bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flora da Usina São José, Igarassu, Pernambuco: Orchidaceae
Authors: Pessoa Edlley , Alves Marccus
Published: February 2013

Orchidaceae foi citada recentemente como a família mais representativa na Floresta Atlântica. Considerando essa representatividade, a fragmentação com perda de diversidade e a carência de informações para a área, este trabalho inventariou a flora orquidológica em remanescentes florestais na Usina São José (USJ), Pernambuco, Brasil. O estudo foi realizado em seis fragmentos na mata Norte Pernambucana, localizados no município de Igarassu. Foram realizadas expedições mensais de dezembro de 2008 a março de 2010. As amostras foram depositadas no herbário UFP. Orchidaceae está representada na área por 27 espécies e 19 gêneros, cujos mais representativos foram Epidendrum (4 spp.) e Scaphyglottis (3 spp.). Incrementa-se 20 spp. àquelas citadas para a USJ em lista anterior. Três espécies foram citadas pela primeira vez para a Floresta Atlântica, sendo uma um novo registro para flora nordestina. Cattleya granulosa Lindl. e Zygostates bradei (Schltr.) Garay estão incluídas em listas de espécies ameaçadas de extinção na categoria de vulneráveis. O fragmento Piedade merece destaque por apresentar 26 spp., sendo este uma RPPN. Os dados reforçam a importância da área para conservação da biodiversidade no estado.
Myrtaceae em restingas no limite norte de distribuição da Mata Atlântica, Brasil
Authors: Lourenço Ana Raquel de Lima , Barbosa Maria Regina de Vasconcellos
Published: February 2013

Myrtaceae é uma das famílias mais ricas em espécies nas restingas brasileiras. O objetivo desse trabalho foi levantar a riqueza e realizar o tratamento taxonômico das espécies de Myrtaceae presentes em remanescentes de restinga situados na divisa entre os Estados da Paraíba e Rio Grande do Norte, no limite norte de distribuição da Mata Atlântica. Foram registradas 23 espécies, sendo a subtribo Eugeniinae a mais diversa, com 11 espécies, seguida de Myrciinae com 8 e Myrtinae com 4. É apresentada uma chave para identificação das espécies, bem como descrições, ilustrações e dados relativos à fenologia e distribuição geográfica.
Anatomia foliar comparativa de nove espécies do gênero Piper (Piperaceae)
Authors: Gogosz Alessandra Mara , Boeger Maria Regina Torres , Negrelle Raquel Rejane Bonato , Bergo Celso
Published: February 2013

As espécies de Piper são de grande interesse medicinal. Porém apresentam considerável desafio taxonômico, provavelmente pelo diminuto tamanho das partes florais. Por isso a morfologia externa da folha tem sido muito utilizada para taxonomia do grupo. Entretanto, há poucos trabalhos anatômicos para o gênero. Neste estudo, as folhas de nove espécies foram comparadas anatomicamente: Piper aduncum Vell.; P. cernuum Vell.; P. dilatatum Rich; P. gaudichaudianum Kunth; P. glabratum Kunth; P. hispidinervum C. DC.; P. lindbergii C. DC.; P. solmsianum C. DC. e P. umbellatum Jacq. O objetivo era avaliar o potencial dos caracteres anatômicos para separação de espécies. A maioria das espécies estudadas tem a epiderme do limbo constituída por células retangulares e arredondadas. Camadas subepidérmicas ocorrem em ambas às faces do limbo, exceto em P. aduncum, P. cernuum e P. hispidinervum. Todas as espécies são hipoestomáticas, exceto P. hispidinervum. O mesofilo é dorsiventral na maioria das espécies, enquanto em P. solmsianum e P. umbellatum o mesofilo é homogêneo. O número de camadas dos tecidos paliçádico e esponjoso é variável. Também ocorrem variações no número e no tamanho dos feixes vasculares. Em geral, ocorrem células secretoras, idioblastos, tricomas tectores e glandulares, lipídios, compostos fenólicos e amido. A análise de agrupamento identificou três grupos distintos entre as espécies, com base nas características anatômicas estudadas.
Florística de uma floresta estacional no Planalto da Borborema, nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Nascimento Ladivania Medeiros do , Rodal Maria Jesus Nogueira , Silva Alexandre Gomes da
Published: February 2013

O conhecimento disponível sobre a flora das florestas montanas (Brejo de Altitude) do semiárido de Pernambuco aponta duas situações: uma com maior semelhança à das florestas mais próximas à costa atlântica; e outra mais similar às florestas mais secas do sertão nordestino. Este trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a composição de fragmentos de floresta montana no município de Brejo da Madre de Deus, Pernambuco, situados numa área geográfica de transição entre aqueles tipos florestais. Os resultados foram comparados com cinco levantamentos florísticos realizados em florestas pernambucanas que utilizaram metodologia similar de amostragem. Foram identificadas 293 espécies, distribuídas em 185 gêneros e 71 famílias. As espécies arbóreas e arbustivas/subarbustivas se destacaram em riqueza total de espécies coletadas (50% e 24%, respectivamente), indicando similaridade florística com as florestas montanas mais próximas à costa atlântica. Os outros hábitos não apresentaram padrão claro de similaridade florística.
Schizaeales da Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brasil
Authors: Ferreira Jamile Lima , Melo Efigênia de , Nonato Fabiana Regina
Published: February 2013

