bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Water scarcity and institutional change: lessons in adaptive governance from the drought experience of Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Bettini Y. , Brown R. , de Haan F. J.
Published: May 2013

Urban water systems will be increasingly challenged under future climates and global pressures. Meeting challenges by reconfiguring water systems to integrate supplies and deliver multifunctional uses is technically well described. Adjusting the institutions that frame the management of these systems is not well operationalized in practice or conceptualized in theory. This study seeks to address this gap through an institutional analysis of Perth, Australia, a city where drought crisis has put under pressure both management practices and the institutional setting that underlies them. The study found that while trusted practices moderated water scarcity, the stability of the institutional setting may not facilitate a shift toward adaptable institutional configurations suited to future conditions. The results identified three key ingredients for a flexible institutional setting: (i) feedbacks in the system through better information management, (ii) reflexive dialogue and strategic use of projects to generate greater learning opportunities, and (iii) policy level support for sector-wide collaboration through progressive agendas, incentives for innovation and capacity building in stakeholder and community engagement. Further, the results suggest that a deeper understanding of institutional dynamics is needed to enable adaptive governance. The paper provides an analytical framework for diagnosing how greater adaptive capacity might be mobilized through influencing these dynamics.
The impact of cooperative learning on English as a foreign language tertiary learners' social skills
Authors: Ning Huiping
Published: May 2013

In this study, I focused on the impact of cooperative learning on the development of social skills in English as a foreign language (EFL) tertiary students. Participants were 2 randomly selected classes of students from a university in the north of China. A pretest-posttest control
group quasiexperimental design was employed for the comparison of the impact of the cooperative learning approach with that of traditional whole-class instruction on 8 aspects of social skills: self-confidence, sense of cohesion, initiative in socialization, being positive, checking for understanding,
equal participation and accountability, acceptance and empathy, and conflict management. These aspects form 8 subscales of the Social Skills Scale for Chinese College English Learners (SSS-CCEL; Ning, 2010), which the participants completed. Findings suggest substantial differences in favor
of cooperative learning in the improvement of students' overall social skills, and in particular in the skills of equal participation and accountability.
Affectivity, emotional exhaustion, and service sabotage behavior: The mediation role of rumination
Authors: Luo Ping , Bao Zhao
Published: May 2013

In this study, we examined the mechanisms of rumination including its antecedents (positive and negative affectivity) and outcomes (emotional exhaustion and service sabotage behavior). Our theoretical model was tested using data collected from 751 employees in a call center in China.
Results showed that positive and negative affectivity were significantly related to rumination, which is then positively related to emotional exhaustion and service sabotage behavior. Moreover, rumination significantly mediated the relationships between positive and negative affectivity, and
the outcomes of rumination. Finally, emotional exhaustion was found to be positively related to service sabotage behavior.
Compositions as non-alternating sequences of partitions
Authors: Blecher Aubrey , Brennan Charlotte , Mansour Toufik
Published: May 2013

Compositions are conceptualized as non alternating sequences of blocks of
non-decreasing and strictly decreasing partitions. We find the generating
function F(x; y; q) where x marks the size of the composition, y the number
of parts and q the number of such partition blocks minus 1. We form these
blocks starting on the left-hand-side of the composition and maximizing the
size of each block. We also find the generating function for the total number
of such blocks.
On the Need to Ask Educational Questions about Education: An Interview with Gert Biesta
Authors: Saeverot Herner , Biesta Gert
Published: May 2013

This interview attempts to articulate what it might mean to speak for ‘Pädagogik’ in an era where new trends in education run the risk of marginalizing ‘Pädagogik’ as an independent academic discipline. This trend can be found in several European countries and is judged by Herner Saeverot and Gert Biesta to be a development that is cause for concern.
Does proclination of maxillary incisors really affect the sagittal position of point A?
Authors: Bicakci Ali Altug , Cankaya Ozkan Semih , Mertoglu Serhat , Yilmaz Nurbengu , Altan Burcu Kocoglu
Published: May 2013

Objective:

To examine the effect of maxillary incisor proclination due to orthodontic treatment upon the sagittal position of point A and evaluate the effect of this possible movement of point A on sella-nasion-point A (SNA) angle.

Materials and Methods:

A study group was formed from 25 subjects (12 male and 13 female) who had Class II division 2 malocclusion with retroclined upper incisors, and a control group was formed from 25 subjects (12 male and 13 female) who had minor crowding in the beginning of the treatment and required no or minimal maxillary anterior tooth movement. Treatment changes in maxillary incisor inclination, sagittal position of point A, SNA angle, and movement of incisor root apex and incisal edge were calculated on pretreatment and posttreatment lateral cephalographs.

Results:

Maxillary incisors were significantly proclined (17.33°) in the study group and not significantly proclined (1.81°) in the control group. This proclination resulted in 2.12-mm backward movement of the root apex and 5.76-mm forward movement of the incisal edge of maxillary incisors. Point A moved 1.04 mm backward (P  =  .582) and 0.48 mm (P  =  .811) forward in the study and control groups, respectively. Incisor root apex and incisal edge almost remained stable in the control group. No significant change was observed in the value of the SNA angle in both the study and control groups.

