bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Southeastern Minnesota Beacon Project for Community-driven Health Information
Technology: Origins, Achievements, and Legacy
Authors: Chute Christopher G. , Hart Lacey A. , Alexander Alex K. , Jensen Daniel W. 
Published: October 2014

Introduction: The Southeastern (SE) Minnesota Beacon organized all the health care
providers, county public health organizations, and school districts in the deployment
and integration of health information exchange (HIE) and targeted health communication
around childhood asthma and diabetes. The community cooperated to establish a clinical
data repository for all residents in the 11-county region. Through this community of
practice approach that involved traditional and nontraditional providers, the SE
Minnesota Beacon was able to realize unique applications of this technology. This
manuscript overviews the associated organization and infrastructure of this community
collaboration.Background: The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information
Technology (ONC), as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)
stimulus, established 17 projects throughout the United States targeting the
introduction and meaningful use of health information technology (HIT). These 17
communities were intended to serve as an example of what could be accomplished. The SE
Minnesota Beacon is one of these communities.Methods: The community ultimately opted for
peer-to-peer HIE, using Nationwide Health Information Network (NwHIN) Connect software.
The clinical data repository was established using the infrastructure developed by the
Regenstrief Institute, which operated as a trusted third party. As an extension to HIE,
the consortium of county public health departments created a patient data portal for use
by school nurses and parents. Childhood asthma was addressed by creating, exchanging,
and maintaining an “asthma action plan” for each affected child, shared throughout the
community, including through the patient portal. Diabetes management introduced patient
treatment decision tools and patient quality of life measures, facilitating care.
Influenza vaccination was enhanced by large-scale community reporting in partnership
with the state vaccination registry. The methodology and principles for arriving at
these solutions included community engagement, sustainability, scalability, standards,
and best practices that fit a variety of organizations—from large, robust providers to
small organizations.Findings: The SE Minnesota Beacon demonstrated that all providers
for a geographically defined population can cooperate in the development and shared
governance of a low-cost, sustainable HIE, and the operation of a community-managed
clinical data repository. Furthermore, these infrastructures can be leveraged to
collaboratively improve the care of patients, as demonstrated for childhood asthma and
adult diabetes mellitus.Conclusion: The shared governance of HIT by a community can
palpably change the scope and success of collaborations targeted to improve patient and
community health care.
Simulation of the Denitrification Process of Waste Water with a Biochemical Systems Model: A Non-Conventional Approach
Authors: Adouani Nouceiba , Limousy Lionel , Lendormi Thomas , Voit Eberhard O. , Sire Olivier 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Matching experimental and theoretical approaches have often been fruitful in the investigation of complex biological processes. Here we develop a novel non-conventional model for the denitrification of waste water. Earlier models of the denitrification process were compiled by the International Association on Water Quality group. The Activated Sludge Models 1–3, which are the most frequently used all over the world, are presently not adapted towards the integration of both nitrous and nitric oxide emissions during the denitrification process. In the present work, a Generalized Mass Action model, based on Biochemical Systems Theory, was designed to simulate the nitrate reduction observed in specific experimental conditions. The model was implemented and analysed with the software package PLAS. Data from a representative experiment were chosen (T=10°C, pH=7, C/N=3, with acetate as carbon source) to simulate greenhouse NO and N2O gas emissions, in order to test hypotheses about the corresponding bacterial metabolic pathways. The results show that the reduction of nitrate and nitrite is kinetically limiting and that nitrate reduction is limited by diffusion and support that distinct microbial subpopulations are involved in the denitrification pathway, which has consequences for NO emissions.
