bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vulnerability Assessment of Coastal Aquifer System for Irrigation Suitability – A Classical Approach from Southern India
Authors: Sonkamble Sahebrao
Published: August 2014

The vulnerability of the shallow aquifer system for saline water intrusion has been evaluated using the classical tools at a coastal area, southern India. Groundwater samples (N=144) from Quaternary aquifer system within 25 km2 area in pre- and post-monsoon seasons were analyzed for major ion chemistry including Electrical Conductivity (EC). The hydrochemical parameters are examined applying classical irrigation suitability tools. Based on their weight percentages (ratios in meq/l) the dominance of cations and anions was established as Na-Cl and Ca-SO4 type. Results show that high hydraulic conductivity (10−2 to 1 cm/s) of the sandy aquifer enhanced the vertical recharge leading to major spatial distribution suitable for irrigation use in post-monsoon. The overexploitation of groundwater resources has generated reversal of hydraulic gradient enhancing salinity intrusion from marine sources in pre-monsoon. Further, the Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) survey and water level measurements are assessed to demarcate the study area into zones of water table ‘above mean sea level (amsl)’ and ‘below mean sea level (bmsl)’. It was deduced that, the industrial effluent and seawater were the prime sources of groundwater salinity of water table ‘amsl’ and ‘bmsl’ zones, respectively. The area up to 600 m from marine source is found vulnerable which is falling under ‘Unsuitable’ category of irrigation classifications. The remedial measures are also framed to protect further extension of aquifer vulnerability for sustainable agriculture.
Estimation of Specific Yields of Individual Litho-units in a Terrain with Multiple Litho-units: A Water Balance Approach
Authors: Ray Ranjan Kumar , Mukherjee Arunangshu , Mukherjee Rumi
Published: August 2014

In a terrain with more than one litho-unit, the traditional water balance approach provides a single spatially averaged specific yield. A methodology is proposed here, which can be applied to estimate specific yields of individual litho-units in such terrains. This approach is demonstrated here considering two watersheds, which are covered partly by limestone and partly by sandstone. Watershed wise specific yields were estimated using a traditional water balance method. The specific yields thus obtained are the volume-weighted averages of the specific yields of the individual litho-units in the watersheds. Based on the volumes of aquifers desaturated and the watershed wise specific yield values, a set of two linear equations in two variables was formulated. These linear equations were solved to get the specific yields of the individual litho-units. Specific yields of sandstone (Chandarpur Group) and limestone (Charmuria Formation) units in the study area were thus estimated to be 0.004 and 0.037 respectively.
Geotechnical Evaluation of Eastern Ghats Bauxite Deposits of India
Authors: Bhukte P. G. , Chaddha M. J.
Published: August 2014

India is endowed with more than 3000 million tons of bauxite resources. Out of total India reserves, about 70% reserves are concentrated in Eastern Ghats (Odisha and Andhra Pradesh) region. Majority of the Eastern Ghat bauxite deposits are located at high altitude (high level type) and have been developed on khondalite and charnockite group of rocks with different geomorphological conditions. These are formed at an elevation of about 900-1400 meter above mean sea level (msl). The physico-mechanical and technological properties of these bauxite vary widely depending upon the parent rock composition, mode of origin, geomorphological position, duration and age of bauxite formation. In the Bayer process the most important parameter that decides the economic importance is the quality of bauxite which again decides the digestion parameters for alumina extraction. Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARRDC) is in process of evaluating the bauxite and laterite deposits of India for its suitability for commercial applications.

The present paper highlights the geological and geomorphological features of Eastern Ghats bauxite deposits and their technological characteristics. These studies are required to evaluate the bauxite in terms of their suitability for metallurgical and non metallurgical applications.
Development of a prototype tool for ballast water risk management using a combination of hydrodynamic models and agent-based modeling
Authors: Hansen Flemming T. , Potthoff Michael , Uhrenholdt Thomas , Vo Hong D. , Linden Olof , Andersen Jesper H.
Published: August 2014

We report the development of a prototype tool for modeling the risks of spreading of non-indigenous invasive species via ballast water. The tool constitutes of two types of models: a 3D hydrodynamical model calculates the currents in the North Sea and Danish Straits, and an agent-based model estimates the dispersal of selected model organisms with the prevailing currents calculated by the 3D hydrodynamical model. The analysis is concluded by a postprocessing activity, where scenarios of dispersal are combined into an interim estimate of connectivity within the study area. The latter can be used for assessment of potential risk associated with intentional or unintentional discharges of ballast water. We discuss how this prototype tool can be used for ballast water risk management and outline other functions and uses, e.g., in regard to ecosystem-based management and the implementation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive.
Collaboration and information sharing in dyadic supply chains: A literature review over the period 2000–2012
Authors: Montoya Torres Jairo , Ortiz Vargas Diego
Published: August 2014

Information sharing and coordination between the agents of a supply chain are considered to be an effective strategy for improving its global performance. This paper presents an updated review of current literature examining the impacts of information sharing and collaboration strategies on supply chain dynamic performance, with particular focus on dyadic structure. To achieve this, a systematic review approach is followed over the period 2000–2012, intending to ensure that the process is reproducible and auditable. A comprehensive taxonomy is also presented, highlighting strategic and operational impacts of collaborative structures. The analysis revealed that collaborative and information sharing issues underlined 10 years ago still require further attention from researchers.
Contemporary analysis of pelvic and para‐aortic metastasis in endometrial cancer using the SEER registry
Authors: Katsoulakis Evangelia , Mattes Malcolm D. , Rineer Justin M. , Nabhani Thomas , Mourad Waleed F. , Choi Kwang , Schreiber David
Published: August 2014

Objective

To determine the incidence of regional lymph node involvement for early‐stage endometrial cancer by using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry.

