bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Case For the Smarter Sentencing Act
Authors: Malcolm John G.
Published: July 2014

Beginning in the 1980’s, Congress passed a series of “tough on crime” mandatory minimum sentences. While increased periods of incarceration contributed to reduced crime rates, the pendulum has swung too far. Mandatory minimum sentences designed for “kingpins” are often meted out to low level drug offenders, who occupy a significant percentage of the federal prison population. The Smarter Sentencing Act would, among other things, reduce the level of minimum sentences for some drug offenders without eliminating them, enabling judges to impose harsher sentences when warranted and freeing up prison space for offenders who pose a greater risk to public safety.
Anatomical Risk Factors for Ischemic Lesions Associated with Carotid Artery Stenting
Authors: Ikeda Go , Tsuruta Wataro , Nakai Yasunobu , Shiigai Masanari , Marushima Aiki , Masumoto Tomohiko , Tsurushima Hideo , Matsumura Akira
Published: July 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the anatomical risk factors for ischemic lesions detected by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) associated with carotid artery stenting (CAS).

DWI was performed within four days after CAS in 50 stenotic lesions between January 2008 and September 2013. We retrospectively analyzed the correlation between the anatomical factors and ischemic lesions associated with CAS.

Post-procedural DWI revealed new ischemic lesions after 24 (48%) of the 50 CAS procedures. All three patients with common carotid artery tortuosity, defined as the presence of severe angulation (less than 90 degrees) in the common carotid artery, developed new ischemic lesions. However, there were no significant differences between the patients with and without tortuosity, likely due to the small number of cases. Meanwhile, seven of eight patients with internal carotid artery tortuosity, defined as the presence of severe angulation (less than 90 degrees) in the cervical segment of the internal carotid artery, developed new ischemic lesions. A multivariate analysis showed internal carotid artery tortuosity (odds ratio: 11.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.193–117.4, P= 0.035) to be an independent risk factor for the development of ischemic lesions associated with CAS.

Anatomical factors, particularly severe angulation of the internal carotid artery, have an impact on the risk of CAS. The indications for CAS should be carefully evaluated in patients with these factors.
Endovascular Treatment of Internal Carotid Artery Pseudo-Aneurysm Presenting with Epistaxis
Authors: Bazina Antonela , Mišmaš Antonija , Hucika Zlatko , Pavliša Goran , Poljaković Zdravka
Published: July 2014

Recurrent epistaxis is a rare presentation of internal carotid artery C4/C5 segment pseudo-aneurysm rupture. We describe a case of a traumatic internal carotid artery pseudo-aneurysm with recurrent epistaxis as a leading symptom that was finally managed with endovascular treatment with stent-assisted coil placement. Clopidogrel and acetylsalicylic acid orally were introduced in the therapy for further stent thrombosis prevention and epistaxis did not recur on six-month follow-up. Endovascular treatment with stent-assisted coil placement seems to be a good method for pseudo-aneurysm treatment while keeping the lumen of the parent artery patent.
Non-ischaemic cardiac conditions: role of stress echocardiography
Authors: Chenzbraun Adrian
Published: July 2014

Stress echocardiography (SE) has a unique ability for simultaneous assessment of both functional class and exercise-related haemodynamic changes and as such is increasingly recognised for the evaluation of non-coronary artery disease pathologies. Some indications such as valvular heart disease or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have been well established already, while others such as diastolic exercise testing are emerging of late. This paper addresses the main and best established indications for SE in non-ischaemic conditions, providing a practical perspective correlated with updated guidelines.
Role of pigment epithelium-derived factor in the reproductive system
Authors: Chuderland Dana , Ben-Ami Ido , Bar-Joseph Hadas , Shalgi Ruth
Published: July 2014

The physiological function of the female reproductive organs is hormonally controlled. In each cycle, the reproductive organs undergo tissue modifications that are accompanied by formation and destruction of blood vessels. Proper angiogenesis requires an accurate balance between stimulatory and inhibitory signals, provided by pro- and anti-angiogenic factors. As with many other tissues, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) appears to be one of the major pro-angiogenic factors in the female reproductive organs. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a non-inhibitory member of the serine protease inhibitors (serpin) superfamily, possessing potent physiologic anti-angiogenic activity that negates VEGF activity. The role of PEDF in decreasing abnormal neovascularization by exerting its anti-angiogenic effect that inhibits pro-angiogenic factors, including VEGF, has been investigated mainly in the eye and in cancer. This review summarizes the function of PEDF in the reproductive system, showing its hormonal regulation and its anti-angiogenic activity. Furthermore, some pathologies of the female reproductive organs, including endometriosis, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome, and others, are associated with a faulty angiogenic process. This review illuminates the role of PEDF in their pathogenesis and treatment. Collectively, we can conclude that although PEDF seems to play an essential role in the physiology and pathophysiology of the reproductive system, its full role and mechanism of action still need to be elucidated.
Targeted Program for Provision of Mother’s Own Milk to Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Husebye Elisabeth Synnøve , Kleven Ingvil Austbø , Kroken Lene Kristin , Torsvik Ingrid Kristin , Haaland Øystein Ariansen , Markestad Trond
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE:

Evaluate the effect of an evolving targeted program to encourage mothers to provide own milk (MM) to their very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in a traditional open-bay NICU.

