bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiological assessment of the surface soil of Bangladesh
Authors: Chakraborty Shyamal
Published: May 2014

The specific activities of 232Th, 238U, 40K, and 137Cs in undisturbed surface
soil at 56 locations of Bangladesh, covering its entire area, were measured
using high resolution HPGe detector. The mean specific activity
concentrations of the mentioned radionuclides were respectively found to be
83.56 ? 17.96 Bq/kg, 44.35 ? 12.65 Bq/kg, 630.89 ? 173.85 Bq/kg, and 5.37 ? ?
4.87 Bq/kg. A good correlation between the activities of 232Th and 238U was
found. The radiological parameters namely radium equivalent activity,
representative level index, external hazard index, internal hazard index,
absorbed dose rate, and effective annual outdoor dose rate due to the natural
radionuclides were also calculated. The average values of the mentioned
parameters were found to be 212.26 ? 43.93 Bq/kg, 1.55 ? 0.32 Bq/kg, 0.29 ?
0.06, 0.69 ? 0.15, 97.27 ? 20.03 nGy/h, and 119.37 ? 24.58 mSv/y,
respectively. The radiation dose levels at the points of sample collection
were also measured by a portable radiation dose rate-meter. The average value
of the outdoor dose rate was found to be 0.20 ? 0.07 mSv/h ranging from 0.16
? 0.02 mSv/h to 0.28 ? 0.04 mSv/h. The distributions of natural radionuclides
were found to be normal. The concentration levels of different radionuclides
were comparable to the corresponding reported values of the soil of different
countries.
Business Modeling to Improve Auditor Risk Assessment: An Investigation of Alternative Representations
Authors: Boritz J. Efrim , Carnaghan Carla , Alencar Paulo S.
Published: May 2014

This study investigates the effects of alternative methods for documenting business models on audit risk assessment behavior. We consider tabular versus diagrammatic representations of the relationship between business model components such as environmental factors, strategic goals, internal processes and resources, and financial statement accounts. Multiple scenarios based on a real company were constructed and 24 participants, including audit partners, managers, and novice auditors performed a risk assessment for each scenario, presented in either a diagrammatic or a tabular format. The participants' verbal discussions as they performed the risk assessments were tape recorded, transcribed, and coded. A content analysis of the participants' coded verbal behavior indicates that the tabular presentation appears to elicit more frequent mention of accounts by the participants, while the diagram format leads to more mentions of other business model components. There is also some evidence of expertise effects.

This study indicates that a tabular presentation can possess many of the benefits often associated with a diagrammatic representation. However, in our study, obtaining such benefits involved the deliberate structuring of the tabular presentation to organize the components of the business model and the links between them and financial statement accounts.
The Drinker with the Writing Problem: Brendan Behan's Anecdotal Alcoholism
Authors: Lynch Claire
Published: May 2014

Half a century after his death Brendan Behan is, all too frequently, remembered for the addiction which killed him. Throughout the multiple biographical portraits and references in popular culture, Behan's reputation as a bon viveur often outweighs his legacy as a writer. Biographical representations of Behan the alcoholic include the child drinker, the harmless entertainer, and the self-destructive artist best known for his ‘open-necked shirt, his cursing, his drunkenness in public, his contempt for convention’ (O'Connor 1970, p.294). While Behan's reputation as a ‘drinker with a writing problem’ is variously interpreted, the narrative form in which it is recalled is surprisingly constant. This essay is focused around the subject of Behan's drinking and the anecdotes used to document and recall it. Widely discredited as incoherent and self-interested, Brendan Behan's Island (1962) and Brendan Behan's New York (1964) are, with good reason, regularly rejected as aberrations in Behan's oeuvre. Yet, as will be argued here, they are valuable precisely because they narrate the experience of alcoholic demise.
Degradation of Organelles or Specific Organelle Components via Selective Autophagy in Plant Cells
Authors: Michaeli Simon , Galili Gad
Published: May 2014

Macroautophagy (hereafter referred to as autophagy) is a cellular mechanism dedicated to the degradation and recycling of unnecessary cytosolic components by their removal to the lytic compartment of the cell (the vacuole in plants). Autophagy is generally induced by stresses causing energy deprivation and its operation occurs by special vesicles, termed autophagosomes. Autophagy also operates in a selective manner, recycling specific components, such as organelles, protein aggregates or even specific proteins, and selective autophagy is implicated in both cellular housekeeping and response to stresses. In plants, selective autophagy has recently been shown to degrade mitochondria, plastids and peroxisomes, or organelle components such as the endoplasmic-reticulum (ER) membrane and chloroplast-derived proteins such as Rubisco. This ability places selective-autophagy as a major factor in cellular steady-state maintenance, both under stress and favorable environmental conditions. Here we review the recent advances documented in plants for this cellular process and further discuss its impact on plant physiology.
Three-Dimensional Wafer Stacking Using Cu TSV Integrated with 45 nm High Performance SOI-CMOS Embedded DRAM Technology
Authors: Batra Pooja , Skordas Spyridon , LaTulipe Douglas , Winstel Kevin , Kothandaraman Chandrasekharan , Himmel Ben , Maier Gary , He Bishan , Gamage Deepal , Golz John , Lin Wei , Vo Tuan , Priyadarshini Deepika , Hubbard Alex , Cauffman Kristian , Peethala Brown , Barth John , Kirihata Toshiaki , Graves-Abe Troy , Robson Norman , Iyer Subramanian
Published: May 2014

