bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Sealing Ability of Three Root-end Filling Materials
Authors: Rajbhandari Santosh Man , Pradhan Bismita
Published: February 2016

Introduction: Reinfection of root canal treated tooth leads to endodontic failure. In such case surgical endodontic therapy is the treatment of choice which provides obturation of radicular space with 3-dimensional sealing.Objective: To evaluate and compare the sealing ability of Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) with Glass ionomer cement (GIC) and Super EBA (Epoxybenzoic acid) root-end filling materials.Materials & Method: 94 extracted single rooted upper anterior teeth were selected for root canal preparation and obturation. Root were apically resected 3 mm; and 3 mm deep Class-I root-end cavities were prepared. Teeth were randomly distributed into 3 groups comprising 30 teeth in each group. Group-1 was retrofilled with MTA, Group-2 with GIC and Group-3 with Super EBA. 2 positive and 2 negative control teeth were instrumented and obturated but not filled on root-end cavity. In experimental groups and positive control group the whole surface of teeth except 3 mm adjacent to resected area were covered with twocoats of nail polish but in negative control group whole surface of teeth were covered, dried, immersed in 1% methylene blue for 72 hours. Each root was sectioned labio-lingually to the long axis of root. Depth of dye penetration was evaluated by 10x stereo-microscope.Result: MTA retrograde filling showed the best hermetic seal property whereas, few GIC and Super EBA samples showed microleakage in retrograde filling. GIC showed better sealing ability than Super EBA. Conclusion: MTA has potential to provide better hermetic-seal than GIC and Super EBA as root-end filling material.
Alexander Discipline: Concept & Philosophy
Authors: Al-Zubair Nabil Muhsen
Published: February 2016

Due to the distinctive orthodontic treatment methodology of the Alexander Discipline; thousands of clinicians around the world perform its 20 master principles. An outgrowth of the Tweed technique, these basic principles has been established over many years in author’s own practice. This review presents evolution of the appliance, the concept of Vari-Simplex Discipline, as well as Alexander orthodontic philosophy. This paper concisely describes finishing and retention procedures in Alexander Discipline and will be of interest to anyone involved in the study and practice of orthodontics
Rapid Reactivation of Open Coil Springs: A Novel Approach
Authors: Chitra Prasad , Dahiya Sagar , Mathur Anirudh K
Published: February 2016

A fast and simple technique for rapid reactivation of open coil springs using prefabricated self cure acrylic discs has been demostrated. Arch wire removal is not required in this technique and varying levels of reactivation are possible depending upon the clinical situation.
V-notch to Prevent Sliding of Crimpable Hook
Authors: Gyawali Rajesh , Pokharel Praphat Ranjan , Shrestha Gunjan Kumar , Giri Jamal
Published: February 2016

En-mass retraction of anterior teeth most commonly involves the use of crimpable hooks which often dislodge when retracting force is applied. A V-notch distal to the hook may prevent such sliding when sandblasting and dental adhesives are not available
Borderline basal ganglia hemorrhage volume: patient selection for good clinical outcome after stereotactic catheter drainage
Authors: Choo Yeon Soo , Chung Joonho , Joo Jin-Yang , Kim Yong Bae , Hong Chang-Ki
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine predisposing factors for good clinical outcome in patients with spontaneous basal ganglia hemorrhage with borderline volumes (defined as a hematoma volume between 20 and 50 cm3) who had undergone treatment by stereotactic catheter drainage.

METHODS

From the 298 patients whose information had been prospectively collected in the institutional database between January 2010 and December 2013, 93 patients were included in this retrospective study and divided into 2 groups: best medical treatment alone (Group A, n = 44) and best medical treatment plus catheterization (Group B, n = 49). All patients met the following criteria: 1) a diagnosis of spontaneous basal ganglia hemorrhage, and 2) a borderline hematoma volume (20 to 50 cm3). Postoperative modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores and recovery of motor weakness were compared between the 2 groups, and predisposing factors for good clinical outcome were evaluated.

RESULTS

Patients in Group B showed earlier recovery of motor weakness and improved mRS scores than patients in Group A. The final mRS score at 12 months was better in Group B than in Group A (p = 0.006). Predisposing factors for a good clinical outcome were a hematoma volume < 30 cm3 (OR 6.158, 95% CI 1.221–31.053, p = 0.028), an initial Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score ≥ 13 (OR 6.331, 95% CI 1.129–35.507, p = 0.036), the absence of internal capsule involvement (OR 4.680, 95% CI 1.152–19.010, p = 0.031), and catheterization (OR 13.376, 95% CI 2.423–73.842, p = 0.003) based on logistic regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Good clinical outcome can be expected after stereotactic catheter drainage in patients with a hematoma volume between 20 and 30 cm3, an initial GCS score ≥ 13, and the absence of internal capsule involvement. Among these patients, stereotactic catheter drainage may have a beneficial effect on early recovery of motor weakness and functional outcome, indicating that lateral-type basal ganglia hematoma compression not involving the internal capsule may be better treated using stereotactic catheter drainage than treated medically.
The anconeus epitrochlearis muscle may protect against the development of cubital tunnel syndrome: a preliminary study
Authors: Wilson Thomas J. , Tubbs R. Shane , Yang Lynda J. S.
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE

The authors hypothesized that when the anatomical variant of an anconeus epitrochlearis is present, the risk of developing cubital tunnel syndrome would be reduced by replacing the normal roof of the cubital tunnel (Osborne's ligament) with a more forgiving muscular structure, the anconeus epitrochlearis. The authors further hypothesized that when the presence of an anconeus epitrochlearis contributes to ulnar neuropathy, it would be secondary to muscular hypertrophy, thereby making it more likely to occur in the dominant arm. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to evaluate these hypotheses.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study was performed by reviewing the records of all adult patients who underwent operative intervention for cubital tunnel syndrome between 2005 and 2014 as the experimental group and all asymptomatic patients in the medical literature who were part of a series reporting the prevalence of an anconeus epitrochlearis as the control group. The primary outcome of interest was the presence of an anconeus epitrochlearis in asymptomatic individuals versus patients with cubital tunnel syndrome.

RESULTS

During the study period, 168 patients underwent decompression of the ulnar nerve for cubital tunnel syndrome, and an anconeus epitrochlearis was found at surgery in 9 (5.4%) patients. The control group consisted of 634 asymptomatic patients from the medical literature, and an anconeus epitrochlearis was present in 98 (15.5%) of these patients. An anconeus epitrochlearis was present significantly less frequently in the symptomatic patients than in asymptomatic individuals (p < 0.001). Among patients undergoing surgical decompression, an anconeus epitrochlearis was associated with symptoms in the dominant arm (p = 0.037).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors found that an anconeus epitrochlearis was present significantly less often in patients with cubital tunnel syndrome than in asymptomatic controls. The mechanism of protection may be that this muscle decreases the rigidity of the entrance into the cubital tunnel. When an anconeus epitrochlearis does contribute to cubital tunnel syndrome, it is significantly more likely to occur in the dominant arm, possibly due to repetitive use and hypertrophy of the anconeus epitrochlearis. The presence of an anconeus epitrochlearis may be protective against the development of cubital tunnel syndrome, although this is a preliminary finding.
Prognostic value of magnetic resonance imaging findings in patients with sciatica
Authors: el Barzouhi Abdelilah , Verwoerd Annemieke J. H. , Peul Wilco C. , Verhagen Arianne P. , Lycklama à Nijeholt Geert J. , Van der Kallen Bas F. , Koes Bart W. , Vleggeert-Lankamp Carmen L. A. M. , _ _
Published: February 2016

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prognostic value of MRI variables to predict outcome in patients with herniated disc–related sciatica, and whether MRI could facilitate the decision making between early surgery and prolonged conservative care in these patients.

METHODS

A prospective observational evaluation of patients enrolled in a randomized trial with 1-year follow-up was completed. A total of 283 patients with sciatica who had a radiologically confirmed disc herniation were randomized either to surgery or to prolonged conservative care with surgery if needed. Outcome measures were recovery and leg pain severity. Recovery was registered on a 7-point Likert scale. Complete/near complete recovery was considered a satisfactory outcome. Leg pain severity was measured on a 0- to 100-mm visual analog scale. Multiple MRI characteristics of the degenerated disc herniation were independently scored by 3 spine experts. Cox models were used to study the influence of MRI variables on rate of recovery, and linear mixed models were used to determine the predictive value of MRI variables for leg pain severity during follow-up. The interaction of each MRI predictor with treatment allocation was tested. There were no study-specific conflicts of interest.

RESULTS

Baseline MRI variables associated with less leg pain severity were the reader's assessment of presence of nerve root compression (p < 0.001), and assessment of extrusion compared with protrusion of the disc herniation (p = 0.006). Both variables tended to be associated, but not significantly, with satisfactory outcome during follow-up (HR 1.45, 95% CI 0.93–2.24, and HR 1.24, 95% CI 0.96–1.61, respectively). The size of disc herniation at baseline was not associated with outcome. There was no significant change in the effects between treatment groups.

CONCLUSIONS

MRI assessment of the presence of nerve root compression and extrusion of a herniated disc at baseline was associated with less leg pain during 1-year follow-up, irrespective of a surgical or conservative treatment. MRI findings seem not to be helpful in determining which patients might fare better with early surgery compared with a strategy of prolonged conservative care.

Clinical trial registration no.: ISRCTN26872154 (controlled-trials.com)
Hutcheson's Theological Objection to Egoism
Authors: Tilley John J.
Published: February 2016

Francis Hutcheson's objections to psychological egoism usually appeal to experience or introspection. However, at least one of them is theological: It includes premises of a religious kind, such as that God rewards the virtuous. This objection invites interpretive and philosophical questions, some of which may seem to highlight errors or shortcomings on Hutcheson's part. Also, to answer the questions is to point out important features of Hutcheson's objection and its intellectual context. And nowhere in the scholarship on Hutcheson do we find these questions addressed. This paper addresses them. A fact that emerges is that the apparent errors or shortcomings the questions may highlight are just that – apparent errors or shortcomings; in reality they are nothing of the kind.
Offspring Number Does Not Influence Reaching the Disability’s Milestones in Multiple Sclerosis: A Seven-Year Follow-Up Study
Authors: D’Amico Emanuele , Leone Carmela , Patti Francesco
Published: February 2016

