bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue compatibility and pharmacokinetics of three potential subcutaneous injectables for low-pH drug solutions
Authors: Wu Zimei , Tucker Ian G , Razzak Majid , McSporran Keith , Medlicott Natalie J
Published: September 2015

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the tissue tolerance and bioavailability of four formulations containing 5% ricobendazole solubilised at low pH, following subcutaneous injection in sheep. Formulations were: a water-in-oil emulsion, a microemulsion, a hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD, 20%) drug solution, and a low-pH drug solution (reference).

Methods

In-vitro cytotoxicity of the formulations was investigated in L929 fibroblasts using MTS viability and lactate dehydrogenase leakage assays. Each formulation and respective vehicle was injected into either side of the back of a sheep to investigate the tissue tolerance and pharmacokinetics.

Key findings

In-vitro studies suggested that both the emulsion and the microemulsion are unlikely to give a burst release of the low-pH drug solution in aqueous media. The microemulsion showed the greatest in-vitro cytotoxic effect but no significant difference was observed between the other formulations. In sheep, the three new formulations and vehicles caused little or no injection-site reactions compared with a marked response to the reference formulation. Bioavailabilities of HP-β-CD formulation, emulsion and microemulsion formulations, relative to the reference formulation, were 194, 155 and 115%, respectively.

Conclusions

The three new subcutaneous injectables showed promise for reducing irritation of low-pH solubilised ricobendazole. HP-β-CD significantly enhanced the drug absorption. Controlling the burst release of the low-pH drug solution may improve tissue tolerance and minimise post-injection precipitation, and hence increase drug bioavailability. The in-vitro cytotoxicity studies did not predict the in-vivo irritation effects.
Near Infrared Spectral Assessment of Stay-Green Barley Genotypes under Heat Stress
Authors: Gous Peter W. , Meder Roger , Fox Glen P.
Published: September 2015

This research aimed to correlate near infrared (NIR) spectral data to physiological and biochemical responses associated with stay-green (SG) traits expression in barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) plants experiencing heat stress. One hundred lines were randomly sub-sampled from a doubled haploid ND24260 × Flagship population consisting of 334 lines. A glasshouse trial with partial sample duplication was grown under terminal heat stress to induce SG expression during grain-fill. The “greenness” of the first leaves under the flag leaf (FL-1) was assessed using NIR spectra. A handheld NIR spectrometer was used to understand and describe some of the physiological and biochemical mechanisms and responses related to SG expression and vice versa which cannot be observed using visual assessments. The use of NIR spectroscopy made it possible both to differentiate between cosmetic (changes in pigments with senescence of spike but no functional chlorophyll affects) and functional (effects on chlorophyll catabolism) SG expression and also to differentiate between the two groups of functional SG. The delayed onset and reduced rate of leaf senescence was linked to plant moisture (water) and plant maturity, which is dependent on the level of SG expression. Variance in the dominant water peak at 1450 nm in the NIR spectrum can be used to differentiate between cosmetic and functional SG expression. The spectral data from the leaves showed significant correlation, with protein ( R2 = 0.62) and starch ( R2 = 0.70) composition of the grain. The use of NIR spectroscopy allows for the rapid, non-destructive analysis of leaves; enabling multiple traits to be assessed with a single measurement. Understanding the relationship between spectra and SG expression may help develop NIR spectroscopy as a rapid, high-throughput methodology for phenotyping breeding populations, with a view to improve drought resistant barley cultivars.
Predictive Evaluation of Heat Treatment Effect on Theophylline Release of Spray-Dried Pre-Gelatinised Glutinous Rice Starch Particles by near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Hattori Yusuke , Nishimoto Yuya , Marumo Eri , Laovachirasuwan Pornpun , Peerapattana Jomjai , Otsuka Makoto
Published: September 2015

Starch is a natural polymeric with high chemical stability and no toxicity, so it is used widely as an additive in pharmaceutical manufacturing and the food industry. In this study, the effect of heat treatment on the controlled theophylline (TH) release rate of spray-dried pre-gelatinised glutinous rice starch (pGRS) was evaluated predictively by near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Spray-dried particles (SGRS) were obtained by spray-drying of TH ethanolic aqueous solution (TH: pGRS = 1: 1). The obtained SGRS was heat-treated to control drug release by chemical modification at 40–100°C. TH release test of the SGRS was performed to evaluate the drug release rate constant ( KH) in water at 37°C – body temperature. NIR spectra of heat-treated SGRS were recorded by diffuse reflectance NIR spectroscopy. The best calibration model consisted of five latent variables to predict KH and was determined by partial least squares (PLS) regression. Since the drug release profiles of TH from SGRS followed a Higuchi-type plot (diffusion-controlled sustained drug release), it was indicated that the rate-determining step of TH release is diffusion in polymeric matrices of SGRS. The KH of SGRS was evaluated based on Higuchi plots. It decreased with increasing temperature. X-ray diffraction and NIR results of SGRS suggested that TH recrystallised in SGRS after heat treatment. The relationship between actual and predicted KH values by our best PLS model based on NIR spectra gave a straight line with r2 = 0.990, with the slopes being close to 1. The KH of SGRS could be controlled by heat treatment. The KH could be predicted from NIR spectra and a chemometric method.
Cupules and fruits of Lithocarpus (Fagaceae) from the Miocene of Yunnan, southwestern China
Authors: Mu Xian-Yun , Li Jian-Xia , Xia Xiao-Fei , Zhao Liang-Cheng
Published: September 2015

