bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro induction of apoptosis, necrosis and genotoxicity by cosmetic preservatives: application of flow cytometry as a complementary analysis by NRU
Authors: de Carvalho C. M. , Menezes P. F. C. , Letenski G. C. , Praes C. E. O. , Feferman I. H. S. , Lorencini M.
Published: November 2011

Synopsis

Preservatives are used in cosmetics to prevent microbial contamination; however, some preservatives are not free of allergenic and cytotoxic potential. Allergenicity and cytotoxicity potential values are major aspects of preservative safety, which determine limitations and maximum concentration dose in a cosmetic product. The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the in vitro apoptosis, necrosis and genotoxicity‐inducing potential of five different types of preservatives: Phenoxyethanol (PE), Propylparaben (PP), Methylparaben (MP), Benzyl Alcohol (BA) and Ethylhexyl Glycerine (EG). In vitro experiments were carried out on human dermal fibroblasts by a quantitative flow cytometry method, using specific cell markers (Annexin V, Propidium Iodide and H2AX). We compared the resulting cell viability by means of neutral red uptake (NRU) and established the IC50. Our results showed that PE, PP, MP and BA have similar cytotoxic mechanisms (high apoptosis and necrosis levels only at the test concentration of 1%), whereas EG showed only an apoptosis pathway. For genotoxicity, both parabens yielded the highest values. Results obtained by flow cytometry for necrosis were comparable to those produced by NRU; however, NRU does not distinguish apoptosis from necrosis. We propose that flow cytometry is a more sophisticated methodology for understanding the cytotoxic mechanisms of cosmetic preservatives and can be used to complement the NRU.
‘I don’t know what a proper woman means’: what women with intellectual disabilities think about sex, sexuality and themselves
Authors: Fitzgerald Christina , Withers Paul
Published: November 2011

Accessible summary

 For a long time, people tried to stop women with intellectual disabilities from knowing about sex and from having sex.

 We talked to some women with intellectual disabilities to find out what they thought about sex.

 Many of the women told us that they thought sex is bad and that they should not do it.

 We want people to be able to help women with intellectual disabilities to feel confident to make choices about sex.

There is very little literature concerning how women with intellectual disabilities conceptualise their sexuality or develop a sexual identity. Semi‐structured interview schedules were used to guide interviews with 10 women with intellectual disabilities. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview transcripts. Many of the women could not conceptualise themselves as sexual beings, and they tended to regard sex as a dirty and inappropriate activity for them. They generally believed that other people prohibited them from engaging in sexual activity. The women often considered themselves to be of little value, and the majority had no clear sense of identity. It is incumbent upon services to find the means to empower women with intellectual disabilities to acknowledge, welcome and take control of their own sexuality.
The role of metallobiology and amyloid‐β peptides in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Roberts Blaine R. , Ryan Timothy M. , Bush Ashley I. , Masters Colin L. , Duce James A.
Published: November 2011

J. Neurochem. (2012) 120 (Suppl. 1), 149–166.

The biggest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease is the process of ageing, but the mechanisms that lead to the manifestation of the disease remain to be elucidated. Why age triggers the disease is unclear but an emerging theme is the inability for a cell to efficiently maintain many key processes such as energy production, repair, and regenerative mechanisms. Metal ions are essential to the metabolic function of every cell. This review will explore the role and reported changes in metal ions in Alzheimer disease, particularly the brain, blood and cerebral spinal fluid, emphasizing how iron, copper and zinc may be involved through the interactions with amyloid precursor protein, the proteolytically cleaved peptide amyloid‐beta (Aβ), and other related metalloproteins. Finally, we explore the monomeric makeup of possible Aβ dimers, what a dimeric Aβ species from Alzheimer’s disease brain tissue is likely to be composed of, and discuss how metals may influence Aβ production and toxicity via a copper catalyzed dityrosine cross‐link.
Validation of the use of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride (PHZ) for experimental manipulation of haematocrit and plasma haemoglobin in birds
Authors: WILLIAMS TONY D. , FRONSTIN RAIME B. , OTOMO AKI , WAGNER EMILY
Published: November 2011

The levels of haematocrit (Hct) and plasma haemoglobin (Hb) vary markedly through the annual cycle of birds, as well as among individuals at all life‐stages (embryos, chicks, adults). It is thus surprising that the functional, fitness‐related consequences of this variation are poorly understood. Putative ‘adaptive’ variation in these haematological traits has been associated with varying demands for aerobic capacity and oxygen transport, for example during migration, winter acclimatization, with increasing altitude, or during parental care. It has also been proposed that changes in Hct might reflect ‘costs’ of parental investment, for example during ‘reproductive anaemia’. However, almost all studies to date have been correlative. Here we describe a series of experiments that validate the use of phenylhydrazine hydrochloride (PHZ) for the transient, reversible experimental manipulation of Hct and Hb in birds. A single bolus injection (12.5 μg PHZ/g body weight delivered via intra‐muscular injection) caused a rapid decrease in Hct and plasma Hb within 24 h, from pretreatment values of 50–54% to 40–44% in non‐breeding Zebra Finches Taenipoygia guttata and European Starlings Sturnus vulgaris, and to 35% in breeding female Zebra Finches, changes within the normal physiological range. Hct and Hb returned to pre‐injection levels within 5–10 days of treatment. Changes in plasma Hb paralleled those for Hct. We suggest that PHZ treatment provides a widely applicable technique for use in experimental work to establish relationships between haematological status, aerobic capacity, workload (e.g. migration, parental care, thermoregulation), individual quality (of both adults and chicks) and trade‐offs such as costs of reproduction.
Disciplined mobility and carceral geography: prisoner transport in Russia
Authors: Moran Dominique , Piacentini Laura , Pallot Judith
Published: November 2011

