bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robustifying Convex Risk Measures for Linear Portfolios: A Nonparametric Approach
Authors: Wozabal David
Published: October 2014

This paper introduces a framework for robustifying convex, law invariant risk measures. The robustified risk measures are defined as the worst case portfolio risk over neighborhoods of a reference probability measure, which represent the investors' beliefs about the distribution of future asset losses. It is shown that under mild conditions, the infinite dimensional optimization problem of finding the worst-case risk can be solved analytically and closed-form expressions for the robust risk measures are obtained. Using these results, robust versions of several risk measures including the standard deviation, the Conditional Value-at-Risk, and the general class of distortion functionals are derived. The resulting robust risk measures are convex and can be easily incorporated into portfolio optimization problems, and a numerical study shows that in most cases they perform significantly better out-of-sample than their nonrobust variants in terms of risk, expected losses, and turnover.
Stability and Endogenous Formation of Inventory Transshipment Networks
Authors: Fang Xin , Cho Soo-Haeng
Published: October 2014

This paper studies a cooperative game of inventory transshipment among multiple firms. In this game, firms first make their inventory decisions independently and then decide collectively how to transship excess inventories to satisfy unmet demands. In modeling transshipment, we use networks of firms as the primitive, which offer a richer representation of relationships among firms by taking the coalitions used in all previous studies as special cases. For any given cooperative network, we construct a dual price allocation under which the network is stable for any residual demands and supplies in the sense that no firms find it more profitable to form subnetworks. Under the allocation based on the marginal contribution of each firm to its network (called the MJW value), we show that various network structures such as complete, hub-spoke, and chain networks are stable only under certain conditions on residual amounts. Moreover, these conditions differ across network structures, implying that a network structure plays an important role in establishing the stability of a decentralized transshipment system. Finally, we consider the case when firms establish networks endogenously, and show that pairwise Nash stable networks underperform the corresponding networks in centralized systems.
Scheduling and Routing for a Bus-Based Evacuation with a Constant Evacuee Arrival Rate
Authors: Pereira Victor C. , Bish Douglas R.
Published: October 2014

This paper introduces a variant of the vehicle routing problem adapted for bus-based, regional evacuation planning, where evacuees arrive at predetermined pickup locations at constant, location-specific rates. This arrival process more realistically portrays evacuee arrival behavior, presenting an important distinction from the current transit-based evacuation literature. In this problem, capacity-constrained buses are routed, potentially multiple times, to transport all evacuees to a depot/shelter such that the last pickup, and the end of the arrival process, occurs at a location-specific time, determined by risk considerations. The problem seeks to minimize the total waiting time at these locations (total exposure) and exploits efficiencies by allowing service choice. The structural properties of this problem guide the choice for two important strategic parameters: the maximum number of pickups allowed on each location and the fleet size. It is shown that, depending on the problem instance, increasing the maximum number of pickups may reduce both the fleet size requirement and the total exposure and that, past a certain threshold, there exists a maximum number of pickups (or a range of potential values, if the problem cannot be solved to optimality) that guarantees an efficient usage of the available fleet and equitable reductions in exposure across pickup locations.
TOTAL QUALITY CUSTOMER SATISFACTION MODEL
Authors: Álvarez Jesús Cruz , López Jesús Fabián , Perry Carlos Monge
Published: November 2014

In today’s business environment, all organizations are required to focus on their customers in order to fully understand their needs. There is a need to drive and engage strategic actions in order to close any potentials gaps between customer´s expectations and manufacture´s deliverables. Current customer satisfaction theory appears to be excluded from a holistic model that broadly covers the extent of customer satisfaction concept.This article empathizes the need of an integrated customer satisfaction model that the organization can use as a strategic platform to increase sales, business performance, branding, market share, and customer loyalty, based on specific methodology that translates customer needs into a reliable business plan.
THE IMPACT OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURES ON INNOVATION PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMIC GROWTH OF THE COUNTRY—THE EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE
Authors: Huňady Ján , Orviská Marta
Published: November 2014

The main aim of this article is to empirically verify the relationship between research and development (R&D) expenditures, innovation, and economic growth. Based on the correlation analysis, we examine the interdependencies between selected indicators. We have found that countries with an increase in innovation performance over the past years mostly experienced a higher economic growth in the year 2012.  Countries with higher research and development expenditures have not only more researchers, but as well more patents registration. Subsequently, the relationship between R&D expenditures and economic growth is examined based on econometric regression model of the panel data.  Input data used in the regression covers EU countries between the years 1999 and 2011.  Our results suggest the existence of positive effect of lagged R&D expenditures on economic growth in these countries. We have also identified positive impact of the flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) in this model, which could be related to mechanism of technology diffusion across the countries.
PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THE NATURAL AND SOCIAL EVOLUTION
Authors: Subbotina Nadezhda
Published: November 2014

