bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disability and Care: Still Not “Getting It”
Authors: Hansen Nancy , Turnbull Lorna
Published: April 2013

Dans le présent article, les auteures—une experte en études critiques de l'incapacité et une professeure de droit—analysent d'un œil critique une décision de la Cour d'appel fédérale qui soulève des questions de genre et d'incapacité. La cause porte sur l'accès aux prestations d'invalidité du Régime de pensions du Canada. Cynthia Harris, une mère qui a la sclérose en plaques, conteste l'application de la clause d'exclusion pour élever des enfants contenue dans le Régime de pensions du Canada. Mme Harris conteste la disposition pour la raison que le handicap de son enfant l'oblige à lui donner des soins parentaux plus longtemps que s'il s'agissait d'un enfant non handicapé. Les auteures critiquent les différentes approches visant à comprendre le concept d’égalité et son application aux questions d'incapacité et de genre. Elles prêtent une attention particulière aux critères de participation à la vie active dans la législation sur la prestation d'aide sociale et aux effets qu'elle produit sur les femmes, surtout celles ayant des handicaps. Elles réfléchissent sur l'approche formaliste de l’égalité et de sa compréhension ainsi que sur l'absence d'une analyse intersectionnelle dans le jugement. Il faut des réponses systémiques plutôt qu'individualisées pour bien accommoder les personnes en quête d’égalité. Les auteures soutiennent que pour envisager de telles revendications à l’égalité, il faudrait une approche théorique qui privilégie l'inclusion et la citoyenneté sociale.
Late Patrology: The Example of Giorgio Agamben
Authors: Colilli Paul
Published: April 2013

Abstract:

After a long exile in the quaintly titled files of “irrationality and superstition,” theology and the issue of religion in general have resurfaced as central topics to theory-making in the Western tradition of thought. With this in mind, the intent of this article is to propose a name for this phenomenon: “late patrology.” The implication of the use of this term is that theology is experiencing a posthumous life following the demise of the Enlightenment project. Thinkers such as Giorgio Agamben, Slavoj Žižek, Alain Badiou, John D. Caputo, Gianni Vattimo, John Milbank, and others are in many ways revisiting (in new and different conditions) important theological matters we read about in patristic literature. Patrology ceased many centuries ago, but it has not disappeared. Contemporary thinkers are partaking in the same interpretive enterprise modelled and initiated by the authors of patristic literature: that of talking about the received name of God, arguing on all sides about the significance of its transmission from the past and its pertinence to the present and near future. I will focus on one exponent of this resurgent interest in theology, Giorgio Agamben. Specifically, I provide examples from some of his works that illustrate his project of grasping in their dispersion the effaced yet preponderant signs of theology hidden in our current political and cultural practices.
Müntzer's “Theology of Revolution” and Literary Activism in Luther Blissett's Q
Authors: De Donno Fabrizio
Published: April 2013

Abstract:

This article explores the resurrection of the myth of Thomas Müntzer in the historical novel Q, published in 1999 by the Italian collective group of writers Luther Blissett / Wu Ming. The piece assesses the collective's reasons for returning to the German Peasants’ War of 1525 and Anabaptism, while also considering the Marxist tradition of engagement with Müntzer, particularly from Engels and Kautsky to Bloch. These philosophers’ considerations of the relationship between materialism and theology are used in this article as a platform to discuss the central role in the novel of Bloch's rendition of Müntzer's theological communism. Bloch's reading of Müntzer as a “theologian of revolution” is here deemed instrumental in shaping the novel's heroic figure and the collective dimension of his utopian spiritual will of revolution. The essay also examines how Q employs an epic mode of narration to articulate a nomadic struggle between the subversive millennialism of the common people embodied by the hero-narrator, and the authoritarian millennialism of the Roman Church, personified by the character of Q. While reading the novel next to some recent work by Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri, the article argues that the resurrection of the myth of Müntzer functions at an allegorical level in order to, on the one hand, revitalize and popularize utopian radicalism in connection with countercultural activism, and, on the other, warn against the authoritarian potential of utopian myths and the repressive methods of institutional power. The transmedial dimension of Luther Blissett / Wu Ming's work is also considered, while attempting some conclusions about the links between literature, theology and activism.
Nature, Wounded and Healed in Early Patristic Thought
Authors: Behr John
Published: April 2013

Abstract:

This article uses the work of Irenaeus to understand Paul's words about creation being subjected by God to futility and travail until the revelation of the sons of God, from an eschatological perspective rather than the customary protological one: instead of postulating an original pristine, perfect creation, distorted by the Fall, Irenaeus envisions the economy from the perspective of Christ's Passion and assertion from the cross that “it is finished,” so that the economy has always included human apostasy and death as the means whereby we finally learn of our weakness and mortality, so also coming to know of the strength of God “made perfect in weakness,” resulting in a living human being, “the glory of God,” manifest most clearly in the martyrs, no longer living by a breath of life but by the life-giving Spirit. While all other aspects of creation were brought into being by a divine “fiat,” God's own project, to make human beings in his image requires, however, creatures who are able to say “fiat,” conforming themselves to Christ by taking up his cross. The perfection of creation, thus, does not lie in the past, but in the end, in Christ, and so from the beginning, Adam, as a type of the one to come, points to him, and the final revealing of the sons and daughters of God in Christ and the groaning of creation, which must necessarily pass away, as it produces the fruit of immortality, is an intrinsic part of this process.
Society of Neurological Surgeons boot camp courses: knowledge retention and relevance of hands-on learning after 6 months of postgraduate year 1 training
Authors: Selden Nathan R. , Anderson Valerie C. , McCartney Shirley , Origitano Thomas C. , Burchiel Kim J. , Barbaro Nicholas M.
Published: April 2013

