bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Jus Domicile: In Pursuit of a Citizenship of Equality and Social Justice
Authors: Bauder Harald
Published: March 2012

Although foreign workers contribute to the economy and society, their lack of citizenship renders them unequal, vulnerable and exploitable. In this article, I suggest that the citizenship principle of jus domicile can address this aspect of inequality and exploitation experienced by migrant labour. In addition, I argue that the jus domicile principle should be combined with open borders. In making this argument, I draw on a dialectical methodology and a diverse literature on social justice and liberal political theory. The model I am developing is not necessarily for immediate policy implementation but rather presents a vision for a future of free mobility and settlement.
On an Enigmatic Text by Pierre Bourdieu
Authors: David Jérôme
Published: March 2012

A largely unknown commentary by Pierre Bourdieu on the poet Guillaume Apollinaire allows us to explore the non-theoretical, and even non-theorized, aspects of the relationship between the sociologist and literature. The present article begins by analysing Bourdieu's 1995 text as an example of close reading or explication de texte emerging, as it were, from a ‘scholastic unconscious’ dating from the 1950s. The article then proceeds to look at other ways in which Bourdieu has had recourse to literary references in his work (as a repertoire of techniques, as rhetorical elements for an argument from authority, as an equivalent or approach to sociological analysis, as ethical models or invocations). The article argues that, over and beyond his sociological objectification of literature, Bourdieu entertained a range of other relations to literature. These cannot be subsumed under a single theoretical system, but emerge at different times and with different, sometimes apparently ‘anachronistic’, effects.
Oxyfluoride Chemistry of Layered Perovskite Compounds
Authors: Tsujimoto Yoshihiro , Yamaura Kazunari , Takayama-Muromachi Eiji
Published: March 2012

In this paper, we review recent progress and new challenges in the area of oxyfluoride perovskite, especially layered systems including Ruddlesden-Popper (RP), Dion-Jacobson (DJ) and Aurivillius (AV) type perovskite families. It is difficult to synthesize oxyfluoride perovskite using a conventional solid-state reaction because of the high chemical stability of the simple fluoride starting materials. Nevertheless, persistent efforts made by solid-state chemists have led to a major breakthrough in stabilizing such a mixed anion system. In particular, it is known that layered perovskite compounds exhibit a rich variety of O/F site occupation according to the synthesis used. We also present the synthetic strategies to further extend RP type perovskite compounds, with particular reference to newly synthesized oxyfluorides, Sr2CoO3F and Sr3Fe2O5+xF2−x (x ~ 0.44).
2D Spin-Dependent Diffraction of Electrons From Periodical Chains of Nanomagnets
Authors: Senbeta Teshome , Mal’nev Vadim N.
Published: March 2012

The scattering of the unpolarized beams of electrons by nanomagnets in the vicinity of some scattering angles leads to complete spin polarized electrons. This result is obtained with the help of the perturbation theory. The dipole-dipole interaction between the magnetic moment of the nanomagnet and the magnetic moment of electron is treated as perturbation. This interaction is not spherically symmetric. Rather it depends on the electron spin variables. It in turn results in spinor character of the scattering amplitudes. Due to the smallness of the magnetic interactions, the scattering length of this process is very small to be proved experimentally. To enhance the relevant scattering lengths, we considered the diffraction of unpolarized beams of electrons by linear chains of nanomagnets. By tuning the distance between the scatterers it is possible to obtain the diffraction maximum of the scattered electrons at scattering angles which corresponds to complete spin polarization of electrons. It is shown that the total differential scattering length is proportional to N2 (N is a number of scatterers). Even small number of nanomagnets in the chain helps to obtain experimentally visible enhancement of spin polarization of the scattered electrons.
Numerical Simulation of the Global Neutral Wind System of the Earth’s Middle Atmosphere for Different Seasons
Authors: Mingalev Igor V. , Mingalev Victor S. , Mingaleva Galina I.
Published: March 2012

A non-hydrostatic model of the global neutral wind system of the Earth’s atmosphere, developed earlier, is utilized to simulate the large-scale global circulation of the middle atmosphere for conditions of different seasons. In the model calculations, not only the horizontal components, but also the vertical component of the neutral wind velocity, are obtained by means of a numerical solution of a generalized Navier-Stokes equation for compressible gas, so the hydrostatic equation is not applied. Moreover, the global temperature field is assumed to be a given distribution, (i.e., the input parameter of the model) and obtained from one of the existing empirical models. The results of simulation indicate that the horizontal non-uniformity of the neutral gas temperature, which is distinct in different seasons, ought to considerably influence the formation of the global neutral wind system in the middle atmosphere, in particular, the large-scale circumpolar vortices of the northern and southern hemispheres.
Patterns of Suicide and Other Trespassing Fatalities on State-Owned Railways in Greater Stockholm; Implications for Prevention
Authors: Rådbo Helena , Andersson Ragnar
Published: March 2012

