bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nursing Students’ Perception of Class Size and Its Impact on Test Performance: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lee Shirleatha , Dapremont Jill , Sasser Jason
Published: October 2011

The combination of increasing student enrollment in baccalaureate nursing programs and the faculty shortage has contributed to larger class sizes that may affect both student satisfaction and learning. The purpose of this study was to identify baccalaureate nursing students’ satisfaction with enrollment in small and large nursing courses. The authors also sought to determine whether a significant difference existed between test scores of students enrolled in small and large nursing courses. A survey was completed by 110 students, and test scores were compared between students in a small and a large nursing class using analysis of variance. The findings indicated that perceived satisfaction of students was significantly higher for those enrolled in the small nursing course versus the large course; however, no significant difference was found between test scores. To improve student satisfaction that can positively affect student retention, further research is needed on class size in the nursing discipline.
Aerobic Training for Older Men with Alzheimer’s Disease: Individual Examples of Progression
Authors: Yu Fang , Leon Arthur S. , Bliss Donna , Dysken Maurice , Savik Kay , Wyman Jean F.
Published: October 2011

Little is known about cardiorespiratory fitness and aerobic exercise training in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The purposes of this article are to describe the change in cardiorespiratory fitness after 2 months of aerobic training and the feasibility of aerobic training in 4 men with moderate-to-severe AD. A one-group, pretest-posttest test design was used to measure cardiorespiratory fitness using symptom limited, graded cycle ergometer testing. In exit interviews, participants and spouses identified exercise facilitators and barriers. The results show that cardiorespiratory fitness increased in 2 participants with moderate AD but decreased in 2 with severe AD. Participants showed great variability in exercise progression and doses actually delivered. In conclusion, older men with moderate-to-severe AD can engage in aerobic training. Two months might be better used as the adaptive period for longer duration aerobic training, such as a 6-month program. Suggestions and implications for future exercise research in AD are detailed.
Cue Color and Familiarity in Place Learning for Older Adults
Authors: Davis Rebecca L. , Therrien Barbara A.
Published: October 2011

Older adults often have problems finding their way (place learning) in unfamiliar environments. We examined how colorful familiar cues—versus black-and-white abstract cues—affected place learning in 133 community-dwelling older adults using a computerized virtual environment. Participants were required to learn the location of the hidden platform using only environmental cues repeatedly over 3 days in four cue conditions that varied with respect to the color and familiarity of cues. Place learning was measured by the distance traveled to the platform. Participants found the hidden target with the shortest distance traveled when cues were colorful and familiar. Older participants showed poorer performance than the younger groups. Study results showed that place learning was assisted by using colorful familiar cues and that the older participants and those with lower cognition scores were most impaired in place learning.
Estabilidad y cambio en las políticas andaluzas de ciencia, tecnología e innovación
Authors: Romero Marta , Cruz Laura , Sanz Menéndez Luis
Published: October 2011

En este artículo se describe y analiza la evolución que ha seguido la política regional de ciencia, tecnología e innovación de Andalucía desde la primera mitad de los 80, a partir de la consideración de diversas variables tales como los modelos e ideas, los intereses, las preferencias políticas y el contexto socioeconómico e institucional. Andalucía fue una de las primeras Comunidades Autónomas que emprendió una política regional de ciencia, tecnología e innovación. En esta comunidad se ha desarrollado un modelo de política caracterizado por la separación de las esferas de la política científica y de la política tecnológica con un predominio de la primera sobre la segunda. Se argumenta que el factor decisivo que explica tanto la adopción en Andalucía de un modelo de política regional de I+D de orientación académica, como su estabilidad a lo largo de los años, ha sido la fuerza que han tenido en esta región los intereses universitarios en el juego político andaluz.
Divisiones del sector de empleo y comportamiento político en la clase de servicio. España, 1989-2000
Authors: Gayo Cal Modesto G.
Published: October 2011

El sector de empleo, público o privado, ha llegado a ser considerado una variable con influencia en el comportamiento político. La tesis más difundida afirma que los individuos que desenvuelven sus tareas en el sector privado apoyarán mayormente a partidos de derechas o con un interés en rebajar la carga impositiva, mientras que aquéllos vinculados al sector público votarán a partidos de izquierdas o más tendentes a promover la expansión de la administración pública. El caso español apenas había sido estudiado, y el trabajo que aquí se presenta analiza únicamente el comportamiento de los individuos miembros de la clase de servicio. Las principales conclusiones alcanzadas son las siguientes: 1) la relación entre sector de empleo y voto ha mostrado una gran estabilidad a lo largo del período estudiado (1989-2000); 2) el efecto del sector en el voto ha sido pequeño, y parte del mismo puede ser explicado por la composición ocupacional de cada uno de los sectores; 3) el único partido para el que se observa una influencia sostenida del sector es Izquierda Unida.
Las fuentes de la confianza social
Authors: Herreros Vázquez Francisco
Published: October 2011

Uno de los conceptos clave en el análisis del capital social es la confianza social. La confianza social o confianza generalizada se define como confianza en desconocidos. A pesar de su centralidad para el análisis del capital social, los mecanismos que relacionan la pertenencia a redes sociales con el desarrollo de confianza social están generalmente ausentes. En este artículo se presentan dos vías a través de las que tienen lugar este tipo de mecanismos, a saber: como consecuencia de la participación en asociaciones y, de forma directa, a través del envío de señales que revisan las creencias iniciales acerca de lo dignos de confianza que son los desconocidos.
Las asociaciones de inmigrantes en España. Práctica clientelar y cooptación política
Authors: Veredas Muñoz Sonia
Published: October 2011

