bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bauzeitverzögerungen im Stahlbau
Authors: Pietschmann Peter 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTreten Bauverzögerungen ein, sind die Durchsetzung berechtigter Ansprüche und die Abwehr unberechtigter Forderungen wesentliche Ziele des Vertragsmanagements. Bauzeitenclaims bilden hierbei die sachliche Grundlage für die Durchsetzung von Bauzeitverlängerungs‐ und Kostenausgleichsforderungen im Rahmen von Verhandlungen zwischen den Vertragspartnern. Für eine prozessuale Auseinandersetzung werden solche Claims gutachterlich aufbereitet und sind als substantiierter Parteienvortrag von den Gerichten zu werten. Die Rechtsprechung stellt erhebliche Anforderungen an die Darlegung von Bauzeitverlängerungsansprüchen. Den verlangten Ausgleichskosten für Werk‐ und Montageplanung, Fertigung, Materialbeschaffung, Montage u. a. liegen bestimmte Zeitansätze zugrunde. Gerade im Stahlbau mit einem hohen Leistungsanteil außerhalb der Baustelle fehlen dem Auftraggeber häufig nachvollziehbare Angaben zur Prüfung solcher Forderungen. Zur Herbeiführung zeitnaher Vertragsmodifikationen – neue Ausführungsfristen, zusätzliche Vergütung – während der Ausführung ist dem Unternehmer die frühzeitige Offenlegung “belastbarer“ Angaben zur Preisermittlung bei Angebotsabgabe und der hierbei zugrunde gelegten Zeitfaktoren zu empfehlen. Die zeitnahe Analyse des Bauablaufs ist für ein wirkungsvolles Vertragsmanagement von zentraler Bedeutung. Durch frühzeitiges Erkennen von Störungssachverhalten lässt sich deren wirtschaftlicher Schaden begrenzen.Delays in the steel construction works – Claims presentation requirements. Timely analysis of the construction process is crucial to effective contract management. Early recognition of events hindering the works allows for a limitation of economic loss. In case of delays, central objectives of contract management comprise the assertion of justified claims and the dismissal of unjustified claims. At that, claims for extension of time are the factual basis for negotiations between the parties to the contract. In the context of litigation, a survey substantiating the claims is presented to the court for assessment. Comprehensive evidence is required in accordance with applicable construction law. Compensation payments claimed for workshop and assembly planning, pre‐fabrication of steel components, material procurement, assembly, etc. are based on specific time factors. With particular regard to steel construction where a high share of works is performed off‐site, employers often lack comprehensible information on pricing to evaluate such demands. To reach an agreement, it´s recommendable to provide substantiated pricing details in good time. Notification after delays have occurred often results in mistrust between the parties.
Cloning and expression of a novel prolyl endopeptidase from Aspergillus oryzae and its application in beer stabilization
Authors: Kang Chao , Yu Xiao-Wei , Xu Yan 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
A novel prolyl endopeptidase gene from Aspergillus oryzae was cloned and expressed in Pichia pastoris. Amino acid sequence analysis of the prolyl endopeptidase from Aspergillus oryzae (AO-PEP) showed that this enzyme belongs to a class serine peptide S28 family. Expression, purification and characterization of AO-PEP were analyzed. The optimum pH and temperature were pH 5.0 and 40 °C, respectively. The enzyme was activated and stabilized by metal ion Ca2+ and inhibited by Zn2+, Mn2+, Al3+, and Cu2+. The K m and k cat values of the purified enzyme for different substrates were evaluated. The results implied that the recombinant AO-PEP possessed higher affinity for the larger substrate. A fed-batch strategy was developed for the high-cell-density fermentation and the enzyme activity reached 1,130 U/l after cultivation in 7 l fermentor. After addition of AO-PEP during the fermentation phase of beer brewing, demonstrated the potential application of AO-PEP in the non-biological stability of beer, which favor further industrial development of this new enzyme in beer stabilization, due to its reducing operational costs, as well as no beer losses unlike regeneration process and beer lost with regenerated polyvinylpolypyrrolidone system.