Laboratory X-ray Tomography: A Valuable Experimental Tool for Revealing Processes in Soils
Authors: Viggiani G. , Andò E. , Takano D. , Santamarina J.C. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe use of high-resolution tomographic techniques has allowed for unprecedented observations and a renewed understanding of geomaterials and processes. A laboratory x-ray scanner is used to explore the potential of the technology in the context of complex geotechnical systems. Tests benefit from the fast and non-destructive nature of x-ray measurements and the micrometer-scale resolution that is attainable. Several first-time observations are reported here. In this paper we demonstrate the following: subsurface volume loss in sandy soils can cause the formation of sharply defined low-density pipes; cryogenic suction consolidates sediments next to ice lenses during ground freezing; root growth involves transverse expansion, and the stress relaxation at the tip facilitates further longitudinal invasion; blade insertion causes successive shear localizations; and the incipient formation of desiccation cracks is not necessarily along a planar front—in fact, the fracture plane may split as it encounters heterogeneities at the tip. Finally, it is shown that x-rays can be used to monitor chemical processes that cause coupled mechanical effects, such as osmotic consolidation induced by ionic diffusion and mineral dissolution. Although brief events may not be tomographically imaged, single x-ray radiographs can be analyzed and compared to gain extensive process information.
The effect of buffalo CD14 shRNA on the gene expression of TLR4 signal pathway in buffalo monocyte/macrophages
Authors: Li Xiangping , Li Meiqing , Huang Shihai , Qiao Shuye , Qin Zhaoxian , Kang Chao , Shi Deshun 
Published: October 2014

AbstractCD14 plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which interacts with TLR4 and MD-2 to enable cell activation, resulting in inflammation. Upstream inhibition of the inflammation pathway mediated by bacterial LPS, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and cluster of differentiation antigen 14 (CD14) was proven to be an effective therapeutic approach for attenuating harmful immune activation. To explore the effect of CD14 downregulation on the expression of TLR4 signaling pathway-related genes after LPS stimulation in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) monocyte/macrophages, effective CD14 shRNA sequences were screened using qRT-PCR and FACS analysis with buffalo CD14 shRNA lentiviral recombinant plasmids (pSicoRGFP-shRNA) and buffalo CD14 fusion expression plasmids (pDsRed-N1-buffalo CD14) co-transfected into HEK293T cells via liposomes. Of the tested shRNAs, shRNA-1041 revealed the highest knockdown efficiency (p < 0.01). When buffalo peripheral blood monocyte/macrophages were infected with shRNA-1041 lentivirus and stimulated with LPS, the expression of endogenous CD14 was significantly decreased by CD14 shRNA (p < 0.01), and the mRNA expression levels of TLR4, IL-6 and TNF-α were also significantly downregulated compared to the control groups (p < 0.01). These results demonstrated that the knockdown of endogenous CD14 had clear regulatory effects on the signal transduction of TLR4 after stimulation with LPS. These results may provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of CD14 regulation in the development of several buffalo diseases.
Miniaturized sample preparation based on carbon nanostructures
Authors: Cárdenas Soledad 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe evolution of analytical methodologies has been driven by the objective to reduce the complexity of sample treatment while increasing the efficiency of the overall analytical process. For this reason, the analytical chemist takes into consideration advances in other scientific areas and systematically evaluates the potential influence that such discoveries might have on its own discipline. This is the present situation with nanostructured materials, which have already been recognized as a revolution in many scientific and technological fields, including analytical chemistry. Carbon nanoparticles have been a cornerstone in the advance of miniaturization of analytical processes. This review article considers the contribution of four reference carbon nanoparticles: nanotubes, graphene, nanohorns/ cones and fullerenes, in the context of miniaturized sample treatment, where their outstanding sorbent properties are by far the most exploited in (micro) solid phase extraction.
Achieving Strategic Fit/Integration between Business Strategies and Human Resource Management (HRM) Strategies in the Banking Sector: An Assessment of the Commercial Banks in Malawi
Authors: Nkhwangwa Lordwell C.T. 
