bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telomere length and vascular wall in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dudinskaya Ekaterina Nailyevna , Tkacheva Olga Nikolaevna , Shestakova Marina Vladimirovna , Brailova Natalya Vasilyevna , Strazhesko Irina Dmitrievna , Akasheva Dariga Uaidinichna , Isaykina Olesya Yuryevna , Pokrovskaya Maria Sergeevna , Sharashkina Natalya Viktorovna , Boytsov Sergey Anatolyevich
Published: October 2014

Aim. To study the relationship between changes in the artery structure and function and peripheral lymphocyte telomere length in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). Materials and methods. A total of 50 patients with T2DM and without clinical manifestations of cardiovascular disease (CVD) were included in the study; the control group consisted of 49 people. The following tests were conducted for all study participants: carbohydrate metabolism evaluation, carotid artery duplex scan to measure intima?media complex thickness (IMT) and to determine the presence of atherosclerotic plaques, carotid?femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) measurement and lymphocyte telomere length measurement. Results. The vascular changes were more pronounced in patients with T2DM than in controls. The telomeres were shorter in patients with T2DM than in those without diabetes (9.53?0.1 vs 9.86?0.1, p=0.033). The participants were divided according to the telomere length. Among patients with T2DM, there were significant differences in the condition of the vascular wall [PWV: 10.58?0.1 m/s in patients with ?long? telomeres and 15.08?1.3 m/s in patients with ?short? telomeres; IMT: 0.80?0.09 mm in patients with ?long? telomeres and 0.87?0.05 mm in patients with ?short? telomeres (p=0.024)]. There were no significant differences in the arterial structure between the patient and control groups with ?long? telomeres [PWV: 10.58?0.1 m/s vs 10.5?0.5 m/s (p=0.913); IMT: 0.080?0.09 mm vs 0.73?0.03 mm (p=0.12). However, there were significant differences in the vascular wall condition between the patient and control groups with ?short? telomeres [PWV: 15.08?1.3 m/s vs, 10.7?0.5 m/s (p=0.015); IMT: 0.87?0.1 vs 0.78?0.1 (p=0.03)]. Conclusions. The signs of vascular ageing were more pronounced in patients with T2DM than in controls. However, despite diabetes, vascular changes were minimal in patients with ?long? lymphocyte telomeres, comparable with the state of the vascular walls in healthy individuals. Thus, enhanced lymphocyte telomere length may have a protective effect on the vascular wall and may prevent damage from carbohydrate metabolism disorders.
Itopride hydrochloride efficacy in the management of delayed gastric emptying in type 1 diabetis mellitus patients in the presence of autonomic neuropathy
Authors: Budennaya Irina Yur’evna , Glinkina Irina Vladimirovna , Zilov Aleksey Vadimovich , Makhov Valeriy Mikhaylovich , Mel'nichenko Galina Afanas'evna
Published: October 2014

Aim. Evaluation of the itopride (Ganaton?, Abbot) therapy efficacy in the management of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms and gastric motor function (GMF) in type 1 diabetis mellitus (T1DM) patients (pts) in the presence of GMF dysfunction and other forms of diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN). Materials and Methods. The total of 34 patients with T1DM, GMF dysfunction and DAN were selected for randomized, prospective, open-label, comparative study. The duration of the study was 6 weeks. The study group (17 pts) received itopride 150 mg total daily. The control group (17 pts) did not receive any treatment for GMF. А questionnaire was used for the assessment of gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Gastric emptying velocity was evaluated with 13C-octanoate breath test. Results. As a result of itopride therapy there was a statistically significant decrease in the amount of time (T1/2) needed for the gastric emptying. The median amount of time decreased from 89.0 [82.3; 101.0] min to 53.0 [82.3; 101.0] min (p
Prognostic value of adipokines in patients with myocardial infarction and glucose metabolism disorders
Authors: Kholmatova Kamila Kahramonzhonovna , Dvoryashina Irina Vladimirovna , Fomkina Irina Adolfovna , Supryadkina Tatiana Vyacheslavovna
Published: October 2014

Aims. To evaluate the prognostic value of adipokines in patients with myocardial infarction (MI) and various glucose metabolism disorders. Materials and Methods. Consecutive patients aged ?80 years and diagnosed with MI (380 patients, 63.4% males) were examined. The patients were classified into four groups: I, with normal glucose tolerance; II, with prediabetes; III and IV - with newly detected and previously diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus, respectively. Levels of insulin, C-peptide and cortisol during glucose tolerance test and basal levels of apolipoproteins AI, B100, leptin and adiponectin were determined in 113 patients with Q MI. Cardiovascular events were analysed for the next 2 years after MI. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors of poor prognosis after MI. Results. Elevated levels of leptin with decreased levels of adiponectin were observed in all MI patients independent of the degree of glucose metabolism disturbance. A linear trend of leptin level increase was observed starting from group I to group IV (Jonckheere?s test: J=2218.0; z=3.411; р=0.001). Multiple regression analysis showed that the basal insulin level was an independent predictor of death during the 2 years after MI (OR=0.639; р=0.033). MI prior to hospitalisation (OR=5.633; р=0.013), basal hypercortisolaemia (OR=5.435; р=0.016), glycaemia (OR=1.213; р=0.023) and heart rate (OR=1.051; р=0.032) on admission were associated with the occurrence of repeated MI. Leptin levels (OR=1.018; р=0.031) and creatine kinase-MB fraction (OR=1.009; р=0.018) were risk factors of the occurrence of the combined end-point of cardiovascular events. Conclusion. An imbalance of adipokines was observed in MI patients regardless of the presence of glucose disorders. The levels of leptin, glycaemia, insulin and basal hypercortisolaemia were significantly associated with the occurrence of cardiovascular events during the late post-infarction period.
Kampf um Rehumanisierung
Authors: Karl Sylvia
Published: October 2014

