bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adult morphology of the therocephalian Simorhinella baini from the middle Permian of South Africa and the taxonomy, paleobiogeography, and temporal distribution of the Lycosuchidae
Authors: Abdala Fernando , Kammerer Christian F. , Day Michael O. , Jirah Sifelani , Rubidge Bruce S.
Published: November 2014

The Middle Permian tetrapod fauna of the South African Beaufort Group is taxonomically diverse and includes representatives of all major therapsid groups, including the earliest records of Eutheriodontia. In the Middle Permian, eutheriodonts are represented mainly by large therocephalians, which made up a large proportion of the vertebrate predators in these faunas. Here we describe the skull and partial skeleton of a large therocephalian from the uppermost Tapinocephalus Assemblage Zone (AZ) of South Africa. A combination of features, including the short snout, presence of three to four upper postcanines and presence of teeth on the pterygoid processes, indicates that the new specimen belongs to the earliest-diverging therocephalian family, Lycosuchidae. The presence of a well-developed midline ridge on the ventral surface of the vomer indicates that the new specimen can be referred to Simorhinella baini, a species previously represented only by a tiny juvenile skull. The new specimen forms the basis for a taxonomic re-evaluation of the Lycosuchidae as well as of the geographic and stratigraphic range of the family. We recognize two valid species within the Lycosuchidae: the type species Lycosuchus vanderrieti represented by five specimens and Simorhinella baini represented by two specimens, with an additional 22 specimens currently identifiable as Lycosuchidae incertae sedis. Lycosuchid specimens range throughout the Tapinocephalus and Pristerognathus AZs; specimens of Simorhinella are restricted to the Tapinocephalus AZ, whereas Lycosuchus specimens are documented in both the Tapinocephalus and Pristerognathus AZs.
An Evidence-Based Safe Sleep Teaching Program
Authors: Povenelli Terry , Manquen Donna , Wagner Ashley , Raines Deborah A.
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

This column describes the experience of the units practice council in developing an evidence-based practice teaching program focused on safe sleep for newborn infants.
Techniques for Production of Large Area Graphene for Electronic and Sensor Device Applications
Authors: Li Bing , Pan Genhua , Awan Shakil A. , Avent Neil
Published: November 2014

Here we review commonly used techniques for the production of large area and high quality graphene to meet the requirements of industrial applications, including epitaxial growth on SiC, chemical vapour deposition (CVD) on transition metals and growth from solid carbon source. The review makes a comparison of the growth mechanisms, quality (such as mobility and homogeneity) and properties of the resultant graphene, limitations and the prospect of each production method. A particular focus of the review is on direct (transfer free) growth on dielectric substrate as this is potentially one of the promising techniques for graphene production which can readily be integrated into existing semiconductor fabrication processes.
Between Hermeneutic Provenance and Textuality: The Qur'an and the Question of Method in Approaches to World Literature
Authors: El-Desouky Ayman A.
Published: November 2014

In literary approaches to the Qur'an, Qur'anic voice is relegated to the unknowability of its divine ‘provenance’, its issuing source of voice, which is implicitly taken to be outside of the text. The fundamental hermeneutic task, which is that of investigating how a text produces meaning, is principally a theological task, but it is assumed in most literary approaches to the Qur'an to be other than the literary critical task. And yet it is this latter task that is seen to reveal the religious meaning of the text. The Qur'an's textuality and unique naẓm may be differently conceived, not as that which is necessarily (and it is the comparative approaches that tend to produce such necessities) the result of the structures of language in the rhetorical and canonical sense, but as the texture of a voice that deploys singular and discontinuous modes of speech beyond the philological assumptions of textuality and the comparative literary assumptions of narrative. What vision of ‘literature’ is then projected? The theoretical move from the assumptions of textuality to the hermeneutical possibilities of voice reposits the classical Islamic approaches that viewed the Qur'an as both the eternal and temporal word of God through the projection of a fundamentally Islamic hermeneutics of proclamation. The exploration of such a hermeneutics of naẓm, it is argued here, should lead to a reconsideration of questions of the literary. As such, the Qur'an can offer a radical modality for addressing the question of crossings in the recent debates on approaches to World Literature.
The Modern Literary (After)lives of al-Khiḍr
Authors: Toorawa Shawkat M.
Published: November 2014

Prominent examples of major Qur'anic characters in modern world literature include Joseph (and Zulaykha) -like characters in the 1984 Arabic novel, al-Rahīna (The Hostage) by the Yemeni writer Zayd Muṭīʿ Dammāj (d. 2000) and the fictionalised portrayal of the women around the Prophet Muḥammad in Algerian filmmaker and novelist Assia Djebar's 1991 French novel, Loin de Médine (Far from Medina). In this article I focus, rather, on a ‘minor’ Qur'anic character, al-Khiḍr (cf. Q. 18:65–82). I begin by looking briefly at the evolution of al-Khiḍr in Islamic literatures generally and then focus on his deployment in several short fictional accounts, viz. the 1995 French novella L'homme du livre (Muhammad, A Novel) by Moroccan author Driss Chraïbi (d. 2007); Victor Pelevin's 1994 Russian short story, ‘Prints Gosplana’ (Prince of Gosplan); the 1998 short story, ‘The Mapmakers of Spitalfields’, by Bangladeshi-British writer Manzu Islam; and Reza Daneshvar's 2004 Persian tale, ‘Mahboobeh va-Āl’ (‘Mahboobeh and Ahl’). I characterise the ways in which these modern authors draw on the al-Khiḍr type, persona, and legend, and go on to suggest how and why the use of al-Khiḍr in modern literature is productive and versatile.
Evolution and Structural Analyses of Glossina morsitans (Diptera; Glossinidae) Tetraspanins
Authors: Murungi Edwin , Kariithi Henry , Adunga Vincent , Obonyo Meshack , Christoffels Alan
Published: November 2014