A Chapada Diamantina é a porção da Cadeia do Espinhaço localizada na posição central do Estado da Bahia. Está inserida no bioma Caatinga e compreende 58 municípios. O presente trabalho registra o levantamento florístico, as descrições e as ilustrações de 11 espécies de Schizaeales encontradas na Chapada Diamantina, além de chaves de identificação para famílias e espécies. As espécies encontradas foram: Anemia dentata Gardner ex Field & Gardner, A. ferruginea Humb. & Bonpl. ex Kunth, A. hirsuta (L.) Sw., A. oblongifolia (Cav.) Sw., A. phyllitidis (L.) Sw., A. rutifolia Mart., A. tomentosa (Savigny) Sw. e A. villosa Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd., Lygodium venustum Sw., L. volubile Sw., Schizaea elegans (Vahl) Sw.
International Financial Institutions and Health in Egypt and Tunisia: Change or Continuity?
Authors: Ismail Sharif
Published: February 2013

The revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia appeared to herald a re-casting of International Monetary Fund and World Bank policy across the region. Public pronouncements by the heads of both institutions in the months following February 2011 acknowledged flaws in their approach to macroeconomic advice, against a background of worsening socioeconomic indicators, widespread youth unemployment, and widening health inequalities. Evidence on the ground, however, suggests continuity rather than change in international financial institution policies in Egypt and Tunisia, notwithstanding the emergence of a powerful new player—the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. In the long term, new electoral realities and hardening public opposition in both countries seem likely to force a fundamentally different relationship between regional governments and the major international financial institutions than existed before 2011.
Brazilian Pharmaceutical Diplomacy: Social Democratic Principles versus Soft Power Interests
Authors: Flynn Matthew
Published: February 2013

Current debates concerning the rise of health diplomacy are polarized between competing international relations theories of realism, based on power politics, and constructivist approaches, which emphasize the norms, values, and identities shaping foreign policies. A case study of Brazil's health diplomacy over the past 10 years, focusing on issues related to pharmaceuticals, seeks to provide data to assess these theories. The country's intellectual property disputes, multilateral lobbying efforts, and foreign assistance programs are contrasted with those of the United States, Mexico, and other countries. Instead of viewing Brazilian efforts as a form of soft power, the evidence suggests that the origins of Brazil's involvement and continued efforts in this arena stem more from values based on human rights and social democratic principles. A close examination of domestic political considerations leads to a more nuanced understanding of the drivers behind a country's health diplomacy.
Can Price Controls Reduce Pharmaceutical Expenses? A Case Study of Antibacterial Expenditures in 12 Chinese Hospitals from 1996 to 2005
Authors: Han Sheng , Liang Huigang , Su Weiping , Xue Yajiong , Shi Luwen
Published: February 2013

The objective of this article is to investigate whether the Chinese government's pricing policies have reduced pharmaceutical expenses. The purchasing records for systemic antibacterial drugs of 12 hospitals in Beijing from 1996 to 2005 were analyzed by separating the expenditure growth into three components: the price change, the volume change, and the structure change. Our results reveal that the structure change is the dominant determinant of drug expenditure growth. Despite lowered prices, the antibacterial drug expenditure was raised because more expensive drugs in the same therapeutic category were prescribed. It is insufficient to rely only on pricing policies to reduce drug expenses, given that physicians could circumvent the policy by prescribing more expensive drugs. In addition, physician behaviors need to be regulated to eliminate unnecessary overprescribing.
10-Year Trends in Physical Dating Violence Victimization among U.S. Adolescent Males
Authors: Howard Donna E. , Debnam Katrina J. , Wang Min Qi , Gilchrist Brian
Published: February 2013

This study provides 10-year trend data on the psychosocial correlates of physical dating violence victimization (PDV) among male participants ( N = 7,949 in 2009) in the national Youth Risk Behavior Surveys from 1999–2009. Unadjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were examined followed by multivariate logistic regression analyses, which included all significant independent variables from the univariate analyses. Adjusted OR and 95% CI assessed the significance of the relationships. PDV was significantly and consistently associated with feelings of sadness or hopelessness, repeated engagement in physical fighting, current and multiple sex partners, and lack of condom use. A less consistent but noteworthy pattern was found for PDV and gun carrying and cocaine use among adolescent males. PDV is an important public health issue for adolescent males, not just females. There appears to be a set of stable correlates of dating violence victimization among high school males in the United States.
Early Woodland Mortuary Patterns in the Northeastern United States
Authors: Pagoulatos Peter
Published: February 2013

