bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability of SiNX/SiNX double stack antireflection coating for single crystalline silicon solar cells
Authors: Lee Youngseok , Gong Daeyeong , Balaji Nagarajan , Lee Youn-Jung , Yi Junsin
Published: January 2012

Double stack antireflection coatings have significant advantages over single-layer antireflection coatings due to their broad-range coverage of the solar spectrum. A solar cell with 60-nm/20-nm SiNX:H double stack coatings has 17.8% efficiency, while that with a 80-nm SiNX:H single coating has 17.2% efficiency. The improvement of the efficiency is due to the effect of better passivation and better antireflection of the double stack antireflection coating. It is important that SiNX:H films have strong resistance against stress factors since they are used as antireflective coating for solar cells. However, the tolerance of SiNX:H films to external stresses has never been studied. In this paper, the stability of SiNX:H films prepared by a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition system is studied. The stability tests are conducted using various forms of stress, such as prolonged thermal cycle, humidity, and UV exposure. The heat and damp test was conducted for 100 h, maintaining humidity at 85% and applying thermal cycles of rapidly changing temperatures from -20°C to 85°C over 5 h. UV exposure was conducted for 50 h using a 180-W UV lamp. This confirmed that the double stack antireflection coating is stable against external stress.
Indoor formaldehyde removal over CMK-3
Authors: An Hyung Bum , Yu Mi Jin , Kim Ji Man , Jin Mingshi , Jeon Jong-Ki , Park Sung Hoon , Kim Seung-Soo , Park Young-Kwon
Published: January 2012

The removal of formaldehyde at low concentrations is important in indoor air pollution research. In this study, mesoporous carbon with a large specific surface area was used for the adsorption of low-concentration indoor formaldehyde. A mesoporous carbon material, CMK-3, was synthesized using the nano-replication method. SBA-15 was used as a mesoporous template. The surface of CMK-3 was activated using a 2N H2SO4 solution and NH3 gas to prepare CMK-3-H2SO4 and CMK-3-NH3, respectively. The activated samples were characterized by N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The formaldehyde adsorption performance of the mesoporous carbons was in the order of CMK-3-NH3 > CMK-3-H2SO4 > CMK-3. The difference in the adsorption performance was explained by oxygen and nitrogen functional groups formed during the activation process and by the specific surface area and pore structure of mesoporous carbon.
Neurogenesis in the central olfactory pathway of adult decapod crustaceans: development of the neurogenic niche in the brains of procambarid crayfish
Authors: Sintoni Silvia , Benton Jeanne L , Beltz Barbara S , Hansson Bill S , Harzsch Steffen
Published: January 2012

Background

In the decapod crustacean brain, neurogenesis persists throughout the animal's life. After embryogenesis, the central olfactory pathway integrates newborn olfactory local and projection interneurons that replace old neurons or expand the existing population. In crayfish, these neurons are the descendants of precursor cells residing in a neurogenic niche. In this paper, the development of the niche was documented by monitoring proliferating cells with S-phase-specific markers combined with immunohistochemical, dye-injection and pulse-chase experiments.

Results

Between the end of embryogenesis and throughout the first post-embryonic stage (POI), a defined transverse band of mitotically active cells (which we will term 'the deutocerebral proliferative system' (DPS) appears. Just prior to hatching and in parallel with the formation of the DPS, the anlagen of the niche appears, closely associated with the vasculature. When the hatchling molts to the second post-embryonic stage (POII), the DPS differentiates into the lateral (LPZ) and medial (MPZ) proliferative zones. The LPZ and MPZ are characterized by a high number of mitotically active cells from the beginning of post-embryonic life; in contrast, the developing niche contains only very few dividing cells, a characteristic that persists in the adult organism.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that the LPZ and MPZ are largely responsible for the production of new neurons in the early post-embryonic stages, and that the neurogenic niche in the beginning plays a subordinate role. However, as the neuroblasts in the proliferation zones disappear during early post-embryonic life, the neuronal precursors in the niche gradually become the dominant and only mechanism for the generation of new neurons in the adult brain.
Modeling of leishmaniasis infection dynamics: novel application to the design of effective therapies
Authors: Länger Bettina M , Pou-Barreto Cristina , González-Alcón Carlos , Valladares Basilio , Wimmer Bettina , Torres Néstor V
Published: January 2012

Background

The WHO considers leishmaniasis as one of the six most important tropical diseases worldwide. It is caused by parasites of the genusLeishmaniathat are passed on to humans and animals by the phlebotomine sandfly. Despite all of the research, there is still a lack of understanding on the metabolism of the parasite and the progression of the disease. In this study, a mathematical model of disease progression was developed based on experimental data of clinical symptoms, immunological responses, and parasite load forLeishmania amazonensisinBALB/cmice.

Results

Four biologically significant variables were chosen to develop a differential equation model based on the GMA power-law formalism. Parameters were determined to minimize error in the model dynamics and time series experimental data. Subsequently, the model robustness was tested and the model predictions were verified by comparing them with experimental observations made in different experimental conditions. The model obtained helps to quantify relationships between the selected variables, leads to a better understanding of disease progression, and aids in the identification of crucial points for introducing therapeutic methods.

