bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interlink between stress and periodontal disease
Authors: Reddy S , Kaul S , Prasad M G S , Agnihotri J , Amudha D , Vinayak R
Published: July 2012

Stress is a term that is commonly used today but has become increasingly difficult to define. It shares, to some extent, common meanings in both biological and psychological sciences. Stress typically describes a negative concept that can have an impact on one.s mental and physical well-being, but it is unclear what exactly defines stress and whether or not stress is a cause, an effect, or the process connecting the two. An interrelationship between stress and periodontal disease has been suspected for centuries, but evidence to explain the connection has only elucidated in the past few decades. The purpose of this review article is to provide the progression of evidence present in the field of stress and periodontal disease for dental professionals so that they can better understand the link between stress and periodontal diseases.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6579 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 126-131
Bilateral huge fimbrial cysts with torsion of right fallopian tube
Authors: Rijal P , Pokharel H , Chhetri S , Pradhan T , Agrawal A
Published: July 2012

A case of bilateral fimbrial cyst with torsion of right side is presented, occurring in a 32 year old female. She presented in outpatient department with pain abdomen and feeling of mass in lower abdomen since six months. Initial assessment of ovarian cyst was made. Ultrasound showed cystic structures in left adnexa and complex cyst in right adnexa. Laprotomy was performed and bilateral fimbrial cysts in fallopian tubes were identified with torsion on right side which was subsequently confirmed on histopathology. Although huge fimbrial cysts with torsion of fallopian tube is rare, it should be considered in differential diagnosis of abdominal mass with pain in females.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6588 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 153-154
Student plagiarism: a matter of concern in medical education
Authors: Singh V P
Published: July 2012

No abstract available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6592 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 162
Effect of Intensive Functional Electrical Stimulation Therapy on Upper-Limb Motor Recovery after Stroke: Case Study of a Patient with Chronic Stroke
Authors: Kawashima Noritaka , Popovic Milos R. , Zivanovic Vera
Published: July 2012

Purpose: Motivated by a prior successful randomized controlled trial showing that functional electrical stimulation (FES) therapy can restore voluntary arm and hand function in people with severe stroke, this study was designed to examine neuromuscular changes in the upper limb following intensive FES therapy, consisting of task-specific upper-limb movements with a combination of preprogrammed FES and manual assisted motion. Methods: The patient was a 22-year-old woman who had suffered a haemorrhagic stroke 2 years earlier. FES therapy was administered for 1 hour twice daily for 12 weeks, for a total of 108 treatment sessions. Results: While maximal voluntary contraction level of the upper-limb muscles did not show significant improvement, the ability to initiate and stop the muscle contraction voluntarily was regained in several upper-limb muscles (approx. 5%–15% of the maximum voluntary contraction of the same muscle in the less-affected arm). A reduction in arm spasticity was also observed, as indicated by the reduction of H-reflex in the wrist flexor muscle (82.1% to 45.0% in Hmax/Mmax) and decreased Modified Ashworth Scale scores (from 3 to 2 for the hand and 4 to 3 for the arm). Coordination between shoulder and elbow joints during the circle-drawing test improved considerably over the course of FES therapy: the patient was unable to draw a circle at all at baseline but was able to do so proficiently at discharge. Conclusion: Improvements in upper-limb function observed in people with severe stroke following intensive FES therapy can be attributed to (a) regained ability to voluntarily contract muscles of the affected arm, (b) reduced spasticity and improved muscle tone in the same muscles, and (c) increased range of motion of all joints.
Transpiration Response to Vapor Pressure Deficit in Field Grown Peanut
Authors: Balota Maria , McGrath Steve , Isleib Thomas G. , Tallury Shyam
Published: July 2012

Water deficit, i.e., rainfall amounts and distribution, is the most common abiotic stress that limits peanut production worldwide. Even though extensive research efforts have been made to improve drought tolerance in peanut, performance of genotypes largely depends upon the environment in which they grow. Based on greenhouse experiments, it has been hypothesized that stomata closure under high vapor pressure deficit (VPD) is a mechanism of soil water conservation and it has been shown that genotypic variation for the response of transpiration rate to VPD in peanut exists. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between stomatal conductance (gs) and VPD for field grown peanut in Virginia-Carolina (VC) rainfed environments. In 2009, thirty virginia-type peanut cultivars and advanced breeding lines were evaluated for gs at several times before and after rain events, including a moisture stress episode. In 2010, eighteen genotypes were evaluated for gs under soil water deficit. In 2009, VPD ranged from 1.3 to 4.2 kPa and in 2010 from 1.78 to 3.57 kPa. Under water deficit, genotype and year showed a significant effect on gs (P  =  0.0001), but the genotype × year interaction did not. During the water deficit episodes while recorded gs values were relatively high, gs was negatively related to VPD (R2  =  0.57, n  =  180 in 2009; R2  =  0.47, n  =  108 in 2010), suggesting that stomata closure is indeed a water conservation mechanism for field grown peanut. However, a wide range of slopes among genotype were observed in both years. Genotypes with significant negative relationships of gs and VPD under water deficit in both years were Florida Fancy, Gregory, N04074FCT, NC-V11, and VA-98R. While Florida Fancy, Gregory, and NC-V11 are known to be high yielding cultivars, VA-98R and line N04074FCT are not. The benefit of stomatal closure during drought episodes in the VC environments is further discussed in this paper.
Variability in Field Response of Peanut Genotypes from the U.S. and China to Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus and Leaf Spots
Authors: Li Yan , Culbreath Albert K. , Chen Charles Y. , Knapp Steve J. , Holbrook C. Corley , Guo Baozhu
Published: July 2012

