bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of p63+ keratinocyte progenitor cells in circulation and their matrix-directed differentiation to epithelial cells
Authors: Nair Renjith P , Krishnan Lissy K
Published: April 2013

Introduction

In the event of chronic diabetes or burn wounds, accomplishing skin regeneration is a major concern. Autologous skin grafting is the most effective remedy, but the tissue harvest may create more nonhealing wounds. Currently available skin substitutes have a limited clinical outcome because of immune reactions arising from the xenobiotic scaffold or allogenous cells. Autologous stem cells that can be collected without an additional injury may be a viable option for skin-tissue engineering. Presence of a low number of keratinocyte progenitor cells (KPCs) within the peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMNC) population has been indicated. Identification, isolation, expansion, and differentiation of KPCs is necessary before they are considered for skin regeneration, which is the focus of this study.

Methods

Culture of isolated human PBMNCs on a cell-specific matrix was carried out to induce differentiation of KPCs. Flow cytometry and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction were done for epithelial stem cell marker p63 and lineage markers cytokeratin 5 and cytokeratin 14, to track differentiation. Proliferation was confirmed by quantifying the proliferating cell nuclear antigen-expressing cells. Immunostaining with epithelial cell markers, involucrin and filaggrin, was carried out to establish terminal differentiation. Microscopic analysis confirmed growth and survival of KPCs on the dermal fibroblast monolayer and on a transplantable fibrin sheet.

Results

We demonstrated that KPCs are p63+ and CD34-. The specifically designed composition of the extracellular matrix was found to support selective adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation of p63+ KPCs. The PBMNC culture for 12 days under controlled conditions resulted in a homogenous population that expressed cytokeratins, and >90% of the cells were found to proliferate. Subculture for 5 days resulted in expression of filaggrin and involucrin, suggesting terminal differentiation. Transfer of matrix-selected KPCs to a dermal fibroblast monolayer or fibrin supported cell proliferation and showed typical hexagonal morphology of keratinocytes within 15 days.

Conclusions

Circulating KPCs were identified with p63, which differentiated into keratinocytes with expression of the cytokeratins, involucrin and filaggrin. Components of the specifically designed matrix favored KPC attachment, directed differentiation, and may turn out to be a potential vehicle for cell transplantation.
“What the Eyes Did Not Wish to Behold”: Lessons from Ann Allen Shockley’s Say Jesus and Come to Me
Authors: Green Kai M.
Published: April 2013

While many believe in and reproduce the narrative of the great black hope, and mourn the losses of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X as the fallen kings who possessed the vision for a new black world, there have always been those who have challenged this. In Charisma and the Fictions of Black Leadership, Erica R. Edwards traces an archive of literary contestations to charisma. Edwards’s notion of masculine authority is anchored in a cisgender male body. Here I examine what takes place in the charismatic scenario when its protagonist is a cisgender woman, a black female charismatic leader, Reverend Myrtle Black, from Ann Allen Shockley’s 1982 novel, Say Jesus and Come to Me. Shockley is a black feminist theorist, novelist, and librarian who has been relegated to the margins of the margins of American literature. Although there have been attempts to explore Shockley’s extensive contributions to black literature in general and black queer literature and politics more specifically, she and her work remain “seen but not seen because of what the eyes did not wish to behold.” What Shockley is referring to as undesirable here is a charismatic black leader who is a woman, a lesbian, and a self-proclaimed feminist but also a self-serving, womanizing alcoholic. A close examination of Shockley’s novel and the discourse surrounding it illuminates how social movements must have a clear grasp of the workings of race, class, gender, and sexuality as they structure our material world, while also being careful to not rely on the identities we embody to secure a certain kind of politics.
A Past Not Pure but Stifled: Vexed Legacies of Leadership in Toni Morrison’s Love
Authors: Morris Susana M.
Published: April 2013

In this essay, I argue that Toni Morrison’s Love is in the tradition of texts such as Ernest Gaines’s The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman, Alice Walker’s Meridian, and Charles Johnson’s Dreamer in that it is a reevaluation of the civil rights movement and a meditation on the long-lasting consequences of civil rights struggles in African American communities. My analysis foregrounds the novel’s indictment of paternalistic leadership figures, such as Bill Cosey and Fruit, illustrating that the consequences of their destructive behavior are insidious and far-reaching. In that way, I argue that Love is as much a commentary on the civil rights era as it is on the post-civil rights, 9/11 era in which it was published. Thus, I contend that Morrison’s project in Love is both about reconciling nostalgia with a recognition of the horrors of the past and about considering, albeit ambivalently, how best to understand the present. Ultimately, my analysis suggests that Love illuminates our understanding of black leadership and the civil rights movement throughout the twentieth century by engaging the long-lasting and often problematic legacy of civil rights struggles in black communities.
The Turin-Lyon High-Speed Rail Opposition: The Commons as an Uncommon Experience for Italy
Authors: Zucchetti Massimo
Published: April 2013

