bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ostial valve of the great saphenous vein
Authors: Tasch C , Brenner E
Published: September 2011

Background

Venous valves have been classified into parietal (PVs) and ostial valves (OVs). PVs are located within the lumen of veins, whereas the OVs are located directly at the confluence of two veins. In the common femoral vein (CFV), the most prominent PVs are the suprasaphenic and infrasaphenic valve. The terminal valve (often designated as ‘valvule ostiale’ in the relevant literature in French) defined as that lying between the orifice of the great saphenous vein (GSV) and the most proximal of the major superficial tributary veins and the preterminal valve represent the most important PVs in the GSV. While PVs are well studied, there is not much literature on the OVs of the superficial venous system, especially of the GSV.

Objective

In order to investigate the presence of OVs (defined strictly as valves located at the entrance of a tributary vein) in the GSV, we carried out studies on specimens obtained from bodies bequested to the Division of Clinical and Functional Anatomy of Innsbruck Medical University.

Methods

Ninety-eight specimens consisting of the CFV and the attached tributary veins including the GSV were investigated.

Results

In five of these (5.1%), a single-cusped OV, in six (6.1%) a two-cusped OV and in 10 (10.2%) remnants of an OV were identified. Thus, OVs do not seem to be primarily present in all GSVs.

Conclusion

The distinction between PVs and OVs is not always clear in literature, and as a consequence misinterpretations may occur. Very often the terminal valve of the GSV, which is in fact a PV, is designated as an ‘ostial valve’. In view of its widespread use, we suggest that the term ‘ostial valve’ together with its clear description be included in the consensus documents of the ‘Union Internationale de Phlébologie’.
Interpretation of patient-reported outcome measures for varicose vein surgery
Authors: Nesbitt C , Wilson W R W , Lees T A , Stansby G
Published: September 2011

Objectives

Since 2009 the National Health Service (NHS) has been collecting patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following varicose vein interventions. The objective of this manuscript was to interrogate the one-year PROMs data with respect to varicose vein intervention and to discuss its potential impact on the provision of service.

Methods

We interrogated the one-year PROMs data with respect to potential impact on the provision of service.

Results

In total, 37,521 varicose vein operations were performed during the study period (1 April 2009–30 April 2010). A total of 15,808 preoperative questionnaires were completed and returned and 12,509 were linked to Hospital Episode Statistics episodes. A total of 8127 postoperative questionnaires were completed and linked to the preoperative questionnaires. For the EuroQuol (EQ) 5D questionnaire average preoperative score across the completed data-set was 0.773. The postoperative health gain was 0.094. Fifty-three percent of patients had improved postoperative scores, 33% reported no change, while 14% reported a reduction in their postoperative EQ-5D score. Pain/discomfort was the only domain where patients reported any negative symptoms; 72% (5390) reported pain/discomfort preoperatively and 37% (2804) postoperatively. In total, 62.6% (4685) reported no pain/discomfort following surgery A total of 7167 complete, linked and eligible data-sets were observed for the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ). The average preoperative score was 18.75. The average postoperative score was 10.76. This represented a reduction in symptom scores of one-half following intervention. The lowest improvements were witnessed in patients with the lowest preoperative scores (least severe symptoms). Additional postoperative questions highlighted the improvements conferred from varicose vein surgery with 90.3% of patients reporting an improvement in their problems from varicose veins following surgery and 85% describing their operative results as excellent, very good or good.

Conclusion

These data have shown variable improvements following venous interventions. PROMs are likely to have significant implications for health care in the NHS on a number of levels including provision of funding and future planning of services.
Recent progress in phosgene-free methods for synthesis of dimethyl carbonate
Authors: Peng Weicai , Zhao Ning , Xiao Fukui , Wei Wei , Sun Yuhan
Published: September 2011

Dimethyl carbonate (DMC) is considered as an environmentally benign chemical due to negligible ecotoxicity, low bioaccumulation, and low persistence. However, the traditional process of DMC synthesis via phosgene and methanol is limited in industry owing to the toxic raw material involved. Thus, environmentally friendly phosgene-free processes for DMC production have been proposed and developed in the past decades. Until now, the alternatives appear to be the oxidative carbonylation of methanol, the transesterification of propylene or ethylene carbonate (PC or EC), the methanolysis of urea, and the direct synthesis of DMC from CO2 with methanol. In this review, we present some recent developments of these phosgene-free approaches and their prospects for industrialization.
Risk Prediction with Serial Myeloperoxidase Monitoring in Patients with Acute Chest Pain
Authors: Nicholls Stephen J , Wilson Tang WH , Brennan Danielle , Brennan Marie-Luise , Mann Shirley , Nissen Steven E , Hazen Stanley L
Published: September 2011

BACKGROUND

Although myeloperoxidase (MPO) monitoring is predictive for cardiovascular outcomes in suspected acute coronary syndromes, the value of serial testing is unknown.

METHODS

We investigated the relationship between serial MPO concentrations in 490 individuals with acute chest pain and incident major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during 6 months of follow-up. We measured MPO with the CardioMPO assay, and cardiac troponin I (cTnI), with the Abbott Architect assay.

