bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correcting Water Content Measurement Errors Associated with Critically Refracted First Arrivals on Zero Offset Profiling Borehole Ground Penetrating Radar Profiles
Authors: Rucker Dale F. , Ferré Ty P. A.
Published: October 2013

Borehole ground penetrating radar (BGPR) operated in zero offset profiling (ZOP) mode has promise for monitoring rapidly changing water contents within the subsurface. However, the coexistence of multiple travel paths through the subsurface can give rise to measurement errors. Specifically, in layered systems with sharp changes in water content with depth, critically refracted waves may arrive before direct waves at some depths. Velocity profiles are determined based on analyses of the travel time of the first‐arriving energy at each depth. Therefore, correct velocity analysis requires that these travel times be classified according to the path followed by the first‐arriving energy. We establish criteria that can be used to identify first‐arriving critically refracted waves from travel time profiles. Through hypothetical examples and a field experiment, we demonstrate that these criteria allow for more accurate determination of the water content profile. However, these corrections are limited if thin, high water content layers are present in the subsurface.
Assessing Gas Diffusion Coefficients in Growing Media from in situ Water Flow and Storage Measurements
Authors: Caron Jean , Nkongolo Nsalambi V.
Published: October 2013

Knowledge of gas exchange dynamics is important in determining the suitability of growing media used in nursery and greenhouse production. However, gas diffusion measurement methods are difficult to use directly in potted growing media and a rapid, simpler, and reliable approach appears desirable for routine assessment of gas diffusivity. This study compares gas diffusivity and pore efficiency estimates from gas diffusion chamber measurement with indirect estimates obtained from water storage and flow measurements and point of air entry values for various substrates. Four peat substrates with bark in variable particle sizes, a mineral soil, and silica sand were packed into aluminum cores in four replicates and then saturated for 72 h. After equilibration at −0.8 kPa of water potential on a tension table, the concentrations of N2 diffusing through these cores were measured in a gas diffusion chamber and gas diffusivity calculated from the gas concentration change in time. Diffusivity was also calculated with the water desorption curve and the saturated hydraulic conductivity, also measured on the same core (indirect approach). The gas diffusivity estimates obtained by gas diffusion chamber measurement were significantly correlated (R2 = 0.49, slope not different from 1) with those obtained from the indirect approach. Estimates obtained for pore efficiency were much closer and less variable than those for gas diffusivity (R2 = 0.80, slope not different from 1). The indirect approach may be a useful tool for the rapid assessment of gas exchange dynamics in growing media under undisturbed conditions.
Scale Dependency of the Effective Matrix Diffusion Coefficient
Authors: Liu H. H. , Bodvarsson G. S. , Zhang G.
Published: October 2013

It has been recognized that matrix diffusion is an important process for retarding solute transport in fractured rock. Based on analyses of tracer transport data from a number of field tests, we demonstrate for the first time that the effective matrix‐diffusion coefficient may be scale dependent and generally increases with test scale. A preliminary theoretical explanation of this scale dependency is also presented, based on the hypothesis that solute travel paths within a fracture network are fractals.
Opportunities for harnessing the increased contribution of glacier and snowmelt flows in the Ganges basin
Authors: Sharma Bharat R. , de Condappa Devaraj
Published: October 2013

The topography of the Ganges basin is highly variable, with the steep mountainous region of the Himalaya upstream and the large fertile plains in eastern India and Bangladesh downstream. The contribution from the glaciers to streamflows is supposed to be significant but there is uncertainty surrounding the impact of climate change on glaciers. An application of the Water Evaluation and Planning model was set up which contained an experimental glaciers module. The model also examined the possible impacts of an increase in temperature. The contribution from glaciated areas is significant (60–75%) in the Upper Ganges but reduces downstream, falling to about 19% at Farakka. Climate change-induced rise in temperature logically increases the quantity of snow and ice that melts in glaciated areas. However, this impact decreases from upstream (+8% to +26% at Tehri dam) to downstream (+1% to +4% at Farakka). Such increases in streamflows may create flood events more frequently, or of higher magnitude, in the upper reaches. Potential strategies to exploit this additional water may include the construction of new dams/reservoir storage and the development of groundwater in the basin through managed aquifer recharge. The riparian states of India, Nepal and Bangladesh could harness this opportunity to alleviate physical water scarcity and improve productivity.
Niacin Modulates Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Secretion. A Potential Mechanism Involved in its Anti-atherosclerotic Effect
Authors: Lipszyc Pedro Saul , Cremaschi Graciela Alicia , Zubilete María Zorrilla , Bertolino Maria Laura Aón , Capani Francisco , Genaro Ana Maria , Wald Miriam Ruth
Published: October 2013

