bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The For-Profit Postsecondary School Sector: Nimble Critters or Agile Predators?
Authors: Deming David J , Goldin Claudia , Katz Lawrence F
Published: February 2012

Private for-profit institutions have been the fastest-growing part of the U.S. higher education sector. For-profit enrollment increased from 0.2 percent to 9.1 percent of total enrollment in degree-granting schools from 1970 to 2009, and for-profit institutions account for the majority of enrollments in non-degree-granting postsecondary schools. We describe the schools, students, and programs in the for-profit higher education sector, its phenomenal recent growth, and its relationship to the federal and state governments. Using the 2004 to 2009 Beginning Postsecondary Students (BPS) longitudinal survey, we assess outcomes of a recent cohort of first-time undergraduates who attended for-profits relative to comparable students who attended community colleges or other public or private non-profit institutions. We find that relative to these other institutions, for-profits educate a larger fraction of minority, disadvantaged, and older students, and they have greater success at retaining students in their first year and getting them to complete short programs at the certificate and AA levels. But we also find that for-profit students end up with higher unemployment and “idleness” rates and lower earnings six years after entering programs than do comparable students from other schools and that, not surprisingly, they have far greater default rates on their loans.
Student Loans: Do College Students Borrow Too Much—Or Not Enough?
Authors: Avery Christopher , Turner Sarah
Published: February 2012

Total student loan debt rose to over $800 billion in June 2010, overtaking total credit card debt outstanding for the first time. By the time this article sees print, the continually updated Student Loan Debt Clock will show an accumulated total of roughly $1 trillion. Borrowing to finance educational expenditures has been increasing—more than quadrupling in real dollars since the early 1990s. The sheer magnitude of these figures has led to increased public commentary on the level of student borrowing. We move the discussion of student loans away from anecdote by establishing a framework for considering the use of student loans in the optimal financing of collegiate investments. From a financial perspective, enrolling in college is equivalent to signing up for a lottery with large expected gains—indeed, the figures presented here suggest that college is, on average, a better investment today than it was a generation ago—but it is also a lottery with significant probabilities of both larger positive, and smaller or even negative, returns. We look to available—albeit limited—evidence to assess which types of students are likely to be borrowing too much or too little.
Non-mechanical traumatic gas gangrene: forgotten but not gone
Authors: Senthilkumaran Subramanian , Menezes Ritesh G , Pant Sadip , Khartode Chhagan P , Balamurugan Namasivayam , Thirumalaikolundusubramanian Ponniah
Published: February 2012

We report a case of gas gangrene (GG) in a non-diabetic HIV seronegative man who died within 60 hours following an intramuscular injection in rural India. The occurrence of GG after intramuscular injection is rare and only a few cases have been reported in the published literature.
The Coevolution of Industries and Important Features of Their Environments
Authors: Murmann Johann Peter
Published: February 2012

As the rate of innovation increases, organizational environments are becoming faster and more complex, posing greater challenges for organizations to adapt. This study argues that the concept of coevolution offers a bridge between the prescient adaptationist and ex post selectionist perspectives of organizational change to account for the increasing rates of change. The mutual causal influences in a coevolutionary relationship help explain why competing sets of firms or individual firms can capture dominant shares in product markets. Using a comparative historical method and drawing on evidence from five countries over a 60-year period, this paper inquires how precisely coevolutionary processes work in shaping the evolution of industries and important features of their environments. It identifies—in the context of the synthetic dye industry—three causal mechanisms (exchange of personnel, commercial ties, and lobbying) and suggests how they acted as levers on the fundamental mechanisms of evolution. Understanding the levers is important for managing change in a world that is increasingly becoming coevolutionary, requiring managers to focus more on the emergent, system-level properties of their environments.
When Does Employee Turnover Matter? Dynamic Member Configurations, Productive Capacity, and Collective Performance
Authors: Hausknecht John P. , Holwerda Jacob A.
Published: February 2012

In theory, employee turnover has important consequences for groups, work units, and organizations. However, past research has not revealed consistent empirical support for a relationship between aggregate levels of turnover and performance outcomes. In this paper, we present a novel conceptualization of turnover to explain when, why, and how it affects important outcomes. We suggest that greater attention to five characteristics—leaver proficiencies, time dispersion, positional distribution, remaining member proficiencies, and newcomer proficiencies—will reveal dynamic member configurations that predictably influence productive capacity and collective performance. We describe and illustrate the five properties, explain how particular member configurations exacerbate or diminish turnover's effects, and present a new measurement approach that captures these characteristics in a collective context and over time.
Escaping the Prior Knowledge Corridor: What Shapes the Number and Variety of Market Opportunities Identified Before Market Entry of Technology Start-ups?
Authors: Gruber Marc , MacMillan Ian C. , Thompson James D.
Published: February 2012

