bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modifiable Factors and Genetic Predisposition Associated with Gallbladder Cancer. A Concise Review
Authors: Liebe Roman , Milkiewicz Piotr , Krawczyk Marek , Bonfrate Leonilde , Portincasa Piero , Krawczyk Marcin
Published: August 2015

Gallbladder cancer (GbCa) is the most frequent malignancy of the biliary tract. It is also the 6th most common gastrointestinal tumor. It is associated with very high lethality, mainly due to the lack of symptoms up to a very late and thus incurable state. As many as 80% of patients are diagnosed at very late stages of disease, which allow only palliative therapy. As a result, most of the patients with GbCa will die within 6 months of the diagnosis, hence the average 5-year survival does not exceed 5%. Currently, surgical resection represents the only curative option in GbCa, but this approach is feasible only at an early stage of the disease. Other oncologic therapies are of limited use. The incidence of GbCa is remarkably increased in certain populations such as Native North Americans, South Indian females and, in Europe, in the Polish population. It is not clear to date if these enhanced risk populations are the result of common environmental exposure or of shared genetic risk factors. In this review we provide an overview of the state-of-art in GbCa research with the focus on the current knowledge concerning genetic and environmental triggers of this tumor.
Abdominal Ultrasound for the Evaluation of Gastric Emptying Revisited
Authors: Muresan Crina , Blaga Teodora Surdea , Muresan Lucian , Dumitrascu Dan L.
Published: August 2015

Background & Aims: Disorders of gastrointestinal transit and motility are frequently found in the general population, impacting the quality of life and increasing the costs of health care services. Ultrasonographic assessment of gastric emptying is a method introduced in the early 1980s for the evaluation of dyspepsia. The aim of this paper was to assess the current role of abdominal ultrasound in the evaluation of gastric emptying.

Method: Using the keywords “ultrasound and gastric emptying”, “echography and gastric emptying”, “3D and gastric emptying” and “strain rate imaging and gastric emptying” the PubMed database was screened for publications on ultrasonography evaluating gastric emptying in adults from January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2014.

Results: 281 papers were identified, of which only 21 randomized studies, 18 comparative and 18 non-comparative studies met the inclusion criteria. Most studies were conducted on healthy subjects for research purposes. Thirteen studies were performed on patients with functional dyspepsia, of which 6 studies assessed treatment efficacy. Other indications for ultrasound gastric emptying evaluation were: diabetes mellitus, scleroderma, metabolic syndrome, asthma, Parkinson’s disease, and obesity. Using abdominal ultrasound, delayed gastric emptying was found in 10% of patients with functional dyspepsia, 48.5% of patients with longstanding diabetes and 65-70% of patients with systemic sclerosis with a disease duration of more than 10 years.

Conclusion: Functional ultrasonography is a non-invasive method used for research or practical purposes that brings an insight into gastric emptying in healthy individuals, and in individuals with functional and motility gastrointestinal disorders.
Risk Factors for Hepatic Encephalopathy after Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Portal Hypertension
Authors: Yao Jiannan , Zuo Li , An Guangyu , Yue Zhendong , Zhao Hongwei , Wang Lei , Liu Fuquan
Published: August 2015

Aims: This study aimed at assessing the risk factors for hepatic encephalopathy (HE) after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal hypertension.

Method: Consecutive patients (n=279) with primary HCC who underwent TIPS between January 1997 and March 2012 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were followed up for 2 years. Pre-TIPS, peri-TIPS and post-TIPS clinical variables were reviewed using univariate and multivariate analyses to identify risk factors for HE after TIPS.

Results: The overall incidence of HE was 41% (114/279). Multivariate analysis showed an increased odds for HE in patients with: >3 treatments with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and/or trans-arterial embolization (TAE) (odds ratio [OR], 4.078; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1.748-9.515); hepatopetal portal flow (OR, 2.362; 95%CI, 1.032-5.404); high portosystemic pressure gradient (OR, 1.198; 95%CI, 1.073-1.336) and high pre-TIPS MELD score (OR, 1.693; 95%CI, 1.390-2.062). Odds for HE were increased 1.693 fold for each 1-point increase in the MELD score, and 1.198 fold for each 1-mmHg decrease in the post-TIPS portosystemic pressure gradient.

Conclusion: The identification of clinical variables associated with increased odds of HE may be useful for the selection of appropriate candidates for TIPS. Results suggest that an inappropriate decrease in the portosystemic pressure gradient might be associated with HE after TIPS. In addition, >3 treatments with TACE/TAE, hepatopetal portal flow, and high MELD score were also associated with increased odds of HE after TIPS.