For high-volume production of 3D-stacked chips with through-silicon-vias (TSVs), wafer-scale bonding offers lower production cost compared with bump bond technology and is promising for interconnect pitches smaller than 5 µ using available tooling. Prior work has presented wafer-scale integration with tungsten TSV for low-power applications. This paper reports the first use of low-temperature oxide bonding and copper TSV to stack high performance cache cores manufactured in 45 nm Silicon On Insulator-Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (SOI-CMOS) embedded DRAM (EDRAM) having 12 to 13 copper wiring levels per strata and upto 11000 TSVs at 13 µm pitch for power and signal delivery. The wafers are thinned to 13 µm using grind polish and etch. TSVs are defined post bonding and thinning using conventional alignment techniques. Up to four additional metal levels are formed post bonding and TSV definition. A key feature of this process is its compatibility with the existing high performance POWER7™ EDRAM core requiring neither modification of the existing CMOS fabrication process nor re-design since the TSV RC characteristic is similar to typical 100–200 µm length wiring load enabling 3D macro-to-macro signaling without additional buffering Hardware measurements show no significant impact on device drive and off-current. Functional test at wafer level confirms 2.1 GHz 3D stacked EDRAM operation.
Characteristics of the Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells Using TiO2 Nanotubes Treated with TiCl4
Authors: Yang Jun , Bark Chung , Kim Kyung , Choi Hyung
Published: May 2014

The replacement of oxide semiconducting TiO2 nano particles with one dimensional TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs) has been used for improving the electron transport in the dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Although use of one dimensional structure provides the enhanced photoelectrical performance, it tends to reduce the adsorption of dye on the TiO2 surface due to decrease of surface area. To overcome this problem, we investigate the effects of TiCl4 treatment on DSSCs which were constructed with composite films made of TiO2 nanoparticles and TNTs. To find optimum condition of TNTs concentration in TiO2 composites film, series of DSSCs with different TNTs concentration were made. In this optimum condition (DSSCs with 10 wt% of TNT), the effects of post treatment are compared for different TiCl4 concentrations. The results show that the DSSCs using a TiCl4 (90 mM) post treatment shows a maximum conversion efficiency of 7.83% due to effective electron transport and enhanced adsorption of dye on TiO2 surface.
Quantitative Metabolomics and Instationary 13C-Metabolic Flux Analysis Reveals Impact of Recombinant Protein Production on Trehalose and Energy Metabolism in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Jordà Joel , Rojas Hugo , Carnicer Marc , Wahl Aljoscha , Ferrer Pau , Albiol Joan
Published: May 2014

Pichia pastoris has been recognized as an effective host for recombinant protein production. In this work, we combine metabolomics and instationary 13C metabolic flux analysis (INST 13C-MFA) using GC-MS and LC-MS/MS to evaluate the potential impact of the production of a Rhizopus oryzae lipase (Rol) on P. pastoris central carbon metabolism. Higher oxygen uptake and CO2 production rates and slightly reduced biomass yield suggest an increased energy demand for the producing strain. This observation is further confirmed by 13C-based metabolic flux analysis. In particular, the flux through the methanol oxidation pathway and the TCA cycle was increased in the Rol-producing strain compared to the reference strain. Next to changes in the flux distribution, significant variations in intracellular metabolite concentrations were observed. Most notably, the pools of trehalose, which is related to cellular stress response, and xylose, which is linked to methanol assimilation, were significantly increased in the recombinant strain.
Red Ginseng Treatment for Two Weeks Promotes Fat Metabolism during Exercise in Mice
Authors: Hwang Hyejung , Kim Jisu , Park Jonghoon , Yun Heayeon , Cheon Woo-Kwang , Kim Bokyung , Lee Chi-Ho , Suh Heajung , Lim Kiwon
Published: May 2014

PURPOSE: Red ginseng (RG) has been reported to improve the blood and organ lipid profile when combined with exercise. However, the effect of RG on energy metabolism during exercise is poorly understood. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate whether RG treatment alters fat utilization during exercise; METHODS: We used seven-week-old ICR mice (n = 42). RG (1 g/kg) was administered orally daily during two weeks of endurance training. All mice were randomized into two groups: training only group (CON group) and training with RG group (RG group). Endurance training consisted of 20~25 m/min on a slope of 8° for one hour five times a week. After a two-week experimental period, we measured substrate utilization during exercise at the same intensity and duration of training using a respiratory calorimetry chamber. Mice were dissected for glycogen measurement of muscles and liver before, immediately after, and one hour after the exercise; RESULT: Fat oxidation during the initial 20 min of the one-hour exercise significantly increased in the RG group compared to the CON group. In addition, the liver glycogen stores significantly decreased immediately after the one-hour exercise compared to at rest in the RG group, but did not differ between immediately after the one-hour exercise and at rest in the RG group. The glycogen concentration in white and red gastrocnemius muscle did not differ between the groups immediately after the one-hour exercise; CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that RG treatment for two weeks promotes fat oxidation and a glycogen-sparing effect during exercise. This might lead to a delay in peripheral fatigue during endurance exercise performance.
Development of a Micro-Step Voltage-Fed Actuator with a Novel Stepper Motor for Automobile AGS Systems
Authors: Rhyu Se-Hyun , Lee Jeong-Jong , Gu Bon-Gwan , Choi Byung-Dae , Lim Jung-Hyuk
Published: May 2014

