bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ceramic IR Emitter with Spectral Match to GaSb PV Cells for TPV
Authors: fraas Lewis M. , Qiu Kuanrong
Published: February 2013

A high temperature ceramic selective emitter for thermophotovoltaic (TPV) electric generators is described with a spectral match to GaSb IR cells. While solar cells generate electricity quietly and are lightweight, traditional solar cells are used with sunlight and only generate electricity during the day. Workers at JX Crystals invented the GaSb IR cell as a booster cell to demonstrate a solar cell conversion efficiency of 35%. JX Crystals now makes these IR cells. In TPV, these cells can potentially be used with flame heated ceramic emitters to generate electricity quietly day and night. One of the most important requirements for TPV is a good spectral match between the ceramic IR emitted and the IR PV cells. The first problem is to find, demonstrate, and integrate a doped ceramic IR emitter with a spectral match to these GaSb cells. Recently, nickel oxide and cobalt oxide doped MgO-based ceramics have been shown experimentally and theoretically to have spectral selectivity but no attempts have been made to integrate these ceramic IR emitters into a fully operational TPV generator. Herein, we review the history of TPV and note that a key to future progress will be the integration of an appropriate ceramic emitter with cells and a burner to demonstrate an operational TPV generator. Integrating TPV into a residential boiler is discussed as a potential future large volume commercial market.
Electrochemical Deposition of Bismuth Micro- and Nanowires Using Electroplate and Lift Lithography
Authors: Hohl Timea , Lepak Lori A. , Zimmerman Andrew , Hempel Samuel , Sumant Anirudha V. , Divan Ralu , Miller C. Suzanne , Rosenmann Daniel , Verzani Christopher , Takács Endre , Zach Michael P.
Published: February 2013

Patterned micro- and nanowires of several compositions in the solution series of BixTey were electrochemically deposited using Electroplate and Lift (E&L) Lithography on Ultrananocrystalline Diamond (UNCD) templates. The composition of the deposited BixTey wires was controlled by mixing saturated solutions of bismuth nitrate and tellurium in various ratios in the electroplating bath. All wires were electroplated via pulsed depositions at -1.4V vs. the saturated calomel electrode (SCE). The morphology and composition of all wires were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). In general, the BixTey wires were fine-grained and brittle, often fracturing during the liftoff process. By contrast, wires containing less than 5% Te are smooth, and strong enough to support their own weight without a supporting medium for a length of over 100 times the wire diameter.
Application of Quantum Dots to Solar Cells to Increase Efficiency
Authors: Botros Chris , Savage Richard
Published: February 2013

The goal of this work is to increase the efficiency of conventional solar cells by incorporating quantum dot (QD) nanoparticles in the absorption mechanism. The strategy is to have the QDs absorb UV and fluoresce photons in the visible region that are more readily absorbed by the cells. The outcome is that the cells have more visible photons to absorb and have increased power output. The QDs, having a CdSe core and a ZnS shell, were applied to the solar cells as follows: (1) The QDs were first synthesized in a solution. (2) They were then removed from the solution and dried. (3) The dried QDs are then deposited into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and the PDMS/QD composite is allowed to cure. (4) The cured sample is applied to a silicon solar panel. The panel with the PDMS/QD application outputs 2.5% more power than the one without, under identical AM1.5 illumination using QDs that fluoresce in the orange region. This work demonstrates the feasibility of incorporating QDs to increase the efficiency of conventional solar cells. Because the cells absorb better in the red region, future effort will be to use QDs that fluoresce in that region to further boost cell output.
Fabrication of Mg2Si bulk by spark plasma sintering method with Mg2Si nano-powder
Authors: Arai Koya , Nishio Keishi , Miyamoto Norifumi , Sunohara Kota , Sakamoto Tatsuya , Hyodo Hiroshi , Hirayama Naomi , Kogo Yasuo , Iida Tsutomu
Published: February 2013

Mg2Si bulk was fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) nano-powder, and the thermoelectric characteristics of the bulk sample were evaluated at temperatures up to 873 K. A pre-synthesized all-molten commercial polycrystalline Mg2Si source (un-doped n-type semiconductor) was pulverized into powder of 75 μm or less. To obtain nano-sized fine powder, the powder was milled using planetary ball mill equipment under an inert atmosphere. Fine Mg2Si nano-powder with a mean grain size of about 500 nm was obtained. XRD analysis confirmed that no MgO existed in the nano-powder. The fine powder was put in a graphite die to obtain a sintering body of Mg2Si and treated by SPS under vacuum conditions. The resulting Mg2Si bulk had high density and did not crack. However, the XRD analysis revealed a small amount of MgO in it. The thermoelectric properties (electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity) were measured from room temperature to 873 K. The microstructure of the sintered body was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The maximum dimensionless figure of merit of a sample made from Mg2Si nano-powder was ZT = 0.67 at 873 K.
Power generation performance of π-structure thermoelectric device using NaCo2O4 and Mg2Si elements
Authors: Nakamura Tomoyuki , Hatakeyama Kazuya , Minowa Masahiro , Mito Youhiko , Arai Koya , Iida Tsutomu , Nishio Keishi
Published: February 2013

