bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Associated With Tobacco Use Among Adolescents in India
Authors: Oswal Kunal C.
Published: February 2012

Objective. To differentiate between the different types of tobacco users and analyze the association between types of tobacco users and factors like pocket money and peer and parental influence across most of the state in India using the data obtained from Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) between 2000 and 2004. Methodology. The GYTS data encompassed a representative 2-stage probability sample of students aged 13 to 15 years across 24 states and 2 union territories in India. These students were interviewed using an anonymous, self-administered questionnaire. Result. A very strong association between users and pocket money was found in most of the states, with northeastern states having a very strong association—Sikkim, odds ratio (OR) = 8.43 (confidence interval [CI] = 6.08-11.69), and Manipur, OR = 5.58 (CI = 3.60-8.65)—after adjusting for close friend being smoker, close friend being smokeless tobacco user, parental influence, age, and gender. Conclusion. This study found a strong association between tobacco use by adolescents and having pocket money and close friends being tobacco users.
Terrorizing defences: Sport in the Liberian civil conflict
Authors: Armstrong Gary , Rosbrook-Thompson James
Published: February 2012

The democratically elected President of Liberia was between 1997 and 2004 also the country’s ‘Chief Patron of Sport’. Enjoying tennis more than team games, the one-time President, Charles Taylor, realized that the electorate’s enthusiasm for the game of football meant that the game could be a useful vehicle with which to associate. As well as funding the salaries of the national ‘Lone Star’ football team, Taylor also sponsored a football team in the national league drawn from his personal militia known as the ‘Anti-Terrorist Unit’ (ATU). Prone to random murder by night, the same players, out of their recognizable uniform and in match kit, respected the rules of the game and the position of the referee. Others seeking the same sporting enjoyment were, when on the field of play in 2003, captured and forced to join the Presidential militia when rebel forces sought to overthrow Taylor. Players of another team – mainly children – were killed mid-match when a rocket-propelled grenade – origins contested – landed in their midst. The Liberian nation’s most famous citizen and one-time FIFA World Footballer of the Year, George Weah, twice fled the country in terror, once when threatened by the forces of the President, and again years later when an angry mob of irate football supporters blamed him for their national football team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup Finals. There was no shortage of incidents in Liberia in the aforementioned years that could be classed as ‘terrorist’ and indeed terrifying; sporting practice at times exemplified the alternatives available to conflict, yet at other times it accentuated the fault lines in what BBC political journalist Fergal Keane famously called Africa’s ‘basket case’.
Teachers on the Move
Authors: Sharma Rashmi
Published: February 2012

Emigration of qualified teachers from developing countries is a double loss for the source countries, not only leading to emigration of high-skill labour but also affecting their future developmental base when these countries are already struggling to meet the millennium development goals (MDGs) in education. This article discusses emigration of Indian school teachers driven by rising demand in the destination countries, their dissatisfaction with the Indian education system and desire for a better life. The developed countries facing shortage of teachers, are actively recruiting from the developing countries like India to fill the gaps in the demand and supply of teachers. The shortages are caused by demand supply imbalances due to unattractiveness of the teaching profession, mass retirement of the baby-boom population of teachers, and high rates of teacher turnover in the recruiting countries. Such circumstances compel them to recruit teachers from other countries, creating an international market for teachers comprising the recruiting countries, source countries, the teachers, and the recruiting agents. While India is considered a labour-surplus country, it has serious shortage of teachers especially in the rural areas. The shortages have been projected to rise after the enforcement of the Right to Education (RTE) Act. Hence, the obscured trend of rise in teacher migration from India calls for attention. The author utilises the findings of an empirical study on migration of school teachers from India to argue the need of reforms in the Indian education system which are imperative to retain qualified and motivated teachers within the system which is required to fulfill the educational goals.
International Student Security and English Language Proficiency
Authors: Sawir Erlenawati , Marginson Simon , Forbes-Mewett Helen , Nyland Chris , Ramia Gaby
Published: February 2012

“International student security” refers to the international student’s maintenance of a stable capacity for self-determining human agency. The article focuses on the role of English-language proficiency in the security of students from English as Foreign Language countries, drawing on evidence from a program of semistructured interviews with 200 international students. The interviews show that language proficiency is a pervasive factor in the human security of the international students in all domains inside and outside the classroom. There is a strong link between language proficiency and the capacity for active human agency. Both findings confirm prior research literature. The article concludes with implications for practice and for further research.
Simulare Necesse Est
Authors: Meerts Paul
Published: February 2012

