bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Damage to the Drosophila follicle cell epithelium produces “false clones” with apparent polarity phenotypes
Authors: Haack Timm , Bergstralh Dan T. , St Johnston Daniel
Published: October 2013

The Drosophila follicular epithelium, which surrounds developing egg chambers, is a well-established model for studying epithelial polarity because it is continuously generated from adult stem cells, making it easy to generate homozygous mutant clones in a heterozygous background. Mutant clones are usually marked by the loss of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) expression, which distinguishes them from their green, wild-type neighbours. Here we report that damage to the epithelium during dissection can produce groups of GFP-negative cells that resemble mutant clones. Furthermore, several polarity factors, such as aPKC and Discs large, are not localised in these damage-induced false clones. This phenotype is identical to that reported for several mutants, including ampk and Dystroglycan mutant clones under conditions of energetic stress. Using more reliable systems to mark ampk and Dystroglycan null clones such as the MARCM system, we found that neither protein is required for epithelial polarity under low energy conditions. Thus, our previous report of a specific low energy polarity pathway is an artefact of the increased damage caused by dissecting the small ovaries of starved flies. However, ampk mutant cells are larger than normal under both starvation and well-fed conditions, indicating that AMPK restricts follicle cell growth even when dietary sugar is not limiting. We suspect that several other reports of mutants that disrupt follicle cell polarity may also be based on the phenotype of damage-induced false clones, and recommend the use of positively marked clones to avoid this potential artefact.
Experimental evidence for UNC-6 (netrin) axon guidance by stochastic fluctuations of intracellular UNC-40 (DCC) outgrowth activity
Authors: Kulkarni Gauri , Xu Zhennan , Mohamed Ahmed M. , Li Haichang , Tang Xia , Limerick Gerard , Wadsworth William G.
Published: October 2013

How the direction of axon guidance is determined is not understood. In Caenorhabditis elegans the UNC-40 (DCC) receptor mediates a response to the UNC-6 (netrin) guidance cue that directs HSN axon development. UNC-40 becomes asymmetrically localized within the HSN neuron to the site of axon outgrowth. Here we provide experimental evidence that the direction of guidance can be explained by the stochastic fluctuations of UNC-40 asymmetric outgrowth activity. We find that the UNC-5 (UNC5) receptor and the cytoskeletal binding protein UNC-53 (NAV2) regulate the induction of UNC-40 localization by UNC-6. If UNC-40 localization is induced without UNC-6 by using an unc-53 mutation, the direction of UNC-40 localization undergoes random fluctuations. Random walk models describe the path made by a succession of randomly directed movement. This model was experimentally tested using mutations that affect Wnt/PCP signaling. These mutations inhibit UNC-40 localization in the anterior and posterior directions. As the axon forms in Wnt/PCP mutants, the direction of UNC-40 localization randomly fluctuates; it can localize in either the anterior, posterior, or ventral direction. Consistent with a biased random walk, over time the axon will develop ventrally in response to UNC-6, even though at a discrete time UNC-40 localization and outgrowth can be observed anterior or posterior. Also, axon formation is slower in the mutants than in wild-type animals. This is also consistent with a random walk since this model predicts that the mean square displacement (msd) will increase only linearly with time, whereas the msd increases quadratically with time for straight-line motion.
Monitoring of Lactic Acid Fermentation Process Using Fourier Transform near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Grassi Silvia , Alamprese Cristina , Bono Veronica , Picozzi Claudia , Foschino Roberto , Casiraghi Ernestina
Published: October 2013

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the suitability of Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy, combined with multivariate data analysis, to monitor milk lactic acid fermentation as an indication of possible deviations in quality parameters. Fermentation trials performed with different inocula ( Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus as single or in mixed cultures) at three incubation temperatures (37°C, 41°C and 45°C) were monitored by FT-NIR spectroscopy. Rheological and conventional quality parameters (microbial counts, pH, titratable acidity, lactose, galactose and lactic acid concentrations) were used as reference values to assess the findings with FT-NIR spectroscopy. Principal component analysis was applied to spectra to uncover molecular modifications. PC1 scores, rheological data and conventional quality parameter values were modelled as a function of fermentation time to designate critical points all along the process. Results showed that FT-NIR spectroscopy is a useful tool for real-time assessment of curd development during fermentation, offering crucial information in agreement with rheology and conventional quality parameters.
New Mediterranean Marine biodiversity records (December, 2013)
Authors: BILECENOGLU M. , ALFAYA J.E.F. , AZZURRO E. , BALDACCONI R. , BOYACI Y.Ö. , CIRCOSTA V. , COMPAGNO L.J.V. , COPPOLA F. , DEIDUN A. , DURGHAM H. , DURUCAN F. , ERGÜDEN D. , FERNÁNDEZ-ÁLVAREZ F.Á. , GIANGUZZA P. , GIGLIO G. , GÖKOĞLU M. , GÜRLEK M. , IKHTIYAR S. , KABASAKAL H. , KARACHLE P.K. , KATSANEVAKIS S. , KOUTSOGIANNOPOULOS D. , LANFRANCO E. , MICARELLI P. , ÖZVAROL Y. , PENA-RIVAS L. , POURSANIDIS D. , SALIBA J. , SPERONE E. , TIBULLO D. , TIRALONGO F. , TRIPEPI S. , TURAN C. , VELLA P. , YOKEŞ M.B. , ZAVA B.
Published: October 2013

