bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Robust Reweighted L1-Minimization Imaging Algorithm for Passive Millimeter Wave SAIR in Near Field
Authors: Zhang Yilong , Li Yuehua , Zhu Shujin , Li Yuanjiang
Published: September 2015

The Compressive Sensing (CS) approach has proven to be useful for Synthetic Aperture Interferometric Radiometer (SAIR) imaging because it provides the same high-resolution capability while using part of interferometric observations compared to traditional methods using the entirety. However, it cannot always obtain the sparsest solution and may yield outliers with the non-adaptive random measurement matrix adopted by current CS models. To solve those problems, this paper proposes a robust reweighted L1-minimization imaging algorithm, called RRIA, to reconstruct images accurately by combining the sparsity and prior information of SAIR images in near field. RRIA employs iterative reweighted L1-minimization to enhance the sparsity to reconstruct SAIR images by computing a new weight factor in each iteration according to the previous SAIR images. Prior information estimated by the energy functional of SAIR images is introduced to RRIA as an additional constraint condition to make the algorithm more robust for different complex scenes. Compared to the current basic CS approach, our simulation results indicate that RRIA can achieve better recovery with the same amount of interferometric observations. Experimental results of different scenes demonstrate the validity and robustness of RRIA.
A Novel Scheme and Evaluations on a Long-Term and Continuous Biosensor Platform Integrated with a Dental Implant Fixture and Its Prosthetic Abutment
Authors: Li Yu-Jung , Lu Chih-Cheng
Published: September 2015

A miniature intra-oral dental implant system including a built-in biosensor device is proposed in this article. The dental implant system, or platform, is replaced over maxilla and allows relatively non-invasive procedures for a novel biosensing scheme for human blood analysis. Due to placement of the implant fixture, periodontal ligaments and the pulp structure, which are regarded as the main origin of pain, are thus removed, and long-term, continuous blood analysis and management through maxillary bone marrow becomes achievable through the dental implant platform. The new pathway of biological sensing is for the first time presented to realize an accurate and painless approach without injections. The dental implant system mainly consists of an implant fixture and a prosthetic abutment, a biosensor module, a bluetooth 4.0 wireless module and a dc button cell battery. The electrochemical biosensor possesses three electrodes, including working, reference and counter ones, which are arranged to pass through the titanium implant fixture below the biosensor module. The electrodes are exposed to the blood pool inside the maxillary bone marrow and perform oxidation/reduction reactions with the coating of biosensing enzyme. To prove the proposed platform, the immobilization process of glucose oxidase (GOD) enzyme and in vitro detections of glucose levels are successfully carried out, and proven sensitivity, linearity and repeatability of the glucose biosensor system are obtained. Moreover, a preliminary canine animal model adopting the new pathway shows significant consistency with the traditional method through dermal pricks for blood sugar detection. Despite the prospective results, further challenges in engineering implementation and clinical practices are addressed and discussed. In brief, the novel biosensing pathway and intra-oral biosensor platform may increasingly reveal their promising value and feasibilities in current bio-medical analysis, diagnosis, drug release and even healthcare technologies.
Rate Adaptive Based Resource Allocation with Proportional Fairness Constraints in OFDMA Systems
Authors: Yin Zhendong , Zhuang Shufeng , Wu Zhilu , Ma Bo
Published: September 2015

Orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), which is widely used in the wireless sensor networks, allows different users to obtain different subcarriers according to their subchannel gains. Therefore, how to assign subcarriers and power to different users to achieve a high system sum rate is an important research area in OFDMA systems. In this paper, the focus of study is on the rate adaptive (RA) based resource allocation with proportional fairness constraints. Since the resource allocation is a NP-hard and non-convex optimization problem, a new efficient resource allocation algorithm ACO-SPA is proposed, which combines ant colony optimization (ACO) and suboptimal power allocation (SPA). To reduce the computational complexity, the optimization problem of resource allocation in OFDMA systems is separated into two steps. For the first one, the ant colony optimization algorithm is performed to solve the subcarrier allocation. Then, the suboptimal power allocation algorithm is developed with strict proportional fairness, and the algorithm is based on the principle that the sums of power and the reciprocal of channel-to-noise ratio for each user in different subchannels are equal. To support it, plenty of simulation results are presented. In contrast with root-finding and linear methods, the proposed method provides better performance in solving the proportional resource allocation problem in OFDMA systems.
Trials and Triumph: Lesbian and Gay Young Adults Raised in a Rural Context
Authors: Dahl Angie , Scott Rachel , Peace Zachalee
Published: September 2015

The rural context at times is characterized by heteronormativity and conservatism. For individuals who identify as a sexual minority (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or queer), the rural context may pose particular challenges to the development of a healthy, coherent sense of self. Seven young adults (18–24) who identified as gay or lesbian participated in in-depth interviews regarding their experiences coming out in a rural Appalachian context. Findings suggest sexual minority individuals experience both trials and triumphs coming out in the rural context. Two overarching themes and six subthemes are discussed with implications for supporting sexual minority youth in the rural context.
Declining Energy Intensity in the U.S. Agricultural Sector: Implications for Factor Substitution and Technological Change
Authors: Suh Dong
Published: September 2015

