bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hours of Service Regulations in Road Freight Transport: An Optimization-Based International Assessment
Authors: Goel Asvin , Vidal Thibaut
Published: August 2013

Driver fatigue is internationally recognized as a significant factor in approximately 15%–20% of commercial road transport crashes. In their efforts to increase road safety and improve working conditions of truck drivers, governments worldwide are enforcing stricter limits on the amount of working and driving time without rest. This paper describes an effective optimization algorithm for minimizing transportation costs for a fleet of vehicles considering business hours of customers and hours of service regulations. The algorithm combines the exploration capacities of population-based metaheuristics, the quick improvement abilities of local search, with forward labeling procedures for checking compliance with complex hours of service regulations. Several speed-up techniques are proposed to achieve an overall efficient approach. The proposed approach is used to assess the impact of different hours of service regulations from a carrier-centric point of view. Extensive computational experiments for various sets of regulations in the United States, Canada, the European Union, and Australia are conducted to provide an international assessment of the impact of different rules on transportation costs and accident risks. Our experiments demonstrate that European Union rules lead to the highest safety, whereas Canadian regulations are the most competitive in terms of economic efficiency. Australian regulations appear to have unnecessarily high risk rates with respect to operating costs. The recent rule change in the United States reduces accident risk rates with a moderate increase in operating costs.
Small Animal Review
Authors: Tennant Bryn
Published: August 2013

Introduction: Seizure activity in older dogs is a concern but where a definitive cause is not identified, survival times of several years are seen.
Canine status epilepticus
Authors: Lowrie Mark
Published: August 2013

Status Epilepticus (SE) is a fraught and stressful event for owners, and, needless to say, it conjures a similar reaction to even the most hardened veterinary professional when a patient arrives in the clinic. Studies have suggested that SE can be associated with a mortality rate as high as 25% ( Bateman et al, 1999 ). However, an unbiased mortality rate for dogs is unknown given that many patients are euthanased prior to aggressive treatment and diagnostic testing. Furthermore, SE can be the result of any number of types of brain disease meaning that outcome will vary depending on the underlying problem. This article aims to give an easy to read, step-by-step reference for managing these difficult patients.
Congenital hydrocephalus case study: pathophysiology, treatment and prognosis
Authors: Scarpante Elena , Palus Viktor , Cherubini Giunio Bruto , White Dick
Published: August 2013

Hydrocephalus is a congenital or acquired disorder commonly diagnosed in small animals. Clinical signs are variable but forebrain deficits are typical; distortion of the calvarium, open fontanelle and bilateral ventrolateral strabismus are often seen. Medical treatment usually offers only temporary control of the clinical signs and surgery is necessary in most cases. The aim of the surgery is to provide a controlled flow of cerebrospinal fluid. This is achieved by placing a shunting device to drain the cerebrospinal fluid from the ventricles into the peritoneal cavity. A five-month-old female entire Chihuahua presented with acute onset of complex partial seizures, left-sided head tilt and circling. MRI findings were consistent with the diagnosis of congenital hydrocephalus. After initial stabilisation on medical treatment, the dog underwent surgery for ventriculo-peritoneal shunt placement. At one year follow-up, no neurological deficits were present.
Backyard pigs: medicine problems–part 1
Authors: Duncanson Graham R
Published: August 2013

Medical conditions are classified into groups by their predominant affected system. Namely: Enteric, Neurological, Respiratory, Circulatory, Skin and Urinary. The signs of the conditions are described together with diagnostic indicators classified as enteric and neurological. Treatment options are discussed with specific reference to back yard pigs. In a further article, respiratory, circulatory, skin and urinary systems will be discussed. Helminths and routine worming, and vaccination will be discussed separately in a third article.
Responsible use of antimicrobial drugs in bovine respiratory disease
Authors: Scott Phil
Published: August 2013

The first annual report of the GB Cattle Health and Welfare Group (CHAWG, 2012) lists calf pneumonia as one the top ten most important health and welfare issues of dairy and beef cattle. Antimicrobial therapy is considered essential in the treatment of respiratory disease, but must be used correctly as outlined by the BVA's document detailing the responsible use of antimicrobial drugs in veterinary practice.
Cattle Review
Authors: Barrett David C
Published: August 2013

Introduction:

This edition of Cattle Review considers recent papers on the outcome of caesarean sections in practice, bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) in respiratory disease and Neospora caninum in wildlife.
A case of pyometra and granulosa cell tumour in a sheep
Authors: Oultram JW , Morgan Lucy
Published: August 2013

This case report describes the diagnosis and treatment of pyometra and granulosa cell tumour in a pet ewe. It includes the use of simple imaging and blood testing to assist the diagnosis, the use of medical treatment in the control of the pyometra, a description of the surgical treatment in order to remove the granulosa cell tumour and the subsequent management of the wound dehiscence by insertion of a polypropylene mesh. The anaesthetic regimens are described and are techniques which can be used in practice. This particular case was followed to its full conclusion as the ewe was a valued pet; in the commercial breeding ewe the case work up would have ceased at an earlier point.
Equine Review
Authors: Hughes Tom
Published: August 2013

Introduction:

This edition of Equine Review considers papers on antimicrobial prophylaxis.
Tantalum cones for major osteolysis in revision knee replacement
Authors: Rao B. M. , Kamal T. T. , Vafaye J. , Moss M.
Published: August 2013

We report the results of revision total knee replacement (TKR) in 26 patients with major metaphyseal osteolytic defects using 29 trabecular metal cones in conjunction with a rotating hinged total knee prosthesis. The osteolytic defects were types II and III (A or B) according to the Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute (AORI) classification. The mean age of the patients was 72 years (62 to 84) and there were 15 men and 11 women. In this series patients had undergone a mean of 2.34 previous total knee arthroplasties. The main objective was to restore anatomy along with stability and function of the knee joint to allow immediate full weight-bearing and active knee movement. Outcomes were measured using Knee Society scores, Oxford knee scores, range of movement of the knee and serial radiographs. Patients were followed for a mean of 36 months (24 to 49). The mean Oxford knee clinical scores improved from 12.83 (10 to 15) to 35.20 (32 to 38) (p < 0.001) and mean American Knee Society scores improved from 33.24 (13 to 36) to 81.12 (78 to 86) (p < 0.001). No radiolucent lines suggestive of loosening were seen around the trabecular metal cones, and by one year all the radiographs showed good osteo-integration. There was no evidence of any collapse or implant migration. Our early results confirm the findings of others that trabecular metal cones offer a useful way of managing severe bone loss in revision TKR.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1069–74.
The role of osteoblasts in peri-prosthetic osteolysis
Authors: O’Neill S. C. , Queally J. M. , Devitt B. M. , Doran P. P. , O’Byrne J. M.
Published: August 2013

Peri-prosthetic osteolysis and subsequent aseptic loosening is the most common reason for revising total hip replacements. Wear particles originating from the prosthetic components interact with multiple cell types in the peri-prosthetic region resulting in an inflammatory process that ultimately leads to peri-prosthetic bone loss. These cells include macrophages, osteoclasts, osteoblasts and fibroblasts. The majority of research in peri-prosthetic osteolysis has concentrated on the role played by osteoclasts and macrophages. The purpose of this review is to assess the role of the osteoblast in peri-prosthetic osteolysis.

In peri-prosthetic osteolysis, wear particles may affect osteoblasts and contribute to the osteolytic process by two mechanisms. First, particles and metallic ions have been shown to inhibit the osteoblast in terms of its ability to secrete mineralised bone matrix, by reducing calcium deposition, alkaline phosphatase activity and its ability to proliferate. Secondly, particles and metallic ions have been shown to stimulate osteoblasts to produce pro inflammatory mediators in vitro. In vivo, these mediators have the potential to attract pro-inflammatory cells to the peri-prosthetic area and stimulate osteoclasts to absorb bone. Further research is needed to fully define the role of the osteoblast in peri-prosthetic osteolysis and to explore its potential role as a therapeutic target in this condition.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1021–5.
Serial magnetic resonance imaging of metal-on-metal total hip replacements
Authors: Ebreo D. , Bell P. J. , Arshad H. , Donell S. T. , Toms A. , Nolan J. F.
Published: August 2013

Metal artefact reduction (MAR) MRI is now widely considered to be the standard for imaging metal-on-metal (MoM) hip implants. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recommended cross-sectional imaging for all patients with symptomatic MoM bearings. This paper describes the natural history of MoM disease in a 28 mm MoM total hip replacement (THR) using MAR MRI. Inclusion criteria were patients with MoM THRs who had not been revised and had at least two serial MAR MRI scans. All examinations were reported by an experienced observer and classified as A (normal), B (infection) or C1–C3 (mild, moderate, severe MoM-related abnormalities). Between 2002 and 2011 a total of 239 MRIs were performed on 80 patients (two to four scans per THR); 63 initial MRIs (61%) were normal. On subsequent MRIs, six initially normal scans (9.5%) showed progression to a disease state; 15 (15%) of 103 THRs with sequential scans demonstrated worsening disease on subsequent imaging.

Most patients with a MoM THR who do not undergo early revision have normal MRI scans. Late progression (from normal to abnormal, or from mild to more severe MoM disease) is not common and takes place over several years.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1035–9.
Outcome of soft-tissue sarcoma patients who were alive and event-free more than five years after initial treatment
Authors: Nakamura T. , Grimer R. J. , Carter S. R. , Tillman R. M. , Abudu A. , Jeys L. , Sudo A.
Published: August 2013

We evaluated the risk of late relapse and further outcome in patients with soft-tissue sarcomas who were alive and event-free more than five years after initial treatment. From our database we identified 1912 patients with these pathologies treated between 1980 and 2006. Of these 1912 patients, 603 were alive and event-free more than five years after initial treatment and we retrospectively reviewed them. The mean age of this group was 48 years (4 to 94) and 340 were men. The mean follow-up was 106 months (60 to 336). Of the original cohort, 582 (97%) were alive at final follow-up. The disease-specific survival was 96.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 94.4 to 98.3) at ten years and 92.9% (95% CI 89 to 96.8) at 15 years. The rate of late relapse was 6.3% (38 of 603). The ten- and 15-year event-free rates were 93.2% (95% CI 90.8 to 95.7) and 86.1% (95% CI 80.2 to 92.1), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that tumour size and tumour grade remained independent predictors of events. In spite of further treatment, 19 of the 38 patients died of sarcoma. The three- and five-year survival rates after the late relapse were 56.2% (95% CI 39.5 to 73.3) and 43.2% (95% CI 24.7 to 61.7), respectively, with a median survival time of 46 months. Patients with soft-tissue sarcoma, especially if large, require long-term follow-up, especially as they have moderate potential to have their disease controlled.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1139–43.
Do intervertebral discs degenerate before they herniate, or after?
Authors: Lama P. , Le Maitre C. L. , Dolan P. , Tarlton J. F. , Harding I. J. , Adams M. A.
Published: August 2013