This paper presents an improved micro-step voltage-fed actuator for an automobile active grill shutter (AGS) system. A novel structured stepper motor, which contains both the main and auxiliary teeth in the stator, is proposed for the actuator. In a normal permanent magnet (PM) motor coils are generally wound on all the stator teeth, however, in the proposed motor, the winding is only on the main teeth. Because of the absence of coils in the auxiliary teeth, the proposed stepper motor possesses the following advantages: simple structure, lighter weight, smaller volume, and less time consumption. The unique auxiliary poles in the stepper motor supply the flux path to increase the step resolution even without any coils. The characteristics of the proposed stepper motor were investigated using finite element analysis. In particular, the effect of the magnetization distribution of the PM on the motor performance was investigated during the analysis. Cogging torque, which causes noise and vibration issues, was minimized by the tooth-shape optimization. In addition, a micro-step voltage-fed algorithm was implemented for a high-resolution position control. By employing a current close to a sine wave using space vector pulse-width modulation, a high-quality current waveform with a high resolution was obtained. Finally, the proposed prototype was fabricated, and the cogging torque, back-electromotive force, and current characteristics were measured by mounting the prototype on the AGS system. Both the analysis and experimental results validate the performance improvement from the proposed motor and its possible application for the flap control of the AGS system.
Cooperative Spectrum Sensing Schemes with the Interference Constraint in Cognitive Radio Networks
Authors: Do Tri-Nhu , An Beongku
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we propose cooperative spectrum sensing schemes, called decode-and-forward cooperative spectrum sensing (DF-CSS) scheme and amplify-and-forward cooperative spectrum sensing (AF-CSS) scheme, in cognitive radio networks. The main goals and features of the proposed cooperative spectrum sensing schemes are as follows: first, we solve the problem of high demand for bandwidth in a soft decision scheme using in our proposed schemes. Furthermore, the impact of transmission power of relaying users which is determined by the interference constraint on sensing performance of cooperative spectrum sensing schemes is also investigated. Second, we analyze the sensing performance of our proposed cooperative spectrum sensing schemes in terms of detection probability and interference probability, respectively. We take into account the interference caused by secondary user (SU) to primary user (PU) in the case that the transmission power of the relaying users exceeds a predefined interference constraint assigned by the primary user. The simulation results show that in cooperative spectrum sensing schemes the total sensing performance depends not only on the interference tolerance level, but also on the relay protocols used. We also prove that high transmission power of relaying users increases the interference between the secondary networks and the primary network.
“Sustainability State” in the Making? Institutionalization of Sustainability in German Federal Policy Making
Authors: Heinrichs Harald , Laws Norman
Published: May 2014

More than two decades after the Rio-conference on environment and development in 1992, sustainable development remains a big challenge. Politics and administration, especially in democratic societies, have a specific responsibility in coordinating sustainable development. In order to fulfill this role, the regulative idea of sustainability needs to be integrated into decision-making in politics and administration at all levels, from local to global. Taking this into account, we have analyzed the institutionalization of sustainability as a crosscutting and long-term challenge at the federal level in Germany. Based on a theoretical-conceptual framework deriving from democracy, bureaucracy and political steering/governance theory, we have employed qualitative methods to understand, in depth, how sustainability is integrated into political-administrative practice. In the present paper, we present key results and show that sustainability is not a routine practice at the federal level in Germany. We will conclude by giving an outlook on the structural and procedural options and argue for the need to develop a “sustainability state”.
Dynamics of the Presence of Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus in Honey Bee Colonies with Colony Collapse Disorder
Authors: Hou Chunsheng , Rivkin Hadassah , Slabezki Yossi , Chejanovsky Nor
Published: May 2014

The determinants of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), a particular case of collapse of honey bee colonies, are still unresolved. Viruses including the Israeli acute paralysis virus (IAPV) were associated with CCD. We found an apiary with colonies showing typical CCD characteristics that bore high loads of IAPV, recovered some colonies from collapse and tested the hypothesis if IAPV was actively replicating in them and infectious to healthy bees. We found that IAPV was the dominant pathogen and it replicated actively in the colonies: viral titers decreased from April to September and increased from September to December. IAPV extracted from infected bees was highly infectious to healthy pupae: they showed several-fold amplification of the viral genome and synthesis of the virion protein VP3. The health of recovered colonies was seriously compromised. Interestingly, a rise of IAPV genomic copies in two colonies coincided with their subsequent collapse. Our results do not imply IAPV as the cause of CCD but indicate that once acquired and induced to replication it acts as an infectious factor that affects the health of the colonies and may determine their survival. This is the first follow up outside the US of CCD-colonies bearing IAPV under natural conditions.
Greenhouse gas emissions from pig slurry applied to forage legumes on a loamy sand soil in south central Manitoba
Authors: Gao Xiaopeng , Tenuta Mario , Buckley Katherine E. , Zvomuya Francis , Ominski Kim
Published: May 2014

