bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negotiating Sex: The Legal Construct of Consent in Cases of Wife Rape in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Lazar Ruthy
Published: December 2010

A été abrogée, en 1983, la disposition du Code criminel canadien dite « d'exemption du viol marital » qui accordait une immunité juridique et sociale aux maris qui violaient leurs épouses. Le présent article explore dans quelle mesure les modifications dans la réaction juridique au viol marital, modifications censées se refléter dans la pratique, ont affecté les réalités vécues des avocates et avocats de la défense ainsi que des procureures et procureurs de la Couronne et, par extension, des femmes qui ont fait l'expérience de viol ou d'agression sexuelle dans leur mariage ou dans leurs relations sexuelles intimes. Cet article résulte d'une recherche plus large que j'ai effectuée au cours de laquelle j'ai examiné comment les cas de viol de l'épouse ou de la conjointe de fait sont construits et vécus par les personnages clés du système judiciaire pénal en Ontario. Ma recherche est la première étude empirique portant sur le viol de l'épouse ou de la conjointe de fait au Canada qui n'est pas seulement fondée sur une analyse des cas dénoncés mais aussi sur la manière par laquelle les pénalistes vivent et construisent ces cas. Dans ma recherche, j'ai tenté d'« aller derrière la scène » pour découvrir ce qui se passe durant les procès pour viol de l'épouse. À partir d'entrevues avec les personnages clés du système judiciaire pénal (la Couronne et la défense en Ontario), j'ai examiné comment ces personnes analysent, conceptualisent et dirigent le processus dans les cas de viol de l'épouse et comment elles envisagent et abordent divers thèmes et concepts qui caractérisent cet acte.

Sur la base de cette analyse, je soutiens que le viol de l'épouse ou de la conjointe de fait est influencé par les croyances sociétales et culturelles au sujet de la sexualité, des relations intimes et du mariage ainsi que des mythes relatifs au viol. Un thème dominant qui est ressorti de mes entrevues est le rôle du consentement dans les cas d'agressions sexuelles de l'épouse ou de la conjointe de fait. Comme cet article l'illustre, ce concept joue un rôle crucial dans la façon dont les personnes interviewées construisent ces cas. Leurs narrations révèlent les difficultés à reconnaître les concepts de « non-consentement », étant donné la nature du mariage et l'association du consentement avec l'amour, les rapports sexuels, l'intimité, la familiarité, le passé sexuel et le langage personnel entre couples. Même si la loi dit le contraire, mes données démontrent que les personnages clés du système judiciaire pénal eux-mêmes présument qu'il y a consentement dans les rapports sexuels entre intimes, ce qui influe, par voie de conséquence, sur la façon dont ces personnages construisent et procèdent dans les causes de viol de l'épouse ou de la conjointe de fait.
“Doing No Violence to the Sentence Imposed”: Racialized Sex Worker Complainants, Racialized Offenders, and the Feminization of the Homo Sacer in Two Sexual Assault Cases
Authors: Savarese Josephine L.
Published: December 2010

Le présent article analyse deux cas de condamnation pour agression sexuelle, soit les décisions R. c. Kanthasamy (2004) et R. c. Almajidi (2007) ainsi que deux appels de sentence qui ont été accueillis en 2005 et en 2008 respectivement. En appliquant la théorie de Lisa E. Sanchez (2004) sur la prostitution et le droit, l'article explore les manières par lesquelles le droit pénal et les procédures connexes sont inextricablement liés avec le droit de l'immigration et renforcent les désavantages attribuables à la race/au genre/la classe autant pour les plaignantes, travailleuses du sexe, que pour les accusés racialisés qui n'ont pas la citoyenneté canadienne. L'analyse cherche à extraire de ces décisions de nouvelles perspectives sur le rôle du système judiciaire pénal dans la perpétuation de l'exclusion, même lorsqu'il tente de promouvoir l'égalité entre les sexes dans le traitement des accusations d'agressions sexuelles. Madame Sanchez retravaille le traité du théoricien politique italien Giorgio Agamben de l'homo sacer ou du hors-la-loi sacré qui a perdu de nombreux droits civils, concept qu'Agamben a tiré du droit romain. Dans son élaboration du travail d'Agamben, Sanchez relève les façons par lesquelles les pratiques d'exclusion sont genrées dans les États-nations modernes au détriment marqué des femmes marginalisées. Comme ils avaient été condamnés à des sentences de deux ans dans un pénitencier fédéral, témoignant ainsi de leur «criminalité grave», Kanthasamy et Almajidi avaient perdu le droit d'en appeler à la Division d'appel de l'immigration de leur ordonnance de déportation. Leurs sentences ont été réduites pour éviter ces conséquences en matière d'immigration, mais sans tenir compte du préjudice causé aux plaignantes.
Sexual Assault Law, Credibility, and “Ideal Victims”: Consent, Resistance, and Victim Blaming
Authors: Randall Melanie
Published: December 2010

