bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis typing, antibiotic resistance, and plasmid profiles ofEscherichia colistrains isolated from foods
Authors: Uysal Ahmet , Durak Yusuf
Published: November 2012

Bacterial contamination in foods and antimicrobial resistance levels of common pathogenic strains causing food-borne disease are important in human health. Thus, typing technologies are important tools to determine primary sources of bacterial contamination. In this study, 40 Escherichia coli strains isolated from 85 food samples were evaluated in terms of genetic diversity, susceptibility to certain antibiotics, and plasmid profiles. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was used to identify the genetic relations of E. coli isolates. It was determined that the 40 E. coli strains revealed 32 different pulsotypes represented by 6 subtypes. Antibiotic susceptibility tests conducted by using a disc diffusion method against 15 antibiotics showed that although the isolates revealed 14 different types of resistance profiles, the strains showed the greatest resistance to ampicillin (77.5%), followed by ticarcillin–clavulanic acid (30%), tetracycline (22.5%), and cephalothin (14.5%). Plasmid isolations studies of the strains conducted by the method of alkaline lysis revealed that 18 (45%) of 40 E. coli strains contain 31 different plasmid bands ranging between 64.4 and 1 kb. The results showed that PFGE was a powerful method in tracking sources of food contamination and that the antibiotic resistance levels of food isolates were high and should be monitored.
Effects of remediation on the bacterial community of an acid mine drainage impacted stream
Authors: Ghosh Suchismita , Moitra Moumita , Woolverton Christopher J. , Leff Laura G.
Published: November 2012

Acid mine drainage (AMD) represents a global threat to water resources, and as such, remediation of AMD-impacted streams is a common practice. During this study, we examined bacterial community structure and environmental conditions in a low-order AMD-impacted stream before, during, and after remediation. Bacterial community structure was examined via polymerase chain reaction amplification of 16S rRNA genes followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Also, bacterial abundance and physicochemical data (including metal concentrations) were collected and relationships to bacterial community structure were determined using BIO-ENV analysis. Remediation of the study stream altered environmental conditions, including pH and concentrations of some metals, and consequently, the bacterial community changed. However, remediation did not necessarily restore the stream to conditions found in the unimpacted reference stream; for example, bacterial abundances and concentrations of some elements, such as sulfur, magnesium, and manganese, were different in the remediated stream than in the reference stream. BIO-ENV analysis revealed that changes in pH and iron concentration, associated with remediation, primarily explained temporal alterations in bacterial community structure. Although the sites sampled in the remediated stream were in relatively close proximity to each other, spatial variation in community composition suggests that differences in local environmental conditions may have large impacts on the microbial assemblage.
SEMISTABILITY OF RESTRICTED TANGENT BUNDLES AND A QUESTION OF I. BISWAS
Authors: JAHNKE PRISKA , RADLOFF IVO
Published: November 2012

Let M be a complex projective manifold with the property that for any compact Riemann surface C and holomorphic map f : C → M the pullback of the tangent bundle of M is semistable. We prove that in this case M is a curve or a finite étale quotient of an abelian variety answering a conjecture of Biswas.
ON GROUPS ADMITTING A WORD WHOSE VALUES ARE ENGEL
Authors: BASTOS RAIMUNDO , SHUMYATSKY PAVEL , TORTORA ANTONIO , TOTA MARIA
Published: November 2012

Let m, n be positive integers, v a multilinear commutator word and w = vm. We prove that if G is a residually finite group in which all w-values are n-Engel, then the verbal subgroup w(G) is locally nilpotent. We also examine the question whether this is true in the case where G is locally graded rather than residually finite. We answer the question affirmatively in the case where m = 1. Moreover, we show that if u is a non-commutator word and G is a locally graded group in which all u-values are n-Engel, then the verbal subgroup u(G) is locally nilpotent.
EFFECTIVE TEMPERATURE, HAWKING RADIATION AND QUASINORMAL MODES
Authors: CORDA CHRISTIAN
Published: November 2012

Parikh and Wilczek have shown that Hawking radiation's spectrum cannot be strictly thermal. Such a nonstrictly thermal character implies that the spectrum is also not strictly continuous and thus generates a natural correspondence between Hawking radiation and black hole's quasinormal modes. This issue endorses the idea that, in an underlying unitary quantum gravity theory, black holes result in highly excited states. We use this key point to re-analyze the spectrum of black hole's quasinormal modes by introducing a black hole's effective temperature. Our analysis changes the physical understanding of such a spectrum and enables a re-examination of various results in the literature which realizes important modifications on quantum physics of black holes. In particular, the formula of the horizon's area quantization and the number of quanta of area are modified into functions of the quantum "overtone" number n. Consequently, Bekenstein–Hawking entropy, its sub-leading corrections and the number of microstates, i.e. quantities which are fundamental to realize unitary quantum gravity theory, are also modified. They become functions of the quantum overtone number too. Previous results in the literature are re-obtained in the very large n limit.
BRANS–DICKE CHAMELEONIC COSMOLOGY AND COSMIC EVOLUTION
Authors: SHARIF M. , WAHEED SAIRA
Published: November 2012

