bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Critique of Hamletism in The Wild Irish Girl and Corinne
Authors: Ingelbien Raphaël , Seynhaeve Benedicte
Published: May 2011

This essay explores the intertextual use of Hamlet in Sydney Owenson's Wild Irish Girl and Germaine de Staël's Corinne to shed new light on these writers' interventions in European Romantic politics. Both Owenson and Staël associated their male protagonists with the figure of Hamlet at a time when Shakespeare's Danish prince was being reinvented as an embodiment of Romantic weltschmerz and as a symbol for the powerless, isolated intellectual. Instead of contributing to the Romantic cult of a melancholy Hamlet, Owenson and Staël confront their protagonists with the influence of empowered Ophelias who illustrate a less solipsistic version of melancholy. Thus both authors criticize the inertia that gripped their male counterparts directly after the French Revolution. Staël's novel ultimately follows a tragic pattern, while Owenson's gestures toward the possibility of a comic ending. But beyond the different levels of optimism implied by those endings, Owenson and Staël deliver a similar message to the Romantic intellectual, a message that most Romantics ignored in their persistent cultivation of Hamletic attitudes.
DAZAP1, an RNA-binding protein required for development and spermatogenesis, can regulate mRNA translation
Authors: Smith Richard W.P. , Anderson Ross C. , Smith Joel W.S. , Brook Matthew , Richardson William A. , Gray Nicola K.
Published: May 2011

DAZ-associated protein 1 (DAZAP1) is an RNA-binding protein required for normal growth, development, and fertility in mice. However, its molecular functions have not been elucidated. Here we find thatXenopus laevisand human DAZAP1, which are each expressed as short and long forms, act as mRNA-specific activators of translation in a manner that is sensitive to the number of binding sites present within the 3′ UTR. Domain mapping suggests that this conserved function is mainly associated with C-terminal regions of DAZAP1. Interestingly, we find that the expression of xDAZAP1 and its polysome association are developmentally controlled, the latter suggesting that the translational activator function of DAZAP1 is regulated. However, ERK phosphorylation of DAZAP1, which can alter protein interactions with its C terminus, does not play a role in regulating its ability to participate in translational complexes. Since relatively few mRNA-specific activators have been identified, we explored the mechanism by which DAZAP1 activates translation. By utilizing reporter mRNAs with internal ribosome entry sites, we establish that DAZAP1 stimulates translation initiation. Importantly, this activity is not dependent on the recognition of the 5′ cap by initiation factors, showing that it functions downstream from this frequently regulated event, but is modulated by changes in the adenylation status of mRNAs. This suggests a function in the formation of “end-to-end” complexes, which are important for efficient initiation, which we show to be independent of a direct interaction with the bridging protein eIF4G.
Norms and Contracting
Authors: Kessler Judd B. , Leider Stephen
Published: May 2011

We argue that contracts establish the norms of a relationship and that individuals incur disutility when deviating from these norms. In a laboratory experiment, we allow agents to make simple contracts before they play one of four games, and the most effective contract always includes an unenforceable “handshake” agreement to take the first-best action. In three games, a contract with only this handshake agreement is (at least weakly) optimal. The handshake is particularly effective in games with strategic complements. Our results highlight an explanation for contractual incompleteness: establishing a norm can effectively substitute for weak enforceable restrictions.

This paper was accepted by Brad Barber, Teck Ho, and Terrance Odean, special issue editors.
Scheduling Freight Trains in Rail-Rail Transshipment Yards
Authors: Boysen Nils , Jaehn Florian , Pesch Erwin
Published: May 2011

Transshipment yards, where gantry cranes enable the efficient transfer of containers between freight trains, are important entities in modern railway systems. They facilitate a general shift from point-to-point transport to hub-and-spoke railway systems, a shift being driven by concerted efforts within the European Union (EU) to transfer goods traffic from road to rail. Modern rail-rail transshipment yards accelerate container handling so that multiple smaller trains, with identical destinations, can be consolidated onto a reduced number of trains. An important problem attendant upon the daily operations of a transshipment yard is the train-scheduling problem, which involves determining the processing order of trains at parallel railway tracks. The present paper investigates this problem, with a special focus on resolving deadlocks and avoiding multiple crane picks per container move. A mathematical program along with a complexity proof is provided, and two different procedures are described: exact (dynamic programming) and heuristic (beam search).
The effects of zoledronic acid and hyperbaric oxygen on posterior lumbar fusion in a rabbit model
Authors: Yalçin N. , Öztürk A. , Özkan Y. , Çelimli N. , Özocak E. , Erdogan A. , Sahin N. , Ilgezdi S.
Published: May 2011

We studied the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and zoledronic acid (ZA) on posterior lumbar fusion using a validated animal model. A total of 40 New Zealand white rabbits underwent posterior lumbar fusion at L5–6 with autogenous iliac bone grafting. They were divided randomly into four groups as follows: group 1, control; group 2, HBO (2.4 atm for two hours daily); group 3, local ZA (20 μg of ZA mixed with bone graft); and group 4, combined HBO and local ZA. All the animals were killed six weeks after surgery and the fusion segments were subjected to radiological analysis, manual palpation, biomechanical testing and histological examination.