Object

In July 2010, the Society of Neurological Surgeons (SNS) introduced regional courses to promote patient safety and teach fundamental skills and knowledge to all postgraduate Year 1 (PGY1) trainees entering Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)–accredited US neurosurgery residency programs. Data from these courses demonstrated significant didactic learning and high faculty and resident satisfaction with hands-on training. Here, the authors evaluated the durability of learning from and the relevance of participation in SNS PGY1 courses as measured midway through PGY1 training.

Methods

Resident participants were resurveyed 6 months after boot camp course attendance to assess knowledge retention and course effectiveness. Exposure to relevant hands-on experiences during PGY1 training and the subjective value of pre-residency simulated training in the courses were assessed.

Results

Ninety-four percent of all residents entering US PGY1 neurosurgical training participated in the 2010 SNS boot camp courses. One hundred sixty-four (88%) of these resident participants responded to the survey. Six months after course completion, 99% of respondents believed the boot camp courses benefited beginning neurosurgery residents and imparted skills and knowledge that would improve patient care. The PGY1 residents' knowledge of information taught in the courses was retained 6 months after initial testing (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

The learning and other benefits of participation in a national curriculum for residents entering PGY1 neurosurgical training were maintained 6 months after the courses, halfway through the initial training year.
A Review of Biochar and Soil Nitrogen Dynamics
Authors: Clough Tim , Condron Leo , Kammann Claudia , Müller Christoph
Published: April 2013

Interest in biochar stems from its potential agronomic benefits and carbon sequestration ability. Biochar application alters soil nitrogen (N) dynamics. This review establishes emerging trends and gaps in biochar-N research. Biochar adsorption of NO3−, up to 0.6 mg g−1 biochar, occurs at pyrolysis temperatures >600 °C with amounts adsorbed dependent on feedstock and NO3− concentration. Biochar NH4+ adsorption depends on feedstock, but no pyrolysis temperature trend is apparent. Long-term practical effectiveness of inorganic-N adsorption, as a NO3− leaching mitigation option, requires further study. Biochar adsorption of ammonia (NH3) decreases NH3 and NO3− losses during composting and after manure applications, and offers a mechanism for developing slow release fertilisers. Reductions in NH3 loss vary with N source and biochar characteristics. Manure derived biochars have a role as N fertilizers. Increasing pyrolysis temperatures, during biochar manufacture from manures and biosolids, results in biochars with decreasing hydrolysable organic N and increasing aromatic and heterocyclic structures. The short- and long-term implications of biochar on N immobilisation and mineralization are specific to individual soil-biochar combinations and further systematic studies are required to predict agronomic and N cycling responses. Most nitrous oxide (N2O) studies measuring nitrous oxide (N2O) were short-term in nature and found emission reductions, but long-term studies are lacking, as is mechanistic understanding of reductions. Stable N isotopes have a role in elucidating biochar-N-soil dynamics. There remains a dearth of information regarding effects of biochar and soil biota on N cycling. Biochar has potential within agroecosystems to be an N input, and a mitigation agent for environmentally detrimental N losses. Future research needs to systematically understand biochar-N interactions over the long term.
Evolutionary Hotspots in the Mojave Desert
Authors: Vandergast Amy , Inman Richard , Barr Kelly , Nussear Kenneth , Esque Todd , Hathaway Stacie , Wood Dustin , Medica Philip , Breinholt Jesse , Stephen Catherine , Gottscho Andrew , Marks Sharyn , Jennings W. , Fisher Robert
Published: April 2013

Genetic diversity within species provides the raw material for adaptation and evolution. Just as regions of high species diversity are conservation targets, identifying regions containing high genetic diversity and divergence within and among populations may be important to protect future evolutionary potential. When multiple co-distributed species show spatial overlap in high genetic diversity and divergence, these regions can be considered evolutionary hotspots. We mapped spatial population genetic structure for 17 animal species across the Mojave Desert, USA. We analyzed these in concurrence and located 10 regions of high genetic diversity, divergence or both among species. These were mainly concentrated along the western and southern boundaries where ecotones between mountain, grassland and desert habitat are prevalent, and along the Colorado River. We evaluated the extent to which these hotspots overlapped protected lands and utility-scale renewable energy development projects of the Bureau of Land Management. While 30–40% of the total hotspot area was categorized as protected, between 3–7% overlapped with proposed renewable energy project footprints, and up to 17% overlapped with project footprints combined with transmission corridors. Overlap of evolutionary hotspots with renewable energy development mainly occurred in 6 of the 10 identified hotspots. Resulting GIS-based maps can be incorporated into ongoing landscape planning efforts and highlight specific regions where further investigation of impacts to population persistence and genetic connectivity may be warranted.
Outer Synchronization between Fractional-Order Complex Networks: A Non-Fragile Observer-based Control Scheme
Authors: Zhao Meichun , Wang Junwei
Published: April 2013

