bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LOW VOLTAGE CURRENT CONVEYOR-BASED FIELD PROGRAMMABLE ANALOG ARRAY
Authors: MAHMOUD SOLIMAN A. , SOLIMAN EMAN A.
Published: January 2012

In this paper a low voltage low power field programmable analog array (FPAA) is realized. The FPAA configurable analog block (CAB) design is based on three-bit digitally controlled fully differential current conveyor. The FPAA consists of seven CABs. The CABs are directly connected together without adding extra hardware by placing them in a hexagonal lattice arrangement. A variable gain amplifier, tunable second-order low-pass filter, and a tunable second-order band-pass filter are realized as an application for the FPAA. The FPAA total power consumption is 105.12 mW at 1 V supply. The FPAA is realized using IBM 90 nm CMOS technology model from MOSIS under voltage supply of ±0.5 V.
THE DSAW ASPECT-ORIENTED SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM
Authors: ORTIN FRANCISCO , VINUESA LUIS , FELIX JOSE M.
Published: January 2012

Aspect-Oriented Software Development (AOSD) provides systematic means to modularize crosscutting concerns in software development. Common AOSD benefits are a higher level of abstraction, concern reuse, better legibility, and software maintainability improvement. In AOSD, static weaving implementations commonly obtain better runtime performance, whereas dynamic weaving provides runtime application adaptiveness and a valuable aid in software development. Since both approaches provide benefits, we have developed a Dynamic and Static Aspect Weaving (DSAW) platform that supports both kinds of weavers: a full dynamic one to offer high dynamic adaptiveness and a static one to obtain better runtime performance when the application is deployed. Furthermore, both weaving techniques can even be used simultaneously in the same application. Depending on the adaptiveness requirements and the life cycle stage, the programmer could change from one type of weaving to the other without performing any modification in the source code of either components or aspects. Therefore, DSAW provides the separation of the dynamism (weaving-time) concern in the aspect-oriented software development process. Moreover, our platform also supports a wide set of join-points and is language and platform neutral. A detailed assessment has revealed that the DSAW platform provides a competitive alternative to develop aspect oriented software.
MANAGING CONCERN KNOWLEDGE IN SOFTWARE SYSTEMS
Authors: HAMMOUDA IMED , KOSKIMIES KAI , MIKKONEN TOMMI
Published: January 2012

Knowledge representation, acquisition, and sharing in software development projects is challenging due to the involvement of different kinds of stakeholders and large heterogeneous repositories of artifacts. In this paper, we argue that the concept of a concern can be used to facilitate the management of knowledge concerning the various system artifacts. Concerns represent pieces of knowledge pertaining to various viewpoints and interests of the stakeholders. In order to represent concerns, we propose the use of a non-intrusive role-based mechanism called a fragment. Using this mechanism, tacit knowledge can be made explicit by mapping stakeholders interests to artifact repositories, concern-based queries can be addressed to the repositories, and concerns can be combined to produce new knowledge. A concern-based prototype tool environment for knowledge management has been built and used for evaluating the approach in the context of industrial case studies.
A NOVEL APPROACH FOR SEMANTIC INTEROPERABILITY IN THE WEB BASED ON THE SEMANTIC TRIANGLE COMMUNICATION MODEL
Authors: CHIANESE ANGELO , FASOLINO ANNA RITA , MOSCATO VINCENZO , TRAMONTANA PORFIRIO , CAROPRESO MARIO
Published: January 2012

In this paper we propose a novel communication approach and a possible implementation of it that, exploiting the Semantic Web technologies, allows semantic interoperability among software agents in the Web, preserving not only the semantics but also the subjectivity of the agent's world vision in the communication. Such an approach takes advantage of a particular communication model called Semantic Triangle in which communication agents share the referents (real world objects) and not the concepts (mental image or impression of a real object from the sender agents point of view), thus ensuring an effective semantic interoperability in the information exchange process.

The proposed approach has been submitted to an experiment that involved an instantiation of the communication process based on semantic machines and showed the approach feasibility for the semantic information exchange and its effectiveness.
QUANTUM GRAVITY SIGNALS IN NEUTRINO OSCILLATIONS
Authors: SPRENGER MARTIN , NICOLINI PIERO , BLEICHER MARCUS
Published: January 2012

We investigate the effect of a Quantum Gravity-induced minimal length on neutrino oscillations. The minimal length is implemented in a phenomenological framework, allowing us to make predictions independently of any fundamental approach. We obtain clear minimal length signatures and discuss their observability in current and future experiments. We present an overview over other scenarios in which the minimal length leaves its signature and show new results concerning minimal length thermodynamics.
DETECTION OF POINT SOURCES IN COSMIC RAY MAPS USING THE MEXICAN HAT WAVELET FAMILY
Authors: ALVES BATISTA RAFAEL , KEMP ERNESTO , DANIEL BRUNO
Published: January 2012

