bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Swing-up of a cart—pendulum system with friction by energy control
Authors: Ishitobi M , Ohta Y , Nishioka Y , Kinoshita H
Published: March 2014

This note considers the swinging up of a cart-pendulum system with viscous friction by energy control. An experimental result indicates that a complete swinging up of the pendulum cannot be achieved by the control strategy of Lozano et al. when the effects of the friction are not negligible. It is shown that the performance is improved when a slight modification is introduced to the control algorithm by cancellation of the friction term in the closed-loop equation of the pendulum. The effectiveness of the proposed controller is demonstrated experimentally.
Analysis and synthesis of reliable flight control systems via parameter-dependent Lyapunov functions
Authors: Liao F , Wang J L
Published: March 2014

A reliable tracking control scheme is developed to tolerate faults which result in changes in system dynamics, such as wing/control surface impairment faults and actuator-stuck faults of aircraft. New analysis and synthesis methods are developed to reduce conservativeness of existing methods by introducing parameter-dependent Lyapunov functions and slack variables. The design method based on multi-model and multi-objective optimization guarantees closed-loop system stability and optimized tracking performance of the system in normal operation, while maintaining a certain level of tracking performance when faults occur. A case study of actuator-stuck faults for a fighter aircraft verifies the effectiveness of the method.
Impact of endobronchial allergen provocation on macrophage phenotype in asthmatics
Authors: Winkler Carla , Witte Lena , Moraw Natali , Faulenbach Conny , Müller Meike , Holz Olaf , Schaumann Frank , Hohlfeld Jens M
Published: March 2014

Background

The role of M2 polarized macrophages (MΦ) during the allergic airway inflammation has been discussed in various animal models. However, their presence and relevance during the chronic and acute phase of allergic airway inflammation in humans has not been fully elucidated so far. In the present study we phenotypically characterized macrophages with regard to M2 polarization in mice, a humanin vitroand a humanex vivomodel with primary lung cells after endobronchial provocation.

Results

Macrophages remained polarized beyond clearance of the acute allergic airway inflammation in mice. Alveolar macrophages of asthmatics revealed increased mRNA expression of CCL13, CCL17 and CLEC10A in response to allergen challenge as well as increased surface expression of CD86. Further, mRNA expression of CCL13, CCL17, and CLEC10A was increased in asthmatics at baseline compared to healthy subjects. The mRNA expression of CCL17 and CLEC10A correlated significantly with the degree of eosinophilia (each P < .01). Furthermore, macrophages from asthmatics released significant amounts of CCL17 proteinin vitrowhich was also found increased in BAL fluid after allergen provocation.

Conclusions

This study supports previous findings of M2 macrophage polarization in asthmatic subjects during the acute course of the allergic inflammation and provides evidence for their contribution to the Th2 inflammation.
Long-term exposure to muscarinic agonists decreases expression of contractile proteins and responsiveness of rabbit tracheal smooth muscle cells
Authors: Stamatiou Rodopi , Paraskeva Efrosini , Vasilaki Anna , Mylonis Ilias , Molyvdas Paschalis Adam , Gourgoulianis Konstantinos , Hatziefthimiou Apostolia
Published: March 2014

Background

Chronic airway diseases, like asthma or COPD, are characterized by excessive acetylcholine release and airway remodeling. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effect of muscarinic agonists on the phenotype and proliferation of rabbit tracheal airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs).

Methods

ASMCs were serum starved before treatment with muscarinic agonists. Cell phenotype was studied by optical microscopy and indirect immunofluorescence, using smooth muscle α-actin, desmin and SM-Myosin Heavy Chain (SM-MHC) antibodies. [N-methyl-3H]scopolamine binding studies were performed in order to assess M3 muscarinic receptor expression on isolated cell membranes. Contractility studies were performed on isolated ASMCs treated with muscarinic agonists. Proliferation was estimated using methyl-[3H]thymidine incorporation, MTT or cell counting methods. Involvement of PI3K and MAPK signalling pathways was studied by cell incubation with the pathway inhibitors LY294002 and PD98059 respectively.

Results

Prolonged culture of ASMCs with acetylcholine, carbachol or FBS, reduced the expression of α-actin, desmin and SM-MHC compared to cells cultured in serum free medium. Treatment of ASMCs with muscarinic agonists for 3-15 days decreased muscarinic receptor expression and their responsiveness to muscarinic stimulation. Acetylcholine and carbachol induced DNA synthesis and increased cell number, of ASMCs that had acquired a contractile phenotype by 7 day serum starvation. This effect was mediated via a PI3K and MAPK dependent mechanism.

