bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No-shows to primary care appointments: subsequent acute care utilization among diabetic patients
Authors: Nuti Lynn A , Lawley Mark , Turkcan Ayten , Tian Zhiyi , Zhang Lingsong , Chang Karen , Willis Deanna R , Sands Laura P
Published: September 2012

Background

Patients who no-show to primary care appointments interrupt clinicians’ efforts to provide continuity of care. Prior literature reveals no-shows among diabetic patients are common. The purpose of this study is to assess whether no-shows to primary care appointments are associated with increased risk of future emergency department (ED) visits or hospital admissions among diabetics.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted using data from 8,787 adult diabetic patients attending outpatient clinics associated with a medical center in Indiana. The outcomes examined were hospital admissions or ED visits in the 6 months (182 days) following the patient’s last scheduled primary care appointment. The Andersen-Gill extension of the Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess risk separately for hospital admissions and ED visits. Adjustment was made for variables associated with no-show status and acute care utilization such as gender, age, race, insurance and co-morbid status. The interaction between utilization of the acute care service in the six months prior to the appointment and no-show was computed for each model.

Results

The six-month rate of hospital admissions following the last scheduled primary care appointment was 0.22 (s.d. = 0.83) for no-shows and 0.14 (s.d. = 0.63) for those who attended (p < 0.0001). No-show was associated with greater risk for hospitalization only among diabetics with a hospital admission in the prior six months. Among diabetic patients with a prior hospital admission, those who no-showed were at 60% greater risk for subsequent hospital admission (HR = 1.60, CI = 1.17–2.18) than those who attended their appointment. The six-month rate of ED visits following the last scheduled primary care appointment was 0.56 (s.d. = 1.48) for no-shows and 0.38 (s.d. = 1.05) for those who attended (p < 0.0001); after adjustment for covariates, no-show status was not significantly related to subsequent ED utilization.

Conclusions

No-show to a primary care appointment is associated with increased risk for hospital admission among diabetics recently hospitalized.
The role of protease-activated receptor-2 on pulmonary neutrophils in the innate immune response to cockroach allergen
Authors: Lutfi Riad , Lewkowich Ian P , Zhou Ping , Ledford John R , Page Kristen
Published: September 2012

Background

Serine proteases in German cockroach (GC) have been shown to mediate allergic airway inflammation through the activation of protease activated receptor (PAR)-2. Neutrophils play an important role in regulating the innate immune response, and are recruited into the airways following GC frass exposure. As such, we investigated the role of PAR-2 in airway neutrophil recruitment, activation and cytokine production following allergen exposure.

Methods

Wild type and PAR-2-deficient mice were administered a single intratracheal instillation of PBS or GC frass and neutrophil recruitment, expression of PAR-2, CD80, CD86, and MHC class II were assessed by flow cytometry and levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α was assessed by ELISA. Uptake of AlexaFluor 405-labeled GC frass by neutrophils was performed by flow cytometry.

Results

Neutrophil recruitment in the lung and airways following GC frass exposure was significantly decreased in PAR-2-deficient mice compared to wild type mice. GC frass exposure increased the level of PAR-2 on pulmonary neutrophils and increased numbers of PAR-2-positive neutrophils were found in the lungs; however PAR-2 did not play a role in meditating allergen uptake. Comparing wild type and PAR-2-deficient mice, we found that a single exposure to GC frass increased levels of CD80 and CD86 on pulmonary neutrophils, an effect which was independent of PAR-2 expression. Neutrophils isolated from the whole lungs of naïve PAR-2-deficient mice treatedex vivowith GC frass produced significantly less TNFα than in similarly treated wild type neutrophils. Lastly, neutrophils were isolated from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of wild type and PAR-2-deficient mice following a single intratracheal exposure to GC frass. Airway neutrophils from PAR-2-deficient mice released substantially decreased levels of TNFα, suggesting a role for PAR-2 in neutrophil-derived cytokine production.

Conclusions

Together these data suggest PAR-2 expression can be upregulated on lung neutrophils following allergen exposure and the consequence is altered release of TNFα which could drive the early innate immune response.
Children in hospital in Ireland - what do they eat and what do they weigh: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Flinn Aisling , Macken Alan P , Cullen Walter , Leddin Des , Dunne Colum , O’Gorman Clodagh S
Published: September 2012

Background

Overweight and obesity is a growing problem in Ireland. Many parents are unaware when their child is overweight or obese. Our objectives were to examine parents’ perceptions of a healthy diet and their children’s BMI; and to evaluate the food offered to children in our paediatric in-patient unit.

Findings

A retrospective questionnaire was distributed to 95 patients and their families admitted over one month. Seventy-eight had BMI values calculated (42 males, 36 females). Twenty-one children (26.9%) were overweight/obese: 14/21 parents (66.7%) thought their child had a normal weight. Sixty percent of children served dinner in the hospital were given fried potatoes. Four had fruit/vegetables. Forty-six parents brought food into hospital, of these 14 brought purchased food.

