bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the water quality in a large reservoir in semiarid region of Brazil
Authors: Lopes Fernando B. , Andrade Eunice M. de , Meireles Ana C. M. , Becker Helena , Batista Adriana A.
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to identify spatial and temporal variations in water quality of Orós reservoir, Ceará, Brazil, as well as the sources of contamination. To get this information the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) was used. Water samples were collected at seven (geo-referenced) points, from April 2008 to March 2011, totalling 4,032 samples. The following attributes of the waters were analysed: temperature, pH, CE, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl-, HCO3-, SO4--, turbidity, colour, Sechi transparency, TS, TVS, TFS, TSS, VSS, FSS, TDS, DO, BO5D, total phosphorus, soluble orthophosphate, EC, TTC, total ammonia, TKN, nitrate, SAR and chlorophyll-a. The PCA promoted the reduction from the 32 initial variables to 14, accounting for 84.39% of the total variance. The major factors responsible for water quality composition are: the natural weathering of geological soil components; the entrainment of suspended solids through surface runoff from agricultural areas; and anthropogenic action in the Upper Jaguaribe basin in Ceará. The similarity of the water of the Orós reservoir allows a reduction in the number of sampling points, which may result in significant cost savings without sacrificing the water quality monitoring. The similarity of the waters was influenced by anthropic activities being carried out near the reservoir and all along the watershed.
Influência do tratamento térmico de envelhecimento a 850ºC na microestrutura e nas propriedades mecânicas e magnéticas do aço Duplex UNS S31803
Authors: Mendonça Claudiney de Sales Pereira , Ribeiro Vander Alkmin dos Santos , Silva Manoel Ribeiro da , Oliveira Valesca Donizeti de , Rodrigues Carlos Alberto , Melo Mirian de Lourdes Noronha Motta , Correa Edmilson Otoni , Silva Eduardo Miguel da
Published: April 2014

Os aços inoxidáveis duplex são aqueles que possuem uma microestrutura constituída por duas fases distintas, ferrita (α) ferromagnética e austenita (γ) paramagnética, presentes em quantidades aproximadamente iguais. Neste trabalho, a microestrutura do aço duplex UNS S31803 foi modificada através de tratamento térmico (TT) de solubilização à temperatura de 1050°C por 30 minutos, seguido de resfriamento em água. Em seguida, as amostras foram envelhecidas por 5, 15, 30, 60 e 180 minutos, à temperatura de 850°C. Este tratamento promoveu a formação de uma fase deletéria, a fase sigma, que se forma através da decomposição da ferrita, rica nos elementos Cr e Mo, que são formadores desta fase. A formação desta fase altera as propriedades mecânicas e químicas (resistência à corrosão) dos aços duplex e superduplex. As propriedades magnéticas e mecânicas foram avaliadas em cada uma das condições estudadas e correlacionadas com a microestrutura. As propriedades magnéticas das amostras foram obtidas em um Magnetômetro de Amostra Vibrante (MAV), no qual se fez o levantamento da curva de histerese deste material. As propriedades mecânicas das amostras foram caracterizadas por microdureza Vickers empregando-se uma carga de 0,2 kgf. A caracterização microestrutural foi realizada utilizando um microscópio óptico. Com o aumento do tempo de tratamento térmico de envelhecimento, ocorreu o aumento do percentual de fase sigma formada, e diminuição da fase ferrita. Devido a essa transformação, houve alteração das propriedades magnéticas do aço duplex. A fase ferrítica foi calculada através de dois métodos: ferritoscópia e medição da magnetização de saturação; em ambos os casos foi observada a diminuição da fase ferromagnética.
Tunneling and Food Transportation Activity of Four Subterranean Termite Species (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) at Various Temperatures
Authors: Cao Runxin , Su Nan-yao
Published: April 2014

The effect of temperature on tunneling and food transportation activity of four subterranean termite species, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann), Reticulitermes virginicus (Banks), and Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), was examined. The experiment was conducted at 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C and ≈ 99% relative humidity (RH) using 10- by 10-cm planar arenas. Tunneling areas excavated by termites at 12 and 48 h were analyzed using two-way analyses of variance. The number of food particles and their total linear distance 6 h after termites reached the food source were recorded. The result showed that termites reached the food faster at higher temperatures with the exception of R. virginicus. As the temperature increased, tunneling speed generally increased, though tunnel areas at some temperatures within species at 12 and 48 h were not significantly different from each other. Once they reached the food, the tunneling speed substantially slowed down. In the food transportation study, the number of food particles and their total linear distance from the food source for C. formosanus, R. virginicus, and C. gestroi generally increased with the rise of temperature, while those for R. flavipes were temperature independent. These results may help to explain seasonal activities of the four termite species and to provide information to the application of monitoring and baiting system.
Difficulties in the determination of post-liquefaction strength for sand
Authors: Chu J. , Wanatowski D.
Published: April 2014

Static liquefaction has been considered one of the commonest failure mechanisms for granular soil slopes or tailings dams. One of the design approaches adopted is based on the so-called post-liquefaction strength as a design parameter. However, determination of the post-liquefaction strength by laboratory tests is problematic. In this paper, experimental data are used to illustrate that the post-liquefaction strength cannot be determined properly or uniquely in the laboratory. The assumption of an undrained condition is also questionable for sand or tailings with relatively high permeability under static loading conditions. Due to the above deficiencies, it is recommended that engineers stop using the post-liquefaction strength as a design parameter in practice.
The effect of temperature on pollen germination and pollen tube growth of sour cherry cultivars
Authors: Milatovic Dragan , Nikolic Dragan
Published: April 2014

