bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NEW CONCEPT OF SOLVABILITY IN QUANTUM MECHANICS
Authors: Znojil Miloslav
Published: November 2013

In quite a few recent quantum models one is allowed to make a given Hamiltonian H self-adjoint only after an ad hoc generalization of Hermitian conjugation, H†→H‡:= Θ −1H†Θ wherethe suitable operator Θ is called Hilbert-space metric. In the generalized, hidden-Hermiticity scenario with nontrivial metric Θ≠ I the current concept of solvability (meaning, most often, the feasibility of a non-numerical diagonalization of H) requires a generalization (allowing for a non-numerical tractabilityof Θ). A few very elementary samples of "solvable" quantum models of this new type are presented.
Preoperative visualization of peripheral arteries with duplex ultrasonography in patients with diabetes mellitus and critical limb ischemia
Authors: Bondarenko Olga Nikolaevna , Ayubova N L , Galstyan Gagik Radikovich , Dedov Ivan Ivanovich
Published: November 2013

AIM: To determine whether duplex ultrasonography (DU) without verification with diagnostic angiography (DA) is a sufficient visual- ization technique for pre-operative examination of patients with CLI (critical limb ischemia) indication for percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTBA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 254 patients (290 limbs in total) with diabetes mellitus (DM) and CLI. All participants were subdivided into two groups: ?A? (PTBA with pre-operative DU+DA) and ?B? (PTBA with pre-operative DU). We evaluated data coherence between DU and DA (pre- or intraoperative) methods, as well as DU diagnostic specificity and sensitivity in determining degree and localization of vascular lesions. We also investigated specific clinical factors compromising DU diagnostic capabilities in patients with DM.

RESULTS: Our data suggests adequate coherence between DU and DA for pre-operative visualization. Group ?B? showed significantly higher diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for visualization of the lower third of superficial femoral artery and tibial arteries despite abdominal obesity, grossly evident calcification and peripheral edema.

CONCLUSION: Duplex ultrasound is efficient and precise enough to determine optimal management tactics in most patients with DMand CLI without resort to invasive methods.
Leptin secretion and severity of glycemic disorders in women with body weight excess
Authors: Dreval' Alexander Vasil'evich , Trigolosova Irina Vladimirovna , Misnikova Inna Vladimirovna
Published: November 2013

Aim. To characterize leptin secretion in fasting state and upon intravenous glucose administration in patients with type 2 diabetes mel- litus (T2DM), prediabetes and obesity. Materials and methods. 59 female patients took part in this study: 12 had no signs of glycemic disorder, 18 were diagnosed with prediabetes and 30 ? with newly diagnosed T2DM. Median age was 54 [48.6?60] years, median BMI ? 33.2 [29.0?37.2] kg/m2. All participants were tested for fasting leptin, fasting insulin and blood glucose levels. Prediabetic and diabetic subjects also received a bolus intravenous injection of 40% glucose solution (0.75 g/kg of body mass) with subsequent additional measurement of insulin levels at 2, 70 and 120 min upon injection, and leptin levels ? at 120 min. Results. Median fasting leptin in obese and patients with weight excess was 42.0 [22?60] ng/mL, which is about 2 times higher than normal reference maximum (27.6 ng/mL). Subjects with prediabetes and T2DM showed significantly lower median fasting leptin levels of 29.1 ng/mL [13.5?45.7] and 21.3 [14.3?42.2], respectively (p
Alterations in hemostasis associated with pregnancy in patients with glycemic disorders
Authors: Bondar' Irina Arkad'evna , Malysheva A S
Published: November 2013

In this review we present a comparative analysis of alterations in hemostasis and blood coagulation during normal pregnancy with those in pregnant women with glycemic disorders (diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2, gestational diabetes).
EDGE study in Russian Federation: efficacy and safety of vildagliptine in comparison with other oral antidiabetic agents in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Galstyan Gagik Radikovich
Published: November 2013

According to international consensus, metformin is acknowledged as a first-line therapeutic agent for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, in most cases this treatment eventually requires intensification by supplementation with other hypoglycemic medications. The aim of the EDGE study (Effective Diabetes control with vildaGliptin and vildagliptin/mEtformin) was to assess the efficacy and safety of vildagliptin in comparison with other oral agents in routine management of patients with T2DM that has been poorly controlled by metformin monotherapy.
Fünf Jahre LIS-Corner auf der Frankfurter Buchmesse
Authors: Lowisch Maximilian , Wilke Sebastian
Published: November 2013

Im Rahmen dieses Aufsatzes wird der seit 2008 auf der Frankfurter Buchmesse organisierte Gemeinschaftsstand LIS-Corner als Beispiel für ehrenamtliches Engagement von Studierenden aus der Bibliotheks- und Informationswissenschaft vorgestellt. Es werden im Folgenden die Entwicklung des Standes von 2006 bis 2013, Konzept und Ziele hinter LIS-Corner, Arbeitsweise, Akquise von Projektpartnern und abschließend Herausforderungen vorgestellt, welche sich der Initiative aktuell stellen.
U.S. Brewing Industry Profitability: A Simultaneous Determination of Structure, Conduct, and Performance
Authors: Bhuyan Sanjib , McCafferty Michael
Published: November 2013

