bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problem of growth of indirect taxes in the russian economy
Authors: Басовская  , Basovskaya Elena
Published: December 2013

Expansion of scales of application and to increase in rates of indirect taxes after

a world economic crisis leads to growth of losses of public welfare. Economists

analyze influence of indirect taxes on public welfare for the purpose of compromise

search between need of replenishment of the budget and the losses of

welfare connected with excess tax burden. The Russian economists almost

don’t pay attention to the analysis of influence of indirect taxes to public welfare.

In work the analysis of influence of indirect taxes on the prices, outputs is made

and is sold, profit of the enterprises and public welfare. The simplest microeconomic

models of the markets and firms are used. It is established that the increase

in rates of indirect taxes leads to a rise in prices, reduction of outputs.

The profit of the enterprises decreases, the excess tax burden increases, losses

of public welfare grow. Influence of indirect taxes amplifies at increase in elasticity

of demand. Rather influence of growth of the indirect taxes raised on ad

valorem rates isn’t great. At low level of profitability of the Russian enterprises

even growth of the indirect taxes raised on ad valorem rates, leads to essential

losses of profit. Influence of growth of the indirect taxes raised on firm rates

which size can be comparable to direct variable costs of production is most

considerable. Losses arrived and decrease in level of public welfare I can be

thus very considerable.
Integrated lesson of visual environment, visual arts and technology for the 4th grade
Authors: Папазьян  , Papazyan M. , Нестерова  , Nesterova N.
Published: December 2013

The paper shows the organization and holding

of integrated lesson of visual environment, visual arts and

technology. In course of this lesson the learners of the 4th

grade get the first notion about the eastern neighbor of

Russia – Japan. During the lesson comes development of

regulative, cognitive, communicative educational actions

by the schoolchildren, teaches tolerance through the

experience of emotional-value attitude to the culture of

another nation.
Optimization Models for Production Planning in LG Display
Authors: Chang Seokcheol , Chung Jaewoo
Published: December 2013

This paper introduces an application for production planning based on multiple linear programming models for a light-emitting diode (LED) array assembly. The proposed method, multirank mixing (MRM) optimization, focuses on reducing the inventory level of the LED parts used for various electronic devices, while also meeting customer demands. In this industry, high inventory levels result in high scrap rates for LED parts because product models change frequently. Therefore, maintaining low inventory levels is critical. MRM optimization determines the best combination of LED parts for each assembly step, given inventory levels of LED parts with varying quality characteristics. The results of our performance testing show that our proposed method outperforms a heuristic method that requires intensive effort by human planners. When LG Display used MRM optimization at one of its LED manufacturing facilities, the scrap rate for LED packages decreased substantially.
The Ombudsman: The “Wicked” Environment of CEO Pay
Authors: Hogarth Robin M. , Kolev Gueorgui I.
Published: December 2013

We applaud Jacquart and Armstrong’s systematic, evidence-based review of the contentious issue of CEO remuneration. We augment their analysis. First, we highlight the lack of demonstrated validity of unaided expert judgment to set CEO remuneration. The settings in which such judgments are made do not facilitate learning through experience and are subject to many biases. In particular, we briefly describe our empirical study that demonstrates illusory correlation in the form of a relationship between golfing ability and CEO remuneration, which does not mirror CEO performance. Second, we provide an analysis of data that shows that boards of directors are unable to accurately predict future performance of CEOs when determining remuneration packages. Third, we advocate the use of systematic methods in setting CEO remuneration.
Colpomenia bullosa crust (Phaeophyceae) stressed less by grazing than by abiotic factors in high intertidal rockpools in southeast Australia
Authors: Kain (Jones) Joanna M.
Published: December 2013

The influence of stresses on the crust phase of Colpomenia bullosa, originally thought to be Ralfsia verrucosa, inhabiting rockpools above the lowest high water on Kainga Reef, SE New South Wales, was investigated. The mean densities of grazing gastropods Nerita atramentosa and Austrocochlea porcata were 107 and 59 animals m-2, respectively, with no seasonal variation. Some pools were more attractive to Austrocochlea than others. Herbivore impact on C. bullosa crust was assessed by collecting and examining feces and counting the number of crust filaments. Seasonal variations in grazing and in crust cover were not related in a way that would suggest a causal relationship. The calculated annual consumption was 7% of the crust. Grazing probably kept the crust clean of epiphytes. When local conditions isolated the pools from the sea for days, some crusts survived a known salinity of 127 psu and an estimated 175 psu. The crust of C. bullosa on pool sides survived up to 58 h of emersion, but complete drying on pool bottoms was lethal within 14 h presumably as a result of saturating salinity preceding complete drying. UVB-absorbing substances, assumed to be phlorotannins, were released by the crust during pool drying. It is concluded that high temperatures were the likely cause of both the slow growth rate and the high mortality of C. bullosa crust on Kainga Reef in summer.
Process Optimization for Foam Mat-Tray Drying of Passiflora edulis Flavicarpa Pulp and Characterization of the Dried Powder
Authors: Ambekar S. A. , Gokhale S. V. , Lele S. S.
Published: December 2013

