bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dysplastic hip
Authors: Gustke K.
Published: November 2013

Total hip replacement for developmental hip dysplasia is challenging. The anatomical deformities on the acetabular and femoral sides are difficult to predict. The Crowe classification is usually used to describe these cases – however, it is not a very helpful tool for pre-operative planning. Small acetabular components, acetabular augments, and modular femoral components should be available for all cases. Regardless of the Crowe classification, the surgeon must be prepared to perform a femoral osteotomy for shortening, or to correct rotation, and/or angulation.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:31–6.
Reducing blood loss after total knee replacement
Authors: Reinhardt K. R. , Osoria H. , Nam D. , Alexiades M. A. , Figgie M. P. , Su E. P.
Published: November 2013

Blood loss during total knee replacement (TKR) remains a significant concern. In this study, 114 patients underwent TKR, and were divided into two groups based on whether they received a new generation fibrin sealant intra-operatively, or a local infiltration containing adrenaline. Groups were then compared for mean calculated total blood volume (TBV) loss, transfusion rates, and knee range of movement. Mean TBV loss was similar between groups: fibrin sealant mean was 705 ml (281 to 1744), local adrenaline mean was 712 ml (261 to 2308) (p = 0.929). Overall, significantly fewer units of blood were transfused in the fibrin sealant group (seven units) compared with the local adrenaline group (15 units) (p = 0.0479). Per patient transfused, significantly fewer units of blood were transfused in the fibrin sealant group (1.0 units) compared with the local adrenaline group (1.67 units) (p = 0.027), suggesting that the fibrin sealant may reduce the need for multiple unit transfusions. Knee range of movement was similar between groups. From our results, it appears that application of this newer fibrin sealant results in blood loss and transfusion rates that are low and similar to previously applied fibrin sealants.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:135–9.
The painful total hip replacement
Authors: Lanting B. A. , MacDonald S. J.
Published: November 2013

Total hip replacement (THR) is a very common procedure undertaken in up to 285 000 Americans each year. Patient satisfaction with THR is very high, with improvements in general health, quality of life, and function while at the same time very cost effective. Although the majority of patients have a high degree of satisfaction with their THR, 27% experience some discomfort, and up to 6% experience severe chronic pain. Although it can be difficult to diagnose the cause of the pain in these patients, this clinical issue should be approached systematically and thoroughly. A detailed history and clinical examination can often provide the correct diagnosis and guide the appropriate selection of investigations, which will then serve to confirm the clinical diagnosis made.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:70–3.
Femoroacetabular impingement
Authors: Fayad T. E. , Khan M. A. , Haddad F. S.
Published: November 2013

Young adults with hip pain secondary to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) are rapidly being recognised as an important cohort of orthopaedic patients. Interest in FAI has intensified over the last decade since its recognition as a precursor to arthritis of the hip and the number of publications related to the topic has increased exponentially in the last decade. Although not all patients with abnormal hip morphology develop osteoarthritis (OA), those with FAI-related joint damage rapidly develop premature OA. There are no explicit diagnostic criteria or definitive indications for surgical intervention in FAI. Surgery for symptomatic FAI appears to be most effective in younger individuals who have not yet developed irreversible OA. The difficulty in predicting prognosis in FAI means that avoiding unnecessary surgery in asymptomatic individuals, while undertaking intervention in those that are likely to develop premature OA poses a considerable dilemma. FAI treatment in the past has focused on open procedures that carry a potential risk of complications.

Recent developments in hip arthroscopy have facilitated a minimally invasive approach to the management of FAI with few complications in expert hands. Acetabular labral preservation and repair appears to provide superior results when compared with debridement alone. Arthroscopic correction of structural abnormalities is increasingly becoming the standard treatment for FAI, however there is a paucity of high-level evidence comparing open and arthroscopic techniques in patients with similar FAI morphology and degree of associated articular cartilage damage. Further research is needed to develop an understanding of the natural course of FAI, the definitive indications for surgery and the long-term outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B, Supple A:26–30.
Revalidation
Authors: Tringham Rebecca , McNally Scarlett
Published: November 2013

Perhaps it is too early to say, but almost a year after the first group of doctors began to revalidate, the process seems to be going smoothly ‐ at least as far as logistics are concerned. There are still big questions to be answered, however, especially whether or not revalidation will ultimately deliver the improvements in patient safety and assurance of standards that it was intended to provide. And it is clear that there are some notable creases to be ironed out. The College has a team aimed at ensuring that all surgeons have the necessary support to be able to revalidate and understanding exactly what steps should be taken when difficulties occur.
ATLS®: breaking new ground
Authors: Bush Stephen
Published: November 2013

The inaugural Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)® course was run in the UK in 1988 and now over 50 countries worldwide run an ATLS® programme and over a million doctors have been trained. In the early days of ATLS®, its message was ground-breaking. It introduced the ABCDE approach, the generic skills of the trauma team and goal directed care. At the time, this message was at significant odds with the accepted model of history, examination, differential diagnosis, investigation, refinement of the differential and then treatment. It is a testament to the effect that the ATLS® programme has had on medical training throughout the globe that this approach is now the convention.
Examining competences in online journalism at Spanish Universities: The case of the Miguel Hernández University
Authors: de Lara Alicia , García-Avilés Jose A.
Published: November 2013