An analysis of the sensitivity of gaussian and mexican hat wavelet family filters to the detection of point sources of ultra-high energy cosmic rays was performed. A source embedded in a background was simulated and the number of events and amplitude of this source was varied aiming to check the sensitivity of the method to detect faint sources with low statistic of events.
TAILORABLE GROUPWARE DESIGN BASED ON THE 3C MODEL
Authors: CHEAIB NADER , OTMANE SAMIR , MALLEM MALIK
Published: January 2012

In this paper, we propose a software architecture based on Web services and Software agents for groupware tailorability. Through our literature study, we realize that the property of tailorability has a significant impact on designing collaborative applications. Although online applications in the recent years have been growing exponentially, online collaborative work between users is often supported by software applications that provide static basic functionalities, mostly centered on communication tools (text, audio and video). Hence, adding more sophisticated tools for enriching the collaborative experience, as for example, an integrated environment for task coordination and production, requires manually coding them into the application, which requires a significant effort in order to adapt the system to the real needs of users. In a collaborative context, the application designers are not able to predict all users' needs at design time. To remedy this problem, we propose a tailorable groupware architecture that enables the dynamic integration/composition of services into the collaborative application, gaining both in time and performance. Our work is based on the 3C functional model by Ellis that decomposes collaboration between users into communication, coordination and cooperation spaces. Through our research, we realized that Web services are powerful distributed components offering the desired tools to adapt a groupware to the real needs of users. In this paper, we propose a collaboration protocol based on Web services between machines over the network in order to exchange common services. Based on this protocol, we propose our groupware architecture, U3D, that introduces tailorability in collaboration applications.
ANALYSIS OF A CLASS RIGID-PLASTIC ROLLING PROBLEMS BY A MODIFIED SECANT-MODULUS METHODS
Authors: ANGELOV T. A.
Published: January 2012

For a class of steady-state rolling problems, with rigid-plastic, slightly compressible, strain-rate-dependent material model and with unilateral contact and nonlocal Coulomb's friction, variational inequality formulations are derived. A modification of the secant-modulus method is proposed, its convergence is proved and existence and uniqueness results are obtained. An algorithm, combining the finite element and the modified secant-modulus method, is proposed and an illustrative rolling problem is solved.
Effect of development on [Ca2+]i transients to ATP in petrosal ganglion neurons: a pharmacological approach using optical recording
Authors: Nunes Ana R. , Chavez-Valdez Raul , Ezell Tarrah , Donnelly David F. , Glover Joel C. , Gauda Estelle B.
Published: January 2012

ATP, acting through P2X2/P2X3 receptor-channel complexes, plays an important role in carotid body chemoexcitation in response to natural stimuli in the rat. Since the channels are permeable to calcium, P2X activation by ATP should induce changes in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). Here, we describe a novel ex vivo approach using fluorescence [Ca2+]i imaging that allows screening of retrogradely labeled chemoafferent neurons in the petrosal ganglion of the rat. ATP-induced [Ca2+]i responses were characterized at postnatal days (P) 5–8 and P19–25. While all labeled cells showed a brisk increase in [Ca2+]i in response to depolarization by high KCl (60 mM), only a subpopulation exhibited [Ca2+]i responses to ATP. ATP (250–1,000 μM) elicited one of three temporal response patterns: fast (R1), slow (R2), and intermediate (R3). At P5–8, R2 predominated and its magnitude was attenuated 44% by the P2X1 antagonist, NF449 (10 μM), and 95% by the P2X1/P2X3/P2X2/3 antagonist, TNP-ATP (10 μM). At P19–25, R1 and R3 predominated and their magnitudes were attenuated 15% by NF449, 66% by TNP-ATP, and 100% by suramin (100 μM), a nonspecific P2 purinergic receptor antagonist. P2X1 and P2X2 protein levels in the petrosal ganglion decreased with development, while P2X3 protein levels did not change significantly. We conclude that the profile of ATP-induced P2X-mediated [Ca2+]i responses changes in the postnatal period, corresponding with changes in receptor isoform expression. We speculate that these changes may participate in the postnatal maturation of chemosensitivity.
Pathogenesis of Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Hypothesis with Emphasis on the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius
Authors: Daulatzai Mak Adam
Published: January 2012

OSA is characterized by the quintessential triad of intermittent apnea, hypoxia, and hypoxemia due to pharyngeal collapse. This paper highlights the upstream mechanisms that may trigger cognitive decline in OSA. Three interrelated steps underpin cognitive dysfunction in OSA patients. First, several risk factors upregulate peripheral inflammation; these crucial factors promote neuroinflammation, cerebrovascular endothelial dysfunction, and oxidative stress in OSA. Secondly, the neuroinflammation exerts negative impact globally on the CNS, and thirdly, important foci in the neocortex and brainstem are rendered inflamed and dysfunctional. A strong link is known to exist between neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. A unique perspective delineated here underscores the importance of dysfunctional brainstem nuclei in etiopathogenesis of cognitive decline in OSA patients. Nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) is the central integration hub for afferents from upper airway (somatosensory/gustatory), respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular (baroreceptor and chemoreceptor) and other systems. The NTS has an essential role in sympathetic and parasympathetic systems also; it projects to most key brain regions and modulates numerous physiological functions. Inflamed and dysfunctional NTS and other key brainstem nuclei may play a pivotal role in triggering memory and cognitive dysfunction in OSA. Attenuation of upstream factors and amelioration of the NTS dysfunction remain important challenges.
Strong Convergence to Solutions of Generalized Mixed Equilibrium Problems with Applications
Authors: Cholamjiak Prasit , Suantai Suthep , Cho Yeol Je
Published: January 2012

