased substantially and observed journey time decreased with the introduction of the new plan. Overall, the effects of this implementation appeared to have been positive on balance. This case study thus demonstrated the applicability of automatic data generally, and certain measures and techniques in the London Overground specifically, to support the tactical planning of an urban railway.
Unchanged safety outcomes in deep brain stimulation surgery for Parkinson disease despite a decentralization of care
Authors: McGovern Robert A. , Sheehy John P. , Zacharia Brad E. , Chan Andrew K. , Ford Blair , McKhann Guy M.
Published: September 2013

Object

Early work on deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, when procedures were mostly carried out in a small number of high-volume centers, demonstrated a relationship between surgical volume and procedural safety. However, over the past decade, DBS has become more widely available in the community rather than solely at academic medical centers. The authors examined the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) to study the safety of DBS surgery for Parkinson disease (PD) in association with this change in practice patterns.

Methods

The NIS is a stratified sample of 20% of all patient discharges from nonfederal hospitals in the United States. The authors identified patients with a primary diagnosis of PD (332.0) and a primary procedure code for implantation/replacement of intracranial neurostimulator leads (02.93) who underwent surgery between 2002 and 2009. They analyzed outcomes using univariate and hierarchical, logistic regression analyses.

Results

The total number of DBS cases remained stable from 2002 through 2009. Despite older and sicker patients undergoing DBS, procedural safety (rates of non-home discharges, complications) remained stable. Patients at low-volume hospitals were virtually indistinguishable from those at high-volume hospitals, except that patients at low-volume hospitals had slightly higher comorbidity scores (0.90 vs 0.75, p < 0.01). Complications, non-home discharges, length of hospital stay, and mortality rates did not significantly differ between low- and high-volume hospitals when accounting for hospital-related variables (caseload, teaching status, location).

Conclusions

Prior investigations have demonstrated a robust volume-outcome relationship for a variety of surgical procedures. However, the present study supports safety of DBS at smaller-volume centers. Prospective studies are required to determine whether low-volume centers and higher-volume centers have similar DBS efficacy, a critical factor in determining whether DBS is comparable between centers.
The callosal angle measured on MRI as a predictor of outcome in idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Virhammar Johan , Laurell Katarina , Cesarini Kristina Giuliana , Larsson Elna-Marie
Published: September 2013

Object

Different neuroimaging biomarkers have been studied to find a tool for prediction of response to CSF shunting in idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). The callosal angle (CA) has been described as useful in discriminating iNPH from ventricular dilation secondary to atrophy. However, the usefulness of the CA as a prognostic tool for the selection of shunt candidates among patients with iNPH is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the CA in shunt responders with that in nonresponders and clarify whether the CA can serve as a predictor of the outcome.

Methods

Preoperative MRI brain scans were evaluated in 109 patients who had undergone shunt surgery for iNPH during 2006–2010. Multiplanar reconstruction was performed interactively to obtain a coronal image through the posterior commissure, perpendicular to the anterior-posterior commissure plane. The CA was measured as the angle between the lateral ventricles on the coronal image. The patients were examined clinically before surgery and at 12 months postoperatively.

Results

Shunt responders had a significantly smaller mean preoperative CA compared with nonresponders: 59° (95% CI 56°–63°) versus 68° (95% CI 61°–75°) (p < 0.05). A CA cutoff value of 63° showed the best prognostic accuracy.

Conclusions

The preoperative CA is smaller in patients whose condition improves after shunt surgery and may be a useful tool in the selection of shunt candidates among patients with iNPH.
Comparison of plaintiff and defendant expert witness qualification in malpractice litigation in neurological surgery
Authors: Eloy Jean Anderson , Svider Peter F. , Folbe Adam J. , Couldwell William T. , Liu James K.
Published: September 2013

Object

Expert witnesses provide a valuable societal service, interpreting complex pieces of evidence that may be misunderstood by nonmedical laypersons. The role of medical expert witness testimony and the potential professional repercussions, however, have been controversial in the medical community. The objective of the present analysis was to characterize the expertise of neurological surgeons testifying as expert witnesses in malpractice litigation.