Este artículo analiza el asociacionismo inmigrante, tanto "desde abajo", (desde su significación material y simbólica para las poblaciones de referencia), como "desde arriba", (desde el Estado). Este análisis socio-institucional contempla la actuación de la administración española respecto a las asociaciones de inmigrantes (lugar asignado a las mismas en el contexto institucional de la sociedad receptora y naturaleza de los vínculos entre estas estructuras y el Estado), con objeto de determinar si estamos ante una manifestación de la capacidad de autorregulación de la sociedad civil o asistimos, en realidad, a fenómenos de cooptación política.
La Cultura Arbitraria. Operativización del concepto
Authors: Gobernado Arribas Rafael
Published: October 2011

Se entiende por cultura arbitraria aquella que sirve para distinguirse e identificarse.
La arbitrariedad se aprecia en cualquier elemento cultural: los valores, las normas, las ideas, los símbolos y la cultura material. La Encuesta Mundial sobre Valores de 1996 nos ha permitido indagar operativamente sobre el aspecto arbitrario de los valores. La arbitrariedad en los mismos se aprecia en la polarización de las respuestas. Un indicador de polarización es el coeficiente de curtosis. Según lo observado, la polarización es un rasgo propio de las respuestas a preguntas sobre valores.
La evolución del voto del Partido Popular en las elecciones legislativas (1977-2000)
Authors: Ortega Carmen , Lara Ana María , Vázquez Rafael
Published: October 2011

En este artículo se analiza el grado de nacionalización alcanzado por las fluctuaciones del voto del PP en las ocho elecciones legislativas celebradas en el periodo 1977-2000. Con esta finalidad, hemos utilizado la técnica del análisis de la varianza propuesta por Stokes, que presenta tres componentes explicativos de la variación del voto de un partido: nacional, regional y local. El análisis muestra que el 90% de las variaciones registradas en el apoyo electoral del PP en el periodo 1977-2000 son explicadas por factores nacionales, el 8% por componentes regionales y el 2% restante es atribuible a factores específicamente locales. No obstante, se advierten dos etapas diferenciadas en la evolución del voto del PP. Así, el estudio realizado pone de manifiesto que entre el electorado del PP se produce, desde finales de los años 80, una tendencia a la diferenciación territorial, una vez que el partido ha conseguido una implantación relativamente homogénea en todo el territorio español. Estos datos parecen poner en cuestión la tendencia, calificada por algunos autores como ineludible, hacia el aumento del grado de uniformidad del electorado en las democracias occidentales desde la década de los 70.
El conflicto interno colombiano. Identidad, solidaridad y conflicto social
Authors: Parales Carlos J.
Published: October 2011

Este artículo esboza posibles relaciones entre los conceptos de identidad nacional, solidaridad y conflicto social, apoyándose en la sociología de Durkheim. Se argumenta que, dado que la identificación favorece la cohesión social, cuando la conformación de identidad nacional no logra expresiones constructivas no consigue producir solidaridad. En Colombia el carácter forzado y ambivalente del movimiento independentista resultó, entre otras consecuencias, en una construcción problemática de la identidad nacional y ha provocado una historia turbulenta de violencia y segregación. Las consecuencias se manifiestan en la alteración de los vínculos sociales y el desarrollo de lo que se ha calificado como uno de los ejemplos contemporáneos más dramáticos de anomia. El artículo sugiere que el conflicto colombiano es básicamente un problema moral.
Sobre la obra de Robert M. MacIver. La acción social entre la comunidad y el Estado
Authors: Herrera Gómez Manuel , Castón Boyer Pedro
Published: October 2011

Sociología, ciencia y filosofía política son los ámbitos disciplinares que han guiado y alimentado, compenetrándose, la investigación de Robert M. Maclver. Todo esto es debido a una intuición bien precisa que está presente en la base de su pensamiento: estudiar la acción social para fundar una teoría realista de la democracia con importantes contenidos federales en virtud de una concepción de la relación entre sociedad y Estado en la que este último es un simple medio perteneciente a la esfera de la civilización respecto a la sociedad entendida como realidad originaria (como red de grupos y comunidades), en la que se constituyen y encuentran expresión los intereses primarios de todo ser social.
Jurados ciudadanos y organismos genéticamente modificados
Authors: Luque Emilio
Published: October 2011

Una sociología política de la alimentación debe analizar los procesos a través de los cuales se alcanzan las decisiones de regulación y control alimentario y examinar el potencial de sus alternativas. Se describen aquí cinco experimentos democráticos en los que se ha empleado uno de los dispositivos deliberativos más prometedores en condiciones de alta complejidad cognitiva, los llamados jurados ciudadanos, con la participación de campesinos hindúes y brasileños y consumidores británicos, y centrados en los Organismos Genéticamente Modificados. Estos procesos, caracterizados por el acceso de los miembros del jurado a testigos expertos presentados por los distintos participantes en la controversia, muestran la enorme capacidad de los ciudadanos "de a pie" para articular el análisis de un problema complejo, reevaluar sus riesgos y recontextualizar el uso de los OGM. En todo caso, la democracia deliberativa no es una solución sencilla a la crisis política y epistémica que subyace a la crisis alimentaria, sino que marca un cambio de paradigma hacia una democracia experimental, en la que las instancias de representación de lo público (y los públicos) se multiplican.
Los objetivos de los votantes y la accountability del gobierno en las elecciones generales de 1993
Authors: Morillas Martínez Juan Rafael
Published: October 2011