Born in The Hague in 1946, the author has been interested in simulation and gaming since he was 12 years old. Simulations, particularly the role-play type, were then, and still are, fun for the author. He used them for recreation, to replay history and practice strategy and tactics, to enjoy politics and journalism, and to interact with friends and foes. He was inspired to use simulation exercises as a training tool for educational purposes all over the world. Could the history and the history-to-come of a human being, and his or her vision of the real and imaginary worlds, be described in stages like in world history? The author attempts to do so in this contribution to Simulation & Gaming. His life has always been intertwined with reality and fiction alike, and has passed through certain stages, so it might be of help to sketch it through the metaphor of human history. After all, the history and politics of humankind were his main motivations for creating simulation games to teach others, as well as himself.
E-quality: Using dimensional index values for improving classification accuracy
Authors: Tzu-Liang Tseng , Kwon Yongjin , Devaram Prashanth
Published: February 2012

E-quality is a holistic approach to gauge and ascertain product quality in real time with the use of advanced technologies. E-quality manifests a sensor-based, networked, fully automated quality control, through which a reduction of inspection time is attained. Even with the e-quality, a part classification still remains as one of the most challenging tasks because the classification is based on the minute differences among a multitude of dimensional attributes. Part classification entails many steps that complicate the accuracy of final outcome. Achieving 100% classification accuracy is not a trivial matter. In this context, this study focuses on a novel approach for improving part classification accuracy in tune with the notion of e-quality and concurrent engineering. Two approaches are proposed and compared with the traditional multiclass support vector machine classification method. One of the approaches is to modify the data before applying the support vector machine. The other is a completely new Sine methodology using dimensional index values for classifying parts into different categories. Support vector machine is employed due to its higher generalization ability, especially when the data set is small and the class overlap is nonexistent. The data extracted from a machine vision system in a networked robotic inspection cell is used to test the proposed approaches. Experimental results show that the new Sine methodology performs better than the others, displaying near 100% classification accuracy.
A decision model for setting target levels in software quality function deployment to respond to rapidly changing customer needs
Authors: Sener Zeynep , Karsak E Ertugrul
Published: February 2012

Responding to the need for enhanced software quality, software manufacturers have recently applied quality improvement techniques to software development process. Software quality function deployment, as a technique for better quality designs that match customer expectations, has been used in software development to maximize customer satisfaction. This article proposes a fuzzy regression-based decision framework that considers future requirements for setting target levels of technical attributes in software quality function deployment. Ordered weighted averaging operators are employed to implement quantifier-guided aggregations that enable to calculate the integrated importance degree for each customer need by combining the current and future voice of customers. Then, a fuzzy optimization model, which considers the integrated importance degrees of customer needs and uses the functional relationships obtained by fuzzy regression, is developed to determine target levels of technical attributes of the new or improved software products that meet customer needs at the time when the product reaches the market. The fuzzy optimization model includes both the center values and the spread values of the parameter estimates and thus circumvents loss of information in determining target levels of technical attributes. A search engine quality improvement problem is presented to illustrate the proposed decision framework.
Long-term follow-up of a phase 2 study of oral teriflunomide in relapsing multiple sclerosis: safety and efficacy results up to 8.5 years
Authors: Confavreux Christian , Li David K , Freedman Mark S , Truffinet Philippe , Benzerdjeb Hadj , Wang Dazhe , Bar-Or Amit , Traboulsee Anthony L , Reiman Lucy E , O’Connor Paul W ,   for the Teriflunomide Multiple Sclerosis Trial Group
Published: February 2012

Background:

Teriflunomide, an oral disease-modifying therapy in development for patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (RMS), was well tolerated and effective in reducing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) lesions in 179 RMS patients in a phase 2 36-week, placebo-controlled study.

Methods:

A total of 147 patients who completed the core study entered an open-label extension. Teriflunomide patients continued their assigned dose, and placebo patients were re-allocated to teriflunomide, 7 mg/day or 14 mg/day. An interim analysis was performed at a cut-off on January 8 2010.

Results:

The mean and median duration of study treatment, including both the core and extension phase, from baseline to the interim cut-off, was 5.6 years (standard deviation: 2.7 years) and 7.1 years (range: 0.05–8.5 years), respectively. Of 147 patients, 62 (42.2%) discontinued (19% due to treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs)). The most common TEAEs were mild infections, fatigue, sensory disturbances and diarrhoea. No serious opportunistic infections occurred, with no discontinuations due to infection. Asymptomatic alanine aminotransferase increases (≤3× upper limit of normal (ULN)) were common (7 mg, 64.2%; 14 mg, 62.1%); increases >3×ULN were similar across groups (7 mg, 12.3%; 14 mg, 12.1%). Mild decreases in neutrophil counts occurred; none led to discontinuation. The incidence of malignancies was comparable to that of the general population, and cases were not reminiscent of those observed in immunocompromised patients. Annualised relapse rates remained low, minimal disability progression was observed, with a dose-dependent benefit with teriflunomide 14 mg for several MRI parameters.

