bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing to heal; reconstructing communities after disasters
Authors: Donovan Jenny
Published: April 2012

Disasters, whether caused by nature or human nature are a major and growing issue. This paper explores the human and physical costs of disasters and suggests how planners and urban designers can help create the optimal conditions for people to put their lives back together and access, as far as possible, the opportunities they need to thrive and fulfil their potential. The paper draws on the author's observations from Kosovo, Sri Lanka and Northern Ireland. It concludes that whilst there is a rich vein of initiatives that directly or indirectly assist in the healing and rebuilding process they are unlikely to succeed without wider social, economic measures and political initiatives.
Anthropogenic noise is associated with reductions in the productivity of breeding Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis)
Authors: Kight Caitlin R. , Saha Margaret S. , Swaddle John P.
Published: April 2012

Although previous studies have related variations in environmental noise levels with alterations in communication behaviors of birds, little work has investigated the potential long‐term implications of living or breeding in noisy habitats. However, noise has the potential to reduce fitness, both directly (because it is a physiological stressor) and indirectly (by masking important vocalizations and/or leading to behavioral changes). Here, we quantified acoustic conditions in active breeding territories of male Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis). Simultaneously, we measured four fitness indicators: cuckoldry rates, brood growth rate and condition, and number of fledglings produced (i.e., productivity). Increases in environmental noise tended to be associated with smaller brood sizes and were more strongly related to reductions in productivity. Although the mechanism responsible for these patterns is not yet clear, the breeding depression experienced by this otherwise disturbance‐tolerant species indicates that anthropogenic noise may have damaging effects on individual fitness and, by extraction, the persistence of populations in noisy habitats. We suggest that managers might protect avian residents from potentially harmful noise by keeping acoustically dominant anthropogenic habitat features as far as possible from favored songbird breeding habitats, limiting noisy human activities, and/or altering habitat structure in order to minimize the propagation of noise pollution.
The Status of Legal Authority for Injury Prevention Practice in State Health Departments
Authors: Stier Daniel D. , Thombley Melisa L. , Kohn Melvin A. , Jesada Rebecca A.
Published: April 2012

Despite the potential for public health strategies to decrease the substantial burden of injuries, injury prevention infrastructure in state health departments is underdeveloped. We sought to describe the legal support for injury prevention activities at state health departments.

We searched the Lexis database for state laws providing authority for those activities, and categorized the scope of those laws. Only 10 states have authority that covers the full scope of injury prevention practice; in the others, legal authority is piecemeal, nonspecific, or nonexistent.

More comprehensive legal authority could help health departments access data for surveillance, work with partners, address sensitive issues, and garner funding. Efforts should be undertaken to enhance legal support for injury prevention activities across the country.
Safety Belt Laws and Disparities in Safety Belt Use Among US High-School Drivers
Authors: García-España J. Felipe , Winston Flaura K. , Durbin Dennis R.
Published: April 2012

Objectives. We compared reported safety belt use, for both drivers and passengers, among teenagers with learner’s permits, provisional licenses, and unrestricted licenses in states with primary or secondary enforcement of safety belt laws.

Methods. Our data source was the 2006 National Young Driver Survey, which included a national representative sample of 3126 high-school drivers. We used multivariate, log-linear regression analyses to assess associations between safety belt laws and belt use.

Results. Teenaged drivers were 12% less likely to wear a safety belt as drivers and 15% less likely to wear one as passengers in states with a secondary safety belt law than in states with a primary law. The apparent reduction in belt use among teenagers as they progressed from learner to unrestricted license holder occurred in only secondary enforcement states. Groups reporting particularly low use included African American drivers, rural residents, academically challenged students, and those driving pickup trucks.

Conclusions. The results provided further evidence for enactment of primary enforcement provisions in safety belt laws because primary laws are associated with higher safety belt use rates and lower crash-related injuries and mortality.
Rampage Violence Requires a New Type of Research
Authors: Harris John M. , Harris Robin B.
Published: April 2012

Tragedies such as school shootings and the assault on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords share features that define them as acts of “rampage violence.” These types of events can lead to despair about their inevitability and unpredictability.

To understand and prevent rampage violence, we need to acknowledge that current discipline-based violence research is not well suited to this specific challenge. There are numerous important, unanswered research questions that can inform policies designed to prevent rampage violence.

It is time to develop alternative research approaches to reduce the risk of rampage violence. Such approaches should incorporate transdisciplinary research models; flexible, outcomes-focused organizational structures similar to those used to investigate other catastrophic events; and an expanded inventory of analytic tools.
Chronic and Acute Exposures to the World Trade Center Disaster and Lower Respiratory Symptoms: Area Residents and Workers
Authors: Maslow Carey B. , Friedman Stephen M. , Pillai Parul S. , Reibman Joan , Berger Kenneth I. , Goldring Roberta , Stellman Steven D. , Farfel Mark
Published: April 2012

Objectives. We assessed associations between new-onset (post–September 11, 2001 [9/11]) lower respiratory symptoms reported on 2 surveys, administered 3 years apart, and acute and chronic 9/11-related exposures among New York City World Trade Center–area residents and workers enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Registry.

