bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The power of persuasion: Modality and issue framing in the 2012 Taiwan Presidential Debates
Authors: Cheng Maria
Published: December 2015

Presidential debates have become a pre-election fixture in Taiwan since the first-ever televised presidential debate held in 2004. In the 2012 Taiwan presidential election, it was a three-way contest among the incumbent Ma Ying-jeou of the Kuomintang (KMT) and the two challengers: Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and James Soong of the People First Party (PFP). The crucial issues in this presidential race were the domestic economy and cross-strait stability. Candidates jousted in two televised presidential debates on 3 December and 17 December 2011, respectively, to persuade the undecided toss-up voters. This article aims to adopt a critical discourse analysis approach to explore the ideological underpinnings of modality used by the three candidates in the 2012 Taiwan Presidential Debates. This modality analysis of the debate discourse, in view of a dearth of studies on the use of modality in Chinese political discourse, will provide an insight into the politicians’ use of modal verbs, adverbs, and adjectives as linguistic and ideological tools to show their obligation, make promises, demonstrate their commitment, and most importantly frame their arguments in a purpose of persuading the electorate and soliciting their support.
Backlash, Consensus, Legitimacy, or Polarization
Authors: Flores Andrew R. , Barclay Scott
Published: December 2015

What are the effects of judicial action and policy implementation on attitude change? The previous literature indicates that attitudes may change, but there is some debate about its direction. According to some theories, legislation or litigation should strike a backlash, resulting in greater disapproval of the issue. Other perspectives contend that these acts reflect consensus, legitimate, or polarize the issue. We analyze panel data on attitudes toward same-sex marriage and feelings toward lesbians and gay men. In 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court made historic decisions on same-sex marriage, and residents in some states had same-sex marriage legalized. Given this variation, we decompose the multiple pathways attitudes change among residents in different policy contexts over time. We find that residents of states that had same-sex marriage policy introduced had the greatest reduction of anti-gay attitudes. We consider consensus and legitimacy as most applicable and provide minimal indication of backlash or polarization.
Hypothesis
Authors: Lizotte-Waniewski Michelle , Brew Keith , Hennekens Charles H.
Published: December 2015

The hypothesis that matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitors reduce risks of cardiovascular disease in humans is plausible, unproven, and difficult to test, due, in part, to differences in specificity and route of administration. Endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are tight-binding, protein inhibitors that function in vivo and can be engineered to enhance specificity for desired targets. Nonetheless, TIMPs have been difficult to test, in part, because their secondary functions, including cell growth promotion and angiogenesis, raise concerns about side effects and they cannot be delivered orally. In contrast, doxycycline and other chemically modified tetracyclines are broad-spectrum, reversible MMP inhibitors with lower affinity but can be taken orally and have US Food and Drug Administration approval. The completed phase 2 randomized trials in humans of MMP inhibitors have methodologic limitations but generally show no significant benefits with adverse effects. At present, the principal research challenge is to achieve a better understanding of the complexities of biological functions of MMPs and subsequently to conduct large-scale phase 3 trials.
Analysis of the consolidation problem of compressible porous media by a macroscopic variational continuum approach
Authors: Travascio Francesco , Asfour Shihab , Serpieri Roberto , Rosati Luciano
Published: December 2015

This study presents an analysis of the stress-partitioning mechanism for fluid saturated poroelastic media in the transition from drained (e.g. slow deformations) to undrained (e.g. fast deformation) flow conditions. The goal of this analysis is to derive fundamental solutions for the general consolidation problem and to show how Terzaghi’s law is recovered as the limit undrained flow condition is approached. The approach is based on a variational macroscopic theory of porous media (VMTPM). First, the linearized form of VMTPM is expressed in a u– p dimensionless form. Subsequently, the behavior of the poroelastic system is investigated as a function of governing dimensionless numbers for the case of a displacement controlled compression test. The analysis carried out in this study produced two crucial results. First, in the limit of undrained flow, it confirmed that the solutions of the consolidation problem recover Terzaghi’s law. Second, it was found that a dimensionless parameter ([Formula: see text]), which solely depends on mixture porosity and Poisson ratio of the solid phase, discriminates two diametrically opposed mechanic responses of the poroelastic system. More specifically, when [Formula: see text] is positive, the solid stress in the mixture first increases and then relaxes to an equilibrium value ( stress relaxation). In contrast, when [Formula: see text], the solid stress monotonically tenses up to reach the equilibrium value ( stress tension).
Influence of Morphological Awareness on College Students’ Literacy Skills
Authors: Wilson-Fowler Elizabeth B. , Apel Kenn
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this study was twofold: to create a measure of morphological awareness with college students and to examine effects of morphological awareness on literacy abilities. Three morphological awareness measures, and spelling, word reading, and sentence comprehension tasks were administered to 214 undergraduate college students. Item Response Theory analyses generated a 24-item, validated morphological awareness measure. Path analysis revealed that morphological awareness was a strong predictor of spelling with a standardized path coefficient of .77, and a moderate predictor of word reading and sentence comprehension, with standardized path coefficients of .62 and .58, respectively. Both spelling and word reading were partial mediators of relations between morphological awareness and sentence comprehension. The standardized indirect effect of morphological awareness on sentence comprehension was .38 through spelling and .13 through word reading. A valid morphological awareness measure now exists for use with college students. Morphological awareness is a stronger predictor for spelling than for word reading and sentence comprehension.
A comparative study of finite element modeling techniques for dynamic analysis of elastic-viscoelastic-elastic sandwich structures
Authors: Huang Zhicheng , Qin Zhaoye , Chu Fulei
Published: December 2015

