bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A qualitative study of factors affecting mental health amongst low-income working mothers in Bangalore, India
Authors: Travasso Sandra Mary , Rajaraman Divya , Heymann Sally Jody
Published: February 2014

Background

Low-income urban working mothers face many challenges in their domestic, environmental, and working conditions that may affect their mental health. In India, a high prevalence of mental health disorders has been recorded in young women, but there has been little research to examine the factors that affect their mental health at home and work.

Methods

Through a primarily qualitative approach, we studied the relationship between work, caring for family, spousal support, stress relief strategies and mental health amongst forty eight low-income working mothers residing in urban slums across Bangalore, India. Participants were construction workers, domestic workers, factory workers and fruit and vegetable street vendors. Qualitative data analysis themes included state of mental health, factors that affected mental health positively or negatively, manifestations and consequences of stress and depression, and stress mitigators.

Results

Even in our small sample of women, we found evidence of extreme depression, including suicidal ideation and attempted suicide. Women who have an alcoholic and/or abusive husband, experience intimate partner violence, are raising children with special needs, and lack adequate support for child care appear to be more susceptible to severe and prolonged periods of depression and suicide attempts. Factors that pointed towards reduced anxiety and depression were social support from family, friends and colleagues and fulfilment from work.

Conclusion

This qualitative study raises concerns that low-income working mothers in urban areas in India are at high risk for depression, and identifies common factors that create and mitigate stress in this population group. We discuss implications of the findings for supporting the mental health of urban working women in the Indian context. The development of the national mental health policy in India and its subsequent implementation should draw on existing research documenting factors associated with negative mental health amongst specific population groups in order to ensure greater impact.
Systematic review of surgical treatment techniques for adult and pediatric patients with pectus excavatum
Authors: Johnson William Rainey , Fedor David , Singhal Sunil
Published: February 2014

This compares outcome measures of current pectus excavatum (PEx) treatments, namely the Nuss and Ravitch procedures, in pediatric and adult patients. Original investigations that stratified PEx patients based on current treatment and age (pediatric = 0–21; adult 17–99) were considered for inclusion. Outcome measures were: operation duration, analgesia duration, blood loss, length of stay (LOS), outcome ratings, complications, and percentage requiring reoperations. Adult implant patients (18.8%) had higher reoperation rates than adult Nuss or Ravitch patients (5.3% and 3.3% respectively). Adult Nuss patients had longer LOS (7.3 days), more strut/bar displacement (6.1%), and more epidural analgesia (3 days) than adult Ravitch patients (2.9 days, 0%, 0 days). Excluding pectus bar and strut displacements, pediatric and adult Nuss patients tended to have higher complication rates (pediatric - 38%; adult - 21%) compared to pediatric and adult Ravitch patients (12.5%; 8%). Pediatric Ravitch patients clearly had more strut displacements than adult Ravitch patients (0% and 6.4% respectively). These results suggest significantly better results in common PEx surgical repair techniques (i.e. Nuss and Ravitch) than uncommon techniques (i.e. Implants and Robicsek). The results suggest slightly better outcomes in pediatric Nuss procedure patients as compared with all other groups. We recommend that symptomatic pediatric patients with uncomplicated PEx receive the Nuss procedure. We suggest that adult patients receive the Nuss or Ravitch procedure, even though the long-term complication rates of the adult Nuss procedure require more investigation.
A comparative analysis of risk stratification tools for emergency department patients with chest pain
Authors: Burkett Ellen , Marwick Thomas , Thom Ogilvie , Kelly Anne-Maree
Published: February 2014

Background

Appropriate disposition of emergency department (ED) patients with chest pain is dependent on clinical evaluation of risk. A number of chest pain risk stratification tools have been proposed. The aim of this study was to compare the predictive performance for major adverse cardiac events (MACE) using risk assessment tools from the National Heart Foundation of Australia (HFA), the Goldman risk score and the Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction risk score (TIMI RS).

Methods

This prospective observational study evaluated ED patients aged ≥30 years with non-traumatic chest pain for which no definitive non-ischemic cause was found. Data collected included demographic and clinical information, investigation findings and occurrence of MACE by 30 days. The outcome of interest was the comparative predictive performance of the risk tools for MACE at 30 days, as analyzed by receiver operator curves (ROC).

Results

Two hundred eighty-one patients were studied; the rate of MACE was 14.1%. Area under the curve (AUC) of the HFA, TIMI RS and Goldman tools for the endpoint of MACE was 0.54, 0.71 and 0.67, respectively, with the difference between the tools in predictive ability for MACE being highly significant [chi2 (3) = 67.21, N = 276, p < 0.0001].