Tomato spotted wilt, caused by Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) and transmitted by thrips, and early leaf spot and late leaf spot are among the most important diseases of peanut in the southeastern United States. The objective of this study was to compare field susceptibility of diverse peanut lines to TSWV and leaf spot pathogens for selection of lines for mapping population development. In field trials in 2007 and 2008, 22 genotypes were evaluated for reactions to TSWV and leaf spots. Early leaf spot was the predominate pathogen in both years. There was a near-continuous range of spotted wilt from 18% to 79% for the total incidence rating with any symptoms caused by TSWV. In general, NC94022, ‘Georganic’, C689-6-2, ‘Georgia-01R’, C724-19-25, TifGP-1, C11-154-61, C12-3-114-58, and ‘Tifguard’ were among the most resistant genotypes to TSWV, whereas GT-C20, GT-C9 and PE-2 were the most susceptible. Final percentage of defoliation by leaf spots ranged from 10% to 97% for both years. Genotypes C689-2, Georgia-01R, C12-3-114-58, C11-154-61, Tifguard and Georganic showed resistance to leaf spots, whereas ‘NC-6’, ‘Spancross’, GT-C9, GT-C20 and PE-2 were susceptible to leaf spots. There were 3 cultivars and 3 breeding lines classified as resistant to both TSWV and leaf spots; and there were 3 genotypes from China susceptible to both TSWV and leaf spots. These phenotypic disease reaction data can be used in conjunction with genetic characterization of these genotypes for development of recombinant inbred line populations in efforts to develop markers for resistance to TSWV and leaf spots.
Evaluation of the Pharmacological Function of Ulinastatin in Experimental Animals
Authors: Xu Chong-En , Zhang Meng-Yuan , Zou Cheng-Wei , Guo Ling
Published: July 2012

Organ protection is a routine therapy in severe injuries. Our aim was to evaluate the beneficial effects of ulinastatin in experimental rats. Rats were randomly divided into a sham control, a model control and an ulinastatin-treated group. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined. Serum amylase, serum aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase isoenzyme (CKMD) activities, interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO) and cardiac troponin I (nTnl) levels were examined. Results showed that ulinastatin decreased MDA levels and ameliorated the down-regulation of SOD activity. In addition, ulinastatin pretreatment may decrease serum AST, LDH and CKMD activities, IL-8, TNF-α, and nTnl levels, and enhance NO level. Our results demonstrated that oxidative injury occurred after IR and that ulinastatin exhibits significant protective effects against these effects.
Synthesis of New Phosphorus-Containing (Co)Polyesters Using Solid-Liquid Phase Transfer Catalysis and Product Characterization
Authors: Iliescu Smaranda , Augusti Maite-Gyl , Fagadar-Cosma Eugenia , Plesu Nicoleta , Fagadar-Cosma Gheorghe , Macarie Lavinia , Popa Adriana , Ilia Gheorghe
Published: July 2012

This paper is directed towards the development of safe, and thermally stable solid polymer electrolytes. Linear phosphorus-containing (co)polyesters are described, including their synthesis, thermal analysis, conductivity, and non-flammability. Polycondensation of phenylphosphonic dichloride (PPD) with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG 12000) with and without bisphenol A (BA) was carried out using solid-liquid phase transfer catalysis. Potassium phosphate is used as base. Yields in the range of 85.0–88.0%, and inherent viscosities in the range of 0.32–0.58 dL/g were obtained. The polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography, FT-IR, 1H- and 31P-NMR spectroscopy and thermal analysis. Their flammability was investigated by measuring limiting oxygen index values. The polymers are flame retardants and begin to lose weight in the 190 °C–231 °C range. Solid phosphorus- containing (co)polyesters were complexed with lithium triflate and the resulting ionic conductivity was determined. Conductivities in the range of 10−7–10−8 S cm−1 were obtained.
Evidence for the persistence of wild Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgoaceae) populations in the Dalou Mountains, southwestern China
Authors: Tang Cindy Q. , Yang Yongchuan , Ohsawa Masahiko , Yi Si‐Rong , Momohara Arata , Su Wen‐Hua , Wang Huan‐Chong , Zhang Zhi‐Ying , Peng Ming‐Chun , Wu Zhao‐Lu
Published: July 2012

•Premise of the study: The possible persistence of wild Ginkgo biloba populations in China has long been debated but never scientifically confirmed. We test our hypothesis that the extant Ginkgo populations in the Dalou Mountains (SW China) represent fragments of the original natural Ginkgo range and offer a range of pertinent perspectives on the living fossil Ginkgo's history, prehistory, ecology, and place in human culture—all important aspects of this highly valued species.

•Methods: We analyzed the vegetation of the study area, determined the population age structure of Ginkgo, and compared it to existing fossil records. For supporting material, we also examined records of the lack of human presence before the mid‐17th century in the area, the local people's beliefs regarding preservation of the forests and existing genetic studies.

