bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of dyslipidemias in controlled & uncontrolled type ii diabetics
Authors: Amer Wasim , Zafar Shamail , Majrooh Ashraf
Published: June 2016

There were two groups of 60 patients each, comprising controlled and uncontrolled patients, depending on their HbA1c levels. All the patients had their lipid profiles checked after a overnight fast. All lipid fractions were found to be deranged in both the groups, more so in the patients with uncontrolled diabetes. It was concluded that dyslipidemias are common in diabetics. The abnormal lipid values though improve with good control of diabetes, but do not reach normal state.
Association of ABO, Rh blood groups systems with lipids and other anthropometric co variables as predictors of cardiovascular risk in NWFP, Pakistan
Authors: Alam Shamim , Haq Ihteshamul
Published: June 2016

Aims and Objects: The present study was carried out to find the possibility of association of lipid profile with ABO/Rh blood groups and other anthropometric co- variables as cardiovascular risk. Material and Methods: A community-based investigation was carried out on lipid profiles and blood groups of selected population of rural and urban areas of Peshawar. NWFP on total of 1304 subjects out of which 548 were females and 756 were males. Age ranged from 16-75 years. Due emphasis was laid in the study on anthropometric parameters (age, height, body weight and body mass index) blood pressure and dietary parameters. Results: Blood grouping revealed distribution of various blood groups in the order of their predominance being B>O>A>AB. The Rh- positive subjects were 94.6% of the total. Sex wise analysis of anthropometric data, blood pressure including pulse rate and lipid profiles prior to partitioning by Rh factor revealed only sporadic significant differences among the various ABO blood phenotypes. When the ABO phenotypes were partitioned according to Rh factor and gender, substantially more significant Rh factor associated differences were seen among the ABO phenotypes. Conclusion: Most of the lipid profile parameters for the sample do not provide enough evidence of hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular risk. The A and A B Phenotypes show lesser long term risk if any. The B and 0 phenotypes have relatively higher tendency of adverse lipid/lipoprotein metabolism and hence invite greater attention from therapeutic point of view. There is no evidence of predisposition of phenotype A as a co marker of risk of cardiovascular disorders.
Comparison between single dose versus seven days metronidazole therapy in treatment of trichomonas vaginalis vaginitis
Authors: Anwar Shaila , Shami Nabeela , Asif Shaheena
Published: June 2016

Comparison between single dose use of metronidazole versus seven days therapy in the treatment of trichomonas vaginalis infection. Design and Setting: A one year study from September 2002 to August 2003 conducted at Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital attached with Lahore Medical & Dental College, Lahore. The total number of patients included are 109. Main Outcome Measure: Comparative treatment results of single dose versus 7 days therapy of metronidazole in treatment of trichomonas vaginalis. Results: 54 patients received metronidazole for 7 days. 51(94.44%) were free of infection. 3 did not respond to treatment and were retreated in the same way. 55 patients received 3 gm single dose treatment. 53% (96.36%) were free of infection while 3 patients required repeat treatment. Conclusions: Single dose treatment is an acceptable option with few side effects and better compliance.
Salivary gland tumours - a three years experience at King Edward Medical College, Lahore
Authors: Qureshi Asmaa , Rehman Khalilur , Husain Sohail , Khawaja Nasirul Hasan , Qureshi Ghulam Rasood , I A Naveed
Published: June 2016

Salivary gland tumours make an important part of oral & maxillofacial pathology. Only few studies have been done in Pakistani population. The aim of this study was to describe morphological types of salivary gland tumours diagnosed at King Edward Medical College/ Mayo Hospital, Lahore during the years 1999-2001 and to compare their demographic data with those previously published. Material & Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at King Edward Medical College/ Mayo Hospital, Lahore. It reports 117 cases of salivary gland tumours diagnosed at Pathology Department during 1999-2001. Results: Of the 128 specimens of salivary glands, 117(91.4%) were confirmed as salivary neoplasms. Out of them, 62.7% were benign and 37.6% malignant and a slight female predominance (58.1%) was found. The most common location was the parotid gland (65.8%) followed by minor salivary glands (19.6%). Majority oft he t tumours was diagnosed during 3rd to 5 decades of life. Median age for benign tumours was 33 years (range 1-78) and a female predominance (58.9%) was seen again. Median age for malignant neoplasms was 45 years (range 9-70) with a female predilection ( 56.8%). However, 4 out o f 5 patients with Warthin`s tumour were men. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most frequent tumour (51.3%), followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma (25.6%), adenoid cystic carcinoma (7.7)), Warthin`s tumour (4.3%) and monomorphic adenoma (2.6%). Two cases each of oncytoma & adenocarcinoma were recorded. Rare categories (single case each) of salivary tumours included lipoma, acinic cell carcinoma, basal cell adenoma, capillary haemangioma, metastatic carcinoma and non Hodgkin`s lymphoma. Conclusion: The principal site of salivary tumours was the parotid gland and females were most affected. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most frequent finding. The results of this study are comparable with other studies.
Possible impacts of the Poyang Lake (China) hydraulic project on lake hydrology and hydrodynamics
Authors: Lai Geying , Wang Peng , Li Lin
Published: June 2016

