bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mechanics of bacterial cluster formation on plant leaf surfaces as revealed by bioreporter technology
Authors: Tecon Robin , Leveau Johan H. J.
Published: February 2012

Bacteria that colonize the leaves of terrestrial plants often occur in clusters whose size varies from a few to thousands of cells. For the formation of such bacterial clusters, two non‐mutually exclusive but very different mechanisms may be proposed: aggregation of multiple cells or clonal reproduction of a single cell. Here we assessed the contribution of both mechanisms on the leaves of bean plants that were colonized by the bacterium Pantoea agglomerans. In one approach, we used a mixture of green and red fluorescent P. agglomerans cells to populate bean leaves. We observed that this resulted in clusters made up of only one colour as well as two‐colour clusters, thus providing evidence for both mechanisms. Another P. agglomerans bioreporter, designed to quantify the reproductive success of bacterial colonizers by proxy to the rate at which green fluorescent protein is diluted from dividing cells, revealed that during the first hours on the leaf surface, many bacteria were dividing, but not staying together and forming clusters, which is suggestive of bacterial relocation. Together, these findings support a dynamic model of leaf surface colonization, where both aggregative and reproductive mechanisms take place. The bioreporter‐based approach we employed here should be broadly applicable towards a more quantitative and mechanistic understanding of bacterial colonization of surfaces in general.
Pedometer‐determined physical activity is linked to low systemic inflammation and low arterial stiffness in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Jennersjö P. , Ludvigsson J. , Länne T. , Nystrom F. H. , Ernerudh J. , Östgren C. J.
Published: February 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1119–1125 (2012)

Aims  The aim of this study was to explore the association between pedometer‐determined physical activity versus measures of obesity, inflammatory markers and arterial stiffness in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Methods  We analysed data from 224 men and 103 women with Type 2 diabetes, aged 54–66 years. Physical activity was measured with waist‐mounted pedometers during three consecutive days and the number of steps/day were calculated and classified in four groups: < 5000 steps/day, 5000–7499 steps/day, 7500–9999 steps/day and ≥ 10000 steps/day. Blood samples were analysed for lipids, HbA1c, inflammatory markers including C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6. Nurses measured blood pressure and anthropometrics. Aortic pulse wave velocity was measured with applanation tonometry over the carotid and femoral arteries.

Results  Mean steps/day was 7683 ± 3883 (median 7222, interquartile range 4869–10 343). There were no differences in age, diabetes duration, blood pressure, lipids or glycaemic control between the four groups of pedometer‐determined physical activity. Subjects with higher steps/day had lower BMI (28.8 vs. 31.5 kg/m2, P < 0.001), waist circumference (101.7 vs. 108.0 cm, P < 0.001), lower levels of C‐reactive protein (1.6 vs. 2.6 mg/l, P = 0.007), lower levels of interleukin‐6 (1.9 vs. 3.8 pg ml, P < 0.001) and lower pulse wave velocity (10.2 vs. 11.0 m/s, P = 0.009) compared with less physically active people.

Conclusions  We conclude that physical activity measured with pedometer was associated not only with less abdominal obesity, but also with decreased systemic low‐grade inflammation as well as with low arterial stiffness, in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Russian Higher Education and European Standards of Quality Assurance
Authors: Motova Galina , Pykkö Ritta
Published: February 2012

This article considers the relevance and implementation of European approaches to quality assurance in the context of the Russian educational system. It covers the issues of transformation of the higher education system during the post‐Soviet period, specific features of the state accreditation system, the impact of the European Standards and Guidelines (ESG) (http://www.enqa.eu/files/ESG_3edition%20(2).pdf)on Russian Quality Assurance system and trends in quality assurance of higher education.
European Standards in Russian Higher Education and the Role of English: a case study of the National University of Science and Technology, Moscow (MISiS)
Authors: West Richard , Frumina Elena
Published: February 2012

This article considers the current changes in Russian universities, especially moves towards a more outward‐looking, international approach, driven in particular by the Bologna Process. It is noted that the speed of change has been uneven, with many institutions slow to embrace reform. The situation at the National University of Science and Technology, Moscow (MISiS) is taken as an example of an institution where reform is moving ahead rapidly. The role of English teaching is examined as a driver of change. Research that informs the reforms is reported and the wider impact of English language teaching on academic quality and institutional culture is described and evaluated.
Bridging the Gap between Academic Research and Regional Development in the Basque Country
Authors: Karlsen James , Larrea Miren , Wilson James R. , Aranguren Mari Jose
Published: February 2012

The discussion in this article focuses on how the gap between academic knowledge and regional development can be bridged, creating conditions for change processes between researchers and regional agents. Institutional entrepreneurs can create regional development organisations and research organisations, but in order to fulfil regional needs it is necessary to create processes where researchers and practitioners can connect and create a mutual change process. The analysis shows how new organisations have been used to create conditions for knowledge co‐generation processes, a change in the language used and new work methods between researchers from Deusto University and Orkestra and regional actors over a period of 11 years in the Basque Country.
Mining booms and government budgets*
Authors: Freebairn John
Published: February 2012

