bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Droit et pédagogie : définition d’un domaine de recherche
Authors: Emond Louis
Published: September 2012

Dans l’article qui suit, l’auteur définit ce que pourrait être le domaine de recherche « droit et pédagogie » en faisant l’inventaire des publications pouvant s’y intégrer et servir de fondements. Trois grandes approches orientent la démarche d’exploration de ce domaine de recherche : le droit de la pédagogie, le droit comme pédagogie et le droit dans la pédagogie. Chacune permet d’explorer une autre dimension de la relation qu’entretiennent, ou pourraient entretenir, la justice et l’école, deux institutions étatiques chargées, entre autres, de réguler les comportements des individus. L’article se termine par une analyse critique du livre de Violaine Lemay, Évaluation scolaire et justice sociale, seul ouvrage québécois à se réclamer ouvertement du droit et de la pédagogie.
Students’ Participation in Learning Activities and Innovative Approaches to Increase Students’ Participation at Higher Level
Authors: Rasul Saima , Bukhshl Qadir
Published: September 2012

Learning is acquiring new or modifying existing knowledge, behaviors, skills, values, or preferences and may involve synthesizing different types of information. It provides students with opportunities to learn and practice new knowledge and strategies, to explain their reasoning, and to examine their thinking processes and recognize the need to revise thinking. The study analyzed the students’ participation in learning activities and innovative approaches to increase students’ participation at higher level. To achieve the purpose of study two questionnaires were designed as research tool separately for teachers and students. The questionnaire was administered to 200 students and 100 teachers of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (Pakistan) and Bahauddin Zakriya University of Multan (Pakistan). It was strongly recommended that learning activities should be according to students’ level. Students should be motivated and encourage by the teachers to participate in learning activities. Less emphasis should be placed on transmitting information and more on developing student’s skills. New innovative approaches should be used to increase students’ participation in learning activities.   Keywords - Students’ participation, learning activities, innovative, approaches, higher level
Awareness of Internet Plagiarism Among The Secondary School Students in Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Hasan Rajiah
Published: September 2012

Plagiarism has long been a problem in educational setting and with the advent of the Internet revolution and highly user-friendly word processing software, plagiarism has become a widespread phenomenon. Internet exposes students to a multitude of resources in their learning process. Ironically, these phenomena also brought tremendous opportunities for the plagiarism on cyberspace to take place. Students freely copy and paste informations directly from Internet in the assignments and claimed the works as theirs. Very limited research had been done and there are no study had been conducted in secondary school students in Malaysia. This study aims to investigate the reasons behind the increased phenomena of the internet plagiarism among students in one of the secondary schools in Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia. Data collection and the subsequent analyses were guided by qualitative research methods with the theoretical backdrop of Rogers Model of Innovation-Decision Process (Rogers, 1962). In this research, researcher uses the term “awareness of the internet plagiarism” as the “innovation”. 4 themes emerged from this research, namely (1) lack and limited knowledge (2)lack and limited awareness and (3) normal phenomena (4) easy access to Internet. These themes are discussed with reference to the finding of other studies in plagiarism and the implication for the continuum of the education in Malaysia is pointed out.   Keywords - internet plagiarism, secondary school student, Gombak, Selangor, Malaysia
A Portable Power Generating Apparatus for Irrigation System of Small Scale Farming “Tubig at Ilaw Mula sa Araw”
Authors: Seguban Romeo G.
Published: September 2012

To develop a project that uses solar devices is an outstanding job this time. Particularly these days that energy crisis is a serious problem. There is an economic consideration in this regard. As a way of solving the problem this study is conceived to fabricate a selfcontained portable power generating apparatus using solar energy that could be used as substitute for alternating current (AC) power to operate irrigation system using submersible pump to reduce farming inputs. The device can be also used for wide variety of lighting, ventilating and charging applications. Furthermore, this project is designed to contribute to environmental conservation and income generation through the establishment of solar-powered water system for urban/rural irrigation purposes. The project is affordable. The total cost is Php 50,000.00 only, cheaper compared to an AC generator using gasoline and diesel oil. Keywords - portable power generating apparatus, irrigation system, small scale farming
Unemployment among Women in Meghalaya
Authors: Lyngdoh Erica M.
Published: September 2012

Unemployment is widely regarded as a major social and economic global problem since it is directly connected with earning abilities and therefore welfare of the person and her/his family. Unemployment is an enormous issue and is important indicator of lack of human welfare in developing countries like India. The study intends to investigate the ground realities of the problems associated with unemployment of women in Meghalaya and issues connected with possible gender biases, education related as well as behavior of the labour market for women workers. Thus with the help of a selected number of indicators of unemployment, the main objectives of the study are:(a) To identify the causes of unemployment among women in Meghalaya;(b) to analyze the relationship of unemployment with education and gender. From the study it was found that the work participation rate of females in Meghalaya is much higher than the all India level. The prevailing employment market scenario and the relative status of various occupations in the society, greatly influence the job aspirations of the persons entering the active working life. Keywords - Meghalaya, unemployment, employment, education, gender-bias, work-participation.
‘What Would You Say if You Were Guilty?’ Suspects' Strategies During a Hypothetical Behavior Analysis Interview Concerning a Serious Crime
Authors: Masip Jaume , Herrero Carmen
Published: September 2012

