bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health hazards among workers in plastic industry
Authors: Helal Sawsan Farouk , Elshafy Wessam Sabry
Published: May 2012

Styrene is a basic building block for manufacturing thousands of products throughout the world.

The present study aimed to (1) detect the presence of styrene and/or its metabolites in the workers in one of the Egyptian plastic factories; (2) demonstrate some common health effects of styrene exposure among the same group by some laboratory investigations and compare them with the unexposed healthy individuals; and (3) correlate the duration of styrene exposure and its level in the blood with the severity of the demonstrated health effects.

This study was conducted in one of Egyptian plastic factories. The exposed group was 40 male workers, ranging in age from 18 to 33 years (23.20 ± 4.09), working 12 h/day with 1 day off, and working without any protective equipment. A control group of 50 unexposed healthy males matched with the exposed group for age (21–35 yrs (23.40 ± 4.05)), sex, socioeconomic status, and smoking habit is selected. Written individual consent is obtained from all participants followed by (a) a full medical and occupational history and full clinical examination; (b) ventilatory function tests: forced vital capacity (FVC), slow vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the 1st second (FEV1)%, FEV1/FVC%, peak expiratory flow, and mid-expiratory flow 25–75%; (c) analyses of β2 microglobulin; blood styrene level; and urinary mandelic acid; and (d) cytogenetic study.

The study results showed a statistically significant difference between the exposed and the control groups as regard the blood styrene level, urinary mandelic acid level, β2 microgloblin in urine, and chromosomal study. The study also showed a statistically significant correlation between the duration of styrene exposure and ventilatory function parameters, also between the duration of styrene exposure and some detectable chromosomal aberrations.

Our study recommends the implementation of preemployment and periodic medical examinations and health education programs using personal protective equipments and following the recommended allowable concentrations of styrene exposure.
Dilated and Unreactive Pupils and Burst-Suppression on Electroencephalography due to Buproprion Overdose
Authors: Mundi Jyoti Pathria , Betancourt Jaime , Ezziddin Omar , Tremayne Brandie , Majic Tamara , Mosenifar Zab
Published: May 2012

Burst-suppression pattern on electroencephalography (EEG) occurs upon dissociation of the cortex from underlying brain structures. Unless the pattern is a physiologic consequence of administered sedatives, this electroencephalographic pattern is indicative of a poor neurologic outcome and high mortality. We report a case of a 29-year-old female thought to be brain dead based on initial physical examination and EEG findings of burst-suppression, who was later found to have supratherapeutic serum levels of bupropion. This is the second documented case of burst-suppression pattern on EEG in a patient who overdosed on bupropion. We propose that burst-suppression in the setting of bupropion toxicity may revert with drug clearance.
Personality Correlates of Aggression
Authors: Miller Joshua D. , Zeichner Amos , Wilson Lauren F.
Published: May 2012

Although many studies of personality and aggression focus on multidimensional traits and higher order personality disorders (e.g., psychopathy), lower order, unidimensional traits may provide more precision in identifying specific aspects of personality that relate to aggression. The current study includes a comprehensive measurement of lower order personality traits in relation to three forms of aggression: reactive, proactive, and relational. Traits related to interpersonal antagonism and impulsivity, especially impulsive behavior in the context of negative affect, were consistently related to aggression across multiple indices. These findings suggest that certain lower order traits are of critical importance to understanding who engages in aggressive behavior and why this behavior occurs.
Social Norms for Intimate Partner Violence in Situations Involving Victim Infidelity
Authors: Witte Tricia H. , Mulla Mazheruddin M.
Published: May 2012

The present study investigated perceived descriptive norms (i.e., perceived prevalence) for male-to-female intimate partner violence (IPV) following victim infidelity (i.e., girlfriend had sex with another man). While watching a video-taped vignette of a young, dating couple in an argument that escalated to male-to-female violence, male participants were asked various questions to assess perceived descriptive norms at several time points during the escalating argument. Half of the participants were told that the victim in the video was unfaithful. Results suggested that while participants did believe that it was much more common for their male friends and for typical male students to aggress against unfaithful girlfriends compared to faithful girlfriends, these differences were less pronounced as the aggression intensified. When testing whether perceived norms for IPV were related to participants’ purported risk of engaging in IPV, a clear pattern appeared: For the no-infidelity condition, IPV perceived norms for male friends and perceived norms for typical male students were each significantly related to participants’ likelihood of engaging in IPV, such that the higher the estimated norm, the higher the participants’ risk. However, for the infidelity condition, only perceived norms for male friends were related to the risk of engaging in IPV. Findings have important implications for social norms–based intervention and prevention programs for IPV on college campuses.
Suicide Risk Among Violent and Sexual Criminal Offenders
Authors: Webb Roger T. , Shaw Jenny , Stevens Hanne , Mortensen Preben B. , Appleby Louis , Qin Ping
Published: May 2012