Early Woodland (3200-1800 B.P.) mortuary patterns are poorly understood in the Northeastern United States. This current study is designed to evaluate selected mortuary sites in terms of feature categories, grave good diversity, and burial disposal types. The Early Woodland was a period of rapid climatic change which coincided with possible population decreases, settlement pattern shifts, and highly ritualized mortuary behavior. Mortuary-related complexes designated as Orient, Meadowood, and Middlesex are compared using spatial and temporal parameters. Current data indicate that Early Woodland populations throughout much of the Northeast underwent changes in mobility patterns, territorial behavior and corresponding burial ritual. Regional climatic changes toward the end of the Terminal Archaic and early portion of the Early Woodland (3200-2600 B.P.) and the latter portion of the Early Woodland (2600-1800 B.P.) periods resulted in a shift toward increased residential mobility, which necessitated a more flexible response to ritualized mortuary-related and territorial behaviors.
Weight Loss Improves the Adipogenic Capacity of Human Preadipocytes and Modulates Their Secretory Profile
Authors: Rossmeislová Lenka , Mališová Lucia , Kračmerová Jana , Tencerová Michaela , Kováčová Zuzana , Koc Michal , Šiklová-Vítková Michaela , Viquerie Nathalie , Langin Dominique , Štich Vladimír
Published: February 2013

Calorie restriction–induced weight loss is accompanied by profound changes in adipose tissue characteristics. To determine the effect of weight loss on differentiation of preadipocytes and secretory capacity of in vitro differentiated adipocytes, we established cultures of these cells from paired subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies obtained before and at the end of weight-reducing dietary intervention (DI) in 23 obese women. Based on lipid accumulation and the expression of differentiation markers, in vitro adipogenesis increased after weight loss and it was accompanied by enhanced expression of genes involved in de novo lipogenesis. This effect of weight loss was not driven by changes of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ sensitivity to rosiglitazone. Weight loss also enhanced the expression of adiponectin and leptin while reducing that of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and interleukin-8 by cultured adipocytes. Thus, the weight-reducing (DI) increased adipogenic capacity of preadipocytes and shifted their secretion toward lower inflammatory profile. Reprogramming of preadipocytes could represent an adaptation to weight loss leading to partial restoration of preobese adipose tissue traits and thus contribute to the improvement of metabolic status. However, enhanced adipogenesis could also contribute to the unwanted weight regain after initial weight loss.
Treatment of Diabetes and Long-Term Survival After Insulin and Glucokinase Gene Therapy
Authors: Callejas David , Mann Christopher J. , Ayuso Eduard , Lage Ricardo , Grifoll Iris , Roca Carles , Andaluz Anna , Ruiz-de Gopegui Rafael , Montané Joel , Muñoz Sergio , Ferre Tura , Haurigot Virginia , Zhou Shangzhen , Ruberte Jesús , Mingozzi Federico , High Katherine A. , Garcia Felix , Bosch Fatima
Published: February 2013

Diabetes is associated with severe secondary complications, largely caused by poor glycemic control. Treatment with exogenous insulin fails to prevent these complications completely, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. We previously demonstrated that it is possible to generate a “glucose sensor” in skeletal muscle through coexpression of glucokinase and insulin, increasing glucose uptake and correcting hyperglycemia in diabetic mice. Here, we demonstrate long-term efficacy of this approach in a large animal model of diabetes. A one-time intramuscular administration of adeno-associated viral vectors of serotype 1 encoding for glucokinase and insulin in diabetic dogs resulted in normalization of fasting glycemia, accelerated disposal of glucose after oral challenge, and no episodes of hypoglycemia during exercise for >4 years after gene transfer. This was associated with recovery of body weight, reduced glycosylated plasma proteins levels, and long-term survival without secondary complications. Conversely, exogenous insulin or gene transfer for insulin or glucokinase alone failed to achieve complete correction of diabetes, indicating that the synergistic action of insulin and glucokinase is needed for full therapeutic effect. This study provides the first proof-of-concept in a large animal model for a gene transfer approach to treat diabetes.
Definition of High-Risk Type 1 Diabetes HLA-DR and HLA-DQ Types Using Only Three Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms
Authors: Nguyen Cao , Varney Michael D. , Harrison Leonard C. , Morahan Grant
Published: February 2013

Evaluating risk of developing type 1 diabetes (T1D) depends on determining an individual’s HLA type, especially of the HLA DRB1 and DQB1 alleles. Individuals positive for HLA-DRB1*03 (DR3) or HLA-DRB1*04 (DR4) with DQB1*03:02 (DQ8) have the highest risk of developing T1D. Currently, HLA typing methods are relatively expensive and time consuming. We sought to determine the minimum number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that could rapidly define the HLA-DR types relevant to T1D, namely, DR3/4, DR3/3, DR4/4, DR3/X, DR4/X, and DRX/X (where X is neither DR3 nor DR4), and could distinguish the highest-risk DR4 type (DR4-DQ8) as well as the non-T1D–associated DR4-DQB1*03:01 type. We analyzed 19,035 SNPs of 10,579 subjects (7,405 from a discovery set and 3,174 from a validation set) from the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium and developed a novel machine learning method to select as few as three SNPs that could define the HLA-DR and HLA-DQ types accurately. The overall accuracy was 99.3%, area under curve was 0.997, true-positive rates were >0.99, and false-positive rates were <0.001. We confirmed the reliability of these SNPs by 10-fold cross-validation. Our approach predicts HLA-DR/DQ types relevant to T1D more accurately than existing methods and is rapid and cost-effective.
Evidence of a Strong Association Between Frequency of Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose and Hemoglobin A1c Levels in T1D Exchange Clinic Registry Participants
Authors: Miller Kellee M. , Beck Roy W. , Bergenstal Richard M. , Goland Robin S. , Haller Michael J. , McGill Janet B. , Rodriguez Henry , Simmons Jill H. , Hirsch Irl B. ,   for the T1D Exchange Clinic Network
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE

Despite substantial evidence of the benefit of frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) in type 1 diabetes, certain insurers limit the number of test strips that they will provide. The large database of the T1D Exchange clinic registry provided an opportunity to evaluate the relationship between the number of SMBG measurements per day and HbA1c levels across a wide age range of children and adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The analysis included 20,555 participants in the T1D Exchange clinic registry with type 1 diabetes ≥1 year and not using a continuous glucose monitor (11,641 younger than age 18 years and 8,914 18 years old or older). General linear models were used to assess the association between the number of SMBG measurements and HbA1c levels after adjusting for potential confounding variables.

RESULTS

A higher number of SMBG measurements per day were associated with non-Hispanic white race, insurance coverage, higher household income, and use of an insulin pump for insulin delivery (P < 0.001 for each factor). After adjusting for these factors, a higher number of SMBG measurements per day was strongly associated with a lower HbA1c level (adjusted P < 0.001), with the association being present in all age-groups and in both insulin pump and injection users.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a strong association between higher SMBG frequency and lower HbA1c levels. It is important for insurers to consider that reducing restrictions on the number of test strips provided per month may lead to improved glycemic control for some patients with type 1 diabetes.
Sustainability of Perpetual Pavement Designs: Canadian Perspective
Authors: El-Hakim Mohab Y. , Tighe Susan L.
Published: February 2013

Sustainability of road construction is one of the key factors affecting the global environment, economy, and future social development. Several research projects are currently under way to study different construction approaches, materials, and designs that can improve the sustainability of roads. Although perpetual pavement is characterized by higher construction costs compared with conventional flexible pavement designs, it requires less maintenance and less frequent rehabilitation if designed and constructed properly. Pavement design can conserve materials and energy used for maintenance over the pavement life cycle and reduce the noise and emissions that accompany maintenance activities. Highways are typically subjected to heavy truck loads, which results in rapid structural deterioration. Because of the importance of highway conditions, the structural capacity of highway pavements should be maintained to the highest standards to ensure safety and a high level of service. Perpetual pavement designs are capable of achieving high structural capacity and can resist deterioration with minimum surface treatment. The case study presented examines how perpetual pavement design is a feasible solution for sustainable roads. The construction of a test section on Highway 401 in Woodstock, Ontario, Canada, is explained and analyzed. Three sections, representing conventional pavement design, perpetual design without rich bottom mix, and perpetual design with rich bottom mix, were constructed next to each other for a comparison of their performance with different sensors. Recycled asphalt pavement was used in all pavement layers in this project. The use of recycled materials enhanced the pavement mechanical characteristics and maximized the efficient use of resources.
Wavelet-Based Detection of Roughness Progression in Wavebands for Highways in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Sen Ranita , Hassan Rayya A. , Evans Robert P.
Published: February 2013

The use of wavelet analysis to locate and assess changes in pavement profile characteristics over time and their links to contributing factors are discussed. This assessment approach was applied to a number of sections from two major freight routes in Victoria, Australia, between 2004 and 2009. Roughness progression rates in the different wavebands for different sites were determined and compared with each other after consideration of the contribution of traffic loading, climatic conditions, pavement composition, and subgrade soil type and the interaction of these factors. Segments within each site that experienced localized progression were also identified. For the sections tested, traffic loading and soil and climate conditions were found to be the most dominant contributors to pavement roughness progression in short and long wavebands. Sites with highly reactive subgrade soils tended to develop higher roughness contents in the longer wavebands and progress at high rates. A distinct localized increase in roughness was observed for all the sites in certain wavebands. Findings of the study confirm that wavelet analysis was a valuable tool for use at the project level in pavement management to locate the problematic segments of any road section and identify the cause of deterioration; these determinations helped in selecting the appropriate treatment method.
Evaluation of Asphalt Damage and Cracking Development with Seismic Pavement Analyzer
Authors: Jurado Monica , Gibson Nelson , Celaya Manuel , Nazarian Soheil
Published: February 2013

Fatigue cracking in asphalt pavements is an indicator of structural failure, and early detection of fatigue cracking would allow for improved preventive maintenance. The evaluation of cracking relies on the distress's being visible and possibly in advanced stages. Detection of load-related cracking at an early stage or before initiation is greatly needed. The portable seismic property analyzer (PSPA), a nondestructive device that monitors the change in modulus in pavement surface layers, was used in this study to measure the change in pavement stiffness response at the same time as the development of load-associated cracking. PSPA tests were conducted at the FHWA Turner–Fairbank Highway Research Center accelerated loading facility on full-scale test pavements being subjected to repeated wheel loading to induce cracking. PSPA measurements taken at a predetermined number of loading passes were evaluated to find crack initiation or propagation. The patterns for the amount of modulus reduction before and after the initiation of cracking were measurable and different for modified and unmodified binders. An unmodified asphalt section lost only between 25% and 33% of the original modulus before the initiation of surface cracks, whereas a polymer-modified asphalt lost between 62% and 57%. The cracking was top-down given the aged condition of the test sections.
Impulse Response Dynamic Stiffness Decay in Aging General Aviation Airfield Pavements
Authors: Khanna Vivek , Mooney Michael A. , Miller Gerald A.
Published: February 2013

