bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correspondence Between Self- and Good-Manager Descriptions
Authors: Powell Gary N. , Butterfield D. Anthony
Published: November 2012

Newly collected data from samples obtained from two different populations—undergraduate business students and part-time (i.e., evening) MBA students—were compared with data from samples obtained from the same two populations during each of the three previous decades ( N = 1,818) to examine the correspondence between self-descriptions and descriptions of a “good manager.” Both stability and change in the correspondence between self- and good-manager descriptions were predicted. Providing strong support for stability, the correspondence between self- and good-manager descriptions was greater for men than women for all data combined as well as for data collected at each point in time. However, despite changes in women’s status and in views of effective leadership across the four decades in which data were collected, the correspondence between self- and good-manager descriptions exhibited a lack of support for consistent change over time for women and men considered separately. Implications for the nature of the linkages among sex, gender, and leadership as well as implications for individuals and organizations are discussed.
Validation of a Multidimensional HR Flexibility Measure
Authors: Way Sean A. , Tracey J. Bruce , Fay Charles H. , Wright Patrick M. , Snell Scott A. , Chang Song , Gong Yaping
Published: November 2012

Wright and Snell (1998) contend that HR flexibility is an important construct that may enable managers and management scholars to gain a greater understanding of the role of human resource management in enhancing firm performance. However, there is limited evidence regarding the psychometric properties of the measures that have been used to assess the HR flexibility construct and examine its effects. A primary objective of this study was to develop and validate a psychometrically sound measure of the HR flexibility construct. In this article, we present evidence of content validity/adequacy, internal consistency reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and criterion-related validity that provides support for the use of this study’s multidimensional HR flexibility measure in subsequent empirical inquiries and theory testing efforts. Implications and limitations of this current research as well as avenues for future research are discussed.
The survival half-life of firms and its effect on economic development
Authors: Derbyshire James
Published: November 2012

Shane (2009) has suggested that encouraging more people to become entrepreneurs is bad public policy because it is existing firms that bring jobs and productivity growth and not new firms. To test this view this article shifts the perspective onto existing firms and away from start-up by examining firm survivability in the regions and countries of the UK and its relationship with employment and productivity growth. The article provides some evidence to support Shane’s (2009) view that it is existing firms that are important for economic development.
The effectiveness of the microcredit programme in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman M Twyeafur , Khan Hafiz TA
Published: November 2012

Since 1978, ASA has worked with poor vulnerable people to improve their socioeconomic status through delivering microcredit programmes in Bangladesh. This study aims at examining the effectiveness of the ASA microcredit programmes. It finds that ASA plays an important role in increasing the socioeconomic status of its beneficiaries and that there is a significant positive effect of the duration of involvement with ASA. Further, the effectiveness of the microcredit programme decreases with lack of sufficient amount of loans and training provision.
Interrater reliability and construct validity of the Posture and Postural Ability Scale in adults with cerebral palsy in supine, prone, sitting and standing positions
Authors: Rodby-Bousquet Elisabet , Ágústsson Atli , Jónsdóttir Guðný , Czuba Tomasz , Johansson Ann-Christin , Hägglund Gunnar
Published: November 2012

Objective:

To evaluate reliability, internal consistency and construct validity of the Posture and Postural Ability Scale for adults with cerebral palsy.

Design:

Psychometric evaluation of a clinical assessment tool.

Setting:

Rehabilitation centres in Sweden and Iceland.

Subjects:

Thirty adults with cerebral palsy aged 19–22 years, six people at each level I–V of the Gross Motor Function Classification System.

Main measures:

The Posture and Postural Ability Scale contains a 7-point ordinal scale for postural ability in supine, prone, sitting and standing, and items for assessment of posture. Posture and postural ability was rated from photos and videos by three independent assessors. Interrater reliability was calculated using weighted kappa. Internal consistency was analysed with Cronbach’s alpha if item deleted and corrected item–total correlation. Construct validity was evaluated based on known groups, using Jonckheere Terpstra for averaged values of the three raters relative to the Gross Motor Function Classification System.

Results:

There was an excellent interrater reliability (kappa = 0.85–0.99) and a high internal consistency (alpha = 0.96–0.97, item–total correlation = 0.60–0.91). Median values differed ( P < 0.02) between known groups represented by the levels of gross motor function, showing construct validity for all items.

Conclusion:

The Posture and Postural Ability Scale showed an excellent interrater reliability for experienced raters, a high internal consistency and construct validity. It can detect postural asymmetries in adults with cerebral palsy at all levels of gross motor function.
Physical, cognitive and social activity levels of stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation within a mixed rehabilitation unit
Authors: Janssen Heidi , Ada Louise , Bernhardt Julie , McElduff Patrick , Pollack Michael , Nilsson Michael , Spratt Neil
Published: November 2012

Objective:

To determine physical, cognitive and social activity levels of stroke patients undergoing rehabilitation, and whether these changed over time.

Design:

Observational study using behavioural mapping techniques to record patient activity over 12 hours on one weekday and one weekend day at baseline (week 1) and again two weeks later (week 2).