This paper addresses the global outer synchronization problem between two fractional-order complex networks coupled in a drive-response configuration. In particular, for a given fractional-order complex network composed of Lur’e systems, an observer-type response network with non-fragile output feedback controllers is constructed. Both additive and multiplicative uncertainties that perturb the control gain matrices are considered. Then, using the stability theory of fractional-order systems and eigenvalue distribution of the Kronecker sum of matrices, we establish some sufficient conditions for global outer synchronization. Interestingly, the developed results are cast in the format of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which can be efficiently solved via the MATLAB LMI Control Toolbox. Finally, numerical simulations on fractional-order networks with nearest-neighbor and small-world topologies are given to support the theoretical analysis.
Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Maternal Characteristics in a Sample of Schoolchildren from a Rural Province of Croatia
Authors: Petković Giorgie , Barišić Ingeborg
Published: April 2013

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a congenital syndrome caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and is entirely preventable by abstinence from alcohol drinking during this time. Little is known about the prevalence of FAS and maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy in Western countries. We present the results of FAS/partial fetal alcohol syndrome (PFAS) prevalence study and maternal characteristics in a sample of schoolchildren from a rural province of Croatia. This study involved seven elementary schools with 1,110 enrolled children attending 1st to 4th grade and their mothers. We used an active case ascertainment method with passive parental consent and Clarified IOM criteria. The investigation protocol involved maternal data collection and clinical examination of children. Out of 1,110 mothers, 917 (82.6%) answered the questionnaire. Alcohol exposure during pregnancy was admitted by 11.5%, regular drinking by 4.0% and binge drinking by 1.4% of questioned mothers. Clinical examination involved 824 (74.2%) schoolchildren and disclosed 14 (1.7%) with clinical signs of FAS and 41 (5.0%) of PFAS. The observed FAS prevalence, based on 74.2% participation rate, was 16.9, PFAS 49.7 and combined prevalence was 66.7/1,000 examined schoolchildren. This is the first FAS prevalence study based on active ascertainment among schoolchildren and pregnancy alcohol drinking analysis performed in a rural community of Croatia and Europe. High prevalence of FAS/PFAS and pregnancy alcohol consumption observed in this study revealed that FAS is serious health problem in rural regions as well as a need to develop future studies and preventive measures for pregnancy alcohol drinking and FASD.
Development of a Preclinical Therapeutic Model of Human Brain Metastasis with Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Martínez-Aranda Antonio , Hernández Vanessa , Picón Cristina , Modolell Ignasi , Sierra Angels
Published: April 2013

Currently, survival of breast cancer patients with brain metastasis ranges from 2 to 16 months. In experimental brain metastasis studies, only 10% of lesions with the highest permeability exhibited cytotoxic responses to paclitaxel or doxorubicin. Therefore, radiation is the most frequently used treatment, and sensitizing agents, which synergize with radiation, can improve the efficacy of the therapy. In this study we used 435-Br1 cells containing the fluorescent protein (eGFP) gene and the photinus luciferase (PLuc) gene to develop a new brain metastatic cell model in mice through five in vivo/in vitro rounds. BR-eGFP-CMV/Luc-V5 brain metastatic cells induce parenchymal brain metastasis within 60.8 ± 13.8 days of intracarotid injection in all mice. We used this model to standardize a preclinical chemoradiotherapy protocol comprising three 5.5 Gy fractions delivered on consecutive days (overall dose of 16.5 Gy) which improved survival with regard to controls (60.29 ± 8.65 vs. 47.20 ± 11.14). Moreover, the combination of radiotherapy with temozolomide, 60 mg/Kg/day orally for five consecutive days doubled survival time of the mice 121.56 ± 52.53 days (Kaplan-Meier Curve, p < 0.001). This new preclinical chemoradiotherapy protocol proved useful for the study of radiation response/resistance in brain metastasis, either alone or in combination with new sensitizing agents.
Detection of Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) for Resistances to Small Brown Planthopper and Rice Stripe Virus in Rice Using Recombinant Inbred Lines
Authors: Wang Qi , Liu Yuqiang , Hu Jinlong , Zhang Yingxin , Xie Kun , Wang Baoxiang , Tuyen Le , Song Zhaoqiang , Wu Han , Liu Yanling , Jiang Ling , Liu Shijia , Cheng Xianian , Wang Chunming , Zhai Huqu , Wan Jianmin
Published: April 2013

