bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Registro de Carcharocles megalodon en el sector oriental de la Cuenca del Guadalquivir (Mioceno superior, Sur de España)
Authors: Reolid M. , Molina J. M.
Published: July 2015

Las diatomitas tortonienses de la antigua Cantera de San Félix (Porcuna, Jaén), en el sector oriental de la Cuenca del Guadalquivir, han proporcionado restos aislados de vertebrados marinos entre los que destaca un gran diente de tiburón (123.96 mm desde el ápice hasta la línea basal de la raiz). La altura de la corona (92.2 mm), su forma triangular con bordes aserrados, la presencia de una cara lingual convexa y una labial plana, conjuntamente con la raíz angulosa y robusta, permiten determinar que este diente perteneció a un ejemplar de Carcharocles megalodon. La alta simetría de la pieza, su tamaño y su relación longitud/anchura de la corona permiten afrimar que se trata de un diente superior anterior. La longitud total estimada para este tiburón, es calculada a partir de diferentes métodos basados principalmente en la comparación con el tiburón blanco Carcharodon carcharias. La longitud total inferida finalmente para este ejemplar ronda los 11 m, lo que permite incluir este ejemplar dentro del rango de los ejemplares de C. megalodon de gran tamaño.
La paleogeografía de la Cuenca del Guadalquivir próxima al Estrecho Nordbético que conectaba el Océano Atlántico con el Mar Mediterráneo, favoreció la interacción de aguas atlánticas frías y ricas en nutrientes con las aguas más cálidas del Mediterráneo. La presencia de diatomitas indica la actividad potencial de corrientes de upwelling en este contexto, así como la alta productividad que suele favorecer a grandes cetáceos y pinnípedos. Estos mamíferos marinos, registrados en el sector oriental d la Cuenca del Guadalquivir fueron potenciales presas de pequeños tiburones como Isurus el gran C. megalodon.
Improved cement mortars by addition of carbonated fly ash from solid waste incinerators
Authors: López-Zaldívar O. , Mayor-Lobo P. L. , Fernández-Martínez F. , Hernández-Olivares F.
Published: July 2015

This article presents the results of a research developing high performance cement mortars with the addition of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWIFA) stabilized as insoluble carbonates. The encapsulation of hazardous wastes in mortar matrixes has also been achieved. The ashes present high concentrations of chlorides, Zn and Pb. A stabilization process with NaHCO3 has been developed reducing 99% the content of chlorides. Developed mortars replace 10% per weight of the aggregates by treated MSWIFA. Physical/mechanical properties of these mortars have been studied. Presence of Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd has been also analyzed confirming that leaching of these heavy metal ions is mitigated. Conclusions prove better behavior of CAC and CSA mortars than those of CEM-I and CEM-II cement. Results are remarkable for the CAC mortars, improving reference strengths in more than 25%, which make them a fast-curing product suitable for the repair of structures or industrial pavements.
Fever of unknown origin - Hidden in the head
Authors: Pandita Kamal Kishore , Bhat Khalid Javid , Razdan Sushil , Kudyar Rattan Parkash
Published: July 2015

The original algorithmic approach, as outlined by de Kleijn and colleagues and practiced commonly, envisages performing computed tomography (CT) of chest, abdomen, and pelvis in patients with classical fever of unknown origin (FUO), in whom no potentially diagnostic clue exists. It further envisages performing positron emission tomography (PET) scan, if CT scan is unrevealing. Imaging of head and neck especially magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has not been included in this algorithm, that leaves these important regions unexplored in most settings where PET scan is unavailable. MRI is a safe modality for evaluating central nervous system lesions and its role in FUO has not been adequately evaluated. We present three patients of FUO in whom the diagnosis of tuberculoma of brain as a cause of prolonged pyrexia got delayed because the MRI of head was not done initially, to comply with the approach of minimum diagnostic evaluation.
Neruokpuk Formation, northern Yukon: U-Pb detrital zircon and Ar-Ar sample descriptions, geochronology data tables and imagery
Authors: Lane L S , Gehrels G E , Layer P W
Published: July 2015

The Neruokpuk Formation of northern Yukon and adjacent Alaska is a succession of Edicaran to Cambrian turbiditic sandstones, siltstones and shales comprising part of the northeastern Arctic Alaska terrane. Its provenance and original paleogeographic position with
respect to NW Laurentia is a focus of study and debate. This report provides sample and site descriptions, field photos, thin section micrographs and images of zircon grain mounts for a suite of samples processed and analysed for detrital zircon U-Pb ages and detrital muscovite Ar-Ar ages. The
complete filtered and sorted data tables for both the U-Pb and Ar-Ar results and U-Pb concordia plots are also presented here. These data document a provenance consistent with derivation from a NW Laurentian source area.
The concept of diseases and health care in African traditional religion in Ghana
Authors: White Peter
Published: July 2015

As human beings we sometimes in one way or another become sick, and therefore go for treatment depending on our choice of treatment (religious perspective or Western medical treatment). Although African traditional religion is not against a Western medical way of treatment or healing process, its followers believe that there are some diseases that Western medicine cannot treat, and therefore need spiritual attention, as it is sometimes practiced in churches. This article discusses the African traditional view regarding disease, causes of disease, how disease is diagnosed and treated, with a special focus on Ghana. The article also describes the role of the diviner or the African traditional priest or what others may term as ‘herbalists’. The advantages and disadvantages of the African traditional healing process are considered. The article concludes by discussing African traditional healing in the context of a contemporary health care discourse, as well as a proposal for dialogue between traditional healers, Western medical practitioners, the government of Ghana, and the governments of various countries where this issue may be applicable, to build a consensus in addressing health issues.
Intramedullary spinal glioblastoma metastasis from anaplastic astrocytoma of cerebellum: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kuo Keng-Liang , Lieu Ann-Shung , Tsai Feng-Ji , Chen Yi-Ting , Liang Peir-In
Published: July 2015