Conclusion:

Teriflunomide had a favourable safety profile for up to 8.5 years.
The daily patterns of time use for parents of children with complex needs
Authors: McCann Damhnat , Bull Rosalind , Winzenberg Tania
Published: February 2012

The aim of this systematic review was to critically examine the research that quantifies and describes the daily patterns of time use by parents of children with complex needs. Four electronic databases were searched. A total of 32 studies (30 peer-reviewed journal articles and two theses) met the inclusion criteria. Three key findings emerged from the review: (a) Parents of children with complex needs carry a significant caregiving burden that often does not reduce as the age of the child increases, (b) supervision or ‘vigilance’ is a category of childcare that carries a particular time requirement for these parents and (c) parents of children with complex needs spend (sometimes considerable) time undertaking health care–related tasks outside the ‘normal’ parenting role. The time demands placed on parents caring for a child or children with complex needs at home should be considered when health professionals are negotiating essential and/or additional therapies or treatments to be included in a child’s home care regime.
Parental psychosocial predictors of secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) for children with cancer
Authors: Nicholson Jody S. , Tyc Vida L. , Lensing Shelly
Published: February 2012

Children with cancer are at greater risk for the negative consequences of secondhand smoke exposure, making the identification of predictors of exposure critical. The current study investigated the impact of parents' psychosocial variables (perceived stress and vulnerability, self-efficacy), as well as health-related and demographic variables, on children’s current exposure levels. Data were from 135 families whose children (M = 8.6 years old) lived with a smoker and were being treated for cancer. Self-efficacy was the consistent significant psychosocial predictor of exposure and the time since a child’s diagnosis was indicative of lower exposure when limiting the sample to only smoking parents ( n = 95). Both predictors of exposure have implications on motivation for behavioral change and may be suggestive of a teachable moment. Interventions may profit from tailoring programs to families based on these predictors of exposure, in particular for tobacco-based interventions for parents of medically compromised children, such as children with cancer.
Creative suburbia: Rethinking urban cultural policy – the Australian case
Authors: Flew Terry
Published: February 2012

This article considers the question of whether creative workers demonstrate a preference for inner cities or suburbs, drawing upon research findings from the ‘Creative Suburbia’ project undertaken by a team of Australian researchers over 2008–2010 in selected suburban areas of Brisbane and Melbourne. Locating this question in wider debates about the relationship of the suburbs to the city, as well as the development of new suburban forms such as master-planned communities, the article finds that the number of creative industries workers located in the suburbs is significant, and those creative workforce members living and working in suburban areas are generally happy with this experience, locating in the suburbs out of personal choice rather than economic necessity. This runs counter to the received wisdom on creative cities, which emphasize cultural amenity in inner city areas as a primary driver of location decisions for the ‘creative class’. The article draws out some implications of the findings for urban cultural policy, arguing that the focus on developing inner urban cultural amenity has been overplayed, and that more attention should be given to how to better enable distributed knowledge systems through high-speed broadband infrastructure.
Low back pain and neck pain as predictors of sickness absence among municipal employees
Authors: Kääriä Sanna , Laaksonen Mikko , Leino-Arjas Päivi , Saastamoinen Peppiina , Lahelma Eero
Published: February 2012

Objective: To study whether having ever had local low back pain (LBP), sciatica, neck pain (NP), or some combination of LBP and NP, predicts sickness absence among municipal employees. Methods: The study sample ( n=6911, 80% women, response rate 67%) included employees of the City of Helsinki who reached the age of 40, 45, 50, 55, or 60 years between 2000–02. Survey data on pain, working conditions, and health behaviours were linked to register data on sickness absence for three subsequent years. Sickness absence was categorised as self-certified (lasting for 1–3 days) and medically certified (lasting for 4 days or more) and the number of spells during the follow up was analysed using Poisson regression analysis. Results: In women, medically certified sickness absence was predicted by sciatica (rate ratio, RR, 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.6), NP (RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2–1.5) and the combination of sciatica and NP (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.6–2.1), allowing for working conditions, body mass index, and smoking. In men, the corresponding RRs were 1.5 (95% CI 1.0–2.1), 1.7 (95% CI 1.2–2.4), and 2.2 (95% CI 1.6–2.9). Local LBP did not predict medically certified sickness absence. Self-certified sickness absence was modestly predicted by all pain categories in women (RRs between 1.2 and 1.5) and by NP alone and with local LBP or sciatica in men (RRs between 1.4 and 1.6). Conclusions: Medically certified sickness absence was predicted by sciatica and NP, but not by local LBP. The association was accentuated in those with both sciatica and NP. Pain combinations may have a stronger effect on work ability than pain in one location.
Excluded from social security: Rejections of disability pension applications in Norway 1998–2004
Authors: Galaasen Anders Mølster , Bruusgaard Dag , Claussen Bjørgulf
Published: February 2012