Methods. World Trade Center–area residents and workers were categorized as case participants or control participants on the basis of lower respiratory symptoms reported in surveys administered 2 to 3 and 5 to 6 years after 9/11. We created composite exposure scales after principal components analyses of detailed exposure histories obtained during face-to-face interviews. We used multivariate logistic regression models to determine associations between lower respiratory symptoms and composite exposure scales.

Results. Both acute and chronic exposures to the events of 9/11 were independently associated, often in a dose-dependent manner, with lower respiratory symptoms among individuals who lived and worked in the area of the World Trade Center.

Conclusions. Study findings argue for detailed assessments of exposure during and after events in the future from which potentially toxic materials may be released and for rapid interventions to minimize exposures and screen for potential adverse health effects.
H1N1 Influenza Vaccination During Pregnancy and Fetal and Neonatal Outcomes
Authors: Fell Deshayne B. , Sprague Ann E. , Liu Ning , Yasseen Abdool S. , Wen Shi-Wu , Smith Graeme , Walker Mark C. ,   for Better Outcomes Registry & Network (BORN) Ontario
Published: April 2012

Objectives. We evaluated the relationship between maternal H1N1 vaccination and fetal and neonatal outcomes among singleton births during the 2009–2010 H1N1 pandemic.

Methods. We used a population-based perinatal database in Ontario, Canada, to examine preterm birth (PTB), small-for-gestational-age (SGA) births, 5-minute Apgar score below 7, and fetal death via multivariable regression. We compared outcomes between women who did and did not receive an H1N1 vaccination during pregnancy.

Results. Of the 55 570 mothers with a singleton birth, 23 340 (42.0%) received an H1N1 vaccination during pregnancy. Vaccinated mothers were less likely to have an SGA infant based on the 10th (adjusted risk ratio [RR] = 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.85, 0.96) and 3rd (adjusted RR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.72, 0.92) growth percentiles; PTB at less than 32 weeks’ gestation (adjusted RR = 0.73; 95% CI = 0.58, 0.91) and fetal death (adjusted RR = 0.66; 95% CI = 0.47, 0.91) were also less likely among these women.

Conclusions. Our results suggest that second- or third-trimester H1N1 vaccination was associated with improved fetal and neonatal outcomes during the recent pandemic. Our findings need to be confirmed in future studies with designs that can better overcome concerns regarding biased estimates of vaccine efficacy.
The estimation of compressive strength of normal and recycled aggregate concrete
Authors: Jankovic Ksenija , Nikolic Dragan , Bojovic Dragan , Loncar Ljiljana , Romakov Zoran
Published: April 2012

Estimation of concrete strength is an important issue in ready-mixed concrete
industry, especially, in proportioning new mixtures and for the quality
assurance of the concrete produced. In this article, on the basis of the
existing experimental data of compressive strength of normal and recycled
aggregate concrete and equation for compressive strength calculating given in
Technical regulation are compared. The accuracies of prediction by
experimental data obtained in laboratory as well as by EN 1992-1-1, ACI 209
and SRPS U.M1.048 are compared on the basis of the coefficient of
determination. The determination of the compressive strengths by the equation
described here relies on determination of type of cement and age of concrete
with the constant curing temperature.
Bidirectional Association Between Depression and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Pan An , Keum NaNa , Okereke Olivia I. , Sun Qi , Kivimaki Mika , Rubin Richard R. , Hu Frank B.
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVE

Epidemiological studies have repeatedly investigated the association between depression and metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, the results have been inconsistent. This meta-analysis aimed to summarize the current evidence from cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies that evaluated this association.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases were searched for articles published up to January 2012. Cross-sectional and cohort studies that reported an association between the two conditions in adults were included. Data on prevalence, incidence, unadjusted or adjusted odds ratio (OR), and 95% CI were extracted or provided by the authors. The pooled OR was calculated separately for cross-sectional and cohort studies using random-effects models. The I2 statistic was used to assess heterogeneity.

RESULTS

The search yielded 29 cross-sectional studies (n = 155,333): 27 studies reported unadjusted OR with a pooled estimate of 1.42 (95% CI 1.28–1.57; I2 = 55.1%); 11 studies reported adjusted OR with depression as the outcome (1.27 [1.07–1.57]; I2 = 60.9%), and 12 studies reported adjusted OR with MetS as the outcome (1.34 [1.18–1.51]; I2 = 0%). Eleven cohort studies were found (2 studies reported both directions): 9 studies (n = 26,936 with 2,316 new-onset depression case subjects) reported adjusted OR with depression as the outcome (1.49 [1.19–1.87]; I2 = 56.8%), 4 studies (n = 3,834 with 350 MetS case subjects) reported adjusted OR with MetS as the outcome (1.52 [1.20–1.91]; I2 = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate a bidirectional association between depression and MetS. These results support early detection and management of depression among patients with MetS and vice versa.
Comparison of two assays for detection of antibodies against canine parvovirus and canine distemper virus in dogs admitted to a Florida animal shelter
Authors: Gray Lauren K. , Crawford P. Cynda , Levy Julie K. , Dubovi Edward J.
Published: April 2012

Objective—To compare 2 assays for use in the identification of dogs with a protective antibody titer (PAT) against canine parvovirus (CPV) and canine distemper virus (CDV).

Design—Prospective cross-sectional study.

Animals—431 dogs admitted to a municipal animal shelter in north central Florida.

