bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On Design of Metal-Matrix Composites Lighter than Air
Authors: Sobczak Jerzy J. , Drenchev Ludmil B. , Sobczak Natalia , Asthana Rajiv
Published: March 2013

This paper discusses some theoretical aspects of design of ultralight metallic materials using analytical and heuristic arguments. Potential application of syntactic foams to obtain metal-matrix composites lighter than air is also analyzed. Carbon allotropes (fullerenes, colossal carbon tubes) and some non-carbon materials are considered as components of ultralight metal-matrix composites. Calculations for the size of fullerenes, number of atoms in their structure, and coating thickness required to produce ultralight composites are presented. It is concluded that 3D carbon molecules (fullerenes) and colossal carbon tubes are the most promising components to design ultralight metallic materials which can be lighter than air.
The origin, development and a brief appraisal of the doctrine of the baptism in the Holy Spirit in Christ Apostolic Church, Nigeria
Authors: Folarin George O.
Published: March 2013

This article traces the development of the Christ Apostolic Church’s (CAC) doctrine of the baptism in the Holy Spirit, its current official stance and the church ministers’ interpretations of the doctrine. To gather data for this work, focus-group discussions were held with groups of CAC ministers in 1992 and 2012. Data gathered were analysed. Selected leaders of CAC were interviewed, and the data from the two sources were compared, interpreted and discussed in terms of related literature. A theological appraisal concluded the work. The findings are that, whilst CAC tenets appear to conform to the Classical Pentecostal model, the opinions of the church’s ministers are divided along Pentecostal and Evangelical lines. The official view of the CAC is that the baptism in the Holy Spirit is distinct from the initial work of salvation and that the visible signs of receiving this baptism are multiple, but there are significant disagreements amongst the church ministers to this. The appraisal reveals that the tenet of the church needs to be reworked to conform to the teaching of the Scripture.
‘To refer, not to characterise’: A synchronic look at the Son-of-Man logia in the Sayings Gospel Q
Authors: Howes Llewellyn
Published: March 2013

The article intends to address the Son-of-Man problem by applying Delbert Burkett’s ‘question of reference’ to those Son-of-Man logia that appear in the Sayings Gospel Q. A position is taken that recent philological approaches to the Son-of-Man problem have not been overly convincing, successful or helpful. Similarly, attempting to determine the authenticity of individual Son-of-Man sayings has not led to any form of scholarly consensus. In place of these approaches, a synchronic approach is defended and applied to the Son-of-Man sayings in Q, with interesting results.
Translating disaster resilience into spatial planning practice in South Africa: Challenges and champions
Authors: Van Niekerk Willemien
Published: March 2013

It is highly likely that hazards and extreme climatic events will occur more frequently in the future and will become more severe – increasing the vulnerability and risk of millions of poor urbanites in developing countries. Disaster resilience aims to reduce disaster losses by equipping cities to withstand, absorb, adapt to or recover from external shocks. This paper questions whether disaster resilience is likely to be taken up in spatial planning practices in South Africa, given its immediate developmental priorities and challenges. In South Africa, issues of development take precedence over issues of sustainability, environmental management and disaster reduction. This is illustrated by the priority given to ‘servicing’ settlements compared to the opportunities offered by ‘transforming’ spaces through post-apartheid spatial planning. The City of Durban’s quest in adapting to climate change demonstrates hypothetically that if disaster resilience were to be presented as an issue distinct from what urban planners are already doing, then planners would see it as insignificant as compared to addressing the many developmental backlogs and challenges. If, however, it is regarded as a means to secure a city’s development path whilst simultaneously addressing sustainability, then disaster resilience is more likely to be translated into spatial planning practices in South Africa.
End-of-Life Decisions about Withholding or Withdrawing Therapy: Medical, Ethical, and Religio-Cultural Considerations
Authors: Manalo Maria Fidelis C.
Published: March 2013

Towards the end of life, physicians face dilemmas of discontinuing life-sustaining treatments or interventions. In some circumstances, these treatments are no longer of benefit, while in others the patient or family no longer want them. The physician plays an essential role in clarifying the goals of medical treatment, defining the care plan, initiating discussions about life-sustaining therapy, educating patients and families, helping them deliberate, making recommendations, and implementing the treatment plan. Communication is key. It should be clarified that when inevitable death is imminent, it is legitimate to refuse or limit forms of treatment that would only secure a precarious and burdensome prolongation of life, for as long as basic humane, compassionate care is not interrupted. Agreement to DNR status does not preclude supportive measures that keep patients free from pain and suffering as possible. Acceptable clinical practice on withdrawing or withholding treatment is based on an understanding of the medical, ethical, cultural, and religious issues. There is a need to individualize care option discussions to illness status, and patient and family preferences, beliefs, values, and cultures. The process of shared decision making between the patient, the family, and the clinicians should continue as goals evolve and change over time.
Ecology of Potential West Nile Virus Vectors in Southeastern Louisiana: Enzootic Transmission in the Relative Absence of Culex quinquefasciatus
Authors: Godsey Marvin S. , King Raymond J. , Burkhalter Kristen , Delorey Mark , Colton Leah , Charnetzky Dawn , Sutherland Genevieve , Ezenwa Vanessa O. , Wilson Lawrence A. , Coffey Michelle , Milheim Lesley E. , Taylor Viki G. , Palmisano Charles , Wesson Dawn M. , Guptill Stephen C.
Published: March 2013