Two finite element formulations using different laminate plate theories are developed for the elastic-viscoelastic-elastic sandwich plates. A critical comparison and assessment between them are provided. The dynamic characteristics, namely, the natural frequencies and associated loss factors of the elastic-viscoelastic-elastic sandwich plates are calculated using the two finite element models. The two models are validated through the numerical example and experiment results. Comparisons of the accuracy and computational efficiency of the two finite element models are given. The results show that both of the two finite element models have good accuracy in predicting the natural frequencies and the loss factors with different efficiency. The works in this article have instructive significance in the calculation and application of the elastic-viscoelastic-elastic sandwich structures.
Association between remote implantable cardioverter defibrillator monitoring and beta-blocker utilization: An analysis from the EFFECT study
Authors: D’Onofrio Antonio , Stabile Giuseppe , Capucci Alessandro , Amellone Claudia , De Simone Antonio , Leoni Loira , Morani Giovanni , Bianchi Valter , Campari Monica , Valsecchi Sergio , Buja Gianfranco
Published: December 2015

Introduction

A substantial number of heart failure patients undergoing implantation of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) fail to receive beta-blockers, or receive them at a suboptimal dose. Remote monitoring (RM) is becoming the standard means of following up recipients of ICDs. However, the impact of this shift toward remote ICD follow-up on the quality of drug therapy management in current clinical practice is unknown. The present analysis was aimed at investigating the impact of RM on the dose of beta-blockers achieved, and its association with clinical outcome at 12 months.

Methods

Altogether 987 consecutive patients were enrolled and followed up for at least 12 months in 25 Italian centres. RM was adopted by 499 patients.

Results

The number of patients receiving beta-blockers at any dose decreased after 12 months (from 403 (81%) to 370 (74%) for the remote arm and from 389 (80%) to 342 (70%) for the standard arm, both p < 0.02). Nonetheless, the number of patients on beta-blockers at the effective dose increased in both arms (from 60 (12%) to 82 (16%) for remote and from 63 (13%) to 98 (20%) for standard arms respectively, both p < 0.05). At multivariate analysis, RM was not associated with an effective dose of beta-blockers at the follow-up evaluation. However, the adoption of RM ( p = 0.003) and the achievement of the effective dose of beta-blockers ( p = 0.006) were independently and positively associated with an improved outcome.

Discussion

In a ‘real-world’ setting, we did not find an association between RM and the achieved dose of beta-blockers. However, we reported outcome benefits in achieving the effective dose of beta-blockers during follow-up and in adopting RM.
Walk2Bactive
Authors: Cruz Joana , Brooks Dina , Marques Alda
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a physical activity (PA)-focused behavioural intervention during and after pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on PA levels (primary aim), health-related outcomes and self-efficacy (secondary aims) of patients with COPD. Thirty-two patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) or control group (CG). The EG received a PA-focused behavioural intervention during PR (3 months) and follow-up support (3 months). The CG received PR (3 months). Daily PA was collected: number of steps; time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), total PA and sedentary activities (SA). Secondary outcomes comprised exercise capacity, muscle strength, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and self-efficacy. Measures were collected at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Compared with the CG, the EG improved the number of steps ( p = 0.006) and time spent in MVPA ( p = 0.007), total PA ( p = 0.014) and SA ( p = 0.018) at 3 months. Differences were maintained after follow-up support (0.025 ≤ p ≤ 0.040), except for SA ( p = 0.781). Exercise capacity, muscle strength and HRQOL were increased at 3 and 6 months ( p ≤ 0.002) with no between-group differences (0.148 ≤ p ≤ 0.987). No changes were observed in self-efficacy ( p = 0.899). A PA-focused behavioural intervention during and after PR may improve patients’ PA levels. Further research is warranted to assess the sustainability of the findings.
Medical specialists' knowledge, perceptions and views about generic medicines in Malaysia: Findings from a qualitative study and the implications
Authors: Wong Zhi Y , Hassali Mohamed A , Alrasheedy Alian A , Saleem Fahad , M Yahaya Abdul Haniff , Aljadhey Hisham , Khan Tahir M
Published: December 2015

Background and objective

Medical specialists have an essential role in promotion of generic medicines. However, misconceptions and negative perceptions about generic medicines among them could be a barrier to utilization of generic medicines. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore their knowledge, perceptions and views about generic medicines.

Methods

A qualitative methodology was adopted in this study. A qualitative descriptive study with phenomenology overtones was the research strategy. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of medical specialists until saturation of data was achieved. The interviews were audio taped and transcribed verbatim. Then, the subsequent transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. The themes were generated using both deductive (theoretical) and inductive coding. To ensure reliability of data analysis, peer review and independent analysis of the data were done.

