bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Due Diligence Principle Under International Law
Authors: Barnidge Robert
Published: March 2012

This article explores the interface of state responsibility, non-state actors, and the due diligence principle. It begins by examining the various principles of responsibility under international law. After doing so, it closely considers the deliberations of the International Law Commission on the topic of state responsibility. In light of these developments, attention is then paid to exactly what has been expected of states with regard to the activities of non-state actors during the last century. This overview focuses on the due diligence principle, a principle which, it is argued, can be restrictively or expansively interpreted, as the particular facts and circumstances require, to hold states responsible for their actions or omissions related to non-state actors.
Two Years in the Life: The Pioneering Aarhus Convention Compliance Committee 2004–2006
Authors: Marshall Fiona
Published: March 2012

The UNECE's Aarhus Convention is widely considered as a leading light in the area of environmental democracy. Its Compliance Committee is similarly innovative, being the first multilateral environmental agreement to allow members of the public to trigger its compliance procedure. In February 2004 the first case by a member of the public seeking a review of a State Party's compliance was submitted to the Compliance Committee. Since then a further fifteen cases from members of the public have been received. This paper contains a review of the Compliance Committee's pioneering work over the last two years. The paper begins with a brief background on the Aarhus Convention. It then describes the structure and modus operandi of the Compliance Committee. The cases brought before the Committee to date are then discussed, including where relevant the Committee's findings and recommendations and the Meeting of the Parties' decisions. The paper ends with observations drawn from the Committee's case work thus far.
Tracing Visions on Integration and/of Minorities: An Analysis of the Supervisory Practice of the FCNM
Authors: Henrard Kristin
Published: March 2012

In light of the increasing attention for ‘integration’ in multinational societies, it seems important to have a good understanding of what ‘integration’ means, and what it takes. By way of preliminary analysis the different models to deal with population diversity are discussed. Subsequently, the concept integration is analysed, both in terms of scope (the population groups it applies to) as in terms of content. An analysis of an overarching meaning of the concept ‘integration’ (and its relationship to assimilation, integration as a two way process and citizenship), is followed by the identification of the relevant themes, which are translated in terms of the minority condition. In light of this conceptual framework both the text of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM), its commentary and the related supervisory practice are analysed. Considering the focus of the FCNM on the protection of minorities, the baseline of the FCNM is bound to be ‘integration without forced assimilation’. A closer analysis of the supervisory practice confirms the central importance of effective protection against discrimination, effective participation and also education. Notwithstanding the various important clarifications on integration in the supervisory practice, some themes are missing, like the pros and cons of private minority education. Further research seems warranted.
Non-territorial Autonomy and International Law
Authors: Osipov Alexander
Published: March 2012

The author seeks to analyze in what ways international law can justify or limit ethnicity-based non-territorial autonomy (NTA). NTA serves as a category of practice lacking a uniform understanding. NTA has gained two basic interpretations: as a collective entitlement to promote ethnicity, language and culture and as the idea of granting self-governing organisations certain public functions and resources. Some ‘soft law’ provisions explicitly employ the notion of non-territorial autonomy or self-administration; they are declaratory and far from being instrumentalised. Concurrently, there are more concrete and instrumental provisions as well as case-law which fit into the second understanding of NTA; but these approaches more restrictive than of the first cluster. This gap can be explained in terms of differences between symbolic and instrumental policies, through taking into account the ideological function of international law, or the function of generating non-controversial macro-narratives.
Vain Philosophy, the Schools and Civil Philosophy
Authors: Krom Michael
Published: March 2012

Vain philosophy has a central place in Hobbes's civil philosophy, for his account of its development as well as the causes of this 'false philosophy' (as he also calls it) are both important for understanding his views on the nature of philosophy; further, his doctrine of vain philosophy reveals how philosophy is to be situated in the commonwealth in those institutions that have as their role the dissemination of philosophical knowledge, viz. the schools and universities. In this essay I explain what Hobbes means by vain philosophy, and how it differs from true philosophy. After doing this, I analyze its causes, finding pride as the root cause of this false form of philosophy. Finally, I discuss philosophy as concretely taught in the commonwealth through the schools, and in doing so examine the reasons for Hobbes's concern with this vain philosophy as inimical to his civil philosophy.
Hobbes on authority De Cive and Leviathan : a comparison
Authors: Lukac De Stier Maria L.
Published: March 2012

The primary purpose of this paper is to show the change in the notion of authority as reflected in Leviathan with respect to De Cive on account of the inclusion, in the former, of the concept of authorization. This notion, which had not appeared in either De Cive or Elements of Law, introduces a new way of conceiving of sovereignty, of power and even of the view on the Kingdom of God. In this paper I will also undertake an analysis, both textual and contextual, of these new approaches, which are closely linked to the notion of authority.
Two new ancient griffenflies (Insecta: Odonatoptera) from the Namurian of Ningxia, China
Authors: Su Ya , Zhang Zhijun , Hong Youchong
Published: March 2012