Investigation of the social evolution process and its differences from the natural evolution requires methodological substantiation. This article proposes a methodological approach based on the Hegelian dialectics.  We distinguish two types of development: development based on external premises and development based on own foundation (self-development). The dialectics of preservation and change shows itself differently among these types.  Social evolution is a new branch of the global evolution; its motion vector is directed toward big changes and acceleration. At the same time, the speed of natural evolution remains slow.  Emerging “scissors” create tension between the human’s natural and social sides. Natural evolution requires a person to perform the preservation functions, while social evolution requires changing functions.
ANTI-TUMOR ACTIVITY OF BACTERIAL LECTIN AND 5-METHYLURACIL ADDUCT
Authors: Welchinska Elena
Published: November 2014

The synthesis was performed using 5-methyluracil mono-and bis-derivatives with the halogen-containing pharmacophore groups in the composition of molecules; their physiochemical and biological properties were studied. These reactions are a typical example of substitution reactions on heteroatom N(1) of uracil molecule using as the second component the reaction of halothane—the known inhaled anesthetic.  The reactions were carried out in a solvent system: benzene-dimethyl formamide and diethyl ether, under conditions of phase transfer catalysis DB-18-crown-6-complex (alkaline medium), by heating from 2 to 11 hours, followed by purification, and drying of the resulting products.  The structure of the synthesized compounds was confirmed by elemental analysis, IR and 1HNMR spectra.  The purity was controlled by the methods of thin-layer and gas-liquid chromatography. Chromatography, IR and 1HNMR spectra of the final products were identified in comparison with the chromatograms, IR and 1HNMR spectra of the initial compounds. Variation of the reaction conditions and changes in methods of synthesis enabled to receive the synthesized compounds of high purity and to increase their practical output up to 43-80%.  Molecular complex of Bacterial lectin and 5-methyluracil bis-derivative was obtained.  The toxicity and anti-tumor activity of some of the synthesized compounds were investigated. We have found that the new molecular complex of Bacterial lectin and 5-methyluracil bis-derivative has high anti-tumor activity in Limphosarcoma Plissa—62.8% (activity criterion >50%), which allows us to consider the synthesized compound as a physiologically active compound with the prospect for further study as a potential vehicle for anti-tumoral treatment in patients.
Nutritional calculations: a guide for the veterinary healthcare team
Authors: Lumbis Rachel
Published: October 2014

Nutrition is one of the most important considerations in the maintenance of health and plays a critical role in the management of many diseases; a reflection of its acknowledgement as the fifth vital assessment (after temperature, pulse, respiration and pain). With the plethora of commercial diets now available, it can be particularly challenging for pet owners to decide what, and how much, to feed and they may approach the veterinary team for advice. To assist in the process of diet choice, this paper provides a selection of simple calculations relating to the nutrient and energy requirements of dogs and cats and comparison of different diets. These are designed to be used on a practical level in a clinical setting by all members of the veterinary healthcare team.
Adjunctive analgesics
Authors: Yamaoka TT , Auckburally A
Published: October 2014

Adjunctive analgesics are drugs that have primary therapeutic indications other than providing analgesia. They are commonly co-administered with traditional analgesics in order to provide ‘multimodal analgesia’ when traditional analgesics alone may not provide adequate analgesia. This article will review the current adjunctive analgesics used in veterinary patients including their pharmacological properties, route of administration and some species specific applications.
The Cool Scent of Power: Effects of Ambient Scent on Consumer Preferences and Choice Behavior
Authors: Madzharov Adriana V. , Block Lauren G. , Morrin Maureen
Published: October 2014

The present research examines how ambient scents affect consumers' spatial perceptions in retail environments, which in turn influence customers' feelings of power and, thus, product preference and purchasing behavior. Specifically, the authors demonstrate that in a warm- (vs. cool-) scented and thus perceptually more (vs. less) socially dense environment, people experience a greater (vs. lesser) need for power, which manifests in increased preference for and purchase of premium products and brands. This research extends knowledge on store atmospherics and customer experience management through the effects of ambient scent on spatial perceptions and builds on recent research on power in choice contexts.
Molecular profiling of single circulating tumor cells with diagnostic intention
Authors: Polzer Bernhard , Medoro Gianni , Pasch Sophie , Fontana Francesca , Zorzino Laura , Pestka Aurelia , Andergassen Ulrich , Meier‐Stiegen Franziska , Czyz Zbigniew T , Alberter Barbara , Treitschke Steffi , Schamberger Thomas , Sergio Maximilian , Bregola Giulia , Doffini Anna , Gianni Stefano , Calanca Alex , Signorini Giulio , Bolognesi Chiara , Hartmann Arndt , Fasching Peter A , Sandri Maria T , Rack Brigitte , Fehm Tanja , Giorgini Giuseppe , Manaresi Nicolò , Klein Christoph A
Published: October 2014

Several hundred clinical trials currently explore the role of circulating tumor cell (CTC) analysis for therapy decisions, but assays are lacking for comprehensive molecular characterization of CTCs with diagnostic precision. We therefore combined a workflow for enrichment and isolation of pure CTCs with a non‐random whole genome amplification method for single cells and applied it to 510 single CTCs and 189 leukocytes of 66 CTC‐positive breast cancer patients. We defined a genome integrity index (GII) to identify single cells suited for molecular characterization by different molecular assays, such as diagnostic profiling of point mutations, gene amplifications and whole genomes of single cells. The reliability of > 90% for successful molecular analysis of high‐quality clinical samples selected by the GII enabled assessing the molecular heterogeneity of single CTCs of metastatic breast cancer patients. We readily identified genomic disparity of potentially high relevance between primary tumors and CTCs. Microheterogeneity analysis among individual CTCs uncovered pre‐existing cells resistant to ERBB2‐targeted therapies suggesting ongoing microevolution at late‐stage disease whose exploration may provide essential information for personalized treatment decisions and shed light into mechanisms of acquired drug resistance.
Evaluation of Vancomycin Dosing and Corresponding Drug Concentrations in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Geerlof Lauren Maurer , Boucher Jenny
Published: October 2014

Objective:

To describe the relationships between dosing strategy, age, and vancomycin trough concentrations in pediatric patients.

