bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peptic Ulcer Disease and Misuses of Ulcer Healing Drugs in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka City
Authors: Md. Hafiz Sardar Md. Hafiz , Hossain Mohammad Murad , Azad Khan Abul Kalam , Mallik Md Uzzwal , Chakraborty Moumita
Published: February 2015

This prospective cross sectional study was conducted in Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka during July, 2013 to December, 2013. Hundred patients were included in this study. Peptic ulcer disease, presented as upper abdominal pain is one of the common disease with a number of underlying causes. Prospective analyses of 100 patients with upper abdominal pain were studied at medicine units of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka. Of these 36 patients belonged to peptic ulcer, 20 patients to irritable bowel syndrome and 22 patients to non-ulcer dyspepsia. Next in order were helminthiasis (5 patients), cholelithiasis (4 patients), gastric carcinoma (4 patients), liver abscess (5 patients) chronic pancreatitis (3 patients) and acute pancreatitis (1 patient). Mean age incidence in this series was 39.47 years. Male and female ratio was 1.54:1. Forty patients were smoker with male and female ratio of 3.44:1.All patients had presenting feature of upper abdominal pain. Commonest site of pain was in the epigastrium in 48.08% of cases.Pain was burning in 43.27% cases, periodic pain in 24.03%, and nocturnal hunger pain in 33.65% of cases.Relief of pain after taking food were observed in 38.46%. Epigastric tenderness was present in 56.73% patients.The diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome and non-ulcer dyspepsia, the three leading causes of upper abdominal pain, were suspected by history and physical examination but it was difficult to interpret these on clinical ground alone .Some routine and some selected investigation were done for confirmatory diagnosis.In this series, significant disparity detected between clinically diagnosed peptic ulcer diseases 90.38% and endoscopically confirmed peptic ulcer disease, 34.62% cases. As a consequence of wrong diagnosis of PUD, there are huge misuses of ulcer healing drugs and a great economic burden on patients (300 taka per month) and on the nation.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v16i1.22386 J MEDICINE 2015; 16 : 27-34
Cardiorenal Syndrome - A Review Article
Authors: Neki NS
Published: February 2015

Cardiorenal syndromes (CRS) describe the dynamic inter-relationship between heart and kidney malfunction. Recent studies have clearly defined its various types and pathophysiology. Improved survival, cardiovascular risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia), diagnostic and therapeutic intervention are some contributors in its causation. Types 1 and 2 CRS involve acute and chronic cardiovascular disease (CVD) scenarios leading to acute kidney injury or accelerated chronic kidney disease. Types 3 and 4 CRS describe acute and chronic kidney disease leading primarily to heart failure, although it is possible that acute coronary syndromes, stroke, and arrhythmias could be CVD outcomes in these forms of CRS. Finally, CRS type 5 describes a simultaneous insult to both heart and kidneys, such as sepsis, where both organs are injured simultaneously. This article focuses on different types, pathophysiology, novel biomarkers, preventive and treatment aspects of cardiorenal syndromes.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v16i1.22400 J MEDICINE 2015; 16 : 39-45
Acute Myocardial Infarction in Snake bite Envenomation  A Case Report
Authors: Neki NS
Published: February 2015

Snake bite envenomation is a common problem in tropical countries, especially in rural parts of India. We came across a 30 year old male who presented to the hospital after 4 hours with history of Russells viper snake bite developing acute non ST elevation myocardial infarction (MI). Myocardial infarction was confirmed by history of left sided chest pain radiating to left arm with diaphoresis and electrocardiographic changes with increased serum troponin levels. Myocardial infarction is a rare complication of snake bite hence case report.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v16i1.22401 J MEDICINE 2015; 16 : 46-47
Recurrent Seizure: An Uncommon Presentation of Post Thyroidectomy Hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Chowdhury Abdul Wadud , Majumder Sabbiha Nadia , Amin Md Gaffar , Islam Kazi Nazrul , Saleh Mohammed Abaye Deen , Sabah Khandker Md Nurus , Uddin Md Nazim
Published: February 2015

Basal ganglia calcification is associated with chronic hypoparathyroidism. We report a case of 37 year old lady with long standing iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism following total thyroidectomy. The clinical evaluation revealed neurological symptoms but without any neurological deficit. The CT scan of head showed calcification in caudate nucleus and part of lentiform nucleus of basal ganglia and in the cortical and subcortical white matter. Detection of brain calcinosis in patients who had total thyroidectomy can guide clinicians to further investigation for possible hypoparathyroidism.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jom.v16i1.22406 J MEDICINE 2015; 16 : 56-58
Tumor and Stromal-Based Contributions to Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Invasion
Authors: Markwell Steven , Weed Scott
Published: February 2015

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is typically diagnosed at advanced stages with evident loco-regional and/or distal metastases. The prevalence of metastatic lesions directly correlates with poor patient outcome, resulting in high patient mortality rates following metastatic development. The progression to metastatic disease requires changes not only in the carcinoma cells, but also in the surrounding stromal cells and tumor microenvironment. Within the microenvironment, acellular contributions from the surrounding extracellular matrix, along with contributions from various infiltrating immune cells, tumor associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells facilitate the spread of tumor cells from the primary site to the rest of the body. Thus far, most attempts to limit metastatic spread through therapeutic intervention have failed to show patient benefit in clinic trails. The goal of this review is highlight the complexity of invasion-promoting interactions in the HNSCC tumor microenvironment, focusing on contributions from tumor and stromal cells in order to assist future therapeutic development and patient treatment.
Visual Simulation of Soil-Microbial System Using GPGPU Technology
Authors: Falconer Ruth , Houston Alasdair
Published: February 2015