RESULTS

Plasma MPO concentrations during the first 16 h were higher in individuals who experienced MACE. Higher MPO quartiles predicted a greater likelihood of 6-month MACE at baseline [OR (95% CI), 2.4 (1.4–4.1), P = 0.001 for highest vs lowest quartile] and all subsequent time points, with strongest predictive ability found in 16-h postbaseline samples [9.9 (4.7–20.9), P < 0.001 for highest vs lowest quartile]. MPO was predictive for MACE among individuals whose cTnI remained within reference intervals (<0.028 μg/L). The lowest rate of missed cases was found when MPO was <640 pmol/L at baseline and all other time points. Serial MPO monitoring predicted MACE risk better than baseline MPO measurements alone (c statistic 0.813 vs 0.602; P = 0.002), including in individuals whose cTnI remained within reference intervals (c statistic 0.903; P = 0.009). Combined serial cTnI and MPO testing improved accuracy for predicting 6-month MACE, reduced the number of missed MACE events from cTnI testing alone, and improved risk classification in 26.1% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

MPO concentrations are predictive of outcome up to 16 h after presentation with chest pain and predict events missed by cTnI testing, supporting a potential role in rapid patient triage.
Prescription pattern of antidiabetic drugs in the outpatient departments of hospitals in Malappuram District, Kerala
Authors: Shamna Machanchery , Karthikeyan Marimuthu
Published: September 2011

Background: The study aimed to describe the current trends in the prescription pattern of antidiabetic drugs in outpatient departments and to assess different co-morbid conditions.

Methods: This study was a cross-sectional survey of all prescriptions received from 200 outpatients attending different community pharmacies of Malappuram district. Prescriptions were collected by taking their image. Informed verbal consent was obtained from each patient and inquiries were made about their co-morbidities. The contents of the prescriptions were assessed on the basis of drugs used for diabetes and brand names were decoded to generic names using standard CIMS India and the internet.

Results: Among 200 prescriptions, 95% were for type 2 diabetes mellitus and 5% for type 1 diabetes mellitus. Eighty percent were prescribed with oral hypoglycemic agents alone as mono or in combination therapy, 5% were with insulin alone and 15% with insulin and oral hypoglycemic drug combination. 77% had more than five medicines, in which many were multidrug combinations. No prescription contained generic drugs and 13% contained at least one vitamin supplement.

Conclusions: The study concluded that the choice of antidiabetic drugs was only slightly changed compared to previous studies, except for newer sulfonyl ureas, thiazolidinediones and improved insulin preparations. Polypharmacy is a big problem, especially for elderly patients. This suggests the need for development of evidence-based guidelines for specific conditions by independent bodies. The study necessitates the need to develop and use a standardized ideal format for all prescriptions. Thereby we can, to an extent, reduce the chance of medication errors.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin Roof Membranes Exposed in the Western United States for Seven Years
Authors: Delgado Ana H. , Ludwig Michael , Elliot Stephen , Barnhardt K.C. , Chapman Chuck , Ober Randy , Moskowitz Steve , Wacenske Dwayne , Carlson Jim , Paroli Ralph M.
Published: September 2011

The Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) roofing manufacturers, and the National Research Council Canada started a TPO Weathering Farm Project in 2000 to examine weathering characteristics of TPO roof membranes by exposing them to various weather conditions of four distinctly different climatic regions in the Western United States. The goal was to provide technical and performance information to the Western States Roofing Contractors Association membership, and the North American roofing community at large, regarding TPO roof membranes’ attributes, performance properties, and resistance to weathering. The results are applicable to other regions in North America as the roofs are in four distinctive climate zones (hot and dry, hot and humid, cold and damp, moderate with wet and dry periods). The results and laboratory analyses (thickness, DMA, FTIR, TG/DTG) performed on the TPO roof membranes that were exposed for seven years in the various conditions will be summarized.
Application of Rheological Models to Modified Roofing Asphalts
Authors: Rowe Geoffrey M. , Baumgardner Gaylon L.
Published: September 2011

The increased understanding of material behavior with rheology has existed for approximately 80 years as a science and has been applied to roofing products for over 50 years. With asphalt binders, several techniques exist for understanding rheology via the use of models. One of the best recognized models for the evaluation of the rheology of unmodified asphalt binders is the Christensen-Anderson model, and various developments of that model have occurred, enabling its use with filled systems such as those used in roofing applications. In addition to this model, the Rowe-Baumgardner-Sharrock model (developed by the authors) is introduced as an alternate method for defining the properties of roofing products that exhibit visco-elastic solid properties. When rheological data are fitted to master curve functional forms, changes in the model parameters can be rapidly visualized. The performance of various products can be assessed using this technique and can be related to the rheological parameters developed from this model (for example, the rheological index, crossover frequency, etc.). An analysis of the data is presented that includes testing using various rheometers over a wide range of temperatures. These data have been combined into a single master curve and plotted in various formats. The data show how the rheological index and the crossover frequency of the materials change over time, particularly with aging. Performance products can then be assessed and evaluated from both the historical data and models that enable the prediction of cracking and deformation. Adiscussion of the key parameters and a trend analysis are shown. Furthermore, the analysis is applied toward understanding the effectiveness of polymer networks in the roofing materials. As materials age, their properties change, and this can be observed, allowing the study of the effects of polymer network degradation with aging. This paper offers some further understanding of how key rheological parameters change.
The Old Institutionalism Meets the New Institutionalism
Authors: Abrutyn Seth , Turner Jonathan H.
Published: September 2011