Methods:

This is a retrospective review of hospitalized pediatric patients between 2 months and 17 years of age treated with intravenous vancomycin from 2008 to 2011. The primary outcome was the number of patients achieving a target trough concentration of 10 to 20 μg/mL in each age group and dosing group. The secondary outcomes were the number of patients in each group to achieve a trough concentration of 15 to 20 μg/mL and the incidence of vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Results:

A total of 102 patients were included in the analysis. Forty-six of 159 evaluated troughs (28.9%) were within the target range of 10 to 20 μg/mL. Dose was found to have a statistically significant effect on the ability to achieve a trough within the target range (P = .01). Of the 159 trough concentrations evaluated, only 11 (6.9%) were within the range of 15 to 20 μg/mL. Nephrotoxicity occurred in 7 patients and was not associated with supratherapeutic trough concentration or dose.

Conclusions:

The number of trough concentrations within the target range of 10 to 20 μg/mL was low, and younger patients often needed doses >60 mg/kg per day to achieve a trough concentration in this range. The dose of vancomycin was found to have a statistically significant effect on the ability to achieve a trough concentration within the target range.
Hospital Readmissions Among Children With H1N1 Influenza Infection
Authors: Brogan Thomas V. , Hall Matthew , Sills Marion R. , Fieldston Evan S. , Simon Harold K. , Mundorff Michael B. , Fagbuyi Daniel B. , Shah Samir S.
Published: October 2014

Objectives:

To describe readmissions among children hospitalized with H1N1 (influenza subtype, hemagglutinin1, neuraminidase 1) pandemic influenza and secondarily to determine the association of oseltamivir during index hospitalization with readmission.

Methods:

We reviewed data from 42 freestanding children’s hospitals contributing to the Pediatric Health Information System from May through December 2009 when H1N1 was the predominant influenza strain. Children were divided into 2 groups by whether they experienced complications of influenza during index hospitalization. Primary outcome was readmission at 3, 7, and 30 days among both patient groups. Secondary outcome was the association of oseltamivir treatment with readmission.

Results:

The study included 8899 children; 6162 patients had uncomplicated index hospitalization, of whom 3808 (61.8%) received oseltamivir during hospitalization, and 2737 children had complicated influenza, of whom 1055 (38.5%) received oseltamivir. Median 3-, 7-, and 30-day readmission rates were 1.6%, 2.5%, and 4.7% for patients with uncomplicated index hospitalizations and 4.3%, 5.8%, and 10.3% among patients with complicated influenza. The 30-day readmission rates did not differ by treatment group among patients with uncomplicated influenza; however, patients with complicated index hospitalizations who received oseltamivir had lower all-cause 30-day readmissions than untreated patients. The most common causes of readmission were pneumonia and asthma exacerbations.

Conclusions:

Oseltamivir use for hospitalized children did not decrease 30-day readmission rates in children after uncomplicated index hospitalization but was associated with a lower 30-day readmission rate among children with complicated infections during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. Readmission rates for children who had complicated influenza infection during index hospitalizations are high.
Polityka gospodarcza księcia Bolesława V Wstydliwego wobec biskupstwa i katedry krakowskiej
Authors: Gryguć Piotr
Published: October 2014

Niniejszy artykuł jest próbą ukazania przemian, jakie zaszły w Małopolsce w drugiej połowie XIII wieku. Był to okres bardzo dynamicznych przemian zarówno gospodarczych, jak też społecznych. Książę krakowsko-sandomierski Bolesław Wstydliwy zdawał sobie sprawę zarówno z konieczności zmian, jak też z możliwości, jakie ze sobą niosły. Znamienny był tu przykład płynący z krajów ościennych – szczególnie z księstw śląskich, Czech i Węgier, gdzie motorem owych przemian była kolonizacja na prawie niemieckim. Władca Krakowa, zdając sobie sprawę z potęgi gospodarczej biskupa i kapituły krakowskiej, starał się wciągnąć obie te instytucje w rytm przemian. Dzięki wsparciu Kościoła krakowskiego udało mu się zmodernizować i przyspieszyć przemiany zachodzące w księstwie krakowsko-sandomierskim. Współpraca pozwoliła wzmocnić się zarówno biskupowi i kapitule – poprzez uzyskanie rozległych przywilejów i rozwój gospodarczy swoich majątków, jak też wdrożyć nowe wzorce zagospodarowywania dóbr. Dzięki wzorowej współpracy na linii Kościół krakowski–monarcha udało się także uniknąć długich i często bardzo kosztownych sporów, jakie można było zaobserwować w księstwach ościennych. Niewątpliwie rządy wewnętrzne księcia Bolesława Wstydliwego i jego polityka oparta na porozumieniu z Kościołem krakowskim oraz wciągnięciu go w mechanizmy przemian gospodarczych pozwoliły na szybki rozwój jego władztwa – zarówno na płaszczyźnie handlowej, gospodarczej, jak i urbanizacyjnej oraz społecznej.
Analysis and modification of the Hewlett and Randolph method
Authors: Zhuang Yan , Cui Xiaoyan
Published: October 2014