Conclusions

Prolonged exposure of rabbit ASMCs to muscarinic agonists decreases the expression of smooth muscle specific marker proteins, down-regulates muscarinic receptors and decreases ASMC contractile responsiveness. Muscarinic agonists are mitogenic, via the PI3K and MAPK signalling pathways.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 Deficiency Ameliorates Insulin Resistance and Hyperlipidemia But Not Bone Loss in Obese Female Mice
Authors: Tamura Yukinori , Kawao Naoyuki , Yano Masato , Okada Kiyotaka , Matsuo Osamu , Kaji Hiroshi
Published: March 2014

We previously demonstrated that plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), an inhibitor of fibrinolysis, is involved in type 1 diabetic bone loss in female mice. PAI-1 is well known as an adipogenic factor induced by obesity. We therefore examined the effects of PAI-1 deficiency on bone and glucose and lipid metabolism in high-fat and high-sucrose diet (HF/HSD)-induced obese female mice. Female wild-type (WT) and PAI-1–deficient mice were fed with HF/HSD or normal diet for 20 weeks from 10 weeks of age. HF/HSD increased the levels of plasma PAI-1 in WT mice. PAI-1 deficiency suppressed the levels of blood glucose, plasma insulin, and total cholesterol elevated by obesity. Moreover, PAI-1 deficiency improved glucose intolerance and insulin resistance induced by obesity. Bone mineral density (BMD) at trabecular bone as well as the levels of osterix, alkaline phosphatase, and receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand mRNA in tibia were decreased by HF/HSD in WT mice, and those changes by HF/HSD were not affected by PAI-1 deficiency. HF/HSD increased the levels of plasma TNF-α in both WT and PAI-1–deficient mice, and the levels of plasma TNF-α were negatively correlated with trabecular BMD in tibia of female mice. In conclusion, we revealed that PAI-1 deficiency does not affect the trabecular bone loss induced by obesity despite the amelioration of insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia in female mice. Our data suggest that the changes of BMD and bone metabolism by obesity might be independent of PAI-1 as well as glucose and lipid metabolism.
Gender-Specific Roles for the Melanocortin-3 Receptor in the Regulation of the Mesolimbic Dopamine System in Mice
Authors: Lippert Rachel N. , Ellacott Kate L.J. , Cone Roger D.
Published: March 2014

The melanocortin-3 receptor (MC3R) and MC4R are known to play critical roles in energy homeostasis. However, the physiological functions of the MC3R remain poorly understood. Earlier reports indicated that the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is one of the highest sites of MC3R expression, and we sought to determine the function of the receptor in this brain region. A MC3R-green-fluorescent protein transgenic mouse and a MC3R knockout mouse strain were used to characterize the neurochemical identity of the MC3R neurons in the VTA and to determine the effects of global MC3R deletion on VTA dopamine (DA) homeostasis. We demonstrate that the MC3R, but not MC4R, is expressed in up to a third of dopaminergic neurons of the VTA. Global deletion of the MC3R increases total dopamine by 42% in the VTA and decreases sucrose intake and preference in female but not male mice. Ovariectomy restores dopamine levels to normal, but aberrant decreased VTA dopamine levels are also observed in prepubertal female mice. Because arcuate Agouti-related peptide/neuropeptide Y neurons are known to innervate and regulate VTA signaling, the MC3R in dopaminergic neurons provides a specific input for communication of nutritional state within the mesolimbic dopamine system. Data provided here suggest that this input may be highly sexually dimorphic, functioning as a specific circuit regulating effects of estrogen on VTA dopamine levels and on sucrose preference. Overall, this data support a sexually dimorphic function of MC3R in regulation of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system and reward.
Are Young Adult Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Slipping Through the Healthcare Cracks?
Authors: Dokras Anuja , Witchel Selma Feldman
Published: March 2014

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder often diagnosed in adolescence or early adulthood. In adolescence, the many similarities between normal features of puberty and symptoms of PCOS make it challenging to confirm the diagnosis. Even among adult women, the changing definitions of PCOS may lead to inaccurate diagnoses. Women may present with a variety of symptoms to different healthcare providers and may be treated only for the presenting symptoms without evaluation of the syndrome and its associated morbidities. Timely evaluations, accurate diagnosis, appropriate interventions, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams can be valuable because women with PCOS have an increased risk for obesity, impaired glucose tolerance, diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, infertility, endometrial cancer, and anxiety and mood disorders. Appropriate transition of care for the adolescent from pediatric to adult healthcare providers should include education of the patient and her parents regarding the chronic nature of the syndrome and the need for continued follow-up. Girls with symptoms suggestive of PCOS who fail to fulfill diagnostic criteria should undergo prolonged observation. Early identification of PCOS at different entry points in the healthcare system will require physician education and improved access.
Runx1-Mediated Regulation of Osteoclast Differentiation and Function
Authors: Soung Do Y. , Kalinowski Judith , Baniwal Sanjeev K. , Jacome-Galarza Christian E. , Frenkel Baruch , Lorenzo Joseph , Drissi Hicham
Published: March 2014