The belief that an intervertebral disc must degenerate before it can herniate has clinical and medicolegal significance, but lacks scientific validity. We hypothesised that tissue changes in herniated discs differ from those in discs that degenerate without herniation. Tissues were obtained at surgery from 21 herniated discs and 11 non-herniated discs of similar degeneration as assessed by the Pfirrmann grade. Thin sections were graded histologically, and certain features were quantified using immunofluorescence combined with confocal microscopy and image analysis. Herniated and degenerated tissues were compared separately for each tissue type: nucleus, inner annulus and outer annulus.

Herniated tissues showed significantly greater proteoglycan loss (outer annulus), neovascularisation (annulus), innervation (annulus), cellularity/inflammation (annulus) and expression of matrix-degrading enzymes (inner annulus) than degenerated discs. No significant differences were seen in the nucleus tissue from herniated and degenerated discs. Degenerative changes start in the nucleus, so it seems unlikely that advanced degeneration caused herniation in 21 of these 32 discs. On the contrary, specific changes in the annulus can be interpreted as the consequences of herniation, when disruption allows local swelling, proteoglycan loss, and the ingrowth of blood vessels, nerves and inflammatory cells.

In conclusion, it should not be assumed that degenerative changes always precede disc herniation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1127–33.
Internal fixation of radiation-induced pathological fractures of the femur has a high rate of failure
Authors: Sternheim A. , Saidi K. , Lochab J. , O’Donnell P. W. , Eward W. C. , Griffin A. , Wunder J. S. , Ferguson P.
Published: August 2013

We investigated the clinical outcome of internal fixation for pathological fracture of the femur after primary excision of a soft-tissue sarcoma that had been treated with adjuvant radiotherapy.

A review of our database identified 22 radiation-induced fractures of the femur in 22 patients (seven men, 15 women). We noted the mechanism of injury, fracture pattern and any complications after internal fixation, including nonunion, hardware failure, secondary fracture or deep infection.

The mean age of the patients at primary excision of the tumour was 58.3 years (39 to 86). The mean time from primary excision to fracture was 73.2 months (2 to 195). The mean follow-up after fracture fixation was 65.9 months (12 to 205). Complications occurred in 19 patients (86%). Nonunion developed in 18 patients (82%), of whom 11 had a radiological nonunion at 12 months, five a nonunion and hardware failure and two an infected nonunion. One patient developed a second radiation-associated fracture of the femur after internal fixation and union of the initial fracture. A total of 13 patients (59%) underwent 24 revision operations.

Internal fixation of a pathological fracture of the femur after radiotherapy for a soft-tissue sarcoma has an extremely high rate of complication and requires specialist attention.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1144–8.
Exam Corner – August 2013
Authors: Khanduja V.
Published: August 2013

The FRCS (Tr & Orth) examination has three components: MCQs, Vivas and Clinical Examination. The Vivas are further divided into four sections comprising Basic Science, Adult Pathology, Hands and Children’s Orthopaedics and Trauma. The Clinical Examination section is divided into Upper and Lower limb cases. The aim of this section in the Journal is to focus specifically on the trainees preparing for the exam and to cater to all the sections of the exam. The vision is to complete the cycle of all relevant exam topics (as per the syllabus) in four years.
Analyzing City Hall, Villa and Tunnel in Amman: The Failures of Cultural Amalgamation at the Turn of the Twentieth Century
Authors: Sakr Yasir
Published: August 2013

This essay narrates the ‘cultural amalgamation’ of the Greater City of Amman, the capital of Jordan, undertaken by its municipality during the last two decades of the twentieth century. The study delineates the various dynamics, actors, agendas and tools that defined the amalgamation process as a ‘discourse’. Deconstructing this discourse, this study highlights the critical role of ‘monuments’ and architects in shaping the municipal endeavour in order to consolidate a civic identity and culture for the sprawling city of Amman. Particular emphasis is given to the peculiar interaction between the symbolic and the utilitarian tools of the amalgamation process, represented by the ‘City Hall’, ‘Villa’ and ‘Tunnel/Bridge intersection’, which lead to the problematic outcome investigated here.
Abu Dhabi Forms and Fragments: Muslim Space and the Modern City
Authors: El-Amrousi Mohamed , Biln John
Published: August 2013