As key socio-cultural building blocks of human societies, institutions are distinct from organizations and, hence, are central to sociological inquiry. In recent decades, however, institutional analysis has increasingly moved toward the analysis of organizations, while treating “institutions” as the environments or fields of organizations. While the insights offered by contemporary organizational theorists have provided important keys to understanding how organizations, especially economic organizations, adapt to pressures within their environments, the authors argue that the Old Institutionalisms of functional theorizing has much to offer the New Institutionalisms. In this article, the Old Institutionalisms are revisited to construct a precise definition of institutions as well as posit a robust theory of institutional dynamics, a theory which supplements contemporary organizational analysis. Four dynamics stand out: the process of institutional autonomy, the intersection of stratification systems and institutions, modes of integration within and between institutions, and generalized symbolic media of exchange. In particular, the latter two occupy the authors' attention primarily as they have been under-theorized elsewhere.
Internet Politics and State Media Control: Candidate Weblogs in Malaysia
Authors: Gong Rachel
Published: September 2011

This article underscores the importance of online research in illuminating the social processes underlying Internet effects on politics. It is an empirical study of the effect of blogs on the 2008 general election in Malaysia. Using the population of electoral candidates in the 2008 general election (N = 471), the author estimates a logistic model predicting the effects of having a blog on winning a Parliamentary seat. The results show that opposition candidates benefit significantly more from having a blog than do non-opposition candidates, as blogging provides opportunities denied to them by Malaysia's state-controlled media. Bloggers are more than seven times as likely to win an election compared to non-bloggers, controlling for incumbency, party membership, and race. In addition to being an alternative avenue of information distribution, blogs' potential for building interpersonal relationships and their role as mobilization tools in media-controlling states are discussed using qualitative examples.
What's Oppositional Culture Got to Do with It? Moving beyond the Strong Version of the Acting White Hypothesis
Authors: Wildhagen Tina
Published: September 2011

Is the acting white hypothesis empirically viable? The strong version of this hypothesis—that African American students are negatively sanctioned by peers for academic success, while their similar white peers are not sanctioned—misses the possibility that some students preemptively pull back academic effort without having received sanctions. This article tests a weak version of the hypothesis—that some academically engaged African American students perceive the costs of peer sanctions to be sufficiently high to scale back overt academic engagement before receiving peer sanctions. The weak version predicts sufficiently high costs of sanctions in schools with racialized social norms about academic engagement. The author uses multilevel modeling to test strong and weak versions of the hypothesis on a nationally representative sample of African American and white students. While the results do not support the strong version of the acting white hypothesis, they point to a mild form of the weak version of the hypothesis.
Drawing New Symbolic Boundaries over Old Social Boundaries: Forging Social Movement Unity in Congregation-Based Community Organizing
Authors: Swarts Heidi
Published: September 2011

This article examines symbolic boundary work in congregation-based community organizing (CBCO), likely the most economically, racially, and religiously diverse left-of-center American social movement. Major studies examine how symbolic boundaries reproduce such social boundaries as race, class, and gender. In contrast, this article examines the microprocesses by which CBCO draws new symbolic boundaries over existing social boundaries within their groups. The author claims that boundary work is not just a tool for creating a new collective identity. For groups (such as CBCOs) that have entirely different ideas, norms, and practices than the vast majority of participants are familiar with, it is essential to developing a new shared ideology. Second, although boundary work is essential to acculturating members, it may have contradictory effects. Oversimplified boundaries that forge the unity needed for immediate group goals may become rigid and undermine overarching goals.
Genome-wide alterations in gene methylation by the BRAF V600E mutation in papillary thyroid cancer cells
Authors: Hou Peng , Liu Dingxie , Xing Mingzhao
Published: September 2011

The BRAF V600E mutation plays an important role in the tumorigenesis of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). To explore an epigenetic mechanism involved in this process, we performed a genome-wide DNA methylation analysis using a methylated CpG island amplification (MCA)/CpG island microarray system to examine gene methylation alterations after shRNA knockdown of BRAF V600E in thyroid cancer cells. Our results revealed numerous methylation targets of BRAF V600E mutation with a large cohort of hyper- or hypo-methylated genes in thyroid cancer cells, which are known to have important metabolic and cellular functions. As hypomethylation of numerous genes by BRAF V600E was particularly a striking finding, we took a further step to examine the selected 59 genes that became hypermethylated in both cell lines upon BRAF V600E knockdown and found them to be mostly correspondingly under-expressed (i.e. they were normally maintained hypomethylated and over-expressed by BRAF V600E in thyroid cancer cells). We confirmed the methylation status of selected genes revealed on MCA/CpG microarray analysis by performing methylation-specific PCR. To provide proof of concept that some of the genes uncovered here may play a direct oncogenic role, we selected six of them to perform shRNA knockdown and examined its effect on cellular functions. Our results demonstrated that the HMGB2 gene played a role in PTC cell proliferation and the FDG1 gene in cell invasion. Thus, this study uncovered a prominent epigenetic mechanism through which BRAF V600E can promote PTC tumorigenesis by altering the methylation and hence the expression of numerous important genes.
Precursor design and engineering for low-temperature deposition of gate dielectrics for thin film transistors
Authors: Mallikarjunan Anupama , Matz Laura M , Johnson Andrew D , Vrtis Raymond N , Xiao Manchao , Neill Mark O , Han Bing
Published: September 2011

