bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is the Quality of Preventive Care Provided in a Student-Run Free Clinic?
Authors: Butala Neel M. , Murk William , Horwitz Leora I. , Graber Lauren K. , Bridger Laurie , Ellis Peter
Published: February 2012

Background. The quality of preventive care provided in student-run free clinics has not been well documented, although an increasing number of vulnerable populations seek care in these settings. Objective. To examine the rate of preventive care services provided in one student-run free clinic compared with national data. Design. Cross-sectional chart review. Participants. Randomly selected patients seen between October 2008 and 2009. Main Measures. Preventive screening guidelines by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Key results. Among 114 patient charts examined, 48 (42.1%) received an HIV test, which did not differ from national rates (40.8%, p=.78). Similarly, 63.3% of patients received a fasting blood glucose test (64.2%, p=.92). Among eligible patients, 59.6% received a fasting lipid panel and 54.6% a Pap smear; lower than national rates (86.6%, p<.001, and 70.5%, p=.001 respectively), but not different compared with uninsured nationally (61.5%, p=.79, and 54.7%, p=.98). Conclusions. This student-run free clinic provided preventive services at comparable rates to national levels, but short of goals specified in Healthy People 2020 .
The Netherlands Gradually Changing Views on International Economic and Social Rights Protection
Authors: Reiding Hilde
Published: February 2012

This article contests the argument that Daniel J. Whelan and Jack Donnelly put forth in the November 2007 issue of the Human Rights Quarterly , thus joining the debate about the truth or myth of Western opposition to economic and social rights. Their statement that Western states considered these rights as equal to civil and political rights in importance is challenged through analysis of the Netherlands policies and attitudes towards the economic and social rights. Their view that the West has strongly and consistently supported economic and social rights is displaced by a picture of a gradual process in which economic and social rights became increasingly accepted as a full-fledged category of human rights.
From Łódź to Tel Aviv: The Yiddish Political Satire of Shimen Dzigan and Yisroel Shumacher
Authors: Efron John M.
Published: February 2012

This article is an exploration of the political satire of Shimen Dzigan and Yisroel Shumacher and traces the careers of these two comedy superstars in Poland before the war and then in Israel, thereafter. It places them in the context of the history of Jewish entertainment and makes a particular claim for the innovative nature of Yiddish comedy, namely that it was an entirely modern form of Jewish expression. Dzigan and Shumacher performed in what was called in Poland, literary cabaret. It emphasized politics and current events and in the case of Yiddish cabaret, internal Jewish politics and the subject of antisemitism. Once in Israel the comedy duo continued in this vein, proving to be astute observers of local politics and watchdogs, of sorts, closely eyeing the country’s political and bureaucratic culture. After their split in 1960, Dzigan continued to perform solo to huge audiences until his death in 1980. Whether together with Shumacher or alone, exquisitely crafted sketches and monologues were of a Kafkaesque nature, the subject often being the absurdity of bureaucracies and the powerlessness of the average person in the face of them. Particular emphasis is given to Yiddish, the language in which Dzigan and Shumacher performed, and the particular qualities of their Lodzer dialect of Yiddish. The article then reflects upon the place of Yiddish in the Yishuv and the early years of Israeli statehood and addresses the particular troubles that confronted the Yiddish performer, given the official rejection of the language by the new, Hebrew nation.
SoxC Transcription Factors Are Required for Neuronal Differentiation in Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis
Authors: Mu Lifang , Berti Lucia , Masserdotti Giacomo , Covic Marcela , Michaelidis Theologos M. , Doberauer Kathrin , Merz Katharina , Rehfeld Frederick , Haslinger Anja , Wegner Michael , Sock Elisabeth , Lefebvre Veronique , Couillard-Despres Sebastien , Aigner Ludwig , Berninger Benedikt , Lie D. Chichung
Published: March 2012

Neural stem cells (NSCs) generate new hippocampal dentate granule neurons throughout adulthood. The genetic programs controlling neuronal differentiation of adult NSCs are only poorly understood. Here we show that, in the adult mouse hippocampus, expression of the SoxC transcription factors Sox4 and Sox11 is initiated around the time of neuronal commitment of adult NSCs and is maintained in immature neurons. Overexpression of Sox4 and Sox11 strongly promotesin vitroneurogenesis from adult NSCs, whereas ablation of Sox4/Sox11 preventsin vitroandin vivoneurogenesis from adult NSCs. Moreover, we demonstrate that SoxC transcription factors target the promoters of genes that are induced on neuronal differentiation of adult NSCs. Finally, we show that reprogramming of astroglia into neurons is dependent on the presence of SoxC factors. These data identify SoxC proteins as essential contributors to the genetic network controlling neuronal differentiation in adult neurogenesis and neuronal reprogramming of somatic cells.
Astrocyte-Originated ATP Protects Aβ1-42-Induced Impairment of Synaptic Plasticity
Authors: Jung Eun Sun , An Kyongman , Seok Hong Hyun , Kim Joung-Hun , Mook-Jung Inhee
Published: March 2012

