bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fine-Grained Pitch Discrimination in Congenital Amusics with Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Jiang Cunmei , Hamm Jeff P. , Lim Vanessa K. , Kirk Ian J. , Yang Yufang
Published: June 2011

a group of 11 amusic individuals with mandarin as their first language were tested on a two-tone discrimination task. In addition, a four-tone sequence task with an additional initial reference note and a final return to the reference note (i.e., AABA) was employed to assess if repeating the reference note resulted in an improvement of pitch discrimination for amusic individuals. The findings showed that the amusic participants had difficulty discriminating two-tone pairs and four-tone sequences relative to 11 control participants. The performance of the amusic group on the four-tone sequence was not better than that predicted based upon their performance during the two-tone task, indicating that repetition of the reference note did not aid performance. The findings suggest that tonal language experience may not facilitate fine-grained pitch discrimination for amusics who speak Mandarin Chinese as their first language.
Charisma in Conyers: A Journey from Visionary to Apparition Site to Church
Authors: Halter Deborah
Published: June 2011

This article explores the charisma associated with visionary Nancy Fowler, whose public visions of the Virgin Mary created a popular Catholic pilgrimage site at Conyers, Georgia in the 1990s. Working from a field visit and literature research, I suggest that the charismatic relationship between the visionary and her followers was a three-way alliance that included the apparition site. When Fowler withdrew from public, the site continued to attract followers and assumed importance in its own right. Currently, local Catholic authorities are routinizing the charisma by establishing clerical and institutional oversight.
The Organizational Development of Marian Apparitional Movements
Authors: Bromley David G. , Bobbitt Rachel S.
Published: June 2011

This article examines the histories of thirteen modern-era Marian apparitional movements in search of key factors related to their origination and development. The formation of these movements is similar to the origination of other new religious groups in some ways, but they are also distinctive. The apparitional movements all occurred in the context of various types of crisis conditions that were interpreted as having religious significance, and initial apparitional events were constructed so as to be credible within Catholic circles. Initial apparitional events were followed by the mobilization of key movement resources (a stable location and financial base, organization and leadership, supporters, and myth/ritual systems) in environments that presented varying degrees of opposition that significantly influenced the ultimate fate of the movements. There were two major types of outcomes: some movements were rapidly domesticated by the Catholic Church while others resisted and faced much more difficult and problematic futures.
"They're Freaks!": The Cult Stereotype in Fictional Television Shows, 1958–2008
Authors: Neal Lynn S.
Published: June 2011

This article analyzes the stereotypical portrayal of cults on fictional television shows and demonstrates the vital role that this popular culture form plays in the dissemination of anticult ideology. Through an in-depth examination of five episodes that aired between 1998 and 2008, it delineates how these shows employed stereotypical cult elements, such as fraud and violence, as well as contrasts in clothing, setting, and lifestyle to differentiate conventional religion from the dangers and delusions of cults. Further, the article reveals how usage of the cult concept is not limited to the present context and documents the historical pervasiveness of the cult stereotype on television since 1958. By highlighting these patterns, this study shows the power and implications of the cult stereotype. It illuminates how these television shows constitute a powerful force in defining and policing the boundaries of religious legitimacy in American culture.
Corresponding to the Rational World
Authors: Rapport Jeremy
Published: June 2011

This article employs the notion of legitimation strategy in new religious movements to explore and compare the use of scientific rationales and language in Christian Science and the Unity School of Christianity. I examine how Christian Science and Unity used science to present their beliefs and practices, and I focus on Christian Science testimonials and Unity's advocacy of vegetarianism to demonstrate their reliance upon scientific epistemologies. I argue that the two movements used scientific rationales and language as a strategy to validate themselves in late nineteenth-century and early twentieth-century America, which had largely accepted the scientific worldview as a primary source of knowledge about the world. A key difference in the way they used science helps to explain the vastly different levels of social controversy involving the two movements.
New Religious Movements and Science
Authors: Zeller Benjamin E.
Published: June 2011

The notion or idea of science, quite aside from actual scientific enterprises, has achieved tremendous cultural power and prestige in modern society. The four studies in this special issue of Nova Religio on science and new religious movements indicate not only this newfound power, but also the contentious nature of its definition as well as its limits. The four articles reveal how founders, leaders and practitioners of new religious movements seek the authoritative mantle of science, and with it a perceived legitimacy, as well as challenge normative (Western) approaches to science assumed in much of modern society. In fact, these new religions generally seek to supplant normative Western science with the alternative religious-scientific systems they champion.
Effect of Growth Under Selection on Appearance of Chromosomal Mutations inSalmonella enterica
Authors: Quiñones-Soto Semarhy , Roth John R
Published: June 2011