Flow regime change is the leading driving force in the evolution of lacustrine ecological systems. According to the planned water level regulation scheme of the Poyang Lake hydraulic project (PLHP), this research discusses the possible impacts of PLHP on the hydrology and hydrodynamics of Poyang Lake (China) using the method of scenario simulation. The results show that a controlled water level of 11 m would effectively raise the average water level during the low-flow period of the lake in a typical dry year, normal year, and wet year, leading to the decrease of flow velocity in the lake. Those changes were more obvious in regions to the north of Tangyin, especially in the waterway of Poyang Lake into the Yangtze River. The flow field to the north of Tangyin under the scenario with the PLHP was apparently different from that under the scenario without PLHP. Furthermore, the PLHP had a significant impact on the water exchange period of the lake due to the increase in the water storage capacity and the reduction of flow velocity. These results can provide support for further quantitative analysis of water quality and the evolution of ecological systems in the lake affected by the PLHP.
Modelling trade and climate change policy: a strategic framework for global environmental negotiators
Authors: Ahmed Khalid , Ahmed Naveed , Shahbaz Muhammad , Ozturk Ilhan , Long Wei
Published: June 2016

In the past, failure of trade–climate talks might have created negative signs, but international trade actually induces more participation and helps to attain joint agreement. Carbon permit trading has a key role to play in the abatement process. Participation in global multilateral negotiations and a country's self-interest with respect to entering an abatement process depends upon either the scale of climate change damage or the punishment level that affects its economy. Thus, this study assumes N good cases for countries that have substantial emission levels. We analyse the change in utility function through a business-as-usual scenario for both group and individual country levels. The model designed in this study examines the data on emissions and gross domestic product (GDP) for selected developing and developed countries and the rest of the world. The data calibrations are similar to the previous studies. However, this study extends the model to a strategic level at which countries can choose coalition partners to undertake abatement for mutual benefits, considering the terms of trade. The results possess strong trade–environment policy options and help them to reach certain multilateral agreement.
Adsorption of cefixime from aqueous solutions using modified hardened paste of Portland cement by perlite; optimization by Taguchi method
Authors: Rasoulifard Mohammad Hossein , Khanmohammadi Soghra , Heidari Azam
Published: June 2016

In the present study, we have used a simple and cost-effective removal technique by a commercially available Fe-Al-SiO2 containing complex material (hardened paste of Portland cement (HPPC)). The adsorbing performance of HPPC and modified HPPC with perlite for removal of cefixime from aqueous solutions was investigated comparatively by using batch adsorption studies. HPPC has been selected because of the main advantages such as high efficiency, simple separation of sludge, low-cost and abundant availability. A Taguchi orthogonal array experimental design with an OA16 (45) matrix was employed to optimize the affecting factors of adsorbate concentration, adsorbent dosage, type of adsorbent, contact time and pH. On the basis of equilibrium adsorption data, Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin adsorption isotherm models were also confirmed. The results showed that HPPC and modified HPPC were both efficient adsorbents for cefixime removal.
Management of pharmaceutical substances in the environment: Lithuanian case study
Authors: Baranauskaitė-Fedorova Inga , Dvarionienė Jolanta , Nikiforov Vladimir A.
Published: June 2016

Investigation on the sources, discharges and related risks for the environment of the pharmaceutical substance (PhS) diclofenac (DCF) was performed in Lithuania, a country of the Baltic Sea region, for the first time. The investigation only refers to DCF as a PhS for human use; emissions from animal husbandry were not considered. In the first stage of the research, the main sources and pathways of DCF via substance flow analysis were identified within the country. During the second stage, DCF flows along the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in two different cities were measured in order to assess the current levels of pharmaceutical residues in the environment. Furthermore, environmental risk assessment was carried out by taking into account the parameters of consumption data and elimination rate in WWTPs. Then, the assessment of different technical and managerial removal approaches was accomplished in an environmental management model of wastewater containing PhS, based on the framework of environmental systems theory.
Fuzzy stochastic inventory model for deteriorating item
Authors: Waliv Rahul , Umap Hemant
Published: June 2016

A multi item profit maximization inventory model is developed in fuzzy
stochastic environment. Demand is taken as Stock dependent demand. Available
storage space is assumed to be imprecise and vague in nature. Impreciseness
has been expressed by linear membership function. Purchasing cost and
investment constraint are considered to be random and their randomness is
expressed by normal distribution. The model has been formulated as a fuzzy
stochastic programming problem and reduced to corresponding equivalent fuzzy
linear programming problem. The model has been solved by using fuzzy linear
programming technique and illustrated numerically.
Risk factors for small pharyngeal airway dimensions in preorthodontic children: A three-dimensional study
Authors: Anandarajah Seerone , Dudhia Raahib , Sandham Andrew , Sonnesen Liselotte
Published: June 2016

Objective: To analyze which parameters, gathered from standard orthodontic diagnostic material, were most relevant for identifying small pharyngeal airway dimensions in preorthodontic children.

