bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelagem do crescimento da aprendizagem nos anos iniciais com dados longitudinais da pesquisa GERES
Authors: Brooke Nigel , Fernandes Neimar da Silva , Miranda Isabela Pagani Heringer de , Soares Tufi Machado
Published: March 2014

Este artigo compara duas abordagens de valor agregado para dados oriundos do survey educacional de recorte longitudinal, chamado GERES - Estudo Longitudinal da Geração Escolar 2005, que acompanhou uma coorte de alunos de mais de 300 escolas públicas e privadas ao longo dos primeiros quatro anos do Ensino Fundamental. Ambas as abordagens utilizam modelos lineares hierárquicos, permitindo o agrupamento natural dos dados educacionais provenientes dos três níveis: aluno, turma e escola. Na primeira abordagem de valor agregado, constroem-se modelos cuja variável dependente é a proficiência do aluno em cada ano avaliado. Com um modelo distinto para cada ano é possível detectar fatores do aluno, da turma e da escola associados ao desempenho dos alunos. A segunda abordagem cria modelos para mostrar o efeito das covariáveis de aluno, turma e escola nas curvas de evolução da proficiência ao longo do período do estudo. Quando comparados os dois tipos de modelos de valor agregado, o primeiro foi o mais eficiente em diagnosticar os efeitos do ambiente e da prática pedagógica do professor, mas somente em determinados anos. Já o segundo tipo de modelo foi capaz de identificar curvas de evolução de proficiência de formatos distintos de acordo com determinadas características das escolas e dos alunos, mas foi menos sensível na identificação de variáveis associadas ao processo de formação de grupos e à prática pedagógica do professor. Os dois tipos de modelos de valor agregado oferecem indicações de processos de aprendizagem diferenciados para as disciplinas Língua Portuguesa e Matemática que mereceriam estudos adicionais.
Conceitos matemáticos iniciais e linguagem: um estudo comparativo entre crianças surdas e ouvintes
Authors: Barbosa Heloiza H.
Published: March 2014

Pesquisas têm demonstrado que as crianças que se desenvolvem tipicamente constroem conceitos matemáticos desde muito cedo. Esse processo de desenvolvimento cognitivo parece estar intimamente conectado com o desenvolvimento da linguagem verbal. O que acontece com o desenvolvimento matemático de crianças que possuem uma forma diferente de linguagem, como a língua de sinais utilizada pelos surdos? Essa pergunta, além de demais indagações sobre o baixo desempenho em matemática de alunos surdos documentado por outros estudos, orientou o desenvolvimento da pesquisa aqui apresentada. Para responder a tais questionamentos, foram realizados testes experimentais com crianças surdas (grupo 1), crianças ouvintes mais jovens da escola pública (grupo 2), crianças ouvintes mais velhas da escola pública (grupo 3) e crianças da escola privada (grupo 4). Os resultados evidenciaram uma clara distinção entre habilidades cognitivas matemáticas mais dependentes e menos dependentes do estímulo linguístico, notificando que crianças surdas têm o mesmo desempenho ou, em alguns casos, até mesmo um desempenho superior do que crianças ouvintes em habilidades menos dependentes do estímulo linguístico. Contudo, tanto as crianças surdas quando as crianças ouvintes mais jovens da escola pública demonstraram um desempenho significativamente baixo em relação às crianças ouvintes mais velhas da escola pública e às crianças da escola privada. Tal resultado indica que a surdez não é causa de baixo rendimento escolar na área da matemática. Assim, parece ser necessário pensar em formas de intervenção pedagógica que possam garantir uma aprendizagem de sucesso em matemática tanto para as crianças surdas, quanto para as crianças ouvintes que frequentam as escolas públicas brasileiras.
Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal 50th Anniversary Editorial Board Commentary: Anatomy, Basic Sciences, and Genetics—Then and Now
Authors: Mooney Mark P. , Cooper Gregory M. , Marazita Mary L.
Published: March 2014

To celebrate the 50th year of the Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal we look back to where we started in 1964 and where we are now, and we speculate about directions for the future in a “Then and Now” editorial series. This editorial examines changing trends and perspectives in anatomical, basic science, and genetic studies published in this 50-year interval. In volume 1 there were 45 total papers, seven (16%) of which were peer-reviewed basic science and genetic articles published: four in anatomy, three in craniofacial biology, and none in genetics. In contrast, in volume 50, of 113 articles there were 47 (42%) peer-reviewed basic science and genetic articles published: 30 in anatomy, five in craniofacial biology, and 12 in genetics. Topical analysis of published manuscripts then and now reveal that similar topics in anatomy and craniofacial biology are still being researched today (e.g., phenotypic variability, optimal timing of surgery, presurgical orthopedics, bone grafting); whereas, most of the more recent papers use advanced technology to address old questions. In contrast, genetic publications have clearly increased in frequency during the last 50 years, which parallels advances in the field during this time. However, all of us have noticed that the more “cutting-edge” papers in these areas are not being submitted for publication to the journal, but instead to discipline-specific journals. Concerted efforts are therefore indicated to attract and publish these cutting-edge papers in order to keep the Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Journal in the forefront of orofacial cleft and craniofacial anomaly research and to provide a valuable service to American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association members.
Investigating continual damage of a nineteenth century masonry tunnel
Authors: Chiu Ya-Chu , Wang Tai-Tien , Huang Tsan-Hwei
Published: March 2014