Conclusions

Our model can be used to identify the biological factors that must be changed to minimize parasite load in the host body, and contributes to the design of effective therapies.
Investigation of injection-induced seismicity using a coupled fluid flow and rate/state friction model
Authors: McClure Mark W. , Horne Roland N.
Published: January 2012

We describe a numerical investigation of seismicity induced by injection into a single isolated fracture. Injection into a single isolated fracture is a simple analog for shear stimulation in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) during which water is injected into fractured, low permeability rock, triggering slip on preexisting large scale fracture zones. A model was developed and used that couples (1) fluid flow, (2) rate and state friction, and (3) mechanical stress interaction between fracture elements. Based on the results of this model, we propose a mechanism to describe the process by which the stimulated region grows during shear stimulation, which we refer to as the sequential stimulation (SS) mechanism. If the SS mechanism is realistic, it would undermine assumptions that are made for the estimation of the minimum principal stress and unstimulated hydraulic diffusivity. We investigated the effect of injection pressure on induced seismicity. For injection at constant pressure, there was not a significant dependence of maximum event magnitude on injection pressure, but there were more relatively large events for higher injection pressure. Decreasing injection pressure over time significantly reduced the maximum event magnitude. Significant seismicity occurred after shut-in, which was consistent with observations from EGS stimulations. Production of fluid from the well immediately after injection inhibited shut-in seismic events. The results of the model in this study were found to be broadly consistent with results from prior work using a simpler treatment of friction that we refer to as static/dynamic. We investigated the effect of shear-induced pore volume dilation and the rate and state characteristic length scale, [Formula: see text]. Shear-induced pore dilation resulted in a larger number of lower magnitude events. A larger value of [Formula: see text] caused slip to occur aseismically.
When the Saints Go Marching Out: Long-Term Outcomes for Student Evacuees from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
Authors: Sacerdote Bruce
Published: January 2012

I examine long-term academic performance and college going for students affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Students who are forced to switch schools due to the hurricanes experience sharp declines in test scores in the first year following the hurricanes. However, by the third and fourth years after the disaster, evacuees displaced from Orleans Parish see a 0.18 standard deviation improvement in scores. Gains are concentrated among students initially in the lowest quintiles of the test score distribution. Katrina evacuees do not show gains in college going relative to earlier cohorts from their same pre-hurricane high schools. (JEL I20, Q54, R23).
Comparison of zinc species in two specimens of edible plants and their fate in the human gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Ovca Andrej , van Elteren Johannes T. , Falnoga Ingrid , Šelih Vid S.
Published: January 2012

The objectives of this work were to get information on Zn species in two different specimens of edible plants (pumpkin seeds and iceberg lettuce) and simulation of their behavior in the human gastrointestinal tract. An array of analytical techniques was used to aid in this research: ultrasound-assisted variable volume extraction, size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and physiologically based extraction tests (PBETs); elemental detection was performed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Results show that pumpkin seeds and iceberg lettuce have different Zn species fingerprints (in water extracts) with a high (ca. 70 %) low-molecular-weight fraction (ca. 500 Da) in iceberg lettuce and a high (ca. 60 %) intermediate/high-molecular-weight fraction (10–20 kDa) in pumpkin seeds. When these Zn species are subjected to conditions simulating the human stomach (pH ~ 2) complete scrambling to their basic ionic form (Zn2+) takes place. Under conditions simulating the digestion in the intestines (pH ~ 7) formation of insoluble Zn complexes occurs, especially for pumpkin seeds, which may be related to antinutrients like naturally present phytate, leading to reduced Zn bioaccessibility in the small intestine.
Safe haven or limbo? Iraqi refugees in Egypt
Authors: SADEK SARA
Published: January 2012

After 2005 many Iraqi families sought refuge in Egypt, fleeing the repercussions of the US-led war on Iraq, including the spread of sectarian violence. In comparison with Iraqis in other Arab states, those in Egypt have received little attention. Using refugee narratives, this article
aims to shed light on the journeys of some Iraqi families to Egypt. It also discusses the status of Iraqis in the context of the broader refugee regime operating in Egypt and the complex relations between Iraqis and Egyptians today.
Lessons learned: Palestinian refugees from Baghdad to Damascus
Authors: ZAMAN TAHIR
Published: January 2012

This article seeks to address the paucity of research on the Palestinian Iraqi community. Analysis of refugee narratives gathered at the Palestinian Iraqi Association community centre in Damascus reveals the dynamics of the refugee process in the context of local integration with the
host community. It also considers the extent to which previous experience and memory of being a refugee acts as a social and cultural resource, helping to create a distinctive geography of exile and a means of bolstering welfare strategy. Mukhayim Yarmouk, a suburb of Damascus, provides the
context in which social relations unfold, and where Palestinian Iraqi refugees renegotiate identity and space.
REVIEWS
Authors: Herring Eric , Ismael, Professor Tareq , Bowring Bill , Herring Eric , Alhussain Eman , Tidy Joanna
Published: January 2012

