bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of the Glycemic Response to Microdoses of Subcutaneous Glucagon at Varying Insulin Levels
Authors: El Youssef Joseph , Castle Jessica R. , Bakhtiani Parkash A. , Haidar Ahmad , Branigan Deborah L. , Breen Matthew , Ward W. Kenneth
Published: August 2014

OBJECTIVE

Glucagon delivery in closed-loop control of type 1 diabetes is effective in minimizing hypoglycemia. However, high insulin concentration lowers the hyperglycemic effect of glucagon, and small doses of glucagon in this setting are ineffective. There are no studies clearly defining the relationship between insulin levels, subcutaneous glucagon, and blood glucose.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using a euglycemic clamp technique in 11 subjects with type 1 diabetes, we examined endogenous glucose production (EGP) of glucagon (25, 75, 125, and 175 μg) at three insulin infusion rates (0.016, 0.032, and 0.05 units/kg/h) in a randomized, crossover study. Infused 6,6-dideuterated glucose was measured every 10 min, and EGP was determined using a validated glucoregulatory model. Area under the curve (AUC) for glucose production was the primary outcome, estimated over 60 min.

RESULTS

At low insulin levels, EGP rose proportionately with glucagon dose, from 5 ± 68 to 112 ± 152 mg/kg (P = 0.038 linear trend), whereas at high levels, there was no increase in glucose output (19 ± 53 to 26 ± 38 mg/kg, P = NS). Peak glucagon serum levels and AUC correlated well with dose (r2 = 0.63, P < 0.001), as did insulin levels with insulin infusion rates (r2 = 0.59, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

EGP increases steeply with glucagon doses between 25 and 175 μg at lower insulin infusion rates. However, high insulin infusion rates prevent these doses of glucagon from significantly increasing glucose output and may reduce glucagon effectiveness in preventing hypoglycemia when used in the artificial pancreas.
Trophic State of a Shallow Lake with Reduced Inflow of Surface Water
Authors: Ejankowski Wojciech , Lenard Tomasz
Published: August 2014

According to the general classification of shallow eutrophic lakes, two alternative types are distinguished: phytoplankton-dominated and macrophyte-dominated lakes. The latter type is rare and currently endangered by human activity. In order to determine the effect of reduced inflow of surface water by an earth dyke on the lake trophic state, certain biological and physico-chemical parameters were evaluated. This work focuses on two lakes of similar morphometric characteristics situated in the agricultural landscape. The effect of the earth dyke on the trophic state was positively verified. The lake situated in the catchment basin, in which the inflow of surface water was reduced, was defined as meso-eutrophic, with a small amount of phytoplankton and high water transparency. The reference lake was highly eutrophic, with low water transparency and a large amount of phytoplankton. The water body surrounded by the earth dyke was macrophytes dominated (65% of the lake area), whereas the reference lake was a phytoplankton-macrophyte type (42% of the lake area). The trophic evaluation of a lake can be underestimated because of a significant amount of biogenic compounds accumulated in plant tissues. Thus, the values of Carlson’s indices in macrophyte-dominated lakes may not account for the total amount of nutrients in the water body.
Post-Digestion Liquor Treatment in the Method Combining Chemical Precipitation with Reverse Osmosis
Authors: Kuglarz Mariusz , Grübel Klaudiusz , Bohdziewicz Jolanta
Published: August 2014

The aim of the study was to develop an effective treatment of post-digestion liquors highly-loaded with biogenic and organic substances. The scope of the research project encompassed: mesophilic anaerobic digestion of waste activated sludge (WAS) as well as the treatment of post-digestion liquors, coming from the most appropriate HRT value of 25 days, in the process of ammonium magnesium phosphate (struvite) precipitation targeted at ammonia nitrogen binding and a subsequent reverse osmosis (RO) process. It was established that the method combining chemical precipitation and high-pressure ﬁltration ensures a high degree of contaminants removal allowing for a direct release of treated liquors into the natural reservoir. However, in order to decrease the residual NH4+ concentration (6.1 mg NH4+/dm3) in the puriﬁed post-digestion liquors below the level allowing for a direct release to the natural reservoir, it turned out to be necessary to apply increased molar ratio of magnesium and phosphates (Mg:NH4+: PO43-= 1.5:1:1.5).
Management Of Agility Process For Surviving In The Competitive Business Environment
Authors: Dobrin Carmen , Cioca Marius
Published: August 2014

Business environment and changing markets are the competitive challenges of today. There is not one universal solution for this, but agility is the key of success in creating the customer responsiveness and in mastering uncertainty, which are two of the most relevant items in managing performance. The integration of agile systems in the organization structure is improving the permanently interaction with the customers wishes. The study of agility’s indicators, including also the concepts of AM are far from new, but can they contribute in constructing an agile supply chain. The constantly changing in global environment, has a directly impact in the future of the company, and one of the most important questions will be how to achieve supply chain agility. And this paper will try to find an answer to the question in how to achieve competitive advantages in the global market and to improve financial performance of the company.
Research On Risks Encountered By Institutions In European Development Project
Authors: Ranf Diana Elena , Todăriţa Elida-Tomiţa , Dumitraşcu Dănuţ Dumitru
Published: August 2014

