bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sense of Belonging to Layers of Lesbian Community Weakens the Link Between Body Image Dissatisfaction and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Hanley Sarah , McLaren Suzanne
Published: February 2014

There is evidence to suggest that body image dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms are related among lesbians and that the strength of this relationship may be influenced by individuals’ sense of belonging to the lesbian community at each of the three layers: broad, organizational, and friendship. The broad layer provides an overarching ideology and, within this layer, individuals may not have direct contact with each other. The organizational layer is represented by groups, organizations, or activities, which exist to bring together lesbians who have a shared interest or proximity, such as lesbian support, social, or interest groups. The friendship layer refers to one’s personal network of friends, and it provides general support and acceptance of oneself as a whole person. A sample of 162 self-identified Australian lesbians completed measures of body image satisfaction, depressive symptoms, and sense of belonging. Results demonstrated that sense of belonging to each layer moderated the body image dissatisfaction→depressive symptoms relationship such that the relationship weakens with increasingly higher levels of sense of belonging. Results further showed that high levels of sense of belonging to the organizational and friendship layers were particularly protective. Examining each layer of community simultaneously has shown the importance of more intimate relationships, in addition to the relationships at the broad layer. The results have significant implications for treatment interventions. Practitioners should consider ways to connect lesbians to these more intimate layers of community.
A flexure-based scanner for a fully bidirectional operation driven by a differential piezo force
Authors: Choi Kee-Bong , Lim Hyung Jun , Kim Gee Hong , Lee Jae Jong
Published: February 2014

In this paper, a flexure-based scanner driven by a differential piezo force is proposed for a fully bidirectional operation. The differential piezo force is generated by piezo-driven actuation mechanisms that are arranged antagonistically. The scanner consists of a target platform, a double compound linear guide mechanism, and two identical actuation mechanisms that are piezo-driven mechanical amplifiers that magnify the displacement of a stack-type piezo actuator. The actuation mechanisms are symmetrically mounted on both sides of the target platform, and generate antagonistic pull forces. The difference in the pull forces causes the motion of the target platform. Due to its symmetric structure, the proposed scanner can conduct a bidirectional motion along the positive and negative directions. Through design and analysis, the scanner is manufactured, and then the bidirectional motion and control performance of the scanner are demonstrated.
Vygotsky’s analysis of the crisis in psychology: Diagnosis, treatment, and relevance
Authors: Dafermos Manolis
Published: February 2014

The theoretical analysis of the crisis in psychology is one of the most important contributions of Vygotsky, which has yet remained undervalued by the majority of modern scholars. For Vygotsky, the crisis in psychology is not a simple expression of the existence of separate and competitive theories and approaches, but a result of fundamental theoretical and philosophical tensions in the domain of psychology and also the tension between existing psychological theories and rapidly growing practice. Vygotsky attempted, on the basis of a dialectical method, to elaborate a theoretical framework which can explain the meaning of the crisis in psychology and contribute to defining a strategy for its resolution. In this article I will also discuss the relevance of Vygotsky’s analysis for the consideration of some crucial theoretical issues in psychology (integration of psychological knowledge, relationship between academic psychology and professional practice, etc.).
A cautionary note on the use of attributable fractions in cohort studies
Authors: Sjölander Arvid
Published: February 2014

The attributable fraction is a widely used measure to quantify the public health impact of an exposure on an outcome. It was originally proposed for binary outcomes, but attributable fraction estimators have also been proposed for time-to-event outcomes. In this note, we consider an estimator which was proposed by Benichou ( Stats Methods Med Res, 2001) and is supposed to estimate the cohort attributable fraction, i.e. the number of events that would have been prevented in the cohort during follow-up, if the exposure would hypothetically have been eliminated. We show that this estimator is only valid under certain assumptions, which are often likely to be violated in practice. We further argue that the cohort attributable fraction may not be of substantial scientific interest in the first place. We propose a potentially more relevant measure of attributable fraction in cohort studies; the baseline attributable fraction. We show how the baseline attributable fraction can be conveniently estimated in Cox proportional hazards models.
Differential diagnosis of Goatpox virus in Taiwan by multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay and high-resolution melt analysis
Authors: Chan Kun-Wei , Lee Ming-Liang , Yang Wei-Cheng , Wong Min-Liang , Hsu Wei-Li , Ho Chia-Fang , Hsieh Yao-Ching , Wang Chi-Young
Published: February 2014

