bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Memorial Service to Provide Reflection on Patient Death During Residency
Authors: Schoenborn Nancy L. , Cheng M. Jennifer , Christmas Colleen
Published: October 2013

Background

Patient death can be emotionally and psychologically stressful for clinicians, particularly clinicians in training.

Objective

We describe an annual memorial service as a novel approach to help internal medicine residents cope with and reflect on the experiences of patient death.

Methods

We created a memorial service in 2010 for patients who had died under the care of the internal medicine residents in our institution. Residents, medical students, and medicine faculty attended the 1-hour service. The memorial service was repeated in 2011, and a 10-question survey was sent to evaluate its impact.

Results

Twenty-two participants in either the 2010 or 2011 memorial service responded to the survey. Most of the respondents thought that reflection on patient death was important (95%) and that the memorial service was helpful in facilitating such reflection and bringing closure (95%).

Conclusions

An annual memorial service helps trainees cope with the emotional impact of patient death. It can be easily adopted by other residency programs. The long-term impact of this experience on trainees' well-being and professional development is unknown.
Effect of W, Mo, and Ti on the Corrosion Behavior of Low-Alloy Steel in Sulfuric Acid
Authors: Park S.A. , Kim J.G. , Yoon J.B.
Published: October 2013

The effects of W (0.05 wt% W), Mo (0.05 wt% Mo), and Ti (0.05 wt% Ti) addition on the corrosion resistance of low-alloy steel used in flue gas desulfurization systems were examined using electrochemical measurements in a 10 wt% sulfuric acid (H2SO4) solution. The corrosion rate increased in the following order: W steel < Mo steel << Ti steel. The surface analysis indicated that the type and quantity of inclusions by steel are as follows: W steel (manganese sulfide [MnS]) < Mo steel (MnS, molybdenum disulfide [MoS2]) << Ti steel (MoS2, titanium sulfide [TiS]). The corrosion rate was influenced by sulfide inclusions in the steels. In particular, the corrosion rate of Ti-containing steel was the highest due to a large number of TiS inclusions formed during the steel manufacturing or corrosion processes.
Corrosion and Cavitation Erosion Behaviors of Friction Stir Processed Ni-Al Bronze: Effect of Processing Parameters and Position in the Stirred Zone
Authors: Song Q.N. , Zheng Y.G. , Ni D.R. , Ma Z.Y.
Published: October 2013

As-cast Ni-Al bronze (NAB) was subjected to friction stir processing (FSP). Different processing parameters including rotating rate, traverse speed, and processing passes were selected to investigate their effect on the corrosion and cavitation erosion properties. Polarization curve and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to reveal the corrosion behavior. Cavitation erosion tests were conducted with an ultrasonic vibration device, and the eroded surfaces were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results showed that cavitation erosion resistance was improved for all the processed NAB compared to the as-cast, and a two-pass processed NAB possessed the best corrosion resistance since it had further homogenized microstructure compared to the single-pass processed ones. Corrosion and cavitation erosion tests were also conducted on samples (Surface, Subsurface, Middle, and Bottom) obtained by machining from different positions of the stirred zone (SZ) in a constant-parameter processed NAB along the plate thickness. The Middle was more corrosion resistant since its equiaxed microstructure contributed to a homogeneous oxide film on the surface. The grains in the Bottom were the finest, so the Bottom was the most cavitation erosion resistant.
Student and Faculty Perceptions of ICT Use in Undergraduate Agriculture Courses
Authors: Johnson Donald M. , Edgar Leslie D. , Cox Cassandra K.
Published: October 2013

Students and faculty in a land-grant college of agriculture were surveyed to determine their perceptions of current and future Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use in undergraduate agricul- ture courses. There was a large, positive relationship (r = .83) between student and faculty perceptions of the extent to which 40 specific ICT tasks were required in undergraduate courses. Students and faculty ranked the same five ICT tasks (receive email, send email, search the Internet, submit assignments as email attachments, and use Blackboard© to acquire course information) as being the most frequently re- quired. Students and faculty agreed that all database tasks and many of the intermediate to advanced spreadsheet, word processing, graphics, Internet, and miscellaneous tasks were seldom required in un- dergraduate agriculture courses. While a majority of students and faculty indicated that future ICT use should be maintained at the current level in each of seven broad ICT areas, there were significant (p < .05) differences between faculty plans and student recommendations for future use of the Internet, data- bases, computer graphics, and specialized applications. Students were undecided to moderately positive about their course-related ICT experiences. These results indicate a need to better integrate intermediate and advanced ICT tasks into undergraduate courses.
Impacts of a Faculty Abroad Experience on Teaching Style and Technology Use in a College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Authors: Sandlin M'Randa R. , Murphrey Theresa Pesl , Lindner James R. , Dooley Kim E.
Published: October 2013

