bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding Responses to Contradictory Information About Products
Authors: Kalra Ajay , Li Shibo , Zhang Wei
Published: December 2011

Although prior literature has examined reactions to drastic negative news, we examine the situation in which decision makers receive contradictory information about products and they have to decide whether to persist with or abandon product usage. We investigate physician reactions to conflicting information concerning the cardiovascular risk of Avandia, a diabetes drug. We examine how beliefs about both drug effectiveness and drug safety are updated and speculate that experience, expertise, and self-efficacy impact how such information is integrated with current quality beliefs. Unlike previous Bayesian learning models, we consider that some signals, such as positive and negative news releases and the firm's marketing effort, may be biased in that they provide an opinionated point of view. The results show interesting differences in how physician types (specialists, hospital-based primary care physicians, heavy and light prescribers) update their beliefs and the information sources they use to do so. We find evidence that safety issues about Avandia resulted in spillover concern to close competitor Actos. The results have implication for determining who should be targeted and what vehicles should be used if a firm is faced with a situation where consumers are in a quandary because of receiving conflicting messages.
Optimal Advertising When Envisioning a Product-Harm Crisis
Authors: Rubel Olivier , Naik Prasad A. , Srinivasan Shuba
Published: December 2011

How should forward-looking managers plan advertising if they envision a product-harm crisis in the future? To address this question, we propose a dynamic model of brand advertising in which, at each instant, a nonzero probability exists for the occurrence of a crisis event that damages the brand's baseline sales and may enhance or erode marketing effectiveness when the crisis occurs. Because managers do not know when the crisis will occur, its random time of occurrence induces a stochastic control problem, which we solve analytically in closed form. More importantly, the envisioning of a possible crisis alters managers' rate of time preference: anticipation enhances impatience. That is, forward-looking managers discount the present—even when the crisis has not occurred—more than they would in the absence of crisis. Building on this insight, we then derive the optimal feedback advertising strategies and assess the effects of crisis likelihood and damage rate. We discover the crossover interaction: the optimal precrisis advertising decreases, but the postcrisis advertising increases as the crisis likelihood (or damage rate) increases. In addition, we develop a new continuous-time estimation method to simultaneously estimate sales dynamics and feedback strategies using discrete-time data. Applying the method to market data from the Ford Explorer's rollover recall, we furnish evidence to support the proposed model. We detect compensatory effects in parametric shift: ad effectiveness increases, but carryover effect decreases (or vice versa). We also characterize the crisis occurrence distribution that shows that Ford Explorer should anticipate a crisis in 2.1 years and within 6.3 years at the 95% confidence level. Finally, we find a remarkable correspondence between the observed and optimal advertising decisions.
Resource Deployment Stability and Performance in International Research-and-Development Alliances: A Self-Determination Theory Explanation
Authors: Robson Matthew J. , Schlegelmilch Bodo B. , Bojkowszky Brigitte
Published: December 2011

This study theorizes that resource deployment stability is an influential characteristic in international research-and-development (R&D) alliances. The authors develop and test a model of antecedents and performance outcomes of this form of parental persistence. The model is novel in its use of self-determination theory to investigate self-motivational forces that drive a venturing firm's social integration through resource deployment. The results reveal that resource deployment stability is positively linked to performance satisfaction and schedule adherence. Conflict management is positively linked to resource deployment stability, while behavioral control exerts a positive influence on performance satisfaction, though it is not related to resource deployment stability. Cultural similarity is positively linked to resource deployment stability in older (vs. younger) alliances. However, it is negatively related to schedule adherence in older (vs. younger) alliances. The authors discuss the implications of these results for both theory development and international R&D alliance management.
Demasking of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) on circulating epithelial tumor cells by Tween®20 treatment in breast cancer patients
Authors: Hekimian Katya , Stein Ernst-Ludwig , Pachmann Ulrich , Pachmann Katharina
Published: December 2011

The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) embedded in the plasma membrane of circulating epithelial tumor cells (CETC) is used for detection and enrichment of circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood and as a target for anti-epithelial antibodies elicited during immune response in anti-tumor immunization. Although an efficient immune response against EpCAM can be generated, the clinical application of such approaches has not been successful so far and the detection of circulating epithelial cells is highly variable. One reason for these discrepancies may be that not all circulating tumor cells are equally accessible for the specific antibody. A possible reason might be masking of EpCAM by glycoproteins or membrane lipoproteins preventing antibody binding.

We have tested the application of detergents as demasking agents known to be successful in demasking red blood cell epitopes and determined how and in which way they affect integral membrane proteins and membrane lipids.

The results showed that the polysorbate Tween

The data presented in this study suggest that EpCAM is present on part of circulating tumor cells in a masked form and that it is possible to demask EpCAM on CETC of breast cancer patients using Tween
Comparison of different collection procedures and two methods for DNA isolation from saliva
Authors: Durdiaková Jaroslava , Kamodyová Natália , Ostatníková Daniela , Vlková Barbora , Celec Peter
Published: December 2011

The non-invasive, flexible and easy sample collection makes saliva an interesting source of DNA for research and diagnostic purposes. The aim of our study was to find the most suitable collection method for biological material from the oral cavity and the most effective DNA isolation technique for further analytic applications.

