bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bioscrubbing as a treatment for a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds: influence of the absorption column characteristics on performance
Authors: Malhautier Luc , Lalanne Franck , Fanlo Jean-Louis
Published: January 2014

A semi-industrial bioscrubber was developed to treat a complex mixture of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including oxygenated, aromatic, and chlorinated compounds. Packed and atomizing columns were used for the bioscrubber. For an applied inlet load of around 850  –  870  g VOCs·m−3 packing material·h−1, the various performances of the bioscrubber were equivalent (around 50%), regardless of the selected absorption column. Only the removal efficiency of oxygenated compounds was found to be reasonable, close to 80%  –  85%. For the bioscrubber equipped with an atomizing column, a doubling of the inlet load involved a decrease in the removal efficiency of the VOC mixture (35%) and oxygenated compounds (from 80% to 55%). As the transferred compounds were biodegraded, the limits could be explained by the hydrodynamic characteristics of the atomizing column. Furthermore, these results demonstrate the necessity of optimizing the gas  –  liquid mass transfer step. Two-phase partitioning bioreactors seem to represent an attractive option, even though knowledge of the transfer of compounds and biodegradation mechanisms is required prior to scale-up and industrial use.
Catalytic removal of propene and toluene in air over noble metal catalyst
Authors: Benard S. , Ousmane M. , Retailleau L. , Boreave A. , Vernoux P. , Giroir-Fendler A.
Published: January 2014

In this paper we present the study of catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compound (VOC) traces in air over Pt/γ-Al2O3 catalysts. The study was carried out using a laboratory fixed-bed catalytic reactor (FBCR) with catalytic oxidation of propene and toluene as model reactions. For better understanding of catalytic activity in a FBCR, the influence of operating parameters such as of platinum (Pt) loading, total gas flow rate, VOC concentration, and oxygen content were studied. The results showed that catalytic activity increases with increase in VOC concentration and a decrease in total gas flow rate. This displayed behaviour is instrumental to working at a low temperature region for complete oxidation of volatile organic compounds.
Traitement des lisiers de porc par un procédé de biofiltration : Étude de formation du méthane (in French)
Authors: Lessard P. , Bourgault C. , LeBihan Y. , Turgeon N. , Aubry G. , Buelna G.
Published: January 2014

Il est admis que la production de méthane (CH4) à partir de la décomposition de la matière organique est effectuée par des microorganismes méthanogènes en condition anaérobie. C’est pour cette raison que le CH4, un gaz à effet de serre (GES) possédant un pouvoir de réchauffement global (PRG) équivalent à 25 fois celui du CO2, n’est généralement pas considéré dans les protocoles de quantification de GES concernant les procédés de traitement d’eaux usées par voie aérobie. Or, selon le type de procédé aérobie et les conditions d’opération, du méthane peut effectivement être produit. Cette note technique montre des résultats obtenus lors d’essais pilotes en laboratoire avec un biofiltre traitant du lisier de porc. Il en ressort clairement que la formation de méthane est possible avec ce type de procédé, et que les concentrations générées peuvent être non négligeables. Par conséquent, cet élément doit donc être pris en compte pour l’optimisation des procédés de traitement aérobie en rapport aux aspects liés à la réduction des GES et la lutte aux changements climatiques.
Frontier distance function analysis for water supply systems
Authors: Mugisha Silver
Published: January 2014

Almost all water supply policy makers and managers in developing countries (and in some developed countries) are faced with enormous challenges of improving managerial efficiencies and productivity. Some managers have tended to judge improvements in water supply management based on partial performance indicators. The question is which of these partial indicators should be used to say, unequivocally, that the company is approaching best practice? In this study, an input stochastic frontier analysis distance function is utilised to compute an aggregate measure – technical efficiency (catch-up). Unbalanced panel data are used from 12–15 water utilities under the National Water and Sewerage Corporation of Uganda for the period 2000–2006. The study concludes that individual partial operating efficiency indicators may exhibit varied improvement and statistical consistency trends compared to performance-compatible technical efficiency trends for water infrastructure management.
Responses of high‐altitude graminoids and soil fungi to 20 years of experimental warming
Authors: Rudgers Jennifer A. , Kivlin Stephanie N. , Whitney Kenneth D. , Price Mary V. , Waser Nickolas M. , Harte John
Published: January 2014