This study examines factor substitution and energy intensity in the U.S. agricultural sector. Not only does this study focus on the substitution possibilities between energy and non-energy factors, but it also attempts to identify the factors that determine energy intensity. For the empirical analysis, a system of share equations for capital, energy and labor is estimated to calculate the price elasticities of factor demand. The findings reveal that energy demand is more elastic than the demand for capital and labor, and factor substitution possibilities exist across farm production regions. Moreover, the growth rate of energy intensity is decomposed into various driving forces, such as changes in budget, factor substitution, output and technology. The findings show that the budget and output effects are the major driving forces behind the reduced energy intensity, while there are few factor substitutions and technological improvements to reduce energy intensity in the U.S. agricultural sector.
Development of Benchmarks for Operating Costs and Resources Consumption to be Used in Healthcare Building Sustainability Assessment Methods
Authors: Castro Maria , Mateus Ricardo , Serôdio Francisco , Bragança Luís
Published: September 2015

Since the last decade of the twentieth century, the healthcare industry is paying attention to the environmental impact of their buildings and therefore new regulations, policy goals, and Building Sustainability Assessment (HBSA) methods are being developed and implemented. At the present, healthcare is one of the most regulated industries and it is also one of the largest consumers of energy per net floor area. To assess the sustainability of healthcare buildings it is necessary to establish a set of benchmarks related with their life-cycle performance. They are both essential to rate the sustainability of a project and to support designers and other stakeholders in the process of designing and operating a sustainable building, by allowing the comparison to be made between a project and the conventional and best market practices. This research is focused on the methodology to set the benchmarks for resources consumption, waste production, operation costs and potential environmental impacts related to the operational phase of healthcare buildings. It aims at contributing to the reduction of the subjectivity found in the definition of the benchmarks used in Building Sustainability Assessment (BSA) methods, and it is applied in the Portuguese context. These benchmarks will be used in the development of a Portuguese HBSA method.
A Method for Development of Ecomuseums in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Zhen-Hui , Lee Yung-Jaan
Published: September 2015

One component of the new museology is the ecomuseum, which is intended to preserve cultural/natural heritage and the local landscape in situ, and involves community participation and needs associated with community development. Since the ecomuseum concept originated in Western Europe, ecomuseums must be adapted or localized to various socio-economic environments. In the 2000s, two mining ecomuseums were established in New Taipei City—the Gold Museum and the Houtong Coal Mine Ecological Park. In the early 2010s, two more ecomuseums were established—the Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum and the Togo Art Museum. More than the mining ecomuseums, the Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum emphasized community participation and the vision of the Togo Art Museum was led by the community. Based on an analysis of the Houtong Coal Mine Ecological Park, the Daxi Wood Art Ecomuseum and the Togo Art Museum, this study elucidates the various mechanisms of the development of ecomuseums in Taiwan. Ecomuseums should be interconnected with the community and the environment. The three major functions of ecomuseums (community participation, local development, and in-situ preservation) can promote sustainable development. This study uses the “creativity triangle” concept with a three-year cycle of development as an analytical tool. The concept was modified to include three stages of development, which are “estimation”, “preparation”, and “operation”; six steps and 11 tasks are proposed. Despite the unique circumstances of each ecomuseum, this study provides an overview of the development processes and provides a basis for making recommendations for establishing other ecomuseums in Taiwan.
Conotoxin Interactions with α9α10-nAChRs: Is the α9α10-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor an Important Therapeutic Target for Pain Management?
Authors: Mohammadi Sarasa , Christie MacDonald
Published: September 2015

The α9α10-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) has been implicated in pain and has been proposed to be a novel target for analgesics. However, the evidence to support the involvement of the α9α10-nAChR in pain is conflicted. This receptor was first implicated in pain with the characterisation of conotoxin Vc1.1, which is highly selective for α9α10-nAChRs and is an efficacious analgesic in chronic pain models with restorative capacities and no reported side effects. Numerous other analgesic conotoxin and non-conotoxin molecules have been subsequently characterised that also inhibit α9α10-nAChRs. However, there is evidence that α9α10-nAChR inhibition is neither necessary nor sufficient for analgesia. α9α10-nAChR-inhibiting analogues of Vc1.1 have no analgesic effects. Genetically-modified α9-nAChR knockout mice have a phenotype that is markedly different from the analgesic profile of Vc1.1 and similar conotoxins, suggesting that the conotoxin effects are largely independent of α9α10-nAChRs. Furthermore, an alternative mechanism of analgesia by Vc1.1 and other similar conotoxins involving non-canonical coupling of GABAB receptors to voltage-gated calcium channels is known. Additional incongruities regarding α9α10-nAChRs in analgesia are discussed. A more comprehensive characterisation of the role of α9α10-nAChRs in pain is crucial for understanding the analgesic action of conotoxins and for improved drug design.
Detection of Dinophysistoxin-1 in Clonal Culture of Marine Dinoflagellate Prorocentrum foraminosum (Faust M.A., 1993) from the Sea of Japan
Authors: Kameneva Polina , Efimova Kseniya , Rybin Viacheslav , Orlova Tatiana
Published: September 2015

