bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Altered Immune Response Differentially Enhances Susceptibility to Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii Infection in Mice Expressing the HIV-1 Transgene
Authors: Leongson Kassandre , Cousineau-Côté Vincent , Goupil Mathieu , Aumont Francine , Sénéchal Serge , Gaboury Louis , Jolicoeur Paul , Kronstad James W. , de Repentigny Louis
Published: January 2013

Cryptococcus neoformansvar.grubiiis the most frequent cause of AIDS-associated cryptococcosis worldwide, whileCryptococcus gattiiusually infects immunocompetent people. To understand the mechanisms which cause differential susceptibility to these cryptococcal species in HIV infection, we established and characterized a model of cryptococcosis in CD4C/HIVMutAtransgenic (Tg) mice expressing gene products of HIV-1 and developing an AIDS-like disease. Tg mice infected intranasally withC. neoformansvar.grubiistrain H99 or C23 consistently displayed reduced survival compared to non-Tg mice at three graded inocula, while shortened survival of Tg mice infected withC. gattiistrain R265 or R272 was restricted to a single high inoculum. HIV-1 transgene expression selectively augmented systemic dissemination to the liver and spleen for strains H99 and C23 but not strains R265 and R272. Histopathologic examination of lungs of Tg mice revealed large numbers of widely scattered H99 cells, with a minimal inflammatory cell response, while in the non-Tg mice H99 was almost completely embedded within extensive mixed inflammatory cell infiltrates. In contrast to H99, R265 was dispersed throughout the lung parenchyma and failed to induce a strong inflammatory response in both Tg and non-Tg mice. HIV-1 transgene expression reduced pulmonary production of CCL2 and CCL5 after infection with H99 or R265, and production of these two chemokines was lower after infection with R265. These results indicate that an altered immune response in these Tg mice markedly enhancesC. neoformansbut notC. gattiiinfection. This model therefore provides a powerful new tool to further investigate the immunopathogenesis of cryptococcosis.
Electrochemical behavior of electrodes modified with metalloporphyrin and multiwalled carbon nanotubes for the reduction of oxygen, proton and carbon dioxide
Authors: Zhao Huazhang , Chang Yingyue , Liu Chuan
Published: January 2013

Iron porphyrin and cobalt porphyrin were respectively modified on glassy carbon (GC) electrodes together with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and the modified electrodes were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Their electrochemical performance for the reduction of oxygen (O2) , proton (H+) and carbon dioxide (CO2) were respectively investigated and compared by cyclic voltammetry (CV). The results showed that iron porphyrin-MWCNT modified electrode always had a better performance than cobalt porphyrin-MWCNT modified electrode. It is proposed that iron porphyrin-MWCNT modified electrode will have promising application in electrochemical architectures like microbial fuel cells (MFCs) and microbial electrolysis cells (MECs) for its good biocompatibility, easy availability, as well as excellent electrochemical performance.
Continuation-Based Numerical Detection of After-Depolarization and Spike-Adding Thresholds
Authors: Nowacki Jakub , Osinga Hinke M. , Tsaneva-Atanasova Krasimira T.
Published: January 2013

The changes in neuronal firing pattern are signatures of brain function, and it is of interest to understand how such changes evolve as a function of neuronal biophysical properties. We address this important problem by the analysis and numerical investigation of a class of mechanistic mathematical models. We focus on a hippocampal pyramidal neuron model and study the occurrence of bursting related to the after-depolarization (ADP) that follows a brief current injection. This type of burst is a transient phenomenon that is not amenable to the classical bifurcation analysis done, for example, for periodic bursting oscillators. In this letter, we show how to formulate such transient behavior as a two-point boundary value problem (2PBVP), which can be solved using well-known continuation methods. The 2PBVP is formulated such that the transient response is represented by a finite orbit segment for which onsets of ADP and additional spikes in a burst can be detected as bifurcations during a one-parameter continuation. This in turn provides us with a direct method to approximate the boundaries of regions in a two-parameter plane where certain model behavior of interest occurs. More precisely, we use two-parameter continuation of the detected onset points to identify the boundaries between regions with and without ADP and bursts with different numbers of spikes. Our 2PBVP formulation is a novel approach to parameter sensitivity analysis that can be applied to a wide range of problems.
Ethical Ramifications for a Proposed FTA between India and the EU
Authors: Dyck Alanna
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Awareness about the global burden of disease highlights an important relationship between the needs of the desperately ill in economically disadvantaged countries and the need to ensure adequate compensation for the research and development of new medicines. Although the UN officially recognizes the Right to Health as a fundamental human right, I argue that it is simultaneously undermining its official position by enabling wealthy nations to take advantage of unfair bargaining positions in trade negotiations. Where such agreements target the epicenter for the creation and distribution of medicines for the globally disadvantaged, they must be viewed as particularly reprehensible.
Five new species of the genus Meganola Dyar, 1898 (Lepidoptera: Nolidae: Nolinae) from China
Authors: HU YAN-QING , HAN HUI-LIN , LÁSZLÓ GYULA M. , RONKAY GÁBOR , WANG MIN
Published: January 2013

Five new species of the genus Meganola Dyar, 1898 (M. subascripta, M. nanlinga, M. cenwanga, M. wilbarka and M. daminga spp. n.) are described from China and the adjacent regions, including figures of the adults and genitalia.
Impact of constitutional copy number variants on biological pathway evolution
Authors: Poptsova Maria , Banerjee Samprit , Gokcumen Omer , Rubin Mark A , Demichelis Francesca
Published: January 2013

Background

Inherited Copy Number Variants (CNVs) can modulate the expression levels of individual genes. However, little is known about how CNVs alter biological pathways and how this varies across different populations. To trace potential evolutionary changes of well-described biological pathways, we jointly queried the genomes and the transcriptomes of a collection of individuals with Caucasian, Asian or Yoruban descent combining high-resolution array and sequencing data.