We introduce a Halpern‐type iteration for a generalized mixed equilibrium
problem in uniformly smooth and uniformly convex Banach spaces. Strong convergence
theorems are also established in this paper. As applications, we apply
our main result to mixed equilibrium, generalized equilibrium, and mixed variational
inequality problems in Banach spaces. Finally, examples and numerical
results are also given.
Electrochemical Detection of Iron in a Lixiviant Solution of Polluted Soil Using a Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode
Authors: Anguiano D. I. , García M. G. , Ruíz C. , Torres J. , Alonso-Lemus I. , Alvarez-Contreras L. , Verde-Gómez Y. , Bustos E.
Published: January 2012

This paper presents preliminary results on the modification of glassy carbon electrodes with Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes with or without Polyaniline and Pt nanoparticles as electrocatalytic materials for metallic pollutants detection. Electrodes were constructed and incorporated as amperometric detectors of ionic iron electroreduction using the Flow Injection Amperometric technique in aqueous solution. The results not only revealed the modified electrode with nanotubes, polyaniline and platinum nanoparticles were the most selective and sensitive, but also provided an electroanalytic tool to analyze iron in lixiviated samples of polluted soil. The proposed iron sensor exhibited a linear response between 0 and 10 mM with detection and quantification limits of 0.003 and 0.012 μM, respectively. The aqueous samples were taken from a lixiviated solution of polluted soil from Mineral de Pozos, Guanajuato, Mexico, to define the erosion grade of soil.
The Role of 3 Tesla MRA in the Detection of Intracranial Aneurysms
Authors: Kapsalaki Eftychia Z. , Rountas Christos D. , Fountas Kostas N.
Published: January 2012

Intracranial aneurysms constitute a common pathological entity, affecting approximately 1–8% of the general population. Their early detection is essential for their prompt treatment. Digital subtraction angiography is considered the imaging method of choice. However, other noninvasive methodologies such as CTA and MRA have been employed in the investigation of patients with suspected aneurysms. MRA is a noninvasive angiographic modality requiring no radiation exposure. However, its sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy were initially inadequate. Several MRA techniques have been developed for overcoming all these drawbacks and for improving its sensitivity. 3D TOF MRA and contrast-enhanced MRA are the most commonly employed techniques. The introduction of 3 T magnetic field further increased MRA's sensitivity, allowing detection of aneurysms smaller than 3 mm. The development of newer MRA techniques may provide valuable information regarding the flow characteristics of an aneurysm. Meticulous knowledge of MRA's limitations and pitfalls is of paramount importance for avoiding any erroneous interpretation of its findings.
Iterative Algorithms Approach to Variational Inequalities and Fixed Point Problems
Authors: Liou Yeong-Cheng , Yao Yonghong , Tseng Chun-Wei , Lin Hui-To , Yang Pei-Xia
Published: January 2012

We consider a general variational inequality and fixed point problem, which is to find a point x* with the property that (GVF): x* ∈ GVI(C, A) and g(x*) ∈ Fix(S) where GVI(C, A) is the solution set of some variational inequality Fix(S) is the fixed points set of nonexpansive mapping S, and g is a nonlinear operator. Assume the solution set Ω of (GVF) is nonempty. For solving (GVF), we suggest the following method g(xn+1) = βg(xn)+(1 − β)SPC[αnF(xn)+(1 − αn)(g(xn) − λAxn)], n ≥ 0. It is shown that the sequence {xn} converges strongly to x* ∈ Ω which is the unique solution of the variational inequality 〈F(x*) − g(x*), g(x) − g(x*)〉≤0, for all x ∈ Ω.
A Survey of Psychiatrists’ Expectations of Clinical Pharmacists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Aqeel S. , Al-Sabhan J. , Al-Jumah K.
Published: January 2012