Two new ancient griffenflies, members of the Qilianshan Entomofauna from the Namurian B-C (Upper Carboniferous) of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, are described. One species, Sinierasiptera jini Zhang, Hong & Su, sp.n., is placed in a new family Sinierasipteridae within Neodonatoptera, and the other, Paragilsonia orientalis Zhang, Hong & Su, sp.n., in Meganeuridae (Tupinae). The phylogenetic position of the new family Sinierasipteridae is discussed.
Public-Interest Supply Functions of Non-Public Funding Foundations: A Typology, Supply Pathways and Optimal Policies
Authors: Hai-long Liu
Published: March 2012

Abstract

Since 2004, non-public funding foundations have developed rapidly. They have had important effects on resource mobilization, public-interest services and grant incubation. This study affirms non-public funding foundations’ role as “public-interest suppliers”. After an analysis of the entire supplier – that is, non-public funding foundation – industry’s development, a typology of non-public funding foundations as public-interest providers is presented and the concept of “agent foundations” introduced. Then, five foundation supply methods are discussed, including direct supply of funds, direct supply of services, indirect supply of funds, indirect supply of services and supply by foundation agents. The last type, in particular, is characterized by a unique principal-agent relationship. Then, from the angles of transaction costs, field effectiveness and optimal scales, it analyzes issues related to non-public funding foundations’ optimal supply decisions, including optimal methods, fields and scales of supply. Lastly, it identifies two major challenges from the demand side that non-public funding foundations face as they vigorously develop – homogeneous competition and insufficient effective demand – and offers policy responses.
Movies Without Mercy: Race, War, and Images of Japanese People in American Films, 1942-1945
Authors: Xiaofei Wang
Published: March 2012

Historian John Dower titles his book War Without Mercy. Similarly, wartime Hollywood showed no mercy when depicting Japanese. Negative portrayals were often based on actual atrocities, but it was racism to demonize an entire people and culture. The story of how politics in Hollywood and Washington, the conduct of war, and international relations shaped and changed film racism involves a much more complex approach than has been practiced to date. Using archives of film studios, the Production Code Administration (PCA), and governmental agencies such as the Office of War Information (OWI), this article traces the power struggle among them and a new racism which emerged after 1941. Filmmakers now projected favorable images of Chinese to distinguish their new allies from the Japanese enemy. OWI struggled to promote a liberal agenda which saw the enemy as world fascism, not the Japanese people. The article analyzes more than two dozen films to trace the complications in three types of wartime screen racism: (1) "Verbal racism," such as derogating words like "Jap." (2) "Physical racism," which dramatized and ridiculed physical characteristics of Japanese people. (3) "Psychological racism," which saw all Japanese people as cruel and treacherous.
Sergei Diaghilev “The Russian”: Reflections on the Repertory of the Ballets Russes
Authors: Malmstad John E.
Published: March 2012

Abstract

The Ballets Russes never performed in Russia, and in the last twelve years of its twenty-one year existence (1909-1929) many Western European artists and composers worked for the company. Yet its essential identity remained as Russian as that of its founder, the quintessential “cosmopolitan” Sergei Diaghilev. An examination of its repertory makes that clear.
Bronislava Nijinska and the Spirit of Modernism
Authors: Johnson Robert
Published: March 2012

Abstract

No one should make judgments about ballets that no longer exist. Choreographer Bronislava Nijinska's surviving masterpieces offer sufficient proof of a a brilliant and varied imagination, inspired by her classical training; by the example of her brother, Vaslav Nijinsky; and by contemporary developments in the visual arts.
Self-injury as Embodied Emotion Work: Managing Rationality, Emotions and Bodies
Authors: Chandler Amy
Published: March 2012

Drawing on narrative research conducted in the UK about self-injury and embodiment, this article presents a novel sociological analysis of self-injury, utilizing the concept of emotion work. By focusing explicitly on embodied methods of ‘doing’ emotion work, the article highlights the under-recognized importance of examining the practical, corporeal practices that can be involved in emotion work. I reflect on the sociological and theoretical significance of examining self-injury as embodied emotion work – both as an analytic concept and as a narrative resource.
Affectivity, Biopolitics and the Virtual Reality of War
Authors: Väliaho Pasi
Published: March 2012

At the focal point of contemporary biopolitical knowledge and power is human life in its contingent, evolutionary and emergent properties: the living as adaptive and affective beings, characterized in particular by their capacity to experience stress and fear that works together with vital survival mechanisms. This article addresses new techniques of psychiatric power and therapeutic epistemologies that have emerged in present-day military-scientific as well as media technological assemblages to define and capture the human in its psychobiological states of emergency. Specifically, the focus of this article is on one special kind of screen medium, called Virtual Iraq, a virtual reality device designed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder among war veterans. The article analyses Virtual Iraq as an example of new forms and strategies for the management of affectivity and memory that have been developed in conjunction with contemporary neuroscientific discourses on the evolutionary origins of emotional life and its neurobiological functionality among humans qua species. Furthermore, it discusses Virtual Iraq as an example of the biopolitical work of contemporary screen media in which the reality of images starts to concern the organism’s internal functioning instead of being anthropological or communicative, tapping into the brain’s capacity of self-organization as well as contributing to the production and maintenance of psychological immunity.
Sociolegal Characteristics and Parole Infractions Among Israeli Released Prisoners During Electronic Monitoring
Authors: Shoham Efrat , Yehosha-Stern Shirley , Efodi Rotem
Published: March 2012