Key words:  –  –  – .
Drama in Child Rights Education - Developing a Pedagogical Model
Authors: Hassi Marja-Liisa , Niemelä Hannu , Paloniemi Ari , Piekkari Jouni , Wolde Kaisa
Published: August 2015

Education has been suggested as the key to tackle the anticipated challenges of the global world. Abilities such as problem solving, collaboration, and social responsibility represent skills for a sustainable future featured by equity, wellbeing, and peace. However, the traditional teaching and learning methods still prominent in most classrooms do not support the development of such skills. In order to increase children’s knowledge and skills in fostering human rights and equality, the Finnish National Committee for UNICEF has developed a holistic and participatory model of human rights education applying a process drama method. First, the authors target at human rights and child rights education as the important context in applying the pedagogical model. After this, we offer results from an action research project studying and further developing the model in collaboration with teachers and students in two secondary schools. The results on students’ activities and experiences derive from a mixed-method approach and data from surveys, observation, and feedback sheets. The findings reveal the potential power of the drama-based model for engaging students in active collaboration, creativity, and powerful experiences needed for deep learning about child rights and fostering child rights approach in regular school classrooms.
Use of Drama Techniques among Teachers and Pupils’ Satisfaction with Extracurricular Activities in Croatia
Authors: Rudela Roberta
Published: August 2015

This paper includes results of two different research. The first one is considering primary grade teachers opinion about their competencies in Drama education. Drama art at a primary school in Croatia is taught as a part of theatre culture inside the curriculum of the mother tongue and literature and most often as an extracurricular activity. Extracurricular activities are an integral part of the Croatian educational system. Every pupil is free to choose, in addition to the regular school subjects, an extracurricular activity or more of their preference. The aim of the first research was to investigate the frequency, importance and variety of ways in which drama techniques are used in teaching. The analysis are based on the result of empirical research on a sample of 161 early primary grade teachers from 10 schools from Istra and Zagreb counties. It is proven wrong that frequency of using drama techniques in teaching is more frequent among teachers with shorter length in teaching and that frequency of using drama techniques in teaching is not more frequent among teachers with longer experience in drama extracurricular activities. This paper also presents the results of the second research about pupils’ satisfaction with basic aspects of extracurricular activities in the fourth grade of primary school. Extracurricular activities are provided by teachers in schools and partly by trainers or tutors of external courses at music schools, sports clubs etc. The research was done in eight schools in the county of Istria, Croatia. All pupils in this research (N=138) are included in extracurricular activities of some sort. In the paper, all the activities are divided in the following categories: arts, aesthetic education including literature, sports education, technical, ICT education, and others. Results consider only extracurricular activities provided in schools and show that there is a statistically significant difference in satisfaction with extracurricular activities between girls and boys. There is also a difference in satisfaction regarding the choice and type of extracurricular activities. The combining of the results in these two research gives a possibility to question how to strengthen teachers in their abilities to teach drama and perspective to analyse pupils’ satisfaction to improve teaching process.
Drama Education in Croatia Today - An Experience Based Story
Authors: Krušić Vlado
Published: August 2015

The author gives a personal overview of the development of drama education in Croatia in the last twenty years and presents the ideas, conclusions, strategies and achievements in the field of practice and theory of drama pedagogy of which he was not only a witness but an active protagonist. Strongly moved by the warfare situation in the first half of the 1990s and its devastating consequences for life of individuals and societies the contemporary drama education in Croatia developed not only as a kind of arts education, but as a didactic approach with important psycho-social, developmental and educational outcomes and effects. Ever since these post-war years the enthusiasm of Croatian teachers and educationalists for drama education was nourished by the international movement of drama and theatre education worldwide. In the course of the years Croatian drama pedagogues, organized in the Croatian Centre for Drama Education, were catching the pace with drama education in other countries but also met numerous questions and dilemmas, in theory and in practice, about purposes and objectives, methods and strategies, as well as about the effects and outcomes of their work and profession. In his review the author is mainly concerned with the implantation of drama education and pedagogy in the Croatian educational system.
Aspects of Dance Teacher Education: Analysis of Students’ Dance Education Research
Authors: Banevičiūtė Birutė
Published: August 2015

Learning paradigm orients teacher to be a consultant, assistant, researcher ready to apply evidence based teaching. To prove research competence future dance teachers have to perform a dance education research. This study revealed pedagogical problems which interest future dance teachers: attitudes and motivation, dance in schools, dance teacher education, dance for people with special needs. Choise of research methods shift from quantitative towards qualitative.
Peculiarities of Expression of Leadership of Pre-Primary Children in Musical Activities
Authors: Rauduvaitė Asta , Virganavičienė Živilė
Published: August 2015

On the basis of scientific literature analysis it can be stated that at pre-primary age leadership is fostered developing children’s self-confidence, initiative, communication with adults, empathy, curiosity, leading of activities and play, activity, self-regulation and self-control, creativity, generating of ideas, which may be expressed in musical activities as well. Therefore, applying musical activities, expression of various features may be encouraged, their synthesis and variations may be achieved to enable a child to experience the nurtured qualities and to develop them.

