bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An outlook on ion signaling and ionome of mycorrhizal symbiosis
Authors: Ramos Alessandro C. , Façanha Arnoldo R. , Palma Livia M. , Okorokov Lev A. , Cruz Zilma M.A. , Silva Ary G. , Siqueira Arthur F. , Bertolazi Amanda A. , Canton Gabriela C. , Melo Juliana , Santos Wolmen O. , Schimitberger Vanusa M. B. , Okorokova-Façanha Anna L.
Published: August 2011

The 450-million-year-old interaction between the majority of land plants and mycorrhizal fungi is one of the most ancient, abundant, and ecologically important symbiosis on earth. The early events in the evolution of mycorrhizal symbioses seem to have involved reciprocal genetic changes in ancestral plants and free-living fungi. new data on the mechanism of action of specific signaling molecules and how it influence and is influenced by the membrane ions fluxes and cytoplasm ion oscillations which integrate the symbiotic ionome are improving our understanding of the molecular bases of the mycorrhization process. This mini-review will highlight topics regarding what is known about the ionome and ionic communication in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis focusing on the signals involved in the development of symbioses. Here we present an overview integrating the available data with the prospects of the research in the field.
Enxerto aorto bi-ilíaco com veia femoral superficial: uma opção nas infecções de próteses e endopróteses aórticas - relato de caso
Authors: Metzger Patrick Bastos , Barbato Heraldo Antonio , Angelieri Fernanda Maria Resegue , Almeida Bruno Lourenção de , Filho Frederico Augusto de Carvalho Linhares , Jordão Eduardo da Silva , Kambara Antonio Massamitsu , Rossi Fabio Henrique , Izukawa Nilo Mitsuru
Published: August 2011

Uma das complicações mais temidas na cirurgia vascular é a infecção do enxerto sintético. Afeta 2% dos procedimentos cirúrgicos convencionais e 0,3 a 6% dos procedimentos endovasculares. Relatamos o caso de paciente tratada de aneurisma de aorta abdominal por ambos os métodos e que, após seis anos, foi submetida a retirada das próteses devido à infecção. A veia femoral superficial bilateral foi usada como substituto, com sucesso.
Tratamento de aneurisma da artéria renal por embolização e técnica de remodelamento de colo: relato de caso
Authors: Brito Luis Carlos Mendes de , Martins João de Toledo , Passos Eliane , Santos Amanda Jardim dos , Gama Rodrigo Assad Diniz da , Furlani Gabriela Ximenes
Published: August 2011

O tratamento endovascular dos aneurismas de artéria renal tem sido descrito como alternativa à cirurgia convencional. Relatamos o caso de uma paciente com um aneurisma de artéria renal complexo à direita que apresentava hipertensão arterial de difícil controle. O tratamento endovascular foi realizado com a técnica de remodelagem de colo (técnica de Moret), ou técnica de embolização assistida por balão. A paciente obteve normalização da pressão arterial após o procedimento sem recidiva dos sintomas ou necessidade do uso de drogas anti-hipertensivas.
Detectability of Vasopressin in Continuous Venovenous Hemodialysis Effluent of Patients with Vasodilatory Shock Treated with Exogenous Arginine Vasopressin
Authors: Bauer Seth R. , Culver Daniel A. , Abraham Susamma , Lam Simon W. , Fissell William H. , Wiedemann Herbert P. , Reddy Anita J.
Published: August 2011

Study Objectives. To determine whether vasopressin is detectable in the continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD) effluent of patients receiving exogenous arginine vasopressin, and to determine whether treatment‐specific factors are associated with vasopressin levels in CVVHD effluent.

Design. Prospective observational study.

Setting. Intensive care units of a tertiary care academic medical center.

Patients. Twenty‐seven adults with vasodilatory shock who received a stable‐dose continuous intravenous infusion of arginine vasopressin with concomitant uninterrupted CVVHD for at least 4 hours between September 2008 and May 2010.

