bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From ’Rabble Management’ to ’Recovery Management’: Policing Homelessness in Marginal Urban Space
Authors: Stuart Forrest
Published: September 2013

Over the past three decades, scholars have documented the emergence of a new model of urban governance predicated on the spatial exclusion of visible poverty. In order to revitalise and recommodify the prime spaces of the urban core, municipal leaders enlist the police to coercively relocate homeless people to marginal spaces. Unfortunately, little is known about the policing of homelessness in those areas into which homeless people are exiled. To address this lacuna, this article employs an ethnographic analysis of police patrols in Los Angeles’ Skid Row district. The findings demonstrate that, contrary to the dominant framework of exclusion, policing in marginal space takes on a disciplinary model of ‘recovery management’ designed to coercively shepherd homeless people into rehabilitative programmes and ameliorate the individual pathologies deemed responsible for homelessness. The article thus provides an analysis of how, why and with what consequences the policing of homelessness varies over space.
Islam in South Asia: A Short History
Authors: Hasnain Nadeem
Published: September 2013

Jamal Malik, Islam in South Asia: A Short History, New Delhi: Orient BlackSwan, 2012, pp. 520, ₹745.
Book Review: Making Peace with the Earth: Beyond Resource, Land and Food Wars
Authors: Shree Ruchi
Published: September 2013

Vandana Shiva, Making Peace with the Earth: Beyond Resource, Land and Food Wars, New Delhi: Women Unlimited: An associate of Kali for Women, 2012, pp. viii + 267, ₹375.
Undercoverage Rates and Undercoverage Bias in Traditional Housing Unit Listing
Authors: Eckman Stephanie , Kreuter Frauke
Published: September 2013

Many face-to-face surveys use field staff to create lists of housing units from which samples are selected. However, housing unit listing is vulnerable to errors of undercoverage: Some housing units are missed and have no chance to be selected. Such errors are not routinely measured and documented in survey reports. This study jointly investigates the rate of undercoverage, the correlates of undercoverage, and the bias in survey data due to undercoverage in listed housing unit frames. Working with the National Survey of Family Growth, we estimate an undercoverage rate for traditional listing efforts of 13.6 percent. We find that multiunit status, rural areas, and map difficulties strongly correlate with undercoverage. We find significant bias in estimates of variables such as birth control use, pregnancies, and income. The results have important implications for users of data from surveys based on traditionally listed housing unit frames.
A Standardized Measure
Authors: Choi JiSun , Boyle Diane K. , Dunton Nancy
Published: September 2013

Although nursing care hours (NCH) is commonly used to examine factors related to adverse events among inpatients, the reliability of the NCH measure has rarely been examined. This study assessed the reliability of NCH data from the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators® by estimating intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) with data from the California Office for Statewide Health Planning and Development. Hospital-level aggregated NCH data for critical care units were linked from each of the databases for 48 California hospitals matched in the two databases. Estimated ICCs were .96 for registered nurse (RN) hours and .72 for non-RN hours. Findings provide evidence that NCH data of the national database were substantially reliable for use in national comparable benchmarking reports for hospitals’ quality improvement activities and research.
Analysis of a New Histological and Molecular-Based Classification of Canine Mammary Neoplasia
Authors: Im K. S. , Kim N. H. , Lim H. Y. , Kim H. W. , Shin J. I. , Sur J. H.
Published: September 2013

Canine mammary tumors (CMTs) are morphologically and biologically heterogeneous, prompting several attempts to classify such tumors on the basis of their histopathological characteristics. Recently, molecular-based analysis methods borrowed from human breast cancer research have also been applied to the classification of CMTs. In this study, canine mammary neoplasms ( n = 648) occurring in Korea from 2008 to 2011 were analyzed according to the histological classification and grading system proposed by Goldschmidt et al. Furthermore, randomly selected mammary carcinomas ( n = 159) were classified according to the molecular subtype using immunohistochemical characteristics. Canine mammary neoplasia accounted for 52.6% (648/1250) of the tumors in female dogs, and 51.7% (340/648) of these were malignant. All of the carcinoma-anaplastic subtypes were grade III tumors (5/5, 100%), while most of the carcinoma-tubular subtypes (15/18, 83.3%) and carcinoma arising in a complex adenoma/mixed-tumor subtype (115/135, 85.2%) were grade I tumors. Tumor cell invasion into lymphatic vessels was most common in the comedocarcinoma, carcinoma-anaplastic, and inflammatory carcinoma subtypes. The most frequently occurring molecular subtype (70/159, 44%) was luminal A. However, the basal-like subtype was the most malignant and was frequently associated with grade III tumors and lymphatic invasion. The carcinoma-solid subtypes were also often of the basal-like subtype. Reclassification of CMTs using the newly proposed histopathological classification system and molecular subtyping could aid in determining the prognosis and the most suitable anticancer treatment for each case.
Epistemic participation: How to produce knowledge about the economic future
Authors: Reichmann Werner
Published: September 2013

