bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epinephrine Injection Associated Scrotal Skin Necrosis
Authors: Gul Murat , Kaynar Mehmet , Sekmenli Tamer , Ciftci Ilhan , Goktas Serdar
Published: June 2015

Male circumcision is among the most frequent surgical interventions throughout history. Although considered as a minor intervention, it may have complications ranging from insignificant to catastrophic. These complications can be attributed to the surgical procedure and anesthesia. In this report we present two cases of scrotal skin necrosis after lidocaine with epinephrine injection using subcutaneous ring block technique prior to circumcision.
Improvement on a 2 × 2 Elements High-Gain Circularly Polarized Antenna Array
Authors: Liu C. , Yan A. , Yu C. , Xu T.
Published: June 2015

A novel antipodal Vivaldi antenna with tapering serrated structure at the edges is proposed. Compared with traditional Vivaldi antennas without serrated structure, the gain of the designed antenna is significantly improved in the desired frequency band (4.5–7.5 GHz). In addition, a 2 × 2 Vivaldi antenna array with an orthorhombic structure is designed and fabricated to achieve a circular polarization (CP) characteristic. With this configuration, the 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth of the array reaches about 42% with respect to the center frequency of 6 GHz and a high gain is achieved as well. The novel Vivaldi antenna and CP antenna array both have ultrawide band (UWB) and high-gain characteristics, which may be applied to the field of commercial communication, remote sensing, and so forth.
The 482Ser ofPPARGC1Aand 12Pro ofPPARG2Alleles Are Associated with Reduction of Metabolic Risk Factors Even Obesity in a Mexican-Mestizo Population
Authors: Vázquez-Del Mercado Mónica , Guzmán-Ornelas Milton-Omar , Corona Meraz Fernanda-Isadora , Ríos-Ibarra Clara-Patricia , Reyes-Serratos Eduardo-Alejandro , Castro-Albarran Jorge , Ruíz-Quezada Sandra-Luz , Navarro-Hernández Rosa-Elena
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between functional polymorphisms Gly482Ser inPPARGC1Aand Pro12Ala inPPARG2with the presence of obesity and metabolic risk factors. We included 375 individuals characterized as Mexican-Mestizos and classified by the body mass index (BMI). Body dimensions and distribution of body fat were measured. The HOMA-IR and adiposity indexes were calculated. Adipokines and metabolic profile quantification were performed by ELISA and routine methods. Genetic polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. A difference between obese and nonobese subjects in polymorphismPPARGC1Adistribution was observed. Among obese individuals, carriers of genotype 482Gly/Gly were observed to have decreased body fat, BMI, and body fat ratio versus 482Ser/Ser carriers and increased resistin and leptin levels in carriers Gly+ phenotype versus Gly− phenotype. Subjects withPPARG2Ala− phenotype (genotype 12Pro/Pro) showed a decreased HOMA-IR index versus individuals with Ala+ phenotype (genotypes 12Pro/Ala plus 12Ala/Ala). We propose that, in obese Mexican-Mestizos, the combination of alleles 482Ser inPPARGC1Aand 12Pro inPPARG2represents a reduced metabolic risk profile, even when the adiposity indexes are increased.
Application of Intrawound Vancomycin Powder during Spine Surgery in a Patient with Dialysis-Dependent Renal Failure
Authors: Kim Jackson , Burke Shane M. , Qu Evan , Hwang Steven W. , Riesenburger Ron I.
Published: June 2015

Surgical site infections (SSIs) after spinal surgery are a serious complication that can be minimized with prophylaxis. Vancomycin is a common agent used in the prevention of SSI. Given that vancomycin is renally cleared, its use requires careful observation in dialysis-dependent patients due to toxicity at supratherapeutic levels. Since minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for vancomycin have increased due to the emergence of resistant pathogens, the use of vancomycin in such patients is further complicated. Local instillation of vancomycin powder is thought to provide additional protection against SSI and have lower systemic absorption. We present a patient with end-stage renal disease that developed progressively debilitating cervical spondylotic myelopathy necessitating multilevel laminectomy and instrumented fusion. Prior to closure, 1 gram of vancomycin powder was sprinkled into the surgical incision. Postoperative serum vancomycin levels were well below those associated with nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. Based on this experience, we reviewed the relevant guidelines that were designed to prevent postoperative infections in such dialysis-dependent patients. Intrawound application of vancomycin may be a legitimate and safe option for SSI prophylaxis in patients with renal failure on dialysis.
Deficient Purposeful Use of Forepaws in Female Mice Modelling Rett Syndrome
Authors: De Filippis Bianca , Musto Mattia , Altabella Luisa , Romano Emilia , Canese Rossella , Laviola Giovanni
Published: June 2015

Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by severe behavioural and physiological symptoms. Mutations in the methyl CpG binding protein 2 gene (MECP2) cause more than 95% of classic cases. Motor abnormalities represent a significant part of the spectrum of RTT symptoms. In the present study we investigated motor coordination and fine motor skill domains in MeCP2-308 female mice, a validated RTT model. This was complemented by thein vivomagnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) analysis of metabolic profile in behaviourally relevant brain areas. MeCP2-308 heterozygous female mice (Het, 10-12 months of age) were impaired in tasks validated for the assessment of purposeful and coordinated forepaw use (Morag testandCapellini handling task). A fine-grain analysis of spontaneous behaviour in the home-cage also revealed an abnormal handling pattern when interacting with the nesting material, reduced motivation to explore the environment, and increased time devoted to feeding in Het mice. The brain MRS evaluation highlighted decreased levels of bioenergetic metabolites in the striatal area in Het mice compared to controls. Present results confirm behavioural and brain alterations previously reported in MeCP2-308 males and identify novel endpoints on which the efficacy of innovative therapeutic strategies for RTT may be tested.
Cytotoxic and Antitumor Activity of Sulforaphane: The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Sestili Piero , Fimognari Carmela
Published: June 2015

According to recent estimates, cancer continues to remain the second leading cause of death and is becoming the leading one in old age. Failure and high systemic toxicity of conventional cancer therapies have accelerated the identification and development of innovative preventive as well as therapeutic strategies to contrast cancer-associated morbidity and mortality. In recent years, increasing body ofin vitroandin vivostudies has underscored the cancer preventive and therapeutic efficacy of the isothiocyanate sulforaphane. In this review article, we highlight that sulforaphane cytotoxicity derives from complex, concurring, and multiple mechanisms, among which the generation of reactive oxygen species has been identified as playing a central role in promoting apoptosis and autophagy of target cells. We also discuss the site and the mechanism of reactive oxygen species’ formation by sulforaphane, the toxicological relevance of sulforaphane-formed reactive oxygen species, and the death pathways triggered by sulforaphane-derived reactive oxygen species.
Synthesis of Some New Thiazole Derivatives and Their Biological Activity Evaluation
Authors: Yurttaş Leyla , Özkay Yusuf , Karaca Gençer Hülya , Acar Ulviye
Published: June 2015

New 2-(4-arylpiperazine-1-yl)-N-[4-(2-(4-substituted phenyl)thiazol-4-yl)phenyl]acetamide derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antimicrobial and anticholinesterase activities. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of the compounds were found weak contrary to expectations. It is unlikely that antifungal activity of the compounds was found significant, especially againstCandida parapsilosis.
Rhein: A Review of Pharmacological Activities
Authors: Zhou Yan-Xi , Xia Wei , Yue Wei , Peng Cheng , Rahman Khalid , Zhang Hong
Published: June 2015

Rhein (4, 5-dihydroxyanthraquinone-2-carboxylic acid) is a lipophilic anthraquinone extensively found in medicinal herbs, such asRheum palmatumL.,Cassia toraL.,Polygonum multiflorumThunb., andAloe barbadensisMiller, which have been used medicinally in China for more than 1,000 years. Its biological activities related to human health are being explored actively. Emerging evidence suggests that rhein has many pharmacological effects, including hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial activities. The present review provides a comprehensive summary and analysis of the pharmacological properties of rhein, supporting the potential uses of rhein as a medicinal agent.
The First Survey of Forensically Important Entomofauna Collected from Medicolegal Autopsies in South Korea
Authors: Shin Sang Eon , Lee Hyun Ju , Park Ji Hye , Ko Kwang Soo , Kim Yu-Hoon , Kim Kyung Ryoul , Park Seong Hwan
Published: June 2015

Forensic entomology applies insect evidence to legal problems such as the estimation of minimum postmortem interval (mPMI). For this purpose, knowledge of the insect fauna that are attracted to human cadavers in each geographic region is a prerequisite. Despite many studies investigating the insect fauna attracted to meat, there has been no survey of the entomofauna on human cadavers in the East Asian temperate climate zone, particularly in Korea. Therefore, this study reports the entomofauna collected from medicolegal autopsies in northeastern Seoul and its suburbs. Insect samples were collected from 35 medicolegal autopsies in 2010, 2011, and 2013. Molecular and morphological methods were utilized for taxonomic identification. Among 1398 individual samples belonging to 3 orders, 13 families, 18 genera, and 32 species, the dominant family and species were Calliphoridae andLucilia sericata, respectively. Despite its limited scale, this study provides a snapshot of the general entomofauna that are attracted to human cadavers in this region.
Repeatability and Reproducibility of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Parameters Measured by Scanning Laser Polarimetry with Enhanced Corneal Compensation in Normal and Glaucomatous Eyes
Authors: Ara Mirian , Ferreras Antonio , Pajarin Ana B. , Calvo Pilar , Figus Michele , Frezzotti Paolo
Published: June 2015