Previous research has shown that the Behavior Analysis Interview (BAI) indicators of guilt or innocence are merely commonsense notions. In this study, we examined whether this would lead suspects of a serious crime to try to manipulate their behavior during a BAI in order to look innocent. A serious crime was described to 74 undergraduates who were asked to imagine that they were guilty or innocent. They then completed a questionnaire about the strategies that they would use during a BAI. Both guilty and innocent suspects were more willing to show the innocence rather than guilt indicators of the BAI. Innocent suspects had a blind faith in the power of innocence to demonstrate that they were not guilty. The general (non‐BAI) strategies coincided with those of previous studies; this indicates that prior findings on strategies can be generalized to serious crimes and that strategies can be examined with uncomplicated procedures such as the one used in this study. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Magnetite/Polypyrrole Hybrid Nanocomposites as a Promising Magnetic Resonance Imaging Contrast Material
Authors: Alves Kleber G. B. , Andrade Cesar A. S. , Campello Sergio L. , de Souza Ricardo E. , de Melo Celso P.
Published: September 2012

We have prepared magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4_NPs) almost spherical in shape with average particle size of 10 nm and successfully encapsulated them in an envelope of polypyrrole (PPY) chains via an emulsion polymerization route using sodium dodecyl sulfate as surfactant. The resulting PPY‐coated Fe3O4_NPs (Fe3O4_NPs/PPY) suspensions were stable with particles exhibiting a triangular prismatic morphology and an average diameter below 100 nm. In fact, all colloidal solutions were stable in aqueous media with typical ζ‐surface potential values of −33.9 mV (Fe3O4_NPs) and −20.0 mV (Fe3O4_NPs/PPY). Although X‐ray diffraction studies revealed the presence of a magnetic phase Fe3O4, the identified diffraction peaks are consistent with the presence of a spinel structure of magnetite. A ferromagnetic behavior, such as lower coercive force (Hc= 0.065 T), was observed for all magnetic nanoparticles examined. The1H NMR relaxation timesT1andT2of selected Fe3O4_NPs/PPY samples were also measured and their relaxivitiesr1(1.1 s−1mM−1) andr2(61.9 s−1mM−1) compare favorably to those of contrast agents commercially used in human examinations. We suggest that the present results indicate that these hybrid nanocomposites are promising materials for the development of a platform of specialized contrast agents for1H Magnetic Resonance Imaging. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Dillapiole as Antileishmanial Agent: Discovery, Cytotoxic Activity and Preliminary SAR Studies of Dillapiole Analogues
Authors: Parise‐Filho Roberto , Pasqualoto Kerly Fernanda Mesquita , Magri Fátima Maria Motter , Ferreira Adilson Kleber , da Silva Bárbara Athayde Vaz Galvão , Damião Mariana Celestina Frojuello Costa Bernstorff , Tavares Maurício Temotheo , Azevedo Ricardo Alexandre , Auada Aline Vivian Vatti , Polli Michelle Carneiro , Brandt Carlos Alberto
Published: September 2012

In this paper, the isolation of dillapiole (1) fromPiper aduncumwas reported as well as the semi‐synthesis of two phenylpropanoid derivatives [di‐hydrodillapiole (2), isodillapiole (3)],viareduction and isomerization reactions. Also, the compounds' molecular properties (structural, electronic, hydrophobic, and steric) were calculated and investigated to establish some preliminary structure–activity relationships (SAR). Compounds were evaluated forin vitroantileishmanial activity and cytotoxic effects on fibroblast cells. Compound1presented inhibitory activity againstLeishmania amazonensis(IC50 = 69.3 µM) andLeishmania brasiliensis(IC50 = 59.4 µM) and induced cytotoxic effects on fibroblast cells mainly in high concentrations. Compounds2(IC50 = 99.9 µM forL. amazonensisand IC50 = 90.5 µM forL. braziliensis) and3(IC50 = 122.9 µM forL. amazonensisand IC50 = 109.8 µM forL. brasiliensis) were less active than dillapiole (1). Regarding the molecular properties, the conformational arrangement of the side chain, electronic features, and the hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance seem to be relevant for explaining the antileishmanial activity of dillapiole and its analogues.
Robust Stochastic Stability for a Class of Singular Systems with Uncertain Markovian Jump and Time‐Varying Delay
Authors: Long Shaohua , Zhong Shouming , Liu Zijian
Published: September 2012

This paper deals with the problem of the robust stochastic stability for a class of singular systems with uncertain Markovian jump and time‐varying delay. Sufficient conditions on the stochastic stability are presented. The obtained results are formulated in terms of strict linear matrix inequalities. A numerical example is provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Relative Contributions of Gender and Traumatic Life Experience to the Prediction of Mental Disorders in a Sample of Incarcerated Offenders
Authors: Gunter Tracy D. , Chibnall John T. , Antoniak Sandra K. , McCormick Brett , Black Donald W.
Published: September 2012

