bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solubility of recombinant Src homology 2 domains expressed in E. colican be predicted by TANGO
Authors: Andersen Thorny Cecilie Bie , Lindsjø Kjersti , Hem Cecilie Dahl , Koll Lise , Kristiansen Per Eugen , Skjeldal Lars , Andreotti Amy H , Spurkland Anne
Published: January 2014

Background

Signalling proteins often contain several well defined and conserved protein domains. Structural analyses of such domains by nuclear magnetic spectroscopy or X-ray crystallography may greatly inform the function of proteins. A limiting step is often the production of sufficient amounts of the recombinant protein. However, there is no particular way to predict whether a protein will be soluble when expressed in E.coli. Here we report our experience with expression of a Src homology 2 (SH2) domain.

Results

The SH2 domain of the SH2D2A protein (or T cell specific adapter protein, TSAd) forms insoluble aggregates when expressed as various GST-fusion proteins in Escherichia coli (E. coli). Alteration of the flanking sequences, or growth temperature influenced expression and solubility of TSAd-SH2, however overall yield of soluble protein remained low. The algorithm TANGO, which predicts amyloid fibril formation in eukaryotic cells, identified a hydrophobic sequence within the TSAd-SH2 domain with high propensity for beta-aggregation. Mutation to the corresponding amino acids of the related HSH2- (or ALX) SH2 domain increased the yield of soluble TSAd-SH2 domains. High beta-aggregation values predicted by TANGO correlated with low solubility of recombinant SH2 domains as reported in the literature.

Conclusions

Solubility of recombinant proteins expressed in E.coli can be predicted by TANGO, an algorithm developed to determine the aggregation propensity of peptides. Targeted mutations representing corresponding amino acids in similar protein domains may increase solubility of recombinant proteins.
Risk factors for venous port migration in a single institute in Taiwan
Authors: Fan Wen-Chieh , Wu Cheng-Han , Tsai Ming-Ju , Tsai Ying-Ming , Chang Hsu-Liang , Hung Jen-Yu , Chen Pei-Huan , Yang Chih-Jen
Published: January 2014

Background

An implantable port device provides an easily accessible central route for long-term chemotherapy. Venous catheter migration is one of the rare complications of venous port implantation. It can lead to side effects such as pain in the neck, shoulder, or ear, venous thrombosis, and even life-threatening neurologic problems. To date, there are few published studies that discuss such complications.

Methods

This retrospective study of venous port implantation in a single center, a Taiwan hospital, was conducted from January 2011 to March 2013. Venous port migration was recorded along with demographic and characteristics of the patients.

Results

Of 298 patients with an implantable import device, venous port migration had occurred in seven, an incidence rate of 2.3%. All seven were male and had received the Bard port Fr 6.6 which had smaller size than TYCO port Fr 7.5 and is made of silicon. Significantly, migration occurred in male patients (P = 0.0006) and in those with lung cancer (P = 0.004). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that lung cancer was a significant risk factor for port migration (odds ratio: 11.59; P = 0.0059). The migration rate of the Bard port Fr 6.6 was 6.7%. The median time between initial venous port implantation and port migration was 35.4 days (range, 7 to 135 days) and 71.4% (5/7) of patients had port migration within 30 days after initial port implantation.

Conclusions

Male sex and lung cancer are risk factors for venous port migration. The type of venous port is also an important risk factor.
Canine pulmonary adenocarcinoma tyrosine kinase receptor expression and phosphorylation
Authors: Mariotti Evan T , Premanandan Christopher , Lorch Gwendolen
Published: January 2014

Background

This study evaluated tyrosine kinase receptor (TKR) expression and activation in canine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (cpAC) biospecimens. As histological similarities exist between human and cpAC, we hypothesized that cpACs will have increased TKR mRNA and protein expression as well as TKR phosphorylation. The molecular profile of cpAC has not been well characterized making the selection of therapeutic targets that would potentially have relevant biological activity impossible. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to define TKR expression and their phosphorylation state in cpAC as well as to evaluate the tumors for the presence of potential epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase activating mutations in exons 18–21. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for TKR expression was performed using a tissue microarray (TMA) constructed from twelve canine tumors and companion normal lung samples. Staining intensities of the IHC were quantified by a veterinary pathologist as well as by two different digitalized algorithm image analyses software programs. An antibody array was used to evaluate TKR phosphorylation of the tumor relative to the TKR phosphorylation of normal tissues with the resulting spot intensities quantified using array analysis software. Each EGFR exon PCR product from all of the tumors and non-affected lung tissues were sequenced using sequencing chemistry and the sequencing reactions were run on automated sequencer. Sequence alignments were made to the National Center for Biotechnology Information canine EGFR reference sequence.

Results

The pro-angiogenic growth factor receptor, PDGFRα, had increased cpAC tumor mRNA, protein expression and phosphorylation when compared to the normal lung tissue biospecimens. Similar to human pulmonary adenocarcinoma, significant increases in cpAC tumor mRNA expression and receptor phosphorylation of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine receptor were present when compared to the corresponding normal lung tissue. The EGFR mRNA, protein expression and phosphorylation were not increased compared to the normal lung and no activating mutations were identified in exons 18–21.