Faculty abroad programs are becoming a popular method to provide faculty in colleges of agriculture with international experiences so they may internationalize their curricula. These programs also serve to provide experiential faculty development opportunities. Eight faculty members from Texas A&M Univer- sity participated in a faculty abroad experience in Trinidad and Tobago and developed instructional ma- terials using technology. Pre-reflective and reflective interview responses were qualitatively analyzed to determine the impact of this experience on participants’ teaching style and technology usage. The com- parison of the pre-reflective and reflective data sets indicated participants perceived impact on teaching style, specifically in relation to their curriculum content and use of global connections as it pertained to their discipline and global relationships with native counterparts. Many participants were already using technology in the classroom prior to the international experience. As a result of the experience, the level of their technology usage increased as they incorporated media, such as audio and video, to communicate their experiences and create context for their lessons. It was concluded that teaching style, technology usage, and excitement for teaching were renewed as a result of an international experience. Future stud- ies should be conducted to compare these findings with similar faculty abroad experiences.
Underestimation of Securities Fraud Aggregate Damages Due to Inter-Fund Trades
Authors: Feinstein Steven , Hu Gang , Marcus Mark , Ali Zann
Published: October 2013

Aggregate damages in class action securities cases estimated using standard methodologies and public volume data may be understated due to the frequent occurrence of inter-fund trades. Inter-fund trades are internal crossing trades between funds within the same fund family and are one of the few instances of trading transactions that are not reported publicly. Consequently, while inter-fund trades show up in submitted claims they are omitted from the public trade volume data generally used to estimate aggregate damages. Using actual claims data obtained from a claims administrator in a recent case, we find a significant number of damaged shares attributable to inter-fund trades, for which traditional damage estimation models do not account without an adjustment to the models' trading volume input. Our findings have implications for how aggregate damages should be estimated and call for policy reform in the reporting of inter-fund trades.
Spectral Aerosol Extinction Monitoring System (SÆMS): setup, observational products, and comparisons
Authors: Skupin A. , Ansmann A. , Engelmann R. , Baars H.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. A Spectral Aerosol Extinction Monitoring System (SÆMS) is presented that allows us to continuously measure the spectral extinction coefficient of atmospheric aerosol particles along an about 2.7 km long optical path at 30–50 m height above ground at Leipzig (51.3° N, 12.4° E), Germany. The fully automated instrument measures the ambient aerosol extinction coefficients from 300–1000 nm. The main goal of SÆMS observations are long-term studies of the relationship between particle extinction and relative humidity from below 40 % to almost 100 %. The setup is presented and observations (a case study and statistical results for 2009) are discussed in terms of time series of 550 nm particle optical depth, Ångström exponent, and particle size distribution retrieved from the spectrally resolved extinction. The SÆMS measurements are compared with simultaneously performed EARLINET lidar, AERONET photometer, and in situ aerosol observations of particle size distribution and related extinction coefficients at the roof of our institute. Consistency between the different measurements is found which corroborates the quality of the SÆMS observations.
Effect of increased pCO2 level on early shell development in great scallop (Pecten maximus Lamarck) larvae
Authors: Andersen S. , Grefsrud E. S. , Harboe T.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. As a result of high anthropogenic CO2 emissions, the concentration of CO2 in the oceans has increased, causing a decrease in pH, known as ocean acidification (OA). Numerous studies have shown negative effects on marine invertebrates, and also that the early life stages are the most sensitive to OA. We studied the effects of OA on embryos and unfed larvae of the great scallop (Pecten maximus Lamarck), at pCO2 levels of 469 (ambient), 807, 1164, and 1599 μatm until seven days after fertilization. To our knowledge, this is the first study on OA effects on larvae of this species. A drop in pCO2 level the first 12 h was observed in the elevated pCO2 groups due to a discontinuation in water flow to avoid escape of embryos. When the flow was restarted, pCO2 level stabilized and was significantly different between all groups. OA affected both survival and shell growth negatively after seven days. Survival was reduced from 45% in the ambient group to 12% in the highest pCO2 group. Shell length and height were reduced by 8 and 15%, respectively, when pCO2 increased from ambient to 1599 μatm. Development of normal hinges was negatively affected by elevated pCO2 levels in both trochophore larvae after two days and veliger larvae after seven days. After seven days, deformities in the shell hinge were more connected to elevated pCO2 levels than deformities in the shell edge. Embryos stained with calcein showed fluorescence in the newly formed shell area, indicating calcification of the shell at the early trochophore stage between one and two days after fertilization. Our results show that P. maximus embryos and early larvae may be negatively affected by elevated pCO2 levels within the range of what is projected towards year 2250, although the initial drop in pCO2 level may have overestimated the effect of the highest pCO2 levels. Future work should focus on long-term effects on this species from hatching, throughout the larval stages, and further into the juvenile and adult stages.
Designing hybrid flexure systems and elements using Freedom and Constraint Topologies
Authors: Hopkins J. B.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. In this paper we introduce the principles necessary to synthesize hybrid flexure systems and elements. Flexure systems consist of rigid bodies that are joined together by flexure elements that elastically deform to guide the system's rigid bodies with desired degrees of freedom (DOFs). The principles introduced here for synthesizing hybrid flexure systems and elements are extensions of the Freedom and Constraint Topologies (FACT) synthesis approach. FACT utilizes a comprehensive library of geometric shapes from which designers can rapidly consider and compare a multiplicity of flexure concepts that achieve any desired set of DOFs. Prior to this paper, designers primarily used these shapes to synthesize parallel and serial flexure systems and elements. With this paper, designers may now use these same shapes to synthesize more general flexures that consist of various combinations of parallel and serial systems and elements (i.e., hybrid configurations). As such, designers can access a larger body of flexure solutions that satisfy demanding design requirements. Instructions for helping designers utilize or avoid the advantages and challenges of over-, under-, and exact-constraint are also provided. Hybrid systems and elements are analysed and designed as case studies.
Elagolix, an Oral GnRH Antagonist for Endometriosis-Associated Pain: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Carr Bruce , Giudice Linda , Dmowski W. Paul , O'Brien Chris , Jiang Ping , Burke Joshua , Jimenez Roland , Hass Steven , Fuldeore Mahesh , Chwalisz Kristof
Published: October 2013

Objective

The aim of this study was to estimate the efficacy of elagolix, an oral gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist, for the treatment of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain.

