bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
National‐scale assessment of ecological content in the world's largest land management framework
Authors: Twidwell Dirac , Allred Brady W. , Fuhlendorf Samuel D.
Published: August 2013

Meeting the diverse sustainability targets of modern society has led to the development of national‐level management frameworks meant to guide resource management actions and conservation funding decisions. In U.S. rangelands, state‐and‐transition models have been developed within the Ecological Site Description (ESD) Database as an application of alternative state theory and to move the discipline toward a more dynamic platform for resource management. After 15 years of development, and with government‐mandated collaboration among federal agencies, these models are set to become one of the world's largest guiding frameworks for terrestrial ecosystem management. Yet, ESD state‐and‐transition models are being marketed for broad‐scale application without a national‐level critique evaluating their strengths and limitations. In this article, we conduct a national assessment of ESDs with a central focus on evaluating the specific details of ESD state‐and‐transition models. Importantly, we are not evaluating the conceptual underpinnings of the state‐and‐transition management framework, but rather its application. Specifically, we (1) quantify and summarize the information presented in ESD state‐and‐transition models; (2) determine whether ESDs fully meet U.S. Congress's goal of a nationally consistent system for defining, mapping, and interpreting ecological sites; (3) identify limitations and logical holes in ESD predictions; and (4) evaluate whether conservation funding priorities are consistent with output from ESDs. Our evaluation reveals multiple shortcomings in the application of the state‐and‐transition model concept within ESDs, primarily that they are highly subjective, inconsistent in design and application, focus on a single historical climax community, and overuse grazing as a driver of both ecological degradation and restoration. Considering that many of these limitations have been a consistent criticism of rangeland assessment procedures throughout the history of the discipline, state‐and‐transition models within ESDs will require major reconstruction beyond the current plans for revision if they are to meet society's demand for more effective management and utilization of rangeland resources. While ESDs were developed to link science and management in rangeland ecology, our assessment suggests well‐intentioned management frameworks built upon expert opinion and qualitative inputs will not effectively shift ecosystem management from long‐held practices rooted in community climax theory to modern scientific perspectives based on alternative state theory.
Social franchising principles do work: the business approach to removal and disposal of faecal sludge – from pilot to scale
Authors: Wall K. , Ive O. , Bhagwan J. , Kirwan F.
Published: August 2013

Studies undertaken in South Africa have found that social franchising partnerships for the routine maintenance of infrastructure could alleviate and address many challenges in the management of water services. A three-year pilot project has drawn to a successful conclusion. This provided selected infrastructure maintenance services to approximately 400 schools in the Butterworth education district in the Eastern Cape province. Half a dozen franchisee microbusinesses were created, and of the order of three dozen previously unemployed people were taught workplace skills. Irish Aid funded the concept development, but the franchisees were paid from the normal schools operation and maintenance budgets. Despite difficulties arising directly from provincial education department inefficiencies, the pilot project has proven the value of social franchising partnerships for this kind of work – the department now has a model it can roll out to the rest of the more than 4,000 rural schools across the Eastern Cape. Many opportunities lie in applying the same approach to other operation and/or maintenance activities within the water and sanitation services delivery chain. The time is ripe to further develop the concept so that it can move up the technology ladder, expanding its range of competencies beyond its current tried and tested boundaries.
Community-based quality management of non-piped drinking water sources in Koboko and Yumbe
Authors: Gerlach T. , Mayr A. K. , Kenyi D. S.
Published: August 2013

Rapid population growth and negative impacts of human activities result in heightened risks to the safety of urban water supplies. The local councils of Koboko and Yumbe, in cooperation with the Reform of the Urban Water and Sanitation Sector Programme, recognised this risk and decided to establish a quality management system for non-piped drinking water sources. This approach is based on community participation, cost-efficient and reliable monitoring measures as well as on joint capacity development. In this paper, the functioning of the system will be presented in detail and experiences gained thus far will be illustrated.
Identifying pathways to continued maintenance of school sanitation in Belize
Authors: Chatterley Christie , Linden Karl G. , Javernick-Will Amy
Published: August 2013

Despite an increasing focus on school-based water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) interventions in less-developed countries, we lack an understanding of what combinations of conditions are sufficient for their continued maintenance post-implementation. We use a novel method, qualitative comparative analysis, to determine what pathways lead to well-maintained school toilets, as an indicator of continued maintenance of WASH services. Results from 15 case schools in Belize reveal five pathways to well-maintained school sanitation, and three pathways to poorly maintained services. Common conditions in the pathways to well-maintained toilets include local involvement upfront, quality construction, and the presence of a local champion; while conditions common in the pathways to poorly maintained toilets include the absence of the aforementioned conditions, in addition to vandalism and a lack of community support for maintenance. The familiarity of the technology is as common in the pathways to well-maintained toilets as poorly maintained toilets, suggesting that though technology choice is important, quality construction and social conditions may have a stronger influence on maintenance. Qualitative information is presented to support further discussion of the six conditions, including factors linked to their presence that may support improvements in Belize and have implications for school WASH services in other low-income settings.
The Study of Water Quality of Several Local Sources
Authors: Ábrám Zoltán , Tarcea Monica , Finta Hajnal , Moldovan H , Moldovan Geanina , Nădășan V
Published: August 2013

Aim: The aim of this study is to analyze the water quality of several local sources from the Toplița-Deda region, as well as from the Gheorgheni basin, in order to inform the population about the water quality and about the importance of the drinking water control.