Each year, approximately 80–100 people are killed on state-owned railways due to train-person collisions in Sweden. Underlying causes are suicide and accidents; suicide constituting a vast majority. Earlier Swedish studies at a national level revealed a relation between population density and incident frequency, however, with places of occurrence often located to the outskirts of cities some distance away from station areas where victims can await approaching trains in seclusion. The aim of this study was to investigate whether this national pattern also applies to larger urban areas such as greater Stockholm, and to discuss preventative implications based on these observations. All registered incidents (N = 41) where people were hit or run-over by trains with a fatal outcome over the four-year period 2005–2008 were investigated. Results deviating from the national pattern include that most incidents occur at station areas, and that most victims enter the tracks from platforms. Passing express trains appear to be overrepresented, compared to commuter trains. Due to a low number of cases, our observations must be interpreted with caution. However, they imply that preventative measures in this type of area should focus on platform safety foremost, especially protection against rapid trains passing by station areas.
Long Term Variations of the Atmospheric Air Pollutants in Istanbul City
Authors: Ozcan H. Kurtulus
Published: March 2012

High population density and intense industrial activity has resulted in various forms of pollution in megacities. Air pollution ranks at the top of this list. This study investigated long-term changes in air pollutant parameters (SO2, CO, NO, NO2, NOx) in Istanbul City, Turkey, using data from air-quality measurement stations on the Asian and European sides of Istanbul. The results show decreases from 2002 to 2010 in the amounts of SO2 (one of the main pollutants released as a result of the burning of fossil fuels) and CO (indicative of incomplete combustion). However, NOx concentrations showed fluctuations over time, rather than a steady decline throughout the study period.
Characterization of Novel Di-, Tri-, and Tetranucleotide Microsatellite Primers Suitable for Genotyping Various Plant Pathogenic Fungi with Special Emphasis on Fusaria and Mycospherella graminicola
Authors: Bahkali Ali H. , Abd-Elsalam Kamel A. , Guo Jian-Rong , Khiyami Mohamed A. , Verreet Joseph-Alexander
Published: March 2012

The goals of this investigation were to identify and evaluate the use of polymorphic microsatellite marker (PMM) analysis for molecular typing of seventeen plant pathogenic fungi. Primers for di-, tri-, and tetranucleotide loci were designed directly from the recently published genomic sequence of Mycospherlla graminicola and Fusarium graminearum. A total of 20 new microsatellite primers as easy-to-score markers were developed. Microsatellite primer PCR (MP-PCR) yielded highly reproducible and complex genomic ﬁngerprints, with several bands ranging in size from 200 to 3000 bp. Of the 20 primers tested, only (TAGG)4, (TCC)5 and (CA)7T produced a high number of polymorphic bands from either F. graminearum or F. culmorum. (ATG)5 led to successful amplifications in M. graminicola isolates collected from Germany. Percentage of polymorphic bands among Fusarium species ranged from 9 to 100%. Cluster analysis of banding patterns of the isolates corresponded well to the established species delineations based on morphology and other methods of phylogenetic analysis. The current research demonstrates that the newly designed microsatellite primers are reliable, sensitive and technically simple tools for assaying genetic variability in plant pathogenic fungi.
Microsatellite Development for an Endangered Bream Megalobrama pellegrini (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) Using 454 Sequencing
Authors: Wang Jinjin , Yu Xiaomu , Zhao Kai , Zhang Yaoguang , Tong Jingou , Peng Zuogang
Published: March 2012

Megalobrama pellegrini is an endemic fish species found in the upper Yangtze River basin in China. This species has become endangered due to the construction of the Three Gorges Dam and overfishing. However, the available genetic data for this species is limited. Here, we developed 26 polymorphic microsatellite markers from the M. pellegrini genome using next-generation sequencing techniques. A total of 257,497 raw reads were obtained from a quarter-plate run on 454 GS-FLX titanium platforms and 49,811 unique sequences were generated with an average length of 404 bp; 24,522 (49.2%) sequences contained microsatellite repeats. Of the 53 loci screened, 33 were amplified successfully and 26 were polymorphic. The genetic diversity in M. pellegrini was moderate, with an average of 3.08 alleles per locus, and the mean observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.47 and 0.51, respectively. In addition, we tested cross-species amplification for all 33 loci in four additional breams: M. amblycephala, M. skolkovii, M. terminalis, and Sinibrama wui. The cross-species amplification showed a significant high level of transferability (79%–97%), which might be due to their dramatically close genetic relationships. The polymorphic microsatellites developed in the current study will not only contribute to further conservation genetic studies and parentage analyses of this endangered species, but also facilitate future work on the other closely related species.
Elaboration of Prussian Blue Analogue/Silica Nanocomposites: Towards Tailor-Made Nano-Scale Electronic Devices
Authors: Fornasieri Giulia , Aouadi Merwen , Delahaye Emilie , Beaunier Patricia , Durand Dominique , Rivière Eric , Albouy Pierre-Antoine , Brisset François , Bleuzen Anne
Published: March 2012

