bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutrient recycling of sorghum straw and soil biological attributes in Eastern Amazon
Authors: Maia Patrícia Ribeiro , Fernandes Antonio Rodrigues , Melo Vânia Silva , Santos Elaine Rodrigues , Silva Gisele Barata da
Published: October 2012

The microbial biomass and activity are biological indicators sensitive to environmental changes caused by agricultural use and can provide important information for the planning of adequate land use. The objective of this research was to evaluate the nutrient recycling, persistence, and biological attributes of sorghum straw in Oxisol as a function of soil management systems. The experiment was carried out at the Federal Rural University of Amazonia in randomized block design with 3 x 2 factorial and four replicates. Three sorghum hybrids and two soil management systems were the factors used to assess straw decomposition. In order to evaluate the biological attributes, a 2 x 2 factorial experiment with four replicates was carried out using two soil management systems and two sampling dates. Total organic carbon (TOC), carbon in the soil microbial biomass (C-SMB), C-SMB/TOC ratio, basal respiration and metabolic quotient (qCO2) were investigated. The Qualimax hybrid presented the highest C/N ratio (55) and longer straw persistence in soil after 120 days of management (35%). The highest TOC, C-SMB, C-SMB/TOC ratio, and basal respiration and the smallest qCO2 were observed during the rainy season and in the no-till system.
Simultaneous enzymatic hydrolysis and lactic fermentation to obtain a yogurt with low lactose content
Authors: Martins André Rosa , Monteiro Ricardo Lemos , Burkert Janaína Fernandes de Medeiros , Burkert Carlos André Veiga
Published: October 2012

In a single-stage process with the simultaneous addition of β-galactosidase and lactic culture, the lactose conversion, the processing time, viscosity and syneresis were evaluated. Fermentation was promoted by lactic culture containing two probiotic microorganisms, Bifidobacterium animalis and Lactobacillus acidophilus, associated with the typical microorganisms of yogurt. An enzymatic preparation containing β-galactosidases from Kluyveromyces lactis and Aspergillus niger was used. A central composite design (2³ trials plus three central points) was proposed in order to evaluate the effects of initial lactose concentration, enzyme concentration and the time of addition of the enzyme. The following conditions were established: initial lactose concentration of 91 g L-1, enzyme concentration of 0.5 g L-1 and enzyme addition at the beginning of fermentation. In these conditions, a decrease in processing time (from 4.55 to 3.68 h) and an increase in lactose conversion (from 15.2 to 97.9%) were observed in relation to the fermentation without enzyme addition, and no detrimental changes in some physical properties of yogurt (viscosity, and syneresis).
Use of sugar apple, atemoya and soursop for technological development of jams: chemical and sensorial composition
Authors: Orsi Daniela Castilho , Carvalho Vania Silva , Nishi Adriana Cândida Faustino , Damiani Clarissa , Asquieri Eduardo Ramirez
Published: October 2012

Sugar apple, atemoya and soursop are tropical fruits very prized for their pleasant, aromatic and distinctive flavor. In this work, the fresh fruits pulps had high nutritional values, since they contain significant levels of carbohydrates. The results for the analysis of chemical composition of the fresh fruits pulps obtained for sugar apple, atemoya and soursop were respectively: moisture (79.65, 77.06 and 85.30 g.100 g-1), carbohydrates (20.52, 22.01 and 13.83 g.100 g-1), total sugars (19.57, 21.93 and 10.12 g.100 g-1) and soluble solids (22.00, 25.10 and 12.83 ºBrix). With the aim of processing the pulps of ripe fruits to add value to these fruits, jams have been developed. The results for the chemical composition analysis of sugar apple, atemoya and soursop jams were respectively: moisture (26.23, 27.94 and 21.52 g.100 g-1), carbohydrates (73.05, 71.44 and 77.83 g.100 g-1), pH (3.41, 3.34 and 3.41) and soluble solids (63.00, 65.00 and 68.60 ºBrix). The jams were subjected to Quantitative Descriptive Analysis. A total of 12 trained panelists evaluated the attributes flavor, consistency, appearance and overall acceptability of the jams on a 9-point hedonic scale. Based on sensory evaluation, jams presented a good overall acceptability and atemoya jam was the most preferred by the panelists.
Rice husk derived waste materials as partial cement replacement in lightweight concrete
Authors: Kawabata Celso Yoji , Savastano Junior Holmer , Sousa-Coutinho Joana
Published: October 2012

In this study rice husk ash (RHA) and broiler bed ash from rice husk (BBA), two agricultural waste materials, have been assessed for use as partial cement replacement materials for application in lightweight concrete. Physical and chemical characteristics of RHA and BBA were first analyzed. Three similar types of lightweight concrete were produced, a control type in which the binder was just CEMI cement (CTL) and two other types with 10% cement replacement with, respectively, RHA and BBA. All types of similar lightweight concrete were prepared to present the same workability by adjusting the amount of superplasticizer. Properties of concrete investigated were compressive and flexural strength at different ages, absorption by capillarity, resistivity and resistance to chloride ion penetration (CTH method) and accelerated carbonation. Test results obtained for 10% cement replacement level in lightweight concrete indicate that although the addition of BBA conducted to lower performance in terms of the degradation indicative tests, RHA led to the enhancement of mechanical properties, especially early strength and also fast ageing related results, further contributing to sustainable construction with energy saver lightweight concrete.
A Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar - ANS: onze anos de regulação dos planos de saúde
Authors: Salvatori Rachel Torres , Ventura Carla A. Arena
Published: October 2012

