bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A cross-sectional study of emergency department visits by people who inject drugs
Authors: Aitken Campbell , Kerr Thomas , Hickman Matthew , Stoové Mark , Higgs Peter , Dietze Paul
Published: July 2012

Background

People who inject drugs (PWID) have worse health than non-injectors and are at heightened risk of incidents that necessitate hospital emergency department (ED) visits.

Study objectives

To describe ED visits by PWIDs in Melbourne, Australia, and compare reasons with those given in Vancouver, Canada.

Methods

In 2008–2010, 688 Melbourne PWIDs were interviewed about their ED visits; these data were contrasted with published data about ED visits by PWIDs in Vancouver.

Results

Participants reported 132 ED visits in the month preceding interview—27.3% drug-related, 20.5% trauma-related (principally physical assault), 13.6% for psychiatric problems. Melbourne PWIDs are less likely to attend ED for soft-tissue injuries, and more likely to attend after physical assault than PWIDs in Vancouver.

Conclusion

PWID in Melbourne and Vancouver attend EDs for different reasons; information about PWID visits can help EDs cater for them and provide insights for prevention.
Clinical Features, Management, and Prognosis of Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection
Authors: Tweet Marysia S. , Hayes Sharonne N. , Pitta Sridevi R. , Simari Robert D. , Lerman Amir , Lennon Ryan J. , Gersh Bernard J. , Khambatta Sherezade , Best Patricia J.M. , Rihal Charanjit S. , Gulati Rajiv
Published: July 2012

Background—

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an acute coronary event of uncertain origin. Clinical features and prognosis remain insufficiently characterized.

Methods and Results—

A retrospective single-center cohort study identified 87 patients with angiographically confirmed SCAD. Incidence, clinical characteristics, treatment modalities, in-hospital outcomes, and long-term risk of SCAD recurrence or major adverse cardiac events were evaluated. Mean age was 42.6 years; 82% were female. Extreme exertion at SCAD onset was more frequent in men (7 of 16 versus 2 of 71;
P
<0.001), and postpartum status was observed in 13 of 71 women (18%). Presentation was ST-elevation myocardial infarction in 49%. Multivessel SCAD was found in 23%. Initial conservative management (31 of 87) and coronary artery bypass grafting (7 of 87) were associated with an uncomplicated in-hospital course, whereas percutaneous coronary intervention was complicated by technical failure in 15 of 43 patients (35%) and 1 death. During a median follow-up of 47 months (interquartile range, 18–106 months), SCAD recurred in 15 patients, all female. Estimated 10-year rate of major adverse cardiac events (death, heart failure, myocardial infarction, and SCAD recurrence) was 47%. Fibromuscular dysplasia of the iliac artery was identified incidentally in 8 of 16 femoral angiograms (50%) undertaken before closure device placement and in the carotid arteries of 2 others with carotid dissection.

Conclusions—

SCAD affects a young, predominantly female population, frequently presenting as ST-elevation myocardial infarction. Although in-hospital mortality is low regardless of initial treatment, percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with high rates of complication. Risks of SCAD recurrence and major adverse cardiac events in the long term emphasize the need for close follow-up. Fibromuscular dysplasia is a novel association and potentially causative factor.
Simulating ship and buoy motions arising from ocean waves in a ship handling simulator
Authors: Yeo Dong Jin , Cha Moohyun , Mun Duhwan
Published: July 2012

A ship’s real-time three-dimensional (3D) visualization system, a component of a handling simulator, is one of its most important components, since realistic and intuitive image generation play an essential role in improving the effects of education using ship navigation simulators. Ship handling simulators should have capabilities of calculating ship motions (heave, pitch, and roll) at any given sea state and display the calculated motions through a real-time 3D visualization system. The motion solver of a ship handling simulator calculates those motions in addition to maneuverings for an own ship, the main simulation target, but only provides maneuvering information about traffic ships. Therefore, it is required to simulate traffic ship and buoy motions arising from ocean waves in a ship handling simulator for realistic visualization. In this paper, the authors propose a simple dynamics model by which ship and buoy motions are calculated with the input data of wave height and discuss a method for the implementation of a ship and buoy motion calculation module. The feasibility of the proposed dynamics model and the motion calculation module has been demonstrated through the development of a prototype real-time 3D visualization system based on an open-source 3D graphics engine.
The role of forward head correction in management of adolescent idiopathic scoliotic patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Diab Aliaa A
Published: July 2012

Objective:

To investigate the effectiveness of forward head correction on three-dimensional posture parameters and functional level in adolescent idiopathic scoliotic patients.

Design:

A randomized controlled study with three-month follow-up.

Setting:

University research laboratory.

Subjects:

Seventy-six adolescent idiopathic scoliotic patients with Cobb angle ranged from 10° to 30° and craniovertebral angle less than 50° were randomly assigned to a study or a control group.

Interventions:

All the patients ( n = 76) received traditional treatment in the form of stretching and strengthening exercises. In addition, patients in the study group ( n = 38) received a forward head posture corrective exercise programme.

Outcome measures:

Craniovertebral angle, Functional Rating Index and posture parameters, including: lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, trunk inclination, trunk imbalance, lateral deviation, surface rotation and pelvis torsion were measured before treatment, after 10 weeks, and at three-month follow-up.

