bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigating HIV Health Disparities: The Promise of Mobile Health for a Patient-Initiated Solution
Authors: Arya Monisha , Kumar Disha , Patel Sajani , Street Richard L. , Giordano Thomas Peter , Viswanath Kasisomayajula
Published: October 2014

The HIV epidemic is an ongoing public health problem fueled, in part, by undertesting for HIV. When HIV-infected people learn their status, many of them decrease risky behaviors and begin therapy to decrease viral load, both of which prevent ongoing spread of HIV in the community.

Some physicians face barriers to testing their patients for HIV and would rather their patients ask them for the HIV test. A campaign prompting patients to ask their physicians about HIV testing could increase testing.

A mobile health (mHealth) campaign would be a low-cost, accessible solution to activate patients to take greater control of their health, especially populations at risk for HIV. This campaign could achieve Healthy People 2020 objectives: improve patient–physician communication, improve HIV testing, and increase use of mHealth.
Predicted Long-Term Cardiovascular Risk Among Young Adults in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health
Authors: Clark Cari Jo , Alonso Alvaro , Spencer Rachael A. , Pencina Michael , Williams Ken , Everson-Rose Susan A.
Published: October 2014

Objectives. We estimated the distribution of predicted long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk among young adults in the United States.

Methods. Our data were derived from National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health participants (n = 14 333; average age: 28.9 years). We used a Framingham-derived risk prediction function to calculate 30-year risks of “hard” and “general” CVD by gender and race/ethnicity.

Results. Average 30-year risks for hard and general CVD were 10.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 10.1%, 10.7%) and 17.3% (95% CI = 17.0%, 17.7%) among men and 4.4% (95% CI = 4.3%, 4.6%) and 9.2% (95% CI = 8.9%, 9.5%) among women. Average age-adjusted risks of hard and general CVD were higher among Blacks and American Indians than among Whites and lower among Asian/Pacific Islander women than White women. American Indian men continued to have a higher risk of general CVD after adjustment for socioeconomic status. Four percent of women (95% CI = 3.6%, 5.0%) and 26.2% of men (95% CI = 24.7%, 27.8%) had a 20% or higher risk of general CVD. Racial differences were detected but were not significant after adjustment for socioeconomic status.

Conclusions. Average CVD risk among young adults is high. Population-based prevention strategies and improved detection and treatment of high-risk individuals are needed to reduce the future burden of CVD.
Soda and Cell Aging: Associations Between Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Consumption and Leukocyte Telomere Length in Healthy Adults From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys
Authors: Leung Cindy W. , Laraia Barbara A. , Needham Belinda L. , Rehkopf David H. , Adler Nancy E. , Lin Jue , Blackburn Elizabeth H. , Epel Elissa S.
Published: October 2014

Objectives. We tested whether leukocyte telomere length maintenance, which underlies healthy cellular aging, provides a link between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) consumption and the risk of cardiometabolic disease.

Methods. We examined cross-sectional associations between the consumption of SSBs, diet soda, and fruit juice and telomere length in a nationally representative sample of healthy adults. The study population included 5309 US adults, aged 20 to 65 years, with no history of diabetes or cardiovascular disease, from the 1999 to 2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Leukocyte telomere length was assayed from DNA specimens. Diet was assessed using 24-hour dietary recalls. Associations were examined using multivariate linear regression for the outcome of log-transformed telomere length.

Results. After adjustment for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, sugar-sweetened soda consumption was associated with shorter telomeres (b = –0.010; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.020, −0.001; P = .04). Consumption of 100% fruit juice was marginally associated with longer telomeres (b = 0.016; 95% CI = −0.000, 0.033; P = .05). No significant associations were observed between consumption of diet sodas or noncarbonated SSBs and telomere length.

Conclusions. Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened sodas might influence metabolic disease development through accelerated cell aging.
Risk of Cigarette Smoking Initiation During Adolescence Among US-Born and Non–US-Born Hispanics/Latinos: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
Authors: Parrinello Christina M. , Isasi Carmen R. , Xue Xiaonan , Bandiera Frank C. , Cai Jianwen , Lee David J. , Navas-Nacher Elena L. , Perreira Krista M. , Salgado Hugo , Kaplan Robert C.
Published: October 2014

Objectives. We assessed risk of cigarette smoking initiation among Hispanics/Latinos during adolescence by migration status and gender.

Methods. The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos (HCHS/SOL) surveyed persons aged 18 to 74 years in 2008 to 2011. Our cohort analysis (n = 2801 US-born, 13 200 non–US-born) reconstructed participants’ adolescence from 10 to 18 years of age. We assessed the association between migration status and length of US residence and risk of cigarette smoking initiation during adolescence, along with effects of gender and Hispanic/Latino background.

Results. Among individuals who migrated by 18 years of age, median age and year of arrival were 13 years and 1980, respectively. Among women, but not men, risk of smoking initiation during adolescence was higher among the US-born (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.10; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.73, 2.57; P < .001), and those who had resided in the United States for 2 or more years (HR = 1.47; 95% CI = 1.11, 1.96; P = .01) than among persons who lived outside the United States.

