bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of renal cortical defect and scar using neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in children with febrile urinary tract infection
Authors: Lee Jeong Won , Park Joon Soo , Park Kyeong Bae , Yoo Gyeong Hee , Kim Seung Soo , Lee Sang Mi
Published: May 2017

Aim: This study is aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) for cortical defect on initial and follow-up Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan in children with the first febrile urinary tract infection (UTI). Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 179 children with the first febrile UTI who underwent DMSA scan and laboratory tests. In patients with abnormal DMSA scan findings, follow-up DMSA scan was performed at least 6 months after the initial scan. All DMSA scans were classified as negative and positive cortical defects. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for cortical defect on initial and follow-up DMSA scan. Results: Cortical defects on initial DMSA scan were noted in 133 patients. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), white blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, NLR, and serum C-reactive protein level were independent predictive factors for positive cortical defect on initial DMSA scan (p < 0.050). On follow-up DMSA scan, 24 of the 133 patients showed persistent cortical defects, and only VUR was significantly associated with persistent cortical defect (p = 0.002). In 84 patients who showed cortical defect on initial scan and absence of VUR, only NLR was significantly associated with persistent cortical defect on follow-up scan (p = 0.025). Conclusion: NLR was significantly associated with persistent cortical defect on follow-up DMSA scan in patients without VUR, as well as positive cortical defect on initial scan.
Influence of dynamic non-equilibrium processes on strength and plasticity of materials of transportation systems
Authors: Chausov Mykola , Pylypenko Andriy , Berezin Valentyn , Volyanska Kateryna , Maruschak Pavlo , Hutsaylyuk Volodymyr , Markashova Lyudmila , Nedoseka Stanislav , Menou Abdellah
Published: May 2017

New experimental results on the effect of additional force impulse loading on the variation of the initial structure of the aircraft material (alloys D16, 2024-T3, VT22) at various stages of deformation are presented and a significant enhancement of its initial plasticity is achieved. Complex investigations into the material properties after a dynamic non-equilibrium process made it possible to describe the main regularities in the nature of deformation and fracture of materials, which allowed proposing general recommendations on using the revealed physical and mechanical regularities in the evaluation of strength of aircraft structures.
Flare Energy Release in the Lower Solar Atmosphere near the Magnetic Field Polarity Inversion Line
Authors: Sharykin I. N. , Sadykov V. M. , Kosovichev A. G. , Vargas-Dominguez S. , Zimovets I. V.
Published: May 2017

We study flare processes in the solar atmosphere using observational data for an M1-class flare of 2014 June 12, obtained by the New Solar Telescope (NST/BBSO) and Helioseismic Magnetic Imager (HMI/SDO). The main goal is to understand triggers and manifestations of the flare energy release in the photosphere and chromosphere using high-resolution optical observations and magnetic field measurements. We analyze optical images, HMI Dopplergrams, and vector magnetograms, and use nonlinear force-free field (NLFFF) extrapolations for reconstruction of the magnetic topology and electric currents. The NLFFF modeling reveals the interaction of two magnetic flux ropes with oppositely directed magnetic fields in the polarity inversion line (PIL). These flux ropes are observed as a compact sheared arcade along the PIL in the high-resolution broadband continuum images from NST. In the vicinity of the PIL, the NST

observations reveal the formation of a thin three-ribbon structure corresponding to a small-scale photospheric magnetic arcade. The observational results are evidence in favor of the primary energy release site located in the chromospheric plasma with strong electric currents concentrated near the PIL. In this case, magnetic reconnection is triggered by the interacting magnetic flux ropes forming a current sheet elongated along the PIL.
Rôle des coopératives dans le processus d’appropriation de la RSE dans le secteur végétal
Authors: Taddei Jean-Claude
Published: May 2017

Aujourd’hui, la Responsabilité Sociétale des Entreprises (RSE) imprime son concept dans de multiples rouages de pensée et d’apprentissage. Il s’impose à nous et nous l’imposons aux autres. Ainsi, du collège à l’université, de la PME à la grosse entreprise et de l’employé au dirigeant, le concept chemine et parfois nous fait reconsidérer nos pratiques. Concept, il l’est, flou il l’est également dans nos sociétés où la communication précède l’ef fectivité. Obligation pour les uns, mode de pensée et d’action pour les autres, objectif probable pour d’autres encore, il ne laisse pas indifférent même si la philosophie de l’objet dépasse son propre nom. C’est notamment le cas pour les entreprises du secteur végétal, de Très Petites Entreprises (TPE) et de Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (PME) françaises préoccupées par ce concept qui fait écho à leurs problématiques environnementales. Elles vont être aidées en cela par leur coopérative qui va se charger d’en assimiler les règles pour les y préparer. Dans notre étude, nous allons chercher à comprendre pourquoi et comment les PME du secteur végétal font, en partie, de la RSE, parfois sans le savoir, et quels rôles jouent les coopératives dans l’appropriation de ses pratiques et le soutien qu’elles apportent à leurs adhérents. Ainsi, face à la pression collective et aux nouvelles dispositions qui découlent du développement durable, nous nous intéresserons également aux processus de certification qui semblent représenter l’antichambre de la responsabilité sociétale des PME du secteur du végétal.
LASIK for the Correction of High Hyperopic Astigmatism With Epithelial Thickness Monitoring
Authors: Reinstein Dan Z. , Carp Glenn I. , Archer Timothy J. , Buick Tim , Gobbe Marine , Rowe Elizabeth L. , Jukic Mario , Brandon Emma , Moore Johnny , Moore Tara
Published: May 2017

PURPOSE:

To evaluate outcomes of high hyperopic LASIK using the MEL 80 excimer laser (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany).