Setting:

A 20-bed mixed rehabilitation unit.

Subjects:

Fourteen stroke patients.

Interventions:

None.

Main measures:

Percentage of day spent in any activity or physical, cognitive and social activities. Level of independence using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and mood using the Patient Health Questionniare-9 (PHQ-9).

Results:

The stroke patients performed any activity for 49%, social activity for 32%, physical activity for 23% and cognitive activity for 4% of the day. Two weeks later, physical activity levels had increased by 4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 1 to 8), but levels of any activity or social and cognitive activities had not changed significantly. There was a significant: (i) positive correlation between change in physical activity and change in FIM score ( r = 0.80), and (ii) negative correlation between change in social activity and change in PHQ-9 score ( r = −0.72). The majority of activity was performed by the bedside (37%), and most physical (47%) and cognitive (54%) activities performed when alone. Patients undertook 5% (95% CI 2 to 9) less physical activity on the weekends compared with the weekdays.

Conclusions:

Levels of physical, cognitive and social activity of stroke patients were low and remained so even though level of independence and mood improved. These findings suggest the need to explore strategies to stimulate activity within rehabilitation environments.
On the varying ontologies of capitalism
Authors: Rossi Ugo
Published: November 2012

This article offers a substantive understanding of the variegation of capitalism, in an attempt to move beyond the current impasse in the mainstream varieties-of-capitalism approach. Drawing on existing conceptualizations of capitalism-society relationships, as well as on Agamben’s reconceptualization of the Foucaldian notion of ‘dispositif’, the article identifies the ontological ‘dispositifs’ of embeddedness, dispossession and subsumption, associating them with ‘purely relational’, ‘sovereignty-based’ and ‘dualistic’ ontologies of capitalism, respectively. The article argues that these dispositifs are instrumental in capitalism’s process of subjectification, laying the foundations for a renewed belief in capitalism even under the most adverse conditions.
Intra-articular Hip Injuries in National Hockey League Players
Authors: Epstein David M. , McHugh Malachy , Yorio Michael , Neri Brian
Published: November 2012

Background:

Intra-articular hip injuries are thought to be common in professional ice hockey; however, injury incidence and missed playing time have not been previously documented. Furthermore, it is not known if injury incidence differs between player positions.

Hypothesis:

The incidence of symptomatic intra-articular hip injuries in goaltenders is higher than that of other position players.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

A database containing the injury surveillance of National Hockey League (NHL) players from the years 2006 to 2010 was used to identify athletes who had sustained a hip or groin injury. From this database, players diagnosed with an intra-articular hip injury were identified. The incidence of intra-articular hip injuries per 1000 player-hours played and per 1000 player-game appearances was compared between goaltenders, defensemen, and forwards.

Results:

Ninety-four hip injuries, accounting for 10.6% (94/890) of all hip and groin injuries, were identified as intra-articular in nature during the time of the surveillance. Most injuries occurred during the regular season (71.2%; 67/94) and during a game (44.6%; 42/94). Players who sustained intra-articular hip injuries had significantly higher total man-games missed compared with those with all other groin injuries (mean ± SD, 8.5 ± 23.0 vs 1.2 ± 4.2 missed games; P = .0001). The most frequent intra-articular hip diagnoses made in this cohort were hip labral tear (69.1%), followed by hip osteoarthritis (13.8%), hip loose body (6.3%), and hip femoroacetabular impingement (5.3%). The incidence of intra-articular hip injuries per 1000 player-game hours was not different between goaltenders (1.97) and other on-ice players (defensemen, 1.43; forwards, 1.38) (relative risk [RR], 1.40; 95% CI, 0.86-1.40; P = .22). However, injuries per 1000 player-game appearances were significantly higher in goaltenders (1.84) compared with other on-ice players (defensemen, 0.47; forwards, 0.34) (RR, 4.78; 95% CI, 2.94-7.76; P < .0001).

Conclusion:

Hip labral tears are the most frequently encountered intra-articular hip injury in the NHL player and can lead to an average of 8 man-games missed per injury. Goaltenders were not at higher risk when measuring injuries per hours played but were at significantly greater risk of an intra-articular hip injury than other on-ice players (RR, 4.7) when measured per game played.
The Circulation of Bank Capital and the General Rate of Interest
Authors: Saros Daniel E.
Published: November 2012

Marxian economists have long asserted the impossibility of discovering an economic law at work in capitalist economies that determines a natural rate of interest. Without contradicting Marx’s claim that it is competition in the money capital market that determines the interest rate, it is possible to identify the general rate of interest with greater precision. To make this argument, this article investigates the connection between two interlocking circuits of finance capital.