•Key results: Current species composition of Ginkgo forests in the Dalou Mountains agrees closely with floristic assemblages from fossil records bearing G. biloba. Current populations are found in habitats similar to those of fossil Ginkgo, which, as today, favored rock crevices. Female to male ratios are 3:2. Estimated ages for many of the trees show that Ginkgo was present in this area prior to human settlement and indigenous peoples of this area are unlikely to have planted Ginkgo because of traditional beliefs. Our results agree with existing genetic studies that show that these mountains were glacial refugia for G. biloba.

•Conclusions: The corroborative evidence confirms the finding that these populations represent fragments of the original natural Ginkgo in the valley and lower mountain slopes of the Dalou Mountains.
Œdipe Roi, Œdipe à Colone. Sophocle et l'adoption moderne. Le roman familial
Authors: Soulé Michel
Published: July 2012

Résumé Après avoir rappelé les bases de la pièce de Sophocle, Œdipe Roi , dont on sait la valeur emblématique qu’elle a prise pour la réflexion psychanalytique en matière d’inceste et d’interdit de l’inceste, l’auteur aborde une autre tragédie de Sophocle, Œdipe à Colone , qui est la dernière pièce écrite par Sophocle et qui ne fut représentée publiquement qu’après sa mort. Ce travail montre que le passage d’ Œdipe Roi à Œdipe à Colone est en lien avec la modification des lois athéniennes de l’époque sur la filiation, et qu’à travers ces deux pièces, Sophocle, bien avant l’heure freudienne, avait su attirer l’attention de ses concitoyens sur leur dynamique fantasmatique inconsciente. Comme pour S. Freud, la structure des liens familiaux de Sophocle était fort complexe, convoquant aujourd’hui pour nous la thématique du roman familial dont la prise en compte s’avère très heuristique en matière d’assistance médicale à la procréation. Cette réflexion pose aussi la question de la responsabilité et de la culpabilité quand il y a inceste sans conscience des liens de filiation.
À propos de l'intersubjectivité : de Federico Garcia Lorca aux dernières années de Picasso, ou « mourir de profil »
Authors: Tchoulfayan Gérard , Golse Bernard
Published: July 2012

Résumé Les auteurs rappellent d’abord les différents modèles de l’accès à l’intersubjectivité en lien avec le deuil de l’objet primaire, et resituent le thème de la mort dans l’œuvre de F. Garcia Lorca. Ils mettent ensuite en perspective la production picturale de Picasso au cours des dix dernières années de sa vie et l’inspiration de F. Garcia Lorca autour de la problématique particulière de la mort d’Antonito el Camborio. Selon eux, c’est le thème du profil qui offre un pont possible entre ces deux productions artistiques, comme trace de la représentation mentale de la perte (ou de la menace de perte) de l’intersubjectivité, par le biais de la mort (ou de l’angoisse de mort).
Le lien fraternel à l'épreuve de l'inceste
Authors: Romano Hélène
Published: July 2012

Résumé La parole qui révèle une situation d’inceste projette la famille sur une autre scène : celle de l’inintelligible, de l’innommable, celle du médico-légal, du judiciaire et certaines fois du médiatique. Pour chacun des membres de la famille, c’est une épreuve de crise sans précédent. Notre propos est d’envisager les répercussions de l’inceste sur le lien fraternel et ce que peut représenter la fratrie pour les enfants, abusés ou non, à la fois en tant que facteurs de vulnérabilité mais aussi en tant que source de créativité susceptible de leur permettre de se dégager de l’impact traumatique de cette transgression fondamentale. Nous rappellerons dans une première partie la dynamique des liens fraternels, puis nous décrirons les conséquences possibles de l’inceste sur le processus fraternel, avant d’aborder la question des possibilités de prise en charge. Nous limiterons notre discussion aux situations où l’auteur est l’un des parents et aux cas où l’abus n’est pas commis par un des membres de la fratrie, les processus alors en jeu nécessitant une analyse spécifique (De Becker, 2005 et 2010 ; Haesevoets, 2000).
Le vécu subjectif des enfants exposés à la violence conjugale : l'anxiété et l'apport de variables protectrices
Authors: Bekaert Jessica , Caron Rosa , Masclet Georges
Published: July 2012

Résumé L’exposition à la violence conjugale est reconnue comme ayant un impact considérable sur la santé mentale des enfants. Nombreuses études soulignent la présence de troubles anxieux chez ces enfants. Cependant, la santé mentale de certains d’entre eux ne s’avère pas compromise malgré les effets délétères de l’exposition à la violence conjugale. Au travers de cette recherche exploratoire et qualitative, nous mettrons à l’épreuve l’hypothèse selon laquelle certains facteurs, dont l’estime de soi et l’efficience intellectuelle, seraient des variables protectrices chez les enfants ayant été exposés à la violence conjugale, facteurs qui permettraient d’atténuer la symptomatologie anxieuse. Des études de cas portant sur deux enfants ayant été exposés à la violence conjugale ont été menées, l’un des enfants se montrant plutôt anxieux sur l’échelle d’anxiété de Demangeon, l’autre se montrant légèrement anxieux. Notre démarche, résolument clinique, s’appuie sur l’analyse de deux entretiens semi-directifs pour chaque enfant (l’un mené avec l’enfant, l’autre avec la mère) destinés à explorer le vécu subjectif de l’exposition à la violence conjugale. L’analyse de deux instruments de mesure (le wisc -III et l’échelle d’estime de soi de Coopersmith) complète ces données. L’analyse révèle des différences entre ces deux enfants au regard des facteurs de protection présents, différences qui seront ensuite discutées.
Attitudes des psychologues français à l'égard de l'homoparentalité
Authors: Vecho Olivier , Schneider Benoît
Published: July 2012