The different time paths of effects of a mining boom driven by an increase in demand or by an outward shift of supply on the revenues and expenditures of the Australian Commonwealth and State Governments are described using a partial equilibrium model. Theoretical arguments to replace the present system of royalties with one of the different forms of economic rent tax and to increase the average revenue collected are presented. Some of the practical challenges to achieve more efficient special taxation of mineral and energy resources are reviewed. In the Australian context, it is argued that the case for placing the windfall revenue gains of a mining boom into a sovereign wealth fund rather than the normal budget processes is not compelling.
How Do the Different Components of Episodic Memory Develop? Role of Executive Functions and Short‐Term Feature‐Binding Abilities
Authors: Picard Laurence , Cousin Sidonie , Guillery‐Girard Bérengère , Eustache Francis , Piolino Pascale
Published: February 2012

This study investigated the development of all 3 components of episodic memory (EM), as defined by Tulving, namely, core factual content, spatial context, and temporal context. To this end, a novel, ecologically valid test was administered to 109 participants aged 4–16 years. Results showed that each EM component develops at a different rate. Ability to memorize factual content emerges early, whereas context retrieval abilities continue to improve until adolescence, due to persistent encoding difficulties (isolated by comparing results on free recall and recognition tasks). Exploration of links with other cognitive functions revealed that short‐term feature‐binding abilities contribute to all EM components, and executive functions to temporal and spatial context, although ability to memorize temporal context is predicted mainly by age.
Effects of Labeling on Preschoolers’ Explicit False Belief Performance: Outcomes of Cognitive Flexibility or Inhibitory Control?
Authors: Low Jason , Simpson Samantha
Published: February 2012

Executive function mechanisms underpinning language‐related effects on theory of mind understanding were examined in a sample of 165 preschoolers. Verbal labels were manipulated to identify relevant perspectives on an explicit false belief task. In Experiment 1 with 4‐year‐olds (N = 74), false belief reasoning was superior in the fully and protagonist‐perspective labeled conditions compared to the child‐perspective and nondescript labeling conditions. In Experiment 2 with 3‐year‐olds (N = 53), labeling the nondominant belief only biased attentional inertia. In Experiment 3 testing generalization in 4‐year‐olds (N = 38), labeling manipulations translated to improved performance on a second label‐free explicit false belief task. These outcomes fit a cognitive flexibility account whereby age changes in the effects of labeling turn on formulating sophisticated conceptual representations.
Host risk factors for the development of multiple non‐melanoma skin cancers
Authors: Qureshi A.A. , Wei‐Passanese E.X. , Li T. , Han J.
Published: February 2012

Non‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer in the US, and having multiple lesions conveys substantial cost and morbidity for the individual involved. Although there are data available on risk factors for NMSC, there are currently few studies that identify specific risk factors for development of multiple NMSCs. We evaluated host risk factors for multiple NMSCs among men (Health Professionals Follow‐up Study) and women (Nurses’ Health Study). Compared with individuals with a single NMSC, having greater number of sunburns was a risk factor for developing ≥2 NMSCs [≥10 sunburns, cumulative relative risk (RR) = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–1.36] and a higher risk of developing ≥11 NMSCs (≥10 sunburns, RR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.57–3.46). Inability‐to‐tan was associated with risk of developing ≥2 NMSCs (cumulative RR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.18–1.40) and a higher risk of developing ≥11 NMSCs (RR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.50–2.43). Men had an increased risk of developing ≥2 NMSCs (cumulative RR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.40–1.66). Risk of developing 2–4, 5–10 and ≥11 NMSCs increased with age. Other risk factors for developing ≥2 NMSCs included red natural hair colour (cumulative RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.07–1.42), family history of melanoma (cumulative RR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.03–1.28), and having ≥6 nevi on the left arm (cumulative RR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07–1.40). In conclusion, physicians caring for individuals with incident NMSCs may consider paying special attention to those at highest risk for developing additional tumours, especially males and those with a history of ≥10 lifetime sunburns, by performing routine full skin examinations and counselling for aggressive photoprotection.
Kawasaki disease in Greek children: a retrospective study
Authors: Alexopoulos A. , Vekiou A. , Lycopoulou L. , Tavena A. , Lagona E. , Kakourou T.
Published: February 2012

Background  The studies of series of children with Kawasaki disease (KD) in Greek children are limited.

Objectives  To evaluate the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, course and outcome of complete KD in Greek children.

Methods  Patients with complete KD who were discharged from our hospital and followed up routinely between 2004 and 2011 were included in the study. The relevant data were collected using a standardized form.

Results  There were 49 children (27 boys, 22 girls), mean age: 2.14 years. A seasonal peak of the disease during spring and summer months was detected. Changes of the extremities and cervical adenopathy were the least commonly met criteria for the complete KD diagnosis. The mean time of starting treatment was 6.5 days from the disease onset. The majority of patients, 42/49, responded well to a single infusion of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), while 7/49 patients who had persistent fever despite initial therapy with IVIG needed additional treatment with either a second dose of IVIG(5), intravenous pulse of methyl prednisolone(1) or infliximab(1). Coronary artery abnormalities were detected echocardiographically in 17/49 patients. Most of them (15/17) developed transient dilatations which resolved by the 8th week of disease onset while only 2 patients, despite early onset of treatment, developed coronary artery aneurysms which required coronary artery bypass grafts at a later stage.