Five rabbits died within two weeks of operation. Thus, 35 rabbits (eight in group 1 and nine in groups 2, 3 and 4) completed the study. The rates of fusion in groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.015) were higher than in group 1 (p < 0.001) in terms of radiological analysis and in group 4 was higher than in group 1 with regard to manual palpation (p = 0.015). We found a statistically significant difference in the biomechanical analysis between groups 1 and 4 (p = 0.024). Histological examination also showed a statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 4 (p = 0.036).

Our results suggest that local ZA combined with HBO may improve the success rate in posterior lumbar spinal fusion.
Effect of vibration on the shear strength of impacted bone graft in revision hip surgery
Authors: Brennan S. A. , Brabazon D. , O’Byrne J. M.
Published: May 2011

We developed a method of applying vibration to the impaction bone grafting process and assessed its effect on the mechanical properties of the impacted graft. Washed morsellised bovine femoral heads were impacted into shear test rings. A range of frequencies of vibration was tested, as measured using an accelerometer housed in a vibration chamber. Each shear test was repeated at four different normal loads to generate stress-strain curves. The Mohr-Coulomb failure envelope from which shear strength and interlocking values are derived was plotted for each test. The experiments were repeated with the addition of blood in order to replicate a saturated environment.

Graft impacted with the addition of vibration at all frequencies showed improved shear strength when compared with impaction without vibration, with 60 Hz giving the largest effect. Under saturated conditions the addition of vibration was detrimental to the shear strength of the aggregate. The civil-engineering principles of particulate settlement and interlocking also apply to impaction bone grafting. Although previous studies have shown that vibration may be beneficial in impaction bone grafting on the femoral side, our study suggests that the same is not true in acetabular revision.
Intramedullary limb lengthening with the Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor in the lower limb
Authors: Schiedel F. M. , Pip S. , Wacker S. , Pöpping J. , Tretow H. , Leidinger B. , Rödl R.
Published: May 2011

We report the results of intramedullary leg lengthening conducted between 2002 and 2009 using the Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor in 69 unilateral lengthenings involving 58 femora and 11 tibiae. We identified difficulties that occurred during the treatment and assessed whether they were specifically due to the implant or independent of it. Paley’s classification for evaluating problems, obstacles and complications with external fixators was adopted, and implant-specific difficulties were continuously noted. There were seven failures requiring premature removal of the device, in four due to nail breakage and three for other reasons, and five unsuccessful outcomes after completion of the lengthening. In all, 116 difficulties were noted in 45 patients, with only 24 having problem-free courses. In addition to the difficulties arising from the use of external fixators, there were almost the same number again of implant-specific difficulties.

Nevertheless, successful femoral lengthening was achieved in 52 of the 58 patients (90%). However, successful tibial lengthening was only achieved in five of 11 patients (45%).
Distal tibial physeal arrest after meningococcal septicaemia
Authors: Monsell F. P. , Barnes J. R. , Kirubanandan R. , McBride A. M. B.
Published: May 2011

Survivors of infantile meningococcal septicaemia often develop progressive skeletal deformity as a result of physeal damage at many sites, particularly in the lower limb. Distal tibial physeal arrest typically occurs with sparing of the distal fibular physis leading to a rapidly progressive varus deformity. There have been reports of isolated cases of this deformity, but to our knowledge there have been no papers which specifically describe the development of the deformity and the options for treatment.

Surgery to correct this deformity is complex because of the patient’s age, previous scarring and the multiplanar nature of the deformity. The surgical goal is to restore leg-length equality and the mechanical axis at the end of growth. Surgery should be planned and staged throughout growth in order to achieve the best functional results.

We report our experience in six patients (seven ankles) with this deformity, who were managed by corrective osteotomy using a programmable circular fixator.
Avascular necrosis of the scaphoid in children treated by splint immobilisation
Authors: Gunal I. , Altay T.
Published: May 2011

Avascular necrosis of the scaphoid following a fracture in children is rare and there is no established treatment protocol in the literature. We present two boys with nonunion and avascular necrosis of the scaphoid treated by simple immobilisation. Both cases healed with painless wrists and full movements. Our cases confirm that an ununited scaphoid fracture in children may heal with conservative treatment, even when an MRI scan suggests avascular necrosis. Unlike in adults, operative treatment need only be considered in children when conservative treatment fails.
Risky Adolescent Sexual Behaviors and Reproductive Health in Young Adulthood
Authors: Scott Mindy E. , Wildsmith Elizabeth , Welti Kate , Ryan Suzanne , Schelar Erin , Steward‐Streng Nicole R.
Published: May 2011

CONTEXT: Little research links adolescent risk behaviors to reproductive health outcomes beyond adolescence, although young adults—men and women in their early 20s— bear a disproportionate burden of STDs and unintended childbearing.

