bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Structure Lacuna
Authors: Boeyens Jan C.A. , Levendis Demetrius C.
Published: July 2012

Molecular symmetry is intimately connected with the classical concept ofthree-dimensional molecular structure. In a non-classical theory of wave-like interactionin four-dimensional space-time, both of these concepts and traditional quantum mechanicslose their operational meaning, unless suitably modified. A required reformulation shouldemphasize the importance of four-dimensional effects like spin and the symmetry effects ofspace-time curvature that could lead to a fundamentally different understanding of molecularsymmetry and structure in terms of elementary number theory. Isolated single moleculeshave no characteristic shape and macro-biomolecules only develop robust three-dimensionalstructure in hydrophobic response to aqueous cellular media.
HR4 Gene Is Induced in the Arabidopsis-Trichoderma atroviride Beneficial Interaction
Authors: Sáenz-Mata Jorge , Jiménez-Bremont Juan Francisco
Published: July 2012

Plants are constantly exposed to microbes, for this reason they have evolved sophisticated strategies to perceive and identify biotic interactions. Thus, plants have large collections of so-called resistance (R) proteins that recognize specific microbe factors as signals of invasion. One of these proteins is codified by the Arabidopsis thaliana HR4 gene in the Col-0 ecotype that is homologous to RPW8 genes present in the Ms-0 ecotype. In this study, we investigated the expression patterns of the HR4 gene in Arabidopsis seedlings interacting with the beneficial fungus Trichoderma atroviride. We observed the induction of the HR4 gene mainly at 96 hpi when the fungus interaction was established. Furthermore, we found that the HR4 gene was differentially regulated in interactions with the beneficial bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens and the pathogenic bacterium P. syringae. When hormone treatments were applied to A. thaliana (Col-0), each hormone treatment induced changes in HR4 gene expression. On the other hand, the expression of the RPW8.1 and RPW8.2 genes of Arabidopsis ecotype Ms-0 in interaction with T. atroviride was assessed. Interestingly, these genes are interaction-responsive; in particular, the RPW8.1 gene shows a very high level of expression in the later stages of interaction. These results indicate that HR4 and RPW8 genes could play a role in the establishment of Arabidopsis interactions with beneficial microbes.
Donner le care
Authors: Pulcini Elena
Published: July 2012

L’identification entre le care et les femmes est si profondément ancrée dans notre imaginaire qu’elle s’impose à la conscience, malgré les transformations radicales qui ont investi le sujet féminin au cours des dernières décennies : le care est ce que donnent les femmes. Cette affirmation peut être acceptée à deux conditions : la première est que le care soit réhabilitée en la dénuant des aspects oblatifs et d’abnégation qui ont toujours été associés au féminin. À ce propos, en s’inspirant à la réflexion de Gilligan et des théoriciennes du care qui proposent la valorisation de la différence féminine, on pourrait dire que la réhabilitation du care implique de penser un sujet en relation , qui permette de dépasser la dichotomie entre la priorité du Moi et la priorité d’autrui , puisqu’il conjugue (comme le don) autonomie et dépendance, liberté et vulnérabilité. La deuxième condition est de soustraire le care à la dimension limitée du privé pour l’étendre au sujet masculin, à l’espace public et aussi à la dimension globale ; ce qui implique de s’interroger sur les motivations et les sources émotives qui président au care (la passion pour autrui ). Sur cette base, on peut supposer que les femmes seront capables de transformer leur condition traditionnelle d’ assujetties au care (et au don) en agissant activement et volontairement en tant que sujets de care (et de don).
« Pourquoi tout ce qui n'est pas femme serait-il homme ? »
Authors: Le Gaufey Guy
Published: July 2012

Il s’agit de savoir si la différence sexuelle locale – patente – suffit à opérer une bipartition globale de l’espèce humaine, dès lors qu’on ne la réduit pas à sa catégorie de mammifère supérieur. Pour peu qu’on lui reconnaisse une capacité langagière, celle-ci n’est en effet pas sans porter à conséquences dans l’ensemble des comportements sexuels. À cette fin, on étudie les contraintes logiques qui pèsent sur la proposition (inspirée de la vérité selon Tarski) : « Je suis une femme si et seulement si je suis une femme. »
Dette et (in) dépendance des femmes dans un contexte migratoire
Authors: Malsan Sylvie
Published: July 2012

Les études généralement produites sur le phénomène de la « traite » des êtres humains donnent les femmes soit pour entières victimes, soit, inversement, pour totalement autonomes. À partir de documents ethnographiques portant sur des contextes différents de migration féminine, cet article se propose de dégager la question de la dette à laquelle sont liées les femmes étrangères victimes de trafic ou de traite qui se livrent à la prostitution. Cette dette financière mais aussi symbolique détermine une forme de servitude et/ou de dépendance dont il leur est difficile de se défaire. Notre objet est ici de comprendre comment une minorité d’entre ces femmes (ré) agissent contre un prix à payer qu’elles jugent inique et apparenté à un abus de droit qui atteint leur volonté de circuler librement hors des frontières, si ce n’est hors de leur groupe social d’appartenance.
Que donnent les femmes sur le Web ?
Authors: Cossetta Anna
Published: July 2012