Activated microglia and reactive astrocytes are commonly found in and around the senile plaque, which is the central pathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. Astrocytes respond to neuronal activity through the release of gliotransmitters such as glutamate,d-serine, and ATP. However, it is largely unknown whether and how gliotransmitters affect neuronal functions. In this study, we explored the effect of a gliotransmitter, ATP, on neurons damaged by β-amyloid peptide (Aβ). We found that Aβ1-42(Aβ42) increased the release of ATP in cultures of primary astrocytes and U373 astrocyte cell line. We also found that exogenous ATP protected Aβ42-mediated reduction in synaptic molecules, such as NMDA receptor 2A and PSD-95, through P2 purinergic receptors and prevented Aβ42-induced spine reduction in cultured primary hippocampal neurons. Moreover, ATP prevented Aβ42-induced impairment of long-term potentiation in acute hippocampal slices. Our findings suggest that Aβ-induced release of gliotransmitter ATP plays a protective role against Aβ42-mediated disruption of synaptic plasticity.
Hydrogen desorption behaviour of a ball-milled graphite - LiBH4 composite
Authors: Zhang Yinghe , Bevan Alexander , Book David
Published: March 2012

Graphite that had been ball-milled for 10 h in 3 bar hydrogen, was then mixed with lithium borohydride (2:1 molar ratio of graphite to LiBH4) and milled for a further 2 h. This resulted in a significantly enhanced the hydrogen desorption properties: compared with the pure hydrogenated milled graphite, added LiBH4 lowered the desorption temperature by 170°C, to 230°C, and increase the hydrogen desorption from 5.6 to 9.3 wt%, heating to 500°C. There was no detectable methane generation in the desorption gas.
TRANSPORTABILITY OF EQUIVALENCE‐BASED PROGRAMMED INSTRUCTION: EFFICACY AND EFFICIENCY IN A COLLEGE CLASSROOM
Authors: Fienup Daniel M. , Critchfield Thomas S.
Published: March 2012

College students in a psychology research‐methods course learned concepts related to inferential statistics and hypothesis decision making. One group received equivalence‐based instruction on conditional discriminations that were expected to promote the emergence of many untaught, academically useful abilities (i.e., stimulus equivalence group). A negative control group received no instruction, and a positive (complete instruction) control group received instruction on all possible relations (those taught to, and emerging untaught in, the stimulus equivalence group). On posttests, the stimulus equivalence group performed as well as the positive control group (and both outperformed the negative control group), but those in the equivalence‐based instruction condition achieved this outcome with significantly less training, thereby demonstrating the efficiency of equivalence‐based instruction. Social validity measures indicated that participants found the instruction to be beneficial and as enjoyable as traditional teaching methods.
EFFECTS OF DIRECT INSTRUCTION ON THE ACQUISITION OF PREPOSITIONS BY STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES
Authors: Hicks S. Christy , Bethune Keri S. , Wood Charles L. , Cooke Nancy L. , Mims Pamela J.
Published: March 2012

Some students with intellectual disabilities require explicit instruction of language skills, including preposition use; however, little is known about effective ways to teach preposition use to this population. This study examined direct instruction (DI) to teach students to use and respond to prepositions. Results indicated that DI was an effective way to teach prepositions. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
Presence of JP2 and Non‐JP2 Genotypes of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Attachment Loss in Adolescents in Ghana
Authors: Åberg Carola Höglund , Kwamin Francis , Claesson Rolf , Johansson Anders , Haubek Dorte
Published: March 2012

Background: Limited data are reported concerning the presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans and attachment loss (AL) in sub‐Saharan countries. The authors investigate the carrier frequency of JP2 and non‐JP2 genotypes of A. actinomycetemcomitans and the presence of AL in Ghanaian adolescents and evaluate socioeconomic conditions and oral hygiene practices.

Methods: Five hundred individuals (mean ± SD age: 13.2 ± 1.5 years) in public and private schools were interviewed about demographic characteristics and oral hygiene practices and were given a full‐mouth periodontal examination. Subgingival plaque samples were obtained from periodontal sites around permanent first molars and incisors. The carrier status of A. actinomycetemcomitans at the individual level was determined based on results obtained by cultivation and polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The findings of this study show a relatively high carrier rate of JP2 and non‐JP2 genotypes of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in the Ghanaian adolescent population and the presence of this bacterium is associated with the occurrence of AL. The overall carrier rate of A. actinomycetemcomitans was 54.4%, and the highly leukotoxic JP2 genotype was detected in 8.8% of the study population. A total of 107 (21.4%) individuals had ≥1 tooth with AL ≥3 mm. The majority of the individuals carrying A. actinomycetemcomitans (80.1%) (P <0.001) and of the periodontally diseased individuals (91.6%) (P <0.001) were found in public schools.

Conclusions: A. actinomycetemcomitans and AL were frequently found in Ghanaian adolescents. The school type was the strongest predictor of both presence of A. actinomycetemcomitans and AL.
Developing a Sustainability Plan at a Large U.S. College of Education
Authors: Smith Grinell
Published: March 2012

Developing a Sustainability Plan at a Large U.S. College of Education

Despite growing awareness of its importance, most sustainability education efforts in tertiary institutions do not significantly impact curricula. This paper details some of the activities and processes used to draft a sustainability strategic plan designed to address sustainability at the curricular level rather than merely the operational level within a large college of education at a large U.S. public university. The plan is also presented. Our goal was not to articulate a fixed policy but rather to produce a coherent plan that (1) fosters awareness and encourage people to join the effort and (2) readily accommodates input as more people become involved. The plan consists of three position statements, five broad recommendations and 20 specific actions aligned with the five recommendations. The hope is that our development processes, analyses and plan will be useful to other teacher education colleges and other groups with similar organisational structures interested in developing sustainability plans.
Scrutinizing the Explicit, the Implicit and the Unsustainable: A Model for Holistic Transformation of a Course for Sustainability
Authors: Armstrong Cosette , LeHew Melody
Published: March 2012