Methods

Malpractice litigation involving expert testimony from neurological surgeons was obtained using the WestlawNext legal database. Data pertaining to duration of a surgeon's practice, scholarly impact (as measured by the h index), practice setting, and the frequency with which a surgeon testifies were obtained for these expert witnesses from various online resources including the Scopus database, online medical facility and practice sites, and state medical licensing boards.

Results

Neurological surgeons testifying in 326 cases since 2008 averaged over 30 years of experience per person (34.5 years for plaintiff witnesses vs 33.2 for defense witnesses, p = 0.35). Defense witnesses had statistically higher scholarly impact than plaintiff witnesses (h index = 8.76 vs 5.46, p < 0.001). A greater proportion of defense witnesses were involved in academic practice (46.1% vs 24.4%, p < 0.001). Those testifying on behalf of plaintiffs were more likely to testify multiple times than those testifying on behalf of defendants (20.4% vs 12.6%).

Conclusions

Practitioners testifying for either side tend to be very experienced, while those testifying on behalf of defendants have significantly higher scholarly impact and are more likely to practice in an academic setting, potentially indicating a greater level of expertise. Experts for plaintiffs were more likely to testify multiple times. Surgical societies may need to clarify the necessary qualifications and ethical responsibilities of those who choose to testify.
Occipitocondylar hyperplasia and syringomyelia presenting with facial pain
Authors: Walkden James S. , Cowie Richard A. , Thorne John A.
Published: September 2013

The authors describe a unique presentation and long-term management of a rare craniovertebral abnormality in a patient presenting to their institution. This 10-year-old girl presented with right-sided facial pain and subjective dysesthesia of the chest wall without evidence of cervical myelopathy. She was found to have extensive cervicothoracic syringomyelia secondary to compression at the foramen magnum by hypertrophic occipital condyles. Posterior decompression and medial condylectomy was performed, with significant radiological and clinical improvement over the next 5 years of follow-up. The authors discuss the clinical pathophysiology and operative techniques used.
The lost art of localization: Franc Ingraham's legacy in pediatric neurosurgery
Authors: Cohen Alan R. , Vogel Timothy W. , Lidov Hart G. W.
Published: September 2013

The authors describe an 8-year-old girl who underwent emergency posterior fossa surgery for resection of a large cerebellar astrocytoma in November 1939. The surgery was carried out by Franc D. Ingraham at Boston Children's Hospital a decade after he established the first pediatric neurosurgical service in the world at the same institution. Four years later the tumor recurred and the patient underwent repeat resection followed by external-beam radiation therapy. The pathological diagnosis by Sidney Farber was fibrillary astrocytoma.

The young girl is currently a healthy, functional 82-year-old woman. The authors believe that this 74-year follow-up represents one of the longest in history, if not the longest, of a patient undergoing resection of a brain tumor. A recent MRI study shows postoperative changes with no evidence of residual or recurrent tumor. The original block tissue specimen had been preserved. It was restained and examined, revealing the pathological diagnosis to be juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma.

The case is analyzed in the context of Ingraham's powerful and lasting impact on the field of pediatric neurosurgery.
Comparative study of fibrin and chemical synthetic sealant on dural regeneration and brain damage
Authors: Ito Kiyoshi , Horiuchi Tetsuyoshi , Oyanagi Kiyomitsu , Nomiyama Tetsuo , Hongo Kazuhiro
Published: September 2013

Object

Several materials, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogel and fibrin glue, have been used to seal dural incisions after brain and spinal surgeries. Although the use of PEG sealant is gaining popularity, it can be associated with postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and infection. However, the reasons for this association are currently unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of PEG sealant and fibrin glue on wound healing and brain damage in vivo.

Methods

Oval-shaped bone defects and dural defects were created bilaterally over the parietal lobes of 22 Japanese white rabbits. The dural defects were covered with 0.5 ml of fibrin glue on one side and 0.5 ml of PEG sealant on the other side. Dural regeneration and brain damage were investigated in each harvested brain and dura mater using light microscopy.