The choice of the firm's market environment is one of the fundamental decisions of firm founders. We study the pre-entry generation of founders' market choice sets by investigating their search for market opportunities in which the firm's technological resources, as embodied in a product or service, can be commercialized. Analyzing data collected through personal interviews with founders of 496 technology ventures, we find that founding teams with more diverse industry experience and more diverse external knowledge sourcing relationships identify not only a larger number of but, in particular, more varied (distant) market opportunities. However, the extent to which strategic variety of such opportunities is identified depends on the founders' technological expertise, whereas technological expertise is less relevant in identification of the number of opportunities. Furthermore, by showing that the extent and nature of the firm's pre-entry opportunity set has a significant effect on the likelihood of subsequent firm diversification, we document how initial constraints in founders' choice sets can have a lasting impact on the growth potential that the new firm exploits over time. We discuss the implications of our findings for the literatures on organizational learning and innovation, entrepreneurship, as well as the strategy literature examining firm growth, diversification, and value creation.
Development of fullerene derivatives with high LUMO level through changes in π-conjugated system shape
Authors: Matsuo Yutaka
Published: February 2012

This article describes a concept for designing fullerene-based electron-accepting materials to obtain high open-circuit voltage (V
OC) in organic thin-film photovoltaic devices without an accompanying decrease in short-circuit current density. The keys to this concept are (1) reducing the size of the fullerene π-conjugated system to realize high V
OC and (2) shortening the inter-fullerene distance in the solid-state packing structure to achieve high short-circuit current density (J
SC), which is made possible by well-designed supramolecular organization or a small organic addend. In this article, two representative examples are discussed. One is 1,4-bis(silylmethyl)[60]fullerene (SIMEF), which forms a columnar fullerene-core array for high electron mobility and undergoes thermal crystallization for good phase separation with the electron-donating material. The other is a 56π-electron fullerene derivative bearing a dihydromethano group, the smallest carbon addend, which does not disrupt fullerene–fullerene contact in the solid state.
Inappropriate Requesting of Glycated Hemoglobin (Hb A1c) Is Widespread: Assessment of Prevalence, Impact of National Guidance, and Practice-to-Practice Variability
Authors: Driskell Owen J , Holland David , Hanna Fahmy W , Jones Peter W , Pemberton R John , Tran Martin , Fryer Anthony A
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND

Estimates suggest that approximately 25% of requests for pathology tests are unnecessary. Even in diabetes, for which international guidance provides recommended testing frequency, considerable variability in requesting practice exists. Using the diabetes marker, Hb A1c, we examined (a) the prevalence of under- and overrequesting, (b) the impact of international guidance on prevalence, and (c) practice-to-practice variability.

METHODS

We examined Hb A1c requests (519 664 requests from 115 730 patients, January 2001 to March 2011) processed by the Clinical Biochemistry Department, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, and prevalence of requesting outside guidance from intervals between requests was calculated. Requests were classified as “appropriate,” “too soon,” or “too late.” We also assessed the effect of demographic factors and publication of guidance, along with between-practice variability, on prevalence.

RESULTS

Only 49% of requests conformed to guidance; 21% were too soon and 30% were too late. Underrequesting was more common in primary care, in female patients, in younger patients, and in patients with generally poorer control (all P < 0.001); the reverse generally was true for overrequesting. Publication of guidance (e.g., American Diabetes Association, UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) had no significant impact on under- or overrequesting rates. Prevalence of inappropriate requests varied approximately 6-fold between general practices.

CONCLUSIONS

Although overrequesting was common, underrequesting was more prevalent, potentially affecting longer-term health outcomes. National guidance appears to be an ineffective approach to changing request behavior, supporting the need for a multisystem approach to reducing variability.
Pichia sorbitophila, an Interspecies Yeast Hybrid, Reveals Early Steps of Genome Resolution After Polyploidization
Authors: Louis Véronique Leh , Despons Laurence , Friedrich Anne , Martin Tiphaine , Durrens Pascal , Casarégola Serge , Neuvéglise Cécile , Fairhead Cécile , Marck Christian , Cruz José A , Straub Marie-Laure , Kugler Valérie , Sacerdot Christine , Uzunov Zlatyo , Thierry Agnes , Weiss Stéphanie , Bleykasten Claudine , De Montigny Jacky , Jacques Noemie , Jung Paul , Lemaire Marc , Mallet Sandrine , Morel Guillaume , Richard Guy-Franck , Sarkar Anasua , Savel Guilhem , Schacherer Joseph , Seret Marie-Line , Talla Emmanuel , Samson Gaelle , Jubin Claire , Poulain Julie , Vacherie Benoît , Barbe Valérie , Pelletier Eric , Sherman David J , Westhof Eric , Weissenbach Jean , Baret Philippe V , Wincker Patrick , Gaillardin Claude , Dujon Bernard , Souciet Jean-Luc
Published: February 2012