METHODS:

Retrospective review of medical records on all VLBW infants (birth weight <1500 g) born in a geographical region of Norway in 1986/1987, 1996, and 2007/2008 (n = 203). Types of nutrition and data on maternal and infant health were prospectively and similarly recorded during all time periods. Between each period, targeted programs were initiated to encourage provision of MM.

RESULTS:

The rates of providing MM (exclusively MM in parenthesis) for the 3 periods were 55% (33%), 85% (60%), and 89% (62%) when achieving full enteral feeds; 48% (11%), 76% (39%), and 92% (60%) at discharge; 15%, 42%, and 62% at 2 to 4 months’ corrected age; and 10%, 40%, and 53% at 6 to 8 months’ corrected age (P < .001 at all end points). Neither maternal or pregnancy disorders nor neonatal morbidity had significant effects on provision of MM, but smoking was associated with a lower rate after discharge.

CONCLUSIONS:

Both early and long-term provision of MM for their VLBW infants were strongly associated with targeted programs to encourage provision. We suggest that almost all mothers are able to provide their own milk if given targeted encouragement and guidance, even in crowded open-bay NICUs.
Reducing Distress in Mothers of Children With Autism and Other Disabilities: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Dykens Elisabeth M. , Fisher Marisa H. , Taylor Julie Lounds , Lambert Warren , Miodrag Nancy
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND:

Compared with other parents, mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder or other neurodevelopmental disabilities experience more stress, illness, and psychiatric problems. Although the cumulative stress and disease burden of these mothers is exceptionally high, and associated with poorer outcomes in children, policies and practices primarily serve the identified child with disabilities.

METHODS:

A total of 243 mothers of children with disabilities were consented and randomized into either Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (mindfulness practice) or Positive Adult Development (positive psychology practice). Well-trained, supervised peer mentors led 6 weeks of group treatments in 1.5-hour weekly sessions, assessing mothers 6 times before, during, and up to 6 months after treatment. Mothers had children with autism (65%) or other disabilities (35%). At baseline, 85% of this community sample had significantly elevated stress, 48% were clinically depressed, and 41% had anxiety disorders.

RESULTS:

Using slopes-as-outcomes, mixed random effects models, both treatments led to significant reductions in stress, depression, and anxiety, and improved sleep and life satisfaction, with large effects in depression and anxiety. Mothers in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction versus Positive Adult Development had greater improvements in anxiety, depression, sleep, and well-being. Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder improved less in anxiety, but did not otherwise differ from their counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS:

Future studies are warranted on how trained mentors and professionals can address the unmet mental health needs of mothers of children with developmental disabilities. Doing so improves maternal well-being and furthers their long-term caregiving of children with complex developmental, physical, and behavioral needs.
Motor Performance After Neonatal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Longitudinal Evaluation
Authors: van der Cammen-van Zijp Monique H.M. , Janssen Anjo J.W.M. , Raets Marlou MA , van Rosmalen Joost , Govaert Paul , Steiner Katerina , Gischler Saskia J. , Tibboel Dick , van Heijst Arno F.J. , IJsselstijn Hanneke
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To assess longitudinally children’s motor performance 5 to 12 years after neonatal extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and to evaluate associations between clinical characteristics and motor performance.

METHODS:

Two hundred fifty-four neonatal ECMO survivors in the Netherlands were tested with the Movement Assessment Battery for Children at 5, 8, and/or 12 years. Percentile scores were transformed to z scores for longitudinal evaluation (norm population mean = 0 and SD = 1). Primary diagnoses: meconium aspiration syndrome (n = 137), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (n = 49), persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (n = 36), other diagnoses (n = 32).

RESULTS:

Four hundred fifty-six tests were analyzed. At 5, 8, and 12 years motor performance was normal in 73.7, 74.8, and 40.5%, respectively (vs 85% expected based on reference values; P < .001 at all ages). In longitudinal analyses mean (95% confidence interval [CI]) z scores were –0.42 (–0.55 to –0.28), –0.25 (–0.40 to –0.10) and –1.00 (–1.26 to –0.75) at 5, 8, and 12 years, respectively. Mean score at 8 years was significantly higher than at 5 years (difference 0.16, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.30), and mean score at 12 years was significantly lower than at both other ages (differences –0.59 and –0.75; 95% CI –0.33 to –0.84 and –0.49 to –1.00, respectively). Children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia encountered problems at all ages. The presence of chronic lung disease was negatively related with outcome.

CONCLUSIONS:

Motor problems in neonatal ECMO survivors persist throughout childhood and become more obvious with time.
Successful Schools and Risky Behaviors Among Low-Income Adolescents
Authors: Wong Mitchell D. , Coller Karen M. , Dudovitz Rebecca N. , Kennedy David P. , Buddin Richard , Shapiro Martin F. , Kataoka Sheryl H. , Brown Arleen F. , Tseng Chi-Hong , Bergman Peter , Chung Paul J.
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVES:

We examined whether exposure to high-performing schools reduces the rates of risky health behaviors among low-income minority adolescents and whether this is due to better academic performance, peer influence, or other factors.

