bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling India’s External Sector: Review and Some Empirics
Authors: Bhanumurthy N.R. , Bose Sukanya , Panda Swayamsiddha
Published: October 2014

In the aftermath of the global food and fuel price spikes, and the recent global financial crisis, understanding of external sector behaviour has become crucial. The transmission mechanism of external sector shocks to domestic macroeconomic variables is essential for undertaking relevant policies to mitigate the adverse impact of such shocks. Here an attempt has been made to review the theoretical and empirical issues relating to India’s external sector behaviour and to present a suitable analytical framework for macro modelling.

JEL Classification: F4, C3
The Military and the Challenge of Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria: Positive Scepticism and Negative Optimism
Authors: Ojo Emmanuel O.
Published: October 2014

Nigeria, like several other countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, depicts the picture of a ‘Praetorian state’ or what Leo Dare called the ‘Praetorian trap’. The reason for this nomenclature is not farfetched. The polity alternated between civilian and military administrations since its ‘flag independence’ in October 1960. The only respite so far is the uninterrupted civilian administration since 29 May1999, when a nascent democracy was inaugurated. Even at that, the risk of military intervention has not completely disappeared from the political firmament. The thrust of this article, however, is an in-depth analysis of the role(s) of the Military in democratic political transition in Nigeria. This study becomes imperative in the context of the Military superimposed democratic transitions in Nigeria. In a nutshell the article recognises the contributions of the Military vis-à-vis democratic transition and sustenance.
Numerical modeling of lubrication of piston ring of two-stroke marine diesel engine considering the effect of multi-scale grooves on the cylinder liner
Authors: Mohamad Salaheldin A , Lu Xiqun , Zheng Qun
Published: October 2014

The method of lubrication for piston ring in some types of low-speed two-stroke marine diesel engines is completely different from those in medium- or high-speed diesel engines since the inner surface of cylinder liners are textured with elliptical grooves in macroscale and honing texture in microscale. In this paper, a numerical model has been developed to study the potential of use of cylinder bore surface texturing, in the form of circumferential oil grooves with different dimensions and densities, to improve the tribological properties of piston ring–cylinder liner tribosystem. The average Reynolds equation has been employed in the area of microscale texture and the effect of macroscale grooves has been incorporated to improve the currently lubrication model. The focus is put on cavitation formation condition and boundary condition in grooves within the area of lubrication, analysis of the effect of macrogroove dimension characters and distribution of grooves on the tribological performance of piston compression ring. The solution provides the hydrodynamic friction force, boundary friction force, coefficient of friction, and the total friction force. The results show that the cylinder liner oil grooves can efficiently be used to maintain hydrodynamic effect. It is also shown that optimum surface texturing may substantially reduce the friction losses between piston ring and cylinder liner.
Putting Theory Into Practice: A Case Study of Diabetes-Related Behavioral Change Interventions on Chicago’s South Side
Authors: Peek Monica E. , Ferguson Molly J. , Roberson Tonya P. , Chin Marshall H.
Published: October 2014

Diabetes self-management is central to diabetes care overall, and much of self-management entails individual behavior change, particularly around dietary patterns and physical activity. Yet individual-level behavior change remains a challenge for many persons with diabetes, particularly for racial/ethnic minorities who disproportionately face barriers to diabetes-related behavioral changes. Through the South Side Diabetes Project, officially known as “Improving Diabetes Care and Outcomes on the South Side of Chicago,” our team sought to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities among residents in the largely working-class African American communities that comprise Chicago’s South Side. In this article, we describe several aspects of the South Side Diabetes Project that are directly linked to patient behavioral change, and discuss the theoretical frameworks we used to design and implement our programs. We also briefly discuss more downstream program elements (e.g., health systems change) that provide additional support for patient-level behavioral change.
Engaging Faith-Based Resources to Initiate and Support Diabetes Self-Management Among African Americans
Authors: Johnson Patria , Thorman Hartig Margaret , Frazier Renee , Clayton Mae , Oliver Georgia , Nelson Belinda W. , Williams-Cleaves Beverly J.
Published: October 2014

Diabetes for Life (DFL), a project of Memphis Healthy Churches (MHC) and Common Table Health Alliance (CTHA; formerly Healthy Memphis Common Table [HMCT]), is a self-management program aimed at reducing health disparities among African Americans with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee. This program is one of five national projects that constitute The Alliance to Reduce Disparities in Diabetes, a 5-year grant-funded initiative of The Merck Foundation. Our purpose is to describe the faith-based strategies supporting DFL made possible by linking with an established informal health system, MHC, created by Baptist Memorial Health Care. The MHC network engaged volunteer Church Health Representatives as educators and recruiters for DFL. The components of the DFL project and the effect on chronic disease management for the participants will be described. The stages of DFL recruitment and implementation from an open-access to a closed model involving six primary care practices created a formal health system. The involvement of CTHA, a regional health collaborative, created the opportunity for DFL to expand the pool of health care providers and then recognize the core of providers most engaged with DFL patients. This collaboration between MHC and HMCT led to the organization of the formal health network.
The Alliance to Reduce Disparities in Diabetes
Authors: Goode Tawara D. , Jack Leonard
Published: October 2014

