bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breast cancer screening in women with mental illness: comparative meta-analysis of mammography uptake
Authors: Mitchell Alex J. , Pereira Isabel Espirito Santo , Yadegarfar Motahare , Pepereke Shingai , Mugadza Vongai , Stubbs Brendon
Published: December 2014

Background

There is a higher mortality rate due to cancer in people with mental illness and previous work suggests suboptimal medical care in this population. It remains unclear if this extends to breast cancer population screening.

Aims

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to establish if women with a mental health condition are less likely to receive mammography screening compared with those without mental ill health.

Method

Major electronic databases were searched from inception until February 2014. We calculated odds ratios (OR) with a random effects meta-analysis comparing mammography screening rates among women with and without a mental illness. Results were stratified according to primary diagnosis including any mental illness, mood disorders, depression, severe mental illness (SMI), distress and anxiety.

Results

We identified 24 publications reporting breast cancer screening practices in women with mental illness (n = 715 705). An additional 5 studies investigating screening for those with distress (n = 21 491) but no diagnosis of mental disorder were identified. The pooled meta-analysis showed significantly reduced rates of mammography screening in women with mental illness (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.66–0.77), mood disorders (OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.76–0.90) and particularly SMI (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.45–0.65). No disparity was evident among women with distress alone.

Conclusions

Rates of mammography screening are lower in women with mental illness, particularly women with SMI, and this is not explained by the presence of emotional distress. Disparities in medical care due to mental illness clearly extend into preventive population screening.
Patient engagement and problematic behaviours in nurse-staffed residential rehabilitation units
Authors: Meaden Alan , Commander Martin , Cowan Colin , Edwards Tom
Published: December 2014

Aims and method

To build on previous research findings by examining engagement and problematic behaviours of patients in 10 residential rehabilitation units. Two measures were completed on patients in community rehabilitation, longer-term complex care and high-dependency units (109 patients in total). Data were analysed and categorised into higher-engagement ratings across the domains of engagement and behaviour over the past 6 months and lifetime in terms of presence of the behaviour and likelihood of resulting harm.

Results

Data were available for 73% of patients. All aspects of engagement were consistently low for all units, with highest levels in community rehabilitation units. Levels of problematic behaviours were similar across all units. Socially inappropriate behaviours and failure to complete everyday activities were evident for over half of all patients and higher for lifetime prevalence. Verbal aggression was at significantly lower levels in community units. Lifetime behaviours likely to lead to harm were much more evident in high-dependency units.

Clinical implications

Despite some benefits of this type of care, patients continue to present challenges in engagement and problematic behaviours that require new approaches and a change in focus.
Systematic computerised cardiovascular health screening for people with severe mental illness
Authors: Yeomans David , Dale Kate , Beedle Kate
Published: December 2014

Aims and method

People with severe mental illness (SMI) die relatively young, with mortality rates four times higher than average, mainly from natural causes, including heart disease. We developed a computer-based physical health screening template for use with primary care information systems and evaluated its introduction across a whole city against standards recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence for physical health and cardiovascular risk screening.

Results

A significant proportion of SMI patients were excluded from the SMI register and only a third of people on the register had an annual physical health check recorded. The screening template was taken up by 75% of GP practices and was associated with better quality screening than usual care, doubling the rate of cardiovascular risk recording and the early detection of high cardiovascular risk.

Clinical implications

A computerised annual physical health screening template can be introduced to clinical information systems to improve quality of care.
Becoming MadBio-Graphically: The Styling Body in Modern Japanese Literature
Authors: Lac Astrid
Published: December 2014

This study is situated against the broader theoretical premise: when modern Japanese literary criticism made an epochal turn towards theory in the 1980s, all that might fall under the designation of the “biographical”—material, method, or ethic—became the unmourned remains of the critical past, now inhibiting the critical future. My purpose is twofold: to delineate this critical impasse and to propose a theoretically viable allowance for the biographical. My inquiry draws on the particular nexus of biographical écriture and literary historical positioning illuminated by the author Uno Kōji (1891–1961). Uno's case demonstrates not only the humanistic folly and attendant violence that biographical discourse can commit but also the possibility of the writing (graphia) of life (bios). If there is any conceptual transaction between these two possibilities, it is to be found in mimesis, which operates not only in the (very real) fantasy of the “life and work” continuum but also in the sensual experience of the text as the Other's life-words, an important aspect of Uno's authorial actuality. It is the body that finally brings these disparate modalities of mimesis into a concerted text of life—the body that styles across the phenomenal boundary between text and life. In tracing the styling body, I argue, we may witness the singular continuity that is writing, affecting text and life as life-text and affording a different experience of biography's palpability—bio-graphy.
Problems of Systematization of Migration Legislation
Authors: Andrichyenko Lyudmila
Published: December 2014

