bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Grammar of Rights in Colonial Contexts: The Case of Palestinian Women in Israel
Authors: Shalhoub-Kevorkian Nadera
Published: April 2012

This article examines the limitations of human rights activism in a colonial context by invoking the voices, experiences, and insights of Bedouin women living in Israel. Through extensive interviews, Bedouin women living in unrecognized villages in the Naqab/Negev reveal their struggles as unrecognized and “invisible” members of society. The article explores the ways in which the prevailing “grammar of rights”—the formal and informal mechanisms constructed and maintained by the colonial power to accord or withhold rights—delimits and confines the lives of the women, and also human rights activism. The women’s personal stories are juxtaposed against the legal justifications used to regulate and discriminate against them, as members of the indigenous Palestinian community, within the context of a “fear industry”. The article explores, from the perspective of the interviewed women, the internalization of that culture of fear, where they are constructed as the ones to be feared, and its personal, familial, and communal implications.

The interviewed women offer a critique of the existing human right framework, and question whether a human rights activism operating in a colonial context can be an emancipating force, so long as it is constrained by the regime’s rules. Furthermore, their voices assert that acknowledging historical injustice and its effect on women’s rights is central to re-thinking feminist human rights activism. The article ends by returning to the voices of women living in the unrecognized villages of the Naqab/Negev to investigate whether, and how, feminist politics and human rights activism could operationally function together within the context of Israeli state law. The article concludes that, in order to create a “grammar of rights” that is based on equality, respect, and dignity, and which challenges the balance of power in colonial contexts, it is essential to fully include the lived experiences and insights of “invisible” and unrecognized women.
The Youth and the Arab Spring: Cohort Differences and Similarities
Authors: Hoffman Michael , Jamal Amaney
Published: April 2012

The Arab Spring has been described as a youth rebellion driven by grievances about unemployment and dissatisfaction with existing regimes. In this article, we assess these claims by examining the characteristics of the current youth generation in the Arab world in comparison with earlier cohorts. We find that some of the conventional assumptions about this generation—that they are less religious, more likely to be unemployed, and more likely to protest—are true, but others—that they are more supportive of secularization, more interested in politics, and more dissatisfied with their regimes—should be reconsidered. Using the first wave of the Arab Barometer survey, we discuss how patterns of political attitudes and behavior vary across cohorts, and cast doubt upon the claim that the Arab Spring was the result of an angry youth cohort that was especially opposed to the old regimes.
Introducing offshore support: Establishing a knowledge management Centre of Excellence at KPMG
Authors: Hughes Ceri
Published: April 2012

KPMG introduced a new central knowledge function in late 2009. Delivering the ambitious knowledge programme required additional skilled resource. Leveraging KPMG firms’ existing offshore operations in New Delhi, an offshore Knowledge Centre of Excellence was established. Clear value drivers were identified at the outset of operations in order to provide direction as resources and services were built out. Operations have scaled to meet demand over the initial eighteen-month period and the team is now fifty members strong. The experience of the start-up phase has provided learning opportunities that help the operation to evolve and continuously improve, and underpin the ambition to provide high quality, cost-effective augmentation of KPMG’s knowledge initiatives.
Information Audit: Towards common standards and methodology
Authors: Griffiths Peter
Published: April 2012

This article further analyses a number of issues highlighted in a previous discussion of the current state of Information Audit (IA), and offers a graphical representation of the IA landscape.

Library and Information Science (LIS) struggles to establish its ‘soft’ approach to IA as the leading methodology despite repeated endorsement by authors in other professional groups with some kind of interest in information management. They have found the LIS IA methodology using analysis of information needs and flows to be a useful analytical tool that allows them to evaluate information assets and to demonstrate compliance in asset management – whether those assets are financial, documentary or intangibles such as know-how. Since the implementation of Freedom of Information legislation, records management has espoused a strong focus on compliance and the avoidance of penalties for data protection breaches, but recent publications suggest that organizations of all kinds are adopting this finance- and accountancy-driven approach to information audit. This may be because it is seen as best able to manage the growing complexity of regulation and legislation (local, national and international) that affects information management.

Forming strategic alliances with other players, the information profession must take the lead in establishing standard IA procedures and definitions drawing on its own praxis, which is widely accepted by other disciplines. There needs to be a single point of call for standardizing and accrediting IA skills, with the creation of a supporting body of knowledge whose evidence base goes beyond standard journal literature and monographs to include the now considerable corpus of unpublished theses as well as papers in languages other than English. As IA is adopted by a growing number of professional disciplines, LIS and KIM (Knowledge and Information Management) professionals – and also some finance professionals – can now find and seize opportunities beyond the boundaries of more traditional information work.
The Clash of Public Theologies?
Authors: Sandal Nukhet Ahu
Published: April 2012

