bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Move to Improve: The Feasibility of Using an Early Mobility Protocol to Increase Ambulation in the Intensive and Intermediate Care Settings
Authors: Drolet Anne , DeJuilio Patti , Harkless Sherri , Henricks Sherry , Kamin Elizabeth , Leddy Elizabeth A. , Lloyd Joanna M. , Waters Carissa , Williams Sarah
Published: September 2012

Background

Prolonged bed rest in hospitalized patients leads to deconditioning, impaired mobility, and the potential for longer hospital stays.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a nurse-driven mobility protocol to increase the percentage of patients ambulating during the first 72 hours of their hospital stay.

Design

A quasi-experimental design was used before and after intervention in a 16-bed adult medical/surgical intensive care unit (ICU) and a 26-bed adult intermediate care unit (IMCU) at a large community hospital.

Method

A multidisciplinary team developed and implemented a mobility order set with an embedded algorithm to guide nursing assessment of mobility potential. Based on the assessments, the protocol empowers the nurse to consult physical therapists or occupational therapists when appropriate. Daily ambulation status reports were reviewed each morning to determine each patient's activity level. Retrospective and prospective chart reviews were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the protocol for patients 18 years of age and older who were hospitalized 72 hours or longer.

Results

In the 3 months prior to implementation of the Move to Improve project, 6.2% (12 of 193) of the ICU patients and 15.5% (54 of 349) of the IMCU patients ambulated during the first 72 hours of their hospitalization. During the 6 months following implementation, those rates rose to 20.2% (86 of 426) and 71.8% (257 of 358), respectively.

Limitations

The study was carried out at only one center.

Conclusion

The initial experience with a nurse-driven mobility protocol suggests that the rate of patient ambulation in an adult ICU and IMCU during the first 72 hours of a hospital stay can be increased.
Comparison of fat and protein fractions of milk constituents in Montbeliarde and Polish Holstein-Friesian cows from one farm in Poland
Authors: Kuczyńska Beata , Puppel Kamila , Gołębiewski Marcin , Kordyasz Marta , Grodzki Henryk , Brzozowski Piotr
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to determine the genetic effect of cow breed on the yield and quality of cow’s milk. On the selected dairy farm, cows of two different breeds Montbeliarde and Polish Holstein-Friesian between 45th-100th days of lactation, were managed under the same environmental conditions. Milk samples were collected twice (in May and June 2008) from 97 (n = 51 and 46 for Montbeliarde and Polish Holstein-Friesian, respectively) cows. Montbeliarde cow’s milk was characterized by significantly lower milk yield and somatic cell count. Higher level of C18: 2 cis-9 trans-11 and almost 2-fold C20:5 n-3 (P ≤ 0.01) was also recorded. However, Polish Holstein-Friesian cow’s milk had a better composition of protein fraction (higher concentration of lactoferrin, α-lactoalbumin and β-lactoglobulin) and higher concentrations of vitamins D and E. Moreover, milk of Polish Holstein-Friesian breed was characterized by more favorable fat fraction with significantly lower concentrations of saturated fatty acids (C14:0, C18:0) as well as lower atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes and higher concentration of C18:2 trans-10 cis-12, C20:3 n-6 and C 22:6 n-3. This study was the first one comparing biological quality of Polish Holstein-Friesian and Montbeliarde milk under the same environmental conditions in Polish production systems.
The effect of linseed oil supplementation of the diet on the content of fatty acids in the egg yolk
Authors: Hudečková Petra , Rusníková Lucie , Straková Eva , Suchý Pavel , Marada Petr , Macháček Miroslav
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two different types of oils in diet on the fatty acid profile in the eggs of layers and to include a particular type of oil as a supplement of feeding mixtures for layers in order to support the development of functional foodstuffs. Thirty layers fed a diet containing soybean oil constituted the control group (soybean oil is the most frequently used oil added to feeding mixtures). In the experimental group (thirty layers), soybean oil was replaced with linseed oil at the same amount (3 kg of oil per 100 kg of feeding mixture). Feeding was providedad libitumfor all days of the month. After one month, egg yolks were analysed and the fatty acid profile was compared. Significant differences (P≤ 0.05) were found in the concentration of myristic acid that belongs to the group of saturated fatty acids. Eggs in the experimental group showed higher concentrations of myristic acid compared to the control group (0.20 g/100 g of fat and 0.18 g/100 g of fat, respectively). Highly significant differences (P≤ 0.01) were found for heptadecanoic acid but the trend was opposite to that of myristic acid; concentrations of heptadecanoic acid in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group. Highly significant differences (P≤ 0.01) were found for n-9 monounsaturated fatty acids where egg yolks in eggs from layers fed linseed oil contained higher concentrations of oleic acid, myristoleic acid, and palmitoleic acid. Lower concentrations of n-6 fatty acids (P≤ 0.01) were found after the addition of linseed oil in eggs. Linseed oil showed a positive effect on n-3 fatty acids (α-linolenic acid), its concentration in the control and experimental group was 0.82 g/100 g of fat and 5.63 g/100 g of fat, respectively. The possibility of influencing the fatty acid profile in eggs is very important for the development of functional foods.
The effect of new probiotic strain Lactobacillus plantarum on counts of coliforms, lactobacilli and bacterial enzyme activities in rats exposed to N,N-dimethylhydrazine (chemical carcinogen)
Authors: Čokášová Denisa , Bomba Alojz , Strojný Ladislav , Pramuková Beata , Szabadosová Viktória , Salaj Rastislav , Žofčáková Jana , Brandeburová Andrea , Supuková Anna , Šoltésová Alena , Hijová Emília , Ričanyová Júlia , Siegfried Leonard , Supuka Peter
Published: September 2012