Thermoelectric power generation has been attracting attention as a technology for waste heat utilization in which thermal energy is directly converted into electric energy. It is well known that layered cobalt oxide compounds such as NaCo2O4 and Ca3Co4O9 have high thermoelectric properties in p-type oxide semiconductors. However, in most cases, the thermoelectric properties in n-type oxide materials are not as high. Therefore, n-type magnesium silicide (Mg2Si) has been studied as an alternative due to its non-toxicity, environmental friendliness, lightweight property, and comparative abundance compared with other TE systems. In this study, we fabricated π-structure thermoelectric power generation devices using p-type NaCo2O4 elements and n-type Mg2Si elements. The p- and n-type sintering bodies were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS). To reduce the resistance at the interface between elements and electrodes, we processed the surface of the elements before fabricating the devices. The end face of a Mg2Si element was covered with Ni by SPS and that of a NaCo2O4 element was coated with Ag by silver paste and soldering.

The thermoelectric device consisted of 18 pairs of p-type and n-type legs connected with Ag electrodes. The cross-sectional and thickness dimensions of the p-type elements were 3.0 mm × 5.0 mm × 7.6 mm (t) and those of the n-type elements were 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 7.6 mm (t). The open circuit voltage was 1.9 V and the maximum output power was 1.4 W at a heat source temperature of 873 K and a cooling water temperature of 283 K in air.
Iron Modified Graphitized Carbon Aerogels for Sustainable Energy Applications
Authors: Kolla Praveen , Kerce Kimberly , Zhao Yong , Houk Joseph , Normah Yahaya , Rhine Wendell , Smirnova Alevtina
Published: February 2013

Mesoporous carbon aerogel has been impregnated with iron (10 and 15 wt. %) as a catalyst for graphitization by wet incipient method. The iron modified and non-modified carbon aerogels were heat treated at 900°C, 1200°C, and 1400°C in argon. The crystal structure, morphology, and electro catalytic activity of the resulting nano-composites have been studied. It was found that, the degree of graphitization was proportional to the concentration of Iron phase and the ratio of iron to iron nitride phase in the heat-treated samples. In carbon aerogel sample sintered at 1200°C with 15 wt. % of iron phase, mesoporosity in the range of 3-4 nm and microporosity (< 2nm) was significantly improved by graphitization without affecting the Carbon Aerogels mesoporosity in 10-30 nm range. In this case of 15 wt. % iron doped samples, HRTEM analysis confirms the presence of uniformly distributed ∼43.5nm iron nanoparticles surrounded by graphene layers. Correspondingly, improved graphitization and presence of iron nitride resulted in 3.65 electron assisted oxygen reduction reaction.
Comparison of runoff quantity and quality under annual cropping and forages
Authors: Miller J. J. , Curtis T. , Chanasyk D. S.
Published: February 2013

Conversion from annual cropping to perennial forages may be a beneficial management practice (BMP) to reduce runoff quantity and improve surface water quality. Runoff variables were determined in two 30 ha producer's fields over 4 years (2004–2007) using a rainfall simulator. Field 1 was cropped to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in 2004 and then an alfalfa (Medicago sp.) and grass mix used for hay and fall grazing was grown from 2005 to 2007. Field 2 was cropped to barley-winter triticale (WT) (Triticosecale Rimpavi Wittm.) in 2005 and alfalfa-grass for hay was grown in 2006 and 2007. Runoff variables measured were runoff depth, electrical conductivity, and concentrations and loads of total suspended solids, total N, total P, and dissolved reactive P fractions. Conversion from barley to alfalfa-grass for hay and fall grazing in Field 1 resulted in reductions for only 13% of the 10 runoff variables, 33% of runoff variables were unaffected, and 53% of variables were significantly increased. Conversion from barley-WT to alfalfa-grass used for hay in Field 2 significantly reduced 25% of the 10 variables, 40% were unaffected, and 35% were significantly increased. Converting from annual cropping to forage did not improve the majority of runoff variables.
Introducing layer of protection analysis for water safety risk assessments
Authors: Bradshaw Roland Alexander , Illaszewicz George Leslie , Avrahamson Yehoshuah Gershom
Published: February 2013

In pursuing their mandate of providing good and safe drinking water, water system operators and asset owners work continuously towards developing and maintaining the trust and confidence of their customers. The goal of developing and maintaining customer trust has led to an increased emphasis in the water sector to explicitly assess and manage risks. In this paper, we introduce Layers of Protection Analysis (LOPA) as an approach to assessing technical and organizational risk in the water industry. LOPA offers a robust, rational and defensible approach for assessing the adequacy of independent protection layers (IPLs), such as treatment units, standard operating procedures and incident response procedures, used to mitigate environmental and process risks in water supply systems. The strength of LOPA is not only its ability to facilitate a review of technical systems' reliability, but also its versatility to be used for the review of organizational resilience under trying conditions and the opportunity to learn from failure. This is demonstrated in this paper with a review of more than 400 incidents affecting a large water utility serving some six million customers between 1997 and 2006.
Occurrence and predictive correlations of Escherichia coli and Enterococci at Sandpoint beach (Lake St Clair), Windsor, Ontario and Holiday beach (Lake Erie), Amherstburg, Ontario
Authors: McPhedran Kerry , Seth Rajesh , Bejankiwar Rajesh
Published: February 2013

