bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mudanças fonológicas após aplicação de abordagem terapêutica baseada em traços distintivos no tratamento do desvio fonológico
Authors: Bagetti Tatiana , Ceron Marizete Ilha , Mota Helena Bolli , Keske-Soares Márcia
Published: November 2012

Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar as mudanças fonológicas decorrentes da aplicação de uma abordagem de terapia fonoaudiológica baseada em traços distintivos, utilizando dois tipos de sons-alvo (que enfatizam o contraste e que enfatizam o reforço de traços distintivos) no tratamento do desvio fonológico. A amostra foi constituída por sete crianças (quatro meninos e três meninas) com desvio fonológico, com idades entre 3 anos e 10 meses e 6 anos e 9 meses. As crianças foram classificadas de acordo com o grau do desvio fonológico e posteriormente, foram submetidas ao tratamento por meio do Modelo de Oposições Máximas Modificado. Em cada grau foram agrupados dois sujeitos, sendo que um foi tratado pelo "contraste" e o outro pelo "reforço" dos traços distintivos que apresentavam dificuldade. Somente o grau moderado-severo foi composto por apenas um sujeito. Após 20 sessões terapêuticas foram analisadas as mudanças fonológicas pré e pós-tratamento, considerando-se a forma de apresentação do estímulo ("contraste" e "reforço"). Todos os sujeitos tratados pelo "contraste" e pelo "reforço" apresentaram aumento no Percentual de Consoantes Corretas, no número de sons adquiridos e nas generalizações em seus inventários fonológicos. Verificou-se que ambos os grupos apresentaram mudanças em seus inventários fonológicos. Na análise comparativa entre os grupos foi observado que os dois grupos, tratados pelo "contraste" e pelo "reforço", demonstraram diferenças em relação aos tipos de generalizações apresentadas.
Proetid Trilobites From the Lower Devonian (Pragian) Ihandar Formation, Anti-Atlas, Morocco
Authors: Johnson Robert G. , Fortey Richard A.
Published: November 2012

Proetid trilobites of Lower Devonian (Pragian) age are known principally from fragmentary material from the type area in the Czech Republic and Morocco. We describe well-preserved, articulated specimens from the Ihandar Formation of the Anti-Atlas, Morocco, which include species of previously little known genera, and help to clarify their morphology. Eight new species are described:Dalejeproetus sagaouii, D. owensi, Lepidoproetus maharchianus,L. lahceni, L. splendens, Podoliproetus mirdani, P. sinespina,andProetina ihamadii.
New Uintasoricine (?Primates, Plesiadapiformes) From the Earliest Bridgerian, Latest Early Eocene of Wyoming
Authors: Gunnell Gregg F.
Published: November 2012

Uintasoricines are diminutive plesiadapiforms that are found in the latest Paleocene through middle Eocene, predominantly in North America. They are not a diverse group but individual species may be locally abundant and they are a persistent element of the plesiadapiform radiation in North America surviving over a span of approximately 16 million years. Recent field work in southern Wyoming at South Pass has led to the discovery of a new genus and species of uintasoricine. The new form is smaller in tooth dimensions compared to other known uintasoricines, being slightly smaller thanUintasorex montezumicusfrom California. Both the newly described taxon andU. montezumicusare among the smallest plesiadapiforms yet known with body weights estimated to be 20 to 25 g. The sediments of the Cathedral Bluffs Tongue of the Wasatch Formation at South Pass contain a unique upland fauna—the presence of a distinctive uintasoricine in this assemblage adds further evidence to support the notion that this upland environment was a biodiversity hotspot during the latest early Eocene.
Universal Elemental Homology in Glyptocystitoids, Hemicosmitoids, Coronoids and Blastoids: Steps Toward Echinoderm Phylogenetic Reconstruction in Derived Blastozoa
Authors: Sumrall Colin D. , Waters Johnny A.
Published: November 2012

Universal elemental homology (UEH) is used to establish homology of thecal plates and elements of the ambulacral system among clades of stemmed echinoderms by placing these structures into a testable hypothesis of homology. Here UEH is used to explore hypotheses of homology in blastoids, coronoids,Lysocystites, hemicosmitoids, and glyptocystitoids. This new approach to analyze homology is particularly powerful in understanding the nature of the thecal plates of blastoids and how they relate to other taxa in a common nomenclatural lexicon. In blastoids, deltoids are interpreted as oral plates that are homologues to oral plates of glyptocystitoids and hemicosmitoids whereas side plates are interpreted to be ambulacral floor plates. Thecal plates are homologous among blastoids, coronoids andLysocystitesbut these morphologies cannot be reconciled with plate circlets of glyptocystitoids and hemicosmitoids. A phylogenetic analysis of these taxa presents the origin of blastoids as sister taxon of coronoids within a testable series of homologies.
New Cancellariidae (Mollusca, Gastropoda) From the Miocene Gatun Formation of Panama, With Eleven New Species
Authors: Landau Bernard , Petit Richard E. , Da Silva Carlos M.
Published: November 2012