Materials and Methods: The sample was composed of 105 cone beam computed tomography scans of healthy preorthodontic children (44 boys, 61 girls; mean age, 10.7 ± 2.4 years). Airway volume and minimal cross-sectional area were three-dimensionally assessed. Cephalometric features and skeletal maturity were assessed on generated two-dimensional cephalograms. Associations were analyzed and adjusted for age, gender, and skeletal maturity by multiple regression analyses.

Results: Airway volume and minimal cross-sectional area were significantly smaller in prepubertal children (P < .001, P < .05, respectively) and positively associated with age (P < .001, P < .01, respectively). After adjustment of age, skeletal maturity and gender significant associations were found between pharyngeal airway dimensions and craniofacial morphology. Airway volume was positively associated with maxillary and mandibular width (P < .01; P < .001, respectively) and anterior face height (P < .05; P < .05, respectively). Minimal cross-sectional area was positively associated with maxillary and mandibular width (P < .01; P < .001, respectively) and negatively associated with sagittal jaw relationship (AnPg, P < .05). Mandibular width and age were the most relevant factors for airway volume (r2 = 0.36). Mandibular width and sagittal jaw relationship were the most relevant factors for minimal cross-sectional area (r2 = 0.16).

Conclusion: Pharyngeal airway dimensions were significantly associated with age, skeletal maturity, and craniofacial morphology in all three planes. Children with a reduced mandibular width and increased sagittal jaw relationship are particularly at risk of having small pharyngeal airway dimensions.
A retrospective survey of the causes of bracket- and tube-bonding failures
Authors: Roelofs Tom , Merkens Nico , Roelofs Jeroen , Bronkhorst Ewald , Breuning Hero
Published: June 2016

Objective: To investigate the causes of bonding failures of orthodontic brackets and tubes and the effect of premedicating for saliva reduction.

Materials and Methods: Premedication with atropine sulfate was administered randomly. Failure rate of brackets and tubes placed in a group of 158 consecutive patients was evaluated after a mean period of 67 weeks after bonding.

Results: The failure rate in the group without atropine sulfate premedication was 2.4%. In the group with premedication, the failure rate was 2.7%. The Cox regression analysis of these groups showed that atropine application did not lead to a reduction in bond failures. Statistically significant differences in the hazard ratio were found for the bracket regions and for the dental assistants who prepared for the bonding procedure.

Conclusions: Premedication did not lead to fewer bracket failures. The roles of the dental assistant and patient in preventing failures was relevant. A significantly higher failure rate for orthodontic appliances was found in the posterior regions.
The predictability of transverse changes with Invisalign
Authors: Houle Jean-Philippe , Piedade Luis , Todescan Reynaldo , Pinheiro Fabio H. S. L
Published: June 2016

Objectives: To investigate the predictability of arch expansion using Invisalign.

Materials and Methods: Sixty-four adult white patients were selected to be part of this retrospective study. Pre- and posttreatment digital models created from an iTero scan were obtained from a single orthodontist practitioner. Digital models from Clincheck were also obtained from Align Technology. Linear values of upper and lower arch widths were measured for canines, premolars, and first molars at two different points: lingual gingival margins and cusp tips. A paired t-test was used to compare expansion planned on Clincheck with the posttreatment measurements. Variance ratio tests were used to determine if a larger change planned was associated with larger error.

Results: For every maxillary measurement, there was a statistically significant difference between Clincheck and final outcome (P < .05), with prediction worsening toward the posterior region of the arch. For the lower arch measurements at the gingival margin, there was a statistically significant difference between the Clincheck planned expansion and the final outcome (P < .05). Points measured at the cusp tips of the lower arch teeth showed nonstatistically significant differences between Clincheck prediction and the final outcome (P > .05). Variance ratios for upper and lower arches were significant (P < .05).

Conclusions: The mean accuracy of expansion planned with Invisalign for the maxilla was 72.8%. The lower arch presented an overall accuracy of 87.7%. Clincheck overestimates expansion by body movement; more tipping is observed. Overcorrection of expansion in the posterior region of the maxillary arch seems appropriate.
TameTire: Introduction to the Model
Authors: Pearson Matthew , Blanco-Hague Oliver , Pawlowski Ryan
Published: June 2016

