bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of Concentration and EM4 Augmentation for Improving Bio-Gas Productivity from Jatropha curcas Linn Capsule Husk
Authors: G.A Praptiningsih , Hendroko Roy , Wahono Satriyo K , Sasmito Andi , O. Nelwan Leopold , Nindita Anggi , Liwang Tony 
Published: February 2014

Most literature suggests that two-phase digestion is more efficient than single-phase. The series of two-phase digestion studies have been conducted from 2011 to 2013 at the research farm of PT Bumimas Ekapersada, West Java, Indonesia. This paper reports on a research on optimation of concentration and augmentation of EM-4 (effective microorganism-4), a local commercial decomposer, as efforts to stabilize a biogas technology which made from husk capsules of Jatropha curcas Linn (DH-JcL). The studies of increasing organic loading rate (OLR) for the two-phase digestion was conducted to improve efficiency. The concentration variable studied was 1: 8 (1 part DH-JCL and 8 parts water), compared to 1: 12 as a control. The augmentation treatment is the addition of EM-4 by 5% (v/v). It was also examined the augmentation of F2-EM4 (150 times duplication of EM-4) due to cost consideration. The studies were conducted in the laboratory which using a liter and two liters of glass digester and glass wool as immobilized growth. The results of this study support the previous studies: the optimum concentration was 1: 8, EM-4 was able to increase biogas production in two-phase digestion, yet biogas production decrease at single-phase. F2-EM4’s ability to support production of biogas were equivalent to that of EM-4.
N-homocysteinylation of apolipoprotein A-I impairs the protein’s antioxidant ability but not its cholesterol efflux capacity
Authors: Miyazaki Akari , Sagae Nozomi , Usami Yoko , Sato Megumi , Kameda Takahiro , Yoshimoto Akira , Ishimine Nau , Matsuda Kazuyuki , Sugano Mitsutoshi , Hara Masayuki , Honda Takayuki , Tozuka Minoru 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
A high homocysteine (Hcy) level is a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Hcy can be added to proteins through a process known as N-homocysteinylation. This is thought to be a potential cause of atherosclerosis induction. We previously reported that N-homocysteinylated apolipoprotein A-I (N-Hcy-apoA-I) was identified in normal human plasma. In this study, the effect of N-homocysteinylation on the functions of apoA-I was examined. A kinetic study using dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine (DMPC) liposomes indicated that N-Hcy-apoA-I showed increased lipid-binding activity compared to wild-type apoA-I. Two reconstituted high-density lipoprotein (rHDL) particles of different sizes (approximately 8.2 nm and 7.6 nm in diameter) were produced by mixing apoA-I and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine (POPC). However, an increased ratio of large to small particles was found in rHDL prepared with N-Hcy-apoA-I. The normal apoA-I antioxidant ability, estimated by the suppression of conjugated diene formation in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) induced by copper sulfate oxidation, was considerably impaired when using N-Hcy-apoA-I. Although N-Hcy-apoA-I functioned as an oxidant, no significant difference was observed in the cholesterol efflux capacity from THP-1 macrophages between wild-type apoA-I and N-Hcy-apoA-I. These results suggest that N-Hcy-apoA-I might be proatherogenic due to its oxidative behavior but not an attenuation of cholesterol efflux capacity.
The History of Science and Ancient Mesopotamia
Authors: Rochberg Francesca 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis paper views the relevance of cuneiform texts to the history of science from inside, i.e., from the perspective of the available sources, as well as from outside, i.e., from the perspective of historians of science outside the field of Assyriology. It reviews some of the methodological problems that beset the reconstruction of science in the ancient Near East as well as a way forward, which acknowledges localism and pluralism as well the compelling continuity from cuneiform traditions of knowledge to later counterparts (astronomy, astrology, magic, astral-medicine). Cuneiform texts will not instantiate a universal or transcultural science but are essential if science is to be seen as embedded in culture and history.
Use of Hand-Spray Plaster as a Coating for Soil Bulk Volume Measurement
Authors: Liu Xianfeng , Buzzi Olivier 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This paper presents a new coating material [hand-spray plaster (HSP)] used to measure the bulk volume of soil specimens having irregular shapes. The new method has been validated against two benchmark methods, namely, the wax and plastic bag methods, by conducting swelling and shrinkage tests on intact Maryland clay. The results show that the new method yields similar values of volume but with much reduced data scattering. The HSP method is also far easier to use than the other two methods. Finally, the stiffness of the coating has been measured and its restraining effect has been found to be negligible. Some of the benefits of using the HSP method are: (1) limited fluid retention by the specimen post-immersion for volume measurement, (2) reduced water-intake rate with elimination of cracking upon swelling caused by high-suction gradients, (3) absence of the restraining effect on specimens upon swelling, and (4) accurate determination of the swelling and shrinkage curves with only one specimen per curve.