Conclusions:

Proclination of maxillary incisors accompanied by backward movement of incisor root apex caused posterior movement of point A. However, this posterior movement does not significantly affect the SNA angle.
Effects of Consumer-Facing Technologies on Patient Engagement, Behavior Change, and Type 2 Diabetes–Related Health Outcomes
Authors: Dyer Jennifer Shine
Published: May 2013

In Brief

The decisions most affecting the health and well-being of patients with diabetes are made by the patients themselves. Thus, technologies that target patient empowerment and behavior change are making a large impact on diabetes-related health outcomes. This article highlights a variety of technologies that encourage insulin dosing changes, provide motivation for checking blood glucose, organize blood glucose meter data, and motivate patients to lose weight. It includes discussion of several theories of patient engagement and health behavior change involving consumer-facing patient-centered technologies.
Market Research within 3D Virtual Worlds: An Examination of Pertinent Issues
Authors: Harwood Tracy G. , Ward Janet
Published: May 2013

This paper presents a review of extant literature about virtual worlds market research. We discuss the need for greater recognition of differences to traditional online and e-commerce web services, including social media. Our review considers what makes virtual worlds different and of particular interest to market researchers, including an overview of Second Life. We examine the issues faced and analyse how these link to research processes. We conclude that there is a need for a deep understanding of how user-participants behave ‘in-world’. This article contributes by raising awareness and informing the market research community of pertinent issues.
‘Survey’: Needless Despoilment of a Traditional Research Term
Authors: Gaski John F.
Published: May 2013

This note demonstrates an example of lost knowledge in the marketing research field. In particular, the original meaning of the terms ‘survey’ and ‘survey research’ has been perverted, apparently through inattention. Epistemology is presented to verify, resultant problems are exposed, and some remedial conceptualisation and semantic tactics are offered. If ‘a problem recognised is half solved’, this philological endeavour aspires to cover turf at least to that midway point.
Digging Deeper: Using Implicit Tests to Define Consumers' Semantic Network
Authors: Rivière Pierrick , Cuny Caroline , Allain Gaël , Vereijken Carel
Published: May 2013

Many physiological functions, such as the digestive function, are broad, complex scientific topics. Therefore, to build relevant, accessible claims about functional foods that relate to these functions, marketers need to understand what consumers know about them, in terms of the associated symptoms, diseases and health benefits. Such knowledge cannot be captured effectively through direct questioning; it requires implicit testing that can limit biases and reveal unconscious knowledge. For this study, 240 consumers were invited to participate in an implicit lexical decision task via an online platform, and their responses reveal that the concept of ‘immunity’ is associated in mothers' minds with three symptoms related to their personal experiences with their children. By measuring associations that emerge without pre-existing rational processes, this implicit measure offers a more precise picture of the semantic network for immunity, which consumers could not express explicitly in response to direct questioning. Thus the recommended protocol is not only new to market research but also adds substantial value to the tests that currently serve to dig into consumers' minds.
Synthesis of phase purity V2AlC via self-propagation high temperature sintering
Authors: Li Xin , Li Xiao , Liang Baoyan
Published: May 2013

V2AlC was synthesized via self-propagation high-temperature sintering using V/Al/C powders as raw materials. Results showed that the main phase of the product was V2AlC in the sample from 2V/Al/C powders. A low amount of VC0.75 was also observed in the product. The weight contents of V2AlC and VC0.75 in this sample were 94.5 % and 5.5 %, respectively. Excess Al additives clearly improved the synthesis of V2AlC. For the raw material 2V/1.1Al/C, single-phase V2AlC material can be obtained.
The Effect of Shear Strain Amplitude and Loading Cycle on the Horizontal Characteristics of Fiber Reinforced Nanocomposite Elastomeric Seismic Isolators
Authors: Motameni M. Mokhtari , Kokabi M. , Bahramian A. R.
Published: May 2013

Fiber-reinforced elastomeric isolators (FREIs) are a new generation of seismic isolation devices in which steel plates are replaced by fibers. FREIs have a number of advantages over SREIs including; superior energy dissipation capability, potentially low manufacturing cost, light weight, and the possibility of being produced in long rectangular strips or large sheets and being modified to the required size locally. The main purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of shear strain amplitude and loading cycles on the horizontal characteristics of fiber reinforced nanocomposite elastomeric isolators (FRNEIs) which were manufactured based on nanocomposite rubber compounds. The results of typical isolator horizontal test showed that by increasing the number of cycles of loading and shear strain, the values of effective horizontal stiffness and shear modulus of FRNEI decrease and the viscous damping increases. This stress softening is known as the “Mullins effect”, which occurs in filled rubbers.
Differential Molding System for Micro Injection Molding of Thermoplastics
Authors: Wang X. , Xie P. , Zhang P. , Ding Y. , Yang W.
Published: May 2013

