bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ISOLATION, IDENTIFICATION AND ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE OF AEROMONAS SPP. AND SALMONELLA SPP. FROM THE FRESH WATER LOACH, LEPIDOCEPHALICHTHYS GUNTEA AND WATER OF TERAI RIVER LOTCHKA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Authors: Roy Rudra Prasad , Bahadur Min , Barat Sudip
Published: November 2013

An investigation was conducted to identify the bacterial isolates and to study the antibiotic resistance patterns of Aeromonas spp. and Salmonella spp. from the skin, gills, and gut of the fresh water loach, Lepidocephalichthys guntea (HAMILTON BUCHANAN) and water sampled from four different sites along the River Lotchka in Darjeeling District, West Bengal, India. Isolated bacteria were identified by different biochemical procedures, and Polymerase Chain Reaction was performed using genus specific 16S rDNA primers for confirmation of identification of Aeromonas spp. and Salmonella spp. Antibiotic susceptibility test of bacterial isolates was also done by Disc Diffusion method. A total of 49 Aeromonas spp. and 24 Salmonella spp. were isolated from tested samples. Maximum resistance was exhibited for Penicillin-G, Ampicillin, and Cephalothin (>75% resistant Aeromonas spp. and >60% Salmonella spp. in the four different sites of river and body parts of fish). Ciprofloxacin and Tetracycline resistance was almost nil. The results indicated that the river water and resident fish were contaminated with multi-antibiotic resistant enteric pathogenic bacteria. This study, thus, provides valuable information for making policy decisions aimed at reducing microbial contamination of fish and the indiscriminate use of antibiotics.
Changing Criticism of Swahili Qur'an Translations: The Three ‘Rods of Moses’
Authors: van de Bruinhorst Gerard C.
Published: November 2013

This article examines three Swahili books with the same title Fimbo ya Musa (‘The Rod of Moses’), published between 1970 and 2010, each of which critically investigates Qur'an translations and vernacular religious texts in Swahili.

The first Fimbo was written by the Kenyan Ahmad Ahmad Badawy and criticises one of the earliest Swahili Qur'an translations, by Abdullah Saleh al-Farsy. In the second, Nurudin Hussein Shadhuly, head of the Shadhuly/Yashrutiyya Ṣūfī branch in Tanzania examines and condemns the translation efforts by Saidi Musa, a student of al-Farsy. The final Fimbo is a treatise by the Ibāḍī scholar Juma al-Mazrui from Oman and digitally distributed in 2010 which deals with the doctrine of God's visibility in the hereafter and is an answer to the Salafiyya Tanzanian Kassim Mafuta's 2008 work on this topic.

The example of these three polemics over the last four decades shows the shifting concerns in the reaction to the translated Qur'an in Swahili. The act of translation from Arabic to the vernacular is no longer attacked, but rather the theological implications of a deficient translation are at the heart of the more recent discussions. While authoritative knowledge is still associated with a high command of Arabic, affiliation to a particular school of law or intellectual genealogy is not. Religious learning is no longer primarily transmitted through well-established links of personal authorities, but can increasingly be derived from private study and reading. As a direct result of this opening up of a wide field of knowledge for a non-Arabic reading audience, the potential numbers of discussants increases: each new Swahili Qur'an translation reveals more of the enigmatic character of the Qur'an and fuels new debates.
Sura Headings and Subdivisions in Qur'an Manuscripts from Sub-Saharan Africa: Variations and Historical Implications
Authors: Hamès Constant
Published: November 2013

Sura headings, and the information they convey, were formulated well after the Qur'anic revelation itself. Furthermore, they were not determined by authoritative, standardising decisions, as was the case for the Qur'anic text, which has come down to us ne varietur. Given the geographical extension attained by the Islamic world in the course of its history, and in the absence of normalisation due to the disappearance of a centralised power, local variations in sura headings are only to be expected. This is, in effect, the case for Africa. The sampling of Qur'an manuscripts considered here is compared to the standard Egyptian edition of 1923, and reveals differences not only in the titles of the suras but also in the other types of information associated with them, such as indications concerning the place of revelation and the number of verses in each sura. In addition, in some areas, headings are not usually committed to writing, whereas in other local traditions, they may be quite long and contain multiple elements of information. Though these variations may appear to be minor, they are of interest in a comparative perspective, taking into account different zones and eras – especially so if one seeks to discern local identities in the presentation of Qur'an manuscripts. The ones analysed here all come from the Saharo-Sahelian zone: Mauritania (2), Mali (1), Chad (2) and Somalia (1). They are dated to the nineteenth century, with the exception of one early twentieth-century manuscript.
Une commanderie templière et sa chapelle en Avignon : du Temple aux chevaliers de Malte
Authors: Carraz Damien
Published: November 2013