Procedures—Blood samples were collected from dogs on the day of admission to the shelter. Serum was obtained, criterion-referenced assays were used to identify dogs that had PATs against CPV (titers ≥ 80; hemagglutination inhibition assay) and CDV (titers ≥ 32; virus neutralization assay), and results were compared with results of a semiquantitative ELISA and an immunofluorescence assay (IFA).

Results—For correct identification of dogs that had PATs against viruses, the ELISA had significantly higher specificity for CPV (98%) and CDV (95%) than did the IFA (82% and 70%, respectively) and had significantly lower sensitivity for CDV (88%) than did the IFA (97%); the sensitivity for CPV was similar (ELISA, 98%; IFA, 97%). Overall diagnostic accuracy was significantly greater with the ELISA than with the IFA. Predictive value of a positive result for PATs was significantly higher with the ELISA for CPV (99%) and CDV (93%) than with the IFA (92% and 71 %, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The ELISA had fewer false-positive results than did the IFA and could be performed on-site in shelters in < 1 hour. Accuracy and practicality of the ELISA may be useful for identifying the infection risk of dogs exposed during outbreaks attributable to CPV and CDV infections in shelters.
Relationship between paradoxical breathing and pleural diseases in dyspneic dogs and cats: 389 cases (2001–2009)
Authors: Le Boedec Kevin , Arnaud Catherine , Chetboul Valérie , Trehiou-Sechi Emilie , Pouchelon Jean-Louis , Gouni Vassiliki , Reynolds Brice S.
Published: April 2012

Objective—To determine the strength of the relationship between paradoxical breathing (PB) and spontaneous pleural diseases in dyspneic dogs and cats.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Animals—Dogs (n = 195) and cats (194) with a recorded diagnosis of dyspnea examined at the National Veterinary Schools of Alfort and Toulouse (France) between January 2001 and October 2009.

Procedures—Dogs and cats were divided into 2 groups according to the presence or absence of PB. Stratified analysis by species was performed. Signalment of affected animals and occurrence of PB were recorded. The relationship between PB and pleural diseases among dyspneic dogs and cats was analyzed.

Results—A strong relationship between PB and pleural diseases was highlighted in multivariate analysis (dogs, OR = 12.6 and 95% confidence interval = 4.6 to 31.2; cats, OR = 14.1 and 95% confidence interval = 6.0 to 33.5). Paradoxical breathing prevalence among dyspneic dogs and cats was 27% and 64%, respectively. Occurrence of pleural diseases in dyspneic animals with and without PB was 49% and 9% in dogs and 66% and 13% in cats, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of PB as a predictor of pleural diseases were 0.67 and 0.83 in dyspneic dogs and 0.90 and 0.58 in dyspneic cats, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values of PB were 0.49 and 0.91 in dyspneic dogs and 0.66 and 0.87 in dyspneic cats, respectively. Age, sex, feline breeds, and canine morphotypes in patients with PB were not significantly different from those of other dyspneic animals.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—PB was strongly associated with pleural diseases in dyspneic dogs and cats. The presence of this clinical sign should prompt small animal practitioners to implement appropriate emergency procedures and guide their diagnostic strategy.
Comparison of radiography, nuclear scintigraphy, and magnetic resonance imaging for detection of specific conditions of the distal tarsal bones of horses: 20 cases (2006–2010)
Authors: Daniel Alexander J. , Judy Carter E. , Rick Mark C. , Saveraid Travis C. , Herthel Douglas J.
Published: April 2012

Objective—To describe pathological findings identified with MRI in the distal tarsal bones of horses with unilateral hind limb lameness attributable to tarsal pain and to compare the usefulness of MRI with that of radiography and nuclear scintigraphy in evaluation of this region.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—20 lame horses.

Procedures—In all horses, MRI, radiography (4 standard projections), and nuclear scintigraphy of the tarsus had been performed. Horses were excluded if the results of all 3 imaging modalities were not available or if lameness was detected in more than 1 limb. Pathological changes identified with MRI were cross-referenced with the findings determined with other imaging modalities.

Results—Compared with MRI findings, the following lesions were identified with radiography: medullary and subchondral bone sclerosis in 9 of 16 horses, pathological changes related to osseous hyperintensity in 0 of 10 horses, and osteoarthritis in 5 of 8 horses. Standard radiographic projections did not aid in the identification of fracture of the distal tarsal bones (3 horses). Location of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake with nuclear scintigraphy corresponded with the location of pathological changes detected with MRI in all horses. The intensity of the radiopharmaceutical uptake on nuclear scintigraphic images did not correspond with the severity of the pathological changes identified with MRI.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Radiography was unreliable for the detection of pathological changes related to osseous hyperintensity identified with MRI, fracture, and subchondral bone sclerosis in the equine tarsus. Nuclear scintigraphy was effective in localizing pathological changes, but MRI provided superior anatomic detail.
The analysis of heavy metals content in herbal infusions
Authors: Suchacz Bogdan , Wesolowski Marek
Published: April 2012