Trata-se de um trabalho com objetivo de apresentar os principais resultados alcançados pela regulação dos planos de saúde exercida pela Agência Nacional de Saúde Suplementar, autarquia instituída para promover o equilíbrio das relações entre operadoras e consumidores, tornando o mercado de planos de saúde mais eficiente. Como avanços mais significativos oriundos da regulação do setor podem ser citados: as barreiras à entrada e à saída das operadoras no mercado, a ampliação das coberturas assistenciais contratuais, o monitoramento e o controle dos reajustes, a indução a práticas de promoção da saúde e à qualificação do setor, e a possibilidade da portabilidade de carências. Como desafios a serem enfrentados, podem ser apontados: o monitoramento da qualidade da assistência prestada, a renúncia fiscal, a existência dos cartões de desconto, a operação de empresas como operadoras de planos de saúde sem o registro na ANS e a adoção de alguns mecanismos nocivos de regulação assistencial pelas operadoras de planos de saúde.
Continuing Single-Agent Bevacizumab as Maintenance Therapy After Induction XELOX (or FOLFOX) Plus Bevacizumab in First-Line Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Díaz-Rubio Eduardo , Pietrantonio Filippo , Braud Filippo
Published: October 2012

Section Editor's Note:

Metastatic colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Since 1995, treatment regimens have included capecitabine, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, bevacizumab, cetuximab, panitumumab, aflibercept, and reforafenib. These medications have doubled the median survival of patients and improved the 5-year survival from less than 1% to 20%. Approximately 75% of patients stop first-line chemotherapy in clinical trials for reasons other than progressive disease and face the question of whether to consider “maintenance” chemotherapy or take a chemotherapy break. In this challenging case, Drs. Díaz-Rubio, Pietrantonio, and de Braud reflect on the data and offer their opinions. If each of the nearly 40,000 patients in the U.S. who face this decision chooses bevacizumab, the total cost is approximately $240 million per dose ($6,000 per infusion). The importance of this question and the cost to society are enormous.
Infrastructure resilience for high-impact low-chance risks
Authors: Blockley David , Agarwal Jitendra , Godfrey Patrick
Published: October 2012

Infrastructure resilience is the ability of an infrastructure system to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions, which in turn requires a detailed understanding of vulnerability and risk. But while designing for foreseeable risks is a challenge, accounting for risks that are difficult or even impossible to foresee – such as those arising from complex interdependent processes – poses a far greater challenge. This paper argues that civil engineers need a way of addressing such low-chance but potentially high-impact risks if they are to deliver truly resilient infrastructure systems. They need to cultivate a wisdom to admit what they genuinely do not know, and to develop processes to manage emerging unforeseeable consequences. A generalised vulnerability theory that can be applied to any infrastructure system is described, together with an example of how it can be applied to an urban transport network.
Adaptation of flood risk nfrastructure to climate resilience
Authors: Gersonius Berry , Ashley Richard , Pathirana Assela , Zevenbergen Chris
Published: October 2012

This paper presents an adaptation process for flooding systems that can be applied whatever analytical method is used to account for climate change uncertainty. The process is aimed at providing flood risk infrastructure that is more resilient to climate change, where resilience is considered as the ability of the system as a whole to function as expected. It comprises five stages, which include the specification of a core and supporting strategy and the definition of a monitoring system to indicate whether performance is likely to be compromised. The core strategy gives the responses and potential adaptations for providing infrastructure that delivers an acceptable risk through time, maintaining expected performance. The supporting strategy addresses the internal and external changes that affect the performance of the core strategy. The monitoring system requires identification of indicators and thresholds for implementing adjustments to the infrastructure and the way it is utilised, and for reassessing the overall strategy. The added value of utilising the proposed adaptation process is illustrated as part of a ‘how-to’ guide for providing greater resilience in flood risk infrastructure.
Enhancing resilience in Britain's railway infrastructure
Authors: Doherty Andrew , Dora John , Newsome Colin
Published: October 2012

The interpretation of resilience in asset management is significantly different at the conceptual and design stages of new build compared to the application to existing infrastructure. An asset manager needs to balance the performance expectations of customers and stakeholders with the residual capacity of the existing system. This paper explains how enhanced data collection and analysis techniques have enabled the UK railway network to optimise whole-industry costs at the wheel-rail interface, maximise system capability by use of spare capacity and analyse implications of climatic conditions and long-term changes. It also shows how the consequences of change across a system interface can become apparent in accelerated infrastructure deterioration. The recognition of these interfaces and understanding the interactions of key factors have led to a more resilient railway network and optimised asset preservation.
State of the art in strength development of soil–cement columns
Authors: Horpibulsuk Suksun , Rachan Runglawan , Suddeepong Apichat
Published: October 2012