The study was carried out to determine the effect of three different
temperatures (5, 15 and 25?C) on in vitro pollen germination and pollen tube
growth of five sour cherry cultivars: ?Heimanns Konservenweichsel?,
?Kelleriis 14?, ?Oblacinska?, ?Rexelle? and ?Sumadinka?. Pollen germination a
% agar % Temperature significantly affected pollen germination. High
germination rates (50-70%) were obtained at both 15?C and 25?C. Satisfactory
germination rates (42-51%) were also obtained at 5?C in some cultivars
(?Rexelle?, ?Sumadinka? and ?Heimanns Konservenweichsel?). The influence of
temperature on the pollen tube growth was more prominent. The length of
pollen tubes was three to six times higher at 15?C and 25?C in comparison
with 5?C. This has led to the conclusion that the temperature of 5?C,
although it could be adequate for pollen germination, is not high enough for
optimal pollen tube growth. was determined by germinating pollen grains in
culture medium containing 0.7agar-and 15sucrose.
Nanospider technology for controlling of pseudomonas cichorii and dickeya dadantii by electrospun nanofibers of nylon-6/chitosan blends
Authors: Abdel-Megeed Ahmed , Eifan Saleh , El-Newehy Hassan , Al-Deyab Salem
Published: April 2014

This is the first report on the use of electrospun nanofibers which could be
of considerable interest to the development of new antibacterial compounds
against two species of bacteria: Pseudomonas cichorii causing bacterial leaf
spot (bacterial midrib rot) and Dickeya dadantii (Erwinia chrysanthemi)
causing bacterial bligh. Electrospun nylon-6/chitosan (nylon-6/Ch) nanofibers
were obtained using formic acid as a single solvent. Surface modification of
electrospun nylon-6/chitosan nanofibers was performed by soaking the mat in
an aqueous solution of glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTMAC) at room
temperature overnight to give nylon-6/N-[(2-hydroxy-3-trimethyl
ammonium)propyl] chitosan chloride (nylon-6/HTCC). The morphological,
structural and thermal properties of the nylon-6/chitosan nanofibers were
studied by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray
diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and
thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Biological screening demonstrated that
Nylon-6/HTCC mat exhibited high potential antibacterial activity on protein
synthesis of bacteria Pseudomonas cichorii and Dickeya dadantii. Bacteria
examined using SEM were totally deformed and exhibited symptoms of severe
destruction.
Steady state analysis of regular hollow pyramidal radiating fin with triangular cross-section
Authors: Venkataramanan Vijaikrishnan , Madhavaneswaran Ramakrishnan , Shanmugam Siva
Published: April 2014

A new configuration for space radiator is proposed introducing a fin of
regular hollow pyramidal shape with triangular cross section, giving a higher
improvement in heat loss per unit mass than that of other corresponding
configurations previously proposed under same working conditions. The
significance of the present configuration and its advantage over other
regular hollow configurations are discussed and effect of various design
parameters on heat transfer is analyzed in presence of radiation interaction
with an isothermal base attached to it. Optimum parameters are identified for
which improvement in heat loss per unit mass is the maximum. It is found that
the fin efficiency decreases with increase in the emissivity & height of the
fin and increases with increase in thickness & top radius of the fin.
Correlations are presented for optimum design parameters, optimum improvement
in heat loss per unit mass and fin efficiency.
Rayleigh Taylor instability in dusty magnetized fluids with surface tension flowing through porous medium
Authors: Sharma Praveen , Tiwari Anita , Prajapati Ram , Chhajlani Rajendra
Published: April 2014

In this paper we investigate the effect of surface tension on hydromagnetic
Rayleigh-Taylor (R-T) instability of two incompressible superimposed fluids
in a porous medium with suspended dust particles immersed in a uniform
horizontal magnetic field. The relevant linearized perturbation equations
have been solved using normal mode technique and the dispersion relation is
derived analytically for the considered system. The dispersion relation is
influenced by the simultaneous presence of medium porosity, suspended dust
particles, permeability, magnetic field and surface tension. The onset
criteria of R-T stability and instability are obtained and discussed. The
growth rate of R-T instability is calculated numerically and is affected by
the simultaneous presence of surface tension and magnetic field. The effects
of various parameters on the growth rate of the R-T instability are
discussed.
Forming Impressions: Effects of Facial Expression and Gender Stereotypes
Authors: Hack Tay
Published: April 2014