Conclusions. Research examining why some adolescents begin smoking after moving to the United States could inform targeted interventions.
Mental Health Treatment Patterns Among Adults With Recent Suicide Attempts in the United States
Authors: Han Beth , Compton Wilson M. , Gfroerer Joseph , McKeon Richard
Published: October 2014

Objectives. We examined mental health treatment patterns among adults with suicide attempts in the past 12 months in the United States.

Methods. We examined data from 2000 persons, aged 18 years or older, who participated in the 2008 to 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health and who reported attempting suicide in the past 12 months. We applied descriptive analyses and multivariable logistic regression models.

Results. In adults who attempted suicide in the past year, 56.3% received mental health treatment, but half of those who received treatment perceived unmet treatment needs, and of the 43.0% who did not receive mental health treatment, one fourth perceived unmet treatment needs. From 2008 to 2012, the mental health treatment rate among suicide attempters remained unchanged. Factors associated with receipt of mental health treatment varied by perceived unmet treatment need and receipt of medical attention that resulted from a suicide attempt.

Conclusions. Suicide prevention strategies that focus on suicide attempters are needed to increase their access to mental health treatments that meet their needs. To be effective, these strategies need to account for language and cultural differences and barriers to financial and treatment delivery.
Knowledge and Screening of Head and Neck Cancer Among American Indians in South Dakota
Authors: Dwojak Sunshine , Deschler Daniel , Sargent Michele , Emerick Kevin , Guadagnolo B. Ashleigh , Petereit Daniel
Published: October 2014

Objectives. We established the level of awareness of risk factors and early symptoms of head and neck cancer among American Indians in South Dakota and determined whether head and neck cancer screening detected clinical findings in this population.

Methods. We used the European About Face survey. We added questions about human papillomavirus, a risk factor for head and neck cancer, and demographics. Surveys were administered at 2 public events in 2011. Participants could partake in a head and neck cancer screening at the time of survey administration.

Results. Of the 205 American Indians who completed the survey, 114 participated in the screening. Mean head and neck cancer knowledge scores were 26 out of 44. Level of education was the only factor that predicted higher head and neck cancer knowledge (b = 0.90; P = .01). Nine (8%) people had positive head and neck cancer screening examination results. All abnormal clinical findings were in current or past smokers (P = .06).

Conclusions. There are gaps in American Indian knowledge of head and neck cancer risk factors and symptoms. Community-based head and neck cancer screening in this population is feasible and may be a way to identify early abnormal clinical findings in smokers.
Sexual Minority Women and Depressive Symptoms Throughout Adulthood
Authors: Pyra Maria , Weber Kathleen M. , Wilson Tracey E. , Cohen Jennifer , Murchison Lynn , Goparaju Lakshmi , Golub Elizabeth T. , Cohen Mardge H.
Published: October 2014

Objectives. We examined the associations between depressive symptoms and sexual identity and behavior among women with or at risk for HIV.

Methods. We analyzed longitudinal data from 1811 participants in the Women’s Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) from 1994 to 2013 in Brooklyn and the Bronx, New York; Chicago, Illinois; Washington, DC; and Los Angeles and San Francisco, California, by comparing depressive symptoms by baseline sexual identity and ongoing sexual behavior. We controlled for age, socioeconomic status, violence history, and substance use.

Results. In separate analyses, bisexual women and women who reported having sex with both men and women during follow-up had higher unadjusted odds of depressive symptoms compared with heterosexuals and women who reported only having male sexual partners (adjusted odd ratio [AOR] = 1.36; 95% confidence interval [CI]  = 1.10, 1.69 and AOR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.37, respectively). Age was a significant effect modifier in multivariable analysis; sexual minority women had increased odds of depressive symptoms in early adulthood, but they did not have these odds at midlife. Odds of depressive symptoms were lower among some sexual minority women at older ages.

Conclusions. Patterns of depressive symptoms over the life course of sexual minority women with or at risk for HIV might differ from heterosexual women and from patterns observed in the general aging population.
Acceptability of Home Self-Tests for HIV in New York City, 2006
Authors: Myers Julie E. , Bodach Sara , Cutler Blayne H. , Shepard Colin W. , Philippou Christopher , Branson Bernard M.
Published: October 2014

Data from a 2006 telephone survey representative of New York City adults showed that more than half (56.2%) of those aged 18 to 64 years responded favorably to a question about acceptability of a rapid home HIV test. More than two thirds of certain subpopulations at high risk for HIV reported that they would use a rapid home HIV test, but approximately half who expressed interest had indications of financial hardship. The match of acceptability and HIV risk bodes well for self-testing utility, but cost might impede uptake.
Multiwell Deconvolution
Authors: Cumming J.A.. A. , Wooff D.A.. A. , Whittle T.. , Gringarten A.C.. C.
Published: October 2014