Methods

In a retrospective study, data were analyzed from patients who were diagnosed with stage IA–IIB endometrioid adenocarcinoma and were treated between 1998 and 2003. The incidence of pelvic and para‐aortic lymph node involvement was determined.

Results

Data were analyzed from 4052 patients. Incidences of pelvic and para‐aortic lymph node metastases were: 1% and 0% in stage IA, grade 1 disease; 2% and 0% in IA, grade 2; 2% and 1% in IA, grade 3; 2% and 0% in IB, grade 1; 3% and 1% in IB, grade 2; 3% and 2% in IB, grade 3; 7% and 3% in IC, grade 1; 8% and 5% in IC, grade 2; 12% and 8% in IC, grade 3; 7% and 3% in IIA, grade 1; 10% and 4% in IIA, grade 2; 10% and 5% in IIA, grade 3; 8% and 4% in IIB, grade 1; 13% and 8% in IIB, grade 2; and 19% and 12% in IIB, grade 3.

Conclusion

Incidences of pelvic and para‐aortic metastases were lower than previously reported. Patients at higher stages and grades had a 10% or higher risk of lymph node involvement and might benefit from aggressive therapy.
Perfecting Weight Restriction: The Moderating Influence of Body Dissatisfaction on the Relationship Between Perfectionism and Weight Control Practices
Authors: Donovan Caroline Leanne , Chew Dianne , Penny Rhiannon
Published: August 2014

This study explored the moderating effect of body dissatisfaction (BD) on the relationship between perfectionism and weight restricting and control behaviours (WRCBs). A sample of 167 female undergraduates completed self-report measures of perfectionism, BD and WRCBs. BD was not found to moderate the relationship between either perfectionism and dieting, or perfectionism and exercise. Instead, BD uniquely predicted both dieting and exercise, as did the perfectionism dimensions of self-oriented perfectionism, concern over mistakes, parental standards, and organisation. BD moderated the relationship between perfectionism and purging for analyses involving self-oriented perfectionism, concern over mistakes, and doubts about actions, such that there was a significant positive association between perfectionism and purging when BD was high but not low. Perfectionism and BD are important in different ways to WRCBs. The importance of measuring multiple dimensions of perfectionism and differentiating between the various types of WRCBs is highlighted.
Development and Validation of the Affect Intolerance Scale to Assess Maladaptive Beliefs and Avoidance of Emotion
Authors: Stapinski Lexine A. , Abbott Maree J. , Rapee Ronald M.
Published: August 2014

Cognitive processes are considered integral to the conceptualisation of emotional disorders and distress. Contemporary models have emphasised the importance of individual differences in the interpretation of internal events, including emotions. Maladaptive beliefs about emotional experience may motivate unhelpful control strategies, and impact negatively on psychological wellbeing. Building on existing measures of emotion, an integrative scale was developed to assess a range of maladaptive beliefs about the experience of negative emotions. Psychometric evaluation provided preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the Affect Intolerance Scale (AIS). Furthermore, the scale demonstrated a unique relationship with clinical symptomatology (i.e., depression, anxiety, stress and worry) above and beyond existing measures assessing dimensions of emotional experience. Potential utility of the measure for clinical practice and avenues for future research are discussed.
Development and Preliminary Validation of the Acute Brain Injury Physiotherapy Assessment (ABIPA)
Authors: Gesch Janelle M. , Low Choy Nancy L. , Weeks Benjamin K. , Passier Leanne L. , Nascimento Margarida , Haines Terrence P. , Kuys Suzanne S.
Published: August 2014

Background and aims: For patients with a severe brain injury there is no objective physiotherapy assessment tool that is responsive to the incremental changes in motor recovery in the acute stage. The aims of this study were to identify the items of neuro-motor recovery and scoring criteria for the Acute Brain Injury Physiotherapy Assessment (ABIPA) and determine responsiveness to change and concurrent validity against accepted standard measures of consciousness and physical function in the severe brain injury population.

Method: The literature was searched and an expert consensus panel of experienced clinical physiotherapists informed item selection and developed practical assessment guidelines. The ABIPA was investigated for responsiveness to change and concurrent validity against the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Clinical Outcome Variable Scale (COVS) and Motor Assessment Scale (MAS). Eleven patients (9 males; cohort 41 ± 18 years) with moderate/severe brain injury were recruited, and assessed on days 1, 3, 7 and then weekly until discharge.