General Purpose (use of) Graphics Processing Units (GPGPU) is a promising technology for simulation upscaling; in particular for bottom–up modelling approaches seeking to translate micro-scale system processes to macro-scale properties. Many existing simulations of soil ecosystems do not recover the emergent system scale properties and this may be a consequence of “missing” information at finer scales. Interpretation of model output can be challenging and we advocate the “built-in” visual simulation afforded by GPGPU implementations. We apply this GPGPU approach to a reaction–diffusion soil ecosystem model with the intent of linking micro (micron) and core (cm) spatial scales to investigate how microbes respond to changing environments and the consequences on soil respiration. The performance is evaluated in terms of computational speed up, spatial upscaling and visual feedback. We conclude that a GPGPU approach can significantly improve computational efficiency and offers the potential added benefit of visual immediacy. For massive spatial domains distribution over GPU devices may still be required.
Exposure to Selected Geogenic Trace Elements (I, Li, and Sr) from Drinking Water in Denmark
Authors: Voutchkova Denitza , Schullehner Jörg , Knudsen Nikoline , Jørgensen Lisbeth , Ersbøll Annette , Kristiansen Søren , Hansen Birgitte
Published: February 2015

The naturally occurring geogenic elements iodine (I), lithium (Li), and strontium (Sr) have a beneficial effect on human health. Iodine has an essential role in human metabolism while Li and Sr are used, respectively, as a treatment for various mental disorders and for post-menopausal osteoporosis. The aim here is to evaluate the potential for future epidemiological investigations in Denmark of lifelong and chronic exposure to low doses of these compounds. The drinking water data represents approximately 45% of the annual Danish groundwater abstraction for drinking water purposes, which supplies approximately 2.5 million persons. The spatial patterns were studied using inverse distance weighted interpolation and cluster analysis. The exposed population was estimated based on two datasets: (1) population density in the smallest census unit, the parishes, and (2) geocoded addresses where at least one person is residing. We found significant spatial variation in the exposure for all three elements, related mainly to geochemical processes. This suggests a prospective opportunity for future epidemiological investigation of long-term effects of I, Li, and Sr, either alone or in combinations with other geogenic elements such as Ca, Mg or F.
The Gold Standard Program for Smoking Cessation is Effective for Participants Over 60 Years of Age
Authors: Kehlet Mette , Schroeder Torben , Tønnesen Hanne
Published: February 2015

Background: Tobacco smoking is more prevalent among the elderly than among the young, and the elderly also have the most frequent contact with the health care system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Gold Standard Program, which is an intensive six-week smoking cessation program, on continuous self-reported abstinence rates after six months, on participants over the age of 60 years in a real life setting. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study from the national Danish smoking cessation database. Results: The database registered 7369 participants over the age of 60 years (range 60–82) and 24,294 below 60 years (range 15–59). Continuous abstinence rate after six months was 37% for the elderly compared to 35% for the younger (p < 0.05). The significant variables for continuous abstinence were: living with another adult (OR 1.10), prior professional recommendation for smoking cessation (OR 1.12), being compliant with program (OR 1.35) and being abstinent at end of course (OR 13.3). Conclusions: Participants over the age of 60 years had significantly higher continuous abstinence rates after six months than the participants less than 60 years. It is never too late for health professionals to recommend and educate patients about smoking cessation programs even if they are over 60 years of age.
Can Integrated Watershed Management Contribute to Improvement of Public Health? A Cross-Sectional Study from Hilly Tribal Villages in India
Authors: Nerkar Sandeep , Pathak Ashish , Lundborg Cecilia , Tamhankar Ashok
Published: February 2015

Tribal people living in hilly areas suffer from water scarcity in many parts of the world, including India. Water scarcity adversely impacts all aspects of life, including public health. Implementation of an Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP) can help solve the problems arising out of water scarcity in such areas. However, the knowledge about and views of the water scarcity sufferers on the public health implications of IWMP have not been well documented. This cross-sectional study was performed in six purposively selected tribal villages located in Maharashtra, India. In three of the villages IWMP had been implemented (IWMV), but not in the other three (NWMV). The head of each household in all villages was interviewed using a questionnaire covering various public health aspects relevant to the villages. A total of 286/313 (92%) households participated in the study. Compared to NWMV, respondents in IWMV experienced significantly lesser prolonged water scarcity (OR = 0.39), had greater number of toilets (OR = 6.95), cultivated more variety of crops (OR = 2.61), had lower migration (OR = 0.59), higher number of girls continuing education (OR = 3.04) and better utilized modern healthcare facilities in the antenatal, natal and postnatal period (OR = 3.75, 2.57, 4.88 respectively). Thus, tribal people in IWMP-implemented villages reported advantages in many aspects of public health.
Disulfide Competition for Phosphine Gold(I) Thiolates: Phosphine Oxide Formation vs. Thiolate Disulfide Exchange
Authors: Garusinghe Gamage , Bessey S. , Aghamoosa Mostapha , McKinnon Meaghan , Bruce Alice , Bruce Mitchell
Published: February 2015