We study the cosmic evolution in radiation and matter dominated epochs of the universe in chameleon Brans–Dicke (BD) as well as generalized chameleon BD cosmology. For this purpose, we consider Bianchi I universe model with matter contents as perfect fluid and the power law ansatz for scale factors, scalar field, interacting function f(ϕ), chameleon potential V(ϕ) and the BD parameter ω(ϕ). Using constraints on the involved parameters, it is shown that only the decelerated expansion of the universe can be discussed for these eras which is consistent with the astronomical observations. The graphical behavior of these functions for large values of the BD parameter (as suggested by local gravity tests) are also given. Finally, we evaluate statefinders as well as cosmological distances for obtained models.
APPROACHES TO SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS FOR SYSTEM RELIABILITY STUDY OF SMART STRUCTURES FOR ACTIVE VIBRATION REDUCTION
Authors: LI YING , PFEIFFER THOMAS , NUFFER JÜRGEN , BÖS JOACHIM , HANSELKA HOLGER
Published: November 2012

The modern engineering products must fulfill the increasing requirements to the vibroacoustical behavior of the components and the system. For many applications such as automotive engineering, where light-weight design is desired, passive measures for noise and vibration reduction have reached certain limits. For this reason, active techniques for structural vibration reduction are becoming increasingly important in this field of applications. Commonly, actively or adaptively controlled structural systems consist of a large number of components with various functionalities. As the complexity of the systems increases, reliability and robustness studies become a more complicated task. The knowledge of parameter effects and their interactions is important for the reliability study and the design optimization of such systems. Sensitivity analysis can help the system designers to understand interactions between the system components and identify the important parameters with significant overall influences on the system performance. In this paper, several approaches to sensitivity analysis are applied for a smart structure system with active vibration control. Through these analyses, the influences of the system parameters and control algorithms on the performance of active vibration reduction are investigated. An improvement of the robustness of the active system by using adaptive control will be shown.
Explaining Bank Efficiency Differences Between China and Taiwan by Meta-Frontier Cost Function
Authors: Liu Yi-Cheng , Yang Wen , Mai Shin-Ying , Mai Chao-Cheng
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this paper is to employ the Meta-Frontier Cost Function to compare the efficiencies of banks in China and Taiwan over the period 2003–2009. Different from previous literature using loans and securities as the output variables in evaluating banking efficiency, we propose two new variables: interest income on loans and nonperforming loans, to identify whether the banks are both cost and profit efficient and to control the quality of loans. Evidence is found that the average cost efficiency of China's banks leads the Taiwanese banks with a significant gap. Some policy implications are provided accordingly.
INFLUENCING FACTORS OF LIMESTONE SORPTION AND ITS USAGE IN ADVANCED WASTEWATER TREATMENT FOR PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL
Authors: LI LINYONG , ZHANG HUA , WANG DUNQIU
Published: November 2012

Phosphorus (P) is one of the main triggering nutrients responsible for eutrophication which troubles many waters in China. This study was to investigate the influencing factors of limestone (LS) adsorption and establish the parameter of constructed wetland (CW) using LS as the main substrate when treating effluent from a municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWTP) for P removal. First, a series of batch experiments were conducted to study the influencing factors of LS adsorption. Consequently, the P removal efficiency increased with the temperature and was high during the initial 3 h; the efficiency was over 75% even at initial P content 50 mg/L; under 2 mm small LS particle size enhanced the adsorption but the difference was not significant; the efficiency was over 90% when initial pH was below 6.37 and decreased sharply at pH above 8.15; sodium chloride as background electrolyte decreased the adsorption; organic acids including tartaric acid, oxalic acid and citric acid all suppressed the adsorption, and citric acid demonstrated the strongest effect. Then column experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of the continuous vertical-flow LS bed treating effluent from a MWTP with varying hydraulic retention time (HRT). Over 80 days, the effluent pH was between 7 and 9, and effective running time increased with HRT during which the effluent total P content was below 0.5 mg/L. Short HRT such as 1 h or 1.5 h was recommended for dynamic LS adsorption. It showed that LS was suitable for the substrate in CW for P removal in wastewater advanced treatment.
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF CARBON NANOTUBE/NATURAL RUBBER COMPOSITE FROM MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATIONS
Authors: HE YAN , TANG YUANZHENG
Published: November 2012

Classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are employed to study the thermal conductivity of carbon nanotube/natural rubber (CNT/NR) composite. An aligned CNT/NR system is constructed by atomic potential function and periodic boundary condition and the anisotropic thermal conductivity is predicted in three main directions. The highest thermal conductivity of 80 W/(mK) is predicted along the axial direction of CNT. However, the transverse thermal conductivity perpendicular to the CNT axis is only about 0.6 W/(mK). For obtaining thermal conductivity of randomly oriented CNT/NR composite, an isotropic algorithm is provided from thermal resistance analysis method and results indicate the thermal conductivity improvement of randomly oriented CNT/NR composite is negligible. It is deduced therefore aligning CNTs in NR matrix can be a promising method in thermal management of CNT/NR composite.
ACTION AT THE FRONT END OF INNOVATION
Authors: SCHWEITZER FIONA , GABRIEL IRIS
Published: November 2012