The objective of this study was to quantify the relative contributions of gender and traumatic life experience to psychiatric disorders in a sample of 320 offenders entering a state prison. Women were more likely than men to report traumatic events and personal and family mental health treatment histories; and were more likely to meet criteria for posttraumatic stress, borderline personality, and eating disorders. People reporting traumatic life experiences were more likely than those not so reporting to have family mental histories and to meet criteria for mood, anxiety, psychotic, antisocial personality, and borderline personality disorders, as well as elevated suicide risk. With both gender and trauma included in the logistic regression models, only trauma was a significant predictor of mood, anxiety, psychotic, attention deficit hyperactivity, and antisocial personality disorders, as well as suicide risk. Trauma‐informed programming, regardless of gender, is important for incarcerated offenders. To the extent that trauma is also criminogenic, these data suggest that women and men share the risk. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The adolescent female: Breast and reproductive embryology and anatomy
Authors: Lemaine Valerie , Simmons Patricia S.
Published: September 2012

Congenital breast and genital tract anomalies are seen frequently in the care of children and adolescents. Breast and internal gynecologic anomalies more often present in adolescence than in early childhood. Management is best delivered through a multidisciplinary team approach. Carefully timed surgical intervention is of importance to optimize psychological, aesthetic and functional outcomes. An understanding of the female breast and genital tract embryology and anatomy is important for a meticulous clinical examination and appropriate surgical treatment. This article will review the normal embryology and anatomy of theadolescent female breast and genital tract. Clin. Anat. 26:22–28, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chronic Blood Pressure Control
Authors: Brands Michael W.
Published: September 2012

Chronic blood pressure is maintained within very narrow limits around an average value. However, the multitude of physiologic processes that participate in blood pressure control present a bewildering array of possibilities to explain how such tight control of arterial pressure is achieved. Guyton and Coleman and colleagues addressed this challenge by creating a mathematical model that integrated the short‐ and long‐term control systems for overall regulation of the circulation. The hub is the renal‐body fluid feedback control system, which links cardiac function and vascular resistance and capacitance with fluid volume homeostasis as the foundation for chronic blood pressure control. The cornerstone of that system is renal sodium excretory capability, which is defined by the direct effect of blood pressure on urinary sodium excretion, that is, “pressure natriuresis.” Steady‐state blood pressure is the pressure at which pressure natriuresis balances sodium intake over time; therefore, renal sodium excretory capability is the set point for chronic blood pressure. However, this often is misinterpreted as dismissing, or minimizing, the importance of nonrenal mechanisms in chronic blood pressure control. This article explains the renal basis for the blood pressure set point by focusing on the absolute dependence of our survival on the maintenance of sodium balance. Two principal threats to sodium balance are discussed: (1) a change in sodium intake or renal excretory capability and (2) a change in blood pressure. In both instances, circulatory homeostasis is maintained because the sodium balance blood pressure set point is reached. © 2012 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol2:2481‐2494, 2012.
Ventilatory Failure, Ventilator Support, and Ventilator Weaning
Authors: Tobin Martin J. , Laghi Franco , Jubran Amal
Published: September 2012

The development of acute ventilatory failure represents an inability of the respiratory control system to maintain a level of respiratory motor output to cope with the metabolic demands of the body. The level of respiratory motor output is also the main determinant of the degree of respiratory distress experienced by such patients. As ventilatory failure progresses and patient distress increases, mechanical ventilation is instituted to help the respiratory muscles cope with the heightened workload. While a patient is connected to a ventilator, a physician's ability to align the rhythm of the machine with the rhythm of the patient's respiratory centers becomes the primary determinant of the level of rest accorded to the respiratory muscles. Problems of alignment are manifested as failure to trigger, double triggering, an inflationary gas‐flow that fails to match inspiratory demands, and an inflation phase that persists after a patient's respiratory centers have switched to expiration. With recovery from disorders that precipitated the initial bout of acute ventilatory failure, attempts are made to discontinue the ventilator (weaning). About 20% of weaning attempts fail, ultimately, because the respiratory controller is unable to sustain ventilation and this failure is signaled by development of rapid shallow breathing. Substantial advances in the medical management of acute ventilatory failure that requires ventilator assistance are most likely to result from research yielding novel insights into the operation of the respiratory control system. © 2012 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol2:2871‐2921, 2012.
The Cellular Building Blocks of Breathing
Authors: Ramirez J.M. , Doi A. , Garcia A.J. , Elsen F.P. , Koch H. , Wei A.D.
Published: September 2012

Respiratory brainstem neurons fulfill critical roles in controlling breathing: they generate the activity patterns for breathing and contribute to various sensory responses including changes in O2and CO2. These complex sensorimotor tasks depend on the dynamic interplay between numerous cellular building blocks that consist of voltage‐, calcium‐, and ATP‐dependent ionic conductances, various ionotropic and metabotropic synaptic mechanisms, as well as neuromodulators acting on G‐protein coupled receptors and second messenger systems. As described in this review, the sensorimotor responses of the respiratory network emerge through the state‐dependent integration of all these building blocks. There is no known respiratory function that involves only a small number of intrinsic, synaptic, or modulatory properties. Because of the complex integration of numerous intrinsic, synaptic, and modulatory mechanisms, the respiratory network is capable of continuously adapting to changes in the external and internal environment, which makes breathing one of the most integrated behaviors. Not surprisingly, inspiration is critical not only in the control of ventilation, but also in the context of “inspiring behaviors” such as arousal of the mind and even creativity. Far‐reaching implications apply also to the underlying network mechanisms, as lessons learned from the respiratory network apply to network functions in general. © 2012 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol2:2683‐2731, 2012.
Hypertension: Physiology and Pathophysiology
Authors: Hall John E. , Granger Joey P. , do Carmo Jussara M. , da Silva Alexandre A. , Dubinion John , George Eric , Hamza Shereen , Speed Joshua , Hall Michael E.
Published: September 2012

