bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Genome-Wide Map of Mitochondrial DNA Recombination in Yeast
Authors: Fritsch Emilie S , Chabbert Christophe D , Klaus Bernd , Steinmetz Lars M
Published: August 2014

In eukaryotic cells, the production of cellular energy requires close interplay between nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. The mitochondrial genome is essential in that it encodes several genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation. Each cell contains several mitochondrial genome copies and mitochondrial DNA recombination is a widespread process occurring in plants, fungi, protists, and invertebrates. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has proved to be an excellent model to dissect mitochondrial biology. Several studies have focused on DNA recombination in this organelle, yet mostly relied on reporter genes or artificial systems. However, no complete mitochondrial recombination map has been released for any eukaryote so far. In the present work, we sequenced pools of diploids originating from a cross between two different S. cerevisiae strains to detect recombination events. This strategy allowed us to generate the first genome-wide map of recombination for yeast mitochondrial DNA. We demonstrated that recombination events are enriched in specific hotspots preferentially localized in non-protein-coding regions. Additionally, comparison of the recombination profiles of two different crosses showed that the genetic background affects hotspot localization and recombination rates. Finally, to gain insights into the mechanisms involved in mitochondrial recombination, we assessed the impact of individual depletion of four genes previously associated with this process. Deletion of NTG1 and MGT1 did not substantially influence the recombination landscape, alluding to the potential presence of additional regulatory factors. Our findings also revealed the loss of large mitochondrial DNA regions in the absence of MHR1, suggesting a pivotal role for Mhr1 in mitochondrial genome maintenance during mating. This study provides a comprehensive overview of mitochondrial DNA recombination in yeast and thus paves the way for future mechanistic studies of mitochondrial recombination and genome maintenance.
Swift Heavy Ion-Induced Decomposition and Phase Transformation in Nanocrystalline SnO2
Authors: Cusick Alex B. , Lang Maik , Zhang Fuxiang , Zhang Jiaming , Trautmann Christina , Ewing Rodney C.
Published: August 2014

A chemical decomposition and related phase transformation have been observed in 2.2 GeV 197Au irradiated SnO2 nanopowder. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the transformation from tetragonal SnO2 (P42/mnm) into tetragonal SnO (P4/nmm). Rietveld refinement of the XRD data determined the structures and proportion of these phases up to a fluence of 2.4×1013 ions/cm2. The initially intense diffraction maxima corresponding to SnO2 gradually decrease in intensity with an increase in fluence. At a fluence of approximately 3.9×1012 ions/cm2, diffraction maxima corresponding to SnO become clearly evident and increase in intensity as fluence increases. Both Raman and TEM analyses confirm the transformation from tetragonal SnO2 to SnO. The XRD refinement results are consistent with a multiple-impact model of transformation, confirmed by TEM as no single tracks were observed. Previous swift heavy ion irradiations of SnO2 have led only to changes in grain size, degrees of crystallinity, and the formation of “holes”. The inconsistency in results is discussed in depth. The proposed mechanism for the currently observed transformation is the interrelation of defect accumulation and thermal-spike mechanisms. The formation of SnO, apparent O loss from the transformation regions, and associated Sn reduction are discussed in terms of thermodynamic, kinetic, and thermal-spike model considerations.
Prediction Model of Deflections in PET Fiber Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Baldenebro-Lopez F. J. , Castorena-Gonzalez J. H. , Baldenebro-Lopez J. A. , Velazquez-Dimas J.I. , Ledezma-Sillas J. E. , Martinez-Sanchez R. , Herrera-Ramirez J. M.
Published: August 2014

The increasing use of polymeric reinforcements in concrete structures requires either the development of a new design theory or the adaptation of current designs considering the engineering properties of this type of materials. In this work a method for calculating the deflections of reinforced concrete elements is proposed, which can be used in predicting the flexural behavior of longitudinally reinforced concrete with PET strips in amounts up to 1%. The model theory assumes that concrete has a tensile load capacity different to zero, characterized by a uniaxial tensile stress-strain diagram. A series of tests were conducted to corroborate the validity of the suggested method, showing that the theory also correctly predicts the creep deformation post-cracking. The deflection results of reinforced concrete with recycled PET strips are presented. The tests are carried out by a simple beam with center-point loading, using three different amounts of reinforcement and comparing the experimental results with the theoretical results of the proposed model.
Heterosis and Reciprocal‐cross Effects in Tetraploid Switchgrass
Authors: Casler Michael D.
Published: August 2014

