bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative genomics analysis of Streptococcus agalactiae reveals that isolates from cultured tilapia in China are closely related to the human strain A909
Authors: Liu Guangjin , Zhang Wei , Lu Chengping
Published: November 2013

Background

Streptococcus agalactiae, also referred to as Group B Streptococcus (GBS), is a frequent resident of the rectovaginal tract in humans, and a major cause of neonatal infection. In addition, S. agalactiae is a known fish pathogen, which compromises food safety and represents a zoonotic hazard. The complete genome sequence of the piscine S. agalactiae isolate GD201008-001 was compared with 14 other piscine, human and bovine strains to explore their virulence determinants, evolutionary relationships and the genetic basis of host tropism in S. agalactiae.

Results

The pan-genome of S. agalactiae is open and its size increases with the addition of newly sequenced genomes. The core genes shared by all isolates account for 50 ~ 70% of any single genome. The Chinese piscine isolates GD201008-001 and ZQ0910 are phylogenetically distinct from the Latin American piscine isolates SA20-06 and STIR-CD-17, but are closely related to the human strain A909, in the context of the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs), prophage, virulence-associated genes and phylogenetic relationships. We identified a unique 10 kb gene locus in Chinese piscine strains.

Conclusions

Isolates from cultured tilapia in China have a close genomic relationship with the human strain A909. Our findings provide insight into the pathogenesis and host-associated genome content of piscine S. agalactiae isolated in China.
Whole genome comparative analysis of channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) with four model fish species
Authors: Jiang Yanliang , Gao Xiaoyu , Liu Shikai , Zhang Yu , Liu Hong , Sun Fanyue , Bao Lisui , Waldbieser Geoff , Liu Zhanjiang
Published: November 2013

Background

Comparative mapping is a powerful tool to study evolution of genomes. It allows transfer of genome information from the well-studied model species to non-model species. Catfish is an economically important aquaculture species in United States. A large amount of genome resources have been developed from catfish including genetic linkage maps, physical maps, BAC end sequences (BES), integrated linkage and physical maps using BES-derived markers, physical map contig-specific sequences, and draft genome sequences. Application of such genome resources should allow comparative analysis at the genome scale with several other model fish species.

Results

In this study, we conducted whole genome comparative analysis between channel catfish and four model fish species with fully sequenced genomes, zebrafish, medaka, stickleback andTetraodon. A total of 517 Mb draft genome sequences of catfish were anchored to its genetic linkage map, which accounted for 62% of the total draft genome sequences. Based on the location of homologous genes, homologous chromosomes were determined among catfish and the four model fish species. A large number of conserved syntenic blocks were identified. Analysis of the syntenic relationships between catfish and the four model fishes supported that the catfish genome is most similar to the genome of zebrafish.

Conclusion

The organization of the catfish genome is similar to that of the four teleost species, zebrafish, medaka, stickleback, andTetraodonsuch that homologous chromosomes can be identified. Within each chromosome, extended syntenic blocks were evident, but the conserved syntenies at the chromosome level involve extensive inter-chromosomal and intra-chromosomal rearrangements. This whole genome comparative map should facilitate the whole genome assembly and annotation in catfish, and will be useful for genomic studies of various other fish species.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of tumor biomarkers in predicting prognosis in esophageal cancer
Authors: Chen Meilan , Huang Jizheng , Zhu Zhenli , Zhang Jun , Li Ke
Published: November 2013

Background

Esophageal cancer (EC) is a frequently occurring cancer with poor prognosis despite combined therapeutic strategies. Many biomarkers have been proposed as predictors of adverse events. We sought to assess the prognostic value of biomarkers in predicting the overall survival of esophageal cancer and to help guide personalized cancer treatment to give patients the best chance at remission.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the published literature to summarize evidence for the discriminatory ability of prognostic biomarkers for esophageal cancer. Relevant literature was identified using the PubMed database on April 11, 2012, and conformed to the REMARK criteria. The primary endpoint was overall survival and data were synthesized with hazard ratios (HRs).

Results

We included 109 studies, exploring 13 different biomarkers, which were subjected to quantitative meta-analysis. Promising markers that emerged for the prediction of overall survival in esophageal squamous cell cancer included VEGF (18 eligible studies, n = 1476, HR = 1.85, 95% CI, 1.55-2.21), cyclin D1 (12 eligible studies, n = 1476, HR = 1.82, 95% CI, 1.50-2.20), Ki-67 (3 eligible studies, n = 308, HR = 1.11, 95% CI, 0.70-1.78) and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (5 eligible studies, n = 700, HR = 1.28, 95% CI, 0.97-1.69); prognostic markers for esophageal adenocarcinoma included COX-2 (2 eligible studies, n = 235, HR = 3.06, 95% CI, 2.01-4.65) and HER-2 (3 eligible studies, n = 291, HR = 2.15, 95% CI, 1.39-3.33); prognostic markers for uncategorized ECs included p21 (9 eligible studies, n = 858, HR = 1.27, 95% CI, 0.75-2.16), p53 (31 eligible studies, n = 2851, HR = 1.34, 95% CI, 1.21-1.48), CRP (8 eligible studies, n = 1382, HR = 2.65, 95% CI, 1.64-4.27) and hemoglobin (5 eligible studies, n = 544, HR = 0.91, 95% CI, 0.83-1.00).