METHODS:

By using a natural experimental study design, we used the random admissions lottery into high-performing public charter high schools in low-income Los Angeles neighborhoods to determine whether exposure to successful school environments leads to fewer risky (eg, alcohol, tobacco, drug use, unprotected sex) and very risky health behaviors (eg, binge drinking, substance use at school, risky sex, gang participation). We surveyed 521 ninth- through twelfth-grade students who were offered admission through a random lottery (intervention group) and 409 students who were not offered admission (control group) about their health behaviors and obtained their state-standardized test scores.

RESULTS:

The intervention and control groups had similar demographic characteristics and eighth-grade test scores. Being offered admission to a high-performing school (intervention effect) led to improved math (P < .001) and English (P = .04) standard test scores, greater school retention (91% vs 76%; P < .001), and lower rates of engaging in ≥1 very risky behaviors (odds ratio = 0.73, P < .05) but no difference in risky behaviors, such as any recent use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. School retention and test scores explained 58.0% and 16.2% of the intervention effect on engagement in very risky behaviors, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS:

Increasing performance of public schools in low-income communities may be a powerful mechanism to decrease very risky health behaviors among low-income adolescents and to decrease health disparities across the life span.
Parental Smoking During Pregnancy and ADHD in Children: The Danish National Birth Cohort
Authors: Zhu Jin Liang , Olsen Jørn , Liew Zeyan , Li Jiong , Niclasen Janni , Obel Carsten
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND:

Prenatal maternal smoking has been associated with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, but the causal nature of this association is still under scrutiny. We examined the association with maternal smoking and nicotine replacement use during pregnancy, using association with paternal smoking as a marker of potential genetic or social confounding.

METHODS:

We included 84 803 singletons who participated in the Danish National Birth Cohort. Information on parental smoking was reported by the mothers during pregnancy. Children with ADHD were identified from the Danish Psychiatric Central Register, the Danish National Patient Register, and the Register of Medicinal Product Statistics by the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision diagnosis or medication. We also used hyperactivity/inattention score of the parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, included in the 7-year follow-up of the National Birth Cohort.

RESULTS:

Maternal and paternal smoking during pregnancy were associated with an elevated risk of ADHD defined by hospital diagnosis, medication, and hyperactivity/inattention score, but the association was stronger for maternal smoking than for paternal smoking. Compared with children born to nonsmoking mothers and smoking fathers, children born of smoking mothers and nonsmoking fathers had a higher risk of ADHD (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.03 to 1.53). We also saw a higher risk of ADHD in children of mothers who used nicotine replacement during pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our findings indicate that the association between prenatal maternal smoking and ADHD may overestimate a causal link, but nicotine exposure or related factors may still play a causal role.
Trends in Abdominal Obesity Among US Children and Adolescents
Authors: Xi Bo , Mi Jie , Zhao Min , Zhang Tao , Jia Cunxian , Li Jiajia , Zeng Tao , Steffen Lyn M.
Published: July 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Previous studies have shown that the prevalence of abdominal obesity among US children and adolescents increased significantly between 1988 to 1994 and 2003 to 2004. However, little is known about time trends in abdominal obesity since 2003 to 2004. This study was designed to provide updated national estimates of childhood abdominal obesity and examine the trends in childhood abdominal obesity from 2003 to 2012.

METHODS:

Data were from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), conducted during 5 time periods (2003–2004, 2005–2006, 2007–2008, 2009–2010, and 2011–2012). A total of 16 547 US children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years were included. Abdominal obesity is defined as a waist circumference (WC) greater than or equal to the gender- and age-specific 90th percentile based on data from NHANES III (1988–1994) or a waist/height ratio (WHtR) ≥0.5

RESULTS:

In 2011 to 2012, 18.87% of children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 years were abdominally obese as defined by WC; 33.29% of those aged 6 to 18 years were abdominally obese as defined by WHtR. Mean WC and WHtR and the prevalence of abdominal obesity remained stable between 2003 to 2004 and 2011 to 2012, independent of gender, age, and race or ethnicity. However, abdominal obesity decreased across survey years among non-Hispanic white children.

CONCLUSIONS:

The prevalence of abdominal obesity leveled off among US children and adolescents between 2003 to 2004 and 2011 to 2012.
Arsenic residues in soil at cattle dip tanks in the Vhembe district, Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Ramudzuli Marubini R. , Horn André C.
Published: July 2014

Arsenic-based compounds have been used for cattle dipping for about half a century to combat East Coast Fever in cattle in South Africa. The government introduced a compulsory dipping programme in communal areas to eradicate the disease in 1911. Concern has been raised regarding the ecological legacy of the use of arsenic-based compounds in these areas. We investigated the incidence of arsenic residue in soil at 10 dip sites in the Vhembe district of Limpopo Province, South Africa. We found high levels of arsenic contamination at a depth of 300 mm at some sites. Control samples indicated that these high arsenic levels are the result of the application of inorganic arsenic. Variation of arsenic concentrations is attributed to duration of exposure to the chemical, soil properties and distance from the dip tank. Concerns are raised regarding the structural condition of the dip tanks, encroaching villages and possible health threats to the human population in the area.
Evaluation of Tribenuron-Methyl on Sulfonylurea-Resistant Lettuce Germplasm
Authors: Samtani Jayesh B. , Rachuy John S. , Mou Beiquan , Fennimore Steven A.
Published: July 2014