Objectives: data on pregnancy long-term effects on multiple sclerosis (MS) course are still controversial; whether experiencing more than one pregnancy exposes one to risk of the disability‘s accrual is still unknown. We investigated differences existing in terms of disability progression among women with MS (wwMS) who had one or more children after their MS onset. Methods: Monoparous and multiparous wwMS were enrolled from the Catania MS Center, Italy, in a monocenter retrospective study. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to examine the effect of the number of parities on time from MS disease onset to EDSS 4.0 and 6.0. The study protocol was approved by the local Ethical Committee. Results: during the seven years of observation, 32.1% and 23.2% of the monoparous group reached expanded disability disease status (EDSS) 4.0 and 6.0 respectively, compared to 13.3% and 3.3% of the multiparous group (p = 0.057 and p = 0.017; respectively). The Kaplan–Meier curve analysis showed no statistically-significant differences between the two groups in reaching the two milestones. The multiparous group showed a longer time to reach the EDSS 4.0 (3.5 vs. 2.6 years, log-rank 0.57, p = 0.45). The Cox regression analysis showed that the EDSS at the time of first pregnancy (Exp(B) 9.4, CI 4.5–19.7, p< 0.001) and the time from MS onset to first pregnancy (Exp(B) 0.96, CI = 0.93–0.98, p < 0.05) were significant predictors of reaching the EDSS 4.0, whereas a model including only the EDSS one year after the first pregnancy significantly predicted (Exp(B) value of 6.4, CI 2.6–15.4, p < 0.001) the reaching of EDSS 6.0. Conclusions: Our results suggest that experiencing more than one pregnancy could not convey a different clinical outcome in wwMS. Further research is needed to confirm our results.
JPSS-1 VIIRS Pre-Launch Response Versus Scan Angle Testing and Performance
Authors: Moyer David , McIntire Jeff , Oudrari Hassan , McCarthy James , Xiong Xiaoxiong , De Luccia Frank
Published: February 2016

The Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) instruments on-board both the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) and the first Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS-1) spacecraft, with launch dates of October 2011 and December 2016 respectively, are cross-track scanners with an angular swath of ±56.06°. A four-mirror Rotating Telescope Assembly (RTA) is used for scanning combined with a Half Angle Mirror (HAM) that directs light exiting from the RTA into the aft-optics. It has 14 Reflective Solar Bands (RSBs), seven Thermal Emissive Bands (TEBs) and a panchromatic Day Night Band (DNB). There are three internal calibration targets, the Solar Diffuser, the BlackBody and the Space View, that have fixed scan angles within the internal cavity of VIIRS. VIIRS has calibration requirements of 2% on RSB reflectance and as tight as 0.4% on TEB radiance that requires the sensor’s gain change across the scan or Response Versus Scan angle (RVS) to be well quantified. A flow down of the top level calibration requirements put constraints on the characterization of the RVS to 0.2%–0.3% but there are no specified limitations on the magnitude of response change across scan. The RVS change across scan angle can vary significantly between bands with the RSBs having smaller changes of ~2% and some TEBs having ~10% variation. Within a band, the RVS has both detector and HAM side dependencies that vary across scan. Errors in the RVS characterization will contribute to image banding and striping artifacts if their magnitudes are above the noise level of the detectors. The RVS was characterized pre-launch for both S-NPP and JPSS-1 VIIRS and a comparison of the RVS curves between these two sensors will be discussed.
Transcriptome‐derived microsatellite markers for Dioon (Zamiaceae) cycad species
Authors: Prado Alberto , Cervantes‐Díaz Fret , Perez‐Zavala Francisco G. , González‐Astorga Jorge , Bede Jacqueline C. , Cibrián‐Jaramillo Angélica
Published: February 2016

Premise of the study:

Dioon (Zamiaceae) is an endangered North American cycad genus of evolutionary and ornamental value. We designed and validated a set of microsatellite markers from D. edule that can be used for population‐level and conservation studies, and that transferred successfully to D. angustifolium, D. spinulosum, and D. holmgrenii.

Methods and Results:

We tested 50 primers from 80 microsatellite candidate loci in the OneKP D. edule transcriptome. Genotypes from 21 loci in 20 D. edule individuals revealed up to 14 alleles per locus and observed heterozygosity from 0.15 to 0.92; one locus was monomorphic. Seven of those 21 loci were polymorphic in D. angustifolium, D. spinulosum, and D. holmgrenii, with up to seven alleles, and an observed heterozygosity up to 0.89.