En este trabajo se argumenta que las elecciones no garantizan la accountability de los gobiernos ante los ciudadanos. Se desarrolla un argumento según el cual, cuando los votantes se identifican negativamente con el partido de la oposición, los gobiernos pueden evitar su responsabilidad ante los ciudadanos mediante el desarrollo de maniobras herestéticas. Para probar empíricamente el argumento se analiza un caso especialmente relevante: las elecciones generales de 1993. Más en concreto, se analiza el comportamiento electoral de un grupo de votantes que, aun valorando negativamente la actuación gubernamental y habiendo manifestado una intención de voto distinta al partido del gobierno, finalmente le vota. Los resultados del análisis muestran cómo ciertas maniobras herestéticas permitieron al gobierno evitar su accountability ante los ciudadanos.
La ambivalencia ante la Ciencia y la Tecnología
Authors: Torres Albero Cristóbal
Published: October 2011

Este artículo sostiene la tesis de la ambivalencia como eje básico en la conformación de las representaciones sociales de la ciencia y la tecnología, ambivalencia que descansa en la naturaleza dual de la actividad tecnocientífica y que, por tanto, está presente desde su irrupción histórica como variable capaz de afectar el decurso de las sociedades. Pero esta ambivalencia ha aumentado y se ha hecho más visible en tanto que las sociedades avanzadas contemporáneas, como sociedades de conocimiento, pivotan su estructura sobre el vector tecnocientífico. El artículo presenta evidencia empírica diversa, de fuentes secundarias y primarias, y de índole cualitativa y cuantitativa, que avala esta interpretación.
La concepción del sujeto en los estudios sobre el riesgo y la prueba del VIH en HSH
Authors: Villaamil Fernando , Jociles Maria Isabel , Lores Fernando
Published: October 2011

En este artículo se expone un modelo de análisis elaborado a partir de los resultados de una investigación realizada a iniciativa del Instituto de Salud Pública de la Comunidad de Madrid en torno a la práctica de la prueba del VIH y las construcciones del riesgo de los hombres que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres (HSH). Se trata de una investigación encaminada a proponer estrategias de intervención en el campo de la promoción de la salud entre HSH. Se concluye que, a la hora de abordar la investigación ligada a la intervención en prevención del VIH, es imprescindible el manejo de una teoría solvente y explícita del sujeto social.
Recursos económicos y calidad de vida en la población mayor
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Vicente , Rojo-Pérez Fermina , Fernández-Mayoralas Gloria , Mohamed Karim Ahmed , Lardiés-Bosque Raúl , Prieto-Flores María Eugenia , Rojo-Abuín José Manuel
Published: October 2011

Una de las dimensiones que definen la Calidad de Vida de los mayores son los recursos económicos. A partir de la encuesta CadeViMa se han utilizado diversos indicadores para definir grupos de individuos significados por su valoración objetiva y subjetiva de los recursos económicos: los pesimistas sin base económica (privación) y con base económica (disonancia), y los optimistas sin base económica (adaptación) y con base económica (bienestar), de acuerdo con la teoría de las condiciones de vida y el bienestar subjetivo. La situación económica de los mayores y su valoración están fundamentadas en sus condiciones personales y en otras facetas de su bienestar, habiéndose comprobado que, entre ellas, la edad, el nivel educativo, el estado de salud, las redes familiar y social y la participación en determinadas actividades de ocio son las que presentan relaciones más significativas con la dimensión económica en el contexto de su calidad de vida.
Binding of Anti-SSA Antibodies to Apoptotic Fetal Cardiocytes Stimulates Urokinase Plasminogen Activator (uPA)/uPA Receptor-Dependent Activation of TGF-β and Potentiates Fibrosis
Authors: Briassouli Paraskevi , Rifkin Daniel , Clancy Robert M. , Buyon Jill P.
Published: October 2011

In congenital heart block (CHB), binding of maternal anti-SSA/Ro Abs to fetal apoptotic cardiocytes impairs their removal by healthy cardiocytes and increases urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA)/uPA receptor (uPAR)-dependent plasmin activation. Because the uPA/uPAR system plays a role in TGF-β activation, we evaluated whether anti-Ro binding to apoptotic cardiocytes enhances plasmin-mediated activation of TGF-β, thereby promoting a profibrosing phenotype. Supernatants from cocultures of healthy cardiocytes and apoptotic cardiocytes bound by IgG from a mother whose child had CHB (apoptotic-CHB–IgG [apo-CHB–IgG]) exhibited significantly increased levels of active TGF-β compared with supernatants from cocultures of healthy cardiocytes and apoptotic cardiocytes preincubated with IgG from a healthy donor. Treatment of the culture medium with anti–TGF-β Ab or TGF-β inhibitor (SB431542) abrogated the luciferase response, thereby confirming TGF-β dependency. Increased uPA levels and activity were present in supernatants generated from cocultures of healthy cardiocytes and apo-CHB–IgG cardiocytes compared with healthy cardiocytes and apoptotic cardiocytes preincubated with IgG from a healthy donor, respectively. Treatment of apo-CHB–IgG cardiocytes with anti-uPAR or anti-uPA Abs or plasmin inhibitor aprotinin prior to coculturing with healthy cardiocytes attenuated TGF-β activation. Supernatants derived from cocultures of healthy cardiocytes and apo-CHB–IgG cardiocytes promoted Smad2 phosphorylation and fibroblast transdifferentiation, as evidenced by increased smooth muscle actin and collagen expression, which decreased when fibroblasts were treated with supernatants from cocultures pretreated with uPAR Abs. These data suggested that binding of anti-Ro Abs to apoptotic cardiocytes triggers TGF-β activation, by virtue of increasing uPAR-dependent uPA activity, thus initiating and amplifying a cascade of events that promotes myofibroblast transdifferentiation and scar.
Semen Clusterin Is a Novel DC-SIGN Ligand
Authors: Sabatte Juan , Faigle Wolfgang , Ceballos Ana , Morelle Willy , Rodríguez Rodrígues Christian , Remes Lenicov Federico , Thépaut Michel , Fieschi Franck , Malchiodi Emilio , Fernández Marisa , Arenzana-Seisdedos Fernando , Lortat-Jacob Hugues , Michalski Jean-Claude , Geffner Jorge , Amigorena Sebastian
Published: October 2011