Excessive bone resorption is the cause of several metabolic bone diseases including osteoporosis. Thus, identifying factors that can inhibit osteoclast formation and/or activity may define new drug targets that can be used to develop novel therapies for these conditions. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the master regulator of hematopoiesis, Runx1, is expressed in preosteoclasts and may influence skeletal health. To examine the potential role of Runx1 in osteoclast formation and function, we deleted its expression in myeloid osteoclast precursors by crossing Runx1 floxed mice (Runx1F/F) with CD11b-Cre transgenic mice. Mice lacking Runx1 in preosteoclasts (CD11b-Cre;Runx1F/F) exhibited significant loss of femoral trabecular and cortical bone mass compared with that in Cre-negative mice. In addition, serum levels of collagen type 1 cross-linked C-telopeptide, a biomarker of osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, were significantly elevated in CD11b-Cre;Runx1F/F mice compared with those in Runx1F/F mice. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase–positive osteoclasts that differentiated from bone marrow cells of CD11b-Cre;Runx1F/F mice in vitro were larger, were found in greater numbers, and had increased bone resorbing activity than similarly cultured cells from Runx1F/F mice. CD11b-Cre;Runx1F/F bone marrow cells that were differentiated into osteoclasts in vitro also had elevated mRNA levels of osteoclast-related genes including vacuolar ATPase D2, cathepsin K, matrix metalloproteinase 9, calcitonin receptor, osteoclast-associated receptor, nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1, and cFos. These data indicate that Runx1 expression in preosteoclasts negatively regulates osteoclast formation and activity and contributes to overall bone mass.
Remediation as Pharmikon
Authors: Medovoi Leerom
Published: March 2014

As an environmental term, “remediation” converges with “sustainability,” “resilience,” and “greening” to evoke an ethically positive resolution to ecological crisis and suggest the restoration of some nearly lost vitality through the neutralization of its afflictions. Although this primary sense of “remediation” might seem unrelated to Jay Bolter and Richard Grusin's use of that word to describe certain paradigmatic representational strategies of new media, where the environment is concerned, these two etymologies ultimately converge: to remediate is to re-present the environment that once existed prior to the affliction so as to make that affliction appear curable. In the process, remediation completes a circuit of “afflicting” power. To the extent that the medical conception underlying “environmental remediation” approximates the Greek ϕἀρμακον, or Pharmikon, Derrida's underlying point in “Plato's Pharmacy” also applies: environmental remediation is itself a dissimulating text whose remedial promise both conceals and depends upon its constitutive other, its equal potency as an environmental poison.

I investigate these issues by first suggesting that the promise of remediation for environmental sites that receive extensive media coverage (the Gulf, for example) may help ensure the absence of remediation in environments largely invisible to the global “media” (the Niger Delta). I also suggest that a fully self-aware pharm-eco-criticism would take special pains to consider when and how the valorization of nature might have differential yet tightly related geopolitical effects, under certain circumstances even serving as a screen for postcolonial violence and corporate-driven damage. The essay concludes with an analysis of Halon Habil's Oil on Water in order to argue that, if there is to be a mode of ecocriticism whose critical sophistication might lead to a vision of meaningful remediation, it will need to maintain a vigilant wariness about elixirs whose promise to protect us from a brush with death actively serves to distract us from some fresh round of postcolonial toxicity.
On Our Marx: Exploitation, Crisis, and Capitalism in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Merrill Michael
Published: March 2014

In an extended review essay, labor studies scholar Michael Merrill evaluates three recent major works on Marx and Marxism. While crediting all three authors — Eric Hobsbawm, Michael Heinrich, and Fredric Jameson — with significant insights, he takes the latter two to task for uncritically accepting Marx's argument about the inevitability of labor's exploitation in market societies and, drawing upon a wide-ranging literature, offers an alternative perspective.
Photochemical Generation of Superbases from Carboxylates Consisting of Phthalimidoacetic Acid Derivatives and Superbases
Authors: Arimitsu Koji , Fukuda Ken , Sakai Nobuhiko
Published: March 2014

We have developed simple and powerful photobase generators capable of highly efficient production of superbases. These photobase generators were prepared by simply mixing phthalimidoacetic acid derivatives with the corresponding superbases. The use of photobase generators enabled anionic UV curing at lower temperatures, in contrast to previous anionic UV curing materials that required heat treatment above 150 °C after UV irradiation. The cured films showed no volume shrinkage.
Wallflowers: Experimental Evidence of an Aversion to Standing Out
Authors: Jones Daniel , Linardi Sera
Published: March 2014

An extensive literature on reputation signaling in prosocial settings has focused on an intrinsic desire for positive reputation. In this paper, we provide experimental evidence that some individuals are averse to both positive and negative reputation and will therefore respond to visibility by signaling that they are an “average altruism type” relative to their audience. We formalize our hypotheses about “wallflower” behavior in a theoretical model. Our experimental results show that instead of uniformly increasing contributions, visibility draws contributions toward the middle of others' contributions. As a result, visibility is associated with higher levels of giving only in scenarios where others are giving a large amount. We also observe heterogeneity in reputation concerns: wallflower behavior is particularly strong for women and can be observed in several different settings.

Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2013.1837 .

This paper was accepted by Uri Gneezy, behavioral economics.
Timing Ability of Government Bond Fund Managers: Evidence from Portfolio Holdings
Authors: Huang Jing-Zhi , Wang Ying
Published: March 2014

This study examines the ability of government bond fund managers to time the bond market, based on their monthly or quarterly holdings of Treasury securities during the 1997–2006 period. We find that, on average, government bond funds exhibit significantly positive timing ability at the one-month horizon under an unconditional holdings-based timing measure. However, our results indicate that managers' actions based on public information can explain the documented positive timing ability—namely, the average government bond fund has neutral or even slightly negative conditional market timing ability once public information is controlled for. Nonetheless, we find evidence that fund managers specializing in Treasury securities can better interpret public information than general government bond fund managers do.

This paper was accepted by Wei Xiong, finance.
Polypore communities in broadleaved boreal forests
Authors: Markkanen Anni , Halme Panu
Published: March 2014

The cover and extent of boreal broadleaved forests have been decreasing due to modern forest management practices and fire suppression. As decomposers of woody material, polypores are ecologically important ecosystem engineers. The ecology and conservation biology of polypores have been studied intensively in boreal coniferous forests. However, only a few studies have focused on the species living on broadleaved trees. To increase knowledge on this species group we conducted polypore surveys in 27 broadleaved forests and 303 forest compartments (539 ha) on the southern boreal zone in Finland and measured dead wood and forest characteristics. We detected altogether 98 polypore species, of which 13 are red-listed in Finland. 60% of the recorded species are primarily associated with broadleaved trees. The number of species in a local community present in a broadleaved forest covered approximately 50 species, of which 30â40 were primarily associated with broadleaved trees. The size of the inventoried area explained 67% of the variation in the species richness, but unlike in previous studies conducted in coniferous forests, dead wood variables as well as forest structure had very limited power in explaining polypore species richness on forest stand level. The compartments occupied by red listed Protomerulius caryae had an especially high volume of living birch, but otherwise the occurrences of red-listed species could not be predicted based on the forest structure.
Detection of electric resistivity tomography and evaluation of the sapwood-heartwood demarcation in three Asia Gymnosperm species
Authors: Lin Chen-Jung , Chung Chih-Hsin , Yang Te-Hsin , Lin Far-Ching
Published: March 2014

The proportions of sapwood and heartwood of trees have significant impacts on various uses. Electric resistivity tomography (ERT) and corresponding electrical resistance (ER) value maps were examined in Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don), Taiwania (Taiwania cryptomerioides Hayata), and Luanta fir (Cunninghamia konishii Hayata) trees. The position of the sapwood-heartwood demarcation was measured on incremental cores from living trees and the corresponding ER of the sapwood-heartwood boundary was acquired from the ER map. A positive significant relationship was found between the maximum ER plus minimum ER values (ERmax + ERmin) and ER of the sapwood-heartwood demarcation from the tomographic data. The position of the sapwood-heartwood demarcation was determined by corresponding ER, and the critical ER can be established by the ERmax + ERmin value of the tomographic data. The results from this study indicate that ERT technique can be used to determine the position of the sapwood-heartwood boundary and can serve as a methodology in undamaged living trees of Gymnosperm species.
Mobile Texts and Local Options: Geography and Editing
Authors: Storey H. Wayne
Published: March 2014

The seeming opposition between local and mobile texts has guided, in sometimes inadvertent ways, our methods for editing works often defined by the notion of fixity — of lectiones and/or material structures — or its absence. This essay investigates two examples of the interplay between remarkably fixed local options and the mobility of textual transmission: Raimbaut de Vaqueiras’s parodic, bilingual debate poem Domna, tant vos ai preiada and Francesco Petrarca’s ballata Donna mi vene spesso ne la mente and his madrigal Or vedi, Amor, che giovenetta donna, both of which are emblematic of compositional and compilational strategies in the Rerum vulgarium fragmenta.
Bibliocircuitry and the Design of the Alien Everyday
Authors: Hancock Charity , Hichar Clifford , Holl-Jensen Carlea , Kraus Kari , Mozafari Cameron , Skutlin Kathryn
Published: March 2014

This essay describes, models, and advocates for the role of reflective design in bibliography and textual studies. Popularized by Donald Norman, reflective design promotes critical inquiry over usability and exploratory prototyping over fully realized productions. We highlight four projects undertaken by the authors that embody reflective design, including three that explore the crossed codes of print and electronic books. A larger aim of the essay is to position bibliotextual scholarship and pedagogy as design-oriented practices that can be used to imagine the future as well as reconstruct the past.
Raloxifene pharmacodynamics is influenced by genetic variants in the RANKL/RANK/OPG system and in the Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Mencej-Bedrač Simona , Zupan Janja , Mlakar Simona Jurković , Zavratnik Andrej , Preželj Janez , Marc Janja
Published: March 2014

Background: Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator (SERM) used for the treatment of osteoporosis. However, its efficacy and also its safety vary greatly among treated patients, and it might be influenced by the individuals’ genetic background. As the receptor activator of the nuclear factor κB (RANK) ligand (RANKL)/RANK/osteoprotegerin (OPG) system is essential for osteoclastogensis and Wnt signaling pathway for osteoblastogenesis, we decided to evaluate the raloxifene treatment in regard to selected polymorphisms in key genes of these two main bone regulatory pathways.