Scrutinizing the Explicit, the Implicit and the Unsustainable: A Model for Holistic Transformation of a Course for Sustainability

The purpose of this qualitative case study is to describe the development and implementation of a model for course redevelopment for education for sustainable development (ESD). The theoretical approaches to curriculum development of Ralph Tyler (1949) and Elliot Eisner (2002) were influential in the development of the model. The Tyler Rationale (Tyler, 1949) provided general scaffolding for the process and was particularly useful for the development of learning outcomes, while the philosophy of Eisner (2002), complementary to the tenets of ESD, was instrumental in designing classroom experiences to deliver the learning outcomes. Importantly, the model provides a way to empower the individual educator to integrate ESD at the course level as well as a useful mechanism to ensure the holistic application of ESD, aligning sustainability with the predilections of any discipline. This paper demonstrates the use of the model to redevelop an apparel product development course, reframing it for sustainability and sustainable development. The new course was piloted and has now been offered twice since its inception, resulting in a positive students' learning experience.
Collaboration, Mentoring and Co-Teaching in Teacher Education
Authors: Sachs Gertrude , Fisher Terry , Cannon Joanna
Published: March 2012

Collaboration, Mentoring and Co-Teaching in Teacher Education

Collaboration at the university level is a fundamental element needed to enhance teaching (Cochran-Smith & Fries, 2005) and reflection is a critical component of teacher education (Dewey, 1933, 1938). A case study is presented of one senior university faculty member's experiences co-teaching with two doctoral students seeking to understand the impact of shared decision-making and authentic collaboration on individuals entering the academy. An analysis of the authors' shared experiences indicated that, through this mentoring, collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships were built. An analysis of the authors' experiences also indicated that these collaborative relationships were built upon several key factors, specifically (a) a strong sense of individual accountability and professionalism; (b) the mutual creation and demonstration of respect; (c) affirmation and overt participation in reciprocal growth and development; (d) attention to issues of power and abeyance. The findings of the study highlight the need for further exploration into the role of mentorship of junior faculty and the efficacy of co-teaching processes in the development of professional identities of junior faculty entering the academy.
Moten in Canterbury Tales: The speaker's expression of the self
Authors: Stadnik Katarzyna
Published: March 2012

Moten in Canterbury Tales: The speaker's expression of the self

In the paper, we posit the centrality of the speaker in language. In so doing, we refer to the fact that language users may select particular linguistic expressions to encode their understanding of a given situation. This observation alludes to the concept of subjectivity in linguistics, and evokes the notion of modality, concerned, broadly speaking, with the speaker's attitude to the proposition. In English, linguistic devices used to signal the varying degrees of the speaker's commitment towards the proposition include modal verbs. Historically, they can be claimed to have developed from less to more subjective meanings, as in the case of the modal verb must. Its epistemic meaning is believed to have evolved from its deontic sense in the Middle English (ME) period. While some authors argue that, at this stage of its development, epistemic must was less, rather than more subjective, we test a different supposition. In our view, epistemic must occurring in generalized necessity statements might acquire a more subjective reading. Specifically, it seems possible to argue that, by personalizing generalized truths, the speaker tinges them with more subjective overtones. We exemplify the claim using the occurrences of ME *
moten ‘must’ in Canterbury Tales.
Error-based evidence for interference from Polish gliding rules on English Pronunciation
Authors: Dziczek-Karlikowska Hanna
Published: March 2012

Error-based evidence for interference from Polish gliding rules on English Pronunciation

This paper examines pronunciation errors made by Polish learners of English. The focus is on the phonology of glides in Polish and English. The purpose of the presented evaluation of errors is to demonstrate that phonological interference finds its source in the phonological rules of the native language having no correspondents in the target language or in the differences in the treatment of diphthongs by both languages.
Natural Syntax: The English indefinite article
Authors: Orešnik Janez
Published: March 2012

Natural Syntax: The English indefinite article

The framework of this paper is Natural Syntax initiated by the author in the tradition of (morphological) naturalness as established by Wolfgang U. Dressler and †Willi Mayerthaler.

Natural Syntax is a developing deductive theory. The naturalness judgements are couched in naturalness scales, which follow from the basic parameters (or "axioms") listed at the beginning of the paper. The predictions of the theory are calculated in what are known as deductions, the chief components of each being a pair of naturalness scales and the rules governing the alignment of corresponding naturalness values.

Natural Syntax is here exemplified with selected language data bearing on the use of the English indefinite article.

