bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treating a Mother's Accommodation Behaviors of Her Adult Son's OCD: The Case of "Brianne" and "Charlie"
Authors: Marinchak James
Published: April 2014

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disturbance in which distress and impairment extend beyond the patient to their immediate family members. Many family members become involved in their loved one’s compulsions by engaging in accommodation behaviors, which ultimately make it easier to perform compulsions or avoid obsession-invoking triggers, frequently exacerbating the severity of the OCD symptoms and decreasing motivation for treatment. Also, accommodation behaviors can indirectly result in negative consequences for the family member engaging in them and for other non-OCD members of the family, reducing their quality-of-life.  The current case study documents and discusses a 3-month, 10-session, cognitive-behavioral treatment designed to help "Brianne," a married Caucasian mother of two in her 40s, reduce her accommodation behaviors with her 19-year-old son, "Charlie," who was unmotivated to accept treatment for his diagnosed OCD and who was living at home. In line with the above, the treatment was premised on the hypothesis that reducing Brianne's accommodation behaviors would  have a positive impact not only on Charlie and Brianne, but also on the other two members of Brianne's nuclear family: her husband "Jack," and her older son "Shane." The therapy focused on (a) providing Brianne with psychoeducation regarding the nature of OCD and the negative impact of accommodation behaviors, (b) developing Brianne's alternative coping behaviors in response to Charlie's rituals, (c) offering Brianne communication training, and (d) promoting Brianne's self-care behaviors. Results indicate that the treatment was effective in reducing Brianne's accommodation and improving her quality of life as well as her husband's and other son's within the household, but that more treatment was likely necessary in order to consolidate therapeutic gains. The treatment did not appear to impact Charlie's OCD treatment-seeking motivation nor his levels of anxiety or aggressive outbursts by the end of therapy. Factors contributing to the results of the treatment are discussed. Overall, the case results suggest that family members living with OCD-diagnosed adults not currently seeking treatment can derive benefit from a brief intervention designed to reduce accommodation behaviors, improve family communication, and promote self-care.
Treatment Refusal and Family Accommodation
Authors: Gordon William M.
Published: April 2014

This commentary discusses a case study by James Marinchak (2013), who treated a mother’s accommodation of her adult son’s obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A  variety of issues raised by the case are considered. These include: the relationship between dependency and OCD, the presence of rituals without apparent obsessions, the pros and cons of treating one primary relative versus the family, ways of handling treatment refusal, methodological issues, and the relationship between stress, high emotionality and severity of OCD. The main topic of helping families cope with OCD when the person manifesting it refuses treatment is an overlooked and important area of research.
Increasing the Rigor of Case Study Evidence in Therapy Research
Authors: McLeod John
Published: April 2014

Over recent years, an increasing number of systematic case-based investigations of the process and outcomes of counseling and psychotherapy has been published. Nevertheless, case study knowledge continues to have a limited impact on therapy training, practice and policy. It is argued that improvement in the status of case study evidence requires further attention to ways of enhancing the rigor of case study reports. Strategies for strengthening the credibility of case study evidence are explored in relation to a range of methodological issues: the design and goals of case study research, quality criteria for evaluating the validity of case study findings, approaches to aggregating the conclusions of sets of cases, and the interpretation of case data. The paper concludes with a call for case study investigators to be active in asserting the value and relevance of this form of inquiry.
Who Needs a Case Formulation and Why: Clinicians Use the Case Formulation to Guide Decision-Making
Authors: Persons Jacqueline B.
Published: April 2014

Protocols for empirically-supported treatments (ESTs) typically do not require the therapist to develop an individualized formulation of the patient, nor do they describe procedures for doing this. I offer some hypotheses about why the idiographic case formulation receives short shrift in most EST protocols, I describe an exception to this general rule, and I conclude with a discussion of implications of these ideas for psychotherapy research.
In Support of Evidence-Based Case Formulation in Psychotherapy (From the Perspective of a Clinician)
Authors: Eells Tracy D.
Published: April 2014

Persons (2013) has commented on my article (Eells, 2013) about  revisiting the case formulation approach to psychotherapy research. I elaborate on her ideas by advocating for an evidence-based case formulation (EBCF) model of psychotherapy practice. The latter encourages clinician freedom of choice to select a case conceptualization and treatment plan, as long as those choices are empirically defensible.  While the EBCF approach is intellectually challenging for clinicians, it has the advantage of being  flexible in accommodating evidence, including but not limited to that derived from randomized clinical trials. The EBCF approach is preferable to the untenable position of relying primarily on one’s personal experience as a therapist or primarily on intuition.  The EBCF approach is an empirically defensible alternative to the empirically supported treatment (EST) movement.  Clinical judgment is emphasized more in the EBCF approach than in ESTs.  Conditions are described under which intuition in context can be trusted as one of a number of components of evidence-based practice.  Finally, since therapists practicing ESTs tailor treatment to meet patient needs as they arise, a false dichotomy may exist between the EST and EBCF approaches when considering psychotherapy as it is actually practiced.  A mixed-methods research agenda that examines the case formulation hypothesis can help determine whether such a false dichotomy exists, while advancing knowledge of psychotherapy as it unfolds in practice.
Aromas Emanating from the Driest of Places
Authors: Nabhan Gary Paul
Published: April 2014

