bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbapenem Resistance among Enterobacter Species in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central India
Authors: Khajuria Atul , Praharaj Ashok Kumar , Kumar Mahadevan , Grover Naveen
Published: August 2014

Objective. To detect genes encoding carbapenem resistance among Enterobacter species in a tertiary care hospital in central India. Methods. Bacterial identification of Enterobacter spp. isolates from various clinical specimens in patients admitted to intensive care units was performed by routine conventional microbial culture and biochemical tests using standard recommended techniques. Antibiotic sensitivity test was performed by standard Kirby Bauer disc diffusion technique. PCR amplification and automated sequencing was carried out. Transfer of resistance genes was determined by conjugation. Results. A total of 70/130 (53.84%) isolates of Enterobacter spp. were found to exhibit reduced susceptibility to imipenem (diameter of zones of inhibition ≤13 mm) by disc diffusion method. Among 70 isolates tested, 48 (68.57%) isolates showed MIC values for imipenem and meropenem ranging from 32 to 64 mg/L as per CLSI breakpoints. All of these 70 isolates were found susceptible to colistin in vitro as per MIC breakpoints (<0.5 mg/L). PCR carried out on these 48 MBL (IP/IPI) E-test positive isolates (12 Enterobacter aerogenes, 31 Enterobacter cloacae, and 05 Enterobacter cloacae complex) was validated by sequencing for beta-lactam resistance genes and result was interpreted accordingly. Conclusion. The study showed MBL production as an important mechanism in carbapenem resistance in Enterobacter spp. and interspecies transfer of these genes through plasmids suggesting early detection by molecular methods.
Sequential Analysis of Oxidative Stress Markers and Vitamin C Status in Acute Bacterial Osteomyelitis
Authors: Grbic Rade , Miric Dijana J , Kisic Bojana , Popovic Ljiljana , Nestorovic Vojkan , Vasic Aleksandar
Published: August 2014

In bacterial bone infections, excessively formed oxidants may result in local and systemic oxidative stress. Vitamin C is the major extracellular nonenzymatic antioxidant, also implicated in bone cells metabolism and viability. The physiological functions of vitamin C largely depend on its redox status. We sequentially assessed oxidative stress markers, hydroperoxides and malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant activity (AOA), total vitamin C, ascorbic acid (Asc), and oxidized/reduced vitamin C ratio in 137 patients with acute osteomyelitis (OM). Compared to 52 healthy controls, in OM group baseline serum hydroperoxides, MDA and oxidized/reduced vitamin C ratio were higher whilst Asc and AOA were lower (P < 0.05, resp.). On the other side, total vitamin C levels in patients and controls were similar(P > 0.05), thereby suggesting a relative rather than absolute vitamin C deficiency in OM. During the follow-up, oxidative stress markers, AOA, and oxidizedreduced vitamin C ratio were gradually returned to normal, while there was no apparent change of total vitamin C concentrations. Persistently high values of oxidized/reduced vitamin C ratio and serum MDA were found in subacute OM. In conclusion, acute OM was associated with enhanced systemic oxidative stress and the shift of vitamin C redox status towards oxidized forms.
P2Y12Receptor on the Verge of a Neuroinflammatory Breakdown
Authors: Amadio Susanna , Parisi Chiara , Montilli Cinzia , Carrubba Alberto Savio , Apolloni Savina , Volonté Cinzia
Published: August 2014

In the CNS, neuroinflammation occurring during pathologies as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS) is the consequence of an intricate interplay orchestrated by various cell phenotypes. Among the molecular cues having a role in this process, extracellular nucleotides are responsible for intercellular communication and propagation of inflammatory stimuli. This occurs by binding to several receptor subtypes, defined P2X/P2Y, which are widespread in different tissues and simultaneously localized on multiple cells. For instance, the metabotropic P2Y12subtype is found in the CNS on microglia, affecting activation and chemotaxis, on oligodendrocytes, possessing a hypothesized role in myelination, and on astrocytes. By comparative analysis, we have established here that P2Y12receptor immunolabelled by antibodies against C-terminus or second intracellular loop, is, respectively, distributed and modulated under neuroinflammatory conditions on ramified microglia or myelinated fibers, in primary organotypic cerebellar cultures, tissue slices from rat striatum and cerebellum, spinal cord sections from symptomatic/end stage SOD1-G93A ALS mice, and finally autoptic cortical tissue from progressive MS donors. We suggest that modulation of P2Y12expression might play a dual role as analytic marker of branched/surveillant microglia and demyelinating lesions, thus potentially acquiring a predictive value under neuroinflammatory conditions as those found in ALS and MS.
Calculation of the Respiratory Modulation of the Photoplethysmogram (DPOP) Incorporating a Correction for Low Perfusion
Authors: Addison Paul S. , Wang Rui , McGonigle Scott J. , Uribe Alberto A. , Bergese Sergio D.
Published: August 2014