Results

Dural regeneration was more effective in the presence of fibrin glue than it was with PEG sealant (p = 0.014). Of the 22 rabbits, 11 showed thick (Grades ++ and +++) dural regeneration by 28 days postsurgery in the hemisphere where fibrin glue was used, whereas Grade +++ dural regeneration was not observed in the PEG hydrogel hemisphere, and only 4 rabbits showed Grade ++ regeneration. Abscess and granulation formation also tended to be more severe when PEG hydrogel sealant was used. No Grade ++ granulation/abscess formation was observed with fibrin glue, and Grade + was only observed in 13 of 22 rabbits. Conversely, with PEG hydrogel sealant, only 2 rabbits did not show granulation/abscess formation, and Grade +, ++, and +++ granulation/abscess formation was observed in 8, 7, and 5 rabbits, respectively. The extent of cortical damage was significantly greater in rabbits with abscesses and granulations, compared with rabbits without these lesions (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

Dural regeneration tended to occur more rapidly with fibrin glue, whereas granulation was more likely with PEG hydrogel sealant, which led to postoperative complications. Histological analysis indicated that PEG hydrogel sealant inhibited the normal tissue healing process and that outcomes were improved by the use of fibrin glue.
Intramuscular pressure of the multifidus muscle and low-back pain after posterior lumbar interbody fusion: comparison of mini-open and conventional approaches
Authors: Mukai Yoshihiro , Takenaka Shota , Hosono Noboru , Miwa Toshitada , Fuji Takeshi
Published: September 2013

Object

This randomized study was designed to elucidate the time course of the perioperative development of intramuscular multifidus muscle pressure after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and to investigate whether the route of pedicle screw insertion affects this pressure and resultant low-back pain. Although several studies have focused on intramuscular pressure associated with posterior lumbar surgery, those studies examined intramuscular pressure generated by the muscle retractors during surgery. No study has investigated the intramuscular pressure after PLIF.

Methods

Forty patients with L4–5 degenerative spondylolisthesis were randomly assigned to undergo either the mini-open PLIF procedure with pedicle screw insertion between the multifidus and longissimus muscles (n = 20) or the conventional PLIF procedure via a midline approach only (n = 20). Intramuscular pressure was measured 5 times (at 30 minutes and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery) with an intraoperatively installed sensor. Concurrently, the FACES Pain Rating Scale score for low-back pain and the total dose of postoperative analgesics were recorded.

Results

With the patients in the supine position, for both groups the mean pressure values were consistently 40–50 mm Hg, which exceeded the critical capillary pressure of the muscle. With the patients in the lateral decubitus position, the pressure decreased over time (from 14 to 9 mm Hg in the mini-open group and from 20 to 10 mm Hg in the conventional group). Among patients in the mini-open group, the pressure was lower, but the difference was not statistically significant. Postoperative pain and postoperative analgesic dosages were also lower .

Conclusions

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate postoperative intramuscular pressure after PLIF. Although the results did not demonstrate a significant difference in the intramuscular pressure between the 2 types of PLIF, mini-open PLIF was associated with less pain after surgery. Clinical trial registration no.: UMIN000010069 (www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm).
A Political, Economic, Social, Technology, Legal and Environmental (PESTLE) Approach for Risk Identification of the Tidal Industry in the United Kingdom
Authors: Kolios Athanasios , Read George
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of renewable and especially tidal energy through a political, economic, social, technology, legal and environmental (PESTLE) analysis approach and by reviewing the most up to date relevant literature. The study focuses on the United Kingdom given the favourable environmental resources for such technologies; the number of different design concepts that are currently under development as well as the research funding that has been invested over the last few years. Findings of the analysis identify the risks and multiple stakeholders involved at all stages of the tidal energy projects development from the conceptualization of the design, right through to decommissioning. Many of the stakeholders present benefits to the tidal developers through funding, incentives and knowledge sharing, but at the same time they also present potential risks to the future of projects. This is mostly down to different approaches of the most important aspect of tidal energy that needs to be considered, making it hard for technologists and developers to equally address all requirements. From this research it can be concluded that several of these risks can be mitigated early on providing that particular stakeholders are involved at the correct stage of a project.
A Self-Contained and Self-Checking LPS with High Accuracy
Authors: Walter Christian , Syafrudin Mohammad , Schweinzer Herbert
Published: September 2013