The U.S. brewing industry plays an important role in the U.S. economy. Although the number of firms has increased in the industry, the industry overall has remained very concentrated, with a three-firm concentration ratio of 81% in 2000 (Stack 2000). Increasing concentration in the U.S brewing industry raises public policy concerns due to the potential impact of concentration on market performance and efficiency, for example, the recent decision by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to block the proposed merger between AB–InBev and Mexico’s Groupo Modelo. Employing an improved version of the structure-conduct-performance (SCP) approach, we examine the relationship between concentration and profitability in the U.S. brewing industry. Our results support the hypothesis that market concentration impacts market performance. We, however, did not address the issue of collusive conduct or market power explicitly.
Integrating Africa into the World Economy through International Economic Law: An Introduction
Authors: Gathii James Thuo , Broude Tomer , Boulle Laurence
Published: November 2013

This is an introduction to a special issue of the Law and Development Review comprising papers presented at the Second Conference of the African International Economic Law Network at the Mandela Institute of the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa in March, 2013.
Teaching Diversity to Preservice Teachers: Encouraging Self-Reflection and Awareness to Develop Successful Teaching Practices
Authors: Sanders Marla S. , Haselden Kathryn , Moss Randi M.
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this article is to promote discussion of how teacher education programs can better prepare teacher candidates to teach for social justice in ethnically and culturally diverse schools. The authors suggest that teacher education programs must develop teacher candidates’ capacity to teach for social justice through preparation programs that encourage critical reflection and awareness of one’s beliefs, perceptions, and professional practice. The authors ask the following questions: How can teacher educators provide structures in professional preparation programs that will produce reflective practitioners? How might we prepare teacher candidates who are constantly thinking about how they perceive their students and their families and how those perceptions affect the way they relate to students? Through a discussion of five case scenarios, the authors discuss prior research on preparing teachers for culturally diverse schools and offer suggestions for improving professional education programs.
Photonic lanterns
Authors: Leon-Saval Sergio G. , Argyros Alexander , Bland-Hawthorn Joss
Published: November 2013

Multimode optical fibers have been primarily (and almost solely) used as “light pipes” in short distance telecommunications and in remote and astronomical spectroscopy. The modal properties of the multimode waveguides are rarely exploited and mostly discussed in the context of guiding light. Until recently, most photonic applications in the applied sciences have arisen from developments in telecommunications. However, the photonic lantern is one of several devices that arose to solve problems in astrophotonics and space photonics. Interestingly, these devices are now being explored for use in telecommunications and are likely to find commercial use in the next few years, particularly in the development of compact spectrographs. Photonic lanterns allow for a low-loss transformation of a multimode waveguide into a discrete number of single-mode waveguides and vice versa, thus enabling the use of single-mode photonic technologies in multimode systems. In this review, we will discuss the theory and function of the photonic lantern, along with several different variants of the technology. We will also discuss some of its applications in more detail. Furthermore, we foreshadow future applications of this technology to the field of nanophotonics.
Phthalate exposure and reproductive hormone concentrations in pregnancy
Authors: Sathyanarayana Sheela , Barrett Emily , Butts Samantha , Wang Christina , Swan Shanna Helen
Published: November 2013

Some phthalate chemicals can affect hormone physiology in utero, resulting in adverse reproductive health outcomes in animal models. It is unknown whether these exposures are related to circulating maternal hormone concentrations during pregnancy. We used multivariate linear regression to estimate associations between phthalate metabolite concentrations and concurrent serum-free and total testosterone and estradiol (E2) levels in 180 pregnant women in the Study for Future Families. We also examined associations between prenatal serum hormone concentrations and anogenital outcome in infants. All analyses were adjusted for appropriate confounding variables. Total testosterone, free testosterone, and E2 concentrations ranged from 8 to 406 ng/dl, 0.03 to 1.2 ng/dl, and 529 to 40 600 pg/ml respectively. We observed an inverse association between log-sum di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) metabolite concentrations and lower log-total testosterone concentrations (−0.15, 95% CI −0.26, −0.04) and log-free testosterone (−0.15, 95% CI −0.27, −0.03). This relationship persisted regardless of fetal sex. Similarly, we observed an inverse association between log monobutyl phthalate (MBP) concentrations and log-total and -free testosterone concentrations in women carrying male fetuses. Monoethyl phthalate (MEP) concentrations were positively associated with log-total and -free testosterone concentrations in women carrying male fetuses (0.09, 95% CI 0.003, 0.17 and 0.10, 95% CI 0.01, 0.19 respectively). Prenatal hormone concentrations were not significantly associated with infant anogenital outcomes. Our preliminary data suggest that DEHP metabolite, MBP, and MEP exposures during pregnancy are associated with prenatal sex steroid hormone concentrations, but sex steroid hormone concentrations were not associated with infant reproductive outcomes.
Origin and Length Distribution of Unidirectional Prokaryotic Overlapping Genes
Authors: Fonseca Miguel M , Harris D James , Posada David
Published: November 2013