Point and nonpoint sources contribute to fecal contamination of surface waters by human pathogens that exist at low concentrations and are difficult, expensive, and/or impossible to easily detect. Therefore, fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) are used as surrogates in identification of fecal contamination, including Escherichia coli (EC) and Enterococcus spp. (ENT), at recreational beaches to protect from adverse health effects from exposure to water-borne pathogens. The objective of the current study was to conduct a preliminary investigation of the environmental processes contributing to the nature and significance of FIB (EC and ENT) over 30 d at Sandpoint beach (Windsor, Ontario) and Holiday beach (Amherstburg, Ontario). Daily, three 100 mL samples were collected for EC and ENT for analysis by Colilert® and Entrolert®, respectively. Additionally, physicochemical and hydrometerological data were measured or taken from data archives. Both EC and ENT populations were dynamic and well correlated to each other (p < 0.05; analysis of variance (ANOVA)) and both FIB correlated with turbidity and wave height (p < 0.10; ANOVA). Despite being geographically close and therefore having similar meteorological data, both beaches exhibited markedly different FIB, turbidity and wave height data, suggesting that beach-specific data should be considered for any future predictive applications.
Successive gamma-ray irradiation and corresponding post-irradiation annealing of pMOS dosimeters
Authors: Pejovic Milic , Pejovic Momcilo , Jaksic Aleksandar , Stankovic Koviljka , Markovic Slavoljub
Published: February 2013

The paper investigates a possibility of pMOS dosimeter re-use for the
measurement of gamma-ray irradiation. The dosimeters were irradiated to the
dose of 35 Gy, annealed at room and elevated temperatures, after which they
were irradiated again to the same dose value. Changes in the threshold
voltage shift during those processes were followed, and it was shown that
their re-use depends on a gate polarization during irradiation. For the gate
polarization of 5 V during irradiation the pMOS dosimeters can be re-used for
measurements of the irradiation dose after annealing without prior
calibration. The pMOS dosimeters with the gate polarization during
irradiation of 2.5 V can also be re-used for irradiation dose measurements
but they require calibration. It is shown that for their re-use it is
necessary to anneal the pMOS dosimeter so that the fading is higher than 50%.
Analysis of interferences from full energy peaks in gamma spectrometry of NORM and TENORM samples
Authors: Zivanovic Milos , Nikolic Jelena , Apostol Andrei , Anagnostakis Marios
Published: February 2013

A considerable number of primordial radioisotopes are present in almost all
the samples extracted from the Earth?s crust, such as oil, rock, soil or
other materials. Their concentrations are often determined by gamma
spectrometry. Although the relative concentrations of isotopes often
fluctuate within a narrow range, it is not always the case. Some natural
materials (such as naturally occurring radioactive material) show unusual
activity ratio between 238U and 232Th, while technologically processed
materials (technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material)
might also introduce significant disequilibrium in radioactive chains.
Knowing that primordial radioisotopes emit in total more than a thousand
gamma and characteristic X-ray photons and that many of them interfere with
each other, a question arises whether for some activity ratios commonly used
photopeaks become useless for quantitative analysis, due to interferences
with other photopeaks. A computer program was developed in order to calculate
full energy photon interferences for any chosen photopeak. The calculations
are based on the inputs in the form of isotope activities and detector
calibration equations and its characteristics are presented in this paper.
Medical error as a basis for legal responsibility of physicians and health facilities
Authors: Pocuca Milan , Sarkic Nebojsa , Mrvic-Petrovic Natasa
Published: February 2013

nema
Nasal septum extramedullary plasmacytoma
Authors: Belic Branislav , Mitrovic Slobodanka , Arsenijevic Snezana , Erdevicki Ljiljana , Stojanovic Jasmina , Stojanovic Stevan , Stolic Radojica
Published: February 2013

Introduction. Plasmacytomas are malignant tumors characterized by abnormal
monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells. They originate in either bone -
solitary osseous plasmacytoma, or in soft tissue - extramedullary
plasmacytoma (EMP). EMP represents less than 1% of all head and neck
malignancies. Case report. We presented a case of EMP of the nasal septum in
a 44-year-old male who had progressive difficulty in breathing through the
nose and frequent heavy epistaxis on the right side. Nasal endoscopy showed
dark red, soft, polypoid tumor in the last third of the right nasal cavity
arising from the nasal septum. The biopsy showed that it was plasmacytoma.
Bence Jones protein in the urine, serum electrophoresis, bone marrow biopsy,
skeletal survey and other screening tests failed to detect multiple myeloma.
This confirmed the diagnosis of EMP. The mass was completely removed via an
endoscopic approach, and then, 4 week later, radiotherapy was conducted with
a radiation dose of 50 Gray. No recurrence was noted in a 3-year follow- up
period. Conclusion. EMP of the nasal cavity, being rare and having long
natural history, represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for any
ear, nose and throat surgeon. Depending on the resectability of the lesion, a
combined therapy is the accepted treatment.
Malignant stromal tumor of the stomach with giant cystic liver metastases prior to treatment with imatinib mesylate
Authors: Colovic Radoje , Micev Marjan , Matic Slavko , Colovic Natasa , Grubor Nikica , Atkinson Dushan
Published: February 2013