METHODS:

Retrospective analysis of 830 consecutive high hyperopic LASIK procedures using the MEL 80 excimer laser and either the VisuMax femtosecond laser (Carl Zeiss Meditec) or zero compression Hansatome microkeratome (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY). Inclusion criteria were attempted hyperopic correction of +4.00 diopters [D] or higher in one axis and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of 20/20 or better. Patients were observed for a minimum of 1 year. Epithelial thickness monitoring by Artemis very high-frequency (VHF) digital ultrasound (ArcScan Inc., Morrison, CO) was used to evaluate potential for further steepening as a re-treatment.

RESULTS:

One-year data were available for 785 eyes. Mean attempted spherical equivalent refraction (SEQ) was +4.52 ± 0.84 D (range: +2.00 to +6.96 D) for the primary treatment and mean cylinder was 1.05 ± 0.86 D (range: 0.00 to 5.25 D). Mean age was 50 ± 12 years (range: 18 to 70 years) and 61% were women. Postoperative SEQ was ±0.50 D in 50% and ±1.00 D in 77% of eyes after primary treatment. After re-treatment, 67% of eyes were within ±0.50 D and 89% were within ±1.00 D. Uncorrected distance visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 76% of eyes after final treatment. One line of CDVA was lost in 25% of eyes and two lines were lost in 0.4%. There was a clinically insignificant but statistically significant decrease (
P
< .05) in contrast sensitivity (CSV-1000) by less than 1 log unit at 3 and 6 cycles per degree (cpd) and by 1 log unit at 12 and 18 cpd. Diurnal fluctuation in refraction was identified in 2 eyes, proven by VHF digital ultrasound to be due to diurnal epithelial remodeling overnight and unrelated to maximum postoperative keratometry induced.

CONCLUSIONS:

LASIK for hyperopia by cumulative treatment of up to +8.33 D with the MEL 80 excimer laser was found to satisfy accepted criteria for safety, efficacy, and stability when applying specialized protocols, including epithelial monitoring.

[
J Refract Surg.
2017;33(5):314–321.]
Models of Care for Adolescents and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes in Transition: Shared Medical Appointments and Telemedicine
Authors: Raymond Jennifer K.
Published: May 2017

Transitioning through adolescence and young adulthood is challenging, and even more so for patients living with a chronic disease such as type 1 diabetes. Patients in this age group encounter multiple obstacles to effectively managing their diabetes, experience suboptimal glycemic control, face higher rates of acute complications, and are often lost to medical follow-up. Comprehensive strategies and innovative clinical models are needed to engage this population in diabetes medical care, address barriers to ideal management, and improve outcomes. Telemedicine, shared medical appointments (SMA), or a combination of telemedicine and SMA are potential models to more successfully, efficiently, and satisfactorily address the urgent need for improved care in this high-risk population. This article reviews various clinical care models within these categories of telemedicine and SMA.

[
Pediatr Ann
. 2017;46(5):e193–e197.]
Use of geometric morphometrics to identify ecophenotypic variation of juvenile Persian sturgeon Acipenser persicus
Authors: Bakhshalizadeh Shima , Bani Ali
Published: May 2017

Study of phenotypic variation is essential for identifying discrete phenotypic stocks. We sampled immature Persian sturgeon from the eastern and western portion of the southern Caspian Sea to test for morphological differences that could predict the ecophenotypic variation of Persian sturgeon. Geometric morphometric methods were used to quantify body shape. Configuration of landmark coordinates of fish body were scaled, translated and rotated using generalized Procrustes analysis, followed by univariate analysis of variance of resulting shape coordinates to evaluate potential morphological differences between regions. A principal component analysis was carried out to reduce the number of dimensions without the loss of information. The discriminate function analysis was performed to determine the efficacy of body landmarks for discrimination by geographic variants. Within-group linkage was inferred for dendrogram clusters using Pearson correlation distance on the basis of the average linkage method as a complement for discriminate analysis. Principle component analysis revealed that the largest differences were in body size. Most notable were differences in distance between head landmarks and the dorsal fin between eastern and western regions. Fish from the western region exhibited a longer distance from head landmarks to the dorsal fin than fish from the eastern region. Furthermore, the ventral portion of fish from the western region was longer than that of the eastern individuals. These findings show that juvenile Persian sturgeon already possess morphological traits that can be used to discriminate fish from different regions. Furthermore, these differences are discernible in spite of the volume of artificially-inseminated sturgeon larva that have been released during the past 40 years.
A national checklist of marine Mollusca in Spanish waters
Authors: Gofas Serge , Luque Ángel A. , Templado José , Salas Carmen
Published: May 2017

