bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’écologie politique de gauche à droite, une question théologique
Authors: Deneault Alain
Published: March 2024

L’expression « écologie politique » ne désigne pas tant un positionnement politique dans l’ordre des débats publics, mais un spectre politique avec sa gauche et sa droite. Les positions qui en découlent reposent de manières variées sur deux grands partis pris philosophiques. Tendanciellement : fait-on partie de la nature ou en dispose-t-on à sa convenance ? En sous-main, ces considérations politiques tiennent d’un engagement de nature théologique trouvant sa genèse au xviiie siècle, à l’époque où les tenants de « l’économie de la nature » tels que Carl von Linné et Gilbert White – les Arcadiens – contemplaient le monde comme l’oeuvre du Souverain créateur, et les Impériaux voyaient en lui une oeuvre inaboutie et chaotique, que Dieu leur avait donné la mission d’organiser et de parachever.
La théologie du cosmos d’Adolphe Gesché1 à l’heure de l’urgence écologique
Authors: Diongo Alphonse Otshumbe
Published: March 2024

Depuis quelques décennies, la position de l’être humain dans le cosmos et son rapport à la nature sont de plus en plus au coeur des interrogations. Adolphe Gesché propose, à travers sa théologie du cosmos, une nouvelle manière d’habiter le monde. Cette théologie du cosmos invite à établir un équilibre harmonieux entre les trois régions théologiques qui sont Dieu, l’être humain et le cosmos. Il estime que cette théologie est nécessaire et urgente à l’heure actuelle. Sa pertinence et sa particularité se trouveraient dans la manière dont Gesché présente l’éthique du cosmos qui s’enracine dans la dogmatique ; mais aussi l’auteur met en évidence les liens qui pourraient exister entre la théologie du cosmos et la sacramentaire ainsi que la sotériologie. La théologie du cosmos présente un itinéraire qui va de la création à la rédemption en passant par l’éthique et la sacramentaire en offrant un regard nouveau sur ces divers aspects de la théologie.
« Création » en travail d’enfantement. Comment le récit mythique de Rm 8,18-30 peut-il être reçu aujourd’hui, en écothéologie1 ?
Authors: Gignac Alain
Published: March 2024

Dans le Nouveau Testament, Rm 8,18-30 constitue un des trois textes phares de l’herméneutique écologique de la Bible (avec Col 1,15-20 et 2 P 3,1-13). Or, le texte est de facture théo-logique, eschatologique et mythique. D’où la question : comment recevoir ce texte mythologique prémoderne en (post)modernité ? Après avoir proposé quelques observations sur le texte (ses indéterminations et points de tension, puis l’importance des métaphores de l’enfantement et de la filiation, une symbiose métaphorique négligée par la recherche), l’article expose quatre modèles qui cherchent à résoudre le problème du langage mythologique eschatologique. Cette typologie est empruntée à Jean-Daniel Causse, avec des adaptations : démythisation, démythologisation, perspective narratologique et perspective psychanalytique. En finale, ces quatre modèles sont appliqués à Rm 8 dans le contexte de l’écothéologie, en prenant appui sur les observations textuelles du début de l’article.
« La supériorité de l’homme sur la bête est nulle » : repenser l’antispécisme avec Qohélet 3,18-21
Authors: Doyon François
Published: March 2024

La notion de spécisme est de plus en plus présente dans les débats sur la défense des animaux. Des défenseurs des animaux affirment que l’importance de la notion de spécisme au sein du mouvement animaliste actuel et de la crise écologique est une manifestation d’un phénomène ancien qui remonte à l’Antiquité grecque. La croyance en la métempsychose de certains philosophes de l’Antiquité montre que l’idée d’une continuité spirituelle entre les êtres humains et les animaux existait dans l’Antiquité grecque. L’idée existait-elle aussi chez certains rédacteurs des textes bibliques ? L’auteur examine le cas de Qohélet 3,1621. Après une mise en contexte historicocritique du livre de Qohélet, il procédera à une analyse comparative entre Qohélet 3,1621 et l’antispécisme de Peter Singer afin de voir si la Bible ne pourrait pas, à l’instar de certaines philosophies grecques, inspirer un plus grand respect des animaux.
Poisson-prophète et Qiqayon-libérateur : repenser la théodicée en Jonas
Authors: Renault David
Published: March 2024

D’un bout à l’autre du récit, le fugitif Jonas transporte le lecteur dans l’écosystème de Yhwh, le Dieu prétendument bon (4,2). La mer, ses humains, leurs dieux. La terre, ses humains, ses bêtes. Au‑delà des péripéties du voyage, un drame émerge : Jonas a mal, très mal, au point de vouloir mourir. L’exilé de Dieu n’arrive plus à concilier ses credo de foi avec les affects de sa réalité. Heureusement, il rencontre deux personnages éminents : un Poisson-prophète qui lui apprend à prier, et un Qiqayon-libérateur qui communie à sa douleur. Cette relecture éco‑théologique de Jonas puise aux principes d’éco-justice du Earth Bible Project et poursuit les ambitions théologiques du Exeter Project. En soulignant la valeur intrinsèque et la fonction théologique et affective du poisson et du qiqayon, je montrerai comment ces figures narratives nous invitent à repenser l’enjeu théologique de la théodicée.
Molecular dynamics simulation of thermal transport properties of phonons at interface of Au-TiO2 photoelectrode
Authors: Sang Li-Xia , Li Zhi-Kang ,   Beijing Key Laboratory of Heat Transfer and Energy Conversion, MOE Key Laboratory of Enhanced Heat Transfer and Energy Conservation, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
Published: March 2024

