bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Representation of Contour Tones in Cantonese
Authors: Lee Jackson L.
Published: October 2015

A central question in tonal phonology is the representation of tone. One of the focal points is the representation of contour tones, especially since Goldsmith (1976) and subsequent works have analyzed contour tones in Bantu languages as sequences of level tones. Cross-linguistically, it is generally well-recognized, following Yip’s (1989) terminology, that contour tones in African languages are typically clusters, which are sequences of level tones and consist of multiple tonal root nodes, and that contour tones in Asian languages are typically tone units, which have only one tonal root node. This paper points out an important exception—Cantonese— particularly in light of Yip (2001) and Barrie (2007) on Chinese contour tones. The correct view is at least implied in earlier analyses: Cantonese tones, contour and level alike, should be represented as sequences of level tones but not unitary tone units.
The Many Ways to Find the “Right” and the “Left”: On dynamic projection models in the encoding of spatial relations
Authors: Nikitina Tatiana
Published: October 2015

Since early work by Talmy (1975, 1985), linguistic representation of space has been at the center of research in lexical typology, cognitive linguistics, and psycholinguistics (see, inter alia, the various approaches represented in Slobin (2000), Levinson (2003), Beavers et al. (2010)). Some of the central aspects of spatial representation, however, have remained largely understudied. Particularly poorly understood is the distinction between dynamic and static spatial expressions and the ways that distinction is drawn by speakers of different languages. On the one hand, speakers often choose not to encode a dynamic relation explicitly, even though they have at their disposal a specialized means for unambiguous encoding of a goal or a source of motion (Nikitina 2008, Tutton 2009 for English). On the other hand, speakers sometimes choose to encode a static relation by means of a specialized dynamic expression, even in the absence of any perceivable motion. This paper focuses on the latter aspect of the problem: the use of dynamic expressions for the encoding of static locations. Such use is especially common with expressions encoding a spatial relation for which no specialized adposition exists, including expressions for “right” and “left”.
Iconicity, Implicature, and the Manner Interpretation of Coordination Structure: Through Comparison of English and French
Authors: Oshima David Y.
Published: October 2015

This paper discusses conditions under which a VP-coordination structure (‘Subj. VP1 and VP2’) may conversationally implicate a manner relation between the two described events, based on data from English and French. It will be pointed out that two factors affect the availability of the manner interpretation. First, the principle of iconicity dictates that, other things being equal, subordination structure is more suitable than coordination structure in describing two actions standing in the manner relation. Second, whether the VP-coordination structure in a given language allows the manner interpretation at all or not is determined by its ‘niche’, i.e., its standing in the network of constructions.
Tense and Modality in two creoles: Capeverdean and Saamáka
Authors: Pratas Fernanda , Van de Vate Marleen
Published: October 2015

This paper provides evidence for the claim that in certain languages epistemic modality can have both a past and a present modal anchor time (in the case of CV), while in other languages epistemic modality must have a present modal anchor time (in the case of SM). Additionally, in his Language Bioprogram Hypothesis, Bickerton (1981, 1984) claims that tense, aspect and modality is similar across creoles. We will demonstrate that this claim is only partially correct. The modality system of these two creoles is very similar: Both have a necessity modal which conveys obligation and epistemic readings, and a possibility modal which conveys ability, permissive and epistemic readings. Furthermore, both have a past marker. A difference occur s when the past marker co-occurs with the modals; in CV both the circumstantial and epistemic reading of the two modals surfaces, whereas in SM only the circumstantial reading surfaces, the epistemic reading is infelicitous. The present paper accounts for this on the grounds of some important distinct features between these languages functional morphemes, which reflects in their respective functional structures.
From Demonstrative to Nominalizer: The Suffix -gai in Northern Tepehuan
Authors: Ramos Bierge Stefanie
Published: October 2015

In this paper, I examine clause nominalization in Northern Tepehuan (NT hereinafter), particularly the source of the nominalizer -gai that occurs in complement and adverbial clauses. I propose that this suffix originates from the demonstrative igai, which also functions as 3SG/PL pronoun. Evidence comes from the examination of word order in clauses when this demonstrative acts as a personal pronoun, which led to the reanalysis of this element into a suffix. I test the hypothesis by also showing a similar path of grammaticalization with the suffix -go. The data from NT used in this paper comes from my own fieldwork as well as from Bascom (1982) and Rinaldini (1994). Data from Pima Bajo (Hale 2002; Estrada, In Press) is used as well.
Code Switching and Mixed Language Genesis in Tiwi
Authors: Spence Justin
Published: October 2015

Data from the transcript of a public meeting are used to examine patterns of code switching in Tiwi, a head-marking polysynthetic language of northern Australia where an N-V mixed language has emerged among younger speakers (Lee 1987, McConvell 2008). McConvell’s theory predicts that code switching behavior should reflect the same center of gravity principles as found in the  resulting mixed language. In particular, a head-marking language like Tiwi should most commonly provide the verbal part of code-switched utterances. Although the corpus used here is too small to draw definitive conclusions, the data do not support the supposed connections between morphological typology, code switching, and mixed language genesis. Reasonable interpretations of the data show no preference for code switching that retains Tiwi’s verbal subsystem, as predicted by McConvell’s center of gravity model.
Cross-linguistic Analysis of Metaphorical Conceptions of душа/dusza/duša (ʻsoulʼ) in Slavic Languages (Russian, Polish, and Croatian)
Authors: Despot Kristina Štrakalj , Skrynnikova Inna , Ostanina Olszewska Julia
Published: October 2015