Major changes in the workplace associated with the widespread use of online journalism, the consequences of news gathering in a digital environment and the ability to produce content for multimedia platforms are setting new goals in journalism education. One of the defining features of journalism university education is the requirement that students demonstrate their understanding of core skills by producing professional work. The identification of competencies constitutes one of the key dimensions in current Journalism education. This article examines the Online Journalism courses at the Miguel Hernández University (Spain), in order to analyse the competences acquired by the students. The methodology includes a multi-layered approach: on the one hand, we conducted interviews with over twenty media professionals who currently work in Spanish online media, to identify the skills that are most demanded. Their answers provided a working framework during the design and implementation of our research. We also carried out a survey with 250 students in their final years of the Grade in Journalism at the UMH, with the aim of exploring their adaptation to five specific courses: news writing, media production, online news design, digital communication and database management.
Reflections from the classroom: Teaching the history of journalism in the digital age
Authors: Sánchez Illán Muhammad Idrees
Published: November 2013

This essay argues, provocatively perhaps, that journalism history should be at the core of journalism education in the digital age. In so doing, it proposes a fundamental role for historical awareness in the formative process of journalists and other media professionals that undertake this field of study. In this way, one of the key objectives of a discrete journalism degree can be to ensure a rational and critical knowledge of the present, as well as the assessment and understanding of its basic professional boundaries (political, social, economic and cultural) and how they have been shaped historically. The main purpose of this historical emphasis is to ensure that the next generations of journalists might be able to understand today’s society and make it comprehensible to others. Through this project, it is argued here that students in particular and the academy in general can become aware of the significant synthesis of accumulated knowledge that journalism represents as an organic and quasi-coherent social phenomena.
Physical Activity and Policy Recommendations: A Social Multiplier Approach
Authors: Goulão Catarina , Thibault Emmanuel
Published: November 2013

We look at the effects of physical activity (PA) recommendation policies by considering a social multiplier model in which individuals differ in their concern for PA. The government can either observe this concern (and implement the First Best) or not (and implement a uniform policy). Whichever the type of policy implemented, while the welfare of individuals the most concerned with PA increases in the social multiplier, the welfare of those the least concerned may decrease in it. For a sufficiently high social multiplier, both government interventions improve the welfare of those most concerned with PA but worsen the welfare of the least concerned individuals if they are not too many. However, compared to the First Best, a uniform recommendation improves the welfare of those most concerned with PA more than it reduces the welfare of those least concerned.
Transient diabetes insipidus with severe maternal and fetal hypernatremia
Authors: Ko Jennifer K.Y. , Shek Noel W.M. , Lee Chin Peng
Published: November 2013

Diabetes insipidus is a condition characterised by polyuria and polydipsia with excretion of diluted urine. Transient diabetes insipidus has been reported in pregnancy and is often associated with acute fatty liver of pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, HELLP syndrome and multiple pregnancy. Presenting symptoms can be vague. In our case, a primigravida with spontaneous monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy presented at 36+3 weeks in early labour. Severe hypernatremia was found in the patient and in both twins after a caesarean section was performed. Transient diabetes insipidus was diagnosed based on paired serum and urine osmolality. The hypernatremia was corrected gradually and 1-deamino-8D-arginine vasopressin was given. A high index of suspicion and early involvement of physicians and paediatricians are needed to avoid catastrophic consequences.
Phonetic Adaptation of Loanwords in Cypriot Turkish
Authors: Sultanzade Vügar
Published: November 2013

The strategies that have been developed for the incorporation of loanwords are mainly the same in Standard Turkish and its dialects. However, the adaptation process of these words has certain differences in Cypriot Turkish. The paper primarily focuses on the types and examples of phonetic adaptation of loanwords that show differences in this dialect and the standard language.
Pitch Alignment in Welsh English – The case of rising tones in Ceredigion
Authors: Quaino Stefano
Published: November 2013

Welsh English and the Celtic Englishes in general are known for their preference for rising tones in declaratives. However, the statement that Welsh English has a preference for rising tones is insufficient to explain its main prosodic characteristics.