Conclusions

Canine pulmonary adenocarcinoma TKRs are detected at both the mRNA and protein levels and are activated. Further investigation into the contribution of TKR activation in cpAC tumorigenesis is warranted.
The effects of Fenton process on the removal of petroleum hydrocarbons from oily sludge in Shiraz oil refinery, Iran
Authors: Farzadkia Mehdi , Dehghani Mansooreh , Moafian Maryam
Published: January 2014

Background

Due to the high concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in oily sludge and their environmental hazards, the concern regarding their effects on health and the environment has increased. The main objective of this research was focused on evaluating the feasibility of using Fenton process in removing TPH in oily sludge from Shiraz oil refinery, Southern Iran.

Results

To determine optimum conditions, four different parameters were assessed at four different levels using Taguchi method. According to data, the optimum conditions were as follows: the reaction time of 1 hour, H2O2to sample mass ratio of 15, H2O2to Fe (II) molar ratio of 10 and pH of 5. The maximum TPH reduction rate was 36.47%. Because of the semi-solid nature of the sample and the hydroxyl radicals mainly generated in the aqueous solution, TPH reduction rate greatly improved by adding water. Ultimately, by adding 40 ml water per gram of the oily sludge under optimized conditions, the reduction rate of 73.07% was achieved.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that this method can be used as a pre-treatment method for the oily sludge. Moreover, a complementary treatment is necessary to reach the standard limit.
The entrepreneur's ‘resource potential’ and the organic square of entrepreneurship: definition and application to the French case
Authors: Uzunidis Dimitri , Boutillier Sophie , Laperche Blandine
Published: January 2014

The aim of this conceptual paper is to study the origin of the entrepreneur's function. We examine the construction of the entrepreneur's ‘resource potential’ (the set of knowledge, relations and financial resources gathered together by the entrepreneur) and the role of the socio-economic background in this matter. The ‘organic square of entrepreneurship’ (resource potential, market, economic organization and public policy) links the individual characteristics of the entrepreneur and the environmental factors to explain entrepreneurship. It is also a tool to study entrepreneurship in different social, economic and political context. We illustrate this role through the analysis of the French case, which reveals the assets and limits of the entrepreneurial context. We particularly show the importance of taking account of the structural characteristics of the productive system in the design of future entrepreneurship policies.

JEL codes

L26, L1, L53
The relationship between transformational leadership and work engagement in governmental hospitals nurses: a survey study
Authors: Hayati Davood , Charkhabi Morteza , Naami AbdolZahra
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of transformational leadership and its components on work engagement among hospital nurses. There are a few set of researches that have focused on the effects of transformational leadership on work engagement in nurses. A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional design was used. In this study, 240 nurses have been chosen by stratified random sampling method which filled related self-reported scales include multifactor leadership questionnaire (MLQ) and work engagement scale. Data analysis has been exerted according to the statistical method of simple and multiple correlation coefficients. Findings indicated that the effect of this type of leadership on work engagement and its facets is positive and significant. In addition, the research illustrates that transformational leaders transfer their enthusiasm and high power to their subordinates by the way of modeling. This manner can increase the power as a component of work engagement in workers. Idealized influence among these leaders can result in forming a specific belief among employees toward those leaders and leaders can easily transmit their inspirational motivation to them. Consequently, it leads to make a positive vision by which, and by setting high standards, challenges the employees and establishes zeal along with optimism for attaining success in works. regarding to the results we will expand leadership and work engagement literature in hospital nurses. Also, we conclude with theoretical and practical implications and propose a clear horizon for future researches.
Statin therapy reduces oxidized low density lipoprotein level, a risk factor for stroke outcome
Authors: Tsai Nai-Wen , Lee Lian-Hui , Huang Chi-Ren , Chang Wen-Neng , Chang Ya-Ting , Su Yu-Jih , Chiang Yi-Fang , Wang Hung-Chen , Cheng Ben-Chung , Lin Wei-Che , Kung Chia-Te , Su Chih-Min , Lin Yu-Jun , Lu Cheng-Hsien
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Statins are reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects aside from cholesterol-lowering effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of statin therapy on oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL) and the clinical outcome of patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS).

Methods

This prospective study enrolled 120 patients with AIS divided in the statin (n = 55) and non-statin (n = 65) groups. Eighty sex- and age- matched participants were recruited as risk controls. Ox-LDL was measured using a monoclonal antibody-based enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay at different time points after AIS. The clinical outcomes were analyzed between the statin and non-statin groups.