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) is a candidate for cellulosic bioenergy feedstock development in many parts of North America. Because production costs are generally considered too high for economic and sustainable production of switchgrass biomass, breeding for increased biomass yield is a viable and desirable research objective. The objective of this study was to estimate heterosis and reciprocal‐cross effects in three types of switchgrass crosses: upland × upland (U×U), lowland × lowland (L×L), and upland × lowland (L×U) hybrids. A total of 62 hybrids and two parental populations were evaluated for 2 yr at two Wisconsin locations. Mid‐parent heterosis for biomass yield was observed in only four L×L hybrids and no L×U hybrids, suggesting that it is not a universal phenomenon between upland and lowland ecotypes. Reciprocal effects were more important than heterosis effects, as most hybrids were similar in performance to their maternal parent population. Flowering time was a strong driver of biomass yield, accounting for 67% of the variation among hybrids in biomass yield and increasing biomass yield by 0.47 Mg ha−1 for each day delay in flowering time.
Bleaching Options for Pulp-Calcified Teeth: Case History Reports
Authors: Lise DP , Gutiérrez C , da Rosa TP , Vieira LCC
Published: August 2014

The aim of this article is to review some essential aspects of anterior tooth calcification and its esthetic treatment. Furthermore, three cases including different and successful bleaching strategies are reported.
Entre conflictos y cooperación
Authors: Kauffer Edith , Medina Lucile
Published: August 2014

En la actualidad, las cuencas transfronterizas ocupan cada vez más la atención no solamente de políticos, sino de académicos. La llamada crisis del agua se manifi esta por una presión creciente sobre las cantidades de agua disponibles y una paulatina contaminación del recurso, las cuales se traducen en tensiones y confl ictos en diversas escalas, desde lo local hasta lo internacional. En el caso de las cuencas transfronterizas en particular, el hecho de compartir territorios entre dos o más Estados implica interacciones entre éstos. Esta confi guración geográfi ca puede combinarse con asimetrías económicas, relaciones internacionales históricamente tensas o con una variabilidad climática que produce situaciones extremosas de abundancia y de escasez de agua. Todo ello repercute en la ocurrencia de acciones cooperativas así como en el surgimiento de confl ictos.
Le bassin transfrontalier
Authors: Ghiotti Stéphane
Published: August 2014

This article presents a critical analysis and a historical perspective on the transboundary river basin concept. It focuses on two key moments based on an analysis of the publications on the topic on the web of science database. The first one illustrates the emergence of the concept in the early 1990s and its place in the literature which emphasizes the internationalization of the water management process. In order to demonstrate this phenomenon, the article follows an itinerary among several scientific disciplines from hard sciences (hydrology, ecology) and soft sciences (law, political sciences). The second part of the article is devoted to explaining how the territory of transboundary basins is a social and political construct that illustrates profound changes in the development of international river basins and the influence of international donors, and finally promotes the model of integrated water resources management (IWRM) at the international level.

Spanish
Este artículo presenta un análisis crítico del concepto de cuenca transfronteriza (transboundary river basin) usando una perspectiva histórica. Gracias al desarrollo de un análisis cuantitativo realizado a publicaciones que abordan esta temática, disponibles en el portal Web of Science, el texto determina dos conclusiones principales. En primer lugar, a través de un análisis crítico sobre la literatura referente al proceso de internacionalización de la gestión del agua, el artículo encuentra que la emergencia del concepto tuvo su origen a principio de los años noventa. En un segundo lugar, el artículo explica el territorio de la cuenca transfronteriza como una construcción social y política mostrando así los cambios profundos en la valorización de los ríos y de las cuencas internacionales, la influencia de los organismos e instituciones y, en esta escala, la promoción del modelo de la Gestión Integrada de los Recursos Hídricos (GIRH)..

French
L'article présente une analyse critique et une mise en perspective historique du concept de bassin versant transfrontalier (transboundary river basin). Il se propose de privilégier deux moments clés en s'appuyant sur une analyse quantitative des publications concernant cette thématique sur le site Web of science. Le premier temps illustre l'émergence du concept au début des années 1990 ainsi que sa place dans la littérature pour témoigner du processus d'internationalisation de la gestion de l'eau. Pour ce faire, l'article retrace son itinéraire et sa circulation entre diverses disciplines scientifiques relevant à la fois des sciences dites dures (hydrologie, écologie) et des sciences humaines et sociales (droit, sciences politique). La seconde partie se consacre à expliquer en quoi le territoire du bassin transfrontalier est une construction sociale et politique illustrant à la fois les profonds changements dans la mise en valeur des cours d'eau et des bassins, l'influence des organismes et des institutions internation aux, et enfin la promotion à cette échelle du modèle de la Gestion intégrée des ressources en eau (GIRE).
Réformes institutionnelles, gouvernance hydraulique et frontières
Authors: Miqueu Claude
Published: August 2014