Introduction. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare and account
for 0.1%-3% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. GISTs are most commonly
located in the stomach (60%) and 20%-25% are malignant, with metastases
involving the peritoneum or the liver. Cystic liver metastases are extremely
rare. Only two previous cases of patients with cystic liver metastases,
prior to treatment with imatinib mesylate, have been described so far. Case
report. We reported a 52-year-old woman presented with a history of
abdominal fullness and discomfort. Clinical examination revealed two
palpable masses, first in the right upper abdomen and second left to the
umbilicus. Examinations revealed 4 cystic metastases in the liver, 3 in the
right lobe (including a huge one measuring 20.5 x 16 cm), and 1 in the left
lobe, together with a primary tumor on the greater curvature of the stomach.
Gastric tumor was removed with a Billroth II gastrectomy. Partial excision
of the largest liver metastasis was performed for histopathology.
Immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of a GIST in both tissue
samples. After an uneventful recovery the patient was commenced on imatinib
mesylate therapy. The patient remainsed symptom-free at 24 months follow-up.
Conclusion. This was the third reported case of gastric GIST with giant
cystic liver metastases present prior to treatment with imatinib mesylate.
Although extremely rare, GISTs may present with cystic liver metastases
prior to treatment with imatinib mesylate, and should be considered in the
differential diagnoses of patients with liver cysts of uncertain aetiology.
The effect of breast shielding during lumbar spine radiography
Authors: Mekiš Nejc , Zontar Dejan , Skrk Damijan
Published: February 2013

Background. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of lead shielding on the dose to female breasts in conventional x-ray lumbar spine imaging. The correlation between the body mass index and the dose received by the breast was also investigated.

Materials and methods. Breast surface dose was measured by thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD). In the first phase measurements of breast dose with and without shielding from lumbar spine imaging in two projections were conducted on an anthropomorphic phantom. In the second stage measurements were performed on 100 female patients, randomly divided into two groups of 50, with breast shielding only used in one group.

Results. On average, breast exposure dose in lumbar spine imaging in both projections (anteroposterior (AP) and lateral) was found reduced by approximately 80% (p < 0,001) when shielding with 0.5 mm lead equivalent was used (from 0.45±0.25 mGy to 0.09±0.07 mGy on the right and from 0.26±0.14 mGy to 0.06±0.04 mGy on the left breast). No correlation between the body mass index (BMI) and the breast surface radiation dose was observed.

Conclusions. Although during the lumbar spine imaging breasts receive low-dose exposure even when shielding is not used, the dose can be reduced up to 80% by breast shielding with no influence on the image quality.
Epirubicin and docetaxel as neoadjuvant treatment of hormone receptor positive, HER-2 negative breast cancer: findings from two successive phase II studies
Authors: Tuzi Alessandro , Lombardi Davide , Crivellari Diana , Militello Loredana , Perin Tiziana , La Grassa Manuela , Massarut Samuele , Veronesi Andrea
Published: February 2013

Background. We report on the activity of the combination of epirubicin and docetaxel given in neoadjuvant setting for 4 and 8 cycles respectively in 2 successive series of patients with large operable or locally advanced, hormone receptor positive, HER-2 negative breast cancer. Patients and methods. Patients were treated from 2002 to 2006 with epirubicin 90 mg/m2 and docetaxel 75 mg/ m2 intravenously, every 3 weeks for 4 cycles before and 4 cycles after surgery (Series I - 13 patients), and from 2006 to 2010 with the same regimen administered for 8 cycles preoperatively (Series II - 37 patients), plus hormonal therapy for 5 years and radiation therapy if indicated. All Series I and 32 Series II patients were able to complete the preoperative chemotherapy.

Results. A complete response was found in 1 patient from Series I and 13 patients from Series II and the partial remission in 10 patients from Series I and 21 patients from Series II. Two Series I and 3 Series II patients did not respond clinically. Response rate (Series I/Series II) was 84/92%. All 50 patients underwent surgery. In Series I patients, 3 pCR occurred in the breast and the axilla was histologically negative in 2 cases. No evidence of disease both in the breast and in the axilla was achieved in 7.6% (1/13) of patients. In Series II patients, 8 pCR occurred in the breast and axilla was histologically negative in 15 patients. No evidence of disease both in the breast and in the axilla occurred in 10.8% (4/37) of patients. G3-G4 toxicity included myelosuppression in 3 patients from Series I and all patients from Series II, and mucositis in 1 patient from Series I and 4 patients from series II. No other G3-4 toxicities or toxic deaths occurred. Five-year progression free survival was 38% and 90% in Series I and Series II patients respectively.