CULTURAL CLEANSING IN IRAQ: WHY MUSEUMS WERE LOOTED, LIBRARIES BURNED AND ACADEMICS MURDERED, RAYMOND W. BAKER, SHEREEN T. ISMAEL AND TAREQ Y. ISMAEL (EDS) (2010) London: Pluto Press, 298 + xii pp., ISBN-10: 9780745328126, p/bk, £18.99

IZDIHÂR AL-'IRAQ TAHT AL-HUKM AL-MALAKÎ
(1921-1958): DIRÂSAH TÂRÎKHIYYAH, SIYÂSIYYAH, IJTIMÂ'IYYAH MOQÂRANAH, MA'MÛN AMÎN ZAKI (2011) London: Dar AlHikma Publishing and Distribution, 504 pp., ISBN 1-904923-78-X, £15 (pbk)

THE LAW AND PRACTICE OF INTERNATIONAL TERRITORIAL ADMINISTRATION:
VERSAILLES TO IRAQ AND BEYOND, CARSTEN STAHN, (2010) Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 828 + Lxix pp., £42.75, ISBN-10 0521173957 and ISBN-13 978-0521173957 (pbk). Hardback edition, 2008

AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY AND POSTWAR RECONSTRUCTION: COMPARING JAPAN AND IRAQ, JEFF BRIDOUX,
(2011) London: Routledge, Xii and 240 pp., £71.25, ISBN 13: 978-0-415-56397-0 (hbk), ISBN 13: 978-0-203-84341-3 (ebk)

THE POLITICAL ROAD TO WAR WITH IRAQ: BUSH, 9/11 AND THE DRIVE TO OVERTHROW SADDAM, NICK RITCHIE AND PAUL ROGERS, (2007) London: Routledge, 240 pp., £71.25, ISBN:
0415459508 (hbk)

RE-IMAGINING THE WAR ON TERROR: SEEING, WAITING, TRAVELLING, ANDREW HILL, (2009) London: Palgrave, US$80.00/UK£47.50, ISBN-10: 0230200087, ISBN-13: 978-0230200081 (hbk)
Writing art: Revealing distinctive modes
Authors: FAGENCE BRIAN
Published: January 2012

We are often writing about, to excavate meanings, seeking to discover from the post of production in media and design; however, the initiating development stages of production can reveal much of the study of the arts. Across media the writer engages with the various stages of production
at different times and in different ways, so how may storytelling and scriptwriting reveal the distinctiveness of form for one medium amongst many? This study will explore the processes of creative writing used in the transmedia development of The Fallow Narratives, to expose, explain and
consider our understandings of other modes of communication from their (often) textual beginnings.
Adhesion of Thermally Sprayed Metallic Coating
Authors: Varavallo Rogério , Manfrinato Marcos Dorigão , Rossino Luciana Sgarbi , Maluf Omar , Camargo Flavio
Published: January 2012

An adhesion testing device was built, based on the ASTM C 633-79 standard, to study the deposition of metallic coatings produced by the HVOF (high velocity oxygen fuel) thermal spray process with the materials 1342 VM, 1350 VM, and 8812, and by the arc spray (AS) process with the materials STELLIT 6 PM SD 38 EF, 97 MXC, and 140 MXC. This type of test is widely used as a tool to determine the influence of the conditions of the thermal spray technique, substrate surface and abrasive blasting on the strength, and adhesion of the sprayed layer on the substrate. The sprayed coatings were characterized based on their hardness, metallographic characteristics, and roughness measurements. They also underwent adhesion tests, and the fracture surfaces of each material were analyzed, revealing mixed results, i.e., different types of fractures involving cohesive fracture, adhesive failure, and adhesive fracture, according to the type of coating produced.
Mechanical and Microstrutural Characterization of Weldments of Ferritic Stainless Steel AISI 444 Using Austenitic Stainless Steels Filler Metals
Authors: Antunes Pedro Duarte , Corrêa Edmilson Otoni , Barbedo Nancy Delducca , Souza Paola de Oliveira , Gonçalves José Luiz , Diacenco Adriana Amaro
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the filler metal on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ferritic stainless steel AISI 444 welded using two types of filler metal of austenitic stainless steel. Microstructure examinations showed that in both welded joints grain growth occurred in the heat affected zone (HAZ). The results also showed that the fusion zone of the weld joints using E309L filler metal presented a discontinuous network of delta ferrite unlike the fusion zone of the weld joint using E316L. Tensile tests showed that the failures of specimens always occurred in the HAZ and that the weldments using E316L filler metal presented tensile strength lower than that of the weldment using E309L filler metal. In the fusion zone of the weldments using E316L filler metal, values for hardness were found to be higher than those found in the fusion zone of the E309L filler metal.
Counter-Media, Migration, Poetry: Interview with John Akomfrah
Authors: Power Nina
Published: January 2012

An interview with British avant-garde filmmaker John Akomfrah, focusing on his 1986 feature (made as part of Black Audio Film Collective) about riots in the U.K., Handsworth Songs, and his latest work, The Nine Muses, a blend of archive footage, mysterious landscape shots, and poetic voiceover.
Epilepsy Patient-Participants and Genetic Research Results as “Answers”
Authors: Namey Emily E. , Beskow Laura M.
Published: January 2012