Conclusions  Major epidemiologic features of KD detected among Greek children are similar to those reported in other populations. This study also demonstrates that significant cardiac complications may still occur following the disease even if it is diagnosed and treated early.
Money, finance and the personalisation agenda for people with learning disabilities in the UK: some emerging issues
Authors: Abbott David , Marriott Anna
Published: February 2012

Accessible Summary

In the UK, more people with learning disabilities have the chance to have more choice and control over their lives.

One big issue for many people with learning disabilities is that they should have control over their own money.

There can be quite a lot of problems for people with learning disabilities around managing money. Staff do not always know how best to help. Banks and building societies are not always helpful or accessible.

Giving people more choice or control over their money does not always mean that things will be better for people with learning disabilities.

People with learning difficulties need better kinds of support to have choice and control over their money.

In the UK, policy on adult social care places an emphasis on maximising choice and control for service users, including people with learning disabilities. The shift from the provision of organised services for groups of people to offering individual and personal budgets and pots of money for people to buy their own services has major implications for the way in which people with learning disabilities are offered the opportunity to be much more ‘hands‐on’ with managing their own financial affairs. Some of the financial implications of personalisation are arguably quite complex, and it is not clear how well people with learning disabilities are being supported with this. This paper highlights some key and emerging issues on the topic of money and personalisation and draws on interviews with a range of staff in learning disability services and highlights their views, hopes and concerns about the best ways to support people with money matters. The response of mainstream financial institutions to the needs of people with learning disabilities and the political and economic context in which the personalisation agenda is developing are also discussed.
What's it like to work with a clinical psychologist of a specialist learning disabilities service? Views from people with learning disabilities
Authors: Gifford Clive , Evers Catherine , Walden Sarah
Published: February 2012

Accessible Summary

We want to know what people with learning disabilities think about working with clinical psychologists.

We interviewed eight people with learning disabilities about their experience of seeing a clinical psychologist.

We summarised all the information we got from the interviews to share it with other professionals and with service users.

We used the information to make our psychology service more helpful for our service users.

We want to include the views of people with learning disabilities in planning our psychology service.

Clinical psychologists are well placed to work with people with learning disabilities given the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders in this population and the specialist training undertaken by psychologists. The evidence for psychological interventions in learning disabilities is scarce compared to the evidence for mainstream psychological interventions. This is because of the methodological issues in conducting quantitative research. A way forward to add to the evidence is to use qualitative methods to investigate the views of people with learning disabilities. The aim of the present study was to explore the views of eight people with learning disabilities about their experiences of working with clinical psychologists. Thematic analysis revealed three themes from the narratives: the therapeutic relationship, change and the expectations/perceptions of participants about clinical psychologists. When developing the quality of clinical psychology services for people with learning disabilities, providers should consider the views of people with learning disabilities in accordance with government policy. Limitations of the study are highlighted and further research suggested.
Decrease in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase is related to skin pigmentation
Authors: Nakama Mitsuo , Murakami Yuhko , Tanaka Hiroshi , Nakata Satoru
Published: February 2012

Skin pigmentation is caused by various physical and chemical factors. It might also be influenced by changes in the physiological function of skin with aging. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase is an enzyme related to the mitochondrial electron transport system and plays a key role in cellular energy production. It has been reported that the functional decrease in this system causes Parkinson’s disease. Another study reports that the amount of NADH dehydrogenase in heart and skeletal muscle decreases with aging. A similar decrease in the skin would probably affect its physiological function. However, no reports have examined the age‐related change in levels of NADH dehydrogenase in human skin. In this study, we investigated this change and its effect on skin pigmentation using cultured human epidermal keratinocytes. The mRNA expression of NDUFA1, NDUFB7, and NDUFS2, subunits of NADH dehydrogenase, and its activity were significantly decreased in late passage keratinocytes compared to early passage cells. Conversely, the mRNA expression of melanocyte‐stimulating cytokines, interleukin‐1 alpha and endothelin 1, was increased in late passage cells. On the other hand, the inhibition of NADH dehydrogenase upregulated the mRNA expression of melanocyte‐stimulating cytokines. Moreover, the level of NDUFB7 mRNA was lower in pigmented than in nonpigmented regions of skin in vivo. These results suggest the decrease in NADH dehydrogenase with aging to be involved in skin pigmentation.
Nail damage from gel polish manicure
Authors: Chen Andrea F , Chimento Stacy M , Hu Shasa , Sanchez Margaret , Zaiac Martin , Tosti Antonella
Published: February 2012

