bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Cavity Formation in Crack Initiation of Cold-Worked Carbon Steel in High-Temperature Water
Authors: Arioka Koji , Miyamoto Tomoki , Yamada Takuyo , Aoki Masanori
Published: October 2012

Crack initiation behavior was studied to understand the underlying processes during the incubation period for prediction of crack initiation after long-term exposure in high-temperature water. Tests were performed using blunt-notched compact tension-type specimens of cold-worked carbon steel (ASTM A106 [UNS K03006]) exposed under static load condition in hydrogenated pure water and in air in the range of temperatures between 320°C and 450°C. Five important patterns were observed. First, intergranular cracking was observed in both water and air, even in static load conditions when steel specimens had been cold-worked. Second, 1/T-type temperature dependencies of initiation times were observed for cold-worked (CW) carbon steel (CW carbon steel), and the crack initiation time in an operating plant (Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station, Point Lepreau, New Brunswick, Canada) seemed to lie in the extrapolated line of the experimental results. Third, cavities were identified at the grain boundaries at the bottom of a notch (highly stressed location) before cracks initiated both in water and air. The cavities seem to result from the condensation of vacancies and affected the bond strength of grain boundaries. Consequently, the bond strength is assumed to be weakened during the incubation period. Fourth, the rate of formation of cavities in water was more than 10 times the rate in air. This suggests that the rate of diffusion of vacancies may be enhanced by the absorption of hydrogen, which results from the reduction of water on the surface. Fifth, an excellent correlation was observed between the rates of crack growth and cavity formation both for stress corrosion cracking (SCC) and creep cracking. This suggested that the rate limiting process of crack growth is the formation of cavities at grain boundaries both in creep cracking and for SCC in high-temperature water. Finally, to assess the mechanism of intergranular stress corrosion cracking (IGSCC) initiation and growth at high-temperature water, the diffusion of vacancies driven by stress gradients was studied using a specially designed compact tension (CT)-type specimen. As a model for IGSCC in cold-worked carbon steel in high-temperature water, the formation of cavities from the collapse of vacancies seems to be the best interpretation of the present data.
Characterization of a boreal convective boundary layer and its impact on atmospheric chemistry during HUMPPA-COPEC-2010
Authors: Ouwersloot H. G. , Vilà-Guerau de Arellano J. , Nölscher A. C. , Krol M. C. , Ganzeveld L. N. , Breitenberger C. , Mammarella I. , Williams J. , Lelieveld J.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. We studied the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) dynamics and the impact on atmospheric chemistry during the HUMPPA-COPEC-2010 campaign. We used vertical profiles of potential temperature and specific moisture, obtained from 132 radio soundings, to determine the main boundary layer characteristics during the campaign. We propose a classification according to several main ABL prototypes. Further, we performed a case study of a single day, focusing on the convective boundary layer, to analyse the influence of the dynamics on the chemical evolution of the ABL. We used a mixed layer model, initialized and constrained by observations. In particular, we investigated the role of large scale atmospheric dynamics (subsidence and advection) on the ABL development and the evolution of chemical species concentrations. We find that, if the large scale forcings are taken into account, the ABL dynamics are represented satisfactorily. Subsequently, we studied the impact of mixing with a residual layer aloft during the morning transition on atmospheric chemistry. The time evolution of NOx and O3 concentrations, including morning peaks, can be explained and accurately simulated by incorporating the transition of the ABL dynamics from night to day. We demonstrate the importance of the ABL height evolution for the representation of atmospheric chemistry. Our findings underscore the need to couple the dynamics and chemistry at different spatial scales (from turbulence to mesoscale) in chemistry-transport models and in the interpretation of observational data.
The Little Ice Age: evidence from a sediment record in Gullmar Fjord, Swedish west coast
