bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Symmetric Results for Quasilinear Elliptic Systems Involving Singular Potentials and Critical Sobolev Exponents inRN
Authors: Deng Zhiying , Huang Yisheng
Published: November 2014

This paper deals with a class of quasilinear elliptic systems involving singular potentials and critical Sobolev exponents inRN. By using the symmetric criticality principle of Palais and variational methods, we prove several existence and multiplicity results ofG-symmetric solutions under certain appropriate hypotheses on the potentials and parameters.
The Bifurcation and Control of a Single-Species Fish Population Logistic Model with the Invasion of Alien Species
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Qiaoling , Li Jinghao , Zhang Qingling
Published: November 2014

The objective of this paper is to study systematically the bifurcation and control of a single-species fish population logistic model with the invasion of alien species based on the theory of singular system and bifurcation. It regardsSpartina anglicaas an invasive species, which invades the fisheries and aquaculture. Firstly, the stabilities of equilibria in this model are discussed. Moreover, the sufficient conditions for existence of the trans-critical bifurcation and the singularity induced bifurcation are obtained. Secondly, the state feedback controller is designed to eliminate the unexpected singularity induced bifurcation by combining harvested effort with the purification capacity. It obviously inhibits the switch of population and makes the system stable. Finally, the numerical simulation is proposed to show the practical significance of the bifurcation and control from the biological point of view.
Catastrophic Outcomes in Free Tissue Transfer: A Six-Year Review of the NSQIP Database
Authors: Grant David W. , Mlodinow Alexei , Ver Halen Jon P. , Kim John Y. S.
Published: November 2014

Background. No studies report robust data on the national incidence and risk factors associated with catastrophic medical outcomes following free tissue transfer.Methods. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) multicenter, prospective National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was used to identify patients who underwent free tissue transfer between 2006 and 2011. Multivariable logistic regression was used for statistical analysis.Results. Over the 6-year study period 2,349 patients in the NSQIP database underwent a free tissue transfer procedure. One hundred and twenty-two patients had at least one catastrophic medical outcome (5.2%). These 122 patients had 151 catastrophic medical outcomes, including 93 postoperative respiratory failure events (4.0%), 14 pulmonary emboli (0.6%), 13 septic shock events (0.5%), 12 myocardial infarctions (0.5%), 6 cardiac arrests (0.3%), 4 strokes (0.2%), 1 coma (0.0%), and 8 deaths (0.3%). Total length of hospital stay was on average 14.7 days longer for patients who suffered a catastrophic medical complication (P<0.001). Independent risk factors were identified.Conclusions. Free tissue transfer is a proven and safe technique. Catastrophic medical complications were infrequent but added significantly to length of hospital stay and patient morbidity.
Existence of Nontrivial Solutions for a Critical Perturbed Quasilinear Elliptic System
Authors: Zhang Huixing , Zhang Xiangzhi
Published: November 2014

We consider a perturbed quasilinear elliptic system involving thep-Laplacian with critical growth terms inRN. Under proper conditions, we establish the existence of nontrivial solutions by using the variational methods.
Cross-Comparison of Leaching Strains Isolated from Two Different Regions: Chambishi and Dexing Copper Mines
Authors: Ngom Baba , Liang Yili , Liu Xueduan
Published: November 2014

A cross-comparison of six strains isolated from two different regions, Chambishi copper mine (Zambia, Africa) and Dexing copper mine (China, Asia), was conducted to study the leaching efficiency of low grade copper ores. The strains belong to the three major species often encountered in bioleaching of copper sulfide ores under mesophilic conditions:Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans,Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, andLeptospirillum ferriphilum. Prior to their study in bioleaching, the different strains were characterized and compared at physiological level. The results revealed that, except for copper tolerance, strains within species presented almost similar physiological traits with slight advantages of Chambishi strains. However, in terms of leaching efficiency, native strains always achieved higher cell density and greater iron and copper extraction rates than the foreign microorganisms. In addition, microbial community analysis revealed that the different mixed cultures shared almost the same profile, andAt. ferrooxidansstrains always outcompeted the other strains.
Maternal Plasma and Amniotic Fluid Chemokines Screening in Fetal Down Syndrome
Authors: Laudanski Piotr , Zbucka-Kretowska Monika , Charkiewicz Karol , Wolczynski Slawomir , Wojcik Daniela , Charkiewicz Radoslaw
Published: November 2014

Objective. Chemokines exert different inflammatory responses which can potentially be related to certain fetal chromosomal abnormalities. The aim of the study was to determine the concentration of selected chemokines in plasma and amniotic fluid of women with fetal Down syndrome.Method. Out of 171 amniocentesis, we had 7 patients with confirmed fetal Down syndrome (15th–18th weeks of gestation). For the purpose of our control, we chose 14 women without confirmed chromosomal aberration. To assess the concentration of chemokines in the blood plasma and amniotic fluid, we used a protein macroarray, which allows the simultaneous determination of 40 chemokines per sample.Results. We showed significant decrease in the concentration of 4 chemokines, HCC-4, IL-28A, IL-31, and MCP-2, and increase in the concentration of CXCL7 (NAP-2) in plasma of women with fetal Down syndrome. Furthermore, we showed decrease in concentration of 3 chemokines, ITAC, MCP-3, MIF, and increase in concentration of 4 chemokines, IP-10, MPIF-1, CXCL7, and 6Ckine, in amniotic fluid of women with fetal Down syndrome.Conclusion. On the basis of our findings, our hypothesis is that the chemokines may play role in the pathogenesis of Down syndrome. Defining their potential as biochemical markers of Down syndrome requires further investigation on larger group of patients.
Convex Combination Inequalities of the Line and Plane
Authors: Pavić Zlatko , Wu Shanhe , Klarić Štefanija
Published: November 2014