Phosphine gold(I) thiolate complexes react with aromatic disulfides via two pathways: either thiolate–disulfide exchange or a pathway that leads to formation of phosphine oxide. We have been investigating the mechanism of gold(I) thiolate–disulfide exchange. Since the formation of phosphine oxide is a competing reaction, it is important for our kinetic analysis to understand the conditions under which phosphine oxide forms. 1H and 31P{1H} NMR, and GC-MS techniques were employed to study the mechanism of formation of phosphine oxide in reactions of R3PAu(SRʹ) (R = Ph, Et; SRʹ = SC6H4CH3, SC6H4Cl, SC6H4NO2, or tetraacetylthioglucose (TATG)) and R*SSR* (SR* = SC6H4CH3, SC6H4Cl, SC6H4NO2, or SC6H3(COOH)(NO2)). The phosphine oxide pathway is most significant for disulfides with strongly electron withdrawing groups and in high dielectric solvents, such as DMSO. Data suggest that phosphine does not dissociate from gold(I) prior to reaction with disulfide. 2D (1H-1H) NMR ROESY experiments are consistent with an intermediate in which the disulfide and phosphine gold(I) thiolate are in close proximity. Water is necessary but not sufficient for formation of phosphine oxide since no phosphine oxide forms in acetonitrile, a solvent, which frequently contains water.
Adsorption of Nucleic Acid Bases, Ribose, and Phosphate by Some Clay Minerals
Authors: Hashizume Hideo
Published: February 2015

Besides having a large capacity for taking up organic molecules, clay minerals can catalyze a variety of organic reactions. Derived from rock weathering, clay minerals would have been abundant in the early Earth. As such, they might be expected to play a role in chemical evolution. The interactions of clay minerals with biopolymers, including RNA, have been the subject of many investigations. The behavior of RNA components at clay mineral surfaces needs to be assessed if we are to appreciate how clays might catalyze the formation of nucleosides, nucleotides and polynucleotides in the “RNA world”. The adsorption of purines, pyrimidines and nucleosides from aqueous solution to clay minerals is affected by suspension pH. With montmorillonite, adsorption is also influenced by the nature of the exchangeable cations. Here, we review the interactions of some clay minerals with RNA components.
A Study of the Effects of Exercise on the Urinary Metabolome Using Normalisation to Individual Metabolic Output
Authors: Daskalaki Evangelia , Blackburn Gavin , Kalna Gabriela , Zhang Tong , Anthony Nahoum , Watson David
Published: February 2015

Aerobic exercise, in spite of its multi-organ benefit and potent effect on the metabolome, has yet to be investigated comprehensively via an untargeted metabolomics technology. We conducted an exploratory untargeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry study to investigate the effects of a one-h aerobic exercise session in the urine of three physically active males. Individual urine samples were collected over a 37-h protocol (two pre-exercise and eight post-exercise). Raw data were subjected to a variety of normalization techniques, with the most effective measure dividing each metabolite by the sum response of that metabolite for each individual across the 37-h protocol expressed as a percentage. This allowed the metabolite responses to be plotted on a normalised scale. Our results highlight significant metabolites located in the following systems: purine pathway, tryptophan metabolism, carnitine metabolism, cortisol metabolism, androgen metabolism, amino acid oxidation, as well as metabolites from the gastrointestinal microbiome. Many of the significant changes observed in our pilot investigation mirror previous research studies, of various methodological designs, published within the last 15 years, although they have never been reported at the same time in a single study.
sBCI-Headset—Wearable and Modular Device for Hybrid Brain-Computer Interface
Authors: Malechka Tatsiana , Tetzel Tobias , Krebs Ulrich , Feuser Diana , Graeser Axel
Published: February 2015

Severely disabled people, like completely paralyzed persons either with tetraplegia or similar disabilities who cannot use their arms and hands, are often considered as a user group of Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI). In order to achieve high acceptance of the BCI by this user group and their supporters, the BCI system has to be integrated into their support infrastructure. Critical disadvantages of a BCI are the time consuming preparation of the user for the electroencephalography (EEG) measurements and the low information transfer rate of EEG based BCI. These disadvantages become apparent if a BCI is used to control complex devices. In this paper, a hybrid BCI is described that enables research for a Human Machine Interface (HMI) that is optimally adapted to requirements of the user and the tasks to be carried out. The solution is based on the integration of a Steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-BCI, an Event-related (de)-synchronization (ERD/ERS)-BCI, an eye tracker, an environmental observation camera, and a new EEG head cap for wearing comfort and easy preparation. The design of the new fast multimodal BCI (called sBCI) system is described and first test results, obtained in experiments with six healthy subjects, are presented. The sBCI concept may also become useful for healthy people in cases where a “hands-free” handling of devices is necessary.
Role of NAD+-Dependent Malate Dehydrogenase in the Metabolism of Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z and Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b
Authors: Rozova Olga , Khmelenina Valentina , Bocharova Ksenia , Mustakhimov Ildar , Trotsenko Yuri
Published: February 2015

