bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studying the effect of a hydrostatic stress/strain reduction factor on damage mechanics of concrete materials
Authors: Taqieddin Ziad N. , Voyiadjis George Z.
Published: January 2014

In the non-linear finite element analysis (NFEA) of concrete materials, continuum damage mechanics (CDM) provides a powerful framework for the derivation of constitutive models capable of describing the mechanical behavior of such materials. The internal state variables of CDM can be introduced to the elastic analysis of concrete to form elastic-damage models (no inelastic strains), or to the elastic-plastic analysis in order to form coupled/uncoupled elastic-plastic-damage models. Experimental evidence that is well documented in literature shows that the susceptibility of concrete to damage and failure is distinguished under deviatoric loading from that corresponding to hydrostatic loading. A reduction factor is usually introduced into a CDM model to reduce the susceptibility of concrete to hydrostatic stresses/strains. In this work, the effect of a hydrostatic stress/strain reduction factor on the performances of two NFEA concrete models will be studied. These two (independently published) models did not provide any results showing such effect. One of these two models is an elastic-damage model, whereas the other is an uncoupled elastic-plastic-damage model. Simulations and comparisons are carried out between the performances of the two models under uniaxial tensile and compressive loading conditions. Simulations are also provided for the uncoupled elastic-plastic-damage model under the following additional loading conditions: biaxial tension and biaxial compression, uniaxial cyclic loading, and varying ratios of triaxial compressive loadings. These simulations clearly show the effect of the reduction factor on the numerically depicted behaviors of concrete materials. To have rational comparisons, the hydrostatic stress reduction factor applied to each model is chosen to be a function of the internal state variables common to both models. Therefore, once the two models are calibrated to simulate the experimental behaviors, their corresponding reduction factors are readily available at every increment of the iterative NFEA procedures.
Schlaggesten beim Simultandolmetschen – Auftreten und Funktionen
Authors: Adam Carolin , Castro Ginette
Published: January 2014

It has been observed that interpreters gesticulate in the booth although they are usually invisible to the audience. Researchers have attributed this to the interpreters’ need to organize their speech and explain the content to themselves. Studies in the area of bilingualism have revealed that gestures do not have a mere communicational function but can also improve word retrieval and facilitate speech production. The aim of this paper is to analyze beat gestures produced by interpreters during simultaneous interpreting. The relationship between occurrence of gestures, speech content and hesitations or self-correction is discussed.
Der Stein von Rosetta – Eine Exkursion zum Fundort
Authors: Schmitt Peter A.
Published: January 2014

The Rosetta Stone is one of the most important stone fragments in history. It is the most popular single object in London’s British Museum, has been the object of scholarly research and has had much written about it. Indeed, any account of the history of translation will at least mention the Rosetta Stone. Today, the name “Rosetta” is used metaphorically in the context of translation, foreign-language learning, and even space exploration. In the light of this, one would assume that all sources are in agreement on the facts but, surprisingly, this is not the case. This article shows that sources disagree even in the most obvious aspects, such as the material, colour, condition of the stone and, in particular, with respect to its discovery. Based on an excursion to Alexandria, Rashíd and the – in all likelihood – real discovery site in the Nile delta, this article provides facts and casts some doubt on the reliability of internet sources.
Les conséquences de la francophonie dans la pratique et l’enseignement de la traduction juridique
Authors: Martínez Tanagua Barceló , Pugés Iván Delgado
Published: January 2014

In the practice and teaching of specialized translation – and especially in legal translation –, the concept of
Mindfulness training for interpreting students
Authors: Ivars Amparo Jiménez , Calatayud Daniel Pinazo
Published: January 2014

In this work we present the results of a study aimed at increasing performance quality in conference interpreting trainees through the development of the attention–regulatory practice of mindfulness. A review of the basic concepts of attention is presented as well as a review of the role of attention in interpreting as an extremely cognitive demanding task. The authors also introduce and review the concept of mindfulness from a theoretical and empirical perspective. Stress in interpreting is also addressed as a factor that may influence performance. An experimental study is presented in which focused attention practices are compared to relaxation practices in relation to performance in interpreting trainees.
Illegal Gold Mining and Violence in Colombia
Authors: Idrobo Nicolás , Mejía Daniel , Tribin Ana María
Published: January 2014

The increase in the international price of commodities after the international financial crisis in 2008 produced a gold rush in the Colombian economy, making legal and illegal mining a very profitable and attractive business. The increase in the illegal exploitation of metals like gold has exacerbated violence in municipalities with an abundance of such minerals. Gold is believed to be a new engine in the Colombian conflict. This paper documents the phenomenon and quantifies the causal impact that the gold boom has had on indicators of violence such as homicides, forced displacement and massacres. We use the location of national parks, indigenous reserves and geochemical anomalies associated with the presence of gold mines as instruments for illegal mining in order to disentangle the causal effect of illegal mining on violence. By law, it is very difficult to get licenses for the extraction of gold in parks and indigenous reserves, and this might be a factor increasing the prevalence of illegal mining activities in municipalities with these features. In order to have time variation in our instruments, we interact geographical features associated with the presence of gold and illegal gold mining (which vary only at the municipal level) with the international price of gold. Our estimates indicate that the rise of illegal gold mining has caused a statistically significant increase in violence, as measured with the homicide rate and the victims of massacres. However, we do not find a significant causal effect of illegal gold mining on forced displacement. Our interpretation is that the increase in the profitability of illegal mining activities has sparked a dispute over territorial control between illegal armed groups in order to monopolize the extraction of the precious minerals. Nevertheless, illegal mining is a labor intensive activity, and this may have counteracted the incentives of illegal armed groups to displace local populations from their land.
Insecurity or Perception of Insecurity? Urban Crime and Dissatisfaction with Life: Evidence from the Case of Bogotá
Authors: Romero Dario
Published: January 2014