High‐elevation ecosystems are expected to be particularly sensitive to climate warming because cold temperatures constrain biological processes. Deeper understanding of the consequences of climate change will come from studies that consider not only the direct effects of temperature on individual species, but also the indirect effects of altered species interactions. Here we show that 20 years of experimental warming has changed the species composition of graminoid (grass and sedge) assemblages in a subalpine meadow of the Rocky Mountains, USA, by increasing the frequency of sedges and reducing the frequency of grasses. Because sedges typically have weak interactions with mycorrhizal fungi relative to grasses, lowered abundances of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi or other root‐inhabiting fungi could underlie warming‐induced shifts in plant species composition. However, warming increased root colonization by AM fungi for two grass species, possibly because AM fungi can enhance plant water uptake when soils are dried by experimental warming. Warming had no effect on AM fungal colonization of three other graminoids. Increased AM fungal colonization of the dominant shrub Artemisia tridentata provided further grounds for rejecting the hypothesis that reduced AM fungi caused the shift from grasses to sedges. Non‐AM fungi (including dark septate endophytes) also showed general increases with warming. Our results demonstrate that lumping grasses and sedges when characterizing plant community responses can mask significant shifts in the responses of primary producers, and their symbiotic fungi, to climate change.
Prioritization of Candidate Genes for Periodontitis Using Multiple Computational Tools
Authors: Zhan Yuanbo , Zhang Ruimin , Lv Hongchao , Song Xuejing , Xu Xiaoman , Chai Lin , Lv Wenhua , Shang Zhenwei , Jiang Yongshuai , Zhang Ruijie
Published: January 2014

Background: Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of periodontitis. Genetic studies identified a variety of candidate genes for periodontitis. The aim of the present study is to identify the most promising candidate genes for periodontitis using an integrative gene ranking method.

Methods: Seed genes that were confirmed to be associated with periodontitis were identified using text mining. Three types of candidate genes were then extracted from different resources (expression profiles, genome‐wide association studies). Combining the seed genes, four freely available bioinformatics tools (ToppGene, DIR, Endeavour, and GPEC) were integrated for prioritization of candidate genes. Candidate genes that identified with at least three programs and ranked in the top 20 by each program were considered the most promising.

Results: Prioritization analysis resulted in 21 promising genes involved or potentially involved in periodontitis. Among them, IL18 (interleukin 18), CD44 (CD44 molecule), CXCL1 (chemokine [CXC motif] ligand 1), IL6ST (interleukin 6 signal transducer), MMP3 (matrix metallopeptidase 3), MMP7, CCR1 (chemokine [C–C motif] receptor 1), MMP13, and TLR9 (Toll‐like receptor 9) had been associated with periodontitis. However, the roles of other genes, such as CSF3 (colony stimulating factor 3 receptor), CD40, TNFSF14 (tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 14), IFNB1 (interferon‐β1), TIRAP (toll–interleukin 1 receptor domain containing adaptor protein), IL2RA (interleukin 2 receptor α), ETS1 (v‐ets avian erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene homolog 1), GADD45B (growth arrest and DNA‐damage‐inducible 45 β), BIRC3 (baculoviral IAP repeat containing 3), VAV1 (vav 1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor), COL5A1 (collagen, type V, α1), and C3 (complement component 3), have not been investigated thoroughly in the process of periodontitis. These genes are mainly involved in bacterial infection, immune response, and inflammatory reaction, suggesting that further characterizing their roles in periodontitis will be important.

Conclusions: A combination of computational tools will be useful in mining candidate genes for periodontitis. These theoretical results provide new clues for experimental biologists to plan targeted experiments.
Three‐Dimensional Defect Evaluation of Air Polishing on Extracted Human Roots
Authors: Sahrmann Philipp , Ronay Valerie , Schmidlin Patrick R. , Attin Thomas , Paqué Frank
Published: January 2014

Background: Root surfaces experience continuous abrasive instrumentation during lifelong periodontal maintenance. Periodontists need both effective and minimally abrasive debridement techniques. Air polishing devices might, therefore, constitute a good alternative to mechanical instrumentation. Because little is known of the three‐dimensional shape and volume of the abrasion caused by different powders, it is the aim of the study to investigate the three‐dimensional extent of these defects.

Methods: Cementum‐covered roots of 20 extracted human premolars were coated with resin caps, leaving four areas with identical diameter open for instrumentation using bicarbonate powder and glycine powder. Treatment times were 5 and 10 seconds in a first interval and 10 seconds in a second interval. Maximum settings were chosen for power and lavage. The teeth were scanned using microcomputed tomography initially and after every treatment interval. Differences in volume and defect depths were calculated by superimposition of the scans and tested for significance (Wilcoxon test, P <0.001).

Results: Defect volumes (in mm3) presented in medians (interquartile ranges) for the bicarbonate powder after 5, 10, 15, and 20 seconds, respectively, were 0.16 (0.11), 0.28 (0.16), 0.32 (0.18), and 0.41 (0.28), and for glycine powder, 0.00 (0.02), 0.01 (0.05), 0.03 (0.11), and 0.06 (0.1). For each time period, abrasion caused by glycine was significantly lower (five‐ to 20‐fold) compared to defects caused by bicarbonate.

Conclusions: In patients with exposed root surfaces, cleaning with bicarbonate powder cannot be recommended. Less abrasive glycine powder, however, demonstrated non‐critical substance loss.
Response of Human Periodontal Ligament Cells to Baicalin
Authors: Pei Zhenhua , Wang Baokui , Zhang Fengqiu , Niu Zhongying , Shi Shenggen , Cannon Richard D. , Mei Li
Published: January 2014

Background: Periodontitis is the most common cause of tooth loss in adults. Periodontal ligament cell (PLC)–based therapy is considered one of the most promising methods in periodontal tissue regeneration. The traditional Chinese medicine baicalin has been shown to possess antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory activities and enhance cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase activity. The aim of this study is to investigate the response of human PLCs (HPLCs) to baicalin.