Thirty species of Cancellariidae in 11 genera from the Miocene Gatun Formation in the Panama Canal area, Caribbean Panama, are discussed including two species not represented by specimens suitable for formal description. The following 11 species are described as new:Cancellaria harzhauserin. sp.,Cancellaria mixtan. sp.,Bivetiella dilatatan. sp., Euclia alacertatan. sp.,Pyruclia tweedledumn. sp.,Pyruclia tweedledeen. sp.,Massyla toulain. sp.,Aphera aphroditen. sp.,Axelella cativan. sp.,Agatrix agathen. sp.,Ventrilia coatesin. sp. This assemblage of cancellariids is very diverse and highly endemic, with 18 (60 percent) species found only in the Miocene Gatun Formation. These assemblages all lie within the Gatunian Neogene Paciphile Molluscan Unit 1 (GNPMU1).
Scale effects of incipient cavitation for high-speed flows
Authors: Zhang Jian-Min , Wang Yu-Rong , Yang Qing , Xu Wei-Lin , Lin Peng-Zhi
Published: November 2012

The scale effects of incipient cavitation in high-speed flows have been studied in experiments in which series of sudden enlargements in pipes with different expansion ratios are employed. The relationship between the incipient cavitation and flow velocity is also investigated and shows that the scale effect indeed exists. Based on the test data, an empirical formula for incipient cavitation that takes scale effects into account is derived and validated. The formula has been validated with corresponding experimental data and good agreement has been obtained. The proposed formula can be used to forecast incipient cavitation of hydraulic structures in prototype with high-speed flow.
Variation among different genotypes of hybrid poplar with regard to leaf volatile organic compound emissions
Authors: Eller Allyson S. D. , de Gouw Joost , Graus Martin , Monson Russell K.
Published: November 2012

Plantations of hybrid poplar are used in temperate regions to produce woody biomass for forestry‐related industries and are likely to become more prevalent if they are used as a source of cellulose for second‐generation biofuels. Species in the genus Populus are known to emit great quantities of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) isoprene and methanol, and lesser quantities of terpene VOCs, giving poplar plantations the potential to significantly influence regional atmospheric chemistry. The goals of this study were to quantify the differences in isoprene, methanol, and monoterpene emissions from 30 hybrid poplar genotypes, determine how well VOC emissions could be explained by growth, photosynthesis, and stomatal conductance, determine whether the parental crosses that created a genotype could be used to predict its emissions, and determine whether VOC emissions from different genotypes exhibit different responses to elevated CO2. We found that 40–50% of the variation in isoprene emissions across genotypes could be explained by a combination of instantaneous photosynthesis rate and seasonal aboveground growth and 30–35% of methanol emissions could be explained by stomatal conductance. We observed a threefold range in isoprene emissions across all 30 genotypes. Both genotype and parental cross were significant predictors of isoprene and monoterpene emissions. Genotypes from P. tricocarpa × P. deltoides (T × D) crosses generally had higher isoprene emissions and lower monoterpene emissions than those from P. deltoides × P. nigra (D × N) crosses. While isoprene and monoterpene emissions generally decreased under elevated CO2 and methanol emissions generally increased, the responses varied among genotypes. Our findings suggest that genotypes with greater productivity tend to have higher isoprene emissions. Additionally, the genotypes with the lowest isoprene emissions under current CO2 are not necessarily the ones with the lowest emissions under elevated CO2.
Androgenesis in the Bioenergy Plant Miscanthus sinensis: From Calli Induction to Plant Regeneration
Authors: Głowacka Katarzyna , Kaczmarek Zygmunt , Jeżowski Stanisław
Published: November 2012

Miscanthus spp. is a valuable energy grass with a high biomass production, making it a natural source for first‐ and second‐generation fuels. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to investigate a methodology for the haploid production of diploid Miscanthus sinensis Andersson by anther culture. In three experiments the effect of genotype, induction medium, culture beginning date, and cold pretreatment were investigated. The experiments resulted in effective callus induction and plant regeneration. The genotype, culture medium, and culture induction date had significant influence on the number of induced calli whereas cold spikelet pretreatment reduced the culture effectiveness rates. A delay of culture initiation provided a higher callus yield together with enhanced triploid participation in a group of regenerates. Overall, in the culture of 27,300 anthers, 1887 calli were induced, and regeneration gave 2064 plants. In the group of 1523 examined plants, there were 186 haploids and 472 diploids. The comparative genetic analyses of the parental genotypes and selected anther‐derived plants were conducted using the simple sequence repeats (SSRs). For all of the analyzed androgenic plants, SSR allele segregation allowed for the confirmation of homozygosity. The alleles represented balanced (e.g., 1:3) as well as unbalanced (e.g., 5:0) segregations. Plants with calli from the same origins carried the same SSR alleles.
Two Novel Alleles at the Rsv 3 Locus for Resistance to Soybean Mosaic Virus in PI 399091 and PI 61947 Soybeans
Authors: Shakiba E. , Chen P. , Shi A. , Li D. , Dong D. , Brye K.
Published: November 2012

