bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Which aspects of social GGRRAAACCEEESSS grab you most?’ The social GGRRAAACCEEESSS exercise for a supervision group to promote therapists' self‐reflexivity
Authors: Totsuka Yoko
Published: January 2014

Promoting supervisees' self‐reflexivity is an integral component of systemic family therapy supervision. This includes facilitating thinking about the influences of social differences. The article describes an exercise designed to facilitate exploration of participants' relationships with different aspects of social GGRRAAACCEEESSS (SG). The exercise consists of mapping the influences of different aspects of SG and ascertaining how some of them come to be more privileged than others. It is proposed that the exercise is used in the context of a supervision group, where the supervisees and supervisor share their personal and family of origin stories related to SG. Team members' reflection offers a further opportunity for learning. Feedback from supervisees has been sought on how this exercise impacted on their practice. The potential benefits and caveats are discussed.

Practitioner points

Promote self‐reflexivity on issues of differences

Explore supervisees' relationships with aspects of social GGRRAAACCEEESSS
Hidden Fiscal Risks in Local China (中国地方政府的隐性财政风险)
Authors: Ma (中山大学) Jun
Published: January 2014

Public debts as well as the fiscal risks associated with them have been a global concern for our time. This paper examines fiscal risks in China, particularly fiscal risks at the local (sub‐national) government level. Under the current system of Chinese intergovernmental relations, local governments are precluded from borrowing and offering guarantees for any borrowing activity. However, almost all of them have become deeply involved in debt finance, mainly in the form of contingent liabilities. Although there will not be a debt crisis in China in the near future, certain risks are hidden in China's local debt. This article therefore recommends China reform its intergovernmental relations and formally grant authority to local governments to borrow so that they are subject to transparent debt market constraints.
Look who's coming to school: the Emirati student voice in an intervention‐based study on inclusion of learners with intellectual disabilities in Emirati mainstream government schools
Authors: Gaad Eman
Published: January 2014

Although there are many factors that can affect the success of the inclusion of students with disabilities in mainstream schools, the attitude of typically developing peers towards peers with disabilities is one of the critical factors leading to success. This study examines the effects of a planned intervention on the attitudes of the typically developing peers related to their perceptions about students with intellectual disabilities during a half‐day workshop which took place in each of the target schools and their opinions about including these students in mainstream schools in the United Arab Emirates. The intervention involved both a presentation about the abilities of persons with intellectual disabilities and an opportunity for personal interaction with these students. Following the intervention, the subjects were interviewed and their responses analysed. The results showed that after the intervention, most typically developing students had gained a basic knowledge of intellectual disability which affected their expectations for the abilities of same‐age learners with intellectual disabilities and their acceptance of their inclusion in the mainstream school. Analysis of the responses of the typically developing peers also indicated that the intervention had a positive effect which can lead to a change in attitudes towards possible inclusion of such students in their schools. For future practice and further research, recommendations are made to assist decision makers in this field.
Expression, subcellular localization and protein‑protein interaction of four isoforms of EcR/USP in the common cutworm
Authors: Huang Li‐Xia , Gong Yan‐Jun , Gu Jun , Zeng Bao‐Juan , Huang Li‐Hua , Feng Qi‐Li
Published: January 2014

Ecdysone receptor (EcR) and ultraspiracle (USP) form heterodimers to mediate ecdysteroid signaling during molting and metamorphosis. Various EcR/USP heterodimers have been reported. However, it is unclear what kind of EcR/USP combination is adopted by lepidopteran insects during the larval‑pupal metamorphosis and whether the EcR/USP heterodimer varies among different tissues. To address these questions, two isoforms of eachEcRandUSPwere cloned from the common cutworm, their messenger RNA expression patterns were examined by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction in different tissues during the larval–pupal metamorphosis and in the midgut in response to hormonal induction. Furthermore, their subcellular localization and protein‑protein interaction were explored by transient expression and far‐western blotting, respectively. All the four genes were significantly up‐regulated in prepuae and/or pupae. The expression profiles ofEcRB1andUSP1were nearly identical to each other in the epidermis, fat body and midgut, and a similar situation also applied toEcRAandUSP2. The three genes responded to 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) induction except forUSP2, andUSP1could be up‐regulated by both 20E and juvenile hormone. The four proteins mainly localized in the nucleus and the nuclear localization was promoted by 20E. The protein‑protein interaction between each EcR and USP was foundin vitro. These results suggest that two types of EcR/USP heterodimer (EcRA/USP2 and EcRB1/USP1) may exist simultaneously in the common cutworm, and the latter should play more important roles during the larval‑pupal metamorphosis. In addition, the types of EcR/USP heterodimer do not vary in the tissues which undergo histolysis and regeneration during metamorphosis.
Low‐dose azathioprine effectively improves mucosal healing in Chinese patients with small bowel Crohn's disease
Authors: Yu Li Fen , Zhong Jie , Cheng Shi Dan , Tang Yong Hua , Miao Fei
Published: January 2014

Objective

To evaluate mucosal healing after 24‐month low‐dose azathioprine (AZA) treatment in Chinese patients with moderate small bowel Crohn's disease (CD).