In Russia, an extensive array of legal acts involved in the regulation of migratory relationship that gives rise to the recognition of migration law as an independent branch of the Russian legislation. However, the existing problems caused by duplication of the legal regulation of migration relations with the various regulations, a lack of balance in the provision of legal regulation of certain areas of migration relations, as well as the presence of gaps and conflicts in their legal regulation lead to disturbances in the system approach to the development of migration legislation. This requires a qualitatively new approaches to the development of migration legislation, based on the use of the codification of ways of constructing it.
Problems of Legal Regulation of Treatment of Animals
Authors: Minina Elena
Published: December 2014

In this paper a study of a number of legal issues that relate to the treatment of all existing species of animals. While Russian law more fully regulate matters relating to the protection of wild animals in a state of natural liberty, and the procedure for the use of such animals — mostly for hunting — there is still a huge number of animals used by humans, particularly in the as companions, for scientific, entertainment and leisure purposes, for food or other products — the treatment procedure that is defined very sparingly and fragmentary. Meanwhile, there are a number of issues common to both wild and domestic, agricultural, and other species. Of them are now settled only a matter of determining the rules and regulations in the field of veterinary medicine — and then mainly in relation to farm animals. A significant gap remains legal support humane treatment of animals. It is concluded that the need to address the protection of animals from cruel treatment in a special federal law. However, such a law should be devoted to the broader issue of responsible treatment of animals, and address both problems to treat them humanely, and to protect people from the dangers and inconveniences associated with the maintenance of the animals in populated areas and other places where they come into direct contact with people.
Nurses must take the lead in critical care
Authors: Wilkinson John
Published: November 2014

A recent report on the efficiency and effectiveness of critical care in acute hospitals (Audit Commission, 1999) commended practitioners for supplying a vital service in often difficult circumstances and, on average, saving the lives of two out of every three patients who receive intensive or high dependency care.
Job satisfaction and employment prospects for nurses
Authors: Heasell Stephen
Published: November 2014

A recent media campaign has emphasized the benefits to the NHS of attracting nurses back to work. In this article, the potential for success from such a recruitment drive is acknowledged but the balance of assessment is redressed, to reflect a broader economic perspective which takes into account resource limitations. The costs of these initiatives, as well as the benefits, are considered in terms of how else the resources involved could be used. A call is made for nurses, and other individual decision makers engaged in nurse recruitment, to consider benefits with all relevant costs systematically, even if reliable information is limited. That approach would be in the spirit of the changes to NHS governance that are currently being introduced and could help to ensure that the health of patients overall is served as well as possible by the contribution to it made by nurses.
Confidentiality 10: child care and the duty of confidentiality
Authors: Dimond Bridgit
Published: November 2014

Jane told Angela White, a paediatric staff nurse, that she was being abused by her father, but did not want anyone to be told. Jane was 14 years old, intelligent and mature for her age. What is the law?
Safe, sound and supportive: forensic mental health services
Authors: McFadyen John Alexander
Published: November 2014

Certain independent inquiries, the failure to implement the care programme approach, the new mental health strategy, the recent National Service Framework for Mental Health (Department of Health (DoH), 1999), and the Fallon Inquiry into the Personality Disorder Unit at Ashworth Special Hospital have all raised many questions about psychiatric care which remain unanswered. The issue of organizing and developing forensic services can be regarded as a key element if safer services are to be a reality. This article offers a model for forensic mental health services which is derived from policy statements, the published strategy, research, and discussion papers.
Five myths commonly associated with neutering in dogs
Authors: Warnes Caroline
Published: November 2014

There are some commonly held beliefs that do not accurately reflect the current understanding of how sex hormones affect health and behaviour in dogs. This article identifies five of these myths and indicates that: neutering is very unlikely to make dogs calmer; castration will not improve all problem behaviours in male dogs; pseudopregnancies can occur in spayed as well as entire bitches; delmadi-none (Tardak) is not a reliable indicator of the behavioural effects of castration; neutering can have negative as well as positive effects on the incidence of health problems in dogs.
How to obtain a blood sample in reptiles via venepuncture
Authors: Oldfield Clare
Published: November 2014

The use of venepuncture in reptiles is an important diagnostic step in determining illness and disease. There are several venepuncture sites that vary between species and knowledge of these will ensure a diagnostic sample. Knowing how to correctly handle the reptile will prevent any unnecessary injury to the handler or the animal. The correct gauge needle and smallest syringe need to be used so as not to damage the red blood cells, and the site needs to be cleaned appropriately. This article will look at the venepuncture sites and techniques used in the Chelonian and Squamata species.
La reforma constitucional de Rafael Correa. El caso de la reelección presidencial en Ecuador
Authors: Treminio Sánchez Ilka
Published: November 2014