Based on recent biodiversity studies carried out in different parts of the Mediterranean, the following 19 species are included as new records on the floral or faunal lists of the relevant ecosystems: the green algae Penicillus capitatus (Maltese waters); the nemertean Amphiporus allucens (Iberian Peninsula, Spain); the salp Salpa maxima (Syria); the opistobranchs Felimida britoi and Berghia coerulescens (Aegean Sea, Greece); the dusky shark Carcharhinus obscurus (central-west Mediterranean and Ionian Sea, Italy); Randall’s threadfin bream Nemipterus randalli, the broadbanded cardinalfish Apogon fasciatus and the goby Gobius kolombatovici (Aegean Sea, Turkey); the reticulated leatherjack Stephanolepis diaspros and the halacarid Agaue chevreuxi (Sea of Marmara, Turkey); the slimy liagora Ganonema farinosum, the yellowstripe barracuda Sphyraena chrysotaenia, the rayed pearl oyster Pinctada imbricata radiata and the Persian conch Conomurex persicus (south-eastern Crete, Greece); the blenny Microlipophrys dalmatinus and the bastard grunt Pomadasys incisus (Ionian Sea, Italy); the brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus (north-eastern Levant, Turkey); the blue-crab Callinectes sapidus (Corfu, Ionian Sea, Greece). In addition, the findings of the following rare species improve currently available biogeographical knowledge: the oceanic pufferfish Lagocephalus lagocephalus (Malta); the yellow sea chub Kyphosus incisor (Almuñécar coast of Spain); the basking shark Cetorhinus maximus and the shortfin mako Isurus oxyrinchus (north-eastern Levant, Turkey).
Fra-1 regulation of Matrix Metallopeptidase-1 (MMP-1) in metastatic variants of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells
Authors: Henckels Eric , Prywes Ron
Published: October 2013

Matrix Metallopeptidase 1 (MMP-1) expression has repeatedly been correlated to tumorigenesis and metastasis.  Yet, MMP-1 regulation in a metastatic context remains largely unknown.  Here we confirm differential MMP-1 expression in mammary carcinoma cells with varied metastatic potentials. We show that MMP-1 expression is regulated by an AP-1 element in its promoter in highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 mammary carcinoma cell derivatives.  Fra-1, an AP-1 family transcription factor, differentially binds this element in highly metastatic cells compared to low metastatic cells and is required for MMP-1 expression.  Overexpression of Fra-1 also caused increased MMP-1 expression. Fra-1 mRNA levels are unchanged in the cell variants, however its protein levels are higher in the metastatic cells. While there was no change in Fra-1 protein degradation rates, protein synthesis of Fra-1 was increased in the metastatic cell variant. These results demonstrate that Fra-1 and MMP-1 levels are differentially regulated in metastatic cell variants at the level of Fra-1 protein translation. Consistent with the importance of Fra-1 for tumor growth, we found that Fra-1 overexpression was sufficient to increase cell motility and anchorage independent growth.  These results suggest that increased Fra-1 translation is critical for regulation of MMP-1 and tumor cell metastasis.
Framboð eða eftirspurn? Árangur kvenna í prófkjörum flokkanna
Authors: Sigurjónsdóttir Ásdís Jóna , Indriðason Indriði H.
Published: October 2013

Fátítt er að prófkjör séu notuð við uppsetningu framboðslista í löndum sem notast við hlutfallskosningakerfi eins og flestir stjórnmálaflokkar á Íslandi gera. Prófkjör eru hins vegar gagnleg til að skoða áhrif ýmissa einkenna frambjóðenda á árangur þeirra í stjórnmálum. Ólíkt almennum kosningum eru einstaklingum greidd atkvæði og vinsældir flokkanna og leiðtoga þeirra á landsvísu hafa minni áhrif á árangur einstakra frambjóðenda. Í þessari grein er fjallað um prófkjör á Íslandi 1970-2007. Sérstök áhersla er lögð á árangur kvenna en því hefur oft verið haldið fram að konur eigi erfiðara uppdráttar í prófkjörum en þegar farnar eru hefðbundnari leiðir við uppstillingu framboðslista. Því er mikilvægt að skoða hver árangur kvenna í íslenskum prófkjörum er og hvaða breytingar hafa orðið frá því að stjórnmálaflokkarnir tóku upp prófkjör. Í ljósi þess að konur standa höllum fæti er leitast við að svara því hvar orsökin liggur. Niðurstöðurnar gefa vísbendingar um að ekki sé um viðhorf kjósenda í prófkjörunum að sakast heldur sé skýringarinnar fremur að leita í því að færri konur bjóða sig fram og á það sérstaklega við um forystusæti framboðslistanna.
Sense of Sovereignty. How national sentiments have influenced Iceland‘s European policy
Authors: Bergmann Eiríkur
Published: October 2013

This paper asks why Iceland had until July 2009 chosen to participate in the European project through the EEA and Schengen agreements but not with full membership in the EU. It analyses if and how ideas on the Icelandic nation and its sovereignty affects the stance Icelandic politicians have taken towards the European project. Icelanders’ struggle for independence in the 19th century created a special kind of nationalism which gives prominence to the sovereignty of the nation as a whole. Economically, however, Iceland feels the same need as other European states to participate in European co-operation, which can explain its membership in the EEA. The agreement brings Iceland into the European single market, but at a cost: Iceland has de-facto agreed to adopt the EU’s legislation within the boundaries of the agreement, and thus a transfer of decision making and domestic governmental power to the EU. This dilemma, between economic interests on the one hand and ideas on the sovereignty of the Icelandic nation on the other, has created a kind of a rift between the emphasis on the free and sovereign nation and the reality Iceland is faced with in the co-operation. The inheritance of the independent struggle still directs the discourse Icelandic politicians use in the debate on Europe. A strong emphasis on sovereignty has become the foundation on which Icelandic politics rests. Participation in EU’s supra-national institutions falls, in a way, outside the framework of Icelandic political discourse, which highlights Iceland’s sovereignty and stresses an everlasting independence struggle.
Stjórnvald í mótun: Drög að forsögu Seðlabankans
Authors: Kjartansson Helgi Skúli
Published: October 2013