DNA was isolated from swabs, Salivette saliva, whole saliva and samples collected with a commercial set for scraping of buccal cells. Phenol-chloroform extraction and isolation using a silica membrane based commercial kit were compared. Quantity of bacterial and human genomic DNA was estimated using real time PCR. The effects of storage conditions on DNA recovery were assessed.

Sample collection techniques significantly affected the quantity of DNA for both, silica membrane based and phenol-chloroform isolations. Whole saliva provided the largest number of bacterial and human genome copies after both extraction methods. Storage for 36 months at –20°C reduced recovery of human genomic DNA five times after silica membrane based extraction and 10 times after phenol-chloroform isolation.

Whole saliva was found to be the most suitable material for human and bacterial DNA isolation. Both compared methods are useful considering the quantity of extracted DNA.
Faecal haemoglobin concentrations by gender and age: implications for population-based screening for colorectal cancer
Authors: McDonald Paula J. , Strachan Judith A. , Digby Jayne , Steele Robert J.C. , Fraser Callum G.
Published: December 2011

Faecal immunochemical tests (FIT) are becoming widely used in colorectal cancer screening. Estimation of faecal haemoglobin concentration in a large group prompted an observational study on gender and age.

A single estimate of faecal haemoglobin concentration was made using quantitative automated immunoturbidimetry. Potential reference intervals were calculated for men and women and for age quintiles according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute Approved Guideline. The percentages of positive results were calculated at a number of concentrations. The percentages of individuals who fell into different risk groups were assessed.

The 97.5 percentiles, potential upper reference limits, were 519 ng haemoglobin/mL (90% CI: 468–575) for men and 283 ng haemoglobin/mL (90% CI: 257–316) for women. Concentrations increased with age in both genders. Decision limits have advantages over reference intervals. At any cut-off concentration, more men are declared positive than women and more older people are declared positive than younger people. Future risk of neoplasia is higher in men than in women and in older people.

Faecal haemoglobin concentrations vary with gender and age. More tailored strategies are needed in screening programmes. Faecal haemoglobin concentration could be included in individual risk assessment scores. These data should assist in screening programme design.
An efficient and convenient protocol for the synthesis of optically active [1,2,4]triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thiadiazole derivatives containing L-amino acid moieties
Authors: Foroughifar Naesr , Ebrahimi Sattar , Mobinikhaledi Akbar , Mozafari Reza
Published: December 2011

New triazolothiadiazoles bearing L-amino acid moieties were synthesized by reaction of 4-amino-5-phenoxy-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol with L-amino acids in the presence of phosphorus oxychloride.
On the structure of the active compound in mass deacidification of paper
Authors: Henniges Ute , Schiehsser Sonja , Ahn Kyujin , Hofinger Andreas , Geschke Alexander , Potthast Antje , Rosenau Thomas
Published: December 2011

Paper material produced after about 1850 contains additives that cause progressive acidification of the cellulose matrix, which can result in severe degradation of the material and simultaneous deterioration in its strength properties. This problem has affected whole stocks of libraries and archives, in response to which the process of “mass deacidification” has been developed. In this study, the structure and chemistry of the active reagent used in the main variant of this process has been identified as magnesium n-propoxycarbonate. The reagent, introduced in an inert fluorinated solvent, neutralizes acids in the paper matrix and simultaneously deposits a reserve of alkaline magnesium salts that counteract re-acidification. At the same time, it is much less alkaline than the magnesium alcoholates so that alkali-induced degradation reactions of cellulose (β-alkoxy elimination) are avoided.
Androgen deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction: implications for fatigue, muscle dysfunction, insulin resistance, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Traish Abdulmaged M. , Abdallah Bassima , Yu George
Published: December 2011

Among the major physiological functions of steroid hormones is regulation of carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism. Mitochondria, through oxidative phosphorylation, play a critical role in modulating a host of complex cellular metabolic pathways to produce chemical energy to meet the metabolic demand for cellular function. Thus, androgens may regulate cellular metabolism and energy production by increased mitochondrial numbers, activation of respiratory chain components, and increased transcription of mitochondrial-encoded respiratory chain genes that code for enzymes responsible for oxidative phosphorylation. Androgen deficiency is associated with increased insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), metabolic syndrome, obesity, and increased overall mortality. One common link among all these pathologies is mitochondrial dysfunction. Contemporary evidence exists suggesting that testosterone deficiency (TD) contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction, including structural alterations and reduced expression and activities of metabolic enzymes. Here, we postulate that TD contributes to symptoms of fatigue, insulin resistance, T2DM, cardiovascular risk, and metabolic syndrome through a common mechanism involving impairment of mitochondrial function.
The problem of mechanical compatibility of natural building stones in restoration of monuments. Part I: Composite specimens
Authors: Kourkoulis Stavros K. , Ninis Nikolaos L.
Published: December 2011