Published: October 2014

As the business environment becomes volatile and competitive and as more bank services and financial institutions battle for recognition in the market, numerous strategies are needed by business firms for dealing with such fierce competition. For the banks to win the much anticipated competition, the business strategies they employ have to be strategically integrated with human resource management strategies. A strategic fit between business strategy and human resource management strategy helps in retaining and motivating employees translating into high organizational performance and competitive advantage for the firm. This paper studied how the commercial banks in Malawi are strategically achieving a fit between business strategies and H.R.M strategies. The findings of the study indicate a correlation and a strong fit between business strategies and HRM strategies in the commercial banks in Malawi. The fit is achieved through an integrated process where HRM strategy is an integral part of the business strategy, alongside other functional strategiesDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijssm.v1i4.11022 Int. J. Soc. Sci. Manage. Vol-1, issue-4: 143-159
Effects of long-term repeated topical fluoride applications and adhesion promoter on shear bond strengths of orthodontic brackets
Authors: Endo Toshiya , Ishida Rieko , Komatsuzaki Akira , Sanpei Shinya , Tanaka Satoshi , Sekimoto Tsuneo 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT
Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of long-term repeated topical application of fluoride before bonding and an adhesion promoter on the bond strength of orthodontic brackets. Materials and Methods: A total of 76 bovine incisors were collected and divided equally into four groups. In group 1, the brackets were bonded without topical fluoride application or adhesion promoter. In group 2, before bonding, the adhesion promoter was applied to nonfluoridated enamel. In group 3, the brackets were bonded without the application of the adhesion promoter to enamel, which had undergone long-term repeated topical fluoride treatments. Teeth in group 4 received the long-term repeated topical applications of fluoride, and the brackets were bonded using the adhesion promoter. All the brackets were bonded using BeautyOrtho Bond self-etching adhesive. The shear bond strength was measured and the bond failure modes were evaluated with the use of the adhesive remnant index (ARI) after debonding. Results: The mean shear bond strength was significantly lower in group 3 than in groups 1, 2, and 4, and there were no significant differences between the groups except for group 3. There were significant differences in the distribution of ARI scores between groups 2 and 3, and between groups 3 and 4. Conclusions: The adhesion promoter can recover the bond strength reduced by the long-term repeated topical applications of fluoride to the prefluoridation level and had a significantly great amount of adhesives left on either fluoridated or nonfluoridated enamel.
Rapid tissue dissolution efficiency of electrically-activated sodium hypochlorite on bovine muscle
Authors: Ertugrul Ihsan Furkan , Maden Murat , Orhan Ekim Onur , Ozkorucuklu Sabriye Percin , Aglarca Ali Vasfi 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT
Objective: Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) is a common antimicrobial and tissue-dissolving irrigant. The aim of this in vitro study is to evaluate and compare dissolution capacities of sodium hypochlorite solutions after electrically activation (E-NaOCl) on bovine muscle specimens at various time periods and concentrations. Materials and Methods: Three sodium hypochlorite solutions of 1.25%, 2.5%, and 5% were tested at 3-min. and 5-min. with and without activation by electrically. Distilled water and NaOCl solutions without electrically activation were used as controls. Pieces of bovine muscle tissue (34 ± 2 mg) were placed in 10 mL of each solution at room temperature. In the group of E-NaOCl, electrically activation was performed through the potentiostat. The tissue specimens were weighed before and after treatment, and the percentage of weight loss was calculated. Results: Weight loss of the tissue increased with the concentration of E-NaOCl and NaOCl. Higher concentration and electrically activation considerably enhanced the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite. The effect of electrically activation on tissue dissolution was much greater than that of same concentrations in the groups of NaOCl (P < 0.001). Tissue weight loss was significantly higher in 2.5% and 5% E-NaOCl at 3 min. than in 2.5% and 5% NaOCl at 5 min. (P < 0.05). There were not any significant differences between the 2.5% E-NaOCl and 5% NaOCl at 5 min. (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Electrically activation can improve the tissue-dissolving effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite.