We have expressed the l-malate dehydrogenase (MDH) genes from aerobic methanotrophs Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z and Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b as his-tagged proteins in Escherichia coli. The substrate specificities, enzymatic kinetics and oligomeric states of the MDHs have been characterized. Both MDHs were NAD+-specific and thermostable enzymes not affected by metal ions or various organic metabolites. The MDH from M. alcaliphilum 20Z was a homodimeric (2 × 35 kDa) enzyme displaying nearly equal reductive (malate formation) and oxidative (oxaloacetate formation) activities and higher affinity to malate (Km = 0.11 mM) than to oxaloacetate (Km = 0.34 mM). The MDH from M. trichosporium OB3b was homotetrameric (4 × 35 kDa), two-fold more active in the reaction of oxaloacetate reduction compared to malate oxidation and exhibiting higher affinity to oxaloacetate (Km = 0.059 mM) than to malate (Km = 1.28 mM). The kcat/Km ratios indicated that the enzyme from M. alcaliphilum 20Z had a remarkably high catalytic efficiency for malate oxidation, while the MDH of M. trichosporium OB3b was preferable for oxaloacetate reduction. The metabolic roles of the enzymes in the specific metabolism of the two methanotrophs are discussed.
Development of Decadal (1985–1995–2005) Land Use and Land Cover Database for India
Authors: Roy Parth , Roy Arijit , Joshi Pawan , Kale Manish , Srivastava Vijay , Srivastava Sushil , Dwevidi Ravi , Joshi Chitiz , Behera Mukunda , Meiyappan Prasanth , Sharma Yeshu , Jain Atul , Singh Jamuna , Palchowdhuri Yajnaseni , Ramachandran Reshma. , Pinjarla Bhavani , Chakravarthi V. , Babu Nani , Gowsalya Mahalakshmi , Thiruvengadam Praveen , Kotteeswaran Mrinalni , Priya Vishnu , Yelishetty Krishna , Maithani Sandeep , Talukdar Gautam , Mondal Indranil , Rajan Krishnan , Narendra Prasad , Biswal Sushmita , Chakraborty Anusheema , Padalia Hitendra , Chavan Manoj , Pardeshi Satish , Chaudhari Swapnil , Anand Arur , Vyas Anjana , Reddy Mruthyunjaya , Ramalingam M. , Manonmani R. , Behera Pritiranjan , Das Pulakesh , Tripathi Poonam , Matin Shafique , Khan Mohammed , Tripathi Om , Deka Jyotihman , Kumar Prasanna , Kushwaha Deepak
Published: February 2015

India has experienced significant Land-Use and Land-Cover Change (LULCC) over the past few decades. In this context, careful observation and mapping of LULCC using satellite data of high to medium spatial resolution is crucial for understanding the long-term usage patterns of natural resources and facilitating sustainable management to plan, monitor and evaluate development. The present study utilizes the satellite images to generate national level LULC maps at decadal intervals for 1985, 1995 and 2005 using onscreen visual interpretation techniques with minimum mapping unit of 2.5 hectares. These maps follow the classification scheme of the International Geosphere Biosphere Programme (IGBP) to ensure compatibility with other global/regional LULC datasets for comparison and integration. Our LULC maps with more than 90% overall accuracy highlight the changes prominent at regional level, i.e., loss of forest cover in central and northeast India, increase of cropland area in Western India, growth of peri-urban area, and relative increase in plantations. We also found spatial correlation between the cropping area and precipitation, which in turn confirms the monsoon dependent agriculture system in the country. On comparison with the existing global LULC products (GlobCover and MODIS), it can be concluded that our dataset has captured the maximum cumulative patch diversity frequency indicating the detailed representation that can be attributed to the on-screen visual interpretation technique. Comparisons with global LULC products (GlobCover and MODIS) show that our dataset captures maximum landscape diversity, which is partly attributable to the on-screen visual interpretation techniques. We advocate the utility of this database for national and regional studies on land dynamics and climate change research. The database would be updated to 2015 as a continuing effort of this study.
The Utility and Limitations of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sano Futoshi , Uemura Hiroji
Published: February 2015

In association with the widespread use of prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening, the numbers of men identified with early-stage prostate cancer (PCa) are increasing in the developed countries, including Japan. However, the accurate localization of PCa lesions in diagnostic imaging is still difficult because PCa has a tendency to be multifocal in the prostate gland. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) improves the detection of PCa by visualizing cancerous lesions in order to target a needle biopsy. CEUS has the potential to enable not only accurate diagnoses but also novel treatments such as focal therapy. The combination of CEUS and other modalities is expected to improve the diagnosis of PCa and its treatment.
A Wind Energy Powered Wireless Temperature Sensor Node
Authors: Zhang Chuang , He Xue-Feng , Li Si-Yu , Cheng Yao-Qing , Rao Yang
Published: February 2015

A wireless temperature sensor node composed of a piezoelectric wind energy harvester, a temperature sensor, a microcontroller, a power management circuit and a wireless transmitting module was developed. The wind-induced vibration energy harvester with a cuboid chamber of 62 mm × 19.6 mm × 10 mm converts ambient wind energy into electrical energy to power the sensor node. A TMP102 temperature sensor and the MSP430 microcontroller are used to measure the temperature. The power management module consists of LTC3588-1 and LT3009 units. The measured temperature is transmitted by the nRF24l01 transceiver. Experimental results show that the critical wind speed of the harvester was about 5.4 m/s and the output power of the harvester was about 1.59 mW for the electrical load of 20 kΩ at wind speed of 11.2 m/s, which was sufficient to power the wireless sensor node to measure and transmit the temperature every 13 s. When the wind speed increased from 6 m/s to 11.5 m/s, the self-powered wireless sensor node worked normally.
Soil Quality Indices for Evaluating Smallholder Agricultural Land Uses in Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Gelaw Aweke , Singh B. , Lal R.
Published: February 2015

