bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening for Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema: The Need for Standardization
Authors: O'Toole Jean , Jammallo Lauren S. , Miller Cynthia L. , Skolny Melissa N. , Specht Michelle C. , Taghian Alphonse G.
Published: April 2013

This commentary explores the challenges surrounding the development of a standard definition of lymphedema and method of quantification, proposes solutions, and calls for a collaborative effort among providers who care for patients with breast cancer.
In Reply
Authors: Rosen Alyx C. , Gavrilovic Igor T. , Balagula Yevgeniy , Ramaswamy Vijay , Dickler Maura N. , Dunkel Ira J. , Lacouture Mario E.
Published: April 2013

This reply to the letter by Hubiche et al. further discusses the hypothesis that geographic tongue is a novel entity related to bevacizumab therapy.
Instruments That Measure Nurses’ Knowledge About Diabetes: An Integrative Review
Authors: Francisco Mary Ann
Published: April 2013

Background and Purpose: Diabetes mellitus is an increasingly prevalent disease among hospitalized patients. Educators are challenged to build evidence-based programs for nurses based on sound nursing needs assessments using valid and reliable measures. The purpose of this integrative review is to examine instruments that measure nurses’ knowledge about diabetes. Methods: The Databases PubMed (MEDLINE), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for articles published between 1983 and 2012 using the keywords: diabetes knowledge; diabetes mellitus; diabetes self-management, nurse, and nursing knowledge. Fifteen articles reflecting the psychometric properties of 7 published instruments were reviewed. Results: The most commonly used instruments are the Diabetes Basic Knowledge Test (DBKT) and Diabetes Self-Report Test (DSRT). Several replication studies using the DBKT and DSRT did not consistently report reliability and validity measures. Five additional investigator-developed tools also lack strong validity and reliability measures. Conclusions: The findings suggest the need for continued development and psychometric testing of instruments to measure nurses’ knowledge about diabetes.
Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Moral Competence Scale for Home Care Nurses in Japan
Authors: Asahara Kiyomi , Ono Wakanako , Kobayashi Maasa , Omori Junko , Todome Hiromi
Published: April 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Moral Competence Scale for Home Care Nurses (MCSHCN). Methods: A self-administered questionnaire that included the preliminary MCSHCN (90 items) was distributed to home care nurses (HCNs) in Japan. Usable data (from 1,961 questionnaires) were analyzed. Results: Item and exploratory factor analysis for the MCSHCN revealed 45 items that loaded on 5 factors. This 5-factor model showed reasonable fit to the data by confirmatory factor analysis (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.070). Thus, the model closely corresponded to the theoretical components of moral competence. Cronbach’s alpha ranged from .78 to .93. Conclusions: The construct validity and internal consistency reliability were supported. Further research is needed to refine this scale to increase the generalizability.
Parental Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Survey (PHPVS): Nurse-Led Instrument Development and Psychometric Testing for Use in Research and Primary Care Screening
Authors: Thomas Tami Lynn , Strickland Ora L. , DiClemente Ralph , Higgins Melinda , Williams Bryan , Hickey Kathleen
Published: April 2013

Background and Purpose: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was approved for girls aged 9–24 years in 2006 to prevent HPV infection and cervical cancer. The Parental Human Papillomavirus Survey (PHPVS) was framed on theoretical constructs of the health belief model (HBM) and developed to survey parents regarding their HPV knowledge, attitudes, and intent to vaccinate. Methods: We evaluated the psychometric properties of the PHPVS using classical item analysis and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) among a sample of 200 parents/caregivers. Results: The EFA yielded a 4-factor unidimensional model that explained between 62% and 68% of the total variance depending on the extraction method used. The estimated Cronbach’s alpha for the PHPVS was .96. Conclusions: The PHPVS is a reliable measure of HPV knowledge, attitudes, and intent to vaccinate.
Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee: A Case Report and Recommendations for Treatment
Authors: Evangelista Maria Carmela
Published: April 2013

The knee is the second most common joint to be afflicted with ischemia and bone death. Two forms have been documented—spontaneous osteonecrosis and secondary osteonecrosis. Although similar in symptoms, accurate diagnosis is essential because different treatments are required to optimize outcomes. The article discusses osteonecrosis of the knee, management of spontaneous and secondary osteonecrosis, as illustrated by the case of an 83-year-old female with recent trauma to the knee.
Short-Term Medical Missions in the 21st Century: Getting You There and Back Safely
Authors: Ardizzone Laura L. , Massie Maribeth L. , Gruendling Steve
Published: April 2013

Students and health care providers traveling to other countries to provide much needed health services have increased over the past several years. Although participating in a mission can seem overwhelming at first, for those who have participated, it can be a transformative experience. It allows volunteers to make a difference while enhancing clinical skills and learning other valuable lessons while traveling. This article will review necessary steps that providers should take for their personal health and safety as well as a toolkit for patient and student safety.
Periodontal Probing of Dental Furcations Compared With Diagnosis by Low‐Dose Computed Tomography: A Case Series
Authors: Laky Markus , Majdalani Shaila , Kapferer Ines , Frantal Sophie , Gahleitner André , Moritz Andreas , Ulm Christian
Published: April 2013

Background: Therapeutic decisions in periodontal surgery are based on the accurate diagnosis of the furcation. Clinical probing is the basic diagnostic tool; however, the accuracy of clinical probing to distinguish Class II and Class III furcation defects is unknown. Therefore, this study compares clinical probing diagnoses to those of computed tomography (CT).