The pathogenesis of atherosclerosis includes the assignment of a critical role to cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage and to pro-inflammatory cytokines. Niacin is known to improve lipid metabolism and to produce beneficial modification of cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this work was to investigate if Niacin is able to modulate pro-inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages in a murine model of atherosclerosis. For this purpose C57Bl/6J mice fed with atherogenic diet (AGD) or with conventional chow diet were used. The AGD group showed an increase in body weight and in total plasma cholesterol, with no differences in triglyceride or HDL levels. Lesions in arterial walls were observed. The characterization of Niacin receptor showed an increase in the receptor number of macrophages from the AGD group. Macrophages from control and AGD animals treatedin vitrowith an inflammatory stimulus showed elevated levels of IL-6, IL-1 and TNF-α, that were even higher in macrophages from AGD mice. Niacin was able to decrease the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in stimulated macrophages. Similar effect of Niacin was observed in anin vivomodel of inflammation. These results show an attenuating inflammatory mechanism for this therapeutic agent and would point out its potential action in plaque stabilization and in the prevention of atherosclerosis progression. Furthermore, the present results provide the basis for future studies on the potential contribution of Niacin to anti-inflammatory therapies.
Thermophysical properties of binary mixtures of N,N-dimethylformamide with three cyclic ethers
Authors: Sinha Biswajit , Pradhan Rajendra , Saha Sanjoy , Brahman Dhiraj , Sarkar Abhijit
Published: October 2013

Densities and viscosities of the binary mixtures consisting of
tetrahydrofuran (THF), 1,3-dioxolane (1,3-DO) and 1,4-dioxane (1,4-DO) with
N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) over the entire range of composition were
measured at temperatures 298.15, 308.15 and 318.15 K and at atmospheric
pressure. Ultrasonic speeds of sound of these binary mixtures were measured
at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure (T = 298.15 K and P =
1.01?105 Pa). The various experimental data were utilized to derive excess
molar volumes (VmE), excess viscosities (?E), and excess isentropic
compressibilities (?sE). Using the excess molar volumes (VmE), excess partial
molar volumes (and ) and excess partial molar volumes at infinite dilution
(and ) of each liquid component in the mixtures were derived and discussed.
Excess molar volumes (VmE) as a function of composition at ambient
temperature and atmospheric pressure were used further to test the
applicability of the Prigogine-Flory-Patterson (PFP) theory to the
experimental binaries. The excess properties were found to be either negative
or positive depending on the nature of molecular interactions and structural
effects of liquid mixtures. Em,1V Em,2VE0,m,1VE0,m,2V.
Auditors' Reactions to Inconsistencies between Financial and Nonfinancial Measures: The Interactive Effects of Fraud Risk Assessment and a Decision Prompt
Authors: Brazel Joseph F. , Jones Keith L. , Prawitt Douglas F.
Published: October 2013

Nonfinancial measures (NFMs), such as employee headcount and production space, are operational measures that are not included on the face of the financial statements but are often disclosed elsewhere in the annual report or 10-K (e.g., in Management's Discussion and Analysis). Professional standards, auditing texts, and prior research suggest that external auditors can use NFMs to verify their clients' reported financial information and, in turn, improve audit quality. In an initial experiment where auditors develop an expectation for a client's sales balance, they generally fail to identify a seeded inconsistency between the client's sales and related NFMs. In our second experiment, where we introduce an NFM prompt and manipulate fraud risk as high and low, auditors are more likely to react to the inconsistency (i.e., rely more on inconsistent NFMs/develop expectations that reflect the client's current year decline in NFMs) when they are specifically prompted to consider the implications of NFMs and fraud risk is high (versus low). Our results suggest the following: (1) a minority of auditors use NFMs as an information source for testing and do not increase their reliance on NFMs when the NFMs point to a fraud red flag; (2) the presence of high fraud risk alone is insufficient to increase auditor consideration of inconsistent NFMs; (3) auditors are able to react appropriately to an inconsistency if they are effectively prompted; and (4) the influence of a prompt on auditor reliance on NFMs and account balance expectations is stronger when fraud risk is assessed as high.

Data Availability: Data are available upon request.
Internal Marketing, Customer Orientation, and Organizational Commitment: Moderating Effects of Work Status
Authors: Huang Meiju , Chen Mei-Yen
Published: October 2013

Associations among internal marketing, customer orientation, and organizational commitment were examined, particularly with regard to the moderating effects of work status on the relationships between internal marketing and customer orientation or organizational commitment, in a cross-sectional design with structural equation modeling. Two studies ( Ns = 119 and 251) were conducted among full- and part-time service employees at Taipei Sports Centers. Internal marketing was associated with organizational commitment and customer orientation. Customer orientation was associated with organizational commitment and partially mediated the relation between internal marketing and organizational commitment. Furthermore, work status significantly moderated the relationships between internal marketing and customer orientation but not between internal marketing and organizational commitment. Implications and directions for future research were discussed.
Little Evidence for the Graphical Markers of Depression
Authors: Gawda Barbara
Published: October 2013