The Hewlett and Randolph method has been widely used in the design of piled embankments. This approach assumed that the arch was semicircular (in two dimensions) and hemispherical (in three dimensions), and was of uniform thickness. In this paper, a series of finite-element analyses are presented. The analyses show that the Hewlett and Randolph method is much better than the adapted Terzaghi's method in describing the vertical stress profile in the embankment. It also shows that the thickness of the arch is non-uniform and the stress acting on the subsoil is overestimated. Thus, three methods are presented to modify the Hewlett and Randolph method, showing that the method proposed modifies both the thickness of radius of the arch and the earth pressure coefficient of the embankment material, resulting in closer agreement with the finite-element analyses. The modified method also provides good agreement with the physical modelling results and field measurements.
The changing role of history in restoration ecology
Authors: Higgs Eric , Falk Donald A , Guerrini Anita , Hall Marcus , Harris Jim , Hobbs Richard J , Jackson Stephen T , Rhemtulla Jeanine M , Throop William
Published: October 2014

In the face of rapid environmental and cultural change, orthodox concepts in restoration ecology such as historical fidelity are being challenged. Here we re‐examine the diverse roles played by historical knowledge in restoration, and argue that these roles remain vitally important. As such, historical knowledge will be critical in shaping restoration ecology in the future. Perhaps the most crucial role in shifting from the present version of restoration ecology (“v1.0”) to a newer formulation (“v2.0”) is the value of historical knowledge in guiding scientific interpretation, recognizing key ecological legacies, and influencing the choices available to practitioners of ecosystem intervention under conditions of open‐ended and rapid change.
Linking human well‐being and jellyfish: ecosystem services, impacts, and societal responses
Authors: Graham William M , Gelcich Stefan , Robinson Kelly L , Duarte Carlos M , Brotz Lucas , Purcell Jennifer E , Madin Laurence P , Mianzan Hermes , Sutherland Kelly R , Uye Shin-ichi , Pitt Kylie A , Lucas Cathy H , Bøgeberg Molly , Brodeur Richard D , Condon Robert H
Published: October 2014

Jellyfish are usually perceived as harmful to humans and are seen as “pests”. This negative perception has hindered knowledge regarding their value in terms of ecosystem services. As humans increasingly modify and interact with coastal ecosystems, it is important to evaluate the benefits and costs of jellyfish, given that jellyfish bloom size, frequency, duration, and extent are apparently increasing in some regions of the world. Here we explore those benefits and costs as categorized by regulating, supporting, cultural, and provisioning ecosystem services. A geographical perspective of human vulnerability to jellyfish over four categories of human well‐being (health care, food, energy, and freshwater production) is also discussed in the context of thresholds and trade‐offs to enable social adaptation. Whereas beneficial services provided by jellyfish likely scale linearly with biomass (perhaps peaking at a saturation point), non‐linear thresholds exist for negative impacts to ecosystem services. We suggest that costly adaptive strategies will outpace the beneficial services if jellyfish populations continue to increase in the future.
The temperature independence of interaction strength in a sit‐and‐wait predator
Authors: Novich Rachel A. , Erickson Emma K. , Kalinoski Ryan M. , DeLong John P.
Published: October 2014

The strength of interactions between consumers and their resources has important implications for the overall structure and function of food webs. These interactions can change with warming, depending on the foraging mode of the predator. Theory predicts that warming increases foraging velocity in ectotherms, but in a sit‐and‐wait predator that has zero velocity when foraging, the interaction strength should be temperature independent. Using the protist Urocentrum turbo and the sit‐and‐wait copepod Orthocyclops modestus, we tested this prediction by measuring dynamic interaction strengths (effect of a predator on prey population growth rate) and by estimating the parameters of a functional response. Both of these metrics were consistent with the prediction that interaction strength is temperature independent in a sit‐and‐wait predator. Our results indicate that there may be considerable variability in how warming alters foraging interactions, and estimating the overall effects of climate change on food webs may require consideration of the distribution of foraging strategies and the potential asymmetries that arise with interactions that involve different strategies.
Long‐term vegetation changes in a temperate forest impacted by climate change
Authors: Oakes Lauren E. , Hennon Paul E. , O'Hara Kevin L. , Dirzo Rodolfo
Published: October 2014