Methods: Seventy‐five patients with severe periodontal disease were enrolled in this case series study. A total of 582 furcation sites in molars were assigned for the diagnosis of Class II and Class III furcation defects by clinical probing. Diagnosis based on CT served as a reference.

Results: The degree of furcation involvement on clinical findings was confirmed in 57% of the sites, whereas 20% were overestimated and 23% were underestimated compared with the radiologic analysis. Only 32% of Class III furcations in the CT scan were detected clinically. The best correlation of CT scan and clinical probing was found at buccal furcation sites in the mandible, with a κ‐coefficient of 0.52, and buccal furcation sites in the maxilla, κ = 0.38. The κ‐coefficient was 0.35 for lingual furcations, 0.29 for mesial furcations, and 0.27 for distal furcations, showing weaker correlations.

Conclusions: CT scans offer more detailed information on furcation involvement than clinical probing. Especially before surgical treatment, three‐dimensional radiographic imaging can be a useful tool to assess the degree of furcation involvement and optimize treatment decisions.
Effects of Currently Available Surgical and Restorative Interventions on Reducing Midfacial Mucosal Recession of Immediately Placed Single‐Tooth Implants: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lin Guo‐Hao , Chan Hsun‐Liang , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: April 2013

Background: Procedures to improve peri‐implant soft‐tissue outcomes of single, immediately placed implants are a topic of interest. This systematic review investigates the effect of various surgical and restorative interventions on implant mid‐buccal mucosal level.

Methods: An electronic search of five databases (January 1990 to December 2012) and a manual search of peer‐reviewed journals for relevant articles were performed. Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs), prospective cohort studies, and case series with at least nine participants were included, with data on midfacial mucosal recession (MR) of immediately placed implants following various surgical and restorative interventions with a follow‐up period of at least 6 months.

Results: Thirty‐six studies, eight RCTs, one cohort study, and 27 case series were eligible. Six interventions were identified and reviewed: 1) palatal/lingual implant position; 2) platform‐switched abutments; 3) flapless approach; 4) bone grafts to fill the gap between buccal plate and fixture; 5) connective tissue grafts; and 6) immediate provisionalization. Three studies consistently showed that palatally/lingually positioned implants had significantly less MR when using tissue‐level implants. Mixed results were reported for interventions 2, 3, 5, and 6. One study was available for intervention 4 and did not show a benefit.

Conclusions: Some interventions might be adopted to reduce the amount of MR on implants with the immediate placement approach, as suggested by the included studies, with various levels of evidence. The conflicting results among studies might be a result of differences in patient and site characteristics, e.g., tissue biotype and buccal plate thickness. Therefore, the use of these interventions might be reserved for patients with moderate to high risk of esthetic complications.
Extraction of trace tilmicosin in real water samples using ionic liquid-based aqueous two-phase systems
Authors: Pan Ru , Shao Dejia , Qi Xueyong , Wu Yun , Fu Wenyan , Ge Yanru , Fu Haizhen
Published: April 2013

The effective method of ionic liquid-based aqueous two-phase extraction, which involves ionic liquid (IL) (1-butyl-3-methyllimidazolium chloride, [C4mim]Cl) and inorganic salt (K2HPO4) coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), has been used to extract trace tilmicosin in real water samples which were passed through a 0.45 μm filter. The effects of the different types of salts, the concentration of K2HPO4 and of ILs, the pH value and temperature of the systems on the extraction efficiencies have all been investigated. Under the optimum conditions, the average extraction efficiency is up to 95.8%. This method was feasible when applied to the analysis of tilmicosin in real water samples within the range 0.5–40 μg mL−1. The limit of detection was found to be 0.05 μg mL−1. The recovery rate of tilmicosin was 92.0–99.0% from the real water samples by the proposed method. This process is suggested to have important applications for the extraction of tilmicosin.
Enabling sustainable urban water management through governance experimentation
Authors: Bos J. J. , Brown R. R. , Farrelly M. A. , de Haan F. J.
Published: April 2013

A shift towards sustainable urban water management is widely advocated but poorly understood. There is a growing body of literature claiming that social learning is of high importance in restructuring conventional systems. In particular, governance experimentation, which explicitly aims for social learning, has been suggested as an approach for enabling the translation of sustainability ideas into practice. This type of experimentation requires a very different dynamic within societal relations and necessitates a changed role for professionals engaged in such a process. This empirically focused paper investigates a contemporary governance experiment, the Cooks River Sustainability Initiative, and determines its outcome in terms of enabling social learning for attaining sustainable water practice in an urban catchment. Drawing on the qualitative insights of the actors directly involved in this novel process, this paper provides evidence of changes in individual and collective understanding generated through diverse forms of social interaction. Furthermore, the research reveals perceived key-factors that foster and/or hamper the execution of this new form of experimentation, including project complexity, resource intensity and leadership. Overall, this paper highlights that, while implementation of governance experimentation in a conventional setting can be highly challenging, it can also be highly rewarding in terms of learning.
Adsorption of methylene blue dye onto activated carbons based on agricultural by-products: equilibrium and kinetic studies
Authors: Ioannou Z. , Simitzis J.
Published: April 2013

