bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowing Who You Are and Adding to It
Authors: Emery Lydia F. , Walsh Courtney , Slotter Erica B.
Published: October 2014

People are generally motivated to increase the diversity of their self-concepts, within their relationships and outside of them. Self-expansion enhances both individual and relationship well-being; however, almost no research has investigated what circumstances attenuate people’s desire for self-expansion. The present research addressed this question by testing the central hypothesis that experiencing lower self-concept clarity would predict less interest in self-expansion. Across three studies, the present research demonstrated that individuals primed with low self-concept clarity expressed less interest in self-expansion outside of romantic relationships (Studies 1–2) and were less likely to actually self-expand by incorporating attributes from a potential romantic partner into the self (Study 3). Despite the benefits of self-expansion, certain situations may reduce people’s desire to add content to the self.
Feasting at Roca: Cross-Cultural Encounters and Society in the Southern Adriatic during the Late Bronze Age
Authors: Iacono Francesco
Published: October 2014

This study examines some assumptions related to Late Bronze Age interaction between the Aegean world and central Mediterranean societies. It asserts that, contrary to what is often assumed, this relationship was extremely important and had considerable social consequences. It is argued that such an importance can be appreciated only by acknowledging that interaction is constituted by real-world social encounters. On the basis of this insight, the contextual evidence from the site of Roca in Apulia is analysed. It is proposed that archaeological remains here represent a series of public events—i.e. large feasts—possibly entailing the participation of people of different cultural backgrounds and in which a subtle strategy of representation of relative distance and closeness was adopted to promote interests within Roca's community. Such interests are interpreted with reference to the increasing connections between the eastern and western portions of the Mediterranean, substantiated in the circulation of metal and pottery models and types.
Increment of specific heat capacity of solar salt with SiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Andreu-Cabedo Patricia , Mondragon Rosa , Hernandez Leonor , Martinez-Cuenca Raul , Cabedo Luis , Julia J Enrique
Published: October 2014

Thermal energy storage (TES) is extremely important in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants since it represents the main difference and advantage of CSP plants with respect to other renewable energy sources such as wind, photovoltaic, etc. CSP represents a low-carbon emission renewable source of energy, and TES allows CSP plants to have energy availability and dispatchability using available industrial technologies. Molten salts are used in CSP plants as a TES material because of their high operational temperature and stability of up to 500°C. Their main drawbacks are their relative poor thermal properties and energy storage density. A simple cost-effective way to improve thermal properties of fluids is to dope them with nanoparticles, thus obtaining the so-called salt-based nanofluids. In this work, solar salt used in CSP plants (60% NaNO3 + 40% KNO3) was doped with silica nanoparticles at different solid mass concentrations (from 0.5% to 2%). Specific heat was measured by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A maximum increase of 25.03% was found at an optimal concentration of 1 wt.% of nanoparticles. The size distribution of nanoparticle clusters present in the salt at each concentration was evaluated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and image processing, as well as by means of dynamic light scattering (DLS). The cluster size and the specific surface available depended on the solid content, and a relationship between the specific heat increment and the available particle surface area was obtained. It was proved that the mechanism involved in the specific heat increment is based on a surface phenomenon. Stability of samples was tested for several thermal cycles and thermogravimetric analysis at high temperature was carried out, the samples being stable.

PACS

65.: Thermal properties of condensed matter; 65.20.-w: Thermal properties of liquids; 65.20.Jk: Studies of thermodynamic properties of specific liquids
A reference bacterial genome dataset generated on the MinION™ portable single-molecule nanopore sequencer
Authors: Quick Joshua , Quinlan Aaron R , Loman Nicholas J
Published: October 2014

Background

The MinION™ is a new, portable single-molecule sequencer developed by Oxford Nanopore Technologies. It measures four inches in length and is powered from the USB 3.0 port of a laptop computer. The MinION™ measures the change in current resulting from DNA strands interacting with a charged protein nanopore. These measurements can then be used to deduce the underlying nucleotide sequence.

Findings

We present a read dataset from whole-genome shotgun sequencing of the model organism Escherichia coli K-12 substr. MG1655 generated on a MinION™ device during the early-access MinION™ Access Program (MAP). Sequencing runs of the MinION™ are presented, one generated using R7 chemistry (released in July 2014) and one using R7.3 (released in September 2014).

Conclusions

Base-called sequence data are provided to demonstrate the nature of data produced by the MinION™ platform and to encourage the development of customised methods for alignment, consensus and variant calling, de novo assembly and scaffolding. FAST5 files containing event data within the HDF5 container format are provided to assist with the development of improved base-calling methods.
Immobilizing hydroxycholesterol with apatite on titanium surfaces to induce ossification
Authors: Chen Cen , Yang Hyeong Cheol , Lee In-Seop
Published: October 2014

Background

Immobilizing bioactive molecules and osteoconductive apatite on titanium implants have investigated direct ossification. In this study, hydroxycholesterol (HC) was immobilized with apatite on titanium through simply adsorption or sandwich-like coating. Three kinds of hydroxycholesterol were chosen to induce ossification: 20α-hydroxycholesterol (20α- HC), 22(S)-hydroxycholesterol (22(S)-HC) and 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC).The effects of HC/apatite coating on ossification abilities were evaluated
in vitro
and
in vivo
.