Conclusions

Although some modest bias cannot be excluded, this review supports the involvement of biomarkers to be associated with EC overall survival.
Epidemiological urinalysis of children from kindergartens of Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam
Authors: Nhu Nguyet Dang Le , Le Binh Doan Thi , Doan Ngoc Hue , Kim Hoa Pham Thi , Smets Françoise , Tran Thi Mong Hiep , Janssen Françoise , Robert Annie
Published: November 2013

Background

Recent studies on Vietnamese children have shown that kidney diseases are not detected early enough to prevent chronic renal failure. The dipstick test is a simple and useful tool for detecting urinary abnormalities, especially in isolated or remote areas of Vietnam, where children have limited access to health care.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2011 at seven kindergartens in Can Gio district, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Two thousand and twelve children, aged 3 to 5, were enrolled. Morning mid-stream urine samples were examined by dipstick. Children with abnormal findings were re-examined with a second dipstick and underwent further investigations.

Results

Urinalysis was available for 1,032 boys and 980 girls. Mean age was 4.4 ± 0.8 years. Urinary abnormalities were detected in 108 (5.5%) of the subjects. Among them, nitrituria and leucocyturia accounted for more than 50%. Positive fractions of proteinuria, hematuria, nitrituria, leucocyturia, and combined nitrituria and leucocyturia after two dipsticks were 0.1%, 0.1%, 2%, 1% and 0.3%, respectively. Abnormal findings were more common in girls than boys (p < 0.001), and higher in communes with very low (< 50 persons/km2) population density (14.3% vs 4.1%, p < 0.001). A renal ultrasound detected four cases of hydronephrosis and one case of duplication of ureter.

Conclusions

The prevalence of urinary abnormalities in asymptomatic children in South Vietnam demonstrates the need for hygiene education among parents. Training for dipstick usage for all medical staff at health stations, especially in remote areas and in places with very low population density, is also clearly necessary. Routine urinalysis can be set up if a close control is conducted at locations.
Artemisinin-naphthoquine combination versus chloroquine-primaquine to treat vivax malaria: an open-label randomized and non-inferiority trial in Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Liu Hui , Yang Heng-lin , Xu Jian-Wei , Wang Jia-zhi , Nie Ren-hua , Li Chun-fu
Published: November 2013

Background

Plasmodium vivax is the main malaria parasite in China, and China is now making efforts to eliminate malaria by 2020. Radical cure of vivax malaria is one of challenges for malaria elimination. The purpose is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of artemisinin-naphthoquine (ANQ) versus chloroquine-primaquine (CQ-PQ) in treatment of vivax malaria in Yunnan Province, China.

Methods

An open-label randomized and non-inferiority design, eligible patients with monoinfections of P. vivax were randomly assigned to receive either a total target dose of ANQ 24.5 mg/kg (naphthoquine 7 mg/kg and artemisinin 17.5 mg/kg), once a day for three days, or a total CQ dose of 24 mg base/kg, once a day for three days plus a PQ dose of 0.45 mg base/kg/day, once a day for eight days. Patients were followed up for one year. The difference in efficacy between ANQ and CQ-PQ was compared via Wilson’s test.

Results

By day 42, the number of patients free of recurrence was 125 (98.4%; 95% Confidence interval, 94.4-99.8%) for ANQ arm and 123 (96.1%; 95%CI, 91.1-98.7%) for CQ-PQ, and non-significant (P = 0.4496). By day 365, the number was 101 (79.5%; 95%CI, 71.8-85.9%) for ANQ and 106 (82.8%; 95%CI, 75.1-88.9%) for CQ-PQ, and non-significant (P = 0.610). So the proportions of patients free of recurrence had no significant difference between ANQ and CQ-PQ groups by day 28, 42 and 365; compared with CQ-PQ, the side effect of ANQ was mild.

Conclusion

ANQ is non-inferior to CQ-PQ in terms of patients free of recurrence, and safer than CQ-PQ.
The relationship between polymorphisms in the promoter region of Tim-3 and unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion in Han Chinese women
Authors: Shen Yang , Wang Chen , Hong Dun , Zeng Baojin , Fang Congcheng , Yuan Chiting , Fan Lilong , Lv Haiyan , Zhu Min
Published: November 2013

Background

Recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) refers to 2 or more consecutive pregnancy losses, and RSA with unknown causes is called unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion (URSA). Tim-3, a subtype of the T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain (Tim) protein family, might be an important regulatory molecule that plays a pivotal role in URSA, which might be triggered mostly by Th1/Th2 immune deviation. To understand the etiology and pathogenesis of URSA in Han Chinese women, we investigated the association between polymorphisms of rs10053538 and rs10515746 in the promoter of Tim-3 and the risk of URSA in Han Chinese women.

Methods

One hundred and forty-eight women with RSA resulting in still birth were enrolled in the URSA group. We performed tests to rule out congenital reproductive system malformation, reproductive system tumor, endocrine dyscrasia, and chromosome abnormalities. One hundred and fifty-three women with normal pregnancy leading to live birth were selected at random to comprise the control group. All women included in this study were genetically unrelated Han Chinese women. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) were used to determine polymorphisms of rs10053538 and rs10515746, respectively, in all subjects. PCR products were chosen at random for sequencing.