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis flavicarpa) is a seasonal, tropical, pulpy fruit, known for a rich source of Vitamin C, antioxidants, and delicate flavor. Presently, freezing technique has been used to preserve the pulp. This article reports alternate method of preservation by foam mat convective air drying of fruit pulp under moderate temperatures. The optimization of process parameters, particularly air temperature, was done with subsequent mathematical modeling of the process and assessment of quality parameters by retention of physicochemical properties and antioxidant capacity of the fruit powder. Sixty degree Celsius was found to be the optimum temperature, and Henderson and Pabis model showed best fit to the drying characteristics data (R2 = 0.99). Diffusivity characteristics of moisture during drying were also studied. As drying temperature was increased, total color difference and rehydration ratio decreased, whereas non-enzymatic browning index, total phenolic content, and total antioxidant activity showed increase that was attributed to inhibition of oxidative enzymes and biochemical changes. Dried passion fruit powder showed overall acceptability in terms of organoleptic properties and total antioxidant activity.
Multimodality in translation: Steps towards socially useful research
Authors: Pedro Ricoy Raquel de
Published: December 2013

This study presents the results of a global survey of professionals in the multimedia industry which was conducted in 2011. Starting from the premise that the prevalence of multimodal communication in our societies has made “accessibility” a crucial concern and translation a necessity, the survey aimed to explore what perceptions are held by multimedia professionals regarding academic research into the translation of multimodal texts and to ascertain what types of study they consider most beneficial. The study is grounded on the belief that such research should neither exclusively serve business interests nor remain within the confines of academia, but rather be targeted towards social benefits. Thus, two key issues arise: first, how scholarly work can be tailored so as to achieve improvements in professional practices that will benefit society at large and, second, how the findings derived from such work can be effectively disseminated.

The survey met with a good response from the multimedia community. This paper presents an overview of the participants’ profile, followed by the summary results of their responses. The ensuing findings are accompanied by references to existing research. These findings reveal a certain lack of awareness (and some distrust) of scholarly work related to multimodality in translation among professionals in the multimedia industry. However, they also indicate the existence of interest in the field and the willingness of the industry to engage with research that would enhance its processes and practices.

Multimodal texts are, by definition, complex semiotic entities and when they are adapted for consumption by users belonging to different communities a variety of mechanisms are used (e.g. dubbing, subtitling, localisation, audiodescription). These are not restricted to modifications to the verbal make-up of the texts or to language transfer, and, arguably due to this reason, the vast majority of participants stated that wider interaction between translation and interpreting specialists, on the one hand, and experts working in relevant disciplines, on the other, is highly desirable. Thus, it will be argued here that a sound interdisciplinary approach to research into multimodality in translation is required in order to make scholarly contributions more socially useful.
Analysing business coaching: Using modal density as a methodological tool
Authors: Pirini Jesse
Published: December 2013

In this article I present an analysis of three extracts from a business coaching session captured on video. In business coaching the coach aims to help the client generate solutions to their own issues, often by finding different perspectives. However, there has been a lack of empirical studies focusing on the coaching interaction. Here I set out firstly to describe how the coach carried out the act of coaching, and to illustrate the use of higher and lower-level actions and modal density to focus on the detail of an (inter)action, while not losing sight of the whole. I analyse all the relevant communicative modes (Norris, 2011a), and focus closely on specific lower-level actions in the interaction. I use modal density (Norris, 2004) as a methodological tool to consider these lower-level actions as constituents of higher-level actions, and as a measure of participants’ relative engagement in various higher-level actions. Overall, I show that modal density and lower and higher-level actions can be used as useful tools for the analysis of business coaching at the level of the interaction.
Persistent environmental pollutants and couple fecundity: an overview
Authors: Buck Louis Germaine M
Published: December 2013

Speculation has arisen that human fecundity may be declining, possibly a function of exposure to persistent environmental chemicals that resist degradation resulting in various pathways for human exposure. In contrast to considerable animal evidence suggesting adverse effects of such chemicals on reproduction, limited human research has been undertaken. To date, available data stem largely from ten unique study cohorts that have quantified individual chemical exposures in relation to time-to-pregnancy (TTP), which is a measure of couple fecundity. Diminished fecundability odds ratios indicative of longer TTP were observed in all but two studies, although not all findings achieved statistical significance. Persistent chemicals associated with reduced couple fecundity as measured by a longer TTP included βHCH, cadmium, lead, mercury, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene, TCCD dioxin, and select polybrominated diethers, polychlorinated biphenyls, and perfluorochemicals. Important methodologic limitations need to be considered in weighing the evidence: i) reliance on pregnant women, which may exclude women with the highest exposures if related to the inability to conceive; ii) retrospectively reported TTP, which may be associated with bidirectional reporting errors; and iii) limited attention to male partners or couples' exposures. While current evidence is not inconsistent with animal evidence, concerted efforts to address lingering data gaps should include novel strategies for recruiting couples, the longitudinal measurement of TTP, and the continued enrollment of couples across successive pregnancies. This latter strategy will provide a more complete understanding of the toxicokinetics of chemicals during sensitive windows and their implications for fecundity and its related impairments.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy in pregnancy-associated breast cancer
Authors: Mátrai Zoltán , Bánhidy Ferenc , Téglás Melinda , Kovács Eszter , Sávolt Ákos , Udvarhelyi Nóra , Bartal Alexandra , Kásler Miklós
Published: December 2013