The construction of the High Speed Railway (HSR, TAV in Italian) line Turin-Lyon in the Susa Valley (Italy) has long been surrounded by bitter controversies which do not give enough relevance to the most significant and technical aspects of the proposed project. The most relevant critical aspects of the proposed HSR are explored, for going beyond that, pointing out the aspects dealing with the social implications of the anti-HSR (NOTAV in Italian) movement, the leading one in the Commons struggle today in Italy. A brief history of the NOTAV movement is reported. The HSR project brings with it, after more than twenty years of strenuous and continuous reworking, a deal of issues that suggest that this project is not an actual priority for Italy, and its construction should be suspended.
Preparation of Nitrogen-Doped Porous Carbon and its Water Adsorption Behaviour
Authors: Horikawa Toshihide , Sakao Noriyuki , Hayashi Jun'ichi , Do D. D. , Katoh Masahiro , Sotowa Ken-Ichiro
Published: April 2013

In this study, nitrogen-doped porous carbons were prepared by high-temperature carbonization of resorcinol–formaldehyde cryogels, which were synthesized with nitrogen precursor (either urea or melamine) added during the synthesis. The pore structure of the resulting carbon was found to depend on the nitrogen precursor added and its concentration. To quantify the extent of the surface hydrophilicity, which is due to the effect of nitrogen doping, we carried out water adsorption at 298 K, and found that the adsorbed amount of water is proportional to the nitrogen content over the low-pressure region (P/P0 < 0.3). In addition, this amount correlated with the pore structure in the intermediate and high-pressure regions. The adsorption isotherms were analyzed with the Horikawa–Do model to quantify the amount of nitrogen doped during water adsorption.
Noticeable Reverse Shift in the Melting Temperatures of Benzene and Carbon Tetrachloride Confined within the Micropores and Mesopores of Hydrophobic Carbons
Authors: Kaneko Katsumi , Khoerunnisa Fitri , Minami Daiki , Futamura Ryusuke , Watanabe Ayumi , Hanzawa Yohko , Suzuki Takaomi
Published: April 2013

Carbon aerogels contain both mesopores and micropores. In this study, benzene/CCl4 was adsorbed in the pores of carbon aerogels (both mesopores and micropores) and their phase behaviours were examined using differential scanning calorimetry. The bulk solid benzene melted at 278 K and the melting temperatures of benzene confined inside the mesopores and micropores of carbon aerogels were 258 and 293 K, respectively. Although the melting temperature depression of condensates in mesopores is well known, the observed elevation of the melting temperature for micropores is very limited in the strongly interacted system. Similar melting behaviours were observed for the confined CCl4; depression by 45 K in mesopores and elevation by 48 K in micropores showed about two times the change as compared with that of confined benzene.
Importance of the αs-plot Method in the Characterization of Nanoporous Materials
Authors: Villarroel-Rocha Jhonny , Barrera Deicy , Blanco Andrés A. García , Jalil Ma. Eugenia Roca , Sapag Karim
Published: April 2013

In this work, an exhaustive study of the calculation of micropore and mesopore volumes with αs-plot method as proposed by Professor Sing is carried out. The method is critically compared with other similar methods such as the Dubinin–Radushkevich, t-plot and those based on density functional theory (DFT). For comparison purposes, several nanoporous materials with different chemical properties were selected. The analysis was segregated into three categories: (i) microporous materials, in which the analyzed samples are activated carbons (ACs) with different pore-size distributions, a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) and a zeolite (MS5A); (ii) mesoporous materials, including ordered mesoporous carbons (CMK-3) and ordered mesoporous siliceous materials (MCM-41 and SBA-15); and (iii) micro-mesoporous materials, in which pillared clays (PILCs) obtained with different metals (Al, Si, Fe and Zr) were studied. To apply the αs-plot method, several standard isotherms previously reported by other authors were considered for the analysis of microporous and mesoporous materials. Furthermore, a series of four reference materials for PILCs were synthesized and their high-resolution nitrogen adsorption isotherms were measured and reported. The results obtained by the αs-plot method are consistent with those obtained by DFT methods. This consistency highlights the importance of the use of this reliable and versatile method, where the correct selection of the standard isotherm is the most critical aspect to be considered.
Characterization of Carbon Molecular Sieve Membranes Supported on Ceramic Tubes
Authors: Briceño K. , Silvestre-Albero J. , Silvestre-Albero A. , Calvo J.I. , Montane D. , García-Valls R. , Hernández A. , Rodríguez-Reinoso F.
Published: April 2013

Carbon molecular sieve membranes have been analyzed in supported and unsupported configurations in this experimental study. The membranes were used to adsorb CO2, N2 and CH4, and their adsorption data were analyzed to establish differences in rate and capacity of adsorption between the two types of samples (supported and unsupported). Experimental results show an important effect of the support, which can be considered as an additional parameter to tailor pore size on these carbon membranes. Immersion calorimetry values were measured by immersing the membranes into liquids of different molecular dimensions (dichloromethane, benzene, n-hexane, 2,2-dimethylbutane). Similarities were found between adsorption and calorimetric analysis. The pore volume of the samples analyzed ranged from 0.016 to 0.263 cm3/g. The effect of the pyrolysis temperature, either 550 or 700 °C, under N2 atmosphere was also analyzed. Quantification of the pore-size distribution of the support was done by liquid–liquid displacement porosimetry. The composite membrane was used for CO2/CH4 separation before and after pore plugging was done. The ideal selectivity factors value (4.47) was over the Knudsen theoretical factor (0.60) for membrane pyrolyzed at 600 °C, which indicates the potential application of these membranes for the separation of low-molecular weight gases.
State-Budget-Independent Support Instruments for Promoting Energy Refurbishment Measures in the German Buildings Sector
Authors: Bürger Veit , Klinski Stefan
Published: April 2013

