bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroprevalence and molecular diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii infection among blood donors in southern Iran
Authors: Sarkari Bahador , Shafiei Reza , Zare Mani , Sohrabpour Sattar , Kasraian Leila
Published: April 2014

Introduction: Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite which can be transmitted to human through a variety of routes including blood transfusion. This cross sectional study aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma infection and related epidemiological features among healthy blood donors. Methodology: A total of 1,480 healthy blood donors from five blood service centers in Fars province were analyzed for anti-Toxoplasma antibodies. Blood samples were tested for anti-T. gondii IgG and IgM antibodies by enzyme immunoassay. IgM-positive samples were also tested for the presence of Toxoplasma DNA by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Demographic characteristics of participants were also recorded during samples collection. Results: Anti T. gondii antibodies were detected in sera of 286 out of 1,480 blood donors corresponding to an overall seroprevalence of 19.3% in this population.  From these, 182 (12.3%) were seropositive only for IgG, 81 (5.47%) were seropositive only for IgM and 23 (1.6%) were positive for both IgG and IgM. PCR detected active parasitemia in two (1.9%) of the IgM-positive subjects. Age, place of residence and level of education were statistically significant (p < 0.05) with seropositivity to Toxoplasma. Conclusions: Our results highlighted that asymptomatic blood donors, especially those with active parasitemia, may constitute a significant risk of transmitting toxoplasmosis to susceptible recipients.
Antibiotic use and knowledge in the community of Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan
Authors: Belkina Tatyana , Al Warafi Abdullah , Hussein Eltom Elhassan , Tadjieva Nigora , Kubena Ales , Vlcek Jiri
Published: April 2014

Introduction: Inappropriate use of antibiotics has resulted in a dramatic increase of antimicrobial resistance in developing countries. We examined knowledge, attitudes, and practices of antibiotic use in three Asian countries. Methodology: A nationwide cross-sectional study of teachers in large cities of Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan was conducted. A random sample of 1,200 teachers was selected in each country. Data were collected through a questionnaire-based survey and then analyzed using descriptive and multivariate statistical methods. Results: The prevalence of non-prescription antibiotic use ranged from 48% in Saudi Arabia to 78% in Yemen and Uzbekistan. Pharmacies were the main source of non-prescribed antibiotics. The most common reasons for antibiotic use were cough (40%) and influenza (34%). Forty-nine percent of respondents discontinued antibiotics when they felt better. Although awareness of the dangers of antibiotic use correlated inversely with self-medication, understanding of the appropriate use of antibiotics was limited. Conclusions: The prevalence of antibiotic self-medication in the educated adult population in the studied countries was found to be alarmingly high. Effective strategies involving regulatory enforcement prohibiting sales of antibiotics without prescription should be implemented along with educational interventions for health professionals and the public.
Plasmodium ovale malaria in Brazil: report of an imported case with a prolonged incubation period
Authors: Limongi Jean Ezequiel , Costa Daniela Camargos , Carvalho Luzia Helena , Lopes Iris Sousa , Silva Alcides Assis , Ferreira Marcelo Simão
Published: April 2014

We report the first case of imported Plasmodium ovale in Brazil, confirmed using both conventional microscopy and PCR-based protocols. The patient was a 36-year-old Brazilian male who had been working as a miner in Cabinda Province, Angola. Based on his travel history, the parasite was dormant for at least two years. The relatively long period of incubation of P. ovale may obscure the link between exposure and disease. The recent increase in the number of people travelling to regions where P. ovale is endemic, suggests that a PCR-based protocol should be included as a complementary tool for malaria reference laboratories.
Characterization of antibiotic resistance in Listeria spp. isolated from slaughterhouse environments, pork and human infections
Authors: Moreno Luisa Z , Paixão Renata , Gobbi Débora D. S. , Raimundo Daniele C. , Ferreira Thais P. , Moreno Andrea M. , Hofer Ernesto , Reis Cristhiane M. F. , Matté Glavur R. , Matté Maria H.
Published: April 2014

Introduction: Listeria species are susceptible to most antibiotics. However, over the last decade, increasing reports of multidrug-resistant Listeria spp. from various sources have prompted public health concerns. The objective of this study was to characterize the antibiotic susceptibility of Listeria spp. and the genetic mechanisms that confer resistance. Methodology: Forty-six Listeria spp. isolates were studied, and their minimal inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics were determined by microdilution using Sensititre standard susceptibility MIC plates. The isolates were screened for the presence of gyrA, parC, lde, lsa(A), lnu(A), and mprF by PCR, and the amplified genes were sequenced. Results: All isolates were susceptible to penicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and carbapenems. Resistance to clindamycin, daptomycin, and oxacillin was found among L. monocytogenes and L. innocua, and all species possessed at least intermediate resistance to fluoroquinolones. GyrA, parC, and mprF were detected in all isolates; however, mutations were found only in gyrA sequences. A high daptomycin MIC, as reported previously, was observed, suggesting an intrinsic resistance of Listeria spp. to daptomycin. Conclusions: These results are consistent with reports of emerging resistance in Listeria spp. and emphasize the need for further genotypic characterization of antibiotic resistance in this genus.
Vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentrations using different susceptibility methods in Staphylococcus aureus isolates
Authors: Sousa Aline Gil Pestana , Da Costa Thaina Miranda , Cavalcante Fernanda Sampaio , Chamon Raiane Cardoso , Ferreira Dennis Carvalho , Nouér Simone Aranha , Dos Santos Kátia Regina Netto
Published: April 2014