Le don au sens moderne, dans ses aspects ambivalents, voire paradoxaux, est souvent échangé entre inconnus, notamment sur le Web, en tant qu’espace conçu afin que les internautes puissent se connecter, collaborer au-delà des hiérarchies et formes de pouvoir, donner libre cours à leur créativité, dépassant les barrières de genre. Cette contribution se propose d’identifier les formes de présence des femmes dans le Réseau Internet par la comparaison d’analyses sociologiques rendant compte de leurs comportements. En outre, nous nous proposons de donner des interprétations de la persistance de la fracture numérique ou digital equality  ; les femmes en effet semblent moins disposées au don par rapport aux hommes, elles manifestent une attitude de « modestie virtuelle » qui les empêche de contribuer de façon considérable à la construction de lieux et de contenus qui s’avèrent désormais de plus en plus importants.
Staff Practice, Attitudes, and Knowledge/Skills Regarding Evidence-Based Practice Before and After an Educational Intervention
Authors: Mollon Deene , Fields Willa , Gallo Ana-Maria , Wagener Rebecca , Soucy Jacqui , Gustafson Brandi , Kim Son Chae
Published: July 2012

Background:

Today’s clinicians have different levels of knowledge and skill related to evidence-based practice, depending on their educational background, level of experience, and interest. This multidisciplinary study assessed nurses’ baseline and posteducation practice, attitudes, and knowledge/skills regarding evidence-based practice.

Methods:

A descriptive pre- and postsurvey design study evaluated clinical staff’s practice, attitudes, and knowledge/skills regarding evidence-based practice with the Clinical Effectiveness and Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire.

Results:

A total of 327 participants (24%) completed the presurvey and 282 (20%) completed the postsurvey. No statistically significant changes were found in practice, attitudes, and knowledge/skills after the online education. In the multivariate analysis, online education was not a significant predictor of practice, attitudes, or knowledge/skills regarding evidence-based practice; graduate educational degree, formal evidence-based practice classes, and registered nurse status were statistically significant positive predictors.

Conclusion:

Administering self-learning online modules may not be the most effective method for expanding evidence-based practice abilities and knowledge/skills of nurses.
El fin de la ALFIN
Authors: Calderón-Rehecho Antonio
Published: July 2012

No disponible
Alfabetización para una cultura social, digital, mediática y en red
Authors: González Fernández-Villavicencio Nieves
Published: July 2012

Las tecnologías están cambiando el concepto de alfabetización y las competencias básicas necesarias para considerarse alfabetizado en una cultura digital y en red. Nuevas competencias mediáticas, críticas, tecnológicas, sociales, vienen a redefinir la propia necesidad de estar alfabetizado y por ende, en información, hasta el punto de exigir un término como Alfabetización digital, que aglutine las nuevas competencias, y centre más su objetivo en la formación que necesitan los individuos y menos en los colectivos profesionales implicados en esa formación. Se presentan diversos ejemplos, dentro y fuera de nuestro país, de iniciativas llevadas a cabo preferentemente por bibliotecas, en los campos de la alfabetización digital y la generación de contenidos digitales locales.
La competencia informacional en la enseñanza obligatoria a partir de la articulación de un modelo específico
Authors: Blasco Olivares Anna , Durban Roca Glòria
Published: July 2012

Se propone una articulación curricular de la competencia informacional (o ALFIN) en el contexto escolar de la Enseñanza Obligatoria a partir de un modelo específico centrado en las tres fases básicas que constituyen la esencia de esta competencia: la búsqueda, el tratamiento y la comunicación de la información. Se ha analizado en profundidad el currículum normativo actual y se han identificado objetivos y contenidos correspondientes a cada fase con el objetivo de facilitar a los centros la concreción de programaciones para cada etapa educativa. Se pretende con ello ayudar a mejorar el diseño de los proyectos de investigación que se realizan en las aulas, así como desarrollar de forma sistémica la competencia informacional en el centro educativo con la contribución de la biblioteca escolar. Se señalan aquellos aspectos principales en los que la biblioteca escolar puede aportar una función de apoyo curricular de gran importancia al desarrollo de las habilidades.
Las bibliotecas públicas híbridas en el marco de la Alfabetización Informacional
Authors: Pinto María , Uribe Tirado Alejandro
Published: July 2012

Se presenta una reflexión crítica sobre la necesidad que las bibliotecas públicas respondan a las exigencias en colecciones y servicios que implica ser una biblioteca híbrida, específicamente en el desarrollo de programas de ALFIN que integren la multiplicidad de usuarios, las potencialidades de las herramientas Web 2.0 y las oportunidades o amenazas según el apoyo gubernamental y/o social que reciben como espacios de cultura y educación en el contexto iberoamericano. Partiendo de la metodología documental centrada en el análisis de contenido de la literatura especializada, se toma como referencia tanto los principales hitos que han marcado el desarrollo de ALFIN en los últimos 30 años como las principales prestaciones de la Web 2.0, para ofrecer una selección de experiencias sobre acciones de formación desde algunas bibliotecas públicas iberoamericanas, analizando cómo están asumiendo la interrelación entre las competencias informáticas e informacionales y la Web 2.0, destacando los avances y los retos para afrontar las necesidades formativas, informativas y tecnológicas de los usuarios.
La formación en competencias de la biblioteca de la Universidad de La Laguna en el contexto de la cooperación universitaria
Authors: Hernández Carmen Julia , Erbez José Manuel
Published: July 2012