Conclusion

The TIMI RS and Goldman tools performed better than the HFA in this undifferentiated ED chest pain population, but selection of cutoffs balancing sensitivity and specificity was problematic. There is an urgent need for validated risk stratification tools specific for the ED chest pain population.
Structural basis of stereospecific reduction by quinuclidinone reductase
Authors: Takeshita Daijiro , Kataoka Michihiko , Miyakawa Takuya , Miyazono Ken-ichi , Kumashiro Shoko , Nagai Takahiro , Urano Nobuyuki , Uzura Atsuko , Nagata Koji , Shimizu Sakayu , Tanokura Masaru
Published: February 2014

Chiral molecule (R)-3-quinuclidinol, a valuable compound for the production of various pharmaceuticals, is efficiently synthesized from 3-quinuclidinone by using NADPH-dependent 3-quinuclidinone reductase (RrQR) from Rhodotorula rubra. Here, we report the crystal structure of RrQR and the structure-based mutational analysis. The enzyme forms a tetramer, in which the core of each protomer exhibits the α/β Rossmann fold and contains one molecule of NADPH, whereas the characteristic substructures of a small lobe and a variable loop are localized around the substrate-binding site. Modeling and mutation analyses of the catalytic site indicated that the hydrophobicity of two residues, I167 and F212, determines the substrate-binding orientation as well as the substrate-binding affinity. Our results revealed that the characteristic substrate-binding pocket composed of hydrophobic amino acid residues ensures substrate docking for the stereospecific reaction of RrQR in spite of its loose interaction with the substrate.
Serum nitrated nucleosome levels in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Croca Sara , Bassett Paul , Pericleous Charis , Alber Karim Fouad , Latchman David , Isenberg David , Giles Ian , Rahman Anisur , Ioannou Yiannis
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Circulating nucleosomes released from apoptotic cells are important in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Both nucleosomes and anti-nucleosome antibodies are deposited in inflamed tissues in patients with SLE. Active inflammation promotes nitration of tyrosine residues on serum proteins. Our hypothesis was that levels of nitrated nucleosomes would be elevated in patients with SLE and could be associated with disease activity. We therefore carried out a retrospective longitudinal study to investigate factors affecting levels of nitrated nucleosomes (NN) in patients with SLE.

Methods

A novel serum ELISA was developed to measure serum NN and modified to measure serum nitrated albumin (NA). Levels of both NN and NA were measured in 397 samples from 49 patients with SLE followed through periods of disease flare and remission for a mean of 89 months. Anti-nucleosome antibody (anti-nuc) levels were measured in the same samples. The effects of 24 different clinical, demographic and serological variables on NN, NA and anti-nuc levels were assessed by univariable and multivariable analysis.

Results

Patients with SLE had higher mean NN than healthy controls or patients with other autoimmune rheumatic diseases (P =0.01). Serum samples from 18 out of 49 (36.7%) of SLE patients were never positive for NN. This group of 18 patients was characterized by lower anti-double stranded DNA antibodies (anti-dsDNA), disease activity and use of immunosuppressants. In the remaining 63.3%, NN levels were variable. High NN was significantly associated with anti-Sm antibodies, vasculitis, immunosuppressants, hydroxychloroquine and age at diagnosis. NN levels were raised in neuropsychiatric flares. NN levels did not completely parallel NA results, thus providing additional information over measuring nitration status alone. NN levels were not associated with anti-nuc levels.

Conclusions

NN are raised in a subset of patients with SLE, particularly those who are anti-Sm positive. Elevated NN may be a marker of vascular activation and neuropsychiatric flares in these patients.
The Haagerup property for locally compact quantum groups
Authors: Daws Matthew , Fima Pierre , Skalski Adam , White Stuart
Published: February 2014

The Haagerup property for locally compact groups is generalised to the context of locally compact quantum groups, with several equivalent characterisations in terms of the unitary representations and positive-definite functions established. In particular it is shown that a locally compact quantum group 𝔾 has the Haagerup property if and only if its mixing representations are dense in the space of all unitary representations. For discrete 𝔾 we characterise the Haagerup property by the existence of a symmetric proper conditionally negative functional on the dual quantum group

𝔾
^

$\hat{\mathbb {G}}$

; by the existence of a real proper cocycle on 𝔾, and further, if 𝔾 is also unimodular we show that the Haagerup property is a von Neumann property of 𝔾. This extends results of Akemann, Walter, Bekka, Cherix, Valette, and Jolissaint to the quantum setting
and provides a connection to the recent work of Brannan. We use these characterisations to show that the Haagerup property is preserved under free products of discrete quantum groups.
Catholic Social Teaching and American Politics: How Can a Church Contribute to Civic Dialogue in a Liberal Democracy?
Authors: Manuel Paul Christopher
Published: February 2014

This article examines how the Catholic Church has sought over the past 30 years to participate meaningfully in political life and civic dialogue in the US – a nation constitutionally predicated on a strict separation of church and state, but which accommodates compromises, and a society historically hostile to its minority Catholic population.
Microstructure, Mechanical and Electrical Properties of CuO Doped 8YSZ
Authors: Aktaş Bülent
Published: February 2014

The effect of the addition of a small amount of CuO on the microstructure, hardness, fracture toughness and electrical conductivity properties of 8YSZ were investigated using 8 mol% yttria-stabilized cubic zirconia (8YSZ). The addition of 1 wt% CuO to 8YSZ powders were doped using a colloidal process. Undoped and CuO doped 8YSZ specimens were pressureless sintered at 1400 °C for 10 h. The grain size measurement results showed that the presence of CuO as a intergranular second phase at the grain boundaries of the 8YSZ gave rise to a decrease in the grain size. The fracture toughness values for undoped and 1 wt% CuO-doped 8YSZ specimens were obtained as 1.79 and 2.20 MPa.m1/2, respectively. The decrease in the grain size of the 8YSZ with CuO addition caused an increase in the fracture toughness. The electrical conductivity of the undoped and 1 wt% CuO-doped 8YSZ specimens was measured using a frequency response analyzer in the frequency range of 100 mHz–13 MHz and at the temperature range of 300–800 °C. The electrical conductivity results showed that there was a decrease in the grain interior, and specific grain boundary conductivity, with the addition of a small amount of CuO to 8YSZ. The presence of a second phase layer with high resistance at the grain boundaries of the 8YSZ caused a decrease in the specific grain boundary conductivity.
Harmonic Penetration Method for Radial Distribution Networks
Authors: Archundia-Aranda I. , Mota-Palomino R. O.
Published: February 2014