Managing pavements requires a reliable pavement performance indicator. The current study examines the feasibility of using the impulse response (IR) method to provide a reliable, mechanistic measure of current and future pavement performance. In an extension of the pavement family approach, IR-inferred dynamic stiffness (kd) decay models were generated for pavements with asphalt concrete (AC) and portland cement concrete (PCC) surfaces. AC pavement family subdivisions devised with the total thickness of structurally capable layers were found to yield the most significant correlations. Grouping data from all IR tests on PCC pavement sections into one family yielded a coefficient of determination of large significance with low scatter in the data. A statistically significant correlation could not be established for AC pavement between IR-estimated kd and the low-strain modulus (ESEIS) inferred by the method of spectral analysis of surface waves. In PCC pavements, a weak correlation was observed between kd and ESEIS. Though the sample used for comparison with structurally distressed sections was small, results suggested that in AC pavements, visually inferred traffic-related distresses did not correlate with structural failure. For PCC pavements, visual identification of structural distresses was more accurate than for AC pavements.
Field Application of Ground-Penetrating Radar for Measurement of Asphalt Mixture Density: Case Study of Illinois Route 72 Overlay
Authors: Leng Zhen , Al-Qadi Imad L. , Shangguan Pengcheng , Son Songsu
Published: February 2013

A study that validated the field performance of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) as a nondestructive tool to predict in situ asphalt mixture density is presented. New overlays using six types of asphalt mixtures were placed at Illinois Route 72 (IL-72) near the Chicago area. Both GPR and nuclear gauge data were collected from the construction site for density estimation. Six cores were extracted for each mixture, and their densities were measured in the laboratory. A density model named Al-Qadi, Lahouar, and Leng (ALL), developed in an earlier study by the authors, was used to predict the asphalt mixture density from GPR measurement. GPR performance was then verified by comparing the GPR-predicted densities with densities of 20 field cores measured with the nuclear gauge and in the laboratory. This study shows that GPR can provide reasonably accurate density prediction when an appropriate model is used. GPR's accuracy of density prediction is comparable with, or better than, that of the nuclear gauge when two calibration cores are used. GPR measurement of an asphalt mixture was not affected by temperature within the range of 90° to 190°F (32° to 88°C). The relationship between the GPR signal reflection amplitude and the number of roller passes could be used to monitor the asphalt mixture compaction process and determine the optimum number of roller passes.
Model to Estimate Pavement Structural Number at Network Level with Rolling Wheel Deflectometer Data
Authors: Abdel-Khalek Ahmed M. , Elseifi Mostafa A. , Gaspard Kevin , Zhang Zhongjie , Dasari Karthik
Published: February 2013

Nondestructive testing provides key information about the structural integrity and the capacity of in-service pavements. The rolling wheel deflectometer (RWD) was introduced to support existing nondestructive testing techniques by providing a screening tool for structurally deficient pavements at the network level. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a direct and simple model for determining the pavement structural number (SN) by using RWD deflection data. To achieve this objective, the relationship between the average RWD surface deflection and the peak falling weight deflectometer (FWD) deflection was investigated. The developed model correlated pavement SN with three RWD-measured properties: average and standard deviation of RWD deflection and RWD index. The developed model was fitted to RWD data collected in 16 road sections (each 1.5 mi long), referred to as research sites, in Louisiana. The model was then validated on the basis of data from the FWD and RWD collected on 52 road sections in Louisiana. Results showed agreement between SN calculations obtained from FWD and those from RWD deflection testing. Although the developed model is independent of pavement thickness and layer properties, it provides promising results as an indicator of pavement structural integrity at the network level. The fitting statistics support the use of the proposed model as a screening tool for identifying structurally deficient pavements at the network level.
Automobile Ownership and Travel by the Poor
Authors: Blumenberg Evelyn , Pierce Gregory
Published: February 2013

Income, or the lack of it, influences household transportation decisions and the ways in which individuals travel. Low-income households are less likely to own cars and more likely to travel by modes other than the automobile. Less is known, however, about the specific determinants of travel among the poor, which was the purpose of this analysis. This study used data from the 2009 National Household Travel Survey to examine the relationship between income and automobile ownership and the role of automobile ownership in explaining person miles traveled. An analysis was then made of whether these determinants varied by income group. The results indicated that low-income adults rapidly convert rising income into additional mobility at faster rates than higher-income adults. Further, automobile ownership increases person miles traveled for all adults; however, it is particularly influential in increasing the travel of low-income adults. Households accrue greater marginal benefits by moving from zero to one vehicle than by purchasing additional vehicles when they already own one or more. These findings underscore the importance of automobile ownership to the mobility of low-income households and suggest an important role for policy in facilitating low-income auto ownership.
Identification of Mobility-Impaired Persons and Analysis of Their Travel Behavior and Needs
Authors: Sammer Gerd , Uhlmann Tina , Unbehaun Wiebke , Millonig Alexandra , Mandl Bettina , Dangschat Jens , Mayr René
Published: February 2013