Tetraspanins are important conserved integral membrane proteins expressed in many organisms. Although there is limited knowledge about the full repertoire, evolution and structural characteristics of individual members in various organisms, data obtained so far show that tetraspanins play major roles in membrane biology, visual processing, memory, olfactory signal processing, and mechanosensory antennal inputs. Thus, these proteins are potential targets for control of insect pests. Here, we report that the genome of the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans (Diptera: Glossinidae) encodes at least seventeen tetraspanins (GmTsps), all containing the signature features found in the tetraspanin superfamily members. Whereas six of the GmTsps have been previously reported, eleven could be classified as novel because their amino acid sequences do not map to characterized tetraspanins in the available protein data bases. We present a model of the GmTsps by using GmTsp42Ed, whose presence and expression has been recently detected by transcriptomics and proteomics analyses of G. morsitans. Phylogenetically, the identified GmTsps segregate into three major clusters. Structurally, the GmTsps are largely similar to vertebrate tetraspanins. In view of the exploitation of tetraspanins by organisms for survival, these proteins could be targeted using specific antibodies, recombinant large extracellular loop (LEL) domains, small-molecule mimetics and siRNAs as potential novel and efficacious putative targets to combat African trypanosomiasis by killing the tsetse fly vector.
Conduction Mechanisms in Resistance Switching Memory Devices Using Transparent Boron Doped Zinc Oxide Films
Authors: Chiu Fu-Chien
Published: November 2014

In this work, metal/oxide/metal capacitors were fabricated and investigated using transparent boron doped zinc oxide (ZnO:B) films for resistance switching memory applications. The optical band gap of ZnO:B films was determined to be about 3.26 eV and the average value of transmittance of ZnO:B films was about 91% in the visible light region. Experimental results indicated that the resistance switching in the W/ZnO:B/W structure is nonpolar. The resistance ratio of high resistance state (HRS) to low resistance state (LRS) is about of the order of 105 at room temperature. According to the temperature dependence of current-voltage characteristics, the conduction mechanism in ZnO:B films is dominated by hopping conduction and Ohmic conduction in HRS and LRS, respectively. Therefore, trap spacing (1.2 nm) and trap energy levels in ZnO:B films could be obtained.
Therapeutic Targeting the Cell Division Cycle 25 (CDC25) Phosphatases in Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia — The Possibility to Target Several Kinases through Inhibition of the Various CDC25 Isoforms
Authors: Brenner Annette , Reikvam Håkon , Lavecchia Antonio , Bruserud Øystein
Published: November 2014

The cell division cycle 25 (CDC25) phosphatases include CDC25A, CDC25B and CDC25C. These three molecules are important regulators of several steps in the cell cycle, including the activation of various cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs). CDC25s seem to have a role in the development of several human malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML); and CDC25 inhibition is therefore considered as a possible anticancer strategy. Firstly, upregulation of CDC25A can enhance cell proliferation and the expression seems to be controlled through PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling, a pathway possibly mediating chemoresistance in human AML. Loss of CDC25A is also important for the cell cycle arrest caused by differentiation induction of malignant hematopoietic cells. Secondly, high CDC25B expression is associated with resistance against the antiproliferative effect of PI3K-Akt-mTOR inhibitors in primary human AML cells, and inhibition of this isoform seems to reduce AML cell line proliferation through effects on NFκB and p300. Finally, CDC25C seems important for the phenotype of AML cells at least for a subset of patients. Many of the identified CDC25 inhibitors show cross-reactivity among the three CDC25 isoforms. Thus, by using such cross-reactive inhibitors it may become possible to inhibit several molecular events in the regulation of cell cycle progression and even cytoplasmic signaling, including activation of several CDKs, through the use of a single drug. Such combined strategies will probably be an advantage in human cancer treatment.
Special Edition: Environment in Sustainable Development
Authors: Morse Stephen , Vogiatzakis Ioannis
Published: November 2014

When we were invited by the editors of Sustainability to put together a special edition on “Environment in Sustainable Development” our first reaction was to question whether this was really needed. After all, the environment has long been regarded as a central plank in sustainability and there are countless articles and books published on an annual basis that explore the impact of our economic and social activities on our environment. Just what is it that a special edition can achieve? What new angles could we hope to provide? Our initial thinking was to link the special edition to a particular, almost unique, location in time rather than space. We are in the process of recovering, albeit stuttering, from the deepest economic crash experienced by the European and North American economies. The crash has brought some national economies to their knees and, if economic commentators are to be believed, almost destroyed the Euro. Recovery from that crash has been slow and it is arguable whether at the time of writing this has developed much momentum. There is still the skewed perception that prosperity equals economic growth and that economic growth can take place without real (sustainable) development or by simply implementing austerity measures and surely without people’s participation. An analogy from National Parks worldwide is when conservation agencies try to enforce protection without local people’s support. All such attempts have either failed or resurrected only once people’s involvement was secured and guaranteed. The unidirectional austerity measures imposed mainly in the countries of southern Europe have destroyed social cohesion leaving deeply wounded societies, while at the same time have also put up for grabs important assets (including natural capital) in each of these countries and therefore in jeopardy even their long term recovery.
De Nova historia ducum Brabantiae en het Tractatulus de laude terrae Brabantiae van de Korsendonkse kanunnik Johannes Meerhout (1399-1476)
Authors: Vermassen Valerie
Published: November 2014