The paper deals with convex combinations, convex functions, and Jensen’s functionals. The main idea of this work is to present the given convex combination by using two other convex combinations with minimal number of points. For example, as regards the presentation of the planar combination, we use two trinomial combinations. Generalizations to higher dimensions are also considered.
Model Point-of-Care Ultrasound Curriculum in an Intensive Care Unit Fellowship Program and Its Impact on Patient Management
Authors: Killu Keith , Coba Victor , Mendez Michael , Reddy Subhash , Adrzejewski Tanja , Huang Yung , Ede Jessica , Horst Mathilda
Published: November 2014

Objectives. This study was designed to assess the clinical applicability of a Point-of-Care (POC) ultrasound curriculum into an intensive care unit (ICU) fellowship program and its impact on patient care.Methods. A POC ultrasound curriculum for the surgical ICU (SICU) fellowship was designed and implemented in an urban, academic tertiary care center. It included 30 hours of didactics and hands-on training on models. Minimum requirement for each ICU fellow was to perform 25–50 exams on respective systems or organs for a total not less than 125 studies on ICU. The ICU fellows implemented the POC ultrasound curriculum into their daily practice in managing ICU patients, under supervision from ICU staff physicians, who were instructors in POC ultrasound. Impact on patient care including finding a new diagnosis or change in patient management was reviewed over a period of one academic year.Results. 873 POC ultrasound studies in 203 patients admitted to the surgical ICU were reviewed for analysis. All studies included were done through the POC ultrasound curriculum training. The most common exams performed were 379 lung/pleural exams, 239 focused echocardiography and hemodynamic exams, and 237 abdominal exams. New diagnosis was found in 65.52% of cases (95% CI 0.590, 0.720). Changes in patient management were found in 36.95% of cases (95% CI 0.303, 0.435).Conclusions. Implementation of POC ultrasound in the ICU with a structured fellowship curriculum was associated with an increase in new diagnosis in about 2/3 and change in management in over 1/3 of ICU patients studied.
Spatiotemporal Expression of Cdx4 in the Developing Anorectum of Rat Embryos with Ethylenethiourea-Induced Anorectal Malformations
Authors: Tang Xiao Bing , Zhang Jin , Wang Wei Lin , Yuan Zheng Wei , Bai Yu Zuo
Published: November 2014

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the expression of Cdx4 (caudal-type homeobox gene-4) during anorectal development in normal and ethylenethiourea (ETU)-induced anorectal malformation (ARM) embryos with a view to establishing the possible role of Cdx4 in ARM pathogenesis. Materials and Methods: ARM was induced by ETU on the 10th gestational day (GD10) in rat embryos. Cesarean deliveries were then performed to harvest the embryos. Spatiotemporal expression of Cdx4 was evaluated in normal rat embryos (n = 354) and ARM embryos (n = 378) from GD13 to GD16. Results: Immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescence revealed that, in normal embryos, Cdx4 expression was extensively detected on the epithelium of the cloaca on GD13. On GD14, the Cdx4-positive cells were intensively detected on the hindgut. On GD15, the anal membrane was constantly immunoreactive to Cdx4. On GD16, Cdx4-labeled cells were observed on the epithelium of the anus. In the ARM embryos, the epithelium of the cloaca, urorectal septum (URS) and anorectum was negative or faint for Cdx4. In the normal embryo group, Cdx4 protein and mRNA expression showed time-dependent changes in the developing hindgut from GD13 to GD16 on Western blot and real-time reverse transcription plus polymerase chain reaction. Once the URS divided the cloaca into the primitive rectum and urogenital sinus (UGS) on GD15, Cdx4 expression began to decrease. In addition, the expression level of Cdx4 in the ARM group from GD13 to GD15 was significantly lower than that in the normal group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In ARM embryos, an imbalance in the spatiotemporal expression of Cdx4 was noted during anorectal morphogenesis from GD13 to GD16. This suggests that ETU may cause downregulation of Cdx4 expression. Downregulation of Cdx4 at the time of cloacal separation into the primitive rectum and UGS might thus be related to the development of ARM.
An Index of Barriers for the Implementation of Personalised Medicine and Pharmacogenomics in Europe
Authors: Horgan Denis , Jansen Marleen , Leyens Lada , Lal Jonathan A. , Sudbrak Ralf , Hackenitz Erica , Bußhoff Ulrike , Ballensiefen Wolfgang , Brand Angela
Published: November 2014