The present investigation focuses on Ceredigion, a county in West Wales with a relatively high percentage of native Welsh speakers. Several excerpts have been collected from the interviews taken for the Survey of Anglo-Welsh Dialects (1977‒1979) and processed through Praat with the aim of identifying and analysing prosodic features of Ceredigion English. For the analysis, three fundamental elements will be considered: alignment of the stressed syllable, characteristics of the upward movement, and pitch peak. Through this detailed prosodic characterization of Ceredigion English, it will be shown that prosody is a distinguishing feature of Welsh English accent.
Was ist Russlanddeutsch und warum brauchen wir es? Einblicke und Ausblicke aus der Sicht der deutschen Dialektologie
Authors: Stellmacher Dieter
Published: November 2013

This article discusses the structure and state of the German language spoken today by the descendants of German immigrants to Russia in the 18th century. The (socio-) linguistic argumentation permits the following conclusion: The language based on German (Russlanddeutsch) may be a variety of the German language (russisches Deutsch) or a variety of the Russian language (deutsches Russisch), but it is the speakers in Russia who have the last word on this question. How they regard the language depends on their sense of identity, whether they feel Russian or German. Thus, future research into the linguistic situation of this group will best be served by an interdisciplinary approach and the a co-operation of linguists, psychologists, and historians.
The situation of dialectologists within the new integrated linguistics: the case of Atlantic Spanish
Authors: Chela-Flores Godsuno
Published: November 2013

Linguistics and Dialectology are two sides of the same coin: the former deals with the rigorous analysis of natural languages and the latter with concrete varieties of language in its cohesive and identifying social roles. Linguistics today is moving towards an integration of its various dimensions: phonology and phonetics are now so intricately tied that the unimodular phonetological approach is gaining ground rapidly; synchrony and diachrony are moving towards a reintegration, thus moving away from their parallel paths; and, finally, the so-called ‘non-structural’ elements of language are gradually being acknowledged as an integral part of the analysis that was traditionally reserved for the ‘structural’ ones. As linguistics moves, so does dialectology, since the latter has always been the laboratory of linguists, even if they have not formally accepted it as such. A new approach to dialectal matters must therefore move away from mere description and search for a more comprehensive analysis that confirms the essential inviolability of the binomial language-society. The traditional view of Hispanic linguistics and dialectology has been a victim of the dichotomic approach: conservative versus radical, Iberian versus American, high lands versus low lands, North-Central Castilian versus ‘Atlantic’ Spanish among others. This paper aims at taking an integrated approach to linguistics and dialectology, with its case study addressing the so called ‘Atlantic’ Spanish and the phonetological changes it is going through in search of a more satisfying explanation of short-term and long-term variability.
Membranes in motion: mitochondrial dynamics and their role in apoptosis
Authors: Ugarte-Uribe Begoña , García-Sáez Ana J.
Published: November 2013

Mitochondrial dynamics is crucial for cell survival, development and homeostasis and impairment of these functions leads to neurologic disorders and metabolic diseases. The key components of mitochondrial dynamics have been identified. Mitofusins and OPA1 mediate mitochondrial fusion, whereas Drp1 is responsible for mitochondrial fission. In addition, an interplay between the proteins of the mitochondrial fission/fusion machinery and the Bcl-2 proteins, essential mediators in apoptosis, has been also described. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms regarding mitochondrial dynamics together with their role in apoptosis.
On a Problem of Nonstationary 2D Motion of Micropolar Fluid in the Half-plane Subjected to a Uniform Magnetic Field when Normal Stresses and Tangential Velocities are Given on the Boundary
Authors: Abo-Dahab S. M. , El-Sirafy Ibrahim H.
Published: November 2013

In this paper, an attempt is made to obtain the effect of a uniform magnetic field on the solution of non-stationary motion of micropolar fluid in the half-plane when the normal stresses and tangential velocities are given on the boundary. The Laplace-Fourier transform technique is used to point out the solution by quadratures. Numerical results of the physical quantities such as tangential and normal velocities, pressure, microrotation, stresses and momentums included the influence of a uniform magnetic field are obtained and displayed graphically. The problem could be met in the study of the vibrations of a memberance or a plane contacting with the micropolar fluid.
Non-equilibrium Shock Structure Calculation with High-order Modified Navier–Stokes Equations
Authors: Zhao Wenwen , Chen Weifang
Published: November 2013

High-order modified Navier-Stokes (NS) equations are introduced to describe the transitional flow derived from Burnett equations considering the inaccurate simulation of shock structure using traditional NS continuum methods, particularly at high Mach numbers. This process is performed by defining the effective transportation coefficient, which is associated with Mach number, molecule propriety, and continuum failure criterion. Within this method, the linear Stokes and Fourier relationships are replaced by nonlinear constitutive relationships to describe transitional flow. The traditional NS equation formulation is preserved. The shock structures of both monatomic and diatomic gases are concentrated with different Mach numbers to validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the derived method. The comparison of shock structure with DSMC and Burnett equations shows that the high-order modified NS equations obtain better results than traditional NS equations in terms of shock wave, particularly at high Mach numbers. The modified NS equations also capture the significant features of Burnett equations in shock structure simulation.
On Testing the Equality of Mean and Quantile Effects
Authors: Bera Anil K. , Galvao Antonio F. , Wang Liang
Published: November 2013