In deze bijdrage wordt de hypothese geponeerd dat Johannes Meerhout (1399-1476), regulier kanunnik uit de Windesheimpriorij Korsendonk, de intellectuele auteur is van het tot dusver anoniem overgeleverde Tractatulus de laude terrae Brabantiae. Tevens kan het De laude beschouwd worden als de afgewerkte versie van de Nova historia ducum Brabantiae, die reeds eerder aan Meerhout is toegeschreven. Via onderzoek van de bewaarde handschriften kon vastgesteld worden dat de Nova historia van Meerhout integraal is bewaard, en dat het inderdaad fungeerde als conceptversie van het De laude. Meerhout begon met het verzamelen van genealogische aantekeningen in verband met de voorlopers van het Huis van Brabant en het kopiëren van fragmenten uit diverse historiografische werken. Vervolgens schreef hij een genealogische geschiedenis van de Brabantse dynastie, doorspekt met levens van heiligen die zowel territoriaal als dynastiek aan Brabant gelieerd worden. Tenslotte kopieerde een medekanunnik van Meerhout, mogelijks de ervaren kopiist Walter Vliet, deze Nova historia. In deze netversie kreeg het werk een proloog, aanvullende exempla in het eerste deel en een titel, namelijk het Tractatulus de laude terrae Brabantiae. Dankzij een gelukkige tekstoverlevering zijn in drie verschillende handschriften zowel de aanzet tot deze genealogisch-hagiografische lofzang op Brabant overgeleverd, als conceptversie en de uiteindelijke eindredactie.
Les jardins sont la partie la plus riante d’une maison. Siertuinen bij adellijke residenties in de 17de en de 18de eeuw
Authors: De Maegd Chris
Published: November 2014

Chris De Maegd, ‘ Les jardins sont la partie la plus riante d’une maison’. Gardens of noble residences in the 17th and 18th century

This article deals with the 1600-1800 gardens of the elite in this region, except those of the princely residences. Our analysis is based on the reading of their presentation in the works of Vredeman de Vries, Sanderus, Leroy, Derons, Leloup, de Cantillon, manuscript maps and plans of Brussels. The background and meaning of the popularity of gardens from the second half of the 16th century is touched on, as well as the inspiring model of the mediaeval hortus conclusus for the geometric, formal or ‘ French’ garden style and the importance of garden literature. The following gardens are explored in more detail : the gardens of Charles de Croÿ in Sint-Joostten-Noode ; those of the actual Hotel de Merode in the Wolstraat owned by the Duke de Bournonville and remodelled in the third quarter of the 18th century by E mpress Marie-Thérèse’s minister Charles Cobenzl ; those in Lochristi designed for the Ghent bishop Ferdinand de Lobkowitz ; those in Gors Opleeuw of Baron van Mettecoven ; and those of Velbruck, Prince Bishop of Liège in Hex. By doing so, we obtain a synopsis of garden layouts in the Renaissance, the Baroque and Rococo period. The ‘ jardin anglois’ or E nglish garden, initially a mere contrasting curvilinear bosquet in the unchanged classical garden layout, gradually evolved, after the ancien régime, into a specific garden style from which, parallel with the changing society, the landscape style that was to be ubiquitous during the 19th century would evolve.
Kasteel d’Ursel in Hingene: from maison de plaisance to ducal lieu de mémoire?
Authors: De Vlieger-De Wilde Koen , Bungeneers Joke
Published: November 2014

Gedurende bijna vier eeuwen fungeerde het kasteel van Hingene als maison de plaisance van de adellijke familie d’Ursel. Met de hulp van internationale ontwerpers volgde ze trouw de veranderingen in de wooncultuur. Zo evolueerde het kasteel van een ‘ steyne huys’ in de 16de eeuw tot een classicistische residentie in de 18de eeuw. Die evolutie verliep parallel met de stijgende status van de bewoners. Hoewel de familie d’Ursel stamde uit de zakenelite, transformeerde ze zich tot ‘ noblesse de robe’ en later ‘ noblesse d’épée’. Ze werden baron in 1600, graaf in 1636 en hertog in 1717. Vanaf de 19de eeuw dienden de hertogen in de openbare bestuursorganen op lokaal, provinciaal en nationaal niveau, tot ze halverwege de 20ste eeuw kozen voor een meer teruggetrokken bestaan. Al die tijd bleven ze in Hingene wonen. In 1973 culmineerden de geleidelijke verbrokkeling van het fortuin, oplopende successierechten en sociaal-economische veranderingen in een verkoop van het kasteel. Na twintig jaar leegstand onder verschillende eigenaars, werd het provinciebestuur van Antwerpen in 1994 de nieuwe eigenaar. Zo kreeg het kasteel een nieuw leven met muzikale, cultuurhistorische en receptieve activiteiten, waarin ook de herinnering aan de vroegere bewoners een plaats heeft gekregen.
A green approach to the synthesis of novel phytosphingolipidyl β-cyclodextrin designed to interact with membranes
Authors: Miao Yong , Djedaïni-Pilard Florence , Bonnet Véronique
Published: November 2014