In recent years, the front end of innovation has drawn a great deal of attention as an important driver of new product development (NPD) success. In this study, we analyze the impact of knowledge gathering, project planning, interfunctional collaboration and formalization on the ability to reduce technical and market uncertainties, creativity, and the efficiency of the early stages. 352 Austrian B2B-companies from technology-intensive sectors participated in the study. The results indicate that collaboration quality, formalization of the different phases of the front end and identification of customer-needs are fundamental for front-end performance, while collaboration quantity is less important. Moreover, planning was found to be central for efficiency and did not have a negative impact on creativity. Managerial recommendations from the study include scrutinizing the way in which interfunctional collaboration takes place, increasing customer integration and formalizing the early phases.
SYNTHESIS AND ELECTROCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF GRAPHENE/MnO2/CONDUCTING POLYMER TERNARY COMPOSITE FOR SUPERCAPACITORS
Authors: LIN JINXIAN , ZHENG YUYING , DU QIFENG , HE MINGPING , DENG ZHONGWEN
Published: November 2012

Graphene(RGO)/ MnO2/[N-butyl-3,6-carbazolevinylene-alt-(2,5-dioctyloxy)-p-phenylenevinylene] (PPH–CAR) ternary nanocomposite is fabricated by a simple two-step method, which includes electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide (GO) and oxidation of Mn(CH3COO)2simultaneously and an ultrathin PPH–CAR layer coated on the RGO/ MnO2surface. The structure of the composite is investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results suggest that the composite is correctly synthesized and each component has good dispersion. Cycle voltammetry (CV), charge and discharge measurements and cycle stability test are used to evaluate its electrochemical performance. Because of the synergistic effect of each component, the composite exhibits excellent electrochemical properties with specific capacitance of 175 F/g, which is a 46% increase compared with RGO/ MnO2. Moreover, it reveals outstanding cycling performance with more than 90% capacitance retention over 1000 cycles. Such ternary composite is a candidate for high performance supercapacitors with great promise.
Fingerprinting Acute Leukemia: DNA Methylation Profiling of B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Cimmino Luisa , Aifantis Iannis
Published: November 2012

Summary: In this issue of Cancer Discovery, Geng and colleagues report on their use of a combination of promoter cytosine methylation profiling with gene expression and ChIP sequencing to elucidate molecular signatures of adult B-acute lymphoblastic leukemia patient samples with BCR–ABL1, E2A–PBX1, and MLL rearrangements. The unique epigenetic and gene expression signatures of these clinically unfavorable B-ALL subtypes identify novel biomarkers and provide a strong rationale for repurposing existing therapies to treat these molecularly distinct diseases. Cancer Discov; 2(11); 976–8. ©2012 AACR.

Commentary on Geng et al., p. 1004.
Ground-Based Observations and Modeling of the Visibility and Radar Reflectivity in a Radiation Fog Layer
Authors: Boers R. , Baltink H. Klein , Hemink H. J. , Bosveld F. C. , Moerman M.
Published: November 2012

The development of a radiation fog layer at the Cabauw Experimental Site for Atmospheric Research (51.97°N, 4.93°E) on 23 March 2011 was observed with ground-based in situ and remote sensing observations to investigate the relationship between visibility and radar reflectivity. The fog layer thickness was less than 200 m. Radar reflectivity values did not exceed −25 dBZ even with visibilities less than 100 m. The onset and evaporation of fog produce different radar reflectivity–visibility relationships. The evolution of the fog layer was modeled with a droplet activation model that used the aerosol size distribution observed at the 60-m altitude tower level as input. Radar reflectivity and visibility were calculated from model drop size spectra using Mie scattering theory. Since radiative cooling rates are small in comparison with cooling rates due to adiabatic lift of aerosol-laden air, the modeled supersaturation remains low so that few aerosol particles are activated to cloud droplets. The modeling results suggest that the different radar reflectivity–visibility relationships are the result of differences in the interplay between water vapor and cloud droplets during formation and evaporation of the fog. During droplet activation, only a few large cloud droplets remain after successfully competing for water vapor with the smaller activated droplets. These small droplets eventually evaporate (deactivate) again. In the fog dissolution/evaporation stage, only these large droplet need to be evaporated. Therefore, to convert radar reflectivity to visibility for traffic safety products, knowledge of the state of local fog evolution is necessary.
Decadal Climate Information Needs of Stakeholders for Decision Support in Water and Agriculture Production Sectors: A Case Study in the Missouri River Basin
Authors: Mehta Vikram M. , Knutson Cody L. , Rosenberg Norman J. , Olsen J. Rolf , Wall Nicole A. , Bernadt Tonya K. , Hayes Michael J.
Published: November 2012

Many decadal climate prediction efforts have been initiated under phase 5 of the World Climate Research Programme Coupled Model Intercomparison Project. There is considerable ongoing discussion about model deficiencies, initialization techniques, and data requirements, but not much attention is being given to decadal climate information (DCI) needs of stakeholders for decision support. Here, the authors report the results of exploratory activities undertaken to assess DCI needs in water resources and agriculture sectors, using the Missouri River basin as a case study. This assessment was achieved through discussions with 120 stakeholders.