Better understanding of how research participants with a known condition ascribe meaning to individual genetic results is important to help researchers and institutional review boards evaluate the potential benefits and harms of disclosing results in the context of genotype-driven research recruitment. Based on 29 in-depth interviews with epilepsy patients participating in a genetic study, we found that this population of research subjects anticipated that genetic research results would provide answers to a range of questions about the research process and their condition. Their multi-layered interpretations underscore the need for clear communication about the nature and limitations of results if individual or aggregate genetic results are returned in the process of recruitment for additional research.
Information That Should Be Given to HIV Cohort Participants during Ongoing Research: The Viewpoints of Patient Representatives and Research Professionals
Authors: Franrenet Sandra , Moutel Grégoire , Raffi François , Dabis François , Bruyand Mathias , Hervé Christian , Leport Catherine , Duchange Nathalie
Published: January 2012

While investigators have a duty to provide research participants with summary findings at the end of a study, providing general information during the course of research is rarely considered. However, this raises an important ethical issue in the context of long-term studies such as cohorts or biobanks. We investigated this issue in the context of two ANRS cohorts of HIV-infected patients, AQUITAINE and COPILOTE. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with HIV patient representatives and research professionals concerning the delivery of information in the course of the research. Respondents stated that participants wish to be informed of research results (both aggregate and individual) but also expect general information about the cohort itself, research progression, and what their participation may provide. It was concluded that information provided during the course of the research may help participants to distinguish between care and research. The essential role of clinicians-investigators in providing information was emphasized.
Schmoozing in Elementary School: The Importance of Social Capital to First Graders
Authors: Freeman Kendralin J. , Condron Dennis J.
Published: January 2012

Sociologists have investigated the importance of social capital for many outcomes, but the influence of various types of social capital—particularly intergenerational closure—on inequality in students' academic skills remains unclear. In this study, the authors draw on and extend theoretical perspectives rooted in Coleman and Bourdieu to assess the impact of both strong and weak ties on children's learning. Analyzing data on first graders from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten Cohort (ECLS-K), the authors show that multiple types of social capital are distributed unequally by social class, and that these disparities in social capital partially mediate the relationship between social class and gains in math skills. Intergenerational closure, however, does not promote learning net of other factors. Supporting primarily Bourdieu's perspective on social capital, the authors conclude that weak ties in particular are critical in explaining class inequality in learning, even during the early years of a child's education.
Talking with Me or Talking at Me? The Impact of Status Characteristics on Doctor-Patient Interaction
Authors: Peck B. Mitchell , Conner Sonya
Published: January 2012

Over the last two decades, the way doctors and patients interact has changed. There has been a shift away from what Talcott Parsons described as a paternalistic model of interaction to a more collaborative, participatory, patient-centered model of interaction. Yet not all interactions between doctors and patients are collaborative. Using status characteristics theory, the authors hypothesized that medical encounters are more likely to be physician dominated when the status differences between doctors and patients are higher. They tested hypotheses about race, gender, and socioeconomic status differences between doctors and patients. The authors found support for the hypotheses, especially regarding status differences for race and gender. Doctor-patient interactions were most physician-centered when doctors had higher status than patients on race (white versus non-white) and gender (male versus female)
Hegemonies in the World-System: An Empirical Assessment of Hegemonic Sequences from the 16th to 20th Century
Authors: Kwon Roy
Published: January 2012

Both the world-economy perspective in sociology and the world politics perspective in political science recognize the importance of examining the rise and fall of world powers, and generally agree on the main causal mechanisms responsible for the rise and fall process. However, there is much less convergence between these perspectives on the indicators used to measure the relative power of nation-states. Thus, although in agreement over theory, there is much less agreement on the identity and timing of hegemonies. This article attempts to overcome this impasse by creating a hegemony index to assess the power structure of the capitalist world-system. Though results support the world-economy view of three hegemons since the 16th century, findings also contradict this perspective and show that England is the most powerful nation during two successive hegemonic sequences. Conclusions highlight the possibility of hegemonic resuccession, while supplementary analysis provides evidence of U.S. resuccession since the 1980s.
Gendered Arrests or Gendered Sentencing: Explaining the Narrowing of the Gender Gap in Imprisonment over Time: 1970–2008
Authors: Harmon Mark G. , O'Brien Robert M.
Published: January 2012

Since 1970 the percentage of women incarcerated in U.S. prisons has risen from nearly 3 percent to almost 7 percent—more than doubling in less than 40 years. This article examines explanations for this phenomenon—concentrating on two: Changes in the relative rates of arrest for females and males and sentencing reforms that were instituted during this period. The authors examine trends in female to male imprisonment rates from 1970 to 2008 across all fifty states using panel analysis. The only robust relationship they find is between the ratio of female to male incarceration rates and the ratio of female to male arrest rates for drug crimes. Sentencing reforms designed to limit the discretion of judges and those designed to limit the discretion of parole boards (the elimination of parole boards or truth in sentencing) are not related to changes in the ratio of female to male incarceration rates.
Trophoblast development
Authors: Pfeffer Peter L , Pearton David J
Published: January 2012