Aims: Admission to disability pension (DP) in Norway, like most other countries, requires a medical condition as the main cause of income reduction. Still, a widespread assumption is that much of the recruitment to the programme is rather due to non-medical, mainly labour market factors. In this article, we study the grey zones between acceptance and rejection of DP applications, in light of the concept of marginalisation. Methods: From the total Norwegian population, aged 18–66 in 1998, we included all first-time applications for DP between 1998 and 2004. Logistic regressions of both application and application outcome were then performed, controlling for a range of socioeconomic variables and medical diagnosis. Results: Medical diagnosis had the strongest impact on application outcome, together with the applicant’s age. High rejection risk was found among applicants with complex musculoskeletal diagnoses, and also for complex psychiatric diagnoses as compared to well-defined ones. Persons having previously received social assistance more often applied for a DP and more often were rejected. The same is true, though on a lesser scale, for people with a weak affiliation to the labour market. Conclusions:The DP programme in Norway is to a large degree medically oriented, not only judicially but also in practice. Nevertheless, non-medical factors have a bearing on both application rates and application outcome. The control system seems to work in a way that excludes the most marginalised applicants, thus possibly contributing to further marginalisation of already disadvantaged groups.
A Similar, Marginal Place in the Academy
Authors: Johnson Lindsay N. , Thomas Kecia M.
Published: February 2012

The Problem.

Persisting challenges of inequity in higher education often position Black women as outsiders within their academic environments, resulting in Black women employing strategies that reflect constant negotiation to achieve power, identity, and voice. Black women’s status internationally “at the margins” remains an unexplored leadership style in human resource development (HRD). Being at the margins, domestically or internationally, likely means that Black women everywhere engage in strategies in order to achieve power, identity, and voice.

The Solution.

Examining the position, perspectives, and leadership strategies of this typically underserved population globally works to deconstruct lingering policies that limit their access to development in higher education institutions.

The Stakeholders.

The purpose of this article is to present Black women’s unique social and cultural insights in leadership, increase the visibility of their experiences within their academic environments, and inform key educational leaders and HRD practitioners of the persistent barriers Black women encounter.
The Returns to Scarce Talent
Authors: Bryson Alex , Frick Bernd , Simmons Rob
Published: February 2012

The authors investigate the salary returns to the ability to play association football (soccer) with both feet. The majority of footballers are predominantly right footed. Using two data sets, a cross section of footballers in the five main European leagues and a panel of players in the German Bundesliga, the authors find robust evidence of a substantial salary premium for two-footed ability, even after controlling for available player performance measures. The authors assess how this premium varies across the salary distribution and by player position.
Changes in the key areas of quality of life associated with age and time since diagnosis of long-term conditions
Authors: Osborne Lisa A , Bindemann Neil , Noble J Gareth , Reed Phil
Published: February 2012

This study examined whether quality of life areas, that were considered to be important by people with long-term and chronic conditions, altered as a function of their age (‘maturational’) and time since diagnosis (‘adaptational’). Seventy-one individuals from two age groups (31–40 and 41–50 years), who had been diagnosed for different lengths of time (<1 year and 10–20 years), creating four groups, were asked to say what quality of life meant to them, and the results were qualitatively analysed. The key theme in determining the quality of life across the entire sample was ‘independence and normality’ in the participants’ lives. However, the other key themes differed across the groups, suggesting that both ‘maturation’ and ‘adaptation’ play a role in determining the key areas that people consider, relating to their quality of life. The younger newly diagnosed group made more mention of ‘involvement’ than the other three groups, all of which mentioned different forms of wellbeing (social-emotional, physical and psychological) as the second most important aspect of their quality of life. These findings have implications for the assessment of quality of life.
The sex offender public disclosure pilots in England and Scotland: Lessons for ‘marketing strategies’ and risk communication with the public
Authors: Kemshall Hazel , Weaver Beth
Published: February 2012

In 2009 a sex offender public disclosure scheme was piloted in England and Scotland based upon political and policy assumptions about the public’s likely take-up of such a scheme. However, the pilots found lower than anticipated public use of the scheme. By drawing on the notions of instrumental and symbolic efficacy this article explores the potential implications of the current rate of take-up. Is the instrumental efficacy of the scheme, that is, its role in providing advice and information to the public about sex offenders mitigated by low take-up? Does the scheme offer symbolic reassurance to the public about sex offender management and how might this be affected by current take-up rates? The public response to disclosure is also examined through the lens of recent risk communication research, in particular Health Promotion models that critique a simplistic ‘hypodermic’ approach to risk communication. Finally, the symbolic efficacy of public disclosure is examined with specific reference to Jackson and Gray’s (2010) ‘functional fear’.
Adherence to the Protest Paradigm
Authors: Boyle Michael P. , McLeod Douglas M. , Armstrong Cory L.
Published: February 2012

Research shows that news coverage of protest groups that challenge the status quo treats them relatively critically. To develop a more precise understanding of such coverage, this study content analyzes an international set of newspapers ( N = 220) to explore the relationships between a protest group’s goals and tactics on resulting news coverage. The findings indicate that a group’s tactics—more than its goals—play a substantial role in affecting coverage. Furthermore, the findings also show that the protest issue and location indirectly affect coverage through their relationship to a group’s tactics. Implications for journalists and protesters alike are discussed.
Political Photography, Journalism, and Framing in the Digital Age
Authors: Marland Alex
Published: February 2012