This article explores economic forecasting by examining the various social settings and networks economic forecasters are embedded in. It discusses how forecasters meet with political and economic actors and also how members of forecasting teams embody main aggregates of the economy to commonly produce a consensus about the economic future. The data underlying this article were collected from three economic forecasting institutes in German-speaking countries and consist of interviews with economic forecasters and representative users of the forecasts in economic and political organizations. The article argues that on the backstage of economic forecasting, macroeconomic models are subordinate. Rather, the production process of economic forecasts is embedded in various formal and informal networks. The article summarizes the activities on the backstage of economic forecasting by using the notion of ‘epistemic participation’. This means that the forecasters give their object of inquiry, which is the economy, the opportunity to participate actively in the epistemic process. Epistemic participation has two dimensions: First, it takes place in a network including the forecasters and key individuals from the economy and economic policy. Second, forecasters identify with significant parts of the economy and give them a body and a voice. Epistemic participation conceptualizes the relationship between researchers and a highly reflexive and communicative object.
Micro Small-sized Enterprises and Bank Credit
Authors: Boateng Agyenim , Abdulrahman Muhammad D.
Published: September 2013

Micro small-sized enterprises play a vital role in poverty reduction and development of many developing countries. Yet the issue of credit availability to small firms continues to be a major problem which impedes the growth of micro-small enterprises. This article examines the factors influencing the extension of bank credit to micro small-sized enterprises based on a sample of 572 in Ghana and Nigeria. The results indicate that size of the firm, age of the firm, ownership type and relationship banking have a positive bearing on a decision to extend credit to small firms in West Africa.

JEL Classification: G21, N27
The octave illusion and handedness: A replication of Deutsch’s 1974 study
Authors: Oehler Michael , Reuter Christoph
Published: September 2013

The octave illusion was first described by Diana Deutsch in 1974; in this phenomenon, a dichotic sequence of oscillating 400 and 800 Hz sinusoidal tones evokes different illusory percepts. At the same time, the obtained percepts were found to be dependent on the subjects’ handedness. This study investigates the influence of the handedness classification method on the correlation between reported percept and handedness in the octave illusion. After presenting the stimulus, we asked a total of 174 subjects to report their percepts and complete a handedness inventory as well as a speed tapping task. According to the right shift theory of Annett (1972, 2002) and a related study by Kopiez, Galley, and Lehmann (2010), we hypothesized that the use of performance measurement to classify handedness may clarify ambiguous correlations of subjects’ handedness with some obtained illusionary percepts. The results support the general findings of Deutsch but show that stronger effects can be found if hand performance differences are used for handedness classification. A better separation between the handedness groups could be observed, especially for the complex perception patterns.
Absolute memory for pitch: A comparative replication of Levitin’s 1994 study in six European labs
Authors: Frieler Klaus , Fischinger Timo , Schlemmer Kathrin , Lothwesen Kai , Jakubowski Kelly , Müllensiefen Daniel
Published: September 2013

In a widely cited study, Levitin (1994) suggested the existence of absolute pitch memory for music in the general population beyond the rare trait of genuine absolute pitch (AP). In his sample, a significant proportion of non-AP possessors were able to reproduce absolute pitch levels when asked to sing very familiar pop songs from memory. Forty-four percent of participants sang the correct pitch on at least one of two trials, and 12% were correct on both trials. However, until now, no replication of this study has ever been published. The current paper presents the results of a large replication endeavour across six different labs in Germany and the UK. All labs used the same methodology, carefully replicating Levitin’s original experiment. In each lab, between 40 and 50 participants were tested ( N = 277). Participants were asked to sing two different pop songs of their choice. All sung productions were compared to the original songs. Twenty-five percent of the participants sang the exact pitch of at least one of the two chosen songs and 4% hit the right pitches for both songs. Our results generally confirm the findings of Levitin (1994). However, the results differ considerably across laboratories, and the estimated overall effect using meta-analysis techniques was significantly smaller than Levitin’s original result. This illustrates the variability of empirical findings derived from small sample sizes and corroborates the need for replication and meta-analytical studies in music psychology in general.
An Implementation Science Framework for Conceptualizing and Operationalizing Fidelity in Early Childhood Intervention Studies
Authors: Dunst Carl J. , Trivette Carol M. , Raab Melinda
Published: September 2013

An implementation science framework is used to differentiate between two types of practices (implementation and intervention) and to describe how the fidelity of the two practices are related and would be expected to influence outcomes of interest. The two practices are the methods and procedures used by implementation agents (e.g., a coach) to promote adoption of early childhood intervention practices and the methods and procedures used by intervention agents (e.g., early childhood practitioners) to influence changes or improvements in individual or group outcomes. Data from a study using an evidence-based adult learning practice to promote Head Start staff use of an evidence-based naturalistic instructional practice are used to illustrate the applicability of the fidelity framework.
Digital lives in postcolonial Aboriginal Australia
Authors: Christie Michael , Verran Helen
Published: September 2013