The A32L gene from a Goatpox virus (GTPV) strain isolated from a goat in Yunlin County (Taiwan) displays several substitutions compared with the sequence of the Kenyan GTPV vaccine strain SGP0240 and the Pellor GTPV strain. Samples from the skin lesions on 6 goats with GTPV infection or from goats with Orf virus (ORFV) infection were tested in a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) system that used primers GPF, GPR1, and GPR2 as well as previously published primers specific for ORFV. These primers were able to amplify either GTPV or ORFV without cross-reactivity. A high-resolution melt analysis (HRMA) was carried out on amplified DNA from the skin lesions of 6 goats with GTPV infection and with the GTPV SGP0240 strain. The results indicated that the melting temperature profiles amplified from samples with Yunlin GTPV infection can be differentiated from the GTPV SGP0240 strain. The findings showed that a successful differential assay for these GTPVs had been developed. Accordingly, both methods can be used to detect and differentiate GTPV isolated from animals that may have either been vaccinated or been infected with a wild strain. The multiplex PCR and HRMA could be used on skin samples of suspected cases to serve as the front-line and confirmative assays, respectively, which will be beneficial to the eradication of GTPV.
Topiramate for Migraine Prophylaxis in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Deaton Tamara L. , Mauro Laurie S.
Published: February 2014

Objective: To evaluate the currently published data pertaining to the efficacy and safety of topiramate for prophylaxis of classic and common migraine in pediatric patients. Data Sources: The literature was identified via PubMed (through April 2013) and Iowa Drug Information System (through April 2013). References from identified articles were also reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Data were included from studies of efficacy and safety in pediatric patients experiencing migraine (with or without aura), as defined by the International Headache Society. Studies including patients with more specific types of migraine, such as basilar migraine, were excluded. Data Synthesis: Eight publicatons were identified, including 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), a subgroup analysis, and 4 observational studies. These studies reported a decrease in headache frequency ranging from 63% to 100% for doses of 100 mg/d and 65% for 200 mg/d. Response to therapy, defined as ≥50% reduction in migraine rate, was also reported in 83% to 95% of patients receiving topiramate. Topiramate is generally well tolerated. Adverse effects were dose related and included paresthesias, weight loss, and cognitive adverse effects. Conclusion: Topiramate is an effective and well-tolerated prophylactic therapy for use in pediatric migraine patients. Doses of 100 and 200 mg/d (1.47-2.0 mg/kg/d) effectively decrease the frequency of migraine headaches, with 100 mg/d providing optimal benefit-to-risk ratio. Additional randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies are needed to determine the impact of the drug on quality-of-life outcomes, such as school function, and migraine severity and duration.
The Role of Besifloxacin in the Treatment of Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Authors: Mahvan Tracy D. , Hornecker Jaime R. , Buckley Whitney A. , Clark Suzanne
Published: February 2014

Objective: To evaluate the role of besifloxacin in bacterial conjunctivitis treatment. Data Sources: Searches were made on MEDLINE/PubMed and EMBASE (January 2007 to January 2014) using the terms besifloxacin and Besivance. References from these publications were reviewed for additional resources. Additional information was collected from Bausch & Lomb, the manufacturer of Besivance; www.clinicaltrials.gov ; and American Academy of Ophthalmology. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English-language documents were reviewed for pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety, with priority on clinical trials. Data Synthesis: Three large randomized controlled clinical trials established the safety and efficacy of besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6% compared with placebo or active comparator (moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.5%) given 3 times a day for 5 days for acute bacterial conjunctivitis (BC) treatment. Compared with placebo, besifloxacin had clinically superior bacterial eradication rates and was noninferior to moxifloxacin. Besifloxacin was compared with placebo in 2 randomized, placebo-controlled trials, dosed twice a day for 3 days. Superior efficacy was seen compared with placebo, which supports the shorter dosing schedule. Ophthalmic besifloxacin is well tolerated; the most common adverse effect (conjunctival redness) occurred in 2% of patients. Adverse effects in 1% to 2% of patients included blurred vision, eye pain, eye irritation, eye pruritus, and headache. Conclusion: Besifloxacin 0.6% ophthalmic suspension 3 times a day for 5 days is safe and effective for BC. Twice-a-day dosing for 3 days was also effective—a simplified regimen compared with other fluoroquinolones. Disadvantages include price and lack of a generic. Further evaluation is needed to evaluate comparative efficacy among other ocular fluoroquinolones and unlabeled uses.
Environmental contamination, product contamination and workers exposure using a robotic system for antineoplastic drug preparation
Authors: Sessink Paul JM , Leclercq Gisèle M , Wouters Dominique-Marie , Halbardier Loïc , Hammad Chaïma , Kassoul Nassima
Published: February 2014