Se recoge la experiencia de La Biblioteca de la Universidad de La Laguna desde el curso 2006-2007, en el que comienza a cambiar su modelo de formación de usuarios por otro basado en formación en competencias, en consonancia con los requisitos que el nuevo entorno educativo recogía. Se analiza lo que ha significado dicha transformación desde el punto de vista de la planificación de un nuevo programa formativo y la adquisición de nuevas competencias por parte de los bibliotecarios para ayudar a los usuarios a conseguir unas destrezas, habilidades y conductas transferibles a su vida académica y personal, y a su futuro laboral en relación con la gestión de información. También se aborda el significado de trabajar de forma cooperativa con otras bibliotecas universitarias, como resultado de la firma de un convenio en el año 2010 con el objetivo de compartir nuestro modelo de formación para alumnos de nuevo ingreso y evaluarlo mediante la comparación entre las distintas universidades. Finalmente, se trata la colaboración entre bibliotecarios y profesores para la inclusión de la formación en competencias informacionales en las guías docentes.
Tostación de un concentrado refractario de oro y plata
Authors: Coronado J. H. , Encinas M. A. , Leyva J. C. , Valenzuela J. L. , Valenzuela A. , Munive G. T.
Published: July 2012

En el procesamiento de minerales de metales preciosos con altos contenidos de pirita, se obtienen concentrados refractarios difíciles de procesar. En este estudio se lixivió un concentrado refractario de oro y plata con cianuro de sodio, obteniéndose extracciones de 34 % para oro y 40 % para plata. Se utilizó el método de tostación para oxidar el concentrado, haciéndolo más susceptible a la cianuración, y extraer más eficientemente el oro y la plata. Las variables analizadas fueron: temperatura de tostación y tiempos de tostación y cianuración. Además, la calcina caliente se agregó a la solución lixiviante a temperatura ambiente para analizar el efecto en el tamaño de partícula y recuperación. Los mejores resultados, aunque no del todo satisfactorios (50 % oro y 61 % plata), se obtuvieron mediante tostación del concentrado durante 4 h a temperaturas de 600 °C, seguido de una cianuración de 20 h. El consumo de cal para elevar el pH a 11,3, se incrementó notablemente hasta 25 kg/m3.
La proyección fría (CGs): Una alternativa a las tecnologías convencionales de deposición
Authors: Villa M. , Dosta S. , Fernández J. , Guilemany J. M.
Published: July 2012

La proyección fría es una tecnología novedosa para la obtención de recubrimientos y recargues, que se incluye en el campo de la proyección térmica. Debido a que las temperaturas de trabajo son relativamente bajas (siempre por debajo de los puntos de fusión del material), es una técnica ideal para depositar materiales sensibles a la temperatura como materiales nanoestructurados, amorfos o reactivos al oxígeno.La reducción en los costes (materia prima, gases…), la disminución de los tratamientos superficiales (pre-proyección como post-proyección), el aumento de la vida útil de las piezas en servicio, la disminución de los problemas asociados a la fusión del material proyectado (oxidación, corrosión, tensiones residuales a tracción…), el mantenimiento de las estructuras de partida, etc., han hecho de la proyección fría una técnica de proyección eficiente, más ecológica y económicamente más asequible que las técnicas de proyección y de deposición convencionales.
Eliminación de As (V) y producción simultánea de polvo de cobre de un electrolito de Cu(II) - As(V) - H2SO4 mediante electrodiálisis reactiva
Authors: Ibáñez J. P.
Published: July 2012

Se investigó la utilización de la electrodiálisis reactiva para eliminar arsénico y producir en forma simultánea polvo de cobre de una solución de Cu(II) - As(V) - H2SO4, a distintas densidades de corriente, temperatura y nivel de aireación de la solución. La eliminación de arsénico fue directamente proporcional a la densidad de corriente, aireación y temperatura. La eliminación alcanzada de As(V) fue de 0,14 mmol/h a 500 A/m2, 25 °C y sin aireación, al introducir un flujo de 6,6 l/h de aire a la solución de trabajo se incrementa la eliminación a 0,31 mmol/h. El Cu(II) se recupera en un 98 % en la forma de polvo de cobre metálico y óxidos de cobre libres de arsénico. El As(V) es eliminado de la solución de trabajo mediante su adsorción en la borra anódica generada por la oxidación del ánodo de plomo empleado.
Distribución de plomo y plata bajo las condiciones del horno alto para la producción de plomo
Authors: Pérez M. , Romero A. , Hernández A. , Almaguer I. , Benavides R.
Published: July 2012