Background: Personalised medicine (PM) is an innovative way to produce better patient outcomes by using an individualised or stratified approach to disease and treatment rather than a collective treatment approach for patients. Despite its tangible advantages, the complex process to translate PM into the member states and European healthcare systems has delayed its uptake. The aim of this study is to identify relevant barriers represented by an index to summarise challenging areas for the implementation of PM in Europe. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted, and a gaps-and-needs assessment together with a strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-and-threats analysis were applied to review strategic reports and conduct interviews with key stakeholders. Furthermore, surveys were sent out to representatives of stakeholder groups. The index was constructed based on the priorisation of relevant factors by stakeholders. Results: A need for stakeholder-agreed standards at all levels of implementation of PM exists, from validating biomarkers to definitions of ‘informed consent'. The barriers to implement PM are identified in 7 areas, namely, stakeholder involvement, standardisation, interoperable infrastructure, European-level policy making, funding, data and research, and healthcare systems. Conclusions: Challenges in the above-mentioned areas can and must be successfully tackled if we are to create a healthier Europe through PM. In order to create an environment in which PM can thrive for the patients' best outcomes, there is an urgent need for systematic actions to remove as many barriers as possible.
Recent Trends in Survival From Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in the United States
Authors: Chan Paul S. , McNally Bryan , Tang Fengming , Kellermann Arthur
Published: November 2014

Background—

Despite intensive efforts over many years, the United States has made limited progress in improving rates of survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Recently, national organizations, such as the American Heart Association, have focused on promoting bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, use of automated external defibrillators, and other performance improvement efforts.

Methods and Results—

Using the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES), a prospective clinical registry, we identified 70 027 U.S. patients who experienced an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between October 2005 and December 2012. Using multilevel Poisson regression, we examined temporal trends in risk-adjusted survival. After adjusting for patient and cardiac arrest characteristics, risk-adjusted rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival increased from 5.7% in the reference period of 2005 to 2006 to 7.2% in 2008 (adjusted risk ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.12–1.43;
P
<0.001). Survival improved more modestly to 8.3% in 2012 (adjusted risk ratio, 1.47; 95% confidence interval, 1.26–1.70;
P
<0.001). This improvement in survival occurred in both shockable and nonshockable arrest rhythms (
P
for interaction=0.22) and was also accompanied by better neurological outcomes among survivors (
P
for trend=0.01). Improved survival was attributable to both higher rates of prehospital survival, where risk-adjusted rates increased from 14.3% in 2005 to 2006 to 20.8% in 2012 (
P
for trend<0.001), and in-hospital survival (
P
for trend=0.015). Rates of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator use modestly increased during the study period and partly accounted for prehospital survival trends.

Conclusions—

Data drawn from a large subset of U.S communities suggest that rates of survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest have improved among sites participating in a performance improvement registry.
The larva of Aphylla protracta (Hagen, 1859), and a redescription of the larva of A. angustifolia Garrison, 1986 (Odonata: Gomphidae)
Authors: NOVELO-GUTIÉRREZ RODOLFO
Published: November 2014

The larva of Aphylla protracta is described and figured. It is characterized by 3rd antennomere subcylindrical, flattened on ventral surface, 4.2 times longer than its widest part. Abdomen with dorsal protuberances well developed on S2–4, reduced on S5, vestigial or absent on S6–9; lateral spines lacking entirely, tergites 5–8 with minute reddish setae, tergite 9 with abundant, small, reddish setae on most of its surface and the whole posterior margin; S10 cylindrical, very long, five times longer than its base, much longer than S6+7+8+9. Also, a redescription and figures of A. angustifolia are provided, and a comparison of both species is made. Mainly differences between both species were found in abdominal dorsal protuberances and the presence/absence of small setae on abdominal tergites.
Asymmetric Relationship between Indian Ocean SST and the Western North Pacific Summer Monsoon
Authors: Lu Riyu , Lu Shu
Published: November 2014

The summer precipitation anomalies over the tropical western North Pacific (WNP), which greatly affect East Asian climate, are closely related to Indian Ocean (IO) SST anomalies, and this WNP–IO relationship is widely assumed to be linear. This study indicates that the IO SST–WNP precipitation relationship is generally linear only when the IO SST anomalies are positive and not when the IO SST anomalies are negative, that is, a strongly cooler IO, in comparison with a moderately cooler IO, does not correspond to stronger precipitation enhancement over the WNP. Further analysis suggests that the phases of ENSO play a crucial role in modifying the impacts of IO SSTs on WNP anomalies. The reverse IO SST–WNP precipitation relationship, which exists without apparent ENSO development/decay, is intensified by El Niño decay through the enhancement of IO SST anomalies, but weakened by El Niño development and La Niña decay through the concurrence of SST anomalies in the tropical central and eastern Pacific. After removing El Niño developing and La Niña decaying cases, the IO SST and WNP precipitation anomalies show a clear linear relationship. Because of the effects of the phases of ENSO, the years of negative precipitation or anticyclonic anomalies over the WNP are highly concentrated over strongly warmer IO and El Niño decaying years, which is consistent with previous studies. However, the years of positive precipitation anomalies are scattered over cooler IO and moderately warmer IO years, implying a complexity of tropical SST forcing on positive WNP precipitation anomalies.
Telerehabilitation for older people using off-the-shelf applications: acceptability and feasibility
Authors: Crotty Maria , Killington Maggie , van den Berg Maayken , Morris Claire , Taylor Alan , Carati Colin
Published: November 2014