Results

Plasma Ox-LDL was significantly higher in stroke patients than in the controls (P < 0.001). Plasma Ox-LDL level was significantly reduced in the statin group on day 7 and day 30 compared to the non-statin group (P < 0.01). The plasma Ox-LDL positively correlated with serum total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Among the potential risk factors, only National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) score and Ox-LDL level on admission were independently associated with 3-month outcome.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that statin therapy reduces plasma Ox-LDL level after AIS. Plasma Ox-LDL may be a more powerful predictor than serum LDL, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein or white blood cell counts for stroke outcome. Therefore, assay of plasma Ox-LDL should be added as a predictor among the panel of conventional biomarkers in stroke outcome.
Assessing Progress in Reducing the Burden of Cancer Mortality, 1985-2005
Authors: Soneji Samir , Beltrán-Sánchez Hiram , Sox Harold C.
Published: January 2014

Purpose

Measuring the effect of cancer interventions must take into account rising cancer incidence now that people live longer because of declines in mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Cancer mortality rates in the population do not accomplish this objective. We sought a measure that would reveal the effects of changing mortality rates from other diseases.

Methods

We obtained annual breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer mortality rates from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registries; we obtained noncancer mortality rates from national death certificates, 1975 to 2005. We used life-table methods to calculate the burden of cancer mortality as the average person-years of life lost (PYLL) as a result of cancer (cancer-specific PYLL) and quantify individual—and perhaps offsetting—contributions of the two factors that affect cancer-specific PYLL: mortality rates as a result of cancer and other-cause mortality.

Results

Falling cancer mortality rates reduced the burden of mortality from leading cancers, but increasing cancer incidence as a result of decreasing other-cause mortality rates partially offset this progress. Between 1985 and 1989 and between 2000 and 2004, the burden of lung cancer in males declined by 0.1 year of life lost. This decline reflects the sum of two effects: decreasing lung cancer mortality rates that reduced the average burden of lung cancer mortality by 0.33 years of life lost and declining other-cause mortality rates that raised it by 0.23 years. Other common cancers showed similar patterns.

Conclusion

By using a measure that accounts for increased cancer incidence as a result of improvements in CVD mortality, we find that prior assessments have underestimated the impact of cancer interventions.
Clinical and Molecular Genetics of the Phosphodiesterases (PDEs)
Authors: Azevedo Monalisa F. , Faucz Fabio R. , Bimpaki Eirini , Horvath Anelia , Levy Isaac , de Alexandre Rodrigo B. , Ahmad Faiyaz , Manganiello Vincent , Stratakis Constantine A.
Published: January 2014

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are enzymes that have the unique function of terminating cyclic nucleotide signaling by catalyzing the hydrolysis of cAMP and GMP. They are critical regulators of the intracellular concentrations of cAMP and cGMP as well as of their signaling pathways and downstream biological effects. PDEs have been exploited pharmacologically for more than half a century, and some of the most successful drugs worldwide today affect PDE function. Recently, mutations in PDE genes have been identified as causative of certain human genetic diseases; even more recently, functional variants of PDE genes have been suggested to play a potential role in predisposition to tumors and/or cancer, especially in cAMP-sensitive tissues. Mouse models have been developed that point to wide developmental effects of PDEs from heart function to reproduction, to tumors, and beyond. This review brings together knowledge from a variety of disciplines (biochemistry and pharmacology, oncology, endocrinology, and reproductive sciences) with emphasis on recent research on PDEs, how PDEs affect cAMP and cGMP signaling in health and disease, and what pharmacological exploitations of PDEs may be useful in modulating cyclic nucleotide signaling in a way that prevents or treats certain human diseases.
Experimental Study on the Reaction Pathway of α-Haloacetophenones with NaOMe: Examination of Bifurcation Mechanism
Authors: Tagawa Kohei , Sasagawa Keita , Wakisaka Ken , Monjiyama Shunsuke , Katayama Mika , Yamataka Hiroshi
Published: January 2014

The reaction of PhCOCH2Br and NaOMe in MeOH gave PhCOCH2OH as the major product and PhCOCH2OMe as the minor product. Substituent effects on the reactivity and product selectivity revealed that an electron-withdrawing substituent on the phenyl ring enhanced the overall reactivity and gave more alcohol than ether. It was indicated that the alcohol was formed via carbonyl addition-epoxidation, whereas the ether was formed by direct substitution. Substituent effects on the reaction rates, as well as the effects of NaOMe concentration on the rate and product ratio for both reactions of PhCOCH2Br and PhCOCH2Cl are in line with the mechanism that the alcohol and ether products were formed via two independent and concurrent routes, carbonyl addition and α-carbon attack, respectively, and thus the reaction mechanism could be different from the bifurcation mechanism previously predicted for the reaction of PhCOCH2Br by a simulation study in the gas phase.
Addendum to “Self-Reference and the Divorce Between Meaning and Truth”
Authors: Tsohatzidis Savas L.
Published: January 2014

This paper is an addendum to [Tsohatzidis, 2013]
The Corroboration Requirement in Scottish Criminal Trials: Should it Be Retained for Some Forms of Problematic Evidence?
Authors: Davidson Fraser P. , Ferguson Pamela R.
Published: January 2014