For the first time the presence of dinophysistoxin-1 (DTX-1) in a culture of Prorocentrum foraminosum was revealed in cells and in the culture medium. The clone was isolated from coastal waters of the Sea of Japan and identified by molecular analyses of SSU and D1/D2 regions of LSU rDNA. The concentration of DTX-1 in cells was 8.4 ± 2.5 pg/cell and, in cell-free media, 27.9 ± 14.7 µg/L. The toxin presence was confirmed by HPLC with high-resolution tandem mass-spectrometry.
Micelle-Based Adjuvants for Subunit Vaccine Delivery
Authors: Trimaille Thomas , Verrier Bernard
Published: September 2015

In the development of subunit vaccines with purified or recombinant antigens for cancer and infectious diseases, the design of improved and safe adjuvants able to efficiently target the antigen presenting cells, such as dendritic cells, represents a crucial challenge. Nanoparticle-based antigen delivery systems have been identified as an innovative strategy to improve the efficacy of subunit vaccines. Among them, self-assembled micellar nanoparticles from amphiphilic (macro)molecules have recently emerged as promising candidates. In this short review, we report on the recent research findings highlighting the versatility and potential of such systems in vaccine delivery.
Estimation of Transport Trajectory and Residence Time in Large River–Lake Systems: Application to Poyang Lake (China) Using a Combined Model Approach
Authors: Li Yunliang , Yao Jing
Published: September 2015

The biochemical processes and associated water quality in many lakes mainly depend on their transport behaviors. Most existing methodologies for investigating transport behaviors are based on physically based numerical models. The pollutant transport trajectory and residence time of Poyang Lake are thought to have important implications for the steadily deteriorating water quality and the associated rapid environmental changes during the flood period. This study used a hydrodynamic model (MIKE 21) in conjunction with transport and particle-tracking sub-models to provide comprehensive investigation of transport behaviors in Poyang Lake. Model simulations reveal that the lake’s prevailing water flow patterns cause a unique transport trajectory that primarily develops from the catchment river mouths to the downstream area along the lake’s main flow channels, similar to a river-transport behavior. Particle tracking results show that the mean residence time of the lake is 89 days during July–September. The effect of the Yangtze River (the effluent of the lake) on the residence time is stronger than that of the catchment river inflows. The current study represents a first attempt to use a combined model approach to provide insights into the transport behaviors for a large river–lake system, given proposals to manage the pollutant inputs both directly to the lake and catchment rivers.
ON EXISTENCE OF SOLUTIONS FOR NONLINEAR Q-DIFFERENCE EQUATIONS WITH NONLOCAL Q-INTEGRAL BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
Authors: Agarwal Ravi P. , Wang Guotao , Ahmad Bashir , Zhang Lihong , Hobiny Aatef , Monaquel Shatha
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we discuss the existence of solutions for nonlinear qdifference equations with nonlocal q-integral boundary conditions. The first part of the paper deals with some existence and uniqueness results obtained by means of standard tools of fixed point theory. In the second part, sufficient conditions for the existence of extremal solutions for the given problem are established. The results are well illustrated with the aid of examples.
NUMERICAL SOLUTION OF A CLASS OF NONLINEAR SYSTEM OF SECOND-ORDER BOUNDARY-VALUE PROBLEMS: A FOURTH-ORDER CUBIC SPLINE APPROACH
Authors: Khuri Suheil A. , Sayfy Ali M.
Published: September 2015

A cubic B-spline collocation approach is described and presented for the numerical solution of an extended system of linear and nonlinear second-order boundary-value problems. The system, whether regular or singularly perturbed, is tackled using a spline collocation approach constructed over uniform or non-uniform meshes. The rate of convergence is discussed theoretically and verified numerically to be of fourth-order. The efficiency and applicability of the technique are demonstrated by applying the scheme to a number of linear and nonlinear examples. The numerical solutions are contrasted with both analytical and other existing numerical solutions that exist in the literature. The numerical results demonstrate that this method is superior as it yields more accurate solutions.
Muerte en la aljama de Huesca: los judíos y los tributos reales en el Aragón del siglo XIV
Authors: Guerson Alexandra
Published: September 2015

En 1385, el judío Baruch Alentienz fue asesinado por miembros de la aljama judía mientras ejercía la función de tesorero en la comunidad judía de Huesca. Este artículo analiza el asesinato de Baruch en el contexto del crecimiento de la presión tributaria sobre las comunidades mediterráneas –tanto cristianas, como judías y musulmanas– en el siglo XIV. Como tercera comunidad judía más grande del reino de Aragón, la aljama de Huesca era responsable del 18% del total de contribuciones tributarias demandadas por la Corona a los judíos aragoneses. El caso de Baruch Alentienz nos ofrece una oportunidad única para explorar la historia fiscal y económica del Reino de Aragón y demuestra cómo el desarrollo del sistema fiscal y el crecimiento tributario del estado derivó en muchos conflictos internos en las comunidades locales.
El calambur en la obra poética «Neot Midbar» de R. Raphael Aharón Monsonego
Authors: Lavi Tamar
Published: September 2015