Cupules and fruits from the Early to Middle Miocene of Yunnan, southwestern China, are assigned to the genus Lithocarpus (Fagaceae) based on morphological and anatomical characters. The cupules are often in tight clusters of three or two, cup‐ or deeply bowl‐shaped, valveless, covered with imbricate and appressed blunt scales, containing a single fruit in each cupule and enclosing about half or most of the fruit. The fruits are characterized by having a usually broadly conical shape, relatively small size and a concave abscission scar. The fruit wall is composed of a palisade‐shaped exocarp, a multi‐layered mesocarp and a thin, one‐layered endocarp. A new species, Lithocarpus longchuanensis sp. nov., is described. From the modern geographical distribution and known reliable fossil records, we infer that Lithocarpus migrated between eastern Asia and Europe via the Turgai Strait in the Oligocene, but probably was never present in North America. The new species represents the only confirmed occurrence of Lithocarpus fossil cupules and fruits from the Tertiary and provides insights into cupule and fruit evolution.
Principles of Verbal Communication in Advertising Communication
Authors: Гончарова  , Goncharova Lyubov
Published: September 2015

The article is devoted to the principles of verbal communication andinteraction

with the addressee in advertising. The approaches to the communication

with a consumer in terms of information or the provision of psychological

impact.Analyzes the definitions used in the literature on advertising. We

distinguish concepts such as the advertising message, advertising appeal,

advertising information, advertising communication.
Issues of development of the domestic and inbound tourism
Authors: Андрианов Владимир , Andrianov Vladimir
Published: September 2015

The article analyzes the place and role domestic and inbound tourism in the current development of Russia. According to the World Tourism Organization, domestic tourism has two forms - internal national and international inbound tourism. But the world theoretical concepts have shifted ahead much from such a simplified understanding of the functional structure of domestic tourism. The current trend is the transition to a well-planned and organized model of domestic tourism development from the simple promotion of inbound tourism to focused strategy of its planning at the national policy level. In Korea, such direction has been named «Intrabound tourism». In Russia, however, the importance and necessity of development of inbound and domestic tourism, attracting foreign tourists are still being discussed at all levels, but any significant measures and effective programs was not implemented, and those that accepted, for the most part ineffective. Ignoring the problems of inbound and domestic tourism consist in primarily orientation of the current normative and law framework «on outbound operator». And even in a new project of Amendments into the Law «About bases of tourist activity» can´t to completely move away from this vector. The survey of experts working directly in the tourism industry of the Central Federal District allows to identify the nine problems of development domestic and inbound tourism, common to each region. They are described in detail in the article. Also substantial list of major events, a comprehensive approach to the implementation of which will in the foreseeable future significantly improve sphere of domestic tourism in the Central Russia is offered. The need to develop a system of state regulation and support of tourist activity should be noted as the most important recommendations for the development of tourism in the Central Federal District.
Territorial socio-ecological-economics systems in the field of tourism and service of Central Federal District: theoretical aspect
Authors: Веслогузова Мария , Vesloguzova Mariya , Розанова Лада , Rozanova Lada , Петрик Людмила , Petrik Lyudmila
Published: September 2015

This article characterized the territorial socio-ecological-economic system, reveals the essence and sources offuzzi-ness of socio-ecological-economic processes and objects in the service sector, as well as approaches to their evaluation. The aim of the study is to reveal the nature of socio-ecological-economic systems, the disclosure of the nature, dynamics, level of mobility, interaction algorithms, the state of uncertainty and fuzziness of socio-ecological-economic processes and facilities. To achieve this goal, authors used the method of uncertain sets and algorithms L Zadeh, based on the concept of the appurtenance function μ(χ), which characterizes the degree of dependence of element «x» with specific vague set. In this initial position is accepted that the task of decision making in situations of uncertainty (including assessment tasks) in principle cannot be reduced to a strictly mathematical tasks. For this it is necessary to eliminate or reduce the uncertainty by introducing certain hypotheses, for example, in the form of the appurtenance function of fuzzy set or uncertain relationship. In evaluation of the areas it means that this procedure may not have the character of fully formal logical algorithm, and should rely heavily on logic-meaningful approaches and techniques of analysis. In the analysis authors appeal to informal and semi-formal research apparatus, the base of which constituted the systematic and synergetic communicative techniques and methods of the theory of expert evaluations of fuzzy set theory and the theory of trade-offs that allowed to formulate the definition of social, ecological and economic systems, characterize approaches to evaluation of these systems within the theory of fuzzy sets and making trade-offs, determine the estimation algorithm noted systems.
«The roads of Power’s soul»: project of development of autotransport infrastructure and of roadside service in the Central Federal District
Authors: Копылов Юрий , Kopylov Yuriy , Федулин Александр , Fedulin Aleksandr , Афанасьев Олег , Afanasev Oleg
Published: September 2015

The development Program project of road transport and tourism infrastructure «The roads of Power´s Soul» is presented in the article. The program was developed by the Coordinating Council for the development of tourism in the Central Federal District (CFD) of the Association of interregional social and economic interaction «Central Federal District» and the Russian State University of Tourism and Service.