The merits of corroborated evidence in criminal trials have been hotly debated in many jurisdictions, with most having now abandoned this requirement. The Scottish government intends to do likewise—at a time when some other jurisdictions are considering its reintroduction. This article considers whether there is merit in retaining a corroboration requirement for two types of evidence, namely for visual identifications and extra-judicial confessions. It explores whether the introduction of a weighted jury majority, as the government proposes, can compensate for the problematic nature of such evidence. In respect of visual identification evidence, it is argued that any safeguard which corroboration might have provided has been weakened by the way in which the courts have developed the law. Alternative mechanisms for improving the quality of such evidence are assessed. In relation to confessions, the article argues that increasing the jury majority is a poor substitute for corroboration.
Indicadores turísticos en la Argentina: una primera aproximación
Authors: Sánchez Darío Cesar
Published: January 2014

Se presenta una propuesta de Sistema Básico de Indicadores de Sostenibilidad Turística para la Argentina, que parte de la utilización de información actualmente disponible, puede aplicarse a todo el territorio nacional y a diferentes escalas, cubre equilibradamente los cuatro subsistemas universalmente aceptados y también los distintos tipos de indicadores posibles. En la primera parte se desarrollan los conceptos de calidad y sostenibilidad en turismo, así como las experiencias en materia de sistemas de indicadores para su medición. Luego se resaltan las ventajas de una concepción sistémica, como herramienta científica para la planificación estratégica y el desarrollo regional. En esta primera aproximación se propone un sistema territorialmente inclusivo y una metodología para la clasificación y el vuelco cartográfico sustentada en la aplicación de parámetros estadísticos ponderados. Se ejemplifica con los resultados de una prueba piloto para la provincia del Chubut.
Simulation of a New Chemical-Looping Combustion Process without Sulfur Evolution Based on Ca-Based Oxygen Carrier
Authors: Tian Hongjing , Hu Xiude , Chang Jing , Han Mingdong , Sun Guanglin , Guo Qingjie
Published: January 2014

Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) is a promising oxygen carrier for chemical-looping combustion system. The release of sulfurous gas in the circulating of Ca-based oxygen carrier is a crucial problem. In this paper, it is found that the released amount of sulfurous gas is greatly affected by the partial pressure of reductive gas. If the partial pressure of the mixed reductive gases, composed of H2 and CO, maintains higher than 40 kPa, the sulfurous gas can be completely eliminated even at the reacting temperature higher than 1,000°C. Therefore, a new chemical-looping combustion system based on CaSO4 and NiO oxygen carrier, without any sulfur evolution, is simulated using Aspen Plus software. In the system, the syngas is generated from the steam gasification of coal and reacts with CaSO4 and NiO consecutively. The sulfur release occurred in the circulating of Ca-based oxygen carriers can be prevented because the concentrations of CO and H2 keep higher than 45% in the presence of Ca-based oxygen carriers. The suitable operating regime, in which auto-thermally operating of the system, zero-sulfur release and easy sequestration of CO2 from the flue gas are realized, is proposed in this paper. The effects of fuel reactor temperature, air reactor temperature and the recycle rate of oxygen carrier on the released heat from the system and the concentration of CO2 and H2O are also studied in the paper.
A new Green's function Monte Carlo algorithm for the solution of
the three-dimensional nonlinear Poisson–Boltzmann equation:
Application to the modeling of plasma sheath layers
Authors: Chatterjee Kausik , Roadcap John R. , Singh Surendra
Published: January 2014

The objective of this paper is the exposition of a recently-developed
Green's function Monte Carlo (GFMC) algorithm for the solution of nonlinear
partial differential equations and its application to the modeling of the
plasma sheath region around a spherical conducting object, carrying a
potential and moving at low speeds through a partially ionized medium. The
plasma sheath is modeled in equilibrium through the GFMC solution of the
nonlinear Poisson–Boltzmann (NPB) equation. The traditional GFMC-based
approaches for the solution of nonlinear equations involve the iterative
solution of a series of linear problems. Over the last several years, one of
the authors of this paper, K. Chatterjee, has been developing a
philosophically different approach, where the linearization of the equation
of interest is not required and hence there is no need for iteration.
Instead, an approximate expression for the Green's function is obtained
using perturbation theory, which is used to formulate the random walk
equations within the problem sub-domains, where the random-walker makes its
walks. On the other hand, as a trade-off, the dimensions of these
sub-domains have to be restricted by the limitations imposed by perturbation
theory. The greatest advantage of this approach is the ease and simplicity
of parallelization stemming from the lack of the need for iteration, as a
result of which the parallelization procedure is identical to the
parallelization procedure for the GFMC solution of a linear problem.
However, the premise of the algorithm is novel and rigorous mathematical
justification has to be established in the future. The application areas of
interest include the communication blackout problem during a space vehicle's
re-entry into the atmosphere and electromagnetic propagation through the
atmosphere/ionosphere in UHF/GPS applications.
Life cycle costs and environmental impacts of a nearly zero-energy detached house
Authors: Szalay Zs. , Csoknyai T.
Published: January 2014

The recast of the Energy Performance Building Directive contains a new article about the need to increase the number of buildings which go beyond current national requirements, and to draw up national plans for increasing the number of nearly zero-energy buildings (nZEB) with the final target that by 2020 all new buildings shall be nearly-zero energy. Nearly zero-energy buildings are buildings with a very high energy performance, where the remaining low energy demand can be supplied to a significant extent by renewable energy.

