bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Versatile Muskingum flood model with four variable parameters
Authors: Easa Said M.
Published: November 2014

Early researchers recognised that the long-established Muskingum hydrologic routing model's parameters vary with flood characteristics, but no methods were developed to account for this variation. Such methods would have made the model too complex to solve using prevailing technical knowledge. This paper presents a versatile non-linear Muskingum model with four variable parameters; each is represented by a two-step function of a dimensionless inflow variable, so the model thus has eight parameters. The model is general and produces a wide array of 15 special models with the number of parameters ranging from four to seven. The routing procedure is based on the modified Euler method. Three examples with different hydrograph types were used to evaluate model performance. Based on the application results, guidelines for model selection for different hydrograph types are presented. The recommended models have four to six parameters and substantially improve model performance for predicting flood flows compared with the traditional three-parameter model. This research continues to promote alternative thinking to improve model performance by modifying model structure, instead of the solution algorithm.
Employer Practices for Employment of People With Disabilities: A Literature Scoping Review
Authors: Karpur Arun , VanLooy Sara A. , Bruyère Susanne M.
Published: November 2014

Purpose:Research on employment for people with disabilities has focused on the perspectives of people with disabilities and service providers. Empirical evidence about employer practices and their outcomes would inform the development of more targeted interventions.

Method:Scoping review was conducted of literature discussing employer-focused research.

Results:Research heavily concerned with employer attitudes and culture. Reports of studies of attitudes and behavior are primarily being published for an audience of service providers and advocates; much less is targeted at employers.

Conclusions:Results point to need for empirical evidence of employer practices and behaviors and publication outlets reaching broader employer audience.
Accommodation Requests: Who Is Asking for What?
Authors: Schrader Sarah von , Xu Xu , Bruyère Susanne M.
Published: November 2014

Purpose:Workplace accommodations are central to improving employment outcomes for people with and without disabilities; this study presents national estimates comparing accommodation requests and receipt as reported by individuals with and without disabilities.

Method:Estimates are developed from the May 2012 Current Population Survey Disability Supplement.

Results:The findings highlight variability in accommodation requests by disability type and status. Accommodation request rates are also presented by occupation and industry groups.

Conclusions:As employers voice concerns about the additional burden of employing individuals with disabilities under new regulatory requirements, our findings highlight that 95% of individuals requesting an accommodation were people without disabilities.
Influences of Altruistic Motivation, Shared Vision, and Perceived Accessibility on Microcharity Behavior
Authors: Du Lanying , Qian Ling , Feng Yi
Published: November 2014

Microcharity is a charity participation mode gaining popularity in China. It has been found that individuals take a more active role in following the work of the microcharity compared to the passive role traditionally taken in charities. Based on the motivation–opportunity–ability
theory, we examined the influences of altruistic motivation, shared vision, and perceived accessibility on charitable behavior in a microcharity context. A survey was completed by 240 microcharity donors in China. The results showed that shared vision moderated the relationship between altruistic
motivation and charitable behavior, and that perceived accessibility moderated the interactions among altruistic motivation, shared vision, and charitable behavior. Our findings deepen the understanding of charitable behavior in relation to microcharities and may be useful for microcharity
practitioners.
Leader-Member Exchange and Organizational Citizenship Behavior: the Roles of Identification with Leader and Leader's Reputation
Authors: Huang Jiaxin , Wang Lin , Xie Jun
Published: November 2014

We used identification theory to develop a model of the processes linking leader-member exchange (LMX) to organizational citizenship behavior. Using a sample of 262 supervisor-subordinate dyads collected in China, we found that followers' identification with the leader mediated the
influence of LMX on organizational citizenship behavior. We also found that perceived group leader's reputation moderated the relationship between LMX and identification with the leader, in that the relationship was stronger for individuals scoring high on perceived group leader's reputation
than it was for those scoring low. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
How Does Perceived Value Affect Travelers' Satisfaction and Loyalty?
Authors: Yang Yan , Liu Xiaoming , Jing Fengjie , Li Jun
Published: November 2014

Although value is regarded as one of the means by which marketers can build their core competence, in previous research in the tourism field only the effect of travelers' overall perception of value on their attitude and behavior has been addressed. By analyzing data from a survey conducted
with Mainland Chinese outbound tourists, we examined the effects of travelers' perceptions of quality value, emotional value, price value, and experiential value on their satisfaction and loyalty towards destinations. The results showed that both emotional value and quality value had strong
positive influences on travelers' satisfaction and loyalty in an outbound tourism setting, and that the emotional value played the greatest role. The experiential value had a significant impact on travelers' loyalty. These findings provide tourism managers with insights into how to improve
travelers' satisfaction and loyalty by means of adding value.
Role of fibreoptic bronchoscopy and CT guided FNAC in diagnostic evaluation of Non resolving Pneumonia with special emphasis on clinical outcome
Authors: Jain Bhupendra Kumar , Sharma Pooja , Bajpai Ashok , Motiwale Satish , Pasari Nikhilesh , Patel Deepika
Published: November 2014