In recent literature, life satisfaction and welfare have been extensively studied. However, limited attention has been given to the effect that crime may have over these variables. Using the case of Bogotá this paper shows that urban crime rates, specially murder rate, have a positive impact on individuals’ life dissatisfaction. This effect seems to be mediated by the general perception of insecurity and not by the households’ victimization. In particular the perception of insecurity has a great impact on the unhappiness of those households that changed their perceptions because of the criminal activity. The conclusion of this paper is that it is necessary not only to reduce the crime rates, but also to generate good security perceptions.
Carbon-11 labeled stilbene derivatives from natural products for the imaging of Aβ plaques in the brain
Authors: Cui Mengchao , Tang Ruikun , Zhang Jinming , Zhang Xiaojun , Li Zijing , Jia Hongmei , Liu Boli
Published: January 2014

Four stilbene derivatives from natural products were screened as novel β-amyloid (Aβ) imaging ligands. In
vitro binding assay showed that the methylated ligand, (E)-1-methoxy-4-styrylbenzene (8) displayed high binding affinity to
Aβ
1−42 aggregates (K

i
 = 19.5 nM). Moreover, the 11C-labeled ligand, [11C]8
was prepared through an O-methylation reaction using [11C]CH3OTf. In vitro autoradiography with sections of
transgenic mouse brain also confirmed the high and specific binding of [11C]8 to Aβ plaques. In
vivo biodistribution experiments in normal mice indicated that [11C]8 displayed high initial uptake (9.41 ± 0.51% ID/g at 5 min post-injection) into and rapid washout from the brain, with
a brain5 
min/brain30 
min ratio of 6.63. These preliminary results suggest that
[11C]8 may be served as a novel Aβ imaging probe for PET.
Nuclear fuel cycle-oriented actinides separation in China
Authors: Chen Jing , He Xihong , Wang Jianchen
Published: January 2014

In the last decades, the separation of actinides was widely and continuously studied in China. A few kinds of salt-free
reductants to adjust Pu and Np valences have been investigated. N, N-dimethylhydroxylamine is a good reductant with high reduction
rate constants for the co-reduction of Pu(IV) and Np(VI), and monomethylhydrazine is a simple compound for the individual reduction of
Np(VI). Advanced PUREX based on Organic Reductants (APOR) was proposed. Trialkylphosphine oxide
(TRPO) with a single functional group was found to possess strong affinity to tri-, tetra- and hexa-valent
actinides. TRPO process has been first explored in China for actinides partitioning from high level waste and the good partitioning
performance was demonstrated by the hot test. High extraction selectivity for trivalent actinides over lanthanides by
dialkyldithiophosphinic acids was originally found in China. A separation process based on purified Cyanex 301 for the separation of Am
from lanthanides was presented and successfully tested in a battery of miniature centrifugal contactors.
Extraction complexes of Pu(IV) with carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide ligands: A relativistic density functional study
Authors: Wang Cong-Zhi , Lan Jian-Hui , Feng Yi-Xiao , Wei Yue-Zhou , Zhao Yu-Liang , Chai Zhi-Fang , Shi Wei-Qun
Published: January 2014

The extraction complexes of Pu(IV) with n-octyl(phenyl)-N,N-diisobutyl-methylcarbamoyl phosphine oxide (CMPO) and
diphenyl-N,N-diisobutyl carbamoyl phosphine oxide (Ph2CMPO) have been studied by using density functional theory (DFT) combined
with relativistic small-core pseudopotentials. For most complexes, the CMPO and Ph2CMPO molecules are coordinated as bidentate
chelating ligands through the carbonyl oxygen and phosphoric oxygen atoms. The metal-ligand bonding is mainly ionic for all of these
complexes. The neutral PuL(NO3)4 and PuL2(NO3)4 complexes are predicted to be the most thermodynamically stable
molecules according to the metal-ligand complexation reactions. In addition, hydration energies may also play a significant role in the
extractability of CMPO and Ph2CMPO for the plutonium cations. In most cases, the complexes with CMPO possess qualitatively similar
geometries and electron structures to those with Ph2CMPO, and they also have comparable metal-ligand binding energies. Thus,
replacement of alkyl groups by phenyl groups at the phosphorus atom of CMPO seems to have no obvious influence on the extraction of
Pu(IV).
γ-radiation effect on dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 aqueous solution in the presence of metal cations
Authors: Yu Chuhong , Peng Jing , Li Jiuqiang , Zhai Maolin
Published: January 2014