We investigated the feasibility of providing telerehabilitation in the home as an alternative to conventional ambulatory rehabilitation. Two groups of patients were accepted for telerehabilitation. The first group were community patients who needed rehabilitation, e.g. following a stroke, a fracture or prolonged hospital admission. The second group was from two rural nursing homes where residents were identified with a recent injury, fall or hospitalisation. Telerehabilitation employed a coaching model, with fewer therapist home visits, more feedback and “homework” for the patient. Patients had a tablet computer loaded with a videoconferencing app to connect with therapists and relevant therapeutic apps. Multidisciplinary care was provided for up to 8 weeks. The majority (86%) of eligible patients consented to receive telerehabilitation in their own home (n = 61) or in the country nursing home where they lived (n = 17). Most services were delivered using the 3G and 4G wireless networks with few technical problems. On average participants felt that they had achieved 75% of the goals set at the beginning of the programme. High levels of satisfaction were recorded. There was a 50% reduction in home visits by staff, or 10 visits per patient. Speech therapists were able to double occasions of service and direct patient contact time, whilst halving their travel time. Previous experience with technology and age were not barriers to this method of delivery but did affect recruitment. Telerehabilitation using off-the-shelf technology is feasible for post-acute treatment.
Effect of Gold Deposition on the Activity of Palladium Electrode for Propane-1,3-diol Oxidation
Authors: Jin Changchun , Zhang Jingjing , Huo Qisheng , Dong Rulin
Published: November 2014

The Au deposition on polycrystalline Pd electrode and the electrocatalytic oxidation of propane-1,3-diol on the Au-deposited Pd electrodes are investigated. Structure analyses show that the surface of Pd is partially covered by Au nanoparticles. Electrochemical measurements reveal a significant improvement in the catalytic activity of Pd electrode by Au deposition for propane-1,3-diol oxidation in alkaline solution. The Au-modified Pd electrodes show oxidation potential similar to Pd electrode but considerably higher peak current density than Pd and Au electrodes.
Circular RNAs: diversity of form and function
Authors: Lasda Erika , Parker Roy
Published: November 2014

It is now clear that there is a diversity of circular RNAs in biological systems. Circular RNAs can be produced by the direct ligation of 5′ and 3′ ends of linear RNAs, as intermediates in RNA processing reactions, or by “backsplicing,” wherein a downstream 5′ splice site (splice donor) is joined to an upstream 3′ splice site (splice acceptor). Circular RNAs have unique properties including the potential for rolling circle amplification of RNA, the ability to rearrange the order of genomic information, protection from exonucleases, and constraints on RNA folding. Circular RNAs can function as templates for viroid and viral replication, as intermediates in RNA processing reactions, as regulators of transcription in cis, as snoRNAs, and as miRNA sponges. Herein, we review the breadth of circular RNAs, their biogenesis and metabolism, and their known and anticipated functions.
Treating vulnerable skin: the cornerstone of providing good care
Authors: Jones Menna Lloyd
Published: November 2014

As we get older, we are more likely to experience skin changes, including thinning of the skin, an increased risk of damage and infection and loss of sensation. Menna Lloyd Jones presents a variety of ways to care for vulnerable skin
Be aware: reducing the incidence of shingles
Authors: Kochhar Suneeta
Published: November 2014

Shingles is a significant cause of morbidity in older people. Suneeta Kochhar discusses the signs, symptoms and treatments of the virus and highlights the importance of vaccination
Auto-enrolment for small businesses
Authors: Bernstein Adam
Published: November 2014

Adam Bernstein provides an overview of auto-enrolment and encourages care homes, especially those that are small, to make various changes to deal with its introduction
Quadratic Forms Representing All Odd Positive Integers
Authors: Rouse Jeremy
Published: November 2014

We consider the problem of classifying all positive-definite
integer-valued
quadratic forms that represent all positive odd integers. Kaplansky
considered
this problem for ternary forms, giving a list of 23 candidates, and
proving
that 19 of those represent all positive odds. (Jagy later dealt with a
20th
candidate.) Assuming that the remaining three forms represent all
positive
odds, we prove that an arbitrary, positive-definite quadratic form
represents
all positive odds if and only if it represents the odd numbers from 1 up
to
451. This result is analogous to Bhargava and Hanke's celebrated
290-theorem.
In addition, we prove that these three remaining ternaries represent all
positive odd integers, assuming the Generalized Riemann Hypothesis. This
result is made possible by a new analytic method for bounding the cusp
constants of integer-valued quaternary quadratic forms $Q$ with
fundamental
discriminant. This method is based on the analytic properties of
Rankin-Selberg
$L$-functions, and we use it to prove that if $Q$ is a quaternary form
with
fundamental discriminant, the largest locally represented integer $n$ for
which
$Q(\vec{x}) = n$ has no integer solutions is $O(D^{2 + \epsilon})$.
Effectiveness of Monetary Policy in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Md. Rafayet
Published: November 2014

This paper uses Structural Vector Autoregression models with appropriate short run restrictions to see the response of output, price and exchange rate to an exogenous monetary–policy shock in Bangladesh. The impulse response functions show that an independent increase in policy interest rate is followed by decrease in output, appreciation of local currency, and increase in price level. However, the impacts are not statistically significant, implying that monetary policy is not effective in controlling short run economic fluctuations in Bangladesh. ‘Prevalence of microcredit’ and ‘government domestic borrowing’ may weaken the effectiveness of monetary policy. Thus, when conducting the monetary policy to achieve certain goals, the central bank of Bangladesh should consider the reality of microcredit and government domestic borrowing.
Agricultural Technology Adoption and Nonfarm Earnings in Uganda: A Semiparametric Analysis
Authors: Diiro Gracious M. , Sam Abdoul G.
Published: November 2014