This review summarises current knowledge about the specification, commitment and maintenance of the trophoblast lineage in mice and cattle. Results from gene expression studies,in vivoloss-of-function models andin vitrosystems using trophoblast and embryonic stem cells have been assimilated into a model seeking to explain trophoblast ontogeny via gene regulatory networks. While trophoblast differentiation is quite distinct between cattle and mice, as would be expected from their different modes of implantation, recent studies have demonstrated that differences arise much earlier during trophoblast development.
Estratégia acolhimento mãe-bebê: aspectos relacionados à clientela atendida em uma unidade básica de saúde do município do Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Souza Maria Helena do Nascimento , Gomes Thaiane Nascimento da Conceição , Paz Elisabete Pimenta Araújo , Trindade Celise Silva da , Veras Regina Célia Carvalho
Published: January 2012

O presente trabalho é um estudo descritivo, que objetivou identificar as características sociodemográficas e de saúde de mães e as condições de saúde de crianças atendidas pelos enfermeiros na Estratégia de Acolhimento Mãe e Bebê em uma Unidade Básica de Saúde do Estado de Rio de Janeiro. Os dados foram coletados em 421 prontuários das crianças atendidas em uma Unidade Básica em 2009. Realizou-se a análise univariada dos dados com uso do software "Epi-info" versão 3.5. Os resultados mostraram que: 70,6% das mães estavam na faixa etária de 20 até 35 anos, 58,2% haviam realizado parto normal, 5,0% apresentaram alteração na cicatriz cirúrgica, e 23,8%, alteração nas mamas. O companheiro e a avó materna foram os membros da rede social que mais forneceram apoio no pós-parto. Com relação aos recém-nascidos 52,5% tinham até 7 dias de vida, 90,3% encontravam-se em aleitamento materno exclusivo, 16,2% apresentavam icterícia, e 3,8% apresentaram alteração no coto umbilical. Conclui-se que a avaliação do grupo escolhido proporciona informações importantes para que os enfermeiros possam apoiar eficientemente as mães nos cuidados com os recém-nascidos, o que contribui à formação do vínculo das mães com este profissional, além da adoção de práticas de promoção da saúde.
Assistência de enfermagem às famílias de indivíduos que tentaram suicídio
Authors: Buriola Aline Aparecida , Arnauts Ivonete , Decesaro Maria das Neves , Oliveira Magda Lúcia Félix de , Marcon Sonia Silva
Published: January 2012

Estudo qualitativo que objetivou conhecer a assistência de enfermagem oferecida aos familiares de indivíduos que tentaram suicídio, durante o atendimento inicial da ocorrência. Os dados foram coletados, em maio e junho de 2008, de 21 enfermeiros atuantes em Unidades de Atenção às Urgências, de três cidades do Sul do Brasil, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada. Na análise emergiram duas categorias: "A prática profissional e o cuidado à família do indivíduo que tentou suicídio" e "Emergindo as emoções no viver profissional", as quais revelam que as famílias normalmente são procuradas para informações sobre o caso, mas raramente constituem foco da assistência. Os profissionais mostram-se descontentes com esta situação, contudo percebem-se limitados, embora acreditem que maior atenção instituiria medidas eficazes para um cuidado humanizado. Estes resultados podem subsidiar a atuação dos enfermeiros com vistas a uma assistência que considere a pessoa e a família de forma holística.
Sistematização da assistência de enfermagem como ferramenta da gerência do cuidado: estudo de caso
Authors: Torres Érica , Christovam Bárbara Pompeu , Fuly Patrícia Claro dos Santos , Silvino Zenith Rosa , Andrade Marilda
Published: January 2012

Trata-se de estudo de natureza qualitativa, do tipo estudo de caso único, em que se adotou uma triangulação de técnicas para obtenção dos dados (questionário estruturado, observação sistemática e análise documental) e análise de conteúdo segundo Bardin para análise. Objetivou-se verificar se os enfermeiros do Serviço de Infectologia de um hospital universitário consideram a Sistematização da Assistência de Enfermagem (SAE) uma ferramenta da gerência do cuidado e analisar se a SAE, enquanto ferramenta gerencial, serve de base para suas ações de cuidar. Identificou-se que os sujeitos compreendem o que é SAE e a gerência do cuidado e enxergam uma relação entre as duas. Ficou demonstrada uma lacuna entre o que é dito e o que é praticado. Não se pode considerar que a SAE, enquanto ferramenta gerencial, serve de base para o cuidado. Recomendam-se estratégias que possibilitariam um feedback às gerências dos serviços de enfermagem sobre estes aspectos.
Desempenho e histomorfometria intestinal de frangos de corte de 1 a 21 dias de idade recebendo melhoradores de crescimento
Authors: Ramos Lidiana de Siqueira Nunes , Lopes João Batista , Silva Silvana Maria Medeiros de Sousa , Silva Francisco Eduardo Soares , Ribeiro Mabell Nery
Published: January 2012

