bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Stability Evaluation of Different Pharmaceutical Products Containing Meropenem
Authors: Tomasello Cristina , Leggieri Anna , Cavalli Roberta , Di Terri Giovanni , D'avolio Antonio
Published: April 2015

Background

Meropenem is a beta-lactam antibiotic for treating multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli infections. The expiry of the drug's patent ( Merrem) allowed the production of generics to be commercialized by a few companies, including Hospira and Hikma. The stability of these medicines after reconstitution as reported on a data sheet report is 6 hours for Merrem and 1 hour for generics.

Objectives

The aim of this work was to evaluate the stability profile of 3 products in 0.9% sodium chloride until 6 hours.

Methods

Six polyolefin bags (2 for each drug, stored in the light and in the dark) were prepared for every test run ( n = 10) at concentrations of 4 and 10 mg/mL. All solutions were stored at controlled room temperature (25°C ± 3°C) and sampled immediately after preparation and at every hour until 6 hours had passed. The concentrations, pH changes, and the visual clarity were used as stability and compatibility indicators.

Results

All 3 drugs retained over 95% of the initial concentration at 3 to 4 hours. At the sixth hour, all the concentrations decayed 8% to 10%. No statistical differences were observed in the percentage deviation values of the stability profile between generics and the branded drug.

Conclusion

The stability profile of the products in polyolefin bags, at 4 and 10 mg/mL, was superimposable during the period of analysis and seems to show small values of deviation (1%–2%). These data do not affect the pharmacokinetics because these variations could be attributed to the intra- and interindividual variability between patients. The products showed the same stability, and consequently they could be used interchangeably in hospital pharmacy.
Approvals, Submission, and Important Labeling Changes for US Marketed Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Baker Danial E.
Published: April 2015

This monthly feature will help readers keep current on new drugs, new indications, dosage forms, and safety-related changes in labeling or use. Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this information; however, if there are any questions, please let me know at danial.baker@wsu.edu .
Opportunities for Health System Pharmacies in Patient Care
Authors: Felkey Bill G. , Fox Brent I.
Published: April 2015

It's been said that the best hospital stay is the one that doesn't occur. Certainly, Hospital Pharmacy's readers know that we are still working toward a completely safe health care delivery experience. In this installment, medication errors experienced during a hospital stay bring to light opportunities for health system pharmacies to create new points of engagement with their patients and increase patients' involvement in their care.
Drug discovery for type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome: ten novel biological targets
Authors: Tyurenkov Ivan Nikolaevich , Kurkin Denis Vladimirovich , Volotova Elena Vladimirovna , Bakulin Dmitriy Alexandrovich , Lomkina Elena Michailovna
Published: April 2015

In this review we discuss ten promising biological targets of interest for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity and metabolic syndrome. Namely, we address current experimental and clinical data on several new compounds that affect SGLT2, 11b-HSD1, PTP1B, SCD1, Il-1?. , fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase, glycogen phosphorylase, SIRT1, DGAT-1 and GPR119. The body of data shows potential of these substances to become effective antidiabetic agents.
Impacts of Arizona’s SB 1070 on Mexican American Students’ Stress, School Attachment, and Grades
Authors: Orozco Richard A. , López Francesca
Published: April 2015

Understanding the impacts of immigration legislation on Mexican ethnic students who are citizens of the United States is needed. This study investigates how passage of Arizona’s anti-immigration law, SB 1070, in 2010 bears upon the schooling experiences of Mexican American high school students. Applying Meyer’s Minority Stress Model as the theoretical foundation for this work, the authors ultimately explore, 1) whether perceived discrimination along with acculturation, racial phenotype, familiarity and stress associated with SB 1070 influence school grades, and 2) the effects of SB 1070 stress on the school attachment of Mexican American high school students. The authors find that perceived discrimination and skin color are both negatively related to grades, whereas maintaining Spanish is positively related to grades, and SB 1070 stress and its effects are dependent upon levels of perceived discrimination. Likewise, while the authors find no relation of SB 1070 stress to school attachment, they do find that this relationship is moderated by perceived discrimination such that school attachment decreases as stress associated with SB 1070 increases for individuals with lower perceived discrimination. For individuals with high levels of perceived discrimination, there is a positive association between school attachment and SB 1070 stress. By impacting their acculturative stress, Arizona’s SB 1070 has further upset an already precarious schooling experience for Mexican American students.
Effects of soil and foliar applications of iron and zinc on flowering and essential oil of chamomile at greenhouse conditions
Authors: NASIRI Yousef , NAJAFI Nosratollah
Published: April 2015