The purpose was to test whether specific characteristics of handwriting can distinguish patients diagnosed with major depression from healthy controls and patients with bipolar disorder. Handwriting samples from 30 patients with major depressive disorder and 30 patients in the bipolar depressive phase were compared to samples from 30 patients in the bipolar manic phase and 60 healthy controls. Forensic document experts examined all 150 written samples of the same text and empirically measured graphical aspects potentially related to depression, such as direction of the baseline, pen pressure, tremor, forms of the letters ‘m’, ‘n’, ‘a’, and ‘o’, sizes of the letters and writing zones, the initial and final shapes of letters, slant, and impulse. Three handwriting parameters of 32 examined differed significantly between controls and patients with depression (major depression or depressed bipolar patients). However, there were no statistically significant differences in these parameters between depressed patients and bipolar patients in the manic phase, indicating that these handwriting characteristics cannot distinguish depressed patients from manic patients. The main hypothesis, that psychomotor slowing is visible in handwriting, was not confirmed.
Relations between Perceptions of Environmental Features and Physical Activity
Authors: Suminski Richard R. , Wasserman Jason A. , Mayfield Carlene A. , McClain Lisa
Published: October 2013

Studies have examined associations between environmental features and physical activity, but there has been no exploration of adult perceptions about the influence environmental features have on physical activity. This study assessed associations between perceptions of environmental features and physical activity. 305 women and 229 men (18–91 years of age) were interviewed in their homes. Questions elicited self-report data on physical activities they performed in their neighborhood (sidewalks near home) and perceptions about neighborhood environmental features. Women (86.4%) were more likely than men (79.3%) to be active in their neighborhoods and view the features as influential. The influences features were perceived to have on physical activity were associated with activity performed in the neighborhood, but perceptions of the conditions of features were not. Interviewers of adults about relationships between environmental features and physical activity should consider perceptions about the influence the feature exerts on activity levels.
Relative Age Effects in Japanese Baseball: An Historical Analysis
Authors: Nakata Hiroki , Sakamoto Kiwako
Published: October 2013

The present study investigated the existence of the relative age effect, a biased distribution of birth dates, in Japanese professional baseball players born from 1911 to 1980. Japan applies a unique annual-age grouping for sport and education, which is from April 1 to March 31 of the following year. Thus, athletes were divided into four groups based on their month of birth; quarters Q1 (April–June), Q2 (July–September), Q3 (October–December), and Q4 (January–March of the following year). There were statistically biased distributions of birth dates among players born in the 1940s and subsequent decades (medium effects), and similar (but small) relative age effects were observed among players born in the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s. The magnitude of the relative age effect changed with time, and socio-cultural factors such as international competition and media coverage may have contributed greatly to this effect.
Regional Intelligence and Suicide Rate in Germany, Revisited
Authors: Voracek Martin
Published: October 2013

Across the 10 westerly and 6 easterly states of Germany, better-than-average school-end grades, taken as a proxy for intelligence, corresponded to higher regional suicide rates. This finding adds to similar evidence from other countries (Austria, Belarus, British Isles, Denmark, Netherlands, and USA), suggestive of positive ecologic (group-level) associations between indicators for cognitive ability and suicide prevalence, whilst offsetting prior inconclusive evidence for Germany from Voracek (2006) on the same question.
Educational Attainment and Self-Rated Health Status among Single Mothers in Rural Alabama
Authors: Zekeri Andrew A.
Published: October 2013

Using previous data from a random sample of 300 single mothers from rural Alabama, multiple regression analysis indicated that food insecurity and employment status had a modest effect on self-rated health status, while educational attainment and income had the greatest effect. These variables explained 29% of the variance in health status. Social and economic policies that affect educational attainment and income distribution may have important consequences for health status in these rural areas.
Age, Task Complexity, and Sex as Potential Moderators of Attentional Focus Effects
Authors: Becker Kevin , Smith Peter J. K.
Published: October 2013

The study tested whether age, sex, or task complexity moderate the effect of attentional focus on motor learning. Children (24 boys, 24 girls) and adults (24 men, 24 women) were assigned to an internal or external attentional focus, and were timed while riding either a Double Pedalo with handles (simple task) or without handles (complex task) over a distance of 7 meters. A Double Pedalo is a four-wheeled device that involves standing on two connected platforms, and alternately pushing them forward to make it move. Participants completed 20 acquisition trials, followed by a 24-hour retention test. For the simpler task, no time differences due to attentional focus emerged. With the complex task, an external focus resulted in faster times in retention than an internal focus, but only for males. These findings suggest that attentional focus affects children and adults similarly, but task complexity and sex moderate these effects.
Motor Learning Cannot Explain Stuttering Adaptation
Authors: Venkatagiri Horabail S. , Nataraja Nuggehalli P. , Deepthi M.
Published: October 2013