The research of new molecular materials able to replace classical solid materials in electronics has attracted growing attention over the past decade. Among these compounds photoswitchable Prussian blue analogues (PBA) are particularly interesting for the elaboration of new optical memories. However these coordination polymers are generally synthesised as insoluble powders that cannot be integrated into a real device. Hence their successful integration into real applications depends on an additional processing step. Nanostructured oxides elaborated by sol-gel chemistry combined with surfactant micelle templating can be used as nanoreactors to confine PBA precipitation and organize the functional nano-objects in the three dimensions of space. In this work we present the elaboration of different CoFe PBA/silica nanocomposites. Our synthetic procedure fully controls the synthesis of PBA in the porosity of the silica matrix from the insertion of the precursors up to the formation of the photomagnetic compound. We present results on systems from the simplest to the most elaborate: from disordered xerogels to ordered nanostructured films passing through mesoporous monoliths.
A Fatty Acid Glycoside from a Marine-Derived Fungus Isolated from Mangrove Plant Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea
Authors: Zeng Yan-Bo , Wang Hui , Zuo Wen-Jian , Zheng Bo , Yang Tao , Dai Hao-Fu , Mei Wen-Li
Published: March 2012

To study the antimicrobial components from the endophytic fungus A1 of mangrove plant Scyphiphora hydrophyllacea Gaertn. F., a new fatty acid glucoside was isolated by column chromatography from the broth of A1, and its structure was identified as R-3-hydroxyundecanoic acid methylester-3-O-α-l-rhamnopyranoside (1) by spectroscopic methods including 1D and 2D NMR (HMQC, 1H-1H COSY and HMBC) and chemical methods. Antimicrobial assay showed compound 1 possessed modest inhibitory effect on Saphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) using the filter paper disc agar diffusion method.
Chemical and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Supercritical and Conventional Sideritis scardica Griseb., Lamiaceae Extracts
Authors: Tadić Vanja , Bojović Dragica , Arsić Ivana , Đorđević Sofija , Aksentijevic Ksenija , Stamenić Marko , Janković Slobodan
Published: March 2012

Sideritis scardica Griseb., Lamiaceae (ironwort, mountain tea), an endemic plant of the Balkan Peninsula, has been used in traditional medicine in the treatment of antimicrobial infections, gastrointestinal complaints, inflammation and rheumatic disorders. This study reports a comparison between conventional (hydrodistillation HD and solvent extraction SE) and alternative (supercritical carbon dioxide SC CO2) extraction methods regarding the qualitative and quantitative composition of the obtained extracts as analyzed by GC and GC-MS techniques and their anitimicrobial activity. Different types of extracts were tested, the essential oil EO obtained by HD, EO-CO2 and AO-CO2 obtained by SC CO2 at different preasures 10 and 30 MPa, at 40 °C, respectively, and the fractions A, B, C and D obtained by successive solvent extraction (SE) A: ethanol, B: diethyl ether, C: ethyl acetate and D: n-butanol). While EO was characterized by the presence of the high percentage of oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes (30.01 and 25.54%, respectively), the rest of the investigated samples were the most abundant in fatty acids and their esters and diterpenes (from 16.72 to 71.07% for fatty acids and their esters, and from 23.30 to 72.76%, for diterpenes). Microbial susceptibility tests revealed the strong to moderate activity of all investigated extracts against the tested microorganisms (MIC from 40 to 2,560 μg/mL). Although differences in the chemical compositions determined by GC and GC-MS analysis were established, the displayed antimicrobial activity was similar for the all investigated extracts.
Antibacterial Activity and Anticancer Activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L. Essential Oil Compared to That of Its Main Components
Authors: Wang Wei , Li Nan , Luo Meng , Zu Yuangang , Efferth Thomas
Published: March 2012

In this study, Rosmarinus officinalis L. essential oil and three of its main components 1,8-cineole (27.23%), α-pinene (19.43%) and β-pinene (6.71%) were evaluated for their in vitro antibacterial activities and toxicology properties. R. officinalis L. essential oil possessed similar antibacterial activities to α-pinene, and a little bit better than β-pinene, while 1,8-cineole possessed the lowest antibacterial activities. R. officinalis L. essential oil exhibited the strongest cytotoxicity towards three human cancer cells. Its inhibition concentration 50% (IC50) values on SK-OV-3, HO-8910 and Bel-7402 were 0.025‰, 0.076‰ and 0.13‰ (v/v), respectively. The cytotoxicity of all the test samples on SK-OV-3 was significantly stronger than on HO-8910 and Bel-7402. In general, R. officinalis L. essential oil showed greater activity than its components in both antibacterial and anticancer test systems, and the activities were mostly related to their concentrations.
Inhibitory Effects of Enalaprilat on Rat Cardiac Fibroblast Proliferation via ROS/P38MAPK/TGF-β1 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yu Min , Zheng Yang , Sun Hong-Xia , Yu Du-Juan
Published: March 2012