Objectives: To measure psychiatrists’ experience and their expectations of the role of clinical pharmacists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and Methods: The psychiatrists’ experience and their expectations were collected using a 4-part self-completed questionnaire: (a) demographic information, (b) psychiatrists’ current expectations of the roles of pharmacists, (c) psychiatrists’ actual experience with pharmacists, and (d) psychiatrists’ future expectations of pharmacists’ roles. Each part included a set of statements for which respondents were asked to indicate their level of agreement using a 5-point Likert scale. Results: Of the 102 questionnaires delivered to the Department of Psychiatry at 7 hospitals, 77 were returned, representing a response rate of 75%. 59 (77%) psychiatrists expected pharmacists to take personal responsibility for resolving any drug-related problems; 62 (81%) expected them to maintain a complete medication profile, and 58 (75%) expected them to educate patients about the safety and appropriate use of their medication. From their current experience with pharmacists, respondents indicated that pharmacists routinely counsel patients (33, 43%), inform them about the most cost-effective alternative (37, 48%), and discuss with them the therapeutic value of the drugs (37, 48%). 49 (63%) of respondents agreed that in the future, pharmacists should routinely adjust the drug therapy for patients under protocol approved by the physician, and 51 (66%) felt that pharmacists should share legal responsibility for clinical outcomes. Conclusion: Psychiatrists in Riyadh had great expectations of clinical pharmacists to take personal responsibility for resolving drug-related problems they discovered and to assist in designing drug therapy treatment plans. The psychiatrists’ current experience with pharmacists did not, in some cases, meet their expectations.
Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis and Mixed Cryoglobulinemia after Hepatitis C Virus Infection Secondary to Glomerular NS3 Viral Antigen Deposits
Authors: Bataille Stanislas , Kaplanski Gilles , Boucraut José , Halfon Philippe , Camus Claire , Daniel Laurent , Burtey Stéphane , Berland Yvon , Dussol Bertrand
Published: January 2012

Background: We report on 3 cases of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis associated with mixed cryoglobulin in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies but a negative blood viral load. These cases explore the pathogenesis of the renal disease. Methods: We searched for occult HCV infection in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, cryoprecipitate, bone marrow cells, and glomeruli using ultrasensitive PCR assays and immunohistochemistry. We also looked for infraclinical B cell lymphoma by computed tomodensitometry, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, and lymphocyte typing. Results: By PCR assays, we did not evidence occult hepatitis C infection in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, bone marrow cells, or cryoprecipitates. In the only patient with available kidney specimen, we evidenced HCV-NS3 antigen in glomeruli. HCV-associated lymphoma was excluded, but mild polyclonal B lymphocytosis was present in the 3 patients. Remission occurred spontaneously in 1 patient, and in another patient it occurred after rituximab treatment. The third patient was lost to follow-up. Conclusions: In patients with hepatitis C-negative viral load, membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis could be induced by the persistence of HCV antigen in the kidney but not in hematopoietic cells. Nonlymphomatous B cell proliferation may also be induced by chronic viral stimulation.
Cecal Volvulus Associated with Intestinal Malrotation Presenting as Postoperative Intestinal Obstruction
Authors: Arulmolichelvan Arunandhichelavan , Sivaraman Arjun , Muthukrishnan Ashok
Published: January 2012

Objective: To report a case of intestinal malrotation predisposing to cecal volvulus following nonabdominal surgery in an adult. Presentation and Intervention: A 23-year-old male with known anorectal malformation developed a postoperative intestinal obstruction following percutaneous nephrolithotomy for left renal calculus. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a grossly dilated cecum (9 cm) with ileocecal junction on the left side and small bowel loops on the right side of the abdomen. The patient underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy and retroperitonealization cecopexy. Bowel functions were normal at the follow-ups. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of suspecting cecal volvulus even following nonabdominal surgery in the presence of predisposing factors.
Circulation
Editors' Picks
Authors:   The Editors
Published: January 2012

The following articles are being highlighted as part of
Circulation's
Topic Review series. This series will summarize the most important manuscripts, as selected by the editors, published in
Circulation
and the
Circulation
subspecialty journals. The studies included in this article represent the most read manuscripts published on the topic of atherosclerosis in 2010 and 2011.
Psychological Distance Between Categories in the Likert Scale
Authors: Wakita Takafumi , Ueshima Natsumi , Noguchi Hiroyuki
Published: January 2012

This study examined whether the number of options in the Likert scale influences the psychological distance between categories. The most important assumption when using the Likert scale is that the psychological distance between options is equal. The authors proposed a new algorithm for calculating the scale values of options by applying item response theory and the ideas of Wakita to reveal the influence of the number of categories. Three types of questionnaires that were composed of the same items, but used different numbers of options to assess these items (specifically, 4-, 5-, and 7-point scales), were completed by 722 undergraduate students. The results indicated that the number of options influenced the psychological distance between options, particularly for the 7-point scale. This influence was revealed only by the authors’ algorithm; descriptive statistics and coefficients of reliability did not show that the number of options had a prominent influence. The importance of the number of options and the new algorithm are discussed.
Three Different Readings of Luke 10:38-42: Gadamer, Habermas, and Ricoeur in Dialogue
Authors: Kim Junghyung
Published: January 2012

This article aims to compare and contrast three different readings of the biblical story of Martha and Mary (Luke 10:38-42), readings grounded upon three different hermeneutical theories of Hans-Georg Gadamer, Jürgen Habermas, and Paul Ricoeur. Given the fact that feminist scholars like Elizabeth Schüssler Fiorenza criticized the oppressive potential and oppressive interpretations of this passage, I will show how Gadamer, Habermas, and Ricoeur might respond to such a criticism respectively. I will analyze briefly the key arguments of each hermeneutical thinker and propose my constructive reinterpretation of the story on the basis of them. In the conclusion I will construct an imaginary debate between them.
The Contemplative Imperative and Evangelism
Authors: Gillies Robert A.
Published: January 2012