Some recent work related to Natural Syntax: Orešnik 2007a-e; 2008a-c; 2009a, b; 2009 (with Varja Cvetko-Orešnik). (Only work published in English is mentioned).
Storage temperature and stabilizers in relation to the activity of commercial liquid feed enzymes: a case study from Egypt
Authors: El-Sherbiny Mohamed , El-Chaghaby Ghadir
Published: March 2012

Storage temperature and stabilizers in relation to the activity of commercial liquid feed enzymes: a case study from Egypt

The present work was carried out in order to study the storage stability at different temperatures of commercial liquid enzymes imported to Egypt. In this respect, two samples containing the same enzymes (xylanase, amylase and cellulase) with the same initial activities and from the same biological origin were divided into four bottles. The first two bottles were labeled (A, D) having water as the carrying material and the second two bottles labeled (B, C) having glycerol as the carrying material. Samples A and B were stored at 4 °C, while samples C and D were stored at 30 °C, the study was conducted for 7.5 months. The results showed that samples stored at 4 °C whether carried in water or glycerol had better enzyme recovery percentages compared to those stored at 30 °C. Also samples having glycerol as a carrying material had better enzyme stability compared to those having water as a carrying material except for cellulase stored at 30 °C. The results obtained suggest that for shipment to tropical regions, suppliers must ensure enzyme storage at refrigerated conditions below 5 °C. It is also recommended that an enzyme stabilizer is used as it will lead to a more efficient enzyme and thus will increase the economic potential of existing enzymatic processes.
Milkability evaluation of Holstein dairy cows by Lactocorder
Authors: Strapák Peter , Antalík Peter , Szencziová Iveta
Published: March 2012

Milkability evaluation of Holstein dairy cows by Lactocorder

The aim of this work was to evaluate chosen milk flow characteristics of Holstein dairy cows, using mobile electronic milk flow meters - Lactocorders. A total of 181 Holstein dairy cows were evaluated and divided according to parity, lactation stage and bimodality in order to carry out a detailed comparison of measured milkability traits. The average total milk yield was 11.98±3.41 kg per milking with an average milk flow rate of 2.52±0.75 kg min-1 and a maximum milk flow rate of 3.94±1.30 kg min-1. The total milk yield showed positive correlations with the average milk flow rate (r = 0.48; P<0.001) and also with the maximum milk flow rate (r = 0.32; P<0.001). More than 47% of milk flow curves were classified as bimodal. Bimodality was positively correlated with the duration of the incline phase (r = 0.73; P<0.001) and negatively correlated with the quantity of milk obtained during the first minute of milking (r = -0.34; P<0.001). In relation to the lactation stage - the highest average milk flow rate was reached by Holstein dairy cows at the beginning of the lactation (up to 100 days in milk), and in relation to parity - the highest milk flow rates were measured in second-lactation dairy cows.
Comparative investigation of SiC and Si power electronic devices operating at high switching frequency
Authors: Zymmer K. , Mazurek P.
Published: March 2012

Comparative investigation of SiC and Si power electronic devices operating at high switching frequency

The paper presents results of measurements of the reverse recovery current and dynamic forward voltage of the silicon carbide (SiC) Schottky diodes operating at a 500 A/μs current slope. These data were compared with the corresponding parameters determined for ultrafast silicon (Si) diodes. Results of power losses measurement in SiC Schottky diodes operating at switching frequency range of (10-200) kHz are presented and compared with corresponding data of ultrafast Si diodes. Also, results of power losses measurements in transistors of dc voltage switch are shown. Investigations were conducted with a SiC and the ultrafast Si freewheeling diode at the transistor switching frequency of 100 kHz. The results of measuring power losses dissipated in the dc converter with a SiC Schottky diode and the ultrafast silicon diode are also presented.
Failed epilepsy surgery for mesial temporal lobe sclerosis: a review of the pathophysiology
Authors: Vale Fernando L. , Pollock Glen , Benbadis Selim R.
Published: March 2012

Object

The object of the current study was to review the electrophysiology and pathological substrate of failed temporal lobe surgery in patients with mesial temporal sclerosis.

Methods

A systematic review of the literature was performed for the years 1999–2010 to assess the cause of failure and to identify potential reoperation candidates.

Results

Repeat electroencephalographic evaluation documenting ipsilateral temporal lobe onset was the most frequent cause for recurrent epileptogenesis, followed by contralateral temporal lobe seizures. Less frequently, surgical failures demonstrated an electroencephalogram that was compatible with extratemporal localization. The generation of occult or new epileptogenic zones as well as residual epileptogenic tissue could explain these findings.

Conclusions

The outcome of temporal lobe surgery for epilepsy is challenged by a somewhat consistent failure rate. Reoperation results in improved seizure control in properly selected patients. A detailed knowledge of the pathophysiology is beneficial for the reevaluation of these patients.
Endoscopic treatment of middle cranial fossa arachnoid cysts in children
Authors: El-Ghandour Nasser M. F.
Published: March 2012

Object

Arachnoid cysts located in the middle cranial fossa are common, comprising about half of all intracranial arachnoid cysts. The management of these cysts is challenging, and the optimal surgical treatment is controversial. This study evaluates the role of endoscopy in the treatment of middle cranial fossa arachnoid cysts (MCFACs) in children, focusing on some factors or technical aspects that might influence the outcome.

Methods

Thirty-two children with symptomatic MCFACs were the subject of this study. The group included 23 boys and 9 girls, with a mean age of 3.6 years. All patients underwent operations using a purely endoscopic cystocisternostomy procedure through a transtemporal approach.

Results

Significant clinical improvement occurred in 28 cases (87.5%). Postoperative MR imaging showed a reduction in cyst size in 23 cases (71.9%), whereas in the remaining 9 cases (28.1%), the cyst size was unchanged. Minor intraoperative bleeding occurred in 3 cases (9.4%), which stopped spontaneously without any postoperative sequelae. Ipsilateral subdural hygroma occurred in 2 cases (6.3%) and resolved within a few weeks without surgery; transient oculomotor palsy occurred in 1 case (3.1%). During follow-up (mean 4.6 years), 3 patients (9.4%) experienced recurrence of symptoms and an increase in cyst size. Interestingly, all 3 patients who had recurrence had also experienced intraoperative bleeding at initial surgery. At a second endoscopic procedure, the fenestration was found to be closed in all 3 patients.