The content of 8 heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) was evaluated in infusions prepared from 13 different herbal compositions commercially available in drug or herbal stores. The mixtures were produced by a Polish manufacturer “Herbapol”. The concentration of heavy metals was determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). In the herbal infusions Mn was found in the highest concentration varying from 3.03 to 129.01 mg/kg. The element of the lowest content was Cd in the range of 0.024–0.153 mg/kg. According to interquartile ranges the concentrations of studied heavy metals in infusions decreased in the following descending order: Mn>Fe>Zn>Cu>Ni>Cr>Pb>Cd. Cluster analysis allowed for the division of herbal infusions into groups described by comparable levels of heavy metals. In water extracts made from Urosan, Nervosan, Infektoten and Cholagoga, distinctive levels of Mn, Fe and Cr were determined. According to WHO regulations, the concentrations of the elements did not exceed the allowable limits.
A hydro power system operation using Genetic Algorithms and mixed-integer nonlinear programming
Authors: Šulek P.
Published: April 2012

A hydro power system operation using Genetic Algorithms and mixed-integer nonlinear programming

This paper proposes a new hybrid optimization method for solving a hydrothermal coordination problem. In general, the problem is decomposed into smaller hydro and thermal sub-problems which are solved separately. The hydro sub-problem is solved by the peak shaving method using the proposed hybrid optimization method. It combines genetic algorithms with the traditional numerical optimization method. The hybrid method has been applied to a real hydrothermal system, i.e., the Slovak power system. The results have proved the efficiency of the proposed method.
Characteristics of asphalt mixes with FT additive
Authors: Štefunková S.
Published: April 2012

Characteristics of asphalt mixes with FT additive

This article is focused on low-temperature asphalt mixture technologies using FT additive and RAP. The modern production and use of asphalt mixture technologies with reduced temperatures has many advantages. These advantages mainly help to save energy and the environment. Lower temperatures enable a reduction in energy consumption, a more acceptable working environment for workers, a reduction in negative environmental effects, such as greenhouse gas emissions, and an improvement in the workability of mixtures and a prolongation of their duration. This technology is currently becoming popular in many countries.
Lumbar Computerized Adaptive Test and Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire: Relative Validity and Important Change
Authors: Hart Dennis L. , Stratford Paul W. , Werneke Mark W. , Deutscher Daniel , Wang Ying-Chih
Published: April 2012

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of longitudinal, observational cohort data.

Objectives

To compare discriminating ability and minimal clinically important improvement (MCII) calculated using functional status (FS) measures estimated from the lumbar computerized adaptive test (LCAT) and Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ODQ).

Background

The LCAT and ODQ are commonly used to estimate FS in patients seeking outpatient therapy but have not been compared directly.

Methods

Data from 8198 adult patients who completed the LCAT and ODQ at intake were analyzed, 3379 (41%) of whom completed both surveys at discharge. Global ratings of change data were available for 980 patients. Discriminating ability of FS estimates from the LCAT and ODQ was estimated using relative validity, calculated by dividing F values from LCAT and ODQ analyses of covariance for important risk-adjustment variables. MCII was estimated using receiver-operating-characteristic analyses by quartiles of intake FS values, and areas under the curves were compared.

Results

Relative validity ratios favored the LCAT for age (3.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.0, 8.9), acuity (1.3; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.6), comorbidities (1.8; 95% CI: 1.3, 2.6), and surgical history (1.8; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.9). MCII cut scores per quartile favored the LCAT. Receiver-operating-characteristic areas under the curves were not different.

Conclusion

FS measures estimated by both questionnaires had similar psychometric characteristics. The LCAT FS estimates tended to be more discriminating than ODQ FS estimates. MCII cut scores by quartile of intake FS favored the LCAT. Given the need to be efficient and precise in estimating measures of FS, particularly in older patients, results favor the LCAT in busy, automated outpatient therapy clinics, which are increasingly serving an aging population. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2012;42(6):541–551, Epub 19 April 2012. doi:10.2519/jospt.2012.3942
Superconductivity in Layered Organic Metals
Authors: Wosnitza Jochen
Published: April 2012

In this short review, I will give an overview on the current understanding of the superconductivity in quasi-two-dimensional organic metals. Thereby, I will focus on charge-transfer salts based on bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF or ET for short). In these materials, strong electronic correlations are clearly evident, resulting in unique phase diagrams. The layered crystallographic structure leads to highly anisotropic electronic as well as superconducting properties. The corresponding very high orbital critical field for in-plane magnetic-field alignment allows for the occurrence of the Fulde–Ferrell– Larkin–Ovchinnikov state as evidenced by thermodynamic measurements. The experimental picture on the nature of the superconducting state is still controversial with evidence both for unconventional as well as for BCS-like superconductivity.
Simulation of the Effect of Water Temperature on Domestic Biomass Boiler Performance
Authors: Gómez Miguel A. , Comesaña Roberto , Feijoo Miguel A. Álvarez , Eguía Pablo
Published: April 2012

This paper presents a methodology to simulate the combustion of fixed beds of biomass particles using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques. The models presented were used in the simulation of a domestic pellet boiler working under operating conditions and the model predictions were compared with measurements of heat transfer, temperature and species concentration. The same procedure was then used to simulate the same domestic boiler working with different values of water temperature and the influence of water temperature variations on the main variables was analyzed.
Generation and Characterization of a Novel Recombinant Antibody Against 15-Ketocholestane Isolated by Phage-Display
Authors: Islam Md. Omedul , Lim Yan Ting , Chan Conrad En Zuo , Cazenave-Gassiot Amaury , Croxford J. Ludovic , Wenk Markus R. , Macary Paul A. , Hanson Brendon J.
Published: April 2012