A study of West Nile virus (WNV) ecology was conducted in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana, from 2002 to 2004. Mosquitoes were collected weekly throughout the year using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps placed at 1.5 and 6 m above the ground and gravid traps. A total of 379,466 mosquitoes was collected. WNV was identified in 32 pools of mosquitoes comprising four species; 23 positive pools were from Culex nigripalpus collected during 2003. Significantly more positive pools were obtained from Cx. nigripalpus collected in traps placed at 6 m than 1.5 m that year, but abundance did not differ by trap height. In contrast, Cx. nigripalpus abundance was significantly greater in traps placed at 6 m in 2002 and 2004. Annual temporal variation in Cx. nigripalpus peak seasonal abundance has important implications for WNV transmission in Louisiana. One WNV-positive pool, from Cx. erraticus, was collected during the winter of 2004, showing year-round transmission. The potential roles of additional mosquito species in WNV transmission in southeastern Louisiana are discussed.
Inter- and Intra-Operator Variability in the Reading of Indirect Immunofluorescence Assays for the Serological Diagnosis of Scrub Typhus and Murine Typhus
Authors: Phetsouvanh Rattanaphone , Thojaikong Thaksinaporn , Phoumin Phonlavanh , Sibounheuang Bountoy , Phommasone Koukeo , Chansamouth Vilada , Lee Sue J. , Newton Paul N. , Blacksell Stuart D.
Published: March 2013

Inter- and intra-observer variation was examined among six microscopists who read 50 scrub typhus (ST) and murine typhus (MT) indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) immunoglobulin M (IgM) slides. Inter-observer agreement was moderate (κ = 0.45) for MT and fair (κ = 0.32) for ST, and was significantly correlated with experience (P = 0.03 and P = 0.004, respectively); κ-scores for intra-observer agreement between morning and afternoon readings (range = 0.35–0.86) were not correlated between years of experience for ST and MT IFAs (Spearman's ρ = 0.31, P = 0.54 and P = 0.14, respectively; P = 0.78). Storage at 4°C for 2 days showed a change from positive to negative in 20–32% of slides. Although the titers did not dramatically change after 14 days of storage, the final interpretation (positive to negative) did change in 36–50% of samples, and it, therefore, recommended that slides should be read as soon as possible after processing.
Gravitraps for Management of Dengue Clusters in Singapore
Authors: Lee Caleb , Vythilingam Indra , Chong Chee-Seng , Abdul Razak Muhammad Aliff , Tan Cheong-Huat , Liew Christina , Pok Kwoon-Yong , Ng Lee-Ching
Published: March 2013

Although Singapore has an intensive dengue control program, dengue remains endemic with regular outbreaks. We report development and use of a novel adult oviposition trap, the Gravitrap, in managing dengue cluster areas. The Gravitrap is a simple, hay infusion-filled cylindrical trap with a sticky inner surface to serve as an oviposition site for gravid female Aedes mosquitoes. Wire gauze fitted above the water level minimizes the risk of it being an unwanted breeding habitat. The Gravitrap was deployed in 11 dengue cluster areas throughout Singapore. Aedes aegypti was the predominant mosquito caught in the trap and some (5.73%) were found to be positive for dengue virus.
Histopathological Features of Tungiasis in Peru
Authors: Maco Vicente , Maco Vicente P. , Tantalean Manuel E. , Gotuzzo Eduardo
Published: March 2013

Tungiasis is an ectoparasitic skin disease caused by Tunga penetrans and Tunga trimamillata. There is a lack of histopathological studies that evaluate the recognition of this flea in tissues. We describe the ex vivo dermoscopic and the histopathological patterns of six cases and relate the findings to the developmental stage of the parasite as defined by the Fortaleza classification: two were classified as Fortaleza 3b, 3 as 4a, and 1 as 4b. Two dermoscopic patterns were observed: a brown pigmented ring and a radial crown with a central pore. The most common histopathological findings were an eosinophilic cuticle, eggs in different stages of development, tracheal rings (parasite), and basal hyperplasia (host). The eosinophilic cuticle, eggs in different stages of evolution, and tracheal rings can help to establish the diagnosis when other parts of the parasite are lacking. The Fortaleza staging may represent a tool for pathology reporting purposes.
Decoupling of above and belowground C and N pools within predominant plant species Stipa grandis along a precipitation gradient in Chinese steppe zone
Authors: Ye X. H. , Pan X. , Cornwell W. K. , Cornelissen J. H. C. , Chu Y. , Gao S. Q. , Li R. Q. , Qiao J. J. , Dong M.
Published: March 2013

Abstract. The coupling of the carbon and nutrient cycles drives the food web structure and biogeochemistry of ecosystems. However, across precipitation gradients, there may be a shift in C and N pools from above- to belowground because of shifting plant stoichiometry and allocation. Here, we present a study which is the first to explicitly compare above- and belowground pool sizes of N and C within predominant plant species along precipitation gradient. We dissected these pools into biomass allocation and nutrient concentrations. Based on previous evidence, biomass allocation to roots should increase with aridity, while leaf [N] should increase. If their effect sizes are equal, they should cancel each other out, and the above- and belowground proportions of the N would remain constant. Along a precipitation gradient in Chinese steppe zone, the effect sizes of the biomass shifts were remarkably consistent among the predominant species, Stipa grandis. The effect sizes of biomass allocation and [N] were equal and the proportion of N of above- and belowground did not change with aridity, but the shift in leaf [C] with aridity was much weaker than the biomass shift, leading to a decrease in the proportion of C belowground at dry sites. Precipitation gradients do decouple the C and N pool of S. grandis along a precipitation gradient in Chinese steppe zone.
Smell the fish: Digital Disneyland and the right to oblivion
Authors: Leistert Oliver
Published: March 2013