Esta pesquisa foi desenvolvida para avaliar o desempenho produtivo e a histomorfometria dos segmentos do intestino delgado em frangos de corte no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes aditivos melhoradores de crescimento: ração controle (sem melhorador de crescimento); ração controle + antibióticos (colistina e bacitracina de zinco); ração controle + probiótico; ração controle + prebiótico; ração controle + probiótico + prebiótico. As aves foram distribuídas em delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas as variáveis de desempenho, consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar e as características morfométricas, altura, perímetro e profundidade de vilos, dos segmentos do intestino delgado no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade. O desempenho das aves e as características morfométricas dos segmentos dos intestino não apresentaram diferença entre os grupos. O uso de probiótico, prebiótico, probiótico + prebiótico e antibiótico em rações para frangos de corte no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade em condições de baixo desafio sanitário não interfere no desempenho e nas características histomorfométricas dos segmentos do intestino delgado.
Comparisons between measured and computed responses of piles adjacent to tunnelling operations
Authors: POULOS H. G.
Published: January 2012

Comparisons are made between the measured and computed axial and lateral responses of piles supporting a viaduct bridge in Singapore. The computed values were obtained from programs that use simplified boundary-element analyses for axial and lateral pile response, combined with input free-field ground movements obtained from approximate closed-form solutions. Parallel twin tunnels were constructed adjacent to the piles and measurements of axial force and bending moment in two of the piles that were instrumented have been reported. The agreement between measured and computed behaviour is generally good.
Perceptual assessment of laser‐speckle contrast
Authors: Geri George A. , Williams Logan A.
Published: January 2012

Abstract— A procedure is described for perceptually assessing the effects of laser speckle on target discrimination in the context of developing a laser‐display measurement standard. The perceptual approach avoids the difficulties inherent in assessing speckle contrast photometrically. Size thresholds for triangular test stimuli were obtained using an orientation discrimination task. Data were obtained for both a laser display and an LCD monitor using both a method of constant stimuli and a QUEST procedure. The identification threshold was 29% higher for the laser display. Given that the measured spatial resolutions of the displays were similar, the difference in threshold was attributed to the effects of laser speckle. Laser‐speckle size was also estimated as part of the display calibration. For a chosen camera f‐number, speckle‐size data are necessary to determine the sensor pixel density required to photometrically estimate speckle contrast, and they may be useful for comparison with the data obtained using the perceptual procedure described here. Mean speckle size was estimated by scaling and normalizing the laser‐speckle luminance and then determining the width of the associated autocorrelation function. It is proposed that a laser‐display standard be developed based in part upon a comparison of task performance on the laser display to be evaluated and on a standard display.
Effectiveness of Systemic Amoxicillin/Metronidazole as Adjunctive Therapy to Scaling and Root Planing in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Sgolastra Fabrizio , Gatto Roberto , Petrucci Ambra , Monaco Annalisa
Published: January 2012

Background: The combination of Amoxicillin and metronidazole (AMX/MET) as an adjunctive treatment to scaling root planing (SRP) has been proposed for the treatment of chronic periodontitis; however, its effectiveness and clinical safety remain to be defined. The purpose of the present meta‐analysis is to assess the effectiveness of SRP + AMX/MET compared to SRP alone.

Methods: An electronic search of eight databases from their earliest records through October 8, 2011 and a hand search of international dental journals for the last 15 years were conducted. Gain in clinical attachment level (CAL), reduction in probing depth (PD), secondary outcomes, and adverse events were analyzed. A random‐effect model was used to pool the extracted data. The weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for continuous outcomes; heterogeneity was assessed with the Cochrane χ2 and I2 tests. The level of significance was set at P <0.05.

Results: After the selection process, four randomized clinical trials were included. Results of the meta‐analysis showed significant CAL gain (WMD = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.4; P <0.05) and PD reduction (WMD = 0.43; 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.63; P <0.05) in favor of SRP + AMX/MET. No significant differences were found for bleeding on probing (WMD = 10.77; 95% CI = −3.43 to 24.97; P >0.05) or suppuration (WMD = 1.77; 95% CI = −1.7 to 5.24; P >0.05).

Conclusion: The findings of this meta‐analysis seem to support the effectiveness of SRP + AMX/MET; however, future studies are needed to confirm these results.
Optimized Anchor-Handling Operations in Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Authors: Tjøm Kyrre J. , Steinhovden Knut Ove , Ekrem Steinar , Saasen Arild
Published: January 2012

Pre-laying of anchors is an efficient method for anchor handling in regions with narrow weather windows like in the North Sea area. Still, time is needed to connect the pre-laid anchors to the rigs. Normally, in advance of rig arrival the anchor chain on the sea bed is grappled for connection of the chain to a buoy. This grappling operation will normally disturb the sea bed surface and can harm potential coral colonies. Furthermore, when a surface buoy is connected it is normally required to use a guard boat to hinder collision between buoys and other marine traffic.