Adaptive components of tolerance to salinity in a saline desert grass Lasiurus scindicus Henrard
Authors: Naz Nargis , Batool Riffat , Fatima Sana , Hameed Mansoor , Ashraf Muhammad , Ahmad Farooq , Ahmad Muhammad Sajid Aqeel 
Published: December 2014

AbstractFive differently adapted natural populations of the native salt desert grass Lasiurus scindicus Henrard from Lesser Cholistan Desert (Pakistan) in South Punjab of east central Pakistan, were evaluated to examine their mechanism of adaptation to saline stress based on some key morpho–anatomical and physiological characteristics. Five ecotypes were collected from one saline site, two moderately saline sites, and two highly saline sites. Anatomical adaptations in each ecotype critically supported the physiological, but the adaptations were of specific nature depending on the type of each site's normal habitat conditions. Higher salinities resulted in increased Na+, Cl−, Mg2+, Ca2+ and K+ content in root and shoot. At root level, some specific structural modifications like increased sclerification in cortical and pith regions, endodermal thickness, and number and size of xylem vessels are vital for water conservation under osmotic stress. Several characteristics were promising for increasing the plants ability to deal with osmotic stress, including at the stem level, increased sclerification, stem area, cortical region thickness and vascular bundle area, and at the leaf level, significant structural modifications such as leaf thickness, epidermal thickness, sclerenchymatous area, cortical area, metaxylem area and bulliform cell area were promising. All these may contribute towards water conservation, which ultimately account for ecotype survival under saline–induced physiological droughts.
Distal Ulna Leiomyosarcoma Treated with Custom Polymethylmethacrylate Prosthesis with a 4-Year Follow-up
Authors: Pacheco-Nuñez Jose Arturo , Sheppard Joseph E. , Mahoney Andrew P. 
Published: December 2014

Background Intraosseous leiomyosarcoma is a rare neoplasm having an aggressive biologic behavior. The distal end of the ulna is a very uncommon site for this type of primary bone tumor frequently mistaken for benign lesions. En bloc resection of the distal ulna with reconstruction is a valid option as a limb salvage procedure for the treatment of this difficult problem, minimizing local recurrence while preserving hand function. Case description We present an unusual case of a 63-year-old woman with a primary leiomyosarcoma arising from the distal end of the ulna treated successfully with a wide excision and custom distal ulna, with 4-year follow-up and no recurrence. Literature review Tumors to develop at the distal end of the ulna have been reported as part of large series such as Dahlin and few case reports. According to Cooney, Exner, and Mankin, reconstruction for distal ulnar neoplasms is not necessary to maintain function. However, Noble and Laurentin-Perez disagree because stabilization of the distal ulna following large resection, as in our case, can be a significant problem with associated pain and weakness due to a decreased interosseous space with ulnar stump impingement on the radial metaphysis and ulnar translation of the carpus. Clinical relevance Custom methacrylate in situ radioulnar joint prosthesis for reconstruction of a large segment of the distal ulna can be a valid option to reestablish the mechanical continuity of the forearm, reducing pain and improving strength and function.
Dietary ALA, But not LNA, Increase Growth, Reduce Inflammatory Processes, and Increase Anti‐Oxidant Capacity in the Marine Finfish Larimichthys crocea
Authors: Zuo Rantao , Mai Kangsen , Xu Wei , Turchini Giovanni M. , Ai Qinghui 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWhilst aquaculture feed is increasingly formulated with the inclusion of plant oils replacing fish oil, and increasing research effort has been invested in understanding the metabolic effects of reduced dietary n‐3 long chain poly unsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 LC‐PUFA), relatively little information is available on the potential direct metabolic roles of dietary alpha‐linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n‐3) and alpha‐linolenic acid/linoleic acid (LNA, 18:2n‐6) ratio in cultured marine finfish species. In this study, four plant oil based diets, with varying ALA/LNA ratio (0.0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5) were fed to juvenile large yellow croakers (Larimichthys crocea) and compared to a fish oil‐based control diet (CD) to evaluate the resulting effects on growth, nonspecific immunity, anti‐oxidant capacity and related gene expression. High dietary LNA negatively impacted fish growth performance, nonspecific immunity and antioxidant capacity, but growth and immunity were maintained to levels comparable to CD by increasing the ratio of dietary ALA/LNA. The over‐expression of genes associated with inflammation (cyclooxygenase‐2 and interleukin‐1β) and fatty acid oxidation (carnitine palmitoyl transferase I and acyl CoA oxidase) in croakers fed high concentrations of LNA were reduced to levels comparable to those fed CD by increasing dietary ALA/LNA. This study showed that dietary ALA, by increasing the overall n‐3/n‐6 PUFA ratio, exerts direct anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects, similar to those exerted by dietary n‐3 LC‐PUFA.