Methods: Fifty-six osteoporotic postmenopausal women treated with raloxifene were genotyped for 11 polymorphisms located in six genes: -290C>T, -643C>T, and -693G>C in tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 11 (TNFSF11), +34694C>T, +34901G>A, and +35966insdelC in tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 11A (TNFRSF11A), K3N and 245T>G in tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 11B (TNFRSF11B), A1330V in LRP5, I1062V in LRP6, and -1397_-1396insGGA in SOST. For evaluation of treatment efficacy, bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical markers of bone turnover were measured.

Results: One-year change in total hip BMD was associated with +34901G>A in TNFRSF11A (p=0.040), whereas, for lumbar spine BMD, the association was shown for -1397_-1396insGGA in SOST (p=0.015). C-terminal crosslinking telopeptides of type I collagen (CTX) concentrations showed significant association with -643C>T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in TNFSF11 (p=0.049) and +34694C>T in TNFRSF11A (p=0.022). No other association was found between 1-year change in BMDs or biochemical markers and the studied SNPs.

Conclusions: We have shown that, in postmenopausal osteoporotic women treated with raloxifene, the efficacy of raloxifene treatment might be influenced by +34901G>A in TNFRSF11A gene and -1397_-1396insGGA in the SOST gene as well as -643C>T in TNFSF11 gene and +34694C>T in TNFRSF11A gene. However, these findings need additional functional and clinical confirmation for potential pharmacogenetic use in the future.
Evaluating Preceptor Perception of Support Using Educational Podcasts
Authors: Blum Cynthia A.
Published: March 2014

After their initial training, preceptors report a lack of ongoing support specifically in dealing with preceptor-identified areas of unsafe practice: the inability to demonstrate knowledge and skills, attitude problems, unprofessional behavior, and poor communication skills. The purpose of this staff development study was to test the use of educational technology in the form of podcasts, demonstrating how a preceptor could constructively approach difficult situations using caring behaviors to engage novice nurses and to examine the relationship between preceptor support and role commitment. A correlational research design was used to examine the effects of the podcasts, continuously available through common web sites. Findings include a significant increase in the preceptor’s perception of support especially among participants who had less training or experience with precepting. A strong correlation between the preceptor’s perception of support and commitment to their role was also demonstrated. Preceptors suggest development of additional podcasts for ongoing educational support.
Community context mediates the top‐down vs. bottom‐up effects of grazers on rocky shores
Authors: Bracken Matthew E. S. , Dolecal Renee E. , Long Jeremy D.
Published: March 2014

Interactions between grazers and autotrophs are complex, including both top‐down consumptive and bottom‐up facilitative effects of grazers. Thus, in addition to consuming autotrophs, herbivores can also enhance autotroph biomass by recycling limiting nutrients, thereby increasing nutrient availability. Here, we evaluated these consumptive and facilitative interactions between snails (Littorina littorea) and seaweeds (Fucus vesiculosus and Ulva lactuca) on a rocky shore. We partitioned herbivores' total effects on seaweeds into their consumptive and facilitative effects and evaluated how community context (the presence of another seaweed species) modified the effects of Littorina on a focal seaweed species. Ulva, the more palatable species, enhanced the facilitative effects of Littorina on Fucus. Ulva did not modify the consumptive effect of Littorina on Fucus. Taken together, the consumptive and facilitative effects of snails on Fucus in the presence of Ulva balanced each other, resulting in no net effect of Littorina on Fucus. In contrast, the only effect of Fucus on Ulva was to enhance consumptive effects of Littorina on Ulva. Our results highlight the necessity of considering both consumptive and facilitative effects of herbivores on multiple autotroph species in order to gain a mechanistic understanding of grazers' top‐down and bottom‐up roles in structuring communities.
Investigation on Opening Sizes and Influencing Factors of the Connection with Opening on Beam Web of Steel Frames
Authors: Bin Li
Published: March 2014

The connection with opening on beam web is analyzed by Finite Element Program ABAQOUS. The optimal
opening sizes and location are determined under the static loads. The factors to influence the formation of plastic hinge in
beams and columns withstand static load are considered. Conclusions are drawn that the formation position is not only related
with the web height h, but also with flange width b. The result provides us with a theoretical basis for specific engineering
practice.
The Power of Giving Feedback: Outcomes from Implementing an Online Peer Assessment System
Authors: Phillips Fred
Published: March 2014