Religion has been used by many scholars as an analytical category and an independent variable to account for the variances in governance and political violence. Very often, religion is decontextualized, resulting in confusions about the character of specific faith traditions. This article suggests an alternative framework by looking at the conceptualization and possible operationalization of the concept of public theology. In cases where “religion” might be conceptually ambivalent, a public theology framework with substantive, spiritual, spatial, and temporal dimensions can provide a sounder theorization of peaceful/violent or exclusive/inclusive strands of faith traditions and the relationship among them. Focusing on manifestations and public understandings instead of the religion itself, it also relieves political analysis from sensitive questions about what religious texts say and how traditions should be represented.
Abu Musab Al Zarqawi
Authors: Chambers Peter
Published: April 2012

On June 7, 2006, Abu Musab al Zarqawi, the United States' ‘public enemy number two’, was killed by two 500lb bombs, dropped by US forces on the safe house in which he and others were hiding. This paper is about the making and unmaking of Al Zarqawi as a monster, and his curious afterlife as a governmental technology. As we pass the fifth anniversary of his death, this detailed study of Al Zarqawi offers an invaluable general lesson for the political analysis of terror. Zarqawi's monstration – his making and unmaking as a monster – tells us about the powers of naming and linking that characterize executive power in the age of globalized media systems, and the productive relation between diurnal practices of security work and the nocturnal phantasms of cultural memory carried by media which, this paper argues, drive and sustain wars in the twenty-first century.
Breastfeeding Patterns among Palestinian Infants in the First 6 Months in Nablus Refugee Camps
Authors: Musmar Samar Ghazal , Qanadeelu Shaden
Published: April 2012

Background: Several studies in Palestine, including some performed in refugee camps, showed that breastfeeding is a common practice, however, exclusive breastfeeding was practiced less frequently. The social and cultural patterns in relation to different types of infant feeding were not studied.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the association between mothers’ and infants’ sociodemographic factors and breastfeeding patterns during the first 6 months of infant life.

Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated data of 690 clinic files from 3 refugee camps in Nablus, Palestine in 2007. Maternal age, age at marriage, parity, mother’s and father’s education, type of delivery and infant’s gender were studied in relation to 3 types of breastfeeding: exclusive breastfeeding, partial breastfeeding, and exclusive formula feeding in the first 6 months of life. Bivariate analysis and logistic regression were applied for data analysis.

Results: A total of 69.7% of infants aged 0–6 months were exclusively breastfed and only 14.3% were exclusively formula fed. Older mothers at marriage (risk ratio [RR], 0.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06–0.28), and cesarean birth (RR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.41–0.81) were negatively associated with EBF.

Conclusion: Breastfeeding educational and health promotion program and policy for EBF implemented by UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) should continue with special attention to older mothers at marriage, and to babies born by cesarean section.
Vitamin D Status among 4-Month-Old Infants in New England
Authors: Merewood Anne , Mehta Supriya D. , Grossman Xena , Chen Tai C. , Mathieu Jeff , Holick Michael F. , Bauchner Howard
Published: April 2012

Background: Concerns over vitamin D deficiency in infants and children recently prompted the American Academy of Pediatrics to recommend increased supplementation. Few studies have examined vitamin D status in the same infants over time. Also, while many researchers label “breastfeeding” as a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency, few differentiate between any breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, and supplemented or unsupplemented breastfeeders.

Objective: To determine predictors of 25(OH)D deficiency at 4 months in a group of children previously tested at birth.

Methods: We enrolled newborns from 2005 to 2007 at an urban Boston hospital. Maternal and infant blood samples were collected within 72 hours of birth. At 4 months, we obtained a second infant blood sample.

Results: At 4 months, 11.9% of the 177 infants were vitamin D deficient compared to 37.5% at birth (25(OH)D <20 ng/mL). Median 25(OH)D was 35.2 ng/mL (range, 5-100.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 32.8-37.6). At 4 months, 40% of unsupplemented infants were deficient. Lack of supplementation was significantly associated with increased risk of deficiency (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 19.3; 95% CI, 4.80-77.2). Being outside at least 10 minutes a day, once per week, was protective (AOR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02-0.66), as was increasing gestational age (AOR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.19-0.69). In 48.4% of patients, physicians failed to prescribe vitamin D at 2 months.