Risk of suicide in people who have perpetrated specific forms of violent or sexual criminal offenses has not been quantified accurately or precisely. Also, gender comparisons have not been possible due to sparse data problems in the smaller studies that have been conducted to date. We therefore aimed to estimate these effects in the whole Danish population over a 26-year period. By completely interlinking national criminal, psychiatric, sociodemographic and cause-specific mortality registers, we conducted a nested case-control study of more than 27,000 adult suicides, during 1981-2006, and more than half a million age and gender-matched living controls. Elevated suicide risk was found in male sexual offenders. Risk was even higher among violent offenders, with greater effect sizes seen in females. It was markedly raised with serious violence, reaching a peak in relation to homicide or attempted homicide: male odds ratio (OR) 12.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) [8.3, 17.3]; female OR 30.9, CI [11.9, 80.6]. Following adjustment for psychiatric and social risk factors, relative risk in violent offenders was comparable to that seen among nonviolent offenders. These findings underline the importance of understanding why some people are violent toward themselves as well as other people, and why suicide risk is so much higher in people who have perpetrated serious acts of violence. They also indicate a clear need for developing effective multiagency interventions that effectively tackle both forms of destructive behavior.
Home Language Survey Practices in the Initial Identification of English Learners in the United States
Authors: Bailey Alison L. , Kelly Kimberly R.
Published: May 2012

This article is focused on the different Home Language Surveys (HLS) used across U.S. states as a means of identifying students who, with further assessment, may prove eligible for language-support services. The majority of states mandate some form of HLS, be it state- or district-created. However, there is great variation in the number and the phrasing of survey items across states that raises issues of equity. To date, there is a dearth of evidence for the validity of HLS in the procedures used for identifying students for English learner (EL) status. States must recognize that the fundamental role of an HLS in their English-language proficiency assessment systems necessitates its further scrutiny as part of the assessment validation process. The article concludes with a series of recommendations for federal- and state-level actions to help remedy current concerns with EL identification processes around the nation.
Use of core-shell polyaniline/polystyrene nanocomposite for removal of Cr (VI)
Authors: Lashkenari Mohammad Soleimani , Davodi Behzad , Ghorbani Mohsen , Eisazadeh Hossein
Published: May 2012

In this study the ability of polyaniline/polystyrene as high performance synthetic adsorbent for the adsorptive removal of Cr (VI) ions from aqueous solutions was investigated. To carry out the investigation, the batch operation method was employed. As well, the effects of various experimental parameters like pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time and the temperature on the removal efficiency were studied. The optimum conditions for Cr (VI) removal are achieved with pH 4, adsorbent dosage of 15 g L−1, and 30 min equilibrium time. It is worth noting that the adsorption of Cr (VI) followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. The equilibrium adsorption isotherm was better described by Temkin adsorption isotherm model. The adsorption capacity ( qmax) of PAn/Ps for Cr (VI) ions in terms of monolayer adsorption was 19 mg g−1. The change of entropy (▵S0) and enthalpy (▵H0) were estimated to be −0.08455 J (mol K)−1 and −29.04 kJ mol−1, respectively. The negative value of Gibbs free energy (▵ G0) indicates feasible and spontaneous adsorption of Cr (VI) on PAn/Ps.
Thermal, thermoechanical and morphological behavior of Octa (maleimido phenyl) silsesquioxane (OMPS)-cyanate ester nanocomposites
Authors: Jothibasu Seetharaman , Devaraju Subramani , Venkatesan Muthukumaraswamy R. , Chandramohan Ayyavu , Kumar Achimuthu Ashok , Alagar Muthukaruppan
Published: May 2012

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-cyanate ester (CE) nanocomposites have been developed by the incorporation of octafunctional maleimide POSS (OMPS) into the bisphenol-A based CE network through in situ method by thermal curing with the use of diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM) as coupling agent. The formation of nanocomposite was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared analysis. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images confirm the morphology of CE/OMPS nanocomposites. The thermal and morphological properties were studied by varying different weight percentages (1, 3, 5 and 10%) of OMPS. The 5 wt.% OMPS-incorporated nanocomposite possesses higher values of glass transition temperature than those of nanocomposites filled with a lower percentages of OMPS. Further thermal stability of nanocomposites increased with increase in percentage composition of OMPS.
Force and moment measurements for a generic car model in proximity to a side wall
Authors: Strachan Russell , Knowles Kevin , Lawson Nicholas J , Finnis Mark V
Published: May 2012

Force and moment data are presented for an Ahmed reference model with backlight angles of 10°, 25° and 40° at various distances from a side wall. Tests were run at a freestream velocity of 25 m/s and a rolling road provided ground simulation. Six-component force data were recorded and compared with previous experimental data. It is found that the proximity of the side wall causes a general increase in both the lift coefficient and the pitching moment for the Ahmed model, with the increase in the pitching moment becoming more rapid with decreasing wall distance. Increasing the proximity to the wall is further found to increase the overall Ahmed model drag. Furthermore, there is evidence of the breakdown of longitudinal vortices on the near-wall side of the model as the wall-to-model distance decreases, and a large pressure drop on the near-wall model side. This pressure drop increases in magnitude as the wall-to-model distance decreases, before dissipating at wall distances where the boundary layer restricts the flow.
Cold-start emissions control in hybrid vehicles equipped with a passive adsorber for hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides
Authors: Gao Zhiming , Kim Mi-Young , Choi Jae-Soon , Daw C Stuart , Parks James E , Smith David E
Published: May 2012