Objective. To assess the intrasession repeatability and intersession reproducibility of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness parameters measured by scanning laser polarimetry (SLP) with enhanced corneal compensation (ECC) in healthy and glaucomatous eyes.Methods. One randomly selected eye of 82 healthy individuals and 60 glaucoma subjects was evaluated. Three scans were acquired during the first visit to evaluate intravisit repeatability. A different operator obtained two additional scans within 2 months after the first session to determine intervisit reproducibility. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (COV), and test-retest variability (TRT) were calculated for all SLP parameters in both groups.Results. ICCs ranged from 0.920 to 0.982 for intravisit measurements and from 0.910 to 0.978 for intervisit measurements. The temporal-superior-nasal-inferior-temporal (TSNIT) average was the highest (0.967 and 0.946) in normal eyes, while nerve fiber indicator (NFI; 0.982) and inferior average (0.978) yielded the best ICC in glaucomatous eyes for intravisit and intervisit measurements, respectively. All COVs were under 10% in both groups, except NFI. TSNIT average had the lowest COV (2.43%) in either type of measurement. Intervisit TRT ranged from 6.48 to 12.84.Conclusions. The reproducibility of peripapillary RNFL measurements obtained with SLP-ECC was excellent, indicating that SLP-ECC is sufficiently accurate for monitoring glaucoma progression.
IFI16Expression Is Related to Selected Transcription Factors during B-Cell Differentiation
Authors: Piccaluga Pier Paolo , Agostinelli Claudio , Fuligni Fabio , Righi Simona , Tripodo Claudio , Re Maria Carla , Clò Alberto , Miserocchi Anna , Morini Silvia , Gariglio Marisa , Ferri Gian Gaetano , Rinaldi-Ceroni Alberto , Piccin Ottavio , De Andrea Marco , Pileri Stefano A. , Landolfo Santo , Gibellini Davide
Published: June 2015

The interferon-inducible DNA sensor IFI16 is involved in the modulation of cellular survival, proliferation, and differentiation. In the hematopoietic system, IFI16 is consistently expressed in the CD34+ stem cells and in peripheral blood lymphocytes; however, little is known regarding its regulation during maturation of B- and T-cells. We explored the role of IFI16 in normal B-cell subsets by analysing its expression and relationship with the major transcription factors involved in germinal center (GC) development and plasma-cell (PC) maturation.IFI16mRNA was differentially expressed in B-cell subsets with significant decrease inIFI16mRNA in GC and PCs with respect to naïve and memory subsets.IFI16mRNA expression is inversely correlated with a few master regulators of B-cell differentiation such asBCL6, XBP1, POU2AF1, andBLIMP1. In contrast,IFI16expression positively correlated withSTAT3, REL, SPIB, RELA, RELB, IRF4, STAT5B, andSTAT5A. ARACNE algorithm indicated a direct regulation ofIFI16byBCL6,STAT5B, andRELB, whereas the relationship betweenIFI16and the other factors is modulated by intermediate factors. In addition, analysis of the CD40 signaling pathway showed thatIFI16gene expression directly correlated with NF-κB activation, indicating that IFI16 could be considered an upstream modulator of NF-κB in human B-cells.
Virial Theorem for Nonrelativistic Quantum Fields inDSpatial Dimensions
Authors: Lin Chris L. , Ordóñez Carlos R.
Published: June 2015

The virial theorem for nonrelativistic complex fields inDspatial dimensions and with arbitrary many-body potential is derived, using path-integral methods and scaling arguments recently developed to analyze quantum anomalies in low-dimensional systems. The potential appearance of a JacobianJdue to a change of variables in the path-integral expression for the partition function of the system is pointed out, although in order to make contact with the literature most of the analysis deals with theJ=1case. The virial theorem is recast into a form that displays the effect of microscopic scales on the thermodynamics of the system. From the point of view of this paper the case usually considered,J=1, is not natural, and the generalization to the caseJ≠1is briefly presented.
Keggin-Type Heteropolyacid for Ring-Opening Polymerization of Cyclohexene Oxide: Molecular Weight Control
Authors: Aouissi Ahmed , Al-Othman Zeid Abdullah , Salhabi Abdurrahman
Published: June 2015

Polymerization of 1,2-cyclohexene oxide (CHO) in dichloromethane was catalyzed by 12-tungstophosphoric acid (H3PW12O40·13H2O) as a super solid acid. The effect of polymerization parameters such as reaction time, temperature, and catalyst amount was investigated. The effect of acetic anhydride as a ring-opening agent was also investigated. The resulting poly(1,2-cyclohexene oxide) (PCHO) was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HNMR), gel-permeation chromatography (GPC), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). It has been found that the PCHO prepared over H3PW12O40·13H2O has a stereoregularity higher than that prepared over clay and Aluminium alkoxide catalysts. TheTgvalue obtained is due to the microstructure but not to molecular weight. The yield and the molecular weight of the polymer depend strongly on the reaction conditions. Molecular weights can be readily controlled by changing reaction temperature, reaction time, and catalyst amount. Contrary to most polymerization reactions, the molecular weight increases with the temperature increase. Addition of acetic anhydride to the reaction medium increased the yield threefold.
Ultimate Strength of Fixed Offshore Platforms Subjected to Near-Fault Earthquake Ground Vibration
Authors: Sharifian Hesam , Bargi Khosro , Zarrin Mohamad
Published: June 2015