Household diversification into nonfarm work activities is a major rural livelihood strategy in many developing economies. In this paper, we explore empirically if rural households in Uganda leverage their nonfarm earnings to overcome credit constraints and invest in high yielding maize seed varieties. We use a semiparametric estimator of binary outcomes that accommodates endogenous regressors straightforwardly to estimate the effect of nonfarm income on technology adoption decisions. Our results show that nonfarm income has a positive and significant effect on the adoption of improved maize seed.
Causality between Exports and Economic Growth in South Africa: Evidence from Linear and Nonlinear Tests
Authors: Ajmi Ahdi N. , Aye Goodness C. , Balcilar Mehmet , Gupta Rangan
Published: November 2014

This paper investigates the dynamic causal link between exports and economic growth using both linear and nonlinear Granger causality tests. We use annual South African data on real exports and real gross domestic product from 1911-2011. The linear Granger causality result shows no evidence of significant causality between exports and GDP. The relevant VAR is unstable, which undermines our confidence in the causality result identified by the linear Granger causality test. Accordingly we turn to the nonlinear methods to evaluate Granger causality between exports and GDP. First, we use Hiemstra and Jones (1994) nonlinear Granger causality test and find a unidirectional causality from GDP to exports. However, using a more powerful and less biased nonlinear test, the Diks and Panchenko (2006) test, we find evidence of significant bi-directional causality. These results highlight the risk of misleading conclusions based on the standard linear Granger causality tests which neither accounts for structural breaks nor uncover nonlinearities in the dynamic relationship between exports and GDP.
Woman Entrepreneurship in Rural Vietnam: Success and Motivational Factors
Authors: Le Quan V. , Raven Peter V.
Published: November 2014

The objective of this study was to examine the impact of a number of variables on the perceptions of women entrepreneurs’ success and motivational factors. We partnered with PeaceTrees Vietnam, a Seattle-based NGO and the Women’s Union of Vietnam to conduct field work in Quang Tri province in central Vietnam. A survey was administered to 20 women entrepreneurs in 6 different communes. Of the 120 surveys administered, 109 usable surveys were received. We found that women owners of businesses in Quang Tri Province perceived success to be a result of their values and perceptions of entrepreneurship. Similarly, the women were motivated by both their perceptions of values and perceptions of entrepreneurship.
What survived from the PLANAFLORO Project: angiosperms of Rondônia state, Brazil
Authors: Carleial Samuel , Bigio Narcísio C.
Published: November 2014

The Rondônia Natural Resources Management Project (PLANAFLORO) was a strategic program developed in partnership between the Brazilian Government and The World Bank in 1992, with the purpose of stimulating the sustainable development and protection of the Amazon in the state of Rondônia. More than a decade after the PLANAFORO program concluded, the aim of the present work is to recover and share the information from the long-abandoned plant collections made during the project’s ecological-economic zoning phase. Most of the material analyzed was sterile, but the fertile voucher specimens recovered are listed here. The material examined represents 378 species in 234 genera and 76 families of angiosperms. Some 8 genera, 68 species, 3 subspecies and 1 variety are new records for Rondônia State. It is our intention that this information will stimulate future studies and contribute to a better understanding and more effective conservation of the plant diversity in the southwestern Amazon of Brazil.
A preliminary checklist of amphibians of Ulu Paip Recreational Forest, Kedah, Malaysia
Authors: Shahriza Shahrudin , Ibrahim Jaafar
Published: November 2014

Surveys on amphibian species in Ulu Paip Recreational Forest, Kedah were carried out over 12 consecutive months from January 2011 to December 2011. Twenty species of frogs from 11 genera and six families were recorded to inhabit this forest. This study represents the first report of amphibian species from Ulu Paip Recreational Forest.
Mnesithea granularis (L.) Koning & Sosef: A new record to the flora of the Malwa Region, India

Authors: Meena K. L.
Published: November 2014

A new record of Mnesithea granularis (L.) Koning & Sosef (Poaceae), collected for the first time from Malwa region (Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan) India is presented. A detail description, up to date nomenclature, phenology, ecological notes and illustrations of this species have been presented.
Post-World War II Jazz in Britain
Authors: Williams Katherine Ann
Published: November 2014

This article explores the ways in which jazz was presented and mediated through venue in post-World War II London. During this period, jazz was presented in a variety of ways in different venues, on four of which I focus: New Orleans-style jazz commonly performed for the same audiences in Rhythm Clubs and in concert halls (as shown by George Webb’s Dixielanders at the Red Barn public house and the King’s Hall); clubs hosting different styles of jazz on different nights of the week that brought in different audiences (such as the 100 Club on Oxford Street); clubs with a fixed stylistic ideology that changed venue, taking a regular fan base and musicians to different locations (such as Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club); and jazz in theatres (such as the Little Theatre Club and Mike Westbrook’s compositions for performance in the Mermaid Theatre).
Honey bee diet in intensive farmland habitats reveals an unexpectedly high flower richness and a major role of weeds
Authors: Requier Fabrice , Odoux Jean-François , Tamic Thierry , Moreau Nathalie , Henry Mickaël , Decourtye Axel , Bretagnolle Vincent
Published: November 2014