Conclusions. The incidence of pathologic complete remissions was lower in our patient population, compared to reported data. A longer duration of the preoperative treatment might be associated with a longer progression-free survival.
Physical Fitness Level of 1st Year Medicine and Physiotherapy Students of Lublin Medical University
Authors: Kotwica Agnieszka , Majcher Piotr
Published: February 2013

Introduction
. The development of civilization is leading to lifestyle changes and diminishing physical activity as well as various types of sicknesses caused by a lack of movement. In order to reduce these negative effects we should maintain a proper level of physical activity, which is often regarded as a contributing factor to positive health levels.
Material and
st
methods
. The aim of this report is the assessment of physical fitness levels of 1st year male and female students of medicine and physiotherapy faculties at Lublin Medical University. The test was conducted on a group of 103 female and 52 male students of medicine as well as 50 female and 11 male students of physiotherapy. The survey was based on the Pilcz motor skills test and Denisiuk endurance test.
Results and conclusions
. The analysis of results showed differences in physical fitness between sexes while there were hardly any differences between the students of the two faculties. The overall level of physical fitness has been specified as the lower limit of the average level.
The Competences of Physical Education Students. Unified Versus Two-Tier University Studies
Authors: Buchta Krystyna
Published: February 2013

Introduction
. The objective of the study was a comparative analysis of the results of unified and two-tier university studies in physical education at the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport in Biała Podlaska of the University of Physical Education in Warsaw.
Material and methods
. The study utilized 128 full-time final semester students. The study utilized a diagnostic poll and random survey method. On the basis of respondents' opinions, the following results were analyzed: respondents' expectations regarding their education and the level of their fulfilment, forms of activities undertaken during studies, professional plans and opinions regarding the course of studies in PE.
Results
. The analysis revealed that, when making the decision to study physical education, respondents expected to gain directional competences and knowledge and skills enabling further education. Respondents highly regarded the level of these competences gained. The majority of respondents expressed a wish to find employment in the education sector and other institutions of physical education.
Conclusion
. The result of the research indicated that transforming unified Master's studies into two-tier university studies did not bring about fundamental changes in the outcome of studies in physical education.
Lexical Gaps in Romanian From the Perspective of English: The Case of Culinary Verbs
Authors: Coste Octavian
Published: February 2013

This paper aims at presenting the lexical gaps which occur when translating a text from English into Romanian. In the first part of the paper causes for and types of lexical gaps, common strategies for dealing with lexical gaps in the process of translating are investigated and illustrated. The analysis made in the second part of the paper focuses on English verbs expressing the technique of cooking in water. The verbs which lead to lexical gaps in Romanian are insisted upon and the appropriate solutions to fill in these gaps are offered.
Verbal Forms In Specialized Written Discourse
Authors: Dimković-Telebaković Gordana
Published: February 2013

The frequency and the distribution of verbal forms are analyzed in eleven professional texts for six fields of transport and traffic engineering, in a corpus of 7,215 lexemes. The analysis shows that passive forms, for example, occur far less than active forms. Certain functions and meanings of the most frequently used verbal forms are then discussed.
Going Back to One’s Roots: The Revival of Oral Storytelling Techniques in The English Contemporary Novel
Authors: Băniceru Ana Cristina
Published: February 2013

My paper examines the interplay between the sophisticated postmodernist techniques of intertextuality, parody, metafiction and a return to orality or better said of pseudo-orality, a simulated-oral discourse or what the Russian Formalists called “skaz”, brought about by much postcolonial, ethnic or feminist literature.
Tragic Innocence in Philip Roth’s American Pastoral
Authors: Glăvan Gabriela
Published: February 2013

American Pastoral is not only an elegiac fictional biography, but an in-depth analysis of the demise of the American dream in the context of post-war social and cultural mutations. The loss of innocence echoes the tragic mythical Fall from Paradise and the novel’s main characters, Seymour “Swede” Levov and his daughter, Merry, mirror this process in a complex and meaningful way.
The Emergence of the Archaic in Margaret Drabble’s the Radiant Way and a Natural Curiosity
Authors: Mărăşescu Amalia
Published: February 2013

Margaret Drabble’s novels are set in contemporary England and deal with contemporary issues, but still contain reminiscences of an archaic mentality. The paper will discuss several such reminiscences, like the myth of the good savage, the nostalgia for the lost paradise or the references to the archetype of the Creation.
JOSPT Awards Honor Authors for Hip and Shoulder Work
Authors: Simoneau Guy G.
Published: February 2013

During APTA's Combined Sections Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana in February 2011, the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy recognized for the seventh time the most outstanding research article and clinical practice article published in JOSPT within a calendar year. The JOSPT Excellence in Research Award is presented to the best article published within the category of research reports. The George G. Davies — James A. Gould Excellence in Clinical Inquiry Award is given to the best article among the categories of case reports, resident's case problems, clinical commentaries, and literature reviews. An award committee consisting of the JOSPT editor-in-chief, 2 JOSPT associate editors, and the research chairs of the Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy Sections selected the recipients for the past year. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(3):128–129. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.0103
Structural Requirements for the Antifungal Activities of Natural Drimane Sesquiterpenes and Analogues, Supported by Conformational and Electronic Studies
Authors: Derita Marcos , Montenegro Iván , Garibotto Francisco , Enriz Ricardo , Fritis Mauricio , Zacchino Susana
Published: February 2013