This paper identifies and addresses a significant weakness in the literature on mobility – the theorisation of mobility and power, and specifically, the consideration of mobility as an expression of power. It argues that the ‘mobilities turn’ has tended to draw a connection between mobility, autonomy and freedom, and in so doing has inadequately explored and theorised involuntary and coerced mobility. To illustrate this, the paper draws together two literatures that have thus far been poorly integrated, and that at first seem an unlikely pairing – the mobilities work that has exploded in scope and diversity over the past decade and that seeks to ‘undermine sedentarist theories’ in geography (Sheller M and Urry J 2006 The new mobilities paradigm Environment and Planning A 38 207–26, p 208), and the nascent field of ‘carceral geography’, a body of work beginning to coalesce around the spatialities of detention and imprisonment, but that, in its focus on spatial regulation, has thus far tended to overlook the mobilities inherent in carceral practices. The two are drawn together through consideration of an example of ‘disciplined mobility’– contemporary prisoner transport in the Russian Federation, which serves as an illustration both of punitive power expressed through mobility and of mobility in the carceral context. The paper then argues that future research in mobilities must consider more fully the disciplinary nature of mobility, and suggests that the concept of ‘disciplined mobility’ (after Packer J 2003 Disciplining mobility: governing and safety in Bratich J Z, Packer J and McCarthy C eds Foucault, cultural studies, and governmentality State University of New York Press, New York 135–63), may form a framework for such future research.
The Failure of the Bona Fide Occupational Qualification in Cross‐Gender Prison Guard Cases: A Problem beyond Equal Employment Opportunity
Authors: Monahan Camille
Published: November 2011

Knowing the theory of gender that a court is using to understand and assess the issues in a case is vital to ensuring that women are afforded their full rights under the law. Unfortunately, courts often do not explicitly state what understanding of gender is informing their decisions. An exception is found in employment law: specifically, the bona fide occupational qualification (BFOQ) exception to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which allows employers to engage in sex‐based discrimination in those instances in which the sex of the employee is a reasonably necessary qualification for the job. In these cases, because the court must analyze how “manness” or “womanness” impacts one's qualification to hold certain kinds of employment, the court must articulate its understanding of gender. This paper examines two BFOQ cases in the cross‐gender prison guard context, those cases in which an individual of one sex seeks to guard inmates of the opposite sex. In these cases the courts created a theory of gender that posits men and women as different in kind. The theory developed in this line of cases is an attack on Title VII protections and a potential barrier to women's equality under the law.
Self‐reported symptoms in patients on hemodialysis with moderate to severe secondary hyperparathyroidism receiving combined therapy with cinacalcet and low‐dose vitamin D sterols
Authors: Chertow Glenn M. , Lu Z. John , Xu Xiao , Knight Tyler G. , Goodman William G. , Bushinsky David A. , Block Geoffrey A.
Published: November 2011

Patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism experience a variety of clinical symptoms which may adversely affect physical and mental function. As part of a multicenter, open‐label clinical trial, subjects completed a questionnaire that included the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form‐36 and 14 kidney disease‐related symptoms at multiple time points during the study. Out of the 567 subjects who received at least one dose of cinacalcet, 528 to 535 (93.8–94.4%) completed all or portions of the questionnaire at baseline. The median bioactive parathyroid hormone (PTH) was 294 pg/mL (10%, 90% range, 172–655 pg/mL). Following treatment with cinacalcet and low‐dose vitamin D sterols, subjects reported significant improvement in the frequency of pain in muscles, joints and bones, stiff joints, dry skin, itchy skin, excessive thirst, and trouble with memory. At end of the efficacy assessment phase (Weeks 16 to 22), the magnitude of improvement was the greatest in joint pain, bone pain, dry skin, and excessive thirst (>5 on a 0–100 scale; P < 0.001). There were no clinically or statistically significant changes in any of the Short Form‐36 subscales or in the physical or mental health composite scores. Among patients on hemodialysis with moderate to severe secondary hyperparathyroidism, treatment with cinacalcet and low‐dose vitamin D sterols results in significant improvement in pain in the muscles, joints and bones, joint stiffness, dry and itchy skin, excessive thirst, and trouble with memory.
Myelopoiesis in spleen‐producing distinct dendritic‐like cells
Authors: Tan Jonathan K. H. , O’Neill Helen C.
Published: November 2011