Environmental contamination, product contamination and technicians exposure were measured following preparation of iv bags with cyclophosphamide using the robotic system CytoCare. Wipe samples were taken inside CytoCare, in the clean room environment, from vials, and prepared iv bags including ports and analysed for contamination with cyclophosphamide. Contamination with cyclophosphamide was also measured in environmental air and on the technicians hands and gloves used for handling the drugs. Exposure of the technicians to cyclophosphamide was measured by analysis of cyclophosphamide in urine. Contamination with cyclophosphamide was mainly observed inside CytoCare, before preparation, after preparation and after daily routine cleaning. Contamination outside CytoCare was incidentally found. All vials with reconstituted cyclophosphamide entering CytoCare were contaminated on the outside but vials with powdered cyclophosphamide were not contaminated on the outside. Contaminated bags entering CytoCare were also contaminated after preparation but non-contaminated bags were not contaminated after preparation. Cyclophosphamide was detected on the ports of all prepared bags. Almost all outer pairs of gloves used for preparation and daily routine cleaning were contaminated with cyclophosphamide. Cyclophosphamide was not found on the inner pairs of gloves and on the hands of the technicians. Cyclophosphamide was not detected in the stationary and personal air samples and in the urine samples of the technicians. CytoCare enables the preparation of cyclophosphamide with low levels of environmental contamination and product contamination and no measurable exposure of the technicians.
Regional Brain Volumes and ADHD Symptoms in Middle-Aged Adults: The PATH Through Life Study
Authors: Das Debjani , Cherbuin Nicolas , Anstey Kaarin J. , Abhayaratna Walter , Easteal Simon
Published: February 2014

Objective: We investigated whether volumetric differences in ADHD-associated brain regions are related to current symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity in healthy middle-aged adults and whether co-occurring anxiety/depression symptoms moderate these relationships. Method: ADHD Self-Report Scale and Brief Patient Health Questionnaire were used to assess current symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, anxiety, and depression in a population-based sample ( n = 269). Brain volumes, measured using a semi-automated method, were analyzed using multiple regression and structural equation modeling to evaluate brain volume–inattention/hyperactivity symptom relationships for selected regions. Results: Volumes of the left nucleus accumbens and a region overlapping the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex were positively associated with inattention symptoms. Left hippocampal volume was negatively associated with hyperactivity symptoms. The brain volume–inattention/hyperactivity symptom associations were stronger when anxiety/depression symptoms were controlled for. Conclusion: Inattention and hyperactivity symptoms in middle-aged adults are associated with different brain regions and co-occurring anxiety/depression symptoms moderate these brain–behavior relationships.
Child Homicides in Sweden
Authors: Sturup Joakim , Granath Sven
Published: February 2014

The objective of the study was to examine the change in child homicides in Sweden between the 1990s and the 2000s based on a study of all cases registered during the periods 1990-1996 and 2002-2008. The results show a significant annual 4% decrease in the number of child homicides, with the main decline being due to a decrease in cases of filicide–suicide among both fathers and mothers. One possible explanation for the decrease may be the increases in the general prescription of antidepressant medication. However, other factors may also have played a significant role in the decline as well.
Sexualities, organizations and organization sexualities: Future scenarios and the impact of socio-technologies (a transnational perspective from the global ‘north’)
Authors: Hearn Jeff
Published: February 2014

The article opens by briefly reviewing studies of sexuality in and around organizations from the 1970s. These studies showed considerable theoretical, empirical and conceptual development, as in the concept of organization sexuality. Building on this, the article’s first task is to analyse alternative future scenarios for organization sexualities, by way of changing intersections of gender, sexuality and organizational forms. Possible gendered future scenarios are outlined based on, first, gender equality/inequality and, second, gender similarity/difference between women, men and further genders: hyper-patriarchy scenario—men and women becoming more divergent; with greater inequality; late capitalist gender scenario—genders becoming more convergent, with greater inequality; bi-polar scenario—men and women becoming more divergent, with greater equality; postgender scenario—genders becoming more convergent, with greater equality. Somewhat similar scenarios for organization sexualities are elaborated in terms of gender/sexual equality and inequality and sexual/gender similarity and difference: heteropatriarchies scenario—greater sexual/gender difference and greater sexual or sexual/gender inequality; late capitalist sexual scenario—greater sexual/gender similarity and greater sexual or gender/sexual inequality; sexual differentiation scenario—greater sexual/gender difference and greater sexual or sexual/gender equality; sexual blurring scenario—greater sexual/gender similarity and greater sexual or sexual/gender equality. The article’s second task is to addresses the impact of globalizations and transnationalizations, specifically information and communication technologies and other socio-technologies, for future scenarios of organization sexualities. The characteristic affordances of ICTs—technological control, virtual reproducibility, conditional communality, unfinished undecidability—are mapped onto the four scenarios above and the implications outlined.
Social media as a catalyst for civil society movements in India: A study in Dehradun city
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Thapa Devam
Published: February 2014