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the new probiotic strainLactobacillus plantarumon chemically induced carcinogenesis in rats.Sprague dowleyrats (n = 33) were divided into control and experimental groups and were fed a conventional laboratory diet. In the experimental group, rats were treated with the probiotic at the dose of 1 × 109CFU (colony-forming units)/ml. Two weeks after the beginning of the trial, N,N-dimethylhydrazine (chemical carcinogen) injections were applied s.c. at the dose of 21 mg/kg b.w., 5 × weekly. At the end of the 8-month experimental period, faeces samples were taken from the rats and used for laboratory analysis. The counts of lactobacilli and coliforms and bacterial enzyme activity were determined. The probiotic strainL. plantarumas single species or in combination with oil(Lini oleum virginale)decreased the count of total coliforms and increased lactobacilli in faeces of rats. Application of probiotic microorganisms significantly (P< 0.05) decreased the activities of bacterial enzymes (β-galactosidase and β-glucuronidase) compared to the control group rats. The results of this study indicate that probiotic microorganisms could exert a preventive effect on colon carcinogenesis induced by N,N-dimethylhydrazine.
Comparative analysis of Duroc and Pietrain boar sperm morphology
Authors: Kondracki Stanisław , Iwanina Maria , Wysokińska Anna , Huszno Małgorzata
Published: September 2012

The aim of this study was to compare ejaculates of Duroc and Pietrain boars in terms of sperm morphology characteristics. Analysis was performed on 116 ejaculates collected from 6 Duroc boars and 9 Pietrain boars. The boars selected for examination were young and at the beginning of their reproductive utilization. Ejaculates were collected at monthly intervals over the period of 10 months. Microscopic slides were prepared immediately after collection of ejaculates. The slides were examined to assess the frequency of morphological abnormalities. Moreover, morphometric measurements were taken from 15 randomly selected morphologically normal spermatozoa. Also, conventional evaluation of ejaculates was made following methods used at Polish sow insemination centres. Differences were found in the dimensions and shape between Duroc and Pietrain spermatozoa. Pietrain spermatozoa were characterised by significantly smaller head perimeter compared with Duroc (P≤ 0.01). Moreover, Pietrain spermatozoa tails were by 0.8 μm longer (P≤ 0.01), and their total sperm length was greater by 0.5 μm compared to Duroc (P≤ 0.05) sperm. The volume of Duroc ejaculates was lower but their sperm concentration was greater. The results of the present study contribute to scientific progress as they demonstrate differences in sperm size between boars of different breeds, which may be reflected in different reproductive performances of the boars.
The effect of site (deltoid or gluteus muscle) of intramuscular administration of anaesthetic drugs on the course of immobilisation in macaque monkeys (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Hess Ladislav , Málek Jiří , Kurzová Alice , Votava Martin
Published: September 2012

The aim of this work was to study the effect of site of intramuscular administration of anaesthetic drugs on the course of immobilisation in macaque monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Twenty macaque monkeys were given medetomidine (25 µg·kg-1) and ketamine (3 mg·kg-1) intramuscularly to the deltoid (n = 10 animals) or gluteus (n = 10 animals) muscles. Behavioural changes, loss of aggressiveness, immobilisation time and cardiorespiratory changes were recorded. The effect of drugs was reversed after 20 min by i.m. administration of atipamezole at the dose of 250 µg·kg-1. Highly significant differences (P < 0.001) were found between groups with gluteal or deltoid administration of drugs on the onset of immobilisation effect (71.3 s and 108.3 s, respectively), and immobilisation time (152.7 s and 254.4 s, respectively). In the gluteus muscle group, the grasp reflex was still present at the beginning of immobilisation and slowly wore off in 15–45 s. The same was valid for muscle tone. There were no differences in cardiorespiratory parameters in any of the groups. Animals of both groups recovered in 3–6 min after atipamezole administration. Administration of drugs to the deltoid muscle resulted in a more rapid onset and increased effect of immobilisation than administration to the gluteus muscle. Both in veterinary and human medicine, injection to the deltoid muscle may be more convenient in all cases, when rapid and more prominent effect is desirable as in premedication before surgery or in emergency medicine. The study is the first to compare the effect of administering drugs to different muscles and the results may improve the practice of intramuscular injections in animals and in humans.
The Consequences of International Comparisons for Public Support of K–12 Education
Authors: Morgan Stephen L. , Taylor Poppe Emily S.
Published: September 2012

Candidates for public office in the United States frequently justify their positions on education policy priorities by stating the need to strengthen the nation’s economic competitiveness against new global challengers. In this article, the authors investigate the consequences of this form of policy motivation for attitudes toward and support of public schooling in the United States. Using a national survey experiment where a two-question prime on international competitiveness is randomized across respondents, the authors test for differential responses to attitude items that have been included regularly since the 1970s in the Phi Delta Kappa/Gallup Poll and the General Social Survey. The results suggest that framing educational policy with the goal of enhancing international competitiveness lowers subjective assessments of the quality of local schooling without increasing interest in additional spending to improve the nation’s education system.
Chyloretroperitoneum following anterior spinal surgery
Authors: Hussain Namath S. , Hanscom David , Oskouian Rod J.
Published: September 2012