Methods: The effect of baicalin on cultured HPLC proliferation was measured with a 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The effect of baicalin on the expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL), core binding factor α1 (Cbfα1), and osteocalcin (OC) was determined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and immunodetection.

Results: Baicalin at a concentration of 0.01 μg/mL promoted HPLC proliferation, upregulated OPG messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression, and downregulated RANKL mRNA and protein expression. In addition to reducing the RANKL/OPG expression ratio significantly, it also increased Cbfα1 and OC mRNA and protein expression.

Conclusion: Baicalin showed multifaceted regulation of genes with important roles in tissue growth and differentiation, and thus it has the potential to be a promising candidate for HPLC‐based periodontal regeneration therapy.
Biological pollutants in indoor air
Authors: Radakovic Sonja , Marjanovic Milan , Surbatovic Maja , Vukcevic Gradimir , Jovasevic-Stojanovic Milena , Ristanovic Elizabeta
Published: January 2014

nema
CEO Overconfidence, CEO Compensation, and Earnings Manipulation
Authors: Yu Chia-Feng (Jeffrey)
Published: January 2014

In the wake of recent financial crises and corporate failures, chief executive officers (CEOs) are often blamed for their overconfidence leading to earnings manipulation and excessive risks. Why is it then that these overconfident CEOs obtain job offers in the first place? This paper presents a novel explanation for the co-existence of CEO overconfidence and earnings manipulation observed in practice. In an agency model with an external capital market, I identify two potential reasons for a board to hire an overconfident CEO and design a contract that accommodates earnings manipulation: an internal motive, directed at maximizing the ex ante firm value, and an external motive, directed at enhancing the interim market valuation of the firm. The flip side, however, is that the firm can be more likely to become insolvent and bear greater risks of bankruptcy. Some policy implications and limitations are also discussed.

JEL Classifications: D86; G34; M41.
Hypothalamic Nesfatin-1/NUCB2 Knockdown Augments Hepatic Gluconeogenesis That Is Correlated With Inhibition of mTOR-STAT3 Signaling Pathway in Rats
Authors: Wu Dandong , Yang Mengliu , Chen Yang , Jia Yanjun , Ma Zhongmin Alex , Boden Guenther , Li Ling , Yang Gangyi
Published: January 2014

Nesfatin-1, an 82–amino acid neuropeptide, has recently been characterized as a potent metabolic regulator. However, the metabolic mechanisms and signaling steps directly associated with the action of nesfatin-1 have not been well delineated. We established a loss-of-function model of hypothalamic nesfatin-1/NUCB2 signaling in rats through an adenoviral-mediated RNA interference. With this model, we found that inhibition of central nesfatin-1/NUCB2 activity markedly increased food intake and hepatic glucose flux and decreased glucose uptake in peripheral tissue in rats fed either a normal chow diet (NCD) or a high-fat diet (HFD). The change of hepatic glucose fluxes in the hypothalamic nesfatin-1/NUCB2 knockdown rats was accompanied by increased hepatic levels of glucose-6-phosphatase and PEPCK and decreased insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate 1, and AKT kinase phosphorylation. Furthermore, knockdown of hypothalamic nesfatin-1 led to decreased phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the subsequent suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 levels. These results demonstrate that hypothalamic nesfatin-1/NUCB2 plays an important role in glucose homeostasis and hepatic insulin sensitivity, which is, at least in part, associated with the activation of the mTOR-STAT3 signaling pathway.
Profiling of Circulating MicroRNAs Reveals Common MicroRNAs Linked to Type 2 Diabetes That Change With Insulin Sensitization
Authors: Ortega Francisco J. , Mercader Josep M. , Moreno-Navarrete José María , Rovira Oscar , Guerra Ester , Esteve Eduardo , Xifra Gemma , Martínez Cristina , Ricart Wifredo , Rieusset Jennifer , Rome Sophie , Karczewska-Kupczewska Monika , Straczkowski Marek , Fernández-Real José Manuel
Published: January 2014

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to identify the profile of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its response to changes in insulin sensitivity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The circulating miRNA profile was assessed in a pilot study of 12 men: 6 with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and 6 T2D patients. The association of 10 circulating miRNAs with T2D was cross-sectionally validated in an extended sample of 45 NGT vs. 48 T2D subjects (65 nonobese and 28 obese men) and longitudinally in 35 T2D patients who were recruited in a randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled 3-month trial of metformin treatment. Circulating miRNAs were also measured in seven healthy volunteers before and after a 6-h hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and insulin plus intralipid/heparin infusion.