This paper describes an online system that facilitates peer assessment of students' course work and then uses data from individual case writing assignments in introductory financial accounting to empirically examine associations between peer assessment and case writing performance. Through this description and empirical analysis, the paper addresses the following questions: (1) Why use peer assessment? (2) How does online peer assessment work? (3) Is student peer assessment reliable? (4) What do students think of peer assessment? (5) Does student peer assessment contribute to academic performance? Three key findings from this study are that students at the sophomore level were able to generate reasonably reliable feedback for peers, they valued the experiences involved in providing peer feedback, and giving quality feedback had a more significant and enduring impact on students' accounting case analyses than did receiving quality feedback, after controlling for differences in accounting knowledge and case writing skills.
Clinical and Statistical Study on Canine Impaction
Authors: Adina-Simona Coșarcă , Mariana Păcurar , Monica-Cristina Nagy-Bota , Alina Ormenișan
Published: March 2014

Aim: The aim of this study was to perform a clinical and statistical research on permanent impacted canine patients among those with dental impaction referred to and treated at the Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery Clinic of Tîrgu Mureș, over a four years period (2009-2012). Materials and methods: The study included 858 patients having dental impaction, and upon clinical records, different parameters, like frequency, gender, age, quadrant involvement, patient residence, associated complications, referring specialist and type of treatment, related to canine impaction, were assessed. Results: The study revealed: about 10% frequency of canine impaction among dental impactions; more frequent in women, in the first quadrant (tooth 13); most cases diagnosed between the age of 10-19 years; patients under 20 were referred by an orthodontist, those over 20 by a dentist; surgical exposure was more often performed than odontectomy. Conclusions: Canine impaction is the second-most frequent dental impaction in dental arch after third molars; it occurs especially in women. Due to its important role, canine recovery within dental arch is a goal to be achieved, whenever possible. Therefore, diagnose and treatment of canine impaction requires an interdisciplinary approach (surgical and orthodontic)
Rectal Cancer - Sphincter Saving Techniques
Authors: C Russu , C Molnar , C Pantiru , C Sărăcuț , M Gherghinescu , S Voidăzan , C Copotoiu
Published: March 2014

Background: Rectal cancer management has as its main component the surgical treatment. The purpose of the paper is to point out the advantages and disadvantages of sphincter saving techniques, respecting the oncological principles. Material and method: A cross-sectional, retrospective study was performed on a group of 69 patients admitted and surgically treated for rectal cancers in the Surgical Clinic I of the County Emergency Clinical Hospital of Tîrgu Mureș, for a period of one year (April 2012 - April 2013) and to whom rectal resections were performed. We followed the immediate postoperative evolutions in these patients, making a comparative analysis between those with the sphincter saving surgery and those in which other operations were performed. Results: From the total of 69 patients diagnosed with rectal cancer, sphincter saving procedures with restoration of digestive continuity by coloanal anastomosis were performed in 12 patients (17.39%) using the peranal or transanal approach; in 42 patients (60.86%) anterior rectosigmoidian resections with low and very low colorectal anastomosis („very low” Dixon procedure) were performed. In 15 cases (21.74%) the Miles type of rectal resections, using the abdomino-perineal way, were performed. Out of the 12 cases with peranal or transanal anastomosis, 4 cases had postoperative complications. Conclusions: Rectal resection procedures, which are restoring the digestive tract continuity using low anastomosis (colorectal, coloanal, peranal or transanal), are representing viable and „physiological” alternatives, if they respect the oncologic principles. In well selected cases, the immediate postoperative evolution is favorable, relieving the patient from the psychological and physical trauma due to the presence of a colostomy
Some aspects of topology and kinematics of a 3DOF translational parallel mechanism
Authors: Bałchanowski J.
Published: March 2014

The paper presents elements of the topology, geometry and the kinematic analysis of a translational parallel mechanism with three degrees of freedom. In such mechanisms the selection of a proper structure and geometry ensures that the driven link maintains a fixed orientation relative to the base. The method of determination of the configuration of mechanisms using contour vector notation was elaborated in the paper. The equations for the analysis of the direct and inverse kinematics task are determined. An analytical procedure for determining the system’s singular positions is presented and illustrated with examples
Natural convection and radiation in a radial porous fin with variable thermal conductivity
Authors: Darvishi M.T. , Kani F. , Gorla R.S.R.
Published: March 2014

In this study, the effects of radiation and convection heat transfer in a radial porous fin are considered. The geometry considered is that of a rectangular profile fin. The porous fin allows the flow to infiltrate through it and solid-fluid interaction takes place. This study is performed using Darcy’s model to formulate the heat transfer equation. The thermal conductivity is assumed to be a function of temperature. The effects of the natural convection parameter Nc , radiation parameter Nr and thermal conductivity parameter m on the dimensionless temperature distribution and heat transfer rate are discussed. The results suggest that the radiation transfers more heat than a similar model without radiation
Influence of soret effect on mhd mixed convection flow of visco-elastic fluid past a vertical surface with hall effect
Authors: Jha A.K. , Choudhary K. , Sharma A.
Published: March 2014