Results:

There was a significant difference between the study and control groups adjusted to baseline values at 10 weeks post treatment with respect to the following parameters: craniovertebral angle ( P = 0.006), trunk inclination ( P = 0.005), lordosis ( P = 0.01), kyphosis ( P = 0.001), trunk imbalance ( P = 0.001), lateral deviation ( P = 0.001), pelvic torsion ( P = 0.004) and surface rotation ( P = 0.013). At three-month follow-up, there were still significant differences in all the previous variables ( P < 0.005). In contrast, while there was no significant difference with respect to Functional Rating Index at 10 weeks ( P = 0.8), the three-month follow-up showed a significant difference ( P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

A forward head corrective exercise programme combined with conventional rehabilitation improved three-dimensional scoliotic posture and functional status in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
Simulation on the vibration characteristics of elliptical gears
Authors: Liu Xing , Nagamura Kazuteru , Ikejo Kiyotaka
Published: July 2012

Elliptical gear drive is a typical non-circular gear drive, which can be used to transmit a variable-ratio rotation and power simultaneously. To date, elliptical gears are commonly used in automatic machinery, pumps, flow meters and printing presses. However, the vibration characteristics of elliptical gears have not been clarified yet. Due to the non-uniform rotation, the vibration of elliptical gear demonstrates particular characteristics, which should be paid attention to in practical application. This article presents a simulation method on the vibration characteristics of elliptical gears. The torsional vibration simulation model of elliptical gears is established and the simulation programme is developed. The particular gear mesh characteristics of elliptical gears are determined and both the inertial effects of the driving and driven sides of elliptical gears are taken into account in the simulation programme. By means of the simulation programme, two elliptical gear pairs which are a single elliptical gear pair and a double elliptical gear pair and, for comparison, two circular gear pairs which are of the same gear properties as the two elliptical gear pairs respectively are investigated. The torque variations, the rotation speed variations and the circumferential vibration accelerations of elliptical gears are analysed. Furthermore, the critical rotation speeds of tooth separation of elliptical gear drives are obtained and their relations with the load torques are also unveiled. Meanwhile the experiments of the test gears are carried out. The agreement of the simulative results and experimental results proves the validity of the simulation method on the vibration characteristics of elliptical gears proposed in this article.
Pollen productivity estimates strongly depend on assumed pollen dispersal
Authors: Theuerkauf Martin , Kuparinen Anna , Joosten Hans
Published: July 2012

Past plant abundance may be reconstructed from pollen data if dispersal distances of pollen and pollen productivities of each taxon are known. Using surface sediment samples from small and medium sized, closed and near circular lakes from lowland Central Europe, we tested the validity of three pollen dispersal models by comparing empirical pollen data from each lake with simulated pollen data derived from applying various pollen dispersal models to vegetation data from rings situated up to 100 km from each site. Pollen assemblages simulated with a Lagrangian stochastic (LS) model best fit real pollen assemblages, simulations with the commonly used Prentice model on pollen dispersal underestimated the amount of pollen arriving from distances larger than 10 km and overestimated the differences in dispersal distances between lighter ( Pinus) and heavier ( Fagus, Picea) pollen grains. The LS model appeared to provide more appropriate simulations. Pollen productivity estimates (PPEs) calculated for the data set showed that the choice of the dispersal model has great impact on the results. If derived with the Prentice model, PPEs for Fagus and Picea are three times higher than with the LS model. Studies on pollen productivities thus need to consider the apparent limitations of the Prentice model. We suggest an alternative approach, which uses simulations instead of the extended R-value model, to calculate PPEs. The approach is flexible in the use of dispersal functions and produced consistent results for two independent data sets from small and medium sized lakes.
Transcultural Encounters in a Medical Ward in Sweden
Authors: Dellenborg Lisen , Skott Carola , Jakobsson Eva
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study was to explore the approach adopted by health care practitioners when handling transcultural encounters. The study was performed by means of action research, a reflective process led by practitioners and researchers working together to improve practice and solve problems. Data were collected through participant observations at a coronary unit in Sweden and group discussions with the health care professionals and were analyzed and interpreted using a hermeneutic approach. The narratives in the interview text illustrated a switch between three levels of understanding human behavior: the individual level (personality), the collective or group level (what is termed culture), and the universal level (human nature), focusing on differences in the first two and similarities in the third. This study highlights the importance of practitioners comprehending the complex relationship between individuality and cultural context and understanding cultural identity as being fluid and coexisting with other differences, such as class, education, gender, and age.
Child Vulnerability in the Iraqw and Datoga Ethnic Groups of a Village in Northern Tanzania
Authors: Savage Angela Ruth , Van der Wal Dirk M. , Tjallinks Juanita E.
Published: July 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the concept of child vulnerability as perceived by Iraqw and Datoga peoples in northern Tanzania. Design: A mixed methods design was used, which included semistructured interviews ( n = 32) and a questionnaire ( n = 80) administered to members of the two ethnic groups. Findings: Five main themes emerged: (a) lack of resources, (b) intentional mistreatment, (c) deprivations (d) losses suffered, and (e) dealing with deprivation. Conclusions: The literature describes child vulnerability in terms of deprivation in an individual younger than 18 years. The following four issues were also identified as being of special local significance: (a) discrimination against handicapped, illegitimate, and foster children; (b) the child is viewed as a resource rather than an individual with rights, (c) unrelated fostering is unusual, and (d) few strategies are known to study participants. Implications for practice: Community development and children’s rights need attention, particularly for disabled and illegitimate children. The most vulnerable children can be identified using existing mechanisms, assistance may be channeled through the mother, and unrelated fostering and volunteer involvement can be encouraged.
Multicenter Trial of Desirudin for the Prophylaxis of Thrombosis
Authors: Bergese Sergio D. , Minkowitz Harold S. , Arpino Paul A. , Sane David C. , Levy Jerrold H.
Published: July 2012