The concept of soul serves as a cue to revealing and understanding existential representation of human immaterial nature in different cultures, thus being one of the basic elements which forms the linguistic picture of the world fixed in national mentality. A great body of research is based on the idea that the concept of soul concerns several key issues in human life: the source of life, cognition and emotion, personality traits, social relationships, and human destiny. The concept of soul has been actively studied from mythological, religious, philosophic,  cognitive, sociological and psychological perspectives. A number of authors have analyzed the concept of soul from the point of view of its linguistic representation in different languages: Wierzbicka (1989; 1992); Shmelev (1997); Mikheev (1999); Vardanyan (2007); Kolesnikova (2011); Tszin (2010); Uryson (1999); etc. Our research differs from the previous ones in the sense that it is cross-linguistic, corpus-based and cognitive in nature. This paper is an attempt to carry out a cross-linguistic, corpus-based and cognitive analysis of the concept in question in three Slavic languages: Russian (East Slavic), Polish (West Slavic), and Croatian (South Slavic).
Weak Generic Sentences: Partitioning and Comparison
Authors: Xie Zhiguo
Published: October 2015

This paper addresses the question of what is the exact interpretation of weak generic sentences that take a bare plural subject and that are of the form As are P.
Prosody-Based Word Recognition for L2 Speakers
Authors: Yun Gwanhi
Published: October 2015

Compared to ample studies on word recognition by L1 speakers of English or French, there has been comparatively little focus on L2 listeners' sensitivity to stress for word identification in other target languages. Hence the current study explores whether Korean L2 (English) listeners can effectively differentiate or retrieve the original words on the basis of the initial syllable or foot containing primary or secondary stressed vowels. In effect, this study tests whether a bigger prosodic size than syllables can be the unit of word recognition.
Templates as affixation of segment-sized units: the case of Southern Sierra Miwok
Authors: Zimmermann Eva
Published: October 2015

In this paper, I argue that certain templatic effects in Southern Sierra Miwok (SSM) follow from affixation of moras and underspecified segments. Such an analysis avoids the assumptions of syllabified X-Slots in the representation of morphemes that previous analyses for SSM argue for (Sloan 1991). In contrast, my optimalitytheoretic analysis predicts the templatic restrictions over whole strings of segments through the affixation of segment-sized phonological elements.
Ochratoxin A is degraded byYarrowia lipolytica and generates non-toxic degradation products
Authors: Yang Q. , Wang J. , Zhang H. , Li C. , Zhang X.
Published: October 2015

The mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) is a common contaminant of various plant-derived foods and feeds. However, methods for complete decontamination remain to be established. Recently, biological approaches for mycotoxin removal using various species of yeast have been explored. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of OTA degradation by the yeastYarrowia lipolytica under various conditions, altering yeast concentration, temperature, pH, and concentration of OTA in order to determine the optimal requirements of this species. At a yeast concentration of 108 cells/ml, the degradation rate was higher than that observed at any other concentration and, after 24 h, the OTA concentration was reduced to almost half of the initial level introduced to the culture. Further,Y. lipolytica cultured at 28°C showed the highest level of OTA degradation. Similarly, the culture performed optimally at a pH of 4. The initial concentration of OTA also affected the ability of the yeast to degrade OTA, with the level of degradation being the highest when the initial OTA concentration was 0.1 μg/ml. Moreover, we also tested the toxicity of the OTA biodegradation products using HepG2 cells to determine the physiological applicability of this yeast species in the food industry and observed that these products were notably less toxic than non-degraded OTA.Y. lipolytica effectively reduced natural decay incidence of grapes, and had no negative effect to the storage quality of grape fruits. Taken together, these data suggest thatY. lipolytica could be a viable OTA contamination prevention/treatment option and additional research concerning its commercial use is warranted.
Semantic Spatial Representation, an Experimental Proposal in the Framework of eParticipation
Authors: Voghera Angioletta , Crivello Rossella
Published: October 2015

The article explores the theme of collaborative construction of territorial knowledge through the use of ICTS, proposing a new approach to spatial representation based on semantic ontologies. The theoretical perspective is applied in a recent experimentation conducted in collaboration between the Politecnico and the Università di Torino, called OnToMap – Community Maps 3.0. The essay is divided into two parts. The first part aims to define the theoretical framework of the eParticipation practices, specifying which approach to participation is assumed as conceptual background. The second part focuses on the web-based application OnToMap, which relies on an territorial ontology for encourage construction of collective and shared knowledge of the places. It is therefore proposed a definition of “Social Semantic Mapping” based on the integration of GIS tools, VGI practices and Web 3.0 applications. The article ends with a reflection on semantic and cartographic representation of urban space and its potential in terms of citizen empowerment.
Building Condition Record and Cost Estimation
Authors: Kurth Helmut , Winter Karl Heinz , Pospíchal Vaclav
Published: October 2015