Results

We implemented an enrichment analysis of pathways accounting for CNVs and genes sizes and detected significant enrichment not only in signal transduction and extracellular biological processes, but also in metabolism pathways. Upon the estimation of CNV population differentiation (CNVs with different polymorphism frequencies across populations), we evaluated that 22% of the pathways contain at least one gene that is proximal to a CNV (CNV-gene pair) that shows significant population differentiation. The majority of these CNV-gene pairs belong to signal transduction pathways and 6% of the CNV-gene pairs show statistical association between the copy number states and the transcript levels.

Conclusions

The analysis suggested possible examples of positive selection within individual populations including NF-kB, MAPK signaling pathways, and Alu/L1 retrotransposition factors. Altogether, our results suggest that constitutional CNVs may modulate subtle pathway changes through specific pathway enzymes, which may become fixed in some populations.
Hol volt a hieroglif luvi KARKAMIŠ A4b felirat „Sura országa”, avagy miért hívták a görögök a kappadokiaiakat szíreknek?
Authors: Simon Zsolt
Published: January 2013

A hieroglif luvi KARKAMIŠ A4b feliraton említett Sura országának azonosítása mindmáig megoldatlan, noha ez a helynév adatolt más hieroglif luvi feliratokon is. Az összes szöveghely filológiai elemzését követően (kizárva azokat, amelyeket tévesen olvasnak Surának) a földrajzi, történeti és filológiai bizonyítékok alapján kijelenthető, hogy a hieroglif luvi KARKAMIŠ A4b és A6 feliratok Sura országa és a görög források anatóliai syriosai ugyanarra a térségre, Kappadokiára utalnak, és hogy Sura volt a kappadokiai újhettita állam, Tabal helyi, luvi neve.
Héliodóros és a Makkabeusok, avagy adalékok a Héliodóros-kronológiához
Authors: Szepessy Tibor
Published: January 2013

A Makkabeusok első két könyve és Héliodóros regénye között van két figyelemre méltó párhuzam. Az előbbi (1Mak 6, 43–47 ~ Hél. 9, 17–18) tartalmi jellegű, azt a ritkán alkalmazott módszert jeleníti meg, mellyel az ókorban a harci elefántokat, illetve a páncélos lovasságot lehetett semlegesíteni, s amelyről más antik források is beszámolnak (Plut. Crassus 25, 8). A második párhuzam egy kettős oxymóron: „szárazföldön hajózni, tengeren gyalogszerrel járni” (2Mak 5, 21 ~ Hél. 9, 5, 5), de a fordulat változatai számos más görög és római szerzőnél is előfordulnak (Isocr., Panég. 89, 1–8; Curtius Rufus, Hist. Alex. Magni 9, 21, 4–6; Iamblichos, frg. dubia 101 Habrich, p. 73; Polemón, decl. 1, 8 és 28, decl. 2, 44; Achilleus Tat. 4, 14, 7–8; Lukianos, Rhetorum praeceptor 18, 17–18; Iulianus, or. 1, 22, 10–16). A görög és római szerzők mindig olyankor folyamodnak az oxymóronhoz, ha az abban hangsúlyosan kifejeződő képtelenséget valahol és valamiképpen mégis realizálódni vélik. Iulianus és Héliodóros egy-egy város ostromának körülményeit látják, illetve láttatják megvalósult oxymóronnak; Iulianus történelmi esemény, Nisibis Kr. u. 350-ben lazajlott ostromát írja le, s mert Héliodóros regényében Syéné ostroma (9, 1, 1 sqq.) sokban a császár elbeszéléséhez hasonlít, 350-et számos kutató a Héliodóros-kronológiát illetően is perdöntő dátumnak ítéli. Az oxymóron látnivaló népszerűsége azonban nyitva hagyja azt a lehetőséget, hogy Héliodóros történelmi példa nélkül, pusztán saját invenciójára támaszkodva bontott ki eseménysort az oxymóronból, más szóval, hogy valamikor a 3. század első felében működhetett.
Growth and yield of Coffea arabica L. in Northwest Fluminense: 2nd harvest
Authors: Rodrigues Weverton Pereira , Vieira Henrique Duarte , Barbosa Dimmy Herlen Silveira Gomes , Vittorazzi Cássio
Published: January 2013

In recent years, several new coffee cultivars recommended for different regions have been released. However, the performance of these varieties in many traditionally producing regions is unknown. Difference of climate and soil may jeopardize the productivity of the new cultivars and cause losses to farmers. The objective of this study is to evaluate the vegetative growth and productive genotypes of C. arabica in the conditions of the Northwestern Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. The experiment was settled in 2007, in Panorama 1 Farm, located in the municipality of Varre Sai, RJ. Twenty-five genotypes of C. arabica were planted in a spacing of 2.5 × 0.8 m, using a completely randomized design with five replications and eight plants per plot. There were eight measurements of vegetative growth represented by plant height, stem diameter and number of plagiotropic branches. Assessments of productivity were also performed in years 2009 and 2010. There was a positive phenotypic correlation among vegetative characteristics and between vegetative characteristics and yield in the first harvest, while in the second harvest only the number of plagiotropic branches was positively correlated with yield. Up to date, the genotypes Catucaí amarelo 2 SL, Catiguá MG 02, Acauã, Palma II, Sabiá 398, IPR 103/ Iapar, IPR 100/Iapar, H 419-10-6-2-12-1, Catucaí amarelo 24 / 137, Iapar 59, Catucaí amarelo 20/15, H 419-10-6-2-5-10-1 and H 419-10-6-2-5-1 had the highest average yield after two harvests.
Spatial variability of particle size fractions of an Oxisol cultivated with conilon coffee
Authors: Lima Julião Soares de Souza , Oliveira Rone Batista de , Silva Samuel de Assis
Published: January 2013