Methods

This was a phase II, randomized, placebo-controlled parallel group study conducted at 37 US centers, consisting of an 8-week double-blind period followed by a 16-week open-label period. Patients were 137 women aged 18 to 49, with laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis and moderate to severe nonmenstrual pelvic pain and dysmenorrhea, who were administered elagolix 150 mg daily or placebo. The primary outcomes of the study were the daily assessment of dysmenorrhea, nonmenstrual pelvic pain and dyspareunia using a modified Biberoglu-Behrman scale.

Results

During the double-blind period, there were significantly greater mean reductions from baseline to week 8 in dysmenorrhea (-1.13 ± 0.11 vs. −0.37 ± 0.11, p<0.0001), nonmenstrual pelvic pain (-0.47 ± 0.07 vs. −0.19 ± 0.07, p = 0.0066), and dyspareunia scores (-0.61 ± 0.10 vs. −0.23 ± 0.10, p = 0.0070) in the elagolix group compared with placebo. Continued improvements were observed during the open-label treatment regardless of initial treatment allocation. Elagolix treatment was also associated with significant improvements in quality-of-life measures during the double-blind and open-label periods. The most common adverse events occurring with elagolix were nausea, headache and hot flush, each in 9.9% of patients.

Conclusion

Elagolix effectively reduced endometriosis-associated pelvic pain over a 24-week period and was well-tolerated.
Important Initiative Roles of CD44 and Tenascin in Sampson's Theory of the Pathogenesis and Development of Endometriosis
Authors: Igarashi Shigeo , Igarashi Toshio , Abe Yumiko , Liang Shan-Guang , Minegishi Takashi , Igarashi Masao
Published: October 2013

Background

Among several theories explaining the pathogenesis of endometriosis, Sampson's theory seems to be the most reliable and popular. However, this theory does have some problems. First, the onset of endometriosis is not as common as retrograde menstruation. Second, the surface of the peritoneum is capable of preventing the adhesion of foreign bodies such as endometrial cells. Regarding the first problem, several studies on immunosurveillance have been reported. The second problems has not yet been clarified, Therefore we investigated the problem in the present report.

Methods

Levels of CD44 and tenascin in both menstrual and peripheral blood were assayed in 19 healthy volunteer women in the first experiment. In the second experiment, the effects of tenascin on the activity of MMP-9 were investigated, because the invasive ability of endometriotic cells is known to be due to MMP activity.

Results

CD44 and tenascin concentrations were significantly higher in menstrual blood than in peripheral blood. Since CD44 is a specific hyaluronic acid receptor, CD44 in menstrual blood was demonstrated to be a specific matchmaker of adhesion between the endometrial cells and the peritoneal surface. Tenascin in menstrual blood and endometriotic cells up-regulated MMP activity and promoted the invasive action of endometriotic cells.

Conclusion

The present study clarified that adhesion of endometrial cells in menstrual blood on adhesion-preventive peritoneal surface was achieved by a mediator, CD44, in menstrual blood and that the ability of endometriotic cells to invade, induced by MMP, was achieved through up-regulation of MMP activity by the mediator tenascin.
Pre-Operative Evaluation of an Appendiceal Mucocele in a Woman with Endometriosis
Authors: Morotti Matteo , Camerini Giuseppe , Biscaldi Ennio , Remorgida Valentino , Ferrero Simone
Published: October 2013

Appendiceal mucocele is a rare cause of pain in the right lower abdominal quadrant. This case report describes a case of coexistence of endometriosis and appendiceal mucocele, which were diagnosed pre-operatively by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography. Laparoscopic excision of the appendiceal mucocele and endometriosis resulted in the disappearance of the symptoms.
Efficacy of Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty on Dysfunctional Fistulae Because of Inflow Stenosis
Authors: Caeiro Fernando , Carvalho Dulce , Cruz João , Santos João Ribeiro , Nolasco Fernando
Published: October 2013

Purpose

Autogenous fistulas are the preferential vascular access for hemodialysis. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the efficacy of angioplasty for dysfunctional fistulas because of inflow dysfunction.

Methods

We reviewed all the angiographic procedures performed on our institution between April 2007 and April 2009. Procedures performed in dysfunctional fistulas because of inflow stenoses were analyzed. Fistulas with stenoses out of these areas were excluded. The following data were collected: patient age and sex, fistula age at the time of intervention, location of fistula, number and location of stenosis, angiography referral criteria, clinical findings (presence or absence of thrills, bruits and pulsatility) and date of reintervention or failure.