Many planners and clients (prospective building owners) are not sufficiently prepared for the building renovation. This reorientation calls for new means of help and abilities. A special importance belongs in this respect to the rating of the existing building substance (building stock). A sufficient reason to develop a new method for this purpose deliberately. The Rough Diagnosis of the building provides the picture of the building condition and of the costs for the repair of defects. The division of the building into Rough Diagnosis Elements improves the overview of the building condition and suggestions for measures. These measures can be compared in a transparent manner and related to individual stages. These pieces of knowledge facilitate the clear guidelines for project elaboration and costs, cut out according to needs and possibilities of the customer.
Durability of Composites Based on Asphalt
Authors: Mondschein Petr , Konvalinka Adam , Svoboda Pavel
Published: October 2015

High traffic load and high temperatures are two crucial aspects, which cause together with static treatment of transport, respectively slow traffic, permanent deformations in the construction of flexible pavement (the cover layer of asphalt). Standard asphalt adjustments are not able to withstand such loads. For these reasons they are looking at ways to increase the functionality of asphalt mixtures and extend their lifespan, respectively delay condition, where it is not possible to use it comfortably. On the road is necessary to look at the whole life cycle and give priority in justified cases to demanding investment solutions, which thanks to longer durability and longer repair cycle will be cheaper. Such solutions are composite materials based on asphalt. Among them are technology of asphalt and cement composite (ACC), which uses strengths of both used materials, or by analogy with the principle of concrete reinforcement in asphalt mixtures. This article presents the characteristics of both technologies, their properties and points to the longer life of the construction of roads in their application.
Seismic Enhancement of Masonry Buildings Strengthened through GFRP Reinforced Mortar Coating
Authors: Gattesco Natalino , Boem Ingrid
Published: October 2015

The reduction of seismic vulnerability of existing masonry buildings through the application on the walls of a mortar coating reinforced with a GFRP (glass fiber reinforced polymer) mesh is studied and discussed. Numerous experimental tests, carried out by the authors, demonstrate the effectiveness of this technique for enhancing the mechanical response of the walls, both subjected to in-plane and out-of-plane actions. In the study, the capacity curves of an existing unreinforced masonry building are compared with those of the same building strengthened with the GFRP reinforced mortar coating technique. An almost regular two storey building is considered in the numerical study and it is analyzed by adopting the method of the equivalent frame. Two different types of masonry are considered in the study: solid bricks and rubble stones. Static nonlinear analyses are carried out and the nonlinearity of the material of the wall elements (piers and spandrels) is considered through the introduction of plastic hinges in the plane of the masonry wall. The results evidence a significant increase in terms of shear resistance, displacement capacity and total strain energy. The collapse due to bending of piers in most cases of strengthened buildings occurred before than the ultimate shear drift was obtained.
Damage Evolution of Concrete by Electrical Resistivity Monitoring Methods
Authors: Lu Shuang , Zhou Li Na , Wang Zheng
Published: October 2015

The leaching behavior of hydraulic concrete can’t be neglected for its long-term exposure to surrounding water resulting in irreversible damage to durability, such as strength loss and porosity increase. Given that the coupling effect of leaching and freeze-thaw cycling on the durability of hydraulic concrete especially in severe cold regions is a big challenge. For the quite slow process of natural leaching, electrochemical accelerated leaching method (EALM) was proposed to investigate the damage evolution under two test schemes (scheme one is only leaching for 50 days and scheme two is first 100 rapid freeze-thaw cycles and then leaching for 50 days) designed in this work. The electrical resistivity and calcium oxide dissolution mass were measured through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), namely two-probe method, and EDTA titration method, respectively. Based on electrical resistivity measurement, the measurable damage can be discussed during abovementioned singe and coupled tests. The results indicate that compared with single leaching test, the leaching coupled with the freeze-thaw cycling leads to over 50% electrical resistance loss.
On Modelling of Chosen Activities during a Construction
Authors: Svobodová Kateřina , Čermák Jan , Jarský Čeněk
Published: October 2015

This work will present the students project, which is being investigated by the authors and which has direct connection with the dissertations of two of them. In their work, the authors deal with the topic of standardization of time and cost estimating in construction industry. The result of the project will be a software application that can model chosen activities during a construction and process and analyse obtained data. The work will introduce activities that have been chosen as the most suitable for examining, and it will be explained why they have been chosen. The work will describe suggested approaches for measuring and calculation of the time spent on individual activities during a construction and for cost estimation. It will also deal with circumstances influencing the duration and there will be explained how useful can be risk analysis when estimating durations of activities. The conclusion will summarize results of the work and it will outline future development and planned progress.
Application of Cement Based Materials for Critical Infrastructure Protection
Authors: Štoller Jiří , Dvořák Petr
Published: October 2015

The article describes the characteristics of a selected cement based materials and the possibilities of their use for critical infrastructure protection. The material properties were studied during field tests on slabs made from different materials – plain concrete, fibre reinforced concrete and high performance fibre reinforced concrete. In the article there are also presented lessons-learned of the research team of the military structures laboratory, which is run by the Department of Engineer Technologies at the University of Defence.
Building Operational Energy Optimization Technique Waste Filled Cavity Wall
Authors: Gupta Abhinandan R. , Deshmukh S.K.
Published: October 2015