Small brown planthopper (SBPH) and rice stripe virus (RSV) disease transmitted by SBPH cause serious damage to rice (Oryza sativa L.) in China. In the present study, we screened 312 rice accessions for resistance to SBPH. The indica variety, N22, is highly resistant to SBPH. One hundred and eighty two recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross of N22 and the highly susceptible variety, USSR5, were used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of resistances to SBPH and RSV. In a modified seedbox screening test, three QTLs for SBPH resistance, qSBPH2, qSBPH3 and qSBPH7.1, were mapped on chromosomes 2, 3 and 7, a total explaining 35.1% of the phenotypic variance. qSBPH7.2 and qSBPH11.2, conferring antibiosis against SBPH, were detected on chromosomes 7 and 11 and accounted for 20.7% of the total phenotypic variance. In addition, qSBPH5 and qSBPH7.3, expressing antixenosis to SBPH, were detected on chromosomes 5 and 7, explaining 23.9% of the phenotypic variance. qSBPH7.1, qSBPH7.2 and qSBPH7.3, located in the same region between RM234 and RM429 on chromosome 7, using three different phenotyping methods indicate that the locus or region plays a major role in conferring resistance to SBPH in N22. Moreover, three QTLs, qSTV4, qSTV11.1 and qSTV11.2, for RSV resistance were detected on chromosomes 4 and 11. qSTV11.1 and qSTV11.2 are located in the same region between RM287 and RM209 on chromosome 11. Molecular markers spanning these QTLs should be useful in the development of varieties with resistance to SBPH and RSV.
Teacher Characteristics and Perceptions of Pest Management Curricula: Clues to Adoption and Continuation
Authors: Mason Makena , Aihara-Sasaki Maria , Grace J.
Published: April 2013

Educate to Eradicate is a K-12 curriculum project using termite biology and control as the basis for science education that has been implemented in over 350 Hawaii public school classrooms. To encourage sustained implementation of the project, we aimed to identify factors that influence the adoption and continuation of pest management curricula in public school classrooms. Regression analysis of teacher survey data were used to create predictive models of teacher continuation. Teachers motivated by “exciting students about science”, who perceived increases in “student understanding and comprehension of major termite knowledge concepts” and/or students as “more interested in termites after participating in this project” were more likely to continue curriculum. Teachers who had worked at their current school over 21 years at the time of curriculum adoption, and/or who identified having subject specialties not listed on the survey were less likely to continue curriculum. Additionally, teachers servicing lower socioeconomic level students were less likely to continue the curricula.
Degradation of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid (2,4-D) by Novel Photocatalytic Material of Tourmaline-Coated TiO2 Nanoparticles: Kinetic Study and Model
Authors: Bian Xuesen , Chen Jianqiu , Ji Rong
Published: April 2013

The novel complex photocatalytic material was prepared by coating TiO2 nanoparticles on tourmaline using the sol-gel method, and used in the degradation of the herbicide 2,4-D. The results indicated that coating TiO2 with tourmaline enhanced the photocatalytic activity significantly. Based on the research of a simplified model for the average light intensity in the photoreactor, the influence of the concentration of photocatalyst, and the initial concentration of 2,4-D, a model for the degradation of 2,4-D by the tourmaline-coated TiO2 nanoparticles was established. Further tests showed that results calculated from this model were close to those obtained in the actual experiments.
Getting Your Peaks in Line: A Review of Alignment Methods for NMR Spectral Data
Authors: Vu Trung , Laukens Kris
Published: April 2013

One of the most significant challenges in the comparative analysis of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) metabolome profiles is the occurrence of shifts between peaks across different spectra, for example caused by fluctuations in pH, temperature, instrument factors and ion content. Proper alignment of spectral peaks is therefore often a crucial preprocessing step prior to downstream quantitative analysis. Various alignment methods have been developed specifically for this purpose. Other methods were originally developed to align other data types (GC, LC, SELDI-MS, etc.), but can also be applied to NMR data. This review discusses the available methods, as well as related problems such as reference determination or the evaluation of alignment quality. We present a generic alignment framework that allows for comparison and classification of different alignment approaches according to their algorithmic principles, and we discuss their performance.
Palladium(II)-Catalyzed othro-C–H-Benzoxylation of 2-Arylpyridines by Oxidative Coupling with Aryl Acylperoxides
Authors: Sit Wing-Nga , Chan Chun-Wo , Yu Wing-Yiu
Published: April 2013

A palladium(II)-catalyzed ortho-benzoxylation of 2-arylpyridines with aryl acylperoxides was developed. With pyridyl as directing group, the benzoxylation reaction exhibits remarkable regioselectivity and excellent functional group tolerance, providing the products in up to 87% yield.
Hydrophobic Effect of Amphiphilic Derivatives of Chitosan on the Antifungal Activity against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus
Authors: Viegas de Souza Ricchard , Takaki Mirelli , De Oliveira Pedro Rafael , Dos Santos Gabriel Juliana , Tiera Marcio , De Oliveira Tiera Vera
Published: April 2013

Low molecular weight amphiphilic derivatives of chitosan were synthesized, characterized and their antifungal activities against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus were tested. The derivatives were synthesized using as starting material a deacetylated chitosan sample in a two step process: the reaction with propyltrimethyl-ammonium bromide (Pr), followed by reductive amination with dodecyl aldehyde. Aiming to evaluate the effect of the hydrophobic modification of the derivatives on the antifungal activity against the pathogens, the degree of substitution (DS1) by Pr groups was kept constant and the proportion of dodecyl (Dod) groups was varied from 7 to 29% (DS2). The derivatives were characterized by 1H-NMR and FTIR and their antifungal activities against the pathogens were tested by the radial growth of the colony and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. The derivatives substituted with only Pr groups exhibited modest inhibition against A. flavus and A. parasiticus, like that obtained with deacetylated chitosan. Results revealed that the amphiphilic derivatives grafted with Dod groups exhibited increasing inhibition indexes, depending on polymer concentration and hydrophobic content. At 0.6 g/L, all amphiphilic derivatives having from 7.0 to 29% of Dod groups completely inhibited fungal growth and the MIC values were found to decrease from 4.0 g/L for deacetylated chitosan to 0.25–0.50 g/L for the derivatives. These new derivatives open up the possibility of new applications and avenues to develop effective biofungicides based on chitosan.
H/D Isotope Effects in Hydrogen Bonded Systems
Authors: Sobczyk Lucjan , Obrzud Monika , Filarowski Aleksander
Published: April 2013

