bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The University of South Carolina String Project: Teaching and learning within a community music programme
Authors: Barnes Gail V.
Published: April 2013

The String Project construct was conceived at the University of Texas in 1948 before being adopted by music faculty at the University of South Carolina (USC) in 1974. For 38 years, we have provided affordable instruction on stringed instruments and also given our music education majors
essential teaching experience prior to graduation. Between 25 and 30 undergraduate and graduate university students serve over 350 students from the community each year. Due to the efforts of the National String Project Consortium, 39 other universities have adopted the models pioneered first
by the University of Texas and subsequently, by USC. We believe the String Project construct is one solution to provide access to students who may not otherwise be able to afford instrumental music instruction and at the same time, prepares teachers for teaching in the public schools
Community Music Perspectives: Case studies from the United States
Authors: Snow Michelle
Published: April 2013

This article features seven case studies by Boston University graduate music education students enrolled in a course titled ‘Community Music Perspectives’. The course invites music educators to consider principles and practices of community music and to imagine new horizons
for what music education can be. These case studies involve participants of all ages and take place in schools, colleges, churches and community centres. They embrace ideals of inclusiveness; diversity; musical, social and personal growth; social justice; entrepreneurship; and hospitality
Aesthetic and narrative strategies in the films of selected African women directors
Authors: Petty Sheila
Published: April 2013

This article explores the films of selected women directors, whose works span the breadth of African cinema. Focusing on Sarah Maldoror’s Sambizanga (1972), Safi Faye’s Peasant Letter (1975), Fanta Régina Nacro’s The Night of Truth (2004), Maria João
Ganga’s Hollow City (2004) and Nadia El Fani’s Laïcité, Inch’Allah!/Neither Allah, Nor Master! (2011), this article examines some of the narrative and aesthetic approaches used by the film-makers and considers how these films contribute to the ongoing evolution
of African cinema narrative and aesthetic strategies
BOOK REVIEW
Authors: Peer Stefanie Van de
Published: April 2013

SCREENS AND VEILS: MAGHREBI WOMEN’S CINEMA, FLORENCE MARTIN (2011) Bloomington: Indiana University Press. 277 pages, 978-0-253-22341-8 (paperback), $24.95
The singer-songwriter on stage: Reconciling the artist and the performer
Authors: Haworth rachel
Published: April 2013

The singer-songwriter is a ubiquitous figure within popular music. Although the name may appear to simply refer to an artist who writes and performs his or her own material, it also signifies a web of assumptions around what constitutes quality and value within popular music. In the
context of the European genres of the chanson française and the canzone d’autore, the singer-songwriter is conceptualized as a legend of his or her respective song form and a paradigmatic example of quality songwriting. Yet it is often the notion of the singer-songwriter as artist
that remains the focus of analyses of these figures. As a result, an important element of what it means to be a singer-songwriter can be overlooked: that is, the place of performance, the necessity for a singer-songwriter to appear live on stage and play and sing his or her songs in front
of an audience. This article explores some of the apparent tensions inherent to this artist-performer paradox, by critically analysing examples of the singer-songwriters’ performance styles in the context of the genre discourse which depicts them primarily as artists. It thus challenges
the appropriateness of such conceptualizations when applied to the singer-songwriter on stage
Mass spectrometric characterization and quantification of Pu(VI) hydrolysis products
Authors: Steppert Michael , Walther Clemens
Published: April 2013

In the present work the first direct measurement of hydrolysis products of Pu(VI) was achieved by means of nano-electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass-spectrometry. The results indicate that monomeric PuO2(OH)
+
and dimeric (PuO2)2(OH)
2
2+
species are present in solution. A trimeric species does not appear within the detection limit of the experiment, in contrast to U(VI) hydrolysis. The relative abundances of the Pu(VI) hydrolysis species in the ESI mass spectra are in good agreement with the published formation constants.
Short note on the hydrolysis and complexation of neptunium(IV) in HEPES solution
Authors: Dahou S. , Hennig Christoph , Moisy Philippe , Petit S. , Scheinost Andreas C. , Subra G. , Vidaud C. , Den Auwer Christophe
Published: April 2013

The speciation of actinides in environmental or biological media is often difficult to assess because it involves complex media. We would like to report here on the properties of Np(IV) cation in the well known biological HEPES (4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid) buffer medium. HEPES has been targeted because the possibility to use this biological buffer in actinide toxicological studies presents several advantages although the possible effects of concentrated HEPES medium on the hydrolysis of the actinides (in particular at oxidation state +IV) has not been studied yet. A combination of spectrophotometric and EXAFS measurements at the Np L
III edge shows that stable hydrolyzed neptunium(IV) clusters are obtained between pH 2.5 and 4. In a second step, in order to better understand the reactivity of these hydrolysis species formed in HEPES, the effect of a strong chelating ligands such as the hydroxamic acid (HA) or desferrioxamine (DFO) siderophores has been also investigated using spectrophotometry and EXAFS. Upon addition of HA or DFO, the hydrolyzed clusters of Np(IV) are unstable and monomeric complexes are formed and yield Np environments that are very similar to that of crystallized Pu-DFOE complex [Al(H2O)6][Pu(DFE)(H2O)3]2(CF3SO3)5·10H2O reported in the literature.
The influence of temperature on selenate adsorption by goethite
Authors: Kersten Michael , Vlasova N.
Published: April 2013