Injury to the lymphatic channels is a rare and relatively unknown complication of anterior approaches to the lumbar spine and can cause fluid to build up in the retroperitoneal space, resulting in a lymphocele. If they enlarge sufficiently, these collections of chyle in the abdomen can cause pain and bowel ischemia, and can compress nearby organs. The authors report 4 cases in which anterior approaches to the lumbar spine were complicated by a postoperative retroperitoneal chylous fluid collection. They describe the anatomy of the lymphatic system and pathophysiology of this disease entity, review the sparse literature on this subject, and recommend a treatment algorithm. Maintaining a high index of suspicion for this clinical entity in patients who have recently undergone an anterior approach to the thoracic or lumbar spine is vital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Bodenversauerung in den Flächen des Interkantonalen Walddauerbeobachtungsprogramms
Authors: Braun Sabine , Flückiger Walter
Published: September 2012

Soil acidification in permanent observation plots

Soil acidification is followed in Swiss forest observation plots differing in soil chemistry. Soil solution samples from suction cups show clearly increasing soil acidification between 1998 and 2011, although the rate has declined in many cases during the last five years. The most rapid decline is currently observed in plots with medium to high base saturation. Nitrogen addition experiments and time series after thinning out forests confirm the important role of nitrogen input and nitrate leaching for the acidification process. It is suggested that the slowdown of acidification since 2003 has several reasons: reaching of the aluminium buffer range in the very acidic plots, decreased nitrate leaching in a series of dry years, reduction of acid deposition.
Induction of White Spot Enamel Lesion by S. mutans Biofilm in an Artificial Mouth System and Quantification by QLF
Authors: Sultana Shamim , Asafuzzoha Md , Hasan Hasibul , Farzan Md Sajedul Asif , Matin Khairul
Published: September 2012

Objective: Aspects of an Artificial Mouth System (AMS) to model the caries process in bovine enamel biofilm induced white spot enamel lesions (WSEL) were analyzed. Methods: Square shaped and polished bovine enamel slabs were covered with modeling wax and 2.5 mm diameter window was prepared to expose enamel surface at the center of each slab. Artificial biofilms were grown inside an AMS on the slabs using freshly cultured S. mutans (MT8148) in suspended in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), heart infusion (HI) with 1% sucrose and PBS for 20, 30 and 40 hrs at 37°C. The severity of demineralization was quantified by Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF, Inspektor, Netherlands). All experiments were repeated three times (n=5 for each group). Results: A circular WSEL could clearly be detected at the center of each slab by naked eyes, which was prominent after dehydration by mild air drying. QLF data showed that severity of demineralization occurred with the increase of time interval, after 40 hours both ?F (23+/-2.9) and ?Q (148.75+/- 26.78) were significantly more compared to ?F (10.14+/-2.3) and ?Q (47.63+/-30.67) of 20 hours. Conclusion: An advanced in vitro model of biolfilm induced WSEL was developed that showed promises to be useful in studying enamel demineralization.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cdcj.v9i1.11829 City Dental College Journal Vol.9(1) 2012 4-6
Rehabilitation of the occlusal vertical dimension with an overlay removable partial denturea case report
Authors: Islam Md Saiful , Nizami Md Zahedul Islam , Begum Aleya , Ahmed Rubaba , Al Mamun Muntasir
Published: September 2012

Loss of occlusal vertical dimension is a frequently observed problem in the middle aged and aged population who intends to retain their natural dentition. This type of patient has very few treatment options one of which is overdenture. In this case report, a patient was treated with overlay removable partial denture for restoring the lost vertical dimension. This was provided as interim prosthesis. The follow up was done to observe the fulfillment of desired results. The clinical and laboratory procedure is described briefly. The treatment used for this case is cost effective and conservative solution for esthetic and functional rehabilitation. Since the material is acrylic resin, long term wear resistance is crucial for success of treatment. The rehabilitation would be fixed prosthesis with newly adjusted vertical dimension.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cdcj.v9i1.11835 City Dental College Journal Vol.9(1) 2012 28-31
Blast Analysis of Laminated Glass Curtain Walls Equipped by Viscoelastic Dissipative Devices
Authors: Amadio Claudio , Bedon Chiara
Published: September 2012

Nonlinear numerical simulations are reported for a conventional unitized laminated glass curtain wall subjected to high- and low-level air blast loading. The studied curtain wall, spanning floor to floor, consisted of a laminated glass panel, a continuous bead of structural silicone sealant, a split screw spline frame and four rigid brackets. Firstly, a linear elastic FE-model (M01) is presented to investigate dynamic stresses and deflections due to explosion, by taking into account geometrical nonlinearities. Since, in similar glazing systems, it is important to take into account the possible cracking of glass lites, a second model (M02), calibrated to previous experimental data, is proposed. In it, glass behaves as a brittle-elastic material, whereas an elastoplastic characteristic curve is assumed for mullions. As a result, the design explosion seriously affects the main components of the curtain wall, especially the bead of silicone. To address these criticalities, additional viscoelastic (VE) devices are installed at the frame corners (M03). Their effectiveness explains the additional deformability provided to the conventional curtain wall, as well as the obvious dissipation of the incoming energy due to blast loading. Structural and energy capabilities provided by devices are highlighted by means of numerical simulations.
Temperature-Dependent Ordering of the Methyl Group in the Crystal Structure of 5-(2-Chlorophenyl)-7-ethyl-1H-thieno [2,3-E][1,4]diazepin-2(3H)-one
Authors: Dutkiewicz Grzegorz , Kubicki Maciej , Dayananda Alaloor S. , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Ramesha Andagar R.
Published: September 2012