The objective of this study is to examine the part played by sociolegal characteristics such as ethnic background, family status, or criminal past in the rate of infractions among ex-prisoners in Electronic Monitoring (EM) Programs. In addition, it focuses on the nature of the formal decisions made by community supervision agents regarding such infractions and their correlation with the sociolegal characteristics of the participants. The research population included all prisoners on license (i.e., prisoners who have been granted conditional early release) who took part in the EM project from mid-2007 until mid-2009 (24 months), altogether 155 participants. The data show no significant correlation between the number of infractions and the participant’s sociolegal background. In spite of the fact that the EM coordinators have extensive discretionary power, which is likely to lead to discrimination attributable to variables such as ethnicity, this research shows that the most efficacious variable for explaining formal responses is an objective one—the number of infractions.
Nature et ontologie sociale de la firme
Authors: Chassagnon Virgile
Published: March 2012

Resume

The question of social ontology is considered irrelevant to the economic debate on the genesis of the firm. This article aims to show that the ontological nature of the firm can be explained by stressing the need to: (1) go beyond simple individualism and reductionism; (2) analyze the firm as a (re)constitutive emergent entity; (3) understand the cohesive interrelations between the human constituents and the nonhuman resources; and (4) define the firm as an institutionalized organization.
Ten years of Ana: Lessons from a transdisciplinary body of literature on online pro-eating disorder websites
Authors: Casilli Antonio A , Tubaro Paola , Araya Pedro
Published: March 2012

Resume

This paper offers a methodical review of the scientific literature of the last decade that concerns itself with online services offering supportive advocacy for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa (‘pro-ana’ and ‘pro-mia’). The main question is whether these studies reproduce the traditional divide in the study of eating disorders, between clinical and social science perspectives, with limited mutual exchanges. Having first identified a specific body of literature, the authors investigate its content, methods and approaches, and analyse the network of cross-citations the components generate and share. On this basis, the authors argue that the scientific literature touching on pro-ana websites can be regarded as a single transdisciplinary body of knowledge. What’s more, they show that the literature on computer-mediated sociabilities centred on eating disorders displays different structural characteristics with respect to the traditional, non-Web-related research on eating disorders. In the latter, the social sciences have usually provided a critical counterpoint to the development of a health sciences mainstream. In the case of Web-related research, however, the social sciences have taken the lead role in defining the field, with the health sciences following suit.
Invention et (dé)stabilisation d’un espace politique singulier: Brasilia un demi-siècle après la fondation
Authors: Rocha Daniella
Published: March 2012

Resume

The instability of political life in the Federal District is a curious research problem from a scientific standpoint. This article attempts to unveil the paradoxes underlying the difficulty of stabilizing this space of relations and competences. In so doing, it looks into the processes that led, in the mid-1980s, to the specialization of a political sphere peculiar to Brasilia and to its rapid but low-key institutionalization. The invention of a local political space appears as a process deeply marked by the specificities of the territorial problematic specific to the Brazilian urban configuration. The author’s point of departure is the hypothesis that, in spite of its institutionalized rules and agencies, the political space of the Federal District tends to produce a more flexible structure than the political spaces found in the other units of the Brazilian federation.
Determination of optimum specific thrust for civil aero gas turbine engines: a multidisciplinary design synthesis and optimisation
Authors: Guha Abhijit , Boylan D , Gallagher P
Published: March 2012

A systematic methodology for the determination of optimum specific thrust of civil turbofan engines is presented. The optimum is defined as the specific thrust at which the engine direct operating cost is minimised. Based on publicly available data and clean‐sheet analysis, the developed method provides a rationale for the values of specific thrust found in existing engines and the basis for future designs. The optimum specific thrust determined here complements the thermodynamic optimisation strategy for engine parameters developed in a previous publication by Guha. The process of optimisation thus involves a complex multidisciplinary methodology involving aerodynamics, thermodynamics, structures, system integration, economics, legislations, and other design and operational issues. This study utilises two models: the fixed aircraft rubber engine model which simulates the retrofitting of new engines to a current airframe, and the rubber aircraft rubber engine model which simulates the thermodynamic optimisation of the engines alongside the optimisation of the airframe dimensions. Both models demonstrate that as the design range of the aircraft increases, the optimum value of specific thrust decreases. As fuel prices rise, the optimum value of specific thrust reduces further, taking it to levels where radical changes in engine design and integration would be necessary.
Optimization of a phase stabilization controller for an ultra-precision positioning stage using a structured genetic algorithm
Authors: Yang Jin , Zhu Yu , Yin Wensheng , Hu Chuxiong
Published: March 2012