An extremely strong H/D isotope effect observed in hydrogen bonded A-H…B systems is connected with a reach diversity of the potential shape for the proton/deuteron motion. It is connected with the anharmonicity of the proton/deuteron vibrations and of the tunneling effect, particularly in cases of short bridges with low barrier for protonic and deuteronic jumping. Six extreme shapes of the proton motion are presented starting from the state without possibility of the proton transfer up to the state with a full ionization. The manifestations of the H/D isotope effect are best reflected in the infra-red absorption spectra. A most characteristic is the run of the relationship between the isotopic ratio nH/nD and position of the absorption band shown by using the example of NHN hydrogen bonds. One can distinguish a critical range of correlation when the isotopic ratio reaches the value of ca. 1 and then increases up to unusual values higher than . The critical range of the isotope effect is also visible in NQR and NMR spectra. In the critical region one observes a stepwise change of the NQR frequency reaching 1.1 MHz. In the case of NMR, the maximal isotope effect is reflected on the curve presenting the dependence of Δd (1H,2H) on d (1H). This effect corresponds to the range of maximum on the correlation curve between dH and ΔpKa that is observed in various systems. There is a lack in the literature of quantitative information about the influence of isotopic substitution on the dielectric properties of hydrogen bond except the isotope effect on the ferroelectric phase transition in some hydrogen bonded crystals.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Thieno[3,2-d]- pyrimidinones, Thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines and Quinazolinones: Conformationally Restricted 17b-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 2 (17b-HSD2) Inhibitors
Authors: Perspicace Enrico , Marchais-Oberwinkler Sandrine , Hartmann Rolf
Published: April 2013

In this study, a series of conformationally restricted thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidinones, thieno[3,2-d]pyrimidines and quinazolinones was designed and synthesized with the goal of improving the biological activity as 17b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 inhibitors of the corresponding amidothiophene derivatives. Two moderately active compounds were discovered and this allowed the identification of the biologically active open conformer as well as the extension of the enzyme binding site characterisation.
Generating Virtual Images from Oblique Frames
Authors: Tommaselli Antonio , Galo Mauricio , De Moraes Marcus , Marcato José , Caldeira Carlos , Lopes Rodrigo
Published: April 2013

Image acquisition systems based on multi-head arrangement of digital cameras are attractive alternatives enabling a larger imaging area when compared to a single frame camera. The calibration of this kind of system can be performed in several steps or by using simultaneous bundle adjustment with relative orientation stability constraints. The paper will address the details of the steps of the proposed approach for system calibration, image rectification, registration and fusion. Experiments with terrestrial and aerial images acquired with two Fuji FinePix S3Pro cameras were performed. The experiments focused on the assessment of the results of self-calibrating bundle adjustment with and without relative orientation constraints and the effects to the registration and fusion when generating virtual images. The experiments have shown that the images can be accurately rectified and registered with the proposed approach, achieving residuals smaller than one pixel.
On the Variation of NDVI with the Principal Climatic Elements in the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Sun Jian , Cheng Genwei , Li Weipeng , Sha Yukun , Yang Yunchuan
Published: April 2013

Temperature and precipitation have been separately reported to be the main factors affecting the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in the Tibetan Plateau. The effects of the main climatic factors on the yearly maximum NDVI (MNDVI) in the Tibetan Plateau were examined on different scales. The result underscored the observation that both precipitation and temperature affect MNDVI based on weather stations or physico-geographical regions. Precipitation is the main climatic factor that affects the vegetation cover in the entire Tibetan Plateau. Both annual mean precipitation and annual mean precipitation of the growing period are related with MNDVI, and the positive correlations are manifested in a linear manner. By comparison, the weakly correlated current between MNDVI and all the temperature indexes is observed in the study area.
Progress in Infrared Photodetectors Since 2000
Authors: Downs Chandler , Vandervelde Thomas
Published: April 2013

The first decade of the 21st-century has seen a rapid development in infrared photodetector technology. At the end of the last millennium there were two dominant IR systems, InSb- and HgCdTe-based detectors, which were well developed and available in commercial systems. While these two systems saw improvements over the last twelve years, their change has not nearly been as marked as that of the quantum-based detectors (i.e., QWIPs, QDIPs, DWELL-IPs, and SLS-based photodetectors). In this paper, we review the progress made in all of these systems over the last decade plus, compare the relative merits of the systems as they stand now, and discuss where some of the leading research groups in these fields are going to take these technologies in the years to come.
Nonclinical Development of BCG Replacement Vaccine Candidates
Authors: Velmurugan Kamalakannan , Grode Leander , Chang Rosemary , Fitzpatrick Megan , Laddy Dominick , Hokey David , Derrick Steven , Morris Sheldon , McCown David , Kidd Reginald , Gengenbacher Martin , Eisele Bernd , Kaufmann Stefan , Fulkerson John , Brennan Michael
Published: April 2013