DPOP quantifies respiratory modulations in the photoplethysmogram. It has been proposed as a noninvasive surrogate for pulse pressure variation (PPV) used in the prediction of the response to volume expansion in hypovolemic patients. The correlation between DPOP and PPV may degrade due to low perfusion effects. We implemented an automated DPOP algorithm with an optional correction for low perfusion. These two algorithm variants (DPOPa and DPOPb) were tested on data from 20 mechanically ventilated OR patients split into a benign “stable region” subset and a whole record “global set.” Strong correlation was found between DPOP and PPV for both algorithms when applied to the stable data set:R=0.83/0.85for DPOPa/DPOPb. However, a marked improvement was found when applying the low perfusion correction to the global data set:R=0.47/0.73for DPOPa/DPOPb. Sensitivities, Specificities, and AUCs were 0.86, 0.70, and 0.88 for DPOPa/stable region; 0.89, 0.82, and 0.92 for DPOPb/stable region; 0.81, 0.61, and 0.73 for DPOPa/global region; 0.83, 0.76, and 0.86 for DPOPb/global region. An improvement was found in all results across both data sets when using the DPOPb algorithm. Further, DPOPb showed marked improvements, both in terms of its values, and correlation with PPV, for signals exhibiting low percent modulations.
Mosaic Structure Characterization of the AlInN Layer Grown on Sapphire Substrate
Authors: Arslan Engin , Demirel Pakize , Çakmak Huseyin , Öztürk Mustafa K. , Ozbay Ekmel
Published: August 2014

The 150 nm thick, (0001) orientated wurtzite-phase Al1−xInxN epitaxial layers were grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition on GaN (2.3 µm) template/(0001) sapphire substrate. The indium (x) concentration of the Al1−xInxN epitaxial layers was changed as 0.04, 0.18, 0.20, 0.47, and 0.48. The Indium content (x), lattice parameters, and strain values in the AlInN layers were calculated from the reciprocal lattice mapping around symmetric (0002) and asymmetric (10–15) reflection of the AlInN and GaN layers. The mosaic structure characteristics of the AlInN layers, such as lateral and vertical coherence lengths, tilt and twist angle, heterogeneous strain, and dislocation densities (edge and screw type dislocations) of the AlInN epilayers, were investigated by using high-resolution X-ray diffraction measurements and with a combination of Williamson-Hall plot and the fitting of twist angles.
Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinomas in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: Relationship with Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Wang Li-Jen , Lee Shen-Yang , Teh Bin Tean , Chuang Cheng-Keng , Nortier Joëlle
Published: August 2014

Chronic kidney disease and upper tract urothelial carcinomas display a bidirectional relationship. Review of the literature indicates that early diagnosis and correct localization of upper tract urothelial carcinomas in dialysis patients and kidney transplant recipients are important but problematic. Urine cytology and cystoscopy have limited sensitivity for the diagnosis of upper tract urothelial carcinomas in dialysis patients. Enhanced computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging could prove useful for the detection and staging of upper tract urothelial carcinomas in dialysis patients. Renal ultrasound can detect hydronephrosis caused by upper tract urothelial carcinomas in kidney transplant recipients but cannot visualize the carcinomas themselves. High detection rates for upper tract urothelial carcinomas in kidney transplant recipients have recently been demonstrated using computed tomography urography, which appears to be a promising tool. To detect carcinomas in dialysis patients and kidney transplant recipients as early as possible, regular screening in asymptomatic patients and diagnostic work-up in symptomatic patients should be performed using a combination of urological and imaging methods. Careful assessment of subsequent recurrence within the contralateral upper urinary tract and the urinary bladder is necessary for dialysis patients and kidney transplant recipients with upper tract urothelial carcinomas.
A Comprehensive DNA Methylation Profile of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Carmona F. Javier , Davalos Veronica , Vidal Enrique , Gomez Antonio , Heyn Holger , Hashimoto Yutaka , Vizoso Miguel , Martinez-Cardus Anna , Sayols Sergi , Ferreira Humberto J. , Sánchez-Mut Jose V. , Morán Sebastián , Margelí Mireia , Castella Eva , Berdasco Maria , Stefansson Olafur A. , Eyfjord Jorunn E. , Gonzalez-Suarez Eva , Dopazo Joaquín , Orozco Modesto , Gut Ivo G. , Esteller Manel
Published: August 2014

Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a plastic process in which fully differentiated epithelial cells are converted into poorly differentiated, migratory and invasive mesenchymal cells, and it has been related to the metastasis potential of tumors. This is a reversible process and cells can also eventually undergo mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition. The existence of a dynamic EMT process suggests the involvement of epigenetic shifts in the phenotype. Herein, we obtained the DNA methylomes at single-base resolution of Madin–Darby canine kidney cells undergoing EMT and translated the identified differentially methylated regions to human breast cancer cells undergoing a gain of migratory and invasive capabilities associated with the EMT phenotype. We noticed dynamic and reversible changes of DNA methylation, both on promoter sequences and gene-bodies in association with transcription regulation of EMT-related genes. Most importantly, the identified DNA methylation markers of EMT were present in primary mammary tumors in association with the epithelial or the mesenchymal phenotype of the studied breast cancer samples. Cancer Res; 74(19); 5608–19. ©2014 AACR.
Aurora-A Inhibition Offers a Novel Therapy Effective against Intracranial Glioblastoma
Authors: Van Brocklyn James R. , Wojton Jeffrey , Meisen Walter H. , Kellough David A. , Ecsedy Jeffery A. , Kaur Balveen , Lehman Norman L.
Published: August 2014