The electrical and physical quality of gate and passivation dielectrics significantly impacts the device performance of thin film transistors (TFTs). The passivation dielectric also needs to act as a barrier to protect the TFT device. As low temperature TFT processing becomes a requirement for novel applications and plastic substrates, there is a need for materials innovation that enables high quality plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) gate dielectric deposition. In this context, this paper discusses structure-property relationships and strategies for precursor development in silicon nitride, silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) and silicon oxide films. Experiments with passivation SiOC films demonstrate the benefit of a superior precursor (LkB-500) and standard process optimization to enable lower temperature depositions. For gate SiO2 deposition (that are used with polysilicon TFTs for example), organosilicon precursors containing different types and amounts of Si, C, O and H bonding were experimentally compared to the industry standard TEOS (tetraethoxysilane) at different process conditions and temperatures. Major differences were identified in film quality especially wet etch rate or WER (correlating to film density) and dielectric constant (k) values (correlating to moisture absorption). Gate quality SiO2 films can be deposited by choosing precursors that can minimize residual Si-OH groups and enable higher density stable moisture-free films. For e.g., the optimized precursor AP-LTO® 770 is clearly better than TEOS for low temperature PECVD depositions based on density, WER, k charge density (measured by flatband voltage or Vfb); and leakage and breakdown voltage (Vbd) measurements. The design and development of such novel precursors is a key factor to successfully enable manufacturing of advanced low temperature processed devices.
Amorphous IGZO TFTs and Circuits on Highly Flexible and Dimensionally Stable Kovar (Ni-Fe alloy) Metal Foils
Authors: Khan Shahrukh A. , Ma Xiaoxiao , Choi Nack Bong , Hatalis Miltiadis
Published: September 2011

We have fabricated high performance amorphous IGZO TFTs and integrated circuits on flexible kovar (Ni-Fe 42 alloy) foils. Excellent dimensional stability on kovar foils is obtained by a pre-anneal process at 800°C that limits the thermal run-out to within 100ppm. After substrate annealing, Ni-Fe 42 alloy retains high yield strength and good flexibility with the re-crystallized structure containing large isotropic grains between 20-50μm. Amorphous IGZO TFTs and circuits with a staggered, bottom-gate architecture are fabricated and tested. Non-flexed TFTs have field effect mobility of 12 cm2/V.s, threshold voltage around 2 V and sub-threshold swing of 0.6 V/decade and ON/OFF current ratio exceeding 107. Under prolonged uniaxial tensile strain upto 0.8%, TFTs exhibited minimal change in performance which augers well for use of Ni-Fe foil as flexible substrates. To demonstrate the viability of oxide-based device integration, n-type pseudo logic ring oscillator circuits are also evaluated. Sub 300 ns propagation delay is confirmed at a rail-rail supply voltage of 40 V. The results suggest that device integration on such a highly flexible substrate is amenable to roll-to-roll processing of future electronics.
These Gods Got Swagger
Authors: Clay Elonda
Published: September 2011

This paper expands the topography of contexts in which research on hip hop and religion takes place by investigating the ways in which video game engines and video editing software are used by game players to produce films within virtual environments. My investigation highlights the online dramatic form of "machinima" (machine-cinema) - a creative, often unintended user adaptation of video game engines and movie-making software. I argue that ‘swagger’, a collective of black cultural expressions that signify confidence, success, rhythmic body movements, and highly stylized appearance, is reconfigured by gamers for virtual environments, resulting in the creation of highly stylized virtual worlds, the modding (modifying) of simulated characters, and the re-composing of the game’s narrative architecture into player-created storylines. In this regard, this article proposes that digital performances and emergent authorship have multiple implications for the study of African American religions.
Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover!
Authors: Miller Monica
Published: September 2011

Beyond perpetual quests for meaning and presence figured as religious, this paper is an attempt to rethink the religious in Hip Hop culture by examining the uses and effects of the religious within the cultural world of Hip Hop. Moreover, this paper asks, what is accomplished by such uses for particular social groups? Using postmodern theory and social thought, this paper parts from more traditional religious and theological examinations of Hip Hop [such as hermeneutical approaches] to rethink the category of religion for popular cultural analysis beyond a sui generis phenomenological approach which privileges the religious as unique.
Formation and characteristics of nitritation granules cultivated in sequencing batch reactor by stepwise increase of N/C ratio
Authors: Li Ling-yun , Peng Yong-zhen , Wang Shu-ying , Wu Lei , Ma Yong , Takigawa Akio , Li Dong
Published: September 2011