METHODS: To assess whether individuals who engaged in risk behaviors during adolescence had increased risk of negative reproductive health outcomes in young adulthood, data from Waves 1–4 of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health on 5,798 sexually active respondents were analyzed. Logistic and multinomial logistic regressions examined associations between risk behaviors (cumulatively and individually) and each of three outcomes.

RESULTS: Four in 10 youth reported at least three risk factors during adolescence. Women who were exposed to an increasing number of risks had an elevated likelihood of having had multiple sex partners in the last year, rather than none (relative risk ratio, 1.3); having had an STD (odds ratio, 1.1); and having had an intended or unintended birth, as opposed to no birth (relative risk ratio, 1.1 for each). Inconsistent contraceptive use and having had multiple partners, a nonmonogamous partner or a nonromantic partner were associated with reporting multiple partners in the last year; inconsistent use, sexual debut after age 16 and not discussing contraception with a partner were associated with having any birth.

CONCLUSIONS: Teenagers’ sexual behaviors have both short‐term and long‐term consequences, and interventions that focus on multiple domains of risk may be the most effective in helping to promote broad reproductive health among young adults.
Diagnostic efficiency of truncated area under the curve from 0 to 2 h (AUC0–2) of mycophenolic acid in kidney transplant recipients receiving mycophenolate mofetil and concomitant tacrolimus
Authors: Lampón Natalia , Tutor-Crespo María J. , Romero Rafael , Tutor José C.
Published: May 2011

Background: Recently, the use of the truncated area under the curve from 0 to 2 h (AUC0–2) of mycophenolic acid (MPA) has been proposed for therapeutic monitoring in liver transplant recipients. The aim of our study was the evaluation of the clinical usefulness of truncated AUC0–2 in kidney transplant patients.

Methods: Plasma MPA was measured in samples taken before the morning dose of mycophenolate mofetil, and one-half and 2 h post-dose, completing 63 MPA concentration-time profiles from 40 adult kidney transplant recipients. The AUC from 0 to 12 h (AUC0–12) was calculated using the validated algorithm of Pawinski et al. The truncated AUC0–2 was calculated using the linear trapezoidal rule, and extrapolated to 0–12 h (trapezoidal extrapolated AUC0–12) as previously described.

Results: Algorithm calculated and trapezoidal extrapolated AUC0–12 values showed high correlation (r=0.995) and acceptable dispersion (ma68=0.71 μg·h/mL), median prediction error (6.6%) and median absolute prediction error (12.6%). The truncated AUC0–2 had acceptable diagnostic efficiency (87%) in the classification of subtherapeutic, therapeutic or supratherapeutic values with respect to AUC0–12. However, due to the high inter-individual variation of the drug absorption-rate, the dispersion between both pharmacokinetic variables (ma68=6.9 μg·h/mL) was unacceptable.

Conclusions: The substantial dispersion between truncated AUC0–2 and AUC0–12 values may be a serious objection for the routine use of MPA AUC0–2 in clinical practice.
High-throughput LC-MS/MS method for monitoring sirolimus and everolimus in the routine clinical laboratory
Authors: Ivanova Mariela , Artusi Carlo , Polo Giulia , Zaninotto Martina , Plebani Mario
Published: May 2011

Background: Immunosuppressant therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is an important requirement in post-transplant patient care. In recent years, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has become a valid alternative to antibody-based immunoassays in TDM due to its high specificity and sensitivity. Furthermore, this technology allows for the simultaneous measurement of several immunosuppressive drugs. The aim of the present study was to establish a straightforward, robust, and high-throughput LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of sirolimus and everolimus in whole blood in order to replace immunoassays in our routine practice.

Methods: Five-level blood calibrators were employed for assay development, while three materials at different concentrations were used for internal quality control. The proposed method uses protein precipitation for sample preparation. Analyses were performed using a triple quadrupole LC-MS/MS, with a C18 held at 60°C. Using an appropriate gradient elution profile and SPE on-line, elution times for all compounds analysed were 2.6 min with a total run-time of 3.5 min.

Results: Calibration curves were linear throughout the selected ranges. The intra- and inter-assay CVs (<7%), the limit of quantification (0.2 μg/L) and accuracy were highly satisfactory. On testing the results using the international proficiency testing scheme (UK-NEQAS), the performance of the proposed method was found to be highly reliable.

Conclusions: The findings made by us indicate that the proposed method is of value, since it is speedy, straightforward, accurate, and applicable to different LC-MS/MS instruments for the routine TDM of organ transplant recipients.
A simple liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for measuring metanephrine and normetanephrine in urine
Authors: Gabler Jessica , Miller Abby , Wang Sihe
Published: May 2011

Background: Measuring urinary fractionated metanephrines is one of the initial tests in the diagnosis of pheochromocytoma. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) represents the most specific and accurate technology for this purpose. The goal of this work was to develop a simple LC-MS/MS method for measuring metanephrines in urine.