A checklist of marine Mollusca recorded in Spanish jurisdictional waters is presented, based on a thorough literature search and a limited input of recent field work. The list is detailed according to the five demarcations of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (NOR, Spanish north coast; SUR, Spanish coast of the Gulf of Cádiz; ESAL, Strait of Gibraltar and Alboran Sea; LEBA, East coast of Spain and Balearic Islands; CAN, the Canary Islands). The list differentiates coastal species living from the supralittoral zone to the shelf break, deep-sea benthic or demersal species, and holoplanktonic species, and also distinguishes between non-indigenous species and species endemic to a particular demarcation. A total of 2466 marine Mollusca species have been reported from Spanish waters, of which 1126 are recorded only from waters surrounding the Iberian Peninsula, 498 are recorded from the Canaries only, and 842 are shared. That total number represents around 5.5% of the global marine molluscan richness. Shore and shelf species are the most numerous (1837), followed by deep-sea benthic species (490) and pelagic species (139), but the contribution of the deep-sea species is most noteworthy in NOR. All eight molluscan classes were represented, but solenogastres and scaphopods were notably more represented than usual in NOR. Species richness in SUR and ESAL was higher than would be expected from their areas, supporting the claim that Andalusian waters have an exceptionally diverse molluscan fauna. Thirteen species collected from INDEMARES cruises are here reported for the first time in Spanish waters. The species recorded in Spanish seas represent more than half of the 4340 species of Mollusca recorded within the scope of the European Register of Marine Species, making this the highest species count in European seas. The Canary Islands demarcation holds by far the largest number of endemic species (127), but special mention is needed regarding the ca. 20 species endemic to the Strait of Gibraltar, a highly anomalous chorotype in the marine realm. The number of non-indigenous species (38) is surprisingly low compared with that of species known in the Mediterranean Sea, amounting to hardly 1.5% of the total and supporting the view that a high number of native species tends to reduce invasion success. The list is seen as a much needed tool for the identification of priority areas for biodiversity conservation, but requires permanent attention and curating in order to remain up-to-date.
Enhanced trace element concentrations in tissues of the clam Ruditapes decussatus transplanted to areas influenced by human activities (Ria Formosa, Portugal)
Authors: Botelho Maria João , Costa Sara T. , Matias Domitília , Soares Florbela , Joaquim Sandra , Vale Carlos
Published: May 2017

To examine the extent to which human activities near the Ria Formosa coastal lagoon influence the accumulation of trace elements (TE) in Ruditapes decussatus, individuals were transplanted from a natural bank located in the lower lagoon to three sites located in clam growth grounds under the influence of a small city (Faro), a fish farming centre (Olhão) and a site near the lagoon inlet (Lavajo). Concentrations were determined in substrate of the clam grounds and in the digestive gland, gills, mantle plus siphons, and remaining tissues of clams in four periods of the year. These measurements were accomplished with the monthly survey of the gametogenic stages, condition index, proteins, glycogen, total lipids, pH and osmolarity of hemolymph. Arsenic, Cu, Mn, V, Cr and Pb were preferentially linked to the digestive gland, while Cd was linked to the gills. TE concentrations in the digestive gland and remaining tissues were higher in winter, most likely reflecting additional inputs associated with rain. The lack of disruptions in biological parameters and the prolonged period of spawning and gonad recovery in clams suggest that the current TE availability in the lagoon has a minor influence on the reproductive cycle and hence on clam production.
La sociologie de la traduction, l’anthropologie du développement et l’APAD
Authors: Jacob Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2017

Cet article a deux objectifs. D’une part, il cherche à préciser la variété des usages qui sont faits de la sociologie de la traduction dans les textes que Philippe Lavigne Delville et Pierre-Yves Le Meur consacrent à l’analyse du même projet de développement (le projet Prey Nup au Cambodge). D’autre part, il cherche à situer les enjeux sous-jacents à l’application de cette sociologie à l’étude des relations Nord-Sud et la relecture qu’elle impose de l’histoire de l’anthropologie du développement de ces vingt-cinq dernières années.
Identités peules en mosaïque agropastorale au Bénin
Authors: Pierre Caroline
Published: May 2017

Le présent article considère les modalités d’élaboration des identités dans un contexte béninois où se côtoient des populations pastorales (peules) et sédentaires (peules et non-peules). Les Peuls pasteurs se trouvent en situation de relative sujétion vis-à-vis des non-Peuls et des Peuls sédentaires qui jouent le rôle d’intermédiaires. L’accès aux ressources environnementales pour ces pasteurs s’oppose au droit possessif des agriculteurs, et l’exercice local du pouvoir a l’autochtonie pour principal ressort. Différentes formes de légitimité et d’altérité coexistent. L’installation de Peuls « étrangers » relève souvent d’une forme de sédentarisation sans certitude, et les changements ainsi mis en jeu s’expriment en termes de « tradition » et de « modernité ». Finalement, deux clivages distinguent d’une part Peuls et non-Peuls, d’autre part chaque groupe peul avec la communauté qu’il a l’habitude de côtoyer. Ces clivages s’expriment par une compatibilité matrimoniale et l’affirmation d’une fulanité commune, symbolisée par les prêts de vaches. Les Peuls sédentaires se retrouvent à la croisée de ces catégories transversales de construction du statut d’étranger, situés dans un rapport asymétrique tant vis-à-vis des non-Peuls que des Peuls pasteurs.
Gestion des ressources forestières au Mali et revendication des territoires
Authors: Mbodj Faty
Published: May 2017