The cultivation of nitritation granules in sequencing batch reactor (SBR) by seeding conventional floccular activated sludge was investigated using ethanol-based synthetic wastewater. Reducing settling time offers selection pressure for aerobic granulation, and stepwise increase of influent N/C ratio can help to selectively enrich ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) in aerobic granules. The spherical shaped granules were observed with the mean diameter of 1.25 mm, average settling velocity of 1.9 cm s−1 and the sludge volume index (SVI) of 18.5–31.4 ml g−1. After 25 days of operation, the nitrogen loading rate reached 0.0455 kg NH4+-N (kg MLSS·d)−1, which was 4.55 times higher than that of the start-up period. The mature granules showed high nitrification ability. Ammonia removal efficiency was above 95% and nitrite accumulation ratio was in the range of 80–95%. The nitrifying bacteria were quantified by fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis, which indicated that AOB was 14.9 ± 0.5% of the total bacteria and nitrite oxidizing bacteria (NOB) was 0.89 ± 0.1% of the total bacteria. Therefore, AOB was the dominant nitrifying bacteria. It was concluded that the associated inhibition of free ammonia at the start of each cycle and free nitrous acid during the later phase of aeration may be the key factors to start up and maintain the stable nitritation.
Comparative 16S rRNA gene surveys of granular sludge from three upflow anaerobic bioreactors treating purified terephthalic acid (PTA) wastewater
Authors: Perkins S. D. , Scalfone N. B. , Angenent L. T.
Published: September 2011

The microbial communities from three upflow anaerobic bioreactors treating purified terephthalic acid (PTA) wastewater were characterized with 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing surveys. Universal bacterial and archaeal primers were used to compare the bioreactor communities to each other. A total of 1,733 bacterial sequences and 383 archaeal sequences were characterized. The high number of Syntrophus spp. and Pelotomaculum spp. found within these reactors indicates efficient removal of benzoate and terephthalate. Under anaerobic conditions benzoate can be degraded through syntrophic associations between these bacteria and hydrogen-scavenging microbes, such as Desulfovibrio spp. and hydrogenotrophic methanogens, which remove H2 to force the thermodynamically unfavourable reactions to take place. The authors did not observe a relatively high percentage of hydrogenotrophic methanogens with the archaeal gene survey because of a high acetate flux (acetate is a main component in PTA wastewater and is the main degradation product of terephthalate/benzoate fermentation), and because of the presence of Desulfovibrio spp. (a sulfate reducer that scavenges hydrogen). The high acetate flux also explains the high percentage of acetoclastic methanogens from the genus Methanosaeta among the archaeal sequences. A group of uncultured bacteria (OD1) may be involved in the degradation of p-toluate (4-methyl benzoate), which is a component of PTA wastewater.
Immobilization of lipase from Candida rugosa into copolymer hydrogels of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-itaconic acid) synthesized in the presence of surfactants
Authors: Milasinovic Nikola , Milosavljevic Nedeljko , Filipovic Jovanka , Knezevic-Jugovic Zorica , Kalagasidis-Krusic Melina
Published: September 2011

To overcome the problems of free enzyme application as catalysts in chemical
reactions, i.e. high costs of isolation and purification processes, high
sensitivity to process conditions, insufficient enzyme stability etc., a
different immobilization techniques are to be used. Immobilization to/within
solid support improves enzyme stability decreasing its denaturation. This
paper deals with hydrogels of N-isopropylacrylamide and itaconic acid with
incorporated nonionic surfactants (Triton X-100, Brij 30 and Tween 80)
synthesized in distilled water at room temperature by free radical
polymerization. These hydrogels were used as supports for immobilization of
enzyme, lipase from Candida rugosa by post-entrapment method. The aim was to
investigate the effect of the nonionic surfactants on the lipase binding
capacity, as well as on its hydrolytic activity. In order to characterize the
obtained hydrogels FT-IR analysis has been performed. Further, the swelling
behaviour of these samples in buffer solution of pH 6.80 has been
investigated. The dynamic - mechanical properties of hydrogels and detailed
have been studied, too. The immobilized lipase showed somewhat reduced
hydrolytic activity, as compared to the activity of free lipase as well as in
comparison to the lipase immobilized to the reference sample (sample
synthesized under the same polymerization conditions, but in the absence of
surfactants). It was concluded that the addition of surfactants increased the
hydrogel mesh size. The surfactant addition did not affect the dynamic -
mechanical properties of the investigated hydrogels. The largest percentage
of specific activity and yield of activity were presented by the reference
sample, too. It is obvious that the absence of surfactants charged groups has
no influence on the lipase binding capacity, and the obtained activity yields
are to be expected.
Silver/poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) nanocomposites obtained by the electrochemical synthesis
Authors: Jovanovic Zeljka , Radosavljevic Aleksandra , Kacarevic-Popovic Zorica , Miskovic-Stankovic Vesna
Published: September 2011