γ-radiation effect on dicyclohexano-18-crown-6 (DCH18C6) aqueous solution in the presence of metal cations, such as
K+ and Sr2+, was investigated, and some pale yellow precipitates were obtained at doses above 100 kGy. It was
found that the complexation interaction of metal cations could accelerate the conversion of DCH18C6 into oligomers and the formation of
precipitates, but it did not affect the formation mechanism of precipitates. Furthermore, the salting-out effect of metal cations
played an important role in the precipitation. In order to inhibit the radiation-induced precipitation of DCH18C6 in water phase,
nitric acid with a concentration of more than 1 M could be added to the system. The methods and results for analyzing
radiation-induced products reported in this work are useful to understand the radiation chemistry behavior of DCH18C6 which is used as
the extractant in the separation of long half-life radionuclides from spent nuclear fuel.
New nuclear facilities and their analytical applications in China
Authors: Zhang Z. Y. , He X. , Ma Y. H. , Ding Y. Y. , Chai Z. F.
Published: January 2014

Nuclear analytical techniques are a family of modern analytical methods that are based on nuclear reactions, nuclear effects,
nuclear radiations, nuclear spectroscopy, nuclear parameters, and nuclear facilities. Because of their combined characteristics of
sensitivity and selectivity, they are widely used in projects ranging from life sciences to deep-space exploration.In this review article, new nuclear facilities and their analytical applications in China are selectively reviewed, covering the
following aspects: large scientific facilities, national demands, and key scientific issues with the emphasis on the new achievements.
Extraction behavior of cesium and some typical fission and non-fission products with a new
1,3-di(1-decyloxy)-2,4-crown-6-calix[4]arene
Authors: Zhang Anyun , Dai Ying , Xu Lei , Chai Zhifang
Published: January 2014

A new macrocyclic supramolecular recognition agent, 1,3-di(1-decyloxy)-2,4-crown-6-calix[4]arene (DecylCalix[4]C6), was
synthesized by a multistep reaction through separation and purification by column chromatography packed with silica gel. The extraction
behavior of some representative fission and non-fission products such as La(III), Y(III), Cs(I), Rb(I), Pd(II), Mo(VI), Zr(IV), Sr(II),
Ba(II), Ru(III), Na(I), and K(I), which were contained in highly active liquid waste (HLW), with DecylCalix[4]C6/1-octanol in HNO3
medium was investigated, in particular by examining the impact of contact time, the HNO3 concentration in the range of 0.4 to
5.0 M, and the temperature. DecylCalix[4]C6 showed excellent extraction ability and high selectivity for Cs(I) over the
tested metals except for Rb(I). It was attributed to the effective recognition and complxation of DecylCalix[4]C6 for Cs(I). The
optimum HNO3 concentration for the Cs(I) extraction was 3.0 M. The composition of the extracted species of Cs(I) with
DecylCalix[4]C6 was determined to be (CsDecylCalix [4]C6)NO3. It is valuable for the effective partitioning of Cs(I) from highly
active liquid waste with DecylCalix[4]C6 by liquid-liquid solvent extraction.
High-temperature mechanical behavior of Al-Cu matrix composites containing diboride particles
Authors: Suárez Oscar Marcelo , Cortes-Urrego Natalia , Soto-Medina Sujeily , Marty-Flores Deborah
Published: January 2014

An aluminum-copper matrix composite reinforced with aluminum diboride particles was studied at high temperature via thermomechanometry experiments. The matrix contained 2 wt% Cu, whereas the amount of boron forming AlB2 ranged from 0 to 4 wt%, i.e., 0 to 8.31 vol% of diboride particles. In the first segment of the research, we demonstrated that larger amounts of AlB2 particles raised the composite hardness even at 300°C. To assess the material creep behavior, another set of specimens were tested under 1 N compression at 400°C and 500°C for 12 h. Higher levels of AlB2 allowed the composites to withstand compression creep deformations at those temperatures. By using existing creep models developed for metal matrix composites we were able to determine that viscous slip deformation was the dominant deformation mechanism for the temperatures and stress levels used in our experiments. Additionally, the computed creep activation energy for these aluminum matrix composites were found comparable to the energies reported for other similar materials, for instance, Al/SiCp composites.
MicroRNA expression patterns associated with hyperfunctioning and non-hyperfunctioning phenotypes in adrenocortical adenomas
Authors: Velázquez-Fernández David , Caramuta Stefano , Özata Deniz M , Lu Ming , Höög Anders , Bäckdahl Martin , Larsson Catharina , Lui Weng-Onn , Zedenius Jan
Published: January 2014

Background

The adrenocortical adenoma (ACA) entity includes aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA), cortisol-producing adenoma (CPA), and non-hyperfunctioning adenoma (NHFA) phenotypes. While gene mutations and mRNA expression profiles have been partly characterized, less is known about the alterations involving microRNA (miRNA) expression.

Aim

To characterize miRNA expression profile in relation to the subtypes of ACAs.

Subjects and methods

miRNA expression profiles were determined in 26 ACAs (nine APAs, ten CPAs, and seven NHFAs) and four adrenal references using microarray-based screening. Significance analysis of microarrays (SAM) was carried out to identify differentially expressed miRNAs between ACA and adrenal cortices or between tumor subtypes. Selected differentially expressed miRNAs were validated in an extended series of 43 ACAs and ten adrenal references by quantitative RT-PCR.