Thermoplasmonics originating from the relaxation process of plasmon resonances in nanostructures can be utilized as an efficient and highly localized heat source in solar-hydrogen conversion, but there have been few researches on the interfacial heat transport properties of photoelectrode with the thermoplasmonics effect in a photoelectrochemical water splitting system. In this work, the effects of temperature, interfacial coupling strength and the addition of graphene layers on the interfacial thermal conductance of Au-TiO2 electrodes are investigated by the non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation, and the variation of interfacial thermal conductance is analyzed by the phonon density of states. The results show that the interfacial thermal conductivity is increased by 78.55% when the temperature increases from 300 to 800 K. This is related to the fact that more low-frequency phonons participate in the interface heat transport, allowing more heat to be transferred to TiO2 to promote the interface reaction. As the coupling strength of the Au-TiO2 interface increases, the interfacial thermal conductivity of the electrode increases and then tends to stabilize. The interfacial thermal conductivity can be optimized by increasing the degree of overlap of the phonon state densities of Au and TiO2. The addition of a single layer of graphene can increase the interfacial thermal conductivity to 98.072 MW⋅m–2⋅K–1, but the addition of 2 and 3 layers of graphene can hinder interfacial heat transfer in Au and TiO2 due to the interaction between the layers of graphene. When adding graphene layer, medium-frequency phonons and high-frequency phonons are stimulated to participate in the interfacial heat transfer, but with the increase of the graphene layers, the number of low-frequency phonons in a range of 0—30 THz decreases, and these low-frequency phonons make the greatest contribution to the interfacial thermal conductivity. The obtained results are useful in regulating the thermal transport properties of the photoelectrode interface, which can provide new insights into and theoretical basis for the design and construction of composite photoelectrodes.
Nanopore sensing specific enhancement technique for single molecule detection
Authors: Pan Qin-Jie , Zhao Can-Dong , Chen Qi , He Yu-Hui , Miao Xiang-Shui ,   Institute of Information Storage Materials and Devices, School of Integrated Circuits, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China,   Hubei Yangtze Memory Laboratories, Wuhan 430205, China
Published: March 2024

Nanopore sensors have become important tools for analyzing biomarkers, including but not limited to nucleic acids, proteins, and other biomolecules that play important roles in life. Though the nanopores themselves have no selectivity towards target molecules, higher sensitivity of nanopore sensing to the target biomarkers could be achieved with the help of the specificity enhancement technology. In this work, the basic principles of nanopore sensing are first introduced, then methods of modifying nanopore surface as well as the development and application of those selectivity enhancement technologies of nanopore sensing in recent years are reviewed. These enhancement technologies primarily fall into two categories: surface functionalization and molecular probes. Surface functionalization is further categorized based on the types of functional molecules used, while molecular probes are classified according to carrier forms. Finally, in this paper several challenges that nanopore sensing continues to encounter are discussed and some suggestions are made for its future development.
Inhibition of CERS1 in skeletal muscle exacerbates age-related muscle dysfunction
Authors: Wohlwend Martin , Laurila Pirkka-Pekka , Goeminne Ludger JE , Lima Tanes , Daskalaki Ioanna , Li Xiaoxu , von Alvensleben Giacomo , Crisol Barbara , Mangione Renata , Gallart-Ayala Hector , Lalou Amélia , Burri Olivier , Butler Stephen , Morris Jonathan , Turner Nigel , Ivanisevic Julijana , Auwerx Johan
Published: March 2024

Age-related muscle wasting and dysfunction render the elderly population vulnerable and incapacitated, while underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we implicate the CERS1 enzyme of the de novo sphingolipid synthesis pathway in the pathogenesis of age-related skeletal muscle impairment. In humans, CERS1 abundance declines with aging in skeletal muscle cells and, correlates with biological pathways involved in muscle function and myogenesis. Furthermore, CERS1 is upregulated during myogenic differentiation. Pharmacological or genetic inhibition of CERS1 in aged mice blunts myogenesis and deteriorates aged skeletal muscle mass and function, which is associated with the occurrence of morphological features typical of inflammation and fibrosis. Ablation of the CERS1 orthologue lagr-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans similarly exacerbates the age-associated decline in muscle function and integrity. We discover genetic variants reducing CERS1 expression in human skeletal muscle and Mendelian randomization analysis in the UK biobank cohort shows that these variants reduce muscle grip strength and overall health. In summary, our findings link age-related impairments in muscle function to a reduction in CERS1, thereby underlining the importance of the sphingolipid biosynthesis pathway in age-related muscle homeostasis.
A previously undescribed scene-selective site is the key to encoding ego-motion in naturalistic environments
Authors: Kennedy Bryan , Malladi Sarala N , Tootell Roger BH , Nasr Shahin
Published: March 2024