Method: Repeated water samples were collected from a total number of 41 sources in the two studied regions during 2010. A multiparametric colorimeter, Hanna Instruments C99 was used to determine certain physical and chemical parameters. A number of current and specific microbiological analyses were also carried out.

Results: The average values and the percentage of the positive samples with values above permitted limits were calculated. The highest accepted levels were based on Law no. 458/2002 regarding drinkable water quality. Among the mineral indicators iron exceeded the limit in 18.18% and water samples were poor in fluoride (83.65%) and in iodine (98.18%). A small percentage of sources (3.63%) indicated pollution, 10.9% had high nitrate level. Analyzing the microbiological content, our water samples were within the drinkability limits required by law.

Conclusion: Our study emphasizes the importance of monitoring water supplies, the awareness of the water quality according to mineral composition, pollution estimation and microbiological characteristics in order to prevent the unexpected influence on the health status of the consumer population.
Accuracy of Ankle-Brachial Index Measurements in Evaluation of Critical Leg Ischemia
Authors: Varga-Fekete Tímea , Felvinczi Katalin , Kun-Bálint Emese , Puskás A , Nagy E , Brassai Z
Published: August 2013

Aims: The ankle-brachial index is an efficient tool for objectively documenting the presence of lower extremity peripheral artery disease. However, its applicability for detection of critical leg ischemia is still controversial. We proposed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the ankle-brachial index for critical ischemia.

Materials and methods: Systolic blood pressure measurements for calculation of the ankle-brachial index were obtained in 90 patients with peripheral artery disease. Ankle-brachial index was computed in 3 different ways (using the lowest ankle pressure, the highest ankle pressure, and the mean of the ankle pressures), sensibility, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and overall accuracy for detecting critical ischemia were determined for each method. A value ≤ 0.4 was taken as cut-off point for critical leg ischemia. Prevalence of coronary and cerebrovascular atherosclerosis and conventional risk factors were also noted.

Results: Using the lowest ankle pressure for computing ankle-brachial index provided higher sensitivity, and lower specificity for detecting critical leg ischemia, using the highest pressure was less sensitive, but more specific, and the mean pressure index gave intermediate results. Overall accuracy was highest for the latest method. The prevalence of generalized atherosclerosis was high in peripheral artery disease, but we found no significant difference between the intermittent claudication and the critical ischemia group.

Conclusion: Ankle-brachial index measurements, regardless of the method used for calculation, cannot identify or rule out reliably critical leg ischemia. Peripheral artery disease confers an increased risk of cardiovascular disease regardless of symptom status or lower extremity perfusion severity.
Analysis of Current Position Determination Accuracy in Natural Resources Canada Precise Point Positioning Service
Authors: Krzan Grzegorz , Dawidowicz Karol , Krzysztof Świa̧tek
Published: August 2013

Precise Point Positioning (PPP) is a technique used to determine highprecision position with a single GNSS receiver. Unlike DGPS or RTK, satellite observations conducted by the PPP technique are not differentiated, therefore they require that parameter models should be used in data processing, such as satellite clock and orbit corrections. Apart from explaining the theory of the PPP technique, this paper describes the available web-based online services used in the post-processing of observation results. The results obtained in the post-processing of satellite observations at three points, with different characteristics of environment conditions, using the CSRS-PPP service, will be presented as the results of the experiment. This study examines the effect of the duration of the measurement session on the results and compares the results obtained by working out observations made by the GPS system and the combined observations from GPS and GLONASS. It also presents the analysis of the position determination accuracy using one and two measurement frequencies
Orthogonal Dynamic Model of Viscoelastic Deformation Under Variable Concentration and Loading
Authors: Lekova Svetla , Aleksandrov Aleksander , Milenova Milena , Tzolov Tzolo
Published: August 2013