Conclusions

Endoscopic cystocisternostomy is recommended in the treatment of MCFACs in children because it is simple, minimally invasive, and effective. It maintains the basic strategy of cyst fenestration into the basal cisterns without the invasiveness of open craniotomy. This procedure reduces operative and recovery times and is associated with low morbidity and mortality rates.
The effect of call on neurosurgery residents' skills: implications for policy regarding resident call periods
Authors: Ganju Aruna , Kahol Kanav , Lee Peter , Simonian Narina , Quinn Steven J. , Ferrara John J. , Batjer H. Hunt
Published: March 2012

Object

Although fatigue and its effects on surgical proficiency have been an actively researched area, previous studies have not examined the effect of fatigue on neurosurgery residents specifically. This study aims to quantify the effect of fatigue on the psychomotor and cognitive skills of neurosurgery residents.

Methods

Seven neurosurgery residents performed a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 4 sessions of 6 surgical exercises precall and postcall. The simulation exercises were designed to measure a surgeon's cognitive abilities, such as memory and attention, while performing simulated surgical tasks and exercises that have been previously validated in several studies, including studies measuring the impact of fatigue on general surgery residents. Each exercise measured tool-movement smoothness, time elapsed, and cognitive errors. The change in surgical skills in precall and postcall conditions was assessed by means of an ANOVA, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

The neurosurgery residents did not show a statistically significant difference in their surgical skills between the pre- and postcall states (p < 0.3, p < 0.4, and p < 0.2 for movement smoothness, time elapsed, and cognitive errors, respectively). The mean decrement for all residents in the postcall condition was 13.1%.

Conclusions

Postcall fatigue is associated with a marginal decrease in proficiency during simulated surgery in neurosurgery residents. In a similar study, general surgery residents showed a statistically significant decrement of 27.3% in the postcall condition. The impact of fatigue on different specialties should be further investigated prior to implementation of a national physician work-hour policy.
The periinsular functional hemispherotomy
Authors: Rangel-Castilla Leonardo , Hwang Steven W. , Al-Shamy George , Jea Andrew , Curry Daniel J.
Published: March 2012

The surgical treatment of refractory epilepsy has evolved as new innovations have been created. Disconnective procedures such as hemispherectomy have evolved. Presently, hemispherotomy has replaced hemispherectomy to reduce complication rates while maintaining good seizure control. Several disconnective techniques have been described including the Rasmussen, vertical, and lateral approaches. The lateral approach, or periinsular hemispherectomy, was derived from modifications on the functional hemispherectomy and involves removal of the temporal lobe mesial structures, exposure of the atrium via the circular sulcus, internal capsule transection under the central sulcus, intraventricular callosotomy, and frontobasal disconnection. The purpose of this article is to describe and illustrate in detail the anatomy and operative technique for periinsular hemispherotomy, as well as to discuss the nuances and issues involved with this procedure.
Conceptualizing Sustainably Produced Food for Promotional Purposes: A Sustainable Marketing Approach
Authors: Solér Cecilia
Published: March 2012

Progress in transforming current food consumption and production practice in a sustainable direction is slow. Communicative, sustainable consumer policy instruments such as eco-labeling schemes have limited impact outside the green segment and within the mainstream market. This article asks how sustainably produced food can be described in order to promote such food. Based on six cases, it aims to conceptualize the common denominators of sustainable food production by drawing on recent literature on sustainable marketing and on food and sustainable development. Contradictions and implications in terms of labeling schemes, global sourcing and consumer food practice are discussed.
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS ON THE ASH COLOUR OF FOREST LITTER / TEMPERATŪROS ĮTAKA MIŠKO PAKLOTĖS PELENŲ SPALVAI
Authors: Dūdaitė Jolita , Baltrėnaitė Edita , Pereira Paulo , Úbeda Xavier
Published: March 2012