Polyploidization is an important process in the evolution of eukaryotic genomes, but ensuing molecular mechanisms remain to be clarified. Autopolyploidization or whole-genome duplication events frequently are resolved in resulting lineages by the loss of single genes from most duplicated pairs, causing transient gene dosage imbalance and accelerating speciation through meiotic infertility. Allopolyploidization or formation of interspecies hybrids raises the problem of genetic incompatibility (Bateson-Dobzhansky-Muller effect) and may be resolved by the accumulation of mutational changes in resulting lineages. In this article, we show that an osmotolerant yeast species, Pichia sorbitophila, recently isolated in a concentrated sorbitol solution in industry, illustrates this last situation. Its genome is a mosaic of homologous and homeologous chromosomes, or parts thereof, that corresponds to a recently formed hybrid in the process of evolution. The respective parental contributions to this genome were characterized using existing variations in GC content. The genomic changes that occurred during the short period since hybrid formation were identified (e.g., loss of heterozygosity, unilateral loss of rDNA, reciprocal exchange) and distinguished from those undergone by the two parental genomes after separation from their common ancestor (i.e., NUMT (NUclear sequences of MiTochondrial origin) insertions, gene acquisitions, gene location movements, reciprocal translocation). We found that the physiological characteristics of this new yeast species are determined by specific but unequal contributions of its two parents, one of which could be identified as very closely related to an extant Pichia farinosa strain.
A Whole-Chromosome Analysis of Meiotic Recombination inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Miller Danny E , Takeo Satomi , Nandanan Kavyasree , Paulson Ariel , Gogol Madelaine M , Noll Aaron C , Perera Anoja G , Walton Kendra N , Gilliland William D , Li Hua , Staehling Karen K , Blumenstiel Justin P , Hawley R Scott
Published: February 2012

Although traditional genetic assays have characterized the pattern of crossing over across the genome in Drosophila melanogaster, these assays could not precisely define the location of crossovers. Even less is known about the frequency and distribution of noncrossover gene conversion events. To assess the specific number and positions of both meiotic gene conversion and crossover events, we sequenced the genomes of male progeny from females heterozygous for 93,538 X chromosomal single-nucleotide and InDel polymorphisms. From the analysis of the 30 F1 hemizygous X chromosomes, we detected 15 crossover and 5 noncrossover gene conversion events. Taking into account the nonuniform distribution of polymorphism along the chromosome arm, we estimate that most oocytes experience 1 crossover event and 1.6 gene conversion events per X chromosome pair per meiosis. An extrapolation to the entire genome would predict approximately 5 crossover events and 8.6 conversion events per meiosis. Mean gene conversion tract lengths were estimated to be 476 base pairs, yielding a per nucleotide conversion rate of 0.86 × 10−5 per meiosis. Both of these values are consistent with estimates of conversion frequency and tract length obtained from studies of rosy, the only gene for which gene conversion has been studied extensively in Drosophila. Motif-enrichment analysis revealed a GTGGAAA motif that was enriched near crossovers but not near gene conversions. The low-complexity and frequent occurrence of this motif may in part explain why, in contrast to mammalian systems, no meiotic crossover hotspots have been found in Drosophila.
EFFECT OF HEAT TREATMENTS ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF Al/SiCp COMPOSITES PREPARED BY NON-ASSISTED INFILTRATION
Authors: Martínez-López R. , Pech-Canul M. I. , Chaudhury Z. , González L. A.
Published: February 2012

Al/SiCp composites fabricated by the non-assisted infiltration route are attractive materials for various engineering applications. However, the presence of thermal stresses can impair their mechanical properties if they are utilized directly after processing. Therefore, heat treatments are potential solutions to this problem. In this work, the effect of T6-heat-treatment on the microstructure and hardness of Al/50% SiCp composites prepared by the non-assisted infiltration route is investigated. Previous to preform preparation, the SiC powders are coated with colloidal SiO2. Infiltration tests are conducted using two experimental Al-Si-Mg alloys. The composites are sectioned in specimen sizes of 1 cm2 and prepared using standard metallographic procedures. Then they are heat treated performing a solution treatment at 350°C for 3 h and artificial aging at 170°C for 1, 3 and 5 hours. In addition, the specimens are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). They are also characterized in hardness tests, comparing the behavior for the alloy with and without the various treatments. The results show that heat treatments do not affect the matrix/reinforcement interfacial condition and that the undesirable Al4C3 phase is not developed as consequence of thermal treatments. Hardness tests show that for alloy 1 the maximum hardness value is for the solution-heat-treated samples at 350°C and 5 h aging (28.26±4.02 HC); for alloy 2 the maximum hardness is achieved with solution heat treatment at 350°C and 3 h aging (25.86±4.05 HC). For composites processed with alloy1, the maximum hardness is obtained for the solution treated sample at 350 ° C for 3 h (91.8±2.17 HC), whereas for composites processed with alloy 2 the peak hardness is obtained in solution treated samples and aged at 170°C for 1 h (95.2±0.94 HC).
New hybrid inorganic-organic proton conducting membranes based on Nafion and a [(ZrO2)·(Ta2O5)0.119] oxide core-shell nanofiller
Authors: Di Noto Vito , Piga Matteo , Negro Enrico , Giffin Guinevere A. , Lavina Sandra
Published: February 2012