Prokaryotic unidirectional overlapping genes can be originated by disrupting and replacing of the start or stop codon of one protein-coding gene with another start or stop codon within the adjacent gene. However, the probability of disruption and replacement of a start or stop codon may differ significantly depending on the number and redundancy of the start and stop codons sets. Here, we performed a simulation study of the formation of unidirectional overlapping genes using a simple model of nucleotide change and contrasted it with empirical data. Our results suggest that overlaps originated by an elongation of the 3′-end of the upstream gene are significantly more frequent than those originated by an elongation of the 5′-end of the downstream gene. According to this, we propose a model for the creation of unidirectional overlaps that is based on the disruption probabilities of start codon and stop codon sets and on the different probabilities of phase 1 and phase 2 overlaps. Additionally, our results suggest that phase 2 overlaps are formed at higher rates than phase 1 overlaps, given the same evolutionary time. Finally, we propose that there is no need to invoke selection to explain the prevalence of long phase 1 unidirectional overlaps. Rather, the overrepresentation of long phase 1 relative to long phase 2 overlaps might occur because it is highly probable that phase 2 overlaps are retained as short overlaps by chance. Such a pattern is stronger if selection against very long overlaps is included in the model. Our model as a whole is able to explain to a large extent the empirical length distribution of unidirectional overlaps in prokaryotic genomes.
Genome-Wide Analysis of Tandem Repeats in Plants and Green Algae
Authors: Zhao Zhixin , Guo Cheng , Sutharzan Sreeskandarajan , Li Pei , Echt Craig S , Zhang Jie , Liang Chun
Published: November 2013

Tandem repeats (TRs) extensively exist in the genomes of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Based on the sequenced genomes and gene annotations of 31 plant and algal species in Phytozome version 8.0 (http://www.phytozome.net/), we examined TRs in a genome-wide scale, characterized their distributions and motif features, and explored their putative biological functions. Among the 31 species, no significant correlation was detected between the TR density and genome size. Interestingly, green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (42,059 bp/Mbp) and castor bean Ricinus communis (55,454 bp/Mbp) showed much higher TR densities than all other species (13,209 bp/Mbp on average). In the 29 land plants, including 22 dicots, 5 monocots, and 2 bryophytes, 5′-UTR and upstream intergenic 200-nt (UI200) regions had the first and second highest TR densities, whereas in the two green algae (C. reinhardtii and Volvox carteri) the first and second highest densities were found in intron and coding sequence (CDS) regions, respectively. In CDS regions, trinucleotide and hexanucleotide motifs were those most frequently represented in all species. In intron regions, especially in the two green algae, significantly more TRs were detected near the intron–exon junctions. Within intergenic regions in dicots and monocots, more TRs were found near both the 5′ and 3′ ends of genes. GO annotation in two green algae revealed that the genes with TRs in introns are significantly involved in transcriptional and translational processing. As the first systematic examination of TRs in plant and green algal genomes, our study showed that TRs displayed nonrandom distribution for both intragenic and intergenic regions, suggesting that they have potential roles in transcriptional or translational regulation in plants and green algae.
Design and Analysis of Bar-seq Experiments
Authors: Robinson David G , Chen Wei , Storey John D , Gresham David
Published: November 2013

High-throughput quantitative DNA sequencing enables the parallel phenotyping of pools of thousands of mutants. However, the appropriate analytical methods and experimental design that maximize the efficiency of these methods while maintaining statistical power are currently unknown. Here, we have used Bar-seq analysis of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast deletion library to systematically test the effect of experimental design parameters and sequence read depth on experimental results. We present computational methods that efficiently and accurately estimate effect sizes and their statistical significance by adapting existing methods for RNA-seq analysis. Using simulated variation of experimental designs, we found that biological replicates are critical for statistical analysis of Bar-seq data, whereas technical replicates are of less value. By subsampling sequence reads, we found that when using four-fold biological replication, 6 million reads per condition achieved 96% power to detect a two-fold change (or more) at a 5% false discovery rate. Our guidelines for experimental design and computational analysis enables the study of the yeast deletion collection in up to 30 different conditions in a single sequencing lane. These findings are relevant to a variety of pooled genetic screening methods that use high-throughput quantitative DNA sequencing, including Tn-seq.
Nanoscale anisotropic Orientation in Shape Memory Random POSS/Polycaprolactone Nanocomposites
Authors: Alvarado-Tenorio Bonifacio , Romo-Uribe Angel , Mather Patrick T.
Published: November 2013

Shape memory nanocomposites were produced following a simple one-step synthesis route initiated by a series of molar mixtures of POSS thiol nanocages and pentaerythritol tetrakis (3mercaptopropionate), and a diacrylate polycaprolactone (PCL) with Mn=3,000 g/mol. Simultaneous wide- and small- angle X ray scattering (WAXS/SAXS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments were carried out and results were correlated on microstructure. Molecular identification was performed by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR-ATR). Thermomechanical shape memory cycles revealed that the nanocomposites achieved excellent shape recovery (99%) and shape fixity (100%) parameters. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed that elastomeric modulus decrease in function of the POSS thiol molar concentration and this result is correlated with the decrease in average crosslink density (ν). WAXS studies revealed orthorhombic crystallites for PCL combined with an amorphous POSS phase when the molar concentration of POSS was low (2.5%, 5%, 10%). However, increasing the molar concentration of POSS thiol until 20%, a broad and weak reflection centered around 2θ =7.9° which corresponded to imperfect POSS crystals. At the nanoscale, SAXS analysis showed lamellar nanostructure formation for all POSS/polycaprolactone crosslinked networks. Strikingly, induced anisotropic orientation of polycaprolactone lamellar nanostructure was observed when the concentration of POSS increased to 10 and 20 mol%.
Corsican Brothers and the Legacy of its Tremulous “Ghost Melody”
Authors: Pisani Michael V.
Published: November 2013