Enalaprilat (Ena.), an angiotensin II (Ang II) converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), can produce some therapeutic effects on hypertension, ventricular hypertrophy and myocardial remodeling in clinic, but its precise mechanism, especially its signaling pathways remain elusive. In this study, cardiac fibroblasts (CFb) was isolated by the trypsin digestion method; a BrdU proliferation assay was adopted to determine cell proliferation; an immunofluorescence assay was used to measure intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS); immunocytochemistry staining and Western blotting assay were used to detect phosphorylated p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (p-p38MAPK) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) protein expression, respectively. The results showed that Ang II (10–7 M) stimulated the cardiac fibroblast proliferation which was inhibited by NAC (an antioxidant), SB203580 (a p38MAPK inhibitor) or enalaprilat; Ang II caused an burst of intracellular ROS level within thirty minutes, an increase in p-p38MAPK (3.6-fold of that in the control group), as well as an elevation of TGF-β1 meantime; NAC, an antioxidant, and enalaprilat treatment attenuated cardiac fibroblast proliferation induced by Ang II and decreased ROS and p-p38MAPK protein levels in rat cardiac fibroblast; SB203580 lowered TGF-β1 protein expression in rats’ CFb in a dose-dependent manner. It could be concluded that enalaprilat can inhibit the cardiac fibroblast proliferation induced by Ang II via blocking ROS/P38MAPK/TGF-β1 signaling pathways and the study provides a theoretical proof for the application of ACEIs in treating myocardial fibrosis and discovering the primary mechanism through which ACEIs inhibit CFb proliferation.
Effects of Pithecellobium Jiringa Ethanol Extract against Ethanol-Induced Gastric Mucosal Injuries in Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Aziz Ibrahim Ibrahim Abdel , Qader Suhailah Wasmn , Abdulla Mahmood Ameen , Nimir Amal R. , Abdelwahab Siddig Ibrahim , AL-Bayaty Fouad Hussain
Published: March 2012

Current anti-gastric ulcer agents have side effects, despite the progression and expansion of advances in treatment. This study aimed to investigate the gastroprotective mechanisms of Pithecellobium jiringa ethanol extract against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal ulcers in rats. For this purpose, Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: Group 1 (normal control) rats were orally administered with vehicle (carboxymethyl cellulose), Group 2 (ulcer control) rats were also orally administered with vehicle. Group 3 (positive control) rats were orally administered with 20 mg/kg omeprazole, Groups 4 and 5 (experimental groups) received ethanol extract of Pithecellobium jiringa ethanol extract at a concentration of 250 and 500 mg/kg, respectively. Sixty minutes later, vehicle was given orally to the normal control group, and absolute ethanol was given orally to the ulcer control, positive control and experimental groups to generate gastric mucosal injury. The rats were sacrificed an hour later. The effect of oral administration of plant extract on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury was studied grossly and histology. The level of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde—MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and gastric wall mucus were measured from gastric mucosal homogenate. The ulcer control group exhibited severe gastric mucosal injury, and this finding was also confirmed by histology of gastric mucosa which showed severe damage to the gastric mucosa with edema and leucocyte infiltration of the submucosal layer. Pre-treatment with plant extract significantly reduced the formation of ethanol-induced gastric lesions, and gastric wall mucus was significantly preserved. The study also indicated a significant increase in SOD activity in gastric mucosal homogenate, whereas a significant decrease in MDA was observed. Acute toxicity tests did not show any signs of toxicity and mortality up to 5 g/kg. The ulcer protective effect of this plant may possibly be due to its preservation of gastric wall mucus along with increased SOD activity and reduction of oxidative stress (MDA). The extract is non-toxic, even at relatively high concentrations.
A Robust Kalman Algorithm to Facilitate Human-Computer Interaction for People with Cerebral Palsy, Using a New Interface Based on Inertial Sensors
Authors: Raya Rafael , Rocon Eduardo , Gallego Juan A. , Ceres Ramón , Pons Jose L.
Published: March 2012

This work aims to create an advanced human-computer interface called ENLAZA for people with cerebral palsy (CP). Although there are computer-access solutions for disabled people in general, there are few evidences from motor disabled community (e.g., CP) using these alternative interfaces. The proposed interface is based on inertial sensors in order to characterize involuntary motion in terms of time, frequency and range of motion. This characterization is used to design a filtering technique that reduces the effect of involuntary motion on person-computer interaction. This paper presents a robust Kalman filter (RKF) design to facilitate fine motor control based on the previous characterization. The filter increases mouse pointer directivity and the target acquisition time is reduced by a factor of ten. The interface is validated with CP users who were unable to control the computer using other interfaces. The interface ENLAZA and the RKF enabled them to use the computer.
Feasibility Study on a Portable Field Pest Classification System Design Based on DSP and 3G Wireless Communication Technology
Authors: Han Ruizhen , He Yong , Liu Fei
Published: March 2012

This paper presents a feasibility study on a real-time in field pest classification system design based on Blackfin DSP and 3G wireless communication technology. This prototype system is composed of remote on-line classification platform (ROCP), which uses a digital signal processor (DSP) as a core CPU, and a host control platform (HCP). The ROCP is in charge of acquiring the pest image, extracting image features and detecting the class of pest using an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) classifier. It sends the image data, which is encoded using JPEG 2000 in DSP, to the HCP through the 3G network at the same time for further identification. The image transmission and communication are accomplished using 3G technology. Our system transmits the data via a commercial base station. The system can work properly based on the effective coverage of base stations, no matter the distance from the ROCP to the HCP. In the HCP, the image data is decoded and the pest image displayed in real-time for further identification. Authentication and performance tests of the prototype system were conducted. The authentication test showed that the image data were transmitted correctly. Based on the performance test results on six classes of pests, the average accuracy is 82%. Considering the different live pests’ pose and different field lighting conditions, the result is satisfactory. The proposed technique is well suited for implementation in field pest classification on-line for precision agriculture.
Mining the Protein Data Bank to Differentiate Error from Structural Variation in Clustered Static Structures: An Examination of HIV Protease
Authors: Venkatakrishnan Balasubramanian , Palii Miorel-Lucian , Agbandje-McKenna Mavis , McKenna Robert
Published: March 2012