Hybrid inorganic-organic proton-conducting membranes are prepared by a standard solvent casting procedure. Nafion® is used as the host polymer and [(ZrO2)·(Ta2O5)0.119] “core-shell” nanoparticles (d ~ 10-50 nm) are incorporated as the nanofiller. This filler is characterized by a “core” of ZrO2 nanoparticles covered by a Ta2O5 “shell”. The mechanical properties of the resulting hybrid membranes determined by dynamic mechanical analysis are better than those of pristine Nafion. The elastic modulus of the hybrid membranes with a filler content greater than 5 wt% is at least 1 MPa up to 200°C, while pristine Nafion undergoes an irreversible elongation at 160°C. The hybrid membranes are characterized by promising conductivities above 115°C (7.5×10-2 S·cm-1 for 9 wt% nanofiller vs. 3.3×10-2 S·cm-1 for pristine Nafion), as determined by broadband electric spectroscopy. The single fuel cell performance at low levels of hydration of the best-performing hybrid membrane (9 wt% nanofiller) is better than that of pristine recast Nafion. The maximum power densities yielded by the MEAs fabricated with pristine Nafion and the hybrid membrane are 0.026 and 0.108 W·cm-2, respectively, at 85°C, aH2O = 0.13, a reagent back pressure = 1 bar and using pure oxygen as the oxidant.
Synthesis, structure and properties of LnBa(Co,Me)2O5+δ (Ln = Nd, Sm, Ho and Y; Me = Fe, Ni, Cu) as potential cathodes for SOFCs
Authors: Cherepanov Vladimir A. , Gavrilova Ludmila Ya. , Aksenova Tatyana V. , Urusova Anastasiya S. , Volkova Nadezhda E.
Published: February 2012

Layered LnBa(Co,Me)2O5+δ (Ln = Nd, Sm, Ho and Y; Me = Fe, Ni, Cu) with double perovskite structure were synthesized by the solid-state reaction and glycerin-nitrate technique and characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, iodometric titration and dilatometry. Homogeneity ranges for the solid solutions were determined. The oxygen content in LnBa(Co,Me)2O5+δ decreases with decreasing rare-earth cation size. Partial substitution of cobalt by iron increases oxygen content while introduction of copper decrease it. The average thermal expansion coefficients were calculated. Chemical compatibility of studied perovskites with Ce0.8Sm0.2O2 and Zr0.85Y0.15O2 solid electrolytes has been studied.
Recent Progress in Diamond Raman Lasers
Authors: Mildren Richard P.
Published: February 2012

In its relatively short history as a Raman laser material, CVD diamond has already demonstrated to be a forerunner in performance. Yet the more outstanding properties of the material such as its high thermal conductivity and wide transmission range remain largely unexploited. This paper summarizes the recent studies aimed to extend diamond laser capability beyond that readily achievable using other materials, focusing on in particular diamond Raman lasers in the ultraviolet, infrared and at high average powers.
High mobile electron gas at LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterointerface
Authors: Su Shanshan , You Jeong Ho
Published: February 2012

We calculated the mobility of two-dimensional electron gas along an n-type interface in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 heterostructure using the linearized Boltzmann equation. By solving the Schrödinger equation with the Poisson equation self-consistently, it was found that the interface remained non-conducting up to four unit cells of LaAlO3 film. For five or higher unit cells, the interface became conducting due to the significant overlap between the SrTiO3 conduction band and the LaAlO3 valence band. The electron gas was localized within 7 nm from the interface and multi-subbands were occupied. The calculated mobility matches reasonably well with available experimental data. It was found that the mobility is limited by the remote ionic charged layers in LaAlO3 at low temperature. At high temperature, the polar optical phonon was found to be the dominant scattering center.
Insight into Distribution and Switching of ReRAM Filaments Based on Variation Analysis of Memory Characteristics
Authors: Kinoshita Kentaro , Tanaka Hayato , Yoshihara Masataka , Kishida Satoru
Published: February 2012

A hypothesis that probability giving Δ(1/Vset) [= 1/Vset(n) - 1/Vset(n+1)] > 0, P[Δ(1/Vset) > 0], increases with increasing the number of filaments contained in one memory cell, Nfila, and decreases with increasing switching cycle, n, was made to validate a multi-filament model (MFM) as a mechanism causing the cycle to cycle dispersion of Vset in ReRAM. Here, Δ(1/Vset) is the difference between the inverse of set voltages after n-th and (n+1)-th reset processes. This in turn means that Vset will decrease with increasing Nfila and will increase with increasing n. In addition, another hypothesis that probability giving Δ(1/R) [= 1/Rn - 1/Rn+1] > 0, P[Δ(1/R) > 0], agrees with P[Δ(1/Vset) > 0] was made by incorporating the assumption that vset depends on d with the MFM. Here, Rn, vset, and d represent resistance in high resistance state after the n-th reset process, the set voltage of each filament, and the thickness of a gap between the electrode and the edge of the filament. The validity of these two hypotheses were confirmed by measuring the dependence of P[Δ(1/Vset) > 0], P[Δ(1/R) > 0], and the mean value of Vset, , on both the length of the perimeter, L, and n of Pt/NiO/Pt structures to which filaments were introduced by etching the NiO layer.
Evaluation of the effects of phenylalanine and carboxylate on the rheological behaviors of small molecule hydrogelators containing naphthalene
Authors: Shi Junfeng , Pan Yue , Gao Yuan , Xu Bing
Published: February 2012