This article argues that because the whole of Jesus’ ministry should be seen as a totality, what he taught in Galilee is as valid as what happened in Gethsemane. His teaching on healing, kingdom proclamation, concern for others is thus on a level with his teaching on and practice of prayer. He enjoined his disciples to follow his way in all respects both then and still does so now. A direct link between the evangelistic and the contemplative imperatives of Jesus is the substantive thesis of this paper. A narrative reading of the Gethsemane story is the biblical setting in which this thesis is proposed.
Evaluation of surface characteristics of inner layer fabrics suitable for structural firefighters’ clothing
Authors: Troynikov O , Nawaz N , Vu S
Published: January 2012

Effective firefighters’ clothing design requires great consideration of physiological comfort factors including sensorial or tactile comfort. The friction between the fabric surface and the skin, and the fabric surface roughness are the two important components in the evaluation of the sensorial comfort of fabrics and materials. The objective of this study is to investigate and compare the material surface characteristics of fabrics suitable for the inner layer of structural clothing for firefighters. We quantitatively examine and evaluate the effects of the fabrics’ composition, construction and their physical parameters on the surface characteristics, as relevant to the practical wear and maintenance of the garments. In addition, the influence of the presence of moisture in the fabrics due to the sweat absorption during strenuous physical activity on the fabrics surface characteristics is addressed.
Raising the batting average: Re-orientating regional industrial policy to generate more high growth firms
Authors: Brown Ross , Mason Colin
Published: January 2012

High growth firms play a disproportionate role in contributing to the economic vitality of regional economies. These are precisely the types of businesses that policy makers need to support in order to generate economic growth. Despite this, the article argues that current regional industrial and enterprise promotion policies in the UK are poorly equipped to help firms grow rapidly. This argument is developed by means of a critical examination of innovation support policies in Scotland. Indeed, many governments use such policies as a surrogate form of high growth firm policy. The article discusses the underlying principles and types of support which are needed to help foster and support rapidly growing firms. It argues that effective policy needs to be targeted, selective and customized to the specialist needs of high growth firms. The implementation of these types of policies is best delivered at a sub-national or regional level.
Co-producing conservation and knowledge: Citizen-based sea turtle monitoring in North Carolina, USA
Authors: Cornwell Myriah L. , Campbell Lisa M.
Published: January 2012

In this paper we examine a volunteer-based sea turtle management project run by the state of North Carolina, USA, to explore collaborative conservation and citizen science. Through this case study, we unpack assumptions from the volunteerism literature and apply theories of co-production to understand how citizens evaluate science and produce knowledge while conducting wildlife monitoring. We demonstrate that the project maintains a healthy give and take between the state and the volunteers as they work together to manage endangered sea turtles. When tensions do emerge over specific issues such as nest relocation, volunteers engage with scientific debates and apply their knowledge gained through the project to push their priorities. While volunteers understand the state’s position on conservation science, they counter with evidence from scientific literature and locally situated observations informed by an alternative view of human–environment relationships and specific goals for the project. Overall, we find that there is little evidence to support the notion that knowledge is ‘co-produced’ in the project. Instead, the combination of volunteer control over the local spaces of conservation and the state’s need for volunteer labor results in the co-production of conservation practice.
Monitoring of municipal waste generated in the City of Warsaw
Authors: den Boer Emilia , den Boer Jan , Jaroszyńska Jadwiga , Szpadt Ryszard
Published: January 2012

Waste management in the new EU member states is currently undergoing rapid development in order to comply with the European legislation. In Poland there is a lack of capacity of waste treatment installations for residual waste which amounts to 5.5 million tonnes year−1. Detailed data on waste generation is needed to design new installations and ensure their efficient operation. This paper presents the results of the monitoring of municipal waste generation in Warsaw, being one of the largest agglomerations in the region. Detailed quantitative and qualitative results for both household and institutional waste are provided, as well as the technological properties of the household waste. The amount of municipal waste generated per capita amounted to 390 kg year−1. The main fractions contributing to the mixed household waste were: biodegradable kitchen waste, packaging plastics, non-packaging paper and cardboard, packaging glass and packaging paper and cardboard. The coarse fraction (> 100 mm) constituted 40% of total household waste, of which the majority were recyclables. The lower heating value of residual waste was sufficient to allow mass incineration. Data on historical developments of household waste quantities and composition since the year 2000 along with their estimates until the year 2020 are provided and discussed. Current problems of municipal waste management in Warsaw along with the proposed future solutions are briefly outlined.
Effects of morin-5′-sulfonic acid sodium salt (NaMSA) on cyclophosphamide-induced changes in oxido-redox state in rat liver and kidney
Authors: Merwid-Ląd A , Trocha M , Chlebda E , Sozański T , Magdalan J , Ksiądzyna D , Kopacz M , Kuźniar A , Nowak D , Pieśniewska M , Fereniec-Gołębiewska L , Kwiatkowska J , Szeląg A
Published: January 2012