Manicures can result in nail damage via instrumentation, nail polish, nail polish removers, and artificial nails. We report nail weakness, brittleness, and thinning in five subjects after the application of a new manicure system called gel polish and removal with acetone and manual peeling. All subjects complained that the polish was very difficult to remove and that their nails became much thinner after the procedure. Pseudoleukonychia and onychoschizia lamellina were noted on examination. One subject underwent ultrasound and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) measurements of nail plate before and after the gel polish application, which showed thinned nail plate (0.063 vs. 0.050 cm and 0.059 vs. 0.030 cm, respectively). Overall, we call attention to the adverse effects of gel polish manicures in five subjects. In addition, our case illustrates potential utility of ultrasound and RCM in measuring nail plate thickness.
Cutaneous oxidative stress
Authors: Polefka Thomas G , Meyer Thomas A , Agin Patricia P , Bianchini Robert J
Published: February 2012

The earliest known microfossil records suggest that microorganisms existed on the earth approximately 3.8 billion years ago. Not only did sunlight drive this evolutionary process, but it also allowed photosynthetic organisms to elaborate oxygen and fundamentally change the earth’s atmosphere and subsequent evolution. Paradoxically, however, an atmosphere of 20% oxygen offers aerobic organisms both benefits and some key challenges, particularly, to the external integument. This mini‐review summarizes almost 40 years of research and provides a “60 000‐foot” perspective on cutaneous oxidative stress. Topics reviewed include the following: What are free radicals and reactive oxygen species? Where do they come from? What is their chemistry? What are their roles and/or impact on the skin? What antioxidant defenses are available to mitigate oxidative stress.
Topically applied l‐carnitine effectively reduces sebum secretion in human skin
Authors: Peirano Reto I , Hamann Tina , Düsing Hans‐Jürgen , Akhiani Mehdi , Koop Urte , Schmidt‐Rose Thomas , Wenck Horst
Published: February 2012

Background  Oily skin condition is caused by an excessive sebaceous gland activity, resulting in an overproduction of sebum, giving the skin an undesired shiny, oily appearance.

Aims  To identify an active substance that reduces sebum production in human sebaceous glands by regulating fat metabolism in a natural way.

Patients/Methods  The effects of l‐carnitine on β‐oxidation and intracellular lipid content were investigated in vitro using the human sebaceous cell line SZ95. Penetration experiments utilizing pig skin as a model system were performed with a cosmetic formulation containing radioactively labeled l‐carnitine. To determine the in vivo effects, a vehicle‐controlled, randomized study was carried out using a cosmetic formulation containing 2%l‐carnitine for 3 weeks. Sebum production was investigated utilizing the lipid‐absorbent Sebutape®.

Results  SZ95 cells treated with 0.5% or 1%l‐carnitine demonstrated a significant concentration‐dependent increase in β‐oxidation compared to control cells. Following the treatment with l‐carnitine, intracellular lipid concentrations decreased significantly in a dose‐dependent manner compared with untreated control cells. In skin penetration experiments, topically applied l‐carnitine reached the dermis. In addition, topical in vivo application of a formulation containing 2%l‐carnitine for 3 weeks significantly decreased the sebum secretion rate compared to the treatment with vehicle.

Conclusions  Our results show that the treatment of human sebocytes with l‐carnitine significantly augments β‐oxidation and significantly decreases intracellular lipid content in human sebocytes. Topically applied l‐carnitine is bioavailable and leads to a significant sebum reduction in vivo. In conclusion, l‐carnitine represents a valuable compound, produced naturally within the body, for the topical treatment of oily skin in humans.
A single‐blinded comparative study between the use of glycolic acid 70% peel and the use of topical nanosome vitamin C iontophoresis in the treatment of melasma
Authors: Sobhi Rehab Mohamed , Sobhi Ahmed Mohamed
Published: February 2012

Background  Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder. Despite the availability of a wide range of skin‐lightening treatments, melasma of skin remains a therapeutic challenge.

Objective  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nanosome vitamin C iontophoresis and to compare the therapeutic effects of nanosome vitamin C iontophoresis vs. glycolic acid peel 70% in the treatment of melasma in Egyptian women.

Methods  This study included 14 patients of melasma with skin type IV–V taken for a right–left comparison study of six sessions. Glycolic acid 70% peel was applied on the right side, whereas nanosome vitamin C was applied by iontophoresis on the other side. The results are evaluated using the melasma area and severity index score and with photographs at baseline and after six sessions. Also the photographs were evaluated by two single‐blinded physicians before and after sessions.

Results  Both sides were improved, but the side treated with nanosome vitamin C showed better results. Side effects were few and transient.