Results

An hierarchical clustering revealed separate clusters for APAs and CPAs, while the NHFAs were found spread out within the APA/CPA clusters. When NHFA was excluded, the clustering analysis showed a better separation between APA and CPA. SAM analysis identified 40 over-expressed and three under-expressed miRNAs in the adenomas as compared with adrenal references. Fourteen miRNAs were common among the three ACA subtypes. Furthermore, we found specific miRNAs associated with different tumor phenotypes.

Conclusion

The results suggest that miRNA expression profiles can distinguish different subtypes of ACA, which may contribute to a deeper understanding of ACA development and potential therapeutics.
Proteomic analysis of the sheep caruncular and intercaruncular endometrium reveals changes in functional proteins crucial for the establishment of pregnancy
Authors: Al-Gubory K H , Arianmanesh M , Garrel C , Bhattacharya S , Cash P , Fowler P A
Published: January 2014

The expression and regulation of endometrial proteins are crucial for conceptus implantation and development. However, little is known about site-specific proteome profiles of the mammalian endometrium during the peri-implantation period. We utilised a two-dimensional gel electrophoresis/mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach to compare and identify differentially expressed proteins in sheep endometrium. Caruncular and intercaruncular endometrium were collected on days 12 (C12) and 16 (C16) of the oestrous cycle and at three stages of pregnancy corresponding to conceptus pre-attachment (P12), implantation (P16) and post-implantation (P20). Abundance and localisation changes in differentially expressed proteins were determined by western blot and immunohistochemistry. In caruncular endometrium, 45 protein spots (5% of total spots) altered between day 12 of pregnancy (P12) and P16 while 85 protein spots (10% of total spots) were differentially expressed between P16 and C16. In intercaruncular endometrium, 31 protein spots (2% of total spots) were different between P12 and P16 while 44 protein spots (4% of total spots) showed differential expression between C12 and C16. The pattern of protein changes between caruncle and intercaruncle sites was markedly different. Among the protein spots with implantation-related changes in volume, 11 proteins in the caruncular endometrium and six proteins in the intercaruncular endometrium, with different functions such as protein synthesis and degradation, antioxidant defence, cell structural integrity, adhesion and signal transduction, were identified. Our findings highlight the different but important roles of the caruncular and intercaruncular proteins during early pregnancy.
Treatment of Congenital Generalized Lymphangiectasia With Propranolol in a Preterm Infant
Authors: Poralla Christine , Specht Sabine , Born Mark , Müller Annette , Bartmann Peter , Müller Andreas
Published: January 2014

Generalized lymphangiectasia is a rare congenital disorder characterized by dilated lymphatic vessels with a fatal prognosis, especially in cases with thoracic involvement. We describe the use of propranolol in the therapy of generalized lymphangiectasia in a preterm infant with hydrops fetalis. Propranolol was well tolerated and effective within the first months. It remains to be shown whether propranolol is a treatment option for infants with generalized lymphangiectasia.
Patient Health Questionnaire for School-Based Depression Screening Among Chinese Adolescents
Authors: Tsai Fang-Ju , Huang Yu-Hsin , Liu Hui-Ching , Huang Kuo-Yang , Huang Yen-Hsun , Liu Shen-Ing
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to determine the reliability and validity of a Chinese version of the Patient Health Questionnaire–9 item (PHQ-9) and its 2 subscales (1 item and 2 items) for the screening of major depressive disorder (MDD) among adolescents in Taiwan.

METHODS:

A total of 2257 adolescents were recruited from high schools in Taipei. The participants completed assessments including demographic information, the Chinese version of the PHQ-9, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and data on the number of physical illnesses and mental health service utilizations were recorded. Among them, 430 were retested using the PHQ-9 within 2 weeks. Child psychiatrists interviewed a subsample of the adolescents (n = 165) using the Kiddie-Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia Epidemiological Version as the criterion standard.

RESULTS:

The PHQ-9 had good internal consistency (α = 0.84) and acceptable test–retest reliability (0.80). The participants with higher PHQ-9 scores were more likely to have MDD. Principal component factor analysis of the PHQ-9 yielded a 1-factor structure, which accounted for 45.3% of the variance. A PHQ-9 score ≥15 had a sensitivity of 0.72 and a specificity of 0.95 for recognizing MDD. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.90. The screening accuracy of the 2 subscales was also satisfactory, with a Patient Health Questionnaire–2 item cutoff of ≥3 being 94.4% sensitive and 82.5% specific and a Patient Health Questionnaire–1 item cutoff of ≥2 being 61.1% sensitive and 87.7% specific.

CONCLUSIONS:

The PHQ-9 and its 2 subscales appear to be reliable and valid for detecting MDD among ethnic Chinese adolescents in Taiwan.
Changes in the Incidence of Candidiasis in Neonatal Intensive Care Units
Authors: Aliaga Sofia , Clark Reese H. , Laughon Matthew , Walsh Thomas J. , Hope William W. , Benjamin Daniel K. , Kaufman David , Arrieta Antonio , Benjamin Daniel K. , Smith P. Brian
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVE:

Neonatal invasive candidiasis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We describe the association between invasive candidiasis and changes in use of antifungal prophylaxis, empirical antifungal therapy, and broad-spectrum antibacterial antibiotics over time.

METHODS:

We examined data from 709 325 infants at 322 NICUs managed by the Pediatrix Medical Group from 1997 to 2010. We determined the cumulative incidence of invasive candidiasis and use of antifungal prophylaxis, broad-spectrum antibacterial antibiotics, and empirical antifungal therapy by year.