Background: Nonresolving pneumonia is a pneumonia with a delayed or slow resolution of radiographic infiltrates or clinical symptoms despite adequate treatment with antibiotics for a minimum period of 10 days. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) and CT guided FNAC has a specific role in diagnosis of Non resolving pneumonia. Aims and Objectives: To assess the diagnostic efficacy of fibreoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) and computed tomography (CT)- guided fi ne needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in evaluation of non-resolving or slowly resolving pneumonia with special emphasis on clinical outcome. Material and Methods: The study was designed as a prospective observational study. We reviewed FOB in Sixty-five consecutive patients of Non-resolving pneumonia admitted under Respiratory Medicine unit of Sri aurobindo medical college and PG Institute Indore from June 2012 to May 2014. We also reviewed role of CT guided FNAC in selected case where FOB result was inconclusive. Result: Out of total Sixty-five case of non resolving pneumonia, Fifty-two patient (81%) were diagnosed with the help of FOB and Eleven patients (91%) were diagnosed with help of CT guided FNAC out of Twelve patient subjected for procedure. Conclusion: FOB should be the first option before CT-guided FNAC in evaluating non-resolving pneumonia. Both the procedures were safe and no major complication was observed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.10727  Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 66-71
Molecular epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in liver disease patients in Sri Lanka
Authors: Senevirathna D. B. , Wahalathanthri Y. , Thiyagarajah P. , Shani A. , Jayasinghe S. , Fernandopulle N. D.
Published: November 2014

Background: Globally, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important cause of chronic liver disease. Genotypes of HCV are associated with different profiles of pathogenicity, infectivity, and antiviral therapy. The prevalence of HCV and distribution of HCV genotypes in Sri Lanka in comparison with the rest of Asia is not well known.Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the presence of HCV and to genotype HCV in a group of Sri Lankan patients suspected to have liver disease.Methods: A total of 1933 samples were screened for HCV antibodies using ELISA and HCV RNA with RT-PCR methods. RNA positive samples were genotyped by type specific amplification and by DNA sequencing.Results: Out Of the 1933 liver disease patients tested 219 (11.33%) were detected to be positive for anti-HCV antibodies, out of which, 54 (24.66%) were positive for HCV RNA. Furthermore out of 49 positively tested patients, 24 (48.97%) were found to be categorised as HCV genotype 1.Conclusion: This result confirms previous observations that the contribution of HCV as a causative virus in liver disease patients is low in Sri Lanka. HCV genotype 1 was found to be the most predominant genotype in studied cohort of Sri Lankan liver disease patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.10741Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 1-5
Adenoid squamous cell carcinoma of right gingivobuccal sulcus – A rare case report
Authors: Pande Pankaj , Patil Prakash Murigeppa , Bhalodia Mihir J. , Savle Jyotirling , Mulay Himanshu
Published: November 2014

Oral cancer is the sixth most common malignancy in the world and third most common in southeast Asia. When it does occur, it is most commonly seen on the tongue or lip. Cancers of the gingivobuccal sulcus are uncommon and reported infrequently. Here we report a case of 35 years female diagnosed with adenoid squamous cell carcinoma of right gingivobuccal sulcus. Most of these cancers are locally advanced stage due to delay in presentation and ignorance of population.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.10793Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 94-96
Seroprevalence of hepatitis B infections among blood donors in Bijapur district Karnataka - Retrospective study
Authors: Patil Prakash Murigeppa , Patil Vijaylaxmi. S. , Yelikar Balasaheb R. , Bhalodia Mihir J. , Gudadinni Muttappa R. , Shannawaz Mohd
Published: November 2014

Objectives: To determine the seroprevalence of HBsAg in the prevalence of HBsAg positivity  among male and female blood donors. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in blood bank. Voluntary and replacement blood donors including male and female donors over a period of two years six month to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection. ELISA method and alternatively Hepacard kit were used for screening the donors.   Results: A retrospective study was carried on 7,018 blood donors out of which males were 5,936  and 1,082 were females. The prevalence of HBsAg sero positivity in 2011 July to December in male donors were 2.8%; in  female donors 0.0%; 2012 January to December in male donors were  2.9% and female donors were 0.3%;  2013  January to December in male donors were 1.8% and Female donors were  0.0% . Overall prevalence was estimated to be 7.8%. Conclusion:  Hepatitis B infection remains a significant public health problem in India and its seroprevalence was more as compared to other transfusion transmitted infections, especially in younger age group. The increasing prevalence of HBsAg can be reduced by more sensitive screening assays.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.10862Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 12-15
An unexpected case of bilateral kidneys studded with multiple abscesses, in a nondiabetic healthy woman-A case report
Authors: Kamble Vijaya , Mitra Kajal
Published: November 2014