Measurements and Main Results. Vasopressin levels in CVVHD effluent were assessed by radioimmunoassay. Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance and Pearson correlation. A multivariate linear regression was used to assess for independent factors associated with vasopressin levels in CVVHD effluent. The CVVHD effluent of all patients was assessed for vasopressin levels. The median exogenous arginine vasopressin dose was 0.03 unit/minute (range 0.02–0.18 unit/min), whereas the median CVVHD effluent flow rate was 22.6 ml/kg/hour (interquartile range [IQR] 21.5–26.8 ml/kg/hr). Vasopressin was detectable in all effluent samples (median 88.8 pg/ml, IQR 36.4–113.7 pg/ml). There were no significant differences in CVVHD effluent vasopressin levels among CVVHD filter types (p=0.39). The CVVHD effluent vasopressin levels correlated with exogenous arginine vasopressin dose (r2=0.49, p<0.001). After adjustment for CVVHD effluent flow rate and administration of corticosteroids, with multivariate linear regression, only exogenous arginine vasopressin dose was independently associated with CVVHD effluent vasopressin level.

Conclusion. Vasopressin is detectable in CVVHD effluent, suggesting that it is removed by CVVHD. In addition, exogenous arginine vasopressin infusion dose is independently associated with CVVHD effluent vasopressin level.
Reactivity of Litter Leachates from California Oak Woodlands in the Formation of Disinfection By‐Products
Authors: Chow Alex T. , O'Geen Anthony T. , Dahlgren Randy A. , Díaz Francisco J. , Wong Kin‐Hang , Wong Po‐Keung
Published: August 2011

Litter materials from forested watersheds can be a significant source of dissolved organic matter (DOM) to surface waters that can contribute to the formation of carcinogenic disinfection by‐products (DBPs) during drinking‐water chlorination. This study characterized the reactivity of DOM from litter leachates of representative vegetation in oak woodlands, a major plant community in the Foothill Region of California. Leachates from fresh and decomposed litter (duff) from two oak species, pine, and annual grasses were collected for an entire rainy season to evaluate their reactivity to form DBPs on chlorination. Relationships among specific ultraviolet absorbance (SUVA), fluorescence index (FI), specific differential ultraviolet absorbance (SΔUVA), specific chlorine demand (SCD), and the dissolved organic carbon:dissolved organic nitrogen (DOC:DON) ratio to the specific DBP formation potential (SDBP‐FP) were examined. The DOM derived from litter materials had considerable reactivity in forming trihalomethanes (THMs) (1.80–3.49 mmol mol−1), haloacetic acid (HAAs) (1.62–2.76 mmol mol−1), haloacetonitriles (HANs) (0.12–0.37 mmol mol−1), and chloral hydrate (CHD) (0.16–0.28 mmol mol−1). These values are comparable to other identified watershed sources of DBP precursors reported for the California Delta, such as wetlands and organic soils. Vegetation type and litter decomposition stage (fresh litter versus 1–5 yr‐old duff) were key factors that determined characteristics of DOM and their reactivity to form DBPs. Pine litter had significantly lower specific THM formation potential compared with oak and grass, and decomposed duff had a greater DON content, which is a precursor of HANs and other nitrogenous DBPs. The SUVA and SDBP‐FP were temporally variable and dependent on vegetation type, degree of decomposition, and environmental conditions. Among the optical properties of DOM, SΔUVA was the only parameter that was consistently correlated with SDBP‐FP.
Nitrous Oxide Dynamics in a Braided River System, New Zealand
Authors: Clough T. J. , Buckthought L. E. , Casciotti K. L. , Kelliher F. M. , Jones P. K.
Published: August 2011