Results

Five major themes were identified: (1) factors affecting specialists' prescribing practice with regard to generic medicines and original brand medicines, (2) specialists' perceptions of efficacy, safety and quality of generic medicines, (3) specialists' knowledge and confidence with Malaysian generic regulatory approval system, (4) drug information sources used by the specialists and (5) international non-proprietary name prescribing.

Conclusion

The study findings showed that several factors influenced prescribing decision with regard to the brands of the medicines including familiarity and experience with generic medicines, clinical condition of the patient, availability of the medicine brand in the hospital and department financial allocations. Moreover, misconceptions about quality, safety, efficacy and bioequivalence of generic medicines were prevalent among some participants. Furthermore, many participants were not familiar with the Malaysian generic medicines approval system. Therefore, medical specialists' concerns need to be addressed. Some recommendations and suggestions were made to improve generic medicines utilization in the country.
The visualization of flow paths in experimental studies of clay-rich materials
Authors: Wiseall A. C. , Cuss R. J. , Graham C. C. , Harrington J. F.
Published: December 2015

One of the most challenging aspects of understanding the flow of gas and water during testing in clay-rich low-permeability materials is the difficulty in visualizing localized flow. Whilst understanding has been increased using X-ray Computed-tomography (CT) scanning, synchrotron X-ray imaging and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) imaging, real-time testing is problematic under realistic in situ conditions confining pressures, which require steel pressure vessels. These methods tend not to have the nano-metre scale resolution necessary for clay mineral visualization, and are generally not compatible with the long duration necessary to investigate flow in such materials. Therefore other methods are necessary to visualize flow paths during post-mortem analysis of test samples. Several methodologies have been established at the British Geological Survey (BGS), in order to visualize flow paths both directly and indirectly. These include: (1) the injection of fluorescein-stained water or deuterium oxide; (2) the introduction of nanoparticles that are transported by carrier gas; (3) the use of radiologically tagged gas; and (4) the development of apparatus for the direct visualization of clay. These methodologies have greatly increased our understanding of the transport of water and gas through intact and fractured clay-rich materials. The body of evidence for gas transport through the formation of dilatant pathways is now considerable. This study presents observations using a new apparatus to directly visualize the flow of gas in a kaolinite paste. The results presented provide an insight into the flow of gas in clay-rich rocks. The flow of gas through dilatant pathways has been shown in a number of argillaceous materials (Angeli et al., 2009; Autio et al., 2006; Cuss et al., 2014; Harrington et al., 2012). These pathways are pressure induced and an increase in gas pressure leads to the dilation of pathways. Once the gas breakthrough occurs, pressure decreases and pathways begin to close. This new approach is providing a unique insight into the complex processes involved during the onset, development and closure of these dilatant gas pathways.
Uranium fate during crystallization of magnetite from ferrihydrite in conditions relevant to the disposal of radioactive waste
Authors: Marshall Timothy A. , Morris Katherine , Law Gareth T.W. , W. Mosselmans J. Frederick , Bots Pieter , Roberts Hannah , Shaw Samuel
Published: December 2015

Uranium incorporation into magnetite and its behaviour during subsequent oxidation has been investigated at high pH to determine the uranium retention mechanism(s) on formation and oxidative perturbation of magnetite in systems relevant to radioactive waste disposal. Ferrihydrite was exposed to U(VI)aq containing cement leachates (pH 10.5–13.1) and crystallization of magnetite was induced via addition of Fe(II)aq. A combination of XRD, chemical extraction and XAS techniques provided direct evidence that U(VI) was reduced and incorporated into the magnetite structure, possibly as U(V), with a significant fraction recalcitrant to oxidative remobilization. Immobilization of U(VI) by reduction and incorporation into magnetite at high pH, and with significant stability upon reoxidation, has clear and important implications for limiting uranium migration in geological disposal of radioactive wastes.
Bioreduction of iodate in sediment microcosms
Authors: Guido-Garcia Fabiola , Law Gareth T. W. , Lloyd Jonathan R. , Lythgoe Paul , Morris Katherine
Published: December 2015

Iodine-129 is a high-yield fission product formed in nuclear reactors and is a risk-driving radionuclide in both contaminated land and radioactive waste disposal due to its high mobility and long half-life. Here, the bioreduction behaviour of iodate was investigated by tracking iodine speciation and concentration in solution during the development of progressive anoxia in sediment microcosm experiments incubated at neutral pH. Experiments with acetate added as an electron donor showed the expected cascade of terminal electron-accepting processes. Analysis of solution chemistry showed reduction of iodate to iodide during the early stages of metal (Mn(IV) and Fe(III)) reduction, but with no significant retention of iodine species on solids. There was, however, a net release of natural iodine associated with the sediments to solution when robust iron reduction / sulfate reduction had developed. In addition, over 210 days, the controls with no electron donor and the sterile controls showed no Mn(IV) or Fe(III) reduction but displayed modest sorption of iodate to the sediments in the absence of bioreduction. Overall these results show that under oxic conditions iodate may be partially sorbed to sediments over extended periods but that development of mildly reducing conditions leads to the reductive release of iodine to solution as iodide.
Evaluation of temperature-induced effects on safety-relevant properties of clay host rocks with regard to HLW/SF disposal
Authors: Jobmann M. , Meleshyn A.
Published: December 2015