The pile foundation nonlinearity and its influence on the ultimate capacity of fixed platforms have not comprehensively been covered by previous researchers. In this study, the seismic behavior and capacity of a newly designed and installed Jacket Type Offshore Platform (JTOP) located in the Persian Gulf is investigated by conducting Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) using a suit of near-fault ground motions. Additionally, two modified models of the original platform are created by slightly increasing the diameter of the pile foundation and also softening the jacket part for evaluating the importance of the pile foundation and seismic soil-pile structure interaction on the dynamic characteristics of the JTOPs. Valuable discussions are provided to explore various aspects of the dynamic behavior of JTOPs by presenting individual and multirecords IDA curves using effective Engineering Demand Parameters (EDPs). Comparing the results of the three platform collapse fragility curves, it is concluded that the pile foundation plays a very important role in the dynamic response of offshore platforms and can drastically alter the ultimate strength of the platform together with its collapse capacity. It is observed that the proportional distribution of nonlinear behavior in the pile foundation and jacket part is the key factor in the enhancement of the ultimate strength of JTOPs. On the basis of the results derived from this paper, it is recommended that some basic requirements should be developed in order to ensure that the coupling ductility of pile foundation and jacket part is optimized during the design process. Furthermore, according to the findings from this study, some practice recommendations are presented to be devised within the design step.
Predicting IGS RTS Corrections Using ARMA Neural Networks
Authors: Kim Mingyu , Kim Jeongrae
Published: June 2015

An autoregressive moving average neural network (ARMANN) model is applied to predict IGS real time service corrections. ARMA coefficients are determined by applying a neural network to IGS02 orbit/clock corrections. Other than the ARMANN, the polynomial and ARMA models are tested for comparison. An optimal order of each model is determined by fitting the model to the correction data. The data fitting period for training the models is 60 min. and the prediction period is 30 min. The polynomial model is good for the fitting but bad for the prediction. The ARMA and ARMANN have a similar level of accuracies, but the RMS error of the ARMANN is smaller than that of the ARMA. The RMS error of the ARMANN is 0.046 m for the 3D orbit correction and 0.070 m for the clock correction. The difference between the ARMA and ARMANN models becomes significant as the prediction time is increased.
Preconditioning Filter Bank Decomposition Using Structured Normalized Tight Frames
Authors: Ehler Martin
Published: June 2015

We turn a given filter bank into a filtering scheme that provides perfect reconstruction, synthesis is the adjoint of the analysis part (so-called unitary filter banks), all filters have equal norm, and the essential features of the original filter bank are preserved. Unitary filter banks providing perfect reconstruction are induced by tight generalized frames, which enable signal decomposition using a set of linear operators. If, in addition, frame elements have equal norm, then the signal energy is spread through the various filter bank channels in some uniform fashion, which is often more suitable for further signal processing. We start with a given generalized frame whose elements allow for fast matrix vector multiplication, as, for instance, convolution operators, and compute a normalized tight frame, for which signal analysis and synthesis still preserve those fast algorithmic schemes.
The Periodic Boundary Value Problem for a Quasilinear Evolution Equation in Besov Spaces
Authors: Wu Yun , Liu Zhengrong , Zhang Xiang
Published: June 2015

This paper is concerned with the periodic boundary value problem for a quasilinear evolution equation of the following type:∂tu+f(u)∂xu+F(u)=0,x∈T=R/2πZ,t∈R+. Under some conditions, we prove that this equation is locally well-posed in Besov spaceBp,rs(T). Furthermore, we study the continuity of the solution map for this equation inB2,rs(T). Our work improves some earlier results.
Myxoid Epithelial Leiomyoma of the Vulva: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Zhao Ting , Liu Xishi , Lu Yuan
Published: June 2015

Leiomyoma of vulva is rare, and usually misdiagnosed clinically as Bartholin cyst. It usually presents spindle-shaped tumor cells, but some rare cases consisted mainly of atypical epithelioid tumor cells. We report here a case of 30-year-old woman consulting with a vulvar mass of 7 cm in the Bartholin glands area. The lesion was surgically excised with its capsule completely. Pathological examination and immunochemistry showed characteristic of epithelioid leiomyoma with myxoid stroma with both estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) staining negative, which was really rare as only 2 cases of vulvar leiomyoma with both ER and PR were reported before.
Computed Tomographic Tenography of Normal Equine Digital Flexor Tendon Sheath: An Ex Vivo Study
Authors: Lacitignola Luca , De Luca Pasquale , Guarracino Alessandro , Crovace Antonio
Published: June 2015

Aim of this study was to document the normal computed tomographic tenography findings of digital flexor tendon sheath. Six ex vivo normal equine forelimbs were used. An axial approach was used to inject 185 mg/mL of iopamidol in a total volume of 60 mL into the digital flexor tendon sheaths. Single-slice helical scans, with 5 mm thickness, spaced every 3 mm, for a pitch of 0.6, and with bone algorithm reconstruction, were performed before and after injections of contrast medium. To obtain better image quality for multiplanar reconstruction and 3D reformatting, postprocessing retroreconstruction was performed to reduce the images to submillimetre thickness. Computed tomographic tenography of digital flexor tendon sheaths could visualize the following main tendon structures for every forelimb in contrast-enhanced images as low densities surrounded by high densities: superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, manica flexoria, mesotendons, and synovial recess. Results of this study suggest that computed tomographic tenography can be used with accuracy and sensitivity to evaluate the common disorders of the equine digital flexor tendon sheath and the intrathecal structures.
Comparison of Stromal/Stem Cells Isolated from Human Omental and Subcutaneous Adipose Depots: Differentiation and Immunophenotypic Characterization
Authors: Shah Forum S. , Li Jie , Dietrich Marilyn , Wu Xiying , Hausmann Mark G. , LeBlanc Karl A. , Wade James W. , Gimble Jeffrey M.
Published: June 2015