Conclusions:

The transcriptome‐derived microsatellites generated here will serve as tools to advance population genetic studies and inform conservation strategies of Dioon, including the identification and origin of illegal plants in the cycad trade.
The representation of workingwomen in Spanish television fiction
Authors: Lacalle Charo , Gómez Beatriz
Published: February 2016

During the sixties and seventies the limited presence of women in the public sphere was reflected in the restricted repertoire of roles played by female characters in television fiction (mainly those of mothers and wives). The strengthening of the feminist movement in the following decades increased and diversified the portrayals of women in the workplace, and further encouraged academic research on the social construction of working women. Despite the relevance of female professionals in current TV shows, the importance of romantic relationships and sexuality has led to a decreasing number of studies on the subject. This article summarizes the results of a study on working women in Spanish TV fiction, part of a larger project on the construction of female identities. The research uses an original methodology that combines quantitative techniques and qualitative methods (socio-semiotics) to analyse the sample of 709 female characters. The results show a coexistence of the traditional stereotypes of working women in customer service and care-giving positions with those of highly skilled female professionals. However, the empowerment of women in positions of responsibility is often associated with a negative portrayal of the character, while the problems of reconciling family and work are systematically avoided.

La reducida presencia de la mujer en la esfera pública durante los años sesenta y setenta se reflejaba en el limitado repertorio de roles (madre y esposa principalmente) que le atribuía la ficción televisiva. El impulso feminista de las décadas sucesivas estimuló las representaciones de los personajes femeninos en el ámbito laboral y la reflexión académica sobre la construcción social de la mujer trabajadora. Pero, a pesar de la relevancia del rol profesional en las protagonistas de la ficción actual, la relevancia de las relaciones sentimentales y de la sexualidad ha revertido en el reducido número de estudios sobre el tema. Este artículo sintetiza los resultados de un análisis de la mujer trabajadora en la ficción televisiva española, integrado en un proyecto sobre construcción de identidades femeninas. La investigación propone una metodología original, que combina métodos cuantitativos y cualitativos (socio-semiótica) para afrontar el estudio de 709 personajes femeninos. La investigación revela la convivencia de estereotipos ligados a las representaciones tradicionales de los empleos de las mujeres (trabajos relacionados con la atención al público y el cuidado de las personas) con otras profesiones altamente cualificadas. Sin embargo, el empoderamiento de las mujeres con cargos de responsabilidad se asocia frecuentemente con una caracterización negativa del personaje, al tiempo que los problemas de conciliación de los roles familiares y profesionales se eluden sistemáticamente.
Prétendre représenter
Authors: Dutoya Virginie , Hayat Samuel
Published: February 2016

La notion de prétention à la représentation ( representative claim ), proposée notamment par Michael Saward, marque-t-elle un tournant constructiviste dans l’étude de la représentation politique ? L’idée selon laquelle le représentant impose une identité au représenté existait déjà chez Hobbes ou Pierre Bourdieu. Mais la théorie politique anglo-américaine, particulièrement depuis l’ouvrage de Hanna Pitkin, s’appuyait plutôt sur une conception de la représentation comme composition, le représenté préexistant à sa représentation. L’intérêt de l’approche de Saward est d’envisager les prétentions à la représentation comme des propositions qui peuvent être acceptées, refusées ou reformulées par les représentés. Les articles réunis dans ce dossier prennent cette approche au sérieux et la mettent à l’épreuve de terrains divers, faisant ressortir la performativité des prétentions à la représentation, leur caractère instituant et leur inscription dans des rapports de pouvoir.
L’ancrage social de la représentation
Authors: Sa Vilas Boas Marie-Hélène
Published: February 2016

Comment certains acteurs construisent-ils une position de représentant dans les dispositifs participatifs brésiliens ? À partir de l’étude des conférences municipales des femmes de Recife, cet article vise à saisir le processus de construction de la représentation dans les institutions participatives. Il se distingue des approches institutionnelles souvent adoptées pour privilégier l’analyse de l’ancrage social des dispositifs. Il montre que la construction d’une position de représentant repose, d’une part, sur la transformation de relations personnalisées en un groupe de soutien et d’autre part, sur une activité de médiation entre les habitants d’un territoire et les institutions du service public.
Aux origines de la connaissance
Authors: Molina Michèle , Jouen François
Published: February 2016

Les travaux en neurosciences ont profondément bouleversé l’image que nous avons du nouveau-né humain. L’idée d’un nouveau-né réflexe, peu corticalisé, a progressivement laissé place à un nouveau-né beaucoup plus compétent qu’on le croyait. Dans cette contribution, nous présenterons brièvement les grandes avancées de la recherche qui, dans le cadre des approches épigénétiques, permettent de repenser la question des relations entre inné et acquis.
La contribution de Gilbert Simondon au naturalisme
Authors: Carrozzini Giovanni
Published: February 2016

Dans cet article, nous examinerons la contribution de Gilbert Simondon au naturalisme. La première partie discutera les implications non anthropocentriques et non anthropologiques du naturalisme simondonien à l’horizon du naturalisme ontologique subjectif tel que défini par Huw Price. La deuxième partie expliquera en quoi la notion de relation est complètement repensée par Simondon. La troisième partie établira une proximité entre la pensée de Simondon et de récentes hypothèses émises par des physiciens sur la gravité quantique à partir de la notion de « relation constituante ».
Techno-esthétiques ou philosophies de l’interaction : les réflexions de Gilbert Simondon et John Dewey
Authors: Binda Elisa
Published: February 2016