In India, online availability of information has created several new ways of communication and interaction through Internet relay chats, messaging email, video and voice chat, file sharing, blogging and discussion groups. Social media, particularly the Social Networking Sites, have enabled communication anywhere in the world and to anyone who shares interests and activities across political, social, economic and geographical boundaries. Of late, there has been intensive discourse and debate among intelligentsia about the perceptible impact of social media on opinion building and expression. Some civil society movements are also said to be accelerated by social media. This paper, through an empirical study, attempts to understand and analyse how social media, especially social networking sites, change the ways of communication, allow the public to critique and discuss fearlessly different social and political issues thereby becoming a force to reckon with for civil society movements and agitations in India. To study this phenomenon, Dehradun city, an education hub of India having a sizeable number of young active new media users, was chosen as a reference point. The study suggests that social media is yet to emerge as a definite force multiplier for civil society movements in India.
Measuring Absorptive Capacity in High-Tech Companies
Authors: Sedoglavich Vesna , Akoorie Michèle E.M. , Pavlovich Kathryn
Published: February 2014

The objective of this article is to show how mixed methods can be used to develop a deeper understanding of the construct, absorptive capacity (AC). We used qualitative data from eight case studies to identify which types of AC knowledge firms have. Then we identified variables for measuring AC. We identified two types of AC: “technological” AC and “non-core” AC. Using a Karnaugh Map and a Fuzzy Logic Design, we developed a quantitative model to measure overall AC. By focusing on interpretive integration, our results from using both qualitative and quantitative methods yielded complementary rather than contradictory findings, and the goal of “knowing more” about AC was achieved.
Hidden Markov model framework for industrial maintenance activities
Authors: Roblès Bernard , Avila Manuel , Duculty Florent , Vrignat Pascal , Bégot Stephane , Kratz Frédéric
Published: February 2014

This article deals with modelization of industrial process by using hidden Markov model. The process is seen as a discrete event system. We propose different structures based on Markov automata, called topologies. A synthetic hidden Markov model is designed in order to match to a real industrial process. The models are intended to decode industrial maintenance observations (also called “symbol”). Symbols are produced with a corresponding degradation level (also called “state”). These 2-tuple (symbol, state) are known as Markov chains, also called “a signature.” Hence, these various 2-tuple are implemented in the proposed topologies by using the Baum–Welch learning algorithm (decoding by forward variable) and the segmental K-means learning (decoding by Viterbi). We assess different frameworks (topology, learning and decoding algorithm, distribution) by relevancy measurements on model outputs. Then, we determine the most relevant framework for use in maintenance activities. Afterward, we try to minimize the size of the learning data. Thus, we could evaluate the model by using “sliding windows” of data. Finally, an industrial application is developed and compared with this framework. Our goal is to improve worker safety, maintenance policy, process reliability and reduce CO2 emissions in the industrial sector.
Automated generation of mission reliability simulation model for space tracking, telemetry and control system by extensible markup language and extended object-oriented Petri net
Authors: Yang Xiao-song , Wu Xiao-yue , Wu Xin-yang
Published: February 2014

To evaluate and optimize the space tracking, telemetry and command system design, it is important to perform mission reliability analysis of tracking, telemetry and command system. Considering the complexity of tracking, telemetry and command system configuration and mission process, it is nearly infeasible to model and analyze the system by manual work. For accuracy and efficiency reasons, system designers need to have an integrated set of methods and tools for modeling specifications and performing reliability analysis. This article presents an XML-based (extensible markup language–based) schema named reliability modeling language to formally represent data and information, which are necessary for building the mission reliability model of tracking, telemetry and command system. To facilitate the evaluation of mission reliability measures, we propose the improved extended object–oriented Petri net formalism, which is an extension of object-oriented Petri net to perform mission reliability simulation and analysis. The standard descriptive model in reliability modeling language can be automatically and directly transformed into an extended object–oriented Petri net model by applying model transformation rules and algorithm. The proposed approach is illustrated and validated by examples, which consider the complex situation such as component phase dependence, non-exponential failure rate, instantaneous repair as well as different work start and end time. The simulation results show a good approximation compared with the results of analytical models.
Impact of Parental Welfare Participation
Authors: Karpur Arun , Nazarov Zafar , Brewer David R. , Bruyère Susanne M.
Published: February 2014

Youth with disabilities have much lower participation rates in postsecondary education compared with youth without disabilities. There is a need to understand ecological factors that influence their differential participation. This research examined the impact of parental receipt of welfare on postsecondary enrollment among youth with disabilities. Through a multivariate linear probability analysis of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), receipt of welfare benefits was observed to predict nearly one third of the adjusted probability difference in attending postsecondary education between youth with and without disabilities. The effects of parental and school characteristics on the probability of attending postsecondary education are also explored, and implications for service providers, practitioners, and researchers in transition to adulthood are discussed.
Can we accurately report PTEN status in advanced colorectal cancer?
Authors: Hocking Christopher , Hardingham Jennifer E , Broadbridge Vy , Wrin Joe , Townsend Amanda R , Tebbutt Niall , Cooper John , Ruszkiewicz Andrew , Lee Chee , Price Timothy J
Published: February 2014

Background

Loss of phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN) function evaluated by loss of PTEN protein expression on immunohistochemistry (IHC) has been reported as both prognostic in metastatic colorectal cancer and predictive of response to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies although results remain uncertain. Difficulties in the methodological assessment of PTEN are likely to be a major contributor to recent conflicting results.