Methods

Patients with lesions mainly located at the ileum were screened by baseline multislice computed tomography enterography and anal‐route double‐balloon enteroscopy (DBE). They were naive to any immunomodulators and biological agents before the enrollment. Lesions from 150 cm of the terminal ileum proximal to ileocecal valve were assessed by DBE with the simple endoscopic score for CD (SES‐CD) after 12 and 24 months of low‐dose AZA treatment, respectively.

Results

The average maximal tolerance dose of AZA was 61.8 ± 17.2 mg/day. The total rates of complete, near‐complete, partial and no mucosal healing in 36 patients were 19.4%, 5.6%, 27.8% and 47.2% at month 12 and 30.6%, 25.0%, 33.3% and 11.1% at month 24, respectively. The baseline SES‐CD (odds ratio [OR] 2.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–6.63, P = 0.029) and duration of disease (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.10–1.47, P = 0.001) were two relevant factors associated with the mucosal healing of patients with small bowel CD.

Conclusion

A 24‐month low‐dose AZA regimen as maintenance treatment in moderate small bowel CD could achieve a higher mucosal healing rate than that of 12‐month treatment in Chinese patients, especially in those with duration of disease less than 12 months and a baseline SES‐CD of 5 or 6.
Central Vascular Catheter Placement Evaluation Using Saline Flush and Bedside Echocardiography
Authors: Weekes Anthony J. , Johnson David A. , Keller Stephen M. , Efune Bradley , Carey Christopher , Rozario Nigel L. , James Norton H.
Published: January 2014

Objectives

Central venous catheter (CVC) placement is a common procedure in critical care management. The authors set out to determine echocardiographic features during a saline flush of any type of CVC. The hypothesis was that the presence of a rapid saline swirl in the right atrium on bedside echocardiography would confirm correct placement of the CVC tip, similar to the accuracy of the postplacement chest radiograph (CXR).

Methods

This was a prospective convenience sample of emergency department (ED) and intensive care unit (ICU) patients who had CVCs placed. Investigators used subcostal or apical four‐chamber echocardiography windows to evaluate the onset and appearance of turbulent flow in the right atrium when the distal port of the CVC was flushed with 10 mL of saline. Onset was rated as “immediate” (within 2 seconds), “delayed” (2 to 6 seconds), or “absent” (did not appear within 6 seconds). Appearance was rated as “prominent,” “speckling,” or “absent.” Digital video review was used later to objectively determine precise timing of turbulence onset. The rapid atrial swirl sign (RASS) was defined as the echo appearance of turbulence entering the right atrium immediately (within 2 seconds) after the saline flush of the CVC distal port. The observance of RASS (“positive”) was considered “negative” for CVC malposition. Echocardiographic results were compared to CVC tip locations within predetermined zones on the CXR. Superior vena cava (SVC) region was considered the optimal CVC tip position for subclavian and internal jugular CVC. Left CVC tips within the mid left innominate vein were also considered appropriately placed.

Results

A total of 142 patients enrolled, yielding 152 CVCs. Two CVCs were excluded from analysis due to incomplete data. Both CXR and echocardiographic images for 107 internal jugular CVCs and 28 subclavian CVCs were available for analysis. Saline flush echo evaluations were also performed on 15 femoral CVCs. Either 16‐cm triple‐lumen or 20‐cm PreSep CVCs were used. CVC malposition was discovered on CXR in four of 135 (3.0%) of the subclavian and internal jugular CVCs. RASS for subclavian and internal jugular CVC evaluations versus CXR results for CVC tip malposition yielded 75% sensitivity, 100% specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) 100% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 29.24% to 100%), and negative predictive value (NPV) 99.24% (95% CI = 95.85% to 99.98%). Mean (±SD) time for onset of saline flush turbulence was 1.1 (±0.3) seconds for subclavian and internal jugular CVC tips within the target CXR zone.

Conclusions

The rapid appearance of prominent turbulence in the right atrium on echocardiography after CVC saline flush serves as a precise bedside screening test of optimal CVC tip position.
Implementation of a Dedicated Cardiovascular and Stroke Unit in a Crowded Emergency Department of a Tertiary Public Hospital in Brazil: Effect on Mortality Rates
Authors: Nasi Luiz A. , Ferreira‐Da‐Silva Andre L. , Martins Sheila C.O. , Furtado Mariana V. , Almeida Andrea G. , Brondani Rosane , Wirth Letícia , Kluck Marisa , Polanczyk Carisi A.
Published: January 2014

Background

Emergency department (ED) care for acute vascular diseases faces the challenge of overcrowding. A vascular unit is a specialized, protocol‐oriented unit in the ED with a team trained to manage acute vascular disorders, including stroke, coronary syndromes, pulmonary embolism (PE), and aortic diseases.

Objectives

The objective was to compare case fatality rates for selected cardiovascular conditions before and after the implementation of a vascular unit.

Methods

Patients with the selected diagnoses admitted to the ED in two different time periods, 2002 through 2005 (before unit opening) and 2007 to 2010 (after vascular unit opening), were identified by ICD‐10 codes, and their electronic records were reviewed. Case fatality rates were calculated and compared for both time periods.