Seventeen drimanes including polygodial (1), isopolygodial (2), drimenol (3) and confertifolin (4) obtained from natural sources and the semi-synthetic derivatives 5–17 obtained from 1–3, were evaluated in vitro for antifungal properties against a unique panel of fungi with standardized procedures by using two end-points, MIC100 and MIC50. A SAR analysis of the whole series, supported by conformational and electronic studies, allowed us to show that the Δ7,8 -double bond would be one of the key structural features related to the antifungal activity. The MEPs obtained for active compounds exhibit a clear negative minimum value (deep red zone) in the vicinity of the Δ7,8 -double bond, which is not present in the inactive ones. Apart of this negative zone, a positive region (deep blue) appears in 1, which is not observed either in its epimer 2 nor in the rest of the active compounds. The LogP of active compounds varies between 2.33 and 3.84, but differences in MICs are not correlated with concomitant variations in LogP values.
Flood Mapping and Flood Dynamics of the Mekong Delta: ENVISAT-ASAR-WSM Based Time Series Analyses
Authors: Kuenzer Claudia , Guo Huadong , Huth Juliane , Leinenkugel Patrick , Li Xinwu , Dech Stefan
Published: February 2013

Satellite remote sensing is a valuable tool for monitoring flooding. Microwave sensors are especially appropriate instruments, as they allow the differentiation of inundated from non-inundated areas, regardless of levels of solar illumination or frequency of cloud cover in regions experiencing substantial rainy seasons. In the current study we present the longest synthetic aperture radar-based time series of flood and inundation information derived for the Mekong Delta that has been analyzed for this region so far. We employed overall 60 Envisat ASAR Wide Swath Mode data sets at a spatial resolution of 150 meters acquired during the years 2007–2011 to facilitate a thorough understanding of the flood regime in the Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam comprises 13 provinces and is home to 18 million inhabitants. Extreme dry seasons from late December to May and wet seasons from June to December characterize people’s rural life. In this study, we show which areas of the delta are frequently affected by floods and which regions remain dry all year round. Furthermore, we present which areas are flooded at which frequency and elucidate the patterns of flood progression over the course of the rainy season. In this context, we also examine the impact of dykes on floodwater emergence and assess the relationship between retrieved flood occurrence patterns and land use. In addition, the advantages and shortcomings of ENVISAT ASAR-WSM based flood mapping are discussed. The results contribute to a comprehensive understanding of Mekong Delta flood dynamics in an environment where the flow regime is influenced by the Mekong River, overland water-flow, anthropogenic floodwater control, as well as the tides.
Recent Trend and Advance of Synthetic Aperture Radar with Selected Topics
Authors: Ouchi Kazuo
Published: February 2013

The present article is an introductory paper in this special issue on synthetic aperture radar (SAR). A short review is presented on the recent trend and development of SAR and related techniques with selected topics, including the fields of applications, specifications of airborne and spaceborne SARs, and information contents in and interpretations of amplitude data, interferometric SAR (InSAR) data, and polarimetric SAR (PolSAR) data. The review is by no means extensive, and as such only brief summaries of of each selected topics and key references are provided. For further details, the readers are recommended to read the literature given in the references theirin.
Creation of 3D Multi-Body Orthodontic Models by Using Independent Imaging Sensors
Authors: Barone Sandro , Paoli Alessandro , Razionale Armando
Published: February 2013

In the field of dental health care, plaster models combined with 2D radiographs are widely used in clinical practice for orthodontic diagnoses. However, complex malocclusions can be better analyzed by exploiting 3D digital dental models, which allow virtual simulations and treatment planning processes. In this paper, dental data captured by independent imaging sensors are fused to create multi-body orthodontic models composed of teeth, oral soft tissues and alveolar bone structures. The methodology is based on integrating Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and surface structured light scanning. The optical scanner is used to reconstruct tooth crowns and soft tissues (visible surfaces) through the digitalization of both patients’ mouth impressions and plaster casts. These data are also used to guide the segmentation of internal dental tissues by processing CBCT data sets. The 3D individual dental tissues obtained by the optical scanner and the CBCT sensor are fused within multi-body orthodontic models without human supervisions to identify target anatomical structures. The final multi-body models represent valuable virtual platforms to clinical diagnostic and treatment planning.
Agroecosystem Analysis of the Choke Mountain Watersheds, Ethiopia
Authors: Simane Belay , Zaitchik Benjamin , Ozdogan Mutlu
Published: February 2013