DBE TECHNOLOGY, BGR and GRS are developing a methodology to demonstrate the safety of a repository for high-level waste and spent fuel (HLW/SF) in clays according to the requirements of the German regulating body. In particular, these requirements prescribe that the barrier effect of host rocks must not be compromised by a thermal impact resulting from HLW/SF emplacement. To substantiate and quantify this requirement, we carried out a literature survey of research on thermally-induced changes on clay properties. Effects thus compiled can be divided into thermo-hydro-mechanical and chemical-biological-mineralogical effects and were analysed with regard to their relevance to the integrity of clay host rocks. This analysis identified one effect of major influence within each group: thermal expansion and compaction as well as results of microbial activities. Importantly, it further revealed that a moderate temperature increase above 100°C cannot be expected to compromise the integrity of the geological barrier according to the current knowledge state. Evidence is presented in this paper that temperature increases up to 150°C can actually contribute to an improved performance of a radioactive waste repository by increasing the consolidation of the clay and sterilizing the repository's near-field to depress the deteriorative microbial effects. A quantitative temperature criterion for thermal impact of HLW/SF on clay host rocks is accordingly proposed.
Factors affecting the dissociation of metal ions from humic substances
Authors: Bryan Nick , Jones Dominic , Keepax Rose , Farrelly Dean , Abrahamsen Liam , Beard Rebecca , Li Nigel , Weir George
Published: December 2015

Previously, it has been suggested that metal ions complexed to humic acid in the environment might show slower dissociation than those added to humic substances in the laboratory, which has serious implications for the transport of radionuclides in the environment. The dissociation of lanthanide and anthropogenic actinide ions from humic substance complexes has been studied as a function of humic concentration and metal ion:humic concentration ratio. The results suggest that the apparently slower kinetics observed for metal ions complexed in the environment are probably due to the large humic concentrations that are used in those studies. Further, there is no evidence that the dissociation rate constant varies at very low metal ion concentrations. Although humic samples size-fractionated by ultrafiltration showed that more metal may be bound non-exchangeably, there was no evidence for different rate constants. Ultrafiltration of Eu(III)/humic acid mixtures did show a shift in Eu from smaller to larger fractions over a period of two days. Therefore, the results suggest that dissociation rate constants determined in the laboratory at metal ion concentrations higher than those expected in the environment may be used in predicting radionuclide mobility, provided that the humic acid concentration is in the range expected at the site.
Radiation damage from long-term alpha particle bombardment of silicates – a microfocus XRD and Fe K-edge XANES study
Authors: Bower W. R. , Pearce C. I. , Droop G. T. R. , Mosselmans J. F. W. , Geraki K. , Pattrick R. A. D.
Published: December 2015

A detailed understanding of the response of mineral phases to the radiation fields experienced in a geological disposal facility (GDF) is currently poorly constrained. Prolongued ion irradiation has the potential to affect both the physical integrity and oxidation state of materials and therefore may alter a structure's ability to react with radionuclides. Radiohalos (spheres of radiation damage in minerals surrounding radioactive (α-emitting) inclusions) provide useful analogues for studying long term α-particle damage accumulation. In this study, silicate minerals adjacent to Th- and U-rich monazite and zircon were probed for redox changes and long/short range disorder using microfocus X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and high resolution X-ray diffraction (XRD) at Beamline I18, Diamond Light Source. Fe3+ → Fe2+ reduction has been demonstrated in an amphibole sample containing structural OH– groups – a trend not observed in anhydrous phases such as garnet. Coincident with the findings of Pattrick et al. (2013), the radiolytic breakdown of OH– groups is postulated to liberate Fe3+ reducing electrons. Across all samples, high point defect densities and minor lattice aberrations are apparent adjacent to the radioactive inclusion, demonstrated by micro-XRD.
Overview of the Lithuanian programme for disposal of RBMK-1500 spent nuclear fuel
Authors: Poskas Povilas , Narkuniene Asta , Grigaliuniene Dalia
Published: December 2015

In Lithuania all the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) came from operation of the Ignalina nuclear power plant with two reactors of RBMK type (RBMK is a Russian acronym for 'Channelized Large Power Reactor' which is a water-cooled graphite-moderated reactor: RBMK-1500). Approximately 22,000 SNF assemblies are due for geological disposal in Lithuania. Currently it is envisaged that SNF will be stored in dry interim storage facilities (new and existing) for at least 50 y prior to possible deep geological disposal.

The decision on the final SNF management option (disposal in a national repository, disposal in regional repositories, etc.) has not yet been made but some investigations of the possibilities to dispose of the SNF in Lithuania have been initiated. With the support of Swedish experts, analysis of possible geological formations for SNF disposal was performed and the existence of potentially suitable formations agreed. The geological formations prioritized as prospective include the crystalline rocks in southern Lithuania and two clayey formations: the Lower Triassic clay formation and the Lower Cambrian Baltic Group clay formation, with priority given to the Lower Triassic clay formation.