Information on the spatial distribution of particle size fractions is essential for use planning and management of soils. The aim of this work to was to study the spatial variability of particle size fractions of a Typic Hapludox cultivated with conilon coffee. The soil samples were collected at depths of 0-0.20 and 0.20-0.40 m in the coffee canopy projection, totaling 109 georeferentiated points. At the depth of 0.2-0.4 m the clay fraction showed average value significantly higher, while the sand fraction showed was higher in the depth of 0-0.20 m. The silt showed no significant difference between the two depths. The particle size fractions showed medium and high spatial variability. The levels of total sand and clay have positive and negative correlation, respectively, with the altitude of the sampling points, indicating the influence of landscape configuration.
Avaliação da preceptoria na residência médica em cirurgia geral, no centro cirúrgico, comparação entre um hospital universitário e um hospital não universitário
Authors: Santos Elizabeth Gomes , Ferreira Rafael Rodriguez , Mannarino Vera Lúcia , Leher Elizabeth Menezes Teixeira , Goldwasser Rosane S. , Bravo Neto Guilherme Pinto
Published: January 2013

OBJETIVO: Avaliar e comparar a preceptoria no programa de residência médica em Cirurgia Geral, no centro cirúrgico, em um hospital universitário e em um hospital não universitário, a partir da ótica dos residentes que ingressaram em 2010 e 2011. MÉTODOS: Questionário aplicado aos residentes, modificado de Sarker SK, Vincent C, e Darzi AW e usando-se a escala de Likert para qualificar o ítem pesquisado sobre as atitudes dos preceptores. A comparação da distribuição das respostas entre os dois hospitais foi analisada pelo teste de c² para tendências. RESULTADOS: No hospital universitário foram avaliados 12 preceptores por sete residentes. No hospital não universitário foram 11 preceptores avaliados por 13 residentes. O hospital não universitário apresentou a tendência de resposta discordante e indiferente (DC, D e I) maior que o hospital universitário. Só o resultado de uma pergunta apresentou significância estatística. Não houve diferença significativa na comparação das respostas nas demais perguntas entre os dois hospitais. CONCLUSÃO: Os hospitais apresentaram preceptoria semelhante.
O aconselhamento e a testagem anti-HIV como estratégia preventiva: uma revisão da literatura internacional, 1999-2011
Authors: Soares Priscilla da Silva , Brandão Elaine Reis
Published: January 2013

Com base em revisão bibliográfica discute-se a literatura produzida nos anos de 1999 a 2011, no campo da saúde coletiva, sobre uma importante estratégia de prevenção da transmissão do HIV: o aconselhamento e testagem anti-HIV. O artigo realiza um balanço da literatura internacional, analisando criticamente os aspectos mais assinalados pela comunidade científica, apontando divergências e convergências entre os estudos e identificando lacunas que possam estimular o desenvolvimento de novas pesquisas neste campo temático. Como resultado, evidenciou-se que os processos de decisão de realizar um teste e a experiência da testagem são discutidos na literatura com abordagens fragmentadas, sejam de ordem individual ou institucional. Para compreender diversas dimensões implicadas na adoção de uma prática preventiva como o teste HIV, é preciso contemplar indicadores sociais tais como gênero, religião, identidade sexual, raça/cor, e relacioná-los às políticas públicas e à operacionalização dos serviços de saúde. O uso expressivo do conceito de risco (aliado às categorias de grupo, comportamento, percepção) e de escalas quantitativas para aferir a percepção individual do risco como uma barreira para a realização do teste ilustra o foco excessivo sobre uma dimensão individual e parcial do problema.
Condições de trabalho e morbidade referida de policiais militares, Recife-PE, Brasil
Authors: Ferreira Daniela Karina da Silva , Bonfim Cristine , Augusto Lia Giraldo da Silva
Published: January 2013

O objetivo foi analisar as condições de trabalho e a morbidade referida por Policiais Militares (PM) do Recife-PE. Estudo epidemiológico de corte transversal do qual participaram 288 PMs do Comando de Policiamento da Capital, Recife-PE. Os dados foram coletados mediante questionário semiestruturado, sobre aspectos sociodemográficos, morbidades referidas, demandas e controle no trabalho (Job Content Questionnaire). O perfil sociodemográfico revelou que a maioria dos PMs tinha 39 anos ou mais de idade, era cor parda ou negra (71,3%), era casada (77,3%), possuía dois ou mais filhos (63,7%), tinha cursado até o ensino médio (64,9%) e estava no nível econômico C1 e C2 (61,8%). A maior parte identificou seu trabalho como de baixo controle (56,4%), alta demanda física (53,9%) e baixo suporte social (59,8%). Sendo classificado para 27,8% como de alta exigência; para estes os riscos de sofrimento psíquico e de doenças são maiores, necessitando mudanças na organização do trabalho. O maior tempo de serviço (OR=2,99) e a ausência de folgas semanais (OR=0,47) revelaram-se condicionantes mais importantes da morbidade referida. Sugere-se a utilização de estratégias que promovam maior integração social e cooperação entre os níveis hierárquicos superiores e os comandados, e redução da carga excessiva de trabalho.
Uso de agrotóxicos e a relação com a saúde na etnia Xukuru do Ororubá, Pernambuco, Brasil
Authors: Gonçalves Glaciene Mary da Silva , Gurgel Idê Gomes Dantas , Costa André Monteiro , Almeida Ludimila Raupp de , Lima Tatiane Fernandes Portal de , Silva Edson
Published: January 2013