Acid-base batch titration data up to 75 ºC were used to constrain a temperature-dependent 1-pK basic Stern model of the surface protonation reactions of goethite. Experimental data for the temperature dependence of pHPZC (as determined using the two-term Van't Hoff extrapolation) yielded a negative value of −44.9 kJ/mol for the surface protonation enthalpy, and therefore a shift of the zero point of charge towards lower pH values with increasing temperature. Batch titrations at selenate concentrations of between 10 and 100 μM showed an increased degree of adsorption in the acidic pH range, which appeared to be sensitive to the ionic strength of the solution. The selenate adsorption edges shifted towards more acidic pH values with increasing temperature. A 1-pK charge distribution multi-site surface complexation (CD-MUSIC) model was applied, assuming the formation of an outer-spheric surface complex together with an inner-spheric one, in agreement with published spectroscopic information. The temperature behaviour of the intrinsic equilibrium constants were well represented by a linear Van't Hoff log K
vs. 1/T plot, from which negative enthalpy values could be derived for both adsorption reactions. The adsorption of the selenate was therefore exothermic and became weaker with increasing temperature. The bidentate inner-spheric complex was more sensitive to rises in temperature (−70 kJ/mol), compared to the outer-spheric complex (−36 kJ/mol). The latter ultimately became the dominating adsorption process at the highest temperature studied.
Johnson, Matthey and the Chemical Society
Authors: Griffith William P.
Published: April 2013

The founders of Johnson Matthey – Percival Johnson and George Matthey – played important roles in the foundation and running of the Chemical Society, which was founded in 1841. This tradition continues today with the Royal Society of Chemistry and Johnson Matthey Plc.
Soil nutrient availability and reproductive effort drive patterns in nutrient resorption in Pentaclethra macroloba
Authors: Tully Katherine L. , Wood Tana E. , Schwantes Amanda M. , Lawrence Deborah
Published: April 2013

The removal of nutrients from senescing tissues, nutrient resorption, is a key strategy for conserving nutrients in plants. However, our understanding of what drives patterns of nutrient resorption in tropical trees is limited. We examined the effects of nutrient sources (stand‐level and tree‐level soil fertility) and sinks (reproductive effort) on nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) resorption. We evaluated resorption efficiency (percentage of original nutrients removed during senescence) and resorption proficiency (indicated by senesced‐leaf nutrient concentrations) in a symbiotic N‐fixing tree species, Pentaclethra macroloba, common to tropical forests in Costa Rica. Although tree‐level soil P alone did not drive patterns in nutrient resorption, P efficiency and proficiency declined with increasing tree‐level soil P when reproductive status was also considered. Nutrient resorption declined with increasing tree‐level soil P in trees that were actively fruiting or that experienced high seedfall the year prior to sampling. Trees with greater short‐ and long‐term reproductive demands had lower senesced‐leaf N and P concentrations than trees with smaller reproductive demands indicating that trees increase resorption proficiency in response to phenological demand. P. macroloba is the dominant tree species in this tropical ecosystem. Thus, source–sink relationships will feed back on nutrient cycling in these forests.
Nutrient and sediment concentrations in three agriculturally impacted streams over a 15‐year period
Authors: Vanni Michael J. , Renwick William H. , González María J.
Published: April 2013

Concentrations of nutrients and sediments in streams reflect land use and climate patterns in the watersheds they drain and also have implications for downstream ecosystems. Here we present 15 years of high‐resolution data on the concentrations of nutrients (ammonium, nitrate, and soluble reactive phosphorus) and suspended sediments in three streams that drain watersheds in Ohio, USA, dominated by row crop agriculture (mostly maize and soy). In addition, we present daily precipitation and stream discharge data over this 15‐year period. Agricultural practices in these watersheds have changed over this period, including a pronounced increase in conservation tillage, a reduction in fertilizers, a reduction in the number of hogs, and improved manure management. The data set consists of over >42 000 nutrient and sediment concentrations (3198–3898 samples from each of three streams for four nutrient and sediment constituents). The data set is unique in terms of its combination of length and resolution (sampling frequency 6–8 hours during storms) as well as its utility in assessing how changes in agricultural practices affect the concentrations and export rates of nutrients and sediments. Data presented here have been used in several papers quantifying nutrient export from streams, nutrient loading to a downstream reservoir (Acton Lake), and how nutrient inputs modulate ecosystem function and food web dynamics in Acton Lake.
The role of recurrent disturbances for ecosystem multifunctionality
Authors: Villnäs Anna , Norkko Joanna , Hietanen Susanna , Josefson Alf B. , Lukkari Kaarina , Norkko Alf
Published: April 2013

