bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les adossements théoriques des professionnels en mecs
Authors: Chrétien Jacques
Published: March 2012

Résumé Voilà une dizaine d’années que la question de la diversification des pratiques est posée dans le champ de la protection de l’enfance. Cette période a vu se développer, d’une part, des contributions scientifiques discutant et explorant ce contexte et, d’autre part, un certain nombre d’initiatives professionnelles en ce sens. La question qui se pose alors est la suivante : dans quelle mesure diversification des pratiques et innovations socio-éducatives viennent-elles discuter, mettre en question, réviser ou modifier les adossements théoriques des professionnels en maisons d’enfants à caractère social ?
Les mecs, la révolution en marche…
Authors: Chenut Martial
Published: March 2012

Résumé Fidèles à leur histoire, les mecs accueillent les enfants en difficulté familiale et sociale. Les grands internats familialistes ont évolué vers une logique de professionnalisation. Les lois 2002 et 2007 ont orienté les projets d’établissement vers la personnalisation des parcours, la lisibilité des interventions et l’aide à la parentalité. Les mecs sont aujourd’hui en première ligne pour engager un travail de réassurance et de transmission au profit des enfants confiés, en intégrant les interrelations familiales. Leur avenir passe par le management des équipes et le décloisonnement des pratiques. La révolution est en marche !
Le care est-il un outil pour repenser l'urgence sociale?
Authors: Tourette-Turgis Catherine , Tocqueville Mélanie
Published: March 2012

Résumé La délégation du souci de soi à autrui dans les situations de grande vulnérabilité connaît un essor important. Les activités qui en découlent nécessitent une conceptualisation particulière dans la mesure où l’on assiste sur les terrains de la prise en charge des plus démunis à un conflit entre les éthiques de la justice et celles du care . En ce sens, l’hébergement d’urgence repensé par les théories du care montre les dangers à faire de ce qui est, ce qui doit être.
Implications of Nursing Faculties’ Cultural Competence
Authors: Ume-Nwagbo Pearl Ngozika
Published: March 2012

Despite the need to increase diversity in the nursing profession, minority nurses continue to be underrepresented. The literature implies that nurse educators’ lack of cultural competence could be contributing to minority nursing students’ high attrition rate. No published studies known to this author exist on the relationship between nurse educators’ cultural competence and the recruitment and graduation of minority nursing students. Using a descriptive correlational survey design, this study explored the relationship between nurse educators’ cultural competence and the recruitment and graduation of minority nursing students. Nurse educators in nine accredited colleges of nursing completed the Cultural Diversity Questionnaire for Nurse Educators. A significant statistical correlation was found between mean cultural competence scores and the percentage of minority nursing students graduated from these schools. Nurse educators need to increase their cultural competence, enabling them to help students from diverse cultural backgrounds stay in school and graduate.
An Anatomically Based Approach to Intralesional Corticosteroid Injection for Eyelid Capillary Hemangiomas
Authors: Samimi David B. , Alabiad Chrisfouad R. , Tse David T.
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To describe a corticosteroid injection technique for eyelid capillary hemangiomas that minimizes the risk of a central retinal artery occlusion and is based on anatomic, physiologic, and pharmacologic rationales.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

In this retrospective, non-comparative, interventional case series, the medical records of 50 eyes of 50 patients over a 10-year period were reviewed for retinal complications associated with the described injection technique.

RESULTS:

Ophthalmoscopy showed no retinal complications in the 50 eyes treated with this injection technique.

CONCLUSION:

The risk of central retinal artery occlusion from retrograde embolization can be minimized by using an anatomically based injection technique that prevents canalization of an artery and avoids injection pressures exceeding the mean systemic arterial pressure.
La problématique action research/recherche-action et le travail coopératif
Authors: Narcy-Combes Jean-Paul
Published: March 2012

L'insertion institutionnelle d'actions innovantes confronte les chercheurs et les praticiens à un équilibre délicat entre la réflexion théorique dans un cadre méthodologique rigoureux et les aléas de la pratique. La recherche-action est une réponse à cet équilibre. Cette réponse sera d'autant plus efficace si l'on perçoit que toute recherche-action se situe sur un continuum entre deux extrémités, l'une plus française dans ses principes, l'autre plus anglo-saxonne. À une époque où la notion de réseau nous confronte à la gestion d'un travail en équipe « virtuelle », la recherche-action nous permet de résoudre en souplesse, mais avec rigueur, nombre de problèmes, en prenant en compte les paramètres socio-affectifs des phénomènes que l'on veut gérer.
La prise de conscience des représentations : première étape d’un projet de formation des enseignants
Authors: Haramboure Françoise
Published: March 2012

La prise de conscience par les enseignants stagiaires de leurs représentations sur le processus d’enseignement/apprentissage peut être considérée comme la première étape du processus de formation puisque ces dernières déterminent leur interprétation et appropriation des données nouvelles. Cette exploration contribue également à la construction du concept lui-même et constitue une source d’informations décisives pour les formateurs.
Expansion of Cortical and Medullary Sinuses Restrains Lymph Node Hypertrophy during Prolonged Inflammation
Authors: Tan Kar Wai , Yeo Kim Pin , Wong Fiona H. S. , Lim Hwee Ying , Khoo Kai Ling , Abastado Jean-Pierre , Angeli Véronique
Published: March 2012