Audiences for stage plays, like audiences for narrative film, rarely remember much about the music, only whether or not it was appropriate to the dramatic genre. The “Ghost Melody” represents one specific case of nineteenth-century music for melodramatic theatre that lingered in the minds of audiences long afterward. It appeared in the original French production of The Corsican Brothers (1850) and carried over into British and American stage productions. Always coupled with special scenic effects, it worked as a persuasive tool to help suspend disbelief. The melody with its setting represents a specific type of melodramatic music, one used for the supernatural appearance of a deceased loved one. Its effect resonates in the music of other stage plays and in music composed to films of a similar genre.
Theory and Practice in Erdmann/Becce/Brav’s Allgemeines Handbuch der Film-Musik (1927)
Authors: Comisso Irene
Published: November 2013

The Allgemeines Handbuch der Film-Musik (1927) undeniably constitutes an epoch-making landmark in film scoring. Besides representing a chronologically specific stage in the evolution of musical theory as applied to silent film, it displays a number of groundbreaking features, which set it largely apart from the coeval musical production both under theoretical and practical respects. Starting from an analysis of the illustrative table contained in the Handbuch, the present article aims at reconstructing the development of the theoretical foundations on the basis of which its authors elaborated a complete methodology, which could be applied to the creation of stylistically elaborated accompanying music.
Em diferentes escalas: a arquitetura do Hospital-Colônia Rovisco Pais sob o olhar do médico Fernando Bissaya Barreto
Authors: Xavier Sandra
Published: November 2013

Em 1938, o médico português Fernando Bissaya Barreto promoveu a construção de um 'internato de leprosos' no centro de Portugal, afastado dos grandes centros populacionais, mas de fácil acesso a todo o país. Inaugurado em 1947, o Hospital-Colônia Rovisco Pais segue o modelo de um hospital-asilo-colônia, sendo simetricamente segmentado por pavilhões iguais em número e características para os dois sexos. Seguindo uma lógica disciplinar e não de exclusão, o plano urbanístico, o desenho dos edifícios e o próprio mobiliário e decoração são configurados, sob a influência direta de Bissaya Barreto, como instrumentos de intervenção sobre o corpo físico e moral dos doentes de Hansen, mas também, e em outra escala, de controle e modificação da sociedade portuguesa no seu conjunto.
Revision and evaluation of the systematic affinity of the calcitarch genusPithonellabased on exquisitely preserved Turonian material from Tanzania
Authors: Wendler Jens E. , Wendler Ines , Huber Brian T.
Published: November 2013

Extraordinarily well-preserved pithonellid microfossils (calcitarchs, “calcispheres”) from the Turonian (upper Cretaceous) of Tanzania reveal previously unknown morphological traits, crystallographic patterns, and chemical signatures, providing new insight to this enigmatic group of microfossils. Using combined transmitted-reflected light microscopy, scanning electron microscope imagery, electron microprobe elemental analysis and stable isotope geochemistry, the present study reveals four new aspects of the genusPithonella, notably, the following. An affinity with cyst-forming organisms, potentially the dinoflagellates, is indicated by the presence of a hatch opening and corresponding operculum. The pristine outer wall architecture consists of thin, smooth shingle-shaped plates with regular rows of slit-shaped pores and an apical sub-angular or circular pore. This primary surface pattern is significantly different from previous descriptions of an outer wall consisting of “parquet-shaped” prismatic crystal rows; this latter surface pattern is formed by secondary overgrowth. The crystallographic pattern of the inner wall is crypto-crystalline. Unaltered pithonellids reveal a calcite chemistry characterized by comparably high Mg-contents, relatively enriched stable carbon isotope values, and stable oxygen values indicating a surface water habitat. Based on these previously unseen traits, the diagnosis of the genusPithonellais emended. A new species,Pithonella diconica, is described from the lower-middle Turonian sediments of Tanzania.
Managerial sustainability assessment tool for Iran's buildings
Authors: Namini Saeed Banihashemi , Shakouri Mahmoud , Tahmasebi Mohammad Mahdi , Preece Christopher
Published: November 2013

The fragmented nature of the construction industry, lack of supervision on the operational status of buildings after completion and complexity of scoring systems of some sustainability assessment tools are among the reasons that make the implementation of such tools in developing countries difficult. The aim of this paper is to introduce a new criteria-based sustainability assessment tool for residential buildings in Iran by considering the project management body of knowledge as a reference for developing categories and a guideline to define a framework for evaluating different phases of construction. The analytic hierarchy process is employed as a method of prioritisation of the sustainability criteria studied. All the criteria are categorised into five groups: resource management, quality management, environmental impacts management, zone management and risk management, in which they are assessed in the three phases of design, construction and operation. The unique features of the tool that distinguish this tool from others are: assigning the project manager as the sole authority to implement, monitor and control the sustainable assessment tool; simplicity of assessment method; cyclic evaluation of project after completion; incorporating a managerial approach towards solving the environmental problems; and phasic appraisal of construction works.
Investigation of the Impact of Fracture Spacing and Fluid Properties for Interfering Simultaneously or Sequentially Generated Hydraulic Fractures
Authors: Wu Kan , Olson Jon E.
Published: November 2013

Using a fully coupled (flow and mechanics) hydraulic-fracture propagation model, we investigate the critical in-situ and treatment factors controlling geometry in multiple-fracture horizontal wells. Fracture net pressure is calculated by considering continuity of flow rate and pressure equilibrium in the fracture and the wellbore between injection points. A 2D displacement-discontinuity method, with correction for finite fracture height, was used to calculate fracture aperture, accounting for mechanical interaction between multiple propagating fractures.