The urgency of the creation of generalizing, integral tourism and tourist services development programs for all regions of the CFD is justified in the article.

It was noted that tourism is the rapidly growing sector of the economy CFD. But comprehensive solution of issues related to creation of the new tourism products cannot be provided by the only development of the infrastructure. This hinders the development of effective promotion tools, introduction of innovative technologies, staff training in the tourism and service of district. The creation of a unified tourism space is the one of the main directions of the tourism sector development in the Central Federal District.

Such approach can only be implemented within a unified inter-regional program of tourism development in district and creating a tourist cluster with the active participation of each subject of the CFD.

The program development project of road transport and tourism infrastructure in 2015 - 2025 is proposed in the article. The goals, objectives, stages, outcomes of the program are defined. The scheme of the complex federal automobile segmented tourist ring route through the territory of all the regions - subjects of the CFD is proposed. The main results of a comprehensive analysis of tourist routs, facilities and activities recommended for inclusion in the program are rep-

resented. The criteria for selection of destinations and also companies and organizations of tourism infrastructure for inclusion in the Program are substantiated. It is concluded that practical implementation of developed Program is very important; it might be very effective for the tourism development in the Central Federal District and Russia as a whole.
Organizational and engineering support of event tourism in Central Federal District
Authors: Черепанов Даниил , Cherepanov Daniil , Кохреидзе Мурман , Kokhreidze Murman , Ермаков Александр , Ermakov Aleksandr
Published: September 2015

The main problems of implementation of event tourism in the Central Federal District (CFD), which primarily include short-term scale, the placing on the natural areas, the lack of in sufficient degree of accommodation and tourist services and style of carrying out of actions etc., are considered. The improvement of the quality of the event tourism are proposed to accomplish through the overall coordination in activities, use of the tourist information centers, establishment of a common organization of the enterprise for the hospitality industry event tourism CFD, equipping its engineering resources in the form of mobile homes of various technological purpose creating a culture and a new style of event tourism, taking into account the basic principles of sustainable tourism development, the formation of its legal and technical support and so on. Mobile homes, awareness of tourists and organization of activities allows to reduce the human impacts on the local natural landscapes of natural areas at the venue of event tourism. A new culture, style, organization and conditions of the event tourism activities will make it more appealing to a wider audience of tourists, not only in our country, but also for tourists from abroad.
Regional identity in the Ivanovo region and politics of construction area image: a factor of tourism
Authors: Докучаев Денис , Dokuchaev Denis
Published: September 2015

The article is devoted to identifying the specifics of the regional community on the example of the Ivanovo region in the study of the political and symbolic practices of the population related to the construction of a positive image of the territory. Separately, the author examines aspects of increasing tourist appeal in the context of the formation of a positive image of the region. Chronological scope of the study is 2005-2015 years. Since 2006, the Ivanovo region begins to position itself as an area for investment. Cultural background is being gradually created. So, in the region appeared event activity in the form of the International Film Festival named after AndreiTarkovsky´s «Mirror», the Russian Fashion Festival «Pies on the Volga. Flax Palette» and others. Points of growth of the tourist attraction gradually emerged. Such centers became the city of Palekh and Pies. However, all policy carried out by the authorities for creating a positive image of the region was doomed to failure because it does not take into account the peculiarities of the regional identity of the inhabitants of the Ivanovo region. Attempts to create event-activity, designing new meanings of the area led in the region, on the one hand, to short marketing effect and on the other hand, the rejection of these ideas by the community. Search of indigenous meanings of regional identity, their analysis, as well as building a competent policy of creation of positive image of the territory - that is the task that must be a priority in the activities of local authorities. However, for various reasons this system work in the Ivanovo region has not been accomplished and is not carried out. The author concludes that effective and sustainable can be only one image of the territory, which was constructed on the basis of the analysis of the power of the «internal» forces of regional identity, and wasn´t imposed by political expediency.
Noble estates of the Tula region as tourism objects
Authors: Пономарева Ирина , Ponomareva Irina , Танкиева Тамара , Tankieva Tamara
Published: September 2015