Í greininni er fjallað um seðlabankahlutverk Landsbanka Íslands fram til 1961 þegar Seðlabanki Íslands varð að sjálfstæðri stofnun. Landsbankinn hafði annast seðlaútgáfu frá 1924 og verið skilgreindur sem seðlabanki að lögum frá 1927, en þar sem lögin gengu út frá föstu gullgengi og gullinnlausn krónunnar, sem aldrei varð að veruleika, var það reynslan fremur en lögin sem mótaði seðlabankahlutverk Landsbankans í raun. Seðlabankinn var sérstök deild Landsbankans, fjárhagslega aðskilin frá 1930 (þó hún annaðist fyrst um sinn stóran hluta af viðskiptabankastarfseminni líka) og undir sérstakri stjórn frá 1957, en það var stærsta skrefið í átt til sjálfstæðs seðlabanka. Meðal annars er rætt um afskiptaleysi Landsbankans af falli Íslandsbanka 1930; aðkomu hans að innflutnings- og gjaldeyrishöftum frá því í heimskreppunni; og takmörkuð áhrif hans á vaxtamyndun (hann hafði enga sveigjanlega stýrivexti þótt hann endurkeypti afurðavíxla af bönkunum eftir föstum reglum) þar til hann fékk það hlutverk 1960 að ákvarða inn- og útlánsvexti, jafnframt því sem hann lagði í fyrsta skipti bindiskyldu á bankana. Í þessu fólst fyrsta ákvörðunarvald seðlabankans um peningamál. Áður var þó stjórn seðlabankans, bæði sérstök stjórn hans frá 1957 og enn áður stjórn Landsbankans sem seðlabanka, farin að setja fram sjálfstæð sjónarmið í peningamálum, jafnvel í andstöðu við ríkjandi stjórnarstefnu. Skattfrelsi sparifjár 1954 var t.d. málamiðlun þar sem ríkisstjórnin kom til móts við sjónarmið bankans.
Tjaldað til einnar nætur: Uppruni bráðabirgðastjórnarskrárinnar
Authors: Jóhannesson Guðni Th.
Published: October 2013

Í greininni er tilurð lýðveldisstjórnarskrárinnar frá 1944 rakin. Mest áhersla er lögð á ár seinni heimsstyrjaldar og þær skorður sem alþingismenn settu sér við gerð nýrrar stjórnarskrár fyrir lýðveldið Ísland. Rakið verður að leiðtogar stjórnmálaflokka á Alþingi þóttust sjá að kæmu þeir sér ekki saman um að gera sem minnstar breytingar á stjórnarskránni að sinni blossaði upp ófriður innan þings sem utan. En það mætti ekki verða því mest á riði, bæði fyrir Íslendinga sjálfa og ekki síður valdhafa annarra ríkja sem skyldu viðurkenna hið nýja lýðveldi, að þjóðin virtist einhuga á lokaspretti sjálfstæðisbaráttunnar. Þess vegna voru flestir þingmenn og aðrir, sem komu að gerð hinnar nýju stjórnarskrár, sammála um að hún væri aðeins samin til bráðabirgða. Um leið og lýst hefði verið yfir sjálfstæði skyldi gagnger endurskoðun stjórnarskrárinnar hins vegar hefjast. Í greininni er því haldið fram að í seinni umræðum um stjórnarskrána hætti mönnum til að gleyma eða gera lítið úr þessu grundvallaratriði.
Stórhuga Íslendingar: Forsaga og upphaf íslenskrar þróunarsamvinnu
Authors: Loftsdóttir Kristín
Published: October 2013

Hugmyndin um þróunarhjálp til handa fátækari hlutum heimsins fékk hugmyndafræðilegt forræði um miðja 20. öld og þá sem leið til að skilja stöðu ólíkra hluta heimsins. Þrátt fyrir að deilt hafi verið um leiðir eða útfærslu að þróun, var sú hugmynd, að sumar þjóðir væru vanþróaðar og aðrar þróaðar, ekki gagnrýnd sem slík. Litið var á þróunarsamvinnustofnanir sem hlutlaus fyrirbæri sem hefðu yfir að ráða tæknilegri sérfræðiþekkingu sem færa myndi samfélög frá einu stigi þróunar yfir á annað. Söfnun upplýsinga til að staðsetja samfélög á þróunarskala náði til smæstu þátta mannlegs samfélags og gaf hugmyndinni um þróunarlönd áþreifanlegt inntak. Í greinin er upphaf íslenskrar þróunarsamvinnu skoðað og leitast við að setja hana í samhengi við alþjóðlegar hugmyndir um þróunarsamvinnu. Umfjöllunin hefst á umræðu um mótun alþjóðlegrar þróunarsamvinnu út í hinum stóra heimi og hugmyndafræðilegt forræði hennar. Síðan er gerð grein fyrir því hvernig viðfangsefnið "þróunarlönd" birtist í íslensku samhengi á ákveðnu tímabili og hvernig má sjá áhrif frá alþjóðlegum straumum, sem endurspeglast meðal annars í auknum þrýstingi á stjórnvöld að hefja þróunarsamvinnu. Fyrstu skref stofnunarinnar Aðstoð Íslands við þróunarlöndin sem sett var á fót 1971 endurspegla þó lítinn áhuga stjórnvalda á þróunarsamvinnu. Greinin varpar einnig ljósi á áhrif þessa alþjóðlegu straumar á Íslandi og hvernig þeir virkjuðu hluta þjóðarinnar í ákalli um mikilvægi þess að íslenska þjóðin sinnti þróunarsamvinnu.
Umræðuvettvangur íslenskra dagblaða með hliðsjón af greiningarramma Colin Sparks
Authors: Guðmundsson Birgir
Published: October 2013