During inflammation, accumulation of immune cells in activated lymph nodes (LNs), coupled with a transient shutdown in lymphocyte exit, results in dramatic cellular expansion. Counter-regulatory measures to restrain LN expansion must exist and may include re-establishment of lymphocyte egress to steady-state levels. Indeed, we show in a murine model that egress of lymphocytes from LNs was returned to steady-state levels during prolonged inflammation following initial retention. This restoration in lymphocyte egress was supported by a preferential expansion of cortical and medullary sinuses during late inflammation. Cortical and medullary sinus remodeling during late inflammation was dependent on temporal and spatial changes in vascular endothelial growth factor-A distribution. Specifically, its expression was restricted to the subcapsular space of the LN during early inflammation, whereas its expression was concentrated in the paracortical and medullary regions of the LN at later stages. We next showed that this process was mostly driven by the synergistic cross-talk between fibroblastic reticular cells and interstitial flow. Our data shed new light on the biological significance of LN lymphangiogenesis during prolonged inflammation and further underscore the collaborative roles of stromal cells, immune cells, and interstitial flow in modulating LN plasticity and function.
C5aR Expression in a Novel GFP Reporter Gene Knockin Mouse: Implications for the Mechanism of Action of C5aR Signaling in T Cell Immunity
Authors: Dunkelberger Jason , Zhou Lin , Miwa Takashi , Song Wen-Chao
Published: March 2012

C5aR is a G protein-coupled receptor for the anaphylatoxin C5a and mediates many proinflammatory reactions. C5aR signaling also has been shown to regulate T cell immunity, but its sites and mechanism of action in this process remain uncertain. In this study, we created a GFP knockin mouse and used GFP as a surrogate marker to examine C5aR expression. GFP was knocked into the 3′-untranslated region of C5ar1 by gene targeting. We show that GFP is expressed highly on Gr-1+CD11b+ cells in the blood, spleen, and bone marrow and moderately on CD11b+F4/80+ circulating leukocytes and elicited peritoneal macrophages. No GFP is detected on resting or activated T lymphocytes or on splenic myeloid or plasmacytoid dendritic cells. In contrast, 5–25% cultured bone marrow-derived dendritic cells expressed GFP. Interestingly, GFP knockin prevented cell surface but not intracellular C5aR expression. We conclude that C5aR is unlikely to play an intrinsic role on murine T cells and primary dendritic cells. Instead, its effect on T cell immunity in vivo may involve CD11b+F4/80+ or other C5aR-expressing leukocytes. Further, our data reveal a surprising role for the 3′-untranslated region of C5aR mRNA in regulating C5aR protein targeting to the plasma membrane.
A systems psychodynamic description of organisational bullying experiences
Authors: Cilliers Frans
Published: March 2012

Orientation: Organisational bullying experiences manifest themselves as an intense unconscious systemic dynamic involving the bully, the victim and the organisational culture. The relatedness between the objects is characterised by valences and mutual defence mechanisms such as splitting, projection and projective identification.Research purpose: The purpose of this research was to describe organisational bullying experiences from the system psychodynamic perspective.Motivation for the study: Individual psychology tends to simplify organisational bullying by focussing on the bully’s symptomatic behaviour. Systems psychodynamic thinking focuses on the behavioural dynamics in the relationship between the bully and victim, and the relatedness of both with the organisational system.Research design, approach and method: Qualitative and descriptive research, using six participants as case studies, was undertaken. Data was gathered through Free Association Narrative Interviewing and analysed using discourse analysis.Main findings: Three themes manifested themselves, namely, snakes and hyenas, a complex interconnected dyad, and the institutionalisation of bullying. The research hypothesis integrating these three themes was presented.Practical/managerial implications: In resolving organisational bullying Industrial Organisational psychologists need to pursue this phenomenon not only in terms of its symptoms, but in a holistic, systemic and role related manner addressing all of its parts.Contribution/value-add: The systemic understanding of organisational bullying implies the complexity of studying the behaviour of all parts – the bully, the victim, their dyadic relationship as well as how bullying is institutionalised in the organisational setting, climate and culture.
Product quality, service reliability and management of operations at Starbucks
Authors: Paryani K
Published: March 2012

High product quality, service reliability, and management of operations are key factors in business growth and sustainability. Analyzing “The Starbucks Experience” is a pedagogical approach to reinforcing the concepts of control and management of quality, service reliability, and efficient operations in action. The objective of this paper is to show how providing high-quality, reliable products and service at Starbucks have influenced its market share, productivity, and profitability. In turn, Starbucks has improved on these business measures by excelling in operations management. The approach taken was to research the early days at Starbucks to gain insight on what made Starbucks so successful and then to use observational research to assess the customer experience at a particular Starbucks store in a city in the state of Michigan, USA. Sitting in this Starbucks store in the city’s little downtown and observing its operations and customers contact offered the opportunity to observe customers waiting in line, the baristas serving the customers, examining the store’s layout, and listening to conversations that revealed what customers like and dislike about “The Starbucks Experience.” Recommendations are made to improve operations. These areas fall under operations management for a company that sells a product and provides a service. There are three reasons customers choose Starbucks: the coffee, the people serving the coffee, and the experience in the stores. By excelling in these three areas and improving operations management, Starbucks can regain its market share, and improve productivity and profitability.
Applying lean Six Sigma to reduce linen loss in an acute care hospital
Authors: Furterer SL
Published: March 2012