In the digital age, journalists are becoming more susceptible to the packaged visuals of politicians that image handlers are pushing electronically in an attempt to circumvent and influence the mainstream media. These managed photos and videos communicate officialdom, voyeurism, and pseudo-events, ranging from routine government business to a personal side of political leaders. They are designed to frame the subject in a positive light and to promote a strategic image. This article submits that demand for digital handouts of visuals, or “image bytes,” is stimulated by economics and institutional accommodation, including the constant need for Web content and journalists’ eroding access to government officials. A profile of the image management of Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper illustrates the jockeying between politicians, PR staff, and journalists over news selection, pseudo-events, framing and gatekeeping. Insights from 32 interviews with Canadian journalists and Conservative party insiders suggests that a two-tier media system is emerging between the small news operations that welcome digital handouts and the mainstream journalists who are opposed. Theoretical themes for international research include examining the implications of political image bytes such as the possible priming effect on journalists who are exposed to constant visual e-communication pushed by political offices.
An Unexpected Crisis
Authors: Starr Paul
Published: February 2012

Social and political theory in the twentieth century envisioned the flourishing of both democracy and the information economy. But while the digital revolution has promoted freedom of expression and freedom of information, it has had mixed effects on the freedom of the press. Throughout the advanced democratic world –more acutely in some countries than in others –the rise of digital communications has undermined the financial condition and economic independence of the press. New media have not, as of yet, offset losses in more traditional media. With its high dependence on advertising revenue, American journalism has been especially vulnerable to stress. In the late twentieth century, observers expected the news media in Europe to evolve in an American direction; instead American journalism has been moving in a more European direction –more partisan and less financially secure –though public policy in the United States shows no signs of adjusting to the new realities.
Time Required for Screening for Visual Impairment in Primary Care
Authors: Dickson Gretchen , Chesser Amy , Woods Nicole Keene , Dong Frank , Kellerman Rick
Published: February 2012

Objective: To determine the time required for adults older than 50 years to complete 1 of 3 vision impairment assessment tools in a family medicine residency office. Methods: Patients older than 50 years with no known cognitive or physical deficits that impaired ability to follow directions or complete screening tasks were invited to participate in this trial. Participants were randomized to complete 1 of 3 screening modalities, namely, the Functional Vision Screening Questionnaire (questionnaire), mixed contrast sensitivity reading card (card), or Snellen eye chart (Snellen). The time required to complete the vision assessment was obtained and recorded. Results: Sixty-nine patients, with a mean age of 63 years (SD, 10), participated in the study. The card required 94 less seconds to administer than did the questionnaire (95% confidence interval, 61.24 to 127.11 seconds). Similarly, the card required 67 less seconds to administer than did the Snellen (95% confidence interval, 34.20 to 100.06 seconds). No significant difference existed between time to administer the questionnaire and the Snellen (mean difference, 27 seconds; 95% confidence interval, –5.89 to 59.97 seconds). Conclusions: Primary care–based vision screening may detect patients with impairment who would otherwise not have vision assessment. However, a time-intensive screen will not likely be successfully implemented in a primary care office. The card required statistically significantly less time to administer than did the questionnaire or Snellen. With all modalities requiring at least 1 minute, perhaps none are suitable for use for universal, primary care–based vision screening programs. Further work is needed to characterize the reliability and ease of use of each tool.
Advancing Primary Care in France and the United States
Authors: Ricketts Thomas , Naiditch Michel , Bourgueil Yann
Published: February 2012

Primary care has been identified as key to improving health care delivery systems across the globe. France and the United States have been ranked low on scales of primary care orientation. However, each nation has developed significant approaches to structuring primary care and organizing primary care-focused systems. This article reviews those efforts and finds that both nations face similar barriers to implementing many primary care initiatives.
Long-term outcomes after transplantation of HLA-identical related G-CSF–mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells versus bone marrow
Authors: Mielcarek Marco , Storer Barry , Martin Paul J. , Forman Stephen J. , Negrin Robert S. , Flowers Mary E. , Inamoto Yoshihiro , Chauncey Thomas R. , Storb Rainer , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Bensinger William I.
Published: February 2012

Between 1996 and 1999, 172 patients (median age, 42 years) with hematologic malignancies were randomly assigned to receive either HLA-identical related bone marrow or G-CSF–mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (G-PBMCs) after myeloablative conditioning. Early results showed that transplantation of G-PBMCs, compared with marrow, was associated with significantly superior 2-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival. Ten-year follow-up showed a sustained DFS benefit associated with G-PBMCs (mortality or relapse hazard ratio, 0.64; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-1.0; P = .03), although the likelihood of overall survival was not significantly different between the 2 groups (mortality hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.5-1.2; P = .20). The 10-year cumulative incidence of chronic GVHD and the duration of systemic immunosuppression were similar in the 2 groups. In summary, transplantation of HLA-identical related G-PBMCs, compared with marrow, was associated with superior short-term and long-term DFS, and there was no evidence that this benefit was outweighed by GVHD-related late mortality.
Heritable genome-wide variation of gene expression and promoter methylation between wild and domesticated chickens
Authors: Nätt Daniel , Rubin Carl-Johan , Wright Dominic , Johnsson Martin , Beltéky Johan , Andersson Leif , Jensen Per
Published: February 2012

Background

Variations in gene expression, mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, may cause broad phenotypic effects in animals. However, it has been debated to what extent expression variation and epigenetic modifications, such as patterns of DNA methylation, are transferred across generations, and therefore it is uncertain what role epigenetic variation may play in adaptation.