En 1982, Gilbert Simondon écrit une lettre, jamais envoyée, à Jacques Derrida. Dans ces pages émerge le concept fondamental de techno-esthétique. La réflexion esthétique que Simondon y esquisse consiste en une reprise et une radicalisation de ce qu’il avait déjà théorisé dans Du mode d’existence des objets techniques, à propos du rapport très strict que l’on peut envisager entre technique et esthétique : la sensibilité humaine a toujours été connectée avec des prolongements techniques par lesquels cette sensibilité de l’individu se réorganise, tout en réorganisant ce qui l’entoure. Cet article vise à montrer que ce type de conception techno-esthétique est également présent dans certains textes de John Dewey. La convergence entre les deux auteurs s’exprime également dans leur façon de considérer le rapport, que l’on peut qualifier de co-constitution, entre l’organisme et son milieu ; tout comme pour Simondon, qui développe la notion de « milieu associé », il n’est possible, pour Dewey, de concevoir un individu qu’à partir de sa relation à un milieu. Par là, c’est le parallélisme entre les notions de « transduction » et de « transaction » qui sera à explorer.
The Impact of Quality Assessment Systems on Teaching, Learning and Curriculum
Authors: Varouchas Emmanuel
Published: February 2016

This case study describes the dispute on private higher education in Greece which is not seen favorably at all under the Greek legal environment. It also provides with contrast between quality assurance systems in Greek higher education institutions and DEREE – The American College of Greece, a private, non-profit tertiary educational institution located in Athens, Greece. It also aims at exploring quality systems in higher education institutions in the EU and in Greece and investigates why and how these influence the quality system, assessment policy and practices at DEREE. Additionally, it contributes with a valued proposition on the development of a hybrid quality system which will affect teaching, learning and assessment processes and eventually lead to curricular enhancement and probably reforms. The subsequent step deriving from this study is knowledge sharing with policy makers and practitioners for the advancement of the education delivered to students in higher education. Keywords: Assessment, Case Study, Curriculum, Higher Education, Learning, Non-profit, Quality Assurance, Teaching
Brain Tumor Segmentation and Classification using Intelligent Hybrid Morphology and Diffusion
Authors: Jaffar M. Arfan
Published: February 2016

Noise present in the images degrades the image quality as well as the performance of tumor detection from images. The main objective of this research work is to improve the image quality and develop an accurate and effective automated computer-aided diagnosis system for tumor detection from brain MR images. Contourlet transform is used for image enhancement. Thresholding and morphological operators are used for detecting tumor segment. After segmentation, features extraction and classification has been performed by using Support Vector Machine and Neural Networks. The proposed method is tested on various brain MR images and this system generates good and accurate results.
The Behavioural Relationships Between Industrial R&D and University R&D in India
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Singh Jyoti , Singh Priya
Published: February 2016

During the years, a large number of formal studies have presented evidences of a positive impact of university R&D on firm performance in general and on the location of industrial R&D, in particular. The question is does it also work the other way around? Does industrial R&D function as an attractor for university R&D? What are the behavioural relationships between industrial R&D and university R&D and vice versa? The authors argue that spatial proximity should be measured using accessibility measures. Fur-thermore, accessibility measures can be used to model interaction opportunities at dif-ferent spatial scales: local, intra-regional and inter-regional. Against this background, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the locational relationship between industry R&D and university R&D in India using a simultaneous equation approach. The authors' results indicate that the location of industrial R&D is quite sensitive to the location of university R&D, and that the location of university R&D is sensitive to the location of industrial R&D.
Mineral-Based Composite Materials for Energy Efficiency in Buildings
Authors: Belbachir B. , Benosman A.S. , Taïbi H.
Published: February 2016

Degradation of building materials is an important phenomenon influencing their design and utilization. Mineral-based polymer-mortar composites (PMC) are often used as inexpensive promising materials to prevent the deterioration of constructions or remedy various reinforced concrete structures and they are used as materials for energy efficiency in buildings. In repair applications, polymer addition allows improving the adhesion properties of materials used in coating. With the intention of improving the sustainability of these composites, the influence of latex polymer and supplementary cementitious materials (natural pozzolan and silica fume) additions on the characteristics of these composites was investigated in aggressive media, such as acids. Mortars made with local pozzolanic mineral admixtures, obtained by substituting cement by different proportions of polymer (0, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15%) were conserved in acidic solutions for 56 days. The microstructural analysis of these mortars was performed, using the X-ray diffraction technique, after 56 days of exposure to acid attack. The obtained results enable to bring out the beneficial effect of adding a latex polymer and other pozzolanic additives into modified materials on resistance to acid attacks. So, these composite materials can be recommended as materials for energy efficiency in buildings.
Chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera and Ischnocera) infesting woodpeckers and sapsuckers (Aves: Piciformes: Picidae) in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Galloway Terry D. , Lamb Robert J.
Published: February 2016