The mechanical compatibility of natural building stones used in the restoration of ancient monuments as substitutes of the authentic material is studied in this short two-paper series. Attention is focused on the porous oolitic limestone of Kenchreae used in the erection of the monuments at the Epidaurean Asklepieion. In Part I experimental results are presented concerning the mechanical properties and constants of both the authentic (ancient and freshly quarried) material and the various stones proposed so far as possible substitutes. It is concluded that only the Kenchreae stone satisfactorily simulates the behaviour of the material used by ancient Greeks. The other types of stones have a substantially different character and their incorporation in the restoration should be treated with caution. In an effort to quantify the influence of the substitute stone on the authentic one, a series of experiments were carried out using composite specimens made from equal parts of authentic and substitute material with various inclination angles of the adhesion plane with respect to the load. It was concluded that the mechanical properties of the composite specimen are strongly affected by this angle and the dependence is not monotonous. In addition, strong strain discontinuities are recorded in the vicinity of the adhesion plane, which are responsible for the initiation of cracking in either of the two materials. It was pointed out that in some cases the incompatibility causes violation of the basic restoration principle concerning the protection of the ancient material. In this context certain geometrical configurations of the boundaries of the specimens are examined in Part II as a possible means of modifying the mechanical behaviour of the substitute stones, in order to make them as compatible as possible with the authentic material.
Multicentric Castleman Disease in an HHV8-Infected Child Born to Consanguineous Parents With Systematic Review
Authors: Leroy Sandrine , Moshous Despina , Cassar Olivier , Reguerre Yves , Byun Minji , Pedergnana Vincent , Canioni Danielle , Gessain Antoine , Oksenhendler Eric , Fieschi Claire , Mahlaoui Nizar , Rivière Jean-Pierre , Herbigneaux Rose-Marie , Muszlak Matthias , Arnaud Jean-Pierre , Fischer Alain , Picard Capucine , Blanche Stéphane , Plancoulaine Sabine , Casanova Jean-Laurent
Published: December 2011

Childhood multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) is a rare and unexplained lymphoproliferative disorder. We report a human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8)-infected child, born to consanguineous Comorian parents, who displayed isolated MCD in the absence of any known immunodeficiency. We also systematically review the clinical features of the 32 children previously reported with isolated and unexplained MCD. The characteristics of this patient and the geographic areas of origin of most previous cases suggest that pediatric MCD is associated with HHV-8 infection. Moreover, as previously suggested for Kaposi sarcoma, MCD in childhood may result from inborn errors of immunity to HHV-8 infection.
Ranitidine is Associated With Infections, Necrotizing Enterocolitis, and Fatal Outcome in Newborns
Authors: Terrin Gianluca , Passariello Annalisa , De Curtis Mario , Manguso Francesco , Salvia Gennaro , Lega Laura , Messina Francesco , Paludetto Roberto , Canani Roberto Berni
Published: December 2011

Background And Objective:

Gastric acidity is a major nonimmune defense mechanism against infections. The objective of this study was to investigate whether ranitidine treatment in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is associated with an increased risk of infections, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and fatal outcome.

Methods:

Newborns with birth weight between 401 and 1500 g or gestational age between 24 and 32 weeks, consecutively observed in neonatal intensive care units, were enrolled in a multicenter prospective observational study. The rates of infectious diseases, NEC, and death in enrolled subjects exposed or not to ranitidine were recorded.

Results:

We evaluated 274 VLBW infants: 91 had taken ranitidine and 183 had not. The main clinical and demographic characteristics did not differ between the 2 groups. Thirty-four (37.4%) of the 91 children exposed to ranitidine and 18 (9.8%) of the 183 not exposed to ranitidine had contracted infections (odds ratio 5.5, 95% confidence interval 2.9–10.4, P < .001). The risk of NEC was 6.6-fold higher in ranitidine-treated VLBW infants (95% confidence interval 1.7–25.0, P = .003) than in control subjects. Mortality rate was significantly higher in newborns receiving ranitidine (9.9% vs 1.6%, P = .003).

Conclusions:

Ranitidine therapy is associated with an increased risk of infections, NEC, and fatal outcome in VLBW infants. Caution is advocated in the use of this drug in neonatal age.
Preterm Birth Alters the Maturation of Baroreflex Sensitivity in Sleeping Infants
Authors: Witcombe Nicole B. , Yiallourou Stephanie R. , Sands Scott A. , Walker Adrian M. , Horne Rosemary S. C.
Published: December 2011

Objective:

Impaired blood pressure (BP) control may underpin the increased incidence of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in preterm infants. This study aimed to examine the effects of preterm birth, postnatal age, and sleep state on BP control by measuring baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) across the first 6 months of term-corrected age (CA), when SIDS risk is greatest.

Methods:

Preterm (n = 25) and term (n = 31) infants were studied longitudinally at 2 to 4 weeks, 2 to 3 months, and 5 to 6 months CA using daytime polysomnography. BP was recorded during quiet (QS) and active (AS) sleep using a photoplethysmographic cuff placed around the infant’s wrist (Finometer [FMS, Finapres Medical Systems, Amsterdam, Netherlands]). BRS (milliseconds/mm Hg) was assessed in 1- to 2-minute epochs using cross-spectral analysis.