The present study of 138 participants explored how facial expressions and gender stereotypes influence impressions. It was predicted that images of smiling women would be evaluated more favorably on traits reflecting warmth, and that images of non-smiling men would be evaluated more favorably on traits reflecting competence. As predicted, smiling female faces were rated as more warm; however, contrary to prediction, perceived competence of male faces was not affected by facial expression. Participants' female stereotype endorsement was a significant predictor for evaluations of female faces; those who ascribed more strongly to traditional female stereotypes reported the most positive impressions of female faces displaying a smiling expression. However, a similar effect was not found for images of men; endorsement of traditional male stereotypes did not predict participants' impressions of male faces.
Labial Vibrotactile Somatosensory Perception: A Pilot Study in Healthy Aging versus Young Adult Participants
Authors: Etter Nicole M. , van Meter Emily M. , Andreatta Richard D.
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this pilot study was to begin characterizing changes in labial vibrotactile somatosensation in healthy older adults as a foundational step in determining how changes in orofacial sensation can affect functional behaviors, such as speech and feeding. Labial vibrotactile perception capacity of healthy older adults ( n = 15) was compared to a cohort of healthy young adults ( n = 5). Vibrotactile inputs were delivered to the glabrous surface of the left lower lip at 5, 10, 50, and 150 Hz. A modified von Bekesy (staircase) method was used to identify participants' thresholds and response standard deviations for each test frequency. Consistent with findings in other body regions, a decrease in labial vibrotactile detection sensitivity was expected in healthy older adults. The threshold values for the 5 and 10 Hz test frequencies were higher in the older group and the differences in response standard deviations at these frequencies were statistically significant. This pilot study identified changes in labial perception among healthy older adults.
Attention and Blood Lactate Levels in Equestrians Performing Show Jumping
Authors: Perciavalle Valentina , Di Corrado Donatella , Scuto Claudia , Perciavalle Vincenzo , Coco Marinella
Published: April 2014

In equestrian show jumping, attention is particularly important to ensure maximum accuracy. Due to the anaerobic nature of the jumping and its requirement for precision coordination between human and horse, there may be a relation between the onset of lactic threshold and decrease in attention. In 12 healthy and injury-free equestrians (6 men, 6 women), the effects (blood lactate and glucose) of a show jumping course (250 m long with eight vertical obstacles with a height of 1.15 m height) on capacity and selectivity of attention was assessed. A typical reaction time paradigm and test of divided attention were administered. At the end of the course a significant increase of blood lactate was observed, whereas blood glucose did not significantly change. A deterioration of attention (intensity and selectivity) and a worsening of performance with increasing of blood lactate were observed. The present results led to the conclusion that the increase in blood lactate that occurs in riders executing a show jumping course is associated with worsening of both attentive capabilities and performance.
SPLIT HOPKINSON PRESSURE BAR IMPULSE EXPERIMENTAL MEASUREMENT WITH NUMERICAL VALIDATION
Authors: Baranowski Pawel , Gieleta Roman , Malachowski Jerzy , Damaziak Krzysztof , Mazurkiewicz Lukasz
Published: April 2014

Materials and their development process are highly dependent on proper experimental testing under wide range of loading within which high-strain rate conditions play a very significant role. For such dynamic loading Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) is widely used for investigating the dynamic behavior of various materials. The presented paper is focused on the SHPB impulse measurement process using experimental and numerical methods. One of the main problems occurring during tests are oscillations recorded by the strain gauges which adversely affect results. Thus, it is desired to obtain the peak shape in the incident bar of SHPB as “smooth” as possible without any distortions. Such impulse characteristics can be achieved using several shaping techniques, e.g. by placing a special shaper between two bars, which in fact was performed by the authors experimentally and subsequently was validated using computational methods.
New Categorical Approaches to Movability in Shape Theory
Authors: Pop I.
Published: April 2014

In the present paper we define some notions of movability for functors and natural transformations which permit to characterize the movability of inverse systems considered as functors, and the movability of the morphisms of inverse systems considered as natural transformations.
Set-Valued Lebesgue and Riesz Type Theorems
Authors: Precupanu Anca , Gavriluţ Alina
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we continue a previous study concerning different types of pseudo-convergences of sequences of measurable functions with respect to set-valued nonadditive monotonic set functions and we establish some pseudo-versions of Lebesgue and Riesz theorems in the set-valued case. We also characterize some important structural properties of fuzzy multimeasures.
A Note on Generalized Absolute Summability
Authors: Öozgen H.N.
Published: April 2014

In this paper, a main theorem on |A|ksummability method has been proved. This theorem also includes two results.
Investigating Whether and When English Learners Are Reclassified Into Mainstream Classrooms in the United States
Authors: Slama Rachel B.
Published: April 2014

Using eight waves of longitudinal data on a statewide kindergarten cohort of English learners (ELs), I examined ELs’ tenure in language-learning programs and their academic performance following reclassification as fluent English proficient. I employed discrete-time survival analysis to estimate the average time to and grade of reclassification with and without controlling for socioeconomic status and home language. The average EL exited 3 years after school entry or in second grade; however, the odds that a non-Spanish-speaking EL was reclassified were nearly twice that of their Spanish-speaking EL classmates after controlling for income. Despite reclassification in the early elementary grades, large percentages of the kindergarten cohort experienced later academic difficulties and 22% of the sample was retained in grade.
Effect of Section Thickness on the Microstructure and Hardness of Ductile Cast Iron
Authors: Guzel Erdogdu , Yuksel Caglar , Bayrak Yahya , Sen Ozkan , Ekerim Ahmet
Published: April 2014