R. Raphael Aharón Monsonego fue un rabino marroquí que vivió entre los siglos XVIII y XIX. Su extensa obra literaria incluye textos religiosos de la Halajá, como también poemas que se caracterizan por el frecuente recurso a la técnica del calambur, por la cual hace referencia a versos bíblicos en un contexto diferente. El calambur es un artificio lingüístico, un tipo de alusión utilizada por poetas judíos del norte de África, que está basada en «el encuentro de dos textos, uno implícito (basado en la memoria y en la conciencia del lector) y otro explícito (por ejemplo, el texto aquí expuesto)». El calambur se caracteriza por el uso de pequeños cambios ortográficos o fonéticos en palabras y fragmentos que provocan cierto efecto humorístico y asociativo. Concretamente «el calambur toma una palabra o una frase de un texto bíblico o rabínico y la presenta con un mínimo cambio escrito o vocálico […] creando así cierta agudeza lingüística que da un nuevo sentido a lo expresado». El lector, que reconocerá intuitivamente el texto original puesto que está vinculado con la literatura clásica judía basada en la Biblia y en la Halajá, podrá apreciar el juego de palabras, pese a los pequeños cambios anotados, disfrutar y valorar dichas agudezas. El objetivo de este artículo es examinar de diferentes formas el uso del calambur en la poética de Monsonego a través de varios ejemplos y especialmente analizar uno de sus textos en el que hace amplio uso de dicha técnica: «Im omar avo ha-‘ir» (‘Si decido alzar mi lamento’).
Acerca de la expresión de la condicionalidad y de la concesividad en judeoespañol moderno escrito
Authors: Schlumpf Sandra
Published: September 2015

La condicionalidad y la concesividad constituyen dos categorías lingüísticas estrechamente relacionadas, que hasta el momento apenas se han estudiado en judeoespañol. A esta laguna desea contribuir el presente trabajo, cuyo objetivo principal es ofrecer una síntesis acerca de los mecanismos de expresión condicional y concesiva en textos sefardíes de los años 1880 a 1930. El estudio toma en consideración tanto aspectos sintáctico-formales como semántico-pragmáticos y contextuales. Aparte de las oraciones condicionales y concesivas prototípicas, asimismo se presentan dos categorías periféricas: las oraciones pseudocondicionales y las condicionales concesivas. Para la historia del judeoespañol, las décadas señaladas se caracterizan por profundos procesos de elaboración lingüística con el fin de ampliar y modernizar la lengua. Dicha elaboración ante todo se nutrió de los contactos con el francés y el italiano y, aunque donde más se hace notar es en el léxico, también halla su reflejo en la sintaxis, así por ejemplo, en las construcciones condicionales y concesivas.
Can Break-Dance Break Your Neck? C1/C2 Luxation with a Combined Dens Fracture without Neurological Deficits in an 11-Year Old Boy after a Break-Dance Performance
Authors: Petridis Athanasios K. , Kinzel Adrian , Blaeser Klaus , Thissen Joost , Maslehaty Homajoun , Scholz Martin
Published: September 2015

Atlantoaxial dislocation in children is a very rare condition. We present the case of a dislocation happened during a break-dance maneuver. The purpose of this report is describing dangers of break-dancing and discussing the treatment we chose. The patient was followed up until 12 months after surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography of the cervical spine were evaluated. Translaminar fixation of C1/C2 had been performed after manual reposition under X-ray illumination. After a 12-month follow-up, the patient shows a stable condition without neurological dysfunction. He is not allowed to perform any extreme sports.
Organic carbon and microbial food web assemblages in an oligotrophic alpine lake
Authors: CALLIERI Cristiana , BERTONI Roberto
Published: September 2015

Picoplankton, both autotrophic (APP) and heterotrophic (HPP), ciliates and heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF) were counted and their biovolume measured monthly over a 3 year period in Lake Paione Superiore (LPS), a high mountain lake in the Italian alpine region. Analyses of organic carbon, particulate and dissolved, were performed at the same time. APP were negligible and picocyanobacteria almost absent. HPP showed seasonal variations, with low numbers in winter/spring and maxima of nearly 106 cell ml-1 in August/September, corresponding to 60μg C l-1. Free-living, non- pigmented flagellates showed a density range from 104 l-1 to 106 l-1 with a prevalence of cells <3 μm. Their carbon ranged between 0.1-9 μg C l-1. Ciliate numbers ranged from 0.02 to 11 103 l-1. For much of the year different species of Urotricha were found. Conversely, Strombidium appeared during the ice-free period and Halteria grandinella under the ice, indicating a strict dependence on temperature. Carbon in the microbial loop of LPS (near the bottom) was mainly confined to bacteria (73%), with 20% in HNF and only 7% in ciliates. Total organic carbon (TOC) concentration, measured after the removal of net plankton, ranged from 0.26 to 1.77 mgC l-1 with a prevalence of the dissolved form (87% av.). The average particulate organic carbon (POC) concentration was 0.24 mg C l-1. All the components of the microbial loop showed a decline under the ice-cover. Bacterial carbon concentration was three times lower under the ice than in the ice-free season (7.9-24.4 μgC l-1, respectively); protozoa carbon too declined under the ice-cover (3.1-5.8 μgC l-1 for HNF and 0.4-1.7μgC l-1 for ciliates in the ice-cover and ice-free periods, respectively). The drop in the microbial-loop carbon occurring in late summer may be related to the presence of a Daphnia population peak. At that moment, the structure of the microbial loop is transformed by a top-down control of Daphnia.
Role of macrophyte life forms in driving periphytic microalgal assemblages in a Brazilian reservoir
Authors: Fernandes Ubirajara L. , De Oliveira Elaine C.C. , Lacerda Sírleis R.
Published: September 2015