This chapter interweaves the author's personal journey, which begins in the deserts of Arabia, with a reconstruction of the beginnings of the Semitic peoples and the etymologic origins of the words for aromatics and spices. It also describes the properties and uses of frankincense. The book from which this chapter is taken—the author's Cumin, Camels, and Caravans: A Spice Odyssey (University of California Press, 2014)—is the first to relate the spice trade to culinary and ecological imperialism and to demonstrate the indelible mark that Semitic peoples had in managing the spice trade not only in Eurasia, Africa, and Arabia but in the Americas and Caribbean as well. It demonstrates that globalization did not begin in 1492, as recently argued by several scholars, but grew out of intercontinental spice trading practices, principles, and ethics over 3,500 years. Sephardic Jews and Muslim Arabs, Berbers and Persians, all played a disproportionately large role in setting the ground rules for globalization. Phoenicians, Nabateans, Arabized Jews, Sogdians, and Minaeans prehistorically played similar roles in its earliest development. A unique aspect of the book is the linguistic tracking of recipes and terms for spices to reveal routes of cultural diffusion worldwide. The text is accompanied by recipes the author has gathered during his travels, as well as a “cabinet” of profiles describing the history and characteristics of many of the world's most popular and sought-after spices.
Perspectives from South and East Asia on Clinical and Research Ethics: A Literature Review
Authors: Pratt Bridget , Van Cassandra , Cong Yali , Rashid Harun , Kumar Nandini , Ahmad Aasim , Upshur Ross , Loff Bebe
Published: April 2014

A review was conducted of english-language peer-reviewed and gray literature on health and ethics written by authors from Bangladesh, China, India, and Pakistan. This was supplemented by the knowledge of co-authors who are involved in bioethics capacity building in these countries. Of the identified literature that focused on the application of Western principles, it largely discussed informed consent and revealed norms in clinical decision-making that include physician paternalism, family involvement in decision-making, and reluctance to provide information that might upset patients. It appears that Western ethical principles may be interpreted and applied in unexpected ways. The literature further indicates that, although there is some consistency with Western ideas, Islamic, Confucian, and Indian religious and philosophical traditions contain concepts not reflected in international guidance. Findings suggest scholars from these countries seek to enter into a bioethics dialogue with the potential to enrich and inform “international” frameworks.
Religion, “Moral Insanity,” and Psychology in Nineteenth-Century America
Authors: Boyer Jodie
Published: April 2014

This article explores arguments among medico-legal experts (including Amariah Brigham, Isaac Ray, John P. Gray, and W. A. Hammond) about the social and moral ramifications of expanding the definition of insanity to include moral insanity. This is an important corrective to a standard view that sees the movement to transform the insanity defense in nineteenth-century America as a rejection of the explanatory power of human depravity in the face of an optimistic understanding of human nature as found in Scottish common sense philosophy. The debate, especially between Ray and Brigham, on the one hand, and Gray, on the other, finally led to a situation in which religious discussions of sin, the will, grace, and the shape of the human self were legally sidelined.
Prenatal Exposure to Methyldopa Leading to Hypertensive Crisis and Cardiac Failure in a Neonate
Authors: Su Jennifer A. , Tang William , Rivero Niurka , Bar-Cohen Yaniv
Published: April 2014

A 2-week-old infant with normal intracardiac anatomy presented to the emergency department in a hypertensive crisis with acute cardiac failure. Despite extensive evaluation, no underlying disease was found. The patient’s hypertension and cardiac dysfunction resolved after 1 week of supportive care in the PICU, and she was discharged within 2 weeks of presentation. The patient’s history revealed transplacental exposure to the α-adrenergic agonist methyldopa for 10 weeks before delivery. Her age at presentation and the self-limited nature of cardiac sequelae with complete resolution of cardiac dysfunction suggest withdrawal effects from this exposure. Whereas the rebound hypertensive effects of α-adrenergic agonists are well established in the adult population, this report shows an unusual adverse outcome of in utero exposure to methyldopa.
Neonatal Outcomes of Prenatally Diagnosed Congenital Pulmonary Malformations
Authors: Ruchonnet-Metrailler Isabelle , Leroy-Terquem Elise , Stirnemann Julien , Cros Pierrick , Ducoin Héloïse , Hadchouel Alice , Khen-Dunlop Naziha , Labbé André , Labouret Géraldine , Lebras Marie-Noëlle , Lezmi Guillaume , Madhi Fouad , Salomon Laurent J. , Thouvenin Guillaume , Thumerelle Caroline , Delacourt Christophe
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Congenital pulmonary malformations (CPM) are mostly recognized on prenatal ultrasound scans. In a minority of cases, they may impair breathing at birth. The factors predictive of neonatal respiratory distress are not well defined, but an understanding of these factors is essential for decisions concerning the need for the delivery to take place in a tertiary care center. The aim of this study was to identify potential predictors of respiratory distress in neonates with CPM.

METHODS:

We selected cases of prenatal diagnosis of hyperechoic and/or cystic lung lesions from RespiRare, the French prospective multicenter registry for liveborn children with rare respiratory diseases (2008–2013). Prenatal parameters were correlated with neonatal respiratory outcome.