In order to study the effects of soil and foliar applications of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) on flowering, flower yield and essential oil production of German chamomile a pot experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Iran in 2012. The experiment was arranged as completely randomized design with 12 treatments and three replications. Treatments were as follow: T1: control – without Fe or Zn fertilizers, T2: 30 mg FeSO4.7H2O kg-1 dry soil, T3: 22 mg ZnSO4.7H2O kg-1 dry soil, T4: 30 mg FeSO4.7H2O + 22 mg ZnSO4.7H2O kg-1 dry soil, T5: foliar spraying of FeSO4.7H2O (3.5 g L-1), T6: foliar spraying of FeSO4.7H2O (7.0 g L-1), T7: foliar spraying of ZnSO4.7H2O (2.5 g L-1), T8: foliar spraying of ZnSO4.7H2O (5.0 g L-1), T9: T5+T7, T10: T5+T8, T11: T6+T7, T12: T6+T8. The foliar spraying was done two times during the growing period. The results revealed that the flower number, flower yield, essential oil content and essential oil yield were significantly increased by soil and foliar applications of Fe + Zn, compared with the control (untreated). The highest flower number (477 plant-1), flower yield (11.6 g pot-1), essential oil content (0.88 %) and essential oil yield (119 mg pot-1) were recorded for the soil application of Fe + Zn (T4) by 58, 68, 21.4 and 105 % increment compared to the control, respectively. Foliar application of Fe + Zn (T12) was placed at the next rank; however this treatment had no significant difference with the soil application of Fe + Zn (T4). Other treatments did not show significant differences with the control. Generally, the results showed that soil or foliar application of Fe + Zn can be effective on increase or improve of quantity and quality of chamomile yield. Moreover, use of foliar application as a low cost method especially in areas with alkaline or calcareous soils can be recommended.
Calibration of the LINGRA-N model to simulate herbage yield of grass monocultures and permanent grassland in Slovenia
Authors: POGAČAR Tjaša , IPAVEC Domen , VERBIČ Janko , KAJFEŽ-BOGATAJ Lučka
Published: April 2015

In this study, we calibrated the LINGRA-N model using the minimization of RMSE, and proceeded to evaluate its performance. We simulated herbage dry matter yield of cock's foot (Dactylis glomerata L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in Jablje in the period 1998–2013, and multiplespecies grassland in Ljubljana (S72) in 1974–1993. The overall performance of LINGRA-N is fair for perennial ryegrass (RMSE% < 25%) and good for cock’s foot and S72 (RMSE% < 15%). The index of agreement (d) suggests that LINGRA-N is not calibrated well enough to simulate the interannual herbage yield variability for S72, so the model cannot yet be used for the simulation of multi-species grassland herbage yield. In contrast, the herbage yields of cock’s foot and perennial ryegrass in Jablje are simulated correctly (with d values 0.84 and 0.78, respectively). One of our further goals is to use the calibrated model on a specific location for the simulation of the herbage yield of grass monocultures under various weather conditions as well as for the simulation of climate change effect on it.
Proteomic studies of drought stress response in Fabaceae
Authors: ZADRAŽNIK Tanja , ŠUŠTAR-VOZLIČ Jelka
Published: April 2015

Drought stress is a serious threat to crop production that influences plant growth and development and subsequently causes reduced quantity and quality of the yield. Plant stress induces changes in cell metabolism, which includes differential expression of proteins. Proteomics offer a powerful approach to analyse proteins involved in drought stress response of plants. Analyses of changes in protein abundance of legumes under drought stress are very important, as legumes play an important role in human and animal diet and are often exposed to drought. The presented results of proteomic studies of selected legumes enable better understanding of molecular mechanisms of drought stress response. The study of drought stress response of plants with proteomic approach may contribute to the development of potential drought-response markers and to the development of drought-tolerant cultivars of different legume crop species.
Green mathematics: Benefits of including biological variation in your data analysis
Authors: TIJSKENS L.M.M , SCHOUTEN R.E. , UNUK T. , SIMČIČ Marjan
Published: April 2015

Biological variation is omnipresent in nature. It contains useful information that is neglected by the usually applied statistical procedures. To extract this information special procedures have to be applied. Biological variation is seen in properties (e.g. size, colour, firmness), but the underlying issue is almost always to the variation in development or maturity in a batch of individuals generated by small scale environmental differences. The principles of assessing biological variation in batches of individuals are explained without putting emphasis on mathematical details. Obtained explained parts increase from about 60 to 80 % for the usual approach to 95 when the biological variation is taken into account. When technical variation or measuring error is small even 99 % can be achieved. The benefit of the presented technology is highlighted based on a number of already published studies covering the colour of apples during growth and storage and the firmness of cut tomatoes during storage
Plant-specific CC-type glutaredoxins: functions in developmental processes and stress responses
Authors: Gutsche Nora , Thurow Corinna , Zachgo Sabine , Gatz Christiane
Published: April 2015

Glutaredoxins (GRXs) are small oxidoreductases of the thioredoxin family proteins that can either regulate the thiol redox state of proteins or are linked to iron metabolism because of their ability to incorporate iron-sulfur [2Fe–2S] clusters. Here we review recent research on a land plant-specific class of GRX-like proteins, which are characterized by the conserved CC motif in the active centre. Loss-of-function mutants of CC-type GRXs in Arabidopsis (also named ROXYs), maize, and rice have unraveled a role in floral development, including regulation of organ primordia initiation, control of organ identity gene expression, and progression into meiosis in the male germ line. Other CC-type GRXs play a role in stress responses, most likely through their capacity to regulate nuclear gene expression. Consistently, CC-type GRXs, physically and genetically interact with individual members of the TGA transcription factor family. One of the challenges in the future is to unravel whether ROXYs control the redox state of TGA factors or other yet unknown target proteins or whether they regulate gene expression through other processes. Other intriguing questions concern the original function of the first CC-type GRXs in basal land plants and their potential contribution to the extremely successful radiation of angiosperms.
Galatians 3:28 in Thomas Aquinas’ Lectures on the Pauline Letters: A Study in Thomistic Reception
Authors: Wright IV William M.
Published: April 2015