Bilateral multiple renal abscesses have been found in individuals with predisposing factors but are infrequently encountered in otherwise healthy individuals. In our case , a lady presented with history  of fever and chills with bilateral renal angle tenderness. Ultrasonography and computed tomography showed both kidneys to be studded with multiple renal abscesses of varying sizes. USG Guided percutaneous aspiration was done to establish the correct diagnosis and identify the causative micro organism. Her blood culture and urine culture were negative. The patient was successfully treated with combined intravenous and oral course of antibiotics. In conclusion, as contrary to the usual belief, bilateral renal abscesses can occur in a healthy individual without any history of diabetes or immunocompromised status. In addition full recovery is possible solely with antibiotics. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.10933Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 91-93
Auditory brainstem response patterns in patients of diabetes mellitus: A hospital based study in Punjab
Authors: Takkar Jaspreet , Bansal Babita , Grover Ganagandeep Singh , Manchanda K. C.
Published: November 2014

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is an important health issue throughout the world. It is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder. Neuropathy is the most precocious and frequent late complication of diabetes mellitus. Evoked potentials offer the possibility to perform a functional evaluation of neural pathways in the central nervous system. Aims and Objectives: This study is a modest attempt to find the relationship of central diabetic neuropathy with the disease, if any, by evaluating the brainstem auditory evoked potentials. Materials and Methods: Brainstem auditory evoked potentials were recorded in type-2 diabetic patients taken from OPD of Medicine department of Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, Amritsar. Patients were divided into three groups based upon the duration of disease. The parameters recorded were absolute latencies of waves I, III and V & Inter-peak latencies (IPL) I-III, I-V, III-V. Results: The results showed no statistically significant changes in any of the above parameters. Discussion: This could be attributed to fairly good glycemic control of the patients included in the study. Thus, we conclude that patients with good glycemic control develop no auditory peripheral or central diabetic neuropathy irrespective of the duration of disease. However this study has its own limitations and further research is required to substantiate these results.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.10974Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 42-45
Fungus infected atrial myxoma: A rare cause of infective endocarditis and chordae rupture
Authors: Özmen Gökhan , Doganay Kübra , Ari Hasan , Dasli Tolga , Tutuncu Ahmet , Melek Mehmet , Demir Mehmet , Tenekecioglu Erhan
Published: November 2014

Case reports are increasing about infected myxomas. Infection with bacteria is relatively much more but fungus infected atrial myxomas are exteremely rare and may complicate the disease course. As our knowledge this is the first fungus infected myxoma report  in Turkish population.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.11045Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 81-83
Serum electrolytes and lipid profiles in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients
Authors: Talabani Namama
Published: November 2014

Background: Diabetes mellitus and hyperlipidemia are the most common metabolic disorder affecting the people all over the world. Hyperglycemia is considered a primary cause of diabetic vascular complications and is associated with impaired electrolytes in some of the metabolic dysfunctions is not clear. Aim: The purpose of this study was conducted to investigate the relationship among diabetes mellitus, lipid profiles and electrolytes (Na+, K+ and Cl-). Methods: In the sera of 85 non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus NIDDM, 45 with hyperlipidemia, 40 without hyperlipidemia, 50 samples of hyperlipidemia without NIDDM, and 50 non diabetic healthy control subjects. The mean age of the diabetic patients was similar to that of control. The mean duration of the disease was (10.2±5.9) years (2-23) years. From the results, it was discovered that there was a significant decrease in Na+ and Cl- in patients with NIDDM without high level of lipid profile (group I), but our results show that the concentration of K+ not changed significantly. The plasma levels of Na+ and Cl- ions were show significant change in patient with hyperlipidemia without NIDDM (group II), while plasma K+ not changed significantly in this group as compared with control. The mean value of Na+ and Cl- show high significant change in NIDDM patients with high level of lipids profile (group III),were plasma K+ not changed significantly as compared with control group. Conclusion: These finding may explain the role of impaired electrolytes status in NIDDM and hyperlipidemia subjects. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.11088Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 38-41
Assessment of liver function, bile secretory rate and liver histological changes in type 1 diabetes mellitus rats treated with ocimum gratissimum
Authors: Uduak Okon Akpan , Aniekan Peter Imo , Aluko Esther Olusola
Published: November 2014