This paper describes a case study in an acute care hospital that formed a cross-functional team to apply the Lean Six Sigma problem solving methodology and tools to improve the linen processes. The goal of the project was to identify and implement process improvements that would reduce linen loss. The project team applied the Six Sigma DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) problem solving approach. The team was able to improve the key linen operational metric, soil to clean linen ratio by 16% and saved $77,480 for the first year, by making operational improvements and implementing automated linen and scrub dispensers.
Technical Note: The application of an improved gas and aerosol collector for ambient air pollutants in China
Authors: Dong H.-B. , Zeng L.-M. , Hu M. , Wu Y.-S. , Zhang Y.-H. , Slanina J. , Zheng M. , Wang Z.-F. , Jansen R.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. An improved Gas and Aerosol Collector (GAC) equipped with a newly designed aerosol collector and a set of dull-polished wet annular denuder (WAD) was developed based on a Steam Jet Aerosol Collector (SJAC) sampler. Combined with Ion Chromatography (IC) the new sampler performed well in laboratory tests with high collection efficiencies for SO2 (above 98%) and particulate sulfate (as high as 99.5%). When applied in two major field campaigns (rural and coastal sites) in China, the GAC-IC system provided high-quality data in ambient conditions even under high loadings of pollutants. Its measurements were highly correlated with data by other commercial instruments such as the SO2 analyzer (43c, Thermo-Fisher, USA; R2 as 0.96), the HONO analyzer (LOPAP, Germany; R2 as 0.91 for nighttime samples), a filter sampler (Tianhong, China; R2 as 0.86 for SO42−), and Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (AMS, Aerodyne, USA; R2 above 0.77 for major species) over a wide range of concentrations. Through the application of the GAC-IC system, it was identified that 70% of chloride and nitrate by the filter method could be lost during daytime sampling due to high temperature in the rural site of Kaiping. In Changdao field campaign (coastal site) the comparison with the measurements by the GAC-IC suggested that the collection efficiency of AMS might be greatly influenced by high relative humidity (RH) especially in coastal or marine environment. Through laboratory and field studies, this instrument is proved highly reliable, which is particularly useful in future intensive campaigns or long-term monitoring stations to study various environmental issues such as secondary aerosol and haze formation, as well as climate change.
Statistical downscaling of the French Mediterranean climate: assessment for present and projection in an anthropogenic scenario
Authors: Lavaysse C. , Vrac M. , Drobinski P. , Lengaigne M. , Vischel T.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. The Mediterranean basin is a particularly vulnerable region to climate change, featuring a sharply contrasted climate between the North and South and governed by a semi-enclosed sea with pronounced surrounding topography covering parts of the Europe, Africa and Asia regions. The physiographic specificities contribute to produce mesoscale atmospheric features that can evolve to high-impact weather systems such as heavy precipitation, wind storms, heat waves and droughts. The evolution of these meteorological extremes in the context of global warming is still an open question, partly because of the large uncertainty associated with existing estimates produced by global climate models (GCM) with coarse horizontal resolution (~200 km). Downscaling climatic information at a local scale is, thus, needed to improve the climate extreme prediction and to provide relevant information for vulnerability and adaptation studies. In this study, we investigate wind, temperature and precipitation distributions for past recent climate and future scenarios at eight meteorological stations in the French Mediterranean region using one statistical downscaling model, referred as the "Cumulative Distribution Function transform" (CDF-t) approach. A thorough analysis of the uncertainty associated with statistical downscaling and bi-linear interpolation of large-scale wind speed, temperature and rainfall from reanalyses (ERA-40) and three GCM historical simulations, has been conducted and quantified in terms of Kolmogorov-Smirnov scores. CDF-t produces a more accurate and reliable local wind speed, temperature and rainfall. Generally, wind speed, temperature and rainfall CDF obtained with CDF-t are significantly similar with the observed CDF, even though CDF-t performance may vary from one station to another due to the sensitivity of the driving large-scale fields or local impact. CDF-t has then been applied to climate simulations of the 21st century under B1 and A2 scenarios for the three GCMs. As expected, the most striking trend is obtained for temperature (median and extremes), whereas for wind speed and rainfall, the evolution of the distributions is weaker. Mean surface wind speed and wind extremes seem to decrease in most locations, whereas the mean rainfall value decreases while the extremes seem to slightly increase. This is consistent with previous studies, but if this trend is clear with wind speed and rainfall data interpolated from GCM simulations at station locations, conversely CDF-t produces a more uncertain trend.
Ionospheric anomalies associated with the Haiti earthquake of 12 January 2010 observed by DEMETER satellite
Authors: Sarkar S. , Choudhary S. , Sonakia A. , Vishwakarma A. , Gwal A. K.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. This paper examines the ionospheric anomalies around the time of a strong earthquake (M = 7.0) which occurred in Haiti region (18.457° N, 72.533° W) on 12 January 2010. DEMETER satellite data have been used to study the plasma parameters variation during the Haiti earthquake. One day (11 January 2010) before the earthquake there is a significant enhancement of electron density and electron temperature near the epicenter. Decrease of electron temperature is observed few days after the earthquake. Anomalous plasma parameter variations are detected both in day and nighttimes before the quake. Statistical processing of the DEMETER data demonstrates that satellite data can play an important role for the study of precursory phenomena associated with earthquakes.
Bio-chemostratigraphy of the Barremian-Aptian shallow-water carbonates of the southern Apennines (Italy): pinpointing the OAE1a in a Tethyan carbonate platform
Authors: Di Lucia M. , Trecalli A. , Mutti M. , Parente M.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Low biostratigraphic resolution and lack of chronostratigraphic calibration hinder precise correlations between platform carbonates and coeval deep-water successions. These are the main obstacle when studying the record of Mesozoic oceanic anoxic events in carbonate platforms. In this paper carbon and strontium isotope stratigraphy are used to produce the first chronostratigraphic calibration of the Barremian-Aptian biostratigraphy of the Apenninic carbonate platform of southern Italy. According to this calibration, the segment of decreasing δ13C values, leading to the negative peak that is generally taken as the onset of the Selli event, starts a few metres above the last occurrence of Palorbitolina lenticularis and Voloshinoides murgensis. The following rise of δ13C values, corresponding to the interval of enhanced accumulation of organic matter in deep-water sections, ends just below the first acme of Salpingoporella dinarica, which roughly corresponds to the segment of peak δ13C values. The whole carbon isotope excursion associated with the oceanic anoxic event 1a is bracketed in the Apenninic carbonate platform between the last occurrence of Voloshinoides murgensis and the "Orbitolina level", characterized by the association of Mesorbitolina parva and Mesorbitolina texana. Since these bioevents have been widely recognized beyond the Apenninic platform, the calibration presented in this paper can be used to pinpoint the interval corresponding to the Early Aptian oceanic anoxic event in other carbonate platforms of central and southern Tethys. This calibration will be particularly useful to interpret the record of the Selli event in carbonate platform sections for which a reliable carbon isotope stratigraphy is not available.
Territorial jurisprudence,
ikhtilaf al-darayn: Political boundaries & legal jurisdiction
Authors: Ayoub Samy
Published: March 2012