5-(2-Chlorophenyl)-7-ethyl-1H-thieno[2,3-e][1,4]diazepin-2(3H)-one, a close analogue of clotiazepam (full agonist at GABA receptor), crystallizes in monoclinic P21/c space group with a = 15.6941(6) Å, b = 10.7909(4) Å, c = 8.6586(3) Å, and β = 102.184(4)° (at 125 K). Seven-Membered diazepine ring has approximate mirror plane of symmetry, planar thieno and phenyl rings are almost perpendicular to one another, dihedral angle between their mean planes is 84.11(5)°. N–H···O hydrogen bonds connect molecules into centrosymmetric dimers which are further expanded into 3D crystal structure with the help of weaker C–H···O and C–H···π interactions. The methyl group is disordered at room temperature, but it gets gradually ordered at lower temperatures and becomes fully ordered at approximately 200 K. The changes in structure with temperature were studied between 125 and 380 K. The unit cell volume—as expected—increases almost monotonically when the temperature rises, but one of the parameters shortens significantly.
Harmonic Analysis and Fault-Tolerant Capability of a Semi-12-Phase Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Machine Used for EVs
Authors: Zheng Ping , Wu Fan , Sui Yi , Wang Pengfei , Lei Yu , Wang Haipeng
Published: September 2012

This paper deals with a fault-tolerant semi-12-phase permanent-magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) used for electric vehicles. High fault-tolerant and low toque ripple features are achieved by employing fractional slot concentrated windings (FSCWs) and open windings. Excessive magnetomotive force (MMF) harmonic components can lead to thermal demagnetization of rotor magnets as well as high core loss. An improved all-teeth-wound winding disposition that changes the winding factor of each harmonic is applied to suppress harmonics. A relatively large slot leakage inductance that limits the short-circuit current (SCC) induced in the short-circuited winding is proposed to deal with short-circuit fault. Fault-tolerant controls up to two phases open circuited are investigated in this paper based on keeping the same torque-producing MMF. The fault-tolerant control strategies corresponding to each faulty mode are studied and compared to ensure high performance operation.
Homology and Potential Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms for the Development of Unique Feather Morphologies in Early Birds
Authors: O’Connor Jingmai K. , Chiappe Luis M. , Chuong Cheng-ming , Bottjer David J. , You Hailu
Published: September 2012

At least two lineages of Mesozoic birds are known to have possessed a distinct feather morphotype for which there is no neornithine (modern) equivalent. The early stepwise evolution of apparently modern feathers occurred within Maniraptora, basal to the avian transition, with asymmetrical pennaceous feathers suited for flight present in the most basal recognized avian, Archaeopteryx lithographica. The number of extinct primitive feather morphotypes recognized among non-avian dinosaurs continues to increase with new discoveries; some of these resemble feathers present in basal birds. As a result, feathers between phylogenetically widely separated taxa have been described as homologous. Here we examine the extinct feather morphotypes recognized within Aves and compare these structures with those found in non-avian dinosaurs. We conclude that the “rachis dominated” tail feathers of Confuciusornis sanctus and some enantiornithines are not equivalent to the “proximally ribbon-like” pennaceous feathers of the juvenile oviraptorosaur Similicaudipteryx yixianensis. Close morphological analysis of these unusual rectrices in basal birds supports the interpretation that they are modified pennaceous feathers. Because this feather morphotype is not seen in living birds, we build on current understanding of modern feather molecular morphogenesis to suggest a hypothetical molecular developmental model for the formation of the rachis dominated feathers of extinct basal birds.
Possible Alterations in β-Synuclein, the Non-Amyloidogenic Homologue of α-Synuclein, during Progression of Sporadic α-Synucleinopathies
Authors: Fujita Masayo , Sekigawa Akio , Sekiyama Kazunari , Takamatsu Yoshiki , Hashimoto Makoto
Published: September 2012

α-Synucleinopathies are neurodegenerative disorders that are characterized by progressive decline of motor and non-motor dysfunctions. α-Synuclein (αS) has been shown to play a causative role in neurodegeneration, but the pathogenic mechanisms are still unclear. Thus, there are no radical therapies that can halt or reverse the disease’s progression. β-Synuclein (βS), the non-amyloidogenic homologue of αS, ameliorates the neurodegeneration phenotype of αS in transgenic (tg) mouse models, as well as in cell free and cell culture systems, which suggests that βS might be a negative regulator of neurodegeneration caused by αS, and that “loss of function” of βS might be involved in progression of α-synucleinopathies. Alternatively, it is possible that “toxic gain of function” of wild type βS occurs during the pathogenesis of sporadic α-synucleinopathies, since tg mice expressing dementia with Lewy bodies-linked P123H βS develop progressive neurodegeneration phenotypes, such as axonal pathology and dementia. In this short review, we emphasize the aspects of “toxic gain of function” of wild type βS during the pathogenesis of sporadic α-synucleinopathies.
High Yield of Wax Ester Synthesized from Cetyl Alcohol and Octanoic Acid by Lipozyme RMIM and Novozym 435
Authors: Kuo Chia-Hung , Chen Hsin-Hung , Chen Jiann-Hwa , Liu Yung-Chuan , Shieh Chwen-Jen
Published: September 2012