European funds are a development opportunity for the Romanian organizations. The research in the article aims to identify the main risk categories that the beneficiaries from Centre Region have faced, and also the effects of not considering certain risk categories in the stage of filling out the application form and also in the implementation stage of the projects have had on the development of these projects. Identifying how the organisations have managed projects during the development projects 2003-2013 finds its usefulness in the following period that is knocking on our doors: 2014-2020 that should find us better prepared and more capable of proving seriousness and professionalism. Therefore, training in projects should not end once the structural funds have been attracted, but it should be regarded as destined to modernize our way of thinking and actions in helping organisations develop their businesses.
Assessing The Leadership Style In Health Organizations From Romania
Authors: Furtunescu Florentina Ligia , Domnariu Carmen Daniela
Published: August 2014

Based on the situational leadership theory (Hersey&Blanchard), our study aimed to analyze the leadership style in managers of different health facilities from Romania.

We included 41 persons with key positions (general manager, medical director, chief of section/department, nursing director, chief – nurse). All these persons filled the LEADself questionnaire (Leader Effectiveness and Adaptability Description Instrument, Center for Leadership Studies, Hersey and Blanchard). The tool measures three dimensions: the dominant (and secondary) leadership style, the style range (flexibility) and the style adaptability (the leader effectiveness).

We found a dominance of “Selling/Coaching” style, followed by the “Telling/directing” style. The managers were found to have a high relationship supportive behavior. Only three cases of low relationship dominance were found. Also almost all the managers were found as mostly group centered (only 5 cases were more leader centered). The flexibility of the managers was high, only one persons having the style range<2; the effectiveness score varied from 12 o 25, most of the responders having a low or moderate level of adaptability.
LA-ICP-MS U-Pb apatite dating of Lower Cretaceous rocks from teschenite-picrite association in the Silesian Unit (southern Poland)
Authors: Szopa Krzysztof , Włodyka Roman , Chew David
Published: August 2014

The main products of volcanic activity in the teschenite-picrite association (TPA) are shallow, sub-volcanic intrusions, which predominate over extrusive volcanic rocks. They comprise a wide range of intrusive rocks which fall into two main groups: alkaline (teschenite, picrite, syenite, lamprophyre) and subalkaline (dolerite). Previous 40Ar/39Ar and 40K/40Ar dating of these rocks in the Polish Outer Western Carpathians, performed on kaersutite, sub-silicic diopside, phlogopite/biotite as well as on whole rock samples has yielded Early Cretaceous ages. Fluorapatite crystals were dated by the U-Pb LA-ICP-MS method to obtain the age of selected magmatic rocks (teschenite, lamprophyre) from the Cieszyn igneous province. Apatite-bearing samples from Boguszowice, Puńców and Lipowa yield U-Pb ages of 103± 20 Ma, 119.6 ± 3.2 Ma and 126.5 ± 8.8 Ma, respectively. The weighted average age for all three samples is 117.8 ± 7.3 Ma (MSWD = 2.7). The considerably smaller dispersion in the apatite ages compared to the published amphibole and biotite ages is probably caused by the U-Pb system in apatite being less susceptible to the effects of hydrothermal alternation than the 40Ar/39Ar or 40K/40Ar system in amphibole and/or biotite. Available data suggest that volcanic activity in the Silesian Basin took place from 128 to 103 Ma with the the main magmatic phase constrained to 128-120 Ma.
New Lower Cretaceous basal mantodean (Insecta) from the Crato Formation (NE Brazil)
Authors: Lee Shih-Wei
Published: August 2014

Mantodea are very rare in the fossil record. 28 fossil species are reported since the earliest occurrence of mantodeans in the Upper Jurassic (Tithonian). Here, I describe Cretophotina santanensis n. sp. from the Aptian (Lower Cretaceous) Crato Formation of Chapada do Araripe (northeastern Brazil). This species is characterized by long antenna and primitive raptorial forelegs. Morphological characters shared with the living genus Chaeteessa would support its assignment to the family Chaeteessidae. The tropical occurrence of the Early Cretaceous genus Cretophotina in Gondwana, together with occurrences of the genus Chaetessa from subtropical and temperate zones of Laurasia, implies that members of the family Chaeteessidae achieved nearly cosmopolitan distribution during the Early Cretaceous.
Cretaceous—Quaternary tectonic evolution of the Tatra Mts (Western Carpathians): constraints from structural, sedimentary, geomorphological, and fission track data
Authors: Králiková Silvia , Vojtko Rastislav , Sliva Ubomír , Minár Jozef , Fügenschuh Bernhard , Kováč Michal , Hók Jozef
Published: August 2014