By systematically altering the number and position of phenylalanine and carboxylate groups on a series of hydrogelators containing a naphthalene motif, we evaluated the correlation of molecular structures, self-assembly, and the rheological properties of the hydrogels. The storage moduli of the hydrogels decrease with the increase of the number of phenylalanine or with the insertion of a cysteine residue, and the effect of the carboxylic group on the rheological properties depends on the backbone of the hydrogelators. Transmission electron microscopy shows that these hydrogelators self-assemble in water to form nanofibers and result in threedimensional networks. Circular dichroism experiment indicates the hydrogelators self-assemble to form β-sheet-like structure within the nanofibers. This work suggests that control of the synergy of hydrogen bonding and aromatic-aromatic interactions may offer a feasible way to modulate the rheological properties of molecular hydrogels consisting of small molecules.
Uses and misuses of bioclimatic envelope modeling
Authors: Araújo Miguel B. , Peterson A. Townsend
Published: February 2012

Bioclimatic envelope models use associations between aspects of climate and species' occurrences to estimate the conditions that are suitable to maintain viable populations. Once bioclimatic envelopes are characterized, they can be applied to a variety of questions in ecology, evolution, and conservation. However, some have questioned the usefulness of these models, because they may be based on implausible assumptions or may be contradicted by empirical evidence. We review these areas of contention, and suggest that criticism has often been misplaced, resulting from confusion between what the models actually deliver and what users wish that they would express. Although improvements in data and methods will have some effect, the usefulness of these models is contingent on their appropriate use, and they will improve mainly via better awareness of their conceptual basis, strengths, and limitations.
Social Justice in Pandemic Preparedness
Authors: DeBruin Debra , Liaschenko Joan , Marshall Mary Faith
Published: February 2012

Pandemic influenza planning in the United States violates the demands of social justice in 2 fundamental respects: it embraces the neutrality of procedural justice at the expense of more substantive concern with health disparities, thus perpetuating a predictable and preventable social injustice, and it fails to move beyond lament to practical planning for alleviating barriers to accessing care.

A pragmatic social justice approach, addressing both health disparities and access barriers, should inform pandemic preparedness.

Achieving social justice goals in pandemic response is challenging, but strategies are available to overcome the obstacles. The public engagement process of one state's pandemic ethics project influenced the development of these strategies.
The Common Ground Preparedness Framework: A Comprehensive Description of Public Health Emergency Preparedness
Authors: Gibson P. Joseph , Theadore Fred , Jellison James B.
Published: February 2012

Currently, public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) is not well defined. Discussions about public health preparedness often make little progress, for lack of a shared understanding of the topic. We present a concise yet comprehensive framework describing PHEP activities. The framework, which was refined for 3 years by state and local health departments, uses terms easily recognized by the public health workforce within an information flow consistent with the National Incident Management System. To assess the framework's completeness, strengths, and weaknesses, we compare it to 4 other frameworks: the RAND Corporation's PREPARE Pandemic Influenza Quality Improvement Toolkit, the National Response Framework's Public Health and Medical Services Functional Areas, the National Health Security Strategy Capabilities List, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's PHEP Capabilities.
Public Attitudes Regarding Banning of Cigarettes and Regulation of Nicotine
Authors: Connolly Gregory N. , Behm Ilan , Healton Cheryl G. , Alpert Hillel R.
Published: February 2012

Knowledge of current public opinion is important as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) applies the best scientific evidence available to tobacco product regulation. Based on a nationally representative survey of the US adult population, we report 43% support for banning of cigarettes, 65% for reducing nicotine, and 77% for reducing nicotine if such an action could cause fewer children to become addicted to cigarettes. The FDA should consider protecting children by removing all but nonaddictive cigarettes from the marketplace.
Influence of Ionic Liquid 1- butyl-3-methylimidazolium Chloride on the Soil Micro-Ecological System
Authors: Tong Yanjie , Wang Qijun , Bi Yafan , Lei Mingke , Lv Yezi , Liu Yangyang , Liu Jiali , Lu Lili , Ma Yali , Wu Yuanxin , Zhu Shengdong
Published: February 2012

In order to evaluate the influence of ionic liquid 1- butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Bmim]Cl) on
the soil micro-ecological system, the toxicity of [Bmim]Cl to soil microorganisms and its impact on soil physico-chemical
properties were investigated. Three soil samples, which were taken from the rape land, nursery land and the broad bean
land respectively, were used for this study. The toxicity test results show that the [Bmim]Cl inhibited the growth of soil
microorganisms including bacteria and actinomycetes. This inhibition became stronger with the [Bmim]Cl concentration
increasing. The EC50 of soil bacteria was close to that of the Vibrio fischeri, and the EC50 of soil actinomycetes was near
to that of the Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata. The soil physico-chemical properties test results indicate that the organic
mass and the soluble salts in soil increased with the increase of the [Bmim]Cl concentration. The [Bmim]Cl also caused
the pH change in the soil micro-ecological system. It suggests that the ionic liquid [Bmim]Cl would influence the soil micro-
ecological system by inhibiting the growth of soil microorganisms and altering the soil physico-chemical properties
when it contaminated the soil system.
A Rare Periosteal Diaphyseal Lesion of the Ulna
Authors: Erschbamer Matthias , Bode Beata , Buck Florian M , Fuchs Bruno
Published: February 2012