In well-test analysis, deconvolution is used to transform variable-rate-pressure data into a single constant-rate drawdown suitable for interpretation. It is becoming part of a standard workflow for exploration and appraisal well-test analyses and in production-test analysis in which there are no interference effects from nearby wells. This paper develops and extends the single-well deconvolution algorithm of von Schroeter et al. (2004) to the larger and more-complex multiwell deconvolution problem. To validate the algorithm, it is applied to a synthetic example with known solution, and an uncertainty analysis is performed to quantify the impact of nonuniqueness on multiwell deconvolution. The use of the algorithm is illustrated further with a field example.
Beam-Pumping Operations: Problem Solving and Technology Advancements
Authors: Hein Jr. N.W.
Published: October 2014

Distinguished Author Series

Distinguished Author Series articles are general, descriptive representations that summarize the state of the art in an area of technology by describing recent developments for readers who are not specialists in the topics discussed. Written by individuals recognized as experts in the area, these articles provide key references to more definitive work and present specific details only to illustrate the technology. Purpose: to inform the general readership of recent advances in various areas of petroleum engineering.

Beam pumping is the most used, on-land artificial-lift method for petroleum production applications and has been since oil was discovered. Applications cover the full gamut of well types, including oil, water, and gas at depths from shallow to very deep, producing rates and volumes from low to high, viscous oil production, and dewatering-gas and coal bed-methane wells. Although beam pumping has become the "standard" lift method for on-land wells, the best engineering and operating practices still need to be followed to ensure cost-effective return on investment. When these best practices are not followed, continued operating problems, equipment failures, low efficiencies, and high operating costs often result. This paper presents some of the typical beam-pump engineering and operating practices that should be considered to obtain the most cost-effective operation over the life of the installation. Additionally, recent industry developments that are related to these practices are discussed.

Introduction

The selection of any artificial-lift method for an application depends on a variety of parameters that must be considered over the full life cycle of the installation to select the "best" lift choice. Ref. 1 discusses the selection procedure and parameters. This paper continues the discussion of the beam-pumping method that should be regarded as the standard lift technique and the first consideration for any on land production operation.

Beam pumping has the advantage of having wide exposure and its operation being known by many people around the world. Although this method has many benefits and practical applications, it should not be used for all producing operations. The practical operating range for beam pumping depends on many factors. There are some operating situations where an alternative lift method is being considered because beam pumps are having too many problems. On closer examination, what is often found is that the correct beam pump technology and best practices have not been used properly.
Fracturing Fluids - Then and Now
Authors: Jennings Alfred R.
Published: October 2014

Fracturing fluid provides the means by which the hydraulic fracturing process can take place. All applications of well stimulation by fracturing must include selection of fracturing fluid in the initial phases of fracture design and treatment planning. Fracturing fluid has two important purposes:to provide sufficient viscosity to suspend and transport proppant deep into the created fracture system andto decompose, or break, chemically to a low viscosity to allow flowback of a major part of the fluid to the surface for fracture cleanup after the treatment is completed.

Because of the importance of its rheological properties and behavior in the fracture under reservoir conditions during (and immediately after) the treatment, service company research laboratories have spent millions of dollars on R&D of fracturing fluids.

Historical Advances, Pre-1960

Since the introduction of hydraulic fracturing for well stimulation in 1948, fracturing fluids have enjoyed a fascinating history. The first several hundred fracturing treatments consisted of relatively small volumes of oil-based fluids to carry graded sand into the created fracture. Initial treatments were conducted with lease crude to ensure compatibility of the fluid with the producing formation. Because of its availability following World War II and the applicability of the gelled-fluid technology to the hydraulic fracturing process, napalm became the first "second-generation" fracturing fluid. With careful mixing and proper timing (before the napalm could set up as a gelatinous solid), many successful fracturing treatments were conducted. The lower pump pressures with higher effective viscosity and proppant transport obtained with the gelled diesel or kerosene marked early acceptance of gelled-fracturing-fluid technology.

Variations in the quality of the gelling agent used to prepare the napalm-based gel caused inconsistent gelling rates and gel properties, which made the system extremely difficult to use. In the early 1950's, another gelled-oil system was developed by adding fatty acids and caustic to lease crudes and diesel oil. This use of the saponification (soap making) process to gel oils was widespread among the service companies of the day and allowed further advances in application of hydraulic fracturing. Although this method of gelation provided more dependable fluid characteristics than the napalm system, the saponification process was very sensitive to the presence of water in the lease crude being gelled.
A note concerning the relationship between the Adelson’s Argyle illusion and Cornsweet edges
Authors: Flynn Oliver , Shapiro Arthur
Published: October 2014