Results

No significant statistical difference was found between the distribution frequency of the GT + TT genotype and T allele on the rs10053538 locus in the URSA group or the control group (10.1% vs. 11.8%, Chi(2) = 0.205, P = 0.651; 5.1% vs. 6.5%, Chi(2) = 0.592, P = 0.441; respectively). Neither was there a significant difference between the distribution frequency of the GT + TT genotype and T allele on the rs10515746 locus in the groups (6.8% vs. 3.9%, Chi(2)1.201, P = 0.273; 3.4% vs. 2.0%, Chi(2) = 1.169, P = 0.280; respectively).

Conclusions

The present study suggested that these polymorphisms of rs10053538 or rs10515746 in the Tim-3 promoter may not be associated with URSA in Han Chinese women.
Removal of traces of mercury from a carrier gas for analytical purpose
Authors: Theil Cristina MI , Niencheski Luis FH , Fillmann Gilberto , Milani Marcio R
Published: November 2013

Background

The analysis of mercury by cold vapor requires a gas, usually argon or helium, to transport elementary mercury to the gold trap or directly to the detector. When analyzing mercury in environmental matrices, a gas with a metal concentration as low as a few picograms per cubic meter is needed. Different sorbents have been used to purify the gas for a long time, but little information is available about them, mainly considering the analytical purpose. This paper presents results of the absorption capacity for solids and hypochlorite solutions that usually are used as mercury sorbents, giving technical information to the analyst to decide the best gas cleaning process to be used.

Findings

The absorption capacities of different sorbents were tested using atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Among the tested solids, platinum presented the highest absorption capacity (13.04 pg Hg per gram of Pt). Interaction between sodium hypochlorite, sodium chloride, and EDTA in the absorption capacity was investigated by a 23 factorial design. Results showed a significant interaction between hypochlorite and chloride.

Conclusions

A solution of 1.26 mmol L−1 sodium hypochlorite, 0.48 mol L−1 sodium chloride, and 0.6 mmol L−1 EDTA shows the highest absorption capacity (167.3 pg Hg) among the tested compositions. That solution has eliminated even traces of mercury from gases, resulting in a carrier free of mercury, what cannot be achieved using the solid sorbents tested, despite the use of solutions which is more tedious than the use of solids to clean gas. Anyway, the hypochlorite solution shows to be a good option to clean gases that have to be used in the analysis of mercury in samples with very low concentration.
Non-invasive ventilation for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: intubation rate and risk factors
Authors: Thille Arnaud W , Contou Damien , Fragnoli Chiara , Córdoba-Izquierdo Ana , Boissier Florence , Brun-Buisson Christian
Published: November 2013

Introduction

We assessed rates and predictive factors of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) failure in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for non-hypercapnic acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF).

Methods

This is an observational cohort study using data prospectively collected over a three-year period in a medical ICU of a university hospital.

Results

Among 113 patients receiving NIV for AHRF, 82 had acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and 31 had non-ARDS. Intubation rates significantly differed between ARDS and non-ARDS patients (61% versus 35%, P = 0.015) and according to clinical severity of ARDS: 31% in mild, 62% in moderate, and 84% in severe ARDS (P = 0.0016). In-ICU mortality rates were 13% in non-ARDS, and, respectively, 19%, 32% and 32% in mild, moderate and severe ARDS (P = 0.22). Among patients with moderate ARDS, NIV failure was lower among those having a PaO2/FiO2 >150 mmHg (45% vs. 74%, p = 0.04). NIV failure was associated with active cancer, shock, moderate/severe ARDS, lower Glasgow coma score and lower positive end-expiratory pressure level at NIV initiation. Among intubated patients, ICU mortality rate was 46% overall and did not differ according to the time to intubation.

Conclusions

With intubation rates below 35% in non-ARDS and mild ARDS, NIV stands as the first-line approach; NIV may be attempted in ARDS patients with a PaO2/FiO2 > 150. By contrast, 84% of severe ARDS required intubation and NIV did not appear beneficial in this subset of patients. However, the time to intubation had no influence on mortality.
Pidgin and Hawai‘i English: An overview
Authors: Drager Katie
Published: November 2013

Today, most people from Hawai‘i speak Pidgin, Hawai‘i English, or both. This paper presents a brief discussion of the history of both the creole (called Pidgin or Hawaii Creole) and the variety of English spoken in Hawai‘i referred to as Hawai‘i English. The creation of Pidgin and the prevalence of English in Hawai‘i have a complex history closely tied with various sociohistorical events in the islands, and the social hegemony established during the plantation days still persists today. While Pidgin is stigmatized and is deemed inappropriate for use in formal domains, it has important social functions, and the infl uence from diff erent languages is viewed as representative of the ethnic diversity found in the islands. This paper treats Pidgin and Hawaii English as independent from one another while commenting on some of the linguistic forms that are found in both. Lexical items, phonological forms,and syntactic structures of Pidgin and Hawai‘i English are presented alongside a discussion of language attitudes and ideologies. Recent work that attempts to address the negative attitudes toward Pidgin is also discussed.
English in Ghana: Growth, Tensions, and Trends
Authors: Adika Gordon Senanu Kwame
Published: November 2013