The incidence of pregnancy-associated breast cancer is rising. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is the method of choice in clinically node negative cases as the indicated minimally invasive regional staging procedure. Some reports have linked radioisotope and blue dye required for lymphatic mapping to teratogenic effects, the idea of which has become a generalized statement and, until recently, contraindication for these agents was considered during pregnancy. Today, there are many published reports of successful interventions with low-dose 99mTc-labeled human albumin nanocolloid, based on dosimetric modeling demonstrating a negligible radiation exposure of the fetus. These results contributed to the seemingly safe and successful use of sentinel lymph node biopsy during pregnancy, though generally it can not replace axillary lymphadenectomy in the absence of high-quality evidence. The possibility of sentinel lymph node biopsy should be offered to pregnancy-associated early breast cancer patients with clinically negative axilla, and patients should be involved in the decision making following extensive counselling. This paper presents the successful use of sentinel lymph node biopsy with low-dose tracer during two pregnancies (in the first and third trimesters) and, for the first time in Hungarian language, it offers a comprehensive literature review on this topic. Orv. Hetil., 154(50), 1991–1997.
A rare form of adrenal Cushing’s syndrome
Authors: Sohár Gábor , Szücs Nikolette , Rácz Károly , Merkely Béla , Hüttl Kálmán , Sármán Pál , Györkös Andrea , Gasztonyi Beáta
Published: December 2013

The authors present the case history of a 74-year-old male suffering from aortic coarctation. His endocrine evaluation was initiated because of severe hypokalemia. The diagnostic procedures revealed the presence of Cushing’s syndrome caused by bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. Because of the high risk of surgical treatment due to his cardiac condition, the patient was treated with the steroid biosynthesis inhibitor ketoconazole, which resulted in a clinical and biochemical regression of hypercortisolism. After interventional treatment of the aortic coarctation the physical and cardiac condition of the patient showed a significant improvement, indicating that despite an old age, surgery offered a valuable tool for management of the disease. To the best knowledge of the authors, the coexistence of aortic coarctation and bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia has not been previously reported. Orv. Hetil., 154(50), 1999–2002.
Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Tolerance to Imazosulfuron and Thifensulfuron-Methyl
Authors: Pekarek Ryan A. , Monks David W. , Jennings Katherine M. , Hoyt Greg D.
Published: December 2013

Greenhouse and field studies were conducted to evaluate bell pepper tolerance to the sulfonylurea herbicides imazosulfuron and thifensulfuron-methyl. Imazosulfuron was applied at 56, 112, 224, 336, or 448 g ai ha−1. Thifensulfuron-methyl was applied at 2.6, 5.3, 10.5, 21.0, or 31.6 g ai ha−1. In the greenhouse over 2 yr, bell pepper injury due to imazosulfuron POST ranged from 12 to 27%. Reductions in plant height and numbers of nodes, buds, flowers, and fruits were generally minor or not observed. Injury from thifensulfuron-methyl POST ranged from 40 to 60% in the greenhouse. Similar trends were observed for leaf chlorosis and distortion. Thifensulfuron-methyl tended to decrease numbers of buds, flowers, and fruits in the greenhouse. In the field at three sites, bell pepper injury due to imazosulfuron applied POST-directed (POST-DIR) was less than 10% at all rating times, and height and yield were not affected. Total and marketable yield averaged 40,300 and 35,810 kg ha−1, respectively, across environments and years. Bell pepper injury from thifensulfuron-methyl applied POST-DIR in the field was less than 20% with all rates and less than 10% when rates less than 10.6 g ai ha−1thifensulfuron-methyl were applied. Bell pepper stand (plants ha−1) or height was not affected by thifensulfuron-methyl. Thifensulfuron-methyl did not affect total bell pepper yield (39,310 kg ha−1averaged across environments); however, reductions in Fancy grade yield were observed. No. 1 and cull yield grades tended to increase with increasing thifensulfuron-methyl rate, apparently compensating for lost Fancy yield.
Japanese Bindweed (Calystegia hederacea) Abundance and Response to Winter Wheat Seeding Rate and Nitrogen Fertilization in the North China Plain
Authors: Menegat Alexander , Jäck Ortrud , Zhang Jinwei , Kleinknecht Kathrin , Müller Bettina U. , Piepho Hans-Peter , Ni Hanwen , Gerhards Roland
Published: December 2013

Japanese bindweed was found to be one of the most abundant and most difficult-to-control weed species during a 2-yr weed survey in more than 100 winter wheat fields in the North China Plain region. Multivariate data analysis showed that Japanese bindweed is most abundant at sites with comparative low nitrogen (N) fertilization intensities and low crop densities. To gain deeper insights into the biology of Japanese bindweed under various N fertilization intensities, winter wheat seeding rates, herbicide treatments, and their interactions, a 2-yr field experiment was performed. In nonfertilized plots, a herbicide efficacy (based on density reduction) of 22% for 2,4-D, and of 25% for tribenuron-methyl was found. The maximum herbicide efficacy in Nmin-fertilized plots (target N value based on expected crop yield minus soil mineral nitrogen content,) was 32% for 2,4-D and 34% for tribenuron-methyl. In plots fertilized according to the farmer's practices, a maximum herbicide efficacy of 72% for 2,4-D and of 64% for tribenuron-methyl could be observed. Furthermore, medium and high seeding rates improved the herbicide efficacy by at least 39% for tribenuron-methyl and 44% for 2,4-D compared to the low seeding rate. Winter wheat yield was not significantly affected by seeding rate itself, whereas at low and medium seeding rates, Nminfertilization was decreasing winter wheat yield significantly compared to the farmer's usual fertilization practice. At the highest seeding rate, Nminfertilization resulted in equal yields compared to the farmer's practices of fertilization.
Response of Processing Tomato to Simulated Bromoxynil Drift Followed by In-Crop Metribuzin Application
Authors: McNaughton Kristen E. , Sikkema Peter H. , Robinson Darren E.
Published: December 2013