The Tatra Mts area, located in the northernmost part of Central Western Carpathians on the border between Slovakia and Poland, underwent a complex Alpine tectonic evolution. This study integrates structural, sedimentary, and geomorphological data combined with fission track data from the Variscan granite rocks to discuss the Cretaceous to Quaternary tectonic and landscape evolution of the Tatra Mts. The presented data can be correlated with five principal tectonic stages (TS), including neotectonics. TS-1 (~95-80 Ma) is related to mid-Cretaceous nappe stacking when the Tatric Unit was overlain by Mesozoic sequences of the Fatric and Hronic Nappes. After nappe stacking the Tatric crystalline basement was exhumed (and cooled) in response to the Late Cretaceous/Paleogene orogenic collapse followed by orogen-parallel extension. This is supported by 70 to 60 Ma old zircon fission track ages. Extensional tectonics were replaced by transpression to transtension during the Late Paleocene to Eocene (TS-2; ~80-45 Ma). TS-3 (~45-20 Ma) is documented by thick Oligocene-lowermost Miocene sediments of the Central Carpathian Paleogene Basin which kept the underlying Tatric crystalline basement at elevated temperatures (ca. > 120 °C and < 200 °C). The TS-4 (~20-7 Ma) is linked to slow Miocene exhumation rate of the Tatric crystalline basement, as it is indicated by apatite fission track data of 9-12 Ma. The final shaping of the Tatra Mts has been linked to accelerated tectonic activity since the Pliocene (TS-5; ~7-0 Ma).
Experimental investigation of coarse particles-water mixture flow in horizontal and inclined pipes
Authors: Vlasák Pavel , Chára Zdeněk , Krupička Jan , Konfršt Jiří
Published: August 2014

The effect of solid concentration and mixture velocity on the flow behaviour, pressure drops, and concentration distribution of coarse particle-water mixtures in horizontal, vertical, and inclined smooth stainless steel pipes of inner diameter D = 100 mm was experimentally investigated. Graded basalt pebbles were used as solid particles. The study revealed that the coarse-grained particle-water mixtures in the horizontal and inclined pipes were significantly stratified. The solid particles moved principally in a layer close to the pipe invert; however for higher and moderate flow velocities, particle saltation became the dominant mode of particle conveyance. Frictional pressure drops in the horizontal pipe were found to be markedly higher than in the vertical pipe, while the frictional pressure drops in the ascending pipe increased with inclination angle up to about 30°.
Application of a technique for scenario prediction of climate change impact on the water balance components of northern river basins
Authors: Gusev Yeugeniy M. , Nasonova Olga N.
Published: August 2014

The scenario forecasting technique for assessing changes of water balance components of the northern river basins due to possible climate change was developed. Three IPCC global emission scenarios corresponding to different possible scenarios for economic, technological, political and demographic development of the human civilization in the 21st century were chosen for generating climate change projections by an ensemble of 16 General Circulation Models with a high spatial resolution. The projections representing increments of monthly values of meteorological characteristics were used for creating 3-hour meteorological time series up to 2063 for the Northern Dvina River basin, which belongs to the pan-Arctic basin and locates at the north of the European part of Russia. The obtained time series were applied as forcing data to drive the land surface model SWAP to simulate possible changes in the water balance components due to different scenarios of climate change for the Northern Dvina River basin
An object-oriented overland flow solver for watershed flood inundation predictions: case study of Ulus basin, Turkey
Authors: Turan Burak , Wang Keh-Han
Published: August 2014

This paper presents an object-oriented two-dimensional (2-D) overland flow model and its application in simulating flood flows over Ulus basin, located in the north of Turkey adjacent to the Black Sea. A new coding implementation according to the class environment created in object oriented C++ programming language is carried out in structuring and building the solver. The model is based on the Godunov type finite volume scheme on unstructured triangular meshes. A mass balance preserving wet/dry boundary solution algorithm is integrated in the numerical scheme to satisfy the positive-depth condition and minimize the numerical instability when treating the propagation of wave front in regions of dry bed. The balance between bed slope and flux terms is also preserved for still water conditions on irregular topography. The 2-D solver is verified by simulating selected dam break cases, where good agreement with measured data is achieved. For the simulation of flood flows in the Ulus basin, in general, the simulated outflow hydrograph is found to compare well with the recorded data. A selected inundation map that is extracted from the model results is also presented to show the water surface level in the Floodplain.
Hematological And Biochemical Parameters In Elite Soccer Players During A Competitive Half Season
Authors: Anđelković Marija , Baralić Ivana , Đorđević Brižita , Stevuljević Jelena Kotur , Radivojević Nenad , Dikić Nenad , Škodrić Sanja Radojević , Stojković Mirjana
Published: August 2014

Background:The purpose of the present study was to report and discuss the hematological and biochemical behavior of elite soccer players, in order to get more insight in the physiological characteristics of these sportsmen and to provide trainers and sports doctors with useful indicators.

Methods:Nineteen male soccer players volunteered to participate in this study. We followed the young elite soccer players during a competitive half season. Venous blood samples were collected between 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. after an overnight fast (10 h) at baseline, after 45 and 90 days and hematological and biochemical parameters were measured.

Results:Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were significantly reduced over the observational period (p<0.05), but erythrocyte count and iron levels remained unchanged. Bilirubin and ferritin levels significantly increased in response to regular soccer training (p<0.05). We observed a significant decrease in muscle enzyme plasma activity during the 90 days study period. ANOVA analysis revealed a significant increase in the leukocyte and neutrophil counts (p<0.05), in parallel with a significant decrease in the lymphocyte count (p<0.05) after the observational period of 90 days.