There are many situations in which it is desirable to use a Local Positioning System (LPS), which constitutes a complete and independent unit, offers high accuracy and in addition is economical to realize. This paper describes the LPS LOSNUS (Localization of Sensor Nodes by Ultra Sound). LOSNUS is a complete and independent LPS where the same system can be used for localization and calibration. Primarily designed for locating numerous quasi-static devices, special care of system construction has taken on costly factors, especially in the construction of the infrastructure and of sensor nodes where locating can be realized with minimal additional hardware costs. LOSNUS enables a calibration process without the need of additional expensive tools and/or laborious time in order to get accurate positions of transmitters. As a result, LOSNUS delivers high locating accuracy at medium update rates, and in case of sufficient number of transmitters can also tolerate single failures in the Time of Arrival (ToA) measurement, allowing arbitrary failure modes. In this article, the system is presented starting from design, realization and algorithms of localization and calibration. Finally, new measurement results are showing the high accuracy of localization based on a discussion of the applied uncertainty description.
Antithrombogenicity of Fluorinated Diamond-Like Carbon Films Coated Nano Porous Polyethersulfone (PES) Membrane
Authors: Prihandana Gunawan , Sanada Ippei , Ito Hikaru , Noborisaka Mayui , Kanno Yoshihiko , Suzuki Tetsuya , Miki Norihisa
Published: September 2013

A nano porous polyethersulfone (PES) membrane is widely used for aspects of nanofiltration, such as purification, fractionation and dialysis. However, the low-blood-compatibility characteristic of PES membrane causes platelets and blood cells to stick to the surface of the membrane and degrades ions diffusion through membrane, which further limits its application for dialysis systems. In this study, we deposited the fluorinated-diamond-like-carbon (F-DLC) onto the finger like structure layer of the PES membrane. By doing this, we have the F-DLC films coating the membrane surface without sacrificing the membrane permeability. In addition, we examined antithrombogenicity of the F-DLC/PES membranes using a microfluidic device, and experimentally found that F-DLC drastically reduced the amount of blood cells attached to the surface. We have also conducted long-term experiments for 24 days and the diffusion characteristics were found to be deteriorated due to fouling without any surface modification. On the other hand, the membranes coated by F-DLC film gave a consistent diffusion coefficient of ions transfer through a membrane porous. Therefore, F-DLC films can be a great candidate to improve the antithrombogenic characteristics of the membrane surfaces in hemodialysis systems.
Dietary Magnesium Intake Improves Insulin Resistance among Non-Diabetic Individuals with Metabolic Syndrome Participating in a Dietary Trial
Authors: Wang Jinsong , Persuitte Gioia , Olendzki Barbara , Wedick Nicole , Zhang Zhiying , Merriam Philip , Fang Hua , Carmody James , Olendzki Gin-Fei , Ma Yunsheng
Published: September 2013

Many cross-sectional studies show an inverse association between dietary magnesium and insulin resistance, but few longitudinal studies examine the ability to meet the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for magnesium intake through food and its effect on insulin resistance among participants with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The dietary intervention study examined this question in 234 individuals with MetS. Magnesium intake was assessed using 24-h dietary recalls at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Fasting glucose and insulin levels were collected at each time point; and insulin resistance was estimated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). The relation between magnesium intake and HOMA-IR was assessed using linear mixed models adjusted for covariates. Baseline magnesium intake was 287 ± 93 mg/day (mean ± standard deviation), and HOMA-IR, fasting glucose and fasting insulin were 3.7 ± 3.5, 99 ± 13 mg/dL, and 15 ± 13 μU/mL, respectively. At baseline, 6-, and 12-months, 23.5%, 30.4%, and 27.7% met the RDA for magnesium. After multivariate adjustment, magnesium intake was inversely associated with metabolic biomarkers of insulin resistance (P < 0.01). Further, the likelihood of elevated HOMA-IR (>3.6) over time was 71% lower [odds ratio (OR): 0.29; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.12, 0.72] in participants in the highest quartile of magnesium intake than those in the lowest quartile. For individuals meeting the RDA for magnesium, the multivariate-adjusted OR for high HOMA-IR over time was 0.37 (95% CI: 0.18, 0.77). These findings indicate that dietary magnesium intake is inadequate among non-diabetic individuals with MetS and suggest that increasing dietary magnesium to meet the RDA has a protective effect on insulin resistance.
Towards the Physics of Calcium Signalling in Plants
Authors: Martins Teresa , Evans Matthew , Woolfenden Hugh , Morris Richard
Published: September 2013