Simulated drift rates of bromoxynil followed by an in-crop application of metribuzin were applied to processing tomato in eight field studies conducted from 2008 to 2010 in Ridgetown, Ontario, Canada, to determine if a synergistic interaction occurred due to the cumulative herbicide application. A transient synergistic response was observed 7 d after treatment (DAT) when bromoxynil drift rates of 8.5, 17, and 34 g ai ha−1were followed 3 to 5 d later by metribuzin at 250 g ai ha−1. By 28 DAT, visible injury ratings were additive for 8.5, 17, and 34 g ha−1bromoxynil followed by metribuzin treatments. However, when bromoxynil at 68 g ha−1(20% of field rate) was followed by metribuzin, a synergistic interaction was evident and remained through harvest. Based on Colby's equation there was greater visible injury than expected at 7, 14, and 28 DAT when bromoxynil at 68 g ha−1was followed by metribuzin. A corresponding synergistic reduction of plant dry weight and marketable tomato yield, compared with the nontreated control, was identified. Marketable yields were expected to be 65% of the control according to Colby's equation, but observed yield reductions were 49% when bromoxynil at 68 g ha−1was followed by metribuzin. In general, tomato plants sprayed with metribuzin after bromoxynil drift had greater injury than treatments sprayed with bromoxynil alone.
Soybean Response to Dicamba Applied at Vegetative and Reproductive Growth Stages
Authors: Griffin James L. , Bauerle Matthew J. , Stephenson Daniel O. , Miller Donnie K. , Boudreaux Joseph M.
Published: December 2013

Availability of soybean with dicamba resistance will provide an alternative weed management option, but risk of dicamba injury to sensitive crops from off-target movement and spray tank contamination is of concern. Research conducted at multiple locations and years evaluated soybean injury and yield response to POST applications of the diglycolamine salt of dicamba. Dicamba was applied at the two to three trifoliate stage (V3/V4) at 4.4, 8.8, 17.5, 35, 70, 140, and 280 g ae ha−1(1/128 to 1/2 of the recommended use rate of 560 g ae ha−1). Soybean injury 7 d after application was 20% following dicamba at 4.4 g ha−1and increased to 89% at 280 g ha−1. At 14 d after application, injury for the same rates increased from 39 to 97%. In a separate study, dicamba was applied at first flower (R1) at 1.1, 2.2, 4.4, 8.8, 17.5, 35, and 70 g ha−1(1/512 to 1/8 of use rate). Soybean injury 7 d following dicamba application was 19% at 1.1 g ha−1and increased to 64% at 70 g ha−1. For the same rates of dicamba, injury from 7 to 14 d after application increased no more than 4 percentage points. For dicamba rates in common for the timing studies, soybean injury 14 d after treatment was greatest for application at V3/V4, but the negative effect on mature soybean height and yield was greatest for application at R1. For dicamba at 4.4 g ha−1(1/128th of use rate), soybean yield was reduced 4% when applied at V3/V4 and 10% when applied at R1. For 17.5 g ha−1dicamba (1/32 of use rate), yield was reduced 15% at V3/V4 and 36% at R1. Based on yield reductions for 4.4 and 17.5 g ha−1dicamba, soybean at flowering was around 2.5 times more sensitive compared with vegetative exposure.
Adoption of Best Management Practices for Herbicide-Resistant Weeds in Midsouthern United States Cotton, Rice, and Soybean
Authors: Riar Dilpreet S. , Norsworthy Jason K. , Steckel Lawrence E. , Stephenson Daniel O. , Eubank Thomas W. , Bond Jason , Scott Robert C.
Published: December 2013

In fall 2011, cotton and soybean consultants from Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee were surveyed through direct mail and on-farm visits, and rice consultants from Arkansas and Mississippi were surveyed through direct mail to assess the importance and level of implementation of herbicide resistance best management practices (HR-BMPs) for herbicide-resistant weeds. Proper herbicide timing, clean start with no weeds at planting, application of multiple effective herbicide modes of action, use of full labeled herbicide rates, and prevention of crop weed seed production with importance rating of ≥ 4.6 out of 5.0 were perceived as the most important HR-BMPs in all crops. Purchase of certified rice seed was on 90% of scouted hectares. In contrast, least important HR-BMPs as perceived by consultants with importance ratings of ≤ 4.0 in cotton, ≤ 3.7 in rice, and ≤ 3.8 in soybean were cultural practices such as manual removal of weeds; tillage including disking, cultivation, or deep tillage; narrow (≤ 50 cm)-row crops, cover crops, and altered planting dates. Narrow crop rows and cover crops in cotton; altered planting dates in cotton and soybean; and cleaning of farm equipment and manual weeding in rice and soybean is currently employed on ≤ 20% of scouted hectares. Extra costs, time constraints, adverse weather conditions, lack of labor and equipment, profitability, herbicide-related concerns, and complacency were perceived as key obstacles for adoption of most HR-BMPs. With limited adoption of most cultural practices that reduce risks of herbicide-resistant weeds, there are opportunities to educate growers concerning the proactive need and long-term benefits of adopting HR-BMPs to ensure sustainable weed management and profitable crop production.
A New Hybrid Viscoelastic Soft Tissue Model based on Meshless Method for Haptic Surgical Simulation
Authors: Bao Yidong , Wu Dongmei , Yan Zhiyuan , Du Zhijiang
Published: December 2013