This work presents a method for calculating harmonic voltages and currents in radial distribution networks. The proposed method is an extension of the backward/forward sweep method for load flow studies in distribution systems and as such preserves its good convergence characteristics besides of not requiring of any network matrix. The method was tested on an eight-node one-phase radial test feeder and results were similar to those that were obtained by the well-known current injection method. Also it was tested on a 2000-node network, showing this way that this is a more suitable method for large three-phase radial distribution networks.
Strongly real classes in finite unitary groups of odd characteristic
Authors: Gates Zachary , Singh Anupam , Vinroot C. Ryan
Published: February 2014

We classify all strongly real conjugacy classes of the finite unitary group U(n,𝔽
q
) when q is odd. In particular, we show that g ∈ U(n,𝔽
q
) is strongly real if and only if g is an element of some embedded orthogonal group O±(n,𝔽
q
). Equivalently, g is strongly real in U(n,𝔽
q
) if and only if g is real and every elementary divisor of g of the form (t ± 1)2m
has even multiplicity. We apply this to obtain partial results on strongly real classes in the finite symplectic group Sp(2n,𝔽
q
), q odd, and a generating function for the number of strongly real classes in U(n,𝔽
q
), q odd, and we also give partial results on strongly real classes in U(n,𝔽
q
) when q is even.
Causes and Consequences of Genetic Background Effects Illuminated by Integrative Genomic Analysis
Authors: Chandler Christopher H , Chari Sudarshan , Tack David , Dworkin Ian
Published: February 2014

The phenotypic consequences of individual mutations are modulated by the wild-type genetic background in which they occur. Although such background dependence is widely observed, we do not know whether general patterns across species and traits exist or about the mechanisms underlying it. We also lack knowledge on how mutations interact with genetic background to influence gene expression and how this in turn mediates mutant phenotypes. Furthermore, how genetic background influences patterns of epistasis remains unclear. To investigate the genetic basis and genomic consequences of genetic background dependence of the scallopedE3 allele on the Drosophila melanogaster wing, we generated multiple novel genome-level datasets from a mapping-by-introgression experiment and a tagged RNA gene expression dataset. In addition we used whole genome resequencing of the parental lines—two commonly used laboratory strains—to predict polymorphic transcription factor binding sites for SD. We integrated these data with previously published genomic datasets from expression microarrays and a modifier mutation screen. By searching for genes showing a congruent signal across multiple datasets, we were able to identify a robust set of candidate loci contributing to the background-dependent effects of mutations in sd. We also show that the majority of background-dependent modifiers previously reported are caused by higher-order epistasis, not quantitative noncomplementation. These findings provide a useful foundation for more detailed investigations of genetic background dependence in this system, and this approach is likely to prove useful in exploring the genetic basis of other traits as well.
Self-Crosslinking Water Base Latex with Low VOC Emission
Authors: Mendoza Juan J. , Ledezma Raquel , Elizalde Luis E.
Published: February 2014

Here we report the preparation of functionalized latexes with isocyanate groups through an emulsion terpolymerization of BA/St/TMI. The emulsions were stabilized with two surfactants, EF-800 or MA-80; the TMI acted as a self crosslinked promoter during the film formation. We found a strong dependence of surfactant type in particle size and particle number. Moreover colloidal stability of latexes by a period of time was different, and the best colloidal stability was obtained with EF-800 surfactant. Swell index and mechanical properties of latex ﬁlms were studied.
Modified cementless total coxofemoral prosthesis: development, implantation and clinical evaluation
Authors: Arias S.A. , Blanco J.R.T. , Doretto J.V. , Vieira G.L.T. , Oliveira H.P. , Rezende C.M.F.
Published: February 2014

The aim of this study was to modify canine coxofemoral prostheses and the clinical evaluation of the implantation. Fifteen canine hips and femora of cadavers were used in order to study the surface points of modification in prostheses and develop a perforation guide. Femoral stems and acetabular components were perforated and coated with biphasic calcium phosphate layer. Twelve young adult male mongrel dogs were implanted with coxofemoral prostheses. Six were operated upon and implanted with cemented canine modular hip prostheses, establishing the control group. The remaining six were implanted with a novel design of cementless porous tricalcic phosphate-hydroxyapatite coated hip prostheses. Clinical and orthopedic performance, complications, and thigh muscular hypotrophy were assessed up to the 120th post-operatory day. After 120 days, animals with cementless prostheses had similar clinical and orthopedic performance compared to the cemented group despite the increased pain thigh hypotrophy. Animals that underwent cementless hip prosthesis evidenced more pain, compared to animals with cemented hip prosthesis that required longer recuperation time. No luxations, two fractures and two isquiatic neurapraxies were identified in the course of the study. Using both the cemented and the bioactive coated cementless model were suitable to dogs, showing clinical satisfactory results. Osseointegration and biological fixation were observed in the animals with the modified cementless hip prosthesis.
Potencial evocado auditivo para diagnóstico de surdez em gato com síndrome vestibular periférica
Authors: Palumbo M.I.P. , Jark P.C. , Machado L.H.A. , Machado V.M.V. , Resende L.A.L. , Borges A.S.
Published: February 2014