This item has no abstract. Follow the links below to access the full text.
Tapices donados por los Reyes Católicos a la Capilla Real de Granada
Authors: Zalama Miguel Ángel
Published: April 2014

Entre las principales piezas que los Reyes Católicos enviaron a la Capilla Real de Granada se cuentan varios tapices. Isabel de Castilla y Fernando de Aragón habían adquirido muchos ejemplares a lo largo de los años, de manera que cuando la reina murió, tenía más de trescientos paños. Su marido quiso enviar veintidós a la capilla funeraria que habían fundado. Cuando el rey estaba próximo a morir, quiso aumentar el número de tapices incorporando otros cuatro de su tesoro. Sin embargo, hubo cambios y al final solo veinticinco piezas ingresaron en la Capilla Real, en parte diferentes a la primitiva idea. Ahora, a partir de documentos inéditos conservados en el Archivo General de Simancas, por primera vez podemos demostrar cuántos y cuáles fueron los tapices que se enviaron, lo que permite acercarse al verdadero valor de los tapices en los tesoros en los siglos XV y XVI.
Iconografía de los testigos de los procesos teresianos. A propósito de Adrian Collaert y la escenografía de la capilla Cornaro
Authors: Moreno Cuadro Fernando
Published: April 2014

El trabajo se centra en los testigos de los procesos teresianos de beatificación y canonización que se recuerdan por los artistas con la intención de servir de referente al espectador para que se sitúe en el lugar de los atestiguantes “de visu”, como nuevos refrendarios de las escenas que representan momentos singulares de la vida de la reformadora descalza y sucesos prodigiosos debidos a la intervención divina. No es un tipo de figuración frecuente y menos aún la de los “testigos de referencia” que confirman lo narrado de generación en generación, aunque éstos se destacan de manera especial en la capilla Cornaro de Santa Maria della Vittoria de Roma, vinculada a una estampa de Collaert, que sirvió a Bernini para plantear la ubicación de los miembros de la importante familia veneciana contemplando el Éxtasis de Santa Teresa.
Cuerpo y torres de la iglesia de Villaconejos ¿una nueva obra de fray Alberto de la Madre de Dios?
Authors: Martínez Ruiz Javier
Published: April 2014

Argumentos que apuntan a fray Alberto de la Madre de Dios como tracista del cuerpo y torres de la iglesia de Villaconejos, partiendo de la documentación inédita de la obra.
El Catálogo de venta de libros de Manuel Espinosa de los Monteros (Cádiz, 1760)
Authors: Rueda Ramírez Pedro
Published: April 2014

Este trabajo analiza un catálogo publicado en Cádiz en 1760 con los libros en latín que tenía en su tienda Manuel Espinosa de los Monteros (1713-1781), impresor y mercader de libros. El catálogo se compara con otros similares de la época, con los que mantiene similitudes en su organización en cuatro campos temáticos (teología, derecho, medicina y humanidades). Se analiza detalladamente la división por temas y los formatos de los 1.160 títulos a la venta. De este catálogo se conserva un ejemplar en la Biblioteca Palafoxiana (México) que no ha sido descrito anteriormente en los repertorios bibliográficos. Es el primer catálogo de venta de libros publicado en Cádiz que conocemos (y uno de los pocos del siglo XVIII de esta ciudad), mostrando la iniciativa de Espinosa de los Monteros como impresor-librero y su implicación en la elaboración de herramientas de difusión del negocio de venta de libros.
Development of Mobile Educational Services Application to Improve Educational Outcomes using Android Technology
Authors: El-Sofany Hosam Farouk , El-Seoud Samir Abou , Alwadani Hassan M. , Alwadani Amer E.
Published: April 2014

Mobile devices have become instruments that allow new ways of interacting with institutional services. This paper describes the development of the Mobile Educational Services Application (MES app) for the Android platform. This app allows access to mediated and self-access services, as well as databases, announcements, registration, events, book consultations, schedules, etc. The project provides Mobile and Web-based application tools (apps) that allow online access for different users - students, instructors, and administrators. The app provides students with a user friendly, generic, web-based GUI to request educational services, to send text message inquiries, to add, drop, or defer courses, etc.. The app allows instructors to send or receive text messages to and from students using the mobile or web-based interface of the app. In addition to system monitoring, the app provides administrators an online tool to manage, add, update, and delete system information. This tool seeks to be one of the more useful economic apps that use Android technology for applications, using Tablets and mobile devices, for the use of students, instructors and administrators in accessing services in an educational institution.
A Cooking Recipe Recommendation System with Visual Recognition of Food Ingredients
Authors: Yanai Keiji , Maruyama Takuma , Kawano Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we propose a cooking recipe recommendation system which runs on a consumer smartphone as an interactive mobile application. The proposed system employs real-time visual object recognition of food ingredients, and recommends cooking recipes related to the recognized food ingredients. Because of visual recognition, by only pointing a built-in camera on a smartphone to food ingredients, a user can get to know a related cooking recipes instantly. The objective of the proposed system is to assist people who cook to decide a cooking recipe at grocery stores or at a kitchen. In the current implementation, the system can recognize 30 kinds of food ingredient in 0.15 seconds, and it has achieved the 83.93% recognition rate within the top six candidates. By the user study, we confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed system.
ERP Misfit-Reduction Strategies
Authors: Shiang-Yen Tan , Peng Wong Wai , Idrus Rosnah
Published: April 2014

The Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is a breed of configurable package systems that aims to disseminate transactional information of the entire organization to users in a timely and efficient fashion under a uniform system environment. However, ERP systems often fail to live up their claim to improve operational efficiency and strategic effectiveness due to misfits between the standard-built ERP systems and the adopting organizations. Anecdotal evidences from subjective studies suggest modification of ERP systems and adaptation of organizational structure could mitigate the misfits between ERP systems and the adopting organizations. Nevertheless, empirical and rigorous studies capable of proving these conjectures are scarce. The purpose of this chapter is to empirically validate and examine: 1) the negative impacts of the misfits between ERP systems and organizations and 2) to what extent the two misfit-reduction strategies, namely system modification and organizational adaptation, are able to mitigate the impacts of these misfits. The Task-Technology Fit (TTF) model is adapted as the theoretical framework of this study capable of incorporating moderating variables. Three-hundred-and-five sets of questionnaires collected from ERP systems users in the manufacturing sector of Malaysia were analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach. Findings of this study indicate that different types of misfits, namely input misfit, process misfit, and output misfit, have different impacts on ERP systems performances. More importantly, this study found that the appropriateness of misfit-reduction strategies is contingent to the types of ERP misfits. Precisely, system modification can effectively mitigate input and process misfits, while organizational adaptation can be used to counteract input and output misfits.
Business Process Complexity, System Complexity and Perceived Audit Quality
Authors: Nwankpa Joseph , Roumani Yaman
Published: April 2014

The turbulent events of the global financial crises have highlighted the importance of audit quality. Auditing in today's business environment involves navigating through organizational information technology (IT) landscape dominated by ERP systems. Organizations depend on ERP systems for financial reporting which involve dealing with statutory and regulatory provisions. ERP systems thus, have become an integral part of compliance strategy due to their support for internal controls. ERP systems are associated with inherent system and business process complexities capable of carving new auditing landscape for auditors. However, the implications of such ERP-induced process changes and system complexities on audit quality have not been well understood and investigated. This study attempts to bridge this gap. The primary goal of this research is to frame business process complexity, system complexity and audit process as key predictors of audit quality as perceived by external auditors. Using empirical evidence gathered from auditors experienced in post-ERP audit, the research found that auditors' post-ERP perception in an audit due to ERP implementation influenced the perceived audit quality. Specifically, system complexity, audit process changes and control risk were significant determinants of perceived audit quality. In addition, the findings reveal business process complexity and system complexity as key antecedents of control risk in an ERP audit.
Rocks and minerals for the collector: the Alaska Highway; Dawson Creek, British Columbia to Yukon / Alaska border
Authors: Sabina A P
Published: April 2014

Occurrences of minerals, rocks and fossils are noted and described from localities along and adjacent to the Alaska Highway from Dawson Creek, British Columbia to the Yukon-Alaska border. Occurrences along roads branching from the Alaska Highway are similarly
covered; these include the Klondike, Canol, Haines, Cassiar-Dease, Atlin, and Sixtymile roads, and the Campbell Highway.
Our knowledge of mineral occurrences in the area covered by this booklet, is derived from information gathered by explorers, traders, missionaries, miners, and geologists who, in turn, garnered much of their information from their trusted Indian guides. The first mineral deposits to attract
attention were the gold placers that were known to the fur traders and missionaries in the early 18601s. The first streams to be worked were the Liard River (1872), those in the Dease Lake-Cassiar area (1873), and the Big Salmon (1881) and Stewart (1883) rivers. The first utilization of minerals was
by the Indians who used native copper of the White River area for weapons and tools, and probably the first building stone used was the basalt in the construction of the Hudson's Bay Company trading post, Fort Selkirk, in 1848. Lode metal exploration has been conducted since 1893 when the
gold-antimony deposits in the Wheaton district were investigated. Mining operations commenced in 1899 at the Engineer Mine, and in the early 1900's at Atlin-Ruffner Mine, at the Whitehorse copper deposits, and in the Keno Hill-Galena Hill area. The recently discovered producers are the Anvil,
Cantung, Cassiar, Churchill, Clinton Creek, Mount Nansen, and Wellgreen mines.
The mineral and rock collecting localities include road-cuts and rock exposures, lakeshores and river-beds, and active and inactive mines. Rock exposures along roads and rivers yield fossils and some minerals (calcite, barite, fluorite, etc.). Pebbles of jasper, chalcedony, epidote-bearing volcanic
rocks, and quartzite are found along lakeshores and stream beds. Gold, copper, platinum, siliceous hematite ("black diamond"), scheelite, and cassiterite occur in stream placers. The various mines yield specimens of asbestos, serpentine, copper minerals, tungsten minerals, and ore minerals of lead,
zinc, nickel, silver, and gold.
Minerals and rocks suitable for lapidary purposes include jasper, chalcedony, epidote, quartzite, jade (nephrite), serpentine, rhodonite, zoisite, siliceous hematite, and cassiterite ("Yukon diamond"). Gold nuggets can be used in fashioning nugget-studded jewellery.
Biostratigraphic determinations of fossils from the subsurface of the Northwest and Yukon territories
Authors: Barnes C R , Brideaux W W , Chamney T P , Clowser D R , Dunay R
E , Fisher M J , Fritz W
H , Hopkins W S , Jeletzky J A , McGregor D
C , Norford B S , Norris A W , Pedder A E H , Rauwerda P J , Sherrington P F , Sliter W V , Tozer E T , Uyeno T
T , Waterhouse J B
Published: April 2014