RESULTS:

Data were analyzed for 89 children, 22 (25%) of whom had abnormal breathing at birth. Severe respiratory distress, requiring oxygen supplementation or ventilatory support, was observed in 12 neonates (13%). Respiratory distress at birth was significantly associated with the following prenatal parameters: mediastinal shift (P = .0003), polyhydramnios (P = .05), ascites (P = .0005), maximum prenatal malformation area (P = .001), and maximum congenital pulmonary malformation volume ratio (CVR) (P = .001). Severe respiratory distress, requiring oxygen at birth, was best predicted by polyhydramnios, ascites, or a CVR >0.84.

CONCLUSIONS:

CVR >0.84, polyhydramnios, and ascites increased the risk of respiratory complications at birth in fetuses with CPM, and especially of severe respiratory distress, requiring oxygen supplementation or more intensive intervention. In such situations, the delivery should take place in a tertiary care center.
Who Should Get the Last PICU Bed?
Authors: Wightman Aaron , Largent Emily , Del Beccaro Mark , Lantos John D.
Published: April 2014

Administrators sometimes face ethical dilemmas about the allocation of institutional resources. One such situation is when elective surgery cases require reserved ICU beds and the ICU is full. Such situations arise frequently in children’s hospitals today. They are sometimes complicated by questions about whether every patient in the ICU belongs there. We present such a situation and responses from Mark Del Becarro, Vice President for Medical Affairs at Seattle Children’s Hospital; Aaron Wightman, a nephrology fellow and bioethicist at Seattle Children’s Hospital; and Emily Largent, a doctoral student in the joint JD/PhD Program in Health Policy at Harvard University.
Cervical Spine Injury Patterns in Children
Authors: Leonard Jeffrey R. , Jaffe David M. , Kuppermann Nathan , Olsen Cody S. , Leonard Julie C.
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Pediatric cervical spine injuries (CSIs) are rare and differ from adult CSIs. Our objective was to describe CSIs in a large, representative cohort of children.

METHODS:

We conducted a 5-year retrospective review of children <16 years old with CSIs at 17 Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network hospitals. Investigators reviewed imaging reports and consultations to assign CSI type. We described cohort characteristics using means and frequencies and used Fisher’s exact test to compare differences between 3 age groups: <2 years, 2 to 7 years, and 8 to 15 years. We used logistic regression to explore the relationship between injury level and age and mechanism of injury and between neurologic outcome and cord involvement, injury level, age, and comorbid injuries.

RESULTS:

A total of 540 children with CSIs were included in the study. CSI level was associated with both age and mechanism of injury. For children <2 and 2 to 7 years old, motor vehicle crash (MVC) was the most common injury mechanism (56%, 37%). Children in these age groups more commonly injured the axial (occiput–C2) region (74%, 78%). In children 8 to 15 years old, sports accounted for as many injuries as MVCs (23%, 23%), and 53% of injuries were subaxial (C3–7). CSIs often necessitated surgical intervention (axial, 39%; subaxial, 30%) and often resulted in neurologic deficits (21%) and death (7%). Neurologic outcome was associated with cord involvement, injury level, age, and comorbid injuries.

CONCLUSIONS:

We demonstrated a high degree of variability of CSI patterns, treatments and outcomes in children. The rarity, variation, and morbidity of pediatric CSIs make prompt recognition and treatment critical.
The Effect of Different Implant-Abutment Connections on Screw Joint Stability
Authors: Michalakis Konstantinos X. , Calvani Pasquale (Lino) , Muftu Sinan , Pissiotis Argiris , Hirayama Hiroshi
Published: April 2014

Dental implants with an internal connection have been designed to establish a better stress distribution when lateral external forces act on the prosthesis and minimize the forces transmitted to the fastening screw. In the present study, 10 externally and 10 internally hexed implants were tested with a compressive force applied with an Instron Universal machine. Four cycles of loading-unloading were applied to each specimen to achieve displacements of 0.5, 1, 2, and 2.5 mm. The mean loads for the first cycle were 256.70 N for the external connection and 256 N for the internal connection implants. The independent t test did not reveal any significant differences among the 2 tested groups (P = .780). For the second cycle, the mean loads needed for a displacement of 1 mm were 818.19 N and 780.20 N for the external connection and the internal connection implants, respectively. The independent t test revealed significant differences among the 2 tested groups (P < .001). In the third cycle, the mean load values for a 2-mm displacement were 1394.10 N and 1225.00 N. The independent t test revealed significant differences among the 2 tested groups (P < .001). The mean loads for the fourth cycle were 1488.00 N for the external connection and 1029.00 N for the internal connection implants. These loads were required for a displacement of 2.5 mm. The independent t test revealed significant differences among the 2 tested groups (P < .001). The results of this in vitro study suggest that the internal connection design of the examined implant system could not prevent screw loosening during overloading. No implant or prosthesis failure was noticed in either group.
The Custom Endosteal Implant: Histology and Case Report of a Retrieved Maxillary Custom Osseous-Integrated Implant Nine Years in Service
Authors: Nordquist William D. , Krutchkoff David J.
Published: April 2014