Cyclophosphamide (CPX) is an anticancer drug with immunosuppressive properties. Its adverse effects are partly connected to the induction of oxidative stress. Some studies indicate that water-soluble derivative of morin—morin-5′-sulfonic acid sodium salt (NaMSA) exhibits strong antioxidant activity. The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of NaMSA on CPX-induced changes in oxido-redox state in rat. Experiment was carried out on Wistar rats divided in three experimental groups ( N = 12) receiving: 0.9% saline, CPX (15 mg/kg) or CPX (15 mg/kg) + NaMSA (100 mg/kg), respectively, and were given intragastrically for 10 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) concentrations and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were determined in liver and kidneys. Catalase (CAT) activity was assessed only in liver. Treatment with CPX resulted in significant decrease in MDA level in both tissues, which was completely reversed by NaMSA treatment only in liver. In comparison to the control group significant decrease in SOD activity were observed in both tissues of CPX receiving group. In kidneys this parameter was fully restored by NaMSA administration. CPX evoked significant decrease in GSH concentration in kidneys, which was completely reversed by NaMSA treatment. No significant changes were seen in GSH levels and CAT activity between all groups in liver. Results of our study suggest that CPX may exert significant impact on oxido-redox state in both organs. NaMSA fully reversed the CPX-induced changes, especially MDA level in liver, SOD activity and GSH concentration in kidneys and it may be done by enhancement of activity/concentration of endogenous antioxidants.
Altered expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-2 in placentas from women exposed to lead
Authors: González-Puebla E , González-Horta C , Infante-Ramírez R , Sanin LH , Levario-Carrillo M , Sánchez-Ramírez B
Published: January 2012

Experimental studies have shown that prenatal exposure to lead (Pb) produces morphological changes related to extracellular matrix remodelling. To analyse whether the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), particularly MMP-2, MMP-9, and the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2), are associated with morphological alterations found in placentas, the expression of these enzymes was evaluated by immunohistochemical and image analyses in placentas of women with histories of environmental exposure to Pb. The median maternal concentration of Pb in blood was 4.68 µg/dL ([Formula: see text] = 5.85 ± 6.48 µg/dL). Significant differences related to the exposure to Pb were not detected in newborn or placenta weight. MMP-2, MMP-9, and TIMP-2 were expressed in the syncytiotrophoblast layer of placental villi. A significant increase in both MMP-2 and MMP-9 was observed in placentas of women with concentrations of Pb in blood ≥4.68 µg/dL ( p = 0.01 and 0.03 for MMP-2 and MMP-9, respectively) and decrease in TIMP-2 expression ( p = 0.01) resulted in a significant increase in MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio ( p < 0.01). Increased expression of MMPs may be induced to aid in repairing placental tissue damaged by the exposure to Pb and that TIMP-2 decreases its expression to permit tissue repair. Increased expression of MMPs may be important to consider as a mechanism for generating placental abnormalities and in the induction of preterm delivery or abortion.
Short-term exposure of 4-hydroxynonenal induces mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in PC12 cells
Authors: Siddiqui MA , Kumar V , Kashyap MP , Agarwal M , Singh AK , Jahan S , Khanna VK , Al-Khedhairy AA , Musarrat J , Pant AB
Published: January 2012

4-Hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) is one of the most reactive aldehydic by-products of lipid peroxidation. The role of 4-HNE in the etiology of various neurodegenerative disorders including cerebral ischemia/reperfusion, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc. has been documented. We and others have reported that long-term toxic insults of 4-HNE triggers apoptotic signals and oxidative stress in various cells. However, the status of apoptosis following short-term exposure and underlying mechanisms has not been explored so far. We studied the apoptotic changes in PC12 cells receiving short-term exposure of 4-HNE. A significant dose-dependent induction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and early response markers (c-Fos, c-Jun, and GAP-43) were observed in cells exposed to 4-HNE (10, 25, and 50 µM) for 1h. Following the exposure of PC12 cells to 4-HNE, the levels of protein and messenger RNA expressions of P53, Bax, and caspase 3 were significantly upregulated, whereas the levels of Bcl2 was downregulated. We could record the apoptotic signals and ROS generation in PC12 cells receiving 4-HNE exposure for such a short period of time. Induction in the expression and activity of caspase 3 has also indicated the mitochondrial mediation in the apoptosis induction.
Protesters as “Passionate Economists”
Authors: van Zomeren Martijn , Leach Colin Wayne , Spears Russell
Published: January 2012