In this article, the authors relate brief stories of episodes spanning a period of 10 years when they worked with Australian Aboriginal groups and individuals as they incorporated digital technologies into their cultural practices. Their story telling is leavened with a dissonant working imaginary designed to interrupt both itself and the stories. As their stories of their digital lives proceed, however, the carefully contrived, resourceful dissonance unexpectedly recedes as the new and surprising digital lives that form part of their collectives evade the grasp of their interrupting tool.
Posterior approach for sciatic aneurysm repair – technical note
Authors: Cvetkovic S , Koncar I , Dragas M , Ilic N , Pejkic S , Kostic D , Davidovic L
Published: September 2013

Aneurysm of the persistent sciatic artery is a rare cause of limb ischemia, which is a challenge for both diagnosis and treatment. After successful diagnosis adequate treatment may require skills in open and endovascular surgery. We present a patient with the aneurysm of the persistent sciatic artery treated by bypass procedure with PTFE graft using posterior approach. We named this procedure “dorsal bypass”. Detailed explanation of clinical presentation, diagnosis and the surgical procedure is given in this paper.
Strategic in/visibility: Does agency make sex workers invisible?
Authors: Ham Julie , Gerard Alison
Published: September 2013

This article examines the links between in/visibility, agency and mobility through the narratives of 55 predominantly indoor sex workers interviewed in Melbourne, Australia, where state government regulations permit some forms of sex work under a licensing framework. This article explores the tensions around the requirement for visibility in the regulation of sex work, the utility of ‘strategic’ invisibility in the lived realities of sex work and the discursive ‘invisibilizing’ of sex workers’ agency in anti-prostitution discourses. For the workers we interviewed, ‘strategic invisibility’ was an agentic strategy that prevented stigma and protected social, economic and geographical mobility within and outside the sex industry. In Melbourne, workers’ careful management of their ‘invisibility’ as sex workers contrasted with the state’s harm minimization framework that insists on sex workers’ visibility within healthcare and licensing systems. This article draws on empirical data to suggest that regulation through licensing can both alleviate and contribute to vulnerabilizing contexts of sex work, providing useful lessons to those considering a similar system of regulation.
A Qualitative Inquiry Into the Experiences of High-Potential Hispanic English Language Learners in Midwestern Schools
Authors: Pereira Nielsen , Gentry Marcia
Published: September 2013

The underrepresentation of English language learners (ELLs) in gifted programs remains a severe and pervasive problem; however, few studies exist concerning the educational experiences of high-potential ELLs. This study focused on Hispanic ELLs in Grades 2 through 6 from four Midwestern schools. In all, 22 students, 20 parents, and 22 teachers were interviewed to gain a better understanding of the students’ schooling experiences. Phenomenology and grounded theory provided theoretical frameworks. Students revealed that they enjoyed school, had positive interactions with peers and teachers, and were committed to doing well in school. Results of this study also revealed that the participants were well integrated in school. This study adds to the limited research concerning high-potential Hispanic ELLs and provides insights into these students’ educational experiences, highlighting the need to focus on their strengths rather than on their deficits. Emphasized is the need to identify high potential from underserved populations for gifted education services.
Part-time, e-learning interprofessional pain management education for the primary and community care setting
Authors: Jenkins M Sue , Bean W Geinor , Luke Karl
Published: September 2013

Chronic pain is a long-term condition, which has a major impact on patients, carers and the health service. Despite the Chief Medical Officer setting chronic pain and its management as a national priority in 2008, the utilisation of health services by patients with long-term conditions is increasing, people with pain-related problems are not seen early enough and pain-related attendances to accident and emergency departments is increasing. Early assessment with appropriate evidence-based intervention and early recognition of when to refer to specialist and specialised services is key to addressing the growing numbers suffering with chronic pain. Pain education is recommended in many guidelines, as part of the process to address pain in these issues. Cardiff University validated an e-learning, master’s level pain management module for healthcare professionals working in primary and community care. The learning outcomes revolve around robust early assessment and management of chronic pain in primary and community care and the knowledge when to refer on. The module focuses on the biopsychosocial aspects of pain and its management, using a blog as an online case study assessment for learners to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and application to practice. The module has resulted in learners developing evidence-based recommendations, for pain management in clinical practice.
When Nonsense Makes Sense: Scribal Habits in the Space-intervals, Sense-pauses, and Other Visual Features in P46
Authors: Ebojo Edgar Battad
Published: September 2013

This article explores the visual and paratextual features embedded in [Formula: see text]46, and assesses how these reflect a microcosm of ancient book production enterprise as well as its eventual construal by the reading community that used it. Accordingly, it also suggests ways in which the copying habits of the scribe who produced this manuscript may be similarly unveiled through these features.
Microbes, metagenomes and marine mammals: enabling the next generation of scientist to enter the genomic era
Authors: Edwards Robert Alan , Haggerty John Matthew , Cassman Noriko , Busch Julia Christine , Aguinaldo Kristen , Chinta Sowmya , Vaughn Meredith Houle , Morey Robert , Harkins Timothy T , Teiling Clotilde , Fredrikson Karin , Dinsdale Elizabeth Ann
Published: September 2013

Background

The revolution in DNA sequencing technology continues unabated, and is affecting all aspects of the biological and medical sciences. The training and recruitment of the next generation of researchers who are able to use and exploit the new technology is severely lacking and potentially negatively influencing research and development efforts to advance genome biology. Here we present a cross-disciplinary course that provides undergraduate students with practical experience in running a next generation sequencing instrument through to the analysis and annotation of the generated DNA sequences.