Adelson?s Argyle illusion and the Craik-O?Brien-Cornsweet illusion are two
noteworthy brightness illusions. In the Argyle illusion two identical gray
areas are perceived to have radically different brightness levels when they
are surrounded by a pattern similar to an argyle clothing design. The
Craik-O?Brien-Cornsweet (C-O-C) illusion shows two identical gray areas
appear different brightness when they are separated by a ?Cornsweet edge.?
The C-O-C illusion is remarkable for the large distances over which the
effect holds even though the Cornsweet edge is relatively narrow. Here we
draw a connection between these two illusions by extending the columns of the
Argyle illusion to produce what we refer to as long range Argyles (LoRAs). We
show that LoRAs have many similar properties to Cornsweet edges and they are
capable of producing brightness effects over a large spatial range. It
therefore seems that part of the strength of the Argyle illusion arises from
a combination of standard simultaneous brightness effects and edge effects
like those produced by the C-O-C illusion. Lastly, we discuss a curious
difference between the effects of LoRAs and Cornsweet edges.
Copula-based dependence measures
Authors: Liebscher Eckhard
Published: October 2014

The aim of the present paper is to examine two wide classes of dependence coefficients including several well-known coefficients, for example Spearman’s ρ, Spearman’s footrule, and the Gini coefficient. There is a close relationship between the two classes: The second class is obtained by a symmetrisation of the coefficients in the former class. The coefficients of the first class describe the deviation from monotonically increasing dependence. The construction of the coefficients can be explained by geometric arguments. We introduce estimators of the dependence coefficients and prove their asymptotic normality.
Land Managers’ Heterogeneity in Mediterranean Landscapes - Consistencies and Contradictions Between Attitudes and Behaviors
Authors: Barroso Filipe , Pinto-Correia Teresa
Published: October 2014

European rural landscapes face today several changes, which might indicate that an ongoing transition process is taking place. While these transition processes have been mainly addressed for Western Europe and landscapes dominated by intensive agriculture, they remain to be understood in Southern Europe, where large areas are occupied by extensive farming systems, maintaining a distinctive landscape character. However in Mediterranean areas, new ways of managing the land arise, no longer by the conventional farmers alone but also by a multiplicity of other land managers. Nevertheless, the dominant discourse in the farm sector, both in politics and in individuals, is still focused on production. Therefore to better assess the potential of land managers to adapt to changes and to meet the expectations that society articulates towards the farming sector, a description of the land managers’ diversity deserves a renewed attention. A number of questions remain unanswered or only partially answered. Which land managers are contributing more to the changes happening? Which are the drivers that encourage or prevent innovation and changes in the holdings? Do all farmers behave in the same way? Does the attitudes-thoughts get translated into actual behavior-actions? In order to answer these questions a land managers’ typology anchored on the multifunctional transition framework is proposed. It aims to understand which land manager type contributes more to the multifunctional transition bounded by non-productivist and productivist strategies in place. This typology exploits the combination between the behaviors-action in the holding and the expressed attitudes-thoughts. To achieve this typology, 373 questionnaires were completed by land managers in South Portugal. Results reveal in some cases inconsistencies between land managers attitudes and their action, in an opposite sense to what has been earlier identified in Northwestern Europe, and reflecting the heterogeneity of Mediterranean agriculture and land ownership. Thus, an understanding of the land managers types will lead us to a better understanding of what are land managers looking for in the landscape they use. This knowledge can support better oriented policies and management decision, certainly more easily accepted by land managers since their views, behaviors, attitudes and opinions are taken in consideration.
Natural Ecosystem-Units in Israel and the Palestinian Authority - Representativeness in Protected Areas and Suggested Solutions for Biodiversity Conservation
Authors: Rotem Dotan , Weil Gilad
Published: October 2014

The geographic location of Israel and the Palestinian Authorityon the border between Mediterranean and desert climate, and the strong topographic and geomorphological variation resulting from its position on the Great African Rift Valley, combine to sustain a great diversity of landscapes in a very small country. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the protected areas in Israel and the Palestinian Authority adequately represent the range of landscapes and ecosystems in the region.

Altogether, we defined 23 natural ecosystem-units in Israel and the Palestinian Authority, of which 17 are terrestrial landscapes and 6 are aquatic systems. In considering the adequacy of coverage in protected areas, we mapped Israel and the Palestinian Authority landscapes according to a set of environmental factors (climatic, geomorphological, geological and botanical) that we believe most effectively distinguish landscape types in this region. When the separation between adjacent units relies on sharp topographic or edaphic change in the landscape, the mapped units can be separated by a clear and sharp line. When adjacent units are actually a gradient of continuous environmental conditions the separation lines relied mostly on botanic characteristics.

The main land use categories in this analysis were urban areas, agricultural areas, nature reserves, national parks and forest reserves. For the first time in Israel and the Palestinian Authority, we quantified the different landscape types under the different categories of land use. This process, known as systematic conservation planning, allowed us to detect natural landscapes that are underrepresented in protected areas, and can guide decision makers to establish or improve management for the better representation of biodiversity.
Synthesis and Mossbauer studies of mesoporous γ-Fe2O3
Authors: Kotsyubynsky V. , Moklyak V. , Hrubiak A.
Published: October 2014