Se realizaron dos estudios experimentales de solubilidad de metal en escorias a 1.473 K (1.200 °C). En el primero se estudió la solubilidad de plomo en el sistema PbO-ZnO-CaO-SiO2-“Fe2O3” bajo una atmósfera reductora (PCO/PCO2 = 2,45). En la segunda parte, escorias del sistema CaO-SiO2-“Fe2O3” fueron equilibradas con aleaciones Pb - 1,3 % Ag en atmósfera inerte. En ambos casos la relación CaO/SiO2 fue variada de 1.0 a 1.6 y la relación Fe/SiO2 fue de 1,1 y 1,7. La solubilidad de plomo en las escorias de ambas etapas experimentales disminuye con el incremento de la basicidad (CaO/SiO2) y la disminución de la relación Fe/SiO2. El óxido de plomo es el único compuesto que puede ser reducido bajo la atmósfera reductora y a la temperatura en el nivel de las toberas del horno alto, 1.473 K. La solubilidad de la plata en la escoria decrece con el aumento de las relaciones CaO/SiO2 y Fe/SiO2 en las escorias del sistema CaO-SiO2-“Fe2O3”.
Mobilisation scolaire des collégiens et représentation de l’engagement parental : le poids des inégalités sociales
Authors: Bardou Émeline , Oubrayrie-Roussel Nathalie
Published: July 2012

Cette étude vise à analyser l’influence de l’engagement éducatif parental perçu sur la mobilisation scolaire des collégiens selon leurs caractéristiques sociodémographiques. Les inégalités sociales sont appréhendées quant aux différences de ressources dans le domaine éducatif selon les formes d’engagement éducatif parental et la prise en compte des variables sociodémographiques. Une enquête par questionnaires a été menée auprès d’un échantillon de 405 adolescents scolarisés de la 6e à la 3e. Les résultats mettent en évidence l’impact considérable de la représentation de l’engagement parental sur la mobilisation scolaire, différemment selon l’âge ou le sexe, le milieu socioculturel n’ayant aucun effet significatif.
Les aspirations professionnelles des élèves de 15 ans dans 57 pays : ambition et réalisme
Authors: Rocher Thierry , Donné Noémie Le
Published: July 2012

Dans cet article, nous nous intéressons aux degrés d’ambition et de réalisme des aspirations professionnelles des élèves de 15 ans. Notre étude porte sur les déclarations des élèves de 57 pays recueillies lors de la vague 2006 du Programme International pour le Suivi des Acquis des Élèves (PISA). L’analyse des aspirations des élèves est enrichie par des informations portant sur les marchés du travail nationaux, établies par le Bureau International du Travail et Eurostat. Dans un premier temps, nous étudions les déterminants individuels des aspirations professionnelles. Puis, nous confrontons les souhaits des élèves à la situation réelle du marché du travail.
Impact croisé du sexe et du niveau scolaire sur les intérêts professionnels d’écoliers suisses
Authors: Perdrix Sophie , Rossier Jérôme , Butera Fabrizio
Published: July 2012

Cet article traite de la manière dont le développement des aspirations professionnelles contribue à la formation d’inégalités entre hommes et femmes sur le marché du travail au travers d’une étude empirique portant sur l’influence du sexe et de la filière scolaire sur les intérêts professionnels d’écoliers suisses. Les résultats indiquent que le croisement de ces deux variables affecte particulièrement les jeunes filles dans une filière à exigences élémentaires en restreignant doublement les options envisageables. Les moyens d’action pour les conseiller-e-s en orientation afin d’accompagner spécifiquement cette population est  discutée.
Précarité sociale et déscolarisation
Authors: Coslin Pierre G.
Published: July 2012

Des milliers de jeunes abandonnent leurs études avant l’âge de 16 ans qui marque la fin de l’instruction obligatoire. Cette étude aborde les inégalités sociales sous-jacentes à ces décrochages, en comparant les caractéristiques (situations familiale et scolaire, pratiques éducatives, influence des pairs, dysfonctionnements institutionnels etc.) de trois groupes de jeunes en échec scolaire : 17 déscolarisés, 22 absentéistes et 28 restés assidus à l’école. La quasi-totalité des traits étudiés se retrouvent au sein de chaque groupe. Leur spécificité réside dans l'accentuation de certains traits : la précarité sociale, les dysfonctionnements familiaux, et les capacités à communiquer.
Geochemical data from Archean and Paleoproterozoic plutonic and volcanic rocks of Cumberland Peninsula, eastern Baffin Island, Nunavut
Authors: Whalen J B , Sanborn-Barrie M , Young M
Published: July 2012