In the present work, a generalized mathematical model is considered for describing the process of viscoelastic deformation of poly- mer materials. The model is applied for describing the creep of poly- ethylene in the conditions of diffusion in liquid environment interacting chemically with the polymer and variable loading. The orthogonal expansions method is used and is extended for a process with integrating properties (without self-settling). In this case, it is necessary to separate the integral component, which is also presented as parameter-dependent on loading and saturation. The output experiments are executed with samples which possess reached beforehand different levels of saturation with cyclohexan and have been afterwards submitted to mechanical testing with brief creep in pure torsion at various constant levels of loading.
Subcellular Proteomics for Understanding Host Defense Peptides Mechanism of Action
Authors: López-Abarrategui Carlos , Otero-González Anselmo J.
Published: August 2013

Host defense peptides occurring in plants, invertebrates and vertebrates, represent a primary and heterogeneous group of molecules against infectious agents which may act directly on microorganisms or exert a redirectional enhancement of the immune response to them. Such molecules are an alternative if not for substituting at least complementing the classical antibiotics in anti-infective therapies. Several mechanisms of actions have been described for the majority of host defense peptides mostly acting at level of plasma membrane but some of them interacting with intracellular targets. The elucidation of their mechanisms of action besides completing their functional characterization is important for the development of more efficient subsequent molecular variants. Proteomic analyses have been applied for identifying new host defense peptides but few of them have been described for explaining their mechanism of action. In this paper we would like to update the subject remaking the importance of organelle proteomics for such purpose.
On Certain Approximation Problem Connected with the Sums of Subseries
Authors: Wituła Roman , Kaczmarek Konrad , Hetmaniok Edyta , Słota Damian
Published: August 2013

In this paper a problem of approximating the real numbers by using the series of real numbers is considered. It is proven that if the given family of sequences of real numbers satisfies some conditions of set-theoretical nature, like being closed under initial subsequences and (additionally) possessing properties of adding and removing elements, then it automatically possesses some approximating properties, like, for example, reaching supremum of the set of sums of subseries.
Approximations by Darboux Functions in the Baire One Class
Authors: Menkyna Robert , Mydielka L̓ubomír
Published: August 2013

In the paper [Sur la premiére dérivée, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. (N.S.) 2 (1940), 17-23], Z. Zahorski designed a way of constructing the real semicontinuous functions. Throughout the present paper, it is shown that a modification of Zahorski’s approach is usefull for approximation of a Baire one function by a Darboux Baire one function.
Fifty Years of Migration, Fifty Years of Waiting: Turkey, Germany and the European Union
Authors: Mandel Ruth
Published: August 2013

This article describes and analyzes the complex relationship between Turkey, Germany, and the European Union over the past half-century. It asks why numerous other countries have jumped the queue and managed to gain entry, whereas Turkey has been left knocking at the door, presented with increasing obstacles through which it must pass. The role of Islam is examined as a motivating factor in the exclusion of Turkey. Also, the historical memory of the Ottoman Empire's relationship with Europe is discussed. The mixed reception and perceived problems of integration of the large population of people from Turkey and their descendants who arrived in the 1960s as "guestworkers" is put forth as a key obstacle to Turkey's admission to the European Union. Contradictions in policies and perceptions are highlighted as further impediments to accession.
Incidence and evaluation of open bite malocclusion and their management
Authors: Rahman Md Anisur
Published: August 2013

Introduction: Open bite malocclusion is one of the most difficult dentofacial deformities to treat. Although this type of malocclusion can occur unilaterally or bilaterally in the buccal segments. It is mostly seen in the anterior segment where there is no incisal contact and vertical overlap of the lower incisors by the uppers. Objectives: The study was aimed to find out the incidence of open bite malocclusion and their pre and post treatment evaluation of the treated cases and also compare the result of two study groups (skeletal open bite and dental open bite). Methods: A total number of 31 patients with open bite malocclusion out of 1372 patients reported to Department of Orthodontics, Dhaka Dental College and Hospital for treatment. Out of them 21 patients were included in this study with mean age 22±5.4, who successfully completed treatment. Of them 14 were included in the dental group and 07 in the skeletal group. Pre treatment history, clinical examination along with pre and post-treatment photographs, study models and lateral cephalograms were used to compare the treatment outcome between the two study groups. Results: The incidence of open bite was 2.3%. Out of 21 open bite samples 14 were of dental type and the rest 07 were of skeletal type. 47.6% open bite had Angles Class I malocclusion, 42.9% were Class II and 9.5% were Class III. Cephalometric analysis of vertical measurements showed that the mandibular plane angle, palatal plane angle and SNA angle significantly decreased from pre-treatment to post-treatment (p<0.05) in both groups . Gonial angle remains unchanged. Cephalometric analysis of the linear and dental measurements showed increased upper face height, posterior facial height and inter-incisal angle. Soft tissue evaluation on cephalometry showed significant decrease of esthetic plane and interlabial gap. A statistically significant mean difference was found in case of negative overbites among the patients with dental group (p<0.001). Less time was required for completion of treatment in dental group and prognosis was significantly better (p<0.05) Conclusion: The result of the present study indicates that the treatment period and wear time of appliance in dental type was shorter than skeletal type. Both groups showed significant improvement though prognosis was better in dental type of open bite cases.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjodfo.v2i2.16156 Ban J Orthod & Dentofac Orthop, April 2012; Vol-2, No.2, 1-7
Spectrum of cross bite management
Authors: Alam MK , Sikder MA
Published: August 2013