This paper proposes a hybrid soft tissue model that consists of a multilayer structure and many spheres for surgical simulation system based on meshless. To improve accuracy of the model, tension is added to the three-parameter viscoelastic structure that connects the two spheres. By using haptic device, the three-parameter viscoelastic model (TPM) produces accurate deformationand also has better stress-strain, stress relaxation and creep properties. Stress relaxation and creep formulas have been obtained by mathematical formula derivation. Comparing with the experimental results of the real pig liver which were reported by Evren et al. and Amy et al., the curve lines of stress-strain, stress relaxation and creep of TPM are close to the experimental data of the real liver. Simulated results show that TPM has better real-time, stability and accuracy.
Development of a Novel Polyclonal Antibody-Based Immunoassay for the Quantitation of Non-Albumin Urinary Proteins
Authors: Haigh Wallace B. , Guralski Donna M. , Arrigo Lisa M. , Letsinger Jack T. , Clarke Michele , MacIsaac Richard J. , Jerums George , Very Donald L.
Published: December 2013

Background:

Better diagnostic methods to detect urinary proteinuria or albuminuria, important indicators of
diabetic kidney disease, are needed. Here, we describe the development and performance qualification of a new immunoassay
for the quantitation of non-albumin urinary proteins of 20 to 90 kilodaltons.

Methods:

Urinary proteins, purified from pooled, 24-hour, diabetic urines, were immunoabsorbed to remove albumin,
electrophoretically characterized, and identified by mass spectrometry. Sheep anti-urinary protein polyclonal antibodies
were immunoabsorbed to remove albumin reactivity. Major immunoreactive specificities of the polyclonal antibody were
identified by Western blot. A polyclonal antibody-based competitive immunoassay was developed and performanceevaluated.
An unpaired t-test (α = 0.05) and a receiver-operating characteristic curve were used to evaluate the measurement
of 24-hour urinary protein excretion rates in distinguishing between normal, proteinuric, and albuminuric samples.

Results:

Approximately 380 mg of urinary protein was purified from 6.0 g of total urinary proteins. Mass spectrometry
identified more than 36 different proteins in the purified preparation. The anti-urinary protein polyclonal antibody possessed
significant immunoreactivity towards transferrin, IgG chains, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein,
prostaglandin-H2-d-isomerase, and alpha-1-microglobulin. The competitive immunoassay exhibited excellent analytical
and clinical performance. Measurement of urinary protein excretion rates could distinguish between normoproteinuric and
proteinuric samples (p < 0.0001; area under the curve = 0.6900) and between normoalbuminuric and albuminuric samples
(p < 0.0001; area under the curve = 0.8782).

Conclusion:

Measurement of urinary protein excretion rates using the urinary protein immunoassay is clinically equivalent
to laboratory methods of quantitating total urinary protein or albumin in identifying proteinuria and albuminuria.
The Effect of Socioeconomic Class and Immigrant Status on Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Data from BARFOT, a Multi-Centre Study of Early RA
Authors: Andersson Maria L.E. , Bergman Stefan , Söderlin Maria K.
Published: December 2013

Background:

There have been no reports on the effect of immigrant status and socioeconomic status on outcome in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Sweden.

Methods:

Between 1992 and 2006, 2,800 patients were included in the BARFOT study on early RA in Sweden. Disease Activity Score 28 joints (DAS28), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), treatment and European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria were registered. In 2010, 1,430 patients completed a questionnaire enquiring about demographics and lifestyle factors.

Results:

One hundred and thirty-nine of the 1,430 patients (9.7%) were immigrants. At baseline immigrants had higher mean HAQ (1.2 vs 0.97 for non-immigrants, p=0.001), DAS28 (5.6 vs 5.2, p=0.000), visual analog scale (VAS) pain (56 mm vs 45 mm, p=0.000), VAS global health (53 mm vs 44 mm, p=0.000) and tender joint count (TJC) (10 vs 8, p=0.000). These differences persisted for up to 2 years of follow-up (for HAQ, for up to 8 years of follow-up). Immigrant status did not have any effect on swollen joint count (SJC), ESR, CRP or EULAR response. Socioeconomic class did not have any effect on treatment or outcome.

Conclusions:

Immigrants scored worse in pain, function and TJC for up to 2 years of follow-up, but they did not differ from non-immigrants in objective measures of inflammation or EULAR outcome. This could be due to different perceptions of health and pain and/or the stress of immigration. Socioeconomic class had no effect on treatment or outcome, and this could be due to the relatively egalitarian society in Sweden.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Dietary Assessment and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Scores
Authors: Georgousopoulou Ekavi N. , Georgiopoulos Georgios A. , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B.
Published: December 2013

According to a recently published editorial article in the
Open Hypertension Journal written by Anagnostis et al., [1]
adherence to a Mediterranean type diet was associated with
reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, by modulating
arterial blood pressure levels. Hypertension consist, both a
traditional risk factor with increasing prevalence among
older subjects [2] and specific subpopulations (i.e., metabolic
syndrome) as well as a high-yield target in means of primary
and secondary prevention. The common CVD risk scores
(e.g., Framingham score sheet, ESC SCORE) [3,4] that are
implicated in individual CVD risk assessment through easily
measured characteristics constantly incorporate arterial blood
pressure indices in underlying estimation models [3,4]. Accumulating
evidence [5] suggests that adherence to healthier
dietary patterns is associated with favorable CVD profile;
i.e., in 2008 the INTERHEART study with approximately
16,500 participants concluded that 30% of CVD deaths in
Europe could have been prevented through adoption of
healthier dietary habits [6].