Effect of Tensile Strain on Thermal Properties of Graphene
Authors: Alofi Ayman Salman , Srivastava Gyaneshwar P. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTWe have employed a semicontinuum model to investigate the effect of tensile strain on thermal properties of graphene. Analytical expressions derived by Nihira and Iwata for phonon dispersion relations and vibrational density of states are employed, based on the semicontinuum model proposed by Komatsu and Nagamiya. The thermal conductivity is computed within the framework of Callaway’s effective relaxation time theory. It is found that thermal properties of graphene are quite sensitive to tensile strain. In the presence of tensile strain, the specific heat increases but the thermal conductivity decreases.
Effects of Photodynamic Therapy on Clinical and Gingival Crevicular Fluid Inflammatory Biomarkers in Chronic Periodontitis: A Split‐Mouth Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Pourabbas Reza , Kashefimehr Atabak , Rahmanpour Nasrin , Babaloo Zohreh , Kishen Anil , Tenenbaum Howard C. , Azarpazhooh Amir 
Published: February 2014

Background: There are limited clinical experiments addressing the effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunct to conventional scaling and root planing (SRP) on clinical and biologic features of periodontitis. This trial compares the clinical parameters and cytokine profiles in gingival crevicular fluid of patients with moderate‐to‐severe chronic periodontitis (CP) who have been treated using SRP alone or SRP + PDT.Methods: Twenty‐two patients with two contralateral teeth affected with moderate‐to‐severe CP were selected. After SRP, the participants’ teeth were randomized to receive either no further treatment or a single application of PDT using a 638‐nm laser and toluidine blue. Although the change in probing depth was the primary outcome, bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, gingival recession, interleukin‐1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and matrix metalloproteinase 8 and 9 were also evaluated at baseline and 3 months postintervention. An oral rinse assay was also performed to determine the total levels of oral polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) before and 3 months after the treatments.Results: Within each group, significant improvements (P <0.001) were found for all variables in 3‐month follow‐up compared with baseline. Only TNF‐α was significantly improved in the PDT + SRP versus SRP group. Total levels of PMNs were reduced for all patients compared with baseline levels (P <0.001).Conclusion: In patients with CP, a single application of PDT (using a 638‐nm laser and toluidine blue) did not provide any additional benefit to SRP in terms of clinical parameters or inflammatory markers 3 months following the intervention.
Mortality Differentials by Immigrant Groups in Sweden: The Contribution of Socioeconomic Position
Authors: Rostila Mikael , Fritzell Johan 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. We studied mortality differentials between specific groups of foreign-born immigrants in Sweden and whether socioeconomic position (SEP) could account for such differences. Methods. We conducted a follow-up study of 1 997 666 men and 1 964 965 women ages 30 to 65 years based on data from national Swedish total population registers. We examined mortality risks in the 12 largest immigrant groups in Sweden between 1998 and 2006 using Cox regression. We also investigated deaths from all causes, circulatory disease, neoplasms, and external causes. Results. We found higher all-cause mortality among many immigrant categories, although some groups had lower mortality. When studying cause-specific mortality, we found the largest differentials in deaths from circulatory disease, whereas disparities in mortality from neoplasms were smaller. SEP, especially income and occupational class, accounted for most of the mortality differentials by country of birth. Conclusions. Our findings stressed that different aspects of SEP were not interchangeable in relation to immigrant health. Although policies aimed at improving immigrants’ socioeconomic conditions might be beneficial for health and longevity, our findings indicated that such policies might have varying effects depending on the specific country of origin and cause of death.
Transitions in Smoking Behavior During Emerging Adulthood: A Longitudinal Analysis of the Effect of Home Smoking Bans
Authors: Mathur Charu , Stigler Melissa H. , Erickson Darin J. , Perry Cheryl L. , Forster Jean L. 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. We studied the effect of home smoking bans on transitions in smoking behavior during emerging adulthood. Methods. We used latent transition analysis to examine movement between stages of smoking from late adolescence (ages 16–18 years) to young adulthood (ages 18–20 years) and the effect of a home smoking ban on these transitions. We used data from the Minnesota Adolescent Community Cohort study collected in 2004 to 2006. Results. Overall, we identified 4 stages of smoking: (1) never smokers, (2) experimental smokers, (3) light smokers, and (4) daily smokers. Transition probabilities varied by stage. Young adults with a home ban during late adolescence were less likely to be smokers and less likely to progress to higher use later. Furthermore, the protective effect of a home smoking ban on the prevalence of smoking behavior was evident even in the presence of parental smoking. However, this effect was less clear on transitions over time. Conclusions. In addition to protecting family members from exposure to secondhand smoke, home smoking bans appear to have the additional benefit of reducing initiation and escalation of smoking behavior among young adults.