The results of the research on expression of leadership qualities of pre-primary children in musical activities showed that children’s leadership qualities are expressed in singing most frequently. Expression of leadership in other activities such as listening to music, playing and rhythmisation, improvisation and creation, is not so suggestive. Expression of leadership qualities in all activities should be encouraged, whereas during singing activities, all the distinguished leadership qualities were noticed: communicating with adults, generating of ideas, leading of activities and play, initiative, activity, empathy, creativity, curiosity, sensitivity, self-regulation and self-control.

The analysis of children’s opinion about leadership qualities revealed that: 1) distribution of favorable musical activities is predetermined by child’s wish to involve in a certain activity and its attractiveness. Therefore, the role of a teacher is important presenting these activities in an attractive way and making attempts to strengthen learners’ interested in them; 2) children like to rally other children for activities but involve in them to a different extent. Some of them seek to lead, others generate ideas and show initiative to rally other children but they later assume the role of a collaborator and do not lead activities. Moreover, a number of children experience a negative influence of their peers, when they are not invited to engage in play, i.e., they lose self-confidence or engage in play only as an observer.
Factors of (Self) Education of Adolescents Intercultural Sensitivity
Authors: Šaulienė Valdonė
Published: August 2015

In this study the research problem can be formulated as the question: what adolescents’ ability to communicate with people from other cultures should be promoted in order to develop a full-fledged intercultural dialogue in the future? Aim – ascertain the factors of (self) education of adolescent’s intercultural sensitivity. The object of investigation – intercultural sensitivity of adolescents, as one of the most important aspects of modern national identity.

In order to investigate the intercultural sensitivity was selected M. J. Bennett’s (1986, 2004) theoretical Model of the Development of Intercultural Sensitivity and intercultural sensitivity’s measurement tool called the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS) developed by G. M. Chen and W. J. Starosta (2000). Instrument (ISS) has been translated into the Lithuanian language and adapted to Lithuanian adolescents.

According to the scientific literature article discussed: is the progress of ethnorelativism the premise of intercultural dialogue? The empirical data analysis allows to discuss about some strengthen / weakening external / internal factors of intercultural sensitivity of adolescents: the worldview and environmental influences. To promote intercultural sensitivity of adolescents and intercultural dialogue in the future should be drawn attention to those aspects: cognitive – to teach them their own culture, they should know how to represent it, by behavior, thinking attributes promote to recognize the signs of other cultures as well as the learning of foreign languages; emotional – to motivate them understand, respect and accept their own and other cultures, their differences, allowing to fid friends abroad, to promote interest to notice the diversity, avoiding stereotypes, prejudice; behavioral – increasing adolescents’ national identity, self-confidence in dealing with others and the courage to be themselves.
Integrated Management of Glyphosate-Resistant Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) with Tillage and Herbicides in Soybean
Authors: Ganie Zahoor A. , Sandell Lowell D. , Jugulam Mithila , Kruger Greg R. , Marx David B. , Jhala Amit J.
Published: August 2015

Giant ragweed is one of the most competitive annual broadleaf weeds in soybean production fields in the midwestern United States and eastern Canada because of its early emergence, rapid growth rate, high plasticity, and resistance to glyphosate and acetolactate synthase inhibitors. Therefore, early-season management of giant ragweed is critical to avoid yield loss. The objectives of this study were to evaluate control of glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed through the integration of preplant tillage or 2,4-D; PRE or early POST (EPOST) followed by (fb) late POST (LPOST) herbicide programs with or without preplant tillage or 2,4-D; and their effect on soybean injury and yield. A field study was conducted in 2013 and 2014 in David City, NE in a field infested with glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed. Preplant tillage or 2,4-D application provided > 90% control of glyphosate-resistant giant ragweed 14 d after preplant treatment. Giant ragweed control and biomass reduction were consistently > 90% with preplant tillage or 2,4-D fb sulfentrazone plus cloransulam PRE or glyphosate plus cloransulam EPOST fb glyphosate plus fomesafen or lactofen LPOST compared with ≤ 86% control with same treatments without preplant tillage or 2,4-D. PRE or EPOST fb LPOST herbicide programs preceded by preplant treatments resulted in giant ragweed density < 2 plants m−2and soybean yield > 2,400 kg ha−1compared with the density of ≥ 2 plants m−2and soybean yield < 1,800 kg ha−1under PRE or EPOST fb LPOST herbicide programs. The contrast analysis also indicated that preplant tillage or 2,4-D fb a PRE or POST program was more effective for giant ragweed management compared with PRE fb POST herbicide programs. Integration of preplant tillage would provide an alternative method for early-season control of giant ragweed; however, a follow up application of herbicides is needed for season-long control in soybean.
Spring issue 2015
Authors: Lal Hamish
Published: August 2015

In this, the first issue of 2015, we look at the first case from the Supreme Court dealing with statutory adjudication – if a construction adjudicator’s decision has gone against you, and you have had to pay out money in compliance with it, what is the time limit for you to bring legal or arbitral proceedings to have the dispute finally determined in your favour? Is it the time limit applying to the original claim, or do you get the benefit of a new period of 6 years from the date you made the payment? Aspect Contracts (Asbestos) Limited v. Higgins Construction Plc provides the answer.