The present paper deals with the unsteady motion of an MHD free convection flow of an incompressible non- Newtonian viscoelastic fluid past an infinite vertical plate in the presence of a heat source and Soret effect. A parametric study illustrating the influence of various parameters on the temperature, velocity as well as on the skin-friction and rate of heat transfer is conducted. The results of the effect of the magnetic field, the parameter describing the non-Newtonian behavior, and the velocity of suction and injection on both the velocity and temperature distributions are examined and shown graphically
Numerical study on flow past an oscillating plate with variable temperature and uniform mass diffusion under chemical reaction
Authors: Vijayalakshmi A.R. , Selvajayanthi M.
Published: March 2014

An numerical study on an unsteady flow past an oscillating semi-infinite vertical plate with variable temperature and uniform mass diffusion under the influence of a first order chemical reaction has been carried out. The dimensionless governing equations are solved by an unconditionally stable and fast converging implicit finite difference scheme. The effects of velocity and temperature for different physical parameters such as the chemical reaction parameter, thermal Grashof number, mass Grashof number and time are analysed. It is observed that due to the presence of first order chemical reaction, the velocity increases during a generative reaction and decreases in a destructive reaction
Study of the effect of composite constrained layers in vibration damping of plates
Authors: Sasikumar K.S.K. , Selvakumar S. , Arulshri K.P.
Published: March 2014

To add damping to the system, viscoelastic materials (VEM) are added to structures, in order to enhance damping effects of the VEM, a constraining layer is attached. Due to the addition of the material on the system the fundamental characteristics of the systems are altered much. This paper analyzes the damping effect of the constraining layer on plate type structures numerically using the FEM software ANSYS. Experiments are conducted to validate the analytical results. The use of weightless composite materials as constraining layers has been analyzed. Results are compared with the conventional constraining layer materials. The results showed that composite materials give a better damping effect without much altering the fundamental characteristics
Coefficient, distortion and growth inequalities for certain p-valent close-to-convex functions
Authors: Bapana I.B. , Handwana Sneha
Published: March 2014

In the present paper, we introduce and investigate a new subclass χtp(γ) of analytic and p-valent close-to-convex functions in the open unit disk U. For functions belonging to the class χtp(γ), some interesting properties including the coefficient estimates, distortion theorems and subordination results are obtained
Can we combine structural functionality and landscape services assessments in order to estimate the impact of landscape structure on landscape services?
Authors: Skokanová Hana
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates two methods of assessing structural functionality and landscape services, and the potential of their joint application in order to estimate the impact of landscape structure in terms of structural functionality on landscape capacity to provide various services. The methods were tested in three different landscape types of the Czech Republic. The results showed that linking these two methods might help in estimating the impact of landscape structure on some landscape services in landscape types with a prevalent valuable matrix, but are dependent on landscape metrics defining individual functionality groups
Co-Occurrence of Substance use Disorders with other Psychiatric Disorders: Implications for Treatment Services
Authors: Morisano Dominique , Babor Thomas F. , Robaina Katherine A.
Published: March 2014

Introduction

This paper critically evaluates the literature on the co-occurrence of substance-use disorders (SUDs) with other psychiatric conditions. Our review considers the variety of different associations between the two, and suggests the implications of the literature for the design of treatment services that address both types of disorders. Methods: A narrative review of research and theory was conducted, covering epidemiology of co-occurring psychiatric disorders worldwide, mechanisms underlying co-occurrence, and treatment models. Results: Epidemiological research has documented a high prevalence of co-occurring disorders in both clinical samples and the general population, although the literature is based primarily on studies in high-income countries and some of the overlap might be due to the co-occurrence of milder forms of both types of disorders. Consistent with what has been reported in other reviews, we conclude that clients with co-occurring disorders tend to have a more severe course of illness, more severe health and social consequences, more difficulties in treatment, and worse treatment outcomes than clients with a single disorder; we address the implications of these findings for the design of treatment services. Conclusions: Much of the evidence shows that separately, treatments for both SUD and other psychiatric disorders are effective in reducing substance use and in improving behavioral, familial, and psychosocial outcomes. The evidence further suggests that these outcomes might be improved when treatment modalities are offered in combination within an integrated treatment plan that simultaneously addresses substance abuse and psychiatric problems. It is concluded that there is potentially more to be gained from taking a public health perspective and working on efforts to implement existing evidence-based practices at the systems level, than from the current tendency to look for ever more powerful individual-level interventions at the clinical level.
The closures of arithmetic progressions in the common division topology on the set of positive integers
Authors: Szczuka Paulina
Published: March 2014

In this paper we characterize the closures of arithmetic progressions in the topology T on the set of positive integers with the base consisting of arithmetic progressions {an + b} such that if the prime number p is a factor of a, then it is also a factor of b. The topology T is called the common division topology.
Sol-gel synthesis, characterisation, and photocatalytic activity of porous spinel Co3O4 nanosheets
Authors: Pudukudy Manoj , Yaakob Zahira
Published: March 2014