In this paper, a detached house complying with the proposed Hungarian nZEB requirements is analysed. The life cycle cost and life cycle environmental impacts of the building are assessed for various building service systems to optimise the building design.
Environmental analysis and a suggestion for assessment of detached houses
Authors: Minarovičová K. , Rabenseifer R.
Published: January 2014

The article presents environmental analysis of a detached house in terms of its life cycle. The analysis is simplified in order to compare the built and operational energy of the building whereas the operational energy is described using computer aided building performance simulation. The input data related to the built (embodied) energy are based on information from classical works on life cycle analysis. The article also justifies the simplification of environmental analysis, which aims to build pragmatically on existing standardization and legislation on energy performance of buildings. The final section provides some considerations concerning the environmental assessment of buildings.
Geographical aspects of the diffusion of passive houses
Authors: Kozma G. , Molnár E. , Czimre K. , Pénzes J.
Published: January 2014

In our days, energy issues belong to the most important problems facing the Earth and the solution may be expected partly from decreasing the amount of the energy used and partly from the increased utilisation of renewable energy resources. A substantial part of energy consumption is related to buildings and includes, inter alia, the use for cooling/heating, lighting and cooking purposes. In the view of the above, special attention has been paid to minimising the energy consumption of buildings since the late 1980s. Within the framework of that, the passive house was created, a building in which the thermal comfort can be achieved solely by postheating or postcooling of the fresh air mass without a need for recirculated air.

The aim of the paper is to study the changes in the construction of passive houses over time. In addition, the differences between the geographical locations and the observable peculiarities with regard to the individual building types are also presented.
Diffusional Phase Transformation under Induced Thermal Stress
Authors: Zingu E C , Mofokeng B T
Published: January 2014

When thin films are deposited on substrates or when compound films are formed through interdiffusion of multi-film structures, intrinsic stress develops in the various films. Thermal mismatch between the expansion coefficients of the substrate and films in multi-film structures gives rise to extrinsic stress at elevated temperatures

By using Si<100> and rolled Al foil substrates supporting the same multi-film structure SiO2/Si/Co, the effect of extrinsic stress on interdiffusion of thin films is isolated.

Silicide growth is found to be inhibited (delayed) when formed on Al substrates compared to that formed on Si substrates. The delay in silicide growth is ascribed to delamination caused by large tensile stress prior to silicide formation. The growth rate of Co2Si is found to be similar on both Al and Si substrates
CHANGES IN QUALITY OF LIFE AFTER SHORT AND LONG TERM FOLLOW-UP OF ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS FOR MORBID OBESITY
Authors: LAURINO NETO Rafael M. , HERBELLA Fernando A. M.
Published: January 2014

Context It is unclear whether health-related quality of life (HRQL) is sustained in a long-term follow-up of morbidly obese patients who underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Objective This study aims to analyze the HRQL changes following RYGB in short and long-term follow-up. Methods We compared the health-related quality of life among three separate patient groups, using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Group A - 50 preoperative morbidly obese patients; Group B - 50 RYGB patients 1-2 years post-surgery; Group C - 50 RYGB patients more than 7 years post-surgery. Results The groups were similar for gender, age and body mass index before surgery. We observed that physical functioning, social function, emotional role functioning and mental health scales did not vary between the three groups. The physical role functioning scale was unchanged in the short-term and decreased compared to the preoperative scale in the long-term follow-up. Bodily pain improved after the operation but returned to the initial level after 7 years. The vitality and general health perceptions improved after the operation and maintained these results after 7 years compared with the preoperative perceptions. Conclusions RYGB improved health-related quality of life in three SF-36 domains (bodily pain, general health perceptions and vitality) in the short-term and two SF-36 domains (general health perceptions and vitality) in the long-term.
ACUPUNCTURE EFFECTIVENESS AS A COMPLEMENTARY THERAPY IN FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA PATIENTS
Authors: LIMA Flavia Altaf da Rocha , FERREIRA Lincoln Eduardo Villela Vieira de Castro , PACE Fabio Heleno de Lima
Published: January 2014

Context Functional dyspepsia represents a frequent gastrointestinal disorder in clinical practice. According to the Roma III criteria, functional dyspepsia can be classified into two types as the predominant sympton: epigastric pain and postprandial discomfort. Even though the pathophysiology is still uncertain, the functional dyspepsia seems to be related to multiple mechanisms, among them visceral hypersensitivity, changes in the gastroduodenal motility and gastric accommodation and psychological factors. Objective Evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture as a complementary to conventional treatment in functional dyspepsia patients. Methods Randomized clinical trial in which were enrolled patients with functional dyspepsia patients in according with Rome III criteria. One group was submitted to drug therapy and specific acupuncture (GI) and the other to drug therapy and non-specific acupuncture (GII). The gastrointestinal symptoms, presence of psychiatric disorders and quality of life were evaluated, at the end and three months after treatment. Results After 4 weeks of treatment there was improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms in Group I (55 ± 12 vs 29 ± 8.8; P = 0.001) and Group II (50.5 ± 10.2 vs 46 ± 10.5; P = 0.001). Quality of life was significantly better in Group I than group II (93.4 ± 7.3 vs 102.4 ± 5.1; P = 0.001). Anxiety (93.3% vs 0%; P = 0.001) and depression (46.7% vs 0%; P = 0.004) were significantly lower in Group I than group II. When comparing the two groups after 4 weeks of treatment, gastrointestinal symptoms (29 ± 8.8 vs 46 ± 10.5; P<0.001) and quality of life (102.4 ± 5.1 vs 96 ± 6.1; P = 0.021) were significantly better in Group I than group II. Three months after the treatment, gastrointestinal symptoms remained better only in Group I, when compared to the pre-treatment values (38 ± 11.3 vs 55 ± 12; P = 0.001). Conclusion In patients with functional dyspepsia the complementary acupuncture treatment is superior to conventional treatment. Further studies with more patients are needed to confirm these findings.
Meeting report: BDS supervising engineers’ forum 2013 – post-event analysis
Authors: Down Peter D.
Published: January 2014