The following report presents a compilation of the geochemical data collected as part of a multidisciplinary geoscience project on Cumberland Peninsula, eastern Baffin Island. Bedrock mapping and sample collection was undertaken during the summers of 2009 and
2010 as part of NRCan's Geomapping for Energy and Minerals (GEM) initiative. Prior to this, significant geoscience knowledge gaps existed due to limited and outdated mapping (Jackson 1971), as well as scant isotopic information. Collectively, new maps (Sanborn-Barrie et al. 2011a, b, c),
geochronological results (Rayner et al., in press) and the geochemical data presented here contribute to a vastly improved understanding of the lithological associations, crustal architecture and mineral potential of this part of the eastern Canadian Arctic.
Impact of 2000–2050 climate change on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air quality inferred from a multi-model analysis of meteorological modes
Authors: Tai A. P. K. , Mickley L. J. , Jacob D. J.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Studies of the effect of climate change on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) air quality using general circulation models (GCMs) have yielded inconsistent results including in the sign of the effect. This reflects uncertainty in the GCM simulations of the regional meteorological variables affecting PM2.5. Here we use the CMIP3 archive of data from fifteen different IPCC AR4 GCMs to obtain improved statistics of 21st-century trends in the meteorological modes driving PM2.5 variability over the contiguous US. We analyze 1999–2010 observations to identify the dominant meteorological modes driving interannual PM2.5 variability and their synoptic periods T. We find robust correlations (r > 0.5) of annual mean PM2.5 with T, especially in the Eastern US where the dominant modes represent frontal passages. The GCMs all have significant skill in reproducing present-day statistics for T and we show that this reflects their ability to simulate atmospheric baroclinicity. We then use the local PM2.5-to-period sensitivity (dPM2.5/dT) from the 1999–2010 observations to project PM2.5 changes from the 2000–2050 changes in T simulated by the 15 GCMs following the SRES A1B greenhouse warming scenario. By weighted-average statistics of GCM results we project a likely 2000–2050 increase of ~0.1 μg m−3 in annual mean PM2.5 in the Eastern US arising from less frequent frontal ventilation, and a likely decrease of ~0.3 μg m−3 in the Northwestern US due to more frequent maritime inflows. These circulation-driven changes are relatively small. Potentially larger regional effects of 2000–2050 climate change on PM2.5 may arise from changes in temperature, biogenic emissions, wildfires, and vegetation, but are still unlikely to affect annual PM2.5 by more than 0.5 μg m−3.
Predicting long-term denitrification capacity of sandy aquifers from incubation experiments and sediment properties
Authors: Eschenbach W. , Well R.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Knowledge about the spatial variability of denitrification rates and the lifetime of denitrification in nitrate-contaminated aquifers is crucial to predict the development of groundwater quality. Therefore, regression models were derived to estimate the measured denitrification capacity of incubated aquifer sediments from initial denitrification rates and several sediment parameters, namely total sulphur, total organic carbon, extractable sulfate, extractable dissolved organic carbon, hot water soluble organic carbon and potassium permanganate labile organic carbon. For this purpose, we incubated aquifer material from two sandy Pleistocene aquifers in Northern Germany under anaerobic conditions in the laboratory using the 15N tracer technique. The measured long-term denitrification capacities ranged from 0.18 to 56.2 mg N kg−1 yr−1. The laboratory incubations exhibited high differences between non-sulphidic and sulphidic aquifer material in both aquifers with respect to all investigated sediment parameters. Denitrification rates and the estimated lifetime of denitrification were higher in the sulphidic samples. Denitrification capacity measured during one year of incubation (Dcap) was predictable from sediment variables within a range of uncertainty of 0.5 to 2 (calculated Dcap/measured Dcap) for aquifer material with a Dcap > 20 mg N kg−1 yr−1. Predictions were poor for samples with lower Dcap like samples from the NO3−-bearing groundwater zone, which includes the non-sulphidic samples, from the upper part of both aquifers where Dcap is not sufficient to protect groundwater from anthropogenic NO3− input. Calculation of Dcap from initial denitrification rates was only successful for samples from the NO3−-bearing zone, whereas a lag-phase of denitrification in samples from deeper zones of NO3− free groundwater caused imprecise predictions. Our results thus show that Dcap of sandy Pleistocene aquifers can be predicted using a combination of short-term incubation and analysis of sediment parameters. Moreover, the protective lifetime of denitrification sufficient to remove NO3− from groundwater in the investigated aquifers is limited which demonstrates the need to minimize anthropogenic NO3− input.
A new approach to model the spatial and temporal variability of recharge to karst aquifers
Authors: Hartmann A. , Lange J. , Weiler M. , Arbel Y. , Greenbaum N.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. In karst systems, near-surface dissolution of carbonate rock results in a high spatial and temporal variability of groundwater recharge. To adequately represent the dominating recharge processes in hydrological models is still a challenge, especially in data scarce regions. In this study, we developed a recharge model that is based on a conceptual model of the epikarst. It represents epikarst heterogeneity as a set of system property distributions to produce not only a single recharge time series, but a variety of time series representing the spatial recharge variability. We tested the new model with a unique set of spatially distributed flow and tracer observations in a karstic cave at Mt. Carmel, Israel. We transformed the spatial variability into statistical variables and apply an iterative calibration strategy in which more and more data was added to the calibration. Thereby, we could show that the model is only able to produce realistic results when the information about the spatial variability of the observations was included into the model calibration. We could also show that tracer information improves the model performance if data about the spatial variability is not included.
Risk perception – issues for flood management in Europe
Authors: Bradford R. A. , O'Sullivan J. J. , van der Craats I. M. , Krywkow J. , Rotko P. , Aaltonen J. , Bonaiuto M. , De Dominicis S. , Waylen K. , Schelfaut K.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. Public perception of flood risk and flood risk information is often overlooked when developing flood risk management plans. As scientists and the public at large perceive risk in very different ways, flood risk management strategies are known to have failed in the past due to this disconnect between authorities and the public. This paper uses a novel approach in exploring the role of public perception in developing flood risk communication strategies in Europe. Results are presented of extensive quantitative research of 1375 questionnaire responses from thirteen communities at risk across six European countries. The research forms part of two research projects funded under the 2nd ERA-Net CRUE Funding Initiative: URFlood and FREEMAN. Risk perception is conceptualised as a pillar of social resilience, representing an innovative approach to the issue. From this process recommendations are identified for improving flood risk management plans through public participation.
Optimal adjustment of the atmospheric forcing parameters of ocean models using sea surface temperature data assimilation
Authors: Meinvielle M. , Brankart J.-M. , Brasseur P. , Barnier B. , Dussin R. , Verron J.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. In ocean general circulation models, near surface atmospheric variables used to specify the atmospheric remain one of the main sources of error. The objective of this research is to constrain the surface forcing function of an ocean model by Sea Surface Temperature (SST) data assimilation. For that purpose, a set of corrections for ERAinterim (hereafter ERAi) reanalysis data is estimated for the period from 1989 to 2007 using a sequential assimilation method, with ensemble experiments to evaluate the impact of uncertain atmospheric forcing on the ocean state. The control vector of the assimilation method is extended to atmospheric variables to obtain monthly mean parameter corrections by assimilating monthly SST and Sea Surface Salinity (SSS) climatological data in a low resolution global configuration of the NEMO model. In this context, the careful determination of the prior probability distribution of the parameters is an important matter. This paper demonstrates the importance of isolating the impact of forcing errors in the model to perform relevant ensemble experiments. The results obtained for every month of the period between 1989 and 2007 show that the estimated parameters produce the same kind of impact on the SST as the analysis itself. The objective is then to evaluate the long term time-series of the forcing parameters focusing on trends and mean error corrections of air-sea fluxes. Our corrections tend to equilibrate the net heat flux balance at the global scale (highly positive in ERAi database), and to remove the potentially unrealistic negative trend (leading to ocean cooling) in the ERAi net heat flux over the whole time period. More specifically in the intertropical band, we reduce the warm bias of ERAi data by mostly modifying the latent heat flux by wind velocity intensification. Consistently, when used to force the model, the corrected parameters lead to a better agreement between the mean SST produced by the model and mean SST observations over 1989–2007 in the intertropical band.
Dynamics of interplate domain in subduction zones: influence of rheological parameters and subducting plate age
Authors: Arcay D.
Published: July 2012