The emerging field of regenerative medicine has identified adipose tissue as an abundant source of stromal/stem cells for tissue engineering applications. Therefore, we have compared the differentiation and immunophenotypic features of adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (ASC) isolated from either omental or subcutaneous adipose depots. Human tissue samples were obtained from bariatric and plastic surgical practices at a university-affiliated teaching hospital and a private practice, respectively, with informed patient consent. Primary cultures of human ASC were isolated from adipose specimens within 24 h of surgery and culture expanded in vitro. The passaged ASC were induced to undergo adipogenic or osteogenic differentiation as assessed by histochemical methods or evaluated for surface antigen expression profiles by flow cytometry. ASC yields per unit weight of tissue were comparable between omental and subcutaneous depots. At passage 0, the immunophenotype of omental and subcutaneous ASC were not significantly different with the exception of CD105 and endoglin, a component of the transforming growth factor β receptor. The adipogenic differentiation of omental ASC was less robust than that of subcutaneous ASC based on in vitro histochemical and PCR assays. Although the yield and immunophenotype of ASC from omental adipose depots resembled that of subcutaneous ASC, omental ASC displayed significantly reduced adipogenic differentiation capacity following chemical induction. Further studies are necessary to evaluate and optimize the differentiation function of omental ASC in vitro and in vivo. Pending such analyses, omental ASC should not be used interchangeably with subcutaneous ASC for regenerative medical applications.
Plasma Levels of Interleukin 12 Family Cytokines and Their Relevant Cytokines in Adult Patients with Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenia before and after High-Dose Dexamethasome Treatment
Authors: Li Qingsheng , Zhang Linjie , Xia Ruixiang , Zeng Qingshu , Wang Yongqing , Xia Liang , Xia Leiming , Yang Mingzhen
Published: June 2015

Objective: We aimed to investigate the expression of interleukin 12 (IL-12) family cytokines (IL-12, IL-23, IL-27 and IL-35) and their relevant cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17A and IL-10) in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (cITP) as well as the effect of high-dose dexamethasone (HD-DXM) treatment on this expression. Materials and Methods: DXM was administered orally at a dose of 40 mg per day for 4 consecutive days to 38 patients with cITP. We measured the plasma levels of IL-12p70, IL-23, IL-27, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-17A before and after treatment and also in 36 matched healthy controls, by means of FlowCytomix™ technology. The plasma levels of IL-10 and IL-35 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Significantly higher plasma levels of IL-12p70, IL-23, IL-27, IFN-γ and IL-17A were observed in cITP patients than in controls (p < 0.01), and after HD-DXM treatment, these levels decreased significantly (p < 0.01). However, significantly lower plasma levels of IL-4, IL-10 and IL-35 were observed in cITP patients than in controls (p < 0.01); after the HD-DXM treatment, these levels had increased significantly in the cITP patients (p < 0.01). Moreover, the cytokine levels of patients who attained a complete response returned to the levels of normal controls (p > 0.05) but were not corrected in the patients who had no response (p < 0.01). Conclusions: The patients with cITP had abnormal expression of the IL-12 family cytokines and their relevant cytokines levels, and HD-DXM treatment corrected the derangement of plasma cytokines. Measuring cytokine levels may help in the clinical assessment of cITP.
“Adiós, adiós, Europa, te me vas de mi alma, de mi cuerpo cansado, de mi chaqueta vieja”: el exilio del “miserable náufrago” Jorge Guillén
Authors: Fimiani Cristiana
Published: June 2015

El interrogante antropológico del exiliado Jorge Guillén – “¿Ser hombre es estar de viaje?” – plantea el dilema existencial de ese sujeto escindido que es el ser humano, en busca constante de la propia identidad. El poeta vallisoletano, uno de los representantes más ilustres de la Generación del 27, cuenta la trágica experiencia de la dictadura franquista y del consiguiente destierro; sus poemas describen un sentimiento de desamparo y de exclusión, que se destaca en la mayoría de los versos de Clamor. El hondo sentido que se esconde detrás de la pregunta ontológica guilleniana, en la que se destaca la oposición semántica de los dos verbos elegidos, se puede buscar en la íntima esencia del ser humano, constantemente dividido entre el “ser”, estable e inmudable, y el “estar” de su condición de eterno viajero, vinculado a una existencia precaria y mudable, sujeta a las reglas-no-reglas del azar.
Magnolia vargasiana (Magnoliaceae), a new Andean species and a key to Ecuadorian species of subsection Talauma, with notes on its pollination biology
Authors: Vázquez-García J.-Antonio , Neill David A. , Asanza Mercedes
Published: June 2015