Methods: Each urine sample was complexed with diphenylboronic acid, and purified on a Bond-Elute Plexa cartridge. The extract was concentrated and analyzed on a short Atlantis T3 column in 8.5 min. Metanephrines and their deuterated internal standards were monitored in positive electrospray ionization mode by multiple reaction monitoring.

Results: Ion suppression was observed, but was compensated for by the respective internal standard. The analytical measurement range was 0.2–27.4 μmol/L and 0.3–14.6 μmol/L for metanephrine and normetanephrine, respectively. The intra-assay and total coefficient of variation throughout the linear ranges was 2.03%–2.11% and 2.20%–3.80% for metanephrine, and 4.50%–8.09% and 9.00%–10.00% for normetanephrine, respectively. Comparison with a commercial HPLC method using patient samples (n=65) by Passing-Bablok regression showed a slope of 1.000 and 1.014, y-intercept of –0.080 and –0.067, a correlation coefficient of 0.8830 and 0.9022, and a mean difference of 14.0% and –0.43% for metanephrine and normetanephrine, respectively.

Conclusions: This simple method for urine metanephrines is suitable for clinical use.
Variation, change and constructions in English
Authors: Hoffmann Thomas , Trousdale Graeme
Published: May 2011

All human languages are characterised by inherent synchronic variability (Hudson, Cognitive Linguistics 8: 73–108, 1997, English Language and Linguistics 11: 383–405, 2007a) and are subject to change over time. Consequently, due to this central role of variation and change, any explanatorily adequate cognitive theory of language should aim to account for both of these phenomena. The present special issue explores how usage-based Construction Grammars can address issues of linguistic variation and change. In particular, focusing on English, we will show how constructionist approaches provide new insights for the study of variation and change in the English language as well as how data from English can help to refine construction grammar theories. This introduction will give a short overview of aspects of constructionist approaches to language which are of relevance to the modelling of linguistic variation and change. In addition to our discussion of the modelling of synchronic and diachronic variation in construction grammar, we provide an overview of the topics addressed by the seven articles in this special issue.
Constructional Preemption by Contextual Mismatch: A Corpus-Linguistic Investigation
Authors: Stefanowitsch Anatol
Published: May 2011

The seeming absence of negative evidence in the input that children receive during language acquisition has long been regarded as a serious problem for non-nativist linguistic theories. Among the solutions that have been suggested for this problem, preemption by competing structures is doubtless the most intensively researched and widely accepted. However, while preemption works well in the domain of morphology, it cannot apply categorically in the domain of syntax, as this would preclude the existence of semantically overlapping constructions, such as the ditransitive and the prepositional dative, which can be used alternatively with many, but not all, verbs of literal or metaphorical transfer. This paper investigates one specific version of preemption briefly entertained by Pinker (Language learnability and language development, Harvard University Pressm, 1984), which would account both for the existence of semantically overlapping constructions and for the fact that these constructions may preempt each other in the case of individual verbs. Typically, such pairs of grammatical constructions differ in their information-structural restrictions and speakers tend to choose the construction that best fits a given discourse context; when speakers use a construction even though there is an alternative that fits the discourse context better, children may take this as evidence that the alternative is not available for the specific verb in question. Two corpus studies are presented, comparing the information-structural profile of prepositional dative constructions containing verbs that may alternate between the dative and the ditransitive with the information structural profile of verbs that are restricted to the prepositional dative. For Pinker's preemptive mechanism to be feasible, there should be a clear and systematic difference in the information-structural profile of these two classes of verbs. However, no such difference can be found in actual usage.
Constructions, Word Grammar, and grammaticalization
Authors: Gisborne Nikolas
Published: May 2011

In this paper, I explore the hypothesis that constructions — here understood primarily as the dependencies of Word Grammar — can undergo systematic change, sometimes partly due to the effects of the grammaticalization of a lexical item or class of lexical items. I argue that the development of will as a future tense marker in English involves the development of a new construction where two separate syntactic items are associated with a single event in the semantics. I also look at the loss of the impersonal construction in English, where it has been argued that the change is driven by an increase in the schematicity of the Transitive Construction, as well as having been argued that dative experiencers have been reclassified as subjects. I observe that it has also been noted that dative experiencers could function as subjects in earlier varieties of English, and suggest that this is an example of category strengthening.
Constructional semantics on the move: On semantic specialization in the English double object construction
Authors: Colleman Timothy , De Clerck Bernard
Published: May 2011

In this article we tackle the issue of diachronic variation in constructional semantics through an exploration of the (recent) semantic history of the well-established English ditransitive or double object argument structure construction. Starting from the assumption that schematic syntactic patterns are not fundamentally different from lexical items, we will show that — similar to the diachronic semantic development of lexemes — the semantics of argument structure constructions in general and that of double object constructions in particular, is vulnerable to semasiological shifts as well. More specifically, the analysis, which compares data from 18th-century Late Modern English with present-day English, shows that the double object construction's semantic evolution presents a case of specialization, in which the construction has come to be associated with a significantly narrower range of meanings. It will further be argued that such patterns of semantic change are best captured in a model of argument structure semantics which discriminates between central and lesscentral or prototypical and non-prototypical uses.
Birth month and longevity – monthly birth distribution in acute coronary events provoked by atherothrombosis in patients treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
Authors: Stoupel Elyiahu , Abramson Evgeny , Israelevich Peter , Sulkes Jaqueline
Published: May 2011

Background: Human homeostasis is time related. Environmental physical factors also play a role. Recent studies published by the National Academy of Sciences (USA) describe human longevity links with the month of birth. The aim of this study was to check monthly birth distribution in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) related to atherothrombosis – one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in the industrial world.