This work reports the synthesis of a new family of mono-substituted amphiphilic cyclodextrins using a green methodology. Reactions using greener and safer catalysts with more environmentally friendly purification solvents were performed. Four unreported mono-substituted cyclodextrins bearing a phytosphingolipidyl chain and a fatty acid chain (C10, C12, C14 and C18) were successfully obtained with a promising yield.
HAART and liver: is it safe?
Authors: Antonello Vicente Sperb , Kliemann Dimas Alexandre , Rigel Santos Breno , Tovo Cristiane Valle
Published: November 2014

Introduction: Liver disease caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of morbidity in HIV patients. This study investigates the possibility that chronic HCV increases the risk of hepatotoxicity after highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) initiation. Methodology: The data from 30 coinfected HIV/HCV and 35 HIV monoinfected patients between August 2008 and August 2010, since the start of HAART, were analyzed along with data from every three months, with clinical/laboratory evaluation until the end of twelve months. The aim of this study was to assess risk and incidence of hepatotoxicity in both groups. Results: Before the introduction of HAART, coinfected patients had higher average levels of transaminases than did the monoinfected group (p < 0.001). After initiation of HAART, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were higher in coinfected patients, regardless of type of HAART they received. Twenty-two (73%) of the coinfected patients had some degree of hepatotoxicity versus only seven (20%) of the monoinfected patients. No patient had severe hepatotoxicity. Risk of hepatotoxicity after HAART in a coinfected patient was 3.7 times higher than in a monoinfected patient (RR 3.7 [1.8–7.4], p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that coinfected patients are at an increased risk for developing hepatotoxicity, but the clinical and immunological benefits of HAART are higher than the risk of hepatotoxicity and rarely justify discontinuation of therapy.
Fasciola hepatica infection at a University Clinic in Turkey
Authors: Ulger Burak Veli , Kapan Murat , Boyuk Abdullah , Uslukaya Omer , Oguz Abdullah , Bozdag Zubeyir , Girgin Sadullah
Published: November 2014

Introduction: We aimed to analyze the approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with fascioliasis in light of current literature. Methodology: Thirty-nine patients with fascioliasis admitted to the Surgery Clinic of Dicle Medical Faculty (Turkey) were included in this study. The demographic, clinical, diagnostic, treatment and outcome data were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Abdominal pain (n = 37; 95%) and eosinophilia (n = 31; 79%) were the most common findings. Twenty-seven patients were diagnosed by clinical and radiological findings. Patients were treated with triclabendazole. Thirty-six (92.4%) of the patients improved after medical treatment. Conclusions: The presence of typical clinical, laboratory and radiological findings is sufficient for diagnosis. Triclabendazole administration is often an effective treatment, with improvements occurring over the course of a few months.
Applicabilité des modèles de croissance endogène : une analyse comparative des pays du Nord avec le cas du Sénégal
Authors: Ndiaye Babacar , Malou Jonas Bertin
Published: November 2014

Dès l’accession à l’indépendance, les gouvernements de plusieurs pays ouest-africains ont entrepris le développement d’une politique scientifique et technologique visant à promouvoir l’innovation. Cette politique se traduit par la création de centres et instituts de recherches dans des domaines tels que l’agriculture et l’agroalimentaire. S’appuyant sur le cas du Sénégal, avec les données recueillies de 1980 à 2011, l’objet de cet article consiste à prendre comme référence les modèles de croissance des pays occidentaux puis, de mettre en évidence les conditions dans lesquelles l’innovation (accumulation de connaissances technologiques) et l’éducation (accumulation de capital humain) constituent le moteur de la croissance de long terme dans les économies des pays en voie de développement.
Quelles perspectives pour la gouvernance de la banque des États de l'Afrique centrale - BEAC ?
Authors: Massoud Mahamat
Published: November 2014

Après avoir mis l’accent sur les faiblesses du management de la BEAC, dans la présente note, nous exposons les conditions d’une gestion monétaire adaptée au contexte de la CEMAC. Elles renvoient à une adéquation entre les missions de banque centrale et les particularismes du FCFA conventionnellement lié à l’euro via les accords de coopération avec la France. En nous appuyant sur les principes de bonne gouvernance applicables aux banques centrales, nous formulons des suggestions pour corriger les insuffisances de la gouvernance de la BEAC. Nous en déduisons que l’adaptation (la domestication) de la politique monétaire exige une meilleure utilisation des ressources, une quête permanente d’efficacité, une plus grande expertise de l’encadrement et un comportement éthique des dirigeants. L’ensemble devrait converger pour favoriser l’intégration de la sous-région qui est la raison d’être de la CEMAC dont l’épine dorsale est la BEAC.
L'intégration de la Turquie dans l'économie mondiale : l'impact de la crise sur les spécialisations de l'économie turque
Authors: Uzunöz-Bard Gülbeniz
Published: November 2014