Recently the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emission factor EF5‐r was revised downward to a value of 0.0025 kg N2O–N per kg NO3−–N leached. It was not reduced further due to the continued uncertainty surrounding the dynamics of N2O in river systems. There have been few studies where river system N2O yields and fluxes have been measured. In this study, we examined the relationship between NO3−–N and N2O–N fluxes at 10 sites along a braided river system (84 km) over a 397‐d period. Isotopic analysis of NO3−–N river water samples and the potential agricultural nitrogen (N) sources demonstrated that the NO3−–N came from agricultural or sewage sources. Percent saturation of N2O varied with site and date (average, 114%) and correlated with river NO3−–N concentrations. Modeled N2O fluxes (16–30 μg m−2 h−1) from five sites were strongly related to river NO3−–N concentrations (r2 = 0.86). The modeled N2O–N fluxes ranged from 39 to 81% of the IPCC‐derived emissions based on the NO3−–N load in the river over 397 d and do not support further lowering of the EF5‐r. Further in situ river studies are required to verify the N2O–N fluxes and the calculated gas transfer velocity values for these braided river systems.
Dissipation of 17β‐Estradiol in Composted Poultry Litter
Authors: Hakk Heldur , Sikora Lawrence
Published: August 2011

The excreted estrogen rate of all livestock in the United States is estimated at 134 kg d−1. The influence of manure treatment on the fate of estrogens is critical in deciding the recycling of over 300 million dry tons of livestock produced annually. The effects of two common manure management practices, heated composting and ambient temperature decomposition, on the fate of 17β‐estradiol in poultry litter were determined. A mixture of poultry litter, wood chips, and straw was amended with [14C]17β‐estradiol and allowed to undergo decomposition with a laboratory‐scale heated composter (HC) or room temperature incubation (RTI) for 24 d. Radiolabel in the finished products was fractionated into water‐extractable, acetone‐extractable, nonextractable, and mineralized fractions. Total 17β‐estradiol radioactive residues in the HC and RTI (n = 2) treatments were not different (P > 0.05), except that statistically less 17β‐estradiol was mineralized to 14CO2 during HC than RTI (1.1 vs. 10.0% for HC and RTI, respectively). Estrone was the major degradation product in extracts of HC and RTI treatments as determined by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analyses. The nonextractable residues indicated no quantitative differences among the humins between the treatments. An estimated 3% of the fortified estrogenicity remained after HC treatment, and 15% of the fortified estrogenicity remained after RTI treatment. If reduction of water‐removable, biologically active 17β‐estradiol is the treatment goal, then HC treatment would be slightly preferred over ambient temperature degradation. However, unmanaged, ambient temperature litter piles are less costly and time consuming for food animal producers and result in greater mineralization and similar immobilization of estradiol.
Levels, Distribution, and Health Risk of Phthalate Esters in Urban Soils of Beijing, China
Authors: Xia Xinghui , Yang Lingyan , Bu Qingwei , Liu Ruimin
Published: August 2011

The content of phthalate esters (PAEs) was investigated in urban soil samples (n = 127, 0–20 cm) collected from a business area (BU), classical garden (CL), culture and educational area (CU), large public green space (LA), residential area (RE), and roadside area (RO) in Beijing. The sum of all PAE contents ranged from 1.9 to 3141.7 ng/g, with an average of 1139.6 ± 727.6 ng/g. Di‐n‐butyl phthalate (DBP) and di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were the major contaminants in the soil samples. The content of DEHP and DBP in the urban soil of Beijing showed decreasing trends from the center of the city to the suburbs, which was probably because the center of the city has a longer history. In addition, higher DBP content also occurred in the south of the city, which was caused by the existence of several factories that produce commodity chemical and building materials in these areas. Because of its greater age, less disturbance from human activity, and high levels of total organic carbon and black carbon in CL, PAE content in CL was the highest among the six types of land use, followed by RE, CU, BU, LA, and RO. Although in 82.6% of the soil samples, DBP content exceeded the recommended allowable soil content in New York, USA, health risk assessment with CalTOX and Monte Carlo analysis showed that the total cancer risk values of PAEs were lower than the acceptable cancer risk value (10−6) and that the risk mainly came from dermal uptake and inhalation exposure pathways.
Do Mitigation Strategies Reduce Global Warming Potential in the Northern U.S. Corn Belt?
Authors: Johnson Jane M.‐F. , Archer David W. , Weyers Sharon L. , Barbour Nancy W.
Published: August 2011