Methods: A total of 4732 (3594 men) subjects were included in the study. Patients treated with PCI for AMI in the years 2000 to March 2010 were studied. The population registry specific to 1950 excluded 1024 patients, i.e., those registered as born on January 1 and they were replaced with patients with an average of births from January 2 to 31. A total of 3675 patients were finally studied (2839 men, 836 women).

Results: The average monthly birth number was 306±60.38. Significant monthly differences in birth number (q2=21.077, p<0.03) were observed. A higher birth rate in the first four months of the year was revealed, with the exception of February. The number of births in these months exceeded the following two four-month data (q2=20.57, p<0.024). March births exceeded the monthly average by more than two standard deviations (SD) – 462, with an analogical increase for both genders. In May–December births were below average.

Conclusions: Patients with AMI treated with PCI show differences in the month of birth with the majority being born in the first four months of the year and of those most were born in March. Possible implications on pathogenetic clues of atherothrombosis can be assumed.
Behavioral alterations in cystic fibrosis mice are prevented by cannabinoid treatment in infancy
Authors: Bregman Tatiana , Fride Ester
Published: May 2011

Substantial data have been accumulated regarding the molecular basis of cystic fibrosis (CF) pathogenesis, whereas the influence of biochemical impairments on brain processes has been the focus of much less attention. We have studied some behavioral parameters, such as motor activity and anxiety level, in a mice model of CF. We have assumed that functioning of the endocannabinoid system could be impaired in CF (endocannabinoids are fatty acid derivatives, and fatty acid deficiency is considered a major factor in CF etiology). We have suggested that chronic treatment with cannabinoid receptors agonist during infancy would balance cannabinoid levels and prevent CF-related behavioral alterations. Motor activity and anxiety level were studied in naïve adult CF mice (cftr-deficient mice) and compared with wild-type mice and to CF mice treated chronically with Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC; endocannabinoid receptor agonist) during infancy (from days 7 to 28). Motor activity was tested in the tetrad, and level of anxiety in the plus maze, a month after cessation of treatment. Motor activity decrease and elevated anxiety level were found in adult naïve CF mice compared with wild-type mice. CF mice treated with THC in infancy showed normal motor activity and anxiety levels in adulthood. Motor function alteration and elevated anxiety levels in CF can result from lack of CFTR-channel in neurons and disturbed activity of various brain areas, as well as being secondary and mediated by fatty acids deficiency, altered levels of endocannabinoids and their receptors. It can be suggested that chronic treatment during infancy restores endocannabinoid function and thus prevents behavioral alterations.
A Research Model for Investigating the Effects of Artificial Food Colorings on Children With ADHD
Authors: Kleinman Ronald E. , Brown Ronald T. , Cutter Gary R. , DuPaul George J. , Clydesdale Fergus M.
Published: May 2011

The United Kingdom and European Union recently restricted the use of artificial food colorings (AFCs) to improve the health of children. These decisions provide an interesting case study of the role of scientific evidence in the assessment of food additives and risk to children's health and formulation of food policy. Although there continues to be uncertainty concerning the link between AFCs and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), policy decisions have been made that have far-reaching implications. In addition, publicity surrounding the policy changes may shape public perceptions concerning effective management of ADHD. We believe that the balance of existing evidence neither refutes nor supports the link between AFCs and ADHD, which highlights the need for carefully designed studies to further investigate the link between AFCs and ADHD. In this article we describe a model for such studies. In developing our model, we drew from current investigative standards in ADHD research, such as those used in the landmark Multimodal Treatment Study of Children With ADHD. These standards encompass methodologic considerations including sample selection, outcome assessment, and data analyses. It is our hope that this model research methodology may prove valuable in addressing design considerations in future studies of AFCs and ADHD with the goal of producing reliable data that will enable policy-makers to better formulate effective, evidence-based food-policy decisions.
Community Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices toward Rabies Prevention in North Vietnam
Authors: Mai Le Thi Phuong , Dung Luu Phuong , Tho Nguyen Thi Thi , Quyet Nguyen tu , Than Phan Dang , Mai Nguyen Dieu Chi , Thuy Nguyen Thi Thanh , Lien Nguyen Thi Phuong , Dung Nguyen Anh , Dean Anna , Buchanan David , Nasca Philip C.
Published: May 2011