Despite major advances in understanding the pathophysiology of hypertension and availability of effective and safe antihypertensive drugs, suboptimal blood pressure (BP) control is still the most important risk factor for cardiovascular mortality and is globally responsible for more than 7 million deaths annually. Short‐term and long‐term BP regulation involve the integrated actions of multiple cardiovascular, renal, neural, endocrine, and local tissue control systems. Clinical and experimental observations strongly support a central role for the kidneys in the long‐term regulation of BP, and abnormal renal‐pressure natriuresis is present in all forms of chronic hypertension. Impaired renal‐pressure natriuresis and chronic hypertension can be caused byintrarenalorextrarenalfactors that reduce glomerular filtration rate or increase renal tubular reabsorption of salt and water; these factors include excessive activation of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems, increased formation of reactive oxygen species, endothelin, and inflammatory cytokines, or decreased synthesis of nitric oxide and various natriuretic factors. In human primary (essential) hypertension, the precise causes of impaired renal function are not completely understood, although excessive weight gain and dietary factors appear to play a major role since hypertension is rare in nonobese hunter‐gathers living in nonindustrialized societies. Recent advances in genetics offer opportunities to discover gene‐environment interactions that may also contribute to hypertension, although success thus far has been limited mainly to identification of rare monogenic forms of hypertension. © 2012 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol2:2393‐2442, 2012.
Exercise Training and Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Haas Tara L. , Lloyd Pamela G. , Yang Hsiao‐Tung , Terjung Ronald L.
Published: September 2012

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common vascular disease that reduces blood flow capacity to the legs of patients. PAD leads to exercise intolerance that can progress in severity to greatly limit mobility, and in advanced cases leads to frank ischemia with pain at rest. It is estimated that 12 to 15 million people in the United States are diagnosed with PAD, with a much larger population that is undiagnosed. The presence of PAD predicts a 50% to 1500% increase in morbidity and mortality, depending on severity. Treatment of patients with PAD is limited to modification of cardiovascular disease risk factors, pharmacological intervention, surgery, and exercise therapy. Extended exercise programs that involve walking approximately five times per week, at a significant intensity that requires frequent rest periods, are most significant. Preclinical studies and virtually all clinical trials demonstrate the benefits of exercise therapy, including improved walking tolerance, modified inflammatory/hemostatic markers, enhanced vasoresponsiveness, adaptations within the limb (angiogenesis, arteriogenesis, and mitochondrial synthesis) that enhance oxygen delivery and metabolic responses, potentially delayed progression of the disease, enhanced quality of life indices, and extended longevity. A synthesis is provided as to how these adaptations can develop in the context of our current state of knowledge and events known to be orchestrated by exercise. The benefits are so compelling that exercise prescription should be an essential option presented to patients with PAD in the absence of contraindications. Obviously, selecting for a lifestyle pattern that includes enhanced physical activity prior to the advance of PAD limitations is the most desirable and beneficial. © 2012 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol2:2933‐3017, 2012.
Application of high‐throughput IEF‐PAGE for EPO‐doping testing
Authors: Reichel Christian
Published: September 2012

Since its first publication in 2000, the isoelectric focusing (IEF) method of erythropoietin (EPO) used in doping control has been considered a procedure with relatively small sample number capacity. To overcome this limitation, a variation of the current protocol was evaluated, which uses double‐sized gels with 48–120 wells plus three electrodes and hence multiplies the capacity of the electrophoretic chamber. With this modification up to 120 samples and standards can be run on a single gel – thus, making IEF‐PAGE of EPO a high‐throughput method. The protocol is ideally suited for large‐scale screening purposes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding Policy Coherence: Analytical Framework and Examples of Sector–Environment Policy Interactions in the EU
Authors: Nilsson Måns , Zamparutti Tony , Petersen Jan Erik , Nykvist Björn , Rudberg Peter , McGuinn Jennifer
Published: September 2012

This paper presents a framework for analysing policy coherence in a European Union setting through the perspective of policy interaction. Building on a simple policy‐analytical approach and theories of institutional interaction, the framework develops a three‐step analytical approach, consisting of the inventory of policy objectives, the screening matrix and a more in‐depth analysis of key interactions. Central to the analytical framework is the identification of synergy and conflict at three levels: policy objectives, policy instruments and implementation practices, also taking into account as far as possible outcome and impacts. The paper presents illustrative examples from EU renewable energy and cohesion policies in relation to different environmental policy areas such as biodiversity, habitats, resource efficiency and water. It finds that policies are often coherent at the level of objectives, but that associated instruments and in particular implementation practices cause concern for policy conflict in all three examples. Finally, the paper identifies emerging challenges in the application of policy coherence analysis and a need for further development of the analytical approach. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Visible‐Light‐Driven Generation of High‐Valent Oxo‐Bridged Dinuclear and Tetranuclear Manganese Terpyridine Entities Linked to Photoactive Ruthenium Units of Relevance to Photosystem II
Authors: Castillo Carmen E. , Romain Sophie , Retegan Marius , Leprêtre Jean‐Claude , Chauvin Jérôme , Duboc Carole , Fortage Jérôme , Deronzier Alain , Collomb Marie‐Noëlle
Published: September 2012