An interest in noble culture grows in Russia nowadays. A lot of noble estates are restored and An interest in noble culture grows in Russia nowadays. A lot of noble estates are restored and become objects of farmstead tourism. About 300 ancient estates are located in Tula region, but only the few can be used as tourism objects now. In this work the most known estates of Tula region, which are widely used in tourist programs and included in pilot model of the project «Tourist cluster «Russian estates» were allocated. Also, the distribution of estates in districts of Tula region is shown. For the evaluation of attractiveness of noble estates of Tula region the model of the investment cadastre was used and 25 factors of their investment appeal are shown. Based on this model the analysis of potential use of architectural heritage of noble estates and possibilities of realization of their functions was carried out. Three most perspective estates from the point of view of further restoration and the condition of their functional use were allocated. The cartographical data presentation about opportunities of preservation and further use of noble estates in tourist programs is given in the article. The special attention in work is paid to the estate of railway «kings» - barons fon Meek. Brief historical information about owners of the estate is given, the results of the analysis of safety of the building and the opportunities of its restoration and further use are shown. In this work it is shown that restoration of noble estates will promote considerable revitalization of regional tourism.
Some Features of the Conceptual Analysis in Linguistic Researches (on Internet Communication Material)
Authors: Герасимова  , Gerasimova Marina
Published: September 2015

This article specifies to inability to discern lexical and conceptual analysis.

Particular qualities of analysis of concepts are considered. Article proves

that concepts are isomorphic to lexical language system and that they are

constructs, science abstractions with respect to those language phenomenon,

that can be directly observed.
Practice Prize Paper—Implementing Integrated Marketing Science Modeling at a Non-Profit Organization: Balancing Multiple Business Objectives at Georgia Aquarium
Authors: Kumar V. , Sharma Amalesh , Donthu Naveen , Rountree Carey
Published: September 2015

Georgia Aquarium (GA), a non-profit organization, is the world’s second largest aquarium (by water volume) and is among the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. Recently GA management has observed that the organization’s growth trajectory is stagnating. While other aquariums face a similar trend, GA wants to be proactive and reverse this direction. They face a multifaceted business challenge involving four conflicting objectives: (1) How to increase revenues without increasing ticket prices; (2) how to increase attendance without compromising visitor satisfaction; (3) how to increase the impact of media investments without spending more; (4) how to attract customers with long-term value potential. To address these challenges, we developed an integrated approach consisting of multiple marketing science models including Data Envelopment Analysis, Competition Analysis, Spatial Analysis, Media Optimization Analysis, and Pass Holder Lifetime Net Revenue Analysis. Based on the findings of our analyses and the parameter estimates of our models, GA proceeded with a field implementation to validate our suggestions. As a result, they realized a 10% increase in attendance and a 12% increase in revenue in 2013, thereby enhancing their bottom line and growth.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2015.0932 .
Does Diversification Create Value in the Presence of External Financing Constraints? Evidence from the 2007–2009 Financial Crisis
Authors: Kuppuswamy Venkat , Villalonga Belén
Published: September 2015

We show that the value of corporate diversification increased during the 2007–2009 financial crisis. Diversification gave firms both financing and investment advantages. First, conglomerates became significantly more leveraged relative to comparable focused firms. Second, conglomerates’ access to internal capital markets became more valuable, not just because external capital markets became more costly but also because the efficiency of internal capital allocation increased significantly during the crisis. Our analysis provides new evidence on how and why the value of diversification varies with financial constraints and economic conditions, and it suggests that corporate diversification can serve an important insurance function for investors.

This paper was accepted by Amit Seru, finance.
A Matter of (Relational) Style: Loan Officer Consistency and Exchange Continuity in Microfinance
Authors: Canales Rodrigo , Greenberg Jason
Published: September 2015

Social scientists have long considered what mechanisms underlie repeated exchange. Three mechanisms have garnered the majority of this attention: formal contracts, relational contracts, and relationally embedded social ties. Although each mechanism has its virtues, all three exhibit a common limitation: an inability to fully explain the continuation and stability of intertemporal exchange between individuals and organizations in the face of change. Drawing on extensive quantitative data on approximately 450,000 microfinance loans made by a microfinance institution in Mexico from 2004 to 2008 that include random assignment of loan officers, this research proposes the concept of ”relational styles” to help explain how repeated exchange is possible in the face of personnel change. We define relational styles as systematically reoccurring patterns of interaction employed by social actors within and across exchange relationships—in this paper, between microfinance clients and loan officers. We show that relational styles that are consistent facilitate a clear understanding of expectations and thus exchange. We also demonstrate that consistency in the relational styles followed by successive loan officers mitigates the negative impact of a broken loan officer–client tie. This paper thus proposes and empirically tests a social mechanism based on relational styles that often accompanies relational embeddedness, but which may also serve as a partial substitute for it.