Es gibt viel beachtete, aber auch vergessene Kriege. Einer der bisher wenig beleuchteten Konflikte Mexikos ist der »Schmutzige Krieg« der 1960er und 1970er Jahre. Sylvia Karl zeichnet erstmals detailliert und einfühlsam Erfahrungen, Diskurse und Praktiken der Angehörigen der Verschwundenen nach. Deren lokaler und transnationaler Versuch, die Verbrechen der Vergangenheit aufzuarbeiten, ihr Kampf um Rehumanisierung der Verschwundenen, macht sie zu zentralen Akteuren der Erinnerungspolitik. Die Studie zeigt machtpolitische Entwicklungslinien auf, die auch für ein Verständnis des gegenwärtigen »Drogenkrieges« und der aktuellen Fälle von Verschwundenen von großer Bedeutung sind.
Commitment to Continuous Research Is a Key Factor in Transdisciplinarity. Experiences from the Mountland Project
Authors: Huber Robert , Rigling Andreas
Published: October 2014

Transdisciplinary research in sustainability science needs “best practices”. Presenting the framework and main results of the integra tive research project Mountland, we relate our approach to a concept for an ideal-typical transdisciplinary research process. Mountland
investigated the impacts of climate and land-use changes on ecosystem processes in three Swiss mountain regions, building on interdisciplinarity and involving stakeholders. The project identified key characteristics relevant in all case study areas and names three aspects essential for an
institutional framework to maintain and strengthen important mountain ecosystem goods and services: policy integration, network governance and integration of stakeholders. Comparing Mountland with an ideal-typical transdisciplinary research process, we highlight which components of
such a process could or could not successfully be implemented, and discuss the coping strategies we used. Our key message: a longterm commitment to continuous research in a case study region plays a crucial role in successful transdisciplinary research.
Research for Sustainable Development
Authors: Labrenz Matthias , Duckat Renate , Thorn Michaela , Hollaender Kirsten
Published: October 2014

The upcoming 3rd framework programme Research for Sustainable Development (FONA) will tackle the global environmental problem of plastic litter in the marine environment. This will encompass research in favour of sustainable production and consumption within a participative
process. The SÖF Communications present the Joint Programming Initiative – Connecting Climate Knowledge for Europe. It allows German scientists to collaborate with European partners providing climate adaptation strategies.
Energy Transition and Trust Energiewende und Vertrauen
Authors: Sumpf Patrick
Published: October 2014

Ob im Finanzsystem, in Online-Portalen oder zwischen Geheimdiensten von Nationalstaaten – Vertrauen ist in aller Munde. Da erstaunt es, dass diese Debatte im Energiesektor noch kaum geführt wird. Die Energiewende demonstriert, dass Vertrauen und Misstrauen zu Schlüsselressourcen
in Transformationsprozessen werden können.
Computer Games for a Better World? (Environmental) Ethical Questions in Video Games Computerspiele für eine bessere Welt? (Natur)ethische Fragestellungen in video games
Authors: Dürnberger Christian
Published: October 2014

Computerspiele sind längst kein Nischenphänomen mehr, sondern Teil der Alltagskultur. Ob ihrer komplexen Handlungen und meisterhaften Erzählungen gelten sie mehr und mehr als eigenstän dige Kunstform. Vor diesem Hintergrund boomen Lernspiele und Gamification-Anwendungen,
die zum nachhaltigen Handeln anregen. Aber in diesen Ansätzen erschöpfen sich die Potenziale von Computerspielen der neuen Generation nicht: Es ist höchste Zeit, dass sich die Naturethik mit diesem Genre auseinandersetzt.
Local Churches in the Diffusion Process of Renewable Energies – A Key to New Milieus? Kirchengemeinden im Diffusionsprozess erneuerbarer Energien – Schlüssel zu neuen Milieus?
Authors: Schönborn Sophia , Gellrich Angelika , David Martin
Published: October 2014

The lifestyle of traditional social milieus is typically characterised by a conservative set of beliefs, often accompanied by sceptical attitudes towards innovations of any kind. Such milieus include most members of the German Catholic and Protestant faith communities. Hence, the question
arises: can local churches exert influence on the spread of climate-friendly innovations? Our project examined the role of local churches in the diffusion process. In quantitative terms, results suggest that local churches might represent a potential “channel” for the diffusion
of climate-friendly innovations into post-materialist and traditional milieus. Focussing on the initial diffusion processes as well as innovation pioneers and early adopters, a qualitative analysis allowed the following roles of local churches to be identified: these work as persuasive opinion
leaders, actively perform bridge-building within and beyond the local community, and consider adoption of climate-friendly innovations as a basic function of safeguarding Gods creation.
The World Café as an Instrument for Integration in Transdisciplinary Sustainability Research Das World Café als Integrationsinstrument in der transdisziplinären Nachhaltigkeitsforschung
Authors: Ruppert-Winkel Chantal , Hauber Jürgen , Stablo Järmo , Kress Michael
Published: October 2014