The Custom Endosteal Implant (CEI) is a custom-cast osseo-integrated implant that has evolved to replace the “old” fibro-integrated subperiosteal variant. This newly developed implant achieves osseous integration by utilizing a hydroxyapatite (HA) coating, and a specialized grafting technique that produces much improved success rates relative to its fibro-integrated subperiosteal predecessor. This case reported here represents a maxillary CEI implant that was placed and in functional service for 9 years before being retrieved and processed for histologic examination subsequent to the patient's demise. In addition, due to infection that occurred shortly after placement, an early provisional procedure with fluoridated HA was also performed. Histologic analysis of the postmortem specimen revealed a fully integrated new bone formation intimately surrounding the previously dehisced implant strut. The latter had previously been decontaminated and grafted with a thin layer of fluorapatite (FA) material. Results including histologic analysis confirmed complete osseo-integration of the implant following successful FA graft revision.
Saliva Versus Peri-implant Inflammation: Quantification of IL-1β in Partially and Totally Edentulous Patients
Authors: Rocha Flaviana Soares , Jesus Rainde Naiara Rezende , Rocha Fabiana Maria Soares , Moura Camilla Cristhian Gomes , Zanetta-Barbosa Darceny
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential use of salivary IL1β in early-stage diagnostics of peri-implant inflammation in partially and totally edentulous patients rehabilitated with dental implants. Patients were classified according to peri-implant probing depth and bleeding upon probing in groups of healthy individuals or in groups of individuals with peri-implant inflammation. Data on plaque index, clinical attachment loss, suppuration, and mobility were also assessed. Saliva was collected without stimulation, and the levels of IL-1β were determined by ELISA. Healthy groups demonstrated significantly lower levels of IL-1β compared with the inflammation groups. No difference in IL-1β levels was observed between partially edentulous or totally edentulous patients. Salivary IL-1β may be useful for the diagnosis and monitoring of early peri-implant inflammation, particularly in edentulous patients.
Nasopalatine Duct Cyst, a Delayed Complication to Successful Dental Implant Placement: Diagnosis and Surgical Management
Authors: McCrea Shane Joseph
Published: April 2014

The dental literature reports frequently on both the success and survival of dental implants, whereby the focus remains on the biological response of hard and soft tissue to the implants. The predication and anticipation of adverse implant events can then lead to the preemption of implant loss. However, biological situations can arise that are outside the control of the clinician. The author reports a case history of the late manifestation of a nasopalatine duct cyst in close proximity to a dental implant and its subsequent surgical management.
Avaliação da adequação do rastreamento e diagnóstico de Diabetes Mellitus Gestacional em puérperas atendidas em unidade hospitalar de dois municípios da região do Vale do São Francisco - Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Alves Audimar de Sousa , Coutinho Isabela , Segatto Juliana Conduru Mendes , Silva Lorena Andrade , Silva Márcia Danielle de Sousa , Katz Leila
Published: April 2014

Objetivos: avaliar a adequação do rastreamento e do diagnóstico de diabetes mellitus gestacional em puérperas atendidas em unidade hospitalar de dois municípios da região do Vale do São Francisco. Métodos: estudo descritivo, com 1340 puérperas que pariram no Hospital Dom Malan-IMIP-PE e Maternidade Municipal de Juazeiro-BA, de abril de 2011 a janeiro de 2012. Excluídas aquelas com diagnóstico prévio de diabetes mellitus, sem pré-natal sem exames acessíveis. Foram construídas tabelas de distribuição de frequência e medidas de tendência central e dispersão. Resultados: a média de idade gestacional da solicitação da glicemia de jejum foi 14 semanas, adequada em 46%. A idade gestacional média da realização da glicemia foi 16 semanas, realizada até 30 dias após solicitação em 37,9%; recebimento do resultado ocorreu em média na 20ª semana, adequada em 33,4%. A segunda glicemia de jejum foi solicitada e interpretada adequadamente em 28,1% dos casos; 20,8% tiveram resultados glicêmicos da primeira e segunda glicemia de jejum igual ou superior a 85 mg/dL e 11,9% não realizaram ou receberam a glicemia de jejum. Inadequação no rastreamento/diagnóstico detectada em 76,9% (n=1022), e 5,0% (n=67) de quem realizou Teste Oral de Tolerância a Glicose. Alguma inadequação foi observada em 91,9% durante o rastreio. Conclusões: o rastreio/diagnóstico do diabetes gestacional entre as puérperas estudadas foi realizado inadequadamente.
Landlocked Fall Chinook Salmon Egg Survival during Jar and Tray
Incubation at a Production Hatchery
Authors: Wipf Matthew M. , Barnes Michael E. , Nero Patrick A. , Voorhees Jill
Published: April 2014