This paper provides snapshots of the growth of English in Ghana by reviewing the debates that have characterised its usage, recapitulating the distinctive features of Ghanaian English (GhaE), and examining current directions of its growth. From its fi rst implantation in Ghana, then the Gold Coast, in the early part of the 16 th century to date, English in Ghana, like in other West African countries has shown formidable resilience as the language of formal education, and a medium for cross-ethnic communication in a predominantly multilingual environment. The tensions attendant upon which language to use as a medium of instruction at the lower levels of education appear to be yielding to the logic of complementarities and bilingualism within the local language ecology. English in Ghana, as an outercircle phenomenon, has been travelling the delicate expansionist path of innovation, adaptation, and maintenance of standards over the years. The distinctive Ghanaian linguistic and cultural colouration continues to permeate the English language on all levels, including vocabulary, idiomatic usage, and pronunciation.
Editor's Foreword
Authors: Vlachopoulos Stefanos
Published: November 2013

Foreword
Contemporary English in the USA
Authors: Axelrod Melissa , Scheibman Joanne
Published: November 2013

Indigenous and immigrant speakers from a variety of linguistic and sociocultural backgrounds have in diff erent ways contributed to the development of presentday American English, as have the geographical and social dimensions of thecountry. This paper provides a survey of contemporary usage of American English by describing and illustrating linguistic features documented for social and regional groups in the United States. The focus on variation in pronunciation, grammar, and meaning in American English highlights the diversity of dialects and styles in the U.S. as well as the centrality of sociocultural identities to language use. We group examples of variation according to the social and geographical factors that these features have been associated with in the literature: region, age, ethnicity, and gender. We note though that patterns of linguistic usage differ both within and across communities, with particular features used by diff erent social groups for shifting purposes. The examples here provide a snapshot of the kinds of variation observed in contemporary American English as we move into the 21st century.
Nasal decongestant and chronic headache: a case of naphazoline overuse headache?
Authors: Di Lorenzo Cherubino , Coppola Gianluca , La Salvia Valeria , Pierelli Francesco
Published: November 2013

Background: Chronic headache is an incapacitating condition afflicting patients at least for 15 days per month. In the most cases it is developed as a consequence of an excessive use of symptomatic drugs.

Case: Here we report the case of a 34 year-old man suffering from chronic headache possibly related to the overuse of naphazoline nitrate nasal decongestant, used to treat a supposed chronic sinusitis. However, the patient did not suffer from sinusitis, but from a medication overuse headache (ICHD-II 8.3; ICD-10 44.41) that appeared to be due to excessive use of naphazoline.

Conclusion: The use of naphazoline nitrate may result in an analgesic effect upon first use, through activation of adrenergic and opioidergic systems, followed by a pro-migraine effect via a late induction of an inflammatory cascade, modulated by nitric oxide and arachidonic acid. The observation that naphazoline detoxification relieved the patient’s headache, indicates that prolonged use of naphazoline may cause chronic headaches. Therefore, physicians should ask for details on the use of nasal decongestants in patients complaining of chronic headache, as they could potentially be suffering from a medication-overuse headache.
A Framework and Guidelines for Context-Specific Theorizing in Information Systems Research
Authors: Hong Weiyin , Chan Frank K. Y. , Thong James Y. L. , Chasalow Lewis C. , Dhillon Gurpreet
Published: November 2013

This paper discusses the value of context in theory development in information systems (IS) research. We examine how prior research has incorporated context in theorizing and develop a framework to classify existing approaches to contextualization. In addition, we expound on a decomposition approach to contextualization and put forth a set of guidelines for developing context-specific models. We illustrate the application of the guidelines by constructing and comparing various context-specific variations of the technology acceptance model (TAM)—i.e., the decomposed TAM that incorporates interaction effects between context-specific factors, the extended TAM with context-specific antecedents, and the integrated TAM that incorporates mediated moderation and moderated mediation effects of context-specific factors. We tested the models on 972 individuals in two technology usage contexts: a digital library and an agile Web portal. The results show that the decomposed TAM provides a better understanding of the contexts by revealing the direct and interaction effects of context-specific factors on behavioral intention that are not mediated by the TAM constructs of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use. This work contributes to the ongoing discussion about the importance of context in theory development and provides guidance for context-specific theorizing in IS research.
La nueva fiebre del oro. Las otras ciudades del Turismo en el Caribe (Varadero, Bávaro-Punta Cana).
Authors: Jiménez Martínez Alfonso De Jesús
Published: November 2013