Background:

Ikhtilaf al-darayn (territoriality) is a unique Hanafi legal concept that signifies the Hanafi recognition of the constraints of enforcing a legal system when it comes to geopolitical realities. This paper argues that the Hanafi legal application of the theory of territoriality in their primary legal literature allowed them to go beyond defining individuals based on their religious identities to mainly focus on the legal status of individuals within or outside Muslim jurisdiction. Unlike the majority of Islamic legal schools, Hanafis consistently upheld the theory of territoriality and stressed that the universal features of the law do not have any legal imperative outside the political framework of Muslim jurisdiction. Hence, they acknowledged the constraints of the legal and political powers of the
Imam outside the Muslim jurisdiction.

Methodology:

The primary Hanafi legal texts were relied upon to explore the theoretical foundation of the concept of territoriality (ikhtilaf al-darayn). In my analysis, I have traced usage and application of this concept across different legal topics and in different historical moments. The aim was to show the consistent usage of this doctrine in the Hanafi school. I have benefited from the Hanafi debates with other legal schools regarding the realm and applicability of the concept of territoriality. Finally, the case studies that I have explored demonstrated that Hanafis differentiate between the legal status of a dhimmi and a musta’man residing in dar al-Islam, despite the fact that these individuals are non-Muslims and adopt the same religion.

Results:

The significant results of this concept can be summarized in two points. First, it reveals a diverse tradition of legal theories that have framed the extra territorial relations of
dar al-Islam. Second, for Hanafis, religion was never a factor in their legal determinations in deciding the inviolability (‘isma) of individuals’ life or property within
dar al-Islam.

Conclusion:

Ikhtilaf al-darayn is a legal doctrine particular to the Hanafi school. Hanafis place a significant weight on the role of the Muslim ruler in executing the law. Therefore, they acknowledge the constraints of the legal and political powers of the Muslim ruler outside the Muslim jurisdiction. Consequently, the legal imperative of these legal concepts have been exclusively framed within the political jurisdiction of
dar al-Islam. Thus, Hanafis conceded to the fact that the addressees of the ethical or moral values of Islamic legal system are exclusively Muslims and those who reside permanently in
dar al-Islam, namely
dhimmis. Hanafis maintained that the universalist features of the law do not have any legal imperative outside the political structure of the Muslim jurisdiction.
A New Approach to Constant Slope Surfaces with Quaternions
Authors: Babaarslan Murat , Yayli Yusuf
Published: March 2012

We show a new method to construct constant slope surfaces with quaternions. Moreover, we give some results and illustrate an interesting shape of constant slope surfaces by using Mathematica.
Correlations between SARA Fractions, Density, and RI to Investigate the Stability of Asphaltene
Authors: Chamkalani Ali
Published: March 2012