Identifications and age determinations are pre­sented for fossils from 34 wells in the Yukon and the Districts of Franklin, Keewatin and Mackenzie. Ages range from Cambrian to Tertiary and are based on identifications of spores, pollen, dinoflagellates,
acritarchs, conodonts, foraminifers, ostracodes, graptolites, corals, gastropods, cephalopods, pele­cypods, brachiopods and trilobites.
Evaluation of the root and canal morphology of mandibular permanent molars in a south-eastern Turkish population using cone-beam computed tomography
Authors: Nur Bilge Gulsum , Ok Evren , Altunsoy Mustafa , Aglarci Osman Sami , Colak Mehmet , Gungor Enes
Published: April 2014

Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the root and canal morphology of the mandibular first and second permanent molars in a Turkish population using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: CBCT images of mandibular first (n = 966) and second molar (n = 1165) teeth from 850 Turkish patients were evaluated. The root canal configurations were classified according to the method of Vertucci. The data were analyzed by Pearson's Chi-square test. Results: The majority of mandibular molars were two rooted with three canals; however, three roots were identified in 0.05% of the first molars and 0.01% of the second molars, and 100% of the additional root canals were of type I configuration. Mesial roots had more complex canal systems with more than one canal, whereas most distal roots had a type I configuration. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that CBCT scanning provides supplemental information about the root canal configurations of mandibular molars in a Turkish population. This study may help clinicians in the root canal treatment of mandibular molars.
The antimicrobial activity of Azadirachta indica, Mimusops elengi, Tinospora cardifolia, Ocimum sanctum and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate on common endodontic pathogens: An in vitro study
Authors: Mistry Kunjal S. , Sanghvi Zarna , Parmar Girish , Shah Samir
Published: April 2014

Objective: To check the antimicrobial activity of Azadirachta indica (Neem), Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Mimusops elelngi (Bakul), Tinospora cardifolia (Giloy) and Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHX) on common endodontic pathogens like Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis and staphylococcus aureus. Materials and Methods: The agar diffusion test was used to check the antimicrobial activity of the Methanolic extracts of the medicinal plants along with CHX. Six different concentrations of the tested agents were used for the study. The values of Zone of Inhibition were tabulated according to the concentration of the tested agent and data was statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc tests. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentrations (MBC) values were also recorded. Results: All the plants extracts showed considerable antimicrobial activity against selected endodontic pathogens. At 3mg. concentration, O.sanctum was the most effective against S. mutans, M. elengi showed highest zone of inhibition against E.faecalis, whereas CHX was the most effective agent against S.aureus. CHX was also the most consistent of all the medicaments testes, showing inhibitory effect against all the tree pathogens at all the selected concentrations. Conclusions: The Methanolic extract of A. Indica, O.sanctum, M. Elengi, T.cardifolia and Chlorhexidine Gluconate has considerable antimicrobial activity against S. mutans, E. faecalis and S. aureus.
Effects of early unilateral mandibular first molar extraction on condylar and ramal vertical asymmetry
Authors: Halicioglu Koray , Celikoglu Mevlut , Buyuk Suleyman K. , Sekerci Ahmet E. , Candirli Celal
Published: April 2014

Objective: The objective of the following study is to investigate the mandibular vertical asymmetry in a group of patients with early unilateral mandibular first molar extractions. Materials and Methods: Mandibular asymmetry index measurements (condylar, ramal and condylar-plus-ramal) were performed on the panoramic radiographs of a study group including 51 patients (mean age: 18.60 ± 1.11 years) and a control group of 51 patients (mean age: 18.53 ± 1.29 years). Group I included patients with a unilateral mandibular first molar extracted before the age of 12 years. Group II included patients with no extractions and had excellent Class I relationships, no missing teeth and slight or moderate anterior crowding. A paired t-test was used to determine possible statistically significant differences between the sides for the measurements. Student's t-test was used for the comparison of asymmetry index values between the groups and genders. Results: No group showed statistically significant sex-or side-specific differences for posterior vertical height measurements. Condylar asymmetry index and ramal asymmetry index measurements were not statistically different between the groups, while condylar-plus-ramal asymmetry index (CRAI) measurements were statistically different between the groups (P = 0.019). Conclusions: A slight difference for CRAI value was found in patients with early unilateral mandibular first molar extractions.
Evaluation of nasal morphology in predicting vertical and sagittal maxillary skeletal discrepancies’
Authors: Prasad Mandava , Chaitanya Nellore , Reddy Karnati Praveen Kumar , Talapaneni Ashok Kumar , Myla Vijaya Bhaskar , Shetty Sharath Kumar
Published: April 2014