This article describes and analyzes how the World Café can be applied for knowledge integration in the first phase of transdisciplinary research: In the project Renewable Energy Regions (EE-Regionen) the instrument was used to connect different groups of people (scientists
and local actors from different backgrounds such as politics, business, conservation) with each other. Small groups discussed challenges related to achieving renewable energy self-sufficiency (RESS) together with experts from science and practice who had also been invited. On the one hand,
the dialogue and exchange among the participants did help to provide concrete support for region-specific problems. On the other hand, where questions remained unanswered future research needs were concretized together and addressed in the following research process. In both cases, the collaboration
created positive impulses for local actors and the scientists and laid the foundation for a productive transdisciplinary work atmosphere in the following project phases.
Marketing Communication Strategies and Consumer Financial Decision Making: The Role of National Culture
Authors: Petersen J. Andrew , Kushwaha Tarun , Kumar V.
Published: October 2014

Consumers frequently make important financial decisions that have short- and long-term impacts on their welfare. The authors expect that these financial decisions are a function of consumers' past experiences and interactions with a financial services firm as well as consumers' long-term priorities (e.g., national culture). They determine how three cultural dimensions (long-term orientation, uncertainty avoidance, and masculinity) and marketing communication type (promotion focused vs. prevention focused) affect three key consumer financial decisions: (1) savings rate, (2) use of credit, and (3) spending pattern. To do so, they empirically test both the direct effect of national culture on consumer financial decision making and its moderating effect on the link between a firm's marketing efforts and consumer financial decision making. Drawing on regulatory focus theory, the authors develop and empirically test their hypotheses using a customer database from a multinational financial services firm based in the United Arab Emirates, with customers originating from 34 countries. They find that national culture directly affects consumer financial decision making and moderates the impact of marketing efforts by the financial services firm, which suggests that financial services firms should account for national culture when managing customers.
Active intervention in hospital test request panels pays
Authors: Janssens Pim M.W. , Staring Wilma , Winkelman Kirsten , Krist Gert
Published: October 2014

Ordering laboratory tests by means of test panels is a convenient way of requesting tests, preventing necessary tests from being forgotten. However, it also leads to redundant test ordering, as not all tests in a given panel are required for each patient. As test panels proposed by doctors may contain redundant, overlapping or infrequently used tests, the active involvement of knowledgeable laboratory staff in the organisation of test panels is advisable to promote efficient test use.

Laboratory staff initiated an intervention in the organisation of test panels at our hospital in 2009. After a review of the existing panels and the proposals for new panels, we established a total of 60 panels (down from 171 previously). We also stipulated that the laboratory is to be involved with all proposals for new test panels in the future.

The reorganisation reduced the number of tests in the test panels by 17.7% (n=60), which theoretically should have resulted in 4.5% fewer tests being ordered. However, as an estimated 14% of the tests removed were then ordered individually in addition to the panels, 3.9% fewer tests were ordered, yielding an annual saving of about €58,000 (4.5% of the costs of all tests ordered in test panels). The savings amount to 7–8% if the frequently ordered metabolic panel (which was left unchanged) was excluded from the survey.

Active intervention by the laboratory in the organisation of test panels results in a reduction in the use of tests and in interesting savings.
On algebraic relations between solutions of a generic Painlevé equation
Authors: Nagloo Joel , Pillay Anand
Published: October 2014

In the present paper, we prove that if

y
′′

=

f
⁢

(
y
,

y
′

,
t
,
α
,
β
,
…
)

${y^{\prime\prime}\hskip-0.569055pt=\hskip-0.569055ptf(y,y^{\prime},t,\alpha,%
\beta,\ldots)}$

is a “generic” Painlevé equation (that is, an equation in one
of the families

P
I

${P_{\rm I}}$

–

P
VI

${P_{\rm VI}}$

but with the relevant complex parameters

α
,
β
,
…

${\alpha,\beta,\ldots}$

algebraically independent), and if

y
1

,
…
,

y
n

${y_{1},\ldots,y_{n}}$

are solutions such that

y
1

,

y
1
′

,

y
2

,

y
2
′

,
…
,

y
n

,

y
n
′

$y_{1},y_{1}^{\prime},y_{2},y_{2}^{\prime},\ldots,y_{n},y_{n}^{\prime}$

are algebraically dependent over

ℂ
⁢

(
t
)

${{\mathbb{C}}(t)}$

, then already for some

1
≤
i
<
j
≤
n

${1\leq i<j\leq n}$

,

y
i

,

y
i
′

,

y
j

,

y
j
′

${y_{i},y_{i}^{\prime},y_{j},y_{j}^{\prime}}$

are algebraically dependent over

ℂ
⁢

(
t
)

${{\mathbb{C}}(t)}$

. The proof combines results by the Japanese school on “irreducibility” of the Painlevé equations, with the trichotomy theorem for strongly minimal sets in differentially closed fields.
Industrial waste water for biotechnological reduction of aldehyde emissions from wood products
Authors: Stratev Daniel , Günther Eva , Steindl Johannes , Kuncinger Thomas , Srebotnik Ewald , Rieder-Gradinger Cornelia
Published: October 2014