Conclusions

This study highlights the problem of child obesity in Ireland and parental underestimation of this problem. The nutritional value of food served to children in hospital needs to be improved and hospital admissions used as opportunities to promote healthy eating habits.
Hydrophone VSP surveys in hard rock
Authors: Greenwood Andrew , Dupuis Christian J. , Urosevic Milovan , Kepic Anton
Published: September 2012

Seismic imaging in hard rock environments is gaining wider acceptance as an exploration technique and as a mine-planning tool. To date, 13 successful case studies have been acquired in Australia. The images generated from hard rock targets exhibit large levels of complexity and their interpretations remain an active area of study. To assist the imaging and better understand the source of the reflections observed, vertical seismic profiling (VSP) can be employed. This technique is not readily applied to hard rock environments because cost and operational issues often prove prohibitive. We propose the use of hydrophone arrays as a cost effective solution to VSP acquisition. We highlight the key challenges in using these receivers and propose solutions to overcome them. By careful acquisition methodologies and refined signal processing techniques, the tube waves that have up to now compromised the use of hydrophones for VSP acquisition can be effectively mitigated. We show that the data acquired with hydrophones compare favorably to that acquired with conventional 3C geophones. The data acquired with hydrophones come at a fraction of the cost and deployment time required for conventional acquisition procedures. Our results show that hydrophone vertical seismic acquisition is a viable, cost effective, and efficient solution that should be employed more routinely in hard rock environments to enhance the value of the surface data sets being acquired.
3D seismic survey at the Millennium uranium deposit, Saskatchewan, Canada: Mapping depth to basement and imaging post-Athabasca structure near the orebody
Authors: Juhojuntti Niklas , Wood Garnet , Juhlin Christopher , O’Dowd Clare , Dueck Peter , Cosma Calin
Published: September 2012

Three-dimensional seismic reflection measurements have been used to assist mine planning at the Millennium uranium deposit, Canada. The deposit is located within the crystalline basement, separated from the overlying Athabasca Basin sediments by an unconformity potentially associated with significant fluid flow. The primary objective of the [Formula: see text] survey was to image the unconformity and possible post-Athabasca deformation structures in and around the deposit. Clear unconformity reflections are observed within most of the survey area, although there are amplitude variations due to complex geology, including intense hydrothermal clay alteration around the deposit. Finite-difference modeling indicates that the wide-angle character of the unconformity reflections is due to a gradual velocity increase at the unconformity. The reflections are obscured by large time delays, due to Quaternary sediments covering the area, making refraction static corrections crucial. The seismic interpretation shows large variations in the unconformity depth (from approximately 430 to 650 m), indicating a pronounced basement depression that coincides with a gravity low. Reflections from the unconformity are vague within the depression, especially in the vicinity of the deposit. Although the orebody is not directly visible in the seismic image, there is a lack of reflectivity coincident with the alteration surrounding the mineralization. We also observed reflections which likely originate at the contact between the altered and fresh basement rock located beneath the deposit. The seismic data further indicate post-Athabasca faults in the vicinity of the orebody. Based on the initial seismic interpretation, the depth of the crown pillar was adjusted and the mine infrastructure moved away from areas interpreted to be affected by the intense hydrothermal alteration surrounding the deposit. The capability to image the unconformity, post-Athabasca structure, and hydrothermal alteration also highlights the potential use of seismic surveys in uranium exploration.
Birth of a Strongly Connected Giant in an Inhomogeneous Random Digraph
Authors: Bloznelis Mindaugas , Götze Friedrich , Jaworski Jerzy
Published: September 2012

We present and investigate a general model for inhomogeneous random digraphs with labeled vertices, where the arcs are generated independently, and the probability of inserting an arc depends on the labels of its endpoints and on its orientation. For this model, the critical point for the emergence of a giant component is determined via a branching process approach.
The Probability of the Alabama Paradox
Authors: Janson Svante , Linusson Svante
Published: September 2012

Hamilton's method is a natural and common method to distribute seats proportionally between states (or parties) in a parliament. In the USA it has been abandoned due to some drawbacks, in particular the possibility of the Alabama paradox, but it is still in use in many other countries. In this paper we give, under certain assumptions, a closed formula for the asymptotic probability, as the number of seats tends to infinity, that the Alabama paradox occurs given the vector p1,…, pm
of relative sizes of the states. From the formula we deduce a number of consequences. For example, the expected number of states that will suffer from the Alabama paradox is asymptotically bounded above by 1 / e and on average approximately 0.123.
The Noisy Secretary Problem and Some Results on Extreme Concomitant Variables
Authors: Krieger Abba M. , Samuel-Cahn Ester
Published: September 2012

The classical secretary problem for selecting the best item is studied when the actual values of the items are observed with noise. One of the main appeals of the secretary problem is that the optimal strategy is able to find the best observation with a nontrivial probability of about 0.37, even when the number of observations is arbitrarily large. The results are strikingly different when the qualities of the secretaries are observed with noise. If there is no noise then the only information that is needed is whether an observation is the best among those already observed. Since the observations are assumed to be independent and identically distributed, the solution to this problem is distribution free. In the case of noisy data, the results are no longer distribution free. Furthermore, we need to know the rank of the noisy observation among those already observed. Finally, the probability of finding the best secretary often goes to 0 as the number of observations, n, goes to ∞. The results heavily depend on the behavior of pn, the probability that the observation that is best among the noisy observations is also best among the noiseless observations. Results involving optimal strategies if all that is available is noisy data are described and examples are given to elucidate the results.
Generalized Telegraph Process with Random Delays
Authors: Bshouty Daoud , Di Crescenzo Antonio , Martinucci Barbara , Zacks Shelemyahu
Published: September 2012