RESULTS

Cross-sectional studies disclosed a marked increase of miR-140-5p, miR-142-3p, and miR-222 and decreased miR-423-5p, miR-125b, miR-192, miR-195, miR-130b, miR-532-5p, and miR-126 in T2D patients. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that miR-140-5p and miR-423-5p contributed independently to explain 49.5% (P < 0.0001) of fasting glucose variance after controlling for confounders. A discriminant function of four miRNAs (miR-140-5p, miR-423-5p, miR-195, and miR-126) was specific for T2D with an accuracy of 89.2% (P < 0.0001). Metformin (but not placebo) led to significant changes in circulating miR-192 (49.5%; P = 0.022), miR-140-5p (−15.8%; P = 0.004), and miR-222 (−47.2%; P = 0.03), in parallel to decreased fasting glucose and HbA1c. Furthermore, while insulin infusion during clamp decreased miR-222 (−62%; P = 0.002), the intralipid/heparin mixture increased circulating miR-222 (163%; P = 0.015) and miR-140-5p (67.5%; P = 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study depicts the close association between variations in circulating miRNAs and T2D and their potential relevance in insulin sensitivity.
Risk factors for transfusion-associated complications and nonsurvival in dogs receiving packed red blood cell transfusions: 211 cases (2008–2011)
Authors: Holowaychuk Marie K. , Leader Jessica L. , Monteith Gabrielle
Published: January 2014

Objective—To determine whether the number, volume, or age of transfused packed RBC units; volume of other blood products; or pretransfusion PCV was a risk factor for transfusion-associated complications or nonsurvival in dogs.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—211 client-owned dogs receiving stored packed RBC transfusions.

Procedures—Information collected or calculated from the medical record of each dog included the total number, volume, and dose of packed RBC units; mean age of packed RBC units; number of packed RBC units > 14 days old; age of oldest packed RBC unit; volume and dose of other blood products used; pretransfusion PCV; acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation score; transfusion-associated complications; and outcome.

Results—The dose (mL/kg) of other blood products transfused was a risk factor for transfusion-associated complications (OR, 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.05). The pretransfusion PCV (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.21) and dose of packed RBCs administered (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.07) were risk factors for nonsurvival. Age of transfused packed RBC units was not identified as a risk factor for transfusion-associated complications or nonsurvival, but the study was statistically underpowered to detect this finding.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Administration of larger doses of other non–packed RBC blood products was a risk factor for transfusion-associated complications, and a higher pretransfusion PCV and larger dose of packed RBCs administered were risk factors for nonsurvival. Prospective randomized studies are needed to determine whether conservative transfusion strategies will reduce transfusion-associated complications and improve outcome in dogs.
Complications after corrective surgery for lateral patellar luxation in dogs: 36 cases (2000–2011)
Authors: Shaver Stephanie L. , Mayhew Kelli N. , Sutton Jessie S. , Mayhew Philipp D. , Runge Jeffrey J. , Brown Dorothy C. , Kass Philip H.
Published: January 2014

Objective—To determine the frequency and severity of complications after corrective surgery in dogs with lateral patellar luxation (LPL) and identify risk factors for reluxation.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—36 client-owned dogs with 47 affected stifle joints.

Procedures—Medical records of dogs that underwent surgical correction of LPL at 1 of 2 veterinary teaching hospitals between 2000 and 2011 were reviewed. Data analyzed included signalment, grade of luxation, orthopedic comorbidities, surgical procedures performed, frequency and type of complications, and whether a second surgery was performed.

Results—A total of 36 dogs with 47 affected stifle joints met the inclusion criteria. Complications were recorded for 24 of 47 (51.1%) stifle joints; there were major complications for 18 of 47 (38.3%) stifle joints. All complications were confirmed through examination by a veterinarian. The most frequent complication was reluxation, which was detected in 10 of 47 (21.3%) stifle joints. Dogs that underwent bilateral surgical repair during a single anesthetic episode had odds of reluxation that were 12.5 times the odds of reluxation for dogs that underwent unilateral surgical repair.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Complication rate after corrective surgery for LPL was high, with reluxation being the most common complication in this population of dogs. Performing staged bilateral surgeries may decrease the risk of reluxation.
Vital pulp therapy in dogs: 190 cases (2001–2011)
Authors: Luotonen Niina , Kuntsi-Vaattovaara Helena , Sarkiala-Kessel Eva , Junnila Jouni J. T. , Laitinen-Vapaavuori Outi , Verstraete Frank J. M.
Published: January 2014

Objective—To evaluate factors associated with the outcome of vital pulp therapy (VPT) in dogs.

Design—Retrospective study.

Sample—190 teeth in 138 dogs.

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed; radiographs obtained before, immediately after, and during the last available follow-up examination for VPT were evaluated. Treatment was categorized as successful (with radiographic evidence of continued secondary dentin production, continued root formation in immature teeth, and absence of clinical and radiographic signs of apical periodontitis and internal or external inflammatory root resorption), having no evidence of failure (with signs for success fulfilled except the width of the apical periodontal ligament space, which could be wider than but no more than double the width of the periodontal ligament space in other areas), or failed (with radiographic evidence of pulp necrosis, apical periodontitis, or inflammatory root resorption). Associations between diagnostic or treatment-related variables and outcome were assessed with multinomial logistic regression.