Background: The liver plays an important role in nutrient metabolism and alterations in the liver function, biliary secretion and cytoachitecture are common in diabetes mellitus (DM). Aim: Ocimum gratissimum (OG) has been reported to exert hypoglycaemic effect in DM, the need to assess the impact of its treatment on these diabetic complications became imperative. Material and Methods: Phytochemical and toxicity test were conducted. Eighteen rats into three groups of six rats each were used. Group 1 was the control and given normal feed only. Group 2 was diabetic untreated rats (DM) while group 3 was OG treated diabetic rats (DMT) at a dose of 1500 mg/kg. All groups had access to food and water ad libitum. After 28 days, serum was obtained for analysis of Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotranferase (AST). The bile content was collected at 3 hours interval to determine the bile secretory rate. Routine biopsy method was employed for histological studies. Results: Results showed that AST in the DM and DMT groups were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the control group; DM was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the DMT. ALT and ALP levels in DM and DMT groups were significantly (P < 0.001) higher than the control; DM was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than DMT. Conclusion: There was structural and functional hepatic impairment in DM. OG treatment appears to effectively ameliorate these complications including enhancement of bile secretion.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i3.9960Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(3) 2015 16-21
Volumetric brain analysis in neurosurgery: Part 3. Volumetric CT analysis as a predictor of seizure outcome following temporal lobectomy
Authors: Mandell Jason G. , Hill Kenneth L. , Nguyen Dan T. D. , Moser Kevin W. , Harbaugh Robert E. , McInerney James , Nsubuga Brian Kaaya , Mugamba John K. , Johnson Derek , Warf Benjamin C. , Boling Warren , Webb Andrew G. , Schiff Steven J.
Published: November 2014

OBJECT

The incidence of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) due to mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) can be high in developing countries. Current diagnosis of MTS relies on structural MRI, which is generally unavailable in developing world settings. Given widespread effects on temporal lobe structure beyond hippocampal atrophy in TLE, the authors propose that CT volumetric analysis can be used in patient selection to help predict outcomes following resection.

METHODS

Ten pediatric patients received preoperative CT scans and temporal resections at the CURE Children's Hospital of Uganda. Engel classification of seizure control was determined 12 months postoperatively. Temporal lobe volumes were measured from CT and from normative MR images using the Cavalieri method. Whole brain and fluid volumes were measured using particle filter segmentation. Linear discrimination analysis (LDA) was used to classify seizure outcome by temporal lobe volumes and normalized brain volume.

RESULTS

Epilepsy patients showed normal to small brain volumes and small temporal lobes bilaterally. A multivariate measure of the volume of each temporal lobe separated patients who were seizure free (Engel Class IA) from those with incomplete seizure control (Engel Class IB/IIB) with LDA (p < 0.01). Temporal lobe volumes also separate normal subjects, patients with Engel Class IA outcomes, and patients with Class IB/IIB outcomes (p < 0.01). Additionally, the authors demonstrated that age-normalized whole brain volume, in combination with temporal lobe volumes, may further improve outcome prediction (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows strong evidence that temporal lobe and brain volume can be predictive of seizure outcome following temporal lobe resection, and that volumetric CT analysis of the temporal lobe may be feasible in lieu of structural MRI when the latter is unavailable. Furthermore, since the authors' methods are modality independent, these findings suggest that temporal lobe and normative brain volumes may further be useful in the selection of patients for temporal lobe resection when structural MRI is available.
Endometriosis - An Update
Authors: Banu LP , Tasnim S
Published: November 2014

Endometriosis is a common and important health problem of women. The prevalence of endometriosis is difficult to determine. Diagnosis is often difficult and delayed due to close similarity of symptoms of endometriosis with other gynecological disorder. Optimum treatment involves a combination of medical and surgical treatments tailored to the patients needs and response. The objective of the study is to discuss the current updates on diagnosis, treatment and the optimal role of different options in the treatment of endometriosis. The article reviews different medical journals, medline and internet to get the relevant information. The study results showed that both medical and surgical treatments are almost equally effective in pain management there is no evidence that medical treatment improves fertility. Surgical treatment is associated with small but significant improvement in live birth rate. Newer non hormonal drugs are more selective with less metabolic side effects. Surgical treatment is invasive procedure and repeated surgery is associated with major complication. Medical treatment is considered more effective in the long term management of endometriosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v31i3.20981 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2013; 31: 144-149
Oncologic Emergencies
Authors: Hossen MM , Rabbani R , Hasan M
Published: November 2014

Oncologic emergencies are complications resulting from cancer itself or from treatment of cancer requiring immediate attention & reversal. It is an acute life threatening event, may be the first sign of disease or may indicate disease progression. Cancer patients presenting with oncologic emergencies should be approached in a similar way to those without cancer. The care of cancer patients with oncologic emergencies is a challenge not only to oncologists but also to clinicians involved in emergency medicine. It requires rapid intervention to avoid death or severe permanent damage. The overall goal is to prevent, reverse or minimize life threatening complications through prophylaxis, early detection and specific management. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v31i3.20982 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2013; 31: 150-155
Myeloproliferative Neoplasm with Prominent Eosinophilia
Authors: Giti S , Bhuiyan MN , Hossain MR , Islam MS , Ahmed F , Haque MF , Rahman MM
Published: November 2014