Results:

In preterm infants, postnatal age had no significant effect on BRS within either QS or AS. This was in contrast to the maturational increase in QS observed in term infants. Compared with term infants, BRS of preterm infants was 38% higher at 2 to 4 weeks CA and 29% lower at 5 to 6 months CA during QS (P <.05). Comparing sleep states, BRS of preterm infants was 26% lower in QS compared with AS at 2 to 3 months CA (P <.05).

Conclusions:

Preterm birth impairs the normal maturational increase in BRS, resulting in a substantial reduction in BRS at 5 to 6 months CA during QS. Lower BRS during QS compared with AS at 2 to 3 months CA may place preterm infants at an increased risk for cardiovascular instability at this age of peak incidence of SIDS.
Reação de linhagens de feijoeiro ao fungo Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli em condições controladas
Authors: Pereira Mônica Juliani Zavaglia , Ramalho Magno Antonio Patto , Abreu Ângela de Fátima Barbosa
Published: December 2011

Entre os patógenos que mais contribuem para a redução da produtividade do feijoeiro no Brasil está o Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli. O emprego de cultivares resistentes é o controle mais eficaz para esse patógeno. Conduziu-se este trabalho, com o objetivo de avaliar linhagens de feijoeiro (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) do banco de germoplasma da Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), quanto a reação ao Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli e, ao mesmo tempo, estimar os parâmetros genéticos e fenotípicos que possam auxiliar em futuros programas de melhoramento para esse caráter. Foram avaliadas 367 linhagens em dez experimentos. As testemunhas 'Carioca' (suscetível) e 'Carioca MG' (resistente) foram utilizadas em todos os experimentos. O delineamento utilizado foi inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco repetições e parcelas de uma planta por vaso. As inoculações foram realizadas segundo a metodologia de corte e imersão de raízes na suspensão de esporos do fungo e as avaliações realizadas aos 21 dias após a inoculação com base no índice de severidade da doença empregando-se notas de 1 (plantas sem sintomas) a 9 (plantas mortas).Das linhagens do banco de germoplasma da Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA) avaliadas, 36,5% foram resistentes ao Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli. Entre as resistentes, a maioria foi linhagens obtidas antes de 1990. Das 18 linhagens dos experimentos de VCU, do período de 2005/06, apenas quatro foram suscetíveis. A estimativa da herdabilidade (h²) foi elevada (h² = 87%), indicando que, a princípio, o caráter é de fácil seleção.
Determinantes da marcha independente na osteogênese imperfeita
Authors: Moreira Carmem Lia Martins , Lima Maria Angelica de Faria Domingues , Cardoso Maria Helena Cabral de Almeida , Gomes Junior Saint Clair dos Santos , Lopes Paula Bacellar , Llerena Junior Juan Clinton
Published: December 2011

OBJETIVOS: Investigar o processo de locomoção em pacientes com osteogênese imperfeita (OI) e os fatores que o influenciam, sublinhando pontos clínicos relevantes à reabilitação motora. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, retrospectivo, realizado no ambulatório de fisioterapia motora do Instituto Fernandes Figueira. Foram incluídos todos os pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de OI. Foram excluídos os que apresentavam comorbidades e idade inferior a dois anos. Utilizou-se o Epi-Info versão 3.4 para construção do banco de dados e o SPSS versão 15 para análise estatística. Foi calculado risco relativo para mensurar associação de características clínicas com a marcha independente, adotando-se nível de significância de 5% para as análises. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 69 pacientes. Dentre eles, 43,5% tinham OI tipo I; 37,7% tipo III e 18,8% tipo IV. 76,8% apresentavam deformidades em ossos longos. Observou-se associação negativa entre hipotonia, número de fraturas e marcha independente e positiva entre marcha independente e OI tipo I. CONCLUSÕES: A clínica fisioterápica, como complementar à ortopédica e à administração de fármacos da família dos bifosfonatos, é de fundamental importância para a reabilitação da capacidade motora dos indivíduos com OI. Nivel de Evidência, estudos transversais.
Novel forests maintain ecosystem processes after the decline of native tree species
Authors: Mascaro Joseph , Hughes R. Flint , Schnitzer Stefan A.
Published: December 2011