In this paper we study the distribution of the location, at time t, of a particle moving U time units upwards, V time units downwards, and W time units of no movement (idle). These are repeated cyclically, according to independent alternating renewals. The distributions of U, V, and W are absolutely continuous. The velocities are v = +1 upwards, v = -1 downwards, and v = 0 during idle periods. Let Y+(t), Y−(t), and Y0(t) denote the total time in (0, t) of movements upwards, downwards, and no movements, respectively. The exact distribution of Y+(t) is derived. We also obtain the probability law of X(t) = Y+(t) - Y−(t), which describes the particle's location at time t. Explicit formulae are derived for the cases of exponential distributions with equal rates, with different rates, and with linear rates (leading to damped processes).
The Class of Distributions Associated with the Generalized Pollaczek-Khinchine Formula
Authors: Kella Offer
Published: September 2012

The goal is to identify the class of distributions to which the distribution of the maximum of a Lévy process with no negative jumps and negative mean (equivalently, the stationary distribution of the reflected process) belongs. An explicit new distributional identity is obtained for the case where the Lévy process is an independent sum of a Brownian motion and a general subordinator (nondecreasing Lévy process) in terms of a geometrically distributed sum of independent random variables. This generalizes both the distributional form of the standard Pollaczek-Khinchine formula for the stationary workload distribution in the M/G/1 queue and the exponential stationary distribution of a reflected Brownian motion.
A Contribution to Research of Vibrational Loads of the Vehicle Steering System's Tie-Rod in Characteristic Exploitation Conditions
Authors: Demić Miroslav , Miloradović Danijela , Glisović Jasna
Published: September 2012

The paper presents and reviews the results of the analysis of vibrational loads of the steering system's tie-rod for passenger car in characteristic exploitation conditions. Experimental data are acquired using the left tie-rod's relative deformation sensor, vertical acceleration sensors at the centres of all four wheels, vertical acceleration sensor at the connecting point between the left front shock absorber and the vehicle body, longitudinal vehicle speed sensor, steering wheel angular displacement sensor and steering wheel torque sensor. Tests are performed during straight line drive and vehicle cornering, with constant and variable vehicle speed and on different types of the roads. On the basis of acquired experimental data, the influences of the inputs from the road roughness (type of the road), the steering wheel torque, the steering wheel angular displacements and vehicle speed on vibrational loads of the steering system's tie-rod loads are analyzed.
Active Vibration Control of Flexible Plate Structures with Distributed Disturbances
Authors: Julai S. , Tokhi M. O.
Published: September 2012

This paper presents the development of an active vibration control (AVC) system with distributed disturbances using genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, and ant colony optimization. The approaches are realized with multiple-input multiple-output and multiple-input single-output control configurations in a flexible plate structure. A simulation environment characterizing a thin, square plate, with all edges clamped, is developed using the finite difference method as a platform for test and verification of the developed control approaches. Simulations are carried out with random disturbance signal. The control design comprises a direct minimization of the error (observed) signal by allowing a collective determination of detection and secondary source locations together with controller parameters. The algorithms are formulated with a fitness function based on the mean square of the observed vibration level. In this manner, knowledge of the input/output characterization of the system is not required for design of the controller. The performance of the system is assessed and analyzed both in the time and frequency domains and it is demonstrated that significant vibration reduction is achieved with the proposed schemes.
Comprehensive Measurement in Whole-Body Vibration
Authors: DeShaw Jonathan , Rahmatalla Salam
Published: September 2012

Accurate measurements of human response to whole-body vibration are essential to any conclusions about the health risks, discomfort, and assessment of suspension systems in vibration environments. While accelerometers are traditionally considered the main measurement tools in whole-body vibration studies, their measurements become questionable when they are attached to inclined surfaces or when the motion has coupled components in multiple directions. Current measurement correction methodologies are subjective and limited to simple cases. A comprehensive correction methodology using inertial sensors was used in this work to quantify human response under single fore-aft, single-vertical, and multiple-axis whole-body vibration of twelve seated subjects with supported-backrest and unsupported-backrest upright posture. Vibration files of white noise random signals with frequency content of 0.5–12 Hz and vibration magnitude of 1.8 m/s2 RMS were used in the testing. The results have shown considerable differences in the transmissibility measurements without proper correction. The work presented has the potential to standardize experimentation in whole-body vibration and make measurements more accurate and defined across labs.
Influence of Road Surfaces on Whole Body Vibration for Suspended Cabin Tractor Semitrailer Drivers
Authors: Velmurugan P. , Kumaraswamidhas L.A. , Sankaranarayanasamy K.
Published: September 2012