L'archétype de la victime idéale d'une agression sexuelle, qui s'est élargi quelque peu au cours des ans en réaction à une prise de conscience sociale et juridique de la violence faite aux femmes, fonctionne toujours néanmoins pour discréditer le récit que font de nombreuses plaignantes de leurs expériences d'agressions sexuelles. Dans cette mesure, le mythe de la « victime idéale » continue à miner la crédibilité de ces femmes qui sont perçues comme s'écartant trop des notions stéréotypées des victimes « authentiques » et trop aussi des présomptions concernant les réactions prévisibles et « raisonnables » des victimes. Les évaluations de la crédibilité, qui sont absolument cruciales dans les procès pour agressions sexuelles, demeurent profondément imbues des mythes et des stéréotypes touchant les victimes « idéales », « réelles » ou « vraies » d'agressions sexuelles. En dépit des réformes progressistes du droit canadien concernant le consentement en matière d'agressions sexuelles, il n'en demeure pas moins qu'en pratique, le fardeau de la preuve et la crédibilité du consentement demeurent du côté de la victime et jouent souvent de manière préjudiciable et discriminatoire. L'idée subsiste que les « vraies » victimes d'agression sexuelle résistent et cette idée demeure inextricablement liée au mythe que les victimes « idéales » ou « authentiques » peuvent prouver leur statut de victime et établir la crédibilité de leurs accusations de viol en démontrant qu'elles ont résisté à l'agression et que leur résistance a pris une forme socialement attendue, de préférence une défense physique et vigoureuse. Le présent article analyse certains des problèmes clés qui exigeraient une réforme en profondeur du droit en matière d'agression sexuelle, examine la ténacité des images juridiques déformées des victimes « idéales » ou « authentiques » d'agressions sexuelles, la tendance toujours actuelle de blâmer les victimes d'agressions sexuelles et de « faire disparaître » les auteurs du crime ainsi que la persistance d'une sorte d'analphabétisme psychologique en droit au sujet de la nature, les complexités et la gamme des façons par lesquelles les femmes viennent à bout de faire face à la violation et au traumatisme des agressions sexuelles.
Marital Rape in Ghana: Legal Options for Achieving State Accountability
Authors: Archampong Elizabeth , Sampson Fiona
Published: December 2010

Le présent article analyse la réglementation juridique du viol marital au Ghana à partir d'une perspective d'égalité substantive. La jurisprudence sur l'égalité au Ghana n'est présentement pas suffisamment abondante pour constituer le fondement nécessaire en vue d'établir l'obligation de l'État de criminaliser le viol marital. Par conséquent, le présent article analyse deux décisions judiciaires, Doe v. Metropolitan Toronto (Municipality) Commissioners of Police et Hadijatou Mani Koraou v. Niger afin d'explorer les défis d'une argumentation soutenant que le droit du Ghana est discriminatoire dans ses dispositions concernant le viol marital. L'article élabore une analyse d'égalité substantive du préjudice résultant de l'impunité judiciaire du viol marital au Ghana et du viol marital comme discrimination fondée sur le sexe. L'article comprend un examen de l'histoire du droit concernant le viol marital au Ghana et l'impact de ces dispositions, y compris les manières par lesquelles les femmes sont désavantagées par la perpétuation des mythes et des stéréotypes sexistes et une recension des outils juridiques disponibles pour contester la loi discriminatoire. L'article examine aussi comment l'expérience de la colonisation a contribué à l'inégalité associée avec les dispositions concernant le viol marital au Ghana ainsi que l'application du droit coutumier aux accusations de viol marital.
Targeting of Both the c-Met and EGFR Pathways Results in Additive Inhibition of Lung Tumorigenesis in Transgenic Mice
Authors: Stabile Laura P. , Rothstein Mary E. , Keohavong Phouthone , Lenzner Diana , Land Stephanie R. , Gaither-Davis Autumn L. , Kim K. Jin , Kaminski Naftali , Siegfried Jill M.
Published: December 2010

EGFR and c-Met are both overexpressed in lung cancer and initiate similar downstream signaling, which may be redundant. To determine how frequently ligands that initiate signaling of both pathways are found in lung cancer, we analyzed serum for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), transforming growth factor-alpha, and amphiregulin (AREG) in lung cancer cases and tobacco-exposed controls. HGF and AREG were both significantly elevated in cases compared to controls, suggesting that both HGF/c-Met and AREG/EGFR pathways are frequently active. When both HGF and AREG are present in vitro, downstream signaling to MAPK and Akt in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells can only be completely inhibited by targeting both pathways. To test if dual blockade of the pathways could better suppress lung tumorigenesis in an animal model than single blockade, mice transgenic for airway expression of human HGF were treated with inhibitors of both pathways alone and in combination after exposure to a tobacco carcinogen. Mean tumor number in the group using both the HGF neutralizing antibody L2G7 and the EGFR inhibitor gefitinib was significantly lower than with single agents. A higher tumor K-ras mutation rate was observed with L2G7 alone compared to controls, suggesting that agents targeting HGF may be less effective against mutated K-ras lung tumors. This was not observed with combination treatment. A small molecule c-Met inhibitor decreased formation of both K-ras wild-type and mutant tumors and showed additive anti-tumor effects when combined with gefitinib. Dual targeting of c-Met/EGFR may have clinical benefit for lung cancer.
Reconsideration of Criteria and Modeling in Order to Optimize the Efficiency of Irreversible Thermomechanical Heat Engines
Authors: Feidt Michel
Published: December 2010

The purpose of this work is to precise and complete one recently proposed in the literature and relative to a general criterion to maximize the first law efficiency of irreversible heat engines. It is shown that the previous proposal seems to be a particular case. A new proposal has been developed for a Carnot irreversible thermomechanical heat engine at steady state associated to two infinite heat reservoirs (hot source, and cold sink): this constitutes the studied system. The presence of heat leak is accounted for, with the most simple form, as is done generally in the literature. Irreversibility is modeled through , created internal entropy rate in the converter (engine), and , total created entropy rate in the system. Heat transfer laws are represented as general functions of temperatures. These concepts are particularized to the most common heat transfer law (linear one). Consequences of the proposal are examined; some new analytical results are proposed for efficiencies.
Initiation of Meiotic Recombination in Mammals
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , De Massy Bernard
Published: December 2010