This paper presents the main aspects of the research and other activities undertaken over the past decade in the field of SNF disposal: international cooperation; current status and plans for the Lithuanian national program; further investigations required; and competence developments.
The Implementing Geological Disposal Technology Platform – addressing the needs of new Member States
Authors: Kowe R. , Delay J. , Hammarström M. , Beattie T. , Palmu M.
Published: December 2015

The Implementing Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste Technology Platform (IGD-TP) was launched in November 2009 to facilitate international cooperation in common areas of research, development and demonstration (RD&D) with a view to advancing the implementation of geological disposal facilities for spent fuel, high-level and other long-lived waste in Europe.

The IGD-TP's Vision is that “by 2025, the first geological disposal facilities for spent fuel, high-level waste and other long-lived radioactive waste will be operating safely in Europe”. Aside from most European waste management organisations, the IGD-TP currently has 124 members covering most of the RD&D actors in the field of implementing geological disposal of radioactive waste in Europe.

Five years after its inception, the IGD-TP has been shown to play a leading role in coordinating joint actions for RD&D in radioactive waste geological disposal programmes. The work of the platform takes into account differences between the timing and challenges for the respective waste management programmes. Following implementation of Posiva's geological disposal facility in Finland it is expected that within the next 5 years the construction of the Swedish and French geological disposal facilities will commence. Within IGD-TP, the SecIGD2 project whose remit is “Coordination and Support Action under the 7th Framework programme” aims at supporting, at the European level, the networking and structuring of RD&D programmes and competences in countries with less advanced geological disposal programmes, including those in the new European Union Member States. Furthermore, the SecIGD2 supports the development and coordination of the necessary competences to meet the Vision 2025 as a part of the platform's Competence Maintenance, Education and Training (CMET) working group.
Overview of less advanced programmes and their requirements
Authors: Diaconu D. , Ivanov I. , Železnik N. , Kralj M. , Zakrzewska G.
Published: December 2015

Geological disposal (GD) of radioactive waste is close to becoming a reality for Finland, Sweden and France. High-technology development and advanced knowledge has made it possible to defend the feasibility and the safety of such facilities, making the European Union a leader in the field. Other European countries are closely behind, developing high competence through advanced research programmes, research infrastructures and public engagement.

At the other extreme, there are countries whose GD programmes are at an early stage and no systematic research programmes exist. These include several new Member States but not the Czech Republic and Hungary, both of which have already initiated a siting process.

There are several common reasons for this delay in schedule: small and relatively younger nuclear energy programmes, return of the spent fuel (especially from research reactors) to the countries of origin, open fuel cycle concept (requiring at least 50 years of wet and dry storage). In this context, there has been little pressure on setting up an early GD programme. Currently their disposal concepts are only generic and in most of these countries need updating, taking into account the current socio-economic context.

However, some of these new Member States still aim to have a GD in operation within several decades, e.g. 2055 in Romania and 2067 in Slovenia. Strategic planning based on the experience of more advanced programmes shows the GD process should start immediately in order to be able to achieve these deadlines.

In this context, the implementation of the EC Directive 70/2011 gives the opportunity to progress the advancement of the GD process in these countries.
European firm adjustment during times of economic crisis
Authors: Fabiani Silvia , Lamo Ana , Messina Julián , Rõõm Tairi
Published: December 2015

This paper exploits a unique cross-country, firm-level survey to study the responses of European firms to the sharp demand and credit contraction triggered by the global Great Recession of 2009. The analysis reveals that cost reduction—particularly labour cost reduction through the adjustment of quantities rather than prices—was the prevailing strategy that firms had adopted by summer 2009. Remarkably, not even during the worst postwar recession did employers cut base wages to reduce costs. Different combinations of adjustment strategies are apparent, and the particular choices of labour costs adjustments depend substantially on countries’ institutional settings.

JEL codes: J30, J32, J33, J51
Detection of bacteria in middle ear effusions based on the presence of allergy: Does allergy augment bacterial infection in the middle ear?
Authors: Kim Woo Jin , Kim Byung-Guk , Chang Ki-Hong , Oh Jeong-Hoon
Published: December 2015

Background

Bacterial infection, Eustachian tube dysfunction, allergies, and immunologic factors are major causes of otitis media with effusion (OME). However, the exact pathogenesis of OME is still unclear. This study evaluated whether allergy influences bacterial growth in middle ear effusions.

Materials

Fifty-four samples were obtained from OME patients 3–10 years of age who underwent ventilation tube insertion and were divided into two groups based on the presence of allergy as determined using the multiple allergosorbent test (MAST). Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis bacterial DNA in the middle ear effusions was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction. Overall detection rates and those for each species were compared between the two groups.