Agricultural management practices that enhance C sequestration, reduce greenhouse gas emission (nitrous oxide [N2O], methane [CH4], and carbon dioxide [CO2]), and promote productivity are needed to mitigate global warming without sacrificing food production. The objectives of the study were to compare productivity, greenhouse gas emission, and change in soil C over time and to assess whether global warming potential and global warming potential per unit biomass produced were reduced through combined mitigation strategies when implemented in the northern U.S. Corn Belt. The systems compared were (i) business as usual (BAU); (ii) maximum C sequestration (MAXC); and (iii) optimum greenhouse gas benefit (OGGB). Biomass production, greenhouse gas flux, change in total and organic soil C, and global warming potential were compared among the three systems. Soil organic C accumulated only in the surface 0 to 5 cm. Three‐year average emission of N2O and CH4 was similar among all management systems. When integrated from planting to planting, N2O emission was similar for MAXC and OGGB systems, although only MAXC was fertilized. Overall, the three systems had similar global warming potential based on 4‐yr changes in soil organic C, but average rotation biomass was less in the OGGB systems. Global warming potential per dry crop yield was the least for the MAXC system and the most for OGGB system. This suggests management practices designed to reduce global warming potential can be achieved without a loss of productivity. For example, MAXC systems over time may provide sufficient soil C sequestration to offset associated greenhouse gas emission.
Elimination and accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban stormwater wet detention ponds
Authors: Istenič Darja , Arias Carlos A. , Matamoros Víctor , Vollertsen Jess , Brix Hans
Published: August 2011

The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and sediments of seven wet detention ponds receiving urban stormwater were investigated. The ponds comprised traditional wet detention ponds with a permanent wet volume and a storage volume as well as ponds that were expanded with sand filters and other means to improve the removal of micropollutants. The concentrations of ∑PAH in the sediments varied between 6 ± 5 and 2,222 ± 603 ng g−1 dry weight (mean ± standard deviation), and were highest in the ponds with lower pond volume per catchment area and did not clearly reflect different activities in the catchments. In general, the concentrations of PAHs in the sediments decreased from inlet to outlet, especially in the systems with good conditions for sedimentation such as systems with flow perpendicular sand dikes and extensive submerged vegetation. High molecular weight PAHs were predominant in the sediments indicating the pyrogenic origin of the PAHs. There was no correlation between PAH species concentrations in water or sediments and their hydrophobicity (log Kow). PAH concentrations in water fluctuated in response to intensity and frequency of rain events, whereas concentrations in the sediments integrated the pollutant load over time. Pond systems expanded with sand filters and other technologies to enhance removal of micropollutants consistently had concentrations of PAHs in the effluents below the detection level.
Relative kinetics of anaerobic digestion under thermophilic and mesophilic conditions
Authors: Ge H. , Jensen P. D. , Batstone D. J.
Published: August 2011