Populations adapt physiologically using regulatory mechanisms and genetically by means of mutations that improve growth. During growth under selection, genetic adaptation can be rapid. In several genetic systems, the speed of adaptation has been attributed to cellular mechanisms that increase mutation rates in response to growth limitation. An alternative possibility is that growth limitation serves only as a selective agent but acts on small-effect mutations that are common under all growth conditions. The genetic systems that initially suggested stress-induced mutagenesis have been analyzed without regard for multistep adaptation and some include features that make such analysis difficult. To test the selection-only model, a simpler system is examined, whose behavior was originally attributed to stress-induced mutagenesis (Yang et al. 2001, 2006). A population with a silent chromosomal lac operon gives rise to Lac+ revertant colonies that accumulate over 6 days under selection. Each colony contains a mixture of singly and doubly mutant cells. Evidence is provided that the colonies are initiated by pre-existing single mutants with a weak Lac+ phenotype. Under selection, these cells initiate slow-growing clones, in which a second mutation arises and improves growth of the resulting double mutant. The system shows no evidence of general mutagenesis during selection. Selection alone may explain rapid adaptation in this and other systems that give the appearance of mutagenesis.
Hitchhiking Effect of a Beneficial Mutation Spreading in a Subdivided Population
Authors: Kim Yuseob , Maruki Takahiro
Published: June 2011

A central problem in population genetics is to detect and analyze positive natural selection by which beneficial mutations are driven to fixation. The hitchhiking effect of a rapidly spreading beneficial mutation, which results in local removal of standing genetic variation, allows such an analysis using DNA sequence polymorphism. However, the current mathematical theory that predicts the pattern of genetic hitchhiking relies on the assumption that a beneficial mutation increases to a high frequency in a single random-mating population, which is certainly violated in reality. Individuals in natural populations are distributed over a geographic space. The spread of a beneficial allele can be delayed by limited migration of individuals over the space and its hitchhiking effect can also be affected. To study this effect of geographic structure on genetic hitchhiking, we analyze a simple model of directional selection in a subdivided population. In contrast to previous studies on hitchhiking in subdivided populations, we mainly investigate the range of sufficiently high migration rates that would homogenize genetic variation at neutral loci. We provide a heuristic mathematical analysis that describes how the genealogical structure at a neutral locus linked to the locus under selection is expected to change in a population divided into two demes. Our results indicate that the overall strength of genetic hitchhiking—the degree to which expected heterozygosity decreases—is diminished by population subdivision, mainly because opportunity for the breakdown of hitchhiking by recombination increases as the spread of the beneficial mutation across demes is delayed when migration rate is much smaller than the strength of selection. Furthermore, the amount of genetic variation after a selective sweep is expected to be unequal over demes: a greater reduction in expected heterozygosity occurs in the subpopulation from which the beneficial mutation originates than in its neighboring subpopulations. This raises a possibility of detecting a “hidden” geographic structure of population by carefully analyzing the pattern of a selective sweep.
Quantification of Inbreeding Due to Distant Ancestors and Its Detection Using Dense Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Data
Authors: Keller Matthew C , Visscher Peter M , Goddard Michael E
Published: June 2011

Inbreeding depression, which refers to reduced fitness among offspring of related parents, has traditionally been studied using pedigrees. In practice, pedigree information is difficult to obtain, potentially unreliable, and rarely assessed for inbreeding arising from common ancestors who lived more than a few generations ago. Recently, there has been excitement about using SNP data to estimate inbreeding (F) arising from distant common ancestors in apparently “outbred” populations. Statistical power to detect inbreeding depression using SNP data depends on the actual variation in inbreeding in a population, the accuracy of detecting that with marker data, the effect size, and the sample size. No one has yet investigated what variation in F is expected in SNP data as a function of population size, and it is unclear which estimate of F is optimal for detecting inbreeding depression. In the present study, we use theory, simulated genetic data, and real genetic data to find the optimal estimate of F, to quantify the likely variation in F in populations of various sizes, and to estimate the power to detect inbreeding depression. We find that F estimated from runs of homozygosity (Froh), which reflects shared ancestry of genetic haplotypes, retains variation in even large populations (e.g., SD = 0.5% when Ne = 10,000) and is likely to be the most powerful method of detecting inbreeding effects from among several alternative estimates of F. However, large samples (e.g., 12,000–65,000) will be required to detect inbreeding depression for likely effect sizes, and so studies using Froh to date have probably been underpowered.
Effect of a Dexmedetomidine Substitution During a Nationwide Propofol Shortage in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery
Authors: Reichert Marc G. , Jones Whitney A. , Royster Roger L. , Slaughter Thomas F. , Kon Neal D. , Kincaid Edward H.
Published: June 2011

Study Objective. To assess the effect of substituting dexmedetomidine for propofol during a nationwide propofol shortage on postoperative time to extubation and opioid requirements in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Design. Retrospective case‐control study.

Setting. Single‐center cardiothoracic intensive care unit (ICU) in a tertiary academic medical center.

Patients. Seventy adults undergoing isolated, primary, elective CABG who received dexmedetomidine between April 1 and June 30, 2010, during the propofol shortage (35 patients [cases]) or who received propofol between January 1 and March 31, 2010, or between July 1 and September 30, 2010 (35 patients [controls]) for postoperative sedation were included. Patients in the dexmedetomidine group were matched 1:1 to patients in the propofol group based on age, sex, weight, number of vessels bypassed, preoperative ejection fraction, cardiopulmonary bypass time, and aortic cross‐clamp time.