Methods

We assessed loss of PTEN function in 51 colorectal cancer specimens using Taqman® copy number variation (CNV) and IHC. Two blinded pathologists performed independent IHC assessment on each specimen and inter-observer variability of IHC assessment and concordance of IHC versus Taqman® CNV was assessed.

Results

Concordance between pathologists (PTEN loss vs no loss) on IHC assessment was 37/51 (73%). In specimens with concordant IHC assessment, concordance between IHC and Taqman® copy number in PTEN loss assessment was 25/37 (68%).

Conclusion

Assessment PTEN loss in colorectal cancer is limited by the inter-observer variability of IHC, and discordance of CNV with loss of protein expression. An understanding of the genetic mechanisms of PTEN loss and implementation of improved and standardized methodologies of PTEN assessment are required to clarify the role of PTEN as a biomarker in colorectal cancer.
Piper betle induces phase I & II genes through Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in mouse embryonic fibroblasts derived from wild type and Nrf2 knockout cells
Authors: Wan Hasan Wan Nuraini , Kwak Mi-Kyoung , Makpol Suzana , Ngah Wan Zurinah Wan , Yusof Yasmin Anum Mohd
Published: February 2014

Background

Nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45 related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a primary transcription factor, protecting cells from oxidative stress by regulating a number of antioxidants and phase II detoxifying enzymes. Dietary components such as sulforaphane in broccoli and quercetin in onions have been shown to be inducers of Nrf2. Piper betle (PB) grows well in tropical climate and the leaves are used in a number of traditional remedies for the treatment of stomach ailments and infections among Asians. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of Piper betle (PB) leaves extract in Nrf2 signaling pathway by using 2 types of cells; mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) derived from wild-type (WT) and Nrf2 knockout (N0) mice.

Methods

WT and N0 cells were treated with 5 and 10 μg/ml of PB for 10 and 12-h for the determination of nuclear translocation of Nrf2 protein. Luciferase reporter gene activity was performed to evaluate the antioxidant response element (ARE)-induction by PB. Real-time PCR and Western blot were conducted on both WT and N0 cells after PB treatment for the determination of antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and heme-oxygenase (HO-1)], phase I oxidoreductase enzymes [NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1)] and phase II detoxifying enzyme [glutathione S-transferase (GST)].

Results

Nuclear translocation of Nrf2 by PB in WT cells was better after 10 h incubation compared to 12 h. Real time PCR and Western blot analysis showed increased expressions of Nrf2, NQO1 and GSTA1 genes with corresponding increases in glutathione, NQO1 and HO-1 proteins in WT cells. Reporter gene ARE was stimulated by PB as shown by ARE/luciferase assay. Interestingly, PB induced SOD1 gene and protein expressions in N0 cells but not in WT cells.

Conclusion

The results of this study confirmed that PB activated Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway which subsequently induced some phase I oxidoreductase, phase II detoxifying and antioxidant genes expression via ARE reporter gene involved in the Nrf2 pathway with the exception of SOD1 which may not be dependent on this pathway.
A real-time locating system observes physician time-motion patterns during walk-rounds: a pilot study
Authors: Ward David R , Ghali William A , Graham Alecia , Lemaire Jane B
Published: February 2014

Background

Walk-rounds, a common component of medical education, usually consist of a combination of teaching outside the patient room as well as in the presence of the patient, known as bedside teaching. The proportion of time dedicated to bedside teaching has been declining despite research demonstrating its benefits. Increasing complexities of patient care and perceived impediments to workflow are cited as reasons for this declining use. Research using real-time locating systems (RTLS) has been purported to improve workflow through monitoring of patients and equipment. We used RTLS technology to observe and track patterns of movement of attending physicians during a mandatory once-weekly medical teaching team patient care rounding session endorsed as a walk-rounds format.

Methods

During a project to assess the efficacy of RTLS technology to track equipment and patients in a clinical setting, we conducted a small-scale pilot study to observe attending physician walk-round patterns during a mandatory once-weekly team rounding session. A consecutive sample of attending physicians on the unit was targeted, eight agreed to participate. Data collected using the RTLS were pictorially represented as linked points overlaying a floor plan of the unit to represent each physician’s motion through time. Visual analysis of time-motion was independently performed by two researchers and disagreement resolved through consensus. Rounding events were described as a sequence of approximate proportions of time engaged within or outside patient rooms.