Die Templerkapelle von Avignon ist durch ihr für die Provence frühes Datum — das letzte Drittel des 1 3 . Jahrhunderts — und durch ihre auf die Ile-de-France verweisenden Einflüsse ein bedeutender Markstein in der südfranzösischen gotischen Architektur. Die Einfachheit ihres Plans — ein einziges Schiff mit vier Jochen und einem graden Chorabschluss — kann die zahlreichen Züge nördlicher Herkunft nicht verleugnen — Schlussteine mit anthropomorphen Motiven, schlanke Lanzetten an den fein profilierten Fensterkreuzen, Fialen, die die Strebepfeiler bekrönen... Im 14. Jahrhundert wurde die Kapelle und die zu ihr gehörende Kommende dem ritterlichen Orden Sankt Johannis vom Spital zu Jerusalem zugewiesen ; deren Besuchsprotokolle bringen interessante Einzelheiten über die Organisation der Bauten in der Neuzeit. Die Kommende wurde während der Revolution verkauft und im 19. Jahrhundert zerstört, allein die in die aktuelle Bausubstanz eingekeilte Kapelle hat bis heute überlebt.
Un projet inédit de place royale et d' Hôtel de ville à Marseille par Mansart de Sagonne (1752)
Authors: Cachau Philippe
Published: November 2013

In 1752 the city fathers of Marseille adopted a project for the reconstruction of their city hall and its royal square by the Parisian architect Jacques Hardouin-Mansart de Sagonne (1711-1778). It was the ultimate version of several projects that had been tendered since 1748. The new city hall was to replace the seventeenth -century Pavillion Puget. The project for the square was the third of its kind after the aborted ones of Pierre Puget and the 1720s. It belongs to the long séries of squares dedicated to Louis XV throughout the realm. The comparison of this project, füll of grottoes, with the more classical contem- porary one of Le Carpentier at Rouen testifies to the obvious ambivalence of French architecture at a turning point in its évolution, the 1750s. The project of Mansart clearly shows the conservative tendancies of the Royal Academy of Architecture, of which Mansart was a member, in the face of the classical, Louis XIV tendancies of Le Carpentier, currently in favour. This previously unpublished project, which was never realized, compléments the séries of squares gathered together by Pierre Patte in Monuments. .. à la gloire de Louis XV. Is it not surprising, however, that it never sollicited an écho ?
L'escalier en vis voûté et la construction romane : exemples rhodaniens
Authors: Hartmann-Virnich Andreas
Published: November 2013

L'escalier en vis roman voûté permet d'étudier de près la conception et la mise en œuvre d'un ouvrage en fonction de problèmes constructifs spécifiques et chronologiques restreints, un éventail de solutions qui concernent en particulier deux difficultés majeures : celle de disposer l'appareil du berceau hélicoïdal — pierre de taille, moellons, blocage — , et celle de construire la voûte par courts tronçons successifs, imposés par la nature de l'ouvrage. Le voûtement en blocage, technique courante que l'exemple des escaliers du transept de Saint-Trophime d'Arles et celui, particulièrement instructif, de l'escalier du grand transept de Cluny III permettent de commenter en exergue, offre à cet égard l'avantage de conserver les empreintes des couchis sur cintres : l'assemblage caractéristique de ceux-ci, en juxtaposant de courtes unités de couchis droits, répondait en effet aux exigences constructives, tout en permettant de décomposer la courbe de la voûte. Or, les différents types de voûte appareillées — à la différence de la « vis » éponyme de Saint-Gilles-du-Gard — traduisent un souci analogue de simplifier la stéréotomie. Faire face à des exigences particulières est donc le point commun de ces recherches qui diffèrent plus par leur qualité que par leur apparence à des époques différentes. Souvent parallèles, elles sont donc autant d'exemples d'une diversité qui, dans un sens plus général, oblige à nuancer la réflexion sur l'évolution des procédés techniques de la construction romane.
Structural, optical and photocatalytic properties of flower-like ZnO nanostructures prepared by a facile wet chemical method
Authors: Kuriakose Sini , Bhardwaj Neha , Singh Jaspal , Satpati Biswarup , Mohapatra Satyabrata
Published: November 2013

Flower-like ZnO nanostructures were synthesized by a facile wet chemical method. Structural, optical and photocatalytic properties of these nanostructures have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. SEM and TEM studies revealed flower-like structures consisting of nanosheets, formed due to oriented attachment of ZnO nanoparticles. Flower-like ZnO structures showed enhanced photocatalytic activity towards sun-light driven photodegradation of methylene blue dye (MB) as compared to ZnO nanoparticles. XRD, UV–vis absorption, PL, FTIR and TEM studies revealed the formation of Zn(OH)2 surface layer on ZnO nanostructures upon ageing. We demonstrate that the formation of a passivating Zn(OH)2 surface layer on the ZnO nanostructures upon ageing deteriorates their efficiency to photocatalytically degrade of MB.
Integration of Universities and Business
Authors: Sakhapov Rustem Lukmanovich , Absalyamova Svetlana Germanovna
Published: November 2013

World economy is experiencing a global economic crisis. During such periods, the world economic structure and leader-countries are changing, new economic centers are appearing. Authors explore the causes of the global economic crisis and show changes in the present structure of world economy. Also substantiated the efficiency of using the strategy of catching up on the example of developing countries.