A sulfonylurea (SU) herbicide resistance allele discovered in prickly lettuce was previously transferred to domestic lettuce with the cultivar name ‘ID-BR1’. ID-BR1 was acquired, and the SU resistance allele was transferred through traditional breeding methods to five common commercial lettuce types: butterhead, crisphead, green leaf, red leaf, and romaine. Field trials were conducted at Salinas, CA during 2011 and 2012 to evaluate POST applications of tribenuron-methyl (tribenuron) on SU-susceptible and SU-resistant lettuce types. Treatments included a nontreated control, pronamide applied PRE at 1,340 g ai ha−1, and tribenuron at 4, 9, and 17 g ai ha−1applied POST. Data collected were: weed control, crop injury estimates (0 = safe, 100 = dead), stand counts, and lettuce yields. Injury to lettuce from tribenuron was high in SU-susceptible lettuce types and low in SU-resistant accessions. With the exceptions of a romaine lettuce line that still may have some susceptible individuals, tribenuron did not reduce yield of SU-resistant lettuce, but did reduce the yield of SU-susceptible lettuce. Suppression of weeds such as common groundsel and annual sowthistle was higher with tribenuron than with pronamide. Tribenuron should be considered for registration as a lettuce herbicide for SU-resistant lettuce to improve current weed management options for that crop.
Control of Rattail Fescue (Vulpia myuros) in No-Till Winter Wheat
Authors: Lawrence Nevin C. , Burke Ian C.
Published: July 2014

Rattail fescue is a problematic weed for small grain producers in the Pacific Northwest when no-till production practices are used. Pyroxsulam and pyroxasulfone are two herbicides not previously evaluated for control of rattail fescue. Pyroxasulfone provided levels of control (> 74%) similar to flufenacet. Pyroxsulam did not consistently control (21 to 71%) rattail fescue. Rattail fescue biomass was reduced by pyroxasulfone and flufenacet compared to the nontreated control. Effective consistent rattail fescue control was only achieved where PRE herbicides were used. When managing rattail fescue, PRE herbicides pyroxasulfone and flufenacet plus metribuzin are essential components of an integrated management strategy.
Soybean (Glycine max) Tolerance to Timing Applications of Pyroxasulfone, Flumioxazin, and Pyroxasulfone + Flumioxazin
Authors: McNaughton Kristen E. , Shropshire Christy , Robinson Darren E. , Sikkema Peter H.
Published: July 2014

Four field studies were conducted over a 3-yr period (2011 to 2013) to determine the tolerance of four soybean cultivars to pyroxasulfone (89 and 178 g ai ha−1), flumioxazin (71 and 142 g ai ha−1), and pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin (160 and 320 g ai ha−1) applied either preplant incorporated (PPI), PRE, or at the soybean cotyledon stage (COT). When pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin was applied at 160 and 320 g ai ha−1, at the cotyledon stage soybean yield was decreased by 9 and 14%, respectively. The only other treatment that decreased soybean yield was pyroxasulfone (178 g ai ha−1) applied PPI; yield was decreased by 6% despite minimal injury and dry biomass reductions observed during the season. Soybean tolerance to pyroxasulfone or flumioxazin applied alone was generally similar and injury was less than with pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin. Similarly, herbicides applied PPI and PRE were less injurious to soybean than the COT timing. Results suggest that soybean is tolerant to PPI and PRE applications of pyroxasulfone + flumioxazin but COT applications should be avoided.
Field monitoring of a bridge using digital image correlation
Authors: Murray Chris , Hoag Adam , Hoult Neil A. , Take W. Andy
Published: July 2014

In order to provide quantitative data to supplement visual inspections and numerical modelling as part of the overall bridge assessment process, inexpensive sensor technologies that provide useful and accurate data are required. Digital image correlation (DIC) is a measurement technique that can be used to provide displacement, crack width and strain data from the same set of digital images. This paper outlines a field application using DIC to measure static displacements at varying load levels and dynamic displacements at varying vehicle speeds of a reinforced concrete bridge. The DIC displacement measurements provided by two different camera systems are shown to be in good agreement with the results from a conventional displacement transducer for both the static and the dynamic tests. The results of the static tests with varying load levels are then used to illustrate how the bridge response can be evaluated by examining the load deflection behaviour, which remained in the linear elastic range throughout the loading. The dynamic displacement data were then compared to the static response to determine what, if any, difference in response there was to dynamic loading and thus if the use of impact factors should be considered when assessing this bridge.
Shear strength of tyre chip–sand and tyre shred–sand mixtures
Authors: Balunaini Umashankar , Mohan Varenya Kumar D. , Prezzi Monica , Salgado Rodrigo
Published: July 2014