JEL classification: B51; E11
Fault diagnosis for planetary gearboxes using multi-criterion fusion feature selection framework
Authors: Liu Zhiliang , Zuo Ming J , Xu Hongbing
Published: November 2012

Feature selection has been used to achieve dimension reduction in the field of fault diagnosis. This article introduces a multi-criterion fusion framework for feature selection that takes into account three aspects of features: effectiveness, correlation, and classification performance. This framework enables a more comprehensive evaluation of features than does a single criterion. The proposed framework is implemented using five effectiveness criteria and a correlation criterion. It is used to diagnose eight failure modes of a planetary gearbox. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed multi-criterion framework outperforms many well-studied single criteria.
Association of the interleukin-10 gene polymorphism (–1082A/G) with systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou M , Ding L , Peng H , Wang B , Huang F , Xu W-D , Li J-H , Ye X-R , Pan H-F , Ye D-Q
Published: November 2012

Objective:

The interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene polymorphism (–1082A/G) has been shown to be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but ﬁndings are not consistent across studies. The aim of our meta-analysis was to assess the association between the –1082A/G polymorphism in the IL-10 gene and SLE.

Methods:

We searched all publications on the association between the IL-10 (−1082A/G) polymorphism and SLE in PubMed, Elsevier Science Direct, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang (Chinese). Meta-analysis was conducted using software Stata version 10.1. Meta-odds ratios (ORs) and 95% conﬁdence intervals (CIs) based on ﬁxed-/random-effects models depended on Cochran’s Q-statistic and I2 values.

Results:

A total of 17 studies with 2396 cases and 3653 controls were included in this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was performed for genotypes GG versus AA, GG + AG versus AA, GG versus AG + AA, and G allele versus A allele. Significant differences were found in genotype distribution between SLE and normal controls in whole-population GG versus AA (OR = 1.428, 95% CI = 1.006–2.208). Similar results were detected in the dominant genetics effect of the G allele (OR = 1.202, 95% CI = 1.030–1.403). No significant association was found in allele distribution in whole-population G versus A (OR = 1.125, 95% CI = 0.998–1.269). In subgroup analysis by ethnicity, significant association was found when GG + AG versus AA was performed in a European population (OR = 1.240, 95% CI = 1.022–1.503) and GG versus AG + AA was performed in an Asian population (OR = 3.596, 95% CI = 1.389–9.311). Significant association was found between genotype distribution in Asians (OR = 4.491, 95% CI = 1.552–13.000). Publication year was detected as the source of heterogeneity. In the stratified analysis by publication year, the pooled OR was 1.049 (95% CI = 0.940–1.171; Pheterogeneity = 0.431; I2 = 0.4%) in subgroup 1 (publication years 1999–2004). No significant association was found between the IL-10 (−1082 G) allele and SLE in subgroup 1 ( Z = 0.85, p = 0.431). In subgroup 2 (publication years 2005–2011), the pooled OR was 1.327 (95% CI = 1.125–1.565; Pheterogeneity = 0.143; I2 = 35.8%). Significant association was found between the IL-10 (−1082 G) allele and SLE ( Z = 3.36, p = 0.001).

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis demonstrates the association between the IL-10 (−1082A/G) polymorphism and SLE. However, further studies are needed for a definitive conclusion.
The Snog and Grog Club
Authors: Kabel Allison
Published: November 2012

The popularity of British hospice day care signals the expanding boundaries of palliative care beyond end-stage illness. In this article, I examine the ways hospice philosophy was interpreted and implemented in an outpatient day therapy setting run by a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. Findings suggest that hospice day care staff members used several strategies to help patients cope and retain a sense of personhood while facing numerous emotional and physical challenges associated with life-threatening illness. Health professionals in the United States will need to prepare for patients accessing hospice and palliative care services earlier in the illness trajectory to take advantage of these opportunities for patient support and advocacy.
Assessing Interrater Agreement via the Average Deviation Index Given a Variety of Theoretical and Methodological Problems
Authors: Smith-Crowe Kristin , Burke Michael J. , Kouchaki Maryam , Signal Sloane M.
Published: November 2012

Currently, guidelines do not exist for applying interrater agreement indices to the vast majority of methodological and theoretical problems that organizational and applied psychology researchers encounter. For a variety of methodological problems, we present critical values for interpreting the practical significance of observed average deviation (AD) values relative to either single items or scales. For a variety of theoretical problems, we present null ranges for AD values, relative to either single items or scales, to be used for determining whether an observed distribution of responses within a group is consistent with a theoretically specified distribution of responses. Our discussion focuses on important ways to extend the usage of interrater agreement indices beyond problems relating to the aggregation of individual level data.
Beyond appropriation: Significant overlays in Guaraní-inspired designs
Authors: Schneider Arnd
Published: November 2012

The aim of this article is to investigate and theorise practices of appropriation from indigenous cultures among interior and accessories designers in Misiones province, northeast Argentina. In particular, the article intends to critically extend the notion of appropriation by introducing ‘overlay’ as a new concept to analytically grasp the uneven cultural traffic from the indigenous artisans to the designers and the majority society at large. It is argued that in this process the ‘meaning’ of the original Guaraní designs is suspended and ultimately short-circuited, as it is no longer available either to the Guaraní, who do not consume the final products, or to the customers, who are not provided with any information on the meaning of the patterns. However, the article does not insist on a presumed ‘loss of meaning’ for these objects. Rather, the article foregrounds notions of materiality, creativity and innovation in relation to the specific economic and working relations between Mbya Guaraní artisans and designers.
A Mixed Methods Process Evaluation of the Implementation of JUMP-in, a Multilevel School-Based Intervention Aimed at Physical Activity Promotion
Authors: de Meij Judith S. B. , van der Wal Marcel F. , van Mechelen Willem , Chinapaw Mai J. M.
Published: November 2012