Wax esters are long-chain esters that have been widely applied in premium lubricants, parting agents, antifoaming agents and cosmetics. In this study, the biocatalytic preparation of a specific wax ester, cetyl octanoate, is performed in n-hexane using two commercial immobilized lipases, i.e., Lipozyme® RMIM (Rhizomucor miehei) and Novozym® 435 (Candida antarctica). Response surface methodology (RSM) and 5-level-4-factor central composite rotatable design (CCRD) are employed to evaluate the effects of reaction time (1–5 h), reaction temperature (45–65 °C), substrate molar ratio (1–3:1), and enzyme amount (10%–50%) on the yield of cetyl octanoate. Using RSM to optimize the reaction, the maximum yields reached 94% and 98% using Lipozyme® RMIM and Novozym® 435, respectively. The optimum conditions for synthesis of cetyl octanoate by both lipases are established and compared. Novozym® 435 proves to be a more efficient biocatalyst than Lipozyme® RMIM.
Pozzolanic Activity Assessment of LUSI (LUmpur SIdoarjo) Mud in Semi High Volume Pozzolanic Mortar
Authors: Hardjito Djwantoro , Antoni  , Wibowo Gunadi M. , Christianto Danny
Published: September 2012

LUSI mud obtained from the mud volcano in Sidoarjo, Indonesia, is a viable aluminosilicate material to be utilized as pozzolanic material. LUSI is an abbreviation of the local name of the mud, i.e., Lumpur Sidoarjo, meaning Sidoarjo mud. This paper reports the results of an investigation to assess the pozzolanic activity of LUSI mud, especially in semi high volume pozzolanic mortar. In this case, the amount of mud incorporated is between 30% to 40% of total cementitious material, by mass. The content of SiO2 in the mud is about 30%, whilst the total content of SiO2, Fe2O3 and Al2O3 is more than 70%. Particle size and degree of partial cement replacement by treated LUSI mud affect the compressive strength, the strength activity index (SAI), the rate of pozzolanic activity development, and the workability of mortar incorporating LUSI mud. Manufacturing semi high volume LUSI mud mortar, up to at least 40% cement replacement, is a possibility, especially with a smaller particle size of LUSI mud, less than 63 μm. The use of a larger percentage of cement replacement by LUSI mud does not show any adverse effect on the water demand, as the flow of the fresh mortar increased with the increase of percentage of LUSI mud usage.
Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Crude Methanolic Extract of Red Alga Bryothamnion triquetrum
Authors: Cavalcante-Silva Luiz Henrique Agra , Barbosa Brito da Matta Carolina , De Araújo Morgana Vital , Barbosa-Filho José Maria , Pereira de Lira Daysianne , De Oliveira Santos Bárbara Viviana , De Miranda George Emmanuel C. , Alexandre-Moreira Magna Suzana
Published: September 2012

The marine environment is an extraordinary reservoir of bioactive natural products, many of which exhibit chemical and structural features not found in terrestrial natural products. In this regard, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of a crude methanolic extract of the red alga Bryothamnion triquetrum (BT-MeOH) in murine models. Groups of Swiss mice of both sexes (25–30 g) were used throughout the experiments. The potential antinociceptive of BT-MeOH was evaluated by means of the following tests: acetic acid-induced writhing, hot-plate test and glutamate- and formalin-induced nociception. The anti-inflammatory activity of BT-MeOH was investigated using the zymosan A-induced peritonitis test. The tests were conducted using 100 mg/kg (p.o.) BT-MeOH, 33.3 mg/kg (p.o.) dipyrone, 35.7 mg/kg (p.o.) indomethacin and 5.7 mg/kg (s.c.) morphine. The extract and all standard drugs were administered 40 min before the nociceptive/inflammatory stimulus. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, BT-MeOH and dipyrone inhibited the nociceptive response by 55.9% (22.2 ± 2.0 writhings; p < 0.01) and 80.9% (9.6 ± 2.1 writhings; p < 0.01). In the hot-plate test, BT-MeOH did not increase the latency time of the animals in the time evaluated. In addition, BT-MeOH inhibited glutamate-induced nociception by 50.1%. While BT-MeOH did not inhibit the neurogenic phase in formalin-induced nociception, the inflammatory phase was inhibited by 53.1% (66.8 ± 14.2 s; p < 0.01). Indomethacin inhibited the inflammatory phase by 60.2% (56.8 ± 8.7 s; p < 0.01). In the zymosan-induced peritonitis test, BT-MeOH inhibited 55.6% (6.6 ± 0.2 × 106 leukocytes/mL; p < 0.01) of leukocyte migration, while indomethacin inhibited 78.1% (3.2 ± 0.1 × 106 leukocytes/mL; p < 0.01). Based on the results obtained in this study, we conclude that BT-MeOH has peripheral antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. However, more studies need to be conducted to confirm these properties.
Antiproliferative Activity of Fucan Nanogel
Authors: Dantas-Santos Nednaldo , Almeida-Lima Jailma , Vidal Arthur Anthunes Jacome , Lopes Gomes Dayanne , Medeiros Oliveira Ruth , Santos Pedrosa Silvia , Pereira Paula , Gama Francisco Miguel , Oliveira Rocha Hugo Alexandre
Published: September 2012