En France, une nouvelle gouvernance, annoncée dans le Schéma Directeur d'Aménagement et de gestion des Eaux (SDAGE) 2010-2015, reste à construire, pour l'atteinte du bon état dans le calendrier prévu par la Directive Cadre Européenne (DCE). Les démarches de gestion intégrée ont fait leurs preuves pour mobiliser les acteurs d'un territoire autour d'un objet socio-politique : le bassin versant notamment dans sa dimension transfrontalière. Cette gestion de nos fleuves et rivières place d'un côté, un État en co urs de repositionnement vers un rôle d'accompagnateur des démarches locales, de l'autre côté, des collectivités qui assument de plus en plus un rôle moteur dans cette coopération transfrontalière.
The indications and timing for operative management of spinal epidural abscess: literature review and treatment algorithm
Authors: Tuchman Alexander , Pham Martin , Hsieh Patrick C.
Published: August 2014

Object

Delayed or inappropriate treatment of spinal epidural abscess (SEA) can lead to serious morbidity or death. It is a rare event with significant variation in its causes, anatomical locations, and rate of progression. Traditionally the treatment of choice has involved emergency surgical evacuation and a prolonged course of antibiotics tailored to the offending pathogen. Recent publications have advocated antibiotic treatment without surgical decompression in select patient populations. Clearly defining those patients who can be safely treated in this manner remains in evolution. The authors review the current literature concerning the treatment and outcome of SEA to make recommendations concerning what population can be safely triaged to nonoperative management and the optimal timing of surgery.

Methods

A PubMed database search was performed using a combination of search terms and Medical Subject Headings, to identify clinical studies reporting on the treatment and outcome of SEA.

Results

The literature review revealed 28 original case series containing at least 30 patients and reporting on treatment and outcome. All cohorts were deemed Class III evidence, and in all but two the data were obtained retrospectively. Based on the conclusions of these studies along with selected smaller studies and review articles, the authors present an evidence-based algorithm for selecting patients who may be safe candidates for nonoperative management.

Conclusions

Patients who are unable to undergo an operation, have a complete spinal cord injury more than 48 hours with low clinical or radiographic concern for an ascending lesion, or who are neurologically stable and lack risk factors for failure of medical management may be initially treated with antibiotics alone and close clinical monitoring. If initial medical management is to be undertaken the patient should be made aware that delayed neurological deterioration may not fully resolve even after prompt surgical treatment. Patients deemed good surgical candidates should receive their operation as soon as possible because the rate of clinical deterioration with SEA is notoriously unpredictable. Although patients tend to recover from neurological deficits after treatment of SEA, the time point when a neurological injury becomes irreversible is unknown, supporting emergency surgery in those patients with acute findings.
Indwelling intrathecal catheter with subcutaneous abdominal reservoir: a viable baclofen delivery system in severely cachectic patients
Authors: Waqar Mueez , Ellenbogen Jonathan R. , Kumar Ram , Sneade Christine , Zebian Bassel , Williams Dawn , Pettorini Benedetta L.
Published: August 2014

Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) is a reversible treatment that reduces muscle tone to ameliorate spasticity and dystonia in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). The resulting decrease in energy expenditure allows patients to gain much-needed weight, albeit temporarily. Modern techniques require sufficient abdominal musculature and subcutaneous fat to permit the implantation of an indwelling pump. In patients with extremely low muscle bulk, visceral pumps may be impractical or impossible, with increased risks of dehiscence and infection. The authors describe a variation of the classical procedure in a young patient with severe cachexia.

A 10-year-old boy with spastic-dystonic quadriplegic CP was admitted to the neuromedical unit. Numerous drug trials had failed, and surgical intervention was deemed necessary but was complicated by his cachectic body habitus. The authors inserted a lumbar intrathecal catheter and subcutaneously tunneled it to the anterolateral abdomen, where it was connected to a subcutaneous injection port. Baclofen was continuously infused into the subcutaneous port using a noncoring needle connected to an external pump. The needle and line were changed every 5 days to minimize the risk of sepsis.

Although other techniques, such as intraventricular baclofen delivery, have been described, these are largely dependent upon sufficient musculature to support a visceral pump. A subcutaneous injection port system represents an alternative approach that reduces the risk of sepsis and may be better tolerated in cachectic patients.
Effect of craniovertebral decompression on CSF dynamics in Chiari malformation Type I studied with computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Linge Svein O. , Mardal Kent-A. , Helgeland Anders , Heiss John D. , Haughton Victor
Published: August 2014

Object

The effect of craniovertebral decompression surgery on CSF flow dynamics in patients with Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) has been incompletely characterized. The authors used computational fluid dynamics to calculate the effect of decompression surgery on CSF flow dynamics in the posterior fossa and upper cervical spinal canal.