RESULTS:

We identified 2063 (0.3%) infants with 2101 episodes of invasive candidiasis. Over the study period, the annual incidence of invasive candidiasis decreased from 3.6 episodes per 1000 patients to 1.4 episodes per 1000 patients among all infants, from 24.2 to 11.6 episodes per 1000 patients among infants with a birth weight of 750–999 g, and from 82.7 to 23.8 episodes per 1000 patients among infants with a birth weight <750 g. Fluconazole prophylaxis use increased among all infants with a birth weight <1000 g (or <1500 g), with the largest effect on birth weights <750 g, increasing from 3.8 per 1000 patients in 1997 to 110.6 per 1000 patients in 2010. The use of broad-spectrum antibacterial antibiotics decreased among all infants from 275.7 per 1000 patients in 1997 to 48.5 per 1000 patients in 2010. The use of empirical antifungal therapy increased over time from 4.0 per 1000 patients in 1997 to 11.5 per 1000 patients in 2010.

CONCLUSIONS:

The incidence of invasive candidiasis in the NICU decreased over the 14-year study period. Increased use of fluconazole prophylaxis and empirical antifungal therapy, along with decreased use of broad-spectrum antibacterial antibiotics, may have contributed to this observation.
Variation in Quality of Tonsillectomy Perioperative Care and Revisit Rates in Children’s Hospitals
Authors: Mahant Sanjay , Keren Ron , Localio Russell , Luan Xianqun , Song Lihai , Shah Samir S. , Tieder Joel S. , Wilson Karen M. , Elden Lisa , Srivastava Rajendu
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To describe the quality of care for routine tonsillectomy at US children’s hospitals.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of low-risk children undergoing same-day tonsillectomy between 2004 and 2010 at 36 US children’s hospitals that submit data to the Pediatric Health Information System Database. We assessed quality of care by measuring evidence-based processes suggested by national guidelines, perioperative dexamethasone and no antibiotic use, and outcomes, 30-day tonsillectomy-related revisits to hospital.

RESULTS:

Of 139 715 children who underwent same-day tonsillectomy, 10 868 (7.8%) had a 30-day revisit to hospital. There was significant variability in the administration of dexamethasone (median 76.2%, range 0.3%–98.8%) and antibiotics (median 16.3%, range 2.7%–92.6%) across hospitals. The most common reasons for revisits were bleeding (3.0%) and vomiting and dehydration (2.2%). Older age (10–18 vs 1–3 years) was associated with a greater standardized risk of revisits for bleeding and a lower standardized risk of revisits for vomiting and dehydration. After standardizing for differences in patients and year of surgery, there was significant variability (P < .001) across hospitals in total revisits (median 7.8%, range 3.0%–12.6%), revisits for bleeding (median 3.0%, range 1.0%–8.8%), and revisits for vomiting and dehydration (median 1.9%, range 0.3%–4.4%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Substantial variation exists in the quality of care for routine tonsillectomy across US children’s hospitals as measured by perioperative dexamethasone and antibiotic use and revisits to hospital. These data on evidence-based processes and relevant patient outcomes should be useful for hospitals’ tonsillectomy quality improvement efforts.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein in Malnourished Children
Authors: Page Anne-Laure , de Rekeneire Nathalie , Sayadi Sani , Aberrane Saïd , Janssens Ann-Carole , Dehoux Monique , Baron Emmanuel
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND:

Early recognition of bacterial infections is crucial for their proper management, but is particularly difficult in children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) for diagnosing bacterial infections and assessing the prognosis of hospitalized children with SAM, and to determine the reliability of CRP and PCT rapid tests suitable for remote settings.

METHODS:

From November 2007 to July 2008, we prospectively recruited 311 children aged 6 to 59 months hospitalized with SAM plus a medical complication in Maradi, Niger. Blood, urine, and stool cultures and chest radiography were performed systematically on admission. CRP and PCT were measured by rapid tests and by reference quantitative methods using frozen serum sent to a reference laboratory.

RESULTS:

Median CRP and PCT levels were higher in children with bacteremia or pneumonia than in those with no proven bacterial infection (P < .002). However, both markers performed poorly in identifying invasive bacterial infection, with areas under the curve of 0.64 and 0.67 before and after excluding children with malaria, respectively. At a threshold of 40 mg/L, CRP was the best predictor of death (81% sensitivity, 58% specificity). Rapid test results were consistent with those from reference methods.

CONCLUSIONS:

CRP and PCT are not sufficiently accurate for diagnosing invasive bacterial infections in this population of hospitalized children with complicated SAM. However, a rapid CRP test could be useful in these settings to identify children most at risk for dying.
Improving the Timeliness of Procedures in a Pediatric Endoscopy Suite
Authors: Tomer Gitit , Choi Steven , Montalvo Andrea , Sutton Sheila , Thompson John , Rivas Yolanda
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Pediatric endoscopic procedures are essential in the evaluation and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases in children. Although pediatric endoscopists are greatly interested in increasing efficiency and through-put in pediatric endoscopy units, there is scarcely any literature on this critical process. The goal of this study was to improve the timeliness of pediatric endoscopy procedures at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore.