We present results from a computational study of the potential for using low-cost sorbent materials to trap the emissions of hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides temporally during cold-start periods in hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles operating over transient driving cycles. The hydrocarbon adsorption behavior of a candidate sorbent composed of Ag-beta-zeolite was characterized in a laboratory flow reactor to estimate the kinetic parameters for a one-dimensional transient adsorber device model. This model was then implemented in the Powertrain Systems Analysis Toolkit to simulate a passive hydrocarbon adsorber device on a hybrid vehicle. The results indicate that such an adsorber can substantially reduce the hydrocarbon emissions by temporarily storing them until the three-way catalyst is sufficiently warm to remove them from the exhaust. A similar adsorber device model was simulated for nitrogen oxide control, using an initial set of conjectured kinetic parameters for transition metal oxides based on limited information in the literature. These latter simulations revealed the need to pursue additional experimental studies to characterize fully this class of sorbents. Such studies are especially relevant in the present context of rapidly evolving vehicle technology, because emission controls of this type do not involve any penalty in fuel consumption or require any change in engine operation.
Friction management on a Chinese heavy haul coal line
Authors: Lu Xin , Makowsky Tony W , Eadie Donald T , Oldknow Kevin , Xue Jilian , Jia Jinzhong , Li Guibao , Meng Xianhong , Xu Yude , Zhou Yu
Published: May 2012

Shuohuang Railway (SHR) is one of the major coal carriers in China, with a total network length of 590 km running from Shenchi to Huanghua. Significant increases in annual operating tonnage have generated accelerated rail wear and rolling contact fatigue (RCF) growth problems for many sharper/lower radius curves. In order to address these rail problems, SHR is interested in the state-of-the-art total friction management (TFM) technology currently deployed by some North American heavy haul freight railroads and is evaluating the impact of TFM via a field trial at SHR’s Yuanping subdivision. This paper presents an evaluation of the effect of TFM, which includes both wayside gauge face lubrication and wayside application of a thin film top of rail friction modifier on control of lateral forces, rail wear and RCF.
Methods to assess in vitro wear of articular cartilage
Authors: McGann Megan E , Vahdati Ali , Wagner Diane R
Published: May 2012

New orthopedic implants for focal cartilage defects replace only a portion of the articulating joint and wear against the opposing cartilage surface. The objective of this study was to investigate different methodologies to quantify cartilage wear for future use in screening potential implant materials and finishes. In determining the optimal test parameters, two different cartilage surface geometries were compared: smaller specimens had a flat surface, while larger ones made contact in the center but not at the edge owing to the curvature of the articulating surface. The cartilage wear of the two geometries was compared using three different techniques: the collagen worn from the cartilage specimens was assessed with a modified wear factor, the surface damage was made visible with Indian ink and was quantified, and the change in surface roughness was measured. To interpret the experimental results, maximum shear stresses were evaluated with sliding contact finite element models. Although the modified wear factor was considered to be the most accurate assessment of cartilage wear, surface damage was an effective, inexpensive, and quick technique to evaluate potential implant materials. Flat specimens showed excessive wear at the edges owing to a non-physiologic stress concentration, while the larger specimens wore more uniformly across the surface. These results will be applied to future studies evaluating prospective implant materials.
You Give Me the Chills
Authors: Leander N. Pontus , Chartrand Tanya L. , Bargh John A.
Published: May 2012

In the research reported here, we investigated how suspicious nonverbal cues from other people can trigger feelings of physical coldness. There exist implicit standards for how much nonverbal behavioral mimicry is appropriate in various types of social interactions, and individuals may react negatively when interaction partners violate these standards. One such reaction may be feelings of physical coldness. Participants in three studies either were or were not mimicked by an experimenter in various social contexts. In Study 1, participants who interacted with an affiliative experimenter reported feeling colder if they were not mimicked than if they were, and participants who interacted with a task-oriented experimenter reported feeling colder if they were mimicked than if they were not. Studies 2 and 3 demonstrated that it was not the amount of mimicry per se that moderated felt coldness; rather, felt coldness was moderated by the inappropriateness of the mimicry given implicit standards set by individual differences (Study 2) and racial differences (Study 3). Implications for everyday subjective experience are discussed.
Stereotype Threat Strengthens Automatic Recall and Undermines Controlled Processes in Older Adults
Authors: Mazerolle Marie , Régner Isabelle , Morisset Pauline , Rigalleau François , Huguet Pascal
Published: May 2012

The threat of being judged stereotypically (stereotype threat) may impair memory performance in older adults, thereby producing inflated age differences in memory tasks. However, the underlying mechanisms of stereotype threat in older adults or other stigmatized groups remain poorly understood. Here, we offer evidence that stereotype threat consumes working memory resources in older adults. More important, using a process-dissociation procedure, we found, for the first time, that stereotype threat undermines the controlled use of memory and simultaneously intensifies automatic response tendencies. These findings indicate that competing models of stereotype threat are actually compatible and offer further reasons for researchers and practitioners to pay special attention to age-related stereotypes during standardized neuropsychological testing.
Spanish Darwinian iconography: Darwin and evolutionism portrayed in Spanish press cartoons
Authors: Domínguez Martí , Mateu Anna
Published: May 2012