Background. The aim of the present study was to investigate factors influencing the adoption, implementation, and institutionalization process of JUMP-in—a multilevel school-based physical activity promotion program—to optimize the dissemination of the intervention and improve its effectiveness. The process evaluation concerned the constraints and success and failure factors at sociopolitical, organizational, user, and intervention levels. Methods. A mixed methods approach including qualitative and quantitative data was conducted during two school years (2006-2008). Results. JUMP-in was successfully embedded in the Amsterdam municipal policy and in the organizational structure and daily practices of the sectors involved. A general impeding factor was the complexity of the multilevel programme requiring multidisciplinary collaboration between organizations. In addition, there was a discrepancy between the recommendation to standardize and simplify the innovation and the need to tailor the strategies to local environmental, social, and cultural aspects. Conclusions. This process evaluation provides challenges and remedies for managing discrepancies between prerequisites for an effective innovation and demands of daily implementation practice. The main recommendations are (a) standardized, simplified guidelines; (b) stepwise implementation; (c) formalized coalitions, integration of policy, and synchronization of tasks and protocols; and (d) smart planning and control by clear communication and feedback instruments. If these recommendations are incorporated into the JUMP-in intervention and organization, increased effectiveness and long-term effects can be expected.
Narrative and Expository Writing of Adolescents With Language-Learning Disabilities
Authors: Hall-Mills Shannon , Apel Kenn
Published: November 2012

We evaluated the narrative and expository writing samples of 12 adolescents with language-learning disabilities (LLD) in Grades 6 to 12 for elements of microstructure (e.g., productivity, grammatical complexity) and macrostructure (genre-specific text structure elements) using an experimental measure. Writing samples were elicited with genre-specific prompts via paper and pencil and transcribed according to Systematic Analysis of Language Transcripts (SALT) conventions. Wilcoxon signed ranks tests indicate that levels of productivity and grammatical complexity were significantly greater in the narrative genre than in the expository genre. However, participants’ writing samples demonstrated equally impoverished text structure for both genres. Positive correlations were found between microstructure and macrostructure performance. Findings confirm the effects of discourse genre on measures of microstructure and further elucidate the use of microstructure and macrostructure elements in the writing of adolescents with LLD. Future research, comprehensive writing assessment, and interventionists should consider direct measurement of both microstructure and macrostructure components across genres for this population.
Abnormalities in gamma-band responses to language stimuli in first-degree relatives of children with autism spectrum disorder: an MEG study
Authors: McFadden Kristina L , Hepburn Susan , Winterrowd Erin , Schmidt Gwenda L , Rojas Donald C
Published: November 2012

Background

Synchronous neural oscillatory activity in the gamma range (30–80 Hz) has been shown to be abnormal in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and their first-degree relatives in response to simple auditory stimuli. Gamma-band abnormalities in ASD probands have been seen in response to language stimuli, but this has not been investigated in first-degree relatives. This is of particular interest given that language impairments are a core symptom of ASD and may be part of the broad autism phenotype (BAP) seen in relatives.

Methods

Magnetoencephalography recordings during a continuous word recognition task were obtained for 23 parents of a child with ASD (pASD) and 28 adult control participants. Total and evoked gamma-band activity, as well as inter-trial phase-locking factor (PLF), were measured in response to the task. Beta-band activity was also measured, due to its suggested role in language processing. Participants completed a series of language measures to assess the relationship between brain activity and language function, and lateralization of task-related activity was assessed.

Results

The pASD group showed increased evoked gamma and beta activity, while controls had decreased evoked activity. Additionally, while both groups showed a reduction in total gamma power (commonly seen in language tasks), this reduction was more prominent in the control group. The pASD group demonstrated significantly worse performance on a measure of phonology compared to controls. Significant but distinct relationships were found between gamma/beta activity and language measures within the two groups. In addition, while the overall task generally elicited left lateralized responses, pASD showed greater left lateralization than controls in some regions of interest.

Conclusions

Abnormalities in oscillatory responses to language were seen in pASD that are consistent with previous findings in ASD probands. Gamma-band responses to language stimuli have not previously been assessed in first-degree relatives of ASD probands and these findings are supportive of gamma-band activity as a heritable, neurophysiological biomarker of ASD. The possible relationship seen between language function and neural activity in the current study should be investigated further to assess if oscillatory response abnormalities may contribute to behavioural manifestations of the BAP.
Unusual stent after ureteral substitution. A first case
Authors: Fiorini Girolamo , Pomara Giorgio , Manassero Francesca , Mogorovich Andrea , Faggioni Lorenzo , Selli Cesare
Published: November 2012

Background

To the best of our knowledge this is the first case where a Silastic drain is used in ureteral surgery instead of a common urological stent. Patients coming from other institutions, especially in peripheral areas, can be treated with non conventional devices and if traditional imaging is inconclusive, computed tomography (CT) can provide valuable information to make the right diagnosis.