The 11th British Dam Society supervising engineers’ forum was successfully held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull, West Midlands on 17 April 2013. This paper summarises the experiences and feedback received relating to the event and highlights where learning has been gained that may be of use for the next forum.
“Widely Perceived as Grossly Unfair”: The Unfulfilled Promise of Interest Abatement
Authors: Gamino John
Published: January 2014

This paper explores Internal Revenue Code (IRC) section 6404(e)(1). Enacted in 1986 and amended in 1996, this section authorizes the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to abate assessed interest on tax deficiencies and underpayments to the extent attributable to prescribed categories of procedural error or delay committed by the IRS in the course of audits and other routine processes. A companion provision, section 6404(h), enacted in 1996, grants the Tax Court jurisdiction to review IRS abatement determinations for abuse of discretion. This paper analyzes the statutory language, legislative history, Treasury regulations, and other administrative materials, as well as post-1996 Tax Court opinions, toward identifying problematic factors that to date have frustrated the stated congressional intent. Recommendations for clarifying statutory amendments are noted.
Anesthetic Efficacy of a Combination of 0.9 M Mannitol Plus 68.8 mg of Lidocaine With 50 μg Epinephrine in Inferior Alveolar Nerve Blocks: A Prospective Randomized, Single Blind Study
Authors: Cohen Howard , Reader Al , Drum Melissa , Nusstein John , Beck Mike
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this prospective randomized, single blind study was to determine the anesthetic efficacy of 68.8 mg of lidocaine with 50 μg epinephrine compared to 68.8 mg lidocaine with 50 μg epinephrine plus 0.9 M mannitol in inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) blocks. Forty subjects randomly received 2 IAN blocks consisting of a 1.72-mL formulation of 68.8 mg lidocaine with 50 μg epinephrine and a 5-mL formulation of 68.8 mg lidocaine with 50 μg epinephrine (1.72 mL) plus 0.9 M mannitol (3.28 mL) in 2 separate appointments spaced at least 1 week apart. Mandibular anterior and posterior teeth were blindly electric pulp tested at 4-minute cycles for 60 minutes postinjection. No response from the subject to the maximum output (80 reading) of the pulp tester was used as the criterion for pulpal anesthesia. Total percent pulpal anesthesia was defined as the total of all the times of pulpal anesthesia (80 readings), for each tooth, over the 60 minutes. One hundred percent of the subjects had profound lip numbness with both inferior alveolar nerve blocks. The results demonstrated that the 5 mL-formulation of 68.8 mg lidocaine with 50 μg epinephrine plus 0.9 M mannitol was significantly better than the 1.72-mL formulation of 68.8 mg lidocaine with 50 μg epinephrine for all teeth, except the lateral incisor. We concluded that adding 0.9 M mannitol to a lidocaine with epinephrine formulation was significantly more effective in achieving a greater percentage of total pulpal anesthesia (as defined in this study) than a lidocaine formulation without mannitol. However, the 0.9 M mannitol/lidocaine formulation would not provide 100% pulpal anesthesia for all the mandibular teeth.
Risk Factors With Intravenous Sedation for Patients With Disabilities
Authors: Yoshikawa Fumihiro , Tamaki Yoh , Okumura Hisa , Miwa Zenzo , Ishikawa Masaaki , Shimoyama Kazuhiro , Nakamura Zenkou , Kunimori Hitomi , Jinno Shigeharu , Kohase Hikaru , Fukayama Haruhisa
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with low peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and delayed recovery of dental patients with disabilities after intravenous sedation. A total of 1213 patients with disabilities were retrospectively investigated with respect to demographic parameters and sedation conditions. Multivariate logistic analyses were conducted for patients with an SpO2 <90% and a recovery period of >60 minutes to identify the risk factors for poor sedation conditions. A significant odds ratio related to decreased SpO2 was observed for age, sex, midazolam and propofol levels, concurrent use of nitrous oxide, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, and mental retardation. The most problematic patients were those diagnosed with Down syndrome (odds ratio, 3.003–7.978; 95% confidence interval; P < .001). Decision tree analysis showed an increased risk of decreased SpO2 in males with Down syndrome or after administration of >0.493 mg/kg propofol in combination with midazolam. An increased risk of delayed awakening was seen in patients aged less than 21 years and in males administered >0.032 mg/kg of midazolam. Intravenous sedation for dental patients with disabilities, particularly those with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or mental retardation, increases the risk of decreased SpO2. In addition, delayed recovery is expected after midazolam administration.
Prevalence and molecular characteristics of rotaviruses from Polish turkey flocks between 2008 and 2011
Authors: Domańska-Blicharz Katarzyna , Jacukowicz Anna , Minta Zenon
Published: January 2014