Gao, X., Tenuta, M., Buckley, K. E., Zvomuya, F. and Ominski, K. 2014. Greenhouse gas emissions from pig slurry applied to forage legumes on a loamy sand soil in south central Manitoba. Can. J. Soil Sci. 94: 149–155. Information regarding the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from the application of pig slurry to forage in western Canada is limited. This study examined the effects of addition of pig slurry and soil water content with landscape position on nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) emissions from forage legumes [sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa)] on a sandy loam soil in Brandon, Manitoba, over two growing seasons. Pig slurry was surface applied with a rolling aerator-type tine at a rate of 35000 L ha−1 and 38000 L ha−1, providing 62–15–50 and 205–45–86, actual N–P–K kg ha−1, in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Emissions were measured on and between surface bands of the slurry applied to soil. Soil concentrations of [Formula: see text]-N and [Formula: see text]-N, moisture, and temperature were also monitored. In both years, slurry application increased growing season cumulative N2O emissions. Net increase in cumulative N2O-N emissions with slurry treatment ranged from 0.04 to 0.05% of total N ha−1 applied in 2006 but from 0.7 to 0.9% in 2007. The coherence of rapidly increasing N2O emissions following slurry application with decreasing soil [Formula: see text] and increasing [Formula: see text] concentration, in combination with the fact that emissions continued even when soil [Formula: see text] concentrations were undetectable, suggest nitrification and denitrification were sources of N2O. Emissions of CH4 were generally slightly negative and unaffected by addition of slurry. Higher soil water content at lower landscape position did not affect emissions of CH4 but did increase those of N2O in 2007. The current study was conducted at one field location. Examination of slurry additions to additional sites is required for reliable estimation of N2O emissions from slurry applied to perennial legume forages in prairie Canada.
A red tide alga grown under ocean acidification up-regulates its tolerance to lower pH by increasing its photophysiological functions
Authors: Chen S.-W. , Beardall J. , Gao K.-S.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Phaeocystis globosa, a red tide alga, often forms blooms in or adjacent to coastal waters and experiences changes of pH and seawater carbonate chemistry caused by either diel/periodic fluctuation in biological activity, human activity or, in the longer term, ocean acidification due to atmospheric CO2 rise. We examined the photosynthetic physiology of this species while growing it under different pH levels induced by CO2 enrichment and investigated its acclimation to carbonate chemistry changes under different light levels. Short-term exposure to reduced pHnbs (7.70) decreased the alga's photosynthesis and light use efficiency. However, acclimation to the reduced pH level for 1–19 generations led to recovered photosynthetic activity, being equivalent to that of cells grown under pH 8.07 (control), though such acclimation required a different time span (number of generations) under different light regimes. The low-pH grown cells increased their contents of chlorophyll and carotenoids with prolonged acclimation to the acidification, with increased photosynthetic quantum yield and decreased non-photochemical quenching. The specific growth rate of the low-pH grown cells also increased to emulate that grown under the ambient pH level. This study clearly shows that Phaeocystis globosa is able to acclimate to seawater acidification by increasing its energy capture and decreasing its non-photochemcial energy loss.
In-flight calibration of the Cluster PEACE sensors
Authors: Doss N. , Fazakerley A. N. , Mihaljčić B. , Lahiff A. D. , Wilson R. J. , Kataria D. , Rozum I. , Watson G. , Bogdanova Y.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. The Plasma Electron and Current Experiment (PEACE) instruments operate on all four of the Cluster spacecraft and measure the 3-D velocity distribution of electrons in the energy range from 0.59 eV to 26.4 keV during each spacecraft spin. Pitch angle distributions and moments of the velocity distribution are also produced. As the mission has progressed, the efficiency of the detectors has declined. Several factors may play a role in this decline such as exposure to radiation, high electron fluxes and spacecraft thruster firings. To account for these variations, continuous in-flight calibration work is essential. The purpose of this paper is to describe the PEACE calibration parameters, focussing in particular on those that vary over time, and to describe the methods which are used to determine their evolution.
Seasonal thaw settlement at drained thermokarst lake basins, Arctic Alaska
Authors: Liu L. , Schaefer K. , Gusmeroli A. , Grosse G. , Jones B. M. , Zhang T. , Parsekian A. D. , Zebker H. A.
Published: May 2014