Potencial evocado auditivo é um método eletrodiagnóstico que permite avaliação funcional das vias auditivas desde a orelha média até o tronco encefálico. O uso desse teste em medicina veterinária é pouco difundido no Brasil. O presente artigo relata o uso do potencial evocado auditivo para detecção de deficiência auditiva unilateral em um gato com síndrome vestibular periférica secundária a otite média.
Influência da suplementação concentrada e da categoria animal no hemograma de ovinos da raça Morada Nova
Authors: Bezerra L.R. , Torreão J.N.C. , Marques C.A.T. , Machado L.P. , Araújo M.J. , Veiga A.M.S.
Published: February 2014

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do nível de suplementação com concentrado sobre o perfil hematológico de ovelhas Morada Nova no terço final da gestação e puerpério, bem como comparar os valores obtidos em diferentes categorias (fêmeas em gestação, puerpério e cordeiros). Utilizaram-se 11 ovelhas, aos 75 últimos dias de gestação e nos primeiros 75 dias de lactação, e oito cordeiros progênie das ovelhas, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em arranjo de parcelas subdivididas no tempo. Durante o período experimental, os animais permaneceram em pastagem de Andropogon gayanus, sendo recolhidos ao final da tarde, quando recebiam suplementação concentrada com 19,17% de proteína bruta. As amostras de sangue foram colhidas desde o 75º dia de gestação até o desmame, aos 75 dias de lactação, a cada quatorze dias. O sangue foi colhido sempre pela manhã, antes de os animais serem liberados para o pasto, por punção da veia jugular, para a realização do hemograma. Os diferentes níveis de suplementação não influenciaram (P>0,05) o perfil eritrocitário e leucocitário das ovelhas. A categoria animal influenciou (P<0,05) o teor de hemoglobina e o número de eritrócitos. Os valores médios de hemoglobina não difeririam (P>0,05) entre fêmeas gestantes (7,74g/dL) e puerperais (7,67g/dL), bem como a contagem total de hemácias dos cordeiros (8,14x10(6)/µL) e das fêmeas em puerpério (9,16 x 10(6)/µL). Os valores médios do hematócrito, volume corpuscular médio, concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média e proteína total não diferiram estatisticamente (P>0,05) entre as ovelhas; no entanto, observaram-se maiores níveis para os cordeiros. O número de leucócitos totais foram superiores (P<0,05) nas ovelhas gestantes e puerperais em relação aos cordeiros. A suplementação concentrada não influenciou o perfil hematológico dos animais, porém a categoria animal exerceu influência sobre os parâmetros hematológicos eritrocitários e leucocitários.
Avaliação nutricional da glicerina vegetal semipurificada para codornas de corte
Authors: Batista E. , Furlan A.C. , Ton A.P.S. , Pasquetti T.J. , Quadros T.C.O. , Grieser D.O. , Zancanela V.
Published: February 2014

Foram conduzidos três experimentos com o objetivo de determinar a composição química e os valores de energia metabolizável da glicerina vegetal semipurificada e verificar o desempenho e as características de carcaça de codornas de corte alimentadas com rações contendo níveis crescentes de glicerina. No experimento 1, foram utilizadas 50 codornas, alojadas em gaiolas de metabolismo. Os tratamentos consistiram de uma ração referência e de uma ração teste contendo nível de substituição de 10% de glicerina, com cinco repetições de cinco codornas por repetição. O valor de energia metabolizável aparente corrigida para balanço de nitrogênio da glicerina foi de 3.069kcal/kg. No experimento 2, foram utilizadas 640 codornas, distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (ração controle e níveis de glicerina = 4, 8, 12 e 16%) e quatro repetições com 32 aves em cada repetição. Não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05) para consumo de ração e ganho de peso. A inclusão de glicerina, na fase de um a 14 dias de idade, piorou a conversão alimentar. No experimento 3, foram utilizadas 440 codornas, distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições com 22 aves em cada repetição. Os tratamentos utilizados foram os mesmos do experimento 2. O consumo de ração aumentou linearmente (P<0,05) com o aumento dos níveis de glicerina, contudo o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar não foram influenciados. Conclui-se que a glicerina semipurificada pode ser incluída nas rações das codornas, na fase de 15 a 35 dias de idade, até o nível de 16%.
Problemas de saúde mental na adolescência: características familiares, eventos traumáticos e violência
Authors: Benetti Silvia Pereira da Cruz , Pizetta Adriana , Schwartz Cristian Baqui , Hass Raíssa de Azevedo , Melo Vera Lúcia
Published: February 2014