Five species of woodpeckers (Piciformes: Picidae) in Manitoba, Canada were examined for chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera and Ischnocera): downy woodpecker (DOWO) (Picoides pubescens (Linnaeus), n=56), hairy woodpecker (HAWO) (Picoides villosus (Linnaeus), n=32), pileated woodpecker (PIWO) (Dryocopus pileatus (Linnaeus), n=12), northern flicker (NOFL) (Colaptes auratus (Linnaeus), n=223), and yellow-bellied sapsucker (YBSA) (Sphyrapicus varius (Linnaeus), n=192). Seven species of lice were collected (total number=40 613): Menacanthus pici (Denny) from all species of woodpeckers, Brueelia straminea (Denny) from both species of Picoides Lacépède, Penenirmus jungens (Kellogg) from northern flicker, Penenirmus auritus (Scopoli) from all species of woodpeckers examined except northern flickers, Picicola porisma Dalgleish from northern flickers, Picicola snodgrassi (Kellogg) from both species of Picoides, and Picicola marginatulus (Harrison) from pileated woodpeckers. Prevalence for total louse infestation ranged from 32.3% to 85.7% (NOFL>YBSA>PIWO>DOWO>HAWO). Mean intensity for total lice ranged from 29.2 to 232.4 (PIWO>NOFL>HAWO>YBSA>DOWO). Infestation parameters for each louse/host combination are provided. Distribution of louse infestations was highly aggregated. In all louse/host combinations, either females were more prevalent than males or there was no significant deviation from 50:50. There was a tendency for louse species to co-occur on the same host specimen.
Use of feed additives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from dairy farms
Authors: Kataria Roonal Pritam
Published: February 2016

This review analyses methane emissions from dairy farms due to enteric fermentations and use of different feed additives as a strategy to control them. CH4 is a product that forms during the fermentation of food in the rumen of ruminants and on average represents a 7% loss of the energy ingested by the animal. CH4 is also a potent greenhouse gas. Various approaches have been studied in many countries with the aim of reducing methane emissions of digestive origin like the use of biotechnologies to modify the microbial ecosystem. This include selection of rumen micro-organisms through the elimination of protozoans or the inoculation of exogenous bacterial strains, vaccination against methanogenic micro-organisms, etc. or use of new food additives like plant extracts, organic acids, etc. and are theoretically promising paths. Their application is however still not known because trials are being performed mainly in vitro. This article focuses on reducing methanogenesis by adjusting the composition of the feed distributed to animals.
The novel effect of cis-2-decenoic acid on biofilm producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Soheili Vahid , Khedmatgozar Oghaz Neda , Sabeti Noughabi Zahra , Fazly Bazzaz Bibi Sedigheh
Published: February 2016

Microbial biofilms are a main cause of many chronic infections and mortalities, such as dental caries, cystic fibrosis, osteoradionecrosis, urinary tract infections and native valve endocarditis. These polymeric matrices are sessile communities with different rules from those forms via known planktonic bacteria. One of the important biofilm-producing human pathogens is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which causes death in the majority of people who suffer from cystic fibrosis, AIDS, burns and neutropenic cancer. To find a method for controlling the growth and resistance of P. aeruginosa biofilm, this study investigated the dispersion induction of this microorganism with a diffusible signal factor (DSF), cis-2-decenoic acid (CDA), in combination with Tobramycin as a useful antibiotic. Our findings confirmed that although CDA did not act as a dispersion inducer in this experiment, it did show an antimicrobial effect and decreased the MIC of Tobramycin. These results suggested that research on the probable new effects of DSF molecules will result in advances in the control of biofilm infections.
Presence of Concurrent Derangements of Liver Function Tests in Type 2 Diabetes and Their Relationship with Glycemic Status: A Retrospective Observational Study from Meghalaya
Authors: Bora Kaustubh , Borah Meghna , Chutia Happy , Nath Chandan Kumar , Das Dulmoni , Ruram Alice Abraham
Published: February 2016

Background and Objectives: The liver plays a pivotal role in carbohydrate metabolism. Therefore, functional state of the liver in patients with diabetes is of interest. The objectives of the current study were to (i) identify co-existent biochemical derangements of liver function tests (LFTs) in type 2 diabetes and (ii) determine the association between liver function parameters and glycemic status in type 2 diabetics from Shillong, Meghalaya.

Materials and Methods: Data from 320 type 2 diabetes patients were screened retrospectively for abnormalities in LFTs. Relationship of fasting serum glucose was assessed with the following tests in the LFT panel: Total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and albumin. Correlation coefficient was computed between individual LFT and fasting glucose status. These bivariate analyses were supplemented by multivariate linear regression analyses.

Results: 71.25% subjects had an abnormality in at least one LFT. Elevated ALT (46.8%) and elevated ALP (48.5%) were the most common abnormality in males and females, respectively. ALP correlated positively with fasting glucose in both sexes. AST, ALT, and ALP were found to be independent determinants of glycemic status.