The positive relationship between species diversity (richness and evenness) and critical ecosystem functions, such as productivity, carbon storage, and nutrient cycling, is often used to predict the consequences of extinction. At regional scales, however, plant species richness is mostly increasing rather than decreasing because successful plant species introductions far outnumber extinctions. If these regional increases in richness lead to local increases in diversity, a reasonable prediction is that productivity, carbon storage, and nutrient cycling will increase following invasion, yet this prediction has rarely been tested empirically. We tested this prediction in novel forest communities dominated by introduced species (∼90% basal area) in lowland Hawaiian rain forests by comparing their functionality to that of native forests. We conducted our comparison along a natural gradient of increasing nitrogen availability, allowing for a more detailed examination of the role of plant functional trait differences (specifically, N2fixation) in driving possible changes to ecosystem function. Hawaii is emblematic of regional patterns of species change; it has much higher regional plant richness than it did historically, due to >1000 plant species introductions and only ∼71 known plant extinctions, resulting in an ∼100% increase in richness. At local scales, we found that novel forests had significantly higher tree species richness and higher diversity of dominant tree species. We further found that aboveground biomass, productivity, nutrient turnover (as measured by soil‐available and litter‐cycled nitrogen and phosphorus), and belowground carbon storage either did not differ significantly or were significantly greater in novel relative to native forests. We found that the addition of introduced N2‐fixing tree species on N‐limited substrates had the strongest effect on ecosystem function, a pattern found by previous empirical tests. Our results support empirical predictions of the functional effects of diversity, but they also suggest basic ecosystem processes will continue even after dramatic losses of native species diversity if simple functional roles are provided by introduced species. Because large portions of the Earth's surface are undergoing similar transitions from native to novel ecosystems, our results are likely to be broadly applicable.
A Clinical and Histomorphometric Study of Calcium Sulfate Compared With Freeze‐Dried Bone Allograft for Alveolar Ridge Preservation
Authors: Toloue Samira M. , Chesnoiu‐Matei Ioana , Blanchard Steven B.
Published: December 2011

Background: Many materials have been found to be effective in ridge preservation. The purpose of this study is to determine whether calcium sulfate (CS) is as effective as freeze‐dried bone allograft (FDBA) in preserving postextraction ridge dimensions and to evaluate the amount of new bone formation and graft clearance through histologic analysis.

Methods: Thirty‐one extraction sites were selected. Postextraction clinical measurements were made, and sites were divided randomly into the test group (CS) or the control group (FDBA). After graft placement, all individuals received the same postoperative treatment and instructions. Participants were recalled after 3 months, measurements were made, and sites were re‐entered. Bone samples were harvested and analyzed with histologic methodology for new bone formation and remaining residual graft.

Results: Thirteen test and 15 control sites were evaluated. There was no significant change in vertical ridge height before or after surgery within the test and control groups (P = 0.57, P = 0.68, respectively). There was a significant decrease in bucco‐lingual ridge width for both groups (P = 0.0003, P = 0.0075, respectively), but the difference between groups was not significant (P = 0.11). Histologic analysis revealed an average of 32% new bone formation with 2.5% graft remaining for the test group and 16.7% new bone formation with 21% graft remaining for the control.

Conclusions: Results indicate that CS is as effective as FDBA in preserving postextraction ridge dimensions in non‐molar extraction sites. There is greater clearance of CS with more new bone formation after ≈3 months compared with FDBA in these sites.

This paper received the Maynard K. Hine Award for Excellence in Dental Research presented by the Indiana Section of the American Association for Dental Research and supported by Procter & Gamble.
A Randomized Study of Open‐Flap Surgery of 32 Intrabony Defects With and Without Adjunct Bovine Bone Mineral Treatment
Authors: Slotte Christer , Asklöw Barbro , Sultan Jeff , Norderyd Ola
Published: December 2011

Background: Bovine bone mineral (BBM) is extensively used as a filler material in periodontal reconstructive surgery of intrabony defects. Data are mostly available on the combined use of BBM with other biomaterials. The aim of this study is to evaluate healing after open‐flap debridement (OF) of intrabony periodontal defects alone or with adjunct treatment with BBM.

Methods: After initial treatment, 32 patients with 32 intrabony periodontal defects participated in the study. Full‐thickness flaps were raised and root surfaces and defects were debrided. Patients were then randomly assigned to treatment groups, either OF alone or combined with defect fill with BBM, and followed in a strict postoperative maintenance care program for 12 months.

Results: At 12 months, a mean ± SE gingival recession of 1.1 ± 0.3 mm in OF and 0.9 ± 0.4 mm in BBM occurred. Probing depth reduction was 4.0 ± 0.5 mm in OF and 3.2 ± 0.7 mm in BBM. Gain in clinical attachment level was 2.8 ± 0.6 mm in OF and 2.3 ± 0.8 mm in BBM. Probing bone level was reduced by 2.7 ± 0.7 mm in OF and 1.8 ± 1.1 mm in BBM. None of the above parameters showed significant intergroup differences. In contrast, radiographic defect depth change was significantly greater in BBM (3.4 ± 2.3 mm) than in OF (1.9 ± 1.7 mm).