Results

The patient care rounds varied in duration from 60 to 425 minutes. Median duration of rounds within patient rooms was approximately 33% of total time (range approximately 20-50%). Three general time-motion rounding patterns were observed: a first pattern that predominantly involved rounding in ward hallways and little time in patient rooms; a second pattern that predominantly involved time in a ward conference room; and a third balanced pattern characterized by equal proportions of time in patient rooms and in ward hallways.

Conclusions

Observation using RTLS technology identified distinct time-motion rounding patterns that hint at differing rounding styles across physicians. Future studies using this technology could examine how the division of time during walk-rounds impacts outcomes such as patient satisfaction, learner satisfaction, and physician workflow.
Effects of experimental conditions on the morphologies, structures and growth modes of pulsed laser-deposited CdS nanoneedles
Authors: Li Hui , Chen Li , Zhao Yu , Liu Xujun , Guan Leilei , Sun Jian , Wu Jiada , Xu Ning
Published: February 2014

CdS nanoneedles with different morphologies, structures, and growth modes have been grown on Ni-coated Si(100) surface under different experimental conditions by pulsed laser deposition method. The effects of catalyst layer, substrate temperature, and laser pulse energy on the growth of the CdS nanoneedles were studied in detail. It was confirmed that the formation of the molten catalyst spheres is the key to the nucleation of the CdS nanoneedles by observing the morphologies of the Ni catalyst thin films annealed at different substrate temperatures. Both the substrate temperature and laser pulse energy strongly affected the growth modes of the CdS nanoneedles. The secondary growth of the smaller nanoneedles on the top of the main nanoneedles was found at appropriate conditions. A group of more completed pictures of the growth modes of the CdS nanoneedles were presented.
Muscle motor point identification is essential for optimizing neuromuscular electrical stimulation use
Authors: Gobbo Massimiliano , Maffiuletti Nicola A , Orizio Claudio , Minetto Marco A
Published: February 2014

Transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation applied in clinical settings is currently characterized by a wide heterogeneity of stimulation protocols and modalities. Practitioners usually refer to anatomic charts (often provided with the user manuals of commercially available stimulators) for electrode positioning, which may lead to inconsistent outcomes, poor tolerance by the patients, and adverse reactions. Recent evidence has highlighted the crucial importance of stimulating over the muscle motor points to improve the effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation. Nevertheless, the correct electrophysiological definition of muscle motor point and its practical significance are not always fully comprehended by therapists and researchers in the field. The commentary describes a straightforward and quick electrophysiological procedure for muscle motor point identification. It consists in muscle surface mapping by using a stimulation pen-electrode and it is aimed at identifying the skin area above the muscle where the motor threshold is the lowest for a given electrical input, that is the skin area most responsive to electrical stimulation. After the motor point mapping procedure, a proper placement of the stimulation electrode(s) allows neuromuscular electrical stimulation to maximize the evoked tension, while minimizing the dose of the injected current and the level of discomfort. If routinely applied, we expect this procedure to improve both stimulation effectiveness and patient adherence to the treatment.

The aims of this clinical commentary are to present an optimized procedure for the application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation and to highlight the clinical implications related to its use.
Residents learning ultrasound-guided catheterization are not sufficiently skilled to use landmarks
Authors: Maizel Julien , Guyomarc’h Laurianne , Henon Pierre , Modeliar Santhi Samy , de Cagny Bertrand , Choukroun Gabriel , Slama Michel
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Ultrasound-guided (UG) technique is the recommended procedure for central venous catheterization (CVC). However, as ultrasound may not be available in emergency situations, guidelines also propose that physicians remain skilled in landmark (LM) placement. We conducted this prospective observational study to determine the learning curve of the LM technique in residents only learning the UG technique.

Methods

During the first three months of their rotation in our ICU, residents inexperienced in CVC used only the real-time UG technique. During the following three months, residents were allowed to place CVC by means of the LM technique when authorized by the attending physician.

Results

A total of 172 procedures (84 UG and 88 LM) were performed by the inexperienced residents during the study. The success rate was lower (72% versus 84%; P = 0.05) and the complication rate was higher (22% versus 10%; P = 0.04) for LM compared to UG procedures. Comparison between the five last UG procedures and the first five LM procedures performed demonstrated that the transition between the two techniques was associated with a marked decrease of the success rate (65% versus 93%; P = 0.01) and an increase of the complication rate (33% versus 8%; P = 0.01). After 10 LM procedures, residents achieved a success rate and a complication rate of 81% and 6%, respectively.