Pervasive forest mortality is expected to increase in future decades as a result of increasing temperatures. Climate‐induced forest dieback can have consequences on ecosystem services, potentially mediated by changes in forest structure and understory community composition that emerge in response to tree death. Although many dieback events around the world have been documented in recent years, yellow‐cedar (Callitropsis nootkatensis) decline provides an opportunity to study vegetation changes occurring over the past century. Current research identifies climate‐related reductions in snow cover as a key driver of this species dieback. To examine the process of forest development post‐dieback, we conducted vegetation surveys at 50 plots along the outer coast of southeast Alaska across a chronosequence of mortality. Our main study objectives were to examine changes in seedling and sapling abundance, and community structure of conifer species in the overstory; effects of yellow‐cedar mortality on plant diversity and community composition of functional groups in the understory; and volume of key forage species for Sitka black‐tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus sitkensis) managed throughout the region. The probability of yellow‐cedar sapling occurrence was reduced across the chronosequence. Yellow‐cedar seedling and sapling abundance also decreased. We observed a turnover from yellow‐cedar to western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) dominated forests. Functional plant diversity increased and the community composition of the understory changed across the chronosequence. Bryophytes became less abundant and grasses more abundant in the early stages of stand development, and shrubs increased in relative abundance in latter stages. Our results demonstrate that yellow‐cedar is significantly less likely to regenerate in forests affected by widespread mortality, and a species dieback can dynamically rearrange the plant community over time. These findings emphasize the importance of considering long‐term temporal dynamics when assessing the impacts of climate change on biodiversity and ecosystem services, and adapting forest management to a changing climate.
Formula Supplementation of the Breastfed Infant: Assault on the Gut Microbiome
Authors: Walker Marsha
Published: October 2014

Although formula supplementation is well known to have detrimental effects on the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding, on the maternal milk production, and on the health outcomes of mothers and infants, there are immediate and long-lasting effects on the infant’s gut microbiome.
Breast milk is an important element modulating the metabolic and immunological programming relative to a child’s health. An unfavorable or abnormal microbial colonization during early life interferes with many functions in the gut and facilitates invasion of pathogens and foreign or harmful
antigens. Alterations of the gut environment (such as from supplementation with formula) are directly responsible for mucosal inflammation and disease, autoimmunity conditions, and allergic disorders in childhood and adulthood. Clinicians and parents will benefit from knowledge of this side
effect of formula supplementation.
Soil Application of Boron and Zinc Influence Fruit Yield and Quality of Satsuma Mandarin in Acidic Soils
Authors: Zhang Ying , Hu Chengxiao , Tan Qiling , Nie Zhaojun , Zheng Cangsong , Gui Huiping , Sun Xuecheng , Zhao Xiaohu
Published: October 2014

Boron and Zn deficiency are frequently observed in citrus planted in acidic soil. The study was conducted to determine whether soil application of B and Zn could improve citrus yield and fruit quality. Field experiments were conducted over a 3‐yr period. The effect of soil application of B and Zn alone or in combination on the B and Zn absorption, yield, and fruit quality of Satsuma mandarin (Citrus unshiu Marc.) were investigated on a yellowish‐brown acidic soil (Haplic Luvisols). The soil available B and Zn concentrations were raised by application of B and Zn, respectively. Applying B increased the B concentrations in leaf, flower and fruit, whereas applying Zn had no obvious influence on leaf or fruit Zn concentrations until the third year. The yield increased with the B and Zn + B applications due to the increase in the number of fruit per tree in 2012. Applying B alone had no significant effect on quality, whereas applying Zn or Zn + B led to higher total soluble solid (TSS) and titratable acid (TA) contents in 2012. The fruit vitamin C content increased significantly with the application of Zn + B. Therefore, B and Zn affect fruit yield and quality differently in acidic soil. The citrus yield was mainly affected by B, whereas fruit quality was improved by Zn. A continuous combined application of B and Zn over a 3‐yr period resulted in a higher yield and quality of Satsuma mandarins.
Foliar Zinc, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus Application Effects on Micronutrient Concentrations in Winter Wheat
Authors: Wang Shaoxia , Li Meng , Tian Xiaohong , Li Jin , Li Hongyun , Ni Yijun , Zhao Jihong , Chen Yanlong , Guo Chunhui , Zhao Aiqing
Published: October 2014

Although foliar application of Zn is highly efficient in improving Zn concentration in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain, it may be beneficial to better understand its effectiveness when combined with foliar applications of N or P. A 2‐yr field experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of concurrent ZnSO4, and commonly used N and P applications on grain Zn, and other nutritional quality indices in wheat. On average, grain Zn concentration increased by 84, 83, and 55% following foliar application of Zn, Zn+N, and Zn+P, respectively. The Zn concentration following foliar application was much greater in the leaves than in the glume or stem. The reduction in the Zn content and the distribution of Zn in the grain and leaves was similar following foliar‐applied Zn and foliar‐applied Zn+P. This suggests that absorption of Zn in the vegetative tissues (e.g., leaf) was reduced with the addition of P in the foliar spray, but translocation of Zn from the leaf to grain was not inhibited by P. Foliar Zn+N application significantly increased grain protein, Fe, and Ca concentrations, and foliar Zn+P application significantly increased Fe and Ca concentrations. Foliar application of Zn, Zn+N, and Zn+P significantly decreased grain phytic acid (PA)/Zn, PA/Fe, and PA/Ca molar ratios. The results of this study suggest that the inclusion of Zn in commonly used foliar applications of N or P may be effective for increasing grain Zn concentration in wheat.
Inheritance of White Mold Resistance in an Andean Common Bean A 195 and its Relationship with Andean G 122
Authors: Viteri Diego M. , Singh Shree P.
Published: October 2014