Methods

Oscillatory flow was simulated in idealized 3D models of the normal adult and the CM-I subarachnoid spaces (both previously described) and in 3 models of CM-I post–craniovertebral decompressions. The 3 postoperative models were created from the CM model by virtually modifying the CM model subarachnoid space to simulate surgical decompressions of different magnitudes. Velocities and pressures were computed with the Navier-Stokes equations in Star-CD for multiple cycles of CSF flow oscillating at 80 cycles/min. Pressure gradients and velocities were compared for 8 levels extending from the posterior fossa to the C3–4 level. Relative pressures and peak velocities were plotted by level from the posterior fossa to C3–4. The heterogeneity of flow velocity distribution around the spinal cord was compared between models.

Results

Peak systolic velocities were generally lower in the postoperative models than in the preoperative CM model. With the 2 larger surgical defects, peak systolic velocities were brought closer to normal model velocities (equal values at C-3 and C-4) than with the smallest surgical defect. For the smallest defect, peak velocities were decreased, but not to levels in the normal model. In the postoperative models, heterogeneity in flow velocity distribution around the spinal cord increased from normal model levels as the degree of decompression increased.

Pressures in the 5 models differed in magnitude and in pattern. Pressure gradients along the spinal canal in the normal and CM models were nonlinear, with steeper gradients below C3–4 than above. The CM model had a steeper pressure gradient than the normal model above C3–4 and the same gradient below. The postoperative models had lower pressure gradients than the CM model above C2–3. The most conservative decompression had lower pressure gradients than the normal model above C2–3. The two larger decompression defects had CSF pressure gradients below those in the normal model above C2–3. These 2 models had a less steep gradient above C-3 and a steeper gradient below.

Conclusions

In computer simulations, craniovertebral surgical defects generally diminished CSF velocities and CSF pressures.
Situation und Anliegen der Waldeigentümer – einige Gedanken (Essay)
Authors: Brunner Markus
Published: August 2014

Situation and concerns of forest owners - some notions (essay)

The swiss forest economy is expecting huge challenges due to major changes in national and international circumstances. The main task in future time will be to combine proven traditions and principles with new and probably massif changes in an optimized way. We must be aware of the fact that some existing methods of forest management and sylviculture will eventually have to be adapted in a quite extensive and fundamental way. Swiss forest land owners must be recognized again as the main actors and the most important stakeholder concerning forest matters. There has been a very long period of reducing forest owners property rights and liberty of action, this process has to be stopped now. The increasing demand for existing and new non-wood forest products and services and for further limitations in forest management must be satisfied increasingly on a voluntarely basis (product selling, service agreements), rather than by tightening up the forest and other forest-related laws. The well-known «wake theory» in Swiss forest economy doesn't work anymore in its traditional form.
Development of BHK-21 Cell line Adapted Inactivated Newcastle Disease Vaccine
Authors: Haque Md Enamul , Khan Mohammed Ferdousur Rahman , Rahman Marzia , Rahman Md Tanvir , Saha Sukumar , Rahman Md Bahanur
Published: August 2014

The present study was undertaken to isolate and characterize Newcastle disease virus (NDV) from the outbreak of layer farms for the development of BHK-21 cell adapted inactivated vaccine. A total of 6 dead birds were brought to the laboratory from the outbreak area from which 18 samples (trachea, liver and brain from each) were collected. Among them 3 samples were found positive for NDV through chicken embryo inoculation followed by HA test. The MDT, ICPI, IVPI of all isolates was 54.4, 1.56, and 2.20 respectively which revealed that the field isolates were velogenic. The isolated viruses were confirmed as NDV by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using fusion gene-specific primers. The isolated virus was used to infect the BHK-21 cell line. Later the BHK-21 cell adapted viruses were used to develop oil adjuvanted inactivated vaccine and were inoculated into chickens according to vaccination schedule. The MDA was very high (112±29.62) during BCRDV vaccination, which declined quickly (88±33.12). Before vaccination with experimental vaccine, the level of antibody titre (HI) was very low (9±4.65). After vaccination at 65th day through IM, ELD50=109.7/ml with experimental vaccine, the highest HI titre in RDV vaccinated group was 160±59.25 whereas, experimental vaccinated group was 128±59.25, and control group was 7±4.65. ELISA antibody titres of all the groups were 2549.71 (RDV, LRI@0.5 ml/bird), 2450.37 (experimental@ 0.25ml/ bird), 2218.579 (experimental@ 0.50ml/bird), 2152.352 (experimental@1ml/bird) 1125.846 (control) respectively. The present study indicated that, BHK-21 cell adapted ND inactivated vaccine produced a satisfactory antibody titre along with conventional live RDV vaccine.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mh.v3i1.19729 Microbes and Health, June 2014. 3(1): 1-4
Prevalence of Canine Parvovirus Infection in Street Dogs in Mymensingh Municipality area, Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md Rafiqul , Islam Md Aminul , Rahman Md Siddiqur , Uddin Md Jasim , Sarker Md Abu Sayed , Akter Layla , Alam Emtiaj
Published: August 2014