Abstract. The properties of the subduction interplate domain are likely to affect not only the seismogenic potential of the subduction area but also the overall subduction process, as it influences its viability. Numerical simulations are performed to model the long-term equilibrium state of the subduction interplate when the diving lithosphere interacts with both the overriding plate and the surrounding convective mantle. The thermomechanical model combines a non-Newtonian viscous rheology and a pseudo-brittle rheology. Rock strength here depends on depth, temperature and stress, for both oceanic crust and mantle rocks. I study the evolution through time of, on one hand, the kinematic decoupling depth, zdec and, on the other hand, of the brittle-ductile transition (BDT) depth, zBDT, simulated along the subduction interplate. The results reveal that zBDT mainly depends on the friction coefficient characterising the interplate channel and on the viscosity at the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary. The influence of the weak material activation energy is of second order but not negligible. zBDT becomes dependent on the ductile strength increase with depth (activation volume) if the BDT occurs at the interplate deocupling depth. Regarding the interplate decoupling depth, it is basically a function of (1) mantle viscosity at asthenospheric wedge tip, (2) difference in mantle and interplate activation anergy, and (3) activation volume. Specific conditions yielding zBDT = zdec are discussed. I then present how the subducting lithosphere age affects the brittle-ductile transition depth and the kinematic decoupling depth in this model. Simulations show that a rheological model in which the respective activation energies of mantle and interplate material are too close impedes strain localization during incipient subduction of a young (20 Myr old) and soft lithosphere under a thick upper plate. Finally, both the BDT depth and the decoupling depth are a function of the subducting plate age, but are not influenced in the same fashion: cool and old subducting plates deepen the BDT but shallow the interplate decoupling depth. Even if BDT and kinematic decoupling are instrinsically related to different mechanisms of deformation, this work shows that they are able to interact closely.
Molecular Diagnostic Tools for the Detection of Nodal Micrometastases in Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy with Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection: A Prospective Study
Authors: Vagnoni Valerio , Schiavina Riccardo , Romagnoli Daniele , Borghesi Marco , Passaretti Giovanni , Dababneh Hussam , Concetti Sergio , Martorana Giuseppe
Published: July 2012

Background

Routine pathological examination can miss micro-metastatic tumor foci in the lymph nodes (LN) of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) that undergo radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND). The aim of the present prospective study was to evaluate the impact of micrometastases assessed by serial section (SS), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy with extended PLND.

Materials and methods

32 consecutive patients who underwent radical prostatectomy with extended PLND (obturator, internal/external and distal 2cm common iliac lymph-nodes (LN)) for intermediate (clinical T1c-T2 and PSA:10–20 ng/mL and clinical Gleason Score = 7) or high (clinical stage T3 or PSA>20 or clinical Gleason Score = 8–10) PCa were enrolled. The nodes were processed by the one uropathologist, both according to the routine pathological examination (analysis of the central section for 4 mm nodes or every 2 mm for LN>4 mm), which served as comparative method, both according to SS, IHC with antibodies against PSA and broad-spectrum Cytokeratins (BSCK), and quantitative RT-PCR targeting PSA, PSMA (PS Membrane Antigen), and Glucuronidase-S-Beta (GUSB) mRNA, that are over-expressed in prostatic cancer cells.