I have also chosen to look at two cases dealing with payment – the first looks at whether it is possible to serve more than one payment application in a month and the second looks at whether an employer can challenge a payment notice in circumstances where he has failed to issue the requisite payless notice.

On a more substantive ground, we look at whether final certificates can be subject to so-called ‘forum shopping’ – in other words can one start an adjudication and also court/arbitration proceedings? Trustees of the Marc Gilbard 2009 Settlement Trust v. OD Developments and Projects Ltd provides the answer. Readers ought to note that the High Court in (1) Sierra Fishing Company (2) Said Jamil Said Mohamed (3) The State of Jamil Said Mohamed (together ‘Sierra’) v. (1) Hasan Said Farran (2) Ahmad Mehdi Assad (3) Ali Zbeeb granted an application made by Sierra to remove an arbitrator under section 24 (1)(a) of the Arbitration Act 1996 on the grounds of impartiality – the case contains excellent guidance on how one ought to approach conflicts and impartiality.

It has been my aim for a while to increase the number of articles from external contributors, and I would encourage readers to suggest topics of specific interest and to submit articles. May I wish all readers a most enjoyable 2015.
A new fossil drywood termite species from the Late Eocene of France allied to Cryptotermes and Procryptotermes (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae)
Authors: Engel Michael S. , Nel André
Published: August 2015

A new fossil genus and species of drywood termite (Kalotermitidae) is described and figured from the Late Eocene of southern France.  Huguenotermes septimaniensis Engel & Nel, new genus and species, is closely allied to Cryptotermes Banks and Procryptotermes Holmgren, perhaps representing part of the stem group leading to the Cryptotermes-Procryptotermes clade.
The High-Pressure/High-Temperature Completion Landscape—Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
Authors: Lehr Douglas J. , Collins Scott D.
Published: August 2015

High-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) wells demand the highest-performance equipment and services for the safe and successful completion of these high-risk and high-cost projects. The demands associated with logging, shoe-track isolation, equipment longevity and service life, completion and intervention options, and regulatory compliance push the limits of materials and services. The successful completion of HP/HT wells requires advanced materials evaluations, collaboration among many disciplines, and sufficient time for product development and assessment to meet current industry and regulatory standards.

The tools used in HP/HT completions are usually developed to meet the demands of a well or a family of wells. These tools include, but are not limited to, wellbore-isolation plugs, production packers, liner hangers, perforating guns, casing-collar-locator (CCL) tools, formation-evaluation tools, seal assemblies, and subsurface safety valves. The methods used for HP/HT tool development are evolving, and the development cycles are lengthening, particularly for ultra-HP/HT applications in which materials screening and stability assessments are required.

The development of tools for several recent Gulf of Mexico ultra-HP/HT wells required a multiyear schedule for development to industry and regulatory requirements. Because of their extreme depths, ultra-HP/HT wells are typically constructed architecture emphasizing small production casings across production intervals. This complicates cementing procedures, and severely limits product options. From an intervention standpoint, work-string options also become limited. Achieving mechanical success in these applications requires the operator to manage not only traditional resources such as time, people, and cash, but also the development of new high-performance technologies in an evolving regulatory environment.

What can the industry anticipate for future HP/HT wells in terms of architecture, product development, and regulatory challenges? This paper reviews the industry’s history in these areas, identifies current development paradigms, and discusses the future challenges in well planning and product development.
Oil-Rate Forecast by Inferring Fractional-Flow Models From Field Data With Koval Method Combined With the Capacitance/Resistance Model
Authors: Cao Fei , Luo Haishan , Lake Larry W.
Published: August 2015

Many empirical and analytical models were developed to forecast oil production. Empirical models (including data-driven models) can, for example, find correlations between oil cut and production, but they lack explicit knowledge of the physical behavior. Classic analytical models are loyal to reservoir physics. Nevertheless, they often require estimation of water saturation as a function of time, which is difficult to obtain for multiwell reservoirs. It is desirable to combine advantages of both empirical and analytical models and develop a physical-model-based method that uses field data to infer oil rate.