Magnoliaceae Jussieu (1789: 280) consist of ca. 330 species worldwide, nearly half of them in the New World (Vázquez-García et al. 2014). There is no agreement on the internal classification, including the number of sections (0–11), genera (1–13), subgenera (0–9) and subfamilies (0–2) (Figlar & Nooteboom 2004; Xia et al. 2008, Romanov & Dilcher 2013) and despite various phylogenetic studies of Magnoliaceae in the last two decades, classification of the family has not reached a consensus (Qiu et al. 1993, 1995; Kim et al. 2001; Azuma et al. 2001, Li & Conran 2003, Nie et al. 2008, Kim & Suh 2013). Here we follow the classification of Figlar & Nooteboom (2004).
Description of a new species of Leiopathes (Antipatharia: Leiopathidae) from the Hawaiian Islands
Authors: WAGNER DANIEL , OPRESKO DENNIS M.
Published: June 2015

The Hawaiian antipatharian coral previously identified as Leiopathes glaberrima (Esper, 1792) and Leiopathes sp. is described using polyp morphology, skeletal spine morphology and in situ photographs, and assigned the new name of Leiopathes annosa sp. nov. The species is characterized by tall (1 m or more), fan-shaped colonies, with thick, sometimes overlapping branches, and tissues that are colored bright orange when alive. Skeletal spines are smooth, hemispherical, often times multi-lobed, and typically 75 μm tall, but range between 30–225 μm. Polyps are of variable size (0.88–3.35 mm) and arranged on all sides of the corallum on thicker branches, and uniserially on terminal branches. Leiopathes annosa sp. nov differs from all other nominal species of Leiopathes by having a generally flabellate corallum with thick branches and conspicuous skeletal spines that are multi-lobed and hemispherical. The biogeographical distribution of species within the monogeneric family Leiopathidae is presented and discussed.
Hodographs of Slowly Rotating Winds in Midlatitudes
Authors: Korolevych Volodymyr Y. , Richardson Richard B.
Published: June 2015

Trend analysis of hourly wind direction angle recorded at nine meteorological stations across southern Canada (in the 43°–53°N belt) identified wind direction rotation periods in the range of 7–9 days. Rotation persists during the “summertime” season from May to mid-October during 1953–2001. Rotation with a 7.5-day period was also established in the 850-hPa geostrophic summertime wind over the Canadian province of Saskatchewan in 2000. Hodographs built from wind vectors corresponding to consecutive days of the 7.5-day period (summertime average vectors of winds binned into separate days of the period) formed nearly elliptical loops centered around the end point of the net westerly transport vector that ranged from 0.5 to 1.3 m s−1 and was either smaller than or of comparable magnitude to the zonal and meridional oscillations of wind. The observed rotations appear quasi periodic rather than purely periodic, because nearly elliptical loops of relatively large amplitude were present at different hodographs constructed at each location for sampling periods of 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, and 8.0 days. For sampling periods outside the ~6.5–8.0-day range, the rotational magnitude in a hodograph appears diminished because of partial cancellation of wind vectors in corresponding hodograph bins. Quasi-periodical rotation occurs in the clockwise direction.
Observation of Extreme Sea Waves in a Space–Time Ensemble
Authors: Benetazzo Alvise , Barbariol Francesco , Bergamasco Filippo , Torsello Andrea , Carniel Sandro , Sclavo Mauro
Published: June 2015

In this paper, an observational space–time ensemble of sea surface elevations is investigated in search of the highest waves of the sea state. Wave data were gathered by means of a stereo camera system, which was installed on top of a fixed oceanographic platform located in the Adriatic Sea (Italy). Waves were measured during a mature sea state with an average wind speed of 11 m s−1. By examining the space–time ensemble, the 3D wave groups have been isolated while evolving in the 2D space and grabbed “when and where” they have been close to the apex of their development, thus exhibiting large surface displacements. The authors have selected the groups displaying maximal crest height exceeding the threshold adopted to define rogue waves in a time record, that is, 1.25 times the significant wave height (Hs). The records at the spatial positions where such large crests occurred have been analyzed to derive the empirical distributions of crest and wave heights, which have been compared against standard statistical linear and nonlinear models. Here, the maximal observed wave crests have resulted to be outliers of the standard statistics, behaving as isolated members of the sample, apparently uncorrelated with other waves of the record. However, this study has found that these unexpectedly large wave crests are better approximated by a space–time model for extreme crest heights. The space–time model performance has been improved, deriving a second-order approximation of the linear model, which has provided a fair agreement with the empirical maxima. The present investigation suggests that very large waves may be more numerous than generally expected.
Satellite and Aircraft Observations of the Eyewall Replacement Cycle in Typhoon Sinlaku (2008)
Authors: Sanabia Elizabeth R. , Barrett Bradford S. , Celone Nicholas P. , Cornelius Zachary D.
Published: June 2015