Desde los años 60’s, el Caribe se ha distinguido por el desarrollo turístico que en la era de los misiles y la llegada del hombre a la Luna, anunciaban nuevas formas de actividad económica, asociada al ocio, las playas y la recreación.En la publicación que ahora se reseña: La nueva fiebre del oro. Las otras ciudades del Turismo en el Caribe (Varadero, Bávaro-Punta Cana),editado por Jesús M. González, participan seis diferentes instituciones, cinco de los cuales son centros de Educación Superior(Universidad de les Illes Balears; Universidad de la Habana, Universidad de Málaga, Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo y la Universidad de Toronto, además de la Oficina de Manejo Costero de la Playa Varadero).En este texto se presenta un análisis crítico de los temas territoriales, urbanísticos, económicos y sociales de los impactos del desarrollo turístico hasta nuestros días, donde se describe a contrapunto temático de las ciudades analizadas (Varadero y Bávaro-Punta Cana), las diferentes situaciones que se encuentran como herencia de ese desarrollo:los impactos del turismo en esos rubros.El libro tiene un muy abundante componente fotográfico que podría ser otra de sus virtudes, en tanto se muestran imágenes de las diferentes épocas de esos lugares y de sus condiciones actuales, que servirán en el futuro como referencia visual a otros sitios, en diferentes momentos de su respectiva historia.Sin distinguir quién hace qué, lo que, se asume, se constituye como un texto grupal y colectivo, participan en el libro 12 investigadores de las universidades e instituciones apuntadas, en una publicación que se distingue por tener una licencia creative commons. Además del mencionado Jesús M. González, que es el editor responsable, esos investigadores son: Margarita Novo, Onofre Rullan, Sonia Vives, Maite Echarri, Roberto González, Ricardo Remond, Eduardo Salinas, Yolanda M. León, Yanira Arias, Carlos Bacallao, Enrique Navarro y Gabriela Sauter.
Rotor Current Control of DFIG for Improving Fault Ride – Through Using a Novel Sliding Mode Control Approach
Authors: Cai Guowei , Liu Cheng , Yang Deyou
Published: November 2013

The doubly fed induction generators (DFIG) have been recognized as the dominant technology used in wind power generation systems with the rapid development of wind power. However, continuous operation of DFIG may cause a serious wind turbine generators tripping accident, due to destructive over-current in the rotor winding which is caused by the power system fault or inefficient fault ride-through (FRT) strategy. A new rotor current control scheme in the rotor-side converter (RSC) ispresented to enhance FRT capacities of grid-connected DFIG. Due to the strongly nonlinear nature of DFIG and insensitive to DFIG parameter’s variations, a novel sliding mode controller was designed. The controller combines extended state observer (ESO) with sliding model variable structure control theory. The simulation is carried out to verify the effectiveness of the proposed control approach under various types of grid disturbances. It is shown that the proposed controller provides enhanced transient features than the classic proportional-integral control. The proposed control method can effectively reduce over-current in the RSC, and the transient pulse value of electromagnetic torque is too large under power grid fault.
Evaluation of the role of first-trimester obstetric ultrasound in the detection of major anomalies: a systematic review
Authors: Farraposo Sílvia , Montenegro Nuno , Matias Alexandra
Published: November 2013

Aim: To perform a systematic review to assess the accuracy of first-trimester ultrasound (US) in the diagnoses of major structural malformations in chromosomally normal fetuses.

Methods: References were obtained from the MEDLINE database, without time range limitations. For each, the risk of bias was evaluated and the important data were extracted. Only studies that used first-trimester US to diagnose major structural malformations were included. We evaluated the sensitivity of US over a low-risk unselected population of pregnant women carrying euploid fetuses.

Results: A total of 19 studies were included, contributing to 126,937 fetuses and 1399 major malformations. The prevalence of lethal and severe malformations obtained was 1.2% [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0–1.4]. Both averaged and pooled sensitivity, 50.0% (95% CI 44.1–55.9) and 45.2%, respectively, presented a moderate value for first-trimester US in the detection of structural malformations.

Conclusion: Based on our analysis of the data, the average sensitivity of first-trimester US to detect structural malformations was 50%. It is our conviction that US has the potential to evolve in this role by exploiting the natural history of malformations and the development of US techniques.
Educating Culturally Diverse Students with Challenging Behaviors: A Review of Literature
Authors: Carrero Kelly M. , Lusk Mandy E.
Published: November 2013

Changing demographics in American school systems necessitate educators to better prepare themselves to work with students from diverse backgrounds. Moreover, culturally diverse (CD) students are disproportionately represented in special education, indicating a need to investigate assessment for identification purposes. We, the authors, believe that examining current research in higher education will highlight the need for effective special education teachers prepared to teach CD learners with challenging behaviors. This article is a review of existing literature related to educating CD students with challenging behaviors and preparing special education teacher candidates for this population.
Macro-Scale Direct Shear Test Device for Assessing Soil-Solid Interface Friction Under Low Effective Normal Stresses
Authors: Wijewickreme Dharma , Amarasinghe Ruslan , Eid Hisham
Published: November 2013