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) is one of the most destructive viral diseases in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] worldwide. Soybean mosaic virus isolates collected in the United States have been classified into seven strain groups (G1 through G7). Three loci (Rsv1, Rsv3, and Rsv4) conferring resistance to SMV have been reported so far. Each locus has several alleles that confer different reactions to isolates from the seven SMV strains. Plant Introduction (PI) 399091 and PI 61947 showed a different pattern in response to SMV compared to differential genotypes with known genes, and was therefore assumed to carry novel genes or unique alleles. This study was conducted to determine the inheritance and allelic relationships of SMV resistance genes in these PIs. PI 399091 and PI 61947 were crossed with ‘Essex’ (Rsv), PI 96983 (Rsv1), L29 (Rsv3), and V94‐5152 (Rsv4), and the F2 populations and F2:3 lines from these crosses were inoculated with a G7 isolate. A serological tissue blotting immunoassay (TBIA) was used to confirm the presence of the virus in the infected plants. Selected simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to screen the parents and their progenies to confirm the phenotypic SMV reactions. The results revealed that PI 399091 and PI 61947 each contain an allele at the Rsv3 locus. The phenotypic data were confirmed by SSR markers and TBIA. Based on their unique reaction patterns as compared to other reported Rsv3 alleles, PI 399091 and PI 61947 each contain a novel allele at the Rsv3 locus. We propose that the new symbols of Rsv3‐c and Rsv3‐h be assigned to the resistance alleles in PI 399091 and PI 61947, respectively. These alleles can be considered as valuable sources of resistance to virulent SMV strains.
Yield and Quality Response of Perennial Ryegrass Selected for High Concentration of Water‐Soluble Carbohydrate to Nitrogen Application Rate
Authors: Conaghan Patrick , O'Kiely Pádraig , Halling Magnus A. , O'Mara Frank P. , Nesheim Lars
Published: November 2012

The expression of elevated water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) concentrations in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivars selected for high forage WSC concentration can be highly variable across environments. Our aim was to determine whether N application rate influences the expression of the high WSC phenotype. Cultivars AberDart (selected for high WSC concentration) and Fennema (control) were evaluated across four fertilizer N application rates (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha−1 per harvest) over four replicates and 2 yr at Grange, Ireland, and Særheim, Norway. Plots were managed for silage production with four cuts per year in Ireland and three cuts per year in Norway. Nine forage traits were measured: WSC, dry matter digestibility, crude protein, buffering capacity, dry matter, ash, dry matter yield, N use efficiency, and apparent N recovery. The response of AberDart and Fennema to N application rate was predominantly similar within and over years and locations for all traits. Differences between cultivars in WSC concentration were largely consistent across N application rates, years, and locations. AberDart had mean WSC concentrations 8 to 12% higher than Fennema depending on harvest. Present results suggest that the evaluation and selection of perennial ryegrass for high concentrations of WSC in cool‐temperate maritime climates may be conducted across a wide range of N application rates and, by extension, soil N supply rates.
Lower Canopy Temperature is Associated with Higher Cytokinin Concentration in the Flag Leaf of Wheat
Authors: Fang Jing‐jing , Ma Wen‐Ying , Zhao Xue‐Qiang , He Xue , Li Bin , Tong Yi‐Ping , Li Zhen‐Sheng
Published: November 2012

Canopy temperature difference (CTD) is used to select wheat (Triticumaestivum L.) varieties tolerant to drought and heat stresses. As CTD reflects the stomatal conductance and transpiration of wheat leaves, and root‐synthesized cytokinin has been shown to be distributed into the aerial parts by the transpiration stream, we therefore investigated the associations of CTD with trans‐zeatin (Z) and trans‐zeatin riboside (ZR) concentration and tolerance of a leaf to high light and high temperature (HLHT) stresses in the flag leaf of different wheat genotypes in field trials. The measurements at 14 d postanthesis (DPA) in 2009 and at 7, 14, 21, and 28 DPA in 2010 showed that Z plus ZR level increased as canopy temperature decreased. This could be at least partially explained by the fact that the flag leaves of low canopy temperature (LT) genotypes received higher delivery rates per unit leaf area of Z plus ZR from the roots and had lower cytokinin oxidase activities than those of high canopy temperature (HT) genotypes. The flag leaves of LT genotypes also exhibited longer photosynthetic durations, higher activities of antioxidant enzymes, and stronger tolerance to HLHT stresses than those of HT genotypes, especially at the late grain filling stage. Hence, CTD shows the potential to be an index for selecting wheat with high cytokinin level of the flag leaf favorable for longer photosynthetic duration and stronger tolerance to HLHT stresses.
Soybean Seed Yield and Quality as a Response to Field Pennycress Residue
Authors: Phippen Winthrop B. , Phippen Mary E.
Published: November 2012

Field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.; hereafter pennycress) is an oilseed crop being investigated as an off‐season biofuel source that can potentially fit into the existing crop rotation cycle with soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. The objective of this 2‐yr study was to evaluate the effect of pennycress residue on seed yield and quality components of soybean planted during five consecutive weeks, from mid‐May to mid‐June. In 2009 and 2010, the mean soybean dry weight seed yield after pennycress residue for all planting dates (4108 and 3490 kg ha−1, respectively) was greater than yield from fallow control plots (3636 and 2992 kg ha−1, respectively). However, in 2010, soybean planted after pennycress had slightly lower oil content (202 g kg−1) than that obtained from fallow control plots (207 g kg−1) (P < 0.01). Delayed planting until mid‐June resulted in lower population density, plant height, seed yield, and oil concentration. Before June, planting date had no significant influence on soybean seed yield and quality. Protein content in soybean seed was not affected by year, pennycress residue, or planting date. Variation in the experimental year temperature values led to significant changes in oil components. High temperatures decreased levels of linoleic, linolenic, and stearic acids but increased levels of palmitic and oleic acids. Overall, pennycress had no negative effect on the subsequent soybean crop.
Assessment of Reaction Patterns of Hybrids to Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. under Artificial Infestation in Kenya and Nigeria
Authors: Menkir Abebe , Makumbi Dan , Franco Jorge
Published: November 2012