Satellite and aircraft observations of the concurrent evolution of cloud-top brightness temperatures (BTs) and the surface and flight-level wind fields were examined before and during an eyewall replacement cycle (ERC) in Typhoon Sinlaku (2008) as part of The Observing System Research and Predictability Experiment (THORPEX) Pacific Asian Regional Campaign (T-PARC) and the Tropical Cyclone Structure 2008 (TCS08) field campaign. The structural evolution of deep convection through the life cycle of the ERC was clearly evident in the radial variation of positive water vapor (WV) minus infrared (IR) brightness temperature differences over the 96-h period. Within this framework, the ERC was divided into six broadly defined stages, wherein convective processes (including eyewall development and decay) were analyzed and then validated using microwave data. Dual maxima in aircraft wind speeds and geostationary satellite BTs along flight transects through Sinlaku were used to document the temporal evolution of the ERC within the TC inner core. Negative correlations were found between IR BTs and surface wind speeds, indicating that colder cloud tops were associated with stronger surface winds. Spatial lags indicated that the strongest surface winds were located radially inward of both the flight-level winds and coldest cloud tops. Finally, timing of the ERC was observed equally in IR and WV minus IR (WVIR) BTs with one exception. Decay of the inner eyewall was detected earlier in the WVIR data. These findings highlight the potential utility of WVIR and IR BT radial profiles, particularly so for basins without active aircraft weather reconnaissance programs such as the western North Pacific.
Mechanical properties of surface-treated ramie fiber fabric/epoxy resin composite fabricated by vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding with hot compaction
Authors: Xu Chuanqi , Gu Yizhuo , Yang Zhongjia , Li Min , Li Yanxia , Zhang Zuoguang
Published: June 2015

The optimization of composite manufacturing process is an important means for improving mechanical properties of natural fiber composites. In this paper, ramie fiber fabrics were, respectively, modified by NaOH, KMnO4, and ammonium polyphosphate flame retardant, and then ramie fabric/epoxy resin composite laminates were prepared using vacuum-assisted resin infusion molding. In order to increase ramie fiber content in composite, vacuum pressure compaction and hot compaction with high pressure and temperature were, respectively, used to compress the fabric stack before molding. The effects of precompaction process on fiber compaction and mechanical properties of ramie fiber yarns and composites were studied. The comparison with the ramie fiber fabric without surface treatment was also done. It is found that surface-treated ramie fiber fabric has lower compressibility than the untreated one. Moreover, hot compaction with suitable conditions is effective in increasing fiber content and mechanical properties of all studied ramie fabric composites.
Capacity Building and Financing Oral Health in the African and Middle East Region
Authors: Mumghamba E.G. , Joury E. , Fatusi O. , Ober-Oluoch J. , Onigbanjo R.J. , Honkala S.
Published: June 2015

Many low- and middle-income countries do not yet have policies to implement effective oral health programs. A reason is lack of human and financial resources. Gaps between resource needs and available health funding are widening. By building capacity, countries aim to improve oral health through actions by oral health care personnel and oral health care organizations and their communities. Capacity building involves achieving measurable and sustainable results in training, research, and provision of care. Actions include advancement of knowledge, attitudes and skills, expansion of support, and development of cohesiveness and partnerships. The aim of this critical review is to review existing knowledge and identify gaps and variations between and within different income levels in relation to the capacity building and financing oral health in the African and Middle East region (AMER). A second aim is to formulate research priorities and outline a research agenda for capacity building and financing to improve oral health and reduce oral health inequalities in the AMER. The article focuses on capacity building for oral health and oral health financing in the AMER of the IADR. In many communities in the AMER, there are clear and widening gaps between the dental needs and the existing capacity to meet these needs in terms of financial and human resources. Concerted efforts are required to improve access to oral health care through appropriate financing mechanisms, innovative health insurance schemes, and donor support and move toward universal oral health care coverage to reduce social inequality in the region. It is necessary to build capacity and incentivize the workforce to render evidence-based services as well as accessing funds to conduct research on equity and social determinants of oral health while promoting community engagement and a multidisciplinary approach.
Determinants of Oral Diseases in the African and Middle East Region
Authors: Chidzonga M.M. , Carneiro L.C. , Kalyanyama B.M. , Kwamin F. , Oginni F.O.
Published: June 2015

Oral health policies must be developed that emphasize the role of social determinants in health and oral diseases. The aim of this report is to review literature on determinants of oral diseases and apply the concepts to promoting oral health in the African countries in the African and Middle East region (AMER). Structural and proximal determinants of oral diseases are common to those affected by other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Oral diseases are also heavily affected by issues of politics, poor health behaviors, underdeveloped health systems, and low oral health literacy. Wide-scale poverty exists in populations in the AMER. Oral health promotion and preventive oral health programs should therefore be integrated with those for general health and use the common risk factor approach (CRFA). Attempts should be made to improve the daily living conditions and reduce the incline of the social gradient. Oral health practitioners should use the CRFA when dealing with determinants of oral diseases and in the design of preventive oral health programs. The detrimental effects of the social determinants of health may be ameliorated by involving both the individual and community. Interventions in health promotion programs in the AMER need more research on the epidemiology of oral diseases and the role played by the social determinants of oral diseases, especially with regard to poverty. The high levels of poverty and low gross domestic product in most countries in the African region make it difficult to fund high-quality, affordable, accessible oral health services.
Child homicide or natural death? A case report of unexpected death of unusual asymptomatic acute laryngotracheobronchitis
Authors: Zhuo Luo , Liu Liang , Ren Liang , Liu Qian
Published: June 2015