Glioblastoma remains a devastating disease for which novel therapies are urgently needed. Here, we report that the Aurora-A kinase inhibitor alisertib exhibits potent efficacy against glioblastoma neurosphere tumor stem–like cells in vitro and in vivo. Many glioblastoma neurosphere cells treated with alisertib for short periods undergo apoptosis, although some regain proliferative activity upon drug removal. Extended treatment, however, results in complete and irreversible loss of tumor cell proliferation. Moreover, alisertib caused glioblastoma neurosphere cells to partially differentiate and enter senescence. These effects were also observed in glioma cells treated with the Aurora-A inhibitor TC-A2317 or anti–Aurora-A siRNA. Furthermore, alisertib extended median survival of mice bearing intracranial human glioblastoma neurosphere tumor xenografts. Alisertib exerted similar effects on glioblastoma neurosphere cells in vivo and resulted in markedly reduced activated phosphoThr288Aurora-A and increased abnormal mitoses and cellular ploidy, consistent with on-target activity. Our results offer preclinical proof-of-concept for alisertib as a new therapeutic for glioma treatment. Cancer Res; 74(19); 5364–70. ©2014 AACR.
Overexpression of Smad7 Blocks Primary Tumor Growth and Lung Metastasis Development in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Lamora Audrey , Talbot Julie , Bougras Gwenola , Amiaud Jérôme , Leduc Marion , Chesneau Julie , Taurelle Julien , Stresing Verena , Le Deley Marie Cécile , Heymann Marie Françoise , Heymann Dominique , Redini Françoise , Verrecchia Franck
Published: August 2014

Purpose: Osteosarcoma is the main malignant primary bone tumor in children and adolescents for whom the prognosis remains poor, especially when metastasis is present at diagnosis. Because transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) has been shown to promote metastasis in many solid tumors, we investigated the effect of the natural TGFβ/Smad signaling inhibitor Smad7 and the TβRI inhibitor SD-208 on osteosarcoma behavior.

Experimental Design: By using a mouse model of osteosarcoma induced by paratibial injection of cells, we assessed the impact of Smad7 overexpression or SD-208 on tumor growth, tumor microenvironment, bone remodeling, and metastasis development.

Results: First, we demonstrated that TGFβ levels are higher in serum samples from patients with osteosarcoma compared with healthy volunteers and that TGFβ/Smad3 signaling pathway is activated in clinical samples. Second, we showed that Smad7 slows the growth of the primary tumor and increases mice survival. We furthermore demonstrated that Smad7 expression does not affect in vitro osteosarcoma cell proliferation but affects the microarchitectural parameters of bone. In addition, Smad7-osteosarcoma bone tumors expressed lower levels of osteolytic factors such as RANKL, suggesting that Smad7 overexpression affects the “vicious cycle” established between tumor cells and bone cells by its ability to decrease osteoclast activity. Finally, we showed that Smad7 overexpression in osteosarcoma cells and the treatment of mice with SD208 inhibit the development of lung metastasis.

Conclusion: Taken together, these results demonstrate that the inhibition of the TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway may be a promising therapeutic strategy against tumor progression of osteosarcoma, specifically against the development of lung metastasis. Clin Cancer Res; 20(19); 5097–112. ©2014 AACR.
Right Ventricular Dysfunction Predisposes to Inducible Ventricular Tachycardia at Electrophysiology Studies in Patients With Acute ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction and Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Thakkar Jay B. , Zaman Sarah , Byth Karen , Narayan Arun , Thiagalingam Aravinda , Chow Clara , Thomas Stuart P. , Sivagangabalan Gopal , Farlow David , Barnett Robert , Kovoor Pramesh
Published: August 2014

Background—

Inducible ventricular tachycardia (VT) is a strong predictor of spontaneous ventricular tachyarrhythmia following ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. Reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) predisposes patients to inducible VT after ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction. However, the role of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in predisposing to inducible VT has not been described previously.

Methods and Results—

Consecutive patients with ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention underwent predischarge radionuclide gated heart pool scan to assess ventricular EF. The study cohort included patients with reduced left ventricular EF (left ventricular EF ≤40%) who underwent electrophysiology study (n=220) in an attempt to induce VT. We defined RV dysfunction as RVEF ≤35%. The end point was sustained monomorphic VT (cycle length ≥200 ms). This was considered a positive study. No inducible arrhythmia, ventricular fibrillation, or flutter (cycle length <200 ms) was considered a negative study. Infarct region, infarct-related artery, male sex, and RVEF ≤35% were univariable predictors of positive test. After multivariable analysis, RVEF ≤35% had the strongest association as an independent predictor of inducible VT at electrophysiology study (
P
<0.001; odds ratio, 5.8; 95% confidence interval, 3.005–11.262).