Canine parvovirus (CPV) is a highly contagious infectious disease of dog characterized by severe gastroenteritis but so far there is no first-hand data on CPV reported in Bangladesh. Therefore, this cross-sectional survey was carried out for the antigenic detection of CPV in thirty randomly selected street dogs captured throughout Mymensingh municipality of Bangladesh over the period from January to July 2010. Rectal swab samples were collected from all dogs and tested by CPV rapid Ag test. Overall prevalence of canine parvovirus disease was recorded as 30%. Prevalence of CPV was higher in young age group than that of older age groups. Male dogs were found to be higher susceptible to canine parvovirus infection in comparison with female. Significantly higher prevalence of CPV was recorded in diarrheic dogs compared with those having no diarrhea. Dogs with poor health condition were more vulnerable to canine parvovirus infection compared to those with normal health status. This is the first published report on CPV in street dogs in Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mh.v3i1.19768 Microbes and Health, June 2014. 3(1): 5-6
Microbiological Control of UHT Sterilized Milk and Milk Products and Effects on Consumers' Health in Western Algeria
Authors: Benyagoub Elhassan , Ayat Mohammed , Belarbi Djamila
Published: August 2014

The present study focused on the analysis of microbiological quality of various milk samples such as ultra-high temperature sterilized milk (UHT), melted cheese and yoghurt, obtained from dairy product factories in western Algeria. Hazards identification and development of a quality management standard for these subsidiaries evidenced that the sanitary quality was satisfactory. The result revealed detection of faecal origin contamination total and fecal coliforms in both the yoghurt product and sample of melted cheese where the average content was(1.29±6.72-0.14±0.56 x 103cfu/g) and (0.14±0.6-0.022±0.275 x 103cfu/g) respectively. It is indicative that all samples were free from Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella sp. The study demonstrated that prerequisite programs (PRP) will prevent the occurrence of microbiological hazards origin, which confirms the fact that hygiene measures are the best safety assurance. The hazard analysis of the production process of yoghurt and cheese allowed us to find out their causes, adoption of preventive measures for certain sensitive stages where hazards can be eliminated or reduced at acceptable levels, the determination of critical control points (CCP)and operational prerequisite programs PRPo, implementing critical limits, and monitoring plans. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mh.v3i1.19777 Microbes and Health, June 2014. 3(1): 21-24
Growing Significance of Mycobacterium bovis in Human Health
Authors: Pal Mahendra , Zenebe Nigusa , Rahman Md Tanvir
Published: August 2014

Tuberculosis is one of the most wide spread highly infectious bacterial zoonotic diseases, and is responsible for high morbidity and mortality in the world particularly in the developing nations. Mycobacterium bovis and closely associated acid fast bacilli cause disease in humans and animals. Humans can be infected with M. bovis where cattle act as the principal reservoir. Air borne infections continue to occur among the persons working in the meat industry, slaughterhouses, and in persons living in close physical contact with infected animals.M. bovis infection is recognized as an occupational hazard to abattoir workers, livestock handlers and veterinarians. The main cause of concern related to M. bovis in industrialized counties are epizootics nature of the disease in domesticated and wild animals. In addition, latent infection in immigrants particularly in HIV infected patients are also a big issue in developed world, since those people could be the potential source of TB for other people. The reemergence of M. bovis infection in captive and free-ranging wild animals, with subsequent transmission to domestic animals, is of concern to livestock producers and regulatory officials. As wild animals represent major reservoir of tuberculosis bacilli, it is imperative to investigate the role of wild animals in transmission dynamics of M. bovis infection. Further studies on the molecular epidemiology and development of safe, cheap and potent drugs to mitigate tuberculosis in highly susceptible population particularly in HIV/AIDS patients is emphasized. In addition, multidisciplinary approaches such as One Health that comprise professionals from medical science, veterinary medicine and wildlife etc. are essential to take measures to control this devastating bacterial zoonosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/mh.v3i1.19779 Microbes and Health, June 2014. 3(1): 29-34
A Global Overview of the Impact of Peritoneal Dialysis First or Favored Policies: An Opinion
Authors: Liu Frank Xiaoqing , Gao Xin , Inglese Gary , Chuengsaman Piyatida , Pecoits-Filho Roberto , Yu Alex
Published: August 2014

Given the ever-increasing burden of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in a global milieu of limited financial and health resources, interested parties continue to search for ways to optimize dialysis access. Government and payer initiatives to increase access to renal replacement therapies (RRTs), particularly peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD), may have meaningful impacts from clinical and health-economic perspectives; and despite similar clinical and humanistic outcomes between the two dialysis modalities, PD may be the more convenient and resource-conscious option. This review assessed country-specific PD-First/Favored policies and their associated background, implementation, and outcomes. It was found that barriers to policy-implementation are broadly associated with government policy, economics, provider or healthcare professional education, modality-related factors, and patient-related factors. Notably, the success of a given country's PD-Favored policy was inversely associated with the extent of HD infrastructure. It is hoped that this review will provide a foundation across countries to share lessons learned during the development and implementation of PD-First/Favored policies.
Use of Photovoice to Integrate a Community-Engaged Scholarship Model of Research Into an Undergraduate Clinical Nursing Course
Authors: Kronk Rebecca , Weideman Yvonne
Published: August 2014