Ecosystem functioning is threatened by an increasing number of anthropogenic stressors, creating a legacy of disturbance that undermines ecosystem resilience. However, few empirical studies have assessed to what extent an ecosystem can tolerate repeated disturbances and sustain its multiple functions. By inducing increasingly recurring hypoxic disturbances to a sedimentary ecosystem, we show that the majority of individual ecosystem functions experience gradual degradation patterns in response to repetitive pulse disturbances. The degradation in overall ecosystem functioning was, however, evident at an earlier stage than for single ecosystem functions and was induced after a short pulse of hypoxia (i.e., three days), which likely reduced ecosystem resistance to further hypoxic perturbations. The increasing number of repeated pulse disturbances gradually moved the system closer to a press response. In addition to the disturbance regime, the changes in benthic trait composition as well as habitat heterogeneity were important for explaining the variability in overall ecosystem functioning. Our results suggest that disturbance‐induced responses across multiple ecosystem functions can serve as a warning signal for losses of the adaptive capacity of an ecosystem, and might at an early stage provide information to managers and policy makers when remediation efforts should be initiated.
Effect of Silver Nanoparticles and Antibiotics on Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Anaerobic Digestion
Authors: Miller Jennifer H. , Novak John T. , Knocke William R. , Young Katherine , Hong Yanjuan , Vikesland Peter J. , Hull Matthew S. , Pruden Amy
Published: April 2013

Water resource recovery facilities have been described as creating breeding ground conditions for the selection, transfer, and dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) among various bacteria. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of direct addition of antibiotic and silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs, or nanosilver) on the occurrence of ARGs in thermophilic anaerobic digesters. Test thermophilic digesters were amended with environmentally‐relevant concentrations of Ag NP (0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg‐Ag/L; corresponding to ≈0.7, 7.0, and 70 mg‐Ag/kg total solids) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) that span susceptible to resistant classifications (1, 5, and 50 mg/L) as potential selection pressures for ARGs. Tetracycline (tet(O), tet(W)) and sulfonamide (sulI, sulII) ARGs and the integrase enzyme gene (intI1) associated with Class 1 integrons were measured in raw sludge, test thermophilic digesters, a control thermophilic digester, and a control mesophilic digester. There was no apparent effect of Ag NPs on thermophilic anaerobic digester performance. The maximum SMX addition (50 mg/L) resulted in accumulation of volatile fatty acids and low pH, alkalinity, and volatile solids reduction. There was no significant difference between ARG gene copy numbers (absolute or normalized to 16S rRNA genes) in amended thermophilic digesters and the control thermophilic digester. Antibiotic resistance gene copy numbers in digested sludge ranged from 103 to 106 copies per μL (≈8 × 101 to 8 × 104 copies per μg) of sludge as result of a 1‐log reduction of ARGs (2‐log reduction for intI1). Quantities of the five ARGs in raw sludge ranged from 104 to 108 copies per μL (≈4 × 102 to 4 × 106 per μg) of sludge. Test and control thermophilic digesters (53 °C, 12‐day solids retention time [SRT]) consistently reduced but did not eliminate levels of all analyzed genes. The mesophilic digester (37 °C, 20‐day SRT) also reduced levels of sulI, sulII, and intI1 genes, but levels of tet(O) and tet(W) were the same or higher than in raw sludge. Antibiotic resistance gene reductions remained constant despite the application of selection pressures, which suggests that digester operating conditions are a strong governing factor of the bacterial community composition and thus the prevalence of ARGs.
Groundwater Quality Assessment of the Limnos Island Volcanic Aquifers, Greece
Authors: Panagopoulos George , Panagiotaras Dionisios , Giannoulopoulos Panagiotis
Published: April 2013

Limnos Island in Greece, which has been the subject of extensive hydrogeological research, contains confined volcanic aquifers that overlie impermeable flysch. Groundwater salinization is usually the effect of seawater intrusion, and results from a combination of factors such as low annual areal precipitation and exploitation of aquifers for civil, commercial, and agricultural purposes. Areas with intense agricultural activities have also increasingly observed these effects. A geochemical evaluation on the basis of multiple ion (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3‐, Cl‐, SO42‐, NO3‐) concentrations and physicochemical parameters distribution revealed that ion exchange is the dominant hydrogeochemical process. However, the enrichment of groundwater in potassium and magnesium results from rock and mineral weathering and dissolution.
Removal of Phenol from Coke‐Oven Wastewater by Cross‐Flow Nanofiltration Membranes
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Pal Parimal
Published: April 2013

This study investigated the phenol rejection characteristics of some nanofiltration membranes during treatment of coke wastewater. Four different types of composite polyamide commercial nanofiltration membranes (Sepro, USA) were tested under different operating conditions including transmembrane pressure, pH and recovery rate. When pressure was increased from 4 to 16 bars, the percentage of rejection of phenol in the permeate increased from 72.5% to 97.7% while yielding a high flux of 118 litres per square meter per hour(LMH) at a volumetric cross flow rate of 800 litres per hour at pH 10 (in recirculation mode) in case of NF1 membrane. The effect of recovery rate on the rejection coefficient of phenol and flux was also studied in concentrated mode and found that a recovery rate of up 55% nanofiltration was successfully operated without much decline of flux and rejection coefficient. Finally, nanofiltration had great efficiency in phenol removal from industrial wastewater and was considered suitable regarding its operation.
The cardia: Esophageal or gastric? Critical reviewing the anatomy and histopathology of the esophagogastric junction
Authors: Lenglinger Johannes , See Stephanie , Beller Lukas , Cosentini Enrico , Asari Reza , Wrba Fritz , Riegler Martin , Schoppmann Sebastian
Published: April 2013