This supplement provides a comprehensive and in-depth examination of proven clinical-community health strategies employed by the Alliance to Reduce Disparities in Diabetes, across five sites located in diverse geographic regions of the United States, including a tribal community. Alliance projects in these communities focused on African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, and American Indians as priority populations. Each project was implemented with an understanding that there are cultural norms, community characteristics, and health care system challenges that require sustained multicomponent approaches to ameliorate factors that exacerbate poor disease management and health outcomes. The articles increase understanding of what is required to implement evidence-based approaches shaped by local experiences in order to meet the needs of diverse communities affected by diabetes. Lessons learned have generic elements that can be used in other priority populations and settings.
Robust Regression for Slope Estimation in Curriculum-Based Measurement Progress Monitoring
Authors: Mercer Sterett H. , Lyons Alina F. , Johnston Lauren E. , Millhoff Courtney L.
Published: October 2014

Although ordinary least-squares (OLS) regression has been identified as a preferred method to calculate rates of improvement for individual students during curriculum-based measurement (CBM) progress monitoring, OLS slope estimates are sensitive to the presence of extreme values. Robust estimators have been developed that are less biased by extreme values; however, the performance of robust estimators in the short data streams typical of CBM progress monitoring is unknown. The purpose of the current study was to investigate bias and efficiency relative to OLS for several robust slope estimators on simulated CBM progress monitoring data. Data were generated at several combinations of series lengths (i.e., 7, 12, and 24 data points) and percentages of extreme value contamination (i.e., 0%, 15%, and 30% of data points). Results indicated that the robust slope estimates were substantially more efficient than OLS in the presence of extreme values. Potential uses of robust slope estimates for calculating students’ rates of improvement in CBM progress monitoring are discussed.
Elimination of Cancer Stem–Like Side Population in Human Glioblastoma Cells Accompanied With Stemness Gene Suppression by Korean Herbal Recipe MSC500
Authors: Yao Chih-Jung , Han Tae-Young , Shih Ping-Hsiao , Yi Tsu-Yi , Lai I-Chun , Chang Ken-Hu , Lai Tung-Yuan , Chang Chia-Lun , Lai Gi-Ming
Published: October 2014

Background: High-grade gliomas are the most common and invasive malignant brain tumors in adults, and they are almost universally fatal because of drug resistance and recurrence. In spite of the progress in adjuvant therapy (like temozolomide) and irradiation after surgery, no effective salvage therapy is currently available for relapsed patients. A Korean herbal recipe MSC500 has been reported to have beneficial therapeutic effects in patients with high-grade gliomas who are relapsed or refractory to conventional treatments. But the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: As Cancer stem cell (CSC) plays a pivotal role in the resistance to conventional cancer therapy, we explored the effects of MSC500 on the CSC-like side population (SP) in GBM8401 human glioblastoma multiforme cells. Results: Compared with the parental cells, the SP cells were more resistant to temozolomide but sensitive to MSC500. The mRNA levels of stemness genes such as Nanog, CD133, and ABCG2 were much higher in the SP cells, and so was E-cadherin, which was reported to correlate with the aggressiveness of glioblastoma multiforme. Treatment with MSC500 decreased the proportion of SP cells and high ALDH activity cells from 1.6% to 0.3% and from 0.9% to 0.1%, respectively, accompanied with suppression of the aforementioned stemness genes and E-cadherin, as well as other CSC markers such as ABCB5, Oct-4, Sox-2, β-catenin, Gli-1, and Notch-1. Conclusion: Our results suggest the potential role of MSC500 as an integrative and complementary therapeutic for advanced or refractory high-grade glioma patients.
Comparison of digital nerve sensory recovery after repair using loupe or operating microscope magnification
Authors: Thomas P. R. , Saunders R. J. , Means K. R.
Published: October 2014

Our purpose was to determine whether there was a significant difference in sensory recovery after digital nerve repair using loupe magnification or an operating microscope. We identified patients aged 21–75 who had primary proper digital nerve repairs at least 24 months before our study. A total of 12 patients with 13 digital nerve injuries repaired with loupe magnification and nine patients with 12 digital nerve injuries repaired using the operating microscope, agreed to return for assessment by a therapist blinded to treatment. We found no significant difference in sensory recovery between the two groups as measured by static two-point discrimination, moving two-point discrimination, and Semmes–Weinstein monofilament. There were also no significant differences in average Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand or visual analogue pain scores.