Today Russia has a unique chance for technological upgrading by large-scale deployment of efficient technologies already developed by the leaders. Based on global experience, the strategy to modernize the Russian economy should be combined: a strategy of leadership in the areas where Russia has the technological superiority, the strategy of catching up and borrowing in industries where there is a considerable lag. To gain this goal Russia first of all has to increase effectiveness of cooperation of the state, universities (of science and education) and business â?? the three basic factors of innovative system.
Design of Super Program-Controlling Thermostatic Device
Authors: Liu Li-xiu , He Ai-jiang , Li Xiang-biao
Published: November 2013

Super thermostatic device was designed, using electric heating jacket as the heating element, silicon controlled voltage regulator as the actuator, program temperature controller as the controller. Orthogonal experiment was carried out to investigate the influencing factors on temperature control error, such as the heating medium, heating power, stirring speed and target temperature. The experimental results indicated that heating power and stirring speed have significant influence on temperature control error; and under the optimal conditions, the designed thermostatic device has thermostat control precision, ± 0.2 ?, and temperature control accuracy, 0.3 ?, which showed that the thermostatic device is a super thermostatic device with program control function.
Climate Change as a Threat to Brazil’s Amazon Forest
Authors: Fearnside Philip M.
Published: November 2013

Climate changes predicted for Brazilian Amazonia place much of the forest in danger of dieoff from the combined effect of drought and heat within the current century, and much sooner for some areas. Increases are expected in the frequency and magnitude of droughts from both the El Niño phenomenon and from the Atlantic dipole. These changes imply increased frequency of forest fires. Forest death from drought, fires or both would be followed by a transformation either to a savanna or to some type of low-biomass woody vegetation, in either case with greatly reduced biodiversity. This risk provides justification for Brazil to change its negotiating positions under the Climate Convention to accept a binding target now for national emissions and to support a low atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (400 ppmv or less) as the definition of “dangerous” interference with the climate system.
Od reformy kurikula k produktivní kultuře vyučování a učení
Authors: Janík T.
Published: November 2013

Předložený text je pokusem o analytickou studii s programovým vyústěním. Jeho cílem je teoreticky vymezit a empiricky analyzovat „problém“ kurikulární reformy a koncipovat její vztah ke kultuře vyučování a učení. V úvodu autor zasazuje současnou českou kurikulární reformu do širšího kontextu vzdělávací transformace a zamýšlí se nad předmětem a charakterem reformy. V návaznosti na to s využitím tzv. ekvalizéru governance rozebírá problém načasování reformy, a to v kontextu analýzy širších mechanismů fungování a ovládání školského systému. Za klíčové lze považovat autorovo tvrzení, že současná česká kurikulární reforma stěží pozvedne kvalitu výuky, neboť její implementace vyústila v nezvladatelný formalismus. Cesta ke kvalitě výuky podle autora spočívá v podpoře produktivní kultury vyučování a učení. Realizovat změnu tudíž znamená propracovat novou – produktivní – kulturu vyučování a učení. V závěru autor předkládá argumenty pro potřebu „programu“ spočívajícího v rozvinutí kurikulární reformy do koncepce podpory škol a profesního rozvoje učitelů s ideou produktivní kultury vyučování a učení na horizontu.
Dětské čtenářství v didaktických souvislostech a perspektivy neurovědních poznatků
Authors: Jindráček V. , Škoda J. , Doulík P.
Published: November 2013

Cílem této přehledové studie je vyhledat výzkumné práce, které funkčními či elektrofyziologickými metodami vyšetřovaly aktivaci korových oblastí mozku v průběhu čtení vyprávění (tj. narativu či diskurzu), a s pomocí přehledových studií podat systematický souhrn výsledků, k nimž vybrané výzkumy dospěly. První část příspěvku je věnována současnému dětskému čtenářství v didaktických souvislostech a didaktické transformaci obsahu v literární výchově. V následující části je podán přehled výzkumných studií mapujících aktivaci korových oblastí mozku v průběhu čtení a porozumění narativu/diskurzu. Jako zdroj dat byly použity databáze (2007–2012): Medline, Bibliomedica, Science Direct, Web of Science, Google Scholar.Do analýzy bylo zařazeno 16 výzkumných studií. Ukázalo se, že dohledané práce jen ojediněle zohledňovaly specifika pubescentních a prepubescentních čtenářů, i přesto však podaly široký přehled možností, jimiž lze objasňovat mechanismy procesu čtení narativního textu na úrovni korové aktivace mozku. Velký význam byl v hodnocených článcích přisouzen zejména výzkumu činnosti mozkových oblastí/hemisfér v průběhu konstrukce tzv. situačních modelů (ev. během segmentace vyprávění do jednotlivých akcí/událostí) a vymezování kontrastů, které charakterizují neuronální koreláty inferenčních procesů.
Estratigrafia e correlações da Bacia de Pouso Alegre, transição Neoproterozóico-Cambriano, Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Teixeira Antonio Luiz , Petri Setembrino
Published: November 2013