Résumé Cet article examine l’attitude de 275 psychologues français à l’égard de l’homoparentalité et son lien avec certaines caractéristiques relevant essentiellement de leur pratique professionnelle. L’analyse des données recueillies par questionnaire permet de décrire cette attitude à travers trois dimensions : les croyances à l’égard du développement des enfants dans les familles homoparentales ; l’attitude à l’égard de la légalisation de l’accès à la parentalité pour les homosexuel(le)s ; les croyances relatives aux aptitudes parentales des parents homosexuels. Les participants sont majoritairement favorables à l’ouverture de l’adoption aux couples homosexuels, alors que moins de la moitié est favorable à l’accès à l’insémination artificielle avec donneur anonyme, et moins d’un quart à la gestation pour autrui. Pour les trois dimensions explorées, les participants présentent une attitude en moyenne positive, particulièrement en ce qui concerne l’aptitude parentale. Finalement, l’attitude des participants ne révèle qu’un lien modeste avec le fait d’avoir eu une expérience professionnelle avec des familles homoparentales et avec le recours à la psychanalyse dans le cadre de la pratique. La diffusion de résultats de travaux de recherche sur les familles homoparentales, la diversification et la nuance progressive des points de vue des « spécialistes » sur les enjeux posés par elles ont touché de façon élective les psychologues en tant que champ professionnel spécialisé et ont contribué à déstigmatiser les familles homoparentales : elles n’apparaissent plus vraiment comme des familles marginales dont la « dangerosité » est suspectée. Enfin, ce n’est plus tant la question de la « différence des sexes » qui semble être le point nodal du débat pour les psychologues, mais celle de la filiation et de sa « vérité » au regard du biologique.
Adoption internationale et parcours des parents. Analyse des marques traumatiques
Authors: Krouch Tiphaine , Harf Aurélie , Moro Marie Rose
Published: July 2012

Résumé L’adoption internationale s’est développée de manière massive depuis les années 1960 et devient une question de société importante. La majorité de ces adoptions ont lieu dans de bonnes conditions, mais certaines peuvent être, au contraire, source d’une grande souffrance pour la nouvelle famille. Notre travail consiste en la recherche d’éléments en faveur d’un vécu traumatique au sein du récit des parents adoptifs lorsqu’ils racontent les premiers moments avec leur enfant, dans le cadre de l’adoption internationale. Nous avons réalisé une revue de la littérature concernant trauma et narrativité afin de trouver des caractéristiques de la structure du récit présentes de façon significativement plus élevée chez les sujets traumatisés par rapport aux sujets sains. Nous y avons rajouté le manque de cohérence du récit décrit selon le paradigme de l’attachement mesuré par l’Édicode. Ces éléments sont regroupés sous le terme de marques traumatiques. Parmi les sept récits recueillis dans une population clinique de familles suivies par une consultation spécialisée d’adoption, tous comportent dans leur structure des marques traumatiques telles qu’une incohérence, une diminution des références au vécu interne, une absorption dans la scène du passé et une attention excessive aux détails. De plus, l’analyse du contenu de ces récits nous permet de mettre en évidence des pistes de réflexion concernant ce sujet. La reconnaissance des marques traumatiques permet leur élaboration et leur dépassement afin de créer un lien parents/enfant spécifique et vivant.
L'enfant adopté à l'étranger, entre langue maternelle et langue d'adoption
Authors: Harf Aurélie , Skandrani Sara , Sibeoni Jordan , Revah-Levy Anne , Moro Marie Rose
Published: July 2012

Résumé La migration de l’enfant adopté dans le cadre d’une adoption internationale implique une rupture de bain culturel et notamment de langue, que l’adoption se fasse avant ou après l’entrée de l’enfant dans le langage. Il existe pour ces enfants une exposition successive et non simultanée à deux langues, celle des premières interactions et dans laquelle l’enfant a été nommé pour la première fois et celle de sa famille adoptive, de son pays d’accueil, avec laquelle il va désormais entrer en relation avec autrui. Cette situation soulève des questions spécifiques : quel est le devenir de la langue maternelle de l’enfant adopté ? Et comment entre-t-il dans sa langue d’adoption ? Une revue de la littérature, ainsi que la pratique clinique, met en évidence une disparition très rapide de la langue maternelle, en quelques mois. Des pistes de réflexion autour de cette attrition de la première langue de l’enfant sont proposées. Dans un second temps, sont analysées l’entrée de l’enfant adopté dans la langue du pays d’accueil, ainsi que l’évolution de potentiels retards de langage.
La justice pénale internationale : moralisation du monde, mondialisation d'une morale
Authors: Mazabraud Bertrand
Published: July 2012