Results

The period prior to unit implementation (2002 through 2005) included 4,164 patients, and the vascular unit period (2007 to 2010) included 6,280 patients. Overall, the case fatality rate for acute vascular conditions decreased from 9% to 7.3% with vascular unit implementation (p = 0.002). The in‐hospital mortality rates for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) dropped from 6% to 3.8% (p = 0.003), and for acute PE dropped from 32.1% to 10.8% (p < 0.001). The stroke case‐fatality rate did not decrease despite improvements in the quality of stroke health care indicators.

Conclusions

The vascular unit strategy has the potential to reduce overall mortality for most acute vascular conditions.
A structured four‐step curriculum in basic laparoscopy: development and validation
Authors: Strandbygaard Jeanett , Bjerrum Flemming , Maagaard Mathilde , Rifbjerg Larsen Christian , Ottesen Bent , Sorensen Jette L.
Published: January 2014

Objective

The objective of this study was to develop a four‐step curriculum in basic laparoscopy consisting of validated modules integrating a cognitive component, a practical component and a procedural component.

Design

A four‐step curriculum was developed. The methodology was different for each step.Step 1:A 1‐day course in basic laparoscopy developed on the background of a regional needs analysis.Step 2:A multiple‐choice test, developed and validated through interviews with experts in laparoscopy and subsequently through a Delphi audit involving regional chief physicians.Step 3:A procedural training task (a salpingectomy) on a validated virtual reality simulator.Step 4:An operation on a patient (a salpingectomy) with following formative assessment based on a validated assessment scale.

Setting

University hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Population

Fifty‐two first‐year residents in obstetrics and gynecology from 2009 to 2011.

Method

Observational cohort study.

Main outcome measure

Completion rate.

Results

All participants completed step 1 and improved post‐course test scores compared with pre‐course test scores,p = 0.001. Step 2 was completed by 75% (37/52); all improved test scores after 6 months,p = 0.001. Step 3 was completed by 75%. Participants used 238 min (range 75–599) and 38 repetitions (range 8–99) to reach proficiency level on a virtual reality simulator. Step 4 was completed by 55%. There was no correlation between test scores and simulator training time. Protected training time was correlated with increasing completion rate.

Conclusion

A four‐step curriculum in basic laparoscopy is applicable in residency training. Protected training time correlated with increasing completion rate.
Review article: the pathogenesis and management of acute colonic diverticulitis
Authors: Humes D. J. , Spiller R. C.
Published: January 2014

Background

Acute diverticulitis, defined as acute inflammation associated with a colonic diverticulum, is a common emergency presentation managed by both surgeons and physicians. There have been advances in both the medical and the surgical treatments offered to patients in recent years.

Aim

To review the current understanding of the aetiology and treatment of acute diverticulitis.

Methods

A search of PubMed and Medline databases was performed to identify articles relevant to the aetiology, pathogenesis and management of acute diverticulitis.

Results

There are 75 hospital admissions per year for acute diverticulitis per 100 000 of the population in the United States. Recent reports suggest a 26% increase in admissions over a 7‐year period. Factors predisposing to the development of acute diverticulitis include obesity, smoking, diet, lack of physical activity and medication use such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs. The condition is associated with a low mortality of about 1% following medical therapy, rising to 4% in‐hospital mortality in those requiring surgery. There is limited evidence on the efficacy of individual antibiotic regimens, and antibiotic treatment may not be required in all patients. The rates of recurrence reported for patients with acute diverticulitis following medical management vary from 13% to 36%. The surgical management of those patients who fail medical treatment has moved towards a laparoscopic nonresectional approach; however, the evidence supporting this is limited.

Conclusions

Further high‐quality randomised controlled trials are required of both medical and surgical treatments in patients with acute diverticulitis, if management is to be evidence‐based.
A biomarker panel and psychological morbidity differentiates the irritable bowel syndrome from health and provides novel pathophysiological leads
Authors: Jones M. P. , Chey W. D. , Singh S. , Gong H. , Shringarpure R. , Hoe N. , Chuang E. , Talley N. J.
Published: January 2014

Backgrounds

The development of a reliable biomarker for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remains one of the major aims of research in functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and is complicated by the absence of a perfect reference standard. Previous efforts based on genetic and immune markers have showed promise, but have not been robust.

Aim

To evaluate an extensive panel of gene expression and serology markers combined with psychological measures in differentiating IBS from health and between subtypes of IBS.

Methods

Of subjects eligible for analysis (N = 244), 168 met criteria for IBS (60 IBS‐C, 57 IBS‐D and 51 mixed), while 76 were free of any FGID. A total of 34 markers were selected based on pathways implicated in pathophysiology of IBS or whole human genome screening. Psychological measures were recorded that covered anxiety, depression and somatisation. Models differentiating disease and health were based on unconditional logistic regression and performance assessed through area under the receiver‐operator characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity.

Results

The performance of a combination of 34 markers was good in differentiating IBS from health (AUC = 0.81) and was improved considerably with the addition of four psychological markers (combined AUC = 0.93). Of the 34 markers considered, discrimination was derived largely from a small subset. Good discrimination was also obtained between IBS subtypes with the best being observed for IBS‐C vs. IBS‐D (AUC = 0.92); however, psychological variables provided almost no incremental discrimination subtypes over biological markers (combined AUC = 0.94).