Desirudin, a subcutaneously (SC) administered direct thrombin inhibitor, is indicated for prevention of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs) after total joint replacement surgery. DESIR-ABLE (multicenter trial of desirudin for the prophylaxis of thrombosis: an alternative to heparin-based anticoagulation) was a multicenter, open-label, single-arm study of hospitalized patients requiring VTE protection designed to extend the safety profile for desirudin to include a broad population of perioperative/critically ill patients. The primary end point was major bleeding. A total of 516 patients undergoing major surgery (378, 73%) or who were medically ill with prolonged immobility (138, 27%) were enrolled at 19 centers and received desirudin 15 mg Q12H. Many patients had high-risk features for bleeding and thrombosis such as thrombocytopenia (<100 × 109/mL, n = 50), severe obesity (body mass index >35, n = 145), and renal impairment (creatinine clearance <60 mL/min, n = 292). There were no major bleeds and no VTE-related deaths in this study. The DESIR-ABLE demonstrated the safety of desirudin in critically ill perioperative and medical patients. Trials in specific surgical or medically ill patients are needed to confirm these findings.
Adjusting to recent onset of rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative study
Authors: Coty Mary-Beth , Wishnia Gracie
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this study was to examine men’s and women’s experiences living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Using semi-structured, in-depth telephone interviews, nine women and seven men who were recently diagnosed with RA (disease duration < four years) were interviewed about their experiences adjusting to RA. Line-by-line coding using thematic analysis was used to identify themes. Findings from the qualitative analysis revealed six categories emerging from the data: 1. degree of severity of the impact of the disease, 2. appraisal about what the illness means to me, 3. availability of social support, 4. perception of self-efficacious behaviours, 5. use of coping strategies, and 6. RA’s effect on valued life activities. A number of participants described positive thinking about managing their RA; whereas others described negative thinking. Individuals’ appraisals and perceptions about their illness coupled with how their illness affected their ability to fulfill their role responsibilities were important in their adjustment to RA. Social support was also identified as key in learning to live with RA. For individuals with RA, the impact of the disease on their ability to maintain normal life is important, and as such it is vital that healthcare professionals have a better understanding of the perceptions and experiences that individuals have living with RA.
Posttranslational regulation of self-renewal capacity: insights from proteome and phosphoproteome analyses of stem cell leukemia
Authors: Trost Matthias , Sauvageau Martin , Hérault Olivier , Deleris Paul , Pomiès Christelle , Chagraoui Jalila , Mayotte Nadine , Meloche Sylvain , Sauvageau Guy , Thibault Pierre
Published: July 2012

We recently generated 2 phenotypically similar Hoxa9+Meis1 overexpressing acute myeloid leukemias that differ by their in vivo biologic behavior. The first leukemia, named FLA2, shows a high frequency of leukemia stem cells (LSCs; 1 in 1.4 cells), whereas the second, FLB1, is more typical with a frequency of LSCs in the range of 1 per several hundred cells. To gain insights into possible mechanisms that determine LSC self-renewal, we profiled and compared the abundance of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins and phosphoproteins from these leukemias using quantitative proteomics. These analyses revealed differences in proteins associated with stem cell fate, including a hyperactive p38 MAP kinase in FLB1 and a differentially localized Polycomb group protein Ezh2, which is mostly nuclear in FLA2 and predominantly cytoplasmic in FLB1. Together, these newly documented proteomes and phosphoproteomes represent a unique resource with more than 440 differentially expressed proteins and 11 543 unique phosphopeptides, of which 80% are novel and 7% preferentially phosphorylated in the stem cell–enriched leukemia.
Pivotal role of M-DC8+ monocytes from viremic HIV-infected patients in TNFα overproduction in response to microbial products
Authors: Dutertre Charles-Antoine , Amraoui Sonia , DeRosa Annalisa , Jourdain Jean-Pierre , Vimeux Lene , Goguet Matthieu , Degrelle Séverine , Feuillet Vincent , Liovat Anne-Sophie , Müller-Trutwin Michaela , Decroix Nipa , Deveau Christiane , Meyer Laurence , Goujard Cécile , Loulergue Pierre , Launay Odile , Richard Yolande , Hosmalin Anne
Published: July 2012