Conclusions: Despite inconsistent supplementation, a smaller proportion of infants were vitamin D deficient at 4 months than at birth. While supplemented breastfed infants were not at risk of deficiency, unsupplemented exclusively breastfed infants were at high risk of severe deficiency.
Deployment and impact of higher level teaching assistants – how do small-scale local studies fit into the bigger picture?
Authors: Attwood Terri , Bland Ken
Published: April 2012

Since 2003 over 39,000 higher level teaching assistants (HLTAs) have gained their status by proving that they meet a set of rigorous standards, which are closely aligned to those expected of newly qualified teachers. Taking as its starting point two research studies carried out in the East Midlands this paper seeks to demonstrate their relationship to national studies undertaken into the use and deployment of HLTAs and the impact this is having upon schools. Through consideration of the experience of one case study school and a questionnaire to HLTAs the paper seeks to identify some of the successes and problems that have been encountered along the way. The paper also considers the efforts being made both locally and nationally to address these issues.
‘It’s quite liberating turning up to a classroom without a pile of papers and equipment.’ Pedagogic bungee jumping: a strategy to rethink teaching in a technology-rich age?
Authors: Hughes Julie
Published: April 2012

Initial Teacher Education (ITE) for the post-compulsory sector (PCE) in the UK is currently under review. Despite earlier plans to substantially increase the use of technology in ITE the Lifelong Learning UK (LLUK) consultation findings recommend that ‘we will expect that teachers do develop their skills in this area to a limited extent on a mandatory basis' ( LLUK, 2011b :12). This is a disappointing departure as other commissioned work such as that from the Learning and Skills Improvement Service ( LSIS) (2009 : 8) review of workforce development identified that this area was in need of continuous updating. This article will consider the need more than ever before to explore what Barnett identifies (2007: 1) as the links between teaching and learning in higher education and ‘pedagogic bungee jumping’ with the development of cultures supportive to experimental technology use in ITE focusing upon a group of teacher educators in a West Midlands ITE Partnership (higher education institute (HEI) and partner colleges).
Bovine viral diarrhea virus
Authors: Eiras Carmen , Arnaiz Ignacio , Sanjuán María L. , Yus Eduardo , Diéguez Francisco J.
Published: April 2012

The aim of the present study was to establish a relationship between the results obtained using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique for antibodies in blood serum and milk at herd level. For this purpose, 325 samples of bulk tank milk were analyzed with 4 antibody ELISAs from dairy herds with a prevalence of seropositive animals; seroprevalence was also evaluated. Data were arranged to analyze the sensitivity of the bulk tank milk test to detect herds with high risk of active infection (>65% seroprevalence) and the specificity to detect those with very few (<5%) or no (0%) seropositive animals, respectively. The sensitivity values ranged from 0.92 to 0.70 and the specificity from 0.83 to 0.54 to detect free herds (0% seroprevalence) and from 0.88 to 0.77 to detect herds with <5% of seropositive animals. In a quantitative approach, Pearson correlation coefficients, reported as a measure of linear association between herd seroprevalence and transformed optical density values recorded in bulk tank milk, ranged from 0.71 to 0.86. According to these results, the 4 antibody ELISAs would be valid tests for carrying out a herd classification program using milk samples.
Sustained high-throughput polymerase chain reaction diagnostics during the European epidemic of Bluetongue virus serotype 8
Authors: van Rijn Piet A. , Heutink René G. , Boonstra Jan , Kramps Hans A. , van Gennip René G. P.
Published: April 2012

A real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR test) based on genome segment 10 of Bluetongue virus (BTV) was developed. The PCR test consists of robotized viral RNA isolation from blood samples and an all-in-one method including initial denaturation of genomic double-stranded RNA, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and real-time detection and analysis. Reference strains of the 24 recognized BTV serotypes, isolates from different years, and geographic origins were detected. Other orbiviruses such as African horse sickness virus, Epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus, and Equine encephalosis virus were not detected. Experimentally infected animals were PCR positive from 2 days postinoculation, which was earlier than fever, other clinical signs, or seroconversion. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were very close to or even 100%. The PCR test played a key role in the detection of BTV serotype 8 in August 2006 in The Netherlands. The outbreak in a completely naive ruminant population allowed for further evaluation of the PCR test with field samples. In 2006, the correlation between enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and PCR results was estimated to be 95%. In the following years, the PCR test was used for diagnosis of diseased animals, for testing of healthy animals for trade purposes, and for detection of BTV RNA in different species of the insect vector, Culicoides. In the autumn of 2008, BTV serotype 6 unexpectedly emerged in northwest Europe and was also detected with the PCR test developed in the current study. The performance in routine use over 5 years has been recorded and evaluated.
An outbreak of equine botulism type A associated with feeding grass clippings
Authors: Ostrowski Stephanie R. , Kubiski Steven V. , Palmero Joanie , Reilly Christopher M. , Higgins Jamie K. , Cook-Cronin Sheri , Tawde Snehal N. , Crossley Beate M. , Yant Paula , Cazarez Ray , Uzal Francisco A.
Published: April 2012