Striga hermonthica (Del.) Benth. is a widespread parasitic weed that inflicts damage on maize (Zea mays L.) in sub‐Saharan Africa. This is a highly variable root parasite that can contribute to significant genotype × parasite population interaction observed in field trials. The present study was thus conducted to determine the reaction patterns of hybrids developed in Nigeria for field resistance to S. hermonthica under artificial infestation at two locations each in Kenya and Nigeria in 2009 and 2010. In the combined analysis of variance, mean squares for country, location (country), year × country, hybrid × year × country, and hybrid × location (country) interactions were not significant for all measured traits. The variance for year, hybrid, year × location (country), hybrid × year, hybrid × country, and hybrid × year × location (country) interactions were significant for some or all measured traits. The nonparametric tests of concordance was significant (p < 0.0001) for all traits recorded under infestation in eight test environments (W = 0.55 to W = 0.76) in the two countries, indicating that S. hermonthica–resistant hybrids developed in Nigeria were also resistant in Kenya. Pattern analysis using a three‐way clustering method separated the 16 maize hybrids into two distinct groups with similar reaction patterns and levels of performance in the prevalent test environments of the two countries. Resistant hybrids had higher grain yields, fewer Striga damage symptoms, fewer emerged parasites, and taller plants in comparison to the tolerant, susceptible, and commercial hybrid checks. Some hybrids with consistent levels of resistance to S. hermonthica across locations and seasons in the two countries were identified in this study for further testing under a broad range of production conditions in the Striga‐affected areas of Kenya, Nigeria, and other countries to select the best hybrids for eventual release.
On Kueker's conjecture
Authors: Tanović Predrag
Published: November 2012

We prove that a Kueker theory with infinite dcl(∅) does not have the strict order property and that strongly minimal types are dense: any non-algebraic formula is contained in a strongly minimal type.
A constructive Galois connection between closure and interior
Authors: Ciraulo Francesco , Sambin Giovanni
Published: November 2012

We construct a Galois connection between closure and interior operators on a given set. All arguments are intuitionistically valid. Our construction is an intuitionistic version of the classical correspondence between closure and interior operators via complement.
Biosurfactant production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa MSIC02 in cashew apple juice using a 24 full factorial experimental design
Authors: Rocha Maria , Mendes Jocélia , Giro Maria , Melo Vânia , Gonçalves Luciana
Published: November 2012

In this work, the production of biosurfactants from cashew apple juice by P.
aeruginosa MSIC02 was investigate by carrying out a 24 full factorial
experimental design, using temperature, glucose concentration from cashew
apple juice, phosphorous concentration and cultivation time as variables. The
response variable was the percentage of reduction in surface tension in the
cell-free culture medium, since it indicates the surface-active agent
production. Maximum biosurfactant production, equivalent to a 58% reduction
in surface tension, was obtained at 37?C, with glucose concentration of 5.0
g/L and no phosphorous supplementation. Surface tension reduction was
significant, since low values were observed in the cell-free medium (27.50
dyne/cm), indicating that biosurfactant was produced. The biosurfactant
emulsified different hydrophobic sources and showed stability in the face of
salinity, exposure to high temperatures and extreme pH conditions. These
physiochemical properties demonstrate the potential for using biosurfactants
produced by P. aeruginosa MSIC02 in various applications.
Ectopic Expression of GIP in Pancreatic β-Cells Maintains Enhanced Insulin Secretion in Mice With Complete Absence of Proglucagon-Derived Peptides
Authors: Fukami Ayako , Seino Yusuke , Ozaki Nobuaki , Yamamoto Michiyo , Sugiyama Chisato , Sakamoto-Miura Eriko , Himeno Tatsuhito , Takagishi Yoshiko , Tsunekawa Shin , Ali Safina , Drucker Daniel J. , Murata Yoshiharu , Seino Yutaka , Oiso Yutaka , Hayashi Yoshitaka
Published: November 2012

Glucagon and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) are produced in pancreatic α-cells and enteroendocrine L-cells, respectively, in a tissue-specific manner from the same precursor, proglucagon, that is encoded by glucagon gene (Gcg), and play critical roles in glucose homeostasis. Here, we studied glucose homeostasis and β-cell function of Gcg-deficient mice that are homozygous for a Gcg-GFP knock-in allele (Gcggfp/gfp). The Gcggfp/gfp mice displayed improved glucose tolerance and enhanced insulin secretion, as assessed by both oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT). Responses of glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) to both oral and intraperitoneal glucose loads were unexpectedly enhanced in Gcggfp/gfp mice, and immunohistochemistry localized GIP to pancreatic β-cells of Gcggfp/gfp mice. Furthermore, secretion of GIP in response to glucose was detected in isolated islets of Gcggfp/gfp mice. Blockade of GIP action in vitro and in vivo by cAMP antagonism and genetic deletion of the GIP receptor, respectively, almost completely abrogated enhanced insulin secretion in Gcggfp/gfp mice. These results indicate that ectopic GIP expression in β-cells maintains insulin secretion in the absence of proglucagon-derived peptides (PGDPs), revealing a novel compensatory mechanism for sustaining incretin hormone action in islets.
Did you Tell me the Truth?: The Influence of Online Community on eWOM
Authors: Yang Jun , Mai Enping (Shirley) , Ben-Ur Joseph
Published: November 2012