Background: Discrepancy exists regarding the anatomical allocation of the
cardia: esophageal or gastric. With this review we aimed to clarify this
issue. Methods: Using PUB MED, Scopus and Google we analyzed the recent
literature (1889-2012) regarding the "esophageal" vs. the "gastric" cardia.
Results: The synonymous use of the term cardia to describe the anti reflux
mechanism within the distal portion of the esophagus and the proximal
segment of the stomach nourished the misunderstanding, that the cardia
represents a normal anatomical structure interposed between the tubular
esophagus and the body of the stomach. Anatomical, histopathological and
physiological studies revealed that what has been taken for gastric cardia
in fact represents reflux damaged dilated distal esophagus (DDE). Since DDE
is covered by columnar lined esophagus (CLE) it cannot be differentiated
from the proximal stomach during regular endoscopy. However, the
histopathology of multi level biopsies obtained from the endoscopically
suspected esophagogastric junction (EGJ) serves to allocate the origin of
the columnar lined foregut, esophageal (cardiac, oxyntocardiac mucosa,
intestinal metaplasia) vs. gastric (oxyntic mucosa). Conclusions: Neither
the esophagus nor the stomach contains a "cardia". The recent misconceptions
regarding the foregut anatomy explain, why the innermost coverage of the
reflux damaged esophagus is termed "cardiac mucosa". Thus the term should be
reserved to name the histopathology of cardiac and oxyntocardiac mucosa,
which develop due to gastroesophageal reflux within the distal esophagus.
Segment-oriented liver resections based on posterior intrahepatic glissonian approach
Authors: Doklestic Krstina , Djukic Vladimir , Bumbasirevic Vesna , Jovanovic Bojan , Karamarkovic Aleksandar
Published: April 2013

Background: Segment-oriented liver resections can be performed effective by
posterior intrahepatic approach. A significance of such resection is that
they are oncologically radical as well as parenchyma- sparing. Methodology:
Segmental liver resections were performed in 102 patients with liver tumors.
Suprahilar control of the appropriate glissonean pedicle was achieved by the
posterior intrahepatic approach. Liver parenchyma was transsected by
ultrasonic dissector, under intermittent vascular occlusion (IVO). Pedicle
was divided at the end of resection using "endo-GIA" vascular stapler.
Results: The overall transection time was 30,14+12,56 min. The amount of
blood loss was 285,59+129,92 ml. The postoperative complication rate was
25,49%. R0 resection had 94 (92,16%) patients. There was no liver failure or
perioperative death. Conclusions: Posterior intrahepatic approach for
segmental resection is safe, can expedite the liver transection and reduce
intraoperative hemorrhage. This approach provides adequate tumor clearance
with preservation of normal parenchyma, as well as the vasculature or the
biliary drainage of the contralateral liver.
Introduction of new tumor marker age score in clinical practice: Validity evaluation for differentiation benign from malignant adnexal masses
Authors: Likic-Ladjevic Ivana , Terzic Milan , Ladjevic Nebojsa , Dotlic Jelena , Pilic Igor , Bila Jovan , Knezevic Nebojsa , Milenkovic Svetlana , Maricic Sanja , Arsenovic Nebojsa , Brndusic Natasa , Nikolic Branka
Published: April 2013

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine several tumor markers and
their correlation with pathohistological findings in patients with adnexal
masses. METHODS: Study involved 139 patients, 84 of them with benign, 47 with
malignant and 8 with borderline adnexal tumor. Levels of CA 125, CA 19-9, CEA
and CA 15-3 were obtained preoperatively and assessed regarding the specific
pathohistological diagnose and the patient?s age. Obtaining these results led
us to divide the patient?s CA 125 levels with age and by doing that we have
attained a new Tumor Marker Age score (TMA score). Results: Patients with
malignant adnexal tumors had significantly higher levels of CEA (p<0.05), CA
125, CA 19-9 and CA 15-3 tumor markers (p<0.01), in comparison with patients
with benign tumors. TMA score highly statistically correlate with the tumor
type (benignant/malignant). CONCLUSIONS: With the increase of tumor marker
levels and the patient?s age the malignant nature of adnexal tumors is more
often. Results of our study highlight the importance of the use of combined
tumor markers (at least CA-125 and CA 19-9) in women with adnexal masses.
Those levels along with the patient?s age and new TMA score could
preoperatively predict malignant nature of the tumor.
Impact of the injury pattern on the pedestrian fatalities in the city of Belgrade
Authors: Bumbasirevic Marko , Milosevic Ivan , Bumbasirevic Vesna , Zagorac Slavisa , Lesic Aleksandar
Published: April 2013

INTRODUCTION: In the city of Belgrade pedestrians are under the high risk to
sustain injuries in the road traffic accidents, they are often with multiple
injuries, with long-term treatment and significant consequences. Most of them
are in the senior or in the school age group. METHODS: We present the results
of the epidemiological analysis of the mechanism of injury and treatment
outcome of the pedestrians who sustained the lower limb injuries and
additional, the injuries of the other organic systems. We also analyzed the
relevant data about the moment of the collision. RESULTS: Regarding the
gender, male were significant more injured, in the senior age of life.
Patients with multiple injuries, especially with the pelvic injuries or
injuries of more than two systems were significant more likely to have a
fatal outcome. CONCLUSION: The pedestrians are the most vulnerable group in
road traffic accidents. Thus, we need to make actions on two levels:
appropriate environment conditions and effective prehospital and hospital
treatment.
The effect of low frequency pulsing electromagnetic field in treatment of patients with knee joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Pavlovic Aleksandar , Djurasic Ljubomir
Published: April 2013