The failure of current Mycobacterium bovis bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccines, given to neonates to protect against adult tuberculosis and the risk of using these live vaccines in HIV-infected infants, has emphasized the need for generating new, more efficacious and safer replacement vaccines. With the availability of genetic techniques for constructing recombinant BCG (rBCG) strains containing well-defined gene deletions or insertions, new vaccine candidates are under evaluation at both the preclinical and clinical stages of development. Since most BCG vaccines in use today were evaluated in clinical trials decades ago and are produced by outdated processes, the development of new BCG vaccines offers a number of advantages that include a modern well-defined manufacturing process along with state-of-the-art evaluation of safety and efficacy in target populations. We provide a description of the preclinical development of two novel rBCGs, VPM1002 that was constructed by adding a modified hly gene coding for the protein listeriolysin O (LLO) from Listeria monocytogenes and AERAS-422, which carries a modified pfoA gene coding for the protein perfringolysin O (PFO) from Clostridium perfringens, and three genes from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Novel approaches like these should be helpful in generating stable and effective rBCG vaccine candidates that can be better characterized than traditional BCG vaccines.
Dépasser le Père
Authors: Schouler Bernard
Published: April 2013

Un adage homérique, incitant le fils à se montrer meilleur que le père (11. 4. 405, 6. 479. Od. 2. 277), révèle, dans la morale de l'épopée, une conception de l'eugéneia impliquant un appel au dépassement. La noblesse crée un devoir plus qu'elle ne fonde un privilège. Cette conception, négligée par la controverse philosophique autour de la noblesse d'origine, a en revanche été reprise par les orateurs classiques et par les écoles sophistiques à l'époque romaine. La sentence homérique a été exploitée entre autres par Platon (Ménéxène 247 A-G), Galien (Protreptique 7), Julien et Libanios.
Le Statut de l'Art chez Platon
Authors: Grimaldi Nicolas
Published: April 2013

Se complaisant aux plus frelatées des apparences, l'art chez Platon est comme la sophistique : une virtuosité de l'illusion et une entreprise de perversion. C'est à l'art cependant que la cité platonicienne confie l'éducation des enfants, l'organisation des cérémonies, la composition des danses et des chants. Non seulement tout philosophe est artiste, mais Socrate nous dit même que le grand art est la philosophie. Cette étude tente d'élucider et de résoudre ces difficultés de la pensée platonicienne. Elle s'y emploie principalement en montrant comment la nature de l'homme est modifiée par l'exercice de l'art, et en éclairant la fonction de l'imitation par certaines analyses du Timée.
Physique et biologie dans la « Génération des Animaux » d'Aristote
Authors: Roussel Michel
Published: April 2013

Examen de l'usage que fait Aristote dans ce traité de principes physiques, particulièrement dans le domaine de la relation entre la κίνησις et la chaleur vitale. Dans sa discussion de la sécrétion de la semence, de la conception et de l'élaboration de l'embryon, Aristote adopte l'attitude cosmobiologique qui se trouve déjà chez les « anciens physiologues » et dans les écrits médicaux. Diverses espèces de traction sont invoquées pour expliquer l'adduction des sucs générateurs dans la constitution de l'organe. Mais la Nature est l'autorité suprême qui préordonne la destination de la matière composante à l'émergence et au fonctionnement de l'être et de ses organes. L'étude attentive du physique est dominée par l'opposition du finalisme aristotélicien au mécanisme matérialiste.
Une vox nihili : φηρεατικῶς dans le glossaire hippocratique de Galien (Kühn XIX, 151, 3) corrections aux dictionnaires LSJ et Frisk S.V. Φήρεα et φήρ
Authors: Jouanna Jacques , Taillardat Jean
Published: April 2013

Les auteurs montrent que cet adverbe en fait n'existe pas. Ils apportent des corrections aux dictionnaires LSJ et Frisk pour divers mots, dont φῆρ et φήρεα.
Evaluation of the USE IT-questionnaire for the Evaluation of the Adoption of Electronic Patient Records by Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Hoogeboom A. M. G. M. , Michel-Verkerke M. B.
Published: April 2013

Background: A combined quantitative and qualitative socio-technical approach is applied in two evaluation studies of electronic patient records (EPR). In these studies the focus was on factors influencing the adoption of the EPR by care providers.

Objective: The research approach is based on the USE IT-model. In addition to the USE IT-interview model, the USE IT-questionnaire is presented and evaluated in order to pre sent a valid and useful integrated approach for the evaluation of IT-adoption in healthcare.

Methods: The USE IT-questionnaire was evaluated by applying a principal component analysis of the quantitative results in two cases (n = 222), and by comparison of the resulting factors with the determinants of the USE IT-model.

Results: The factor analysis of the USE IT-questionnaire resulted in six valid factors: 1. Task support satisfaction, 2. Interface satisfaction, 3. Compatibility, 4. Collaboration, 5. Learnability, and 6. Accessibility. The questions about resources did not combine into a factor.