Results: The ABIPA demonstrated good to excellent correlations overall with the GCS (rho > .76, p ≤ .001), COVS (rho > .82, p ≤ .001) and MAS (rho > 0.66, p ≤ .001). On day 3, the ABIPA showed the greatest responsiveness to change (standardised response means (SRM) > .83) compared to other measures (SRMs < .77). At discharge all tools demonstrated change in neuro-motor recovery.

Conclusions: The ABIPA is a promising tool for detecting incremental changes in neuro-motor recovery early after severe brain injury.
Stickiness of respondent-driven sampling recruitment chains
Authors: FISHER JACOB C. , MERLI M. GIOVANNA
Published: August 2014

Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is an increasingly popular chain-referral sampling method. Although it has proved effective at generating samples of hard to reach populations—meaning populations for which sampling frames are not available because they are hidden or socially stigmatized like sex workers or injecting drug users—quickly and cost-effectively, the ease of collecting the sample comes with a cost: bias or inefficiency in the estimates of population parameters (Gile & Handcock, 2010; Goel & Salganik, 2010). One way that RDS can produce inefficient estimates is if one or more of the recruitment chains gets stuck among members of a cohesive subpopulation, preventing the RDS sampling process from exploring other areas of the network. If that happens, members of the population subgroup recruit one another repeatedly, leading to an increase in sample size without increasing the diversity of the sample. This type of stickiness is particularly likely when hidden populations are stratified, and the stratified groups are organized into venues that provide opportunities to recruit other members of the same stratum. Female sex workers (FSW) in China, who are stratified into tiers of sex work that are correlated with marital status, age, and risk behaviors, are a prime example (Merli et al., 2014; Yamanis et al., 2013). Chinese FSW recruit clients from venues such as karaoke bars, massage parlors, or street corners. At larger venues, sex workers who participate in an RDS study might recruit other members of the same venue into the study at a higher rate than expected, leading to inefficient estimates. In short, the chain could get stuck in a venue.
FERTILITY INTENTIONS AND EARLY LIFE HEALTH STRESS AMONG WOMEN IN EIGHT INDIAN CITIES: TESTING THE REPRODUCTIVE ACCELERATION HYPOTHESIS
Authors: KULATHINAL SANGITA , SÄÄVÄLÄ MINNA
Published: August 2014

In life history theory, early life adversity is associated with an accelerated reproductive tempo. In harsh and unpredictable conditions in developing societies fertility is generally higher and the reproductive tempo faster than in more secure environments. This paper examines whether differences in female anthropometry, particularly adult height, are associated with fertility intentions of women in urban environments in India. The study population consists of women aged 15–29 (N=4485) in slums and non-slums of eight Indian cities in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) of 2005–2006. Adult height is taken as a proxy for early childhood health and nutritional condition. Fertility intentions are examined by using two variables: the desire to have a child or another child, and to have it relatively soon, as indicative of accelerated reproductive scheduling. Evidence supporting the acceleration hypothesis is found in two urban frames out of 26 examined in a two-staged multinomial logistic model. In three cases, the relationship between fertility intentions and height is the opposite than expected by the acceleration hypothesis: taller women have a higher predictive probability of desiring a(nother) child and/or narrower birth spacing. Potential explanations for the partly contradictory relationship between the childhood health indicator and fertility intentions are discussed.
REPRODUCTIVE PATTERN OF CUBAN WOMEN LIVING IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF PLAZA DE LA REVOLUCIÓN, HAVANA, CUBA
Authors: VÁZQUEZ VANESSA , CAMARGO ANA M. , ACOSTA MARLEN , ALONSO VERÓNICA , LUNA FRANCISCO
Published: August 2014

This paper assesses the reproductive and abortion patterns of women living in Plaza de la Revolución, a municipality of Havana, Cuba, by studying the factors influencing birth and abortion rates. Socio-demographic data and female reproductive histories were collected in a survey of 1200 post-menopausal women living in the municipality. Average ages at menarche and at menopause were 12.71 and 48.39 years, respectively, thus yielding a potential long reproductive period of 35.68 years, indicating high fertility. Although the mean pregnancy rate was 3.81 pregnancies per woman, the live birth rate at time of delivery was only 1.89 due to the high rate of abortions: 40% of all pregnancies were voluntarily interrupted. Among the biological and socio-cultural variables that were found to influence the rate of live births were those related marriage pattern, especially age at first union. Demographic variables such as pregnancy order, maternal age and marital status were the main determinants of the abortion pattern, with abortion being used as a method of birth control in order to obtain the desired family size, and most women (75.2%) using contraceptives.
Long-term psychosocial impact of otoplasty performed on children with prominent ears
Authors: Songu M , Kutlu A
Published: August 2014

Objectives:

To investigate the psychosocial impact of prominent ears on children, and evaluate the outcomes of otoplasty two years after surgery, using the Child Behavior Checklist to comparatively evaluate patients' psychosocial profiles.