Pine wood particles were treated with effluents from the wood-board manufacturing industry or from a communal clarification plant, and the effect of these treatments on aldehyde emissions of wood material was tested. Pine wood strands were treated in the same manner and strand boards were produced from the treated material on a laboratory scale. The 28-day volatile organic compound emissions of the boards were determined in a microchamber using Tenax-TDAS/GC-MS analytics. Boards made from treated strands exhibited significantly lower aldehyde emissions compared to control boards. Analyses of microflora and of wood extractives confirmed that microbial metabolism in industrial effluents consumed unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) present in wood. As UFAs are the source of aldehyde emissions due to auto-oxidation, the aldehyde emission was consequently reduced. A routine treatment of wood raw material with properly chosen industrial effluents may therefore be regarded as a cost-reducing and efficient method for the utilisation of industrial waste waters.
Oxygen plasma treatment of bamboo fibers (BF) and its effects on the static and dynamic mechanical properties of BF-unsaturated polyester composites
Authors: Liu Wendi , Chen Tingting , Xie Tianshun , Lai Fuwen , Qiu Renhui
Published: October 2014

A novel method for the preparation of bamboo fibers (BF) has been investigated that includes crushing, rolling, and other combing techniques with 1,4-butanediol as a dispersant. The fibers were treated by oxygen plasma to improve their interfacial adhesion to unsaturated polyester (UPE) resins. Composites were prepared from the plasma treated fibers (BFtr) and UPE by hand lay-up compression molding. BFtr significantly increased the tensile strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of the resulting BF-UPE composites. Dynamic mechanical analysis indicated that the plasma treatment essentially increased the storage modulus and glass transition temperature of the composites. The damping parameter of the composites showed a decreasing trend in the glassy region, while the opposite was true for the rubbery region. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that the treatment did not change the crystal structures within the fibers but increased slightly their crystallinity indices. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that the surface of BFtr had a higher oxygen concentration and oxygen/carbon ratio than that of BF. The scanning electron microscopy graphs of the tensile-fractured surface of the composites demonstrated an improved interfacial adhesion between BFtr and UPE resins.
Hille–Wintner type comparison criteria for the half-linear differential equations of third order
Authors: Kiseľák Jozef
Published: October 2014

We obtain an analogue of the integral Hille–Wintner comparison theorem for the half-linear differential equations of
third order. We also give an example involving a differential equation of Euler type, which gives a condition under which half-linear differential equations have weak property B.
Generating Use Case Models from Arabic User Requirements in a Semiautomated Approach Using a Natural Language Processing Tool
Authors: Arman Nabil , Jabbarin Sari
Published: October 2014

Automated software engineering has attracted a large amount of research efforts. The use of object-oriented methods for software systems development has made it necessary to develop approaches that automate the construction of different Unified Modeling Language (UML) models in a semiautomated approach from textual user requirements. UML use case models represent an essential artifact that provides a perspective of the system under analysis or development. The development of such use case models is very crucial in an object-oriented development method. The main principles used in obtaining these models are described. A natural language processing tool is used to parse different statements of the user requirements written in Arabic to obtain lists of nouns, noun phrases, verbs, verb phrases, etc., that aid in finding potential actors and use cases. A set of steps that represent our approach for constructing a use case model are presented. Finally, the proposed approach is validated using an experiment involving a group of graduate students who are familiar with use case modeling.
Effect of different photoinitiators on the properties of UV-cured electromagnetic shielding composites
Authors: Dai Yuting , Qiu Fengxian , Wang Lili , Zhao Jinliang , Yang Dongya , Kong Liying , Yu Zongping , Yang Pengfei
Published: October 2014

A series of UV-cured electromagnetic shielding composites (UV-EMSC) containing different content of graphene oxide (GO) were prepared with oligomer, acrylate active diluents and different photoinitiators (Darocur 1173, Irgacure 184 or Irgacure 651). To fabricate conductive oligomer with low resistivity, polyurethane-acrylate (PUA) was used as the polymer matrix to help construct two-dimensional conductive networks consisting of GO. For forming conductive network structure, the surface functional groups (-OH, -COOH) of GO served as slightly conductive particles bonded with -NCO from the chain of polyurethane. The UV-EMSC exhibited a low resistivity of approximately 402 Ω·cm and an outstanding enhanced electrical conductivity of 249 mS/m at a GO content of 0.0200%. The effects of different photoinitiators on the properties of UV-cured films were investigated. The results indicate that the prepared UV-EMSC has great potential applications in different regions, such as in coatings of electronic, electrical, communications, plastic coatings and wood finishes.
Epithelial ovarian cancer stem cells: underlying complexity of a simple paradigm
Authors: Garson Kenneth , Vanderhyden Barbara C
Published: October 2014