Pulsing electromagnetic field represents effective procedure in treating of
diverse diseases and pathologic conditions, especially in rheumatology,
orthopaedics and traumatology. The goal of this research is the objective
evaluation of the treapeutic effect of low frequency pulsing electromagnetic
field (LFEMF), in comparison with the effect of the other physical procedure:
interfererence currents (IFC) and the medicamentous therapy, in treating of
patients with knee joint osteoarthritis. This study was made as experimental,
randomized, controlled clinical trial, opened type. The examination included
60 patients (40 females and 20 males) with osteoarthritis of the knee joint.
All patients were divided in three groups. The first group of 20 persons,
composed of patients treated with medicamentous therapy (Diklofenak of 100
mg, 2 tablets per day). The second group consisted of 20 patients treated by
LFPEMF and the third group consisted of 20 patients treated by IFC. All
procedures were implemented during 10 days All of patients had also the same
duration therapeutic exercise. As observing parameter was used: Lattinen test
for the evaluation of the pain sensitivity, before and after therapy. For the
statistical analysis of the aquired data, was used Student?s t-test. After
therapy the pain was considerably reduced in each group, but this effect was
the most significant in the II group of the examinees, treated by LFPEMF (p<
0.001), than the effects in other groups of patients: I group (p< 0.05) and
III group (p< 0.01). According to the results of this study it can be
concluded that LFPEMF is very effective therapeutic procedure in treatment of
patients with knee joint osteoarthritis.
The dissolution of multiple renal uric acid stones via percutaneous nephrostomy in the patient with a solitary kidney
Authors: Pejcic Tomislav , Markovic Biljana , Djurasic Ljubomir , Maksimovic Helena , Topuzovic Cedomir , Dzamic Zoran , Hadzi-Djokic Jovan
Published: April 2013

INTRODUCTION: The dissolution of urinary stones could be performed in the
patients with urinary obstruction caused by phosphate, or uric acid stones,
through the percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN). CASE REPORT: A 27-year-old woman
with complete obstruction of the solitary left kidney due to uric acid stones
is presented. The woman was admitted in emergency unit due to anuria. Five
days after PCN, irrigation with 1.6% sodium bicarbonate solution was
initiated. Due to complete ureteral obstruction, the "Y" extension with the
valve was connected to PCN and to the urinary bag, which enabled the patient
to perform intermittent self-irrigation. After 12 days of irrigation, all
the stones dissolute and ceased. CONCLUSION: In the era of ESWL, PCNL and
ureterorenoscopy, PCN-dissolution of urinary stones is rare procedure.
However, this minimally invasive procedure could be successfully performed in
selected cases.
A 10-cm big stone formed in ileal conduit six years after cystectomy
Authors: Topuzovic Cedomir , Pejcic Tomislav , Djurasic Ljubomir , Hadzi-Djokic Jovan
Published: April 2013

INTRODUCTION: Ileal conduit (IC) is the standard urinary diversion following
radical cystectomy. The formation of stone in the IC is one of the relatively
common late complications of the procedure. CASE REPORT: The case of
69-year-old man who developed 10-cm large stone in the IC, six years after
cystectomy is presented. CONCLUSION: The majority of patients with the stone
in IC can be treated with minimally invasive techniques, like manual
extraction, or endoscopic procedures.
Overlooked dislocation of C6/C7 vertebra with minimal neurologic deficit
Authors: Zagorac Slavisa , Lesic Aleksandar , Bumbasirevic Vesna , Bumbasirevic Marko
Published: April 2013

The beginning of 21 century was marked by an enormous increase in the number
of traffic accidents, which led to an increasing number of multiple injured
patients with associated injuries, especially injuries of cervical spine,
because of its anatomical features. Even in the era of modern diagnostic
procedures, cervical spine injuries are still often overlooked, especially in
multiple injured patients and unconscious patients, and the consequences of
undiagnosed injuries can be fatal. Very often there are ligamentous lesions,
which can be detected only by using NMR, while the osteoarticular lesions can
be diagnosed through careful clinical examination, X-rays and CT scan. This
paper presents the case of female in the middle age with initially missed
injury of the lower cervical spine segments, sustained in a car accident as a
driver, with excellent results of treatment and complete recovery.
Quadriceps tendon injuries
Authors: Ristic Vladimir , Maljanovic Mirsad , Popov Iva , Harhaji Vladimir , Milankov Vukadin
Published: April 2013