The urban reshaping of Abu Dhabi incorporates monumental construction projects as part of a larger government-sponsored strategy of economic and cultural development outlined in the Abu Dhabi 2030 plan. Once the salient features of several of the most important recent monuments in Abu Dhabi are understood, however, it becomes clear that their power cannot be reduced to a simple effect of an urban development policy. Indeed, these works can be interpreted as examples of a conscious semiotic strategy of ‘gathering’ identifiable architectural forms of major Muslim monuments from around the world into a single location, a new ‘centre’ of a multi-ethnic community that incorporates ‘Islamic’ arts and crafts across geographic boundaries from Moorish Spain to Mughal India. In order to appreciate the implications of this building programme, attention must be given to the history and built heritage of Abu Dhabi as an emerging modern city seeking a unique identity among neighbouring Gulf State cities. This article investigates the emergence of revived forms in selected congregational mosques in Abu Dhabi that are open for visits to both Muslims and non-Muslims. The Qubbat As-Sakhrah Mosque in Abu Dhabi, which is an exact replica of the original in Jerusalem; the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi with undeniable references to the Taj Mahal; and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Fujairah, which mimics the Sultan Ahmet Mosque in Istanbul, none of which were designed by star architects, are investigated in this article as manifestations of collagist practices that serve to reinforce a projected sense of community in the United Arab Emirates.
Reconstructing Afghanistan: An Architecture Curriculum for a ‘New Way of Life’
Authors: Sawruk Theodore
Published: August 2013

Afghanistan is a country rich in culture and history, but also one devastated by decades of war. The destruction extends beyond cities to include the social, economic and educational constructs of life. In 2008, the University of Hartford was awarded a $1.33 million grant to help re-establish the engineering facilities at Herat University. The grant mission also facilitated the creation of a new achitectural programme to address the growing needs of contemporary Afghanistan. Over the next three years, scholars worked to forge an innovative curriculum, one that melds the historic traditions of a centuries-old city with the contemporary needs of a western-style Islamic society.

When the ideally conceived curriculum was finally taken to Herat University for approval and implementation, a new and harsher reality emerged. This article chronicles the events that reshaped the proposed curriculum. It relays how the current state of the profession, cultural traditions, gender bias and economic realities came to bear on the development of this new programme, and how western preconceptions were revised by local realities. Finally, it documents how the melding of these realities supplanted initial utopian agendas in the creation of a more viable, integrated curriculum that supports an evolving, unique and contemporary architectural identity.
Exhibition Reviews
Authors: Hartmuth Maximilian , Forberg Corinna , Movassat Johanna Domela
Published: August 2013

‘The Closing of the Zemaljski Muzej’, Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Since October 15, 2012

‘Samarra: Centre of the World. 101 Years of Archaeological Research on the Tigris Museum’ Für Islamische Kunst, Staatliche Museen Zu Berlin, January 18–May 26, 2013

‘The Jameel Prize: Art Inspired by Islamic Tradition’, Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University, December 12, 2012–March 10, 2013
Management consultants and the United States’ public sector
Authors: Momani Bessma
Published: August 2013

Management consultants provide strategic advice to public sector agencies and departments throughout the US, contributing to what some scholars call the “hollowing out of the state.” What ideational frameworks underlie these public -private relationships? Findings from a survey of management consultant show that they believe that they are contracted because they provide knowledge that is unavailable inside the public sector and that their ideas are more innovative. This study helps to explain management consultants’ perceptions of their services contracted by US public sector. By gauging the perspectives of management consultants, this research will potentially help academics and practitioners to better understand public agencies’ contracting of management consultants. This article provides preliminary steps towards better understanding and analyzing the use of management consultants by different levels of the US public sector.
When Does Inter-School Competition Matter? Evidence from the Chilean “Voucher” System
Authors: Gallego Francisco
Published: August 2013

I investigate the effects of voucher-school competition on educational outcomes. I test whether voucher-school competition (1) improves student outcomes and (2) has stronger effects when public schools face a hard-budget constraint. Since both voucher-school competition and the degree of hardness of the budget constraint for public schools are endogenous to public school quality, I exploit (i) the interaction of the number of Catholic priests in 1950 and the institution of the voucher system in Chile in 1981 as a potentially exogenous determinant of the supply of voucher schools and (ii) a particular feature of the electoral system that affects the identity of the mayors of different counties (who manage public schools) as a source of exogenous variation in the degree of hardness of the public schools’ budget constraints. Using this information, I find that (1) an increase of one standard deviation of the ratio of voucher-to-public schools increases test scores by just around 0.10 standard deviations; and (2) the effects are significantly bigger for public schools facing more binding minimum enrollment levels.
Chemerin is expressed mainly in pancreas and liver, is regulated by energy deprivation, and lacks day/night variation in humans
Authors: Chamberland John P , Berman Reena L , Aronis Konstantinos N , Mantzoros Christos S
Published: August 2013

Objective

Chemerin is an adipocyte-secreted hormone and has recently been associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome. Although studies in rodents have outlined the aspects of chemerin's function and expression, its physiology and expression patterns are still to be elucidated in humans.

Methods

To evaluate for any day/night variation in chemerin secretion, we analyzed hourly serum samples from six females in the fed state. To examine whether energy deprivation affects chemerin levels, and whether this could be mediated through leptin, we analyzed samples from the same subjects in the fasting state while administering either placebo or leptin. To evaluate for any potential dose–effect relationship between leptin and chemerin, we administered increasing metreleptin doses to five females. A tissue array was used to study the expression of chemerin in different human tissues. Ex vivo treatment of human fat explants from three subjects with leptin was carried out to evaluate for any direct effect of leptin on adipocyte chemerin secretion.