O presente estudo tem como objetivo compreender o processo de utilização de agrotóxicos no cultivo agrícola e a relação com a saúde indígena a partir de um estudo de caso entre os índios Xukuru do Ororubá, em Pesqueira, Pernambuco, Brasil. As estratégias metodológicas utilizadas como a observação participante, análise documental, grupos focais, aplicação de questionários permitiram conhecer eventos sociopolíticos e culturais, a percepção dos indivíduos, os aspectos contextuais sócio-históricos que influenciaram a inserção da tecnologia do uso de agrotóxicos na terra indígena Xukuru e o processo produtivo agrícola. O uso de agrotóxicos na etnia está historicamente relacionado ao modelo socioeconômico introduzido com o processo de industrialização da região. Na percepção dos indígenas, o agrotóxico foi relacionado ao significado de remédio, mas também foi percebido como veneno. O uso dos produtos químicos é feito de forma intensiva e sem a utilização de equipamento de proteção individual. Os Xukuru reconhecem a influência dos agrotóxicos na saúde, mas destacam que esta prática é necessária para garantir a produção agrícola. Há necessidade de implementação de políticas públicas de promoção da saúde, objetivando oferecer aos índios Xukuru alternativas agrícolas sustentáveis que incluam a participação dos agricultores, respeitando suas tradições culturais.
A jovem mãe e o mercado de trabalho
Authors: Ogido Rosalina , Schor Néia
Published: January 2013

INTRODUÇÃO: O Centro de Orientação ao Adolescente de Campinas mantém um programa para capacitar adolescentes de 15 a 18 anos, desfavorecidos economicamente, estudantes, para a entrada no mercado de trabalho. OBJETIVO: Compreender projetos de vida de adolescentes, que se tornaram mães, enquanto participavam do programa, no período de 2003 a 2008, buscando desvelar o lugar da vida profissional na trajetória de vida, antes e depois da maternidade. MÉTODO: Oito jovens mães foram entrevistadas, sendo aplicada metodologia qualitativa para a análise das entrevistas. RESULTADOS: As trajetórias de estudo e trabalho foram descontinuadas, ou sofreram adaptações, com a maternidade. Quatro jovens finalizaram o segundo grau e nenhuma havia ingressado na faculdade. Três não voltaram a trabalhar e as demais tiveram experiências diversificadas de trabalho. As dificuldades relatadas para a inserção no mercado de trabalho foram: insuficiência de instrumentos de apoio no cuidado das crianças, baixo ganho salarial, falta de experiência de trabalho, filhos pequenos e pouca formação educacional. CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS: A maternidade na adolescência não indicou a exclusão dos projetos de formação educacional ou de trabalho, mas adaptações e necessidade de uma rede de apoio familiar e social. Constatou-se a necessidade de políticas públicas para a inserção do jovem no mercado de trabalho e para serviços de apoio, como creches. Demonstra-se a necessidade de uma mudança nas relações de gênero, com maior igualdade de direitos, como pré-condição à inserção da mulher no mercado de trabalho, em especial, daquelas que são mães.
Atomic polymorphism
Authors: Ferreira Fernando , Ferreira Gilda
Published: January 2013

It has been known for six years that the restriction of Girard's polymorphic system F to atomic universal instantiations interprets the full fragment of the intuitionistic propositional calculus. We firstly observe that Tait's method of “convertibility” applies quite naturally to the proof of strong normalization of the restricted Girard system. We then show that each β-reduction step of the full intuitionistic propositional calculus translates into one or more βη-reduction steps in the restricted Girard system. As a consequence, we obtain a novel and perspicuous proof of the strong normalization property for the full intuitionistic propositional calculus. It is noticed that this novel proof bestows a crucial role to η-conversions.
Effects of Strain on Notched Zigzag Graphene Nanoribbons
Authors: Baldwin Jack , Hancock Y.
Published: January 2013

The combined effects of an asymmetric (square or V-shaped) notch and uniaxial strain are studied in a zigzag graphene nanoribbon (ZGNR) device using a generalized tight-binding model. The spin-polarization and conductance-gap properties, calculated within the Landauer–B¨uttiker formalism, were found to be tunable for uniaxial strain along the ribbon-length and ribbon-width for an ideal ZGNR and square (V-shaped) notched ZGNR systems. Uniaxial strain along the ribbon-width for strains 10% initiated significant notch-dependent reductions to the conduction-gap. For the V-shaped notch, such strains also induced spin-dependent changes that result, at 20% strain, in a semi-conductive state and metallic state for each respective spin-type, thus demonstrating possible quantum mechanisms for spin-filtration.
Metal-mediated aminocatalysis provides mild conditions: Enantioselective Michael addition mediated by primary amino catalysts and alkali-metal ions
Authors: Leven Matthias , Neudörfl Jörg M , Goldfuss Bernd
Published: January 2013