Results

In Red Junglefowl, ancestor of domestic chickens, gene expression and methylation profiles in thalamus/hypothalamus differed substantially from that of a domesticated egg laying breed. Expression as well as methylation differences were largely maintained in the offspring, demonstrating reliable inheritance of epigenetic variation. Some of the inherited methylation differences were tissue-specific, and the differential methylation at specific loci were little changed after eight generations of intercrossing between Red Junglefowl and domesticated laying hens. There was an over-representation of differentially expressed and methylated genes in selective sweep regions associated with chicken domestication.

Conclusions

Our results show that epigenetic variation is inherited in chickens, and we suggest that selection of favourable epigenomes, either by selection of genotypes affecting epigenetic states, or by selection of methylation states which are inherited independently of sequence differences, may have been an important aspect of chicken domestication.
Salivary pH as a marker of plasma adiponectin concentrations in Women
Authors: Tremblay Monique , Loucif Yacine , Methot Julie , Brisson Diane , Gaudet Daniel
Published: February 2012

Background

Plasma adiponectin is a significant correlate of the pro-inflammatory cardiometabolic risk profile associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes. Salivary pH is influenced by several cardiometabolic risk components such as inflammation, oxidation and numerous oral and systemic health modulators, including the menopausal status. This study aimed to assess the association between plasma adiponectin concentrations and salivary pH in women according to the menopausal status.

Method

Unstimulated saliva collection was performed in 151 Caucasian women of French-Canadian origin (53 premenopausal women (PMW) and 98 menopausal women (MW)). Student's t test, ANOVA and linear regression models were used to assess the association between plasma adiponectin concentrations and salivary pH.

Results

Plasma adiponectin levels increased as a function of salivary pH in the whole sample and among MW (r = 0.29 and r = 0.36, p < 0.001). The proportion of the variance of plasma adiponectin levels explained by the salivary pH (R2) was 10.8% (p < 0.001). Plasma adiponectin levels progressively increased across salivary pH quartiles (p = 0.005).

Conclusions

These results suggest that salivary pH is a significant correlate of plasma adiponectin levels in women. With the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity, new technologies should be developed to more easily monitor health status, disease onset and progression. Salivary pH, a simple, inexpensive and non-invasive measure, could be a very promising avenue.
Clinical experience with power-injectable PICCs in intensive care patients
Authors: Pittiruti Mauro , Brutti Alberto , Celentano Davide , Pomponi Massimiliano , Biasucci Daniele G , Annetta Maria Giuseppina , Scoppettuolo Giancarlo
Published: February 2012

Introduction

In the ICU, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) may be an alternative option to standard central venous catheters, particularly in patients with coagulation disorders or at high risk for infection. Some limits of PICCs (such as low flow rates) may be overcome with the use of power-injectable catheters.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all of the power-injectable PICCs inserted in adult and pediatric patients in the ICU during a 12-month period, focusing on the rate of complications at insertion and during maintenance.

Results

We collected 89 power-injectable PICCs (in adults and in children), both multiple and single lumen. All insertions were successful. There were no major complications at insertion and no episodes of catheter-related bloodstream infection. Non-infective complications during management were not clinically significant. There was one episode of symptomatic thrombosis during the stay in the ICU and one episode after transfer of a patient to a non-intensive ward.

Conclusion

Power-injectable PICCs have many advantages in the ICU: they can be used as multipurpose central lines for any type of infusion including high-flow infusion, for hemodynamic monitoring, and for high-pressure injection of contrast media during radiological procedures. Their insertion is successful in 100% of cases and is not associated with significant risks, even in patients with coagulation disorders. Their maintenance is associated with an extremely low rate of infective and non-infective complications.
Transformation of Oil Pools into Gas Pools as Results of Multiple Tectonic Events in Upper Sinian (Upper Neoproterozoic), Deep Part of Sichuan Basin, China
Authors: Liu Shugen , Qin Chuan , Jansa Lubomir , Sun Wei , Wang Guozhi , Xu Guosheng , Yuan Haifeng , Zhang Changjun , Zhang Zhijing , Deng Bin , Dai Hansong
Published: February 2012

A center in the present paper is referred to as an area or region which may include one or more hydrocarbon accumulations. A hydrocarbon generation center is referred to as an area containing high quality source rock which was subjected to thermal maturation. A gas generation center is an area in which an oil pool or accumulation was present, and oil was thermally cracked to generate gas. A gas accumulation center is referred to as an area in which natural gas generated from cracked oil accumulated. A gas preservation center is referred to as an area or region where the present natural gas pool/pools is/are located.