Between 2008 and 2011, commercial turkey flocks in Poland were examined for the presence of rotaviruses. Ten faecal swabs from each of 207 turkey flocks (turkeys aged one to 19 weeks) were collected in different regions of the country and tested using a PCR assay that targeted the NSP4 gene. The prevalence of rotavirus was 20.3% in the flocks tested. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a clear division into groups dependent on geographical origin of the analysed viruses. All Polish rotaviruses belonged to the European group. However, they were found to be genetically variable based on the sequence analysis. The most frequently identified rotaviruses belonged to RV-1 subgroup and two of them formed a distinct subgroup of RV-2. Rotaviruses were detected in healthy and enteric turkeys. The observed amino acid changes probably did not affect the group affiliation, nor the pathogenecity of the studied rotavirus strains.
Microbiological quality of feed materials used between 2009 and 2012 in Poland
Authors: Kukier Elżbieta , Goldsztejn Magdalena , Grenda Tomasz , Kwiatek Krzysztof , Bocian Łukasz
Published: January 2014

The study was conducted at all regional veterinary diagnostic laboratories. Feed materials were examined for Salmonella prevalence and contamination by Enterobacteriaceae, aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total plate count, fungi, Clostridium sp., and Bacillus cereus. Assays were done following international and Polish standards used in food and feed microbiology. Salmonella sp. were most often detected in oil seeds. In most of the examined feed ingredients, the number of Enterobacteriaceae did not exceed 10 cfu/g. The contamination by aerobic bacteria ranged most often from 101to 107 cfu/g, and the highest mycological contamination was noted in cereal grains (108 cfu/g). The results showed that microbial contamination of feed materials in regard to Enterobacteriaceae, fungi, and total plate counts declined over the past years.
Simultaneous determination of multi – component mycotoxin in feeds by liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Pietruszka Katarzyna , Sell Bartosz , Burek Olga , Wiśniewska-Dmytrow Henryka
Published: January 2014

A multiresidue method for determination and quantification of Fusarium mycotoxins: deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, and metabolite of Aspergillus and Penicillium species - ochratoxin A in feeds was described. The method was based on the simultaneous extraction of selected mycotoxins from matrix, followed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry using a hybrid triple quadrupole - linear ion trap mass spectrometer with the multiple reaction monitoring in both positive- and negative-ion modes. The method was validated in accordance with the Commision Decision 2002/657/EC requirements. The mean recoveries of mycotoxins from spiked feed samples ranged from 74.6% to 113.9%, whereas limit of detection and quantification ranged from 0.72 to 12.4 μg/kg and 1.86 to 31.7 μg/kg, respectively.
Risk Index Model Building: Application for Field Ramp Metering Safety Evaluation on Urban Motorway Traffic in Paris
Authors: Salem Habib Haj , Farhi Nadir , Lebacque Jean Patrick
Published: January 2014

This paper aims at developing a risk index based on real-data measurements, which can be used either off-line as an evaluation index during the evaluation process which leads to the dramatical reduction of the field test periods, or in real-time like: a safety monitoring tool (e.g. safety user warning system), or a multi-criterion function to be optimized in real time (safety index combined with a traffic index) within several control strategies, such as coordinated ramp metering, speed limit control, route guidance, etc.
Escherichia coli as a potential indicator of Biebrza River enrichment sources / Escherichia coli jako potencjalny wskaźnik wzbogacania wód rzeki Biebrzy
Authors: Frąk Magdalena
Published: January 2014

The number of Escherichia coli cells in the waters of the Biebrza River was analyzed. The results were compared with the values of select chemical water quality indicators and with the Biebrza River catchment development. Organic contamination was detected along the entire run of the River and was caused by the presence of substances washed off the adjacent marshy areas and the influx of household and agricultural wastewaters. The highest number of bacteria was found in the Middle and Lower Basins of the Biebrza River. The incease in the number of E. coli in the spring to over 24 MPN·cm-3 is a result of the numerous presence of water birds in the area of the National Park. Of consequence are also meltwaters that introduce contamination from peat lands into the watercourse. The increased number of E. coli cells in the summer is related to runoff from the areas along the River with numerous farms and dairy cattle pastures. The number of bacteria in the river is most probably influenced by changes in water levels and types of accumulated sediment. The Escherichia coli count allows determining the source of the contamination of surface waters, which is of particular significance for planned water management on protected areas. The number of E. coli below 7 MPN·cm-3 in the waters of the Biebrza River is at the natural background level, whereas counts of over 24 MPN·cm-3 are related to the influx of household wastewaters.
Relationship between dissolved organic carbon and calcium and magnesium in soil water phase and their uptake by meadow vegetation / Zależność miedzy rozpuszczalnym węglem organicznym (RWO) w fazie wodnej gleby a stężeniem w niej wapnia i magnezu oraz ich pobraniem z plonem roślinności łąkowej
Authors: Sapek Barbara
Published: January 2014