Mixtures of novolac resin and olive stone biomass (20/80 and 40/60 w/w) were cured, pyrolyzed up to 1,000 °C and activated with CO2 under a continuous flow operation (named N20B-cCa and N40B-cCa respectively). Commercial activated charcoal was similarly re-activated with CO2 and used for comparison reasons (AC-a). The characterization of these materials was performed by Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis and their specific surface area was determined according to DIN 66132. The materials were tested for their adsorption abilities at different temperatures (298, 333 K) and initial dye concentrations (0.01–0.35 g/L) using 1 L of methylene blue (MB) solution in 10 g of activated carbon. MB adsorption kinetic was also studied. The FTIR spectra of all activated carbons show absorption peaks which correspond to –OH, –CH, –C–O–C– groups and to aromatic ring. The presence of the absorption peak at about 1,400 cm−1 for N20B-cCa, N40B-cCa indicates more acidic groups on them compared to the commercial AC-a. The specific surface area of N20B-cCa, N40B-cCa and AC-a has values equal to 352, 342 and 760 m2/g respectively. From the applied kinetic models, pseudo-second-order equation could best describe MB adsorption. Consequently, such adsorbents can be used as filters to adsorb dyes from wastewaters.
Research on microbial lipid production from potato starch wastewater as culture medium by Lipomyces starkeyi
Authors: Liu Jun-Xian , Yue Qin-Yan , Gao Bao-Yu , Wang Yan , Li Qian , Zhang Pei-Dong
Published: April 2013

In this paper, potato starch wastewater as culture medium was treated by the oleaginous yeast Lipomyces starkeyi to biosynthesize microbial lipid. The result indicated that carbon source types, carbon source concentration, nitrogen source types, nitrogen source concentration, inoculum size, and cultivation time all had a significant effect on cell growth and microbial lipid accumulation in batch cultures. A measure of 120 g/L of glucose concentration, 3.0 g/L of (NH4)2SO4 concentration, 10% inoculum size, and incubation time 96 h cultivated in a shaking flask at 30 °C were found to be the optimal conditions not only for cell growth but also for lipid synthesis. Under this condition, the cellular biomass and lipid content could reach 2.59 g/L and 8.88%, respectively. This work provides a new method for effective utilization of potato starch wastewater, which has particular social and economic benefits for yeast treatment technology.
Efficiencies of multilayer infiltration systems for the removal of urban runoff pollutants
Authors: Hou Lizhu , Liu Fang , Feng Chuanping , Wan Li
Published: April 2013

Current rates of urban development will result in water runoff becoming a major complication of urban water pollution. To address the worsening situation regarding water resource shortage and pollution, novel multilayer infiltration systems were designed and their effectiveness for removing pollutants in urban runoff tested experimentally. The multilayer infiltration systems effectively removed most pollutants, including organic matter (chemical oxygen demand (CODCr)), total nitrogen (TN), ammonia-nitrogen (NH4+-N) and total phosphorus (TP). CODCr, TN, NH4+-N, and TP were reduced by 68.67, 23.98, 82.66 and 92.11%, respectively. The main mechanism for nitrogen removal was biological nitrogen removal through nitrification and denitrification. Phosphorus in the urban runoff was removed mainly by fixation processes in the soil, such as adsorption and chemical precipitation. The results indicate that the proposed novel system has potential for removal of pollutants from urban runoff and subsequent reuse of the treated water.
Successful treatment of high azo dye concentration wastewater using combined anaerobic/aerobic granular activated carbon-sequencing batch biofilm reactor (GAC-SBBR): simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation processes
Authors: Hosseini Koupaie E. , Alavi Moghaddam M. R. , Hashemi S. H.
Published: April 2013

The application of a granular activated carbon-sequencing batch biofilm reactor (GAC-SBBR) for treatment of wastewater containing 1,000 mg/L Acid Red 18 (AR18) was investigated in this research. The treatment system consisted of a sequencing batch reactor equipped with moving GAC as biofilm support. Each treatment cycle consisted of two successive anaerobic (14 h) and aerobic (8 h) reaction phases. Removal of more than 91% chemical oxygen demand (COD) and 97% AR18 was achieved in this study. Investigation of dye decolorization kinetics showed that the dye removal was stimulated by the adsorption capacity of the GAC at the beginning of the anaerobic phase and then progressed following a first-order reaction. Based on COD analysis results, at least 77.8% of the dye total metabolites were mineralized during the applied treatment system. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed that more than 97% of 1-naphthyalamine-4-sulfonate as one of the main sulfonated aromatic constituents of AR18 was removed during the aerobic reaction phase. According to the scanning electron microscopic analysis, the microbial biofilms grew in most cavities and pores of the GAC, but not on the external surfaces of the GAC.
A method for on-line measurement of wastewater organic substrate oxidation level during aerobic heterotrophic respiration
Authors: Rudelle E. A. , Vollertsen J. , Hvitved-Jacobsen T. , Nielsen A. H.
Published: April 2013