Abstract. Drained thermokarst lake basins (DTLBs) are ubiquitous landforms on Arctic tundra lowland. Their dynamic states are seldom investigated, despite their importance for landscape stability, hydrology, nutrient fluxes, and carbon cycling. Here we report results based on high-resolution Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) measurements using space-borne data for a study area located on the North Slope of Alaska near Prudhoe Bay, where we focus on the seasonal thaw settlement within DTLBs, averaged between 2006 and 2010. The majority (14) of the 18 DTLBs in the study area exhibited seasonal thaw settlement of 3–4 cm. However, four of the DTLBs examined exceeded 4 cm of thaw settlement, with one basin experiencing up to 12 cm. Combining the InSAR observations with the in situ active layer thickness measured using ground penetrating radar and mechanical probing, we calculated thaw strain, an index of thaw settlement strength along a transect across the basin that underwent large thaw settlement. We found thaw strains of 10–35% at the basin center, suggesting the seasonal melting of ground ice as a possible mechanism for the large settlement. These findings emphasize the dynamic nature of permafrost landforms, demonstrate the capability of the InSAR technique to remotely monitor surface deformation of individual DTLBs, and illustrate the combination of ground-based and remote sensing observations to estimate thaw strain. Our study highlights the need for better description of the spatial heterogeneity of landscape-scale processes for regional assessment of surface dynamics on Arctic coastal lowlands.
School Daze: Capturing Chemical Exposures in Syndromic Surveillance - New Jersey 2013
Authors: Hamby Teresa , Pomary Victor , Adler Eric , Tsai Stella , Walsh Andrew
Published: May 2014

This poster will describe how two chemical exposure events led to the creation of a new classifier in NJ's syndromic surveillance system.
Sero-prevalence of Brucellosis in Humans and their Animals: A Linked Cross-sectional Study in Two Selected Counties in Kenya
Authors: Ogola Eric , Thumbi Samuel , Osoro Eric , Osoro Eric , Munyua Peninah , Omulo Sylvia , Mbatha Peter , Ochieng Linus , Marwanga Doris , Njeru Ian , Mbaabu Muriithi , Wanyoike Salome , Njenga Kariuki
Published: May 2014

Brucellosis is one of the world's most widespread zoonosis. We determined the sero-prevalence and risk factors for brucellosis in humans and their animals in Kajiado and Kiambu Counties of Kenya through simultaneous cross sectional surveys. The current study simultaneously investigated the linkage in sero-prevalence between humans and their animals within the same household at the same time. A human prevalence range of 2.2%-14.1% is reported while the prevalence in animals was 1.2%-3.4%. Having animal contact as well as handling hides and skins (OR =6.6, 95% CI: 4.5-9.7) predisposed humans to exposure to brucellosis.
STD Testing and Compliance with CDC and USPSTF HIV Testing Guidelines in a Regional Cohort of Emergency Departments
Authors: Hustey Fredric M. , Phelan Michael P. , O'keefe Sharon , Barbour Tracy M.
Published: May 2014

In 2003, the CDC estimated that 1 million people in the USA were living with HIV/AIDS, and  25% were undiagnosed. For many such patients the ED may be the only contact with the health care system. This study assessed compliance with CDC and USPTF guidelines for HIV testing in patients seeking evaluation for STDs in a regional cohort of emergency departments. 13927 patients patients underwent screening for STDs during the study period. Only 397 (2.85%) also received HIV screening while 107 (0.8%) received both HIV and syphyllis screening as per federal recommendations.
Strengthening Civil Registration System in AP, India: Lessons from a 4 Year Study
Authors: Madala Jayaram , Sulgodu Ramachandra Srikrishna
Published: May 2014

Civil Registration System (CRS) in India has been in vogue for more than 100 years now. Even after 4 decades of the enactment of the Act, there are wide inter-state and intra-state variations.  Objectives 1.  To assess the district wise reporting and registrations of births and deaths in AP from 2007 - 2010. 2.    To make an urban vs. rural comparison of proportions of these registrations. 3. To identify factors influencing civil registration in AP and steps for strengthening CRS. The article discusses, determinants of civil registration in India & strategies for strengthening reporting & registrations.
Syndromic Surveillance of Acute Liver Failure in Emergency Departments (France, 2010-2012)
Authors: Pioche Corinne , Larsen Christine , Caserio-Schonemann Céline , Héraud-Bousquet Vanina
Published: May 2014

Our objectives were to explore the relevance of emergency departments' (ED) data, collected daily through the French syndromic surveillance system (414 EDs, 65% attendances), to describe the characteristics of patients with acute liver failure (ALF). Data corresponding to ICD10 codes related to hepatitis diagnosis that include ALF ICD10 code (K720) were extracted and analyzed. During 2010-2012, 246 730 attendances with hepatitis were recorded of which 2 475 (1%) were linked to ALF. Patients with ALF were male (60%), their median age was 55 years. This study shows the relevance of French syndromic surveillance data to assess the burden of ALF.
The Growth and Variation of Symptoms of Influenza-like Illness: An Application of the Linear Growth Curve Model in Syndromic Surveillance in Rural China
Authors: Song Xiaoxiao , Tao Tao , Tao Tao , Zhao Qi , Palm Lars , Nie Shaofa , Yuan Hui , Diwan Vinod K. , Xu Biao
Published: May 2014