Almennt er viðurkennt að fjölbreytni og fjölræði í fjölmiðlum sé grundvallaratriði í lýðræðislegri umræðu. Sífellt háværari hafa þær raddir þó orðið á umliðnum árum sem lýst hafa yfir áhyggjum af því að umræðan í fjölmiðlum hafi verið gengisfelld og meira sé orðið um skemmtun og afþreyingu en þau atriði sem máli skipti fyrir lýðræðið. Þessi þróun hefur verið kölluð "tabloidization" eða götublaðavæðing. Meðal fræðimanna hefur Colin Sparks (2000) einkum mótað umræðuna með greiningarramma sínum um stöðu blaða á opinberum umræðuvettvangi. Fáar tilraunir hafa verið gerðar til að kortleggja íslensk dagblöð samkvæmt þessum greiningarramma og það sem gert hefur verið er orðið margra ára gamalt. Hér er sagt frá innihaldsgreiningu á íslensku dagblöðunum (DV talið sem dagblað) á árunum 2008-2010 þar sem miðað er við greiningarramma Sparks. Að hluta til eru fyrri hugmyndir staðfestar, en þó koma fram mikilvægar upplýsingar sem benda til að blöðin séu mjög einsleit og að verða líkari hvert öðru hvað efni varðar.
When quills kill: the defense strategy of the crested porcupine Hystrix cristata L., 1758
Authors: Mori Emiliano , Maggini Ivan , Menchetti Mattia
Published: October 2013

Quills represent specialized morphological structures evolved by some mammal species to deter predators. Among quilled mammals, crested porcupines
Brief Report: Ethical Problems in Research Practice
Authors: Colnerud Gunnel
Published: October 2013

Most accounts of the ethical problems facing researchers across a broad spectrum of research fields come from ethicists, ethics committees, and specialists committed to the study of ethics in human research. In contrast, this study reports on the ethical questions that researchers, themselves, report facing in their everyday practice. Fifty-five Swedish researchers contributed 109 examples of ethical dilemmas, conflicts, and problems in research. They were all researchers at the postdoctoral level in the fields of medicine, the humanities, education, and the social sciences, who devoted at least 50 percent of their working hours to research. They reported issues they face before, during, and after gathering data. Their range of issues is broader than generally discussed and points to the importance of researchers' ethical sensitivity.
Perceptions of Trauma Research with a Sample of At-Risk Youth
Authors: Chu Ann T. , Deprince Anne P.
Published: October 2013

Growing body of research demon-strates that participants generally report favorable perceptions of participating in trauma research. However, questions remain on the long-term impact of asking at-risk youth about trauma in settings where such questions are unexpected. Perceptions of participation were examined in the current longitudinal study comprising a sample of adolescent girls recruited from the child welfare system to participate in a healthy relationship project. Over a year, teens (n = 180) completed four research sessions during which they were interviewed about interpersonal trauma exposure and trauma-related symptoms. Results indicated that adolescents reported stable, favorable benefit-to-cost ratios over time. Perceptions of research participation and symptom severity did not impact retention.
Association of Hospital and Provider Types on Sickle Cell Disease Outcomes
Authors: Jan Sophia , Slap Gail , Smith-Whitley Kim , Dai Dingwei , Keren Ron , Rubin David M.
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVES:

Adolescents and young adults (A/YA) with sickle cell disease (SCD) are hospitalized in both children’s and general hospitals. We determined the effect of hospital type and provider specialty on outcomes of hospitalized A/YA with SCD and acute chest syndrome (ACS).

METHODS:

This retrospective cohort study used the 2007–2009 Premier Database, a large multi-institutional database, to identify 1476 patients ages 16 to 25 years with 2299 admissions with SCD and ACS discharged from 256 US hospitals from 2007 to 2009. Multilevel logistic regression and zero-truncated negative binomial regression were performed after adjustment for patient demographic, clinical, and hospital characteristics to test the association of hospital type and provider specialty on death, endotracheal intubation, simple or exchange transfusion, length of stay (LOS), and 30-day readmission.

RESULTS:

Of all admissions, 14 died and 45% were intubated. General hospitals had 13 deaths and were associated with higher intubation rates (predicted probability [PP], 48% [95% confidence interval (CI), 43%–52%]) and longer LOS (predicted mean LOS, 7.6 days [95% CI, 7.2–7.9]) compared with children’s hospitals (PP of intubation, 24% [95% CI, 5%–42%]; and predicted mean LOS, 6.8 days [95% CI, 5.6–5.8]). There was no difference by hospital type or provider specialty in PP of simple or exchange transfusion, or 30-day readmission.