Current models of scene processing in the human brain include three scene-selective areas: the parahippocampal place area (or the temporal place areas), the restrosplenial cortex (or the medial place area), and the transverse occipital sulcus (or the occipital place area). Here, we challenged this model by showing that at least one other scene-selective site can also be detected within the human posterior intraparietal gyrus. Despite the smaller size of this site compared to the other scene-selective areas, the posterior intraparietal gyrus scene-selective (PIGS) site was detected consistently in a large pool of subjects (n = 59; 33 females). The reproducibility of this finding was tested based on multiple criteria, including comparing the results across sessions, utilizing different scanners (3T and 7T) and stimulus sets. Furthermore, we found that this site (but not the other three scene-selective areas) is significantly sensitive to ego-motion in scenes, thus distinguishing the role of PIGS in scene perception relative to other scene-selective areas. These results highlight the importance of including finer scale scene-selective sites in models of scene processing – a crucial step toward a more comprehensive understanding of how scenes are encoded under dynamic conditions.
A microRNA that controls the emergence of embryonic movement
Authors: Menzies Jonathan AC , Maia Chagas André , Baden Tom , Alonso Claudio R
Published: March 2024

Movement is a key feature of animal systems, yet its embryonic origins are not fully understood. Here, we investigate the genetic basis underlying the embryonic onset of movement in Drosophila focusing on the role played by small non-coding RNAs (microRNAs, miRNAs). To this end, we first develop a quantitative behavioural pipeline capable of tracking embryonic movement in large populations of fly embryos, and using this system, discover that the Drosophila miRNA miR-2b-1 plays a role in the emergence of movement. Through the combination of spectral analysis of embryonic motor patterns, cell sorting and RNA in situs, genetic reconstitution tests, and neural optical imaging we define that miR-2b-1 influences the emergence of embryonic movement by exerting actions in the developing nervous system. Furthermore, through the combination of bioinformatics coupled to genetic manipulation of miRNA expression and phenocopy tests we identify a previously uncharacterised (but evolutionarily conserved) chloride channel encoding gene – which we term Movement Modulator (Motor) – as a genetic target that mechanistically links miR-2b-1 to the onset of movement. Cell-specific genetic reconstitution of miR-2b-1 expression in a null miRNA mutant background, followed by behavioural assays and target gene analyses, suggest that miR-2b-1 affects the emergence of movement through effects in sensory elements of the embryonic circuitry, rather than in the motor domain. Our work thus reports the first miRNA system capable of regulating embryonic movement, suggesting that other miRNAs are likely to play a role in this key developmental process in Drosophila as well as in other species.
A neurotransmitter atlas of C. elegans males and hermaphrodites
Authors: Wang Chen , Vidal Berta , Sural Surojit , Loer Curtis , Aguilar G Robert , Merritt Daniel M , Toker Itai Antoine , Vogt Merly C , Cros Cyril C , Hobert Oliver
Published: March 2024

Mapping neurotransmitter identities to neurons is key to understanding information flow in a nervous system. It also provides valuable entry points for studying the development and plasticity of neuronal identity features. In the Caenorhabditis elegans nervous system, neurotransmitter identities have been largely assigned by expression pattern analysis of neurotransmitter pathway genes that encode neurotransmitter biosynthetic enzymes or transporters. However, many of these assignments have relied on multicopy reporter transgenes that may lack relevant cis-regulatory information and therefore may not provide an accurate picture of neurotransmitter usage. We analyzed the expression patterns of 16 CRISPR/Cas9-engineered knock-in reporter strains for all main types of neurotransmitters in C. elegans (glutamate, acetylcholine, GABA, serotonin, dopamine, tyramine, and octopamine) in both the hermaphrodite and the male. Our analysis reveals novel sites of expression of these neurotransmitter systems within both neurons and glia, as well as non-neural cells, most notably in gonadal cells. The resulting expression atlas defines neurons that may be exclusively neuropeptidergic, substantially expands the repertoire of neurons capable of co-transmitting multiple neurotransmitters, and identifies novel sites of monoaminergic neurotransmitter uptake. Furthermore, we also observed unusual co-expression patterns of monoaminergic synthesis pathway genes, suggesting the existence of novel monoaminergic transmitters. Our analysis results in what constitutes the most extensive whole-animal-wide map of neurotransmitter usage to date, paving the way for a better understanding of neuronal communication and neuronal identity specification in C. elegans.
Perioperative Dysrhythmias in Adult Patients for Non Cardiac Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hippalgaonkar Amruta Vinod , Kudalkar Amala Gurunath , Tendolkar Bharati Anil
Published: March 2024