This paper proposes tests for equality of the mean regression (MR) and quantile regression (QR) coefficients. The tests are based on the asymptotic joint distribution of the ordinary least squares and QR estimators. First, we formally derive the asymptotic joint distribution of these estimators. Second, we propose a Wald test for equality of the MR and QR coefficients considering a single fixed quantile, and also describe a more general test using multiple quantiles simultaneously. A very salient feature of these tests is that they produce asymptotically distribution-free nature of inference. In addition, we suggest a sup-type test for equality of the coefficients uniformly over a range of quantiles. For the estimation of the variance-covariance matrix, the use sample counterparts and bootstrap methods. An important attribute of the proposed tests is that they can be used as a heteroskedasticity test. Monte Carlo studies are conducted to evaluate the finite sample properties of the tests in terms of size and power. Finally, we briefly illustrate the implementation of the tests using Engel data.
Flame retardation behaviors of UV-curable phosphorus-containing PU coating system
Authors: Wang Shih-Chieh , Chen Po-Cheng , Peng Chun-Ju , Hwang Jing-Zhong , Chen Kan-Nan
Published: November 2013

A UV-cured polyurethane (PU)/nano-silica composite with a flame-retarded coating system was obtained from the composition of nano-silica containing a UV-curable PU oligomer and a UV-reactive phosphonic acid [ethylene glycol methacrylate phosphate (EGMP)]. The UV-curable PU oligomer was prepared by an addition reaction of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA) with an NCO-terminated PU pre-polymer; this was then mixed with a methanol dispersion of nano-silica. The UV-reactive phosphonic acid (EGMP) was prepared by a reaction of 2-HEMA with phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5). The curing reaction of the PU/nano-silica composite coating system was carried out by UV irradiation with the aid of a photoinitiator (2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone). The thermal properties of these PU/nano-silica composite coatings were investigated by the measurements of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), respectively. A phosphorus (phosphonic acid) containing ingredient, EGMP in PU coating system that provides good adhesion to steel surface and flame retardation. Their physical properties (contact angle, hardness) and flame flammability [limiting oxygen index (LOI), UL-94 test] with various phosphorus contents (different dosages of EGMP) were also evaluated in this report.
Effects of smoking cessation on β-cell function, insulin sensitivity, body weight, and appetite
Authors: Stadler Marietta , Tomann Larissa , Storka Angela , Wolzt Michael , Peric Slobodan , Bieglmayer Christian , Pacini Giovanni , Dickson Suzanne L , Brath Helmut , Bech Paul , Prager Rudolf , Korbonits Márta
Published: November 2013

Objective

To stop smoking is commonly associated with significant weight gain, but the mechanisms for this are poorly understood. We assessed the effects of smoking cessation on body weight, insulin sensitivity, β-cell function, and appetite.

Subjects and methods

Twenty-seven long-term smokers (n=27; nine females/18 males, 28±1 years, 22.9±0.6 kg/m2) attending an ambulatory smoking cessation program in a community hospital in Vienna, Austria were examined at baseline (Visit A; still smoking) and after a minimum of 3 months of smoking abstinence (Visit B;n=14); relapsed smokers were not followed up. Participants underwent 3-h oral glucose tolerance tests and body composition measurements at each study visit. Fasting (QUICKI) and dynamic (oral glucose insulin sensitivity (OGIS)) insulin sensitivity and β-cell secretion (insulinogenic index 140 (IGI40)) were calculated. Food intake was quantified with a free choice buffet. Fasting plasma concentrations of neuropeptide-Y (NPY), peptide-YY (PYY), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1), leptin, ghrelin, and visfatin were measured.

Results

After >3 months' smoking abstinence, body weight, and fat mass were increased (+4 and +22% respectively,P<0.05) and fasting insulin sensitivity deteriorated (QUICKI: post, 0.37±0.02 vs baseline, 0.41±0.2;P<0.05), while OGIS remained unchanged throughout. IGI40 increased by 31% after >3 months' smoking abstinence (P<0.01). Carbohydrate ingestion increased after stopping smoking (P<0.05). NPY fasting levels were increased after >3 months (P<0.05), PYY, GLP1, leptin, ghrelin, and visfatin were unchanged.

Conclusion

Smoking cessation is associated with transient metabolic changes including increased β-cell secretion in response to glucose and fasting insulin resistance. These alterations may be associated with or contribute to the body weight gain after smoking cessation.
Overview of the Federal Home Visiting Program
Authors: Adirim Terry , Supplee Lauren
Published: November 2013