Stakeholders’ awareness of decadal dry and wet spells and their societal impacts in the basin are described, and stakeholders’ DCI needs and potential barriers to their use of DCI are enumerated. The authors find that impacts, including economic impacts, of decadal climate variability (DCV) on water and agricultural production in the basin are distinctly identifiable and characterizable. Stakeholders have clear notions about their needs for DCI and have offered specific suggestions as to how these might be met. However, while stakeholders are eager to have climate information, including decadal climate outlooks (DCOs), there are many barriers to the use of such information. The first and foremost barrier is that the credibility of DCOs is yet to be established. Second, the nature of institutional rules and regulations, laws, and legal precedents that pose obstacles to the use of DCOs must be better understood and means to modify these, where possible, must be sought. For the benefit of climate scientists, these and other stakeholder needs are also articulated in this paper.
Junction region of EWS-FLI1 fusion protein has a dominant negative effect in Ewing’s Sarcoma in vitro
Authors: Jully Babu , Vijayalakshmi Ramshankar , Gopal Gopisetty , Sabitha Kesavan , Rajkumar Thangarajan
Published: November 2012

Background

Ewing’s sarcoma is a malignancy characterized by a specific 11:22 chromosomal translocation which generates a novel EWS-FLI1 fusion protein functioning as an aberrant transcription factor. In the present study, we have further characterized the junction region of the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein.

Methods

In-silico model of EWS-FLI1 fusion protein was analysed for ligand binding sites, and a putative region (amino acid (aa) 251–343 of the type 1 fusion protein) in the vicinity of the fusion junction was cloned and expressed using bacterial expression. The recombinant protein was characterized by Circular Dichroism (CD). We then expressed aa 251–280 ectopically in Ewing’s sarcoma cell-line and its effect on cell proliferation, tumorigenicity and expression of EWS-FLI1 target genes were analysed.

Results

Our modelling analysis indicated that Junction region (aa 251–343) encompasses potential ligand biding sites in the EWS-FLI1 protein and when expressed in bacteria was present as soluble form. Ectopically expressing this region in Ewing’s sarcoma cells inhibited tumorigenicity, and EWS-FLI1 target genes indicating a dominant negative biological effect.

Conclusions

Junction region can be exploited further as target for drug development in future to specifically target EWS-FLI1 in Ewing’s Sarcoma.
Switching industrial production processes from complex to defined media: method development and case study using the example of Penicillium chrysogenum
Authors: Posch Andreas E , Spadiut Oliver , Herwig Christoph
Published: November 2012

Background

Filamentous fungi are versatile cell factories and widely used for the production of antibiotics, organic acids, enzymes and other industrially relevant compounds at large scale. As a fact, industrial production processes employing filamentous fungi are commonly based on complex raw materials. However, considerable lot-to-lot variability of complex media ingredients not only demands for exhaustive incoming components inspection and quality control, but unavoidably affects process stability and performance. Thus, switching bioprocesses from complex to defined media is highly desirable.

Results

This study presents a strategy for strain characterization of filamentous fungi on partly complex media using redundant mass balancing techniques. Applying the suggested method, interdependencies between specific biomass and side-product formation rates, production of fructooligosaccharides, specific complex media component uptake rates and fungal strains were revealed. A 2-fold increase of the overall penicillin space time yield and a 3-fold increase in the maximum specific penicillin formation rate were reached in defined media compared to complex media.

Conclusions

The newly developed methodology enabled fast characterization of two different industrialPenicillium chrysogenumcandidate strains on complex media based on specific complex media component uptake kinetics and identification of the most promising strain for switching the process from complex to defined conditions. Characterization at different complex/defined media ratios using only a limited number of analytical methods allowed maximizing the overall industrial objectives of increasing both, method throughput and the generation of scientific process understanding.
Laparoscopic spleen-preserving No. 10 lymph node dissection for advanced proximal gastric cancer in left approach: a new operation procedure
Authors: Jia-Bin Wang , Chang-Ming Huang , Chao-Hui Zheng , Ping Li , Jian-Wei Xie , Jian-Xian Lin
Published: November 2012

Background

To explore the feasibility of laparoscopic spleen-preserving No. 10 lymph node dissection in a left-sided approach for advanced proximal gastric cancer.

Methods

The clinical data of 32 patients with advanced proximal gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic spleen-preserving No. 10 lymph node dissection from June 2010 to December 2011 were analyzed.