This study compared the survival of landlocked fall Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha eggs incubated
in either upwelling jars, either with or without daily formalin treatments, or vertically-stacked trays treated daily
with formalin in a production hatchery. In the first year of the study, survival to the eyed-egg stage was significantly
greater in eggs incubated in jars without formalin compared to trays, but there was no significant difference in survival to
hatch between the treatments. In the second year, there were no significant differences in eggs incubated in trays, in jars
without formalin treatments, and in jars with formalin treatments. In the final year, there was no significant difference in
eyed-egg survival between eggs incubated in trays and jars without formalin, but survival to hatch was significantly
greater in the eggs incubated in jars. Jar incubation is recommended to maximize the survival of landlocked fall Chinook
salmon eggs.
Phenomenological models of Universe with varying G and Λ
Authors: Khurshudyan Martiros
Published: April 2014

In this article we will consider several phenomenological models for the Universe with varying G and Λ(t), where G is the gravitational ”constant” and Λ(t) is a varying cosmological ”constant”. Two-component fluid model are taken into account. An interaction of the phenomenological form between a barotropic fluid and a quintessence DE is supposed. Three different forms of Λ(t) will be considered. The problem is analysed numerically and behavior of different cosmological parameters investigated graphically. Conclusion and discussions are given at the end of the work. In an Appendix information concerning to the other cosmological parameters is presented.
Chemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidative and anticholinesterase activity of Satureja Montana L. ssp montana essential oil
Authors: Mihajilov-Krstev Tatjana , Radnović Dragan , Kitić Dušanka , Jovanović Vesna , Mitić Violeta , Stojanović-Radić Zorica , Zlatković Bojan
Published: April 2014

The present study investigates the chemical compositions of three Satureja montana L. ssp montana essential oils and correlates chemical variability with biological activities. GC/MS analysis showed that with an increase in altitude (100–500–800 m), a higher content of linalool, terpinen-4-ol and cis-sabinene hydrate was found, while the percentage of phenolic compounds, thymol and carvacrol decreased. Antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was tested against 7 fungal and 23 bacterial strains. The essential oil characterized by the highest content of phenols and alcohols exhibited the highest antimicrobial potential. The correlation analysis showed that the major carriers of the obtained antioxidant activity are oxygenated monoterpenes. All essential oils inhibited human serum cholinesterase activity. High antimicrobial potential, together with moderate antioxidant capacity and strong inhibition of human serum cholinesterase, classifies S. montana essential oil as a natural source of compounds that can be used in the treatment of foodborne and neurological diseases, wound and other infections, as well as for general health improvement.
In vitro organogenesis secondary metabolite production and heavy metal analysis in Swertia chirayita
Authors: Kumar Vijay , Singh Shailesh , Bandopadhyay Rajib , Sharma Madan , Chandra Sheela
Published: April 2014

An efficient protocol of plant regeneration through direct and indirect organogenesis in Swertia chirayita was developed. Explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with 2,4-D (0.5 mg L−1) with combination of Kinetin (0.5 mg L−1) showed the highest frequency (84%) of callusing and 1.0mg L−1 6-benzyladenine (BA) in combination with (100 mg L−1) Adenine sulphate (Ads) + (0.1 mg L−1) Indole acetic acid (IAA) was excellent for maximum adventitious shoot (12.69 ± 1.30) formation in four week of culture. A maximum number of (7.14 ± 0.99) shoots were developed per leaf explants through direct organogenesis. The highest frequency of rooting (11.46 ± 1.56) was observed on MS medium augmented with IAA (1.0 mg L−1). Well-rooted shoots transferred to plastic pots containing a soilrite: sand mix and then moved to the greenhouse for further growth and development. Four major secondary metabolites were analyzed and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography. Amount of secondary metabolites was found significantly higher, in in vitro plantlets compared to in vivo plantlets and callus raised from S. chirayita. Higher heavy metal accumulation in in vitro as compared to in vivo plantlets correlates higher secondary metabolite production supporting that they play regulatory role in influencing the plant secondary metabolism.
The use of heavy metals in mycoremediation of synthetic dyes
Authors: Balaeş Tiberius , Tănase Cătălin , Butnariu Claudiu
Published: April 2014

Synthetic dyes represent a major class of toxic pollutants that are resistant to biological degradation, and heavy metals play a special role in this process. In this study, two isolates of lignicolous macromycetes, Lenzites betulina as well as another species less frequently studied, Trametes gibbosa, were tested in order to assess their remediation potential against three different synthetic dyes under specific conditions. The effect of heavy metal ions in the discoloration of synthetic dyes process, and the optimal concentration of manganese ions necessary were evaluated. The dyes’ discoloration efficiency of the fresh isolates were compared to the isolates maintained by refrigeration, isolates that were repeatedly sub-cultivated and isolates that were previously grown on dye-supplemented media, and then were assessed. The discoloration process was evaluated in liquid nutrient media, 10 replicates were used for each working version. Evaluation of discoloration rate was obtained by using a UV-VIS spectrometer. The results were interpreted statistically by the Kruskal-Wallis test and by use of a new complex method, Multiple Factor Analysis. The fresh isolates showed the highest discoloration capacity while the isolates previously grown on the dye-supplemented media presented a low discoloration rate. Manganese ions gave a positive effect on enzyme induction while copper and cobalt ions inhibited the process.
Identification of proteins involved in starch and polygalacturonic acid degradation using LC/MS
Authors: Petkauskaite Raimonda , Lukosius Dangiras , Dębski Janusz , Jasilionis Andrius , Dadlez Michał , Kieraite Ieva , Timonina Ana , Kuisiene Nomeda
Published: April 2014