The Effect of Chairside Chronic Disease Screenings by Oral Health Professionals on Health Care Costs
Authors: Nasseh Kamyar , Greenberg Barbara , Vujicic Marko , Glick Michael 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. We estimated short-term health care cost savings that would result from oral health professionals performing chronic disease screenings. Methods. We used population data, estimates of chronic disease prevalence, and rates of medication adherence from the literature to estimate cost savings that would result from screening individuals aged 40 years and older who have seen a dentist but not a physician in the last 12 months. We estimated 1-year savings if patients identified during screening in a dental setting were referred to a physician, completed their referral, and started pharmacological treatment. Results. We estimated that medical screenings for diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia in dental offices could save the health care system from $42.4 million ($13.51 per person screened) to $102.6 million ($32.72 per person screened) over 1 year, dependent on the rate of referral completion from the dental clinic to the physician's office. Conclusions. Oral health professionals can potentially play a bigger role in detecting chronic disease in the US population. Additional prevention and monitoring activities over the long term could achieve even greater savings and health benefits.
A Prospective Study of Clinical Outcomes Related to Third Molar Removal or Retention
Authors: Huang Greg J. , Cunha-Cruz Joana , Rothen Marilynn , Spiekerman Charles , Drangsholt Mark , Anderson Loren , Roset Gayle A. 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. We investigated outcomes of third molar removal or retention in adolescents and young adults. Methods. We recruited patients aged 16 to 22 years from a dental practice–based research network in the Pacific Northwest from May 2009 through September 2010 who had at least 1 third molar present and had never undergone third molar removal. Data were acquired via questionnaire and clinical examination at baseline, periodic online questionnaires, and clinical examination at 24 months. Results. A total of 801 patients participated. Among patients undergoing third molar removal, rates of paresthesia and jaw joint symptoms lasting more than 1 month were 6.3 and 34.3 per 100 person-years, respectively. Among patients not undergoing removal, corresponding rates were 0.7 and 8.8. Periodontal attachment loss at distal sites of second molars did not significantly differ by third molar removal status. Incident caries at the distal surfaces of second molars occurred in fewer than 1% of all sites. Conclusions. Rates of paresthesia and temporomandibular joint disorder were higher after third molar removal. Periodontal attachment loss and incident caries at the distal sites of second molars were not affected by extraction status.
Cumulative Risk of Guillain–Barré Syndrome Among Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Populations During the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic
Authors: Vellozzi Claudia , Iqbal Shahed , Stewart Brock , Tokars Jerome , DeStefano Frank 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. We sought to assess risk of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS) among influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent (pH1N1) vaccinated and unvaccinated populations at the end of the 2009 pandemic. Methods. We applied GBS surveillance data from a US population catchment area of 45 million from October 15, 2009, through May 31, 2010. GBS cases meeting Brighton Collaboration criteria were included. We calculated the incidence density ratio (IDR) among pH1N1 vaccinated and unvaccinated populations. We also estimated cumulative GBS risk using life table analysis. Additionally, we used vaccine coverage data and census population estimates to calculate denominators. Results. There were 392 GBS cases; 64 (16%) occurred after pH1N1vaccination. The vaccinated population had lower average risk (IDR = 0.83, 95% confidence interval = 0.63, 1.08) and lower cumulative risk (6.6 vs 9.2 cases per million persons, P = .012) of GBS. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that at the end of the influenza season cumulative GBS risk was less among the pH1N1vaccinated than the unvaccinated population, suggesting the benefit of vaccination as it relates to GBS. The observed potential protective effect on GBS attributed to vaccination warrants further study.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Cigarette Prices in Military Retail Outlets
Authors: Haddock Christopher Keith , Hyder Melissa L. , Poston Walker S. C. , Jahnke Sara A. , Williams Larry N. , Lando Harry 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. We conducted a longitudinal assessment of tobacco pricing in military retail outlets, including trends within each service branch. Methods. We determined the price of a single pack of Marlboro Red cigarettes at military retail stores located in the continental United States, Alaska, and Hawaii and at their nearest Walmarts in spring 2011 and 2013 (n = 128 for pairs available at both assessments). Results. The average difference between cigarettes sold in military retail outlets and Walmarts decreased from 24.5% in 2011 to 12.5% in 2013. The decrease was partially attributable to significant price decreases at Walmarts. The largest increases in cigarette prices occurred on naval installations. Potential savings at stores on several installations remained substantial in 2013; the largest approached $6 per pack. Stores on 17 military installations decreased cigarette prices during the study period. Conclusions. Tobacco can be purchased in military retail stores at substantial savings over civilian stores. If tobacco pricing is to cease to be an incentive for use among personnel, a revised military tobacco pricing policy is needed.