Results

At 6 d, adsorbed apatite/25-HC and apatite/22(S)-HC coating exhibited some cytotoxicity, while the cell viability of apatite/20α-HC coating was similar as apatite coating. Immobilizing HC with apatite significantly enhanced the ALP activities compared with apatite coating. There was no significant difference in ALP value between adsorbed apatite/HC coating and sandwich-like apatite/HC/apatite coating. When compared with apatite coating, the mineral deposition improved by adsorbed HC with apatite at higher concentration
in vivo
.

Conclusions

When compared with apatite coating, immobilizing HC with apatite coating induced the ossification
in vitro
and
in vivo
.
Vascularity of the urethra in continent women using colour doppler high-frequency endovaginal ultrasonography
Authors: Lone Farah , Sultan Abdul H , Stankiewicz Aleksandra , Thakar Ranee , Wieczorek Andrzej Pawel
Published: October 2014

Objectives

To assess the urethral vascularity in continent women using colour doppler high frequency endovaginal ultrasonography (EVUS).

Methods

We recruited 61 continent women attending gynaecology clinics between July and October 2009. Exclusion criteria included symptoms of urinary incontinence, voiding dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse or urinary tract infection. The participants underwent EVUS using high frequency (9-12 MHz) biplane transducer (type 8848 BK Medical), according to a standardised protocol. Colour Doppler US was performed in sagittal plane and in transverse plane at the level of the mid-urethra. Ten seconds video files were recorded and following vascular parameters: flow velocity (Vmix), area of the vessels (Amix), intensity of vascularity (Imix), pulsatility index (PImix) and resistance index (RImix) was evaluated.

Results

There were 30 nulliparous (49.2%) women and 31 multiparous women (50.8%) with a mean (±SD) age of 32 (±4) and 46 (±6) years respectively. Significant impairment of vascularity was observed in multiparous patients as compared to nulliparous and was reflected by increased values of RImix (p < 0.001) and PImix (p < 0.001), and decreased values of Vmix (p < 0.001), Amix (p < 0.001), Imix (p < 0.001) in axial and midsagittal sections of the midurethra. A significant decrease of mean value ± SD of Imix- from 0.02 ± 0.02 in nulliparous to 0.005 ± 0.01 in multiparous was observed. Cronbach alpha, used to assess vascular correlations and parity demonstrated a reduction when expressed only for vascular parameters, indicating that number of deliveries is an important factor while assessing urethral vascularity.

Conclusions

Compared to continent nulliparous women, continent multiparous women demonstrated a significant reduction in the vascularity parameters in all measured variables when parity was accounted for.

Advances in knowledge

This study provides the basis for further research in assessing urethral vascularity in women.
Methylation profiling of ductal carcinoma in situand its relationship to histopathological features
Authors: Pang Jia-Min B , Deb Siddhartha , Takano Elena A , Byrne David J , Jene Nicholas , Boulghourjian Alice , Holliday Anne , Millar Ewan , Lee C Soon , O’Toole Sandra A , Dobrovic Alexander , Fox Stephen B
Published: October 2014

Introduction

DNA methylation is a well-studied biomarker in invasive breast cancer, but its role in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is less well characterized. The aims of this study are to assess the methylation profile in DCIS for a panel of well-characterized genes that are frequently methylated in breast cancer, to investigate the relationship of methylation with pathological features, and to perform a proof-of-principle study to evaluate the practicality of methylation as a biomarker in diagnostic DCIS material.

Methods

Promoter CpG island methylation for a panel of 11 breast cancer-related genes was performed by methylation-sensitive high resolution melting (MS-HRM). Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) biopsies from 72 samples of pure DCIS (DCIS occurring in the absence of synchronous invasive carcinoma), 10 samples of mixed DCIS (DCIS adjacent to invasive carcinoma), and 18 samples of normal breast epithelium adjacent to a DCIS lesion were micro-dissected prior to DNA extraction.

Results

Methylation was seen for all the tested genes except BRCA1. RASSF1A was the most frequently methylated gene (90% of DCIS samples) and its methylation was associated with comedo necrosis (p = 0.018). Cluster analysis based on the methylation profile revealed four groups, the highly methylated cluster being significantly associated with high nuclear grade, HER2 amplification, negative estrogen receptor (ER) α status, and negative progesterone receptor (PgR) status, (p = 0.038, p = 0.018, p <0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). Methylation of APC (p = 0.017), CDH13 (p = 0.017), and RARβ (p <0.001) was associated with negative ERα status. Methylation of CDH13 (p <0.001), and RARβ (p = 0.001) was associated with negative PgR status. Methylation of APC (p = 0.013) and CDH13 (p = 0.026) was associated with high nuclear grade. Methylation of CDH13 (p = 0.009), and RARβ (p = 0.042) was associated with HER2-amplification.