Results

During the study period 215 fistulas were submitted to angiography of which, seventy-one presented inflow stenosis (33%). Mean follow-up was 21.72±9.26 months, and average age was 7.03 months. Two groups were considered: 31 fistulas comprising ≤6 months old, and 40 fistulas >6 months old. Primary patency rates±SE for older fistulas at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months, respectively, was 91.3%± 0.04%, 80.7%± 0.07%, 53.8% ±0.10% and 34.2±0.1%. versus 91.7±0.08%, 57.1 ±0.14%, 23±0.14%, 11.4%± 0.1% for younger fistulas (P=0.04). Fistulas ≤6 months old and multiple stenosis were associated with a poorer primary patency rate (P=0.005).

Conclusions

Inflow stenosis is frequently associated with fistula dysfunction. In this study we only analyzed AVF with inflow stenosis and we have shown that angioplasty can have great patency results, particularly for single lesions in matured fistulas.
The Medicinal Timber Canarium patentinervium Miq. (Burseraceae Kunth.) Is an Anti-Inflammatory Bioresource of Dual Inhibitors of Cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX)
Authors: Mogana R. , Teng-Jin K. , Wiart C.
Published: October 2013

The barks and leaves extracts of Canarium patentinervium Miq. (Burseraceae Kunth.) were investigated for cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition via in vitro models. The corresponding antioxidative power of the plant extract was also tested via nonenzyme and enzyme in vitro assays. The ethanolic extract of leaves inhibited the enzymatic activity of 5-LOX, COX-1, and COX-2 with IC50 equal to 49.66±0.02 μg/mL, 0.60±0.01 μg/mL, and 1.07±0.01 μg/mL, respectively, with selective COX-2 activity noted in ethanolic extract of barks with COX-1/COX-2 ratio of 1.22. The ethanol extract of barks confronted oxidation in the ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assay with EC50 values equal to 0.93±0.01 μg/mL, 2.33±0.02 μg/mL, and 67.00±0.32 μg/mL, respectively, while the ethanol extract of leaves confronted oxidation in β-carotene bleaching assay and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assay with EC50 value of 6.04±0.02 μg/mL and IC50 value of 3.05±0.01 μg/mL. The ethanol extract acts as a dual inhibitor of LOX and COX enzymes with potent antioxidant capacity. The clinical significance of these data is quite clear that they support a role for Canarium patentinervium Miq. (Burseraceae Kunth.) as a source of lead compounds in the management of inflammatory diseases.
Expanding the olfactory code by in silico decoding of odor-receptor chemical space
Authors: Boyle Sean Michael , McInally Shane , Ray Anandasankar
Published: October 2013

Coding of information in the peripheral olfactory system depends on two fundamental factors: interaction of individual odors with subsets of the odorant receptor repertoire and mode of signaling that an individual receptor-odor interaction elicits, activation or inhibition. We develop a cheminformatics pipeline that predicts receptor–odorant interactions from a large collection of chemical structures (>240,000) for receptors that have been tested to a smaller panel of odorants (∼100). Using a computational approach, we first identify shared structural features from known ligands of individual receptors. We then use these features to screen in silico new candidate ligands from >240,000 potential volatiles for several Odorant receptors (Ors) in the Drosophila antenna. Functional experiments from 9 Ors support a high success rate (∼71%) for the screen, resulting in identification of numerous new activators and inhibitors. Such computational prediction of receptor–odor interactions has the potential to enable systems level analysis of olfactory receptor repertoires in organisms.
A fair deal for PhD students and postdocs
Authors: Bourne Henry R
Published: October 2013

The relentless expansion that threatens the sustainability of biomedical research in the US takes a heavy toll on young researchers.
Inter-Golgi transport mediated by COPI-containing vesicles carrying small cargoes
Authors: Pellett Patrina A , Dietrich Felix , Bewersdorf Jörg , Rothman James E , Lavieu Grégory
Published: October 2013

A core prediction of the vesicular transport model is that COPI vesicles are responsible for trafficking anterograde cargoes forward. In this study, we test this prediction by examining the properties and requirements of inter-Golgi transport within fused cells, which requires mobile carriers in order for exchange of constituents to occur. We report that both small soluble and membrane-bound secretory cargo and exogenous Golgi resident glycosyl-transferases are exchanged between separated Golgi. Large soluble aggregates, which traverse individual stacks, do not transfer between Golgi, implying that small cargoes (which can fit in a typical transport vesicle) are transported by a different mechanism. Super-resolution microscopy reveals that the carriers of both anterograde and retrograde cargoes are the size of COPI vesicles, contain coatomer, and functionally require ARF1 and coatomer for transport. The data suggest that COPI vesicles traffic both small secretory cargo and steady-state Golgi resident enzymes among stacked cisternae that are stationary.
Bursaria cayzerae (Pittosporaceae), a vulnerable new species from north eastern New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Telford Ian , Edwards F. John , Copeland Lachlan M.
Published: October 2013

Bursaria cayzerae I.Telford & L.M.Copel. (Pittosporaceae), endemic to north-eastern New South Wales, is described. Its distribution is mapped, and habitat and conservation status discussed. A table comparing distinguishing attributes of the new species to those of B. longisepala and B. spinosa is provided. The keys to species in NSW FloraOnline and the Flora of New South Wales are modified to accomodate the new species.
Global burden of tuberculosis and lower respiratory infections attributable to alcohol consumption in 2004
Authors: Shield Kevin David , Samokhvalov Andriy V , Rehm Jürgen
Published: October 2013