Cet article analyse le commerce extérieur de la Turquie comparé à celui de certains pays émergents d’Europe et d’Asie. Il permet de vérifier l’argument selon lequel une ouverture commerciale combinée avec la diversification des exportations améliore le niveau de compétences de la main d’œuvre dans le pays. L’étude approfondie des exportations de la Turquie vers les 15 pays de l’Union européenne par rapport à celles vers la Chine doit permettre de déduire les éléments essentiels pour une meilleure insertion du pays dans la division internationale du travail.
La « Shining India » étincelle-t-elle vraiment ?
Authors: Herrera Rémy
Published: November 2014

Depuis quelques années, l’Inde est présentée dans la plupart des médias dominants comme un pays « émergent », classé dans la catégorie des « BRIC ». Maints observateurs de l’Inde vont jusqu’à la dépeindre comme une success story de ce début de XXIe siècle, en pointant les projecteurs sur les effets bénéfiques pour le supposé décollage économique des activités de quelques prodiges indiens de l’informatique ou du cinéma. Est-ce pourtant là le vrai visage de l’Inde d’aujourd’hui ? La terminologie de l’« émergence » fait quelquefois oublier l’épaisseur historique et la complexité sociale des pays candidats. Aussi proposerons-nous ici au lecteur une brève analyse introductive sur l’Inde, en nous intéressant successivement à son économie en général, puis au secteur agricole en particulier, et enfin aux inégalités – pour terminer par une brève analyse de la théorie d’Amartya Sen à ce sujet.
La politique de développement durable de la république bolivarienne de Venezuela dans un contexte de mondialisation : un chemin vers l'émancipation
Authors: Barisi Giusto
Published: November 2014

L’article trace un bilan du cheminement original vers l’émancipation de la population vénézuélienne entrepris par Hugo Chavez. En particulier, sont étudiées la politique de développement durable, valorisant les ressources naturelles et humaines et la stimulation de la participation de la population à la vie collective, à travers des instruments de démocratie participative et les coopératives, avec un maintien des équilibres macro-économiques.
Prevalence and effect of oxytetracycline on congenital fetlock knuckling in neonatal dairy calves
Authors: Fazili Mujeeb R. , Bhattacharyya Hiranya K. , Mir Manzoor U.R. , Hafiz Abdul , Tufani Noore A.
Published: November 2014

Musculoskeletal system deformities were observed in 24 (34.3%) of 70 neonatal dairy calves that presented with different congenital abnormalities. Among them, 19 calves (27.1%), the majority of which were crossbred Jersey calves of either gender with mean (± s.e.) body weight 22.00 kg ± 1.17 kg and aged 7.11 ± 1.16 days, were presented for treatment of congenital knuckling. Five of the knuckling calves had additional concurrent congenital conditions and were excluded from the present study. All of the remaining 14 calves showing moderate, bilateral fetlock knuckling had a wooden or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) splint applied to the palmar or plantar aspect of the affected limbs. All of the animals received a dose of the analgesic tolfenamic acid intramuscularly, and were randomly allocated to two equal groups. Calves of Group I additionally received oxytetracycline (20 mg/kg intravenous daily for 3 days). The condition resolved satisfactorily in 83.3% and 80.0% calves from the two groups, respectively. The left and right fetlock angle (mean ± SE) reduced significantly (p ≤ 0.01) from 50.57° ± 4.20° to 4.00° ± 2.27° and 48.71° ± 2.37° to 5.33° ± 3.03°, respectively in animals of Group I. In Group II calves, the angles showed reduction from 50.86° ± 2.94° to 4.20° ± 2.75° and from 48.71° ± 3.14° to 6.80° ± 3.34°, respectively. From the present study, it was concluded that bilateral moderate fetlock knuckling in the neonatal dairy calves can be managed satisfactorily with early application of splints. Supplementary use of oxytetracycline at repeated doses of low toxicity had only a marginally beneficial effect.
Evolution of antimicrobial resistance of Salmonella enteritidis (1972–2005)
Authors: Khumalo Jermaine , Saidi Bamusi , Mbanga Joshua
Published: November 2014

With the extensive use of antibiotics in livestock production, surveillance revealed an increase in Salmonella resistance to the commonly used antimicrobials in veterinary and public health. This serious threat to health care is further exacerbated by the limited epidemiological information about the common zoonotic agent, Salmonella enteritidis, required to determine antibiotic therapy. The aim was to characterise the antimicrobial resistance patterns of S. enteritidis isolates across different timelines (1972–2005) with accompanying genetic changes being investigated. Thirty-seven stored S. enteritidis isolates were collected from the Central Veterinary Laboratory, Harare, with antimicrobial susceptibility determined against eight antibiotics. Plasmids were isolated to analyse any genetic variation. An overall significant increase in resistance (p < 0.05) to nalidixic acid (0% – 10%), ampicillin (14.3% – 50%), tetracycline (14.3% – 30%) and erythromycin (71.4% – 100%) was observed across the timeline. However, the highest rates of susceptibility were maintained for gentamicin, sulphamethoxazole-trimethoprim, kanamycin and chloramphenicol. We report an increase in multidrug resistance (MDR) of 14.2% – 50% with an increase in resistotypes and plasmid profiles across the timeline. Eleven plasmid profiles were obtained in the 37 isolates studied with a minority of isolates (21.6%, 8/37) harbouring a 54 kb plasmid, commonly serovar-specific. A concerning increase in antimicrobial resistance to commonly administered drugs was observed across the timeline. The surge in MDR is of great concern and implies the need for consistent antimicrobial stewardship. No correlation was observed between the plasmid and antibiotic profiles.
High Ratio Resuscitation in Patients with Systemic acquired Coagulopathy vs Endogenous Acute Coagulopathy
Authors: Derenbecker Robert
Published: November 2014