Conclusion: Derangements in liver function are widely co-existent in type 2 diabetics from Shillong. Deranged liver enzymes are associated with glycemic status. Screening for liver dysfunction in diabetics and subsequent workup may lead to the identification of hepatic co-morbidities and better management.
Intraoperative Squash Cytologic Features of Subependymal Giant Cell Astrocytoma
Authors: Nasit Jitendra , Vaghsiya Viren , Hiryur Srilaxmi , Patel Smita
Published: February 2016

Subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (SEGA) is a low grade (WHO Grade I) tumor, usually seen in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex and commonly occurs at a lateral ventricular location. Intraoperative squash cytologic features can help in differentiating SEGA from gemistocytic astrocytoma (GA), giant cell glioblastoma and ependymoma, in proper clinical context and radiological findings, which may alter the surgical management. Here, we present a case of SEGA with squash cytologic findings and a review of cytology findings of SEGA presently available in the literature. Loose cohesive clusters of large polygonal cells containing an eccentric nucleus, evenly distributed granular chromatin, distinct to prominent nucleoli, and moderate to the abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm in a hair-like fibrillar background are the key cytologic features of SEGA. Other important features are moderate anisonucleosis and frequent binucleation and multinucleation. The absence of mitoses, necrosis, and vascular endothelial proliferation are important negative features. Other consistent features are cellular smears, few dispersed cells, few spindly strap-like cells, rare intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusion, and perivascular pseudorosettes.
Purely endoscopic pterional extradural approach: A novel technique for repair of cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea
Authors: Sinha Ajit Kumar , Goyal Sumit
Published: February 2016

Study Design: Retrospective descriptive study of an innovative surgical technique. Objective: To assess the feasibility and success of repair of transfrontal sinus cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea through pterional transcranial extradural approach using endoscope. Summary of Background Data: Repair of CSF rhinorrhea has seen advancement with the evolution of endoscopic transnasal techniques. However, leaks from defect in the posterior wall of frontal sinus still remain a challenge for the skull base surgeons and requires conventional craniotomy more often. We describe a novel technique to repair these leaks by purely endoscopic pterional extradural (PEPE) approach thereby avoiding complications associated with conventional craniotomy and endoscopic transnasal approaches. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five patients with traumatic CSF rhinorrhea from the posterior wall of frontal sinus underwent repair with the present technique. They were followed up for 6–18 months and were evaluated for feasibility of procedure, recurrence of leak, and occurrence of the fresh neurological deficit. Results: Thirty-five patients underwent CSF rhinorrhea repair using the above technique. The procedure was accomplished in all patients without any intraoperative complications. There was no requirement of blood transfusion in any case. All patients had a cessation of CSF leak in the postoperative period, and there was no recurrence. There was no evidence of frontal lobe retraction injury in any of these patients, and no fresh neurological deficit was observed. Conclusion: This PEPE approach to repair CSF leak through the posterior wall of the frontal sinus is a novel technique in which we can avoid disadvantages associated with both conventional craniotomy as well as transnasal endoscopic approaches.
Intrinsic brainstem schwannoma – A rare clinical entity and a histological enigma
Authors: Sharma Anil Kumar , Savardekar Amey R. , Nandeesh B. N. , Arivazhagan A. , Rao Malla Bhaskar
Published: February 2016

Intraparenchymal schwannomas arising in the brainstem are very rare, and only eight cases have been reported in literature till now. We report an intraparenchymal brainstem schwannoma presenting with the classical clinical presentation of an intrinsic brainstem lesion, and discuss its clinicoradiological characteristics and histological origins. We highlight the importance of an intraoperative frozen section diagnosis in such cases. Intraoperative tissue diagnosis significantly may alter the surgical strategy, which should be aimed at near total intracapsular decompression of the schwannoma.
Finite Determinacy and Stability of Flatness of Analytic Mappings
Authors: Adamus Janusz , Seyedinejad Hadi
Published: February 2016

It is proved that flatness of an analytic mapping germ from a complete
intersection is determined by its sufficiently high jet. As a consequence, one
obtains finite determinacy of complete intersections. It is also shown that
flatness and openness are stable under deformations.
Louisiana Secondary Agricultural Educators’ Perceptions of an International Experience toward Their Teaching Career
Authors: Danjean Shelli , McClure Carli , Bunch J.C. , Kotrlik Joe W. , Machtmes Krisanna
Published: February 2016

As societies across the globe are becoming interdependent, it is becoming increasingly essential for secondary agricultural educators to integrate an international component into the agricultural curriculum. The purpose of this study was to evaluate secondary agricultural educators’ perceptions of participating in an international experience (IE) toward their teaching career. This study showed that more than three-fourths of secondary agricultural educators perceived participation in an IE to be beneficial to their careers, and nearly three-fourths perceived participation to be relevant to their careers. It is concluded that secondary agricultural educators perceive minor barriers to participation in an IE. In addition, secondary agricultural educators who perceive participation in an IE to be beneficial and relevant to their careers also perceive locations to be more appealing and activities to be more important than those who do not. Further, secondary agricultural educators who perceive participation in an IE to be relevant to their career perceived fewer barriers to participation in an IE. However, there were no statistically significant differences between perceived barriers of secondary agricultural educators who perceive participation in an IE to be beneficial to their career and those who do not perceive participation to be beneficial to their career.
A Comparison of Student Engaged Time in Agriculture Instruction
Authors: Witt Phillip A. , Ulmer Jonathan D. , Burris Scott , Brashears Todd , Burley Hansel
Published: February 2016