Conclusions

A combination of gene expression and serological markers in combination with psychological measures shows exciting progress towards a diagnostic test for IBS compared with healthy subjects, and to discriminate IBS‐C from IBS‐D.
Best practice principles for management of children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD): results of a scoping review
Authors: Camden C. , Wilson B. , Kirby A. , Sugden D. , Missiuna C.
Published: January 2014

Background

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a prevalent health condition that is frequently unrecognized despite the substantial evidence that has accumulated regarding how it affects children's health, education and skills. Most literature focuses on measurement of impairment and description of intervention approaches for individual children; little is known about the principles that should guide best practice and service delivery for children with DCD as a population. The purpose of this study was to identify these principles.

Methods

A scoping review was used to ‘map’ the information available to inform intervention and service delivery. Scholarly and grey literature written in English was identified in six databases, using a combination of keywords (e.g. guidelines, management, models and DCD); a ‘snow‐balling’ technique was also used in Canada and the UK to access clinical protocols used in publicly funded health care systems. Over 500 documents were screened: 31 met inclusion criteria as they outlined practice principles for children with DCD as a population. Data regarding best practices were independently extracted by two reviewers and then compared with achieve consistency and consensus.

Results

Two over‐arching themes emerged, with five principles: (1) Organizing services to efficiently meet the comprehensive needs of children (e.g. Increasing awareness of DCD and coordination; Implementing clearly defined pathways; Using a graduated/staged approach); (2) Working collaboratively to offer evidence‐based services (e.g. Integration of child and family views; Evidence‐based interventions fostering function, participation and prevention).

Conclusion

Numerous documents support each of the principles, reflecting agreement across studies about recommended organization of services. While these principles may apply to many populations of children with disabilities, this review highlights how essential these principles are in DCD. Researchers, managers, clinicians, community partners and families are encouraged to work together in designing, implementing and evaluating interventions that reflect these principles.
Word Reading Fluency: Role of Genome‐Wide Single‐Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Developmental Stability and Correlations With Print Exposure
Authors: Harlaar Nicole , Trzaskowski Maciej , Dale Philip S. , Plomin Robert
Published: January 2014

The genetic effects on individual differences in reading development were examined using genome‐wide complex trait analysis (GCTA) in a twin sample. In unrelated individuals (one twin per pair, n = 2,942), the GCTA‐based heritability of reading fluency was ~20%–29% at ages 7 and 12. GCTA bivariate results showed that the phenotypic stability of reading fluency from 7 to 12 years (r = 0.69) is largely driven by genetic stability (genetic r = 0.69). Genetic effects on print exposure at age 12 were moderate (~26%) and correlated with those influencing reading fluency at 12 (genetic r = 0.89), indicative of a gene–environment correlation. These findings were largely consistent with quantitative genetic twin analyses that used both twins in each pair (n = 1,066–1,409).
IGRP and insulin vaccination induce CD8+ T cell-mediated autoimmune diabetes in the RIP-CD80GP mouse
Authors: Fuchs Y F , Adler K , Lindner A , Karasinsky A , Wilhelm C , Weigelt M , Balke H , Förtsch K , Mortler-Hildebrandt L F , Harlan D M , Pechhold K , Ziegler A-G , Bonifacio E
Published: January 2014

Autoimmune diabetes is characterized by autoantigen-specific T cell-mediated destruction of pancreatic islet beta cells, and CD8+ T cells are key players during this process. We assessed whether the bitransgenic RIP-CD80 x RIP-LCMV-GP (RIP-CD80GP) mice may be a versatile antigen-specific model of inducible CD8+ T cell-mediated autoimmune diabetes. Antigen-encoding DNA, peptide-loaded dendritic cells and antigen plus incomplete Freund's adjuvant were used for vaccination. Of 14 pancreatic proteins tested by DNA vaccination, murine pre-proinsulin 2 (100% of mice; median time after vaccination, 60 days) and islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit-related protein (IGRP) (77%, 58 days) could induce diabetes. Vaccination with DNA encoding for zinc transporter 8, Ia-2, Ia-2β, glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (Gad67), chromogranin A, insulinoma amyloid polypeptide and homeobox protein Nkx-2.2 induced diabetes development in 25–33% of mice. Vaccination with DNA encoding for Gad65, secretogranin 5, pancreas/duodenum homeobox protein 1 (Pdx1), carboxyl ester lipase, glucagon and control hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) induced diabetes in <20% of mice. Diabetes induction efficiency could be increased by DNA vaccination with a vector encoding a ubiquitin–antigen fusion construct. Diabetic mice had florid T cell islet infiltration. CD8+ T cell targets of IGRP were identified with a peptide library-based enzyme-linked immunospot assay, and diabetes could also be induced by vaccination with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-restricted IGRP peptides loaded on mature dendritic cells. Vaccination with antigen plus incomplete Freund's adjuvant, which can prevent diabetes in other models, led to rapid diabetes development in the RIP-CD80GP mouse. We conclude that RIP-CD80GP mice are a versatile model of antigen specific autoimmune diabetes and may complement existing mouse models of autoimmune diabetes for evaluating CD8+ T cell-targeted prevention strategies.
Delivery of an miR155 inhibitor by anti-CD20 single-chain antibody into B cells reduces the acetylcholine receptor-specific autoantibodies and ameliorates experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis
Authors: Wang Y-Z , Tian F-F , Yan M , Zhang J-M , Liu Q , Lu J-Y , Zhou W-B , Yang H , Li J
Published: January 2014