A differential molding system for micro injection molding of thermoplastics was designed and fabricated. As the core part, a planetary gear pump was integrated into the molding module and used for metering, delivering and supercharging. The molding system was installed in the stationary platen beside which a servo motor was connected to the transmission shaft of the pump through a coupling. A traditional injection molding machine which was equipped with this module could be upgraded to a precise micro injection molding machine and realized the function of multiple micro injection molding machines. A process study was first performed to verify the machine performance and to determine the influence of the main process parameters. It has been proved by experiments that the differential molding system could realize the manufacture of fine and precision parts with micro structures in one step with high efficiency at low cost.
Effect of Hot Water and Water-carrying Agent on the Properties of Silane-water Crosslinked Linear Low Density Polyethylene
Authors: Chen T. , Wang J. , Shi P. , Li Q. , Wu C.
Published: May 2013

The influence of hot water and the water-carrying agent aluminum potassium sulfate dodecahydrate (alum) on the mechanical and thermal properties of the silane-water crosslinked linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) was investigated. LLDPE was melt-grafted with various content of vinyl trimethoxysilane (VTMS) using dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as initiator. The results show that the contribution of hot water to gel content is poor, about 2 to 16%, compared with that of the silane grafted LLDPE. Is feasible to achieve silane-water crosslinking reaction with alum for self-crosslinked LLDPE; furthermore, the self-crosslinked LLDPE has lower crosslink density (ν). It was found that alum could not only conduct silane-water crosslinking reaction effectively, but also improve the mechanical properties, especially the elongation behavior. The heat of fusion (ΔHm), the melting temperature (Tm), and the degree of crystallinity (Xc) of the hot water crosslinked LLDPE decreased with the advancement of VTMS. The Avrami exponent n of self-crosslinked sample was larger than that of hot water crosslinked sample. This means that the alum could contribute to the growth of crystallization.
Green Plant Material in Avian Nests
Authors: Dubiec Anna , Góźdź Iga , Mazgajski Tomasz D.
Published: May 2013

Some bird species place in their nests fresh green plant materials, e.g. leaves, sprigs or branches of herbs, shrubs and trees, which are not a part of the basic nest structure. These additional materials are often characterised by a high content of volatile secondary metabolites and constitute a non-random, small fraction of plants available in the habitat. Several non-mutually exclusive hypotheses have been proposed to explain the function of green material in avian nests with three of them attracting the most attention. The courtship hypothesis proposes that green material is used by males in order to attract females to nesting sites. The nest protection hypothesis posits that birds place in the nest green material rich in volatile compounds to reduce the abundance of parasites and pathogens which, in turn, should mitigate their negative impact on the host. According to the drug hypothesis green material directly positively affects the health and development of nestlings, e.g. through stimulation of some components of the nestlings’ immune system. Here, we present an overview of hypotheses explaining the phenomenon of green material in avian nests with a thorough description of three most frequently tested hypotheses and suggest the directions for future studies.
Quantum Entanglement Concentration Based on Nonlinear Optics for Quantum Communications
Authors: Sheng Yu-Bo , Zhou Lan
Published: May 2013

Entanglement concentration is of most importance in long distance quantum communication and quantum computation. It is to distill maximally entangled states from pure partially entangled states based on the local operation and classical communication. In this review, we will mainly describe two kinds of entanglement concentration protocols. One is to concentrate the partially entangled Bell-state, and the other is to concentrate the partially entangled W state. Some protocols are feasible in current experimental conditions and suitable for the optical, electric and quantum-dot and optical microcavity systems.
Plant Defense against Insect Herbivores
Authors: Fürstenberg-Hägg Joel , Zagrobelny Mika , Bak Søren
Published: May 2013

Plants have been interacting with insects for several hundred million years, leading to complex defense approaches against various insect feeding strategies. Some defenses are constitutive while others are induced, although the insecticidal defense compound or protein classes are often similar. Insect herbivory induce several internal signals from the wounded tissues, including calcium ion fluxes, phosphorylation cascades and systemic- and jasmonate signaling. These are perceived in undamaged tissues, which thereafter reinforce their defense by producing different, mostly low molecular weight, defense compounds. These bioactive specialized plant defense compounds may repel or intoxicate insects, while defense proteins often interfere with their digestion. Volatiles are released upon herbivory to repel herbivores, attract predators or for communication between leaves or plants, and to induce defense responses. Plants also apply morphological features like waxes, trichomes and latices to make the feeding more difficult for the insects. Extrafloral nectar, food bodies and nesting or refuge sites are produced to accommodate and feed the predators of the herbivores. Meanwhile, herbivorous insects have adapted to resist plant defenses, and in some cases even sequester the compounds and reuse them in their own defense. Both plant defense and insect adaptation involve metabolic costs, so most plant-insect interactions reach a stand-off, where both host and herbivore survive although their development is suboptimal.
Effect of Milling on the Mechanical Properties of Chopped SiC Fiber-Reinforced ZrB2
Authors: Pienti L. , Sciti D. , Silvestroni L. , Guicciardi S.
Published: May 2013