Results

Many labs across world are installing next generation sequencing technology and we show that the undergraduate students produce quality sequence data and were excited to participate in cutting edge research. The students conducted the work flow from DNA extraction, library preparation, running the sequencing instrument, to the extraction and analysis of the data. They sequenced microbes, metagenomes, and a marine mammal, the Californian sea lion, Zalophus californianus. The students met sequencing quality controls, had no detectable contamination in the targeted DNA sequences, provided publication quality data, and became part of an international collaboration to investigate carcinomas in carnivores.

Conclusions

Students learned important skills for their future education and career opportunities, and a perceived increase in students’ ability to conduct independent scientific research was measured. DNA sequencing is rapidly expanding in the life sciences. Teaching undergraduates to use the latest technology to sequence genomic DNA ensures they are ready to meet the challenges of the genomic era and allows them to participate in annotating the tree of life.
Identification of conserved motifs in the Westnile virus envelope essential for particle secretion
Authors: Garg Himanshu , Lee Raphael TC , Tek Ng Oon , Maurer-Stroh Sebastian , Joshi Anjali
Published: September 2013

Background

Enveloped viruses utilize cellular membranes to bud from infected cells. The process of virion assembly and budding is often facilitated by the presence of certain conserved motifs within viral proteins in conjunction with cellular factors. We hence examined the West Nile Virus (WNV) Envelope protein for the presence of any such motifs and their functional characterization.

Results

We identified conserved 461PXAP464 and 349YCYL352 motifs in the WNV envelope glycoprotein bearing resemblance to retroviral late domains. Disruptive mutations of PXAP to LAAL and of the highly conserved Cys350 in the YCYL motif, led to a severe reduction in WNV particle production. Similar motifs in case of retroviruses are known to interact with components of host sorting machinery like PXAP with Tsg101 and YXXL with Alix. However, in the case of WNV, siRNA mediated depletion of Alix or Tsg101 did not have an effect on WNV release. Molecular modeling suggested that while the 461PXAP464 motif is surface accessible and could potentially interact with cellular proteins required for WNV assembly, the 349YCYL352 motif was found to be internal with Cys350 important for protein folding via disulphide bonding.

Conclusions

The conserved 461PXAP464 and 349YCYL352 motifs in the WNV envelope are indispensable for WNV particle production. Although these motifs bear sequence similarity to retroviral late domains and are essential for WNV assembly, they are functionally distinct suggesting that they are not the typical late domain like motifs of retroviruses and may play a role other than Alix/Tsg101 utilization/dependence.
Increasing high-sensitive C-reactive protein level predicts peritonitis risk in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Su Yu-Jen , Liao Shang-Chih , Cheng Ben-Chung , Hwang Jyh-Chang , Chen Jin-Bor
Published: September 2013

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a high baseline level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) or changes in the level predicts the risk of peritonitis in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD).

Methods

A prospective, cross-sectional, case–control study was conducted in a single hospital-based PD unit. A total of 327 patients were included in the study. Serum hs-CRP was measured annually for 2 years. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the changes in annual hs-CRP levels (at baseline and at 1 year intervals): group 1 (from <5 mg/L to <5 mg/L, n = 171), group 2 (from <5 mg/L to ≥5 mg/L, n = 45), group 3 (from ≥5 mg/L to <5 mg/L, n = 45), and group 4 (from ≥5 mg/L to ≥5 mg/L, n = 80). Demographics, biochemistry results, PD adequacy indices, and peritonitis risk were compared between the groups.

Results

The initial serum albumin level was similar in the 4 groups (p = 0.12). There was a negative linear correlation between the serial albumin change (∆alb) and serial hs-CRP change (∆hs-CRP; r = −0.154, p = 0.005). The hazard ratio (HR) for peritonitis was significantly higher in group 2 (HR = 1, reference) than in group 4 (HR = 0.401, 95% CI 0.209 − 0.769). Group 2 had a greater serum albumin decline rate (∆alb: –3% ± 9%) and hs-CRP elevation rate (∆hs-CRP: 835% ± 1232%) compared to those for the other groups.

Conclusions

A progressive increase in the hs-CRP level was associated with a corresponding decline in the serum albumin level. Progressive rather than persistently high levels of serum hs-CRP predicted peritonitis risk in CAPD patients.
TB tracer teams in South Africa: knowledge, practices and challenges of tracing TB patients to improve adherence
Authors: Bristow Claire C , Podewils Laura Jean , Bronner Liza Ellen , Bantubani Nonkqubela , Walt Martie van der , Peters Annatjie , Mametja David
Published: September 2013

Background

In 2008–2009 the South African National Tuberculosis (TB) Program (NTP) implemented a national pilot project, the TB Tracer Project, aiming to decrease default rates and improve patient outcomes. The current study aimed to inform the NTP by describing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of TB program personnel involved with tracing activities.