The Shiqiling tunnel, an ancient masonry structure built during 1888–1890, is the first tunnel in Taiwan. Designated as an official monument, the tunnel comprises stone walls and brick or stone vaults. The continual flaking and spalling of bricks in the past two decades prompted thorough tunnel investigations. To avoid any artificial damage, non-destructive technologies are utilised to acquire tunnel data. Visual inspections and mosaicked images reveal prevailing lining anomalies, including spalling, leakage, dislocation and loss of pointing mortar between stones or bricks. Ground-penetrating radar and electrical resistivity imaging suggest that voids exist behind the lining in some areas, and that the water content of rock masses is high. Geodetic survey results show that although continual tunnel deformation produces irregular profiles, an inner boundary exists where masonry blocks crack and fall when surpassing this boundary. Investigation results indicate that the uniaxial compressive failure of bricks and stones accounts for the unusual damage pattern, and the squeezing deformation of the tunnel caused by weathered surrounding rocks is likely to be the cause of the continual spalling phenomena.
Is the growth of birch at the upper timberline in the Himalayas limited by moisture or by temperature?
Authors: Liang Eryuan , Dawadi Binod , Pederson Neil , Eckstein Dieter
Published: March 2014

Birch (Betula) trees and forests are found across much of the temperate and boreal zones of the Northern Hemisphere. Yet, despite being an ecologically significant genus, it is not well studied compared to other genera likePinus,Picea,Larix,Juniperus,Quercus, orFagus. In the Himalayas, Himalayan birch (Betula utilis) is a widespread broadleaf timberline species that survives in mountain rain shadows via access to water from snowmelt. Because precipitation in the Nepalese Himalayas decreases with increasing elevation, we hypothesized that the growth of birch at the upper timberlines between 3900 and 4150 m above sea level is primarily limited by moisture availability rather than by low temperature. To examine this assumption, a total of 292 increment cores from 211 birch trees at nine timberline sites were taken for dendroecological analysis. The synchronous occurrence of narrow rings and the high interseries correlations within and among sites evidenced a reliable cross‐dating and a common climatic signal in the tree‐ring width variations. From March to May, all nine tree‐ring‐width site chronologies showed a strong positive response to total precipitation and a less‐strong negative response to temperature. During the instrumental meteorological record (from 1960 to the present), years with a high percentage of locally missing rings coincided with dry and warm pre‐monsoon seasons. Moreover, periods of below‐average growth are in phase with well‐known drought events all over monsoon Asia, showing additional evidence that Himalayan birch growth at the upper timberlines is persistently limited by moisture availability. Our study describes the rare case of a drought‐induced alpine timberline that is comprised of a broadleaf tree species.
The transport of three emerging pollutants through an agricultural soil irrigated with untreated wastewater
Authors: Durán-Álvarez Juan C. , Sánchez Yamani , Prado Blanca , Jiménez Blanca
Published: March 2014

The aim of this work was to determine the mobility of naproxen, carbamazepine, and triclosan through a wastewater-irrigated agricultural soil. Transport experiments were carried out using undisturbed soil columns taken at 10 and 40 cm depths. The mobilization of the pollutants was evaluated using two hydrological regimes transient flow for superficial columns and steady-state conditions for the sub-superficial columns. Results demonstrated that preferential flows are present in the superficial soil, and transient flow conditions facilitate the movement of the pollutants through the soil. Conversely, displacement of the contaminants in the sub-superficial soil columns was slower than that observed in the superficial soil. Triclosan was not found in the leachates of the soil columns at the two depths, indicating the strong retention of the compound by the soils. Conversely, naproxen and carbamazepine were determined in leachates of the soil columns at both depths. Retardation in the transport of carbamazepine was higher than that observed for naproxen in the two tested soils. Naproxen and triclosan showed some degree of dissipation, while carbamazepine was recalcitrant. It was concluded that the natural depuration system studied is capable of retaining and removing the studied pollutants and thus the risk of groundwater pollution is minimized.
Sustainable water management with multi-quality recycled water production: the example of San Luis Potosi in Mexico
Authors: Lazarova Valentina , Equihua Lucina , Rojas Alberto
Published: March 2014

This paper presents and discusses the performance, reliability of operation, socio-economic and environmental aspects and benefits of the Tenorio Project in San Luis Potosi. This is the first project in Mexico making possible the production of multi-quality recycled water for planned water reuse for different purposes, including industrial cooling in a power plant, agricultural irrigation, groundwater restoration and environmental enhancement. Long-term water quality monitoring demonstrated the reliability of operation of the selected treatment trains, which were well adapted to local conditions and the given reuse application. The major challenge was the control of the conductivity and silica content in recycled water for industrial reuse, which needed complementary investigations and the implementation of an additional treatment by ion exchange. The reliable operation of the power plant with recycled water encouraged other industries to explore water reuse as an option, as well as the possibility of improved treatment. Once the main technical and social challenges of the original project were overcome, the project acquired a new dimension with the request of the industrial client to improve water quality by means of reverse osmosis. In return, the power plant proposed giving their right for water withdrawal from the aquifer to the City of San Luis Potosi, allowing thus the availability of freshwater for augmentation of the potable water supply.
Seawater desalination using forward osmosis process
Authors: Venketeswari Parida , Leong Ong Say , Yong Ng How
Published: March 2014