Objective: The purpose of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the relationship between nasal morphology and maxillary skeletal pattern. The clinical significance was to emphasize the importance of role of nasal pattern in diagnosis and treatment planning. Materials and Methods: The sample included the pre-treatment lateral cephalometric radiographs of 180 South Indian adults (94 women, 86 men), aged 18 to 28 years. Six maxillary and six nasal soft tissue parameters were measured. Pearson correlation coefficients and Analysis of variance were used for statistical analyses. Results: There were significant correlations between maxillary vertical and sagittal, skeletal and soft tissue parameters. The Mean and standard deviations were correlated between low insignificant range to high significant levels with nasal length, nasal depth and columella convexity. Nasal length also showed significant correlation with inclination of palatal plane. Significant influence of gender was seen on nasal length, nasal depth, columella convexity and nasal tip angle. A statistically significant difference was seen regarding nasal length between males and females, with nasal length being more in males (50.26 ± 4.18) than in females (48.86 ± 3.45), nasal depth being more in males (18.64 ± 2.56) than in females (16.63 ± 2.16), columella convexity being greater in males (4.31 ± 1.26) than in females (3.41 ± 1.13), nasolabial angle decreased in males (87.26° ±13.79°) than in females (89.38° ±15.72°) and nasal tip angle being more in females (80.18° ±9.44°) than in males (73.60° ±10.24°). There was no statistically significant difference in nasal hump between males (-2.01 ± 1.76) and females (-2.02 ± 1.62). Conclusion: Long nose with increased nasal prominence were seen with increase in the anteroposterior length and vertical height of maxilla. Male and female genders had a varied amount of nasal length, nasal depth and columella convexity along with nasal tip angle.
Dental arch asymmetry
Authors: Al-Zubair Nabil Muhsen
Published: April 2014

Objective: This study was conducted to assess the dental arch asymmetry in a Yemeni sample aged (18-25) years. Materials and Methods: The investigation involved clinical examination of 1479 adults; only 253 (129 females, 124 males) out of the total sample were selected to fulfill the criteria for the study sample. Study models were constructed and evaluated to measure mandibular arch dimensions. Three linear distances were utilized on each side on the dental arch: Incisal-canine distance, canine-molar distance and incisal-molar distance, which represent the dental arch segmental measurements. Results: When applying “t-test” at P < 0.05, no significant differences were found between the right and left canine-molar, incisal-canine and incisal-molar distances in both dental arches for both sexes. The greater variation (0.30 mm) was observed between right and left canine-molar distance in the maxillary dental arch in male and the smaller (0.04 mm) in the mandibular dental arch between the right and left canine-molar distance in females. Conclusion: The findings of the present study revealed a symmetrical pattern of dental arches, since the right and left sides showed no statistically significant difference. In general, it can be observed that the measurements related to the central incisors and canines have the widest range of reading and give the impression that the location of central incisor and canines to each other and to other teeth is the strongest factor in determining the dental arch asymmetry.
Evaluation of formocresol, calcium hydroxide, ferric sulfate, and MTA primary molar pulpotomies
Authors: Yildiz Esma , Tosun Gul
Published: April 2014

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate four different pulpotomy medicaments in primary molars. Materials and Methods: A total of 147 primary molars with deep caries were treated with four different pulpotomy medicaments (FC: formocresol, FS: ferric sulfate, CH: calcium hydroxide, and MTA: mineral trioxide aggregate) in this study. The criteria for tooth selection for inclusion were no clinical and radiographic evidence of pulp pathology. During 30 months of follow-up at 6-month intervals, clinical and radiographic success and failures were recorded. The differences between the groups were statistically analyzed using the Chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: At 30 months, clinical success rates were 100%, 95.2%, 96.4%, and 85% in the FC, FS, MTA, and CH groups, respectively. In radiographic analysis, the MTA group had the highest (96.4%), and the CH group had the lowest success rate (85%). There were no clinical and radiographic differences between materials (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Although there were no differences between materials, only in the CH group did three teeth require extraction due to further clinical symptoms of radiographic failures during the 30-month follow-up period. None of the failed teeth in the other groups required extraction during the 30-month follow-up period.
Wear of two pit and fissure sealants in contact with primary teeth
Authors: Galo Rodrigo , Contente Marta Maria Martins Giamatei , Borsatto Maria Cristina
Published: April 2014

Objectives: Wear simulations may provide an indication of the clinical performance of pit-and-fissure sealants when associated with primary teeth as counterbody, restricting the involved variables. The aim of this study was to evaluate wear of dental materials used as pit-and-fissure sealants in contact with primary teeth. Materials and Methods: A resinous sealant (Fluroshield®) and a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (Vitremer®) were selected in a post-plate design, using as counterbody primary tooth pins (4 × 4 × 2 mm) at 3 and 10 N vertical load, 1 Hz frequency, 900 wear cycles in artificial saliva (n = 15). Attrition coefficient values were obtained and the material and primary tooth volumes were analyzed. Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Duncan's test (P < 0.05). Results: Fluroshield® presented the highest attrition coefficient values for the 3 N but these values decreased significantly for the 10 N load. The means for volume loss (3 mm) of the different samples after the wear test were not statistically different for the materials. The volume loss values for the primary teeth were statistically different and there was an increase in volume loss with the increase of the load applied in the wear tests. Conclusions: Differences were also observed with regard to the surface deformation characteristics. The wear rates of primary tooth enamel vary according to the type of material and the load applied during mastication.
On the ferrule effect and the biomechanical stability of teeth restored with cores, posts, and crowns
Authors: Mamoun John S.
Published: April 2014