Conclusion: The detailed questions of the questionnaire lead to decomposition of the constructs Task support satisfaction and Ease of use into factors. The construct Task support satisfaction which was supposed to measure relevance was decomposed in two factors measuring relevance and two factors measuring micro-requirements.
Hand hygiene practices and resources in a teaching hospital in Ghana
Authors: Yawson Alfred Edwin , Hesse Afua A. J
Published: April 2013

Introduction: Nosocomial infections have long been neglected in Sub-Saharan Africa, and hand hygiene (HH) is usually neglected in hospital settings. This study aimed to provide baseline data on HH compliance among health workers and HH resources in a large West African teaching hospital. Methodology: A cross-sectional, unobtrusive observational study assessed personal and care-related HH compliance among doctors and nurses and HH resources in 15 service provision centres of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), Ghana, in 2011. Data was collected with an infection prevention checklist and health worker HH compliance form, based on World Health Organization guidelines. Results: Care-related HH compliance of doctors and nurses was low and basic HH resources were deficient in all 15 service centres. Care-related HH compliance among doctors ranged from 9.2% to 57% and 9.6% to 54% among nurses. HH compliance was higher when risk was perceived to be higher (i.e., in the emergency and wound dressing/treatment rooms and labour wards). The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) showed the highest level of compliance among health workers. Facilities for HH, particularly alcohol hand rub and liquid soap dispensers were shown to be deficient. Conclusion: Care-related HH compliance among doctors and nurses in this large West African hospital is low; however, the NICU, which had implemented HH interventions, had better HH compliance. HH intervention programs should be designed and promoted in all service centres. Also, the introduction of alcohol-based hand rubs as an accessible and effective HH alternative in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital is recommended.
Multi-locus sequence types of Acinetobacter baumanii clinical isolates from India
Authors: Rynga Dabet , Shariff Malini , Deb Monorama
Published: April 2013

This item has no abstract. Follow the links below to access the full text.
H7N9 Incident, immune status, the elderly and a warning of an influenza pandemic
Authors: Guan Yi , Farooqui Amber , Zhu Huachen , Dong Wei , Wang Jia , Kelvin David J
Published: April 2013

The novel re-assortment A influenza H7N9 (nrH7N9) emerged in humans in the Shanghai and surrounding provinces of China in late February and early March. Three infected index patients developed severe viral pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and resulted in fatal outcome. As of 15 April 2013 there were reported 60 confirmed nrH7N9 infections with 13 fatalities. Human-to-human transmission has not been observed, but zoonotic infections of nrH7N9 from birds to humans appear to be associated with live poultry markets. Elderly patients greater than 60 years of age accounted for 61% of the cases, indicating that the elderly may be at high risk for severe disease.
Race, Ethnicity, and Disease Outcomes in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Cross-sectional Analysis of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry
Authors: Ringold Sarah , Beukelman Timothy , Nigrovic Peter A. , Kimura Yukiko ,   CARRA Registry Site Principal Investigators
Published: April 2013

Objective.

To measure the associations between self-reported race and ethnicity and disease outcomes, including joint damage, pain, and functional ability, in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods.

A cross-sectional analysis of children with JIA enrolled in the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Registry between May 2010 and March 2012. Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square testing were used to compare patient characteristics between race (white, African American, or Asian) and ethnicity (Non-Hispanic and Non-Latino; Hispanic or Latino) categories. Logistic regression was used to measure the associations between each race or ethnicity category and the outcome of interest.

Results.

Race category was available for 4292 of 4682 children (93% white, 5% African American, Asian 3%). Ethnicity data were available for 4644 (11% Hispanic or Latino). African American children with polyarticular-course JIA had an elevated OR for joint damage on radiographic imaging compared to white children (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.0–3.1; p = 0.04). Hispanic/Latino children had increased odds of having disability scores > 75th percentile (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.1; p < 0.01) compared to non-Hispanic/Latino children; however, these odds were no longer significant when the cohort was limited to children with polyarticular-course JIA. Asian children had decreased odds of higher pain and functional disability compared to white children (p < 0.05).

Conclusion.

Race and ethnicity were variably associated with joint damage, pain, and functional ability. Understanding outcome variation between different race and ethnicity groups may help to optimize care for children with JIA.
Reaching the Threshold: A Multilayer Pathogenesis of Macrophage Activation Syndrome
Authors: Strippoli Raffaele , Caiello Ivan , De Benedetti Fabrizio
Published: April 2013

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a potentially fatal complication of rheumatic diseases. The condition is considered part of secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytoses (HLH). There are similarities in genetic background, pathogenesis, and clinical and laboratory features with primary HLH (p-HLH). We describe findings in mouse models of secondary HLH, comparing them with models of p-HLH and the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved, and relate them to recent findings in patients with secondary HLH. A multilayer model is presented in which background inflammation, infections, and genetics all contribute in different proportions and in several ways. Once the “threshold” has been reached, inflammatory cytokines are the final effectors, independent of the interplay between different upstream pathogenic factors.
État et calcul des coûts par les entreprises françaises. L'exemple de Pechiney : 1936-1945
Authors: Zimnovitch Henri
Published: April 2013