In recent years, despite the accessibility to vaccines (both for humans and animals), rabies remains a problem in many areas of Vietnam. While the number of rabies deaths decreased by 90% from 1994 to 2003, the number of rabies deaths increased from 2004 to 2007. In 2007, the number of rabies victims was 2–3 times higher than in 2003 and 131 people died as a result of rabies. In order to better understand Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) toward rabies in areas of both high and low incidence of rabies mortality in Vietnam, and KAP between pet and non-pet owners, a cross-sectional study was carried out by administering a structured questionnaire to 585 respondents from selected households in Thanh Son District-Phu Tho Province and Viet Yen District-Bac Giang Province, Vietnam. KAP in both high and low incidence areas, especially in groups with pets, need to be improved, particularly regarding treatment practices after a dog-bite and recommended pet care. We recommend not only enhanced IEC activities, but also the development of a Behavior Change Communication Strategy (BCC).
Knowledge and Use of HIV Counseling and Testing Services among Young Persons in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Ajuwon Ademola J. , Titiloye Musibau , Oshiname Frederick , Oyewole Oyediran
Published: May 2011

AIDS is a major public health problem in Nigeria. HIV counseling and testing (HCT) service is an important component of prevention and control programs. Little information is available about young persons' knowledge and use of HCT services in Nigeria. This study assessed knowledge of HIV/AIDS and use of HCT services among secondary school students and apprentices in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were collected through 16 focus group discussions (FGD) and administration of a 36-item questionnaire to 1,281 randomly selected male and female secondary school students and apprentices aged 15–25 years. The respondents consisted of 54% apprentices and 46% students. Although virtually all respondents were aware of AIDS, only 15.8% of the sample had heard about HCT. Of those who were aware of HCT, 30.1% knew where to access the service. Students had superior knowledge of HCT than apprentices. Only 7% of those aware of HCT had ever taken the test. The percentage of those who had reportedly taken the test ranged from 11.3% of female apprentices to 6.3% of male students, 5.3% of female students, and 5.2% of male apprentices. The barriers identified by FGD participants to use of HCT services are fear of stigmatization, perceived exorbitant cost of testing, lack of knowledge of where HCT service are available, and belief that HCT is meant for only sexually active persons. However, 82.6% of the entire sample expressed the willingness to take HCT if it is provided free of charge, and there is a guarantee of confidentiality of results. Young persons have limited knowledge of HCT and under-utilize this service. Establishment of new HCT centers, promotion activities using the media, and peer education are recommended to increase uptake of this service among young persons in Nigeria.
Implementing HPV Vaccines: Public Knowledge, Attitudes, and the Need for Education
Authors: Mishra Amrita
Published: May 2011

This article reviews qualitative research on public knowledge and attitudes to HPV vaccines, focusing on socio-economically challenged populations. Keyword searches were conducted on MEDLINE and ISI Web of Science for relevant peer-reviewed literature in English. A high acceptance of HPV vaccines was found despite low knowledge about HPV (types, prevalence, transmission, health risks, and cervical screening). Facilitators of HPV vaccine uptake included fear of cancer and desire to protect children's health. Barriers included low knowledge levels, perception of HPV vaccines as potential causes of sexual disinhibition, concerns about vaccine costs, social stigma, adverse effects, and parental unwillingness to permit vaccination of pre-adolescent children. Despite acceptance of HPV vaccines, implementation in low-resource settings faces social and economic difficulties. To pursue and strengthen cervical screening in these settings, public education about HPV is key.
Kalam cosmological argument
Authors: Djuric Drago
Published: May 2011

In this paper it will be presented polemics about kalam cosmological argument
developed in medieval islamic theology and philosophy. Main moments of that
polemics was presented for a centuries earlier in Philoponus criticism of
Aristotle?s thesis that the world is eternal, and of impossibilty of actual
infinity. Philoponus accepts the thesis that actual infinity is impossible,
but he thinks that, exactly because of that, world cannot be eternal. Namely,
according to Philoponus, something can?not come into being if its existence
requires the preexistence of an infinite number of other things, one arising
out of the other. Philoponus and his fellowers in medieval islamic theology
(Al-Kindi and Al-Ghazali), called kalam theologians, have offered arguments
against the conception of a temporally infinite universe, under?stood as a
succesive causal chain. On other side, medieval islamic thinkers, called
falasifah /philosophers/ or aristotelians (Al-Farabi, Avicenna, and
Averro?s), have offered arguments in favor of Aristotele?s conception of the
eternity of the universe. Decisive problem in disccusion between kalam i
falsafa medieval muslim thinkers was the problem of infinity. They have
offered very interesting arguments and counterarguments about concept of
infinity. In this paper it will be presented some of the crucial moments of
that arguments.
Bīrūnī and India: The first attempt to understand
Authors: Mudztabai Fathulah
Published: May 2011

In this paper author focuses his attention on one of biggest Indologist of
all times - Ab? Raihan Al-B?r?n? (973-1048). This itinerant scholar has
acquainted himself with the roots of Hindu culture and philosophy at a time
when next to nothing was known outside India about the range and richness of
its heritage.
Externalism, skepticism and epistemic luck
Authors: Lazovic Zivan
Published: May 2011