Cerebellar anaplastic astrocytoma is infrequently encountered even nowadays, and drop metastasis with progression into spinal glioblastoma is not reported in the English literature. We report a case of cerebellar anaplastic astrocytoma receiving operation and subsequent concurrent chemoradiotherapy. One year later, progressive weakness of both lower limbs and unsteady gait occurred. Spine magnetic resonance imaging showed cervical and thoracic spine intramedullary tumor. We then performed laminectomy and tumor biopsy. The histopathological report demonstrated primary spinal cord glioblastoma multiforme with positive glial fibrillary acidic protein, high MIB-1 labeling index and negative staining of isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 mutation. After reviewing the English literature to date, most metastatic spinal glioblastoma resulted from previous intracranial glioblastoma, and there are few studies mentioning spinal glioblastoma originating from intracranial low-grade gliomas. Over time, improvement in local control of the primary tumor has raised patient risk of the possibility of spinal metastasis, and clinical physicians should be aware of this aspect so that quicker diagnosis and management will be accomplished, even in patients with lower grade of intracranial gliomas.
Outcome of surgery for operable supratentorial mass lesions in patients presenting with decerebration following severe head injury: A retrospective analysis of factors affecting outcome
Authors: Bindal Amit , Chandra Nagesh , Ojha Bal , Chandra Anil , Singh Sunil , Srivastava Chhitij
Published: July 2015

Aim: Abnormal motor response in the form of decerebration signifies either injury or compression of brain stem. The presence of decerebrate rigidity following head injury is a grave prognostic sign. Mortality may increase up to 70% in patients showing signs of decerebration. Although many studies have identified the prognostic factors in severe head injuries, few studies have focused on the operated patients with decerebration in predicting the long-term outcome. This study was planned to determine the outcome in this group of patients for prognostication and to help plan further line of management. Materials and Methods: All the patients admitted with severe head injury with decerebration (M2 motor response) admitted in neurosurgery department from September 2009 to January 2011 were included in the study. All the patients had operable supratentorial mass lesions with no direct evidence of brain stem damage. Patients with penetrating injury and diffuse injury with no operative mass lesions were excluded from the study. Clinical and computerized tomography (CT) data were correlated with outcome retrospectively. Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) was used as a measure of functional outcome. Results: The patients admitted with decerebration (M2 motor response) comprised 8% of the total head injury related operative procedures performed at our institute during the period. Of the 72 patients, 14 (19%) patients were more than 60 years old and 21% (15) were females. The surgical mass lesions comprised extradural hematoma in 27 (38%), cerebral contusions in 19 (26%), acute Subdural Hematoma alone in 7 (10%), and acute Subdural Hematoma (SDH) with cerebral contusion in 19 (26%) of the patients. Of the 72 patients, 36(50%) were operated within 24 hours of injury Follow-up of all, but 2 (3%) was obtained. Favorable outcome (GOS 4 and 5) was obtained in 14% (n = 10) of the patients with 83% (n = 60) mortality rate. The favorable outcome rate among the patients operated for Extradural Hematoma was 26% and for cerebral contusions was 11%. Only 5% of the patients operated for acute SDH survived. Conclusion: Radiological diagnosis (type of lesion), followed by duration of decerebration and age of the patient are the most important prognostic factors determining the outcome of surgery in decerebrating patients. Our results confirm that despite the poor prognosis in decerebrate patients, a significant number of patients may still survive and have a good outcome.
Growing skull fracture with cerebrospinal fluid fistula: A rare case report and its management strategies
Authors: Jain Saurabh , Gandhi Ashok , Sharma Achal , Mittal Radhey
Published: July 2015

The growing skull fracture (GSF) occurs in younger age group as a sequel of trauma. The most common site of these lesions is parietal region. Here we are presenting a case of GSF of posterior fossa with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula. As per literature, we have not found a single case of GSF in the posterior fossa with CSF fistula. The aim of this presentation is discussing the unusual presentation of GSF and its management.
Surgical treatment of cervical spine trauma: Our experience and results
Authors: Dobran Mauro , Iacoangeli Maurizio , Nocchi Niccolò , Di Rienzo Alessandro , di Somma Lucia Giovanna , Nasi Davide , Colasanti Roberto , Al-Fay Mohuammad , Scerrati Massimo
Published: July 2015