Population growth and increasing resource demands in Ethiopia are stressing and degrading agricultural landscapes. Most Ethiopian soils are already exhausted by several decades of over exploitation and mismanagement. Since many agricultural sustainability issues are related to soil quality, its assessment is very important. We determined integrated soil quality indices (SQI) within the surface 0–15 cm depth increment for three agricultural land uses: rain fed cultivation (RF); agroforestry (AF) and irrigated crop production (IR). Each land use was replicated five times within a semi-arid watershed in eastern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. Using the framework suggested by Karlen and Stott (1994); four soil functions regarding soil’s ability to: (1) accommodate water entry (WE); (2) facilitate water movement and availability (WMA); (3) resist degradation (RD); and (4) supply nutrients for plant growth (PNS) were estimated for each land use. The result revealed that AF affected all soil quality functions positively more than the other land uses. Furthermore, the four soil quality functions were integrated into an overall SQI; and the values for the three land uses were in the order: 0.58 (AF) > 0.51 (IR) > 0.47 (RF). The dominant soil properties influencing the integrated SQI values were soil organic carbon (26.4%); water stable aggregation (20.0%); total porosity (16.0%); total nitrogen (11.2%); microbial biomass carbon (6.4%); and cation exchange capacity (6.4%). Collectively, those six indicators accounted for more than 80% of the overall SQI values.
The Status, Obstacles and Policy Recommendations of Shale Gas Development in China
Authors: Pi Guanglin , Dong Xiucheng , Dong Cong , Guo Jie , Ma Zhengwei
Published: February 2015

The Chinese government has introduced numerous policies and development plans to boost its shale gas industry in recent years. However, China’s shale gas exploration and development is still in the initial stage and has been confronted with many challenges. This paper systematically analyzes the current status of China’s shale gas industry from five aspects for the first time—resource situation, exploration and development status, policy and planning situation, technology status and international cooperation—then respectively elaborates on the different obstacles of shale gas development in the short run and the medium and long term. We argue that short-term barriers to the Chinese shale gas industry mainly include objective factors, such as geological and surface conditions, shale gas proven reserves, technology innovation and environmental concerns, while some man-made obstacles (except for water scarcity) may restrict shale gas development in the medium and long term. In order to better tackle the short-term challenges, this paper proposes policy recommendations from five perspectives: strengthening the investigation and evaluation of China’s shale gas resources; perfecting shale gas industry policy; establishing a national shale gas comprehensive experimental zone; enhancing scientific and technological research; and establishing a shale gas regulatory system with an emphasis on environmental protection and supervision.
Soil and Waste Matrix Affects Spatial Heterogeneity of Bacteria Filtration during Unsaturated Flow
Authors: Unc Adrian , Niemi Joanna , Goss Michael
Published: February 2015

Discontinuous flows resulting from discrete natural rain events induce temporal and spatial variability in the transport of bacteria from organic waste through soils in which the degree of saturation varies. Transport and continuity of associated pathways are dependent on structure and stability of the soil under conditions of variable moisture and ionic strength of the soil solution. Lysimeters containing undisturbed monoliths of clay, clay loam or sandy loam soils were used to investigate transport and pathway continuity for bacteria and hydrophobic fluorescent microspheres. Biosolids, to which the microspheres were added, were surface applied and followed by serial irrigation events. Microspheres, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., Salmonella spp. and Clostridium perfringens were enumerated in drainage collected from 64 distinct collection areas through funnels installed in a grid pattern at the lower boundary of the monoliths. Bacteria-dependent filtration coefficients along pathways of increasing water flux were independent of flow volume, suggesting: (1) tracer or colloid dependent retention; and (2) transport depended on the total volume of contiguous pores accessible for bacteria transport. Management decisions, in this case resulting from the form of organic waste, induced changes in tortuosity and continuity of pores and modified the effective capacity of soil to retain bacteria. Surface application of liquid municipal biosolids had a negative impact on transport pathway continuity, relative to the solid municipal biosolids, enhancing retention under less favourable electrostatic conditions consistent with an initial increase in straining within inactive pores and subsequent by limited re-suspension from reactivated pores.
Stationäre nuklearmedizinische Therapie 2010 bis 2012 in Deutschland
Authors: Buck A. , Reiners C. , Lorenz R.
Published: February 2015