Emerging crises for resources and energy has became one of the major global issues. Unstoppable population and urban growth is demanding shelter. The figure for estimated housing shortage across the world according to the internationally recommended standards is 428,700,000 units. By the year 2030, an additional 3 billion people, about 40 percent of the world’s population, will need access to housing. This translates into a demand for 96,150 new affordable units every day and 4000 every hour.(United Nation –Habitate:2005)(128). All this unstoppable global population growth is resulting in high demand supply gap between resources and thus present trend concentrate to satisfy and minimize this gap. This shooting urbanization problem is leading towards diversion for easy and fast construction methodology.Along with this the problems associated to it are also increasing globally. The problem of Urban Heat Island and Urban Canyon Effect, CO2 emission , Green House Effect , Resource depletion and all such problems are demanding global attention to overcome it and make habitant sustainable for safeguarding future generations to come. The major hurdle for application of sustainable construction is barrier of human mind who concentrates more on initial cost of construction and negligence towards operations energy cost and pay back period calculations.The aim of the paper is to show feasibility of application of waste in construction elements like wall by analysing thermo resistive property of such waste filled cavity wall and equivalence cooling effect calculations for conventional clay brick wall , AC sheets , cavity wall and various waste filled cavity wall by making model and process of simulation using Ansys Fluent .The results of research work shows feasibility of adopting cavity wall and waste fill cavity wall for construction of wall because of its high thermoresistive property so as to mitigate global problems like Urban Heat Islands and operational energy consumption.
Potential of Cork Cement Composite as a Thermal Insulation Material
Authors: Karade Sukhdeo R.
Published: October 2015

The growing environmental concern throughout the globe has led architects & engineers to design energy efficient buildings. Consequently, they are looking for building materials that can reduce the energy consumption in buildings to maintain the comfort level. Use of proper thermal insulating materials can reduce the energy required for heating or cooling of the buildings. Presently mineral wool and various foams are used for this purpose. Efforts are being made to use wastes in making thermal insulation materials so that the impact on environment can be further reduced. Cork granules are obtained as waste from the cork processing industries that make ‘bottle stoppers’ as a main product. These granules have a low density and could be used as lightweight aggregates for making concrete with low thermal conductivity. This article describes the physico-mechanical properties of lightweight cementitious composites made using cork granules. Further, environmental benefits of their application in thermal insulation of buildings has been discussed.
Current State of Modern Rammed Construction: A Case Study of First Peoples House after Seven Years Exposure
Authors: Kailey Allan , Rishi Gupta
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a study on the current condition of the First Peoples House, located at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. The building houses two rammed earth walls that exemplify the use of stabilized rammed earth as a modern construction material. These rammed earth walls have been exposed to 7 years of natural weathering in a wet climate. A rebound hammer, infrared camera, and a new method developed to quantify surface deterioration were used in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). The results provided insight into the compressive strength, thermal envelope and surface condition of the walls. Relationships between wind direction and wind speed are presented. It is postulated that the wall that is most exposed to a combination of both effects will exhibit the largest forms of deterioration. This hypothesis was addressed using results from NDT and local wind data.
Flexural Behavior of Ferrocement Plates Incorporating Steel and PET Fibers
Authors: Marthong Comingstarful , Sarma Deba Kumar
Published: October 2015

Ferrocement plate with steel meshes incorporating fibers in an identical matrix were tested under bending. The main objective of the study was to investigate the effects of combining reinforcing steel meshes with discontinuous fibers as reinforcement in thin mortar matrix. The variable parameters were chosen as (a) number of mesh layers, single and double (b) the types of fiber i.e steel and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Everything else being equal, the test results shows that addition of steel fibers to the matrix of ferrocement can effectively increase its flexural strength and energy absorption to failure. Cracking and spalling of mortar cover also significantly reduced. On the other hand, the contributions of same volume fraction of PET fibers are not significant compared to steel. However, addition of PET fibers control the early cracking of thin mortar and showed slight improvement in flexural strength and energy absorption to failure compared to control specimens. Reinforcing ferrocement plates incorporating steel or PET fibers is recommended for providing technical and economical advantages as no negative effect was observed.
The histology and the proapoptotic control in the ipsilateral and the contralateral testes following unilateral vasectomy
Authors: Hazar Aydin Ismet , Cakiroglu Basri , Sakalli Ertan , Balci Mustafa Bahadir Can , Eyyupoglu Erkan , Tas Tuncay , Sinanoglu Orhun , Tuzlali Pinar , Cilesiz Nusret Can
Published: October 2015