This article examines Thomas Aquinas’ interpretation of Galatians 3:28 in his commentaries on the Pauline letters with an eye to Alisdair MacIntyre’s notion of “tradition-constituted enquiry.” An analysis of Aquinas’ multiple references to Gal 3:28 in his lectures on Paul reveal a consistent, theologically complex interpretation of this verse in terms of the regenerative grace of baptism in the rational soul, which is common to all human beings and prior to their differences. Aquinas’ reception of Paul demonstrates some convergences with MacIntyre’s account of “tradition-constituted enquiry,” suggesting further consideration of the latter as a helpful conceptual resource for reception history.
Risk factors for work‐related stress and subjective hardship in health‐care staff in nursing homes for the elderly: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pélissier Carole , Vohito Michel , Fort Emmanuel , Sellier Brigitte , Agard Jean Pierre , Fontana Luc , Charbotel Barbara
Published: April 2015

Risk factors for work‐related stress and subjective hardship in health‐care staff in nursing homes for the elderly: A cross‐sectional study: Carole Pélissier, et al. Université Lyon 1, UMRESTTE (Joint unit IFSTTAR/UCLB), France

Objective

This study aimed to explore potential risk factors for work‐related stress by, detailing working conditions and subjective hardship according to occupational category in health‐care staff working with elderly patients.

Methods

A cross‐sectional descriptive survey was conducted in 105 nursing homes for the elderly in France. Data on nursing home working conditions were collected by occupational physicians. The study population was limited to those in direct contact with the elderly, who were divided into 3 occupational groups defined by qualifications and tasks: housekeepers (HKs), nursing assistants (NAs) and nurses (Ns). Employees answered a questionnaire on their perceived working conditions and vocational training courses. Psychosocial stress was assessed with the Siegrist questionnaire.

Results

The subjects included 706 HKs, 1,565 NAs and 378 Ns, and the findings showed confusion of tasks and responsibilities in the study population. Verbal abuse by residents was reported by 60.9% of HKs (versus 76.2% of NAs and 76.7% of Ns, p<0.001). Physical attack by residents was more frequently reported by NAs (59.1%) than Ns (52.8%) or HKs (38.0%) (p<0.001). Nearly 10% of employees reported clear effort/reward imbalance (10.4% of NAs, 9.2% of Ns and 7.0% of HKs, p=0.059). Great hardship related to proximity to death was reported by 40.5% of HKs (versus 37.3% of NAs and 22.6% of Ns; p<0.001).

Conclusions

To prevent stress related to insufficient ability, nursing home workers should be encouraged to attend job training courses, which should cover knowledge of the specific care needs of elderly patients and of the authority/responsibility required to do their job.
Oligopsony power in agricultural market: the case of the Lithuanian raw milk market
Authors: Stalgienė Aldona , Jedik Andrej
Published: April 2015

As the milk in Lithuania produces by a lot of milk producers, who sell their product to several customers (several large dairy processors), a hypothesis appears, that Lithuanian raw milk sector is oligopsonic. In this case, the price is not determined by the product producer, but by the buyers. This situation is typical for many agricultural products in food supply chain. This study aims to determine the market power of the Lithuanian milk processing industry on the market of raw milk. An empirical analysis is based on the New Empirical Industrial Organization (NEIO) market power models. Empirical research has showed that there was an oligopsony (0.28) in the Lithuanian raw milk market.
A methodology for project-level maintenance for urban roads
Authors: Mubaraki Muhammad
Published: April 2015

A methodology for maintenance and rehabilitation strategies for high-volume roads based on developed pavement distress models is presented. Historical data of pavement distress on urban main roads in cities across Saudi Arabia were used to generate prediction models for common pavement distress. A sigmoid function was found to be the best fit for the data and seven prediction models for different types of pavement distress were developed. Based on these models, project-level maintenance and rehabilitation strategies for urban main roads are proposed.
Waste incinerator residue treatment: variability implications
Authors: Shirley Robin , Hawthorne Josh , Black Leon
Published: April 2015

Air pollution control residues are a hazardous waste, collected when controlling the flue gas emissions created within modern energy from waste (EfW) incinerators. They are inherently variable with regards to mineralogy and morphology. However, this variability is frequently neglected throughout the scientific literature concerned with their management. This work characterises residues collected from five different UK facilities and highlights the implications of their compositional variability for the performance of products resulting from a stabilisation/solidification treatment. It is demonstrated that the variability is of significance for the mineralogy and several key engineering properties of the products, and links between the properties of the residues and the behaviour of the products are shown. Residue variability should be considered when researching technical management options. Treatments are likely to require modification in order to satisfy performance envelopes for individual batches of residue.
ANÁLISE DO PERFIL OCUPACIONAL DOS PORTADORES DE DISTÚRBIOS OSTEOMUSCULARES RELACIONADOS AO TRABALHO EM SERGIPE
Authors: Dosea Giselle Santana , Oliveira Cristiane Costa da Cunha , Lima Sônia Oliveira , De Oliveira William Alves
Published: April 2015