Despite emerging associations between dietary patterns
and CVD risk, diet’s assessment has never been, directly,
incorporated into existing CVD risk scores [5]. Researchers
who added diet’s assessment into CVD risk estimation models,
reported incremental value of the dietary component
over traditional risk factors in terms of overall model performance
and improved reclassification of the true events
[7,8]. In addition, updating CVD risk estimation scores with
dietary information could improve the correct classification
rate of people at high risk. This suggestion is further reinforced
by the aforementioned editorial, which identifies unhealthy
dietary patterns as a risk factor for adverse CVD
events, independently of blood pressure status and lipid profile.

The individual CVD risk estimation is highly recommended
by the European guidelines for the majority of middle-
aged people, even without known CVD history [9]. Under
this context, classification rate improvement of the existing CVD risk estimation scores should be addressed as a
cardinal issue in terms of public health policies. Dietary patterns
assessment should be examined as the most promising
candidate parameter for incorporation into the existing CVD
risk estimation scores in order to upgrade current prevention
strategies.
Cardiometabolic Factors and Breast Cancer: A Case-Control Study in Women
Authors: Mourouti Niki , Papavagelis Christos , Kontogianni Meropi D. , Plytzanopoulou Petrini , Vassilakou Tonia , Malamos Nikolaos , Linos Athena , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B.
Published: December 2013

Background:

Previous studies have suggested that individual cardiometabolic factors may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

Objective:

To evaluate the association between individual cardiometabolic factors with breast cancer development.

Design:

A case – control study. Two-hundred-and-fifty consecutive, newly diagnosed breast cancer female patients (56±12 years) and 250, one-to-one age-matched with the patients, healthy volunteers (controls), were studied. A standardized, validated questionnaire assessing various socio-demographic, clinical, lifestyle and dietary characteristics, was applied through face-to-face interviews. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated using the 11-components MedDietScore (theoretical range 0-55). A detailed medical history regarding the common co-morbidities (i.e., diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia) and their treatment was also recorded, while women were also categorized using the Body Mass Index (BMI) as an indicator of obesity.

Results:

Obesity (i.e., BMI>30 kg/m2) was positively associated with the likelihood of having breast cancer.

Conclusions:

With the exception of obesity, none of the other tested cardiometabolic risk factors seemed to be a predisposing factor for breast cancer development.
Genetic control and combining ability of flag leaf area and relative water content traits of bread wheat cultivars under drought stress condition
Authors: Golparvar Ahmad
Published: December 2013

In order to compare mode of inheritance, combining ability, heterosis and
gene action in genetic control of traits flag leaf area, relative water
content and grain filling rate of bread wheat under drought stress, a study
was conducted on 8 cultivars using of Griffing?s method2 in fixed model. Mean
square of general combining ability was significant also for all traits and
mean square of specific combining ability was significant also for all traits
except relative water content of leaf which show importance of both additive
and dominant effects of genes in heredity of these traits under stress. GCA
to SCA mean square ratio was significant for none of traits. Results of this
study showed that non additive effects of genes were more important than
additive effect for all traits. According to results we can understand that
genetic improvement of mentioned traits will have low genetic efficiency by
selection from the best crosses of early generations. Then it is better to
delay selection until advanced generations and increase in heritability of
these traits.
A study of branching patterns in Bazzania (Jungermanniales, Lepidoziaceae)
Authors: Meagher David
Published: December 2013

Branching patterns in the leafy liverwort genus Bazzania Gray were investigated in twenty-five Australasian species. Terminal branching was found to be neither consistently sinistrorse nor consistently dextrorse, and neither consistently homodromous nor consistently antidromous. Microphyllous ventral-intercalary branches arising from stems usually have ‘siblings’ arising from main branches. The production of leafy ventral-intercalary branches is not necessarily associated with the termination of stems or main branches. These results are contrary to previous ideas about branching in Bazzania.
Type studies on Frullania subgenus Meteoriopsis (Marchantiophyta). VII. On F. angulata Mitt. and F. longistipula Steph
Authors: Uribe-M Jaime
Published: December 2013

As a result of a redefinition of Frullania subg. Meteoriopsis Spruce and study of the type material, Frullania angulata Mitt. and F. longistipula Steph. are affiliated to Frullania sect. Intumescentes R. M. Schust. Full descriptions and illustrations of the two species are provided
DISTRIBUTION OF CALLICLADIUM HALDANIANUM (BRYOPHYTA, HYPNACEAE) IN POLAND
Authors: Stebel Adam
Published: December 2013

Up to the mid 20th century, Callicladium haldanianum (Grev.) H. A. Crum had been known from scattered localities, but since the 1990s the number of localities of this moss seems to have increased. At present it is a frequent or common species in eastern, central and southern Poland, whereas in the northwestern and western parts its localities have distinctly decreased in number. It is known from 209 ATMOS grid squares in total. Its highest locality, at 1407 m a.s.l., is in the Tatra Mts, and the lowest one is almost at sea level on the Hel Peninsula. The overwhelming majority of specimens were observed on logs and stumps. This species is frequently fertile, and about 70% of the herbarium specimens were collected with sporophytes, which often were profuse. It is not threatened in any part of Poland. A map of the current distribution of C. haldanianum in Poland is included.
Out of obscurity: on the identity of Entosthodon pertenellus (Broth.) Kis (Funariaceae)
Authors: Wilding Nicholas , Ah-Peng Claudine , Hedderson Terry A.
Published: December 2013