An abutment for a fixed partial denture may not contain enough tooth structure, such that the abutment does not provide an adequate ‘ferrule effect’. A crown or bridge dental prosthesis that is cemented onto such an abutment/s may undergo biomechanical failure. Here, the tooth, core, and post complex, on which the crown is cemented, may fracture off from the abutment, causing the crown to separate from the abutment, while the cement that bonds the crown to the tooth, core, and post complex remains intact, such that the tooth, core, and post complex remains inside the crown when the crown separates from the abutment. This article reviews the dentistry literature on the ferrule effect, and presents alternative definitions for terms such as ferrule, the ferrule effect, and the ferrule tooth structure. The article also explains how the use of a surgical operating microscope, or high magnification binocular surgical loupes of ×6-8, or greater magnification improve the ability of a dentist to assess how much ferrule tooth structure an abutment contains, compared to the use of unaided vision.
Gingival pigmentation index proposal of a new index with a brief review of current indices
Authors: Peeran Syed Wali , Ramalingam Karthikeyan , Peeran Syed Ali , Altaher Omar Basheer , Alsaid Fatma Mojtaba , Mugrabi Marei Hamed
Published: April 2014

Cosmetic expectations have increased with time and current trends speak volumes about gingival esthetics and smile designing. Gingival pigmentation especially on the labial aspect of anterior teeth has become an important component of general esthetics. Various physiologic and pathologic factors cause gingival pigmentation. The existing indices do not deal with the etiology, extent and severity of gingival pigmentation. Hence, we propose a new classification and index for gingival pigmentation to assess the treatment needs for the patient.
Reliability and Validity of Conversion Formulas Between Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States Level 1 and United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1
Authors: Lee Albert S. , Chang Lynn , Feng Eric , Helf Scott
Published: April 2014

Background

The Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA) Level 1 and United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 scores are important factors in the selection process of medical students into US residency programs.

Objectives

The goals of this study were to investigate the correlation between the COMLEX-USA Level 1 and the USMLE Step 1 and to assess the accuracy of the existing formulas in predicting USMLE scores from COMLEX-USA scores.

Methods

A retrospective study of 1016 paired COMLEX-USA Level 1 and USMLE Step 1 scores was conducted. Formulas by Sarko et al and by Slocum and Louder were used to estimate USMLE Step 1 scores from COMLEX-USA Level 1 scores, and a paired t test between calculated USMLE Step 1 scores and actual USMLE Step 1 scores was performed.

Results

During 2006–2012, 1016 of 1440 students (71%) took both the USMLE Step 1 and the COMLEX-USA Level 1 tests in the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. The USMLE Step 1 scores were higher than those predicted by Slocum and Louder and by Sarko et al by an average of 14.16 ± 11.69 (P < .001) and 7.80 ± 12.48 (P < .001), respectively. A Pearson coefficient of 0.83 was observed. Regression analysis yielded the following formula: USMLE Step 1  =  0.2392 × COMLEX-USA Level 1 + 82.563 (R2  =  0.69577).