Cet article présente l’impact qu’a pu avoir le processus de décentralisation au Mali sur la gestion des ressources forestières. Les populations locales ont retrouvé leur pouvoir de contrôle sur les ressources mais sans avoir officiellement accès aux retombées financières de leur exploitation. Un système de taxation parallèle a alors été mis en place. Il s’appuie sur des critères discriminants du point de vue ethnique et géographique. L’étude du cas des migrants du bois du Mandé montre la complexité des rapports qui s’établissent entre allochtones et autochtones. Ils sont basés sur une complémentarité économique mais aussi, surtout, sur la crainte des populations autochtones de perdre le contrôle de leur territoire.
La figure du contrat dans la décentralisation de la gestion des ressources naturelles
Authors: Antona Martine , Boutinot Laurence , Kassibo Brehima
Published: May 2017

Sous la figure du contrat, nous classons les procédures d’élaboration des conventions locales qui visent à coordonner des acteurs aux intérêts divers en vue d’un objectif commun de gestion d’une ressource (forestière, halieutique) sur des espaces identifiés. Au Mali, au Niger et au Sénégal, ces conventions locales de gestion sont mises en œuvre dans le cadre de grands programmes de la Banque mondiale pour la gestion durable des forêts et la production de l’énergie domestique (bois, charbon de bois). Les théories néo-institutionnelles inspirent aux bailleurs de fonds des contrats de gestion qui sont censés promouvoir les actions collectives et réduire les asymétries d’information, les comportements opportunistes et les coûts de transaction. Or, une approche croisée en économie et en socio-anthropologie donne à voir que ces contrats sont peu respectés, donnent parfois lieu à des conflits et sont appliqués à partir de normes techniques et standardisées, faisant fi des contextes sociaux et politiques locaux et nationaux. A l’échelle politique de la gouvernance locale, ces contrats multiplient les lieux de décision et d’autorité et viennent contrarier les procédures de délégation de compétences aux collectivités locales dans le cadre de la décentralisation.
Les Eaux et Forêts sénégalais entre participation et militarisation
Authors: Blundo Giorgio
Published: May 2017

S’appuyant sur un long travail ethnographique, l’article aborde la réforme de « militarisation » des services forestiers au Sénégal comme une porte d’entrée pour comprendre le devenir de cette administration, son fonctionnement quotidien et sa culture professionnelle. Derrière l’apparente contradiction entre l’adoption d’un statut paramilitaire et la promotion de politiques participatives dans la gestion des ressources forestières par les bailleurs de fonds, émergent les finalités officielles et officieuses de la réforme : renforcer l’ordre et la discipline et promouvoir la « bonne gouvernance », mais surtout redorer le blason du corps, retrouver la « grande famille forestière », se protéger des pressions politiques et rehausser les salaires des fonctionnaires. Si les réformes imposées par le haut ont partiellement échoué, l’observation de la gouvernance quotidienne des services forestiers suggère l’émergence de micro-réformes locales, qui formalisent des habitus informels et qui promettent d’être plus efficaces.
Politicized Discourses
Authors: Martín de Almagro Iniesta María
Published: May 2017

Cet article théorise un processus de recherche sur la campagne transnationale de plaidoyer pour la mise en place de la résolution UNSCR 1325 sur les Femmes, la Paix et la Sécurité au Burundi et au Libéria. Au début de mes recherches, je partageais le point de vue d’une bonne partie de l’élite politique et des activistes sur la nécessité d’un plaidoyer pour l’introduction de quotas garantissant la présence de femmes dans les listes électorales. Mais, au fur et à mesure que j’avais accès aux discours de résistance infrapolitique des groupements locaux de femmes (Scott, 1990), j’ai ressenti une gêne croissante à l’égard de cette mesure censée améliorer la situation sécuritaire des femmes dans des pays post-conflit. Je suggère que l’analyse de cette gêne apporte des pistes épistémologiques essentielles sur les politiques de domination du discours qui caractérisent le champ du politique et qui résultent en une complicité et un soutien dans la sphère publique des normes dominantes par une majorité d’acteurs. Une approche réflexive de l’étude des mouvements sociaux m’a permis de dépasser le jugement implicite dans la littérature qui détermine que, dans une campagne internationale de plaidoyer, le contestataire et le contesté sont deux entités sociales distinctes et unifiées avec des récits stables et convergents.
« Déjouir »
Authors: Erikson Philippe
Published: May 2017

En Amazonie, les hommes qui ont vocation à épouser leurs sœurs respectives entretiennent souvent, au préalable, des relations singulièrement affectueuses. On les voit couramment, tendrement enlacés dans un même hamac, se caresser ostensiblement le pénis. Ces amitiés particulières ont souvent été interprétées soit comme des formes d’avance sur recette d’alliances hétérosexuelles à venir, soit comme des formes institutionnalisées d’homosexualité masculine entre cousins croisés. Cet article se propose de passer en revue et de mettre en contexte ces pratiques, pour montrer qu’en raison de leur caractère public et volontairement outrancier, il s’agit bien plutôt d’une mise en scène des ambiguïtés inhérentes aux relations d’alliance, autrement dit, d’une exaltation des affinités (s)électives.
Étreindre les êtres du rêve
Authors: Giard Agnès
Published: May 2017