On March 23, 2010, the President signed into law the Affordable Care Act (Public Law 111-148), which included an amendment of Title V of the Social Security Act authorizing the creation of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) program. Authorized and funded at $1.5 billion for 5 years, the MIECHV represents a large investment in health and development outcomes for at-risk children through evidence-based home visiting programs. The MIECHV presents unprecedented opportunities to integrate early childhood services systems, not only on the federal level but also within states and local communities. The MIECHV is funded in escalating amounts over 5-year period authorized, as follows: $100 million in fiscal year (FY) 2010, $250 million in FY 2011, $350 million in FY 2012, $400 million in FY 2013, and $400 million in FY 2014. Most of the funding is being provided to states and territories to provide home visiting services in their at-risk communities. In addition, the legislation included a 3% set-aside for tribes, tribal organizations, and urban Indian organizations and a 3% set-aside for research and evaluation. This investment has spurred the creation of more comprehensive and coordinated early childhood service systems across the United States. This article provides an overview of the MIECHV program, including descriptions of the various requirements under the Affordable Care Act. These include partnering with states to provide evidence-based home visiting services to at-risk families, working with tribal communities to implement culturally competent home visiting programs, and developing a mechanism to systematically review the evidence of effectiveness for home visiting program models and to conduct a national evaluation of the MIECHV program.
Components Associated With Home Visiting Program Outcomes: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Filene Jill H. , Kaminski Jennifer W. , Valle Linda Anne , Cachat Patrice
Published: November 2013

BACKGROUND:

Although several systematic reviews have concluded that home visiting has strong evidence of effectiveness, individual evaluations have produced inconsistent results. We used a component-based, domain-specific approach to determine which characteristics most strongly predict outcomes.

METHODS:

Medline and PsycINFO searches were used to identify evaluations of universal and selective home visiting programs implemented in the United States. Coders trained to the study criterion coded characteristics of research design, program content, and service delivery. We conducted random-effects, inverse-variance–weighted linear regressions by using program characteristics to predict effect sizes on 6 outcome domains (birth outcomes, parenting behavior and skills, maternal life course, child cognitive outcomes, child physical health, and child maltreatment).

RESULTS:

Aggregated to a single effect size per study (k = 51), the mean effect size was 0.20 (95% confidence interval: 0.14 to 0.27), with a range of –0.68 to 3.95. Mean effect sizes were significant and positive for 3 of the 6 outcome domains (maternal life course outcomes, child cognitive outcomes, and parent behaviors and skills), with heterogeneity of effect sizes in all 6 outcome domains. Research design characteristics generally did not predict effect sizes. No consistent pattern of effective components emerged across all outcome domains.

CONCLUSIONS:

Home visiting programs demonstrated small but significant overall effects, with wide variability in the size of domain-specific effects and in the components that significantly predicted domain-specific effects. Communities may need complementary or alternative strategies to home visiting programs to ensure widespread impact on these 6 important public health outcomes.
Avaliação da influência das variáveis açúcar, polvilho azedo e albedo de laranja na elaboração de bolos de chocolate
Authors: Silva Izabel Cristina Veras , Santos Aline Alves Oliveira , Santana Danielle Gomes , Santos Alécia Josefa Alves Oliveira , Leite Mayara Lúcia da Costa , Almeida Meirielly Lima , Marcellini Paulo Sérgio
Published: November 2013

A indústria de alimentos tem demonstrado interesse em fontes alternativas de ingredientes, como o polvilho azedo, um derivado da mandioca, e o subproduto da indústria de suco, albedo de laranja, que vêm agregar valor econômico e nutricional ao produto. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da concentração de açúcar, polvilho azedo e albedo de laranja na formulação de um bolo de chocolate. Foram adotadas concentrações delineadas por planejamento fatorial 2³, tendo como variáveis independentes: polvilho azedo (X, de 14,90 a 40,10 %), açúcar (Y, de 74,80 a 125,20 %) e farinha de albedo da laranja (Z, de 4,15 a 8,35 %); como variáveis dependentes, os atributos da análise sensorial, utilizando escala hedônica estruturada de nove pontos. As formulações otimizada, padrão (100 % trigo) e comercial foram avaliadas quanto às características físico-químicas e sensoriais, por meio de teste de aceitação e teste de intenção de compra. Os valores sensoriais apresentaram médias entre 5 (não gostei/nem desgostei) e 8 (gostei muito). As diferentes formulações apresentaram diferenças significativas (p < 0,05) em relação aos parâmetros sensoriais e a escolha da formulação ideal foi feita a partir da aceitação em relação à impressão global, sendo significativa a concentração de açúcar e farinha de albedo de laranja. Assim, a formulação otimizada apresentou 27,5 % de polvilho azedo, 130 % de açúcar e 6 % de farinha de albedo de laranja. No teste sensorial comparativo, os bolos apresentaram diferença significativa (p < 0,05) para os atributos aparência e aroma. As características físico-químicas dos bolos comercial, padrão e otimizado mostraram influência significativa (p < 0,05) para os parâmetros umidade e proteínas.
Toxicity assessment and biodegradation potential of water-soluble sludge containing 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene
Authors: Nehrenheim E. , Muter O. , Odlare M. , Rodriguez A. , Cepurnieks G. , Bartkevics V.
Published: November 2013