A practical controller optimization method is proposed to improve control performance in response speed and positioning accuracy of an ultra-precision positioning stage. The structural resonance characteristics as well as the time delay effect severely limit the control bandwidth, and the direct drive feature enabled by aerostatic bearing and voice coil motors makes the stage very sensitive to various disturbances. Therefore, a phase stabilization controller is employed owing to its superior performance in suppressing resonances compared with a traditional notch-based controller. By developing candidates of controller structure based on phase stabilization design criteria, the controller design involves the determination of both structure and parameters, which can achieve better performance than merely tuning parameters of a controller with predefined structure. Consequently, the design of structure and parameters of the controller are formulated into an optimization problem, and the objective function considers both control bandwidth and disturbance rejection to obtain balanced improvements of both response speed and positioning accuracy. Then a structured genetic algorithm is applied to optimize the structure and parameters of the controller simultaneously. Experiments are carried out for comparison of the proposed strategy with the traditional notch-based proportional–integral–derivative controller and the manually tuned phase stabilization controller. Comparative experimental results validate that the optimized controller achieves the smallest positioning error and shortest settling time, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method in practical application.
Substitutability between Online Video Platforms and Television
Authors: Cha Jiyoung , Chan-Olmsted Sylvia M.
Published: March 2012

Given the rising popularity of online video platforms in recent years, this study addresses the plausible cannibalization effect of online video platforms on television. It does so by examining the perceived substitutability between online video platforms and television. A national survey revealed differences between online video platforms and television in terms of consumer motivations for video content consumption. Non-users of online video platforms are also more likely than users of online video platforms to perceive online video platforms as a substitute for television.
Social Media Research in Advertising, Communication, Marketing, and Public Relations, 1997–2010
Authors: Khang Hyoungkoo , Ki Eyun-Jung , Ye Lan
Published: March 2012

Drawing upon the social media phenomena in both practical and academic arenas, this study explored patterns and trends of social media research over the past fourteen years across four disciplines. Findings exhibit a definite increasing number of social-media-related studies. This indicates that social media have gained incremental attention among scholars, and who have, in turn, been responding and keeping pace with the increased usage and impact of this new medium. The authors suggest that future scholarly endeavors emphasize prospective aspects of social media, foreseeing applications and technological progress and elaborating theory.
Effects of off-sized cylindrical rollers on the static load distribution in a cylinder roller bearing
Authors: Chen Guanci , Mao Fanhai , Wang Baokun
Published: March 2012

There are always some differences in the diameters of the rolling elements that are less than manufacturing tolerance, which are known as off-sized defects. These diameter differences of the rolling elements assumed to be with identical size in the traditional bearing analysis affect the load performance of the bearing greatly and make the evaluation of the load distribution in the bearing difficult. In this study, a static model was developed to investigate the effects of diameter differences among cylindrical rollers on the load performance in a bearing. In the model, the diameter and order of each roller were defined arbitrarily. Contact judgments between all the rollers and the raceways were done constantly in the solution process, so that compatibility of deformation of the rollers and raceways need not be considered, which was different from other traditional methods. The effects of roller off size and its arrayed order in the bearing on the load distribution were analyzed. It was found that the effect of one off-sized roller on the load distribution was serious. Also, equal space or ordinal array of the multiple or full off-sized rollers was much better than random array. Furthermore, the relative diameter of the rollers determined the load distribution in the bearing. This article can help to further study the dynamic performance of the bearing with the off-sized cylindrical roller in the future.
Denouncing European integration
Authors: de Wilde Pieter , Trenz Hans-Jörg
Published: March 2012

The spreading phenomenon of Euroscepticism is manifested in critical practices in discourse that oppose European integration. This paper explores Euroscepticism as an element of discourse, which cannot only be measured as party positions or individual attitudes. Based on this understanding, our argument is twofold. Firstly, Euroscepticism relates to the unsettled and principally contested character of the European Union (EU) as a political entity: its basic purpose and rationale, its institutional design and its future trajectory. It correlates with pro-European discourse and the attempts to promote the (democratic) legitimacy of the EU. Secondly, we argue that Euroscepticism unfolds primarily through mass media. As such, it is given public expression through general news values, drama and narratives that are targeted to draw the attention of the wider audience. Understanding this responsive and public nature of Euroscepticism leads us, in the end, to a comprehensive typology of six forms of polity evaluation of the EU.
Identification of the Communicative Abilities of Brazilian Children With Cerebral Palsy in the Family Context
Authors: Deliberato Débora , Manzini Eduardo José
Published: March 2012

This article highlights the importance of the information obtained from the family in the implementation of the augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) system. The objective was to investigate the communicative abilities of children with severe communication deficit through their parents’ reports within the family routine. Eleven parents of children affiliated with a rehabilitation program in a public university in Brazil participated in this research. Per their parents’ reports, the children demonstrated a variety of communication skills related to comprehension, expressive skills, and vocabulary. Parents further reported their children’s daily communication routines including social partners, communication environment, and the materials the children enjoyed the most. These results emphasize the importance of family involvement in planning AAC so that it is functional within the family context.
Evasion of human innate immunity without antagonizing TLR4 by mutant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium having penta-acylated lipid A
Authors: Matsuura Motohiro , Kawasaki Kiyoshi , Kawahara Kazuyoshi , Mitsuyama Masao
Published: March 2012