Four catalysts based on new amides of chiral 1,2-diamines and 2-sulfobenzoic acid have been developed. The alkali-metal salts of these betaine-like amides are able to form imines with enones, which are activated by Lewis acid interaction for nucleophilic attack by 4-hydroxycoumarin. The addition of 4-hydroxycoumarin to enones gives ee’s up to 83% and almost quantitative yields in many cases. This novel type of catalysis provides an effective alternative to conventional primary amino catalysis were strong acid additives are essential components.
Data Management and Data Administration
Authors: Aiken Peter , Gillenson Mark , Zhang Xihui , Rafner David
Published: January 2013

Data management (DM) has existed in conjunction with software development and the management of the full set of information technology (IT)-related components. However, it has been more than two decades since research into DM as it is practiced has been published. In this paper, the authors compare aspects of DM across a quarter-century timeline, obtaining data using comparable sets of subject matter experts. Using this information to observe the profession’s evolution, the authors have updated the understanding of DM as it is practiced, giving additional insight into DM, including its current responsibilities, reporting structures, and perceptions of success, among other factors. The analysis indicates that successfully investing in DM presents current, real challenges to IT and organizations. Although DM is evolving away from purely operational responsibilities toward higher-level responsibilities, perceptions of success have fallen. This paper details the quarter-century comparison of DM practices, analyzes them, and draws conclusions.
The Role of the Consultant in Enterprise Development
Authors: Bathgate Ian K.
Published: January 2013

Business failure crisis is not a new phenomenon. The competitive dynamism to which businesses are susceptible exposes free economic agents to the vagaries of the marketplace, encompassing problems of growth, sustainability, and paradoxically, failure. However, the problems are more exacerbated in small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) than large businesses, which is why they have continued to experience disproportionately high failure rates. Set against this background, this chapter focuses on the role of early consultancy intervention in securing sustainable development of SMEs. It does this by analysing SME growth strategies with respect to the interface with consultants. Using the ‘embedded case study’ approach and leaning significantly on the author’s consultancy undertakings with SMEs in the UK, the chapter provides refreshing perspectives on the nature of consultancy, strategic options open to SMEs, entrepreneurial competences and characteristics, the need for consultants, and an assessment of role effectiveness in the SME sector.
Sustainability for SMEs
Authors: Pandya Kaushik V.
Published: January 2013

In the past decade, or so, sustainability has become important for businesses. It is not just the preserve of the private sector anymore. Sustainability has been followed by organizations in all industrial sectors. This is not because it is a buzzword, but because it offers genuine competitive advantage to private organizations and green credentials to other. This is true especially to SMEs where, in the current economic climate, their survival relies on any advantage they get, no matter how small. In this chapter on sustainability, various definitions are offered. A discussion is undertaken on the consequences of not considering sustainability as part of strategy and/or operations in an SME. These are not just green, but extended to economic as well. It is proposed that sustainability be part of SME’s strategy, with details of potential benefits. A discussion on the performance indicators for the implementation is shown. It is considered that an agent would be most appropriate to lead the implementation as s/he would be ideal in considering the stake holders requirements. In the chapter, regular questions enable the readers to link the issues in the paper to their organization of work or an organization they are familiar with.
A Decision Table for the Cloud Computing Decision in Small Business
Authors: Mahesh Sathiadev , Landry Brett J. L. , Sridhar T. , Walsh Kenneth R.
Published: January 2013

An issue facing the manager of a small business is the use of cloud computing to meet the information technology (IT) needs of the firm. These businesses typically have limited in-house IT capabilities and often outsource much of their IT. This paper discusses this rapidly evolving technology and provides a framework for businesses to decide on harnessing the power of cloud computing. It recommends the appropriate decision based on the way in which IT is currently used in the enterprise and future needs to meet competitive challenges. The potential cost savings, technology insurance from cloud computing, and security risks are discussed and factored into the decision.
Clinical and Epidemiological Study on Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome in Yiyuan County, Shandong Province, China
Authors: Cui Feng , Cao Hai-Xia , Wang Ling , Zhang Shou-Feng , Ding Shu-Jun , Yu Xue-Jie , Yu Hao
Published: January 2013

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease in China. Polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used to detect SFTS virus (SFTSV) and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in previous clinically diagnosed human anaplasmosis patients and SFTS patients. A serosurvey for SFTSV infection was also conducted on healthy persons and animals in Yiyuan County in Shandong Province of China. Among 21 patients SFTSV was detected in 17 (81%) however A. phagocytophilum was not detected in any of the patients. The seroprevalence rate of IgG antibody to SFTSV antigens was 1.3% (1 of 78) in healthy persons, 95% (19 of 20) in goats, 50% (1 of 2) in dogs, 0% in cattle (0 of 21), and rats (Rattus norvegicus) (0 of 35). The conclusion of this study was that co-infection of SFTSV and A. phagocytophilum are rare in SFTS patients and goats might play an important role in transmission of SFTSV.
Restricted Outbreak of American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis with High Microfocal Transmission
Authors: Krolewiecki Alejandro J. , Gil José F. , Quipildor Marcelo , Cajal Silvana P. , Pravia Carlos , Juarez Marisa , Villalpando Carlos , Locatelli Fabricio M. , Chanampa Mariana , Castillo Gabriela , Oreste María F. , Hoyos Carlos L. , Negri Vanesa , Nasser Julio R.
Published: January 2013