This paper was accepted by Jesper Sørensen, organizations.
The Common Inspection Framework – a summary
Authors: O'Connell Suzanne
Published: September 2015

This edition's front page article focuses on the headlines from Ofsted's new Common Inspection Framework. Here, Suzanne O'Connell takes a more in-depth look at what primary school leaders should be aware of about the changes
Seven common barriers to effective whole-school CPD
Authors: Weston David
Published: September 2015

The Teacher Development Trust has audited the CPD plans, procedures and culture in more than 50 schools. Chief executive David Weston explains the team's most common discovered issues and solutions
Unit 1. Holistic wound assessment
Authors: Ousey Karen , Cook Leanne
Published: September 2015

It is important to undertake a holistic assessment of the patient who presents with a wound. Karen Ousey and Leanne Cook give an overview of the key responsibilities of the practice nurse
Unit 2. Giving dietary advice
Authors: Thomas Paul
Published: September 2015

Dietary management is the cornerstone of quality of life for people with type 2 diabetes. Paul Thomas discusses the key issues, and follows Jane's experience
Unit 3. Creating a risk-management partnership
Authors: Hawthorne Gillian
Published: September 2015

Gillian Hawthorne advocates a partnership with patients for the discussion and assessment of risk.
Unit 4. Article 2 Hypoglycaemia unawareness
Authors: Gibson Helen
Published: September 2015

Hypoglycaemia is more common in type 1 than type 2 diabetes, and may be complicated by patients becoming unaware of hypoglycaemia. Helen Gibson discusses the importance of recognition.
Unit 6. Managing foot complications
Authors: Bowness Dawn
Published: September 2015

Dawn Bowness explains how to help patients care for their feet to prevent perhaps the most feared complication of diabetes: losing a limb
Golden rules for a stronger SLT
Authors: McLean Colin
Published: September 2015

What are the golden rules for creating the strongest senior leadership team for your school? In a new leadership advice series for SecEd, Colin McLean asks secondary leaders to share their tips
Enzymatic processes in alternative reaction media: a mini review
Authors: Ghaffari-Moghaddam Mansour , Eslahi Hassan , A. Aydin Yasar , Saloglu Didem
Published: September 2015

Biocatalysis is a growing field in the production of fine chemicals and will most probably increase its share in the future. Enzymatic reactions are carried out under mild conditions, i.e., non-toxic solvents, low temperature and pressure, which eliminates most environmental drawbacks associated with conventional production methods. The superiority of chemo-, regio- and enantioselectivity of enzymes exhibit significant advantages over conventional catalysts for production of fine chemicals, flavors, fragrances, agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Enzymes can function both in aqueous and non-aqueous solvents. As a result of the growing scientific and industrial interest towards green chemistry, green solvent systems, which are mainly water, supercritical fluids, ionic liquids, fluorinated solvents, and solvent-free systems have become more popular in biocatalysis. However, the activity and selectivity of an enzyme is heavily dependent on solvent properties. In this review, various green solvents were classified and some of their influential features on enzyme activity were discussed.
Well-posedness for coupled bulk-interface diffusion with mixed boundary conditions
Authors: Disser Karoline
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we consider a quasilinear parabolic system of equations describing coupled bulk and interface diffusion, including mixed boundary conditions. The setting naturally includes non-smooth domains Ω. We show local well-posedness using maximal Ls
-regularity in dual Sobolev spaces of type

W

-
1
,
q

(
Ω
)

$W^{-1,q}(\Omega )$

for the associated abstract Cauchy problem.
Radical scavenging activity of extruded corn gruels with addition of linden inflorescence
Authors: Oniszczuk Anna , Oniszczuk Tomasz , Wójtowicz Agnieszka , Wojtunik Karolina , Kwaśniewska Anita , Waksmundzka-Hajnos Monika
Published: September 2015

Antioxidant activity is one of the most desirable properties of natural compounds. Among these substances are phenolic compounds which exhibit excellent antiradical activity. The main aim of the present study was determination of the free radical scavenging activity of gruels with 5, 10 and 20% addition of linden inflorescence. The studies were based on two methods: TLC-bioautographic assay and spectrophotometric analysis using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical). The obtained results indicate that the radical scavenging properties of the extracts are positively correlated with the content of phenolic compounds in gruels and that a high-temperature extrusion process does not deactivate antioxidant polyphenolic compounds.
FT-Raman spectroscopy as a tool in evaluation
the response of plants to drought stress
Authors: Rys Magdalena , Szaleniec Maciej , Skoczowski Andrzej , Stawoska Iwona , Janeczko Anna
Published: September 2015