Macrophytes play several roles in aquatic ecosystems, including the provision of habitat for many aquatic organisms, especially the periphyton. The aims of this study were to characterize the structure of periphytic microalgal assemblages on different aquatic macrophyte life forms in order to establish similarities between assemblages from nearby sampling sites. We hypothesized that i) aquatic macrophytes with different life forms and morphological characteristics could differently influence the structure of the periphyton and that ii) the greatest similarity in periphyton composition should be observed among macrophytes that occupy the same sampling site. The study was conducted from 2006 to 2008 in the Thomaz Osterne de Alencar reservoir (Crato City, Ceará State, Brazil) and involved the taxonomic surveying of microalgae attached to five different macrophytes with the application of structural descriptors (richness, abundance, frequency, diversity and equitability). A total of 127 taxa, of which 44% belonged to the Chlorophyta, were identified. The microalgae assemblages showed high species richness on Salvinia auriculata Aubl., a free-floating macrophyte, and large abundance on Apalanthe granatensis (Humb. & Bonpl.) Planch., a submerged anchored macrophyte. ANOVA indicated that periphyton significantly varied among the macrophytes investigated, and nearby sampling sites showed no structural similarities in microalgal assemblages. In general, we can conclude that the structure of periphyton assemblages is influenced by the substrate (i.e., macrophyte organ), as this can not only promote high diversity and equitability but can also be a predictor of dissimilarity in the distribution and frequency of occurrence of microalgae. These results reinforce the findings of other studies that have shown that macrophytes play an important role in structuring the periphyton assemblages.
Acute Myositis Associated with Concurrent Infection of Rotavirus and Norovirus in a 2-Year-Old Girl
Authors: Yamamoto Kei , Fukuda Seiji , Mushimoto Yuichi , Minami Noriaki , Kanai Rie , Tsukamoto Kazuki , Yamaguchi Seiji
Published: September 2015

Rotavirus and norovirus are common pathogens associated with gastroenteritis in children. Although rotavirus occasionally induces central nervous system disease, only 3 cases with rotavirus-induced acute myositis have been reported in the English literature. We recently treated a female patient with acute myositis associated with gastroenteritis induced by concurrent infection with rotavirus and norovirus. Having suffered from gastroenteritis for 3 days, she suddenly developed myositis affecting her lower extremities with concomitant creatine kinase elevation. Herein, we present our patient and review the previous cases including those reported in the Japanese literature.
Rare but Lethal Disease of Childhood: Metastatic, Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer
Authors: Aykan Serdar , Yuruk Emrah , Tuken Murat , Temiz Mustafa Zafer , Ozsoy Sule
Published: September 2015

Bladder cancer is the most common malignancy of urinary tract and the seventh most common cancer in men with the peak incidence in the sixth decade of life. Our knowledge about bladder tumors in pediatric age group mainly relies on case series. The reported cases are mostly low grade and non-muscle invasive. We herein present a case of a 17- year-old male with metastatic high-grade muscle-invasive bladder cancer who was presented with macroscopic hematuria and flank pain.
Lessons from Prenatal Care Provider-Based Recruitment into the National Children’s Study
Authors: Robbins James M. , Bridges Melissa D. , Childers Elizabeth M. , Harris Roseanne M. , McElfish Pearl A.
Published: September 2015

In response to recruitment difficulties experienced by the National Children’s Study, alternatives to the door-to-door recruitment method were pilot tested. This report describes outcomes, successes, and challenges of recruiting women through prenatal care providers in Benton County, Arkansas, USA. Eligible women residing in 14 randomly selected geographic segments were recruited. Data were collected during pregnancy, at birth, and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months postpartum. Participants were compared to non-enrolled eligible women through birth records. Of 6402 attempts to screen for address eligibility, 468 patients were potentially eligible. Of 221 eligible women approached to participate, 151 (68%) enrolled in the 21-year study. Enrolled women were similar to non-enrolled women in age, marital status, number of prenatal care visits, and gestational age and birth weight of the newborn. Women enrolled from public clinics were more likely to be Hispanic, lower educated, younger and unmarried than those enrolled from private clinics. Sampling geographic areas from historical birth records failed to produce expected equivalent number of births across segments. Enrollment of pregnant women from prenatal care providers was successful.
After God: Practical theology as public Christology from the margins of the market
Authors: Meylahn Johann-Albrecht
Published: September 2015