Level of evidence: IV
The effectiveness and barriers of implementing a workplace health promotion program to improve metabolic disorders in older workers in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Meei-Maan , Tsai Alan C. , Wang Jiun-Yi
Published: October 2014

To determine the effectiveness of a pragmatic health promotion program to improve the metabolic disorders in older workers in Taiwan, we conducted a 24-week quasi-experiment in three worksites in southern Taiwan in 2010. Among 1,245 workers, 108 met the inclusion criteria (full-time workers aged over 50 years) and agreed to participate in the study. They were assigned to either the intervention ( n = 58) or the reference group ( n = 50) according to their availability to participate in health-promoting activities. The intervention group received training in behavioral modifications to improve diet, time-use, stress management and physical activity. Motivational lectures, group activities, and team competitions were used to improve participants’ knowledge and skills in managing own health. Subjects in the reference group received no intervention. Lifestyle, anthropometric and biochemical indicators were measured at baseline and end-point. Mixed effects linear models were used to determine the intervention effects. The intervention significantly lowered body weight (intervention vs. reference = −1.22 vs. –0.30kg, p = 0.026), BMI (–0.46 vs. –0.02kg/m2, p = 0.006), and waist circumference (–2.68 vs. +0.79cm, p <0.001), but had no effect on biochemical parameters. These findings suggest the workplace-based health promotion can be effective and useful in reducing the risk of metabolic disorders in older workers in Taiwan.
A phase 1/1b study of rituximab, bendamustine, and ibrutinib in patients with untreated and relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Maddocks Kami , Christian Beth , Jaglowski Samantha , Flynn Joseph , Jones Jeffery A. , Porcu Pierluigi , Wei Lai , Jenkins Cynthia , Lozanski Gerard , Byrd John C. , Blum Kristie A.
Published: October 2014

Key Points

Combined R-bendamustine and ibrutinib is well tolerated in patients with relapsed/refractory NHL, with promising efficacy in MCL and FL.
A comprehensive resource of genomic, epigenomic and transcriptomic sequencing data for the black truffle Tuber melanosporum
Authors: Chen Pao-Yang , Montanini Barbara , Liao Wen-Wei , Morselli Marco , Jaroszewicz Artur , Lopez David , Ottonello Simone , Pellegrini Matteo
Published: October 2014

Background

Tuber melanosporum, also known in the gastronomic community as “truffle”, features one of the largest fungal genomes (125 Mb) with an exceptionally high transposable element (TE) and repetitive DNA content (>58%). The main purpose of DNA methylation in fungi is TE silencing. As obligate outcrossing organisms, truffles are bound to a sexual mode of propagation, which together with TEs is thought to represent a major force driving the evolution of DNA methylation. Thus, it was of interest to examine if and how T. melanosporum exploits DNA methylation to maintain genome integrity.

Findings

We performed whole-genome DNA bisulfite sequencing and mRNA sequencing on different developmental stages of T. melanosporum; namely, fruitbody (“truffle”), free-living mycelium and ectomycorrhiza. The data revealed a high rate of cytosine methylation (>44%), selectively targeting TEs rather than genes with a strong preference for CpG sites. Whole genome DNA sequencing uncovered multiple TE-enriched, copy number variant regions bearing a significant fraction of hypomethylated and expressed TEs, almost exclusively in free-living mycelium propagated in vitro. Treatment of mycelia with 5-azacytidine partially reduced DNA methylation and increased TE transcription. Our transcriptome assembly also resulted in the identification of a set of novel transcripts from 614 genes.

Conclusions

The datasets presented here provide valuable and comprehensive (epi)genomic information that can be of interest for evolutionary genomics studies of multicellular (filamentous) fungi, in particular Ascomycetes belonging to the subphylum, Pezizomycotina. Evidence derived from comparative methylome and transcriptome analyses indicates that a non-exhaustive and partly reversible methylation process operates in truffles.
Isolated panniculitis with vasculitis of the male breast suspicious for malignancy on CT and ultrasound: a case report and literature review
Authors: Yuan Wei-Hsin , Li Anna Fen-Yau , Hsu Hui-Chen , Chou Yi-Hong
Published: October 2014

Introduction

We report a case of a 54-year-old male patient with a hard, painful nodule within his right breast which was misdiagnosed preoperatively as breast cancer.

Case description

Preoperative work-up included physical examination, non-contrast chest computed tomography (CT), sonography, and sono-guided breast biopsy. Isolated breast panniculitis with vasculitis (BPWV), a rare disease, was diagnosed by histopathologic examination of tissue obtained from excisional biopsy.

Discussion and Evaluation

Subcutaneous panniculitis with or without vasculitis, a condition of nonsuppurative inflammatory process involving the subcutaneous fat layer of skin, is related to different causes. A palpable benign male breast lesion resembling a malignancy includes gynecomastia, panniculitis with or without vasculitis, fat necrosis, ruptured epidermal cyst, pseudoangiomatous stromal hyperplasia, subareolar abscess, intraductal papilloma, hematoma, and atypical fibroadenoma. To make an accurate preoperative diagnosis of a male breast mass, a physician has to carefully analyze various imaging findings. The cases of BPWV may present as an isolated breast lesion or as a component of a systemic disease. The diagnosis of the reported patient was compatible with an isolated BPWV because panniculitis and/or vasculitis were not present at other sites or organs at the time of diagnosis or during follow-up.