This paper deals with the concept of epistemic luck and its place within
wider philosophical debates on knowledge and skepticism. Philosophers
involved in these debates share an intuition that knowledge excludes luck.
Starting from Prichard?s modal definition of luck and his distinction between
two varieties of epistemic luck, namely veridic and reflective, the paper
explores the internalist and externalist prospects for avoiding epistemic
luck and skepticism. Externalism seems to be capable of both coping with the
Gettier-type cases and eliminating at least veridic epistemic luck by
introducing the so-called safety condition for knowledge. As such, it also
responds to some versions of skepticism as the safety condition explains how
it is possible to acquire knowledge without proving that the well known
skeptical alternatives (e.g. a brain-in-a-vat) are false. Thus, even though
it does not eliminate the reflective epistemic luck or meta-epistemological
skeptical challenge, the externalist approach to knowledge looks more
plausible than the internalist, especially because it may allow an
internalist justification to play its due role in acquiring knowledge.
Normativity and factualism: Wright’s critique of Kripke’s understanding of rules
Authors: Sladecek Michal
Published: May 2011

This paper deals with Wright?s criticism of Kripke?s interpretation of
Wittgeinstein and his understanding of the problem of following the rules,
and particularly the understanding of a so called skeptical paradox. In the
first part of the text, the author gives the basic points of Kripke?s
position, whereas the second part examines Wright?s answer to the skeptical
solution, that is, Wright?s defense of the objectivity of both the meaning
and the connections of rules and their use. The third part discusses the
range and certain weak points of Wright?s position which have to do with the
issue of the constitutive question of rules and the nature of their
normativity.
Moscow, the third Rome: A contribution to history of russian messianism, part I
Authors: Subotic Milan
Published: May 2011

This article is the first part of a broader study about the ?Russian
messianism? that is usually considered as a persistent phenomenon of crucial
importance at various times in Russian history. In the focus of the author?s
concern is emergence of the mediaeval doctrine ?Moscow, the Third Rome?. This
doctrine was formulated in an epistle of the monk Filofei, the elder of
Eleazarov monastery in Pskov. Religious background and historical context of
the idea ?Moscow, the Third Rome? are analyzed in view of the fact that
Filofei?s doctrine from XVI Century has remained fundamental pattern for all
latter modifications of messianic ideas in the course of Russian history.
Recollection and knowledge
Authors: Nikitovic Aleksandar
Published: May 2011

Ancient Greek ethics held in its heritage contradictory relation in
understanding of virtue as a key notion on which were founded polis and
politics. Sharpening and revealing of this contradiction was mostly
contribution of the sophistic movement, which by rational gauge observed
philosophically not enough clarified topics of the Ancient Greek worldview.
To solve contradiction arisen from traditional viewpoint premised on the
principle that virtue cannot be taught and stand?point that virtue is
connected to knowledge, Plato introduces notion of recollection. Recollection
becomes focal point in Plato?s overcoming of this contradiction. He analyses
two shapes of recollection, universal, but only potential and the active one,
that leads to the theory of ideas and defines what is virtue.
On gender, subjectivities and experiences: Facing the past and feminist politics of solidarity
Authors: Jovanovic Deana
Published: May 2011

The main question the article discusses is how and why feminism can reflect
upon multiple differences in Serbia through the idea of solidarity in the
discourse of facing the past. The article pays attention to the connection
between feminist practices and theories, solidarity, and the idea about moral
responsibility. The article opens discussion about (feminist) solidarity seen
as a strategic notion and points out to the politics of exclusion/inclusion
of multiple Others. Attention is devoted to gender categories and
construction of differences, as well as to the potential possibility and the
importance of reflecting upon solidarity with gender diversities. The latter
are briefly depicted through research results of analysis of women?s memory
narratives - nurses and antiwar activists - whose subjectivities, experiences
and gender positions, in their interaction, influenced construction of their
narratives, differences, but also their relationship with the past.
A quantitative structure-retention relationship for the prediction of retention indices of the essential oils of Ammoides atlantica
Authors: Azar Aberomand , Nekoei Mehdi , Riahi Siavash , Ganjali Mohamad , Zare Karim
Published: May 2011

A simple, descriptive and interpretable model, based on a quantitative
structure-retention relationship (QSRR), was developed using the genetic
algorithm-multiple linear regression (GA-MLR) approach for the prediction of
the retention indices (RI) of essential oil components. By molecular
modeling, three significant descriptors related to the RI values of the
essential oils were identified. A data set was selected consisting of the
retention indices for 32 essential oil molecules with a range of more than
931 compounds. Then, a suitable set of the molecular descriptors was
calculated and the important descriptors were selected with the aid of the
genetic algorithm and multiple regression method. A model with a low
prediction error and a good correlation coefficient was obtained. This model
was used for the prediction of the RI values of some essential oil
components which were not used in the modeling procedure.
Composition and in vitro antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Dorema ammoniacum D. Don. fruit from Iran
Authors: Yousefzadi Morteza , Mirjalili Hossein , Alnajar Naba , Zeinali Amineh , Parsa Mitra
Published: May 2011