Conclusions:Elite soccer players are characterized by significant changes in biochemical and hematological paramneueters over the half season, which are linked to training workload, as well as adaptation induced by the soccer training. Although the values of the measured parameters fell within the reference range, regular monitoring of the biochemical and hematological parameters is fundamental for the identification of a healthy status and related optimal performances by sport doctors and trainers and selection of a correct workload by trainers.
Response to Concentrated Moving Masses of Elastically Supported Rectangular Plates Resting on Winkler Elastic Foundation
Authors: Awodola T. O. , Omolofe B.
Published: August 2014

The dynamic response to moving concentrated masses of elastically supported rectangular plates resting on Winkler elastic foundation is investigated in this work. This problem, involving non-classical boundary conditions, is solved and illustrated with two common examples often encountered in engineering practice. Analysis of the closed form solutions shows that, for the same natural frequency (i) the response amplitude for the moving mass problem is greater than that one of the moving force problem for fixed Rotatory inertia correction factor R0 and foundation modulus F0, (ii) The critical speed for the moving mass problem is smaller than that for the moving force problem and so resonance is reached earlier in the former. The numerical results in plotted curves show that, for the elastically supported plate, as the value of R0 increases, the response amplitudes of the plate decrease and that, for fixed value of R0, the displacements of the plate decrease as F0 increases. The results also show that for fixed R0 and F0, the transverse deflections of the plates under the actions of moving masses are higher than those when only the force effects of the moving load are considered. Hence, the moving force solution is not a save approximation to the moving mass problem. Also, as the mass ratio Γ approaches zero, the response amplitude of the moving mass problem approaches that one of the moving force problem of the elastically supported rectangular plate resting on constant Winkler elastic foundation.
On the “Cracking” Scheme in the Paper “A Directional Coupler Attack Against the Kish Key Distribution System” by Gunn, Allison and Abbott
Authors: Chen Hsien-Pu , B. Kish Laszlo , G. Granqvist Claes , G. Granqvist Claes
Published: August 2014

Recently, Gunn, Allison and Abbott (GAA) [http://arxiv.org/pdf/1402.2709v2.pdf] proposed a new scheme to utilize electromagnetic waves for eavesdropping on the Kirchhoff-law-Johnson-noise (KLJN) secure key distribution. We proved in a former paper [Fluct. Noise Lett. 13 (2014) 1450016] that GAA’s mathematical model is unphysical. Here we analyze GAA’s cracking scheme and show that, in the case of a loss-free cable, it provides less eavesdropping information than in the earlier (Bergou)-Scheuer-Yariv mean-square-based attack [Kish LB, Scheuer J, Phys. Lett. A 374:2140-2142 (2010)], while it offers no information in the case of a lossy cable. We also investigate GAA’s claim to be experimentally capable of distinguishing—using statistics over a few correlation times only—the distributions of two Gaussian noises with a relative variance difference of less than 10-8. Normally such distinctions would require hundreds of millions of correlations times to be observable. We identify several potential experimental artifacts as results of poor KLJN design, which can lead to GAA’s assertions: deterministic currents due to spurious harmonic components caused by ground loops, DC offset, aliasing, non-Gaussian features including non-linearities and other non-idealities in generators, and the timederivative nature of GAA’s scheme which tends to enhance all of these artifacts.
Correction of Sample-Time Error for Time-Interleaved Sampling System Using Cubic Spline Interpolation
Authors: Qin Guo-jie , Liu Guo-man , Gao Mei-guo , Fu Xiong-jun , Xu Peng
Published: August 2014

Sample-time errors can greatly degrade the dynamic range of a time-interleaved sampling system. In this paper, a novel correction technique employing a cubic spline interpolation is proposed for inter-channel sample-time error compensation. The cubic spline interpolation compensation filter is developed in the form of a finite-impulse response (FIR) filter structure. The correction method of the interpolation compensation filter coefficients is deduced. A 4GS/s two-channel, time-interleaved ADC prototype system has been implemented to evaluate the performance of the technique. The experimental results showed that the correction technique is effective to attenuate the spurious spurs and improve the dynamic performance of the system.
The Impedance Measurements Problem in Antennas for RFID Technique
Authors: Jankowski-Mihułowicz Piotr , Pitera Grzegorz , Węglarski Mariusz
Published: August 2014

The authors paid particular attention to the problem of antenna impedance measurements in the RFID technique. These measurements have to be realized by using two ports of a vector network analyzer and dedicated passive differential probes. Since the measurement process and estimated parameters depend on the frequency band, operating conditions, type of the system component and antenna designs used, appropriate verification of the impedance parameters on the basis of properly conducted experiments is a crucial stage in the antenna synthesis of transponders and read/write devices. Accordingly, a systematized procedure of impedance measurements is proposed. It can be easily implemented by designers preparing antennas for different kinds of RFID applications. The essence of indirect measurements of the differential impedance parameters is discussed in details. The experimental verification has been made on the basis of a few representative examples.
Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography to assess early activity of cetuximab in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Schmitz Sandra , Rommel Denis , Michoux Nicolas , Lhommel Renaud , Hanin François-Xavier , Duprez Thierry , Machiels Jean-Pascal
Published: August 2014