Method and results:

A total of 198 otoplasty procedures were performed in 107 patients (85 per cent bilateral procedures). Otoplasty was performed solely in 86 patients and concurrently with other procedures in 21 patients. All children who underwent surgery obtained good post-operative results, with satisfactory correction of the deformity reported by the patients and their parents or guardians. There were statistically significant decreases in Child Behavior Checklist scores in the domains of: anxiety and depression (p = 0.028), social problems (p = 0.018), difficulties in thinking (p = 0.012), total behavioural problems (p = 0.012), internalising problems (p = 0.020) and externalising problems (p = 0.044), and near-significant decreases in scores for attention problems (p = 0.055) and aggressive behaviour (p = 0.078). There was a statistically significant increase in the score for total social competence (p = 0.031).

Conclusion:

Psychological problems associated with anatomical deformities such as prominent ears can be reduced by means of appropriate corrective surgery. Psychological support is necessary for the patient.
Management of obesity in children differs from that of adults
Authors: Hoey Hilary
Published: August 2014

Obesity in childhood is a very common disorder with an increasing prevalence. It is one of the most serious public health challenges. The objectives of the present paper are to increase the awareness of the problem of obesity in childhood, its serious complications and the need for prevention. Overweight and obese children are likely to remain obese into adulthood and more likely to develop serious complications including health problems such as diabetes and CVD, as well as psychological and social challenges. Overweight and obesity are largely preventable. In adults it is difficult to reduce excessive weight gain once it has become established, thus children should be considered the priority population for intervention strategies and prevention. Nutrition, exercise, weight gain in infancy, genetic and environmental factors, all contribute to the aetiology. Prevention and treatment of obesity in childhood requires education and empowerment of families relating to diet and exercise, along with the regulation and control of food marketing and clear nutritional labelling. The eating and physical activity behaviour of a child is strongly influenced by environmental and social factors. Therefore treatment will have only limited success in an environment where adequate physical activity is inhibited and the consumption of high-energy food is stimulated. Government investment in a health promotion programme addressing the issue of obesity in the population as a whole, with particular emphasis on the prevention and management of obesity in childhood is vital. The family doctor and multidisciplinary team play an important role. Regular visits to the family doctor, including growth assessment, will help motivate the family to restrict energy intake and to increase exercise. Therefore the prevention of childhood obesity needs high priority.
Increased visual gamma power in schizoaffective bipolar disorder
Authors: Brealy J. A. , Shaw A. , Richardson H. , Singh K. D. , Muthukumaraswamy S. D. , Keedwell P. A.
Published: August 2014

Background.

Electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography (MEG) studies have identified alterations in gamma-band (30–80 Hz) cortical activity in schizophrenia and mood disorders, consistent with neural models of disturbed glutamate (and GABA) neuron influence over cortical pyramidal cells. Genetic evidence suggests specific deficits in GABA-A receptor function in schizoaffective bipolar disorder (SABP), a clinical syndrome with features of both bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. This study investigated gamma oscillations in this under-researched disorder.

Method.

MEG was used to measure induced gamma and evoked responses to a visual grating stimulus, known to be a potent inducer of primary visual gamma oscillations, in 15 individuals with remitted SABP, defined using Research Diagnostic Criteria, and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.

Results.

Individuals with SABP demonstrated increased sustained visual cortical power in the gamma band (t35 = −2.56, p = 0.015) compared to controls. There were no group differences in baseline gamma power, transient or sustained gamma frequency, alpha band responses or pattern onset visual-evoked responses.

Conclusions.

Gamma power is increased in remitted SABP, which reflects an abnormality in the cortical inhibitory-excitatory balance. Although an interaction between gamma power and medication can not be ruled out, there were no group differences in evoked responses or baseline measures. Further work is needed in other clinical populations and at-risk relatives. Pharmaco-magnetoencephalography studies will help to elucidate the specific GABA and glutamate pathways affected.
From restoration to unification: legitimacy and loyalty in the writings of Xu Xuan (917–992)
Authors: Woolley Nathan
Published: August 2014

Works produced by Xu Xuan, a Chinese scholar-official of the tenth century, on either side of the Southern Tang–Song divide reveal the challenges on the issue of loyalty he faced in serving more than one state. Xu's works suggest that a personal transfer of service brought complications for any official seeking to write about the past, but these could be addressed according to context. Under the Song, the requirements of the new orthodoxy forced compromises and concessions in the sentiments he expressed, but he was still able to maintain reverence for the Southern Tang and its achievements.
‘People here speak five languages!’: The reindexicalization of minority language practice among Carinthian Slovenes in Vienna, Austria
Authors: Weichselbraun Anna
Published: August 2014

This article investigates the transformation of minority language practice in the light of changing European language ideologies. Following a group of young Carinthian Slovenes from their rural hometowns to the capital of Vienna, this article analyzes their metadiscursive commentary about place and language in order to show how local language ideologies structure the indexical orders under which these individuals learn to assign meaning to linguistic practice. The data I present illustrates that these young members of a rurally stigmatized linguistic minority experience a transformation of their language-associated personhood in Vienna. There, their bilingualism allows them to be cosmopolitan participants in a European vision of mobile multilingual citizenship, while simultaneously troubling the language hierarchies erased by European language ideologies. (Linguistic minority, language ideology, indexical order, chronotopes, multilingualism, Carinthian Slovenes, Austria, Europe)
A novel approach for representing and generalising periodic gaits
Authors: Lin Hsiu-Chin , Howard Matthew , Vijayakumar Sethu
Published: August 2014