Results

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving No. 10 lymph node dissection using a left-sided approach was successfully performed for all patients without open conversion. The mean operation time was 206.4±54.3 minutes, mean intraoperative blood loss was 68.2±34.1 ml, mean number of No. 10 lymph nodes dissected was 2.8±2.1, mean number of positive No. 10 lymph nodes was 0.6±1.2, and the incidence of No. 10 lymph node metastasis was 11.6%. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 11.3±1.5 days. The postoperative morbidity rate was 9.4%, and there was no postoperative death. Splenic lobar vessels of all 32 patients were anatomically classified and divided into three types: 4 patients had a single lobar vessel, 22 had two lobar vessels and 6 had three lobar vessels.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving No. 10 lymph node dissection for advanced proximal gastric cancer using a left-sided approach is technically feasible. It simplifies the complicated surgical procedure of No. 10 lymph node dissection and leads to the popularization and promotion of this technique.
A study of photomodulated reflectance on staircase-like, n-doped GaAs/Al
x
Ga1−xAs quantum well structures
Authors: Donmez Omer , Nutku Ferhat , Erol Ayse , Arikan Cetin M , Ergun Yuksel
Published: November 2012

In this study, photomodulated reflectance (PR) technique was employed on two different quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) structures, which consist of n-doped GaAs quantum wells (QWs) between undoped Al
x
Ga1−x
As barriers with three different x compositions. Therefore, the barrier profile is in the form of a staircase-like barrier. The main difference between the two structures is the doping profile and the doping concentration of the QWs. PR spectra were taken at room temperature using a He-Ne laser as a modulation source and a broadband tungsten halogen lamp as a probe light. The PR spectra were analyzed using Aspnes’ third derivative functional form.

Since the barriers are staircase-like, the structure has different ground state energies; therefore, several optical transitions take place in the spectrum which cannot be resolved in a conventional photoluminescence technique at room temperature. To analyze the experimental results, all energy levels in the conduction and in the valance band were calculated using transfer matrix technique, taking into account the effective mass and the parabolic band approximations. A comparison of the PR results with the calculated optical transition energies showed an excellent agreement. Several optical transition energies of the QWIP structures were resolved from PR measurements. It is concluded that PR spectroscopy is a very useful experimental tool to characterize complicated structures with a high accuracy at room temperature.
Combining individual animal movement and ancillary biotelemetry data to investigate population‐level activity budgets
Authors: McClintock Brett T. , Russell Deborah J. F. , Matthiopoulos Jason , King Ruth
Published: November 2012

Recent technological advances have permitted the collection of detailed animal location and ancillary biotelemetry data that facilitate inference about animal movement and associated behaviors. However, these rich sources of individual information, location, and biotelemetry data, are typically analyzed independently, with population‐level inferences remaining largely post hoc. We describe a hierarchical modeling approach, which is able to integrate location and ancillary biotelemetry (e.g., physiological or accelerometer) data from many individuals. We can thus obtain robust estimates of (1) population‐level movement parameters and (2) activity budgets for a set of behaviors among which animals transition as they respond to changes in their internal and external environment. Measurement error and missing data are easily accommodated using a state‐space formulation of the proposed hierarchical model. Using Bayesian analysis methods, we demonstrate our modeling approach with location and dive activity data from 17 harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in the United Kingdom. Based jointly on movement and diving activity, we identified three distinct movement behavior states: resting, foraging, and transit, and estimated population‐level activity budgets to these three states. Because harbor seals are known to dive for both foraging and transit (but not usually for resting), we compared these results to a similar population‐level analysis utilizing only location data. We found that a large proportion of time steps were mischaracterized when behavior states were inferred from horizontal trajectory alone, with 33% of time steps exhibiting a majority of dive activity assigned to the resting state. Only 1% of these time steps were assigned to resting when inferred from both trajectory and dive activity data using our integrated modeling approach. There is mounting evidence of the potential perils of inferring animal behavior based on trajectory alone, but there fortunately now exist many flexible analytical techniques for extracting more out of the increasing wealth of information afforded by recent advances in biologging technology.
Disposable swim diaper retention of Cryptosporidium-sized particles on human subjects in a recreational water setting
Authors: Amburgey James E. , Anderson J. Brian
Published: November 2012

Cryptosporidium is a chlorine-resistant protozoan parasite responsible for the majority of waterborne disease outbreaks in recreational water venues in the USA. Swim diapers are commonly used by diaper-aged children participating in aquatic activities. This research was intended to evaluate disposable swim diapers for retaining 5-μm diameter polystyrene microspheres, which were used as non-infectious surrogates for Cryptosporidium oocysts. A hot tub recirculating water without a filter was used for this research. The microsphere concentration in the water was monitored at regular intervals following introduction of microspheres inside of a swim diaper while a human subject undertook normal swim/play activities. Microsphere concentrations in the bulk water showed that the majority (50–97%) of Cryptosporidium-sized particles were released from the swim diaper within 1 to 5 min regardless of the swim diaper type or configuration. After only 10 min of play, 77–100% of the microspheres had been released from all swim diapers tested. This research suggests that the swim diapers commonly used by diaper-aged children in swimming pools and other aquatic activities are of limited value in retaining Cryptosporidium-sized particles. Improved swim diaper solutions are necessary to efficiently retain pathogens and effectively safeguard public health in recreational water venues.
Following the proper channels: tributaries in the Mekong legal regime
Authors: Bearden Bennett L.
Published: November 2012