In intensive farmland habitats, pollination of wild flowers and crops may be threatened by the widespread decline of pollinators. The honey bee decline, in particular, appears to result from the combination of multiple stresses, including diseases, pathogens, and pesticides. The reduction of semi‐natural habitats is also suspected to entail floral resource scarcity for bees. Yet, the seasonal dynamics and composition of the honey bee diet remains poorly documented to date. In this study, we studied the seasonal contribution of mass‐flowering crops (rapeseed and sunflower) vs. other floral resources, as well as the influence of nutritional quality and landscape composition on pollen diet composition over five consecutive years. From April to October, the mass of pollen and nectar collected by honey bees followed a bimodal seasonal trend, marked by a two‐month period of low food supply between the two oilseed crop mass‐flowerings (ending in May for rapeseed and July for sunflower). Bees collected nectar mainly from crops while pollen came from a wide diversity of herbaceous and woody plant species in semi‐natural habitats or from weeds in crops. Weed species constituted the bulk of the honey bee diet between the mass flowering crop periods (up to 40%) and are therefore suspected to play a critical role at this time period. The pollen diet composition was related to the nutritional value of the collected pollen and by the local landscape composition. Our study highlights (1) a food supply depletion period of both pollen and nectar resources during late spring, contemporaneously with the demographic peak of honey bee populations, (2) a high botanical richness of pollen diet, mostly proceeding from trees and weeds, and (3) a pollen diet composition influenced by the local landscape composition. Our results therefore support the Agri‐Environmental Schemes intended to promote honey bees and beekeeping sustainability through the enhancement of flower availability in agricultural landscapes.
Different views on tree interception process and its determinants
Authors: Klamerus-Iwan Anna
Published: November 2014

The subject of the study is the process of interception by plants defined as the process of retaining rainfall water on plant surface, counting retention by individual plant parts or the vegetation cover as the whole. In the quantitative approach, interception capability of plants may be compared to a reservoir, the capacity of which is determined mostly by the surface of plants. Among many approaches to describe interception processes, a lot of attention has been focused on research concerning the forest vegetation with reference to atmosphere - forest stand - soil balance. Hence, in the present paper interception issues are addressed in view of forest ecosystems. The emphasis is also put on the methods and results of studies carried out under laboratory conditions.

Up-to-date literature on interception is abundant. The authors tackling this issue regularly define their own variable and complex sets of terms. This paper is an attempt to review and organise knowledge presented in existing literature on the subject.
Fabrication and Characterization of Three Dimensional Electrospun Cortical Bone Scaffolds
Authors: Andric Tea , Taylor Brittany L. , Degen Katherine E. , Whittington Abby R. , Freeman Joseph W.
Published: November 2014

Bone is a composite tissue composed of an organic matrix, inorganic mineral matrix and water. Structurally, bone is organized into two distinct types: trabecular (or cancellous) and cortical (or compact) bone. Cortical bone is highly organized, dense and composed of tightly packed units or osteons whereas trabecular bone is highly porous and usually found within the confines of cortical bone. Osteons, the subunits of cortical bone, consist of concentric layers of mineralized collagen fibers. While many scaffold fabrication techniques have sought to replicate the structure and organization of trabecular bone, very little research focuses on mimicking the organization of native cortical bone. In this study we fabricated three-dimensional electrospun cortical scaffolds by heat sintering individual osteon-like scaffolds. The scaffolds contained a system of channels running parallel to the length of the scaffolds, as found naturally in the haversian systems of bone tissue. The purpose of the studies discussed in this paper was to develop a mechanically enhanced biomimetic electrospun cortical scaffold. To that end we investigated the appropriate mineralization and cross-linking methods for these structures and to evaluate the mechanical properties of scaffolds with varying fiber angles. Cross-linking the gelatin in the scaffolds prior to the mineralization of the scaffolds proved to help prevent channels of the osteons from collapsing during fabrication. Premineralization, before larger scaffold formation and mineralization, increased mineral deposition between the electrospun layers of the scaffolds. A combination of cross-linking and premineralization significantly increased the compressive moduli of the individual scaffolds. Furthermore, scaffolds with fibers orientation ranging between 15° and 45° yielded the highest compressive moduli and yield strength.
Conditional Cooperation and the Marginal per Capita Return in Public Good Games
Authors: Cartwright Edward , Lovett Denise
Published: November 2014

We investigate experimentally whether the extent of conditional cooperation in public good games depends on the marginal per capita return (MPCR) to the public good and type of game. The MPCR is varied from 0.2 to 0.4 to 0.8. The ‘standard’ game, in which three players contribute before a follower, is compared with a leader-follower game, in which one player leads and three follow. Even though we observe less conditional cooperation for an MPCR of 0.2, the prevalence of conditional cooperation remains relatively stable to changes in the MPCR and game timing. In contrast, the level of MPCR has a strong effect on unconditional contributions. Our results highlight the critical role played by leaders in a public good game.
A Simple Microbiological Tool to Evaluate the Effect of Environmental Health Interventions on Hand Contamination
Authors: Devamani Carol , Norman Guy , Schmidt Wolf-Peter
Published: November 2014