A method for on-line measurement of the organic carbon oxidation level (OXC) during aerobic heterotrophic respiration in domestic wastewater was developed and tested. The method is based on batch incubation of sewer wastewater in an intermittently aerated respirometric reactor. Between aeration cycles, measured pH, dissolved oxygen (DO) and dissolved carbon dioxide (CO2) were used to calculate electron flow accepted by DO and the resulting production of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). The CO2 production was measured using a novel fiber-optic sensor based on luminescence quenching. The method was tested on domestic wastewater with a relatively high pH and alkalinity. From the DO and DIC measurements, it was possible to evaluate substrate oxidation levels with a temporal resolution of less than an hour. Addition of organic substrates during the experiments confirmed the method's applicability. The substrates tested included ethanol (OXC = −2), glucose (OXC = 0) and oxalic acid (OXC = 3).
Molybdenum(VI) removal by using constructed wetlands with different filter media and plants
Authors: Lian J. J. , Xu S. G. , Zhang Y. M. , Han C. W.
Published: April 2013

The efficacy and capacity of vertical-flow wetland filters on molybdenum (Mo) removal from wastewater was examined, employing reed (Phragmites australis) and cattail (Typha latifolia) as well as different adsorption granular media. Humus, cinder, modified cinder, as well as pyrite were used as filter media. A synthetic effluent with different concentrations of Mo(VI) at different hydraulic retention times was used for simulating Mo leached mine wastewater. Laboratory experiments showed that the equilibrium adsorption data were in agreement with the Langmuir isotherm model, and the maximum Mo(VI) adsorption capacities of modified cinder and pyrite were 10.01 and 6.25 mg/g, respectively. Mo(VI) removal in F5 (combination substrates of pyrite and cinder) was found to be more stable and effective than that of F1 (conventional gravel and soil filter media) during the 14-week experiment. Most of the Mo(VI) was retained in the 10–20 cm of the substrate, and adsorbed by the modified cinder and pyrite. The largest fraction of Mo(VI) retained was the water-soluble fraction on the surface of the pyrite. Cattail was more suitable for Mo(VI) absorption than reed, but the bioaccumulation accounted for a very small portion of the total removal.
Experimental design of fuse link with ceramic alloy: Cracking problem
Authors: Şanyılmaz Murat , Elevli Sermin
Published: April 2013

Low-voltage (LV) fuse systems, which open a circuit by cutting the current
when it exceeds a given value for an adequate period, are used in
nonresidential, commercial, and industrial buildings. LV-fuse systems consist
of a fuse base, fuse link, and a detachable operating handle. The fuse link
is made of a ceramic alloy. In this study, a full-factorial experimental
design with two levels was used to solve the fracture problem of fuse links.
In this scope, performance criteria (compressive strength), factors affecting
the performance criteria (moisture ratio, shaping duration, drying duration,
and firing duration) and factor levels were determined in the initial stage.
Main effects and interactions among factors were investigated, and
factor-level combinations that maximize the compressive strength were
determined according to results of analysis. Finally, the relationship
between compressive strength and experimental factors was presented in the
form of f = y(x) for prediction purposes.
Lipid oxidative changes in traditional dry fermented sausage Petrovská klobása during storage
Authors: Sojic Branislav , Petrovic Ljiljana , Mandic Anamarija , Sedej Ivana , Dzinic Natalija , Tomovic Vladimir , Jokanovic Marija , Tasic Tatjana , Skaljac Snezana , Ikonic Predrag
Published: April 2013

The influence of drying and ripeninig conditions (traditional and industrial)
in the production of dry fermented sausage Petrovsk? klob?sa, on fatty-acid
composition and oxidative changes in lipids, during 7 months of storage, was
investigated. During the storage period, the sum of unsaturated fatty acids
and the content of free fatty acids were significantly higher (p<0.05), while
the content of malondialdehyde was significantly lower in the sausage
subjected to traditional conditions of drying and ripening. At the end of the
storage period, contents of pentanal and hexanal in the sausage subjected to
traditional conditions of drying and ripening (4.03 ?g/g and 1.67 ?g/g,
respectively) were significantly lower (p<0.05) in comparison with these
contents in the sausage subjected to industrial conditions of drying and
ripening. Traditional conditions of drying and ripening at lower temperatures
have led to lower oxidative changes in lipids in traditional dry fermented
sausage Petrovsk? klob?sa during storage period.
Momentum, heat, and mass transfer analogy for vertical hydraulic transport of inert particles
Authors: Jacimovski Darko , Garic-Grulovic Radmila , Grbavcic Zeljko , Djuris Mihal , Boskovic-Vragolovic Nevenka
Published: April 2013