White mold caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is a devastating disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in cool and wet production regions of the Americas and elsewhere. Partial resistance is found in common bean, wild bean, and Phaseolus species of the secondary gene pool such as P. coccineus L. The objectives were to determine (i) the inheritance of white mold resistance in a large‐seeded Andean common bean breeding line A 195 in response to contrasting S. sclerotiorum isolates and (ii) the genetic relationship between A 195 and an Andean germplasm accession G 122. White mold resistant (scores ≤ 4) A 195 was crossed with susceptible (scores > 7) pinto ‘Othello’ and resistant G 122. The F1 and the three parents were inoculated with an aggressive S. sclerotiorum isolate ND710 in 2011. Parents and F2 from resistant F1 plants were inoculated with the less aggressive isolate ARS12D at the fifth internode on the main stem and reinoculated (primary branch) with ND710 and evaluated at 35 d in 2012. Two independent complementary dominant genes controlled resistance in the F2 of A 195/Othello in response to either isolate. There was no segregation in A 195/G 122 F2 in response to ARS12D. But a single dominant gene controlled the difference in resistance between A 195 and G 122 to ND710. The F3 results corroborated the F2 segregation ratios in both populations. This information should help introgress and pyramid higher levels of white mold resistance into common bean cultivars of different market classes.
Spatial‐Scale Prediction of the SVAT Soil Hydraulic Variables Characterizing Stratified Soils on the Tibetan Plateau from an EnKF Analysis of SAR Soil Moisture
Authors: Lee Ju Hyoung
Published: October 2014

In highly stratified soils as on the Tibetan Plateau, uncertainty associated with a vertical profile of soil and hydraulic properties largely restricts the performance of Soil Vegetation Atmosphere Transfer (SVAT) model. In lieu of commonly used pedotransfer functions (PTFs) or artificial neural networks (ANNs), soil hydraulic properties in this study were inverted from an Ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) analysis of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) surface soil moisture. The calibrated SVAT scheme using inverted soil hydraulic variables C1 and θgeq was better matched with in situ field measurements than the uncalibrated SVAT scheme using soil maps–based PTFs on a local point scale. It was shown that the inverse calibration of two soil hydraulic variables solved the forecast bias (underestimation) in surface soil moisture due to the assumption of vertical homogeneity and the site‐specificity of empirical PTFs. Additionally, at a SAR spatial scale, the calibrated SVAT scheme appropriately captured a high vertical gradient between surface and subsurface soil moisture, while the uncalibrated SVAT scheme could not. This suggests that it is possible to infer the SVAT soil hydraulic variables that are the main error source in SVAT scheme from the SAR soil moisture data assimilation analysis.
Modeling Soil Water Retention Curves in the Dry Range Using the Hygroscopic Water Content
Authors: Chen Chong , Hu Kelin , Arthur Emmanuel , Ren Tusheng
Published: October 2014

Accurate information on the dry end (matric potential less than −1500 kPa) of soil water retention curves (SWRCs) is crucial for studying water vapor transport and evaporation in soils. The objectives of this study were to assess the potential of the Oswin model for describing the water adsorption curves of soils and to predict SWRCs at the dry end using the hygroscopic water content at a relative humidity of 50% (θRH50). The Oswin model yielded satisfactory fits to dry‐end SWRCs for soils dominated by both 2:1 and 1:1 clay minerals. Compared with the Oswin model, the Campbell and Shiozawa model combined with the Kelvin equation (CS‐K) produced better fits to dry‐end SWRCs of soils dominated by 2:1 clays but provided poor fits for soils dominated by 1:1 clays. The shape parameter α of the Oswin model was dependent on clay mineral type, and approximate values of 0.29 and 0.57 were obtained for soils dominated by 2:1 and 1:1 clays, respectively. Comparison of the Oswin model combined with the Kelvin equation, with water potential estimated from θRH50 (Oswin‐KRH50), CS model combined with the Arthur equation (CS‐A), and CS‐K model, with water potential obtained from θRH50 (CS‐KRH50) indicated that for soils dominated by 2:1 clay minerals, the predictive ability of the Oswin‐KRH50 model was comparable to the CS‐KRH50 model in which θRH50 was the input parameter but performed better than the CS‐A model where clay content was the input parameter. The Oswin‐KRH50 model also has the potential for predicting dry‐end SWRCs of soils dominated by 1:1 clays.
Some families of differential equations associated with the Hermite-based Appell polynomials and other classes of Hermite-based polynomials
Authors: Srivastava H.M. , Özarslan M.A. , Yılmaz Banu
Published: October 2014