The theory of evolution has played a major role in the press since it was put forward by Charles Darwin in 1859. Its key role in biology and human philosophy is reflected by its presence in press cartoons, sections where the image of social reality is depicted in a more direct and satirical light. Through cartoons, artists have used their ingenuity or wit to portray one of the most controversial scientific figures of the past two centuries. This study examines the views portrayed by Spanish cartoonists about Charles Darwin and evolutionary theory in 2009, the bicentenary of the naturalist’s birth and the celebration of 150 years since the publication of On the Origin of Species. These cartoons show how the controversy between Darwinism and religion remain latent in the heart of Spanish society, and how the figure of Darwin has become one of the main icons of science.
Development and Validation of the Dutch Brief Form of the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ-BF-NL)
Authors: Eigenhuis Annemarie , Kamphuis Jan H. , Noordhof Arjen
Published: May 2012

This study describes the development and psychometric properties of the Dutch brief form of the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ-BF-NL). Representative samples from the Netherlands ( N = 1,055) and the United States ( N = 1,153) and a Dutch student sample ( N = 987) were used for development, cross- and external validation, respectively. The authors’ strategy for item selection and scale validation replicated the development of the U.S. brief form (MPQ-BF). Internal consistencies were generally good and comparable to the U.S. version, as were correlations with the U.S. full-length scales and higher order structure. Moreover, convergent and divergent patterns were consistent with prediction, with Positive Emotionality related to social and activating behavior, Negative Emotionality to anxiety, and Constraint to reversed impulsivity and externalizing behaviors. In sum, the MPQ-BF-NL provides the Dutch-Flemish language area with a personality inventory well suited for both psychopathology research and clinical practice and offers new opportunities for fundamental and cross-cultural studies on personality.
Understanding Evaluation Influence Within Public Sector Partnerships
Authors: Appleton-Dyer Sarah , Clinton Janet , Carswell Peter , McNeill Rob
Published: May 2012

The importance of evaluation use has led to a large amount of theoretical and empirical study. Evaluation use, however, is still not well understood. There is a need to capture the complexity of this phenomenon across a diverse range of contexts. In response to such complexities, the notion of “evaluation influence” emerged. This article presents a theory of evaluation influence within public sector partnerships. An analysis of key concepts is used to develop propositions about the relationships between evaluation attributes, partnership functioning and characteristics, partnership evaluation behavior, individual characteristics, contextual factors, and evaluation influence. The model highlights the complexities of evaluation influence and identifies a range of factors that evaluators can consider in practice. The model also extends on existing theories of evaluation influence in considering the role of individual characteristics, stakeholder evaluation behavior, and partnership contexts.
Using Data to Advance Learning Outcomes in Schools
Authors: VanDerHeyden Amanda , Harvey Mark
Published: May 2012

This article describes the emergence and influence of evidence-based practice and data-based decision making in educational systems. Increasingly, educators and consumers want to know that resources allocated to educational efforts yield strong effects for all learners. This trend is reflected by the widespread influence of evidence-based practice (EBP) in education and the demand for data-based decision-making models like response to intervention (RtI). This article describes the ways in which EBP and RtI can be used to improve efficacy, efficiency, and equity of educational services. The article concludes with concrete recommendations for implementing RtI.
Keeping things mindfully on track: Organizational learning under continuity
Authors: Hernes Tor , Irgens Eirik J
Published: May 2012

We take a critical look at the widespread assumption that organizational learning is associated with a mismatch between expectations and outcomes. While mismatch is central to studying organizational learning, we argue that continuity is equally important. Learning under continuity requires an investment of effort, mindfulness and preparedness for change, even if no perceptible change occurs. Although the organizational literature has to some extent dealt with learning under continuity, putting it more firmly on the organizational learning agenda is necessary. A central element of a more explicit focus on learning under continuity, we argue, is to take a temporal view of organizational learning that includes agency at organizational level. We discuss how, from a temporal view, learning under continuity entails the (1) assessment of present courses of action; (2) exploration of future courses of action; and (3) re-interpretation of past courses of action.
A numerical and experimental friction analysis of reciprocating hydraulic ‘U’ rod seals
Authors: Crudu M , Fatu A , Cananau S , Hajjam M , Pascu A , Cristescu C
Published: May 2012

This article is focused on the comparison between experimental and numerical friction forces obtained for a typical hydraulic ‘U’ rod seal. The numerical results are obtained by the inverse hydrodynamic lubrication method. The experimental results have been obtained on an original experimental device capable of measuring the friction force between a rod and two seals. The reciprocating rod speed, the temperature and pressure in the test cell are controlled. Despite the fact that the numerical results correspond to an idealized hydrodynamic problem for smooth surfaces, it was found that the numerical model agrees with experimental data when the predicted film thickness is higher than the rod roughness but largely lower than the seal roughness. This suggests that the roughness of the seal disappears under the pressure in the sealed contact and do not play an essential role in the lubrication mechanisms. However, it is clear that for very small film thickness, the full film lubrication theory for smooth surfaces is not convenient. This may imply that in these conditions mixed lubrication cannot be ignored or that adhesion phenomena, not taken into account by the lubrication theory, can appear in the contact areas.
Human Trafficking
Authors: Mace Stephanie L. , Venneberg Donald L. , Amell James W.
Published: May 2012

The Problem.