MicroRNA-155 (miR155) is required for antibody production after vaccination with attenuated Salmonella. miR155-deficient B cells generated reduced germinal centre responses and failed to produce high-affinity immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 antibodies. In this study, we observed up-regulation of miR155 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), and miR155 was also up-regulated in torpedo acetylcholine receptor (T-AChR)-stimulated B cells. We used an inhibitor of miR155 conjugated to anti-CD20 single-chain antibody to treat both the cultured B cells and the experimental autoimmune MG (EAMG) mice. Our results demonstrated that silencing of miR155 by its inhibitor impaired the B cell-activating factor (BAFF)-R-related signalling pathway and reduced the translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB into the nucleus. Additionally, AChR-specific autoantibodies were reduced, which may be related to the altered amounts of marginal zone B cells and memory B cells in the spleens of EAMG mice. Our study suggests that miR155 may be a promising target for the clinical therapy of MG.
Helping families where parents misuse drugs or alcohol? A mixed methods comparative evaluation of an intensive family preservation service
Authors: Forrester Donald , Holland Sally , Williams Anne , Copello Alex
Published: January 2014

Option 2 is an intensive family preservation service for families with serious child protection concerns related to parental misuse of drugs or alcohol. A previous evaluation indicated that it reduced the number of children entering care and, as a result, produced cost savings; however, little data were gathered from families. This study involved interviews with 15 families (46 children) who had received the service, and a comparison group of 12 families (28 children) referred but not provided the service due to no workers being available. Outcomes and experiences were compared, on average, 5.6 years following referral. Findings included a significant reduction in children entering care, and improvements in relation to substance misuse, parental well‐being and family cohesion. There was no difference in emotional and behavioural welfare of children. Qualitative accounts were very positive about the impact of the service, identifying effective engagement of parents and key elements of good practice in supporting families to change. The findings provide additional support for suggesting that high quality, intensive interventions with families affected by parental substance misuse can be effective. Key lessons for current attempts to deal with the increase in children entering care and the English government's ‘troubled families’ initiative are considered.
Revision of Asian species of the Drosophila melanica species group (Diptera: Drosophilidae), with a description of a new species from Vietnam
Authors: Suwito Awit , Toda Masanori J. , Takamori Hisaki , Harada Kaori , Watabe Hideaki
Published: January 2014

A new species of the Drosophila (Drosophila) melanica species group (Diptera: Drosophilidae), Drosophila denruoi Suwito & Watabe, sp. nov., is described from northern Vietnam. It is proved by crossing experiments that reproductive isolation is complete between this species and other morphologically similar species. Larval ganglion cells of D. denruoi possess 2n = 12 chromosomes, comprised of four pairs of acrocentric, one pair of metacentric and one pair of micro‐chromosomes. This is the largest number of acrocentric chromosomes in the group and implies that the species has the most primitive chromosomal configuration in the melanica group. Based on the results of crossing experiments and close morphological examination, Drosophila pengi Okada & Kurokawa, 1957 from central Japan, once regarded as a synonym of Drosophila tsigana Burla & Gloor, 1952, is shown to be distinct from D. tsigana. Drosophila pengi is thus resurrected as a member of the melanica group. We synonymize Drosophila bisetata Toda, 1988, described from central Myanmar, with D. pengi. In addition, a population from Guizhou, southwestern China, once regarded as D. tsigana, is also identified as D. pengi. These populations from central Myanmar and southwestern China share the diagnostic characters of D. pengi. At the same time, it is reconfirmed that the Hokkaido population is conspecific with European D. tsigana. Furthermore, another species, Drosophila longiserrata Toda, 1988 described from central Myanmar, is synonymized with Drosophila afer Tan, Hsu & Sheng, 1949 from China, based on their having identical karyotypes and external morphology.
Comparing Discrete Fracture and Continuum Models to Predict Contaminant Transport in Fractured Porous Media
Authors: Blessent Daniela , Jørgensen Peter R. , Therrien René
Published: January 2014

We used the FRAC3Dvs numerical model (Therrien and Sudicky 1996) to compare the dual‐porosity (DP), equivalent porous medium (EPM), and discrete fracture matrix diffusion (DFMD) conceptual models to predict field‐scale contaminant transport in a fractured clayey till aquitard. The simulations show that the DP, EPM, and DFMD models could be equally well calibrated to reproduce contaminant breakthrough in the till aquitard for a base case. In contrast, when groundwater velocity and degradation rates are modified with respect to the base case, the DP method simulated contaminant concentrations up to three orders of magnitude different from those calculated by the DFMD model. In previous simulations of well‐characterized column experiments, the DFMD method reproduced observed changes in solute transport for a range of flow and transport conditions comparable to those of the field‐scale simulations, while the DP and EPM models required extensive recalibration to avoid high magnitude errors in predicted mass transport. The lack of robustness with respect to variable flow and transport conditions suggests that DP models and effective porosity EPM models have limitations for predicting cause‐effect relationships in environmental planning. The study underlines the importance of obtaining well‐characterized experimental data for further studies and evaluation of model key process descriptions and model suitability.
Derivative‐Assisted Classification of Fractured Zones Crossing a Deep Borehole
Authors: Ji Sung‐Hoon , Lee Dae Hyoung , Yeo In Wook , Park Kyoung‐Woo , Koh Yong‐Kwon
Published: January 2014