HIV infects activated CD4+ T cells and induces their depletion. Progressive HIV infection leading to AIDS is fueled by chronic immune hyperactivation, mediated by inflammatory cytokines like TNFα. This has been related to intestinal epithelial damage and microbial LPS translocation into the circulation. Using 11-color flow cytometry, cell sorting, and cell culture, we investigated the numbers and TNFα production of fully defined circulating dendritic cell and monocyte populations during HIV-1 infection. In 15 viremic, untreated patients, compared with 8 treated, virologically suppressed patients or to 13 healthy blood donors, circulating CD141 (BDCA-3)+ and CD1c (BDCA-1)+ dendritic cell counts were reduced. Conversely, CD14+CD16++ monocyte counts were increased, particularly those expressing M-DC8, while classical CD14++CD16−M-DC8− monocyte numbers were unchanged. Blood mononuclear cells from viremic patients produced more TNFα in response to LPS than those from virologically suppressed patients. M-DC8+ monocytes were mostly responsible for this overproduction. Moreover, M-DC8+ monocytes differentiated in vitro from classical monocytes using M-CSF and GM-CSF, which is increased in viremic patient's plasma. This M-DC8+ monocyte population, which is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases like Crohn disease, might thus be considered as a major actor in the immune hyperactivation fueling HIV infection progression.
Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and clinical outcomes in diabetic patients following coronary artery stenting
Authors: Kassaian Seyed Ebrahim , Goodarzynejad Hamidreza , Boroumand Mohammad Ali , Salarifar Mojtaba , Masoudkabir Farzad , Mohajeri-Tehrani Mohammad Reza , Pourhoseini Hamidreza , Sadeghian Saeed , Ramezanpour Narges , Alidoosti Mohammad , Hakki Elham , Saadat Soheil , Nematipour Ebrahim
Published: July 2012

Background

Diabetes has been shown to be independent predictor of restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of the present study was to investigate whether a pre- and post-procedural glycaemic control in diabetic patients was related to major advance cardiovascular events (MACE) during follow up.

Methods

We evaluated 2884 consecutive patients including 2181 non-diabetic patients and 703 diabetics who underwent coronary stenting. Diabetes mellitus was defined as the fasting blood sugar concentration ≥ 126 mg/dL, or the use of an oral hypoglycemic agent or insulin at the time of admission. Diabetic patients were categorized into two groups based on their mean HbA1c levels for three measurements (at 0, 1, and 6 months following procedure): 291 (41.4%) diabetics with good glycaemic control (HbA1c ≤ 7%) and 412 (58.6%) diabetics with poor glycaemic control (HbA1c > 7%).

Results

The adjusted risk of MACE in diabetic patients with poor glycaemic control (HbA1c > 7%) was 2.1 times of the risk in non-diabetics (adjusted HR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.10 to 3.95, p = 0.02). However, the risk of MACE in diabetics with good glycaemic control (HbA1c ≤ 7%) was not significantly different from that of non-diabetics (adjusted HR = 1.33, 95% CI: 0.38 to 4.68, p = 0.66).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that there is an association between good glycaemic control to obtain HbA1c levels ≤7% (both pre-procedural glycaemic control and post-procedural) with a better clinical outcome after PCI.
The Decline in Pulsatile GH Secretion throughout Early Adulthood in Mice Is Exacerbated by Dietary-Induced Weight Gain
Authors: Huang L. , Steyn F. J. , Tan H. Y. , Xie T. Y. , Veldhuis J. D. , Ngo S. T. , Chen C.
Published: July 2012

The transition between puberty and adulthood is accompanied by a slowing in linear growth. Although GH is a key factor that drives somatic development into adulthood, early adulthood coincides with a reduction in circulating levels of GH. To this extent, a pathological decline in postpubertal GH secretion is detrimental to attainment of peak lean muscle mass and bone mass and promotes adiposity and increases susceptibility to the development of obesity in adulthood. Here we characterized pulsatile GH secretion in C57BL/6J mice at 12 and 16 wk of age. Deconvolution analysis of these measures reveals a reduction in pulsatile GH secretion between 12 and 16 wk of age. Dietary intervention with high-fat feeding at 8 wk of age results in a significant increase in adiposity, the development of glucose intolerance, and hyperinsulinemia. We show the exacerbation of the age-associated decline in pulsatile GH secretion in high-fat-fed mice after 4 wk of dietary intervention (at 12 wk of age), and a further suppression of pulsatile GH secretion by 8 wk of dietary intervention (at 16 wk of age). Suppressed pulsatile secretion of GH did not coincide with an elevation in circulating free fatty acids. Rather, we observed increased hepatic triglyceride content and an eventual decrease in circulating levels of IGF-I. Given the established role of GH in maintaining healthy aging, we anticipate that an advancing of the age-associated decline in pulsatile GH secretion as a consequence of dietary-induced weight gain may have long-term ramifications on adult health.
UK national guideline on safer sex advice
Authors: Clutterbuck D J , Flowers P , Barber T , Wilson H , Nelson M , Hedge B , Kapp S , Fakoya A , Sullivan A K
Published: July 2012

This guideline provides evidence-based guidance on the content of safer sex advice and the provision of brief behaviour change interventions deliverable in genitourinary (GU) medicine clinics. Much of the advice is applicable to other healthcare settings including general practice and clinics providing HIV care. Advice on condom use and effectiveness, oral sex and other sexual practices, testing for sexually transmitted infections (STI) and partner reduction is provided. Advice specific to the transmission of HIV infection including seroadaptive behaviours and negotiated safety is also included. An accompanying review of the evidence supporting the guideline with a complete reference list is available online. A patient information leaflet based on the advice statements developed is also available through the BASHH website.
Sustaining an Environmental Ethic: Outdoor and Environmental Education Graduates' Negotiation of School Spaces
Authors: Preston Lou
Published: July 2012