Wall-to-bed momentum, heat and mass transfer in vertical liquid-solids flow, as well as in single phase flow, were studied. The aim of this investigation was to establish the analogy among those phenomena. Also, effect of particles concentration on momentum, heat and mass transfer was studied. The experiments in hydraulic transport were performed in a 25.4 mm I.D. cooper tube equipped with a steam jacket, using spherical glass particles of 1.94 mm in diameter and water as a transport fluid. The segment of the transport tube
used for mass transfer measurements was inside coated with benzoic acid. In the hydraulic transport two characteristic flow regimes were observed: turbulent and parallel particle flow regime. The transition between two characteristic regimes (?*=0), occurs at a critical voidage ??0.85. The vertical two-phase flow was considered as the pseudofluid, and modified mixture-wall friction coefficient (fw) and modified mixture Reynolds number (Rem) were introduced for explanation of this system. Experimental data show that the wall-to-bed momentum, heat and mass transfer coefficients, in vertical flow of pseudofluid, for the turbulent regime are significantly higher than in parallel regime. Wall-to-bed, mass and heat transfer coefficients in hydraulic transport of particles were much higher then in
single-phase flow for lower Reynolds numbers (Re<15000), while for high Reynolds numbers (Re>15000), there was not significant difference. The
experimental data for wall-to-bed momentum, heat and mass transfer in
vertical flow of pseudofluid in parallel particle flow regime, show existing
analogy among these three phenomena.
Gender-Diverse Boards and Properties of Analyst Earnings Forecasts
Authors: Gul Ferdinand A. , Hutchinson Marion , Lai Karen M. Y.
Published: April 2013

SYNOPSIS

Using a sample of 2,200 U.S. listed firm-year observations (2001–2007), this study shows a positive (negative) relation between gender diversity on corporate boards and analysts' earnings forecast accuracy (dispersion), after controlling for earnings quality, corporate governance, audit quality, stock price informativeness, and potential endogeneity. Our findings are important as they suggest that board diversity adds to the transparency and accuracy of financial reports such that earnings expectations are likely to be more accurate for these firms.
Knowing versus Telling Private Information about a Rival
Authors: Bagnoli Mark , Watts Susan G.
Published: April 2013

Competitors have information about their rival's business that, if known to the rival, would be useful in its decision-making. We identify a proprietary benefit to disclosing such information: firms that have information about their rivals that may be private, tell. This result is very robust and does not depend on whether the firms are Cournot or Bertrand competitors, the amount of information the disclosing firm has, or the degree of product heterogeneity. Our results contrast with the results in the literature in which the firm has information about its own customers or costs. In that case, the chosen disclosure policy depends on the type of private information and whether the competing firms' strategies are substitutes or complements.

JEL Classifications: G1; G14; M41.
Diatom biofacies in the SW Gulf of Gdańsk and the Vistula Lagoon (the southern Baltic Sea) as indicators of the basin evolution in the Middle and Late Holocene
Authors: Witak Małgorzata
Published: April 2013

This article presents results of diatom analysis of seven sediment cores taken from various depths of the Gulf of Gdańsk between the Hel Peninsula and the coast of Gdańsk and Gdynia. Further eight cores were drilled in the northern, southern and central part of the Vistula Lagoon. The present investigations enabled the determination of: (i) differentiation of diatom assemblage zones, (ii) correlation of palaeoecological units with reference to the following stages: Mastogloia Sea, Littorina Sea, Post-Littorina Sea, including the latest environmental changes associated with an anthropogenic factor, (iii) description of the defined diatom biofacies based on statistical analysis, (iiii) reconstruction of spatial and temporal development of both basins with the emphasis on the role of inflows of sea and river waters.
Allelopathic activity of the norharmane-producing cyanobacterium Synechocystis aquatilis against cyanobacteria and microalgae
Authors: Mohamed Zakaria
Published: April 2013

The cyanobacterium Synechocystis aquatilis was observed growing as a monospecies in enriched phytoplankton samples in the laboratory, indicating its allelopathic activity on coexisting phytoplankton species. Therefore, the present study screened the culture medium of an axenic strain of this cyanobacterium for the presence of allelechemicals with algicidal properties by thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The allelopathic effect of S. aquatilis was evaluated by co-cultivation of target species of toxic cyanobacteria and green algae with this cyanobacterium, as well as by evaluation of norharmane (β-carboline 9H-pyrido(3,4-b) indole) crude extract prepared from the culture medium of Synechocystis. The growth of target algal species was measured as a cell density after 6 days incubation. The results showed that S. aquatilis produced the indole alkaloid norharmane with large quantities in the culture medium (86 μg l−1). In co-cultivation experiments, S. aquatilis inhibited the growth of all tested cyanobacteria and green algae. Norharmane crude extract exhibited stronger inhibition of cyanobacteria (EC50 = 4.6–4.8 μg ml−1) than green algae (EC50= 6.3–6.4 μg ml−1) in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating its apparent role in the allelopathic activity of S. aquatilis. The possible applicability of the allelochemical, norharmane, as an algicide to prevent the formation of harmful algal bloom was discussed.
A comparison of epilimnetic versus metalimnetic phytoplankton assemblages in two mesotrophic lakes
Authors: Napiórkowska-Krzebietke Agnieszka , Hutorowicz Andrzej
Published: April 2013

The epilimnetic and metalimnetic phytoplankton assemblages were compared in two mesotrophic lakes (L. Hańcza and L. Dejguny, northeastern Poland) and a “metalimnetic niche” is described. Phytoplankton analysis conducted during July and August 2006, 2007, and 2008 indicated that the total phytoplankton biomass in both lakes was relatively small (from 0.6 to 5.2 mg dm−3), with maximum values mainly occurring in the metalimnion. The lowest number of species and diversity indices values were usually observed in the metalimnetic layers. Lake Hańcza was dominated by diatoms (e.g. Cyclotella spp.) whereas Lake Dejguny was mainly dominated by cyanoprokaryotes (e.g. Planktothrix agardhii), with a distinct predominance of diatoms (e.g. Tabellaria flocculosa) in 2007. The common features of the phytoplankton assemblages in both lakes were a tolerance to nutrient and light deficiencies. A cluster analysis of the taxonomic patterns indicated large dissimilarities between the lakes. The phytoplankton assemblages developed under the influence of seasonal conditions, especially in Lake Hańcza. The distinction between metalimnetic and epilimnetic phytoplankton assemblages only appeared in Lake Dejguny.
Variability in the concentrations of Ca, Mg, Sr, Na, and K in the opercula of perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) in relation to the salinity of waters of the Oder Estuary (Poland)
Authors: Tórz Agnieszka , Nędzarek Arkadiusz
Published: April 2013