Os depósitos sedimentares da região de Pouso Alegre e outros remanescentes de bacias eminentemente terrígenas ocorrem ao longo do Cinturão Ribeira, desde o Estado de Minas Gerais até o Paraná. A análise das fácies sedimentares e dos sistemas deposicionais permitiram discriminar na bacia de Pouso Alegre três unidades estratigráficas representadas por associações de fácies que caracterizam depósitos subaéreos de leques aluviais; depósitos deltaicos (fan-delta)e depósitos de plataforma proximal. Nos ambientes subaquosos, esses depósitos foram retrabalhados pela ação de correntes de marés, por ondas normais e, eventualmente, de tempestades. Nos depósitos prodeltaicos foram identificados os acritarcos Soldadophycus bossii GAUCHER et al. 1996, Soldadophycus major GAUCHER 2000 e Symplassosphaeridium sp., evidenciando a participação de águas marinhas relativamente bem oxigenadas durante a sedimentação. A correlação com as demais bacias que ocorrem ao longo do Cinturão Ribeira e com outras dos continentes sul-americano e africano é proposta, tendo-se em conta parâmetros estratigráficos, paleontológicos e geocronológicos. Adaptou-se um modelo paleotectônico e paleogeográfico para a evolução do Gondwana Ocidental durante a transição Neoproterozóico Cambriano, em cujo cenário interagiram blocos cratônicos, a colagem de terrenos alóctones e a abertura e fechamento dos oceanos. Após a glaciação Varanger (~600 Ma) e com o aumento das temperaturas do planeta, o nível dos oceanos encontrava-se em ascensão. As águas do Oceano Brazilides penetraram pelas regiões subsidentes meridionais do Cinturão Ribeira, constituindo nível de base para a deposição em bacias extensionais nas porções ocidentais do Orógeno Mantiqueira. Concomitante a estes embaciamentos em mares epicontinentais ocorria a sedimentação em bacias de margens passivas, às bordas dos crátons. A conexão entre os oceanos Brazilides e Adamastor permitiu a disseminação de microfósseis similares, notadamente Cloudina, em quase todas elas. Com a convergência dos blocos cratônicos e o fechamento dos oceanos, ao redor de 530 Ma, as bacias sofreram inversão e encurtamento, como assinalado nas assinaturas isotópicas de rochas do embasamento e dos depósitos.
A variabilidade de composição da apatita associada a carbonatitos
Authors: Toledo Maria Cristina Motta de , Pereira Vitor Paulo
Published: November 2013

A apatita, um dos minerais não silicatados mais abundantes na crosta, é praticamente o único mineral de minério dos depósitos fosfáticos explotados no mundo. A fórmula estrutural simplificada da fluorapatita (espécie mais comum) é Ca1O(PO4)6 F2. Muitos substituintes podem ser encontrados, em todos os sítios cristaloquimicos, em apatita de todos os ambientes geológicos e mesmo dos materiais apatiticos orgânicos e sintéticos. São discutidos aqui principalmente os casos naturais e inorgânicos associados a carbonatitos. A ocupação do sítio aniônico monovalente dá as denominações principais atualmente aceitas oficialmente para as espécies dentro do grupo da apatita: fluorapatita, hidroxiapatita e clorapatita. Entre os substituintes do cálcio, podem ser destacados os elementos terras raras e elementos com interesse ambiental, como o cádmio, que pode ser incorporado aos fertilizantes, resultando em problemas de contaminação. Havendo duas posições distintas para o cálcio e seus substituintes na estrutura da apatita, vários dos estudos mais recentes exploram este aspecto, mostrando influências de todo um conjunto de fatores que interagem com as características de cada elemento na preferência de ocupação do sítio Ca1 ou Ca2. Entre os ânions substituintes para o fosfato, destaca-se o carbonato, cuja entrada provoca modificações estruturais e exige mecanismos de compensação de cargas, como substituições acopladas nos sítios catiônico e aniônico monovalente para manutenção da neutralidade da estrutura, ou mesmo criação de vacâncias estruturais. Esta questão ainda é polêmica e vem sendo abordada há muitas décadas, sendo considerada fundamental na questão da compreensão da variação da solubilidade, reatividade, cristalinidade e estabilidade térmica. O ânion carbonato também pode entrar no sítio do flúor, embora raramente.
O estudo de formações superficiais no Brasil
Authors: Queiroz Neto José Pereira de
Published: November 2013

Duas grandes tendências manifestaram-se no Brasil no estudo das formações superficiais, nem sempre convergentes, porém ambas tentando distinguir as autóctones das alóctones: a dos pedólogos, porque as fomações superficiais representam os materiais de origem dos solos, e a dos geomorfólogos/geólogos, porque podem representar testemunhos dos processos responsáveis pela elaboração do relevo. Aqui é apresentada uma síntese das origens e direções exploradas por essas tendências, mostrando os principais resultados alcançados, terminando com as perspectivas abertas pela aplicação do procedimento da análise estrutural da cobertura pedológica em duas direções: possibilitando uma definição mais correta da questão da autoctonia/aloctonia das formações superficiais e avaliando a importância dos processos biogeodinâmicos na elaboração das formas de relevo.
A Tie-Over Dressing Using a Silicone Tube to Graft Deep Wounds
Authors: Bektas Cem Inan , Kankaya Yuksel , Ozer Kadri , Baris Ruser , Aslan Ozlem Colak , Kocer Ugur
Published: November 2013

Background The most common cause of skin graft failure is the collection of blood or serous fluid underneath the graft. In our study, we describe the use of silicone tube for tie-over dressing to secure the skin graft margins with the aim of decreasing loss of the skin graft, particularly in grafting of deep wounds.

Methods Between March 2008 and July 2011, we used this technique in 17 patients with skin defects with depths ranging from 3.5 to 8 mm (mean, 5.5 mm). First, the skin graft was sutured with 3/0 silk suture material from its corners. Then, a silicone round drain tube was sutured with 3/0 absorbable polyglactin 910 over the margins of the graft. Finally, long silk threads were tied over the bolus dressing, and the tie-over dressing was completed in the usual fashion.

Results The mean follow-up was 7 months (range, 2-10 months) in the outpatient clinic. Graft loss on the graft margins due to hematoma or seroma was not developed. The results of adhesion between the graft and wound bed peripherally was excellent.