Modification of a lipid A moiety in Gram-negative bacterial LPS to a less acylated form is thought to facilitate bacterial evasion of host innate immunity, thereby enhancing pathogenicity. The contribution of less-acylated lipid A to interactions of whole bacterial cells with host cells (especially in humans) remains unclear. Mutant strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium with fewer acylated groups were generated. The major lipid A form in wild-type (WT) and the mutant KCS237 strain is hexa-acylated; in mutant strains KCS311 and KCS324 it is penta-acylated; and in KCS369 it is tetra-acylated. WT and KCS237 formalin-killed and live bacteria, as well as their LPS, strongly stimulated production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in human U937 cells; this stimulation was suppressed by TLR4 suppressors. LPS of other mutants produced no agonistic activity, but strong antagonistic activity, while their formalin-killed and live bacteria preparations had weak agonistic and no antagonistic activity. Moreover, these less-acylated mutants had increased resistance to phagocytosis by U937 cells. Our results indicate that a decrease of one acyl group (from six to five) is enough to allow Salmonella to evade human innate immunity and that the antagonistic activity of less-acylated lipid A is not utilized for this evasion.
Frequency Content of Cartilage Impact Force Signal Reflects Acute Histologic Structural Damage
Authors: Heiner Anneliese D. , Martin James A. , McKinley Todd O. , Goetz Jessica E. , Thedens Daniel R. , Brown Thomas D.
Published: March 2012

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine if acute cartilage impact damage could be predicted by a quantification of the frequency content of the impact force signal.

Design:

Osteochondral specimens excised from bovine lateral tibial plateaus were impacted with one of six impact energies. Each impact force signal underwent frequency analysis, with the amount of higher-frequency content (percentage of frequency spectrum above 1 kHz) being registered. Specimens were histologically evaluated to assess acute structural damage (articular surface cracking and cartilage crushing) resulting from the impact.

Results:

Acute histologic structural damage to the cartilage had higher concordance with the high-frequency content measure than with other mechanical impact measures (delivered impact energy, impact maximum stress, and impact maximum stress rate of change).

Conclusions:

This result suggests that the frequency content of an impact force signal, specifically the proportion of higher-frequency components, can be used as a quick surrogate measure for acute structural cartilage injury. Taking advantage of this relationship could reduce the time and expense of histologic processing needed to morphologically assess cartilage damage, especially for purposes of initial screening when evaluating new impaction protocols.
Characterization of LysB4, an endolysin from the Bacillus cereus-infecting bacteriophage B4
Authors: Son Bokyung , Yun Jiae , Lim Jeong-A , Shin Hakdong , Heu Sunggi , Ryu Sangryeol
Published: March 2012

Background

Bacillus cereus is a foodborne pathogen that causes emetic or diarrheal types of food poisoning. The incidence of B. cereus food poisoning has been gradually increasing over the past few years, therefore, biocontrol agents effective against B. cereus need to be developed. Endolysins are phage-encoded bacterial peptidoglycan hydrolases and have received considerable attention as promising antibacterial agents.

Results

The endolysin from B. cereus phage B4, designated LysB4, was identified and characterized. In silico analysis revealed that this endolysin had the VanY domain at the N terminus as the catalytic domain, and the SH3_5 domain at the C terminus that appears to be the cell wall binding domain. Biochemical characterization of LysB4 enzymatic activity showed that it had optimal peptidoglycan hydrolase activity at pH 8.0-10.0 and 50°C. The lytic activity was dependent on divalent metal ions, especially Zn2+. The antimicrobial spectrum was relatively broad because LysB4 lysed Gram-positive bacteria such as B. cereus, Bacillus subtilis and Listeria monocytogenes and some Gram-negative bacteria when treated with EDTA. LC-MS analysis of the cell wall cleavage products showed that LysB4 was an L-alanoyl-D-glutamate endopeptidase, making LysB4 the first characterized endopeptidase of this type to target B. cereus.

Conclusions

LysB4 is believed to be the first reported L-alanoyl-D-glutamate endopeptidase from B. cereus-infecting bacteriophages. The properties of LysB4 showed that this endolysin has strong lytic activity against a broad range of pathogenic bacteria, which makes LysB4 a good candidate as a biocontrol agent against B. cereus and other pathogenic bacteria.
Mollusks of Candomblé: symbolic and ritualistic importance
Authors: Léo Neto Nivaldo A , Voeks Robert A , Dias Thelma LP , Alves Rômulo RN
Published: March 2012