Objective: The aim of this study was to enlighten both the testicular histology and the genetic aspects of the apoptotic process. Thus an experimental study was designed with a model of unilateral vasectomy. Methods: Twenty-two adult male rats were used and 4 main groups were formed. The first (A), the second (B), the third (C), and the fourth group (D) consisted of 4, 4, 4 and 10 rats respectively. Rats in group A had sham operation while rats in other groups (B, C, D) underwent left vasectomy operation including binding of ductus deferens with a 3/0 silk and cutting a minimum of 1 cm part while preserving the vascular structure under 9x magnification. Rats undergoing unilateral vasectomy were sacrificed at the 1st, 2nd and 8th weeks and their testicular structure and proapoptotic gene proteins were compared with that of the control group undergoing sham operation. Results: We found that vasectomy gradually caused destruction and both ipsilateral and contralateral testicles were affected showing initial apoptosis. Conclusion: The procedure causes destruction in the testicular structure by causing bilateral intratubular germ cell necrosis, unilateral obstruction, increase in the tubular pressure and processes that are aggravated by some probable autoimmune reactions.
PDE-5 inhibitors in monotherapy versus combination therapy in a sample of 1200 patients with erectile dysfunction
Authors: Labairu-Huerta Luis , Padilla-Fernández Bárbara , Arrondo-Arrondo José Luis , Valverde-Martínez Lauro Sebastián , Martín-Rodríguez Agustín , Silva-Abuín Juan Miguel , García-Cenador María Begoña , Mirón-Canelo José Antonio , Lorenzo-Gómez María Fernanda
Published: October 2015

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness in the treatment of erectile dysfunction when using PDE-5 inhibitors (PDE5i), alprostadil (PG-E1) and testosterone (TES) in monotherapy or combination therapy. Material and Methods: Observational multicentre retrospective study of men diagnosed and treated for ED between January 2008 and January 2014. Age, social and employment situation, pathological medical history, risk factors, usual treatments, IIEF-5 at the first consultation and at first and each 6 months follow-ups, physical examination, calculated total and free testosterone and received treatment were analysed. Descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA analysis, Chi2 for qualitative data, t-test, Fisher's exact test and Pearson's correlation coefficient were used; p < 0.05 is considered significant. Results: Average age was 58.61 years, SD5.02, average follow- up time 48.21 months, SD 6.21, range 6-174 months. Out of the patients 76.12% were married, 9.81% divorced/separated, 10.04% single, 4.03% widowed; 85.14% of the total in stable partnership but 66.16% were not accompanied by their partners. In total 844 patients received monotherapy (597 PDE5i; 62 PG-E1; 36 TES; 27 penile prosthesis; 121 psychotherapy/alternative therapies) and 357 combination therapy (167 PDE5i+TES; 124 PDE5i+PGE1; 66 PG-E1+TES). There was a homogeneous distribution between risk factors and medical history groups. Satisfactory response according to IIEF-5 was achieved for 72.33% of patients on PDE5i monotherapy, 46.65% of patients on PDE5i+PG-E1 combination therapy and 83.41% of patients on PDE5i+TES. Conclusions: The best therapeutic success for ED in this series was achieved through a combination of testosterone+PDE-5 inhibitors without increasing morbidity and maintaining the response over time. Larger studies with longer follow-up will corroborate these findings.
Sexual activity and the risk of prostate cancer: Review article
Authors: Kotb Ahmed Fouad , Beltagy Ahmad , Ismail Asmaa Mohamed , Hashad Mohamed Mohie
Published: October 2015

Introduction: Sexual activity can affect prostate cancer pathogenesis in a variety of ways; including the proposed high androgen status, risk of sexually transmitted infections and the potential effect of retained carcinogens within the prostatic cells. Methods: PubMed review of all publications concerning sexual activity and the risk of prostate cancer was done by two researchers. Results: Few publications could be detected and data were classified as a prostate cancer risk in association with either heterosexual or homosexual activities. Conclusion: Frequent ejaculation seems to be protective from the development of prostate cancer. Multiple sexual partners may be protective from prostate cancer, excluding the risk of sexually transmitted infections. Homosexual men are at a greater risk for the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
10-year survival of a patient with metastatic prostate cancer: Case report and literature review
Authors: Krpina Kristian , Markić Dean , Rahelić Dražen , Ahel Juraj , Rubinić Nino , Španjol Josip
Published: October 2015

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in men. The 5-year relative survival for all stages combined is 98.8%. Patients diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer have median survival from 2 to 3 years. We describe a case of 64-year old man who clinically presented with inguinal lymphadenopathy. Because of elevated PSA levels biopsy of prostate was done and adenocarcinoma was diagnosed. Biopsy of inguinal lymph nodes confirmed the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Hormonal treatment was started and at the most recent follow-up, 10 years later, the patient is asymptomatic with no clinical signs of disseminated disease.
Treatment of urethral strictures with balloon dilation: A forgotten tale
Authors: Stamatiou Konstantinos , Christopoulos Georgios , Moschouris Hippocrates , Zavradinos Dimitrios , Kiltenis Michalis , Marinis Athanasios
Published: October 2015

Urethral stricture is a common condition that can lead to serious complications such as urinary infections and renal insufficiency secondary to urinary retention. Treatment options include catheterization and dilation, urethroplasty and endoscopic internal urethrotomy as well. Although treatment option depends on the type, length and aetiology of stricture, the choice can be influenced to varying degrees by the simplicity of the method, the preferences of the patient the available accoutrements and the patient health condition. Both urethroplasty and endoscopic internal urethrotomy require anaesthesia and thus are not suitable for many elder and unfit for surgical treatment patients. On the other hand, dilations are easy to perform in every day clinical practice however they have been associated with iatrogenic urethral trauma. In contrast, balloon dilation under vision dilates by radial application of forces against the stricture, avoiding the potentially shearing forces associated with sequential rigid dilation. Since it reduces the possibility of an iatrogenic urethral trauma and the subsequent spongiofibrosis may lead into improved therapeutic outcomes. In this report we describe a technique for the treatment of urethral strictures with balloon dilation in elder and unfit for surgical treatment patients.
Heterogeneous vesicles in mucous epithelial cells of posterior esophagus of Chinese giant salamander (Andrias davidianus)
Authors: Zhang H. , Guo X. , Zhong S. , Ge T. , Peng S. , Yu P. , Zhou Z.
Published: October 2015