Cross bite is a condition where one or more teeth may be abnormally malposed bucally or lingually or labially with reference to the opposing tooth or teeth. Different techniques have been used to correct cross bite. This paper concerns orthodontic management of different types of cross bite. Orthodontic treatment carried out with pre-adjusted (Roth type 018 slot) fixed brackets with space management and alignment to accomplish the treatment. The esthetics and occlusion were maintained after retention. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjodfo.v2i2.16162 Ban J Orthod & Dentofac Orthop, April 2012; Vol-2, No.2, 34-37
Orthodontically Correction of A Class III Malocclusion without any Surgical Intervention in an adult Patient- A Case report.
Authors: Rahman MM , Hossain MZ
Published: August 2013

Aim: A case of class-III malocclusion with a prognathic mandible is presented. Treatment objective included, improving facial aesthetics, correction of anterior and posterior cross bite, establishing a stable occlusion and masticatory efficiency. Subject and Methods: The patient was a 17 years old girl who been classified as class-III malocclusion. Sequele included midface depress, anterior and posterior cross bite, reverse overbite 5.5mm and reverse over jet 2.5mm, masticatory had efficiency, crowding in upper anterior segment. The aim was to flare out the maxillary arch and bring the maxillary anterior dentition over the lower dentition and established stable occlusion by class-III Activator and standard edge wise appliance. Results: The anterior cross bite was corrected, with relative forward movement of point A. Case The profile of the patient was corrected and normal overbite and over jet established. A well balance lip profile was created and psychological impairment was eliminated. Conclusion: Correction of anterior cross bite improved the facial, dental and profile of the patients. These factors contributed to the maintenance of a long term occlusal stability. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjodfo.v2i2.16163 Ban J Orthod & Dentofac Orthop, April 2012; Vol-2, No.2, 38-40
Orthodontically Management of Non-extraction Class-II Division 2 Malocclusion- A Case Report
Authors: Jahan Hasnat , Chowdhury Himadri Shekhar Roy , Haq Mohammad Emadul , Hossain Md Zakir
Published: August 2013

A patient of 21 years old presented with Class II division 2 malocclusion and deep overbite, was treated by fixed orthodontic therapy. After completion of the treatment, extreme deep bite was corrected, proclination of upper anterior teeth and patient was satisfied with new position of his upper anterior teeth. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjodfo.v2i2.16166 Ban J Orthod & Dentofac Orthop, April 2012; Vol-2, No.2, 46-47
Formulations for Intranasal Delivery of Pharmacological Agents to Combat Brain Disease: A New Opportunity to Tackle GBM?
Authors: Van Woensel Matthias , Wauthoz Nathalie , Rosière Rémi , Amighi Karim , Mathieu Véronique , Lefranc Florence , Van Gool Stefaan , De Vleeschouwer Steven
Published: August 2013

Despite recent advances in tumor imaging and chemoradiotherapy, the median overall survival of patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme does not exceed 15 months. Infiltration of glioma cells into the brain parenchyma, and the blood-brain barrier are important hurdles to further increase the efficacy of classic therapeutic tools. Local administration methods of therapeutic agents, such as convection enhanced delivery and intracerebral injections, are often associated with adverse events. The intranasal pathway has been proposed as a non-invasive alternative route to deliver therapeutics to the brain. This route will bypass the blood-brain barrier and limit systemic side effects. Upon presentation at the nasal cavity, pharmacological agents reach the brain via the olfactory and trigeminal nerves. Recently, formulations have been developed to further enhance this nose-to-brain transport, mainly with the use of nanoparticles. In this review, the focus will be on formulations of pharmacological agents, which increase the nasal permeation of hydrophilic agents to the brain, improve delivery at a constant and slow release rate, protect therapeutics from degradation along the pathway, increase mucoadhesion, and facilitate overall nasal transport. A mounting body of evidence is accumulating that the underexplored intranasal delivery route might represent a major breakthrough to combat glioblastoma.
Glioblastoma-Initiating Cells: Relationship with Neural Stem Cells and the Micro-Environment
Authors: Goffart Nicolas , Kroonen Jérôme , Rogister Bernard
Published: August 2013