This work aims at studying the effect of the milling conditions on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a ZrB2-5 vol% Si3N4 matrix reinforced with chopped Hi-Nicalon SiC fibers. Several composites were obtained using different milling conditions in terms of time, speed and type of milling media. The composites were prepared from commercial powders, ball milled, dried and shaped, and hot pressed at 1720 °C. Their relative bulk densities achieved values as high as 99%. For each material the fiber length distribution, the extent of reacted fiber area and matrix mean grain size were evaluated in order to ascertain the effects of milling time, milling speed and type of milling media. While the fracture toughness and hardness were statistically the same independently of the milling conditions, the flexural strength changed. From the results obtained, the best milling conditions for optimized mechanical properties were determined.
Effect of Solvents, Their Mixture and Thermal Annealing on the Performance of Solution Processed Polymer Light-Emitting Diodes
Authors: Rezvani Mohammad , Farajollahi Farid , Nikfarjam Alireza , Bakhtiarpour Parisa , Saydanzad Erfan
Published: May 2013

In this study, we first investigated changes seen in electrical and optical properties of a polymer light-emitting diode due to using different kinds of solvents and their mixture. Two-layer light emitting diodes with organic small molecules doped in a PVK polymer host were fabricated using (i) non-aromatic solvent chloroform with a high evaporation rate; (ii) aromatic solvent chlorobenzene with a low evaporation rate, and (iii) their mixture with different relative ratios. The effect of nano-scale layer thickness, surface roughness and internal nano-morphology on threshold voltage and the amount of electric current, the luminance and efficiency of a device were assessed. Results indicated the importance of majority charge carriers’ type in the selection of solvent and tuning its properties. Then, the effect of thermal annealing on electrical and optical properties of polymer light emitting diodes was investigated. During the device fabrication, pre-annealing in 80 and/or 120 °C and post-annealing in 120 °C were performed. The nano-scale effect of annealing on polymer-metal interface and electric current injection was described thoroughly. A comparison between threshold voltage, luminance and electric current efficiency of luminescence for different annealing processes was undertaken, so that the best electric current efficiency of luminescence achieved at 120 °C pre-annealing accompanied with 120 °C post-annealing.
Posidonia oceanica as a Renewable Lignocellulosic Biomass for the Synthesis of Cellulose Acetate and Glycidyl Methacrylate Grafted Cellulose
Authors: Coletti Alessia , Valerio Antonio , Vismara Elena
Published: May 2013

High-grade cellulose (97% α-cellulose content) of 48% crystallinity index was extracted from the renewable marine biomass waste Posidonia oceanica using H2O2 and organic peracids following an environmentally friendly and chlorine-free process. This cellulose appeared as a new high-grade cellulose of waste origin quite similar to the high-grade cellulose extracted from more noble starting materials like wood and cotton linters. The benefits of α-cellulose recovery from P. oceanica were enhanced by its transformation into cellulose acetate CA and cellulose derivative GMA-C. Fully acetylated CA was prepared by conventional acetylation method and easily transformed into a transparent film. GMA-C with a molar substitution (MS) of 0.72 was produced by quenching Fenton’s reagent (H2O2/FeSO4) generated cellulose radicals with GMA. GMA grafting endowed high-grade cellulose from Posidonia with adsorption capability. GMA-C removes β-naphthol from water with an efficiency of 47%, as measured by UV-Vis spectroscopy. After hydrolysis of the glycidyl group to glycerol group, the modified GMA-C was able to remove p-nitrophenol from water with an efficiency of 92%, as measured by UV-Vis spectroscopy. α-cellulose and GMA-Cs from Posidonia waste can be considered as new materials of potential industrial and environmental interest.
Chitosan for Gene Delivery and Orthopedic Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Raftery Rosanne , O'Brien Fergal , Cryan Sally-Ann
Published: May 2013

Gene therapy involves the introduction of foreign genetic material into cells in order exert a therapeutic effect. The application of gene therapy to the field of orthopaedic tissue engineering is extremely promising as the controlled release of therapeutic proteins such as bone morphogenetic proteins have been shown to stimulate bone repair. However, there are a number of drawbacks associated with viral and synthetic non-viral gene delivery approaches. One natural polymer which has generated interest as a gene delivery vector is chitosan. Chitosan is biodegradable, biocompatible and non-toxic. Much of the appeal of chitosan is due to the presence of primary amine groups in its repeating units which become protonated in acidic conditions. This property makes it a promising candidate for non-viral gene delivery. Chitosan-based vectors have been shown to transfect a number of cell types including human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) and human cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Aside from its use in gene delivery, chitosan possesses a range of properties that show promise in tissue engineering applications; it is biodegradable, biocompatible, has anti-bacterial activity, and, its cationic nature allows for electrostatic interaction with glycosaminoglycans and other proteoglycans. It can be used to make nano- and microparticles, sponges, gels, membranes and porous scaffolds. Chitosan has also been shown to enhance mineral deposition during osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in vitro. The purpose of this review is to critically discuss the use of chitosan as a gene delivery vector with emphasis on its application in orthopedic tissue engineering.
A Novel Multi-Component Reaction to Imidazo[4,5-g]-quinazolines
Authors: Li Li , Zhang Qianqian , Liu Bo , Liu Gang
Published: May 2013