Case presentation

We present the unusual case of a 32F Silastic drain found inside the urinary tract in a female patient who had previously undergone ileal loop replacement of the left ureter for post-hysterectomy stricture at another Institution, and had subsequently repeated surgery due to persistent hydronephrosis. Radiological findings on plain abdominal X-ray were quite misleading, while CT allowed a correct assessment of the drain features.

Conclusion

While double J stents of different lengths, sizes and materials are used in ureteral surgery, the use of Silastic drains has not been previously reported. In light of the present experience we don’t suggest its routinely use.
A Plasmodium falciparum copper-binding membrane protein with copper transport motifs
Authors: Choveaux David L , Przyborski Jude M , Goldring JP Dean
Published: November 2012

Background

Copper is an essential catalytic co-factor for metabolically important cellular enzymes, such as cytochrome-c oxidase. Eukaryotic cells acquire copper through a copper transport protein and distribute intracellular copper using molecular chaperones. The copper chelator, neocuproine, inhibits Plasmodium falciparum ring-to-trophozoite transition in vitro, indicating a copper requirement for malaria parasite development. How the malaria parasite acquires or secretes copper still remains to be fully elucidated.

Methods

PlasmoDB was searched for sequences corresponding to candidate P. falciparum copper-requiring proteins. The amino terminal domain of a putative P. falciparum copper transport protein was cloned and expressed as a maltose binding fusion protein. The copper binding ability of this protein was examined. Copper transport protein-specific anti-peptide antibodies were generated in chickens and used to establish native protein localization in P. falciparum parasites by immunofluorescence microscopy.

Results

Six P. falciparum copper-requiring protein orthologs and a candidate P. falciparum copper transport protein (PF14_0369), containing characteristic copper transport protein features, were identified in PlasmoDB. The recombinant amino terminal domain of the transport protein bound reduced copper in vitro and within Escherichia coli cells during recombinant expression. Immunolocalization studies tracked the copper binding protein translocating from the erythrocyte plasma membrane in early ring stage to a parasite membrane as the parasites developed to schizonts. The protein appears to be a PEXEL-negative membrane protein.

Conclusion

Plasmodium falciparum parasites express a native protein with copper transporter characteristics that binds copper in vitro. Localization of the protein to the erythrocyte and parasite plasma membranes could provide a mechanism for the delivery of novel anti-malarial compounds.
A population pharmacokinetic model of piperaquine in pregnant and non-pregnant women with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Sudan
Authors: Hoglund Richard M , Adam Ishag , Hanpithakpong Warunee , Ashton Michael , Lindegardh Niklas , Day Nicholas PJ , White Nicholas J , Nosten Francois , Tarning Joel
Published: November 2012

Background

Pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of developing a malaria infection and a higher risk of developing severe malaria. The pharmacokinetic properties of many anti-malarials are also altered during pregnancy, often resulting in a decreased drug exposure. Piperaquine is a promising anti-malarial partner drug used in a fixed-dose combination with dihydroartemisinin. The aim of this study was to investigate the population pharmacokinetics of piperaquine in pregnant and non-pregnant Sudanese women with uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Method

Symptomatic patients received a standard dose regimen of the fixed dose oral piperaquine-dihydroartemisinin combination treatment. Densely sampled plasma aliquots were collected and analysed using a previously described LC-MS/MS method. Data from 12 pregnant and 12 non-pregnant women were analysed using nonlinear mixed-effects modelling. A Monte Carlo Mapped Power (MCMP) analysis was conducted based on a previously published study to evaluate the power of detecting covariates in this relatively small study.

Results

A three-compartment disposition model with a transit-absorption model described the observed data well. Body weight was added as an allometric function on all clearance and volume parameters. A statistically significant decrease in estimated terminal piperaquine half-life in pregnant compared with non-pregnant women was found, but there were no differences in post-hoc estimates of total piperaquine exposure. The MCMP analysis indicated a minimum of 13 pregnant and 13 non-pregnant women were required to identify pregnancy as a covariate on relevant pharmacokinetic parameters (80% power and p=0.05). Pregnancy was, therefore, evaluated as a categorical and continuous covariate (i.e. estimate gestational age) in a full covariate approach. Using this approach pregnancy was not associated with any major change in piperaquine elimination clearance. However, a trend of increasing elimination clearance with increasing gestational age could be seen.

Conclusions

The population pharmacokinetic properties of piperaquine were well described by a three-compartment disposition model in pregnant and non-pregnant women with uncomplicated malaria. The modelling approach showed no major difference in piperaquine exposure between the two groups and data presented here do not warrant a dose adjustment in pregnancy in this vulnerable population.
Genetic characterization of a reptilian calicivirus (Cro1)
Authors: Sandoval-Jaime Carlos , Parra Gabriel I , Smith Alvin W , Green Kim Y , Sosnovtsev Stanislav V
Published: November 2012

Background

Vesiviruses in the familyCaliciviridaeinfect a broad range of animal hosts including mammals, birds, fish, amphibians and reptiles. The vesivirus Cro1 strains were isolated from diseased snakes in the San Diego zoo in 1978 and reported as the first caliciviruses found in reptiles. The goal of this study was to characterize the Cro1 strain 780032I that was isolated in cell culture from a rock rattlesnake (Crotalus lepidus)in the original outbreak.