This article is part of a research project, Conversations after God. The focus of this article is to reflect on the theory and methodology of practical theology in a post-metaphysical (After God) context. It will be suggested that practical theology can redefine itself as public theology, but specifically as Christology by engaging the public texts within their contexts, but from a Christ-science hermeneutical approach. The proposed approach is a hermeneutical approach where the Christ-Ereignis guides the inner- and inter-textual reading of texts within contexts. This Christ-Ereignis cannot be translated into a science or even a definable philosophy and therefore the logos is crossed out. Christology, as public theology is done from the margins of the dominant discourses and therefore it could be seen as a Christology from the margins of the market to create spaces of kingdom life: life in fullness.
The statue debate: Ancestors and ‘mnemonic energy’ in Paul and now
Authors: Dube Zorodzai
Published: September 2015

Why do people in South Africa fight over statues – even to the extent of tying themselves to a mere bust? Using insights, especially from Jan Assmann, the study develops the argument that material culture (such as images and statues) provides the social energy that drives the manner in which history is told, that is, historiography; they provide the ‘silent objects’ with the power to control the public discourse and collective identity. Statues encapsulate all we need to know, inversely, concerning public discourse, particularly, concerning issues pertaining to control, power and class. From this perspective, those who vandalise them may be regarded as contesting public discourse identity and historiography. Insights from this discussion provide parallel discussions, especially, in Galatians where Paul contrasts the image of Abraham with that of Moses – choosing Abraham as the public image that best represents the identity complexity, cosmopolitan and heterogeneous nature that characterises the Hellenistic context.
Notes on Calvin’s knowledge, use, and misuse of the Church Fathers
Authors: Van Oort Johannes
Published: September 2015

John Calvin (1509–1564) started his career as a thoroughly trained humanist who possessed, in addition, a thorough knowledge of the Fathers of the Church. This article provides an overview of this particular knowledge. It also focuses on the use Calvin made of the patristic argument in both his instructive and apologetic writings. Some evident cases of Calvin’s misuse of the patres are discussed as well. It is concluded that Calvin’s special patristic knowledge gave his theology its special hallmark and still links authentic Calvinism with the church’s catholic tradition through the ages.
The missional renaissance: Its impact on churches in South Africa, ecumenical organisations, and the development of local congregations
Authors: Pillay Jerry
Published: September 2015

This article focuses on three matters pertaining to the conversation of missional churches. Firstly, it looks at the impact of missional awareness in South Africa and Africa. Here the article explores what is meant by missional congregations in the South African context. Secondly it looks at the ecumenical understanding and development of the missional church and how this has started to shape ecumenical organisations and, thirdly it concludes with some suggestions of how missional congregations and denominations can be developed. In this final section the article offers some strategic principles for developing missional churches.
POEMS syndrome associated with plasmacytoma of the clivus
Authors: Thomas J , Maramattom BV , Varghese J , Kuruvilla PM
Published: September 2015

Polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome is characterized by the presence of a monoclonal plasma cell disorder, peripheral neuropathy, and one or more of the following features: Osteosclerotic myeloma, Castleman's disease (angiofollicular lymph node hyperplasia), increased levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), organomegaly, endocrinopathy, edema, typical skin changes, and papilledema.[1] Solitary plasmacytomas most frequently occur in the bone but can also be found in soft tissues (extramedullary plasmacytoma).[2] We report a case that showed a rare association of POEMS syndrome with a plasmacytoma of the clivus.
Outcome of Methotrexate Management in Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy: A Retrospective Study in Women's Hospital in Qatar
Authors: Gasim M , Diai Mohamed , Taha Mohammed , Alsaadi Mona , Chandra Prem , Mohamed Afif , Bayo Arabo I
Published: September 2015

Objective

Ectopic pregnancy case fatalities have decreased dramatically, although incidence has remained steady over years. Advancement in early diagnosis methods and introduction of methotrexate (MTX) in the management has led to such improvement. Different protocols, such as single, two dose and multiple doses of MTX has been indorsed by the American congress of obstetrics and gynecology. Here at Women's Hospital in Qatar we use single dose protocol. However, there no previous report on the outcome of MTX in term success rate in Qatar.

Methods

A retrospective study on patients diagnosed with tubal ectopic pregnancy between Jan 2008 and Dec 2010 were conducted. Institutional review board of Hamad Medical Corporation, Qatar, approved this study. Statistical analysis were done using SPSS Inc. Ver 20, Chicago, IL.

Results

Two hundred and forty-eight file met the study inclusion and exclusion criteria, but only 196 completed their followup until beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (â-hCG) less than 15 IU/L. Methotrexate prescribing has increased three times over the study period. The success rate for MTX was 89% and it was positively correlated with lower initial β-hCG levels. However, six out six patients with in β-hCG levels more than 10,000 IU/L were successfully treated with MTX.

Conclusion

Methotrexate is effective method of treatment in stable patients. Further studies are required to investigate role of MTX in patients with high β-hCG levels (> 10,000 IU/L).

How to cite this article

Gasim M, Diai M, Taha M, Alsaadi M, Chandra P, Mohamed A, Bayo AI, Ahmed B. Outcome of Methotrexate Management in Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy: A Retrospective Study in Women's Hospital in Qatar. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015;9(2):118-122.
Uterine Malformations: Diagnosis with 3D/4D Ultrasound
Authors: Caballero Oscar , Bonilla Francisco , Bonilla-Musoles Fernando , Martin Noemi , Pepa Esquembre Mari , Carlos Castillo Juan , Francisco Raga , Eduardo Machado Luiz
Published: September 2015

The development of the female genital system is a complex embryological process. Congenital malformations of the female genital tract may occur isolated or in combination with urologic defects. The aim of this review is to describe novel ultrasonographic advances to improve diagnostic accuracy of Müllerian malformations and to facilitate decisions about treatment and prognosis.