The trace impurities discovered after extended storage of a 5-amino- benzimidazole library were determined as imidazo[4,5-g]quinazoline derivatives by extensive spectroscopic data analysis. The formation of this highly aromatic heterocyclic ring involved a novel multi-component reaction, using which several novel compounds were prepared. Its mechanism was deduced as a cascade of chemical transformations, including the formation of a Schiff’s base, intramolecular hetero-Diels-Alder reaction, defluorination and dehydrogenation.
Iron Deficiency and Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Jáuregui-Lobera Ignacio
Published: May 2013

It is estimated that the prevalence of anaemia in patients scheduled for bariatric surgery is higher than in the general population and the prevalence of iron deficiencies (with or without anaemia) may be higher as well. After surgery, iron deficiencies and anaemia may occur in a higher percentage of patients, mainly as a consequence of nutrient deficiencies. In addition, perioperative anaemia has been related with increased postoperative morbidity and mortality and poorer quality of life after bariatric surgery. The treatment of perioperative anaemia and nutrient deficiencies has been shown to improve patients’ outcomes and quality of life. All patients should undergo an appropriate nutritional evaluation, including selective micronutrient measurements (e.g., iron), before any bariatric surgical procedure. In comparison with purely restrictive procedures, more extensive perioperative nutritional evaluations are required for malabsorptive procedures due to their nutritional consequences. The aim of this study was to review the current knowledge of nutritional deficits in obese patients and those that commonly appear after bariatric surgery, specifically iron deficiencies and their consequences. As a result, some recommendations for screening and supplementation are presented.
Classifying the Baltic Sea Shallow Water Habitats Using Image-Based and Spectral Library Methods
Authors: Vahtmäe Ele , Kutser Tiit
Published: May 2013

The structure of benthic macrophyte habitats is known to indicate the quality of coastal water. Thus, a large-scale analysis of the spatial patterns of coastal marine habitats enables us to adequately estimate the status of valuable coastal marine habitats, provide better evidence for environmental changes and describe processes that are behind the changes. Knowing the spatial distribution of benthic habitats is also important from the coastal management point of view. A big challenge in remote sensing mapping of benthic habitats is to define appropriate mapping classes that are also meaningful from the ecological point of view. In this study, the benthic habitat classification scheme was defined for the study areas in the relatively turbid north-eastern Baltic Sea coastal environment. Two different classification methods—image-based and the spectral library—method were used for image classification. The image-based classification method can provide benthic habitat maps from coastal areas, but requires extensive field studies. An alternative approach in image classification is to use measured and/or modelled spectral libraries. This method does not require fieldwork at the time of image collection if preliminary information about the potential benthic habitats and their spectral properties, as well as variability in optical water properties exists from earlier studies. A spectral library was generated through radiative transfer model HydroLight computations using measured reflectance spectra from representative benthic substrates and water quality measurements. Our previous results have shown that benthic habitat mapping should be done at high spatial resolution, owing to the small-scale heterogeneity of such habitats in the Estonian coastal waters. In this study, the capability of high spatial resolution hyperspectral airborne a Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager (CASI) sensor and a high spatial resolution multispectral WorldView-2 satellite sensor were tested for mapping benthic habitats. Initial evaluations of habitat maps indicate that image-based classification provides higher quality benthic maps compared to the spectral library method.
Deux passages de la VIIIe Pythique (v. 67-69 et 77-78)
Authors: Taillardat Jean
Published: May 2013

Ι. ἁρμονία (ν. 68) n'est pas un terme de musique, mais le nomen adionis répondant à άρμόττειν « ajuster ses paroles à la réalité ». De même, dans Platon, Théétète, 175e, ἁρμονία λόγων désigne «l'ajustement des paroles à la Vérité (des philosophes) ». Cet emploi de ἁρμονία est lié à la notion de πρέπον de la rhétorique naissante (Pindare) ou adulte (Platon) ; II. le texte de Pyih. 77-78 est limpide : le daimon n'y est pas comparé à un lutteur, mais, selon la croyance grecque, au βραβεύς qui arbitre, dans l'arène, les luttes de la vie humaine.
Climate Change Adaptation Practices in Nature-Based Tourism in Maun in the Okavango Delta Area, Botswana: How Prepared are the Tourism Businesses?
Authors: Hambira Wame L , Saarinen Jarkko , Manwa Haretsebe , Atlhopheng Julius R.
Published: May 2013

The tourism industry can contribute significantly to developing countries' economic development due to the increase in tourist demand that has occurred in recent decades. However, the industry is highly sensitive to the effects of climate change and destinations in developing countries,
especially, should aim to ensure that their tourism operations and products are sustained through the implementation of suitable climate change adaptation strategies. The purpose of this article is to examine the existence and nature of adaptation strategies that have been adopted by tourism
businesses in Maun (Botswana), in the Okavango Delta area in order to gauge their preparedness to the estimated impacts of climate change. This will be based on the tourism business operators' perceptions and knowledge about climate change. Qualitative data were collected by means of semistructured
interviews and analysis of the results reveals that while tourist operators have perceived and expect negative environmental changes linked to climate, the majority of interviewees had not experienced negative impacts to their own business operations. As a result, the interviewed operators
have not adopted climate change adaptation strategies. the continuation of this situation is a potential threat to the future success of nature-based tourism in Botswana, a sector of tourism that contributes the most to the industry, making it the second important economic sector in the country.
Isotopically labeled sulfur compounds and synthetic selenium and tellurium analogues to study sulfur metabolism in marine bacteria
Authors: Brock Nelson L , Citron Christian A , Zell Claudia , Berger Martine , Wagner-Döbler Irene , Petersen Jörn , Brinkhoff Thorsten , Simon Meinhard , Dickschat Jeroen S
Published: May 2013