In this study, the derivative analysis using the derivative of drawdown with respect to log‐time was utilized to determine candidates for hydraulic conductor domains (HCDs). At a 500‐m deep borehole in the study site, the fractured rocks crossing the borehole were first classified in fractured and nonfractured zones by core logging and geophysical loggings, such as acoustic televiewing, density, and flow loggings. After conducting the hydraulic tests such as constant head withdrawal and recovery tests at the fractured zones and the nonfractured zones, the derivative analyses were carried out, of which the results were evaluated to determine the candidates for HCDs. For the nonfractured zones, the diagnostic plot has only a big hump indicating poor connection of the background fractures to the permeable geologic media, while those of the candidates for HCDs show various flow regimes. On the basis of these results, the candidates for HCDs among the fractured zones were determined. From discussion on the results, the combination of the spacing analysis and derivative analysis following a hydraulic test is recommended for determining the candidates for HCDs rather than other geophysical loggings.
Controls of Wellbore Flow Regimes on Pump Effluent Composition
Authors: Martin‐Hayden James M. , Plummer Mitchell , Britt Sanford L.
Published: January 2014

Where well water and formation water are compositionally different or heterogeneous, pump effluent composition will vary due to partial mixing and transport induced by pumping. Investigating influences of purging and sampling methodology on composition variability requires quantification of wellbore flow regimes and mixing. As a basis for this quantification, analytical models simulating Poiseuille flow were developed to calculate flow paths and travel times. Finite element modeling was used to incorporate influences of mixing. Parabolic velocity distributions within the screened interval accelerate with cumulative inflow approaching the pump intake while an annulus of inflowing formation water contracts uniformly to displace an axial cylinder of pre‐pumping well water as pumping proceeds. Increased dispersive mixing forms a more diffuse formation water annulus and the contribution of formation water to pump effluent increases more rapidly. Models incorporating viscous flow and diffusion scale mixing show that initially pump effluent is predominantly pre‐pumping well water and compositions vary most rapidly. After two screen volumes of pumping, 94% of pump effluent is inflowing formation water. Where the composition of formation water and pre‐pumping well water are likely to be similar, pump effluent compositions will not vary significantly and may be collected during early purging or with passive sampling. However, where these compositions are expected to be considerably different or heterogeneous, compositions would be most variable during early pumping, that is, when samples are collected during low‐flow sampling. Purging of two screen volumes would be required to stabilize the content and collect a sample consisting of 94% formation water.
Variability in Bacteria and Virus‐Like Particle Abundances During Purging of Unconfined Aquifers
Authors: Roudnew Ben , Lavery Trish J. , Seymour Justin R. , Jeffries Thomas C. , Mitchell James G.
Published: January 2014

Standard methodologies for sampling the physicochemical conditions of groundwater recommend purging a bore for three bore volumes to avoid sampling the stagnant water within a bore and instead gain samples representative of the aquifer. However, there are currently no methodological standards addressing the amount of purging required to gain representative biological samples to assess groundwater bacterial and viral abundances. The objective of this study was to examine how bacterial and viral abundances change during the purging of bore volumes. Six bores infiltrating into unconfined aquifers were pumped for five or six bore volumes each and bacteria and virus‐like particles (VLPs) were enumerated from each bore volume using flow cytometry. In examination of the individual bores trends in bacterial abundances were observed to increase, decrease, or remain constant with each purged bore volume. Furthermore, triplicates taken at each bore volume indicated substantial variations in VLP and bacterial abundances that are often larger than the differences between bore volumes. This indicates a high level of small scale heterogeneity in microbial community abundance in groundwater samples, and we suggest that this may be an intrinsic feature of bore biology. The heterogeneity observed may be driven by bottom up processes (variability in the distribution of organic and inorganic nutrients), top‐down processes (grazing and viral lysis), physical heterogeneities in the bore, or technical artifacts associated with the purging process. We suggest that a more detailed understanding of the ecology underpinning this variability is required to adequately describe the microbiological characteristics of groundwater ecosystems.
An Unsteady State Tracer Method for Characterizing Fractures in Bedrock Wells
Authors: Libby Jill L. , Robbins Gary A.
Published: January 2014

Evaluating contaminants impacting wells in fractured crystalline rock requires knowledge of the individual fractures contributing water. This typically involves using a sequence of tools including downhole geophysics, flow meters, and straddle packers. In conjunction with each other these methods are expensive, time consuming, and can be logistically difficult to implement. This study demonstrates an unsteady state tracer method as a cost‐effective alternative for gathering fracture information in wells. The method entails introducing tracer dye throughout the well, inducing fracture flow into the well by conducting a slug test and then profiling the tracer concentration in the well to locate water contributing fractures where the dye has been diluted. By monitoring the development of the dilution zones within the wellbore with time, the transmissivity and the hydraulic head of the water contributing fractures can be determined. Ambient flow conditions and the contaminant concentration within the fractures can also be determined from the tracer dilution. This method was tested on a large physical model well and a bedrock well. The model well was used to test the theory underlying the method and to refine method logistics. The approach located the fracture and generated transmissivity values that were in excellent agreement with those calculated by slug testing. For the bedrock well tested, two major active fractures were located. Fracture location and ambient well conditions matched results from conventional methods. Estimates of transmissivity values by the tracer method were within an order of magnitude of those calculated using heat‐pulse flow meter data.
An Integrated Laboratory Method to Measure and Verify Directional Hydraulic Conductivity in Fine‐to‐Medium Sandy Sediments
Authors: Cai Jialiang , Taute Thomas , Hamann Enrico , Schneider Michael
Published: January 2014