The lack of significant progress in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) underscores the need to gain a better understanding of the processes that lead to chemoresistance and recurrence. The cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis offers an attractive explanation of how a subpopulation of cells within a patient's tumour might remain refractory to treatment and subsequently form the basis of recurrent chemoresistant disease. This review examines the literature defining somatic stem cells of the ovary and fallopian tube, two tissues that give rise to EOC. In addition, considerable research has been reviewed, that has identified subpopulations of EOC cells, based on marker expression (CD133,CD44,CD117,CD24, epithelial cell adhesion molecule,LY6A,ALDH1and side population (SP)), which are enriched for tumour initiating cells (TICs). While many studies identified eitherCD133orCD44as markers useful for enriching for TICs, there is little consensus. This suggests that EOC cells may have a phenotypic plasticity that may preclude the identification of universal markers defining a CSC. The assay that forms the basis of quantifying TICs is the xenograft assay. Considerable controversy surrounds the xenograft assay and it is essential that some of the potential limitations be examined in this review. Highlighting such limitations or weaknesses is required to properly evaluate data and broaden our interpretation of potential mechanisms that might be contributing to the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer.
Sexual Assault and Other Types of Intimate Partner Violence in Women With Protection Orders in Vhembe District, South Africa
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and correlates of sexual assault in the context of intimate partner violence in a sample of women receiving a protection order in South Africa. In all, 268 women (18 years of age and older) consecutively receiving a protection order in the Vhembe District in South Africa were assessed by an external interviewer. Results indicate that from the total sample, 40.7% reported sexual assault, one or more times, during the relationship in the past 3 months; 58.2% reported stalking by the intimate partner; and almost all reported some form of psychological abuse (94.0%), physical violence (93.7%), and danger (99.3%). In all, 37% reported psychological, physical, and sexual violence. In multivariate regression psychological abuse, physical violence and stalking were found to be associated with sexual assault.
Law Enforcement Officers’ Perception of Rape and Rape Victims: A Multimethod Study
Authors: Mennicke Annelise , Anderson Delaney , Oehme Karen , Kennedy Stephanie
Published: October 2014

In a study to assess law enforcement officers’ perceptions of rape and rape victims, researchers asked 149 law enforcement officers to respond to surveys which included a definition of rape measure, an unfounded rape claims measure, and the Rape Myth Acceptance Scale-Revised (RMA-R) measure. Although most officers scored low on the RMA-R—indicating that they did not adhere to myths about rape—most officers also responded with incomplete definitions of rape and inaccurate estimates of the number of false rape claims. Multivariate analyses indicated that officers’ open-ended responses did not predict their scores on the RMA-R scale. It is argued that the RMA-R alone does not accurately measure officers’ understanding of rape. Officers need ongoing training on the legal elements of the crime, the necessity of sensitivity with victims, and research-based statistics on the prevalence of rape.
Factors Associated With Increased Risk for Lethal Violence in Intimate Partner Relationships Among Ethnically Diverse Black Women
Authors: Sabri Bushra , Stockman Jamila K. , Campbell Jacquelyn C. , O’Brien Sharon , Campbell Doris , Callwood Gloria B. , Bertrand Desiree , Sutton Lorna W. , Hart-Hyndman Greta
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with increased risk for lethal violence among ethnically diverse Black women in Baltimore, Maryland (MD), and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). Women with abuse experiences (N = 456) were recruited from primary care, prenatal, or family planning clinics in Baltimore, MD, and St. Thomas and St. Croix. Logistic regression was used to examine factors associated with the risk for lethal violence among abused women. Factors independently related to increased risk of lethal violence included fear of abusive partners, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), symptoms, and use of legal resources. These factors must be considered in assessing safety needs of Black women in abusive relationships.
Gender, Bullying Victimization, and Education
Authors: Popp Ann Marie , Peguero Anthony A. , Day Kristin R. , Kahle Lindsay L.
Published: October 2014

School bullying has detrimental consequences for its victims, including undermining students’ educational outcomes. Furthermore, gender has been shown to play a significant role in determining the type of bullying victimization experienced and educational outcomes. This research examines whether an interaction between gender and bullying victimization exists as well as its impact on educational outcomes (i.e., academic self-efficacy and educational achievement). Multivariate regression analyses, drawing on the Educational Longitudinal Study of 2002, reveal that the interaction between gender and bullying victimization is linked to disparate educational outcomes. The findings and their implications are discussed regarding understanding the relationship between gender, bullying victimization, and education.
Genetic Variation Affecting Agronomic Traits in Sugarcane in Response to High and Low Phosphorus Availability
Authors: da Silveira Gustavo , de A. Costa Paulo M. , Kist Volmir , de F. Almeida Cleverson , Baffa David Carlos F. , Barbosa Márcio Henrique P.
Published: October 2014

Low P availability in the soils of tropical regions is one of the main factors limiting agricultural production. Improving the efficiency of P use in plants is recognized as a less onerous and more sustainable method of maintaining satisfactory production in P‐deficient soil. The aims of this study were to assess the existence of genetic variability for P use efficiency in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) and to identify useful variables for the selection of efficient and responsive genotypes under low‐ and high‐P conditions. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with 23 genotypes and two rates of P (40 and 240 kg ha−1) for 8 mo. We derived variables related to P absorption, accumulation, and utilization efficiency (PUE). Genotypes with similar productivities under high‐P conditions varied widely in P‐deficient soil. By measuring the production of dry aboveground mass, efficient genotypes under low‐P conditions could be identified and classified regarding their efficiency and responsiveness to P. It was possible to classify the genotypes according to their P absorption efficiency (PAE) using the recovery rate of P and the root efficiency ratio. Regarding P accumulation, there was greater accumulation in the roots than in the stalks or leaves under low P. Under optimal P conditions, PUE measurements in the stalks and in the aboveground parts of the plant could be used to effectively select genotypes with superior nutrient use. Under low‐P conditions, the PAE was more important in genotype selection.
Biomass Yield and Composition of Perennial Bioenergy Grasses at Harvests following a Freeze Event
Authors: Na Chae-In , Sollenberger Lynn E. , Erickson John E. , Woodard Kenneth R. , Wallau Marcelo O. , Krueger Nick C.
Published: October 2014