This article describes and evaluates a number of different financial support instruments for the energy refurbishment of the building stock based on the example of Germany. The key focus is on policy instruments which are not counter-financed by public budgets or where, by other means, investment and planning security for investors is assured. Through such instruments the typical disadvantages of public budget-financed support programs (e.g. insufficient support funds, frequent changes to support conditions) should be alleviated. Five different policy instruments are examined in terms of their legal viability and evaluated according to functionality criteria. The article closes with a recommended time frame for the implementation of an effective set of policy instruments.
Market Integration of Renewable Electricity Generation — The German Market Premium Model
Authors: Klobasa Marian , Winkler Jenny , Sensfuß Frank , Ragwitz Mario
Published: April 2013

Feed-in tariffs for renewable electricity have proven to be an effective and cost-efficient instrument because they provide long-term investment security; however, they do not incentivize grid and market integration. Feed-in premiums are a relatively novel instrument designed with the objective of keeping investment risks low while allowing for improved grid and market integration. This article analyses the German feed-in premium. The evaluation of the operation during the first year gives first indications that the market premium can contribute to the system and market integration of renewable energies, while still maintaining investment security. First impacts can be seen in the following fields: Diversity of market actors, forecast accuracy, improved remote control and participation in the reserve markets. In general, it can be concluded that the German market premium has been able to trigger significant developments. However, additional assessments of the instrument are necessary in order to see whether the observed changes are sustainable and lead to the expected developments.
Basel Iii and Solvency Ii: Are the Risk Margins for Investments in Pv and Wind Adequate?
Authors: Breitschopf Barbara , Pudlik Martin
Published: April 2013

Worldwide investments in renewable energy (RE) have doubled between 2007 and 2011 while the financial crisis has led to stricter regulations. The paper describes the impacts of risk provision requirements on financing costs of RE investments. The risk assessment indicates that under the given conditions in Germany, policy and market risks are considered to be zero. Technical, performance and other risks are to be around 1.6 to 2.1 % p.a. So therefore, yield risk is left as the only determining default risk of RE investments. The risk provisions of RE investments are compared to the RE default risks by applying a simple cash-flow model. The findings show that risk provisions are not adequate for default risks and increase financing costs, and hence investment costs, in German PV and onshore wind generation plant, by up to EUR 13 million for large PV plants and EUR 8 million for wind parks (2011).
Transonic Resonance Tones in Orifice and Pipe Jets
Authors: Jothi T.J.S. , Srinivasan K.
Published: April 2013

This paper investigates the flow resonance while the jet is issued out from a nozzle at transonic Mach numbers. In present study the jets emerging out from orifice and pipe nozzles are considered. The jet flow diameter of orifice and pipes is 10 mm, and the length of the pipe is varied in the range of 1 ≤ L/D ≤ 6. The pressure ratio of the jet flow is varied in the range of subsonic to supersonic Mach numbers; however the study predominantly concentrates on transonic regimes. Results indicate that distinct transonic resonance tones occur in the range of transonic Mach numbers (0.95 to 1.01). Unlike screech that occurs during the presence of shock cells, the transonic frequencies slightly increase with Mach number. Moreover numerous multiple non-harmonic frequency tones are observed during this transonic resonance thus indicating the non-linearity in the flow resonance. In case of pipe nozzles, the transonic tones tend to diminish with increase in pipe length and cease to exist beyond a certain length.
Creating a Champion: Identifying Components That Assist Skill Development in Young Speed Skaters
Authors: Hillis Tracy L. , Holman Shawn
Published: April 2013

As effective athletic development is based upon the principle of the development of fundamental movement skills before specific sport skills, we wanted to determine if fundamental movement skills learned in other sports, as well as age and technical levels within the sport contributed to the success of developing speed skaters. Analysis of young male and female skaters determined that increases in technical and speed levels were characterized for females by previous experience in skating or participating in other sports and attendance. Increases in technical levels and speed for males were characterized by age, participating in other sports and attendance. By identifying and quantifying previous experience levels with development of sport-specific technical skill sets, a link to long term athletic development programs already initiated for speed skating in Canada is possible.
DVDs and Blu-ray
Authors: Zich Joshua D. , Stamm Matthew D. C.
Published: April 2013

Microcosms, and a Postmodern Bridge, in High Definition Blue Velvet (1986) USA Director David Lynch Runtime 120 Minutes

The Cove (2009) USA Director Louie Psihoyos Runtime 96 minutes
Corporate Performance Forecasting Using Hybrid Rough Set Theory, Neural Networks, and DEA
Authors: Lin Chiun-Sin , Lin Tzu-Yu , Chiu Sheng-Hsiung
Published: April 2013