Résumé La justice pénale internationale a connu en un demi-siècle une institutionnalisation croissante, jusqu’à l’avènement d’une Cour pénale internationale permanente. Sous-tendue par une mondialisation libérale, se voulant gardienne du respect des droits de l’homme et d’une paix durable, cette justice se révèle, à l’épreuve des faits, dépendante des acteurs étatiques, devant négocier politiquement les valeurs qu’elle défend. Ces institutions ne gagneraient-elles pas en autorité, et peut-être en efficacité, à mesurer leurs prétentions, et se faire auxiliaires des États, donnant pleinement sens au principe de complémentarité ?
La spécificité du régime français de laïcité
Authors: Bobineau Olivier
Published: July 2012

Résumé L’originalité de la laïcité à la française, pour être bien cernée, doit être évaluée à l’aune de l’histoire et d’une mise en regard avec d’autres systèmes à l’échelle internationale. Plusieurs voies se dessinent pour comprendre les relations entre le religieux et le politique : Marcel Gauchet, Alain Caillé, etc. Par ailleurs, plusieurs critères spécifiques distinguent notre régime de séparation : c’est ce qu’Émile Poulat et d’autres nous aident à bien identifier ; Olivier Bobineau étudie en particulier les quatre conceptions interdépendantes de la laïcité que Hegel a mises en évidence : laïcité de proposition, de différenciation, d’opposition et de composition. L’article souligne que les affaires récentes – de Salman Rushdie (1989) aux caricatures de Mahomet (2005) ou à Golgota Picnic (2011) – démontrent la pertinence et les enjeux du modèle laïc français.
Inde-Israël : l'impossible amitié (1947-1966)
Authors: Grolleau Magali
Published: July 2012

Résumé L’Union indienne est le pays non musulman qui a soutenu avec le plus de zèle la cause palestinienne, au détriment d’Israël. Bien que le Gouvernement indien ait reconnu l’État hébreu en septembre 1950, il n’y a pas d’échange de représentations diplomatiques entre les deux pays avant janvier 1992, date marquant le début d’un spectaculaire rapprochement. Ce constat est d’autant plus étonnant qu’aucun litige n’oppose les deux États. Ainsi, pendant plus de quarante ans, Israël a constitué l’un des aspects les plus contestés de la politique extérieure indienne. De Jawaharlal Nehru à Lal Bahadur Shastri, l’importante communauté musulmane indienne et le contentieux indo-pakistanais ont largement contribué à façonner la politique ambiguë que mène le Gouvernement indien vis-à-vis d’Israël.
Transforming Continuing Education Across the Health Professions
Authors: Balmer Jann T.
Published: July 2012

Transforming continuing education (CE) in the health professions requires a focus on competence and performance improvement by all health care professionals to ensure the public’s trust. Measures of competence include individual, team, and systems-based performance meeting the growing expectations for quality care by consumers and the government. CE professionals have a critical role in meeting these new expectations for health care professionals as they pursue their continued professional development. This competence-based framework demands new knowledge, skills, and abilities for the CE health professional, including standardization and formalization of this field as an emerging profession.
NICU Perspectives on Palliative Care
Authors: Thibeau Shelley , Naquin Lori
Published: July 2012

Few health care professionals have received palliative care training to comfort dying infants and their families. One institution’s development of a palliative care program in the neonatal intensive care unit setting is discussed in this column.
Developing and Using Multiple-Choice Tests in Clinical Settings
Authors: Cleary Michelle L. , Horsfall Jan
Published: July 2012

Tests can be used to assess attitudes, knowledge, and comprehension of principles in clinical scenarios across a range of content areas. Multiple-choice tests, when well prepared, can be an efficient means of achieving these aims. They can also be used to introduce a topic or to assess prior knowledge for an in-service education session or workshop.
Name That Neurotransmitter: Using Music to Teach Psychopharmacology Concepts
Authors: Hermanns Melinda , Lilly Mary LuAnne , Wilson Kathy , Russell Nathan Andrew
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this article is to discuss the use of music (i.e., two original songs, “Neurotransmitter Twitter” and “Parkinson’s Shuffle”) to teach aspects of psychopharmacology to students in the course Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing. Songs were incorporated in both the clinical and classroom settings. This innovative teaching method allowed students the opportunity to revisit the information through multiple exposures of the content for reinforcement and enhancement of student learning in a fun, creative approach. Brain-based research will be discussed, along with the process of development.
Predictors of Students’ Success in Community College Nursing Programs
Authors: Seago Jean Ann , Keane Dennis , Chen Eric , Spetz Joanne , Grumbach Kevin
Published: July 2012

Many conceptual models have been applied in the investigation of college retention of nursing students. We tested a model that specifies four general constructs as predictors of student success in nursing education—dispositional factors, career value factors, situational factors, and institutional factors. The purpose of this article is to describe predictors of nursing students’ success, specifically: (a) What factors predict success of nursing students graduating from community colleges in California? and (b) What factors predict success of nursing students graduating on time from community colleges in California? The study design was correlational and descriptive in nature, with a convenience sample of six intervention colleges and six matched-pair control colleges. Results of the logistic regressions indicated on-time and any-time graduations were predicted by higher grade point averages in prenursing and science. Higher prenursing grades are positive predictors of graduation; improvements in performance prior to commencing nursing education should improve student success.
Lightweight concrete with EVA recycled aggregate for impact noise attenuation
Authors: Tutikian B. F. , Nunes M. F. O. , Leal L. C. , Marquetto L.
Published: July 2012