Human societies utilize mollusks for myriad material and spiritual ends. An example of their use in a religious context is found in Brazil's African-derived belief systems. Candomblé, an Afro-Brazilian religion introduced during the 18th-19thcenturies by enslaved Yoruba, includes various magical and liturgical uses of mollusks. This work inventoried the species utilized by adherents and to analyzed their symbolic and magical context. Data were obtained from Candomblé temples in two cities in the northeast of Brazil-Caruaru, in the state of Pernambuco, and Campina Grande, in the state of Paraíba. Questionnaires administered to eleven adepts revealed that at least nineteen mollusk species are being used. Shells fromMonetaria moneta, M. annulusandErosaria caputserpentiswere cited by all of the interviewees. Three uses stood out: divination (jogo de búzios); utilization as ritual objects; and employment as sacrificial offerings (IgbinorBoi-de-Oxalá). Thejogo de búzios(shell toss), employed in West Africa, Brazil and Cuba, is of fundamental importance to the cult, representing the means by which the faithful enter in contact with the divinities (Orixás) and consult people's futures (Odu). The utilization of mollusks in Candomblé is strongly influenced by ancient Yoruba myths (Itãs) which, having survived enslavement and generations of captive labor, continue to guide the lives of Brazil's African Diaspora.
Low expression levels of ATM may substitute for CHEK2 /TP53 mutations predicting resistance towards anthracycline and mitomycin chemotherapy in breast cancer
Authors: Knappskog Stian , Chrisanthar Ranjan , Løkkevik Erik , Anker Gun , Østenstad Bjørn , Lundgren Steinar , Risberg Terje , Mjaaland Ingvil , Leirvaag Beryl , Miletic Hrvoje , Lønning Per E
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Mutations affecting p53 or its upstream activator Chk2 are associated with resistance to DNA-damaging chemotherapy in breast cancer. ATM (Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated protein) is the key activator of p53 and Chk2 in response to genotoxic stress. Here, we sought to evaluate ATM's potential role in resistance to chemotherapy.

Methods

We sequenced ATM and assessed gene expression levels in pre-treatment biopsies from 71 locally advanced breast cancers treated in the neoadjuvant setting with doxorubicin monotherapy or mitomycin combined with 5-fluorouracil. Findings were confirmed in a separate patient cohort treated with epirubicin monotherapy. Each tumor was previously analyzed for CHEK2 and TP53 mutation status.

Results

While ATM mutations were not associated with chemo-resistance, low ATM expression levels predicted chemo-resistance among patients with tumors wild-type for TP53 and CHEK2 (P = 0.028). Analyzing the ATM-chk2-p53 cascade, low ATM levels (defined as the lower 5 to 50% percentiles) or mutations inactivating TP53 or CHEK2 robustly predicted anthracycline resistance (P-values varying between 0.001 and 0.027 depending on the percentile used to define "low" ATM levels). These results were confirmed in an independent cohort of 109 patients treated with epirubicin monotherapy. In contrast, ATM-levels were not suppressed in resistant tumors harboring TP53 or CHEK2 mutations (P > 0.5).

Conclusions

Our data indicate loss of function of the ATM-Chk2-p53 cascade to be strongly associated with resistance to anthracycline/mitomycin-containing chemotherapy in breast cancer.
Cannabinoid receptor 2 activation reduces intestinal leukocyte recruitment and systemic inflammatory mediator release in acute experimental sepsis
Authors: Lehmann Christian , Kianian Mandana , Zhou Juan , Küster Inga , Kuschnereit Rieke , Whynot Sara , Hung Orlando , Shukla Romesh , Johnston Brent , Cerny Vladimir , Pavlovic Dragan , Spassov Alexander , Kelly Melanie EM
Published: March 2012

Introduction

Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) expression is upregulated during sepsis. However, there are conflicting results regarding the effects of CB2R modulation in the hyperinflammatory phase of the disease. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of CB2R manipulation on leukocyte activation within the intestinal microcirculation in two acute experimental sepsis models.

Methods

In the endotoxemia model we studied four groups of Lewis rats: controls, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), LPS + CB2R agonist HU308 (2.5 mg/kg), and LPS + CB2R antagonist AM630 (2.5 mg/kg). In the colon ascendens stent peritonitis (CASP)-induced sepsis model we also studied four groups: sham group, CASP and CASP + CB2R agonist (HU308, 2.5 or 10 mg/kg). Intravital microscopy was performed 2 hours following LPS/placebo administration or 16 hours following CASP/sham surgery to quantify intestinal leukocyte recruitment. Additionally, hemodynamic monitoring, histological examinations and measurements of inflammatory mediators were performed.

Results

HU308 administration significantly reduced intestinal leukocyte adhesion in both acute sepsis models. The systemic levels of inflammatory mediators were significantly reduced by 10 mg/kg HU308 treatment in CASP animals.

Conclusion

CB2R activation reduces leukocyte activation and systemic release of inflammatory mediators in acute experimental sepsis. Drugs targeting the CB2R pathway may have therapeutic potential in sepsis.
Tuberculous syringomyelia in an HIV-infected patient: a case report
Authors: Sundaram S S , Vijeratnam D , Mani R , Gibson D , Chauhan A J
Published: March 2012

A 37-year-old HIV-positive Gambian woman presented with spastic weakness of the right leg six years after receiving treatment for tuberculous meningitis (TBM). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine showed a multiloculated syrinx in the thoracic spinal cord extending from the T2 to the T11 level. Syringomyelia and syringobulbia have been reported as complications of TBM. We describe the first case of syringomyelia as an uncommon late complication of treated TBM in the setting of HIV infection. Early recognition of this rare entity may avoid irreversible neurological sequelae.
Sexual assault and coincident alcohol use in attendees at a genitourinary medicine clinic in the south of England
Authors: Blume A , Standerwick K , Tucker L , Harris S , Sheron N
Published: March 2012