This paper proposed the hybrid model using rough set theory (RST), neural networks (NN), and data envelopment analysis (DEA) to predict the corporate performance directly. First, to evaluate corporate performance, the DEA was employed. Second, integrated RST with BPN techniques, which is one of the popular used models of NN, named RST+BPN, was used to build the corporate performance-prediction model and the corporate governance variables are used as predictive variables. This hybrid method enabled us to evaluate an individual firm and provided performance information without comparing it with other companies. The experimental result showed that the proposed model outperforms the NN model with nonextracted predictive variables and provides a promising alternative in corporate performance prediction.
Lifetime Prediction of White OLED Based on MLE Under Lognormal Distribution
Authors: Zhang Jian-Ping , Li Dong-Liang , Wu Wen-Li , Wu Helen , Zhu Wen-Qing
Published: April 2013

To predict the lifetime of a white organic light-emitting diode (OLED) and reduce test time and cost, we conducted two constant stress and one step stress accelerated lifetime tests to obtain the failure time data of samples, described the lifetime distribution of white OLED with the lognormal distribution function, estimated the log mean and log standard deviation by using maximum likelihood estimation (MLE), achieved statistics and analysis of lifetime data, and developed lifetime prediction software by ourselves. Numerical results shows that white OLED lifetime follows the lognormal distribution, that the acceleration model is consistent with inverse power law, and that the acceleration parameters, which are accurately calculated, make fast estimation of white OLED lifetime possible.
An Application of AHP and Sensitivity Analysis for Measuring the Best Strategy of Reverse Logistics: A Case Study of Photovoltaic Industry Chain
Authors: Lin Chun-Yueh , Shiue Yih-Chearng
Published: April 2013

This work presents an evaluation model that adopts several important criteria based on benefits, opportunities, costs, and risks (BOCR) perspective, enabling the collecting strategy of reverse logistics (RL) of the Taiwan photovoltaic industry (TPI) supply chain is the most appropriate. Major criteria weights are analyzed using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and sensitivity analysis. Analysis results indicate that the proposed evaluation model enables the collecting strategy of RL in the TPI supply chain more objectively by allowing them to deploy effectively. Importantly, the proposed model can provide the TPI accreditation strategy in RL a reference material, making it highly applicable for academia and commercial purposes.
A Hybrid Model by Empirical Mode Decomposition and Support Vector Regression for Tourist Arrivals Forecasting
Authors: Lai Ming-Cheng , Yeh Ching-Chiang , Shieh Lon-Fon
Published: April 2013

This study develops a new hybrid model by integrating empirical mode decomposition (EMD) and support vector regression (SVR) for tourist arrivals forecasting. The proposed approach first uses EMD, which can adaptively decompose the complicated raw data into a finite set of intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) and a residue. After identifying the IMF components and residue, they are then modeled and forecasted using SVR. The final forecasting value can be obtained by the sum of these prediction results. Real data sets of international tourist arrivals to Taiwan were used. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the hybrid model when comparing it with other approaches.
Time Domain Microwave Imaging of a Buried Homogeneous Dielectric Cylinder in a Slab Medium by Asynchronous Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Chiu Chien-Ching , Huang Chung-Hsin , Li Ching-Lieh , Tuen Lung-Fai
Published: April 2013

A time-domain inverse scattering technique for estimating the location, shape, and permittivity of a dielectric cylinder in a slab medium is proposed. In this paper, the finite-difference time domain is employed for the analysis of the forward scattering part, and asynchronous particle swarm optimization (APSO) is applied for the reconstruction of the two-dimensional homogeneous dielectric cylinder. For the forward scattering, several electromagnetic pulses are launched to illuminate the unknown scatterers, and then the surrounding scattered electromagnetic fields are measured. In order to efficiently describe the details of the shape, a sub-gridding technique is implemented in the finite-difference time domain method. Then, the simulated electromagnetic fields are used for inverse scattering, in which APSO is employed to transform the inverse scattering problem into an optimization problem. APSO is a population-based optimization approach that aims to minimize a cost function between measurements and computer-simulated data. The numerical results presented for the two examples of scatterers under transverse-electric incidence demonstrate that the proposed method is capable of reconstructing a complicated shape with a rapid rate of convergence and robust immunity to noise.
Dynamic Software Testing and Evaluation With State Space Method
Authors: Yin Yunfei , Guan Haichao
Published: April 2013

Dynamic software testing and evaluation are important software engineering subjects and can be used to improve reliability. In this paper, we propose a dynamic software testing and evaluation model based on the state space method. In this model, the run time features of software are quantified into one state vector; the program scale, difficulties, structures, and development expenses are quantified into one input vector; the total software complexity is quantified into one output vector; and the software testing and evaluation process is regarded as a feedback control process. Dynamic software testing and evaluation with the state space method can adaptively regulate the critical factors that drastically affect software reliability. Experimental results show that the proposed method is useful for reducing costs, shortening developing time, and improving reliability.
Design and Evaluation of Low-Latency and Shortest-Path Routing Algorithm for Triplet-Based Hierarchical Interconnection Network
Authors: Zhang Yang , Shi Feng
Published: April 2013