CONCLUSIONS:

General hospitals carry higher intubation risks for A/YA with SCD and ACS compared with children’s hospitals. We need to better understand the drivers of these differences, including the role of staff expertise, hospital volume, and quality of ongoing SCD care.
Influenza-Associated Pediatric Deaths in the United States, 2004–2012
Authors: Wong Karen K. , Jain Seema , Blanton Lenee , Dhara Rosaline , Brammer Lynnette , Fry Alicia M. , Finelli Lyn
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND:

Influenza-associated deaths in children occur annually. We describe the epidemiology of influenza-associated pediatric deaths from the 2004–2005 through the 2011–2012 influenza seasons.

METHODS:

Deaths in children <18 years of age with laboratory-confirmed influenza virus infection were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by using a standard case report form to collect data on demographic characteristics, medical conditions, clinical course, and laboratory results. Characteristics of children with no high-risk medical conditions were compared with those of children with high-risk medical conditions.

RESULTS:

From October 2004 through September 2012, 830 pediatric influenza–associated deaths were reported. The median age was 7 years (interquartile range: 1–12 years). Thirty-five percent of children died before hospital admission. Of 794 children with a known medical history, 43% had no high-risk medical conditions, 33% had neurologic disorders, and 12% had genetic or chromosomal disorders. Children without high-risk medical conditions were more likely to die before hospital admission (relative risk: 1.9; 95% confidence interval: 1.6–2.4) and within 3 days of symptom onset (relative risk: 1.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.3–2.0) than those with high-risk medical conditions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Influenza can be fatal in children with and without high-risk medical conditions. These findings highlight the importance of recommendations that all children should receive annual influenza vaccination to prevent influenza, and children who are hospitalized, who have severe illness, or who are at high risk of complications (age <2 years or with medical conditions) should receive antiviral treatment as early as possible.
Guiding Principles for Managed Care Arrangements for the Health Care of Newborns, Infants, Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults
Authors:   COMMITTEE ON CHILD HEALTH FINANCING, Long Thomas , Droge Molly , Harbaugh Norman “Chip” , Helm Mark , Hudek Mark , Racine Andrew , Shenkin Budd , Snider Iris , White Patience , Willis Earnestine
Published: October 2013

By including the precepts of primary care and the medical home in the delivery of services, managed care can be effective in increasing access to a full range of health care services and clinicians. A carefully designed and administered managed care plan can minimize patient under- and overutilization of services, as well as enhance quality of care. Therefore, the American Academy of Pediatrics urges the use of the key principles outlined in this statement in designing and implementing managed care programs for newborns, infants, children, adolescents, and young adults to maximize the positive potential of managed care for pediatrics. These principles include the following:
Condom Use by Adolescents
Authors:   COMMITTEE ON ADOLESCENCE, O’Brien Rebecca F. , Warner Lee , Blythe Margaret J. , Adelman William P. , Breuner Cora C. , Levine David A. , Marcell Arik V. , Murray Pamela J. , O’Brien Rebecca F.
Published: October 2013

Rates of sexual activity, pregnancies, and births among adolescents have continued to decline during the past decade to historic lows. Despite these positive trends, many adolescents remain at risk for unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This policy statement has been developed to assist the pediatrician in understanding and supporting the use of condoms by their patients to prevent unintended pregnancies and STIs and address barriers to their use. When used consistently and correctly, male latex condoms reduce the risk of pregnancy and many STIs, including HIV. Since the last policy statement published 12 years ago, there is an increased evidence base supporting the protection provided by condoms against STIs. Rates of acquisition of STIs/HIV among adolescents remain unacceptably high. Interventions that increase availability or accessibility to condoms are most efficacious when combined with additional individual, small-group, or community-level activities that include messages about safer sex. Continued research is needed to inform public health interventions for adolescents that increase the consistent and correct use of condoms and promote dual protection of condoms for STI prevention with other effective methods of contraception.
Analysis of mechanical properties of concrete cores using statistical approach
Authors: Chen Xudong , Wu Shengxing , Zhou Jikai
Published: October 2013

The lack of verification of statements concerning the random variations of mechanical behaviour of concrete cores, supported with statistical approaches, is important. Statistically significant data sets under such conditions are very rare. In this study, the issue is addressed by exploring the mechanical behaviour of cores using probabilistic concepts. Two-parameter Weibull, normal and log-normal distributions are used to fit the test data (strength, elastic modulus and strain at peak stress) of concrete specimens. The Weibull distributions most accurately describe the experimentally measured data. A basic theory of damage mechanics is introduced to deal with stress–strain behaviour of cores. In this theory, a statistical method is used to describe mechanical properties on a mesoscopic scale in order to generate realistic behaviour at a macroscopic scale. It is shown that there is a relatively good coincidence between the theoretical results and the measured data.
Zero-span tensile model for evaluating cracking behaviour of SHCC for RC flexural strengthening
Authors: Zhang Yongxing
Published: October 2013

Strain hardening cementitious composites (SHCCs) have obvious advantages when used to strengthen reinforced concrete (RC) structures – high tensile and compressive strengths, as well as large tensile strain in uniaxial tensile behaviour. However, when used for flexural strengthening of RC members, the ductility of SHCC is reduced and the cracking behaviour of the SHCC strengthening layer varies with different layer thicknesses. In this paper, a zero-span tensile model using a fictitious material is proposed to assess the cracking behaviour of SHCC used for RC flexural strengthening, considering the localised behaviour of the SHCC on the cracked RC substrate member. In the model, the crack in the RC substrate member is represented by an artificial crack formed by two areas of fictitious material. The proposed model can evaluate the cracking behaviour of SHCC layers of varying thickness used for flexural strengthening of RC members.
Bridging Organizational Divides in Health Care: An Ecological View of Health Information Exchange
Authors: Unertl Kim M , Johnson Kevin B , Gadd Cynthia S , Lorenzi Nancy M
Published: October 2013

Background

The fragmented nature of health care delivery in the United States leads to fragmented health information and impedes patient care continuity and safety. Technologies to support interorganizational health information exchange (HIE) are becoming more available. Understanding how HIE technology changes health care delivery and affects people and organizations is crucial to long-term successful implementation.