Authors: Polovodova Asteman I. , Nordberg K. , Filipsson H. L.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. We discuss the climatic and environmental changes during the last millennium in NE Europe based on a ca. 8-m long high-resolved and well-dated marine sediment record from the deepest basin of Gullmar Fjord (SW Sweden). According to the 210Pb- and 14C-datings, the record includes the period of the late Holocene characterised by anomalously cold summers and well known as the Little Ice Age (LIA). Using benthic foraminiferal stratigraphy, lithology, bulk sediment geochemistry and stable carbon isotopes we reconstruct various phases of this cold period, identify its timing in the study area and discuss the land-sea interactions occurring during that time. The onset of the LIA is indicated by an increase in cold-water foraminiferal species Adercotryma glomerata at ~ 1350 AD. The first phase of the LIA was characterised by a stormy but milder climate, which is indicated by a presence of Nonionella iridea. Maximum abundances of this species are likely to mirror a short and abrupt warming event at ~ 1600 AD. It is likely that due to land use changes in the second part of the LIA there was an increased input of terrestrial organic matter to the fjord, which is indicated by lighter δ13C values and an increase of detritivorous and omnivorous species as Textularia earlandi and Eggerelloides scaber. The climate deterioration during the climax of the LIA (1675–1704 AD), as suggested by the agglutinated species, caused some carbonate dissolution, variations in primary productivity and a decline of N. iridea dependant on fresh phytodetritus. It is also assumed that an increase of Hyalinea balthica could be indicative of climate warming trends at 1600–1743 and 1813–1940 AD.
COSTRICE – three model online coupling using OASIS: problems and solutions
Authors: Ho H. T. M. , Rockel B. , Kapitza H. , Geyer B. , Meyer E.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The coupled system COSTRICE is developed for the first time in order to reproduce the interactions and feedbacks between atmosphere, ocean and sea-ice in a two-way online coupled model system containing three component models for regional climate simulations over Baltic Sea and North Sea regions. The regional climate model CCLM1 is coupled to the regional ocean model TRIMNP1 and the sea ice model CICE1 via the coupler OASIS3. In this study, CCLM is setup with a horizontal grid mesh size of 50 km and 32 vertical atmosphere layers and driven by the 6-h ERA-interim reanalysis data as initial and boundary conditions. TRIMNP is setup with a horizontal grid mesh size of 12.8 km and 50 vertical ocean levels. CICE calculates ice in 5 categories and runs with the same horizontal resolution as TRIMNP but only over the Baltic Sea and the Kattegat Bay of the North Sea. In a two-way online coupling process, CCLM is linked to TRIMNP through sea surface temperature (SST) as lower boundary condition every 3 h and TRIMNP is driven by 1-h atmospheric state variables and fluxes of CCLM. The data exchange processes between TRIMNP and CICE as well as from CCLM to CICE take place with an interval of 3 h. The coupled model is applied in a study for climate simulations over Baltic Sea and North Sea regions in 1997. The coupled system is set up to run in parallel on the super computing system IBM-power 6 at the German Climate Computing Center (DKRZ). 1 See Table A1.
Inferring snowpack ripening and melt-out from distributed measurements of near-surface ground temperatures
Authors: Schmid M.-O. , Gubler S. , Fiddes J. , Gruber S.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. Seasonal snow cover and its melt regime are heterogeneous both in time and space. Describing and modelling this variability is important because it affects diverse phenomena such as runoff, ground temperatures or slope movements. This study presents the derivation of melting characteristics based on spatial clusters of ground surface temperature (GST) measurements. Results are based on data from Switzerland where ground surface temperatures were measured with miniature loggers (iButtons) at 40 locations referred to as footprints. At each footprint, up to ten iButtons have been distributed randomly over an area of 10 m × 10 m, placed a few cm below the ground surface. Footprints span elevations of 2100–3300 m a.s.l. and slope angles of 0–55°, as well as diverse slope expositions and types of surface cover and ground material. Based on two years of temperature data, the basal ripening date and the melt-out date are determined for each iButton, aggregated to the footprint level and further analysed. The melt-out date could be derived for nearly all iButtons; the ripening date could be extracted for only approximately half of them because its detection based on GST requires ground freezing below the snowpack. The variability within a footprint is often considerable and one to three weeks difference between melting or ripening of the points in one footprint is not uncommon. The correlation of mean annual ground surface temperatures, ripening date and melt-out date is moderate, suggesting that these metrics are useful for model evaluation.
Educational Development Websites: What Do They Tell Us About How Canadian Centres Support the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning?
Authors: Woodhouse Ros A , Force Kristin A
Published: October 2012