Silver/poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) (Ag/PVP) nanocomposites were obtained by
electrochemical reduction of Ag+ ions at a constant voltage, by the in situ
synthesis of silver nanoparticles inside poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) matrix,
previously crosslinked by ?-irradiation. Optimal values of synthesis
parameters were investigated: the composition of the solution for swelling of
PVP hydrogel, implementation time and applied voltage. Ag/PVP nanocomposites
were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, and IR spectroscopy.
UV-visible spectroscopy results shown that the reduction of silver ions was
more efficient when the more conductive solution for swelling of PVP hydrogel
was used, i.e. the solution containing 3.9 mM AgNO3 with 0.1 M KNO3. Also, it
was shown that the concentration of the reduced silver increases with the
increase in implementation time and applied voltage, up to the values of 4
min, and 200 V, respectively. The Ag nanoparticle size was estimated to be 25
nm, by comparison of the experimental results of UV-vis spectroscopy with the
theoretical predictions obtained by the calculations in ?MiePlot v.3.4?
computer program, having the algorithm based on Mie scattering from a sphere.
The results of FTIR spectroscopy have shown that Ag nanoparticles are mainly
bonded to PVP by coordination bondages between Ag nanoparticles and N from
the pyrrolidone ring of PVP.
Anxiety sensitivity in adolescents with somatoform autonomic dysfunction and adolescents with insulin dependent diabetes mellitus
Authors: Pisaric Maja , Nisevic Sanja
Published: September 2011

Anxiety sensitivity is defined as a belief that anxiety or fear may cause
illness, embarrassment, or additional anxiety. The main purpose of this study
was to find out if there were differences among adolescents with insulin
dependent diabetes mellitus, adolescents with somatoform autonomic
dysfunction and their healthy peers in different aspects of psychological
functioning and anxiety sensitivity. The sample consisted of 93 subjects,
aged 12 to 16. Hamburg Neuroticism and Extraversion Scale, Child Behaviour
Checklist and Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index were administrated. The
adolescents with somatoform autonomic dysfunction had significantly higher
scores on neuroticism scale, different Child Behaviour Checklist subscales,
and on anxiety sensitivity. Both groups with diagnosed illness had lower
scores on extraversion scale compared to healthy peers. This study has shown
that the adolescents with somatoform autonomic dysfunction are more prone to
fears regarding bodily functioning, and that they are at a higher risk of
developing an anxiety disorder.
Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy: Under-diagnosed syndrome
Authors: Bozic Ksenija , Gebauer-Bukurov Ksenija , Slankamenac Petar , Knezevic-Pogancev Marija , Sekulic Slobodan
Published: September 2011

Introduction. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is an idiopathic, hereditary form
of epilepsy. Although juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is a well defined clinical
syndrome, attempts at diagnosing it commonly fail. Etiopathogenesis. The
exact cause of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy remains unknown. Clinical,
morphological and metabolic data suggest a preferential role for frontal
regions in this syndrome. Several major genes for juvenile myoclonic epilepsy
have been identified, but these genes account for only a small proportions of
juvenile myoclonic epilepsy cases, suggesting multifactorial or complex
inheritance in most. Clinical Manifestations. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is
characterized by the triad of myoclonic jerks on awakening (all patients),
generalized tonic-clonic seizures (>90% of patients) and typical absences
(about one third of patients). Seizures have an age-related onset, circadian
distribution and are frequently precipitated by sleep deprivation, fatigue
and alcohol intake. Intelligence is normal. Diagnosis. Juvenile myoclonic
epilepsy diagnosis is based upon clinical criteria and typical
electroencephalographic findings (generalized pattern of spikes and/or
polyspikes and waves). All other tests are normal. Treatment and Prognosis.
Both medical treatment and counselling are important in the management of
juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Mono-therapy with valproate is the preferred
treatment. Some of the newer antiepileptic drugs have been suggested as
possible alternatives. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy has a good prognosis.
Lifelong treatment is usually considered necessary in vast majority of
patients due to the increased risk of relapse if treatment is discontinued.
Conclusion. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is a common, although under-diagnosed
epileptic syndrome. The clinician should study the occurrence of myoclonic
jerks and should consider atypical presentations.
The incidence and risk factors of ventilator-associated pneumonia in patients with severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Marjanovic Vesna , Novak Vesna , Velickovic Ljubinka , Marjanovic Goran
Published: September 2011