Objective and Background: The objective of this study is to evaluate how the neurological outcome in patients operated for cervical spinal cord injury (SCI) is influenced by surgical timing, admission American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading system, and age. Materials and Methods: From January 2004 to December 2011, we operated 110 patients with cervical SCI. Fifty-seven of them (44 males and 13 females) with preoperative neurological deficit, were included in this study with a complete follow-up. Age, sex, associated comorbidities (evaluated with Charlson comorbidity index [CCI]), mechanism of trauma, preoperative and follow-up ASIA score, time elapsed from injury to surgical treatment, preoperative cervical computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging, type of fractures, and surgical procedure were evaluated for each patient. The patient population was divided into two groups related to the timing of surgery: Ultra-early surgery group (within 12 h from the trauma, 27 patients) and early surgery (within 12–72 h from the trauma, 30 patients). Statistical Analysis Used: The univariate analysis of data was carried out by the Chi-square test for discrete variables, the t-test for the continuous ones. Logistic regression was used for the multivariate analysis. Results: Neurological outcome was statistically better in ultra-early surgery group (<12 h) than in patient underwent surgery within 12–72 h (82.14% vs. 31%, multivariate analysis P = 0.005). The neurological improvement was also correlated with the age and the ASIA grade at admission in the univariate analysis (P = 0.006 and P = 0.017 respectively) and in the multivariate 1 (P = 0.037 and P = 0.006 respectively) while the CCI was correlated with the improvement only in the univariate analysis (P = 0.007). Conclusion: Nowadays, in patients with cervical SCI early surgery could be associated with improved outcome, most in case of young people with mild neurological impairment.
Using Nonlinear Stochastic Evolutionary Game Strategy to Model an Evolutionary Biological Network of Organ Carcinogenesis under a Natural Selection Scheme
Authors: Chen Bor-Sen , Tsai Kun-Wei , Li Cheng-Wei
Published: July 2015

Molecular biologists have long recognized carcinogenesis as an evolutionary process that involves natural selection. Cancer is driven by the somatic evolution of cell lineages. In this study, the evolution of somatic cancer cell lineages during carcinogenesis was modeled as an equilibrium point (ie, phenotype of attractor) shifting, the process of a nonlinear stochastic evolutionary biological network. This process is subject to intrinsic random fluctuations because of somatic genetic and epigenetic variations, as well as extrinsic disturbances because of carcinogens and stressors. In order to maintain the normal function (ie, phenotype) of an evolutionary biological network subjected to random intrinsic fluctuations and extrinsic disturbances, a network robustness scheme that incorporates natural selection needs to be developed. This can be accomplished by selecting certain genetic and epigenetic variations to modify the network structure to attenuate intrinsic fluctuations efficiently and to resist extrinsic disturbances in order to maintain the phenotype of the evolutionary biological network at an equilibrium point (attractor). However, during carcinogenesis, the remaining (or neutral) genetic and epigenetic variations accumulate, and the extrinsic disturbances become too large to maintain the normal phenotype at the desired equilibrium point for the nonlinear evolutionary biological network. Thus, the network is shifted to a cancer phenotype at a new equilibrium point that begins a new evolutionary process. In this study, the natural selection scheme of an evolutionary biological network of carcinogenesis was derived from a robust negative feedback scheme based on the nonlinear stochastic Nash game strategy. The evolvability and phenotypic robustness criteria of the evolutionary cancer network were also estimated by solving a Hamilton–Jacobi inequality – constrained optimization problem. The simulation revealed that the phenotypic shift of the lung cancer-associated cell network takes 54.5 years from a normal state to stage I cancer, 1.5 years from stage I to stage II cancer, and 2.5 years from stage II to stage III cancer, with a reasonable match for the statistical result of the average age of lung cancer. These results suggest that a robust negative feedback scheme, based on a stochastic evolutionary game strategy, plays a critical role in an evolutionary biological network of carcinogenesis under a natural selection scheme.
Ouverture de 'Design Management, Product Engineering and Global Competition'
Authors: Brondoni Silvio M. , Pironti Marco
Published: July 2015