Tropical highland regions are experiencing rapid climate change. In these regions the adaptation challenge is complicated by the fact that elevation contrasts and dissected topography produce diverse climatic conditions that are often accompanied by significant ecological and agricultural diversity within a relatively small region. Such is the case for the Choke Mountain watersheds, in the Blue Nile Highlands of Ethiopia. These watersheds extend from tropical alpine environments at over 4000 m elevation to the hot and dry Blue Nile gorge that includes areas below 1000 m elevation, and contain a diversity of slope forms and soil types. This physical diversity and accompanying socio-economic contrasts demand diverse strategies for enhanced climate resilience and adaptation to climate change. To support development of locally appropriate climate resilience strategies across the Blue Nile Highlands, we present here an agroecosystem analysis of Choke Mountain, under the premise that the agroecosystem—the intersection of climatic and physiographic conditions with agricultural practices—is the most appropriate unit for defining adaptation strategies in these primarily subsistence agriculture communities. To this end, we present two approaches to agroecosystem analysis that can be applied to climate resilience studies in the Choke Mountain watersheds and, as appropriate, to other agroecologically diverse regions attempting to design climate adaptation strategies. First, a full agroecoystem analysis was implemented in collaboration with local communities. It identified six distinct agroecosystems that differ systematically in constraints and adaptation potential. This analysis was then paired with an objective landscape classification trained to identify agroecosystems based on climate and physiographic setting alone. It was found that the distribution of Choke Mountain watershed agroecosystems can, to first order, be explained as a function of prevailing climate. This suggests that the conditions that define current agroecosystems are likely to migrate under a changing climate, requiring adaptive management strategies. These agroecosystems show a remarkable degree of differentiation in terms of production orientation and socio-economic characteristics of the farming communities suggesting different options and interventions towards building resilience to climate change.
L'éclatement de l'État
Authors: Hassner Pierre , Padis Marc-Olivier
Published: February 2013

Résumé L’État-providence et l’État guerrier sont aujourd’hui en crise, car la cohérence de l’État, dans ses diverses composantes, n’apparaît plus ; dès lors, dans les États « anciens », la tentation est grande de se replier sur un territoire ou une communauté, et, là où de nouveaux États se créent, ils peinent à se construire et à affirmer leur légitimité.
Réinventer la relation de service public
Authors: Ginsbourger Francis
Published: February 2013

Résumé La fiction du public homogène, longtemps portée par les institutions, est en train de s’effriter. On parle beaucoup d’incivilités, d’usagers se comportant en clients, d’agents fatigués qui ne croient plus en leur mission. Mais ne faut-il pas prendre le problème par un tout autre angle, apprendre à mieux connaître les publics pour les faire participer à l’élaboration des services qu’on leur propose ?
Hinged External Fixator and Open Surgery for Severe Elbow Stiffness With Distal Humeral Nonunion
Authors: Ouyang Yuanming , Liao Yi , Liu Zhongtang , Fan Cunyi
Published: February 2013

Joint stiffness is a common complication of elbow trauma. Treating elbow stiffness is challenging, especially in patients with severe elbow stiffness with distal humeral nonunion.

To improve treatment outcomes, the authors applied a hinged external fixator after performing open reduction and internal fixation and evaluated the clinical outcome. Between 2005 and 2011, eleven patients with elbow stiffness and distal humeral nonunion underwent open arthrolysis, surgical reduction, internal fixation, hinged external fixation, and selective bone grafting. The ulnar nerve was anteriorly transposed in all patients. Elbow range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and radiographs were assessed pre- and postoperatively. All patients achieved solid union in an average of 5.6 months. Preoperatively, mean flexion was 86.8°, mean extension was 45.5°, and mean total range of motion was 41.3°. Postoperatively, mean flexion was 125.9°, mean extension was 11.8°, and mean total range of motion was 114.1°. Mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score also significantly improved from 59 points preoperatively to 87.2 points postoperatively, and 6 patients were scored as excellent (more than 90 points), 3 good (75–90 points), and 2 fair (60–74 points) according to the Mayo Elbow Performace Score.

A stiff elbow with distal humeral nonunion can be treated successfully using a unilateral hinged external fixator to supplement the open reduction and internal fixation. A hinged external fixator was an effective rehabilitation method for improving range of motion and maintaining joint stability.
Extended Neviaser Portal Approach to Antegrade Humeral Nailing
Authors: Dilisio Matthew F. , Fitzgerald Ryan E. , Miller Eric T.
Published: February 2013

Certain arthropathies can distort the normal acromiohumeral relationship and make traditional anterolateral access to the proximal humerus for nailing difficult or impossible. This article presents a case of bilateral antegrade humeral nailing in which the Neviaser portal approach was used for humeral shaft fractures in a patient with distorted shoulder anatomy secondary to severe cuff tear arthropathy and rheumatoid arthritis. Based on a literature review, extending the traditional superomedial (Neviaser) portal to the shoulder to perform humeral nailing has never been described clinically.

An 85-year-old woman with rheumatoid arthritis and bilateral cuff tear arthropathy presented after a mechanical fall from standing height with bilateral acute humeral shaft fractures. Preoperative fluoroscopy confirmed the inability to access the traditional starting point with an anterolateral approach due to a shield acromion resulting from cuff tear arthropathy and rheumatoid arthritis. Bilateral locked antegrade humeral nails were successfully placed through a 3-cm incision just off the medial border of the acromion and directly posterior to the acromioclavicular joint (the extended Neviaser portal approach). Postoperatively, the patient demonstrated early evidence of clinical and radiographic union. She was able to return to her preinjury function level, with an active range of motion comparable with her baseline.