Methods

A self-administered written questionnaire was sent to TB staff, managers and tracer team leaders to assess basic TB knowledge, attitudes and practices. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize results and the chi-squared statistic was used to compare responses of staff at facilities that participated in the TB Tracer Project (tracer) and those that followed standard NTP care (non-tracer).

Results

Of 560 total questionnaires distributed, 270 were completed and returned (response rate 48%). Total TB knowledge ranged from 70.8-86.3% correct across all response groups. However, just over half (range 50–59.3%) of each respondent group was able to correctly identify the four components of a DOT encounter. A patient no longer feeling sick was cited by 72.1% of respondents as the reason patients fail to adhere to treatment. Tracer teams were viewed as an effective means to get patients to return to treatment by 96.3% of health facility level respondents. Tracer team leaders reported concerns including lack of logistical support (41.7%), insufficient physical safety precautions (41.7%), and inadequate protection from contracting TB (39.1%). Upon patients returning to treatment at the clinic, facilities included in the TB Tracer Project were significantly more likely to discuss alternate DOTS arrangements than non-tracer facilities (79.2 vs. 66.4%, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

This study identified key components of knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding TB patient tracing activities in South Africa. Educating patients on the essential need to complete treatment irrespective of clinical symptoms may help improve treatment adherence. Future scale-up and integration of TB tracing activities as part of standard TB management should include provisions for standardized training of personnel on the critical elements of DOTS, and for ensuring appropriate supervision, logistical support, and physical safety and TB transmission protection of tracing teams.
Cloning and characterization of a novel oocyte-specific gene encoding an F-Box protein in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Wang Lei , Tripurani Swamy K , Wanna Warapond , Rexroad Caird E , Yao Jianbo
Published: September 2013

Background

Oocyte-specific genes play critical roles in oogenesis, folliculogenesis and early embryonic development. The objectives of this study were to characterize the expression of a novel oocyte-specific gene encoding an F-box protein during ovarian development in rainbow trout, and identify its potential interacting partners in rainbow trout oocytes.

Methods

Through analysis of expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from a rainbow trout oocyte cDNA library, a novel transcript represented by ESTs only from the oocyte library was identified. The complete cDNA sequence for the novel gene (named fbxoo) was obtained by assembling sequences from an EST clone and a 5′RACE product. The expression and localization of fbxoo mRNA and protein in ovaries of different developmental stages were analyzed by quantitative real time PCR, immunoblotting, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Identification of Fbxoo binding proteins was performed by yeast two-hybrid screening.

Results

fbxoo mRNA is specifically expressed in mature oocytes as revealed by tissue distribution analysis. The fbxoo cDNA sequence is 1,996 bp in length containing an open reading frame, which encodes a predicted protein of 514 amino acids. The novel protein sequence does not match any known protein sequences in the NCBI database. However, a search of the Pfam protein database revealed that the protein contains an F-box motif at the N-terminus, indicating that Fbxoo is a new member of the F-box protein family. The expression of fbxoo mRNA and protein is high in ovaries at early pre-vitellogenesis stage, and both fbxoo mRNA and protein are predominantly expressed in early pre-vitellogenic oocytes. Several proteins including tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2 (Timp2) were identified as potential Fbxoo protein binding partners.

Conclusions

Results suggest that the novel oocyte-specific F-box protein may play an important role in early oocyte development by regulating other critical proteins involved in oogenesis in rainbow trout.
Contribution of cytoskeletal elements to the axonal mechanical properties
Authors: Ouyang Hui , Nauman Eric , Shi Riyi
Published: September 2013

Background

Microtubules, microfilaments, and neurofilaments are cytoskeletal elements that affect cell morphology, cellular processes, and mechanical structures in neural cells. The objective of the current study was to investigate the contribution of each type of cytoskeletal element to the mechanical properties of axons of dorsal root and sympathetic ganglia cells in chick embryos.

Results

Microtubules, microfilaments, and neurofilaments in axons were disrupted by nocodazole, cytochalasin D, and acrylamide, respectively, or a combination of the three. An atomic force microscope (AFM) was then used to compress the treated axons, and the resulting corresponding force-deformation information was analyzed to estimate the mechanical properties of axons that were partially or fully disrupted.

Conclusion

We have found that the mechanical stiffness was most reduced in microtubules-disrupted-axons, followed by neurofilaments-disrupted- and microfilaments-disrupted-axons. This suggests that microtubules contribute the most of the mechanical stiffness to axons.
No evidence so far for the dissemination of carbapenemase-producing Enterobactericeae in the community in Switzerland
Authors: Nüesch-Inderbinen Magdalena , Zurfluh Katrin , Hächler Herbert , Stephan Roger
Published: September 2013

Background

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae represent an increasing threat to public health and to the treatment of serious nosocomial infections. The aim of this study was to screen for the presence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in human carriers in community settings in Switzerland, a country representative of central Europe.