When persons who stutter (PWS) read a text repeatedly, there is a progressive reduction in stutter frequency over the course of three to five readings. Recently, this phenomenon has been attributed by some researchers to motor learning—the acquisition of relatively permanent motor skills that facilitate fluency through practice in producing words. The current study tested this explanation. 23 PWS read prose passages five times in succession. The number of ‘new’ and ‘old’ stutters during repeated readings (words stuttered in the current reading but spoken fluently in the previous reading and words stuttered also in the previous reading) were analyzed. If motor learning facilitated fluency during repeated readings in PWS, words read fluently in a reading should not be stuttered in a later reading in significant numbers. Contrary to this prediction, there was no statistical difference in the number of new words stuttered across five readings. A plausible alternative explanation, which requires further study to verify, is offered.
Sequence stratigraphic analysis and integrated 3D geological modeling of M1 block, Wenmingzhai oilfield, Dongpu depression, China
Authors: Li Xue , Zhang Jinliang , Yuan Yong , Li Cunlei , Meng Ningning
Published: October 2013

The M1 block is a typically complex fault-block oilfield, whose recovery has reached 30.5% through the twenty years waterflooding development. Remaining oil scatters very widely and the production between layers is in a high degree. However, many problems have been exposed at the same time which hinder improvement of the recovery rate and sustainable development of the reservoir. Hence, it is important to carry out basic geological research and form a comprehensive understanding of reservoir properties. However, few such studies have been conducted in China. In this study, work related to basic geological research was conducted based on high-resolution sequence stratigraphy, seismic interpretation technology and 3D visual geological modeling, and significant results were achieved. Three sequence orders and three types of interfacies in the stratigraphic architecture of M1 block were identified through seismic sections, logging curve characteristics and entropy spectrum analysis. Thirty-two short-term sequence cycles (fifth order), eight mid-term sequence cycles (fourth order) and two long-term sequence cycles (third order) were identified, followed by the establishment of a high-resolution isochronous stratigraphic correlation framework. Finally, a regional 3D geological model was established on the basis of these preliminary studies. The integrated 3D geological model is a valuable tool for reflecting geological bodies accurately, and it can accurately represent and describe reservoir heterogeneity.
Stratigraphy and depositional environments of the Mamfe Formation and its implication on the tectonosedimentary evolution of the Ikom-Mamfe Embayment, West Africa
Authors: Bassey Clement , Eminue Oboho , Ajonina Humphrey
Published: October 2013

A 42 m thick outcropping portion of the Mamfe Formation is subdivided into Manyu (31 m thick) and Kesham (11m thick) Members on the basis of textural, mineralogical and structural differences. The Manyu Member (Albian) consists of folded and indurated, medium to coarse grained arkosic sandstones and thickly laminated organic-rich shales deposited in a lacustrine environment. The Kesham Member (Cenomanian) consists of subarkoses intercalated with massive green shale and mudstone deposited in a fluvial environment. The change in depositional environment was tectonically controlled. The mid Cretaceous paleogeography of the embayment was governed by the NE-SW trending “Ikom ridge” which prevented marine incursion from adjacent the Benue Sea. Evaporites found within the basin were precipitated from ocean water that was periodically spilled by strong tides and storms across the ridge into the embayment. The filling-up of the embayment to base level in the Cenomanian resulted in a shift in the depositional center downstream to adjoining lower Benue Trough. Similarity in heavy mineral composition and maturity of the Cenomanian sandstones with recent clastics in the embayment indicates their derivation from the same source terrain and relatively stable tectonic and climatic conditions at the source area since the Cenomanian time.
Vertical resolution enhancement of petrophysical Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) log using ordinary kriging
Authors: Bagheripour Parisa , Asoodeh Mojtaba , Nazarpour Ayoob
Published: October 2013

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) logging provides priceless information about hydrocarbon bearing intervals such as free fluid porosity and permeability. This study focuses on using geostatistics from NMR logging instruments at high depths of investigation to enhance vertical resolution for better understanding of reservoirs. In this study, a NMR log was used such that half of its midpoint data was used for geostatistical model construction using an ordinary kriging technique and the rest of the data points were used for assessing the performance of the constructed model. This strategy enhances the resolution of NMR logging by twofold. Results indicated that the correlation coefficient between measured and predicted permeability and free fluid porosity is equal to 0.976 and 0.970, respectively. This means that geostatistical modeling is capable of enhancing the vertical resolution of NMR logging. This study was successfully applied to carbonate reservoir rocks of the South Pars Gas Field.
Engineering-geological conditions of the formations in the Western Thessaly basin, Greece
Authors: Apostolidis Emmanuel , Koukis George
Published: October 2013

An engineering-geological map of the Western Thessaly basin has been compiled, providing a valuable guide to both urban planning and industrial development of the wider area. This map contributes significantly to the optimization of land use and improved planning of technical work. Additionally, the engineering-geological conditions of the formations encountered in the Western Thessaly basin are examined. The formations are grouped into thirteen (13) engineering-geological entities, with regard to their geotechnical behaviour. This entire study was based on both in situ investigations and geotechnical information extracted from 1,039 boreholes.