Dendritic cells (DC) represent a heterogeneous class of antigen presenting cells (APC). Previously we reported a distinct myeloid dendritic‐like cell present in spleen, as an in vivo counterpart to cells produced in murine spleen long‐term cultures (LTC‐DC). These cells, named ‘L‐DC’, were found to be functionally and phenotypically distinct from conventional (c)DC, plasmacytoid (p)DC and monocytes. These results suggested that spleen may represent a niche for development of L‐DC from endogenous progenitors. Adult murine spleen has now been investigated for the presence of L‐DC progenitors. Lineage‐negative (Lin)−ckitlo and Lin−ckithi progenitor subsets were identified as candidate populations, and tested for ability to produce L‐DC; in vitro upon co‐culture with the spleen stromal line STX3, and in vivo after adoptive therapy into mice. Both subsets colonized STX3 stroma in vitro for L‐DC production, indicating that they contained either a common or two distinct progenitors for L‐DC. However, only the Lin−ckithi subset gave progeny cells after adoptive transfer into lethally irradiated mice. In vivo development was however multilineage and not restricted to L‐DC development. Multilineage reconstitution reflects long‐term reconstituting haematopoietic stem cells (LT‐HSC), suggesting a close relationship between L‐DC progenitors and LT‐HSC. L‐DC were however produced in vivo in much higher number than monocytes/macrophages and cDC, indicating the presence of a specific L‐DC progenitor within the Lin−ckithi subset. A model is advanced for development of L‐DC directly from haematopoietic progenitors in spleen and dependent on the spleen microenvironment.
Meta‐analysis of structural MRI studies in children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder indicates treatment effects
Authors: Frodl T. , Skokauskas N.
Published: November 2011

Frodl T, Skokauskas N. Meta‐analysis of structural MRI studies in children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder indicates treatment effects.

Objective:  About 50–80% of ADHD cases have been found to persist into adulthood, but ADHD symptoms change with age. The aim of this study was to perform a meta‐analysis of MRI voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) and manual tracing studies to identify the differences between adults and children with ADHD as well as between treated and untreated individuals.

Method:  Several databases were searched using keywords ‘attention‐deficit and MRI’, ‘ADHD and MRI’. Gray matter volumes from VBM studies and caudate volumes from tracing studies of patients and controls were analyzed using signed differential mapping.

Results:  Meta‐analyses detected reduced right globus pallidus and putamen volumes in VBM studies as well as decreased caudate volumes in manual tracing studies in children with ADHD. Adult patients with ADHD showed volume reduction in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). A higher percentage of treated participants were associated with less changes.

Conclusion:  Basal ganglia regions like the right globus pallidus, the right putamen, and the nucleus caudatus are structurally affected in children with ADHD. These changes and alterations in limbic regions like ACC and amygdala are more pronounced in non‐treated populations and seem to diminish over time from child to adulthood. Treatment seems to have positive effects on brain structure.
Nurse practitioner attitudes and treatment practices for childhood overweight: How do rural and urban practitioners differ?
Authors: Hessler Karen , Siegrist Mary
Published: November 2011

Purpose: Pediatric overweight and obesity has become an epidemic problem of our nation. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are exposed to overweight pediatric patients on a regular basis. The purpose of this study was to investigate NP attitudes toward pediatric overweight and obesity and explore their current diagnosis and treatment practices. Differences between rural and urban NPs were also investigated.

Data sources: Survey data were gathered from 1088 family and pediatric NPs from the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners member list randomly. Only family and pediatric NPs were included in the sample.

Conclusions: NPs in the sample believed that pediatric overweight and obesity are problems in need of treatment, but also reported not assessing and diagnosing the condition per current guidelines. Initiation of treatment was reported at very low rates. Rural NPs reported having fewer referral resources than urban NPs.

Implications for practice: NPs are in an ideal position to properly assess, diagnose, and treat pediatric overweight and obesity. The findings suggest that more education on these topics is necessary for NPs. Rural NPs reported fewer referral services, and may need to have more knowledge about how to provide obesity treatment services in their own practice settings due to this disparity.
Use of porcine small intestinal submucosa for corneal reconstruction in dogs and cats: 106 cases
Authors: Goulle F.
Published: November 2011

Objectives: To describe the efficacy of porcine small intestinal submucosa in corneal reconstructive surgery in dogs and cats through a large retrospective study.

Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 106 cases of surgical reconstruction of the cornea with small intestinal submucosa seen between May 2005 and January 2010 was carried out. The corneal defect was filled by microsurgical grafting of porcine small intestinal submucosa. The biomaterial implant was deposited in one or several layers depending on the depth of the defect. The animals were examined 3, 6 and 12 weeks after surgery.

Results: Vision was preserved in all eyes at three months post‐surgery. In 74 cases (69.8%) the corneal scar was either transparent or discrete, whilst in 32 cases (30.2%) a mild or marked scar was observed. Minor complications occurred in 9 cases (8.5%) with partial integration of the small intestinal submucosa and in 24 cases (22.6%) with faint or mild corneal pigmentation, without impairing vision. In cases followed over a period longer than three months, major complications occurred in five dogs resulting in vision impairment because of pronounced pigmentation.