In this article, I draw on interviews with graduates from an Outdoor and Environmental Education course to explore the ways in which their environmental ethics changed since leaving university. I do this in relation to the graduates' personal and professional experiences, particularly in the context of teaching Outdoor Education and Physical Education in secondary schools. By offering two alternative readings of graduates' experiences, this research contributes to existing education literature about the ‘wash-out effect’ of teacher education courses once beginning teachers become immersed in schools. In the first reading I find evidence of regulatory and normalising strategies of society and school communities and a ‘plateauing’ of graduates' engagement with environmental practices. In a second reading, framed by Foucault's theory of power and ethics, I discern acts of ‘tactical’ resistance. This reading foregrounds strategies graduates use to negotiate the constraining spaces of schools.
Circulating progranulin levels in women with gestational diabetes mellitus and healthy controls during and after pregnancy
Authors: Todoric Jelena , Handisurya Ammon , Perkmann Thomas , Knapp Bernhard , Wagner Oswald , Tura Andrea , Pacini Giovanni , Esterbauer Harald , Kautzky-Willer Alexandra
Published: July 2012

Objective

Progranulin (PGRN) was recently introduced as a novel marker of chronic inflammatory response in obesity and type 2 diabetes capable of directly affecting the insulin signaling pathway. This study aimed to investigate the role of PGRN in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), which is regarded as a model for early type 2 diabetes.

Methods

PGRN serum levels were measured in 90 pregnant women (45 GDM and 45 normal glucose tolerance (NGT)). In addition, PGRN was measured during a 2-h, 75 g oral glucose tolerance test in 20 pregnant women (ten GDM and ten NGT) and in 16 of thempost partum(ten GDM and six NGT).

Results

PGRN concentrations were significantly higher in pregnant women compared withpost partumlevels (536.79±31.81 vs 241.53±8.86,P<0.001). Multivariate regression analyses showed a strong positive correlation of PGRN with estrogen and progesterone. The insulinogenic index, a marker of early insulin secretion, displayed a positive correlation with PGRN, both during and after pregnancy (R=0.47,P=0.034;R=0.63,P=0.012). HbA1c and the oral glucose insulin sensitivity index showed significantpost partumassociations with PGRN (R=0.43,P=0.049;R=−0.65,P=0.009).

Conclusions

PGRN concentrations are markedly lower after pregnancy regardless of the gestational glucose tolerance state. PGRN levelsper sedo not discriminate between mild GDM and NGT in pregnant women. Therefore, the development of GDM appears to be due to impaired β-cell function that is not related to PGRN effect.
Blue River Declaration
Authors: Quorum Blue River
Published: July 2012

Meeting in the ancient forests of the Blue River watershed in Oregon, the Blue River Quorum includes J. Baird Callicott, Madeline Cantwell, Alison Hawthorne Deming, Kristie Dotson, Charles Goodrich, Patricia Hasbach, Jennifer Michael Hecht, Mark Hixon, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Katie McShane, Kathleen Dean Moore, Nalini Nadkarni, Michael P. Nelson, Harmony Paulsen, Devon G. Pena, Libby Roderick, Kim Stanley Robinson, Fred Swanson, Bron Taylor, Allen Thompson, Kyle Powys Whyte, Priscilla Solis Ybarra, Gretel Van Wieren, and Jan Zwicky. The Quorum was convened by the Spring Creek Project for Ideas, Nature, and the Written Word (springcreek@ oregonstate.edu ) with funding from the Shotpouch Foundation, the Oregon Council for the Humanities, and the USDA Forest Service. The following is the Blue River Declaration.
When Nature is Rats and Roaches
Authors: Immergut Matthew B. , Kearns Laurel D.
Published: July 2012

In this article, we set the religious landscape of Newark within the physical environment of Newark, an environment often more suitable for rats and roaches than evocative of the goodness and beauty of ‘God’s creation’. We speci?cally examine a range of strategies and campaigns by religious actors, and their non-religious partners, to ?ght the overwhelming toxicity and neglect of one neighborhood in the city—the Ironbound. We also consider some of the reasons in this particular context for a lack of engagement by religious groups and the dif?culties faced by immigrant populations in addressing environmental problems.
Buddhist Rituals, Mosque Sermons and Marine Turtles
Authors: Northcott Michael
Published: July 2012

As industrial civilisation presses on the limits of ecosystems, scienti?c conservation requires new strategies to restrain the destruction or modi?cation of habitats and ecosystems in order to halt the decline in biodiversity. Some advocates of community-based conservation strategies propose that scienti?c conservation discourses and practices bene?t from supplementation by ritual practices and traditional knowledge associated with place-based religious traditions. Partnerships between conservation scientists and religionists, which engage religious discourses and rituals in local communities in the care of habitats and species, represent a signi?cant reframing of scienti?c conservation. Hybrid forms of conservation between science and religion manifest greater sensitivity to human ecological relationships than conventional statist conservation strategies. An example of such partnerships is the effort to conserve the endangered leatherback turtle in West Malaysia.
Estimating Dewpoint Pressure Using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Alarfaj Malik K. , Abdulraheem Abdulazeez , Busaleh Yasser R.
Published: July 2012

Estimating dew point pressure is very important for gas reservoirs evaluation and simulation. The dew point pressure is usually measured from collected fluid samples. However, sometimes, these measurements are not available. People tried to estimate the dew point pressure using explicit methods like empirical correlations or using iterative methods like equation of state. Empirical correlations are fast and easy to use but usually they are not very accurate. EOS, although more accurate, it is more expensive computationally and needs to be calibrated to existing experimental data. Artificial Neural Networks has been more popular recently for complex input-output mapping. It has been used in the literature to predict bubble point pressure in oil fields and good results has been reported. In this paper, we designed Artificial Intelligence models to estimate the dew point pressure in Saudi Arabia gas condensate fields. We used data from 98 PVT reports to train, validate, and test the models. The results are discussed in this paper.
Development of New Triazolyl-Based Acidic Sensitive Releasing Systems
Authors: Delatouche R. , Mondon M. , Collette F. , Bachmann Ch. , Frapper G. , Len Ch. , Heroguez V. , Bertrand Ph.
Published: July 2012