Objective

Our study investigated the impacts of HIE technology on organizations, health care providers, and patients through a new, context-aware perspective, the Regional Health Information Ecology.

Methods

We conducted more than 180 hours of direct observation, informal interviews during observation, and 9 formal semi-structured interviews. Data collection focused on workflow and information flow among health care team members and patients and on health care provider use of HIE technology.

Results

We structured the data analysis around five primary information ecology components: system, locality, diversity, keystone species, and coevolution. Our study identified three main roles, or keystone species, involved in HIE: information consumers, information exchange facilitators, and information repositories. The HIE technology impacted patient care by allowing providers direct access to health information, reducing time to obtain health information, and increasing provider awareness of patient interactions with the health care system. Developing the infrastructure needed to support HIE technology also improved connections among information technology support groups at different health care organizations. Despite the potential of this type of technology to improve continuity of patient care, HIE technology adoption by health care providers was limited.

Conclusions

To successfully build a HIE network, organizations had to shift perspectives from an ownership view of health data to a continuity of care perspective. To successfully integrate external health information into clinical work practices, health care providers had to move toward understanding potential contributions of external health information. Our study provides a foundation for future context-aware development and implementation of HIE technology. Integrating concepts from the Regional Health Information Ecology into design and implementation may lead to wider diffusion and adoption of HIE technology into clinical work.
Calretinin-Immunoreactive Mucosal Innervation in Very Short-Segment Hirschsprung Disease: A Potentially Misleading Observation
Authors: Kapur Raj P.
Published: October 2013

Absent calretinin-immunoreactive (CRir) mucosal innervation in aganglionic rectal biopsies is considered a useful diagnostic finding for Hirschsprung disease. Analysis of a series of rectosigmoid resections from patients with short-segment (>2-cm aganglionic, n = 9) and very short-segment (≤2-cm aganglionic, n = 9) Hirschsprung disease demonstrates that CRir mucosal nerves extend into the proximal 1–2 cm of aganglionic bowel, where their presence in distal rectal biopsies could complicate diagnosis of very short-segment disease. Indeed, retrospective analysis of preoperative, aganglionic, distal rectal biopsies from 4 of 9 patients with very short-segment Hirschsprung disease revealed CRir mucosal innervation. Accurate diagnosis was possible based on generous histopathological submucosal sampling to exclude ganglion cells and the presence of abundant large-caliber submucosal nerves (more than 4 nerves >30 μm thick/×200 field or more than 2 nerves >40 μm thick/×200 field). Absent CRir mucosal innervation supports the diagnosis of Hirschsprung disease, but the presence of CRir mucosal nerves does not exclude aganglionosis, especially in distal rectal biopsies from patients with very short-segment Hirschsprung disease.
Classification of solvable groups possessing a unique nonlinear non-faithful irreducible character
Authors: Saeidi Amin
Published: October 2013

In this note, we study finite groups possessing exactly one nonlinear non-faithful irreducible character. Our main result is to classify solvable groups that satisfy this property. Also, we give examples to show that these groups need not to be solvable in general.
Experiences with Autonomy: Learners’ Voices on Language Learning
Authors: Kristmanson Paula , Lafargue Chantal , Culligan Karla
Published: October 2013

Abstract:

This article focuses on the experiences of Grade 12 students using a language portfolio based on the principles and guidelines of the European Language Portfolio (ELP) in their second language classes in a large urban high school. As part of a larger action-research project, focus group interviews were conducted to gather data related to experiences and perceptions regarding second language learning. In particular, the research questions focused on the learners’ experiences with the language portfolio and its potential role in contributing to learner autonomy. Three overarching themes emerged from the data collected from learners who participated in this study. These themes related to general perceptions of learning, to language learning experiences, and to experiences with the language portfolio. The article concludes with a discussion of the pedagogical linkages to learner autonomy and suggests implications for educators who wish to promote learner autonomy.
Saffron: A Natural Potent Antioxidant as a Promising Anti-Obesity Drug
Authors: Mashmoul Maryam , Azlan Azrina , Khaza'ai Huzwah , Yusof Barakatun , Noor Sabariah
Published: October 2013

Obesity is associated with various diseases, particularly diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis and heart disease. Research on possibilities of herbal extracts and isolated compounds from natural products for treating obesity has an upward trend. Saffron (Crocus Sativus L. Iridaceae) is a source of plant polyphenols/carotenoids, used as important spice and food colorant in different parts of the world. It has also been used in traditional medicine for treatment of different types of illnesses since ancient times. Many of these medicinal properties of saffron can be attributed to a number of its compounds such as crocetin, crocins and other substances having strong antioxidant and radical scavenger properties against a variety of radical oxygen species and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The aim of this article is to assess the potential role of saffron and its constituents in the regulation of metabolic functions, which can beneficially alter obesity pathophysiology.
Microalgal Species Selection for Biodiesel Production Based on Fuel Properties Derived from Fatty Acid Profiles
Authors: Islam Muhammad , Magnusson Marie , Brown Richard , Ayoko Godwin , Nabi Md. , Heimann Kirsten
Published: October 2013