A sociedade moderna, através das exigências por produtividade e competitividade, faz do trabalhador um indivíduo exposto a doenças ocupacionais, como Distúrbios osteomusculares relacionados ao trabalho (DORT). Estas doenças, causadas pelo trabalho extenuante, sem pausas e sem condições ergonômicas, podem gerar altos índices de absenteísmo e aposentadorias precoces. Sendo assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi identificar o perfil ocupacional dos trabalhadores portadores de DORT de Sergipe. A amostra incluiu todos os trabalhadores dos Centros de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador (CEREST) do estado de Sergipe, no ano de 2013, comprovadamente portadores de DORT, com diagnóstico médico de algum dos agravos que constam na lista de doenças relacionadas ao trabalho do Ministério da Saúde e do Ministério da Previdência Social, com exclusão dos portadores de transtornos mentais graves, doenças degenerativas e reumatológicas. A coleta dos dados foi feita através da Ficha de Investigação de Doenças Relacionadas ao Trabalho, utilizada como base para a notificação dos casos de DORT pelos CEREST´s. Os resultados demonstraram um perfil ocupacional de mulheres, com faixa etária entre 35 e 45 anos, profissão de costureira, com predominância de sintomatologia nos membros superiores, que trabalham mais de 6 horas por dia, e sem pausas. Sugere-se outros estudos com base de dados primários e entrevista direta com essa população, que permitam a avaliação de sintomas dos DORT e do nível de qualidade de vida dos sujeitos, bem como a análise do ambiente laboral.
ANÁLISE DO CONHECIMENTO DA POPULAÇÃO SOBRE DESCARTE DE MEDICAMENTOS EM BELO HORIZONTE/MG.
Authors: Ferreira Claudiney Luís , Santos Maria Aparecida Souza dos , Rodrigues Schirlene Campos
Published: April 2015

Medicamento é o produto farmacêutico tecnicamente obtido ou elaborado, com finalidade profilática, curativa, paliativa ou para fins de diagnóstico. O descarte aleatório de medicamentos vencidos pode culminar em impactos ambientais extremamente relevantes. A existência desse tipo de resíduos pode levar a reações adversas em seres aquáticos e terrestres. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o processo de descarte de medicamentos pela população do Município de Belo Horizonte/MG. Foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva quantitativa com aplicação de um questionário estruturado a 400 entrevistados que foram escolhidos aleatoriamente em abril de 2014. Observou-se que 95% dos entrevistados possuem medicamentos em casa, 52% descartam os medicamentos vencidos em lixo comum e 32% no vaso sanitário, 82% não sabem como descartar corretamente os medicamentos, 93% acreditam que o descarte pode causar problemas ambientais e 87% não receberam nenhuma informação desse assunto. Percebe-se que a falta de informação da população sobre a forma correta de descarte de medicamentos e ausência de uma legislação específica para o recolhimento desses produtos contribui para o descarte inadequado de medicamentos, causando dano ao meio ambiente e à própria saúde humana.
Formas actuales del control social: impactos en la Educación Social. Reflexiones desde la Pedagogía Social
Authors: Nuñez Perez Violeta Maria
Published: April 2015

La exposición articula dos grandes cuestiones que se juegan en este momento histórico en el estado español: 1)Las políticas sociales de control que responden al resurgimiento del discurso higienista. Se mostrarán algunas de sus derivas neohigienistas en el campo de las ciencias y las políticas sociales. En el campo de la pedagogía social se dará cuenta del entrenamiento de los operadores del control social, quienes vienen a sustituir a los profesionales de la educación social; 2) Posibilidades y márgenes desde una Pedagogía Social crítica: aportaciones para ejercicios de resistencia y desbordamiento de cauces previstos, tanto en la institución universitaria como en el campo social. Concluiremos que es posible perforar ese talud neoliberal que se pretende monolítico y abrir, allí donde parece altamente improbable, otros espacios de invención e intercambio cultural y educativo.
AS PRÁTICAS ESCOLARES DE CIVILIZAÇÃO E A EDUCAÇÃO DOS POVOS DA COLÔNIA PORTUGUESA E SEUS DOMÍNIOS
Authors: Santos Mariângela Dias
Published: April 2015

O estudo em foco pretende analisar o Tratado Filosófico “Apontamentos para a educação de um menino nobre (1734)” de Martinho de Mendonça de Pina e Proença. A escolha desse Tratado se deu por ser uma fonte de pesquisa que apresenta a educação como foco principal, pois especifica uma prática educacional e social determinada pelas exemplificações que a legislação empreendia naquela época. Esse Tratado mostra-se voltado para a educação preceptoral, de caráter privado, destinado a modelar a nobreza conforme princípios morais formadores do homem virtuoso. Nessa investigação foi utilizada a pesquisa bibliográfica e quantitativa, recorrendo às seguintes fontes: livros, revistas científicas e legislação. Convém ressaltar que foram analisadas como as práticas intelectuais e educativas implicaram no estabelecimento de estratégias na aprendizagem dos saberes elementares no período setecentista estendidas nos manuais desses intelectuais e nas formas de execução dessas práticas. “Apontamentos” trouxe um discurso frente as práticas com relação a civilização e a educação dos povos da Colônia Portuguesa e seus Domínios. Concluo afirmando que o pensamento iluminista foi permeado nesse período com o papel de redentor da educação, de sua capacidade de promover a regeneração e a emancipação dos indivíduos e das intituições educativas como lugares previlegiados para a formação dos sujeitos em conformidade a modernidade.
O METHODO ANALYTICO INTUITIVO NA ESCOLA PRIMARIA ESPIRITO-SANTENSE E O DISCURSO DE CARLOS ALBERTO GOMES CARDIM
Authors: Siqueira Filho Moysés Gonçalves
Published: April 2015