The patient, a young soldier aged 36 years having past history of malaria, was admitted in CMH Dhaka on 17 August 2011 as a transferred case from CMH Saidpur and died on 22 August 2011. The deceased was admitted in CMH Saidpur on 05 August 2011 with high fever for 05 days along with generalized joint and muscle pain. In spite of all available treatment the patient was deteriorating and he was then transferred to CMH Dhaka. At that time the patient was febrile, dehydrated and toxic with lymphadenopathy, extremely tender joints and muscles. The patient rapidly developed acute kidney failure and gradually developed features of DIC. His bone marrow examination revealed dyserythropoiesis with predominantly eosinophilic granulopoiesis, suggestive of myeloproliferative neoplasm with prominent eosinophilia. The patient was treated with injectable antibiotics, antimalarial and oral prednisolone with all intensive care facilities. Ultimately all attempts were proved unsuccessful and he died on 22 August 2011 at 1700 hrs. On autopsy the deceased had intra atrial thrombus and possibly that was the immediate cause of death. A haematological malignancy, myeloproliferative neoplasm with prominent eosinophilia, can very well produce such a fatal condition. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v31i3.20985 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2013; 31: 162-167
Rare Association of Gullain-Barré Syndrome with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma: A Case Report
Authors: Kundu NC , Joy KMNI , Sen M , Quraishi FA
Published: November 2014

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a very common cause of acute motor neuropathy in medical ward, though its association with lymphoma is not very common. Here we present a case of acute motor neuropathy which was clinically diagnosed as a case of GBS. CSF (Cerebrospinal fluid) study and electrophysiological study supported the clinical diagnosis. The patient also had generalized lymphadenopathy & histopathological examination of lymph node revealed high grade Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL). A staging bone marrow study was performed which revealed lymphoreticular malignancy. The case was finally diagnosed as GBS with stage IV Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v31i3.20986 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2013; 31: 168-173
Graphene Thermal Properties: Applications in Thermal Management and Energy Storage
Authors: Renteria Jackie , Nika Denis , Balandin Alexander
Published: November 2014

We review the thermal properties of graphene, few-layer graphene and graphene nanoribbons, and discuss practical applications of graphene in thermal management and energy storage. The first part of the review describes the state-of-the-art in the graphene thermal field focusing on recently reported experimental and theoretical data for heat conduction in graphene and graphene nanoribbons. The effects of the sample size, shape, quality, strain distribution, isotope composition, and point-defect concentration are included in the summary. The second part of the review outlines thermal properties of graphene-enhanced phase change materials used in energy storage. It is shown that the use of liquid-phase-exfoliated graphene as filler material in phase change materials is promising for thermal management of high-power-density battery parks. The reported experimental and modeling results indicate that graphene has the potential to outperform metal nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and other carbon allotropes as filler in thermal management materials.
SSI on the Dynamic Behaviour of a Historical Masonry Building: Experimental versus Numerical Results
Authors: Ceroni Francesca , Sica Stefania , Garofano Angelo , Pecce Marisa
Published: November 2014

A reliable procedure to identify the dynamic behaviour of existing masonry buildings is described in the paper, referring to a representative case study: a historical masonry palace located in Benevento (Italy). Since the building has been equipped with a permanent dynamic monitoring system by the Department of Civil Protection, some of the recorded data, acquired in various operating conditions, have been analysed with basic instruments of the Operational Modal Analysis in order to identify the main eigenfrequencies and vibration modes of the structure. The obtained experimental results have been compared to the numerical outcomes provided by three detailed Finite Element (FE) models of the building. The influence of Soil-Structure Interaction (SSI) has been also introduced in the FE model by a sub-structure approach where concentrated springs were placed at the base of the building to simulate the effect of soil and foundation on the global dynamic behaviour of the structure. The obtained results evidence that subsoil cannot a priori be disregarded in identifying the dynamic response of the building.
How to Determine the Core-Shell Nature in Bimetallic Catalyst Particles?
Authors: Westsson Emma , Koper Ger
Published: November 2014