A method of synthesis of mesoporous γ-Fe2O3 by thermal decomposition of iron citrate has been proposed. Investigations of the crystalline and magnetic structure of obtained materials were done. Nanodispersed maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) with the sizes of coherent scattering regions of about 4–7 nm consisted of one phase only after gel sintering at 200, 250 and 300 °C. The particles of synthesized materials were both in magnetically ordered, and superparamagnetic states, and they formed a grid-like mesoporous structure. The influence of magnetic dipole interparticle interaction on the parameters of Mossbauer spectra was observed. A phenomenological model of the differences between nanodispersed γ-Fe2O3 magnetic microstructures obtained after annealing at different temperatures was presented.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using tannins
Authors: Raja Pandian , Rahim Afidah , Qureshi Ahmad , Awang Khalijah
Published: October 2014

Colloidal silver nanoparticles were prepared by rapid green synthesis using different tannin sources as reducing agent viz. chestnut (CN), mangrove (MG) and quebracho (QB). The aqueous silver ions when exposed to CN, MG and QB tannins were reduced which resulted in formation of silver nanoparticles. The resultant silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Visible, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. Furthermore, the possible mechanism of nanoparticles synthesis was also derived using FT-IR analysis. Spectroscopy analysis revealed that the synthesized nanoparticles were within 30 to 75 nm in size, while XRD results showed that nanoparticles formed were crystalline with face centered cubic geometry.
In vitro evaluation of bioactivity of SiO2-CaO-P2O5-Na2O-CaF2-ZnO glass-ceramics
Authors: Riaz Madeeha , Zia Rehana , Saleemi Farhat , Bashir Farooq , Hossain Tousif , Kayani Zohra
Published: October 2014

Zinc is an essential trace element that stimulates bone formation but it is also known as an inhibitor of apatite crystal growth. In this work addition of ZnO to SiO2-CaO-P2O5-Na2O-CaF2 glass-ceramic system was made by conventional melt-quenching technique. DSC curves showed that the addition of ZnO moved the endothermic and exothermic peaks to lower temperatures. X-ray diffraction analysis did not reveal any additional phase caused by ZnO addition and showed the presence of wollastonite and hydroxyapatite crystalline phases only in all the glass-ceramic samples. As bio-implant apatite forming ability is an essential condition, the surface reactivity of the prepared glass-ceramic specimens was studied in vitro in Kokubo’s simulated body fluid (SBF) [1] with ion concentration nearly equal to human blood plasma for 30 days at 37 °C under static condition. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used to study the changes in element concentrations in soaking solutions and XRD, FT-IR and SEM were used to elucidate surface properties of prepared glass-ceramics, which confirmed the formation of HCAp on the surface of all glass-ceramics. It was found that the addition of ZnO had a positive effect on bioactivity of glass-ceramics and made it a potential candidate for restoration of damaged bones.
Role of substrate temperature on the growth mechanism and physical properties of spray deposited lead oxide thin films
Authors: Suganya M. , Balu A. , Usharani K.
Published: October 2014

Thin films of lead oxide were synthesized by cost effective spray pyrolysis technique at different substrate temperatures on glass substrates. Effect of substrate temperature on the growth mechanism and physical properties of the films was investigated. All the films were polycrystalline in nature with tetragonal structure corresponding to α-PbO. The films coated at 225 °C and 275 °C were (1 0 1) oriented, while the films deposited at 325 °C and 375 °C were (0 0 2) oriented. Above 375 °C, the pure tetragonal nature deteriorated and the peaks corresponding to orthorhombic phase were observed. The band gap value was found to be in the range of 2.3 to 2.62 eV. All the films had a resistivity of the order of 103 ohm-cm. A minimum resistivity of 0.0191 × 103 ohm-cm was obtained for the film coated at 325 °C. The activation energy increased with increase in substrate temperature.
CVD diamond layers for electrochemistry
Authors: Kowalska M. , Fabisiak K. , Wrzyszczyński A. , Banaszak A. , Szybowicz M. , Paprocki K. , Bała W. , Bylicki F.
Published: October 2014

Diamond electrodes of different morphologies and qualities were manufactured by hot filament chemical deposition (HF CVD) techniques by changing the parameters of diamond growth process. The estimation of diamond quality and identification of different carbon phases was performed by Raman spectroscopy measurements. The effect of diamond quality and amorphous carbon phase content on the electrochemical response of an obtained diamond electrode in 0.5 M H2SO4 as supporting electrolyte was investigated by cyclic voltammetry with [Fe(CN)6]4−/3− as a redox probe. The kinetic parameters such as catalytic reaction rate constant k0 and electron transfer coefficient α were determined. The obtained results show that the analytical performance of undoped diamond electrodes can be implemented just by the change of diamond layers quality.
Low-temperature synthesis of zeolite from perlite waste — Part I: review of methods and phase compositions of resulting products
Authors: Król Magdalena , Morawska Justyna , Mozgawa Włodzimierz , Pichór Waldemar
Published: October 2014