Research was carried out to identify the influence of temperature (150, 250, 350, 450, 550ºC) on the ash colour of Acer platanoides L. leaf litter and Pinus sylvestris L. needle litter samples collected from deciduous coniferous mixed forest in Lithuania (54º43‘ N 25º19‘ E) in April 2010. To achieve the objective, a laboratory experiment was conducted to determine ash samples using the Munsell Colour Chart. The analysis of colours has demonstrated that considering all litter samples, an increase in the temperature of litter heating was found to increase ash colour values (r = 0.92; p = 0.01). All the samples (n = 50) of both litter species were divided into categories 2.5Y (5 samples), 7.5YR (10 samples) and 10YR (35 samples). The total black Munsell colour was observed at a temperature of 350ºC for both litter species. Needle ash started turning bright at a temperature of 550ºC while the complete consumption of leaf litter was visible at a temperature of 450ºC. We conclude that the Munsell Colour Chart used for predicting the colour of ash is an informative feature to have the primary classification of ash. It is imperative to analyse the colour of the litter ash of the selected tree species in order to quickly and easily assess and predict their possible impact on the surrounding environment. Santrauka Tyrimas atliktas siekiant nustatyti temperatūros įtaką (150, 250, 350, 450, 550 ºC) paprastosios pušies spyglių ir paprastojo klevo lapų, surinktų iš lapuočių ir spygliuočių mišraus miško Lietuvoje (54° 43 „N 25° 19 ‚E) 2010-ųjų balandį, pelenų spalvai. Laboratorijoje Munsell spalvų sistema buvo naudojama, norint nustatyti pelenų spalvos reikšmes. Tyrimas parodė, kad didinant degimo temperatūrą visų pelenų spalvų vertės atitinkamai didėjo (r = 0,92, p = 0,01). Pagal spalvų skalę visus mėginius (50) galima suskirstyti į kategorijas: 2.5Y (5 mėginiai), 7.5YR (10 mėginių) ir 10YR (35 mėginiai). Juoda spalva buvo stebima abiejų rūšių pelenuose, kurie buvo deginami 350 ºC temperatūroje. Spyglių pelenai tapo šviesūs esant 550 ºC temperatūrai, o šviesėjantys lapų pelenai pastebėti 450 ºC temperatūroje. Galime teigti, kad Munsell spalvų sistemos naudojimas pelenų spalvai nustatyti yra informatyvus pirminės pelenų klasifikacijos rodiklis.
RESEARCH INTO THE EFFECT OF HEAVY METALS AND THEIR BINARY MIXTURE ON THE CARDIO-RESPIRATORY SYSTEM OF FISH LARVAE / SUNKIŲJŲ METALŲ IR JŲ BINARINIO MIŠINIO POVEIKIO ŽUVŲ KARDIORESPIRACINEI SISTEMAI ANKSTYVOJOJE ONTOGENEZĖJE TYRIMAI
Authors: Liekytė Aistė , Idzelis Raimondas Leopoldas , Kazlauskienė Nijolė
Published: March 2012

This article investigates toxic effects of heavy metals (Ni, Cu) and their binary mixture (Ni+Cu) on the cardio-respiratory system of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) larvae depending on the type of metal, metal concentration and the duration of their exposure. The one-day larvae of rainbow trout were exposed to Ni (0,1; 0,2 mg/l, respectively), Cu (0,25; 0;5 mg/l, respectively) and their binary mixture. During long-term exposure (30 days), the physiological parameters of larvae, e.g. heart rate (counts/min), gill ventilation frequency (counts/min) after 5, 10 and 20 days of exposure were recorded. During experimental studies, the effects of heavy metals and their binary mixture on the heart rate and gill ventilation frequency of rainbow trout larvae depending on the type of metal, their concentrations and exposure duration were determined. Consequently, comparative studies on toxic effects of heavy metals and their binary mixture on the cardio-respiratory system of rainbow trout larvae showed that the binary mixture was more toxic to larvae than to single metals. Santrauka Šiame straipsnyje nagrinėjamas sunkiųjų metalų (Ni, Cu) ir jų binarinio mišinio (Ni + Cu) toksinis poveikis vaivorykštinio upėtakio (Oncorhynchus mykiss) lervų kardiorespiracinei sistemai, priklausomai nuo veikiamo metalo rūšies, metalų koncentracijos ir ekspozicijos trukmės. Vaivorykštinio upėtakio vienadienės lervos buvo veikiamos Ni (0,1; 0,2 mg/l), Cu (0,25; 0,5 mg/l) ir jų binariniu mišiniu. Ilgalaikio tyrimo metu (30 parų) buvo registruojami lervų fiziologiniai rodikliai – širdies ir kvėpavimo dažniai (krt./min.) po 5, 10 ir 20 parų ekspozicijos. Atlikus eksperimentinius tyrimus, nustatytas sunkiųjų metalų ir jų binarinio mišinio poveikis vaivorykštinio upėtakio lervų širdies ir kvėpavimo dažniams, priklausomai nuo veikiamo metalo rūšies, koncentracijos ir ekspozicijos trukmės. Tyrimo rezultatai rodo, kad atskirų sunkiųjų metalų (Ni, Cu) poveikis lervų kardiorespiracinei sistemai silpnesnis, nei veikiant metalų binariniu mišiniu.
STUDY ON THE CONVERSION OF FUEL NITROGEN INTO NOX / KURE ESANČIO AZOTO PERĖJIMO Į NOX TYRIMAI
Authors: Plečkaitienė Raminta , Buinevičius Kęstutis , Norinkevičiūtė Rūta , Černiauskas Egidijus
Published: March 2012

The aim of this work is to investigate NOx regularities combusting fuels having high concentration of nitrogen and to develop methods that will reduce the conversion of fuel nitrogen into NOx. There are three solutions to reducing NOx concentration: the combustion of fuel mixing it with other types of “clean” fuel containing small amounts of nitrogen, laundering fuel and the combustion of fuel using carbon additives. These solutions can help with reducing the amount of nitrogen in the wood waste of furniture by about 30% by washing fuel with water. Therefore, NOx value may decrease by about 35%. Santrauka Azoto oksidų (NOx) šalinimas iš degimo produktų yra pati brangiausia dūmų keliamos taršos mažinimo priemonė. Šio darbo tikslas – ištirti NOx susidarymo dėsningumus, deginant daug azoto turinčias kuro rūšis, kad būtų galima sukurti metodus, mažinančius kure esančio azoto konversiją į azoto oksidus kuro degimo procesuose. Pateikiami trys sprendimai NOx koncentracijoms mažinti: kuro deginimas kartu su kitu kuru, kuriame yra maži azoto kiekiai; kuro plovimas ir kuro deginimas, įdedant anglies priedų. Šių sprendimų dėka azoto kiekį baldinės medienos atliekose galima sumažinti apie 30 %, išplaunant kurą vandeniu. NOx lygis dėl to gali būti sumažintas apie 20 %.
RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT OF FOREST SOIL PROPERTIES IN SOUTH-EASTERN LITHUANIA / PIETRYČIŲ LIETUVOS MIŠKO DIRVOŽEMIO SAVYBIŲ TYRIMAI IR VERTINIMAS
Authors: Vaitkutė Dovilė , Baltrėnas Pranas
Published: March 2012