Trata de uma pesquisa histórico-documental, de cunho qualitativo. Objetiva identificar nos textos de leis e decretos os discursos inseridos na reforma da instrução publica capixaba, organizada pelo professor Carlos Alberto Gomes Cardim, a convite de Jerônymo de Souza Monteiro, Presidente do Estado do Espírito Santo de 1908 a 1912. Identifica a importação dos ideais da reforma educacional promovida no Estado de São Paulo, logo após a Proclamação da República. Considera as providências, tomadas por meio de uma série de Decretos, que o legitimariam agir sob os discursos da pedagogia moderna, sobretudo, com relação à formação dos professores primários, modificando programas de treinamento e metodologia de ensino. Conclui que a partir do methodo analytico e do processo intuitivo, inicialmente, utilizados para a leitura e escrita, desenvolveram-se as matérias que compunham o ensino das escolas primárias, dentre elas, Aritmethica, Geometria e Desenho.
A Pedagogia Moderna e a Aritmética do curso primário brasileiro: o ensino com e pelas coisas
Authors: Oliveira Marcus Aldenisson
Published: April 2015

A Pedagogia Moderna considerada neste artigo é aquela que emerge no rol das transformações da escola primária. No bojo das idealizações dessa pedagogia, o método intuitivo ganha destaque. Na reorganização do currículo da escola primária, esse método torna-se núcleo das normatizações. Assim, a questão orientadora deste artigo, enuncia-se nas seguintes palavras: Como o uso do método intuitivo foi normatizado para o ensino dos saberes aritméticos? Como resultado parcial, o estudo revelou que a presença da vaga intuitiva no cenário educacional brasileiro proporcionou um novo realce às formas de se ensinar os saberes da Aritmética do curso primário – com e pelas coisas.
PREDICTING INFILTRATION FEATURES ON THE TERRITORIESSUBMERGED AS A RESULT OF EXTREME SITUATION
Authors: ShABANOV V. A
Published: April 2015

The article discusses the process of liquid penetration of the surface of the earth into soil at a constant pressure. The ideal soil model is adopted in the study. The penetration of liquid is considered as a movement of a drop with variable mass. The initial moment of fluid motion was studied in detail.
ANALYSIS OF SEISMIC CONDITIONSOF THE ZHIGULEVSKAYA HYDROELECTRIC POWER STATION AREA
Authors: LEONOV O. V , ROMANOV A. A , EVDOKIMOV S. V
Published: April 2015

Here is analyzed the seismic stability of the Zhigulevskaya Hydroelectric power Station area and tectonic activity of the Zhiguli bank structure. The estimation of an initial seismicity of the area and site of the Zhigulevskaya Hydroelectric power Station is given. The probability of earthquake occurrence of the maximum intensity on the basis of empirical data is defined.
DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGY OF RECYCLING AND REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF WASTE BOTTOM DEEPENING OF URBAN RESERVOIRSWITH THE USE OF DEHYDRATION IN GEOSYNTHETIC CONTAINERS
Authors: KATKOV I. A , RODIONOV M. V , ShABANOVA A. V
Published: April 2015

A complex of technological and managerial solutions to reduce the volumes of sediments of urban reservoirs is developed. The environmental efficiency of low-temperature dewatering of sediments in geosynthetic containers of the proposed design is shown.
The Interaction Between β‐3 Adrenergic Receptor and Peroxisome Proliferator‐Activated Receptor Gamma Gene Polymorphism to Periodontal Disease in Community‐Dwelling Elderly Japanese
Authors: Yoshihara Akihiro , Sugita Noriko , Iwasaki Masanori , Wang Yanming , Miyazaki Hideo , Yoshie Hiromasa , Nakamura Kazutoshi
Published: April 2015

Background: It has been hypothesized that β‐3 adrenergic receptor and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) might have gene–environmental and gene–gene interactions in periodontal disease. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the interaction between β‐3 adrenergic receptor and PPARγ gene polymorphism with periodontal disease.

Methods: Three hundred thirty‐two postmenopausal females were enrolled, and their serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were examined. β‐3 adrenergic receptor and PPARγ genotypes were then determined. An oral examination was performed. The number of remaining teeth was counted, and the probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured. Prevalence‐rate ratios (PRRs) were calculated by multiple Poisson regression analyses to evaluate the relationship among periodontal disease markers, such as the number of sites with CAL 4 to 5 or ≥6 mm or PD 4 to 5 or ≥6 mm, and β‐3 adrenergic receptor polymorphisms, PPARγ polymorphisms, and the interaction term adjusted by age, hsCRP, and HbA1c, after converting the number of remaining teeth (n) to an offset variable.

Results: In the participants with body mass index (BMI) ≥25, PRRs of β‐3 adrenergic receptor genotype (Trp/Arg and Arg/Arg) for periodontal disease markers were 0.13 to 0.70 (P <0.0001 to 0.74), those of PPARγ genotype (Pro/Pro) were 0.66 to 3.14 (P = 0.01 to 0.68), and those of the interaction term for the two genotypes were 1.69 to 12.61 (P <0.0001 to 0.33). However, in the participants with BMI <25, a constant tendency was not observed.