Meiotic recombination is initiated by the induction of programmed DNA double strand breaks (DSBs). DSB repair promotes homologous interactions and pairing and leads to the formation of crossovers (COs), which are required for the proper reductional segregation at the first meiotic division. In mammals, several hundred DSBs are generated at the beginning of meiotic prophase by the catalytic activity of SPO11. Currently it is not well understood how the frequency and timing of DSB formation and their localization are regulated. Several approaches in humans and mice have provided an extensive description of the localization of initiation events based on CO mapping, leading to the identification and characterization of preferred sites (hotspots) of initiation. This review presents the current knowledge about the proteins known to be involved in this process, the sites where initiation takes place, and the factors that control hotspot localization.
Screening of Molecular Virulence Markers in Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains Isolated from Clinical Infections
Authors: Cotar Ani-Ioana , Chifiriuc Mariana-Carmen , Dinu Sorin , Bucur Marcela , Iordache Carmen , Banu Otilia , Dracea Olguta , Larion Cristina , Lazar Veronica
Published: December 2010

Staphylococcus (S.) aureus and Pseudomonas (Ps.) aeruginosa are two of the most frequently opportunistic pathogens isolated in nosocomial infections, responsible for severe infections in immunocompromised hosts. The frequent emergence of antibiotic-resistant S. aureus and Ps. aeruginosa strains has determined the development of new strategies in order to elucidate the different mechanisms used by these bacteria at different stages of the infectious process, providing the scientists with new procedures for preventing, or at least improving, the control of S. aureus and Ps. aeruginosa infections. The purpose of this study was to characterize the molecular markers of virulence in S. aureus and Ps. aeruginosa strains isolated from different clinical specimens. We used multiplex and uniplex PCR assays to detect the genes encoding different cell-wall associated and extracellular virulence factors, in order to evaluate potential associations between the presence of putative virulence genes and the outcome of infections caused by these bacteria. Our results demonstrate that all the studied S. aureus and Ps. aeruginosa strains synthesize the majority of the investigated virulence determinants, probably responsible for different types of infections.
Antiproliferative Effects of Cucurbitacin B in Breast Cancer Cells: Down-Regulation of the c-Myc/hTERT/Telomerase Pathway and Obstruction of the Cell Cycle
Authors: Duangmano Suwit , Dakeng Sumana , Jiratchariyakul Weena , Suksamrarn Apichart , Smith Duncan R. , Patmasiriwat Pimpicha
Published: December 2010

Naturally occurring cucurbitacins have been shown to have anticancer, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. In this study, we determined the effects of cucurbitacin B extracted from the Thai herb Trichosanthes cucumerina L. on telomerase regulation in three human breast cancer cell lines (T47D, SKBR-3, and MCF-7) and a mammary epithelium cell line (HBL-100). Cell viability after treatment with cucurbitacin B, which is an active ingredient of this herb, was assessed. Telomeric Repeat Amplification Protocol (TRAP) assays and RT-PCR (qualitative and realtime) were performed to investigate activity of telomerase as well as expression of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and c-Myc. The c-Myc protein level was also determined in SKBR-3 and HBL-100 cells. Our results show that the cucurbitacin B inhibits growth and telomerase activity in the three breast cancer cell lines and exerts an obvious inhibitory effect in the estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer SKBR-3 cells. The expression of hTERT and c-Myc were also inhibited by cucurbitacin B, In addition, a clear reduction of c-Myc protein was observed after treatment in SKBR-3 cells even with a concentration of cucurbitacin B that was ten-times lower compared to the concentration used for HBL-100. Our findings imply that cucurbitacin B exerts an anticancer effect by inhibiting telomerase via down regulating both the hTERT and c-Myc expression in breast cancer cells.
Biological Activity of Volatiles from Marine and Terrestrial Bacteria
Authors: Schulz Stefan , Dickschat Jeroen S. , Kunze Brigitte , Wagner-Dobler Irene , Diestel Randi , Sasse Florenz
Published: December 2010

The antiproliferative activity of 52 volatile compounds released from bacteria was investigated in agar diffusion assays against medically important microorganisms and mouse fibroblasts. Furthermore, the activity of these compounds to interfere with the quorum-sensing-systems was tested with two different reporter strains. While some of the compounds specific to certain bacteria showed some activity in the antiproliferative assay, the compounds common to many bacteria were mostly inactive. In contrast, some of these compounds were active in the quorum-sensing-tests. γ-Lactones showed a broad reactivity, while pyrazines seem to have only low intrinsic activity. A general discussion on the ecological importance of these findings is given.
Cytotoxicity on Human Cancer Cells of Ophidiacerebrosides Isolated from the African Starfish Narcissia canariensis
Authors: Farokhi Fereshteh , Wielgosz-Collin Gaetane , Clement Monique , Kornprobst Jean-Michel , Barnathan Gilles
Published: December 2010