Recently, Khan et al. [S. Khan, G. Yasmin, R. Khan and N. A. M. Hassan,
Hermite-based Appell polynomials: Properties and Applications, J. Math.
Anal. Appl. 351 (2009), 756-764] defined the Hermite-based Appell
polynomials by G(x, y, z, t) := A(t)?exp(xt + yt2 + zt3) = ??,n=0 HAn(x,
y, z) tn/n! and investigated their many interesting properties and
characteristics by using operational techniques combined with the principle
of monomiality. Here, in this paper, we find the differential,
integro-differential and partial differential equations for the Hermite-based
Appell polynomials via the factorization method. Furthermore, we derive the
corresponding equations for the Hermite-based Bernoulli polynomials and the
Hermite-based Euler polynomials. We also indicate how to deduce the
corresponding results for the Hermite-based Genocchi polynomials from those
involving the Hermite-based Euler polynomials.
An extension of Darbo fixed point theorem and its applications to coupled fixed point and integral equations
Authors: Samadi A. , Ghaemi M.B.
Published: October 2014

In this paper, an extension of Darbo fixed point theorem is introduced. By
applying our extension, we obtain a coupled fixed point theorem and a
solution for an integral equation. The proofs of our results are based on the
technique of measure of noncompactness.
Derivation of a new set of force field parameters for ammine complexes of chromium(III) containing halogeno ligands: Modeling the trans-influence of halogenido ligands
Authors: Djordjevic Ivana , Grubisic Sonja , Milcic Milos , Niketic Svetozar
Published: October 2014

An approach to model the trans-influence using partial atomic charges derived
from the molecular electrostatic potential by means of the restrained
electrostatic potential (RESP) fitting method is exemplified on a series of
halogenido-ammine octahedral chromium(III) complexes. RESP charges
incorporated in our vibrationally optimized consistent force field account
for second-order phenomena, improve the modeling and assignment of skeletal
vibrations, and reproduce the trends in frequency shifts along the (F, Cl,
Br, I) series. In addition, a supplementary statistical analysis is given for
Cr-halogen bonds in crystal structures from CSD.
Microwave assisted synthesis of some new coumarin-pyrazoline hybrids and their antimicrobial activity
Authors: Ashok Dongamanti , Lakshmi Bommidi , Ravi Sidda , Ganesh Arram
Published: October 2014

A series of pyrazolines 4a-g have been synthesized by Michael addition of
chalcones 3a-g with hydrazine hydrate in presence of sodium acetate under
conventional heating and microwave irradiation. Structures of the newly
synthesized chalcones 3a-g and pyrazolines 4a-g have been established on the
basis of IR, 1H & 13C NMR and mass spectral data. All the synthesized
compounds were screened for their antimicrobial activity. Some of the
compounds shown very good activity compared to standard drugs against all
pathogenic bacteria and fungi.
Evaluation of conventional and digital radiography capacities for distinguishing dental materials on radiograms depending on the present radiopacifying agent
Authors: Antonijevic Djordje , Ilic Dragan , Medic Vesna , Dodic Slobodan , Obradovic-Djuricic Kosovka , Rakocevic Zoran
Published: October 2014

Bacgroun/Aim. The radiopacity of an endodontic material can considerably vary
as measured on film and a digital sensor. Digital radiography offers numerous
advantages over convential film-based radiography in dental clinical practice
regarding both diagnostic capabilities and postintervention procedures. The
aim of this study was to investigate the capacity of conventional and
charge-conpled device (CCD) based digital radiography to detect material on
radiograph depending on the radio-pacifying agent present in the material.
Methods. Experimental cements were formulated by mixing Portland cement with
the following radiopacifying agents: zinc oxide (ZnO), zirconium oxide
(ZrO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), barium sulphate (BaSO4), iodoform (CHI3),
bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) and ytterbium trifluoride (YbF3). In addition, 5
endodontic materials comprising Endomethasone?, Diaket?, N2?, Roth 801? and
Acroseal? were investigated to serve as control. Per three specimens of each
material were radiographed alongside an aluminum step wedge on film (Eastman
Kodak Company?, Rochester, NY) and a CCD-based digital sensor (Trophy
Radiologie?, Cedex, France). Radiopacity values were calculated by converting
the radiographic densities of the specimens expressed as a mean optical
densities or mean grey scale values into equivalent thickness of aluminum.
Results. Twoway ANOVA detected no significant differences with respect to the
imaging system (p > 0.05), but the differences were significant with respect
to radiopacifier (p < 0.001) and the interaction of the two factors (p <
0.05). Paired ttest revealed significant differences between the methods used
for pure Portland cement, all concentrations of BaSO4 and CHI3, 10% and 20%
additions of ZrO2 and Bi2O3 and 10% and 30% addition of YbF3 (p < 0.05).
Conclusion. The materials which incorporate CHI3 or BaSO4 as radiopacifying
agents are expected to be significantly more radiopaque on a digital sensor
than on film. During clinical practice one should concern to the quality of
contrast assessement obtained by digital according to conventional
radiography.
The Impact of Insulin Treatment on the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Cadherin and Beta-Catenin in Human Fetoplacental Vessels
Authors: Baumüller Samira , Lehnen Harald , Schmitz Jörg , Fimmers Rolf , Müller Annette M.
Published: October 2014