Shield, K. D., Samokhvalov, A. V. & Rehm, J. (2013). Global burden of tuberculosis and lower respiratory infections attributable to alcohol consumption in 2004. International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research, 2(1), 11-18.  doi: 10.7895/ijadr.v2i1.49  (http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i1.49)Aim: To quantify the extent to which alcohol contributes to the global burden of tuberculosis (TB) and lower respiratory infections (LRI).Design: TB and LRI deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) lost due to alcohol consumption were calculated from alcohol-attributable fractions (AAFs) using various data sources.Measures: Deaths and DALYs lost were obtained from the World Health Organization (2004 revision of the Global Burden of Disease study). Alcohol consumption indicators were obtained from the ongoing Comparative Risk Assessment study. Relative risks were obtained from meta-analyses, and confidence intervals (CIs) for the AAFs were obtained using Monte Carlo simulations.Findings: In 2004 alcohol was responsible for 381,000 deaths (95% CI: 209,000–560,000), 215,000 from TB (95% CI: 135,000–295,000) and 167,000 from LRI (95% CI: 74,000–264,000); and 6,101,000 DALYs lost (95% CI: 3,463,000–8,777,000), 4,581,000 due to TB (95% CI: 2,835,000 to 6,326,000) and 1,152,000 due to LRI (95%CI: 954,000–566,000). This represents 0.65% of all deaths (95% CI: 0.36%–0.95%) and 0.40% of all DALYs lost (95% CI: 0.23%–0.23%) for people aged 15 years and older.Conclusions: The global burden of alcohol-attributable TB and LRI is substantial, and significant attention should be paid to monitoring it. Future research should focus on quantifying alcohol’s role in (1) the risk for infection, (2) disease progression, and (3) adherence to medication regimens, in order to ensure accurate descriptions of the resulting global burden attributable to alcohol consumption.
The patterns of alcohol use among Warsaw adolescents across 20 years - from 1988 to 2008
Authors: Okulicz-Kozaryn Katarzyna , Borucka Anna
Published: October 2013

Okulicz-Kozaryn, K. & Borucka, A. (2013). Patterns of alcohol use among Warsaw adolescents across 20 years—from 1988 to 2008. International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research, 2(2), 37-44. doi: 10.7895/ijadr.v2i2.102 (http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i2.102)Aim: The study investigates patterns of alcohol drinking among 15-year-old Polish students in Warsaw over the past 20 years.Methods: Data were collected from six consecutive surveys, beginning in 1988 (N = 3918) and conducted every four years (in 2008, N = 1229).Results: Two-step cluster analysis across all six consecutive surveys indicated a clear differentiation of the social context of adolescent alcohol drinking patterns. Adolescents are least likely to drink alcohol alone (< 5%) or heavily with peers (< 10%), more likely to drink with parents (15%-20%), in moderate amounts with peers (11%-28%) or not at all (11%-27%), and most likely to be light social drinkers (30%-46%). Cross-gender comparisons suggest that traditional gender differences are fading away; the data show increases in moderate social drinking among females and abstinence among males.Conclusions: Our results confirm that adolescents’ patterns of alcohol use are stable over time, despite the social and political changes that have occurred in Poland since 1988, and reflect a pattern of mostly moderate drinking.
Professional impotence: Impact of alcoholism on secondary school teachers in Uganda
Authors: Rukundo Aloysius , Magambo Justine
Published: October 2013

Rukundo A. & Magambo J. (2013). Professional impotence: Impact of alcohol abuse on secondary schoolteachers in Uganda. International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research, 2(2), 69-74. doi: 10.7895/ijadr.v2i2.104 (http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i2.104)Aims: We conducted this study to explore the impact of alcohol consumption on teachers’ jobs in Uganda. Specifically, we investigated the types of alcohol consumed by schoolteachers, reasons for alcohol abuse among teachers, justifications for mixing different types of drinks while drinking, and the effects of alcohol abuse on secondary schoolteachers. Design: Cross-sectional, descriptive.Participants: We involved 54 teachers (79.6% males and 20.4% females) in focus group discussions (FGDs) and four teachers (all male) in in-depth interviews.Measurement: Interviews were conducted to validate the data from FGDs as done by vanTartwijk, den Brok, Veldman and Wubbels (2008). Thematic analysis was employed to describe themes and emerging trends.Results: Data gathered from both in-depth interviews and FGDs show that teachers in Uganda drink a variety of “local” and “exotic” types of alcohol, for a variety of reasons. Results also indicate that during drinking sessions, teachers mix drinks for different reasons, but mainly to increase or decrease the potency of alcoholic drinks, depending on their types. All participants mentioned that over-consumption of alcohol negatively affects the teacher’s job and career in ways that include poor performance, neglect and loss of job.Conclusion: While teachers in Uganda drink many types of alcohol for apparently “good” reasons, those teachers who over-drink eventually fall into job inefficiency.
Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactors
Authors: Syron Eoin , Casey Eoin
Published: October 2013

The membrane‐aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) is an emerging technology for wastewater treatment. Oxygen diffuses through a gas‐permeable membrane into the biofilm where oxidation of pollutants, supplied on the biofilm side of the membrane, takes place. This article describes the important design and operational principles of MABRs and reviews the performance of previously published studies where the MABR has been applied for wastewater treatment. The challenges involved in scaling‐up the process are discussed.
Solvent‐Resistant Nanofiltration Membranes
Authors: Hendrix Katrien , Vankelecom Ivo F. J.
Published: October 2013