The paper describes a new macro-scale direct shear test device for assessing the large-displacement soil/solid interface drained shear strength at low effective normal stresses. The testing method arises from a need to obtain the interface friction between soils and pipelines under low effective normal stress levels, which is an important consideration in the design of pipelines laid on the sea bed. The test device is fundamentally similar to the conventional small-scale direct shear box device except for its large footprint that provides a plan interface shear area of 3 m2 (1.72 m by 1.75 m). The device is designed to impart displacement-controlled interface-shearing at displacement rates ranging from 0.0001 mm/s to 1 mm/s and with the ability to reach a maximum interface shear displacement of 1.2 m. The desired normal stress at the soil/solid interface is obtained using surcharge loads externally applied by means of bulk sand or water masses, or both in certain cases. The device is instrumented with transducers mounted flush with the top of the solid surface for the measurement of pore-water pressure at the shear interface. As a result, the device allows for accurate determination of the effective normal stress at the soil/solid interface during interface shear testing. The key features of this device are described, and the device capabilities are demonstrated using tests conducted on Fraser-River-sand/mild-steel, plastic-silt/epoxy-coated-mild-steel, non-plastic-silt/epoxy-coated-mild-steel, and kaolinite/epoxy-coated-mild-steel interfaces at effective normal stresses between 3 and 7 kPa. The results can be also used as benchmarks to justify possible modifications of the currently available small-scale apparatus to reliably measure interface shear strength at such low effective normal stresses.
The Use of SNP Markers for Linkage Mapping in Diploid and Tetraploid Peanuts
Authors: Bertioli David J , Ozias-Akins Peggy , Chu Ye , Dantas Karinne M , Santos Silvio P , Gouvea Ediene , Guimarães Patricia M , Leal-Bertioli Soraya C M , Knapp Steven J , Moretzsohn Marcio C
Published: November 2013

Single nucleotide polymorphic markers (SNPs) are attractive for use in genetic mapping and marker-assisted breeding because they can be scored in parallel assays at favorable costs. However, scoring SNP markers in polyploid plants like the peanut is problematic because of interfering signal generated from the DNA bases that are homeologous to those being assayed. The present study used a previously constructed 1536 GoldenGate SNP assay developed using SNPs identified between two A. duranensis accessions. In this study, the performance of this assay was tested on two RIL mapping populations, one diploid (A. duranensis × A. stenosperma) and one tetraploid [A. hypogaea cv. Runner IAC 886 × synthetic tetraploid (A. ipaënsis × A. duranensis)4×]. The scoring was performed using the software GenomeStudio version 2011.1. For the diploid, polymorphic markers provided excellent genotyping scores with default software parameters. In the tetraploid, as expected, most of the polymorphic markers provided signal intensity plots that were distorted compared to diploid patterns and that were incorrectly scored using default parameters. However, these scorings were easily corrected using the GenomeStudio software. The degree of distortion was highly variable. Of the polymorphic markers, approximately 10% showed no distortion at all behaving as expected for single-dose markers, and another 30% showed low distortion and could be considered high-quality. The genotyped markers were incorporated into diploid and tetraploid genetic maps of Arachis and, in the latter case, were located almost entirely on A genome linkage groups.
Trends in the utilization of food additives
Authors: Szűcs Viktória , Bánáti Diána
Published: November 2013

The frequent media reports on food additives weakened consumers’ trust in food producers and food control authorities as well. Furthermore, consumers’ uncertainty is also raised by the fact that they obtain their information from inadequate, mistrustful sources and, therefore, consumers might avoid the consumption of certain foodstuffs. While food producers may react by replacing artificial components by natural ones, they try to emphasize the favourable characteristics of their products. The authors describe the main trends and efforts related to food additives. On the basis of the overview it can be concluded that – besides taking into consideration consumers’ needs – product development and research directions are promising. Food producers’ efforts may help to restore consumer confidence and trust and they may help them to have informed choice. Orv. Hetil., 154(46), 1813–1819.
Análise de custo-efetividade dos imunossupressores utilizados no tratamento de manutenção do transplante renal em pacientes adultos no Brasil
Authors: Acurcio Francisco de Assis , Saturnino Luciana Tarbes Mattana , Silva Anderson Lourenço da , Oliveira Gustavo Laine Araújo de , Andrade Eli Iola Gurgel , Cherchiglia Mariangela Leal , Ceccato Maria das Graças Braga
Published: November 2013

O objetivo do estudo foi realizar análise custoefetividade de imunossupressores utilizados na terapia de manutenção pós-transplante renal. Coorte hipotética de adultos transplantados foi acompanhada por 20 anos, empregando-se modelo de Markov. Os 10 esquemas terapêuticos avaliados continham prednisona (P). O custo médio dos medicamentos foi obtido na Câmara de Regulação do Mercado de Medicamentos. Outros custos assistenciais compuseram cada estágio da doença. O custo foi expresso em reais, a efetividade em anos de vida ganhos e adotou-se a perspectiva do sistema público de saúde. Ao fim do acompanhamento, a análise com desconto mostrou que todos os esquemas foram dominados por ciclosporina(CSA)+azatioprina(AZA) +P. Nas demais análises, tacrolimo+AZA+P não foi dominado, mas a relação custo-efetividade incremental entre estes dois esquemas foi de R$ 156.732,07/ anos de vida ganhos, na análise sem desconto, valor que ultrapassa o limiar de três vezes o PIB per capita brasileiro. Nenhuma alteração qualitativa foi demonstrada pela análise de sensibilidade e a probabilidade do esquema CSA+AZA+P ser o mais custo-efetivo é superior a 85%.
Custo-efetividade da inclusão dos respondedores virológicos lentos no tratamento da hepatite C na presença da coinfecção com o HIV
Authors: Rodrigues Marcus Paulo da Silva , Vianna Cid Manso de Mello , Mosegui Gabriela Bittencourt Gonzalez , Silva Frances Valéria Costa e , Peregrino Antonio Augusto de Freitas , Jardim Fernando Nagib
Published: November 2013