Our goal is to introduce a more appropriate method of representing, generalising and comparing gaits; particularly, walking gait. Human walking gaits are a result of complex, interdependent factors that include variations resulting from embodiments, environment and tasks, making techniques that use average template frameworks suboptimal for systematic analysis or corrective interventions. The proposed work aims to devise methodologies for being able to represent gaits and gait transitions such that optimal policies that eliminate the inter-personal variations from tasks and embodiments may be recovered. Our approach is built upon (i) work in the domain of nullspace policy recovery and (ii) previous work in generalisation for point-to-point movements. The problem is formalised using a walking-phase model, and the nullspace learning method is used to generalise a consistent policy from multiple observations with rich variations. Once recovered, the underlying policies (mapped to different gait phases) can serve as reference guideline to quantify and identify pathological gaits while being robust against interpersonal and task variations. To validate our methods, we have demonstrated robustness of our method with simulated sagittal two-link gait data with multiple ground truth constraints and policies. Pathological gait identification was then tested on real-world human gait data with induced gait abnormality, with the proposed method showing significant robustness to variations in speed and embodiment compared to template-based methods. Future work will extend this to kinetic features and higher dimensional features.
Mobility analysis and kinematic synthesis of a novel 4-DoF parallel manipulator
Authors: Dong Gang , Sun Tao , Song Yimin , Gao Hao , Lian Binbin
Published: August 2014

This paper proposes a novel parallel manipulator with 1 translational and 3 rotational degrees of freedom, which may be designed as the docking equipment for large-scale component assemblage in the aircraft industry. First, the mobility and kinematic analysis of the novel manipulator is performed using the screw theory and the closed-loop vector method. To evaluate the kinematic performance of the manipulator, its workspace is calculated, and the dimensional homogeneous Jacobian matrix of this manipulator is deduced. Mainly based on a nonlinear programming approach, the kinematic dimensional synthesis is performed to optimise the dimensional parameters of this novel parallel manipulator in a prescribed workspace. The results of this paper may lay a solid foundation for the prototype design and manufacture of the novel parallel manipulator.
Synthesis and characterization of a new trimetallic compound (NH4)Ni2.4Co0.6O(OH)(MoO4)2•1.5H2O
Authors: Amaya Sandra , Arboleda Johana , Echavarría Adriana
Published: August 2014

A new trimetallic compound with formula (NH4)Ni2.4Co0.6O(OH)(MoO4)2•1.5H2O was obtained by hydrothermal synthesis. The solid was characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis), Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, Laser Raman spectroscopy, and chemical analysis by atomic absorption, confirming the formation of the layered phase ϕy. Crystallographic studies showed that the compound obtained is trigonal with hexagonal unit-cell parameters, a = 6.0468 ± 0.0016 Å and c = 21.8433 ± 0.0001 Å, and space group R-3m.
Parliamentary Report
Authors: Cranmer Frank
Published: August 2014

The Charities (Annual Return) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2014, which came into force on 1 April 2014, outline the information that charities operating in Northern Ireland and registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland (CCNI) must provide in their interim annual report for the accounting period starting on or after 1 April 2014. Until now, charities in Northern Ireland have not been required to submit annual monitoring returns or accounts and reports to CCNI; however, with the start of compulsory registration of charities, annual reporting is gradually being introduced.
The Fifteenth Colloquium of Anglican and Roman Catholic Canon Lawyers
Authors: Ombres Robert
Published: August 2014

The latest colloquium took place in London, and had as its theme ‘Counsel and Consent’, a clear echo of Eric Kemp's book of that title. On the Anglican side, the participants were Will Adam, Norman Doe, Mark Hill QC (in whose Inner Temple chambers we met), Anthony Jeremy and Stephen Slack. The Roman Catholic canonists were Andrew Cole, James Conn SJ, Fintan Gavin, Aidan McGrath OFM and Robert Ombres OP.
Anthropometry and body composition of vertically HIV-infected children and adolescents under therapy with and without protease inhibitors
Authors: dos Reis Lígia Cardoso , de Carvalho Rondó Patrícia Helen , de Sousa Marques Heloisa Helena , José Segri Neuber
Published: August 2014

Objective

Although the benefits of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) have been documented, it is thought to be associated to disturbances in nutritional status. These disturbances may occur early in life and are poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between anthropometric parameters and body composition of perinatally HIV-infected children and adolescents under HAART, according to use and non-use of protease inhibitors.

Design

Cross-sectional study undertaken between August and December 2007. Demographic, socio-economic, clinical and anthropometric data were collected from the patients. Theχ2test, Wilcoxon rank sum test (Mann–Whitney) andttest were used to compare the following variables between users and non-users of protease inhibitors: age, gender, per capita income, HAART exposure, antiretroviral therapy adopted in the last three years, CD4 count, viral load, pubertal stage, nutritional status (BMI-for-age, height-for-age, waist and neck circumferences, triceps skinfold thickness, body fat percentage, upper-arm fat area and upper-arm muscle area).

Setting

An HIV/AIDS out-patient clinic, São Paulo, Brazil.