Conclusion: The results confirmed a positive relationship between the interaction term for β‐3 adrenergic receptor genotype and PPARγ genotype and various periodontal markers in obese elderly females.
Masquelet Technique for Midfoot Reconstruction Following Osteomyelitis in Charcot Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Mak May Fong , Stern Richard , Assal Mathieu
Published: April 2015

Case:

We describe a case of ulcerative midfoot osteomyelitis in a patient with Charcot diabetic neuropathy. After debridement, an extensive osseous defect led to staged reconstruction in an attempt to salvage the foot. We describe the presentation, the treatment, and the technical points of this challenging case.

Conclusion:

We reconstructed the midfoot defect with use of the induced-membrane Masquelet technique, successfully reestablishing a stable, well-aligned, plantigrade, ulcer-free foot.
Phase-Behavior Modeling and Flow Simulation for Low-Temperature CO2 Injection
Authors: Pan Huanquan , Chen Yuguang , Sheffield Jonathan , Chang Yih-Bor , Zhou Dengen
Published: April 2015

CO2 injection into an oil reservoir at low temperatures (less than 120 °F) can form three hydrocarbon phases—a vapor phase, an oil-rich liquid, and a CO2-rich liquid phase. Most available reservoir simulators cannot handle three-hydrocarbon-phase flash, and the use of two-phase flash may cause significant numerical instability. The issue has been recognized in the industry for a long time. Studies to include three-hydrocarbon-phase flash in compositional simulations exist in the literature. However, this approach results in substantial increases of model complexity and computational cost; thus, it may not be realistic for practical applications (at least for now). In this work, we propose a new pressure/volume/temperature (PVT) modeling procedure to eliminate the three-hydrocarbon-phase region for reservoir-fluid/CO2 mixtures at low temperatures and to study its implication for flow simulation. In our method, the acentric factors of pseudocomponents are adjusted to eliminate the three-hydrocarbon-phase region, which was not considered in any of the previous studies. Then, the experimental data for reservoir-fluid PVT, CO2 swelling test, and minimum miscibility pressure are also matched by adjusting further binary-interaction coefficients, volume-shift parameters, and critical volumes of the pseudocomponents. The procedure is applicable for cases with relatively small three-phase regions (e.g., some fields in west Texas), and can be applied with any PVT simulation software and conventional two-hydrocarbon-phase simulators. The method is considered for two sector models from oil fields in west Texas, with fine-scale (more than 600,000 gridblocks) and upscaled models. Compared with the standard characterization, in which the three-hydrocarbon phases exist, the new fluid model significantly improves the stability of flow simulation, demonstrating the robustness and efficiency of the new procedure. One can view the method as a practical approximation to field-scale simulations of CO2 injection at low temperatures.
Gender Differences in Sensation Seeking and Paranormal/Anomalous Experiences
Authors: Parra Alejandro
Published: April 2015

Sensation seeking is the tendency to pursue sensory pleasure and excitement. A body of research indicates that
sensation seeking may contribute to paranormal/anomalous experiences. Examination of relations between sensations
seeking and paranormal beliefs has resulted in a limited body of research. This paper hypothesizes that both – sensation
seeking and paranormal/anomalous experiences – will be significantly and positively correlated. Two samples of 446 females
and 162 males (Mage = 8.60, SD = 4.65) filled two questionnaires, Sensation Seeking Scale and a 10-item self-report
inventory designed to collect information on spontaneous paranormal/anomalous experiences. An index of experiences
(Index) was constructed to correlate with the sensations seeking. More than half have experienced different types of paranormal/
anomalous experiences, mainly telepathy and déjà-vu. The main hypothesis was supported for both, males (p =
.002, one-tailed) and females (p < .001). Factor analysis showed that women tended to score higher than men, explaining
the 6.5% of the variance. These findings also suggest that sensation seeking may have some utility in predicting subjects'
psi performance.
Characterization and Flocculating Properties of a Biopolymer Produced byHalomonassp. Okoh
Authors: Okaiyeto Kunle , Nwodo Uchechukwu U. , Mabinya Leonard V. , Okoh Anthony I.
Published: April 2015

The flocculating efficiency and physiochemical properties of purified bioflocculant produced byHalomonassp. Okoh were investigated. Approximately 1.213 g/L of bioflocculant was recovered after fermentation under predetermined ambient conditions. Jar test experimentation revealed optimum bioflocculant concentration as 0.2 mg/mL with flocculation activity of 66.1%. The thermostable bioflocculant retained high flocculation activity after heat treatment at 100 °C for 30 minutes; flocculation activity of 74% was achieved. Chemical analysis showed that the bioflocculant was composed of sugar (26.5%), protein (2.64%), and uronic acid (13.3%). The Fourier infrared spectroscopy spectrum of the purified bioflocculant revealed the presence of hydroxyl and carboxylic functional groups. Thermogravimetric analyses showed a varied decomposition step, thus, an indication of varied composition. Scanning electron micrograph revealed the amorphous structure of the bioflocculant. These results suggest potential applicability of the bioflocculant produced byHalomonassp. Okoh industrially.
On the non-Archimedean and random approximately general additive mappings: Direct and fixed point methods
Authors: Kenary Azadi , Eghtesadifard M.H.
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we prove the Hyers-Ulam stability of the following generalized additive functional equation ?1? i < j ? m f(xi+xj/2 + m-2?l=1,kl?i,j) = (m-1)2/2 m?i=1 f(xi) where m is a positive integer greater than 3, in various normed
spaces.
Additive property of pseudo Drazin inverse of elements in Banach algebras
Authors: Zhu Huihui , Chen Jianlong
Published: April 2015