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of the forward osmosis (FO) process for seawater desalination. The leakage of boron from the seawater into the draw solution was also studied. According to the WHO guideline, the maximum permissible limit of boron in drinking water is 2.4 ppm. Preliminary results of boron rejection by forward osmosis membrane were found to be 60–70%. Minimal fouling of the FO membrane was observed in the experimental run spanning over 70 days. Under the given set of test conditions, flux of 1.4 L m−2h−1 was found throughout the run and there was no significant decline in the flux. With a flux recovery of 40% which is the same as that of the reverse osmosis (RO) process, FO could be potentially utilized for seawater desalination applications.
Audit Partner Rotation and Financial Reporting Quality
Authors: Litt Barri , Sharma Divesh S. , Simpson Thuy , Tanyi Paul N.
Published: March 2014

Audit partner rotation has received considerable attention globally and in the U.S. since the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 accelerated the rotation period from seven to five years and expanded the cooling-off period from two to five years. However, research on the effects of audit partner rotation on financial reporting quality in the U.S. is virtually non-existent, largely due to the absence of publicly available information on audit partners. Using a novel approach to determine audit partner rotation, we investigate the effect of rotation on financial reporting quality in the U.S. We find evidence of lower financial reporting quality following an audit partner change. Specifically, we find lower financial reporting quality during the first two years with a new audit partner relative to the final two years with the outgoing partner. We find the lower financial reporting quality to be more prevalent for larger clients. Further analyses suggest the initial year post-rotation presents audit challenges for Big 4 partners, which persist for at least three years for non-Big 4 partners. Audit challenges also appear greater for city-level non-industry specialist auditors and smaller audit offices. We discuss the implications of our results for regulators, policymakers, and the profession at large.
BACH2, a Candidate Risk Gene for Type 1 Diabetes, Regulates Apoptosis in Pancreatic β-Cells via JNK1 Modulation and Crosstalk With the Candidate Gene PTPN2
Authors: Marroquí Laura , Santin Izortze , Dos Santos Reinaldo Sousa , Marselli Lorella , Marchetti Piero , Eizirik Decio L.
Published: March 2014

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by specific destruction of pancreatic β-cells by the immune system. Linkage and genome-wide association studies have identified more than 50 loci across the human genome associated with risk of type 1 diabetes. Recently, basic leucine zipper transcription factor 2 (BACH2) has been associated with genetic risk to develop type 1 diabetes, in an effect ascribed to the immune system. We evaluated whether BACH2 may also play a role in immune-mediated pancreatic β-cell apoptosis. BACH2 inhibition exacerbated cytokine-induced β-cell apoptosis in human and rodent β-cells by the mitochondrial pathway of cell death, whereas BACH2 overexpression had protective effects. BACH2 silencing and exposure to proinflammatory cytokines increased phosphorylation of the proapoptotic protein JNK1 by upregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 7 (MKK7) and downregulation of PTPN2. JNK1 increased phosphorylation of the proapoptotic protein BIM, and both JNK1 and BIM knockdown protected β-cells against cytokine-induced apoptosis in BACH2-silenced cells. The present findings suggest that the type 1 diabetes candidate gene BACH2 regulates proinflammatory cytokine–induced apoptotic pathways in pancreatic β-cells by crosstalk with another candidate gene, PTPN2, and activation of JNK1 and BIM. This clarifies an unexpected and relevant mechanism by which BACH2 may contribute to diabetes.
Designing a group of single-branch filters taking into account their mutual influence
Authors: Klempka Ryszard
Published: March 2014

Single-branch filters are still popular and are commonly used for power quality improvement purposes. Analysis of a single-branch filter is a relatively simple task. Although individual filters tuned to specific harmonics can be easily designed, after connecting them into a group it turns out that the capacitance and inductance mutually influence each other, distorting the resulting frequency characteristics. This article presents a matrix method for design a group of single-branch filters, so that the resultant frequency characteristic satisfies the design requirements including the requirements for location of the frequency characteristic maxima. Designer indicates the frequencies of the parallel resonances
Calculation of eddy current losses using the electrodynamic similarity laws
Authors: Koteras Dariusz
Published: March 2014

The results of the eddy currents losses calculations with using electrodynamics scaling were presented in this paper. Scaling rules were used for obtain the values of the eddy currents losses. For the calculations Finite Element Method was used. Numerical calculations were verified by measurements and a good agreement was obtained
The electromagnetic calculations of complex motion common magnetic circuit electromagnetic converter
Authors: Kamiński Grzegorz , Góralski Paweł
Published: March 2014

This document contains results of research on complex motion common magnetic circuit electromagnetic converter characteristic that allows making independent axial and rotary shaft motion. The converter in addition to linear-rotary mechanism consists of two drive rotors and one common magnetic circuit excitator. Such a solution allows to reduce volume of the machine and makes it easier to use. The paper cites design intent and possible structure of the device. Phenomenon of common magnetic circuit adverse effect on correct operation of device is discussed. The concept of using relative error as a way to evaluate the influence of that phenomenon in the torques is discussed. Waveforms of determined relative errors for all possible cases is presented. Furthermore the concept of average relative error is defined and its use as a quantitative method of assessing the degree of common circuit impact is indicated. Definition of relative error ripple factor is given, and its usage is shown. Winding inductance calculation based on free FEM application is shown and its influence on control strategy and power system
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCY OF FRACTURE TOUGHNESS OF HIGH-STRENGTH FERRITIC STEEL HARDOX-400
Authors: Dzioba Ihor , Pała Robert , Pała Tadeusz
Published: March 2014