Results

We re-amplified the original virus stock in Vero cells, and determined its full-length genome sequence. The Cro1 genome is 8296 nucleotides (nt) in length and has a typical vesivirus organization, with three open reading frames (ORF), ORF1 (5643 nt), ORF2 (2121 nt), and ORF3 (348 nt) encoding a nonstructural polyprotein, the major capsid protein precursor, and a minor structural protein, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of the full-length genome sequence revealed that the Cro1 virus clustered most closely with the VESV species of the genusVesivirus, but was genetically distinct (82-83% identities with closest strains).

Conclusions

This is the first description of a full-length genome sequence from a reptile calicivirus (Cro1). The availability of the Cro1 genome sequence should facilitate investigation of the molecular mechanisms involved in Cro1 virus evolution and host range.
Clival chordoma with an atypical presentation: a case report
Authors: Alshammari Jaber , Monnier Philippe , Daniel Roy T , Sandu Kishore
Published: November 2012

Introduction

Clival chordomas present with headache, commonly VI cranial nerve palsy or sometimes with lower cranial nerve involvement. Very rarely, they present with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea due to an underlying chordoma-induced skull base erosion.

Case presentation

A 60-year old Caucasian woman presented with meningitis secondary to cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea. At first, radiological imaging did not reveal a tumoral condition, though intraoperative exploration and tissue histology revealed a chordoma which eroded her clivus and had a transdural extension.

Conclusion

Patients who present with meningitis and cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhoea could have an underlying erosive lesion which can sometimes be missed on initial radiological examination. Surgical exploration allows collecting suspicious tissue for histological diagnosis which is important for the actual treatment. A revision endoscopic excision of a clival chordoma is challenging and has been highlighted in this report.
Technical Advance: Fluorescent reporter reveals insights into eomesodermin biology in cytotoxic lymphocytes
Authors: Paley Michael A , Gordon Scott M , Bikoff Elizabeth K , Robertson Elizabeth J , Wherry E John , Reiner Steven L
Published: November 2012

Fluorescent reporter allele provides insights on the role for eomesodermin in NK development, CD8+ T cell effector function, and central memory formation.

The T-box transcription factor Eomes is expressed in cytotoxic immune cells and plays an important role in development, maintenance, and function of these cell types. Identification and separation of cells with differential Eomes expression would allow for better understanding of the transcriptional program governing these cytotoxic lymphocytes. Here, we report the use of an Eomesgfp-targeted mouse allele that displays robust fidelity to Eomes protein expression in NK and T cells. Use of this reporter mouse revealed that Eomes expression in antiviral effector cells did not correlate with enhanced cytotoxicity but rather was associated with more efficient central memory differentiation. Weakening of reporter activity in Eomes-deficient CD8+ T cells revealed a critical role for Eomes protein in maintaining central memory cells that have activated the Eomes locus. Characterization of reporter activity in NK lineage cells also permitted identification of a novel intermediate of NK cell maturation. Thus, the murine Eomesgfp-targeted allele provides a novel opportunity to explore Eomes biology in cytotoxic lymphocytes.
Exenatide as a Novel Weight Loss Modality in Patients Without Diabetes
Authors: Moreno Jessica L , Willett Kristine C , Desilets Alicia R
Published: November 2012

Objective:

To evaluate the potential role of exenatide for weight loss in overweight or obese adults without diabetes.

Data Sources:

PubMed (1946-August 2012) and EMBASE (1974-August 2012) were used to conduct a literature search utilizing the terms exenatide, weight loss, obesity, and overweight. Additional references were identified by bibliographic review of relevant articles.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Studies assessing the use of exenatide in adult subjects without type 2 diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome and reporting effects on body weight were included.

Data Synthesis:

Five studies were identified that reported use of exenatide in nondiabetic adults and included weight change as an outcomes measure. In all 5 of these studies, subjects taking exenatide experienced statistically significant weight loss, which ranged from 2.0 ± 2.8 to 5.1 ± 0.5 kg. Two of the trials were randomized, placebo-control led studies; 1 trial was a randomized, open-label investigation; 1 study had a prospective, open-label cohort design; and the remaining study was a chart review. Adverse events experienced with exenatide were primarily gastrointestinal in nature, although each trial reported the drug to be well tolerated.

Conclusions:

Obesity continues to be a national epidemic, while choices for effective pharmacologic treatments are extremely limited. Exenatide appears to have promising effects on weight in overweight or obese adults without type 2 diabetes, Further investigations with large, placebo-controlled trials assessing long-term weight loss as a primary outcome are warranted.
Two Remarkable Features of Coptic Syntax
Authors: Boud’hors Anne , Shisha-Halevy Ariel
Published: November 2012

This study, more suggestive than conclusive, presents, illustrates and briefly discusses cases of “unorthodox” syntax in some dialects of Coptic, including Shenoutean Sahidic:

(Ia) The Stative form as adjunct and/or adnexal expansion, where we rather expect the circumstantial Present with Stative rheme. This recalls the “synthetic” Stative of Old and Middle Egyptian.