In this paper, we propose to infer fractional-flow models from field data by use of the Koval (1963) theory. We inversely solved the Koval fractional-flow equation to obtain a relationship between water cut and dimensionless time. By history matching field water-cut data, two model parameters, the Koval factor and the producer-drainage volume, are estimated. Nevertheless, it is challenging to use the Koval approach as a predictive model directly because the injection contribution into each producer in a future-time horizon must be evaluated first.

To address this issue, we combine the Koval approach with the capacitance/resistance model (CRM), which characterizes the injector/producer connectivities and response time. The material balance of fluids is established in a producer-based drainage volume to consider the contributions from nearby injectors and the time lag in production caused by reservoir/fluids compressibility. A regression approach is simultaneously advanced to minimize the model error. Because of robustly integrating the reservoir physical behavior and the data-driven approach, the combination of the Koval theory and the CRM can result in a synergy that leads to accurate oil-rate predictions.

We validated this integrated method in synthetic homogeneous and heterogeneous reservoirs to test its reliability, and further applied it to a field case in western Venezuela. Case studies demonstrate that one can use this integrated model as a real-time tool to characterize interwell connection and to predict future oil production accurately.
Genetic Improvement of Peanut Cultivars for West Africa Evaluated with the CSM‐CROPGRO‐Peanut Model
Authors: Narh Stephen , Boote Kenneth J. , Naab Jesse B. , Jones J.W. , Tillman Barry L. , Abudulai Mumuni , Sankara Philippe , M'Bi Bertin Zagre , Burow Mark D. , Brandenburg Rick L. , Jordan David L.
Published: August 2015

Crop models are valuable tools for evaluating past genetic improvement as well as guiding future breeding strategies for target regions. The objective of this study was to use the CSM‐CROPGRO‐Peanut model to evaluate traits responsible for genetic improvement of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes grown in West Africa. Data on19 cultivars were obtained from performance trials in 2010 and 2011 at two sites in Ghana and two sites in Burkina Faso. For all sites and years, pod yield, seed yield, shelling percentage, and seed size were determined at harvest, and leaf spot disease was recorded. Time‐series data on crop biomass, pod mass, and pod harvest index were measured at two Ghana sites in 2 yr. Data on phenology, e.g., first flower, first pod, and harvest maturity were observed at one site in Ghana in 2010. Optimization and calibration procedures were used with the CROPGRO‐Peanut model to estimate cultivar coefficients from the data. The derived cultivar coefficients simulated pod yields that agreed well with observed pod yields. Solved cultivar coefficients varied considerably among cultivars. With the derived cultivar coefficients, the CROPGRO‐Peanut model was able to simulate much of the genetic variation in pod yield among the 19 cultivars within eight site‐year combinations (d statistic of 0.90 and RMSE of 299 kg ha−1). The derived cultivar coefficients illustrated that yield improvement leading to nearly twofold higher pod yield resulted from a combination of improved partitioning (leading to higher pod harvest index), higher photosynthesis, longer life cycle, longer seed‐filling duration, and improved leaf spot resistance.
Organic Acids Variation in Plant Residues and Soils among Agricultural Treatments
Authors: Cao Yingfei , Zhang Hong , Liu Ke , Dai Yunchao , Lv Jialong
Published: August 2015

Organic acids have important effects on several processes of many plants and soils. In this study, variation of some organic acids in plant residues and soils among three land uses was evaluated by adding two crop residues with different water conditions and C/N ratios. The results demonstrated that the average concentration of organic acids was 0.04 g kg−1 in soils and 1.83 g kg−1 in plant residues, and higher at early and intermediate stages of the decomposition. The organic acids concentrations were higher in bean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] than in corn (Zea mays L.), and higher in fresh plant samples than in dry samples (P < 0.05). High N content in plant caused a rapid change in organic acids of plant residues, but had no significant influences on the organic acids concentrations (P > 0.05). The organic acids concentrations of plant residues in three different land uses varied: vineyard > peach garden > corn/wheat field. Based on principal component analysis, the order of variation level in plant residues organic acids with respect to three different land uses was: vineyard > peach garden > corn/wheat field. Moreover, fresh samples exhibited more variation than dry samples, and bean straws exhibited more variation than corn straws. The addition of plant residues to soils influenced oxalic acid in soils (r = 0.72*, P < 0.05) at the early stages but had no significant influence on the organic acids in the soil (undetected at the end) over the whole 1‐yr decomposition period.
Evaluating the Contribution of Ionic and Agronomic Components toward Salinity Tolerance in Safflower
Authors: Yeilaghi Hadi , Arzani Ahmad , Ghaderian Mostafa
Published: August 2015