Conclusions: Both treatments resulted in improved periodontal conditions. The adjunctive use of BBM in this study did not enhance the clinical result compared to OF alone.
Alcohol consuming habits and its effect on adherence and blood glucose level in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Maskey R
Published: December 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v9i3.5595  HR 2011; 9(3): 215
Assessing Effects of Operational Efficiency on Pollutant Emissions of Nonroad Diesel Construction Equipment
Authors: Lewis Phil , Leming Michael , Frey H. Christopher , Rasdorf William
Published: December 2011

Operational efficiency is a simple way of addressing nonproductive time of diesel-powered construction equipment that performs a construction activity and is defined as the ratio of nonidle activity time to total activity time including idle time. The effects of diesel equipment operational efficiency on total emissions for construction activities have not been fully established; thus a fundamental understanding of operational efficiency is needed to evaluate the effects on total pollutant emissions of diesel-powered construction equipment. This paper presents a methodology to assess the effects of equipment operational efficiency on the total pollutant emissions of construction equipment performing construction activities. This methodology estimates the percentage of additional pollutants emitted due to a reduced operational efficiency, based on the ratio of idle to nonidle emissions. Results for a case study of six bulldozers indicate that pollutant emissions, in addition to the minimum amount required to complete a specific quantity of work, increase as operational efficiency decreases. This conclusion allows the savings resulting from increased efficiency to be determined. Furthermore, additional pollutant emissions for a specified operational efficiency increase as the ratio of idle to nonidle emissions increases. The ratio of idle to nonidle emissions varies according to pollutant and is approximately 1:2 for hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide, 1:5 for nitrogen oxides, and 1:7 for particulate matter.
Moves versus Mobile
Authors: Vallamsundar Suriya , Lin Jie (Jane)
Published: December 2011

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released a new generation regulatory mobile emission model, called MOVES (motor vehicle emission simulator), to replace its current emission models, MOBILE and NONROAD. On its formal adoption, MOVES will have important implications for regional mobile emission inventories, particularly concerning transportation conformity to the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendment. MOVES will not only improve emissions inventory estimates, but it will also expand the capabilities to perform quantitative project-level emission inventories that are not possible with the latest version of MOBILE. MOVES is designed to estimate emissions at scales ranging from individual roads and intersections to county-, region-, and nationwide. The first objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive documentation of the differences between MOVES and MOBILE in terms of model methodology, scope, and features. The second objective is to fill the void in the literature on the comparison of MOVES and MOBILE at the regional level through a real-world case study. Using Cook County in Illinois, the authors compared emission estimates of carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the latest versions of both models. For this purpose, consistent local specific input data are incorporated into the models. The third objective is to provide insights on input data requirements for MOVES to practitioners and metropolitan planning organizations to facilitate their transition from MOBILE to MOVES in the near future.
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Criterion Pollutant and Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory
Authors: Colodner Stephen , Mullen Maureen A. , Salhotra Manish , Schreiber Jackson , Spivey Melissa , Thesing Kirstin B. , Wilson James H. , Adamson Richard , Hansen Tim , DeSantis Lena M. , Rajbanshi Rubi
Published: December 2011

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has adopted a policy to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% by the year 2050. For this project, E. H. Pechan & Associates, Inc., and Southern Research Institute developed 2006, 2007, and 2008 calendar year GHG and criteria pollutant emission inventories for PANYNJ facilities and operations, including the emissions of its tenants (e.g., airlines and shippers) and patrons [e.g., airport passengers and Port Authority TransHudson (PATH) riders]. In addition, the consulting team developed and implemented systems that allow for annual tracking and reporting of GHG emissions. PANYNJ manages and maintains the bridges, tunnels, bus terminals, airports, PATH commuter rail system, and marine terminals that are critical to the metropolitan New York and New Jersey region's trade and transportation capabilities. Major facilities owned, managed, operated, or maintained by PANYNJ include John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, and LaGuardia Airports; the George Washington Bridge; the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels; Port Newark and the Howland Hook Marine Terminal; the Port Authority Bus Terminal; and the 16-acre World Trade Center site in lower Manhattan. This paper describes the methods used to develop consistent GHG and criterion pollutant emission estimates for a diverse set of source types and how these methods have been updated as new information and new protocols have emerged.
Using an Activity-Based Framework to Determine Effects of a Policy Measure on Population Exposure to Nitrogen Dioxide
Authors: Dons Evi , Beckx Carolien , Arentze Theo , Wets Geert , Panis Luc Int
Published: December 2011

Few studies have modeled the effects of policy measures on population exposure. This work assessed for the first time the impact of a policy measure on population exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) by using the activity-based model ALBATROSS. Activity-based models can be of great value in evaluating the effect of integrated policies and measures that have no obvious relation with transport or air quality. The scenario considered in this study involved changing the hours during which shops could be open to allow shopping earlier in the morning and later in the evening. Both emissions and population distribution of this policy measure could be derived from the activity travel behavior predicted by the activity-based model. It was found that extending the opening hours changed the activity pattern of the adult population in the Netherlands. Approximately 6% more nondaily and 0.5% more daily shopping hours were predicted. The change in activity pattern resulted in more transport (+0.5% more vehicle kilometers driven). As a consequence of this, emissions and air pollutant concentrations were also altered. When the concentration maps were matched with the dynamic population, an increase in population exposure to NO2 was observed. Absolute differences were small (up to 0.40 μg/m3). On an average weekday, NO2 exposure increased by 0.15 μg/m3. The relative change in exposure on an average weekday was 0.4%. In certain neighborhoods and at certain hours a more substantial increase could be observed.
Statistical Approach to Estimating Truck Traffic Speed and Its Application to Emission Inventory Modeling
Authors: Boriboonsomsin Kanok , Zhu Weihua , Barth Matthew
Published: December 2011