Asphaltene precipitation is one of the most common problems in both oil recovery and refinery processes. Its deposition causes many problems mainly because of the fuzzy nature of asphaltene and the large number of parameters affecting precipitation. Unfortunately there is not a predictive technique for screening it. Refractive index (RI) was used as a stability test for asphaltene which makes a quantitative judgment for asphaltene stability. In our study, we first represent a novel correlation between SARA fractions and density and then demonstrate the relation between density and RI; second we developed a relation for SARA and RI, by utilizing RI to investigate the stability of asphaltene.
Mathematical Behavior of MEFV Curves in Childhood Asthma and the Role of Curvature in Quantifying Flow Obstruction
Authors: Spycher Ben , Frey Urs , Wildhaber Johannes H. , Sznitman Josué
Published: March 2012

Maximal expiratory flow-volume (MEFV) curves of pediatric patients are investigated using differentiation schemes and by computing their second derivative, d2V˙/dV2. Results show that spirometric tracings illustrate a characteristic well-defined behavior, where two distinct regions of the MEFV curve may be identified: (1) a concave profile during the initial expiratory maneuver, and (2) a convex profile over the greater lower region of the descending phase of the MEFV curve; this latter region is characterized by an approximately constant positive value of d2V˙/dV2 such that the descending MEFV limb may be captured by a quadratic function. Based on simple expiratory flow modeling, we show that d2V˙/dV2, and alternatively the local geometrical curvature κ(V), yield a measure of the relative degree of flow obstruction. In view of future clinical applications, we make use of an “average curvature index”, to assist clinician’s assessment of asthma severity, by quantifying curvature and summarizing global information in MEFV curves.
Secure and Customizable Data Management for Automotive Systems: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Thüm Thomas , Schulze Sandro , Pukall Mario , Saake Gunter , Günther Sebastian
Published: March 2012

Custom tailor-made database management systems (DBMS) are an essential asset, especially for embedded systems. The continuously increasing amount of data in automotive systems and the growing network of embedded devices can profit from DBMS. Restrictions in terms of processors, memory, and storage require customizable DBMS that contain only the needed functionality. We present AutoDaMa, a customizable DBMS designed for automotive systems. With AutoDaMa, it is possible to generate tailor-made DBMS for different scenarios, for example, by restricting the storage size of the DBMS or adding security-related features such as asymmetric and symmetric encryption. We demonstrate the feasibility of our approach through applying different tailor-made DBMS versions derived from AutoDaMa in an automotive testing environment. Our experience is that AutoDaMa can dramatically reduce the development effort and can increase reliability using efficient reuse mechanisms.
Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, and Antipyretic Activities of the Ethanol Extract of Piper interruptum Opiz. and Piper chaba Linn.
Authors: Sireeratawong Seewaboon , Itharat Arunporn , Lerdvuthisopon Nusiri , Piyabhan Pritsana , Khonsung Parirat , Boonraeng Supot , Jaijoy Kanjana
Published: March 2012

Piper interruptum Opiz. and Piper chaba Linn. are herbaceous plants in the Piperaceae family. The ethanol extract of P. interruptum and P. chaba inhibited ethyl phenylpropiolate-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in rats. Both extracts reduced transudative and granuloma weights as well as body weight gain and thymus weight of the chronic inflammatory model using cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation in rats. Moreover, both extracts exhibited analgesic activity on both early phase and late phase of formalin test in mice and also showed antipyretic activity on yeast-induced hyperthermia in rats.
Pathological Fracture of the Proximal Femur in Osteosarcoma: Need for Early Radical Surgery?
Authors: Chandrasekar C. R. , Grimer R. J. , Carter S. R. , Tillman R. M. , Abudu A. , Jeys L. M. , Cheung W. G. H. , Sharma R.
Published: March 2012

Seventeen patients underwent treatment for a pathological fracture of the proximal femur due to osteosarcoma. Their age range was from 9 to 84 (mean age 42) with nine patients under the age of 40 and eight above the age of 40. Twelve patients had a fracture at diagnosis and five developed a fracture after the diagnosis. Seven patients had metastatic disease at diagnosis. Five patients were referred after internal fixation of the fracture prior to diagnosis. Chemotherapy was used when appropriate and eight patients then underwent limb salvage surgery, six had an amputation, and three had palliative treatment. The estimated five-year survival was 14%. These results are significantly worse than expected, and it proved impossible to identify any group who fared well. The high incidence of metastases both at diagnosis and subsequently suggests this group of patients are at very high risk. Review of multicentre data may suggest an optimum treatment for this patient group.
Brain Metastases from Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Piura Ettie , Piura Benjamin
Published: March 2012

This paper will focus on knowledge related to brain metastases from endometrial carcinoma. To date, 115 cases were documented in the literature with an incidence of 0.6% among endometrial carcinoma patients. The endometrial carcinoma was usually an advanced-stage and high-grade tumor. In most patients (~90%), brain metastasis was detected after diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma with a median interval from diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma to diagnosis of brain metastases of 17 months. Brain metastasis from endometrial carcinoma was either an isolated disease limited to the brain only (~50%) or part of a disseminated disease involving also other parts of the body (~50%). Most often, brain metastasis from endometrial carcinoma affected the cerebrum (~75%) and was solitary (~60%). The median survival after diagnosis of brain metastases from endometrial carcinoma was 5 months; however, a significantly better survival was achieved with multimodal therapy including surgical resection or stereotactic radiosurgery followed by whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT) and/or chemotherapy compared to WBRT alone. It is suggested that brain imaging studies should be considered in the routine follow up of patients with endometrial carcinoma and that the search for a primary source in females with brain metastases of unknown primary should include endometrial biopsy.
Regulation of Immune Responses by Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
Authors: Licciardi Paul V. , Karagiannis Tom C.
Published: March 2012