Background. Cetuximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), has demonstrated activity in various tumor types. Using dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (DCE-CT), we investigated the early activity of cetuximab monotherapy in previously untreated patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

Methods. Treatment-naïve patients with SCCHN received cetuximab for 2 weeks before curative surgery. Treatment activity was evaluated by DCE-CT at baseline and before surgery. Tumor vascular and interstitial characteristics were evaluated using the Brix two-compartment kinetic model. Modifications of the perfusion parameters (blood flow Fp, extravascular space ve, vascular space vp, and transfer constant PS) were assessed between both time points. DCE data were compared to FDG-PET and histopathological examination obtained simultaneously. Plasmatic vascular markers were investigated at different time points.

Results. Fourteen patients had evaluable DCE-CT parameters at both time points. A significant increase in the extravascular extracellular space ve accessible to the tracer was observed but no significant differences were found for the other kinetic parameters (Fp, vp or PS). Significant correlations were found between DCE parameters and the other two modalities. Plasmatic VEGF, PDGF-BB and IL-8 decreased as early as 2 hours after cetuximab infusion.

Conclusions. Early activity of cetuximab on tumor interstitial characteristics was detected by DCE-CT. Modifications of plasmatic vascular markers are not sufficient to confirm anti-angiogenic cetuximab activity in vivo. Further investigation is warranted to determine to what extent DCE-CT parameters are modified and to evaluate whether they are able to predict treatment outcome.
A multi-country outbreak of Salmonella Newport gastroenteritis in Europe associated with watermelon from Brazil, confirmed by whole genome sequencing: October 2011 to January 2012
Authors: Byrne L , Fisher I , Peters T , Mather A , Thomson N , Rosner B , Bernard H , McKeown P , Cormican M , Cowden J , Aiyedun V , Lane C , on behalf of the International Outbreak Control Team collective
Published: August 2014

In November 2011, the presence of Salmonella Newport in a ready-to-eat watermelon slice was confirmed as part of a local food survey in England. In late December 2011, cases of S. Newport were reported in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Ireland and Germany. During the outbreak, 63 confirmed cases of S. Newport were reported across all six countries with isolates indistinguishable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis from the watermelon isolate. A subset of outbreak isolates were whole-genome sequenced and were identical to, or one single nucleotide polymorphism different from the watermelon isolate. In total, 46 confirmed cases were interviewed of which 27 reported watermelon consumption. Further investigations confirmed the outbreak was linked to the consumption of watermelon imported from Brazil. Although numerous Salmonella outbreaks associated with melons have been reported in the United States and elsewhere, this is the first of its kind in Europe. Expansion of the melon import market from Brazil represents a potential threat for future outbreaks. Whole genome sequencing is rapidly becoming more accessible and can provide a compelling level of evidence of linkage between human cases and sources of infection, to support public health interventions in global food markets.
Problem based learning (PBL) - approach to learn medicine: an experience from a medical school of Nepal
Authors: Banerjee Indrajit
Published: August 2014

No Abstract Available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jbs.v1i1.10926Journal of Biomedical Sciences 2014, 1(1): 3-5
An Early Warning System Based on Syndromic Surveillance to Detect Potential Health Emergencies among Migrants: Results of a Two-Year Experience in Italy
Authors: Napoli Christian , Riccardo Flavia , Declich Silvia , Dente Maria , Pompa Maria , Rizzo Caterina , Rota Maria , Bella Antonino , The National Working Group
Published: August 2014

Profound geopolitical changes have impacted the southern and eastern Mediterranean since 2010 and defined a context of instability that is still affecting several countries today. Insecurity combined with the reduction of border controls has led to major population movements in the region and to migration surges from affected countries to southern Europe, especially to Italy. To respond to the humanitarian emergency triggered by this migration surge, Italy implemented a syndromic surveillance system in order to rapidly detect potential public health emergencies in immigrant reception centres. This system was discontinued after two years. This paper presents the results of this experience detailing its strengths and weaknesses in order to document the applicability and usefulness of syndromic surveillance in this specific context.
HIV Risky Sexual Behaviors and HIV Infection Among Immigrants: A Cross-Sectional Study in Lisbon, Portugal
Authors: Dias Sónia , Marques Adilson , Gama Ana , Martins Maria
Published: August 2014

This study aimed to examine risky sexual behavior, its associated factors and HIV infection among immigrants. A participatory cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1187 immigrants at the National Immigrant Support Centre, in Lisbon (52.2% female; 34.0% Africans, 33.8% Brazilians, 32.2% Eastern Europeans). About 38% of participants reported ≥2 sexual partners in the previous year, 16.2% both regular and occasional sexual partners (last 12 months), 33.1% inconsistent condom use with occasional partners, and 64% no condom use in the last sexual intercourse. Unprotected sex in the last sexual intercourse was more likely among women, Africans, those older, with elementary education, those married and those who didn’t receive free condoms in the previous year. No condom use was less likely among those having only occasional sexual partners and both regular and occasional sexual partners. One third of participants had never been tested for HIV. Those never tested reported more frequently inconsistent condom use than those ever tested. Overall, 2.0% reported being HIV positive (2.5% of men; 4.4% of Africans); 4.3% admitted having a STI in previous year. HIV-positive immigrants reported high-risk sexual behaviors. Tailored interventions to promote awareness of HIV serostatus among immigrants as well as culturally adapted risk reduction strategies should be strengthened.
New Milk Protein-Derived Peptides with Potential Antimicrobial Activity: An Approach Based on Bioinformatic Studies
Authors: Dziuba Bartłomiej , Dziuba Marta
Published: August 2014