This article concerns the pseudo Drazin inverse of the sums (resp.
differences) and the products of elements in a Banach algebra A. Some
equivalent conditions for the existence of the pseudo Drazin inverse of a + b
(resp. a - b) are characterized. Moreover, the representations for the pseudo
Drazin inverse are given. Some related known results are generalized.
Reverse order law (ab)+ = b+(a+abb+)+a+ in rings with involution
Authors: Mosic Dijana , Dincic Nebojsa
Published: April 2015

In this paperwestudy several equivalent conditions for the reverse order law
(ab)+ = b+(a+abb+)+a+ in rings with involution. We extend some well-known
results to more general settings.
Asymptotic normality of a simple linear EV regression model with martingale difference errors
Authors: Fan Guo-Liang , Chen Tian-Heng
Published: April 2015

This paper considers the estimation of a linear EV (errors-in-variables)
regression model under martingale difference errors. The usual least squares
estimations lead to biased estimators of the unknown parametric when
measurement errors are ignored. By correcting the attenuation we propose a
modified least squares estimator for a parametric component and construct the
estimators of another parameter component and error variance. The asymptotic
normalities are also obtained for these estimators. The simulation study
indicates that the modified least squares method performs better than the
usual least squares method.
Remarks on the relative tensor degree of finite groups
Authors: Alghamdi A.M.A. , Russo F.G.
Published: April 2015

The present paper is a note on the relative tensor degree of finite groups.
This notion generalizes the tensor degree, introduced recently in literature,
and allows us to adapt the concept of relative commutativity degree through
the notion of nonabelian tensor square. We show two inequalities, which
correlate the relative tensor degree with the relative commutativity degree
of finite groups.
Organizational Competencies and Dynamic Accounting Information System Capability: Impact on AIS Processes and Firm Performance
Authors: Prasad Acklesh , Green Peter
Published: April 2015

Accounting information systems (AIS) capture and process accounting data and provide valuable information for decision makers. However, in a rapidly changing environment, continual management of the AIS is necessary for organizations to optimize performance outcomes. We suggest that building a dynamic AIS capability enables accounting process and organizational performance. Using the dynamic capabilities framework (Teece 2007) we propose that a dynamic AIS capability can be developed through the synergy of three competencies: having (1) a flexible AIS, (2) a complementary business intelligence system, and (3) accounting professionals with IT technical competency. Using survey data, we find evidence of a positive association between a dynamic AIS capability, accounting process performance, and overall firm performance. The results suggest that developing a dynamic AIS resource can add value to an organization. This study provides guidance for organizations looking to leverage the performance outcomes of their AIS environment.
Role of TGF-β Signaling in Remodeling of Noncoronary Artery Aneurysms in Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Lee Aaron M. , Shimizu Chisato , Oharaseki Toshiaki , Takahashi Kei , Daniels Lori B. , Kahn Andrew , Adamson Robert , Dembitsky Walter , Gordon John B. , Burns Jane C.
Published: April 2015

Coronary artery aneurysms (CAA) remain an important complication of Kawasaki disease (KD), the most common form of pediatric acquired heart disease in developed countries. Potentially life-threatening CAA develop in 25% of untreated children and 5% of children treated with highdose intravenous immunoglobulin during the acute phase of the self-limited vasculitis. Noncoronary artery aneurysms (NCAA) in extraparenchymal, muscular arteries occur in a minority of patients with KD who also have CAA, yet little is understood about their formation and remodeling. We postulated that activation of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway in KD may influence formation and remodeling of aneurysms in iliac, femoral, and axillary arteries, the most common sites for NCAA. We studied a resected axillary artery from one adult and endarterectomy tissue from the femoral artery from a second adult, both with a history of CAA and NCAA following KD in infancy. Histology of the axillary artery aneurysm revealed destruction of the internal elastic lamina and recanalization of organized thrombus, while the endarterectomy specimen showed dense calcification and luminal myofibroblastic proliferation. Immunohistochemistry for molecules in the TGF-β signaling pathway revealed increased expression of TGF-β2, TGF-β receptor 2, and phosphorylated SMAD3. These findings suggest ongoing tissue remodeling of the aneurysms decades after the acute injury and demonstrate the importance of the TGF-β signaling pathway in this process.
Characterization of a waveguide Mach-Zehnder interferometer using PDMS as a cover layer
Authors: Lindecrantz S. M. , Tinguely J.-C. , Singh Ahluwalia B. , Hellesø O. G.
Published: April 2015