Measurements and Main Results. The primary outcome consisted of opioid requirements in the first 12 hours after arrival to the ICU in the dexmedetomidine‐ and propofol‐treated patients. Secondary outcomes included the time to extubation (from ICU admission until extubation) and opioid requirements in the first 24 hours. No significant demographic differences were noted between treatment groups. Median opioid requirements in the first 12 hours, as measured by morphine equivalents, were 8.0 mg in the propofol group and 7.0 mg in the dexmedetomidine group (p=0.1). Similarly, at 24 hours, opioid requirements were 16.7 and 17.3 mg in the propofol and dexmedetomidine groups, respectively (p=0.4). The time to extubation demonstrated that patients in the propofol group were extubated at a median of 300 minutes and patients in the dexmedetomidine group were extubated at a median of 318 minutes after ICU arrival (p=0.5).

Conclusion. No statistically significant differences were noted between the propofol and dexmedetomidine groups when assessing the outcomes of opioid requirements and the time to extubation. A multicenter, prospective, randomized, blinded study is needed to determine the optimal sedative after CABG surgery.
Health Care Expenditures and Therapeutic Outcomes of a Pharmacist‐Managed Anticoagulation Service versus Usual Medical Care
Authors: Hall Deanne , Buchanan Julianne , Helms Bethany , Eberts Matthew , Mark Scott , Manolis Chronis , Peele Pamela , Docimo Anne
Published: June 2011

Study Objective. To evaluate the differences in health care expenditures and therapeutic outcomes of patients receiving warfarin therapy management by a pharmacist‐managed anticoagulation service compared with those receiving warfarin management by usual medical care.

Design. Retrospective, matched‐cohort study.

Data Source. University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and UPMC Health Plan.

Patients. Three hundred fifty adults who received warfarin therapy; 175 were managed by the pharmacist‐managed anticoagulation service for at least 2 months between October 1, 2007, and September 30, 2008, (case patients) and 175 received usual care (matched comparison group).

Measurements and Main Results. Medical claims data compared were direct anticoagulation cost and overall medical care costs, anticoagulation‐related adverse events, hospitalizations and emergency department visits, frequency of international normalized ratio (INR) testing, and quantity of warfarin refills. Operational costs of the anticoagulation service were also calculated. The INR values and time within therapeutic range were assessed through anticoagulation service reports and laboratory results. The direct anticoagulation care cost was $35,465 versus $111,586 and the overall medical care cost was $754,191 versus $1,480,661 for the anticoagulation service group versus the usual care group. Accounting for operational and drug expenditure costs, the cost savings was $647,024 for the anticoagulation service group. The anticoagulation service group had significantly fewer anticoagulation‐related adverse events (14 vs 41, p<0.0001), hospital admissions (3 vs 14, p<0.00001), and emergency department visits (58 vs 134, p<0.00001). The percentage of INR values in range and the percentage of time the INR values were in range were significantly higher in the anticoagulation service group (67.2% vs 54.6%, p<0.0001, and 73.7% vs 61.3%, p<0.0001, respectively). Compared with the usual care group, the anticoagulation service group had significantly more INR tests performed but demonstrated no significant difference in the quantity of drug refills.

Conclusion. After accounting for operational costs, pharmacist‐managed anticoagulation leads to reduced health care expenditure while improving therapeutic outcomes compared with usual medical care.
Nicotine Conjugate Vaccine as a Novel Approach to Smoking Cessation
Authors: Ottney Anne R.
Published: June 2011

Despite significant reductions over the past 45 years in the percentage of individuals smoking cigarettes, tobacco‐related illnesses remain the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Although the health risks of tobacco use have been clearly outlined, addiction to nicotine traditionally has been one of the more challenging habits to break. Seven first‐line therapies to treat tobacco use and dependence are available; however, annual quit rates remain surprisingly low, suggesting that continued research and development in the area of smoking cessation are warranted. In an attempt to improve long‐term quit rates and blunt the reinforcing effects of nicotine in the brain, the nicotine conjugate vaccine was developed as a novel approach for the treatment of nicotine dependence. Vaccine administration produces nicotine‐specific antibodies that bind to nicotine from exogenous sources, creating a large unit that is not able to cross the blood‐brain barrier, which limits the rate and extent of nicotine absorption into the brain. Results of clinical trials indicate that individuals achieving high nicotine‐specific antibody levels with the nicotine conjugate vaccine have greater success with smoking cessation at 12 months compared with those with lower levels. Adverse effects associated with the nicotine conjugate vaccine have been primarily mild and localized in nature, with minimal systemic effects. The most commonly reported adverse effects include tenderness and ache at the injection site, general discomfort, headache, and muscle ache. Awaiting results of phase III trials, the true clinical utility of the nicotine conjugate vaccine is yet to be realized, although this investigational vaccine represents a distinctive administration model that may improve patient adherence and increase the ability to achieve abstinence from cigarette smoking.
The Prognostic Impact of Duration of Anemia During Chemotherapy in Advanced Epithelial Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Kim Jin Hwi , Lee Joon Mo , Ryu Ki Sung , Lee Yong Seok , Park Yong Gyu , Hur Soo Young , Lee Keun Ho , Lee Sung Ha
Published: June 2011

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Compare the prognostic factors for hemoglobin level in ovarian cancer patients.Explain the prognostic relationship between the duration of anemia during chemotherapy and survival in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer.

This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com

Objective.