Results

Chemerin does not display a day/night variation, while acute energy deprivation resulted in a significant drop in circulating chemerin levels by ∼42%. The latter was unaltered by metreleptin administration, and leptin administration did not affect the secretion of chemerin by human adipose tissue studied ex vivo. Chemerin was expressed primarily in the pancreas and liver. Chemerin receptor showed increased expression in the lymph nodes and the spleen.

Conclusions

We outline for the first time chemerin expression and physiology in humans, which are different from those in mice.
Molecular morphology and function of bull spermatozoa linked to histones and associated with fertility
Authors: de Oliveira Rodrigo V , Dogan Sule , Belser Lauren E , Kaya Abdullah , Topper Einko , Moura Arlindo , Thibaudeau Giselle , Memili Erdogan
Published: August 2013

Sub-par fertility in bulls is influenced by alterations in sperm chromatin, and it might not be solved with increased sperm concentration in artificial insemination. Appropriate histone retention during sperm chromatin condensation plays critical roles in male fertility. The objective of this study was to determine failures of sperm chromatin condensation associated with abnormal persistence or accessibility of histones by aniline blue (ANBL) test, expression levels, and cellular localizations of one variant and two core histones (H3.3, H2B, and H4 respectively) in the spermatozoa of low-fertility (LF) vs high-fertility (HF) bulls. The expression levels and cellular localizations of histones in spermatozoa were studied using immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and staining methods. The bioinformatics focused on the sequence identity and evolutionary distance of these proteins among three mammalian species: bovine, mouse, and human. We demonstrated that ANBL staining was different within the LF (1.73 (0.55, 0.19)) and HF (0.67 (0.17, 0.06)) groups (P<0.0001), which was also negatively correlated within vivobull fertility (r=−0.90,P<0.0001). Although these histones were consistently detectable and specifically localized in bull sperm cells, they were not different between the two groups. Except H2B variants, H3.3 and H4 showed 100% identity and were evolutionarily conserved in bulls, mice and humans. The H2B variants were more conserved between bulls and humans, than in mice. In conclusion, we showed that H2B, H3.3, and H4 were detectable in bull spermatozoa and that sperm chromatin condensation status, changed by histone retention, is related to bull fertility.
Expression of the rhesus glycoproteins, ammonia transporter family members, RHCG and RHBG in male reproductive organs
Authors: Lee Hyun-Wook , Verlander Jill W , Handlogten Mary E , Han Ki-Hwan , Cooke Paul S , Weiner I David
Published: August 2013

The rhesus glycoproteins, Rh B glycoprotein (RHBG) and Rh C glycoprotein (RHCG), are recently identified ammonia transporters. Rhcg expression is necessary for normal male fertility, but its specific cellular expression is unknown, and Rhbg has not been reported to be expressed in the male reproductive tract. This study sought to determine the specific cellular expression of Rhcg, to determine whether Rhbg is expressed in the male reproductive tract, and, if so, to determine which cells express Rhbg using real-time RT-PCR, immunoblot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. Both Rhbg and Rhcg were expressed throughout the male reproductive tract. In the testis, high levels of Rhbg were expressed in Leydig cells, and Rhcg was expressed in spermatids during the later stages of their maturation (steps 13–16) in stages I–VIII of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. In the epididymis, basolateral Rhbg was present in narrow cells in the initial segment, in principal cells in the upper corpus, and in clear cells throughout the epididymis. Apical Rhcg immunolabel was present in principal cells in the caput and upper corpus epididymidis and in clear cells in the middle and lower corpus and cauda epididymidis. In the vas deferens, apical Rhcg immunolabel and basolateral Rhbg immunolabel were present in some principal cells and colocalized with H+-ATPase immunolabel. We conclude that both Rhbg and Rhcg are highly expressed in specific cells in the male reproductive tract where they can contribute to multiple components of male fertility.
The Molecular Genetics of Insecticide Resistance
Authors: ffrench-Constant Richard H
Published: August 2013

The past 60 years have seen a revolution in our understanding of the molecular genetics of insecticide resistance. While at first the field was split by arguments about the relative importance of mono- vs. polygenic resistance and field- vs. laboratory-based selection, the application of molecular cloning to insecticide targets and to the metabolic enzymes that degrade insecticides before they reach those targets has brought out an exponential growth in our understanding of the mutations involved. Molecular analysis has confirmed the relative importance of single major genes in target-site resistance and has also revealed some interesting surprises about the multi-gene families, such as cytochrome P450s, involved in metabolic resistance. Identification of the mutations involved in resistance has also led to parallel advances in our understanding of the enzymes and receptors involved, often with implications for the role of these receptors in humans. This Review seeks to provide an historical perspective on the impact of molecular biology on our understanding of resistance and to begin to look forward to the likely impact of rapid advances in both sequencing and genome-wide association analysis.
Rockin’ the jazz biopic
Authors: Varriale Simone
Published: August 2013