Cet article montre qu’en France, à la différence des pays anglo-saxons, l’État s’est tenu à l’écart des méthodes utilisées par les entreprises pour le calcul de leurs coûts jusqu’en 1936. C’est sous le gouvernement du Front populaire que son intérêt s’éveille à ces questions, pour contrôler — sans succès — les hausses de prix que les entreprises pratiquèrent et qui remettaient en cause les augmentations de salaires et avantages sociaux que les représentants patronaux avaient concèdes lors des accords Matignon. Il faut attendre la guerre puis le gouvernement de Vichy pour que l’État édicté des méthodes de calcul de coûts qui soient imposées aux entreprises afin qu’elles justifient leurs prix. Pechiney, membre d’un cartel et fabriquant un métal stratégique, est un observatoire privilégié pour suivre cette progression, entre 1936 et 1945, de l’influence de l’État sur le calcul des prix de revient.
Vingt ans de recherche française sur le contrôle comptable des performances
Authors: Dupuy Yves
Published: April 2013

L’article tente de montrer comment les recherches françaises récentes ont mis en évidence et analysé le caractère contingent du rôle de la comptabilité dans le contrôle des performances organisationnelles.
Vingt ans de contrôle de gestion ou le passage d'une technique à une discipline
Authors: Bouquin Henri , Pesqueux Yvon
Published: April 2013

Le contrôle de gestion est devenu une discipline académique et un domaine de recherche. Mais, dans le même temps, ses présupposés fondateurs ont donné lieu à critique. Des tentatives de rénovation se sont succédées dans la pratique, alors que la conception classique héritée de Fayol et confortée par la théorie économique néoclassique se trouvait confrontée à une approche inspirée par H. Simon, mettant en évidence le rôle du contrôle de gestion comme vecteur d’apprentissage et d’émergence des stratégies. Enfin, l’apparition des ERP tend à accélérer la prise de conscience de l’écart entre le processus de contrôle et le rôle qu’y joue le contrôleur, un rôle appelé à changer profondément.
Vingt ans de contestation du modèle comptable
Authors: Degos Jean-Guy , Leclere Didier
Published: April 2013

Le modèle comptable dominant, fondé sur la comptabilité en partie double, est apparu vers les xiii e - xiv e siècles, 3 s’est peu à peu généralisé, et est devenu la référence. Mais sous diverses pressions économiques et technologiques le modèle traditionnel montre ses limites, et tend, non pas à être remplacé, mais à connaître un profond renouvellement. Sur le plan théorique, son intégration dans un modèle plus large, plus ouvert, a été rendu possible par la généralisation à n dimensions de la comptabilité matricielle, d’une part, et par la proposition d’une comptabilité à base événementielle, ouverte, pouvant remplacer une comptabilité à base de valeurs, fermée, d’autre part. Sur le plan pratique on a essayé de remplacer le modèle dominant par des modèles qui se voudraient plus complets, plus réalistes, plus pertinents, reposant par exemple sur l’intégration de la comptabilité financière et de la comptabilité de gestion : système croisé, système triadique, comptabilité intégrée. Ces tentatives générales ont été complétées par des recherches qui concernent certains secteurs comme celui de la comptabilité bancaire. Dans cet effort d’élargissement, les techniques informatiques jouent un rôle à la fois primordial et stimulant, et les comptables doivent réinventer ou se réapproprier de nouveaux concepts sous-jacents au développement des systèmes informatico-comptables actuels s’ils ne veulent pas que le contenant (la forme, le traitement des données) absorbe le contenu (la substance, la comptabilité).
Typologie des systèmes de contrôle organisationnel et performance des opérations d'acquisition
Authors: Levant Yves
Published: April 2013

Lors d’une acquisition, le choix d’un type de système de contrôle organisational ainsi que ses modalités de mise en place par le groupe acquéreur sont déterminants dans le succès de l’opération. En ce qui concerne la performance de ces choix, une enquête menée auprès d’une cinquantaine de groupes français de taille moyenne a permis de tirer des enseignements : il faut s’investir dans des secteurs d’activités « proches » et mettre en place de manière planifiée et rapide un système de contrôle de nature « stratégique » en remplaçant rapidement le dirigeant de la société acquise. Toute autre stratégie organisationnelle semble moins performante ou tout au moins plus risquée.
Qualité de l'audit et gouvernement d'entreprise : le rôle et les limites de la concurrence sur le marché de l'audit
Authors: Pigé Benoît
Published: April 2013

La performance des entreprises dépend en grande partie de la qualité de leur gouvernement. Ce dernier est lui-même dépendant des situations d’asymétrie d’information existant entre actionnaires, conseil d’administration et dirigeants. L’audit constitue un élément essentiel de réduction de ces asymétries d’information. À travers une revue des principales recherches menées aux États-Unis sur le rôle et les conditions d’indépendance des auditeurs, nous suggérons qu’en France une plus grande concurrence entre les cabinets d’audit permettrait de contribuer à l’amélioration du gouvernement des entreprises. Cette hypothèse est confortée par l’analyse de la constitution de rentes et par l’examen de leurs conséquences sur le marché français du commissariat aux comptes.
Comprendre les loyautés familiales à travers l'œuvre d'Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy
Authors: Ducommun-Nagy Catherine
Published: April 2013

L’auteur se propose de revenir à l’œuvre d’Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy comme base de discussion pour la question des conflits de loyauté chez les enfants. En effet, les conflits de loyauté sont inévitables en raison de la nature même de la loyauté, mais il est possible d’en diminuer les impacts cliniques dans les situations de double appartenance en se basant sur les principes de base de la thérapie contextuelle. Elle pose également la question des clivages de loyauté et des loyautés invisibles.