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM, WHO grade IV) is the most common and lethal subtype of primary brain tumor with a median overall survival of 15 months from the time of diagnosis. The presence in GBM of a cancer population displaying neural stem cell (NSC) properties as well as tumor-initiating abilities and resistance to current therapies suggests that these glioblastoma-initiating cells (GICs) play a central role in tumor development and are closely related to NSCs. However, it is nowadays still unclear whether GICs derive from NSCs, neural progenitor cells or differentiated cells such as astrocytes or oligodendrocytes. On the other hand, NSCs are located in specific regions of the adult brain called neurogenic niches that have been shown to control critical stem cell properties, to nourish NSCs and to support their self-renewal. This “seed-and-soil” relationship has also been adapted to cancer stem cell research as GICs also require a specific micro-environment to maintain their “stem cell” properties. In this review, we will discuss the controversies surrounding the origin and the identification of GBM stem cells and highlight the micro-environment impact on their biology.
An Investigation into W or Nb or ZnFe2O4 Doped Titania Nanocomposites Deposited from Blended Powder Targets for UV/Visible Photocatalysis
Authors: Farahani Nick , Kelly Peter , West Glen , Ratova Marina , Hill Claire , Vishnyakov Vladimir
Published: August 2013

The photocatalytic behavior of titania coatings is largely determined by their crystalline structure. Depending on deposition conditions, though, titania may form amorphous, brookite, anatase or rutile structures, with anatase or anatase/rutile mixed phase structures showing the highest levels of activity. Anatase is activated by UV light and, consequently, there is a great deal of interest in doping titania films to both increase activity and extend it into the visible range. In this study, titania and doped titania coatings have been deposited from blended oxide powder targets. This highly versatile and economical technique allows dopant levels to be readily varied. Using this technique, titania coatings doped with W, Nb and ZnFe2O4 have been deposited onto glass substrates by pulsed magnetron sputtering. The as-deposited coatings were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and micro-Raman spectroscopy. Selected coatings were then annealed at temperatures in the range of 400–700 °C and re-analyzed. Structural transformation of the titania coatings was initiated in the 500–600 °C range, with the coatings annealed at 700 °C having predominantly anatase structures. The photocatalytic activity of the coatings was assessed through measurements of the degradation of organic dyes, such as methyl orange, under the influence of UV and fluorescent light sources. It was found that, after annealing, coatings with photo-active surfaces were produced and that activity varied with dopant content. Activity levels under fluorescent light irradiation were up to 60% of the activity measured under UV irradiation.
Compétences et régulation des marchés du travail dans les pôles de compétitivité : le cas du pôle Pégase
Authors: Gadille Martine , Méhaut Philippe , Courault Bruno
Published: August 2013

Cet article questionne la littérature sur les clusters du point de vue de la notion de régulation des marchés du travail et de la formation professionnelle. L’étude de cas du pôle Pégase aéronautique en PACA (région Provence, Alpes Côte-d’Azur) est doublement instructive pour le développement économique local. Elle éclaire la façon dont la politique des pôles de compétitivité repose sur le développement de PME indépendantes et autonomes, sources d’innovation, à côté des donneurs d’ordres et sous-traitants spécialisés. Elle souligne par ailleurs que ces PME indépendantes déplacent les besoins en compétences et en formation professionnelle dans le territoire. Cependant les marges d’action du pôle dépendent de la configuration sociétale du marché du travail et des institutions nationales et locales qui façonnent sa régulation, obligeant les intermédiaires du marché du travail et les acteurs intermédiaires de l’innovation à interagir davantage.
Empreinte spatiale de la coopération agricole française. Un éclairage par l'analyse des structures de localisation
Authors: Triboulet Pierre , Peres Stéphanie , Filippi Maryline , Chantelot Sébastien
Published: August 2013

Cet article propose de caractériser les structures de localisation des coopératives agricoles en France, en 1995 et 2005 afin de mieux comprendre les déterminants de leur organisation spatiale. Il mobilise les outils de l’analyse spatiale exploratoire pour construire une typologie cantonale des structures de localisation des coopératives. Il analyse ensuite les facteurs explicatifs de cette typologie par une modélisation de type logit multinomial. Les résultats obtenus mettent en avant l’existence de cantons à fort potentiel coopératif ainsi qu’une stabilité des schémas de localisation entre 1995 et 2005. La forte présence coopérative est associée aux grands bassins de production agricole. Elle bénéficie également de la proximité à la ville, résultat à nuancer cependant selon la taille de l’aire urbaine.
Penitrem A and analogues: toxicokinetics, toxicodynamics including mechanism of action and clinical significance
Authors: Eriksen G.S. , Moldes-Anaya A. , Fæste C.K.
Published: August 2013