Conclusions

DNA methylation can be assessed in FFPE-derived samples using suitable methodologies. Methylation of a panel of genes that are known to be methylated in invasive breast cancer was able to classify DCIS into distinct groups and was differentially associated with phenotypic features in DCIS.
An Immunochip-based interrogation of scleroderma susceptibility variants identifies a novel association at DNASE1L3
Authors: Zochling Jane , Newell Felicity , Charlesworth Jac C , Leo Paul , Stankovich Jim , Cortes Adrian , Zhou Yuan , Stevens Wendy , Sahhar Joanne , Roddy Janet , Nash Peter , Tymms Kathleen , Rischmueller Maureen , Lester Sue , Proudman Susanna , Brown Matthew A
Published: October 2014

Introduction

The aim of the study was to interrogate the genetic architecture and autoimmune pleiotropy of scleroderma susceptibility in the Australian population.

Methods

We genotyped individuals from a well-characterized cohort of Australian scleroderma patients with the Immunochip, a custom array enriched for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at immune loci. Controls were taken from the 1958 British Birth Cohort. After data cleaning and adjusting for population stratification the final dataset consisted of 486 cases, 4,458 controls and 146,525 SNPs. Association analyses were conducted using logistic regression in PLINK. A replication study was performed using 833 cases and 1,938 controls.

Results

A total of eight loci with suggestive association (P <10−4.5) were identified, of which five showed significant association in the replication cohort (HLA-DRB1, DNASE1L3, STAT4, TNP03-IRF5 and VCAM1). The most notable findings were at the DNASE1L3 locus, previously associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, and VCAM1, a locus not previously associated with human disease. This study identified a likely functional variant influencing scleroderma susceptibility at the DNASE1L3 locus; a missense polymorphism rs35677470 in DNASE1L3, with an odds ratio of 2.35 (P = 2.3 × 10−10) in anti-centromere antibody (ACA) positive cases.

Conclusions

This pilot study has confirmed previously reported scleroderma associations, revealed further genetic overlap between scleroderma and systemic lupus erythematosus, and identified a putative novel scleroderma susceptibility locus.
Reverse time migration of multiples: Eliminating migration artifacts in angle domain common image gathers
Authors: Wang Yibo , Zheng Yikang , Zhang Lele , Chang Xu , Yao Zhenxing
Published: October 2014

Free-surface-related multiples are usually regarded as noise in conventional seismic processing. However, they can provide extra illumination of the subsurface and thus have been used in migration procedures, e.g., in one- and two-way wave-equation migrations. The disadvantage of the migration of multiples is the migration artifacts generated by the crosscorrelation of different seismic events, e.g., primaries and second-order free-surface-related multiples, so the effective elimination of migration artifacts is crucial for migration of multiples. The angle domain common image gather (ADCIG) is a suitable domain for testing the correctness of a migration velocity model. When the migration velocity model is correct, all the events in ADCIGs should be flat, and this provides a criterion for removing the migration artifacts. Our approach first obtains ADCIGs during reverse time migration and then applies a high-resolution parabolic Radon transform to all ADCIGs. By doing so, most migration artifacts will reside in the nonzero curvature regions in the Radon domain, and then a muting procedure can be implemented to remove the data components outside the vicinity of zero curvature. After the application of an adjoint Radon transform, the filtered ADCIGs are obtained and the final denoised migration result is generated by stacking all filtered ADCIGs. A three-flat-layer velocity model and the Marmousi synthetic data set are used for numerical experiments. The numerical results revealed that the proposed approach can eliminate most artifacts generated by migration of multiples when the migration velocity model is correct.
Visualisation of BioPAX Networks using BioLayout Express3D
Authors: Wright Derek W. , Angus Tim , Enright Anton J. , Freeman Tom C.
Published: October 2014