Introduction. Patients with severe traumatic brain injury are at a risk of
developing ventilator-associated pneumonia. The aim of this study was to
describe the incidence, etiology, risk factors for development of ventilator-
associated pneumonia and outcome in patients with severe traumatic brain
injury. Material and Methods. A retrospective study was done in 72 patients
with severe traumatic brain injury, who required mechanical ventilation for
more than 48 hours. Results. Ventilator-associated pneumonia was found in 31
of 72 (43.06%) patients with severe traumatic brain injury. The risk factors
for ventilator-associated pneumonia were: prolonged mechanical ventilation
(12.42 vs 4.34 days, p<0.001), longer stay at intensive care unit (17 vs 5
days, p<0.001) and chest injury (51.61 vs 19.51%, p< 0.009) compared to
patients without ventilator-associated pneumonia.. The mortality rate in the
patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia was higher (38.71 vs 21.95%,
p= 0.12). Conclusion. The development of ventilator-associated pneumonia in
patients with severe traumatic brain injury led to the increased morbidity
due to the prolonged mechanical ventilation, longer stay at intensive care
unit and chest injury, but had no effect on mortality.
Dorsal extrusion of intervertebral disc as a cause of cauda equina syndrome
Authors: Jusic Aldin , Skomorac Rasim , Beculic Hakija
Published: September 2011

We have presented a case of rare dorsally sequestrated lumbar disc herniation
manifesting as cauda equina syndrome. The patient was admitted to the
Neurological Department of Canton Hospital Zenica due to urinary retention
and weakness in both lower extremities. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a
compressing mass located in the dorsal extradural space at the L2- L3 level.
An extruded intervertebral disc was found intraoperatively. The decompression
was followed by good recovery.
Correlation between total cardiovascular risk and bone density in postmenopausal women
Authors: Popovic Marina , Tasić Ivan , Dimić Aleksandar , Stojanović Sonja , Stamenković Bojana , Kostić Svetlana , Popović Dejan , Savić Todorka , Tasić Nataša , Manojlovic Snezana , Ivanović Branislava
Published: September 2011

The aim of the paper was to examine the correlation between the total risk of cardiovascular events, determined by the SCORE (Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation) system, and bone density in postmenopausal women. Examinees and method: The research involved 300 postmenopausal women. On the basis of bone density measurements, the participants were divided into three groups: group I — 84 examinees had osteoporosis, group II — 115 examinees had osteopenia, and group III — 101 examinees had normal bone mineral density (BMD). Results: Participants with high SCORE risk were statistically significantly older compared to low-risk women (60±3 vs. 55±5; p<0.001). They had significantly lower BMD and T scores (−1.09±0.94 vs. −2.86±0.63; p<0.001). Elevation of the SCORE risk by 1% caused a BMD decrease of 0.033 g/cm2(0.029 to 0.036 gr/cm2). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the following factors caused a significant increase in the risk of decreasing BMD: every year of life by 20%, menopause duration by 26%, increase in systolic blood pressure (BP) by 1 mm Hg by 7%, increase in SCORE risk by 1% by 5.31 times, physical inactivity by 5.96 times, and osteoporosis in the family history by 3.91 times. Conclusion: Postmenopausal women who are at high risk for cardiovascular diseases have a lower BMD than those who are not at high risk for cardiovascular diseases.
Comparison of recorded rainfall with quantitative precipitation forecast in a rainfall-runoff simulation for the Langat River Basin, Malaysia
Authors: Billa Lawal , Assilzadeh Hamid , Mansor Shattri , Mahmud Ahmed , Ghazali Abdul
Published: September 2011

Observed rainfall is used for runoff modeling in flood forecasting where possible, however in cases where the response time of the watershed is too short for flood warning activities, a deterministic quantitative precipitation forecast (QPF) can be used. This is based on a limited-area meteorological model and can provide a forecasting horizon in the order of six hours or less. This study applies the results of a previously developed QPF based on a 1D cloud model using hourly NOAA-AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) and GMS (Geostationary Meteorological Satellite) datasets. Rainfall intensity values in the range of 3–12 mm/hr were extracted from these datasets based on the relation between cloud top temperature (CTT), cloud reflectance (CTR) and cloud height (CTH) using defined thresholds. The QPF, prepared for the rainstorm event of 27 September to 8 October 2000 was tested for rainfall runoff on the Langat River Basin, Malaysia, using a suitable NAM rainfall-runoff model. The response of the basin both to the rainfall-runoff simulation using the QPF estimate and the recorded observed rainfall is compared here, based on their corresponding discharge hydrographs. The comparison of the QPF and recorded rainfall showed R2 = 0.9028 for the entire basin. The runoff hydrograph for the recorded rainfall in the Kajang sub-catchment showed R2 = 0.9263 between the observed and the simulated, while that of the QPF rainfall was R2 = 0.819. This similarity in runoff suggests there is a high level of accuracy shown in the improved QPF, and that significant improvement of flood forecasting can be achieved through ‘Nowcasting’, thus increasing the response time for flood early warnings.
Investigating vegetation biophysical and spectral parameters for detecting light to moderate grazing effects: a case study in mixed grass prairie
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Guo Xulin
Published: September 2011