Conclusions

Excisional biopsy and clinical data can provide the correct diagnosis and determined the appropriate treatment strategy of a male BPWV.
Identification of chemokine receptors as potential modulators of endocrine resistance in oestrogen receptor–positive breast cancers
Authors: Ribas Ricardo , Ghazoui Zara , Gao Qiong , Pancholi Sunil , Rani Aradhana , Dunbier Anita , Dowsett Mitch , Martin Lesley-Ann
Published: October 2014

Introduction

Endocrine therapies target oestrogenic stimulation of breast cancer (BC) growth, but resistance remains problematic. Our aims in this study were (1) to identify genes most strongly associated with resistance to endocrine therapy by intersecting global gene transcription data from patients treated presurgically with the aromatase inhibitor anastrazole with those from MCF7 cells adapted to long-term oestrogen deprivation (LTED) (2) to assess the clinical value of selected genes in public clinical data sets and (3) to determine the impact of targeting these genes with novel agents.

Methods

Gene expression and Ki67 data were available from 69 postmenopausal women with oestrogen receptor–positive (ER+) early BC, at baseline and 2 weeks after anastrazole treatment, and from cell lines adapted to LTED. The functional consequences of target genes on proliferation, ER-mediated transcription and downstream cell signalling were assessed.

Results

By intersecting genes predictive of a poor change in Ki67 with those upregulated in LTED cells, we identified 32 genes strongly correlated with poor antiproliferative response that were associated with inflammation and/or immunity. In a panel of LTED cell lines, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CXCR7) and CXCR4 were upregulated compared to their wild types (wt), and CXCR7, but not CXCR4, was associated with reduced relapse-free survival in patients with ER+ BC. The CXCR4 small interfering RNA variant (siCXCR4) had no specific effect on the proliferation of wt-SUM44, wt-MCF7 and their LTED derivatives. In contrast, siCXCR7, as well as CCX733, a CXCR7 antagonist, specifically suppressed the proliferation of MCF7-LTED cells. siCXCR7 suppressed proteins associated with G1/S transition and inhibited ER transactivation in MCF7-LTED, but not wt-MCF7, by impeding association between ER and proline-, glutamic acid– and leucine-rich protein 1, an ER coactivator.

Conclusions

These data highlight CXCR7 as a potential therapeutic target warranting clinical investigation in endocrine-resistant BC.
Memorial: Nancy McCartney-Francis, 1950–2014
Authors: Wahl Sharon M
Published: October 2014

A tribute to Nancy McCartney-Francis, highlighting her contributions in the field of leukocyte biology.
Electrochemical Performance of LiFe0.97Sn0.03PO4/C Composites Synthesized by the High-temperature High-energy Ball Milling Method
Authors: Wang Juan , Shao Zhongbao , Ru Hongqiang
Published: October 2014

LiFePO4/C and LiFe0.97Sn0.03PO4/C composites were synthesized by a novel preparation method of high-temperature high-energy ball milling (HTHEBM). The composites were characterized by XRD, SEM, and electrochemical performance tests. The results indicate that the physical properties and electrochemical performance of the LiFe0.97Sn0.03PO4/C sample were greatly improved by the introduction of SnO2. The improved discharge capacities of the sample are 159 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C and 144 mA h g−1 at 5 C, and the capacity retention is 99% after 30 cycles, tested at 5 C.
THE ADAPTIVE SITUATIONAL APPROACH TO INFORMATION STRUCTURING METHODOLOGY FOR MAKING AN ENTERPRISE INFORMATION MANAGERIAL SYSTEM
Authors: Васильева  , Vasileva T.
Published: October 2014

The article considered information about methodology, founded on adaptive-situation management method, allowing structuring and formalize information for development managerial system by technical requirements on integrated module avionics production
MATHEMATICAL RATIOS TO IONIZATION CURRENT CORRESPONDS TO A DEEP-SUBMICRON TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Зольников  , Zolnikov Konstantin
Published: October 2014

The correlation for the ionization current in the sensitive volume of VLSI. The technique of changing parameters for a given ratio
SIMULATION OF THE EFFECTS OF IONIZING RADIATION IN LOW INTENSITY VLSI
Authors: Скляр  , Sklyar V.
Published: October 2014

The effects of degradation parameters from the effects of low-intensity radiation. Methods of obtaining parameters.
Emirati aesthetics: seeking beauty in an Islamic society
Authors: Mendes Aysha
Published: October 2014

With both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures on the rise worldwide, aesthetic nursing is becoming an increasingly popular profession. In this new series, Aysha Mendes examines aesthetic nursing practices and cultural perceptions of beauty across the globe by focusing on a different country every month. This issue focuses on the significant role of aesthetic nurses in the United Arab Emirates
Clinical, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Expo: a conference for the multidisciplinary team
Authors: Devan Natasha
Published: October 2014