Both genetic and epigenetic factors are important regulators of the immune system. There is an increasing body of evidence attesting to epigenetic modifications that influence the development of distinct innate and adaptive immune response cells. Chromatin remodelling via acetylation, methylation, phosphorylation, and ubiquitination of histone proteins as well as DNA, methylation is epigenetic mechanisms by which immune gene expression can be controlled. In this paper, we will discuss the role of epigenetics in the regulation of host immunity, with particular emphasis on histone deacetylase inhibitors. In particular, the role of HDAC inhibitors as a new class of immunomodulatory therapeutics will also be reviewed.
The New Method Developed for Evaluation of Anthelmintic Activity by Housefly Worms and Compared with Conventional Earthworm Method
Authors: Murugamani V. , Raju L. , Anand Raj V. Baskar , Sarma kataki Manjir , Sankar G. Girija
Published: March 2012

Evaluation of anthelmintic activity of any drug when carried out in laboratory conditions by using the isolated worms from nature cannot be adaptable with artificial laboratory conditions. Therefore, the present study aims at developing a new adaptable method for evaluation of anthelmintic activity. The present anthelmintic activity study reveals a new methodology with housefly worms cultured in laboratory conditions that resemble parasitic pinworms found in human being. We studied the anthelmintic activities of various drugs on housefly worms and earthworms. The results showed that the housefly worms had taken more time for paralysis and death. Even after paralysis the time taken for death is more in housefly worms in spite of smaller size and lesser weight of the worms compared to earthworms. The study concluded that the earthworms have not adapted to the artificial laboratory conditions leading to erratic results. Therefore, culturing of housefly worms was carried out to evaluate the anthelmintic activity and found an easy, prominent, eco-friendly, and reproducible method in all aspects such as equal age, size, and weight of worms used for the experiment.
Clinical Profile and Outcome of Conservatively Managed Emphysematous Pyelonephritis
Authors: Kolla Praveen Kumar , Madhav Desai , Reddy Satish , Pentyala Suneetha , Kumar Panil , Pathapati Rama Mohan
Published: March 2012

Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a severe, necrotizing renal parenchymal infection characterized by production of intraparenchymal gas. EPN predominantly affects female diabetics and immunocompromised patients. In a three-year period 2008–2011, a total of 8 patients were admitted to our hospital. All of them were diabetics, and both males and females were equally affected. These patients showed vague symptoms at admission and frequently presented with fever, loin pain, dysuria, and pyuria necessitating urgent medical attention. EPN required radiological diagnosis. CT scan revealed bilateral EPN with urinary obstruction and hydronephrosis in 50% of patients. Escherichia coli was found to be the causative organism in all the patients. Treatment comprised of resuscitation, normalization of serum electrolytes and blood sugars, administration of parenteral antibiotics, and relieving ureteric obstruction if present. All the patients improved with conservative management without any mortality.
Exposure Assessment in Nail Salons: An Indoor Air Approach
Authors: Roelofs Cora , Do Tuan
Published: March 2012

Due to the complexity of the nail salon work environment, traditional approaches to exposure assessment in this context tend to mischaracterize potential hazards as nuisances. For this investigation, a workable “indoor air” approach was devised to characterize potential hazards and ventilation in Boston, Massachusetts area nail salons which are primarily owned and staffed by Vietnamese immigrants. A community-university partnership project recruited salons to participate in a short audit which included carbon dioxide measurements and evaluation of other air quality metrics. Twenty-two salons participated. Seventy-three percent of the salons had spot carbon dioxide measurements in excess of 700 ppm, the level corresponding to a ventilation rate recommended for beauty salons. Fourteen salons (64%) did not have a mechanical ventilation system to provide fresh air and/or exhaust contaminated air. The lack of adequate ventilation is of significant concern because of the presence of potentially hazardous chemicals in salon products and the common self-report of symptoms among nail technicians. Community and worker health may be improved through adoption of recommended ventilation guidelines and reduction in the hazard potential of nail products.
Poblamiento, frontera y desierto: la configuración de un espacio regional en el centro-norte del Septentrión novohispano
Authors: Ortelli Sara
Published: March 2012

O estabelecimento dos limites jurisdicionais dos atuais estados mexicanos ao longo do século XIX dividiu espaços que durante o período colonial foram articulados, mas na era independente passaram a fazer parte de entidades distintas. Este trabalho trata do processo de construção de um espaço regional cuja articulação se consolidou durante o século XVIII no centro-norte do norte da Nova Espanha e que fazia parte da província de Nueva Vizcaya. A análise privilegia algumas variáveis, entre as quais as características do processo de colonização, bem como a percepção dos espanhóis em torno da fronteira bélica e do deserto, que demarcavam ao mesmo tempo os espaços controlados e os que permaneceram de fora. sociedade, e como essas variáveis influenciaram o processo de configuração regional.
A ruptura da proximidade em uma sociedade polarizada: o caso do Convento de Santa Clara em Mérida-Venezuela
Authors: Ramírez Mendez Luis Alberto
Published: March 2012