Periosteal lesions of the ulna diaphysis are rare, include a wide spectrum of tumors, and may cause considerable diagnostic problems. Surgical treatment may vary widely, based on an accurate diagnosis. We present the case of a periosteal, extraskeletal low grade myxoid chondrosarcoma of the ulna diaphysis. The surgical therapy included an en-bloc resection with allograft reconstruction. The patient showed a favorable outcome. Careful preoperative evaluation and planning are imperative to obtain a satisfactory oncological and functional outcome, especially with uncommon tumor presentations at rare locations.
Pubertal Timing and Growth Influences Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adult Males and Females
Authors: Widén Elisabeth , Silventoinen Karri , Sovio Ulla , Ripatti Samuli , Cousminer Diana L. , Hartikainen Anna-Liisa , Laitinen Jaana , Pouta Anneli , Kaprio Jaakko , Järvelin Marjo-Riitta , Peltonen Leena , Palotie Aarno
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

Early pubertal onset in females is associated with increased risk for adult obesity and cardiovascular disease, but whether this relationship is independent of preceding childhood growth events is unclear. Furthermore, the association between male puberty and adult disease remains unknown. To clarify the link between puberty and adult health, we evaluated the relationship between pubertal timing and risk factors for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in both males and females from a large, prospective, and randomly ascertained birth cohort from Northern Finland.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Pubertal timing was estimated based on pubertal height growth in 5,058 subjects (2,417 males and 2,641 females), and the relationship between puberty and body weight, glucose and lipid homeostasis, and blood pressure at age 31 years was evaluated with linear regression modeling.

RESULTS

Earlier pubertal timing associated with higher adult BMI, fasting insulin, diastolic blood pressure, and decreased HDL cholesterol in both sexes (P < 0.002) and with higher total serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in males. The association with BMI and diastolic blood pressure remained statistically significant in both sexes, as did the association with insulin levels and HDL cholesterol concentrations in males after adjusting for covariates reflecting both fetal and childhood growth including childhood BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrate independent association between earlier pubertal timing and adult metabolic syndrome-related derangements both in males and females. The connection emphasizes that the mechanisms advancing puberty may also contribute to adult metabolic disorders.
Investigating sediments and rock structures beneath a river using underwater ERT
Authors: Epting Jannis , Wüest Andreas , Huggenberger Peter
Published: February 2012

This article presents hydrogeophysical investigations performed in a well-developed, long-term hydrogeological gypsum karst research site where subsurface evaporite dissolution has led to the subsidence of a river dam and an adjacent highway; both constructed on gypsum-containing rock, southeast of Basel, Switzerland. An observation system was set up to improve the protection of surface and subsurface water resources during remedial construction measures of the highway and in order to understand the processes, as well as the temporal evolution, of rock water interaction (flow and dissolution).

However, no detailed hydrogeological information beneath the river could be derived from the previous investigations. To supplement the basic knowledge on this area, underwater Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) measurements were conducted in the river bed upstream of the dam. The ERT-data are interpreted together with drill-core information and a conceptual 3D-Model of the area behind the dam and beneath the river. Results help to delineate weathered zones, associated faults and the thickness of sediment deposits behind the dam, as well as to locate voids within the local karst system. The combination of the ERT and modeling allows the optimization of future site-specific remedial construction measures.
Properties of solid dispersions of selected magnesium salts and the absorption process of Mg2+ ions in vitro
Authors: Marcoin Waclawa , Duda Henryk , Chrobak Dariusz
Published: February 2012

Properties of solid dispersions of selected magnesium salts and the absorption process of Mg2+ ions in vitro

The paper presents an application of phosphatidylcholine 45% (PC 45) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in formulations of magnesium salts such as Mg(VitB6) and Mg(VitB6Arg) prepared by solid dispersion (SD) techniques. The evaluation of influence of the selected carriers on some physicochemical properties of solid dispersions and on the absorption process of Mg +2 ions in vitro were made. An infrared (IR) spectra study suggested creation of a hydrogen bond between the carriers and the examined magnesium salts. The results of the following thermal analysis: differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetry (TG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that application of PVP into SD lower the temperature of the decomposition process. However, in the case of PC 45 into SD the characteristic thermal effects of higher temperatures were observed. Moreover, values of the enthalpy SD of decomposition process were decreased. The results of these studies on absorption process of Mg2+ ions in vitro showed the positive influence of the applied carriers on the partition coefficient values (log P) in the examined formulation.
Plethyzmography in assessment of hemodynamic results of pacemaker functions programming
Authors: Wojciechowski Dariusz , Sionek Piotr , Peczalski Kazimierz , Janusek Dariusz
Published: February 2012

Plethyzmography in assessment of hemodynamic results of pacemaker functions programming

The paper presents potential role of plethyzmography in optimization of heart hemodynamic function during pacemaker programming.

The assessment of optimal stroke volume in patients, with implanted dual chamber pacemaker (DDD), by plethyzmography was a goal of the study. The data were collected during pacing rhythm. 20 patients (8 female and 12 male, average 77.4+/-4.6 years) with dual chamber pacemaker (DDD) and with pacing rhythm during routine pacemaker control and study tests were incorporated in the study group. Hemodynamic parameters were assessed during modification of atrio-ventricular delay (AVD) for pacing rhythm of 70 bpm and 90 bpm. The time of atrioventricular was programmed with 20 ms steps within range 100-200 ms and data were recorded with two minutes delay between two consecutive measurements. Stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO) were calculated from plethyzmographic signal by using Beatscope software (TNO Holand). Highest SV calculated for given pacing rhythm was named optimal stroke volume (OSV) and consequently highest cardiac output was named maximal cardiac output (MCO). The time of atrio-ventricular delay for OSV was named optimal atrioventricular delay (OAVD).