Results—Overall, treatment was classified as successful for 162 of 190 (85%) teeth, including 23 (12%) teeth with no evidence of failure, and as having failed for 28 (15%) teeth. The overall success rate was 137 of 149 (92%) for teeth treated with mineral trioxide aggregate alone and 21 of 36 (58%) for teeth treated with Ca(OH)2 alone. Use of Ca(OH)2 and deep penetration of dressing material into the vital pulp were each significantly associated with increased odds of treatment failure.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that VPT with mineral trioxide aggregate was an effective option for use in crown reduction to treat malocclusion and for treatment of recent crown fractures in immature or mature permanent teeth.
Use of hydropulsion for the treatment of superficial corneal foreign bodies: 15 cases (1999–2013)
Authors: Labelle Amber L. , Psutka Kathryn , Collins Sean P. , Hamor Ralph E.
Published: January 2014

Objective—To describe the use of hydropulsion with sterile isotonic buffered ophthalmic solution (ie, eyewash) for the treatment of superficial corneal foreign bodies in veterinary patients and evaluate signalment, clinical findings, and outcomes following the procedure.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—11 dogs, 2 cats, and 2 horses.

Procedures—Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients that underwent hydropulsion treatment for a superficial, nonpenetrating corneal foreign body confirmed by ophthalmic examination. Data regarding signalment, reason for evaluation, ocular diagnoses, and treatment were recorded. Hydropulsion was performed with a 6-mL syringe filled with eyewash solution and a 25-gauge needle with the needle tip removed. Owners and referring veterinarians of patients that did not have a recheck examination recorded were contacted by telephone for follow-up information.

Results—The corneal foreign body was an incidental finding in 3 of 15 patients. The most common clinical signs included blepharospasm, conjunctival hyperemia, and corneal vascularization. Hydropulsion was successful for foreign body removal in all 15 cases. No complications were observed during or following the procedure. In the 9 patients that had a follow-up examination, the cornea tested negative for retention of topically applied fluorescein (with a mean of 6.3 days from treatment to follow-up). At the time of last follow-up examination or telephone follow-up, no patients were reported to have clinical signs of ocular discomfort or corneal opacity associated with the affected site.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In these patients, hydropulsion was easily performed with readily available materials and was successful for the removal of superficial corneal foreign bodies with no adverse effects.
Early Visean bryozoans from the Shishtu II Member, Shishtu Formation, central Iran
Authors: Tolokonnikova Zoya , Yazdi-Moghadam Mohsen
Published: January 2014

Four bryozoan species are described from the upper member (Shishtu II) (Visean, Early Carboniferous=Mississippian) of the Shishtu Formation of central Iran: Nikiforovella ulbensis Nekhoroshev, 1956, Nicklesopora elegantulaformis (Nekhoroshev, 1956), Primorella cf. iranica Gorjunova, 2006, and Nikiforopora intermedia (Nikiforova, 1950). This Visean assemblage shows close palaeogeographical affinities of Iran with Kazakhstan and Russia (eastern Transbaikalia, Kurgan region).
ADVANCED CONCEPT FOR CREATION OF SECURITY HOLOGRAMS / PROGRESĪVĀ KONCEPCIJA AIZSARDZĪBAS HOLOGRAMMAS IZVEIDEI
Authors: Bulanovs A. , Gerbreders S.
Published: January 2014

A new concept is proposed for digital hologram production along with the relevant techniques developed in our laboratory. The main idea of the concept is to maximally separate the calculation of hologram from its optical recording on the light-sensitive media. A special file format containing information on each holographic pixel is created at the stage of calculation. The file is a device-independent by structure, and can be employed for recording a hologram using any of the existing techniques (dot-matrix, optical matrix lithography, e-beam lithography). An optical lithography device is applied to calculate the images for a spatial light modulator at the stage of hologram recording in accordance with the data from the file and in conformity with the hardware features of the device. The proposed method was tested and successfully used to record security holograms. For commercial use a software package and an optical recording system have been developed.
Changes in Physically-Chemical Parameters of Latvian Cranberries During Storage
Authors: Ruse Karina , Rakcejeva Tatjana , Dukalska Lija , Dimins Fredijs
Published: January 2014

The main purpose of the present research was to investigate the changes in physical-chemical parameters of fresh Latvian cranberries during storage. Cranberry (′Steven′, ′Bergman′, ′Pilgrim′, ′Early Black′, and ′Ben Lear′) fruit were collected at a processing plant in Kurzeme region, Latvia, in the first part of October 2010. For the experiments, also wild cranberries were collected in the bogs of the same region and at the same time. The berries were rinsed with tap water for 3±1 min, then strained for 10±1 min (mainly for visual cleanness), and afterwards stored in closed non-perforated polypropylene (PP) boxes in air ambiance and in glass jars in a cold boiled-water ambiance at 3±1 °C. Quality parameters of the berries were tested each three months using standard methods: vitamin C content - by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC); organic acids - by HPLC; moisture - by oven-dry method; colour parameters - by device COLOR TEC PMC; pH - by potentiometric method; anthocyanin - by spectrophotometrical method; and phenolic compounds - by HPLC. The shelf life of cranberries packaged in closed PP boxes in air ambiance was six months, but of cranberries packaged in glass jars in water ambiance - 12 months. The research showed that differences in moisture content, pH value, colour intensity, and anthocyanin content among the cranberry cultivars under different ambient conditions during storage were not significant. During 12 months of cranberry storage in glass jars in water ambiance, the content of vitamin C decreased on average by 90%, organic acids - by 54%, and phenolic compounds - by 60%. During six-month storage in closed PP boxes in air ambiance, the content of vitamin C decreased on average by 99%, organic acids - by 30%, and phenolic compounds - by 34%.
Two cases of Zika fever imported from French Polynesia to Japan, December 2013 to January 2014
Authors: Kutsuna S , Kato Y , Takasaki T , Moi M L , Kotaki A , Uemura H , Matono T , Fujiya Y , Mawatari M , Takeshita N , Hayakawa K , Kanagawa S , Ohmagari N
Published: January 2014