Sulfated fucans comprise families of polydisperse natural polysaccharides based on sulfated l-fucose. Our aim was to investigate whether fucan nanogel induces cell-specific responses. To that end, a non toxic fucan extracted from Spatoglossum schröederi was chemically modified by grafting hexadecylamine to the polymer hydrophilic backbone. The resulting modified material (SNFuc) formed nanosized particles. The degree of substitution with hydrophobic chains was close to 100%, as estimated by elemental analysis. SNFfuc in aqueous media had a mean diameter of 123 nm and zeta potential of −38.3 ± 0.74 mV, as measured by dynamic light scattering. Nanoparticles conserved their size for up to 70 days. SNFuc cytotoxicity was determined using the MTT assay after culturing different cell lines for 24 h. Tumor-cell (HepG2, 786, H-S5) proliferation was inhibited by 2.0%–43.7% at nanogel concentrations of 0.05–0.5 mg/mL and rabbit aorta endothelial cells (RAEC) non-tumor cell line proliferation displayed inhibition of 8.0%–22.0%. On the other hand, nanogel improved Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) and monocyte macrophage cell (RAW) non-tumor cell line proliferation in the same concentration range. The antiproliferative effect against tumor cells was also confirmed using the BrdU test. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the fucan nanogel inhibited 786 cell proliferation through caspase and caspase-independent mechanisms. In addition, SNFuc blocks 786 cell passages in the S and G2-M phases of the cell cycle.
Antioxidant Profile of Trifolium pratense L.
Authors: Kaurinovic Biljana , Popovic Mira , Vlaisavljevic Sanja , Schwartsova Heidy , Vojinovic-Miloradov Mirjana
Published: September 2012

In order to examine the antioxidant properties of five different extracts of Trifolium pratense L. (Leguminosae) leaves, various assays which measure free radical scavenging ability were carried out: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, hydroxyl, superoxide anion and nitric oxide radical scavenger capacity tests and lipid peroxidation assay. In all of the tests, only the H2O and (to some extent) the EtOAc extracts showed a potent antioxidant effect compared with BHT and BHA, well-known synthetic antioxidants. In addition, in vivo experiments were conducted with antioxidant systems (activities of GSHPx, GSHR, Px, CAT, XOD, GSH content and intensity of LPx) in liver homogenate and blood of mice after their treatment with extracts of T. pratense leaves, or in combination with CCl4. Besides, in the extracts examined the total phenolic and flavonoid amounts were also determined, together with presence of the selected flavonoids: quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, naringenin and kaempferol, which were studied using a HPLC-DAD technique. HPLC-DAD analysis showed a noticeable content of natural products according to which the examined Trifolium pratense species could well be regarded as a promising new source of bioactive natural compounds, which can be used both as a food supplement and a remedy.
Plato’s Visible God: The Cosmic Soul Reflected in the Heavens
Authors: Latura George
Published: September 2012

Although Plato states that the perceptible god that he describes in Timaeus is visible to the human eye, the reflection of the Cosmic Soul in the heavens has largely been explained away or forgotten in the Western mind. But Roman texts, early Christian testimony, and Imperial coins illustrate that Plato’s intersection in the heavens played a major role in Hellenistic cosmology and soteriology.
Effect-Based Tools for Monitoring and Predicting the Ecotoxicological Effects of Chemicals in the Aquatic Environment
Authors: Connon Richard E. , Geist Juergen , Werner Inge
Published: September 2012

Ecotoxicology faces the challenge of assessing and predicting the effects of an increasing number of chemical stressors on aquatic species and ecosystems. Herein we review currently applied tools in ecological risk assessment, combining information on exposure with expected biological effects or environmental water quality standards; currently applied effect-based tools are presented based on whether exposure occurs in a controlled laboratory environment or in the field. With increasing ecological relevance the reproducibility, specificity and thus suitability for standardisation of methods tends to diminish. We discuss the use of biomarkers in ecotoxicology including ecotoxicogenomics-based endpoints, which are becoming increasingly important for the detection of sublethal effects. Carefully selected sets of biomarkers allow an assessment of exposure to and effects of toxic chemicals, as well as the health status of organisms and, when combined with chemical analysis, identification of toxicant(s). The promising concept of “adverse outcome pathways (AOP)” links mechanistic responses on the cellular level with whole organism, population, community and potentially ecosystem effects and services. For most toxic mechanisms, however, practical application of AOPs will require more information and the identification of key links between responses, as well as key indicators, at different levels of biological organization, ecosystem functioning and ecosystem services.
A Behavior-Based Strategy for Single and Multi-Robot Autonomous Exploration
Authors: Cepeda Jesús S. , Chaimowicz Luiz , Soto Rogelio , Gordillo José L. , Alanís-Reyes Edén A. , Carrillo-Arce Luis C.
Published: September 2012

In this paper, we consider the problem of autonomous exploration of unknown environments with single and multiple robots. This is a challenging task, with several potential applications. We propose a simple yet effective approach that combines a behavior-based navigation with an efficient data structure to store previously visited regions. This allows robots to safely navigate, disperse and efficiently explore the environment. A series of experiments performed using a realistic robotic simulator and a real testbed scenario demonstrate that our technique effectively distributes the robots over the environment and allows them to quickly accomplish their mission in large open spaces, narrow cluttered environments, dead-end corridors, as well as rooms with minimum exits.
Microsatellite markers for Plathymenia reticulata (Leguminosae)1
Authors: Oliveira Fernanda A. , Tarazi Roberto , Menezes Ivandilson P. P. , Van Den Berg Cassio , Tsai Siu M. , Gaiotto Fernanda A.
Published: September 2012

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed and characterized to investigate genetic diversity and gene flow and to help in conservation efforts for the endangered timber species Plathymenia reticulata.