The Protein Data Bank (PDB) contains over 71,000 structures. Extensively studied proteins have hundreds of submissions available, including mutations, different complexes, and space groups, allowing for application of data-mining algorithms to analyze an array of static structures and gain insight about a protein’s structural variation and possibly its dynamics. This investigation is a case study of HIV protease (PR) using in-house algorithms for data mining and structure superposition through generalized formulæ that account for multiple conformations and fractional occupancies. Temperature factors (B-factors) are compared with spatial displacement from the mean structure over the entire study set and separately over bound and ligand-free structures, to assess the significance of structural deviation in a statistical context. Space group differences are also examined.
A Perspective on Sea Level Rise and Coastal Storm Surge from Southern and Eastern Africa: A Case Study Near Durban, South Africa
Authors: Mather Andrew A. , Stretch Derek D.
Published: March 2012

Recent coastal storms in southern Africa have highlighted the need for more proactive management of the coastline. Within the southern and eastern African region the availability of coastal information is poor. The greatest gap in information is the likely effects of a combination of severe sea storms and future sea level rise (SLR) on the shoreline. This lack of information creates a barrier to informed decision making. This research outlines a practical localized approach to this problem, which can be applied as a first order assessment within the region. In so doing it provides a cost effective and simple decision support tool for the built environment and disaster professionals in development and disaster assessments. In a South African context the newly promulgated Integrated Coastal Management Act requires that all proposed coastal developments take into consideration future SLR, however such information currently does not exist, despite it being vital for informed planning in the coastal zone. This practical approach has been applied to the coastline of Durban, South Africa as a case study. The outputs are presented in a Geographic Information System (GIS) based freeware viewer tool enabling ease of access to both professionals and laypersons. This demonstrates that a simple approach can provide valuable information about the current and future risk of flooding and coastal erosion under climate change to buildings, infrastructure as well as natural features along the coast.
Origins and close relatives of a semi‐domesticated neotropical fruit tree: Chrysophyllum cainito (Sapotaceae)
Authors: Petersen Jennifer J. , Parker Ingrid M. , Potter Daniel
Published: March 2012

• Premise of the study: Understanding patterns and processes associated with domestication has implications for crop development and agricultural biodiversity conservation. Semi‐domesticated crops provide excellent opportunities to examine the interplay of natural and anthropogenic influences on plant evolution. The domestication process has not been thoroughly examined in many tropical perennial crop species. Chrysophyllum cainito (Sapotaceae), the star apple or caimito, is a semi‐domesticated species widely cultivated for its edible fruits. It is known to be native to the neotropics, but the precise geographic origins of wild and cultivated forms are unresolved.

• Methods: We used nuclear ribosomal ITS sequences to infer phylogenetic relationships among C. cainito and close relatives (section Chrysophyllum). We employed phylogeographic approaches using ITS and plastid sequence data to determine geographic origins and center(s) of domestication of caimito.

• Key results: ITS data suggest a close relationship between C. cainito and C. argenteum. Plastid haplotype networks reveal several haplotypes unique to individual taxa but fail to resolve distinct lineages for either C. cainito or C. argenteum. Caimito populations from northern Mesoamerica and the Antilles exhibit a subset of the genetic diversity found in southern Mesoamerica. In Panama, cultivated caimito retains high levels of the diversity seen in wild populations.

• Conclusions: Chrysophyllum cainito is most closely related to a clade containing Central and South American C. argenteum, including subsp. panamense. We hypothesize that caimito is native to southern Mesoamerica and was domesticated from multiple wild populations in Panama. Subsequent migration into northern Mesoamerica and the Antilles was mediated by human cultivation.
Perceptions of Structural Empowerment: Differences Between Nationally Certified Perinatal Nurses and Perinatal Nurses Who Are Not Nationally Certified
Authors: Samedy Ketly , Quinn Griffin Mary T. , Leask Capitulo Kathleen , Fitzpatrick Joyce J.
Published: March 2012

Background:

Although there has been previous research linking perceptions of empowerment to specialty certification among critical care nurses, no research in this area has been conducted among nationally certified perinatal nurses.

Methods:

A comparative quantitative survey design was used. Participants included 80 perinatal registered nurses from one community hospital in New York.

Results:

Registered nurses who were nationally certified in a perinatal specialty had higher total empowerment scores and higher scores on five of the six subscales.