Stress-shadow effects change the local stress field in the surrounding rock, influencing fracture geometry. A sensitivity study for simultaneous propagation was performed, including fracture spacing, velocity exponent, in-situ differential stress, fluid viscosity, and pump rate. The results show that closely spaced hydraulic fractures can cause significant fracture-width restriction, increasing the likelihood of premature screenout. Exterior fractures have greater lengths than interior fractures, and the length difference is more significant for poor injection control. At a low in-situ differential stress, multiple fractures tend to extend away from one another to reduce the negative mechanical interaction; however, increasing the stress difference can make fractures propagate along a straight line. Compared with gel hydraulic-fracturing treatments, slickwater treatments generate narrower and much longer fractures with lower net pressure. In the case of simultaneously generating multiple fractures, these slickwater fractures cause less mechanical interference with each other. Increasing pump rate enlarges fracture width slightly and reduces the length. Finally, simultaneous and sequential injection methods were examined showing that these two methods create slightly distinct fracture trajectories.
The Role of Microorganisms in a Full‐Scale Sequencing Batch Reactor Under Low Aeration and Different Cycle Times
Authors: Fernandes Heloísa , Hoffmann Heike , Antonio Regina V. , Costa Rejane H. R.
Published: November 2013

This study describes the role of microorganisms in a full‐scale step‐feed sequencing batch reactor (SBR) system for urban wastewater treatment. Chemical profiles for three different cycle times were measured under low aeration conditions with a high carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio. The applied organic load was above 1.0 g chemical oxygen demand (COD)/L·d. The removal efficiencies were higher than 81%, 93%, and 76% for soluble COD, N‐, and total Kjeldahl nitrogen, respectively. The ratio of volatile suspended solids (VSS) to total suspended solids was 78%, and the food‐to‐microorganism ratio was an average of 1.41 g COD/g VSS·d. The active biomass was comprised of 87.8% heterotrophic and 12.2% autotrophic organisms. Nitrifying organisms were found with a low amount of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (5%) and a much higher amount of nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria. Polyphosphate‐accumulating organisms (PAOs) were found at high amounts (25%) compared to glycogen‐accumulating organisms, even in a system with a high carbon to phosphorus ratio. The activity of denitrifying PAOs was 72%.
Canine Scent Detection and Microbial Source Tracking of Human Waste Contamination in Storm Drains
Authors: Van De Werfhorst Laurie C. , Murray Jill L.S. , Reynolds Scott , Reynolds Karen , Holden Patricia A.
Published: November 2013

Human fecal contamination of surface waters and drains is difficult to diagnose. DNA‐based and chemical analyses of water samples can be used to specifically quantify human waste contamination, but their expense precludes routine use. We evaluated canine scent tracking, using two dogs trained to respond to the scent of municipal wastewater, as a field approach for surveying human fecal contamination. Fecal indicator bacteria, as well as DNA‐based and chemical markers of human waste, were analyzed in waters sampled from canine scent‐evaluated sites (urban storm drains and creeks). In the field, the dogs responded positively (70% and 100%) at sites for which sampled waters were then confirmed as contaminated with human waste. When both dogs indicated a negative response, human waste markers were absent. Overall, canine scent tracking appears useful for prioritizing sampling sites for which DNA‐based and similarly expensive assays can confirm and quantify human waste contamination.
Online Instrument Delivery and Participant Recruitment Services: Emerging Opportunities for Behavioral Accounting Research
Authors: Brandon Duane M. , Long James H. , Loraas Tina M. , Mueller-Phillips Jennifer , Vansant Brian
Published: November 2013

Behavioral accounting researchers have historically been constrained in their ability to reach externally valid research participants. The purpose of this paper is to familiarize researchers with two relatively new and innovative ways to overcome this issue. First, this paper discusses two online instrument delivery services provided by SurveyMonkey and Qualtrics that can be used to distribute experimental materials to geographically distributed participants quickly and inexpensively. Second, it reviews a number of participant recruitment services that behavioral accounting researchers can use to identify and recruit externally valid research participants. Specifically, this paper discusses commercial participant recruitment services provided by SurveyMonkey Audience, Qualtrics, Amazon's Mechanical Turk, and other commercial firms, as well as several non-commercial participant recruitment services associated with industry and professional organizations. Each service is evaluated against three criteria that are important to behavioral accounting researchers: (1) cost, (2) flexibility, and (3) access to populations of interest.
Recurrent Subthreshold Depression in Type 2 Diabetes: An Important Risk Factor for Poor Health Outcomes
Authors: Schmitz Norbert , Gariépy Geneviève , Smith Kimberley J. , Clyde Matthew , Malla Ashok , Boyer Richard , Strychar Irene , Lesage Alain , Wang JianLi
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between recurrent subthreshold depressive episodes and functioning in a prospective community sample of people with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A prospective community study in Quebec, Canada, was carried out between 2008 and 2013 (n = 1,064). Five yearly follow-up assessments (telephone interviews) were conducted. Baseline and the first three follow-up assessments were used to identify recurrent subthreshold depressive episodes (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ]-9). Functioning (World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule II [WHODAS-II]) and health-related quality of life (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] unhealthy days) at 4- and 5-year follow-up assessments were the outcome measures.