BioLayout Express3D is a network analysis tool designed for the visualisation and analysis of graphs derived from biological data. It has proved to be powerful in the analysis of gene expression data, biological pathways and in a range of other applications. In version 3.2 of the tool we have introduced the ability to import, merge and display pathways and protein interaction networks available in the BioPAX Level 3 standard exchange format. A graphical interface allows users to search for pathways or interaction data stored in the Pathway Commons database. Queries using either gene/protein or pathway names are made via the cPath2 client and users can also define the source and/or species of information that they wish to examine. Data matching a query are listed and individual records may be viewed in isolation or merged using an ‘Advanced’ query tab. A visualisation scheme has been defined by mapping BioPAX entity types to a range of glyphs. Graphs of these data can be viewed and explored within BioLayout as 2D or 3D graph layouts, where they can be edited and/or exported for visualisation and editing within other tools.
Wczesna interwencja psychologiczna w chorobie niedokrwiennej serca i jej terapeutyczne znaczenie
Authors: Trzcieniecka-Green Anna
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this book is to present an experimental study to prove the assertion regarding the effectiveness of the psychological impact of early intervention in ischemic heart disease and its therapeutic significance. Coronary heart disease is a disease of the circulatory system, which in Europe and North America is the most common cause of death. Its occurrence is conducive to modern lifestyle, stress, lack of physical activity and human nutrition. Numerous studies of coronary artery disease risk factors indicate that with the exception of genetics, age and gender, most of them are closely related to the behaviour and the lifestyle of the patient. The purpose of the prevention of coronary heart disease is to reduce the risk of major coronary events and complications of atherosclerosis, both in patients with clinically diagnosed coronary artery disease as well as those without atherosclerosis, but at high risk. Due to the presence of psychosocial risk factors in this disease, contemporary prevention should be combined with psychological intervention aimed at improving the functioning of the patient in a situation of chronic disease. Despite repeated attempts, it was not possible so far to create an intervention program, which in the process of rehabilitation and secondary prevention would result in marked improvement, not only in mood and psychological well-being, but also the physical condition of the participants. Almost all of the psychological interventions made so far, were addressed to patients who have already been discharged from hospital. These interventions began from three weeks to three months following hospitalization, because of the dynamic changes and mood swings occurring during hospitalization and following discharge. This book proposes a new approach, i.e. intervention during hospital treatment, undertaken at a time when the patient is medically (not necessarily mentally and emotionally) stable.
Rehabilitation of patients following major head and neck cancer surgery
Authors: Mitchell Oliver , Durrani Amer , Price Richard
Published: October 2014

Cancer rehabilitation is accepted as an essential part of patient care, aiming to maximise the patient's quality of life. Patients who have received major surgery for head and neck cancer face many challenges and require a tailored rehabilitation programme. This review collates the evidence specific to head and neck cancer patients and divides the programme into five areas: functional, medical, aesthetic, psychological and social. This provides an overall framework in which to consider these unique rehabilitation requirements.
Peristomal sore skin: assessing the effect of an alginate wafer
Authors: Taylor Louise
Published: October 2014

Peristomal skin problems affect a significant number of ostomists leading to problems with skin integrity and pouch adherence. This can begin to have a very negative impact on an ostomist's quality of life. The case studies within this article look at the use of an integral skin healing dressing, alginate, within the flange of a stoma bag and its effect on skin healing and patient quality of life. The patients and stoma care nurses have kindly agreed to allow their experiences to be published—all patients are anonymous.
Early breast cancer: diagnosis, treatment and survivorship
Authors: Meade Elizabeth , Dowling Maura
Published: October 2014

Breast cancer is the most common female cancer and globally remains a major public health concern. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer continues to develop. Diagnosis is now more precise, surgery is less mutilating and women now have the option of breast conserving therapy with better cosmesis, and without sacrificing survival. Radiotherapy is more targeted and the selection of patients for adjuvant chemotherapy is based not only on prognostic and predictive factors, but also on newer molecular profiling that will ensure that chemotherapy is given to the patients who need and respond to it. These developments all provide a more tailored approach to the treatment of breast cancer. Management now involves a multidisciplinary team approach in order to provide the highest standard of care for patients throughout their cancer journey from diagnosis through treatment and into follow-up care.
Stress incontinence and pelvic floor excercises in pregnancy
Authors: Sahakian Josine , Woodward Sue
Published: October 2014

This literature review is a critique of the research looking at the impact of pelvic floor exercises during pregnancy on urinary stress incontinence in postnatal women. Seven studies were selected for review following a database search on the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, Medline and the British Nursing Index (BNI). The research produced mixed findings. Four of the seven studies demonstrated a significant improvement in urinary stress incontinence in postnatal women following pelvic floor muscle exercise during pregnancy. However, the studies that spanned a longer time period found no long-term effectiveness. More research is needed for a more conclusive picture as to whether antenatal pelvic floor exercises can improve stress incontinence in the postpartum period.
Patients' perspectives on timing of urinary catheter removal after surgery
Authors: Bhardwaj Rashmi , Pickard Robert , Carrick-Sen Debbie , Brittain Katie
Published: October 2014

A prolonged catheter duration is a major risk factor for catheter-associated urinary tract infection, with bacteriuria increasing by 5% per day ( Gokula et al. 2004 ).

Aim:

In this study, the authors explored patients' perceptions of the care process relating to peri-operative catheterisation to identify patient factors that encourage early removal.

Method:

Semi-structured interviews, incorporating a grounded theory approach, were performed on three men and seven women during 2010. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using constant comparative method and thematic framework analysis.

Results:

Catheter duration ranged 1–10 days. Main themes elicited included: lack of understanding of the purpose and catheterisation process; loss of patient autonomy and dignity; and impact of environmental factors.