No início do século XIX, a sociedade hispano-americana se polarizou, dividindo-se em duas facções antagônicas, conhecidas como monarquistas e patriotas, cujos conflitos foram significativamente valorizados nas esferas ideológicas e institucionais, o que, por sua vez, causou a fratura nos laços de proximidade. Esta situação foi vivida no mosteiro das Clarissas de Mérida (Venezuela), fundado em 1651, destinado à profissão de mulheres privilegiadas do oeste da atual República da Venezuela, gozando do respeito da sociedade e também depositárias de importantes grandes quantidades de capital, tornando-se o convento mais importante do oeste da Venezuela. A incidência da polarização da sociedade da independência determinou a ruptura dos laços de proximidade dentro do convento das Clarissas de Mérida, motivando a separação física e ideológica das freiras, cujas incidências e efeitos foram traumáticos para os enclausurados.
O Estadão e as eleições: análise da campanha presidencial de 1945 com base na leitura do jornal O Estado de S. Paulo
Authors: Amorim Jeovane Aparecido
Published: March 2012

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a campanha presidencial de 1945, bem como o comportamento do jornal O Estado de S. Paulo em relação a este movimento político que aconteceu em 1945 em virtude do processo de redemocratização, que culminou com a eleição presidencial, em dezembro daquele ano. As principais questões abordadas neste trabalho serão: a tentativa de construção da imagem do General Eurico Gaspar Dutra por parte do jornal, a fim de mostra-lo como cidadão apto para conduzir o país, além do surgimento do movimento Queremista e a sua influência no decorrer da campanha, e o como o jornal se posicionou em relação ao Partido Trabalhista Brasileiro (PTB) do Estado do Paraná, tentando identificar a candidatura de Dutra com os trabalhadores, que naquele momento eram uma força política de grande importância que poderia mudar os rumos das eleições.
A assistência caritativa a infância abandonada e desvalida na cidade de São Paulo no século XIX
Authors: Silva Robson Roberto
Published: March 2012

Nesse artigo acadêmico será analisada a situação social das crianças abandonadas na cidade de São Paulo durante o século XIX, principalmente a atuação das instituições eclesiásticas no amparo dos pequenos desafortunados, especialmente após a inauguração da Roda dos Expostos em 1825 na Santa Casa da capital paulista. Até o final do século XVIII, o índice de crianças expostas era baixo se comparado com centros urbanos porque as crianças desafortunadas eram acolhidas pelas famílias paulistas, ou pela iniciativa da Igreja Católica motivados pela caridade cristã. Todavia, no século seguinte, a cidade de São Paulo começou a ter um relativo crescimento urbano e populacional, o que acarretou em diversos problemas sociais. Com isso, houve um aumento significativo dos abandonos de crianças que a caridade não conseguiu absorver. A instalação da roda dos expostos veio para diminuir os índices de abandono e infanticídio. Mas apenas a “Roda” não resolveria a questão, toda uma estrutura assistencial foi montada pela Igreja, com a participação da sociedade, para o atendimento dos expostos: amamentação pelas amas-de-leite, adoção pelas famílias, internamento, educação, inserção ao trabalho e casamento para as moças. Esse sistema assistencial fundamentado na caridade religiosa vigorou durante todo o século XIX.
Absorbable Plate as a Perpendicular Strut for Acute Saddle Nose Deformities
Authors: Kim Jong Gyu , Rhee Seung Chul , Cho Pil Dong , Kim Deok Jung , Lee Soo Hyang
Published: March 2012

Background Nasal pyramid fractures accompanied by saddle nose deformities are not easily corrected by closed reduction. We used an absorbable plate as a perpendicular strut to support the collapsed "keystone area" and obtained good results.

Methods Between September 2008 and June 2011, 18 patients who had nasal pyramid fractures with saddle nose deformities underwent surgery. Pre- and postoperative facial computed tomographic images and photographs were taken to estimate outcomes. The operative technique included the mucoperichondrial dissection of the nasal septum, insertion of an absorbable plate prepared to an appropriate length to support the "keystone area", and fixation of the absorbable plate strut to the cartilaginous septum.

Results Functional and esthetic outcomes were satisfactory in all patients. Eleven patients assessed the postoperative appearance of the external nose as 'markedly improved' and 7 patients as 'improved'. The 5 surgeons scored the results as a mean of 4.5 on a 5-point scale.