Solvent‐resistant nanofiltration (SRNF) is a separation technique that allows separations in organic solvents down to a molecular level. It is a growing technology that is environmentally friendly because of its energy‐ and waste‐efficiency. This article comprises a general introduction to SRNF, explaining its basic principles and considerations. Different methods to evaluate SRNF performance are discussed as well as limitations and challenges of the separation method. A more fundamental discussion of the possible transport mechanisms for different types of SRNF membranes is given. Currently used characterization methods, both novel and state of the art, are listed and discussed. An up‐to‐date overview of SRNF membranes types found in recent literature is given, with subdivisions made for each type of material. Their preparation method is also discussed, as well as possible posttreatments. The most extensive part of this subchapter is dedicated to polymeric SRNF membranes, as these are most abundant in literature, but ceramic and mixed matrix membranes are also discussed. Lastly, commercially available SRNF membranes are mentioned.
International Membrane Societies
Authors: Crock Christopher A. , Ahmadiannamini Pejman
Published: October 2013

The list below represents a diverse group of associations and societies that are active in the field of membrane science and technology.
Directed pathway evolution of the glyoxylate shunt in Escherichia coli for improved aerobic succinate production from glycerol
Authors: Li Ning , Zhang Bo , Chen Tao , Wang Zhiwen , Tang Ya-jie , Zhao Xueming
Published: October 2013

α-Ketoglutarate is accumulated as the main byproduct during the aerobic succinate production from glycerol by Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) in minimal medium. To address this issue, here a strategy of directed pathway evolution was developed to enhance the alternative succinate production route—the glyoxylate shunt. Via the directed pathway evolution, the glyoxylate shunt was recruited as the primary anaplerotic pathway in a ppc mutant, which restored its viability in glycerol minimal medium. Subsequently, the operon sdhCDAB was deleted and the gene ppc was reverted in the evolved strain for succinate production. The resulting strain E2-Δsdh-ppc produced 30 % more succinate and 46 % less α-ketoglutarate than the control strain. A G583T mutation in gene icdA, which significantly decreased the activity of isocitrate dehydrogenase, was identified in the evolved strain as the main mutation responsible for the observed phenotype. Overexpression of α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex in E2-Δsdh-ppc further reduced the amount of byproduct and improved succinate production. The final strain E2-Δsdh-ppc-sucAB produced 366 mM succinate from 1.3 M glycerol in minimal medium in fed-batch fermentation. The maximum and average succinate volumetric productivities were 19.2 and 6.55 mM h−1, respectively, exhibiting potential industrial production capacity from the low-priced substrate.
Intuitive Aufteilungsentscheidungen in Grund- und Hauptschule sowie Gymnasium
Authors: Kienbaum Jutta
Published: October 2013

Die vorliegende Studie untersucht die Frage, an welchen Kriterien sich Schülerinnen und Schüler aus Grund- und Hauptschule sowie Gymnasium intuitiv orientieren, wenn sie eine gerechte Aufteilung zwischen zwei Protagonisten treffen sollen, die sich bezüglich ihrer Bedürftigkeit und Anstrengung unterscheiden. Im Rahmen eines experimentellen Designs trafen insgesamt 135 Kinder und Jugendliche im Alter von 9, 12 und 15 Jahren jeweils 18 Aufteilungsentscheidungen. Während die Schülerinnen und Schüler aus Grund- und Hauptschule ihre Aufteilungsentscheidung zum größten Teil ausschließlich am Bedürftigkeitskriterium orientierten und die Anstrengungsinformation vergleichsweise selten verwendeten, integrierten die Gymnasiasten überwiegend beide Informationen. Gleichaufteilungen traten kaum auf. Eine alterskorrelierte Entwicklungssequenz ließ sich nicht feststellen, so dass die Ergebnisse der Studie eher für Prozesse der differenziellen Entwicklung im Sinne einer schul- oder familienspezifischen Sozialisation von Werten sprechen.
Structural, optical, and adsorptive properties of tantalates by a facile hydrothermal method
Authors: Liu M. , Ma R. , Fang M. , Li F. D. , Kang S. H. , Wang H. M. , Fei G. T. , Zhang L. D.
Published: October 2013

Potassium tantalates, K2Ta2O6 and KTaO3, were synthesized by hydrothermal route. The crystal structural, optical, and adsorption properties of tantalates were investigated in the manuscript. The results indicate that the initial concentration of KOH is the determinate factor of crystal structure of tantalates. When the concentration of KOH is lower than 6M, the product is K2Ta2O6. While when the concentration is higher than 7M, the main product is KTaO3. Optical properties of tantalates analysis shows that the band gap of K2Ta2O6 is larger than that of KTaO3, which may be due to the different electronic band structure originating from the different overlapping way of the atomic orbital of tantalum and oxygen. The adsorption performance study shows that the adsorption property of K2Ta2O6 is higher than that of KTaO3, which would be assigned to its larger surface area.
Enhancement of lanthanide evaporation by complexation: Dysprosium tri-iodide mixed with indium iodide and thulium tri-iodide mixed with thallium iodide
Authors: Curry J. J. , Estupiñán E. G. , Henins A. , Lapatovich W. P. , Shastri S. D. , Hardis J. E.
Published: October 2013