Product design defines the functions that qualify a product or service, in order to identify and organise the distinctive specifications of the company offer, and to develop goods and services based on analysis of the needs of demand (customer satisfaction). The first imperative for global corporations is, indeed, to deliver value to empowered customers (market-driven management). For global corporations, achieving a differential advantage in terms of product design therefore means designing an offer based on the best interpretation of corporate imitation and innovation processes
Increasing Arabian dust activity and the Indian summer monsoon
Authors: Solmon F. , Nair V. S. , Mallet M.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. Over the past decade, aerosol optical depth (AOD) observations based on satellite and ground measurements have shown a significant increase over Arabia and the Arabian Sea, attributed to an intensification of regional dust activity. Recent studies have also suggested that west Asian dust forcing could induce a positive response of Indian monsoon precipitations on a weekly timescale. Using observations and a regional climate model including interactive slab-ocean and dust aerosol schemes, the present study investigates possible climatic links between the increasing June–July–August–September (JJAS) Arabian dust activity and precipitation trends over southern India during the 2000–2009 decade. Meteorological reanalysis and AOD observations suggest that the observed decadal increase of dust activity and a simultaneous intensification of summer precipitation trend over southern India are both linked to a deepening of JJAS surface pressure conditions over the Arabian Sea. In the first part of the study, we analyze the mean climate response to dust radiative forcing over the domain, discussing notably the relative role of Arabian vs. Indo-Pakistani dust regions. In the second part of the study, we show that the model skills in reproducing regional dynamical patterns and southern Indian precipitation trends are significantly improved only when an increasing dust emission trend is imposed on the basis of observations. We conclude that although interannual climate variability might primarily determine the observed regional pattern of increasing dust activity and precipitation during the 2000–2009 decade, the associated dust radiative forcing might in return induce a critical dynamical feedback contributing to enhancing regional moisture convergence and JJAS precipitations over southern India.
MISR empirical stray light corrections in high-contrast scenes
Authors: Limbacher J. A. , Kahn R. A.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. We diagnose the potential causes for the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer's (MISR) persistent high aerosol optical depth (AOD) bias at low AOD with the aid of coincident MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) imagery from NASA's Terra satellite. Stray light in the MISR instrument is responsible for a large portion of the high AOD bias in high-contrast scenes, such as broken-cloud scenes that are quite common over ocean. Discrepancies among MODIS and MISR nadir-viewing blue, green, red, and near-infrared images are used to optimize seven parameters individually for each wavelength, along with a background reflectance modulation term that is modeled separately, to represent the observed features. Independent surface-based AOD measurements from the AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) and the Marine Aerosol Network (MAN) are compared with MISR research aerosol retrieval algorithm (RA) AOD retrievals for 1118 coincidences to validate the corrections when applied to the nadir and off-nadir cameras. With these corrections, plus the baseline RA corrections and enhanced cloud screening applied, the median AOD bias for all data in the mid-visible (green, 558 nm) band decreases from 0.006 (0.020 for the MISR standard algorithm (SA)) to 0.000, and the RMSE decreases by 5 % (27 % compared to the SA). For AOD558 nm < 0.10, which includes about half the validation data, 68th percentile absolute AOD558 nm errors for the RA have dropped from 0.022 (0.034 for the SA) to < 0.02 (~ 0.018).
Evidence for biological shaping of hair ice
Authors: Hofmann D. , Preuss G. , Mätzler C.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. An unusual ice type, called hair ice, grows on the surface of dead wood of broad-leaf trees at temperatures slightly below 0 °C. We describe this phenomenon and present physical, chemical, and biological investigations to gain insight in the properties and processes related to hair ice. Tests revealed that the biological activity of a winter-active fungus is required in the wood for enabling the growth of hair ice. We confirmed the fungus hypothesis originally suggested by Wegener (1918) by reproducing hair ice on wood samples. Treatment by heat and fungicide suppresses the formation of hair ice. Fruiting bodies of Asco- and Basidiomycota are identified on hair-ice-carrying wood. One species, Exidiopsis effusa (Ee), was present on all investigated samples. Both hair-ice-producing wood samples and those with killed fungus show essentially the same temperature variation, indicating that the heat produced by fungal metabolism is very small, that the freezing rate is not influenced by the fungus activity, and that ice segregation is the common mechanism of ice growth on the wood surface. The fungus plays the role of shaping the ice hairs and preventing them from recrystallisation. Melted hair ice indicates the presence of organic matter. Chemical analyses show a complex mixture of several thousand CHO(N,S) compounds similar to fulvic acids in dissolved organic matter (DOM). The evaluation reveals decomposed lignin as being the main constituent. Further work is needed to clarify its role in hair-ice growth and to identify the recrystallisation inhibitor.
Anthropogenic point-source and non-point-source nitrogen inputs into Huai River basin and their impacts on riverine ammonia–nitrogen flux
Authors: Zhang W. S. , Swaney D. P. , Li X. Y. , Hong B. , Howarth R. W. , Ding S. H.
Published: July 2015

Abstract. This study provides a new approach to estimate both anthropogenic non-point-source and point-source nitrogen (N) inputs to the landscape, and determines their impacts on riverine ammonia–nitrogen (AN) flux, providing a foundation for further exploration of anthropogenic effects on N pollution. Our study site is Huai River basin of China, a water–shed with one of the highest levels of N input in the world. Multi-year average (2003–2010) inputs of N to the watershed are 27 200 ± 1100 kg N km−2 yr−1. Non-point sources comprised about 98 % of total N input, and only 2 % of inputs are directly added to the aquatic ecosystem as point sources. Fertilizer application was the largest non-point source of new N to the Huai River basin (69 % of net anthropogenic N inputs), followed by atmospheric deposition (20 %), N fixation in croplands (7 %), and N content of imported food and feed (2 %). High N inputs showed impacts on riverine AN flux: fertilizer application, point-source N input, and atmospheric N deposition were proved as more direct sources to riverine AN flux. Modes of N delivery and losses associated with biological denitrification in rivers, water consumption, interception by dams may influence the extent of export of riverine AN flux from N sources. Our findings highlight the importance of anthropogenic N inputs from both point sources and non-point sources in heavily polluted watersheds, and provide some implications for AN prediction and management.
If It Is Meant to Be, Let It Be: Risk communication among Bosnian Refugees Resettled in the U.S.
Authors: Xin H. , Karamehic-Muratovic A. , Cluphf D.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this paper is to explore and understand how a Bosnian refugee community perceives and responds to the potential risk of a natural disaster in order to identify tailored approaches to improve risk communication. This is a qualitative study. Participants resettled in St Louis, Missouri were identified through criterion and snowball sampling. Thirty-three face-to-face interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. Data were analyzed using both content and thematic analysis. Findings indicate that due to their war experiences, cultural and religious understanding of natural disaster, and social influence on their risk interpretation, participants tended to underestimate the potential threat of natural disaster. Media was the main communication methods in times of potential natural disaster. Lack of organizational support during risk communication was a major concern. Ethnic radio stations and word of mouth were rated as the most popular communication channels for disseminating messages in preparation of a natural disaster. Using a community-based participatory approach to identify community needs and involve Bosnian community partners in risk communication planning, implementation, and evaluation, is vital for a Bosnian community.
The Force of Black and White
Authors: Balfour Ian
Published: July 2015