Nanometer-sized materials have significantly different chemical and physical properties compared to bulk material. However, these properties do not only depend on the elemental composition but also on the structure, shape, size and arrangement. Hence, it is not only of great importance to develop synthesis routes that enable control over the final structure but also characterization strategies that verify the exact nature of the nanoparticles obtained. Here, we consider the verification of contemporary synthesis strategies for the preparation of bimetallic core-shell particles in particular in relation to potential particle structures, such as partial absence of core, alloying and raspberry-like surface. It is discussed what properties must be investigated in order to fully confirm a covering, pin-hole free shell and which characterization techniques can provide such information. Not uncommonly, characterization strategies of core-shell particles rely heavily on visual imaging like transmission electron microscopy. The strengths and weaknesses of various techniques based on scattering, diffraction, transmission and absorption for investigating core-shell particles are discussed and, in particular, cases where structural ambiguities still remain will be highlighted. Our main conclusion is that for particles with extremely thin or mono-layered shells—i.e., structures outside the limitation of most imaging techniques—other strategies, not involving spectroscopy or imaging, are to be employed. We will provide a specific example of Fe-Pt core-shell particles prepared in bicontinuous microemulsion and point out the difficulties that arise in the characterization process of such particles.
Computational and Statistical Analyses of Insertional Polymorphic Endogenous Retroviruses in a Non-Model Organism
Authors: Bao Le , Elleder Daniel , Malhotra Raunaq , DeGiorgio Michael , Maravegias Theodora , Horvath Lindsay , Carrel Laura , Gillin Colin , Hron Tomáš , Fábryová Helena , Hunter David , Poss Mary
Published: November 2014

Endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are a class of transposable elements found in all vertebrate genomes that contribute substantially to genomic functional and structural diversity. A host species acquires an ERV when an exogenous retrovirus infects a germ cell of an individual and becomes part of the genome inherited by viable progeny. ERVs that colonized ancestral lineages are fixed in contemporary species. However, in some extant species, ERV colonization is ongoing, which results in variation in ERV frequency in the population. To study the consequences of ERV colonization of a host genome, methods are needed to assign each ERV to a location in a species’ genome and determine which individuals have acquired each ERV by descent. Because well annotated reference genomes are not widely available for all species, de novo clustering approaches provide an alternative to reference mapping that are insensitive to differences between query and reference and that are amenable to mobile element studies in both model and non-model organisms. However, there is substantial uncertainty in both identifying ERV genomic position and assigning each unique ERV integration site to individuals in a population. We present an analysis suitable for detecting ERV integration sites in species without the need for a reference genome. Our approach is based on improved de novo clustering methods and statistical models that take the uncertainty of assignment into account and yield a probability matrix of shared ERV integration sites among individuals. We demonstrate that polymorphic integrations of a recently identified endogenous retrovirus in deer reflect contemporary relationships among individuals and populations.
Preliminary Design of Compact Condenser in an Organic Rankine Cycle System for the Low Grade Waste Heat Recovery
Authors: Capata Roberto , Zangrillo Erasmo
Published: November 2014

The aim of this paper is to present a thermodynamic cycle for the production of electrical power in the 2–5 kW range, suitable for all types of thermally propelled vehicles. The sensible heat recovered from the exhaust gases feeds the energy recovery system, which is able to produce sufficient power to sustain the air conditioning system or other auxiliaries. The working fluids R134a and R245fa have been used in the ORC system, and the systems are simulated by CAMEL-ProTM software. The cycles are generated starting from the same heat source: the exhaust gas of a typical 2.0 L Diesel engine (or from a small size turbine engine). The design of the condenser has been performed to obtain a very compact component, evaluating the heat exchanger tube and fins type design. Through empirical formulas, the area of heat exchange, the heat required to exchange and the pressure drop in the element have been calculated. A commercial software package is used to build the model of the condenser, then a thermal and mechanical analysis and a CFD analysis are realized to estimate the heat exchange. Finally the evaluations, the possible future studies and possible improvements of the system are shown.
PID Controller Design for UPS Three-Phase Inverters Considering Magnetic Coupling
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Minying , Kang Yong
Published: November 2014

In three-phase inverters used in uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), three-limb inductors and three-limb transformers are commonly used in consideration of cost and size. However, magnetic coupling exists between the three phases of the inverter, which can result in complex models. When instantaneous feedback control strategies are introduced to achieve high quality output waveforms, the transient analysis of the closed-loop inverters becomes difficult. In this paper, the phenomenon of magnetic coupling in three-phase inverters due to three-limb inductors and three-limb transformers is analyzed. A decoupled dynamic model is derived based on the instantaneous symmetrical components transformation, which comprises three decoupled equivalent circuits of instantaneous symmetrical components. Analyses based on this model indicate that magnetic coupling may have a significant impact on the performance of three-phase inverters under unbalanced load conditions and transient responses. For three-phase inverters in UPSs with Proportional-Integral-Differential (PID) closed-loop control strategies, the interactive influence between instantaneous closed-loop regulation and magnetic coupling is researched. Finally, a method of reliability analysis and PID controller design for inverters with magnetic coupling is derived. Simulation and experiment results validate the model and conclusions.
Diagnosing Cervical Dysplasia Using Visual Inspection of the Cervix with Acetic Acid in a Woman in Rural Haiti
Authors: Roger Elizabeth , Nwosu Oguchi
Published: November 2014