This article addresses the global problem of human trafficking and provides an exploratory analysis of the need for, and possible approaches to, integrating the principles of Human Resource Development (HRD) to support a solution.

The Solution.

The solution focuses on the integration of HRD practices in the prevention of human trafficking. The origin of human trafficking, the history of its existence, definitions, and legislative discourse are reviewed. More precisely, the notion of National HRD (NHRD) and the connection to community development is explored within the context of the human trafficking phenomenon.

The Stakeholders.

The key stakeholders this article seeks to inform are service providers, nongovernmental organizations, community development and HRD practitioners, and first responders. Implications for HRD practice, theory and research, as well as recommendations for future research conclude this article.
Community and Societal Development
Authors: Budhwani Nadir N. , McLean Gary N.
Published: May 2012

The Problem.

Human Resource Development (HRD) scholars and practitioners need to address the problem of conceptualizing HRD in various community settings.

The Solution.

To address this need, the authors conducted a case study research to explore the role of HRD in developing the Ismaili community in Minnesota. Data analysis revealed four themes: (a) conceptualization of HRD in the Ismaili community of Minnesota, (b) history and examples of HRD efforts in this community, (c) the role of women in the community’s HRD efforts, and (d) the future of HRD in the Ismaili community of Minnesota. The use of HRD within this community was heavily focused on societal development of the community.

The Stakeholders.

Recommendations for HRD practice (practitioners) and research (researchers) suggest that HRD, especially within religious communities (members and leaders of such communities), be explored with an open mind for the purpose of creating a pluralistic and civil society (all citizens).
Crowdsourcing
Authors: Shepherd Hana
Published: May 2012

Crowdsourcing is a practice employed by many types of organizations that makes use of the internet to harness the time, energy, and talents of individuals who are otherwise unconnected to the organization. Hana Shepherd explores some of the many creative uses of crowdsourcing and discuss the issues the practice raises in terms of the nature and future of work.
Can’t Ask, Can’t Tell
Authors: Irvine Janice M.
Published: May 2012

Insitutional Review Boards (IRBs) pose many challenges for sexuality researchers. Sociologist Janice M. Irvine explores how IRBs marginalize sexuality research and the effects of this process.
U.S. Prisons and the Myth of Islamic Terrorism
Authors: Useem Bert
Published: May 2012

There is a great deal of concern that U.S. prisons are generating high levels of Islamic extremism. Sociologist Bert Useem argues that the evidence fails to support this fear.
Dancing the Body Beautiful
Authors: Ericksen Julia A.
Published: May 2012

Using accounts from several professional Latin dancers augmented by the author’s own experience, Julia A. Ericksen traces the ways bodily perfection has become an important part of dancers’ identities. In addition, Ericksen argues that this is a more extreme form of general cultural pressure to engage in bodywork.
Sexualizing Girl Troubles
Authors: Egan R. Danielle
Published: May 2012

The issue of the sexualization of girls has made its way into scholalry and popular literature. The author discusses various media myths of hyper-sexulaity in young girls and its potential problems.
Guantanamo Bay
Authors: Sims Christopher
Published: May 2012

Photographer Christopher Sims documents the everyday spaces at Guantanamo Bay. He writes, “I went with the intention of photographing beyond the prison, and capturing a sense of daily life on the military base.”
Surf’s Up
Authors: Ghoshal Raj Andrew
Published: May 2012

Sociologist Raj Andrew Ghoshal explores accommodation-sharing networks and whether they provide travelers with more than just a free place to stay.
Thinking in Context
Authors: Jasper James M.
Published: May 2012

The book Thinking, Fast and Slow is reviewed and shows what sociologists could learn from Daniel Kahneman’s work on behavioral economics by extending this knowledge to cover the study of social interactions.
Ubiquitous Spirituality
Authors: Dillon Michele
Published: May 2012

Two books, The New Metaphysicals and The American Soul Rush, are compared and reviewed to show how each addresses the central place that spiritual experience occupies in American culture.
What They’re Reading
Authors: Carr Deborah , Conover Ted , Gordon Avery F. , Pattillo Mary , Prager Jeffrey , Wright Erik Olin
Published: May 2012

A “list” of what five sociologists and one sociologically-minded journalist are currently reading.
Documenting Disaster After Katrina
Authors: Perry Gary K.
Published: May 2012