El último proceso constituyente de Ecuador dio como resultado en 2008 una nueva Carta Magna que guiaría los preceptos de la llamada «Revolución Ciudadana» iniciada por Rafael Correa desde su llegada al poder por primera vez en 2007. El nuevo texto adoptó entre sus principales cambios institucionales la reelección inmediata. Con esta cláusula dejó a un lado el criterio de alternancia y se sumó a una creciente tendencia en la región latinoamericana asociada con la flexibilización de los límites a la reelección presidencial. La nueva cláusula le ha permitido al presidente permanecer en el cargo durante los últimos ocho años y en el espacio político se discute si el presidente buscará expandir aún más sus períodos de mandato siguiendo una lógica incremental del cambio constitucional. En este escenario, el presente trabajo se propone atender la pregunta: ¿Cómo consiguió Rafael Correa adoptar la reelección presidencial en el marco de la nueva Constitución política? Todo ello se discute a la luz de la celebración del 35.º aniversario del régimen democrático ecuatoriano y de las condiciones que garantizaron el éxito de la incorporación de la reelección inmediata en la Constitución de 2008.
Percutaneous Management of RetroFlex 3 Balloon Rupture and Separation of the Edwards Sapien Delivery System
Authors: Green Kelly D. , Waked Alain , Majeed Usman , Fudim Marat , Robbins Mark A. , Crenshaw Marshall , Zhao David
Published: December 2014

We report the case of an 85-year-old woman with severe aortic stenosis who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement with use of the Edwards Sapien® valve system. The procedure was complicated by rupture of the valve-deployment balloon, with separation and retention of the nose cone of the RetroFlex 3® delivery system in the iliac artery. Our endovascular retrieval of the equipment was successful, and we achieved access-site hemostasis by deploying a covered stent. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the endovascular retrieval of a malfunctioning delivery system during transcatheter aortic valve replacement.
Aortic Valve Endocarditis Complicated by ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Jenny Benjamin E. , Almanaseer Yassar
Published: December 2014

Infective endocarditis complicated by abscess formation and coronary artery compression is a rare clinical event with a high mortality rate, and diagnosis requires a heightened degree of suspicion. We present the clinical, angiographic, and echocardiographic features of a 73-year-old woman who presented with dyspnea and was found to have right coronary artery compression that was secondary to abscess formation resulting from diffuse infectious endocarditis. We discuss the patient's case and briefly review the relevant medical literature. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of abscess formation involving a native aortic valve and the right coronary artery.
Exercise-Induced Syncope in a Sedentary Woman
Authors: Elashery Ahmad Ramy , Rickard John W. , Zakaria Sammy
Published: December 2014

Vasovagal (neurocardiogenic) syncope, a subtype of reflex syncope, has many well-known triggers. However, we found no previous report of vasovagal exercise-induced syncope in a sedentary person. We present the case of a 35-year-old sedentary woman who experienced vasovagal syncope as she underwent an exercise stress test. Results of evaluations, including resting and stress electrocardiography and echocardiography, were normal. Her presentation is highly unusual: syncope has typically not been associated with exercise except in young athletes, people with structural heart abnormalities, or people with a prolonged QT syndrome. To our knowledge, this is the first report of vasovagal syncope associated with exercise in a sedentary patient who had normal cardiac and electrophysiologic function. We suggest possible physiologic mechanisms and diagnostic strategies.
Left Atrial Myxoma with versus without Cerebral Embolism: Length of Symptoms, Morphologic Characteristics, and Outcomes
Authors: Zheng Zhi , Guo Guojun , Xu Li , Lei Lei , Wei Xiang , Pan Youmin
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the embolic sequelae of left atrial myxomas and their influence on diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

Seventy-eight patients were retrospectively investigated. According to their symptoms and neurologic-imaging findings, these patients were classified into 2 groups: embolism (15 patients, 19%) and nonembolism (63 patients, 81%). The time from the first onset of symptoms to diagnosis (that is, the duration of symptoms) was significantly longer in the embolism group than in the nonembolism group (105 ± 190 vs 23 ± 18 d; P <0.01). The myxomas were divided into 2 types on the basis of clinicopathologic findings: type 1, with an irregular or villous surface and a soft consistency, and type 2, with a smooth surface and a compact consistency. There were 42 patients with type 1 myxoma and 36 with type 2. Type 1 myxoma was more frequently found in the embolism group (12 patients, 29%) than was type 2 myxoma (3 patients, 8%). The difference was significant (P=0.04). There were 2 perioperative deaths in the nonembolism group. No recurrence of cardiac myxoma or death was recorded in either group during follow-up. In the embolism group, neurologic symptoms were relieved by surgery, and no subsequent neurologic event was reported.