To early detection of influenza outbreak in the rural China, we collected the 1-year data of ILI through the web-based syndromic surveillance system in rural China (ISSC). Linear growth curve model (LGM) can be used to predict growth trajectory of ILI over 7 days (one week) in each healthcare unit by the introduction of random effects. LGM is applicable in modeling the growth and variation of daily outpatient visits of ILI in rural healthcare units. The growth rate curves of ILI surveillance data might be useful for the early detection of influenza epidemic in rural China.
Tools and Apps to Enhance Situational Awareness for Global Disease Surveillance
Authors: Deshpande Alina , Margevicius Kristen , Generous Eric , Taylor-McCabe Kirsten , Castro Lauren , Longo Joseph , Priedhorsky Reid
Published: May 2014

Situational awareness is important for both early warning and early detection of a disease outbreak. We will describe a suite of tools developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory that provide actionable information and knowledge for enhanced situational awareness during an unfolding event. The BRD is a searchable database, a one stop shop for disease surveillance resources and can be used for validating information received about disease outbreaks. The BaRD is a searchable database that catalogs and classifies epidemiological model-specific information to allow facile selection. The SWAP is an app to provide a context for a rapidly unfolding event through graphical visualization.
Two-stage Approach for Detecting Aberration of Influenza-like Illness
Authors: Chan Ta-Chien , Teng Yung-Chu , Hwang Jing-Shiang
Published: May 2014

This study demonstrated the innovative two-stage approach for detecting ILI aberrations from daily claim data. The timeliness and comprehensiveness of the ILI surveillance could be improved by this approach.
Using Big Healthcare Data for ILI Situational Awareness in Georgia
Authors: Greenspan Joel , Valkova Silvia
Published: May 2014

We describe how high-volume electronic healthcare reimbursement claims from providers' offices and retail pharmacies can be used to provide timely and accurate influenza-like illness (ILI) situational awareness at state and CBSA levels. We focused on the 2006-2010 influenza seasons and the 39 CBSAs in the State of GA. A sufficient proportion of claims for services within any 7-day service period can be accumulated from both providers' offices and retail pharmacies to generate useful CBSA-level ILI metrics, dispelling the common perception that claims data accumulate too slowly to be useful for public health decision making in sub-state geographic areas.
Validity of the Surveillance Quality Indicators - Timeliness and Completeness - in Surveillance Systems with Variable Data Quality
Authors: Singh Vivek , Mohan Jagan , Rao U Prasada , Heymann David , Dandona Lalit
Published: May 2014

Timeliness and Completeness of the routine surveillance reports are surveillance quality indicators which are widely used for monitoring the surveillance quality. However our study shows that in maturing surveillance systems with variable data quality these quality indicators do not provide valid indication of quality. Maturing surveillance systems that have variable data quality should have more comprehensive indicators - including all surveillance system components and core and support surveillance functions - for monitoring surveillance quality.
Surface Investigation on Gd4M8 (M = Zn, Ni) Single Molecule Coolers
Authors: Corradini Valdis , Ghirri Alberto , Candini Andrea , Biagi Roberto , del Pennino Umberto , De Renzi Valentina , Dotti Gianluca , Otero Edwige , Hooper Thomas N. , Inglis Ross , Brechin Euan K. , Affronte Marco
Published: May 2014

Proving the preservation of functionality at the molecular scale is still a major challenge, both for the choice of suitable derivatives and protocols and for the employed experimental tools and methods. By using a combined scanning probe (AFM and STM) and spectroscopic methodology (XPS, XAS and XMCD), it is shown that Gd4M8 derivatives (with M = Zn2+, Ni2+) are robust molecular units which preserve their electronic, magnetic, and thermodynamic properties when deposited on a metallic surface. Namely, entropy variation ΔS = [S(6 T) – S(0 T)] exceeding 8 R (20 J kg−1 K−1) at 4 K in isolated Gd4Ni8 molecules dispersed on Au(111) surface is measured and a viable route to exploit large magnetocaloric effect at single molecule level is shown.
Hydrophobic sponge for spilled oil absorption
Authors: Peng Lei , Yuan Shuai , Yan Ge , Yu Ping , Luo Yunbai
Published: May 2014

As the ecological damage caused by marine oil spills has become one main threat to marine ecological security, materials that can reduce environmental pollution are in high demand. In this study, a simple low‐cost method for fabricating a hydrophobic polyurethane sponge was investigated. Its hydrophobicity was evaluated through the measurement of the contact angles of water and oil. The mechanical properties, oil‐absorption capacity, and selectivity were also tested. The results show that this sponge exhibited good mechanical properties, a high absorption capacity and selectivity, and a high reusability (>200 times) in oil–water separation. More importantly, the absorbed oil could be collected by simple squeezing. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40886.
What Do We Know About Suicidality in Autism Spectrum Disorders? A Systematic Review
Authors: Segers Magali , Rawana Jennine
Published: May 2014