The starfish Narcissia canariensis harvested from the coasts off Dakar, Senegal, was investigated for glycolipids (GL). This report deals with the isolation, characterization and biological activity of a fraction F13-3 separated from the GL mixture and selected according to its ability to inhibit KB cell proliferation after 72 hours of treatment. Firstly, a GL mixture F13 was obtained that accounted for 1.36% of starfish biomass (dry weight) and 0.36% of total lipids. The fraction F13-3 obtained from F13 contained three homologous GL identified as peracetylated derivatives on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic evidence. These contained a β-glucopyranoside as sugar head, a 9-methyl-branched 4,8,10-triunsaturated long-chain aminoalcohol as sphingoid base and amide-linked 2-hydroxy fatty acid chains. The majority (63%) had an amide-linked 2‑hydroxydocosanoic acid chain and was identified as the ophidiacerebroside-C, firstly isolated from the starfish Ophidiaster ophidiamus. The minor components of F13-3 differed by one more or one less methylene group, and corresponded to ophidiacerebroside-B and -D. We found that F13-3 displayed an interesting cytotoxic activity over 24 hours on various adherent human cancerous cell lines (multiple myeloma, colorectal adenocarcinoma and glioblastoma multiforme) with an IC50 of around 20 μM.
Application of Cycloaddition Reactions to the Syntheses of Novel Boron Compounds
Authors: Zhu Yinghuai , Siwei Xiao , Maguire John A. , Hosmane Narayan S.
Published: December 2010

This review covers the application of cycloaddition reactions in forming the boron-containing compounds such as symmetric star-shaped boron-enriched dendritic molecules, nano-structured boron materials and aromatic boronic esters. The resulting boron compounds are potentially important reagents for both materials science and medical applications such as in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) in cancer treatment and as drug delivery agents and synthetic intermediates for carbon-carbon cross-coupling reactions. In addition, the use of boron cage compounds in a number of cycloaddition reactions to synthesize unique aromatic species will be reviewed briefly.
Aristolactams and Alkamides of Aristolochia gigantea
Authors: Holzbach Juliana C. , Lopes Lucia M. X.
Published: December 2010

A new aristolactam, aristolactam 9-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucoside, and two alkamides, N-cis- and N-trans-p-coumaroyl-3-O-methyldopamine, were isolated from stems of Aristolochia gigantea, together with the known compounds allantoin, E-nerolidol, β-sitosterol, (+)-kobusin, (+)-eudesmin, trans-N-feruloyltyramine, trans-N-coumaroyltyramine, trans-N-feruloyl-3-O-methyldopamine, aristolactam Ia-N-β-D-glucoside, aristolactam Ia 8-β-D-glucoside, aristolactam IIIa, and magnoflorine. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analyses.
Cidofovir Activity against Poxvirus Infections
Authors: Andrei Graciela , Snoeck Robert
Published: December 2010

Cidofovir [(S)-1-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonylmethoxypropyl)cytosine, HPMPC] is an acyclic nucleoside analog approved since 1996 for clinical use in the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in AIDS patients. Cidofovir (CDV) has broad-spectrum activity against DNA viruses, including herpes-, adeno-, polyoma-, papilloma- and poxviruses. Among poxviruses, cidofovir has shown in vitro activity against orthopox [vaccinia, variola (smallpox), cowpox, monkeypox, camelpox, ectromelia], molluscipox [molluscum contagiosum] and parapox [orf] viruses. The anti-poxvirus activity of cidofovir in vivo has been shown in different models of infection when the compound was administered either intraperitoneal, intranasal (aerosolized) or topically. In humans, cidofovir has been successfully used for the treatment of recalcitrant molluscum contagiosum virus and orf virus in immunocompromised patients. CDV remains a reference compound against poxviruses and holds potential for the therapy and short-term prophylaxis of not only orthopox- but also parapox- and molluscipoxvirus infections.
The description of friction of silicon MEMS with surface roughness: virtues and limitations of a stochastic Prandtl–Tomlinson model and the simulation of vibration-induced friction reduction
Authors: van Spengen W Merlijn , Turq Viviane , Frenken Joost W M
Published: December 2010

We have replaced the periodic Prandtl–Tomlinson model with an atomic-scale friction model with a random roughness term describing the surface roughness of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices with sliding surfaces. This new model is shown to exhibit the same features as previously reported experimental MEMS friction loop data. The correlation function of the surface roughness is shown to play a critical role in the modelling. It is experimentally obtained by probing the sidewall surfaces of a MEMS device flipped upright in on-chip hinges with an AFM (atomic force microscope). The addition of a modulation term to the model allows us to also simulate the effect of vibration-induced friction reduction (normal-force modulation), as a function of both vibration amplitude and frequency. The results obtained agree very well with measurement data reported previously.
Tip-sample interactions on graphite studied using the wavelet transform
Authors: Malegori Giovanna , Ferrini Gabriele
Published: December 2010

Wavelet transform analysis is applied to a thermally excited cantilever to get insights into fundamental thermodynamical properties of its motion. The shortcomings of the widely used Fourier analysis are briefly discussed to put into perspective the wavelet transform analysis, used to describe the temporal evolution of the spectral content of the thermal oscillations of a cantilever with an interacting tip. This analysis allows to retrieve the force gradients, the forces and the Hamaker constant in a measurement time of less than 40 ms.
DEVELOPMENT OF FATTY WASTE COMPOSTING TECHNOLOGY USING BACTERIAL PREPARATION WITH LIPOLYTIC ACTIVITY
Authors: Aikaitė-Stanaitienė Jolanta , Grigiškis Saulius , Levišauskas Donatas , Čipinytė Vilma , Baškys Egidijus , Kačkytė Vaiva
Published: December 2010