This article scrutinizes James Baldwin's reflections on film and film-going, mainly as set out in the relatively late essays-cum-memoir entitled The Devil Finds Work. The paper considers Baldwin's experiences and reflections with an idea to how black and white are felt and described as asymmetrically oppositional forces, on the one hand, that nonetheless are subject to occasional and startling crossovers, especially in his early viewing of films, white, mixed-race, and all-black cast. Baldwin argues against an ontology of race, even as he feels the full force of discrimination based on the putative absolutes of black and white.
Vernaculars of Home
Authors: Drabinski John E.
Published: July 2015

This essay examines James Baldwin's conception of what he calls “black English” and its link to historical and cultural identity. I link Baldwin's defense of black English to his reflections on the sorrow songs and sound, which draws on long-standing accounts of musicality as the foundation of the African-American tradition. In order to demonstrate this relation to the tradition, the essay puts Baldwin's remarks in relation to Frederick Douglass's and W. E. B. Du Bois's description of the sorrow songs. I also underscore how that relation to the African-American tradition marks an important set of tensions with mid-twentieth century black Atlantic theory (Aimé Césaire and Frantz Fanon), tensions which make sense of the Americanness of Baldwin's work. Across the essay, I claim that Baldwin's account of language has epistemological and ontological significance (and so is not just aesthetic or political), which gives an interesting and important twist to Martin Heidegger's famous phrase that “language is the house of Being.”
The Terror of Being Destroyed
Authors: Eburne Jonathan
Published: July 2015

This essay focuses on James Baldwin's treatment of the Atlanta child murders in The Evidence of Things Not Seen (1985), a book that began as a series of reports for Playboy magazine. Returning to the United States from France, Baldwin not only reported on the child murders, but offered a treatise on terror as well: a treatise that distinguishes an imagined or remembered menace from a terror that might be considered constitutive, ontolological. This terror persists, Baldwin maintains, as the negative cause of African American existence. Insistently political, the kernel of nonbeing to which Baldwin's thought appeals is not the grand abstraction of death but the becoming-abstract of abduction and permanent disappearance. Baldwin's essay on the Atlanta child murders thus seeks not only to bear witness to the plight of the missing children, but of the persistence of this “terror of being destroyed” as well. This essay revisits Baldwin's late work, often dismissed as either lackluster polemic or as sermonizing reportage, as no less apocalyptic a work of Pauline witnessing than The Fire Next Time.
Rawlsian Affirmative Action
Authors: Matthew D. C.
Published: July 2015

In this paper I respond to Robert Taylor's argument that a Rawlsian framework does not support strong affirmative action (AA) programs. The paper makes three main arguments. The first disputes Taylor's claim that strong AA would not be needed in ideal conditions. Private racial discrimination, I suggest, might still exist in such conditions, so strong AA might be needed there. The second challenges Taylor's claims that pure procedural justice constrains Rawlsian nonideal theory. I argue that this rests on a fetishizing of pure procedural justice that is absent from Rawls's work. I also show that a revised formulation of Taylor's concern here also fails. My third argument makes a positive Rawlsian case for strong AA in nonideal conditions that builds on a Taylor concession. Taylor suggests that the goal of nonideal theory is to create a world in which ideal theory can be applied. My argument begins by showing that another permissible goal of Rawlsian nonideal theory is to ameliorate injustice. I then argue that Rawls's contractualist framework supports the strongest forms of AA (categories 4–5 interventions) when category 3 interventions are blocked.
Myth or Method Religious Ethics, MacIntyre's Modernity, and the Question of Power
Authors: Dunn Shannon
Published: July 2015

This essay identifies two different components in Alasdair MacIntyre's work: his argument that communities engage in social change through practices of justification and his argument that modern moral reason is doomed to fail. Some scholars, such as Talal Asad, collapse these two distinct arguments into a single argument about the impossibility of rational justification in the modern world, thereby reducing ethical discourse to a contest of power. My argument is that scholars of religion have a strong interest in resisting Asad's line of argumentation, since taken to one conclusion it suggests that practices of resistance, which are informed by rational deliberation, are futile in the face of power.
Kwaadwillige intenties beter gedetecteerd met gecombineerde observaties
Authors: Wijn Remco , Vogels Jack
Published: July 2015

Malicious intentions better judged with combined observations

A single observation of deviant behavior by security officers often provides insufficient information about potential malicious intentions of individuals. This article shows that combining multiple security officers’ observations of deviant behaviors leads to better judgments about possible malicious intentions than judgments of individual officers. In the study described in this paper, experienced supervisors viewed CCTV images of a mall in which pickpockets were active (in reality these pickpockets were confederates). Participants could tag individuals in the footage if they felt that these individuals portrayed deviant behaviors. Using statistics based on signal detection theory, we calculated the accuracy with which individuals in the footage with hostile intentions (i.e., our confederates) were distinguished from individuals without hostile intentions (i.e., the general public). We compared the aggregated individual accuracy scores of participants to accuracy scores of combinations of 2, 3, or 4 participants. Results show that combining observations from two participants leads to higher accuracy than observations of individual supervisors. This effect is mainly caused by an increase in hits (correctly tagged pickpockets). As observations of more participants are added (viz., combinations of 3 or 4 participants) accuracy stagnates. This is mainly caused by an increase in false alarms (judged hostile by participants, but in reality innocent visitors). Implications are discussed for organizations in the security domain and for further research.
Intracarotid Infusion of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in an Animal Model of Parkinson's Disease, Focusing on Cell Distribution and Neuroprotective and Behavioral Effects
Authors: Cerri Silvia , Greco Rosaria , Levandis Giovanna , Ghezzi Cristina , Mangione Antonina Stefania , Fuzzati-Armentero Marie-Therese , Bonizzi Arianna , Avanzini Maria Antonietta , Maccario Rita , Blandini Fabio
Published: July 2015