New peptides with potential antimicrobial activity, encrypted in milk protein sequences, were searched for with the use of bioinformatic tools. The major milk proteins were hydrolyzed in silico by 28 enzymes. The obtained peptides were characterized by the following parameters: molecular weight, isoelectric point, composition and number of amino acid residues, net charge at pH 7.0, aliphatic index, instability index, Boman index, and GRAVY index, and compared with those calculated for known 416 antimicrobial peptides including 59 antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from milk proteins listed in the BIOPEP database. A simple analysis of physico-chemical properties and the values of biological activity indicators were insufficient to select potentially antimicrobial peptides released in silico from milk proteins by proteolytic enzymes. The final selection was made based on the results of multidimensional statistical analysis such as support vector machines (SVM), random forest (RF), artificial neural networks (ANN) and discriminant analysis (DA) available in the Collection of Anti-Microbial Peptides (CAMP database). Eleven new peptides with potential antimicrobial activity were selected from all peptides released during in silico proteolysis of milk proteins.
High Pressure Pneumatic Forming of Ti-3Al-2.5V Titanium Tubes in a Square Cross-Sectional Die
Authors: Liu Gang , Wang Jianlong , Dang Kexin , Tang Zejun
Published: August 2014

A new high strain rate forming process for titanium alloys is presented and named High Pressure Pneumatic Forming (HPPF), which might be applicable to form certain tubular components with irregular cross sections with high efficiency, both with respect to energy cost and time consumption. HPPF experiments were performed on Ti-3Al-2.5V titanium alloy tubes using a square cross-sectional die with a small corner radius. The effects of forming of pressure and temperature on the corner filling were investigated and the thickness distributions after the HPPF processes at various pressure levels are discussed. At the same time, the stress state, strain and strain rate distribution during the HPPF process were numerically analyzed by the finite element method. Microstructure evolution of the formed tubes was also analyzed by using electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD). Because of different stress states, the strain and strain rate are very different at different areas of the tube during the corner filling process, and consequently the microstructure of the formed component is affected to some degree. The results verified that HPPF is a potential technology to form titanium tubular components with complicated geometrical features with high efficiency.
Cucurbitane Glycosides Derived from Mogroside IIE: Structure-Taste Relationships, Antioxidant Activity, and Acute Toxicity
Authors: Wang Lei , Yang Ziming , Lu Fenglai , Liu Jinglei , Song Yunfei , Li Dianpeng
Published: August 2014

Mogroside IIE is a bitter triterpenoid saponin which is the main component of unripe Luo Han Guo fruit and a precursor of the commercially available sweetener mogroside V. In this study, we developed an enzymatic glycosyl transfer method, by which bitter mogroside IIE could be converted into a sweet triterpenoid saponin mixture. The reactant concentration, temperature, pH and buffer system were studied. New saponins with the α-glucose group were isolated from the resulting mixtures, and the structures of three components of the extract were determined. The structure-taste relationships of these derivatives were also studied together with those of the natural mogrosides. The number and stereoconfiguration of glucose groups present in the mogroside molecules were found to be the main factor to determine the sweet or bitter taste of a compound. The antioxidant and food safety properties were initially evaluated by their radical scavenging ability and via 7 day mice survival tests, respectively. The results showed that the sweet triterpenoid saponin mixture has the same favorable physiological and safety characteristics as the natural mogrosides.
The Influence of Pressure on the Intrinsic Dissolution Rate of Amorphous Indomethacin
Authors: Löbmann Korbinian , Flouda Konstantina , Qiu Danwen , Tsolakou Theodosia , Wang Wenbo , Rades Thomas
Published: August 2014

New drug candidates increasingly tend to be poorly water soluble. One approach to increase their solubility is to convert the crystalline form of a drug into the amorphous form. Intrinsic dissolution testing is an efficient standard method to determine the intrinsic dissolution rate (IDR) of a drug and to test the potential dissolution advantage of the amorphous form. However, neither the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) nor the European Pharmacopeia (Ph.Eur) state specific limitations for the compression pressure in order to obtain compacts for the IDR determination. In this study, the influence of different compression pressures on the IDR was determined from powder compacts of amorphous (ball-milling) indomethacin (IND), a glass solution of IND and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and crystalline IND. Solid state properties were analyzed with X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and the final compacts were visually observed to study the effects of compaction pressure on their surface properties. It was found that there is no significant correlation between IDR and compression pressure for crystalline IND and IND–PVP. This was in line with the observation of similar surface properties of the compacts. However, compression pressure had an impact on the IDR of pure amorphous IND compacts. Above a critical compression pressure, amorphous particles sintered to form a single compact with dissolution properties similar to quench-cooled disc and crystalline IND compacts. In such a case, the apparent dissolution advantage of the amorphous form might be underestimated. It is thus suggested that for a reasonable interpretation of the IDR, surface properties of the different analyzed samples should be investigated and for amorphous samples the IDR should be measured also as a function of the compression pressure used to prepare the solid sample for IDR testing.
Synthesis and Structure Characterization of Phenol-Urea-Formaldehyde Resins in the Presence of Magnesium Oxide as Catalyst
Authors: Fan Dong-Bin , Li Gai-Yun , Qin Te-Fu , Chu Fu-Xiang
Published: August 2014