Physical and chemical properties of biodiesel are influenced by structural features of the fatty acids, such as chain length, degree of unsaturation and branching of the carbon chain. This study investigated if microalgal fatty acid profiles are suitable for biodiesel characterization and species selection through Preference Ranking Organisation Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE) and Graphical Analysis for Interactive Assistance (GAIA) analysis. Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles were used to calculate the likely key chemical and physical properties of the biodiesel [cetane number (CN), iodine value (IV), cold filter plugging point, density, kinematic viscosity, higher heating value] of nine microalgal species (this study) and twelve species from the literature, selected for their suitability for cultivation in subtropical climates. An equal-parameter weighted (PROMETHEE-GAIA) ranked Nannochloropsis oculata, Extubocellulus sp. and Biddulphia sp. highest; the only species meeting the EN14214 and ASTM D6751-02 biodiesel standards, except for the double bond limit in the EN14214. Chlorella vulgaris outranked N. oculata when the twelve microalgae were included. Culture growth phase (stationary) and, to a lesser extent, nutrient provision affected CN and IV values of N. oculata due to lower eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) contents. Application of a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) weighting to saturation led to a lower ranking of species exceeding the double bond EN14214 thresholds. In summary, CN, IV, C18:3 and double bond limits were the strongest drivers in equal biodiesel parameter-weighted PROMETHEE analysis.
Walking for Well-Being: Are Group Walks in Certain Types of Natural Environments Better for Well-Being than Group Walks in Urban Environments?
Authors: Marselle Melissa , Irvine Katherine , Warber Sara
Published: October 2013

The benefits of walking in natural environments for well-being are increasingly understood. However, less well known are the impacts different types of natural environments have on psychological and emotional well-being. This cross-sectional study investigated whether group walks in specific types of natural environments were associated with greater psychological and emotional well-being compared to group walks in urban environments. Individuals who frequently attended a walking group once a week or more (n = 708) were surveyed on mental well-being (Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale), depression (Major Depressive Inventory), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale) and emotional well-being (Positive and Negative Affect Schedule). Compared to group walks in urban environments, group walks in farmland were significantly associated with less perceived stress and negative affect, and greater mental well-being. Group walks in green corridors were significantly associated with less perceived stress and negative affect. There were no significant differences between the effect of any environment types on depression or positive affect. Outdoor walking group programs could be endorsed through “green prescriptions” to improve psychological and emotional well-being, as well as physical activity.
Preparation and Optimization of Triptolide-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Oral Delivery with Reduced Gastric Irritation
Authors: Zhang Cong , Gu Conghui , Peng Fan , Liu Wei , Wan Jiangling , Xu Huibi , Lam Christopher , Yang Xiangliang
Published: October 2013

Triptolide (TP) often causes adverse reactions in the gastrointestinal tract when it is administered orally. This study aimed to prepare and optimize triptolide-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (TP-SLN) with reduced gastric irritation. The microemulsion technique was used to formulate TP-SLN employing a five-level central composite design (CCD) that was developed for exploring the optimum levels of three independent variables on particle size, encapsulation efficiency (EE) and drug loading (DL). Quadratic polynomial models were generated to predict and evaluate the three independent variables with respect to the three responses. The optimized TP-SLN was predicted to comprise fraction of lipid of 49.73%, surfactant to co-surfactant ratio of 3.25, and lipid to drug ratio of 55.27, which showed particle size of 179.8 ± 5.7 nm, EE of 56.5 ± 0.18% and DL of 1.02 ± 0.003% that were in good agreement with predicted values. In addition, the optimized nanoparticles manifested a sustained-release pattern in vitro and were stable during 3 h of incubation in simulated gastric fluids without significant size change and the majority (91%) of the drug was protected. Furthermore, the nanoparticles did not show obvious gastric irritation caused by oral administration of TP in rats.
Combining Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Surface Plasmon Resonance into one Simultaneous Read-Out System for the Detection of Surface Interactions
Authors: Vandenryt Thijs , Pohl Andrea , Van Grinsven Bart , Thoelen Ronald , De Ceuninck Ward , Wagner Patrick , Opitz Jörg
Published: October 2013

In this article we describe the integration of impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) into one surface analytic device. A polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) flow cell is created, matching the dimensions of a commercially available sensor chip used for SPR measurements. This flow cell allowed simultaneous measurements between an EIS and a SPR setup. After a successful integration, a proof of principle study was conducted to investigate any signs of interference between the two systems during a measurement. The flow cell was rinsed with 10 mM Tris-HCl and 1× PBS buffer in an alternating manner, while impedance and shifts of the resonance angle were monitored. After achieving a successful proof of principle, a usability test was conducted. It was assessed whether simultaneous detection occurred when: (i) Protein A is adsorbed to the gold surface of the chip; (ii) The non-occupied zone is blocked with BSA molecules and (iii) IgG1 is bound to the Protein A. The results indicate a successful merge between SPR and EIS.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS COMPARISON BETWEEN ON-SITE VS. PREFABRICATED JUST-IN-TIME (PREFAB-JIT) REBAR SUPPLY IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Authors: Kim Yong-Woo , Azari-N Rahman , Yi June-Seong , Bae Jinwoo
Published: October 2013