Conclusions

Residents who only learn the UG technique will not be immediately able to perform the LM technique, but require specific training based on at least 10 LM procedures. The question of whether or not the LM technique should still be taught when an ultrasound device is not available must therefore be addressed.
A single mutation in the GSTe2 gene allows tracking of metabolically based insecticide resistance in a major malaria vector
Authors: Riveron Jacob M , Yunta Cristina , Ibrahim Sulaiman S , Djouaka Rousseau , Irving Helen , Menze Benjamin D , Ismail Hanafy M , Hemingway Janet , Ranson Hilary , Albert Armando , Wondji Charles S
Published: February 2014

Background

Metabolic resistance to insecticides is the biggest threat to the continued effectiveness of malaria vector control. However, its underlying molecular basis, crucial for successful resistance management, remains poorly characterized.

Results

Here, we demonstrate that the single amino acid change L119F in an upregulated glutathione S-transferase gene, GSTe2, confers high levels of metabolic resistance to DDT in the malaria vector Anopheles funestus. Genome-wide transcription analysis revealed that GSTe2 was the most over-expressed detoxification gene in DDT and permethrin-resistant mosquitoes from Benin. Transgenic expression of GSTe2 in Drosophila melanogaster demonstrated that over-transcription of this gene alone confers DDT resistance and cross-resistance to pyrethroids. Analysis of GSTe2 polymorphism established that the point mutation is tightly associated with metabolic resistance to DDT and its geographical distribution strongly correlates with DDT resistance patterns across Africa. Functional characterization of recombinant GSTe2 further supports the role of the L119F mutation, with the resistant allele being more efficient at metabolizing DDT than the susceptible one. Importantly, we also show that GSTe2 directly metabolizes the pyrethroid permethrin. Structural analysis reveals that the mutation confers resistance by enlarging the GSTe2 DDT-binding cavity, leading to increased DDT access and metabolism. Furthermore, we show that GSTe2 is under strong directional selection in resistant populations, and a restriction of gene flow is observed between African regions, enabling the prediction of the future spread of this resistance.

Conclusions

This first DNA-based metabolic resistance marker in mosquitoes provides an essential tool to track the evolution of resistance and to design suitable resistance management strategies.
Insecticide resistance comes of age
Authors: ffrench-Constant Richard H
Published: February 2014

A new study integrates biochemistry, genetics and structural biology to reveal the mechanism of metabolic resistance in a vector mosquito in unprecedented detail.

See related research http://genomebiology.com/2014/15/2/R27
The meaning of "Law" in comparing laws, or the Complexity of what the object of legal comparasion is
Authors: Варга Чаба , Varga Csaba
Published: February 2014

Comparative jurisprudence as an extension of

the scholarly cultivation of domestic laws, closed down

within its respective national boundaries, is historically

rooted in the realisation of how much the self-closing of

continental laws, based upon their national codifi cation

throughout the 19th century, emptied their scholarly approach

as well. In the pioneering age of comparison, the

turn of the centuries, legal ideology was still marked by

the predominance of statutory positivism, so the law’s

comparative treatment — as a fi rst step — could not

target but its statutory form. Albeit there have been

mentions by the classics of legal comparativism, emphasising

the signifi cance of the law’s sociological entourage

and cultural embeddedness as well, neither the

direction nor the methodology of research has changed

to a transformative depth since.

Every moment contributing to a decision in law is

ambivalent in itself: nothing is compelling by its mere

existence. Th erefore we have to know in advance what

the law is, what we can do with it and exactly what we

can achieve through the store of its instruments in a

given culture so that we can successfully proceed on with

it and within it. Or, there is necessarily a given auditoire

faced with a real situation of life and, acting with this

auditoire, the well-defi ned contextuality of a stage (together

with the given social, ethical, economic and political

implications in play) that form the framework

within which the judicial establishment of facts and

interpretation of norms can take place at all.

Th at what is identifi able of law when no implementation

or judicial actualisation is priorly made is a dynamei

[potentiality to get actualised] at the most, which can

exclusively become anything more through an instrumental

operation by legal technique. Accordingly, law is

made up of (1) a homogenised formal concentrate (2)

operated — through its being referred to — by a practical

action, the result of which will posteriorly be presented

to the external world as law converted into reality.

Accordingly, from the very beginning, comparison of

laws, targeting laws proper, that is, ones enacted, shall be

widened so far as to comprehend their practical implementation,

as either offi cially enforced or at least tacitly

acknowledged as the realisation thereof. And in order to

understand the ways and manners of implementation,

including both the handling of what will be established as

facts and the canons of interpretation of what will be referred to as norms, comparison has to target and involve

the patterns of judicial thought (argumentation and reasoning,

i.e., lawyerly ideology as a specifi c species of professional

deontology) as well.
Comparativist character of world politics as discipline (from the experience of teaching to post graduates)
Authors: Наквакина Екатерина , Nakvakina Yekatyerina
Published: February 2014