Plant biomass in the form of cheap wastes, such as straw, corn stalks, wood chips, sawdust, bagasse, pomace, etc., is abundant throughout the world. To convert these wastes into the useful value-added compounds microbial enzymes are the preferred choice. In this paper, we identify enzymes involved in the degradation of starch and polygalacturonic acid using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry based analysis. We analysed total protein from soil and compost samples. Extracellular proteins from enrichment cultures were analysed in parallel and used as controls in the sample preparation and identification of proteins. In general, both protein sequence coverage and the number of identified peptides were higher in the samples obtained from the enrichment cultures than from the total protein from soil and compost. The influence of the nature of gel (zymography vs. SDS/polyacrylamide) was negligible. Thus, starch and polygalacturonic acid degradation associated proteins can be directly excised from the zymograms without the need to align zymograms with the SDS/polyacrylamide gels. A range of starch and polygalacturonic acid degradation associated enzymes were identified in both total protein samples and extracellular proteins from the enrichment cultures. Our results show that proteins involved in starch and polygalacturonic acid degradation can be identified by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry from the complex protein mixtures both with and without cultivation of microorganism
The impact of increased soil risk elements on carotenoid contents
Authors: Procházková Dagmar , Haisel Daniel , Pavlíková Daniela , Száková Jiřina , Wilhelmová Naďa
Published: April 2014

A pot experiment was conducted to compare the responses of a non-transgenic tobacco plant (WT) and plants with genetically prolonged life-span (SAG) to risk elements of As, Cd and Zn. Plants were grown in control soil and in soil with higher levels of risk elements. The pigment contents were established by HPLC and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were measured from slow kinetics after a 15 min dark period with the PAM fluorometer. Top (i.e. young) leaves of both WT and SAG plants were more sensitive to photoinhibition caused by these risk elements but plants showed acclimation to such elements in the bottom leaves. Plants differed in the participation of individual pigments of xanthophyll cycle: increased levels of risk elements seem to stimulate especially first (violaxanthin to antheraxanthin) and second (anhtheraxanthin to zeaxanthin) steps of the cycle in WT plants. In SAG plants, toxic elements caused an increase in the content, particularly of the initial compound of the cycle — violaxanthin.
Relocating the Deficit
Authors: Baldridge Bianca J.
Published: April 2014

After-school community-based spaces are often recognized in political and educational discourse as institutions that “save” and “rescue” Black youth. Such rhetoric perpetuates an ethos of pathology that diminishes the agency of youth and their communities. Through ethnographic research with 20 youth workers at a college completion and youth development after-school program in the urban Northeast, findings indicate that tensions arise as youth workers strive to reimagine Black youth in humanizing ways despite pressures to frame them as broken and in need of fixing to compete for funding with charter schools. Data also reveal deep tensions in youth workers’ experiences as they critique neoliberal reforms that shape their work; yet, at the same time, they are forced to hold students to markers of success defined by neoliberal ideals. These tensions result in youth workers downplaying the social, cultural, and emotional dimensions of their work.
Shot Peening Induced Plastic Deformation in Cast Iron – Influence of Graphite Morphology*
Authors: Lundberg M. , Peng R. L. , Ahmad M. , Bäckström D. , Vuoristo T. , Johansson S.
Published: April 2014

Graphite morphology in cast iron strongly affects the mechanical properties such as: Young's modulus, tensile/compressive strength and cyclic mechanical behaviour. In this study, pearlitic compact graphite iron (CGI) and grey cast iron (GI) have been studied in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) before and after shot peening under different conditions. The plastic deformation behaviour of CGI and GI under different shot peening conditions has been analysed using electron backscattering diffraction (EBSD) and electron contrast channelling imaging (ECCI). EBSD and ECCI revealed that plastic deformation around graphite inclusions depends on the size and shape of the graphite. The different response of CGI and GI to shot peening is explained by the different damping properties of the graphite and the matrix capability for plastic deformation. n
Synthesis and Properties of a Novel Intumescent Flame Retardant and its Application in LLDPE
Authors: Ye W. , Du L. , Tian X.
Published: April 2014

In this study, a novel phosphorus-containing flame retardant (IFR) of spirocyclic pentaerythritol diphosphonate dinitroguanidine (SPDD) was successfully synthesized, which was characterized by1H NMR,31P NMR and FTIR spectra. At the same time, the SPDD was used in LLDPE to prepare flame-retardant materials whose flammability and thermal behavior were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The TGA data showed that SPDD could effectively enhance the thermal stability and char residue of LLDPE/IFR composite. And with the increase of SPDD, the LOI value of LLDPE/IFR increases obviously. When SPDD reached 30 wt%, the LOI value of LLDPE/IFR reaches 31 %. The SEM also shows the surface of intumescent chars of LLDPE/IFR (30 %) has many sphere-like swollen bubbles.
Numerical Investigation and Experimental Observation of Extrudate Swell for Viscoelastic Polymer Melts
Authors: Kanvisi M. , Motahari S. , Kaffashi B.
Published: April 2014