ClinicalSignificance: Corneal grafting of porcine small intestinal submucosa is an effective method for corneal reconstruction resulting in corneal transparency in most cases. It is an excellent alternative to conventional conjunctival grafts.
Hydrolysis of Whey Protein Isolate Using Subcritical Water
Authors: Espinoza Ashley D. , Morawicki Rubén O. , Hager Tiffany
Published: November 2011

Abstract:  Hydrolyzed whey protein isolate (WPI) is used in the food industry for protein enrichment and modification of functional properties. The purpose of the study was to determine the feasibility of subcritical water hydrolysis (SWH) on WPI and to determine the temperature and reaction time effects on the degree of hydrolysis (DH) and the production of peptides and free amino acids (AAs). Effects of temperature (150 to 320 °C) and time (0 to 20 min) were initially studied with a central composite rotatable design followed by a completely randomized factorial design with temperature (250 and 300 °C) and time (0 to 50 min) as factors. SWH was conducted in an electrically heated, 100‐mL batch, high pressure vessel. The DH was determined by a spectrophotometric method after derivatization. The peptide molecular weights (MWs) were analyzed by gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry, and AAs were quantified by high‐performance liquid chromotography. An interaction of temperature and time significantly affected the DH and AA concentration. As the DH increased, the accumulation of lower MW peptides also increased following SWH (and above 10% DH, the majority of peptides were <1000 Da). Hydrolysis at 300 °C for 40 min generated the highest total AA concentration, especially of lysine (8.894 mg/g WPI). Therefore, WPI was successfully hydrolyzed by subcritical water, and with adjustment of treatment parameters there is reasonable control of the end‐products.
Religious identification and politicization in the face of discrimination: Support for political Islam and political action among the Turkish and Moroccan second generation in Europe
Authors: Fleischmann Fenella , Phalet Karen , Klein Olivier
Published: November 2011

Taking an approach from religion as a social identity and using large‐scale comparative surveys in five European cities, we investigate when and how perceived discrimination is associated with religious identification and politicization among the second generation of Turkish and Moroccan Muslims. We distinguish support for political Islam from political action as distinct forms of politicization. In addition, we test the mediating role of religious identification in processes of politicization. Study 1 estimates multi‐group structural equation models of support for political Islam in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Sweden. In line with a social identity model of politicization and across nine inter‐group contexts, Muslims who perceived more discrimination identified (even) more strongly as Muslims; and high Muslim identifiers were most ready to support political Islam. In support of a competing social stigma hypothesis, however, negative direct and total effects of perceived discrimination suggest predominant depoliticization. Using separate sub‐samples across four inter‐group contexts in Belgium, Study 2 adds political action tendencies as a distinct form of politicization. Whereas religious identification positively predicts both forms of politicization, perceived discrimination has differential effects: Muslims who perceived more discrimination were more weary of supporting political Islam, yet more ready to engage in political action to defend Islamic values. Taken together, the studies reveal that some Muslim citizens will politicize and others will depoliticize in the face of discrimination as a function of their religious identification and of prevailing forms of politicization.
Are we all in this together? Co‐victimization, inclusive social identity and collective action in solidarity with the disadvantaged
Authors: Subašić Emina , Schmitt Michael T. , Reynolds Katherine J.
Published: November 2011

Common experience of injustice can be a potent motivator of collective action and efforts to achieve social change – and of such efforts becoming more widespread. In this research, we propose that the effects of co‐victimization on collective action are a function of inclusive social identity. Experiment 1 (N= 61) demonstrated that while presence (compared to absence) of co‐victimization positively predicted consumer (i.e., participants) willingness to act collectively in solidarity with sweatshop workers, this effect was mediated by inclusive social identity. In Experiment 2 (N= 120), the salience of inclusive social identity was experimentally manipulated and interacted with co‐victimization to predict collective action. When inclusive social identity was salient, co‐victimization enhanced collective action, including willingness to pay extra for products made ethically and in support of fair wages for workers. In contrast, collective action was attenuated when co‐victimization took place in the absence of inclusive social identity. Implications for understanding when co‐victimization is transformed into common fate and political solidarity with the disadvantaged are discussed.
Effect of Workpart Curvature on the Stiffness Properties of Circular Filamentary Brushes
Authors: Heinrich S. M. , Stango R. J. , Shia Chih Yuan
Published: November 2011

In this paper the role which workpart geometry plays in the stiffness properties and contact zone characteristics of circular filamentary brushes is investigated. The problem is examined by employing a recently developed mechanics-based procedure for evaluating large filament deformation, in conjunction with appropriate kinematic constraints for filament tip contact with a smooth, rigid workpart of prescribed constant curvature. Numerical examples for a circular filamentary brush system are presented and discussed for the purpose of illustrating the basic nature of brush stiffness response characteristics for a range of prescribed constant-curvature workpart surfaces.
Command Generation for Three-Axis CNC Machining
Authors: Chou Jui-Jen , Yang D. C. H.
Published: November 2011

This paper investigates the command generation for three-axis CNC machining. In the integration of CAD and CAM, it is necessary to relate machine tool dynamics and control in a CAM process to the geometrical data in a CAD model. The data stored in a CAD model is usually static in nature and represented by unitless parameters. Yet, in machine tool motion and control, the data should be transformed into a time dependent domain. In this paper, the geometrical properties of a cutter path, including position, tangent, curvature and torsion are analytically related to the motion dynamics of a machine tool including feedrate, acceleration, jerk and driving force. The information about feedrate, acceleration and driving force is needed for command generation. Jerk analysis can be used for cutting quality analysis.
A Revised Cyclic Production Method
Authors: Yura K.
Published: November 2011