Subjects

One hundred and fifteen patients (children and adolescents aged 6–19 years).

Results

Protease inhibitors users had a higher prevalence of stunting (P=0·03), lower BMI (P=0·03) and lower percentage of body fat (P=0·05) compared with non-users. There was no statistically significant difference between the HAART regimens and measurements of fat adiposity.

Conclusions

The findings of the study suggest that children and adolescents under protease inhibitors are at higher risk of growth and development deviations, but not at risk of body fat redistribution.
Checking termination of bottom-up evaluation of logic programs with function symbols
Authors: CALAUTTI MARCO , GRECO SERGIO , SPEZZANO FRANCESCA , TRUBITSYNA IRINA
Published: August 2014

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in the bottom-up evaluation of the semantics of logic programs with complex terms. The presence of function symbols in the program may render the ground instantiation infinite, and finiteness of models and termination of the evaluation procedure, in the general case, are not guaranteed anymore. Since the program termination problem is undecidable in the general case, several decidable criteria (called program termination criteria) have been recently proposed. However, current conditions are not able to identify even simple programs, whose bottom-up execution always terminates. The paper introduces new decidable criteria for checking termination of logic programs with function symbols under bottom-up evaluation, by deeply analyzing the program structure. First, we analyze the propagation of complex terms among arguments by means of the extended version of the argument graph calledpropagation graph. The resulting criterion, calledacyclicity, generalizes most of the decidable criteria proposed so far. Next, we study how rules may activate each other and define a more powerful criterion, calledsafety. This criterion uses the so-calledsafety functionable to analyze how rules may activate each other and how the presence of some arguments in a rule limits its activation. We also study the application of the proposed criteria to bound queries and show that the safety criterion is well-suited to identify relevant classes of programs and bound queries. Finally, we propose a hierarchy of classes of terminating programs, calledk-safety, where thek-safe class strictly includes the (k-1)-safe class.
Uncertainty, judgment, and the theory of the firm
Authors: HALLBERG NIKLAS L.
Published: August 2014

The effects of a truly uncertain future are more far-reaching than what has traditionally been assumed in transaction cost economics (TCE). Uncertain governance choices require that agents exercise judgment in the absence of other means of estimating the payoffs associated with complex combinations of transaction attributes, contractual contingencies, and governance structures. Judgments are made on an experimental basis to incrementally improve actors’ heterogeneous cognitive representations of the contractual landscape. I argue that uncertain governance choices are subject to specific decision-biases that interact with the potentially corrective function of current organization and asymmetries in actors’ access to decision-supporting systems. These asymmetries may affect the contracting parties’ preferences over differential governance structures. Specifically, by overestimating individual unbiased rationality and disregarding how access to decision-supporting systems may affect governance choice, TCE runs the risk of underestimating the degree of vertical integration in actual firms.
Wideband suppression of spurious response for microstrip filters based on coupled lines of incommensurate lengths
Authors: Lee Sang-Ho , Yoon Hobyung , Ha Jungje , Lee Yongshik
Published: August 2014

This work demonstrates design methods that can achieve remarkable enhancement in the stopband response of microstrip coupled-line filters. The frequencies of resonance and/or the transmission zeros of a coupled-line section can be controlled by its length. Therefore, by constructing a filter with coupled lines of incommensurate lengths such that these frequencies do not overlap, substantial improvement in the stopband response can be obtained. Besides its compact structure and simple design procedure, an unprecedented performance is demonstrated experimentally in which the transmission level is maintained below −20 dB up to as high as 11.9 f0 for a third-order filter, where f0 is the center frequency.
Design and development of Ka-band carrier generator for IRS applications
Authors: Pandit Vabya Kumar , Ramamurthy Chitra , Basu Sourabh , Ingale Deepak V.
Published: August 2014

A Ka-band carrier generator using phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizer is presented in this paper. The design uses integer-N PLL chip PE83336 as the important hardware support. The key idea of generating Ka-band frequency signal with low-phase noise is to generate a high-quality X-band frequency signal using PLL frequency synthesizer and employ a frequency multiplier to deliver the high-frequency output at the desired frequency band. Experimental measurements of the frequency synthesizer demonstrate the excellent performance, which is achieved with the Ka-band output with a frequency resolution of 5.7 MHz and phase noise better than −70 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz.
Ultra wideband matching network design for a V-shaped square planar monopole antenna
Authors: Köprü Ramazan , Kilinç Sedat , Aydin Çağatay , Atilla Doğu Çağdaş , Karakuş Cahit , Yarman Binboğa Siddik
Published: August 2014