Last month, Clinical, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Expo returned for a second year with a range of conference zones, covering everything from injectables to business management. The journal's editor Natasha Devan attended the event for both days and saw a variety of interesting presentations. In this month's conference update, she reports on the weekend's highlights and shares key learning points
‘Aesthetic nurses should be promoted and recognised for the experts they are’
Authors: Barton Cheryl , Blackburn Christine
Published: October 2014

In the field of medical aesthetics, it is common for nurses to work in isolation and meet only at annual conferences and association meetings. To get to know your peers, the Journal of Aesthetic Nursing's consultant editor Cheryl Barton has undertaken a series of ten interviews with both new and experienced aesthetic nurses, exploring their lives in and out of the clinic. This interview is with Christine Blackburn
Medical aesthetic procedures should not be auctioned off alongside fashion shows
Authors: Collier Helena
Published: October 2014

Over recent years there has been widespread concern about patient safety and non-surgical cosmetic procedures, often triggered by reports of injectables being administered in public or at trade shows. Last month, Helena Collier unknowingly attended a ‘beauty’ day for ‘ladies who lunch’ and was nowhere near prepared for what she was about to witness. In this month's column, she shares her experience
Ambivalent anti-heroes and racist rednecks on basic cable: Post-race ideology and white masculinities on FX
Authors: Wayne Michael L.
Published: October 2014

This article explores the representations of white masculinities and the depiction of racism in anti-heroic narratives on the basic cable network FX in the United States. By juxtaposing the ambivalent racial sensibilities of a morally ambiguous white protagonist with the overt racism of stereotypical depictions of the white underclass, The Shield (2002–2008), Sons of Anarchy (2008–) and Justified (2010–) acknowledge the continuing existence of racial prejudice in American society while also supporting the dominant colour blind rhetoric that denies the continuing impact of structural racism. Although some scholars interpret the popularity of hyper-masculine anti-hero shows that speak to the notion of ‘masculinity-in-crisis’ as indicative of the declining benefits associated with white, male privilege, this analysis uses G. Harris’ notion of ‘postmasculinist television drama’ to argue that the consistent deployment of white masculinities in these FX programmes reinforce the post-race ideology associated with hegemonic whiteness by ‘othering’ problematic racial attitudes yet still allow white audiences to take ‘ironic’ pleasure from expressions of overt racism.
Autografted vines of cultivar ‘Refošk’ (Vitis vinifera L.) reveal symptoms of the rugose wood disease
Authors: HLADNIK Matjaž , BANDELJ Dunja , VUK Irma
Published: October 2014

Rugose wood disease complex is one of the most important graft-transmissible grapevine diseases and it is considered to be a viral disease. With the aim to obtain more information about appearance of rugose wood disease observed on cultivar ‘Refošk’, ‘Refošk’ vines from collection vineyard in Komen were used for green grafting on SO4 rootstock and autografts for control were made as well. Rugose wood symptoms were observed on grafts of two ‘Refošk’ biotypes, which confirmed graft transmissibility. Appearance of rugose wood symptoms on autografts excluded the impact of incompatibility in rugose wood disease, but at the same time it could be proposed that stress caused by grafting has an important role.
The impact of plasmid on regeneration and expression efficiencies of gfp gene in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)
Authors: PAVLIN Niko , LUTHAR Zlata
Published: October 2014

Tobacco leaf explants were transformed by bacteria Agrobacterium tumefaciens (A. t.) and plasmid pBIN mgfp5-ER, which has a single copy of the green fluorescent gfp gene and A. t.-pART27 2mgfp5-ER, which has two copies of the gfp gene. Both plasmids have a built-in selection nptII gene for resistance to the antibiotic kanamycin. The presence of the green fluorescent mGFP-ER protein was detected with the epifluorescent microscope in the individual cells 3 days after transformation with A. t.-pART27 2mgfp5-ER and after 6 days in cells transformed with A.t.-pBIN mgfp5-ER. After infection by A. t.-pART27 2mgfp5-ER, in most cases the regeneration was direct, without intermediate stages of callus and faster, as the first globular structures were formed 10–12 days after transformation and a 204 % regeneration was achieved, while the first globular structure, after infection with A. t.-pBIN mgfp5-ER, occurred after 18 days and formed more callus and the regeneration was only 78.4 %. The duplex PCR analysis, performed on all 149 resulting regenerants, confirmed the presence of fragments of length 650 bp specific to the selection nptII gene and length of 422 bp specific for gfp marker gene.
The effect of land use on phosphorus dynamics in golf course soil
Authors: PODGORNIK Maja , PINTAR Marina
Published: October 2014

Although, it is usually considered that P applied in fertilizers is taken up by crops or immobilized in the soil, and therefore P losses from agro systems is negligible; recent research indicates that significant P leaching out of the root zone, can occur where certain combinations of land use practice, soil properties and climate condition exist. Therefore special attention was given to dynamics of total P (TP) and plant available P in golf course soils. A field study was carried out to assess how different environmental condition and management practices affect dynamics of TP and plant available P in soil. The proportions of plant available P and TP in the golf rough significantly correlated with precipitation. Since no relationship between precipitation and the P dynamics in soil on the greens and fairways was observed.
Sensitivity of field tests, serological and molecular techniques for Plum Pox Virus detection in various tissues
Authors: VIRŠČEK MARN Mojca , MAVRIČ  PLEŠKO Irena , ALTENBACH Denise , BITTERLIN Walter
Published: October 2014