A ocorrência de situações traumáticas, exposição à violência e características das relações parentais são fatores de risco para saúde mental. Este estudo procurou identificar as situações individuais, familiares e contextuais associadas às manifestações de problemas de saúde mental em adolescentes estudantes da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre, RS. Os instrumentos utilizados foram o Inventário de Eventos Estressores na Adolescência, Triagem da Exposição de Crianças à Violência na Comunidade, Inventário de Estilos Parentais e o Child Behavior Checklist- versão YRF. Participaram 245 adolescentes, sendo 114 (46,5%) do sexo masculino com idade média de 16,02 anos (DP=1,83). A análise dos dados realizou-se através de estatística descritiva e inferencial para estimar os determinantes do diagnóstico clínico. Situações de violência, práticas parentais negativas e eventos traumáticos associaram-se ao diagnóstico clínico. Aponta-se a necessidade de implantação de ações preventivas e de atenção em saúde mental na infância e adolescência.
Environmental Concentrations of Agricultural Herbicides
Authors: Waite D. T. , Cessna A. J. , Grover R. , Kerr L. A. , Snihura A. D.
Published: February 2014

The herbicides 2,4‐D (2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and triallate [S‐2,3,3‐trichloroallyl di‐isopropyl(thiocarbamate)] are extensively used to control broadleaf and wild oat (respectively) weed infestations in Canadian cereal crops. In 1990, for example, more than 3.8 million kg of 2,4‐D and 2.7 million kg of triallate were applied in the three prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba). Maximum air concentrations of these two herbicides during the summers of 1989 and 1990 near Regina, Saskatchewan, were 3.90 ng m−3 (2,4‐D) and 60.04 ng m−3 (triallate). Concentrations of these two herbicides were also measured in bulk atmospheric deposition (wet plus dry) and in farm pond water and associated surface film. Maximum measured levels of 2,4‐D were 3550 ng m−2 d−1 (bulk deposition), 332 ng m2 (surface film), and 290 ng L−1 (pond water). Maximum levels of triallate were 2300 ng m−2 d−1 (bulk deposition), 212 ng m−2 (surface film), and 500 ng L−1 (pond water). The highest quantities of the herbicides tended to be found during or immediately after the time of regional application. The movement of the herbicides in the environment will be discussed in relation to the four matrices studied.
Fate of Polydimethylsilicone in Biosolids‐Amended Field Plots
Authors: Traina Samuel J. , Fendinger Nick J. , McAvoy Drew C. , Kerr Kathleen M. , Gupta Satish
Published: February 2014

This research examined the fate of polydimethylsilicones (PDMS) in agricultural test plots amended with municipal biosolids. This 4 yr field study involved addition of 0, 15, and 100 Mg ha−1 of municipal biosolids, which contained ambient concentrations of PDMS (1272 mg kg−1 biosolids), to corn and soybean test plots. Soil samples collected at intermittent time intervals were analyzed for soil water, soil organic C, extractable PDMS and PDMS hydrolysis products. Above normal precipitation during the field study maintained soil water levels in excess of 100 g kg−1 for most of the testing period of 1994–1998. Under these conditions half‐lives for PDMS (based on field dissipation data) ranged from 876 to 1443 d. When biosolids amended soil samples were brought into the laboratory and subjected to more rapid drying, >80% of the PDMS was transformed to lower molecular weight hydrolysis products within 20 d. No difference in relative PDMS transformation rates were evident for soils that received PDMS in the form of a biosolids amendment or directly dosed to the soil (in the absence of biosolids) indicating little if any effect of direct PDMS–biosolids interactions on PDMS transformation rates. These results support that the overriding factor controlling the fate of PDMS in field soils is the soil moisture content.
An Apparatus for Measuring the Gas Permeability of Films
Authors: Papiernik S. K. , Ernst F. F. , Yates S. R.
Published: February 2014

The gas permeability of plastic films is important in packaging, containment, and agricultural fumigation. Recently, an approach for estimating the mass transfer coefficient of vapors across a film was presented by Papiernik et al. (2001) The mass transfer coefficient is an intrinsic property of a film–chemical combination, independent of the concentration gradient maintained across the film. Here we describe an apparatus useful for obtaining permeability data; the model of Papiernik et al. (2001) may be fitted to the data to determine mass transfer coefficients. The assembled equipment provides a sealed permeability cell, where a sample of the film to be tested is sandwiched between two static half‐cells. Vapor is spiked to one side of the film and the concentrations in the spiked and receiving chamber are monitored until equilibrium. A sealed system is required for this approach; the permeability cells described here were gas‐tight for >40 d. This approach produces reproducible measures of mass transfer coefficients that are not dependent on the size of the experimental apparatus. Model parameters were similar when fitted simultaneously as when determined independently from the same data set.
Multifractal analysis of multiview 3D video with different quantization parameters applying histogram method
Authors: Zekovic Amela , Reljin Irini
Published: February 2014

In this paper, multifractal properties of multiview 3D video are determined.
Multifractal spectra are determined by using the histogram method. For the
analysis of multiview video, long video traces are used, for multiview video
with two views. Differences between multifractal properties of different
views of multiview video and different types of frames are highlighted.
Additional analysis was performed for the left view of multiview 3D videos
for different quantization parameters of the frames.
Interim estimates of 2013/14 vaccine effectiveness against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 from Canada’s sentinel surveillance network, January 2014
Authors: Skowronski D M , Chambers C , Sabaiduc S , De Serres G , Dickinson J A , Winter A L , Fonseca K , Gubbay J B , Charest H , Petric M , Krajden M , Mahmud S M , Van Caeseele P , Kwindt T L , Eshaghi A , Bastien N , Li Y
Published: February 2014