Routing is one of the key factors that determine how much of the ideal performance of the network-on-chip is realized. A well-designed routing algorithm can extend much benefit through the implementation of this potential. Existing routing algorithms for a triplet-based hierarchical interconnection network (THIN) can be applied for a balanced THIN but are not suitable for a non-balanced THIN. This paper proposes the shortest path routing algorithm for THIN, called SPORT, which can be applied to both the balanced and non-balanced THINs. Based on the THIN features, SPORT computes the shortest path at the source node and constructs the output port list to minimize the computation time at the intermediate node. The simulation results show that SPORT can obtain lower traffic latency than existing routing algorithms. We also compare THIN with the 2D mesh in terms of traffic locality. The simulation results show that THIN is more suitable than the 2D mesh for these high-locality traffic workloads.
Portland Cement Hydration by Electrical Resistivity Method and Computer Simulation
Authors: Zuo Yibing , Wei Xiaosheng
Published: April 2013

A non-contacting electrical resistivity measurement device has been adopted to measure the electrical resistivities, ρ(t), of Portland cement pastes with water cement (w/c) ratios of 0.35, 0.40, and 0.45. The electrical resistivity curves all exhibit the same type of s-shaped growth; however, the electrical resistivity curve of the cement paste with the lower w/c ratio is always above those of higher w/c ratios. The hydration process can be divided into the dissolution and precipitation period, the setting period, the acceleration period, and the deceleration period, according to the rate of electrical resistivity development. In order to gain insights on the evolution of the microstructure during hydration, this study includes a computer simulation of the hydration process, considering the influence of particle size, w/c ratio, temperature, and orientation on representative length scales in the microstructures. The visualization of the microstructure evolution in the paste can well interpret the hydration process, which is consistent with the theoretical analysis. The microstructure evolutions show that the lower the w/c ratio is, the more quickly the hydration products cluster; consequently, it is easier and takes less time to form clusters, making the porosity decrease more rapidly, offering reasonable explanation of the characteristics of the 24 h compressive strengths of the pastes with different w/c ratios. The porosity obtained can well explain the development of the electrical resistivities of cement pastes with different w/c ratios after the dissolution period.
Development and Preliminary Validation of the Traditional Chinese Antenatal Practice Scale Among Pregnant Hong Kong Chinese Women
Authors: Lau Ying
Published: April 2013

Background and Purpose: There have been no valid assessment tools to measure traditional Chinese antenatal practice of safeguarding fetuses from danger. This study developed the Traditional Chinese Antenatal Practice Scale (TCAPS) and evaluated the preliminary psychometric characteristics. Methods: The TCAPS was developed in 2 phases. Phase I consisted of developing the TCAPS based on an extensive literature review followed by 3 focus groups, and then using a panel of 5 experts to test its content validity. Phase II established the preliminary psychometric properties of the TCAPS among 2,178 pregnant women. Results: Content validity was confirmed by a satisfactory level of agreement with content validity index (CVI) of 0.91. Structural validity testing achieved by exploratory factor analysis (EFA) revealed a 3-factor structure of the 13-item scale. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted using linear structural relations (LISREL) to confirm the structure. Further, convergent validity and known-groups analyses were used to support the good validity. The test–retest reliability and Cronbach’s alpha of the TCAPS are .83 and .81, respectively, which suggests satisfactory reliability. Conclusions: Our data demonstrated good validity and reliability of the TCAPS that health professionals could use in clinical situations to acquire a more comprehensive view of Chinese women.
Development and Psychometric Testing of the Nursing Research Self-Efficacy Scale (NURSES)
Authors: Swenson-Britt Evelyn , Berndt Andrea
Published: April 2013

Background and Purpose: The Nursing Research Self-Efficacy Scale (NURSES) was designed to measure individual nurses’ degree of research self-efficacy and their perceptions regarding their unit’s collective support of research use. Development for the NURSES instrument spanned a 4-year period, which included initial development, revisions, and psychometric evaluations. Method: The NURSES is a 38-item Likert-scale instrument developed through ongoing instrument validation that included content validation and exploratory and confirmatory analysis. The 5 subscales include obtaining science-based knowledge resources, critically reading and evaluating quantitative research literature, critically reading and evaluating qualitative research literature, understanding and applying theory, and collective research efficacy. Results: Over a 4-year period, approximately 1000 practicing nurses from multiple hospitals responded to the instrument. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported the existence of four subscales for research self-efficacy and one subscale for collective research efficacy. Reliability for the subscales was excellent, ranging from .94 to .97. Conclusions: Hospitals may wish to use the NURSES instrument as an orientation tool, or to examine relationships between research efficacy and nurses’ professional development. Health care facilities on a Magnet journey might also use the NURSES instrument to assess their nursing staff as they pursue evidence-based practice and conduct research.
Depression Screening in a Primary Care Practice in Oregon
Authors: Strong Caron L.
Published: April 2013