Mixtures of shredded tyres with sand have become accepted geo-materials in the past decade, especially for use as fill materials. Owing to the large size of tyre shreds commonly used in practice, large-scale direct shear testing equipment is specially fabricated to obtain the shear strength parameters of mixtures. The effect of tyre shred-to-sand mixing ratio on the mechanical response of the mixtures is studied by performing direct shear tests on mixtures prepared at different mixing ratios. Out of the four types of samples tested, three (with mixing ratios of 20/80, 25/75 and 35/65 by weight of tyre shreds to sand) are prepared using 50 to 100 mm long tyre shreds and one (25/75 by weight of tyre chips to sand) using tyre chips with nominal size of 9·5 mm. The end-of-test friction angle of all the tyre shred–sand mixtures considered in this research is in the 30–33° range. Results of direct shear testing from the present study and other studies in the literature show that the shear strength of tyre shred–sand mixtures is greater than that of tyre chip–sand mixtures because the elongated tyre shred pieces are able to provide greater reinforcement effects than are possible with equidimensional (cubical) tyre chips.
Foreign Body Embedded in the Schneiderian Membrane
Authors: Koticha Tapan N. , Chan Hsun‐Liang , Aljateeli Manar , Edwards Paul C. , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Foreign bodies have been reported in the maxillary sinus. It has been suggested that asymptomatic foreign bodies do not require removal. The effect of such retained foreign bodies on sinus‐elevation procedures is unknown.

Case Presentation: This case report documents the management of an asymptomatic foreign body embedded in the Schneiderian membrane. The foreign body was left in situ while elevating the membrane for a sinus‐augmentation procedure. A staged approach with delayed implant placement was used. Leaving the foreign body in situ did not seem to adversely affect the healing or clinical success of the augmentation procedure.

Conclusions: From this short‐term follow‐up case, a retained foreign body in the maxillary sinus consistent with periapical endodontic filling material could be left in place in conjunction with maxillary sinus grafting based on a lack of symptoms. Long‐term clinical success has yet to be confirmed.
Treatment of Diesel‐ and Kerosene‐Contaminated Water by B. subtilis SPB1 Biosurfactant‐Producing Strain
Authors: Mnif Ines , Ellouze‐Chaabouni Semia , Ayedi Younes , Ghribi Dhouha
Published: July 2014

This study investigated the efficiency of hydrocarbon utilization by B. subtilis SPB1, a biosurfactant‐producing strain. Microbial growth, biosurfactant production, and hydrocarbon biodegradation were studied in a liquid mineral medium, supplemented with 2% hydrocarbons in both the absence and in the presence of 0.1% yeast extract. Preliminary studies showed that maximum growth was registered with a 2% hydrocarbon solution. Results showed that the addition of yeast extract greatly stimulated microbial growth and thus induced biosurfactant production. Furthermore, biodegradation efficiencies were higher in the presence of yeast extract. Kerosene fuel was more recalcitrant to biodegradation than diesel oil. This study's findings suggest that the addition of an organic nitrogen source stimulates tension‐active agents' production, which emulsifies hydrophobic compounds and enhances their biodegradation and microbial growth.
Speciation of Iron in the Aquatic Environment
Authors: Rabajczyk Anna , Namieśnik Jacek
Published: July 2014

Iron is one of the basic metals occurring in the aquatic environment and it is considered a macroelement with regard to live organisms. This metal has a broad range of applications that, together with factors conditioning its chemical transitions, results in the occurrence of many iron species in water. Depending on water and land development type, as well as the use of water for household and industrial purposes, iron may be found in different forms, including solutions, colloids or suspensions, made up by both simple ions or particles and complex organic or inorganic compounds. Due to changing properties of the different iron forms and their varying influence, it is critical to gain information about its speciation. In this article we present information about iron species, including nano‐iron forms, in various aquatic environments (i.e., marshland, ocean waters) as well as the exemplary methods for separating iron from iron‐containing environmental samples.
Analysis of correlation and regression between particle ionizing radiation parameters and the stability characteristics of irradiated monocrystalline Si film
Authors: Jaksic Uros , Arsic Nebojsa , Fetahovic Irfan , Stankovic Koviljka
Published: July 2014