The critique of ‘social media’ is only beginning. A huge range of effects that ‘social media’ initiate still can only be guessed. From the mutation of mobile phones into Facebook interfaces to the new lure of objectivity in emerging Doppelgänger sciences, this text addresses some commonly overseen difficulties that we face in our partnership with computers and proposes a new modal operator for file alteration which would safe us from harm.
Proposed nutrient criteria for water supply lakes and reservoirs
Authors: Callinan Clifford W. , Hassett John P. , Hyde James B. , Entringer Ronald A. , Klake Raphael K.
Published: March 2013

Nutrient enrichment of lakes and reservoirs used for a potable water supply can lead to a broad array of adverse effects ranging from operational problems to potential increases in certain human health–related risks. Human health risks that may be exacerbated by nutrient enrichment stem from increases in disinfection by‐products, cyanotoxins, and arsenic. New York state is developing numeric nutrient criteria for the protection of water supply lakes and reservoirs by establishing relationships between nutrients, algal abundance, dissolved organic carbon, and trihalomethanes, and then targeting established regulatory endpoints to set appropriate numeric nutrient criteria thresholds. This approach represents a much‐needed bridge between the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act by defining source water protection goals. Findings to date from the investigation of 21 systems indicate that a mean chlorophyll a threshold of 4–6 μg/L would likely be protective of potable water supply lakes and reservoirs.
MIEX® treatment of an effluent‐impacted stream
Authors: Gan Xiaojie , Kim Daekyun , Karanfil Tanju
Published: March 2013

A case study was conducted to examine the magnetic ion exchange (MIEX®) process for treating water impacted by wastewater treatment plant effluent and removing disinfection by‐product precursors. The plant effluent increased dissolved organic carbon, ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (UV254), anions, and disinfection by‐product precursors at the discharge and downstream locations. The MIEX1 process reduced dissolved organic carbon by 42–47%, UV254 absorbance by 61–68%, and trihalomethane and haloacetic acid formation potential (FP) by 50–70% at different downstream locations. On the other hand, halonitromethane FP was reduced by only 10–15% and N‐nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) FP increased as a result of chloramination after MIEX treatment. Uniform formation condition experiments showed that NDMA concentrations remained below 10 ng/L when chlorine alone or 40 min of chlorine contact time before ammonia addition were used for postdisinfection. However, use of preformed chloramine resulted in 36 ng/L of NDMA formation. Because MIEX substantially removes trihalomethane and haloacetic acid precursors, it may allow the use of more chlorine for longer contact time, which can lead to less NDMA formation.
High Temperature Membrane Reactor System for Hydrogen Permeation Measurements and Validation with Pd Based Membranes
Authors: Badwal S. P.S. , Ciacchi F.T.
Published: March 2013

Hydrogen separation membranes are under development for integration with a coal gasifier or natural gas reformer for pre-combustion separation of hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Because of the high operating temperatures and pressures, a robust reactor and associated control systems are required for fast screening of membrane materials with a strong emphasis on operator and plant safety. In this paper, the design, construction and commissioning of a reliable membrane reactor and a versatile test station for evaluation of hydrogen permeation membrane materials (metals, ceramics or cermets) at high temperatures and high differential pressures has been described. The membrane reactor system has been designed to operate at temperatures up to 800oC and pressure differentials across the membrane to 1.0MPa. The system has multiple levels of safety redundancy built-in which include a range of controls and monitors for both operator and system safety. A number of Pd and Pd-Ag alloys of nominal thicknesses in the 20 and 140µm range were sourced and alumina based porous ceramic support structure were fabricated for evaluation of metal membranes. The test station has been validated with Pd and Pd-Ag alloys of different thicknesses. The data obtained from the reactor for various membrane types and thicknesses are in agreement with those reported in the literature.
Concentration of Astragalus Polysaccharide by Polysulfone-Activated Carbon Modified with Nitric Acid Blend Ultrafiltration Membranes
Authors: Dan-Dan Hao , Jian-Qiu Chen , Xin-Qiao Liao , Yan Zheng , Yi-Bing Ji
Published: March 2013

In this study, Astragalus polysaccharides were concentrated by ultrafiltation membranes prepared by blending polysulfone (PSF) with activated carbon modified with nitric acid(HAC) by immersion precipitation phase inversion method. Water flux and retention to bovine serum albumin of the membranes were investigated. The morphology of membranes were also observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In order to obtain best concentration performance, effects of operating pressure, feeding temperature, operating time, feeding concentration and pH value on concentration and extraction of astragalus polysaccharide were studied. The best conditions for concentration were as follows: operating pressure is 0.4 MPa, feeding temperature is 25 °C, feeding concentration is 1 g·L-1, pH value is neutral. Under these conditions, the ultrafiltration membrane flux was 62.6 L·m-2·h-1, the retention to astragalus polysaccharide was 91.2%, and the attenuation rate of water flux was 12.5% in one hour.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Modelling of Porous, Ultrafiltration Membranes
Authors: Staszak Maciej , Staszak Katarzyna
Published: March 2013