Mixing facts and fiction, Hollywood screen biographies have told the lives of popular music icons at least since The Jazz Singer (1927). However, biopics construct narratives that deal problematically with issues of race. My essay aims to describe how representations of African American musicians have changed from 1970s ‘black jazz biopics’ (Gabbard 1996) to more recent films on rock, hip hop and rhythm ’n’ blues acts. On one hand, I analyse the way 1970s music biopics constructed a peculiar new narrative about race and popularity. On the other hand, I show the extent to which films such as Tina (1993), Ray (2004) and Notorious (2009) have subtly modified the racialized distinctions of former biopics, placing black musicians within a cinematic mythology which historically had been reserved to white subjects. The shift from jazz to other music genres, thus, is related to significant changes in biopics’ narratives and visual strategies. However, I argue that music biopics still deal with a distinctive notion of ‘the popular’ (Williams 1983), which frames blackness as otherness and whiteness (Dyer 1997) as just ‘human nature’.
Fatigue analysis of fibrous concrete with cement additions
Authors: Kaur Gurbir , Singh Suriner Pal , Kaushik Surendra Kumar
Published: August 2013

The flexural fatigue performance of steel-fibre-reinforced concrete containing mineral inserts is experimentally studied, to investigate the influence of limestone powder, fly ash, metakaolin and silica fume used as inserts. Using different combinations of these cement additions in binary and ternary blend systems, seven mix combinations are prepared and 168 static flexural strength tests are performed to facilitate fatigue testing. Approximately 336 beam specimens are tested to investigate the fatigue performance of different concretes in flexure. The probabilistic distribution of fatigue life of all mix combinations is found to be in agreement with the two-parameter Weibull distribution, with the correlation coefficient achieving higher values. The graphical method, method of moments and method of maximum likelihood estimates are employed to determine distribution parameters. The partial replacement of ordinary Portland cement with mineral inserts/cement additions is found to significantly reduce variability in the distribution of fatigue life. Fatigue life data are also presented in the form of traditional S–N (stress level–number of cycles to failure) diagrams and the 2 000 000 cycle fatigue strength is estimated for all mix combinations. Based on the experimental results, the mix consisting of 70% ordinary Portland cement, 20% fly ash and 10% silica fume is recommended as the most suitable.
Wine cathedrals: making the most of masonry
Authors: de Llorens Duran Josep Ignasi
Published: August 2013

The ‘wine cathedrals’ were wine cellars built for agricultural cooperatives in southern Catalonia in the early twentieth century. They were developed by Cesar Martinell (1888–1973). As the cooperatives could not afford to build with steel or concrete, he used traditional masonry and drew on the achievements of contemporary modern architects such as Antoni Gaudí, Lluis Domènech and Josep Puig. Martinell took advantage of the constructive and architectural possibilities of brick by using it not only for walls and pillars but also to replace main beams, joist beams, floor slabs and roofs. This gave rise to a type of building in which the constructive system becomes the architectural form and satisfies the technical and functional requirements. Some of the resources used by Martinell are still valid in low-cost and sustainable construction today when labour and local resources are more readily available than energy and imported products.
The Influence of Implant Diameter on Its Survival: A Meta‐Analysis Based on Prospective Clinical Trials
Authors: Ortega‐Oller Inmaculada , Suárez Fernando , Galindo‐Moreno Pablo , Torrecillas‐Martínez Laura , Monje Alberto , Catena Andrés , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: August 2013

Background: The use of narrow‐diameter implants has been proposed to restore small edentulous spans, thus avoiding extensive bone augmentation procedures and reducing the surgical complexity of implant rehabilitations. Although success rates of narrow‐diameter implants have already been analyzed in the literature, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no meta‐analysis based on prospective and randomized controlled trials has been performed. The aim of this study is to analyze the survival rates of narrow‐diameter implants compared with standard or wide‐diameter implants.

Methods: An electronic search from three databases and a hand search in implant‐related journals of studies published in English before September 1, 2012 were performed. Prospective human clinical studies with at least 10 implants and a follow‐up period of 1 year were included in the meta‐analysis. Implants were divided into two groups based on their diameters.

Results: The initial search yielded 484 articles, of which 49 were evaluated in full text for eligibility. Finally, 16 studies were chosen and separated into two groups: 1) implants of diameter <3.3 mm (group 1) and 2) implants of diameter ≥3.3 mm (group 2). A meta‐analysis performed for groups 1 and 2 showed survival rates of 75% and 87%, respectively.

Conclusions: This meta‐analysis showed that narrower implants (<3.3 mm) had significantly lower survival rates compared with wider implants (≥3.3 mm). Other variables, such as type of prosthesis, implant surface, and timing of prosthetic loading, were found to have influenced the implant survival rates.
Effect of Food Stimulated Liquids and Thermocycling on the Monomer Elution from a Nanofilled Composite
Authors: Tabatabaei Masumeh Hasani , Sadrai Sima , Bassir Seyed Hossein , Veisy Nadia , Dehghan Somaye
Published: August 2013