How to cite this article

Bonilla-Musoles F, Martin N, Esquembre MP, Caballero O, Castillo JC, Bonilla F Jr, Raga F, Machado L. Uterine Malformations: Diagnosis with 3D/4D Ultrasound. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015;9(2):123-148.
Ultrasound Imaging of Postpartum Hemorrhage
Authors: Andonotopo Wiku , Kasar Prachi
Published: September 2015

The etiology of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is diverse and management depends on identifying the cause and tailoring treatment appropriately. The major causes of PPH are uterine atony, endometritis, retained placental tissue, placental abnormalities, i.e. placenta accreta, increta and percreta, subinvolution of the placental implantation site, arteriovenous malformation (AVM), lower genital tract trauma, uterine abnormalities, bleeding disorders, coagulopathies and use of anticoagulants. Use of imaging modalities (i.e. ultrasound scanning and color and pulsed Doppler) at an early stage in the search for the etiology of PPH helps to decrease morbidity and mortality.

This article reviews the differential diagnoses for bleeding in the postpartum period and assesses the role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and treatment of postpartum bleeding. By using illustrative images, the reader will be able to correlate findings on B-mode, color Doppler and 3D ultrasound in diagnosis and treatment of postpartum bleeding. It is important to be aware of the appearance of normal postpartum uterus to avoid misdiagnosis.

How to cite this article

Kasar P, Andonotopo W, Kupesic Plavsic S. Ultrasound Imaging of Postpartum Hemorrhage. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015;9(2):175-187.
Community-based Oral Health Education Program in a Rural Population of Haryana: A 25 years Experience
Authors: Tewari Amrit , Gauba Krishan , Goyal Ashima , Mohanty Utkal
Published: September 2015

Background

An Indian Council of medical Research (ICMR) task force project was started in 1985 covering a population of 120,000 of Raipur Rani block of Haryana to study the feasibility of implementation of oral health promotion and prevention in the community and in the schools by utilizing existing manpower at different sectors.

Objectives

(i) To evaluate the long-term role of healthcare workers in imparting primary preventive strategies of oral health to adult community (ii) To study the knowledge, attitude and practice of the community regarding oral health.

Methodology

A total of 600 households (300 in experimental block and 300 in control block) were included by stratified random sampling method depending on the distance from Community Health centre of Raipur Rani to assess KAP and Caries activity among the population.

Results

The use of toothbrush as an oral hygiene method is being practiced by 96.6% of population in the experimental area compared to 84% in the control population where no oral health promotion activity was carried out. A great variation was seen in the frequency of its usage; 56% of the population in experimental area brushes twice per day compared to 7% of control area. According to the present data, 80% of the population in the experimental area is aware about the etiology, progress and consequences of gum diseases due to continuous oral health education delivered by the trained health staff during their routine beat program. In the control area where no oral health program was implemented, this knowledge was seen in 22 to 35% of the population.

Conclusion

In a developing country like India there is a pressing need of community-based oral health programs to reduce the burden of oral diseases, improve quality of life and reduce out of pocket expenditure incurring toward treatment of these diseases.

How to cite this article

Goyal A, Gauba K, Mohanty U, Tewari A. Community-based Oral Health Education Program in a Rural Population of Haryana: A 25 years Experience. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2015;49(3):101-104.
Current Scenario of Dentistry and Role of Dental Institutions in Providing Education and Care in India
Authors: Gupta Vikas , Prithviraj DR , Muley Ninad
Published: September 2015

Introduction

India is the largest democracy and the second most populated country in the world. Because of this, Indian healthcare industry is experiencing quick transformation owing to the increasing demand for quality healthcare. This huge market of dental industry in India has also made a remarkable impact on the dental education.

Search strategy

PubMed (using medical subject headings) database was searched in the English language by using the following combinations of keywords: dental education, dental colleges, dentist: population ratio, dental council of India. Other articles were identified from the reference lists of the articles. The data from the identified studies were collected and reviewed.

Discussion

Through this article admission procedure, fees structure, dental curriculum, work culture and pay scale of dental institutes has been discussed. Existing dental taskforce and dentist population ratio of India has been discussed. Measures to be taken to improve the scenario of oral healthcare for the Indian population have been enlightened.

How to cite this article

Gupta V, Prithviraj DR, Muley N. Current Scenario of Dentistry and Role of Dental Institutions in Providing Education and Care in India. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2015;49(3):111-114.
Low Xylitol Concentration induces Ultrastructural Cellular Changes in Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus
Authors: Pereira Agnes de Fátima Faustino , Silva Thiago Cruvinel da , Machado Maria Aparecida de Andrade Moreira , Buzalaf Marília Afonso Rabelo
Published: September 2015

Background

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol frequently used in the prevention of dental caries. However, the mechanism of action of xylitol on mutans streptococci is still unclear. This study evaluated the ultrastructural cellular changes in Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus after xylitol treatment.