Depression is a serious and common mental illness in primary care. Regardless of the improvements in depression management, depression in many patients is still unrecognized. Routine screening for depression among adults in primary care is recommended by the U.S Preventive Service Task Force, as long as healthcare organizations are equipped with staff-assisted depression support systems. The purpose of this dissemination pilot project was to evaluate the routine use of the PHQ-9, a depression screening tool, among adult patients presenting for annual health maintenance examinations. Additionally, increasing follow-up visits among patients with positive depression screens was also investigated. The three-week practice quality improvement project was successful in implementing a routine depression screening policy. Among patients scheduled for their annual health maintenance examination, 94% were screened for depression. All patients who self-identified as at risk for depression were screened with the PHQ-9. Among patients with positive screens, the majority were invited for follow-up care during the study. As a result of the pilot, this clinic now exclusively uses the PHQ-9 depression screening tool. Furthermore, they modified their annual health maintenance examination policy to include routine screening for depression.
The Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Relaxation Training and Sleep Hygiene Education for Insomnia of Depressed Patients
Authors: Johnson Deora , Roberson Anthony
Published: April 2013

Background: Insomnia is a frequent complaint of patients with major depressive disorder. The lifetime prevalence rate of major depressive disorder is 17% (Sadock & Sadock, 2007). Studies have found that a significantly higher percentage of women than men aged 20–55 years report difficulty maintaining sleep (Soares, 2005). Purpose: This scholarly project involved the implementation and evaluation of a relaxation training and sleep hygiene education intervention for female patients who experience major depressive disorder and insomnia. Theoretical Model: Middle-range theory of unpleasant symptoms (Lenz, Pugh, Milligan, Gift, & Suppe, 1997). Sample: A convenience sample of 10 female participants was recruited from an outpatient psychiatric private practice. Methods: Participants attended 4 consecutive, weekly outpatient sessions lasting approximately 1 hr. The initial session consisted of conducting a psychiatric evaluation and administration of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to measure rating of sleep quantity and quality. Principles of sleep hygiene and relaxation exercises were introduced during the initial session. Subsequent sessions focused on reinforcement of the principles of sleep hygiene and relaxation training. Results: Sleep hygiene education and relaxation training were effective in treating insomnia of depressed patients. Implications for Nursing: Implementation of sleep hygiene education and relaxation training provides nurses with evidence-based treatment alternatives or complements to pharmacotherapy in depressed patients.
Cost Comparison of Treating Uninsured Patients at a Hospital-Based Free Clinic, Emergency Room, and Inpatient Hospitalizations: A Retrospective Chart Review
Authors: Walker Michelle
Published: April 2013

Purpose: The rates of the uncompensated health care services have steadily increased across the nation since 2008. Uninsured individuals are less likely to receive preventative services and are more likely to suffer adverse health outcomes and hospitalization for acute conditions. Providing primary and preventative health care to the uninsured is potentially more cost-effective through free clinics as compared to emergency room (ER) or inpatient care. A retrospective chart review was conducted to compare the cost of treating patients in a free clinic, ER, and inpatient hospitalization at one regional hospital in Pennsylvania. Methods: A descriptive, correlational study was conducted in a rural free clinic and its affiliate hospital in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Patients were selected to participate if they were active patients during the fiscal years of the study. A convenience sample (n = 242) of active clinic patients during the fiscal years of the study was selected for chart review. Consent was obtained to access their records. Medical charts were reviewed for frequency of visits, diagnoses, time, charges of ER, and inpatient hospitalizations for the fiscal years of 2009 and 2010. Direct costs for the free clinic were obtained from the executive director. ER and inpatient hospitalization charges were obtained from the regional hospital chief financial officer. Results/Analysis: The data indicate a decrease in average patient clinic visit cost from 2009 to 2010 from $84 to $74. There was a 54% increase in patient visits within that time frame, with patient comorbidities increasing from 1 in 2009 to 4 in 2010. There was found to be a significant positive correlation between clinic visits, inpatient hospitalizations and ER visits in 2009 and a weaker correlation in 2010. Patients were seen in the clinic 23 times their inpatient visits and 45 times their ER visits in 2010. Conclusion: Implications for practice suggest these clinics can provide primary health care needs to patients without insurance in declining health for a reasonable cost. Overall preventative health care services will decrease ER and inpatient hospitalizations and ultimately health care costs.
Zinc and copper in roof runoff
Authors: Horváth A. , Buzás K.
Published: April 2013

The zinc and copper content of roof runoff could originate from different sources such as dry and wet deposition and the corrosion of the material. The zinc runoff rate from a galvanized surface depends on the corrosion products formed during the dry days, the rain intensity and roof slope, which determinates the contact time. In the present study the contact time dependence of zinc rate and the re-dissolution of the zinc were investigated with steeping tests and a pilot study. The average zinc runoff measured in the first 2.8 l of runoff was 3.8 mg m–2 (1.1–8.4 mg m–2), while in the following samples 1.2 mg m–2 were detected. These results are in accordance with the 5–10 min, and 40–60 s contact time laboratory steeping test, respectively, which are realistic. The estimated specific yearly zinc runoff rate was 0.7 g m–2y–1, while the dry and wet deposition rate of copper was 0.009 mg m–2d–1 and 0.053 mg m–2storm–1 respectively. The re-dissolution of the zinc from the evaporated then re-filled samples of leaching tests with high initial zinc content was just 60% after 60 min.
Level and transport pattern of faecal coliform bacteria from tropical urban catchments
Authors: Chow M. F. , Yusop Z. , Toriman M. E.
Published: April 2013