Suicidality is a common and concerning issue across development, and there is a plethora of research on this topic among typically developing children and youth. Very little is known, however, about the nature of suicidality among individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The purpose of the current study was to undertake a systematic literature review to assess the current state of the research literature to examine the prevalence of suicidality among individuals with ASD, related demographic and clinical profiles, and associated risk and protective factors. A literature search using key terms related to suicidality and ASD yielded 10 topical studies that were evaluated for the study objectives. Suicidality was present in 10.9–50% of the ASD samples identified in the systematic review. Further, several large‐scale studies found that individuals with ASD comprised 7.3–15% of suicidal populations, a substantial subgroup. Risk factors were identified and included peer victimization, behavioral problems, being Black or Hispanic, being male, lower socioeconomic status, and lower level of education. Only one study reported on protective factors, and this is identified as a significant gap in the literature. Several methodological weaknesses were present in the current literature, such as lack of appropriate comparison groups and little to no use of empirically validated measures for ASD diagnosis and suicide assessment. Additional research is necessary to understand better how this unique population experiences and expresses suicidal tendencies. Recommendations for future research are discussed. Autism Res 2014, 7: 507–521. © 2014 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gedrungene Stützen aus UHPFRC mit hochfester Längsbewehrung
Authors: Steven Guido , Empelmann Martin
Published: May 2014

Mit dem Einsatz von ultrahochfestem Beton und hochfester Längsbewehrung kann die Tragfähigkeit von Stahlbetonstützen deutlich erhöht werden. Um dieses Potenzial erschließen zu können, muss das Tragverhalten infolge Normalkraft und Biegung bekannt sein. Am iBMB, Fachgebiet Massivbau der TU Braunschweig, wurden im Rahmen des von der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft geförderten Schwerpunktprogramms SPP 1182 [1] experimentelle und theoretische Untersuchungen zum Trag‐ und Nachbruchverhalten von Stützen aus ultrahochfestem Faserbeton (UHPFRC) mit hochfester Längsbewehrung unter zentrischem und einachsig exzentrischem Längsdruck durchgeführt. In diesem Beitrag werden die Untersuchungsergebnisse und ein hieraus abgeleiteter Vorschlag zur Bemessung von gedrungenen UHPFRC‐Stützen in Anlehnung an den EC2 [2] vorgestellt. Zugleich werden Empfehlungen zur konstruktiven Durchbildung gegeben, die ein progressives Versagen verhindern.

UHPFRC‐Columns with high‐strength longitudinal reinforcement

The bearing capacity of reinforced compression members can be significantly increased by the use of ultra‐high performance fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) and high‐strength longitudinal reinforcement. To develop this potential for reinforced concrete columns the bearing behaviour under axial force and bending must be known. The iBMB, department of concrete structures of the TU Braunschweig, has conducted experimental and theoretical research works on the bearing and post‐fracture behaviour of UHPFRC‐columns with high‐strength longitudinal reinforcement under centric and eccentric loads within the priority program SPP 1182 [1], which was funded by the German Research Foundation. This paper presents the results of the investigations and a proposal for the dimensioning of short UHPFRC‐columns in dependence on EC2 [2] and recommendations for a structural design in order to avoid a progressive collapse.
The biotechnological potential of fibrinolytic enzymes in the dissolution of endogenous blood thrombi
Authors: Kotb Essam
Published: May 2014

Formation of endogenous thrombi in blood vessels is one of the leading causes of death in our modern life. According to data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2000, heart diseases are responsible for 29% of the total mortality rate in the world. For this, a tremendous amount of research has been done in the area of prevention and treatment of these diseases. The classical therapy of these thrombi relies upon the use of antiplatelets, anticoagulants, or even surgeries. Relatively recently, the fibrinolytic enzymes produced by microorganisms, snakes, earthworms, insects, plants, and other organisms are being successfully used in the treatment of blood clots, especially with regard to the direct dissolving action on fibrin in tandem with less cost and side effects in comparison with the first‐generation thrombolytic agents, streptokinase and urokinase. Furthermore, recombinant DNA technology has succeeded in improving and decreasing the undesirable effects of the first generation of enzymes. Recombinant PAs or rt‐PAs like alteplase, retelase, saruplase, tenecteplase, lanoteplase, and desmoteplase became available in the drug markets with advantages of less binding loci with PAI‐1 to avoid degradation while providing faster and more complete reperfusion in a greater number of patients with less risk of bleeding and intracranial hemorrhage. This review is the first to cover all the natural and recombinant thrombolytic agents used in enzyme therapy. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:656–672, 2014
Comparing attitudinal and situational measures of self‐control among felony offenders
Authors: Bouffard Jeff , Craig Jessica M. , Piquero Alex R.
Published: May 2014

Background

Hirschi recently revised the measurement of self‐control to include the number and salience of costs an individual considers in an offending situation. Evidence is mixed on its predictive utility relative to other self‐control measures but suffers from different studies operationalising the measure in different ways and mostly examining it with non‐offenders.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate Hirschi's reconceptualisation of self‐control. Our research question was whether the number and salience of Hirschi's ‘costs’ are independently related to offending.