Mobility is an important prerequisite for equal participation in social life and satisfaction of basic human needs. Mobility impairments can restrict the participation in social life of those affected such that people lack fair opportunities for fulfilling their needs. In the past, mobility problems of people with a physical or sensory disability were the focus of attention, while other attributes causing mobility impairment, such as immigrant backgrounds, poverty, and so forth, were mainly ignored by research and planning, even though, according to estimates, more than one-third of the population are affected. Therefore, there is little qualitative or quantitative knowledge about these impairments and the individual consequences. The objective of this paper is to help fill this knowledge gap. The issue of fair opportunities regarding mobility and the term “mobility impairment” as used in this paper are defined. Fifteen types of mobility impairment are considered. The stratified sample for this survey included 541 mobility-impaired people in Austria with whom semistructured face-to-face interviews were conducted. A key result of the survey is the estimate of the number of people affected and the degree of their impairment. About half of those interviewed were hampered by more than one type of mobility impairment. From the point of view of those affected, there are difficulties that go beyond the mere physical barriers, which have been the focus of traffic planning. Problems are also caused by insufficient welfare systems, gender relations, inappropriate behavior of other transport users, and inadequate information and its transfer within the transport sector. For the solution, new and disregarded strategies are required.
Gender Differences in Response to Policies Targeting Commute to Automobile-Restricted Central Business District
Authors: Shahangian ReyhanehSadat , Kermanshah Mohammad , Mokhtarian Patricia L.
Published: February 2013

Several studies have indicated that responses to policies intended to reduce car use may fall short of the predicted or desired response, which suggests a need for improved behavioral models. One basis for improvement is to better account for population heterogeneity. In particular, studies show that men and women have different transportation patterns that reflect gender-related characteristics and roles in families; these differences can be manifested in their mode choice in the presence of demand management strategies. On the basis of stated preference data on mode choice that were gathered from a sample of drivers commuting to the central business district in Tehran, Iran, this study used generalized nested logit models to find the significant variables that affected each gender's mode choice under some price- and time-oriented policies. Although some variables were common to both genders, other variables influenced only men's or only women's behavior. Further, some of the common variables did not have the same signs for both genders; this finding offers post hoc validation of the need to model the genders’ behavior separately. Several results suggest that the hypothetical policies tested elicited changes not only in travel behavior, but possibly also in household roles and lifestyle. The authors believe that understanding the gender-based differences in factors important to mode choice can help identify policies that serve each gender's needs better and thus potentially increase the willingness of both genders to shift away from driving.
Advantages of Exercise in Breast Cancer Patients and Survivors in Addition to Its Mitigating Effect on Chest Wall Pain
Authors: Kapoor Shailendra
Published: February 2013

The recent article by Wong et al. was highly interesting[...]
Phenotypes of Encapsulating Peritoneal Sclerosis—Macroscopic Appearance, Histologic Findings, and Outcome
Authors: Latus Joerg , Ulmer Christoph , Fritz Peter , Rettenmaier Bianka , Biegger Dagmar , Lang Thomas , Ott German , Kimmel Martin , Steurer Wolfgang , Alscher M. Dominik , Segerer Stephan , Braun Niko
Published: February 2013

Background

Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare but devastating complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD), with clinical signs of abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, and weight loss in late stages.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed all patients who were diagnosed with EPS between March 1998 and October 2011 in our department of nephrology. We focused on the 24 EPS patients who underwent surgery because of symptomatic late-stage EPS. We identified 3 different macroscopic phenotypes of EPS that we categorized as types I – III. We correlated histologic findings with those macroscopic phenotypes of EPS. The postoperative and long-term outcomes were evaluated by macroscopic phenotype.

Results

Duration of PD was longer in type III than in types I and II EPS ( p = 0.05). We observed no other statistically significant differences between the groups in baseline characteristics, except for operation time, which was longer in the type I than in the type III group ( p = 0.02). Furthermore, we observed no statistically significant difference between the groups with respect to the onset of complaints before surgery (7.8 ± 5.9 months vs 7.0 ± 7.0 months vs 6.5 ± 5.3 months). Concerning patient outcomes, there was no evidence that any of the macroscopic EPS types was associated with more major or minor complications after surgery. For all study patients, follow-up was at least 3 years, with 19 patients still being alive, and 16 having no or very mild complaints. The typical histologic findings of EPS were present in all macroscopic types; only fibrin deposits were more prominent in type II than in type III.