Ductile cast irons have several engineering and manufacturing advantages compared to other cast materials such as steels. These include high damping capacity, wear resistance, to and lower manufacturing cost. The combination of good mechanical properties and casting abilities of ductile cast iron makes its usage successful in structural applications especially in the energy and automotive industries. In this study, the influence of the section thickness on the microstructure and hardness of spheroidal graphite cast iron was investigated with a cascaded model using the full mold casting method. By the high linear correlation coefficient, R2 > 0.90, it was observed that the section thickness directly affected the microstructure and hardness. An increase in the cross-sectional thickness decreases hardness and number of graphite nodules per square millimeters, however, percentage of ferrite was increased.
The Effect of Green Exercise on Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Mood State in Primary School Children
Authors: Duncan Michael , Clarke Neil , Birch Samantha , Tallis Jason , Hankey Joanne , Bryant Elizabeth , Eyre Emma
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was exploratory and sought to examine the effect on blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and mood state responses in primary school children of moderate intensity cycling whilst viewing a green environment compared to exercise alone. Following ethics approval and parental informed consent, 14 children (seven boys, seven girls, Mean age ± SD = 10 ± 1 years) undertook two, 15 min bouts of cycling at a moderate exercise intensity in a counterbalanced order. In one bout they cycled whilst viewing a film of cycling in a forest setting. In the other condition participants cycled with no visual stimulus. Pre-, immediately post-exercise and 15 min post-exercise, BP, HR and Mood state were assessed. Analysis of variance, indicated significant condition X time interaction for SBP (p = 0.04). Bonferroni post-hoc pairwise comparisons indicated that systolic blood pressure (SBP) 15 min post exercise was significantly lower following green exercise compared to the control condition (p = 0.01). There were no significant differences in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (all p > 0.05). HR immediately post exercise was significantly higher than HR pre exercise irrespective of green exercise or control condition (p = 0.001). Mood scores for fatigue were significantly higher and scores for vigor lower 15 min post exercise irrespective of green exercise or control condition (both p = 0.0001). Gender was not significant in any analyses (p > 0.05). Thus, the present study identifies an augmented post exercise hypotensive effect for children following green exercise compared to exercise alone.
GIS Supported Landslide Susceptibility Modeling at Regional Scale: An Expert-Based Fuzzy Weighting Method
Authors: Chalkias Christos , Ferentinou Maria , Polykretis Christos
Published: April 2014

The main aim of this paper is landslide susceptibility assessment using fuzzy expert-based modeling. Factors that influence landslide occurrence, such as elevation, slope, aspect, lithology, land cover, precipitation and seismicity were considered. Expert-based fuzzy weighting (EFW) approach was used to combine these factors for landslide susceptibility mapping (Peloponnese, Greece). This method produced a landslide susceptibility map of the investigated area. The landslides under investigation have more or less same characteristics: lateral based and downslope shallow movement of soils or rocks. The validation of the model reveals, that predicted susceptibility levels are found to be in good agreement with the past landslide occurrences. Hence, the obtained landslide susceptibility map could be acceptable, for landslide hazard prevention and mitigation at regional scale.
Neritinaceramides A–E, New Ceramides from the Marine Bryozoan Bugula neritina Inhabiting South China Sea and Their Cytotoxicity
Authors: Tian Xiang-Rong , Tang Hai-Feng , Feng Jun-Tao , Li Yu-Shan , Lin Hou-Wen , Fan Xiao-Pei , Zhang Xing
Published: April 2014

Five new ceramides, neritinaceramides A (1), B (2), C (3), D (4) and E (5), together with six known ceramides (6–11), two known alkyl glycerylethers (12 and 13) and a known nucleoside (14), were isolated from marine bryozoan Bugula neritina, which inhabits the South China Sea. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated as (2S,3R,3′S,4E,8E,10E)-2-(hexadecanoylamino)-4,8,10-octadecatriene-l,3,3′-triol (1), (2S,3R,2′R,4E,8E,10E)-2-(hexadecanoylamino)-4,8,10-octadecatriene-l,3,2′-triol (2), (2S,3R,2′R,4E,8E,10E)-2-(octadecanoylamino)-4,8,10-octadecatriene-l,3,2′-triol (3), (2S,3R,3′S,4E,8E)-2-(hexadecanoylamino)-4,8-octadecadiene-l,3,3′-triol (4) and (2S,3R,3′S,4E)-2-(hexadecanoylamino)-4-octadecene-l,3,3′-triol (5) on the basis of extensive spectral analysis and chemical evidences. The characteristic C-3′S hydroxyl group in the fatty acid moiety in compounds 1, 4 and 5, was a novel structural feature of ceramides. The rare 4E,8E,10E-triene structure in the sphingoid base of compounds 1–3, was found from marine bryozoans for the first time. The new ceramides 1–5 were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against HepG2, NCI-H460 and SGC7901 tumor cell lines, and all of them exhibited selective cytotoxicity against HepG2 and SGC7901 cells with a range of IC50 values from 47.3 μM to 58.1 μM. These chemical and cytotoxic studies on the new neritinaceramides A–E (1–5) added to the chemical diversity of B. neritina and expanded our knowledge of the chemical modifications and biological activity of ceramides.
First Chemical Evaluation and Toxicity of Casinga-cheirosa to Balb-c Male Mice
Authors: Estork Dirce , Gusmão Daniela , Paciencia Mateus , Díaz Ingrit , Varella Antonio , Younes Riad , Reis Luiz , Montero Edna , Bernardi Maria , Suffredini Ivana
Published: April 2014