Conclusion  We concluded that nanosome vitamin C is a new, safe and effective, easy and painless method in the treatment of melasma.
In the shadow of the wrinkle: theories
Authors: Humbert Philippe , Viennet Céline , Legagneux Kévin , Grandmottet François , Robin Sophie , Oddos Thierry , Muret Patrice
Published: February 2012

As time passes, wrinkles typically appear. These skin depressions that become deeper and deeper draw more and more coarser lines on almost all the visible parts of aging individual’s skin. They are indeed the most obvious and maybe disliked signs of skin aging, and thus, preventing and treating them are a major topic for dermo‐cosmetic laboratories. However, the cause and occurrence mechanism of these simplistic looking lines are not yet fully understood. Wrinkling is thought to be a complex biophysical process resulting from repeated strains on a progressively, structurally and biochemistry altered aging skin with impaired mechanical properties. Focus is made on the specific histological features of the wrinkle compared to the surrounding aging skin. The numerous age‐related changes in human skin that are supposed to be involved in wrinkling are briefly reviewed, and the current theories on wrinkle formation linked to these changes are also discussed.
hTERT mutations associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis affect telomerase activity, telomere length, and cell growth by distinct mechanisms
Authors: Tsang Allison R. , Wyatt Haley D.M. , Ting Nicholas S.Y. , Beattie Tara L.
Published: February 2012

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein reverse transcriptase (RT) that synthesizes specific DNA repeats, or telomeric DNA, at the ends of chromosomes. Telomerase is minimally composed of a protein subunit, TERT, and an RNA component, TR. Aberrant telomerase activity has been associated with most human cancers and several premature aging diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic, progressive, and fatal lung disease characterized by alveolar epithelial cell damage and fibrosis. Our study focuses on three hTERT mutations that were identified in a subset of patients with IPF, in which these patients also exhibited shorter telomeres compared with age‐matched controls. We characterized how three IPF‐associated hTERT mutations, V144M, R865C, and R865H, affected telomerase function both in vitro and in human cells. We demonstrated that the R865 residue is crucial for repeat addition processivity and thus telomere synthesis in telomerase‐positive 293 cells and telomerase‐negative BJ cells, consistent with its location in the hTERT nucleotide‐binding motif. In contrast, while the V144M mutant did not exhibit any biochemical defects, this mutant was unable to elongate telomeres in human cells. As a result, our studies have identified hTERT V144 and R865 as two critical residues required for proper telomerase function in cells. Together, this may explain how inherited hTERT mutations can lead to shortened telomeres in patients with IPF and, thus, provide further insight into the role of naturally occurring telomerase mutations in the pathophysiology of certain age‐related disease states.
Reliability of heart rate measures used to assess post‐exercise parasympathetic reactivation
Authors: Dupuy Olivier , Mekary Saïd , Berryman Nicolas , Bherer Louis , Audiffren Michel , Bosquet Laurent
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Postexercise HRR (heart rate recovery) and HRV (heart rate variability) are commonly used to asses non‐invasive cardiac autonomic regulation and more particularly reactivation parasympathetic function. Unfortunately, the reliability of postexercise HRR and HRV remains poorly quantified and is still lacking. The aim of this study was to examine absolute and relative reliability of HRR and HRV indices used to assess postexercise cardiac parasympathetic reactivation.

Methods

We studied 30 healthy men, who underwent 10‐minute heart rate recording after cessation of maximal and submaximal intensity exercises. Each condition of testing was repeated twice within 5 ± 2 days after the first one. Standard indexes of HRR and HRV were computed from heart rate and RR intervals.

Results

We found no significant bias between repeated measures. Relative reliability was assessed with the intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) and absolute reliability with the standard error measurement (SEM) and coefficient of variation (CV). A large range for ICC was observed for both indexes of HRR and HRV (0·12 < ICC < 0·87 and 0·14 < ICC < 0·97, respectively). The same heterogeneity was observed for absolute reliability (5% < CV < 72% for HRR parameters and 24% < CV < 141% for HRV parameters).

Conclusion

According to our results, ∆60 (the absolute difference between heart rate immediately at the end of exercise and after 60 s) and HFnu (High Frequency expressed in normalized unit; that is, in a percentage of LF+HF) represent the most reliable parameters. In conclusion, we found that the measures used to asses cardiac parasympathetic reactivation were characterized by large random variations and their reliability remains moderate.
Beyond trial justice in the former Yugoslavia
Authors: Jeffrey Alex , Jakala Michaelina
Published: February 2012

The arrest of Ratko Mladić on 26 May 2011 and his almost immediate deportation to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) has underscored the significance of international legal institutions to the enactment of transitional justice. In this commentary we will seek to illustrate some alternative discourses and practices of transitional justice emerging across the former Yugoslavia. In particular we analyse a 6‐year initiative led by civil society groups to establish a truth commission for the former Yugoslavia, entitled the ‘Regional Commission for Establishing the Facts about War Crimes and Other Gross Violations of Human Rights Committed on the Territory of the former Yugoslavia’ (or RECOM). In so doing, we illuminate a number of areas of geographical concern in the study of transitional justice: from the lingering significance of state sovereignty to the imagined geographies of regional cooperation.
Therapeutic implications of disorders of cell death signalling: membranes, micro‐environment, and eicosanoid and docosanoid metabolism
Authors: Davidson J , Rotondo D , Rizzo MT , Leaver HA
Published: February 2012