Introduction: The vulnerable perioperative period is prone to the development of a heterogeneous group of conditions characterised by abnormal electrical activity in the heart, termed as cardiac dysrhythmias. Aim: To determine the incidence of dysrhythmias in the perioperative period, identify predisposing factors, evaluate the effect of anaesthesia, analyse haemodynamic consequences, and document the treatment provided. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study involving 9666 adult patients undergoing non cardiac surgery was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal College and General Hospital, Sion, Mumbai, Maharsahtra, India from January 2012 to December 2013. Parameters studied included preoperative clinical data (history, examination, and relevant investigations), type of anaesthesia, occurrence of dysrhythmias, and clinical outcomes of persistent dysrhythmias or those requiring treatment. Data was collected prospectively and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 15.0. Results: The overall incidence of dysrhythmias was 1.2%. Consistent factors included age over 40 years (68.1%), male gender (52.59%), gastrointestinal and orthopaedic procedures (65.5%), preoperative hypertension (25%), and patients receiving general anaesthesia (61.2%). Most patients were classified as American Soceity of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Class-I and II (93.97%) and underwent elective surgery (61.21%). The majority (81.89%) of dysrhythmias occurred intraoperatively and were ventricular in origin (68.97%). Unstable haemodynamic conditions [Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) <90 mmHg, Heart Rate (HR) <50 /min and/or Ventricular Premature Contraction (VPCs) >5/min or multifocal VPCs)] were observed in 56.9% of patients. Of patients with ventricular dysrhythmias, 57% exhibited unstable haemodynamics. Treatment was provided to 84.48% of patients, with 74.14% responding positively, leading to the termination of dysrhythmias. Anticholinergics were used in 40.52% of treatment modalities. The majority of dysrhythmias were transient 80 (68.9%) patients, and 83 of patients had a favourable outcome. Unfortunately, 5 (6.9%) of patients could not be revived, with three patients 3 (2.5%) succumbing in the operating room. Mortality was not directly linked to the dysrhythmia but was due to underlying causes. Conclusion: Transient intraoperative ventricular cardiac dysrhythmias are common in adult patients undergoing noncardiac surgeries. Therefore, it is crucial to identify highrisk patients, analyse contributing factors, and promptly correct issues under expert medical guidance.
Morphological Changes of Corneal Keratocytes following Surface Ablation Laser Surgery: An Observational Study from the United Kingdom
Authors: Gunness DaphnÃ© , Banerjee Indrajit , Robinson Jared , Gunness Teeluck Kumar
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Laser Subepithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK) is a type of surface ablation laser surgery that offers a solution to patients for correcting their ametropia. In rare instances, LASEK has been associated with complications such as the development of postoperative haze, infection, and poor visual outcomes. Imaging features detected within the patient’s cornea using In-Vivo Confocal Microscopy (IVCM) have aided in identifying the cellular basis of complications like these. Aim: To observe and describe the morphological changes seen on IVCM in patients following LASEK surgery. Materials and Methods: This observational study aimed to assess the quantity and morphology of anterior and posterior keratocytes in adults aged 18 years and older. Five participants (9 eyes) who presented for follow-up appointments following LASEK surgery at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital (MREH), United Kingdom, from July to December 2018 were recruited for the study. The cell counts of the anterior and posterior keratocytes were calculated using the Heidelberg Eye Explorer software. The images were analysed with the Image J program (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA). Nerve fibers were assessed using the ACCMetrics program (University of Manchester, UK). The t-test was used to establish the statistical association between variables. Results: Morphological changes, such as zones of hyperreflectivity beneath the epithelium, were observed in all the recruited participants. Immune cells and sub-basal nerve abnormalities were detected in several participants. The number of keratocytes in the anterior stroma of all the participants was found to be much lower compared to that of the control. Only participant number 3 had a greater number of keratocytes in the anterior stromal layer (454 and 514 cells/mm2 ) compared to the other participants, who had a cell count ranging between 156 to 262 cells/mm2. Conclusion: It is evident that visible changes are noted both quantitatively and morphologically in both the anterior and posterior keratocytes postoperatively. More research is required with larger controlled studies to investigate the IVCM imaging biomarkers and morphological features that represent the wound healing process and the factors influencing visual outcomes, ensuring that postoperative complications can be minimised.
Hierarchical Shelled ZnO Structures Made of Bunched Nanowire Arrays
Authors: Jiang P. , Zhou J.‐J. , Fang H.‐F. , Wang C.‐Y. , Wang Z. L. , Xie S.‐S.
Published: April 2007

The size‐ and morphology‐controlled growth of ZnO nanowire (NW) arrays is potentially of interest for the design of advanced catalysts and nanodevices. By adjusting the reaction temperature, shelled structures of ZnO made of bunched ZnO NW arrays are prepared, grown out of metallic Zn microspheres through a wet‐chemical route in a closed Teflon reactor. In this process, ZnO NWs are nucleated and subsequently grown into NWs on the surfaces of the microspheres as well as in strong alkali solution under the condition of the pre‐existence of zincate (ZnO22–) ions. At a higher temperature (200 °C), three different types of bunched ZnO NW or sub‐micrometer rodlike (SMR) aggregates are observed. At room temperature, however, the bunched ZnO NW arrays are found only to occur on the Zn microsphere surface, while double‐pyramid‐shaped or rhombus‐shaped ZnO particles are formed in solution. The ZnO NWs exhibit an ultrathin structure with a length of ca.  500 nm and a diameter of ca. 10 nm. The phenomenon may be well understood by the temperature‐dependent growth process involved in different nucleation sources. A growth mechanism has been proposed in which the degree of ZnO22–saturation in the reaction solution plays a key role in controlling the nucleation and growth of the ZnO NWs or SMRs as well as in oxidizing the metallic Zn microspheres. Based on this consideration, ultrathin ZnO NW cluster arrays on the Zn microspheres are successfully obtained. Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence measurements of the ultrathin ZnO NW cluster arrays have also been performed.
Microporous Metal–Organic Frameworks with High Gas Sorption and Separation Capacity
Authors: Lee J. Y. , Olson D. H. , Pan L. , Emge T. J. , Li J.
Published: April 2007