The Mekong is the archetypal dissevered river basin, separated, divided into parts and broken up by ambiguous and undefined terms in the 1995 Agreement on the Cooperation for the Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin. The treaty's text generalizes and redefines the concept of a river basin in which tributaries are marginalized and headwaters are excluded, yet on paper the 1995 Mekong Agreement creates the legal fiction of a holistic water resources management paradigm primarily by focusing on the ‘imported’ (Affeltranger, 2005, p. 54) concept of sustainable development. In effect, transboundary tributaries in the Mekong legal regime are managed by each state unilaterally through application of the limiting language embodied in Article 5(A) which emphasizes hydro-sovereignty. The modern trend and badge of responsibility are to provide a legal framework for the entire watercourse, defined as including its tributaries, and to promote basin-wide governance. Analysis of selected legal regimes and case law demonstrates that ironically, despite their volumetric contributions to flow, tributaries remain at the margin of many legal regimes of international and interstate watercourses including the Mekong. The Lower Mekong River Basin states should consider use of joint development agreements (JDAs), sub-compacts or subsidiary agreements for negotiating and dealing with intrabasin water use and interbasin water diversions on tributaries.
Prevalence and Correlates of Mental Distress Among Working Adults in Ethiopia
Authors: Gelaye Bizu , Lemma Seblewengel , Deyassa Negussie , Bahretibeb Yonas , Tesfaye Markos , Berhane Yemane , Williams Michelle A
Published: November 2012

Objective:

To evaluate the prevalence of mental distress and its correlates among working Ethiopian adults.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study of 2,180 individuals (1,316 men and 864 women) was conducted among working adults in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics of participants. Mental distress was assessed using the self-reporting questionnaire (SRQ). Logistic regression was employed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results:

The prevalence of mental distress in the study sample was 17.7% (25.9% in women and 12.4% in men). Younger participants (age ≤24 years) had the highest prevalence of mental distress (35.5% in women and 16.7% in men). The odds of mental distress was 2.47-fold higher among women as compared with men (OR=2.47, 95% CI 1.97-3.09). Participants reporting excellent health status had a 50% reduced odds of mental distress (OR=0.47; 95%CI: 0.38-0.59); and moderate alcohol consumption was associated with a slight increased odds of mental distress (OR=1.26; 95%CI: 1.00-1.67).

Conclusion:

A high prevalence of mental distress was observed among working adults in Ethiopia. Our findings suggest that the workforce institutions should provide targeted prevention and intervention programs to improve the mental health state of their employees. National mental health policy that clearly outlines and addresses mental distress among working adults is also warranted.
Raman studies of Pd-C nanocomposites
Authors: Belka Radoslaw , Suchanska Malgorzata , Czerwosz Elzbieta , Keczkowska Justyna
Published: November 2012

The results of studying palladium-carbon (Pd-C) nanocomposites using Raman spectroscopy are presented. This method has been used for studying samples having various palladium content, prepared by a one-step Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) process and a Chemical Vapour Deposition (two-step PVD/CVD) process using different process parameters. For samples obtained by PVD, the vibration bands characteristic of C60 fullerene molecules were observed in the spectra, whereas for layers obtained by PVD/CVD, the Raman spectra displayed mainly D and G bands characteristic solely of the prescence of graphite-like layers’ vibrations. The analysis of the obtained Raman spectra reveals that its shape is affected by many parameters including type of substrate, temperature, and the percentage content of Pd in the studied layer. The quantitative analysis of spectra for layers obtained using the PVD/CVD process shows a difference in the relative intensity of bands D and G, reflecting the different degrees of amorphisation in the investigated nanocomposites.
Hydrodynamics in a vessel stirred by simple and double helical ribbon impellers
Authors: Ameur Houari , Bouzit Mohamed , Ghenaim Abdellah
Published: November 2012

The present paper treats the agitation of shear thinning fluids in a cylindrical unbaffled vessel with a flat-bottom. Two kinds of impellers have been used: simple and double helical ribbons. This work is achieved with the help of CFD package (CFX-12.0), which is based on the finite volume method to solve the continuity and momentum equations. The effect of impeller rotational speed, fluid rheology, impeller size, impeller clearance from the tank bottom on the flow fields and power consumption have been investigated. Finally, a comparison between the two impellers is made. It was found that the best performance is obtained with double helical ribbon impeller placed at the middle of the tank, with moderate blade size and operating at Re
g > 20. Our results have been compared with those of other literatures and a satisfactory agreement is observed.
A variational approach to a BVP arising in the modelling of electrically conducting solids
Authors: Khuri Suheil , Wazwaz Abdul-Majid
Published: November 2012