Seasonality of production limits when warm‐season grass biomass can be provided to the bio‐refinery. Delaying harvest after occurrence of a freeze extends this period, but the utility of this practice depends on its effect on biomass yield and composition. The objective was to quantify the effect of delaying harvest after first freeze on biomass dry matter (DM) harvested and composition of two perennial grasses. During a 3‐yr experiment, elephantgrass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) and energycane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) were harvested shortly before or immediately after first freeze plus an additional two to three times during the subsequent 50 to 60 d in northern Florida. Extending the harvest period did not affect energycane biomass yield (avg. 27.6 Mg DM ha−1) during 2 yr, but elephantgrass yield decreased on average from 30.7 to 21.5 Mg DM ha−1 as harvest was delayed. Elephantgrass biomass DM concentration was greater than energycane (377 vs. 356 g kg−1, respectively, in Year 1; 515 vs. 370 g kg−1, respectively, in Year 2). Concentrations of cell wall constituents in both grasses increased as harvest was delayed after freezing, and the increase was generally greater for elephantgrass than for energycane. Delaying harvest of energycane after a freeze is effective in increasing the period when biomass can be supplied to the bio‐refinery, but elephantgrass is less well suited for this management approach because biomass harvested declines with time after a freeze event.
Clinical and Organizational Factors Related to the Reduction of Mechanical Restraint Application in an Acute Ward: An 8-Year Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Lorenzo Rosaria Di , Miani Fiorenza , Formicola Vitantonio , Ferri Paola
Published: October 2014

Background:

The purpose of this study was to describe the frequency of mechanical restraint use in an acute psychiatric ward and to analyze which variables may have significantly influenced the use of this procedure.Methods:This retrospective study was conducted in the Servizio Psichiatrico di Diagnosi e Cura (SPDC) of Modena Centro. The following variables of our sample, represented by all restrained patients admitted from 1-1-2005 to 31-12-2012, were analyzed: age, gender, nationality, psychiatric diagnoses, organic comorbidity, state and duration of admission, motivation and duration of restraints, nursing shift and hospitalization day of restraint, number of patients admitted at the time of restraint and institutional changes during the observation period. The above variables were statistically compared with those of all other non-restrained patients admitted to our ward in the same period.Results:Mechanical restraints were primarily used as a safety procedure to manage aggressive behavior of male patients, during the first days of hospitalization and night shifts. Neurocognitive disorders, organic comorbidity, compulsory state and long duration of admission were statistically significantly related to the increase of restraint use (p<.001, multivariate logistic regression). Institutional changes, especially more restricted guidelines concerning restraint application, were statistically significantly related to restraint use reduction (p<.001, chi2 test, multivariate logistic regression).Conclusion:The data obtained highlight that mechanical restraint use was influenced not only by clinical factors, but mainly by staff and policy factors, which have permitted a gradual but significant reduction in the use of this procedure through a multidimensional approach.
Urinary Infection and Spontaneous Subcapsular Renal Hematoma
Authors: Liu Jian-Feng , Cai Yong-Hong , Zhao Ke-Zhong , Lian Zhang , Han Rui-Hong , Zhang De-Li , Yan Zhan , Wang Jin-Lei , Zou Wan-Ying , Jin Zhao
Published: October 2014

Spontaneous subcapsular renal hematoma is an uncommon entity. We report a 54-year-old lady presenting with high fever, dysuria followed 5 days later by acute onset left flank pain and uncontrolled hypertension. Ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed a subcapsular hematoma in the left kidney. Except urinary tract infection and hypertension, no particular cause for the condition could be found. Symptoms and size of the collection decreased on conservative treatment. The collection disappeared on MRI at 6 weeks follow-up. She was asymptomatic at 23 months follow-up.
The Pathophysiology and Progression of Hip Osteoarthritis Accompanied with Joint Pain are Potentially Due to Bone Alterations - Follow-up Study of Hip OA Patients
Authors: Kamimura Mikio , Nakamura Yukio , Uchiyama Shigeharu , Ikegami Shota , Mukaiyama Keijiro , Kato Hiroyuki
Published: October 2014

Objectives :

This study examined hip osteoarthritis (OA) patients with joint pain and accompanying signal changes detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods :

A total of 19 hip OA patients with suddenly occurring or worsening pain regardless of Kellgren-Lawrence grading were enrolled. The patients were monitored using MRI, plain radiographs, and the Denis pain scale for a minimum of 6 months. The patients were classified into 2 groups: those whose pain improved during conservative treatment (Group A) and those whose pain persisted (Group B).