The effects of interventions such as sanitation or hand hygiene on hand contamination are difficult to evaluate. We explored the ability of a simple microbiological test to: (1) detect recontamination after handwashing; (2) reflect risk factors for microbial contamination and (3) be applicable to large populations. The study was done in rural Andhra Pradesh, India, and Maputo, Mozambique. Participants placed all 10 fingertips on a chromogenic agar that stains Enterococcus spp. and E. coli spp. Outcomes were the number of colonies and the number of fingertips with colonies. In the recontamination study, participants were randomised to handwashing with soap and no handwashing, and tested at 30 min intervals afterwards. In two cross sectional studies, risk factors for hand contamination were explored. Recontamination of hands after washing with soap was fast, with baseline levels reached after 1 h. Child care was associated with higher Enterococcus spp. counts, whereas agricultural activities increased E. coli spp. counts. Food preparation was associated with higher counts for both organisms. In Maputo, counts were not strongly associated with water access, latrine type, education or diarrhoea. The method seems unsuitable for the evaluation of handwashing promotion. It may reflect immediately preceding risk practices but not household-level risk factors.
Association of the miR-149 Rs2292832 Polymorphism with Papillary Thyroid Cancer Risk and Clinicopathologic Characteristics in a Chinese Population
Authors: Wei Wen-Jun , Lu Zhong-Wu , Li Duan-Shu , Wang Yu , Zhu Yong-Xue , Wang Zhuo-Ying , Wu Yi , Wang Yu-Long , Ji Qing-Hai
Published: November 2014

(1) Background: The genetic predisposition to papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is far from clearly elucidated. Rs2292832 is a genetic polymorphism that located in the precursor of mir-149 and has been studied in diverse cancers. Thus far, the role of rs2292832 in PTC tumorigenesis and progression was unclear; (2) Method: Rs2292832 was genotyped in 838 PTCs, 495 patients with thyroid benign tumors (BNs) and 1006 controls in a Chinese Han population. Clinicopathological data was collected and compared. The expression level of mature mir-149 was examined in 55 normal thyroid tissue samples; (3) Results: The CC genotype of rs2292832 was significantly associated with an increased risk of PTC compared with TT homozygote (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.72–2.20, p = 0.003) and TT/TC combined genotype (OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.14–2.09, p = 0.005). Rs2292832 is an independent risk factor correlated with tumor invasion (p = 0.006) and higher T stage in PTC patients (p = 0.007), but uncorrelated with short-term disease persistence of PTC. PTC subjects carrying CC genotype have lower mir-149-5p expression than those with TC genotype (p = 0.002). Twelve predicted target genes have been identified by collaboratively using computational tools; (4) Conclusion: Rs2292832 was possibly involved in the susceptibility and local progression of PTC in Chinese patients, by altering the expression level of mir-149-5p and its target genes.
Biopolymer colloids for controlling and templating inorganic synthesis
Authors: Preiss Laura C , Landfester Katharina , Muñoz-Espí Rafael
Published: November 2014

Biopolymers and biopolymer colloids can act as controlling agents and templates not only in many processes in nature, but also in a wide range of synthetic approaches. Inorganic materials can be either synthesized ex situ and later incorporated into a biopolymer structuring matrix or grown in situ in the presence of biopolymers. In this review, we focus mainly on the latter case and distinguish between the following possibilities: (i) biopolymers as controlling agents of nucleation and growth of inorganic materials; (ii) biopolymers as supports, either as molecular supports or as carrier particles acting as cores of core–shell structures; and (iii) so-called “soft templates”, which include on one hand stabilized droplets, micelles, and vesicles, and on the other hand continuous scaffolds generated by gelling biopolymers.
Nursing Journal Clubs: A Literature Review on the Effective Teaching Strategy for Continuing Education and Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Lachance Carly
Published: November 2014

Background:

This literature review on nursing journal clubs evaluates the efficacy of the teaching strategy within the clinical setting.

Method:

Peer-reviewed articles were retrieved using an online journal database. Inclusion criteria incorporated information on efficacy of the teaching strategy, evidence-based practices, and continuing education as they related to nursing journal club initiatives.

Results:

The literature cited numerous benefits and proved to be in favor of nursing journal clubs. The most common benefits found were nurses remaining abreast of current research, skill development in reading and critically appraising research, and incorporation of evidence-based practices to patient care. Due to the self-motivated and voluntary nature of this teaching strategy, a limitation commonly identified was lack of participation, and further research on this limitation often was suggested.

Conclusion:

Nursing journal clubs proved to be an effective teaching strategy, a finding that remains consistent with the medical pioneers of the movement.