Introduction. The aim of study was to analyze risk factors, mechanisms of
injury, symptoms and time that elapsed from injury until operation of
complete quadriceps tendon ruptures. Material and Methods. This retrospective
multicenter study included 30 patients operated for this injury, of whom 28
(93.3%) were men. The average age was 53.7 years (18-73). Twenty-six patients
had reconstruction of unilateral rupture and four of bilateral one. Results.
Eighty percent of them had some risk factors for rupture of the tendon with
degenerative changes. Eight patients had diabetes, seven patients were on
renal dialysis, two patients had secondary hyperparathyroidism, five patients
were obese and two patients had former knee operations. These injuries
occurred in 80% following minor trauma caused by falls on stairs, on flat
surfaces and squatting. The most frequent symptoms were: pain, swelling, lack
of extension of knee and defect above patella, and three cases were initially
misdiagnosed. During the first 10 days after injury, acute and chronic
ruptures were reconstructed in 22 (73.3%) and 8 patients, respectively.
Conclusion. Quadriceps tendon injuries most often happen to male patients
with predisposing conditions in their fifth and sixth decade of life due to
trivial trauma. Patients on renal dialysis are the most vulnerable population
group.
Knowledge, attitudes and use of dietary supplement among students of the University of Nis (Serbia)
Authors: Miljkovic Mirjana , Stojiljkovic Marija , Radulovic Olivera
Published: April 2013

Introduction. Dietary supplements, being concentrated sources of vitamins,
minerals and other substances with nutritional and physiological effects, are
products that supplement the normal diet. The aim of this study was to
determine the use, attitudes and knowledge on dietary supplements among
students of the University of Nis, paying special attention to differences in
responses between male and female students. Material and Methods. The study
used the original questionnaire which was distributed to 330 students from
the University of Nis. The sample was stratified by school, year of study and
sex. Out of 330 questionnaires, 301 were classified as correct and they were
further analyzed. Results. Dietary supplements were used by 68.10% of the
respondents. Females used dietary supplements more than males. Two or more
products were most commonly used. Multivitamins were the most widely used
products. The majority of respondents adhered to the declaration (77.07%). A
small number had health damage (2.93%). More than half of the students stated
that they were not properly informed about dietary supplements. The most
common source of information was the media and friends. Conclusion. Health
professionals and users of dietary supplements should be educated better on
the use of these products in order to make the supplement use safe,
controlled and rational.
Moving from inflation targeting to prices and incomes policy
Authors: Arestis Philip , Sawyer Malcolm
Published: April 2013

This paper focuses on the future of economic policies with regard to
inflation. The dominant approach to inflation over the past two decades or
so has been inflation targeting. The global environment of the decade circa
1995 to 2005 with the ?China effect? pushing down prices of manufactured
goods and with primary commodity prices being subdued was conducive to low
inflation. It is argued that inflation targeting has not been a great
success story and is unable to address inflation arising from global forces
or from struggles over the distribution of income. It is argued that a more
sophisticated analysis than that contained in the Phillips curve is
required. Further, and from our analysis, counter inflation policies should
include the achievement of an inflation barrier consistent with full
employment without inflationary pressures. This can be addressed by ensuring
that there is sufficient productive capacity to underpin full employment,
where sufficient is to be interpreted in terms of quantity, quality and
geographical distribution. Further, we argue that this should be
complemented by some form of incomes policy, to enable inflation to be
contained without resorting to demand deflation.
Policies and institutions for moderating deep recessions, debt crises and financial instabilities
Authors: O’Hara Phillip
Published: April 2013

This paper outlines a long-term policy and institutional framework for
reducing the intensity of recessions, debt crises and financial
instabilities, especially for the Core nations and areas that bore the brunt
of the anomalies during 2008-2013. We argue that institutional changes need
to be systemic, amounting to the construction of a new social structure of
accumulation (SSA) or mode of regulation (MOR), which we call an SSA of
embedded communitarian liberalism. Five institutional spheres are introduced
which are in need of systemic change, due to the entrenched contradictions
and problems which the current set of institutions generate. These involve
firstly institutions within the world-system of finance and production;
secondly relating to finance versus industry; thirdly capital versus labor;
fourthly state systems of production; and fifthly the interlinking of state,
community and ecology.
Financial integration, euro and the twin deficits of southern Eurozone countries
Authors: Kosteletou Nikolina
Published: April 2013

The purpose of this study is the examination of the relationship between
fiscal and Current Account balances for the countries of southern eurozone.
The twin deficit hypothesis is tested within the context of a portfolio model
involving variables from the financial sector. Empirical analysis is
conducted with panel data, for the period 1991-2011. Evidence is provided to
support the twin deficit hypothesis. Additionally, it is found that it is not
only the fiscal policy of the southern eurozone countries that affects their
Current Account balances, but also the fiscal policy of the eurozone surplus
countries of the north. Interdependence of euro-zone countries suggests that
fiscal policy can be used for the elimination of external disequilibrium.
Therefore, fiscal policy should be coordinated but not uniformly applied.
Atmospheric Radiocarbon for the Period 1950–2010
Authors: Hua Quan , Barbetti Mike , Rakowski Andrzej Z
Published: April 2013