To explain the psychology behind individuals’ motivation to participate in collective action against collective disadvantage (e.g., protest marches), the authors introduce a dynamic dual pathway model of approach coping that integrates many common explanations of collective action (i.e., group identity, unfairness, anger, social support, and efficacy). It conceptualizes collective action as the outcome of two distinct processes: emotion-focused and problem-focused approach coping. The former revolves around the experience of group-based anger (based in appraised external blame for unfair collective disadvantage). The latter revolves around beliefs in the group’s efficacy (based in appraised instrumental coping potential for social change). The model is the first to make explicit the dynamic nature of collective action by explaining how undertaking collective action leads to the reappraisal of collective disadvantage, thus inspiring future collective action. The authors review empirical support for the model, discuss its theoretical and practical implications, and identify directions for future research and application.
Final Report of the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel on the Safety Assessment of Pelargonic Acid (Nonanoic Acid) and Nonanoate Esters
Authors: Johnson Wilbur , Heldreth and Bart , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Belsito Donald V. , Klaassen Curtis D. , Hill Ronald , Liebler Daniel , Marks James G. , Shank Ronald C. , Slaga Thomas J. , Snyder Paul W. , Andersen F. Alan
Published: January 2012

Pelargonic acid and its esters function as skin-conditioning agents in cosmetics. Molecular weight (mw) and octanol–water partition coefficient data suggest that dermal penetration is possible. The biohandling of branched-chain fatty acids is not the same as for straight-chain fatty acids, but the differences are not significant to the conclusion that they all are readily metabolized to nontoxic moieties. Limited data suggested that the penetration of other ingredients may be enhanced if these ingredients are present in the same formulation. These ingredients are not significant oral or dermal toxicants in animal studies. They are not reproductive/developmental toxicants or genotoxic/carcinogenic in animal studies. The available data suggested that product formulations containing these ingredients would be nonirritating and nonsensitizing to human skin, but formulators were cautioned to consider the penetration enhancement potential. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that these ingredients are safe in the present practices of use and concentration.
‘Wish YOU Weren’t Here!’: Interpersonal Conflicts and the Touristic Experiences of Norwegian and British Women Travelling with Friends
Authors: Heimtun Bente , Jordan Fiona
Published: January 2012

Tourism is often portrayed by the tourism industry, tourists themselves and tourism scholars as a liminoid site of escape, happiness and freedom from constraint. For many, however, holidays do not live up to this expectation. This paper challenges the dominant tourism discourse of holidays as sites of unproblematic pleasure in examining contestation, conflicts and negotiations between women and their travelling companions. Drawing on conceptualizations of in-group interpersonal conflicts and theorization of the mobile social identities of women travellers, we explore the impact of holiday conflicts on women’s holiday experiences and friendships. The findings of this qualitative study of female tourists from Norway and the UK suggest that women adopt various strategies to deal with open and hidden conflicts that may threaten their friendships and holiday experiences. Such strategies include avoidance of conflict through compromise, negotiation of appropriate holiday behaviours prior to travel, or ultimately choosing to travel solo.
Suffering at the hands of the state: Conditions of imprisonment and prisoner health in contemporary Greece
Authors: Cheliotis Leonidas K.
Published: January 2012

With imprisonment rates rising in a large number of jurisdictions worldwide, ever more research attention has been paid to conditions of imprisonment and prisoner health. With a view to contributing to the emerging body of literature, this article offers a systematic summary of key findings from Greece. Prison establishments in this country are vastly overcrowded and material conditions of detainment are deplorable. Healthcare provision in prison is minimal and the prevalence of serious transmittable diseases and mental disorders amongst prisoner populations is high, as are the rates of deliberate self-harm, suicide and death more generally. Prisoner use of prescribed and illicit drugs is alarmingly common, especially as regards injection drugs, and drug overdose appears to account for the majority of deaths in custody.
Schools, strain and offending: Testing a school contextual version of General Strain Theory
Authors: de Beeck Hanne Op , Pauwels Lieven J.R. , Put Johan
Published: January 2012

Based on the idea that schools are important socializing settings for adolescents (Gottfredson, 2001), the school contextual version of General Strain Theory (Agnew, 1999) is tested in this article. The main hypothesis of this study is that strain at the school level affects individual offending by creating individual strain. Findings suggest that school contextual effects differ: convincing contextual effects are found for violent offending but not for general offending. Furthermore, although the school mean level of strain does significantly affect individual violent offending, this effect does not proceed by creating individual strain. It is therefore suggested that the school mean level of strain either has a direct effect on violent offending or influences other important individual offending mechanisms such as social learning or lifestyle risks.
Differential association and substance use: Assessing the roles of discriminant validity, socialization, and selection in traditional empirical tests
Authors: Rebellon Cesar J.
Published: January 2012

Although the correlation between personal and perceived peer substance use remains among the strongest in criminology, the discriminant validity of personal and perceived peer measures remains to be formally tested via confirmatory factor analysis. Further, only limited research has attempted to discern whether substance users seek out similar others rather than being influenced by the substance use that they perceive among their peers. Finally, research has yet to isolate, via panel analysis, the reciprocal relationship between personal substance use and perceived peer attitudes. The present study addresses each of these issues using National Youth Survey data. Results reveal that personal substance-related behavior and perceived peer behavior/attitudes bear only minimal discriminant validity and that, as predicted by Gottfredson and Hirschi’s General Theory of Crime, selection provides a better explanation of their correlation than does socialization.
Genes, Maternal Negativity, and Self-Control
Authors: Wright John Paul , Schnupp Rebecca , Beaver Kevin M. , Delisi Matt , Vaughn Michael
Published: January 2012