Findings

Three hundred and fourteen stool samples of healthy staff members of a meat-processing company and 291 fecal swabs from primary care patients were recovered in Switzerland between April 2012 and July 2012 and were tested for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates by selecting for growth on a carbapenem-containing selective medium. Six resulting isolates (5 Escherichia coli and 1 Citrobacter youngae) were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests and PCR analysis by screening for the carbapenemase genes bla
OXA-48, bla
VIM, bla
NDM-1, and bla
KPC as well as for the extended-spectrum ß-lactamase genes bla
TEM,
bla
SHV, bla
CTX-M and bla
CMY-2. No carbapenemase genes were detected. Resistance to ß-lactam antibiotics was due to carriage of the extended-spectrum ß-lactamase CTX-M-15 in 4 isolates, to CTX-M-14 in one further isolate and to the plasmidic AmpC-ß-lactamase CMY-2 in one isolate.

Conclusions

These results show that carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae are as yet not present in the community. Continuous surveillance is necessary to anticipate future trends in the prevalence and dissemination of carbapenem resistant isolates in the population.
Mapping saline water intrusion into the coastal aquifer with geophysical and geochemical techniques: the University of Lagos campus case (Nigeria)
Authors: Ayolabi Elijah A , Folorunso Adetayo F , Odukoya Abiodun M , Adeniran Adelere E
Published: September 2013

Saltwater intrusion into the coastal aquifer, a phenomenon brought by the flow of seawater into freshwater aquifers originally caused by groundwater extraction near the coast, has long been recognised as a major concern around the world. In this study, we employed geophysical and geochemical techniques to map and provide evidences that the coastal aquifers in the study area have been intruded by saltwater from the adjacent Lagos lagoon. The resistivity data were acquired with an electrode spacing (a) that vary between 1.6 to 8 m, and expansion factor n of 30. The depth inverted models obtained from inversion of the fifteen resistivity data obtained in the area revealed significant impact of the lagoon water on the aquifers indicated as low resistivity usually below 7 Ωm. A combination of four different electrode arrays – Schlumberger, Wenner, Dipole-dipole and pole–dipole, with at least three deployed at each site ( except for three traverses – traverses 13, 14 and 15), yield better horizontal and vertical resolution, having depth range of 36–226 m with 1.6–8 m electrode spacing used. The delineated geoelectric layers were juxtaposed with logs from both boreholes located within the campus. Evidence from geochemical study of borehole and the lagoon water samples corroborated the ERT result. Progressive decrease in total dissolved solute (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) from the lagoon to the coastal aquifer buttresses gradual encroachment of the inland aquifers by the intruding lagoon water. In addition, similar trend was observed in heavy metal distribution Pollution Index (PI) plot suggesting possible underground flow of water from the lagoon to the aquifers. From this study, we deduced that excessive groundwater extraction and possibly the reduction of groundwater gradients which allows saline-water to displace fresh water in the aquifer of the investigated area are responsible for the saline water intrusion observed.
Examining Potential Colorectal Cancer Care Disparities in the Veterans Affairs Health Care System
Authors: Zullig Leah L. , Carpenter William R. , Provenzale Dawn , Weinberger Morris , Reeve Bryce B. , Jackson George L.
Published: September 2013

Purpose

Racial disparities in cancer treatment and outcomes are a national problem. The nationwide Veterans Affairs (VA) health system seeks to provide equal access to quality care. However, the relationship between race and care quality for veterans with colorectal cancer (CRC) treated within the VA is poorly understood. We examined the association between race and receipt of National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline–concordant CRC care.

Patients and Methods

This was an observational, retrospective medical record abstraction of patients with CRC treated in the VA. Two thousand twenty-two patients (white, n = 1,712; African American, n = 310) diagnosed with incident CRC between October 1, 2003, and March 31, 2006, from 128 VA medical centers, were included. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine associations between race and receipt of guideline-concordant care (computed tomography scan, preoperative carcinoembryonic antigen, clear surgical margins, medical oncology referral for stages II and III, fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy for stage III, and surveillance colonoscopy for stages I to III). Explanatory variables included demographic and disease characteristics.

Results

There were no significant racial differences for receipt of guideline-concordant CRC care. Older age at diagnosis was associated with reduced odds of medical oncology referral and surveillance colonoscopy. Presence of cardiovascular comorbid conditions was associated with reduced odds of medical oncology referral (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.89).