We present a compilation of tropospheric 14CO2 for the period 1950–2010, based on published radiocarbon data from selected records of atmospheric CO2 sampling and tree-ring series. This compilation is a new version of the compilation by Hua and Barbetti (2004) and consists of yearly summer data sets for zonal, hemispheric, and global levels of atmospheric 14C. In addition, compiled (and extended) monthly data sets for 5 atmospheric zones (3 in the Northern Hemisphere and 2 in the Southern Hemisphere) are reported. The annual data sets are for use in regional and global carbon model calculations, while the extended monthly data sets serve as calibration curves for 14C dating of recent, short-lived terrestrial organic materials.
The New Zealand Kauri (Agathis Australis) Research Project: A Radiocarbon Dating Intercomparison of Younger Dryas Wood and Implications for IntCal13
Authors: Hogg Alan , Turney Chris , Palmer Jonathan , Southon John , Kromer Bernd , Ramsey Christopher Bronk , Boswijk Gretel , Fenwick Pavla , Noronha Alexandra , Staff Richard , Friedrich Michael , Reynard Linda , Guetter Dominik , Wacker Lukas , Jones Richard
Published: April 2013

Wc describe here the New Zealand kauri (Agathis australis) Younger Dryas (YD) research project, which aims to undertake Δ14C analysis of ∼140 decadal floating wood samples spanning the time interval ∼13.1–11.7 kyr cal BP. We report 14C intercomparison measurements being undertaken by the carbon dating laboratories at University of Waikato (Wk), University of California at Irvine (UCI), and University of Oxford (OxA). The Wk, UCI, and OxA laboratories show very good agreement with an interlaboratory comparison of 12 successive decadal kauri samples (average offsets from consensus values of –7 to +4 14C yr). A University of Waikato/University of Heidelberg (HD) intercomparison involving measurement of the YD-age Swiss larch tree Ollon505, shows a HD/Wk offset of ∼10–20 14C yr (HD younger), and strong evidence that the positioning of the Ollon505 series is incorrect, with a recommendation that the 14C analyses be removed from the IntCal calibration database.
Potential association of obesity with IL6 G-174C polymorphism and TTV infections
Authors: Cimponeriu Danut , Serafinceanu Cristian , Apostol Pompilia , Toma Mihai , Stavarachi Monica , Radu Irina , Craciun Anne , Spandole Sonia , Nicolae Panduru , Rusu Lavinia , Schiopu Oana , Ion Daniela
Published: April 2013

Polymorphisms in IL6, ACE and ATR genes are associated with obesity. Torque Teno virus (TTV) seems to be able to interfere with production of some proinflammatory cytokines associated with obesity and related phenotypes. The aim of this study was to test the potential association between obesity, TTV infection and the IL6 G-174C (rs1800795), ACE I/D (rs4646994), AT1R A1166C (rs5186) polymorphisms. The polymorphisms and the presence of TTV were detected in blood samples from 150 obese and 150 normal-weight, healthy subjects using PCR based methods. IL6-174 CC genotype was more frequent in all obese patients (P=0.02) and in patients without TTV infections (P=0.03) than in controls. Obese women had more frequent TTV infections compared with normal-weight women (P=0.046). Obese subjects, regardless of gender (women P=0.03, men P=0.04), and healthy normal-weight men (P<0.01) carriers of AT1R C allele had higher triglycerides levels compared with non-carriers. The frequency of TTV in the control group (70.67%) was similar to data reported in other populations. The present study indicated that IL6-174 CC genotype and TTV infections in women could be associated with the common form of obesity.
Antibacterial activity of marine macroalgae against fish pathogenic Vibrio species
Authors: Cavallo Rosa , Acquaviva Maria , Stabili Loredana , Cecere Ester , Petrocelli Antonella , Narracci Marcella
Published: April 2013

In mariculture, diseases of microbial origin can cause significant economic losses worldwide; the evolution of microorganism resistance to antibiotics has resulted in a growing need for new antibacterial compounds that are effective in veterinary medicine and characterized by limited undesirable side effects. Increased attention has recently been turned to seaweeds as a promising source for metabolites with antimicrobial activity. Vibriosis is a common disease, caused by bacteria of the genus Vibrio, that can result in high mortality in aquaculture. The aim of this study was to identify seaweeds with antibacterial activity against some pathogenic Vibrio species, in order to identify a possible alternative to the commonly used antibiotics in aquaculture. Chloroform/methanol lipidic extracts of six seaweed species (Chaetomorpha linum, Cladophora rupestris, Gracilaria dura, Gracilaria gracilis, Gracilariopsis longissima, Ulva prolifera) were tested for their antibacterial activities against six fish pathogenic Vibrio species using the disc diffusion method. Different susceptibilities to lipidic algal extracts were observed. All six of the seaweed extracts tested demonstrated inhibition of Vibrio ordalii. The best was that from Gracilariopsis longissima, showing activity against Vibrio ordalii, Vibrio salmonicida, Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus. The results confirmed the potential use of seaweed extracts as a source of antibacterial compounds or as a health-promoting feed for aquaculture.
Movements and flight morphology in the endangered Large Blue butterflies
Authors: Skórka Piotr , Nowicki Piotr , Kudłek Joanna , Pępkowska Aleksandra , Śliwińska Ewa , Witek Magdalena , Settele Josef , Woyciechowski Michal
Published: April 2013