Results :

Joint pain disappeared or was markedly improved in all 10 cases in Group A. Radiographic OA progression occurred in 7 of 8 cases with available radiographs. Hip MRI was performed on 7 of 10 patients, among whom bone signal changes disappeared in 6 patients. One patient exhibited persisting bone signal alterations although joint pain had completely disappeared. In Group B, joint pain remained in all 9 cases. Radiographic OA progression occurred in 8 of 9 cases, and local (4 cases) or broad (5 cases) bone signal alterations were present in end-point MRI examinations. Two patients exhibited different regional MRI bone signal changes (local or broad) at the end of follow-up. The mean age of Group B was significantly higher than that of Group A.

Conclusion :

This study uncovered the following observations: 1) hip OA with joint pain had bone alterations that were detectable by MRI, 2) these bone alterations disappeared when joint pain improved, 3) bone alterations remained when joint pain continued, and 4) radiographic OA progressed to a more advanced stage over a short time period. These findings indicate that the pathophysiology of OA, joint pain, and OA progression may primarily be due to bone changes.
Urban Wet‐Weather Flows
Authors: Sample David J. , Rangarajan Srinivasan , Lee Joong , Manguerra Henry , Boone Matthew
Published: October 2014

This literature review summarizes significant technical literature published in 2012 and 2013 in all primary areas of urban wet‐weather flows. The review covers a range of topics including characterization, pollution sources, monitoring and sampling, surface and groundwater impacts, mathematical modeling tools and decision support systems, regulatory policies, and control and treatment technologies. Some gaps in the literature compilation have also been identified and presented to support future research efforts.
Natural Treatment and Onsite Processes
Authors: Gude Veera Gnaneswar , Magbanua Benjamin S. , Truax Dennis D.
Published: October 2014

This paper provides a review of the treatment technologies, which utilize natural processes or passive components in wastewater treatment. The paper primarily focuses on wetland systems and their applications in wastewater treatment (as an advanced treatment unit or decentralized system), nutrient and pollutant removal (single and multiple pollutants, and metals), and emerging pollutant removal (pharmaceuticals). A summary of studies involving the plant (vegetation) effects, wetland design and modeling, hybrid and innovative systems, storm water treatment and other issues such as climate change and greenhouse gas emissions is also provided.
Gaseous Emissions from Wastewater Facilities
Authors: Shaw Andrew R. , Koh Sock‐Hoon
Published: October 2014

A review of the literature published in 2013 on topics relating to gaseous emissions from wastewater facilities is presented. This review is divided into the following sections: odorant emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs); greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from WWTPs; emissions from wastewater collection systems; physiochemical odor/emissions control methods; biological odor/emissions control methods; odor characterization/monitoring; and odor impacts/ risk assessments.
Modeling, Instrumentation, Automation, and Optimization of Water Resource Recovery Facilities
Authors: Sweeney Michael W. , Kabouris John C.
Published: October 2014

A review of the literature published in 2013 on topics relating to water resource recovery facilities (WRRF) in the areas of modeling, instrumentation, automation and optimization of wastewater treatment is presented. Note that WEF has adopted the term ‘WRRF’ replacing such previous terms as publicly owned treatment works, wastewater treatment plant, and other conventional terms and officially instituted this change in its publications beginning in 2012. It is anticipated the replaced terms will remain in use by other publications and authors for some time.
Sustainability
Authors: Chang Chein‐Chi , Huang Meng , DiGiovanni Kimberly , Yang Xiahua , Peng Yuqian , Zhao Wenyu
Published: October 2014

This review on Sustainability covers selected 2013 publications on the focus of Sustainability. It is divided into the following sections:  • Sustainable water and wastewater utilities  • Sustainable water resources management  • Stormwater and green infrastructure  • Sustainability in wastewater treatment  • Life cycle assessment (LCA) applications  • Sustainability and energy in wastewater industry,  • Sustainability and infrastructure  • Sustainability and asset management
Agricultural Waste
Authors: Zhang Panpan , Chang Chein‐Chi , Wang Renqing , Zhang Shuping
Published: October 2014

A large amount of agricultural waste was generated all over the world, which could cost many problems such as environment pollution, GHG (greenhouse gas) emission, and serious disease. A review of the literature published in 2013 on topics relating to agricultural waste issues is presented, and about 180 papers were selected. The main treatment methods of agricultural waste can be biodegradation, composing, digestion, and hydrolysis. Researchers paid more attention on the waste reuse, focusing on t he environmental friendly utilization such as producing of biofuel, construction material, active carbon, adsorbent etc. Moreover, life cycle assessment (LCA) has been applied to evaluate the economic and environmental impact widely. This review is divided into the following sections: Waste Characterization, reuse, treatment, and management.
Mixing and Transport
Authors: Chang Chein‐Chi , Chapman Tom , Zhao Yanna , Wei Li , Zhao Wenyu
Published: October 2014

This section covers research published during the calendar year 2013 on mixing and transport processes. The review covers mixing of anaerobic digesters, mixing of heat transfer, and environmental fate and transport.
Emerging Trends in Groundwater Pollution and Quality
Authors: Kurwadkar Sudarshan
Published: October 2014