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is endemic in Salta, the northwestern province of Argentina. We describe an outbreak involving five recreational hunters whose exposure was limited to several hours in a residual patch of primary forest. All patients presented with typical cutaneous lesions after a mean incubation period of 59 days (range 15–78), and one developed simultaneous mucosal involvement. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of lesions confirmed Leishmania (V.) braziliensis as the etiologic agent in three cases. All patients were cured with anti-Leishmania treatment. Entomologic surveys in the transmission area revealed a predominance of Lutzomyia neivai. This outbreak report confirms a microfocal transmission pattern of tegumentary leishmaniasis in the Americas and based on a well-determined exposure, allows the determination of incubation times for leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania braziliensis.
Collagen Corneal Cross-linking and the Epithelium
Authors: Abdelaziz Lamis , Garzozi Hanna , Barua Ankur
Published: January 2013

Collagen corneal cross-linking is an acceptable method for halting the progression of keratoconus and post-Lasik ectasia. The traditional method advocates the removal of epithelium for proper saturation of riboflavin within the stroma. The postoperative complications associated with epithelial removal have necessitated the search for a transepithelial method of riboflavin delivery. Controversies aroused with regard to the effectiveness of this approach. In this article, we review the up- to-date literature on this controversial subject.

How to cite this article

Barbara R, Abdelaziz L, Barua A, Garzozi H, Barbara A. Collagen Corneal Cross-linking and the Epithelium. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2012;1(3):179-184.
Visual Outcomes with Contact Lenses Previous Keratoplasty
Authors: Carracedo Gonzalo
Published: January 2013

We describe a case of a 22-year-old patient, with severe keratoconus in both eyes. Penetrating keratoplasty in left eye was performed in August 2011. The patient was awaiting postoperative stabilization of this eye prior to surgery on the right eye. Therefore, a Clearkone® hybrid contact lens was fitted on the right eye to maintain corneal epithelial integrity, improve quality of vision and therefore qualify of life during this interim period. Visual acuity with the contact lens was +0.1 logMAR. Comfort was excellent and the patient was able to wear the Clearkone® lens up to 12 hours per day. Similar outcomes regarding vision and comfort were obtained at follow-up visits through 9 months. In conclusion, new hybrid contact lens designs for keratoconus are an excellent option for vision rehabilitation in severe cases of keratoconus which would otherwise be left with low vision for several months while waiting for keratoplasty.

How to cite this article

Carracedo G. Visual Outcomes with Contact Lenses Previous Keratoplasty. Int J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2012;1(3):196-200.
Legislación y justicia laboral en el “populismo clásico” latinoamericano: Elementos para la construcción de una agenda de investigación comparada
Authors: Palacio Juan Manuel
Published: January 2013

El presente trabajo expone las principales hipótesis de una investigación en curso sobre los primeros gobiernos de Perón en Argentina, que sostiene una mirada comparativa con otras experiencias del llamado “primer populismo” (o “populismo clásico”) latinoamericano, en particular las de Brasil y México. El objetivo general de dicha investigación es analizar el rol que tuvieron tanto la legislación social como muy especialmente los nuevos organismos estatales de resolución de conflictos (los nuevos fueros laborales, las cámaras arbitrales, los organismos de conciliación y arbitraje) en la implementación del estado social en América Latina, así como en las formas cotidianas de construcción de hegemonía de estos gobiernos populistas. El estudio se concentra en el ámbito rural de la Argentina –principalmente aunque no exclusivamente en la región pampeana– y analiza las relaciones laborales y contractuales entre terratenientes, arrendatarios, campesinos y trabajadores, apoyándose en una variedad de fuentes documentales, con un eje en los expedientes judiciales de los diversos organismos de conciliación y arbitraje y de los tribunales laborales.Las hipótesis que se despliegan a continuación tienen un carácter fuertemente preliminar y exploratorio y no pretenden dar una visión concluyente de los problemas que abordan. Por el contrario, por el momento sólo constituyen líneas interpretativas que guían la investigación, originadas en la lectura de trabajos historiográficos recientes sobre estos temas en los tres países considerados y en la pregunta sobre la posibilidad de construir una agenda de investigación comparativa sobre estos temas.En la primera parte se pasa rápida revista a “los hechos” en los que se basa esta reflexión, esto es, a los cambios que, en materia legal y judicial en el terreno laboral, se dan más o menos contemporáneamente en cada uno de los países considerados. Son esos “hechos”, tanto por su contemporaneidad como por su similar contenido, los que invitan –hasta podría decirse, exigen– la comparación. En la segunda parte se ensaya una reflexión preliminar sobre las distintas novedades que exhibe la historiografía reciente sobre los populismos “clásicos” latinoamericanos en los países mencionados, tratando de establecer áreas de contacto, así como diferencias y áreas de vacancia. En la tercera, se exponen las principales hipótesis de trabajo que guían el proyecto, que si bien aspiran, con los matices necesarios, a iluminar la experiencia de los distintos países considerados, están construidas principalmente en base a la observación de la experiencia argentina.
El anarquismo frente a una coyuntura crítica: movilización popular, violencia y opinión pública en Buenos Aires a fines de la década del ´20
Authors: Anapios Luciana
Published: January 2013

Este trabajo propone analizar el ciclo de movilización popular que se dio en Buenos Aires entre  1927 y 1929 en solidaridad con Nicola Sacco y Bartolomeo Vanzetti, condenados a muerte en Estado Unidos. En este contexto la participación popular y protesta obrera se articularon con una ola de atentados menores, delincuencia y terrorismo. Nos interesa aquí analizar el rol del movimiento anarquista en este contexto. Como organizadores de las huelgas generales y promotores de las campañas por solidaridad el movimiento libertario recuperó una visibilidad en la prensa comercial y una presencia en la calle que había decaído en los últimos años como consecuencia de la competencia del sindicalismo en el ámbito laboral y sus propios debates internos. Pero al mismo tiempo la multiplicación de acciones violentas hizo visibles los límites para encauzar su acción política.
Justiça do Trabalho e as conquistas dos direitos: o direito de conhecer a história da Justiça do Trabalho
Authors: Droppa Alisson
Published: January 2013