This paper deals with the analysis of correlation and regression between the
parameters of particle ionizing radiation and the stability characteristics
of the irradiated monocrystalline silicon film. Based on the presented
theoretical model of correlation and linear regression between two random
variables, numeric and real experiments were performed. In the numeric
experiment, a simulation of the effect of alpha radiation on a thin layer of
monocrystalline silicon was performed by observing a number of vacancies
along the film depth resulting from a single incident alpha particle. In the
real experiment, the irradiation of a thin silicon film by alpha particles
from a radioactive Am-241 alpha emitter was performed. The observed values of
radiation effect on the Si film were specific resistance and the
concentration of free charge carriers. The results showed a fine concordance
between numeric and real experiments. Correlation verification of the
observed values was presented by linear regression functions.
Cesium removal from aqueous solution by natural mineral clinoptilolite
Authors: Nenadovic Snezana , Kljajevic Ljiljana , Seslak Bojan , Obradovic Nina , Vukanac Ivana , Pavlovic Vladimir
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the Cs+ ions sorption on natural
minerals clinoptilolite. The analysis of clinoptilolite and clinoptilolite
with adsorbed Cs+ ion was con- ducted by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron
microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and gamma spectrometry. The specific activity
of naturally occurring radionuclides in clinoptilolite was determined by
gamma spectrometry by using the HPGe semiconductor detector. Obtained
activity concentrations ranged from 49 Bq/kg to 810 Bq/kg for 40K, 5.7 Bq/kg
to 10 Bq/kg for 238U, 5.8 Bq/kg to 70 Bq/kg for 232Th(228Ac), and the
presence of artificial radionuclides was not detected (137Cs < 0.02 Bq/kg).
The study of the thermal decomposition of raw clinoptilolite and Cs adsorbed
clinoptilolite by differential thermal analysis is presented in this paper.
The activation energy of the reaction phase transformation of raw
clinoptilolite is 156.7 kJ/mol, while Cs adsorbed clinoptilolite is 121.7
kJ/mol. The lower value of activation energy reaction of the phase
transformation Cs adsorbed clinoptilolite indicates that Cs which is adsorbed
destabilizes the crystal structure of clinoptilolite and thus facilitates the
transition to the amorphous state.
How Audit Reviewers Respond to an Audit Preparer's Affective Bias: The Ironic Rebound Effect
Authors: Frank Michele L. , Hoffman Vicky B.
Published: July 2014

Prior research suggests that audit seniors' judgments are sometimes biased by their affect toward (i.e., feeling of personally liking or disliking) client personnel. We examine how experienced audit reviewers respond when reviewing an audit preparer's judgment that appears to be biased by the preparer's affect toward a client's controller. In our experiment, reviewers are provided with a preparer's judgment that appears inconsistent with the audit workpapers. We then examine the effect of providing versus not providing reviewers with a cue about the preparer's positive or negative affect toward the controller. We find that despite reviewers' belief that affect biases a preparer's judgment, reviewers who are informed of the preparer's affect do not rely less on the preparer's judgment. Instead, they actually rely more on the preparer's judgment than do those who are not informed about the preparer's affect. This result is consistent with Wegner's (1994) ironic rebound effect, which predicts that sometimes when individuals are trying not to rely on information, they ironically rely on it more. Our findings suggest a potential limitation of the audit review process.
Institutional and Political Antecedents of Interjurisdictional Tax Harmonization: Lessons from Three States
Authors: Hageman Amy M. , Schmitt Donna Bobek
Published: July 2014

Within the United States, the current sales and use tax (SUT) system is riddled with complexity, in part because of the lack of coordination between jurisdictions. One vehicle of cooperative state action is the Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Agreement (SSUTA). This study employs an in-depth qualitative analysis of three states to examine the institutional and political influences on a state's decision to adopt legislation conforming to the provisions of this interjurisdictional tax agreement, and the political strategies and tactics used by supporting and opposing interest groups. Relying on interest group theory and institutional theory, case study results indicate that governmental interest groups, rather than businesses, play an important role in the adoption of inter-jurisdictional tax policy changes. The presence of strong institutional entrepreneurs and normative pressures to adopt are also critical. These findings have significant implications for jurisdictions that seek to adopt a consolidated tax base across member states, including the SSUTA, as well as potential harmonization attempts by the European Union.
A Topology Induced by Weak Structures Due to Császár and Ideals
Authors: Al-Omari Ahmad , Noiri Takashi , Al Ghour Samer
Published: July 2014

Abstract In this paper, we define and investigate weak local functions and *-weak structures parallel to local functions and *-topology, respectively. We construct a topology from a weak structure and an ideal under the assumption that the weak structure is closed under finite intersection. In the last section we define and investigate the notion of w-extermally disconnected.
Relationship of Social and Lifestyle Factors with Central Fat Distribution Expressed by the Aggregate Fat Distribution Index
Authors: Suder Agnieszka , Sokołowski Andrzej
Published: July 2014

Abdominal obesity is caused by several factors and the explanation of the level of its variability also depends on anthropometric indexes applied for its assessment. The aim was to determine the degree of explanation of the abdominal adiposity variation, presented by the aggregate fat distribution index (AFDI), through the socio-economic status and lifestyle. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted on a sample of 259 healthy working males aged 20–30 from the city of Cracow, Poland. A full model was created using a stepwise backward regression with the social and lifestyle data as independent variables and the AFDI as a dependent variable. The AFDI was created by unitarization applied to selected characteristics of fat distribution which were transformed into [0,1] interval (without measurement unit) and then added and averaged to form a composite index. The highest autonomous influence on AFDI is ascribed to age (b=0.2456 p=0.000), level of motor fitness (b=–0.2392 p=0.000), leisure time physical activity (b=–0.1353 p=0.000) and being born in a rural area (b=0.1300 p=0.000). The variables explain 17% (R2=0.1667) of the variation of the central fat distribution. Variation of the abdominal adiposity was explained with the use of AFDI at the level close to the commonly applied indexes.
Cultural Images as an Issue in the Process of Translation
Authors: Anoca Dagmar Maria
Published: July 2014