Conclusion:

This study supports the results of previous studies focused on differences in empowerment among nationally certified nurses and nurses without national certification. Because much of the preparation for certification is done within continuing education, nurse leaders must be cognizant of the value of certification and must develop and implement programs to support certification in the workplace.
A Practical First Step to Integrating Genetics Into the Curriculum
Authors: Daack-Hirsch Sandra , Driessnack Martha , Perkhounkova Yelena , Furukawa Ryoko , Ramirez Amber
Published: March 2012

We conducted a systematic literature review to identify tools that could be used to measure faculty and undergraduate nursing students’ genetic literacy, and we assessed the utility of one of those tools, the Genetic Literacy Assessment Instrument (GLAI), with faculty and students at a college of nursing in a large public university. No significant differences were noted between faculty and students in terms of their overall scores on the GLAI. On average, faculty answered 76% of the questions correctly and students answered 73% of the questions correctly. Both groups scored highest in the genetics and society domain (93% and 85% correct answers for faculty and students, respectively) and lowest in the evolution domain (52% correct for both groups). The GLAI may be used to evaluate curricula for strengths and deficiencies, as well as to identify students and faculty in need of additional instruction.
Funcionalismo, reduccionismo y sistemas cumulativos. ¿Qué tipo de teoría social analítica necesitamos?
Authors: Linares Francisco
Published: March 2012

La explicación funcional se ha considerado una forma de explicación errónea en las ciencias sociales, ya que no proporciona los micro-fundamentos de un explanandum social. En este artículo se sugiere que la explicación analítica de ciertos procesos sociales (los “procesos cumulativos”) requiere tanto la formulación de hipótesis de autorregulación como la provisión de mecanismos basados en una concepción reduccionista, no intencional, de la acción. Estas son, sin embargo, las características principales de una explicación funcional correcta.
Technocratic Responses to the Politicization of Risk: Underwater Munitions in New York City’s Gravesend Bay and Narrows
Authors: Bolton Matthew
Published: March 2012

Abstract Risk and its management are social phenomena, constructed through dynamic political, cultural, and economic systems. Those wishing to publicize and manage the risk posed by legacy underwater munitions would benefit from an awareness of the political context in which
they work. The interaction of various local, national, and global political interests will enable certain kinds of risk management action while also constraining others. This article examines such issues through a case study of politics of underwater munitions in New York City’s Gravesend
Bay and Narrows. The impetus to deal with these munitions has largely come from their politicization by local civilians: politicians, environmental activists, lawyers, and journalists. By contrast, risk management actions by national-level military institutions have consistently functioned
to depoliticize the issue by framing it technocratically. This illustrates a common political tension in risk management. Public mobilization raises awareness of risk but may sensationalize it. Technocrats have the budgetary and technical wherewithal to deal with it professionally but resist
politicization of risk and try to channel and defuse mobilization through existing institutions and programs.
How Safe Is Safe Enough for a Chemical Weapons Destruction System?
Authors: Asahina Joseph K. , Shimoyama Hisamitsu , Nishiyama Tsuyoshi , Shinkai Atsushi
Published: March 2012

AbstractFollowing the earthquake in East Japan and the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, the safety of highly technical projects such as those for chemical weapons destruction has come under scrutiny. This review includes consideration of the impact of outlier
events on the recovery and destruction of sea-disposed munitions.At Port Kanda, Japan, a project for detection, recovery, and destruction of sea-dumped chemical munitions is ongoing, and approximately 3,000 items have been cleaned up as of the end of July 2011. In light of the recent earthquake
and accident at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant, the authors review the safety design criteria for the system, including transportation based on the International Atomic Energy Agency spent-fuel transportation cask design and detonation chamber based on the new ASME design Code Case 2564
for impulsively loaded vessels. One of the important lessons learned from the disaster is that risks from earthquake and tsunami can be reduced when destruction of chemical weapons is done at the recovery site.
Pig Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages Resemble Human Macrophages in Their Response to Bacterial Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Kapetanovic Ronan , Fairbairn Lynsey , Beraldi Dario , Sester David P. , Archibald Alan L. , Tuggle Christopher K. , Hume David A.
Published: March 2012

Mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) grown in M-CSF (CSF-1) have been used widely in studies of macrophage biology and the response to TLR agonists. We investigated whether similar cells could be derived from the domestic pig using human rCSF-1 and whether porcine macrophages might represent a better model of human macrophage biology. Cultivation of pig bone marrow cells for 5–7 d in presence of human rCSF-1 generated a pure population of BMDM that expressed the usual macrophage markers (CD14, CD16, and CD172a), were potent phagocytic cells, and produced TNF in response to LPS. Pig BMDM could be generated from bone marrow cells that had been stored frozen and thawed so that multiple experiments can be performed on samples from a single animal. Gene expression in pig BMDM from outbred animals responding to LPS was profiled using Affymetrix microarrays. The temporal cascade of inducible and repressible genes more closely resembled the known responses of human than mouse macrophages, sharing with humans the regulation of genes involved in tryptophan metabolism (IDO, KYN), lymphoattractant chemokines (CCL20, CXCL9, CXCL11, CXCL13), and the vitamin D3-converting enzyme, Cyp27B1. Conversely, in common with published studies of human macrophages, pig BMDM did not strongly induce genes involved in arginine metabolism, nor did they produce NO. These results establish pig BMDM as an alternative tractable model for the study of macrophage transcriptional control.
Characterization of Ly108 in the Thymus: Evidence for Distinct Properties of a Novel Form of Ly108
Authors: Dutta Mala , Schwartzberg Pamela L.
Published: March 2012