Laetia suaveolens, known as “casinga-cheirosa”, crude extract EB719 has previously shown cytotoxic activity against prostate cancer and squamous cell carcinoma. For the first time, seven molecules were isolated from its apolar—α-tocopherol (1) and sitosterol (2)—and polar—3-O-caffeoylquinic acid (3), 4-O-caffeoylquinic acid (4), 5-O-feruloylquinic acid (5), hyperoside (6), and isoquercitrin (7)—fractions. Acute toxicity was determined in a two-stage experiment: (1) a reduced number of Balb-c male mice received 5000 mg/kg of EB719 to allow evaluation of general activity and other 27 parameters, plus death, up to the establishment of non-lethal dose (NLD), as well as lethal dose 50% (LD50); (2) NLD was administered and diazepam introduced as reference drug. EB719 showed LD50 = 178.0 mg/kg, and NLD 156.3 mg/kg. In stage one EB719 did not influence general activity, but provoked impairment in grasp reflexes, tail squeeze and breathing; piloerection and cyanosis were increased. In stage two, alterations occurred in auricular reflex, piloerection and breathing after diazepam administration, but not in response to EB719. Intestinal hemorrhage caused by local bleeding was observed after necropsy, and may be the main cause of animals’ death other than a systemic effect of the extract. Although the isolated compounds are biologically and pharmacologically active in both men and animal systems, it is premature to relate their occurrence in EB719 to the observed intestine hemorrhage in mice.
Evaluation of Superparamagnetic Silica Nanoparticles for Extraction of Triazines in Magnetic in-Tube Solid Phase Microextraction Coupled to Capillary Liquid Chromatography
Authors: González-Fuenzalida R. , Moliner-Martínez Y. , Prima-Garcia Helena , Ribera Antonio , Campins-Falcó P. , Zaragozá Ramon
Published: April 2014

The use of magnetic nanomaterials for analytical applications has increased in the recent years. In particular, magnetic nanomaterials have shown great potential as adsorbent phase in several extraction procedures due to the significant advantages over the conventional methods. In the present work, the influence of magnetic forces over the extraction efficiency of triazines using superparamagnetic silica nanoparticles (NPs) in magnetic in tube solid phase microextraction (Magnetic-IT-SPME) coupled to CapLC has been evaluated. Atrazine, terbutylazine and simazine has been selected as target analytes. The superparamagnetic silica nanomaterial (SiO2-Fe3O4) deposited onto the surface of a capillary column gave rise to a magnetic extraction phase for IT-SPME that provided a enhancemment of the extraction efficiency for triazines. This improvement is based on two phenomena, the superparamegnetic behavior of Fe3O4 NPs and the diamagnetic repulsions that take place in a microfluidic device such a capillary column. A systematic study of analytes adsorption and desorption was conducted as function of the magnetic field and the relationship with triazines magnetic susceptibility. The positive influence of magnetism on the extraction procedure was demonstrated. The analytical characteristics of the optimized procedure were established and the method was applied to the determination of the target analytes in water samples with satisfactory results. When coupling Magnetic-IT-SPME with CapLC, improved adsorption efficiencies (60%–63%) were achieved compared with conventional adsorption materials (0.8%–3%).
Radiolabeling of Nanoparticles and Polymers for PET Imaging
Authors: Stockhofe Katharina , Postema Johannes , Schieferstein Hanno , Ross Tobias
Published: April 2014

Nanomedicine has become an emerging field in imaging and therapy of malignancies. Nanodimensional drug delivery systems have already been used in the clinic, as carriers for sensitive chemotherapeutics or highly toxic substances. In addition, those nanodimensional structures are further able to carry and deliver radionuclides. In the development process, non-invasive imaging by means of positron emission tomography (PET) represents an ideal tool for investigations of pharmacological profiles and to find the optimal nanodimensional architecture of the aimed-at drug delivery system. Furthermore, in a personalized therapy approach, molecular imaging modalities are essential for patient screening/selection and monitoring. Hence, labeling methods for potential drug delivery systems are an indispensable need to provide the radiolabeled analog. In this review, we describe and discuss various approaches and methods for the labeling of potential drug delivery systems using positron emitters.
Wetland Ecology Principles and Conservation, Second Edition
Authors: Smardon Richard
Published: April 2014

This is a book review of Wetland Ecology Principles and Conservation, second edition, by Paul Keddy. This review focuses on the book’s content as it relates to wetland sustainability for both science and management. Besides overall comments, comparisons are made with the first edition of the book and then very specific chapter-by-chapter relationships to wetland sustainability are made to illustrate specific applications toward wetland sustainability.
Transport of Pathogen Surrogates in Soil Treatment Units: Numerical Modeling
Authors: Morales Ivan , Atoyan Janet , Amador José , Boving Thomas
Published: April 2014

Segmented mesocosms (n = 3) packed with sand, sandy loam or clay loam soil were used to determine the effect of soil texture and depth on transport of two septic tank effluent (STE)-borne microbial pathogen surrogates—green fluorescent protein-labeled E. coli (GFPE) and MS-2 coliphage—in soil treatment units. HYDRUS 2D/3D software was used to model the transport of these microbes from the infiltrative surface. Mesocosms were spiked with GFPE and MS-2 coliphage at 105 cfu/mL STE and 105–106 pfu/mL STE, respectively. In all soils, removal rates were >99.99% at 25 cm. The transport simulation compared (1) optimization; and (2) trial-and-error modeling approaches. Only slight differences between the transport parameters were observed between these approaches. Treating both the die-off rates and attachment/detachment rates as variables resulted in an overall better model fit, particularly for the tailing phase of the experiments. Independent of the fitting procedure, attachment rates computed by the model were higher in sandy and sandy loam soils than clay, which was attributed to unsaturated flow conditions at lower water content in the coarser-textured soils. Early breakthrough of the bacteria and virus indicated the presence of preferential flow in the system in the structured clay loam soil, resulting in faster movement of water and microbes through the soil relative to a conservative tracer (bromide).
La critique d’exposition dans les revues d’art contemporain
Authors: Glicenstein Jérôme
Published: April 2014