Members of the marine Roseobacter clade can degrade dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) via competing pathways releasing either methanethiol (MeSH) or dimethyl sulfide (DMS). Deuterium-labeled [2H6]DMSP and the synthetic DMSP analogue dimethyltelluriopropionate (DMTeP) were used in feeding experiments with the Roseobacter clade members Phaeobacter gallaeciensis DSM 17395 and Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS-3, and their volatile metabolites were analyzed by closed-loop stripping and solid-phase microextraction coupled to GC–MS. Feeding experiments with [2H6]DMSP resulted in the incorporation of a deuterium label into MeSH and DMS. Knockout of relevant genes from the known DMSP demethylation pathway to MeSH showed in both species a residual production of [2H3]MeSH, suggesting that a second demethylation pathway is active. The role of DMSP degradation pathways for MeSH and DMS formation was further investigated by using the synthetic analogue DMTeP as a probe in feeding experiments with the wild-type strain and knockout mutants. Feeding of DMTeP to the R. pomeroyi knockout mutant resulted in a diminished, but not abolished production of demethylation pathway products. These results further corroborated the proposed second demethylation activity in R. pomeroyi. Isotopically labeled [2H3]methionine and 34SO42−, synthesized from elemental 34S8, were tested to identify alternative sulfur sources besides DMSP for the MeSH production in P. gallaeciensis. Methionine proved to be a viable sulfur source for the MeSH volatiles, whereas incorporation of labeling from sulfate was not observed. Moreover, the utilization of selenite and selenate salts by marine alphaproteobacteria for the production of methylated selenium volatiles was explored and resulted in the production of numerous methaneselenol-derived volatiles via reduction and methylation. The pathway of selenate/selenite reduction, however, proved to be strictly separated from sulfate reduction.
Golimumab in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis Despite Methotrexate Therapy: Results Through 2 Years of the GO-FORWARD Study Extension
Authors: Keystone Edward C. , Genovese Mark C. , Hall Stephen , Miranda Pedro C. , Bae Sang-Cheol , Palmer William , Wu Zhong , Xu Stephen , Hsia Elizabeth C.
Published: May 2013

Objective.

To assess the longterm efficacy and safety of golimumab in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) despite methotrexate (MTX) therapy.

Methods.

We randomized 444 RA patients with inadequate response to MTX (3:3:2:2) to placebo + MTX (Group 1), golimumab 100 mg + placebo (Group 2), golimumab 50 mg + MTX (Group 3), or golimumab 100 mg + MTX (Group 4). Subcutaneous golimumab/placebo was injected every 4 weeks. Patients could escape early (Group 1 added golimumab 50 mg, Group 2 added MTX, Group 3 increased golimumab to 100 mg, Group 4 continued 100 mg) based on Week 16 swollen and tender joint counts. From Week 24, Group 1 patients received golimumab 50 mg + MTX. After the Week 52 database lock, patients in the longterm extension received golimumab 50–100 mg ± MTX. Coprimary endpoints [Week 14 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)20, Week 24 Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI)] and Week 52 findings have been published; 2-year findings (observed data by randomized group, no imputation) are presented.

Results.

Of 444 randomized patients, 392 continued from Week 52 (Group 1: n = 116, Group 2: n = 116, Group 3: n = 84, Group 4: n = 76). Clinical improvement was maintained through Week 104; ∼75% and 72% of patients randomized to golimumab 50 mg + MTX and 100 mg + MTX achieved ACR20 response, respectively. The majority [88% (105/120)] of golimumab + MTX–treated patients with Week 24 HAQ-DI improvement ≥ 0.25 maintained improved physical function through Week 104. Group 1 patients with delayed golimumab treatment exhibited more Week 104 radiographic progression (mean change score = 1.15) than golimumab + MTX-randomized patients (0.52). Incidences of serious infections were 2.24, 4.77, 5.78/100 patient-years of followup for golimumab 50 mg + MTX, 100 mg + placebo, and 100 mg + MTX, respectively.

Conclusion.