Ly108 (CD352) is a member of the signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) family of receptors that signals through SLAM-associated protein (SAP), an SH2 domain protein that can function by the recruitment of Src family kinases or by competition with phosphatases. Ly108 is expressed on a variety of hematopoietic cells, with especially high levels on developing thymocytes. We find that Ly108 is constitutively tyrosine phosphorylated in murine thymi in a SAP- and Fyn kinase-dependent manner. Phosphorylation of Ly108 is rapidly lost after thymocyte disaggregation, suggesting dynamic contact-mediated regulation of Ly108. Similar to recent reports, we find at least three isoforms of Ly108 mRNA and protein in the thymus, which are differentially expressed in the thymi of C57BL/6 and 129S6 mice that express the lupus-resistant and lupus-prone haplotypes of Ly108, respectively. Notably, the recently described novel isoform Ly108-H1 is not expressed in mice having the lupus-prone haplotype of Ly108, but is expressed in C57BL/6 mice. We further provide evidence for differential phosphorylation of these isoforms; the novel Ly108-H1does not undergo tyrosine phosphorylation, suggesting that it functions as a decoy isoform that contributes to the reduced overall phosphorylation of Ly108 seen in C57BL/6 mice. Our study suggests that Ly108 is dynamically regulated in the thymus, shedding light on Ly108 isoform expression and phosphorylation.
Cardiovascular effects of reflexology in healthy individuals: evidence for a specific increase in blood pressure
Authors: Ruiz Padial Elisabeth , Torres López Nieves , Luna Bujaldón Javier , Espadas Villanueva Isabel , Reyes del Paso Gustavo
Published: March 2012

The present study evaluates the cardiovascular effects of reflexology in a healthy sample. Forty-one participants were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups: reflexology (n=15), non-professional foot massage (n=14), and a waiting time control group (n=12). Dependent variables were systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure, inter-beat interval, heart rate variability and baroreceptor reflex sensitivity measured pre- and post- interventions. The study was performed during three 40-min sessions separated by weekly intervals. Results show that the three manipulations produce similar increases in inter-beat interval, heart rate variability and baroreceptor reflex sensitivity. Reflexology specifically produces an increase in blood pressure, which increases gradually over the three sessions. The parallel increase in heart rate variability and baroreceptor reflex sensitivity together with the increase in blood pressure suggest that reflexology is associated with a co-activation of both sympathetic and parasympathetic branches of the Autonomic Nervous System. These changes could be helpful in optimizing homeostatic activity, promoting the healing process and increasing the human organism’s capacity to respond adaptively to internal and external challenges. Finally, the observed physiological changes in the waiting-time control group shows the relevance of habituation processes and suggests the need for addition of waiting-time control groups in future studies.
Bevacizumab and etoposide combination chemotherapy in patients with recurrent malignant gliomas who failed bevacizumab
Authors: Fu Beverly D. , Linskey Mark E. , Bota Daniela Annenelie
Published: March 2012

Bevacizumab is the current standard of care treatment for recurring malignant glioma patients. However, most of the tumors become resistant to bevacizumab, and there is no standardized, effective chemotherapy for the malignant glioma patients after bevacizumab failure. Retrospective chart review was performed in order to identify the malignant glioma patients treated with oral, metronomic etoposide in combination with bevacizumab after being diagnosed with progressive disease while on bevacizumab. This review was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of the University of California, Irvine. Six malignant gliomas patients met the inclusion criteria. The median progression-free survival (PFS) for the anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) patients was eight months, and the overall survival was 28 months. The two Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) patients showed tumor progression after four to eight weeks of treatment with bevacizumab and etoposide, and died within four months of beginning the etoposide/bevacizumab regimen. In this limited study, patients with AA demonstrated prolonged control on combination treatment with bevacizumab and oral etoposide, despite initial tumor progression on bevacizumab. These results may warrant further investigation on a prospective clinical trial of this combination in AA patients who developed resistance to bevacizumab.
Malignant Syphilis as the First Manifestation of HIV Infection
Authors: Rallis Efstathios , Paparizos Vasileios
Published: March 2012

Malignant syphilis is a rare and severe variant of secondary syphilis. It is clinically characterized by large papular, nodular and ulcerative lesions affecting the trunk and the extremities and covered with thick crust. We present a case of 52-year-old homosexual male who developed malignant syphilis and this was the first clinical manifestation of HIV infection. The patient was treated successfully with intravenous aqueous crystalline penicillin G. Physicians should recognize malignant syphilis and considered it in all HIV-infected individuals with ulceronodular skin lesions.
Sex differences in slow-wave electroencephalographic activity (SWA) in adolescent depression
Authors: Lopez Jorge , Hoffmann Robert , Emslie Graham , Armitage Roseanne
Published: March 2012