In order to improve the time efficiency of the anchor handling, to prevent the buoy from being run over by general marine traffic and to minimise any environmental impacts a new type of buoy is introduced. This buoy is remotely operated and will until activated stay close to the sea bed on conventional applications, or close to an artificial sea bed on ultra deep water applications. On activation the buoy will uncoil a soft line slowly until the buoy reaches the sea surface for pick up. By the use of this buoy there is no need for grappling.
An Evaluation of the Fungi Isolated from Sub-epidermal Region of Post-harvested Stored Wheat Grains
Authors: Mathew Shiju , Thomas George , Ahmad Tufail
Published: January 2012

The criteria of wheat quality are as varied as their different uses. Wheat, which is suitable for a particular use / product, may have certain characters that make it entirely unsatisfactory for other purposes. The storage fungi damage the grains in several ways; they reduce the germinability, produce undesirable odor and kernel discoloration, decrease the food value and also produce toxins injurious to the health of consumers. The sub-epidermal mycoflora of stored wheat grains predominantly consisted of ubiquitous mould genera Aspergillus, Alternaria and Penicillium possibly because of their omnipresence, capacity to grow on all possible substrates and a wide range of temperature and humidity. The most frequent species observed in the stored wheat grains of Aspergillus were A. niger and A. fumigates, Alternaria alternata and Pencillium citrinum. Among these the frequency of Alternaria alternata was highest which has the capacity to produce mycotoxin which can contaminate and cause spoilage. The grain losses found in quantity and quality; can be in the form of depletion in seed viability, hardness, color, size and shape, grain weight and various biochemical parameters viz., protein, carbohydrate and vitamins under post harvest storages. Key words: wheat; post-harvest; storage; sub-epidermal fungi and spoilage. Nepal Journal of Biotechnology. Jan. 2011, Vol. 1, No. 1 : 9-13
Recanalization with subsequent near-total occlusion of an internal carotid artery aneurysm after immediate thrombotic occlusion using a flow-diverting stent
Authors: Wong George Kwok Chu , Yu Simon Chun Ho , Siu Deyond Yung Woon , Poon Wai Sang
Published: January 2012

A flow-diverting stent is placed in the parent artery to reduce blood flow in the aneurysm sac to facilitate progressive thrombosis and neointimal remodeling while maintaining outflow in the side branches and perforators. All international multicenter registries have reported on the progressive occlusion of aneurysms with time and have implied that an occluded aneurysm would not recanalize given the protective effect of the altered hemodynamics. Recanalization of an occluded aneurysm after placement of a flow-diverting stent has not been reported in the literature. The authors here describe a case of aneurysm recanalization after immediate thrombotic occlusion of the aneurysm with a flow-diverting stent. A 46-year-old male chronic smoker with chronic hypertension and hypercholesterolemia had a recurrent internal carotid artery aneurysm 1 year after embolization. Immediate thrombotic occlusion of the aneurysm and cessation of blood flow to the posterior communicating artery (PCoA) occurred immediately after activating a flow-diverting stent, with corresponding ischemic complications. However, 3 months after insertion of the stent, follow-up MR angiography showed recanalization of the aneurysm as well as of the PCoA. Additional angiography studies at 6 months showed near-total occlusion of the aneurysm with the restoration of blood flow to the PCoA.
Transnasal excerebration surgery in ancient Egypt
Authors: Fanous Andrew A. , Couldwell William T.
Published: January 2012

Ancient Egyptians were pioneers in many fields, including medicine and surgery. Our modern knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and surgical techniques stems from discoveries and observations made by Egyptian physicians and embalmers. In the realm of neurosurgery, ancient Egyptians were the first to elucidate cerebral and cranial anatomy, the first to describe evidence for the role of the spinal cord in the transmission of information from the brain to the extremities, and the first to invent surgical techniques such as trepanning and stitching. In addition, the transnasal approach to skull base and intracranial structures was first devised by Egyptian embalmers to excerebrate the cranial vault during mummification. In this historical vignette, the authors examine paleoradiological and other evidence from ancient Egyptian skulls and mummies of all periods, from the Old Kingdom to Greco-Roman Egypt, to shed light on the development of transnasal surgery in this ancient civilization. The authors confirm earlier observations concerning the laterality of this technique, suggesting that ancient Egyptian excerebration techniques penetrated the skull base mostly on the left side. They also suggest that the original technique used to access the skull base in ancient Egypt was a transethmoidal one, which later evolved to follow a transsphenoidal route similar to the one used today to gain access to pituitary lesions.
Synthetic Biology and the Distinction between Organisms and Machines
Authors: Schark Marianne
Published: January 2012

In the context of synthetic biology, scientists and bioengineers talk of living beings as being ‘living machines'. This categorisation of the envisaged new life forms has given rise to the ethical concern that their moral status may be seen as different from that of natural or only partially artificial living beings (GMOs). The paper discusses the notion of a living being and the notion of a machine in order to arrive at a conclusion to the question of whether this categorisation is warranted or not. For this reason, it also looks back to the history of the comparison of living beings to machines and tries to show what motivated the analogy. In the end, though, it is argued that one should stop short of categorising living beings as machines, even if there are areas of analogy between living beings and machines. Finally, the idea that the envisaged artificial synthetic living beings could be regarded as some kind of machines is rejected.
Farming at the Forest Frontier: Land Use and Landscape Change in Western Madagascar, 1896-2005
Authors: Scales Ivan R.
Published: January 2012