Conclusions In our study, we suggest that use of a silicone tube for additional pressure on the edges of skin grafts in case of reconstruction of deep skin defects.
Role of Muscle Free Flap in the Salvage of Complicated Scalp Wounds and Infected Prosthetic Dura
Authors: Han Dae Hee , Park Myong Chul , Park Dong Ha , Song Hyunsuk , Lee Il Jae
Published: November 2013

Background The prosthetic dura is an essential element in the protection of the cranial parenchyma and prevention of cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Although prosthetic dura are widely used in neurosurgery, they occasionally provoke infection, which can be a major concern after neurosurgical treatment. However, removal of the prosthetic dura carries a risk of brain parenchyma injury and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. The salvage of infected prosthetic dural material has not been adequately addressed in the literature. In this study, we demonstrate the value of the combination of a meticulous surgical debridement of necrotic tissue and simultaneous muscle free flap for intractable postoperative epidural abscess without removal of the infected prosthetic dura.

Methods Between 2010 and 2012, we reviewed the data of 11 patients with persistent infection on the prosthetic dura. The epidural infections each occurred after a neurosurgical procedure, and there was soft tissue necrosis with the disclosure of the underlying prosthetic dura and dead bone around the scalp wound. To salvage the infected prosthetic dura, meticulous debridement and a muscle free flap were performed.

Results All 11 patients experienced complete recovery from the complicated wound problem without the need for further surgical intervention. No signs of prosthetic dural infection were observed during the mean follow-up period of 11 months.

Conclusions The combination of a meticulous surgical debridement and coverage with a muscle free flap is an effective treatment for salvage of infected prosthetic dura.
Reconstruction of the Medial Canthus Using an Ipsilateral Paramedian Forehead Flap
Authors: Kim Jin Hyung , Kim Jeong Min , Park Jang Wan , Hwang Jae Ha , Kim Kwang Seog , Lee Sam Yong
Published: November 2013

Background The medial canthus is an important area in determining the impression of a person's facial appearance. It is composed of various structures, including canthal tendons, lacrimal canaliculi, conjunctiva, the tarsal plate, and skin tissues. Due to its complexity, medial canthal defect reconstruction has been a challenging procedure to perform. The contralateral paramedian forehead flap is usually used for large defects; however, the bulkiness of the glabella and splitting at the distal end of the flap are factors that can reduce the rate of flap survival. We reconstructed medial canthal defects using ipsilateral paramedian forehead flaps, minimizing glabellar bulkiness.

Methods This study included 10 patients who underwent medial canthal reconstruction using ipsilateral paramedian forehead flaps between 2010 and 2012. To avoid an acute curve of the pedicle, which can cause venous congestion, we attempted to make the arc of the pedicle rounder. Additionally, the pedicle was skeletonized from the nasal root to the glabella to reduce the bulkiness.

Results All patients had basal cell carcinoma, and 3 of them had recurrent basal cell carcinoma. All of the flaps were successful without total or partial flap loss. Two patients developed venous congestion of the flap, which was healed using medicinal leeches. Four patients developed epiphora, and 2 patients developed telecanthus.

Conclusions Large defects of the medial canthus can be successfully reconstructed using ipsilateral paramedian forehead flaps. In addition, any accompanying venous congestion can be healed using medicinal leeches.
Correction of Problematic Hypospadias with Dartos Fascia-Reinforced Flap and Slanted Incision of Fistula
Authors: Choi Dong Sik , Lee Jeong Woo , Yang Jung Dug , Chung Ho Yun , Cho Byung Chae , Byun Jin Suk , Choi Kang Young
Published: November 2013

Background Hypospadias is the most common congenital malformation of the male urinary tract, wherein the urethral opening is located proximal to the normal site. Tubularized incised-plate urethroplasty reconstruction, and its efficacy, remains controversial due to the high recurrence rate. This study aimed to evaluate the results of dartos fascia-reinforced flap surgery in hypospadias patients with previous operative complications.

Methods Nine patients (mean age, 12 years) who had previous one- or two-stage repair with TIP urethroplasty and suffered from urethrocutaneous fistulas or fissures as complications, underwent dartos fascia-reinforced flap surgery in our clinic between January 2010 and December 2012. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 6 months.

Results Among the 9 patients, 7 had complete correction. In all the patients, the maximum uroflow angle was >45°. No patient complained of an unnatural urinating position. The patients and parents gave very high satisfaction scores (4.7 points) with regard to the appearance of the outer genitalia.

Conclusion The dartos fascia-reinforced flap could be a useful and reliable option for complications of hypospadias repair or fissure with the prepuce preserved, given that histological aspects vary and that the possibility of recurrence in the glanular region is high.
Turning wine (waste) into water: Toward technological advances in the use of constructed wetlands for winery effluent treatment
Authors: Sheridan Craig , Hildebrand Diane , Glasser David
Published: November 2013

The research presented in this article describes an investigation into the use of vegetated submerged reedbeds (VSR) as a practicable alternative for effluent treatment for small‐scale wine producers. In this study, we found that the hydraulic processes occurring within the VSR display significantly nonideal behavior. If the feed to the VSR was located on the surface the dead volume accounted for approximately 25% of the nonideal behavior of the system and bypass accounted for a further 6%. A preferential flow pattern was found within the VSR with the greatest flow occurring closest the surface and in the center, and the least at the sidewalls. We propose that the flow profile can be conceptualized as being hull shaped and found that this profile was the same for irregularly shaped gravel and for spherically shaped gelatinous beads. We, therefore, hypothesize that it is not dependent on the geometry of the VSR or the packing medium. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J 60: 420–431, 2014
Technical Note: Guidelines for the digital computation of 2D and 3D enamel thickness in hominoid teeth
Authors: Benazzi Stefano , Panetta Daniele , Fornai Cinzia , Toussaint Michel , Gruppioni Giorgio , Hublin Jean‐Jacques
Published: November 2013