Identifying effective vegetation biophysical and spectral parameters for investigating light to moderate grazing effects on grasslands improves management practices on grasslands. Using mixed grasslands as a case study, this paper compares responses of vegetation biophysical properties and spectral parameters derived from satellite images to grazing intensity, and identifies the suitable biophysical and spectral parameters to detect grazing effects in these areas. Biophysical properties including cover, canopy height and Leaf area index (LAI) were measured in three sites with different grazing managements and one benchmark site in 2008 and 2009 in Grasslands PlaceTypeNational Park and surrounding provincial pastures, Canada. Thirteen vegetation spectral indices, calculated by statistically combining different spectral information, were evaluated. The results indicate that canopy height and the ratio of photosynthetically active vegetation cover to non-photosynthetically active vegetation cover (PV/NPV) showed significant differences between ungrazed and grazed sites. All spectral vegetation indices except the canopy index (CI) show significant differences between grazing treatments. Red-Near infrared (Red-NIR) based vegetation indices, such as Modified Triangular Vegetation Index 1 (MTVI1), Soil-adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI), are significantly correlated to the PV/NPV. Green/Mid-infrared (Green/MIR) related vegetation indices, i.e. Plant Senescence Reflectance Index (PRSI) and Normalized Canopy Index (NCI), show significant correlation with canopy height. Models based on a linear combination of MTVI1 and SAVI were developed for PV/NPV and PRSI and NCI for canopy height. Models that simulated PV/NPV and canopy height show significant correlations with grazing intensity, suggesting the feasibility of remote sensing to quantify light to moderate grazing effects in mixed grasslands.
A Non-Linear Rainfall-Runoff Model with a Sigmoid Gain Factor to Simulate Flow Frequency Distribution Curves for Amazon Catchments
Authors: Vinagre Marco , Blanco Claudio , Amarante Mesquita André
Published: September 2011

A Non-Linear Rainfall-Runoff Model with a Sigmoid Gain Factor to Simulate Flow Frequency Distribution Curves for Amazon Catchments

The objective of this paper is to simulate flow frequency distribution curves for Amazon catchments with the aim of scaling power generation from small hydroelectric power plants. Thus, a simple nonlinear rainfall-runoff model was developed with sigmoid-variable gain factor due to the moisture status of the catchment, which depends on infiltration, and is considered a factor responsible for the nonlinearity of the rainfall-runoff process. Data for a catchment in the Amazon was used to calibrate and validate the model. The performance criteria adopted were the Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient (R2), the RMS, the Q95% frequencyc flow percentage error, and the mean percentage errors ranging from Q5% to Q95%.. Calibration and validation showed that the model satisfactorily simulates the flow frequency distribution curves. In order to find the shortest period of rainfall-runoff data, which is required for applying the model, a sensitivity analysis was performed whereby rainfall and runoff data was successively reduced by 1 year until a 1.5-year model application minimum period was found. This corresponds to one hydrological year plus the 6-month long "memory". This analysis evaluates field work in the ungauged sites of the region.
Students Relationships and Teacher's Authority as Axiological, Ethical, Pedagogical, Social and Psychological Problems
Authors: Sawicki Silvester
Published: September 2011

Students Relationships and Teacher's Authority as Axiological, Ethical, Pedagogical, Social and Psychological Problems

The paper is focused on the research into the problems of education regarding the relations between students (bullying, competiveness and cooperation) and the decreasing teacher's authority in schools and society. We found that relations between pupils and students of elementary and secondary schools show several negative tendencies including harming each other, reduced rate of mutual sensitivity and preference of rivality to cooperation. Authority of teachers is permanently decreasing not only with pupils and students, but with parents and society, too. Society, parents and students much less value study results and wisdom, and these issues consequently influence the decreasing teacher's status. On the other hand, this behavior leads to decreasing the interest in semantic learning. The roots of these problems can be found in the postmodern crisis of Western culture, associated with severe deficiencies of the political system and market economy as well as one-sided rational orientation of Western society at the expense of the spiritual needs of man.
Influence of Retardants to Burning Lignocellulosic Materials
Authors: Tureková Ivana , Harangozó Jozef , Martinka Jozef
Published: September 2011

Influence of Retardants to Burning Lignocellulosic Materials

The paper deals with monitoring retardant changes of lignocellulosic materials. Combustion of lignocellulosic materials and fire-technical characteristics are described. In assessing the retarding effect of salt NH4H2PO4, fire-technical characteristics as limiting oxygen index (LOI) were measured, and by using thermoanalytical TG and DSC methods. High-temperature process of cellulose degradation at various flame concentrations was studied.
Exploring How Library Publishing Services Facilitate Scholarly Communication
Authors: Park Ji-Hong , Shim Jiyoung
Published: September 2011

Scholarly publishing plays a critical role in promotion, tenure, scholarly recognition, and certification of research quality at academic institutions. Given the importance of scholarly publishing, several libraries have launched library publishing services to support formal and informal scholarly communication. Despite the growing popularity and the benefits of library publishing services, few studies have explored the relationship between library publishing services and scholarly communication. This study aims to identify and examine the factors of library publishing services that facilitate scholarly communication. Based on Roosendaal and Geurts's (1997) four functions of scholarly communication, this study analyses and categorizes the library publishing services of eight research university libraries in North America. The registration function is reflected in publishing, intellectual property, and licensing services. The archiving function is reflected in digitization and repository services. The certification function is reflected in expert review and research support services. The awareness function is reflected in knowledge-sharing-platform and search aid services.