For undergraduate nursing students to appreciate the underpinnings of research, it is essential to bring research to real-life clinical practice. This article reports on an innovative educational experience integrating qualitative research into the sophomore-level clinical setting. The elements of this pedagogical approach within the context of faculty-mentored and student-led community-based participatory research are described. [
J Nurs Educ
. 2014;53(9, Suppl.):S114–S117.]
Legalization of Marijuana for Non-Medical Use: Health, Policy, Socioeconomic, and Nursing Implications
Authors: Durkin Anne
Published: August 2014

The legalization of marijuana is a controversial issue with implications for health care providers, policy makers, and society at large. The use of marijuana for medical reasons is accepted in many states. However, legal sale of the drug for non-medical use began for the first time on January 1, 2014, in Colorado, following a relaxation of marijuana restrictions that is unprecedented worldwide. News reports have indicated that sales of the drug have been brisk. Marijuana-infused food products have been unexpectedly popular, exceeding sales projections. Marijuana use is associated with numerous physical and mental disorders and could result in addiction. Evidence suggests its potency has increased since the 1980s. Colorado has established regulations regarding the sale of marijuana for non-medical use, but concerns still exist. The current article offers a discussion of the health, public policy, socioeconomic, and nursing implications of the legalization of marijuana for non-medical use. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 52
(9), 22–26.]
Une mise en scène de la justice royale du premier Bourbon : la cérémonie du « théâtre de justice » de Mantes de 1594 pour la condamnation des meurtriers d’Henri III
Authors: Mercier Mathieu
Published: August 2014

Depuis l’assassinat de son époux le roi de France Henri III en 1589, Louise de Lorraine ne cesse de réclamer la justice à son successeur Henri IV. Ce dernier, qui tente de conquérir par les armes son royaume divisé par la dernière guerre de Religion, organise alors une cérémonie unique dans l’histoire du cérémonial français : le théâtre de justice à Mantes en 1594. Inutile sur le plan judiciaire, en l’absence des accusés, cette manifestation est avant tout une réponse grandiloquente aux manifestations de la Ligue dans la capitale toujours révoltée. Elle permet de plus à Louise d’extérioriser une douleur toute baroque et d’engager publiquement, mais en vain, le nouveau souverain dans la poursuite des régicides, et au premier Bourbon de légitimer son statut et de s’afficher en roi justicier.
Three-Dimensional Face Shape by Local Fitting to a Single Reference Model
Authors: García-Zurdo Rubén
Published: August 2014

The authors present a simple method to estimate the three-dimensional shape of a face from an input image using a single reference model, based on least squares between the output of the linear-nonlinear (LN) neuronal model applied to blocks from an intensity image and blocks from a depth reference model. The authors present the results obtained by varying the LN model parameters and estimate their best values, which provide an acceptable reconstruction of each subject's depth. The authors show that increasing the light source angle over the horizontal plane in the input image produces slight increases in reconstruction error, but increasing the ambient light proportion produces greater increases in reconstruction error. The authors applied the method to predict each subject's unknown depth using different individual reference models and an average reference model, which provides the best results. As a noise reduction technique, the authors perform a point by point weighted averaging with the average reference model with weights equal to the fractions of the squares of the Laplacian of a Gaussian applied to the prediction and to the reference depth over the sum of both. Finally, the authors present acceptable visual results obtained from external images of faces under arbitrary illumination, having performed an illumination estimation previously.
Incremental and Decremental Exponential Discriminant Analysis for Face Recognition
Authors: Kumar Nitin , Agrawal R.K. , Jaiswal Ajay
Published: August 2014

Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) is widely used for feature extraction in face recognition but suffers from small sample size (SSS) problem in its original formulation. Exponential discriminant analysis (EDA) is one of the variants of LDA suggested recently to overcome this problem. For many real time systems, it may not be feasible to have all the data samples in advance before the actual model is developed. The new data samples may appear in chunks at different points of time. In this paper, the authors propose incremental formulation of EDA to avoid learning from scratch. The proposed incremental algorithm takes less computation time and memory. Experiments are performed on three publicly available face datasets. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed incremental formulation in comparison to its batch formulation in terms of computation time and memory requirement. Also, the proposed incremental algorithms (IEDA, DEDA) outperform incremental formulation of LDA in terms of classification accuracy.
Reusable Business Tier Components
Authors: Pereira Óscar Mortágua , Aguiar Rui L. , Santos Maribel Yasmina
Published: August 2014