To propose a measure of anemia to be used as a prognostic factor for progression-free survival and overall survival in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer patients.

Patients and Methods.

Seventy-six patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage III and stage IV epithelial ovarian cancer who had received at least six courses of platinum- and taxane-based systemic chemotherapy and achieved clinical or pathologic complete response were included. A novel prognostic factor based on the duration of anemia was proposed and the impact of anemia on progression-free and overall survival times was analyzed by a log-rank test and a Cox proportional hazards model.

Results.

We introduce a binary variable, Hb1020, that takes a value of 1 if the duration of a hemoglobin (Hb) level <10 g/dL is ≥20% of the total duration of chemotherapy. We propose Hb1020 as a potential prognostic factor for epithelial ovarian cancer. The 5-year progression-free survival rates were 48.4% in the Hb1020 = 0 group (duration of Hb <10 g/dL <20% of total duration) and 17.7% in the Hb1020 = 1 group (p = .026). The 5-year overall survival rates were 64.6% and 45.0%, respectively (p = .015).

Conclusions.

Hb1020, based on the duration of anemia, is a potential prognostic factor for epithelial ovarian cancer. Using Hb1020, we will be able to administer highly optimized treatment for anemia to improve patient survival. Further independent studies are needed to confirm its prognostic role.
Modeling Initiation into Drug Injection among Street Youth
Authors: Roy Élise , Godin Gaston , Boudreau Jean-François , Côté Philippe-Benoit , Denis Véronique , Haley Nancy , Leclerc Pascale , Boivin Jean-François
Published: June 2011

This study aimed at examining the predictors of initiation into drug injection among street youth using social cognitive theory framework. A prospective cohort study based on semi-annual interviews was carried out. Psychosocial determinants referred to avoidance of initiation. Other potential predictors were: sociodemographic characteristics, relationships with injectors, parent's substance misuse, drug use patterns, homelessness, survival sex, sexual abuse. Independent predictors were identified using Cox proportional hazards regression models. Among the 352 participants, high control beliefs about avoidance of initiation was protective while younger age, daily alcohol consumption, heroin use, cocaine use, and survival sex all increased risk of initiation. Preventive strategies targeting street youth should both enhance youth's control beliefs and actual control over their substance use and improve their life conditions.
The Effects of Web-Based and Face-to-Face Discussion on Computer Engineering Majors' Performance on the Karnaugh Map
Authors: Hung Yen-Chu
Published: June 2011

This study investigates the different effects of web-based and face-to-face discussion on computer engineering majors' performance using the Karnaugh map in digital logic design. Pretest and posttest scores for two treatment groups (web-based discussion and face-to-face discussion) and a control group were compared and subjected to covariance (ANCOVA) statistical analysis. Results showed that both web-based discussion and face-to-face discussion significantly increased students' achievement.
Image of a Concept: The Abstract Visual Image and its Relation to the General and the Specific Image
Authors: Rosenfeld Naftali , Kaniel Shlomo
Published: June 2011

Visual imagery has been examined over the past few years with focus on general visual images in contrast to specific visual images. A general visual image is the most primitive image, a prototype of an image that represents characteristics of an object. In comparison, specific visual images are attributed to one of the categories of the prototype and they are richer in detail. In this article we propose a theoretical and experimental extension of these two categories into a third category defined as: “abstract visual image.” This is an image created when subjects form a visual image of symbolic pictures of abstract concepts. The study analyzed the characteristics of these three visual images and their efficiency of transfer of learning physics. The findings show: 1) specific visual imagery was employed with a noticeable low frequency in comparison to general and abstract imageries which were engaged with a high frequency; 2) general and abstract imagery were jointly employed by means of a mental process which can be characterized by four styles of a combination of concrete and abstract images; and 3) intensive employment of abstract imagery leads to high study achievements in contrast to intensive employment of general visual imagery which involves more concrete images. Nonetheless, if general visual imagery is combined with intensive abstract imagery, the joint processing leads to high study achievements. The findings are explained by a theory that abstract imagery reduces cognitive load and leads to more efficient learning.
Relationship to the Bereaved and Perceptions of Severity of Trauma Differentiate Elements of Posttraumatic Growth
Authors: Armstrong Deanne , Shakespeare-Finch Jane
Published: June 2011

The field of bereavement and grief has been expanding to recognise the potential for growth following the loss of a loved one. This study sought to examine the effect of the relationship to the deceased and perceptions of the severity of the trauma on dimensions of posttraumatic growth. Participants were 146 people who had lost either: a) a first degree relative, b) a second degree relative, or c) a non-related friend. Results demonstrated that both severity and the relationship to the bereaved differentiate posttraumatic growth outcomes. For example, participants who had lost a first degree relative reported higher levels of growth than those who had lost a second degree relative. Consistent with previous research in general trauma populations, the more severe the loss was rated, the higher the levels of growth. Implications for practice are discussed.
Surviving Grief: An Analysis of the Exchange of Hope in Online Grief Communities
Authors: Swartwood Ruth M. , Veach Patricia McCarthy , Kuhne Jessica , Lee Hyun Kyung , Ji Kangting
Published: June 2011