A pesar de la fuerte presencia de las exposiciones en las revistas de arte contemporáneo, casi no existe la verdadera critica. Intervienen en este fenómeno las convenciones de la crítica de arte, que no se preocupa de la experiencia de los visitantes o de los dispositivos museográficos. Analizamos los números de verano para cuatro revistas de referencia en arte contemporáneo internacional (Artforum, Art Press, Frieze, Flash Art).

Muchos artículos y todas las reseñas hablan de exposiciones, pero generalmente son pretextos para promover artistas. Solo la mitad de las reseñas se refieren concretamente a las exposiciones que mencionan. En las otras, solo hay breves comentarios sobre la colocación de las obras o visitas muy "virtuales". Nos parece que esto procede del papel que tienen estas revistas : un papel de mediación que prolonga las exposiciones.
La critique d’exposition d’art contemporain dans la presse spécialisée : La connivence comme mode de communication
Authors: Rigat Françoise
Published: April 2014

Nuestra meta en este artículo es interrogar la pertinencia de la noción de género para describir, desde un punto de vista lingüístico, la crítica de exposición en revistas especializadas de arte contemporáneo. Aunque se trata de una practica muy tradicional en este tipo de revista, mostramos que es muy difícil objetivarla. El lector no puede declarar sin indecisión que un texto pertenece a un género •critica de exposición”. Sin em -bargo, analizar la enunciación del discurso critico sobre la expo si -ción y los juegos de lenguaje permite determinar un modo de comunicación muy especial. Para legitimar su punto de vista, los periodistas usan estrategias de lenguaje, juegan con registros estilísticos de criticas y con modos académicos, creando una comunidad de discurso para aficionados del arte contemporáneo, para lectores que se sienten "entre nosotros".
Le compte rendu d’exposition dans la configuration de l’art actuel : jeux de tensions et de perspectives
Authors: Deflaux Fanchon
Published: April 2014

L'article se propose d’analyser l’opérativité sociale et symbolique de la critique d’exposition, en questionnant l’articulation entre deux dispositifs médiatiques : le compte rendu d’exposition dans les revues spécialisées, et l’exposition d’art actuel. L’analyse des comptes rendus révèle que, loin de se limiter à un rôle de transmission du discours curatorial, ces discours génèrent un jeu de perspectives entre les points de vue des différents acteurs de l’exposition. Nous montrerons que ces tensions permettent l’institution des positions d’acteurs et la stabilisation de la configuration de l’art actuel. Ainsi, le compte rendu peut être envisagé comme un véritable opérateur d’organisation sociale de l’univers des expositions.
Recent noteworthy findings of fungus gnats from Finland and northwestern Russia (Diptera: Ditomyiidae, Keroplatidae, Bolitophilidae and Mycetophilidae)
Authors: Jakovlev Jevgeni , Salmela Jukka , Polevoi Alexei , Penttinen Jouni , Vartija Noora-Annukka
Published: April 2014

New faunistic data on fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaroidea excluding Sciaridae) from Finland and NW Russia (Karelia and Murmansk Region) are presented. A total of 64 and 34 species are reported for the first time form Finland and Russian Karelia, respectively. Nine of the species are also new for the European fauna: Mycomya shewelli Väisänen, 1984, M. thula Väisänen, 1984, Acnemia trifida Zaitzev, 1982, Coelosia gracilis Johannsen, 1912, Orfelia krivosheinae Zaitzev, 1994, Mycetophila biformis Maximova, 2002, M. monstera Maximova, 2002, M. uschaica Subbotina & Maximova, 2011 and Trichonta palustris Maximova, 2002.
Depression and Anxiety in Psoriatic Disease: Prevalence and Associated Factors
Authors: McDonough Emily , Ayearst Renise , Eder Lihi , Chandran Vinod , Rosen Cheryl F. , Thavaneswaran Arane , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: April 2014

Objective.

(1) To determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and to identify associated demographic and disease-related factors. (2) To determine whether there is a difference in the prevalence of depression and anxiety between patients with PsA and those with psoriasis without PsA (PsC).

Methods.

Consecutive patients attending PsA and dermatology clinics were assessed for depression and anxiety using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Patients underwent a clinical assessment according to a standard protocol and completed questionnaires assessing their health and quality of life. T tests, ANOVA, and univariate and multivariate models were used to compare depression and anxiety prevalence between patient cohorts and to determine factors associated with depression and anxiety.

Results.

We assessed 306 patients with PsA and 135 with PsC. There were significantly more men in the PsA group (61.4% vs 48% with PsC) and they were more likely to be unemployed. The prevalence of both anxiety and depression was higher in patients with PsA (36.6% and 22.2%, respectively) compared to those with PsC (24.4% and 9.6%; p = 0.012, 0.002). Depression and/or anxiety were associated with unemployment, female sex, and higher actively inflamed joint count as well as disability, pain, and fatigue. In the multivariate reduced model, employment was protective for depression (OR 0.36) and a 1-unit increase on the fatigue severity scale was associated with an increased risk of depression (OR 1.5).