This paper presents a finite element, three dimensional numerical model of flow in porous ceramic ultrafiltration membrane system together with experimental validation. The modelling is based on the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique. Major difficulty that arises during CFD modelling is appropriate and precise description of the porous media in terms of Navier-Stokes equation. Based on pressure-flow experimental measurements we present the approach for calculating the essential components of porous media flow resistance which are necessary for proper description of membrane process. The detailed description of a membrane was applied which accounts for support and membrane layer respectively. Moreover own procedure applied is presented, that is written using C language, for calculation of flow parameters. The model presented is in very good accordance with experimental results.
Pesquisa e formação de professores: um intrincado e instigante desafio
Authors: Pinsson Slongo Iône Inês , Lopes Viella Maria Dos Anjos , Castilho Delizoicov Nadir , Berticelli Ireno Antônio
Published: March 2013

Considerando a pesquisa um componente fundamental à formação de professores, este texto apresenta resultados de investigação2 realizada com professores orientadores de Trabalhos de Conclusão de Curso (TCCs), das licenciaturas ofertadas pela Universidade Comunitária da Região de Chapecó (Unochapecó). O objetivo foi investigar o emprego do termo pesquisa pelos docentes orientadores, bem como o valor formativo que atribuem a esta atividade realizada na formação inicial de professores da educação básica. Utilizou-se o questionário para a obtenção dos dados. A análise dos dados fornecidos por 30 docentes que integraram a amostra indica que para eles, não estão suficientemente claros os critérios que definem o que é pesquisa, confundindo-a, por vezes, com ensino; há um silêncio entre os professores orientadores quando se trata da socialização dos resultados das pesquisas realizadas com os acadêmicos. Por outro lado, os professores reconhecem que há um conjunto de habilidades e atitudes fundamentais à atuação docente, que são conquistadas pelos alunos que participam dos trabalhos de pesquisa (TCCs), tais como: a qualificação da leitura e da escrita, a capacidade de questionamento e análise crítica, autonomia e pré-disposição para a mudança, além de uma aproximação com a pós-graduação. Recomenda-se ouvir dos futuros professores a forma como avaliam as possibilidades e limitações de sua formação e desta iniciação na pesquisa, suas queixas e propostas e, ainda, ouvir dos professores orientadores o tipo de formação para a pesquisa que está sendo concretamente viabilizado na instituição.
Formação inicial e estágio: uma reflexão sobre o conceito de “professor-reflexivo”
Authors: Lima Jardilino José Rubens , Ferreira de Moura Barbosa Nayara
Published: March 2013

Este estudo tem como objetivo fazer um diálogo entre o conceito “professor-reflexivo” do pensamento schöniano com a disciplina de Estágio Supervisionado nos cursos de licenciatura. Traça-se um percurso a partir do surgimento do conceito, sua utilização em pesquisas educacionais brasileiras e as respectivas críticas. Em seguida, abordam-se as concepções de Estágio Supervisionado utilizadas nesse estudo e a legislação que regulamenta tal disciplina a fim de identificar a presença de termos que aludem o conceito “professor-reflexivo”. Por fim, as considerações finais apontam para a utilização desse conceito para embasar melhor as atividades dessa disciplina e promover uma formação docente e uma preparação para a inserção no mercado de trabalho mais condizente com a realidade educacional.
A implicação do trabalho do formador na constituição da profissionalidade dos licenciados
Authors: De Souza Hobold Márcia , Schüler Menslin Mônica
Published: March 2013

Considerando a importância da formação inicial como um espaço imprescindível para o aprimoramento das potencialidades profissionais dos futuros professores, este artigo tem como objetivo central conhecer a implicação do trabalho do professor formador na constituição da profissionalidade dos egressos nos cursos de licenciatura, em face à corresponsabilidade social das universidades para com a formação docente e, também, as sugestões dos professores para o aperfeiçoamento do curso de formação. A pesquisa tem como fundamento a abordagem qualitativa e foi realizada com 40 professores egressos de oito cursos de licenciatura, de uma universidade localizada na Região Sul do país. Para a coleta de dados foi utilizada a entrevista semiestruturada. Os autores que fundamentam teoricamente os dados são Beillerot (1996), Charlot (2000), Imbernón (2004) e Mizukami (2005). A pesquisa revelou que os professores que atuam como formadores nas licenciaturas implicam diretamente na constituição dos saberes e nas práticas de ensino dos que ingressam na docência. Os dados são instigantes, sendo que são derivados das falas dos professores formados, e contribuem para análises e reflexões a respeito da formação das licenciaturas. Os dados indicam a necessidade de repensar aspectos didático-pedagógicos dos formadores, sendo que muitos dos egressos referem-se à desatualização dos conhecimentos e da prática pedagógica. Outra afirmação recorrente, nas falas dos depoentes, indica a necessidade urgente de aproximação entre professor formador e escola. Os professores egressos trouxeram sugestões importantes para a melhoria dos cursos de formação inicial tanto para o âmbito institucional como para o pedagógico.
O mestrado profissional e a pesquisa do professor
Authors: Cevallos Ivete , Ferragut Passos Laurizete
Published: March 2013