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of food simulating liquids and thermocycling on the elution of monomers from a nanofilled resin composite in different immersion times. Five Specimen discs were made from a nano-hybrid composite (Supreme 3M) for each group (Total = 180) and immersed in distilled water (control), citric acid, lactic acid, and 75% aqueous ethanol solution. The discs were removed after 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 1 wk, 4 wk, and 12 wk. Three groups of samples underwent thermocycling for 1000, 2000 and 3000 cycles. The solutes were analyzed with HPLC for detection of eluted monomers. The results showed that the amount of released TEGDMA was significantly higher than that of Bis-GMA; however, there were not any significant differences between the amount of released Bis-GMA and UDMA. Moreover, the highest amount of monomers was released from samples immersed in ethanol solution; samples immersed in citric acid and lactic acid significantly released more monomers than those immersed in distilled water. Furthermore, the immersion time in aqueous ethanol solution had an increasing effect on the release of monomers. In addition, the higher amounts of monomers were release from samples immersed in ethanol and citric acid which underwent a higher number of thermal cycles. In conclusion, food and drink stimulated liquids used in this study increased the amount of some of the monomers released from composite resin. Thermal shocks and storage time are other factors that increased the release of monomers from the composite resin
Morphology of Optic Disc Through Heidelberg Retina Tomograph in Retinal Vein Occlusions Alone or in Combination with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma§
Authors: Actis Alessandro Guido , Belli Luca , Dall’orto Laura , Penna Rachele , Brogliatti Beatrice , Rolle Teresa
Published: August 2013

Purpose:

To evaluate the morphology of optic discs in eyes suffering from retinal vein occlusion (RVO) alone or in combination with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods:

Prospective, observational study. 48 consecutive patients were enrolled, 30 with unilateral RVO diagnosis, 18 with unilateral retinal vein occlusion (RVO) associated with POAG. We divided RVOs on the basis of occlusion site: arterio-venous crossing (AV-RVO), optic cup (OC-RVO), optic nerve (ON-RVO) with head nerve swelling (ONHS-RVO) or without it (NONHS-RVO). A control group of 25 patients who were sex and age matched was selected.

Results:

Comparing the fellow eyes of the patients with RVO and control healthy eyes, no differences emerged in cup/disc ratio but they came out for the HRT values in Rim Area, cup shape measure and height variation contour (p<0.05).

The most frequent occlusion site was at the level of an arteriovenous crossing in patients not suffering from POAG (36.7%) and at the level of the optic cup in patients with RVO and POAG (50%). In the RVO group without POAG, the OC-RVO subgroup has shown an higher cup area (0.366±0.094) and cup/disc area ratio (0.184±0.063), a lower rim volume (0.374±0.021) and a different cup shape measure (-0.221±0.066) (p<0.05) compared with the AV and NONHS sites. Compared with NONHS group differences emerged also for the fibres parameters and in the height variation contour (0.346±0.081). Also in the RVO group with POAG significant differences (p<0.05) have been surveyed between OC-RVO and other occlusion sites in cup area (0.119±0.029), cup/disc area ratio (0.532±0.09), rim volume (0.374±0.07), cup/shape measure (-0.079±0.013).

Conclusions:

Classification of the analyzed parameters on the basis of the occlusion site provides a basis for which clinical decisions and research on causal factors in future studies can be based on.
Pressure Ulcer Associated with Critical Colonization Successfully Treated by Transient Usage of Cadexomer-Iodine: A Case Report
Authors: Inui Shigeki , Harada Toshiko , Itami Satoshi
Published: August 2013

A 56-year-old Japanese man hospitalized for schizophrenia and depression developed pressure ulcer on his
greater trochanter due to a long-term bed rest. In spite of applying 0.003% alprostadil alfadex ointment for two months,
the ulcer was not improved. Because there was some purulent discharge, we examined semi-quantitative swab bacterial
culture from the ulcer and subsequently detected quadrant III of bacteria. Then, 0.9% cadexomer-iodine ointment was
applied once a day, resulting in decrease of the discharge and only quadrant I of bacteria culture. Thereafter, by
application of polyurethane foams for two months, the wound was completely epithelized. The remarkable acceleration of
wound healing after using cadexomer-iodine ointment suggested the initial critical colonization, which might have caused
delayed healing.
Phenolic composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the extracts from Prunus spinosa L. fruit
Authors: Velickovic Jasmina , Kostic Danijela , Stojanovic Gordana , Mitic Snezana , Mitic Milan , Randjelovic Sasa , Djordjevic Aleksandra
Published: August 2013

Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) is commonly used in food industry and
phytotherapy. The contents of phenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins and
antioxidative activity in extracts of blackthorn fruit were determined using
spectrophotometric methods. The content of total phenol compounds varies from
15.33 to 20.94 mg GAE g-1 of fresh fruit. The content of total flavonoids is
very low, and ranges from 0.419 to 1.31 mg QE g-1 of fresh fruits.
Anthocyanins content lies between 0.112 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside/g of fresh
sample in ethanol extract and 0.265 mg of cyanidin 3-glucoside g-1 of fresh
blackthorn fruit in methanol-water 50/50 (v/v) extract. The differences in
total phenol compounds content depend on used extraction medium as a
consequence of different polarity of used organic solvents and their
mixtures, which selectively extract individual compounds. All explored
extracts exhibited strong scavenging activity against DPPH radicals, which
ranges from 32.05 to 89.10%. Phenolic acids (neochlorogenic and caffeic
acids), flavonoids (quercetin and myricetin) and anthocyanins
(cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, peonidin-3-O-glucoside)
were identified in investigated ethanol extracts by HPLC analysis. Ethanol
extract shows significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus
aureus ATCC 6538, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC
9027 and Salmonella abony NCTC 6017 and antifungal activity against Candida
albicans ATCC 10231. Blackthorn fruit extract exhibits a high phenolic
content and a high antioxidant activity, and can be used as an antioxidant in
food and pharmaceutical industries.
Electrochemical investigation of cold worked copper in alkaline solution with the presence of potassium ethyl xanthate
Authors: Ivanov Svetlana , Rajcic-Vujasinovic Mirjana , Petrovic Jasmina , Grekulovic Vesna , Mladenovic Srba
Published: August 2013