Conclusion:

Lack of knowledge of the catheterisation process among participants led to fears and concerns that may have contributed to delayed catheter removal. Changes to patient care that are likely to reduce catheter duration include ensuring the provision of pre-operative information, greater patient involvement in catheter removal decisions, and provision of easily accessible toilet facilities.
The importance of ideal central venous access device tip position
Authors: York Nicola
Published: October 2014

The use of central venous access devices (CVADs) is becoming more common in hospitals and the community. Incorrect tip placement is a common complication of CVAD insertion carried out at the bedside, and can lead to local inflammation and thrombosis. The literature recommends that a CVAD tip should be in the lower third of the superior vena cava. Anyone inserting a CVAD needs to take account of body position changes that may cause a tip to move. There are many tools and systems nurses can use to aid tip positioning, including taking body measurements, using body landmarks and electrocardiograms (ECGs). Tip position must be checked on a chest X-ray. There are several ways to determine tip postion and electromagnetic catheter tip guidance machines are being developed in the USA, which can record the position of a tip with greater accuracy. Nurses inserting CVADs at the bedside must appreciate the risks that incorrect or suboptimal tip position pose to the patient.
Nutritional and fluid requirements: high-output stomas
Authors: Medlin Sophie
Published: October 2014

Based on the current available evidence, this article explores the nutritional management of those with a high-output stoma. The main alterations required to the intake of patients with a high-output stoma include the use of an oral rehydration solution to ensure optimum absorption of fluid and sodium, and a high-calorie, high-protein diet, with the aim of optimizing nutritional status. Diet advice should be delivered by a dietitian with experience in managing these complex patients. Monitoring of electrolytes and micronutrients is essential, and long-term follow up from a multidisciplinary nutrition support team is invaluable in coordinating this. Patients with high-output stomas can enjoy good quality of life and long-term health if their condition is managed effectively by a well-organized multidisciplinary team.
High-output stomas: challenges with a large laparostomy wound
Authors: Slater Rebecca
Published: October 2014

This article explores the management of patients with high-output stomas fashioned under acute surgical conditions where management may be difficult owing to the presence of a large laparostomy wound. Available products that meet the technical demands required to manage these patients, achieve optimal wound healing, manage high-output stoma and encourage patient independence are considered. A number of strategies to meet the physical and nutritional requirements of these patients are discussed along with the importance of the multidisciplinary team working together to provide holistic care.
High-output stoma management following bowel perforation
Authors: Barwell Julie
Published: October 2014

In this article, the author explores the role of the stoma nurse in the community, and how this can support recent initiatives such as The Enhanced Recovery Programme and the High Impact Actions for Nurses by providing ongoing care in the secondary care setting. This can lead to an improvement in quality of care and patient outcomes, which is imperative in the current NHS environment where anecdotal evidence suggests that the financial goals managers are required to meet are leading to constraints on the number of home visits that the stoma nurse can carry out ( Breckman, 2005 ). The case study presented within the article shows how the stoma nurse worked with the community team to manage a young woman following a traumatic bowel perforation experience.
Massive urethral diverticulum: a complication of condom catheter use
Authors: Dwivedi Amod Kumar , Singh Soni , Goel Apul
Published: October 2014

Condom catheters are often used in the management of male urinary incontinence, and are considered to be safe. As condom catheters are placed on the male genitalia, sometimes adequate care is not taken after placement owing to feelings of embarrassment and shame. Similarly, sometimes, the correct size of penile sheath is not used. In this article, the authors discuss the case of a 60-year-old man who, following developed urinary incontinence after surgical removal of the prostate gland, was managed by condom catheter application. After 2 months of application, the patient developed a massive urethral diverticulum. The case of this patient stresses the importance of adequate care to prevent this complication.
Intensity-Value Corrections for Integrating Sphere Measurements of Solid Samples Measured behind Glass
Authors: Johnson Timothy J. , Bernacki Bruce E. , Redding Rebecca L. , Su Yin-Fong , Brauer Carolyn S. , Myers Tanya L. , Stephan Eric G.
Published: October 2014

Accurate and calibrated directional-hemispherical reflectance spectra of solids are important for both in situ and remote sensing. Many solids are in the form of powders or granules and to measure their diffuse reflectance spectra in the laboratory, it is often necessary to place the samples behind a transparent medium such as glass for the ultraviolet (UV), visible, or near-infrared spectral regions. Using both experimental methods and a simple optical model, we demonstrate that glass (fused quartz in our case) leads to artifacts in the reflectance values. We report our observations that the measured reflectance values, for both hemispherical and diffuse reflectance, are distorted by the additional reflections arising at the air–quartz and sample–quartz interfaces. The values are dependent on the sample reflectance and are offset in intensity in the hemispherical case, leading to measured values up to ∼6% too high for a 2% reflectance surface, ∼3.8% too high for 10% reflecting surfaces, approximately correct for 40–60% diffuse-reflecting surfaces, and ∼1.5% too low for 99% reflecting Spectralon® surfaces. For the case of diffuse-only reflectance, the measured values are uniformly too low due to the polished glass, with differences of nearly 6% for a 99% reflecting matte surface. The deviations arise from the added reflections from the quartz surfaces, as verified by both theory and experiment, and depend on sphere design. Empirical correction factors were implemented into post-processing software to redress the artifact for hemispherical and diffuse reflectance data across the 300–2300 nm range.
Total Reflection X-ray Spectrometry (TXRF) for Trace Elements Assessment in Edible Clams
Authors: Marguí Eva , de Fátima Marques Alexandra , de Lurdes Prisal Maria , Hidalgo Manuela , Queralt Ignasi , Carvalho Maria Luisa
Published: October 2014