• Methods and Results: Eleven microsatellite loci were characterized using 60 adult trees of two populations of P. reticulata from the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia, Brazil. Of these, nine loci were polymorphic, with an average of 4.39 alleles per locus. The average expected heterozygosity per population ranged from 0.47 to 0.55. The combined exclusion probability was 0.99996.

• Conclusions: Our results reveal that the microsatellite markers developed in this study are an effective tool for paternity and genetic structure analysis that may be useful for conservation strategies.
Leaf‐ and cell‐level carbon cycling responses to a nitrogen and phosphorus gradient in two Arctic tundra species
Authors: Heskel Mary A. , Anderson O. Roger , Atkin Owen K. , Turnbull Matthew H. , Griffin Kevin L.
Published: September 2012

• Premise of the study: Consequences of global climate change are detectable in the historically nitrogen‐ and phosphorus‐limited Arctic tundra landscape and have implications for the terrestrial carbon cycle. Warmer temperatures and elevated soil nutrient availability associated with increased microbial activity may influence rates of photosynthesis and respiration.

• Methods: This study examined leaf‐level gas exchange, cellular ultrastructure, and related leaf traits in two dominant tundra species, Betula nana, a woody shrub, and Eriophorum vaginatum, a tussock sedge, under a 3‐yr‐old treatment gradient of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization in the North Slope of Alaska.

• Key results: Respiration increased with N and P addition—the highest rates corresponding to the highest concentrations of leaf N in both species. The inhibition of respiration by light (“Kok effect”) significantly reduced respiration rates in both species (P < 0.001), ranged from 12–63% (mean 34%), and generally decreased with fertilization for both species. However, in both species, observed rates of photosynthesis did not increase, and photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency generally decreased under increasing fertilization. Chloroplast and mitochondrial size and density were highly sensitive to N and P fertilization (P < 0.001), though species interactions indicated divergent cellular organizational strategies.

• Conclusions: Results from this study demonstrate a species‐specific decoupling of respiration and photosynthesis under N and P fertilization, implying an alteration of the carbon balance of the tundra ecosystem under future conditions.
Metal–ligand multiple bonds as frustrated Lewis pairs for C–H functionalization
Authors: Whited Matthew T
Published: September 2012

The concept of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) has received considerable attention of late, and numerous reports have demonstrated the power of non- or weakly interacting Lewis acid–base pairs for the cooperative activation of small molecules. Although most studies have focused on the use of organic or main-group FLPs that utilize steric encumbrance to prevent adduct formation, a related strategy can be envisioned for both organic and inorganic complexes, in which "electronic frustration" engenders reactivity consistent with both nucleophilic (basic) and electrophilic (acidic) character. Here we propose that such a description is consistent with the behavior of many coordinatively unsaturated transition-metal species featuring metal–ligand multiple bonds, and we further demonstrate that the resultant reactivity may be a powerful tool for the functionalization of C–H and E–H bonds.
ERP ADOPTION BY PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS – A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATIONS
Authors: Alves Maria do Céu , Matos Sergio Ivo Amaral
Published: September 2012

The business environment has changed dramatically in the last years. The organizations are now more complex in terms of their structure and geographical dispersion. Daily, great amounts of information are produced and, to surpass these problems, organizations have invested in Enterprise Resource Planning systems (ERP). The same trends can be detected within the public sector. The interest generated by the ERP phenomenon is growing and the particularities of the public sector make specific studies necessary. Accordingly, the aim of this paper is to examine the adoption process of ERP systems by public and private organizations. Which ERP modules are mostly adopted? Which reasons legitimate ERP adoption? Using a survey research methodology, this study reveals that the need to increase the demand for real-time information, to obtain information for decision-making and the integration of applications appear as main reasons to implement an ERP system. Although the reasons given are the same for public and private organizations, the results of this study also show that the modules implemented are slightly different; the importance or dominance of each module may differ; and the deployment time is shorter in the public sector. Since comparative studies are relatively scarce, our work helps to reduce this knowledge gap.
Article défini, présupposé d'unicité et description sémantique : de l'avantage d'avoir une table ronde
Authors: Anscombre Jean-Claude
Published: September 2012

Cette étude reprend le problème bien connu du présupposé d’unicité liée à l’article défini, et qui depuis Russell (1905), a suscité force polémiques. Une première partie expose les arguments avancés contre l’unicité forte, en en faisant apparaître les hypothèses implicites, relatives en particulier à la représentation du sens et à son lien avec le monde réel. Une deuxième partie montre que, outre les positions théoriques non explicitées, la validité de ces arguments repose sur l’ignorance de l’existence de mécanismes de type linguistique, en faveur donc d’une unicité forte. La dernière partie propose une solution différente, illustrée par cinq types de phénomènes.
Le roi de France est déjà chauve : remarques sur l'antériorité temporelle du présupposé
Authors: Deloor Sandrine
Published: September 2012