Conclusion.

The rate of depression and anxiety is significantly higher in patients with PsA than in those with PsC. Depression and anxiety are associated with disease-related factors.
Are Baseline High Molecular Weight Adiponectin Levels Associated with Radiographic Progression in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis?
Authors: Klein-Wieringa Inge R. , Andersen Stefan N. , Herb-van Toorn Linda , Kwekkeboom Joanneke C. , van der Helm-van Mil Anette H.M. , Meulenbelt Ingrid , Huizinga Tom W.J. , Kloppenburg Margreet , Toes René E.M. , Ioan-Facsinay Andreea
Published: April 2014

Objective.

To investigate whether high molecular weight adiponectin (hmwAPN) mediates the associations of total adiponectin (totAPN) with radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and hand osteoarthritis (HOA).

Methods.

Associations between baseline hmwAPN or totAPN levels with radiographic progression were determined using multivariate linear regression or generalized estimated equations.

Results.

In patients with RA, totAPN associated positively, whereas in patients with HOA it associated negatively with radiographic progression. In contrast, hmwAPN did not associate significantly with radiographic progression in either cohort.

Conclusion.

Our data indicate that the differential effects associated between totAPN and radiographic progression in either RA or HOA are not mediated by hmwAPN.
Increased Risks of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Sjögren Syndrome: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Chung Wei-Sheng , Lin Cheng-Li , Sung Fung-Chang , Hsu Wu-Huei , Chen Yung-Fu , Kao Chia-Hung
Published: April 2014

Objective.

Studies of the risks of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in patients with Sjögren syndrome (SS) in Asia are scant. We evaluated the effect of SS on the incidences of DVT and PE in a nationwide, population-based cohort in Taiwan.

Methods.

We identified patients in Taiwan diagnosed with SS between 1998 and 2008 in the Catastrophic Illness Patient Database and the National Health Insurance Research Database. Each patient with SS was matched to 4 control patients based on age, sex, and index year, and all patients were followed up from the index date to December 31, 2010. We calculated the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CI of DVT and PE in the SS and comparison cohorts by using Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results.

We followed 8920 patients with SS and a comparison cohort of 35,680 for about 50,000 and 200,000 person-years, respectively. The mean age of the SS and comparison cohorts was 53.5 and 53.1 years, respectively, and 88.9% of the patients were women. The risks of DVT and PE among the patients with SS were a 1.83-fold and 3.29-fold greater, respectively, than those for the general population after adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, and frequency of hospitalization. The patients with a secondary SS had a greater risk of PE (adjusted HR: 5.06; 95% CI: 1.22–21.1) than those with a primary SS (adjusted HR: 3.21; 95% CI: 1.96–5.23).

Conclusion.

Patients with SS have a significantly greater risk of developing DVT or PE than the general population.
La Corée, une société solitaire
Authors: Choi Hang-sub
Published: April 2014

Cet article a pour but d’illustrer les faits et les causes de la solitude des Coréens. L’aggravation de l’individualisme, la crise économique et l’augmentation du risque du chômage, le vieillissement de la population sont les causes majeures de la solitude. Les phénomènes de « singles » et de « social network services » apparaissent nettement comme les résultats de ces changements.
¿Cuál es el mejor cuidado para los adultos dependientes no institucionalizados? Fuentes de cuidado y percepción de necesidades no satisfechas en España
Authors: Rogero-García Jesús , Ahmed-Mohamed Karim
Published: April 2014

Los objetivos de este trabajo son: (1) identificar el proveedor de cuidado (informal, privado o público) que consigue una menor percepción de necesidades no cubiertas entre los adultos dependientes en España, (2) identificar qué factores se relacionan con una mayor percepción de necesidades no cubiertas en cada situación, atendiendo al proveedor de cuidado. Se analizó una muestra de 4.766 adultos dependientes de la Encuesta sobre Discapacidades, Autonomía personal y situaciones de Dependencia (EDAD 2008). Los adultos dependientes que recibieron únicamente cuidado privado tuvieron menos probabilidades de percibir sus necesidades no cubiertas, en comparación con quienes recibieron cualquier otro tipo de cuidado. Quienes recibieron cuidado solo de servicios sociales tuvieron más probabilidades de percibir sus necesidades como no cubiertas. La percepción de necesidades no cubiertas está relacionada con las características de la persona dependiente, del cuidador y del contexto del cuidado. Los resultados sugieren que el diseño de políticas públicas no debe dar por supuesto que las personas dependientes prefieren el cuidado familiar por encima de otras fórmulas de atención y muestran que los servicios públicos de cuidado son percibidos como insatisfactorios.
A numerical assessment of the use of surface nuclear magnetic resonance to monitor internal erosion and piping in earthen embankments
Authors: Irons Trevor , Quinn Meghan C. , Li Yaoguo , McKenna Jason R.
Published: April 2014