The in situ deep mixing technique has been established as an effective means to effect columnar inclusions into soft clay to enhance bearing capacity and reduce settlement. In this paper, the factors governing strength development in soil–cement columns are presented. The clay-water/cement ratio, wc/C is the prime parameter for consideration in a laboratory mix design. The generalised strength equation is developed for various curing times and combinations of clay-water content, cement content and ash content. It helps minimise the number of trials required to arrive at the quantity of cement to be admixed. For low-strength soil–cement columns (laboratory 28 day strength less than 1500 kPa), the field strength, quf, made up from both dry and wet mixing methods is higher than 0·6 times the laboratory strength, qul. The quf/qul ratios for the wet mixing columns are generally higher than those for the dry mixing columns. This higher strength ratio is due to the dissipation of the excess water in the column (consolidation) caused by the field stress. A fast installation rate has been shown to provide high quality for low-strength columns.
Mitigation of flooding by improved dams and dykes
Authors: Heerten Georg , Werth Katja
Published: October 2012

Following past flood disasters in Europe, safe and modern levee cross-sections have been implemented using geosynthetics. The use of filter nonwovens between the levee core and drainage and up-lift ballast berms at the inner levee embankment, or the arrangement of geosynthetic clay liners (bentonite mats, GCLs) at the outer levee embankment are included along with well-established alternatives in current guidelines. The efficiency of stabilisation measures with geosynthetics integrated into the levee has been investigated and the high stability of these construction methods in the case of overtopping has been documented. Erosion at the inner levee embankment and unexpected levee failures can be prevented or delayed. The likelihood that such levees will break is minimal because the earthen levee cannot be eroded. This approach to dramatically improving the safety of levees by integrating geosynthetics into the levee cross-section could significantly reduce danger and potential flood damage in many parts of the world.
Methods for improvement of clay slurry or sewage sludge
Authors: Chu Jian , Yan Shuwang , Lam Kok Pang
Published: October 2012

Clay slurry or sewage sludge may be used as fill materials for land reclamation. However, the treatment of very soft materials of high water content is difficult. One major difficulty is how to create a working platform on top of the slurry layer for required soil improvement works such as vacuum preloading to be carried out. Several methods that can be used to create a working platform on top of a slurry layer are reviewed in this paper. These include (1) sun drying; (2) capping with sand or other good soil; (3) use of geotextile; (4) cement mixing; and (5) dewatering using drainage. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are elaborated. Practical examples are given to illustrate the application of some of those methods. Sewage sludge is more difficult to treat because of its organic content and a combined chemical and mechanical method needs to be used. Two conceptual methods for using sewage sludge and other waste materials for land reclamation are also proposed.
Role of geogrids in load transfer of pile-supported embankments
Authors: Kongkitkul Warat , Chaiyaporn Uthana , Youwai Sompote , Jongpradist Pornkasem
Published: October 2012

A series of physical model tests on a geosynthetic-reinforced pile-supported (GRPS) embankment were performed in the laboratory to investigate the role of a geogrid on the load transferred to the pile-supported embankment. Two geogrid types, which differ in tensile stiffness by a factor of 2, were used to study the effects of geogrid stiffness. Different embankment configurations having different total embankment heights were employed so as to allow a comparison of the effects of different relative settlements between the soft soil and the piles. From the test results, it was shown that the relative settlement between the soft soil and the piles is necessary to form soil arching. In particular, when the embankment was geogrid-reinforced, the additional vertical stress transferred to the piles by the reinforcement with the geogrid became significant only when this relative settlement was sufficiently allowed. Furthermore, a larger additional vertical stress transferred to the piles was achieved by reinforcement with a stiffer geogrid. However, the difference in the vertical stresses transferred to the piles was substantially smaller than the difference in the geogrid stiffness.
Variations in strength of lime-treated soft clays
Authors: Liu Martin D. , Indraratna Buddhima , Horpibulsuk Suksun , Suebsuk Jirayut
Published: October 2012

Strength is often the most significant parameter in measuring the effect of soil improvement in geotechnical engineering practice. In this paper, a primary study is made of the variation in unconfined compressive strength of lime-treated soft clays under various practical conditions. There are three major factors that affect the strength development: lime content, curing time, and curing temperature. The variations in strength with the three factors are analysed and quantified by proposed empirical equations. These equations are verified against experimental data independently. Based on an analysis of the above simulations, a general strength equation is proposed, unifying the influence of all the three factors into a single equation. The capacity of the general equation is demonstrated and it is seen that the proposed strength equations have the potential for predicting the strength of lime-treated clays under various conditions.
Counting at low concentrations: the statistical challenges of verifying ballast water discharge standards
Authors: Frazier Melanie , Miller A. Whitman , Lee Henry , Reusser Deborah A.
Published: October 2012