Das Ziel dieser Analyse war es, deutschlandweite Daten über den Status und die Entwicklung der stationären nuklearmedizinischen Therapie zu ermitteln. Als Datenquelle wurden die gesetzlichen Qualitätsberichte der Krankenhäuser verwendet. Methodik: Die vom Gemeinsamen Bundesausschuss (G-BA) aus den maschinenverwertbaren XML-Daten der Qualitätsberichte erstellten Referenzberichte aller Kliniken Deutschlands mit nuklearmedizinischer Therapiestation wurden für die Jahre 2010 und 2012 analysiert. Für die Beurteilung der längerfristigen Entwicklung dienten Ergebnisse aus eigenen Voruntersuchungen der strukturierten Qualitätsberichte für die Jahre 2004, 2006 und 2008. Zur Ermittlung der deutschlandweiten Häufigkeit von Schilddrüsenoperationen und der Radioiodtherapie wurden öffentliche Datenbanken des Instituts für das Entgeltsystem im Krankenhaus (InEK) für die Jahre 2004 bis 2012 ausgewertet. Ergebnisse: Die Gesamtzahl der stationären nuklearmedizinischen Behandlungsfälle hat von 2010 mit 50 363 Patienten bis 2012 auf 47 314 Patienten gering abgenommen. Im längeren Verlauf von 2004 bis 2012 findet sich ein deutlicher Rückgang der Fälle von 17,5%. Der Rückgang ist vor allem durch eine Abnahme an Erkrankungen mit Hyperthyreose (ICD-Code E05) bedingt. Seit 2009 ist auch die Anzahl der Schilddrüsenoperationen rückläufig. Ein moderater Anstieg der Fallzahlen von 23,7% zeigt sich für die Diagnose Schilddrüsenkarzinom (ICD-Code C73) von 2004 bis 2012. Schlussfolgerungen: Vermutlich führt die verbesserte Iodversorgung in Deutschland zu einem Rückgang an stationären Patienten mit Hyperthyreose in der Nuklearmedizin und in der Folge zu einer Abnahme sowohl der Anzahl an Radioiodtherapien als auch der Schilddrüsenoperationen in der Chirurgie. Im Gegensatz hierzu ist die Anzahl der Patienten mit der Diagnose Schilddrüsenkarzinom auf nuklearmedizinischen Therapiestationen moderat ansteigend, dies korreliert mit der weltweit zu beobachtenden Steigerung der Inzidenz des Schilddrüsenkarzinoms.
Exchange and Change in Northern Norway: On Reciprocity in Nature-Based Tourism
Authors: Svensson Gaute
Published: February 2015

This article explores the reciprocal relationship between nature-based tourism entrepreneurs and locals outside the tourism industry in a small community in Northern Norway. In this article I argue that we need to recognize the norms of reciprocal behavior and how these norms play a
vital part within nature-based tourism—as it does outside the industry. As business owners are both confirming and violating these norms they contribute to a constant negotiation of acceptable reciprocal behavior. Two contrasting cases show how tourism entrepreneurs can incorporate reciprocity
into their business strategy, either conforming to or violating the norms. Social sanctions will potentially have a great impact for a company as it might affect agreements and cooperation with locals. The potential reward in the form of access to private property is equally important as it
may be beneficial for the ones conforming to the norms. The analytical part of this article is anchored in Marshal Sahlins' Stone Age Economics. The data collection in this research are based on participant observation through internship in several tourism companies. This includes formal
and informal interviews.
Point: Proposing the Electrokinetic Model
Authors: Moeller Marcus J. , Kuppe Christoph
Published: February 2015

It is still not fully resolved how the glomerular filter works and why it never clogs. Several models have been proposed. In this review, we will compare the most widely used “pore model” to the more recent and refined “electrokinetic model” of glomerular filtration. The pore model assumes the existence of highly ordered regular pores, but it cannot provide a mechanistic explanation for several of the inherent characteristics of the glomerular filter. The electrokinetic model assumes that streaming potentials generate an electrical field along the filter surface which repels the negatively charged plasma proteins, preventing them from passing across the filter. The electrokinetic model can provide elegant mechanistic solutions for most of the unresolved riddles about the glomerular filter.
Overview of nanoscale NEXAFS performed with soft X-ray microscopes
Authors: Guttmann Peter , Bittencourt Carla
Published: February 2015

Today, in material science nanoscale structures are becoming more and more important. Not only for the further miniaturization of semiconductor devices like carbon nanotube based transistors, but also for newly developed efficient energy storage devices, gas sensors or catalytic systems nanoscale and functionalized materials have to be analysed. Therefore, analytical tools like near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy has to be applied on single nanostructures. Scanning transmission X-ray microscopes (STXM) as well as full-field transmission X-ray microscopes (TXM) allow the required spatial resolution to study individual nanostructures. In the soft X-ray energy range only STXM was used so far for NEXAFS studies. Due to its unique setup, the TXM operated by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) at the electron storage ring BESSY II is the first one in the soft X-ray range which can be used for NEXAFS spectroscopy studies which will be shown in this review. Here we will give an overview of the different microscopes used for NEXAFS studies and describe their advantages and disadvantages for different samples.
Gender-Responsive Sanitation Solutions in Urban India
Authors:   RTI International, Hartmann Miriam , Krishnan Suneeta , Rowe Brent , Hossain Anushah , Elledge Myles
Published: February 2015

A growing body of evidence has begun to document the specific challenges women face when accessing and using sanitation facilities, and the resultant adverse impacts on their health, safety, and productivity. In this research brief, we summarize current evidence and identify gaps in research on urban Indian women’s sanitation-related needs and constraints. We focus on women and girls’ responses to (1) the design of sanitation systems, (2) the location of these systems, and (3) women’s empowerment initiatives aimed at increasing new system implementation and adoption. We conclude by making the case for new research to improve our understanding of the association between gender and sanitation, support the development of gender-responsive designs, and evaluate the impacts of these designs on access, adoption, and longer term outcomes, including health, safety, productivity, and gender equity.
Déterminants sociaux des perceptions intergroupes en milieu hospitalier : Contribution à une psychologie sociétale
Authors: Alliot Liliane , Le Marc Michel , Lafon Jean-Claude
Published: February 2015