Clinical improvement was maintained and no new safety signals were identified with 2 years of golimumab + MTX. Golimumab efficacy and safety, including serious infections, will continue to be monitored through 5 years (Clinical Trial No. NCT00264550).
Des passages : temps, espaces, pratiques et croyances : 1993-2013
Authors: Grosjean M.D. Bernadette
Published: May 2013

Commençant sa carrière il y a vingt ans en Belgique, au moment de l’explosion de l’approche psychopharmacologique, l’auteure travaille depuis plus de dix ans à Los Angeles (USA). Confrontée au quotidien avec la population des sans logis (dont un nombre grandissant souffre de troubles psychiatriques sévères) et ébranlée tant par limites que par les dérives d’une psychiatrie de plus en plus réductionniste, elle propose dans cet essai une réflexion personnelle, politique et éthique.
L'extension de la psychanalyse
Authors: Kaës René
Published: May 2013

L’auteur expose les problèmes épistémologiques posés par la mise en œuvre de la méthode et de la problématique freudiennes dans un autre champ que celui de la cure individuelle : dans les dispositifs de travail psychanalytiques avec plusieurs sujets, et notamment dans les dispositifs de groupe. Tous les dispositifs psychanalytiques ne mobilisent pas les mêmes configurations psychiques. Les dispositifs de groupe mettent en travail non pas un seul espace psychique, mais trois : celui du groupe, celui des liens intersubjectifs et celui de chaque sujet. Chaque dispositif explore positivement un ou plusieurs espaces de la réalité psychique, mais il laisse à ses frontières un « reste à connaître » : quels processus et formations de la réalité psychique connaissons-nous par le moyen de ces dispositifs, comment les connaissons-nous, et que laissons-nous de côté, telles sont les principales questions formulées dans cette étude. Y répondre entraîne la nécessité de reformuler certaines conceptions de la réalité psychique inconsciente et de ses effets de subjectivité.
L'autisme en vingt ans...regards de deux pédopsychiatres aux pratiques cliniques différentes...
Authors: Vander Vorst Cécile , Wintgens A.
Published: May 2013

Au travers de ce propos, nous situons chacune notre travail de pédopsychiatre, en institution et en service de santé mentale ou en consultations diagnostiques auprès de l’enfant atteint d’autisme et de sa famille. Après un détour par l’historique de l’autisme, nous abordons les courants théoriques psychanalytiques et neurocognitifs comme outils pour penser chacune notre travail. L’ouverture et l’intégration de ces différentes théories permettent de prendre en compte l’enfant dans sa globalité avec ses spécificités propres. Nous insistons sur la nécessité d’un diagnostic et d’une prise en charge précoces. Nous définissons notre rôle dans l’orientation de la prise en charge en soulignant l’importance de la scolarisation dans la mesure du possible, la nécessité d’utiliser des moyens de communication alternatifs ainsi que l’accompagnement des parents et des familles. Pour terminer, nous décrivons également les indications de prises en charge institutionnelle résidentielle.
Analysis of the Morphology and Vascular Layers of the Choroid in Retinitis Pigmentosa Using Spectral-Domain OCT
Authors: Adhi Mehreen , Regatieri Caio V. , Branchini Lauren A. , Zhang Jason Y. , Alwassia Ahmad A. , Duker Jay S.
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To analyze choroidal morphology and vascular layers in eyes with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of 14 patients (14 eyes) with RP and 33 healthy subjects (33 eyes) who underwent high-definition one-line raster scanning at a single center. Two independent raters evaluated the morphology, thickness, and vascular layers of the choroid in both groups.

RESULTS:

The choroid had an irregular shape in 11 of 14 eyes (79%) with RP. The thickest point of choroid was not subfoveal as in healthy eyes, and exaggerated nasal thinning of the choroid was observed in nine of 14 eyes (65%) with RP. Mean subfoveal total choroidal thickness and large choroidal vessel layer thickness were significantly lower in eyes with RP (
P
= .04 and
P
= .02, respectively) than in healthy eyes.

CONCLUSION:

Choroidal morphology is altered and an exaggerated thinning of the large choroidal vessel layer is observed in eyes with RP. Further studies involving correlation of disease stage and severity with choroidal changes may provide further insight into the involvement of choroid in RP and other inherited retinal dystrophies.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2013;44:252–259.]
Crisis de los cuidados, Ley de Dependencia y confusión semántica
Authors: Serrano Pascual Amparo , Artiaga Leiras Alba , Dávila de León María Celeste
Published: May 2013

La condición de dependencia, inmanente a todo ser humano, ha sido regulada política e institucionalmente en base a una serie de supuestos incuestionables que articulan una construcción sexualizada de los cuidados. Estos a priori podrían verse revisados con la implementación de iniciativas políticas como la Ley 39/2006, de 14 de diciembre, de Promoción de la Autonomía Personal y Atención a las personas en situación de Dependencia (Ley de Dependencia o LAAD) al poderse inducir una socialización de las obligaciones morales frente a la dependencia, una visibilización de las competencias y destrezas que reclaman los cuidados, y una revisión del “sexo” del trabajo. Este artículo discute, desde una perspectiva de género, el potencial herético de esta Ley y su contribución a una pugna por el sentido acerca de los cuidados. Para ello, este análisis crítico de la LAAD se apoya además en un trabajo de campo consistente en la realización de 20 entrevistas a informantes clave, con el que se trata de indagar en las luchas por el sentido entre diversos actores que participaron en la elaboración de la Ley.
Rôle des représentations des apprenants : expérimentation relative au climat motivationnel
Authors: Breton Linda
Published: May 2013