The obscure African species Entosthodon pertenellus (Broth.) Kis is discussed and its concept clarified. The distribution of E. pertenellus is extended to include Grande Comore, Malawi and La Réunion. We include brief notes on morphological variation within the species, affinity with other members of the genus, habitat, and how to distinguish it from other Entosthodons from the region. A description of the species is provided and it is illustrated for the first time.
Engineering models of high speed penetration into geological shields
Authors: Ben-Dor Gabi , Dubinsky Anatoly , Elperin Tov
Published: December 2013

The survey is dedicated to approximate empirical and analytical models which were suggested for describing high-speed penetration into geological shields. This review differs from the previously published reviews on this topic in the following respects: (i) includes a large number of models; (ii) describes models suggested during recent years; (iii) much attention is given to models which have been originally published in Russian and are not well known in the West. References list includes 81 items.
Effect of Humic Substances on Nutrient Status and Yield of Onion (Allium Cepa L.) in Field Conditions
Authors: Osvalde Anita , Karlsons Andis , Čekstere Gunta , Maļecka Solveiga
Published: December 2013

Humic substances (HS) extracted from various organic materials have been shown to stimulate plant growth. However, scarce information is available on the impact of different methods of application of HS on nutrient status of vegetable species, especially in soil and climate conditions of the temperate zone. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effect of pre-plant (bulblet soaking) and foliar application of commercially-produced peat and vermicompost-derived HS preparations on nutrient status and yield of onion (Allium cepa L.) in field experiments using two farming systems - conventional and organic. Although the effect was variable between nutrients, dependent on timing, application methods and farming systems, pre-plant and foliar HS tested was hardly effective in preventing nutrient (S, Zn, B) deficiencies limiting onion yield. Moreover, HS induced changes that significantly reduced nutrient status of organically grown onion and had detrimental effect on yield. Although one-year results did not suggest a benefit from HS application, further studies are necessary to evaluate the possible effectiveness of peat and vermicompost extracts on onion production in Latvia.
Enhanced Therapeutic Alliance Modulates Pain Intensity and Muscle Pain Sensitivity in Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain: An Experimental Controlled Study
Authors: Fuentes Jorge , Armijo-Olivo Susan , Funabashi Martha , Miciak Maxi , Dick Bruce , Warren Sharon , Rashiq Saifee , Magee David J. , Gross Douglas P.
Published: December 2013

Background

Physical therapy influences chronic pain by means of the specific ingredient of an intervention as well as contextual factors including the setting and therapeutic alliance (TA) between provider and patient.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of enhanced versus limited TA on pain intensity and muscle pain sensitivity in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) receiving either active or sham interferential current therapy (IFC).

Design

An experimental controlled study with repeated measures was conducted. Participants were randomly divided into 4 groups: (1) AL (n=30), which included the application of active IFC combined with a limited TA; (2) SL (n=29), which received sham IFC combined with a limited TA; (3) AE (n=29), which received active IFC combined with an enhanced TA; and (4) SE (n=29), which received sham IFC combined with an enhanced TA.

Methods

One hundred seventeen individuals with CLBP received a single session of active or sham IFC. Measurements included pain intensity as assessed with a numerical rating scale (PI-NRS) and muscle pain sensitivity as assessed via pressure pain threshold (PPT).

Results

Mean differences on the PI-NRS were 1.83 cm (95% CI=14.3–20.3), 1.03 cm (95% CI=6.6–12.7), 3.13 cm (95% CI=27.2–33.3), and 2.22 cm (95% CI=18.9–25.0) for the AL, SL, AE, and SE groups, respectively. Mean differences on PPTs were 1.2 kg (95% CI=0.7–1.6), 0.3 kg (95% CI=0.2–0.8), 2.0 kg (95% CI=1.6–2.5), and 1.7 kg (95% CI=1.3–2.1), for the AL, SL, AE, and SE groups, respectively.

Limitations

The study protocol aimed to test the immediate effect of the TA within a clinical laboratory setting.

Conclusions

The context in which physical therapy interventions are offered has the potential to dramatically improve therapeutic effects. Enhanced TA combined with active IFC appears to lead to clinically meaningful improvements in outcomes when treating patients with CLBP.
A Shigella sonnei outbreak traced to imported basil – the importance of good typing tools and produce traceability systems, Norway, 2011
Authors: Guzman-Herrador B R , Nilsen E , Cudjoe K S , Jensvoll L , Kvamme J M , Lindegård Aanstad A , Lindstedt B A , Nygård K , Severinsen G , Werner-Johansen Ø , Wester A L , Wiklund M , Vold L
Published: December 2013

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Einfluss einer aufgeprägten Spannung auf die isotherme, perlitische und bainitische Umwandlung des Wälzlagerstahls 100Cr6
Authors: Dalgic M. , Löwisch G.
Published: December 2013