Conclusions—

RV dysfunction (RVEF ≤35%) predisposed to inducible VT at electrophysiology study in patients with impaired left ventricular EF (≤40%) after acute ST-segment–elevation myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention.
Chronic Atrial Fibrillation Increases MicroRNA-21 in Human Atrial Myocytes Decreasing L-Type Calcium Current
Authors: Barana Adriana , Matamoros Marcos , Dolz-Gaitón Pablo , Pérez-Hernández Marta , Amorós Irene , Núñez Mercedes , Sacristán Sandra , Pedraz Álvaro , Pinto Ángel , Fernández-Avilés Francisco , Tamargo Juan , Delpón Eva , Caballero Ricardo
Published: August 2014

Background—

Atrial fibrillation is characterized by progressive atrial structural and electrical changes (atrial remodeling) that favor arrhythmia recurrence and maintenance. Reduction of L-type Ca
2+
current (
I
Ca,L
) density is a hallmark of the electrical remodeling. Alterations in atrial microRNAs could contribute to the protein changes underlying atrial fibrillation–induced atrial electrical remodeling. This study was undertaken to compare miR-21 levels in isolated myocytes from atrial appendages obtained from patients in sinus rhythm and with chronic atrial fibrillation (CAF) and to determine whether L-type Ca
2+
channel subunits are targets for miR-21.

Methods and Results—

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that miR-21 was expressed in human atrial myocytes from patients in sinus rhythm and that its expression was significantly greater in CAF myocytes. There was an inverse correlation between miR-21 and the mRNA of the α1c subunit of the calcium channel (CACNA1C) expression and
I
Ca,L
density. Computational analyses predicted that CACNA1C and the mRNA of the β2 subunit of the calcium channel (CACNB2) could be potential targets for miR-21. Luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR-21 produced a concentration-dependent decrease in the luciferase activity in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells transfected with CACNA1C and CACNB2 3′ untranslated region regions. miR-21 transfection in HL-1 cells produced changes in
I
Ca,L
properties qualitatively similar to those produced by CAF (ie, a marked reduction of
I
Ca,L
density and shift of the inactivation curves to more depolarized potentials).

Conclusions—

Our results demonstrated that CAF increases miR-21 expression in enzymatically isolated human atrial myocytes. Moreover, it decreases
I
Ca,L
density by downregulating Ca
2+
channel subunits expression. These results suggested that this microRNA could participate in the CAF-induced
I
Ca,L
downregulation and in the action potential duration shortening that maintains the arrhythmia.
Instruments of Political Control
Authors: Cheon Andrew , Lackner Maureen , Urpelainen Johannes
Published: August 2014

Global petroleum subsidies peaked at US$520 billion in the summer of 2008 and reached US$212 billion in 2011, carrying high fiscal and environmental costs. Why do some countries spend so much money to subsidize petroleum consumption? Previous studies suggest that oil-rich autocracies lacking institutional capacity are the main culprits. However, they cannot explain why oil importers with capable bureaucracies, such as Argentina, Brazil, and Malaysia, subsidized petroleum products. We argue that governments in countries with national oil companies (NOCs) use petroleum subsidies to cushion the effects of increasing oil prices. Empirically, we examine the relationship between oil prices and domestic gasoline prices in 175 countries, 2002-2009. An NOC halves the effect of oil price increases on the domestic gasoline price. This effect is strongly associated with the institutional design of NOCs, as increased autonomy shields them from political interference by the government.
How Far From the Tree Does the Apple Fall? Field Training Officers, Their Trainees, and Allegations of Misconduct
Authors: Getty Ryan M. , Worrall John L. , Morris Robert G.
Published: August 2014

Grounded in both organizational- and individual-level theories, this study examined the relationship between police field training officers (FTOs) and their trainees’ subsequent allegations of misconduct. Trainees in the sample were each exposed to multiple FTOs, which presented a unique methodological problem. As such, multilevel models that permitted the nesting of individual trainees within multiple higher order groups of FTOs were estimated. Results revealed that approximately one quarter of the variation in trainees’ allegations of postsupervision misconduct was attributed to FTOs, suggesting the apple (trainee) indeed falls close to the tree (FTO). Implications for FTO selection and training are discussed.
‘In Italy the dead rule’: Marco Bellocchio’s ‘Italian difference’ between Manzoni–Camerini and Bene–Godard
Authors: Marchesini Manuela
Published: August 2014