In the present research die swell phenomenon is investigated for the viscoelastic polymer melts both experimentally and by developing a mathematical model in a circular die for high impact polystyrenes (HIPS), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE) and linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). Die swell is generally attributed to the fluid stress field when the fluid flows in a die. The Leonov-like equations as a conformational model are solved simultaneously with dynamic equation of momentum transfer to predict the stress field for a viscoelastic fluid in a circular die. The average molecular weight, the polymer relaxation time and the polymer mobility tensors are determined using the experimental measurements of shear viscosity. Then, based on those data, a model is developed. The results predicted by the model for flow stress field are then used to calculate die swell ratio by Tanner’s analytical model. Die swell ratio is also found out experimentally using a capillary rheometer for the samples. Comparison of the die swell results predicted by the model and measured experimentally show very good agreement for the polymers.
Processing and Wear Analysis of Blast Furnace Slag Filled Polypropylene Composites Using Taguchi Model and ANN
Authors: Padhi P. K. , Satapathy A.
Published: April 2014

This paper analyses and reports on processing and solid particle erosion wear response of a new class of hybrid composites prepared by reinforcement of short glass fibers (SGF) in blast furnace slag (BFS) filled polypropylene (PP) matrix. In this investigation, composites with different BFS content (0, 10, 20 and 30 wt%) in a polypropylene matrix base, with and without 20 wt% SGF reinforcement, are prepared by injection molding route. To study the erosion wear response of these BFS filled composites, a plan of experiments based on the Taguchi technique is followed to acquire the wear data in a controlled way. This systematic experimentation has led to identification of significant process parameters and material variables that predominantly influence the erosion rate and also enables us to determine optimal parameter settings that lead to minimization of the erosion rate. An artificial neural network (ANN) approach is also implemented to predict the wear rate of the composites. The morphology of eroded surfaces is then examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and possible erosion mechanisms are discussed. This study reveals that addition of blast furnace slag improves the erosion resistance of glass-polypropylene composites significantly and thus makes them suitable for tribological applications.
Microchannel Deformation of Polymer Chip in In-Mold Bonding
Authors: Chu C.-P. , Jiang B.-Y. , Weng C. , Jiang F.-Z.
Published: April 2014

Microchannel deformation is a problem which often occurs in the thermal bonding of polymer microfluidic chip, and which is significantly determined by bonding parameters. In this paper, numerical analysis of the microchannel deformation in the process of in-mold bonding polymer chip was conducted, using Young's modulus and shear relaxation modulus of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) obtained in creep tests. Adhesion between the top and two lateral walls of microchannel was observed in the results, which can be attributed mainly to the viscoelastic deformation of PMMA. It was also revealed that the maximum percent deformation of microchannel is in height, and that bonding temperature had greater effect on the deformation of microchannel than bonding pressure and bonding time. The deformation of microchannel in simulation were consistent with those of experiment under the optimized parameters of 105 °C, 2 MPa and 240 s.
Experimental Investigation of PC-Films Using Optical Measurements
Authors: Dammann C. , Caylak I. , Mahnken R.
Published: April 2014

The alignment of polymer chains is a well known microstructural evolution effect due to straining of polymers. This has a drastic influence on the macroscopic properties of the initially isotropic material. In this work, cold forming is performed at room temperature on a tensile testing machine. Polycarbonate films are examined in two loading phases. In the first phase, the specimen is loaded to induce anisotropy, and in the second, it is re-loaded, while the material direction is varied. The investigations are supported by an optical measurement system to gain knowledge about the inhomogeneous material behavior in the initial loading phase and about the anisotropic homogeneous behavior during the re-loading phase. Two dimensional strain contours are obtained from the test data. Additionally, we propose a method for approximation of the macroscopic true stress and compare the results with a common approach based on volume consistency. In the future, the test data will set a basis for parameter identification of constitutive equations taking into account a combination of inhomogenous and homogenous material behavior, exhibiting strain induced anisotropy.
More or Less Pluralistic? A Typology of Remedial and Alternative Perspectives on the Monetary Valuation of the Environment
Authors: Lo Alex Y.
Published: April 2014

Maintaining plural values is important when there is no conclusive principle by which the relative priority of normative positions can be determined. Value-articulating institutions predicated upon such principles have a low pluralistic potential. In response to the failures of stated-preference approaches to economic valuation, new perspectives have been developed to capture plural values. Three broad approaches are identified. The first, functional diversifi-cation, seeks to encompass the multiple qualities of the object of valuation, whereas positional modification enforces a particular mode of thinking on the subject. Both entail a prior judgement of values and benefit from a reduction in the range of values. Eventually, therefore, both approaches collapse pluralism to a problem that can be tackled. The third approach, structural reconstruction, has greater pluralistic potential, recognising that the more diverse and uncertain the object of valuation, the more compelling it is.
Animal hoarding - accumulo di animali: stile di vita, maltrattamento o psicopatologia? Una rassegna critica della letteratura
Authors: Colombo S. Elisa , Prato Previde Emanuela
Published: April 2014