Relatively young discipline “World Politics” is not a pure comparativist course of lectures. Nevertheless it contains many comparisons. World Politics does not devoted to contemporary international relations. It describes first of all the most burning problems for our planet and actions of different social and political forces at the world arena, including states, transnational companies, social movements, civic organizations, etc. This approach demands comparisons to be made when we speak for example, about globalization in different countries, economic and political integration at concrete continents, problems of migration, education, medical services, food rations in various states. World Politics is linked with classical Political Science but it contains very important foreign component. In the nearest future the progress of knowledge will make one step further. Comparative Global Science (Global Comparativistika) may be a reality. Simultaneously in Legal Sciences the logical next step for Comprative Law will be State and Legal Comparative Studies. So unprecedented promotion of comparative method in humanity sciences is the result of globalization.
Rumors of Red Mercury: Histories of Materiality and Sociality in the Resources of Kitui, Kenya
Authors: Onneweer Maarten
Published: February 2014

The article offers a historical ethnographic analysis of a rumor of a resource in the Kitui district of Kenya that was heard during fieldwork on water development practices and technologies. This rumor dealt with a substance known as red mercury, an elusive material that was said to appear as a resource at particular historical and geographical locations. I unravel the details and complexities of this rumor in order to demonstrate how it signifies a particular reflection on the sociality of resource mobilization in the development encounter. This article elaborates how theories of materiality can help to understand the historical embeddedness and particular material qualities of red mercury. It uses the rumor of resources to differentiate the complexities of value and materiality in resources and commodities.
Hunter and Prey: Patrolling Clandestine Migration in the Euro-African Borderlands
Authors: Andersson Ruben
Published: February 2014

In the past decade, the European Union and its member states have invested heavily in a far-reaching, diffuse, and technologized border regime targeting the elusive figure of the clandestine or “illegal” African migrant. Taking the mismatch between these large investments and the statistically small number of overland irregular migrants as its starting point, this article explores the embodied effects of illegality engendered in the policing of the Euro-African borderlands. Based on fieldwork with West African police forces, aid organizations, and migrants, it focuses on the migration circuit between the Sahel and Spain, where a joint European response to irregular flows was first tried and tested under the umbrella of the EU border agency Frontex. By highlighting the means of detection used to apprehend “illegal migrants”—from bodily signs to presumed “intentions to migrate”—the article looks at how an increasingly reified and embodied modality of migrant illegality is produced on the circuit between West Africa and Europe’s southern shores. This production of illegality crucially depends on the incentives offered to African forces for participating in European controls. Tensions among African officers over the unequal gains from such incentives and ambivalence over the rationale for controls, I argue, make the transnational policing of clandestine migration a fraught site of state investment and concern.
Migrant Assemblages: Building Postsocialist Households with Kyrgyz Remittances
Authors: Rubinov Igor
Published: February 2014

More money now flows into developing countries from the remittances of labor migrants than from official foreign aid. To make use of these crucial inflows, migrants rely upon transnational livelihoods strategies to allocate remittances. Remittance practices support individual needs and communal reciprocities by engaging a site of inter-household collaboration. While recent theories of transnational migration situate households prominently within these practices, ethnographic research in Kyrgyzstan reveals that households do not make use of remittances on their own. Communal practices span households by employing relations of debt, reciprocity, and trust. This article seeks to bridge the development literature focused on transnational livelihoods with an anthropological attunement to the social reciprocity of remittances. The resulting assemblages require constant upkeep while exposing social obligations to distortion and normative change.
States of Conservation: Protection, Politics, and Pacting within UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee
Authors: Meskell Lynn
Published: February 2014

The title, States of Conservation, deliberately references the two “states” that now occupy critical yet oppositional nodes within UNESCO’s 1972 Convention and its conservation agenda. It recalls the State of Conservation (SOC) reports commissioned by the World Heritage Center in conjunction with its Advisory Bodies that relay the condition of World Heritage properties to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. But more critically, “states” here also refers to the most powerful, emergent players in World Heritage Site inscription and protection processes—the States Parties of the 1972 Convention. Many researchers have debated the merits and consequences of World Heritage. While this work remains critical, my own contribution specifically traces the international political pacting, national economic interests, and voting blocs through which particular states increasingly set the World Heritage agenda and recast UNESCO as an agency for global branding rather than global conservation. I contend that as the rush for World Heritage inscription increases and economic and geo-political pacting between nations intensifies, the resources, concerns, and commitments for conservation of sites already inscribed potentially declines. The politics of inscription has now spilled over into the politics of conservation and endangerment. But whereas the former seeks international status and socio-economic benefits through global branding, the latter may jeopardize protection of those same sites through the unhindered interventions of conflict, mining, exploitation, and other infrastructural developments. Whether describing World Heritage, the environment, or manufacturing, denationalized economic life goes hand in hand with renationalized political life. I draw World Heritage case studies from around the world, with a particular focus on the Historic District of Panama—one example of what happens with the cutting of conservation, and concomitantly communities, from the Convention.