The Chinese giant salamander belongs to an old lineage of salamanders and endangered species. Many studies of breeding and disease regarding this amphibian had been implemented. However, the studies on the ultrastructure of this amphibian are rare. In this work, we provide a histological and ultrastructural investigation on posterior esophagus of Chinese giant salamander. The sections of amphibian esophagus were stained by hematoxylin & eosin (H&E). Moreover, the esophageal epithelium was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed that esophageal epithelium was a single layer epithelium, which consisted of mucous cells and columnar cells. The esophageal glands were present in submucosa. The columnar cells were ciliated. According to the diverging ultrastructure of mucous vesicles, three types of mucous cells could be identified in the esophageal mucosa: i) electron-lucent vesicles mucous cell (ELV-MC); ii) electron-dense vesicles mucous cell (EDV-MC); and iii) mixed vesicles mucous cell (MV-MC).
Immunohistochemical localization of periostin in human gingiva
Authors: Cobo T. , Obaya A. , Cal S. , Solares L. , Cabo R. , Vega J.A. , Cobo J.
Published: October 2015

The periostin is a matricellular protein expressed in collagen-rich tissues including some dental and periodontal tissues where it is regulated by mechanical forces, growth factors and cytokines. Interestingly the expression of this protein has been found modified in different gingival pathologies although the expression of periostin in normal human gingiva was never investigated. Here we used Western blot and double immunofluorescence coupled to laser-confocal microscopy to investigated the occurrence and distribution of periostin in different segments of the human gingival in healthy subjects. By Western blot a protein band with an estimated molecular mass of 94 kDa was observed. Periostin was localized at the epithelial-connective tissue junction, or among the fibers of the periodontal ligament, and never co-localized with cytokeratin or vimentin thus suggesting it is an extracellular protein. These results demonstrate the occurrence of periostin in adult human gingiva; its localization suggests a role in the bidirectional interactions between the connective tissue and the epithelial cells, and therefore in the physiopathological conditions in which these interactions are altered. Â
Testing brief intervention and phone contact among subjects with suicidal behavior: a randomized controlled trial in French Polynesia in the frames of the World Health Organization/Suicide Trends in At-Risk Territories study
Authors: Amadéo Stéphane , Rereao Moerani , Malogne Aurelia , Favro Patrick , Nguyen Ngoc Lam , Jehel Louis , Milner Allison , Kolves Kairi , De Leo Diego
Published: October 2015

The World Health Organization Suicide trends in at-risk territories study is a multi-site regional research program operating first in French Polynesia and countries of the Western Pacific, then extended to the world. The aims of the study were to establish a monitoring system for suicidal behaviors and to conduct a randomised control trial intervention for non-fatal suicidal behaviors. The latter part is the purpose of the present article. Over the period 2008-2010, 515 patients were admitted at the Emergency Department of the Centre Hospitalier de Polynésie Française for suicidal behavior. Those then hospitalized in the Psychiatry Emergency Unit were asked to be involved in the study and randomly allocated to either Treatment As Usual (TAU) or TAU plus Brief Intervention and Contact (BIC), which provides a psycho-education session and a follow-up of 9 phone contacts over an 18-months period. One hundred persons were assigned to TAU, while 100 participants were allocated to the BIC group. At the end of the follow-up there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of number of presentations to the hospital for repeated suicidal behaviors. Although the study could not demonstrate the superiority of a treatment over the other, nevertheless – given its importance – the investigation captured public attention and was able to contribute to the awareness of the need of suicide prevention in French Polynesia. The BIC model of intervention seemed to particularly suit the geographical and health care context of the country.
Reactions of psychiatric patients to telepsychiatry
Authors: Campbell Robbie , O'Gorman Jennifer , Cernovsky Zack Z.
Published: October 2015

Telepsychiatry could offer a viable medical service to remote or isolated social communities if it does not generate adverse reactions such as delusional ideation, particularly in patients in settlements without adequate exposure to mainstream culture and internet. We examined subjective reactions to telepsychiatry of randomly selected 84 psychiatric patients from remote locations in Ontario, Canada. They rated the quality of their teleconferencing sessions via 10 item questionnaire and were asked about advantages and disadvantages of telepsychiatry. The majority of patients indicated that they were able to communicate as if physically present (92.9%) and were comfortable with telepsychiatric service (95.2%). They found the sessions as beneficial as direct meetings with their psychiatrist (84.5%) and would use this service again (98.8%). There were no instances of telepsychiatry being associated with adverse reactions in patients from remote communities with inadequate exposure to modern mainstream culture and internet.
Three stitch hernioplasty: A novel technique for beginners
Authors: Patchayappan Manikandan , Narayanasamy Sangara Narayanan , Duraisamy Nagarajan
Published: October 2015