METHODS:

In June 2010, a pediatric endoscopy quality improvement initiative was formed at Children’s Hospital at Montefiore. We identified patient-, equipment-, and physician-related causes for case delays. Pareto charts, cause and effect diagrams, process flow mapping, and statistical process control charts were used for analysis.

RESULTS:

From June 2010 to December 2012, we were able to significantly decrease the first case endoscopy delay from an average of 17 to 10 minutes (P < .001), second case delay from 39 to 25 minutes (P = .01), third case delay from 61 to 45 minutes (P = .05), and fourth case delay from 79 to 51 minutes (P = .05). Total delay time decreased from 196 to 131 minutes, resulting in a reduction of 65 minutes (P = .02). From June 2010 to August 2011 (preintervention period), an average of 36% of first endoscopy cases started within 5 minutes, 51% within 10 minutes, and 61% within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. From September 2011 to December 2012 (postintervention period), the percentage of cases starting within 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes increased to 47% (P = .07), 61% (P = .04), and 79% (P = .01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Applying quality improvement methods and tools helped improve pediatric endoscopy timeliness and significantly decreased total delays.
Cotinine in Children Admitted for Asthma and Readmission
Authors: Howrylak Judie A. , Spanier Adam J. , Huang Bin , Peake Roy W. A. , Kellogg Mark D. , Sauers Hadley , Kahn Robert S.
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To explore the relationship between tobacco smoke exposure (reported versus biomarker) and rates of readmission for children hospitalized for asthma.

METHODS:

We enrolled a prospective cohort of 774 children aged 1 to 16 years admitted for asthma or bronchodilator-responsive wheezing. The primary outcome was at least 1 asthma- or wheeze-related readmission within 1 year. Caregivers reported any tobacco exposure at home, in a secondary residence, or in the car. We measured serum and saliva cotinine levels with mass spectrometry. We used logistic regression to evaluate associations between tobacco exposure and readmissions.

RESULTS:

A total of 619 children had complete tobacco exposure data; 57% were African American and 76% had Medicaid. Seventeen percent of children were readmitted within 1 year. Tobacco exposure rates were 35.1%, 56.1%, and 79.6% by report, serum, and saliva measures, respectively. Caregiver report of any tobacco exposure was not associated with readmission (adjusted odds ratio: 1.18; 95% confidence interval: 0.79–1.89), but having detectable serum or salivary cotinine was associated with increased odds of readmission (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.59 [1.02–2.48] and 2.35 [1.22–4.55], respectively). Among children whose caregivers reported no tobacco exposure, 39.1% had detectable serum cotinine and 69.9% had detectable salivary cotinine. Of the children with reported exposure, 87.6% had detectable serum cotinine and 97.7% had detectable salivary cotinine.

CONCLUSIONS:

Detectable serum and salivary cotinine levels were common among children admitted for asthma and were associated with readmission, whereas caregiver report of tobacco exposure was not.
Plus Ça Change: Selected Papers on Speech Research from the 1964 Issue of the Cleft Palate Journal
Authors: Bressmann Tim , Sell Debbie
Published: January 2014

This review is part of a series of papers by the editorial board reflecting on the 1964 volume of the journal, thereby marking the 50th anniversary of the Cleft-Palate Craniofacial Journal. Twelve speech-related contributions from that year are reviewed. The papers are sorted into four broad thematic categories: quantitative assessment of hypernasality, perceptual assessment of speech, radiological imaging of velopharyngeal function, and speech prosthetics. The 1964 contributions are discussed with regards to their relevance to today's research and clinical practice.
A portable device for in situ deposition of bioproducts
Authors: Lau Wai K. , Sofokleous Panagiotis , Day Richard , Stride Eleanor , Edirisinghe Mohan
Published: January 2014

The electrohydrodynamic (EHD) technique has traditionally been confined to the bench-top. Recently, a portable EHD device was constructed that allows the process to be applied in a much more flexible and versatile manner. In this article, the effect of electrode and collector height on the fibers generated by EHD and wound-dressing forming capabilities of the device tested on different types of simulated wound morphologies were investigated. Dressings were also fabricated on living tissue to investigate jet behavior and product morphology. The EHD device was found to be capable of controlled deposition of micrometer-sized poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) acid fibers that can form an opaque, waterproof wound dressing on human skin within a few minutes with excellent adherence.
Influence of steel fibres on tension stiffening and cracking of reinforced geopolymer concrete
Authors: Ganesan Namasivayam , Indira Pookattu Vattarambath , Santhakumar Anjana
Published: January 2014

An experimental investigation was conducted to study the influence of steel fibres on the tension stiffening effect and cracking behaviour of geopolymer concrete (GPC). A total of ten concentrically reinforced concrete prisms (60 × 60 × 600 mm) were cast and tested under uniaxial tension. Out of these, two were made of GPC and the remainder were of steel-fibre-reinforced GPC. The grade of concrete was M40. Different volume fractions of 0·25% (16·62 kg/m3), 0·50% (39·25 kg/m3), 0·75% (58·87 kg/m3) and 1% (78·50 kg/m3) of crimped steel fibres of aspect ratio 66 were used. The test results indicate that the incorporation of steel fibres improves the tension stiffening effect and reduces the spacing and width of cracks. A method was also proposed to predict the width of cracks.
Spatial patterns of grassland–shrubland state transitions: a 74‐year record on grazed and protected areas
Authors: Browning Dawn M. , Franklin Janet , Archer Steven R. , Gillan Jeffrey K. , Guertin D. Phillip
Published: January 2014