The paper presents experimental results of the changes of strength and fracture toughness characteristics of high-strength ferritic steel Hardox-400 in the temperature range from -100 OC to +20 OC. It has been shown that the strength characteristics values increase linearly with lowering the temperature. Changes of fracture toughness characteristics from temperature are more complex and they are dependent on thickness of the tested specimens
Gradient Trajectories For Plane Singular Metrics I: Oscillating Trajectories
Authors: Grandjean Vincent
Published: March 2014

In this short note, we construct an example of a real plane analytic singular metric, degenerating only at the origin, such that any gradient trajectory (respectively to this singular metric) of some well chosen function spirals around the origin. The inversion mapping carries this example into an example of a gradient spiraling dynamics at infinity
Erosion of a Jurassic ophiolitic nappe-stack as indicated by exotic components in the Lower Cretaceous Rossfeld Formation of the Northern Calcareous Alps (Austria)
Authors: Krische Oliver , Goričan Špela , Gawlick Hans-Jürgen
Published: March 2014

The microfacies and biostratigraphy of components in mass-flow deposits from the Lower Cretaceous Rossfeld Formation of the Northern Calcareous Alps in Austria were analysed. The pebbles are classified into six groups: 1) Triassic carbonates (uppermost Werfen to basal Gutenstein Formations), 2) Upper Jurassic to lowermost Cretaceous carbonates (Oberalm Formation and Barmstein Limestone), 3) contemporaneous carbonate bioclasts (?Valanginian to ?Hauterivian), 4) siliceous pebbles (radiolarites, ophicalcites, siliceous deep-sea clays, cherts), 5) volcanic and ophiolitic rock fragments and 6) siliciclastics such as quartz-sandstones and siltstones. The radiolarites show three age groups: Ladinian to Early Carnian, Late Carnian/Norian and Late Bajocian to Callovian. The Middle Triassic radiolarites are interpreted as derived from the Meliata facies zone or from the Neotethys ocean floor, whereas the Late Triassic radiolarites give evidence of the sedimentary cover of the Neotethys ocean floor. During late Early to early Late Jurassic, the Triassic to Early/Middle Jurassic passive margin of the Neotethys attained a lower plate position and became obducted by the accreted ocean floor of the Neotethys Ocean. The accreted ocean floor was contemporaneously eroded and resedimented in different deep-water basins in front of the nappe-stack. These basin fills were subsequently incorporated in the orogen forming mélanges in this complex ophiolitic nappe-stack. The Middle Jurassic radiolarites are interpreted as the matrix of these mélanges. Together with the volcanic and ophiolitic material the siliceous rocks were eroded from this ophiolitic nappe-stack in Early Cretaceous times and brought by a fluvial system to the Rossfeld Basin within the Tirolic realm of the Northern Calcareous Alps. The different fining-upward sequences in the succession of the Lower Cretaceous Rossfeld Formation can be best explained by sea-level fluctuations and decreasing tectonic activity in the Jurassic orogen
Boundary layer flow and heat transfer over a permeable shrinking cylinder with surface mass transfer
Authors: Bhattacharyya K. , Gorla R.S.R.
Published: March 2014

In the present paper, the axisymmetric boundary layer flow and heat transfer past a permeable shrinking cylinder subject to surface mass transfer is studied. The similarity transformations are adopted to convert the governing partial differential equations for the flow and heat transfer into the nonlinear self-similar ordinary differential equations and then solved by a finite difference method using the quasilinearization technique. From the current investigation, it is found that the velocity in the boundary layer region decreases with the curvature parameter and increases with suction mass transfer. Moreover, with the increase of the curvature parameter, the suction parameter and Prandtl number, the heat transfer is enhanced.
Testicular membrane lipid damage by complex mixture of leachate from municipal battery recycling site as indication of idiopathic male infertility in rat
Authors: Akintunde Jacob K. , Oboh Ganiyu , Akindahunsi Akintunde A.
Published: March 2014

Leachate from a municipal battery recycling site is a potent source of mixed-metal released into the environment. The present study investigated the degree at which mixed-metal exposure to the municipal auto-battery leachate (MABL) and to the Elewi Odo municipal auto-battery recycling site leachate (EOMABRL) affected the lipid membrane of the testes in in vitro experiment. The results showed elevated level of mixed-metals over the permissible levels in drinking water, as recommended by regulatory authorities. In the leachate samples, the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a biomarker of lipid damage, was significantly (p<0.05) increased in rat testes in a dose-dependent manner. MDA induced by the municipal auto-battery leachate (MABL) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than the leachate from Elewi Odo municipal auto-battery recycling site (EOMABRL). The testicular lipid membrane capacity was compromised following treatment with leachate from the municipal battery recycling site, implicating mixed-metal exposure as the causative agent of testicular damage and male infertility.
The ameliorative effect of ascorbic acid and Ginkgo biloba on learning and memory deficits associated with fluoride exposure
Authors: Raghu Jetti , Raghuveer Vasudeva C. , Rao Mallikarjuna C. , Somayaji Nagabhooshana S. , Babu Prakash B.
Published: March 2014