The Neviaser portal approach to antegrade humeral nailing is an effective solution to diaphyseal humeral fractures when access to the traditional anterolateral proximal humeral starting port is not possible due to distorted shoulder anatomy.
Use of a Continuous External Tissue Expander in the Conversion of a Type IIIB Fracture to a Type IIIA Fracture
Authors: Formby Peter , Flint James , Gordon Wade T. , Fleming Mark , Andersen Romney C.
Published: February 2013

Various methods have been used for soft tissue coverage of Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB open fractures. These injuries are often contaminated and, by definition, are associated with extensive periosteal stripping and inadequate soft tissue coverage. These characteristics predispose the patient to infection, delayed union, nonunion, and the likelihood of multiple surgeries to achieve durable soft tissue coverage. Although free tissue transfer and rotational flap coverage are the mainstay of treatment for Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB fractures, these procedures typically require additional modalities, such as local wound care, negative-pressure wound therapy, and skin grafting, to expedite wound coverage. Numerous undesirable aspects of these tissue coverage techniques exist, including the requirement for repeated application, potential anesthesia complications, near-constant surveillance, patient compliance, graft failure, and cost. External tissue expanders offer the surgeon a device that can rapidly facilitate closure of full-thickness soft tissue defects. This technique offers the benefit of a 1-time application that is easy to apply and cost-effective and can significantly improve fracture coverage options with a cosmetically acceptable result. Although this technique has been previously described for fasciotomy and ulcer coverage, to the authors’ knowledge, continuous external expansion has never been reported in open fracture wound management, specifically in converting type IIIB to type IIIA open fractures. The authors’ early success with this method indicates that it may be a valuable tool in the management of Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB open fractures.
Sciatica Caused by Pyomyositis of the Piriformis Muscle in a Pediatric Patient
Authors: Toda Taihei , Koda Masao , Rokkaku Tomoyuki , Watanabe Hitoshi , Nakajima Arata , Yamada Toshiyuki , Murakami Ken-ichi , Nakajima Hideyuki , Murakami Masazumi
Published: February 2013

Because the sciatic nerve leaves the pelvis through the greater sciatic notch underneath the piriformis muscle, any pathology of the piriformis muscle could result in entrapment of the sciatic nerve; this is widely known as piriformis muscle syndrome. Pyomyositis of the piriformis muscle may be a cause of piriformis muscle syndrome. Piriformis muscle syndrome caused by pyomyositis of the piriformis muscle in pediatric patients is rare. This article describes a case of sciatica caused by pyomyositis of the piriformis muscle in a pediatric patient.

A 6-year-old boy presented with right buttock and thigh pain following a mild fever and sore throat. The pain worsened, and he became unable to walk. On admission, his temperature was 38.4°C. He reported severe right-sided buttock and lateral thigh pain. Positive Freiberg sign was observed. Laboratory examination revealed elevated white blood cell count and C-reactive protein level. T2-weighted magnetic resonance images of the pelvis revealed high-intensity changes of the piriformis muscle and iliosacral joint. Thus, piriformis syndrome caused by pyomyositis of the piriformis muscle was diagnosed. Oral antibiotics (10 mg/kg per day of cefdinir) were administered. Pain gradually decreased, and the patient was able to walk. Final follow-up examination at 6 months after symptom onset revealed no sciatic pain. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging revealed normalized intensities of the piriformis muscle.

The endopelvic fascia provides a route for infection from the pelvis to the piriformis. The pyomyositis of the piriformis muscle in the current case may have occurred secondary to the pyoarthritis of the sacroiliac joint. Endopelvic infections involving the piriformis muscle may mimic hip diseases in pediatric patients.
A Preliminary Study of the Practices and Processes of B2B E-Commerce Evaluation and Benefits Realization in Taiwanese Hospitals
Authors: Lin Chad , Lin Hao-Chiang Koong , Huang Yu-An , Jalleh Geoffrey , Hung Sheng-Hsiang , Hsieh Min-Chai , Wang Cheng-Hung
Published: February 2013

Many hospitals still have not fully received the expected benefits from their investments in Business-to-Business (B2B) electronic commerce (e-commerce). Senior executives in these hospitals are often under increasing pressure to find a way to evaluate the contribution of their B2B e-commerce investments to business performance and to ensure that the expected benefits from these investments are eventually delivered. This is as true in hospitals as it is in the other industries. However, relatively little research has examined how Taiwanese hospitals evaluate their B2B e-commerce investments and to what extent their B2B e-commerce benefits are realized. Hence, the authors take a multi-case study approach to investigate the practices and processes of B2B e-commerce evaluation and benefits realization and their impact on B2B e-commerce benefits and user satisfaction in Taiwanese hospitals. Issues arising from the study include a lack of B2B benefits realization methodology or process and a lack of understanding of B2B benefits realization practices. The results also reveal that a B2B investment evaluation methodology or process was used in most hospitals interviewed. However, there appears to be a lack of proper B2B investment post-implementation review measures in most participating hospitals. Moreover, the findings also show that the level of B2B investment evaluation methodology or process adoption was directly related to the levels of organizational IT maturity and user satisfaction. Furthermore, the authors found that most Taiwanese hospitals in general had not allocated sufficient resources and funding to undertake proper evaluation of their B2B investments.
Social Network Sites and Their Role in the Sharing of Health Information
Authors: Chhanabhai Prajesh
Published: February 2013

As this medium is now an inclusive part of the day to day living of individuals on a global scale, the impact they have within the healthcare setting cannot be underestimated.