Kurzfassung

Eine optimale Simulation von Wärmebehandlungsprozessen setzt voraus, dass die notwendigen Stoffwerte zur Beschreibung der Phasentransformation zur Verfügung stehen. Während der Wärmebehandlung entstehen umwandlungs- und thermisch bedingte Spannungen, die das Umwandlungsverhalten beeinflussen. Das Zusammenwirken zwischen Phasenumwandlung und inneren Spannungen ist Gegenstand der vorliegenden Untersuchung. Für die isotherme, perlitische und bainitische Umwandlung des Wälzlagerstahls 100Cr6 wurde die Abhängigkeit der Umwandlungskinetik und Umwandlungsplastizität von der Temperatur, der gebildeten Phase und dem Spannungszustand studiert. Es zeigt sich, dass eine Beschleunigung der Phasenumwandlung durch äußere Spannungen nur in begrenzten Temperaturbereichen stattfindet. Der Materialkennwert K, der die umwandlungsplastische Dehnung kennzeichnet, nimmt bei perlitischer Umwandlung mit zunehmender Umwandlungstemperatur linear zu, bei bainitischer Umwandlung dagegen ab.
Numerische Untersuchungen von Einflüssen inhomogener Fertigungsbedingungen auf den Verzug infolge von Abschreckprozessen
Authors: Frerichs F. , Lübben Th. , Hoffmann F. , Mayr P. , Zoch H.-W.
Published: December 2013

Kurzfassung

Das Maß- und Formänderungsverhalten von Bauteilen während des Abschreckens wird – neben dem Abschreckprozess selbst – durch die Bauteilvorgeschichte und dem dabei aufgebauten Verzugspotenzial festgelegt. Dabei wird der Anteil der Bauteilvorgeschichte durch Asymmetrien der Massenverteilung und Inhomogenitäten in der chemischen Zusammensetzung, des Gefüges und der Eigenspannungen gebildet. Im Prinzip gibt es zwei grundlegende Methoden zur Untersuchung der o. g. Einflussfaktoren. Erstens können entsprechende Asymmetrien und Inhomogenitäten gezielt in die Bauteile einbracht werden. Die konkrete experimentelle Umsetzung ist u.U. aber schwierig bzw. aufwändig. Zweitens können Bauteile, die nach der Abschreckung Verzüge aufweisen, auf ungewollte Asymmetrien bzw. Inhomogenitäten hin untersucht werden. Hierbei kann es im Einzelfall aber schwierig sein, die Wirkung gefundener Asymmetrien zu beurteilen. Für beide Methoden stellt die Simulation ein hilfreiches Werkzeug dar, die genannten Untersuchungen zu begleiten bzw. gezielt zu lenken. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird über Versuche und zugehörige Wärmebehandlungssimulationen unter Verwendung des kommerziellen Finite-Elemente-Programms SYSWELD berichtet. Untersucht wurden inhomogene Verzugspotenziale. Diese wurden entweder während des Fertigungsprozesses gezielt eingestellt oder nach erfolgter Abschreckung und Messung des Verzuges gezielt gesucht. Der Einfluss inhomogener Abschreckungen auf den Verzug wurde durch die Verwendung von hoch symmetrischen Gasdüsenfeldern (Abschreckung mit Stickstoff) weitgehend minimiert.
Technologische Grundlagenuntersuchungen zur Bearbeitung neuartiger schleif- und polierbarer PVD-Hartstoffschichten∗
Authors: Grimme D. , Preuß W. , Brinksmeier E. , Bengelsdorff S. , Stock H.-R. , Mayr P.
Published: December 2013

Kurzfassung

Die Herstellung hochpräziser optischer Abformwerkzeuge ist zentraler Schwerpunkt des transregionalen Sonderforschungsbereiches SFB/TR4 “Prozessketten zur Replikation komplexer Optikkomponenten“ an der Universität Bremen, der RWTH Aachen und der Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, USA, in dessen Rahmen diese Arbeit entstanden ist. Die Abformung optischer Bauteile wie z.B. von Linsen durch Spritzgießen, Heißprägen oder Heißpressen stellt im Hinblick auf die Funktionsflächen der Formeinsätze hohe Ansprüche. Während des Abformungsprozesses sind diese Funktionsflächen hohen thermischen, korrosiven und mechanischen Beanspruchungen ausgesetzt. Zur Erhöhung der Standzeiten und zur Verbesserung des Entformungsverhaltens werden Formeinsätze mit oxidations- und verschleißbeständigen Hartstoffen beschichtet. Die Eigenschaften der beschichteten Formeinsätze sind für optische Bauteile jedoch oft nicht ausreichend, sodass eine Nachbearbei-tung zur Herstellung der optischen Funktionsflächen notwendig wird.
Herstellung dreidimensionaler mikrooptischer Funktionsflächen
Authors: Autschbach L. , Brinksmeier E. , Gubela H.-E. , Ahbe T.
Published: December 2013

Kurzfassung

Die preisgünstige Fertigung mikrooptischer Produkte als Massenartikel oder Endlosfolien in hoher Qualität und Reproduzierbarkeit stellt bis heute eine große technische Herausforderung dar. Mikrooptische Bauteile mit mikrostrukturierten Funktionsoberflächen sind mit Hilfe der Mikrozerspanung und Mikroreplikation grundsätzlich herstellbar und mit der ultrapräzisen Fertigungsmesstechnik nachprüfbar. Dabei ist bisher die Miniaturisierbarkeit der Mikrostrukturen bei gleichzeitig höherer Formgenauigkeit und Oberflächengüte sowie die Herstellung von Großflächen eingeschränkt. In einem Projektverbund erfolgten hierzu Untersuchungen zur ultrapräzisen spanenden Mikrostrukturierung, es wurden Verfahren zur Mikroreplikation weiterentwickelt und die Möglichkeiten zur Messung gefertigter und abgeformter Mikrostrukturen untersucht.