Il existe au Japon des jouets sexuels déguisés en matelas gonflables, en édredons et en appuis-tête, offrant aux utilisateurs la possibilité de dormir avec leur couchage. Ces objets font partie d’un vaste continuum regroupant les ersatz de corps humains – duplicatas d’organes et poupées – qui sont eux-mêmes souvent désignés à l’aide de mots comme « oreillers » ou « coussins ». Comment comprendre cette stratégie visant à confondre anatomie et literie ? Partant de l’hypothèse que la fonction « oreiller » attribuée aux sextoys a la valeur d’un propulseur de jouissance, cet article se donne pour but d’analyser la façon dont ces différents outils sont reliés, au sein d’un interstice aménagé comme un espace de liberté onirique.
Un orgasme dans les vers et la gangrène ?
Authors: Maillet Chloé
Published: May 2017

La vie de Lydwine de Schiedam fut écrite au xve siècle par un prédicateur franciscain et traduite et adaptée au tout début du xxe siècle par l’écrivain décadent Joris-Karl Huysmans. Elle raconte les horreurs de la vie d’une femme ayant passé plus d’une trentaine d’années alitée, accablée par de terribles maladies, telle une vivante putréfaction. Les auteurs s’accordent pourtant à décrire une vie de plaisir et de joie, sexualisée, posant ainsi la question du masochisme et de l’érotisation de la chasteté. Cet article montre les écarts de mise en scène de cette jouissance médicale : orgasmique et liée à une pénétration corporelle par l’intermédiaire d’une hostie chez Huysmans (1901), d’un érotisme doux et liquide au xve siècle, liée à une complexe gestion de fluides corporels et alimentée par un allaitement masculin et divin.
Perles de hanches et fumées d’encens
Authors: Moya Ismaël
Published: May 2017

À Dakar, la sexualité ordinaire des couples mariés est décrite comme un combat. Elle implique d’importants préparatifs et de longs préliminaires. Les femmes ont pour tâche de susciter le désir de leur conjoint et mobilisent un véritable arsenal : draps coquins, encens provocateurs, perles de hanches aux tintements excitants, sous-vêtements érotiques… Les maris doivent être capables de répondre sans défaillir aux provocations de leur(s) épouse(s) et font parfois appel à une pharmacopée bien fournie. La jouissance des femmes, qui maîtrisent ce processus, est secondaire et le plaisir du mari se traduit par un cadeau offert à l’épouse. L’orgasme est fondamental, sans être l’horizon ultime de la relation sexuelle.
Wear Behavior of Multilayer Nanocomposite TiAlSiN/TiSiN/TiAlN Coated Carbide Cutting Tool during Face Milling of Inconel 718 Superalloy
Authors: Kursuncu Bilal , Caliskan Halil , Guven Sevki Yilmaz , Panjan Peter
Published: May 2017

The Inconel 718 superalloy is one of the most-used nickel based superalloys in the aerospace industry due to its superior mechanical properties, for instance, high thermal and chemical resistance, and high strength at elevated temperatures. However, the work hardening tendency, low thermal conductivity and high hardness of this superalloy cause early tool wear, leading to the material to be called as a hard-to-cut material. Therefore, deposition of a wear resistant hard coating on carbide cutting tools has a critical importance for longer tool life in milling operations of the Inconel 718 superalloy. In this study, carbide cutting tools were coated with multilayer nanocomposite TiAlSiN/TiSiN/TiAlN coating using the magnetron sputtering technique, and wear behavior of the coated tool was investigated during face milling of the Inconel 718 superalloy under dry conditions. Abrasive and adhesive wear mechanisms were founded as main failure mechanisms. The nanocomposite TiAlSiN/TiSiN/TiAlN coated carbide cutting tool gave better wear resistance, and thus it provided 1.7 times longer tool life and a smoother surface (Ra<0.18 μm) on the Inconel 718 material than the uncoated one.
On the Determination of Eigenmodes and Eigenfrequencies of Two-Junctioned Carbon Nanotubes under the Influence of Microscopic Defects
Authors: Yengejeh Sadegh Imani , Kazemi Seyedeh Alieh , Öchsner Andreas
Published: May 2017

Connected CNTs were simulated and the effect of impurities on the frequency of these specific nanostructures was analyzed. For this purpose, the three most likely microscopic imperfections, i.e., doping with Si atoms, vacancy and perturbations to the pure models were simulated. Lastly, the vibrational behavior of imperfect hybrids was evaluated and compared with the behavior of the pure ones. It was pointed out that deficiencies in the structure of hybrids reduces the frequency and as a result, lowers the vibrational stability of the CNTs.
Structure and Magnetic Properties of Ternary Nanosized FeAlSn and CuFeCo Powders Synthesized by Mechanical Milling
Authors: Hamlati Z. , Laslouni Warda , Azzaz Mohammed , Zergoug M. , Martínez-Blanco David , Blanco J.A. , Gorria Pedro
Published: May 2017

Ternary Fe72Al26Sn2 and Cu70Fe18Co12 alloys were obtained by mechanical alloying of pure Fe, Al, Sn, Cu and Co powders using a high energy ball mill. X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy supported by magnetic measurements have been applied to follow changes in the microstructure, phase composition and magnetic properties in dependence on milling time. With the increase of milling time all Al and Sn atoms dissolved in the bcc Fe and the final product of the MA process was the nanocrystalline Fe (Al, Sn) solid solution in a metastable state with a large amount of defects and mean crystallite size of 5 nm. However, the obtained crystallite size value is about 10 nm for the ball milled Cu70Fe18Co12 powders. The electron microscope observations show the morphology of powder particles. Magnetic properties of the nanocrystalline mechanically alloyed FeAlSn and CuFeCo were also investigated and were related to the microstructural changes.
Measuring the success of business-intelligence systems in South Africa: An empirical investigation applying the DeLone and McLean Model
Authors: Mudzana Taurayi , Maharaj Manoj
Published: May 2017