The results have showed: mean values of OAVD for 70 bpm - 152+/-33 ms and for 90 bpm -149+/-35 ms, shortening of the mean OAVD time caused by increase of pacing rate from 70 bpm to 90 bpm what resulted in statistically significant decrease of OSV with not statistically significant increase of MCO. The analysis of consecutive patients revealed three types of response to increase of pacing rhythm: 1. typical-shortening of OAVD, 2. neutral-no change of OAVD and 3.atypical-lengthening of OAVD.
Chemical Composition and Nutritive Value of Protein of the Pea Seeds - Effect of Harvesting Year and Variety
Authors: Kotlarz Anna , Sujak Agnieszka , Strobel Wacław , Grzesiak Wilhelm
Published: February 2012

Chemical Composition and Nutritive Value of Protein of the Pea Seeds - Effect of Harvesting Year and Variety

We tested nutritional usability of pea seeds (Pisum sativum L.) at full maturity. Four white-flowering and 5 colour-flowering new Polish cultivars were compared. We determined proximate composition of ground seeds collected over 4 years period as well as amino acids, minerals (Ca, P, Na, K), tannins and fiber fractions (NDF, ADF, ADL). The seeds contained between 224 and 260 g·kg-1 of crude protein which was rich in Lys (6.8±0.8 g) but poor in Met+Cys (2.0±0.2 g·16 g-1 N). The amount of tannins (as tannic acid equivalent) in white-flowering cvs was 4.3±0.9 g and in colour-flowering - 7.4±2.2 g. The calculated protein nutritional values were compared against amino acid standards of human and animal nutrition and the whole egg protein. Effects of the cropping year and variety variance in respect of chemical composition of seeds were examined. Crude protein, crude oil, N-free extractives, tannins, K, amino acid content: Leu, Phe+Tyr and Ala content were influenced significantly by the cultivar, while the cropping year had a significant influence on dry matter, crude ash, crude protein, crude fibre, crude oil, N-free extractives ADF and ADL fiber fractions, content of P, Na and K, most of the amino acid levels and on nutritional values of the protein measured by means of CS and EAAI indices.
The Content of Biologically Active Compounds in Some Fruits from Natural State
Authors: Hallmann Ewelina , Orpel Emilia , Rembiałkowska Ewa
Published: February 2012

The Content of Biologically Active Compounds in Some Fruits from Natural State

The ornamental plants with edible fruits can play several important functions, ensuring food for the wild animals and embellishing city parks, also these fruits contain high level of bioactive compounds and therefore provide valuable endorsement to the everyday diet. The previous studies of chemical composition of such fruits were fragmentary and superficial. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to analyse the content of major bioactive substances in these fruits.

The experiment was performed at the Laboratory of Division of Organic Food in 2010. The fruits of rowanberry (Sorbus aucuparia L.), flowering quince (Chaenomeles japonica (Thunb.) Lindl. ex Spach), wild rose (Rosa rugosa Thunb.) and berry apple (Malus baccata) were selected for the study. The content of dry matter (by gravimetric method), vitamin C (by colorimetric method), carotenoids and polyphenols (by HPLC) have been determined. The results collected indicate that the fruits of wild rose were characterized by the highest diversity of biologically active compounds among the species examined. At the same time, in these fruits the highest content of vitamin C, lycopene, gallic acid, D-quercetin glucoside, and myricetin has been found compared to the fruits of the other species tested. The highest content of beta-carotene was typical for rowanberry fruits and they contained chlorogenic and caffeic acids as well as quercetin and luteolin which were not detected in the fruits of the other species. Flowering quince and berry apple fruits contained significantly more lutein in comparison with other unusual fruit species examined.
Activation of Defense Responses in Cucumber and Tomato Plants by Selected Polish Trichoderma Strains
Authors: Nawrocka Justyna , Snochowska Magdalena , Gajewska Ewa , Pietrowska Edyta , Szczech Magdalena , Małolepsza Urszula
Published: February 2012

Activation of Defense Responses in Cucumber and Tomato Plants by Selected Polish Trichoderma Strains

The main objective of this study was to determine the impact of selected Trichoderma strains added to the growing medium on defense reactions in tomato and cucumber plants and, consequently, to increase their resistance to pathogenic infection by Rhizoctonia solani. Changes in concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), total phenolics (TP), ortodihydroxyphenolics (oDP) and of lipid peroxidation and the activities of enzymes: phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), guaiacol (POG) and ascorbate (APX) peroxidases in the leaves of tomato and cucumber plants were studied as hallmarks of defense reactions. Basing on the results, a few strains of Trichoderma, causing significant changes in the parameters characteristic of plant defense mechanisms mobilization, were chosen. These results may demonstrate the participation of these fungi in the activation of systemic induced resistance (ISR) pathways. At the moment Polish Trichoderma strains seem to be a promising source of natural resistance inducers of crop plants, which in the future could could be an alternative to commonly used chemical pesticides.
Quality of Fresh and Processed Red Beet from Organic and Conventional Cultivation
Authors: Kosson Ryszard , Elkner Krystyna , Szafirowska Anna
Published: February 2012