Quase dez anos após a criação do primeiro Mestrado Profissional em Educação Matemática no nosso país, uma nova legislação e um novo contexto se apresentam em relação a essa modalidade de curso de pós-graduação. Um dos aspectos preocupantes dessa modalidade se refere à pesquisa desenvolvida durante o curso. Este artigo se propõe a refletir sobre as possibilidades e contribuições das pesquisas desenvolvidas nesse curso e sua repercussão no trabalho dos professores. A hipótese que direcionou o estudo é que a prática da pesquisa no mestrado profissional, ao tornar como objeto de investigação as questões relacionadas ao ensino, pode influenciar diretamente a forma como o professor lida com o conteúdo e as atividades práticas em sala de aula. A análise documental, questionários e entrevistas com egressos do curso compuseram os instrumentos de coleta de dados. A aproximação da academia com a escola e a reflexão sobre a prática são os eixos que o mestrado profissional vem procurando privilegiar.
Formação do professor de Filosofia: entre o ensino e a aprendizagem
Authors: Tomazetti Elisete M. , Benetti Cláudia Cisiane
Published: March 2013

Este texto procura desenvolver a seguinte questão: como pode ocorrer a formação do futuro professor, quando se tem como prerrogativa fundamental a aprendizagem daquele que será o aprendiz? Consideramos como recorrente na literatura acerca do “ensino de filosofia”, sustentada na obra de Gilles Deleuze, a centralidade do conceito de aprendizagem enquanto atividade do pensamento. Pensamento esse que se faz pela força violenta de signos que exigem sua atividade de decifração, de entendimento. O signo é compreendido como aquilo que força o pensar do sujeito. Entendido como atividade, o pensamento não mais é concebido como representação de algo que lhe é exterior, mas como atividade que organiza de forma diferente o que lhe chega com os signos. O signo, então, tem o “poder” de provocar novos rearranjos, gerando invenção a partir da multiplicidade. Coerente com o pensamento de Deleuze, afirma-se que o pensar está associado ao aprender e não ao ensinar. Seria, portanto, um contra-senso considerar uma pedagogia para ensinar a pensar. Problematizaremos esse contra-senso, pois, enquanto “formadores de futuros professores”, nosso desafio é provocar-lhes a pensar sobre a possibilidade de ensinar os alunos jovens a pensar filosoficamente nas aulas de filosofia do Ensino Médio.
Professores de escolas étnicas no Paraná: manter a cultura ou cumprir as leis?
Authors: Renk Valquiria Elita
Published: March 2013

O presente artigo tem como tema o papel dos professores das escolas étnicas do Paraná. O recorte temporal situa-se desde o fim do século XIX até os anos de 1940. O objetivo geral é compreender o papel social dos professores dessas escolas, que deveriam atender as comunidades étnicas na manutenção da identidade cultural por meio da escola e ao mesmo tempo cumprir a legislação nacionalizadora. As fontes de pesquisa são os documentos escolares das ex-escolas étnicas, os relatórios de governo, a legislação escolar, as correspondências de governo e também os depoimentos de ex-alunos que frequentaram essas escolas no período estudado. A contextualização dos documentos revela diferentes olhares sobre a organização escolar e do ofício do magistério. A partir do método de análise histórica, as fontes serão confrontadas e possibilitarão compreender o papel dos professores ante a resistência das escolas à nacionalização. As fontes permitem fazer inferências sobre a ação do Estado fiscalizando e inspecionando as escolas para homogeneizar o ensino por meio do currículo único. Este estudo contribui para desvelar como as escolas e os professores encontravam mecanismos de burlar a legislação, manter a identidade cultural, até a nacionalização compulsória e o fechamento das escolas étnicas, em 1938.
A Systematic Review of the Reporting of Adverse Events Associated with Medical Herb use among Children
Authors: Gardiner Paula , Adams Denise , Filippelli Amanda C. , Nasser Hafsa , Saper Robert , White Laura , Vohra Sunita
Published: March 2013

Purpose:

Information about the safety of herbal medicine often comes from case reports published in the medical literature, thus necessitating good quality reporting of these adverse events. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the comprehensiveness of reporting of published case reports of adverse events associated with herb use in the pediatric population.

Methods:

Electronic literature search included 7 databases and a manual search of retrieved articles from inception through 2010. We included published case reports and case series that reported an adverse event associated with exposure to an herbal product by children under the age of 18 years old. We used descriptive statistics. Based on the International Society of Epidemiology's “Guidelines for Submitting Adverse Events Reports for Publication,” we developed and assigned a guideline adherence score (0—17) to each case report.

Results:

Ninety-six unique journal papers were identified and represented 128 cases. Of the 128 cases, 37% occurred in children under 2 years old, 38% between the ages of 2 and 8 years old, and 23% between the ages of 9 and 18 years old. Twenty-nine percent of cases were the result of an intentional ingestion while 36% were from an unintentional ingestion. Fifty-two percent of cases documented the Latin binomial of the herb ingredients; 41% documented plant part. Thirty-two percent of the cases reported laboratory testing of the herb, 20% documented the manufacturer of the product, and 22% percent included an assessment of the potential concomitant therapies that could have been influential in the adverse events. Mean guideline adherence score was 12.5 (range 6—17).