Objective: To analyze mesh fixation with minimum sutures and postoperative complications. Study Design: Prospective study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of General Surgery, Thanjavur Medical College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu, from July 2010 to June 2012. Materials and Methods: All inguinal hernia patients, who fulfilled the sample selection criteria, were admitted and planned for surgery. The prolene mesh is fashioned as in Lichtenstein's repair, placed and fixed only by three prolene stitches. The first stitch is made in the periosteum of pubic tubercle. The second stitch is taken in the inguinal ligament (1.5 cm lateral to the pubic tubercle) and the third stitch is from the medial most part of the conjoint tendon, that is, the mesh is fixed in the medial aspect alone. Results: Majority of the patients fall between the age group of 40 and 60 (72%) years and all are male patients. Of the total cases, 50% were right sided, 25% were left sided, and 25% were bilateral. Of the postoperative complications, 12% had seroma, 4% had hematoma, 2% developed surgical site infection, 2% developed chronic groin pain, 1% presented with recurrence, and none developed foreign body sinus. Conclusion: The incidence of long-term complications of three stitch hernioplasty are comparable to that of the other standard, tension-free open hernia repair as well as other laparoscopic procedures. Moreover, the three stitch hernioplasty method is a simple method, easy for the beginners to adopt, has less foreign body reaction, less time consuming, causes less tissue trauma, and lesser chance for vascular injury.
L’impact pluviométrique des divers types de régimes perturbés le long du couloir Saône-Rhône (France)
Authors: Blanchet Guy , Suchel Jean-Bernard
Published: October 2015

Les auteurs s’intéressent à l’impact pluviométrique des divers types de régimes météorologiques perturbés qui affectent le Couloir Saône-Rhône. Ceux-ci sont définis classiquement par le champ de pression et la direction des flux en surface et en altitude, ainsi que par la position des systèmes perturbés et leur trajectoire. A partir des précipitations journalières de la décennie 1991-2000, pour neuf stations échelonnées de Dijon à Marignane, l’étude porte sur la part des précipitations en % dans la pluviométrie totale pour les différents types de régimes, puis analyse, dans l’optique des excès climatiques, l’« efficacité pluviométrique », à savoir l’apport moyen de chaque type en mm/jour et le pourcentage de jours pluvieux recueillant au moins 20 mm.

L’article fait ressortir le rôle considérable des régimes de SW selon ces différents critères, avec des nuances sensibles du nord au sud. Les régimes d’W, qui sont les plus fréquents, ont un impact beaucoup moins important. Quant aux régimes de S, leur influence grandit au fur et à mesure qu’on se rapproche de la Méditerranée.

L’extension en latitude et l’inégale importance des reliefs encadrants créent des spécificités régionales :

Au N de Lyon, la contribution prépondérante des régimes de SW laisse néanmoins une place appréciable à celle des régimes d’W et NW.

De Lyon à Montélimar, à la faveur du resserrement du relief, le rôle des régimes de SW et S s’affirme vigoureusement.

A l’approche de la Méditerranée, les apports d’W et NW comptent peu, ceux de SW reflètent la régression de la pluviométrie générale, tandis que se renforce la part des précipitations de S.
Conditions de circulation atmosphérique et variabilité de la nébulosité en Pologne (1951-2000)
Authors: Żmudka E.
Published: October 2015

La présente communication fait état des résultats des recherches sur la variabilité de la nébulosité moyenne en Pologne dans la seconde moitié du XXe siècle et de ses rapports avec les caractéristiques de la circulation atmosphérique au-dessus de l’Europe Centrale. La description des conditions de circulation a été effectuée en partant des moyennes mensuelles de la pression atmosphérique, des gradients de la pression ainsi que du vecteur du vent géostrophique déterminés pour un territoire délimité par les parallèles 45° et 60°N et les méridiens 10° et 30°E. Les relations ont été décrites à l’aide des coefficients de corrélation et des coefficients de régression simple et multiple. On a défini les types de la circulation favorisant les valeurs anormales de la nébulosité saisonnière et annuelle. Vient enfin une comparaison des tendances pluriannuelles de la nébulosité et des caractéristiques associées de la circulation atmosphérique.
Downscaling à fine résolution spatiale des températures actuelles et futures par modélisation statistique des sorties ALADIN-Climat sur les Alpes-Maritimes (France)
Authors: Martin Nicolas , Carrega Pierre , Adnes Cyriel
Published: October 2015

L’objectif de ce travail consiste à régionaliser les sorties du modèle ALADIN-Climat du CNRM afin de renseigner localement l’évolution attendue des températures minimales et maximales à l’horizon de la moitié et de la fin du XXIème siècle. En croisant des variables prédictives décrivant au mieux l’environnement physique avec les températures en sortie du modèle ALADIN-Climat, des modèles de régressions multiples sont établis mensuellement pour la période 1961-1990. Les résultats obtenus offrent des résidus acceptables au regard du changement d’échelle opéré (passage de 12 km de résolution à 90 m). Ainsi, la même méthode est employée pour affiner la résolution spatiale des modélisations climatiques futures (2021-2050 et 2071-2100) selon les trois scénarios A2, A1B et B1.
Les submersions marines en manche orientale : approche inductive et naturaliste pour la caractérisation des facteurs responsables des inondations par la mer
Authors: Letortu Pauline , Costa Stéphane , Cantat Olivier
Published: October 2015