Conclusions

The USMLE Step 1 scores, on average, were higher than those predicted by the formulas derived by Slocum and Louder and by Sarko et al. Residency program directors should use caution when using formulas to derive USMLE Step 1 scores from COMLEX-USA Level 1 scores.
Aerosol's optical and physical characteristics and direct radiative forcing during a shamal dust storm, a case study
Authors: Saeed T. M. , Al-Dashti H. , Spyrou C.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. Dust aerosols are analyzed for their optical and physical properties during an episode of a dust storm that blew over Kuwait on 26 March 2003 when the military Operation Iraqi Freedom was in full swing. The intensity of the dust storm was such that it left a thick suspension of dust throughout the following day, 27 March. The synoptic sequence leading to the dust storm and the associated wind fields are discussed. Ground-based measurements of aerosol optical thickness reached 3.617 and 4.17 on 26 and 27 March respectively while the Ångstrom coefficient, α870/440, dropped to −0.0234 and −0.0318. Particulate matter concentration of 10 μm diameter or less, PM10, peaked at 4800 μg m−3 during dust storm hours of 26 March. Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) retrieved aerosol optical depth (AOD) by Deep Blue algorithm and Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) aerosol index (AI) exhibited high values. Latitude–longitude maps of AOD and AI were used to deduce source regions of dust transport over Kuwait. The vertical profile of the dust layer was simulated using the SKIRON atmospheric model. Instantaneous net direct radiative forcing is calculated at top of atmosphere (TOA) and surface level. The thick dust layer of 26 March resulted in cooling the TOA by −60 Wm−2 and surface level by −175 Wm−2 for a surface albedo of 0.35. Slightly higher values were obtained for 27 March due to the increase in aerosol optical thickness. Radiative heating/cooling rates in the shortwave and longwave bands were also examined. Shortwave heating rate reached a maximum value of 2 K day−1 between 3 and 5 km, dropped to 1.5 K day−1 at 6 km and diminished at 8 km. Longwave radiation initially heated the lower atmosphere by a maximum value of 0.2 K day−1 at surface level, declined sharply at increasing altitude and diminished at 4 km. Above 4 km longwave radiation started to cool the atmosphere slightly reaching a maximum rate of −0.1 K day−1 at 6 km.
Atmospheric occurrence, transport and deposition of polychlorinated biphenyls and hexachlorobenzene in the Mediterranean and Black Seas
Authors: Berrojalbiz N. , Castro-Jiménez J. , Mariani G. , Wollgast J. , Hanke G. , Dachs J.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The Mediterranean and Black Seas are unique marine environments subject to important anthropogenic pressures due to direct and indirect loads of atmospheric inputs of organochlorine compounds (OCl) from primary and secondary sources. Here we report the results obtained during two east-west sampling cruises in June 2006 and May 2007 from Barcelona to Istanbul and Alexandria, respectively, where gas phase and aerosol samples were collected. Both matrices were analyzed for 41 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), including dioxin-like congeners, and hexachlorobencene (HCB). The values reported in this study for gas phase HCB and ∑41PCB (LOD to 418.3 pg m−3 and from 81.99 to 931.6 pg m−3 respectively) are in the same range of those reported in former studies, possibly suggesting a limited decline in their atmospheric concentrations during the last decade for the Mediterranean region due to land base OCl sources. There is a clear influence of the direction of the air-mass on the atmospheric concentrations of PCBs, with higher concentrations when the air mass was from southern Europe, and the lowest concentrations for air masses coming from the SW Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean. PCBs and HCB are close to air–water equilibrium for most sampling periods, thus resulting in low atmospheric deposition fluxes at open sea. This is consistent with the oligotrophic character of the Mediterranean Sea with a small influence of the biological pump capturing atmospheric PCBs. Therefore, degradation of gas-phase PCBs by OH radicals is estimated to be the main loss process of atmospheric PCBs during their transport over the Mediterranean Sea. Conversely, atmospheric residence times of HCB are predicted to be very long due to a lack of atmospheric degradation and low depositional fluxes due to concentrations at air–water equilibrium.
Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing in the MSc Program "ESPACE" at Technische Universitaet Muenchen
Authors: Stilla U. , Iwaszczuk D. , Pail R.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. ESPACE is an interdisciplinary Master's study programme of Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM) positioned at the interface between space technology and the engineering and natural science-based use of satellite data. It combines the technical aspects of the satellite and observation systems with scientific and commercial applications. A core topic beside space engineering and satellite applications engineering is satellite and remote sensing data analysis. This paper explains the background and goals of the Masters's study programme, addresses the target groups and qualification profile, and gives an overview about the specialization fields. The special role of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing is further explained in this context. The structure and embedding of international alliances by a double degree program with Wuhan University is shown.
Force chain and contact cycle evolution in a dense granular material under shallow penetration
Authors: Tordesillas A. , Steer C. A. H. , Walker D. M.
Published: April 2014

Abstract. The mechanical response of a dense granular material submitted to indentation by a rigid flat punch is examined. The resultant deformation is viewed as a process of self-organisation. Four aspects of the mechanical response (i.e. indentation resistance, failure, Reynolds' dilatancy, the undeforming "dead zone") are explored with respect to the linear and cyclic structural building blocks of granular media self-organisation: force chains and contact network cycles. Formation and breaking of 3-cycle contacts preferentially occur around and close to the punch uncovering a "dilation zone". This zone encapsulates (i) most of the indentation resistance and is populated by force chains consisting of six or more particles, (ii) all buckling force chains, and (iii) a central, near-triangular, undeforming cluster of grains beneath the punch face. Force chain buckling is confined to the zone's outer regions, beneath the corners and to the sides of the punch where surface material heave forms. Grain rearrangements here involve the creation of 6-, 7-, and 8-cycles – in contrast with Reynolds' postulated cubic packing rearrangements (i.e. 3-cycles opening up to form 4-cycles). In between these intensely dilatant regions lies a compacted triangular grain cluster which moves in near-rigid body with the punch when jammed, but this dead zone unjams and deforms in the failure regimes when adjacent force chains buckle. The long force chains preferentially percolate from the punch face, through the dead zone, fanning downwards and outwards into the material.
La «batalla» de Washington: la guerra civil española en los Estados Unidos
Authors: Merino Morales Juan Carlos
Published: April 2014

Con el inicio de la guerra civil española se abrieron en el mundo diversos frentes de batalla que iban más allá de los que se producían en territorio patrio. Muchos de estos frentes eran más fuertes que las armas, y cambiar o modificar la legislación de un país era una tarea muy complicada. Este trabajo pretende mostrar la lucha que llevó a cabo el embajador de España en Washington para derogar la Ley de Neutralidad estadounidense que impedía la compra de armas para el gobierno republicano. Para ello se examinan fuentes tantos españolas como norteamericanas que aportarán una visión global del conflicto desde la perspectiva del embajador De los Ríos y de la administración Roosevelt.
La implementación del concepto de desarrollo en las políticas de cooperación al desarrollo y en materia migratoria
Authors: Azkona Nerea
Published: April 2014