Because surgical resection is highly effective in left atrial myxoma, we should strive for early diagnosis in order to shorten the duration of symptoms and to avoid worse neurologic damage in patients in whom an embolic event is the initial manifestation.
Lexical function of pitch in the first language shapes cross-linguistic perception of Thai tones
Authors: Schaefer Vance , Darcy Isabelle
Published: December 2014

Determining the factors involved in the non-native perception of the pitch patterns of tones is complicated by the fact that all languages use pitch to various extents, whether linguistic (e.g., intonation) or non-linguistic (e.g., singing). Moreover, many languages use pitch to distinguish lexical items with varying degrees of functional load and differences in inventory of such pitch patterns. The current study attempts to understand what factors determine accurate naïve (= non-learner) perception of non-native tones, in order to establish the baseline for acquisition of a tonal L2. We examine the perception of Thai tones (i.e., three level tones, two contour tones) by speakers of languages on a spectrum of lexically contrastive pitch usage: Mandarin (lexical tone), Japanese (lexical pitch accent), English (lexical stress), and Korean (no lexically contrastive pitch). Results suggest that the importance of lexically contrastive pitch in the L1 influences non-native tone perception so that not all non-tonal language speakers possess the same level of tonal sensitivity, resulting in a hierarchy of perceptual accuracy. Referencing the Feature Hypothesis (McAllister et al. 2002), we propose the Functional Pitch Hypothesis to model our findings: the degree to which linguistic pitch differentiates lexical items in the L1 shapes the naïve perception of a non-native lexically contrastive pitch system, e.g., tones.
The Burden of Ventricular Arrhythmias Following Left Ventricular Assist
Device Implantation
Authors: Griffin Jan M , Katz Jason N ,   Department of
                        Internal Medicine, University of North Carolina,   Division of
                        Cardiology, Center for Heart and Vascular Care, University of North
                        Carolina, 160 Dental Circle, CB #7075, 6th Floor Burnett Womack Building,
                        Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7075, US. E: katzj@med.unc.edu
Published: December 2014

Few innovations in medicine have so convincingly and expeditiously
improved patient outcomes more than the development of the left ventricular
assist device (LVAD). Where optimal pharmacotherapy once routinely failed
those with end-stage disease, the LVAD now offers considerable hope for the
growing advanced heart failure population. Despite improvements in
mortality, however, mechanical circulatory support is not without its
limitations. Those supported with an LVAD are at increased risk of several
complications, including infection, bleeding, stroke and arrhythmic events.
While once considered benign, ventricular arrhythmias in the LVAD patient
are being increasingly recognised for their deleterious influence on patient
morbidity and quality of life. In addition, the often multifactorial
aetiology to these episodes makes treatment difficult and optimal
therapeutic management controversial. Novel strategies are clearly needed to
better predict, prevent, and eradicate these arrhythmias in order to allow
future generations of heart failure patients to reap the full benefits of
LVAD implantation.
Features of account and planning of training process of sportsmen pair-group acrobats taking into account sexual dimorphism (analysis of questionnaire these trainers of Ukraine)
Authors: Bachinskaya N.V.
Published: December 2014

Purpose: expose the features of planning of training process of different age acrobats and line of business on the stage of the direct training to the competitions from position of sexual dimorphism. Research tasks was to define methods and criteria of account and control of the training loading in pair-group to acrobatics. Material: in a questionnaire took part 38 trainers of Ukraine on sporting acrobatics aged from 28 to 68 years. Results: it is set that in an incomplete measure registered trainers loading executed sportsmen. The insufficient disinformation of trainers is exposed about knowledge and necessity of account of gender distinctions. Also about the methods of realization of account of the specific loading. There is absence of model of account, planning and control of the trainings loadings taking into account the functional, age, sexual features of sportsmen depending on their line of business. Conclusions: findings testify to the necessity of perfection of existent method of planning of training process. It is necessary to probe the morphofunctional features of organism of sportsmen and sportswomen. Also - to take into account the features of sexual dimorphism depending on the specific of type of sport. It is necessary to develop the trainings programs from position of morphofunctional and adaptation distinctions of masculine and womanish organism.
Optimization of training load among weightlifters during pre-basic training
Authors: Orlov A.A.
Published: December 2014

Purpose : develop and experimentally based methods of individualization of the training process weightlifters during pre-basic training for groups of first year students. Material : The study involved 20 weightlifters aged 12-13 years. To assess the level of special physical preparation of athletes were used control tests which are recommended curriculum in weightlifting. Results : Appropriateness optimize training load of athletes in the group of first year students in the preparatory and competitive period. Recommends the following training load: number of workouts in a week microcycle - 5; the ratio of general and special physical training is 55: 45%. Necessary to exclude training loads in classical exercises with intensity of 90%, 90%, and not to use the various drafts. Conclusions : It was found that the optimization of the training load weightlifters during pre-basic training, can significantly improve the competitive outcome athletes improve the technique of classical exercises, raise special physical preparedness and reduce injuries.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF PHYSICAL CULTURE TEACHERS FOR USE IN NATIONAL MARTIAL ARTS CAREER
Authors: Prytula A.L.
Published: December 2014