The employment of monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) to identify disease-associated biomarkers in clinical samples represents the underlying principle for many diagnostic tests. To date, these have been principally developed for protein targets with few reported applications for lipids due to their hydrophobicity and poor immunogenicity. Oxysterols represent a family of lipids implicated in diverse human diseases where Mab-based detection assays could have a profound effect on their utility as clinical biomarkers. These are usually identified in patients’ samples by mass- spectrometry based approaches. Here, we describe an antibody phage-library based screening methodology for generating a recombinant monoclonal antibody (RAb) targeting the oxysterol-15-ketocholestane (15-KA), a lipid implicated in multiple sclerosis and Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE). The antibody is highly specific for 15-KA and shows little or no binding activity for other closely related oxysterols. We employ RAb2E9 to address the controversy over whether 15-KA is a true biomarker for MS/EAE and show that 15-KA is undetectable in serum taken from mice with EAE using antibody based detection methodologies; a finding confirmed by mass-spectrometry analysis. This study demonstrates the technical feasibility of using phage display to isolate highly specific antibodies against poorly immunogenic, small molecule lipids.
Mycoflora and Ochratoxin A Control in Wheat Grain Using Natural Extracts Obtained from Wine Industry By-Products
Authors: Alexa Ersilia , Poiana Mariana-Atena , Sumalan Renata-Maria
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of some natural extracts obtained from grape pomace (GPE) and grape seeds (GSE) as compared to a synthetic food, antioxidant-butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), in order to control fungal population and ochratoxin A (OTA) production in naturally contaminated wheat. The results showed that the addition of these extracts was efficient with OTA content decreasing. On treatment with these extracts the loss of OTA content after 14 days was in the range 7.8–28.3% relative to the control sample, but increased up to 26.48–37% after 28 days. The highest loss in OTA content was recorded for treatment with GPE at the 500 ppm level. Regarding the fungal development, the obtained results show that the total fungal populations were significantly reduced by using natural extracts. The most efficient extract was GPE. Both BHT and GPE inhibit the growth of Penicillium verrrucosum, for all doses, but less with Aspergillus genera. GPE affects the growth of other types of moulds such as Rhizopus microsporus, Fusarium graminearum, Alternaria infectoria and Cladosporium herbarum. Our data suggested that GPE and GSE are able to provide fungicidal and fungistatic protection and to control the OTA accumulation in wheat, at least in a similar manner to BHT.
2-Decenoic Acid Ethyl Ester, a Compound That Elicits Neurotrophin-like Intracellular Signals, Facilitating Functional Recovery from Cerebral Infarction in Mice
Authors: Tanaka Yoshitaka , Fukumitsu Hidefumi , Soumiya Hitomi , Yoshimura Shinichi , Iwama Toru , Furukawa Shoei
Published: April 2012

In our previous study, we found that trans-2-decenoic acid ethyl ester (DAEE), a derivative of a medium-chain fatty acid, elicits neurotrophin-like signals including the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) in cultured mouse cortical neurons. Here, we examined the efficacy of intraperitoneal administration of DAEE on the treatment of a mouse model of the cerebral infarction caused by unilateral permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (PMCAO). DAEE-treatment (100 µg/kg body weight injected at 0.5, 24, 48, 72 h after PMCAO) significantly restored the mice from PMCAO-induced neurological deficits including motor paralysis when evaluated 48, 72, and 96 h after the PMCAO. Furthermore, DAEE facilitated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 on the infarction side of the brain when analyzed by Western immunoblot analysis, and it enhanced the number of phosphorylated ERK1/2-positive cells in the border areas between the infarction and non-infarction regions of the cerebral cortex, as estimated immunohistochemically. As the infarct volume remained unchanged after DAEE-treatment, it is more likely that DAEE improved the neurological condition through enhanced neuronal functions of the remaining neurons in the damaged areas rather than by maintaining neuronal survival. These results suggest that DAEE has a neuro-protective effect on cerebral infarction.
Effects of Inflorescence Stem Structure and Cell Wall Components on the Mechanical Strength of Inflorescence Stem in Herbaceous Peony
Authors: Zhao Daqiu , Han Chenxia , Tao Jun , Wang Jing , Hao Zhaojun , Geng Qingping , Du Bei
Published: April 2012

Herbaceous peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall.) is a traditional famous flower, but its poor inflorescence stem quality seriously constrains the development of the cut flower. Mechanical strength is an important characteristic of stems, which not only affects plant lodging, but also plays an important role in stem bend or break. In this paper, the mechanical strength, morphological indices and microstructure of P. lactiflora development inflorescence stems were measured and observed. The results showed that the mechanical strength of inflorescence stems gradually increased, and that the diameter of inflorescence stem was a direct indicator in estimating mechanical strength. Simultaneously, with the development of inflorescence stem, the number of vascular bundles increased, the vascular bundle was arranged more densely, the sclerenchyma cell wall thickened, and the proportion of vascular bundle and pith also increased. On this basis, cellulose and lignin contents were determined, PlCesA3, PlCesA6 and PlCCoAOMT were isolated and their expression patterns were examined including PlPAL. The results showed that cellulose was not strictly correlated with the mechanical strength of inflorescence stem, and lignin had a significant impact on it. In addition, PlCesA3 and PlCesA6 were not key members in cellulose synthesis of P. lactiflora and their functions were also different, but PlPAL and PlCCoAOMT regulated the lignin synthesis of P. lactiflora. These data indicated that PlPAL and PlCCoAOMT could be applied to improve the mechanical strength of P. lactiflora inflorescence stem in genetic engineering.
Transparent Conducting Oxides—An Up-To-Date Overview
Authors: Stadler Andreas
Published: April 2012

Transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) are electrical conductive materials with comparably low absorption of electromagnetic waves within the visible region of the spectrum. They are usually prepared with thin film technologies and used in opto-electrical apparatus such as solar cells, displays, opto-electrical interfaces and circuitries. Here, based on a modern database-system, aspects of up-to-date material selections and applications for transparent conducting oxides are sketched, and references for detailed information are given. As n-type TCOs are of special importance for thin film solar cell production, indium-tin oxide (ITO) and the reasonably priced aluminum-doped zinc oxide (ZnO:Al), are discussed with view on preparation, characterization and special occurrences. For completion, the recently frequently mentioned typical p-type delafossite TCOs are described as well, providing a variety of references, as a detailed discussion is not reasonable within an overview publication.
CD4+ T cell activation promotes the differential release of distinct populations of nanosized vesicles
Authors: van der Vlist Els J. , Arkesteijn Ger J.A. , van de Lest Chris H.A. , Stoorvogel Willem , Nolte‐'t Hoen Esther N.M. , Wauben Marca H.M.
Published: April 2012

Many cell types release nanosized vesicles derived from endosomal compartments (exosomes) or the plasma membrane. Vesicles actively released by CD4+ T cells have immune‐modulatory characteristics. Using our recently developed high‐resolution flow cytometry‐based method for the analysis of individual nanosized vesicles, we here investigated how T cell receptor (TCR)‐triggering and co‐stimulatory signals influence the quantity and characteristics of nanosized vesicles released by CD4+ T cells. We found that the number of released nanosized vesicles within the buoyant density range characteristic for exosomes (1.10–1.19 g/ml) was increased by TCR‐triggering and that additional co‐stimulatory signals had a potentiating effect on vesicle release. However, the increase in the number of released vesicles varied substantially between density fractions within the 1.10–1.19 g/ml range and was highest for the vesicle populations in 1.14 and 1.17 g/ml fractions. Heterogeneity was also observed within the individual density fractions. Based on lipid bilayer fluorescent labelling intensity and light scattering, 3 distinct vesicle subpopulations were identified. One vesicle subpopulation increased significantly more upon T cell activation than the other subpopulations, and this was dependent on high levels of co‐stimulation. These data show that T cells release a heterogeneous population of nanosized vesicles and indicate that T cells differentially regulate the release of distinct vesicle subpopulations depending on their activation status.
ExoCarta as a resource for exosomal research
Authors: Simpson Richard J. , Kalra Hina , Mathivanan Suresh
Published: April 2012

Exosomes are a class of extracellular vesicles that are secreted by various cell types. Unlike other extracellular vesicles (ectosomes and apoptotic blebs), exosomes are of endocytic origin. The roles of exosomes in vaccine/drug delivery, intercellular communication and as a possible source of disease biomarkers have sparked immense interest in them, resulting in a plethora of studies. Whilst multidimensional datasets are continuously generated, it is difficult to harness the true potential of the data until they are compiled and made accessible to the biomedical researchers. Here, we describe ExoCarta (http://www.exocarta.org), a manually curated database of exosomal proteins, RNA and lipids. Datasets currently present in ExoCarta are integrated from both published and unpublished exosomal studies. Since its launch in 2009, ExoCarta has been accessed by more than 16,000 unique users. In this article, we discuss the utility of ExoCarta for exosomal research and urge biomedical researchers in the field to deposit their datasets directly to ExoCarta.
D282, a Non-Nucleoside Inhibitor of Influenza Virus Infection that Interferes with de novo Pyrimidine Biosynthesis
Authors: Smee Donald F , Hurst Brett L , Day Craig W
Published: April 2012

Background:

The discovery of novel influenza virus inhibitors remains an important priority in light of the emergence of drug-resistant viruses. Toward this end, a library of over 6,000 compounds was tested for antiviral activity.

Methods:

Strains of influenza virus were evaluated by cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition and virus yield reduction assays. Intracellular nucleoside triphosphate pools were analysed by strong anion exchange HPLC. Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibition assays were conducted. Influenza virus-infected mice were treated for 5 days with D282. Results: A non-nucleoside, 4-[(4-butylphenyl)amino]-2-methylene-4-oxo-butanoic acid (D282), was discovered that inhibited influenza A and B virus CPE by 50% at 6–31 μM (giving selectivity indices of >13 to >67, based on cytotoxicity of >400 μM in stationary cell cultures). Ribavirin (positive control) was active at 14–44 μM (yielding selectivity indices of >9 to >29, with >400 μM toxicity). D282 and ribavirin inhibited virus yield by 90% at 9.5 ±3.3 and 10.8 ±3.2 μM, respectively. The antiviral activity of D282 in vitro was reversed by addition of uridine, cytidine and orotic acid. D282 exhibited an uncompetitive inhibition of mouse liver dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (inhibitor constant [Ki] of 2.3 ±0.9 μM, Michaelis constant [Km] of 150 ±16 μM). Because cellular pyrimidine biosynthesis was inhibited, D282-treated cells had decreased uridine triphosphate and cytidine triphosphate levels. D282 (≤100 mg/kg/day) failed to prevent death of mice infected with influenza.