Tire modeling is an ever-growing area of interest for vehicles as more efficient development processes are desired in terms of time and resources. Vehicle simulations offer an opportunity for development teams to predict tire and vehicle performance before the construction of a physical prototype. Michelin has identified the need for more robust and accurate tire models that can be used for such simulations to give an accurate description of the transient mechanical and thermal behavior of a tire. Rubber's viscous and elastic properties are heavily dependent on their thermal state; when this effect is not modeled, it results in mathematical tire models that insufficiently predict tire performance. TameTire aims to fill this void for a broad range of maneuvers, track characteristics, and operating conditions based on the ability to predict tire forces and moments with physically based parameters. Some physical characteristics contained within a TameTire model include contact patch dimensions, tread, sidewall and belt stiffnesses, and rubber compound properties. Empirical tire models for handling have limited representation of tire physical properties due to the dependence on the measurement protocol and lack of identification of the thermal state of the tire. TameTire's advance modeling techniques include capturing a tire's thermal effects, thereby allowing for a more accurate and thorough analysis of tires behavior while being physically based (e.g., parameters for stiffness, rubber properties) and allowing the model to be grounded in the actual physics of a tire operating.
Ocular Blood Flow Alterations during Inferior Turbinate Radiofrequency Reduction under Local Anesthesia
Authors: Doğan Sedat , Şimşek Ali , Bayraktar Cem , Yazıcı Haşmet , Sarıkaya Yasin , Karataş Mehmet , Karadağ Ayşe Sevgi , Çapkın Musa
Published: June 2016

Background

Ocular blood flow alterations and blindness are uncommon and less-known adverse effects of nasal local anesthetic infiltrations. Our aim was to investigate ocular blood flow alterations during radiofrequency (RF) tissue reduction of inferior turbinates with the patient under local anesthesia by using a noninvasive method with optical coherence tomography.

Methods

A total of 120 patients with inferior turbinate hypertrophy were prospectively randomized into two groups. In group 1, a total of 61 patients underwent RF tissue reduction while under local anesthesia with epinephrine. In group 2, a total of 59 patients underwent RF tissue reduction of inferior turbinates while under local anesthesia without epinephrine. Optical coherence tomography measurements were performed before surgery and at 5, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes after local anesthetic infiltration.

Results

Choroid thickness measurements decreased gradually after local anesthetic infiltration until 30 minutes and increased to the same plane with the baseline at 60 minutes in group 1 (p < 0.05). In group 2, the choroid thickness measurement was significantly decreased after local anesthetic infiltration at 15 and 45 minutes (p < 0.05). When the choroid thickness measurements were compared between the groups, in group 1 blood flow was significantly lower than in group 2 at 30 minutes (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

We observed a statistically significant reduction in choroid circulation after local anesthetic with epinephrine infiltration into inferior turbinates. Otolaryngologists should be careful after local anesthetic infiltration, and monitor the vision. Further studies with larger series would be needed to discuss safety of local anesthetics.
Geography of College Opportunity
Authors: Hillman Nicholas W.
Published: June 2016

When students choose where to attend college, they often stay in close proximity to home and work. Much of the college choice literature, however, does not engage with the importance of geography in shaping educational destinations. Using county and commuting zone data from various federal sources, this study finds that the number of local colleges varies along lines of race and class. Communities with large Hispanic populations and low educational attainment have the fewest alternatives nearby, while White and Asian communities tend to have more. These can result in education deserts, or places where opportunities richly available for some communities are rare (or even nonexistent) in others.
Biological Timekeeping: The Business of a Blind Watchmaker
Authors: Lloyd David
Published: June 2016

Fundamental understanding of life depends on both structural and functional details at the molecular level. Continually improving means of measurement of spatial and dynamic properties of biochemical constituents and cellular components complement studies of whole organisms. Integration of the interaction of components to provide coherent behaviour depends on highly elaborate orchestration in space and time. Whereas spatial information on a nanometre resolution is available, and fast dynamic analyses provide biochemical reaction rates measured in nanoseconds, functional coordination of the system requires integrated time dependence. While we are well aware of the special complexity of living organisms, appreciation of temporal scales and their organisation in time is still fragmentary. This article summarises current developments in research on biological time on scales from nanoseconds to years, the networks that connect different time domains and the oscillations, rhythms and biological clocks that coordinate and synchronise the complexity of the living state.

“It is the pattern maintained by this homeostasis, which is the touchstone of our personal identity. Our tissues change as we live: the food we eat and the air we breathe become flesh of our flesh, and bone of our bone, and the momentary elements of our flesh and bone pass out of our body every day with our excreta. We are but whirlpools in a river of ever-flowing water. We are not the stuff that abides, but patterns that perpetuate themselves”60.

Wiener, 1954

“What are called structures are slow processes of long duration, functions are quick processes of short duration”61.

Von Bertalanffy, 1952
Femtosecond Studies: Observing Transition States and Other Ultra-Short-Lived Species
Authors: Kemp Terence J.
Published: June 2016

To celebrate 2015 as the ‘International Year of Light’, this article offers a short survey of the progress made since the award of the Nobel Prize of 1999 to Professor Ahmed Zewail for his pioneering work on taking the timescale for observation of light-induced events down to the femtosecond level. Developments have included the extension of studies (i) to larger molecules, leading up to biological systems; (ii) the increased range of detection methods of transient species from the UV-Vis to the infrared region; (iii) the introduction of Raman spectroscopy to augment IR studies; (iv) examination of combination events to supplement dissociation events; (v) the interrogation of transient structures by X-ray absorption spectroscopy; (vi) the study of reactions taking place at solid surfaces.
Beyond the Discovery Void: New Targets for Antibacterial Compounds
Authors: Broughton Claire E. , Van Den Berg Hugo A. , Wemyss Alan M. , Roper David I. , Rodger Alison
Published: June 2016