The aim of study was to evaluate the usefulness of FT-Raman spectroscopy in assessing stress-induced metabolic changes in plants. 20-d-old optimally watered plants of soybean were exposed to drought. Metabolic changes in optimally watered and drought-stressed plants were monitored using FT-Raman spectroscopy. In parallel, analyses were carried out of fatty acid composition and pigment content using analytical methods. These compounds are associated with the response of plants to environmental stress. While fatty acid assays in study were inconclusive, the pigment content analysis gave promising results. FT-Raman experiment demonstrated a decrease in carotenoid content in leaf, as a result of drought, which was confirmed by spectrophotometric analysis. In addition to the analysis of aforementioned compounds, FT-Raman spectroscopy allowed the simultaneous observation of
a wider spectrum of compounds scattering the radiation in the leaves tested, and their subsequent comparative analysis. The impact of drought on metabolism of soybean was clearly visible on spectra and confirmed using cluster analysis. The technical problem of the influence of leaf water content on measurements, which appeared in studies, will be discussed. To conclude, FT-Raman spectroscopy may be a good complement to other non-invasive methods, e.g., fluorescent methods, in assessing the stress-induced damage of crops.
Efficacy and safety of a single monthly dose of cholecalciferol in healthy school children
Authors: Kuchay Mohammad Shafi , Jevalikar Ganesh Sudhakar , Mithal Ambrish , Mishra Sunil Kumar , Dang Navin
Published: September 2015

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single monthly dose of cholecalciferol in healthy school children.

A total of 118 children of class VI of a residential school were selected to receive vitamin D supplementation in the form of oral cholecalciferol 60,000 IU monthly. Serum calcium and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels were estimated at 0 and 12 months. The proportion of subjects achieving vitamin D sufficiency was assessed.

The mean 25OHD levels increased significantly from 12.04±5.27 ng/mL at baseline to 32.6±7.05 ng/mL after 12 months of supplementation (p<0.001). None developed hypercalcemia.

Vitamin D supplementation in the doses of 60,000 IU monthly is a reasonable, safe and cost-effective regimen for children to attain and maintain vitamin D sufficiency.
Prepubertal gynecomastia and chronic lavender exposure: report of three cases
Authors: Diaz Alejandro , Luque Laura , Badar Zain , Kornic Steve , Danon Marco
Published: September 2015

Prepubertal gynecomastia is a rare condition characterized by the growth of breast tissue in males as a consequence of early exposure to sexual hormones. When this condition is present, pathological sources of testosterone/estrogen production, such as adrenal or gonadal tumors must be searched for. A few reports have described an association between gynecomastia and substances that produce stimulation of the estrogen receptor, such as lavender and tea tree oil.

Here we describe the cases of three boys who presented with prepubertal gynecomastia and were chronically exposed to lavender. Two of these boys were exposed to a cologne, named

We studied a sample of the cologne used by one of the patients. Analysis of the chemical composition of the

Exposure to estrogenic substances, such as lavender, should be explored in children presenting with prepubertal gynecomastia/thelarche.
Alginate/porous silica matrices for the encapsulation of living organisms: tunable properties for biosensors, modular bioreactors, and bioremediation devices
Authors: Perullini Mercedes , Calcabrini Mariano , Jobbágy Matías , Bilmes Sara A.
Published: September 2015

The encapsulation of living cells within inorganic silica hydrogels is a promising strategy for the design of biosensors, modular bioreactors, and bioremediation devices, among other interesting applications, attracting scientific and technological interest. These hostguest multifunctional materials (HGFM) combine synergistically specific biologic functions of their guest with those of the host matrix enhancing their performance. Although inorganic immobilization hosts present several advantages over their (bio)polymer-based counterparts in terms of chemical and physical stability, the direct contact of cells with silica precursors during synthesis and the constraints imposed by the inorganic host during operating conditions have proved to influence their biological response. Recently, we proposed an alternative two-step procedure including a pre-encapsulation in biocompatible polymers such as alginates in order to confer protection to the biological guest during the inorganic and more cytotoxic synthesis. By means of this procedure, whole cultures of microorganisms remain confined in small liquid volumes generated inside the inorganic host, providing near conventional liquid culture conditions.Moreover, the fact of protecting the biological guest during the synthesis of the host, allows extending the synthesis parameters beyond biocompatible conditions, tuning the microstructure of the matrix. In turn, the microstructure (porosity at the nanoscale, radius of gyration of particles composing the structure, and fractal dimension of particle clusters) is determinant of macroscopic parameters, such as optical quality and transport properties that govern the encapsulation material’s performance. Here, we review the most interesting applications of the two-step procedure, making special emphasis on the optimization of optical, transport and mechanical properties of the host as well as in the interaction with the guest during operation conditions.
Perceived justice and recovery satisfaction: the moderating role of customer-perceived quality
Authors: Jha Subhash , Balaji M.S.
Published: September 2015

Recovery strategies are critical to service providers in their efforts to maintain satisfied and loyal customers. While the existing research shows that recovery satisfaction is a function of customer perception of distributive, procedural and interactional justice, the present study considers an important contextual factor - customer-perceived quality of the service provider in the evaluation of justice dimensions and satisfaction. To test the hypotheses proposed, a survey was carried out in the mobile services context. The findings reveal that customer-perceived quality affects the evaluation of justice dimensions and its outcomes. The findings reveal that while distributive justice enhances recovery satisfaction for low perceived quality services, the procedural justice resulted in greater satisfaction in high perceived quality services. Thus, by understanding the role of customer-perceived quality, service managers can deliver effective recovery strategies thereby enhancing satisfaction and loyalty.
Factors influencing consumers’ light commercial vehicle purchase intention in a developing country
Authors: Kemal Çelik , Erkan Oktay , Muhsin Doğan Ebül , Ömer Özhancı
Published: September 2015