Discharge from the ballast tanks of ships is one of the primary vectors of nonindigenous species in marine environments. To mitigate this environmental and economic threat, international, national, and state entities are establishing regulations to limit the concentration of living organisms that may be discharged from the ballast tanks of ships. The proposed discharge standards have ranged from zero detectable organisms to <10 organisms/m3. If standard sampling methods are used, verifying whether ballast discharge complies with these stringent standards will be challenging due to the inherent stochasticity of sampling. Furthermore, at low concentrations, very large volumes of water must be sampled to find enough organisms to accurately estimate concentration. Despite these challenges, adequate sampling protocols comprise a critical aspect of establishing standards because they help define the actual risk level associated with a standard. A standard that appears very stringent may be effectively lax if it is paired with an inadequate sampling protocol. We describe some of the statistical issues associated with sampling at low concentrations to help regulators understand the uncertainties of sampling as well as to inform the development of sampling protocols that ensure discharge standards are adequately implemented.
Reflections on the Professionalization of Occupational Therapy: Time to Put down the Looking Glass
Authors: Cooper Juliette E.
Published: October 2012

Background. Many changes have occurred in occupational therapy and its environment during the last 50 years. Despite major advances, occupational therapy is not well-known by the general public and concern remains about its professional status.Purpose. To review “professionalization,” and relate it to occupational therapy through reflection on major changes and critical events; to analyze the current status of occupational therapy; and to make suggestions for change.Key Issues. Professionalization is a dynamic, ongoing process; occupational groups achieve professional status through recognition by society, not by meeting a set list of criteria. A framework for professionalization allows examination of constraints on occupational autonomy and weighing of issues affecting internal and external dynamics. Application of the framework identified that occupational therapy in Canada today is mostly focused on its internal dynamic.Implications. To maintain and advance its professional status, occupational therapy must focus to the external dynamic to improve its recognition by the general public.
Anatomy of Cognitive Strategies: A Therapist's Primer for Enabling Occupational Performance
Authors: Toglia Joan P. , Rodger Sylvia A. , Polatajko Helene J.
Published: October 2012

Background. Promoting effective strategy use is an integral part of enabling occupational performance; however, there are variations in how strategies are defined, discussed, used, and applied in occupational therapy practice.Purpose. Focusing on cognitive strategies, in this paper, we define and describe strategies and their types and divide the concept of strategies into two dimensions: strategy attributes and strategy use. A comprehensive framework for each dimension (attribute and use) is proposed as a clinical reasoning guide as well as a foundation for future research. The frameworks are designed to reduce ambiguity, deepen understanding, and serve as clinical reasoning guides assisting therapists in specifying, describing, and observing cognitive strategies during occupational performance.Key Issues. We argue that there is a need for therapists to use consistent terminology and to be able to systematically select cognitive strategies and evaluate their use.Implications. The proposed strategy frameworks provide clinical guides for systematic analysis and selection of cognitive strategies as well as for observing components of strategy use during clients' occupational performance. We suggest the need for greater specification and description of strategies during intervention and highlight directions for future research.
Measurement Properties of the Occupational Therapy Discharge Needs Screen
Authors: Boronowski Linda E. , Shorter Cara M. , Miller William C.
Published: October 2012

Background. Pre-discharge home assessments are integral to discharge planning; however, there is no screening tool identifying clients with complex needs.Purpose. To determine the inter- and intrarater reliability and predictive and concurrent validity of the Occupational Therapy Discharge Needs Screen (OTDNS), a screening tool that identifies clients with more complex discharge needs.Methods. The OTDNS Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and Functional Autonomy Measurement System (SMAF) were administered to 89 participants.Findings. Intrarater reliability was ICC = 0.93 (95% CI 0.90 − 0.96) (n = 89). Interrater reliability was ICC = 0.53 (95% CI 0.27 − 0.70) (n = 89) with the initial OTDNS instructions, and ICC = 0.91 ( 95% CI 0.62 − 0.96) (n = 10) with revised OTDNS instructions. The OTDNS had an inverse relationship with the FIM (r = - 0.51; p < 0.001) and a positive relationship with the SMAF (r = 0.64; p < 0.001). A score of > 7/28 had a sensitivity = 75% and specificity = 40% when predicting occupational therapy home assessment post-discharge.Implications. The OTDNS has potential to contribute to continuity and efficiency of the discharge-planning process.
A Comparison of Computer-Assisted and Self-Management Programs for Reducing Alcohol Use among Students in First Year Experience Courses
Authors: Lane David J. , Lindemann Dana F. , Schmidt James A.
Published: October 2012

The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has called for the use of evidence-based approaches to address high-risk drinking prevalent on many college campuses. In line with this recommendation, the present study evaluated the efficacy of two evidence-based approaches to reducing alcohol use. One hundred and three college students in first-year experience courses were randomly assigned by class to participate in a computer-assisted online program (e-Chug Group), skills training program (Self-Management Group), or control condition (Exercise Group). The data indicate that heavier drinkers benefited from the e-Chug program, whereas lighter drinkers benefited from the self-management program. As such, colleges may yield more favorable results when forgoing a blanket approach to decreasing alcohol consumption in favor of matching students with an appropriate alcohol program.
One-Year Prediction of Pain Killer Use among At-Risk Older Teens and Emerging Adults
Authors: Sussman Steve , Rohrbach Louise A. , Spruijt-Metz Donna , Barnett Elizabeth , Lisha Nadra , Sun Ping
Published: October 2012