In his film The Wedding Director (2006), Marco Bellocchio expresses his view of the ‘Italian difference’ that demarcates this national tradition from others with the refrain ‘In Italy the dead rule.’ This adage is repeated throughout his film and provides the motivation behind it. For Bellocchio, the dead in question belong primarily, though not solely, to the Italian parochial heritage exemplified by Alessandro Manzoni’s The Betrothed (1840), and in particular by Mario Camerini’s film adaptation of the same novel (1941). In The Wedding Director, Bellocchio enacts yet another, albeit eclectic, adaptation of these palimpsests, desecrating them and the values they supposedly stand for. Crowned by a happy ending, The Wedding Director surpasses its targets, advocating for their visual and conceptual inadequacy. This essay analyzes Bellocchio’s film using a theoretical approach that I see articulated in two critical texts and four creative instances. Firstly, I analyze The Wedding Director in light of the concepts that Gilles Deleuze used for Carmelo Bene’s adaptations of classic works; secondly, through Richard Neer’s 2007 reflections on Jean-Luc Godard’s Histoire(s) du cinéma. My analyses result in a dual interpretation of Bellocchio’s film. I argue that in The Wedding Director Bellocchio enters into conversation with and implements the ideas of the intellectuals and artists mentioned above. He sets off from the conclusion of Federico Fellini’s 8 1/2. Nevertheless, The Wedding Director is also marred by ambiguities that, although perhaps unavoidable, detract from his accomplishments. Those ambivalences involve the issue of gender relations, which – as Bellocchio himself declares – are at the core of his concerns in The Wedding Director. I argue that on the one hand Bellocchio’s film is an empowering Deleuzian or Godardian adaptation of Manzoni’s source text. On the other, it may also be construed as professing an opportunistic, if not downright cynical, view of gender relations. While the film presents the audience with a principled Deleuzian becoming-minority as a becoming-woman, it nonetheless declines the responsibility of distinguishing victim from perpetrator. By leaving this issue an open question for the audience to decide, the film renders the question ultimately insoluble. The goals that Bellocchio professes and the diagnosis he offers in The Wedding Director are valuable and deserve credit. Without question, the film is a stunning cinematographic feat. However, a self-indulgent streak undercuts the viewer’s satisfaction. Unless we surpass irony (as the film attempts), we, regardless of our gender, will hardly be free from the hold of the dead, be they Italian or of any other nationality.
“Ma temo del contrario”: La nutrice del Re Torrismondo come personaggio “mezzano”, “raviluppato” e “verisimile”
Authors: Bosisio Matteo
Published: August 2014

La nutrice del Re Torrismondo (1587), rappresentata secondo il principio del “verisimile”, è messa in scena da Tasso in modo innovativo rispetto al passato, poiché partecipa attivamente ai meccanismi dell’intreccio diegetico. Il contributo analizza il personaggio lungo tutta la tragedia e si sofferma soprattutto sul monologo, collocato nel primo atto (vv. 203–233): se il dialogo con la padrona Alvida si era svolto all’insegna dell’ottimismo e di rassicurazioni amorevoli (primo atto: vv. 1–15, 125–138 e 175–190), nel monologo la nutrice svela, invece, i propri dubbi intorno alla vicenda, che si intensificheranno, non senza ambiguità, negli atti successivi (terzo atto: vv. 1753–1767, 1897–1912; quinto atto: vv. 2824–2845, 2866–2869, 2900–2904). Sono infine proposti alcuni confronti tra la nutrice e altre figure, che mettono in luce un personaggio inquieto, contraddittorio (“mezzano” e “raviluppato”, secondo le categorie aristoteliche) e responsabile, non meno dei protagonisti, della catastrofe finale.
Emilio Salgari e i “pirati della Malesia”: Colonizzati e colonizzatori
Authors: Catalfamo Antonio
Published: August 2014

L’autore, nel presente saggio, attraverso un’analisi articolata delle opere di Emilio Salgari, dimostra che i luoghi comuni riproposti intorno a esse da buona parte della critica in occasione del centenario della morte dello scrittore vanno superati. Salgari non è un “minore”, da collocare nell’ambito della “paraletteratura”, né uno scrittore buono solo per l’infanzia, né un uomo e un artista fuori dal suo tempo. Egli si rivolge al nuovo pubblico che si affaccia alla lettura in seguito alla legge Coppino sull’istruzione obbligatoria e si fa portavoce di un’“epica popolare anticoloniale”, di un messaggio di uguaglianza tra tutti i popoli del mondo. Funge da battistrada alla narrativa moderna, facendo lievitare il racconto attraverso l’intensificarsi delle azioni e delle immagini ed evitando, in tal modo, di cadere negli stereotipi delle opere seriali.
Leggere e tradurre Primo Levi: Il poema e l’enunciazione
Authors: Messina Davide
Published: August 2014

Il saggio propone un modo nuovo di leggere e tradurre la testimonianza letteraria di Primo Levi a partire dalla relazione fra poesia e prosa in Se questo è un uomo. Collegando la poetica della traduzione di Henri Meschonnic con la linguistica dell’enunciazione sviluppata da Émile Benveniste, il saggio cerca di definire e analizzare il “poema dello sterminio” che sottende la scrittura di Levi, mette alla prova i relativi pregiudizi critici della trasparenza della prosa e dell’intraducibilità della poesia, e suggerisce infine una nuova articolazione del “poema sacro” di Dante nello spazio letterario creato dall’impegno etico a portare testimonianza.
Effect of corrosion-damaged RC circular columns enveloped with hybrid and non-hybrid FRP under eccentric loading
Authors: Jayaprakash J , Pournasiri Emad , De’nan Fatimah , Anwar MP
Published: August 2014