Evidências recentes demonstram que respondedores virológicos lentos podem se beneficiar com a extensão do tratamento antiviral. O estudo investigou a adoção desse protocolo diante da coinfecção VHC/HIV. O objetivo foi estudar a relação de custo/efetividade da terapêutica com peguinterferon associado à ribavirina em portadores do genótipo 1 do VHC coinfectados com o HIV, comparando-se a inclusão ou não de respondedores virológicos lentos. Simulou-se por meio de um modelo de Markov a progressão da doença hepática em uma coorte hipotética de mil homens, maiores de 40 anos, considerandose a perspectiva do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e horizonte temporal de 30 anos. A extensão do tratamento para respondedores lentos resultou em uma razão incremental de custo efetividade de R$ 44.171/QALY, valor abaixo do limiar de aceitabilidade proposto pela Organização Mundial da Saúde. A análise de sensibilidade não modificou os resultados alcançados. A inclusão de indivíduos coinfectados VHC/HIV respondedores virológicos lentos no protocolo de tratamento apresenta-se como uma estratégia custo-efetiva para o SUS.
Counting the books while the library burns: why conservation monitoring programs need a plan for action
Authors: Lindenmayer David B , Piggott Maxine P , Wintle Brendan A
Published: November 2013

Conservation monitoring programs are critical for identifying many elements of species ecology and for detecting changes in populations. However, without articulating how monitoring information will trigger relevant conservation actions, programs that monitor species until they become extinct are at odds with the primary goal of conservation: avoiding biodiversity loss. Here, we outline cases in which species were monitored until they suffered local, regional, or global extinction in the absence of a preplanned intervention program, and contend that conservation monitoring programs should be embedded within a management plan and characterized by vital attributes to ensure their effectiveness. These attributes include: (1) explicit articulation of how monitoring information will inform conservation actions, (2) transparent specification of trigger points within monitoring programs at which strategic interventions will be implemented, and (3) rigorous quantification of the ability to achieve early detection of change.
Dimensional Changes During Early Healing After a Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft Procedure
Authors: Rotenberg Shaun A. , Tatakis Dimitris N.
Published: November 2013

Background: The subepithelial connective tissue graft (CTG) is a popular means to treat gingival recession and augment keratinized tissue. Studies exist that examine long‐term outcomes of this procedure; however, changes in tissue dimensions during early healing (0 to 21 days postoperatively) are unknown. The aim of this study is to examine bucco‐lingual tissue dimension (gingival tissue thickness [GT]) changes during early CTG healing using a non‐invasive technique.

Methods: Thirteen patients who had treatment planned for CTG on a single tooth were recruited for the study. Using a customized acrylic stent, GT was measured preoperatively, at surgery completion, and at 3, 7, 14, and 21 days postoperatively. CTG was performed using an envelope technique. GT changes were analyzed by repeated‐measures analysis of variance.

Results: All CTG procedures were considered successful with no postoperative complications. GT increased 1.5 mm immediately after surgery (baseline) compared to the preoperative measurement. GT increased on average 96%, 47%, and 2% compared to baseline at days 3, 7, and 14, respectively. Day 3 and day 7 measurements were significantly different from baseline (P <0.001). At day 21, GT decreased 15% compared to baseline, with an average increase of 1.29 mm from preoperative measurements.

Conclusions: The early postoperative healing of CTGs used for root coverage exhibits a significant but transient increase in bucco‐lingual tissue dimension. The observed increase in bucco‐lingual tissue dimension subsides by the end of the second postoperative week.
Novel Steam-Resilient Cement System for Long-Term Steam Injection Well Integrity: Case Study of a Steamflooded Field in Indonesia
Authors: Salehpour A. G. , Pershikova E.. , Chougnet-Sirapian A.. , Taoutaou S.. , Adiningtyas D. A.
Published: November 2013

A major challenge of a steamflooded field in Indonesia, one of the world's largest thermal recovery projects, is the short life of the well from the well integrity aspect. The outcome of a joint study group between the operator and the cementing service provider reveals that 77% of the injector wells drilled in a recent period of 5 years required remedial squeeze cementing operations. The operating expenditure of workover operations and the costs of the deferred production to the operator are significant; hence, a cementing solution is needed to improve the efficiency in managing the mature heavy oil reserve.

The current cementing practice calls for placing the API class G cement and silica flour blended system across unconsolidated sand bodies and exposing it to large temperature changes. Results of the stress modeling predict the conventional cement system failure under the anticipated conditions of injection and workover operations. An innovative steam-resilient cement system with tailored thermal and mechanical properties up to a temperature of at least 350° C [650° F], beyond the maximum steam injection temperature of the field, is maintaining the integrity.

Field trials in Indonesia confirm that this new system can be easily integrated into standard cementing operations using conventional equipment. Cement evaluation logs after cement operations prove that proper zonal isolation is achieved. All the candidate wells, first one since January 2011, are currently under the steam injection with no sign of wellbore integrity failure.

This novel cement system, by keeping adequate level of flexibility and optimum thermal properties, provides a long term well integrity solution for any well exposed to similar conditions, such as in fields exposed to steam injection. Operators can rely on cement sheath integrity exposed to thermal processes to produce heavy oils.
Fiscal Regimes: It's not just costs that drive LNG prices
Authors: Gurney David
Published: November 2013

There is much talk and speculation around the impact of the next wave of LNG due to come onto the market from the US driven by the shale oil/gas revolution over the last few years.