Quality of Fresh and Processed Red Beet from Organic and Conventional Cultivation

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological value of fresh red beet and sensory quality of pickled red beet prepared from roots from organic and conventional cultivation systems. Two cultivars of red beet cv. Czerwona Kula and cv. Opolski were grown by conventional and organic systems in the years 2008-2009 on certificated Experimental Field of Research Institute of Vegetable Crops in Skierniewice. Chemical analyses of fresh red beets were carried out immediately after harvest but the sensory evaluation of pickled beets was carried out by trained panel according to PN-ISO guidelines applying the sensory profiling analysis. Results have shown that the method of cultivation had a positive effect on the chemical composition of fresh roots of red beet. The roots of both cultivars from organic cultivation contained significantly more dry matter, sugars and betanins, and accumulated less nitrate than roots from conventional cultivation. There was no significant effect of cultivar and method of cultivation on the overall sensory quality of pickled red beets. Comparison of sensory evaluation for pickles of two cultivars from organic cultivation showed that canned red beets from cultivar Czerwona Kula characterized by slightly darker color, firmer flesh and more typical taste of red beet as compared to samples from cultivar Opolski. Pickled red beets from conventional cultivation characterized by firmer flesh compared to the pickled beets from organic cultivation, more noticeable taste of pickled cucumbers and flavor of fruit.
Occurrence and distribution of fish in rivers of Latvia
Authors: Birzaks Jānis , Aleksejevs Ēriks , Strūgis Māris
Published: February 2012

Occurrence and distribution of fish in rivers of Latvia

This publication is a review of data on fish and lamprey species found in 435 of Latvia's rivers and related reservoirs. A total of 43 fish species and three lamprey species, whose life cycles are, at least in part, associated with rivers, have been recorded. These can be divided into freshwater species and diadromous species. Differences between chronologically older publications and records collected since 1990 on fish occurrence are examined. Since 1990, the intensity of study of Latvia's rivers has increased, which is the reason for changes in the conception of the distribution and occurrence of fish species. The authors propose a new fish species list for Latvia's rivers, based on the newest field research and fishery data. The species included in list were caught in research trips during the period 1990 - 2010, or their capture was confirmed by an expert.
Change of TGF-β1 concentration in blood serum of patients during systemic treatment of severe psoriasis
Authors: Ivdra Iveta , Hartmane Ilona , Mikažāns Ingmars
Published: February 2012

Change of TGF-β1 concentration in blood serum of patients during systemic treatment of severe psoriasis

TGF-β1 is a growth factor with multiple actions, responsible for many pathological and physiological processes. Radiation of the skin with a narrowband 311 nm UVB light source is the most often used method of therapy in psoriasis treatment. The aim of the study was to compare different therapy methods on the change of TGF-β1 serum concentration during two weeks of treatment. The TGF-β1 concentration in blood serum of patients with psoriasis was statistically significantly lower than in the control group. For psoriasis treatment, narrow band 311 nm UVB phototherapy was applied to 37 patients and systemic pharmacological treatment with metothrexate, to a group of 18 patients. After two weeks, there was a significant reduction of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and increase of TGF-β1 serum concentration. Narrowband UVB caused a lower PASI, and higher TGF-β1 serum concentration than did pharmacological systemically treatment. Growth factor TGF-β1 had an effect on both of these processes. Lack of TGF-β1 in psoriatic skin is responsible for TH1-induced immune reactions and intensive proliferation of keratinocytes, which are typical of psoriasis. UVB radiation results in a higher TGF-β1 tissue concentration. Elevation of TGF-β1 concentration in blood serum and skin after UVB may present a possible mechanism for the positive effect of UVB in psoriasis treatment.
Localization of Sound Sources in Normal Hearing and in Hearing Impaired People
Authors: Niewiarowicz Marek , Kaczmarek Tomasz
Published: February 2012

This article presents results of investigations of the angle of directional hearing acuity (ADHA) as a measure of the spatial hearing ability with a special emphasis on people with hearing impairments. A modified method proposed by Zakrzewski has been used - ADHA values have been determined for 8 azimuths in the horizontal plane at the height of the listeners' head. The two-alternative-forced-choice method (2AFC), based on a new system of listeners' responses (left - right instead of no difference - difference in location of sound sources) was the procedure used in the experiment. Investigations were carried out for two groups of subjects: normal hearing people (9 persons) and hearing impaired people (sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus - 9 persons). In the experiment different acoustic signals were used: sinusoidal signals (pure tones), 1/3 octave noise, amplitude modulated 1/3 octave noise, CCITT speech and traffic noises and signals corresponding to personal character of tinnitus for individual subjects. The results obtained in the investigations showed, in general, a better localization of the sound source for noise type signals than those for tonal signals. Inessential differences exist in ADHA values for particular signals between the two groups of subjects. On the other hand, significant differences for tinnitus signals and traffic noise signals were stated. A new system of listeners' responses was used and appeared efficient (less dispersion of results compared to the standard system).