RESULTS

Nearly half of the participants suffered from at least one episode of subthreshold depressive symptoms. After adjusting for potentially confounding factors, the risk of poor functioning/impaired health–related quality of life was nearly three times higher (relative risk = 2.86) for participants with four subthreshold depressive episodes compared with participants with no/minimal depression. Results suggest a dose-response relationship: the risk of poor functioning/impaired health–related quality of life increased with the number of recurrent subthreshold depressive episodes even after controlling for potentially confounding variables (significant linear trend, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Recurrent subthreshold depressive symptoms might be an important risk factor for poor health outcomes in type 2 diabetes. Early identification, monitoring, and treatment of recurrent subthreshold depressive symptoms might improve functioning and quality of life in people with type 2 diabetes.
Avrupa’da birinci basamağın gücünü ölçmenin ve artırmanın önemi: Uluslararas› karşılaştırmalı bir çalışmanın sonuçları.
Authors: Kringos Donne Sofia
Published: November 2013

Güçlü bir birinci basamak (BB), bir ülkenin tüm gereksinimlere yanıt veren, yüksek nitelikli ve maliyet etkili bir sağlık sistemine ulaşma kapasitesine katkıda bulunacaktır. Şu anda var olan ve BB sağlık hizmetlerini önceleyen politikalara temel oluşturan kanıtlar, dar coğrafyalarda yapılmış, sınırlı ölçütlerin kullanıldığı ve görece eski verilere dayanan çalışmalardan gelmektedir. Hollanda’da Sağlık Sistemleri Araştırmacısı olan Dionne Sofia Kringos’un yakın zamanda yayınlanmış doktora tezi, Avrupa’da BB'yi (ve onun gücünü) oluşturan bileşenleri ve bunların sağlık sistemi çıktıları üzerindeki etkisini incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Bu makalede farklı yerlerde yayınlanmış söz konusu çalışmanın sonuçları özetlenmektedir. Birinci basamağın yapısal gücü, bu yapının üç boyutu ile ölçülmüştür: Yönetim, BB işgücünün gelişmişliği ve ekonomik koşullar. Birinci basamak sağlık hizmetleri sunumu sürecinin gücü ise dört boyutta değerlendirilmiştir: Erişilebilirlik, süreklilik, eşgüdüm ve kapsamlılık. Bu boyutlar, 31 Avrupa ülkesinden toplanan verilerde toplamda 77 gösterge kullanılarak de- ğerlendirilmiştir. Sonuçlar Avrupa ülkelerinin birinci basamağın gücü açısından farklılıklar gösterdiğini ortaya koymakta ve ulusal veya uluslararası politika yapıcıların birinci basamağa yükledikleri sorumluluk ve örneğin gelecekteki işgücü açığının çözümü için birinci basamakta gereksinim duyulan yatırım bakımından ayrışmalara işaret etmektedir. Ülkeler, tüm önemli yapısal boyutlar açısından tutarlı bir şekilde BB odaklıdırlar ve daha iyi bir performans yönetimi sağlayabilmek için BB bilgi altyapılarını geliştirmelidirler. Bu çalışma, güçlü bir birinci basamağın toplum sağlığı üzerindeki olumlu etkisini, eşitsizliklerin azaltılmasında ve gereksiz hastane yatışlarının önlenmesindeki katkısını göstermektedir.
Cardiac death by rupture of the right ventricular wall and hemopericardium
Authors: Massoni Francesco , Ricci Serafino
Published: November 2013

Right Ventricular (RV) rupture is a rare and dangerous complication of acute myocardial infarction. There are limited reports on RV free wall rupture. In this paper we describe the outcome of an autopsy case of cardiac death by rupture of the free wall of the right ventricle in a 51-year-old man with coronary artery disease and hypertrophic-sclerotic cardiomyopathy.
Energy Efficiency Increase in a Chemical Production Site
Authors: Keller Urs , Jucker Walter
Published: November 2013

Sustainability has become a key factor for the chemical industry. One element of sustainability is energy efficiency in manufacturing processes. This article illustrates the strategic energy initiatives of a leading global operating company and the implementation of its elements into
practice. Some successful energy-saving projects are highlighted.
Technical Guidelines for Installation of Rainwater Harvesting System and its Operation
Authors: Shakya Binod , Thanju Jeewan P.
Published: November 2013