The study investigates how university educational development centres in Canada currently support faculty in developing the skills and knowledge to engage in the scholarship of teaching and learning. Content analysis of centre websites was used to identify strategies used to support SoTL. The main strategies identified were providing information and grants. Recommendations include increasing the visibility of SoTL on centre websites and integrating it with other centre activities. The data question the viability of a national strategy to improve teaching through SoTL.
L’étude porte sur la façon dont les centres universitaires d’appui à la formation au Canada soutiennent actuellement les membres du corps enseignant dans le perfectionnement de leurs compétences et de leurs connaissances pour participer à l’avancement des connaissances en enseignement et en apprentissage. L’analyse du contenu des sites Web des centres a été utilisée pour déterminer les stratégies employées pour soutenir cet avancement. Les principales stratégies consistent à fournir de l’information et des bourses. Les recommandations portent sur l’augmentation de la visibilité de l’avancement de ces connaissances et sur son intégration aux activités du centre. Les données remettent en cause la viabilité d’une stratégie nationale visant à améliorer l’enseignement grâce à l’avancement des connaissances en enseignement et en apprentissage.
Is "Safety" Dangerous? A Critical Examination of the Classroom as Safe Space
Authors: Barrett Betty J.
Published: October 2012

The notion that the classroom can, indeed must, be a safe space to promote student engagement and enhance academic outcomes is pervasive in the teaching and learning literature. Despite the prevalence of this claim, there is a dearth of empirical evidence documenting the effectiveness of safe space classrooms in achieving these goals. The purpose of this essay is to provide a critical examination of the classroom as safe space. I begin by deconstructing the common meanings of safety as presented in the pedagogical literature and provide an overview of the existing research on student perceptions of safe space learning environments. I then problematize the metaphor of the classroom as safe space through an examination of 1) the impact of safety on student intellectual development 2) the impossibility of safety for students in marginalized and oppressed populations 3) the challenges to assessing student learning in safe environments and 4) the ambiguity inherent in defining safety for students. I conclude by arguing that both educators and students are better served by the development of an alternative discourse of classroom safety, one that is predicated on the notion of classroom civility. Dans la littérature sur l’enseignement et l’apprentissage, la notion selon laquelle la classe doit vraiment être un espace sécuritaire pour promouvoir la participation de l’étudiant et améliorer ses résultats scolaires est omniprésente. Malgré la prévalence de cette affirmation, il y a une pénurie de données probantes empiriques venant étayer l’efficacité des classes en tant qu’espace sécuritaire afin d’atteindre ces buts. L’objectif du présent essai est de procéder à un examen critique de la classe en tant qu’espace sécuritaire. Je commence par déconstruire la signification courante de la sécurité telle qu’elle est présentée dans la littérature sur la pédagogie et fournis un aperçu de la recherche existante sur les perceptions des étudiants relativement aux environnements d’apprentissage sécuritaires. Je considère ensuite la métaphore de la classe en tant qu’espace sécuritaire comme un problème et examine : 1) les répercussions de la sécurité sur le développement intellectuel des étudiants; 2) le caractère impossible de la sécurité pour les étudiants qui font partie des populations marginalisées et opprimées; 3) les difficultés liées à l’évaluation de l’apprentissage des étudiants dans des environnements sécuritaires; 4) l’ambiguïté inhérente à la définition de la sécurité des étudiants. Je conclus en expliquant que les éducateurs et les étudiants sont mieux servis par la création d’un autre type de discours sur la sécurité dans la classe, qui est basé sur la notion de civilité en classe.
Enhancing Canadian Teacher Education Using a Story Framework
Authors: Drake Susan M.
Published: October 2012

The Accord on Initial Teacher Education was created by the Canadian Deans of Education in 2006 to guide teacher educators across Canada. The Story Model (Drake et al., 1992) is aligned with the principles in the Accord and has proven useful in teacher education. Here it is explored as a framework for curriculum development and as an instructional strategy for students to analyze complex educational issues. This framework uses an inside-outside/past- future approach to analyze current issues and includes personal, cultural and global perspectives. Literacy and emerging new literacies are explored within the framework, as well as traditional assessment and assessment for and as learning. The Story Model looks toward creating a dynamic pan-Canadian “new story” in teacher education.
En 2006, l’Association canadienne des doyens et doyennes des facultés d’éducation a créé l’Accord sur la formation initiale à l’enseignement afin de guider les formateurs des enseignants au Canada. Le modèle du récit (Story Model – Drake et al., 1992) correspond aux principes de l’Accord et a démontré son utilité en matière de formation des enseignants. Dans cet article, les auteurs le présentent à titre de cadre de référence pour l’élaboration de programmes d’enseignement, de même qu’à titre de stratégie d’enseignement permettant aux étudiants d’analyser des enjeux pédagogiques complexes. Ce cadre utilise une méthode intérieur-extérieur/passé-présent pour analyser les enjeux actuels et considère les perspectives personnelles, culturelles et globales. Les auteurs étudient la littéracie et les nouvelles littéracies, tout comme l’évaluation traditionnelle et celle qui est au service de l’apprentissage. Le modèle du récit (Story Model) vise à créer un « nouveau récit » pancanadien dynamique en matière d’éducation des enseignants.
Teacher Education in Online Classrooms: An Inquiry into Instructors’ Lived Experiences
Authors: Kraglund-Gauthier Wendy L. , Chareka Ottilia , Murray Orr Anne , Foran Andrew
Published: October 2012

Across Canada and around the world, online technologies are becoming widely used and accepted as effective modes of learning. This essay traces the initial forays into teaching online classes by three Faculty of Education professors at one small Canadian university and an instructional designer / teacher who joined part-way through the research journey. Included are our understandings of how our teaching practices evolved amidst initial uncertainties and expanding abilities, our renewed awareness of the importance of collegial support and encouragement, and the implications for future online teaching experiences. Our essay provides an intimate window into our online teaching journeys and captures specific moments we experienced at various stages in the development of our e-instructional practices. The account of our processes of becoming online teacher educators is supported by an interweaving of historical and current literature on pedagogy and e-learning, and serves to address the dearth of research into the processes educators undergo when engaged in online teaching.
Les technologies offertes en ligne sont de plus en plus utilisées et acceptées comme mode d'apprentissage efficace au Canada et dans le monde. Le présent essai décrit une première incursion dans les classes d'enseignement en ligne de trois professeurs de la faculté d'éducation d'une petite université canadienne. Un concepteur de matériel pédagogique et enseignant s'est également joint à l'équipe au cours de la recherche. Cet essai porte sur notre compréhension de l'évolution de nos pratiques pédagogiques parmi les incertitudes initiales et l’acquisition graduelle de nouvelles capacités. Il porte également sur notre prise de conscience de l'importance du soutien et de l'encouragement des pairs, de même que sur les conséquences pour de futures expériences d'enseignement en ligne. Le présent essai constitue une fenêtre intime donnant sur notre expérience d'enseignement en ligne et fait état des moments particuliers que nous avons vécus à diverses étapes de l'évolution de nos pratiques technopédagogiques. La description des processus qui nous ont amenés à devenir des éducateurs enseignant en ligne est étayée par une combinaison de documentation historique et actuelle sur la pédagogie et l'apprentissage en ligne. Cette description vise à combler la pénurie de recherche sur les processus que suivent les éducateurs qui adoptent ce mode d’enseignement.
Une perspective SoTL au développement professionnel des enseignants au supérieur : Qu’est-ce que cela signifie pour le conseil pédagogique?
Authors: Bélanger Claire
Published: October 2012