A new composting technology of waste with high fat content was developed in JSC “Biocentras”. The composting technology of fat‐contaminated waste is based on the use of fat‐oxidizing microorganisms. Developed technology is commended for cleaner production/pollution prevention approach as well as meets strict environmental and hygiene requirements. The composting process was investigated for the process optimization by applying the response surface methodology. Values of parameters of composting process were monitored in lab‐scale composters. The optimal composition of the composing mixture was determined: the initial fat content – 5%, the concentration of bacterial preparation cells – 109 CFU/g, the quantity of structural materials – 9.5%. Fat degradation rate slowed down 3 times if the initial fatty concentration increased from 5% to 20%. Concentrated fatty‐waste disposal site prototype was designed. Composting process duration lasted 1 to 1.5 year.

Santrauka

UAB “Biocentre” sukurta nauja riebalais užterštu atlieku kompostavimo technologija, pagrista riebalus oksiduojančiu mikroorganizmu panaudojimu. Ši technologija pažangesne taršos prevencijos požiūriu, jos privalumas – švaresne gamyba. Sukurtoji technologija atitinka griežtus aplinkos apsaugos ir higienos reikalavimus. Tyrimai atlikti laboratorinemis salygomis. Riebaliniu atlieku kompostavimo procesu technologiniams parametrams optimizuoti taikyta faktoriniais eksperimentais grista reakcijos paviršiaus analizes metodologija. Nustatyta optimali eksperimentine kompostuojamo mišinio sudetis: pradinis riebalu kiekis – 5 %, biopreparato lasteliu koncentracija – 109 KSV/g, struktūrines medžiagos kiekis – 9,5 %. Padidinus pradine riebalu koncentracija nuo 5 % iki 20 %, riebalu skaidymo sparta suleteja apie 3 kartus. Suprojektuotas koncentruotu riebaliniu atlieku utilizavimo aikšteles modelis. Kompostavimo proceso trukme 1–1,5 metu.

Резюме

В ЗАО “Biocentras” была создана новая технология компостирования отходов с высоким содержанием жира. Технология компостирования загрязненных жирами отходов основана на использовании микроорганизмов, окисляющих жиросодержащие вещества. Разработанная технология является привлекательной для более чистого производства/предупреждения загрязнения окружающей среды, а также удовлетворяет строгим экологическим и гигиеническим требованиям. Исследован процесс компостирования. Для оптимизации процесса применен метод математического моделирования. Опыты проведены в лабораторных условиях. Определен оптимальный состав смеси: начальное содержание жира – 5%, концентрация бактериальных клеток в препарате – 109 КОЕ/г, количество структурных материалов – 9,5%. Деградация жиров замедляется в 3 раза, если первоначальная концентрация жиров увеличивается от 5% до 20%. Разработан и построен прототип площадки для компостирования жировых отходов. Процесс компостирования длится от 1 до 1,5 лет.
The Positive Impact of Preceptors on Recruitment and Retention of RNs in Long-Term Care
Authors: Aaron Charlene S.
Published: December 2010

Nearly 100,000 nursing positions in long-term care (LTC) are vacant on any given day, and the nurse turnover rate exceeds 50%. In addition, recruitment of and orientation programs for new nurses are costly for facilities. Preceptor programs have been successful in recruitment and retention of acute care nurses, but no recent literature addresses preceptor programs in LTC. The Expanding the Teaching-Nursing Home Culture in the State of Illinois project explored the development of a preceptor program to fit the LTC environment in which an RN was chosen to serve as the preceptor and mentor and orient all new nurses. Although the LTC environment presents social and economic challenges, a structured preceptor program allows nurses new to LTC to meet these challenges. By retaining nurses, residents receive continuity of care. This strategy for recruitment and retention of nurses results in professional growth, competent and stable staff, and a stronger bottom line.
Global Access to Aging Information and the Gerontology Healthy Ageing Portal
Authors: Skemp Lisa E. , Ko Ji Woon , Missen Cliff , Peterson Diane
Published: December 2010

Nursing, gerontology, and information communications technologies are well positioned to influence gerontological health system development by promoting global access to evidence-based best practices that facilitate local access to knowledge. Gerontological nurses, as members of the global community, are encouraged to become partners in promoting active and healthy aging. One mechanism is by participating in the development of a Gerontology Healthy Ageing Portal in the eGranary Digital Library, an “Internet in a Box”™ that provides offline digital resources to institutions and individuals where Internet access is lacking or undependable.
Vitamin D
Authors: Planton Jonathan , Meyer Jennifer O. , Edlund Barbara J.
Published: December 2010

There is growing awareness and evidence that vitamin D plays a pivotal role in maintaining health beyond its major biological function of enhancing calcium absorption and improving bone mineral density. Research findings suggest a strong relationship among a number of chronic diseases and vitamin D deficiency. Although vitamin D deficiency can occur across the age continuum, older adults with chronic diseases are particularly at risk. This article focuses on the role of vitamin D in maintaining health, current evidence linking vitamin D deficiency with chronic illness, and the importance of vitamin D supplementation.
Changes in Exodeviation Following Hyperopic Correction in Patients With Intermittent Exotropia
Authors: Chung Seung Ah , Kim In Sik , Kim Wook Kyum , Lee Jong Bok
Published: December 2010

Purpose:

To evaluate changes in the angle of deviation after spectacle correction in patients who had hyperopia and intermittent exotropia (X(T)) and to determine whether the changes and surgical outcomes differ when compared with those of myopic and emmetropic X(T).