Penitrem A is a mycotoxin mainly produced by Penicillium crustosum, a fungal species occurring in all climate zones, ranging from tropical to arctic areas. P. crustosum produces a wide range of toxic metabolites, including penitrems, thomitrems and roquefortine C. The major metabolite, penitrem A, has been associated with several episodes of mycotoxicosis in dogs. The clinical symptoms of acute penitrem A intoxication include classical signs of neurotoxicity, such as tremors, convulsions, ataxia and nystagmus. The outcomes of penitrem A intoxication in animals range from total recovery to death, depending mainly on the level of exposure. Cases of suspected human mycotoxicosis following exposure to P. crustosum infected food, beer or inhalation of dust have also been reported. The toxicokinetics of penitrem A is scarcely studied. The toxin is rapidly absorbed, as demonstrated by the rapid onset of symptoms after exposure, but the absorption has not been quantified. Penitrem A is transported systemically after absorption and has been found in liver, kidney and brain as well as in serum and the gastrointestinal tract in exposed animals. Five phase I metabolites have been found in liver extracts of mice 60 min after oral exposure to penitrem A, while three metabolites were found after in vitro incubations with primary rat hepatocytes and rat liver microsomes. Only penitrem A was found in the brains of exposed mice or intoxicated dogs. The elimination has not been studied. Penitrem A is probably the main tremorgenic compound in Penicillium-infected food and feed commodities, since analogues had lower toxic potentials in comparative studies. Penitrem A affects the central as well as the peripheral nervous system. The toxin blocks the high-conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels (BK) and impairs the GABAergic neurotransmission in the cerebellum. Animal poisoning by penitrem A is probably underdiagnosed due to a lack of knowledge among veterinarians.
Role of topoisomerase inhibition and DNA repair mechanisms in the genotoxicity of alternariol and altertoxin-II
Authors: Tiessen C. , Gehrke H. , Kropat C. , Schwarz C. , Bächler S. , Fehr M. , Pahlke G. , Marko D.
Published: August 2013

Alternariol (AOH) and altertoxin-II (ALTX-II) have been demonstrated to possess genotoxic properties. However, the underlying mechanisms of action have not been fully elucidated yet. AOH has recently been shown to act as a topoisomerase I and II poison, contributing to its genotoxic properties. The topoisomerase-specific repair factor tyrosyl-DNA-phosphodiesterase-1 (TDP1) is involved in the respective repair processes of damaged DNA induced by topoisomerase II poison. In the present study, we investigated the role of DNA repair pathways for the extent of DNA damage by AOH and addressed the question whether interference with topoisomerase II might play a role in the genotoxicity of ALTX-II. Under cell-free conditions, AOH and ALTX-II suppressed the activity of topoisomerase II at a comparable concentration range. In HT29 cells, AOH enhanced the level of covalent DNA-topoisomerase II complexes, thus acting as a topoisomerase poison in DNA damaging concentrations. In contrast, ALTX-II in genotoxic concentrations did not show any effect on the stability of these complexes, indicating that interference with topoisomerases does not play a relevant role in genotoxicity. The differences in genotoxic mechanisms seem to be reflected in the activation of p53. AOH was found to increase p53 phosphorylation in HT29 cells in DNA damaging concentrations. In contrast, incubation with ALTX-II did not affect p53 phosphorylation despite substantial increase in tail intensity in the comet assay, suggesting that the DNA lesions formed by ALTX-II are not detected by the DNA-repair machinery of HT29 cells. These results are supported by differences in persistence of DNA damage, still maintained after 24 h for ALTX-II but nearly vanished already after 3 h for AOH. Furthermore, microarray and qPCR analysis did not indicate any substantial impact of AOH on the transcription of key elements of DNA repair pathways. However, siRNA-approaches indicate that, in addition to TDP1, the expression of other elements of the DNA repair machinery exemplified by the 70 kDa Ku autoantigen and the proliferating cell nuclear antigen are relevant for AOH-mediated DNA damage.
Efficacy of Quetiapine Off-Label Uses: Data Synthesis
Authors: Carney Adam C.
Published: August 2013

Quetiapine (Seroquel
®
) is a potent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antipsychotic agent that has been used extensively for off-label indications. The current study was performed to ascertain the efficacy of some of the most prevalent off-label uses of this agent. An extensive search of electronic databases was completed using the search terms
quetiapine
or
Seroquel
,
off-label
and
anxiety
,
substance abuse
,
dementia
,
delirium
,
personality disorder
,
insomnia
, and
sleep
. Data were predictably mixed according to the indication being examined. The strongest evidence exists for anxiety and delirium. Moderate evidence exists for quetiapine as a pharmacological intervention for insomnia, dementia, and specific personality disorders. Evidence for quetiapine as a treatment for substance abuse is limited. More data are needed to establish specific dosing regimens for off-label uses and to examine the dose relationship to metabolic side effects and extrapyramidal side effects to determine whether various off-label uses justify the risk incurred with using this powerful drug. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 51
(8), 11–18.]
Technology and Differential Equations
Authors: Hubbard John
Published: August 2013