The leading substance of misuse among teens after tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana is the use of pain killers. Very few longitudinal studies on prediction of pain killer use have been conducted among teens. This study examined the 1-year prediction of self-reported last 30-day pain killer use controlling for baseline 30-day painkiller use among 1186 alternative high school youth in California. Among demographic, behavioral, psychosocial, and environmental predictors, a multivariable model indicated that: (a) relatively higher levels of baseline pain killer use; (b) white ethnicity; (c) relatively lower levels of depressive symptoms (contrary to previous studies); and (d) those who live with both parents were more likely to report use of pain killer medications in the next year. It is speculated that those with relatively greater access to pain medication, within an at-risk social environment, are those who will use it later on.
Does Self-Esteem Moderate the Associations between Protective Behavioral Strategies and Negative Outcomes Associated with Alcohol Consumption?
Authors: Zeigler-Hill Virgil , Madson Michael B. , Ricedorf Amy
Published: October 2012

Previous research has shown that protective behavioral strategies tend to be associated with lower levels of alcohol consumption and fewer negative alcohol-related consequences. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether self-esteem would moderate the association between protective behavioral strategies and alcohol-related outcomes. Participants were undergraduates (94 men and 363 women) between the ages of 18–25 who reported that they had consumed alcohol within the past 30 days. Results showed that greater use of protective behavioral strategies was associated with lower rates of alcohol consumption, less harmful drinking patterns, and fewer negative consequences for everyone except men with low self-esteem. The implications of these findings for understanding the link between protective behavioral strategies and alcohol-related outcomes are discussed.
Cultivating Knowledge Sharing and Trust in Online Communities for Educators
Authors: Booth Sharon Elizabeth
Published: October 2012

Innovative uses of technology to support teacher learning are emerging through professional learning communities that leverage social networking technologies. The value of an online community for educators lies in the rich and open exchange of ideas, experiences, and resources where educators feel both respected and supported. Yet among the most difficult challenges faced by online communities is fostering and sustaining knowledge sharing and trust. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine in-depth successful online learning communities for K-12 educators to better understand ways in which knowledge sharing and trust are cultivated and supported. Cross-case findings indicate knowledge sharing and trust were cultivated and sustained through a clear purpose and common identity, multiple options and opportunities for social learning, the active involvement of an experienced and credible moderator, as well as modeling and enforcement of appropriate online behavior.
Children's Reading of Printed Text and Hypertext with Navigation Overviews: The Role of Comprehension, Sustained Attention, and Visuo-Spatial Abilities
Authors: Salmerón Ladislao , García Victoria
Published: October 2012

Hypertexts include new structural features, such as navigable graphical overviews, that dramatically change the way students interact with texts. Nevertheless, at school students traditionally practice literacy skills appropriate for reading and comprehending printed texts. We explored the possibility that those skills might not be the same as the ones required to master hypertext reading. Specifically, we tested the hypothesis that hypertext structural features, such as navigable graphical overviews, might scaffold students with low comprehension and sustained-attention abilities, but demand higher involvement of visuo-spatial skills. Results from a group of 6th-grade students only partially supported the hypertext structural hypothesis: while students with low sustained-attention abilities scored higher on questions demanding the integration of information in the hypertext version, the impact of comprehension and visuo-spatial abilities on performance did not differ between text types. Finally, we discuss the theoretical and potential instructional applications of the results.
Community Colleges in the Information Age: Gains Associated with Students' Use of Computer Technology
Authors: Anderson Bodi , Horn Robert
Published: October 2012

Computer literacy is increasingly important in higher education, and many educational technology experts propose a more prominent integration of technology into pedagogy. Empirical evidence is needed to support these theories. This study examined community college students planning to transfer to 4-year universities and estimated the relationship between students' use of technology and their self-reported educational and technology gains. In doing so, this study provides valuable information for 4-year university and community college administrators, instructors, and students. Results indicate a significant relationship between students' use of technology for academic purposes and self-reported educational gains as well as technological gains. These results add support to claims of the need for a more symbiotic relationship between technology and pedagogy. Implications are discussed for how to better prepare community college students for successful transfer to 4-year institutions. Suggestions on how close the gap between high and low technology users are also discussed.
The correlation of metal content in medicinal plants and their water extracts
Authors: Randjelovic Sasa , Kostic Danijela , Zarubica Aleksandra , Mitic Snezana , Mitic Milan
Published: October 2012

The quality of some medicinal plants and their water extracts from South East
Serbia is determined on the basis of metal content using atomic absorption
spectrometry. The two methods were used for the preparation of water
extracts, to examine the impact of the preparation on the content of metals
in them. Content of investigated metals in both water extracts is markedly
lower then in medicinal plants, but were higher in water extract prepared by
method (I), with exception of lead content. The coefficients of extraction
for the observed metal can be represented in the following order: Zn > Mn >
Pb > Cu > Fe. Correlation coefficients between the metal concentration in the
extract and total metal content in plant material vary in the range from
0.6369 to 0.9956. This indicates need the plants to be collected and grown in
the unpolluted area and to examine the metal content. The content of heavy
metals in the investigated medicinal plants and their water extracts is below
the maximum allowable values, so they are safe to use.
Formalized methodology for the separation of three component electrolytic systems: Partial separation of the system
Authors: Suljkanovic Midhat , Jotanovic Milovan , Ahmetovic Elvis , Tadic Goran , Ibric Nidret
Published: October 2012