Methods:

One hundred fourteen patients with X(T) were recruited and allocated into three groups: X(T) with hyperopia (group I; 38 patients), X(T) with emmetropia (group II; 35 patients), and X(T) with myopia (group III; 41 patients). After at least 6 months wearing spectacles, changes in exodeviation were compared. The results of surgery based on the spectacle-corrected distance angle and the ratios of accommodative convergence over accommodation (AC/A) were also assessed.

Results:

With spectacle correction, the mean exodeviation increased significantly in group I, but did not change in groups II or III. Thirteen patients in group I (34%) showed a more than 10 prism diopters (PD) exotropic shift after wearing spectacles. The mean AC/A ratio in group I was 2.63 (PD/D), whereas in groups II and III the ratios were 4.03 and 4.06, respectively. There was no difference in surgical results among the three groups.

Conclusion:

Although hyperopic correction in patients with X(T) resulted in a limited increase in exodeviation with a subnormal AC/A ratio, one-third of the patients experienced a significant increase in exodeviation. A spectacle correction trial should be considered before surgery in patients with hyperopia and X(T).
Retinocytoma Shows Lack of Response to Chemoreduction
Authors: Chung Jaeyoon , Turaka Kiran , Shields Carol L.
Published: December 2010

The authors report a case of retinocytoma showing no response to chemoreduction. A 30-month-old girl presented with Group B multifocal retinoblastoma in the right eye and Group E retinoblastoma in the left eye. After the first cycle of chemotherapy (vincristine [0.9 mg/m
2
], carboplatin [336 mg/m
2
], and etoposide [90 mg/m
2
]), there was remarkable reduction in the tumor size in the left eye, whereas the right eye tumors did not regress and were diagnosed as retinocytomas/retinomas. Retinocytoma/retinoma shows little to no response to chemoreduction.
[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2010;47:e1–e3.]
Perceptions of Successful Aging in Black Older Adults
Authors: Troutman Meredith , Nies Mary A. , Mavellia Helen
Published: December 2010

Successful aging is important; however, there is a lack of knowledge on how to promote successful aging in Black older adults. In this study, which examined Black older adults’ perceptions of successful aging, a cross-sectional descriptive design was used to examine the psychometric properties of the Successful Aging Inventory and qualitative characteristics of successful aging in 100 Black older adults. The participants’ responses to an open-ended question, “What does successful aging mean to you?” revealed relevant aspects of successful aging. Six broad categories emerged: Independence/Ability, Health, Mindset, Activity/Service, Family, and Spirituality. These categories suggest foci for potential interventions to promote successful aging in Black older adults.
Candida albicansandC. tropicalisIsolates from the Expired Breathes of Captive Dolphins and Their Environments in an Aquarium
Authors: Takahashi Hideo , Ueda Keiichi , Itano Eiko Nakagawa , Yanagisawa Makio , Murata Yoshiteru , Murata Michiko , Yaguchi Takashi , Murakami Masaru , Kamei Katsuhiko , Inomata Tomo , Miyahara Hirokazu , Sano Ayako , Uchida Senzo
Published: December 2010

Genotypes ofCandidaspp. isolated from exhalation of 20 dolphins, 11 water samples from captive pools, and 24 oral cavities of staff members in an aquarium using a combination of multiple drug resistance 1 gene (MDR1) and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 5.8s-ITS 2 regions of ribosomal RNA gene (ITS rDNA) sequences were studied. The holding ratios of the dolphins, captive pools, and staff members were 70, 90, and 29%, respectively. Isolated pathogenic yeast species common to the dolphins and environments wereCandida albicansandC. tropicalis. Identical genotypes in bothCandidaspp. based on the combination ofMDR1andITSrDNAwere found in some dolphins, between a dolphin and a staff, among dolphins and environments, and among environments. The results indicated the diffusion and exchange of pathogenic yeasts at the aquarium among dolphins and environments. The isolates at the aquarium showed higher rates of resistance to azole antifungals compared to reference isolates.
Pseudosarcomatous Proliferation of Cx43- and Kit-Expressing Interstitial Cell in the Urinary Bladder
Authors: Takeuchi Tamotsu , Tanimura Masanobu , Shimamoto Tsutomu , Yasuda Masaharu , Furihata Mutsuo
Published: December 2010

The authors report a case showing proliferation of KIT- and connexin 43-expressing mesenchymal cells of the urinary bladder. A 75-year-old woman had an ulcerated endophytic mass (size, approximately 2 × 2 cm) in the left posterolateral wall. She underwent transurethral resection and subsequent partial cystectomy. The suburothelial mass extended to the muscularis propria. The histopathological analysis revealed spindle-shaped mesenchymal cells that were loosely arranged with myxoid stroma and showed a focal compact fascicular arrangement. In the immunohistochemical analysis, these spindle cells were stained with specific antibodies to KIT and connexin 43. The patient is currently free of disease at 5 years after operation. The proliferating spindle cells in the present case might represent a phenotype of interstitial cells of the lamina propria.
The Catalytic Machinery of a Key Enzyme in Amino Acid Biosynthesis
Authors: Viola Ronald E. , Faehnle Christopher R. , Blanco Julio , Moore Roger A. , Liu Xuying , Arachea Buenafe T. , Pavlovsky Alexander G.
Published: December 2010