La majorité des auteurs qui se sont intéressés à l’adverbe déjà ont eu recours à la notion de présupposition pour décrire son fonctionnement sémantique. Cependant, les modèles proposés sont très différents les uns des autres et mettent au jour d’importantes divergences dans l’interprétation même du concept de présupposé . Dans un premier temps, nous analysons ces divergences et montrons que les approches vériconditionnelle et sémantico-pragmatique de la présupposition se révèlent incompatibles dans certains des modèles présentés. Dans un deuxième temps, nous nous intéressons à la question de l’antériorité temporelle du présupposé : habituellement peu exploitée, cette propriété de la présupposition devient cruciale lorsque l’on analyse un adverbe de temps tel que déjà .
À vos marques®, prêts cherchez ! La stratégie européenne de Lisbonne, vers un marché de la recherche, Éditions du croquant, Paris, 2008
Authors: Bruno Isabelle
Published: September 2012

Résumé La stratégie de Lisbonne ne concerne pas uniquement la recherche et l’enseignement supérieur. Ses visées sont bien plus larges et ambitieuses. Elle incite les pays de l’Union européenne à réformer leur économie et leurs services publics pour promouvoir l’avènement du capitalisme cognitif. Les chercheurs, les enseignants-chercheurs et leur travail sont des éléments fondamentaux d’un tel programme. Mais l’élaboration et l’application de la stratégie de Lisbonne ne sont pas de leur ressort ; l’élaboration et l’application de la stratégie de Lisbonne impliquent de transformer les modes de financement et de gestion du travail de recherche pour « inviter » les chercheurs et les enseignants-chercheurs à devenir des acteurs efficaces et engagés dans le projet de faire de l’Union européenne la première économie mondiale fondée sur la connaissance. Cestransformations passent par des réformes des administrations nationales dont la LOLF, le Pacte pour la recherche et la LRU sont les illustrations françaises. Les extraits du livre À vos marques ® , prêts cherchez ! , d’Isabelle Bruno, livrent des clés pour mieux identifier les objectifs des réformes françaises de la recherche et de l’enseignement supérieur et leur encastrement dans un projet européen. Ils rendent également compte des outils et des technologies de gestion qui soutiennent l’application de la LOLF, du Pacte pour la recherche et de la LRU. Ces passages ont une autre vertu, d’autant plus précieuse aujourd’hui. Ils permettent de rappeler combien les programmes des partis socialistes européens en matière de recherche et d’enseignement supérieur ne diffèrent pas substantiellement de ceux promus puis exécutés par la droite. D’ailleurs, la définition et l’adoption de la stratégie de Lisbonne – dont l’un des instigateurs, l’ancien Premier ministre portugais Antonio Guterres, était alors à la tête de l’International socialiste – est une composante de la « vague rose » que connut l’Union européenne au tournant du xx e et du xxi e  siècle.
Portrait du doctorant en entrepreneur
Authors: Frances Jean
Published: September 2012

Résumé Le « métier » de doctorant est en constante évolution depuis 20 ans, et il ne suffit plus à l’apprenti chercheur de faire une thèse prouvant son aptitude à la recherche. Un premier pas avait été franchi lorsqu’il a fallu que les futurs docteurs, en parallèle à l’élaboration de leur mémoire de fin d’études, fassent des publications, interviennent à des colloques et enseignent. Mais la plus récente évolution – les Doctoriales – montre une volonté des pouvoirs publics de mettre les doctorants aux services du privé. Les nouveaux « doctoriants » sont poussés à devenir de redoutables entrepreneurs. C’est ce nouveau parcours que nous présente Jean Frances.
Les fondations d'une Cité
Authors: Bernard Philippe
Published: September 2012

Resumé Philippe Bernard est journaliste au Monde.
Determination of ochratoxin A in serum and urine of pigs
Authors: Perši N. , Pleadin J. , Vulić A. , Kmetić I. , Šimić B.
Published: September 2012

The objective of the study was to determine ochratoxin A (OTA) concentrations in serum and urine of pigs during 30-day OTA treatment. OTA was administered orally to the experimental group (n=5) at a dose of 0.78 mg per animal per day, whereas control animals (n=5) were left untreated. OTA concentrations were determined using a validated enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Method validation resulted in mean recoveries of 93-101% for serum and 98-106% for urine, with acceptable mean inter- and intraday relative standard deviations (<8% for urine and <7% for serum). The ELISA method can be effectively used as a simple screening method to determine OTA exposure in pigs during fattening. The maximum mean OTA concentration in serum was recorded on day 22 (8.75±2.93 ng/ml) and in urine on day 20 (43.56±35.76 ng/ml), indicating significant differences in OTA concentrations between these two matrices.
Influence of a Poverty Simulation on Nursing Student Attitudes Toward Poverty
Authors: Noone Joanne , Sideras Stephanie , Gubrud-Howe Paula , Voss Heather , Mathews Launa Rae
Published: September 2012

This study aimed to determine a poverty simulation’s influence on nursing students’ attitudes toward poverty. Five cohorts of baccalaureate nursing students participated in the study; two cohorts (experimental group,
n
= 103) participated in the simulation and three did not (control group,
n
= 75). The Attitudes Towards Poverty Short Form was administered before the simulation and 6 weeks later; higher scores indicated more positive attitudes toward poverty. Experimental group pretest scores were higher. Higher pretest global scores were negatively correlated with religious affiliation (Spearman’s
rho
= −0.294,
p
= 0.000) and positively correlated with prior poverty exposure (Spearman’s
rho
= 0.284,
p
= 0.000) and liberal political views (Spearman’s
rho
= 0.444,
p
= 0.000). Controlling for pretest differences, posttest mean scores for the experimental group (78.73) were significantly higher (
p
= 0.007). The poverty simulation is an engaging learning experience providing an opportunity for students to gain sensitivity in working with this population.