Call Level Interfaces (CLI) are software API used for building business tiers of relational database applications whenever performance is a key requirement. Nevertheless, their use is cumbersome, mainly in large database applications with many and complex Create, Read, Update and Delete (CRUD) expressions. CLI are low level API conveying several difficulties during the development process of relational business tiers. Four of them are herein emphasized: 1) Programmers need to master the schemas of the underlying databases; 2) the same CRUD expression is frequently re-written to address different business needs; 3) CLI are not suited to cope with evolving business tiers and, finally, 4) CLI do not provide any feature to decouple development process of relational business tiers from the development process of application tiers. To tackle these difficulties, this paper proposes an architecture for building reusable relational business tier components based on CLI herein referred to as the Reusable Business Tier Architecture (RBTA). It relies on a customizable wide typed service to address a business area, such as accountability. The typed service is able to manage CRUD expressions, deployed at runtime, on behalf of application tiers and in accordance with users' needs. The only constraint is that the required service to manage each CRUD expression must be a sub-set of the implemented wide typed service. A proof of concept is also presented.
Pancreatitis in Children
Authors: Kramer Chris , Jeffery Alvin
Published: August 2014

Although the incidence of acute pancreatitis among children is less than that in adults, the physical and psychosocial impact on children and their families can be overwhelming. Pancreatitis is manifested as pain accompanied by a host of other complex issues. These issues are manifested more markedly when the patient has additional concomitant diagnoses. Pain management, liver function tests, amylase and lipase levels, endocrine and exocrine functionality, and recognition of systemic inflammation are especially important. Management after discharge from the hospital is often an ongoing stress for these patients and families, and multiple admissions to the intensive care unit may be necessary for feeding and pain complications. Presented in the context of an actual clinical case at a 500-bed tertiary care pediatric hospital, this patient’s scenario illustrates the importance of ensuring adequate nutrition, maintaining hydration, providing appropriate pain management, and preventing infection and thromboembolic events.
Critical Care Nurse Work Environments 2013: A Status Report
Authors: Ulrich Beth T. , Lavandero Ramón , Woods Dana , Early Sean
Published: August 2014

Background

The health of critical care nurse work environments has been shown to affect patient care outcomes as well as the job satisfaction and retention of registered nurses. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) Critical Care Nurse Work Environment Survey was first conducted in 2006 following the release of the AACN Standards for Establishing and Sustaining a Healthy Work Environment and was conducted again in 2008. This article reports the results of the third AACN Critical Care Nurse Work Environment Survey conducted in 2013.

Objective

To evaluate the current state of critical care nurse work environments.

Methods

A total of 8444 AACN members and constituents responded to an online survey.

Results

The overall health of critical care nurses’ work environments has declined since 2008, as have nurses’ perceptions of the quality of care. Respondents rated their overall work environment and factors associated with healthy work environments including quality of patient care, staffing, communication and collaboration, respect, physical and mental safety, moral distress, nursing leadership, support for certification and continuing education, meaningful recognition, job satisfaction, and career plans. Although some factors improved, declines in any factors are a concern.

Conclusions

An increasing body of evidence has shown relationships between healthy nurse work environments and patient outcomes. The results of this 2013 survey identified areas in which the health of critical care nurse work environments needs attention and care, requiring the relentless true collaboration of everyone involved.
La Legación Diplomática Chilena en los Estados Unidos de Colombia (1879)
Authors: Jara Román Marcelo , López Pérez Felipe
Published: August 2014