The objective of the cyclic scheduling is the minimization of the job output interval between cycles from a manufacturing system in a steady state. A revised cyclic production method was developed to minimize the job output interval. The job output interval was obtained by analyzing the workflow network and the process network. An optimum scheduling procedure was constructed and a numerical example was presented.
Whole-Genome Sequences of Two Borrelia afzelii and Two Borrelia garinii Lyme Disease Agent Isolates
Authors: Casjens Sherwood R. , Mongodin Emmanuel F. , Qiu Wei-Gang , Dunn John J. , Luft Benjamin J. , Fraser-Liggett Claire M. , Schutzer Steve E.
Published: November 2011

Human Lyme disease is commonly caused by several species of spirochetes in theBorreliagenus. In Eurasia these species are largelyBorrelia afzelii,B. garinii,B. burgdorferi, andB. bavariensissp. nov. Whole-genome sequencing is an excellent tool for investigating and understanding the influence of bacterial diversity on the pathogenesis and etiology of Lyme disease. We report here the whole-genome sequences of four isolates from two of theBorreliaspecies that cause human Lyme disease,B. afzeliiisolates ACA-1 and PKo andB. gariniiisolates PBr and Far04.
Complete Genome Sequence of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis Strain CIP 52.97, Isolated from a Horse in Kenya
Authors: Cerdeira Louise Teixeira , Schneider Maria Paula Cruz , Pinto Anne Cybelle , de Almeida Sintia Silva , dos Santos Anderson Rodrigues , Barbosa Eudes Guilherme Vieira , Ali Amjad , Aburjaile Flávia Figueira , de Abreu Vinicius Augusto Carvalho , Guimarães Luis Carlos , Soares Siomar de Castro , Dorella Fernanda Alves , Rocha Flávia Souza , Bol Erick , Gomes de Sá Pablo Henrique Caracciolo , Lopes Thiago Souza , Barbosa Maria Silvanira , Carneiro Adriana Ribeiro , Jucá Ramos Rommel Thiago , Coimbra Nilson Antônio da Rocha , Lima Alex Ranieri Jerônimo , Barh Debmalya , Jain Neha , Tiwari Sandeep , Raja Rathiram , Zambare Vasudeo , Ghosh Preetam , Trost Eva , Tauch Andreas , Miyoshi Anderson , Azevedo Vasco , Silva Artur
Published: November 2011

In this work, we report the whole-genome sequence ofCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosisbv. equi strain CIP 52.97 (Collection Institut Pasteur), isolated in 1952 from a case of ulcerative lymphangitis in a Kenyan horse, which has evidently caused significant losses to agribusiness. Therefore, obtaining this genome will allow the detection of important targets for postgenomic studies, with the aim of minimizing problems caused by this microorganism.
HYDRODYNAMICS OF SELF-ALIGNMENT INTERACTIONS WITH PRECESSION AND DERIVATION OF THE LANDAU–LIFSCHITZ–GILBERT EQUATION
Authors: DEGOND PIERRE , LIU JIAN-GUO
Published: November 2011

We consider a kinetic model of self-propelled particles with alignment interaction and with precession about the alignment direction. We derive a hydrodynamic system for the local density and velocity orientation of the particles. The system consists of the conservative equation for the local density and a non-conservative equation for the orientation. First, we assume that the alignment interaction is purely local and derive a first-order system. However, we show that this system may lose its hyperbolicity. Under the assumption of weakly nonlocal interaction, we derive diffusive corrections to the first-order system which lead to the combination of a heat flow of the harmonic map and Landau–Lifschitz–Gilbert dynamics. In the particular case of zero self-propelling speed, the resulting model reduces to the phenomenological Landau–Lifschitz–Gilbert equations. Therefore the present theory provides a kinetic formulation of classical micromagnetization models and spin dynamics.
The Clinical Application of Anterolateral Thigh Flap
Authors: Lee Yao-Chou , Chiu Haw-Yen , Shieh Shyh-Jou
Published: November 2011

The anterolateral thigh flap can provide a large skin paddle nourished by a long and large-caliber pedicle and can be harvested by two-team work. Most importantly, the donor-site morbidity is minimal.
However, the anatomic variations decreased its popularity. By adapting free-style flap concepts, such as preoperative mapping of the perforators and being familiar with retrograde perforator dissection, this disadvantage had been overcome gradually.
Furthermore, several modifications widen its clinical applications: the fascia lata can be included for sling or tendon reconstruction, the bulkiness could be created by including vastus lateralis muscle or deepithelization of skin flap, the pliability could be increased by suprafascial dissection or primary thinning, the pedicle length could be lengthening by proximally eccentric placement of the perforator, and so forth. Combined with these technical and conceptual advancements, the anterolateral thigh flap has become the workhorse flap for soft-tissue reconstructions from head to toe.
A Full Participation Agreement on Global Emission Reduction through Strategic Investments in R&D
Authors: Kratzsch Uwe , Sieg Gernot , Stegemann Ulrike
Published: November 2011