The genus Dorema (Apiaceae) is represented in the flora of Iran with seven
species of which two, D. ammoniacum D. Don. and D. aucheri Boiss. are
endemic. Ripe fruits of D. ammoniacum collected just in the deciduous time
were subjected to hydrodistillation to yield the essential oil, which was
subsequently analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Twenty-nine compounds were identified
and quantified, representing 95.1 % of the total oil. (Z)-Ocimenone (22.3 %)
and (E)-ocimenone (18.1 %) were the main components of the oil. In vitro
antimicrobial activity of the oil was evaluated against seven Gram-positive
and Gram-negative bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis,
Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae) and three fungi (Candida
albicans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Aspergillus niger). The results of the
antimicrobial assay of the oil by the disc diffusion method and the MIC
values indicated that the oil exhibited moderate to high antimicrobial
activity, especially against B. subtilis and S. epidermidis with MIC value of
3.75 mg ml-1.
Transition metal complexes with thiosemicarbazide-based ligands, Part 58. Synthesis, spectral and structural characterization of dioxovanadium(V) complexes with salicylaldehyde thiosemicarbazone
Authors: Vojinovic-Jesic Ljiljana , Leovac Vukadin , Lalovic Mirjana , Cesljevic Valerija , Jovanovic Ljiljana , Rodic Marko , Divjakovic Vladimir
Published: May 2011

The first two complexes of dioxovanadium(V) with salicylaldehyde
thiosemicarbazone (SALTSC), of the coordination formulas [VO2(SALTSC-H)]?H2O
(1) and NH4[VO2(SALTSC-2H] (2), were synthesized and characterized by
elemental analysis, conductometric measurements, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy
and X-ray analysis. The complexes were obtained in the reaction of an
aqueous ammoniacal solution of NH4VO3 and SALTSC. The results of the
characterization showed that SALTSC was coordinated in the usual ONS
tridentate mode as monoanion in complex 1 and dianion in complex 2. In both
complexes, the vanadium atom is in a deformed square-pyramidal environment
and is slightly shifted towards the apical oxo-ligand (? 0.52 ?).
The emerging European defense market
Authors: Korac Srdjan , Bulatovic Aleksandra
Published: May 2011

The paper deals with prospects of the developing common EU defense
procurement market and policy with a view to strengthening the defense
identity of the European Union as well as to promoting its external profile
and international role. Despite of the European Union?s overall GDP, the
Union is not considered a serious military power. The EU processes of market
integration and rationalization have bypassed European defense industries,
which are fragmented and increasingly losing ground to their American and
some Far East Asian competitors. This has prompted calls for introducing the
supranational defense procurement and defense industry policies. The analysis
focuses on functioning of the European Defense Equipment Market via
application of the EU Code of Conduct on Defense Procurement and reviews EU
prospects for establishment of a single defense market from the policy,
organizational and commercial perspectives. The authors conclude that in the
long run, the voluntary intergovernmental defense procurement regime
established between some EU members will open prospects of cutting national
defense spending, fostering the global competitiveness of the defense
industries of EU member states and building up a respectable military
capacity to additionally support the Common Defense and Security Policy.
The crime of aggression between consensus and contestation
Authors: Milovanovic Milos
Published: May 2011

The efforts to define the crime of aggression as an international crime are
accompanied by many problems. Some countries see it as a sign of salvation
against foreign interference in internal affairs, while others see it as a
limiting factor in achieving their own interests. In the battle between
consensus and contestation every victory was a Pyrrhic one and the price of
any compromise was high. However, after the Review Conference of the Rome
Statute of the International Criminal Court, which was held in 2010, we have
many reasons for optimism. In this paper, the author presents the historical
development of the crime of aggression from the theoretical discussion to its
criminalization as an international crime. It is through a critical analysis
of the norms in international documents and judgments of international courts
based on them that we point to all the advantages and disadvantages of
defining aggression. In his conclusion, the author predicts the future of the
crime of aggression, bearing in mind the latest solutions in theory and
practice of international criminal law.
Germany and the European economy
Authors: Simon György
Published: May 2011

Germany has traditionally been the powerhouse of the European economy and
integration. In this article, an attempt is made to put its economic
development in a European context by comparing it with the achievements of
the total group of more developed members of the European Union, the EU-15,
prior to the current global crisis. The author applies both the methods of
statistical analysis and models of mathematical economics to show the
combined influence of growth mechanism regularities, economic policy and
international economic relations on the long-term development of the German
and European economy. Viewing economic growth as the central problem, he
investigates the factors of its deviations from the equilibrium state, as
well as the regularities affecting productivity and technical progress. His
main conclusion is that the current economic crisis can be surmounted with
the help of a growthoriented economic policy based on the intensification of
technical progress and, first of all, of its creative component, which would
create favorable conditions for improving competitiveness.