In this paper, design, manufacture, and measurement of a wideband matching network for a broadband V-shaped square planar monopole antenna (V-SPMA) is presented. Matching network design is unavoidable in most cases even vital to facilitate a maximally flat power transfer gain for an antenna. In the work, a bandpass matching network (BPMN) design is done for a particular square monopole antenna with V-shaped coupling element that has essentially bandwidth increasing effect. Designed BPMN and the antenna forms a VSPMA–BPMN matched antenna structure. “real frequency technique” is employed in the BPMN design. BPMN prototype circuit has been constructed on an FR4 laminate with commercial microwave chip inductors and capacitors. Vector network analyzer gain and reflectance measurements of the matched antenna structure have shown highly compatible results to those of the theoretical design simulations along the passband (~0.8–4.7 GHz). Furthermore, newly proposed distributed capacitor–resistor lossy model for microstrip lines used in the BPMN circuit have exhibited that it can successfully mimic the measured gain and reflectance performance of the matched structure in passband and even in stopband upto 8 GHz. Designed structure can be utilized as a one single wideband broadcasting medium suitable for many communication standards such as GSM, 3G, and Wi-Fi.
Psychophysische Auswirkungen von akuter körperlicher Belastung im Kontext Schule
Authors: Wegner Mirko , Windisch Claudia , Budde Henning
Published: August 2014

Akute körperliche Belastung im mittleren Intensitätsbereich kann kognitive Leistungen verbessern. Dies ist ein weiteres Argument, Sport und Bewegung vermehrt in den Schulalltag zu integrieren. Wenig ist jedoch über den zugrunde liegenden Wirkmechanismus bekannt. Die zentrale Annahme dieses Überblicksartikels ist, dass durch akute körperliche Belastung kognitive Fähigkeiten verbessert werden und gleichzeitig die Ausschüttung von Steroidhormonen verändert wird, sodass diese veränderte Hormonkonzentration die kognitive Leistung mit beeinflusst. Befunde zum Zusammenhang von körperlicher Belastung und kognitiver Leistung sowie Steroidhormonen stützen sich häufig auf Daten von Erwachsenen. Aus diesem Grund sollen neuere Studien mit Kindern und Jugendlichen vorgestellt werden, die den Forschungsstand im Wirkdreieck akute körperliche Belastung – kognitive Leistung – Steroidhormonkonzentration sinnvoll ergänzen. Für die Schule können die Ergebnisse dieser Forschung wichtige Hinweise für die Organisation des Schulalltags geben und Möglichkeiten für die Umsetzung von bewegten Pausen aufzeigen.
Assessing Suicide Attempts and Depression Among Chinese Speakers Over the Internet
Authors: Liu Nancy H. , Contreras Omar , Muñoz Ricardo F. , Leykin Yan
Published: August 2014

Background: In populations where mental health resources are scarce or unavailable, or where stigma prevents help-seeking, the Internet may be a way to identify and reach at-risk persons using self-report validated screening tools as well as to characterize individuals seeking health information online. Aims: We examined the feasibility of delivering an Internet-based Chinese-language depression and suicide screener and described its users. Method: An Internet-based depression and suicide screener was created and advertised primarily through Google AdWords. Participants completed a suicide and depression screening measure and received individualized feedback, which, if necessary, included the suggestion to seek additional mental health resources. Results: In 7 months, 11,631 individuals visited the site; 4,709 provided valid information. Nearly half reported a current major depressive episode (MDE) and 18.3% a recent suicide attempt; however, over 75% reported never having sought help, including 77.7% of those with MDEs and 75.9% of those reporting a suicide attempt. As participants found the site by searching for depression information online, results may not generalize to the entire Chinese-speaking population. Conclusion: Online screening can feasibly identify and reach many at-risk Chinese-speaking persons. It may provide resources to those with limited access to services or to those reluctant to seek such services.
A Systematic Review of Evaluated Suicide Prevention Programs Targeting Indigenous Youth
Authors: Harlow Alyssa F. , Bohanna India , Clough Alan
Published: August 2014

Background: Indigenous young people have significantly higher suicide rates than their non-indigenous counterparts. There is a need for culturally appropriate and effective suicide prevention programs for this demographic. Aims: This review assesses suicide prevention programs that have been evaluated for indigenous youth in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. Method: The databases MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched for publications on suicide prevention programs targeting indigenous youth that include reports on evaluations and outcomes. Program content, indigenous involvement, evaluation design, program implementation, and outcomes were assessed for each article. Results: The search yielded 229 articles; 90 abstracts were assessed, and 11 articles describing nine programs were reviewed. Two Australian programs and seven American programs were included. Programs were culturally tailored, flexible, and incorporated multiple-levels of prevention. No randomized controlled trials were found, and many programs employed ad hoc evaluations, poor program description, and no process evaluation. Conclusion: Despite culturally appropriate content, the results of the review indicate that more controlled study designs using planned evaluations and valid outcome measures are needed in research on indigenous youth suicide prevention. Such changes may positively influence the future of research on indigenous youth suicide prevention as the outcomes and efficacy will be more reliable.
Invertebrate extracellular phagocyte traps show that chromatin is an ancient defence weapon
Authors: Robb Calum T. , Dyrynda Elisabeth A. , Gray Robert D. , Rossi Adriano G. , Smith Valerie J.
Published: August 2014