Macro-ionic composition of fish opercula may be an indicator of the fish stock identity. This is especially interesting in river estuaries, where individual sections of the estuary may differ in terms of their hydrochemical regimes. Diversified macro-ionic tissue composition is likely to provide clues not only about the origin of an individual fish, but also about its possible migration routes. The current study researched this aspect of the chemical composition of perch collected from different sections of the Oder River estuary. A total of 60 European perch, Perca fluviatilis L., were obtained from 3 sampling sites located in the river at Widuchowa, Szczecin Lagoon, and Pomeranian Bay, where waters are subject to dynamic macro-ionic transformations. Fish length ranged from 20 to 25 cm. Opercula of the fish were examined for their content of calcium, magnesium, strontium, sodium, and potassium, with the aid of the flame method using a Perkin-Elmer 3100 atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Perch inhabiting the waters of the Oder River between Widuchowa and Szczecin Lagoon had their opercula composed predominantly of calcium. Calcium was also the predominant ion dissolved in the water in this area; Ca represented 83.6% of all cations in the water and 41.6% of those present in the bones of the perch operculum. The increased levels of salinity near the sea were associated with the replacement of calcium in bones by other, more readily available elements (magnesium or strontium). Differences in the observed macro-ion composition of the opercula were sufficient to assign the perch studied to two distinct groups inhabiting fresh and brackish waters.
Waste disposal sites as sources of mercury in the atmosphere in the coastal zone of the Gulf of Gdańsk (southern Baltic Sea)
Authors: Falkowska Lucyna , Witkowska Agnieszka , Bełdowska Magdalena , Lewandowska Anita
Published: April 2013

Elemental mercury re-emission into the air from an old burial ground in Gdańsk Letnica and from a modern landfill in Gdańsk Szadółki resulted in noticeably increased TGM concentrations from the urban background level of 1.9 ng m−3 to a maximum value of 164.4 ng m−3. Hgtot concentrations in the soil of the burial ground ranged from 37.3 to 4817.3 ng g−1 and in the surrounding water: from 22.0 to 55.0 ng dm−3. The highest Hgtot concentrations in the modern landfill (Gdańsk Szadółki) were reported for the unsorted waste: 36.1–972.8 ng g−1. Laboratory experiments on the re-emission of Hg(0) into the air showed that emission from soil was stimulated by solar radiation and from the water — additionally by turbulent mixing.
Interleukin-1 involved in Apoptosis of Beta-Thalassemia/Hemoglobin E Erythroid Progenitor Cells
Authors: Gupta Umesh Prasad , Fucharoen Pranee , Tanyong Dalina I
Published: April 2013

Objective: The major pathophysiological features of β-thalassemia are anemia and ineffective erythropoiesis. Ineffective erythropoiesis has been shown by an intense marrow erythroid hyperplasia and increased apoptosis during basophilic to orthochromatic normoblast stages. Some cytokines like interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) have been found to involved in apoptosis. Although the pro-apoptotic activity of IFN-γ and TNF-α is well documented, there are only few studies on IL-1, especially on erythroid lineage. In this in vitro study, the role of cytokine IL-1α and IL-1β in apoptosis of erythroid progenitor cells from β- thalassemia/HbE patients was assessed. Methods: Erythroid progenitor cells were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy subjects and β-thalassemia/HbE patients. Cells were then cultured, with and without 20 ng/ml IL-1α and IL-1β. Total cells and percent cell viability were performed by using trypan blue staining. Percent cell apoptosis was analyzed by using flow cytometer. Results: Both IL-1α and IL-1β were significantly decreased erythroid progenitor cells. IL-1 at 20 ng/ml reduced the glycophorin A positive cells and percent cell viability of erythroid progenitor cells from β-thalassemia/HbE patients, while there was increased apoptosis in this group. The highest percent apoptosis was observed in 20 ng/ml IL-1β treated β-thalassemia/HbE erythroid progenitor cells. Conclusion: IL-1β could be involved in apoptosis of erythroid progenitor cells from β-thalassemia/HbE patients which might be related with ineffective erythropoiesis of the disease. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v3i4.6805 Asian Journal of Medical Science Vol.3(4) 2012 pp.8-14
Characterization and optimization of 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-Carboxylate Deaminase (ACCD) activity in different rhizospheric PGPR along with Microbacterium sp. strain ECI-12A
Authors: Shrivastava Umesh P. , Kumar Ashok
Published: April 2013