The water-soluble phase of trinitrotoluene-containing sludge (SLP) was characterized with regard to trinitrotoluene (TNT) concentration, ecotoxicity, and a model biodegradation experiment as evaluation criteria for further development of appropriate treatment technologies. SLP contained 67.8 mg TNT/l. The results of germination and root-elongation tests indicated that SLP had a species-specific phytotoxic effect. The results of a 21 day degradation experiment demonstrated TNT conversion to 4-amino-2,6-DNT and 2-amino-4,6-DNT, with a simultaneous reduction in the total concentration of nitroaromatics. Addition of inoculum stimulated the TNT degradation process. The presence of the sludge solid phase inhibited microbial activity. Measurement of microbial enzyme activity was used to assess changes in the microbial community during the biodegradation process.
Effect of different water conditions on dissolution of nanosilver
Authors: Chen Shao-Feng , Zhang Hongyin , Lin Qing-Yu
Published: November 2013

This study evaluates the time-dependent dissolution of nanosilver (nAg) in common electrolytes and natural waters. nAg was synthesized via Tollens’ method using sodium citrate as stabilizer; its morphology, UV–Vis spectrum, and particle size were characterized. The dissolved silver was monitored over time using filtration, centrifugation, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Our results indicated that nanoparticle aggregation, Cl− presence, and natural organic compounds could affect the dissolution behavior of nAg. The dissolution of nAg was highly dependent on Cl− concentration. Excessive Cl− enhanced nanoparticle dissolution, whereas natural organic compound inhibited the dissolution. The dissolution data fitted well with the first-order kinetic model, and the dissolution rate coefficients were calculated using the first-order equation. This study showed the dissolution of nAg under various water conditions. The obtained results may be helpful in predicting nAg behavior in relevant environmental aquatic systems.
Rapid quantification of bacteria and viruses in influent, settled water, activated sludge and effluent from a wastewater treatment plant using flow cytometry
Authors: Ma Lili , Mao Guannan , Liu Jie , Yu Hui , Gao Guanghai , Wang Yingying
Published: November 2013

As microbiological parameters are important in monitoring the correct operation of wastewater treatment plants and controlling the microbiological quality of wastewater, the abundances of total bacteria (including intact and damaged bacterial cells) and total viruses in wastewater were investigated using a combination of ultrasonication and flow cytometry. The comparisons between flow cytometry (FCM) and other cultivation-independent methods (adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) analysis for bacteria enumeration and epifluorescence microscopy (EFM) for virus enumeration) gave very similar patterns of microbial abundance changes, suggesting that FCM is suitable for targeting and obtaining reliable counts for bacteria and viruses in wastewater samples. The main experimental results obtained were: (1) effective removal of total bacteria in wastewater, with a decrease from an average concentration of 1.74 × 108counts ml−1 in raw wastewater to 3.91 × 106counts ml−1 in the effluent, (2) compared to influent raw wastewater, the average concentration of total viruses in the treated effluent (3.94 × 108counts ml−1) exhibited no obvious changes, (3) the applied FCM approach is a rapid, easy, and convenient tool for understanding the microbial dynamics and monitoring microbiological quality in wastewater treatment processes.
Assessing the potential of using telecommunication microwave links in urban drainage modelling
Authors: Fencl M. , Rieckermann J. , Schleiss M. , Stránský D. , Bareš V.
Published: November 2013

The ability to predict the runoff response of an urban catchment to rainfall is crucial for managing drainage systems effectively and controlling discharges from urban areas. In this paper we assess the potential of commercial microwave links (MWL) to capture the spatio-temporal rainfall dynamics and thus improve urban rainfall-runoff modelling. Specifically, we perform numerical experiments with virtual rainfall fields and compare the results of MWL rainfall reconstructions to those of rain gauge (RG) observations. In a case study, we are able to show that MWL networks in urban areas are sufficiently dense to provide good information on spatio-temporal rainfall variability and can thus considerably improve pipe flow prediction, even in small subcatchments. In addition, the better spatial coverage also improves the control of discharges from urban areas. This is especially beneficial for heavy rainfall, which usually has a high spatial variability that cannot be accurately captured by RG point measurements.
Adsorption study of Ni(II) and Zn(II) by activated bone char residue
Authors: Soares Daniel de A. , Seolatto Araceli A. , Campos Taísa de M. , do Nascimento Uaitã P.
Published: November 2013

A large part of the chemical industry sectors, particularly industrial surface treatments, contributes to the contamination of water bodies with heavy metals. The environmental laws have been stringent regarding discharge of effluents containing these compounds. This study evaluated the removal of metals Ni(II) and Zn(II) by adsorption on activated bone char residue. To evaluate the adsorption capacity, experiments were performed using kinetics in a monocomponent system and adsorption isotherms in monocomponent and bicomponent systems. The models used to fit the isotherms were the Langmuir and Freundlich.
Occurrence and removal efficiency of six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in different wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Wu Manli , Wang Lili , Xu Huining , Ding Yi
Published: November 2013