Tree and shrub abundance has increased in many grasslands causing changes in ecosystem carbon and nitrogen pools that are related to patterns of woody plant distribution. However, with regard to spatial patterns of shrub proliferation, little is known about how they are influenced by grazing or the extent to which they are influenced by intraspecific interactions. We addressed these questions by quantifying changes in the spatial distribution ofProsopis velutina(mesquite) shrubs over 74 years on grazed and protected grasslands. Livestock are effective agents of mesquite dispersal and mesquite plants have lateral roots extending well beyond the canopy. We therefore hypothesized that mesquite distributions would be random on grazed areas mainly due to cattle dispersion and clustered on protected areas due to decreased dispersal and interspecific interference with grasses; and that clustered or random distributions at early stages of encroachment would give way to regular distributions as stands matured and density‐dependent interactions intensified. Assessments in 1932, 1948, and 2006 supported the first hypothesis, but we found no support for the second. In fact, clustering intensified with time on the protected area and the pattern remained random on the grazed site. Although shrub density increased on both areas between 1932 and 2006, we saw no progression toward a regular distribution indicative of density‐dependent interactions. We propose that processes related to seed dispersal, grass–shrub seedling interactions, and hydrological constraints on shrub size interact to determine vegetation structure in grassland‐to‐shrubland state changes with implications for ecosystem function and management.
Attachment of Porphyromonas gingivalis to Corroded Commercially Pure Titanium and Titanium‐Aluminum‐Vanadium Alloy
Authors: Barão Valentim A.R. , Yoon Cheon Joo , Mathew Mathew T. , Yuan Judy Chia‐Chun , Wu Christine D. , Sukotjo Cortino
Published: January 2014

Background: Titanium dental material can become corroded because of electrochemical interaction in the oral environment. The corrosion process may result in surface modification. It was hypothesized that a titanium surface modified by corrosion may enhance the attachment of periodontal pathogens. This study evaluates the effects of corroded titanium surfaces on the attachment of Porphyromonas gingivalis.

Methods: Commercially pure titanium (cp‐Ti) and titanium‐aluminum‐vanadium alloy (Ti‐6Al‐4V) disks were used. Disks were anodically polarized in a standard three‐electrode setting in a simulated oral environment with artificial saliva at pH levels of 3.0, 6.5, or 9.0. Non‐corroded disks were used as controls. Surface roughness was measured before and after corrosion. Disks were inoculated with P. gingivalis and incubated anaerobically at 37°C. After 6 hours, the disks with attached P. gingivalis were stained with crystal violet, and attachment was expressed based on dye absorption at optical density of 550 nm. All assays were performed independently three times in triplicate. Data were analyzed by two‐way analysis of variance, the Tukey honestly significant difference test, t test, and Pearson's correlation test (α = 0.05).

Results: Both cp‐Ti and Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy‐corroded disks promoted significantly more bacterial attachment (11.02% and 41.78%, respectively; P <0.0001) than did the non‐corroded controls. Significantly more (11.8%) P. gingivalis attached to the cp‐Ti disks than to the Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy disks (P <0.05). No significant difference in P. gingivalis attachment was noted among the corroded groups for both cp‐Ti and Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy (P >0.05). There was no significant correlation between surface roughness and P. gingivalis attachment.

Conclusion: A higher degree of corrosion on the titanium surface may promote increased bacterial attachment by oral pathogens.
Implementation of pressure reduction valves in a dynamic water distribution numerical model to control the inequality in water supply
Authors: Freni Gabriele , De Marchis Mauro , Napoli Enrico
Published: January 2014

The analysis of water distribution networks has to take into account the variability of users' water demand and the variability of network boundary conditions. In complex systems, e.g. those characterized by the presence of local private tanks and intermittent distribution, this variability suggests the use of dynamic models that are able to evaluate the rapid variability of pressures and flows in the network. The dynamic behavior of the network also affects the performance of valves that are used for controlling the network. Pressure reduction valves (PRVs) are used for controlling pressure and reducing leakages. Highly variable demands can produce significant fluctuation of the PRV set point, causing related transient phenomena that propagate through the network and may result in water quality problems, unequal distribution of resources among users, and premature wear of the pipe infrastructure. A model was developed in previous studies and an additional module for pressure control was implemented able to analyze PRVs in a fully dynamic numerical framework. The model was demonstrated to be robust and reliable in the implementation of pressure management areas in the network. The model was applied to a district of the Palermo network (Italy). The district was monitored and pressure as well as flow data were available for model calibration.
Prediction of flow resistance in a compound open channel
Authors: Sahu Mrutyunjaya , Mahapatra S. S. , Biswal K. C. , Khatua K. K.
Published: January 2014