Furthermore, a landslide inventory map of the Western Thessaly basin has been compiled. In addition, the surface subsidence ruptures, due to ground-water overexploitation, have been examined in the eastern part of the study area.
Location and development of larvae of Contracaecum rudolphii Hartwich, 1964 (Nematoda: Anisakidae) in experimentally infected asps Leuciscus aspius (Linnaeus, 1758) (Pisces: Cyprinidae)
Authors: Dziekońska-Rynko Janina , Rokicki Jerzy , Mierzejewska Katarzyna , Wziątek Bogdan , Bielecki Aleksander
Published: October 2013

Laboratory-reproduced and bred asps were experimentally infected with Contracaecum rudolphii larvae, either directly or with previously infected copepods. In the fish exposed to larval infection, the intensity and prevalence of infection were noticeably higher than in the group exposed to copepods. The course of larvae development was similar in both groups. In the larvae measuring ca. 1000 μm in length, the gastrointestinal tract with a developed ventriculus, ventricular appendix and intestinal caecum was clearly visible. The mouth was surrounded by three lips. Over the 10-week experimental period, slightly-coiled larvae surrounded with a thin theca but no encysted larvae were found in the fish exposed to larvae. On the other hand, spirally-stranded and encysted larvae were observed after the 7th week in the fish exposed to infected copepods. The results demonstrated that in the experimentally infected asps, the intensity and prevalence of infection as well as the location of the larvae in a fish depended on the type of invasive material applied.
Praise and Blame in Philosophy of Religion
Authors: Taliaferro Charles , Dressen Austin
Published: October 2013

Abstract:

Of all the sub-fields of philosophy, it appears to us that philosophy of religion (or philosophical theology) arouses the most skepticism and derision from non-philosophers of religion. It is not unusual for secular philosophers to accuse philosophers of religion of engaging in a practice without any hope of gaining serious philosophical insights. We offer some examples of such disdain and record how some see the field of philosophy of religion as dominated by Christian apologists who are not really practising philosophy at all. We believe that praise and blame have a rightful place in philosophy of religion, and philosophy in general, but our main focus is on times when blame seems inappropriate. We argue that some of the blame levelled by prominent philosophers against philosophers of religion and the field itself are, in fact, unjustified and not in the spirit of constructive, fruitful philosophical dialogue. We contend that by any fair assessment of the field of philosophy of religion, it is not dominated by Christian apologists and, on the basis of a number of non-question-begging criteria, the field seems as healthy as any other respected sub-field of philosophy. We conclude with a modest explanation as to why philosophy of religion arouses the disparagement it does.
Biocatalytic Synthesis of Chiral Alcohols and Amino Acids for Development of Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Patel Ramesh
Published: October 2013

Chirality is a key factor in the safety and efficacy of many drug products and thus the production of single enantiomers of drug intermediates and drugs has become increasingly important in the pharmaceutical industry. There has been an increasing awareness of the enormous potential of microorganisms and enzymes derived there from for the transformation of synthetic chemicals with high chemo-, regio- and enatioselectivities. In this article, biocatalytic processes are described for the synthesis of chiral alcohols and unntural aminoacids for pharmaceuticals.
Acute and Subacute Effects of Urban Air Pollution on Cardiopulmonary Emergencies and Mortality: Time Series Studies in Austrian Cities
Authors: Neuberger Manfred , Moshammer Hanns , Rabczenko Daniel
Published: October 2013

Daily pollution data (collected in Graz over 16 years and in the Linz over 18 years) were used for time series studies (GAM and case-crossover) on the relationship with daily mortality (overall and specific causes of death). Diagnoses of patients who had been transported to hospitals in Linz were also available on a daily basis from eight years for time series analyses of cardiopulmonary emergencies. Increases in air pollutant levels over several days were followed by increases in mortality and the observed effects increased with the length of the exposure window considered, up to a maximum of 15 days. These mortality changes in Graz and Linz showed similar patterns like the ones found before in Vienna. A significant association of mortality could be demonstrated with NO2, PM2.5 and PM10 even in summer, when concentrations are lower and mainly related to motor traffic. Cardiorespiratory ambulance transports increased with NO2/PM2.5/PM10 by 2.0/6.1/1.7% per 10 µg/m³ on the same day. Monitoring of NO2 (related to motor traffic) and fine particulates at urban background stations predicts acute effects on cardiopulmonary emergencies and extended effects on cardiopulmonary mortality. Both components of urban air pollution are indicators of acute cardiopulmonary health risks, which need to be monitored and reduced, even below current standards.
Adaptive Multi-Node Multiple Input and Multiple Output (MIMO) Transmission for Mobile Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Cho Sunghyun , Choi Ji-Woong , You Cheolwoo
Published: October 2013