Dans la littérature en enseignement supérieur, surtout anglo-saxonne, l’attention est de plus en plus vouée au Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). Nous aimerions contribuer par ce texte à la réflexion sur ce que peut signifier le SoTL pour la pratique de conseil. Nous présenterons d’abord notre conception du conseil pédagogique en tant que mesure d’accompagnement au développement pédagogique des enseignants. Nous décrirons ensuite ce qui est entendu par le SoTL et la place que cette perspective au développement en enseignement réserve au conseil pédagogique. Enfin, nous tenterons un rapprochement entre notre compréhension du SoTL et notre pratique actuelle de conseil pédagogique, laissant voir un élargissement possible de celle-ci. L’ensemble se matérialise dans un tableau qui relie entre eux le développement pédagogique des enseignants dans une perspective SoTL et le conseil pédagogique, concrétisant des visées, stratégies et contextes suggérés de conseil en fonction du développement en enseignement des enseignants et des attributs du SoTL.
In the literature on higher education, especially in English, there is an increasing focus on the scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL). With this paper, we would like to to address the issue of the relationship between SoTL and educational development. First, we present our conception of the role of the educational developer in teachers’ pedagogical development. We then describe what is understood by SoTL and the place it gives to educational developers’ support in enhancing teachers’ development. We conclude by attempting to tie together our understanding of SoTL and our current practice as educational developers, suggesting ways this practice might be broadened. The whole discussion takes place within an SoTL framework linking teacher development and educational development, and includes practical recommendations concerning aims, strategies and settings.
Characterization of the causal agent of poplar anthracnose occurring in the Beijing region
Authors: Li Zheng , Liang Ying Mei , Tian Cheng Ming
Published: October 2012

Twenty fungal isolates derived from infected poplar leaves collected in four Beijing regional districts during 2009 and 2010 were examined for morphological and cultural characteristics. Multi-gene phylogenetic sequence analyses of the rDNA ITS (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) region and the β-tubulin2,
partial actin (ACT), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPDH), and glutamine synthetase (GS) genes were performed for these isolates. The morphological and cultural evaluations and DNA sequence analyses demonstrated that 16 isolates represented Colletotrichum gloeosporioides
while the remaining four isolates, all from Shi Jingshan district, represent a new species, Colletotrichum populi, which is described and illustrated.
Four new records of Aspergillus sect. Usti from Shandong Province, China
Authors: Wang Long
Published: October 2012

Four new Chinese records of Aspergillus species: Emericella heterothallica, Aspergillus calidoustus, A. keveii, and A. pseudodeflectus are reported from Shandong Province. Emericella heterothallica, despite being uncommonly reported, should
be regarded as geographically widely distributed.
Lectotypification of Crepidotus variabilis var. subsphaerosporus
Authors: Jančovičová Soňa , Pennycook Shaun R.
Published: October 2012

An original watercolour painting by J. E. Lange is designated as the lectotype of Crepidotus variabilis var. subsphaerosporus. This painting was cited in two descriptions published invalidly by Lange prior to his validation of the name; it therefore constitutes part of
the original material on which he based his description. As a lectotype, it supersedes the neotype previously designated by Senn-Irlet, which is here designated as epitype.
Russula jilinensis sp. nov. (Russulaceae) from northeast China
Authors: Li Guo-Jie , Li Sai-Fei , Liu Xing-Zhong , Wen Hua-An
Published: October 2012

Russula jilinensis (subg. Coccinula sect. Laetinae), is described from Changbai Mountains, northeast China. The new species is distinguished by its bright red glabrous pileus with a cinnamon tinged disc, slightly yellowish context, dark yellow to ocher spore print,
and pileipellis with septate pileocystidia. The morphological characteristics are illustrated in detail and compared with those of similar species. Identification of R. jilinensis was supported by the molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer
regions (ITS).
Spontaneously developed, solitary endometriosis of the umbilicus
Authors: Sato Shimpei , Nasu Kaei , Iwanaga Naoko , Furukawa Yuichi , Matsumoto Harunobu , Narahara Hisashi
Published: October 2012

Purpose

Endometriosis of the umbilicus is rare, with the most common site being laparoscopy scars. We report here a case of spontaneously developed, solitary umbilical endometriosis, not associated with a surgical scar, that was successfully treated with local excision.

Case

A 44-year-old Japanese woman was admitted complaining of an umbilical mass with cyclic pain, associated with her menstrual cycle. She had noticed the umbilical pain six months earlier. She had not received an abdominal operation or hormonal treatment. Abdominal examination revealed an index-finger-tip-sized, dome-shaped, painful, subcutaneous mass beneath the umbilicus with slightly brownish skin. Gynecologic examination showed a fibroid uterus of double-fist size. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a subcutaneous mass beneath the umbilicus 1.5 cm in diameter. The umbilical mass was revealed to be high intensity with a small low-intensity area by both T1-weighted and T2-weighted images, suggesting umbilical endometriosis. The patient was treated by local excision of the umbilical mass, and full excision was achieved. Total hysterectomy and right salpingo-oophorectomy were performed simultaneously to treat the uterine fibroid. The pathologic diagnosis of the excised umbilical tissue was endometriosis. Endometriotic or adenomyotic lesion was not detected in the resected uterine and tubo-ovarian tissues. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist administration for six months was commenced after the surgical treatment. The patient is doing well without evidence of disease four months after surgery.