This paper presents a study on whole body vibration analysis for drivers of tractor semitrailers. The tractor semitrailer, namely, a suspended cabin tractor semitrailer was considered for the present investigation. The important process parameters such as different speeds, different road surfaces and different loaded conditions with driver seat interface acceleration in X- longitudinal, Y-transverse and Z-vertical axes were tested. The average running weighted root mean square accelerations obtained after conducting the experimental work were between 0.6265 and 1.5594 m/s2 at the driver seat interface in the translational axes. Based on the weighted acceleration the value was compared to ISO 2631–1:1997 to find the permitted exposure time of drivers. The acceleration suspended cabin tractor semi trailer drivers are exposed to exceeds the upper exposure limit for an 8-h work day as outlined in (ISO 2631–1:1997) [1] when they work continuously.
Quantification of 6-Degree-of-Freedom Chassis Whole-Body Vibration in Mobile Heavy Vehicles Used in the Steel Making Industry
Authors: Conrad Leanne F. , Oliver Michele L. , Jack Robert J. , Dickey James P. , Eger Tammy
Published: September 2012

Whole-body vibration (WBV) of mobile machines used in the steel making industry has not previously been quantified in six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF). The purpose of this paper was to quantify 6DOF vibrations during the daily operating tasks of 5 commonly used mobile machines types used in the steel making and metal smelting industries. Vibration data were recorded from the chassis of five commonly used mobile machines using a MEMSense MAG3 triaxial accelerometer & gyroscope (MEMSense, SD, USA), and analyzed using custom MatlabTM code. Elevated values were observed at the chassis for crest factors, peak running root mean squared accelerations, and vibration total values, resulting in ISO 2631–1 (1997) comfort predictions ranging from Uncomfortable to Extremely Uncomfortable. Vibration dominant frequencies were generally between 1 and 8Hz. A second peak which occurred at approximately 27 Hz was observed for each vehicle in almost all axes. Occurring at a frequency that has the potential to produce negative health effects, this second peak was probably caused by the engine idling or running at low speeds. Field vibration profiles from this study have been used as inputs to a 6DOF robot for use in a corresponding laboratory study designed to optimize seat selection thus allowing the steel making and other similar industries to select operator seats based on industry specific field vibration characteristics.
Lorentzkraft — Anemometrie für die berührungslose Durchflussmessung von Metallschmelzen
Authors: Klein Rico , Weidermann Christian , Wang Xiaodong , Gramss Michael , Alferenok Artem , Thieme Alexander , Kolesnikov Yuri , Karcher Christian , Thess André
Published: September 2012

In der Metallurgiebranche fehlen derzeit geeignete Verfahren zur präzisen Erfassung, Regelung und Dosierung der zwischen den einzelnen Produktionsstufen übertragenen Mengen an Metallschmelze. Durch den Einsatz des patentierten Verfahrens der Lorentzkraft-Anemometrie, bei dem der direkte Kontakt zur heißen Metallschmelze nicht erforderlich ist, lässt sich diese Aufgabe lösen und somit ein nachhaltiger Beitrag zu zukünftig energie- und kostenoptimierter Produktion leisten. Im vorliegenden Artikel werden das Prinzip des Verfahrens erläutert und die wissenschaftlich-technischen Wege zur Entwicklung, Prüfung und Kalibierung von entsprechenden Lorentzkraft-Anemometern vorgestellt. Desweiteren werden Beispiele aktueller Anwendungen der Lorentzkraft-Anemometrie in der Praxis diskutiert.
Typing Copyless Message Passing
Authors: Bono Viviana , Padovani Luca
Published: September 2012

We present a calculus that models a form of process interaction based on
copyless message passing, in the style of Singularity OS. The calculus is
equipped with a type system ensuring that well-typed processes are free from
memory faults, memory leaks, and communication errors. The type system is
essentially linear, but we show that linearity alone is inadequate, because it
leaves room for scenarios where well-typed processes leak significant amounts
of memory. We address these problems basing the type system upon an original
variant of session types.
Theorem proving for prenex G\"odel logic with Delta: checking validity and unsatisfiability
Authors: Baaz Matthias , Ciabattoni Agata , Fermüller Christian G
Published: September 2012

G\"odel logic with the projection operator Delta (G_Delta) is an important
many-valued as well as intermediate logic. In contrast to classical logic, the
validity and the satisfiability problems of G_Delta are not directly dual to
each other. We nevertheless provide a uniform, computational treatment of both
problems for prenex formulas by describing appropriate translations into sets
of order clauses that can be subjected to chaining resolution. For validity a
version of Herbrand's Theorem allows us to show the soundness of standard
Skolemization. For satisfiability the translation involves a novel, extended
Skolemization method.
Changes in Midbrain Pain Receptor Expression, Gait and Behavioral Sensitivity in a Rat Model of Radiculopathy
Authors: Hwang Priscilla Y , Allen Kyle D , Shamji Mohammed F , Jing Liufang , Mata Brian A , Gabr Mostafa A , Huebner Janet L , Kraus Virginia B , Richardson William J , Setton Lori A
Published: September 2012