In this paper we present some issues that occur during the translation of literary works, especially from Slovak, but also from Slavic cultural sphere, into Romanian, as a result of differences regarding cultural images or linguistic issues. This will be followed by a more thorough systematization in the future. On the basis of Miko’s theory of style, we have analysed texts by Slovak writers such as Samo Chalupka, Ivan Štrpka and others, as translated into Romanian by professor Barborică and Ondrej Štefanko. We have highlighted the fact that in some cases the cultural images are within cultural tradition due to the grammatical gender of the word-the main groundwork for an image, analysing the instances in which they cause issues in translation, requiring the translator to resort to different solutions, including displacing the meaning either towards the iconic, or towards the operative, or finding an adequate substitution. Similar situations also occur in the case of a confrontation between two languages, two codes-the linguistic and the artistic, which involve a knowledgeable recipient, trained in the field of art and languages. The issue is also of interest in the context of comparatism.
The Representation of the Self-Concepts Within the Adventist Romani Community from Etéd
Authors: Lőrinczi Tünde
Published: July 2014

In this paper I will present the process of representing concepts of the self within the Adventist Romani community from Etéd (Atid, Romania). I especially draw attention to the religious and ethnic aspects of these self representations. My questions are closely related to the attitude of the Romani community towards their own tradition and culture, more specifically, to what motivated them to convert and how this fact affects their self-image and lifestyle. The starting point of this paper is the assumption that if a community that is stigmatized by society joins a religious group, then not only their religious identity changes but also their lifestyle. Through this process we can observe the changes to the old, stigmatized lifestyle that occurred through the process of conversion.

I consider the self-representations as collective representations because the members of the community (Adventists and non-Adventists alike) show the same positive shift of the Romani self-image. They regard themselves as religious Romanies. In my paper I analyze the main points of the collective representation which are close to a positive self-image. These are: 1. the changed moral figure 2. the altered image of the institiution of marriage 3. the Romani who can write and read 4. the rich Romani 5. the Romani who distances himself from other Romani communities 6. the Romani who shows a uniform image of his community.
New Hungarian Mythology Animated
Authors: Hubbes László Attila
Published: July 2014

Hungarian civil religion in general, and various ethno-pagan spiritualities in special are deeply unsatisfied with the canonical version(s) of ancient national history. Screening history is an act of powerful pictorial mythologization of historical discourses and also a visual expression of national characterology. In recent years two animated films were released, telling the ancient history of Hungarians, but the stories they tell are very different. Not long after Marcell Jankovics’s Song of the Miraculous Hind1 (Ének a csodaszarvasról, 2002), a long fantasy animation based on ethnographic and historical data, another similar long animation: Heaven’s Sons (Az Ég fiai, 2010) started to circulate on YouTube and other various online Hungarian video-sharing channels. It seems as if the latter, an amateur digital compilation by Tibor Molnár, would have been made in response to the first film, to correct its “errors”, by retelling the key narratives. Built mainly on two recent mythopoetic works: the Arvisura and the Yotengrit (both of them holy scriptures for some Hungarian Ethno-Pagan movements), Molnár’s animation is an excellent summary of a multi-faceted new Hungarian mythology, comprising many alternative historical theses. My paper aims to present two competing images of the Nation on the basis of several parallel scenes, plots and symbolic representations from the two animations. A close comparative investigation of these elements with the help of the Kapitány couple’s mythanalytic method will show the essential differences between the two national self-conceptions expressed through the imaginary
Approaching Literature with Linguistic Means: a Few Conclusions
Authors: Ajtony Zsuzsanna
Published: July 2014

This paper is a follow-up of my research carried out on the interface area of language and literature, summarizing the conclusions that can be drawn from the approach of literary works with linguistic means. In my research I have analysed the dramatic works of G. B. Shaw with the help of the latest results of interactional sociolinguistics. After a thorough examination of the Shavian characters’ verbal interaction focusing on the relevance of ethnic features (Britishness, for instance), this article discusses the legitimacy of linguistic methods in the interpretation of literary works.
Non compact boundaries of complex analytic
varieties in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Mongodi Samuele , Saracco Alberto
Published: July 2014

We treat the boundary problem for complex varieties with isolated singularities, of complex dimension
greater than or equal to 3, non necessarily compact, which are contained in strongly convex, open subsets
of a complex Hilbert space H.We deal with the problem by cutting with a family of complex hyperplanes
and applying the already known result for the compact case.
Syngas as a Reburning Fuel for Natural Gas Combustion
Authors: Wilk Małgorzata , Magdziarz Aneta , Zajemska Monika , Kuźnia Monika
Published: July 2014