Movements and flight morphology of the endangered Large Blue butterflies Phengaris teleius and P. nausithous in southern Poland were studied with mark-release-recapture surveys and GIS analyses. Most individuals moved relatively small distances (<40 metres) within their habitat patches. Distances covered by both species were positively related to season progression and wing length, and negatively related to body mass. P. teleius movement distances slightly exceeded those of P. nausithous. In addition, females moved longer distances than males, although the difference was significant only in P. teleius. Morphological traits appeared to be good indicators of the inter-specific and inter-sexual differences in mobility. While P. teleius individuals were heavier than P. nausithous ones, they had considerably longer wings, which may explain longer movements in the former species. Similarly, females were heavier than males in both species, but they invested more in wing size, which is likely to compensate for the negative impact of body mass on movement distances. Our results indicate that combination of GIS analysis of movement distances recorded with mark-release-recapture methods and morphometric measurements taken in field during non-lethal handling of captured individuals proved useful for studying the mobility potential of the endangered insect species.
Bio-Distribution and Dosimetry of a Renal Agent in Normal Bangladeshi Subjects
Authors: Islam MN , Alam F , Kabir MF , Mollah AS , Zaman MA
Published: April 2013

Radiation absorbed dose estimation was performed on eleven normal patients who were in a process of routine diagnostic investigation of the renal function. Bio-kinetics and bio-distribution of 99mTc-DTPA in patients was evaluated by dual-head gamma camera imaging and blood-plasma sample counting method. Radiation dose estimations were performed using standard MIRD techniques and biodistribution of different organ was estimated by drawing region of interest (ROI) according to MIRD phantom model [1]. From the time-activity curves, cumulative activities and residence times of 99mTc- DTPA in the kidneys, brain, upper large intestine (ULI), small intestine (SI), lower large intestine (LLI), stomach, heart, liver, lung and remainder of the body was calculated. Using the information of residence times of the total body and urinary bladder voiding at 2.4 hours on MIRD 12 absorbed dose for the 99mTc-DTPA in different target organs of the body was measured [2]. The estimated average absorbed dose to the kidneys as a target organ in normal Bangladeshis are 5.71E-03 mGy/MBq of 99mTc-DTPA which is closer to the ICRP 53 and other recent published data. The calculated effective dose equivalent and effective dose was found 5.72E-03 mSv/MBq and 4.89E-03 mSv/MBq respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmp.v4i1.14674 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Physics Vol.4 No.1 2011 21-26
Hypothesis to Explain the Occurrence of Multiple Peaks of DFL in Nerve Conduction Measurement
Authors: Rabbani K Siddique-e
Published: April 2013

Distribution of F-Latency (DFL) is a new nerve conduction parameter obtained using evoked EMG responses, and was introduced by us earlier. We had established that DFL is simply related to the distribution of conduction velocity (DCV) of motor fibres in a peripheral nerve, as an approximate mirror image. Normally DFL has a single peak for healthy nerves, but double, or sometimes, triple peaks of DFL were observed in the median nerve, recording the evoked EMG responses from the Thenar muscle in the palm of the hand. From observation, we also established that such multiple peaks of DFL are associated with Cervical Spondylosis (CS). Double peaks were also observed on the nerves of legs suggesting association with Lumbo-sacral spondylotic neuropathy. The present work puts forward hypotheses to explain the occurrence of double or triple peaks of DFL from median nerve in CS, based on principles of physics, physiology and mathematics, and relate these to observations. This includes observations reported in our earlier work, and also obtained from hundreds of patients tested at a clinic managed by the author. The hypothesis assumes similar DCV with single peaks for all the nerve branches that combine to form the median nerve. Compression or degeneation of one or two of the above nerve branches will result in differential shifts of DFLs, and therefore a combination in the median nerve will give rise to double or triple peaks. Initially the explanation was based on radiculopathy, but the hypotheses evolved when newer neuropathological conditions like myelopathy, and external nerve injury were observed. Finally a generalized hypothesis has been put forward that would cover all these abnormal conditions that affect a peripheral nerve of a limb, both in the hands and the legs. Experiments have been suggested that may test these hypotheses, which, if successful, will lead to a greater understanding of neurophysiology and provide a simple and sensitive diagnostic test through the use of DFL. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmp.v4i1.14675 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Physics Vol.4 No.1 2011 27-36
Improvisation of an Optical Pressure Sensor Based Dynamic Foot Pressure Measurement System
Authors: Rabbani K Siddique-e , Ishraque SM Zahid , Islam M Shahedul , Rabbani Rhaad Muasir
Published: April 2013

Dynamic foot pressure measurement is necessary particularly for diabetic patients to prevent ulcers, eventually leading to gangrene and amputation. The present work reports a low cost optical sensing system for the above, suitable for the Third World. It uses a horizontally placed transparent Acrylic plate with a webcam placed below facing upwards. A white paper, backed by a black adhesive plastic sheet, covered the whole plate on the top. Light from a tubular fluorescent lamp entered the acrylic plate from a side and traversed the thickness through total internal reflection. At points of pressure applied from the top, the air between the paper and the acrylic plate got displaced and caused breakdown of total internal reflection. The scattered light rays from the white sheet were recorded by the webcam. Computer software on Java platform was developed to grab and analyse video data to display dynamic pressure distribution in artificial colour contours. Approximate pressure calibration was obtained using static and dynamic values obtained from subjects with normal and abnormal foot pressures. Time graphs of pressure at user chosen points were also provided. The developed system worked with satisfaction and is being used for clinical assessment regularly. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmp.v4i1.14687 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Physics Vol.4 No.1 2011 51-58