Urbanization and frequent storms play important roles in increasing faecal bacteria pollution, especially for tropical urban catchments. However, only little information on the faecal bacteria levels from different land use types and the factors that influence bacteria concentrations is available. Thus, the objectives of this study were to quantify the levels and transport mechanism of faecal coliforms (FCs) from residential and commercial catchments. Stormwaters were sampled and the runoff flow rates were measured from both catchments during four storm events in Skudai, Malaysia. The samples were then analysed for FC, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS) and ammoniacal-nitrogen (NH3-N) concentrations. Intra-storm and inter-storm characteristics of FC bacteria were investigated in order to identify the level and transport pattern of FC. The commercial catchment showed significantly higher event mean concentration (EMC) of FC than the residential catchment. For the residential catchment, the highest bacterial concentrations occurred during the early part of stormwater runoff with peak concentrations usually preceding the peak flow. First flush effect was more prevalent at the residential catchment.
Pathways of phosphate uptake from aqueous solution by ZnAl layered double hydroxides
Authors: Cheng X. , Wang Y. , Sun Z. , Sun D. , Wang A.
Published: April 2013

ZnAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were prepared by urea hydrolysis-based coprecipitation for removing phosphate from aqueous solutions. The chemical formula of the product was determined as Zn5.54Al3.02(OH)8.73(CO3)0.57Cl5.66·7.84H2O. Chloride ion was the major interlayer anion of the ZnAl LDHs. Adsorption of phosphate onto the ZnAl sorbent over the entire study period was not in close agreement with pseudo-first-order or pseudo-second-order models. The adsorption can be divided into two steps. A fast adsorption was observed during the first 10 h with a marked increase in the concentration of Cl− in the bulk solution. This indicated that the adsorption of phosphate was largely attributed to the ion exchange between phosphate and the interlayer Cl−. A second fast adsorption of phosphate occurred after 10 h. During this period, the pH increased slowly, whereas the Cl− concentration was stable. The uptake of phosphate was likely attributed to OH−–H2PO4−/HPO42− ion exchange as well as surface adsorption/complexation. Acidic conditions favored adsorption of phosphate by ZnAl LDHs, which is consistent with the pH increases during the adsorption. Coexisting anions, e.g., SO42− and CO32−, are competitive ions for the adsorption of phosphate. The results verify the contribution of ion exchange and surface adsorption/complexation in the removal of phosphate by ZnAl LDHs.
Soil moisture dynamics modeling considering multi-layer root zone
Authors: Kumar R. , Shankar V. , Jat M. K.
Published: April 2013

The moisture uptake by plant from soil is a key process for plant growth and movement of water in the soil–plant system. A non-linear root water uptake (RWU) model was developed for a multi-layer crop root zone. The model comprised two parts: (1) model formulation and (2) moisture flow prediction. The developed model was tested for its efficiency in predicting moisture depletion in a non-uniform root zone. A field experiment on wheat (Triticum aestivum) was conducted in the sub-temperate sub-humid agro-climate of Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. Model-predicted soil moisture parameters, i.e., moisture status at various depths, moisture depletion and soil moisture profile in the root zone, are in good agreement with experiment results. The results of simulation emphasize the utility of the RWU model across different agro-climatic regions. The model can be used for sound irrigation management especially in water-scarce humid, temperate, arid and semi-arid regions and can also be integrated with a water transport equation to predict the solute uptake by plant biomass.
Oxidation of bisphenol A by permanganate: reaction kinetics and removal of estrogenic activity
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Wen Gang , Zhao Ji , Shao Xiaoling , Ma Jun
Published: April 2013

The kinetics for reaction between bisphenol A (BPA) and permanganate was examined over pH range of 5.0–9.9 and the estrogenic activity of aqueous BPA solution after oxidation was assessed by yeast two-hybrid assay. Reaction kinetics follows the second-order rate law, with the apparent second-order rate constant of 15.1 ± 1.1 M−1s−1 at pH 6.0 and 25°C and the activation energy of 48.7 kJ/mol. The kinetics exhibits pH dependency and the specific rate constants related to speciation of BPA are 50 ± 28 M−1s−1, 9.6 (±0.6) × 103 M−1s−1 and 1.4 (±0.1) × 104 M−1s−1 for BPA, BPA− and BPA2−, respectively. The results of the estrogenic/antiestrogenic activity test show that there is a hysteresis for the removal of estrogenic activity of aqueous BPA solution at pH 7.3. Removal of BPA is completed in 10 min, but complete removal of estrogenic activity requires a further 20 min.
The hydrochemistry of peatland lakes as a result of the morphological characteristics of their basins
Authors: Banaś Krzysztof
Published: April 2013

The physico-chemical water characteristics and basin morphology of 10 well-preserved Pomeranian peatland lakes were examined. These are acidic (pH 3.95–5.99), softwater (1.5 ±0.9 mg Ca dm−3), and oligotrophic water bodies. Their hydrochemical conditions differentiate them into two groups: poor (3.04 ±2.77 mg C dm−3) and rich (10.36 ±7.27 mg C dm−3) in organic carbon compounds. They differ in water colour (p = 0.02), humic acid concentration (p<0.001), redox potential (p = 0.007), and irradiance (PAR; p = 0.03).