Conclusions:

D282 was active against influenza A and B viruses by inhibiting de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis. Although effective in vitro, the compound, like others in its class, was devoid of antiviral activity in infected mice.
Sur l'intériorité, la profondeur et l'intimité subjectives : un état des lieux
Authors: Nordmann Jean-François
Published: April 2012

Résumé Mettant en cause les lacunes et les résistances qu’on trouve dans les sciences humaines comme dans la philosophie relativement aux notions d’intériorité, de profondeur et d’intimité subjectives, ce travail entreprend d’indiquer une voie possible d’habilitation phénoménologique de ces notions qui conduit en particulier à la reconnaissance et à l’exploration du champ d’affectivité intérieure et profonde dont relèvent les formations du désir et de l’intimité. De là, il peut plus spécifiquement interroger et mettre en question le lien communément établi entre l’intime et le familial, et en venir à considérer le sens contradictoire des évolutions actuelles, à la fois libératrices et qui perpétuent d’aliénations, dans le domaine des relations « privées » affectives, sexuelles et familiales.
Aux sources de l'intimité
Authors: Darchis Élisabeth
Published: April 2012

Résumé Le concept d’intimité recouvre plusieurs aspects : l’intimité première ou intimité primaire qui décrit l’expérience de l’intimité initiale dans l’indifférenciation mère-bébé en périnatalité. Ce bain d’intimité dont bénéficie le nourrisson a été préparé par les futurs parents dès la grossesse lors de leur voyage psychique à la recherche de l’intimité familiale d’autrefois. Progressivement l’enfant s’approprie cette première ambiance familiale de la petite enfance, pour pouvoir vivre psychiquement en dehors de l’objet. Ce stade que l’on pourrait désigner comme l’intimité secondaire ou différenciée, va de pair avec l’autonomie et la construction du Moi. Mais c’est l’empreinte de la première intimité groupale en soi, qui permet la rencontre en profondeur avec l’autre dans l’intimité relationnelle partagée. Quand l’accès à l’autonomie des membres de la famille est entravé, nous observons alors des fonctionnements familiaux prolongeant l’indifférenciation de la première intimité dans ce que l’on pourrait appeler une intimité pathologique confuse.
La proximité : une éthique de l'intime
Authors: Durif-Varembont Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2012

Résumé L’approche de l’intimité, dans sa dimension corporelle aussi bien que dans sa dimension psychique, sollicite de la part de tout thérapeute une éthique de la proximité. L’auteur propose ici une réflexion sur les conditions du dévoilement et du voilement de l’intime dans l’espace transférentiel de la cure psychanalytique avec l’adulte et dans celui de la consultation thérapeutique de l’enfant et de ses parents.
De la question du désir à l'adoption
Authors: Veuillet-Combier Claudine
Published: April 2012

Résumé La démarche d’agrément obligatoire pour l’adoption vient questionner chez les couples demandeurs la part violente de leur désir, dans une rencontre inconsciente combinant les aléas de l’histoire de chacun. L’illustration clinique proposée souligne le croisement des enjeux sexuels et narcissiques sollicités dans ce contexte. Devenir parent dans le cadre de la filiation adoptive ré-interroge la scène primitive et le roman familial, selon des modalités observables lors des entretiens psychologiques préalables à l’adoption et suppose alors de la part du clinicien des précautions éthiques.
La famille et la honte
Authors: Ferrant Alain
Published: April 2012

Résumé Le pacte dénégatif noué autour du cloaque peut être envisagé comme l’un des organisateurs du groupe famille. Il forme un lien silencieux et nécessairement inconscient entre les membres d’un même ensemble familial. La honte originaire est le gardien de ce pacte. Elle est désubjectivante et conduit l’individu à se vivre éjecté de la communauté. À côté de cette première forme de honte, l’auteur distingue une honte organisatrice du lien. Deux situations cliniques illustrent ces propositions qui désignent la famille comme creuset de l’organisation de ces deux formes de honte.
Les vecteurs corporels du lien filial
Authors: Delaisi de Parseval Geneviève
Published: April 2012

Résumé Les paramètres corporels et biologiques du lien filial ont été bouleversés depuis l’apparition des techniques d’assistance médicale à la procréation. Devenus autonomes, manipulables et affranchis parfois du temps et même de la différence des sexes, ces signifiants de la filiation donnent lieu à des aménagements psychodynamiques variés dont certains sont examinés ici. L’ébauche d’un roman familial non traditionnel ?
Famille autarcique et situation d'immigration
Authors: Bizouard-Reicher Elisabeth
Published: April 2012