Mobile wireless multimedia sensor networks (WMSNs), which consist of mobile sink or sensor nodes and use rich sensing information, require much faster and more reliable wireless links than static wireless sensor networks (WSNs). This paper proposes an adaptive multi-node (MN) multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) transmission to improve the transmission reliability and capacity of mobile sink nodes when they experience spatial correlation. Unlike conventional single-node (SN) MIMO transmission, the proposed scheme considers the use of transmission antennas from more than two sensor nodes. To find an optimal antenna set and a MIMO transmission scheme, a MN MIMO channel model is introduced first, followed by derivation of closed-form ergodic capacity expressions with different MIMO transmission schemes, such as space-time transmit diversity coding and spatial multiplexing. The capacity varies according to the antenna correlation and the path gain from multiple sensor nodes. Based on these statistical results, we propose an adaptive MIMO mode and antenna set switching algorithm that maximizes the ergodic capacity of mobile sink nodes. The ergodic capacity of the proposed scheme is compared with conventional SN MIMO schemes, where the gain increases as the antenna correlation and path gain ratio increase.
Development of microsatellite markers for two Australian Persoonia (Proteaceae) species using two different techniques
Authors: Stingemore Jessica A. , Nevill Paul G. , Gardner Michael G. , Krauss Siegfried L.
Published: October 2013

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed and cross‐species transferability assessed for two Persoonia species to evaluate genetic diversity and population genetic structure of these broadly distributed southwest Australian tree species.

• Methods and Results: Microsatellite‐enriched libraries and 454 GS‐FLX shotgun sequencing were used to identity nine microsatellite loci for P. elliptica (one 454; eight cloning) and six for P. longifolia (three 454; three cloning). These loci were screened for variation in individuals from populations in southwestern Australia. In P. elliptica, observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.46 to 0.93 and 0.42 to 0.88, respectively. For P. longifolia, observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.04 to 0.88 and 0.04 to 0.84, respectively.

• Conclusions: The microsatellites identified in this study will enable the examination of population and spatial structuring of genetic diversity in P. elliptica and P. longifolia, two priority species for mine site restoration in southwestern Australia.
A New Simplified One-Port Laparoscopic Technique for Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement
Authors: Kao Chun-Yu , Chuang Jiin-Haur , Lee Shin-Yi
Published: October 2013

Background

Various techniques for laparoscopic insertion of a peritoneal dialysis catheter have been described. Usually 2 – 3 ports are required, and complications related to the port sites (such as abdominal wall hernia, leakage, and hemorrhage) cannot be avoided. To minimize the potential complications, we designed a simplified 1-port laparoscopic technique for peritoneal dialysis catheter placement.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective data review of 44 patients who underwent 1-port laparoscopic insertion of a Tenckhoff catheter from June 2009 to February 2011. All patient data, including postoperative complications, were analyzed.

Results

The mean follow-up period was 11.52 months. All catheters were working properly, except in 1 patient who developed peritonitis 3 months after catheter placement. (The catheter was removed.) No postoperative abdominal wall hemorrhage, early leaks, hernias, or catheter migration occurred. No exit-site or tunnel infections were observed.

Conclusions

Our 1-port laparoscopic technique provides excellent catheter fixation, avoids excessive port sites, and yields good cosmesis. The low complication rate and the simplicity of the method justify its standard use for Tenckhoff catheter placement.
Increased Risk of Fatal Infections in Women Starting Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Ros Silvia , Remón Cesar , Qureshi Abdul Rashid , Quiros Pedro , Lindholm Bengt , Carrero Juan Jesús
Published: October 2013

Background and Objectives

Although cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease, non-CVD causes account for more than 50% of total deaths. We previously showed that, compared with men, women starting dialysis—both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (PD)—have higher non-CVD mortality rates. Here, we evaluate sex-specific outcomes in a large cohort of incident PD patients.

Methods

Incident de novo PD patients from the Andalusian SICATA Registry for 1999 – 2010, with follow-up until 31 December 2010 or up to 5 years, were investigated for fatal outcomes. Causes of death were extracted from medical records. The analysis used traditional and competing-risk Cox models for all-cause and cause-specific mortality in men and women, correcting in the competing-risk models for the events of kidney transplantation and transfer to hemodialysis.

Results

A total of 1458 patients (57% men; mean overall age: 55.3 ± 17.0 years) initiated PD in Andalusia during the study period. During follow-up, 350 deaths, 355 renal transplantation procedures, and 331 transfers to hemodialysis were recorded. Vascular disease and diabetic nephropathy were the most frequent causes of kidney failure in men; other causes were more common in women. In the traditional Cox model, both sexes showed a similar all-cause mortality risk [crude hazard ratio (HR): 0.90; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.72 to 1.12]. However, with respect to specific causes of death, women showed a borderline lower risk of both CVD (crude HR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.50 to 0.99) and non-CVD mortality from other than infection (crude HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.57 to 1.15). In contrast, the risk of death from infection was almost doubled in women compared with men (crude HR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.15 to 3.20), a finding that held true after multivariate adjustment for age, primary renal disease, period of inclusion, and initial PD modality (adjusted HR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.03 to 3.01). This result was confirmed even taking into consideration the competing events of kidney transplantation and transfer to hemodialysis.