Sensitivity of field tests (AgriStrip  and Immunochromato), DAS-ELISA, two step RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR for Plum pox virus (PPV) detection was tested in various tissues of apricot, peach, plum and damson plum trees infected with isolates belonging to PPV-D, PPV-M or PPV-Rec, the three strains present in Slovenia. Flowers of apricot and plum in full bloom proved to be a very good source for detection of PPV. PPV could be detected with all tested techniques in symptomatic parts of leaves in May and with one exception even in the beginning of August, but it was not detected in asymptomatic leaves using field tests, DAS-ELISA and partly also molecular techniques. PPV was detected only in some of the samples of asymptomatic parts of the leaves with symptoms and of stalks by field tests and DAS-ELISA. Infections were not detected in buds in August using field tests or DAS-ELISA. Field tests are useful for confirmation of the PPV infection in symptomatic leaves, but in tissues without symptoms DAS-ELISA should be combined or replaced by molecular techniques.
Quality of cv. 'Gala Brookfield' and ‘Fuji Kiku 8' apples grown under and outside hail net
Authors: GERMŠEK Blaž , UNUK Tatjana
Published: October 2014

Anti-hail nets for the production of apples has become a normally action for a new or update an old apple orchard. In 2007 and 2008, the development of quality and maturity parameters of cv. 'Gala Brookfield' and ‘Fuji Kiku 8' apples grafted on M9 were studied in the Fruit growing centre Maribor-Gačnik as a factor of being grown under a  blackhail net. The results showed that when grown under  the black hail net fruit of both cultivars reach a higher mean mass,  lower soluble solids content (0.6 to 1 ° Brix), and lower starch index, while no effect of the black hail net was detected on fruit flesh firmness and yield.
Antioxidant activity in selected Slovenian organic and conventional crops
Authors: KNAP Manca , OGRINC Nives , POTOČNIK Klemen , VIDRIH Rajko
Published: October 2014

The demand for organically produced food is increasing. There is widespread belief that organic food is substantially healthier and safer than conventional food. According to literature organic food is free of phytopharmaceutical residues, contain less nitrates and more antioxidants. The aim of the present study was to verify if there are any differences in the antioxidant activity between selected Slovenian organic and conventional crops. Method of DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl) was used to determine the antioxidant activity of 16 samples from organic and conventional farms. The same varieties of crops were analysed. DPPH method was employed to measure the antioxidant activity of polar antioxidants (AAp) and antioxidant activity of fraction in ethyl acetate soluble antioxidants (EA AA). Descriptive statistics and variance analysis were used to describe differences between farming systems. Estimated differences between interactions for the same crop and different farming practice were mostly not statistically significant except for the AAp for basil and beetroot. Higher statistically significant values were estimated for conventional crops. For the EA AA in broccoli, cucumber, rocket and cherry statistically significant higher values were estimated for organic production.
The effect of gamma radiation on seed germination of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)
Authors: ROZMAN Ludvik
Published: October 2014

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of gamma radiation on barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) seed germination and changes of seed viability associated with aging. The seed samples of the variety 'Astor' were irradiated at the Jožef Štefan Institute, in the Reactor Centre at Podgorica near Ljubljana, in 2006. The samples were irradiated with three different doses: 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 kGy. After the irradiation, the seeds were stored in a refrigerator at 4 °C. The percentage of seed germination was tested each year after irradiation until 2014, except in the second and the third year. The experiments were based on the Latin square design with 4 replications of each treatment, and were conducted in a greenhouse under controlled temperature at 20 °C. In all years, the samples irradiated with the highest dose (0.4 kGy) exhibited a significantly lower percentage of germination. The germination rate of the samples irradiated with 0.2 and 0.4 kGy decreased significantly with aging, when compared to the control and the samples irradiated with 0.1 kGy. In all years of testing, the percentage of germination of seeds irradiated with 0.1 kGy did not differ from the control, and in the fifth year after irradiation, it was even significantly higher than the control.
Control of spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii [Matsumura], Diptera, Drosophilidae) with the emphasis on environmentally acceptable methods
Authors: BOHINC Tanja , TRDAN Stanislav
Published: October 2014

Spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is an economically important insect pest, which causes damage on cultivated and wild-growing fruit plants. The pest, which is placed in A2 EPPO list, occurred in Slovenia since 2010 and it is spreading progressively. Since its first record in Spain and Italy (2008), it is now present in the majority of Mediterranean countries. In the review paper the most important control methods against the spotted wing drosophila are presented. In some parts of the world the pest is efficiently controlled with synthetic insecticides, however their use is questionable owing to waiting period, since the insect occurs on fruits in the time of ripening and before harvesting. Thus, more and more researches are focused in the studies of alternative (environmentally sound) control methods of this pest. So far, biological control of spotted wing drosophila is more effective in Asia than in Europe. In the upcoming years it is therefore important to investigate the distribution and efficiency of indigenous biological control agents in the Old continent. Among them we suggest to investigate how effective are the predatory bug Orius majusculus and entomopathogenic nematodes against this pest. For everyday practice, we recommend the use of traps filled with attractants for the massive trapping of adults, plant hygiene in plantations, covering the plants with dense net etc.
Applying Model-based Software Product Line Testing Approaches to the Automation Engineering Domain
Authors: Lochau Malte , Bürdek Johannes , Lity Sascha , Hagner Matthias , Legat Christoph , Goltz Ursula , Schürr Andy
Published: October 2014

The software constitutes a major part of nowadays automation systems being responsible for conducting complex control tasks. Machines
and plants are often unique in some industrial branches; hence, they become mechatronic products configured individually. The inherent
software variability of those highly-configurable systems makes efficient, yet accurate quality assurance a challenging task. This
article presents a comprehensive approach for applying model-based software product line testing techniques to the automation
engineering domain. Existing approaches for variability modeling are adapted to domain specific modeling languages to allow for
variability-aware test case generation and execution. The implementation of the approach is evaluated by means of a sample automation
system product line.
Interface Behavior Modeling for Automatic Verification of Industrial Automation Systems' Functional Conformance
Authors: Legat Christoph , Mund Jakob , Campetelli Alarico , Hackenberg Georg , Folmer Jens , Schütz Daniel , Broy Manfred , Vogel-Heuser Birgit
Published: October 2014

To facilitate engineering and evolution of automation systems, ensuring the correctness of the design models is an important topic. Industrial automation systems are composed of various heterogeneous elements designed by different disciplines such as mechanical, electrical/electronic and software engineering. In this contribution, an approach for modeling industrial automation systems is presented which is based on interface behavior modeling of design artifacts and which supports automatic verification of their functional conformance while considering information from various disciplines.
Genetic Studies in Sunflower Broomrape
Authors: Rodríguez-Ojeda María I. , Pineda-Martos Rocío , Alonso Luis C. , Fernández-Martínez José M. , Velasco Leonardo , Fernández-Escobar Juan , Pérez-Vich Begoña
Published: October 2014

Much research has been conducted to identify sources of genetic resistance to sunflower broomrape (
Penalized Multimarkervs.Single-Marker Regression Methods for Genome-Wide Association Studies of Quantitative Traits
Authors: Yi Hui , Breheny Patrick , Imam Netsanet , Liu Yongmei , Hoeschele Ina
Published: October 2014

The data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in humans are still predominantly analyzed using single-marker association methods. As an alternative to single-marker analysis (SMA), all or subsets of markers can be tested simultaneously. This approach requires a form of penalized regression (PR) as the number of SNPs is much larger than the sample size. Here we review PR methods in the context of GWAS, extend them to perform penalty parameter and SNP selection by false discovery rate (FDR) control, and assess their performance in comparison with SMA. PR methods were compared with SMA, using realistically simulated GWAS data with a continuous phenotype and real data. Based on these comparisons our analytic FDR criterion may currently be the best approach to SNP selection using PR for GWAS. We found that PR with FDR control provides substantially more power than SMA with genome-wide type-I error control but somewhat less power than SMA with Benjamini–Hochberg FDR control (SMA-BH). PR with FDR-based penalty parameter selection controlled the FDR somewhat conservatively while SMA-BH may not achieve FDR control in all situations. Differences among PR methods seem quite small when the focus is on SNP selection with FDR control. Incorporating linkage disequilibrium into the penalization by adapting penalties developed for covariates measured on graphs can improve power but also generate more false positives or wider regions for follow-up. We recommend the elastic net with a mixing weight for the Lasso penalty near 0.5 as the best method.
Determinants of youth unemployment spells and exit destinations in Romania and Hungary
Authors: Dănăcică Daniela-Emanuela
Published: October 2014

The aim of this paper is to analyse determinants which cause some young Romanian and Hungarian individuals to have longer unemployment spells than others and different exit destinations. The empirical analysis is based on two large micro-datasets, obtained from the National Agency of Employment Romania and the Institute of Economics, Hungarian Academy of Sciences. Based on the competing risks specification, conclusions and suggestions for policy-makers are formulated.
Effects of Reclaimed Waters on Spectral Properties and Leaf Traits of Citrus Orchards
Authors: Contreras S. , Pérez‐Cutillas P. , Santoni C.S. , Romero‐Trigueros C. , Pedrero F. , Alarcón J. J.
Published: October 2014