Chronic exposure to fluoride causes dental and skeletal fluorosis. Fluoride exposure is also detrimental to soft tissues and organs. The present study aimed at evaluation of the effect of Ginkgo biloba and ascorbic acid on learning and memory deficits caused by fluoride exposure. Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=6). Group 1 control. Groups 2 to 5 received 100 ppm of sodium fluoride over 30 days. Groups 3, 4 and 5 were further treated for 15 days receiving respectively 1% gum acacia solution, 100 mg/kg body weight ascorbic acid, and 100mg/kg body weight Ginkgo biloba extract. After 45 days, all animals were subjected to behavioural tests. The results showed that fluoride affected learning and memory. Fluoride causes oxidative stress and neurodegeneration, thereby affecting learning and memory. Ascorbic acid and Ginkgo biloba were found to augment the reversal of learning and memory deficits caused by fluoride ingestion
Sustainable Risk Management in the Banking Sector
Authors: Županović Ivo
Published: March 2014

The globalization of financial markets and negative consequences of the financial crisis resulted in negative connotations in the operation of many financial institutions, businesses and citizens and imposed the need to implement appropriate risk management measures in the banking sector. Evolution of the financial sector makes a lot of news in the field of risk management and particularly the modelling of market, credit and operational risk. The main methodology for risk management is the value-at-risk, which is used in practice with other techniques such as the capital- at-risk method in order to minimize business risks and achieve optimal results in the banking and, generally, financial operations. Accordingly, at all levels of governance in the banking sector, there are prudential policies in place governing the management of all types of financial and operational risks. Based on the abovementioned, the focus of the examination was on the above postulate, and prompt recognition, control and proper management of banking risks.
Habitat preference of Common Sandpipers (Actitis hypoleucos) along the River Rába, Hungary
Authors: Hammer Tamás , Liker András , Szentirmai István
Published: March 2014

We investigated habitat preference of Common Sandpipers as part of a monitoring program in the Őrség National Park, Hungary. Field observations were conducted during the summers between 2008 and 2012 along a 47-km long section of the River Rába. During the observations we recorded the number and location of birds on the river bank. We divided the studied area into 1 km long sections and measured the proportion of the visually distinguishable habitat types (water, low gravel and sand bank, vegetation and degraded area) from a digitalized map. Furthermore, we recorded the number of the low banks and the number of bends of the river within each section, as well as the sections’ distance from the closest hydroelectric power plants and human settlements. In 2012 we also performed a detailed habitat mapping, recording the proportion of the vegetation types along the river bank and the number of fishing spots, embankment strengthenings and gravel banks. We tested the correlations between these habitat variables and number of birds present in the river sections. Our results show that Common Sandpipers were observed more frequently in locations which have (1) larger number and area of low gravel and sand banks, (2) less dense vegetation, and (3) lower proportion of degraded habitats. These findings can be taken into account in the conservation management of River Rába
MRI-assisted cervix cancer brachytherapy pre-planning, based on application in paracervical anaesthesia: final report
Authors: Petric Primoz , Hudej Robert , Hanuna Omar , Marolt Primoz , Al-Hammadi Noora Mohammed A A , Riyas Mohamed P. , Segedin Barbara
Published: March 2014

Background. Optimal applicator insertion is a precondition for the success of cervix cancer brachytherapy (BT). We aimed to assess feasibility and efficacy of MRI-assisted pre-planning, based on applicator insertion in para-cervical anaesthesia (PCA).

Patients and methods. Five days prior to BT, the pre-planning procedure was performed in 18 cervix cancer patients: tandem-ring applicator was inserted under PCA, pelvic MRI obtained and applicator removed. Procedure tolerability was assessed. High risk clinical target volume (HR CTV) and organs at risk were delineated on the pre-planning MRI, virtual needles placed at optimal positions, and dose planning performed. At BT, insertion was carried out in subarachnoidal anaesthesia according to pre-planned geometry. Pre-planned and actual treatment parameters were compared.

Results. Pre-planning procedure was well tolerated. Median difference between the pre-planned and actual needle insertion depth and position were 2 (0―10) mm and 4 (0―30) degrees, respectively. The differences between the pre-planned and actual geometric and dosimetric parameters were statistically non-significant. All actual needles were positioned inside the HR CTV and outside the organs at risk (OAR).