In September 2010, an outbreak of type A botulism involved 4 horses in northern California that were fed grass clippings obtained from a nearby park. All 4 animals developed a progressive flaccid paralysis syndrome clinically consistent with exposure to preformed Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). Within 48 hr of consuming the grass clippings, all 4 horses showed marked cervical weakness (inability to raise their heads to a normal position) and died or were euthanized within 96 hr. One horse was submitted for diagnostic examination and subsequent necropsy. At necropsy, extensive edema was observed in areas of the nuchal ligament and inguinal fascia. A sample of the grass clippings tested positive for preformed BoNT type A by the mouse bioassay test. Emphasis should be placed on early case recognition, rapid initiation of treatment with the trivalent antitoxin product, and preventing exposure to BoNT in spoiled forages.
Evaluation of a commercial rapid test kit for detecting bovine enteric pathogens in feces
Authors: Cho Yong-Il , Sun Dong , Cooper Vickie , Dewell Grant , Schwartz Kent , Yoon Kyoung-Jin
Published: April 2012

Recently a commercial antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit in the form of a dipstick (Bovine Enterichek®, Biovet Inc.) was made available to bovine practitioners and producers for the rapid detection of Betacoronavirus 1 (BCV-1), Rotavirus A (RV-A), Escherichia coli K99+, and Cryptosporidium parvum in feces from diarrheic calves. The diagnostic performance of Bovine Enterichek was evaluated in comparison with a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay (mrtPCR). One hundred fecal samples were procured from diagnostic submissions to Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and were used for the assessment. The agreement quotient (kappa) in results for each pathogen between Bovine Enterichek and mrtPCR were 0.095 (BCV-1), 0.521 (RV-A), 0.823 ( E. coli K99 +), and 0.840 ( C. parvum). In comparison to mrtPCR, the diagnostic sensitivity of Bovine Enterichek was 60.0%, 42.3%, 71.4%, and 81.5%, and the diagnostic specificity was 51.4%, 100%, 100%, and 98.6% for BCV-1, RV-A, E. coli K99 +, and C. parvum, respectively. The current study suggested that Bovine Enterichek can be a rapid test tool in the field for detection of RV-A, C. parvum, or E. coli K99+ in feces from calves at acute stage of clinical disease. However, test results for BCV-1 by the kit should be interpreted with caution due to low specificity and sensitivity of the kit.
Metastasizing testicular seminoma in a pet rabbit
Authors: Banco Barbara , Stefanello Damiano , Giudice Chiara , D’Acierno Massimo , Giancamillo Mauro Di , Grieco Valeria
Published: April 2012

In the present study, a case of a spontaneously metastasizing seminoma in 9-year-old pet lionhead rabbit is described. The rabbit was presented with unilateral testicular enlargement and a palpable abdominal mass. Spiral computed tomography revealed the presence of an abdominal-pelvic mass in the region of the sublumbar lymph nodes. Testes and lymph nodes were collected, fixed in formalin, and submitted for histopathological examination. Microscopically, the normal architecture of the enlarged testis and lymph node was completely replaced by a diffuse malignant seminoma.
Development of an antigen-capture monoclonal antibody–based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and comparison with culture for detection of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis in poultry hatchery environmental samples
Authors: Brooks Brian W. , Lutze-Wallace Cheryl L. , Devenish John , Elmufti Mohamed , Burke Teresa
Published: April 2012

An antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for use as a presumptive screening test for detection of Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis and other group D Salmonella in poultry hatchery environments. A mixture of 2 monoclonal antibodies that recognize different forms of the lipopolysaccharide O-antigen was used for specific detection of group D Salmonella. The performance of the ELISA was evaluated in comparison to standard Salmonella culture procedures. Culture for each sample included nonselective enrichment with buffered peptone water and primary selective enrichment and delayed secondary enrichment with both tetrathionate and Rappaport–Vassiliadis broths. One thousand fifty-seven samples were collected from poultry hatcheries over a 5-year period (received in 85 submissions), and S. Enteritidis was recovered from 106 (10%) of them. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the ELISA relative to culture were 97.2% and 99.6%, respectively, on a sample basis and were both 100% on a submission basis. Delayed secondary enrichment increased the number of S. Enteritidis culture and ELISA-positive samples as compared to nonselective enrichment and primary selective enrichment by 25%. A significantly higher ( P < 0.05) number of S. Enteritidis culture- and ELISA-positive results were obtained from Rappaport–Vassiliadis broth than from tetrathionate broth or buffered peptone water cultures. The results indicate that this ELISA procedure may be useful for screening poultry hatchery environmental samples for the presence of S. Enteritidis.
An error management system in a veterinary clinical laboratory
Authors: Hooijberg Emma , Leidinger Ernst , Freeman Kathleen P.
Published: April 2012