This work presents a formalized methodology for salt's separation from three
component electrolytic systems. The methodology is based on the multi-variant
modelling block of a generalized crystallization process, with options for
simulating the boundary conditions of feasible equilibrium processes and the
elements of crystallization techniques. The following techniques are
considered: cooling crystallization, adiabatic evaporative-cooling
crystallization, salt-out crystallization, isothermal crystallization, and a
combination of the mentioned techniques. The multi-variant options of the
crystallization module are based on different variable sets with assigned
values for solving mathematical models of generalized crystallization
processes. The first level of the methodology begins with the determination
of salt crystallization paths from a hypothetical electrolytic AX-BX-H2O
system, following by an examination of salt-cooling crystallization
possibilities. The second level determines feasible processes by the
communication of a feed-system with the environment through a stream of
evaporated water, or introduced water with introduced crystallized BX salt.
The third level determines the value intervals of the variables for feasible
processes. The methodological logic and possibilities for the created process
simulator are demonstrated on examples of sodium sulphate separation from the
NaCl-Na2SO4-H2O system, using different salt concentrations within the feed
system.
How do institutions affect structural unemployment in times of crises?
Authors: Furceri Davide , Mourougane Annabelle
Published: October 2012

This paper examines the effect of economic crises on structural unemployment
using an Autoregressive Distributed Lags model and accounting for the role of
institutional settings on an unbalanced panel of 30 OECD economies from 1960
to 2006. We found that downturns have, on average, a significant positive
impact on the level of structural unemployment rate. The maximum impact
varies with the severity of the downturn. Institutions (such as employment
protection legislation, average replacement ratio and product market
regulation) influence both the extent of the initial shock and the adjustment
pattern in the aftermath of an economic downturn.
Estimating the impact of the Balassa-Samuelson effect in central and eastern European countries: A revised analysis of panel data cointegration tests
Authors: Miletic Mirjana
Published: October 2012

This paper aims to reassess the contribution of the Balassa-Samuelson effect
to the inflation and real exchange rate appreciation using panel data for
nine CEECs covering the period ranging from the mid-1990s to the third
quarter of 2010. The main idea of this analysis is to answer the question of
whether the Global Economic Crisis had a significant impact on the efforts of
CEECs to stay on the path of real convergence. The Balassa-Samuelson effect
explains less than 1.5 percentage points on average of inflation differential
relative to the euro area and around 1 percentage point of the total domestic
inflation. The results are robust across the model specification and
estimation method. Most of the results point out that the Balassa-Samuelson
effect has not changed considerably during the crisis even though it is lower
compared to that in the earlier stage of transition (for the period up to
2004).
Secret d'état et machine de guerre secrète chez Gilles Deleuze
Authors: Krtolica Igor
Published: October 2012

(francuski) Cet article trouve son point d?part dans une note de Mille plateaux, o? Deleuze et Guattari sugg?rent l'id?e que le secret ne trouve pas son origine dans un appareil d'?tat mais dans la ?machine de guerre?, ruinant du m?me coup l'apparente homog?n?it? entre le secret et l'appareil d'?tat. Cette th?se d?coule de la n?cessit? logique de ne plus d?finir le secret ? partir de la position d'un contenu cach? (toujours perceptible en droit). L'exposition de cette exigence logique permettra d'assigner une forme primitive et une forme d?riv?e du secret, dont l'enjeu est ici triple: (1) montrer le rapport sp?cifique de l'Etat au secret: l'Etat ne produit du secret qu'en le maintenant dans des limites qui pervertissent sa nature; (2) appr?hender les modalit?s selon lesquelles l'appareil d'Etat organise la perception du secret d'Etat: l'appareil d'Etat ne fonctionne au secret d'Etat qu'? condition d'en hi?rarchiser pr?cis?ment la perception, selon des seuils dont la communication est r?gl?e; (3) connecter l'id?e de secret ? sa potentialit? r?volutionnaire, toujours susceptible de miner l'organisation d'un appareil d'Etat: parce que le secret a son origine dans la machine de guerre - qui est formellement ext?rieure ? l'appareil d'?tat - et il introduit dans celui-ci un facteur de tension.
Plato: The poet
Authors: Pilipovic Jelena
Published: October 2012

Essay is an inter-disciplinary approach to the problem of Plato's view of Poetry: trying to seize it both in the semantic depth of the platonic text itself and in its cultural context. Poetry is deeply rooted in the divine - its sacerdotal dimension is one of the main problems both in the philosophical aim to compete with poets and in their attempt to understand the poetic phenomenon in the logical terms. Ambiguity of Plato's criticism is equally visible in the poetical quality of his own text and in the constant identification of the intra-textual voices with poets. This essay is trying to enlighten some of that ambiguity's aspects and implications.
Auditors' Judgment Errors When Working on Multiple Tasks and in Multiple Client Environments: A Research Summary and Practice Implications
Authors: Bhattacharjee Sudip , Maletta Mario , Moreno Kimberly K.
Published: October 2012