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the acoustic performance of lightweight concrete with ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) residues to reduce impact noise on floors. Three types of concrete with three different mix proportions were evaluated. The method adopted includes the characterization of water absorption, voids and density of the samples. The experimental study of noise impact followed the procedures of ISO 140. The results indicate that the lightweight concrete with EVA recycled aggregate can reduce impact noise levels by up to 15 dB and the highest percentage of coarse aggregate EVA does not entail a higher acoustic performance.
Arias Montano, traductor: filosofía, técnicas y praxis multilingüe
Authors: Fernández Marcos Natalio , Fernández Tejero Emilia
Published: July 2012

Arias Montano fue uno de los mejores orientalistas del siglo XVI. Es conocido especialmente como editor de la Políglota de Amberes. Tradujo al latín diversos originales de esa Políglota y en sus comentarios bíblicos ofreció una nueva traducción de la mayoría de los pasajes. Partidario de la versión literal, llegó incluso a corregir la traducción latina de Sanctes Pagnino. En sus comentarios bíblicos recurrió a giros y modismos de las lenguas europeas de su tiempo, en especial el castellano. En este artículo los autores comentan palabras, dichos y refranes castellanos que sirvieron a Arias Montano para ilustrar algunos pasajes. No incluyó entre sus proyectos el traducir la Biblia al español, pero a la luz de la sensibilidad lingüística que demuestra, los autores piensan que, de haberlo llevado a cabo, tal vez Arias Montano hubiera sido considerado como el mejor traductor de la Biblia al castellano.
Preparation, characterization and scale-up of sesamol loaded solid lipid nanoparticles
Authors: Kakkar Vandita , Kaur Indu Pal
Published: July 2012

Sesamol loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SSLNs) were prepared with the aim of minimizing its distribution to tissues and achieving its targeting to the brain. Three scale-up batches (100x1 L) of S-SLNs were prepared using a microemulsification technique and all parameters were statistically compared with the small batch (1x;10 mL). S-SLNs with a particle size of less than 106 nm with a spherical shape (transmission electron microscopy) were successfully prepared with a total drug content and entrapment efficiency of 94.26±2.71% and 72.57±5.20%, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy confirmed the formation of lipidic nanoparticles while powder X-ray diffraction revealed their amorphous profile. S-SLNs were found to be stable for three months at 5±3°C in accordance with International Conference on Harmonisation guidelines. The SLN preparation process was successfully scaled-up to a 100x batch on a laboratory scale. The procedure was easy to perform and allowed reproducible SLN dispersions to be obtained.
Treatment of Foodborne Botulism in Current Clinical Toxicology: Authors’ Reply
Authors: Lonati Davide , Locatelli Carlo Alessandro , Fenicia Lucia , Anniballi Fabrizio , Landri Paolo , Giampreti Andrea , Petrolini Valeria Margherita , Vecchio Sarah , Manzo Luigi
Published: July 2012

Dr. Zamani pointed out the role of the wholebowel irrigation (WBI) with polyethylene gly-col as an appropriate adjunctive option of gas-trointestinal decontamination in severe botu-lism poisoning. Secondly, the author underlinethe early administration of trivalent antitoxinas soon as clinical suspicion of botulism poi-soning is made.[...]
Long-term earthquake forecasts based on the epidemic-type aftershock sequence (ETAS) model for short-term clustering
Authors: Zhuang Jiancang
Published: July 2012

Based on the ETAS (epidemic-type aftershock sequence) model, which is used for describing the features of short-term clustering of earthquake occurrence, this paper presents some theories and techniques related to evaluating the probability distribution of the maximum magnitude in a given space-time window, where the Gutenberg-Richter law for earthquake magnitude distribution cannot be directly applied. It is seen that the distribution of the maximum magnitude in a given space-time volume is determined in the longterm by the background seismicity rate and the magnitude distribution of the largest events in each earthquake cluster. The techniques introduced were applied to the seismicity in the Japan region in the period from 1926 to 2009. It was found that the regions most likely to have big earthquakes are along the Tohoku (northeastern Japan) Arc and the Kuril Arc, both with much higher probabilities than the offshore Nankai and Tokai regions.
Urinary Excretion of Phenolic Acids by Infants and Children: A Randomised Double-Blind Clinical Assay
Authors: Uberos J. , Fernéndez-Puentes V. , Molina-Oya M. , Rodrïguez-Belmonte R. , Ruïz-López A. , Tortosa-Pinto P. , Molina-Carballo A. , Muñoz-Hoyos A.
Published: July 2012

Objectives

The present study, which is part of the ISRCTN16968287 clinical assay, is aimed at determining the effects of cranberry syrup or trimethoprim treatment for UTI.

Methods

This Phase III randomised clinical trial was conducted at the San Cecilio Clinical Hospital (Granada, Spain) with a study population of 192 patients, aged between 1 month and 13 years. Criteria for inclusion were a background of recurrent UTI, associated or otherwise with vesico-ureteral reflux of any degree, or renal pelvic dilatation associated with urinary infection. Each child was randomly given 0.2 mL/Kg/day of either cranberry syrup or trimethoprim (8 mg/mL). The primary and secondary objectives, respectively, were to determine the risk of UTI and the levels of phenolic acids in urine associated with each intervention.