A total of nine strains of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria were analyzed for ACC deaminase activity, where highest ACC deaminase activity was found in Klebsiella sp strain ECI-10A (539.1 nmol α-keto butyrate/ mg protein/ h) and lowest in Microbacterium sp strain ECI-12A (122.0 nmol α-keto butyrate/ mg protein/ h). Although Microbacterium sp strain ECI-12A showed lowest level of ACC deaminase activity, but, the species of Microbacterium isolated from rhizosphere is the first report. Microbacterium sp strain ECI-12A was also analyzed under varying conditions of time, amount of 1-Aminocyclopropane-1- carboxylate (ACC), and temperature for optimization of the ACC deaminase activity. The optimum activity was recorded with the supplementation of 5mM ACC at 30°C temperature after 24h of culture growth. All the nine strains showed acdS gene in the PCR amplification of that gene. No any rhizospheric Microbacterium species showing ACC deaminase activity have been reported earlier, therefore, we report here ACC deaminase activity in Microbacterium sp ECI-12A isolated from rice rhizosphere is a novel finding. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i1.7921 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, 2013, Vol. 1(1): 11-15
Osteoid Osteoma of Distal Phalanx of Little Finger
Authors: Joshi Amit , Kayastha Nirab
Published: April 2013

Osteoid Osteoma is benign bone forming tumor commonly occurs in lower limbs. Osteoid Osteoma of upper limb is rare, and it is extremely rare in hands. We report a case of a 20 year old male who presented with complaints of pain in nail bed of left little finger over a period of one year with gradually increasing swelling and deformity of nail. Radiological examination revealed a well-defined lytic lesion with sclerotic margin at distal phalanx with a nidus at center. Curettage and removal of nidus was done under digital nerve block. He was symptom free from next day of surgery and the tip of the finger has significantly regained its original shape over a period of two years. The aim of this paper is to report yet another uncommon case of osteoid Osteoma located at distal phalanx of little finger.Medical Journal of Shree Birendra Hospital; July-December 2012/vol.11/Issue2/46-49 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/mjsbh.v11i2.7911
Linguistic Ideology and State Power: German and English Education in Ontario, 1880–1912
Authors: Bryce Benjamin
Published: April 2013

Abstract:

This article analyzes the relationship between German and English in Ontario's educational system between 1880 and 1912. It examines textbooks, curriculum, and the linguistic ideology of the Education Department. It charts the transition of German from one of three languages of instruction alongside English and French to an elective subject. By connecting German to other language debates in the period, this study expands our view of English–French relations in Ontario. The analysis of several languages also contributes new perspectives on bilingual education in North America. In addition, the focus on linguistic and cultural policies reassesses the layers of state power and the rising authority of the provincial education bureaucracy. Finally, by situating the educational experience of German-speaking children and the goals of German-speaking parents within the broader context of projects of standardization in the late nineteenth century, the author challenges the assumption about the singular importance of the First World War on German language and culture in Ontario and more broadly in Canada and the United States.
“Prey for Us”: Biblical/Theological Themes in a “Cult” TV Sci-Fi Drama
Authors: Beavis Mary Ann
Published: April 2013

This article explores the biblical, theological and philosophical themes in the cult science fiction TV series Prey (ABC, 1998). After a brief introduction to Prey and Prey fandom, the following biblical-theological themes which pervade the series are identified and analyzed: creation, faith, the Christ figure, the Satanic figure, and eschatology. The paper also comments upon the broader ethical and philosophical issues raised in the series, especially the state of the environment and animal rights.
Hollywood’s Celebrity-Lobbyists and the Clinton Administration’s American Foreign Policy Toward German Scientology
Authors: Kent Stephen A.
Published: April 2013

This article takes basic insights provided by resource mobilization theory in order to discuss how Scientology celebrities used their status to influence the international debate over Scientology between the United States and Germany. Their ability to have done so is another indicator of the access to American political elites that Hollywood cultural elites have gained in recent years, most especially during the administration of President Bill Clinton (1992-2000). The shortcomings, however, of some of the celebrities’ efforts reveal the weaknesses that are associated with cultural elites entering political debates. As is common in other instances of celebrities’ political involvement, Scientology’s celebrities have contributed to the trivialization of serious issues that confront the international community.
They Refused Jesus Too: A Biblical Paradigm in the Writing of Bob Dylan
Authors: Gilmour Michael J.
Published: April 2013

Bob Dylan has always drawn language and imagery from the Bible. One example is considered in this paper, namely, how Dylan often portrays himself (or at least characters in songs) in ways that recall stories about Jesus. Two areas are treated: (a) imagery associated with Jesus’ death; and (b) Dylan’s use of deliberate ambiguity in Christ/antichrist language. The paper opens with two sections on methodology: the first includes comments on the limitations of artistic works for biographical research. The second treats the relationship between artistic literature and earlier sources.
The Wiccan “Great Rite”— Hieros Gamos in the Modern West
Authors: Wagar Samuel
Published: April 2013