Over the last twenty years Madagascar has become a poster child for global biodiversity conservation. The environmental discourse is dominated by the issue of deforestation and the blame for forest loss is usually placed on poor rural households, who are portrayed as being caught in a Malthusian spiral of increased population and decreased land productivity. Whilst there has been a wealth of research on deforestation in Madagascar, it has tended to assume a priori the importance of population growth and poverty as drivers of forest clearance, without exploring the role of other factors in shaping land use. It has also suffered from temporal and regional biases. In this paper I use a multidisciplinary approach to better understand the drivers of land use and landscape change in the Central Menabe region of western Madagascar between 1896 and 2005. I draw on a diverse range of methods including material from the French colonial archives, aerial photographs, imagery from Landsat satellites, a review of project reports and interviews with key informants. I show the importance of cash crops in landscape change, in particular booms in the cultivation of maize. I also show that economic and political factors operating at a range of spatial levels have been critical in stimulating the expansion of these crops.
The Role of Cenotes in the Social History of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula
Authors: Munro Paul George , de Lourdes Melo Maria
Published: January 2012

Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula has had a complex and dynamic history, which has seen processes such as the rise of the Maya civilisation, colonial conquests, indigenous rebellions and a range of commercial activities. The Peninsula also represents a unique ecological place in the world: no rivers or major lakes exist on its surface - rather fresh water can only be found in its extensive underground flooded cave system, which is only accessible through cenotes (water sinkholes) that sporadically pierce the landscape's surface across the region. This paper seeks to reconcile the above observations, analysing how the Peninsula's dynamic history and its unique ecological landscape have interacted, producing certain environmental, social, political and economic outcomes. Thus, presented in this paper is an alternative perspective on the Peninsula's history, cast through an environmental historical lens that elicits nature's role as a historical actor.
Reticulitermes nelsonae, a New Species of Subterranean Termite (Rhinotermitidae) from the Southeastern United States
Authors: Lim Su Yee , Forschler Brian T.
Published: January 2012

Reticulitermes nelsonae, a new species of Rhinotermitidae (Isoptera) is described based on specimens from Sapelo Island, GA, Thomasville, GA, Havelock, NC, and Branford, FL. Adult (alate) and soldier forms are described. Diagnostic characters are provided and incorporated into a supplemental couplet of a dichotomous key to the known species of Reticulitermes found in Georgia, USA.
A PAMPA Assay as Fast Predictive Model of Passive Human Skin Permeability of New Synthesized Corticosteroid C-21 Esters
Authors: Markovic Bojan D. , Vladimirov Sote M. , Cudina Olivera A. , Odovic Jadranka V. , Karljikovic-Rajic Katarina D.
Published: January 2012

The permeation properties of twenty newly synthesized α-alkoxyalkanoyl and α-aryloxyalkanoyl C-21 esters of standard corticosteroids: Fluocinolone acetonide, dexamethasone, triamcinolone acetonide and hydrocortisone were established using a PAMPA assay (70% silicone oil and 30% isopropyl myristate). The data were compared with parent corticosteroids with addition of mometasone furoate and hydrocortisone acetate. All newly synthesized corticosteroid C-21 esters have effective permeability coefficients higher then -6, mostly followed with high values of retention factors and low permeation. The examined compounds were grouped through relationship between obtained retention factors and permeation parameters (groups I–III). The classification confirmed group I (membrane retentions as well as permeation lower then 30%) for all corticosteroid standards except mometasone furoate, a potent topical corticosteroid which, with high membrane retention (81%) and low permeation (7.7%) fits into group III. The largest number of new synthesized corticosteroids C-21 esters, among them all fluocinolone acetonide C-21 esters, have high membrane retentions (32.4%–86.5%) and low permeations (1.3%–27.1%), fitting in group III. The classification was related to previously obtained anti-inflammatory activity data for the fluocinolone acetonide C-21 esters series. According to the PAMPA results the new synthesized esters could be considered as potential new prodrugs with useful benefit/risk ratio.
End-of-Life Care for Rural-Dwelling Older Adults and Their Primary Family Caregivers
Authors: Hansen Lissi , Cartwright Juliana C. , Craig Carol E.
Published: January 2012

Older adults dying from chronic illness in rural areas are understudied and of concern because of their limited access to health services. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to describe the perspectives of primary family caregivers regarding experiences with formal and informal care at the end of life for dying older adults in one rural, agricultural county. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 caregivers following the death of an older relative. Major themes that emerged from the data were the benefits and challenges associated with care services. Benefits included neighbors, friends, and other volunteers who offered household help and provided respite care. Challenges included limited resources for continuity of care, geographical service boundaries, and lack of knowledge about end-of-life care by paid caregivers. Further research that addresses the perspective of rural service providers is needed to better understand the benefits and challenges of end-of-life care in this setting.