Online grief communities represent relatively new forms of peer support. However, the degree to which they are helpful for individual grieving processes is unknown. To date, no research has evaluated the type or quality of support exchanged in online grief communities. To begin to address these questions, this study analyzed 564 messages from internet grief websites to: (1) classify the type of helping skills used, and (2) extract themes contained in the content of the messages. Messages selected for analysis were the first response to an original post, assuming they would be the first effort to provide support to a grieving individual. Results revealed a majority of responses contained self-disclosure. Themes in the messages suggested provision of more than “one-way” support; messages themes also included exchanging hope for the future by sharing one's own story, validating the grief experience, providing resources, and exchanging psychosocial support. Clinical implications and research recommendations are discussed.
All-cause Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients with Heart Valve Calcification
Authors: Raggi Paolo , Bellasi Antonio , Gamboa Christopher , Ferramosca Emiliana , Ratti Carlo , Block Geoffrey A. , Muntner Paul
Published: June 2011

Background and objectives

Calcification of the mitral and aortic valves is common in dialysis patients (CKD-5D). However, the prognostic significance of valvular calcification (VC) in CKD is not well established.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

144 adult CKD-5D patients underwent bidimensional echocardiography for qualitative assessment of VC and cardiac computed tomography (CT) for quantification of coronary artery calcium (CAC) and VC. The patients were followed for a median of 5.6 years for mortality from all causes.

Results

Overall, 38.2% of patients had mitral VC and 44.4% had aortic VC on echocardiography. Patients with VC were older and less likely to be African American; all other characteristics were similar between groups. The mortality rate of patients with calcification of either valve was higher than for patients without VC. After adjustment for age, gender, race, diabetes mellitus, and history of atherosclerotic disease, only mitral VC remained independently associated with all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03 to 2.91). Patients with calcification of both valves had a two-fold increased risk of death during follow-up compared with patients without VC (HR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.14 to 4.08). A combined CT score of VC and CAC was strongly associated with all-cause mortality during follow-up (HR for highest versus lowest tertile, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.08 to 4.54).

Conclusions

VC is associated with a significantly increased risk for all-cause mortality in CKD-5D patients. These findings support the use of echocardiography for risk stratification in CKD-5D as recently suggested in the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes guidelines.
The Effects of Hyaluronic Acid, Calcium Hydroxide, and Dentin Adhesive on Rat Odontoblasts and Fibroblasts
Authors: Bogović Ana , Nižetić Jana , Galić Nada , Želježić Davor , Micek Vedran , Mladinić Marin
Published: June 2011

The Effects of Hyaluronic Acid, Calcium Hydroxide, and Dentin Adhesive on Rat Odontoblasts and Fibroblasts

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and efficiency of pulp capping preparations based on hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxide, and dentin adhesive on the pulp tissue of Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were killed and extracted teeth sectioned transversely through the pulp. The slices were placed in a RPMI 1640 cell culture medium supplemented with 10 % foetal calf serum. During 14 days of cultivation cultures were treated with preparations that contained hyaluronic acid (Gengigel Prof®), and calcium hydroxide (ApexCal®), or with dentin adhesive (Excite®). Cellularity and viability of fibroblasts and odontoblasts was analysed using a haemocytometer. Hyaluronic acid proved most efficient and the least toxic for direct pulp capping. Even though calcium hydroxide and dentin adhesive demonstrated a higher degree of cytotoxicity, their effects were still acceptable in terms of biocompatibility.
Oxidative and Antioxidative Effects of Desflurane and Sevoflurane on Rat Tissue in Vivo
Authors: Türkan Hülya , Aydin Ahmet , Sayal Ahmet , Eken Ayşe , Akay Cemal , Karahalil Bensu
Published: June 2011

Oxidative and Antioxidative Effects of Desflurane and Sevoflurane on Rat Tissuein Vivo

General anaesthetics are often used in patients who are under oxidative stress due to a critical illness or surgical trauma. Some anaesthetics may worsen oxidative stress and some may act as antioxidants. The aim of this study was to evaluate liver, brain, kidney, and lung tissue oxidative stress in rats exposed to desflurane and sevoflurane and in unexposed rats. The animals were divided in three groups: control (received only air); sevoflurane (8 %), and desflurane (4 %). After four hours of exposure, we evaluated the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Cu, and Zn. Exposure to either of the anaesthetics significantly increased lung MDA levels compared to control (Mann-Whitney U test; P<0.05), probably because it is the tissue directly exposed to anaesthetic gases. Oxidative stress and antioxidant activity in other tissues varied between the desflurane and sevoflurane groups. Our results suggest that anaesthesiologist should not only be aware of the oxidative or antioxidative potential of anaesthetics they use, but should also base their choices on organs which are the most affected by their oxidative action.
Effects of cyclic loading on the rheological properties of sandstones
Authors: Šancer Jindřich , Štrejbar Martin , Maleňáková Aneta
Published: June 2011

This paper presents some results of the laboratory tests on the time-dependent behaviour of three types of sandstone. Research into the rheological properties of rocks is mostly done under static (quasistatic) loading. In nature, however, rocks are also often subjected to cyclic (vibration) loading as a result of vibrations from traffic or the propagation of seismic waves due to, for example, earthquakes, rock bursts, blasting operations and such like. On this account, the research presented is focused on the study of rheological rock properties during vibration (cyclic) loading.