Purpose : analysis of the problem of training the future teachers of physical education to the use of the national martial arts career. The objectives of the study was to develop and validate the content of the training of future specialists of physical culture and sports. The basis of preparation of the content is put on the Ukrainian fighting saved. Material : The study involved 242 students, 88 teachers. Results : determine the appropriateness of the training of future specialists in Ukrainian fighting SPAS four groups of methods: the organization and implementation of the educational-cognitive activity of students; stimulating learning activities; control and self-learning; the formation of social behavior. It is proved that the practical training must be systematic and consist of the following stages: laboratory and practical classes; educational practice coaches, technological practice directly in organizations and institutions. Conclusions : It was determined that a promising direction for future development of professional training coaches is that the interests of the individual and its support in the development process. This will lead to the satisfaction of needs experienced personnel specialists in national martial arts.
Level of school anxiety of girls aged 12-13 years old with different kinds of postural
Authors: Tamozhanskaya A.V.
Published: December 2014

Purpose : to identify the level of school anxiety of girls with signs of normal, round-shouldered, lardotic, kyphotic and straightened by the types of carriages during a school year. Material : the study involved 137 girls 12-13 years old. Was held diagnostics level of school anxiety Phillips. Results : It was found that girls with normal posture there is a general anxiety in school, fear of the situation knowledge test. With stooping - frustration needs to succeed, fear of self-expression. With lardotic - frustration needs to succeed, fear of self-expression. With kyphotic - general anxiety at school, frustration needs to succeed, fear not meet the expectations of others. With straight - manifestation of the general emotional state, negative attitudes and experience of anxiety in the situation knowledge test. Conclusions : factors of school anxiety have different effects on girls. It was established that during adolescence the need to integrate and correction of psychological state and the musculoskeletal system. This is due to the formation of morphological features, formation of character traits.
Weed Management in Fresh Market Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) with Phenmedipham and Cycloate
Authors: Lati Ran N. , Rachuy John S. , Fennimore Steven A.
Published: December 2014

Fresh market spinach has limited herbicides available and weed management in this crop is dependent on hand-weeding. Phenmedipham is a POST herbicide registered for use on spinach grown for processing or for seed, but not fresh market spinach. This study evaluates the potential use of phenmedipham alone and in combination with cycloate for weed control in fresh spinach production. Greenhouse and field studies were conducted in 2013 using two spinach varieties known to have low and high tolerance to phenmedipham. The greenhouse studies showed that phenmedipham at 270 and 550 g ai ha−1 was safe to spinach when applied at the four-leaf stage for the low- and high-tolerance varieties, respectively. Phenmedipham was evaluated alone (550 g ha−1) and applied to the four-leaf stage in two varieties. Subsequently, a second experiment evaluated cycloate (1,700 g ha−1) followed by (fb) phenmedipham at several rates (90, 180, and 270 g ha−1). Phenmedipham alone (550 g ha−1) did not result in crop injury when applied to four-leaf spinach; however, the weed control was not better than cycloate alone. When applied as a sequential treatment following cycloate, all phenmedipham rates were safe to spinach and significantly improved weed control compared to cycloate alone. Cycloate fb phenmedipham at 270 g ha−1 provided 87% weed control relative to cycloate alone. This level of weed control was similar to the cycloate plus hand-weeding treatment, which provided 98% control. Results here show that cycloate fb phenmedipham improves weed control compared to cycloate alone, and has the potential to reduce hand-weeding costs in the fresh spinach production.
Influence of postoperative low-level laser therapy on the osseointegration of self-tapping implants in the posterior maxilla: A 6-week split-mouth clinical study
Authors: Mandic Borka , Lazic Zoran , Markovic Aleksa , Mandic Bojan , Mandic Miska , Djinic Ana , Milicic Biljana
Published: December 2014

Background/Aim. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been proven to stimulate
bone repair, affecting cellular proliferation, differentiation and adhesion,
and has shown a potential to reduce the healing time following implant
placement. The aim of this clinical study was to investigate the influence of
postoperative LLLT osseointegration and early success of self-tapping
implants placed into low-density bone. Methods. Following the split-mouth
design, self-tapping implants (n = 44) were inserted in the posterior maxilla
of 12 patients. One jaw side randomly received LLLT (test group), while the
other side was placebo (control group). For LLLT, a 637 nm
gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) laser (Medicolaser 637, Technoline,
Belgrade, Serbia) with an output power of 40 mW and continuous wave was used.
Low-level laser treatment was performed immediately after the surgery and
then repeated every day in the following 7 days. The total irradiation dose
per treatment was 6.26 J/cm? per implant. The study outcomes were: implant
stability, alkaline-phosphatase (ALP) activity and early implant success
rate. The follow-up took 6 weeks. Results. Irradiated implants achieved a
higher stability compared with controls during the entire follow-up and the
difference reached significance in the 5th postoperative week (paired t-test,
p = 0.030). The difference in ALP activity between the groups was
insignificant in any observation point (paired t-test, p > 0.05). The early
implant success rate was 100%, regardless of LLLT usage. Conclusion. LLLT
applied daily during the first postoperative week expressed no significant
influence on the osseointegration of selftapping implants placed into low
density bone of the posterior maxilla. Placement of self-tapping
macro-designed implants into low density bone could be a predictable
therapeutic procedure with a high early success rate regardless of LLLT
usage.
Chemical Aspects of Nanoparticle Ecotoxicology
Authors: Sigg Laura , Yue Yang , Schug Hannah , Röhder Lena , Piccapietra Flavio , Odzak Niksa , Isaacson Carl , Groh Ksenia , Behra Renata , Schirmer Kristin
Published: December 2014