Résumé La famille autarcique est celle qui vit un mythe d’autosuffisance et d’autosatisfaction. Elle refuse les étrangers et la société extra-familiale. Ce mythe est en rapport avec l’investissement de la fonction paternelle en tant que celle-ci représente l’extériorité, face au maternel et au familial. La situation de migration est susceptible d’accentuer le repli autarcique. Peut œuvrer également en ce sens le mythe du retour au pays. En réalité, ce retour n’aura pas lieu. Tant que ce mythe ne sera pas l’objet d’une prise de conscience, la situation sera bloquée. Ce sont en premier lieu les enfants de la famille autarcique qui sont soumis à l’exigence d’un travail psychique. Le cas envisagé est celui des familles maghrébines en France.
Le changement familial en Turquie et la crise adolescente
Authors: Parman Talat
Published: April 2012

Résumé L’auteur présente les spécificités de la famille adolescente dans la Turquie contemporaine. La crise d’adolescence ne concerne pas seulement l’adolescent et ses parents, mais également ses grands-parents. La place de ces derniers est étudiée à travers un cas clinique qui montre l’intérêt d’une thérapie en présence d’une famille aussi complète que possible. Les relations intergénérationnelles peuvent y être abordées ainsi que la chaîne des identifications. S’inscrire dans une continuité réaffirmée de l’histoire familiale permet au sujet de renforcer sa propre identité.
L'électeur incertain
Authors: Muxel Anne
Published: April 2012

Résumé Les nouvelles générations d’électeurs, libérées des affiliations traditionnelles, opèrent leur choix de plus en plus tardivement. Elles revendiquent aussi le droit de ne pas voter. La légitimité acquise dans les urnes s’en trouve-t-elle affaiblie ? Non, selon Anne Muxel, qui voit le vote se réarticuler à d’autres formes d’expression politique.
Le vote en France : histoire d'un désenchantement
Authors: Winock Michel , Merckaert Jean
Published: April 2012

Résumé Entretien - Socle de la République dès 1848, le suffrage universel (qui le deviendra vraiment en 1944) s’est progressivement banalisé. Le déclin économique, l’indécision des politiques favorisent la montée de l’abstention et du populisme. Mais les Français restent attachés à la clarté du scrutin présidentiel.
La force de l'ordre. Une anthropologie de la police des quartiers
Authors: da Lage Annie
Published: April 2012

Résumé Didier Fassin, La force de l’ordre. Une anthropologie de la police des quartiers , Seuil, 2011, 382 p., 21 €
Sécu : objectif monde. Le défi universel de la protection sociale
Authors: Laurent Henri
Published: April 2012

Résumé Martin Hirsch, Sécu : objectif monde. Le défi universel de la protection sociale , Stock, 2011, 162 p., 12 €
Un monde sous surveillance ?
Authors: Dubreuil Claude Hériard
Published: April 2012

Résumé Philippe Ségur et Émilie Labrot (sous la dir.), Un monde sous surveillance ?, Presses universitaires de Perpignan, 2011, 256 p., 22 €
Retinol, alpha-tocopherol and fatty acid content in Bulgarian black Sea fish species
Authors: Stancheva M. , Galunska B. , Dobreva A. D. , Merdzhanova A.
Published: April 2012

The aim of the present study was to measure and evaluate the total lipids, fatty acid profile, retinol content and alpha-tocopherol content in the edible tissue of four commercially important fish species from the Bulgarian Black sea: Sprat (Sprattus sprattus), Round Goby (Neogobius rattan), Black Sea Horse Mackerel (Trahurus medditeraneus ponticus) and Shad (Alosa pontica). Fat soluble vitamins were analyzed simultaneously using an HPLC system. The highest content of retinol was established in the Sprat (142.3 ± 4.4 μg/100g) and the highest content of alphatocopherol was found in the Black Sea Horse Mackerel (1112.7 ± 39.2 μg/100g). The fatty acid (FA) composition was analyzed by GC/MS. The content of omega 3 (n3) FAs was significantly higher (p , 0.001) than the content of omega 6 (n6) FAs in each of the analyzed fish samples. The n6/n3 FA ratio was within the recommended range (0.20–1.50) for Sprat, Round Goby and Shad. Relatively high levels of retinol and alpha-tocopherol, FA composition, n3/n6 FA and PUFA/SFA ratios indicate that these fish species have good nutritional quality.
Physico-chemical characteristics of olive fruits of Turkish varieties from the province of Hatay.
Authors: Arslan D.
Published: April 2012

The olive fruits of four different Turkish varieties (Kargaburun, Erkence, Halhalı and Saurani) from the province of Hatay which were harvested on three different occasions have been analyzed in order to determine the effects of both the nature of the cultivar and the time of harvest. Analyses of some physical properties were carried out such as fruit and pit weight, size, moisture and oil contents and instrumental color index along with some chemical properties such as individual phenolic compounds, total phenolics, DPPH radical scavenging activity and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and fatty acid composition. For all the varieties studied, oleuropein was the most abundant phenolic substance ranging from 41.39-159.73 mg/kg, for which the Saurani variety had the highest level. Saurani and Kargaburun varieties were found to possess characteristic phenolic profiles: Saurani for its high amount of oleuropein and Kargaburun for its high level of H-tyrosol. These two varieties had higher Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacities as well. Citric and succinic acids were the main organic acids determined in the olive fruits. The level of total phenolics in the olive fruits declined rapidly with a later harvest date. A general decreasing trend was also observed in the saturated fatty acid (palmitic and stearic acids) concentrations of the olive oils with later harvest dates in the four varieties studied.