Conclusions:

There is considerable need for improvement in reporting adverse events in children following herb use. Without better quality reporting, adverse event reports cannot be interpreted reliably and do not contribute in a meaningful way to guiding recommendations for medicinal herb use.
Evaluating the Economics of Complementary and Integrative Medicine
Authors: Herman Patricia M.
Published: March 2013

Healthcare in the United States is expensive and becoming more so every year. Policy and decision makers increasingly need information on costs, as well as effectiveness and safety, in order to formulate healthcare strategies that are both clinically effective and financially responsible.

Many people believe the benefits of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) exceed its costs. Surveys have shown that a substantial portion of the US population uses CIM and pays directly for that use.1—4 The most recent estimates show that total US out-of-pocket expenditures for CIM were $34 billion—11% of all US out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures.1 However, if CIM is to be considered in broader healthcare strategies, its economic impact must be determined.

Theoretically, CIM seems a good candidate for cost-effectiveness, and even cost savings, because it avoids high technology, offers inexpensive and noninvasive remedies, encourages healthy lifestyle change, and focuses on the whole person, all of which may improve health beyond the targeted disease or condition. However, to many in the conventional healthcare system, CIM is seen only as an “add on” expense. What must be demonstrated via economic evaluation are the healthcare costs that can be avoided through the use of CIM.

CIM offers the potential for several avenues of cost reduction. The first is as a direct replacement for the usual conventional therapy for a condition. The second is in terms of lower future healthcare utilization both in general (through treating the whole person) and for the targeted disease or condition. A third avenue to cost reduction is through reducing productivity loss for employers. A reduction in costs to employers does not directly reduce healthcare costs (unless the employer is itself a healthcare facility); however, both are costs to society. Productivity losses can be reduced through improved employee health, and potentially through the improved employee well-being and empowerment offered by CIM.
Phenological Implications of Warming Temperatures and Extreme Climatic Events
Authors: Schwartz Mark D. , Enquist Carolyn A. F. , Denny Ellen G.
Published: March 2013

More than 140 phenology researchers traveled from 6 continents and 21 countries to convene and deliver more than 100 oral presentations and more than 30 posters at the University of Wisconsin‐Milwaukee School of Continuing Education Conference Center in downtown Milwaukee at the second interdisciplinary international conference on phenology. The study of recurring plant and animal life‐cycle stages, phenology is especially sensitive to variation and change in the environment and climate.
THE INFLUENCE OF DIETARY α‐SOLANINE ON THE WAXMOTH Galleria mellonella L
Authors: Büyükgüzel Ender , Büyükgüzel Kemal , Erdem Meltem , Adamski Zbigniew , Adamski Zbigniew , Marciniak Pawel , Ziemnicki Kazimierz , Ventrella Emanuela , Scrano Laura , Bufo Sabino Aurelio
Published: March 2013

Plant allelochemicals are nonnutritional chemicals that interfere with the biology of herbivores. We posed the hypothesis that ingestion of a glycoalkaloid allelochemical, α‐solanine, impairs biological parameters of greater wax moths Galleria mellonella. To test this idea, we reared wax moths on artificial diets with 0.015, 0.15, or 1.5 mg/100 g diet of α‐solanine. Addition of α‐solanine to the diet affected survival of seventh‐instar larvae, pupae, and adults; and female fecundity and fertility. The diet containing the highest α‐solanine concentration led to decreased survivorship, fecundity, and fertility. The diets supplemented with α‐solanine led to increased malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl contents in midgut and fat body and the effect was dose‐dependent. Dietary α‐solanine led to increased midgut glutathione S‐transferase activity and to decreased fat body glutathione S‐transferase activitiy. We infer from these findings that α‐solanine influences life history parameters and antioxidative enzyme activities in the midgut and fat body of G. mellonella.
Nonlinear H2 Lateral Control Design of Missiles
Authors: Chen Yung‐Yue
Published: March 2013

A novel nonlinear control law for the purpose of lateral control of a missile is presented in this paper. This approach can be applied to generate lateral control commands for a missile operating in flight regimes where the effectiveness of conventional aerodynamic surfaces is reduced (i.e. high angle of attack). The design objective is to specify one control law that satisfies the H2 performance for the nonlinear attitude tracking design of missiles. In general, it is hard to obtain the closed‐form solutions from this nonlinear attitude tracking problem. Fortunately, because of the adequate choice of state variable transformation, the nonlinear H2 attitude tracking problem of the missile can be reduced to solving one nonlinear time varying Riccati‐like equation. Furthermore, one closed‐form solution to this equation can be obtained in a very simple form for the preceding control design.
Modular genetic control of innate behaviors
Authors: Xu Xiaohong
Published: March 2013

Many complex behaviors are genetically hardwired. Based on previous findings on genetic control of mating and other behaviors in invertebrate and mammalian systems, I suggest that genetic control of complex behaviors is modular: first, dedicated genes specify different behavioral patterns; secondly, separable genetic networks govern distinct behavioral components. I speculate that modular genetic encoding of complex behaviors may in part reflect modularity in brain development and function.