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proposed as a potential therapeutic tool for Parkinson's disease (PD) and systemic administration of these cells has been tested in preclinical and clinical studies. However, no information on survival and actual capacity of MSCs to reach the brain has been provided. In this study, we evaluated homing of intraarterially infused rat MSCs (rMSCs) in the brain of rats bearing a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced lesion of the nigrostriatal tract, to establish whether the toxin-induced damage is sufficient to grant MSC passage across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or if a transient BBB disruption is necessary. The rMSC distribution in peripheral organs and the effects of cell infusion on neurodegenerative process and motor deficits were also investigated. rMSCs were infused 14 days after 6-OHDA injection. A hyperosmolar solution of mannitol was used to transiently permeabilize the BBB. Behavioral impairment was assessed by adjusting step test and response to apomorphine. Animals were sacrificed 7 and 28 days after cell infusion. Our work shows that appreciable delivery of rMSCs to the brain of 6-OHDA-lesioned animals can be obtained only after mannitol pretreatment. A notable percentage of infused cells accumulated in peripheral organs. Infusion of rMSCs did not modify the progression of 6-OHDA-induced damage or the motor impairment at the stepping test, but induced progressive normalization of the pathological response (contralateral turning) to apomorphine administration. These findings suggest that many aspects should be further investigated before considering any translation of MSC systemic administration into the clinical setting for PD treatment.

Significance

This study demonstrates that mesenchymal stem cells infused through the carotid artery do not efficiently cross the blood-brain barrier in rats with a Parkinson's disease-like degeneration of nigrostriatal neurons, unless a permeabilizing agent (e.g., mannitol) is used. The infusion did not reduce the neuronal damage and associated motor impairment, but abolished the motor abnormalities these animals typically show when challenged with a dopaminergic agonist. Therefore, although arterially infused mesenchymal stem cells did not show neurorestorative effects in this study's Parkinson's disease model, they appeared to normalize the pathological responsiveness of striatal neurons to dopaminergic stimulation. This capability should be further explored in future studies.
Tackle Harmful Algal Blooms with Near‐Surface Circulation
Authors: Bleth Joel
Published: July 2015

A Georgia county is winning the battle with blue‐green algae (cyanobacteria) on its surface water supply through near‐surface circulation. Circulators paid for themselves in three years, cut the need for chemicals, restored water quality and the natural food chain, and eliminated taste‐and‐odor issues for potable water customers.
Pramoninių LED šviestuvų fotonų srauto tankio poveikis pomidorų daigams
Authors: Bagdonavičienė Aistė , Brazaitytė Aušra , Jankauskienė Julė , Vaštakaitė Viktorija , Duchovskis Pavelas
Published: July 2015

2014 m. LAMMC Sodininkystės ir daržininkystės instituto Augalų fiziologijos laboratorijoje atliktas tyrimas parenkant optimalų naujų puslaidininkinių lempų apšvietimo spektrą bei šviesos intensyvumo srautą siekiant išauginti kokybiškus pomidorų daigus (‘Cunero’ F1). Tyrimo metu atlikti atskiri eksperimentai uždaroje kontroliuojamo klimato kameroje (fitotrone) bei instituto daigyno šiltnamyje. Daigai apšviesti naujomis pramoninio naudojimo puslaidininkinėmis lempomis, sudarytomis iš violetinės 420–430  nm, mėlynos 460–470  nm, oranžinės 610– 615 nm, raudonos 620–630 nm ir 660–670 nm, baltos (mėlyna 400–500 nm + žalia 500–600 nm + raudona 600–700 nm) spalvos šviesą emituojančių diodų (LED). Eksperimentų metu palaikytas skirtingas fotosintetiškai aktyvios spinduliuotės (FAS) fotonų srauto tankis – ~150 ir ~250 µmol m–2 s–1. Nustatyta, kad pomidorų daigų apšvietimas naujais ir pramoniniam naudojimui pritaikytais LED šviestuvais turėjo teigiamos įtakos morfologiniams ir fitocheminiams rodikliams – stebėtas spartesnis augalų vystymasis bei pigmentų kaupimasis. Esant intensyvesnei LED spinduliuotei (~250  µmol  m–2  s–1), pomidorų daigai gebėjo užauginti platesnius lapus, sukaupti daugiau žalios bei sausos masės. Apibendrinant abiejų eksperimentų rezultatus galima teigti, kad fotosintezės intensyvumui didžiausios teigiamos įtakos turėjo ~150 µmol m–2 s–1 LED skleidžiama šviesa.
Evaluation of generic farming conditions in Eastern Lithuania
Authors: Jarašiūnas Gintaras , Kinderienė Irena
Published: July 2015