If an emission reduction agreement with participation of all players is not enforceable because politicians are too myopic or costs of reducing emissions are too high, strategic investments in research and development (R&D) of green technology, for example, sustainable drivetrains, can pave the way for a future treaty. Although no player will rationally reduce emissions on its own, investments in R&D by at least one player can change the strategic situation of negotiations to control emissions: emission abatement costs will decrease so that a treaty with full participation can be achieved in future periods through time consistent sustainable policies.
Antibacterial Activity of Hydrophobic Composite Materials Containing a Visible-Light-Sensitive Photocatalyst
Authors: Yamauchi Kentaro , Yao Yanyan , Ochiai Tsuyoshi , Sakai Munetoshi , Kubota Yoshinobu , Yamauchi Goro
Published: November 2011

The conventional superhydrophobic surface offered by PTFE provides no sterilization performance and is not sufficiently repellent against organic liquids. These limit PTFE's application in the field of disinfection and result a lack of durability. N-doped TiO2photocatalyst added PTFE composite material was developed to remedy these shortcomings. This paper reports the surface characteristics, and the bactericidal and self-cleaning performance of the newly-developed composite material. The material exhibited a contact angle exceeding 150 degrees consistent with its hydrophobicity despite the inclusion of the hydrophilic N-doped TiO2. The surface free energy obtained for this composite was 5.8 mN/m. Even when exposed to a weak fluorescent light intensity (100 lx) for 24 hours, the viable cells of gram-negativeE. colion the 12% N-doped TiO2-PTFE film were reduced 5 logs. The higher bactericidal activity was also confirmed on the gram-positive MRSA. Compared with the N-doped TiO2coating only, the inactivation rate of the composite material was significantly enhanced. Utilizing the N-doped TiO2with the PTFE composite coating could successfully remove, by UV illumination, oleic acid adsorbed on its surface. These results demonstrate the potential applicability of the novel N-doped TiO2photocatalyst hydrophobic composite material for both indoor antibacterial action and outdoor contamination prevention.
Intracranial Hemorrhage Revealing Pseudohypoparathyroidism as a Cause of Fahr Syndrome
Authors: Swami Abhijit , Kar Giridhari
Published: November 2011

Pseudohypoparathyroidism is an infrequently encountered disease. It is one of the causes of Fahr syndrome which also is a rare clinical entity caused by multiple diseases. A 4-year-old man hospitalized for sudden onset left hemiparesis and hypertension was diagnosed to have right thalamic and midbrain hemorrhage on plain CT scan of the head which also revealed co-existent extensive intracranial calcifications involving the basal ganglia and cerebellum bilaterally. General physical examination revealed features of Albright hereditary osteodystrophy, goitre, hypertension, left hemiparesis, and signs of cerebellar dysfunction. Laboratory findings suggested hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia along with high TSH, low FT4, low FT3, and high anti-TPO antibody. Though bilateral intracranial calcifications are usually encountered as an incidental radiological finding in the CT scan of brain, in this case, the patient admitted for thalamic and midbrain hemorrhage was on investigation for associated intracranial calcification, and goitre was also found to have coexisting pseudohypoparathyroidism and autoimmune hypothyroidism.
Treatment Dilemmas in a Young Man Presenting with Narcolepsy and Psychotic Symptoms
Authors: Fernandez Victoria , Davies Sharon , Walters Nicola
Published: November 2011

Psychotic features can be present in both narcolepsy and psychosis, which can result in challenges in diagnosis and management. The prevalence of both conditions is low and the reports in young people are scarce. Our report illustrates the relevance of a thorough differential diagnosis as well as the need to explore treatment avenues based on the evidence available for both narcolepsy and psychosis symptoms to try and maximise the therapeutic impact.
Body Mass Index, Waist Circumference, Body Fat, Fasting Blood Glucose in a Sample of Moroccan Adolescents Aged 11–17 Years
Authors: Mehdad Slimane , Hamrani Abdeslam , El Kari Khalid , El Hamdouchi Asmaa , Barakat Amina , El Mzibri Mohamed , Mokhtar Najat , Aguenaou Hassan
Published: November 2011

Objectives. The study aimed to assess the relationship between body fat and each of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), and to test the effectiveness of fat mass (FM), percent of body fat (PBF), BMI, and WC in predicting high levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG).Methods. A total of 167 adolescents aged 11–17 years were recruited from Rabat region. BMI and WC were determined using standard equipments. FM and PBF were derived from isotope dilution technique. FBG was determined by the hexokinase method.Results. Regardless of the weight status, BMI showed a strong positive correlation with FM and PBF in both genders. WC was significantly correlated with FM in boys and girls, and with PBF in different groups of girls and boys of the study sample. However, there was no significant relationship between WC and PBF in normal weight and overweight-obese groups of boys. FBG was highly correlated with FM and PBF in girls of the study sample and in overweight-obese girls. Similar significant relationship between FBG and both BMI and WC was observed in overweight-obese girls, while there was no significant association between FBG and other variables in boys and normal-weight girls.Conclusion. BMI and WC were closely associated with FM and PBF, respectively. However, the degree of these associations depends on gender and weight status. BMI may provide a better proxy estimate of overall adiposity than WC; nevertheless, both of them would appear to be a reasonable surrogate for FM and PBF as screening tools to identify adolescents at risk of developing excess body fat and high level of FBG.
Increased Incidence of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage on Sundays and Mondays in 1,862 Patients from Eastern Finland
Authors: Lindgren Antti , Huttunen Terhi , Saavalainen Taavi , Riihinen Annamaija , Kurki Mitja I. , Koivisto Timo , Ronkainen Antti , Rinne Jaakko , Hernesniemi Jutha , Jääskeläinen Juha E. , von und zu Fraunberg Mikael
Published: November 2011