The pervasive reality for auditors is that they often are simultaneously working on multiple tasks and even multiple clients in the same work sessions. Research reveals that an important consequence of these task conditions is that auditors may make certain types of information processing and memory-related errors. We provide a summary of the results and practice implications associated with three research studies that have examined auditors' judgment errors when working on multiple tasks and in multiple client environments.
Assessing anteroposterior basal bone discrepancy with the Dental Aesthetic Index
Authors: Huang Boyen , Takahashi Katsu , Yamazaki Toru , Saito Kazuyuki , Yamori Masashi , Asai Keita , Yoshikawa Yusuke , Kamioka Hiroshi , Yamashiro Takashi , Bessho Kazuhisa
Published: October 2012

Objective:

To investigate dental appearance and cephalometric features, using a sample of orthognathic and/or orthodontic patients. A special interest was to identify the relationship of the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) with anteroposterior basal bone discrepancy (APBBD) and cephalometric indicators.

Materials and Methods:

A full sample of 159 patients in two Japanese hospitals was used. Each patient was assessed with a preorthodontic dental cast and cephalometric radiography.

Results:

Malocclusion with APBBD was more prevalent among high DAI subjects (P  =  .034, OR  =  1.04, 95% CI: 1.00–1.08), Class III malocclusion patients (P  =  .048, OR  =  2.32, 95% CI: 1.01–5.34) and male patients (P  =  .008, OR  =  2.96, 95% CI: 1.33–6.61). Participants scoring 88 points (the highest score in this sample) of the DAI had 16.84 times the risk of APBBD of those who scored 17 points (the lowest score in this sample). Patients with APBBD presented with a greater adjusted ANB angle (t  =  −8.10, P < .001) and a larger adjusted A-B/NF appraisal (t  =  −9.65, P < .001). The SNA angle (P < .001), the SNB angle (P  =  .002), the adjusted ANB angle (P  =  .001), and the adjusted A-B/NF appraisal (P  =  .035) were associated with DAI scores in cubic regression models.

Conclusion:

This study has demonstrated a relationship between the DAI and APBBD. Feasibility of using the adjusted ANB angle and the adjusted A-B/NF appraisal to assess severity of APBBD has been confirmed. The DAI may provide a supportive method to evaluate orthognathic needs. Future investigations are indicated.
Facial divergence and mandibular crowding in treated subjects
Authors: Goldberg Avrum I. , Behrents R. G. , Oliver Donald R. , Buschang Peter H.
Published: October 2012

Objective:

To understand the relationships between facial divergence, vertical growth, and postretention mandibular crowding.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-five white extraction patients were evaluated immediately posttreatment (15.4 years) and again 16.6 years later. Hyperdivergent subjects, subjects with open bite or severe deep bites were not evaluated. Changes in incisor irregularity and tooth-size arch-length discrepancies (TSALD) were evaluated and correlated with measures of divergence and skeletal growth.

Results:

Incisor irregularity increased 0.9 mm and TSALD increased 0.7 mm after treatment; 68% of the subjects had less than 3.5 mm incisor irregularity at postretention. Male patients showed significantly more growth than female patients did. Female patients, who were significantly more hyperdivergent than male patients, showed weak to moderately weak associations between posttreatment facial divergence and crowding. Female posttreatment changes in anterior face height, lower incisor eruption, and changes in arch depth were also related to crowding; male patients showed moderate relationships between posttreatment changes in arch width and crowding.

Conclusions:

Greater vertical growth, incisor eruption, and especially facial divergence are related to greater posttreatment mandibular crowding.
Cathepsin K Knockout Mitigates High-Fat Diet–Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy and Contractile Dysfunction
Authors: Hua Yinan , Zhang Yingmei , Dolence Julia , Shi Guo-Ping , Ren Jun , Nair Sreejayan
Published: October 2012

The cysteine protease cathepsin K has been implicated in pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. We hypothesized that ablation of cathepsin K protects against obesity-associated cardiac dysfunction. Wild-type mice fed a high-fat diet exhibited elevated heart weight, enlarged cardiomyocytes, increased left ventricular wall thickness, and decreased fractional shortening. All these changes were reconciled in cathepsin K knockout mice. Cathepsin K knockout partly reversed the impaired cardiomyocyte contractility and dysregulated calcium handling associated with high-fat diet. Additionally, cathepsin K knockout alleviated whole-body glucose intolerance and improved insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation in high-fat diet–fed mice. High-fat feeding increased the expression of cardiac hypertrophic proteins and apoptotic markers, which were inhibited by cathepsin K knockout. Furthermore, high-fat feeding resulted in cathepsin K release from lysosomes into the cytoplasm. In H9c2 myoblasts, silencing of cathepsin K inhibited palmitic acid–induced release of cytochrome c from mitochondria and expression of proapoptotic signaling molecules. Collectively, our data indicate that cathepsin K contributes to the development of obesity-associated cardiac hypertrophy and may represent a potential target for the treatment to obesity-associated cardiac anomalies.
Inhibition of Class I Histone Deacetylases Unveils a Mitochondrial Signature and Enhances Oxidative Metabolism in Skeletal Muscle and Adipose Tissue
Authors: Galmozzi Andrea , Mitro Nico , Ferrari Alessandra , Gers Elise , Gilardi Federica , Godio Cristina , Cermenati Gaia , Gualerzi Alice , Donetti Elena , Rotili Dante , Valente Sergio , Guerrini Uliano , Caruso Donatella , Mai Antonello , Saez Enrique , De Fabiani Emma , Crestani Maurizio
Published: October 2012