(Ib) The Stative in what seems deverbal adjective roles.

(II) The element тє, well-established as a non-referential copular constituent in certain Nominal Sentence patterns; also te in situational-anaphoric or thetic roles. Some of these constructions were first observed by W. E. Crum in his early editions, especially of Theban and Fayyumic sources.
Structural integrity of hydrided nuclear fuel cladding
Authors: Ruiz-Hervías Jesús , Javier Gomez F. , Martín-Rengel Miguel A. , Torres Elena
Published: November 2012

The structural integrity of nuclear fuel cladding is affected by the precipitation of hydrides during operation, which may embrittle the cladding. The aim of this work is to obtain the mechanical and fracture properties of the cladding as a function of the hydrogen content and testing temperature. To this end, the embrittlement caused by circumferential hydrides was simulated on unirradiated fuel cladding samples in the laboratory. The structural integrity of the cladding was assessed at different temperatures (20, 135 and 300ºC), by using the ring compression test. The mechanical properties and the fracture energy were calculated from the experimental load vs. displacement curves, by means of a finite element model which incorporates the cohesive crack model.
Advanced Ceramics and Glass-Ceramics for Immobilisation of ILW and HLW
Authors: Vance E. R. , Stewart M. W. A. , Moricca S.
Published: November 2012

Since the 1970s there has been a steady increase in research on candidate ceramic and glass-ceramics for immobilisation of HLW and ILW, both from the aspects of crystal-chemical design and processing technology. The variety of ceramics and glass-ceramics designed for different types of HLW and ILW will be presented, notably those which are problematic for vitrification. Several of these materials are optimally processed by hot isostatic pressing (HIP), a technology which can consolidate calcined intermediate-level and high-level nuclear waste. Thus we are targeting such wastes for development of alternative waste forms. The essential process steps during the HIP cycle will be outlined. Effective consolidation of a wide variety of tailored glass-ceramic and ceramic waste forms has been demonstrated. The principal advantages of the HIP technology include negligible offgas during the high temperature consolidation step, relatively small footprint, and high waste/volume loadings. While it can be argued that the “nuclear waste problem” is essentially solved technically, at least with current regulatory guidelines, different perceptions of the “best” waste form and processing method for a given waste, together with the general current lack of agreed locations for final repositories, or even interim storage sites, create uncertainties.
Sintering Kinetics of an Yttrium Aluminosilicate Glass
Authors: Prado Miguel O. , Lago Diana , Rodriguez Diego S.
Published: November 2012

Yttrium aluminosilicate (YAS) glasses have been proposed as host matrices for the immobilization of radioactive elements. In addition, yttrium has been used to simulate actinides [1]. It is well known that these glasses are resistant to water corrosion and exhibit high Tg and good mechanical properties [2]. As shown in [3], on heating, yttrium disilicate and mullite / sillimanite crystals grow from the pre-existing nucleation sites on the surface, until each glass particle volume is fully crystallized (volume-homogeneous nucleation was not observed), decreasing the glassy surface available for sintering by viscous flow. Sintering takes place simultaneously, by viscous flow but competes with surface crystallization; thus, if thermal treatment is not carefully designed a vitroceramic is obtained. In this paper we study the isothermal sintering kinetics of a YAS glass-powder-size distribution and non-isothermal sintering kinetics at 1, 3, 5, 10 and 15 K/min of two YAS glass-powder-size distributions. From the experimental evidence obtained, and crystallization data from [3], we design a sintering procedure in order to achieve a high-density glass monolith with submicrometric crystalline phases.
What really happens to the “vanishing overpack”?
Authors: McKinley I. G. , Neall F. B. , Scourse E. M. , Kawamura H.
Published: November 2012

Concepts for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) and spent fuel (SF) in several countries include a massive steel overpack within a bentonite buffer. In past conservative safety assessments to demonstrate feasibility of geological disposal, overpacks are assumed to provide complete containment for a given lifetime, after which all fail simultaneously. After failure, they are ignored as physical barriers to radionuclide transport. In order to compare different repository designs for specific sites, however, a more realistic treatment of overpack failure and its subsequent behaviour is needed. In addition to arguing for much longer lifetimes before mechanical failure and a distribution of overpack failure times, such assessment indicates that the presence of the failed overpack greatly constrains radionuclide release from the waste matrix and subsequent migration through the engineered barrier system. It also emphasises the key role of the bentonite buffer and the need to be able to assure its performance over relevant timescales.
Surface Electrochemistry of Uranium Dioxide in Acidic Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions
Authors: Razdan Mayuri , Hall David , Shoesmith David W.
Published: November 2012