The ability to non‐invasively detect and monitor internal erosion and piping in earthen embankments is of great value to government agencies and municipalities responsible for maintaining large numbers of civil structures. Internal erosion can be a difficult failure mode of dams and levees to assess using traditional techniques. Surface nuclear magnetic resonance is a promising technology for monitoring these structures due to its direct sensitivity to liquid water. This is a new application for the method, and requires the formulation of a robust modelling framework capable of incorporating three dimensional water content models and topography. Adaptive octree meshes represent an efficient means to perform these calculations, as they are able to adapt and refine in areas where the kernel function is changing rapidly. Given the non‐trivial challenges associated with the development of realistic water content models, we focus on first‐order effects and present six 2.5D flow models representing seepage through a loaded earthen embankment under varying levels of erosional piping. Simulation results show that the employment of multiple surface nuclear magnetic resonance transmitter and receiver loops can provide early detection and effective monitoring of piping under the assumption of a 2.5D water content model. Therefore, the surface nuclear magnetic resonance technique has promise as a means for detection and/or monitoring of internal erosion and piping in earthen embankments.
Creating Knowledge Society for Economic and Social Growth in Africa
Authors: Agola Nathaniel O.
Published: April 2014

Knowledge use in socio-economic activities is a critical determinant of the divide between countries and regions into low-productivity-low-wage and labour intensive socio-economic activity countries on the one hand, and high-wage-high-productivity and technology abundant countries on the other hand. Therefore, it is indisputable that the creation of knowledge society is imperative for African countries. Economic transformation from low-productivity-low-wage and labour intensive socio-economic activity countries to high-wage-high-productivity and technology abundant countries predominantly define the socio-economic policy aspirations of most African countries. However, it has never been very clear what are the fundamental pillars that must be built and constantly reinforced by these countries to transition to knowledge society stage. This chapter first presents an empirical connection and contribution of knowledge to higher productivity in economic activities. The importance of infusion of knowledge into diverse economic activities to ensure higher levels of productivity both at micro and macro levels is therefore demonstrated through quantification attempts that include knowledge as one of the variables in Total Factor Productivity (TFP) equation. This empirical discussion serves to illuminate the place of knowledge in economic transformation. The second part of the chapter presents an incisive exposition of the critical ten pillars of knowledge creation, sharing, and usage that African countries can leverage to transition from economies defined by low productivity to higher levels of productivity. The chapter concludes that it is the improvement in the collective stock of knowledge of the African countries that would determine whether they could make a transition to a high productivity knowledge society.
An audit of patients′ views on consent and information in the endoscopy unit
Authors: Farrukh Affifa , Mayberry John Francis
Published: April 2014

Background and Objectives: There is paucity of literature about the views of patients on endoscopy practices. The present study was undertaken to determine the views of patients on consent and information in the endoscopy suite and to compare patients’ views about the environment of an endoscopy unit with the standard guidelines set out by British Society of Gastroenterology. Materials and Methods: A total of 103 patients were given an anonymous questionnaire about their views on endoscopy practice. The anonymous questionnaire comprising of seven items was developed. It addressed a range of issues regarding information, consent, and discussion of results. It was distributed by the endoscopy unit’s receptionist to consecutive patients attending for either a gastroscopy or lower intestinal procedure. Results: The majority of patients (63%) did not want to receive information prior to the procedure. In addition, only a minority (29%) wanted discussions about the test to be in private. Immediately before the procedure, 40% of patients wanted to discuss the test with doctors, 23% with nurses and less than 1% with another patient (Fisher exact test, P < .0009). Thirty-five percent of patients appeared not to want to discuss the test at all. A total of 87% of patients wished to sign consent forms immediately prior to the test rather than a day before hand. A total of 51% wanted to do this in the endoscopy room itself and only 45% wanted to sign a consent form in a separate room (c2 = 1.05 n.s.). Conclusions: These views contrast strongly with the standards advocated by national societies and the accreditation boards for endoscopy units in the UK.
Dysphagia as initial presentation of primary amyloidosis
Authors: Ranjan Piyush , Goyal Mohan , Kumar Mandhir , Sachdeva Munish
Published: April 2014

Amyloidosis involves all parts of the gastrointestinal tract including the esophagus. The esophageal involvement in amyloidosis has been reported to vary from 13% in a radiology study to 22% in an autopsy series; however, such patients have symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Dysphagia is an uncommon presentation of amyloidosis. We report a 64-year-old patient who presented with progressive dysphagia of 4 months duration which was confirmed to be due to primary amyloidosis with multiple myeloma. The esophageal involvement by amyloidosis was confirmed by esophageal mucosal biopsies, and 22-channel high-resolution manometry.
Physical Activity and Exercise Engagement in Patients Diagnosed with Transient Ischemic Attack and Mild/Non-disabling Stroke: A Commentary on Current Perspectives
Authors: Faulkner James , Stoner Lee , Lambrick Danielle
Published: April 2014

Individuals diagnosed with a transient ischemic attack (TIA) or mild/non-disabling stroke are at high risk of cardiovascular or recurrent cerebrovascular (stroke, TIA) events. Pharmacological intervention (ie anti-platelet and anti-coagulant medication) is considered the cornerstone of secondary prevention care for this population group. However, recent research has explored the utility of non-pharmacological interventions (eg exercise, diet, education) in improving health outcomes and reducing the risk of secondary events in patients with TIA or mild/non-disabling stroke. This commentary discusses the efficacy of implementing exercise interventions as a part of the secondary care program for acute and non-acute TIA and stroke patients. Current perspectives and future research initiatives are also discussed.