Chromatin modifications are sensitive to environmental and nutritional stimuli. Abnormalities in epigenetic regulation are associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes that are often linked with defects in oxidative metabolism. Here, we evaluated the potential of class-specific synthetic inhibitors of histone deacetylases (HDACs), central chromatin-remodeling enzymes, to ameliorate metabolic dysfunction. Cultured myotubes and primary brown adipocytes treated with a class I–specific HDAC inhibitor showed higher expression of Pgc-1α, increased mitochondrial biogenesis, and augmented oxygen consumption. Treatment of obese diabetic mice with a class I– but not a class II–selective HDAC inhibitor enhanced oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue and promoted energy expenditure, thus reducing body weight and glucose and insulin levels. These effects can be ascribed to increased Pgc-1α action in skeletal muscle and enhanced PPARγ/PGC-1α signaling in adipose tissue. In vivo ChIP experiments indicated that inhibition of HDAC3 may account for the beneficial effect of the class I–selective HDAC inhibitor. These results suggest that class I HDAC inhibitors may provide a pharmacologic approach to treating type 2 diabetes.
Antidiabetic Effects of Pterosin A, a Small-Molecular-Weight Natural Product, on Diabetic Mouse Models
Authors: Hsu Feng-Lin , Huang Chun-Fa , Chen Ya-Wen , Yen Yuan-Peng , Wu Cheng-Tien , Uang Biing-Jiun , Yang Rong-Sen , Liu Shing-Hwa
Published: October 2012

The therapeutic effect of pterosin A, a small-molecular-weight natural product, on diabetes was investigated. Pterosin A, administered orally for 4 weeks, effectively improved hyperglycemia and glucose intolerance in streptozotocin, high-fat diet–fed, and db/db diabetic mice. There were no adverse effects in normal or diabetic mice treated with pterosin A for 4 weeks. Pterosin A significantly reversed the increased serum insulin and insulin resistance (IR) in dexamethasone-IR mice and in db/db mice. Pterosin A significantly reversed the reduced muscle GLUT-4 translocation and the increased liver phosphoenolpyruvate carboxyl kinase (PEPCK) expression in diabetic mice. Pterosin A also significantly reversed the decreased phosphorylations of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Akt in muscles of diabetic mice. The decreased AMPK phosphorylation and increased p38 phosphorylation in livers of db/db mice were effectively reversed by pterosin A. Pterosin A enhanced glucose uptake and AMPK phosphorylation in cultured human muscle cells. In cultured liver cells, pterosin A inhibited inducer-enhanced PEPCK expression, triggered the phosphorylations of AMPK, acetyl CoA carboxylase, and glycogen synthase kinase-3, decreased glycogen synthase phosphorylation, and increased the intracellular glycogen level. These findings indicate that pterosin A may be a potential therapeutic option for diabetes.
Erratum to: “Solitary quotients of finite groups”
Authors: Tărnăuceanu Marius
Published: October 2012

In this short note a correct proof of Theorem 3.3 from [Tărnăuceanu M., Solitary quotients of finite groups, Cent. Eur. J. Math., 2012, 10(2), 740–747] is given.
The visibility parameter for words and permutations
Authors: Cristea Ligia , Prodinger Helmut
Published: October 2012

We investigate the visibility parameter, i.e., the number of visible pairs, first for words over a finite alphabet, then for permutations of the finite set {1, 2, …, n}, and finally for words over an infinite alphabet whose letters occur with geometric probabilities. The results obtained for permutations correct the formula for the expectation obtained in a recent paper by Gutin et al. [Gutin G., Mansour T., Severini S., A characterization of horizontal visibility graphs and combinatorics on words, Phys. A, 2011, 390 (12), 2421–2428], and for words over a finite alphabet the formula obtained in the present paper for the expectation is more precise than that obtained in the cited paper. More importantly, we also compute the variance for each case.
Bäcklund transformation for the first flows of the relativistic Toda hierarchy and associated properties
Authors: Choudhury Anindya
Published: October 2012

In this communication we study a class of one parameter dependent auto-Bäcklund transformations for the first flow of the relativistic Toda lattice and also a variant of the usual Toda lattice equation. It is shown that starting from the Hamiltonian formalism such transformations are canonical in nature with a well defined generating function. The notion of spectrality is also analyzed and the separation variables are explicitly constructed.