The C-type lectin receptor dendritic cell-specific ICAM-3–grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) is an important player in the recognition of pathogens by dendritic cells. A plethora of pathogens including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi are recognized by DC-SIGN through both mannose and fucose-containing glycans expressed on the pathogen surface. In this study, we identified semen clusterin as a novel DC-SIGN ligand. Semen clusterin, but not serum clusterin, expresses an extreme abundance of fucose-containing blood-type Ags such as Lex and Ley, which are both excellent DC-SIGN ligands. These motifs enable semen clusterin to bind DC-SIGN with very high affinity (Kd 76 nM) and abrogate the binding of HIV-1 to DC-SIGN. Depletion of clusterin from semen samples, however, did not completely prevent the ability of semen to inhibit the capture of HIV-1 by DC-SIGN, supporting that besides clusterin, semen contains other DC-SIGN ligands. Further studies are needed to characterize these ligands and define their contribution to the DC-SIGN–blocking activity mediated by semen. Clusterin is an enigmatic protein involved in a variety of physiologic and pathologic processes including inflammation, atherosclerosis, and cancer. Our results uncover an unexpected heterogeneity in the glycosylation pattern of clusterin and suggest that the expression of high concentrations of fucose-containing glycans enables semen clusterin to display a unique set of biological functions that might affect the early course of sexually transmitted infectious diseases.
A Novel Combination Immunotherapy for Cancer by IL-13Rα2–Targeted DNA Vaccine and Immunotoxin in Murine Tumor Models
Authors: Nakashima Hideyuki , Terabe Masaki , Berzofsky Jay A. , Husain Syed R. , Puri Raj K.
Published: October 2011

Optimum efficacy of therapeutic cancer vaccines may require combinations that generate effective antitumor immune responses, as well as overcome immune evasion and tolerance mechanisms mediated by progressing tumor. Previous studies showed that IL-13Rα2, a unique tumor-associated Ag, is a promising target for cancer immunotherapy. A targeted cytotoxin composed of IL-13 and mutated Pseudomonas exotoxin induced specific killing of IL-13Rα2+ tumor cells. When combined with IL-13Rα2 DNA cancer vaccine, surprisingly, it mediated synergistic antitumor effects on tumor growth and metastasis in established murine breast carcinoma and sarcoma tumor models. The mechanism of synergistic activity involved direct killing of tumor cells and cell-mediated immune responses, as well as elimination of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and, consequently, regulatory T cells. These novel results provide a strong rationale for combining immunotoxins with cancer vaccines for the treatment of patients with advanced cancer.
The reconciliatory role of Holy Communion in the Methodist tradition
Authors: Bentley Wessel
Published: October 2011

Violence is an instrument of segregation, whether it manifests physically, emotionally, verbally or by any other means. Can the church be an instrument of reconciliation where people have been divided through violence? This article explores the reconciliatory role of the Sacrament of Holy Communion in the Methodist tradition, which has as a Christian denomination, experienced many threats of division in its history. Holy Communion, it is argued, is the one place where people, who may find every reason not to be together, are invited to share in an event which unites them.
Roflumilast, a Novel Phosphodiesterase 4 Inhibitor, for COPD Patients with a History of Exacerbations
Authors: Field Stephen K.
Published: October 2011

Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are major clinical events. They are associated with a more rapid decline in lung function, poorer quality of life scores, and an increased risk of dying. Exacerbations that require hospitalization have particular significance. Approximately 40% of the AECOPD patients who require hospitalization will die in the subsequent year. Since many AECOPD require hospitalization, they account for most of the expense of caring for COPD patients. Treatment with long-acting bronchodilators and combination inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting bronchodilator inhalers reduces but does not eliminate AECOPD. Roflumilast, a selective phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, is an anti-inflammatory medication that improves lung function in patients with COPD. In patients with more severe airway obstruction, clinical features of chronic bronchitis, and a history of AECOPD, roflumilast reduces the frequency of AECOPD when given in combination with short-acting bronchodilators, long-acting bronchodilators, or inhaled corticosteroids. It is generally well tolerated but the most common adverse effects include diarrhea, nausea, weight loss, and headaches. In clinical trials, patients treated with roflumilast experienced weight loss that averaged just over 2 kg but was primarily due to the loss of fat tissue. Weight loss was least in underweight patients and obese patients experienced the greatest weight loss. An unexpected benefit of treatment with roflumilast was that fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c levels improved in patients with comorbid type 2 diabetes mellitus. Roflumilast, the first selective PDE4 inhibitor to be marketed, is a promising drug for the management of COPD patients with more severe disease.
Plant and seed nutrient uptake in common bean in seven organic and conventional production systems
Authors: Westermann Dale , Terán Henry , Muñoz-Perea Carlos , Singh Shree
Published: October 2011