Intervertebral disc herniation may contribute to inflammatory processes that associate with radicular pain and motor deficits. Molecular changes at the affected dorsal root ganglion (DRG), spinal cord, and even midbrain, have been documented in rat models of radiculopathy or nerve injury. The objective of this study was to evaluate gait and the expression of key pain receptors in the midbrain in a rodent model of radiculopathy. Radiculopathy was induced by harvesting tail nucleus pulposus (NP) and placing upon the right L5 DRG in rats (NP-treated, n=12). Tail NP was discarded in sham-operated animals (n=12). Mechanical allodynia, weight-bearing, and gait were evaluated in all animals over time. At 1 and 4 weeks after surgery, astrocyte and microglial activation was tested in DRG sections. Midbrain sections were similarly evaluated for immunoreactivity to serotonin (5HT2B), mu-opioid (µ-OR), and metabotropic glutamate (mGluR4 and 5) receptor antibodies. NP-treated animals placed less weight on the affected limb 1 week after surgery and experienced mechanical hypersensitivity over the duration of the study. Astroctye activation was observed at DRGs only at 4 weeks after surgery. Findings for pain receptors in the midbrain of NP-treated rats included an increased expression of 5HT2Bat 1, but not 4 weeks; increased expression of µ-OR and mGluR5 at 1 and 4 weeks (periaqueductal gray region only); and no changes in expression of mGluR4 at any point in this study. These observations provide support for the hypothesis that the midbrain responds to DRG injury with a transient change in receptors regulating pain responses.
Riesling Italico subclones
Authors: Ivanisevic Dragoslav , Korac Nada , Cindric Petar , Papric Djordje , Kuljancic Ivan , Medic Mira
Published: September 2012

Clone selection in viticulture represents a way of eliminating the negative
influence of mutation changes in the future vineyard, as well as preventing
the virus-infected plants and plants infected with virus-related diseases
from further propagation. Riesling Italico variety is an old variety. It has
been grown in Vojvodina for centuries. The clone selection of Riesling
Italico variety in Sremski Karlovci was started in 1975. In January 1991
three clones were recognized. Shortly after, the subclone selection of these
three clones was initiated. This paper presents the resultants of subclone
selection of Riesling Italico. Subclones SK 54-4 and SK 54-10 are
characterized by good quality and the grapes of these subclones can be used
for the production of high quality wines in most of the years.
Variation in leaf physiology among three provenances of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) in provenance trial in Serbia
Authors: Stojnic Srdjan , Orlovic Sasa , Pilipovic Andrej , Vilotic Dragica , Sijacic-Nikolic Mirjana , Miljkovic Danijela
Published: September 2012

The paper presents the results of investigation of variability of net
photosynthesis (A), transpiration (E), stomatal conductance (gs) and water
use efficiency (WUE) of three European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) provenances
in the provenance trial established on Fruska Gora Mt. Provenances originate
from three localities along a gradient from the north to the south of Europe:
Pfalzgrafenweiler (Germany), Grenchen (Swiss) and Valkonya (Hungary). Results
indicate that observed parameters were influenced both by environmental
conditions of sites and genetic constitution of provenances. On the basis of
ANOVA procedure it was observed significant differences among provenances in
terms of rate of transpiration (p_0.037) and water use efficiency (p_0.011),
while differences regarding net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were
not statistically significant. Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) was
performed in order to estimate multivariate relations among analyzed
physiological parameters. Provenances were separated by the first canonical
axis (CD1), which described 96.4% of variability. Provenance from the driest
site (Valkonya) showed the highest water use efficiency, indicating on high
potential for afforestation programmes in more arid areas.
The Radical Next Door: The Los Angeles Catholic Worker during the Cold War
Authors: Covis Leonardo
Published: September 2012

While some anti-war activist groups faded during the latter part of the cold war, the Los Angeles Catholic Worker organization continued its commitment to world peace through nonviolent resistance. This article explores the organization's founding, programs, and the variety of motives that led individuals to participate in lacw's causes. By linking the struggle against war with the struggle against poverty, and by relying on self-sacrifice as a primary strategy, this peace group remained viable while providing essential services to the poor, expanding its ideological focus and effectiveness, and shaping America's consciousness and conscience.
Pasadena, 1900-1910: The Birth of Its Culture
Authors: Winter Robert
Published: September 2012

Boosters promoted Pasadena, drawing an influx of wealthy winterers, middle-class midwesterners, and multi-ethnic communities. In the 1900-1910 period, these Pasadenans self-consciously sought to create cultural institutions and encourage high-mindedness. The arts, sciences, intellectual pursuits, and fine architecture flourished, along with the gardens and other tourist attractions, establishing Pasadena as a refined community. The institutions, culture, identity, and outlook of modern Pasadena were formed in the 1900-1910 period.
"Obey the Rules or Get Out": Ronald Reagan's 1966 Gubernatorial Campaign and the "Trouble in Berkeley"
Authors: Reeves Michelle
Published: September 2012