Conclusions

We describe 3 subtypes of EPS based on macroscopic findings. Postoperative treatment should probably not be influenced by the macroscopic EPS phenotype. Whether the different phenotypes represent different pathophysiologic processes remains unclear and has to be further evaluated.
Towards 4-dimensional atomic force spectroscopy using the spectral inversion method
Authors: Williams Jeffrey C , Solares Santiago D
Published: February 2013

We introduce a novel and potentially powerful, yet relatively simple extension of the spectral inversion method, which offers the possibility of carrying out 4-dimensional (4D) atomic force spectroscopy. With the extended spectral inversion method it is theoretically possible to measure the tip–sample forces as a function of the three Cartesian coordinates in the scanning volume (x, y and z) and the vertical velocity of the tip, through a single 2-dimensional (2D) surface scan. Although signal-to-noise ratio limitations can currently prevent the accurate experimental implementation of the 4D method, and the extraction of rate-dependent material properties from the force maps is a formidable challenge, the spectral inversion method is a promising approach due to its dynamic nature, robustness, relative simplicity and previous successes.
Shrinking Lung Syndrome as a Manifestation of Pleuritis: A New Model Based on Pulmonary Physiological Studies
Authors: HENDERSON LAUREN A. , LORING STEPHEN H. , GILL RITU R. , LIAO KATHERINE P. , ISHIZAWAR RUMEY , KIM SUSAN , PERLMUTTER-GOLDENSON ROBIN , ROTHMAN DEBORAH , SON MARY BETH F. , STOLL MATTHEW L. , ZEMEL LAWRENCE S. , SANDBORG CHRISTY , DELLARIPA PAUL F. , NIGROVIC PETER A.
Published: February 2013

Objective.

The pathophysiology of shrinking lung syndrome (SLS) is poorly understood. We sought to define the structural basis for this condition through the study of pulmonary mechanics in affected patients.

Methods.

Since 2007, most patients evaluated for SLS at our institutions have undergone standardized respiratory testing including esophageal manometry. We analyzed these studies to define the physiological abnormalities driving respiratory restriction. Chest computed tomography data were post-processed to quantify lung volume and parenchymal density.

Results.

Six cases met criteria for SLS. All presented with dyspnea as well as pleurisy and/or transient pleural effusions. Chest imaging results were free of parenchymal disease and corrected diffusing capacities were normal. Total lung capacities were 39%–50% of predicted. Maximal inspiratory pressures were impaired at high lung volumes, but not low lung volumes, in 5 patients. Lung compliance was strikingly reduced in all patients, accompanied by increased parenchymal density.

Conclusion.

Patients with SLS exhibited symptomatic and/or radiographic pleuritis associated with 2 characteristic physiological abnormalities: (1) impaired respiratory force at high but not low lung volumes; and (2) markedly decreased pulmonary compliance in the absence of identifiable interstitial lung disease. These findings suggest a model in which pleural inflammation chronically impairs deep inspiration, for example through neural reflexes, leading to parenchymal reorganization that impairs lung compliance, a known complication of persistently low lung volumes. Together these processes could account for the association of SLS with pleuritis as well as the gradual symptomatic and functional progression that is a hallmark of this syndrome.
Formes de mobilisation du travail et responsabilité de l'emploi : le cas de la sous-traitance en France
Authors: Thévenot Nadine
Published: February 2013

Les formes d’organisation de la production (sous-traitance, mais aussi externalisation, délocalisation, création de réseaux d’entreprise, groupes...) remettent en cause les frontières de l’entreprise, ce qui a des conséquences sur les relations de travail et les conditions d’application du droit du travail, mais aussi sur les mesures de la performance économique. La sous-traitance ne constitue pas un mode innovant d’organisation du travail, mais ses formes contemporaines remettent en cause les protections traditionnelles des salariés dans le cadre de rapports de dépendance liés à la division du travail intra et interentreprises. Dans ce contexte, c’est la responsabilité de l’emploi et la portée du droit du travail qui se trouvent questionnées.
Le fait inégalitaire, des origines à l'aube du XXIe siècle
Authors: Besançon Yves
Published: February 2013

D’après les travaux les plus récents des anthropologues, les inégalités économiques et sociales auraient commencé à se développer significativement à partir des débuts du néolithique, soit assez tardivement à l’échelle de l’histoire de l’humanité. En dépit des révolutions politiques de la fin du XVIII e siècle instaurant l’égalité en droit comme principe juridique fondamental de l’organisation des sociétés humaines, les inégalités de fait n’ont cessé de caractériser les organisations sociales démocratiques, en connaissant une histoire mouvementée, faite de progrès, avec une tendance à leur réduction, notamment au sortir de la Seconde Guerre mondiale avec l’affirmation d’un État-providence, mais aussi de régression, avec la violence de leur renouveau dans le cadre de la nouvelle phase de la mondialisation néolibérale de la fin du XX e siècle. La société française, tout en limitant les « dégâts » par comparaison au modèle anglo-saxon, n’a pas échappé à cette dynamique contemporaine des inégalités où leur aggravation se conjugue avec paupérisation et exclusion sociale d’une frange croissante de la population.
Un tissu productif plus concentré qu'il ne semblait
Authors: Béguin Jean-Marc , Hecquet Vincent , Lemasson Julien
Published: February 2013

Pour compléter notre dossier consacré aux entreprises, nous vous proposons cet article récent de l’Insee. Celui-ci nous rappelle la nouvelle définition économique de l’entreprise adoptée en 2008 dans le cadre de la loi de modernisation de l’économie et il nous fournit un riche panorama du système productif français.
Le prix du livre lycéen de SES, une affaire qui dure !
Authors: Martinache Igor
Published: February 2013