The main objective of this paper is to determine factors affecting the intention to purchase a light commercial vehicle that may be influential in a developing country. For this purpose, a self-administered survey was conducted on 408 people living in Erzurum city, North-Eastern Turkey. The data of the survey was analyzed using binary logistic regression model due to the discrete and categorical nature of the dependent variable. Results revealed that gender, age, monthly income, household size, type of driving license, type of fuel, a significant increase in the monthly income, and costs of having SRC-K licenses were significant determinants of consumers’ light commercial vehicle demand. Whilst consumers’ automotive demand has been extensively studied, little research has been concentrated on light commercial vehicle demand. In this respect, the outcome of this study may provide valuable insights for the existing consumer demand literature in terms of light commercial vehicle purchase intention
Properties of Pd nanograins in C-Pd composite films obtained by PVD method
Authors: Kozłowski M. , Czerwosz E. , Radomska J. , Sobczak K. , Dłużewski P.A.
Published: September 2015

Properties of palladium nanograins obtained by sedimentation of a soluted C-Pd film prepared by PVD method are presented. These properties were studied using SEM and TEM methods. Dissolved films were prepared by PVD method and after dissolving, they were fractionated to obtain different parts classified with palladium nanograins diameters. Several classes of diameters were determined: below 20 nm, between 20 and 100 nm and above 100 nm. The defects and triple junction were observed. Multishell carbonaceous structures were found in the big and medium size Pd nanograins.
Transition metal complexes of symmetrical and asymmetrical Schiff bases as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anticancer agents: progress and prospects
Authors: Ejidike Ikechukwu P. , Ajibade Peter A.
Published: September 2015

The huge research on Schiff base coordination complexes in the past few decades has given rise to several new molecules that have been of biological importance. The ease with which the Schiff base ligands are designed and prepared and their pattern is elucidated have made them to be referred to as “fortunate ligands” possessing azomethine derivatives, the C=N linkage that is essential for biological activity, including antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anticancer, and diuretic activities. A variety of Schiff base and its complexes have been studied as model molecules for biological oxygen carrier systems. The uses of Schiff bases as DNA-cleaving agents and its mode of interaction and free-radical scavenging properties are described. The review encapsulates the applications of Schiff bases and their complexes.
Non-Pollen Palynomorphs from Mid-Holocene Peat of the Raised Bog Borsteler Moor (Lower Saxony, Germany)
Authors: Shumilovskikh Lyudmila S. , Schlütz Frank , Achterberg Inke , Bauerochse Andreas , Leuschner Hanns Hubert
Published: September 2015

In order to reconstruct regional vegetation changes and local conditions during the fen-bog transition in the Borsteler Moor (northwestern Germany), a sediment core covering the period be tween 7.1 and 4.5 cal kyrs BP was palynologically investigated. The pollen diagram demonstrates the dominance of oak forests and a gradual replacement of trees by raised bog vegetation with the wetter conditions in the Late Atlantic. At ~ 6 cal kyrs BP, the non-pollen palynomorphs (NPP) demonstrate the succession from mesotrophic conditions, clearly indicated by a number of fun gal spore types, to oligotrophic conditions, indicated by Sphagnum spores, Bryophytomyces sphagni, and testate amoebae Amphitrema, Assulina and Arcella, etc. Four relatively dry phases during the transition from fen to bog are clearly indicated by the dominance of Calluna and associated fungi as well as by the in crease of microcharcoal. Several new NPP types are described and known NPP types are identified. All NPP are discussed in the context of their palaeoecological indicator values.
Anthropogenic Transformation of the Vegetation in the Immediate Vicinity of the Settlement Complex at Poganowo (Mrągowo Lakeland, Ne Poland)
Authors: Szal Marta , Kupryjanowicz Mirosława , Wyczółkowski Mariusz
Published: September 2015

The results of pollen, non-pollen palynomorph and microcharcoal particle analyses of deposits from a small pond in north eastern Poland are presented. The study focused on human-induced vegetation changes that occurred in a close vicinity of the settlement complex at Poganowo during the Middle Ages (ca 10th-16th centuries). We distinguished three phases of human impact. First and third phases correspond to intensified settlement activity. The second phase was a period when human activity decreased and woodland regeneration took place. The high incidence of the parasitic fungus Kretzschmaria deusta in a local forest stand during the third phase was simultaneous with numerous spores of coprophilous fungi (Sordaria-type and Cercophora-type). We consider that Kretzschmaria deusta inhabited the roots and bases of tree trunks damaged by digging and grazing animals.
History of Development and Terrestrialization of Lake Starowlany in the Eemian Interglacial Based on Cladocera Analysis (Sokόłka Hills, Ne Poland)
Authors: Niska Monika , Kołodziej Anna
Published: September 2015