The objective of this research was to provide a useful approach of polymer synthesis for accelerating the fast cure of phenol-urea-formaldehyde (PUF) resin as wood adhesive by optimizing its structure and composition. The PUF resins containing high contents of very reactive groups such as para-methylol groups were synthesized by reacting methylolurea, phenol, and formaldehyde in the presence of magnesium oxide (MgO) as catalyst. The effects of synthesis parameters including F/(P + U), OH/P, and MgO/P mole ratios on the structure, composition, curing characteristics, and their relationships of PUF resins were investigated. The results indicated that MgO seemed to be an efficacious catalyst for PUF resin synthesis and promote its faster cure. The increase in the F/(P + U) mole ratio or/and OH/P mole ratio appeared to be beneficial for the formation of para-methylol groups and cocondensed methylene linkages between phenolic methylol groups and urea units, and for the removal of unreacted urea. In case of Catalyst/P mole ratio, an appropriate dosage of added metal-ion was very important for synthesizing the high-content reactive groups of PUF resins, otherwise leading to the reverse effects.
Classification of Grassland Successional Stages Using Airborne Hyperspectral Imagery
Authors: Möckel Thomas , Dalmayne Jonas , Prentice Honor , Eklundh Lars , Purschke Oliver , Schmidtlein Sebastian , Hall Karin
Published: August 2014

Plant communities differ in their species composition, and, thus, also in their functional trait composition, at different stages in the succession from arable fields to grazed grassland. We examine whether aerial hyperspectral (414–2501 nm) remote sensing can be used to discriminate between grazed vegetation belonging to different grassland successional stages. Vascular plant species were recorded in 104.1 m2 plots on the island of Öland (Sweden) and the functional properties of the plant species recorded in the plots were characterized in terms of the ground-cover of grasses, specific leaf area and Ellenberg indicator values. Plots were assigned to three different grassland age-classes, representing 5–15, 16–50 and >50 years of grazing management. Partial least squares discriminant analysis models were used to compare classifications based on aerial hyperspectral data with the age-class classification. The remote sensing data successfully classified the plots into age-classes: the overall classification accuracy was higher for a model based on a pre-selected set of wavebands (85%, Kappa statistic value = 0.77) than one using the full set of wavebands (77%, Kappa statistic value = 0.65). Our results show that nutrient availability and grass cover differences between grassland age-classes are detectable by spectral imaging. These techniques may potentially be used for mapping the spatial distribution of grassland habitats at different successional stages.
Mandatory Reporting Laws and Identification of Child Abuse and Neglect: Consideration of Differential Maltreatment Types, and a Cross-Jurisdictional Analysis of Child Sexual Abuse Reports
Authors: Mathews Ben
Published: August 2014

Mandatory reporting laws have been created in many jurisdictions as a way of identifying cases of severe child maltreatment on the basis that cases will otherwise remain hidden. These laws usually apply to all four maltreatment types. Other jurisdictions have narrower approaches supplemented by differential response systems, and others still have chosen not to enact mandatory reporting laws for any type of maltreatment. In scholarly research and normative debates about mandatory reporting laws and their effects, the four major forms of child maltreatment—physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect—are often grouped together as if they are homogenous in nature, cause, and consequence. Yet, the heterogeneity of maltreatment types, and different reporting practices regarding them, must be acknowledged and explored when considering what legal and policy frameworks are best suited to identify and respond to cases. A related question which is often conjectured upon but seldom empirically explored, is whether reporting laws make a difference in case identification. This article first considers different types of child abuse and neglect, before exploring the nature and operation of mandatory reporting laws in different contexts. It then posits a differentiation thesis, arguing that different patterns of reporting between both reporter groups and maltreatment types must be acknowledged and analysed, and should inform discussions and assessments of optimal approaches in law, policy and practice. Finally, to contribute to the evidence base required to inform discussion, this article conducts an empirical cross-jurisdictional comparison of the reporting and identification of child sexual abuse in jurisdictions with and without mandatory reporting, and concludes that mandatory reporting laws appear to be associated with better case identification.
The Cellular Bromodomain Protein Brd4 has Multiple Functions in E2-Mediated Papillomavirus Transcription Activation
Authors: Helfer Christine , Yan Junpeng , You Jianxin
Published: August 2014