The tests of the rheological properties of a cyclic load were conducted both in creep regime and in relaxation regime, at various levels of average load or strain and for various parameters of vibration (frequency, amplitude). The measured values of different parameter settings were compared and evaluated so that it was possible to set the dependence of cyclical rock loading in the rheological regime. For the purpose of the comparison of rock behavior during vibration and static loading, other tests were also carried out.

The results of the research show that, in the course of cyclical loading, the rock rheological properties depend, to a significant extent, on the parameters of this loading, especially the amplitude and frequency.
The Species Composition and Seasonal Dynamics of Thrips (Thysanoptera) Populations on Maize (Zea Mays L.) in Southeastern Poland
Authors: Kucharczyk Halina , Bereś Paweł , Dąbrowski Zbigniew
Published: June 2011

The Species Composition and Seasonal Dynamics of Thrips (Thysanoptera) Populations on Maize (Zea MaysL.) in Southeastern Poland

Thrips species composition and seasonal abundance was studied on maize crops during two seasons (2006-2007), in southeastern Poland. Altogether 21 species have been identified, among themFrankliniella tenuicornis(Uzel 1895) andHaplothrips aculeatus(Fabricius 1803) which are a graminicolous species and were eudominants, comprising 96.8% in 2006 and 82.0% in 2007 of all collected specimens. Other species occurred only in low numbers. The frequent and numerous presence ofF. tenuicornisspecies in their immature stages in the samples, confirmed the role of the maize plant as the host.H. aculeatusprobably chose maize as a food source and substitute plant for breeding.
Parasitoid Complex of Cabbage Large White Butterfly Pieris Brassicae (L.) (Lepidoptera, Pieridae) in Urmia with New Records from Iran
Authors: Razmi Mehdi , Karimpour Yones , Safaralizadeh Mohammad , Safavi Seyed
Published: June 2011

Parasitoid Complex of Cabbage Large White ButterflyPieris Brassicae(L.) (Lepidoptera, Pieridae) in Urmia with New Records from Iran

Surveys for parasitoids attacking larvae and pupae ofPieris brassicae(L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) were conducted in theBrassicaagro-ecosystem in the Urmia region, northwest of Iran, between 2008 and 2009. Parasitized hosts were collected from infested plants placed inBrassicacrops during the growing season (June-October), and from the naturalP. brassicaepopulation on the common weedsCapparis spinosaL. (Capparaceae),Crambe orientalisL. (Brassicaceae) andRaphanus raphanistrumL. (Brassicaceae) during the summer production break (December). Ten species of primary parasitoids -Cotesia glomerata(L.) (Hym., Braconidae),Brachymeria femorataPanzer (Hym.: Chalcididae),Aprostocetus taxiGraham (Hym.: Eulophidae),Agrothereutes adustusGrav.,Blapsidotes vicinusGrav.,Hyposoter clausesBrischke (Hym.: Ichneumonidae),Pteromalus puparum(L.) (Hym.: Pteromalidae) andExorista larvarum(L.),Exorista segregataRondan,Phryxe vulgarisFallén (Dip.: Tachinidae) were identified. The most numerous wereP. puparum(with 49.65% in 2008 and 46.13% in 2009) andC. glomerata(with 43.45% and 45.57% in 2008 and 2009, respectively). The following species:A. adustus, A. taxi, B. vicinus, B. femorata, H. clausesandP. vulgaris, were newly recorded for the Iranian fauna. With the exception ofB. femorataandP. vulgaris, all of the above mentioned species were recorded for the first time as parasitoid onP. brassicaefrom Iran.
Susceptibility Level of the Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa Decemlineata Say) to Chlorpyrifos and Acetamiprid in Poland and Resistance Mechanisms of the Pest to Chlorpyrifos
Authors: Węgorek Paweł , Zamojska Joanna , Mrówczyński Marek
Published: June 2011

Susceptibility Level of the Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa DecemlineataSay) to Chlorpyrifos and Acetamiprid in Poland and Resistance Mechanisms of the Pest to Chlorpyrifos

Nowadays, neonicotinoids play an essential role in the control of the Colorado potato beetle (CPB) in Poland. Taking into consideration that CPB shows some resistance to pyrethroids and the main role of oxidative metabolism in this resistance, research was conducted to estimate CPB susceptibility level to chlorpyrifos and acetamiprid. The results pointed to a lack of CPB resistance to acetamiprid and a weak susceptibility level to chlorpyrifos by the CPB. For this reason, the second part of the experiment was aimed at detecting the resistance mechanisms of the CPB to chlorpyrifos. Results showed that none of the tested enzyme groups (oxidases, esterases and glutathione transferases) are the reason for CPB resistance to chlorpyrifos. The experiments revealed an increase in the beetles survival after adding oxidative enzyme blocker to chlorpyrifos.
Editorial
Authors: Stryjakiewicz Tadeusz
Published: June 2011

Editorial
Diversification of Farming Systems in Poland in the Years 2006-2009
Authors: Kołodziejczak Anna , Kossowski Tomasz
Published: June 2011

