bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perspective on sequence evolution of microsatellite locus (CCG)n in Rv0050 gene from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Qin Lianhua , Wang Jie , Zheng Ruijuan , Lu Junmei , Yang Hua , Liu Zhonghua , Cui Zhenling , Jin Ruiliang , Feng Yonghong , Hu Zhongyi 
Published: August 2011

Abstract

Background
The mycobacterial genome is inclined to polymerase slippage and a high mutation rate in microsatellite regions due to high GC content and absence of a mismatch repair system. However, the exact molecular mechanisms underlying microsatellite variation have not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated mutation events in the hyper-variable trinucleotide microsatellite locus MML0050 located in the Rv0050 gene of W-Beijing and non-W-Beijing Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains in order to gain insight into the genomic structure and activity of repeated regions.

Results
Size analysis indicated the presence of five alleles that differed in length by three base pairs. Moreover, nucleotide gains occurred more frequently than loses in this trinucleotide microsatellite. Mutation frequency was not completely related with the total length, though the relative frequency in the longest allele was remarkably higher than that in the shortest. Sequence analysis was able to detect seven alleles and revealed that point mutations enhanced the level of locus variation. Introduction of an interruptive motif correlated with the total allele length and genetic lineage, rather than the length of the longest stretch of perfect repeats. Finally, the level of locus variation was drastically different between the two genetic lineages.

Conclusion
The Rv0050 locus encodes the bifunctional penicillin-binding protein ponA1 and is essential to mycobacterial survival. Our investigations of this particularly dynamic genomic region provide insights into the overall mode of microsatellite evolution. Specifically, replication slippage was implicated in the mutational process of this microsatellite and a sequence-based genetic analysis was necessary to determine that point mutation events acted to maintain microsatellite size integrity while providing genomic diversity.
Self-propagating high-temperature synthesis of nano-TiC
x
particles with different shapes by using carbon nano-tube as C source
Authors: Jin Shenbao , Shen Ping , Zhou Dongshuai , Jiang Qichuan 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
With using the carbon nano-tube (CNT) of high chemical activity, nano-TiC
x
particles with different growth shapes were synthesized through the self-propagating high temperature in the 80 wt.% metal (Cu, Al, and Fe)-Ti-CNT systems. The growth shapes of the TiC
x
particles are mainly octahedron in the Cu- and Al-Ti-CNT systems, while mainly cube- and sphere-like in the Fe-Ti-CNT system.
EARTH CONDUCTIVITY DETERMINATIONS EMPLOYING A SINGLE SUPERCONDUCTING COIL
Authors: Morrison H. F. , Dolan William , Dey Abhijit 
Published: August 2011

A low‐frequency airborne electromagnetic prospecting method has been developed which exploits the inherent low resistance of a superconducting coil. Changes in the input resistance of this coil are monitored in the presence of the conducting earth. The response of the system, the change in the input resistance, is proportional to the quadrature secondary magnetic field at the transmitter, although unlike two‐coil systems, the response does not decrease with increasing frequency. This research has demonstrated that superconducting wires, large scale nonmetallic cryostats, the requisite measurement circuitry, and an appropriate data acquisition system are realizable in a practical flight configuration. The unicoil presents the following significant advantages in electromagnetic prospecting: 1) The measurement sensitivity is not limited by the relative coil motion experienced by two‐coil systems. 2) Ample field strength may be supplied to override ambient noise. 3) Optimum frequencies for specific geologic sections are easily implemented in the range of 10 to 2000 Hz. 4) Maps of ground conductivity may be obtained because precise thermal stability is maintained and the measurement, therefore, is absolute. 5) The point source observation minimizes analytic complexity. 6) The combination of the foregoing features with multiple frequency operation, yields a system of potentially high sensitivity and unprecedented depth of exploration. The unicoil system also possesses some disadvantages: 1) An operational complexity results from the cryogenic procedures required in the field, and 2) the heavy sensor requires a large helicopter.
Influence of Polypropylene Fibres on the Thermal Strain of High Strength Concrete at High Temperatures
Authors: Huismann Sven , Weise Frank , Meng Birgit , Schneider Ulrich 
Published: August 2011