The constant‐head permeameter test (CHPT) is widely used in sandy samples as a standard method in the laboratory to investigate hydraulic conductivity (K). However, it neither can be used to consistently determine directional hydraulic conductivity (DHC) nor guarantee the comparability of measured K values of samples with different sizes. Therefore, this paper proposes an integrated laboratory method, called modified CHPT (MCHPT), for the efficient determination and verification of consistent DHC values in fine‐to‐medium sandy sediments, based on a new methodological framework. A precise and standardized procedure for preparing the experimental setup of MCHPT was conducted, based on the integrated experimental setup of CHPT and tracer tests. Moreover, a formula was yielded for the time‐optimized sample saturation control. In comparison with grain size‐based methods, the validity of consistent Kh and Kv values determined by MCHPT was convincing.
Ten‐year follow‐up of root filled teeth: a radiographic study of a Danish population
Authors: Kirkevang L.‐L. , Væth M. , Wenzel A.
Published: January 2014

Aim

To assess the long‐term outcome of root filled teeth in a general adult population examined in 1997, 2003 and 2008.

Methodology

The study provides longitudinal, observational information on endodontic status for 327 randomly selected individuals from a general Danish population receiving three consecutive full‐mouth radiographic examinations. The association between root filling quality, periapical disease and the long‐term outcome of the root filling and the root filled tooth was assessed using GEE methodology and tests for trend.

Results

Overall 13% of the root filled teeth had been extracted, 12% had received a revision of the root filling and 42% of root filled teeth present in 2008 had apical periodontitis (AP) after the 10‐year follow‐up period. The probability of persistent AP was higher if the root filling was either short or long (P = 0.001), if there were voids (P < 0.001), or if there were radiographic signs of overhang or open margin of the restoration (P = 0.01). Further, the probability of extraction was high if there were radiographic signs of overhang or open margin of the restoration (P = 0.008) and if the overall root filling quality was inadequate (test for trend, P = 0.03).

Conclusions

The root filling quality primarily affected the risk of persistent AP and to a smaller extent the risk of extraction, whereas the quality of the coronal restoration primarily affected the risk of extraction and to a smaller extent the risk of persistent AP. If adjusted for AP present at the initial examination, the associations were less pronounced both in relation to extraction and persistence of AP.
Impact of traumatic dental injuries and malocclusions on quality of life of preschool children: a population‐based study
Authors: Abanto Jenny , Tello Gustavo , Bonini Gabriela Cunha , Oliveira Luciana Butini , Murakami Christiana , Bönecker Marcelo
Published: January 2014

Background

Few studies assessed the impact of traumatic dental injuries (TDI) and malocclusions on the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) in preschool children.

Aim

To assess the impact of the presence of TDI and malocclusions, as well as its severity and types, respectively, on the OHRQoL of preschool children.

Design

The study was conducted in 1215 children aged 1–4 years old who attended the National Day of Children Vaccination in Diadema, Brazil. Parents answered the Brazilian version of the Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale (B‐ECOHIS) and socio‐demographic conditions. Calibrated dental examiners performed the oral examinations for TDI and malocclusions. Poisson regression models adjusted by dental caries associated the clinical and socio‐demographic conditions with the outcome.

Results

The multivariate adjusted models showed associations between some individual domains of the B‐ECOHIS and clinical and socio‐demographic conditions (P < 0.05). The severity of TDI showed a negative impact on the symptoms domain and self‐image/social interaction domain (P < 0.05). Children with complicated TDI were more likely to experience a negative impact on total B‐ECOHIS scores (PR = 2.10; P = 0.048).

Conclusions

The presence of complicated TDI and dental caries were associated with worse OHRQoL of Brazilian preschool children, whereas malocclusions do not.
All work and no … pay? Unpaid overtime in Greece: determining factors and theoretical explanations
Authors: Ioannides Alexis , Oxouzi Eleni , Mavroudeas Stavros
Published: January 2014

During the last decades an increase of unpaid overtime has been observed combined with the inversion of the working time decreasing trend. This article analyses the data from the Labour Force Survey to estimate the determinants of unpaid overtime in Greece and uses the results to test various theoretical explanations.
Intercostal Approach for Right Adrenalectomy in Dogs
Authors: Andrade Natalia , Rivas Luis R. , Milovancev Milan , Radlinsky Mary Ann , Cornell Karen , Schmiedt Chad
Published: January 2014

Objective

To describe an intercostal (IC) approach to the right adrenal (RA) gland in dogs.

Study Design

Cadaveric study and case series.

Animals

Dogs with right adrenal (RA) tumors (n = 11) and normal canine cadavers (6).

Methods

Cadavers had an IC (n = 3) or paracostal (3) approach to the RA. The relative spatial position of the RA to the incision was evaluated. Medical records (June 2007–December 2012) of dogs that had an IC approach to the RA were reviewed. Perioperative data were recorded and described.