This paper examines the competitive position of several alternative sources of LNG relative to the US LNG exports into the North Asian market. Specifically the Area 1 and Area 4 Mozambique LNG scheme and three generic Australian schemes: a conventional deepwater gas source, a coal seam gas source and a prospective shale/tight gas supply. The paper also looks at the fiscal position of each of these non-US projects to examine the impact on the delivered price of LNG.

End buyers argue that US sourced LNG delivered ex-ship to North Asia will be less than $11/MMBtu. If these prices are realised, the integrated projects making up the non-US suppliers will struggle to compete for the current round of LNG contracts. However, the volume of US LNG is expected to be limited to 40–50 MMtpa of supply (including currently approved projects). Once this US LNG is contracted, pressure for lower prices or alternative pricing mechanisms should ease as new demand is sourced from higher cost locations. For projects looking to be competitive marketing LNG into North Asia for initial delivery this decade, it seems that the US ‘benchmark’ may prevail.

The $11/MMBtu delivered price is predicated on a sub $4/MMBtu feedstock gas price. If and when US gas prices rise above $5/MMBtu and provided LNG carrier rates do not collapse, the longer-term delivered price for US gas will not be materially below the equivalent price for ‘conventionally priced’ oil-indexed LNG from integrated non-US supplies into North Asia. Also, existing oil indexation formulae will be competitive to US supplies if the oil price slips to around $80/bbl.

The paper demonstrates that Australian deepwater conventional gas to LNG supply will be competitive to Mozambique's deepwater supplies. This is partly attributable to the higher liquids content in much Australian gas than in the Mozambique gas and to the harsher fiscal terms that apply to the Mozambique upstream investment; the Government take is over fifty percent higher than for a similar Australian project. Australian LNG from unconventional gas sources is predicted to struggle against the low unit cost Mozambique supplies even with a total tax burden of only one third of the Mozambique levels.
Fracture Design Optimization of Horizontal Wells Targeting the Chang 6 Formation in the Huaqing Oilfield
Authors: Qi Yin , Wu Zongfu , Bai Xiaohu , Li Chuan , Chang Du , Ji Zhenning , Lu Ling , Wang Jianhui , Duan Penghui
Published: November 2013

Huge oil reserves are located in ultra-low permeability reservoirs in the Ordos basin in China. There are three key characteristics associated with these reservoirs: low reservoir quality (10 to 13% in porosity), low reservoir permeability (0.3 to 2.0 mD), and low reservoir pressures (pressure gradients of 0.0075 to 0.009 MPa/m). The Chang 6 formation in the Huaqing field is classified as ultra-low permeability reservoirs. Water injection to maintain reservoir pressure is important to develop the Chang 6 formation in horizontal wells. Fracturing design optimization is the key to improving well production and reservoir development effectiveness. Reservoir simulation studies were performed to determine optimal well pattern and well spacing. Fracture modeling studies were also conducted to determine the optimal number of fracture stages in each horizontal well and to optimize fracture design for each stage in order to take into consideration the relative location between each individual stage and nearby injection wells, with the objective of postponing water breakthrough and reducing water production. Completion, stimulation and cumulative production data from 24 horizontal wells were compiled and compared with 121 vertical wells under similar reservoir conditions. Oil production from horizontal wells was increased by four folds on average in comparison with vertical well completion.
How Farmers, Graziers, Miners, and Gas Industry Personnel See their Potential for Co-existence in Rural Queensland
Authors: Everingham J.. , Collins N.. , Rifkin W.. , Rodriguez D.. , Baumgartl T.. , Cavaye J.. , Vink S..
Published: November 2013

Rapid expansion of the coal seam gas (CSG) sector in Queensland has fuelled debate on the sector's contributions to community sustainability in a rural economy dominated by farming of food and cotton, cattle grazing, coal mining, and a modest level of tourism. For example, will the impacts of CSG extraction on surface and groundwater have sustained negative impacts on the growing of grain, and if so, what should be expected of the CSG industry today?

The intensity of debate has been accompanied by an array of operating conditions placed on CSG projects by the state government, extensive media coverage, and a focus on what it takes to maintain a ‘social license to operate’. Such a context is a challenge for resource companies committed to sustainability principles and to contributing to the social, economic and institutional development of the communities in which they operate as well as to the conservation of biodiversity and integrated approaches to land use planning.

In this context, our research has explored perceptions of the social and environmental impacts in two local government areas of rural Queensland. We surveyed and interviewed stakeholders affected by – and/or influential in – decision making and management of mining, CSG extraction, and agriculture in these areas. We asked their views on the state of the environment, the economy, social fabric, human capital, and local infrastructure, comparing today to five years ago. Their responses reveal how this contested arena harbours ‘wicked’ problems: issues that are hard to formulate in simple terms and where every potential solution has irreversible consequences. Our findings suggest further that successful co-existence of multiple industries and a social license to operate for CSG companies depend on effective management by resource companies, and by regulators, of operating practices, off-site impacts, and the distribution of benefits.