Calcium is an abundant element with a wide variety of important roles within cells. Calcium ions are inter- and intra-cellular messengers that are involved in numerous signalling pathways. Fluctuating compartment-specific calcium ion concentrations can lead to localised and even plant-wide oscillations that can regulate downstream events. Understanding the mechanisms that give rise to these complex patterns that vary both in space and time can be challenging, even in cases for which individual components have been identified. Taking a systems biology approach, mathematical and computational techniques can be employed to produce models that recapitulate experimental observations and capture our current understanding of the system. Useful models make novel predictions that can be investigated and falsified experimentally. This review brings together recent work on the modelling of calcium signalling in plants, from the scale of ion channels through to plant-wide responses to external stimuli. Some in silico results that have informed later experiments are highlighted.
Programmable Gain Amplifiers with DC Suppression and Low Output Offset for Bioelectric Sensors
Authors: Carrera Albano , De la Rosa Ramón , Alonso Alonso
Published: September 2013

DC-offset and DC-suppression are key parameters in bioelectric amplifiers. However, specific DC analyses are not often explained. Several factors influence the DC-budget: the programmable gain, the programmable cut-off frequencies for high pass filtering and, the low cut-off values and the capacitor blocking issues involved. A new intermediate stage is proposed to address the DC problem entirely. Two implementations were tested. The stage is composed of a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) with DC-rejection and low output offset. Cut-off frequencies are selectable and values from 0.016 to 31.83 Hz were tested, and the capacitor deblocking is embedded in the design. Hence, this PGA delivers most of the required gain with constant low output offset, notwithstanding the gain or cut-off frequency selected.
Analysis of Stakeholders’ Attitudes towards Water Markets in Southern Spain
Authors: Giannoccaro Giacomo , Pedraza Verónica , Berbel Julio
Published: September 2013

This research examines stakeholders’ perceptions of and preferences for water markets in agriculture, focusing on the likely barriers that might refrain them from participating in such markets. The research was carried out on the Guadalquivir River Basin and involved semi-quantitative methods, combining a structured survey and focus group discussions. A very simple questionnaire was administered to each irrigation stakeholder (i.e., managers, water right holders and non-holders). The main result is that stakeholders will only keep selling water seasonally as the rights remain linked to the land. Nonetheless, some relevant differences among stakeholders were found. Managers seem to be more interested in selling water than farmers. Another important discrepancy was found between water rights holders and non-holders. Access to a water rights system, types of existing infrastructure, and legal and administrative aspects are also important factors influencing the acceptability of water trading in the study area. These results might be helpful to policymakers who are currently evaluating the potential for water markets in Europe and have little observable market data to work with.
La place de l’enfant dans les conflits et les violences conjugales
Authors: Brown Elisabeth , Jaspard Maryse
Published: September 2013

L’enfant est-il vecteur de tensions supplémentaires au sein du couple ou, au contraire, est-il un élément de cohésion de la cellule familiale ? Question récurrente à laquelle ont été apportées maintes réponses d’ordre plutôt psychosociologique. Mais, à ce jour, aucune recherche sociologique, quantitative, portant sur un grand échantillon représentatif de la population vivant en France et traitant directement de cette question n’a été réalisée. Commanditée par le Secrétariat d'État aux droits des femmes, l'Enquête nationale sur les violences envers les femmes en France, réalisée en 2000 par une équipe de chercheurs pluridisciplinaires et coordonnée par l'Institut de démographie de l’université de Paris 1, apporte des éléments de réponse à cette question, dont les principaux résultats sont présentés dans cet article.
Les effets de la RTT dans les CAF [Résultats d’une enquête menée auprès de salariés]
Authors: Pépin Michel , Maufroy Myriame
Published: September 2013

Quel a été l’impact de la réduction du temps de travail (RTT) sur les salariés des caisses d’Allocations familiales (CAF) ? À partir d’une enquête réalisée auprès des employés et des cadres de dix-sept CAF, Michel Pépin et Myriame Maufroy révèlent un haut niveau d’appréciations positives. Toutefois, ils notent un décalage entre un point de vue très favorable sur la vie sociale, familiale et personnelle et un point de vue plus nuancé sur la vie au travail. Reprenant ces éléments, les auteurs étudient comment les contraintes induites dans le travail par la RTT sont contrebalancées par des formes de régulation de l’activité qui préservent les relations de travail. Ils analysent également la nature des apports de cette réduction du temps de travail dans la vie hors travail