En ce qui concerne l'apprentissage de l'anglais, une partie du public des étudiants ingénieurs voit sa progression freinée par une mauvaise représentation de sa compétence, de l'efficacité de ses efforts et du but à atteindre.  La théorie de l'Attribution causale fournit des pistes pour étudier l'apprentissage en tant que comportement d'accomplissement, dans le but d'agir favorablement sur cette représentation, qui est une variable psychologique importante.  Il est suggéré qu'un apprentissage en autonomie-guidée spécifiquement conçu pourra mieux convenir à cette catégorie d'étudiant.
Spontaneous Miscarriages Are Explained by the Stress/Glucocorticoid/Lipoxin A4 Axis
Authors: Xu Zhangye , Zhao Jie , Zhang Huafeng , Ke Tang , Xu Pingwei , Cai Wenqian , Katirai Foad , Ye Duyun , Huang Yingping , Huang Bo
Published: May 2013

Despite various suspected causes, ranging from endocrine and genetic to infectious and immunological aspects, the molecular mechanisms of miscarriage still remain enigmatic. This work provides evidence that downregulation of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) type 2, the key enzyme inactivating glucocorticoid activities, insults the pregnant inflammatory milieu by inhibiting the biosynthesis of lipoxin A4 (LXA4), a metabolite of arachidonic acid, leading to an early loss of the pregnancy. Both LXA4 and its biosynthetic enzymes were found to be decreased in women with spontaneous miscarriages and in the murine miscarriage model. Replenishing LXA4 reversed LPS-induced miscarriages in mouse models, whereas blocking LXA4 signaling resulted in miscarriages in the pregnant mice. The protective effect of LXA4 might be explained by LXA4’s role in regulating uterine and placental inflammatory factors and mast cells. The underlying molecular mechanism involved miscarriage-inducing infections or stresses that downregulate the expression of 11β-HSD2, but not 11β-HSD1, resulting in increases in glucocorticoid activity and decreases in LXA4. Together, these findings suggest that the stress/glucocorticoid/LXA4 axis might be a common pathway through which miscarriages occur.
Pseudogout-Associated Inflammatory Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Microcrystals Induce Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Authors: Pang Lan , Hayes Craig P. , Buac Kristina , Yoo Dae-goon , Rada Balázs
Published: May 2013

Pseudogout is an autoinflammatory condition triggered by calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition in the joints. The innate immune system is irritated by and responds to the presence of the crystals with an inflammatory response. The synovial fluid contains activated inflammatory macrophages and neutrophil granulocytes. Several details of crystal-induced macrophage activation were recently uncovered, but very little is known about interactions of CPPD crystals with neutrophils. In this study, we show that human neutrophils engulf CPPD crystals and form large amounts of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in vitro. Released extracellular DNA binds myeloperoxidase and citrullinated histone H4. CPPD crystal–stimulated neutrophils and their nuclear DNA undergo morphological changes characteristic for NET formation. The ERK/MEK signaling pathway, heat shock protein 90, PI3K, and an intact cytoskeleton are required for CPPD-induced NET formation. Blocking crystal-activated respiratory burst has, however, no effect on NETs. Human neutrophils release IL-1β and IL-8 in response to CPPD crystals, and blocking CXCR2, the main IL-8R, diminishes NET formation. Proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, GM-CSF, and IL-1β, increase NET release by the crystals. Enhanced bacterial killing by CPPD-induced NETs demonstrates their ability to cause cellular damage. Our work documents and provides details about extracellular trap release in human neutrophils activated by CPPD microcrystals. We suggest that crystal-triggered NET formation can be a novel contributor to inflammatory conditions observed in CPPD crystal–driven synovitis.
Identification of a Novel Mode of Complement Activation on Stimulated Platelets Mediated by Properdin and C3(H2O)
Authors: Saggu Gurpanna , Cortes Claudio , Emch Heather N. , Ramirez Galia , Worth Randall G. , Ferreira Viviana P.
Published: May 2013

Elevated numbers of activated platelets circulate in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis and coronary disease. Activated platelets can activate the complement system. Although complement activation is essential for immune responses and removal of spent cells from circulation, it also contributes to inflammation and thrombosis, especially in patients with defective complement regulation. Proinflammatory activated leukocytes, which interact directly with platelets in response to vascular injury, are among the main sources of properdin, a positive regulator of the alternative pathway. The role of properdin in complement activation on stimulated platelets is unknown. Our data show that physiological forms of human properdin bind directly to human platelets after activation by strong agonists in the absence of C3, and bind nonproportionally to surface CD62P expression. Activation of the alternative pathway on activated platelets occurs when properdin is on the surface and recruits C3b or C3(H2O) to form C3b,Bb or a novel cell-bound C3 convertase [C3(H2O),Bb], which normally is present only in the fluid phase. Alternatively, properdin can be recruited by C3(H2O) on the platelet surface, promoting complement activation. Inhibition of factor H–mediated cell surface complement regulation significantly increases complement deposition on activated platelets with surface properdin. Finally, properdin released by activated neutrophils binds to activated platelets. Altogether, these data suggest novel molecular mechanisms for alternative pathway activation on stimulated platelets that may contribute to localization of inflammation at sites of vascular injury and thrombosis.