Résumé La question de la catégorisation croisée peut s’inscrire utilement dans la perspective d’une psychologie sociétale, privilégiant le recours à des explications de niveaux positionnel et idéologique. Cette recherche a pour objectif de déceler les traces de discrimination entre médecins et infirmiers des deux sexes en utilisant deux dimensions de la valeur. « La désirabilité » renvoie à la valeur affective, « l’utilité sociale » reflète l’adéquation des comportements aux exigences du fonctionnement social (voir Beauvois, 1995). Les résultats révèlent deux patterns symétriques en fonction de la valeur sociale des groupes. De tels résultats permettent d’aller au-delà du classique biais pro-endogroupe. Nous avons également cherché à apprécier la manière dont les professionnels se sont représentés les frontières entre les catégories du sexe et du statut professionnel.
Les répercussions de la privation relative personnelle sur l'estime de soi
Authors: Lagacé Martine , Tougas Francine
Published: February 2015

Résumé Le but de la présente étude est d’évaluer le lien entre la privation relative personnelle, éprouvée par le travailleur de plus de 45 ans, deux stratégies de désengagement psychologique et l’estime de soi. L’étude de ces liens s’effectuant auprès de travailleurs de la santé, domaine de travail très respecté socialement, nous permet d’évaluer à la fois l’effet direct et négatif de la privation relative personnelle sur l’estime de soi et son effet indirect via le désengagement psychologique. Les résultats obtenus par le biais d’une analyse acheminatoire confirment les hypothèses en démontrant que le sentiment de privation relative personnelle, a systématiquement des conséquences négatives sur l’estime de soi des travailleurs avançant en âge. La discussion traite notamment des implications de ces conséquences, tout autant pour les travailleurs, que pour les organisations et la société en général.
Stratégies identitaires et attitudes à l'égard du travail de jeunes étrangers ou issus de l'immigration en apprentissage
Authors: Cohen-Scali Valérie
Published: February 2015

Résumé Le rapport au travail des jeunes étrangers ou issus de l’immigration diffère t-il de celui des autres jeunes ? De nombreuses recherches soulignent leurs difficultés d’insertion professionnelle. Aussi nous avons choisi d’étudier des jeunes qui connaissent une situation plutôt favorable à l’égard de l’insertion : ils sont apprentis de l’enseignement supérieur. Notre principale hypothèse est que ces jeunes ont su développer des stratégies identitaires se traduisant par un rapport au travail différent de celui des autres jeunes. 170 jeunes dont près de la moitié étrangers ou issus de l’immigration, ont été interrogés par questionnaire. Les analyses effectuées mettent au jour des attitudes majoritairement similaires dans les deux populations. Elles montrent toutefois l’existence de stratégies identitaires spécifiques chez les jeunes étrangers et issus de l’immigration.
Le bleu, le vert et le miracle. Quelle vérification ? Quel objet ?
Authors: Laurens Stéphane , Kozakaï Toshiaki
Published: February 2015

Résumé À travers l’analyse de la naissance du paradigme bleu-vert, les auteurs montrent que les publications scientifiques masquent certains aspects de l’activité scientifique concrète. Ces éléments sont négligés dans les publications scientifiques, non parce qu’ils manquent d’intérêt ou n’apportent pas d’information, mais souvent parce qu’ils ne cadrent pas avec un idéal de la démarche scientifique (notamment en termes d’objectivité, de reproductibilité) mis en scène dans les publications. Dans le cas du paradigme bleu-vert, l’affirmation contraignante de cet idéal a sans doute conduit à mettre en avant des études expérimentales complexes et à négliger d’autres arguments qui, pourtant, sont plus probants, car plus évidents et plus simples. Cette orientation de la psychologie sociale, qui accorde une suprématie à l’expérimentation en laboratoire et qui attache une grande importance à la technique et à la méthodologie interroge sur une possible dérive dans la définition de l’objet de cette discipline et dans la manière d’y administrer la preuve.
Notes et perceptions de privation chez les élèves en Éducation Physique Sportive : variations selon leur sexe et leur orientation de genre
Authors: Lentillon Vanessa
Published: February 2015

Résumé L’Education Physique et Sportive (EPS) est une discipline d’enseignement à forte connotation masculine. Cette étude se focalise sur les perceptions de privation relative chez les élèves à l’égard des notes obtenues en EPS en fonction de leur sexe et de leur orientation de genre. Les données ont été recueillies par questionnaires auprès de 1467 élèves d’établissements secondaires français. Bien qu’ils soient les plus en réussite en EPS, les garçons, les élèves Androgynes et typés Masculins sont les élèves qui perçoivent le plus de privation à l’égard de leurs notes. Les différences intersexes de privation perçue disparaissent lorsque les élèves ont la même orientation de genre. Les perceptions de privation semblent être accentuées dans les domaines qui importent la personne.
Comparaisons sociales et comparaisons temporelles : vers une approche séquentielle et fonction de la situation unique
Authors: de la Sablonnière Roxane , Hénault Anne-Marie , Huberdeau Marie-Élaine
Published: February 2015

Résumé Les comparaisons sociales et temporelles sont des stratégies d’évaluation de soi qui ont des conséquences sur l’estime de soi personnelle. Dans ce travail, nous proposons que les comparaisons sociales et temporelles suivent une approche séquentielle, où les comparaisons sociales précèdent les comparaisons temporelles. Deux postulats sont proposés et testés. En premier lieu, nous postulons que l’influence des comparaisons sociales ou temporelles dans la prédiction de l’estime de soi personnelle dépendra de la disponibilité perçue des repères sociaux saillants à l’évaluation de soi. En second lieu, nous mettons de l’avant le concept de la situation unique afin d’expliquer le processus psychologique par lequel un individu se détourne des comparaisons sociales vers les comparaisons temporelles pour s’évaluer. Des analyses de régression ont permis de confirmer nos hypothèses et de souligner la pertinence d’une approche séquentielle des comparaisons sociales et temporelles.
An ever-dying people: The existential underpinnings of Israelis' perceptions of war and conflict
Authors: Hirschberger Gilad , Pyszczynski Tom , Ein-Dor Tsachi
Published: February 2015