The vapors in equilibrium with condensates of DyI3, DyI3/InI, TmI3, and TmI3/TlI were observed over the temperature range from 900 K to 1400 K using x-ray induced fluorescence. The total densities of each element (Dy, Tm, In, Tl, and I) in the vapor, summed over all atomic and molecular species, were determined. Dramatic enhancements in the total vapor densities of Dy and Tm were observed in the vapors over DyI3/InI and TmI3/TlI as compared to the vapors over pure DyI3 and pure TmI3, respectively. An enhancement factor exceeding 10 was observed for Dy at T ≈ 1020 K, decreasing to 0 at T ≈ 1250 K. An enhancement factor exceeding 20 was observed for Tm at T ≈ 1040 K, decreasing to 0 at T ≈ 1300 K. Such enhancements are expected from the formation of the vapor-phase hetero-complexes DyInI4 and TmTlI4. Numerical simulations of the thermo-chemical equilibrium suggest the importance of additional complexes in liquid phases. A description of the measurement technique is given. Improvements in the absolute calibration lead to an approximately 40% correction to previously reported preliminary results [J. J. Curry et al., Chem. Phys. Lett. 507, 52 (2011); J. J. Curry et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. 100, 083505 (2012)].
MODE-specific deactivation of adenine at the singlet excited states
Authors: Miyazaki Mitsuhiko , Kang Hyuk , Choi Chang Min , Han Noh Soo , Song Jae Kyu , Kim Nam Joon , Fujii Masaaki
Published: October 2013

The deactivation process of adenine excited near the band origin of the lowest ππ* state (1Lb) is investigated using picosecond (ps) time-resolved photoionization spectroscopy. The transients obtained with a ps pump pulse at the sharp vibronic bands, 36 105 cm−1 (D) and 36 248 cm−1 (E), in the resonant two-photon ionization spectrum exhibit a bi-exponential decay with two distinct time constants of τ1 ∼ 2 ps and τ2 > 100 ps, whereas the transients with the pump at other wavenumbers in this energy region show a single exponential decay with τ = 1–2 ps. We suggest that the τ1 represents the lifetimes of the 1nπ* energy levels near the D and E peaks, which are excited together by the ps pump pulse having a broad spectral bandwidth, and the τ2 shows the lifetimes of D and E peaks. The long lifetime of D level is attributed to a small barrier for internal conversion from the minimum of the 1Lb state to the 1nπ* state. On the other hand, the long lifetime of E level is ascribed to the nuclear configuration of adenine at this level, which is unfavorable to reach the seam of the conical intersection leading to nearly barrierless deactivation to the electronic ground state. This study shows that the ps time-resolved spectroscopy provides a powerful tool to study mode- and energy-specific deactivation processes occurring in a multi-dimensional potential energy surface.
Perturbative approximations to single and double spin flip equation of motion coupled cluster singles doubles methods
Authors: Dutta Achintya Kumar , Pal Sourav , Ghosh Debashree
Published: October 2013

Spin flip equation of motion coupled cluster (EOM-SF-CC) can correctly treat situations involving electronic degeneracies or near degeneracies, e.g., bond breaking, di- and tri-radicals, etc. However, for large systems EOM-SF-CC (even in single and double excitations) is computationally prohibitively expensive. Therefore, earlier approximations to EOM-SF-CC methods such as spin flip configuration interaction singles with perturbative doubles (SF-CIS(D)) have been proposed. In this work, we present a new perturbative approximation to EOM-SF-CC, which has been found to be more accurate than SF-CIS(D). The capabilities, advantages, and timings of the new approach have been demonstrated considering the singlet-triplet gaps in di- and triradicals as well as bond breaking examples. The method is extended to double spin flip EOM-CC and its capabilities have been tested.
State-to-state quantum dynamics of the N(4S) + CH(X 2Π) → CN(X 2Σ+,A2Π) + H(2S) reactions
Authors: Hu Xixi , Xie Changjian , Xie Daiqian , Guo Hua
Published: October 2013

The reactions between N(4S) and CH(X2Π) lead to H(2S) plus CN in its two lowest electronic states (X2Σ+ and A2Π), which are responsible for the interstellar CN formation. Accurate quantum dynamics of these reactions are investigated on new global potential energy surfaces of the two lowest-lying triplet states of HCN (13A′ and 13A″) fitted to more than 37 000 points at the internally contracted multi-reference configuration interaction level with the Davidson correction. The pathways for these highly exothermic and barrierless reactions feature both the HCN and HNC wells. Long-lived resonances supported by these wells manifest in reaction probabilities as numerous oscillations, particularly for low J partial waves. The 13A″ state is found to be more reactive than the 13A′ state, due apparently to its more attractive nature in the entrance channel. The CN products in both electronic states are highly excited in both vibrational and rotational degrees of freedom. The near forward-backward symmetric differential cross sections are consistent with a complex-forming mechanism.
Generalized plasma dispersion function: One-solve-all treatment, visualizations, and application to Landau damping
Authors: Xie Hua-Sheng
Published: October 2013