Conclusions

Compared with men starting PD, women starting PD are at higher risk of mortality from infection. More stringent screening measures and corrective efforts in women might be indicated.
Is Dialysis Modality a Factor in the Survival of Patients Initiating Dialysis after Kidney Transplant Failure?
Authors: Perl Jeffrey , Dong James , Rose Caren , Jassal Sarbjit Vanita , Gill John S.
Published: October 2013

Background

Kidney transplant failure (TF) is among the leading causes of dialysis initiation. Whether survival is similar for patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) and with hemodialysis (HD) after TF is unclear and may inform decisions concerning dialysis modality selection.

Methods

Between 1995 and 2007, 16 113 adult dialysis patients identified from the US Renal Data System initiated dialysis after TF. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the impact of initial dialysis modality (1 865 PD, 14 248 HD) on early (1-year) and overall mortality in an intention-to-treat approach.

Results

Compared with HD patients, PD patients were younger (46.1 years vs 49.4 years, p < 0.0001) with fewer comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus (23.1% vs 25.7%, p < 0.0001). After adjustment, survival among PD patients was greater within the first year after dialysis initiation [adjusted hazard ratio (AHR): 0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74 to 0.97], but lower after 2 years (AHR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.29). During the entire period of observation, survival in both groups was similar (AHR for PD compared with HD: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.0 to 1.20). In a sensitivity analysis restricted to a cohort of 1865 propensity-matched pairs of HD and PD patients, results were similar (AHR: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.93 to 1.14). Subgroups of patients with a body mass index exceeding 30 kg/m2 [AHR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.52) and with a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) less than 5 mL/min/1.73 m2 (AHR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.98) experienced inferior overall survival when treated with PD.

Conclusions

Compared with HD, PD is associated with an early survival advantage, inferior late survival, and similar overall survival in patients initiating dialysis after TF. Those data suggest that increased initial use of PD among patients returning to dialysis after TF may be associated with improved outcomes, except among patients with a higher BMI and those who initiate dialysis at lower levels of eGFR. The reasons behind the inferior late survival seen in PD patients are unclear and require further study.
Les miroirs du deuil
Authors: Egry Marie-Claude
Published: October 2013

La question du deuil se situe au croisement de l’anthropologie et de la psychanalyse. La problématique de la transmission de deuils laissés en suspens resurgit dans la clinique, à partir du symptôme. L’apparition d’une personne morte, les expériences de bascule identitaire, nous conduisent au seuil de la mémoire et de l’identité. Le rite des miroirs recouverts est paradigmatique de la double brisure psychique et sociale. Le rite trouve sa place dans la remise en jeu imaginaire et symbolique du processus de deuil. Il participe au travail de reliance et de réparation.
La reconnaissance sans limite et sans condition
Authors: About Michel
Published: October 2013

Malgré l’attention déployée à l’écoute des traumatismes subis dans la petite enfance chez nos patients, la psychothérapie peut montrer des limites, comme l’illustre ce cas. La colère de la patiente, qui domine ses séances de bout en bout, n’est-elle pas l’expression de sa vitalité retrouvée après une période de détresse totale qui a traversé sa vie ? Le déroulement de cette cure inachevée interroge également la relation transféro-contre-transférentielle et ses aléas, et la nécessité de poursuivre sans relâche le travail d’autoanalyse.
« On ne parle pas patois à l'école »
Authors: Bourgoin Hélène
Published: October 2013

Par une démarche de type Balint destinée aux enseignants appelée « soutien au soutien », des enseignants de lycée professionnel se sont autorisés à une attitude institutionnelle moins surmoïque. C’est alors qu’ils ont renforcé la contenance d’élèves en très grande difficulté. Ceux-ci ont alors pu développer une attitude créative dans l’enceinte scolaire. En s’appuyant sur ce travail, la recherche de l’assouplissement des relations d’une circonscription du premier degré a permis une dynamique de travail imaginative et innovante au service de la qualité de l’enseignement.
L'adolescence : l'entre-deux de tous les paradoxes
Authors: Delafraye Jocelyne
Published: October 2013

Professeur de philosophie, j’anime, au sein d’un lycée, un atelier de « philothérapie » destiné à des élèves de premières littéraires, dont l’esprit socratique est « Connais-toi toi-même ». La médiation par les textes introduit du tiers et favorise, chez les adolescents, l’émergence des inquiétudes existentielles et permet de relier l’individuel de leurs questionnements à l’universel de la condition humaine. Parallèlement, j’ai été amenée à accompagner, de manière plus personnelle, un élève souffrant de « phobie scolaire ». De ces rencontres avec les adolescents au fil des ans, de ce qu’ils m’ont appris d’eux-mêmes, des émotions qu’ils ont fait naître en moi, est né cet article théorique.
Durability of recycled aggregate concrete designed with the Equivalent Mortar Volume (EMV) method: Validation under the Spanish context and its adaptation to Bolomey methodology
Authors: Jiménez C. , Barra M. , Valls S. , Aponte D. , Vázquez E.
Published: October 2013