Flooding in a river is a complex phenomenon which affects the livelihood and economic condition of the region. During flooding flow overtops the river course and spreads around the flood plain resulting in a two-course compound channel. It has been observed that the flow velocity in the flood plain is slower than that in the actual river course. This can produce a large shear layer between sections of the flow and produces turbulent structures which generate extra resistance and uncertainty in flow prediction. Researchers have adopted various numerical, analytical, and empirical models to analyze this situation. Generally, a one-dimensional empirical model is used for flow prediction assuming that the flow in the compound open channel is uniform. However, flow in a compound channel is quasi-uniform due to the transfer of momentum in sub-sections and sudden change of depths laterally. Hence, it is essential to analyze the turbulent structures prevalent in the situation. Therefore, in this study, an effort has been made to analyze the turbulent structure involved in flooding using large eddy simulation (LES) method to estimate the resistance. Further, a combination of an artificial neural network (ANN) and a fuzzy logic (FL) is considered to predict flow resistance in a compound open channel.
Integration of an evolutionary algorithm into the ensemble Kalman filter and the particle filter for hydrologic data assimilation
Authors: Dumedah Gift , Coulibaly Paulin
Published: January 2014

Data assimilation (DA) methods continue to evolve in the design of streamflow forecasting procedures. Critical components for efficient DA include accurate description of states, improved model parameterizations, and estimation of the measurement error. Information about these components are usually assumed or rarely incorporated into streamflow forecasting procedures. Knowledge of these components could be gained through the generation of a Pareto-optimal set – a set of competitive members that are not dominated by other members when compared using evaluation objectives. This study integrates Pareto-optimality into the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) and the particle filter (PF). Comparisons are made between three methods: evolutionary data assimilation (EDA) and methods based on the integration of Pareto-optimality into the EnKF (ParetoEnKF) and into the PF (ParetoPF). The methods are applied to assimilate daily streamflow into the Sacramento Soil Moisture Accounting model in the Spencer Creek watershed in Canada. The updated members are applied to forecast streamflows for up to 10 days ahead, where forecasts for 1 day, 5 day and 10 day lead times are compared to observations. The results show that updated estimates are similar for all three methods. An evaluation of updated members for multi-step forecasting revealed that EDA had the highest forecast accuracy compared to ParetoEnKF and ParetoPF, which have similar accuracies.
The characteristics of probability distribution of groundwater model output based on sensitivity analysis
Authors: Zeng Xiankui , Wu Jichun , Wang Dong , Zhu Xiaobin
Published: January 2014

The probability distribution of groundwater model output is the direct product of modeling uncertainty. In this work, we aim to analyze the probability distribution of groundwater model outputs (groundwater level series and budget terms) based on sensitivity analysis. In addition, two sources of uncertainties are considered in this study: (1) the probability distribution of model's input parameters; (2) the spatial position of observation point. Based on a synthetical groundwater model, the probability distributions of model outputs are identified by frequency analysis. The sensitivity of output's distribution is analyzed by stepwise regression analysis, mutual entropy analysis, and classification tree analysis methods. Moreover, the key uncertainty variables influencing the mean, variance, and the category of probability distributions of groundwater outputs are identified and compared. Results show that mutual entropy analysis is more general for identifying multiple influencing factors which have a similar correlation structure with output variable than a stepwise regression method. Classification tree analysis is an effective method for analyzing the key driving factors in a classification output system.
Generation of the bathymetry of a eutrophic shallow lake using WorldView-2 imagery
Authors: Yuzugullu Onur , Aksoy Aysegul
Published: January 2014

In this study, water depth distribution (bathymetric map) in a eutrophic shallow lake was determined using a WorldView-2 multispectral satellite image. Lake Eymir in Ankara (Turkey) was the study site. In order to generate the bathymetric map of the lake, image and data processing, and modelling were applied. First, the bands that would be used in depth prediction models were determined through statistical and multicollinearity analyses. Then, data screening was performed based on the standard deviation of standardized residuals (SD_SR) of depth values determined through preliminary linear regression models. This analysis indicated the sampling points utilized in depth modelling. Finally, linear and non-linear regression models were developed to predict the depths in Lake Eymir based on remotely sensed data. The non-linear regression model performed slightly better compared to the linear one in predicting the depths in Lake Eymir. Coefficients of determination (R2) up to 0.90 were achieved. In general, the bathymetric map was in agreement with observations except at re-suspension areas. Yet, regression models were successful in defining the shallow depths at shore, as well as at the inlet and outlet of the lake. Moreover, deeper locations were successfully identified.
Evolutionary network flow models for obtaining operation rules in multi-reservoir water systems
Authors: Lerma Néstor , Paredes-Arquiola Javier , Molina Jose-Luis , Andreu Joaquín
Published: January 2014

Obtaining operation rules (OR) for multi-reservoir water systems through optimization and simulation processes has been an intensely studied topic. However, an innovative approach for the integration of two approaches – network flow simulation models and evolutionary multi-objective optimization (EMO) – is proposed for obtaining the operation rules for integrated water resource management (IWRM). This paper demonstrates a methodology based on the coupling of an EMO algorithm (NSGA-II or Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm) with an existing water resources allocation simulation network flow model (SIMGES). The implementation is made for a real case study, the Mijares River basin (Spain) which is characterized by severe drought events, a very traditional water rights system and its historical implementation of the conjunctive use of surface and ground water. The established operation rules aim to minimize the maximum deficit in the short term without compromising the maximum deficits in the long term. This research proves the utility of the proposed methodology by coupling NSGA-II and SIMGES to find the optimal reservoir operation rules in multi-reservoir water systems.