Results

In cadavers, the RA was closer to the cranial aspect of the surgical incision after an IC approach compared with a paracostal approach. The IC approach for right adrenalectomy was successfully performed in 11 dogs (6 adrenocortical carcinomas, 4 pheochromocytomas, and 1 osteosarcoma) with a mean anesthesia duration of 242 minutes and mean surgical of 144 minutes. Dogs had vascular invasion into the phrenicoabdominal vein (n = 11) and caudal vena cava (6). There were no significant intra‐ or postoperative complications. One dog was euthanatized intraoperatively. Median survival time for all dogs was 786 days.

Conclusions

The IC approach for right adrenalectomy offers superior exposure of the RA compared with a paracostal approach.
Significant Enhancement of the Dielectric Constant through the Doping of CeO2 into HfO2 by Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Kim Woo‐Hee , Kim Min‐Kyu , Oh Il‐Kwon , Maeng Wan Joo , Cheon Taehoon , Kim Soo‐Hyun , Noori Atif , Thompson David , Chu Schubert , Kim Hyungjun
Published: January 2014

Films of CeO2 were deposited by atomic layer deposition (ALD) using a Ce(mmp)4 [mmp = 1‐methoxy‐2‐methyl‐2‐propanolate] precursor and H2O reactant. The growth characteristics and film properties of ALD CeO2 were investigated. The ALD CeO2 process produced highly pure, stoichiometric films with polycrystalline cubic phases. Using the ALD CeO2 process, the effects of Ce doping into an HfO2 gate dielectric were systematically investigated. Regardless of Ce/(Ce + Hf) composition, all ALD CexHf1−xO2 films exhibited constant growth rates of approximately 1.3 Å/cycle, which is essentially identical to the ALD HfO2 growth rates. After high‐temperature vacuum annealing at 900°C, it was verified, based on X‐ray diffraction and high‐resolution cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy results, that all samples with various Ce/(Ce + Hf) compositions were transformed from nanocrystalline to stabilized cubic or tetragonal HfO2 phases. In addition, the dielectric constant of the CexHf1−xO2 films significantly increased, depending on the Ce doping content. The maximum dielectric constant value was found to be nearly 39 for the Ce/(Ce + Hf) concentration of ~11%.
Ab inito and FTIR Studies of HfSiCNO Processed from the Polymer Route
Authors: Terauds Kalvis , Raj Rishi , Kroll Peter
Published: January 2014

The reactions between polysilazane and hafnium‐butoxide precursors are followed from the liquid, to the cross‐linked, and finally to the ceramic state by infrared spectroscopy. We find evidence of formation of Hf–N bonds in the liquid state, and Hf–O–Si bonds in the cross‐linked polymer state. Results from ab inito calculations for the ceramic state are presented. They show that Hf behaves like Si, forming bonds with C, N, and O in proportion of the Hf/Si ratio in the compounds. The average values of such bonds formed by Hf, relative to silicon, are 11.2, 17.8, and 24.4%, which is in reasonable agreement with the overall Hf/Si ratio in the samples (8%, 15% and 22%). It is concluded that it is appropriate to express the composition of these compounds in terms of the Hf/Si ratio. The X‐ray data that show the emergence of weak diffraction peaks for monoclinic HfO2 when the Hf/Si ratio is 0.22, but not at lower concentrations of Hf [K. Terauds and R. Raj, J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 96, 2117–2123 (2013)].
Expression of Concern: Role of cytokines in development of pre‐eclampsia associated with periodontal disease – Cohort Study
Authors: Kumar Ashok , Begum Nargis , Prasad Sudha , Lamba Arundeep K. , Verma Mahesh , Agarwal Sarita , Sharma Shashi
Published: January 2014

Aim

The present study was designed to find any association of cytokines in women with periodontal disease and development of pre‐eclampsia in North Indian population.

Materials and Methods

A total of 504 consecutively registered primigravida with a single live pregnancy were recruited at 14–18 weeks of gestation from antenatal clinic of Maulana Azad Medical College & associated Lok Nayak Hospital and Maulana Azad Institute of Dental Sciences, New Delhi. One periodontist performed oral health examination of all patients at inclusion into study. Blood samples were collected to measure the level of cytokines IL‐4, IL‐10, TNF‐α and IFN‐γ.

Results

The profile of blood levels of cytokines from women with periodontal disease was observed. The log serum levels of TNF‐α & IL‐4 at 16–18 weeks of gestation were significantly higher in women with periodontal disease (4.13 ± 2.06; 0.47 ± 1.56 pg/ml respectively) than in women with healthy gums (2.16 ± 1.51; 0.02 ± 1.84 pg/ml respectively, p < 0.001). Periodontal disease is associated with log serum TNF‐α levels at cut‐off ≥14.43 pg/ml at sensitivity 71.2% and specificity 62% (OR = 4.04; 95%CI = 2.77–5.87). Woman with periodontal disease who later developed pre‐eclampsia had lower levels of TNF‐α (3.72 ± 1.33 pg/ml) than those with periodontal disease who did not develop pre‐eclampsia (4.20 ± 2.15 pg/ml, p ≥ 0.05).

Conclusion

Reduced TNF‐α level secretion in the early second trimester in women with periodontal disease appears to be associated with the development of pre‐eclampsia.