With the rapid development of online communities and social networks, marketers have started to use online opinion leaders to influence their social circles. In this study, we use a review dataset generated from an online forum to empirically investigate social influence on reviewers' eWOM motives and readers' feedback. Our results show that, first, community members' reviews are not influenced by their forum involvement. Their evaluations mainly depend on product attributes. Second, the reviews from those who have established their expertise in the community generate more ‘buzz’ and more trust among online forum readers compared to reviewers with less expertise. The findings indicate that certain marketing strategies, such as ‘seeding’ targeted towards opinion leaders, may work better than a general buzz marketing strategy targeted towards a general audience. Our results also provide useful guidance on how to identify opinion leaders in the online community.
The Effects of Source Credibility and Message Variation on Mail Survey Response Behaviour
Authors: Kalafatis Stavros P. , Riley Debra , Tsogas Markos H. , Clodine-Florent Jimmy
Published: November 2012

Grounded on persuasive communications theory, the impact of source credibility and message variation on response behaviour towards a mail survey on a sample of the general public are examined. An experimental design comprising three levels (high, medium and low) of these variables is employed. Source credibility and the interaction of message variation (i.e. usefulness of the study) and source credibility have a significant impact on response rate. Overemphasising the usefulness of a study is found to be counterproductive. For sources that are arguably average or lower in credibility, a strongly worded message (in terms of usefulness) was less effective than more modest objectives.
The Grounded Theory Approach to Consumer-brand Engagement: The Practitioner's Standpoint
Authors: Gambetti Rossella C. , Graffigna Guendalina , Biraghi Silvia
Published: November 2012

Since currently there is no established, unitary and shared theory on consumer–brand engagement (CBE), this exploratory study is aimed at inductively proposing a preliminary conceptual framework of CBE disclosing the knowledge embedded in marketing practice. Our study is designed according to a Grounded Theory approach and it is focused on how practitioners conceive and pursue CBE through their branding strategies and tactics. Findings reveal that CBE is seen by practitioners as a dynamic and process-based concept evolving in intensity on the basis of the brand capability of increasingly intercepting consumers' desires and expectations using all possible physical and virtual touchpoints between brand and consumers. CBE appears as an overarching marketing concept encapsulating different consumer decision-making dimensions, from brand preference to brand purchase. Furthermore CBE emerges as a multi-dimensional construct that beyond traditional cognitive, emotional and conative dimensions seems to be based on emerging experiential and social dimensions that appear as its central elements.
Hallux Valgus Correction Using Transarticular Lateral Release with Distal Chevron Osteotomy
Authors: Choi Young Rak , Lee Ho Seong , Jeong Jae Jung , Kim Sang Woo , Jeon In-Ho , Lee Dong Ho , Lee Woo Chun
Published: November 2012

Background: Transarticular lateral release through a medial incision can avoid a dorsal incision. This study investigated outcomes following hallux valgus correction using transarticular lateral release, distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy and Akin phalangeal osteotomy through one medial incision. Methods: Between June 2004 and May 2009, a single surgeon performed a transarticular lateral release, distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy and Akin phalangeal osteotomy through one medial incision for hallux valgus on a total of 103 feet of 68 patients. The average patient age at the time of surgery was 51 years, and the average followup was 27 months. Results: The average preoperative and final followup results were: 1) hallux valgus angle improvement from 29 degrees to 5 degrees, 2) intermetatarsal angle from 13 degrees to 5 degrees and 3) medial sesamoid bone position from 3 to 1 ( p < 0.05 for each variable). The average AOFAS scores were improved from 49 to 92, and the VAS pain scores were improved from 7 to 1 ( p < 0.05 for both variables). No patient had a serious complication such as infection, avascular necrosis, nonunion, transfer-metatarsalgia, or first metatarsophalangeal joint arthritis. Conclusion: Hallux valgus correction using transarticular lateral release, distal chevron metatarsal osteotomy and Akin phalangeal osteotomy through one medial incision was found to be effective and safe. The advantages include that the procedure is simple, early ambulation is possible, and there is no dorsal scarring.

Level of Evidence: IV, Therapeutic Study
Transmetatarsal Lateral Release in Hallux Valgus Surgery: Technical Tip
Authors: Asunción Jordi , Poggio Daniel
Published: November 2012

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
Primary Achilles Tendon Repair with Mini-Dorsolateral Incision Technique and Accelerated Rehabilitation
Authors: Hrnack Scott A. , Crates John M. , Barber F. Alan
Published: November 2012

Background: No consensus exists for the best primary repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Problems with wound healing and nerve damage can occur. Prolonged immobilization leads to stiffness and calf atrophy. This study assesses the clinical outcome of acute Achilles tendon repairs using a mini-dorsolateral incision followed by a rapid rehabilitation program. Materials: A consecutive series of acute Achilles tendon ruptures repaired using a mini-dorsolateral incision were reviewed with a minimum 12 months follow up. Fifteen patients with an average age of 44 (range, 32 to 60) years were followed an average of 45 (range, 14 to 72) months. Two modified, buried core high strength sutures were placed in each torn end of the Achilles tendon reinforced with a running circumferential whip-stitch. Ankle Hindfoot scores, single toe raises, calf circumference, and adverse events were recorded. An accelerated postoperative rehabilitation protocol was followed. Results: Postoperative AOFAS Ankle Hindfoot scores averaged 98.3 [39 pain; 49.6 function; 9.3 alignment]. All patients could single heel raise. Eight of 15 demonstrated atrophy with an average calf circumference loss of 1.0 cm. The only postoperative complication was one case of superficial cellulitis successfully treated with oral antibiotics. There were no sural nerve injuries, wound break down, or re-ruptures at final followup. Conclusion: The repair of acute Achilles tendon ruptures through a minimal lateral incision provided excellent functional outcomes, avoided complications including sural nerve injury, and allowed a return to sports between 4 to 6 months.

Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Radiographic Evaluation of the Normal Distal Tibiofibular Syndesmosis
Authors: Shah Apurva S. , Kadakia Anish R. , Tan Giselle J. , Karadsheh Mark S. , Wolter Troy D. , Sabb Brian
Published: November 2012

Background: Diagnosis of syndesmotic injuries is primarily based upon the assessment of ankle radiographs. The purpose of our study was to redefine the radiographic relationships of the ankle syndesmosis based on a large series of normal ankle radiographs in living subjects. Methods: The study involved 392 patients (218 females, 174 males) with ankle radiographs without known clinical or radiographic evidence of abnormality. Eighty-three of the 392 patients had also had normal contralateral radiographs. Tibiofibular overlap and tibiofibular clear space were measured on anteroposterior (AP) and mortise radiographs. The radiographic measurements were used to calculate means, standard deviations, and intra- and interob-server reliabilities, and compare genders and side-to-side radiographs. Results: The mean overlap was 8.3 mm on the AP and 3.5 mm on the mortise while the mean clear space was 4.6 mm on the AP and 4.3 mm on the mortise view. The least amount of overlap on the AP view was 1.8 mm. On the mortise view, there was a subset of patients that had a complete lack of overlap (less than 0 mm) with the greatest gap noted to be 1.9 mm. The greatest clear space on AP was 8 mm and on the mortise was 7.6 mm. Mortise clear space was the most accurate measure when obtaining contralateral radiographs, with a mean side-to-side difference of 0.7 ± 0.7 mm. Conclusion: Lack of overlap on the mortise view can represent a normal variant, which has not been definitively reported in prior investigations. Clinical Relevance: Our data form the basis for revised radiographic criteria to evaluate the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis which may influence clinical management of these patients.
Compression Screw Fixation of the Syndesmosis
Authors: Darwish Husam H. , Glisson Richard R. , DeOrio James K.
Published: November 2012

Background: Screw fixation of syndesmotic injuries facilitates ligament healing and restoration of ankle stability, but little information regarding screw performance is available. This study quantified the reduction obtained with three common 2-screw configurations using different methods of reduction and novel methods of subsequently provoking and measuring diastasis. Methods: Seven fresh-frozen lower extremities were subjected to 100 N medial and lateral tibia loads with the talus restrained. Tibia displacement, indicative of ankle clear space, was recorded. The syndesmosis and distal interosseous ligament were disrupted and measurements repeated. A pressure sensor was inserted into the syndesmosis and three 2-screw fixation methods were evaluated in each specimen: 3.5-mm screws engaging both fibula cortices and the lateral tibial cortex, inserted while using a clamp to achieve syndesmosis reduction; 3.5-mm lag screws engaging both tibia cortices; and 4.5-mm lag screws engaging both tibia cortices. One thousand 100 N medial and lateral loads were applied and clear space and syndesmosis compression were quantified every 100 cycles. Results: Normal ankle clear space averaged 1.98 mm and increased to 3.02 mm after syndesmosis disruption. Fixation decreased the clear space to 1.36 mm, 1.22 mm, and 1.19 mm for the 3.5-mm tricortical, 3.5-mm lag, and 4.5-mm lag screws, respectively, remaining steady throughout cyclic loading. Syndesmosis compression dropped markedly from 61N to 23 N on clamp release after tricortical screw insertion. The 3.5-mm and 4.5-mm lag screws exerted 112 N and 131 N, respectively, after insertion, and maintained compression several-fold greater than the tricortical screws during cyclic loading. No difference was demonstrable between the two lag screw sizes. Conclusion: While all screw configurations successfully reduced ankle clear space, syndesmosis reduction was more effectively maintained by lag screws than by tricortical screws inserted with clamp reduction. The transient nature of compression achieved by the reduction clamp suggests that use of lag screws for this application may more reliably maintain syndesmosis reduction in vivo. Clinical Relevance: Optimizing reduction of syndesmosis injuries is critical for favorable outcomes. This study offers concrete information on screw performance in this application.
Subcutaneous Extensor Hallucis Longus Tendon Rupture: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Lohrer Heinz , Nauck Tanja
Published: November 2012

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
Patterns in neurosurgical adverse events: endovascular neurosurgery
Authors: Wong Judith M. , Ziewacz John E. , Panchmatia Jaykar R. , Bader Angela M. , Pandey Aditya S. , Thompson B. Gregory , Frerichs Kai , Gawande Atul A.
Published: November 2012

As part of a project to devise evidence-based safety interventions for specialty surgery, the authors sought to review current evidence in endovascular neurosurgery concerning the frequency of adverse events in practice, their patterns, and current methods of reducing the occurrence of these events. This review represents part of a series of papers written to consolidate information about these events and preventive measures as part of an ongoing effort to ascertain the utility of devising system-wide policies and safety tools to improve neurosurgical practice.