The purpose of this paper is to apply an amended variational scheme, based on an adapted domain decomposition, for the solution of a second-order nonlinear boundary value problem that arises in applications involving the diffusion of heat generated by positive temperature dependent sources. The underlying idea of this approach is to decompose the original interval prior to the implementation of the iterative variational approach in order to improve the accuracy and acquire uniform convergence to the exact solution over the entire domain. Convergence analysis is given and then numerical experiments are carried out to make obvious the convergence, accuracy and efficient applicability of the method.
Laban's Choreosophical Model: Movement Visualisation Analysis and the Graphic Media Approach to Dance Studies
Authors: Sutil Nicolas Salazar
Published: November 2012

This paper explores the impact Rudolf Laban's graphic approach has had on movement analysis and an analytical approach to dance-movement based on an understanding of human motion as a collection of fixed points in a movement continuum. Central to this approach is the idea that movement can be captured graphically for its analysis via different techniques of graphic representation: including drawing, 3D modelling, graphs, diagrams and notation. The article also argues that graphic models play a key role in the development of Laban's theory of harmonic space. Based on a series of geometric and topological models Laban was able to develop a material method as part of his creative research on movement analysis. My claim is that Laban's graphic approach encourages the use of visual media and technologies of graphic inscription as inventive methods for the better understanding of movement, which is why Laban's thinking can be adequately reconceptualised using technologies like video and motion capture. As a unit of analysis, this article explores one of Laban's most fundamental and yet least known material models: the spheric form. I argue that this model presents us with a much broader understanding of Laban's movement analysis as a form of material thinking, and not only within the context of dance-training, but as part of a vision of the dance that is complete in its philosophical perspectives, and which Laban called choreosophy. This article finishes with a brief examination of C8's choreography ‘Solid Sense’ (performed in 2011), which in the author's opinion exemplifies, as creative research, some of the central preoccupations of Laban's choreosophical studies.
Addition of Fish Oil to Cream Cheese Affects Lipid Oxidation, Sensory Stability and Microstructure
Authors: Horn Anna Frisenfeldt , Green-Petersen Ditte , Nielsen Nina Skall , Andersen Ulf , Hyldig Grethe , Jensen Louise Helene Søgaard , Horsewell Andy , Jacobsen Charlotte
Published: November 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in the oxidative stability during storage of fish oil enriched cream cheeses when fish oil was added either as neat oil or pre-emulsified oil with sodium caseinate, whey protein isolate, or a combination of milk proteins and phospholipids as emulsifier. Results showed that the addition of fish oil decreased the oxidative stability of cream cheeses regardless of the addition method, especially when the cheese was stored longer than five weeks. The oxidative stability of fish oil enriched cream cheeses was highest when fish oil was added as neat oil or in a delivery emulsion prepared with a combination of milk proteins and phospholipids. Adding the fish oil in a delivery emulsion prepared with whey protein or caseinate resulted in a less oxidative stable product. It was furthermore shown that the microstructure of the cream cheeses was affected by fish oil addition, and it was suggested that the change in microstructure was partly responsible for the oxidative stability of the cream cheeses.
Hyaluronidases Have Strong Hydrolytic Activity toward Chondroitin 4-Sulfate Comparable to that for Hyaluronan
Authors: Honda Tomoko , Kaneiwa Tomoyuki , Mizumoto Shuji , Sugahara Kazuyuki , Yamada Shuhei
Published: November 2012

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) chains are involved in the regulation of various biological processes. However, the mechanism underlying the catabolism of CS is not well understood. Hyaluronan (HA)-degrading enzymes, the hyaluronidases, are assumed to act at the initial stage of the degradation process, because HA is similar in structure to nonsulfated CS, chondroitin (Chn). Although human hyaluronidase-1 (HYAL1) and testicular hyaluronidase (SPAM1) can degrade not only HA but also CS, they are assumed to digest CS to only a limited extent. In this study, the hydrolytic activities of HYAL1 and SPAM1 toward CS-A, CS-C, Chn, and HA were compared. HYAL1 depolymerized CS-A and HA to a similar extent. SPAM1 degraded CS-A, Chn, and HA to a similar extent. CS is widely distributed from very primitive organisms to humans, whereas HA has been reported to be present only in vertebrates with the single exception of a mollusk. Therefore, a genuine substrate of hyaluronidases appears to be CS as well as HA.
An Overview of the Scratch Resistance of Automotive Coatings: Exterior Clearcoats and Polycarbonate Hardcoats
Authors: Seubert Christopher , Nietering Kenneth , Nichols Mark , Wykoff Rick , Bollin Shannon
Published: November 2012

The scratch resistance of coatings used on two highly visible automotive applications (automotive bodies and window glazings) were examined and reviewed. Types of damage (scratch vs. mar), the impact on customers, and the causes of scratch events were investigated. Different exterior clearcoat technologies, including UV curable and self-healing formulations were reviewed, including results from nano- and macro-scratch tests. Polycarbonate hardcoat glazings were tested vs. annealed glass samples using a Taber abraser, with the resulting damage analyzed using transmitted haze measurements and optical profilometry. A correlation between the damage seen in glass samples (many smooth, shallow mars) and the best hardcoat samples (fewer, deeper scratches) and the haze measurements was discussed. Nano-scratch results showed similar fracture forces, but measurably improved mar resistance for the hardcoats/glass system compared to exterior clearcoats.
An Advanced Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) Spin-Trapping and LC/(ESR)/MS Technique for the Study of Lipid Peroxidation
Authors: Xu Yi , Gu Yan , Qian Steven
Published: November 2012