Sociologist Gary K. Perry talks with historian Michael Mizell-Nelson about digital memory banks created after Hurricane Katrina. Perry further reflects on disasters and the pedagogy of helping.
Penetration of the Iliac Bone as a Modified Tunneling Option for Graft Infection in the Groin
Authors: Hiraoka Arudo , Ishida Atsuhisa , Chikazawa Genta , Yoshitaka Hidenori
Published: May 2012

A graft infection is one of the most fatal complications after surgical treatment for arteriosclerosis obliterans. Although both redo arterial revascularization for limb salvage and prevention of recurrent infection are necessary for the treatment of an infected prosthetic graft, surgical strategy is extremely troublesome and challenging. We successfully performed the extra-anatomic bypass by penetrating an iliac bone, in 3 cases. The anterior aspect of iliac crest was exposed through pararectal retroperitoneal incision. The hole in the iliac bone can be easily made by an electric scalpel. In performing redo arterial revascularization for the prosthetic vascular graft infection, reconstructing the extra-anatomic bypass by penetrating an iliac bone is one of the most advantageous treatments. This surgical strategy can help to select the flexible bypassed route, isolate the infected site, and completely eradicate its area of infection for wound healing.
NFAT control of innate immunity
Authors: Fric Jan , Zelante Teresa , Wong Alicia Y. W. , Mertes Alexandra , Yu Hong-Bing , Ricciardi-Castagnoli Paola
Published: May 2012

The calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) signaling pathway mediates multiple adaptive T-cell functions, but recent studies have shown that calcineurin/NFAT signaling also contributes to innate immunity and regulates the homeostasis of innate cells. Myeloid cells, including granulocytes and dendritic cells, can promote inflammation, regulate adaptive immunity, and are essential mediators of early responses to pathogens. Microbial ligation of pattern-recognition receptors, such as TLR4, CD14, and dectin 1, is now known to induce the activation of calcineurin/NFAT signaling in myeloid cells, a finding that has provided new insights into the molecular pathways that regulate host protection. Inhibitors of calcineurin/NFAT binding, such as cyclosporine A and FK506, are broadly used in organ transplantation and can act as potent immunosuppressive drugs in a variety of different disorders. There is increasing evidence that these agents influence innate responses as well as inhibiting adaptive T-cell functions. This review focuses on the role of calcineurin/NFAT signaling in myeloid cells, which may contribute to the various unexplained effects of immunosuppressive drugs already being used in the clinic.
On the role of FAN1 in Fanconi anemia
Authors: Trujillo Juan P. , Mina Leonardo B. , Pujol Roser , Bogliolo Massimo , Andrieux Joris , Holder Muriel , Schuster Beatrice , Schindler Detlev , Surrallés Jordi
Published: May 2012

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a rare bone marrow failure disorder with defective DNA interstrand crosslink repair. Still, there are FA patients without mutations in any of the 15 genes individually underlying the disease. A candidate protein for those patients, FA nuclease 1 (FAN1), whose gene is located at chromosome 15q13.3, is recruited to stalled replication forks by binding to monoubiquitinated FANCD2 and is required for interstrand crosslink repair, suggesting that mutation of FAN1 may cause FA. Here we studied clinical, cellular, and genetic features in 4 patients carrying a homozygous 15q13.3 micro-deletion, including FAN1 and 6 additional genes. Biallelic deletion of the entire FAN1 gene was confirmed by failure of 3′- and 5′-PCR amplification. Western blot analysis failed to show FAN1 protein in the patients' cell lines. Chromosome fragility was normal in all 4 FAN1-deficient patients, although their cells showed mild sensitivity to mitomycin C in terms of cell survival and G2 phase arrest, dissimilar in degree to FA cells. Clinically, there were no symptoms pointing the way to FA. Our results suggest that FAN1 has a minor role in interstrand crosslink repair compared with true FA genes and exclude FAN1 as a novel FA gene.
Genetic analysis of ancestry, admixture and selection in Bolivian and Totonac populations of the New World
Authors: Watkins W Scott , Xing Jinchuan , Huff Chad , Witherspoon David J , Zhang Yuhua , Perego Ugo A , Woodward Scott R , Jorde Lynn B
Published: May 2012

Background

Populations of the Americas were founded by early migrants from Asia, and some have experienced recent genetic admixture. To better characterize the native and non-native ancestry components in populations from the Americas, we analyzed 815,377 autosomal SNPs, mitochondrial hypervariable segments I and II, and 36 Y-chromosome STRs from 24 Mesoamerican Totonacs and 23 South American Bolivians.