Disruptions of cell death signalling occur in pathological processes, such as cancer and degenerative disease. Increased knowledge of cell death signalling has opened new areas of therapeutic research, and identifying key mediators of cell death has become increasingly important. Early triggering events in cell death may provide potential therapeutic targets, whereas agents affecting later signals may be more palliative in nature. A group of primary mediators are derivatives of the highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFAs), particularly oxygenated metabolites such as prostaglandins. HUFAs, esterified in cell membranes, act as critical signalling molecules in many pathological processes. Currently, agents affecting HUFA metabolism are widely prescribed in diseases involving disordered cell death signalling. However, partly due to rapid metabolism, their role in cell death signalling pathways is poorly characterized. Recently, HUFA‐derived mediators, the resolvins/protectins and endocannabinoids, have added opportunities to target selective signals and pathways. This review will focus on the control of cell death by HUFA, eicosanoid (C20 fatty acid metabolites) and docosanoid (C22 metabolites), HUFA‐derived lipid mediators, signalling elements in the micro‐environment and their potential therapeutic applications. Further therapeutic approaches will involve cell and molecular biology, the multiple hit theory of disease progression and analysis of system plasticity. Advances in the cell biology of eicosanoid and docosanoid metabolism, together with structure/function analysis of HUFA‐derived mediators, will be useful in developing therapeutic agents in pathologies characterized by alterations in cell death signalling.
Silence and secrets in Domenico Fetti's Portrait of a Man with a Sheet of Music
Authors: ROBERTS SEAN
Published: February 2012

Domenico's Fetti's Portrait of a Man with a Sheet of Music has confounded attempts to identify its sitter and perplexed viewers with its unexplained narrative. The foreground presents a seated man who glances up from the page in his left hand. At the lower right corner of the canvas, two small figures emerge from a doorway. The first of these men points to the sitter, while the other puts a single finger to his lips, his head turned right to address an unseen presence beyond the frame. With this gesture, he hushes both his fictive companion and the viewer.

This essay re‐examines both the identity of Fetti's sitter and, more importantly, the role of these painted intruders. I argue that the marginal figure's gesture of silence serves to thematize visual art's always fraught relationship with sound. Further, I propose that early modern viewers would have associated this gesture with admonitions to discretion and secrecy. This novel rumination on silence and secrets would have proved ideal for the representation of a new and socially liminal class of musical theatre composers and performers at the Mantuan court that Fetti served.
Two Case Studies of Secondary Language Teaching: A Critical Look at the Intersection of Management and the Local and Social Realities that Shape our Classrooms
Authors: BURNETT JOANNE
Published: February 2012

This qualitative study followed two graduates from a master of arts in the teaching of languages program, who had taught for at least 3 years, into their domain of work in public school teaching. The study was carried out to better understand the day‐to‐day work, challenges, and social and interactive contexts in which language teachers engage. It is of particular significance and relevance to teaching in today's language classroom and to teacher education programs as it examines and questions one of the most critical issues for classroom teachers: classroom management and student behavior, and in this case, in an economically disadvantaged and a high achieving school. The researcher must confront and reframe communicative language teaching as she sees it carried out and lived in these classrooms. In analyzing and interpreting classroom events and interactions, the researcher relied on literature in classroom management, classroom discourse, and teaching diverse populations and the economically disadvantaged. For teacher educators it seems critical to better understand both the local and social realities of secondary language classrooms so that teacher education programs may more broadly serve their prospective teachers’ needs and the communities in which they will live and teach.
Task Complexity, Focus on L2 Constructions, and Individual Differences: A Classroom‐Based Study
Authors: RÉVÉSZ ANDREA
Published: February 2012

Motivated by cognitive‐interactionist frameworks for task‐based learning, this study explores whether task complexity affects the extent to which learners focus on form–meaning connections during task‐based work in a classroom setting, and whether this relationship is modulated by 3 individual difference factors—linguistic self‐confidence, anxiety, and self‐perceived communicative competence. Forty‐three English as a second language learners from 6 intact classes worked in self‐selected groups during their normal English classes. Each group performed 2 versions of the same argumentative task—a simple version and a complex version. The topics of the discussions were comparable, and the sequence of the tasks was counterbalanced. Twenty‐three hours of audio‐ and videotaped data were collected and coded in terms of global and specific measures of speech production and various interactional features hypothesized to facilitate attention to second language constructions. Self‐report questionnaires were employed to determine the mediating effects of the individual difference variables. Quantitative analyses revealed a few significant trends. One such trend is that participants demonstrated lower syntactic complexity but greater accuracy and lexical diversity when task complexity was increased. In addition, the more complex task proved more effective in inducing the use of specific, developmentally advanced constructions and in promoting interaction‐driven language learning opportunities. However, no significant effects were observed for individual differences.
Negotiating Access to Learning Through Resistance to Classroom Practice
Authors: MILLER ELIZABETH R. , ZUENGLER JANE
Published: February 2012