J Contin Educ Nurs.
2014;45(12):559–565.
Long-term endoscopic management for primary recurrent pyogenic cholangitis
Authors: Buxbaum James L. , Lane Christianne J. , Bagatelos Karen C. , Ostroff James W.
Published: November 2014

Background: Primary recurrent pyogenic cholangitis (RPC) is characterized by relentless suppurative cholangitis in those with a suspected parasitic injury of the biliary tree. Prior work has demonstrated that the infections recur following “definitive” biliary surgery and long-term percutaneous biliary catheters are poorly tolerated. The aim of this study was to assess whether scheduled surveillance endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) prevents cholangitis in those with RPC. Materials and Methods: Following initial biliary decompression and stone clearance, patients with RPC were offered serial ERCP every 3-6 months to remove accumulating stony debris and to dilate incipient strictures. Review of a large series managed using this approach at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center was performed. The principle outcome was the development of acute cholangitis requiring hospitalization and whether the episode occurred, while the RPC patient was in compliance with endoscopic surveillance recommendations. Results: Over a period of 10 years, 66 patients with primary RPC were managed for RPC at the University of California, San Francisco. The patients were comprised primarily of first-generation immigrants from Asia though one-quarter had migrated from Latin America and Russia. Episodes of cholangitis were significantly less likely to occur in those undergoing surveillance biliary endoscopy than in those who were not (odds ratio 5.3; P = 0.005). The mean follow-up was 36.1 months. Conclusions: Serial endoscopic treatment of RPC may be used to systematically clear biliary debris and decreases the risk of cholangitis requiring hospitalization. It represents a reasonable initial management strategy for these patients. Surgery and percutaneous management may also be required, but are best performed as part of a multidisciplinary approach.
Hemoperitoneum in Third Trimester of Pregnancy: Unusual Cause-Spontaneous Rupture of Uterine Varices
Authors: Dhobale Snehal , Rajan Revathi S
Published: November 2014

Spontaneous uterine varices rupture is a very rare condition (1/10,000 pregnancies), leading to significant maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Though the exact etiology is still unknown, it seems to be associated with an increased in venous pressure. The rupture especially occurs in third trimester. We encounter a case of 31 years old primigravida with pain in abdomen since 1 day not relieved by medication. Abdominal ultrasound revealed hemoperitoneum. Emergency exploratory laparotomy revealed 1.5 litres of hemoperitoneum and confirmed the diagnosis of ‘spontaneous rupture of uterine varices’. The clinical presentation of spontaneous rupture of uterine varices is not specific and clinical examination and ultrasonographic scanning may be insufficient for diagnosis. This rare condition has to be taken into account to the differential diagnosis in a pregnant woman with severe abdominal pain.

How to cite this article

Dhobale S, Rajan RS, Rao KA. Hemoperitoneum in Third Trimester of Pregnancy: Unusual Cause-Spontaneous Rupture of Uterine Varices. Int J Infertil Fetal Med 2014;5(2):66-68.
Contribution of the Bindura Community Share Ownership Trust to Rural Development in Bindura Rural District Council of Zimbabwe
Authors: Kurebwa Jeffrey , Ngwerume Emmaculate , Massimo Charles
Published: November 2014

This research analysed the contribution of the Bindura Community Share Ownership Trust (BCSOT) to Bindura Rural District Council (BRDC) in Mashonaland Central Province of Zimbabwe. Key informant interviews and the survey questionnaire were used for primary data collection while secondary sources such as the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act of 2007 and Statutory Instrument of 2010 which established the Community Share Ownership Trusts were analysed. The research found that 45 projects had been embarked on by the BCSOT. These projects included water, health, education and roads. It concludes that these projects had greatly contributed to rural development in Bindura Rural District Council. The respondents indicated that if CSOTs are to succeed, there should local community involvement in the identification of projects. The research recommended that the BCSOT should also establish small to medium enterprises and other income-generating projects in order to improve rural livelihoods.
COLONIZAÇÃO DO OESTE DO PARANÁ: POSSIBILIDADE DE PESQUISA ATRAVÉS DAS FOTOGRAFIAS DO MUSEU DA IMAGEM E DO SOM (MIS) DO MUNICÍPIO DE CASCAVEL
Authors: Rodrigues dos Santos Janaina , Schöne Kellin Caroline , Noal Sara Munique
Published: November 2014

O presente artigo tem como principais objetivos expor as atividades desenvolvidas no projeto de extensão “Ações para a Higienização, Catalogação e Digitalização do Acervo do Museu da Imagem e do Som (MIS) do Município de Cascavel”, além de apresentar a possibilidade de pesquisa sobre a colonização da região oeste do Paraná por meio das fotografias disponíveis no museu. O projeto é resultado de uma parceria, firmada em 2009, entre a Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná – UNIOESTE, campus de Marechal Cândido Rondon e a prefeitura do município de Cascavel. As atividades são desenvolvidas no Núcleo de Pesquisa e Documentação sobre o Oeste do Paraná (CEPEDAL) e consistem na higienização, catalogação, digitalização e a inserção no site do Museu da Imagem e do Som de um conjunto de fotografias (cerca de 40 mil) que retratam diferentes aspectos sobre a história do município de Cascavel e da região.
Переключение кодов или «смешанный лект»?
(Code switching or “mixed lect”?)
Authors: Pineda David
Published: November 2014

In this article I consider code-switching between Russian and Saami in the Saami community on the Kola Peninsula. Among the existing theoretical approaches to code-switching, the conversation analysis-based approach appears to be most suitable for data under scrutiny. Following Auer's (1998, 1999) distinction between code-switching proper, language mixing and fused lect, it is argued that some, but not all, forms of mixed Russian-Saami language can function as a conversation structuring devices.