Occurrence and removal efficiency of six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (fluoranthene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[ghi]perylene and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene) in wastewater were monitored at different treatment processes in three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) by using ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters Acquity UPLC BEHC18 column (1.7 μm, 2.1 mm × 50 mm). A 0.2 μm precolumn filter was used to protect the analytical column. The result indicated that (1) the total concentrations of six PAHs were 427, 318, and 220 ng L–1 in the influent of three wastewater treatment plants, respectively. Among six PAHs, the content of fluoranthene was the highest, accounting for 62–66% of total PAHs. (2) Throughout the wastewater treatment process, different treatment units exhibited different removal efficiencies for six PAHs. Biological treatment stage and aerated grit chamber appeared to be necessary for effective removal of six PAHs. The removal efficiencies of six PAHs were 73–83% at biological treatment units, and 24–56% at the aerated grit stage, respectively. The final sedimentation and disinfection for PAH removal was minor.
Ammonia sanitisation of sewage sludge using urea
Authors: Fidjeland Jørgen , Lalander Cecilia , Jönsson Håkan , Vinnerås Björn
Published: November 2013

The aim of the study was to develop a simple, low-cost treatment for sewage sludge using urea as a sanitising agent. Sewage sludge was spiked with Enterococcus faecalis and Salmonella typhimurium, treated with 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2% w/w urea at laboratory scale, and the viability was monitored during 4 months of storage at 4, 10 and 22 °C (only 0.5%). A linear relationship was identified between Salmonella spp. inactivation rate and ammonia (NH3) concentration. Temperature had a positive impact on Salmonella spp. inactivation at higher temperatures, but in the range 4–10 °C temperature influenced this inactivation merely by its impact on the ammonia equilibrium. Enterococcus spp. was more persistent and a lag phase of up to 11 weeks was observed. Higher temperature and ammonia concentration reduced the lag phase duration significantly, and also had a clear effect on the inactivation rate for the treatments with 0.5% urea at 22 °C and 2% urea at 4 and 10 °C. Urea sanitisation of sewage sludge can give a 2 log10 reduction of Enterococcus spp. and more than a 5 log10 reduction of Salmonella spp. within 6 weeks with either 0.5% w/w urea at 22 °C or 2% urea at 10 °C.
Organic matter stabilization in reed bed systems: Danish and Italian examples
Authors: Peruzzi Eleonora , Nielsen Steen , Macci Cristina , Doni Serena , Iannelli Renato , Chiarugi Mario , Masciandaro Grazia
Published: November 2013

In this study, results about sludge stabilization in reed bed systems (RBSs) after the entire period of operation in two different systems situated in Denmark (Helsinge 42,000 population equivalent (p.e.) – 10 years) and in Italy (La Fontina, 30,000 p.e. – 6 years) were presented. In order to evaluate the process of sludge stabilization, parameters that highlighted the biochemical and chemico-structural properties of organic sludge matter have been determined. The level of total and soluble nutrients, and enzyme activities, parameters related to overall microbial activity, showed that stabilization of the sludge similarly occurred in both RBSs, even though in different landscape ecosystems. The chemical–structural characterization of sludge organic matter highlighted how the processes of stabilization have occurred satisfactorily in both RBSs; in fact, significant levels of pyrolytic indices for mineralization and humification were reached. The successful stabilization of organic matter occurred in both RBSs and was confirmed by the absence of Escherichia coli, and also by the results of organic compounds (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, linear alkyl benzene sulfonates, nonylphenol ethoxylates, di-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate) and heavy metals.
Molecular Basis of Thrombophilia / MOLEKULARNE OSNOVE TROMBOFILIJE
Authors: Đorđević Valentina
Published: November 2013

Thrombophilia is a multifactorial disorder, involving both genetic and acquired risk factors that affect the balance between procoagulant and anticoagulant factors and lead to increased thrombotic tendency. The severe forms of thrombophilia are caused by a deficiency of natural anticoagulants: antithrombin, protein C and protein S. The advances in DNA technology played an important role in the identification of the exact nature of these deficiencies and opened up new possibilities in genetic research and molecular diagnostics of thrombophilia. The major breakthrough came with the discovery of activated protein C resistance and the Factor V Leiden gene mutation. Shortly afterwards, a variant in the 3’ untranslated region of the Factor II gene (FII G20210A) associated with an increased concentration of Factor II in plasma was described. These two gene variants represent the most common thrombophilic genetic risk factors. Recently, a novel prothrombin mutation (c.1787G>T) was identified in a Japanese family with juvenile thrombosis. This mutation leads to impaired inhibition of mutant thrombin by antithrombin, proposing a new mechanism of thrombophilia named resistance to antithrombin. In the last decade, several prothrombotic genetic risk factors have been described, including gene variants associated with defects of natural coagulation inhibitors, increased levels of coagulation factors or their impaired inhibition and defects of the fibrinolytic system. However, most of them are not of diagnostic value, due to their minor or unknown impact on the thrombotic risk. Large-scale DNA analysis systems are now becoming available, opening a new era in the genetic studies of the molecular basis of thrombophilia.
Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Merchant’s Tale, Giovanni Boccaccio’s The Tale of the Enchanted Pear-Tree, and Sir Orfeo Viewed as Eroticized Versions of the Folktales about Supernatural Wives
Authors: Wicher Andrzej
Published: November 2013