The electrochemical reduction of H2O2 on SIMFUEL was investigated over the pH range 1 to 4. The mechanism at pH 4 is known to occur on UV species incorporated into a surface layer of UIV1-2xUV2xO2+x. However, below pH 3, reduction occurs on an adsorbed UVO2(OH) state which is unstable and oxidizes to insulating UVI before dissolving as UO22+. Both schemes are observed at intermediate pH’s. The presence of both low and high acidic regions at the electrode surface is determined by the combination of peroxide concentration, bulk pH and the surface diffusion conditions.
Deposition of Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate Gel on Rough Surface of Granite from Calcium-rich Highly Alkaline Plume
Authors: Niibori Yuichi , Komatsu Kyo , Mimura Hitoshi
Published: November 2012

Cement-based materials used in the construction of the repository for high/low level radioactive wastes may produce a highly alkaline calcium-rich groundwater (plume). The Ca ions react with soluble silicic acid, depositing calcium-silicate-hydrate (CSH) gel on the surfaces of the groundwater flow-paths and decreasing the permeability of the bedrock. Such a decrement of permeability may play a role in retarding the migration of radionuclides. In this study, the deposition behavior in a fracture was experimentally examined by using a micro flow-cell consisting of silicon plate (including a slit (60 mm×5 mm, or 60 mm×2 mm)) and granite-chip. The initial equivalent-aperture based on the square law was estimated in the range of 26 μm to 45 μm from the flow test of pure water.

In the experiments, a Ca(OH)2 solution of 6.36 mM (pH: 12.2 to12.5, including NaOH) was continuously injected into the flow system at a constant flow rate of 1 or 2 ml/h. The solution flowed on the surface of the granite-chip. In this study, we prepared two kinds of chips that differed in the treatment of the surface. One chip was roughly ground with #2000 sandpaper (hereinafter referred to as rough surface) and another was polished to mirror-like surface. As a result, on the rough surface the deposits of CSH gel appeared along flow-channels across mineral grain-boundaries, while the deposits on the mirror-like surface were relatively uniform. Furthermore, the permeability in the case of rough surface became smaller than that in the case of mirror-like surface, showing the repeats of rapid decrement and increment due to the relatively large roughness of the surface. In order to estimate the decrement degrees of permeability, a simple, one-dimensional mathematical model is proposed in this study.
Effect of the Composition of Nickel Alloys on the Anodic Behavior in Aqueous Solutions of Chloride and Bicarbonate
Authors: Zadorozne Natalia S. , Carranza Ricardo M. , Giordano Mabel C. , Ares Alicia E. , Rebak Raul B.
Published: November 2012

The stress corrosion cracking (SCC) of Alloy 22 in concentrated ground waters was associated to the presence of bicarbonate and chloride ions in the water. SCC occurred when an anodic peak appeared in the polarization curve of Alloy 22. The aim of this work was to investigate further which element in Alloy 22 was responsible for the anodic peak and therefore SCC. Four alloys (22, 800H, 600 and 201) were mainly used for this study. It has been found that Alloy 22, 600 and 800H show anodic peaks; which are affected by chloride and temperature. It is likely that the anodic peak is associated to the presence of either chromium, molybdenum or both.
Technological options for disposal of waste containing TENORM of oil industry in Brazil
Authors: Alves Mara R. F. V. , Souza Susana O.
Published: November 2012

Some human activities can focus radioactive natural materials on their waste and products through technological processes by increasing the local background radioactivity at values that may compromise the health and safety of persons and the environment. The oil industry waste containing technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (TENORM) are high volume and low levels activity cannot be classified and arranged according to the Brazilian standard for classification of waste generating a stalemate in its management in Brazil. This work has identified technological alternatives for the disposal of waste containing TENORM available in the world and examined its use in the oil industry in Brazil, considering the Brazilian legislation.
Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics Study of Plutonium (IV) Solvation
Authors: Kirker Ian , Kaltsoyannis Nikolas
Published: November 2012

Gas phase-optimized structures are used to assemble anab initiomolecular dynamics simulation of plutonium (IV) solvated in water. Hydrolysis is observed, and results are compared to experimental EXAFS data.

While simulation time is insufficient to be conclusive, evidence suggests that the 7-coordinate singly-hydrolysed complex, [Pu (OH) (OH2)6]3+, is most stable in our simulated environment. Energetic differences between the gas-phase optimised structure and the prevalent dynamic simulation structure are shown to be relatively small.
A computational comparison of the speciation of uranyl D-gluconate and uranyl α-isosaccharinate complexes in aqueous solutions.
Authors: Hassomal Birjkumar Krishna , Kaltsoyannis Nikolas
Published: November 2012

The geometries, relative energies and spectroscopic properties of α-isosaccharinate and D-gluconate complexes of uranyl(VI) are studied computationally using density functional theory. The effect of pH is accommodated by varying the number of water and hydroxide ligands accompanying gluconate in the equatorial plane of the uranyl unit. Their relative energies are found to be pH dependent, although the energetic differences between them are not sufficient to exclude the possibility of multiple speciation. The calculated uranyl stretching frequency decreases as pH increases, in agreement with previous experimental data. Three different coordination modes are studied.