Westermann, D. T., Terán, H., Muñoz-Perea, C. G. and Singh, S. P. 2011. Plant and seed nutrient uptake in common bean in seven organic and conventional production systems. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 1089–1099. Knowledge of plant and seed nutrient uptake by crop cultivars in organic and conventional production systems (PS) is essential for breeding the most appropriate genotypes for each PS. The objective was to determine the plant and seed uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) by 16 common bean genotypes. We also identified genotypes efficient in plant and seed nutrient uptake across seven organic and conventional PS. A randomized complete block design with four replicates (one plot per replicate) was used for evaluation in each of seven organic and conventional PS in 2003 and 2004. The effects of plant and seed uptake of nutrients, genotypes, PS, and the genotype × PS interaction were significant (P≤0.05). Plant and seed uptake of nutrients decreased in on-station continual dry bean and drought-stressed and on-farm organic low-input compared with on-station conventional irrigated and on-farm organic high-input PS. Common bean genotypes with higher biomass yield, in general, also had higher nutrient uptake, regardless of PS. In general, N and P uptakes were high and that for Mn was markedly low among common bean genotypes. Pinto CO46348, Bill Z, and Othello and Mexican red NW-63 and UI 239 were high-yielding and used nutrients more efficiently across seven organic and conventional PS and years. Other cultivars either had low biomass and seed yield (e.g., Common Pinto, Topaz, Common Red Mexican, UI 59) or were more efficient at whole-plant uptake or seed uptake of nutrients, but not both (e.g., Matterhorn, UI 465). Use of the above five genotypes should be maximized for production in both organic and conventional PS, and for breeding high-yielding broadly adapted cultivars efficient in plant and seed nutrient uptake in organic and conventional PS.
Isolation, characterisation and phylogenetic analysis of resistance gene analogues in a wild species of peach (Prunus kansuensis)
Authors: Cao K. , Wang L. R. , Zhu G. R. , Fang CH. , Chen CH. W.
Published: October 2011

Cao, K., Wang, L. R., Zhu, G. R., Fang, W. CH. and Chen, CH. W. 2011. Isolation, characterisation and phylogenetic analysis of resistance gene analogues in a wild species of peach ( Prunus kansuensis ). Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 961–970. Conserved motifs, such as nucleotide binding site (NBS) and leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domains, have been found in resistance (R) genes cloned from plant species. These allow the study of plant defence mechanisms and isolating candidate genes in several species including peaches. Seventy-five resistance gene analogues (RGA) were identified using two different degenerative primer pairs in the Honggengansutao (Prunus kansuensis), a wild species of peach resistant to drought and nematodes. Through aligning their amino-acid sequences, P-loop and GLPL motifs were found in 48 RGAs with open-reading frames (ORF). These RGAs and 17 RGAs from Arabidopsis thaliana, Capsicum annuum and Solanum lycopersicum were grouped into two classes by phylogenetic analysis: toll and interleukin-1 receptor (TIR)- and non-TIR-NBS. Most Honggengansutao RGAs were TIR-NBS. A semiquantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed transcript-level variations of 22 RGAs in the young leaves, flowers, fruits and roots of the Honggengansutao, demonstrating their probable role in resistance against diseases attacking the organs. This is the first large-scale analysis of NBS-LRR RGAs in P. kansuensis, this technique has the potential for involvement in rootstock breeding. It will foster further R gene isolation and exploitation.
Interactive effect of N fertilization and tillage management on Zn biofortification in durum wheat (Triticum durum)
Authors: Gao Xiaopeng , Grant Cynthia A.
Published: October 2011

Gao, X. and Grant, C. A. 2011. Interactive effect of N fertilization and tillage management on Zn biofortification in durum wheat ( Triticum durum ). Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 951–960. A 3-yr field study was conducted at two locations in southwestern Manitoba, Canada, to determine the interactive effect of application of four sources of N fertilizer and two tillage management systems on grain Zn concentration of durum wheat. There was a significant year-to-year variation in grain yield and grain Zn concentration, indicating a strong environmental influence. Soil type also had a dominating effect, with grain Zn concentration generally being higher at the clay loam location than the fine sandy loam location, reflecting the native soil Zn status. Tillage management showed little influence on grain Zn, suggesting that reduced tillage practices can be adopted by local farmers without decreasing mineral concentrations in grain. Compared with the control treatment, which did not receive extra N fertilizer, N fertilization at 60 kg ha−1decreased grain Zn concentration in 4 of 6 site-years. Grain Zn accumulation was, however, generally not affected by extra N fertilization, in spite of a positive fertilization effect on grain yield. The four N sources did not differ in their effect on grain yield and grain Zn, indicating that at the rate of N applied there were no differential fertilizer source effects on Zn availability. The results of the present study suggest that for wheat production on Canadian prairies, a regular N fertilization rate using the currently registered cultivars is not likely to produce wheat grain that meets the recommended dietary allowance for Zn. Application of Zn fertilizer, in combination with optimum N fertilization or other agronomic practices that can increase grain Zn, is required to produce improved grain quality for human health.
Short communication. Trends in estimated optimum seeding date for winter wheat in the Atlantic Provinces
Authors: Bootsma A.
Published: October 2011