This paper presents the investigation results of the electrochemical behavior
of copper in 1 M Na2CO3 solution in the presence of potassium ethyl xanthate
(KEtX) with different concentrations. Tests were conducted on copper samples
obtained without deformation and with deformation of 83, 91 and 99 %. Samples
were obtained by cold drawing of wire, which was previously obtained by
dip-forming procedure. Corrosion behavior of cold deformed copper wire is
characterized by its open circuit potential and behavior during anodic
polarization. Experiments were carried out in aqueous solution 1 M Na2CO3
with added various amounts of KEtX between 0.008 g/l and 0.15 g/l. It was
experimentally proved that the degree of deformation between 83 and 99 % does
not have a large effect on the open circuit potential, as well as on the
behavior of copper during anodic polarization in 1 M Na2CO3. Voltammograms
show no significant differences between peak heights obtained for different
electrodes. The first peak which occurs at potential of around -0.06 V vs.
SCE corresponds to the formation of copper oxide Cu2O. The second wide peak
is at potential of around 0.15 V vs. SCE and corresponds to the formation of
CuO. Addition of potassium ethyl xanthate in alkaline 1 M Na2CO3 solution
changes the mechanism of the process in anodic part, which is reflected in
the change of shape of voltammograms. In presence of KEtX in concentration
between 0.008 g/l and 0.15 g/l on voltammograms a sharp peak appears at
potential of about -0.2 V vs. SCE and corresponds to the oxidation of
xanthate. Current density, which determines the rate of the process which
takes place at the electrode surface, yet in the presence of smallest amounts
of KEtX (<0,08 g/l) is higher than in the absence of KEtX. It allows one to
conclude that the processes of oxidation of copper accelerate in presence of
potassium ethyl xanthate.
Evaluation of sensitivity of modified star protocol microbiological method for beta-lactame antibiotics detection in raw cow milk
Authors: Borovic Branka , Spiric Danka , Velebit Branko , Djordjevic Vesna , Lakicevic Brankica , Baltic Tatjana , Spiric Aurelija
Published: August 2013

Antibiotic residues when present in animal tissues, through food chain, can
enter human body, causing allergic reactions or facilitating the development
of resistant bacterial strains. In order to determine the presence of
antibiotics in animal tissues, it is appropriate to use convenient, reliable
and sensitive methods. Microbiological methods applied for the detection of
antibiotic residues in primary products of animal origin are based on the
sensitivity of specific bacterial strains to a particular group of
antibiotics. Regulatives on the amount of pesticides, metals and metalloids
and other toxic substances, chemotherapeutics, anabolics and other substances
which can be found in food ("Off. Gazette", No. 5/92, 11/92 - corr. and
32/02), state that milk and milk products can be used in commercial purposes
only if not contain antibiotics in quantities that can be detected by
reference methods. The applied method is modified STAR (Screening test for
detection of antibiotics) protocol, regulated by the CRL (Community Reference
Laboratory) Fougeres, France, in which the initial validation of the method
had been carried out. In accordance with the demands of Regulative Commission
EC No657/2002, the sensitivity of modified STAR protocol for beta lactam
antibiotics group was examined , that is, there was carried out a contracted
validation of the method, which initial validation had been performed at CRL.
In a couple of series of experiments, 20 blank samples of raw cow milk
originating from animals not treated by antibiotics, had been examined. By
the beginning of the experiment samples were stored in a freezer at -20?C.
Samples of raw cow milk enriched by working solutions of seven beta-lactam
antibiotics, in order to obtain concentrations at the level of 0.5, 1 and 1.5
MRL (Maximmum Residue Limit) for each given antibiotic (Commission Regulation
EC No. 37/2010). For detection of beta-lactam antibiotics, there was used
Kundrat agar test with previously inoculated G.stearothermophilus ATCC 10149
strain. Aliquots of 30 _l of working solution at 0.5, 1 and 1.5 MRL
concentration level, for each antibiotic, were inflicted on two paper disks
placed on inoculated Kundrat agar surface. Petri plates with Kundrat agar
previously inoculated with G.stearothermophilus , on which the samples were
deposited, were incubated for 12-15h at 55oC. The obtained width of
microorganisms growth inhibition zone, that is supposed to be at least 2.0
mm, measured from the disc edge, demonstrated the capability to detect all
the tested 7 antibiotics from the beta lactam group at a level below the
MRLs. Consequently, this proves that use of this method it is possible to
meet the demands of Regulative Commission EC No. 37/2010.