Cases involving the unexpected deaths of children are always a concern for the police and medical examiners alike. In particular, unexpected deaths due to asphyxia without obvious injuries sometimes make decisions regarding the manner of death more difficult. In the present case, a 2-year-old boy was found dead at home, and his mother was initially believed to have killed him. A complete autopsy and forensic investigation were performed, and no injuries were found on the body; however, marked laryngeal edema was observed. Histology showed extensive inflammatory infiltration of the mucosa and submucosa of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi. The cause of death was given as respiratory failure due to acute laryngotracheobronchitis; thus, the manner of death was natural. This case helps to remind the forensic community to keep an open mind and consider a broad differential diagnosis when approaching a case rather than jumping to a conclusion based solely on a preliminary investigation.
A damage constitutive model for multi-scale polypropylene fiber concrete under compression and its numerical implementation
Authors: Liu Xinrong , Yang Xin , Liang Ninghui
Published: June 2015

Multi-scale polypropylene fiber concrete has been put into use in the enhancement of structures such as bridges, wharfs, and road surfaces. This paper makes experimental study on the cube compressive strength of polypropylene fiber concrete with different slenderness ratios, and studies its improvement of the cubic compressive strength of concrete through mixed admixture of polypropylene fibers with different degrees of thicknesses. The experimental results show that: the cubic compressive strength of the concrete improved by 6.2–13.7% with single and mixed admixtures of polypropylene fibers. In addition, this paper builds on previous studies to establish a damage constitutive model of multi-scale polypropylene fiber concrete under compression, studies its application in the secondary development of FLAC3D software, and makes numerical simulation based on the developed model, whose calculation results accorded with the test date very well.
Empirical Research Methods in Education
Authors: Kingdon Geeta Gandhi
Published: June 2015

This paper critically reviews conventional quantitative methods in educational research and asks the reasons for their inability to provide a basis for reliable policy advice on how to improve schooling outcomes of children. It then discusses methodological approaches that have been developed and used more recently and assesses their strengths and drawbacks. Two distinct focuses are apparent in educational research. Quantitative researchers are largely concerned with finding the causal relationship between inputs and outcomes in education. Qualitative researchers emphasise that student outcomes are uniquely tied to the educational setting (e.g., different ways in which textbooks are used or classes organised in different educational settings) so that in their view it seems pointless to try to draw general conclusions about the average effect of an input on an educational outcome. The current paper critically reviews research methods most commonly used by empirical researchers when analysing education policy issues. The review is confined to evaluations of the internal efficiency of schools and does not look at methods employed to study the external (e.g., labour market) impact of school policies.
How Do Supports From Parents, Teachers, and Peers Influence Academic Achievement of Twice-Exceptional Students
Authors: Wang Clare Wen , Neihart Maureen
Published: June 2015

This study investigated how perceived external factors such as supports from parents and teachers, and influences from peers contributed to the academic successes and failures of Singaporean twice-exceptional (2e) students. A total of six 2e participants from one secondary school in Singapore voluntarily participated in the study. This study used an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) design and semi-structured interviews for data collection. Findings discovered that supports from parents, teachers, and peers influenced 2e students’ academic achievement by mediating three behavioral and psychological variables: strategies use, academic engagement, and academic self-efficacy. Specifically, peers’ support was the most frequently cited influencer on 2e students’ academic achievement. The findings from this study fill a gap in the research by explaining the interactions between these influences and the 2e students’ psychological and behavioral variables that possibly enable their academic success.
From the Pens of Babes
Authors: Spanke Jeff , Paul Kristina Ayers
Published: June 2015

In this article, we—a former high school language arts instructor and former K-3 gifted resource teacher—reflect on critical experiences with students that, although unique in scope, are bound together through a common concern: How can teachers provide meaningful writing experiences for talented young writers? We advocate for the use of high-end learning theory in developing the talent of young writers, especially as related to the provision of authentic, real-world writing experiences.
Technology
Authors: Siegle Del
Published: June 2015

Video games can provide cognitive, motivational, emotional, and social benefits to students when properly implemented in the classroom. Teachers who are well versed in their curriculum can use games to differentiate instruction for gifted and talented students. This article discusses the benefits of gaming in education settings and provides suggestion for implementing games into the classroom.
Something old, something new
Authors: Möstl Karin , Addie Diane D , Boucraut-Baralon Corine , Egberink Herman , Frymus Tadeusz , Gruffydd-Jones Tim , Hartmann Katrin , Hosie Margaret J , Lloret Albert , Lutz Hans , Marsilio Fulvio , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Radford Alan D , Thiry Etienne , Truyen Uwe , Horzinek Marian C ,   European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases
Published: June 2015

Overview: The ABCD has published 34 guidelines in two Special Issues of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS): the first in July 2009 (Volume 11, Issue 7, pages 527–620) and the second in July 2013 (Volume 15, Issue 7, pages 528–652). The present article contains updates and new information on 18 of these (17 disease guidelines and one special article ‘Prevention of infectious diseases in cat shelters’). For detailed information, readers are referred to the guidelines published in the above-mentioned JFMS Special Issues.