Bootsma, A. 2011.Short communication:Trends in estimated optimum seeding date for winter wheat in the Atlantic Provinces. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91: 1101–1103. Seeding date is an important management factor affecting the performance of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Atlantic region of Canada. In this study, decadal trends in estimated optimum seeding dates were estimated from air temperature in September and October at nine locations in the Atlantic region of Canada from as early as 1899. The optimum seeding period averaged over all locations was delayed by 8 d for the past 10 yr compared with earlier decadal periods. If the warming trend continues, producers will be able to seed winter wheat successfully at dates later than previously recommended.
Unilateral Vocal Cord Palsy: An Etiopathological Study
Authors: Pavithran Jayanthy
Published: October 2011

Objective

The incidence of various causes of unilateral vocal cord palsy (UVCP) has been found to change over time and place. To arrive at the correct diagnosis is important in determining the prognosis as well as the time and mode of intervention. This study intends to evaluate the current etiological profile of unilateral vocal cord palsy in our center and compare it with the previous studies.

Methods

A retrospective study of case records of all consecutive patients with a diagnosis of UVCP presented to Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, South India in the period between September 2002 and May 2009 was conducted. The exclusion criteria were all laryngeal and hypopharyngeal malignancies, intubation injuries and cricoarytenoid joint ankylosis. Factors taken for analysis were age, gender, side of palsy and etiology.

Results

A total of 121 cases including 88 males and 33 females in the age range of 2 to 86 years were studied. 61.1% patients had left-sided palsy and 38.8% had right-sided palsy. The incidence of various etiologies were idiopathic (42.1%), surgical trauma (22.3%), nonsurgical trauma (6.61%), nonlaryngeal malignancy (6.61%), central (12.4%) and other benign lesions (9.09%). The incidence of all nonthyroidectomy surgeries together (59.3%) was more than that of thyroidectomy (40.7%). The most common individual surgical procedure was still thyroidectomy (11 cases, 40.7%) followed by coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (7 cases, 25.9%).

Conclusion

Idiopathic vocal cord palsy constituted the major subgroup. Thyroidectomy continues to be the single most common surgical procedure responsible for vocal cord palsy. Cardiac surgeries, trauma and cerebrovascular accidents are also increasingly causing vocal cord palsy, which is suggestive of the changing trend in life style and life expectancy. The right recurrent laryngeal nerve is not at higher risk than the left in thyroid surgery. Benign thyroid swellings also contribute significantly to UVCP.
Puberphonia
Authors: Chandra Satish T , Rao Sudhakar M , Kumar Ajay Y , Murthy PSN
Published: October 2011

Puberphonia is a psychogenic voice disorder; so far the treatment for this one is speech therapy. Even though there is no organic lesion, surgical treatment holds good for the resistant cases who does not improve with speech therapy. Here, we are sharing our experience of 7 cases with proper preoperative and postoperative voice analysis.
The effect of air pollution on haemostasis
Authors: Emmerechts J. , Hoylaerts M. F.
Published: October 2011

Ambient environmental air pollutants include gaseous and particulate components. In polluted air, especially particulate matter seems responsible for cardiovascular complications: It consists of a heterogeneous mixture of solid and liquid particles with different diameters ranging from large thoracic to ultrafine particles, with a diameter < 100 nm. Ultrafines can penetrate deeply into the lung to deposit in the alveoli. Cardiovascular manifestations result both from short-term and long-term exposure and have been linked to interference with the autonomic nervous system, direct translocation into the systemic circulation, pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress. Thrombotic complications associated with air pollution comprise arterial and probably venous thrombogenicity.

This review describes the existing epidemiological and experimental evidence to explain the rapid induction of myocardial infarction within 1–2 hours after exposure to polluted air and advances several explanations as to why more chronic exposure will lead to enhanced venous thrombogenicity. Mechanisms such as platelet activation, endothelial dysfunction, coagulation factor changes and microvesicle production are discussed.
O Alinhamento entre os Tipos de Projetos e as Competências Gerenciais nos Projetos da AES Sul Distribuidora Gaúcha de Energia SA
Authors: Noro Greice de Bem , Abbade Eduardo Botti , Oliveira Jackson
Published: October 2011

A busca pela excelência e por novos mercados e clientes tem impulsionado as empresas a procurarem por metodologias e formas de alcançarem seus objetivos para aprimorar suas estratégias e vantagens competitivas. Nesse sentido, o gerenciamento de projetos (GP) tem tido um papel fundamental nas organizações para adequar prazos, organizar métodos e tomadas de decisão da forma e na hora certa. Embora muitas empresas já utilizem o GP como forma de alcançar seus objetivos, o presente trabalho intenta aprimorar ainda mais esse gerenciamento ao levantar o debate acerca de alinhar os diversos tipos de projetos das empresas com a escolha adequada do líder, em consonância com suas competências. O trabalho foi desenvolvido na empresa AES Sul Distribuidora Gaúcha de Energia SA (AES Sul) com o objetivo de analisar como o alinhamento dos tipos de projetos às competências gerenciais, que os gerentes de projeto da AES Sul devem ter, pode agregar valor à organização. No que tange aos procedimentos metodológicos, a presente pesquisa classifica-se como quali-quantitativa, descritiva, realizada por meio de um estudo de caso. Como principais resultados evidenciam-se a necessidade de adequações das competências essenciais e básicas aos determinados tipos de projetos da AES Sul e a constatação de alguns gaps em relação às competências de seus líderes.DOI:10.5585/gep.v2i1.30
Identificação de Riscos em Compras do Setor Público: Um Estudo de Caso
Authors: Santos Fabio França , Da Silva Pinto Augusta Rodrigues , Arcoverde Gomes Lydia Moraes , Silva Rodrigo Lopes , De Sousa Damiani José Henrique
Published: October 2011