Maternal negativity has been consistently linked to a wide range of behavior problems in youth. Many of these problems are closely linked to low self-control. Even so, it is clear that not all youth exposed to maternal negativity show high levels of low self-control. Using direct measures of dopamine genes, we explore the extent to which dopamine genes are associated with variation in low self-control when accompanied by high and low levels of maternal negativity. Our results provide considerable evidence of a Gene × Enviornment interaction and may help to better specify which youth are likely to demonstrate low self-control when faced with stressful stimuli.
Radiotherapy and chemotherapy for elderly patients with stage I–II unresected lung cancer
Authors: Wisnivesky Juan P. , Bonomi Marcelo , Lurslurchachai Linda , Mhango Grace , Halm Ethan A.
Published: January 2012

Radiotherapy (RT) is the standard therapy for unresected stage I–II nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Using population-based data, we compared survival and toxicity among unresected elderly patients treated with combined chemoradiotherapy (CRT) or RT alone.

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) registry (National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA) we identified 3,006 cases of unresected stage I–II NSCLC. We used propensity score methods to compare survival and rates of toxicity of patients treated with RTversusCRT.

Overall, 844 (28%) patients received CRT. Adjusted analyses showed that CRT was associated with improved survival (hazard ratio 0.85, 95% CI 0.78–0.94). Combination therapy was also associated with better survival among stage I patients treated with intermediate complexity RT (HR 0.80, 95% CI 0.70–0.90); however, no difference in survival was observed among patients treated with complex RT. In stage II patients, CRT was associated with improved survival regardless of the RT technique (HR 0.61–0.72). CRT was associated with increased odds of toxicity.

Despite increased toxicity, CRT may improve survival of elderly unresected patients with stage II disease as well as stage I NSCLC treated with intermediate RT complexity. Randomised trials are needed to clarify the balance of benefits and risk of CRT in unresected patients.
Are marginalized women being left behind? A population-based study of institutional deliveries in Karnataka, India
Authors: Adamson Paul C , Krupp Karl , Niranjankumar Bhavana , Freeman Alexandra H , Khan Mudassir , Madhivanan Purnima
Published: January 2012

Background

While India has made significant progress in reducing maternal mortality, attaining further declines will require increased skilled birth attendance and institutional delivery among marginalized and difficult to reach populations.

Methods

A population-based survey was carried out among 16 randomly selected rural villages in rural Mysore District in Karnataka, India between August and September 2008. All households in selected villages were enumerated and women with children 6 years of age or younger underwent an interviewer-administered questionnaire on antenatal care and institutional delivery.

Results

Institutional deliveries in rural areas of Mysore District increased from 51% to 70% between 2002 and 2008. While increasing numbers of women were accessing antenatal care and delivering in hospitals, large disparities were found in uptake of these services among different castes. Mothers belonging to general castes were almost twice as likely to have an institutional birth as compared to scheduled castes and tribes. Mothers belonging to other backward caste or general castes had 1.8 times higher odds (95% CI: 1.21, 2.89) of having an institutional delivery as compared to scheduled castes and tribes. In multivariable analysis, which adjusted for inter- and intra-village variance, Below Poverty Line status, caste, and receiving antenatal care were all associated with institutional delivery.

Conclusion

The results of the study suggest that while the Indian Government has made significant progress in increasing antenatal care and institutional deliveries among rural populations, further success in lowering maternal mortality will likely hinge on the success of NRHM programs focused on serving marginalized groups. Health interventions which target SC/ST may also have to address both perceived and actual stigma and discrimination, in addition to providing needed services. Strategies for overcoming these barriers may include sensitization of healthcare workers, targeted health education and outreach, and culturally appropriate community-level interventions. Addressing the needs of these communities will be critical to achieving Millennium Development Goal Five by 2015.
The Research and Development for Collecting, Emitting, and Manipulating Energy
Authors: Li Tingkai
Published: January 2012

R. E. Smalley (1985 Nobel Laureate for discovery of C60) provided the humanity’s top ten important issues for next 50 years in 2005, which are energy, water, food, environment, poverty, terrorism & war, disease, education, democracy, and population[1]. In the past five years, the people has realized that with exhaustion of fossil fuel energy, global warming, population growth, and etc., the energy challenge & revolution is the most important issue. In order to solve this problem, many governments in the world have been developing the very important projects dealing with collecting, emitting, and manipulating energy. This paper reviewed the recent progress of these projects such as generation of renewable energies and save energies, especially focus on thin film solar cells, LEDs and smart power and grid, which including III-V materials on Si or ceramic substrates for high efficiency thin film solar cell and high power, high brightness and high efficiency LEDs, as well as smart control of mixture of electric, thermal and other energies. The Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) and City Integrated LEDs (CILED) will be most important manufacturing in this century.