Conclusion

Spontaneously developed umbilical endometriosis is rare. Simultaneous laparoscopy or laparotomy should be considered to assess co-existent pelvic endometriosis at the time of surgical treatment in selected cases.
The Management of Malfunctioning Prosthetic Arteriovenous Accesses by Interventional Nephrologists and Surgeons: A Retrospective Comparison of Long-term Outcomes
Authors: Iglesias Roberto C. , Cull David L. , Carsten Christopher G. , Jones Yonge R. , Keahey Gail P. , Johnson Brent L.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

To compare the outcomes of arteriovenous grafts (AVG) managed by interventional nephrologists (IN) to those managed by vascular surgeons (VS).

Methods

Between January 2004 and February 2005, 106 forearm loop AVG were placed. Ten AVG did not meet inclusion criteria and thus were excluded from study. Forty-seven AVG were managed by IN using percutaneous interventional techniques. Vascular surgeons, using surgical techniques, cared for 49 AVG. High-risk AVG in the IN group were surveyed with fistulagrams, whereas AVG in the VS group were not. Outcomes of the IN and VS groups were retrospectively compared.

Results

The secondary patency rates at 6 and 18 months were 84% and 69% in the IN group and 79% and 68% in the VS group, respectively ( P=.38). Twenty-five (53%) AVG in the IN required at least one surgical procedure to achieve a patency equivalent to that of the VS group. The mean number of AVG interventions to final failure was 4.8 in the IN group and 3.0 in the VS group ( P=.03). Infection requiring AVG removal occurred in six patients in the IN group and one patient in the VS group ( P=.07).

Conclusions

Surveillance fistulagrams and percutaneous intervention for malfunctioning AVG by IN do not provide superior patency and may require more interventions over the “life” of the graft when compared to no surveillance and surgical intervention by VS. In order to achieve optimal vascular access outcomes, a collaborative relationship between nephrologist and surgeon is essential so as to ensure that the most appropriate intervention is selected and futile interventions are avoided.
Image-Guided Placement of Port Catheters: Is There an Increased Risk of Infection if the Port is Immediately Accessed and Used?
Authors: Salazar Gloria , Yeddula Kalpana , Wicky Stephan , Oklu Ramhi , Ganguli Suvranu , Waltman Arthur C. , Walker Thomas G , Kalva Sanjeeva P.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

To compare complication rates in patients who have port-a-catheters inserted and left accessed for immediate use and those who have ports inserted but not accessed.

Methods

In this retrospective, IRB-approved study, medical records of patients who received a port catheter between 9/2009 and 2/2010 were reviewed. The data collected included patient demographics, diagnosis, procedure and complications. The patients were categorized into two groups: accessed (patients in whom the port was accessed with a Huber needle for immediate intravenous use and the patient left the procedure area with needle indwelling) and control (patients in whom the ports were not accessed). Complications were classified according to Society of Interventional Radiology guidelines. Results are given as mean ±SD. Statistical analysis was performed with student t test and statistical significance was considered at P<.05.

Results

A total of 467 ports were placed in 465 patients (Men: 206); 10.7% in the accessed group (n=50, age: 60±13.9) and 89.3% in the control group (n=417, age: 59±13.5). There were no statistically significant differences in patient demographics between the groups. The overall complication rate was 0.6% (n=3). Two complications (hematoma causing skin necrosis and thrombosis of the port) occurred in the control group and one (infection) in the accessed group. Infection rates after procedures were 2% (1/50) in the accessed group and 0% (0/417) in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in overall complication (P=.1) and infection (P=.1) rates among the groups.

Conclusions

Leaving the port accessed immediately after placement does not increase the risk of infection or other complications.
Experiential Internships: Understanding the Process of Student Learning in Small Business Internships
Authors: Varghese Mary E. , Parker Loran Carleton , Adedokun Omolola , Shively Monica , Burgess Wilella , Childress Amy , Bessenbacher Ann
Published: October 2012

This qualitative study examines the process of student learning in a small-business experiential internship programme that pairs highly qualified undergraduates with local small or start-up companies. The Cognitive Apprenticeship model developed by Collins et al (1991) was used to conceptualize students' reported experiences. The results revealed that the internship structure allowed students to acquire knowledge successfully from experts in the field, situate their learning in the environment of practice, and learn valuable professional and entrepreneurial skills not found in traditional classroom settings. Students reported an increase in self-efficacy and indicated that their interests in working in a small business were solidified or further enhanced. It is argued that these findings have important implications for researchers, small business owners and entrepreneurial and small business support initiatives in higher education.
Substitution Effects of C-C Triple Bonds on Deactivation Processes from the Fluorescent State of Pyrene Studied by Emission and Transient Absorption Measurements
Authors: Yamaji Minoru , Maeda Hajime , Nanai Yasuaki , Mizuno Kazuhiko
Published: October 2012