Based on a review of the literature, thromboembolic events appeared to be the most common adverse events in endovascular neurosurgery, with a reported incidence ranging from 2% to 61% depending on aneurysm rupture status and mode of detection of the event. Intraprocedural and periprocedural prevention and rescue regimens are advocated to minimize this risk; however, evidence on the optimal use of anticoagulant and antithrombotic agents is limited. Furthermore, it is unknown what proportion of eligible patients receive any prophylactic treatment.

Groin-site hematoma is the most common access-related complication. Data from the cardiac literature indicate an overall incidence of 9% to 32%, but data specific to neuroendovascular therapy are scant. Manual compression, compression adjuncts, and closure devices are used with varying rates of success, but no standardized protocols have been tested on a broad scale. Contrast-induced nephropathy is one of the more common causes of hospital-acquired renal insufficiency, with an incidence of 30% in high-risk patients after contrast administration. Evidence from medical fields supports the use of various preventive strategies.

Intraprocedural vessel rupture is infrequent, with the reported incidence ranging from 1% to 9%, but it is potentially devastating. Improvements in device technology combined with proper endovascular technique play an important role in reducing this risk.

Occasionally, anatomical or technical difficulties preclude treatment of the lesion of interest. Reports of such occurrences are scant, but existing series suggest an incidence of 4% to 6%. Management strategies for radiation-induced effects are also discussed. The incidence rates are unknown, but protective techniques have been demonstrated.

Many of these complications have strategies that appear effective in reducing their risk of occurrence, but development and evaluation of systematic guidelines and protocols have been widely lacking. Furthermore, there has been little monitoring of levels of adherence to potentially effective practices. Protocols and monitoring programs to support integrated implementation may be broadly effective.
Patterns in neurosurgical adverse events and proposed strategies for reduction
Authors: Wong Judith M. , Bader Angela M. , Laws Edward R. , Popp A. John , Gawande Atul A.
Published: November 2012

Neurosurgery is a high-risk specialty currently undertaking the pursuit of systematic approaches to reducing risk and to measuring and improving outcomes. The authors performed a review of patterns and frequencies of adverse events in neurosurgery as background for future efforts directed at the improvement of quality and safety in neurosurgery.

They found 6 categories of contributory factors in neurosurgical adverse events, categorizing the events as influenced by issues in surgical technique, perioperative medical management, use of and adherence to protocols, preoperative optimization, technology, and communication. There was a wide distribution of reported occurrence rates for many of the adverse events, in part due to the absence of definitive literature in this area and to the lack of standardized reporting systems.

On the basis of their analysis, the authors identified 5 priority recommendations for improving outcomes for neurosurgical patients at a population level: 1) development and implementation of a national registry for outcome data and monitoring; 2) full integration of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist into the operating room workflow, which improves fundamental aspects of surgical care such as adherence to antibiotic protocols and communication within surgical teams; and 3–5) activity by neurosurgical societies to drive increased standardization for the safety of specialized equipment used by neurosurgeons (3), more widespread regionalization and/or subspecialization (4), and establishment of data-driven guidelines and protocols (5). The fraction of adverse events that might be avoided if proposed strategies to improve practice and decrease variability are fully adopted remains to be determined. The authors hope that this consolidation of what is currently known and practiced in neurosurgery, the application of relevant advances in other fields, and attention to proposed strategies will serve as a basis for informed and concerted efforts to improve outcomes and patient safety in neurosurgery.
The design, development, and implementation of a checklist for intraoperative neuromonitoring changes
Authors: Ziewacz John E. , Berven Sigurd H. , Mummaneni Valli P. , Tu Tsung-Hsi , Akinbo Olaolu C. , Lyon Russ , Mummaneni Praveen V.
Published: November 2012

Object

The purpose of this study was to provide an evidence-based algorithm for the design, development, and implementation of a new checklist for the response to an intraoperative neuromonitoring alert during spine surgery.

Methods

The aviation and surgical literature was surveyed for evidence of successful checklist design, development, and implementation. The limitations of checklists and the barriers to their implementation were reviewed. Based on this review, an algorithm for neurosurgical checklist creation and implementation was developed. Using this algorithm, a multidisciplinary team surveyed the literature for the best practices for how to respond to an intraoperative neuromonitoring alert. All stakeholders then reviewed the evidence and came to consensus regarding items for inclusion in the checklist.

Results

A checklist for responding to an intraoperative neuromonitoring alert was devised. It highlights the specific roles of the anesthesiologist, surgeon, and neuromonitoring personnel and encourages communication between teams. It focuses on the items critical for identifying and correcting reversible causes of neuromonitoring alerts. Following initial design, the checklist draft was reviewed and amended with stakeholder input. The checklist was then evaluated in a small-scale trial and revised based on usability and feasibility.