Antibiotics save many lives, but their efficacy is under threat: overprescription, population growth, and global travel all contribute to the rapid origination and spread of resistant strains. Exacerbating this threat is the fact that no new major classes of antibiotics have been discovered in the last 30 years: this is the “discovery void.” We discuss the traditional molecular targets of antibiotics as well as putative novel targets.
Bacteriophage Endolysins and their Applications
Authors: Ajuebor Jude , McAuliffe Olivia , O'Mahony Jim , Ross R. Paul , Hill Colin , Coffey Aidan
Published: June 2016

Endolysins (lysins) are bacteriophage-encoded enzymes that have evolved to degrade specific bonds within the bacterial cell wall. These enzymes represent a novel class of antibacterial agents against infectious pathogens, especially in light of multidrug-resistant bacteria, which have made antibiotic therapy increasingly redundant. Lysins have been used successfully to eliminate/control bacterial pathogens in various anatomical locations in mouse and other animal models. Engineering tactics have also been successfully applied to improve lysin function. This review discusses the structure and function of lysins. It highlights protein-engineering tactics utilised to improve lysin activity. It also reviews the applications of lysins towards food biopreservation, therapeutics, bioifilm elimination and diagnostics.
A DFT study of solvent effects on the kinetics and mechanism of the [3,3] hetero-Cope rearrangement of 1-butene thiobenzoate
Authors: Khavani Mohammad , Izadyar Mohammad , Rezaeian Mojtaba
Published: June 2016

Quantum chemistry calculations have been applied to investigate the kinetics and mechanism of the hetero-Cope [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement of 1-butene thiobenzoate in the gas phase and different solvents. Of the two proposed mechanisms, concerted and biradical paths, a concerted mechanism with an activation Gibbs free energy of 27 kcal mol–1 was preferred. Based on natural bond orbital analysis, the electronic charge distribution at the transition state was affected by the solvent, through the perturbation in the electronic energy levels. The interaction energy of LpS25 → π*C1–C2 was larger in the solvent which means S25–C1 bond formation is more advanced in solution. C1 atomic charge reduction (0.26 e) and atomic charge increase for the S25 atom (0.23 e) indicated charge transfer from C1 to S25 during transition state formation.
NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles: A Green and Reusable Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Synthesis of Spiro[indole-3,2′-Pyrrole]-2,5′(1H,1′H)-Diones
Authors: Meghyasi Roghaiieh , Safaei-Ghomi Javad , Sharif Mahboubeh A.
Published: June 2016

NiFe2O4 nanoparticles were used as an efficient catalyst for the preparation of spiro[indole-3,2′-pyrrole]-2,5′(1 H,1′ H)-diones by the multi-component condensation reaction of arylamines, acetylenedicarboxylates and isatins under reflux conditions in ethanol.
Approximate analytical solutions of MHD viscous flow
Authors: Awati Vishwanath Basavaraj
Published: June 2016

The paper presents the semi-numerical solution for the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) viscous flow due to a shrinking sheet caused by boundary layer of an incompressible viscous flow. The governing three partial differential equations of momentum equations are reduced into ordinary differential equation (ODE) by using a classical similarity transformation along with appropriate boundary conditions. Both nonlinearity and infinite interval demand novel mathematical tools for their analysis. We use fast converging Dirichlet series and Method of stretching of variables for the solution of these nonlinear differential equations. These methods have the advantages over pure numerical methods for obtaining the derived quantities accurately for various values of the parameters involved at a stretch and also they are valid in much larger parameter domain as compared with  HAM, HPM, ADM and the classical numerical schemes.
Les Chroniques de langage and the Development of Linguistic Purism in Québec
Authors: Walsh Olivia
Published: June 2016

The second half of the twentieth century has seen the emergence in Québec of a number of societies for the protection or promotion of the French language. Since the 1990s, new societies have increasingly been established online, with older ones also creating an online presence. Most of these societies publish journals which appear several times a year. An earlier study (Walsh 2013) has shown that the type of metalanguage used and the major preoccupations reflected by these societies on their websites and in their journals can be seen to reflect a moderately purist attitude (based on the theoretical framework for evaluating and measuring purism outlined by George Thomas 1991). This article presents the results of a similar investigation of a sample of chroniques de langage, columns dealing with questions of language, which appear regularly in journals and newspapers. The content and metalanguage of chroniques from two periods (1880–1889 and 1940–1949) will be compared, to determine whether the current-day purism displayed by Québécois language societies is reflected in an earlier period.
Writing Contemporary Québec: The Quest for an Intertextual Identity in the Work of Roxanne Bouchard
Authors: Bolfek-Radovani Jasmina
Published: June 2016