Agricultural experts’ perception and knowledge towards farming conditions and natural agro-environmental problems are important to develop a sustainable rural strategy and may serve when planning land use in sloping agricultural areas to avoid land abandonment. The objective of investigations was to analyze the attitudes of agricultural experts in the Eastern Lithuania region towards the state of the generic agrarian sector, soil erosion processes and natural handicaps. Replies of respondents indicated that the means (the Likert Scale) of the evaluation towards the items “Soil quality”, “Agricultural sector development” and “Land suitability for generic agricultural activity” were 2.68, 3.11 and 2.73, respectively. The evaluations indicating that the mean score perceived by respondents towards impact of soil erosion on common farming activity in the region was 2.63. A questionnaire study showed that respondents recognized that the impact of terrain and soil texture factors on the potential of soil erosion processes is the highest in the region, thus the factor of soil type has been evaluated as the least important. The most frequently noticed topographical parameter of the terrain influencing the intensity of soil erosion was slope steepness (63.1% of respondents), followed by slope aspect (21.1%) and length (15.8%). Hilly terrain and soil acidity constraints by frequency 24.5 and 18.9%, respectively, have showed the most important attitude of respondents, in the content of the natural handicaps limiting successful farming activity in the region. However, the study disclosed that unfavourable climate conditions and soil cover diversity were the two least crucial natural constraints for farming. These empirical findings intended to bring benefits and can help in decision-making framework in order to decide the best soil conservation measures and improving farming conditions in agricultural areas under natural handicaps.
Biologinių produktų poveikis ekologinių žieminių kviečių sėklai
Authors: Sinkevičienė Jolanta , Pekarskas Juozas , Krasauskas Aurimas
Published: July 2015

Biologinių produktų įtakos ekologiškų žieminių kviečių (Triticum aestivum L.) sėklos dygimo energijai, daigumui ir užterštumui mikroskopiniais grybais tyrimai atlikti 2005 ir 2008 m. Aleksandro Stulginskio universiteto Agroekologijos centro bei Agronomijos fakulteto Biologijos ir augalų biotechnologijos instituto mokslinėse laboratorijose. Biologiniais produktais apdorojus žieminių kviečių sėklą, didėjo sėklos dygimo energija ir daigumas. Dėl Biokal 2 poveikio žieminių kviečių sėkloje nustatytas mažiausias mikroskopinių grybų kolonijų skaičius. Kviečių užterštumą Fusarium, Drechlera ir Alternaria genčių grybais efektyviausiai sumažino biojodis. Biologiniai produktai Biokal 2, Penergetic-p šaknims patikimai slopino sėklos užterštumą Drechlera spp., tačiau jie buvo neefektyvūs mažinant sėklos užteršimą Fusarium spp. grybais. Drėgno filtro popieriaus rulonų metodu kviečių daigus koleoptilėse nuo pašaknio pažeidimų patikimai saugojo Biokal 2, šaknų – Biokal 2 ir Penergetic-p šaknims. Kviečių sėklos pažeidimus iš tirtų produktų efektyviausiai mažino biojodis.
Dirvožemio rūgštingumo įtaka pupinių daugiamečių žolių augimui ir vystymuisi sėjos metais
Authors: Tomchuk Donata , Skuodienė Regina , Šlepetys Jonas
Published: July 2015

Lietuvos agrarinių ir miškų mokslų centro Vėžaičių filiale atliktas tyrimas, kurio tikslas – ištirti dirvožemio rūgštingumo įtaką pupinių žolių augimui ir vystymuisi sėjos metais. Bandymo dirvožemis yra lengvo priemolio nepasotintasis balkšvažemis (JIn) Dystric Albeluvisols (ABd), susiformavęs ant vidutinio sunkumo moreninio priemolio. Tyrimų metu gauti duomenys rodo, kad pupinių augalų augimas ir vystymasis priklausė nuo jų rūšies, klimatinių veiksnių ir cheminių dirvožemio savybių. Kalkintame dirvožemyje pupinės žolės sudygo anksčiau nei nekalkintame. Pupinių augalų 1–2 tikrųjų lapelių tarpsniu (32 dienos po sėjos) kalkintame dirvožemyje šaknys buvo trumpesnės, tačiau šaknų masė nustatyta iš esmės didesnė (0,0072  g), augalai buvo esmingai aukštesni (4,80  cm). Pupinių augalų 2–6 tikrųjų lapelių tarps­niu (64 dienos po sėjos), esant sausringam laikotarpiui, dirvožemio rūgštingumas neturėjo esminės įtakos šaknų ilgiui ir masei. Tiek kalkintame, tiek nekalkintame dirvožemyje iš esmės sparčiau vystėsi mėlynžiedė liucerna. Dėl mažesnės pupinių augalų konkurencijos su antsėliu jų antžeminės dalies aukštis ir masė reikšmingai didesni (10,6 cm ir 0,1024 g) nekalkintame dirvožemyje. Pupinių augalų skrotelės arba šoninių ūglių formavimosi metu (94 dienos po sėjos) dėl palankių augimo sąlygų intensyviai vystėsi pupinių augalų šaknys, jų masė padidėjo beveik 2  kartus kalkintame dirvožemyje ir 3,9 karto nekalkintame. Iš esmės didesniu šaknų ilgiu (14,99 ir 12,99  cm) išsiskyrė nekalkintame dirvožemyje mėlynžiedė liucerna ir baltasis dobilas, antžeminės dalies mase (0,6433  g)  –  baltasis dobilas. Vegetacijos pabaigoje (133  dienos po sėjos) pupinių augalų šaknims pasiekus gilesnį nei 10 cm dirvožemio sluoksnį, dėl didesnio judraus aliuminio kiekio jų augimo intensyvumas keitėsi. Nekalkintame ir kalkintame dirvožemiuose sparčiausiai augo raudonojo ir baltojo dobilų šaknys, o silpniausia – mėlynžiedės liucernos šaknys. Kalkintame dirvožemyje pupiniai augalai šaknų gumbelių suformavo 3,4 kartus daugiau nei nekalkintame. Daugiausia gumbelių (47,35 ir 14,60  vnt.) kalkintame ir nekalkintame dirvožemiuose suformavo raudonasis dobilas, o mažiausia (3,25–0,85 vnt.) – mėlynžiedė liucerna.
Effects of monensin on production and energy metabolism in early lactation cows
Authors: Antanaitis Ramūnas , Žilaitis Vytuolis , Juozaitienė Vida , Stoškus Robertas , Televičius Mindaugas
Published: July 2015