The Safety and Anti‐Hypercholesterolemic Effect of Coptisine in Syrian Golden Hamsters
Authors: He Kai , Ye Xiaoli , Wu Hao , Wang YanZhi , Zou Zongyao , Ning Na , Hu Yinran , Chen Biao , Fang Xuedong , Li Xuegang 
Published: December 2014

AbstractCurrent work was conducted to evaluate the cholesterol‐lowering effect of coptisine extracted from Rhizomacoptidis in Syrian golden hamsters. The safety results indicated that coptisine was a safe and low‐toxic compound. Coptisine showed a beneficial effect in the abnormal serum lipid levels induced by a high‐fat and high‐cholesterol diet (HFHC): at a concentration of 70.05 mg/kg, coptisine significantly led to a decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐c) levels by 26.70, 15.38, and 22.22 %, respectively, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐c) was increased by 41.74 % in serum of hamsters (p < 0.01). In addition, total bile acid (TBA) levels in feces of hamsters were elevated after coptisine administration. Further investigation has suggested that the mRNA and protein expression of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMGCR) in the liver of hamsters was down‐regulated by high‐dosage coptisine treatment (p < 0.05); mRNA and protein expression of low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase (CYP7A1) were dramatically up‐regulated by coptisine administration. The apical sodium‐dependent bile salt transporter expression was down‐regulated in the coptisine‐treated animals, but showed no significant differences from the HFHC groups. Taken together, our results demonstrate that a high dosage of coptisine could inhibit cholesterol synthesis via suppressing the HMGCR expression and promoting the use and excretion of cholesterol via up‐regulating LDLR and CYP7A1 expression. These findings suggest a critical role for coptisine in anti‐ hypercholesterolemia, and thus it needs to be considered as a potential natural cholesterol lowering agent.
Effect of Alumina Content and Surface Area of Acid‐Activated Kaolin on Bleaching of Rice Bran Oil
Authors: Aung Lei Lei , Tertre Emmanuel , Suksabye Parinda , Worasith Niramon , Thiravetyan Paitip 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of kaolin acid activation on alumina losses, surface area changes and oil bleaching performance. Ground kaolin was treated with hydrochloric or citric acid, and bleaching tests were performed on rice bran oil. The adsorption studies showed that the optimal bleaching of ~83 or ~81 % were achieved by activation with 0.5 M hydrochloric or citric acid, respectively, whereas bleaching with a commercial clay was ~82 %. The highest bleaching value was not associated with the maximum clay surface area or porosity. X‐ray fluorescence showed that alumina contents of 31–34 % were suggestive for optimum bleaching depending on the different acid used. Treating ground kaolin with the same hydrochloric acid strength by varying the acid concentration and clay/acid ratio also confirmed that the best Al3+ content was ~32 %, and a value lower than one indicated the extensively destruction of kaolinite proportions leading to a decrease in its bleaching capacity, even though it had the maximum surface area. The decrease in capacity was due to the reduction of alumina content, and the parallel formation of high amorphous silica was favorable for the adsorption of anionic pigments, such as chlorophyll‐a.