Background

Two main mechanisms of coagulopathy related to trauma have been described: systemic acquired coagulopathy (SAC) and endogenous acute coagulopathy (EAC). Resuscitation with high ratios of fresh frozen plasma to packed red blood cells (FFP:PRBC) has been shown to improve patient outcomes. Systemic acquired coagulopathy is related to acidosis, hypothermia and hemodilution. Endogenous acute coagulopathy is related to severe hemorrhage and shock, with resultant effects on intrinsic clotting pathways inducing coagulopathy more rapidly than SAC. We hypothesize that high ratio resuscitation will show improved mortality outcomes for both SAC and EAC.

Study Design

A retrospective chart review was performed for patients at an urban level I trauma center. All patients with international normalized ratio (INR) > 1.2 during the first 6 hours after admission who received operative intervention and at least 6 units of PRBCs following traumatic injury were included. Patients with INR > 1.2 on admission were stratified to the EAC group while patients with normal admission INR with subsequent postoperative increase in INR > 1.2 were stratified into the SAC group. Transfusion ratios for FFP:PRBC were also collected for each patient. High ratio resuscitation was defined as FFP:PRBC ≥ 1:2 and low as FFP:PRBC < 1:2. Outcomes between groups were analyzed.

Results

Total of 95 patients met inclusion criteria. Fifty-six (59%) patients met criteria for EAC and 39 (41%) patients developed criteria for SAC during the first 6 hours of admission. The initial average base deficit was greater in EAC vs SAC patients (–6.3 vs –4.8, p = 0.03). Endogenous acute coagulopathy patients had a higher initial INR than SAC (1.4 vs 1.1, p = 0.001), and a higher average injury severity score (ISS) (27.6 vs 21.5, p = 0.03). Regarding transfusion ratios, for both EAC and SAC, a high transfusion ratio when compared to a low transfusion ratio conveyed improved mortality (EAC: 32.5 vs 81%, p = 0.01; SAC:9 vs 64.7%, p = 0.03). For high ratio resuscitation in both groups, patients with SAC showed improved mortality compared to EAC (9 vs 32.5%, p = 0.01).

Conclusion

For patients with EAC and SAC, a high transfusion ratio conveyed an overall improvement in mortality. However, subgroup analysis demonstrated that despite a high transfusion ratio, EAC patients continued to have a significantly higher mortality than SAC patients. Further investigations into the mechanisms involved in EAC and interventions to improve outcomes are needed.

How to cite this article

Duchesne J, Derenbecker R. High Ratio Resuscitation in Patients with Systemic acquired Coagulopathy vs Endogenous Acute Coagulopathy. Panam J Trauma Crit Care Emerg Surg 2014;3(2):68-72.
Personality and genes: remarks from a biological perspective
Authors: Węgrzyn Grzegorz
Published: November 2014

Although there is no doubt that genes’ functions influence human personality, years of studies provided no clear picture on regulation of particular traits by specific genes. In this article, an overview of the complexity of the system of genetic control of personality is presented, and the level of complications of biological processes operating in this system is underlined. The methodology of studies devoted to determine effects of genes on personality traits is discussed, and limitations of various methods in such studies are indicated. Finally, suggestions for further research are listed and commented on. It is likely that to increase the level of our understanding of genetic mechanisms that modulate human personality, researchers conducting further studies will have to focus on using large sample sizes, performing independent replications, considering experiments on animal models, integrating cross-cultural data and epigenetic measures, and performing interdisciplinary experiments which combine methods of various disciplines, such as biology and psychology.
Late sequelae of systemic lupus erythematosus in children
Authors: Wierzbowska Małgorzata , Gietka Piotr , Rutkowska-Sak Lidia
Published: November 2014

Cel pracy: Toczeń rumieniowaty układowy, jedna z układowych chorób tkanki łącznej, jest klasycznym przykładem chorób z autoimmunizacji. Młodzieńczy toczeń rumieniowaty układowy stanowi 5–10% wszystkich zachorowań na tę chorobę. Autorzy na podstawie 20-letniej obserwacji podjęli próbę analizy dotyczącej zmiany obrazu klinicznego, przebiegu, prognozy oraz późnych następstw choroby u dzieci.

Materiał i metody: Badaniami objęto 138 dzieci. Rozpoznanie choroby ustalono na podstawie kryteriów ACR (American College of Rheumatology); każdy pacjent spełniał co najmniej 4 kryteria. Dzieci były hospitalizowane w Klinice Reumatologii Wieku Rozwojowego Instytutu Reumatologii w Warszawie w latach 1985–2005. Przeprowadzając analizę dotyczącą oceny aktywności na początku choroby i w jej późniejszym przebiegu, zastosowano skalę SLEDAI (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index).

Wyniki: Ocena przebiegu choroby w badanym okresie wykazała, że był on łagodniejszy u dzieci, które zachorowały w późniejszym okresie. Poprawę wyrażoną znacznym zmniejszeniem lub ustąpieniem aktywności choroby uzyskano u 85 dzieci, postęp choroby lub utrzymywanie się aktywności pomimo stosowanego leczenia – u 47 dzieci. Sześcioro dzieci zmarło. Najczęstszą przyczyną zgonu była posocznica.