O artigo visa apresentar as fichas de tramitação de processos da Justiça do Trabalho como uma possibilidade de fonte de pesquisa para a História Social.
Industrialização, urbanização e formação de classe em Volta Redonda (1945-1979): do fim do Estado Novo aos tempos da ditadura
Authors: Silva Eduardo Ângelo da , Silva Leonardo Ângelo da
Published: January 2013

O artigo se divide em duas partes. Na primeira, a pesquisa aborda o período de 1941 a 1954, sobre o qual se desenvolve uma análise da relação entre o processo de formação de um novo operariado vinculado à criação da Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional (CSN), às transformações do espaço (geográfico, social, político) no distrito de Volta Redonda, às estratégias e ações da siderúrgica relacionadas às demandas urbanas, e à constituição do sistema político local. A segunda parte trata do período pós-1964, onde veremos que a mudança no planejamento econômico estatal e na institucionalidade política, marcada pela gestão centralizadora e autoritária dos militares, se refletiu nas condições de vida dos trabalhadores e em sua formação de classe, ambas relacionadas às modificações no mercado de trabalho e no espaço urbano.
Trabajo, orden doméstico y control social en el Caribe colombiano, 1850-1920
Authors: Aguas Sergio Paolo Solano de las
Published: January 2013

Este artículo analiza las formas en que se manifestó la escasez de trabajadores durante el siglo XIX, los mecanismos coyunturales empleados por los empresarios para satisfacer sus necesidades y las políticas de fondo que se propusieron como solución definitiva. Resalta la importancia de tener en cuenta ciertos mecanismos institucionales que definían el ámbito al que se circunscribía las relaciones laborales. Palabras claves: Mercado laboral, demografía, trabajadores, conflictos sociales Abstract: This paper examines the ways in which they said the labor shortage during the nineteenth century, short-term mechanisms employed by employers to meet their needs and underlying policies that were proposed as a final solution. Highlights the importance of taking into account certain institutional mechanisms that define the area that was limited to labour relations. Key words: labor market, demographic, labor, social conflicts
Em Nome da Liberdade: Abolição do Tráfico de Escravos, o Direito e o Ramo Brasileiro do Recrutamento de Africanos (Brasil – Caribe Britânico, 1830-1850)
Authors: Mamigonian Beatriz
Published: January 2013

Ao lançar uma nova luz sobre o abolicionismo britânico depois da abolição da escravidão nas colônias britânicas, este trabalho trata do ramo brasileiro do recrutamento de africanos, um fluxo de aproximadamente 2.550 pessoas resgatadas do tráfico e outros recrutas levados para colônias britânicas do Caribe entre o final da década de 1830 e a década de 1850. Com base na correspondência do Ministério Britânico das Relações Exteriores sobre o tráfico de escravos (série FO 84), em relatórios ministeriais brasileiros, debates parlamentares e outras fontes, o trabalho mostra que o esquema de recrutamento resultava da coordenação entre diferentes setores do governo britânico e cumpria dois objetivos principais: fornecer trabalhadores por contrato para as colônias britânicas do Caribe, onde a abolição se deu em 1834, e enfraquecer a escravidão brasileira. Casos de recrutamento individual ilustram como ao longo dos anos os britânicos ampliaram o significado de “africano livre” para estender sua proteção a todos aqueles trazidos para o Brasil depois de 1830, ou seja, uma boa parte daqueles mantidos como escravos no país.
Alforriar sem libertar: a prática do “resgate” de cativos africanos no espaço colonial francês no século XIX
Authors: Flory Céline
Published: January 2013

Este artigo trata do “resgate” de cativos africanos no império francês antes e depoisda segunda emancipação nas colônias. O sistema – que funcionava sem o consentimentoformal do trabalhador africano em relação aos termos do contrato - visava suprir asplantations das Ilhas Reunião, da Guiana Francesa e das ilhas do Caribe Francês e eralegalmente estruturado em torno da alforria: os trabalhadores eram “libertados” sob acondição de migrar e trabalhar por um determinado tempo. O artigo demonstra que o sistemade resgate se beneficiava das estruturas estabelecidas pelo tráfico escravo na África e erasancionado pelo governo francês mesmo após a abolição.Abstract: Manumitting without freeing: African slaves' redemption in the French colonialempire in the nineteenth century.The article presents “rachat” (redemption) of enslaved Africans in the French Empire beforeand after second slave emancipation in the colonies. The system aimed at supplying laborersto the plantations of Reunion Island, French Guiana and the French Caribbean islands and waslegally framed around manumission: laborers were “freed” on the condition of migrating andworking for a number of years. It operated without the formal consentment of the Africanlaborer to the terms of contract. The article demonstrates that the system of redemptionbenefitted from the structures laid down by the slave trade in Africa and was sanctioned bythe French government, even after abolition.Keywords: Redemption, Slave emancipation, involuntary migration, French Empire.
What Drives FDI from Non-traditional Sources? A Comparative Analysis of the Determinants of Bilateral FDI Flows
Authors: Andrés Maximiliano Sosa , Nunnenkamp Peter , Busse Matthias
Published: January 2013