Conclusions. Our pre-planning approach is well tolerated and effective. Pre-planned geometry and dose distribution can be reproduced at BT.
The impact of daily sexual desire and daily sexual desire discrepancy on the quality of the sexual experience in couples
Authors: Mark Kristen P.
Published: March 2014

Recent research has found associations between sexual desire, desire discrepancy, and satisfaction outcomes in individuals and couples on a broad level. The present study aimed to extend these findings to the event level through examining daily experiences of sexual desire, sexual desire discrepancy, and quality of the sexual experience in a sample of 87 mixed-sex couples (174 individuals) over a 30-day period through daily electronic report. Participants were in their relationships for an average of 9.3 years. Data were analyzed using over-time Actor Partner Interdependence Models (APIM). For women and men, higher actor daily sexual desire predicted higher actor quality of the sexual experience. In addition, higher partner daily sexual desire predicted higher actor quality of the sexual experience. Event-level desire discrepancy between the couple was also a significant predictor of actor quality of the sexual experience for women, though not for men. These results confirm that day-to-day sexual desire and desire discrepancy are important indicators of quality of the sexual relationship and emphasize the importance of considering event-level characteristics when examining sexual behaviour and couple dynamics. Implications and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
The Predictive Value of Disruptive Technology Theory for Digital Publishing in the Traditional Publishing Environment: A South African Case Study
Authors: Gaigher Susan , le Roux Elizabeth , Bothma Theo
Published: March 2014

Digital technologies such as e-books are predicted to have a profound effect on publishing, but they are yet to have a serious impact on the industry. This paper considers the implications of digitization and digital publishing for the trade book publishing industry in South Africa. Through surveys and interviews with South African trade publishers, a picture was developed of the current state of digital publishing. This state is evaluated using the context and predictive value of disruptive technology theory. In this case, digital technology is seen as a disruptive technology in the traditional print publishing environment. As the paper shows, the problems that publishers are experiencing are characteristic of industries faced with disruptive technology. The principles of disruptive technology can therefore be applied to develop recommendations and suggest strategies for publishers planning to venture into digital publishing. Although the focus of the research was on South African trade publishers, the results and recommendations that emerged from the research can be applied to different sectors of publishing as well as to the wider international publishing industry.
In Situ Structural Evolution of Steel-Based MMC by High Energy X-Ray Diffraction and Comparison with Micromechanical Approach
Authors: Geandier G. , Dehmas M. , Mourot M. , Aeby-Gautier E. , Denis S. , Martin O. , Karnatak N.
Published: March 2014

In situ high energy X-ray diffraction synchrotron was used to provide direct analysis of the transformation sequences in steel-based matrix composite (MMC) reinforced with TiC particles elaborated by powder metallurgy. Evolution of the phase fractions of the matrix and TiC particles as well as the mean cell parameters of each phase were determined by Rietveld refinement from high energy X-ray diffraction (ID15B, ESRF, Grenoble, France). In addition some peaks were further analysed in order to obtain the X-Ray strain during the cooling step. Non-linear strain evolutions of each phase are evidenced which are either associated with differences in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between matrix and TiC particle or to the occurrence of phase transformation. Micromechanical calculations were performed using the finite element method to estimate the stress state in each phase and outline the effects of differences in CTE and those of volume change associated with the matrix phase transformation. The calculated results led to a final compressive hydrostatic stress in the TiC reinforcement and tensile hydrostatic stress in the matrix area around the TiC particles. Besides, the tendencies measured from in situ synchrotron diffraction (mean cell parameters) matched well with the numerical estimates.
A Comparative Study of Graft-Take Between Tie-Over Dressing and Dressing with Multiple Quilting in Full Thickness Skin Graft
Authors: Islam Md Maruful , Choudhury Imran , Uddin Md Nashir , Lenin Lutfar Kader , Awwal Rayhana , Khundkar Shafquat Hussain , Joarder Yasmin
Published: March 2014

A skin graft is the simplest way of reconstructing an area of skin loss. The graft must acquire blood supply from the wound bed and taken by the recipient site. The aim of the present study was to compare the outcome of graft-take of full thickness skin graft by tie-over dressing versus multiple quilting and simple dressing in face and neck region. This prospective, interventional, comparative study was conducted in the Department of Plastic Surgery, Dhaka Medical College Hospital from January 2009 to December 2010 (2 years). A total number of 60 cases from 56 patients of any age of both sexes requiring full thickness skin graft and fulfilling the pre-set inclusion and exclusion criteria, were selected for the study. Of whom 30 cases were tagged as Group A (Quilting) while the rest 30 as Group B, which was managed with tie-over dressing. Variable outcomes like epidermal loss, partial dermal loss and full thickness loss were observed in both groups. In quilting group excellent result was achieved in 22(73.3%), good 2(6.7%), satisfactory 3(10%) and poor in 3(10%) patient. In tie-over group, it was 19(63.3%), 3(10%), 3(10%) and 5(16.7%) accordingly. So, the good take were 27(90%) in quilting group and 25(83.3%) in tie-over group. Haematoma recorded in 3 (10%) of quilted group and 5 (16.7%) of tie-over group. No infection occurred in any cases of any group. There were no other recorded complications or adverse outcomes directly related to the technique for securing the grafts in either group. The results demonstrate no significant difference in graft-take comparing grafts secured with a tie-over dressing or by quilting. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bdjps.v3i2.18249 Bangladesh Journal of Plastic Surgery July 2012, 3(2): 38-44
Chest Wall Reconstruction : A Case Report
Authors: Hossain Md Zakir , Hassan Shamim , Hanna Ayesha , Shahin Md
Published: March 2014

We are reporting a case of recurrent soft tissue tumor over the chest wall-histologically proven Dermato fibrosarcoma protuberance. Wide surgical excision with reconstruction is recommended for improvement of quality of life and prolong survival. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bdjps.v3i2.18252 Bangladesh Journal of Plastic Surgery July 2012, 3(2): 53-56
General anaesthesia of indigenous pigs in Bangladesh
Authors: Rana MS , Rahman MM , Rima UK , Juyena NS
Published: March 2014