Results

With respect to UTI, the cranberry treatment was non-inferior to trimethoprim. Increased urinary excretion of ferulic acid was associated with a greater risk of UTI developing in infants aged under 1 year (RR 1.06; CI 95% 1.024–1.1; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The results obtained show the excretion of ferulic acid is higher in infants aged under 1 year, giving rise to an increased risk of UTI, for both treatment options.
Interrelated variations of O3, CO and deep convection in the tropical/subtropical upper troposphere observed by the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) during 2004–2011
Authors: Livesey N. J. , Logan J. A. , Santee M. L. , Waters J. W. , Doherty R. M. , Read W. G. , Froidevaux L. , Jiang J. H.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. The interrelated geographical and temporal variability seen in more than seven years of tropical and subtropical upper tropospheric (215 hPa) ozone, carbon monoxide and cloud ice water content (IWC) observations by the Aura Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) are presented. Observed ozone abundances and their variability (geographical and temporal) agree to within 10–15 ppbv with records from sonde observations. MLS complements these (and other) observations with global coverage and simultaneous measurements of related parameters. Previously-reported phenomena such as the ozone "wave one" feature are clearly seen in the MLS observations, as is a double peak in ozone abundance over tropical East Africa, with enhanced abundances in both May to June and September to November. While repeatable seasonal cycles are seen in many regions, they are often accompanied by significant interannual variability. Ozone seasonal cycles in the southern tropics and subtropics tend to be more distinct (i.e., annually repeatable) than in the northern. By contrast, carbon monoxide shows distinct seasonal cycles in many northern subtropical regions, notably from India to the Eastern Pacific. Deep convection (as indicated by large values of IWC) is typically associated with reductions in upper tropospheric ozone. Convection over polluted regions is seen to significantly enhance upper tropospheric carbon monoxide. While some regions show statistically significant correlations among ozone, carbon monoxide and IWC, simple correlations fall well short of accounting for the observed variability. The observed interrelated variations and metrics of annual and interannual variability described here represent a new resource for validation of atmospheric chemistry models.
Estimation of aerosol particle number distribution with Kalman filtering – Part 2: Simultaneous use of DMPS, APS and nephelometer measurements
Authors: Viskari T. , Asmi E. , Virkkula A. , Kolmonen P. , Petäjä T. , Järvinen H.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is used to estimate particle size distributions from observations. The focus here is on the practical application of EKF to simultaneously merge information from different types of experimental instruments. Every 10 min, the prior state estimate is updated with size-segregating measurements from Differential Mobility Particle Sizer (DMPS) and Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS) as well as integrating measurements from a nephelometer. Error covariances are approximate in our EKF implementation. The observation operator assumes a constant particle density and refractive index. The state estimates are compared to particle size distributions that are a composite of DMPS and APS measurements. The impact of each instrument on the size distribution estimate is studied. Kalman Filtering of DMPS and APS yielded a temporally consistent state estimate. This state estimate is continuous over the overlapping size range of DMPS and APS. Inclusion of the integrating measurements further reduces the effect of measurement noise. Even with the present approximations, EKF is shown to be a very promising method to estimate particle size distribution with observations from different types of instruments.
Using Markov switching models to infer dry and rainy periods from telecommunication microwave link signals
Authors: Wang Z. , Schleiss M. , Jaffrain J. , Berne A. , Rieckermann J.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. A Markov switching algorithm is introduced to classify attenuation measurements from telecommunication microwave links into dry and rainy periods. It is based on a simple state-space model and has the advantage of not relying on empirically estimated threshold parameters. The algorithm is applied to data collected using a new and original experimental set-up in the vicinity of Zürich, Switzerland. The false dry and false rain detection rates of the algorithm are evaluated and compared to 3 other algorithms from the literature. The results show that, on average, the Markov switching model outperforms the other algorithms. It is also shown that the classification performance can be further improved if redundant information from multiple channels is used.
Inter-annual variation of carbon uptake by a plantation oak woodland in south-eastern England
Authors: Wilkinson M. , Eaton E. L. , Broadmeadow M. S. J. , Morison J. I. L.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. The carbon balance of an 80 yr old deciduous oak plantation in the temperate oceanic climate of the south-east of Britain was measured by eddy covariance over 12 yr (1999–2010). The mean annual net ecosystem productivity (NEP) was 486 g C m−2 y−1 (95% CI of ±73 g C m−2 y−1), and this was partitioned into a Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) of 2034 ± 145 g C m−2 y−1, over a 165 (±6) day growing season, and an annual loss of carbon through respiration and decomposition (ecosystem respiration, Reco) of 1548 ± 122 g C m−2 y−1. The interannual variation of NEP was large (coefficient of variation (CV) 23%), although the variation for GPP and Reco was smaller (12%) and the ratio of Reco/GPP was relatively constant (0.76 ± 0.02 CI). Some anomalies in the annual patterns of the carbon balance could be linked to particular combinations of anomalous weather events, such as high summer air temperature and low soil moisture content. The Europe-wide heat-wave and drought of 2003 had little effect on the C balance of this woodland on a surface water gley soil. Annual variation in precipitation (CV 18%) was not a main factor in the variation in NEP. The inter-annual variation in estimated intercepted radiation only accounted for ~ 47% of the variation in GPP, although a significant relationship (p<0.001) was found between peak leaf area index and annual GPP which in turn played an important role in modifying the efficiency with which incident radiation was used in net CO2 uptake. Whilst the spring start and late autumn end of the net CO2 uptake period varied substantially (range of 24 and 27 days, respectively), annual GPP was not related to growing season length. Severe outbreaks of defoliating moth caterpillars, mostly Tortrix viridana L. and Operophtera brumata L., caused considerable damage to the forest canopy in 2009 and 2010, resulting in reduced GPP in these years.