The study of enamel thickness has received considerable attention in regard to the taxonomic, phylogenetic and dietary assessment of human and non‐human primates. Recent developments based on two‐dimensional (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) digital techniques have facilitated accurate analyses, preserving the original object from invasive procedures. Various digital protocols have been proposed. These include several procedures based on manual handling of the virtual models and technical shortcomings, which prevent other scholars from confidently reproducing the entire digital protocol. There is a compelling need for standard, reproducible, and well‐tailored protocols for the digital analysis of 2D and 3D dental enamel thickness. In this contribution we provide essential guidelines for the digital computation of 2D and 3D enamel thickness in hominoid molars, premolars, canines and incisors. We modify previous techniques suggested for 2D analysis and we develop a new approach for 3D analysis that can also be applied to premolars and anterior teeth. For each tooth class, the cervical line should be considered as the fundamental morphological feature both to isolate the crown from the root (for 3D analysis) and to define the direction of the cross‐sections (for 2D analysis). Am J Phys Anthropol 153:305–313, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stable isotope analyses reveal dense trophic species packing and clear niche differentiation in a malagasy primate community
Authors: Dammhahn Melanie , Kappeler Peter M.
Published: November 2013

Understanding the mechanisms maintaining local species richness is a major topic in tropical ecology. In ecological communities of Madagascar, primates represent a major part of mammalian diversity and, thus, are a suitable taxon to study these mechanisms. Previous research suggested that ecological niche differentiation facilitates the coexistence of lemurs. However, detailed data on all species making up diverse local primate assemblages is rarely available, hampering community‐wide tests of niche differentiation among Malagasy mammals. Here, we took an indirect approach and used stable isotopes as long‐term indicators of individuals' diets to answer the question of whether trophic patterns and food‐related mechanisms stabilize coexistence in a species‐rich lemur community. We analyzed stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in hair collected from eight syntopic lemurs in Kirindy Forest. We found that lemur species were well separated into trophic niches and ranged over two trophic levels. Furthermore, species were densely packed in isotopic space suggesting that past competitive interactions between species are a major structuring force of this dry forest lemur community. Results of other comparative studies on primates and our findings underline that—in contrast to communities worldwide—the structure and composition of lemur communities follow predictions of ecological niche theory. Patterns of competitive interactions might be more clearly revealed in Malagasy primate communities than elsewhere because lemurs represent a large fraction of ecologically interacting species in these communities. The pronounced trophic niche differentiation among lemurs is most likely due to intense competition in the past as is characteristic for adaptive radiations. Am J Phys Anthropol 153:249–259, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional implications of squamosal suture size in paranthropus boisei
Authors: Dzialo Christine , Wood Sarah A. , Berthaume Michael , Smith Amanda , Dumont Elizabeth R. , Benazzi Stefano , Weber Gerhard W. , Strait David S. , Grosse Ian R.
Published: November 2013

It has been hypothesized that the extensively overlapping temporal and parietal bones of the squamosal sutures in Paranthropus boisei are adaptations for withstanding loads associated with feeding. Finite element analysis (FEA) was used to investigate the biomechanical effects of suture size (i.e., the area of overlap between the temporal and parietal bones) on stress, strain energy, and strain ratio in the squamosal sutures of Pan troglodytes and P. boisei (specimen OH 5) during biting. Finite element models (FEMs) of OH 5 and a P. troglodytes cranium were constructed from CT scans. These models contain sutures that approximate the actual suture sizes preserved in both crania. The FEM of Pan was then modified to create two additional FEMs with squamosal sutures that are 50% smaller and 25% larger than those in the original model. Comparisons among the models test the effect of suture size on the structural integrity of the squamosal suture as the temporal squama and parietal bone move relative to each other during simulated premolar biting. Results indicate that with increasing suture size there is a decreased risk of suture failure, and that maximum stress values in the OH 5 suture were favorable compared to values in the Pan model with the normal suture size. Strain ratios suggest that shear is an important strain regime in the squamosal suture. This study is consistent with the hypothesis that larger sutures help reduce the likelihood of suture failure under high biting loads. Am J Phys Anthropol 153:260–268, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Are nicotinic acetylcholine receptors coupled to G proteins?
Authors: Kabbani Nadine , Nordman Jacob C. , Corgiat Brian A. , Veltri Daniel P. , Shehu Amarda , Seymour Victoria A. , Adams David J.
Published: November 2013

It was, until recently, accepted that the two classes of acetylcholine (ACh) receptors are distinct in an important sense: muscarinic ACh receptors signal via heterotrimeric GTP binding proteins (G proteins), whereas nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) open to allow flux of Na+, Ca2+, and K+ ions into the cell after activation. Here we present evidence of direct coupling between G proteins and nAChRs in neurons. Based on proteomic, biophysical, and functional evidence, we hypothesize that binding to G proteins modulates the activity and signaling of nAChRs in cells. It is important to note that while this hypothesis is new for the nAChR, it is consistent with known interactions between G proteins and structurally related ligand‐gated ion channels. Therefore, it underscores an evolutionarily conserved metabotropic mechanism of G protein signaling via nAChR channels.