No século XXI é comum as organizações atuarem em ambientes dinâmicos onde a execução de suas atividades está associada a riscos muitas vezes difíceis de serem previstos. A identificação desses riscos é desejável, ao passo que é possível economizar esforços e diminuir custos. Nesse sentido, o presente artigo tem o objetivo de analisar uma aquisição do setor público e identificar os riscos no processo. A aquisição selecionada para análise é uma Concorrência Pública, do Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE). A metodologia utilizada para identificar os riscos no processo de aquisição foi uma entrevista com os agentes públicos envolvidos no processo e a análise da documentação. Os resultados sugerem que seja dada grande importância para a elaboração do Projeto Básico, elemento inicial, bem como aproximar áreas envolvidas e capacitar os agentes públicos nas matérias inerentes ao processo.DOI:10.5585/gep.v2i1.31
O Modelo de Design Thinking como Indutor da Inovação nas Empresas: Um Estudo Empírico
Authors: Bonini Luiz Alberto , Sbragia Roberto
Published: October 2011

Atualmente a inovação é um dos principais direcionadores estratégicos das organizações, da mesma forma como ocorreu nas décadas de 1970 e 1980 quando as empresas se dedicaram à qualidade total e nos anos 90 à reengenharia. Para criar liderança sustentável no futuro, a organização deve: mudar de forma fundamental as regras de engajamento em um setor antigo, redefinir as fronteiras entre os setores; e criar outros inteiramente novos. Além disso, a capacidade de previsão de mudanças surge quando os executivos seniores de uma empresa conseguem sentir empatia com as necessidades humanas básicas. É nesse contexto que o Design Thinking (DT) surge como um modelo de inovação com alto potencial de gerar resultados diferenciados para as organizações que buscam a liderança, pois contempla métodos de investigação e de desenvolvimento de soluções altamente focados nos usuários. O objetivo desse estudo é explorar o modelo Design Thinking sob a ótica da gestão estratégica da inovação e aprofundar o conhecimento sobre o tema. Para isso, o estudo contempla pesquisas bibliográficas sobre inovação, design e DT, uma survey com profissionais que possuem experiência na aplicação do modelo e, por último, um estudo de caso de uma empresa brasileira fabricante de computadores. Os resultados obtidos nesse estudo demonstram que a implantação de um modelo sistematizado de DT pelas organizações exige diversas mudanças culturais e processuais. Entretanto, o modelo tem capacidade de gerar resultados bastante positivos no desenvolvimento de soluções inovadoras, pois sustenta-se sobre métodos avançados de entendimento do contexto e de geração de ideias focadas no usuário e em suas necessidades.DOI:10.5585/gep.v2i1.36
Efficient Solution‐Processed Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells by Antiparallel Supramolecular Arrangement of Dipolar Donor–Acceptor Dyes
Authors: Bürckstümmer Hannah , Tulyakova Elena V. , Deppisch Manuela , Lenze Martin R. , Kronenberg Nils M. , Gsänger Marcel , Stolte Matthias , Meerholz Klaus , Würthner Frank
Published: October 2011

A series of dipolar donor–acceptor (D–A) chromophores with aminothiophene donor and different heterocyclic acceptor units is reported. By modulation of the acceptor strength, absorption bands over the whole visible spectrum are accessible as well as adjustment of the frontier molecular orbital levels. The performance of the chromophores in blends with fullerene acceptors in solution‐processed bulk heterojunction solar cells was studied and related to the molecular properties of the dyes. In particular, the effect of the large ground‐state dipole moments of these dyes was investigated by single crystal X‐ray analysis, which revealed antiparallel dimers, resulting in an annihilation of the dipole moments. This specific feature of supramolecular organization explains the excellent performance of merocyanine dyes in organic solar cells. With blends of HB366:PC71BM, the most efficient solar cell with a VOC of 1.0 V, a JSC of 10.2 mA cm−2, and a power‐conversion efficiency of 4.5 % was achieved under standard AM1.5, 100 mW cm−2 conditions. Under reduced lighting conditions, even higher efficiencies up to 5.1 % was obtained.
Nickel(II) complexes bearing the bis(β‐ketoamino) ligand for the copolymerization of norbornene with a higher 1‐alkene
Authors: Xing Yuepeng , Chen Yiwang , He Xiaohui , Nie Huarong
Published: October 2011