Some durability properties are analyzed in concretes made with a novel method for recycled aggregates concrete (RAC) proportioning, in order to validate it under the Spanish context. Two types of concrete mixes were elaborated; one following the guidelines of the named method, and other based on an adaptation of the method to Bolomey methodology. Two types of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) were used. RCA replacement for natural aggregates (NA) ranged from 20% to 100%. The 20% was chosen in order to comply with Spanish recommendations. Water penetration under pressure, water absorption and chlorides attack were the studied properties. It is verified that the new method and the developed adaptation results in concrete mixes of better or similar properties to those of the natural aggregates concrete (NAC) and the conventional RAC, saving important amounts of cement.
Molecular surveillance of Theileria ovis, Theileria lestoquardi and Theileria annulata infection in sheep and ixodid ticks in Iran
Authors: Razmi Gholamreza , Yaghfoori Saeed
Published: October 2013

A molecular study was undertaken to detect Theileria ovis, Theileria lestoquardi and Theileria annulatain sheep and tick vectors. Investigation was conducted from 2010 to 2011 in the south of Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran. A total of 150 blood samples were collected from 30 different sheep flocks. In addition, ixodid ticks were sampled from the same flocks. The stained blood smears were microscopically examined for the presence of piroplasms and a semi-nested polymerase chain reaction-restriction (PCR) was used for subsequent molecular speciation. Salivary glands were isolated from the ticks and subsequently analysed by semi-nested PCR. polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to differentiate between T. lestoquardi and T. annulata from PCR-positive samples. Theileria species infection was microscopically detected in 18.6% of blood smears. The presence of T. ovis and T. lestoquardi or T. annulata was detected by semi-nested PCR in 58.6% and 6.6% of blood samples respectively. In total, 169 ixodid ticks were collected from different areas of the province. The most prevalent ticks were Rhipicephalus turanicus (n = 155; 91.7% of the total), followed by Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum (n = 8; 4.7%) and Hyalomma marginatum turanicum (n = 6; 3.5%). From an organ pooling of 33 ticks, three pools of salivary glands from R. turanicus were positive for Theileria species by semi-nested PCR. Of the three R. turanicus samples testing positive for Theileria species, two (6.1%) were positive for T. ovis and one (3.0%) for T. lestoquardi or T. annulata. Amongst the 11 PCR-positive samples for T. lestoquardi or T. annulata, 10 were positive for T. lestoquardi and one sample was positive for both T. lestoquardi and T. annulata using PCR-RFLP. The results also demonstrated that PCR-RFLP could be used for the detection of T. ovis. Based on the results, it can be concluded that T. ovis has a higher prevalence than T. lestoquardi, and that R. turanicus could be a possible vector for T. ovis and T. lestoquardi. Finally, the PCR-RFLP based on Msp1 restriction enzyme is a simple method for differentiation of Theileria species in sheep and ixodid ticks.
Short Communication: Effect of dietary lysine content and sanitation conditions on performance of weaned pigs fed antibiotic-free diets
Authors: Kahindi R. K. , Htoo J. K. , Nyachoti C. M.
Published: October 2013

Kahindi, R. K., Htoo, J. K. and Nyachoti, C. M. 2014. Short Communication: Effect of dietary lysine content and sanitation conditions on performance of weaned pigs fed antibiotic-free diets. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 115–118. One hundred and ninety-two piglets (7.2±0.50 kg body weight) were fed corn–wheat–soybean meal based-diets to determine dietary Lys requirement in a 2×4 factorial setting [two sanitation conditions (SC): clean and unclean, and four dietary lysine contents: 0.94, 1.09, 1.25 and 1.43%]. The average daily gain (ADG) and gain to feed ratio (G:F) linearly increased (P<0.05) with dietary lysine contents, but were lower (P<0.0001) under unclean sanitation conditions from day 0 to 7 but not from day 8 to 21. Overall, dietary lysine contents did not affect average daily feed intake (ADFI), but unclean sanitation conditions reduced (P<0.01) ADFI; however, ADG was increased by both dietary lysine contents and SC? (P<0.001), whereas only dietary lysine contents affected G:F.
A pilot survey of decisions by acute medicine staff after thunderclap headache
Authors: Dobb B , Cooper J
Published: October 2013

Introduction and aims: Traditionally, neurologically pristine patients with a thunderclap headache are investigated with a non-contrast computed tomography (CT) brain scan, which if negative is followed by a lumbar puncture (LP) to exclude important secondary causes, particularly subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). However, misdiagnosis of such patients is still a cause of significant human and financial cost and a regular reason for medical litigation. This study explores the approach of emergency medicine and acute medicine clinicians to the investigation of a patient with thunderclap headache.

Methods: Clinicians were invited to complete an online survey based on a clinical vignette of a 45-year-old man presenting with a thunderclap headache who had a pristine neurological examination.

Results: A total of 160 clinicians responded. The majority (89%) elected to perform a non-contrast CT brain as their first investigation, though five clinicians discharged the patient without investigation. If the CT was negative, only 84% would then proceed to LP, but 20% would undertake this investigation before 12 hours from headache onset.

Conclusions: Most clinicians investigate neurologically intact patients with thunderclap headache following a CT/LP strategy, but deviations from recommended practice are common.