The hydrochemistry of the lakes is determined by their basin morphology, which affects the water colour and the concentrations of humic acids and organic carbon compounds.
Epizoic communities of Rotifera inhabiting sponges in freshwaters of North-Eastern Poland
Authors: Bołtruszko Joanna , Ejsmont-Karabin Jolanta
Published: April 2013

The species structure of epizoic communities of Rotifera was analyzed on three species of freshwater sponges: Spongilla fragilis Leydy, Spongilla lacustris (L.) Vejd. and Ephydatia fluviatilis (L.) Vejd. In total, all studied sponges hosted 87 rotifer species. Epizoic communities of Rotifera from particular sponges were very diverse, reach in species and unique. Thus, sponges covering both natural substrates and artifacts may create “hot-points” of rotifer species diversity and therefore may play an important role in re-naturalization of wastes.
Safety assessment of seafood with respect to chemical pollutants in European Seas
Authors: Szefer Piotr
Published: April 2013

This mini-review discusses the occurrence of chemical pollutants in edible biota from European seas, including the Baltic Sea ecosystem. The bioaccumulation of organic and inorganic pollutants in marine fish and edible molluscs and crustaceans is briefly approached within the context of European Union (EU) food quality standards. The health risks associated with the human consumption of seafood have been assessed mainly by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), an independent European agency funded by the EU. The potential health risks arising from the consumption of “frutti di mare” are examined from the standpoint of estimated Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intakes (PTWIs) for toxic pollutants.
Giant Pelvic Cocoon with Intra Prostatic Extension (Intravesical Tortoise!!!!!!!)
Authors: Mylarappa Prasad , Amey Pathade , Shetty Prathvi , Sandeep Puvvada , Banale Kailash B , Ramesh D
Published: April 2013

Giant vesical calculus is a rare clinical entity in the recent urological practice. Males are affected more than the females. We report a case of 55years old male patient non diabetic or hypertensive who presented with urinary symptoms. His biochemical parameters were within normal limits. Urine analysis and culture sensitivity showed infection. His ultrasonography revealed a giant vesical calculus with intra prostatic extension and bilateral hydroureteronephrosis and small prostate. After controlling the urinary infection with course of antibiotics, he underwent an open cystolithotomy and post-operative recovery was uneventful. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v3i4.7160 Asian Journal of Medical Science Vol.3(4) 2012 pp.47-49
A novel initiative
Authors: Shrivastava Umesh P.
Published: April 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i1.7917 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, 2013, Vol. 1(1)
Algae of Itahari Municipality and its adjoining area, Eastern Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Sabitri , Rai Shiva Kumar , Dhakal Min Raj
Published: April 2013

A total fifty-two algal taxa belonging to 3 classes and 21 families were reported from Itahari and its adjoining areas. Among them, Chlorophycean taxa were rich with 36 taxa followed by 9 taxa of Cyanophyceae and 7 taxa of Bacillariophyceae. Sixteen taxa were identified up to generic level only and rest 36 up to species level. Most of the species were collected from aquatic habitat both lotic and lentic, some were from soil and few as epiphytic. Out of 36, ten algae viz., Oscillatoria tenuis, Lyngbya martensiana, Achnanthes brevips, Pithophora varia, Stigeoclonium fasciculare, Oedogonium gallicum, Spirogyra crassa, S. gracilis, Closterium acerosum var. tumidum and Cosmarium nitidulum were new to Nepal. Dominant genera were Spirogyra, Oscillatoria, Closterium, Cosmarium, Navicula and Hydrodictyon collected from ponds, moist soils, ditches, and canals. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i1.7920 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, 2013, Vol. 1(1): 5-10
Craniofacial Morphology of Class II Division 1 Nepalese Population
Authors: Bajracharya Manish , Parajuli Umesh , Mishra Praveen , Bhattarai Prakash , Shrestha Reetu
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Class II Div 1 is a deviation from normal occlusion and may arise from combination of di" erentcraniofacial components.The objective of this study was to findnd out the different possible dental and skeletalcomponents that lead to Class II Div 1 malocclusion in Nepalese population.Methods: The lateral cephalogramradiographs consisted of 30 males and 30 females between the age group of 18 to 32 years. All the radiographswere traced with hand on acetate paper sheets. All the landmarks were identified, located and marked. Steiner’s analyses and McNamara analysis were done for the cephalometric measurements. The mean valueswere obtained and were compared with the established available values of the Nepalese and Caucasian normsusing independent t-test.Results: Size of the mandible was found to be lesser than the established normalvalues. Prognathic maxilla with retrognathic upper incisors and retrognathic mandible with proclined lowerincisors and was found to be the most common combinations of Class II Div 1 component.Conclusion: Size of the mandible is less than the normal value which is the main cause of the Class II Div 1 pattern in Nepalese population. Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; July-December 2012/vol.11/Issue2/10-13 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v11i2.7901