Conclusions The use of an absorbable plate as a perpendicular strut requires no additional procedures because the plate is gradually absorbed. The mechanical strength provided by a buttress between the "keystone area" and the maxillary crest lasts for a long time before the strut is absorbed.
Extracting Microscopic Device Parameters from Transient Photocurrent Measurements of P3HT:PCBM Solar Cells
Authors: MacKenzie Roderick C. I. , Shuttle Christopher G. , Chabinyc Michael L. , Nelson Jenny
Published: March 2012

By including trap‐limited recombination in a time‐domain drift‐diffusion model of a P3HT:PCBM solar cell, experimental transient photocurrent (TPC) measurements across the current–voltage (J–V) curve in both the light and the dark can be reproduced. Using the same set of model parameters, the steady‐state current–voltage curves and charge‐extraction data are also reproduced. The model is validated by predicting the recombination rate at open circuit and comparing results with the rate as measured by the transient photovoltage (TPV) measurement technique. It is demonstrated that the model, which incorporates transport, carrier trapping, carrier de‐trapping, and recombination, is able to reproduce device dynamics correctly. The fit of the model to the experimental results is improved by varying the shape of the electron and hole density of state (DoS) functions. By discretizing the DoS in energy space and allowing its shape to vary, the TPC transients can be closely fitted and the form of the tails of the electron and hole DoS extracted. It is found that the DoS of trapped carriers can be represented by a series of Gaussians offset in energy. This is tentatively attributed to electronic disorder introduced by molecular packing of the molecules.
Vitamin D status predicts new brain magnetic resonance imaging activity in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mowry Ellen M. , Waubant Emmanuelle , McCulloch Charles E. , Okuda Darin T. , Evangelista Alan A. , Lincoln Robin R. , Gourraud Pierre‐Antoine , Brenneman Don , Owen Mary C. , Qualley Pamela , Bucci Monica , Hauser Stephen L. , Pelletier Daniel
Published: March 2012

Objective:

We sought to determine whether vitamin D status is associated with developing new T2 lesions or contrast‐enhancing lesions on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods:

EPIC is a 5‐year longitudinal MS cohort study at the University of California at San Francisco. Participants had clinical evaluations, brain MRI, and blood draws annually. From the overall cohort, we evaluated patients with clinically isolated syndrome or relapsing–remitting MS at baseline. In univariate and multivariate (adjusted for age, sex, ethnicity, smoking, and MS treatments) repeated measures analyses, annual 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels were evaluated for their association with subsequent new T2‐weighted and gadolinium‐enhancing T1‐weighted lesions on brain MRI, clinical relapses, and disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]).

Results:

A total of 2,362 3T brain MRI scans were acquired from 469 subjects. In multivariate analyses, each 10ng/ml higher 25‐hydroxyvitamin D level was associated with a 15% lower risk of a new T2 lesion (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–0.95; p = 0.004) and a 32% lower risk of a gadolinium‐enhancing lesion (IRR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.53–0.87; p = 0.002). Each 10ng/ml higher vitamin D level was associated with lower subsequent disability (−0.047; 95% CI, −0.091 to −0.003; p = 0.037). Higher vitamin D levels were associated with lower, but not statistically significant, relapse risk. Except for the EDSS model, all associations were stronger when the within‐person change in vitamin D level was the predictor.

Interpretation:

Vitamin D levels are inversely associated with MS activity on brain MRI. These results provide further support for a randomized trial of vitamin D supplementation. ANN NEUROL 2012;72:234–240.
Development of the Juxta‐Oral Organ in Rat Embryo
Authors: Velasco J.R. Mérida , De La Cuadra Blanco C. , Velasco J.A. Mérida
Published: March 2012

The aim of this work is to clarify the development and morphology of the juxta‐oral organ (JOO) in rat embryos from Day (E)14 to 19. Furthermore, in the region of the JOO, an analysis was made of the expression of the monoclonal antibody HNK‐1, which recognizes cranial neural‐crest cells. In this study, we report that JOO develops from an epithelial condensation at the end of the transverse groove of the primitive mouth at E14. During E15, it invaginates and is disconnected from the oral epithelium. At E16, the JOO forms an solid epithelial cord with three parts (anterior, middle, and posterior) and is related to the masseter, temporal, medial pterygoid, and tensor veli palatini muscles. During E17‐19, no significant changes were detected in their position. Both the mesenchyme caudal to the anlage of the JOO at E14, as well as the mesenchyme that surrounds the bud of the JOO at E15, expressed positivity for HNK‐1. Our results suggest that the mesenchyme surrounding the JOO at E15 could emit some inductive signal for the JOO to reach its position at E16. This work shows for the first time that the cranial neural‐crest‐derived mesenchyme participates in the development of the JOO. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Implications of protein structure instability: From physiological to pathological secondary structure
Authors: Sukhanova Alyona , Poly Simon , Shemetov Anton , Bronstein Igor , Nabiev Igor
Published: March 2012

Proteins are folded during their synthesis; this process may be spontaneous or assisted. Both phenomena are carefully regulated by the “housekeeping” mechanism and molecular chaperones to avoid the appearance of misfolded proteins. Unfolding process generally occurs during physiological degradation of protein, but in some specific cases it results from genetic or environmental changes and does not correspond to metabolic needs. The main outcome of these phenomena is the appearance of nonfunctional pathologically unfolded proteins with a strong tendency to aggregation. Moreover, for some of these unfolded proteins, the agglomeration that follows initial proteins association may give rise to highly structured soluble aggregates. These aggregates have been identified as the main cause of the so‐called amyloidosis or amyloid diseases, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Creutzfeldt–Jakob diseases, and type II diabetes mellitus. Although some common mechanisms of amyloid protein aggregation have been identified, the roles of the environmental conditions inducing amyloidosis remain to be clarified. In this review, we will summarize recent studies identifying the origin of amyloid nucleation and will try to predict the therapeutic prospects that may be opened by elucidation of the amyloidosis mechanisms. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 97: 577–588, 2012.