There are two types of nutritionally important polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), namely ω-6s and ω-3s. PUFAs and their metabolites generated from lipid peroxidation via cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX) are believed to be involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes in the human body. Both COX- and LOX-catalyzed PUFA peroxidation are complex events that generate a series of radicals, which may then bind proteins, target DNA/RNA, and lead to a number of biological changes. However, due to the lack of an appropriate method, it was not possible until recently to identify the short-lived PUFA-derived radicals in COX-/LOX-catalyzed peroxidation. Failure to characterize free radicals during peroxidation has greatly restricted our knowledge about COX/LOX biology in human health. Here we review the development and refinement of combined ESR spin trapping and LC/ESR/MS to characterize PUFA-derived radicals formed from in vitro (cell-free) peroxidation. We also present the most recent approach for studying peroxidation in cells which allows us to directly assess the potential bioactivity of PUFA-derived free radicals. This advanced technique has resulted in a major breakthrough in radical structural characterization, as well as assessment of free radical-associated cell growth response, thereby greatly improving our knowledge of PUFAs, COX-/LOX-catalyzed lipid peroxidation, and their related biological consequences.
Influence of Dose on Particle Size and Optical Properties of Colloidal Platinum Nanoparticles
Authors: Gharibshahi Elham , Saion Elias
Published: November 2012

Attempts to produce colloidal platinum nanoparticles by using steady absorption spectra with various chemical-based reduction methods often resulted in the fast disappearance of the absorption maxima leaving reduced platinum nanoparticles with little information on their optical properties. We synthesized colloidal platinum nanoparticles in an aqueous solution of polyvinyl pyrrolidone by gamma radiolytic reduction method, which produced steady absorption spectra of fully reduced and highly pure platinum nanoparticles free from by-product impurities or reducing agent contamination. The average particle size was found to be in the range of 3.4–5.3 nm and decreased with increasing dose due to the domination of nucleation over ion association in the formation of metal nanoparticles by the gamma radiolytic reduction method. The platinum nanoparticles exhibit optical absorption spectra with two absorption peaks centered at about 216 and 264 nm and the peaks blue shifted to lower wavelengths with decreasing particle size. The absorption spectra of platinum nanoparticles were also calculated using quantum mechanical treatment and coincidently a good agreement was obtained between the calculated and measured absorption peaks at various particle sizes. This indicates that the 216 and 264-nm absorption peaks of platinum nanoparticles conceivably originated from the intra-band transitions of conduction electrons of (n = 5, l = 2) and (n = 6, l = 0) energy states respectively to higher energy states. The absorption energies, i.e., conduction band energies of platinum nanoparticles derived from the absorption peaks increased with increasing dose and decreased with increasing particle size.
Flux-P: Automating Metabolic Flux Analysis
Authors: Ebert Birgitta E. , Lamprecht Anna-Lena , Steffen Bernhard , Blank Lars M.
Published: November 2012

Quantitative knowledge of intracellular fluxes in metabolic networks is invaluable for inferring metabolic system behavior and the design principles of biological systems. However, intracellular reaction rates can not often be calculated directly but have to be estimated; for instance, via 13C-based metabolic flux analysis, a model-based interpretation of stable carbon isotope patterns in intermediates of metabolism. Existing software such as FiatFlux, OpenFLUX or 13CFLUX supports experts in this complex analysis, but requires several steps that have to be carried out manually, hence restricting the use of this software for data interpretation to a rather small number of experiments. In this paper, we present Flux-P as an approach to automate and standardize 13C-based metabolic flux analysis, using the Bio-jETI workflow framework. Exemplarily based on the FiatFlux software, it demonstrates how services can be created that carry out the different analysis steps autonomously and how these can subsequently be assembled into software workflows that perform automated, high-throughput intracellular flux analysis of high quality and reproducibility. Besides significant acceleration and standardization of the data analysis, the agile workflow-based realization supports flexible changes of the analysis workflows on the user level, making it easy to perform custom analyses.
The Economic and Social Benefits and the Barriers of Providing People with Disabilities Accessible Clean Water and Sanitation
Authors: Noga Jacqueline , Wolbring Gregor
Published: November 2012

Resolution A/HRC/RES/16/2 adopted by the UN Human Rights Council on 8 April 2011 declared access to safe drinking water and sanitation a human right. However many people around the globe including people with disabilities do not have access to safe drinking water, hygiene or sanitation facilities. Inaccessibility of clean water sources, hygiene and sanitation facilities negatively impacts among others health, education, the ability to work, and the ability to partake in social activities. This paper looks at the benefits of, and access barriers to, clean water and sanitation for people with disabilities.