Effects resulting from the use of reclaimed waters on mandarins and grapefruits are evaluated by measuring the spectral responses of their canopies and the anatomy and the chlorophyll content of their leaves against control trees irrigated with waters provided by an interbasin transfer. Spectral responses from the red (R) and near‐infrared (NIR) wavelength bands, and its normalized ratio (NDVI), were acquired from a hyperspatial flight conducted after a low‐moderate exposition to reclaimed waters. Chlorophyll and leaf and palisade/spongy ratio thicknesses were analyzed after a moderate‐high exposition. Significant differences between controls and treatments were detected in mandarins in R and leaf chlorophyll, but not in grapefruits, likely because of their higher tolerance to saline waters. Reused waters did not affect either NIR–NDVI or anatomy traits. Hyperspatial sensing techniques are suitable for detecting chlorophyll dynamics, but NIR information and related vegetation indices may mask the detection of periods of saline stress in citrus orchards.
Suicide Risk Management during Clinical Telepractice
Authors: Luxton David D. , O'Brien Karen , Pruitt Larry D. , Johnson Kristine , Kramer Gregory
Published: October 2014

The effective assessment and management of suicidal patients is an essential component of telehealth-based care. With this article, we describe how we have implemented procedures for the ongoing assessment and management of suicide risk in a clinical trial that compares in-office treatment to home-based treatment delivered via web-cam to U.S. military service members and veterans with depression. We describe our safety protocol and how it was adapted from current recommended best practices, published guidelines, and local requirements for managing patient safety during home-based telepractice. We conclude with discussion of other key safety issues associated with telepractice. The topics discussed are relevant to all mental health practitioners who are interested in clinical telepractice services.
Early Treatment Withdrawal from Evidence-Based Psychotherapy for PTSD: Telemedicine and in-Person Parameters
Authors: Hernandez-Tejada Melba A. , Zoller James S. , Ruggiero Kenneth J. , Kazley Abby Swanson , Acierno Ron
Published: October 2014

Objective:

To determine differences in reported barriers to treatment completion associated with telemedicine vs. in-person delivery of evidence-based treatment for PTSD in combat veterans.

Method:

The present study was derived from two ongoing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing in-person vs. telemedicine delivery of exposure therapy for PTSD. A onetime telephone assessment of participants who dropped out from the treatment phase of these two studies was conducted, with measures focusing on reported reasons for dropout, and perceived comfort and efficacy of the treatment modality. Dichotomous data were analyzed via chi-square and logistic regression; continuous data via ANOVA.

Results:

Forty-seven of 69 total dropouts participated. There was no difference in rate of dropout between modalities. A greater proportion of participants receiving in-person exposure therapy reported difficulties with logistical aspects of care (e.g., parking), whereas a greater proportion of participants receiving telemedicine therapy reported difficulty tolerating certain stressful aspects of treatment; however, those receiving telemedicine delivered treatment completed more sessions before dropping out. Participants in both conditions reported that they liked and were confident in their therapist Conclusions: Dropout reasons varied according to type of treatment delivery. Recommendations for future research are given in terms of modification of treatment protocol according to delivery modality.
Integrating Digital Forensics Techniques into Curatorial Tasks: A Case Study
Authors: Meister Sam , Chassanoff Alexandra
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we investigate how digital forensics tools can support digital curation tasks around the acquisition, processing, management and analysis of born-digital materials. Using a real world born-digital collection as our use case, we describe how BitCurator, a digital forensics open source software environment, supports fundamental curatorial activities such as secure data transfer, assurance of authenticity and integrity, and the identification and elimination of private and/or sensitive information. We also introduce a workflow diagram that articulates the processing steps for institutions processing born-digital materials. Finally, we review possibilities for further integration, development and use of digital forensic tools.
The Front Officeâ€“Back Office Model: Supporting Research Data Management in the Netherlands
Authors: Dillo Ingrid , Doorn Peter
Published: October 2014

High quality and timely data management and secure storage of data, both during and after completion of research, are an essential prerequisite for sharing that data. It is therefore crucial that universities and research institutions themselves formulate a clear policy on data management within their organization. For the implementation of this data management policy, high quality support for researchers and an adequate technical infrastructure are indispensable. This practice paper will present an overview of the merging federated data infrastructure in the Netherlands with its front office â€“ back office model, as a use case of an efficient and effective national support infrastructure for researchers. We will elaborate on the stakeholders involved, on the services they offer each other, and on the benefits of this model not only for the front and back offices themselves, but also for the researchers. We will also pay attention to a number of challenges that we are facing, like the implementation of a technical infrastructure for automatic data ingest and integrating access to research data.
Reshaping the DCC Institutional Engagement Programme
Authors: Jones Sarah , Rans Jonathan , Sisu Diana , Whyte Angus
Published: October 2014

This paper shares results from the Digital Curation Centreâ€™s programme of Institutional Engagements (IEs), and describes how we continue to provide tailored support on Research Data Management (RDM) to the UK higher education sector.Between Spring 2011 and Spring 2013, the DCC ran a series of 21 Institutional Engagements. The engagement programme involved helping institutions to assess their needs, develop policy and strategy, and begin to implement a range of RDM services.We have conducted a synthesis and evaluation of the programme, analysing the types of assistance requested and the impact of our support. The findings and lessons to emerge from these exercises have informed our future strategy and helped reshape the programme.