Es importante promover la sinergia entre migración y desarrollo, partiendo de un enfoque global que une migraciones y desarrollo para cumplir con la exigencia de una mayor coherencia de políticas, principio que pretende salvaguardar el resto de las políticas de interferencia en el objetivo propio de la cooperación. Sin embargo, también se ve la cooperación como una herramienta que puede contribuir a frenar los flujos migratorios. Este enfoque global ha fomentado el control de fronteras y la inclusión de la cooperación en las estrategias migratorias.
U.S.-Mongolian Relations: Two Years of Progress
Authors: La Porta Alphonse , Critchfield Andrew J
Published: April 2014

No abstract available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i7.134 The Mongolian Journal of International Affairs; Number 7, 2000, Pages 3-8
Foreign Investment, Loans and Assistance in Mongolian Development
Authors: Buyantogs A
Published: April 2014

No abstract available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i7.139 The Mongolian Journal of International Affairs; Number 7, 2000, Pages 43-50
Educação e Projeto de vida de adolescentes do ensino médio
Authors: Nascimento Ivany Pinto
Published: April 2014

Este estudo das representações sociais do Projeto de Vida dos adolescentes de escolas públicas de Belém tem como foco central à compreensão, a arqueologia psicossocial em que as adolescências se produzem, e as condições que determinam o processo de construção e partilha de conhecimentos sobre a vida futura.
A pesquisa teve como amostra seis escolas distribuídas entre a região central e a periférica da cidade de Belém. Os sujeitos são 725 adolescentes divididos entre o sexo feminino e o sexo masculino distribuídos entre os grupos de 15 a 24 anos, dos 2º e 3º anos do ensino médio, dos turnos diurno e noturno. Os resultados demonstram que as condições de produção e circulação destas representações sociais refletem as imagens e os significados sobre o Projeto de Vida, como também, a multidimensional idade do campo psicossocial, e suas determinações. Além disto, estes resultados indicam que existe uma enorme lacuna entre as políticas públicas socioeducacionais destinadas para os adolescentes, e as possibilidades de desenvolvimento de habilidades para realizarem seus projetos de vida, uma vez que estas políticas representam um caminho de oportunidades, sobretudo, para aqueles adolescentes que se constituem a maioria, dependem exclusivamente destas políticas para desenvolver habilidades de vida e acadêmicas para a realização de seu projeto de vida.
A luz destes resultados se chama a atenção para que nossos governantes e os profissionais, sobretudo os da educação e, também, os adolescentes que discutam sobre a possibilidade de uma proposta socioeducacional que afirme e garanta oportunidades para que os adolescentes possam realizar seus projetos de vida.
L’innovation dans les services publics : gouvernance plutôt que gestion des risques
Authors: Osborne Stephen P. , Brown Louise
Published: April 2014

Cet article étudie l’importante question des risques engendrés par les processus d’innovation dans les services publics. On y propose l’idée que les politiques publiques actuelles offrent peu d’orientation aux gestionnaires de services sur la façon de prendre en compte de tels risques, se résumant à mentionner que « c’est important ». Lorsqu’elles existent, les approches de prise en charge des risques et de l’innovation dans les services publics sont invariablement focalisées sur des optiques actuarielles ou concernées par les questions de santé et de sécurité, et ont pour objectif de minimiser ou d’éliminer les risques. Or les risques sont inhérents aux processus d’innovation et il est essentiel d’adopter une nouvelle approche qui reconnaît la nécessité des risques dans les innovations efficaces et qui s’engage de manière plus globale avec les intervenants afin de déterminer les niveaux de risque acceptables comparativement aux bienfaits potentiels pour les services publics d’une innovation donnée. Un modèle en cinq étapes est proposé pour mettre en oeuvre cette approche.
Cluster observations of hot He+ events in the inner magnetosphere
Authors: Yamauchi M. , Dandouras I. , Rème H. , Nilsson H.
Published: April 2014

In the inner magnetosphere inside 65° invariant latitude, Cluster Ion Spectrometry detected hot He+ events of about a few tens to several hundred eV without the same types of hot H+ signature at the same energy. During the 2001–2006 period when the Cluster orbit was almost constant and approximately north‐south symmetric at constant local time near the perigee, we found nearly 20 examples in Cluster spacecraft 4. These hot He+ events are morphologically classified into two burst types and two dispersed types: (1) Short intensification of He+ (1a) without corresponding H+ or O+ signatures, or (1b) with H+ signature at different pitch angles. (2) Energy‐latitude dispersed He+ stripes that continues for tens of minutes at hundreds to a few thousand eV range (2a) at different drift shell from energy‐latitude dispersed H+ stripes, or (2b) with very weak H+ signature if the energy is constant. While type‐1a is observed during or right after substorm activities, type‐2b is found after long quiet periods, i.e., after long drift. The relationship with the geomagnetic activity indicates that the plasmasphere can be energized in a mass‐dependent way in the evening sector during substorms to form the bursty types (type‐1), while the selective He+ energization can also take place during quiet periods near the noon. On the other hand, the source of the two dispersed types (type‐2) must be remote from the observation point, and the location and the geomagnetic conditions at the time of the He+ filtering is an open question.