Mesoporous spinel Co3O4 nanosheets were synthesised via a simple sol-gel route using the Pluronic P123 triblock copolymer as the stabilising agent. Their structural, morphological, and textural properties were characterised. FTIR spectrum revealed the formation of cobalt oxide without any surface adsorbed impurities. Face centered cubic phase of spinel Co3O4 with the mean crystalline size of 26 nm was assigned by the X-ray diffraction analysis without the formation of other phases. Porous nanosheets and cave-like morphologies were identified from the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. Highly agglomerated more or less spherical particles with well separated lattice fringes, representing the oriented growth of nanocrystals, were noticed on the transmission electron microscopy photographs. Surface area analysis revealed that the spinel has high surface area of about 25 m2 g−1 with monomodal mesoporosity. The average pore size distribution was found to be about 15.8 nm. The as-prepared spinel photocatalyst showed a mild photocatalytic activity in the degradation of methylene blue (2.5 mg L−1) under UV light irradiation with air as the oxidising agent. Photocatalytic activity of the as-prepared reusable Co3O4 was found to be higher than that of the commercial spinel powder.
A novel in vitro method to detect inhibitors of protein glycation
Authors: Perera HKI , Wijetunge DCR
Published: March 2014

Background: Protein glycation generates advanced glycation end products (AGEs) which are implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic complications associated with diabetes. Identifi cation of medicinal plants with protein glycation inhibitory potential will enhance the opportunity to delay or inhibit diabetic complications with minimum side effects. Techniques available to identify protein glycation inhibitors require expensive specialized equipment. Objective: Objective of this study was to develop a relatively simple in vitro method to identify the protein glycation inhibitory potential of compounds or medicinal plants. Methods: Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was incubated with different concentrations of glucose or fructose or ribose for 31 days at pH 7.4. Standard inhibitor aminoguanidine (AG) was used as a positive control. Effect on the BSA migration under different experimental conditions was compared using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under native conditions (PAGE). Murraya koenigii leaf extract was analyzed for its effect on protein glycation. Results: We demonstrated many aspects of protein glycation including the effect of sugar concentration, type of the sugar and incubation period on protein glycation using this comparatively simpler method, which was previously, demonstrated using more sophisticated and expensive equipment. Migration of the BSA band towards the anode was proportionate to the degree of protein glycation. Further, we were innovative in demonstrating the inhibitory effect of AG on protein glycation using PAGE. BSA migration was comparatively slower when AG was included in the presence of sugar, indicating its inhibitory effects. We also revealed the protein glycation inhibitory potential of Murraya koenigii leaf extract, which was greater than that of AG at the concentrations used in the study. Conclusion: We have developed novel simple in vitro method using PAGE to identify inhibitors of protein glycation. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 15-21 http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.8670
Study on the effect of smoking on Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Federal Medical Center Owerri, Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Nwaokoro Joakin Chidozie , Okorie Ede Alison , Chima O Emerole , Sally NO Ibe , Amadi AN , Dozie INS , Iwuji SC , Nwaokoro AA
Published: March 2014

Background: Diabetes is an umbrella term for a number of metabolic diseases that affects the body’s ability to control blood glucose levels. The hormone insulin is produced in the pancreas, and helps to metabolize glucose for energy. Diabetes occurs when insulin production is impaired. Objective: The present study was to examine the effect of smoking on type 2 diabetic patients visiting Federal Medical Centre. Materials and Methods: The sample size was 97 respondents while the major instrument for data collection was a well constructed, validated and reliably tested questionnaire, including observations made on secondary existing record data of the hospital. Data obtained was analyzed using frequency distribution, means, standard deviation and fisher’s exact test. Results: Results of the study indicated that majority of the diabetic patients 78(80.4%) were non smokers, while 8(8.2%) and 11(11.3%) respondents were current and past smokers respectively. Maintainance of good glycaemic control should be considered as the therapeutic goal for prevention of diabetic complications. Conclusion: A comprehensive programmes should be initiated to prevent smoking in type 2 diabetic patients such as: regular physical activity, health education on diabetes, smoking cessation, home blood sugar monitoring - minimize smoking impact to body organs that may lead to many complications. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 63-71 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.8950
Laparoscopic vs. open inguinal hernia repair: A systematic review of literature
Authors: Gupta Amit , Jain SK , Kumar Sunil , Kaza RCM
Published: March 2014

Inguinal hernia repair using mesh is one of the most frequently performed operations in general surgery. The mesh can be placed using an open technique or by laparoscopic approach. Many studies have highlighted the merits and risks of laparoscopic approach for the repair of inguinal hernia, the final sentence still remains to be written as majority of trials are too small to show clear benefits of one technique over another. To compare laparoscopic mesh repair with open method in management of inguinal hernia. Asian Journal of Medical Science, Volume-5(3) 2014: 11-14 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v5i3.9301