Two of the tales mentioned in the title are in many ways typical of the great collections of stories (The Canterbury Tales and Il Decamerone) to which they belong. What makes them conspicuous is no doubt the intensity of the erotic desire presented as the ultimate law which justifies even the most outrageous actions. The cult of eroticism is combined there with a cult of youth, which means disaster for the protagonists, who try to combine eroticism with advanced age. And yet the stories in question have roots in a very different tradition in which overt eroticism is punished and can only reassert itself in a chastened form, its transformation being due to sacrifices made by the lover to become reunited with the object of his love. A medieval example of the latter tradition is here the Middle English romance, Sir Orfeo. All of the three narratives are conspicuously connected by the motif of the enchanted tree. The Middle Ages are associated with a tendency to moralize ancient literature, the most obvious example of which is the French anonymous work Ovide moralisé (Moralized Ovid), and its Latin version Ovidius Moralizatus by Pierre Bersuire. In the case of The Merchant’s Tale and The Tale of the Enchanted Pear-Tree, we seem to meet with the opposite process, that is with a medieval demoralization of an essentially didactic tradition. The present article deals with the problem of how this transformation could happen and the extent of the resulting un-morality. Some use has also been made of the possible biblical parallels with the tales in question.
In a World Characterized by Transience and Doomed to Extinction Some Old Women Still Need Love —Mrs Rooney from Samuel Beckett’s All That Fall
Authors: Uchman Jadwiga
Published: November 2013

The article analyzes the world of transience, deterioration and death characteristic of Boghill, the place of action of Samuel Beckett’s short radio play—All That Fall. In a broadcast drama, existence is equivalent to being heard, the idea skilfully employed and commented upon by the playwright. The characters actually heard in the play are in most cases elderly or quite old and even the two young ones appear in the context of death. Numerous off-the-air individuals are dead, sterile or suffering from different illnesses. The two main characters’ situation is not different—Mr Rooney is blind, and his wife, Maddy, complains of many ailments. She is a woman in her seventies, overweight and having different kinds of health problems and thus, several times in the course of the play she expresses a wish to die. At the same time, however, in encounters with men on her way to the station she speaks in a manner characterized by numerous sexual innuendos. Furthermore, she expresses a strong yearning for love and hopes her unloving husband would show her some warm feelings. Thus she becomes a convincing illustration of Georges Bataille’s argument: “Eroticism, it may be said, is assenting to life up to the point of death” (11).
Sex-speare vs. Shake-speare: On Nudity and Sexuality in Some Screen and Stage Versions of Shakespeare’s Plays
Authors: Fabiszak Jacek
Published: November 2013

The article attempts to address the issue of nudity and eroticism in stage and screen versions of Shakespeare’s plays. Elizabethan theatrical conventions and moral and political censorship of the English Renaissance did not allow for an explicit presentation of naked bodies and sexual interactions on stage; rather, these were relegated to the verbal plane, hence the bawdy language Shakespeare employed on many occasions. Conventions play a significant role also in the present-day, post-1960s and post-sexual revolution era, whereby human sexuality in Western culture is not just alluded to, but discussed and presented in an open manner. Consequently, nudity on stage and screen in versions of Shakespeare’s plays has become more marked and outspoken. Indeed, in both filmic and TV productions as well as stage performances directors and actors more and more willingly have exposed human body and sexuality to the viewer/spectator. My aim is to look at such instances from the perspective of realism and realistic conventions that the three media deploy and the effect nudity/sex can have on the recipient. The conclusion is that theatre is most conventional and stark realism and directness of the message need to be carefully dosed. Similarly to the theatre, television, more specifically television theatre, is, too, a most direct genre, as television is inherently a live medium, the broadcasts of which occur here and now, in the present tense (ideally). Film is markedly different from the two previous forms of art: it is narrated in the past tense, thus creating a distance between what is shown and the viewer, and allowing for more literalness. Naturally, particular cases discussed in the article go beyond these rather simple divisions.
Gerris Lacustris (Linaeus 1758) and Gerris Costae (Herrich-Schäffer 1850) Species - Habitat Relations on Mountainous Tributaries of Vişeu River (Maramureş, Romania)
Authors: Olosutean Horea , Ilie Daniela Minodora
Published: November 2013

Semi aquatic Heteroptera species from some mountainous tributaries of the Vişeu River were collected and their relations with habitat variables were investigated. Only two species, Gerris lacustris and Gerris costae were found, either one or both species, in almost half of the investigated sampling stations. Correlation analysis between samplings and habitat conditions showed that Gerris lacustris prefers small deep ponds or river banks with steep slopes and is easily adaptable to habitat changes, while Gerris costae is mostly found in large marshes with low, stagnant water and high amounts of vegetation. Both species are relatively tolerant to human impact in their habitat, Gerris lacustris more so. The two species are negatively correlated to each other, as an expression of competition between them. Principal Component Analysis resulted in two dominant factors explaining almost 60% of the habitat variation, and their graphic representation proved the observed correlations.