Background: Business intelligence systems (BIS) hold promise for improving organisational decision-making in South Africa. Yet, the use of BIS has been associated with a number of challenges. Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify post implementation factors that contribute to the success of BIS in South African organisations.Method: This study draws on the DeLone and McLean Model of Information Systems success and recent literature on business-intelligence (BI) to develop and test a BIS success model. A quantitative study was conducted in the form of a survey of 102 BI users to validate the BIS success model. Results: Five interrelated factors of BIS success were confirmed. The study found that the quality of information has a strong influence on system use and user satisfaction. It was found that system quality is positively associated with user satisfaction. The results also indicated that service quality is negatively related to user satisfaction. The study also found that user satisfaction is positively associated with nett benefits of a BI system.Conclusion: The study provides insights for both managers and practitioners on the factors to focus on when implementing BIS thereby minimising the adoption risks associated with BI failures.
Knowledge flow elements within a context – a model
Authors: Schutte M. , Snyman M.M.M.
Published: May 2017

No Abstract Available
Immunofluorescent staining of exoerythrocytic schizonts of simian plasmodia in fixed tissue
Authors: Krotoski W. A. , Jumper J. R. , Collins W. E.
Published: May 2017

Exoerythrocytic schizonts of three simian malarias were readily identified by indirect immunofluorescence in liver biopsy material fixed in Carnoy's solution and embedded in paraffin up to 9 years previously. Freshly embedded and stored materials showed a striking similarity both in intensity of specific fluorescence and in the degree of detail revealed. Parasites of two different species were stained to an essentially equivalent extent through a hyperimmune serum prepared against the blood stages of a single, defined strain of one of the two.
Infectivity of Plasmodium berghei and of Babesia rodhaini to various primates
Authors: Hawking Frank
Published: May 2017

Plasmodium berghei was inoculated into various primates and the following species became infected: splenectomized Macaca arctoides (Asian); intact Cebus albifrons, C. apella, and Aotus trivirgatus (American); and splenectomized Erythrocebus patas, Cercopithecus pygerythrus, Cercocebus galentus, and Papio papio (African). The infections were all light and most of them were transient, but those in M. arctoides, C. galeritus, and P. papio lasted up to 78 days. Two chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), one of them splenectomized, resisted infection. Babesia rodhaini also was inoculated into many of the above animals. Infections were produced in intact Cebus apella and in splenectomized Cercopithecus pygerythrus, Papio papio, and Pan troglodytes. The infections were subpatent and were demonstrated only by subinoculation into mice. Apparently these two parasites are less restricted in their range of possible hosts than was previously believed.
Skin test for amebiasis: An appraisal
Authors: Savanat T. , Bunnag Danai , Chongsuphajaisiddhi Tan , Viriyanond Pitaya
Published: May 2017

Eighty-eight patients with amebic liver abscesses were skin-tested with an extract of Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites grown axenically in a defined medium (Diamond's TPS-1) in the presence of rabbit serum. Development of a wheal with a diameter at least double that of the initial antigen bleb at 15 to 20 minutes after intradermal inoculation of the antigen was regarded as positive. It was found that 92% (79/86) of the patients with amebic liver abscesses tested within a period of less than 4 years after the onset of clinical symptoms were positive, whereas only 4% (2/48) of patients with other diseases were positive. Two patients tested more than 4 years after the onset of symptoms of invasive amebiasis were negative. Ninety-four children in an orphanage were skin-tested, and it was found that 82% of the 57 cyst-passers and 30% of the 37 children not passing cysts were positive. Forty-eight healthy kindergarten children were also tested and all were found to be negative. Comparison between the results of the skin test and those of the immuno-electrophoresis test in 56 patients with amebic liver abscesses was made. Agreement was found in 48 patients (85.7%). Among the remaining 8 patients, 4, respectively were positive by each test. Skin reactivity takes longer to develop after the onset of clinical symptoms but once it has developed it is more persistent than the precipitins demonstrable by immuno-electrophoresis. The skin test for amebiasis should be valuable in epidemiological studies.
Development of Brugia pahangi in the flight muscles of Aedes togoi: Ultrastructural changes in the infected muscle fibers and the infecting filarial larvae
Authors: Kan Sau-Pheng , Ho Beng-Chuan
Published: May 2017

The ultrastructural changes seen in the indirect flight muscles of Aedes togoi infected with Brugia pahangi included the disarray or disruption of the parasitized muscle fiber, the reduction and disorganization of the interfibrillar mitochondria, the reduction of muscle glycogen and, finally, the complete dissolution of the muscle fiber. These changes are restricted to individual parasitized muscle fibers while adjacent non-parasitized fibers retain their usual arrangement. The damage inflicted to these parasitized fibers may be due to the presence and movement of the larvae within the fibrils and the active ingestion of muscle mitochondria by these developing larvae. The damaged muscle may be capable of partial repair as the extent of injury was usually less severe in infected mosquitoes from the 9th day after the infecting feed, when most of the infective larvae had migrated from the thorax to the head and proboscis.
Immunologic diagnosis of schistosomiasis: I. A controlled study of intradermal (immediate and delayed) and serologic tests in St. Lucians infected with Schistosoma mansoni and in uninfected St. Vincentians
Authors: Warren Kenneth S. , Kellermeyer Robert W. , Jordan Peter , Littell Arthur S. , Cook Joseph A. , Kagan Irving G.
Published: May 2017