As one of the oldest petroleum reservoir rocks in the world, the upper Sinian Dengying Formation (Upper Proterozoic) in the Sichuan basin was deeply buried, and its paleo-oil pools (gas generation centers) underwent complex transformation into paleo-gas pools (gas accumulation centers) and the present gas pools (gas preservation centers) as a result of multiphase tectonic activities. The paleo oil pools (gas generation centers) were the main hydrocarbon sources of the paleo gas pools (gas accumulation centers), which were in turn the main sources of hydrocarbons for today's (remaining) gas pools (gas preservation centers). The key factor in the oil accumulation was the presence of rich hydrocarbon source rocks (hydrocarbon generation centers) in the Early Cambrian strata and a good seal development. Being controlled by the early tectonics and sedimentary development of the basin, the hydrocarbon generation centers appeared to have been stationary in space, while in time the other three centers (gas generation centers, gas accumulation centers and gas preservation centers) migrated as result of tectonic events in the basin. Therefore, the time-spatial relationships between these “three centers” (gas generation centers, gas accumulation centers and gas preservation centers) decides the final distribution of natural gas in the Sichuan basin.

Relationship between generation, accumulation and preservation of hydrocarbons in the marine carbonates buried deeper than 4500 m in the Sichuan basin, can be separated into: (1) an accumulation mode with the “three centers” being superimposed; (2) an accumulation mode with “the preservation center” disintegrated; (3) an accumulation mode with the “three centers” migrated for a short distance; (4) a destruction mode with the preservation center lost. The natural gas exploration of the upper Sinian carbonate rocks in the Sichuan basin can be most successful where the “three centers” overlap, such as at the front area of the Micang Mountains, which could be the most promising area for the future gas exploration.
Carbon Isotopic Characteristics of Different Genetic Type Condensates in China
Authors: Huang Shipeng , Wang Zecheng , Wu Xiaoqi , Liao Fengrong , Dai Jinxing
Published: February 2012

Condensate pools with reservoir ages of Ordovician, Permian, Triassic, Jurassic, Cretaceous, Eogene, and Neogene were found in every giant petroliferous Basin in China. Condensates generated by sapropelic organic matters (sapropelic condensates) are of high- to over-mature stages, while the maturities of those generated by humic organic matters (humic condensates) cover a wide range, from early mature to over-mature. Carbon isotopes of 143 condensate samples were analyzed in this work, and we found that both the organic matter type and the maturity significantly influenced the isotopic composition of the condensates. The total hydrocarbon isotopic values of the humic condensates range from −29.9% to −21.7%, with an average of −26.0% (94 samples), while those sapropelic condensates are lighter generally, covering a range of −33.9% to −26.0% with an average of −29.5% (40 samples). δ13Caromatics value is strongly inheritable to the organic matter type and it combined with the δ13Csaturates value can be used to distinguish condensates of different types. δ13Caromatics value of sapropelic condensate is less than −27.5%, while the δ13Caromatics and the δ13Csaturates values of humic condensate are larger than −27.5% and −29.5%, respectively.
Geochemical Characteristics of Crude Oils from the Tarim Basin by Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Li Sumei , Pang Xiongqi , Shi Quan , Zhang Baoshou , Zhang Haizu , Pan Na , Zhao Ming
Published: February 2012

Nine marine and two terrestrial oils from the Tarim Basin in Western China were analyzed by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. Sulfur compounds with 8–47 carbon atoms and double-bond equivalent (DBE) values of 0–21 are abundant in the crude oils. The most abundant sulfur species in Tazhong marine oils are S1 species (80.57–85.22%), followed by O1S1 (6.95–14.78%) and S2 (0.71–6.69%) species. The dominant species in Yingmaili terrestrial oils are S1 (51.41–52.76%), O1S1 (26.83–35.27%) and O2S1 (11.97–21.76%) species; no S2 species were detected. The results suggest that the sulfur compounds present in oil vary with the oil type. For the S1 and S2 species, as the thermal maturity increased, the degree of condensation increased, and the median and range of the number of carbon atoms decreased. Compounds with DBE values of 9, which are most likely dibenzothiophenes, became concentrated as the thermal maturity increased. Therefore, the unusually high abundance of dibenzothiophenes in the Lower Ordovician oils could be related to the thermal maturity. The TZ83 (O1) oil has an abnormal distribution of S1 species, and is characterized by sulfur species with relatively low DBE values (0–7). This abnormal distribution could be caused by thermochemical sulfate reduction, and a relatively high content of H2S in the associated gases and abundant sulfo-diamantane in the oil supported this theory. In conclusion, the thermal maturity, organic facies, paleoenvironment of the source rock, and possibly thermochemical sulfate reduction have a large impact on the sulfur compounds present in the oils. The O1S1/S1 and S2/S1 ratios could be used as indicators of the precursors/paleoenvironment, and C10–19/C20–50 DBE9 and DBE1,3,6 /DBE9 could be used as indicators of thermal maturity. Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry is very useful for detecting sulfur compounds, especially those with high molecular weights, in the crude oils. This technique has potential for determining the formation mechanisms of some unusual oils and the geochemical implications of the sulfur compounds they contain.
Hydrocarbon Play of Ordovician Carbonate Dominated by Faulting and Karstification—A Case Study of Yingshan Formation on Northern Slope of Tazhong Area in Tarim Basin, NW China
Authors: Lü Xiuxiang , Wang Xiang , Han Jianfa , Jiao Weiwei , Yu Hongfeng , Zhao Yue
Published: February 2012