This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the influence of polypropylene (PP) fibres on the thermal strain of high strength concrete (HSC) at temperatures up to 750°C. Concerning this topic only few results can be found in the literature and systematic investigations are missing. However, basic knowledge is necessary to understand the internal damage processes as well as for structural design.To explain the differences in the thermal strain of HSC with and without addition of PP fibres the internal damage processes were investigated with acoustic emission (AE) analysis and ultrasound (US). Furthermore the weight loss was measured continuously during heating to monitor the drying of the specimen. This novel approach by combining these different methods with strain measurements at high temperatures allows the integral description of the internal damage processes. The results reveal significant differences in the thermal strain of HSC when PP fibres are added. Between 200°C and 250°C the thermal strain of HSC with PP fibres is superimposed by shrinkage caused by accelerated drying. Above 250°C it is lower than that of plain HSC without PP fibres. It is supposed that it is caused by a more homogeneous distribution of micro cracks whereby the fibre beds acting as defects in the concrete.Hence this paper gives a contribution to the general understanding of the impact of PP fibres in HSC at high temperatures and points out the influence of the fibres on the thermal strain of HSC.
Investigations on the Behavior of Steel Single Plate Beam End Framing Connections in Fire
Authors: Hu Guanyu , Engelhardt Michael 
Published: August 2011

This paper summarizes the results of computational and experimental investigations on the behavior of steel simple beam end framing connections subjected to fire. Connections are critical elements in maintaining the integrity of a structure during a fire. Fire can cause large force and deformation demands on connections during both the heating and cooling stages, while reducing connection strength and stiffness.In the US, one of the most common types of simple beam end framing connections is the single plate connection. In order to better understand the behavior of this type of connection in fire, a series of computational and experimental investigations have been completed by the authors. The computational studies investigated the typical behavior of the connection during heating and cooling phase of fires as well as the connection force and deformation demands. Experimental studies on connections at elevated temperatures were conducted to validate predictions of connection capacity developed by computational and design models as well as providing knowledge of failure modes. This paper will present key results from this study.
Budesonide for the Treatment of Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Snider Kenneth R , Potter Teresa G 
Published: August 2011

Objective: To evaluate the use of budesonide for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Data Sources: Literature was accessed through PubMed/MEDLINE (1966-June 2011) and Web of Science (1965-June 2011) using the terms autoimmune hepatitis and budesonide. Literature was limited to English-language publications. In addition, references from publications identified were reviewed. Study Selection And Data Extraction: All articles in English identified from the data sources were evaluated. Data Synthesis: The initial treatment of choice for A1H is prednisone alone or with azathioprine. However, a significant number of patients do not respond adequately or have adverse reactions to this regimen; therefore, alternative treatments are required. Budesonide is an orally administered synthetic corticosteroid with high affinity for the glucocorticoid receptor that undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism. It has Food and Drug Administration-approved labeling for the treatment and maintenance of remission of mild-to-moderate Crohn disease involving the ileum and/or ascending colon. One prospective, active-controlled study of budesonide in the treatment of AIH was identified, as well as 5 small open-label studies and 1 retrospective chart review. Budesonide appears to have efficacy in the treatment of AIH, including in patients intolerant to standard therapy with prednisone alone or with azathioprine, with a reduced incidence of corticosteroid-related adverse reactions. However, in patients with AIH and cirrhosis, the efficacy of budesonide may be reduced and the incidence of corticosteroid-related adverse reactions may be increased. Conclusions: Budesonide may be an additional treatment option for patients with AIH but without cirrhosis who are intolerant to standard therapy with prednisone or prednisone with azathioprine.
Polythiophene-cellulose composites: synthesis, optical properties and homogeneous oxidative co-polymerization
Authors: Sakakibara Keita , Rosenau Thomas 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
Composites of cellulose and conjugated polymers based on oligo- and polythiophene are reported, inspired by the assembly of cellulose and lignin in wood as a composite that survives harsh environmental conditions and meets most complex demands. The regioselectively oligothiophene-substituted cellulose derivatives were synthesized according to a protecting group strategy and used to prepare the polythiophene-cellulose composites through a FeCl3-initiated oxidative co-polymerization with thiophene co-monomers. The optical property of the cellulose derivatives with mono-, bi- and terthiophene moieties at the C-6 position was investigated with ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. The UV-Vis absorption spectra exhibited a broad band reflecting the intense π-π* transition within the conjugated oligothiophene side chains, which were greater than those of the corresponding reference monomers owing to their intermolecular π-electron interactions, even in solution. This was also supported by the negative CD band, indicative of cellulosic supramolecular stacking structures in solution. The soluble polythiophene-cellulose composites were prepared by the oxidative co-polymerization of the oligothiophene substituted celluloses with excess 3-hexylthiophene in the presence of FeCl3 as the oxidative initiator. The supplied amount of thiophene co-monomer was crucial for producing large π-conjugated structures and a cross-linked network structure. The soluble composites, with properties, such as electric conductivity, semiconductivity, or photoelectroactivity, were applied for the preparation of thin films which will have to be optimized for the respective application.
Glacier distribution and direction in Svalbard, Axel Heiberg Island and throughout the Arctic: General northward tendencies
Authors: Evans Ian 
Published: August 2011