Cervical cancer remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality for women in developing countries, despite the fact that inexpensive, simple and effective screening methods are available. Visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) can be used as part of a “screen and treat” program to identify precancerous lesions for cryotherapy treatment. This case report details how the VIA screening test was incorporated into the care of a patient presenting to a maternal health clinic in Thomonde, Haiti which was staffed by doctors and medical students from Emory University School of Medicine in collaboration with Haiti Medishare. As demonstrated here, the VIA test requires minimal materials, can be efficiently incorporated into a physical exams, provides immediate results, and is easily demonstrated to and performed by local healthcare providers. The straightforward and sensitive VIA technique is an ideal cervical cancer screening method for resource poor areas.
Wellbeing Impacts of City Policies for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Hiscock Rosemary , Mudu Pierpaolo , Braubach Matthias , Martuzzi Marco , Perez Laura , Sabel Clive
Published: November 2014

To mitigate climate change, city authorities are developing policies in areas such as transportation, housing and energy use, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to their effects on greenhouse gas emissions, these policies are likely to have consequences for the wellbeing of their populations for example through changes in opportunities to take physical exercise. In order to explore the potential consequences for wellbeing, we first explore what ‘wellbeing’ is and how it can be operationalised for urban planners. In this paper, we illustrate how wellbeing can be divided into objective and subjective aspects which can be measured quantitatively; our review of measures informs the development of a theoretical model linking wellbeing to policies which cities use to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Finally, we discuss the extent to which the links proposed in the conceptual model are supported by the literature and how cities can assess wellbeing implications of policies.
Exploration of Preterm Birth Rates Using the Public Health Exposome Database and Computational Analysis Methods
Authors: Kershenbaum Anne , Langston Michael , Levine Robert , Saxton Arnold , Oyana Tonny , Kilbourne Barbara , Rogers Gary , Gittner Lisaann , Baktash Suzanne , Matthews-Juarez Patricia , Juarez Paul
Published: November 2014

Recent advances in informatics technology has made it possible to integrate, manipulate, and analyze variables from a wide range of scientific disciplines allowing for the examination of complex social problems such as health disparities. This study used 589 county-level variables to identify and compare geographical variation of high and low preterm birth rates. Data were collected from a number of publically available sources, bringing together natality outcomes with attributes of the natural, built, social, and policy environments. Singleton early premature county birth rate, in counties with population size over 100,000 persons provided the dependent variable. Graph theoretical techniques were used to identify a wide range of predictor variables from various domains, including black proportion, obesity and diabetes, sexually transmitted infection rates, mother’s age, income, marriage rates, pollution and temperature among others. Dense subgraphs (paracliques) representing groups of highly correlated variables were resolved into latent factors, which were then used to build a regression model explaining prematurity (R-squared = 76.7%). Two lists of counties with large positive and large negative residuals, indicating unusual prematurity rates given their circumstances, may serve as a starting point for ways to intervene and reduce health disparities for preterm births.
Using a Social Justice and Health Framework to Assess European Climate Change Adaptation Strategies
Authors: Boeckmann Melanie , Zeeb Hajo
Published: November 2014

Climate change puts pressure on existing health vulnerabilities through higher frequency of extreme weather events, changes in disease vector distribution or exacerbated air pollution. Climate change adaptation policies may hold potential to reduce societal inequities. We assessed the role of public health and social justice in European climate change adaptation using a three-fold approach: a document analysis, a critical discourse analysis of a subgroup of strategies, and a ranking of strategies against our social justice framework. The ranking approach favored planning that includes various adaptation types, social issues and infrastructure changes. Themes on values identified in the five subgroup documents showed that risks are perceived as contradictory, technology is viewed as savior, responsibilities need to be negotiated, and social justice is advocated by only a few countries. Of 21 strategy documents assessed overall, those from Austria, England and Sweden received the highest scores in the ranking. Our qualitative assessment showed that in European adaptation planning, progress could still be made through community involvement into adaptation decisions, consistent consideration of social and demographic determinants, and a stronger link between infrastructural adaptation and the health sector. Overall, a social justice framework can serve as an evaluation guideline for adaptation policy documents.
Muddying the Waters: A New Area of Concern for Drinking Water Contamination in Cameroon
Authors: Profitós Jessica , Mouhaman Arabi , Lee Seungjun , Garabed Rebecca , Moritz Mark , Piperata Barbara , Tien Joe , Bisesi Michael , Lee Jiyoung
Published: November 2014