We report on a new heterobimetallic manganese–ruthenium complex, in which a MnII bis(terpyridine) centre is covalently linked to two RuII tris(bipyridine) units. By electro‐ or photoinduced oxidation of this Mn centre, high‐valent multinuclear oxo‐bridged manganese species can be generated. These were unambiguously identified by electrochemistry and UV/Vis and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. In a CH3CN solution of water (1 M), the dinuclear core, [(H2O)(terpy)MnIII(μ‐O)2MnIV(terpy)(H2O)]3+ (terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine) is first obtained by dimerisation, and can be further oxidised to give rise to the tetranuclear core, [(H2O)(terpy)MnIV(μ‐O)2MnIV(terpy)(μ‐O)(terpy)MnIV(μ‐O)2MnIV(terpy)(H2O)]6+. These cores are connected to two and four [Ru(bpy)3]2+ units, respectively. The second dimerisation process is prevented when coordinating CF3CO2– anions are present in solution, as oxidation of the initially generated species, [(CF3CO2)(terpy)MnIII(μ‐O)2MnIV(terpy)(CF3CO2)]+, produces the stable dinuclear [(CF3CO2)(terpy)MnIV(μ‐O)2MnIV(terpy)(CF3CO2)]2+. All these species are generated in high yields either by exhaustive electrolysis or continuous visible‐light irradiation. A diazonium salt is required as the irreversible electron acceptor for photochemical experiments. Molecular mechanics calculations confirm that the formation of the higher nuclearity complex with a tetranuclear Mn central core linked to four Ru unit is feasible. The Ru–Ru distances are long enough to preclude possible steric hindrance of the Ru units.
Rock‐Magnetic and Archaeointensity Investigation of Pottery and a Burned Floor at the Tzintzuntzan Archaeological Site, Western Mexico
Authors: Morales Juan , Goguitchaichvili Avto , Aguilar‐Reyes Bertha A. , Pineda Modesto , Carvallo Claire , Beramendi‐Orosco Laura , González‐Hernández Galia , Oliveros Arturo
Published: September 2012

We report a detailed rock‐magnetic and archaeointensity analysis of four pottery fragments and a burned floor recovered from the Tzintzuntzan archaeological site in western Mexico. Results from rock‐magnetic experiments (x‐T curves and first‐order reversal curves [FORC] diagrams) indicate the suitability of most of these materials as faithful geomagnetic field recorders. Potsherds were archaeomagnetically dated by comparing their mean intensity values against the paleosecular variation curve CALS3k, suggesting A.D. 600–941 as the most probable age range. This is younger than 14C‐dated charcoal from the same burned floor (A.D. 1294–1426). More precise age estimates will require the use of the full geomagnetic vector (declination, inclination, and intensity). Multiple reheatings of the ceramic pieces, evidenced as secondary components in Zijderveld plots, could reflect multiple heating of these objects, perhaps from use as incense burners. Our study demonstrates the potential of archaeomagnetic analysis to both date burned ceramics recovered in situ and provide insight into their use‐history.
Utilizing Graph Theory to Select the Largest Set of Unrelated Individuals for Genetic Analysis
Authors: Staples Jeffrey , Nickerson Deborah A. , Below Jennifer E.
Published: September 2012

Many statistical analyses of genetic data rely on the assumption of independence among samples. Consequently, relatedness is either modeled in the analysis or samples are removed to “clean” the data of any pairwise relatedness above a tolerated threshold. Current methods do not maximize the number of unrelated individuals retained for further analysis, and this is a needless loss of resources. We report a novel application of graph theory that identifies the maximum set of unrelated samples in any dataset given a user‐defined threshold of relatedness as well as all networks of related samples. We have implemented this method into an open source program called Pedigree Reconstruction and Identification of a Maximum Unrelated Set, PRIMUS. We show that PRIMUS outperforms the three existing methods, allowing researchers to retain up to 50% more unrelated samples. A unique strength of PRIMUS is its ability to weight the maximum clique selection using additional criteria (e.g. affected status and data missingness). PRIMUS is a permanent solution to identifying the maximum number of unrelated samples for a genetic analysis.
Inhibition of RelA-Ser536 Phosphorylation by a Competing Peptide Reduces Mouse Liver Fibrosis Without Blocking the Innate Immune Response
Authors: Moles Anna , Sanchez Ana M. , Banks Paul S. , Murphy Lindsay B. , Luli Saimir , Borthwick Lee , Fisher Andrew , O'Reilly Steven , van Laar Jacob M. , White Steven A. , Perkins Neil D. , Burt Alastair D. , Mann Derek A. , Oakley Fiona
Published: September 2012