Diversification of Farming Systems in Poland in the Years 2006-2009

The use of methods based on the Gini coefficient and the Lorenz curve in studies of the spatial structure of agriculture offers a great possibility of presenting changes in it and assessing their causes. They provided a basis for a research on changes in the farming systems employed in Polish agriculture over the years 2006-2009. The results confirm there to be a further diversification of this sector of the economy, and even if slower than in the previous years, it shows agriculture to keep adapting to natural and economic conditions.
Generation and Detection of Levuglandins and Isolevuglandins In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Zhang Ming , Li Wei , Li Tao
Published: June 2011

Levuglandins (LGs) and isolevuglandins (isoLGs), formed by rearrangement of endoperoxide intermediates generated through the cyclooxygenase and free radical induced oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), are extraordinarily reactive, forming covalent adducts incorporating protein lysyl e-amino groups. Because they accumulate, these adducts provide a dosimeter of oxidative injury. This review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the generation of LG/isoLG in vitro and in vivo and the detection methods for the adducts of LG/isoLG and biological molecules in vivo.
Neuroprotective Effects of Vanillyl Alcohol in Gastrodia elata Blume Through Suppression of Oxidative Stress and Anti-Apoptotic Activity in Toxin-Induced Dopaminergic MN9D Cells
Authors: Kim In Su , Choi Dong-Kug , Jung Hun Jong
Published: June 2011

Gastrodia elata Blume (GE) has long been used in oriental countries as a traditional herbal medicine to relieve symptoms associated with neurological ailments such as vertigo, general paralysis and epilepsy. In this study, we have investigated the effects of GE extracts and its major bioactive components on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+)-treated MN9D dopaminergic cells, a classic in vitro model for Parkinson’s disease (PD). We found that vanillyl alcohol effectively inhibited the cytotoxicity and improved cell viability in MPP+-induced MN9D dopaminergic cells. The underlying mechanisms of vanillyl alcohol action were also studied. Vanillyl alcohol attenuated the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, decreased in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase proteolysis. These results indicate that vanillyl alcohol protected dopaminergic MN9D cells against MPP+-induced apoptosis by relieving oxidative stress and modulating the apoptotic process and is therefore a potential candidate for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.
New Analysis and Design of a RF Rectifier for RFID and Implantable Devices
Authors: Liu Dong-Sheng , Li Feng-Bo , Zou Xue-Cheng , Liu Yao , Hui Xue-Mei , Tao Xiong-Fei
Published: June 2011

New design and optimization of charge pump rectifiers using diode-connected MOS transistors is presented in this paper. An analysis of the output voltage and Power Conversion Efficiency (PCE) is given to guide and evaluate the new design. A novel diode-connected MOS transistor for UHF rectifiers is presented and optimized, and a high efficiency N-stage charge pump rectifier based on this new diode-connected MOS transistor is designed and fabricated in a SMIC 0.18-μm 2P3M CMOS embedded EEPROM process. The new diode achieves 315 mV turn-on voltage and 415 nA reverse saturation leakage current. Compared with the traditional rectifier, the one based on the proposed diode-connected MOS has higher PCE, higher output voltage and smaller ripple coefficient. When the RF input is a 900-MHz sinusoid signal with the power ranging from −15 dBm to −4 dBm, PCEs of the charge pump rectifier with only 3-stage are more than 30%, and the maximum output voltage is 5.5 V, and its ripple coefficients are less than 1%. Therefore, the rectifier is especially suitableto passive UHF RFID tag IC and implantable devices.
A Monolithically-Integrated μGC Chemical Sensor System
Authors: Manginell Ronald  P. , Bauer Joseph M. , Moorman Matthew  W. , Sanchez Lawrence  J. , Anderson John  M. , Whiting Joshua  J. , Porter Daniel  A. , Copic Davor , Achyuthan Komandoor  E.
Published: June 2011

Gas chromatography (GC) is used for organic and inorganic gas detection with a range of applications including screening for chemical warfare agents (CWA), breath analysis for diagnostics or law enforcement purposes, and air pollutants/indoor air quality monitoring of homes and commercial buildings. A field-portable, light weight, low power, rapid response, micro-gas chromatography (μGC) system is essential for such applications. We describe the design, fabrication and packaging of mGC on monolithically-integrated Si dies, comprised of a preconcentrator (PC), μGC column, detector and coatings for each of these components. An important feature of our system is that the same mechanical micro resonator design is used for the PC and detector. We demonstrate system performance by detecting four different CWA simulants within 2 min. We present theoretical analyses for cost/power comparisons of monolithic versus hybrid μGC systems. We discuss thermal isolation in monolithic systems to improve overall performance. Our monolithically-integrated μGC, relative to its hybrid cousin, will afford equal or slightly lower cost, a footprint that is 1/2 to 1/3 the size and an improved resolution of 4 to 25%.
La terre n'est pas le sol. Pour une fondation du politique
Authors: Levy Sydney
Published: June 2011