The design, synthesis, and structural characterization of two microporous metal–organic framework structures, [M(bdc)(ted)0.5]·2 DMF·0.2 H2O (M = Zn (1), Cu (2); H2bdc = 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylic acid; ted = triethylenediamine; DMF: N,N‐dimethylformamide) is reported. The pore characteristics and gas sorption properties of these compounds are investigated at cryogenic temperatures, room temperature, and higher temperatures by experimentally measuring argon, hydrogen, and selected hydrocarbon adsorption/desorption isotherms. These studies show that both compounds are highly porous with a pore volume of 0.65 (1) and 0.52 cm3 g– 1 (2). The amount of the hydrogen uptake, 2.1 wt % (1) and 1.8 wt % (2) at 77 K (1 atm; 1 atm = 101 325 Pa), places them among the group of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) having the highest H2 sorption capacity. [Zn(bdc)(ted)0.5]·2 DMF·0.2 H2O adsorbs a very large amount of hydrocarbons, including methanol, ethanol, dimethylether (DME), n‐hexane, cyclohexane, and benzene, giving the highest sorption values among all metal–organic based porous materials reported to date. In addition, these materials hold great promise for gas separation.
A fundamental equation of state for the (R134a + triethylene glycol dimethyl ether) mixture
Authors: Marchi Paolo , Scalabrin Giancarlo , Christian Ihmels E. , Richon Dominique
Published: April 2007

The thermodynamic properties of the mixture of 1,1,1,2‐tetrafluoroethane (R134a) and triethylene glycol dimethyl ether (TriEGDME) have been modeled with equations of state in an extended corresponding states format. A recent equation of state for pure R134a was assumed as the reference while the scale factors have been obtained in neural network form by regression of experimental data for the mixture. The modeling was focused on the liquid phase, considering the possible application of such a mixture in a refrigeration plant; since the vapor pressure of pure TriEGDME is negligible over the considered temperature range, the vapor phase of the mixture at vapor‐liquid equilibrium condition is almost pure R134a. Two fundamental equations are proposed herein. The first one, developed from a limited amount of experimental data is valid for R134a mole fractions greater than 0.94. The second equation was obtained from a wider data base; it has a larger number of free parameters to regress and covers the R134a mole fractions greater than 0.59. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Musculoskeletal symptoms among poultry processing workers and a community comparison group: Black women in low‐wage jobs in the rural South
Authors: Lipscomb H.J. , Epling C.A. , Pompeii L.A. , Dement J.M.
Published: April 2007

Background

Poultry processing is characterized by rapid line speed and extreme division of labor. Morbidity associated with this work has been reported by scientists, journalists and workers in this fast growing industry.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data from baseline measures of a cohort of black women employed in poultry processing (n = 291) and a community comparison group (n = 299) in rural North Carolina were used to evaluate musculoskeletal symptom reports and to explore factors associated with those reports. Recruitment of participants and collection of data were performed by women in the community circumventing the need to involve employers.

Results

Significant differences in musculoskeletal symptom prevalence were observed between women employed in poultry processing and those of similar economic status employed elsewhere in the same area of rural northeastern North Carolina. After adjusting for other factors independently associated with symptoms among these women including age, depression, and perceived isometric load at work, the prevalence of upper extremity and neck symptoms was 2.4 (95% CI 1.7, 3.2) times higher among women working in poultry processing.

Conclusions

The findings add to the documentation of occupational health concerns among vulnerable workers employed in poultry processing in our state; in this economically depressed area of rural northeastern North Carolina poultry processing is the largest single employer of women. On a larger scale, the potential magnitude of upper extremity morbidity among women employed in poultry processing should be viewed with the knowledge that poultry processing is a growing industry in the U.S. with work done largely by blacks and immigrants. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:327–338, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pesticide illness among flight attendants due to aircraft disinsection
Authors: Sutton Patrice M. , Vergara Ximena , Beckman John , Nicas Mark , Das Rupali
Published: April 2007

Background

Aircraft “disinsection” is the application of pesticides inside an aircraft to kill insects that may be on board. Over a 1‐year period, California's tracking system received 17 reports of illness involving flight attendants exposed to pesticides following disinsection.

Methods

Interviews, work process observations, and a records review were conducted. Illness reports were evaluated according to the case definition established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Results

Twelve cases met the definition for work‐related pesticide illness. Eleven cases were attributed to the “Residual” method of disinsection, i.e., application of a solution of permethrin (2.2% w/w), solvents (0.8%), and a surfactant (1.4%); the method of disinsection could not be determined for one case.