A novel bis(β‐ketoamino)Ni(II) complex catalyst, Ni{CF3C(O)CHC[N(naphthyl)]CH3}2, was synthesized, and the structure was solved by a single‐crystal X‐ray refraction technique. The copolymerization of norbornene with higher 1‐alkene was carried out in toluene with catalytic systems based on nickel(II) complexes, Ni{RC(O)CHC[N(naphthyl)]CH3}2(RCH3, CF3) and B(C6F5)3, and high activity was exhibited by both catalytic systems. The effects of the catalyst structure and comonomer feed content on the polymerization activity and the incorporation rates were investigated. The reactivity ratios were determined to be r1‐octene = 0.009 and rnorbornene = 13.461 by the Kelen–Tüdõs method for the Ni{CH3C(O)CHC[N(naphthyl)]CH3}2/B(C6F5)3 system. The achieved copolymers were confirmed to be vinyl‐addition copolymers through the analysis of 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR. The thermogravimetric analysis results showed that the copolymers exhibited good thermal stability (decomposition temperature, Tdec > 400°C), and the glass‐transition temperature of the copolymers were observed between 215 and 275°C. The copolymers were confirmed to be noncrystalline by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction analysis and showed good solubility in common organic solvents. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Morphology evolution of miscible blends between crystalline PA6 and amorphous PA6IcoT
Authors: Cao Kun , Li Yan , Yao Zhen , Zhou Guang‐da , Zeng Changchun , Huang Zhi‐ming
Published: October 2011

The morphology evolution of miscible blends of a semicrystalline polyamide 6 (PA6) and an amorphous polyamide 6Ico6T (PA6IcoT) was investigated using an internal Brabender mixer at a temperature range 220–260°C. Morphology of the blends was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and laser particle analysis. Temperature rising dissolution was used to separate the different phases of the blends and the phase compositions were determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The particle size evolution of the dispersed phase (PA6) was calculated and agreed well with experimental observation. It was found that the particle size was quickly reduced to nanometer scale after several minutes of processing. A convection‐diffusion model was adopted to study the phase evolution during melt–melt mixing stage and compute the dimension of each phase. The results strongly support the notion of existence of distinct phases during blending, whose development can be well described by the model. The dispersed phase is reduced mainly by stretching of flow, while the broadening of the blending phase can be primarily attributed to molecular diffusion. The study also suggests the possibility to prepare novel polymer blends with nanometer sized domain of high uniformity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Some New Phthalazinylpiperazine Derivatives
Authors: Liu Yajing , Zhang Shulan , Li Ye , Wang Jianqiang , Song Yu , Gong Ping
Published: October 2011

A new series of 1,4‐disubstituted phthalazinylpiperazine derivatives 7a–f, 12a–f and 20a–f were designed and synthesized in order to develop potent and selective antitumor agents. The target compounds were screened for their cytotoxic activities against A549, HT‐29 and MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cell lines in vitro. Among them, compounds 7a–f exhibited excellent selectivity for MDA‐MB‐231 with IC50 values ranging from 0.013 µM to 0.079 µM. The most promising compound, 7e (IC50 = 2.19 µM, 2.19 µM, 0.013 µM), was 9.3, 10, and 4.9 × 103 times more active than vatalanib (IC50 = 20.27 µM, 21.96 µM, 63.90 µM), respectively.
The fibulocalcaneus (peroneocalcaneus) internus muscle of MacAlister: Clinical and surgical implications
Authors: Lambert H. Wayne , Atsas Stavros , Fox Jacob N.
Published: October 2011

A fibulocalcaneus (peroneocalcaneus) internus (PCI) muscle (of MacAlister) was identified and photographed in the left leg of a 78‐year‐old Caucasian female cadaver. This case study provides the first gross anatomical photo of this anomalous leg muscle and represents the first gross anatomical dissection of this muscle since 1914. The PCI muscle arose from the distal third of the fibula, posterior intermuscular septum of the leg, and flexor hallucis longus muscle. The PCI muscle inserted into the inferior surface of the medial calcaneus distal to the coronoid fossa, a small depression between the anterior tuberosity and the anterior apex of the sustentaculum tali. This insertion point differs from the historical literature, which commonly refers to the muscle inserting into the inferior surface of the sustentaculum tali of the calcaneus or simply distal to the sustentaculum tali into the medial aspect of the calcaneus. The PCI muscle is one of the least common muscular variants associated with the ankle joint, and it has been implicated in posterior ankle pain and impingement, as well as involvement in tarsal tunnel syndrome. This muscle is often confused with the flexor digitorum accessorius longus (FDAL) muscle. Additionally, this study describes ways to differentiate between the PCI and FDAL muscles in the lower leg. Radiologists and clinicians should be aware of this anomalous muscle when considering various diagnoses, interpreting radiographs, and pursuing surgical intervention to relieve posterior ankle symptoms. Clin. Anat. 24:1000–1004, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Removal of Nonionic Surfactants from Wastewater Using a Constructed Wetland
Authors: Šíma Jan , Holcová Veronika
Published: October 2011

Removal of nonionic surfactants from municipal wastewater using a constructed wetland with a horizontal subsurface flow was studied in 2009 and 2010. Extraction spectrophotometry with 3′,3″,5′,5″‐tetrabromophenolphthalein ethyl ester and KCl served to determine the analyte concentrations. Triton® X‐100 was used as a standard to express the nonionic‐surfactant concentrations. Anionic and cationic surfactants were shown not to interfere during the determination. Nonionic surfactants were degraded (to products undeterminable by the method) with a high average efficiency that reached 98.1% in 2009 and 99.1% in 2010, respectively. The average concentration of nonionic surfactants at the inflow was 0.978 mg/l, while it was close to the limit of quantification at the outflow (0.014 mg/l). A significant fraction of nonionic surfactants (38.7%) was already degraded during the pretreatment, and only 14.0% of the nonionic surfactants remained in the interstitial H2O taken in the vegetation bed at a distance of 1 m from the inflow zone at a 50‐cm depth. Nonionic surfactants were degraded both under aerobic and anaerobic conditions.