In the on-site rebar delivery system, as the common method of rebar supply in the construction industry, reinforced steel bars are delivered in large batches from supplier's facilities through contractor's warehouse to the construction site. Rebars are then fabricated on-site and installed after assembly. In the new delivery system, called prefabrication Just-In-Time (prefab-JIT) system, the off-site cut and bend along with frequent rebar delivery to the site are applied in order to improve the process and increase its efficiency. The main objective of this paper is to assess and compare the environmental impacts resulting from the air emissions associated with the two rebar delivery systems in a case study construction project. Environmental impact categories of interest include global warming, acidification, eutrophication, and smog formation. A process-based cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment methodology is applied to perform the analysis. The results show that the prefab-JIT rebar delivery system causes less contribution to all mentioned environmental impact categories compared with a traditional on-site delivery system.
le vieillissement des populations et des territoires au prisme d'une ruralité transformée
Authors: Gucher Catherine
Published: October 2013

Sous l’effet de l’urbanisation croissante de notre pays, ce qu’il était convenu jusqu’alors de nommer le milieu rural, se transforme : villes et campagnes s’interpénètrent davantage et la mobilité des populations s’accroît. Les espaces ruraux présentent désormais des visages divers, tant pour ce qui est de leurs caractéristiques physiques que pour leur morphologie sociale et culturelle. Cependant ces territoires demeurent plus que les zones urbaines concernés par le vieillissement. Il importe alors de comprendre comment les populations qui les peuplent organisent leurs parcours de vie au fil du vieillissement et dans la vieillesse et comment les instances territoriales prennent en compte ces phénomènes de vieillissement, à travers des politiques d’aménagement et de développement de services aux populations.
Déserts médicaux, vieillissement et politiques publiques : des choix qui restent à faire
Authors: Savignat Pierre
Published: October 2013

Les problèmes posés par l’existence de déserts médicaux figurent en bonne place sur l’agenda des pouvoirs publics. Pour autant l’efficacité des mesures prises peine à produire des effets significatifs. Ceci prend un relief particulier dans les territoires ruraux car ces déserts médicaux s’inscrivent dans un contexte particulièrement marqué par des problématiques particulières du vieillissement et du développement socio-économique local. C’est dans ce cadre que des solutions durables pourront être apportées.
L'accès aux soins des personnes âgées en milieu rural : problématiques et expériences
Authors: Bontron Jean-Claude
Published: October 2013

La question du vieillissement du milieu rural est posée de longue date comme une menace pour le renouvellement de ses habitants, mais c’est surtout un problème pour assurer l’accès aux services, notamment dans le domaine de la santé. Même si les choses ont sensiblement évolué ces dernières années sous l’effet de la redistribution des populations sur le territoire, de l’autonomie accrue des personnes âgées et de l’émergence des nouvelles technologies, le repli des praticiens de santé et des structures de soins pèse sur cet enjeu d’égalité et alerte au premier chef les élus.
Des transitions africaines au monde arabe, 1991-2011 : vent de printemps sur les outils de la transitologie
Authors: Thiriot Céline
Published: October 2013

La comparaison entre les processus de transition en Afrique subsaharienne dans les années 1990 et les mouvements du « printemps arabe » depuis 2011, permet de dresser un bilan critique mais nuancé de la « transitologie ». Les enseignements des transitions africaines conduisent à revenir sur les outils de la « transitologie », et spécifiquement le découpage séquentiel et la place et le rôle dévolus aux élections. Il s’agit d’éclairer autrement la lecture proposée du « Printemps arabe ».
Face à la crise : réorienter l'Europe, retrouver l'espoir
Authors: Repentin Thierry
Published: October 2013

Alors que l’Union européenne (UE) peine à sortir de la crise, qu’elle souffre de maux tels que le chômage, la domination des marchés financiers, l’opacité et la division, et qu’elle est vouée aux gémonies des mouvements populistes, le ministre français délégué aux Affaires européennes évoque les raisons qui nous permettent de croire encore en l’UE et en la capacité de ses dirigeants à s’accorder et agir. En évoquant les diverses mesures prises ou programmées en faveur de la mobilité et de l’accès à la formation et à l’emploi des jeunes, de l’investissement, du développement de la politique industrielle et énergétique européenne, de la responsabilisation du secteur financier, de la réorganisation de la gouvernance monétaire et budgétaire, Thierry Repentin plaide pour une Europe de l’action et de l’espoir.
La dynamique conflictogène des minerais stratégiques.
Authors: Kameni Apoli Bertrand
Published: October 2013

On invoque bien souvent des facteurs idéologiques ou ethniques pour expliquer les conflits. Cet article entend montrer que la compétition pour les minerais stratégiques joue également un rôle déterminant, puisque ceux-ci sont source de puissance et de prospérité économique. La croissance des besoins en minerais entraîne celle des tensions et conflits liés à ces matières premières rares et inégalement réparties. À travers plusieurs exemples, Apoli Bertrand Kameni montre comment leur appropriation donne lieu à des luttes internes, pour le contrôle du pouvoir et de la rente, et internationales, pour le contrôle des sources et la garantie des approvisionnements. Dès lors, les comportements des États sont guidés par la volonté de s’arroger ces ressources précieuses, avec des conséquences néfastes. L’auteur en déduit la nécessité urgente d’une gouvernance mondiale des ressources minérales stratégiques.