Conclusions

The aerosol application of a pesticide in the confined space of an aircraft cabin poses a hazard to flight attendants. Nontoxic alternative methods, such as air curtains, should be used to minimize disease vector importation via aircraft cabins. Employers should mitigate flight attendant pesticide exposure in the interim. Am. J. Ind. Med. 50:345–356, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Methylation of inorganic mercury by methylcobalamin in aquatic systems
Authors: Chen Baowei , Wang Thanh , Yin Yongguang , He Bin , Jiang Guibin
Published: April 2007

The methylation of inorganic Hg(II) by methylcobalamin in aquatic systems was studied using high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with UV‐digestion cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HPLC‐UV‐CV AFS). Monomethylmercury (MMC) could be positively identified as the reaction product in the aqueous solution. The salinity and pH of the aquatic system have great effects on the formation of MMC, because they could change the species of the reactants in the solution. From an electrophile reaction point of view, salinity and pH alter the electron density of the methyl donor and the electrophilicity of metal ion in the reaction system. This methylation of inorganic Hg(II) is shown to be possible even in highly saline solutions, which indicates its importance in aquatic environments. Kinetic experiments showed that the methylation reaction was fast and first‐order for Hg(II). The first‐order reaction rate was determined to be 0.00612 and 0.000287 min−1 for pH 5.0 and 1.5, respectively. It is suggested that this methylation could occur in the absence of enzymes, in which Hg(II) acts as an electrophile to attack methylcobalamin with a subsequent transfer of carbanion methyl group to the higher oxidized state of Hg(II). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a slow non‐viral DNA release system from PDLLA scaffolds fabricated using a supercritical CO2 technique
Authors: Heyde Mieke , Partridge Kris A. , Howdle Steven M. , Oreffo Richard O.C. , Garnett Martin C. , Shakesheff Kevin M.
Published: April 2007

Polyamidoamine polymers (PAA) comprising methylene‐bisacrylamide/dimethylethylene‐diamine monomers were synthesized, complexed with DNA and incorporated into porous PDLLA scaffolds by using a supercritical CO2 (scCO2) technique. Scaffolds were made in a dry state consequently there was a need to lyophilize the complexes. A statistically significant reduction of the transfection efficiency was observed in the absence of trehalose when compared to the original complex after freeze‐drying. Increasing concentrations (0–10% w/v) of trehalose were added to the complex prior to freeze‐drying. Structure dependent differences in DNA binding were evaluated by gel electrophoresis and thermal transition analysis. TEM and PCS showed aggregate formation after freeze‐drying without trehalose. Scaffolds were characterized by pore sizes of 173 ± 73 µm and a porosity of 71%. The transfection potential of the released DNA was investigated by seeding scaffolds with A549 cells and following firefly luciferase as a marker gene after 48 h exposure. Low but continuous levels of transfection were observed for PAA complexes during a 60‐day study. Complexes made with Lipofectamine™ gave initially higher levels of DNA release but no further expression was seen after 40 days. Uncomplexed DNA showed background levels of transfection. Culturing cells on 3D scaffolds showed a benefit in retention of transfection activity with time compared to 2D controls. Transfection levels could be increased when cells were grown in OptiMEM. This study demonstrated that PAA/DNA complexes incorporated into a PDLLA scaffold made by using scCO2 processing exhibited a slow release and extended gene expression profile. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;98: 679–693. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expectations and motivations of Hondurans migrating to the United States
Authors: Sladkova Jana
Published: April 2007

This study explores the expectations and decision‐making processes of potential migrants at a community in Honduras. Hondurans have become one of the fastest growing populations in New York. Yet, although approximately 80 000 Hondurans try to reach the US annually, only 25 per cent succeed. To reach the United States they must undergo a dangerous journey across Guatemala and Mexico, a process to date under‐researched by social sciences. As new undocumented migrant streams continue to expand within the global economies, scholars and practitioners who work on their behalf should understand the pre‐migration values and expectations because they shape the way migrants adjust to and develop new cultural patterns in the receiving countries. Drawing on immigration and narrative theory, I hypothesize that narratives of migration from media, prior migrants, coyotes and community practices play an important role in the construction of potential migrant expectations. To represent narratives across several individual and community domains, the research design includes individual interviews, analysis of local newspapers, participant observations and teaching English classes. Analysis across these data reveals complex dilemmas potential migrants face as they weigh the costs and benefits of migration. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adolescent motherhood: a Q‐methodological re‐evaluation of psychological and social outcomes
Authors: Richards Jan , Papworth Mark , Corbett Sally , Good James
Published: April 2007