Results and Conclusions

We analyzed common genomic regions from native Bolivian and Totonac populations to identify 324 highly predictive Native American ancestry informative markers (AIMs). As few as 40–50 of these AIMs perform nearly as well as large panels of random genome-wide SNPs for predicting and estimating Native American ancestry and admixture levels. These AIMs have greater New World vs. Old World specificity than previous AIMs sets. We identify highly-divergent New World SNPs that coincide with high-frequency haplotypes found at similar frequencies in all populations examined, including the HGDP Pima, Maya, Colombian, Karitiana, and Surui American populations. Some of these regions are potential candidates for positive selection. European admixture in the Bolivian sample is approximately 12%, though individual estimates range from 0–48%. We estimate that the admixture occurred ~360–384 years ago. Little evidence of European or African admixture was found in Totonac individuals. Bolivians with pre-Columbian mtDNA and Y-chromosome haplogroups had 5–30% autosomal European ancestry, demonstrating the limitations of Y-chromosome and mtDNA haplogroups and the need for autosomal ancestry informative markers for assessing ancestry in admixed populations.
Genome-wide association study identified three major QTL for carcass weight including the PLAG1-CHCHD7 QTN for stature in Japanese Black cattle
Authors: Nishimura Shota , Watanabe Toshio , Mizoshita Kazunori , Tatsuda Ken , Fujita Tatsuo , Watanabe Naoto , Sugimoto Yoshikazu , Takasuga Akiko
Published: May 2012

Background

Significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) for carcass weight were previously mapped on several chromosomes in Japanese Black half-sib families. Two QTL, CW-1 and CW-2, were narrowed down to 1.1-Mb and 591-kb regions, respectively. Recent advances in genomic tools allowed us to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in cattle to detect associations in a general population and estimate their effect size. Here, we performed a GWAS for carcass weight using 1156 Japanese Black steers.

Results

Bonferroni-corrected genome-wide significant associations were detected in three chromosomal regions on bovine chromosomes (BTA) 6, 8, and 14. The associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) on BTA 6 were in linkage disequilibrium with the SNP encoding NCAPG Ile442Met, which was previously identified as a candidate quantitative trait nucleotide for CW-2. In contrast, the most highly associated SNP on BTA 14 was located 2.3-Mb centromeric from the previously identified CW-1 region. Linkage disequilibrium mapping led to a revision of the CW-1 region within a 0.9-Mb interval around the associated SNP, and targeted resequencing followed by association analysis highlighted the quantitative trait nucleotides for bovine stature in the PLAG1-CHCHD7 intergenic region. The association on BTA 8 was accounted for by two SNP on the BovineSNP50 BeadChip and corresponded to CW-3, which was simultaneously detected by linkage analyses using half-sib families. The allele substitution effects of CW-1, CW-2, and CW-3 were 28.4, 35.3, and 35.0 kg per allele, respectively.

Conclusion

The GWAS revealed the genetic architecture underlying carcass weight variation in Japanese Black cattle in which three major QTL accounted for approximately one-third of the genetic variance.
Genome-wide linkage analysis of QTL for growth and body composition employing the PorcineSNP60 BeadChip
Authors: Fernández Ana I , Pérez-Montarelo Dafne , Barragán Carmen , Ramayo-Caldas Yuliaxis , Ibáñez-Escriche Noelia , Castelló Anna , Noguera Jose Luis , Silió Luis , Folch Josep María , Rodríguez M Carmen
Published: May 2012

Background

The traditional strategy to map QTL is to use linkage analysis employing a limited number of markers. These analyses report wide QTL confidence intervals, making very difficult to identify the gene and polymorphisms underlying the QTL effects. The arrival of genome-wide panels of SNPs makes available thousands of markers increasing the information content and therefore the likelihood of detecting and fine mapping QTL regions. The aims of the current study are to confirm previous QTL regions for growth and body composition traits in different generations of an Iberian x Landrace intercross (IBMAP) and especially identify new ones with narrow confidence intervals by employing the PorcineSNP60 BeadChip in linkage analyses.

Results

Three generations (F3, Backcross 1 and Backcross 2) of the IBMAP and their related animals were genotyped with PorcineSNP60 BeadChip. A total of 8,417 SNPs equidistantly distributed across autosomes were selected after filtering by quality, position and frequency to perform the QTL scan. The joint and separate analyses of the different IBMAP generations allowed confirming QTL regions previously identified in chromosomes 4 and 6 as well as new ones mainly for backfat thickness in chromosomes 4, 5, 11, 14 and 17 and shoulder weight in chromosomes 1, 2, 9 and 13; and many other to the chromosome-wide signification level. In addition, most of the detected QTLs displayed narrow confidence intervals, making easier the selection of positional candidate genes.

Conclusions

The use of higher density of markers has allowed to confirm results obtained in previous QTL scans carried out with microsatellites. Moreover several new QTL regions have been now identified in regions probably not covered by markers in previous scans, most of these QTLs displayed narrow confidence intervals. Finally, prominent putative biological and positional candidate genes underlying those QTL effects are listed based on recent porcine genome annotation.
Exome sequencing generates high quality data in non-target regions
Authors: Guo Yan , Long Jirong , He Jing , Li Chung-I , Cai Qiuyin , Shu Xiao-Ou , Zheng Wei , Li Chun
Published: May 2012

Background

Exome sequencing using next-generation sequencing technologies is a cost efficient approach to selectively sequencing coding regions of human genome for detection of disease variants. A significant amount of DNA fragments from the capture process fall outside target regions, and sequence data for positions outside target regions have been mostly ignored after alignment.