The present contribution presents a preliminary investigation of the chemical composition with respect to major, minor, trace, and ultratrace elements in several clam species that are frequently used for human consumption in Portuguese markets and worldwide. In order to use a simple and rapid analytical methodology for clam analysis, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry and total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry were selected as analytical techniques. The analytical capabilities of TXRF spectrometry were evaluated for the determination of minor and trace elements in commercial edible clams. We compared the direct analysis of powdered suspensions (using different sample amounts and dispersant agents) with the analysis of the digested samples for trace element determination. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis of clam digests was also performed to evaluate the analytical possibilities of TXRF spectrometry for trace and ultratrace analysis.
Raman Spectroscopy Study of Calcium Oxalate Extracted from Cacti Stems
Authors: Frausto-Reyes Claudio , Loza-Cornejo Sofia , Terrazas Tania , de la Luz Miranda-Beltrán María , Aparicio-Fernández Xóchitl , López-Macías Brenda M. , Morales-Martínez Sandra E. , Ortiz-Morales Martín
Published: October 2014

To find markers that distinguish the different Cactaceae species, by using near infrared Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, we studied the occurrence, in the stem, of solid deposits in five Cactaceae species ( Coryphantha clavata, Ferocactus latispinus, Opuntia ficus-indica, O. robusta, and O. strepthacantha) collected from their natural habitats from a region of México. The deposits in the tissues usually occurred as spheroidal aggregates, druses, or prismatic crystals. From the Raman spectra, the crystals were identified either as calcium oxalate monohydrate (CaC2O4H2O) or calcium oxalate dihydrate (CaC2O4·2H2O) Opuntia species (subfamily Opuntioideae) showed the presence of CaC2O4·H2O, and the deposition of CaC2O4·2H2O was present in C. clavata and F. latispinus (subfamily Cactoideae, Cacteae tribe). As a punctual technique, Raman spectroscopy seems to be a useful tool to identify crystal composition. In addition to allowing the analysis of crystal morphology, this spectroscopic technique can be used to identify Cactaceae species and their chemotaxonomy.
A glimpse inside the Banarasi mind: What do linguistic categories reveal about Banarasi toys?
Authors: Patil Koumudi
Published: October 2014

This study focuses on the design of Banarasi Khilona, which are wooden lacquer toys from Banaras, India. The study presents a category-based approach to elucidate how these craft-based artefacts are designed for acceptability and for novelty. For this purpose, the study traces the community perceptions of Banarasi Khilona by examining the expression of linguistic categories that both shape and are shaped by the Khilona. This vocabulary, which reflects how Banarasi people structure their world, suggests a system of categorization in which objects have multiple ways of being categorized. It further suggests that it is at the community-acceptable common intersection point of multiple categories that the Banarasi craftspersons produce a Khilona. This study shows that although the community-acceptable combinations of multiple categories appear fixed, they are yet open to deviant members in the fuzzy boundary of the categories where the hold of myths, taboos and traditions is relatively weaker. Thus there is a potential space for occurrence and sometimes acceptance of deviant members in an otherwise tradition-bound craft practice.

Understanding artefacts through and between categories, instead of studying them in isolation of their natural groupings, facilitates their decoding as acceptable/unacceptable or typical/untypical rather than conventional/new or traditional/innovative. Distinctions of acceptability and typicality have the potential to inform design decisions of culturally relevant artefacts in a globalized context.
Geological time, biological events and the learning transfer problem
Authors: Johnson Claudia C , Middendorf Joan , Rehrey George , Dalkilic Mehmet M , Cassidy Keely
Published: October 2014