Traditionally, adolescent motherhood has been associated with numerous negative social, psychological and societal outcomes. However, in recent years there has been a gradual acceptance that there are many positive features to adolescent motherhood, but methodological issues have been identified within the field. This study aimed to examine adolescent motherhood from the mothers' own perspectives, exploring their attitudes towards the issues that they described as being important in their lives, by using Q‐methodology in an attempt to counter some of these methodological limitations. The mothers within the study appeared to be coping positively in their role in that levels of symptomatology, as determined from questionnaire assessment, appeared to be relatively low and they indicated through Q‐sort analysis that motherhood had been beneficial to their lives. Three independent factors (clusters of attitudes) were identified within the sample (N = 23) which differed over the dimensions of: employment, social support, coping, partner co‐habitation, financial support, maternal role satisfaction, aspirations for the future, as well as the nature of the relationship with their child(ren)'s father and their satisfaction with the fathers' role. The significance of these findings with regard to educational and social services is discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DNA–Protein Noncovalent Cross‐Linking: Ruthenium Dipyridophenazine Biotin Complex for the Assembly of Proteins and Gold Nanoparticles on DNA Templates
Authors: Slim Mohamed , Durisic Nela , Grutter Peter , Sleiman Hanadi F.
Published: April 2007

We report the first example of a small molecule that can noncovalently cross‐link DNA with streptavidin and streptavidin‐labeled materials. Molecule 1 possesses a ruthenium dipyridophenazine DNA‐intercalating moiety and a biotin unit; these two units are adequately separated to ensure efficient cross‐linking of DNA with protein. Complex 1 is essentially nonemissive in aqueous solution and when bound to streptavidin, however, its luminescence is turned “on” when it binds to DNA. We have used these properties to establish that this complex can simultaneously bind to DNA and streptavidin, and can thus bring these two biomolecules together. We also synthesized a related molecule, 3, in which the biotin and DNA‐intercalating moieties are covalently bound. While complex 3 can intercalate into DNA through a threading mechanism, luminescence experiments show that it cannot simultaneously bind DNA and streptavidin, most likely due to the proximity of its two molecular‐recognition units. The cross‐linking ability of molecule 1 was used to template the assembly of streptavidin molecules on circular plasmid DNA, as visualized by atomic force microscopy. In addition, using 1, we show the organization of discrete groups of gold nanoparticles labeled with streptavidin on a linear DNA template of finite size, with transmission electron microscopy. In these experiments the DNA template acted as a “molecular ruler” that dictated the number of particles in the assembly.
Cover Picture: Biology‐Oriented Synthesis of Stereochemically Diverse Natural‐Product‐Derived Compound Collections by Iterative Allylations on a Solid Support (Chem. Eur. J. 12/2007)
Authors: Umarye Jayant D. , Leßmann Torben , García Ana B. , Mamane Victor , Sommer Stefan , Waldmann Herbert
Published: April 2007

α,β‐Unsaturated δ‐lactones with multiply oxygenated side chains are a substructure found in a group of natural products with a broad range of biological activity. In their Full Paper on page 3305 ff., H. Waldmann et al. describe the parallel synthesis of all eight diastereomers of cryptocarya diacetate by asymmetric allylation reactions on a solid support with chiral allylboranes.
Risk factors for malignancy in Japanese renal transplant recipients
Authors: Imao Tetsuya , Ichimaru Naotsugu , Takahara Shiro , Kokado Yukito , Okumi Masayoshi , Imamura Ryoichi , Namba Yukiomi , Isaka Yoshitaka , Nonomura Norio , Okuyama Akihiko
Published: April 2007

BACKGROUND.

Among recipients of renal transplants, the incidences of renal cancer and gastrointestinal cancer are higher and that of skin cancer is much lower in Japan than in Europe and North America.

METHODS.

The risk factors for the development of malignant tumors were examined in Japanese recipients of renal transplants. A total of 556 patients underwent renal transplantation at the Department of Urology, Osaka University Faculty of Medicine between March 1, 1965, and April 31, 2004. Of these patients, 366 were retrospectively studied in whom risk factors potentially related to the development of malignancy could be evaluated on the basis of medical records. The incidence of malignancy, survival rate, and risk factors for malignancy were examined.

RESULTS.

The overall incidence of malignancy was 6.8% (25/366 patients). Six of the 25 patients with malignancy died of cancer, but there was no correlation between the occurrence of malignancy and the survival rate (P = .8058, log‐rank test). A Cox proportional‐hazards model identified treatment with tacrolimus (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.376; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.647–11.627; P = .0031) and age at transplantation (HR = 1.562; 95% CI: 1.089–2.240; P = .0155) as risk factors for malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS.

The results of multivariate analysis suggested that age at transplantation and the use of tacrolimus were independent risk factors for the development of malignancy in recipients of renal transplants. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
The role of interstitial brachytherapy with salvage surgery for the management of recurrent head and neck cancers
Authors: Kupferman Michael E. , Morrison William H. , Santillan Alfredo A. , Roberts Dianna , Diaz Eduardo M. , Garden Adam S. , Weber Randal
Published: April 2007

BACKGROUND

The role of interstitial brachytherapy (IBT) in the salvage surgical management of regional lymphatic metastases for head and neck cancer has not been defined to date. To further explore its therapeutic benefit in the management of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, the authors reviewed their experience utilizing IBT at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients who were received IBT for cervical recurrences of head and neck cancer was undertaken. Twenty‐two patients were identified; all patients underwent neck dissection and intraoperative placement of afterloading catheters as part of the salvage treatment. Soft tissue reconstruction was performed when necessary. The duration and dosage of salvage brachytherapy was reviewed, and the overall disease‐free survival rates were determined.