Editor's suggested further reading in BioEssays From songs to synapses: Molecular mechanisms of birdsong memory Abstract
Understanding the Effect Models of Ionic Liquids in the Synthesis of NH4‐Dw and γ‐AlOOH Nanostructures and Their Conversion into Porous γ‐Al2O3
Authors: Duan Xiaochuan , Kim Tongil , Li Di , Ma Jianmin , Zheng Wenjun
Published: March 2013

Well‐dispersed ammonium aluminum carbonate hydroxide (NH4‐Dw) and γ‐AlOOH nanostructures with controlled morphologies have been synthesized by employing an ionic‐liquid‐assisted hydrothermal process. The basic strategies that were used in this work were: 1) A controllable phase transition from NH4‐Dw to γ‐AlOOH could be realized by increasing the reaction temperature and 2) the morphological evolution of NH4‐Dw and γ‐AlOOH nanostructures could be influenced by the concentration of the ionic liquid. Based on these experimental results, the main objective of this work was to clarify the effect models of the ionic liquids on the synthesis of NH4‐Dw and γ‐AlOOH nanostructures, which could be divided into cationic‐ or anionic‐dominant effect models, as determined by the different surface structures of the targets. Specifically, under the cationic‐dominant regime, the ionic liquids mainly showed dispersion effects for the NH4‐Dw nanostructures, whereas the anionic‐dominant model could induce the self‐assembly of the γ‐AlOOH particles to form hierarchical structures. Under the guidance of the proposed models, the effect of the ionic liquids would be optimized by an appropriate choice of cations or anions, as well as by considering the different effect models with the substrate surface. We expect that such effect models between ionic liquids and the target products will be helpful for understanding and designing rational ionic liquids that contain specific functional groups, thus open up new opportunities for the synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials with new morphologies and improved properties. In addition, these as‐prepared NH4‐Dw and γ‐AlOOH nanostructures were converted into porous γ‐Al2O3 nanostructures by thermal decomposition, whilst preserving the same morphology. By using HRTEM and nitrogen‐adsorption analysis, the obtained γ‐Al2O3 samples were found to have excellent porous properties and, hence, may have applications in catalysis and adsorption.
A Versatile Methodology for the Controlled Synthesis of Photoluminescent High‐Boron‐Content Dendrimers
Authors: González‐Campo Arántzazu , Ferrer‐Ugalde Albert , Viñas Clara , Teixidor Francesc , Sillanpää Reijo , Rodríguez‐Romero Jesús , Santillan Rosa , Farfán Norberto , Núñez Rosario
Published: March 2013

Fluorescent star‐shaped molecules and dendrimers with a 1,3,5‐triphenylbenzene moiety as the core and 3 or 9 carborane derivatives at the periphery, have been prepared in very good yields by following different approaches. One procedure relies on the nucleophilic substitution of Br groups in 1,3,5‐tris(4‐(3‐bromopropoxy)phenyl)benzene with the monolithium salts of methyl and phenyl‐o‐carborane. The second method is the hydrosilylation reactions on the peripheral allyl ether functions of 1,3,5‐tris(4‐allyloxy‐phenyl)benzene and 1,3,5‐tris(4‐(3,4,5‐trisallyloxybenzyloxy)phenyl)benzene with suitable carboranyl‐silanes to produce different generations of dendrimers decorated with carboranyl fragments. This approach is very versatile and allows one to introduce long spacers between the fluorescent cores and the boron clusters, as well as to obtain a high loading of boron clusters. The removal of one boron atom from each cluster leads to high‐boron‐content water‐soluble macromolecules. Thermogravimetric analyses show a higher thermal stability for the three‐functionalized compounds than for those containing 9 clusters. All compounds exhibit photoluminescent properties at room temperature under ultraviolet irradiation with high quantum yields; these depend on the nature of the cluster and the substituent on the Ccluster. Cyclic voltammetry indicates that there is no electronic communication between the core and the peripheral carboranyl fragments. Due to the high boron content of these molecules, we currently focus our research on their biocompatibility, biodistribution in cells cultures, and potential applications for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT).
UV/H2O2 Process Under High Intensity UV Irradiation: A Rapid and Effective Method for Methylene Blue Decolorization
Authors: Zhang Qian , Li Chaolin , Li Ting
Published: March 2013

This study examined the UV/H2O2 decolorization efficiency under high UV photon flux (intensity normalized by photon energy) irradiation; the incident UV was ranging from 3.13 × 10−8 to 3.13 × 10−6 einstein cm−2 s−1. The experimental results showed that complete decolorization of 20 mg L−1 methylene blue (MB) can be achieved within 5 s and 99% decolorization of 1000 mg L−1 MB can be achieved in 180 s under the best condition of high UV intensity UV/H2O2 process. To the best of our knowledge, UV/H2O2 decolorization process in such a short time has not been reported. The electrical energy per order of the process was 16.21 kWh m−3 order−1 and it is relatively economical compared with other advanced oxidation processes. The kinetics of decolorization follows pseudo‐first order. There is a linear relationship between rate constant and UV intensity, which indicates that increasing UV intensity does not cause decline in light utilization efficiency. The experiment related to initial substrate concentration shows decolorization rate of different substrate concentration (20–1000 mg L−1) are closed to each other. Besides, optimal H2O2 concentration, comparative study with low photon flux light, decolorization of other types of dyes and TOC removal were also studied.
Environmental Impact Assessment of High Pressure Water Scrubbing Biogas Upgrading Technology
Authors: Cozma Petronela , Ghinea Cristina , Mămăligă Ioan , Wukovits Walter , Friedl Anton , Gavrilescu Maria
Published: March 2013

The aim of this work was to assess the burdens of a process in terms of environmental and health impacts, resource depletion issues, and energy demand based on the ability of the Life Cycle Assessment methodology to link the environmental impacts with the mass and energy flows. The analysis was done in terms of process and environmental performances of high pressure water scrubbing (HPWS) system applied for biogas upgrading. The application of process simulation based on the Aspen Plus® software has been considered as supportive for the calculation of mass and energy balances.