Résumé Le conflit entre l’État d’Israël et ses voisins implique des désaccords sur des questions concrètes telles que les colonies, le terrorisme et les frontières. Dans notre étude, nous soutenons que ces questions sous-jacentes correspondent à de profondes et tangibles préoccupations existentielles qui alimentent le conflit et ralentissent la réconciliation. Nous nous concentrons particulièrement sur l’état d’esprit des Juifs israéliens parce que nous croyons que l’histoire de la persécution contre les Juifs joue un rôle essentiel dans la façon dont les Israéliens perçoivent le conflit contemporain. Nous montrons, sur la base de la théorie de la gestion de la terreur (Terror Management Theory) que les rappels de la mort ou la mort collective (la Shoah) conduisent les Israéliens à soutenir des solutions violentes, exprimer leur opposition au compromis et à la réconciliation, et entraînent un comportement moralement discutable en période de conflit. Nous concluons que la sécurité existentielle pour les Israéliens est une condition préalable à la paix.
“Les thêmata et l'ancrage sociologique de la nostalgie d'un passé historique. Le cas de l'ostalgie”
Authors: Negura Lilian , Lungu Ovidiu
Published: February 2015

Résumé L’objectif visé par la présente étude est d’expliquer les mécanismes psychosociaux qui sont à l’origine de la nostalgie du passé communiste en Europe de l’Est (ostalgie). Dans le cadre de l’étude, 42 entretiens semi-dirigés et un sondage par questionnaire auprès d’un échantillon représentatif de 1118 répondants ont été réalisés en Moldova, une ancienne république soviétique. Quatre thêmata polarisent les communications sociales sur le passé communiste : paradis/enfer, prospérité/misère, égalité/inégalité et ordre/désordre. En même temps, la nostalgie s’explique par l’expérience propre à chaque groupe social. Si un groupe social voit sa condition améliorée après les changements démocratiques, il a tendance à ne pas partager les représentations nostalgiques du passé. L’expérience des pratiques sociales joue aussi un rôle important dans l’apparition de la nostalgie du passé.
Socialisation, perspectives temporelles et implication personnelle : une étude dans le champ de l'environnement
Authors: Demarque Christophe , Lo Monaco Grégory , Apostolidis Thémistoklis , Guimelli Christian
Published: February 2015

Résumé Cette recherche étudie l’influence de l’insertion sociale des individus sur leur extension temporelle future et sur la nature de leur implication personnelle envers les problématiques environnementales. Nous supposions plus particulièrement que la nature de l’implication (circonstancielle versus culturelle) influencerait l’extension temporelle des individus. Au travers de la prise en compte de deux différents groupes sociaux (Greenpeace et étudiants), les principaux résultats montrent que des sujets Greenpeace présentent un niveau d’implication plus élevé que des sujets étudiants concernant la protection de l’environnement et prennent en considération les conséquences à plus long terme. Nous observons également un effet du support social perçu sur l’implication et sur la CFC. L’importance de la prise en compte de l’insertion sociale des individus est également discutée.
La représentation sociale du changement climatique : enquête dans le sens commun, auprès de gestionnaires de l'eau
Authors: Michel-Guillou Élisabeth
Published: February 2015

Le changement climatique (CC) est prouvé et son impact sur les ressources naturelles est indéniable. Néanmoins, dans le sens commun, il est source de discussion et produit des opinions différentes voire divergentes. Cet article vise à identifier la représentation sociale du CC auprès de population non scientifiquement averties. Quel est le sens de ce concept et comment est-il perçu ? Pour répondre à ces questions, 241 personnes du Grand Ouest de la France ont participé à une enquête par questionnaires : 139 gestionnaires de l’eau et 102 non gestionnaires de cette ressource. Les résultats font état d’une représentation consensuelle essentiellement basée sur la description des effets du changement du climat (réchauffement, sécheresses, tempêtes, etc). Des distinctions apparaissent néanmoins entre des personnes assurément convaincues de l’existence du phénomène et d’autres plus sceptiques. La localisation spatiale du phénomène et les incertitudes scientifiques divisent les personnes. Les résultats sont discutés au regard des possibilités d’appropriation du phénomène.
Machiavel, la cour des Antiques et (le dialogue) avec Thucydide
Authors: Murari Pires Francisco
Published: February 2015

Parmi les illustres savants dont l’esprit de Machiavel s’imprégnait à la cour des Antiques dans son cabinet de Sant’Andrea de Percussina se distingue la figure de Thucydide. En ce qui concerne les paramètres du dialogue qu’a instauré la réflexion du Florentin avec les savoirs dont disposait l’historien antique, le présent essai entend évaluer les différentes interprétations que les critiques du XX e s. ont mises en œuvre pour en comprendre les termes, selon les paradigmes épistémologiques structurant leurs propres lectures, en particulier en confrontant la période « moderne » du début du siècle à la période « post-moderne » de sa fin.