Comprehension of geologic time does not come easily, especially for students who are studying the earth sciences for the first time. This project investigated the potential success of two teaching interventions that were designed to help non-science majors enrolled in an introductory geology class gain a richer conceptual understanding of the geologic time scale. Our research centered on the results of those interventions since we hypothesized that students who correctly answered exam questions on relative geologic time early in the semester would be able to respond with equal facility to exam questions at the end of the semester that asked them to apply relative geologic time to associated biologic events.The instructor of the course began this study by using the Decoding the Disciplines model (Pace & Middendorf, 1998). During the first step of the model, the instructor identified the place where a majority of students in previous classes had the greatest difficulty; that is, in addressing the relative geologic time scale.  Next, the instructor articulated the mental moves an expert geologist makes when solving problems using the geological time scale.  During lecture the instructor modeled those very same mental tasks for students. Students were then given the opportunity to practice those mental tasks by creating their own personal timeline. Later in the course students completed the second intervention, a categorization grid that also functioned as a classroom assessment of their learning. Students were given exams after both interventions were completed.Results from the first and second interventions indicated that students were able to understand the conceptual framework of the relative geological time scale. On an exam administered after both interventions were completed, 66% of the students answered correctly the questions about relative geologic time, an indication that they had gained conceptual knowledge of the subject. In contrast, only 36% of students answered correctly the exam questions at the end of the semester that focused on relative geologic time with associated biologic events. Pearson Chi-Square tests with P<0.05 were used to test our hypothesis.  Statistically significant results at P=0.00 were attained for all tests, indicating the hypothesis can be rejected.We conclude that a second, more prevalent, underlying problem exists for non-science majors, one that Thorndike and Woodworth (1901), Byrnes (1996), Bransford, Brown, and Cocking (2000) and Bransford and Schwartz (2001) describe as the learning transfer problem.  Similar problems have been discussed as a knowledge transfer problem (Graham et al., 2006). Learning transfer is problematic for students using the geological time scale and calls for additional classroom interventions – interventions designed and scaffolded to provide students the opportunity to practice the set of difficult mental moves required to apply biological events to the relative geological timeline.
Bridging theory to practice with classroom rounds
Authors: Bowman Connie L , Herrelko Janet M
Published: October 2014

Pre-service teachers’ perceptions of the how to teach were challenged by the process of classroom rounds in this study. Classroom rounds were defined as pre-conference, classroom observations and post-conference with evidence based discussions focusing on school-based practices. The pre-service teachers shared their observational data and beliefs about teaching with an experienced classroom teacher to learn the context of pedagogical practices in a classroom setting. Rounds in combination with clinical experience extended the pre-service teachers’ awareness of research-based practices, the importance of and how to implement these practices in their classrooms. Post student teaching surveys revealed the impact these observed practices had on the pre-service teachers’ classroom procedures.
Surveying New Testament survey: The impact of demographics and modality on an introductory New Testament course
Authors: Bruehler Bart B.
Published: October 2014

Both adult and traditional students at Indiana Wesleyan University take an introductory New Testament course in conventional, compressed, and accelerated formats and through online and onsite settings. This wide variety of demographics and modalities raises the issues of if and how the various incarnations of this course facilitate the achievement of course and institutional learning outcomes. This investigation surveys the pre-test, post-test, and final paper scores of students in each version of the course. An interpretation of the findings concludes that the course positively impacts the learning of all types of students. However, it also suggests that traditional students who are more familiar with the Bible may be better served by what are typically deemed andragogical approaches while adult students who are less familiar with the Bible may be better served by incorporating what are often deemed pedagogical approaches.
Indirect Learning: How Emerging-Market Firms Grow in Developed Markets
Authors: Banerjee Sourindra , Prabhu Jaideep C. , Chandy Rajesh K.
Published: October 2014

Some emerging-market firms have recently achieved substantial growth in developed markets despite having had little prior experience in these markets. What explains the performance of these firms? Building on the organizational learning literature, the authors argue that indirect learning (i.e., learning from the experience of others) plays a crucial role in explaining this phenomenon. Specifically, they propose that emerging-market firms that grow in developed markets overcome their lack of direct experience in such markets by learning indirectly through their leaders, competitors, and interfirm networks. The authors test their thesis by comparing the international growth in developed markets of a sample of emerging-market firms (116 Indian firms) with a sample of developed-market firms (160 U.K. firms). The results support the authors' thesis about the importance of indirect learning in explaining the international growth of emerging-market (relative to developed-market) firms in developed markets. The authors discuss the implications of these findings for policy makers in the areas of higher education, competition policy, and international trade as well as for managers in the areas of middle-management recruitment, competitor analysis and tracking, and managing interfirm networks.
Information Security Risk Assessment of Smart Grid Based on Absorbing Markov Chain and SPA
Authors: Jianye Zhang , Qinshun Zeng , Yiyang Song , Cunbin Li
Published: October 2014

To assess and prevent the smart grid information security risks more effectively, this paper provides risk index quantitative calculation method based on absorbing Markov chain to overcome the deficiencies that links between system components were not taken into consideration and studies mostly were limited to static evaluation. The method avoids the shortcomings of traditional Expert Score with significant subjective factors and also considers the links between information system components, which make the risk index system closer to the reality. Then, a smart grid information security risk assessment model on the basis of set pair analysis improved by Markov chain was established. Using the identity, discrepancy, and contradiction of connection degree to dynamically reflect the trend of smart grid information security risk and combining with the Markov chain to calculate connection degree of the next period, the model implemented the smart grid information security risk assessment comprehensively and dynamically. Finally, this paper proves that the established model is scientific, effective, and feasible to dynamically evaluate the smart grid information security risks.
Factors affecting the use of complementary and alternative medicine among Japanese university students
Authors: Ujiie Yasuhiro , Okada Hiroki
Published: October 2014