Teacher and student behaviors in the classroom have been linked to student achievement. The hands-on, real world experiences which students are offered through career and technical education courses provide an opportunity for agricultural education to make contributions to student achievement. The purpose of this study was to compare engaged time during traditional instruction and during the instruction of an inquiry based curriculum (CASE). The target population for this study consisted of students enrolled in animal science courses taught by secondary agriculture teachers. The study employed a quasi-experimental, static-group comparison design. Nine CASE certified teachers represented the treatment group, which were matched with nine traditional agriculture teachers on selected criteria. Student engagement was measured using the Behavioral Observation of Students in Schools. Matched pairs t-tests were used to compare the CASE group and the traditional group on student engagement. Students in the CASE group were found to spend significantly more time actively engaged than those in traditional agriculture courses. From the findings it was concluded that the CASE curriculum and professional development can impact the active engagement of students in the classroom and potentially affect student achievement.
Climbing the Steps Toward a Successful Cooperating Teacher/Student Teacher Mentoring Relationship
Authors: Jones Cameron K. , Kelsey Kathleen D. , Brown Nicholas R.
Published: February 2016

Agricultural education cooperating teachers (mentors) are idealized as seasoned professionals, proficient in their craft, and able to transmit tacit knowledge to pre-service teachers (mentees) through demonstration, conversation, and coaching. When the relationship is successful both parties experience positive outcomes that may last a lifetime. Agricultural educators report that cooperating teachers are one of the most important influences on the development of new teachers. The research reported here used instrumental case study design to identify three steps that underpin successful mentoring relationships between cooperating teachers and student teachers in school-based agricultural education. The steps are personality, community and access, and trust and communication. Subthemes of personality included compatibility, similar values, mutual interest in growth, successful conflict resolution, and appreciation of differences. Subthemes of community and access included feelings of belonging and having access to cooperating teachers. Subthemes of trust and communication were based on delegating responsibility, providing accurate feedback, and supporting student teachers to assume the role of teacher. Based on the findings, it is recommended that university-based teacher educators increase opportunities for informal mentoring pairs to emerge. Future research could explore the impact of informal pairing on the development of new teachers compared to formal pairings.
Importance and Capability of Teaching Agricultural Mechanics as Perceived by Secondary Agricultural Educators
Authors: Shultz Matthew J. , Anderson Ryan G. , Shultz Alyx M. , Paulsen Thomas H.
Published: February 2016

Agricultural mechanics instruction is a long-standing and significant part of secondary agricultural education. Similar to the broader agricultural industry, agricultural mechanics instruction is in a constant state of dynamic change. Educators must be proactive to ensure agricultural mechanics curriculum retains its relevance within this changing environment and that educators are prepared to facilitate that change. The agricultural mechanics in-service needs of secondary agricultural educators in Iowa were examined. Researchers used descriptive measures and mean weighted discrepancy scores to determine teacher perceptions of content importance, teaching competence, and in-service training needs. The areas of highest perceived importance were welding safety, construction and shop safety, and shielded metal arc welding. Agricultural mechanics instructors rated themselves least prepared to teach computer aided design, profile leveling, and hot metal work. As shown by mean weighted discrepancy scores, areas of highest additional training need were global positioning systems, electrical safety, and computer aided design.
Flipping an Agricultural Education Teaching Methods Course
Authors: Conner Nathan W. , Stripling Christopher T. , Blythe Jessica M. , Roberts T. Grady , Stedman Nicole L.P.
Published: February 2016

Flipping or inverting a course is a relatively new approach to structuring a course. Using this method, the lectures traditionally delivered during regularly scheduled class time are converted to a media for delivery online, often in the form of videos. Learners are expected to view the online lectures prior to class. Then in turn, in-class time is used for a variety of application-type activities. This study documents participants’ perceptions of flipping an agricultural education teaching methods course. Based on data from a focus group, we concluded that the participants thought the flipped classroom approach aided their learning of the teaching methods and the teaching and learning principles presented in the course. However, the participants offered numerous suggestions for improving the flipped classroom experience.
Determining the Effects that the Order of Abstraction and Type of Reflection have on Content Knowledge When Teaching Experientially: An Exploratory Experiment
Authors: Baker Marshall A. , Brown Nicholas R. , Blackburn J. Joey , Robinson J. Shane
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this experimental study was to determine the effects of order of abstraction and type of reflection on student knowledge acquisition. Students were assigned randomly to one of four treatment combinations in the completely randomized 2x2 design which included either abstraction prior to or directly after an experience, and either reflection-in-action or reflection-onaction. A Lab-Aids® inquiry-based kit, centered on the principles of biofuels, served as the content for the treatment. The findings of this study indicate that order of abstraction does not have a statistically significant effect on knowledge acquisition scores, but that reflection-in-action did have a statistically significant effect on increasing students’ knowledge of the selected biofuel concepts. It is recommended that teachers at both the secondary and university level focus on effective strategies of reflection-in-action to draw deeper, more enduring learning from students’ experiences in agricultural education. The study was exploratory in nature, and recommendations were suggested for full-scale replications of the study.