In this paper a review of the recent studies on the synthesis of zeolites from expanded perlite under hydrothermal conditions is presented. Attention is paid to possible outcomes of synthesis from low cost glass material, such as perlite. The study also investigates the phase composition of zeolitic materials obtained by modification of by-product derived from an expanded perlite production process. The synthesis was made using the hydrothermal method with sodium hydroxide under autogenous pressure at a temperature below 100 °C for 1 to 72 h. It was possible to obtain a zeolitic material at a temperature as low as 60 °C using 4.0 M NaOH. The X-ray diffraction pattern showed the biggest peak intensity of zeolite X with 4.0 M NaOH at the temperature of 70 °C. During synthesis at higher temperature zeolite Na-P1 (with 3.0 M NaOH at 90 °C) and hydroxysodalite (with 5.0 M NaOH at 90 °C) were obtained.
Hydrogen desorption kinetics of MgH2 synthesized from modified waste magnesium
Authors: Kantürk Figen Aysel , Coşkuner Bilge , Pişkin Sabriye
Published: October 2014

In the present study, hydrogen desorption properties of magnesium hydride (MgH2) synthesized from modified waste magnesium chips (WMC) were investigated. MgH2 was synthesized by hydrogenation of modified waste magnesium at 320 °C for 90 min under a pressure of 6 × 106 Pa. The modified waste magnesium was prepared by mixing waste magnesium with tetrahydrofuran (THF) and NaCl additions, applying mechanical milling. Next, it was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) techniques in order to characterize its structural properties. Hydrogen desorption properties were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) under nitrogen atmosphere at different heating rates (5, 10, and 15 °C/min). Doyle and Kissenger non-isothermal kinetic models were applied to calculate energy (Ea) values, which were found equal to 254.68 kJ/mol and 255.88 kJ/mol, respectively.
Properties of graphite-stainless steel composite in bipolar plates in simulated anode and cathode environments of PEM fuel cells
Authors: Włodarczyk Renata
Published: October 2014

The use of a graphite-stainless steel composite as bipolar plates (BP) in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) has been evaluated. The study covers measurements of mechanical properties, microstructural examination, analysis of surface profile, wettability, porosity and corrosion resistance of the composite. The corrosion properties of the composite were examined in 0.1 mol·dm−3 H2SO4 + 2 ppm F− saturated with H2 or with O2 and in solutions with different pH: in Na2SO4+ 2 ppm F− (pH = 1.00, 3.00, 5.00) at 80 °C. The performed tests indicate that the graphite modified with stainless steel can be a good choice to be used as a bipolar plate in PEM fuel cells.
Risk Factors Associated with Overweight among Adolescents in Serbia/ Dejavniki Tveganja, Povezani S Prekomerno Telesno Težo Pri Mladostnikih V Srbiji
Authors: Boričić Katarina , Simić Snežana , Vasiljević Nađa , Marinković Jelena
Published: October 2014

Introduction. The pandemic of obesity in adolescents is one of the challenges of public health.

Aim. The aim of this study was to examine the association of overweight with demographic, socioeconomic and lifestyle factors among Serbian adolescents.

Method. A cross-sectional study of 2139 adolescents aged 10 to 19 years was carried out. Data used in this study were from the 2006 Health Survey. In accordance with the international sex- and age-specific Body Mass Index cut-off points, all participants were classified as being normal weight or overweight, including obese. The association between the risk factors and overweight were examined using a multivariate logistic regression model.

Results. The study showed that 28.9% of boys and 17.0% of girls were overweight, while 14.5% of boys and 8.1% of girls were obese. Boys were more likely to be overweight/obese, compared with girls. Being younger (p< 0.01 for 14 to 15 years) and (p< 0.01, for 16 to 19 years), engaging in physical activities that last less than 7 hours a week, in such a manner that they breathe quickly and become sweaty, (p< 0.01) and skipping breakfast (p< 0.05) were risk factors significantly associated with overweight among adolescents. No significant association was found with wealth index.

Conclusion. These findings should be an integral part of further preventive interventions, especially oriented towards younger adolescents, who are physically inactive, have a habit of skipping breakfast and are boys.
Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders in Central and Eastern Europe: Self-Reported Practice of Primary Care Physicians / Zdravljenje Bolezni Prebavil V Srednji In Vzhodni Evropi: Podatki, Ki Jih Zdravniki V Primarni Zdravstveni Oskrbi Sami Sporočajo
Authors: Palka Małgorzata , Krztoń-Królewiecka Anna , Tomasik Tomasz , Seifert Bohumil , Wójtowicz Ewa , Windak Adam
Published: October 2014

Background. Gastrointestinal disorders account for 7-10% of all consultations in primary care. General practitioners’ management of digestive disorders in Central and Eastern European countries is largely unknown.

Aims. To identify and compare variations in the self-perceived responsibilities of general practitioners in the management of digestive disorders in Central and Eastern Europe.

Methods. A cross-sectional survey of a randomized sample of primary care physicians from 9 countries was conducted. An anonymous questionnaire was sent via post to primary care doctors.