Studies on the effect of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on the concentration of calcium and magnesium in soil water phase (ground water and soil solution) and on their uptake by plants are less numerous than those on nitrogen and phosphorus. This study was aimed at assessing the relationships between DOC in ground water and soil solution from under meadow on mineral soil and Ca and Mg concentrations and their uptake by plants. Presented studies were performed in the years 2004-2007 on long-term meadow experiments situated in Janki and Laszczki in Masovian Province. Increasing DOC concentrations in soil solutions increased Ca uptake and decreased Mg uptake by plants which was facilitated by decreasing soil acidity. A lack of significant effect of DOC concentration in ground water on Ca and Mg uptake but demonstrated opposite direction of this effect confirms the antagonism in calcium and magnesium behaviour in the environment. Obtained results indicate that mutual relationships among DOC, Ca and Mg in a ground water - soil solution - meadow vegetation system is complex and needs further studies.
Floristic diversity of selected plant communities on extensive and abandoned grasslands in the Nadwieprzański Landscape Park / Zróżnicowanie florystyczne wybranych zbiorowisk roślinnych ekstensywnych użytków zielonych w Nadwieprzańskim Parku Krajobrazowym
Authors: Warda Marianna , Stamirowska-Krzaczek Ewa , Kulik Mariusz
Published: January 2014

The paper presents floristic diversity of some plant communities in the Nadwieprzański Landscape Park (middle part of the Wieprz River valley). Phytosociological relevés were made in the years 2005-2007 with Braun-Blanquet method. Species richness was a base to calculate the Shannon-Wiener diversity index. The Wieprz River valley has the character of a floodplain. In its middle reaches, communities of the Molinio- Arrhenatheretea class accounted for nearly 75% of all plant communities in grasslands. Herbaceous communities were represented by associations from the Filipendulion alliance. The greatest diversity (H’ = 3.4) was characteristic for vegetation of the Valeriano-Filipenduletum association. It formed small patches in abandoned meadows. Small patches of plants from the Lythro-Filipenduletum ulmariae association, having a slightly smaller floristic diversity (H’ = 3.0) were found on abandoned meadows located in highly silted and poor organic soils. Characteristic species of herbaceous communities (Filipendula ulmaria, Valeriana officinalis and Lythrum salicaria) occurred also in the sward of abandoned thistle meadows. Typical thistle meadows (Cirsietum rivularis), with the predominance of Cirsium rivulare developed in land depressions, not far from the Wieprz River, in the vicinity of abandoned drainage ditches and along the edges of the valley. However, the total abandonment of these meadows leads to changes in floristic composition of the sward and to succession towards herbaceous communities.
THE SEISMIC BEHAVIOUR OF CURTAIN WALLS: AN ANALYSIS BASED ON NUMERICAL MODELLING
Authors: Bârnaure Mircea , Voiculescu Mihai
Published: January 2014

The paper proposes a numerical model to estimate the structural behaviour of a stickbuilt glazed curtain wall system subjected to an imposed displacement of the supports in the plane of the wall. We discuss the role of the parameters that influence on the maximum inter-storey drift corresponding to the service limit state of the wall. The considered parameters are the dimensions of the glazed panel, the gap between the panel and the aluminium frame and the gap between the supports and the mullions. We discuss the problem of remnant deformation of glazed panels, and of misalignment as serviceability criteria. Comparisons are made to laboratory testing results.
MODELLING METHODS FOR SOIL-STRUCTURE INTERACTION APPLIED IN WIND TURBINE FOUNDATION DESIGN
Authors: Catană George , Savu Adrian-Alexandru , Ealangi Ionuț
Published: January 2014

The article presents a case study on soil-structure interaction modelling for Wind turbines. After a brief presentation on the history of wind turbines and their potential in Romania, the authors take on the task of modelling the soil-structure interaction for the raft and piles. Three models are chosen: in the first model the piles are fixed at foundation depth; in the second, elastic supports are modelled on the raft and the piles and in the third model both elastic supports and fixed supports are modelled. Several comparisons are made between the three cases referring to displacements, efforts and necessary reinforcement. Based on these comparisons, the most important conclusion drawn is that the modelling of the soil-structure interaction has an important effect on the final reinforcement of the raft and the piles, considering that the difference between the models reaches almost 18%, which in the case of really large foundations can draw the line between economic and non-economic design.
Detection of Screw Threads in Computed Tomography 3D Density Fields
Authors: Kosarevsky S. , Latypov V.
Published: January 2014

Measurements and inspection in production must be rapid, robust and automated. In this paper a new method is proposed to automatically detect screw threads in 3D density fields obtained from computed tomography measurement devices. The described method can be used to automate many operations during screw thread inspection process and drastically reduce operator’s influence on the measurement process resulting in lower measurement times and increased repeatability.