Development of New Triazolyl-Based Acidic Sensitive Releasing Systems
Effectiveness of Removal of Humic Substances and Heavy Metals from Landfill Leachates During their Pretreatment Process in the SBR Reactor
Authors: Szyłak-Szydłowski Mirosław
Published: July 2012

Effectiveness of Removal of Humic Substances and Heavy Metals from Landfill Leachates During their Pretreatment Process in the SBR Reactor

In the paper the removal efficiency of heavy metals as well as humic compounds, in the treatment of leachate mixed with municipal waste in a sequencing batch reactor was studied. Also, the accumulation of those metals in the activated sludge was examined. It has been shown that the removal efficiency of contamination with humic compounds, forBxranging from 0.23 to 0.45 mg COD mg-1d.m. can reach 71÷74%. An increase in the concentrations of heavy metals in the activated sludge was recorded forBxin the range 0.23÷1.64 mg COD mg-1d.m. The amount of heavy metals in the effluent of the SBR in carrying out the process atBx= 0.23÷0.96 mg COD mg-1d.m. does not limit their discharge into water and sewer system.
Hygienisation of Surplus Activated Sludge by Hydrodynamic Cavitation
Authors: Machnicka Alicja , Grűbel Klaudiusz , Rusin Agnieszka
Published: July 2012

Hygienisation of Surplus Activated Sludge by Hydrodynamic Cavitation

The success of an effective process of disintegration is the application of physical or chemical methods of the destruction of the cell wall which consequently becomes fragmented and the intracellular matters are released into the surrounding liquid. The purpose of the conducted experiments was to demonstrate possibilities of application of the hydrodynamic in the bacteriological hygienisation of surplus activated sludge. The confirmation of the effectiveness of the bactericidal activity of hydrodynamic cavitation was the number of bacteria grown on agars before and after hygienisation process. Selective and basic beddings have been used in the research. The bacterial culture has lasted approximately 24 to 48 hours. After the period of incubation the colonies produced have been counted and initially identified. Based on the microbiological analyses a significant reduction in an overall number of bacteria and pathogenic bacteria belonging to the familyEnterobacteriaceaeand to the pathogenic speciesStaphylococcushas been noticed. The overall number of bacteria decrease about 80% after 45 minutes of disintegration of surplus activated sludge. Pathogenic bacteria belonging to the familyEnterobacteriaceae: lactose-positive and lactose-negative decrease about 93% and 92%, respectively. Reducing the number ofSalmonellabacteria was 100% after 45 minutes of disintegration processes. Reduction bacteria of speciesStaphylococcuswere about 93% for mannitolo-positive and 92% for mannitolo-negative.
Impact Analysis of Airborn Pollution Due to Magnesium Slag Deposit and Climatic Changes Condition
Authors: Djokic Jelena , Minic Dusko , Kamberovic Zeljko , Petkovic Desimir
Published: July 2012

Impact Analysis of Airborn Pollution Due to Magnesium Slag Deposit and Climatic Changes Condition

The impact of airborne pollution by slag from magnesium production was analyzed under different climate conditions. The slag is characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, differential thermal analysis and atomic absorption analysis. The dominant phase was the γ modification of dicalcium silicate (γ-2CaO SiO2) with significant amounts of perclas (MgO), gehlenite - 2CaO Al2O3 SiO2, akermanite - 2CaO MgO 2SiO2 and portlandite Ca(OH)2. The granulometric composition of the slag was within the range of 100 x 10-3÷0.090 x 10-3 m. Ad hoc measurements were performed on site in June at 300 and 600 m distance from the slag deposit, which showed high Total Suspended Particles (TSP) concentrations. Imputing the results of an experimental investigation of the dust emission for wind velocities of 5, 7, and 10 m/s and within the range of relative humidity from 10÷50% into SCREENVIEW software, the obtained values on the diagram showed good agreement with those of measurements on site. The simulation, that considered the landscape and wind increases over a 20 year period, showed that the dust concentration will be over the Maximum Allowable Concentration (MAC) up to 1400 m from the deposit, for an average wind speed of 3.0 m/s, a relative humidity of 37% and up to 4000 m under unstable weather conditions.
Gaseous Products from Scrap Tires Pyrolisis
Authors: Januszewicz Katarzyna , Klein Marek , Klugmann-Radziemska Ewa
Published: July 2012

Gaseous Products from Scrap Tires Pyrolisis

In European Union 75% of used tires should be recycled. The most common method of used tires disposal, is burning in cement kilns, which does not solve the problem. Pyrolysis process can be an alternative way of utilization of tires. The aim of the researches was to check the influence of pyrolysis products (gas and oil fractions) on environment. Samples from pyrolysis process, like light oil fractions or pyrolysis gases were analyzed using gas chromatography. The pyrolysis installation should be hermetical, because of the PAHs which were detected in a light fraction of oil. In exhaust gases BTEX and PAHs were not detected.
The Impact of Power Switching Devices on the Thermal Performance of a 10 MW Wind Power NPC Converter
Authors: Ma Ke , Blaabjerg Frede
Published: July 2012