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Evaluation of Permanent Deformation Characteristics of Unbound Granular Materials by Means of Multistage Repeated-Load Triaxial Tests
Authors: Erlingsson Sigurdur , Rahman Mohammad Shafiqur
Published: February 2014

Rutting in flexible pavements is often associated with permanent deformation of the unbound granular layer. The current permanent deformation models are applicable only to a single stress path in repeated-load tri-axial (RLT) tests, in which the load pulses are of constant amplitude. In this paper, a general approach using the time-hardening concept was introduced to model the permanent deformation of unbound granular materials (UGMs) continuously in multistage (MS) RLT tests, in which load pulses of a range of different amplitudes are applied, to represent field conditions realistically. With this formulation, three existing permanent deformation models were reconstructed, and one of the models was slightly modified, to suit MS loading conditions better. The material parameters of these models were then optimized for three UGMs used in pavement construction with data from MS RLT tests and application of a least squares curve-fitting method to the test data. The goodness-of-fit statistics were computed to evaluate and compare the quality of fit achieved with these models. The shakedown ranges were also calculated for each stress path of the MS RLT tests to compare these models in simulating these ranges. Generally, the time-hardening approach, for which the quality of fit is dependent on the chosen model, was found to work successfully. In this study, the selected models performed quite well, with the modified model showing the closest agreement to the test data. Thus, this approach has the potential to be applied for better modeling and prediction of pavement performance.
Evaluation of Postencroachment Time as Surrogate for Opposing Left-Turn Crashes
Authors: Peesapati Lakshmi N. , Hunter Michael P. , Rodgers Michael O.
Published: February 2014

Highway safety evaluation has traditionally been performed by using crash data, although this method has limitations in terms of timeliness and efficiency. Previous studies show that the use of surrogate safety data allows for faster evaluation of safety in comparison with the significantly longer time horizon required for collecting crash data. However, the predictive capability of surrogate measures is still an area of ongoing research. Previous studies have often resulted in inconsistent findings for the relationship between surrogates and crashes, one of the primary reasons being inconsistent definitions of a conflict. This study evaluated the effectiveness of postencroachment time (PET) as a surrogate measure for the propensity of crashes between left-turning vehicles and opposing through vehicles at four-leg signalized intersections. The primary method of data collection was through video recording with postprocessing. Custom semiautomatic video processing software was used to reduce the video to a usable format for analysis. The study evaluated the effectiveness of PET as a surrogate measure by comparing three variations of the PET measure with crash history. This comparison showed that the threshold value of PET played an important role in establishing its correlation with crashes, with the best results at a threshold as low as 1 s.
Stereotactic radiosurgery of brainstem cavernous malformations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Xin-Yu , Sun Hui , Xu Jian-Guo , Li Qiao-Yu
Published: February 2014

Object

Over the last two decades, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has arisen as a promising approach in the management of brainstem cavernous malformations (CMs). In the present study, the authors report a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available published data regarding the radiosurgical management of brainstem CMs.

Methods

To identify eligible studies, systematic searches for brainstem CMs treated with SRS were conducted in major scientific publication databases. The search yielded 5 studies, which were included in the meta-analysis. Data from 178 patients with brainstem CMs were extracted. Hemorrhage rates before and after SRS were calculated, a meta-analysis was performed, and the risk ratio (RR) was determined.

Results

Four studies showed a statically significant reduction in the annual hemorrhage rate after SRS. The overall RR was 0.161 (95% CI 0.052–0.493; p = 0.001), and 21 patients (11.8%) had transient or permanent neurological deficits.

Conclusions

The present meta-analysis for the radiosurgical management of brainstem CMs shows that SRS can decrease the rate of repeat hemorrhage and has a low rate of adverse effects compared with surgery. The authors suggest that SRS may be considered as an alternative treatment for brainstem CMs that are inoperable or have a high operative risk.
Role of Laboratory Services as Support of Health Care
Authors: Muazzam Naima
Published: February 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329.bjms.v1i3.17911Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.1(3) 1994 pp.25-27
Congenital Symptomatic Cytomegalovirus Infection
Authors: Abdullah AHM , Anwar S , Hannan MA , Islam MN
Published: February 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329.bjms.v1i3.17913Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.1(3) 1994 pp.33-36
STO Feeder Cells Are Useful for Propagation of Primarily Cultured Human Deciduous Dental Pulp Cells by Eliminating Contaminating Bacteria and Promoting Cellular Outgrowth
Authors: Murakami Tomoya , Saitoh Issei , Inada Emi , Kurosawa Mie , Iwase Yoko , Noguchi Hirofumi , Terao Yutaka , Yamasaki Youichi , Hayasaki Haruaki , Sato Masahiro
Published: February 2014