The cellular bromodomain protein Brd4 functions in multiple processes of the papillomavirus life cycle, including viral replication, genome maintenance, and gene transcription through its interaction with the viral protein, E2. However, the mechanisms by which E2 and Brd4 activate viral transcription are still not completely understood. In this study, we show that recruitment of positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb), a functional interaction partner of Brd4 in transcription activation, is important for E2’s transcription activation activity. Furthermore, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analyses demonstrate that P-TEFb is recruited to the actual papillomavirus episomes. We also show that E2’s interaction with cellular chromatin through Brd4 correlates with its papillomavirus transcription activation function since JQ1(+), a bromodomain inhibitor that efficiently dissociates E2-Brd4 complexes from chromatin, potently reduces papillomavirus transcription. Our study identifies a specific function of Brd4 in papillomavirus gene transcription and highlights the potential use of bromodomain inhibitors as a method to disrupt the human papillomavirus (HPV) life cycle.
Quaternary Geology of the Tuktoyaktuk Coastlands, Northwest Territories
Authors: Rampton V N
Published: August 2014

The Tuktoyaktuk Coastlands consist of a thick wedge of Pleistocene marine and fluvial sediments that contain much ground ice and have been modified by glaciation and thermo karst. East of Nicholson Peninsula the Stanton Sediments, consisting of a basal clay
member, lower complex member, thinly bedded member, and an upper sandy member, represent Middle Pleistocene deposition in marine and alluvial environments. West of Nicholson Peninsula, Kendall sediments and Hooper clay of marine origin underline the Kidluit Formation of alluvial origin. Kidluit
Formation is overlain by the Kittigazuit Formation, a thick fine grained deltaic sand of likely glaciofluvial origin. Northwesterly moving continental (Laurentide) ice defined a glacial limit on Cape Bathurst peninsula around unglaciated terrain to the north during the Mason River Glaciation of
Middle Pleistocene age. Major strandlines marking marine limits were formed in this area during the Horton and Harrowby marine episodes (seas) of Middle Pleistocene age. Also in this region low marine benches, some inset into glaciated terrain, are likely Sangamonian in age as they contain
organicbearing deposits (Ikpisugyuk Formation) indicative of interglacial climate. Northwesterly flowing continental ice again covered most of the area during the Toker Stade of Early Wisconsinan age. Sediments were glacially deformed in peripheral areas; till (Toker Point Member) and outwash (e.g.,
Turnabout Member, Garry Island Member, and Cape Dalhousie Sands) grading to relatively high sea levels were deposited. During the likely equivalent Franklin Bay Stade, westerly moving ice from Amundsen Gulf impinged on the eastern coast of Cape Bathurst peninsula. Ground ice, common to most of the
area, was formed during deglaciation. During the Sitidgi Stade of Late Wisconsinan age, Laurentide ice persisted in the southern Mackenzie Delta and Sitidgi Lake areas and deposited till (Sitidgi Member). Sediments of a large proglacial valley train (Portage Point Sands) and a large proglacial lake
(Eskimo Lakes Member) formed in the unglaciated Eskimo Lakes area during this stade. Extensive thermokarst activity during the Holocene produced thermokarst deposits (Parsons Lake Formation) and resulted in the formation of the ice-cored topography. During Late Wisconsinan and Holocene, valleys that
had been eroded during the Wisconsinan were drowned and filled with thick fine grained alluvium. The Mackenzie Delta, consisting mainly of fine sand and silt (Aklavik Formation) and characterized by many thermokarst lakes, was formed. Rapid retreat of exposed coastlines has occurred. Periglacial
processes and minor eolian activity and peat accumulate on continued throughout the Holocene. Ground ice and subsidence resulting from its thaw represent major hazards to development as does flooding of low-lying areas. Sand fill is a common resource, but coarser aggregate is only locally
available.
Role of tongue flap in palatal fistula repair: A series of 41 cases
Authors: Mahajan Ravi Kumar , Chhajlani Rahul , Ghildiyal Harish C.
Published: August 2014

Introduction: Despite the improved techniques of repair of cleft palate, fistula occurrence is still a possibility either due to an error in the surgical technique or due to the poor tissue quality of the patient. Though commonly the fistula closure is established by use of local flaps but at times the site and the size of the fistula make use of local flaps for its repair a remote possibility. The use of tongue flaps because of the central position in the floor of the mouth, mobility and the diversity of positioning the flaps make it a method of choice for closure of anterior palatal fistulae than any other tissues. The aim of this study was to analyse the utility of tongue flap in anterior palatal fistula repair. Materials and Methods: We had 41 patients admitted to our hospital during the period 2006-2012 for repair of palatal fistula and were enrolled into the study. In the entire 41 cases, fistula was placed anteriorly. The size of the fistulae varied from 2 cm × 1.5 cm to 5.5 cm × 3 cm. The flaps were divided after 3-week and final inset of the flap was done. Observation and Result: None of the patients developed flap necrosis, in one case there was the dehiscence of the flap, which was reinset and in one patient there was bleeding. None of our patients developed functional deformity of the tongue. Speech was improved in 75% cases. Conclusion: Leaving apart its only drawback of two-staged procedure and transient patient discomfort, tongue flap remains the flap of choice for managing very difficult and challenging anterior palatal fistulae.