Controlled release of chromatin from the nuclei of inflammatory cells is a process that entraps and kills microorganisms in the extracellular environment. Now termed ETosis, it is important for innate immunity in vertebrates. Paradoxically, however, in mammals, it can also contribute to certain pathologies. Here we show that ETosis occurs in several invertebrate species, including, remarkably, an acoelomate. Our findings reveal that the phenomenon is primordial and predates the evolution of the coelom. In invertebrates, the released chromatin participates in defence not only by ensnaring microorganisms and externalizing antibacterial histones together with other haemocyte-derived defence factors, but crucially, also provides the scaffold on which intact haemocytes assemble during encapsulation; a response that sequesters and kills potential pathogens infecting the body cavity. This insight into the early origin of ETosis identifies it as a very ancient process that helps explain some of its detrimental effects in mammals.
Interaction Between Domperidone and Ketoconazole: Toward Prediction of Consequent QTc Prolongation Using Purely In Vitro Information
Authors: Mishra H , Polak S , Jamei M , Rostami‐Hodjegan A
Published: August 2014

We aimed to investigate the application of combined mechanistic pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) modeling and simulation in predicting the domperidone (DOM) triggered pseudo‐electrocardiogram modification in the presence of a CYP3A inhibitor, ketoconazole (KETO), using in vitro–in vivo extrapolation. In vitro metabolic and inhibitory data were incorporated into physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models within Simcyp to simulate time course of plasma DOM and KETO concentrations when administered alone or in combination with KETO (DOM+KETO). Simulated DOM concentrations in plasma were used to predict changes in gender‐specific QTcF (Fridericia correction) intervals within the Cardiac Safety Simulator platform taking into consideration DOM, KETO, and DOM+KETO triggered inhibition of multiple ionic currents in population. Combination of in vitro–in vivo extrapolation, PBPK, and systems pharmacology of electric currents in the heart was able to predict the direction and magnitude of PK and PD changes under coadministration of the two drugs although some disparities were detected.

CPT Pharmacometrics Syst. Pharmacol. (2014) 3, e130; doi:10.1038/psp.2014.26; published online 13 August 2014
Modeling and Simulation of Count Data
Authors: Plan EL
Published: August 2014

Count data, or number of events per time interval, are discrete data arising from repeated time to event observations. Their mean count, or piecewise constant event rate, can be evaluated by discrete probability distributions from the Poisson model family. Clinical trial data characterization often involves population count analysis. This tutorial presents the basics and diagnostics of count modeling and simulation in the context of pharmacometrics. Consideration is given to overdispersion, underdispersion, autocorrelation, and inhomogeneity.

CPT Pharmacometrics Syst. Pharmacol. (2014) 3, e129; doi:10.1038/psp.2014.27; published online 13 August 2014
Drastic change in China's lakes and reservoirs over the past decades
Authors: Yang Xiankun , Lu Xixi
Published: August 2014

Using remote sensing images, we provided the first complete picture of freshwater bodies in mainland China. We mapped 89,700 reservoirs, covering about 26,870 km2 and approximately 185,000 lakes with a surface area of about 82,232 km2. Despite relatively small surface area, the total estimated storage capacity of reservoirs (794 km3) is triple that of lakes (268 km3). Further analysis indicates that reservoir construction has made the river systems strongly regulated: only 6% of the assessed river basins are free-flowing; 20% of assessed river basins have enough cumulative reservoir capacity to store more than the entire annual river flow. Despite the existence of 2,721 lakes greater than 1 km2, we found that about 50 lakes greater than km2 have formed on the Tibetan Plateau resulting from climate change. More than 350 lakes of ≥1 km2 vanished in four other major lake regions. Although the disappearance of lakes happened in the context of global climate change, it principally reflects the severe anthropogenic impacts on natural lakes, such as, the excessive plundering of water resources on the Inner Mongolia-Xinjiang Plateau and serious destruction (land reclamation and urbanization) on the eastern plains.
Changing ligand number and type within nanocylindrical domains through kinetically constrained self-assembly – impacts of ligand ‘redundancy’ on human mesenchymal stem cell adhesion and morphology
Authors: Li Haiqing , Cooper-White Justin J.
Published: August 2014

In this paper, we firstly describe a facile method by which sequential attachment of different adhesion peptides to a nanotopographical, self-assembled block copolymer cell culture surface is made possible through orthogonal click chemistry.
Ligand capture and activation of human platelets at monolayer modified gold surfaces
Authors: Adamson Kellie , Spain Elaine , Prendergast Una , Forster Robert J. , Moran Niamh , Keyes Tia E.
Published: August 2014

The effect of RGD peptides, alkane and PEG in self assembled mixed monolayers on gold on platelet adhesion and activation is explored.
An efficient one-pot strategy for the highly regioselective metal-free synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles
Authors: Ali Akbar , Corrêa Arlene G. , Alves Diego , Zukerman-Schpector Julio , Westermann Bernhard , Ferreira Marco A. B. , Paixão Márcio W.
Published: August 2014

A simple and efficient metal-free methodology for the regioselective synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles by applying a novel inverse electron-demand-1,3-dipolar cycloaddition approach has been developed.
Investigating the ring expansion reaction of pentaphenylborole and an azide
Authors: Couchman Shannon A. , Thompson Trevor K. , Wilson David J. D. , Dutton Jason L. , Martin Caleb D.
Published: August 2014

The reaction between trimethylsilyl azide and pentaphenylborole was further investigated theoretically and experimentally to shed light on the mechanism to form the 1,2-azaborine.