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a versatile crop species that is well adapted to arid and semiarid conditions. Limited information is available on the response of safflower genotypes to salinity stress under field conditions. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of field salinity on seed yield, yield components, and leaf ionic concentrations in different safflower genotypes. A 2‐yr field experiment was conducted in normal (E1) and saline (E2) field conditions using 64 safflower genotypes. Plant height, number of capitula per plant, number of seeds per capitulum, 1000‐seed weight, seed yield, biological yield, and harvest index were determined in this study. Leaf concentrations of Na+ and K+ were also measured and the K+/Na+ ratio calculated. Results indicated that under salinity all the traits significantly decreased except tissue Na+ content and harvest index. Linear regression and genotype‐by‐traits analyses revealed a strong inverse association between leaf Na+ concentration and salinity tolerance. Results of stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that plant height, number of capitula per plant, biological yield, harvest index, and leaf Na+ content were the strongest predictors of seed yield, collectively explaining 97% of the variation in seed yield under saline conditions. Therefore, the only ionic predictor of salinity tolerance in the regression model, leaf Na+ concentration, can be suggested as an effective indirect screening criterion for salinity tolerance in safflower. The mechanisms of Na+ homoeostasis, including Na+‐specific transport or K+/Na+ co‐transport, could also be explored using the most contrasting genotypes with respect to salinity stress.
A Contemporary Analysis of Accounting Professionals' Work-Life Balance
Authors: Buchheit Steve , Dalton Derek W. , Harp Nancy L. , Hollingsworth Carl W.
Published: August 2015

SYNOPSIS

In recent years, work-life balance surpassed compensation as the most important job satisfaction factor among AICPA members (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants [AICPA] 2004). Despite the continued importance of this issue in the accounting profession (AICPA 2011), prior research has not examined work-life balance perceptions across different segments of the profession. We survey 1,063 practicing CPAs in order to assess the comparative work-life balance perceptions across (1) Big 4 versus smaller public accounting firms, (2) audit versus tax functions, and (3) public accounting versus industry work contexts. Consistent with predictions based on institutional logics theory, we find that work-family conflict and job burnout perceptions (our proxies for work-life balance) are highest in the Big 4. We are the first study to measure both support-for and viability-of traditional alternative work arrangements (AWAs), and we report an important distinction between these two constructs. Specifically, while CPAs across all public accounting firms (i.e., Big 4, national, regional, and local firms) report similar levels of organizational support-for AWAs, Big 4 professionals report significantly lower perceived viability-of AWAs (i.e., the ability to use AWAs and remain effective at one's job) compared to accounting professionals at smaller public accounting firms. Further, we find no differences between audit and tax professionals' perceptions across any of our work-life balance measures. We also document nuanced differences regarding work-life balance perceptions in public accounting versus industry. For example, contrary to conventional wisdom, work-life balance is not uniformly “better” in industry (e.g., burnout is actually lower in smaller public accounting firms compared to industry). Finally, we use open-ended responses from a follow-up survey to provide several recommendations for firms to improve their work-life balance efforts.
Novel laser-assisted technique for rapid preparing ZnO:X nanoparticles
Authors: Ebrahimizadeh Abrishami Majid , Soleimani Varaki Mahboobeh
Published: August 2015

Undoped, Ga and Al-doped ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared under a one-step procedure of continuous-wave infrared laser irradiation in gelatin media for the first time. Nanoparticles were characterized by x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that the sudden increase of the local temperature exceeding the evaporation temperature of the compound groups and solvents might enhance the nucleation and form the smaller nanoparticles. XRD and TEM results showed that all the nanopowders exhibited a single-phase wurtzite structure, the average particle size was about 25 nm and the morphology of nanoparticles depended on their size according to quantum size effect. FTIR spectra revealed that the doping agents affected the absorbance peak positions and the intensities corresponding to Zn-O bonds strength. In addition, the oxygen deficiencies of the samples obtained by laser irradiation have been enhanced, since the preparation process was performed only in seconds. The results showed that this laser-assisted technique could be used for mass production of NPs with narrow size distribution.
Playskin Lift: Development and Initial Testing of an Exoskeletal Garment to Assist Upper Extremity Mobility and Function
Authors: Lobo Michele A. , Koshy John , Hall Martha L. , Erol Ozan , Cao Huantian , Buckley Jenner M. , Galloway James C. , Higginson Jill
Published: August 2015

Background

A person's ability to move his or her arms against gravity is important for independent performance of critical activities of daily living and for exploration that facilitates early cognitive, language, social, and perceptual-motor development. Children with a variety of diagnoses have difficulty moving their arms against gravity.

Objective

The purpose of this technical report is to detail the design process and initial testing of a novel exoskeletal garment, the Playskin Lift, that assists and encourages children to lift their arms against gravity.

Design

This report details the design theory and process, the device, and the results of field testing with a toddler with impaired upper extremity function due to arthrogryposis multiplex congenita.