Anaesthetic trials were conducted with propofol (P), xylazine-propofol (XP), xylazine-ketamine (XK), xylazine-thiopentone (XT) in 16 healthy indigenous pigs. Respiration rate decreased significantly (P < 0.01) five minutes after induction, and during maximum depth of anaesthesia, and had not returned to control value after recovery from anaesthesia with all anaesthetic combinations. Heart rate with P increased significantly (P<0.01) five minutes after induction, whereas it decreased significantly (P < 0.01) with XP, XK and XT during anaesthesia and remained below the normal range after recovery from anaesthesia except after XP. In all anaesthetic sessions, rectal temperature decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in all stages of anaesthesia: after recovery the rectal temperature almost returned to control value in P and XP. Slight to moderate salivation was observed in all pigs with P and XP. It is suggested that P and XP combination seems to be suitable for general anaesthesia in pigs, but XP is more suitable. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v30i2.18254 Bangl. vet. 2013. Vol. 30, No. 2, 46-53
Histopathological identification of Coccidioidomycosis in animals at Dhaka Zoo
Authors: Ahasan SA , Chowdhury EH , Khan MAH , Parvin R , Azam SU , Mohiuddin G , Uddin J , Rahman MM , Khair A , Akter L
Published: March 2014

Dhaka Zoo with 2000 animals of 184 species and five million visitors a year is important from a public health point of view. This study was conducted to investigate coccidioidomycosis in captive animals at Dhaka Zoo. One hundred and two tissue samples were collected and preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin at necropsy of 36 animals of 25 species. Twenty five animals were suffering from granulomatous diseases, of which ten were identified as coccidioidomycosis. Clinical history, nodular lesions at necropsy, granulomatous lesions on histopathology and characteristic spores on special staining confirmed coccidioidomycosis in six rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), one horse (Equus caballus), one common langur (Presbytis entellus), one beisa oryx (Oryx beisa beisa) and one reticulated python (Python molurus). It is suggested that coccidioidomycosis in captive animals threatens human and animal health. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v30i2.18255 Bangl. vet. 2013. Vol. 30, No. 2, 54-61
Prevalence of sub-clinical mastitis in dairy farms
Authors: Quaderi MA AL , Husain M , Alam MGS , Khatun M , Hossain MA
Published: March 2014

A total of 560 lactating cows belonging to Bangladesh Agricultural University dairy farm (n = 59): Local Zebu (L), Local × Friesian (L × F), Local × Jersey (L × J), Local × Red Chittagong Cattle (L × RCC), Local × Sahiwal (L × SL), Red Chittagong Cattle (RCC); and Central Cattle Breeding Station and Dairy Farm (n = 501): Local Zebu, L × F, SL × F, Sahiwal and Australian Friesian Sahiwal (AFS) were selected to measure prevalence of subclinical mastitis (SM). The California Mastitis Test was done and the prevalence of SM was 68% on cow basis and 57% on quarter basis. The prevalence rate was significantly higher in L × F (87%, P < 0.05), SL × F (88%, P < 0.05), L × J (100%, P < 0.01), AFS (89%, P< 0.05) and SL (100%, P < 0.01). The local Zebu (31%) and RCC (28%) were least susceptible to SM. SM was significantly higher in multiparous (P < 0.05) and older cows (P < 0.05). The front quarters were more prone to SM than the rear. Factors such as breed, age, parity and management may have been responsible for high prevalence of SM in both farms. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v30i2.18257 Bangl. vet. 2013. Vol. 30, No. 2, 70-77
Surgical management of subcutaneous cyst on the forelimb of a Royal Bengal Tiger
Authors: Ferdousy RN , Haq MM , Paul S , Mou SJ , Tarif AMM
Published: March 2014

A 5 year-old female Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) was reported as having a cyst-like structure on the left forelimb, confirmed by physical examination under general anaesthesia with xylazine and ketamine and fine needle aspiration. Surgical intervention was done by making a small stab incision with drainage of bloody fluid. The inner cyst wall was disrupted and packed with gauze soaked in tincture of iodine. No suture was given. Ceftriaxone (Trizon vet®, ACME Laboratories limited, Dhaka, Bangladesh) 30mg/kg body weight was injected daily for seven days intramuscularly. Antiseptic dressing was done every alternate day for 7 days. After one week the cyst cavity and inflammation subsided and complete recovery was evident.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bvet.v30i2.18271 Bangl. vet. 2013. Vol. 30, No. 2, 78-80
Automated Sample Preparation Platform for Mass Spectrometry-Based Plasma Proteomics and Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Guryča Vilém , Roeder Daniel , Piraino Paolo , Lamerz Jens , Ducret Axel , Langen Hanno , Cutler Paul
Published: March 2014