Results

Of the 54 middle ear effusion samples, 38 (70.4 %) contained bacterial DNA and 14 (36.8 %) of these contained DNA from multiple species. S. pneumoniae was detected in 27 samples (50 %), H. influenzae in 17 samples (31.4 %), and M. catarrhalis in 9 samples (16.6 %). There was no significant difference in the bacterial detection rates between the middle ear effusions of the MAST-positive and MAST-negative groups.

Conclusion

The rate of bacteria detection in middle ear effusions did not differ between allergic and non-allergic children.
Endogenous and exogenous pathways maintain the reductive capacity of the phagosome
Authors: Balce Dale R , Greene Catherine J , Tailor Pankaj , Yates Robin M
Published: December 2015

Although endosomes, lysosomes, and phagosomes require a reductive environment for the optimal activity of disulfide reductases and other thiol-dependent enzymes, how these reductive environments are established and maintained remain unknown. Our goal in this study was to begin to elucidate the redox control systems responsible for maintaining redox-sensitive enzymatic activities in the phagolysosome of murine macrophages. Through the use of specific inhibitors and genetic knockdown of known redox enzymes, we identified redox pathways that influence phagosomal disulfide reduction. In particular, known inhibitors of the NADPH-dependent selenoprotein, thioredoxin reductase, were shown to inhibit phagosomal disulfide reduction and phagosomal proteolysis. This was supported by the observation that conditional deletion of the selenocysteine tRNA in macrophages decreased phagosomal disulfide reduction capacity. In addition, pharmacologic inhibition of the pentose phosphate pathway decreased rates of disulfide reduction and proteolysis in the phagosome, implicating NADPH as a source of phagosomal reductive energy. Finally, by analyzing the effect of extracellular redox couples, such as cysteine:cystine on thiol-dependent phagosomal processes, we demonstrated that the extracellular space can additionally supply the phagosome with reductive energy. Collectively, these data demonstrate that defined cytosolic reductive pathways act in concert with the uptake of cysteine from the extracellular space to support thiol-dependent chemistries in the phagosome.
Lymphedema Precautions: Time to Abandon Old Practices?
Authors: Ahn Soojin , Port Elisa R.
Published: December 2015

The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors’ suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, to patients seen in their own clinical practice.

A 46-year-old premenopausal woman with a body mass index of 21 was found on screening mammography to have a new, approximately 1-cm spiculated mass with associated calcifications in the upper outer quadrant of the left breast. Stereotactic core biopsy showed a focus of invasive duct carcinoma, strongly positive for estrogen and progesterone receptors and negative for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, with associated ductal carcinoma in situ. Clinical examination revealed no palpable mass or axillary lymphadenopathy. She underwent a left lumpectomy with seed localization and sentinel lymph node biopsy. Final pathology revealed an 8-mm well-differentiated invasive carcinoma without lymphovascular invasion and intermediate grade ductal carcinoma in situ. The margins were clear, and three sentinel lymph nodes were negative for metastasis. The 21-gene recurrence score was 10, suggesting a 7% risk of 10-year distant recurrence with adjuvant endocrine treatment. After the completion of adjuvant radiotherapy (42.50 Gy in 16 fractions to the breast), the patient has returned for a follow-up visit. She is a professional violinist and would like to know what she can do to prevent lymphedema on her upcoming flight to Vienna.
Method activation end date in the past. direction:re
Authors: Овчинников Алексей , Ovchinnikov Alyeksyey
Published: December 2015

Article is devoted the legal policy of the state in the conditions of the outlined course of the state on conservative values and the Summary:

Article is devoted legal archetypes and the traditions influencing priorities, values and directions of a legal policy in sphere of economy, business and an economy. Authors consider that for Russia on former the question on the state building taking into account state traditional values not liberal type is actual.
OnThe Essence Of Shareholder’s Right
Authors: Куйран Лоу , Qiuran Lou
Published: December 2015

The shareholder’s right has been regarded as a special right, which is substantially different from creditor’s right, in China. However, with the development of business reality, the boundaries between these two rights have been blurred already. Although the structure of shareholder’s right has a probable nature, compared to a more stable structure of credit, there are lots of overlaps between these two structures. Thus, an additional standard, whether investor is registered as shareholder, is required to completely distinguish these two rights.
Professional Speech Interaction: Strategy and Roles
Authors: Гойхман  , Goykhman Oskar
Published: December 2015

The article discusses the strategies and role of professional verbal communication versus verbal communication business. It is argued that the overall strategy of business communication, the impact of the modeling of the behavior of the interlocutor to the speaker in the desired direction and correction of the world model of the listener. The main strategy here is to achieve victory, which is that success come at the expense of suppression of the partner. Professional communication, in contrast, uses both the overall strategy of interaction, and as a main agreement, to success when partners come together. Business and professional communication combines a professional task for which communication took place. Communicating on a personal level, each shows his “I-man”. The determining factor in such communication is the understanding that all personalities in a communicative sense, equal. In the business realm is role-based communication, the effectiveness of which depends on how professionally accurately and convincingly communicating entities play their roles.
Speech Genre Characteristics of the Documentation Text Model
Authors: Косова  , Kosova M.
Published: December 2015