L'Animal Hoarding o accumulo di animali si verifica quando un individuo possiede un numero di animali che eccede la sua capacita di prendersene cura in modo adeguato. Ne conseguono la compromissione della qualita di vita della persona e delle condizioni dell'abitazione in cui vive, nonche una forte sofferenza per gli animali, che vanno incontro a malattia, inedia e morte. Tale fenomeno e stato a lungo considerato uno "stile di vita" e, anche se oggi viene riconosciuto come una forma di maltrattamento degli animali, solo recentemente e divenuto oggetto di attenzione da parte della comunita scientifica, che ha fornito diversi modelli per inquadrarlo nell'ambito dei disturbi mentali. Poiche in Italia l'accumulo di animali e poco conosciuto e studiato, il presente lavoro si propone di presentarne le caratteristiche e le principali ipotesi esplicative presenti in letteratura, con particolare riferimento al Disturbo da Accumulo (Hoarding Disorder), di cui e attualmente considerato una variante, e al ruolo del trauma; vengono inoltre descritti i punti di forza e di debolezza degli interventi finora attuati per la gestione dei casi di accumulo di animali, con l'intento di promuovere un approccio multidisciplinare. Infine, e dato uno speciale risalto all'interpretazione del comportamento di accumulo di animali in relazione al rapporto normale tra esseri umani e animali, incoraggiando lo sviluppo di nuove ricerche che tengano in considerazione anche gli aspetti dell'attaccamento e dell'empatia nei confronti degli animali, che finora sono stati affrontati solo a un livello puramente descrittivo
Prosopagnosia congenita: uno studio preliminare nella popolazione italiana
Authors: Turano Maria Teresa , Marzi Tessa , Viggiano Maria Pia
Published: April 2014

La prosopagnosia congenita (Congenital Prosopagnosia: CP) e un deficit di riconoscimento dei volti familiari presente, presumibilmente, fin dalla nascita ed in assenza di danni cerebrali. Nel presente studio 300 soggetti sono stati sottoposti ad un approccio metodologico integrato che ha previsto l'utilizzo di un questionario, appositamente creato per l'autovalutazione della capacita di riconoscimento dei volti e di un test oggettivo, ampiamente utilizzato in letteratura, per fini diagnostici - il Cambridge Face Memory Test (CFMT, Duchaine e Nakayama, 2006). Nella prima fase dello studio, in base al punteggio riportato al questionario di autovalutazione, sono stati selezionati 12 individui potenzialmente prosopagnosici i quali sono stati, successivamente, sottoposti al CFMT. Tre di questi hanno presentato prosopagnosia congenita; questo dato ci ha permesso di stimare un preliminare tasso di prevalenza del deficit nella popolazione italiana. Nella seconda fase dello studio, i tre soggetti prosopagnosici individuati sono stati sottoposti ad una serie di esperimenti comportamentali per esplorare, piu dettagliatamente, quali meccanismi di elaborazione dei volti risultano particolarmente compromessi in presenza di CP. La batteria comprendeva: un compito per testare l'eventuale presenza dell'effetto inversione per i volti, un test di riconoscimento di volti famosi italiani, un compito di elaborazione della familiarita di volti ignoti con il classico paradigma Old-New, due compiti di riconoscimento di altre categorie di stimoli complessi. I risultati hanno mostrato un deficit specifico per i volti, confermato da una debole traccia mnestica; l'assenza del classico effetto inversione potrebbe essere indice di un'alterazione del processo olistico. In conclusione, i risultati riportano per la prima volta la presenza della CP presso la popolazione italiana e suggeriscono l'uso di un approccio metodologico integrato per la selezione del campione clinico per futuri studi presso la popolazione italiana.
Il valore del metodo psicologico nel giovane gemelli
Authors: Sinatra Maria
Published: April 2014

L'ampia storiografia riguardante il pensiero di Agostino Gemelli ha dedicato poca attenzione ai primi anni della sua carriera scientifica, quando, cioe, accanto all'interesse per gli studi fisiopatologici, si faceva sempre piu vivo quello per la soggettività. Il saggio si concentra sulla ricostruzione di tale periodo, caratterizzato inizialmente da un avvicinamento alla corrente wundtiana per il tramite della Scuola torinese di F. Kiesow, le cui tecniche sperimentali sembravano garantire la conoscenza scientifica dell'uomo, e, in seguito, dall'approdo ai metodi introspettivi di marca kulpiana.
Un "delitto" contro il nome: il coinvolgimento di padre Gemelli nel caso clinico dello smemorato di collegno
Authors: Montanari Ilaria
Published: April 2014

Il noto caso dello Smemorato di Collegno, protagonista assoluto delle cronache italiane degli anni '20 e '30, si e prestato nei decenni alle piu varie interpretazioni. Si e trattato sicuramente di un intricatissimo caso giudiziario, con risvolti legati alla situazione politica dell'Italia fascista, ma anche di un primo banco di prova per la nascente psichiatria forense italiana. Tuttavia non e possibile ignorarne il taglio clinico, che consente di identificarlo oggi anche come un crudele "delitto" contro il nome e l'identita. Padre Agostino Gemelli, fondatore dell'Universita Cattolica di Milano, si e trovato a vario titolo coinvolto nella vicenda e, al pari di molti suoi illustri contemporanei, non ne ha riconosciuto la tragicita intrinseca.