Conclusion

In these data, we observed no evidence of racial disparities in CRC care quality. Future studies could examine causal pathways for the VA's equal, quality care and ways to translate the VA's success into other hospital systems.
Food for Thought: Understanding the Multifaceted Nature of Orexins
Authors: Sellayah Dyan , Sikder Devanjan
Published: September 2013

Orexins are a pair of hypothalamic neuropeptides that were discovered in the late 1990s and named initially for their ability to promote feeding. Subsequent studies have revealed the importance of orexins to a variety of physiological functions, including brown fat thermogenesis, sleep/wake cycles, physical activity, and cognition. We aim to elucidate the various roles of orexins and discuss how these multiple functions are interlinked. We explain that although the unique dual roles of orexins in increasing feeding while concomitantly elevating energy expenditure appear counterproductive, they are necessary for physiological scenarios during which simultaneous stimulation of energy expenditure and feeding occur, namely diet-induced thermogenesis and arousal from hibernation. The position of orexins at the interface between sleep/wake cycles, energy homeostasis, and environmental factors has important implications in the treatment of obesity.
Photocatalytic Oxidation of Aqueous Ammonia in the Presence of Oxygen over Palladium-loaded TiO2
Authors: Shibuya Satoshi , Yokoyama Daisuke , Sekine Yoshika , Mikami Ikko
Published: September 2013

Lower selectivity for nitrate and nitrite was obtained when Pd was used as a cocatalyst on TiO2 for photocatalytic oxidation of aqueous ammonia in the presence of oxygen. This is thought to be due to the fact that an N-containing intermediate formed by photocatalytic oxidation of ammonia on TiO2 decomposed sequentially on Pd by thermal catalysis, with high selectivity for dinitrogen.
Modeling of Wind Pressure Spectra on Spherical Domes
Authors: Sun Ying , Qiu Ye , Wu Yue
Published: September 2013

Characteristics of wind pressure spectra on spherical domes have been investigated based on a series of wind tunnel experiments and a synthetic spectral model is derived for load estimation of cladding. First, wind pressure fluctuations on twelve dome models with various geometric parameters (rise/span and height/span ratios) are measured in a turbulent boundary layer. A discussion is detailedly made regarding the spectral distributions and patterns under different conditions. It is found though the pressure spectra vary with different tap locations and geometric parameters, similar spectral shapes and amplitudes can be observed. Then the statistics of pressure fluctuations are carefully checked and three typical spectra have been derived to represent the evolution of spectral pattern transforming from the windward to leeward region. Finally, a model of pressure spectra is proposed and utilized for generating local pressure fluctuations on spherical domes, which can be applied for the extreme and fatigue design of the structural roofs.
A Methodology for the Evaluation of the Economic Impacts of Wind Energy Projects
Authors: Landry Mathieu A. , Leclerc André , Gagnon Yves
Published: September 2013

In this paper, a methodology for the evaluation of the economic impacts of wind energy projects is presented. With an application to the Canadian setting, the methodology is based on modified input-output techniques using national/provincial economic Input-Output tables and multiplier coefficients. The model makes use of a profile of investment for a generic 100 MW wind energy project based on publicly available financial data from current wind energy projects developed and operating in Canada. Subsequently, a case study of the economic impact assessment for both the construction and operations phases of a generic 100 MW wind farm project constructed and operated in the province of New Brunswick, Canada is performed. Results show that in total, including direct, indirect and induced jobs, the construction phase could create a total of 225 person-years of labour, while the operations and maintenance phase could create a total of 17 person-years of labour annually.
Determination of Optimal Cost Electrical Charge Storage System in off — Grid Solar Illumination Systems
Authors: Sharan Anand
Published: September 2013

In this paper, a unit is developed for lighting homes and workplaces in many parts of the world where the electricity supply is not through grids. This unit consumes minimal energy and is available at an optimal cost. This minimal consumption system uses newly developed white light or Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). These types of diodes have p- n junction and the voltage drop across the junction is around 3 Volts. So the batteries used in such illumination devices also have approximately 3 Volts. The utility of such devices (LED based) has increased in recent times because these are replacing kerosene lanterns in many countries around the world. The governments in such countries are reducing or eliminating the subsidies on kerosene, diesel etc (fossil fuels) due to a continued high price of crude oil. The challenge with the 3 Volt batteries is that their ratio of cost / total charge holding capacity is very high. They also pose problems with their disposal and repair. Moreover, many of these batteries are reported to explode while being charged. The present research work then replaces 3 Volt batteries with 12 Volt batteries which are commonly used and the ratio mentioned above - is low or minimal.
A Comparison of the Physiological and Technical Effects of High-Intensity Running and Small-Sided Games in Young Soccer Players
Authors: Radziminski Lukasz , Rompa Pawel , Barnat Wojciech , Dargiewicz Robert , Jastrzebski Zbigniew
Published: September 2013