STO feeder cells, a line established from mouse SIM embryonic fibroblasts, have been frequently used for establishing embryonic stem cells and maintaining them in an undifferentiated state. There are some reports demonstrating that fibroblastic cells have the ability to phagocytose Gram-positive bacterium (e.g., streptococci and staphylococci). In this study, we examined the possibility that STO cells could phagocytose Streptococcus mutans (a bacteria causing tooth decay), which always contaminates cultures of primarily isolated human deciduous dental pulp cells (HDDPCs). Simple cultivation of the primary HDDPCs in the absence of STO cells allowed S. mutans to massively propagate in the medium, thus leading to an opaque medium. In contrast, there was no bacterial contamination in the cultures containing mitomycin C (MMC)-inactivated STO cells. Furthermore, STO cells indicated bacterial phagocytic activity under fluorescent microscopy with the dye pHrodo. Besides removal of contaminating bacteria, STO feeder cells allowed the HDDPCs to spread out. These data suggest that MMC-treated STO cells can be useful for propagation of HDDPCs by eliminating contaminating bacteria and by promoting cellular outgrowth.
Constant-distance mode SECM as a tool to visualize local electrocatalytic activity of oxygen reduction catalysts
Authors: Nebel Michaela , Erichsen Thomas , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: February 2014

Multidimensional shearforce-based constant-distance mode scanning electrochemical microscopy (4D SF/CD-SECM) was utilized for the investigation of the activity distribution of oxygen reduction catalysts. Carbon-supported Pt model catalyst powders have been immobilized in recessed microelectrodes and compared to a spot preparation technique. Microcavities serve as platform for the binder-free catalyst sample preparation exhibiting beneficial properties for constant-distance mode SECM imaging concerning modified surface area and catalyst loading. The integration of the redox competition mode of SECM into the detection scheme of the 4D SF/CD mode is demonstrated for specifically adapting high-resolution SECM experiments to powder-based catalyst preparations.
Additive-assisted regioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of azomethine ylides with benzylideneacetone
Authors: Peng Chuqin , Ren Jiwei , Xiao Jun-An , Zhang Honggang , Yang Hua , Luo Yiming
Published: February 2014

1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of isatins, benzylamine and benzylideneacetones were studied to prepare a series of novel spiropyrrolidine-oxindoles – 4′-acetyl-3′,5′-diarylspiro[indoline-3,2′-pyrrolidin]-2-ones and 3′-acetyl-4′,5′-diarylspiro[indoline-3,2′-pyrrolidine]-2-ones in good yields of up to 94% and with good regioselectivities. Regioselectivities are reversible by the addition of water or 4-nitrobenzoic acid, respectively. The substituent effects on the regioselectivity were also investigated.
An Assessment of the Relative Influences of Genetic Background, Functional Diversity at Major Regulatory Genes, and Transgenic Constructs on the Tomato Fruit Metabolome
Authors: DiLeo Matthew V. , Bakker Meghan den , Chu Elly Yiyi , Hoekenga Owen A.
Published: February 2014