Differential equations are the main way in which we make mathematical models of the real world. This is true in just about all fields, from physics to fluid mechanics, from astronomy to finance: if you want to understand how something evolves, or if you want to understand equilibria, you will need to set up and “solve” differential equations. For instance, our understanding of global warming depends mainly on analyzing the differential equations modeling the weather and seeing how their behavior depends on the concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere. The future of humanity depends on our getting it right.
Sometimes Less is More
Authors: Keene Karen , Rasmussen Chris
Published: August 2013

As described in the communities of practice literature (Lave & Wenger, 1991; Wenger, 1998), boundary objects are material things that interface two or more communities of practice. Extending this, Hoyles, Noss, Kent, and Bakker (2010) defined technology-enhanced boundary objects as, “software tools that adapt or extend symbolic artefacts identified from existing work practice, that are intended to act as boundary objects, for the purposes of employees’ learning and enhancing workplace communication” (p. 17). The authors adapt this idea to the undergraduate mathematics classroom and use the phrase “classroom technology-enhanced boundary object” to refer to a piece of software that acts as a boundary object between the classroom community and the mathematical community. They provide three extended examples of these objects as used in a first semester differential equations classroom to illustrate how students’ mathematical activity may advance as they interact with the software. These examples show how the applets operate to provide a way for the classroom community to implicitly encounter the mathematical community through the authentic practices of mathematics (Rasmussen, Zandieh, King, & Teppo, 2005). The first example centers on students beginning experience with a tangent vector field applet. The second example develops as the students learn more about solutions to differential equations and leads to a statement of the uniqueness theorem. In the third example, students use a specially designed applet that creates a numerical approximation and its associated image in 3-space relating to a non-technological visualization task that introduces solutions to systems of differential equations.
Dynamical Mathematical Software
Authors: Habre Samer
Published: August 2013

Understanding mathematical concepts is many-folded. Traditional mathematics mostly emphasizes the algebraic/analytical aspect of a problem with minimal reference to its graphical aspect and/or numerical one. In a modern learning environment, however, multiple representations of concepts are proving to be essential for the teaching of mathematics. The availability of user-friendly dynamical software programs has paved the way for a radical yet smooth way for changing the way mathematical concepts are perceived. This chapter presents some of the author’s attempts for employing innovative methods in teaching topics in calculus, in differential and difference equations. The focus is on the use of dynamical programs that boost the visual component of the topics being investigated, hence contributing to a more complete understanding of these topics.
Dynamical Software and the Derivative Concept
Authors: Dikovic Ljubica
Published: August 2013

Modern teaching trends impose the need of spending less time on the manipulative approach to differential and integral calculus, putting the accent on the conceptual understanding of the subject. This chapter presents the standard approach and method used to teach the derivative of a function and indicates some critical points in the teaching of the derivative, offering, at the same time, suggestions for overcoming them. As a supplement, the author gives e-resources that can make possible the implementation of a stimulating, visual, dynamic, and broadened method for teaching the derivative of a function.
Making Health Information Personal
Authors: Ricketts Mitch
Published: August 2013

Research suggests people often fail to understand the personal relevance of generalized health information. To make health information more meaningful, communicators can employ anecdotes that take the form of instructive stories about the illnesses or injuries of particular people. Appropriate anecdotes may help audiences internalize health information by triggering insights such as: “I see how that could happen to me…I’d better take action.” Vivid anecdotes appear to activate many of the same neurological pathways that help us extract meaning from direct experience and observation. By eliciting vivid imagery, provoking deep thought, and forging lasting memories, anecdotes may shape beliefs and behaviors to nearly the same extent as a lived event. This chapter explores methods for integrating anecdotes into health messages to increase personal relevance and prompt important changes in health-related behavior.
E-LearningFacultyModules.org
Authors: McHaney Roger , Spire Lynda , Boggs Rosemary
Published: August 2013

A team at Kansas State University recently launched the E-Learning Faculty Modules wiki to enhance and support online faculty development. This project is customized for teaching in the Kansas State University distance-learning program but contains a broad set of information that might be useful to others. This site is constructed using wiki technology, which permits access, multimedia expressiveness, remote collaboration, tracking, and reversibility of postings. Other tools on the site are derived from MediaWiki and its open-source capabilities. The wiki includes an overall ontology, templates, categories, completed and seeded entries, input boxes, and menus that ensure users can easily use and join the community. Taken holistically, these attributes create an ideal venue for sharing ideas and encouraging synergistic improvement of teaching practices. This chapter describes the implementation process of E-LearningFacultyModules.org and gives insight into its purpose, features, and uses.
Framework Oriented Approach to Eco-Tourism
Authors: Mohapatra Sanjay , Naswa Tripti
Published: August 2013