Nanoecotoxicology strives to understand the processes and mechanisms by which engineered nanoparticles (ENP) may exert toxic effects on aquatic organisms. Detailed knowledge of the chemical reactions of nanoparticles in the media and of their interactions with organisms is required
to understand these effects. The processes of agglomeration of nanoparticles, of dissolution and release of toxic metal ions, and of production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are considered in this article. Important questions concern the role of uptake of nanoparticles in various organisms,
in contrast to uptake of ions released from nanoparticles and to nanoparticle attachment to organism surfaces. These interactions are illustrated for effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNP), cerium oxide (CeO2 NP) and titanium dioxide (TiO2 NP), on aquatic organisms, including algae, biofilms, fish cells and fish embryos.
On-Farm Variation and Household Diversity of Pigeon Pea Landraces in Kachorwa, Nepal
Authors: Joshi Bal K. , Shrestha Pitamber , Upadhyay Madhusudan P. , Chaudhary Bedananda , Mudwari Ashok , Baniya Bimal K. , KC Hari B.
Published: December 2014

Farmers value the diversity because of diverse environments both in production and consumption. On-farm morphological variation on pigeon peas (2n = 2x= 22 or 4x, 6x?) was studied at Kachorwa, Bara, Nepal to assess the household categories that have maintained diversity. Household diversity Index (HDI) of 10 different farmer categories was estimated based on Shanon-Weaver method. Eighteen quantitative and qualitative (quant-qualitative) traits were used for on-farm variation and HDI studies. On farm ANOVA was generated on eight quantitative traits. Highest diversity (HDI, 0.265) was maintained by farmer of medium wealth category who grows pigeon pea in upland bund. Pigeon pea grown in khet (low land) bund with Pajawa landrace expressed least diversity (HDI, 0.079). Pigeon pea growing in monoculture was more diverse (HDI, 0.224) for 18 traits than in other production environments. Maximum variation was observed in growth habit followed by seed color pattern. The highest grain yield among the Chanki growers was produced by the farmer of medium wealth category growing pigeon pea in upland bund. Significance variation among farmers in quantitative traits indicates the intra varietal diversity in pigeon pea. Diversity varied with respect to wealth category and production environments. Farmer who has maximum diversity on pigeon pea could able to receive the higher grain yield. Result related to where and who maintain the diversity may be useful for development of on-farm    conservation strategy. Possibility of developing good varieties exits using Pajawa and Chanki landraces. Nepal Agric. Res. J. Vol. 8, 2007, pp. 23-28DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/narj.v8i0.11567
Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors Affecting Reproductive Traits of Pakhribas Pig in Nepal
Authors: Neopane Shreeram P.
Published: December 2014

Pakhribas pig is a black colour pig and is highly preferred by the people in the Eastern hills of Nepal. This breed was developed in Nepal by three-way crossing of exotic breeds  (Saddle back, Fayuen and Tamworth) at Agricultural Research Station (ARS), Pakhribas, the then Pakhribas Agricultural Centre (PAC). The data of 348 pigs, born over a period of fifteen years (1990 to 2004) were used to study the effect of non-genetic factors on reproductive traits and estimate their genetic parameters. The findings revealed that the   overall gestation length and farrowing intervals were 113.7 ± 0.12 days and 182.5 ± 2.2 days, respectively. Season of birth and parity of dams were not important sources of variation for reproductive traits, where as year affected these traits significantly. Heritability estimates of gestation length was low (0.02 ± 0.094), but heritability for farrowing interval was moderate (0.14 ± 0.147) suggesting selection based on farrowing interval would bring the improvement in the trait.Nepal Agric. Res. J. Vol. 8, 2007, pp. 77-81DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/narj.v8i0.11584
Reproductive Disorders and Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in Yak
Authors: Aryal Sitaram , Paudel Krishna P.
Published: December 2014

A study on reproductive disorders among yaks in Mustang and Solukhumbu districts and seroprevalence of brucellosis among yaks in Mustang and Myagdi districts was conducted. Eleven farmers having 383 female and 72 male yaks in Mustang and 129 female and 27 male yaks in Solukhumbu districts were taken by purposive random sampling for the study on reproductive disorders. Likewise Sixty-seven serum samples were also collected from adult female yaks having history of abortion and retained placenta, and from male yaks used for breeding purpose from Mustang and Myagdi districts. An average of 12.63% of female yaks aborted, 7.26% had had retention of placenta and 6.6% repeat breeders in Mustang district. Similarly, 6.3% had abortion, 2.09% retained placenta and 6.5% repeat breeders in Solukhumbu district. However, all the 67 serum samples examined were found negative to the Brucella abortus antibody on ELISA test suggesting that the yak population was free from brucellosis in these areas. Thus abortion and retention of placenta in Yak in Mustang district may not be due to brucellosis. A detail study should be done to find the specific cause of abortion and repeat breeding to recommend preventive and control measures.Nepal Agric. Res. J. Vol. 8, 2007, pp. 130-132 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/narj.v8i0.11608
Structural and magnetic evolution of ball milled nanocrystalline Fe-50 at.% Al alloy
Authors: Rajan Sandeep , Shukla Rajni , Kumar Anil , Vyas Anupam , Brajpuriya Ranjeet
Published: November 2014