Results

A total of 628 LN were analyzed, with a mean number of LN removed of 19.6 (SD = 7.2). Applying the routine pathological examination, 10 (31.2%) patients and 23 (3.9%) LN resulted positive for nodal involvement, with mean positive LN of 2.2 (SD = 1.4). After applying the SS and the molecular method of analysis (IHC and RT-PCR), micrometastases were found in 7 LN (SS showed micrometastases in 3 of them, IHC in 6 of them and RT-PCR in 7 of them); a total of 3 (9.3%) node-negative patients showed micrometastases at routine pathological examination (in 2 patients with RT-PCR and in 1 with IHC).

Conclusions

The significance of micrometastases in PCa and the potential therapeutic role of PLND is not yet clarified, but the molecular analysis of the LN can detect a significant percentage of patients who harbor micro-metastatic PCa missed at routine pathological examination, and can enhance the accuracy of lymphadenectomy as a staging method.
Does ochratoxin A (OTA) cause testicular cancer in humans?
Authors: SRINIVASA Jayachandra
Published: July 2012

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a naturally occurring contaminant of cereals, pigmeat, and other foods and is a known genotoxic in animals. It is a nephrotoxin and a carcinogen associated with Balkan endemic nephropathy and urinary tract tumours. It is also thought to be a cause of testicular cancer. A previous study has shown that consumption of foods contaminated with ochratoxin A during pregnancy induces lesions in testicular DNA of male offspring, and this supports a possible role for OTA in testicular cancer. Additionally, prenatal exposure to ochratoxin A in mice significantly depresses expression of the DMRT1 gene in male offspring, and the loss of this gene produces germ cell testicular tumours in mice. This molecular evidence supports the theory that ochratoxin A might be related to germ cell testicular tumours in mice and in humans.

Keywords: ochratoxin A, testicular cancer, mycotoxins
Accessibility of information about oral health and dental care to pregnant women in Vilnius
Authors: PŪRIENĖ Alina , GRYBIENĖ Rita , BOND Birutė , ŽEKONIENĖ Jūratė , PEČIULIENĖ Vytautė , MANELIENĖ Rasmutė
Published: July 2012

Background. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the accessibility of information about oral health and dental care to pregnant women in Vilnius.
Materials and methods. An anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 363 pregnant women in the city of Vilnius. The response rate was 79%. The respondents were divided into groups according to their education, marital status, occupation, the dental office they visit, the source of information used, knowledge about oral health influence on the fetus’ health, and complications during previous pregnancies.
Results. The mean age of the respondents was 27.52 ± 0.62 years. Of them, 83.5% during their pregnancy visited a dental clinic on a regular basis; 60.63% of women were aware of the fact that oral health affected the condition of their fetus; 75% of pregnant women noted they would derive the information concerning oral health and dental care during pregnancy from popular literature rather than from medical professionals. Women attending private dental practice obtained more information from side sources than did patients of a public dental practice (81.9% and 63.8%, respectively; p < 0.014); 60.6% of respondents received information about oral health and dental care during pregnancy from their gynecologist; 25.7% of respondents noted that they had not received any information on oral or dental care during pregnancy.
Conclusions. In general, information about dental care was available to all pregnant women that participated in the study. The information in respect of oral health and dental care obtained from dentists was not sufficient. The main source of information about oral care received by the women surveyed during pregnancy was a gynecologist and other sources such as journals, the internet, books, etc.

Keywords: pregnancy, dental care, information sources, fetus’ health
Integration and health care of pupils with special needs in Kaunas schools
Authors: GRINIENĖ Elvyra , BAGDONAS Antanas , BLIUMBERGIENĖ Vida
Published: July 2012

In recent years Lithuania has been changing its education policies as regards pupils with special needs in agreement with the new legal acts regulating these needs and the ways of meeting them.
Aim of the study was to analyse the diversity of disorders of students with special needs who are integrated into general schools of Kaunas and to find their health care possibilities and integration.
Methods. The data were collected at 77 Kaunas general schools in the year 2010 on the distribution of pupils by age, the nature of integration and curriculum as well as according to the medical documentation and corrective intervention reports on the health of pupils with special needs.
Results. In 2010, all pupils with special needs studied at general secondary schools according to the programmes meeting their potentiality. The number of pupils with special needs is bigger among younger learners. Most pupils had speech and communication disorders; most of them were in primary grades. Other health disorders were typical of pupils with special needs. Their diversity by age was insignificant; more pupils had mental disorders and specific cognition problems, and less suffered chronic disorders.
In each school, education and assistance in corrective help to pupils with special needs were provided not only by teachers, but also by special health care professionals. Achievements in improving speech and communication skills reflects well-organized work.
Conclusions. Despite achievements in working with pupils with special needs, some problems, such as poor accommodation to the school environment, lack of adapted methodological tools should be solved.

Keywords: general secondary school, integrated education, health correction
Condyloma acuminatum: some aspects
Authors: RIMKEVIČIUS Arūnas , PŪRIENĖ Alina , GAIGALAS Mindaugas
Published: July 2012

Condyloma acuminatum is a rare human papilloma virus (HPV) related to oral lesion. The purpose of the article is to present a 42-year-old patient with condyloma acuminatum and to review references on the subject-related etiological, pathological, diagnostic and treatment aspects.