Groundwater pollution due to anthropogenic activities may impact overall groundwater quality. Organic and inorganic pollutants have been routinely detected at unsafe levels in groundwater rendering this important drinking water resource practically unusable. Vulnerability of groundwater pollution and subsequent impact has been documented in various studies across the globe. Field studies as well as mathematical models have demonstrated increasing levels of pollutants in both shallow and deep aquifer systems. New emerging pollutants such as organic micro‐pollutants have also been detected in some industrialized as well as in developing countries. Increased vulnerability coupled with ever growing demand for groundwater may pose a greater threat of pollution due to induced recharge and lack of environmental safeguards to protect groundwater sources. In this review paper, comprehensive assessment of groundwater quality impact due to human activities such as improper management of organic and inorganic waste, and natural sources is documented. A detailed review of published reports and peer reviewed journal papers across the world clearly demonstrate that groundwater quality is declining over time. A proactive approach is needed to prevent human health and ecological consequences due to ingestion of contaminated groundwater.
Substratum‐Associated Microbiota
Authors: Furey Paula C. , Liess Antonia
Published: October 2014

A review of literature on substratrumassociated microbiotia from 2013 covers topics on benthic algae, bacteria and viruses from a range of aquatic environments, but focuses on freshwater ecosystems. Advances in laboratory, field, and assessment methods are highlighted as are updates in taxonomy and systematics. Aspects of water quality, waste‐water treatment, biofuels, nutrient cycling, food‐web interactions, land use changes, and environmental challenges such as climate change, pollutants, and impacts of medical substances are presented. our understanding of the ecology, taxonomy and assessment of substratum‐associated microbiota. In response to increased pressures from anthropogenic stressors and climate change on aquatic environments, researchers are re‐evaluating current knowledge and approaches to research, biomonitoring and assessment. In this review of the 2013 literature, advances in laboratory, field, and assessment methods are highlighted as are updates in taxonomy and systematics. A literature review of similar topics was completed in 2013 (Furey and Liess, 2013).
Health Effects Associated with Wastewater Treatment, Reuse, and Disposal
Authors: Jin Yao , Qu Xiaoyan , Li Yuan , Yu Ruoren , Ikehata Keisuke
Published: October 2014

A review of the literature published in 2013 on topics relating to public and environmental health risks associated with wastewater treatment, reuse, and disposal is presented. This review is divided into the following sections: wastewater management, microbial hazards, chemical hazards, wastewater reuse, wastewater treatment plants, wastewater disposal, and sludge and biosolids.
Emerging Pollutants – Part I: Occurrence, Fate and Transport
Authors: Sima Laura , Amador Janelle , Da Silva Allegra K. , Miller Sarah M. , Morse Audra N. , Pellegrin Marie‐Laure , Rock Channah , Wells Martha J.M.
Published: October 2014

Part I: Occurrence, Fate, and Transport (this literature review) compiles research from 2013 investigating emerging pollutants in wastewater and environmental waters and the sources of emerging pollutants. The paper summarizes important findings on environmental aquatic occurrence, persistence and transport of emerging pollutants in the environment, monitoring approaches, modeling, and regulatory discussions. The paper further mentions updates in our understanding of the toxicological impacts of these compounds where relevant specifically to wastewater. Finally, the paper speaks to the environmental sinks and degradation of pollutants. Part II: Treatment (the companion to this review) includes discussion of water and wastewater treatment technologies on emerging pollutants.
Detection. Occurrence and Fate of Emerging Contaminants in Agricultural Environments
Authors: Snow Daniel D. , Cassada David A. , Bartelt‐Hune Shannon L. , Li Xu , Zhang Yun , Zhang Yuping , Sallach J. Brett
Published: October 2014

A total of 52 papers published in 2013 were reviewed ranging from detailed descriptions of analytical methods, to fate and occurrence studies, to ecological effects and sampling teclmiques for a wide variety of emerging contaminants likely to occur in agricultural environments. New method and studies on veterinary phannaceuticals, steroids, antibiotic resistance gene in agricultural environmnents continue to expand our these compounds. This review is divided into the following knowledge base on the occurrence and potential impact of sections: Introduction, Analytical Methods for Emerging Contaminant, Use of Passive amplers, Occurrence and Fate of Steroid Honnones, Antimicrobials and Antibiotic Resistance Genes, Occurrence and Fate of Pharrnaceuticals.
A formal solution to a paradox of democracy
Authors: Sikimic Vlasta
Published: October 2014

Richard Wollheim pointed out a paradox which he claims relates to democracy.
We argue that this paradox is not exclusively related to democracy but
actually arises whenever there is a conflict between personal preferences and
preferences of accepted authorities. Furthermore, we provide a formal
explanation of how one can rationally ?accept? or ?switch to? the preference
of the authority she personally accepts and still have different preferences
than the authority in question. Our formal solution is based on dynamic
epistemic logic, while our philosophical explanation is inspired by Kant?s
practical philosophy. On the other hand, we point out to what we believe to
be the real exclusive restriction in democratic elections and we argue that,
unlike Wollheim?s paradox, this restriction is a special feature of
democracy.
Voluntary death as an affirmation of dignified life: Death and suicide in Roman late Stoa
Authors: Plecas Tamara
Published: October 2014

This paper will examine the relation that Roman Stoics had towards death and
suicide (voluntaria mors). After brief analysis of the historical and social
context of the Roman society in which Stoics formed their opinion, it could
be claimed that the Stoic defense of suicide is based on their defense of
fulfilled and dignified life. According to their ethical thought, Stoics did
not consider death as something terrifying, but the opposite; they valued and
praised rationally chosen death. Rational death, in their opinion, is not a
testimony of useless life, but a confirmation of the idea that the only life
worth living is a life according to virtue.