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Volatile Terpenes from Actinomycetes: A Biosynthetic Study Correlating Chemical Analyses to Genome Data
Authors: Rabe Patrick , Citron Christian A. , Dickschat Jeroen S.
Published: November 2013

The volatile terpenes of 24 actinomycetes whose genomes have been sequenced (or are currently being sequenced) were collected by use of a closed‐loop stripping apparatus and identified by GC/MS. The analytical data were compared against a phylogenetic analysis of all 192 currently available sequences of bacterial terpene cyclases (excluding geosmin and 2‐methylisoborneol synthases). In addition to the several groups of terpenes with known biosynthetic origin, selinadienes were identified as a large group of biosynthetically related sesquiterpenes that are produced by several streptomycetes. The detection of a large number of previously unrecognised side products of known terpene cyclases proved to be particularly important for an in depth understanding of biosynthetic pathways to known terpenes in actinomycetes. Interpretation of the chemical analytical data in the context of the phylogenetic tree of bacterial terpene cyclases pointed to the function of three new enzymes: (E)‐β‐caryophyllene synthase, selina‐3,7(11)‐diene synthase and aristolochene synthase.
Differential Effects of Personality Traits and Environmental Predictors on Reproductive and Creative Imagination
Authors: Liang Chaoyun , Chang Chi‐Cheng , Hsu Yuling
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to analyze the effects of both personality and environmental variables on the imagination of video/film major university students; and (2) to test the mediator effect resulting from the variable of social climate. The results of this study supported both indicators of imaginative capabilities and environmental influences. The hypothesis of the study—that the variable of social climate mediates the effects of personality/environmental predictors and both types of imagination—was partially supported. The structural model also showed that most personality traits have direct effects on imagination, whereas most environmental predictors have indirect effects. Practical applications of this study were suggested, future inquiries were discussed, and limitations were acknowledged.
Synthesis and thermal, mechanical, and optical properties of A–B–A or A–B block copolymers containing poly(norbornene‐co‐1‐octene)
Authors: Tanaka Ryo , Suenaga Takuya , Cai Zhengguo , Nakayama Yuushou , Shiono Takeshi
Published: November 2013

A–B–A block copolymers which consist of poly(norbornene‐co‐1‐octene) and atactic polypropylene (PP) segments were synthesized by using ansa‐fluorenylamidotitanium complex as a catalyst varying the ratio of norbornene, 1‐octene, and propylene. The copolymer was obtained quantitatively with high molecular weight (>100,000) and narrow molecular weight distribution (polydispersity index, <1.5). A–B block copolymers of poly(norbornene‐co‐1‐octene) and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was also obtained by the same procedure. Mechanical and optical properties of these copolymer films, which were obtained by solution casting process, were also investigated. Introduction of PP soft segment greatly improved mechanical properties, keeping their high transparency. Introduction of PMMA block also increased the tensile strength. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 267–271
Brief observe on iron silicide growth on amorphous silicon
Authors: Gouralnik A. S. , Lin Ko‐Wei , Dotsenko S. A. , Galkin N. G. , Plotnikov V. S. , Pustovalov E. V. , Cherednichenko A. I. , Vavanova S. V. , Shevlyagin A. V. , Gutakovski A. K. , Neklyudova M. A.
Published: November 2013

Brief observe of the specific features of metal silicide growth on amorphous silicon surface by UHV deposition is given. Some SMOKE and XPS results on magnetism and phase content in the Fe/a‐Si system are presented as illustration. Attention is paid to the internal stresses caused by volumetric effects. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Crystal Structure and Spectroscopic Investigations of POF3
Authors: Feller Michael , Lux Karin , Kornath Andreas
Published: November 2013

Phosphoryl fluoride was characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The X‐ray structure was obtained by in‐situ crystallization. Phosphoryl fluoride crystallizes in the trigonal space group P$\bar{3}$m1 with two formula units in the unit cell. In the crystal structure zigzag chains are observed which are formed by intermolecular P–O contacts. The Raman spectra of neat and matrix isolated POF3 display an extra line, which indicates intermolecular interaction in the solid state. Therefore quantum chemically calculation of a POF3 oligomer was performed. The theoretical calculation indicates that the extra Raman line is caused by side splitting of the P–O valence vibration.
LIMIT LAWS IN TRANSACTION-LEVEL ASSET PRICE MODELS
Authors: Aue Alexander , Horváth Lajos , Hurvich Clifford , Soulier Philippe
Published: November 2013

We consider pure-jump transaction-level models for asset prices in continuous time, driven by point processes. In a bivariate model that admits cointegration, we allow for time deformations to account for such effects as intraday seasonal patterns in volatility and nontrading periods that may be different for the two assets. We also allow for asymmetries (leverage effects). We obtain the asymptotic distribution of the log-price process. For the weak fractional cointegration case, we obtain the asymptotic distribution of the ordinary least squares estimator of the cointegrating parameter based on data sampled from an equally spaced discretization of calendar time, and we justify a feasible method of hypothesis testing for the cointegrating parameter based on the correspondingt-statistic. In the strong fractional cointegration case, we obtain the limiting distribution of a continuously averaged tapered estimator as well as other estimators of the cointegrating parameter, and we find that the rate of convergence can be affected by properties of intertrade durations. In particular, the persistence of durations (hence of volatility) can affect the degree of cointegration. We also obtain the rate of convergence of several estimators of the cointegrating parameter in the standard cointegration case. Finally, we consider the properties of the ordinary least squares estimator of the regression parameter in a spurious regression, i.e., in the absence of cointegration.
Trayless cafeterias lead diners to take less salad and relatively more dessert
Authors: Wansink Brian , Just David R
Published: November 2013

Objective

Many colleges are removing trays from their dining facilities in hope of reducing waste. How does not having a tray impact food choice?