Non-traditional source countries of FDI play an increasingly important role, notably in developing host countries. This raises the question of whether the location choices differ systematically between traditional and non-traditional source countries. We perform Logit and Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood estimations to assess the determinants of bilateral FDI flows. We find that economic geography variables are more relevant for FDI from nontraditional sources. The risk aversion of non-traditional investors is not consistently weaker than that of traditional investors. Resource abundance and superior technology in the host countries represent minor pull factors of FDI from non-traditional sources.
A model-based constraint on CO2 fertilisation
Authors: Holden P. B. , Edwards N. R. , Gerten D. , Schaphoff S.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. We derive a constraint on the strength of CO2 fertilisation of the terrestrial biosphere through a "top-down" approach, calibrating Earth system model parameters constrained by the post-industrial increase of atmospheric CO2 concentration. We derive a probabilistic prediction for the globally averaged strength of CO2 fertilisation in nature, for the period 1850 to 2000 AD, implicitly net of other limiting factors such as nutrient availability. The approach yields an estimate that is independent of CO2 enrichment experiments. To achieve this, an essential requirement was the incorporation of a land use change (LUC) scheme into the GENIE Earth system model. Using output from a 671-member ensemble of transient GENIE simulations, we build an emulator of the change in atmospheric CO2 concentration change since the preindustrial period. We use this emulator to sample the 28-dimensional input parameter space. A Bayesian calibration of the emulator output suggests that the increase in gross primary productivity (GPP) in response to a doubling of CO2 from preindustrial values is very likely (90% confidence) to exceed 20%, with a most likely value of 40–60%. It is important to note that we do not represent all of the possible contributing mechanisms to the terrestrial sink. The missing processes are subsumed into our calibration of CO2 fertilisation, which therefore represents the combined effect of CO2 fertilisation and additional missing processes. If the missing processes are a net sink then our estimate represents an upper bound. We derive calibrated estimates of carbon fluxes that are consistent with existing estimates. The present-day land–atmosphere flux (1990–2000) is estimated at −0.7 GTC yr−1 (likely, 66% confidence, in the range 0.4 to −1.7 GTC yr−1). The present-day ocean–atmosphere flux (1990–2000) is estimated to be −2.3 GTC yr−1 (likely in the range −1.8 to −2.7 GTC yr−1). We estimate cumulative net land emissions over the post-industrial period (land use change emissions net of the CO2 fertilisation and climate sinks) to be 66 GTC, likely to lie in the range 0 to 128 GTC.
Activities for Students: Dealing Cards with Confidence
Authors: Dempsey Michael
Published: January 2013

When understood and applied appropriately, mathematics is both beautiful and powerful. As a result, students are sometimes tempted to extend that power beyond appropriate limits. In teaching statistics at both the high school and college level, I have found that one of students' biggest struggles is applying their understanding of probability to make appropriate inferences.
Membrane Technologies: A Clear Choice for Water Reuse
Authors: Biagini Brad , Gilbert Emily , Mack Bernie , Cappelle Malynda , Davis Thomas A.
Published: January 2013

Population growth, decreasing supply volumes and quality, and droughts are drivers for maximizing product water yield from brackish sources and minimizing adverse environmental impacts caused by waste disposal. Some membrane‐based treatment options can achieve water recoveries > 90 percent with proper selection of pretreatment and/or membrane technology combinations. This article discusses some of the most common membrane‐based technologies as well as electrically driven membrane processes, chemical softening prior to reverse osmosis (RO) to reduce concentrations of scaling salts, the use of low‐pressure membranes as pretreatment to an RO system, and criteria for evaluating and selecting the most suitable technology.
Gradient of microstructural damage along the dentato‐thalamo‐cortical tract in Friedreich ataxia
Authors: Cocozza Sirio , Bosticardo Sara , Battocchio Matteo , Corben Louise , Delatycki Martin , Egan Gary , Georgiou‐Karistianis Nellie , Monti Serena , Palma Giuseppe , Pane Chiara , Saccà Francesco , Schiavi Simona , Selvadurai Louisa , Tranfa Mario , Daducci Alessandro , Brunetti Arturo , Harding Ian H.
Published: July 2024

Objective

The dentato‐thalamo‐cortical tract (DTT) is the main cerebellar efferent pathway. Degeneration of the DTT is a core feature of Friedreich ataxia (FRDA). However, it remains unclear whether DTT disruption is spatially specific, with some segments being more impacted than others. This study aimed to investigate microstructural integrity along the DTT in FRDA using a profilometry diffusion MRI (dMRI) approach.

Methods

MRI data from 45 individuals with FRDA (mean age: 33.2 ± 13.2, Male/Female: 26/19) and 37 healthy controls (mean age: 36.5 ± 12.7, Male/Female:18/19) were included in this cross‐sectional multicenter study. A profilometry analysis was performed on dMRI data by first using tractography to define the DTT as the white matter pathway connecting the dentate nucleus to the contralateral motor cortex. The tract was then divided into 100 segments, and dMRI metrics of microstructural integrity (fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity and radial diffusivity) at each segment were compared between groups. The process was replicated on the arcuate fasciculus for comparison.

Results

Across all diffusion metrics, the region of the DTT connecting the dentate nucleus and thalamus was more impacted in FRDA than downstream cerebral sections from the thalamus to the cortex. The arcuate fasciculus was minimally impacted.

Interpretation

Our study further expands the current knowledge about brain involvement in FRDA, showing that microstructural abnormalities within the DTT are weighted to early segments of the tract (i.e., the superior cerebellar peduncle). These findings are consistent with the hypothesis of DTT undergoing anterograde degeneration arising from the dentate nuclei and progressing to the primary motor cortex.