We present two cases of imported Zika fever to Japan, in travellers returning from French Polynesia, where an outbreak due to Zika virus (ZIKV) is ongoing since week 41 of 2013. This report serves to raise awareness among healthcare professionals, that the differential diagnosis of febrile and subfebrile patients with rash should include ZIKV infection, especially in patients returning from areas affected by this virus.
Influenza season 2013/14 has started in Europe with influenza A(H1)pdm09 virus being the most prevalent subtype
Authors: Adlhoch C , Broberg E , Beauté J , Snacken R , Bancroft E , Zucs P , Penttinen P ,   on behalf of European Influenza Surveillance Network (EISN)
Published: January 2014

The 2013/14 influenza season has started in Europe. Four countries have reported medium intensity influenza activity, with children under 15 years being the most affected age group. A growing number of countries see increasing rates of influenza-like illness or acute respiratory infection and increasing proportions of specimens positive for influenza A(H1)pdm09 virus. In previous seasons, this subtype was associated with higher reported numbers of severe and fatal cases. Clinicians should offer influenza vaccination to unvaccinated persons belonging to risk groups.
Enhancing the Surface Properties of Some Amine Alginate Salts with Cationic Surfactant
Authors: Mohamed Dalia E. , Habib Amr O. , Aiad Ismail
Published: January 2014

In this paper different amine alginate salts were prepared by neutralization of alginic acid with amine compounds (triethanol amine, tri-isopropanol amine and hexamine). The chemical structures of the prepared compounds were confirmed using Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The surface properties of the target surfactants were studied and the surface parameters were determined; including surface tension, critical micelle concentration, maximum surface excess and minimum surface area, with and without addition of dodecytrimethyl ammonium bromide as a co-surfactant. Finally, the standard free energies of micellization and adsorption of the prepared surfactants were calculated. The obtained results indicated that, the adsorption activity of the three prepared alginate salts had increased by addition of very low concentration (0.0005 m/L) of DTAB surfactant, owing to the formation of an electrostatically stabilized Surfactant-Polyelectrolyte Complex.
Impact of Surfactants on the Performance of “Green Additives” as Calcium Carbonate Inhibitors for Aqueous Systems
Authors: Amjad Zahid , Koutsoukos Peter G.
Published: January 2014

The inhibition of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation by “green” additives has been examined in aqueous solution. It has been found that additive performance as CaCO3 inhibitor depends upon additive architecture. The influence of surfactants containing different functional group has also been investigated. Results on the evaluation of surfactants suggest that compared to carboxyl group containing additives, surfactants are ineffective CaCO3 inhibitors. Performance data on the impact of cationic surfactant (e. g., cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, CTAC) suggest that CTAC exhibits an antagonistic effect on the performance of polymers. The antagonistic behavior shown by CTAC on the performance of additives has been explained in terms of cationic – anionic interactions. SEM study shows that presence of low concentration of additive exhibits marked influence on the morphology of CaCO3 crystals formed in presence of additives.
'Everyone's got room to grow': A discourse analysis of service-learning rhetoric in higher education
Authors: Ladousa Chaise
Published: January 2014

This article explores representations emergent in discourse about service learning in an effort to understand what gives the notion special value. A job presentation of a candidate for dean of faculty, articles published in a college newspaper, descriptions posted on a college website and commentary offered in an interview with a student demonstrate that representations of service learning are salient in multiple contexts and presuppose the potential to transform the lives of everyone involved. This article identifies one of the discursive constructs making transformation possible – even inevitable – in reflections on service learning, and uses the construct to explore how it shapes a single instance of service learning's failure.
Forschung zu Wald und Klimawandel in Mitteleuropa: eine Werkschau
Authors: Wohlgemuth Thomas , Brang Peter , Bugmann Harald , Rigling Andreas , Zimmermann Niklaus E.
Published: January 2014