Data processed using GaBi 4: Software showed that global warming, acidification, and human toxicity potentials were the main impact categories associated with the HPWS process. These indicators are largely related to the exhaust gas from the desorption column and the indirect emissions generated during energy consumption. The life cycle inventory study resulted in the development of a database with a vast inventory of data regarding HPWS technology. A basis for assessing potential improvements in the environmental performance of the system is provided. Future studies in this area will address the economical evaluation of the HPWS technology, so as to maximize economic efficiency and minimize environmental impacts.
Cultivating Positive Emotions: A Useful Adjunct When Working with People Who Self‐Harm?
Authors: Morris Charlotte , Simpson Jane , Sampson Mark , Beesley Frank
Published: March 2013

This narrative review draws upon a broad range of literature, including theory and empirical research, to argue that positive emotions are a useful adjunct to therapy when working with individuals who self‐harm. The review highlights how self‐harm is often employed as a method of emotion regulation and may be both negatively and positively reinforced. It is suggested that individuals who self‐harm have potential difficulty in experiencing positive and negative emotions. The compatibility of an emotion focused approach to therapy for individuals who self‐harm is therefore deemed an appropriate one. However, current therapeutic models predominantly focus on unpleasant or negative emotions and largely tend to neglect positive emotions, such as happiness. Broaden and build theory indicates that positive emotions can reduce the effects of negative emotions and aid recovery from intolerable negative emotions that may underpin self‐harming behaviours. Therefore, the incorporation of positive emotions into therapy is likely to be helpful. In addition, if cultivated over time, positive emotions can build resilience that may enable individuals to cope better with events that precipitate self‐injurious behaviours. The review emphasizes how positive emotions represent a valuable addition to therapeutic work but also highlights that the negatively valenced and painful emotions often experienced by those who self‐injure must still be addressed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

When working with individuals who self-harm it may be beneficial for practitioners to consider clients' experiences of positive emotions, and how to cultivate these, in addition to targeting the negative emotions which tend to underpin self-harming behaviours.
Growth of KCl crystal by Czochralski method and influence of nanodiamond impurity on its hardness and optical properties
Authors: Tavakoli Mohammad Hossein , Abasi Talaye Arjmand , Ali Ebrahim Haji
Published: March 2013

KCl alkali halide crystal with different nanodiamond impurity was grown by Czochralski method. X‐Ray diffraction of the outcome samples reveals that they are still single crystal. Also crystal hardness observation reveals that the hardness of KCl single crystal has been increased by adding different percentage of nanodiamond impurity. In addition, the study of FTIR spectrums of the pure and doped crystals represents that the KCl optical properties has not changed.
‘Star‐like’ defects in Cd‐annealed CdZnTe crystals—an experimental study of their origin and formation mechanism
Authors: Yang G. , Bolotnikov A. E. , Fochuk P. M. , Cui Y. , Camarda G. S. , Hossain A. , Kim K. H. , Raghothamachar B. , Roy U. , James R. B.
Published: March 2013

We conducted low‐temperature annealing experiments at temperatures slightly above and below the melting point of Te to clarify the effects of the state of Te inclusions (solid or liquid) upon the formation of ‘star‐like’ defects in Cd‐annealed CdZnTe (CZT). We also carried out post‐growth annealing experiments with and without using Cd vapor to clarify the mechanism of formation of such defects. We demonstrated that these ‘star‐like’ defects are due to the reaction between in‐diffused Cd atoms and the molten Te inclusions, but we found no observable ‘one‐to‐one’ correlation between ‘star‐like’ defects and Te inclusions. The non‐uniform distribution of Te inclusions in the CZT matrix could account for this phenomenon since the punching distance of the dislocations depends on the volume fraction of inclusions within the matrix.
Examples of Heterometallic 3d–3d Azido Complexes by One‐Pot Synthesis
Authors: Zhao Jiong‐Peng , Zhao Ran , Hu Bo‐Wen , Yang Qian , Zhang Xiao‐Feng , Liu Fu‐Chen
Published: March 2013

The assembly of CuII, MII (CoII or NiII), azido, and isonicotinate acid N‐oxide under hydrothermal conditions straightforwardly gives two isomorphic heterometallic 3d–3d azido complexes formulated [Cu2M(N3)4(INO)2(H2O)4]∞ (INO = isonicotinate N‐oxide; M = Co for 1 and Ni for 2). In the structure of the complexes, CuII ions have a trigonal‐bipyramidal‐coordinated configuration, whereas the MII ions have octahedral geometry with two water molecules in the apical positions. The structure of the complexes is based on azido‐carboxylate mixed‐coordination Cu–M–Cu trimers, which are further linked by double end‐on (EO) azido anions through the CuII ions to form a chain structure, and the 1D structure can be described as EO azido/syn–syn carboxylates and double EO azido mixed‐bridge spin‐sequence chains with –1/2–J1–3/2–J1–1/2–J2–1/2– for 1 and –1/2–J1–1–J1–1/2–J2–1/2– for 2. Magnetic studies indicated that 1 and 2 are both metamagnets for the weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the ferromagnetic chains.