RESULTS

All patients had been treated with external beam radiation therapy prior to recurrence, with an average dose of 65 grays (Gy), and 46% of patients had undergone prior neck dissection. The median time to regional recurrence after definitive treatment was 30 months. Soft tissue coverage of the surgical bed with a muscle flap, most commonly a pectoralis major flap, was performed in 19 of 22 patients. The median IBT dose was 60 Gy over a total duration of 4 days. Postoperative complications were few, and there were no perioperative deaths. Recurrences in the reirradiated necks occurred in 27% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Regional recurrences are common after multimodality treatment for head and neck cancer and are challenging to manage. Although its role has not been defined clearly, salvage neck dissection with IBT is beneficial in the management of recurrent lymphatic metastases of upper aerodigestive tract carcinomas. Cancer 2007. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
QoS‐aware mobile service transactions in a wireless environment
Authors: Younas Muhammad , Chao Kuo‐Ming , Wang Ping , Huang Chun‐Lung
Published: April 2007

Mobile computing greatly facilitates the provision of mobile services using portable and handheld devices which are connected through wireless networks. A pre‐requisite for the provision of an effective service is to ensure quality of service (QoS) during the concurrent execution of requests and system or network failures. This paper presents a new transaction management approach for the provision of mobile services which is based on advanced transaction models and fuzzy selection criteria. It employs a novel QoS consensus moderation approach in order to select preferred mobile services from among various alternatives, thus providing multiple pathways to the completion of mobile service transactions. Unlike traditional transaction management schemes, the proposed approach takes into account QoS attributes in the commit process of mobile service transactions. The proposed approach is implemented as a prototype tool and evaluated through a number of experiments. Experimental results show that the proposed approach effectively selects mobile services and significantly increases the throughput (i.e. commit rate) of mobile service transactions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DS/CDMA throughput of a multi‐hop sensor network in a Rayleigh fading underwater acoustic channel
Authors: Mar Choong Hock , Seah Winston K. G.
Published: April 2007

Asynchronous half‐duplex Direct‐Sequence Code‐Division Multiple‐Access (DS/CDMA) is a suitable candidate for the MAC protocol design of underwater acoustic (UWA) sensor networks owing to its many attractive features. Our ad‐hoc multi‐hop network is infrastructureless in that it is without centralized base stations or power control. Hence, we develop an asynchronous distributed half‐duplex control protocol to regulate between the transmitting and receiving phases of transmissions. Furthermore, multi‐hop communications are very sensitive to the time variability of the received signal strength in the fading channel and the ambient noise dominated by snapping shrimp in harsh underwater environments, because a broken link in the multi‐hop path is enough to disrupt communications and initiate new route searches. In our configuration, we use the Ad hoc On‐demand Distance Vector (AODV) routing protocol optimized for UWA networks. Empirical studies show that we can model the channel as a slow‐varying frequency non‐selective Rayleigh fading channel. We theoretically analyze the throughput of our configuration by considering three salient features: the ability of the receiver to demodulate the data, the effect of our control protocol and the effect of disconnections on the generation of routing packets. The throughput under various operating conditions is then examined. It is observed that at optimal node separation, the throughput is improved by a factor of 10. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast synchronization for quasi‐immutable objects
Authors: Nishiyama Hiroyasu , Nakajima Kei
Published: April 2007

Increasing synchronization performance is one of the most important factors for improving Java performance. We present the concept of quasi‐immutable objects and its application to implement fast synchronization primitives. Quasi‐immutable objects are usually used for read accesses, but they are rarely used for write accesses. Using these characteristics, we describe the optimization for a synchronized read sequence of quasi‐immutable objects. Our described method dynamically detects objects that are not written from critical sections of other threads, and applies the fast read sequence. The optimized read sequence enables the simultaneous execution of critical sections by multiple threads and reduces synchronization overhead. We implemented the described optimization on HotSpot Java VM. The experimental evaluations indicated that the optimization improved the performance of a micro‐benchmark up to a factor of 16 and SPEC benchmarks up to 31%. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
JaMP: an implementation of OpenMP for a Java DSM
Authors: Klemm Michael , Bezold Matthias , Veldema Ronald , Philippsen Michael
Published: April 2007

Although OpenMP is a widely agreed‐upon standard for the C/C++ and Fortran programming languages for the semi‐automatic parallelization of programs for shared memory machines, not much has been done on the binding of OpenMP to Java that targets clusters with distributed memory. This paper presents three major contributions: (1) JaMP is an adaptation of the OpenMP standard to Java that implements a large subset of the OpenMP specification with an expressiveness comparable to that of OpenMP; (2) we suggest a set of extensions that allow a better integration of OpenMP into the Java language; (3) we present our prototype implementation of JaMP in the research compiler Jackal, a software‐based distributed shared memory implementation for Java. We evaluate the performance of JaMP with a set of micro‐benchmarks and with OpenMP versions of the parallel Java Grande Forum (JGF) benchmarks. The micro‐benchmarks show that OpenMP for Java can be implemented without much overhead. The JGF benchmarks achieve a good speed‐up of 5–8 on eight nodes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.