– notamment des salariés avec enfants – et montrent, enfin, le rôle joué par les processus de concertation préalables aux accords.
D’hier à aujourd’hui : l’action sociale des jeunes CAF des DOM
Authors: Ancelin Jacqueline
Published: September 2013

En septembre 2002, la caisse d’Allocations familiales (CAF) de la Martinique organisait un colloque sur « L’action sociale d’hier à aujourd’hui » auquel étaient conviés l’ensemble de ses partenaires publics et privés. Dans ce cadre, une conférence sur l’histoire de l’action sociale des CAF des départements d’Outre-mer (DOM) était assurée par Jacqueline Ancelin. Cet article reprend, pour l’essentiel, le contenu de cette intervention ainsi que les réflexions de l’auteur sur les enseignements de l’histoire singulière de l’action sociale familiale conduite par les quatre jeunes CAF des DOM, créées depuis seulement trois décennies.
La place des enfants dans la combinaison famille-emploi aux Pays-Bas
Authors: Wierink Marie
Published: September 2013

L’importance du travail à temps partiel aux Pays-Bas est souvent mise en relation avec la limitation des capacités d’accueil des structures de garde d’enfants dans ce pays. Cet article se propose de dépasser cette explication pour éclairer l’influence des représentations sociales relatives à l’éducation des enfants et aux responsabilités parentales et maternelles. Les Néerlandais – hommes et femmes et à tous niveaux d’éducation – souscrivent à une vision familialiste de l’éducation des enfants. Un tel climat explique à la fois le développement tardif des structures de garde, le recours limité qu’y font les parents, et l’ampleur du travail à temps partiel à tous les niveaux d’emploi. Il sous-tend les initiatives des pouvoirs publics et des entreprises en matière de structuration des dispositifs de garde d’enfants et de régulation du temps de travail. Il contribue ainsi à définir les contours d’un modèle de « combinaison » – et non pas de « conciliation » – du travail et de la vie familiale, qui fait une place bien modeste à l’accueil des enfants en structures collectives.
Les pères bénéficiaires de l’APE : révélateurs de nouvelles pratiques paternelles?
Authors: Boyer Danielle
Published: September 2013

Fathers taking parental leave. Towards new fathering practices ?

Couples in which the father has opted for the parental childcare leave allowance (Allocation Parental d''Education -APE) are « atypical » compared with couples with the same family situation (two children of which the younger is under 3) but where the father has not taken the APE. Nearly half of the fathers receiving the APE live with a partner of a higher socio-occupational category, 60 % of the female partners have higher earnings, and more than six in ten (65%) fathers live with a female partner who has higher educational qualifications. In the couples where the father was in paid employment before taking up the APE, the woman's earned income is on average higher than the man's. The decision of fathers to interrupt their working lives appears less an individual choice than an initiative of the couple that does not damage the professional trajectory of either partner. Moreover, the division of childcare and household tasks attests to practices associated with-but not openly adhered to-an egalitarian model though without forming a challenge to prevailing gender norms.
Évaluation économique de la loi du 31 décembre 1970 réprimant l'usage et le trafic de stupéfiants
Authors: Ben Lakhdar Christian , Tanvé Morgane
Published: September 2013