Background: Temporal patterns of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) from saccular intracranial aneurysm (sIA) were studied in a consecutive series of 1,862 patients. Methods: Neurosurgery of Kuopio University Hospital (KUH) solely serves a defined catchment population in Eastern Finland. Kuopio’s sIA database contains 1,596 sporadic and 266 familial patients admitted to KUH within 72 h from the onset of aSAH between 1980 and 2007. The distributions by the weekday of the onset of aSAH, admission to KUH, and occlusive therapy of the ruptured sIA were analyzed. Logistic regression was used to search for clinical variables (patients, sIA disease, clinical condition) that would independently correlate with each distribution. Results: The onset of aSAH occurred significantly most often (p < 0.001) on Sundays (n = 330) and Mondays (n = 309) and least frequently on Saturdays (n = 231). None of the clinical variables tested associated significantly and independently with the Sunday and Monday peaks. The admissions to KUH after aSAH were most frequent (p < 0.001) on Mondays (n = 331) and least frequent on Thursdays (n = 221) and Saturdays (n = 221). Overall, 1,655 patients underwent occlusive therapy, most frequently on Mondays (n = 318) and least frequently on Saturdays (n = 189) and Sundays (n = 197). Conclusions: Sundays and Mondays were the most frequent and Saturdays the least frequent days of aSAH in a defined Eastern Finnish population. We could not identify any etiology to this temporal pattern. Binge drinking is frequent in Finland, especially among young males, but age and gender did not correlate with the Sunday and Monday peaks.
Folic Acid and Other Potential Measures in the Prevention of Neural Tube Defects
Authors: Heseker Helmut
Published: November 2011

Neural tube defects (NTD) are common congenital malformations leading to severe disability or even death. The causes of NTD are multifactorial, including genetic predisposition, nutritional and environmental risk factors, and other maternal conditions. Some countries have introduced mandatory or at least voluntary folic acid fortification as an effective measure to reduce NTD, whereas others support periconceptional supplementation of women of childbearing age. Countries with mandatory fortification achieved a significant increase in folate intake and a significant decline in the prevalence of NTD. This was also true for supplementation trials. However, the magnitude of the decline depends on the initial NTD rate. This review clearly shows that not all cases of NTD can be prevented by increasing the folate intake. Other relevant causes of NTD, which are largely disregarded, have also to be taken into account in research and consultation to reduce the risk and economic burden of NTD.
Kinetics of Physiological Skin Flora in a Suction Blister Wound Model on Healthy Subjects after Treatment with Water-Filtered Infrared-A Radiation
Authors: Daeschlein G. , Alborova J. , Patzelt A. , Kramer A. , Lademann J.
Published: November 2011

The effect of water-filtered infrared-A radiation (wIRA) on normal skin flora was investigated by generating experimental wounds on the forearms of volunteers utilizing the suction blister technique. Over 7 days, recolonization was monitored parallel to wound healing. Four groups of treatment were compared: no therapy (A), dexpanthenol cream once daily (B), 20 min wIRA irradiation at 30 cm distance (C), and wIRA irradiation for 30 min once daily together with dexpanthenol cream once daily (D). All treatments strongly inhibited the recolonization of the wounds. Whereas dexpanthenol completely suppressed recolonization over the test period, recolonization after wIRA without (C) and in combination with dexpanthenol (D) was suppressed, but started on day 5 with considerably higher amounts after the combination treatment (D). Whereas the consequence without treatment (A) was an increasing amount of physiological skin flora including coagulase-negative staphylococci, all treatments (B–D) led to a reduction in physiological skin flora, including coagulase-negative staphylococci. In healthy volunteers, wIRA alone and in combination with dexpanthenol strongly inhibited bacterial recolonization with physiological skin flora after artificial wound setting using a suction-blister wound model. This could support the beneficial effects of wIRA in the promotion of wound healing.
Mixed Integer Evolution Strategies for Parameter Optimization
Authors: Li Rui , Emmerich Michael T.M. , Eggermont Jeroen , Bäck Thomas , Schütz M. , Dijkstra J. , Reiber J.H.C.
Published: November 2011