This paper discusses an approach for eco-tourism. The paper also addresses the cost-benefit analysis of different parameters which can help in designing a framework. The principles of eco tourism emphasizes on the win-win situation for both the Commercial and Environmental concerns; with focus on creating alternatives for sustainable ventures. The framework designed has two-pronged approach: sensitization a profit oriented business operator towards stakeholders like Environment & Local community and second one being providing necessary professional guidance to an entrepreneur whose focus is mainly on local community & environment. The framework not only gives a concept of tourism project but also stresses on strategic plans for developing tourism infrastructure.
Sliding Stability of Retaining Wall Supporting c-Φ Backfill under Pseudo-Statically Seismic Active Load
Authors: Ghosh Sima
Published: August 2013

The sliding stability of retaining wall is one of the four important stability criteria for the safe design of retaining wall. Here an attempt is made to determine the sliding stability of retaining wall under seismic loading condition supporting c- F backfill considering both soil and wall inertia using pseudo-static method. The analysis for seismic active earth pressure for that particular study is done in such a way to develop a single critical wedge surface which is more realistic. The effect of wide range of variation of parameters like angle of internal friction of soil, angle of wall friction, cohesion, adhesion, seismic acceleration are studied on normalized seismic active earth pressure variation, wall inertia factor, thrust factor, combined dynamic factor and dynamic factor of safety against sliding. Results are presented in terms of formula for critical wedge surface and seismic active earth pressure and non-dimensional charts for the variation of different factors. Finally, a failure zone against sliding is recommended in the Factor of safety against sliding charts.
Concepts and Tools for Marketing Intelligence Development
Authors: Slimani Thabet
Published: August 2013

Business intelligence (BI) is a promising way which let companies to gather large amounts of data, accessing, analyzing that data, and presenting a high-level set of reports that condense the huge amount of that data so that they can make fundamental business decisions regarding business actors (customer, supplier, logistics…). To learn from the past and present time and anticipate the new market trends, many companies are adopting Business Intelligence (BI) tools and systems. There are numerous business intelligence tools to help managers in making the best decisions. The paper give some explanation of the concepts and the components of BI, benefits of BI, tools for BI, the implementation of business intelligence, and a proposal to combine BI and semantic Web. Additionally, the paper describes the popularity and the increase of data and information use from open sources (OS) and its impacts in competitive and marketing intelligence.
Representation of Situational Methods
Authors: Reinhartz-Berger Iris
Published: August 2013

Method Engineering (ME) and Situational Method Engineering (SME) aim at providing effective solutions for building and supporting evolution of software and information systems development methods. For this purpose, method components are specified and composed into general-purpose development methods or situational methods, i.e., development methods that best fit the characteristics of a given project and its environment. Recently ISO/IEC 24744 has emerged for defining a metamodel and a notation for development methods. However, this standard lacks a systematic support for situational classification and maintenance. In this work, the authors suggest incorporating ISO/IEC 24744 metamodel into a domain-based framework, called Application-based DOmain Modeling for Method Engineering (ADOM-ME), which supports specifying both general-purpose and situational methods in a single, simple, accessible, and scalable frame of reference. An exploratory study on the usability of ADOM-ME indicates that the approach can be utilized by information systems students that represent non-experienced method engineers and software developers.
Towards a Method Family Supporting Information Services Co-Creation in the Transdisciplinary Context
Authors: Ralyté Jolita
Published: August 2013

Increasing popularity of the notion of service in the enterprise business and information systems development facilitates the creation of new types of inter-organizational and multidisciplinary collaboration and value co-creation. Simple exchange of services between organizations evolves into the co-creation of transdisciplinary services shared by all involved partners. In this paper the authors introduce the notion of transdisciplinarity and discuss how to support information services co-creation in this new context. For this purpose, they identify and explore four main principles (communication, collaboration, co-innovation, and agility) to be implemented in the transdisciplinary information services co-creation – the challenges that their implementation entails and the existing approaches and techniques that support their implementation. Finally, the authors propose a method family approach as a means to create new methods including a large variability of techniques and providing configuration mechanisms. In particular, this paper demonstrates how to create a method family providing a flexible and agile process model based on the transdisciplinarity principles and allowing to combine techniques and approaches from different disciplines in order to support collaborative creativity, modeling and development of transdisciplinary services.
Delivery Commitments in Stochastic Service Networks
Authors: Dulluri Sandeep , Muthusamy Ganesh
Published: August 2013

Service firms have become highly competitive in terms of providing the delivery. The delivery quality in terms of delivery commitments. Delivery commitments impact the customer in deciding for the service. Computing the delivery commitments in stochastic service systems is a real challenge. Delivery commitment forms a key parameter in formulating the service level agreements in B2B markets. In our current work we propose a queuing theoretic approach for computing the delivery commitments. The authors employ basic Probability theory to propose two bounds on delivery commitment time. Further, we investigate the effect of learning in service networks. They believe that their work can provide a simple and easy framework for quality analysis in stochastic service networks.