The identification of novel biomarkers from human plasma remains a critical need in order to develop and monitor drug therapies for nearly all disease areas. The discovery of novel plasma biomarkers is, however, significantly hampered by the complexity and dynamic range of proteins within plasma, as well as the inherent variability in composition from patient to patient. In addition, it is widely accepted that most soluble plasma biomarkers for diseases such as cancer will be represented by tissue leakage products, circulating in plasma at low levels. It is therefore necessary to find approaches with the prerequisite level of sensitivity in such a complex biological matrix. Strategies for fractionating the plasma proteome have been suggested, but improvements in sensitivity are often negated by the resultant process variability. Here we describe an approach using multidimensional chromatography and on-line protein derivatization, which allows for higher sensitivity, whilst minimizing the process variability. In order to evaluate this automated process fully, we demonstrate three levels of processing and compare sensitivity, throughput and reproducibility. We demonstrate that high sensitivity analysis of the human plasma proteome is possible down to the low ng/mL or even high pg/mL level with a high degree of technical reproducibility.
Preparation and Chemical Properties of π-Conjugated Polymers Containing Indigo Unit in the Main Chain
Authors: Fukumoto Hiroki , Nakajima Hisashi , Kojima Takahiro , Yamamoto Takakazu
Published: March 2014

π-Conjugated polymers based on indigo unit were prepared. Dehalogenative polycondensation of N-hexyl-6,6'-dibromoindigo with a zerovalent nickel complex gave a homopolymer, P(HexI), in 77% yield. Copolymer of N-hexyl-indigo and pyridine, P(HexI-Py), was also prepared in 50% yield. P(HexI) showed good solubility in organic solvents, whereas P(HexI-Py) was only soluble in acids such as HCOOH. The weight-average molecular weights (Mw) of P(HexI) and P(HexI-Py) were determined to be 10,000 and 40,000, respectively, by a light scattering method. Pd-catalyzed polycondensation between 6,6'-dibromoindigo with N-BOC (BOC = t-butoxycarbonyl) substituents and a diboronic compound of 9,9-dioctylfluorene afforded the corresponding alternating copolymer, P(BOCI-Flu), as a deep red solid in 98% yield. P(BOCI-Flu) was soluble in N-methyl-2-pyrroridone and showed an Mw of 29,000 in GPC analysis. Treatment of P(BOCI-Flu) with CF3COOH smoothly led to a BOC-deprotection reaction to give an insoluble deep green polymer, P(I-Flu), in a quantitative yield. Diffuse reflectance spectra of powdery P(BOCI-Flu) and P(I-Flu) showed peaks at about 580 nm and 630 nm, respectively, which are thought to originate from the indigo unit.
Transplantation of Cyclic Stretched Fibroblasts Accelerates the Wound-Healing Process in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice
Authors: Lee Eunkyung , Kim Do Yeon , Chung Eunkyung , Lee Eun Ah , Park Ki-Sook , Son Youngsook
Published: March 2014

Mechanical stimulation is a known modulator of survival and proliferation for many cells, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. In this study, we found that mechanical strain prevents apoptosis and increases the adhesive ability of dermal fibroblasts in vitro and thus confers the survival advantage in vivo after transplantation of fibroblasts into the full-thickness wound of diabetic mice. Cyclic stretch at a frequency of 0.5 Hz and maximum elongation of 20% stimulates cellular survival mediated by the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), and the serine/threonine kinase Akt (AKT). Stretching of the fibroblasts increases the synthesis of extracellular matrix proteins and the formation of denser focal adhesion structures, both of which are required for fibroblast adhesion. The stretched fibroblasts also upregulate the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell-derived factor-1α (SDF-1α), which enhanced wound healing in vivo. Indeed, preconditioning with mechanical stretch allows better survival of the transplanted fibroblasts, when compared to unstretched control cells, in the wound environment of mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes and thus accelerates the wound-healing process in these mice.
Phenotypic plasticity of invasive Spartina densiflora (Poaceae) along a broad latitudinal gradient on the Pacific Coast of North America
Authors: Castillo Jesús M. , Grewell Brenda J. , Pickart Andrea , Bortolus Alejandro , Peña Carlos , Figueroa Enrique , Sytsma Mark
Published: March 2014

• Premise of the study: Phenotypic acclimation of individual plants and genetic differentiation by natural selection within invasive populations are two potential mechanisms that may confer fitness advantages and allow plants to cope with environmental variation. The invasion of Spartina densiflora across a wide latitudinal gradient from California (USA) to British Columbia (Canada) provides a natural model system to study the potential mechanisms underlying the response of invasive populations to substantial variation in climate and other environmental variables.

• Methods: We examined morphological and physiological leaf traits of Spartina densiflora plants in populations from invaded estuarine sites across broad latitudinal and climate gradients along the Pacific west coast of North America and in favorable conditions in a common garden experiment.

• Key results: Our results show that key foliar traits varied widely among populations. Most foliar traits measured in the field were lower than would be expected under ideal growing conditions. Photosynthetic pigment concentrations at higher latitudes were lower than those observed at lower latitudes. Greater leaf rolling, reduced leaf lengths, and lower chlorophyll and higher carbon concentrations were observed with anoxic sediments. Lower chlorophyll to carotenoids ratios and reduced nitrogen concentrations were correlated with sediment salinity. Our results suggest that the variations of foliar traits recorded in the field are a plastic phenotypic response that was not sustained under common garden conditions.

• Conclusions: Spartina densiflora shows wide differences in its foliar traits in response to environmental heterogeneity in salt marshes, which appears to be the result of phenotypic plasticity rather than genetic differentiation.