This paper deals with the core of the Wiccan religion—the small group based practices which define Wicca as an initiatory Mystery religion practiced by clergy. At the centre of Wiccan ritual and theology is an ancient idea—the hieros gamos / sacred marriage. The hieros gamos ritual, called by Wiccans The Great Rite, is a ritual of sexual magic involving intercourse between the Goddess of fertility, embodied by Her Priestess, and Her Consort, present in the Priest. It is an egalitarian erotic mystical path open to both genders and all sexual interests, most often expressed as heterosexual, valuing sexuality and the female body and challenging the sexual power dynamics in Western culture.   The paper begins by outlining the theology and history of the Great Rite, Wiccan ritual in general and the Rite, then excerpts from primary documents of Priestesses and Priests reporting on their experiences of the Rite, before concluding. The sacred marriage in Wicca confirms and seals the highest level of religious initiation, third degree, and has the mystical meaning of a loving union with Godhead. Wiccan Initiates are taught the skills needed to enter into and leave mystical states of consciousness. The connection between the Wiccan religion, a feminist-influenced religion, and the practice of sexual ritual is not unexpected. What can hieros gamos be in the modern age? Why is it a central symbol and frequent practice in a modern religion? What does the practice bring to its participants?
Religion, Sexuality and the Image of the Other in 300
Authors: Roos Lena
Published: April 2013

The graphic novel and the film 300 retell the battle between Greeks and Persians at Thermopylae in 480 BCE. The heroes of the story are 300 Spartan warriors. This article analyses how the readers/viewers are moved to identify with the Spartan warriors, and to feel repelled by their opponents. This is achieved by portraying the Spartans as the defenders of reason and justice, and of the freedom of not just Greece but all of Europe against “the armies of all Asia.” Their normalcy is underscored by portraying their sexuality in accordance with mainstream, heteronormative Western values. Their opponents, the Persians, the Spartan priests, and the Spartan traitors, are portrayed as monstrous, superstitious, and sexually perverted. This emphasis on the connection between religion and sexual perversion stands out as the most important element which the creators of 300 have added to the story, as compared to the classical sources.
Jesus Christ and Billy the Kid as Archetypes of the Self in American Cinema
Authors: Paganopoulos Michelangelo
Published: April 2013

This paper combines cultural and anthropological perspectives, focusing on the affinity between the concepts of 'collective consciousness' (Durkheim) and 'collective unconcsciousness' (Jung). It argues that films are the dreams of charismatic auteur directors, who project their prophetic vision to a wider audience, in the Celluloid Church. These mechanically reproduced visions are based on eternal myths and archetypes, which symbolically reflect upon the contemporary industry/society that produces them. In this context, the paper focuses on film depictions of Billy the Kid as an archetype of the Self, with visual references to Jesus' Crucifixion and Lamentation, in order to illustrate the “spiritual” turn inwards Christianity as expressed in the collective consciousness of American culture, from the anti-communist 1950s, and through the spirituality of the 1960s and 1970s to the recent rise of Evangelical Christianity.
Much Ado about Harry: Harry Potter and the Creation of a Moral Panic
Authors: Soulliere Danielle M.
Published: April 2013

The unrivaled publishing success and popularity of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series has undoubtedly made it the popular culture phenomenon of the decade. But such popularity and success have also come with considerable controversy. The purpose of this paper is to examine the “moral panic” surrounding the book series, using Cohen’s classic model, and to explore the role of the Christian Right as moral entrepreneurs in generating the “Potter Panic” through various claims-making efforts and tactics. Analyses of popular discourse concerning the Harry Potter series reveal evidence of a moral panic that has spanned nearly a decade, with geographic and temporal intensity. It is argued that the Potter Panic was not full-blown, due mostly to division among Christians, and that the panic’s main legacy has been to incite debate within the larger Christian community.
The Postmodern Sacred
Authors: McAvan Em
Published: April 2013

I argue that the return of the religious in contemporary culture has been in two forms: the rise of so-called fundamentalisms in the established faiths—Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, even Buddhist—and the rise of a New Age style spirituality that draws from aspects of those faiths even as it produces something distinctively different. I argue that this shift both produces postmodern media culture and is itself always already mediated through the realm of the fictional. Secular and profane are always entangled within one another, a constant and pervasive media presence that modulates the way that contemporary subjects experience themselves and their relationship to the spiritual. I use popular culture as an entry point, an entry point that can presume neither belief nor unbelief in its audiences, showing that it is “unreal” texts such as Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, The Matrix, The Passion of the Christ and Left Behind that we find religious symbols and ideas refracted through a postmodernist sensibility, with little regard for the demands of “real world” epistemology. I argue that it is in this interplay between traditional religions and New Age-ised spirituality in popular culture that the sacred truly finds itself in postmodernity.
Light, Sound, Movement, and Action in Beckett's Rockaby
Authors: Brater Enoch
Published: April 2013

Rackaby,. which had its world premiere performance in Buffalo, New York on 8 April 1981, continues Beckett's recent preoccupation with a small-scale play written specifically for a prerecorded voice in conflict with live stage action. A strange mixture of the carefully controlled and the spontaneous, the drama, whose sole protagonist is a woman dressed in black and whose only scenery is a rocking chair, restricts its subject matter and directs our attention instead to the formal elements of the playas performance. Light, sound, movement, and action therefore must be understood within the context . established by this deliberately circumscribed stage space, an acting area in which a single image is expressed, explored, and advanced. Clear, articulate, definite, and precise, the visual impact becomes progressively haunting in its lonely simplicity. Simultaneously remote yet urgent in its personal appeal, a human shape is transfixed by the strong and pitiless light of a cold lunar glare. Much is made out of almost nothing.