This article explores contradictions in Reagan's 1966 gubernatorial campaign rhetoric and between his campaign talk and later policy by studying Reagan's reactions to the Free Speech Movement at the University of California, Berkeley. Based on the information available to him, Reagan's seemingly contradictory positions and policies were consistent, the author concludes, with his fundamental ideology and personal moral code.
Navigating the Fluid Boundary: The Lower Colorado River Steamboat Era, 1851-1877
Authors: Boime Eric
Published: September 2012

In the aftermath of the Mexican-American War, steamships plied the Lower Colorado River from the Gulf of Mexico to the present site of Hoover Dam. They were instrumental in fortifying southern Arizona and southeastern California, displacing the region's native inhabitants, facilitating westward migration, and appraising the terrain. During these years, steamship owners, operators, and passengers announced, enforced, and negotiated peripheral conflicts attending continental expansion. The Colorado River demarked a line of sovereignty and a line of defense, as well as a line of commerce. The relatively unexplored history of steamship navigation consequently illuminates the river's role in solidifying and regulating the borderlands, and, more significantly, its centrality to the river's larger narrative.
Bronzeville, Little Tokyo, and the Unstable Geography of Race in Post-World War II Los Angeles
Authors: Jenks Hillary
Published: September 2012

The Japanese residents and proprietors of Los Angeles' Little Tokyo were forcibly evacuated in 1942. The district filled up with African Americans denied housing elsewhere. Its wartime name was Bronzeville. In 1945 when Japanese internees were allowed to return, the two communities, each with a history of race-based dislocations, made efforts to accommodate each other in a biracial "Little Bronze Tokyo." The efforts and frictions were reflected in the columns written by Nisei Hisaye Yamamoto in the pages of the Tribune, a black newspaper. A second evacuation in 1950 of part of the district for the construction of a new police headquarters injured the returning Japanese community but devastated what was left of Bronzeville. Bronzeville ceased to exist less from disputes between African and Japanese Americans than as a result of racist spatial practices by local government. In the immediate post-war period, however, both competitive and coalitional approaches to multiracialism made possible a biracial landscape. Both communities learned from the brief experience of "Little Bronze Tokyo."
Two Party Invitations: "Supreme Court of Old California: Case of The Good Old Days, Plaintiff, vs. John Uri Lloyd, Defendant," November 30, 1913 and "March Hares Invitation," March 2, 1919
Authors: Lummis Charles R , Ovnick Merry
Published: September 2012

A reprint of two historical documents—party invitations sent by Charles Fletcher Lummis—with historical context on the people, events, and social significance in the southern California region in the 1910s.
Balanced Aquatic Microcosms: Their Implications for Space Travel
Authors: Beyers Robert J.
Published: September 2012

Data are summarized showing that the course of diurnal metabolism in several different types of balanced aquatic microcosms tends to follow the same pattern. Both net photosynthesis and nighttime respiration are maximal in the first half of the light or dark periods. This phenomenon also occurs in natural balanced aquatic communities. The importance of this metabolic pattern to closed life support systems of an ecological nature is pointed out, and ways of avoiding adverse effects to astronauts are suggested.
Isolation and Identification of Uterine Microorganisms in Postpartum Dairy Cows
Authors: Nesa Azizun , Joy S D , Faruk M O
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to isolate and identify uterine microorganisms in postpartum cows and to observe  the occurrence of uterine infection in crossbred and local cows. One hundred and nine samples, from both  crossbred and local dairy cows were collected from Chittagong area. They were inseminated artificially  (n=89) and naturally (n=20). Samples were collected at least 3 months after calving. Among the selected cows,  33 had different reproductive diseases and the rest were from apparently healthy cows. The crossbred dairy  cows were more susceptible to reproductive diseases (19.27%) than the local ones. Uterine infection was  higher (52%) in cows inseminated artificially than that of natural ones (21.21%). Nineteen different types of  bacteria were isolated from both diseased and healthy animals, except Clostridium spp and Nocardia spp which  were not found in diseased animal. Likewise, Bacillus spp and Salmonella spp were absent in healthy animals.  Most prevalent bacteria in diseased animal were Staphylococcus spp and Streptococcus spp found in 33% and  27.3% of the cases respectively. In non-diseased cases, the highest number of samples was positive for  Bacteroied spp (13.2%) followed by Streptococcus spp (10.4%). On average, the highest number of bacterial  population was isolated from diseased samples and most of those bacteria are pathogenic. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v28i1.11804 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 28, Number 1, June 2011, pp 19-23
Antibacterial activity of shrimp chitosan against some local food spoilage bacteria and food borne pathogens
Authors: Morhsed M A , Bashir AA , Khan M H K , Alam M K
Published: September 2012

The objective of this study was to determine the more efficient antibacterial activity of chitosan among irradiated and nonirradiated form. Chitin was isolated from shrimp and then converted into chitosan. The initial molecular weight of chitosan was 1.6 X 106 Da and after step by step pretreatments using alkali, acid and H2O2, the final molecular weight was found to be reduced to 2.7 X 104 Da and the degree of deacetylation (DD) was 70%. Chemical treatments deproteinated and decalcified the chitin. Chitosan, the deacetylated form of chitin, was dissolved in lactic acid and then irradiated to perform antimicrobial activity. To conduct the experiment, seven different strains of bacteria were isolated from spoiled orange and it was found that chitosan was more effective to inhibit the growth of these bacteria. The more efficient result was found with irradiated chitosan than the non-irradiated one and the efficiency was consistently along with the increasing   of the radiation dose. The best antimicrobial activity was observed with 32 kGy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v28i1.11809 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 28, Number 1, June 2011, pp 45-47
Effect of Rhizobium on Growth and Biomass Production of Rice
Authors: Solaiman ARM , Hossain GMA , Mia MAB
Published: September 2012