Power semiconductor switching devices play an important role in the performance of high power wind energy generation systems. The state-of-the-art device choices in the wind power application as reported in the industry include IGBT modules, IGBT press-pack and IGCT press-pack. Because of significant deviation in the packaging structure, electrical characteristics, as well as thermal impedance, these available power switching devices may have various thermal cycling behaviors, which will lead to converter solutions with very different cost, size and reliability performance. As a result, this paper aimed to investigate the thermal related characteristics of some important power switching devices. Their impact on the thermal cycling of a 10 MW three-level Neutral-Point-Clamped wind power converter is then evaluated under various operating conditions; the main focus will be on the grid connected inverter. It is concluded that the thermal performances of the 3L-NPC wind power converter can be significantly changed by the power device technology as well as their parallel configurations.
A Facile and Efficient Procedure for the Synthesis of New Benzimidazole-2-thione Derivatives
Authors: Rivera Augusto , Maldonado Mauricio , Ríos-Motta Jaime
Published: July 2012

A series of benzimidazole-2-thione derivatives was synthesized using a reaction between the macrocyclic aminal 16H,13H-5:12,7:14-dimethanedibenzo[d,i]-[1,3,6,8] tetraazecine (DMDBTA, 5) and various nucleophiles in the presence of carbon disulfide. A full chemical characterization using IR, 1H-, 13C-NMR and GC-MS analyses of the new compounds is provided. These compounds were separated from the reaction mixture by column chromatography (CC) in highly pure form in 15%–51.4% yield.
A 13C labelling study on carbon fluxes in Arctic plankton communities under elevated CO2 levels
Authors: de Kluijver A. , Soetaert K. , Czerny J. , Schulz K. G. , Boxhammer T. , Riebesell U. , Middelburg J. J.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. The effect of CO2 on carbon fluxes in Arctic plankton communities was investigated during the 2010 EPOCA mesocosm study in Ny Ålesund, Svalbard. Nine mesocosms were set up with initial pCO2 levels ranging from 185 to 1420 μatm for 5 weeks. 13C labelled bicarbonate was added at the start of the experiment to follow the transfer of carbon from dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) into phytoplankton, bacteria, total particulate organic carbon (POC), zooplankton, and settling particles. Polar lipid derived fatty acids (PLFA) were used to trace carbon dynamics of phytoplankton and bacteria and allowed distinction of two groups of phytoplankton: phyto I (autotrophs) and phyto II (mixotrophs). Nutrients were added on day 13. A nutrient-phytoplankton-zooplankton-detritus model amended with 13C dynamics was constructed and fitted to the data to quantify uptake rates and carbon fluxes in the plankton community during the phase prior to nutrient addition (phase 1, days 0–12). During the first 12 days, a phytoplankton bloom developed that was characterized by high growth rates (0.87 days−1) for phyto I and lower growth rates (0.18 days−1) for phyto II. A large part of the carbon fixed by phytoplankton (~31%) was transferred to bacteria, while mesozooplankton grazed only ~6% of the production. After 6 days, the bloom collapsed and part of the organic matter subsequently settled into the sediment traps. The sedimentation losses of detritus in phase 1 were low (0.008 days−1) and overall export was only ~7% of production. Zooplankton grazing and detritus sinking losses prior to nutrient addition were sensitive to CO2: grazing decreased with increasing CO2, while sinking increased. Phytoplankton production increased again after nutrient addition on day 13. Although phyto II showed initially higher growth rates with increasing CO2 (days 14–22), the overall production of POC after nutrient addition (phase 2, days 14–29) decreased with increasing CO2. Significant sedimentation occurred towards the end of the experiment (after day 24) and much more material settled down in the sediment traps at low CO2.
New Aryl-1,3-thiazole-4-carbohydrazides, Their 1,3,4-Oxadiazole-2- thione, 1,2,4-Triazole, Isatin-3-ylidene and Carboxamide Derivatives. Synthesis and Anti-HIV Activity
Authors: Zia Mehwash , Akhtar Tashfeen , Hameed Shahid , Al-Masoudi Najim A.
Published: July 2012

A series of isatin-3-ylidene (6a-i) and arylthiazolyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thione derivatives 7a-i derived from arylthiazolyl carbohydrazide analogs 4a-i were synthesized. Analogously, coupling of 4f with various amino acid methyl esters in the presence of HOBt/DCC reagents afforded the carboxamide derivatives 9a-d. The newly synthesized compounds were assayed against HIV-1 and HIV-2 in MT-4 cells. All compounds are inactive, except compounds 9b and 9c which showed inhibition of HIV-1 with EC50 = 2:34 μg mL-1, and 1.12 μg mL-1 with therapeutic indexes (SI) of 9 and <1, respectively.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of K3AsSe4 and K4As2Se5 Containing [AsSe4]3- Anions and a Novel [As2Se5]4- Isomer Featuring an As–As Bond
Authors: Menezes Prashanth W. , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: July 2012