Pyrenes substituted with tert-butylethynyl, trimethylsilylethynyl, and trimethylsilylbutadiynyl groups were prepared, and the fluorescence yields (Φf), lifetimes, and triplet-triplet absorption were measured in cyclohexane. Upon introduction of the groups possessing triple bond(s) to the pyrene skeleton, the fluorescence rate (kf) increased. The variation of the terminating groups did not appreciably affect the Φf and kf values. Increasing the number of the triple bond, the kf values increased by the magnitude of order whereas the Φf were not varied. The effect of the ethynyl groups on the kf values was rationalized by the Strickler-Berg equation considering an increase of the 1La transition moment. Triplet-triplet absorption spectra of pyrene derivatives were obtained. The intersystem crossing rates (kisc) increased upon increasing the number of triple bonds terminated with the trimethylsilyl group whereas those between ethynylpyrenes were independent of the terminating groups. Heavy atom effect failed to rationalize the enhancement of the kisc values upon adding the triple bond to the pyrene moiety.
FEV1/FEV6: A Reliable, Easy-to-Use, and Cheaper Alternative to FEV1/FVC in Diagnosing Airway Obstruction in Indian Population
Authors: Singh Anupam Kumar , Lohia Amit
Published: October 2012

Background. FEV1/FEV6 has been proposed as a cheap, reproducible and valid alternative to FEV1/FVC in spirometry. No Indian data exists on its utility to diagnose airway obstruction. Aim. we sought to determine a fixed cut off of FEV1/FEV6 to diagnose obstruction corresponding to FEV1/FVC < 0.70 proposed by GOLD guidelines. Method. Spirometry was done on patient referred to a tertiary centre in India. Age, sex, height weight were recorded in addition to spirometric variables like FEV1, FVC, FEV6. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of FEV1/FEV6 were determined with respect to gold standard of FEV1/FVC < 0.70. Results. 467 spirometries were analysed after meeting the ATS acceptability criteria. Considering FEV1/FVC < 0.7 as being the gold standard for obstruction, ROC curve was used to determine the best corresponding cut-off for FEV1/FEV6. The area under the curve was 99.3% (95% CI: 98.1–99.8%), and the FEV1/FEV6 cut-off, corresponding to the greatest sum of sensitivity and specificity, was 73%. For the total population, the FEV1/FEV6 sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV were was 95.7 %, 94.2 %, 87.5 % and 97.9 % respectively. Agreement by Kappa value between two cut offs was excellent 0.89 (0.87–0.91). Conclusion. FEV1/FEV6 < 73% is a new reliable spirometry index to diagnose airway obstruction in Indian population.
Simulated Annealing with Previous Solutions Applied to DNA Sequence Alignment
Authors: Liñán-García Ernesto , Gallegos-Araiza Lorena Marcela
Published: October 2012

A new algorithm for solving sequence alignment problem is proposed, which is named SAPS (Simulated Annealing with Previous Solutions). This algorithm is based on the classical Simulated Annealing (SA). SAPS is implemented in order to obtain results of pair and multiple sequence alignment. SA is a simulation of heating and cooling of a metal to solve an optimization problem. In order to select randomly a current solution, SAPS algorithm chooses a solution from solutions that have been previously generated within the Metropolis Cycle. This simple change has led to increase the quality of the solution to the problem of aligning genomic sequences with respect to the classical Simulated Annealing algorithm. The parameters of SAPS, for certain instances, are tuned by an analytical method, and some parameters have experimentally been tuned. SAPS has generated high-quality results in comparison with the classical SA. The instances used are specific genes of the AIDS virus.
In Vitro Effects of Herbicides and Insecticides on Human Breast Cells
Authors: Rich Jessica D. , Gabriel Seth M. , Schultz-Norton Jennifer R.
Published: October 2012

Numerous studies have indicated that the pesticides and herbicides used in agricultural processes in the United States and Europe may have detrimental effects upon human health. Many of these compounds have been indicated as potential endocrine and reproductive disruptors, although the studies have examined supraphysiological levels well above the US EPA safe levels for drinking water and have often examined these effects in “model” cell lines such as Chinese hamster ovary cells. We have now examined the cytotoxicity of more environmentally relevant concentrations of four herbicides, acetochlor, atrazine, cyanazine, and simazine, and two insecticides, chlorpyrifos and resmethrin, in three human breast cell lines. Interestingly, cytotoxicity was not observed in the estrogen-dependent MCF-7 mammary epithelial carcinoma cells; rather increases in cell viability were seen for some of the compounds at select concentrations. These results vary greatly from what was observed in the estrogen independent MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and the non-cancerous MCF-10A breast cells. This gives insight into how different tumors may respond to pesticide exposure and allows us to make more accurate conclusions about the potential cytotoxicity or, at times, stimulatory actions of these pesticides.
Degradation of Trichloroethylene Contaminated Soil by Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticles
Authors: Ibrahem Amira Kamal , Abdel Moghny Thanaa , Mustafa Yasser Mohamed , Maysour Nermine Elsyed , Mohamed Saad El Din El Dars Farida , Farouk Hassan Reham
Published: October 2012