Design

A field study was conducted in a university cafeteria (n 417) on two evenings with identical menus, one with tray service and one without.

Setting

A dining hall of a large north-eastern university, USA.

Subjects

Undergraduate students.

Results

Trayless dining decreased the percentage of diners (average age 19·1 years) who took salad by 65·2 % but did not decrease the percentage who took dessert, leading to a markedly higher ratio of dessert to salad.

Conclusions

Cafeterias going trayless should consider complementary policies to encourage balanced diets.
Defining the expression hierarchy of latent T-cell epitopes in Epstein-Barr virus infection with TCR-like antibodies
Authors: Sim Adrian Chong Nyi , Too Chien Tei , Oo Min Zin , Lai Junyun , Eio Michelle Yating , Song Zhenying , Srinivasan Nalini , Tan Diane Ai Lin , Pang Shyue Wei , Gan Shu Uin , Lee Kok Onn , Loh Thomas Kwok Seng , Chen Jianzhu , Chan Soh Ha , MacAry Paul Anthony
Published: November 2013

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a gamma herpesvirus that causes a life-long latent infection in human hosts. The latent gene products LMP1, LMP2A and EBNA1 are expressed by EBV-associated tumors and peptide epitopes derived from these can be targeted by CD8 Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte (CTL) lines. Whilst CTL-based methodologies can be utilized to infer the presence of specific latent epitopes, they do not allow a direct visualization or quantitation of these epitopes. Here, we describe the characterization of three TCR-like monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the latent epitopes LMP1125–133, LMP2A426–434 or EBNA1562–570 in association with HLA-A0201. These are employed to map the expression hierarchy of endogenously generated EBV epitopes. The dominance of EBNA1562–570 in association with HLA-A0201 was consistently observed in cell lines and EBV-associated tumor biopsies. These data highlight the discordance between MHC-epitope density and frequencies of associated CTL with implications for cell-based immunotherapies and/or vaccines for EBV-associated disease.
Efficiency of U.S. Dialysis Centers: An Updated Examination of Facility Characteristics That Influence Production of Dialysis Treatments
Authors: Shreay Sanatan , Ma Martin , McCluskey Jill , Mittelhammer Ron C. , Gitlin Matthew , Stephens J. Mark
Published: November 2013

Objective

To explore the relative efficiency of dialysis facilities in the United States and identify factors that are associated with efficiency in the production of dialysis treatments.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Medicare cost report data from 4,343 free‐standing dialysis facilities in the United States that offered in‐center hemodialysis in 2010.

Study Design

A cross‐sectional, facility‐level retrospective database analysis, utilizing data envelopment analysis (DEA) to estimate facility efficiency.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Treatment data and cost and labor inputs of dialysis treatments were obtained from 2010 Medicare Renal Cost Reports. Demographic data were obtained from the 2010 U.S. Census.

Principal Findings

Only 26.6 percent of facilities were technically efficient. Neither the intensity of market competition nor the profit status of the facility had a significant effect on efficiency. Facilities that were members of large chains were less likely to be efficient. Cost and labor savings due to changes in drug protocols had little effect on overall dialysis center efficiency.

Conclusions

The majority of free‐standing dialysis facilities in the United States were functioning in a technically inefficient manner. As payment systems increasingly employ capitation and bundling provisions, these institutions will need to evaluate their efficiency to remain competitive.
Claims for compensation after alleged birth asphyxia: a nationwide study covering 15 years
Authors: Andreasen Stine , Backe Bjørn , Øian Pål
Published: November 2013

Objective

To analyze compensation claims with neurological sequela or death following alleged birth asphyxia.

Design

A cohort study.

Setting

A nationwide study in Norway.

Sample

All claims made to The Norwegian System of Compensation to Patients (NPE) concerning sequela related to alleged birth asphyxia, between 1994 and 2008. A total of 315 claims of which 161 were awarded compensation.

Methods

Examination of hospital records, experts' assessments and the decisions made by the NPE, the appeal body and courts of law.

Main outcome measures

Characteristics of deliveries resulting in intrapartum asphyxia and causes of substandard care categorized in eight groups.

Results

In the 161 compensated cases, 107 children survived (96 with neurological sequela), and 54 children died. Human error was a frequent reason of substandard care, seen as inadequate fetal monitoring (50%), lack of clinical knowledge and skills (14%), noncompliance with clinical guidelines (11%), failure in referral for senior medical help (10%) and error in drug administration (4%). System errors were registered in only 3%, seen as poor organization of the department, lack of guidelines and time conflicts. The health personnel held responsible for substandard care was an obstetrician in 49% and a midwife in 46%.

Conclusions

Substandard care is common in birth asphyxia, and human error is the cause in most cases. Inadequate fetal monitoring and lack of clinical knowledge and skills are the most frequent reasons for compensation after birth asphyxia.