Error recording and management is an integral part of a clinical laboratory quality management system. Analysis and review of recorded errors lead to corrective and preventive actions through modification of existing processes and, ultimately, to quality improvement. Laboratory errors can be divided into preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical errors depending on where in the laboratory cycle the errors occur. The purpose of the current report is to introduce an error management system in use in a veterinary diagnostic laboratory as well as to examine the amount and types of error recorded during the 8-year period from 2003 to 2010. Annual error reports generated during this period by the error recording system were reviewed, and annual error rates were calculated. In addition, errors were divided into preanalytical, analytical, postanalytical, and “other” categories, and their frequency was examined. Data were further compared to that available from human diagnostic laboratories. Finally, sigma metrics were calculated for the various error categories. Annual error rates per total number of samples ranged from 1.3% in 2003 to 0.7% in 2010. Preanalytical errors ranged from 52% to 77%, analytical from 4% to 14%, postanalytical from 9% to 21%, and other error from 6% to 19% of total errors. Sigma metrics ranged from 4.1 to 4.7. All data were comparable to that reported in human clinical laboratories. The incremental annual reduction of error shows that use of an error management system led to quality improvement.
Reference intervals for mineral concentrations in whole blood and serum of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) in California
Authors: Poppenga Robert H. , Ramsey Jennifer , Gonzales Ben J. , Johnson Christine K.
Published: April 2012

Whole blood and serum mineral concentrations were measured in diverse bighorn sheep ( Ovis canadensis) metapopulations in California, and 90% reference intervals were determined. While there were some statistical differences between median concentrations among the different metapopulations, detected values were generally in good agreement with concentrations reported for other bighorn sheep populations and with reference ranges widely accepted for domestic sheep ( Ovis aries). Although median whole blood selenium and serum copper concentrations were within adequate ranges reported for domestic sheep, some metapopulations had substantial numbers of individuals whose concentrations would be considered suboptimal for domestic sheep. There are a number of factors that can influence mineral concentrations in wildlife species such as bighorn sheep and that make the establishment of reference ranges challenging. However, the establishment of mineral reference ranges is important for such species, as their health and productivity are increasingly scrutinized and actively managed.
Detection of disease resistance and susceptibility alleles in pigs using oligonucleotide microarray hybridization
Authors: Pastoret Soumya , Ameels Hélène , Bossiroy Frédérique , Decreux Annabelle , De Longueville Françoise , Thomas Anne , Desmecht Daniel
Published: April 2012

A multiplex DNA microarray chip aimed at the identification of allelic polymorphisms was developed for simultaneous detection of swine disease resistance genes underlying malignant hyperthermia ( RYR), postweaning diarrhea, edema disease ( FUT1), neonatal diarrhea ( MUC4), and influenza ( MX1). The on-chip detection was performed with fragmented polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–amplified products. Particular emphasis was placed on the reduction of the number of PCR reactions required. The targets were biotin labeled during the PCR reaction, and the arrays were detected using a colorimetric methodology. Target recognition was provided by specific capture probes designed for each susceptible or resistant allelic variant. Sequencing was chosen as the gold standard to assess chip accuracy. All genotypes retrieved from the microarray (476) fit with sequencing data despite the fact that each pig was heterozygote for at least 1 target gene.
Lipid emboli in a Vietnamese potbellied pig (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Newkirk Kim M. , Fineschi Vittorio , Kiefer Virginia R. , VanAmstel Sarel R.
Published: April 2012

A 2-year-old, spayed female Vietnamese potbellied pig (Sus scrofa) was evaluated due to polyuria, polydipsia, lethargy, and hyporexia. The pig was obese, and a large abdominal mass was palpated. Additional findings included hypercalcemia, hyperglycemia, glucosuria, and an inflammatory leukogram. At surgery, the abdominal mass was biopsied and found to be bilaterally symmetric adipose tissue with mineralization and granulomatous steatitis. An additional surgery was performed to collect additional diagnostic samples, but the pig died while recovering from anesthesia. A cosmetic necropsy was performed, and lipid emboli were identified microscopically in various tissues. The presence of lipid emboli in the lung and kidney was supported by antifibrinogen immunohistochemistry. Obesity is a common finding in potbellied pigs; however, mineralization and saponification of fat are uncommon, particularly the bilateral symmetrical distribution found in the abdomen of the present case. This may present as a single intra-abdominal mass complicating diagnostic interpretation. Whether mineralization and saponification of fat facilitate the development of fat embolism is undetermined. Lipid emboli should be considered in obese pigs undergoing medical or surgical procedures. Factors that may predispose to the development of fat embolism, such as excessive handling or bruising of fat stores, should be avoided.
Clinical evaluation of the QuickVet®/RapidVet® canine dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1 blood-typing test
Authors: Kohn Barbara , Classe Gabriele , Weingart Christiane
Published: April 2012