The aspartate pathway of amino acid biosynthesis is essential for all microbial life but is absent in mammals. Characterizing the enzyme-catalyzed reactions in this pathway can identify new protein targets for the development of antibiotics with unique modes of action. The enzyme aspartateβ-semialdehyde dehydrogenase (ASADH) catalyzes an early branch point reaction in the aspartate pathway. Kinetic, mutagenic, and structural studies of ASADH from various microbial species have been used to elucidate mechanistic details and to identify essential amino acids involved in substrate binding, catalysis, and enzyme regulation. Important structural and functional differences have been found between ASADHs isolated from these bacterial and fungal organisms, opening the possibility for developing species-specific antimicrobial agents that target this family of enzymes.
High Rate of Obesity-Associated Hypertension among Primary Schoolchildren in Sudan
Authors: Salman Zeena , Kirk Gregory D. , DeBoer Mark D.
Published: December 2010

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) frequently has roots in childhood, including following childhood-onset hypertension. Incidence of CVD has increased in developing countries in East Africa during recent urbanization. Effects of these shifts on childhood hypertension are unclear. Our objectives were to (1) Determine the prevalence of hypertension among primary schoolchildren in Khartoum, Sudan; (2) Determine whether hypertension in this setting is associated with obesity. We performed a cross sectional study of 6-12y children from two schools randomly selected in Khartoum, Sudan. Height, weight, BMI, BP and family history of hypertension were assessed. Age-, height- and gender-specific BP curves were used to determine pre-hypertension (90–95%) and hypertension (>95%). Of 304 children, 45 (14.8%) were overweight; 32 (10.5%) were obese; 15 (4.9%) were pre-hypertensive and 15 (4.9%) were hypertensive. Obesity but not family history of hypertension was associated with current hypertension. In multiple logistic regression, adjusting for family history, children who were obese had a relative-risk of 14.7 (CI 2.45-88.2) for systolic hypertension compared to normal-weight children. We conclude that overweight and obesity are highly prevalent among primary schoolchildren in urban Sudan and are strongly associated with hypertension. That obesity-associated cardiovascular sequelae exist in the developing world at young ages may be a harbinger of future CVD in sub-Saharan Africa.
Local Bone Marrow Renin-Angiotensin System and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Beyazit Yavuz , Purnak Tugrul , Guven Gulay Sain , Haznedaroglu Ibrahim C.
Published: December 2010

Local hematopoietic bone marrow (BM) renin-angiotensin system (RAS) affects the growth, production, proliferation differentiation, and function of hematopoietic cells. Angiotensin II (Ang II), the dominant effector peptide of the RAS, regulates cellular growth in a wide variety of tissues in pathobiological states. RAS, especially Ang II and Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R), has considerable proinflammatory and proatherogenic effects on the vessel wall, causing progression of atherosclerosis. Recent investigations, by analyzing several BM chimeric mice whose BM cells were positive or negative for AT1R, disclosed that AT1R in BM cells participates in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Therefore, AT1R blocking not only in vascular cells but also in the BM could be an important therapeutic approach to prevent atherosclerosis. The aim of this paper is to review the function of local BM RAS in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.
Word Meanings Matter: Cultivating English Vocabulary Knowledge in Fifth‐Grade Spanish‐Speaking Language Minority Learners
Authors: MANCILLA‐MARTINEZ JEANNETTE
Published: December 2010

This pilot study investigated the effects of a 20‐week quasiexperimental vocabulary intervention aimed at improving Spanish‐speaking language minority students' English vocabulary and writing outcomes. Participants were two matched samples of fifth graders (N = 49) in a predominantly Latino, low‐income urban school. Pre‐ and posttest analyses revealed that the treatment group gained knowledge of a larger number of target words than did the contrast group and that the treatment group students were generally better at determining their own word knowledge. Further, individual growth modeling revealed the treatment students' overall writing quality improved over the course of the 20‐week intervention, even though writing instruction was not part of the intervention, and improvements in students' writing quality were larger during the last 10 weeks of the intervention. The need for purposeful activities that provide students with authentic contexts to learn and productively use newly taught words is discussed.
Influence of Teacher‐Contact Time and Other Variables on ESL Students' Attitudes Towards Native‐ and Nonnative‐English‐Speaking Teachers
Authors: MOUSSU LUCIE
Published: December 2010