Heavy-duty diesel trucks are a significant source of carbon dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, and particulate matter emissions. The construction of accurate emission inventories of these trucks requires a proper characterization of their speed because emission rates vary substantially by speed. However, data regarding truck speed have been very limited to date. This paper presents a statistical method for estimating truck traffic speed that takes advantage of the existing traffic monitoring systems. With traffic data from these systems examined, it was found that truck traffic speed can be effectively estimated on the basis of the knowledge of the overall traffic speed alone. The relationships between the two variables are shown to be very strong, with the coefficient of determination of the regression equations being .98 or higher. All regression coefficients are found to be statistically significant at the 5% alpha level. In addition, the validation results of the estimated truck traffic speed show a good estimation performance of the regression equations, where most of the average absolute errors are within the range of 2 to 4 mph. On the basis of the developed statistical relationship, regional truck activity, in terms of vehicle miles traveled versus speed distribution, on Southern California freeways was estimated and used to construct the associated running exhaust emission inventories. The resulting emission inventories show that using the heavy-duty diesel truck-specific speed distribution rather than the overall speed distribution reduces the estimates of oxides of nitrogen emissions by 4% and particulate matter emissions by 26%.
Reflections from Highway Noise Barriers and Use of Absorptive Materials in the United States
Authors: Menge Christopher W. , Barrett Douglas E.
Published: December 2011

For decades, many departments of transportation (DOTs) in the United States have followed widely accepted guidance that single reflections of noise from noise barriers to the opposite side of highways are “generally one to two dBA or less, and therefore not perceptible to the average human ear.” Increases in the average noise level are undoubtedly small, yet the outcry from affected residential communities can be significant and can result in effort and money spent researching the magnitude of sound level increases from reflective noise barriers along highways. In some cases, DOTs have added absorptive materials to barriers after construction. Other DOTs have long-standing practices of using barriers with absorptive surfaces wherever there is noise-sensitive land use on the opposite side of the highway, specifically to avoid any perception of increased highway noise due to the barriers. This paper presents historical information on the study of reflections from noise barriers in the United States, human perception of changes in noise levels, and how reflective noise barriers may change the character of noise from highways as heard in communities opposite the barriers. Although such changes may be small, they may be interpreted as sound level increases and affected residents may feel that they are being treated unfairly by the DOT. Two conclusions are presented: (a) small changes in sound level associated with barrier reflections can be meaningful to the public and to barrier effectiveness and (b) the benefit of implementing absorptive barrier treatments opposite residential areas outweighs the benefit of researching the issue or conducting detailed analyses to justify the use of absorption.
Evaluation of Variables Affecting Sustainable Highway Design with BE2ST-in-Highways System
Authors: Lee Jin Cheol , Edil Tuncer B. , Benson Craig H. , Tinjum James M.
Published: December 2011

The Building Environmentally and Economically Sustainable Transportation-Infrastructure-Highways (BE2ST-in-Highways) sustainability rating system was developed to provide a quantitative methodology for rating the benefits of sustainable highway construction. The methodology is grounded in quantitative metrics so that a transparent linkage exists between the project rating and the sustainable practices employed in design and construction. This rating system can be employed by the highway construction industry and agencies to evaluate sustainable practices quantitatively and to incorporate sustainable elements into projects. To illustrate how BE2ST-in-Highways is employed, 10 alternative designs were evaluated and compared with two reference pavement designs for a pilot project (Baraboo Bypass, Wisconsin). The results of this pilot project evaluation indicate that the use of recycled materials instead of conventional materials in highway construction can improve sustainability considerably: about 27% reduction in global warming potential and energy and water use. Reductions in carbon dioxide emissions and energy and water consumption are largely due to the reduction of the material production phase (e.g., mining and processing) by substituting existing recycled materials and reducing the thickness of the base layer and the number of rehabilitation events due to longer service life because of superior properties. Use of recycled material resulted in reductions in the life-cycle cost by as much as 30%. Using recycled materials in the surface layer is not the use with the highest value. Using recycled materials in the base course is thus more advantageous and has higher value because larger material quantities are involved in the base course with greater potential for cost savings, as shown in this case study.
Field Performance of Rhizobial Inoculants on Lentil
Authors: Bhuiyan M Asadul Haque , Khanam Delowara , Ali M Eyakub , Alam Fardul , Rahman M Arifur
Published: December 2011