Antibiotics for Respiratory Tract Infections: A Comparison of Prescribing in an Outpatient Setting
Authors: Barlam Tamar F. , Morgan Jake R. , Wetzler Lee M. , Christiansen Cindy L. , Drainoni Mari-Lynn 
Published: December 2014

ObjectiveTo examine inappropriate antibiotic prescribing for acute respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in ambulatory care to help target antimicrobial stewardship interventions.Design and SettingRetrospective analysis of RTI visits within general internal medicine (GIM) and family medicine (FM) ambulatory practices at an inner-city academic medical center from 2008 to 2010.MethodsPatient, physician, and practice characteristics were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression to determine factors predictive of inappropriate prescribing; physicians in the highest and lowest antibiotic-prescribing quartiles were compared using χ2 analysis.ResultsVisits with FM providers, female gender, and self-reported race/ethnicity as white or Hispanic were significantly associated with inappropriate antibiotic prescribing. Physicians in the lowest quartile prescribed antibiotics for 5%–28% (mean, 21%) of RTI visits; physicians in the highest quartile prescribed antibiotics for 54%–85% (mean, 65%) of RTI visits. High prescribers had fewer African-American patients and more patients who were younger and privately insured. High prescribers had more patients with chronic lung disease. A GIM practice pod with a low prescriber was 3.0 times more likely to have a second low prescriber than other practice pods, whereas pods with a high prescriber were 1.3 times more likely to have a second high prescriber.ConclusionsMedical specialty was the only physician factor predictive of inappropriate prescribing when patient gender, race, and comorbidities were taken into account. Possible disparities in care need further study. Stewardship education in medical school, enlisting low prescribers as physician leaders, and targeting interventions to the highest prescribers might be more effective approaches to antimicrobial stewardship.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–7
Impact of Electronic Faucets and Water Quality on the Occurrence ofPseudomonas aeruginosain Water: A Multi-Hospital Study
Authors: Charron Dominique , Bédard Emilie , Lalancette Cindy , Laferrière Céline , Prévost Michèle 
Published: December 2014

OBJECTIVETo comparePseudomonas aeruginosaprevalence in electronic and manual faucets and assess the influence of connecting pipes and water quality.SETTINGFaucets in 4 healthcare centers in Quebec, Canada.METHODSWater samples from 105 electronic, 90 manual, and 14 foot-operated faucets were analyzed forP. aeruginosaby culture and enzymatic detection, and swab samples from drains and aerators were analyzed by culture. Copper and residual chlorine concentrations, temperature, and flow rate were measured.P. aeruginosaconcentrations were analyzed in 4 consecutive volumes of cold water and a laboratory study was conducted on copper pipes and flexible hoses.RESULTSP. aeruginosacontamination was found in drains more frequently (51%) than in aerators (1%) or water (culture: 4%, enzyme detection: 16%). Prevalence in water samples was comparable between manual (14%) and 2 types of electronic faucets (16%) while higher for foot-operated faucets (29%). However, type 2 electronic faucets were more often contaminated (31%) than type 1 (14%), suggesting that faucet architecture and mitigated volume (30 mL vs 10 mL) influenceP. aeruginosagrowth. Concentrations were 100 times higher in the first 250 mL than after flushing. Flexible hoses were more favorable toP. aeruginosagrowth than copper and a temperature of 40°C led to higher counts.CONCLUSIONSThe types of faucets and connecting pipes, flow rate, and water quality are important parameters influencing the prevalence and the concentrations ofP. aeruginosain faucets. High concentrations ofP. aeruginosain the first 250 mL suggest increased risk of exposure when using the first flush.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–9
An Evaluation of Surgical Site Infection Surveillance Methods for Colon Surgery and Hysterectomy in Colorado Hospitals
Authors: Reese Sara M. , Knepper Bryan C. , Price Connie S. , Young Heather L. 
Published: December 2014

Surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance techniques for colon surgery and hysterectomy among Colorado infection preventionists were characterized through an online survey. Considerable variation was found in SSI surveillance practices, specifically varying use of triggers for SSI review, including laboratory values, healthcare personnel communication, and postoperative visits.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–3
Challenging the large eddy simulation technique with advanced a posteriori tests
Authors: Bou-Zeid Elie 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe large eddy simulation (LES) technique will soon be 50 years old. Since Deardorff’s first papers in 1970 introducing this approach, major advances in the theory of LES and its computational implementation have been made and widely adopted. However, in terms of validation, LES studies continue to largely focus on the first- and second-order statistics, which in fact are the same tests that Deardorff conducted 45 years ago. Further advances in LES and wider adoption for new flows require advanced and more challenging tests to be developed and documented to serve as benchmarks. The paper by Stevens, Wilczek & Meneveau (J. Fluid Mech., 2014, vol. 757, pp. 888–907) does precisely that. The authors demonstrate the ability of LES to capture the recently established log-law of streamwise velocity variance and the related log-laws for even-order statistics up to order 10, as well as the departure of these statistics from a Gaussian distribution. The paper also provides key insights into the role of grid resolution on the computed turbulence field.