Background: Patients suffering from intractable diseases and individuals seeking relief from mild symptoms resort to treatments outside the modern medical paradigm, such as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In order to improve doctor–patient communication about CAM, it is essential to evaluate CAM usage among social groups likely to choose it in the future. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate how university students – individuals highly subject to future CAM usage – perceive CAM and the factors affecting their choice of CAM use.

Methods: We conducted a questionnaire survey with 1,096 Japanese university students not studying medical subjects.

Results: The term CAM was known to 11% of the subjects. Modalities they most associated with CAM were art therapy (353 subjects), hot spring therapy (349), and aromatherapy (345). They had experience taking vitamins, trace elements, other supplements (498), and nutritional drinks (483). Several subjects wanted to experience shiatsu massage (373) and hot spring therapy (303). Multiple regression analysis of the modalities that the subjects wanted to experience revealed a 42% multiple coefficient of determination for prioritizing modalities that the subject associated with CAM, showing a large contribution of this deciding factor.

Conclusions: Although most subjects were not familiar with the term CAM, many of them had decided to ingest substances in the CAM category on the basis of self-judgment and without adequate knowledge. Because such behavior can be detrimental to health, medical professionals should be aware of CAM usage among their patients and seek effective communication with them in order to enable safe CAM practice.
Statistical Analysis of Process Parameters in Drilling of Al/Al2O3p Metal Matrix Composites
Authors: Singh Yashvir , Singla Amneesh , Kumar Ajay
Published: October 2014

This paper presents a statistical analysis of process parameters for surface roughness in drilling of Al/Al2O3p metal matrix composite. The experimental studies were conducted under varying spindle speed, feed rate, point angle of drill. The settings of drilling parameters were determined by using Taguchi experimental design method. The level of importance of the drilling parameters is determined by using analysis of variance. The optimum drilling parameter combination was obtained by using the analysis of signal-to-noise ratio. Through statistical analysis of response variables and signal-to-noise ratios, the determined significant factors are depth of cut and drill point angle with the contributions of 87% and 12% respectively, whereas the cutting speed is insignificant contributing by 1% only. Confirmation tests verified that the selected optimal combination of process parameter through Taguchi design was able to achieve desired surface roughness.
Insulin secretion response during oral glucose tolerance test is related to low cardiorespiratory fitness in obese adolescents
Authors: Maggio Albane B.R. , Bou Puigdefabregas Julie Wacker , Schwitzgebel Valerie M. , Chamay-Weber Catherine , Beghetti Maurice , Farpour-Lambert Nathalie J.
Published: October 2014

The obesity paradox refers to a category of subjects who may be less prone to develop co-morbidities, such as type 2 diabetes. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has been identified as one of the key factors. We aimed at exploring the difference in insulin metabolism between fit and unfit obese adolescents.

We recruited 22 obese adolescents and assessed CRF during an incremental treadmill test. According to a cut-off at 80% of predicted maximal oxygen consumption (VO

Compared to adolescents with normal CRF, the ones with low CRF had higher insulin resistance indices (p=0.023) and insulin secretion response (p=0.010), independently of the body mass index z-score.

Interventions in obese adolescents should focus on the maintenance or improvement of CRF to at least 80% of predicted VO
Use of styrene–divinylbenzene grafted with aminoethylaminomethyl groups and various ionic liquids in the removal process of thallium and strontium
Authors: Popa Adriana , Ciopec Mihaela , Negrea Adina , Lupa Lavinia , Negrea Petru , Davidescu Corneliu M. , Ilia Gheorghe , Duteanu Narcis
Published: October 2014

This work reports the adsorption of thallium and strontium from aqueous solutions onto styrene-divinylbenzene grafted with aminoethylaminomethyl groups which was impregnated with various ionic liquids [trihexyltetradecylphosphonium chloride ionic liquid – (Cyphos IL-101); 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate – (OmimBF4) and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate – (BmimPF6)]. The impregnation of the solid support with the studied ionic liquids was realized through ultrasonication method. The obtained impregnated materials have been subjected to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). Their adsorption performance in the removal process of thallium and strontium from aqueous solutions was studied as a function of the initial concentration of metal ions. Adsorption isotherms like Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) and Temkin were used to analyze the equilibrium data at different concentrations. The studied materials showed a better adsorption performance in the removal process of strontium ions compared to the adsorption performance obtained in case of thallium ions removal process. From the studied ionic liquids, (OmimBF4) presented the most efficient performance for the removal of the studied metal ions.