In line with situated learning perspectives, this article explores the notion of learners’ access to participation in social practices. While agreeing with the premise that access to participation in communities of practice is foundational for learning, we problematize simplistic notions of access by investigating how it is sometimes sought after, appropriated, controlled, and resisted among English language learners in a high school sheltered civics class. In closely analyzing an extended interaction from this class, we found that a student's lack of English proficiency, rather than enhanced proficiency, led to her gaining central participation in a classroom practice. However, the access she gained did not result in meaningful or empowering participation for her. We also found that resistance to particular modes of participation can lead to more central participation for learners, but the desirability of that access depends on the linguistic capital one can claim in particular practices. Finally, we found that the inclusion of peripheral/marginal members is often constitutive of others’ ability to negotiate linguistic capital for themselves in classroom practices. We believe these aspects of access and participation implicate a larger “access paradox” (Janks, 2004) that second language researchers must acknowledge in seeking to understand learning processes.
A Preliminary Theory of Informal Accountability among Network Organizational Actors
Authors: Romzek Barbara S. , LeRoux Kelly , Blackmar Jeannette M.
Published: February 2012

Widespread government contracting for nonprofit social service delivery has resulted in extensive reliance on networks of service providers, which involve complicated accountability dynamics. The literature has tended to emphasize formal aspects of accountability in contract relationships, focusing on the specification of contract terms, performance measures, reporting relationships, and stipulated consequences. Far less attention has been focused on the interorganizational and interpersonal behaviors that reflect informal accountability. This article examines the informal norms, expectations, and behaviors that facilitate collective action and promote informal accountability among nonprofit network actors. The data are based on in‐depth interviews with nonprofit senior administrators in four major metropolitan areas. Based on this research, the authors propose a preliminary theory of informal accountability that links (1) the shared norms and facilitative behaviors that foster informal accountability for collective outcomes, (2) the informal system of rewards and sanctions used to promote and reinforce behavioral expectations, and (3) the challenges that may undermine informal accountability.
Networks and place in Montreal's independent music industry
Authors: Cummins‐Russell Thomas A. , Rantisi Norma M.
Published: February 2012

The significance of networks for independent music producers has been well established in the urban‐economic geography literature and the literature centred on cultural industries. In this article, we seek to build on this literature by considering how place‐based attributes mediate network development; that is to say, how the unique characteristics of place (such as historical and cultural attributes) determine networking outcomes among spatially proximate actors. Specifically, we consider the importance of place through an examination of Montreal's independent music industry. Drawing on 46 semi‐structured interviews with key actors in the industry, we illustrate how Montreal's bilingual identity contributes to network dynamics within the industry.
High false‐negative rate of anti‐HCV among Egyptian patients on regular hemodialysis
Authors: El‐Sherif Assem , Elbahrawy Ashraf , Aboelfotoh Atef , Abdelkarim Magdy , Saied Mohammad Abdel‐Gawad , Abdallah Abdallah Mahmoud , Mostafa Sadek , Elmestikawy Amr , Elwassief Ahmed , Salah Mohamed , Abdelbaseer Mohamed Ali , Abdelwahab Kouka Saadeldin
Published: February 2012

Routine serological testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among hemodialysis (HD) patients is currently recommended. A dilemma existed on the value of serology because some investigators reported a high rate of false‐negative serologic testing. In this study, we aimed to detect the false‐negative rate of anti‐HCV among Egyptian HD patients. Seventy‐eight HD patients, negative for anti‐HCV, anti‐HIV, and hepatitis B surface antigen, were tested for HCV RNA by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). In the next step, the viral load was quantified by real‐time PCR in RT‐PCR‐positive patients. Risk factors for HCV infection, as well as clinical and biochemical indicators of liver disease, were compared between false‐negative and true‐negative anti‐HCV HD patients. The frequency of false‐negative anti‐HCV was 17.9%. Frequency of blood transfusion, duration of HD, dialysis at multiple centers, and diabetes mellitus were not identified as risk factors for HCV infection. The frequency of false‐negative results had a linear relation to the prevalence of HCV infection in the HD units. Timely identification of HCV within dialysis units is needed in order to lower the risk of HCV spread within the HD units. The high false‐negative rate of anti‐HCV among HD patients in our study justifies testing of a large scale of patients for precious assessment of effectiveness of nucleic acid amplification technology testing in screening HD patient.
Effects of secondary amyloidosis on arteriovenous hemodialysis fistula outcomes and intradialytic hypotension: A case‐control study
Authors: Solak Yalcin , Caymaz Memduh , Tonbul Halil Zeki , Ozbek Orhan , Turkmen Kultigin , Gormus Niyazi
Published: February 2012