Wnioski: Przebieg choroby zmienił się w ciągu ostatnich 20 lat. Obniżył się znacznie wskaźnik śmiertelności, częściej uzyskuje się poprawę i remisję choroby. Średni wiek zachorowania uległ podwyższeniu mniej więcej o 2 lata.

Najczęstszą przyczyną zgonów są obecnie uogólnione infekcje (we wcześniejszych latach była to niewydolność nerek). Zmniejszyła się początkowa aktywność choroby oceniana w skali SLEDAI. Istotnej statystycznie zmianie uległa też częstość występowania niektórych objawów na początku choroby: rzadziej obserwuje się zajęcie nerek i padaczkę, częściej psychozy i obecność przeciwciał przeciw natywnemu DNA.
Developing a decision support system to identify strategically located land for land reform in South Africa
Authors: Musakwa W. , Makoni E. N. , Kangethe M. , Segooa L.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Land reform is identified as a key tool in fostering development in South Africa. With two decades after the advent of democracy in South Africa, the land question remains a critical issue for policy makers. A number of frameworks have been put in place by the government to identify land which is strategically located for land reform. However, many of these frameworks are not well aligned and have hampered the government’s land reform initiative in promoting inclusive development. Strategically located land is herein defined as land parcels that are well positioned for the promotion of agriculture, human settlements, rural and tourism development. Accordingly, there is a need to develop a decision tool which facilitates the identification of strategically located land for development. This study proposes the use of geographic information systems (GIS), earth observation (EO) data and multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) to develop a spatial decision support system (SDSS) to identify strategically located land for land reform. The SDDS was therefore designed using GIS, EO data and MCDM to create an index for identification of strategically located land. Expert-led workshops were carried out to ascertain criteria for identifying strategically located land and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was utilised used to weight the criteria. The study demonstrates that GIS and EO are invaluable tools in facilitating evidence-based decisions for land reform. However, there is need for capacity building on GIS and EO in government departments responsible for land reform and development planning. The study suggests that there is an urgent need to develop sector specific criteria for the identification of strategically located land for inclusive development.
3D Building Evacuation Route Modelling and Visualization
Authors: Chan W. , Armenakis C.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The most common building evacuation approach currently applied is to have evacuation routes planned prior to these emergency events. These routes are usually the shortest and most practical path from each building room to the closest exit. The problem with this approach is that it is not adaptive. It is not responsively configurable relative to the type, intensity, or location of the emergency risk. Moreover, it does not provide any information to the affected persons or to the emergency responders while not allowing for the review of simulated hazard scenarios and alternative evacuation routes. In this paper we address two main tasks. The first is the modelling of the spatial risk caused by a hazardous event leading to choosing the optimal evacuation route for a set of options. The second is to generate a 3D visual representation of the model output. A multicriteria decision making (MCDM) approach is used to model the risk aiming at finding the optimal evacuation route. This is achieved by using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) on the criteria describing the different alternative evacuation routes. The best route is then chosen to be the alternative with the least cost. The 3D visual representation of the model displays the building, the surrounding environment, the evacuee’s location, the hazard location, the risk areas and the optimal evacuation pathway to the target safety location. The work has been performed using ESRI’s ArcGIS. Using the developed models, the user can input the location of the hazard and the location of the evacuee. The system then determines the optimum evacuation route and displays it in 3D.
A Comparison of Neighbourhood Selection Techniques in Spatio-Temporal Forecasting Models
Authors: Haworth J. , Cheng T.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Spatio-temporal neighbourhood (STN) selection is an important part of the model building procedure in spatio-temporal forecasting. The STN can be defined as the set of observations at neighbouring locations and times that are relevant for forecasting the future values of a series at a particular location at a particular time. Correct specification of the STN can enable forecasting models to capture spatio-temporal dependence, greatly improving predictive performance. In recent years, deficiencies have been revealed in models with globally fixed STN structures, which arise from the problems of heterogeneity, nonstationarity and nonlinearity in spatio-temporal processes. Using the example of a large dataset of travel times collected on London’s road network, this study examines the effect of various STN selection methods drawn from the variable selection literature, varying from simple forward/backward subset selection to simultaneous shrinkage and selection operators. The results indicate that STN selection methods based on L1 penalisation are effective. In particular, the maximum concave penalty (MCP) method selects parsimonious models that produce good forecasting performance.
3DGIS-Based Multi-Agent Geosimulation and Visualization of Building Evacuation Using GAMA Platform
Authors: Macatulad E. G. , Blanco A. C.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Recent GIS applications have already extended analyses from the traditional 2-2.5D environment (x,y,attributes) to 3D space (x,y,z,attributes). Coupled with agent-based modeling (ABM), available 3DGIS data can be used to develop simulation models for improved analysis of spatial data and spatial processes. One such application is on building evacuation for which ABM is integrated with 3D indoor spatial data to model human behavior during evacuation events and simulate evacuation scenarios visualized in 3D. The research presented in this paper develops a multi-agent geosimulation model for building evacuation, integrating 3DGIS dataset of the case study building as input in ABM using the GAMA simulation platform. This model is intended to complement and improve traditional approaches in building evacuation planning and management such as earthquake and fire drills. The initial model developed includes PEOPLE agents to model the building occupants, and FLOORS, ROOMS, INDOOR_PATHS and EXIT_POINTS agents, which are modeled from the 3DGIS layers. The INDOOR_PATHS and EXIT_POINTS agents influence the movement of PEOPLE agents. Test simulations were performed involving PEOPLE agents placed in rooms of the building based on potential number of occupants computed based from the floor area of each room. The PEOPLE agents are programmed to find the shortest path along the INDOOR_PATHS towards the EXIT_POINTS instance designated for each room of the building. The simulation computes for the total time it takes for all PEOPLE agents to exit the building.
Improving the Slum Planning Through Geospatial Decision Support System
Authors: Shekhar S.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. In India, a number of schemes and programmes have been launched from time to time in order to promote integrated city development and to enable the slum dwellers to gain access to the basic services. Despite the use of geospatial technologies in planning, the local, state and central governments have only been partially successful in dealing with these problems. The study on existing policies and programmes also proved that when the government is the sole provider or mediator, GIS can become a tool of coercion rather than participatory decision-making. It has also been observed that local level administrators who have adopted Geospatial technology for local planning continue to base decision-making on existing political processes. In this juncture, geospatial decision support system (GSDSS) can provide a framework for integrating database management systems with analytical models, graphical display, tabular reporting capabilities and the expert knowledge of decision makers. This assists decision-makers to generate and evaluate alternative solutions to spatial problems. During this process, decision-makers undertake a process of decision research - producing a large number of possible decision alternatives and provide opportunities to involve the community in decision making. The objective is to help decision makers and planners to find solutions through a quantitative spatial evaluation and verification process. The study investigates the options for slum development in a formal framework of RAY (Rajiv Awas Yojana), an ambitious program of Indian Government for slum development. The software modules for realizing the GSDSS were developed using the ArcGIS and Community -VIZ software for Gulbarga city.
Problem-Based Learning and Information Literacy: A Natural Partnership
Authors: Wenger Kate
Published: November 2014