Towards a Tipping Point: The Botswana Competition Act and theNemo JudexRule
Authors: Kebonang Zein 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWhile the Botswana Competition Act creates a hierarchical relationship between the Competition Commission and the Competition Authority, it also confers on the Competition Commission judicial powers over competition cases involving the Competition Authority and/or third parties. Although the Competition Authority's decisions have not yet been tested before either the Competition Commission or the High Court, this article argues that the institutional structure underpinning the Competition Authority is not sound, as it opens the Competition Commission to potential attacks of bias and other constitutional challenges. This article therefore makes a case for the creation of two separate bodies: one concerned purely with adjudicating competition cases and the other with administrative oversight of the Competition Authority.
Nasopharyngeal airway stenting devices for obstructive sleep apnoea: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kumar A R , Guilleminault C , Certal V , Li D , Capasso R , Camacho M 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjective:To systematically review outcomes of adults with obstructive sleep apnoea treated with nasopharyngeal airway stenting devices.Methods:Medline, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library databases were searched, and data on device use and tolerability, sleepiness, oxygen saturation, apnoea index, apnoea–hypopnoea index, and sleep quality were collected.Results:Of 573 potential studies, 29 were retrieved for detailed evaluation and 16 met the study criteria. Polysomnography data for patients treated with nasal trumpets as an isolated therapy were pooled for meta-analysis. The mean apnoea index ± standard deviation, for 53 patients, decreased from 32.4 ± 15.9 to 9.0 ± 7.2 episodes per hour (p < 0.00001). The mean apnoea–hypopnoea index, for 193 patients, decreased from 44.1 ± 18.9 to 22.7 ± 19.3 episodes per hour (p < 0.00001). The mean lowest oxygen saturation, for 193 patients, increased from 66.5 ± 14.2 to 75.5 ± 13.9 per cent (p < 0.00001).Conclusion:Some studies have demonstrated limited effectiveness and low tolerability of nasopharyngeal airway stenting devices, while other studies have shown a significant benefit in treating obstructive sleep apnoea, with a high level of patient acceptance. Nasal trumpets have been successful in decreasing airway obstruction in the short term.
Breeding loggerhead marine turtles Caretta caretta in Dry Tortugas National Park, USA, show high fidelity to diverse habitats near nesting beaches
Authors: Hart Kristen M. , Zawada David G. , Sartain Autumn R. , Fujisaki Ikuko 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWe used satellite telemetry to identify in-water habitat used by individuals in the smallest North-west Atlantic subpopulation of adult nesting loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta during the breeding season. During 2010, 2011 and 2012 breeding periods, a total of 20 adult females used habitats proximal to nesting beaches with various levels of protection within Dry Tortugas National Park. We then used a rapid, high-resolution, digital imaging system to map habitat adjacent to nesting beaches, revealing the diversity and distribution of available benthic cover. Turtle behaviour showing measurable site-fidelity to these diverse habitats has implications for managing protected areas and human activities within them. Protecting diverse benthic areas adjacent to loggerhead turtle nesting beaches here and elsewhere could provide benefits for overall biodiversity conservation.
Poa annuaL. in the maritime Antarctic: an overview
Authors: Chwedorzewska K.J. , Giełwanowska I. , Olech M. , Molina-Montenegro M.A. , Wódkiewicz M. , Galera H. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTPoa annuais the only flowering plant species that has established a breeding population in the maritime Antarctic, through repeated anthropogenic introduction. The first appearance of this species in the Antarctic was observed in 1953. Annual bluegrass inhabits mainly anthropogenic sites, but recently has entered tundra communities. The functioning ofP. annuain the Antarctic could not have been possible without adaptations that enable the plants to persist in the specific climatic conditions typical for this zone.Poa annuais highly adaptable to environmental stress and unstable habitats: huge phenotypic and genotypic variability, small size, plastic life cycle (life-history types ranging from annual to perennial forms). The spreading ofP. annuain the Antarctic Peninsula region is a classic example of the expansion process following anthropogenic introduction of an invasive species, and illustrates the dangers to Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems that are associated with increasing human traffic.