Amyloid fibrils can affect vascular structure through deposition and by causing nitric oxide depletion and increase of asymmetric dimethyl arginine. Patients with amyloidosis are prone to development of hypotension. Hypotension may also affect the maturation of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) and may set the stage for formation of thrombosis and fistula failure. Thus, we aimed to evaluate effects of secondary amyloidosis on AVF outcomes and intradialytic hypotension. This is a case‐control study which included 20 hemodialysis patients with amyloidosis and 20 hemodialysis patients without amyloidosis as control group. All patients underwent Doppler ultrasound of AVF. A thorough fistula history and baseline laboratory values along with episodes of intradialytic hypotension and blood pressure measurements were recorded. There was no difference between the groups regarding age, gender, body mass index, presence of comorbidities, hypertension, and drug use. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were similar (119 ± 28/75 ± 17 and 120 ± 14/75 ± 10 mmHg for patients with and without amyloidosis, respectively). Intradialytic hypotension episodes were also similar. Patients with amyloidosis had significantly lower serum albumin and higher C‐reactive protein values compared to control hemodialysis patients. AVF sites and total number of created fistulas were similar in both groups. Flow rates of current functional AVFs were not different between the groups (1084 ± 875 and 845 ± 466 mL/minute for patients with and without amyloidosis, respectively, p:0.67). Patency duration of first AVF was not different between the groups. Clinical fistula outcomes and rate of intradialytic hypotension episodes were not significantly different between patients with and without secondary systemic amyloidosis.
Dielectric Properties of Solution‐Deposited Crystalline Barium Titanate Thin Films
Authors: Roy Biplab Kumar , Cho Junghyun
Published: February 2012

We have developed a “two‐step” solution‐based processing to deposit high‐k ceramic thin films. Electrochemically pre‐coated amorphous titania layers were “hydrothermally” or “hydrothermal‐electrochemically” converted to crystalline BaTiO3 films at ≤90°C. In hydrothermal process, an in situ electrochemical protection (ECP) mechanism enables utilization of common metallic substrates (e.g., Cu), which otherwise suffer corrosion from the precursor. Microstructural evolution of BaTiO3 films along with the effectiveness of ECP is discussed in this article. Derived BaTiO3 shows a dielectric constant of ~80 at 100 kHz, which makes it a promising candidate for high‐density microelectronic capacitor applications.
Crystal Structures and Dielectric Properties of Bi2((Zn1/3Nb2/3)1−xTix)2O7 Ceramics
Authors: Fan Xiaojian , Sun Ruiting , Wang Xiaoli
Published: February 2012

Bi2((Zn1/3Nb2/3)1−xTix)2O7 ceramics with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 were synthesized using solid‐state reaction method. The crystal structure is pure zirconolite type for the compositions with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15, single weberite type for the compositions with 0.3 ≤ x ≤ 0.4, and mixture of zirconolite and weberite for the compositions with 0.15 < x < 0.3. The weberite ceramics with only Bi as the A‐site cation are first reported. A possible correlation between the crystal structure transformation and Ti content in system of Bi2((Zn1/3Nb2/3)1−xTix)2O7 with 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 was suggested. Dielectric constant (ε), dielectric loss (tan δ) and temperature coefficient of capacitance (TCC) are ~85, ~0.001, and ~200 ppm/°C for the zirconolite solid solutions, ~140, 0.004, and between −120 and −200 ppm/°C for the weberite solid solutions, respectively, at 1 MHz. Ceramics with a near zero TCC consisting of the zirconolite and weberite phases were obtained. High ε, low tanδ, and low sintering temperatures (~950°C) make the novel ceramic system of Bi2((Zn1/3Nb2/3)1−xTix)2O7 potential dielectrics for applications in low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic and multiplayer ceramic capacitors.
Dielectric Properties of the Bismuth Neodymium Titanate Pyrochlore Solid Solution
Authors: Kunej Špela , Škapin Srečo D. , Suvorov Danilo
Published: February 2012

The dielectric properties of a new, cubic, pyrochlore‐type solid solution Bi(1.6−1.08x)NdxTi2O(6.4−0.11x) have been studied across the compositional range 0.35 < x < 0.86. The dielectric constant (ε) of the ceramics based on the pyrochlore‐type solid solution within the experimental compositional range varied from 104 to 76 at 1 MHz, whereas the dielectric losses were well below tan δ = 8 × 10−3. The temperature coefficient of the dielectric constant τk for single‐phase pyrochlore samples was found to be in the range between −20 and −40 ppm/K. Below room temperature dielectric relaxation phenomena were observed for all the compositions.
The Mechanism of Core/Shell Structure Formation During Sintering of BaTiO3‐Based Ceramics
Authors: Jeon Sang‐Chae , Lee Chul‐Seung , Kang Suk‐Joong L.
Published: February 2012

The mechanism of core/shell formation during sintering in BaTiO3‐based systems was studied in (Mg, Y)‐doped BaTiO3. The effect of ball milling time on core size and shell thickness was first observed. The core size was similar irrespective of ball milling time whereas the shell thickness increased with increasing ball milling time. The measured powder size after ball milling suggested that the cores were from the larger BaTiO3 particles and the shells formed via dissolution of smaller particles and precipitation of dissolved material, in contrast with the interpretation of the results of a previous investigation. To identify the core/shell formation mechanism, bi‐layer samples with different chemical compositions, 94BaTiO3–2Y2O3–2MgO–2SiO2 (mol%) (BT–YMS) and 98BaTiO3–2SiO2 (mol%) (BT–S), and different grain sizes were prepared. The morphology of the newly formed shell layer and the shape of an {111} twin across the interface between a core and a shell confirmed that the formation mechanism of the core/shell structure during sintering is the dissolution and precipitation of material rather than solid‐state diffusion of solutes into BaTiO3.