Due to student overreliance on search engines and the time constraints of one-shot instruction sessions, librarians struggle to teach many of the information literacy skills that students need to conduct successful research. Problem-based learning (PBL) provides a way to integrate information literacy naturally into an assignment or course by guiding students through the research process as they work to find a solution to a problem. This article first explains the PBL process, then describes the design and implementation of a PBL project in a required first-year general education course. Finally, it details the Association of College & Research Libraries’ (ACRL) Information Literacy Competency Standards for Higher Education addressed by the project, as well as possible future modifications.
Competencias genéricas en la enseñanza superior a través de los programa de internacionalización. Un estudio cualitativo
Authors: Rodríguez Izquierdo Rosa Mª
Published: November 2014

Debido a la importancia crucial que se le ha otorgado a la formación por competencias en el EEES, este artículo pretende conseguir un doble objetivo. En primer lugar, examinar la valoración que hacen los estudiantes de grado de educación social de las competencias genéricas desarrolladas a través de la participación en programas de internacionalización. En segundo lugar, explorar la potencialidad de estos programas como estrategia para el desarrollo de las competencias genéricas. Para ello, este estudio examina el impacto de dos programas de internacionalización (2010-2011 y 2011-2012) de la Universidad Pablo de Olavide. El enfoque metodológico usado ha sido cualitativo a través de cuatro grupos de discusión. En lo que se refiere a los criterios de evaluación han sido tres: competencias logradas, utilidad de los aprendizajes y transferibilidad de las competencias adquiridas durante el programa a su futuro profesional. Los resultados más relevantes del estudio indican que los estudiantes participantes han realizado un cambio de mentalidad en la forma de orientar su desarrollo académico y profesional de futuro. Los programas han conseguido desarrollar sobre todo competencias interpersonales como el conocimiento de otras culturas y costumbres, la apreciación de la diversidad y la multiculturalidad. Algunas competencias sistémicas. Y en menor medidas las competencias instrumentales. En definitiva, el artículo señala el significado que adquieren los proyectos internacionales para el desarrollo de competencias genéricas así como el sentido que cobran como espacio ideal para evaluar la adquisición de las mismas. En consecuencia, se espera que este estudio sirva como un trampolín para futuras investigaciones no sólo para evaluar las competencias genéricas, sino también para evaluar el impacto específico de las estrategias de internacionalización en el desarrollo de las mismas.
Percepciones sobre atención a la diversidad en la formación inicial del profesorado de Educación Secundaria
Authors: Colmenero Ruiz Mª Jesús , Pantoja Vallejo Antonio , Pegalajar Palomino María del Carmen
Published: November 2014

Con este trabajo se pretende analizar las percepciones del alumnado que cursa el Máster Universitario en Profesorado de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria, Formación Profesional y Enseñanza de Idiomas en la Universidad de Jaén, acerca de la formación inicial recibida sobre atención a la diversidad. Se sigue una metodología descriptiva que utiliza como instrumento de recogida de datos un cuestionario realizado ad hoc. Los resultados revelan las actitudes favorables de los futuros docentes de secundaria hacia la diversidad, habiendo recibido una adecuada formación en aspectos curriculares y organizativos, capaces de lograr la plena inclusión del alumnado con necesidades educativas en el aula.