A unified, fast, and effective approach is developed for numerical calculation of the well-known plasma dispersion function with extensions from Maxwellian distribution to almost arbitrary distribution functions, such as the δ, flat top, triangular, κ or Lorentzian, slowing down, and incomplete Maxwellian distributions. The singularity and analytic continuation problems are also solved generally. Given that the usual conclusion γ∝∂f0/∂v is only a rough approximation when discussing the distribution function effects on Landau damping, this approach provides a useful tool for rigorous calculations of the linear wave and instability properties of plasma for general distribution functions. The results are also verified via a linear initial value simulation approach. Intuitive visualizations of the generalized plasma dispersion function are also provided.
Simultaneous electrical and optical readout of graphene-coated high Q silicon nitride resonators
Authors: Adiga V. P. , De Alba R. , Storch I. R. , Yu P. A. , Ilic B. , Barton R. A. , Lee S. , Hone J. , McEuen P. L. , Parpia J. M. , Craighead H. G.
Published: October 2013

Resonant mechanics of high quality factor (Q) graphene coated silicon nitride devices have been explored using optical and electrical transduction schemes. With the addition of the graphene layer, we retain the desirable mechanical properties of silicon nitride but utilize the electrical and optical properties of graphene to transduce and tune the resonant motion by both optical and electrical means. By positioning the graphene-on-silicon-nitride drums in a tunable optical cavity, we observe position dependent damping and resonant frequency control of the devices due to optical absorption by graphene.
Thickness scaling of ferroelastic domains in PbTiO3 films on DyScO3
Authors: Nesterov O. , Matzen S. , Magen C. , Vlooswijk A. H. G. , Catalan G. , Noheda B.
Published: October 2013

We report on the thickness dependence of the ferroelastic domains of PbTiO3 films grown on (110)-DyScO3 with low thicknesses (up to 240 nm), which fall outside the validity range of the square root law proposed by Roytburd. For slow-grown films, the data reveal the linear thickness dependence predicted by Pertsev and Zembilgotov, using a complete elastic description, while a 2/3 scaling exponent is found for fast-grown films. Extremely long domains running all through the samples have been observed in the latter case, compared to the short domains observed in slow-grown films. These differences are ascribed to the in-plane anisotropy for domain wall nucleation, which is likely caused by the anisotropic elastic modulus of the substrate.
Polar precursor ordering in BaTiO3 detected by resonant piezoelectric spectroscopy
Authors: Aktas Oktay , Carpenter Michael A. , Salje Ekhard K. H.
Published: October 2013

An experimental method, Resonant Piezoelectric Spectroscopy (RPS), is introduced for the detection of polar precursor effects in ferroelectric and multiferroic materials. RPS is based on the excitation of elastic waves through the piezoelectric effect in a sample. As the intensity of these waves is significantly amplified through mechanical resonances, RPS is very sensitive to the development of polar nanostructures. Using RPS, we identify polar nanostructures in BaTiO3 as a precursor in the cubic phase. Results are compatible with polar tweed structures which persist up to 613 K. This temperature is much higher than previously reported.
Role of modulus mismatch in vertically aligned nanocomposite formation during spinodal decomposition in constrained films
Authors: Liao X. B. , Ni Y. , Yang H. , He L. H.
Published: October 2013

Self-assembly of vertically aligned nanocomposite films via spinodal decomposition is of potential interest in a range of technique applications. How the elastic interaction mediated by modulus mismatch, cubic anisotropy factor, and anisotropic lattice mismatch between the product phases facilitates the experimentally observed columnar nanocomposite formation was elucidated using three-dimensional phase field simulations of spinodal decomposition in an elastically inhomogeneous cubic binary epilayer. A phase diagram from vertically aligned columnar nanocomposites to vertically aligned laminar nanocomposites was constructed with respect to modulus mismatch, cubic anisotropy factor, and anisotropic lattice mismatch. The results provide a guideline for such nanocomposite structure formation.
Invigorated and unified, US particle-physics community considers future directions
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: October 2013

Moving forward requires closer global collaboration from design to realization.
Are US reactors vulnerable to terrorists?
Authors: Kramer David
Published: October 2013

A watchdog group alleges Nuclear Regulatory Commission requirements are insufficient to guard against a 9/11-sized attack. The NRC and the nuclear industry disagree.
Identification of differential duodenal gene expression levels and microbiota abundance correlated with differences in energy utilisation in chickens
Authors: Konsak Barbara M. , Stanley Dragana , Haring Volker R. , Geier Mark S. , Hughes Robert J. , Howarth Gordon S. , Crowley Tamsyn M. , Moore Robert J.
Published: October 2013

Among the terrestrial production animals, chickens are the most efficient users of energy. Apparent metabolisable energy (AME) is a measure of energy utilisation efficiency representing the difference between energy consumed and energy lost via the excreta. There are significant differences in the energy utilisation capability of individual birds that have a similar genetic background and are raised under identical conditions. It would be of benefit to poultry producers if the basis of these differences could be understood and the differences minimised. We analysed duodenal gene expression and microbiota differences in birds with different energy utilisation efficiencies. Using microarray analysis, significant differences were found in duodenal gene expression between high- and low-AME birds, indicating that level of cell turnover may distinguish different groups of birds. High-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes indicated that duodenal microbiota was dominated by Lactobacillus species and two operational taxonomic units, identified as lactobacilli species, were found to be more abundant (P < 0.05) in low-AME birds. The present study has identified gene expression and microbiota properties that correlate with differences in AME; further studies will be required to investigate the causal relationships.