As the young Québécois author Roxanne Bouchard revealed in a 2010 interview, the search for an ‘identité intertextuelle’ is at the centre of her writing project. In this article, I will begin with a contextualization of the notions of intertextuality and identity within the Canadian francophone and Québécois literary, social and political space. This will be followed by an analysis of two of her novels – Whisky et paraboles (2005) and Nous étions le sel de la mer (2014). I will argue that Bouchard uses the intertextual devices of quotation and plurilingualism to generate space and identity in her novel writing. I will show how Bouchard's first novel gives rise to a tension between the paradigms of survival and rupture, whilst in her latest book she introduces a sociolinguistic dimension to her writing through the immersion of written language in the sounds of Québec's spoken language varieties. I will conclude that Bouchard remains preoccupied with re-writing contemporary rural space in search for a contemporary Québécois cultural identity engaging with orality.
Walking Studies, the Eastern Townships, and William S. Messier's Dixie
Authors: Morgan Ceri
Published: June 2016

This article is part of a project entitled, ‘Heartlands/Pays du cœur’. This aims to offer new critical approaches to Québec's ‘regional’ novel; focusing on representations of rural, semi-rural, exurban and urban spaces and places outside of the province's largest city, Montreal. The article considers material and imaginary geographies of the Eastern Townships in relation to William S. Messier's Dixie (2013). Drawing on theories on walking, it is structured around a walking interview with the author, in which he and I discuss the importance of place in his writing whilst moving through key sites featured within it.
Language Attitudes among Adolescents in Montreal: Potential Lessons for Language Planning in Québec
Authors: Kircher Ruth
Published: June 2016

Over the last four decades, numerous laws have been implemented with the aim of strengthening the position of French in Québec. Nevertheless, the French language remains threatened – firstly due to the status of English as the global lingua franca, and secondly due to its role as the language of upward mobility in North America at large. Consequently, there are ongoing debates regarding the need for new language planning measures to protect and promote French. Some of the most prominent proposals in the recent past intended to limit access to Québec's English-speaking collèges d'enseignement général et professionnel, typically abbreviated to cégeps. The aim of these proposals was to prevent young francophones and allophones from integrating socially and professionally into the anglophone community. However, it was unclear whether such proposals would have the necessary attitudinal support at the grassroots level to be successful. This article thus presents the findings of a study which made use of a questionnaire and a matched-guise experiment to elicit the language attitudes of 147 francophone, anglophone and allophone adolescents in Montreal. Considering the findings of this study, the article argues that status and acquisition planning measures limiting access to English-speaking cégeps would likely be unsuccessful due to lacking attitudinal support, and that prestige planning measures would be a more feasible means of protecting and promoting the French language in Québec.
The Elusive Boreal Forest Thaumarchaeota
Authors: Bomberg Malin
Published: June 2016

In recent years, Archaea have, with increasing frequency, been found to colonize both agricultural and forest soils in temperate and boreal regions. The as yet uncultured group I.1c of the Thaumarchaeota has been of special interest. These Archaea are widely distributed in mature vegetated acidic soils, but little has been revealed of their physiological and biological characteristics. The I.1c Thaumarchaeota have been recognized as a microbial group influenced by plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi, but appear to have distinct features from their more common soil dwelling counterparts, such as the Nitrosotalea or Nitrososphaera. They appear to be highly dependent on soil pH, thriving in undisturbed vegetated soils with a pH of 5 or below. Research indicate that these Archaea require organic carbon and nitrogen sources for growth and that they may live both aerobically and anaerobically. Nevertheless, pure cultures of these microorganisms have not yet been obtained. This review will focus on what is known to date about the uncultured group I.1c Thaumarchaeota formerly known as the “Finnish Forest Soil” (FFS) Archaea.
Detection of Ground Clutter from Weather Radar Using a Dual-Polarization and Dual-Scan Method
Authors: Golbon-Haghighi Mohammad-Hossein , Zhang Guifu , Li Yinguang , Doviak Richard
Published: June 2016

A novel dual-polarization and dual-scan (DPDS) classification algorithm is developed for clutter detection in weather radar observations. Two consecutive scans of dual-polarization radar echoes are jointly processed to estimate auto- and cross-correlation functions. Discriminants are then defined and estimated in order to separate clutter from weather based on their physical and statistical properties. An optimal Bayesian classifier is used to make a decision on clutter presence from the estimated discriminant functions. The DPDS algorithm is applied to the data collected with the KOUN polarimetric radar and compared with the existing detection methods. It is shown that the DPDS algorithm yields a higher probability of detection and lower false alarm rate in clutter detection.
The Carbon Additive Effect on Electrochemical Performance of LiFe0.5Mn0.5PO4/C Composites by a Simple Solid-State Method for Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Yang Chun-Chen , Hung Yen-Wei , Lue Shingjiang
Published: June 2016