Sleep disturbances, present in more than 90% of major depressive disorder (MDD) patients, are moderated by sex in adult MDD. In particular, slow-wave electroencephalographic activity (SWA; 0.5-4 Hz) accumulation is low and dissipation impaired. This SWA abnormality in depressed adult males does not change with age, suggesting that SWA abnormality appears at early ages. The present study evaluated sex differences in SWA in adolescents with MDD compared to healthy controls. We evaluated regularized sleep-wake schedules at home for 5-7 days, followed by two consecutive nights of sleep EEG recording. The study included 104 participants, 52 symptomatic and depressed subjects (MDD: 20 males and 32 females) and 52 healthy controls (HC: 20 males and 32 females), aged 13-18 years. SWA power and dissipation, and duration and latencies to each Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep period were calculated for each group. Results showed that SWA accumulation in the first NREM period was lower and its dissipation across the night more irregular in MDD males compared to HC males (P<0.009). By contrast, SWA was equivalent in MDD and HC females. In conclusion, as reported in adult MDD, the accumulation and dissipation of SWA was abnormal in depressed adolescents, but only in males. SWA abnormalities in adolescent MDD may relate to different depressive symptoms in females and males. These results underscore the need to develop sex-specific therapies to enhance and restore SWA in depressed adolescents.
Glomerular Collapse in Association with Acute Cortical Necrosis in Native Kidneys: All that Collapses is not Idiopathic Collapsing Glomerulopathy
Authors: Kazi Javed I , Mubarak Muhammed
Published: March 2012

Glomerular collapse is an essential characteristic of collapsing glomerulopathy (CG), a distinctive proliferative renal parenchymal disease defined by the segmental or global collapse of capillary tufts associated with prominent podocyte hyperplasia and hypertrophy. First described in the mid-1980s as an idiopathic disorder or following human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-1 infection, it is now associated with a broad range of diseases and different pathogenetic pathways which contribute to the podocyte injury and their aberrant proliferation. Although the association between subtotal infarction and de novo CG in transplanted kidneys has recently been reported, to our knowledge, no such association of this lesion with the acute cortical necrosis (ACN) in the native kidneys has been reported in literature to date. We describe 2 cases of glomerular collapse with typical morphological features of CG occurring in the background of ACN in native kidneys and discuss its possible pathogenesis with reference to the existing literature.
Growth modeling of dairy heifers in Québec based on random regression
Authors: Cue R. I. , Pietersma D. , Lefebvre D. , Lacroix R. , Wade K. , Pellerin D. , de Passillé A-M , Rushen J.
Published: March 2012

Cue, R. I., Pietersma, D., Lefebvre, D., Lacroix, R., Wade, K., Pellerin, D., de Passillé, A-M. and Rushen, J. 2012. Growth modeling of dairy heifers in Québec based on random regression. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 33–47. A total of 144 006 weight (calculated from tape girth measurements) and height data records from Québec dairy heifers were analyzed using random regression to estimate growth curve parameters of Ayrshires, Brown Swiss and Holstein animals to permit prediction of individual heifer growth from 0 to 32 mo. There were, on average, 5.15 records per heifer (minimum 3 records, maximum 25 records). The body weight data were analyzed using linear and quadratic fixed and random regressions, with a power-of-the-mean (POM) function to model the residual variance. The POM was 1.2 for Holstein and Ayrshire and slightly less than 1 for Brown Swiss. Estimated body weight at 24 mo was 507, 564, 624 kg, for Ayrshires, Brown Swiss and Holstein, respectively. The height data were analyzed with a Brody, monomolecular non-linear growth curve model. Mature height was estimated to be 148 cm in both Holstein and Ayrshires, and 150 cm in Brown Swiss. Random regression models were shown to be able to predict individual growth, and can be incorporated in decision-support tools to help producers reducing the average age at first calving.
Metabolizable energy value of porcine meat and bone meal for broiler chickens
Authors: Bolarinwa O. A. , Olukosi O. A. , Adeola O.
Published: March 2012

Bolarinwa, O. A., Olukosi, O. A. and Adeola, O. 2012. Metabolizable energy value of porcine meat and bone meal for broiler chickens. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 73–78. Ross 308 broiler chickens at 14 d post-hatch were used in a 7-d experiment to determine the metabolizable energy (ME) value of two meat and bone meal (MBM) samples. Three hundred and thirty-six broiler chickens were grouped by weight into eight blocks of seven cages with six birds per cage. The seven diets consisted of a corn-soybean meal reference diet formulated to meet the NRC (1994) requirement, and six test diets. The reference diet contained four energy sources namely corn, soybean meal, corn starch and soy oil. In the test diets, each of the two MBM samples were added to the reference diet at 30, 60 or 90 g kg−1 diet to partly replace the energy sources such that the ratio of the energy sources to one another was kept constant in all the diets. The ME and nitrogen-corrected ME (MEn) of the MBM samples were determined by the regression method in which the MBM contribution to ME, and MEn of the diets, in kilocalories, were regressed against the amount of MBM intake in grams. Gross energy of MBM1 and MBM2 were 4247 and 4697 kcal kg−1 DM, respectively. The crude protein, ash, and crude fat contents for MBM1 or MBM2 were 567 or 594, 264 or 211, and 106 or 116 g kg−1 DM. Addition of MBM linearly decreased (P<0.05) ileal nitrogen digestibility, total tract utilization of DM, energy and nitrogen as well as ME and MEn of the diets. In conclusion, the respective ME and MEn values were 2512 and 2345 kcal kg−1 DM for MBM1, and 2711 and 2127 kcal kg−1 DM for MBM2; thus MBM can be included in the diets of broiler chickens at less than 10% to provide energy.