Phosphorylation of the RelA subunit at serine 536 (RelA-P-Ser536) is important for hepatic myofibroblast survival and is mechanistically implicated in liver fibrosis. Here, we show that a cell-permeable competing peptide (P6) functions as a specific targeted inhibitor of RelA-P-Ser536

in vivo

and exerts an antifibrogenic effect in two progressive liver disease models, but does not impair hepatic inflammation or innate immune responses after lipopolysaccharide challenge. Using kinase assays and western blotting, we confirm that P6 is a substrate for the inhibitory kappa B kinases (IKKs), IKKα and IKKβ, and, in human hepatic myofibroblasts, P6 prevents RelA-P-Ser536, but does not affect IKK activation of IκBα. We demonstrate that RelA-P-Ser536 is a feature of human lung and skin fibroblasts, but not lung epithelial cells,

in vitro

and is present in sclerotic skin and diseased lungs of patients suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

Conclusion:

RelA-P-Ser536 may be a core fibrogenic regulator of fibroblast phenotype.
DETERMINANTS OF CAPITAL STRUCTURE IN THE UK RETAIL INDUSTRY: A COMPARISON OF MULTIPLE REGRESSION AND GENERALIZED REGRESSION NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: Abdou Hussein A. , Kuzmic Andzelika , Pointon John , Lister Roger J.
Published: September 2012

Firms need to rely on different financing sources, but the question is how capital structure is determined for a particular industry. Our aim is to undertake an investigation into the factors which determine capital structure in the UK retail industry. Our initial sample consists of 163 (final sample: 100) UK retail companies, using data from 2000 in order to analyse capital structure from 2002 to 2006. Nonlinear models tend to be unduly neglected in capital structure research, and so we apply generalized regression neural networks (GRNNs), which are compared with conventional multiple regressions. We utilize a hold‐out sample for the multiple regressions to make them comparable with the GRNNs. Stability of the data is also confirmed. Our main findings are: net profitability and the depreciation‐to‐sales ratio are key determinants of capital structure based on GRNNs, while two more variables are added in the multiple regressions, namely size and quick ratio; there is strong support for the pecking‐order theory; both root‐mean‐square errors and mean absolute errors are much lower for the GRNNs than those for the multiple regressions for overall, training and testing datasets. The potential benefit of this research to financial managers and investors in the UK retail sector is the identification of the overriding role of net profitability in reducing the financial risk from high levels of gearing. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shift in the timing of respiratory syncytial virus circulation in a subtropical megalopolis: Implications for immunoprophylaxis
Authors: Paiva Terezinha M. , Ishida Maria A. , Benega Margarete A. , Constantino Clóvis R.A. , Silva Daniela B.B. , Santos Kátia C.O. , Oliveira Maria I. , Barbosa Helena A. , Carvalhanas Telma R.M.P. , Schuck‐Paim Cynthia , Alonso Wladimir J.
Published: September 2012

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of severe respiratory infections worldwide, and an important cause of childhood bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and mortality. Although prevention of RSV infection by immunoprophylaxis with palivizumab has proved effective, a precise understanding of the timing of RSV outbreaks is necessary to ensure that infants are protected when RSV is circulating. In this study a consistent shift in the seasonal patterns of RSV circulation in southeast Brazil (São Paulo) is reported based on the analysis of 15 years of viral surveillance. Surveillance was conducted from 1996 to 2010 and involved the collection of samples from children with symptoms of acute respiratory infection. Putative changes in school terms, in the proportion of RSV genotypes infecting children and in the seasonal dynamics of several climatic parameters during the period were also investigated. The results revealed a progression in the timing of RSV seasons, with a shift in the onset and peak of RSV epidemics from 2007 onwards. Although lower rainfall and temperatures were associated with the onset of outbreaks, there was no evidence of changes in climate, school terms or in the relative proportion of genotypes in the period analyzed. These findings have direct implications for improving the prophylactic use of palivizumab, and stress the importance of fine tuning prophylaxis with recent surveillance data. In the case of São Paulo, palivizumab prophylaxis should be initiated earlier than suggested currently. Similar adjustments may be necessary in other regions. J. Med. Virol. 84:1825–1830, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Performance of five FDA‐approved rapid antigen tests in the detection of 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus
Authors: Sutter Deena E. , Worthy Sue A. , Hensley Donna M. , Maranich Ashley M. , Dolan Donna M. , Fischer Gerald W. , Daum Luke T.
Published: September 2012

Rapid antigen tests are commonly used by clinicians for rapid, simple, point‐of‐care testing. Five rapid antigen tests were shown to have low sensitivity (40.3–58.8%) when compared to real‐time RT‐PCR using nasal wash specimens from patients with influenza‐like‐illness (N = 167) that were collected previously and confirmed as 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1)‐positive by PCR. Rapid antigen test sensitivity correlated with virus levels in nasal secretions when comparisons were made to cycle threshold (CT) values obtained from real‐time RT‐PCR. When CT values are <25 (equating to viral concentrations of >104 TCID50/ml) sensitivity for all five rapid antigen kits was high (range: 83–94% positive); however, when CT values are >30 (102 TCID50/ml), sensitivities of only 16–18% were observed for four of five rapid antigen kits. The Directigen EZ Flu A + B test detected more positive samples (35%) at lower viral concentrations with CT values >30 when compared with other commercial kits (P = 0.05). Rapid antigen test results must be interpreted with caution, and negative specimens may need confirmation by sensitive molecular assays. J. Med. Virol. 84:1699–1702, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Distribution of JC polyomavirus genotypes in Tunisian renal transplant recipients between January 2008 and January 2011
Authors: Boukoum Hanen , Nahdi Imen , Abid Nabil , Foulongne Vincent , Sahtout Wissal , Zallema Dorsaf , Skiri Habib , Aloui Sabra , Achour Abdelatif , Segondy Michel , Aouni Mahjoub
Published: September 2012