Materials and methods

S. mutans ATCC 25175 and S. sobrinus ATCC 33478 were grown separately in BHI medium plus 0.2% sucrose at 37°C under microaerophilic conditions overnight. Then, planktonic cells were harvested by centrifugation, resuspended in a fresh medium and incubated with either 0.2% glucose or 0.2% xylitol solutions for 2 hours. To prepare bacterial cells for the evaluation of morphology of cellular walls and polysaccharide capsules, cultures were subsequently fixed with 2.5% glutaraldehyde, stained with ruthenium red, post-fixed with 1% osmium tetroxide, dehydrated in acetone, embedded in Epon LX112 and analyzed by a transmission electron microscopy.

Results

Bacterial cells incubated with glucose showed welldefined cellular walls and well-stained cytoplasmic membrane. Unlike, xylitol yielded diffuse cellular wall and irregular polysaccharide capsules in both microorganisms.

Conclusion

Low xylitol concentrations also can induce cellular damage to both S. mutans and S. sobrinus. Further studies are needed to provide more evidence on the anticariogenic effect of xylitol.

How to cite this article

Pereira AFF, Silva TC, Machado MAAM, Buzalaf MAR. Low Xylitol Concentration induces Ultrastructural Cellular Changes in Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2015;4(1):1-3.
Cytotoxic Effects of Three Denture Base Materials on Gingival Epithelial Cells and Fibroblasts: An in vitro Study
Authors: Wicks Russell , Babu Jegdish , Garcia-Godoy Franklin , Tipton David
Published: September 2015

Objectives

Modern polyamide ‘flexible’ denture base materials have increased in popularity for use in removable partial dentures. The introduction of these new products warrants investigation of their relative potential for toxicity. The purpose of this study was to investigate three contemporary denture base materials used in fabricating definitive prosthetic restorations

Materials and methods

Two ‘flexible’ materials (Valplast™ and Duraflex™) formed by thermoplastic injection molding technique, and one traditional heat processed, methyl methacrylate resin material (Lucitone 199) were evaluated. Cultured gingival epithelial cells and fibroblasts were treated with conditioned media prepared from denture material disks and then assayed for cell toxicity by [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol- 2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] (MTT) cell viability assay. Cell membrane damage was determined by measuring the release of cytoplasmic lactate dehydrogenase. Further confirmation of toxicity induced by the conditioned media was determined by staining the cells with live/dead stain and observing under a UV microscope.

Results

Data were analyzed by means of a linear model ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc tests for comparison among groups. The significance level adopted was 5% (p < 0.05). The three denture materials differed in their toxicity to the cells as assessed by MTT assay. Valplast conditioned media in general, especially the media of unpolished disks, was found to be toxic to both gingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells while media obtained from polished Lucitone and Duraflex were found to be less toxic. After 7 days of incubation with Valplast unpolished conditioned media, only 1 to 2% of the cells remained viable, while the polished disk conditioned media caused significantly less (p < 0.05) toxicity, approximately 76 and 92% of fibroblasts and epithelial cells respectively, were viable. After 7 days of incubation with media obtained from the other denture materials, 35 to 92% of fibroblasts and epithelial cells were found to be viable. The data obtained from lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and live/dead mammalian cell viability assay were in agreement with the MTT viability assay.

Conclusion

Conditioned media from unpolished Valplast denture material appeared to be significantly more toxic to gingival fibroblasts and epithelial cells when compared to the polished Lucitone disk conditioned media as well as the media obtained from Duraflex.

How to cite this article

Ahuja S, Babu J, Wicks R, Garcia- Godoy F, Tipton D. Cytotoxic Effects of Three Denture Base Materials on Gingival Epithelial Cells and Fibroblasts: An in vitro Study. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2015;4(1):11-16.
Evaluation of Effects of Different Immunosuppressant Agents on Gingival Overgrowth
Authors: Bagis Nilsun , Bekit Ahu , Arpak Nejat
Published: September 2015

Background

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of different immunosuppressant agents on gingival overgrowth.

Materials and methods

About 60 patients medicated with cyclosporin A (CsA) and 40 patients with tacrolimus (TcR) were recruited in the study. Periodontal examination (PI, GI, PBI, PPD, GO) was carried out only for maxillary and mandibular anterior teeth. Pharmacologic variables, such as daily dosage of immunosuppressant agents, TcR/CsA whole blood level were recorded.

Results

In the group medicated with CsA, 10 patients had clinically significant GO, while none of the patients medicated with Tac had clinically significant GO. Significant differences were observed for periodontal parameters (PI, GI, PBI, PPD), post-transplant period, percentage of GO. In CsA group, significant difference was detected for periodontal parameters, percentage of GO and daily glucocorticoid dosage between responders and nonresponders.

Conclusion

The results from our study show that GO does not occur in patients medicated with TcR, although TcR shares same mechanism with CsA.

How to cite this article

Bekit A, Bagis N, Arpak N. Evaluation of Effects of Different Immunosuppressant Agents on Gingival Overgrowth. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2015;4(1):17-22.