Vascular endothelial cadherin and β-catenin play a key role in establishment and maintenance of the endothelial monolayer integrity, regulation of vascular barrier function, and initiation of angiogenesis. The cadherin-catenin complex has been shown to be reduced in type 1 diabetic placenta, but the exact relationship between histopathologic findings and clinical data is not known. Immunohistochemistry of placental tissue from type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes showed that diabetes per se might be compatible with normal levels of vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin and β-catenin in fetoplacental vessels as long as the patient has not been treated with insulin. Immunoreactivity of VE-cadherin did correlate poorly with maternal glycemic control, as was investigated in this study, by birth weight, body mass index, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). There was no correlation found between the immunoreactivity of β-catenin and birth weight, body mass index, or HbA1c. However our data did show a strong correlation between immunoreactivity and whether or not the patient had been treated with insulin. Patients diagnosed with gestational diabetes who had not been treated with insulin had similar levels of VE-cadherin and β-catenin to the control group, thus indicating that diabetes per se must not necessarily lead to a reduction. Our study suggests that therapeutic intervention using insulin in pregnancies complicated by diabetes might have potentially harmful effects on placental morphology. Future studies should further investigate these findings.
Endoparasites found in European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) hunted in Macedonia, Greece
Authors: Diakou A. , Sokos C. , Papadopoulos E.
Published: November 2014

The European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) is widespread throughout Europe with population declines in some countries. Parasites can be one of the natural regulative factors of hare population. The information about the prevalence of endoparasites of European hares in Southern Europe is limited while relevant data from Greece are lacking. Gastrointestinal tracts of 84 Lepus europaeus, hunted in Macedonia, Greece, were examined for endoparasites. Sixty two (73.8 %) of the animals were parasitized by one or multiple parasitic species. Eimeria spp. was found in 54 (64.28 %) of the gastrointestinal tracts, Trichostrongylus retortaeformis in 42 (50 %), Trichuris leporis in 18 (21.42 %), Dicrocoelium dentriticum in 8 (9.52 %), Passalurus ambiguus in 4 (4.76 %) and Protostrongylus spp. in 2 (1.22 %). Moreover, Linguatula serrata larvae were found in 16 (19.04 %) animals and Dirofilaria scapiceps in one. Mixed infections were significantly more common than single infections. Although the parasites found do not represent a threat for other animal species, under certain conditions, they may play an important role in the health status of hares.
Prevalence of Double Nutrition Burden Among Adolescent Girls of Assam, Northeast India
Authors: Sharma Jyotismita , Mondal Dr Nitish
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Prevalence of the malnutrition is a very common phenomenon in the developing countries leads to high mortality, morbidity and long-lasting physiologic effects. The present study was conducted among adolescent populations residing in rural regions with an aim to determine the prevalence of double nutritional burden (e.g., thinness and overweight) in Karbi-Anglong district of Assam, Northeast India.Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted among 1228 heterogeneous groups of adolescent girls aged 10- 16 years residing in rural areas of Diphu, Karbi-Anglong, Assam is using simple random sampling method. The anthropometric measurement of height and weight were recorded using the standard procedure. The Body mass index (BMI=weight/height2, kg/m2) was calculated. Recently proposed, the BMI based age sex specific international references and cut-offs of Cole et al. was used to assess the prevalence of thinness and overweight.Results: The overall prevalence of overweight and thinness was found to be 8.13% and 19.14% respectively. The age specific prevalence of overweight and thinness was found to be higher among 11 years (12.00%) and 16 years (31.13%) respectively.Conclusion: The present study shows the magnitude of thinness is a still greater nutritional problem than overweight in rural adolescent girls in India. The results of the present study will be useful for the policy makers in their endeavour to formulate various developmental strategies and health care programmes of the population concern to combat the double burden of nutrition.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.10447J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):132-137
Pseudohypoparathyroidism as a Cause of Refractory Seizures
Authors: Singh Gurmeet , Thapar Karuna , Malhotra Preeti
Published: October 2014

Pseudohypoparathyroidism is a genetic disorder that is similar to hypoparathyroidism, but which results from the body’s lack of response to parathyroid hormone rather than its decreased production. Serum level of immunoreactive Parathormone are elevated instead. We report a four month old infant in status epilepticus associated with hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia and raised parathyroid hormone level. Hypocalcemia was resistant to calcium therapy initially but responded to vitamin D analogue therapy leading to diagnosis of Pseudohypoparathyroidism. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.10602 J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):166-167
Congenital Tuberculosis
Authors: Chatterjee Nandita
Published: October 2014

2 month old baby presented with huge hepato-splenomegaly, ascites & pallor, , born to a mother suffering from fever and backache since last 4 months. Hypo-echoic shadows in liver, spleen and abdominal lymph nodes on USG & CT-scan and acute-on-chronic inflammation of liver by FNAC suggested Congenital Tuberculosis. Investigations in mother revealed Pulmonary Tuberculosis & Caries Spine, confirming the diagnosis of Congenital Tuberculosis in the baby. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.10910 J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):144-146
Neonatal Candida Lusitaniae Septicemia
Authors: Gautam Mahesh Kumar , Li Jiang
Published: October 2014

Neonatal candidemia is an increasing cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Most reported cases are due to Candida albicans, but non-albicans species are on the rise. Candida lusitaniae is infrequently reported opportunistic pathogen. It causes serious and fatal infection. Early diagnosis and proper antifungal therapy can prevent morbidity and mortality in premature neonates. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jnps.v34i2.11161 J Nepal Paediatr Soc 2014;34(2):160-162