The polyomavirus JC (JCPyV) is a ubiquitous virus in humans, causing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, a fatal demyelinating disease. JCPyV propagates in the adult kidney and excretes its progeny in urine, from which its DNA can be recovered readily. JCPyV isolates worldwide can be classified into 14 subtypes or genotypes, each associated with a specific geographical region. The European genotypes EU‐a‐b‐c are spread throughout Europe and Mediterranean areas. The major African genotype Af2 is spread not only throughout Africa but also in West and South Asia. A minor African genotype (Af1) occurs in Central and West Africa. Partially overlapping domains in Asia were occupied by various genotypes (e.g., B1‐a, ‐b, ‐d, B2, CY, MY, and SC). To characterize the subtypes of JCPyV prevalent in Tunisia, the presence of the virus was investigated by real‐time PCR in urine samples from 98 renal transplant recipients. For subtype identification, a 610 bp typing region of the JCPyV genome was amplified from each urine sample, and its DNA sequence was determined. In the patients studied, the major African subtype Af2 was the predominant (62.5%), followed by the European subtype EU (33.5%). Only one case clustering with the Asian genotype SC (4%) was identified. The presence of the European subtype with high prevalence in this population suggests that the epidemiological distribution of JCPyV virus sequences in North Africa is related partially to the epidemiological data in Europe. J. Med. Virol. 84:1818–1824, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Diagnosis of hand, foot, and mouth disease caused by EV71 and other enteroviruses by a one‐step, single tube, duplex RT‐PCR
Authors: Jiang Bingfu , Zhang Jianhua , You Xianhui , Dong Chen , Cheng Xianfeng , Dai Xing , Meng Jihong
Published: September 2012

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is caused mainly by enterovirus 71 (EV71) and other enteroviruses (EVs) such as Coxsackie A16 in China. EV71 infection can lead to severe clinical manifestations and even death. Other EVs, however, generally cause mild symptoms. Thus, early and accurate distinction of EV71 from other EVs for HFMD will offer significant benefits. A one‐step, single tube, duplex RT‐PCR assay is described in the present study to detect simultaneously EV71 and other EVs. The primers used for the duplex RT‐PCR underwent screening and optimization. The detection threshold was 0.001 TCID50/ml for EV71 and 0.01 TCID50/ml for other EVs. The positive rate of enterovirus detection in 165 clinical samples reached 68.5%, including 46.1% for EV71 and 22.4% for other EVs. Of all the severe HFMD cases, EV71 was responsible for 85.3% cases. The positive rate of EV71 fell markedly by day 8 after onset. In addition, sequencing of EV71 specific amplicons from duplex RT‐PCR revealed that C4a was the predominant subgenotype of EV71 circulating in Nanjing, China. The accuracy and reliability of the assay suggest strongly that the one‐step, single tube, duplex RT‐PCR will be useful for early diagnosis and monitoring of EV71 and other EV infections. J. Med. Virol. 84:1803–1808, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reactivation of herpes simplex virus type 1 is associated with cytomegalovirus and age
Authors: Stowe Raymond P. , Peek M. Kristen , Cutchin Malcolm P. , Goodwin James S.
Published: September 2012

Recent studies have shown that cytomegalovirus (CMV) may be an emerging marker of immunosenescence. CMV can affect the immune system by directly infecting leukocytes and hematopoietic cells or by eliciting an expansion of oligoclonal CD8+ T cells/contraction of the naïve T cell compartment that may reduce the host's ability to fight other pathogens. To investigate further CMV‐associated changes in immunity, a study was conducted with 1,454 adults (ages 25–91) to determine the association between CMV and reactivation of another latent herpesvirus, Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1), as indexed by antibody titers. Elevated antibody titers to latent HSV‐1 were significantly associated with both CMV seropositivity and high CMV antibody levels. Evaluation by specific age groups (<45, 45–64, and 65+ years old) revealed that this association was detectable early in life (<45 years of age). Increases in HSV‐1 antibodies by age occurred in CMV seropositive individuals but not CMV seronegative subjects. Within CMV seropositive subjects, increases in HSV‐1 antibodies by age were only found in individuals with low CMV antibody levels as those with high CMV antibodies already exhibited elevated HSV‐1 antibodies. These associations remained significant after accounting for body mass index, gender, and socioeconomic status. These results suggest that CMV can influence the immune response to another pathogen and support the concept that CMV may accelerate immunosenescence. J. Med. Virol. 84:1797–1802, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A simplified approach to direct SPE‐MS
Authors: Candish Esme , Gooley Andrew , Wirth Hans‐Jürgen , Dawes Peter A. , Shellie Robert A. , Hilder Emily F.
Published: September 2012

Microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) has been directly hyphenated with ESI‐MS for the rapid screening of opiates and codeine metabolites in urine. This study introduces a novel format of MEPS that incorporates a two‐way valve in the barrel of the syringe enabling the direction of liquid flow to be manipulated. Controlled directional flow (CDF) MEPS allows sharp, concentrated sample bands to be delivered directly to the MS in small volumes and effectively eliminates the need to optimize elution. The method optimization assessed the recovery, matrix effects, and the speed of infusion, all critical variables for optimum ESI performance. Matching extraction workflows demonstrated a reduction in carryover from 65% for conventional MEPS to only 1% for CDF MEPS. The recovery (<89% for 50 μL sample), matrix effects (<42%), linearity (r2 > 0.99), and LODs (<5 ng/mL) were determined to demonstrate method performance. The optimized approach was employed for the screening of codeine metabolites in urine. The ion trace revealed sharp sample bands corresponding to the codeine metabolites. At‐line MEPS‐ESI‐MS allowed both sample preparation and analysis to be completed in only 5 min facilitating high throughput and alleviating the burden of method development.
Potential of animal nutrition to decrease the saturated fatty acids in meat and milk
Authors: Moloney Aidan P.
Published: September 2012

Medical authorities recommend that energy intake from saturated fatty acids (SFA) should not exceed 10% of total energy intake. Milk and meat, because of their relatively high SFA concentration and level of consumption, make a large contribution to human SFA consumption. Strategies to decrease the SFA content in meat and milk include inclusion of forage in the ration of ruminants and supplementation of dietary intake of ruminants and monogastrics with unsaturated fatty acid‐rich oilseeds, fish oil or marine algae. The influences of these manipulations will be illustrated and the likely future trends in the SFA content of meat and milk will be suggested.
A Core@sheath Nanofibrous Separator for Lithium Ion Batteries Obtained by Coaxial Electrospinning
Authors: Liu Zhihong , Jiang Wen , Kong Qingshan , Zhang Chuanjian , Han Pengxian , Wang Xuejiang , Yao Jianhua , Cui Guanglei
Published: September 2012

A composite core@sheath nanofibrous separator for lithium ion batteries is fabricated via coaxial electrospinning, using thermosetting PI as the core material and PVDF‐HFP as the sheath material. It is demonstrated that the PI@PVDF‐HFP nonwovens display remarkably improved tensile strength up to 53 MPa and high thermal stability up to 300 °C. The electrochemical characterization shows that cells using core@sheath nonwovens as separators display better rate capability and better cycling capacity retention. Considerable mechanical strength, higher thermal stability and preferable rate capability might make this kind of core@sheath nonwovens promising separators for higher‐power application.

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Progress in Computer Simulation of Bulk, Confined, and Surface‐initiated Polymerizations
Authors: Bain Erich D. , Turgman‐Cohen Salomon , Genzer Jan
Published: September 2012

In this article we provide a brief summary of computational techniques applied to investigate polymerization reactions in general, with a focus on systems under confinement and initiated from surfaces. We concentrate on two major classes of techniques, i.e., stochastic methods and molecular modeling. We describe the major principles of the two classes of methodologies and point out their strengths and weaknesses. We review a variety of studies from the literature and conclude with an outlook of these two classes of computer simulation approaches as they are applied to “grafting from” polymerizations.

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Trimming long‐term tunneled central venous catheters in pediatric patients
Authors: Inserra Alessandro , Crocoli Alessandro , Conforti Andrea , De Petris Laura , Jenkner Alessandro
Published: September 2012

Long‐term tunneled central venous catheters (CVC) are employed in critically ill patients. Manufacturers do not provide patient‐customized devices; therefore, trimming is required for pediatric use. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR) was used to assess changes induced by different trimming methods on single and double lumen Hickman–Broviac catheters. Increased roughness, exposure of inorganic macroaggreagates and increase in surface inorganic charges were generated by the trimming procedure, with the scalpel producing a smoother surface compared to scissors. Trimming produces changes on the CVC surface that may influence the rate of long‐term complications. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 152–155. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Absence of oncogenic canonical pathway mutations in aggressive pediatric rhabdoid tumors
Authors: Kieran Mark W. , Roberts Charles W.M. , Chi Susan N. , Ligon Keith L. , Rich Benjamin E. , MacConaill Laura E. , Garraway Levi A. , Biegel Jaclyn A.
Published: September 2012

Background

Rhabdoid tumors (also called atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) in the brain), are highly malignant, poor prognosis lesions arising in the kidneys, soft tissues, and central nervous system. Targeted therapy in this disease would benefit from advanced technologies detecting relevant actionable mutations.

Procedure

Here we report on the evaluation of 25 tumors, all with known SMARCB1/INI1 alterations, for the presence of 983 different mutations in 115 oncogenes and tumor‐suppressor genes using OncoMap, a mass spectrometric method of allele detection.

Results

Other than mutations in SMARCB1, our results identified a single activating mutation in NRAS and complete absence of oncogenic mutations in all other genes tested.

Conclusion

The absence of mutations in canonical pathways critical for development and progression of adult cancers suggests that distinct mechanisms drive these highly malignant pediatric tumors. This may limit the therapeutic utility of available targeted therapies and require a refocusing toward developmental and epigenetic pathways. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 59: 1155–1157. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.