While the greatest strength of systems biology may be to measure tens of thousands of variables across different genotypes, this simultaneously presents an enormous challenge to statistical analysis that cannot be completely solved with conventional approaches that identify and rank differences. Here we examine a diverse panel of conventional and transgenic, field‐grown tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L.) by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) metabolic fingerprinting. We used a progression of statistics to examine phenotypic variation observed. While clear trends were found by principal component analysis (PCA) related to genetic background and ripeness, it could not detect differences between transgenic genotypes and their nontransgenic parent variety. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA), a supervised method, identified 15 metabolic features of potential interest, but only five were significantly different between the transgenic lines and their nontransgenic parent. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) recognized relationships among these features and others, suggesting that a small suite of highly correlated compounds accumulated to significantly lower levels in the transgenic genotypes. We assert that metabolic fingerprinting with a series of statistical methods is an efficient and powerful approach to examine both large and small genetic effects on phenotypes of high value or interest.
Properties of rainfall in a tropical volcanic island deduced from UHF wind profiler measurements
Authors: Réchou A. , Narayana Rao T. , Bousquet O. , Plu M. , Decoupes R.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The microphysical properties of rainfall at the island of Réunion are analysed and quantified according to one year of wind profiler observations collected at Saint-Denis international airport. The statistical analysis clearly shows important differences in rain vertical profiles as a function of the seasons. During the dry season, the vertical structure of precipitation is driven by trade wind and boundary-layer inversions, both of which limit the vertical extension of the clouds. The rain rate is lower than 2.5 mm h−1 throughout the lower part of the troposphere (about 2 km) and decreases in the higher altitudes. During the moist season, the average rain rate is around 5 mm h−1 and nearly uniform from the ground up to 4 km. The dynamical and microphysical properties (including drop size distributions) of four distinct rainfall events are also investigated through the analysis of four case studies representative of the variety of rain events occurring on Réunion: summer deep convection, northerly-to-northeasterly flow atmospheric pattern, cold front and winter depression embedded in trade winds. Radar-derived rain parameters are in good agreement with those obtained from collocated rain gauge observations in all cases, which demonstrates that accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis can be inferred from wind profiler data. Fluxes of kinetic energy are also estimated from wind profiler observations in order to evaluate the impact of rainfall on soil erosion. Results show that horizontal kinetic energy fluxes are systematically one order of magnitude higher than vertical kinetic energy fluxes. A simple relationship between the reflectivity factor and vertical kinetic energy fluxes is proposed based on the results of the four case studies.
Mirror contamination in space I: approach
Authors: Krijger J. M. , Snel R. , van Harten G. , Rietjens J. H. H. , Aben I.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. We present a comprehensive model that can be employed to describe and correct for degradation of (scan) mirrors and diffusers in satellite instruments that suffer from changing optical UV-VIS properties during their operational lifetime. As trend studies become more important, so does the importance to understand and correct for this degradation. This is the case not only with respect to the transmission of the optical components, but also with respect to wavelength, polarisation or scan-angle-effects. Our hypothesis is that mirrors in-flight suffer from the deposition of a thin absorbing layer of contaminant, which slowly builds up over time. We describe this with the Mueller matrix formalism and Fresnel equations for thin multi-layer contamination films. Special care is taken to avoid the confusion often present in earlier publications concerning Mueller matrix calculus with out of plane reflections. The method can be applied to any UV-VIS satellite instrument, and in any orbit, both low and geostationary. We illustrate and verify our approach on the optical behaviour of the multiple scan mirrors of SCIAMACHY (on board of ENVISAT).
High CO2 fluxes from grassland on histic Gleysol along soil carbon and drainage gradients
Authors: Leiber-Sauheitl K. , Fuß R. , Voigt C. , Freibauer A.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Drained organic soils are anthropogenic emission hotspots of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Most studies have focused on deep peat soils and on peats with high organic carbon content. In contrast, histic Gleysols are characterized by shallow peat layers, which are left over from peat cutting activities or by peat mixed with mineral soil. It is unknown whether they emit less GHGs than deep Histosols when drained. We present the annual carbon and GHG balance of grasslands for six sites on nutrient-poor histic Gleysols with a shallow (30 cm) histic horizon or mixed with mineral soil in Northern Germany (soil organic carbon concentration (Corg) from 9 to 52%). The net GHG balance, corrected for carbon export by harvest, was around 4 t CO2–C–eq ha−1 yr−1 on soils with peat layer and little drainage (mean annual water table < 20 cm below surface). The net GHG balance reached 7–9 t CO2–C–eq ha−1 yr−1 on soils with sand mixed into the peat layer and water tables between 14 cm and 39 cm below surface. GHG emissions from drained histic Gleysols (i) were as high as those from deep Histosols, (ii) increase linearly from shallow to deeper drainage, (iii) but are not affected by Corg content of the histic horizon. Ecosystem respiration (Reco) was linearly correlated with water table level even if it was below the histic horizon. The Reco/GPP ratio was 1.5 at all sites, so that we ruled out a major influence of the inter-site variability in vegetation composition on annual net ecosystem exchange (NEE). The IPCC definition of organic soils includes shallow histic topsoil, unlike most national and international definitions of Histosols. Our study confirms that this broader definition is appropriate considering anthropogenic GHG emissions from drained organic soils. Countries currently apply soil maps in national GHG inventories which are likely not to include histic Gleysols. The land area with GHG emission hotspots due to drainage is likely to be much higher than anticipated. Deeply drained histic Gleysols are GHG hotspots that have so far been neglected or underestimated. Peat mixing with sand does not mitigate GHG emissions. Our study implies that rewetting organic soils, including histic Gleysols, has a much higher relevance for GHG mitigation strategies than currently recognized.
Modeling Northern Hemisphere ice-sheet distribution during MIS 5 and MIS 7 glacial inceptions
Authors: Colleoni F. , Masina S. , Cherchi A. , Navarra A. , Ritz C. , Peyaud V. , Otto-Bliesner B.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The present manuscript compares Marine Isotope Stage 5 (MIS 5, 125–115 kyr BP) and MIS 7 (236–229 kyr BP) with the aim to investigate the origin of the difference in ice-sheet growth over the Northern Hemisphere high latitudes between these last two inceptions. Our approach combines a low resolution coupled atmosphere–ocean–sea-ice general circulation model and a 3-D thermo-mechanical ice-sheet model to simulate the state of the ice sheets associated with the inception climate states of MIS 5 and MIS 7. Our results show that external forcing (orbitals and GHG) and sea-ice albedo feedbacks are the main factors responsible for the difference in the land-ice initial state between MIS 5 and MIS 7 and that our cold climate model bias impacts more during a cold inception, such as MIS 7, than during a warm inception, such as MIS 5. In addition, if proper ice-elevation and albedo feedbacks are not taken into consideration, the evolution towards glacial inception is hardly simulated, especially for MIS 7. Finally, results highlight that while simulated ice volumes for MIS 5 glacial inception almost fit with paleo-reconstructions, the lack of precipitation over high latitudes, identified as a bias of our climate model, does not allow for a proper simulation of MIS 7 glacial inception.
A distributed computing approach to improve the performance of the Parallel Ocean Program (v2.1)
Authors: van Werkhoven B. , Maassen J. , Kliphuis M. , Dijkstra H. A. , Brunnabend S. E. , van Meersbergen M. , Seinstra F. J. , Bal H. E.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The Parallel Ocean Program (POP) is used in many strongly eddying ocean circulation simulations. Ideally it would be desirable to be able to do thousand-year-long simulations, but the current performance of POP prohibits these types of simulations. In this work, using a new distributed computing approach, two methods to improve the performance of POP are presented. The first is a block-partitioning scheme for the optimization of the load balancing of POP such that it can be run efficiently in a multi-platform setting. The second is the implementation of part of the POP model code on graphics processing units (GPUs). We show that the combination of both innovations also leads to a substantial performance increase when running POP simultaneously over multiple computational platforms.