Along with chemical research on the Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing in the South – Eastern part of Lithuania, the analysis of soil properties was given close attention. The analysed forest soil samples were collected in the spring and summer seasons of 2011. Before sampling, a grid of the area covering 10×10 km including all biggest forest areas of the territory was made. In total, 42 composite forest soil samples were examined. The conducted analysis measured soil moisture, pH and the content of total organic carbon. The assessment of these parameters and performed statistical analysis has disclosed that the content of total organic carbon positively and significantly correlates with pH and the content of soil moisture. Additionally, it has been determined that the content of total organic carbon tends to increase when pH of soil is close to neutral and a total value of soil moisture does not reach 0,61%. Santrauka Tiriant Pietryčių Lietuvos paprastosiose pušyse (Pinus sylvestris L.) susikaupusių metalų kiekius, daug dėmesio buvo skiriama dirvožemio savybių analizei. Straipsnyje aptariami miško dirvožemio ėminiai, imti 2011 m. pavasarį ir vasarą. Prieš atliekant lauko tyrimus buvo sudarytas 10 ×10 km dydžio ėminių ėmimo tinklelis, apimantis didžiausius Pietryčių Lietuvos miškų masyvus. Iš viso ištirti 42 sudėtiniai miško dirvožemio ėminiai. Buvo nustatomas dirvožemio drėgnis, pH ir bendrosios organinės anglies kiekis. Įvertinus šiuos parametrus ir atlikus statistinę analizę nustatyta, kad dirvožemio bendrosios organinės anglies kiekis priklauso nuo dirvožemio pH ir drėgnio. Taip pat įvertinus organinės anglies kiekio priklausomybę nuo abiejų minėtųjų parametrų, pastebėta tendencija, kad bendrosios organinės anglies kiekis gali siekti net 30–50 mg/kg (vidutinė koncentracija Pietryčių Lietuvoje yra 6–10 mg/kg), dirvožemio pH vertė – 6–8, o dirvožemio drėgnis mažesnis nei 0,6 %.
CASES OF INTEGRATING THERMAL TRANSMITTANCE PROCESSES INTO VENTILATION EQUIPMENT / VĖDINIMO ĮRENGINIO ŠILUMINIO PRALAIDUMO PROCESŲ INTEGRAVIMO ATVEJAI
Authors: Misevičiūtė Violeta , Martinaitis Vytautas , Šiupšinskas Giedrius
Published: March 2012

The paper analyzes the influence of integrating the processes taking place in the ventilation equipment of a public building on the thermal transmittance of heat exchangers. Pinch analysis helped with determining changes in the thermal transmittance of heat exchangers per year. The article examines the dependency of the thermal transmittance of heat exchangers on the disposed quantity of streams. The total thermal transmittance of heat exchangers is higher if several streams of lower parameters are used. Without additional economical calculations, the thermal transmittance of heat exchangers can assess their size, price and be used for the purposes of comparing the obtained results showing that designing such systems is useful for evaluating the possibilities of integrating the processes taking place in ventilation equipment. Santrauka Analizuojama viešosios paskirties pastato vėdinimo įrenginyje vykstančių procesų integracijos įtaka šilumokaičių šiluminiam pralaidumui. Taikant Pinch analizės metodą, nustatyta, kaip kinta šilumokaičių šiluminis pralaidumas per metus. Išnagrinėta, kaip nuo disponuojamų srautų kiekio priklauso šilumokaičių šiluminis pralaidumas. Suminis šilumokaičių šiluminis pralaidumas didesnis tada, kai naudojami keli žemesnių parametrų srautai. Pagal šilumokaičių šiluminį pralaidumą neatliekant papildomų ekonominių skaičiavimų galima įvertinti jų dydį, kainą ir palyginti skaičiavimų rezultatus. Gauti rezultatai parodė, kad projektuojant šias sistemas naudinga vertinti vėdinimo įrenginiuose vykstančių procesų integravimo galimybes.
Monitoring for Intolerance to Gastric Tube Feedings: A National Survey
Authors: Metheny Norma A. , Mills Andrew C. , Stewart Barbara J.
Published: March 2012

Background

Confusion about how to assess for intolerance to feedings often results in unnecessary feeding interruptions.

Objectives

To report findings from a national survey of methods used by critical care nurses to assess tolerance to gastric tube feedings and to discuss the findings in light of current enteral nutrition guidelines.

Methods

A paper-and-pencil survey was mailed to 1909 members of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. In addition, the same survey was posted online in a newsletter circulated to association members. Results from both surveys were pooled for data analysis.