This work reported a solid-state method to prepare LiFe0.5Mn0.5PO4/C (LFMP/C) composite cathode materials by using LiH2PO4, MnO2, Fe2O3, citric acid (C6H8O7), and sucrose (C12H22O11). The citric acid was used as a complex agent and C12H22O11 was used as a carbon source. Two novel hollow carbon sphere (HCS) and nanoporous graphene (NP-GNS) additives were added into the LFMP/C composite to enhance electrochemical performance. The HCS and NP-GNS were prepared via a simple hydrothermal process. The characteristic properties of the composite cathode materials were examined by micro-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), elemental analysis (EA), and alternating current (AC) impedance methods. The coin cell was used to investigate the electrochemical performance at various rates. It was found that the specific discharge capacities of LFMP/C + 2% NP-GNS + 2% HCS composite cathode materials were 161.18, 154.71, 148.82, and 120.00 mAh·g−1 at 0.1C, 0.2C, 1C, and 10C rates, respectively. Moreover, they all showed the coulombic efficiency ca. 97%–98%. The advantage of the one-pot solid-state method can be easily scaled up for mass-production, as compared with the sol-gel method or hydrothermal method. Apparently, the LFMP/C composite with HCS and NP-GNS conductors can be a good candidate for high-power Li-ion battery applications.
Integrating Nanostructured Artificial Receptors with Whispering Gallery Mode Optical Microresonators via Inorganic Molecular Imprinting Techniques
Authors: Hammond G. , Vojta Adam , Grant Sheila , Hunt Heather
Published: June 2016

The creation of label-free biosensors capable of accurately detecting trace contaminants, particularly small organic molecules, is of significant interest for applications in environmental monitoring. This is achieved by pairing a high-sensitivity signal transducer with a biorecognition element that imparts selectivity towards the compound of interest. However, many environmental pollutants do not have corresponding biorecognition elements. Fortunately, biomimetic chemistries, such as molecular imprinting, allow for the design of artificial receptors with very high selectivity for the target. Here, we perform a proof-of-concept study to show how artificial receptors may be created from inorganic silanes using the molecular imprinting technique and paired with high-sensitivity transducers without loss of device performance. Silica microsphere Whispering Gallery Mode optical microresonators are coated with a silica thin film templated by a small fluorescent dye, fluorescein isothiocyanate, which serves as our model target. Oxygen plasma degradation and solvent extraction of the template are compared. Extracted optical devices are interacted with the template molecule to confirm successful sorption of the template. Surface characterization is accomplished via fluorescence and optical microscopy, ellipsometry, optical profilometry, and contact angle measurements. The quality factors of the devices are measured to evaluate the impact of the coating on device sensitivity. The resulting devices show uniform surface coating with no microstructural damage with Q factors above 106. This is the first report demonstrating the integration of these devices with molecular imprinting techniques, and could lead to new routes to biosensor creation for environmental monitoring.
Dolomite-Derived Ni-Based Catalysts with Fe Modification for Hydrogen Production via Auto-Thermal Reforming of Acetic Acid
Authors: Zhong Xinyan , Xie Wei , Wang Ning , Duan Yiping , Shang Ruishu , Huang Lihong
Published: June 2016

Bio-oil can be obtained via fast pyrolysis of biomass, and typically contains acetic acid (~30 mass %). The acetic acid has often been tested as a model compound for hydrogen production via reforming bio-oil, in which catalysts are a key factor for stable hydrogen production. However, deactivation of catalysts by coking and oxidation hinders the application of the reforming process. Dolomite-derived Ni-based catalysts with Fe additive, MgNi0.2Ca0.8−xFexO2±δ (x = 0–0.8), were successfully synthesized by the hydrothermal synthesis method, and then tested in auto-thermal reforming (ATR) of acetic acid (AC). The MgNi0.2Ca0.5Fe0.3O2±δ catalyst performed a stable reactivity in ATR: the conversion of AC reached 100%, and the H2 yield remained stable around 2.6 mol-H2/mol-AC. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), N2 physisorption, X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), H2-temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), inductively coupled plasma- atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and Thermogravimetry (TG); the results show that a periclase-like solid solution of Mg(Ni,Fe)O and lime were formed via the precursors of dolomite and hydrotalcite, and then transformed into Fe-rich Ni-Fe alloy with basic support of MgO-CaO after reduction. The stable Ni0 spices with basic support can explain the stability and resistance to coking during ATR of AC.
Announcement of the Diagnostics 2016 Junior Scientists Travel Award
Authors:   Editorial Office
Published: June 2016

With the goal of recognizing outstanding contributions to the ﬁeld of medical diagnostics by early-career investigators, including assistant professors, postdoctoral students and PhD students, and assisting them in attending international conferences in 2016, early this year Diagnostics accepted nominations for the Junior Scientists Travel Award 2016.
Enhancing Stand Structure through Snag Creation in Northeastern U.S. Forests: Using Ethanol Injections and Bark Beetle Pheromones to Artificially Stress Red Maple and White Pine
Authors: Dodds Kevin , Hanavan Ryan , Wansleben Tom
Published: June 2016