An in-vitro evaluation of mechanical and esthetic properties of orthodontic sealants
Authors: Premaraj Thyagaseely Sheela , Rohani Nima , Covey David , Premaraj Sundaralingam , Hua Yi , Watanabe Hidehiko 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT
Objective: To evaluate mechanical and esthetic Properties of two commercially available orthodontic sealants: Opal®Seal (OS) and L.E.D. Pro Seal (PS). Materials and Methods: Discs of each sealant were prepared to test the following properties: Micro hardness, wear resistance and color stability. Samples were randomly selected after the wear test for SEM imaging to analyze surface morphology. Results: OS was significantly harder than PS (P < 0.001). PS was significantly more wear resistant than OS (P < 0.05). PS showed a greater ΔE*ab (increased staining) when placed in wine or coffee showing a significant difference (P < 0.05). SEM showed particle size, shape and distribution were different for PS and OS reflecting the pattern seen on wear surfaces. Conclusion: Both orthodontic sealants are beneficial for protecting enamel. However with better wear properties PS was superior in resisting mechanical stresses. OS was more color stable.
Mechanical and Wear Properties of Sisal Fiber Cellulose Microcrystal Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites
Authors: Lv Jian , Zeng Deming , Wei Chun 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTIn this paper, sisal fiber cellulose microcrystal (SFCM) was prepared by the sulfate pulping method, and sisal fiber cellulose microcrystal/unsaturated polyester (SFCM/UP) in situ resin was polymerized. Furthermore, the SFCM/UP composite was prepared by rolling and molding techniques. Effects of SFCM content on mechanical and wear properties of the UP composites were studied. Structure and properties of the in situ SFCM/UP resin and its composites were characterized by using Fourier transform infrared, polarized optical microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and other methods. The results showed that the addition of SFCM by in situ polymerization significantly improves the thermal stability of UP: The decomposition temperature (Td5) of SFCM/UP in situ resin, at thermal weight loss of 5%, is increased by 16°C compared to that of the pure UP resin. On a condition that the SFCM content was 2%, the impact strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of SFCM/UP composites are higher than those of UP composites by 41.08%, 52.52%, and 32.31%, respectively. Moreover, the addition of SFCM significantly enhances the wear properties of unsaturated polyester composite at 200°C; the volume wear rate of SFCM/UP composite is lower than that of UP composites by 64%, indicating SFCM could significantly strengthen and toughen UP composites.
A 13‐year prospective cohort study on the effects of aging and frailty on the depression–pain relationship in older adults
Authors: Sanders Joost B. , Comijs Hannie C. , Bremmer Marijke A. , Deeg Dorly J. H. , Beekman Aartjan T. F. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesThe primary aim of the study is to investigate the effect of age and aging on the association between pain and depression over 13 years. We hypothesized that (1) this association would become stronger with age and frailty and that (2) this association is mainly driven by somatic and psychological factors.MethodsData were derived from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, a prospective population‐based cohort study with four follow‐up measurements over 13 years, consisting of 1528 respondents (mean age 67.9 ± 8.1). Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale; pain was measured with an adapted version of the Nottingham Health Profile. Follow‐up time and age were used as proxy variables for aging and gait speed as frailty marker. Cognition, mastery and neuroticism were measured using the mini mental state examination, the Pearlin Mastery Scale and the Dutch Personality Questionnaire respectively.ResultsLinear mixed models showed that pain and depressive symptoms were associated over the 13‐year follow‐up: b = 0.095, p < 0.001. Neither aging nor frailty changed this association. Measured somatic and psychological characteristics explained 40% of the covariance between pain and depressive symptoms over time.DiscussionWhen dealing with people suffering from pain and depression, interventions should be similar for all aged people, encompassing both somatic and psychological factors, irrespective of age or frailty status. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of a natural methionine source on broiler growth performance