Keywords: condyloma acuminatum, oral mucosa, papilloma virus, HIV
Malignant pulmonary neoplasms predisposing to pneumothorax
Authors: CICĖNAS Saulius , VENCEVIČIUS Vladislavas
Published: July 2012

Bachground. The main purpose was to point out pneumothorax (P) as the first symptom of thoracic malignancy. The mechanisms by which pneumothorax occurs in lung cancer are not clear.
Materials and methods. From 1970 to 2009, 42 cases of pneumothorax as the initial symptoms of lung cancer were diagnosed at the Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Vilnius University. In 27 patients (64.3%), pneumothorax occurred in primary lung carcinoma (LC) and 15 patients (35.7%) in metastatic LC. The mean age was 53.7 years. The morphology of LC was as follows: squamous cell carcinoma 17 cases (40.4%), adenocarcinoma 6 cases (14.3%) and small cell carcinoma 5 cases (11.9%). Morphology in the group of 15 metastatic cases (35.7%): 2 cases of metastatic angiosarcoma, 3 cases of chondrosarcoma, 4 cases of seminoma, 4 cases of renal cancer and 2 cases of metastatic synovial sarcoma.
Results. Pleural drainage with chemotherapy was used for 16 patients (38.0%), 21 patients (50.0%) underwent thoracotomy, and 5 patients (11.9%) video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Complications were noted in 10 patients (23.8%). Pneumothorax was cured in 41 patients (97.6%), and 1 patient (2.4%) died. In 16 patients (38.0%) the lung was expanded by drainage, 21 (50.0%) underwent surgery and 5 patients (11.9%) minimal invasive surgery (VATS), 14 patients (33.3%) underwent chemoradiation after lung recovery. Median survival of the patients was 31 months.
Conclusions. Pneumothorax as the first manifestation of LC appears not often but may have dangerous complications.

Keywords: lung cancer, pneumothorax, pneumothorax as an initial symptom of malignant pulmonary neoplasms, diagnostics and treatment of lung cancer, lung metastases
Sensitization of rat C6 glioma cells to ionizing radiation by porphyrins
Authors: RUTKOVSKIENĖ Laimutė , PLĖŠNIENĖ Laima , SENDIULIENĖ Daiva , STANČIUS Alfonsas , LIUTKEVIČIŪTĖ-NAVICKIENĖ Jurgita
Published: July 2012

Background. Radiosensitizers are used in order to increase the efficacy of radiotherapy. Most of the presently known radiosensitizing agents have a poor selectivity and are not tumour-specific. Porphyrins have a selective uptake in tumour relative to the surrounding normal tissue. The aim of the present work was to test the capability of two photosensitizers – hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD) or temoporfin (mTHPC) – and gamma rays to produce some kind of selective inhibition of tumour cell proliferation.
Materials and methods. Dark toxicity experiments were carried out using a sensitizer concentration range 0–50 μg/ml for HpD, or 0–5 μg/ml for mTHPC. For the radiosensitized treatment of rat C6 glioma cells, HpD was added at a final concentration of 1 μg/ml and mTHPC at a final concentration of 0.1 μg/ml. The irradiation with gamma rays was performed using doses ranging from 0 to 8 Gy. Cell survival was determined using the colony forming assay.
Results. HpD (1 μg/ml) and mTHPC (0.1 μg/ml) were found to have no toxic effects on C6 glioma cells. A cytotoxic dose without drugs, inducing a reduction in colony survival by 20%, was achieved at 2 Gy and by 50% at 4 Gy. The radiosensitized treatment of cells with HpD resulted in a significant (p ≤ 0.05) decline in cell survival as compared with irradiation alone. For C6 treated with mTHPC, the results did not differ between the two groups (with and without the drug).
Conclusions. The results of this study have shown that mTHPC (0.1 μg/ml) does not act as a radiosensitizer, whereas HpD can act, under certain conditions, as a tumour radiosensitizer. These findings suggest that HpD is a potential agent in combination with radiation therapy of malignant gliomas.

Keywords: rat C6 glioma cells, radiosensitization, porphyrins, colony forming assay
Pharmacogenomics: a perspective of personalized medicine in CHD treatment as a model
Authors: PRANCULIS Aidas , KUČINSKIENĖ Zita Aušrelė , KUČINSKAS Vaidutis
Published: July 2012

Although several drug dosage algorithms are available, clinicians today still commonly use the trial and error method in discovering what medicine and in what doses will be most beneficial for each patient. There are currently still very few tools available to help solve these problems, although nowadays there is more and more evidence to show that for a number of drugs, genetic variability plays an important (and sometimes central) role in variable response to drugs.
This review is focused on the variation within the genes associated with the function of medicines from major pharmaceutical groups of drugs used for the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD). These include anticoagulants, β-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, antiarrhythmics, angiotensin II receptor lockers (ARBs), diuretics, and statins. The progress in the field of CHD pharmacogenomics, which is one of the major focuses in the field of cardiovascular medicine, is ensured by a multitude of studies generating some statistically significant findings that will quite plausibly change the way clinicians treat patients on an individual level.
Pharmacogenomic research of cardiovascular medicine in the majority of cases has provided conflicting results thus delaying the implementation of genetic testing to create genotype-based medication dosing algorithms. Nevertheless, analysis of the literature reveals that based on the pharmacogenomic research progress of warfarin and to some extent clopidogrel, the practical use of pharmacogenomics in the future is plausible.

Keywords: pharmacogenomics, coronary heart disease, medications