To characterize twenty Rhizobium strains isolated from nodules of lentil, grasspea and chickpea, an experiment was conducted in the Soil Microbiology laboratory of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh. The isolates were tested for growth on Congo red Yeast Extract Mannitol (YEM) agar, peptone glucose agar, and YEM agar containing Bromothymol blue (BTB). All the strains except Ls 12 absorbed Congo red dye very weekly. Except Le 2 strains, isolated from lentil showed no growth in peptone glucose agar. All the strains isolated from grasspea and chickpea showed moderate growth on this   medium. All the strains were fast-growing and showed acidic reaction on YEM agar medium. Among the   strains isolated from lentil, Le 1, Le 2 and Le 4 produced moderate turbidity while Le 3, Le 6, Le 7 and Le 8   produced high turbidity in YEM broth. All the strains isolated from grasspea except Ls 3 and chickpea except   Ca 1 produced moderate turbidity in YEM broth medium. Strains Ls 3 and Ca 1 produced high turbidity. To   assess the effect of ten of these Rhizobium isolates viz. Le 1, Le 4, Le 6, Le 8, Ls 1, Ls 2, Ls 6, Ls 7, Ca 3 and Ca   4 on growth and biomass production of rice, a follow-up experiment was conducted in the same laboratory. Root length of rice was significantly increased over control (without inoculation) due to inoculation with different Rhizobium strains. The highest root length (9.63 cm) was obtained by inoculation with strain Ls 6   isolated from lentil. All the Rhizobium strains produced significantly higher shoot length, fresh and dry   biomass over control. The highest shoot length (16.50 cm), fresh biomass (138.3 mg) and dry biomass (27.75   mg) were also obtained from the strain Ls 6. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v28i2.11818 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 28, Number 2, December 2011, pp 64-68
Virulence Factors and Molecular cloning of Outer Membrane Protein (OMP) gene from virulent Aeromonas hyrophila isolated from infected gold fish Carassius auratus
Authors: Viji V Thanga , Babu M Michael , Velmurugan S , Kumaran T , Anand S B , Gunasekaran P , Citarasu T
Published: September 2012

Aeromonas hyrophila strains AHV1, AHV2 and AH3 were isolated and identified from Muscle tissue, intestine, body fluid and gills of infected gold fish Carassius auratus. In order to study their virulence, LD50 tests against  normal gold fish, proteolytic, haemolytic and challenge studies were performed. The virulence studies revealed that, both AHV1 and AHV2 strains are highly positive for proteolytic and haemolytic properties. The LD50 data showed that, the fish C. auratus are highly susceptible to A. hyrophila strains AHV1 and AHV2 at cent percent lethal rate. The survival of C. auratus significantly (P<0.05) decreased when challenged with virulent strains of A. hydrophila AHV1 and AHV2. The outer membrane protein (OMP-TS) gene was successfully amplified generating an the amplicon size of 1008 bp. The amplified product from the genomic DNA of AHV1 strain was cloned in to pTZ57R/T vector, transformed into DH5? cells and sequenced. The sequenced clone is resembling to various A. hydrophila isolates and submitted to NCBI GenBank database (accession no:HQ331525). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v28i2.11819 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 28, Number 2, December 2011, pp 70-75
‘Mathematical Aesthetic’ as a Strategy for Performance: A Vector Analysis of Samuel Beckett's Quad
Authors: Woycicki Piotr
Published: September 2012

In Beckett's later drama there is a growing abundance of mathematical patterns and structures which begin to dominate both the content and form of his plays. In my article I try to define and analyse this ‘mathematical aesthetic’ in relation to other discourses of Beckett's ‘theatrical machine’. The first part contains a vector analysis of Beckett's theatrical sketches and the script for Quad. Combined with Deleuze and Guattari's theory of the rhizome and performance theory, it sheds some light on the implication of organising performance through a ‘mathematical aesthetic’. In the second part of my article I extend my analysis to elaborate on some of the concepts and issues suggested by this work and point out some of the cultural, ethical and political issues with progressive mathematical systematization and simulation of performance in western society.
‘Local’ Anaesthetic for a ‘Public’ Birth: Beckett, Parturition and the Porter Period
Authors: Sharkey Rodney
Published: September 2012