A field experiment was conducted at Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Jamalpur during rabi season of 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 to find out the effectiveness of Rhizobium strains on lentil. BARI Masur– 4 and Rhizobium inoculum (strains BARI RLc-104, BARI RLc-105, BARI RLc-106 and BARI RLc-107) were used in this experiment. Unit plot size was 4 m x 3 m. The experiment was designed in randomized complete block having 4 replications for each treatment. There were six treatments, T1: Rhizobium strain BARI RLc- 104, T2: Rhizobium strain BARI RLc-105, T3: Rhizobium strain BARI RLc-106, T4: Rhizobium strain BARI RLc– 107, T5: mixed culture of the above four strains and T6: control. The strains were used to prepare peat based rhizobial inocula which were used @ 1.5 kg ha-1. A basal dose of P, K, S, Zn @ 22, 42, 20, 5 kg ha-1, respectively for all treatments were used in the experiment. Plant receiving peat based rhizobial inocula (strain BARI RLc-104, BARI RLc-105, BARI RLc-106, BARI RLc-107 and mixed culture) produced significantly higher nodule number, nodule weight, stover yield and seed yield over non-inoculated control. The highest nodule number (12.84 plant-1 in 2006 and 12.30 plant-1 in 2007) and nodule weight (10.51 mg plant-1 in 2006 and 13.53 mg plant-1 in 2007) were found with strain BARI RLc-104. This strain also recorded the highest seed yield (1.23 t ha-1, 55.7% higher over non-inoculated control) in 2006 but BARI RLc-107 produced the highest seed yield (1.20 t ha-1, 50.0% higher over non-inoculated control) in 2007 though all the strains including mixed culture recorded identical yields. Key words: Rhizobium; lentil, nodulation; yield DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v27i1.9163 BJM 2010; 27(1): 18-21
Assessment of Microbiological Quality of Fresh-cut, Processed and Preserved Mushrooms Available in and Around Dhaka City
Authors: Kamal AS Mustafa , Begum Fauzia , Khair Abul
Published: December 2011

The results revealed that 40% of fresh mushrooms, 93% of processed and preserved mushroom samples including mushroom-based food products were safe for human consumption from bacteriological point of view. The highest bacterial load recorded was 8.7 × 108 cfu / gm in the samples collected from Sutrapur area of Dhaka city. The results also indicated that 27, 13, 13 and 7% of the fresh mushrooms were contaminated with coliform, fecal coliform, E. coli and Salmonella sp. respectively. Thus those mushroom samples were not up to the mark for consumption, considering safety and sanitation point of view. In case of processed mushrooms and mushroom-based food products the results showed that 20% of dried mushrooms were contaminated with both coliform and fecal coliform, 7% of powdered mushrooms were contaminated with only coliform and 13% of mushroom soup powder were contaminated with coliform, E. coli and Salmonella sp. In case of preserved mushrooms, it was found that 7% of the canned mushrooms had count <10 cfu/gm which was unacceptable as per specifications for the canned food. However, the results also revealed that coliform, fecal coliform, E. coli and even Salmonella sp. were not detected in preserved mushrooms examined.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v27i2.9170 BJM 2010; 27(2): 42-45
Influence of Some Rhizobium Strains on Chickpea: Nodulation, dry matter yield and Nitrogen uptake
Authors: Solaiman ARM , Talukder MS , Rabbani MG
Published: December 2011

Four strains of Rhizobium were isolated from chickpea (Cicer arietinum) to characterize and observe the effectiveness on host legumes. In a laboratory study, Rhizobium strains showed standard pattern of reactions in respect of growth rate, colony characteristics and acid/alkali production on different growth media. The effect of Rhizobium inoculation on nodulation, growth and nitrogen fixation of chickpea was assessed by pot experiment on clay loam soil. Inoculation treatments comprised of Rhizobium strains CR1, CR2, CR3 and CR4. Rhizobium inoculation had significant positive effects on nodulation, growth and nitrogen fixation of the crop. Among the Rhizobium strains CR2 and CR3 performed better than CR1 and CR4 at 50% flowering stage of the crop. There were high positive correlations among the number and dry weight of nodules, N content and N uptake by shoot of chickpea. Keywords : Rhizobium; Nodulation; Growth; Nitrogen fixation; Chickpea DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v27i2.9174 BJM 2010; 27(2): 61-64
Molecular System Bioenergics of the Heart: Experimental Studies of Metabolic Compartmentation and Energy Fluxes versus Computer Modeling
Authors: Aliev Mayis , Guzun Rita , Karu-Varikmaa Minna , Kaambre Tuuli , Wallimann Theo , Saks Valdur
Published: December 2011

In this review we analyze the recent important and remarkable advancements in studies of compartmentation of adenine nucleotides in muscle cells due to their binding to macromolecular complexes and cellular structures, which results in non-equilibrium steady state of the creatine kinase reaction. We discuss the problems of measuring the energy fluxes between different cellular compartments and their simulation by using different computer models. Energy flux determinations by 18O transfer method have shown that in heart about 80% of energy is carried out of mitochondrial intermembrane space into cytoplasm by phosphocreatine fluxes generated by mitochondrial creatine kinase from adenosine triphosphate (ATP), produced by ATP Synthasome. We have applied the mathematical model of compartmentalized energy transfer for analysis of experimental data on the dependence of oxygen consumption rate on heart workload in isolated working heart reported by Williamson et al. The analysis of these data show that even at the maximal workloads and respiration rates, equal to 174 µmol O2 per min per g dry weight, phosphocreatine flux, and not ATP, carries about 80–85% percent of energy needed out of mitochondria into the cytosol. We analyze also the reasons of failures of several computer models published in the literature to correctly describe the experimental data.