Trichloroethylene (TCE) contaminated soil has received extensive attention in the environmental issues. Nanoscale zero-valent iron (NZVI) is considered as an excellent reduction catalyst due to fast degradation of chlorinated solvents. Therefore, this paper aims to evaluate TCE removal from soil by surfactant modified nanoscale zero-valent iron (SNZVI). In this respect, fixed 500 g soil having a diameter range 0.5–1 mm was polluted with 10 mL TCE and put inside glass column of 2.5 cm diameter × 300 cm length. The NZVI solution was prepared from reduction of FeCL3 by NaBH4 and coating with 2.5 g nonionic surfactant (Tween 85) to produce iron nanoparticle concentration of 0.1 g/L. The prepared iron nanoparticle was poured into contaminated soil and left to stir at a constant rate for 24 days. The reductive dechlorination of TCE was measured as a function of increasing chloride ion. It was found that the TCE dechlorination in the presence of iron surfaces displayed pseudo first-order kinetics. The TCE degradation rate constant () is . Also, about 30% of TCE was removed within initial 6 days. The obtained specific rate constant () was and is lower than other studies carried into aqueous phase by about 23 orders of magnitude. Finally, the SNZVI was found to be effective and fully removed to TCE within 456 hours.
Bipancyclic Properties of Faulty Hypercubes
Authors: Hung Chun-Nan , Hsiao Min-Kun
Published: October 2012

A bipartite graph G=(V,E) is bipancyclic if it contains cycles of every even length from 4 to |V| and edge bipancyclic if every edge lies on a cycle of every even length from 4 to |V|. Let Qn denote the n-dimensional hypercube. Let F be a subset of V(Qn)∪E(Qn) such that F can be decomposed into two parts Fav and Fe, where Fav is a union of fav disjoint adjacent pairs of V(Qn), and Fe consists of fe edges. We prove that Qn-F is bipancyclic if fav+fe≤n-2. Moreover, Qn-F is edge bipancyclic if fav+fe≤n-2 with fav<n-2.
Efficacy of Selected Agroindustrial Wastes in Managing Root-Knot Nematodes on Black Nightshade in Kenya
Authors: Nchore Shem Bonuke , Waceke J. W. , Kariuki G. M.
Published: October 2012

Black nightshade is commercially cultivated in Kenya as a source of nutrition and income to the rural populations. Besides insect pests, root-knot nematodes (RKN) are important production constraints of this vegetable. Little information is available on the efficacy of Tithonia diversifolia Hemsl (TD) and agro-industrial wastes of pyrethrum marc (PM) and tea residue (Tres) on RKN. Greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the optimum levels of amending soils with TD, PM, vegetable waxy resins (VWR), Tres and cattle manure (CM) at their respective rates for management of RKN. The amendments were incorporated into the soil 14 days before sowing the seeds. Thereafter 21-day-old seedlings were inoculated with ten egg-masses, with four replications arranged in randomized complete block design. Plant growth and disease parameters were assessed and subjected to ANOVA. Disease severity and population reduced significantly at levels 2 and 3 for most amendments with the highest top biomass recorded in CM, TD and PM. Higher levels of Tres and VWR caused stunting and reduced biomass. Lower severity occurred in VWR, Tres, PM, and CM at 20%, 28.0, 9.0, and 9.0 g/kg soil, respectively, with reproduction ranging from 0.3 to 3.7 recorded on amended soils with Tres at 32.0 g/kg, TD at 8 g/kg soil and CM at 9.0 g/kg. Higher yields, lower severity and reproduction were found on soil with PM, Tres, TD, CM and VWR at 9.0, 28.0, 8.0, 9.0 g/kg soil, and 20.0%, respectively. These amendments are alternatives in ecofriendly management of RKN and other plant parasitic nematodes.
Physical Activity Enhancement to a Behavioral Weight Loss Program for Severely Obese Individuals: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Unick Jessica L. , O'Leary Kevin C. , Bond Dale S. , Wing Rena R.
Published: October 2012

Severe obesity is characterized by low physical activity (PA) and interventions to enhance PA are needed. Participants (45.0 ± 3.9 kg/m2) were randomized to a 6-month standard behavioral weight loss program (SBWL;n= 14) or SBWL+technology (SBWL+TECH;n= 15). Both groups received identical SBWL treatment and SBWL+TECH also received a wearable PA monitor, providing “real-time” feedback, and website access to monitor energy balance. 6-month retention was similar between groups (SBWL: 12/13 versus SBWL+TECH: 11/14 completers;P= 0.19) and adherence to wearing the armband was excellent (91.3% of days). Although differences in PA between groups did not meet conventional thresholds of significance, SBWL+TECH increased their moderate-to-vigorous intensity PA by 132.9 ± 216.8 min/week, which was 3 times greater than SBWL (44.8 ± 124.3 min/week;P= 0.27; Cohen’sd= 0.50). There was a trend for SBWL+TECH to self-monitor for a greater proportion of days compared to SBWL (86.2 ± 21.4% versus 71.5 ± 19.4%;P= 0.098; Cohen’sd= 0.72). The difference in weight loss between groups was modest (SBWL+TECH: −10.0 ± 7.1% versus SBWL: −7.8 ± 6.7%;P= 0.46). These preliminary findings suggest that PA monitors may be one strategy for increasing PA among the severely obese. Larger, long-term trials are needed.
Unveiling New Molecular Factors Useful for Detection of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease due toChlamydia trachomatisInfection
Authors: Rodriguez-Cerdeira Carmen , Sanchez-Blanco Elena , Molares-Vila Alberto , Alba Alfonso
Published: October 2012