To investigate the relationship between alcohol consumption and the experience of sexual assault, either as victim or perpetrator, among genitourinary (GU) medicine department attendees in Portsmouth, UK, we carried out a cross-sectional survey of consecutive patients attending the walk-in service when a researcher was available. Self-completed questionnaires were used and anonymized data were collected from 1186 participants (response rate 34%). Responses showed that 15.6% of female and 3.7% of male participants had ever being sexually assaulted. Women who reported sexual assault drank more on a heavy night out than those who did not report sexual assault (mean 21.3 versus 17.0 units, P = 0.041). Over half of the victims had been drinking prior to the relevant assault. Twenty-seven participants (2.3%) admitted to having sex with a person who was not fully willing. Of these, 59% had been drinking prior to the assault, and the majority believed alcohol had contributed to the assault. Any strategies aiming to reduce the incidence of sexual assault must address hazardous drinking as a high priority.
Relationship of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 Mass and Activity with Incident Vascular Events among Primary Prevention Patients Allocated to Placebo or to Statin Therapy: An Analysis from the JUPITER Trial
Authors: Ridker Paul M , MacFadyen Jean G , Wolfert Robert L , Koenig Wolfgang
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND

Although lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) levels are associated with cardiovascular events, Lp-PLA2 is physically linked to LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). Whether measures of Lp-PLA2 mass or activity continue to predict risk after LDL-C reduction by statin therapy is uncertain.

METHODS

Lp-PLA2 mass concentration and activity were evaluated at baseline and after treatment in the Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin (JUPITER) trial comparing rosuvastatin 20 mg to placebo among 17 802 men and women without cardiovascular disease or diabetes at study entry. The relationships of Lp-PLA2 mass and activity with risk of future vascular events were evaluated in the placebo and rosuvastatin groups.

RESULTS

Before randomization, levels of Lp-PLA2 mass and activity correlated moderately with each other and with LDL-C. The magnitude of these correlations increased after statin therapy. Rosuvastatin reduced Lp-PLA2 mass by 33.8%, Lp-PLA2 activity by 33.2%, and LDL-C by 48.7% (all P < 0.0001). Among those study participants allocated to placebo, increasing quartiles of Lp-PLA2 activity (Ptrend = 0.04) but not Lp-PLA2 mass (Ptrend = 0.92) were associated with incident cardiovascular events after adjustment for LDL-C and conventional risk factors. Comparable analyses conducted among those allocated to rosuvastatin revealed no significant relationship between Lp-PLA2 levels and subsequent vascular events. The ability of rosuvastatin to reduce vascular events was not significantly modified by baseline Lp-PLA2 level.

CONCLUSIONS

Among JUPITER trial participants allocated to placebo, levels of Lp-PLA2 activity, but not mass, were associated with cardiovascular risk. However, Lp-PLA2 no longer predicted risk or modified clinical outcomes when participants were treated with rosuvastatin.
Sichern – eine neue archivische Kernaufgabe nach dem 2010 novellierten Archivgesetz von Nordrhein-Westfalen
Authors: Neuheuser Hanns Peter
Published: March 2012

Das nordrhein-westfälische Archivgesetz wurde 2010 dahingehend novelliert, dass den Aspekten der Sicherung von Archivgut mehr Bedeutung beigemessen wurde. Die Diskussion wurde hauptsächlich durch den Einsturz des Stadtarchivs Köln in 2009 ausgelöst. Damit wurde neu bewertet, welche Regeln und Standards die Bereiche des Schutzes und der Bewahrung von Kulturgut betreffen und welche Standards zur Notfallplanung in Archiven, Bibliotheken und Museen zu berücksichtigen sind. Am Ende des Beitrags werden einige zusätzliche Möglichkeiten zur Prävention und Sicherung des kulturellen Erbes betrachtet.
Application of floating silicon-based linear multielectrode arrays for acute recording of single neuron activity in awake behaving monkeys
Authors: Bonini Luca , Maranesi Monica , Livi Alessandro , Bruni Stefania , Fogassi Leonardo , Holzhammer Tobias , Paul Oliver , Ruther Patrick
Published: March 2012

One of the fundamental challenges in behavioral neurophysiology in awake animals is the steady recording of action potentials of many single neurons for as long as possible. Here, we present single neuron data obtained during acute recordings mainly from premotor cortices of three macaque monkeys using a silicon-based linear multielectrode array. The most important aspect of these probes, compared with similar models commercially available, is that, once inserted into the brain using a dedicated insertion device providing an intermediate probe fixation by means of vacuum, they can be released and left floating in the brain. On the basis of our data, these features appear to provide (i) optimal physiological conditions for extracellular recordings, (ii) good or even excellent signal-to-noise ratio depending on the recorded brain area and cortical layer, and (iii) extreme stability of the signal over relatively long periods. The quality of the recorded signal did not change significantly after several penetrations into the same restricted cortical sector, suggesting limited tissue damage due to probe insertion. These results indicate that these probes offer several advantages for acute neurophysiological experiments in awake monkeys, and suggest the possibility to employ them for semichronic or even chronic studies.
Mixotrophic and heterotrophic dinoflagellates in eutrophic coastal waters of the Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Ignatiades Lydia
Published: March 2012