We investigated two methods to create white pine and red maple snags in a forested setting. The first involved injecting trees with ethanol at two times (single Ethanol (ETOH) and double ETOH injections) to increase attractiveness to insects and elicit attacks on trees. The second method was unique to white pines and involved both injection treatments in combination with baiting trees with Ips-specific pheromones. Three of five white pines from the double ETOH treatment died in the second year. Species including Ips pini (Say), Ips grandicollis Eichhoff, Orthotomicus caelatus Eichhoff, Crypturgus borealis Swaine and Monochamus notatus (Drury) responded more strongly to at least one of the treatments over control trees. However, there were no differences found in individual Scolytinae or Cerambycidae species response to treatments in red maple. Fitness (FV/FM) and vitality (PIabs) were both significantly reduced in both ETOH treatments compared to controls in white pine. In red maple, fitness was reduced in the double ETOH treated trees but the final mean FV/FM values were within the approximate optimal of health. Ethanol injections, in combination with Ips-specific semiochemicals, show promise for creating standing coarse woody debris (CWD) in white pine. Injecting ethanol was not effective for stressing red maple.
Smoking and Looked-After Children: A Mixed-Methods Study of Policy, Practice, and Perceptions Relating to Tobacco Use in Residential Units
Authors: Huddlestone Lisa , Pritchard Catherine , Ratschen Elena
Published: June 2016

Despite the implementation of smoke-free policies by local authorities and a statutory requirement to promote the health and well-being of looked-after children and young people in England, rates of tobacco use by this population are substantially higher than in the general youth population. A mixed-methods study, comprising a survey of residential care officers in 15 local authority-operated residential units and semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with residential carers in three local authority-operated residential units, was conducted in the East Midlands. Survey data were descriptively analysed; and interview data were transcribed and analysed using thematic framework analysis. Forty-two care officers (18% response rate) completed the survey, and 14 participated in the interviews. Despite reporting substantial awareness of smoke-free policies, a lack of adherence and enforcement became apparent, and levels of reported training in relation to smoking and smoking cessation were low (21%). Potential problems relating to wider tobacco-related harms, such as exploitative relationships; a reliance on tacit knowledge; and pessimistic attitudes towards LAC quitting smoking, were indicated. The findings highlight the need for the development of comprehensive strategies to promote adherence to and enforcement of local smoke-free policy within residential units for looked-after children and young people, and to ensure appropriate support pathways are in place for this population.
Comprehensive and Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Metamorphosis-Related Proteins in the Veined Rapa Whelk, Rapana venosa
Authors: Song Hao , Wang Hai-Yan , Zhang Tao
Published: June 2016

Larval metamorphosis of the veined rapa whelk (Rapana venosa) is a pelagic to benthic transition that involves considerable structural and physiological changes. Because metamorphosis plays a pivotal role in R. venosa commercial breeding and natural populations, the endogenous proteins that drive this transition attract considerable interest. This study is the first to perform a comprehensive and quantitative proteomic analysis related to metamorphosis in a marine gastropod. We analyzed the proteomes of competent R. venosa larvae and post-larvae, resulting in the identification of 5312 proteins, including 470 that were downregulated and 668 that were upregulated after metamorphosis. The differentially expressed proteins reflected multiple processes involved in metamorphosis, including cytoskeleton and cell adhesion, ingestion and digestion, stress response and immunity, as well as specific tissue development. Our data improve understanding of the physiological traits controlling R. venosa metamorphosis and provide a solid basis for further study.
Kynurenine Aminotransferase Isozyme Inhibitors: A Review
Authors: Nematollahi Alireza , Sun Guanchen , Jayawickrama Gayan , Church W.
Published: June 2016

Kynurenine aminotransferase isozymes (KATs 1–4) are members of the pyridoxal-5’-phosphate (PLP)-dependent enzyme family, which catalyse the permanent conversion of l-kynurenine (l-KYN) to kynurenic acid (KYNA), a known neuroactive agent. As KATs are found in the mammalian brain and have key roles in the kynurenine pathway, involved in different categories of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, the KATs are prominent targets in the quest to treat neurodegenerative and cognitive impairment disorders. Recent studies suggest that inhibiting these enzymes would produce effects beneficial to patients with these conditions, as abnormally high levels of KYNA are observed. KAT-1 and KAT-3 share the highest sequence similarity of the isozymes in this family, and their active site pockets are also similar. Importantly, KAT-2 has the major role of kynurenic acid production (70%) in the human brain, and it is considered therefore that suitable inhibition of this isozyme would be most effective in managing major aspects of CNS diseases. Human KAT-2 inhibitors have been developed, but the most potent of them, chosen for further investigations, did not proceed in clinical studies due to the cross toxicity caused by their irreversible interaction with PLP, the required cofactor of the KAT isozymes, and any other PLP-dependent enzymes. As a consequence of the possibility of extensive undesirable adverse effects, it is also important to pursue KAT inhibitors that reversibly inhibit KATs and to include a strategy that seeks compounds likely to achieve substantial interaction with regions of the active site other than the PLP. The main purpose of this treatise is to review the recent developments with the inhibitors of KAT isozymes. This treatise also includes analyses of their crystallographic structures in complex with this enzyme family, which provides further insight for researchers in this and related studies.