The aim of the research was to investigate effects of monensin controlled-release capsules on production and metabolism in early lactation cows, with relation to the time of administration of monensin. The study was performed in 2014 (from 01/05/2014 to 01/10/2014) at a Lithuanian cattle farm having 500 dairy cows. Four experimental groups were applied as follows: 1) Group 1 (G1) control (no supplementation, n  =  20); 2)  Group  2 (G2) with supplementation of monensin (32.4 g monensin controlled-release capsule (MCRC), n = 20). Both groups were on 30th day before expected calving; 3) Group 3 (G3) control (no supplementation, n = 10); 4) Group 4 (G4) with supplementation of monensin (32.4 g monensin controlled-release capsule (MCRC), n = 10). Both groups were on day 1 post partum. Group 2 (G2) received MCRC 30 days before calving, Group 4 (G4) 1 day after calving. Experimental and control cows received the same diet and were exposed to the same environment and management conditions during the entire experimental protocol. Blood samples were collected from the coccygeal vessels: G1 and G2 cows from day –30 (before expected calving, prior to supplementation), each day, up to 30 days post partum; G3 and G4 from day 1 post partum, each day, up to 30 days post partum. Blood serum was tested for beta-hydroxybutyrates (BHB) and glucose concentration. The daily milk yield was measured electronically (DairyPlan C21, Westfalia Surge Inc., GEA). Milk was sampled once monthly. Samples were analyzed for contents of fat, protein, lactose, urea, and somatic cells count. The BHB concentration decreased more efficiently after the supplementation of MCRC after calving. After supplementation with monensin on the first day after calving, it has been identified that the BHB concentration in serum of experimental group (G4) cows statistically significantly decreased after 3 days (p < 0.05). During this period, the average BHB concentration of control group (G3) cows was 0.414 (±0.05) mmol/l, while the BHB concentration of experimental group (G4) cows was 0.27 (±0.03) mmol/l. Statistically significant differences between the experimental and the control groups were observed during the entire study (p < 0.05). After calving, cows supplemented with monensin showed statistically significant higher production of milk (p < 0.05) than the control group. Statistically significant differences in the blood glucose and BHB concentration, quantity of milk and production average between two experimental groups (G2 and G4) were not identified.
Réflexion historique sur l’éthique féministe
Authors: Bourgeois-Guérin Valérie , Beaudoin Simon
Published: July 2015

Dans cet article, est mis en évidence l’apport considérable de l’éthique féministe à l’interprétation de phénomènes contemporains. Cette réflexion permet de mettre en lumière les résultats d’un projet de recherche qualitative réalisé auprès de femmes âgées atteintes d’un cancer incurable. Plus précisément : 1) sur le plan théorique, on clarifie le sens d’une perspective féminine de l’éthique à l’aide de l’approche généalogique, puis cette approche est réinvestie dans l’interprétation du vécu de femmes âgées atteintes d’un cancer incurable; 2) en se fondant sur ces réflexions, on montre, sur le plan pratique, la manière dont l’éthique féministe peut se réaliser concrètement et être vecteur de changements.
La sensibilité éthique
Authors: Langlois Lyse , Tanguay Dominique , Fillion Lise , Robitaille Marie-Anik
Published: July 2015

Les auteures s’intéressent à la sensibilité éthique dans un contexte hospitalier, plus précisément aux soins intensifs. L’objectif de leur recherche est d’élaborer et de mettre en place un modèle d’intervention en vue d’intégrer une approche de soins de fin de vie dans deux unités de soins intensifs. Deux groupes formés de professionnelles et de professionnels ont été invités à réfléchir aux risques éthiques dans leur unité à partir de l’éthique narrative. Cette approche a permis de mettre en évidence les zones à clarifier et de réfléchir aux changements qui devraient être apportés au sein de ces deux unités. La vision en matière de soins de fin de vie, la communication avec la famille ainsi que le développement et le maintien des compétences dans ce domaine ont constitué les principales composantes de l’intervention. Les résultats ont permis de constater les enjeux de pouvoir liés à la collaboration interprofessionnelle pouvant freiner la perception des enjeux éthiques et l’expression de la sensibilité éthique à l’intérieur des équipes de soins intensifs.
Les jeunes féministes et la valorisation du travail de reproduction
Authors: Seery Annabelle
Published: July 2015

Le mouvement des femmes au Québec, après avoir reconnu la division sexuelle du travail au cours des années 70, a privilégié l’accès des femmes au travail rémunéré pour qu’elles évitent la dépendance économique. Alors que les inégalités perdurent dans les familles et sur le marché du travail, que reste-t-il des nombreux débats sur la façon de reconnaître et de valoriser le travail de reproduction ayant animé le mouvement des femmes? À partir d’entretiens semi-directifs avec des féministes québécoises âgées de 23 à 36 ans, l’auteure expose la lecture que fait une certaine génération de féministes de la place accordée à la valorisation du travail de reproduction. Les caractéristiques de leur engagement féministe et le contexte dans lequel cet engagement se situe peuvent aider à comprendre leurs préoccupations.