The paper presents the effect of corrosion-damaged reinforced concrete (RC) columns with circular cross section enveloped (i.e. wrapped) with externally bonded hybrid and non-hybrid fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcement. This study consisted of 18 RC circular columns with a diameter and height of 130 mm and 780 mm, respectively. These specimens were divided into three divisions, namely (i) no corrosion, (ii) mild corrosion and (iii) severe corrosion activities. All the mild and severe corroded columns, except control column, were exposed to corrosion activity, repaired with FRP and tested under eccentric loading. However, the columns without any corrosion activity were enveloped with FRP reinforcement and tested under eccentric loading. The corrosion process in RC columns was accelerated by impressing direct current on the steel reinforcement cage, adding 5% of NaCl in concrete mixture and wet/dry cycles. The variables investigated were different period of corrosion levels, plies of FRP (carbon and glass) reinforcement, hybrid (i.e. combination of carbon and glass FRP plies) and non-hybrid FRP (i.e. carbon or glass) reinforcement. From the experimental results, it was found that the external FRP confinement significantly increased the load-carrying capacity of the corrosion-damaged RC circular columns by 8% to 36% for mild corrosion level and 21% to 34% for severe corrosion level over the unconfined corrosion-damaged RC circular columns. Moreover, the results show that the performance of corrosion-damaged RC circular columns enveloped with hybrid FRP was better over the non-hybrid CFRP and GFRP RC circular columns. However, the results of CFRP enveloped circular columns were close to the hybrid FRP strengthened circular columns.
Modeling of crack density in ceramic matrix composites
Authors: Gowayed Y , Ojard G , Santhosh U , Jefferson G
Published: August 2014

The feasibility of utilizing the shear lag theory to estimate crack density in fabric reinforced composites was investigated. A geometric model was constructed for the fabric and meshed using a hybrid finite element approach. The small segment of the yarn and the surrounding matrix enclosed within each element were treated as a unidirectional composite and the shear lag theory was used to estimate the crack density. Model results were compared to experimental data for a 5-harness satin melt-infiltrated SiC/SiC composite under tension and showed a pattern similar to experimental data with the model starting to accumulate cracks at a stress corresponding to the point of departure from linearity in the stress–strain curve while cracks were experimentally observed around 60 MPa higher. The model and experimental data had a similar value for the crack density at the saturation level. Sensitivity analysis showed that the crack density was highly sensitive to the fiber volume fraction in the load direction followed by the weave angle of the crimped segments of the yarns and the interfacial shear strength between the fibers and the matrix.
Risk factors for child maltreatment recurrence: An updated systematic review
Authors: White Oliver G , Hindley Nick , Jones David PH
Published: August 2014

Objectives

Children who have been maltreated are at increased risk of further maltreatment. Identification of those at highest risk of further maltreatment is a priority for professionals working in child protection services. The current study is intended to consolidate and expand on previous work on recurrence of child maltreatment. It has sought to identify risk factors for maltreatment recurrence in the recent literature in the expectation that this may help in the practical identification of children at risk.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of cohort studies published between 2003 and 2009, identifying factors associated with maltreatment recurrence in children. Studies included demonstrated differing levels of substantiation of maltreatment.

Results

Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria but showed significant heterogeneity, varying in setting, recruitment of subjects, types of maltreatment considered and length of follow-up. Previous findings were replicated and expanded in the current study in relation to a range of factors, including rates of maltreatment recurrence, maltreatment types, frequency of previous episodes of maltreatment, child and family considerations, home environment and service provision. Factors were identified irrespective of level of maltreatment substantiation.

Conclusion

This study provides further systematic evidence of the existence of a number of factors associated with child maltreatment recurrence. It points to the possibility of practical application of its findings within the wider context of decision making in child protection services, with the ultimate aim of reducing recurrence of maltreatment in individual cases.
Pre(natal) crime: pregnant women, substance abuse and the law
Authors: Priaulx Nicky
Published: August 2014

Should women who consume alcohol during pregnancy be seen as committing an offence against their foetuses? If we care about our future children, this is not the place to extend the criminal law.
Social Protest under Authoritarianism: A Critique of Regime Type and Instrumental Rationality-based Explanations
Authors: Sa’di Ahmad H
Published: August 2014

This article critically examines two key assumptions of the research on social protest. First, it explores the validity of the typologies of regime type that guide the literature on social protest and the presupposition that democracies are reasonably responsive to popular demands, including to those made through public contestation. Since citizenship rights are not evenly distributed among all citizens in these countries, it is argued that this assumption is unwarranted. Second, the article challenges the presupposition that protestors are driven by one form of rationality, namely instrumental rationality. In contrast, following Weber, it is argued that participants in public contestation may be directed by different rationalities. Specifically, protestors may seek to do more than simply influence policy outcomes. These arguments are developed with reference to the case of Palestinian citizens of Israel who initiated various forms of social protest under military rule, which lasted from 1948 to 1966.
Do Parents Matter? Revisiting Ethnic Penalties in Occupation among Second Generation Ethnic Minorities in England and Wales
Authors: Zuccotti Carolina V
Published: August 2014

The article studies the role of the class of origin in the occupational outcomes of second generation ethnic minorities and white British in England and Wales. In so doing, it reconsiders the relationship between ‘ethnic penalties’ and intergenerational social reproduction (or the reverse: intergenerational social mobility) by combining approaches from the migration and social stratification literatures. Two main hypotheses are tested. The first states that the class of origin, or parental social background, helps explain differences in occupational outcomes between ethnic minorities and white British; the second says that intergenerational social reproduction processes vary between groups. Based on data from the United Kingdom Housing Longitudinal Study (UKHLS: 2009–2010), the article finds partial evidence for both hypotheses. In particular, it reveals that the lower social reproduction of Pakistani, Caribbean and African men has particularly negative consequences for higher educated minorities, who do not gain – as the white British do – from more advantageous origins.
Resisting Charters
Authors: Johnston Joseph B.
Published: August 2014