Research on forests and climate change in Central Europe: state of the art

How are trees in Central European forests affected by climate change, yesterday, today and tomorrow? To answer this question, 250 researchers met for the international conference “ClimTree 2013” that took place in Zurich in September 2013. The answers are manifold and confirm that knowledge on this subject is not fully consolidated yet. Nevertheless, there is agreement on the two most important factors causing marked changes: aggravated water shortage during the growing season leading to growth and regeneration changes and inducing mortality, and rising temperatures that accelerate both biotic and abiotic processes, in particular pest outbreaks and forest fires. The question which tree species will dominate under future climatic conditions is lively debated due to novel results from experiments and dendroecological studies that have only partially been considered in forest succession models to date. Thus, the discussion on a next generation of such models has started. The present conference report summarizes the state of the art as well as new research questions in this field.
Nahrungsangebot für Auerhuhnküken – Phänologie und Verteilung der Lepidoptera-Larven
Authors: Hummel Sarah , Graf Roland F.
Published: January 2014

Food supply for capercaillie chicks – phenology and distribution of the Lepidoptera larvae

According to Scandinavian literature, Lepidoptera larvae are particularly important for the rearing of capercaillie chicks. For Central European habitats, we lack detailed information on invertebrate food availability as a function of habitat conditions and season. Using the sweep-net sampling technique, we examined the phenology and spatial distribution of larvae in forest stands with bilberry vegetation in dependence of the canopy cover and the duration of sunshine. The availability of Lepidoptera larvae was highest in mid of June and decreased to almost zero in July. The abundance and biomass of Lepidoptera larvae was lower at sunny (sunshine duration 4–10 h) and open locations (canopy cover 0–30%) than at shady places (sunshine duration 0–3 h) with intermediate canopy cover (35–60%). These results lead to the conclusion that forests with an intermediate canopy cover provide better foraging habitat for capercaillie chicks than very open and sunny forest stands. Further, the timing of hatching and the phenology of Lepidoptera larvae may be an important issue in Central European habitats. However, in Switzerland we lack information on reproductive success to study this connection more profoundly.
Variations of water stable isotopes (δ18O) in two lake basins, southern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Gao Jing , Yao Tandong , Joswiak Daniel
Published: January 2014

δ18O measurements based on systematic sampling and isotopic modeling have been adopted to study the controls of stable isotopes in lake water in two lake basins (lakes Yamdrok-tso and Puma Yum-tso) at two different elevations on the southern Tibetan Plateau. Temporally, δ18O values in precipitation and lake water display a seasonal fluctuation in both lakes. Spatially, δ18O values in the two lake basins increase by 10% from the termini of glaciers to the lake shores, by ∽1% from the lake shores to the lake center and by 0.4% from the water surface to depth in these lakes. The clear annual δ18O variations indicate that lake water mixes sufficiently in a short time. Model results show that glacial meltwater and surface lake-water temperature are not the dominant factors in the balance process of stable isotopes in lake water. Equilibrium δ18O values decrease by 0.8% for Yamdrok-tso lake and 0.6% for Puma Yum-tso lake when glacial meltwater contributions to these lakes shrink by 60%. δ18O ratios increase rapidly during the initial stages and take a longer time to approach the equilibrium value.
Essential Latex Processing Plant (ELPP): A Pioneer Approach in the Production of Concentrate Latex from Local Resource to Manufacture Male Contraceptive in Bangladesh
Authors: Afreen Sadia , Haque Kh Rashedul , Islam Md Shariful , Huda M Kadrul
Published: January 2014

For years, a respective amount of PV latex has been exported from Malaysia to manufacture male contraceptives within the country. Recently, a project titled as ELPP, has been undertaken by the Govt. Pharmaceutical Company Essential Drugs Company Ltd? to pioneer the implementation of processing natural raw latex (35-40% dry rubber content) [1] into concentrate latex (60% dry rubber content) [1] from the local resource at Modhupur region. The purpose of this project is to produce concentrate latex from local resource as the raw material for manufacturing male contraceptive instead of importing the latex from Malaysia or other countries. Several trials have been taken place to test the feasibility and productivity of the project with respect to the aspects in Bangladesh. The results and observations are found very satisfactory and the project is very much cost effective since it cuts off the foreign expense caused due to the import of concentrate latex from abroad at present days. An overall cost analysis shows that if the technology of processing concentrate latex is implemented with a proper utilization of the local resources it reduces the cost of production to a great extent. Moreover, rubber sheets produced as the byproduct from this process are very much useful and demandable in the field of rubber industries and add profit to the process. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v27i2.17777 Journal of Chemical Engineering, IEB Vol. ChE. 27, No. 2, December 2012: 11-14
Design and Fabrication of Membrane Less Microbial Fuel Cell (ML-MFC) using Food Industries Wastewater for Power Generation
Authors: Khan Maksudur R , Amin MSA , Sarker S , Ferdaus K
Published: January 2014

Electricity generation from the biodegradable organic substrate can be accompanied by wastewater treatment, which reduces the cost of industrial effluent treatment. In this study, effluent of local food-processing industries was treated in Membrane-Less Microbial Fuel Cell (ML-MFC) for electricity generation. Several investigations were conducted to enhance the current and voltage generation of MFC in different operating conditions, such as direct industrial effluent, adding drainage sludge concentration, aeration in cathode compartment, increasing the electrode area. In addition, COD removing capability of the ML-MFC was also studied. The study documented a maximum power density of 7.11874mW/m2 with the current density of 97.34mA/m2. COD removal was observed 47% to 74% in all experiments. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v27i2.17803 Journal of Chemical Engineering, IEB Vol. ChE. 27, No. 2, December 2012: 55-59
Modern Techniques To Analyses Production Data
Authors: Iqbala Salma Akhter , Islamb Md Zahidul , Hossain Mohammad Shahedul
Published: January 2014