Background. UntreatedChlamydia trachomatisinfections in women can result in disease sequelae such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), ultimately culminating in tubal occlusion and infertility. While nucleic acid amplification tests can effectively diagnose uncomplicated lower genital tract infections, they are not suitable for diagnosing upper genital tract pathological sequelae.Objective. The purpose of this paper was to provide a comprehensive review of new molecular factors associated with the diagnosis and prognosis of PID.Material and Methods. The literature was searched using the key words “Chlamydia trachomatisinfections,” “pelvic inflammatory disease,” and “molecular factors” in the PubMed database. Relevant articles published between 1996 and 2012 were evaluated.Conclusions. The use of new molecular factors could potentially facilitate earlier diagnosis and prognosis in women with PID due toC. trachomatisinfection.
Translating Community Connectedness to Practice: A Qualitative Study of Midlevel Health Workers in Rural Guatemala
Authors: Hernández Alison , Hurtig Anna-Karin , Dahlblom Kjerstin , San Sebastián Miguel
Published: October 2012

Background. The performance of midlevel health workers is a critical lever for strengthening health systems and redressing inequalities in underserved areas. Auxiliary nurses form the largest cadre of health workers in Guatemala. In rural settings, they provide essential services to vulnerable communities, and thus have great potential to address priority health needs. This paper examines auxiliary nurses’ motivation and satisfaction, and the coping strategies they use to respond to challenges they confront in their practice. Methods. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 auxiliary nurses delivering health services in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. Results. Community connectedness was central to motivation in this rural Guatemalan setting. Participants were from rural communities and conveyed a sense of connection to the people they were serving through shared culture and their own experiences of health needs. Satisfaction was derived through recognition from the community and a sense of valuing their work. Auxiliary nurses described challenges commonly faced in low-resource settings. Findings indicated they were actively confronting these challenges through their own initiative. Conclusions. Strategies to support the performance of midlevel health workers should focus on mechanisms to make training accessible to rural residents, support problem-solving in practice, and emphasize building relationships with communities served.
Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Escherichia coli Isolates from Hospitals in Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: George Duredoh Freeman , Gbedema Stephen Yao , Agyare Christian , Adu Francis , Boamah Vivian Etsiapa , Tawiah Adelaide Ama , Saana Sixtus Bieranye Bayaa Martin
Published: October 2012

Nosocomial infections are infections acquired by a patient as a result of treatment in a hospital or healthcare service providing center and symptoms occurs within a short period of hospitalization. The study was to determine the antibiotic resistance patterns of Escherichia coli isolated from Kumasi-South, Tafo and Suntreso Hospitals, Kumasi, Ghana. Total of 600 swabs samples from the hospitals were collected between January and June, 2010. The isolates were identified using morphological and biochemical means. A total of 97 E. coli isolates were obtained from the hospitals. Beds in hospital wards had the highest number of E. coli strains (53.6%), followed by floors (20.6%) while drainages had the least isolates (3.1%). Majority of the E. coli isolates (90.7%) exhibited resistance to ampicillin while 6.2 and 3.1% showed intermediate and sensitive respectively. Co-trimoxazole, 78.4% of the isolates were resistant while 9.3 and 12.4% exhibited intermediate and sensitive responses respectively. E. coli isolates (28.6 to 46.4%) were resistant to gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone while 14.4 to 47.4% gave intermediate responses. Most isolates (80.4%) exhibited multi-drug resistance. There is a need to observe proper personal hygiene, use of effective disinfectants and proper disposal of contaminated/pathogenic materials in these hospitals to control nosocomial infections.
Development of MoSi2-SiC Component for Satellite Launch Vehicle
Authors: Khanra G. P. , Jha Abhay K. , GiriKumar S. , Mishra D. K. , Sarvanan T. T. , Sharma S. C.
Published: October 2012

Intermetallic base MoSi2-SiC composite, an excellent high temperature oxidation-resistant material meant for the aerospace structural applications between 1600°C and 1700°C under oxidizing environment, has been developed successfully using powder metallurgy techniques. Mechanically milled (MM) MoSi2 powder, blended with SiC particulate was consolidated by vacuum hot pressing, yielded about 98.5% theoretical density. The composite has been characterized for physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Properties were found satisfactory. Machining of semis to intricate shape was possible through electro-discharge machining (EDM) process. Plasma arc jet test (PAJT) under argon and argon + oxygen environment has proved its excellent high temperature oxidation resistance properties as it could sustain high heat flux up to 250 W/cm2 under oxidizing environment. The component realized has full potential to be used in critical aerospace application. This paper highlights the details of experimental work carried out and its characteristic properties attained.
Evaluation of Polybutylate-Coated Braided Polyester (Ethibond)
Sutures for Levator-Advancement Blepharoptosis Repair
Authors: Yulish Michael , Pikkel Joseph
Published: October 2012

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of polybutylate-coated
braided polyester (Ethibond* 5-0) suture for levator aponeurosis suturing to the anterior tarsal surface in involutional blepharoptosis repair surgery. Methods. Ten consecutive patients (16 eyes) with acquired blepharoptosis which resulted from levator aponeurosis dehiscence with good levator function had gone through surgery and were followed up for, at least, one year. Results. There was no significant change between postoperative MRD1 measurements. No serious complications, such as infection of the sutures, inflammation, granuloma formation or ptosis recurrence, were registered. Conclusion. Polybutylate-coated braided polyester (Ethibond* 5-0) suture is a safe and effective material for involutional blepharoptosis repair surgery.