The article deals with the possibility of application of the genre approach to

the description of composite and substantial structure of the document text

and the usage of its creation as the model of a speech genre as linguistic

technology. Components of the model of a speech genre which are the

parameters reflecting interaction of extralinguistic factors and the language

material are characterized causing a choice of the document in the process

of communication.
Using rectangular trace to reduce the crosstalk of the coupled microstrip lines
Authors: Hussein Ahmed Ali
Published: December 2015

New electronic products must have high-speed, small size and lower voltages supply. With such layout, signal integrity (SI) becomes an actual important issue because sensitive equipment is affected on electromagnetic interference (EMI). Crosstalk is a major factor in signal integrity (SI) of printed circuit boards (PCBs). Crosstalk noise is usually represented in terms of Near-End crosstalk (NEXT) and Far-End crosstalk (FEXT). Crosstalk is a common problem that degrades circuit performance. To reduce this problem, via hole-fences connected by guard trace between double microstrip lines are used, in this case the crosstalk will be reduce by 6 dB than use 3W rule, but when it replaced by rectangular metal the crosstalk was reduce by 7dB, is better than use via hole-fences by 1 dB. The simulation result was done by using FEKO 5.5 simulator.
MODEL HIDRODINAMIKA BIOREAKTOR TANAMAN : KONSEP PERMEABILITAS
Authors: Purwasasmita Mubiar , Hadi Khoirul
Published: December 2015

Abstract HYDRODYNAMIC MODEL OF THE PLANT BIOREACTOR (THE PERMEABILITY CONCEPT). Water flow is important in transport of plant nutrients. To accomadate water flow in plant bioreactor, it is necesary enough space by adding compost, i.e. material from plant residue which contains many of capillary tube. Many hydrodynamic models of water flow in porous and capillary medium are proposed, but there is no the specific model for plant bioreactor which contains particle beads and capillary tube. There are three models are proposed in this study, one each other are different in complexity. The first model has four parameters with mean error of 0.457, the second one has five parameters with error of 0.464, and the last one has seven parameters with mean error of 0.574. From the models, it is found that increasing in particle size or compost fraction will result in increasing permeability. With the compost to bed volume ratio of 1:4, the permeability increase significantly compared to the soil and sandstone. By taking into account of the permeability value in the governing equation of single cyllindrical root system, the water flow is not a rate limiting step for a long of the root. In order to ensure the existence of water flow in the bioreactor, it is suggested to use compost to bed volume ration of 1:1. Keywords: flow in capillary-porous media; permeability; root water uptake;the plant bioreactor Abstrak Aliran air dalam bioreaktor sangat penting dalam perpindahan nutrisi tanaman. Untuk memfasilitasi aliran air dalam bioreaktor tanaman, diperlukan rekayasa ruang melalui penambahan kompos, berupa material bekas tanaman yang mengandung pipa-pipa kapiler. Sudah tersedia berbagai model hidrodinamika untuk aliran lambat melewati unggun, namun belum ada yang secara khusus untuk bioreaktor tanaman yang memiliki butiran partikel dan potongan pipa kapiler. Pada kajian ini terdapat tiga model aliran yang ditinjau, masing-masing hanya berbeda dari sisi kompleksitasnya. Model pertama memiliki empat parameter dengan kesalahan rata-rata 0,457, model kedua memiliki lima parameter dengan kesalahan rata-rata 0,464, dan model ketiga dengan tujuh parameter dengan kesalahan rata-rata 0,574. Dengan menggunakan model tersebut diperoleh bahwa permeabilitas akan meningkat seiring dengan bertambahnya ukuran partikel dan atau fraksi kompos. Penambahan kompos seperempat dari volume unggun total akan memberikan peningkatan permeabilitas yang signifikan dibandingkan dengan tanah dan batuan pasir biasa. Dengan memasukkan parameter ini kedalam persamaan pengambilan air pada sistem akar silinder tunggal, maka perpindahan air bukan lagi menjadi tahap pembatas laju di sepanjang akar. Untuk menjamin ketersediaan aliran, disarankan menggunakan kompos sebesar setengah dari volume unggun total.
PENGARUH CO-PRECIPITATION BESI KLORIDA TERHADAP KINERJA LUMPUR AKTIF PADA PROSES PENGOLAHAN AIR LIMBAH DOMESTIK SINTETIK
Authors: Aristiami Dian Fatikha , Widiasa I Nyoman
Published: December 2015