This paper presents development of the paleolake Starowlany existing in the Eemian Interglacial (MIS 5e) in north - eastern Poland. The lake history is based on Cladocera analysis. The paleolake Starowlany is located in the central part of the Sokółka Hills, approximately 9 km north of the town of Sokółka in the North Podlasie Lowland. The sediments studied filled a southern part of a tunnel valley formed during the Warta Glaciation. The coring was carried out with a geological drilling and constituted a part of the frame work aimed at preparing the Sokółka sheet for the Detailed Geological Map of Poland in scale 1:50000. The core was 7 m long. Peaty silt, peats and organic silt were present at the depth of 4.0-6.6 m, under deluvial sands, tills and silt. Organic series was over lain by a clayey silt with no glacial cover. Cladocera analysis was conducted with 20 samples from a depth interval 6.6-4.1 m. Remains of 17 species of Cladocera were found, representing the families: Chydoridae, Sididae and Bosminidae. A vast majority of them were the littoral species. In the paleolake Starowlany four development zones were distinguished that reflected changes as regards temperature, trophic levels and changes of water level in the lake. The paleolake existed from the early until the middle Eemian. The high est water level and the most favorable conditions for zooplankton development occurred in zones SCZ I and II. The highest trophic level took place in SCZ III (middle Eemian). In the late Eemian the water level dropped and the paleolake was transformed into a wetland. At certain points, the higher water level enabled existence of a few Cladocera species. The reasons for disappearance of the paleolake Starowlany included a local decrease in ground water levels as well as morphometric and geological characteristics of the lake.
Anthropometric and Physical Qualities of International Level Female Rugby Sevens Athletes Based on Playing Position
Authors: Agar-Newman Dana J. , Goodale Tyler L. , Klimstra Marc D.
Published: September 2015

Agar-Newman, DJ, Goodale, TL, and Klimstra, MD. Anthropometric and Physical Qualities of International Level Female Rugby Sevens Athletes Based on Playing Position. J Strength Cond Res 31(5): 1346–1352, 2017—The purpose of this study was to profile international level female sevens athletes and determine whether anthropometric and physical qualities are able to differentiate between backs and forwards. Twenty-four subjects with a mean (±SD) age of 22.8 ± 4.0 years and body weight of 69.4 ± 5.2 kg were sampled from a national team training program, ranked in the top 3 on the IRB Women's Sevens World Series. Anthropometric (height, body mass, and sum of 7 skinfolds) and performance measures (power clean, front squat, bench press, neutral grip pull-up, 40-m sprint, and 1,600-m run) were collected across the 2013–2014 centralized period and compared across playing position. The 13 backs (mean age ± SD = 21.3 ± 3.5 years) and 11 forwards (mean age ± SD = 24.5 ± 4.0 years) had significant differences in body mass (66.40 ± 3.48 vs. 72.87 ± 4.79 kg) and initial sprint momentum (366.8 ± 19.8 vs. 399.2 ± 22.4 kg·m·s−1). However no other measures showed positional differences. The lack of positional differences in female rugby sevens may be due to the multifarious physical requirements of a sevens athlete, leading to a generic athletic profile, or perhaps due to a lack of selective pressure. Also, it is conceivable that the anthropometric and physical qualities measured in this study lacked the necessary precision or failed to capture the unique attributes of each position. In conclusion, this is the first investigation profiling international level female sevens athletes. The normative data presented within this article highlight the physical requirements of female sevens athletes for strength and conditioning practitioners. In addition, the lack of positional differences discovered should impact the training program design.
Quantifying Timing of Return to Traffic for Asphalt Cement Based Full Depth Reclamation Mixtures in the Laboratory
Authors: Hill Robert , Braham Andrew
Published: September 2015

Full depth reclamation (FDR) is a pavement structure rehabilitation technique that uses in-place material to build structural capacity of a roadway. By mixing together 8–12 in. of pavement structure with a binding agent, a higher structural capacity can be achieved. However, there is often a period of time prior to the binding agent fully curing where traffic is released to the FDR before a surface course is applied. In this research, five laboratory testing devices attempted to quantify how asphalt cement based FDR builds resistance to raveling during this traffic. Four in-house designed and built testing devices were compared to the existing cold in-place recycling raveling test. Factors explored during evaluation included curing time (0–48 h), binding agent (asphalt emulsion and asphalt foam), and curing condition (ambient temperature and 40°C). In general, all five testing devices showed a decrease in potential raveling with longer curing times using an asphalt emulsion binding agent at ambient curing temperatures. Asphalt emulsion FDR showed higher resistance to raveling than asphalt foam FDR at ambient curing temperatures, but curing at 40°C did not give conclusive evidence on resistance to raveling versus ambient curing temperatures. Finally, this testing was applied in the laboratory to give a general indication of the performance of each testing device; therefore, the testing devices need to be taken into the field to verify these initial laboratory findings and to begin building correlations between the lab test results and actual raveling susceptibility in the field.