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems have been in use since ancient times, and these days its use is increasing. However, due to improper planning and design, problems are seen and the collected water is polluted. The major reason for water contamination is attributed to the toxic materials used for the rain harvesting system, faulty operation, improper rain filtration system and improper disinfection methods. The reason for diseases arising from drinking rainwater is the consumption of contaminated rainwater. Clean raindrops comprising rainwater will become contaminated as they pass through the atmosphere, flow over the roof surface, flow along the gutter, and upon collection and storage. This paper focuses on the technical guidelines for the installation of RWH components, its operation and maintenance, and rainwater quality improvement for household use. Hydro Nepal: Journal of Water, Energy and Environment Vol. 12, 2013, January Page: 45-51DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hn.v12i0.9032 Uploaded Date : 10/29/2013
Ingot metallurgy and microstructural characterization of Ti–Ta alloys
Authors: Zhang Jian , Rynko Ramona , Frenzel Jan , Somsen Christoph , Eggeler Gunther
Published: November 2013

In the present work we perform a detailed investigation of ingot metallurgy processing routes of Ti-30Ta, a shape memory alloy with a good potential for applications at higher temperatures. There is currently considerable interest in high temperature shape memory alloys, both in industry (automotive and aerospace applications) and in academia. By means of scanning electron microscopy, we provide recommendations on the number of remelting cycles in the vacuum arc melting process, and on annealing temperatures/times in order to obtain chemical homogeneity. It is also shown that this is required to obtain well defined differential scanning calorimeter charts, which facilitates characterization and investigations of martensitic transformation in this alloy. Areas in need of further work are identified.
Study of Emissions Benefits of Commercial Vehicle Lane Management Strategies
Authors: Bigazzi Alexander Y. , Figliozzi Miguel A.
Published: November 2013

Traffic congestion mitigation has been proposed as a strategy to help attain air quality goals. A better understanding of the full effects of congestion on heavy-duty (HD) vehicles is needed because HD vehicles contribute a large share of on-road emissions and are more sensitive to speed than light-duty vehicles. This research shows that the estimated emissions effects of congestion mitigation vary greatly by pollutant and are sensitive to the assumed travel demand elasticity, initial congestion level, and lane management strategy. Analysis of four managed lane scenarios shows that vehicle class–segregated facilities tend to outperform general purpose lane strategies in emissions reductions. Although potentially controversial, from an emissions perspective, conversion of a general purpose lane to a truck-only lane may produce more emissions benefits than adding either a truck-only lane or a general purpose lane. Furthermore, the expected emissions benefits from truck-only lane conversion are robust to uncertainty in travel demand elasticity. This research demonstrates the emissions trade-offs inherent in congestion management between emissions rates and travel volumes by vehicle class and presents a concise methodological framework that can be readily applied in other contexts for sketch-level analysis of emissions effects from vehicle class–targeted congestion management.
Efficacy of Different Laboratory Tests to Diagnose Helicobacter pylori Infection
Authors: Islam MM Shahin Ul , Nahar Shamsun , Sarker Mst Naznin , Salimullah ASM , Rahman Mohammad Asadur , Ahmed Dewan Saifuddin , Hasan Mohammad Quamrul , Raihan ASMA , Bhuiyan Mujibur Rahman , Sarker Shafiqul Alam , Jalal Mohammed Tanvir
Published: November 2013

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram negative bacteria which causes chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, primary B-cell gastric lymphoma, and adenocarcinoma of the stomach. There are a set of laboratory tests to diagnose H. pylori infection with a variable accuracy, they are divided into non-invasive tests and invasive tests. Non-invasive tests include serology, urea breath test (UBT) and stool antigen test (SAT). Invasive tests include rapid urease test (RUT), histology and culture. This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Gastroenterology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and H. pylori laboratory of International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh (ICDDR,B) from July 2008 to September 2009 to evaluate the efficacy of RUT, SAT and Culture as a diagnostic tool for H. pylori. Dyspeptic patients were collected from outpatient department of BSMMU. Out of 224 dyspeptic patients 149 patients had ulcers or erosions in the stomach or duodenum. Stool sample could be collected from 139 patients. RUT has sensitivity of 100%, specificity 80.28%, positive predictive value 85% and negative predictive value 100%. Regarding culture, sensitivity is 100%, specificity 94.37%, positive predictive value 95% and negative predictive value 100%. Stool antigen test has sensitivity 95.94%, specificity 92.31%,positive predictive value 93% and negative predictive value 95%. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/fmcj.v8i1.16890 Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2013;8(1): 11-14
Advanced Abdominal Pregnancy with a Full-Term Live Fetus: Case Report
Authors: Mahbuba M , Fatema Kaneez , Saha Ratan Kumar
Published: November 2013

Advanced abdominal pregnancy (AAP) with a viable full-term fetus is a rarity that a few obstetricians encounter during their professional carrier. Usually it has a dramatic and catastrophic consequence both for the fetus & the mother; rather subsequent delivery of a viable full term fetus is exceptional. It is difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Though relatively rare, we received an AAP at term with live fetus in Faridpur Medical College & hospital. Illiteracy, poverty and lack of antenatal care had resulted in her late presentation. After laparotomy the diagnosis was confirmed, a healthy male baby was delivered. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/fmcj.v8i1.16898 Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2013;8(1): 40-43
Effect of Sulphur and GA3 on the Growth and Yield of Onion
Authors: Rashid MHA
Published: November 2013