Distinguer radicalement, pour une articulation en leurs bords, les deux instances que sont d’une part la Terre, mère des origines, et d’autre part le Sol, lieu de la fondation de la polis , permet une ouverture vers le politique. Ceci est démontré, à partir d’une approche anthropologique de l’image, en repérant en deçà des mythes autochtones (athénien et thébain) tels qu’ils nous parviennent des sources classiques, un mythe magico-sexuel, plus proche donc de la pensée archaïque. Cette approche représente un travail de civilisation ( Kulturarbeit ) car elle permet de sublimer l’arrachement à la Terre des origines en opérant un déplacement d’une fraternité biologique, organique à une fraternité du collectif, éminemment politique puisqu’elle aurait pour projet la constitution d’un lien conjoncturel, citoyen, celui du vouloir vivre ensemble .
Virtualité et réalité de l'identité française
Authors: Perget Jacques
Published: June 2011

La France, construction artificielle, née de la rencontre entre une volonté politique et un ordre philosophico-religieux, est une entité nécessairement fragile appelant une protection à la fois prioritaire et originale. Aussi la question de l’immigration y est-elle à la fois centrale et cruciale. D’un côté, elle est rendue inévitable par le positionnement (géographique et intellectuel) et même nécessaire pour renouveler la dynamique économique. De l’autre, elle peut être un danger pour la cohésion de la société et le référentiel de valeurs fondateur si, n’étant pas préparée, elle donne lieu à un choc de cultures brutal et contre-productif. L’auteur propose une analyse en vue de parvenir à un mariage fécond des cultures et aboutir à une nouvelle unité, déterminant les bases d’une immigration opportune pour les deux parties en présence à partir d’une assimilation progressive des valeurs et de la culture du pays d’accueil dans le respect des traditions culturelles de l’accueilli.
La stabilité dans l'ouverture comme sublimation
Authors: de Mijolla-Mellor Sophie
Published: June 2011

À partir de l’événement que constitue pour l’enfant la découverte de la non évidence de sa présence au monde et la recherche de ses origines qui s’ensuit dans les questions posées aux parents, on s’interrogera sur les prolongements sociétaux et politiques impliqués par ces démarches qui engagent pour chacun l’identité non seulement personnelle mais culturelle voire nationale. Au sens où l’on peut parler d’un « choix de la sublimation », diverses possibilités vont se dessiner et s’imposer au sujet tant du fait des circonstances internes qu’externes : rejet, cramponnement identitaire à une communauté restreinte ou élargie, recherche d’une ouverture, voire d’un mouvement. On montrera comment cette dernière position rejoint la dynamique sublimatoire dans son option de poursuivre l’ouverture à la recherche plutôt que l’emprise des racines.
Gouvernabilité, force et sublimation. Freud et la philosophie politique
Authors: Birman Joel
Published: June 2011

Le présent essai vise à établir les relations entre les questions de la gouvernabilité et de la force en psychanalyse, en indiquant les possibilités et les impossibilités présentes dans le champ de la politique, pour la réalisation de la sublimation. Dans ce but, cet essai réalise une lecture de la politique dans la pensée de Freud, dans ses rapports avec la philosophie politique.
Le récit du réfugié est-il une fiction ?
Authors: Isnard Hélène
Published: June 2011

Le récit du réfugié peut être étudié à la lumière du récit de l’analysant, avec lequel il partage un certain nombre de similitudes. Ces deux récits de souffrance demandent, sont écoutés, interrogés, interprétés. Cherchant à dire une histoire personnelle dans l’Histoire, entre mémoire et résistance, réalité et fantasme, ces récits ouvrent un lieu de liberté, et l’espace d’une re-création de soi avec l’autre.
Mélange des genres
Authors: Kahn Laurence
Published: June 2011

Partant de l’articulation entre « inconscient historique » et narcissisme, l’auteur envisage, à partir des analyses de Nicole Loraux et de Marcel Detienne, le statut du narcissisme dans la construction des communautés humaines. Entre refoulement et dédommagement, l’autochtonie est envisagée sous l’angle freudien d’une population « aborigène » meurtrière.
Una revisión sobre el concepto de identidad del mexicano
Authors: Hurtado Galves José Martín
Published: June 2011

El presente texto es una reflexión sobre la idea de identidad en México. Se estudia a cuatro filósofos mexicanos: Antonio Caso, José Vasconcelos, Samuel Ramos y Leopoldo Zea. El objetivo es revisar y replantear grosso modo sus ideas para compararlas con las diferentes realidades que hoy se viven en nuestro país. Las ideas, después de todo, no acaban de irse, en todo caso, regresan para hacernos ver y hablar desde lo que ya creíamos superado.
Exploraciones futuristas del pasado en Azote de Néstor Ponce
Authors: Gaultier Maud
Published: June 2011

Al situarse resueltamente dentro del ámbito de la ciencia ficción, Néstor Ponce interroga, en Azote, el pasado a la luz de un futuro casi apocalíptico, fruto de años de violencia. Las ciudades de Buenos Aires y La Plata, en que se desarrolla(n) la(s) acción(es) de la novela, llevan los estigmas de una Historia que todavía no terminó de « digerir » el golpe militar de 1976. El tag epónimo de la novelase inscribe en la ciudad, convirtiéndola en un cuerpo vivo y doliente que ya no logra ocultar sus heridas. No se trata sólo de hurgar en la memoria para intentar comprender el presente, sino hacer de la escritura misma un espacio de resistencia, que permita, precisamente, encarar el futuro.