Authors: Hayat Zafar , Rehman Abd ur , Akram Kashif , Farooq Umar , Saleem Gulbeena 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDMethionine, a sulfur‐containing amino acid, is essential for the health and growth of broilers, so its optimum level should be provided in broiler diets. Synthetic methionine sources used by poultry nutritionists may cause health hazards in broilers as, during conversion of synthetic methionine to the active form, homocysteine is produced which may be injurious to body tissues when there is a lack of coordination between methyl group donors and acceptors. Thus the present study evaluates the efficacy of a natural methionine source.RESULTSThe comparative growth performance of broilers fed synthetic and/or natural methionine was observed. Results revealed that the basal diet has a lower growth performance (P < 0.05) than all other diets. However, replacement of synthetic methionine with a naturally sourced methionine has no significant effect (P > 0.05) on weight gain, feed consumption or feed conversion ratio. Serum biochemistry values and slaughter data also indicated no effect due to two different methionine sources (P > 0.05).CONCLUSIONThe results of the present study show that synthetic methionine may effectively be replaced with a naturally sourced methionine without affecting the health and growth performance of broilers. However, additional research is needed to further explore other natural sources of methionine. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Simultaneous N, C, S stable isotope analyses using a new purge and trap elemental analyzer and an isotope ratio mass spectrometer
Authors: Fourel François , Martineau François , Seris Magali , Lécuyer Christophe 
Published: October 2014

RATIONALEThe evolution of stable isotope applications has demonstrated the increasing need for the determination of more than one isotopic signature from the same sample. Simultaneous determinations of 13C/12C and 15 N/14 N have become a widespread technique but up to now very few fully automated systems have offered the possibility of also measuring 34S/32S from the same sample aliquot. This could be critical when sample amounts are limited, but it could also represent a significant gain of analytical time or cost. The technique that we are presenting provides these multiple isotopic signatures on small sample aliquots with high precisions, especially for sulfur determinations.METHODSA high‐precision, easy and rapid method for the simultaneous measurement of carbon (13C/12C), nitrogen (15 N/14 N) and sulfur (34S/32S) ratios as well as elemental concentrations was employed, using a new combination of an elemental analyzer and an isotope ratio mass spectrometer. The elemental analyzer was based on 'purge and trap' technology rather than conventional packed‐gas chromatography (GC) gas separation. Emphasis was put on the efficiency of the system to reliably combust sulfur‐bearing compounds of both organic and inorganic origin with high conversion yields.RESULTSHigh‐quality measurement of 34S/32S ratios was obtained using various international reference materials. A working calibrated material was also selected and characterized for all three isotopic signatures in order to fully use the capacities of the system in future work.CONCLUSIONSThe possibilities of such a system for the reliable measurement of S isotope ratios as well as N and C isotope ratios within the same aliquot of sample opens up new fields of investigation in many domains where multi‐isotopic approaches are required. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Historical Changes in Fish Assemblage Composition Following Water Quality Improvement in the Mainstem Trinity River of Texas
Authors: Perkin J. S. , Bonner T. H. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe Clean Water Act of 1972 is credited with improving water quality across the USA, although few long‐term studies tracking hydrologic, chemical, and biological responses to cleanup efforts exist. The Trinity River of Texas was plagued by poor water quality for more than a century before passage of legislation to reduce point source pollution from the Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex. We tracked changes in components of flow regime; concentrations of ammonia, nitrate, phosphorus, and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD); and fish assemblage composition in three mainstem reaches during a 40‐year period (1968–2008) following implementation of a large‐scale cleanup initiative. Results suggest little change in flow regime components such as magnitude, timing, and rate of change among the three reaches during 1968–2008. Concentrations of water quality parameters declined through time and with greater distance from DFW, including the lowest concentrations in the reach downstream of a mainstem reservoir (Lake Livingston). Fish assemblage composition shifts correlated with attenuated nutrient and BOD concentrations, and species richness generally increased among all reaches. Native and intolerant fishes consistently increased through time among all three reaches, although lentic and non‐native species also increased downstream of Lake Livingston. Our findings suggest a revitalization of the Trinity River fish assemblage associated with reduced nutrient pollution in DFW (even among distant reaches) and also illustrate potential confounding factors such as stream impoundment and continued nutrient deposition that likely preclude complete recovery. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.