Large-scale weathering crust karsted carbonate reservoir beds were developed in the Lower Ordovician Yingshan Formation on the northern slope of the Tazhong area in the Tarim Basin, NW China. The research on weathering crust karsted reservoir beds and faulting showed strongly heterogeneous karsted reservoir beds characterized by horizontal contiguous distribution and vertical superimposition, with fracture-hole as the main reservoir space. High quality reservoir beds were developed in the vertical seepage zone and horizontal phreatic zone, 0–200 meters below the unconformity. Reservoir bed quality of karsted carbonate rock was greatly improved by faulting, which increased the depth and size of karstification. A strike-slip fault developed over a long period in the NE direction and a thrust fault in the NW direction crossed each other, and caused distinct segmentation of the Tazhong No.1 Fault and dissection of the Yingshan Formation into multiple structural units. The strike-slip fault was the significant hydrocarbon migration pathway. Multiple hydrocarbon charging points were formed by the thrust fault and strike-slip fault, as the important fill-in of late-stage gas accumulation. Under the dual control of faulting and karstification, accumulation of hydrocarbons in the Lower Ordovician Yingshan Formation showed distinct segment-wise and block-wise features. Oil distribution is “high in the west and interior, low in the east and exterior”, while gas distribution is the opposite. The hydrocarbon play extends within 0.8–4.5 kilometers from the strike-slip fault and appeared layered vertically at 10–220 meters below the unconformity.
Influence and Sensitivity Study of Matrix Shrinkage and Swelling on Enhanced Coalbed Methane Production and CO2 Sequestration with Mixed Gas Injection
Authors: Zhou Fengde , Yao Guangqing , Tang Zhonghua , Orodu Oyinkepreye D.
Published: February 2012

Matrix compressibility, shrinkage and swelling can cause profound changes in porosity and permeability of coalbed during gas sorption and desorption. These factors affect the distribution of pressure, methane production and CO2 sequestration.

This paper compares the effects of cleat compression and matrix shrinkage and swelling models with the injection of different compositional gas mixtures (CO2 and N2). It shows that well performance, pressure distribution and properties of the seam are strongly affected by matrix shrinkage and swelling. Matrix shrinkage and swelling also affects net present value of the enhanced coalbed methane recovery scheme. In order to select the best enhanced coalbed methane recovery schemes, economic evaluation and sensitivity studies are necessary.
Characterization of Low Molecular Weight Hydrocarbons in Jingbian Gas Field and its Application to Gas Sources Identification
Authors: Hu Guoyi , Zhang Shuichang
Published: February 2012

Chemical and isotopic compositions of C6-C7 low molecular weight hydrocarbons (LMWHs) were used to determine the origin of gas in the Ordovician weathered crust (O1m5) reservoir of Jingbian gas field in Ordos Basin, China. GC quantification of LMWHs for 55 gas samples [20 of them from the Xiashihezi Formation (P1x) and Shanxi Formation (P1s) reservoirs, and the rest from the O1m5 reservoir] were conducted. The compound specific stable carbon isotopes of LMWHs for 24 gas samples (five gas samples from the P1s reservoir) were analyzed with GC-C-IRMS. The results show that cycloalkanes are abundant components and their concentrations range from 23.8–52.5% with an average of 41.1% among LMWHs. Methylcyclohexane (MCH) is the most abundant one among normal heptane ( n-C7), MCH and dimethylcyclopentane (DMCP), ranging from 50.1–81.4% with an average value of 71.6%. A13C enrichment for nine compounds of C6-C7 fraction was observed, and the δ13C values range from −25.4–16.3%. Based on the correlation of the Mango parameters (K1 and K2), the relationship of n-C7, MCH and DMCP and compound specific carbon isotope of C6-C7 compounds, the gas in the O1m5 reservoir shares the same origin with that in the P1x, P1s reservoirs, the natural gas in Ordovician weathered crust reservoir and Permian sandstone reservoir sourced from coal measures in Carboniferous and Permian.