An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of the Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh to evaluate the effects of sulphur and GA3 on the growth and yield performance of onion cv. BARI Peaj-1. The experiment included four levels of sulphur viz., 0 (control), 15, 30 and 45 kg/ha and four concentrations of GA3 viz., 0 (control), 50, 75, 100 ppm. The experimental findings revealed that sulphur and GA3 had significant influence on plant height, number of leaves per plant, bulb diameter and length, individual bulb weight, splitted and rotten bulb, bulb dry matter content and bulb yield. The highest bulb yield (13.85 t/ha) was recorded from 30 kg S/ha, while the lowest bulb yield (11.20 t/ha) was obtained from control. Most of the parameters showed increasing trend with the higher concentration of GA3. Application of GA3 @ 100 ppm gave the maximum bulb yield (15.23 t/ha), while the minimum value (10.10 t/ha) was observed from control. Almost all the parameters were significantly influenced by combined treatments of sulphur and GA3 except bulb length of onion. The maximum bulb dry matter content (13.50%) and bulb yield (17.10 t/ha) were produced from the application of sulphur @ 30 kg/ha with 100ppm GA3, while the minimum bulb dry matter content (9.23%) and bulb yield (9.33 t/ha) were recorded from control treatment of sulphur with GA3.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16749 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 57 - 63, 2010
Impact of Cold Ischemia on Mitochondrial Function in Porcine Hearts and Blood Vessels
Authors: Wiedemann Dominik , Schachner Thomas , Bonaros Nikolaos , Dorn Melissa , Andreas Martin , Kocher Alfred , Kuznetsov Andrey
Published: November 2013

The effects of cold storage using Custodiol® (Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate, HTK) or isotonic saline solution on mitochondrial function in hearts (left and rights ventricles) and various blood vessels of pigs were investigated. Hearts, saphenous veins, internal-mammary-arteries and aortas of male landrace pigs were harvested and exposed to cold ischemia in either saline or Custodiol-HTK solution. Mitochondrial function was measured in situ in permeabilized fibers by high-resolution respirometry. Mitochondrial respiratory capacities (maximal respiration rates) were similar in the right and left ventricle in controls and after 14 h of cold storage were significantly better preserved in Custodiol-HTK than in saline solution. Mitochondrial respiration rates in various blood vessels including aorta, arteries and veins were less than 5% of myocardium rates. In contrast to the pig heart, in some blood vessels, like veins, mitochondrial function remained stable even after 24 h of cold ischemia. HTK-Custodiol protection of mitochondrial function after prolonged cold ischemia was observed in the myocardium but not in blood vessels. HTK-Custodiol solution thus offers significant protection of myocardial mitochondria against cold ischemic injury and can be used as efficient preservation solution in organ transplantation but probably has no benefit for blood vessels preservation. Analysis of mitochondrial function can be used as a valuable approach for the assessment of cold ischemic injury in various tissues including pig heart and various blood vessels.
Isolation, Expression, and Characterization of a Hydroperoxide Lyase Gene from Cucumber
Authors: Wan Xu-Hua , Chen Shu-Xia , Wang Cong-Ying , Zhang Ran-Ran , Cheng Si-Qiong , Meng Huan-Wen , Shen Xiao-Qing
Published: November 2013

A full-length cDNA coding for hydroperoxide lyase (CsHPL) was isolated from cucumber fruits of No. 26 (Southern China type) and No.14-1 (Northern China type), which differed significantly in fruit flavor. The deduced amino acid sequences of CsHPL from both lines show the same and significant similarity to known plant HPLs and contain typical conserved domains of HPLs. The recombinant CsHPL was confirmed to have 9/13-HPL enzymatic activity. Gene expression levels of CsHPL were measured in different organs, especially in fruits of different development stages of both lines. The HPL activities of fruit were identified basing on the catalytic action of crude enzyme extracts incubating with 13-HPOD (13-hydroperoxy-(9Z,12E)-octadecadienoic acid) and 13-HPOD + 9-HPOD (9-hydroperoxy-(10E,12Z)-octadecadienoic acid), and volatile reaction products were analyzed by GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). CsHPL gene expression in No. 26 fruit occurred earlier than that of total HPL enzyme activity and 13-HPL enzyme activity, and that in No. 14-1 fruit was consistent with total HPL enzyme activity and 9-HPL enzyme activity. 13-HPL enzyme activities decreased significantly and the 9-HPL enzyme activities increased significantly with fruit ripening in both lines, which accounted for the higher content of C6 aldehydes at 0–6 day post-anthesis (dpa) and higher content of C9 aldehydes at 9–12 dpa.
Metformin: On Ongoing Journey across Diabetes, Cancer Therapy and Prevention
Authors: Pulito Claudio , Sanli Toran , Rana Punam , Muti Paola , Blandino Giovanni , Strano Sabrina
Published: November 2013

Cancer metabolism is the focus of intense research, which witnesses its key role in human tumors. Diabetic patients treated with metformin exhibit a reduced incidence of cancer and cancer-related mortality. This highlights the possibility that the tackling of metabolic alterations might also hold promising value for treating cancer patients. Here, we review the emerging role of metformin as a paradigmatic example of an old drug used worldwide to treat patients with type II diabetes which to date is gaining strong in vitro and in vivo anticancer activities to be included in clinical trials. Metformin is also becoming the focus of intense basic and clinical research on chemoprevention, thus suggesting that metabolic alteration is an early lesion along cancer transformation. Metabolic reprogramming might be a very efficient prevention strategy with a profound impact on public health worldwide.