Results

A total of 2298 responses were obtained; most respondents reported using a combination of methods to assess tolerance to gastric tube feedings (listening for bowel sounds, measuring gastric residual volumes, observing for abdominal distention/discomfort and for nausea and vomiting). More than 97% of the nurses reported measuring gastric residual volumes; the most frequently cited threshold levels for interrupting feedings were 200 mL and 250 mL. About 25% of the nurses reported interrupting feedings for gastric residual volumes of 150 mL or less; only 12.6% of the respondents reported allowing gastric residual volumes of up to 500 mL before interrupting feedings.

Conclusions

Practice among the 2298 critical care nurses varied widely. Many of the survey respondents are practicing in ways that can unnecessarily diminish the delivery of calories to patients. Protocols based on current enteral nutrition guidelines must be developed and implemented in practice settings.
Two-Compartment Model of NK Cell Proliferation: Insights from Population Response to IL-15 Stimulation
Authors: Zhao Yun M. , French Anthony R.
Published: March 2012

NK cells are innate lymphocytes that mediate early host defense against viruses, such as cytomegalovirus. IL-15 is upregulated during viral infections and drives the expansion of NK cells. However, the influence of IL-15 on murine NK cell division and death rates has not been quantitatively studied. Therefore, we developed a series of two-compartment (representing quiescent and dividing NK cell subpopulations) mathematical models, incorporating different assumptions about the kinetic parameters regulating NK cell expansion. Using experimentally derived division and death rates, we tested each model’s assumptions by comparing predictions of NK cell numbers with independent experimental results and demonstrated that the kinetic parameters are distinct for nondividing and dividing NK cell subpopulations. IL-15 influenced NK cell expansion by modulating recruitment and division rates to a greater extent than death rates. The observed time delay to first division could be accounted for by differences in the kinetic parameters of nondividing and dividing subsets of NK cells. Although the duration of the time delay to first division was not significantly influenced by IL-15, the recruitment of nondividing NK cells into the replicating subpopulation increased with greater IL-15 concentrations. Our model quantitatively predicted changes in NK cell accumulation when IL-15 stimulation was reduced, demonstrating that NK cell divisional commitment was interrupted when cytokine stimulation was removed. In summary, this quantitative analysis reveals novel insights into the in vitro regulation of NK cell proliferation and provides a foundation for modeling in vivo NK cell responses to viral infections.
ERK2-Dependent Activation of c-Jun Is Required for Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae-Induced CXCL2 Upregulation in Inner Ear Fibrocytes
Authors: Oh Sejo , Woo Jeong-Im , Lim David J. , Moon Sung K.
Published: March 2012

The inner ear, composed of the cochlea and the vestibule, is a specialized sensory organ for hearing and balance. Although the inner ear has been known as an immune-privileged organ, there is emerging evidence indicating an active immune reaction of the inner ear. Inner ear inflammation can be induced by the entry of proinflammatory molecules derived from middle ear infection. Because middle ear infection is highly prevalent in children, middle ear infection-induced inner ear inflammation can impact the normal development of language and motor coordination. Previously, we have demonstrated that the inner ear fibrocytes (spiral ligament fibrocytes) are able to recognize nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae, a major pathogen of middle ear infection, and upregulate a monocyte-attracting chemokine through TLR2-dependent NF-κB activation. In this study, we aimed to determine the molecular mechanism involved in nontypeable H. influenzae-induced cochlear infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells. The rat spiral ligament fibrocytes were found to release CXCL2 in response to nontypeable H. influenzae via activation of c-Jun, leading to the recruitment of polymorphonuclear cells to the cochlea. We also demonstrate that MEK1/ERK2 signaling pathway is required for nontypeable H. influenzae-induced CXCL2 upregulation in the rat spiral ligament fibrocytes. Two AP-1 motifs in the 5′-flanking region of CXCL2 appeared to function as a nontypeable H. influenzae-responsive element, and the proximal AP-1 motif was found to have a higher binding affinity to nontypeable H. influenzae-activated c-Jun than that of the distal one. Our results will enable us better to understand the molecular pathogenesis of middle ear infection-induced inner ear inflammation.
Differential Risk of Tuberculosis Reactivation among Anti-TNF Therapies Is Due to Drug Binding Kinetics and Permeability
Authors: Fallahi-Sichani Mohammad , Flynn JoAnne L. , Linderman Jennifer J. , Kirschner Denise E.
Published: March 2012

Increased rates of tuberculosis (TB) reactivation have been reported in humans treated with TNF-α (TNF)-neutralizing drugs, and higher rates are observed with anti-TNF Abs (e.g., infliximab) as compared with TNF receptor fusion protein (etanercept). Mechanisms driving differential reactivation rates and differences in drug action are not known. We use a computational model of a TB granuloma formation that includes TNF/TNF receptor dynamics to elucidate these mechanisms. Our analyses yield three important insights. First, drug binding to membrane-bound TNF critically impairs granuloma function. Second, a higher risk of reactivation induced from Ab-type treatments is primarily due to differences in TNF/drug binding kinetics and permeability. Apoptotic and cytolytic activities of Abs and pharmacokinetic fluctuations in blood concentration of drug are not essential to inducing TB reactivation. Third, we predict specific host factors that, if augmented, would improve granuloma function during anti-TNF therapy. Our findings have implications for the development of safer anti-TNF drugs to treat inflammatory diseases.