In urban Maroua, Cameroon, improved drinking water sources are available to a large majority of the population, yet this water is frequently distributed through informal distribution systems and stored in home containers (canaries), leaving it vulnerable to contamination. We assessed where contamination occurs within the distribution system, determined potential sources of environmental contamination, and investigated potential pathogens. Gastrointestinal health status (785 individuals) was collected via health surveys. Drinking water samples were collected from drinking water sources and canaries. Escherichia coli and total coliform levels were evaluated and molecular detection was performed to measure human-associated faecal marker, HF183; tetracycline-resistance gene, tetQ; Campylobacter spp.; and Staphylococcus aureus. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the relationship between microbial contamination and gastrointestinal illness. Canari samples had higher levels of contamination than source samples. HF183 and tetQ were detected in home and source samples. An inverse relationship was found between tetQ and E. coli. Presence of tetQ with lower E. coli levels increased the odds of reported diarrhoeal illness than E. coli levels alone. Further work is warranted to better assess the relationship between antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and other pathogens in micro-ecosystems within canaries and this relationship’s impact on drinking water quality.
Construction and Characterization of Three Wheat Bacterial Artificial Chromosome Libraries
Authors: Cao Wenjin , Fu Bisheng , Wu Kun , Li Na , Zhou Yan , Gao Zhongxia , Lin Musen , Li Guoqiang , Wu Xinyi , Ma Zhengqiang , Jia Haiyan
Published: November 2014

We have constructed three bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) libraries of wheat cultivar Triticum aestivum Wangshuibai, germplasms T. monococcum TA2026 and TA2033. A total of 1,233,792,170,880 and 263,040 clones were picked and arrayed in 384-well plates. On the basis of genome sizes of 16.8 Gb for hexaploid wheat and 5.6 Gb for diploid wheat, the three libraries represented 9.05-, 2.60-, and 3.71-fold coverage of the haploid genomes, respectively. An improved descending pooling system for BAC libraries screening was established. This improved strategy can save 80% of the time and 68% of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with the same successful rate as the universal 6D pooling strategy.
[FeFe]-Hydrogenase Abundance and Diversity along a Vertical Redox Gradient in Great Salt Lake, USA
Authors: Boyd Eric , Hamilton Trinity , Swanson Kevin , Howells Alta , Baxter Bonnie , Meuser Jonathan , Posewitz Matthew , Peters John
Published: November 2014

The use of [FeFe]-hydrogenase enzymes for the biotechnological production of H2 or other reduced products has been limited by their sensitivity to oxygen (O2). Here, we apply a PCR-directed approach to determine the distribution, abundance, and diversity of hydA gene fragments along co-varying salinity and O2 gradients in a vertical water column of Great Salt Lake (GSL), UT. The distribution of hydA was constrained to water column transects that had high salt and relatively low O2 concentrations. Recovered HydA deduced amino acid sequences were enriched in hydrophilic amino acids relative to HydA from less saline environments. In addition, they harbored interesting variations in the amino acid environment of the complex H-cluster metalloenzyme active site and putative gas transfer channels that may be important for both H2 transfer and O2 susceptibility. A phylogenetic framework was created to infer the accessory cluster composition and quaternary structure of recovered HydA protein sequences based on phylogenetic relationships and the gene contexts of known complete HydA sequences. Numerous recovered HydA are predicted to harbor multiple N- and C-terminal accessory iron-sulfur cluster binding domains and are likely to exist as multisubunit complexes. This study indicates an important role for [FeFe]-hydrogenases in the functioning of the GSL ecosystem and provides new target genes and variants for use in identifying O2 tolerant enzymes for biotechnological applications.
Long-Term Efficacy of Various Natural or “Green” Insecticides against Bed Bugs: A Double-Blind Study
Authors: Goddard Jerome
Published: November 2014

Bed bugs are resurging throughout the world, and, thus, effective pest control strategies are constantly needed. A few studies have evaluated 25(b) and other natural, or so-called “green” products, as well as over-the-counter insecticides for bed bugs, but additional studies are needed to determine efficacy of bed bug control products. This double-blinded research project was initiated to examine long-term effectiveness of six commercially available natural or “green” insecticides against bed bugs and to compare them with three known traditional residual products. Water was used as a control. Products were evaluated against both susceptible and resistant strains of bed bugs (1200 bugs each), and two different substrates were used. Temprid® (Bayer Corporation, Monheim, Germany), Transport® (FMC Corp., Philadelphia, PA, USA), Invader® (FMC Corporation, Philadelphia, PA USA), Cimexa® (Rockwell Laboratories, Kansas City, MO, USA), and BBT-2000® (Swepe-Tite LLC, Tupelo, MS, USA) were the only products which showed any substantial (>40%) bed bug control upon exposure to treated substrates after the six-month waiting period, although results with the resistant bed bug strain were much reduced. Alpine dust® (BASF Corporation, Florham Park, NJ, USA) killed 27% of bed bugs or less, depending on strain and substrate. EcoRaider® (North Bergen, NJ, USA) and Mother Earth D® (Whitmire Microgen, Florham Park, NJ, USA) (diatomaceous earth) produced 11% control or less. Cimi-Shield Protect® (Pest Barrier, Carson, CA, USA) showed no activity against bed bugs in this study. Analysis using SAS software showed a three-way interaction between treatment, substrate, and bed bug strain (Numerator DF 9; Denominator DF 80; F = 4.90; p < 0.0001).