Conclusions

The authors have developed an evidence-based algorithm for the design, development, and implementation of checklists in neurosurgery and have used this algorithm to devise a checklist for responding to intraoperative neuromonitoring alerts in spine surgery.
Time Domain Modeling and Analysis of Dynamic Gear Contact Force in a Wind Turbine Gearbox with Respect to Fatigue Assessment
Authors: Dong Wenbin , Xing Yihan , Moan Torgeir
Published: November 2012

The gearbox is one of the most expensive components of the wind turbine system. In order to refine the design and hence increase the long-term reliability, there has been increasing interest in utilizing time domain simulations in the prediction of gearbox design loads. In this study, three problems in time domain based gear contact fatigue analysis under dynamic conditions are discussed: (1) the torque reversal problem under low wind speed conditions, (2) statistical uncertainty effects due to time domain simulations and (3) simplified long term contact fatigue analysis of the gear tooth under dynamic conditions. Several recommendations to deal with these issues are proposed based on analyses of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s 750 kW land-based Gearbox Reliability Collaborative wind turbine.
A Novel Miniature Culture System to Screen CO2-Sequestering Microalgae
Authors: Han Wei , Li Chunying , Miao Xiaoling , Yu Guangxin
Published: November 2012

In this study, a novel 96-well microplate swivel system (M96SS) was built for high-throughput screening of microalgal strains for CO2 fixation. Cell growth under different CO2 supply conditions (0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.2 g L−1 d−1), residual nitrate, and pH value of Chlorella sp. SJTU-3, Chlorella pyrenoidosa SJTU-2, and Scenedesmus obliquus SJTU-3 were examined in the M96SS and traditional flask cultures. The dynamic data showed there was a good agreement between the systems. Two critical problems in miniature culture systems (intra-well mixing and evaporation loss) were improved by sealed vertical mixing of the M96SS. A sample screen of six microalgal species (Chlorella sp. SJTU-3, Chlorella pyrenoidosa SJTU-2, Selenastrum capricornutum, Scenedesmus obliquus SJTU-3, Chlamydomonas sajao, Dunaliella primolecta) was carried out in flasks and the M96SS. Chlamydomonas sajao appeared to be a robust performer (highest cell density: 1.437 g L−1) in anaerobic pond water with 0.8, and 1.2 g L−1 d−1 CO2. The reliability and efficiency of the M96SS were verified through a comparison of traditional flask culture, M96SS, Lukavský’s system, and a microplate shaker.
Individual Variability of Nosema ceranae Infections in Apis mellifera Colonies
Authors: Mulholland Grace , Traver Brenna , Johnson Nels , Fell Richard
Published: November 2012

Since 2006, beekeepers have reported increased losses of Apis mellifera colonies, and one factor that has been potentially implicated in these losses is the microsporidian Nosema ceranae. Since N. ceranae is a fairly recently discovered parasite, there is little knowledge of the variation in infection levels among individual workers within a colony. In this study we examined the levels of infection in individual bees from five colonies over three seasons using both spore counting and quantitative real-time PCR. The results show considerable intra-colony variation in infection intensity among individual workers with a higher percentage of low-level infections detected by PCR than by spore counting. Colonies generally had the highest percentage of infected bees in early summer (June) and the lowest levels in the fall (September). Nosema apis was detected in only 16/705 bees (2.3%) and always as a low-level co-infection with N. ceranae. The results also indicate that intra-colony variation in infection levels could influence the accuracy of Nosema diagnosis.
Characterization of Steel Foams for Structural Components
Authors: Smith Brooks , Szyniszewski Stefan , Hajjar Jerome , Schafer Benjamin , Arwade Sanjay
Published: November 2012

Experimentally measured mechanical properties of hollow sphere steel foam are the subject of this paper. The characterization of the hollow sphere foam encompasses compressive yield stress and densification strain, compressive plastic Poisson’s ratio, and compressive unloading modulus, as well as tensile elastic modulus, tensile unloading modulus, tensile yield stress, and tensile fracture strain. Shear properties are also included. These tests provide sufficient information to allow calibration of a macroscopic, continuum constitutive model. Calibrated foam plasticity parameters are tabulated, and unique feature of foam plasticity are explained. Also, initial development of mesoscale simulations, which explicitly model voids and sintered hollow spheres, is reported. This work is part of a larger effort to help the development of steel foam as a material with relevance to civil engineering applications.
Quantitative Studies on Structure-DPPH• Scavenging Activity Relationships of Food Phenolic Acids
Authors: Jing Pu , Zhao Shu-Juan , Jian Wen-Jie , Qian Bing-Jun , Dong Ying , Pang Jie
Published: November 2012

Phenolic acids are potent antioxidants, yet the quantitative structure-activity relationships of phenolic acids remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to establish 3D-QSAR models able to predict phenolic acids with high DPPH• scavenging activity and understand their structure-activity relationships. The model has been established by using a training set of compounds with cross-validated q2 = 0.638/0.855, non-cross-validated r2 = 0.984/0.986, standard error of estimate = 0.236/0.216, and F = 139.126/208.320 for the best CoMFA/CoMSIA models. The predictive ability of the models was validated with the correlation coefficient r2pred = 0.971/0.996 (>0.6) for each model. Additionally, the contour map results suggested that structural characteristics of phenolics acids favorable for the high DPPH• scavenging activity might include: (1) bulky and/or electron-donating substituent groups on the phenol ring; (2) electron-donating groups at the meta-position and/or hydrophobic groups at the meta-/ortho-position; (3) hydrogen-bond donor/electron-donating groups at the ortho-position. The results have been confirmed based on structural analyses of phenolic acids and their DPPH• scavenging data from eight recent publications. The findings may provide deeper insight into the antioxidant mechanisms and provide useful information for selecting phenolic acids for free radical scavenging properties.