Investigations regarding structural, morphological, and magnetic changes induced by ball milling of Fe-50 at.% Al alloy have been carried out. The mechanical alloying process induces a progressive dissolution of Al into Fe, resulting in the nucleation and establishment of an elongated nanostructured Fe(Al) solid solution with the bcc structure only after 5 hr of milling. The average crystallite size of components decreased to ~5 nm and the components diffused to the nanograin boundaries during transition to nanostructured composite. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the crystallite size determination and Fe(Al) solid solution formation obtained from X-ray diffraction analysis. The corresponding magnetic (Mössbauer and vibration sample magnetometer) studies confirm that there is magnetic behaviour retained in the FeAl alloys samples even after 5 hr of milling but magnetization decreases as the milling time increases. The ball milling process involves the loss of long range order and reduced grain size, which induces a transition from a paramagnetic to ferromagnetic state. The continuous refinement of grains and the antiphase interface grain bounderies play a major part in the observed variation in the magnetic properties.
Medical doctors as the captain of a ship: an analysis of medical students’ book reports on Joseph Conrad’s “Lord Jim”
Authors: Hwang Kun , Lee Seung Jae , Kim Seong Yeon , Hwang Se Won , Kim Ae Yang
Published: November 2014

Purpose: In South Korean ferry disaster in 2014, the captain abandoned the ship with passengers including high school students still aboard. We noticed the resemblance of abandoning the ship with passengers still aboard the ferry (named the Sewol) and the ship Patna, which was full of pilgrims, in Joseph Conrad’s novel “Lord Jim.” The aim of this study is to see how medical students think about the role of a medical doctor as a captain of a ship by analyzing book reports on Conrad’s “Lord Jim.” Methods: Participants included 49 third-year medical students. Their book reports were analyzed. Results: If placed in the same situation as the character of Jim, 24 students of the 49 respondents answered that they would stay with the passengers, while 18 students indicated they would escape from the ship with the crew. Most of the students thought the role of a doctor in the medical field was like that of a ‘captain.’ The medical students reported that they wanted to be a doctor who is responsible for his or her patients, highly moral, warm-hearted, honest, and with high self-esteem. Conclusion: In conclusion, we found that “Lord Jim” induced the virtue of ‘responsibility’ from the medical students. Consequently, “Lord Jim” could be good teaching material for medical humanities.
Preparation of Chitosan Nanocompositeswith a Macroporous Structure by Unidirectional Freezing and Subsequent Freeze-Drying
Authors: Aranaz Inmaculada , Gutiérrez María , Ferrer María , Del Monte Francisco
Published: November 2014

Chitosan is the N-deacetylated derivative of chitin, a naturally abundant mucopolysaccharide that consists of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-d-glucose through a β (1→4) linkage and is found in nature as the supporting material of crustaceans, insects, etc. Chitosan has been strongly recommended as a suitable functional material because of its excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and adsorption properties. Boosting all these excellent properties to obtain unprecedented performances requires the core competences of materials chemists to design and develop novel processing strategies that ultimately allow tailoring the structure and/or the composition of the resulting chitosan-based materials. For instance, the preparation of macroporous materials is challenging in catalysis, biocatalysis and biomedicine, because the resulting materials will offer a desirable combination of high internal reactive surface area and straightforward molecular transport through broad “highways” leading to such a surface. Moreover, chitosan-based composites made of two or more distinct components will produce structural or functional properties not present in materials composed of one single component. Our group has been working lately on cryogenic processes based on the unidirectional freezing of water slurries and/or hydrogels, the subsequent freeze-drying of which produce macroporous materials with a well-patterned structure. We have applied this process to different gels and colloidal suspensions of inorganic, organic, and hybrid materials. In this review, we will describe the application of the process to chitosan solutions and gels typically containing a second component (e.g., metal and ceramic nanoparticles, or carbon nanotubes) for the formation of chitosan nanocomposites with a macroporous structure. We will also discuss the role played by this tailored composition and structure in the ultimate performance of these materials.
Le système de rééducation par le travail, instrument de lutte politique et moyen de contrôle social
Authors: Jianrong Yu
Published: November 2014