Evolution strategies (ESs) are powerful probabilistic search and optimization algorithms gleaned from biological evolution theory. They have been successfully applied to a wide range of real world applications. The modern ESs are mainly designed for solving continuous parameter optimization problems. Their ability to adapt the parameters of the multivariate normal distribution used for mutation during the optimization run makes them well suited for this domain. In this article we describe and study mixed integer evolution strategies (MIES), which are natural extensions of ES for mixed integer optimization problems. MIES can deal with parameter vectors consisting not only of continuous variables but also with nominal discrete and integer variables. Following the design principles of the canonical evolution strategies, they use specialized mutation operators tailored for the aforementioned mixed parameter classes. For each type of variable, the choice of mutation operators is governed by a natural metric for this variable type, maximal entropy, and symmetry considerations. All distributions used for mutation can be controlled in their shape by means of scaling parameters, allowing self-adaptation to be implemented. After introducing and motivating the conceptual design of the MIES, we study the optimality of the self-adaptation of step sizes and mutation rates on a generalized (weighted) sphere model. Moreover, we prove global convergence of the MIES on a very general class of problems. The remainder of the article is devoted to performance studies on artificial landscapes (barrier functions and mixed integer NK landscapes), and a case study in the optimization of medical image analysis systems. In addition, we show that with proper constraint handling techniques, MIES can also be applied to classical mixed integer nonlinear programming problems.
Why Does the Plague of Darkness Last for Three Days? Source Ascription and Literary Motif in Exodus 10:21-23, 27
Authors: Stackert >Jeffrey
Published: November 2011

Abstract

This article addresses the question of source ascription for the plague of darkness in Exod 10:21-23, 27. It argues that attention to the specific content of this episode, and especially its indication of a three-day duration for the darkness, ties it to Exod 6:9-12, Moses’s initial interaction with the Israelites in the pentateuchal Priestly source (P). Beyond style or form, the darkness plague plays an essential role in the Priestly plot and for this reason may be confidently assigned to P.
Canadian Policy Towards Bangladesh: How Does the North Look at the South?
Authors: Haider Zaglul
Published: November 2011

Abstract

The goal of the paper is to analyze the Canadian policy towards Bangladesh. In this paper I argue that Canadian approach towards Bangladesh was different in different phases of history. In the liberation war of Bangladesh Canada played a role that went against the interest of Bangladesh and suited with the triple alliance of the US-Pakistan and China. Against the backdrop of Cold War politics, Canadian policy demonstrated the reflection of her national interest. In the dawn of the independence of Bangladesh in the early 1970’s Canada revised its policy, immediately recognized the new nation and supported Bangladesh’s admission in to the Commonwealth, the United Nations and other international organizations. Since the threshold of Bangladesh’s journey Canada emerged as a development partner of the new nation. Apart from significant aid, Canada also provided immigration facilities to the Bangladeshis. All these are consistent with its national interest. I also focus on the Canadian concerns over the violation of human rights and poor governance that gradually eroded the image of Bangladesh among the Canadian policy makers. Finally, I suggest a way out to improve relations between the two countries of the ‘North’ and ‘South’.
Old Wine in New Bottle: Civil Society, Iko Mmee and Conflict Management in Southeastern Nigeria*
Authors: Onwuzuruigbo Ifeanyi
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Africa boils on account of intractable communal conflicts. Strategies adopted to manage the conflicts conform to western approaches of conflict management. Traditional forms of conflict resolution have been rarely applied. This has prompted emphasis on traditional tools of conflict management. Drawing from interviews and archival documents, this paper focuses on the deployment of iko mmee ritual by local civil society organizations in managing the Aguleri and Umuleri communal conflicts in Nigeria. It catalogues the failure of western models, explains the principles underlying iko mmee and how iko mmee was able to facilitate peace in the communities.
Establishing Indigeneity in African Pluralities using PRO169 Parameters and a Case Study for Measuring their Inclusivity*
Authors: Gagnon Jean-Paul
Published: November 2011

Abstract

The concept of the indigenous person or group in Africa is a contentious one. The current argument is that there exist no indigenous people in Africa because all Africans are indigenous. The obverse considers those Africans who have not been touched by colonialism and lost their pre-nation state social structures commensurate with attachments to the lands or a distinguishable lifestyle to be indigenous. This paper argues in favour of the latter. People who live in the global telos and do not participate in a distinct social structure that has been attached to the land before the advent of nation-states are not indigenous. It is argued that this cultural divergence between global consumerism and indigenous pre-nation state social structures is the major identifying point to settle the indigenous/non indigenous African debate. Finally, the paper looks at inclusive development and provides a new political analysis model for quantifying inclusivity so as to measure the inclusivity of indigenous peoples.
Reconciliation and Conceptual Complexity: The Case of Post Conflict Kenya
Authors: Ishiyama John , Backstrom Jeremy
Published: November 2011

Abstract

This paper examines the level of conceptual complexity illustrated by members of the Kenyan parliament following the end of civil conflict that had been precipitated by the contested December 2007 presidential and parliamentary elections. Who is more likely to engage in rhetoric that is more complex (and hence more reconciliatory) the opposition or the governing party?: Ministers or other MPs? Using machine coded text analysis of parliamentary debates over the proposed reconciliation government in March 2008, we find that complexity scores were lower among representatives of the parties that were the principal protagonists in the civil conflict and lower among ministers of government than were representatives from other parties or non ministerial members of parliament.