La loi du 31 décembre 1970 prohibe l’usage et le trafic de stupéfiants. Une évaluation économique ex post de cette politique publique et de sa mise en œuvre est ici proposée au regard de la substance illicite la plus consommée en France, à savoir le cannabis. Deux indicateurs clés que sont le ratio prix/qualité et les prévalences autorisent une évaluation de l’efficacité de la mise en œuvre de la loi. L’efficience du dispositif est jaugée à l’aune des composants du coût social du cannabis. Il ressort non seulement que la loi et son implémentation n’atteignent pas les objectifs du législateur mais aussi qu’un gaspillage de ressources publiques important est généré du fait même de la politique implémentée. La loi de 1970 apparaît alors comme inefficace et inefficiente. Au regard de l’équité de la mise en œuvre de cette loi, il apparaît également qu’elle est source d’injustice sociale : il existerait une « clientèle policière » plus propice à y être confrontée alors même que la consommation de cannabis est largement répandue dans toutes les strates de la population française. Ces conclusions nous amènent à mettre en lumière les bénéfices potentiels à retirer d’un changement de régime du mode de gestion des drogues et des toxicomanies en France. Principalement, un régime de dépénalisation de l’usage de cannabis présenterait l’avantage d’éviter un gaspillage important de ressources publiques. Néanmoins, trop d’incertitudes existent encore, notamment concernant la sensibilité au prix de la demande de cannabis, pour évaluer ex ante le devenir d’un régime de légalisation.
Addiction médicamenteuse : quelles données pour évaluer et prévenir ?
Authors: Lapeyre-Mestre Maryse
Published: September 2013

L’addiction médicamenteuse représente un enjeu majeur de santé publique rapidement évolutif et cette évolution est d’autant plus marquée en France que notre pays reste parmi les plus forts consommateurs de médicaments en Europe, et notamment de médicaments psychotropes. En France, il existe un dispositif spécifique de surveillance des cas d’abus et de dépendance liés à la prise de toute substance ayant un effet psychoactif, dont les médicaments, constituant le système national d’addictovigilance. L’addictovigilance se traduit principalement par l’évaluation du potentiel d’abus et de dépendance d’un médicament et ses risques pour la santé publique grâce à des systèmes de recueil adaptés (socle de base constitué par la notification spontanée des professionnels de santé et outils spécifiques pour assurer une approche complémentaire) et la surveillance et l’encadrement des conditions d’utilisation des médicaments psychoactifs. Ce système n’existe que grâce aux échanges bilatéraux avec les professionnels de terrain.
Variability of groundwater flow and transport processes in karst under different hydrologic conditions
Authors: Ravbar Nataša
Published: September 2013

Significance of hydrological variability in karst is presented, which also discusses factors inducing such variability and consequences it may cause. Groundwater flow in karst aquifers is often characterized by strong variability of flow dynamics in response to different hydrologic conditions within a short time period. Consequently, water table fluctuations are often in the order of tens of meters, differences in flow velocities between low- and high-flow conditions can reach ten or even more times. In dependence to respective hydrologic conditions groundwater flow also results in variations of flow directions, and thus in contribution of different parts of the aquifer to a particular spring. The described hydrological variability has many implications for contaminant transport, groundwater availability and vulnerability. Groundwater level rising reduces thickness of the unsaturated zone and decreases protectiveness of the overlying layers. Higher water flow velocities reduce underground retention. Due to more turbulent flow, transport and remobilization of solute and insoluble matter is more effective. During high-flow conditions there is usually more surface flow and hence more concentrated infiltration underground. Particularly in karst systems that show very high hydrologic variability, this should be considered to correctly characterize, understand or predict the aquifers’ hydrological behaviour and to prepare proper protection strategies.Keywords: karst aquifer, temporal hydrological variability, groundwater flow, transport processes, karst spring, water source protection.DOI: 10.3986/ac.v42i2.644
Research on Practical Teaching Recording System Based on QuickTime Virtual Reality Technology.
Authors: Zhu Yongyong
Published: September 2013

QTVR is virtual reality technology which is based on static images and we apply it to practical teaching section. Through the practical teaching record system, virtual reality technology is applied to the whole journey of practical teaching. Give full play to the merits of strong sense of reality of the QTVR technology, good interactive performance, impressive immersive experience, convenience of produce and transmission, make seamless integration with the various present online teaching platforms, constitute comprehensive teaching material accumulation and resource utilization, uplift the quality of practical teaching, and promote studentsâ?? practical skills.
Membership Verification in Authenticating Dynamic Sets
Authors: Wei Zukuan , Kim Hongyeon , Kim Youngkyun , Kim Jaehong
Published: September 2013

A file system for cloud storage has to guarantee integrity of its files. For this purpose, existing designs mainly rely on hash tree and RSA tree. A new design based on B+ tree construction is proposed in this paper. The new design performs better in dynamic authentication for integrity of file system and also relatively has low computational cost.