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of high-intensity interval running and small-sided game training programs on the physical capacity and the level of soccer-specific technical skills in young soccer players. Twenty male soccer players (U-16) were divided into two groups (running group – RG, small-sided game group – SSGG) and completed two different 8-week training programs. The intervention consisted of two training sessions a week (RG – 5×4 min running, with an active recovery period of 3 min; SSGG–3vs.3 games or 3vs.3 with a neutral player for 5×4 min, with an active recovery period of 3 min). A significant group × time interaction was found in the VO2max (p = 0.025). Moreover, the significant pre to post changes of VO2max were observed in the SSGG (p = 0.032). The differences between the results of shuttle runs and sprint tests were not significant with the exception of 5 m sprint in RG (p = 0.04). An improvement in the peak power and total work capacity was observed in the RG and SSGG. A significant improvement (p = 0.014) in soccer-specific technical skills level was noted only in the SSGG. The results of this study suggest that the small-sided games, compared with interval running, are more highly recommended training drills for the coincident development of physical capacity and technical skills in young soccer players.
The Effect of a Self-Modelling Video Intervention on Motor Skill Acquisition and Retention of a Novice Track Cyclist's Standing Start Performance
Authors: Jennings Cameron T. , Reaburn Peter , Rynne Steven B.
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a video-self modelling intervention on the cycling standing start performance and self-efficacy beliefs of novice track cyclists. Nineteen participants from a Talent Identification Program were randomly assigned to one of two groups (Traditional and Intervention group). The traditional group received verbal augmented feedback, whereas the intervention group received a self-modelling video intervention in addition to verbal augmented feedback. Analysis of post-test and retention test scores revealed that both groups improved their performances and self-efficacy beliefs over time, but no significant interaction or difference existed between the groups. Future research is recommended with longer interventions and an emphasis on the editing of technique errors from the self-modelling video.
Canopy Photosynthetic Capacity and Light Response Parameters of Rubber Hevea brasiliensis with Reference to Exploitation
Authors: Gunasekera H , De Costa W , Nugawela A
Published: September 2013

The main objective of this study wasto investigate the relationship between canopy photosynthetic capacityand light response parametersof tapped and untapped trees of twoHeveabrasiliensis genotypes, i.e. RRISL 211 and RRIC 121. Moreover, attempts have been made to develop correlations between canopy photosynthesis and light response parameters Heveawith reference to exploitation. The canopy photosynthetic rates measured under optimal environmental conditions clearly showed clonal differences in CO2 assimilation rates. The photosynthetic capacities of leaves from all strata of RRISL 211 were greater than the corresponding strata values in RRIC 121. A greater canopy photosynthetic rate was observed in clone RRISL 211 despite its leaf area index being 2% lower than in RRIC 121. This could be because of the greater photosynthetic capacity of RRISL 211, as indicated by the greater Amax values.In each clone, Amax of the tapped trees was greater than the Amax of untapped trees, and this difference was greater in RRISL 211 than RRIC 121. Another reason for the greater canopy photosynthesis of clone RRISL 211 was the presence of a higher percentage of leaf area in the top canopy layer as compared to clone RRIC 121. Even though, the light saturation point, LSP (i.e. the light intensity at which photosynthetic rate reaches maximum), did not differ significantly between different canopy layers within a clone for both clones, RRIC 121 had greater LSP for corresponding layers than RRISL 211. Moreover, it was evident that, due to the more open canopy architecture of clone RRIC 121, LSP of its middle canopy layer was very close to LSP of the upper canopy layer.In both clones QE of all canopy layers did not show a consistent variation between tapped and untapped treatments The Rd rates of corresponding canopy layers were always slightly greater in RRISL 211 than in RRIC 121. In both clones there was a gradual reduction in Rd rates when moving from upper through middle to bottom layers of the canopy. However, detailed analysis of Rd rates in the different canopy layers between tapped and untapped treatments showed clonal differences. Nevertheless, in both clones Rd of all canopy layers did not show a consistent variation pattern between tapped and untapped treatments. The overall results of both clones clearly showed that tapped trees have a greater photosynthetic capacity as compared to untapped trees because tapping exerts a stimulatory effect on photosynthesis. This trend was more evident in clone RRISL 211.
Impact of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in India on Rural Poverty and Food Security
Authors: Kareemulla K , Ramasundaram P , Kumar S , Rama Rao C
Published: September 2013

A study based on regional and micro level household data was taken up to inquire in to the impacts of a national rural employment guarantee scheme (NREGS) in India. Studies in four sample districts in predominantly rainfed areas, which benefited from the scheme for the last six years indicated that the scheme attempted to address the core issue of rural unemployment of unskilled labor in earth works related to natural resource management. Primarily the rural labor obtained seasonal employment, but the resource poor farmers also participated in the Scheme more so in states like Maharashtra. The study findings indicated that the seasonal migration of rural labor has come down significantly due to the opportunities of employment provided under the scheme. The share of NREGS employment was up to one-third of wage days in some of the study districts. Similarly the contributions of income to the family from the wages of participation in the scheme were in the range of 12 to 33 per cent across the districts. These additional incomes were used by the rural households primarily for food security, education of dependents, health care and debt repayment. Wherever, the there were surpluses beyond these expenses, the households acquired durable assets and created amenities in the households. The negative fall out of the Scheme, albeit at a low scale, especially from the farming point of view is that there was abnormal rise in the wage rates. The scheme thus is a revolutionary one with broad spectrum impact on the rural milieu of India.