In order to test the efficacy of antibody-mediated immunologic methods for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis (immediate intradermal and serologic tests) and to compare them with a cell-mediated immunologic reaction (the delayed intradermal test), 350 subjects were examined. Approximately half of them were from the West Indian island of St. Lucia, all with proven schistosomiasis mansoni on fecal examination, and the other half were comparable subjects from St. Vincent, an island 30 miles distant where schistosomiasis has never been found. Five different antigens utilized in the intradermal tests (prepared from Schistosoma mansoni cercariae, adult worms and eggs, and from S. haematobium and S. japonicum eggs) were injected blindly in a randomized manner. The antigens were almost equally and highly sensitive in the immediate skin reaction in the adult St. Lucians (89-95%, with the exception of S. haematobium, 74%), but were far less sensitive in the children. There was a large number of false positive immediate responses among the Vincentians, e.g., 44 of 171 subjects tested with the S. mansoni cercarial antigen. Delayed skin reactions, which among the St. Lucians reached a peak of 66% positivity with S. mansoni adult worm antigen, were less sensitive than the immediate reactions, but appeared to be more specific. Among the St. Lucians there were relatively few false positive delayed reactions with the heterologous antigens (S. haematobium and S. japonicum eggs), while the Vincentians had very few false positive reactions with the homologous and none with the heterologous antigens. Of the three serologic tests (complement fixation, cholesterol-lecithin flocculation, and fluorescent antibody), the first two were insensitive and non-specific; the third was the only one that provided results which were at all acceptable.
Immunologic diagnosis of schistosomiasis: II. Further studies on the sensitivity and specificity of delayed intradermal reactions
Authors: Warren Kenneth S. , Cook Joseph A. , Littell Arthur S. , Kagan Irving G. , Jordan Peter
Published: May 2017

The specificity of the delayed intradermal reaction was compared to that of the immediate response in 80 adult St. Lucians with proven schistosomiasis mansoni, using homologous and heterologous antigens. Adult worm antigens at a uniform concentration of 35 \g=m\g/ml from four geographic strains of Schistosoma mansoni (St. Lucian, Puerto Rican, Brazilian, and Egyptian) and from S. haematobium and S. japonicum were color coded and injected randomly in the skin of the upper back. The immediate reactions to all the antigens showed equal sensitivity (94 to 99% positive). The delayed reactions with the four S. mansoni strains ranged from 49 to 60% positivity, but the heterologous S. haematobium and S. japonicum antigens were significantly less sensitive, with only 20% and 30% positive reactions. In an attempt to improve the sensitivity of the delayed intradermal test, 30 of the 80 St. Lucians were retested 1 month later with different concentrations of the Puerto Rican antigen (5, 15, 35, 70 \g=m\g/ml). Immediate reactions were 100% at all but the lowest concentration (93%). Delayed reactions were at their peak (87%) at the standard concentration of antigen (35 \g=m\g/ml), the other concentrations being similar with the exception of the lowest (53%). Comparison of the results of the two series of tests performed 1 month apart in the same individuals revealed no changes in the immediate reactions, but a marked increase in both the percentage positivity and the mean lesion area in the delayed response.
Immunologic diagnosis of schistosomiasis: III. The effects of nutritional status and infection intensity on intradermal test results in St. Lucian children
Authors: McKay David A. , Warren Kenneth S. , Cook Joseph A. , Jordan Peter
Published: May 2017

The question of the insensitivity of immediate and delayed skin testing in children was studied with respect to both nutritional status and intensity of infection. Ninety-seven children on the island of St. Lucia, 5 to 11 years of age, with almost equal male: female distribution, all excreting eggs of Schistosoma mansoni were tested as follows: qualitative and quantitative stool examinations; anthropometric measurements (height, weight, mid-arm circumference and triceps skinfold thickness); hematocrit; fluorescent antibody test; and skin tests with control material, S. mansoni adult worm antigen (both Puerto Rican and St. Lucian strains), and intermediate strength PPD tuberculin. The anthropometric measurements revealed marginal malnutrition among the children. The overall positive intradermal response rate for each of the two antigens was similar, being 56% for the immediate and 37% for the delayed test. There was no relationship discernible between relative over- and under-nutrition and the skin test responses. A striking and highly significant positive association was revealed, however, between the intensity of infection, as shown by quantitative egg counts, and the sensitivity and extent of both the immediate and delayed skin test reactions.
Histologic processes of healing in hepatic injury due to eggs of Schistosoma mansoni in mice following curative chemotherapy
Authors: Schiller Everett L. , Haese Wolfgang H.
Published: May 2017

In mice, whose infections with Schistosoma mansoni were terminated by treatment with the nitrovinylfuran derivative, trans-5-amino-3-[2-(5-nitro-2-furyl)-vinyl]l,2,4-oxadiazole (SQ 18,506), the hepatic injury due to eggs of these parasites was almost completely reversed. The sequence of histologic events leading to healing of these schistosomal lesions are divided into six morphologically distinct stages and the characteristic features of each are described and illustrated.
Changing pattern of autopsy findings in patients dying of cholera after 1960
Authors: Norris H. Thomas
Published: May 2017