Methods

Data on self‐perceptions of likelihood of driving while drunk and various self‐control and social control measures were collected by researchers during an orientation class for convicted offenders newly received into correctional facilities – one for men and one for women – during January to May 2011.

Results

Eight hundred and nineteen men and 194 women completed the ratings. Both attitudinal and situational self‐control measures were independently associated with self‐rated likelihood of driving while drunk. These findings were confined to the male offenders.

Conclusions

Findings revealed mixed support for Hirschi's conceptualisation of self‐control and its relevance. Situational and attitudinal measures of self‐control share some common ground but relate differently to offending according to gender. Further research is needed to find out if these results are generalisable to other crime types and whether race/ethnicity could modify the findings. Even among convicted offenders whose crimes are serious and/or frequent enough to result in imprisonment, high self‐control may inhibit offending. This has implications for intervention programmes. This is the first study to compare attitudinal and self‐control measures in relation to offending among a sample of incarcerated offenders and across gender. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochemical Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Formic Acid
Authors: Lu Xu , Leung Dennis Y. C. , Wang Huizhi , Leung Michael K. H. , Xuan Jin
Published: May 2014

This Review provides an overview of electrochemical techniques that are implemented in addressing gaseous CO2 towards the synthesis of a particular fuel (i.e. formic acid). The electrochemical reaction mechanism, as well as the advancement of electrodes, catalyst materials, and reactor designs are reviewed and discussed. To date, the electrolytic cell is the dominant reaction site and, based on which, various catalysts have been proposed and researched. In addition, relevant work regarding reactor design optimization for the purpose of alleviating restrictions of the current CO2 electrochemical reduction system are summarized, including low reactant‐transfer rate, high reaction overpotential, and low product selectivity. The use of microfluidic techniques to build microscale electrochemical reactors is identified to be highly promising to largely increase the electrochemical performance. Finally, future challenges and opportunities of electrochemical reduction of CO2 are discussed.
3D multiwavelet based block coding algorithm for compression of volumetric medical images
Authors: Sudha V. K. , Sudhakar R.
Published: May 2014

Three dimensional (3D) medical images possess some specific characteristics that should be utilized by an efficient compression scheme. In this article, one such compression scheme for volumetric 3D medical image data is presented. Two processes involved in this scheme are decorrelation and encoding. Decorrelation of the 3D data is realized through 3D multiwavelet transform with apt prefiltering so as to give good representation of the image which could be exploited by the encoder. Encoding is done through proposed Block Coding Algorithm, which is embedded, block based, and wavelet transform coding algorithm without maintaining any list structures. The idea behind this algorithm is to sort the 3D transform coefficients in to a 1D array with respect to declining thresholds and to use state table to keep track of the blocks and coefficients that has been coded. In the experiment conducted on various 3D magnetic resonance and computed tomography images of human brain with multiwavelets such as Geronimo–Hardin–Massopust, Chui‐Lian, and orthogonal symmetric/antisymmetric (SA4), efficiency of the proposed scheme was weighed against the state of art encoders such as 3D Set Partitioning in Hierarchical Trees, 2D Set Partitioned Embedded BloCK Coder, and No List SPIHT. Attributes used for performance measurements are peak signal to noise ratio, bit rate, and structural similarity index of reconstructed image with respect to original image. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 24, 182–192, 2014
Survey and analysis of various image fusion techniques for clinical CT and MRI images
Authors: Tamilselvan Kumaravel Subramaniam , Murugesan Govindasamy
Published: May 2014

The research and development of biomedical imaging techniques requires more number of image data from medical image acquisition devices, like computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission technology, and single photon emission computed tomography. Multimodal image fusion is the process of combining information from various images to get the maximum amount of content captured by a single image acquisition device at different angles and different times or stages. This article analyses and compares the performance of different existing image fusion techniques for the clinical images in the medical field. The fusion techniques compared are simple or pixel‐based fusion, pyramid‐based fusion, and transform‐based fusion techniques. Four set of CT and MRI images are used for the above fusion techniques. The performance of the fused results is measured with seven parameters. The experimental results show that out of seven parameters the values of four parameters, such as average difference, mean difference, root mean square error, and standard deviation are minimum and the values of remaining three parameters, such as peak signal to noise ratio, entropy, and mutual information are maximum. From the experimental results, it is clear that out of 14 fusion techniques taken for survey, image fusion using dual tree complex wavelet transform gives better fusion result for the clinical CT and MRI images. Advantages and limitations of all the techniques are discussed with their experimental results and their relevance. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 24, 193–202, 2014.
Recurrence of nonfamilial cardiac myxoma in the left ventricle: A case report
Authors: Song Xiaole , Tang Li , Yang Jun , Li Nan
Published: May 2014

A left atrial myxoma was found and removed in a 47‐year‐old woman admitted for acute ischemic cerebrovascular disease, without family history of cardiac tumor. Follow‐up echocardiography, 15 months later, demonstrated a new myxoma in the left ventricle. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:576–577, 2014