Although several studies have been conducted that investigated the attitudes of English as a second language (ESL) students towards their nonnative‐English‐speaking (NNES) ESL teachers, few scholars have explored the influence of teacher‐contact time and other relevant variables on students' responses. This article reports on a study conducted in 22 intensive English programs throughout the United States, which compared students' attitudes towards both their native‐ and nonnative‐English‐speaking (NES and NNES) ESL teachers at the beginning and at the end of a given semester. This study also investigated whether variables such as students' first languages, English proficiency level, and expected grades influence their answers. Results show that students' attitudes towards both NES and NNES ESL teachers were sometimes unexpectedly positive but could also be predictably negative in some instances. Additionally, some variables such as the students' first language significantly influenced their attitudes towards both NES and NNES ESL teachers. Finally, students' attitudes towards both NES and NNES ESL teachers changed over time. These results suggest that the linguistic background of ESL teachers is only one among numerous variables influencing students' attitudes towards their teachers. Consequently, English proficiency and teaching skills should no longer be defined by the ambiguous notion ofnativeversusnonnative speakerbut, instead, should take into consideration the multilayered context in which the teaching is taking place.
Evidence for the effectiveness of the Montreal Protocol to protect the ozone layer
Authors: Mäder J. A. , Staehelin J. , Peter T. , Brunner D. , Rieder H. E. , Stahel W. A.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. The release of man-made ozone depleting substances (ODS, including chlorofluorocarbons and halons) into the atmosphere has led to a near-linear increase in stratospheric halogen loading since the early 1970s, which levelled off after the mid-1990s and then started to decline, in response to the ban of many ODS by the Montreal Protocol (1987). We developed a multiple linear regression model to test whether this already had a measurable effect on total ozone values observed by the global network of ground-based instruments. The model includes explanatory variables describing the influence of various modes of dynamical variability and of volcanic eruptions. In order to describe the anthropogenic influence a first version of the model contains a linear trend (LT) term, whereas a second version contains a term describing the evolution of Equivalent Effective Stratospheric Chlorine (EESC). By comparing the explained variance of these two model versions we evaluated, which of the two terms better describes the observed ozone evolution. For a significant majority of the stations, the EESC proxy fits the long term ozone evolution better than the linear trend term. Therefore, we conclude that the Montreal Protocol has started to show measurable effects on the ozone layer about twenty years after it became legally binding.
Comparison of global inventories of CO emissions from biomass burning derived from remotely sensed data
Authors: Stroppiana D. , Brivio P. A. , Grégoire J.-M. , Liousse C. , Guillaume B. , Granier C. , Mieville A. , Chin M. , Pétron G.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. We compare five global inventories of monthly CO emissions named VGT, ATSR, MODIS, GFED3 and MOPITT based on remotely sensed active fires and/or burned area products for the year 2003. The objective is to highlight similarities and differences by focusing on the geographical and temporal distribution and on the emissions for three broad land cover classes (forest, savanna/grassland and agriculture). Globally, CO emissions for the year 2003 range between 365 Tg CO (GFED3) and 1422 Tg CO (VGT). Despite the large uncertainty in the total amounts, some common spatial patterns typical of biomass burning can be identified in the boreal forests of Siberia, in agricultural areas of Eastern Europe and Russia and in savanna ecosystems of South America, Africa and Australia. Regionally, the largest difference in terms of total amounts (CV > 100%) and seasonality is observed at the northernmost latitudes, especially in North America and Siberia where VGT appears to overestimate the area affected by fires. On the contrary, Africa shows the best agreement both in terms of total annual amounts (CV = 31%) and of seasonality despite some overestimation of emissions from forest and agriculture observed in the MODIS inventory. In Africa VGT provides the most reliable seasonality. Looking at the broad land cover types, the range of contribution to the global emissions of CO is 64–74%, 23–32% and 3–4% for forest, savanna/grassland and agriculture, respectively. These results suggest that there is still large uncertainty in global estimates of emissions and it increases if the comparison is carried by out taking into account the temporal (month) and spatial (0.5° × 0.5° cell) dimensions. Besides the area affected by fires, also vegetation characteristics and conditions at the time of burning should also be accurately parameterized since they can greatly influence the global estimates of CO emissions.
One year of Raman-lidar measurements in Gual Pahari EUCAARI site close to New Delhi in India: seasonal characteristics of the aerosol vertical structure
Authors: Komppula M. , Mielonen T. , Arola A. , Korhonen K. , Lihavainen H. , Hyvärinen A.-P. , Baars H. , Engelmann R. , Althausen D. , Ansmann A. , Müller D. , Panwar T. S. , Hooda R. K. , Sharma V. P. , Kerminen V.-M. , Lehtinen K. E. J. , Viisanen Y.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. One year of multi-wavelength (3+2) Raman lidar measurements at Gual Pahari, close to Delhi, were analysed. The data was split into four seasons: spring (March–May), summer (June–August), autumn (September–November) and winter (December–February). The vertical profiles of backscatter, extinction, and lidar ratio and their variability during each season are presented. The measurements revealed that, on average, the aerosol layer was at its highest in spring (5.5 km). In summer, the vertically averaged (between 1–3 km) backscatter and extinction coefficients had the highest averages (3.3 Mm−1 sr−1 and 142 Mm−1 at 532 nm, respectively). Aerosol concentrations were slightly higher in summer compared with other seasons, and particles were larger in size. The autumn showed the highest lidar ratio and high extinction-related Ångström exponents (AEext), indicating the presence of smaller probably absorbing particles. The winter had the lowest backscatter and extinction coefficients, but AEext was the highest, suggesting still a large amount of small particles.
Remote sensing of water vapour profiles in the framework of the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON)
Authors: Schneider M. , Sepúlveda E. , García O. , Hase F. , Blumenstock T.
Published: December 2010

Abstract. We show that the near infrared solar absorption spectra recorded in the framework of the Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON) can be used to derive the vertical distribution of tropospheric water vapour. The resolution of the TCCON spectra of 0.02 cm−1 is sufficient for retrieving lower and middle/upper tropospheric water vapour concentrations with a vertical resolution of about 3 and 8 km, respectively. We document the good quality of the remotely-sensed profiles by comparisons with coincident in-situ Vaisala RS92 radiosonde measurements. Due to the high measurement frequency, the TCCON water vapour profile data offer novel opportunities for estimating the water vapour variability at different timescales and altitudes.