A Mach-Zehnder interferometer made with shallow rib waveguides is studied experimentally and using simulations. The rib-height giving single-mode guidance is found as function of core thickness and polarization. Devices have been made using shallow rib waveguides (5 nm rib height) in silicon nitride. The sensitivity and the limit of detection (LOD) is studied experimentally regarding the length of the sensing window and for two cover media: water with hydrochloric acid (HCl) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). For HCl-solution, which is the standard method for testing Mach-Zehnder interferometers, the measured sensitivity and LOD was 13000π rad/RIU and 1.1 × 10−7π RIU, respectively, for a 2 cm long sensing window. This is comparable to the best results reported previously. With PDMS as the cover medium, the temperature of the device was increased in order to measure the sensitivity. This is a new approach that makes it possible to measure the sensitivity with a solid cover medium which has a relatively high temperature coefficient for the refractive index. Measured sensitivity and LOD was 15200π rad/RIU and 1.3 × 10−7π RIU, respectively, again for a 2 cm long sensing window. Measured sensitivities agreed with simulations and increased linearly with sensing length as expected. However, the LOD showed a minimum for 2 cm sensing length. This was mainly due to increased noise for 3 cm sensing length, both for HCl-solution and PDMS. With higher sensitivity and similar LOD for PDMS compared to HCl-solution, it is concluded that using the temperature dependence of PDMS is a good alternative for testing Mach-Zehnder interferometers.
Microstructural evolution in deformed duplex stainless steels
Authors: Ryś Janusz , Zielińska-Lipiec Anna
Published: April 2015

The present research is part of a project concerning texture and microstructure evolution upon deformation and annealing in a series of various duplex stainless steels. This article shows a comparison of deformation behavior in two grades of duplex steels subjected to cold-rolling over a wide range of reductions. Both steels under examination showed clear differences in chemical composition and their preliminary treatment included different processes of hot plastic working. Optical microscopy was used to examine changes in morphology and formation of a ferrite–austenite band-like structure upon cold-rolling. Transmission electron microscopy was applied to analyze microstructural evolution and deformation behavior within the ferrite and austenite bands. Additional research included texture measurements for both component phases. Special attention was paid to the ferrite–austenite co-deformation and the structural effects resulting from strain localization at high rolling reductions.
Visual outcome and complications of manual small incision cataract Surgery (MSICS) in a peripheral CMH
Authors: Masum Md Abdullah Al , Khan Md Kamrul Hasan , Hossain M Anwar
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) is a cost-effective alternative to phacoemulsification cataract surgery for developing countries. This prospective study was carried out in Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Chittagong from October 2009 to March 2011 on 75 cataract patients who were operated by MSICS technique. Objectives: Aim of this study was to assess the visual outcome and complications of MSICS in a peripheral CMH. Methods: Seventy five cataract patients were operated by MSICS technique. All surgical procedures were performed by the principal author. Major per-operative and postoperative complications were documented. Visual outcome was assessed by Snellens visual acuity test 06 weeks after operation. Results: Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 6/6  6/18 in 57 (76.0%) patients, < 6/18  6/60 in 15 (20%) and < 6/60 in 03 (4.0%) patients. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 6/6-6/18 in 65 (86.7%) patients, < 6/18-6/60 in 07 (9.3%) and < 6/60 in 03(4.0%) patients. Visual outcome was good in 86.7% of patients according to World Health Orgnization (WHO) criteria and was not far away from the WHO expected outcome. Posterior capsule rupture was the most significant per-operative complication which was found in 7(9.3%) cases and surgically induced astigmatism was main postoperative complication that affected visual outcome. Mean postoperative astigmatism (against-the rule) was - 1.25DC. 14 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 10, No 1 (June) 2014 Conclusion: MSICS is a safe and cost-effective technique of extra-capsular cataract extraction where surgical skill and experience of the surgeon plays a significant role in the result. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v10i1.22895 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.10(1) 2014
Diagnostic role of Ultrasonography in acute appendicitis
Authors: Islam Md Khairul , Rahman Md Selim ur , Alam Syed Zoherul , Khan Arif Ahmed , Islam Md Tarikul , Ahmed Hussain
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Abdominal Ultrasonography (USG) is the most commonly used method for diagnosing acute appendicitis the most common surgical cause of acute abdomen. In this study, we observed the reliability of USG for diagnosing acute appendicitis. Objectives: To evaluate the role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Methods: In this study, we performed abdominal USG of 100 patients admitted with lower right abdominal pain and diagnosed as acute surgical abdomen according to the physical examination and laboratory findings. These patients were surgically treated by appendecectomy, and excised specimens were sent for histopathological examination. Results: One hundred patients were assessed in this study. Out of them 82.0% patients had acute appendicitis and diameter of their appendices were more or equal to 6 mm. Twenty nine percent of the patients were below 21 years of age. Intraluminal fluid was present in 81% of patients and peri-appendicular fluid was present in 66.7% of patients. Leucocytosis was present in 49% of the cases and neutrophilia in 84% of the cases. All of the patients presented with lower abdominal pain with migration of pain in 52% cases and they had right iliac fossa tenderness. The sensitivity, specificity, Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV) and accuracy rate of ultrasonography was 76.8%, 88.9%, 96.9%, 45.7% and 79.0%, respectively. 45 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 10, No 1 (June) 2014 Conclusion: Acute appendicitis is a common indication for emergency abdominal surgery. Proper clinical assessment is the mainstay of diagnosis in acute appendicitis and addition of routine abdominal ultrasound by graded compression technique can improve the diagnostic accuracy and adverse outcome. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v10i1.22904 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.10(1) 2014