Glacier distribution and direction in Svalbard, Axel Heiberg Island and throughout the Arctic: General northward tendenciesArctic glaciers depend on supply of moisture, mostly from the Atlantic. The snowline is remarkably high in northeast Siberia, remote from this source. Because of differential solar radiation receipt, local glaciers have a northward-facing tendency throughout the Arctic. This is weaker than in dry mid-latitudes but low sun angles enhance the effects of shading, compensating for the broader range of aspects (i.e.slope directions) illuminated in summer. Statistics from the World Glacier Inventory and other sources show that mass balance differences between slopes of different aspects give both more glaciers, and lower glaciers, facing the favoured direction: usually North. This is clear, for example, for local glaciers (and for all small glaciers) in central Spitsbergen and in Axel Heiberg Island. Wind effects (drifting snow to leeward slopes) are much less important, except in northwest Europe from Norway to Novaya Zemlya which is under the strong influence of westerly winds, greatest in the Polar and Sub-polar Urals. A thorough analysis is provided of aspect data for local glaciers within and near the Arctic Circle, and of variation in glacier mid-altitude with aspect and position. There is consistency between mean glacier aspect (in terms of numbers) and aspect with lowest glaciers, everywhere except in Wrangel Island.
Schmidt hammer tests across a recently deglacierized rocky coastal zone in Spitsbergen - is there a "coastal amplification" of rock weathering in polar climates?
Authors: Strzelecki Mateusz 
Published: August 2011

Schmidt hammer tests across a recently deglacierized rocky coastal zone in Spitsbergen - is there a "coastal amplification" of rock weathering in polar climates?
A significant limit to current understanding of cold coast evolution is the paucity of field observations regarding development of rocky coastlines and, in particular, lack of precise recognition of mechanisms controlling rock coast geomorphology in polar climates. Results are presented from a pilot survey of rock resistance using Schmidt Hammer Rock Tests (SHRT) across the recently deglacierized Nordenskioldbreen forefield and coastal zone, in central Spitsbergen, Svalbard. The aim is to improve understanding of the effects of rock weathering on high latitude coasts. SHRT across a field of roches moutonnées of meta-morphic rocks, uncovered from ice over the last century and exposed to the operation of littoral processes, demonstrated significant relationships between rock surface resistance and distance from present shoreline, distance from the ice cliff as well as thickness of the snow cover. Sites closest to the present-day shoreline were characterized by lower resistance in comparison with more inland locations. The result support models that advocate intensification of weathering processes in cold region coastal settings.
Redefining Diagnostic Symptoms of Depression Using Rasch Analysis: Testing an Item Bank Suitable for DSM-V and Computer Adaptive Testing
Authors: Mitchell Alex J. , Smith Adam B. , Al-salihy Zerak , Rahim Twana A. , Mahmud Mahmud Q. , Muhyaldin Asma S. 
Published: August 2011

Objective: We aimed to redefine the optimal self-report symptoms of depression suitable for creation of an item bank that could be used in computer adaptive testing or to develop a simplified screening tool for DSM-V. Method: Four hundred subjects (200 patients with primary depression and 200 non-depressed subjects), living in Iraqi Kurdistan were interviewed. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was used to define the presence of major depression (DSM-IV criteria). We examined symptoms of depression using four well-known scales delivered in Kurdish. The Partial Credit Model was applied to each instrument. Common-item equating was subsequently used to create an item bank and differential item functioning (DIF) explored for known subgroups. Results: A symptom level Rasch analysis reduced the original 45 items to 24 items of the original after the exclusion of 21 misfitting items. A further six items (CESD13 and CESD17, HADS-D4, HADS-D5 and HADS-D7, and CDSS3 and CDSS4) were removed due to misfit as the items were added together to form the item bank, and two items were subsequently removed following the DIF analysis by diagnosis (CESD20 and CDSS9, both of which were harder to endorse for women). Therefore the remaining optimal item bank consisted of 17 items and produced an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.987. Using a bank restricted to the optimal nine items revealed only minor loss of accuracy (AUC = 0.989, sensitivity 96%, specificity 95%). Finally, when restricted to only four items accuracy was still high (AUC was still 0.976; sensitivity 93%, specificity 96%). Conclusions: An item bank of 17 items may be useful in computer adaptive testing and nine or even four items may be used to develop a simplified screening tool for DSM-V major depressive disorder (MDD). Further examination of this item bank should be conducted in different cultural settings.
Adaptability and Sustainability of an Indigenous Australian Family Wellbeing Initiative in the Context of Papua New Guinea: A Follow Up
Authors: Kitau Russel , Tsey Komla , McCalman Janya , Whiteside Mary 
Published: August 2011