Over the past two decades, most states have adopted laws enabling charter schools, as charter advocates successfully presented charters as the solution to core problems in urban public education. Yet some states with large urban centers, notably Washington and Kentucky, resisted this seemingly inexorable trend for years. What explains their resistance? Furthermore, why did Washington—a state with a strong teachers’ union and long-standing Democratic political control (resources for charter resistance identified in prior research)—ultimately adopt charters in 2012 while Kentucky has not? I use comparative-historical narrative analysis to trace differences in charter battles in the urban centers of the two states. I find that supporters framed charters as the solution in both cases but varied in their ability to name public schools as the problem in the first place. I identify the source of the discursive resources used by opponents of charter schools in state-level ‘‘educational ecosystems’’: the cultural and institutional legacies of a range of state educational policies.
The effect of bore fluid type on performance of treated polysulfone hollow-fiber membrane
Authors: Saghafi R , Zarrebini M , Semnani D , Mahmoudi MR
Published: August 2014

In this work, atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis and application of the image processing technique on scanning electron microscope microphotographs were employed to investigate the performance of polysulfone (PSf) hollow-fiber membranes treated with hypochlorite and hot water in relation to composition of bore fluid used during spinning of hollow-fiber membranes. Fiber spinning dope containing PSf/poly vinyl pyrrolidone/ N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) in a mass ratio of 15/5/80 were used for production of two types of hollow fibers via the dry-jet wet spinning process. A mixture of NMP and water in a 1/1 ratio, as well as distilled water alone, were used as bore fluids. The membranes were treated using 95℃ water and sodium hypochlorite 4% (w/v). Structurally superior membranes were produced with the mixed bore fluid. In addition, these membranes exhibited higher permeation in comparison to membranes made using other bore fluid. Hypochlorite treatment resulted in an increase in surface roughness of the membranes, and was found to be also responsible for the increase in the average membrane pore size and water flux. The hypochlorite-treated membrane produced using NMP/water as bore fluid exhibited a higher rate of flux than those produced using distilled water. It was also found that treatment with 95℃ water affected both type of membranes. However, the effect of this treatment on the membrane produced with mixed bore fluid was more pronounced. Linear regression was used to establish the correlations between mean surface roughness parameters and hydraulic permeability. AFM analysis strongly supported the consistency of the measured values of water flux.
Physical properties of plain single jersey-knitted fabrics made from blended and core-spun polysulfonamide/cotton yarns
Authors: Ndlovu Lloyd N , Siddiqui Qasim , Omollo Edison , Yu Chongwen
Published: August 2014

Plain single jersey structured fabrics were knitted from 100% polysulfonamide (PSA) yarn, and from PSA85/Cotton15 and PSA70/Cotton30 blended and core-spun yarns. PSA and cotton were blended and core-spun to improve the processability and mechanical properties of PSA. The mechanical properties, including burst strength, abrasion resistance, air permeability, water vapour permeability, and flame retardant properties of the knitted fabrics were investigated and compared. The results showed a reduction in burst strength with decreasing PSA ratio. 70/30 core-spun fabrics recorded the lowest burst strength (295 cN/tex). In terms of air permeability, core-spun yarn fabrics recorded a minimum decrease of 9% and 15% for 85/15 and 70/30 blend ratios, respectively, compared with their blended yarn fabric counterparts. However, blended yarn fabrics showed the highest increase in abrasion resistance and water vapour permeability, 47% and 18%, respectively. Core-spun yarn fabrics had good flame retardant properties, with a limiting oxygen index between 26.3 and 33.5.
Thermal resistance models of selected fabrics in wet state and their experimental verification
Authors: Mangat Muhammad Mushtaq , Hes Lubos , Bajzík Vladimír
Published: August 2014

This study investigated the structural model of textile fabrics affected by moisture. The model has been verified through five fleece fabrics made up of various textile materials and subjected to several mechanical surface treatment levels. Thermal resistance is one of the key parameters of thermal comfort along with water vapor permeability. In recent times, a keen interest has been focused on the mathematical modelling of this parameter and its experimental verification. However, most of these efforts are made to describe dryness in thermal resistance of fabrics, ignoring the wet condition found in protective and outdoor clothing. To determine the thermal resistance value of the studied fabrics, the ALAMBETA semiautomatic nondestructive thermal tester was used. The findings show that the proposed model displays substantial harmony with the experimental data.
Relationships between sleeve trial and wearer trial assessment of discomfort and objective measurements
Authors: McGregor Bruce A , Doyle Emma , Thompson John , Naebe Maryam , Speijers Jane , Tester David
Published: August 2014