A Rapid Needs Assessment of the Rockaway Peninsula in New York City After Hurricane Sandy and the Relationship of Socioeconomic Status to Recovery
Authors: Subaiya Saleena , Moussavi Cyrus , Velasquez Anthony , Stillman Joshua 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. We conducted a rapid needs assessment in the Rockaway Peninsula—one of the areas of New York City most severely affected by Hurricane Sandy on October 29, 2012—to assess basic needs and evaluate for an association between socioeconomic status (SES) and storm recovery.Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional survey within the Rockaways 3 weeks after the hurricane made landfall to elicit information regarding basic utilities, food access, health, relief-effort opinions, and SES. We used a modified cluster sampling method to select households with a goal of 7 to 10 surveys per cluster.Results. Thirty to fifty percent of households were without basic utilities including electricity, heat, and telephone services. Lower-income households were more likely to worry about food than higher-income households (odds ratio = 4.5; 95% confidence interval = 1.43, 15.23; P = .01). A post-storm trend also existed among the lower-income group towards psychological disturbances.Conclusions. Storm preparation should include disseminating information regarding carbon monoxide and proper generator use, considerations for prescription refills, neighborhood security, and location of food distribution centers. Lower-income individuals may have greater difficulty meeting their needs following a natural disaster, and recovery efforts may include prioritization of these households.
Assessing the Impact of a Pertussis Active Surveillance Program on Provider Testing Behavior, Minnesota 2005–2009
Authors: Kenyon Cynthia , Banerjee Emily , Sweet Kristin , Miller Claudia , Ehresmann Kristen 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. The Minnesota Department of Health, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, implemented the Pertussis Active Surveillance Project to better understand pertussis epidemiology. We evaluated the program’s impact. Methods. Clinics in 2 counties were offered free diagnostic testing and an educational presentation covering pertussis epidemiology. Clinics were identified as either active or intermittent, with active clinics testing 33% or more of the total number of months enrolled. We used generalized estimating equations to assess changes in provider testing behavior over the project period. Results. Ninety-seven clinics enrolled, with 38% classified as active. Active clinics were more likely to use the state lab for diagnostic testing and had a larger staff. During the project period, a decline in days coughing at the time of visit occurred in both jurisdictions. Conclusions. Providing clinics with free diagnostic testing influenced their participation levels. Among active clinics, results suggest changes in provider testing behavior over the course of the project. However, given the lack of robust participation, this resource-intensive strategy may not be a cost-effective approach to evaluating trends in pertussis epidemiology.
Nutrition Considerations for the Growing Population of Older Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Stanley Kathleen 
Published: February 2014

In Brief
The growing older adult population and its higher incidence of diabetes are creating demands on health care providers to address the special needs of these patients. Because nutrition is essential to the proper treatment and self-management of diabetes, clinicians must develop and adopt various strategies to address some of the common nutritional, lifestyle, and self-management barriers that older adults face. Nutrition assessments of older adults with diabetes should be comprehensive, with attention to each patient's unique nutritional needs. Constructing a realistic nutrition care plan is essential for success. This article addresses some of the key nutrition-related aspects of diabetes self-care in older adults with diabetes.
Management of Type 1 Diabetes in Older Adults
Authors: Dhaliwal Ruban , Weinstock Ruth S. 
Published: February 2014

In Brief
Older adults with type 1 diabetes are at high risk for severe hypoglycemia and may have serious comorbid conditions. Problems with cognition, mobility, dexterity, vision, hearing, depression, and chronic pain interfere with the ability to follow complex insulin regimens. With the development of geriatric syndromes, unpredictable eating, and frailty, treatment regimens must be modified with the goal of minimizing hypoglycemia and severe hyperglycemia and maximizing quality of life.
Assessment of the Possibility of Utilising Waste Materials from the Aluminium Production in the Copper Alloys Refining Processes
Authors: Bydałek A. W. , Bydałek A. , Biernat S. , Schlafka P. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The analysis of possibilities of utilising waste materials as equivalents of substances stimulating in copper alloys refining processes was presented. The results of thermogravimetric investigations determining the refining ability of the slag with the selected waste materials from the aluminium production were discussed. The possibility of optimisation of the refining slag composition on the basis of the Slag- Prop software was indicated.
Reclamation of Mixtures of Spent Sands of Inorganic and Organic Type
Authors: Skrzyński M. , Dańko R. , Kamińska J. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The results of investigations of the reclamation of spent moulding and core sands, originated from one of the Polish foundry plants, are presented in the paper. Four mixtures consisting of two types of spent sands (spent moulding sand and spent core sand) were subjected to the regeneration process. Each tested mixture consisted of an inorganic type spent moulding sand and of an organic type spent core sand. Proportions of mutual fractions of spent moulding and core sands in mixtures was 70%-30% and was representative for the waste sands from the foundry, from which these sands originated.