The increase of population leads to an increase of the quantity of domestic wastewater. Activated sludge system is the most cost-efective to treat the domestic wastewater treatment. This study is aimed to evaluate the co-precipitation coagulant effect of FeCl3 on the growth of activated sludge, settling characteristics of the activated sludge, and effluent quality. sludge sedimentation characteristics (settling) as well as on the effluent quality. The activated sludge systems were operated in batch mode and synthetic domestic wastewaters with C:N:P ratio of 100:5:1 were used as feed wastewater. The growth of activated sludge was based on concentration of Mixed Liquor Suspended Solid (MLSS), settling characteristics of activated sludge was based on value of Sludge Volume Index (SVI), and effluent quality was based on turbidity, colour, N-ammonia concentration, and Chemical Oxygen Demand content. Results indicate that inhibition effect of FeCl3 to activated sludge activity was not significant at dosage ≤ 30 mg/L. Good settling characterisic (SVI 70-150 mg/L) was achieved at dosage of 20-30 mg/L. Finally, the best effluent quality, i.e. turbidity (9.4), colour (96), amonia removal (83.6%), and COD removal (72.97%), at dosage of 30 mg/L. Keywords: activated sludge; co-precipitation; domestic wastewater; wastewater treatment Abstrak Peningkatan jumlah penduduk mengakibatkan kenaikan jumlah air limbah domestik. Sistem lumpur aktif merupakan proses yang paling efektif untuk mengolah air limbah domestik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi pengaruh co-precipitation koagulan FeCl3 terhadap pertumbuhan lumpur aktif, karakteristik pengendapan lumpur aktif, dan kualitas efluen. Sistem lumpur aktif dioperasikan secara curah dan umpan air limbah yang digunakan adalah air limbah domestik sintesis dengan rasio C:N:P = 100:5:1. Pertumbuhan lumpur aktif  berdasarkan konsentrasi Mixed Liquor Suspended Solid (MLSS), karakteristik pengendapan lumpur berdasarkan  nilai Sludge Volume Index (SVI), dan kualitas efluen berdasarkan tingkat kekeruhan, warna, kadar N-amonia dan kadar Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa inhibisi FeCl3 terhadap aktivitas lumpur aktif tidak signifikan pada dosis ≤ 30 mg/L. Karakteristik pengendapan yang baik (SVI 70-150 mg/L) tercapai pada dosis 20-30 mg/L. Kualitas efluen terbaik, yaitu  kekeruhan (9,4),  warna (96), penyisihan amonia (83,6%) dan penyisihan COD (72,97%), pada dosis 30 mg/L. Kata kunci: lumpur aktif; co-precipitation; air limbah domestik; pengolahan air limbah
APLIKASI SORBITOL PADA PRODUKSI BIODEGRADABLE FILM DARI NATA DE CASSAVA
Authors: Hidayati Sri , Zuidar Ahmad Sapta , Ardiani Astri
Published: December 2015

An experiment of sulfonation process of biodegraabale film was caried out using nata de cassava with variation of sorbitol concentration as plastisizer (0% (S0), 3% (S1), 6% (S2), 9% (S3), 12% (S4) and 15% (S5)  by using Randomized Complete Design Block.  The experiment result showed the best  sorbitol concentration present in 9% sorbitol concentration The best characteristic of produced biodegradable film showed that visual properties were achieved with transparent colored white stringy, tensile strength of 11.76 MPa, percent extension of 13.28%, the solubility of 72.08%. This film can be degraded during 5 weeks. Keyword:  biodegradable film, nata de cassava, sorbitol Abstrak Sebuah penelitian tentang proses produksi biodegradable film dari nata de cassava dengan perlakuan konsentrasi sorbitol sebagai plastisizer 0% (S0), 3% (S1), 6% (S2), 9% (S3), 12% (S4) dan 15% (S5) menggunakan Rancangan kelompok Acak lengkap.  Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa konsentrasi terbaik yaitu sorbitol 9%, dengan hasil penampakan visual yaitu berwarna transparan berserabut putih, kuat tarik sebesar 11,76 MPa, persen perpanjangan sebesar 13,28%, kelarutan sebesar 72,08%. Film dapat terdegradasi selama 5 minggu. Kata Kunci: biodegradable fim, nata de cassava, sorbitol
Economic analysis of the organisation of a riding centre; application of the linear programming approach
Authors: ŽGAJNAR Jaka
Published: December 2015

In this contribution, the economics of an equestrian centre, which in addition to a variety of riding school activities also includes breeding and livery, are analysed. We consider the conditions for a hypothetical holding operating in central Slovenia. Methods of mathematical programming are applied in order to attempt to optimise the holding’s activities. Their use may in the given situation facilitate the evaluation of development prospects from different perspectives and indicate the opportunities of increasing value-added. On the basis of maximizing the gross margin, we try to address the various questions and challenges that arise in managing and planning for such an equestrian centre. The obtained results indicate that breeding is unfavourable in the given price-cost ratio, both for the renewal of the working horses herd and for sale. This reflects the current adverse situation in the field of horse breeding. Livery is an important activity on such holdings and through opportunity perspective provides an optimal set of activities. Activities of the riding school for children are interesting in terms of income diversification, as well as an additional source of revenue. A riding school with one riding instructor and an indoor arena needs 4.6 horses in order to cover the costs of full-time employment.
Analysis of backfat thickness in on-farm tested gilts in Slovenia using reaction norms
Authors: PLANINC Martina , KOVAČ Milena , MALOVRH Špela
Published: December 2015

Animals have the ability to respond to differences in environment, which can be called phenotypic plasticity or environment sensitivity. Robust animal, that show little variability across environments, are less sensitive. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate genotype by environment interaction for backfat thickness using reaction norm. Random regression model have become common for analyzing data on individuals over time. Reaction norms were predicted for 239 sires. Results show how sires differ across environments for backfat thickness.