In the period 2001–2003, I quantitatively explored the importance of mixotrophic and heterotrophic dinoflagellates in four eutrophic gulfs on the Greek coastline of the Aegean Sea, eastern Mediterranean. Phytoplankton analysis (250 samples, 401 species) focused on determinations of cell abundance and carbon biomass of diatoms, dinoflagellates (autotrophic, mixotrophic, heterotrophic), and coccolithophores. Among the 177 dinoflagellates, 145 autotrophic, 18 mixotrophic, and 14 heterotrophic species were identified comprising up to 18%, 3%, and 1% of total phytoplankton cell abundance, respectively. Analysis of total carbon biomass contributions among taxa showed that the heterotrophic dinoflagellate population contributed the highest carbon proportion (65%) to the stocks of phytoplankton community in contrast to the low contributions of the autotrophic (14%) and mixotrophic (1%) dinoflagellate species. One heterotrophic and 11 mixotrophic species were harmful algae. This major contribution of heterotrophic species to total carbon biomass may affect the concepts of trophodynamics and food web structure. Seasonal and regional distributions of heterotrophic and mixotrophic dinoflagellates are considered.
Estratégia Saúde da Família e internações hospitalares em menores de 5 anos no Piauí, Brasil
Authors: Barreto Jorge Otávio Maia , Nery Inez Sampaio , Costa Maria do Socorro Candeira
Published: March 2012

Internações hospitalares por algumas condições de saúde podem ser reduzidas por uma atenção primária oportuna e com qualidade, especialmente na população infantil. Analisou-se a evolução das internações hospitalares de menores de 5 anos no Piauí, Brasil, de 2000 a 2010, segundo grupos de causas (CID-10) e das internações de 2010, com base na lista brasileira de Internações por Condições Sensíveis à Atenção Primária. O objetivo foi identificar mudanças no perfil de morbidade hospitalar e discutir sua relação com a expansão da ESF no estado. O Piauí apresentou a maior expansão proporcional da ESF, alcançando a cobertura estimada de 97,2%, em 2010. No período de 2000 a 2010, a frequência e as taxas de internações em menores de 5 anos foram reduzidas, porém, a proporção de hospitalizações nos principais grupos de causas se manteve ou aumentou, ao longo da década analisada. Em 2010, 60% das internações em menores de 5 anos foram por causas sensíveis à atenção primária, em especial gastrenterites infecciosas, infecções respiratórias e asma.
Avaliação das ações de planejamento em saúde empreendidas por equipes de saúde da família
Authors: Sarti Thiago Dias , Campos Carlos Eduardo Aguilera , Zandonade Eliana , Ruschi Gustavo Enrico Cabral , Maciel Ethel Leonor Noia
Published: March 2012

Ações de planejamento em saúde adaptadas ao contexto local são fundamentais no cotidiano da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF). Este trabalho visa avaliar as práticas de planejamento empreendidas pelas equipes de saúde da família do Espírito Santo, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo ecológico com análise dos dados secundários de 241 equipes de saúde de 46 municípios deste estado que utilizam a Avaliação para Melhoria da Qualidade da Estratégia Saúde da Família (AMQ-ESF). Foram estabelecidos critérios de avaliação das respostas dos profissionais de saúde aos padrões de qualidade dos instrumentos do AMQ-ESF e elencados os indicadores que versam sobre planejamento em saúde. As respostas foram estratificadas por porte populacional do município, tempo de implantação e cobertura populacional da ESF. Encontraram-se no geral baixas médias de adequação dos processos de trabalho das equipes aos padrões de qualidade do AMQ, sendo que não houve influência das variáveis de estratificação nas práticas de planejamento local. Ações específicas neste campo são necessárias para a qualificação do trabalho da ESF.
Determinantes da mortalidade neonatal: estudo caso-controle em Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil
Authors: Nascimento Renata Mota do , Leite Álvaro Jorge Madeiro , Almeida Nádia Maria Girão Saraiva de , Almeida Paulo César de , Silva Cristiana Ferreira da
Published: March 2012

Este trabalho objetivou determinar os fatores preditores da mortalidade neonatal utilizando modelagem hierarquizada. Trata-se de estudo caso-controle, com 132 casos e 264 controles. Foram considerados casos os recém-nascidos que morreram antes de completar 28 dias, e os controles os sobreviventes, nascidos e filhos de mães residentes em Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. O modelo de análise de regressão logística hierarquizada identificou fatores associados ao óbito neonatal: raça materna com efeito protetor para raça parda/negra (OR = 0,23; IC95%: 0,09-0,56), tempo gasto entre o deslocamento de casa ao hospital > 30 minutos (OR = 3,12; IC95%: 1,34-7,25), tempo < 1h ou > 10h entre a internação e o parto (OR = 2,43; IC95%: 1,24-4,76) e pré-natal inadequado (OR = 2,03; IC95%: 1,03-3,99), baixo peso ao nascer (OR = 14,75; IC95%: 5,26-41,35), prematuridade (OR = 3,41; IC95%: 1,29-8,98) e sexo masculino (OR = 2,09; IC95%: 1,09-4,03). Nessa casuística, as mortes neonatais foram associadas à qualidade da assistência pré-natal e da assistência direta ao trabalho de parto.