The paper aims to confirm the syngas application as a reburning fuel to reduce e.g. NO emission during natural gas combustion. The main aim of this modelling work was to predict pollutants generated in the exhaust gases and to indicate the influence of the syngas on the natural gas combustion process. The effect of residence time of fuel-air mixture was also been performed. Calculations were made with CHEMIKN-PRO for reburning process using syngas. The boundary conditions of the reburning process were based on experimental investigations. The addition of 5, 10, 15 and 19% of reburning fuel into natural gas combustion was studied. The effects of 0.001 to 10 s of residence time and the addition of 5, 10, and 15% of syngas on combustion products were determined. The performed numerical tests confirmed that co-combustion of the natural gas with syngas (obtained from sewage sludge gasification) in the reburning process is an efficient method of NOx reduction by c.a. 50%. Syngas produced from sewage sludge can be utilised as a reburning fuel.
An Automatic Smoking Machine. 2nd Report: The Automatic Control of Butt Lengths and its Use as Control Device/Eine vollautomatische Rauchmaschine: II. Mitteilung: Automatische Kontrolle der Stummellänge und ihre Verwendung als Steuerprinzip
Authors: Elmenhorst H. , Hennig W.
Published: July 2014

A device for the automatic control of butt lengths which can be attached to the automatic smoking machine is described. The system controls the length of butts by measuring the infra-red radiation of the glowing zone of the burning cigarette and releases the automatic ejector of butts when the required length has been reached. The system is adjustable for any length of butts. It is shown that the precision of the smoking procedure of the fully automatic smoking machine is considerably improved by the described control system. Even with cigarettes of inhomogeneous quality and with difference in burning rates it should be possible to smoke these automatically and according to CORESTA standards, if this new device for the control of butt length is used.
Development and Experimental Study of Phantoms for Mapping Skin Chromophores
Authors: Silapetere A. , Spigulis J. , Saknite I.
Published: July 2014

Skin chromophore phantoms are widely used for better understanding of the light interaction with tissue and for calibration of skin diagnostic imaging techniques. In this work, different phantoms were examined and compared in order to find biologically equivalent substances that are the most promising for this purpose. For mimicking the skin medium and layered structure, a fibrin matrix with epidermal and dermal cell inclusion was used. Synthesized bilirubin, red blood cells and nigrosin were taken as absorbers. For spectral analysis of the developed phantoms a computer-aided multispectral imaging system Nuance 2.4 (Cambridge Research & Instrumentation, Inc., USA) was used. In this study, skin phantoms were created using such substances as bilirubin, melanin, haemoglobin and nigrosin
Trans-rectal thermo-acoustic computed tomography: An initial in silico study
Authors: Mukherjee Sovanlal , Bunting Charles , Piao Daqing
Published: July 2014

Background: The purpose of this in silico study is to demonstrate thermo-acoustic computed tomography (CT) based reconstruction of frequency-dependent true electrical conductivity distribution in a trans-rectal axialimaging geometry. Since cancerous tissue is expected to exhibit different conductivity profile compared to normal tissue, reconstructing conductivity based on thermoacoustic CT in a trans-rectal geometry has a potential for prostate cancer detection.

Methodology: A trans-rectal axial-imaging geometry is illuminated by an electromagnetic (EM) point source at a microwave frequency. The source is located on a transrectal EM applicator close to the rectal wall. The applicator also houses a convex-array of point acoustic receivers that capture the acoustic pressure generated within the geometry as a result of EM illumination. The finite element method (FEM) along with an absorbing boundary condition is applied for solving the electric field (E-field) distribution, the power loss density and the acoustic pressure. The Levenberg-Marquardt regularization scheme is applied to reconstruct the conductivity distribution by decoupling the E-field from the power loss density.

Results: For an excitation frequency of 915 MHz, various 2-D reconstructed images based on a 2:1 conductivity ratio between the background and object in a trans-rectal geometry of 40 mm radius are shown. Both single and double objects of 3 mm radius positioned at 4, 7, 10 and 15 mm depth with respect to the acoustic receiver are considered. The quality of the reconstructed image is shown to be object-depth dependent. The effect of different levels of Gaussian noise on the reconstructed images is shown. The contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) of the reconstructed images for the objects of different sizes and depths are also computed.

Conclusions: Feasibility of recovering heterogeneous conductivity distribution in a trans-rectal axial-imaging geometry by thermo-acoustic CT is demonstrated in silico. The results implicate an alternative imaging mechanism for prostate cancer detection.
Comparison of Different Internationally Accepted Reference Standards to Measure Childhood Adiposity Rates in Latvia
Authors: Kupča Sarmīte , Sīpols Alfrēds Jānis , Daugule Ilva , Rumba-Rozenfelde Ingrīda
Published: July 2014

Childhood adiposity is increasingly affecting developed and developing countries alike. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a good first approximation of body weight, but interpretation in specific patient populations may be inconsistent. The aim of this study was to compare adiposity rates using three internationally accepted weight reference standards – World Health Organisation (WHO), International Obesity Task Force (IOTF), and US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), plus a local national scale (LV), evaluating 465, 6-to-9-year old school children in Latvia. After obtaining height and weight, BMI was calculated, and the four scales were individually applied by gender and age. Highly significant differences between LV and CDC, LV and IOTF, LV and WHO were found in all age groups (P < 0.01), and between WHO and IOTF reference standards (P < 0.01) in 7- and 8-year olds. We conclude that reference standards should be used with great caution. Reference standards for local ethnic populations are needed to avoid disagreements between scales, as this can lead to incorrect choice of therapy; reliance on any single reference standard may not consider a patient's unique set of circumstances that have resulted in excess weight and information that is vital for a good clinical outcome.