This paper shows a systematic & comprehensive demonstration of the methods available for analyzing production data, highlighting the advantages and limitations of each method. These methods comprise those techniques developed by Arps2, Fetkovich5, Blasingame2 and Agarwal-Gardner1 and a new method called Flowing Material Balance. Some methods yield recoverable reserves, while others give hydrocarbons-in-place. Traditional (Arps) decline analysis (exponential or hyperbolic) shows reasonable answers in many cases, but has its failings due to completely ignoring the flowing pressure data, one of the most important parameters. As a result, the reserves are underestimated or overestimated which are shown by tow examples. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jce.v27i2.17806 Journal of Chemical Engineering, IEB Vol. ChE. 27, No. 2, December 2012: 72-76
Social cohesion as perceived by community-dwelling older people: the role of individual and neighbourhood characteristics
Authors: Van Dijk Hanna M. , Cramm Jane M. , Nieboer Anna P.
Published: January 2014

Social cohesion in neighbourhoods is critical to supporting the rising number of community-dwelling older people. Our aim was thus to identify individual and neighbourhood characteristics influencing social cohesion among older people. We employed a cross-sectional study of 945 (66% response rate) community-dwelling older residents (70+ ) in Rotterdam. To account for the hierarchical structure of the study design, we fitted a hierarchical random-effects model comprising 804 older people (level 1) nested in 72 neighbourhoods (level 2). Multilevel analyses showed that both individual (age, ethnic background, years of residence, income and self-rated health) and neighbourhood characteristics (neighbourhood security) affect social cohesion among community-dwelling older people. Results suggest that policy makers should consider such factors in promoting social cohesion among community-dwelling older people. Policies aimed at improving neighbourhood security may lead to higher levels of social cohesion.
The University as power or counter-power? May 1968 and the emergence of a new learning subject
Authors: Lopes António
Published: January 2014

The events of May 68 in France constituted a moment of questioning of the power and of the social role of the University. Two of the philosophers who contributed the most to that questioning were Althusser and Foucault. Their thoughts on the way in which power, discourse and social institutions are articulated played a major role in awakening the students' political consciousness and in opening the doors of the University to social movements that had been, until then, left out of academic discourse. Their positions on the events triggered passionate reactions that ended up changing the institutions of higher education from the inside. The Faure law, issued in the aftermath of the protests, on November 12, 1968, finally acknowledged that higher education should be available to mature students. Taking into account the points of contiguity between conceptual apparatuses of these authors, this paper intends to offer a reflection on the power-effects of the scientific discourse issued by the University and on how its power was contested in a period of deep ideological and political fractures, leading to a paradigmatic shift that democratized the institution and to the emergence of a new learning subject.
Association Between Health-Related Quality of Life and Being an Immigrant Among Adolescents, and the Role of Socioeconomic and Health-Related Difficulties
Authors: Baumann Michèle , Chau Kénora , Kabuth Bernard , Chau Nearkasen
Published: January 2014

To develop satisfactorily, adolescents require good health-related quality of life (QOL, including physical health, psychological health, social relationships and living environment). However, for poorly understood reasons, it is often lacking, especially among immigrants with lower family and socioeconomic resources. This study assessed health-related QOL of European and non-European immigrant adolescents and the contributions of socioeconomic difficulties, unhealthy behaviors, and violence. It included 1,559 middle-school adolescents from north-eastern France (mean age 13.5, SD 1.3; 1,451 French adolescents, 54 European immigrants and 54 non-European immigrants), who completed a self-administered questionnaire including sex, age, socioeconomic characteristics (family structure, parents’ education, occupation, and income), unhealthy behaviors (uses of tobacco/alcohol/cannabis/hard drugs, obesity, and involvement in violence), having sustained violence, sexual abuse, and the four QOL domains measured with the World Health Organization’s WHOQOL-BREF (poor: score < 25PthP percentile). Data were analyzed using logistic regression models. Poor physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and living environment affected more European immigrants (26% to 35%) and non-European immigrants (43% to 54%) than French adolescents (21% to 26%). European immigrants had a higher risk of poor physical health and living environment (gender-age-adjusted odds ratio 2.00 and 1.88, respectively) while non-European immigrants had a higher risk for all poor physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and living environment (3.41, 2.07, 3.25, and 3.79, respectively). Between 20% and 58% of these risks were explained by socioeconomic difficulties, parts of which overlapped with unhealthy behaviors and violence. The associations between the two sets of covariates greatly differed among French adolescents and immigrants. Poor QOL was more common among European and non-European immigrants due to socioeconomic difficulties and associated unhealthy behaviors and violence. The different risk patterns observed between French adolescents and immigrants may help prevention.