Autopsy findings of 124 Filipinos and six Bengalis dying of cholera after 1960 were compared with those of patients who died of this disease before 1960. Before 1960 over 50% of patients dying of cholera succumbed of uremia due to poor renal perfusion. After 1960 the frequency of renal lesions (acute tubular necrosis and vacuolar nephropathy) decreased to 5%. This decrease was most probably the result of current therapy, which utilizes massive fluid and electrolyte replacement. No significant change occurred in the frequency of acute bronchopneumonia, interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary congestion and edema, lipid depletion of the adrenals or focal myocarditis. No common anatomic lesion could be found that increased the susceptibility to cholera infection and ensuing disease among these previously healthy patients.
Renal manifestations of leprosy: Impaired acidification and concentration of urine in patients with leprosy
Authors: Gutman R. A. , LU W.-H. , Drutz D. J.
Published: May 2017

A variety of diseases, sharing only hypergammaglobulinemia in common, are associated with impaired urinary-concentrating ability and with impaired urinary acidification after acid-loading. Forty-seven patients with leprosy were studied to determine whether or not elevated concentrations of serum globulins are related causally to abnormal distal renal tubular function. In nine patients, urinary pH did not decrease appropriately in response to NH4Cl. Two of these patients and five more without defective acidification were unable to adequately concentrate the urine after water deprivation and vasopressin administration. These defects were unrelated to the type of leprosy, to the concentrations of serum globulins or individual immunoglobulins, to the presence of rheumatoid factor or cryoglobulins, or to the administration of diaminodiphenylsulfone. Renal biopsy specimens from six patients with impaired urinary acidification and/or concentration showed no interstitial inflammatory cell infiltrates or other abnormalities. Impaired distal renal tubular function in patients with leprosy may be another of the nonspecific immunologic abnormalities that have been encountered in patients with this disease.
Mosquito host preference studies in Hale County, Texas
Authors: Hayes Richard O. , Tempelis Constantine H. , Hess Archie D. , Reeves William C.
Published: May 2017

The blood meal source for 4,957 engorged mosquitoes collected from 1964 through 1968 was determined by a capillary precipitin technique. Culex tarsalis and Aedes vexans comprised most of the specimens tested; other species tested included Aedes nigromaculis, Anopheles punctipennis, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culiseta inornata, and Psorophora signipennis. The predominant feeding of Aedes, Anopheles, Culiseta, and Psorophora was upon mammals, and of Culex quinquefasciatus upon birds. The C. tarsalis feeding pattern varied widely, and the proportion that had fed upon birds ranged from 42% in 1966 to 83% in 1965. An analysis of forage ratios provided an index of host preference of C. tarsalis in 1966. The data reported further substantiate the role of C. tarsalis as the principal vector of western equine encephalitis and St. Louis encephalities in the western United States.
On the nature of orthostatic hypotension in acute malaria
Authors: Butler Thomas , Weber David M.
Published: May 2017

From an experience with a large number of patients with acute malaria in Vietnam, the authors conclude that orthostatic hypotension is a prominent clinical feature of this disorder. In 13 such patients pulse and blood pressures were measured in the recumbent and standing positions. The degree of dehydration of these patients was also assessed by serum osmolality, specific gravity, sodium concentration and other studies. Postural hypotension was again assessed following rehydration of the patients prior to institution of antimalarial therapy, Rehydration produced only a small and rather insignificant improvement in the postural hypotension. It was concluded that the principal mechanism of orthostatic hypotension in acute malaria was a combination of relative bradycardia, which persisted in the upright state, and redistribution of blood volume to the skin by peripheral vasodilatation.
Detection of early exoerythrocytic schizonts of Plasmodium cynomolgi by immunofluorescence
Authors: Krotoski W. A. , Collins W. E. , Jumper J. R.
Published: May 2017

Early exoerythrocytic schizonts of the simian malaria parasite Plasmodium cynomolgi, B strain, have been detected in fixed liver tissue, employing highly specific reagents. Five-day and 4-day schizonts were readily identified by both the indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) technique and the Giemsa stain, in biopsy material fixed in Carnoy's solution and embedded in paraffin 9.5 years previously. Three-day exoerythrocytic forms were identified by IFA in freshly fixed and embedded tissue, then were re-located in the same sections after staining with Giemsa. The 3-day parasites were within the cytoplasm of hepatic parenchymal cells, measured 5 μ in diameter, and possessed one to three nuclei. Because of the highly specific nature of the immunofluorescent technique, the identification of these early forms is reported here as far more certain than had been possible previously.
Immunodepression in mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Strickland G. T. , Pettitt L. E. , Voller A.
Published: May 2017

Mice infected with Toxoplasma gondii had depressed levels of hemagglutinins, hemolysins, and spleen plaque forming cells to sheep erythrocytes from 1 week to 1 month iollowing the inoculation of 150 or 200 cysts of T. gondii. This immunodepression, mostly in reduced IgM antibodies, corresponded with the period of maximum increase in spleen size and Toxoplasma antibodies and is believed to be due to antigenic competition.