Après un bref récapitulatif de l’histoire du système de rééducation par le travail (laojiao), notre article conclut que la création et le développement de ce système peut se diviser de manière générale en deux phases : celle de la rééducation par le travail en tant qu’instrument de lutte politique et celle de la rééducation par le travail en tant que moyen de contrôle social. Bien qu’au cours de l’histoire, le laojiao ait été réformé plusieurs fois, que sa fonction et ses cibles aient connu de grandes variations, on peut dire que ces changements dans les tâches concrètes n’ont constitué que des adaptations du laojiao aux exigences de la société à différentes époques, mais que la violation arbitraire du droit individuel par la force publique qui constitue la nature profonde de ce système, n’a jamais changé. En conséquence, bien que le système du laojiao, anomalie produite par l’histoire, continue de jouer un rôle aujourd’hui, la poursuite de son existence a déjà perdu toute justification et toute légitimité.
La nouvelle détente dans le détroit de Taiwan. Quel impact sur la sécurité et l’avenir de la République de Chine ?
Authors: Cabestan Jean-Pierre
Published: November 2014

La détente actuelle dans le détroit de Formose est, à première vue, accueillie favorablement par l’ensemble des parties en présence : Taiwan, la Chine et les États-Unis. Cette détente demeure néanmoins armée, et les questions liées à la sécurité de l’île n’ont pas encore été abordées. En effet, tandis que grâce à une intégration économique accélérée la Chine exerce une influence grandissante sur Taiwan, la menace de l’Armée populaire de libération (APL) s’intensifie de manière continue. Les efforts de Taiwan en matière de défense ont stagné, malgré l’annonce récente d’une importante livraison d’armes américaines, et la volonté des Taiwanais de se battre dépend de plus en plus de l’engagement des États-Unis en faveur de leur sécurité. Cet engagement demeure fort. Mais face à la modernisation rapide de l’APL et l’influence toujours plus grande exercée par la Chine populaire sur la classe politique, le monde des affaires et la société insulaires, Washington s’interroge sur la viabilité à long terme de son engagement de sécurité en faveur de l’île, consacré depuis 1979 par le Taiwan Relations Act (loi sur les relations avec Taiwan, TRA). En conséquence, la détente actuelle soulève de nouvelles questions qui restent à ce jour sans réponse.
Comprendre les nuances des Waishengren. Histoire et autonomie des acteurs
Authors: Meng-Hsuan Yang Dominic , Mau-kuei Chang
Published: November 2014

À la fin des années 1940 et au début de la décennie 1950, le monde a assisté à un exode massif de réfugiés politiques fuyant la Chine après la guerre civile. Ceux qui ont suivi le Kuomintang et trouvé refuge à Taiwan ont été appelés «continentaux » ou «waishengren » . Cet article offre une analyse des recherches de ces dernières décennies sur les waishengren, faisant ressortir les divers angles d’approche et le contexte politique et social qui a permis leur développement. En conclusion, l’article propose un nouveau programme de recherche se fondant sur l’étude des migrations et de l’analyse historico-sociologique. Cette nouvelle approche met en avant l’importance tant de l’histoire que de l’autonomie des acteurs pour l’étude des waishengren à Taiwan.
Analysis of Underlying Causes of Inter-expert Disagreement in Retinopathy of Prematurity Diagnosis
Authors: Kalpathy-Cramer J. , You S. , Keck K. , Erdogmus D. , Chiang M. F. , Ataer-Cansizoglu E.
Published: December 2014

Objective: Inter-expert variability in image-based clinical diagnosis has been demonstrated in many diseases including retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which is a disease affecting low birth weight infants and is a major cause of childhood blindness. In order to better understand the underlying causes of variability among experts, we propose a method to quantify the variability of expert decisions and analyze the relationship between expert diagnoses and features computed from the images. Identification of these features is relevant for development of computer-based decision support systems and educational systems in ROP, and these methods may be applicable to other diseases where inter-expert variability is observed.

Methods: The experiments were carried out on a dataset of 34 retinal images, each with diagnoses provided independently by 22 experts. Analysis was performed using concepts of Mutual Information (MI) and Kernel Density Estimation. A large set of structural features (a total of 66) were extracted from retinal images. Feature selection was utilized to identify the most important features that correlated to actual clinical decisions by the 22 study experts. The best three features for each observer were selected by an exhaustive search on all possible feature subsets and considering joint MI as a relevance criterion. We also compared our results with the results of Cohen’s Kappa [36] as an inter-rater reliability measure.

Results: The results demonstrate that a group of observers (17 among 22) decide consistently with each other. Mean and second central moment of arteriolar tortuosity is among the reasons of disagreement between this group and the rest of the observers, meaning that the group of experts consider amount of tortuosity as well as the variation of tortuosity in the image.

Conclusion: Given a set of image-based features, the proposed analysis method can identify critical image-based features that lead to expert agreement and disagreement in diagnosis of ROP. Although tree-based features and various statistics such as central moment are not popular in the literature, our results suggest that they are important for diagnosis.