Objective: This paper describes the follow-up phase of a pilot collaborative initiative between the University of Papua New Guinea and James Cook University aimed at determining the relevance of an Indigenous Australian Family Wellbeing (FWB) empowerment program in the context of Papua New Guinea (PNG). It describes opportunities and challenges involved in adapting and sustaining the FWB approach to the PNG context. Two evaluation questionnaires were administered to 60 course participants. Conclusions: Findings revealed that the course was relevant, adaptable and could readily be integrated with other health programs. In the context of PNG's target to meet its United Nations Millennium Development Goals by 2015, the Family Wellbeing approach offers an innovative approach to enhance existing health and community development initiatives.
Work in Progress: Creative Recovery to Creative Livelihoods
Authors: Leenders Michelle , Dyer Geraldine M. , Saunders Vicki 
Published: August 2011

Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide an update on the performative outcomes of the Creative Recovery project, an innovative community based Arts in Health initiative, since the initial launch in Lockhart River 2008, expansion to Aurukun in 2009, and Mornington Island in 2010. Results: With works from those three communities, the exhibition Work In Progress was launched during the Creating Futures Conference 2010. Selections from that exhibition are presented here. Conclusions: The Arts in Health model is both a culturally appropriate and sustainable model for the meaningful engagement of Indigenous people living in remote communities experiencing mental health problems. These types of projects offer unique opportunities for social enterprise, utilizing creativity as the tool for social inclusion. It has the potential to provide a niche economic opportunity which builds on the notion of recovery as incorporating meaningful livelihoods.
Anxiety In Children: Remote Area Sensitivities and Considered Changes in Structuring a Cool Kids Approach
Authors: Davies Michael 
Published: August 2011

Objective: To explore the feasibility of utilizing Cool Kids, a mainstream resource based on cognitive behavioural principles, to address acute and chronic anxiety with Aboriginal children in a remote setting. Results: Evidence from the literature suggests some symptomatic differences and learning challenges which demand consideration prior to implementation in this population. In particular, cultural sensitivities in many areas need to be respected, as does the sense of interconnectedness in terms of self and thinking. Conclusions: Given sufficient knowledge, appropriate cultural protocol, and concentration on engagement it should be possible to use an adapted Cool Kids program to decrease the high levels of anxiety in a remote Indigenous population. Being aware of the differences in western and Indigenous thinking and learning will help direct adaptation.
“The Family Is the Clinic, the Community Is the Hospital”: Community Mental Health in Timor-Leste
Authors: Hawkins Zoe , Tilman Teofilo 
Published: August 2011

Objective: This paper describes the history and recent development of mental health services in Timor-Leste, a small developing country recovering from conflict. Challenges to effective service delivery are discussed as well as plans for future development. Conclusions: Timor-Leste's mental health service began just over a decade ago. Unlike many other low and middle income countries where hospital-based services predominate, the mental health model in Timor-Leste is entirely community based. However, challenges to effective mental health care delivery are similar to most developing countries and include a lack of sufficient financial resources, human resources, and mental health infrastructure. Addressing these issues successfully requires political will, a greater prioritization of mental health services, close coordination between stakeholders, as well as developments in the area of education, training and infrastructure. Greater understanding and education about the links between mental and physical health would benefit the overall health of the population, and integration of these respective policies may prove a successful method of more equitably redistributing finances and resources.
Staff Management and Capacity Building Under Conditions of Insecurity: Lessons From Developing Mental Health Service and Research Programs in Post-Conflict Timor-Leste
Authors: Silove Derrick , Rees Susan , Tam Natalino , Liddell Belinda , Zwi Anthony 
Published: August 2011

Objective: The task of staff capacity building is particularly important, albeit challenging, in low and middle income countries emerging from prolonged periods of persecution and conflict. Mental health professionals engaged in development and research projects are acutely aware of the impact of past and current conditions including trauma exposure, insecurity, and poverty on the capacity of local workers to acquire and apply skills. In this article we reflect on these challenges by drawing on our experience spanning 10 years of mental health work and capacity building in Timor-Leste. Conclusions: It is important to be proactive in identifying the needs and career objectives of workers early in any development initiative so that an effective program of capacity building can be initiated. Careful consideration needs to be given to ensure a compassionate and considered response to the psychosocial needs of staff, one that takes into account the impact of past trauma, ongoing insecurity and socioeconomic conditions on the capacity of workers to function effectively.
Velocity Distribution of Unsteady Laminar Flow for Viscous Fluid
Authors: Haque MA 
Published: August 2011

In this paper an attempt has been made to investigate the velocity profile of unsteady laminar flow of incompressible viscous fluid. The method of separation of variable is used to determine the solutions of the governing differential equations. Time varying pressure gradient is considered for poiseuille flow. The velocity profiles for the various types of flow are shown by the figures. GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 29 (2009) 1-9 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v29i0.8510