Après le passage de la tempête Xynthia fin février 2010, dont la gravité des inondations par la mer sur le littoral atlantique et en Manche a été exceptionnelle (en France, 47 morts et près de 2 milliards d’euros de dommages), l’étude des phénomènes météo-marins à l’origine de ces franchissements et leur prévision/prévention a connu un net regain d’intérêt. Cet article porte sur les côtes basses urbanisées du littoral normano-picard qui cumule de nombreux facteurs de prédisposition (ouverture aux flux d’ouest perturbés, crise sédimentaire des plages et faible altimétrie des vallées). Pour ces trois principales raisons, ces secteurs revêtent un intérêt tout particulier pour l’analyse du risque d’inondation par la mer. L’objectif du travail est double : d’une part, présenter l’inventaire des inondations (sur la période 1949-2010) et détecter une éventuelle évolution de la fréquence et de l’intensité de ces événements, en relation possible avec le changement climatique actuel; d’autre part, caractériser les divers paramètres météo-marins et morphologiques des plages aboutissant aux inondations par la mer. Au total, le croisement de la base de données « submersion » et des facteurs météo-marins confirme le rôle essentiel de la concomitance de conditions bien connues (fort vent d’afflux et haut niveau marin), ici renforcées par le passage d’un front froid au moment de la pleine mer. Mais quelques cas ne répondant pas à cette logique nous ont conduits à reprendre pas à pas la chaîne des facteurs explicatifs en adoptant une démarche inductive et naturaliste. Il s’agit de mettre en évidence l’action d’autres facteurs responsables des franchissements jusqu’à présent mal appréhendés. Ce nouveau regard, fondé sur l’observation de terrain et l’emboîtement des échelles spatiales et temporelles, a notamment permis de mettre en évidence le « temps de préparation » de la plage (abaissement de son profil) par des conditions météo-marines non nécessairement extrêmes, antérieures à l’inondation.
Étude du climat Ouest-Africain à l’aide du modèle atmosphérique régional M.A.R.
Authors: Kouassi Adjon , Assamoi Paul , Bigot Sylvain , Diawara Adama , Schayes Guy , Yoroba Fidèle , Kouassi Benjamin
Published: October 2015

Dans le but d’évaluer les performances du Modèle Atmosphérique Régional (MAR) sur l’Afrique de l’Ouest, une simulation de dix ans (1983 à 1992) est mise en œuvre et les résultats comparés aux données d’observation du Climatic Research Unit (CRU) et aux champs de forçage numérique du climat ERA-40. La simulation restitue favorablement la circulation régionale ouest-africaine, notamment l’intensité, la dynamique du flux de mousson dans les basses couches, ainsi que les différents régimes de vents zonaux en altitude (Jet d’Est Africain, Jet d’Est Tropical, Jet d’Ouest Subtropical). Le modèle restitue également la distribution spatiale et le cycle saisonnier des précipitations. Cependant, les cumuls annuels de précipitations sont sous estimés sur l’ensemble de l’Afrique de l’Ouest. Le modèle MAR simule également avec quelques difficultés la variabilité interannuelle des précipitations. Toutefois, dans l’ensemble, le modèle régional MAR se révèle un outil appréciable et pertinent dans l’étude des changements climatiques et de leurs impacts en Afrique de l’Ouest.
Étude comparative de la température en forêt et en espace ouvert dans le parc naturel régional du Haut-Jura
Authors: Joly Daniel
Published: October 2015

Deux réseaux de stations sont utilisés pour évaluer les différences de température entre espaces ouverts et forestiers. Chacune des 14 stations gérées par Météo-France sur la montagne et les plateaux du Jura a été appariée à une station spécifique implantée dans la forêt la plus proche. Les minimums et maximums quotidiens enregistrés du 1ermai 2011 au 31 octobre 2013 permettent de mesurer les écarts de température entre ces couples de stations. Sous couvert forestier, les minimums sont plus doux de 1 à 2°C et les maximums plus frais de 3 à 4°C que dans les espaces ouverts. Par rapport aux espaces ouverts adjacents, l’écart moyen le plus élevé touche les températures journalières minimales d’été sous sapinière (+1,3°C) tandis que les formations de hêtraie-sapinière et de feuillus présentent les écarts les plus faibles (+0,4 et 0°C). Lors des maximales journalières d’été, les écarts les plus élevés concernent les feuillus et les sapinières (-3,6 et -3,1°C) tandis que les moins élevés (-2,1°C) affectent les hêtraies sapinières. En décembre, les écarts sont faibles (+0,2 et -1,3°C lors des minimales et des maximales). L’altitude est la variable qui structure le plus vigoureusement la variation spatiale des températures des deux milieux. Les gradients thermiques liés à l’altitude sont plus faibles lors des minimums (-0,47°C/100 m) que lors des maximums (-0,58°C/100 m).