Alors que les jurés en herbe s’apprêtent à repartir dans la longue procédure de lectures et de débats qui aboutiront à l’attribution du prix du Livre lycéen, retour sur la célébration des 10 ans de l’initiative, qui attire d’années en années toujours plus d’établissements. Pourquoi pas le vôtre 1  ?
Les explications extrascolaires de la mobilisation des élèves
Authors: Merle Pierre
Published: February 2013

Résumé Les recherches sur la mobilisation des élèves ont été largement menées en délaissant trop souvent la connaissance des explications que les élèves peuvent donner de leur propre échec et réussite scolaire. Afin de mieux connaître l’expérience subjective de leur scolarité, il a été demandé à plus de 500 étudiants de préciser, par écrit, des événements marquants susceptibles d’expliquer leur mobilisation vis-à-vis des études. L’analyse du corpus a déjà fait l’objet d’une publication centrée sur les explications scolaires avancées par les enquêtes ( Merle , 2004). Les enquêtes présentent aussi des explications extrascolaires de leur mobilisation centrées sur leurs éducation et socialisation familiales et, tout particulièrement, les pratiques parentales de contractualisation et d’intériorisation de l’impératif de réussite à l’école. La recherche tente, in fine , de montrer l’intérêt d’une telle sociologie de l’expérience subjective des élèves.
B1a Cells Enhance Susceptibility to Infection with VirulentFrancisella tularensisvia Modulation of NK/NKT Cell Responses
Authors: Crane Deborah D. , Griffin Amanda J. , Wehrly Tara D. , Bosio Catharine M.
Published: February 2013

B1a cells are an important source of natural Abs, Abs directed against T-independent Ags, and are a primary source of IL-10. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (btk) is a cytoplasmic kinase that is essential for mediating signals from the BCR and is critical for development of B1a cells. Consequentially, animals lacking btk have few B1a cells, minimal Ab responses, and can preferentially generate Th1-type immune responses following infection. B1a cells have been shown to aid in protection against infection with attenuated Francisella tularensis, but their role in infection mediated by fully virulent F. tularensis is not known. Therefore, we used mice with defective btk (CBA/CaHN-BtkXID/J [XID mice]) to determine the contribution of B1a cells in defense against the virulent F. tularensis ssp. tularensis strain SchuS4. Surprisingly, XID mice displayed increased resistance to pulmonary infection with F. tularensis. Specifically, XID mice had enhanced clearance of bacteria from the lung and spleen and significantly greater survival of infection compared with wild-type controls. We revealed that resistance to infection in XID mice was associated with decreased numbers of IL-10–producing B1a cells and concomitant increased numbers of IL-12–producing macrophages and IFN-γ–producing NK/NKT cells. Adoptive transfer of wild-type B1a cells into XID mice reversed the control of bacterial replication. Similarly, depletion of NK/NKT cells also increased bacterial burdens in XID mice. Together, our data suggest B cell–NK/NKT cell cross-talk is a critical pivot controlling survival of infection with virulent F. tularensis.
Techniques in the removal of impacted mandibular third molar: A comparative study
Authors: Singh Vibha , Alex Khonsao , Pradhan R. , Mohammad Shadab , Singh Nimisha
Published: February 2013

Objective: Surgical removal of impacted third molar is one of the common surgical procedures carried out in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery set up. This study aimed at clinically assessing the three different surgical techniques (lingual split, using chisel and mallet, buccal approach techniques, using rotary instruments used in the removal of impacted mandibular third molars. Materials and Methods: The present clinical study comprised of 150 impacted mandibular wisdom teeth. Patients were divided in three groups and bone covering the third molar was removed by the Lingual split technique using chisel and mallet, Buccal approach technique using chisel and mallet, and Buccal approach technique using rotary instruments. Results: Surgical time was significantly increased in bur technique. Trismus was significantly increased in lingual split technique and bur technique from buccal approach technique using chisel and mallet. Post-operative nerve injury was significantly higher in lingual split technique. Dry socket was more in patients of bur technique. Conclusion: In this study we found that lingual split technique using chisel and mallet is found to be better among all three techniques used followed by buccal approach using chisel and mallet and the buccal approach technique using rotary instruments.
Evaluation of stability of immediately placed implants in infected sockets
Authors: Pal Uma Shankar , Singh Nimisha , Singh R. K. , Mohammad Shadab , Malkunje Laxman R. , Loan Parveen Akhtar
Published: February 2013

Purpose: To describe a protocol for the immediate placement of implant into the infected alveolar socket. Materials and Methods: In this study, a total number of 40 implants were placed immediately into the extraction sockets. Each case had a different periapical condition (acute, endodontic and periodontal infection). Great care had been taken in debridement of the socket, extraction of tooth/teeth and guided bone regeneration along with the use of pre-operative and post-operative anti-microbial agent. Results: All except three implants were osseo-integrated within 6 months to 1 year. The complications were due to the extraction procedure and bone regeneration process. Conclusion: Predisposing factors for failures are incomplete debridement of the socket, poor oral hygiene, incomplete closure of the wound, and systemic factors like hormones. From this study, we may conclude that immediate implants are a viable treatment option for patients with periapical infections.