In transfusion medicine, blood typing is an integral part of pretransfusion testing. The objective of the current study was the clinical evaluation of an automated canine cartridge dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1.1 blood-typing method (QuickVet®/RapidVet®) and comparison of the results with a gel column–based method (ID-Gel Test Canine DEA 1.1). Ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid–anticoagulated blood samples from 11 healthy and 85 sick dogs were available for typing. Before blood typing, all samples were tested for agglutination and hemolysis. All samples were tested once or multiple times with both methods according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. With the gel method, 53 dogs tested DEA 1.1 positive and 42 dogs DEA 1.1 negative; blood typing was not possible due to erythrocyte autoagglutination in 1 dog. With the cartridge test, 53 samples tested DEA 1.1 positive, 34 samples tested DEA 1.1 negative, and 6 results were inconclusive (3 samples were not included due to autoagglutination or severe hemolysis). Without taking the inconclusive samples into account, the agreement between both methods was 96.5%. The sensitivity and specificity for samples that were definitively typed by both methods were 100% and 91.9%, respectively. The cartridge test was suitable for in-clinic canine DEA 1.1 blood typing, although some discrepancies compared to the gel method existed. The cartridge test is software-directed, is easy to use, and does not require user interpretation, but preanalytical guidelines (sample evaluation for agglutination and hemolysis) have to be followed. For inconclusive results, an alternate blood-typing method should be performed.
The life-cycle approach to performance management: Implications for public management and evaluation
Authors: Helden G. Jan van , Johnsen Åge , Vakkuri Jarmo
Published: April 2012

This article discusses how performance-management systems may be conceptualized as tools with a life cycle consisting of several stages. Studies on public-sector performance management generally concern the question of how management can design these systems or address dysfunctional effects when they are used. This article, however, argues that the research in this field should cover the entire life cycle of performance-management systems: it should focus on both their benefits and costs and needs to recognize a broader spectrum of actors involved in the life cycle than that normally associated with the hierarchical conception of principals and agents. The life-cycle approach facilitates a comprehensive mapping of the various performance-management stages and their contingencies from invention to assessment and re-design, including their interdependence. The framework enables policymakers, managers, evaluators, and researchers to better understand performance-management systems, to identify relevant research areas and to communicate the practical problems and solutions related to the systems’ specific stages.
A trial of impact evaluation utilizing effect size statistics: Its application to the evaluation of Japan’s foreign student policy
Authors: Sato Yuriko
Published: April 2012

This article proposes a method of evaluating effect, impact and efficiency of treatment using the standardized mean difference (SMD) of outcomes between the treatment and the control groups. Since the SMD is commensurable (divisible and measurable by a common standard), here it is given a unit name ‘effect’ as an expression of the ‘standardized effect’. Based on the assumption that impact is the sum total of the change brought about by the treatment in the population, this article asserts that impact can be calculated by multiplying the ‘standardized effect’ by the population under treatment given that the sample represents the population. Extending this logic, efficiency can be calculated by dividing the impact by the total input of the treatment expressed in a monetary value. An example of the application of this approach to the evaluation of Japan’s Foreign Student Policy toward Thailand is introduced and its merits and limitations are discussed.
Preparing Hispanic Students for the Real World
Authors: West Jean Jaymes , Simmons Donna
Published: April 2012

Student learning is enriched by problem-based service learning (PBSL) projects. For Hispanic students, the learning that takes place in PBSL projects may be even more significant, although the research published in academic journals about client-based projects for Hispanic students is limited. This article begins to advance an understanding of how PBSL projects can enhance the learning of Hispanic students. Data were gathered from 5 business courses and approximately 127 students, predominantly Hispanic, who served as consultants for various business organizations.
Trends in Hispanic Academic Achievement
Authors: Ortiz Carlos J. , Valerio Melissa A. , Lopez Kristina
Published: April 2012

This article sought to identify factors related to high school completion rates and college enrollment among Hispanic students. Hispanic students were found to have high attrition rates in institutions of higher education. Implications for the development and implementation of retention programs for Hispanic high school students, such as culturally sensitive professional staff and faculty training, increased parent or family involvement, and improved parent or caregiver service provider communication in the development of programs aimed at the retention of Hispanic students, are presented.
Homoclinic classes with shadowing
Authors: Ahn Jiweon , Lee Keonhee , Lee Manseob
Published: April 2012

We show that for C
1 generic diffeomorphisms, an isolated homoclinic class is shadow-able if and only if it is a hyperbolic basic set.

Mathematics Subject Classification 2000: 37C20; 37C05; 37C29; 37D05.
Complete genome sequence, lifestyle, and multi-drug resistance of the human pathogen Corynebacterium resistens DSM 45100 isolated from blood samples of a leukemia patient
Authors: Schröder Jasmin , Maus Irena , Meyer Katja , Wördemann Stephanie , Blom Jochen , Jaenicke Sebastian , Schneider Jessica , Trost Eva , Tauch Andreas
Published: April 2012

Background

Corynebacterium resistenswas initially recovered from human infections and recognized as a new coryneform species that is highly resistant to antimicrobial agents. Bacteremia associated with this organism in immunocompromised patients was rapidly fatal as standard minocycline therapies failed.C. resistensDSM 45100 was isolated from a blood culture of samples taken from a patient with acute myelocytic leukemia. The complete genome sequence ofC. resistensDSM 45100 was determined by pyrosequencing to identify genes contributing to multi-drug resistance, virulence, and the lipophilic lifestyle of this newly described human pathogen.