Results. We received 867 responses; the response rate was 28.9%. Over 70% of respondents reported familiarity with available guidelines for gastrointestinal diseases. For uninvestigated dyspepsia in patients under 45 years, the “test and treat” strategy was twice as popular as “test and scope”. The majority (59.8%) of family physicians would refer patients with rectal bleeding without alarm symptoms to a specialist (from 7.6% of doctors in Slovenia to 85.1% of doctors in Bulgaria; p<0.001). 93.4% of respondents declared their involvement in colorectal cancer screening. In the majority of countries, responding doctors most often reported that they order fecal occult blood tests. The exceptions were Estonia and Hungary, where the majority of family physicians referred patients to a specialist (p<0.001).

Conclusions. Physicians from Central and Eastern European countries understood the need for the use of guidelines for the care of patients with gastrointestinal problems, but there is broad variation between countries in their management. Numerous efforts should be undertaken to establish and implement international standards for digestive disorders’ management in general practice.
Individual and Contextual Determinants of Social Homecare Usage in Slovenia/ Dispozicijski In Kontekstualni Dejavniki Uporabe Socialne Oskrbe Na Domu
Authors: Hlebec Valentina
Published: October 2014

Theory. Social homecare is important for older people, as it enables them to remain in their own homes during worsening health, thus relieving the burden on institutional facilities such as homes for the elderly or nursing homes and hospitals.

Method. A representative survey of social homecare users was employed to assess determinants of the scope of social homecare in Slovenia. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate determinants defined by Andersen’s behavioral model that affect the scope of social homecare.

Results. As expected, need (Functional impairment B = .378, P = 0.000) was the most important explanatory component, followed by availability of informal care network (Lives alone B = -.136, P = 0.000; Has children B = - .142; P = 0.000) and other contextual factors such as total costs of the services (B = -.075; P = 0.003) and temporal availability of services (B=-.075, P=0.012). The model explained 18% of variability in the scope of social homecare.

Conclusion. This study showed that data on the individual level, as opposed to data on an aggregated level, show different determinants of social homecare utilization. Moreover, the results showed that social homecare is especially important in two circumstances: when older people have a high level of need and when they do not have access to informal care networks. Contextual factors had a moderate effect on the scope of social homecare, which shows universal access to the latter at the individual level.
Interwoven Colonial Histories: Indigenous Agency and Academic Historiography in North America
Authors: Munro John
Published: October 2014

Abstract:

Inspired by a recent call for greater integration between histories of capitalism and of Indigenous peoples in the United States, I argue that scholars across American studies should take stock of the ways in which Indigenous history pertains to fields beyond economic history. This article emphasizes Indigenous agency and activism to historicize how Aboriginal history has become (somewhat) more prominent in American studies. In reviewing some of the literature that has helped bring about this still incomplete shift, I look at developments in the settler states of the United States and Canada in order to highlight their shared colonial structures.
Methods for Risk-Based Planning of O&M of Wind Turbines
Authors: Nielsen Jannie , Sørensen John
Published: October 2014

In order to make wind energy more competitive, the big expenses for operation and maintenance must be reduced. Consistent decisions that minimize the expected costs can be made based on risk-based methods. Such methods have been implemented for maintenance planning for oil and gas structures, but for offshore wind turbines, the conditions are different and the methods need to be adjusted accordingly. This paper gives an overview of various approaches to solve the decision problem: methods with decision rules based on observed variables, a method with decision rules based on the probability of failure, a method based on limited memory influence diagrams and a method based on the partially observable Markov decision process. The methods with decision rules based on observed variables are easy to use, but can only take the most recent observation into account, when a decision is made. The other methods can take more information into account, and especially, the method based on the Markov decision process is very flexible and accurate. A case study shows that the Markov decision process and decision rules based on the probability of failure are equally good and give lower costs compared to decision rules based on observed variables.
Decreased Survival of Glioma Patients with Astrocytoma Grade IV (Glioblastoma Multiforme) Associated with Long-Term Use of Mobile and Cordless Phones
Authors: Carlberg Michael , Hardell Lennart
Published: October 2014

On 31 May 2011 the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) categorised radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) from mobile phones, and from other devices that emit similar non-ionising electromagnetic fields, as a Group 2B, i.e., a “possible”, human carcinogen. A causal association would be strengthened if it could be shown that the use of wireless phones has an impact on the survival of glioma patients. We analysed survival of 1678 glioma patients in our 1997–2003 and 2007–2009 case-control studies. Use of wireless phones in the >20 years latency group (time since first use) yielded an increased hazard ratio (HR) = 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2–2.3 for glioma. For astrocytoma grade IV (glioblastoma multiforme; n = 926) mobile phone use yielded HR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.4–2.9 and cordless phone use HR = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.04–11 in the same latency category. The hazard ratio for astrocytoma grade IV increased statistically significant per year of latency for wireless phones, HR = 1.020, 95% CI = 1.007–1.033, but not per 100 h cumulative use, HR = 1.002, 95% CI = 0.999–1.005. HR was not statistically significant increased for other types of glioma. Due to the relationship with survival the classification of IARC is strengthened and RF-EMF should be regarded as human carcinogen requiring urgent revision of current exposure guidelines.
Molecular Mechanisms for the Regulation of Insulin-Stimulated Glucose Uptake by Small Guanosine Triphosphatases in Skeletal Muscle and Adipocytes
Authors: Satoh Takaya
Published: October 2014