Results

The Playskin Lift is an inexpensive (<$30 material costs), easy to use (5/5 rating), comfortable (5/5 rating), and attractive (4/5 rating) device. While wearing the device, the child was able to contact objects more often throughout an increased play space, to look at toys more while contacting them, and to perform more complex interactions with toys.

Limitations

This report details initial testing with one child. Future testing with more participants is recommended.

Conclusions

These results suggest that by considering the broad needs of users, including cost, accessibility, comfort, aesthetics, and function, we can design inexpensive devices that families and clinicians can potentially fabricate in their own communities to improve function, participation, exploration, and learning for children with disabilities.
Cytokine profile of patient’s sera of Leptospirosis to OMP of Leptospira interrogans serovar tarassovi
Authors: Latha MM Prem , Kaur IR , Avasthi R , Dey AB , Chaudhry R
Published: August 2015

Aims and Objectives: In the past decade, Leptospirosis has emerged as a globally important emerging infectious disease. Leptospires have several chemical components such as Lipoproteins, glycolipoproteins which are toxic and participate in the pathogenesis of the disease. This study was focused to find out the immune response of outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of Leptospira interrogans serovar tarassovi by estimating the cytokine profile and antibody levels from cases of Leptospirosis.Materials and Methods: A total of 120 blood samples were collected from patients (90 male/30 female) presenting with acute febrile illness and fulfilling the criteria of clinical diagnosis of Leptospirosis. All the 120 samples & 40 healthy controls were subjected to ELISA (IgM serion), MAT and Leptospira interrogans serovar tarassovi IgM ELISA and also to detect TNF? and IL-6 levels using (BD Opt EIA Human IL-6 & TNF? ELISA kits).Results: Sera which were found to be reactive in L. interrogans serovar tarassovi OMP IgM ELISA had significant levels of TNF? and IL-6 and antibody titres in ELISA and MAT.Conclusions: Patients from Group I had significant levels of TNF? in the serum i.e., p = 0.02 which indicates the pro-inflammatory Th1 response as TNF? are macrophage derived cytokine mediators. The IL-6 level of Group I, II, III were significantly higher than the Group IV (p = 0.02) suggesting that Th2 anti-inflammatory response seen in majority of these cases which has a protective role in leptospirosis.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 93-95
T-SPOT. TB assay and tuberculin skin test for diagnosis and screening of tuberculosis: First report in a Sri lankan population
Authors: Ratnatunga Champa N , Thevanesam Vasanthi , Madegedara Dushantha , Dissanayake Neranjan LA , Kumara K.G.R Athula
Published: August 2015

Objective: Guidelines encourage evaluation of an Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) in the local setting, particularly in low/ middle income, Bacillus Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccinated populations where the assays have shown variable utility. The TSPOT.TB assay and the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) were compared in diagnosis of active tuberculosis (TB) and in contact screening in an adult Sri Lankan population.Methods: A prospective study including confirmed TB cases (n=75), controls (n-74) and close contacts of smear positive cases (n=27) was carried out at the regional Chest clinic in Kandy district. Clinical history and investigation findings, including TST results were recorded and the TSPOT.TB (Oxford Immunotec) performed.Results: The presence of diabetes and cavitation were significant predictors of TSPOT.TB positivity, while TST had no significant clinical predictors. In the diagnosis of active TB, TSPOT.TB sensitivity was 73.3% (95% CI, 58.6-84.6%) and a specificity was 72% (95% CI, 62.0-85.5%) while the TST sensitivity was 70.7% (95% CI, 54.2-83.3%) and specificity was 64.1% (95% CI, 49.7-76.5%). In contact investigation neither test showed an association with exposure level. Cost estimate was LKR 9400.00 per TSPOT.TB test compared to LKR 200.00 per TST. A high (21%) indeterminate result rate was seen with the TSPOT.TB assayConclusions: This study did not show any advantage in using TSPOT.TB over TST in this setting.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 14-19
Burden of Tuberculosis in females in rural area at a tertiary care centre
Authors: Yadav Sarita , Goel Shikha , Agrawal Anand
Published: August 2015

Backgroud: Tuberculosis (TB) is the second leading cause of death worldwide amongst communicable diseases. TB kills approximately 1 million women every year and is responsible for more deaths in women in the reproductive age group.Aims and Objectives: The present study was aimed to delineate the burden of disease in women in rural area.Results: High incidence of TB is reported in females of reproductive age group.Conclusion: Routine TB screening should be incorporated into maternal and child health programs in countries where TB is endemic. Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) should mobilise interventions at rural level to eliminate stigma and ultimately eliminate TB’s impact on women.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 108-110
Multiple recurrent cerebral hydatidosis: A case report with review of literature
Authors: Nikhita P , Vani HN , Dattatreya P , Nijaguna N
Published: August 2015