This essay proposes that psychological difficulties experienced by Beckett in the early 1930s led him to study psychology texts that were then incorporated into his fiction at both a manifest and latent level. It argues that the manifest material is used as part of a parody of psychoanalytic discourse, but also as part of a complex semiotic in which Beckett attempts to overcome his own birth trauma by displacing the maternal imago onto the Irish public house. This in turn gives rise to latent unconscious impulses which function as signs of both wombing and weaning in Beckett's early fiction. In relation to alcohol, Ireland and identity, the essay also constitutes a humorous but nonetheless important intervention in current studies regarding Beckett's cultural identity. It concludes by suggesting that Beckett's post-war style of writing betrays a ‘psychic-geography’ that one might reasonably describe as ‘Irish.’
On the Information Transmission Ability of Nonlinear Stochastic Dynamic Networks
Authors: Chen Bor-Sen , Lin Ying-Po
Published: September 2012

The major function of dynamic networks is to sense information from the environment and process the information to the downstream. Therefore how to measure the information transmission ability of a dynamic network is an important topic to evaluate network performance. However, the dynamic behavior of a dynamic network is complex and, despite knowledge of network components, interactions and noises, it is a challenge to measure the information transmission ability of a dynamic network, especially a nonlinear stochastic dynamic network. Based on nonlinear stochastic dynamic system theory, the information transmission ability can be investigated by solving a Hamilton-Jacobi inequality (HJI)-constrained optimization problem. To avoid difficulties associated with solving a complex HJI-constrained optimization problem for information transmission ability, the Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model is introduced to approximate the nonlinear stochastic dynamic network by interpolating several local linear stochastic dynamic networks so that a HJI-constrained optimization problem can be replaced by the linear matrix inequalities (LMIs)-constrained optimization problem. The LMI problem can then be efficiently solved for measuring information transmission ability. We found that a more stable (robust) dynamic network has less information transmission ability, and vice versa. Finally, an example of a biochemical network in cellular communication is given to illustrate the measurement of information transmission ability and to confirm the results by using Monte Carlo simulations.
The Economic Cost of Unsupplied Diesel Product in Korea Using Input-Output Analysis
Authors: Kim Myunghwan , Yoo Seung-Hoon
Published: September 2012

Diesel is an essential factor in industrial production and development, and thus its stable supply is a crucial element for economic growth. The supply shortage of diesel has massive economic costs, namely supply shortage costs. This paper attempts to apply input-output (I-O) analysis to measuring the supply shortage cost of industrial diesel in Korea by finding an optimal way of allocating the limited diesel resources to different sectors according to the objective of maximizing overall value-added. To this end, a static I-O framework is presented using a recently published I-O table. The results indicate that the marginal cost of unsupplied diesel ranges from KRW 716 (USD 0.65) to KRW 113,376 (USD 103.07) per liter and these costs depend not only on the shortage rate of each non-diesel sector but also on the level of its own final demand. The quantitative results are useful for policy-makers to set economic reliability standards, develop optimum curtailment levels and priorities, and plan curtailment strategies for diesel supply and demand.
The Dual Role of Inflammation in Colon Carcinogenesis
Authors: Monteleone Giovanni , Pallone Francesco , Stolfi Carmine
Published: September 2012

Chronic inflammation characterizing patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) represents a major risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer. Mechanisms underlying this neoplastic transformation are not fully understood though studies in experimental models of colon carcinogenesis suggest that inflammatory cell-derived cytokines either directly or indirectly stimulate the uncontrolled growth of cancer cells. Nevertheless, under specific inflammatory conditions, immune cells can boost an anti-tumor immune response with the down-stream effect of eliminating dysplastic and cancerous cells. This review outlines the beneficial and detrimental role of inflammation in colon carcinogenesis.
Dual Targeting and Retrograde Translocation: Regulators of Plant Nuclear Gene Expression Can Be Sequestered by Plastids
Authors: Krause Kirsten , Oetke Svenja , Krupinska Karin
Published: September 2012

Changes in the developmental or metabolic state of plastids can trigger profound changes in the transcript profiles of nuclear genes. Many nuclear transcription factors were shown to be controlled by signals generated in the organelles. In addition to the many different compounds for which an involvement in retrograde signaling is discussed, accumulating evidence suggests a role for proteins in plastid-to-nucleus communication. These proteins might be sequestered in the plastids before they act as transcriptional regulators in the nucleus. Indeed, several proteins exhibiting a dual localization in the plastids and the nucleus are promising candidates for such a direct signal transduction involving regulatory protein storage in the plastids. Among such proteins, the nuclear transcription factor WHIRLY1 stands out as being the only protein for which an export from plastids and translocation to the nucleus has been experimentally demonstrated. Other proteins, however, strongly support the notion that this pathway might be more common than currently believed.
Advances in the Chemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Chuanxiong
Authors: Li Weixia , Tang Yuping , Chen Yanyan , Duan Jin-Ao
Published: September 2012

Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuan-Xiong, CX), the dried rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Umbelliferae), is one of the most popular plant medicines in the World. Modern research indicates that organic acids, phthalides, alkaloids, polysaccharides, ceramides and cerebrosides are main components responsible for the bioactivities and properties of CX. Because of its complex constituents, multidisciplinary techniques are needed to validate the analytical methods that support CX’s use worldwide. In the past two decades, rapid development of technology has advanced many aspects of CX research. The aim of this review is to illustrate the recent advances in the chemical analysis and biological activities of CX, and to highlight new applications and challenges. Emphasis is placed on recent trends and emerging techniques.