Insulin is a hormone that regulates the blood glucose level by stimulating various physiological responses in its target tissues. In skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, insulin promotes membrane trafficking of the glucose transporter GLUT4 from GLUT4 storage vesicles to the plasma membrane, thereby facilitating the uptake of glucose from the circulation. Detailed mechanisms underlying insulin-dependent intracellular signal transduction for glucose uptake remain largely unknown. In this article, I give an overview on the recently identified signaling network involving Rab, Ras, and Rho family small guanosine triphosphatases (GTPases) that regulates glucose uptake in insulin-responsive tissues. In particular, the regulatory mechanisms for these small GTPases and the cross-talk between protein kinase and small GTPase cascades are highlighted.
Cardiac Arrhythmias and Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: Grimm Wolfram , Koehler Ulrich
Published: October 2014

The relationship between heart failure (HF), sleep-disordered breathing and cardiac arrhythmias is complex and poorly understood. Whereas the frequency of predominantly obstructive sleep apnea in HF patients is low and similar or moderately higher to that observed in the general population, central sleep apnea (CSA) has been observed in approximately 50% of HF patients, depending on the methods used to detect CSA and patient selection. Despite this high prevalence, it is still unclear whether CSA is merely a marker or an independent risk factor for an adverse prognosis in HF patients and whether CSA is associated with an increased risk for supraventricular as well as ventricular arrhythmias in HF patients. The current review focuses on the relationship between CSA and atrial fibrillation as the most common atrial arrhythmia in HF patients, and on the relationship between CSA and ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation as the most frequent cause of sudden cardiac death in HF patients.
Mechanical Analysis of a Pneumatically Actuated Concentric Double-Shell Structure for Cell Stretching
Authors: Zhao Feihu , Kreutzer Joose , Pajunen Sami , Kallio Pasi
Published: October 2014

An available novel system for studying the cellular mechanobiology applies an equiaxial strain field to cells cultured on a PolyDiMethylSiloxane (PDMS) substrate membrane, which is stretched over the deformation of a cylindrical shell. In its application of in vitro cell culture, the in-plane strain of the substrate membrane provides mechanical stimulation to cells, and out-of-plane displacement plays an important role in monitoring the cells by a microscope. However, no analysis of the parameters has been reported yet. Therefore, in this paper, we employ analytical and computational models to investigate the mechanical behavior of the device, in terms of in-plane strain and out-of-plane displacement of the substrate membrane. As a result, mathematical descriptions are given, which are not only for quantitatively determining the applied load, but also provide the theoretical basis for the researchers to carry out structural modification, according to their needs in specific cell culture experiments. Furthermore, by computational study, the elastic modulus of PDMS is determined to allow the mechanical behavior analysis of a fabricated device. Finally, compared to the experimental results of characterizing a fabricated device, good agreement is obtained between the predicted and experimental results.
Evaluation of the Toxicity of 5-Aryl-2-Aminoimidazole-Based Biofilm Inhibitors against Eukaryotic Cell Lines, Bone Cells and the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Steenackers Hans , Dubey Akanksha , Robijns Stijn , Ermolat'ev Denis , Delattin Nicolas , Dovgan Barbara , Girandon Lenart , Fröhlich Mirjam , De Brucker Katrijn , Cammue Bruno , Thevissen Karin , Balzarini Jan , Van der Eycken Erik , Vanderleyden Jozef
Published: October 2014

Previously, we have synthesized several series of compounds based on the 5-aryl-2-aminoimidazole scaffold, which showed a preventive activity against microbial biofilms. We here studied the cytotoxicity of the most active compounds of each series. First, the cytostatic activity was investigated against a number of tumor cell lines (L1210, CEM and HeLa). A subset of monosubstituted 5-aryl-2-aminoimidazoles showed a moderate safety window, with therapeutic indices (TIs) ranging between 3 and 20. Whereas introduction of a (cyclo-)alkyl chain at the N1-position strongly reduced the TI, introduction of a (cyclo-)alkyl chain or a triazole moiety at the 2N-position increased the TI up to 370. Since a promising application of preventive anti-biofilm agents is their use in anti-biofilm coatings for orthopedic implants, their effects on cell viability and functional behavior of human osteoblasts and bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells were tested. The 2N-substituted 5-aryl-2-aminoimidazoles consistently showed the lowest toxicity and allowed survival of the bone cells for up to 4 weeks. Moreover they did not negatively affect the osteogenic differentiation potential of the bone cells. Finally, we examined the effect of the compounds on the survival of Caenorhabditis elegans, which confirmed the higher safety window of 2N-substituted 5-aryl-2-aminoimidazoles.
Correction: Barnard, N., et al. Meat Consumption as a Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes. Nutrients 2014, 6, 897–910
Authors: Barnard Neal , Levin Susan , Trapp Caroline
Published: October 2014

We have found some inadvertent errors in our paper published in Nutrients [1]. This is a second published correction, the first correction can be found [2].[...]