Results

The genome ofC. resistensDSM 45100 consists of a circular chromosome of 2,601,311 bp in size and the 28,312-bp plasmid pJA144188. Metabolic analysis showed that the genome ofC. resistensDSM 45100 lacks genes for typical sugar uptake systems, anaplerotic functions, and a fatty acid synthase, explaining the strict lipophilic lifestyle of this species. The genome encodes a broad spectrum of enzymes ensuring the availability of exogenous fatty acids for growth, including predicted virulence factors that probably contribute to fatty acid metabolism by damaging host tissue.C. resistensDSM 45100 is able to use external L-histidine as a combined carbon and nitrogen source, presumably as a result of adaptation to the hitherto unknown habitat on the human skin. Plasmid pJA144188 harbors several genes contributing to antibiotic resistance ofC. resistensDSM 45100, including a tetracycline resistance region of the Tet W type known fromLactobacillus reuteriandStreptococcus suis. Thetet(W) gene of pJA144188 was cloned inCorynebacterium glutamicumand was shown to confer high levels of resistance to tetracycline, doxycycline, and minocyclinein vitro.

Conclusions

The detected gene repertoire ofC. resistensDSM 45100 provides insights into the lipophilic lifestyle and virulence functions of this newly recognized pathogen. Plasmid pJA144188 revealed a modular architecture of gene regions that contribute to the multi-drug resistance ofC. resistensDSM 45100. Thetet(W) gene encoding a ribosomal protection protein is reported here for the first time in corynebacteria. Cloning of thetet(W) gene mediated resistance to second generation tetracyclines inC. glutamicum, indicating that it might be responsible for the failure of minocycline therapies in patients withC. resistensbacteremia.
The heterojunction effects of TiO2 nanotubes fabricated by atomic layer deposition on photocarrier transportation direction
Authors: Chang Yung-Huang , Liu Chien-Min , Chen Chih , Cheng Hsyi-En
Published: April 2012

The heterojunction effects of TiO2 nanotubes on photoconductive characteristics were investigated. For ITO/TiO2/Si diodes, the photocurrent is controlled either by the TiO2/Si heterojunction (p-n junction) or the ITO-TiO2 heterojunction (Schottky contact). In the short circuit (approximately 0 V) condition, the TiO2-Si heterojunction dominates the photocarrier transportation direction due to its larger space-charge region and potential gradient. The detailed transition process of the photocarrier direction was investigated with a time-dependent photoresponse study. The results showed that the diode transitioned from TiO2-Si heterojunction-controlled to ITO-TiO2 heterojunction-controlled as we applied biases from approximately 0 to -1 V on the ITO electrode.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) protects against streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy: role of GSK3β and mitochondrial function
Authors: Zhang Yingmei , Babcock Sara A , Hu Nan , Maris Jacalyn R , Wang Haichang , Ren Jun
Published: April 2012

Background

Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) displays some promise in the protection against cardiovascular diseases although its role in diabetes has not been elucidated.

Methods

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of ALDH2 on streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy. Friendly virus B(FVB) and ALDH2 transgenic mice were treated with streptozotocin (intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg) to induce diabetes.

Results

Echocardiographic evaluation revealed reduced fractional shortening, increased end-systolic and -diastolic diameter, and decreased wall thickness in streptozotocin-treated FVB mice. Streptozotocin led to a reduced respiratory exchange ratio; myocardial apoptosis and mitochondrial damage; cardiomyocyte contractile and intracellular Ca2+ defects, including depressed peak shortening and maximal velocity of shortening and relengthening; prolonged duration of shortening and relengthening; and dampened intracellular Ca2+ rise and clearance. Western blot analysis revealed disrupted phosphorylation of Akt, glycogen synthase kinase-3β and Foxo3a (but not mammalian target of rapamycin), elevated PTEN phosphorylation and downregulated expression of mitochondrial proteins, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α and UCP-2. Intriguingly, ALDH2 attenuated or ablated streptozotocin-induced echocardiographic, mitochondrial, apoptotic and myocardial contractile and intracellular Ca2+ anomalies as well as changes in the phosphorylation of Akt, glycogen synthase kinase-3β, Foxo3a and phosphatase and tensin homologue on chromosome ten, despite persistent hyperglycemia and a low respiratory exchange ratio. In vitro data revealed that the ALDH2 activator Alda-1 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibition protected against high glucose-induced mitochondrial and mechanical anomalies, the effect of which was cancelled by mitochondrial uncoupling.