The relationships were investigated between the prickle discomfort scores, assessed by human response from wearer trial garment assessment, and sleeve trial, Wool ComfortMeter (WCM) and Wool HandleMeter (WHM) assessments of fabrics, and fiber diameter characteristics including mean fiber diameter (MFD). Sleeve trial assessment followed exercise, the use of a control sleeve to reduce participant variance and four sensory traits. WHM provides eight handle parameters calibrated against a panel of experts. Four scenarios were evaluated: sleeve trial assessment with MFD; sleeve trial assessment with MFD and WCM; sleeve trial assessment with MFD, WCM and WHM parameters; and sleeve trial assessment with WCM and WHM parameters. Data were analyzed using correlation and forward stepwise general linear modeling. There was no evidence that the incidence of fibers coarser than 30 µm aided the prediction of prickle discomfort once MFD had been accounted for in the models. There were significant correlations between the WCM measurement and each sleeve trial attribute. There was no significant correlation between WHM parameters and sleeve trial assessments. The sleeve trial attribute of ‘skin feel’ offers potential to improve the predictions made of wearer trial prickle discomfort when used in association of the WCM with or without data on fabric MFD. There was little evidence to support using WHM parameters with or without the WCM in predicting wearer assessed prickle discomfort of fabrics. These results indicate that the rapid evaluation of fabrics using sleeve trial assessment can provide cost effective ranking of consumer preferences.
Honesty Still Is the Best Policy
Authors: Agassi Joseph
Published: August 2014

Fuller describes the place of intellectuals in the modern world—as researchers, teachers, academics, and citizens. Their job is that of developing and promoting ideas. He explains their failure to perform well and offers advice: say what you think you should say, not necessarily what you think. The advice is unsuitable; it is aimed at advisers and expert witnesses, not at intellectuals. Also, his analysis invites proposals for social reforms aimed at lowering traditional expectations of intellectuals and toward presenting them with clearer and fairer job descriptions instead.
A Return to the Enduring Features of Institutions
Authors: Weik Elke
Published: August 2014

Why and how do institutions endure? The most characteristic feature of institutions—their longevity—seems to be a neglected topic in current institutional analysis, which overwhelmingly is conducted as an analysis of institutional change. This article, in contrast, attempts to answer some basic questions about institutional endurance and reproduction, most notably how institutional reproduction can be distinguished from institutional endurance, how institutions manage to “bind” time and space, and which role structures “out of time and space” play in this. I explore the processual nature of three theories institutionalist authors draw on (Berger and Luckmann’s theory of social construction, Giddens’s structuration theory, and Bourdieu’s theory of field and habitus) to identify elements and explanations of endurance. I then elaborate on these insights by introducing Roger Friedland’s notion of institutional substance and ideas from the process philosophy of Alfred North Whitehead.
Correlations and Nonlinear Probability Models
Authors: Breen Richard , Holm Anders , Karlson Kristian Bernt
Published: August 2014

Although the parameters of logit and probit and other nonlinear probability models (NLPMs) are often explained and interpreted in relation to the regression coefficients of an underlying linear latent variable model, we argue that they may also be usefully interpreted in terms of the correlations between the dependent variable of the latent variable model and its predictor variables. We show how this correlation can be derived from the parameters of NLPMs, develop tests for the statistical significance of the derived correlation, and illustrate its usefulness in two applications. Under certain circumstances, which we explain, the derived correlation provides a way of overcoming the problems inherent in cross-sample comparisons of the parameters of NLPMs.
Factor Structure of the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory
Authors: Pihet Sandrine , Suter Maya , Meylan Nicolas , Schmid Marc
Published: August 2014

The Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI) assesses psychopathic traits cost-effectively while minimizing social desirability. To determine which YPI summary scores should be used, we tested (a) the factorial validity of its three scales and 10 subscales, (b) the fit of a new bifactor model, and (c) the measurement invariance of the best model across gender, age, and community/institutionalized samples. Three hundred ninety-five community adolescents ( M age 15.8) and 200 institutionalized adolescents ( M age 15.0) filled in the French translation of the YPI. The factorial validity of the 10 subscales was supported by confirmatory factor analysis. Model comparisons favored the new bifactor model, independent of age, gender, and community/institutionalized status. Measurement invariance was confirmed. These findings support the previous YPI validation studies conducted on the 10 subscale scores, and suggest that YPI users should rely in all samples on the simultaneous use of the total score and the three scale scores, which is a common practice.
Strategic Styles and Organizational Capability in Crisis Response in Local Government
Authors: Wang Chun-yuan , Kuo Ming-feng
Published: August 2014

In recent years, challenges in terms of both man-made and natural disasters as well as the lack of resources to deal with such challenges have become increasingly critical to local government. This article adopts an alternative view of strategy-based approach to examine how different strategic styles affect organizational capability in a crisis response. The results of a survey of middle managers in Taiwan’s local government highlighted the relations between strategic styles and crisis response capability. Such results provide public managers with a better understanding of what strategic styles they should adopt to improve their organizational capability in responding to crises.
Competition, Wage, and Agglomeration Diseconomy
Authors: Lee Young-Sung
Published: August 2014

In contrast to most literature which explored the sources and effects of agglomeration externalities, this research explores the other side, that is, how agglomeration diseconomy is formed and how it works. The emphasis is on competition in labor market. It is found that the wage per industry worker increases significantly due to competition among firms in the labor market in South Korea’s manufacturing industries, even when the value added per industry worker (henceforth “value-added per worker”) remains the same. The portion determined by this competition in the average industry wage is found to lead to a decrease in the “degree of agglomeration” of the manufacturing industry, as measured by the number of workers in the industry, the employment share of the industry among all employment in a city, and the location quotient of the manufacturing industry. It can be said that agglomeration diseconomy is formed by competition among firms in the labor market and that it has worked to weaken the degree of agglomeration.