Tracing biogeochemical processes and pollution sources with stable isotopes in river systems: Kamniška Bistrica, North Slovenia
Authors: Kanduč T. , Šturm M. , Žigon S. , McIntosh J.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Biogeochemical processes were investigated in the Kamniška Bistrica River (Slovenia), which represents an ideal natural laboratory for studying pollution sources in catchments with high weathering capacity. The Kamniška Bistrica River water chemistry is dominated by HCO3−, Ca2+, and Mg2+ and Ca2+/Mg2+ molar ratios indicate that calcite weathering is the major source of solutes to the river system. The Kamniška Bistrica River and its tributaries are oversaturated with respect to calcite and dolomite. pCO2 concentrations were on average up to 25 times over atmospheric values. δ18O values in river water ranged from −10.4 to −7.7‰ and plotted near the local meteoric water line, δ13CDIC values ranged from −12.7 to −2.7‰, controlled by biogeochemical processes in the catchment and within the stream; carbon dissolution is the most important biogeochemical process affecting carbon isotopes in the upstream portions of the catchment, while carbon dissolution and organic matter degradation control carbon isotope signatures downstream. Contributions of DIC from various biogeochemical processes were determined using steady state equations for different sampling seasons at the mouth of the Kamniška Bistrica River; results indicate that: (1) 1.9 to 2.2% of DIC came from exchange with atmospheric CO2, (2) 0 to 27.5% of DIC came from degradation of organic matter, (3) 25.4 to 41.5% of DIC came from dissolution of carbonates, and (4) 33 to 85% of DIC came from tributaries. δ15N values of nitrate ranged from −5.2‰ at the headwater spring to 9.8‰ in the lower reaches. Higher δ15N values in the lower reaches of the river suggest anthropogenic pollution from agricultural activity.
Grid based calibration of SWAT hydrological models
Authors: Gorgan D. , Bacu V. , Mihon D. , Rodila D. , Abbaspour K. , Rouholahnejad E.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. The calibration and execution of large hydrological models, such as SWAT (soil and water assessment tool), developed for large areas, high resolution, and huge input data, need not only quite a long execution time but also high computation resources. SWAT hydrological model supports studies and predictions of the impact of land management practices on water, sediment, and agricultural chemical yields in complex watersheds. The paper presents the gSWAT application as a web practical solution for environmental specialists to calibrate extensive hydrological models and to run scenarios, by hiding the complex control of processes and heterogeneous resources across the grid based high computation infrastructure. The paper highlights the basic functionalities of the gSWAT platform, and the features of the graphical user interface. The presentation is concerned with the development of working sessions, interactive control of calibration, direct and basic editing of parameters, process monitoring, and graphical and interactive visualization of the results. The experiments performed on different SWAT models and the obtained results argue the benefits brought by the grid parallel and distributed environment as a solution for the processing platform. All the instances of SWAT models used in the reported experiments have been developed through the enviroGRIDS project, targeting the Black Sea catchment area.
On the relationship among the Adriatic–Ionian Bimodal Oscillating System (BiOS), the Eastern Mediterranean salinity variations and the Western Mediterranean thermohaline cell
Authors: Gačić M. , Schroeder K. , Civitarese G. , Vetrano A. , Eusebi Borzelli G. L.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Previous studies have demonstrated that the salinity in the Levantine depends on the intensity of the Atlantic Water inflow. Moreover, its spreading eastward or northward in the Ionian is determined by the Ionian circulation pattern, i.e. by the Adriatic–Ionian Bimodal Oscillating System mechanism. The aim of this paper is to relate salinity variations in the core of the Levantine Intermediate Water flowing through the Sicily Channel to the salt content in the Levantine and its possible impact on the Western Mediterranean Transition (i.e. the sudden salinity increase in the bottom layer of the Algero-Provençal sub-basin occurring since 2004). From the historical dataset MEDAR/MEDATLAS in the Levantine and Northern Ionian, we present evidence of decadal occurrences of extreme salinities associated with the varying flow pattern of Atlantic Water over the last 60 yr. Furthermore, we show that the salinity variations in the two sub-basins are out of phase. High-salinity events in the Levantine are a pre-conditioning for the potential occurrence of the Eastern Mediterranean Transient (EMT). However, there is no firm evidence of occurrences of EMT-like phenomenon prior to the one in the early 1990s. Cross-correlation between the salinity time series in the Levantine and in the Sicily Channel suggests that the travel time of the salinity signal is between 16 and 18 yr. From the timing of the Western Mediterranean Transition and the salinity maximum in the Levantine Intermediate Water core in the Sicily Channel we also conclude that the time interval needed for the signal propagating from the Levantine to reach the bottom of the Algero-Provençal sub-basin is about 27 yr.