Conclusions

In summary, our data revealed that ALDH2 acted against diabetes-induced cardiac contractile and intracellular Ca2+ dysregulation, possibly through regulation of apoptosis, glycogen synthase kinase-3β activation and mitochondrial function independent of the global metabolic profile.
Extending healthy ageing: nutrient sensitive pathway and centenarian population
Authors: Davinelli Sergio , Willcox D Craig , Scapagnini Giovanni
Published: April 2012

Ageing is a challenge for any living organism and human longevity is a complex phenotype. With increasing life expectancy, maintaining long-term health, functionality and well-being during ageing has become an essential goal. To increase our understanding of how ageing works, it may be advantageous to analyze the phenotype of centenarians, perhaps one of the best examples of successful ageing. Healthy ageing involves the interaction between genes, the environment, and lifestyle factors, particularly diet. Besides evaluating specific gene-environment interactions in relation to exceptional longevity, it is important to focus attention on modifiable lifestyle factors such as diet and nutrition to achieve extension of health span. Furthermore, a better understanding of human longevity may assist in the design of strategies to extend the duration of optimal human health. In this article we briefly discuss relevant topics on ageing and longevity with particular focus on dietary patterns of centenarians and nutrient-sensing pathways that have a pivotal role in the regulation of life span. Finally, we also discuss the potential role of Nrf2 system in the pro-ageing signaling emphasizing its phytohormetic activation.
PAPupuncture Has Localized and Long-Lasting Antinociceptive Effects in Mouse Models of Acute and Chronic Pain
Authors: Hurt Julie K , Zylka Mark J
Published: April 2012

Acupuncture has been used for millennia to treat pain, although its efficacy and duration of action is limited. Acupuncture also has brief (1–2 h) antinociceptive effects in mice and these effects are dependent on localized adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) activation. Intriguingly, adenosine 5′-monophosphate (AMP) is basally elevated near acupuncture points. This finding suggested that it might be possible to inhibit nociception for a longer period of time by injecting prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP, ACPP) into acupuncture points. PAP is an ectonucleotidase that dephosphorylates extracellular AMP to adenosine, has a long half-life in vivo and is endogenously found in muscle tissue surrounding acupuncture points. Here, we found that injection of PAP into the popliteal fossa—a space behind the knee that encompasses the Weizhong acupuncture point—had dose- and A1R-dependent antinociceptive effects in mouse models of acute and chronic pain. These inhibitory effects lasted up to six days following a single injection, much longer than the hour-long inhibition provided by acupuncture. Antinociception could be transiently boosted with additional substrate (AMP) or transiently blocked with an A1R antagonist or an inhibitor of phospholipase C. This novel therapeutic approach—which we term “PAPupuncture”—locally inhibits pain for an extended period of time (100x acupuncture), exploits a molecular mechanism that is common to acupuncture, yet does not require acupuncture needle stimulation.
The combination of olaparib and camptothecin for effective radiosensitization
Authors: Miura Katsutoshi , Sakata Koh-ichi , Someya Masanori , Matsumoto Yoshihisa , Matsumoto Hideki , Takahashi Akihisa , Hareyama Masato
Published: April 2012

Background

Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a key enzyme involved in the repair of radiation-induced single-strand DNA breaks. PARP inhibitors such as olaparib (KU-0059436, AZD-2281) enhance tumor sensitivity to radiation and to topoisomerase I inhibitors like camptothecin (CPT). Olaparib is an orally bioavailable inhibitor of PARP-1 and PARP-2 that has been tested in multiple clinical trials. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the sensitizing effect of olaparib for radiation and CPT in order to support clinical application of this agent.

Methods

DLD-1 cells (a human colorectal cancer cell line) and H1299 cells (a non-small cell lung cancer cell line) with differences of p53 gene status were used. The survival of these cells was determined by clonogenic assay after treatment with drugs and X-ray irradiation. The γH2AX focus formation assay was performed to examine the influence of olaparib on induction and repair of double-stranded DNA breaks after exposure to radiation or CPT.

Results

A radiosensitizing effect of olaparib was seen even at 0.01 μM. Its radiosensitizing effect after exposure for 2 h was similar to that after 24 h. H1299 cells with depletion or mutation of p53 were more radioresistant than H1299 cells with wild-type p53. However, similar enhancement of radiosensitization by olaparib was observed with all of the tested cell lines regardless of the p53 status. Olaparib also sensitized cells to CPT. This sensitizing effect was seen at low concentrations of olaparib such as 0.01 μM, and its sensitizing effect was the same at both 0.01 μM and 1 μM. The combination of olaparib and CPT had a stronger radiosensitizing effect. The results of the γH2AX focus assay corresponded with the clonogenic assay findings.

Conclusion

Olaparib enhanced sensitivity to radiation and CPT at low concentrations and after relatively short exposure times such as 2 h. The radiosensitizing effect of olaprib was not dependent on the p53 status of tumor cells. These characteristics could be advantageous for clinical radiotherapy since tumor cells may be exposed to low concentrations of olaparib and/or may have different levels of p53 mutation. The combination of olaparib and CPT had a stronger radiosensitizing effect, indicating that combining a PARP inihibitor with a topoiomerase I inhibitor could be promising for clinical radiosensitization.