Result

We performed whole exome sequencing on 22 subjects using Agilent SureSelect capture reagent and 6 subjects using Illumina TrueSeq capture reagent. We also downloaded sequencing data for 6 subjects from the 1000 Genomes Project Pilot 3 study. Using these data, we examined the quality of SNPs detected outside target regions by computing consistency rate with genotypes obtained from SNP chips or the Hapmap database, transition-transversion (Ti/Tv) ratio, and percentage of SNPs inside dbSNP. For all three platforms, we obtained high-quality SNPs outside target regions, and some far from target regions. In our Agilent SureSelect data, we obtained 84,049 high-quality SNPs outside target regions compared to 65,231 SNPs inside target regions (a 129% increase). For our Illumina TrueSeq data, we obtained 222,171 high-quality SNPs outside target regions compared to 95,818 SNPs inside target regions (a 232% increase). For the data from the 1000 Genomes Project, we obtained 7,139 high-quality SNPs outside target regions compared to 1,548 SNPs inside target regions (a 461% increase).

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that a significant amount of high quality genotypes outside target regions can be obtained from exome sequencing data. These data should not be ignored in genetic epidemiology studies.
Genetic variation and metabolic pathway intricacy govern the active compound content and quality of the Chinese medicinal plant
Lonicera japonica
thunb
Authors: Yuan Yuan , Song Lipu , Li Minhui , Liu Guiming , Chu Yanan , Ma Luyu , Zhou Yuanyuan , Wang Xiao , Gao Wei , Qin Shuangshuang , Yu Jun , Wang Xumin , Huang Luqi
Published: May 2012

Background

Traditional Chinese medicine uses various herbs for the treatment of various diseases for thousands of years and it is now time to assess the characteristics and effectiveness of these medicinal plants based on modern genetic and molecular tools. The herb Flos Lonicerae Japonicae (FLJ or Lonicera japonica Thunb.) is used as an anti-inflammatory agent but the chemical quality of FLJ and its medicinal efficacy has not been consistent. Here, we analyzed the transcriptomes and metabolic pathways to evaluate the active medicinal compounds in FLJ and hope that this approach can be used for a variety of medicinal herbs in the future.

Results

We assess transcriptomic differences between FLJ and L. japonica Thunb. var. chinensis (Watts) (rFLJ), which may explain the variable medicinal effects. We acquired transcriptomic data (over 100 million reads) from the two herbs, using RNA-seq method and the Illumina GAII platform. The transcriptomic profiles contain over 6,000 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) for each of the three flower development stages from FLJ, as well as comparable amount of ESTs from the rFLJ flower bud. To elucidate enzymatic divergence on biosynthetic pathways between the two varieties, we correlated genes and their expression profiles to known metabolic activities involving the relevant active compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and fatty acids. We also analyzed the diversification of genes that process the active compounds to distinguish orthologs and paralogs together with the pathways concerning biosynthesis of phenolic acid and its connections with other related pathways.

Conclusions

Our study provides both an initial description of gene expression profiles in flowers of FLJ and its counterfeit rFLJ and the enzyme pool that can be used to evaluate FLJ quality. Detailed molecular-level analyses allow us to decipher the relationship between metabolic pathways involved in processing active medicinal compounds and gene expressions of their processing enzymes. Our evolutionary analysis revealed specific functional divergence of orthologs and paralogs, which lead to variation in gene functions that govern the profile of active compounds.
Mental health care for irregular migrants in Europe: Barriers and how they are overcome
Authors: Straßmayr Christa , Matanov Aleksandra , Priebe Stefan , Barros Henrique , Canavan Reamonn , Díaz-Olalla José Manuel , Gabor Edina , Gaddini Andrea , Greacen Tim , Holcnerová Petra , Kluge Ulrike , Welbel Marta , Nicaise Pablo , Schene Aart H , Soares Joaquim JF , Katschnig Heinz
Published: May 2012

Background

Irregular migrants (IMs) are exposed to a wide range of risk factors for developing mental health problems. However, little is known about whether and how they receive mental health care across European countries. The aims of this study were (1) to identify barriers to mental health care for IMs, and (2) to explore ways by which these barriers are overcome in practice.

Methods

Data from semi-structured interviews with 25 experts in the field of mental health care for IMs in the capital cities of 14 European countries were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Experts reported a range of barriers to mental health care for IMs. These include the absence of legal entitlements to health care in some countries or a lack of awareness of such entitlements, administrative obstacles, a shortage of culturally sensitive care, the complexity of the social needs of IMs, and their fear of being reported and deported. These barriers can be partly overcome by networks of committed professionals and supportive services. NGOs have become important initial points of contact for IMs, providing mental health care themselves or referring IMs to other suitable services. However, these services are often confronted with the ethical dilemma of either acting according to the legislation and institutional rules or providing care for humanitarian reasons, which involves the risk of acting illegally and providing care without authorisation.

Conclusions

Even in countries where access to health care is legally possible for IMs, various other barriers remain. Some of these are common to all migrants, whilst others are specific for IMs. Attempts at improving mental health care for IMs should consider barriers beyond legal entitlement, including communicating information about entitlement to mental health care professionals and patients, providing culturally sensitive care and ensuring sufficient resources.