El presente trabajo tiene por objeto determinar, a través del análisis de los archivos de la Legación de Chile en los Estados Unidos de Colombia, la posición de los gobiernos chileno y colombiano, frente a la neutralidad del istmo de Panamá y el eventual tráfico de armas de Perú por dicha vía en 1879, además, establecer las acciones y logros de la misión diplomática chilena en el país caribeño durante 1879. Algunos hitos denunciados por el encargado de Negocios en Colombia, Francisco Valdés Vergara, pueden ser leídos —desde la óptica del equilibrio de poder— como un concreto desafío a la soberanía y los intereses de Chile en la Guerra del Pacífico por parte de la unión colombiana.
Plant–plant spatial association networks in gypsophilous communities: the influence of aridity and grazing and the role of gypsophytes in its structure
Authors: Saiz H. , Alados C. L. , Pueyo Y.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. In stressful environments many plant species are only able to survive if they benefit from the facilitative effect of "nurse" species. Typically, these nurses are species adapted to the stressful environmental conditions that favor the formation of vegetation patches, where other, less-adapted species can be established. However, ecological interactions can be influenced by abiotic and biotic factors. In this study we quantified the effect of grazing and aridity on the patch structure of gypsophilous plant communities and the role that gypsophytes, species adapted to gypsum soils, play in structuring these communities. Specifically, we created signed networks (networks with positive and negative links) at grazed and ungrazed sites in two areas in the middle Ebro Valley, Spain, that differed in aridity. We built networks connecting plant species with positive and negative links derived from the spatial associations between species. Then, we divided networks in partitions which represented the different vegetation patches present in the community. We found that vegetation patches were more specific (same species always were associated in the same patch type) in high aridity and grazed sites, where environmental conditions were the most stressful and many species persisted by associating with nurse species. Gypsophytes were more important aggregating species than nongypsophytes in grazed high aridity sites. Independently of study sites, gypsophyte shrubs acted as nurses, but small gypsophytes segregated from other species and formed monospecific patches. In conclusion, grazing and aridity influenced the patch structure of gypsophilous plant communities. Gypsophytes played an important role structuring the patch community, but this importance depended on environmental conditions and the identity of gypsophyte.
The Use of Networks as a Strategic Approach of Micro-Enterprises in the Agri-Food Sector
Authors: Brinkmann Philipp , Håkansson Andreas , Būtienė Indrė , Kjærsgard Hanne , Mortensen Birthe Kofoed , Martens Janet , Müller-Hansen Bitte , Petrenko Anton
Published: August 2014

Increasing competition and regulatory changes place micro-sized enterprises (MSEs) in the agri-food sector under strong competitive pressure. Smallness may be a substantial barrier to success. Previous research suggests that networks can be used strategically to combat these constraints. However, there is a lack of understanding of the extent to which this finding may be applicable to MSEs and the local agri-food sector. Based on eight in-depth interviews of agri-food MSEs, it is concluded that MSEs apply networks to strengthen their competitive advantage – for example, by forming stronger customer relationships. The MSEs are using their networks to combat their size-related disadvantages, but not by growing; rather, the networks enable them to remain small and independent while further strengthening their position as small producers.
Wood characterization of Salix. 2: Relationships between optical and other wood properties
Authors: Villegas M. S. , Area M. C.
Published: August 2014

The objective of this study was to establish relationships between some characteristics of the wood of Salix and their possible influence on its optical properties. In both willow clones, the presence of stains caused the decrease of brightness, L*, and b*. This effect was intensified in the more deteriorated areas. Tyloses increased with the presence of such stains. The whiter wood showed the highest values of L*, being more yellow and less red, except for the "dark zone" in the American willow, and the "brown stains" and the "blue stain" in the hybrid willow, in which the parameters a* and b* correlated positively. The presence of defects in the wood was related to the decrease of density in both clones, except for the "dark-brown stain" in the American willow, which caused the increase of disks density when presenThe content of insoluble and total lignin correlated negatively with brightness and L* in American willow, and with basic density in the hybrid. In the last clone, the extractives in hot water and alcohol-benzene, correlated with the alkalisoluble substances content (frequently used as a measure of decay degree), and also played an important role in determining the tendency to blue color in the stains of the wood.
Silver Molybdate and Silver Tungstate Nanocomposites with Enhanced Photoluminescence
Authors: De Santana Yuri V. B. , Gomes José Ernane Cardoso , Matos Leandro , Cruvinel Guilherme Henrique , Perrin André , Perrin Christiane , Andrès Juan , Varela José A. , Longo Elson
Published: August 2014

Silver molybdate (Ag2MoO4) and silver tungstate (Ag2WO4) nanomaterials were prepared using two complementary methods, microwave assisted hydrothermal synthesis (MAH) (pH 7, 140 °C) and co-precipitation (pH 4, 70 °C), and were then used to prepare two core/shell composites, namely α-Ag2WO4/ β-Ag2MoO4 (MAH, pH 4, 140 °C) and β-Ag2MoO4/ β-Ag2WO4 (co-precipitation, pH 4, 70 °C). The shape and size of the microcrystals were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), different morphologies such as balls and nanorods. These powders were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and UV-vis (diffuse reflectance and photoluminescence). X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the Ag2MoO4 samples obtained by the two methods were single-phased and belonged to the β-Ag2MoO4 structure (spinel type). In contrast, the Ag2WO4 obtained in the two syntheses were structurally different: MAH exhibited the well-known tetrameric stable structure β-Ag2WO4, while co-precipitation afforded the metastable β-Ag2WO4 allotrope, coexisting with a weak amount of the α;-phase. The optical gap of β-Ag2WO4 (3.3 eV) was evaluated for the first time. In contrast to β-Ag2MoO4/ β-Ag2WO4, the α-Ag2WO4/ β-Ag2MoO4 exhibited strongly-enhanced photoluminescence in the low-energy band (650 nm), tentatively explained by the creation of a large density of local defects (distortions) at the core-shell interface, due to the presence of two different types of MOx polyhedra in the two structures.