Echinococcisis is an emerging  zoonotic parasitic disease worldwide and  is a significant health burden among developing nations.  Cystic hydatidosis is more commonly found in lungs  and liver but  rarely cerebral involvement  can occur. Multiple hydatid cysts of brain are uncommon and may be wither primary or secondary. Hydatid cyst shoud  be considered as a differential diagnosis for cystic lesions of the brain. Here we are reporting a 8 year old boy with  multiple cerebral hydatid cysts recurring within three months after surgical rupture of a primary large cerebral hydatid cyst.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 105-107
Prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of HIV among Tuberculosis patients of DOTS centre in Delhi
Authors: Soyam Vishal C , Das Jyoti , TC Rajeeva , Boro Pallavi , Kohli Charu
Published: August 2015

Background: Knowledge of HIV status of a TB patient is critical from both patient and public health point of view. Early HIV diagnosis among TB patients could serve as an entry point for HIV care and treatment. Surveillance of HIV among TB patients has been recognized to be important as the HIV epidemic continues to fuel TB epidemics. Hence, this study was conducted with an objective to assess the socio-demographic profile and the prevalence of HIV among TB patients.Methodology: Cross sectional study was carried out in eight DOTS cum DMCs of Delhi. Data was collected from January 2012 to December 2012. Registered TB patients (new and retreatment) were interviewed on a predesigned questionnaire at the end of five months of treatment.Results: In 2012, out of the total 552 TB patients interviewed, 524 (94.9%) had been tested for HIV by the end of fifth month of their TB treatment. In them, 13 patients (2.4%) were HIV positive. All of them had been initiated on ART and CPT during continuation phase of TB treatment. In present study no variable was found to be significantly associated with HIV status except number family member and patients on retreatment category.Conclusions: The prevalence of HIV infection in TB patients in current study was (2.4%) substantially lower than reported in studies from other states. If HIV testing done by all TB patients then routine reporting of HIV status for all TB patients would provide even better information on which to base future planning.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(1) 2015 53-58
Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project is Unlikely to be Implemented as Recommended by Tractebel Engineering
Authors: Shrestha Hari Man
Published: August 2015

Tractebel Engineering SA France has recommended 263 m high double curvature arch dam for the Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project for generation of 1200 MW. The author, based on findings of the Tractebel’s feasibility study itself, gives reasons why the project is unlikely to be implemented as recommended by the consultant. Further, the author raises the question with the government why this project was declared as one of the projects of national pride and was ready for committing to funding beforehand for the preparation of detail design, tender documents and tender drawings in a single package contract along with the feasibility study when the investment decision could only be taken after ascertaining the soundness/ attractiveness of the project on technical, economical, financial and socio-environmental grounds through feasibility and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies. The author also believes that the project could become more attractive if the downstream benefits from flow regulation in existing irrigation project in India could be accounted for and two potential hydroelectric projects in Nepal at the downstream reaches could be implemented first to derive additional power benefits in these two projects from flow regulation. HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentIssue: 17, July 2015
Role of Water Research Institutions in Nepal and its Impact on Policy Changes
Authors: Pradhan Prachanda
Published: August 2015

Not Available. HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentIssue: 17, July 2015
An Interview with Dr. David J. Molden
Authors: Molden David J.
Published: August 2015

Not Available. HYDRO Nepal JournalJournal of Water, Energy and EnvironmentIssue: 17, July 2015
Report of whole-brain radiation therapy in a patient with an implanted deep brain stimulator: important neurosurgical considerations and radiotherapy practice principles
Authors: Kotecha Rupesh , Berriochoa Camille A. , Murphy Erin S. , Machado Andre G. , Chao Samuel T. , Suh John H. , Stephans Kevin L.
Published: August 2015

Patients with implanted neuromodulation devices present potential challenges for radiation therapy treatment planning and delivery. Although guidelines exist regarding the irradiation of cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators, fewer data and less clinical experience exist regarding the effects of radiation therapy on less frequently used devices, such as deep brain stimulators. A 79-year-old woman with a history of coarse tremors effectively managed with deep brain stimulation presented with multiple intracranial metastases from a newly diagnosed lung cancer and was referred for whole-brain radiation therapy. She was treated with a German helmet technique to a total dose of 30 Gy in 10 fractions using 6 MV photons via opposed lateral fields with the neurostimulator turned off prior to delivery of each fraction. The patient tolerated the treatment well with no acute complications and no apparent change in the functionality of her neurostimulator device or effect on her underlying neuromuscular disorder.

This represents the first reported case of the safe delivery of whole-brain radiation therapy in a patient with an implanted neurostimulator device. In cases such as this, neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists should have discussions with patients about the risks of brain injury, device malfunction or failure of the device, and plans for rigorous testing of the device before and after radiation therapy.