Two novel selenoarsenates, K3AsSe4 and K4As2Se5, were synthesized by the mild solvothermal reaction of potassium carbonate and arsenic and selenium powder in the presence of superheated ethylenediamine and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. K3AsSe4 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma (no. 62) with a = 9:4169(4), b = 10:9695(5), c = 9:7568(8) Å, Z = 4 and V = 1007:86(10) Å3 and contains [AsSe4]3- anions with pentavalent arsenic. K4As2Se5 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n (no. 14) with a = 7:6167(2), b = 22:8733(4), c = 8:4687(2) Å, b = 107:241(2)°, Z = 4 and V = 1409:14(5) Å3, and shows isolated [As2Se5]4- anions. The most prominent feature of the latter anions is the presence of arsenic in two different formal oxidation states (+4/+2) due to the presence of an As-As bond.
Pour un modèle renouvelé d’intervention en santé au travail dans les petites entreprises
Authors: Carpentier-Roy Marie-Claire , Simard Marcel , Marchand Alain , Ouellet François
Published: July 2012

Cet article rapporte les résultats d’une étude de perceptions des interventions en santé au travail dans le contexte des petites entreprises, une réalité qui a jusqu’ici été peu étudiée malgré l’importance de ce type d’entreprise au plans économique et de la santé publique. La méthode a consisté à interroger les travailleurs et les employeurs d’un échantillon raisonné de huit entreprises québécoises de moins de 50 employés, ainsi que les professionnels de la santé chargés d’intervenir dans ces milieux. L’analyse des données permet d’identifier plusieurs aspects problématiques du processus actuel d’intervention en santé au travail dans le contexte de cette catégorie d’entreprise. La portée pratique des résultats est développée en une série de propositions qui visent à renouveler le modèle actuel d’intervention en santé au travail.
Les musulmans et l’institutionnalisation de l’islam dans la société britannique
Authors: Joly Danièle
Published: July 2012

Dans cet article, nous explorons le contexte sociétal qui a facilité une institutionnalisation de l’islam en Grande-Bretagne. La non-séparation de l’Église et de l’État ainsi que les possibilités de participation politique sont les deux piliers de l’interaction entre les musulmans et la société britannique. Leurs revendications et leurs modalités d’organisation sociale se déploient dans ce cadre. Nous examinerons la participation de ce groupe ainsi que son identité, en accordant une attention particulière aux jeunes et aux femmes de culture musulmane.
Significations de la responsabilité parentale à la naissance de l'enfant et après son adolescence
Authors: Cicchelli Vincenzo , Maunaye Emmanuelle
Published: July 2012

Au-delà des acceptions du droit civil et du droit pénal, la responsabilité se définit comme un lien intime entre Ego et son prochain. Les parents en sont des paradigmes éminents. Leur responsabilité évolue selon l'âge des enfants et les moments de l'éducation. La vigilance continue et la disponibilité totale qui caractérisent le rapport de la mère à son premier enfant accentuent l'asymétrie du rapport parental. On a ainsi pu parler de société sans père. Pour autant, la paternité ne se définit pas en creux : une autre modalité de la responsabilité parentale se dessine, fondée sur le soutien à la mère puis sur la conscience d'un rôle éducatif, plus projeté dans l'avenir. À l'adolescence, l'objectif des parents est de faire advenir la maturité, en se donnant comme médiateurs et accompagnateurs du processus. Les dispositifs monétaires sont l'un des aspects les plus révélateurs de cette nouvelle modalité de la responsabilité parentale. L'écartement progressif de la vie des enfants après le départ du foyer parental constitue encore une modalité de la responsabilité, par laquelle les parents transmettent à leurs enfants la charge de l'entretien des liens qui les unissent.
Femmes, violences et espace public : une réflexion sur les politiques de sécurité
Authors: Lieber Marylène
Published: July 2012

Lorsqu'on se penche sur les politiques publiques concernant les violences en France, on relève une division des compétences entre les politiques dites « de sécurité » et les politiques « contre les violences faites aux femmes ». On constate que les politiques de sécurité, en se basant sur les statistiques de criminalité et de victimation, portent essentiellement sur l'espace public et marginalisent les violences faites aux femmes dans l'espace privé. Pour autant, elles ne prennent pas non plus en considération les violences perpétrées à leur encontre dans l'espace public. Or, divers exemples venant de pays étrangers esquissent des réponses faites par les pouvoirs publics à ces violences.
Les politiques de planification familiale dans les pays en développement : du malthusianisme au féminisme ?
Authors: Gautier Arlette
Published: July 2012

Les programmes de planification familiale mis en oeuvre depuis les années 1950 ont eu pour objectif la réduction de la fécondité et ont pris, parfois violemment, les femmes pour cibles. En réaction, les mouvements féministes, locaux puis transnationaux, ont défini des programmes de santé reproductive intégrés et de qualité et affirmé le droit des femmes à la propriété de leur corps. Leur victoire à la conférence du Caire, en 1994, a été réelle et a suscité de nouvelles politiques là où existaient des mouvements féministes et une conjoncture politique favorable. Ailleurs, cette victoire est restée largement symbolique. Elle est de plus menacée par la reconnaissance de droits culturels et religieux ainsi que par la privatisation des services de santé.
Le corps, engagé dans le geste anthropologique du langage, parle-t-il dans le corpus théologique ?
Authors: Julien Jacques
Published: July 2012

Cette question pointe vers des domaines encore mal définis du contexte des théologies contemporaines. Ce contexte est à peine esquissé : l’essai se concentre sur l’état classique de la théologie telle qu’elle est entendue communément, depuis son héritage patristique mâle et clérical. L’interrogation sonde ce corpus à l’aide des propositions faites par Henri Meschonnic (relisant et continuant Marcel Jousse) et par Jacques Derrida.