With several advantages over the conventional mesophilic anaerobic digestion, such as better sludge quality and higher biogas production, thermophilic anaerobic digestion is regarded as a promising alternative for sludge digestion. Primary and activated sludges are complex materials, and historically, analysis of kinetics has been largely on whole sludge, without analysis of individual components. This paper analyses relative digestion kinetics of pure substrates designed to target main stages of sludge digestion under thermophilic and mesophilic conditions. Hydrolysis rate of cellulose was significantly influenced by temperature with hydrolysis coefficients of – at 55 °C (0.7 ± 0.1 day−1), 60 °C (0.8 ± 0.2 day−1), 65 °C (1.1 ± 0.2 day−1) and 70 °C (1.2 ± 0.2 day−1) over 38 °C (0.4 ± 0.1 day−1). This strongly follows the Arrhenius relationship, with an activation energy (EA) of 31 ± 4 kJ mol−1, corresponding to an increase of 1.5x for each 10 °C of temperature increase. Glucose uptake was rapid with a wide variety of fermentation products detected under mesophilic conditions, while uptake was slower under thermophilic conditions with acetate and propionate being dominant products. Propionate acetogenesis and acetate-utilizing methanogenesis kinetics were not influenced by temperatures. Hydrolysis is widely regarded as a rate-limiting step in sludge digestion, thus improvements in hydrolysis rates as measured during this study have the potential for significant improvements in overall apparent sludge digestion rates.
Acidogenic fermentation of municipal solid waste and its application to bio-electricity production via microbial fuel cells (MFCs)
Authors: Cavdar P. , Yilmaz E. , Tugtas A. E. , Calli B.
Published: August 2011

Acidogenic fermentation of organic municipal solid waste (MSW) and the bio-electricity production potential from its volatile fatty acid (VFA)-rich leachate using an air-cathode microbial fuel cell (MFC) was investigated in this study. The acidogenic fermentation of 2 kg of MSW has been carried out in a 6 L anaerobic leach-bed reactor (LBR) under mesophilic conditions (30 °C). Total production of 92 g VFA expressed as chemical oxygen demand (COD) in 3 L leachate mainly containing acetic, propionic, butyric, and valeric acids has been achieved with manual leachate recirculation and without pH control in 74 days of incubation. Leachate collected on day 32 was used as a feed to an air-cathode MFC after being diluted and supplemented with NaCl or NaHCO3. The maximum power density in the diluted leachate was only 5.9 W/m3, but reached up to 8.6 W/m3 upon the addition of 7 mmol/L NaCl. Increase in coulombic efficiency from 6 to 22% was also observed as a result of NaCl supplementation. On the other hand, NaHCO3 addition did not improve the power output.
Post-treatment of biologically treated wastewater of agrochemical industry by sulfated chitosan composite nanofiltration membrane
Authors: Chaudhari Latesh B. , Murthy Z. V. P.
Published: August 2011

The objective of this study is to treat the biologically treated wastewater using sulfated chitosan/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) composite nanofiltration (NF) membrane to improve agrochemical industry wastewater quality for reuse. Although biological treatment is quite efficient, the wastewater does not meet the reuse criteria. Hence, further treatment to improve the water quality is investigated. Sulfated chitosan composite NF membranes, having a PAN ultrafiltration membrane as the substrate, are prepared by coating and cross-linking methods. The effects of membrane preparation conditions on the rejection and permeation performance of the membranes are studied. The new membranes are characterized by NMR and scanning electron micrograph. Wastewater from agrochemical industry contains high concentrations of organic matter, color, heavy metals and other toxic substances. The operating variables studied are applied pressure (3–15 atm) and feed flowrate (4–16 L/min). It is found that the observed rejection (Ro) increases with increase in feed pressure at constant feed flowrate. The rejection of cations follows the sequence: Ro(Zn2+) > Ro(Ni2+) > Ro(Cu2+) > Ro(Cd2+) for wastewater. It is observed that the order of solute rejection sequence is inversely proportional to the diffusion coefficients.
Determination of processes affecting groundwater quality in the coastal aquifer beneath Puri city, India: a multivariate statistical approach
Authors: Mohapatra P. K. , Vijay R. , Pujari P. R. , Sundaray S. K. , Mohanty B. P.
Published: August 2011

Variability of groundwater quality parameters is linked to various processes such as weathering, organic matter degradation, aerobic respiration, iron reduction, mineral dissolution and precipitation, cation exchange and mixing of salt water with fresh water. Multivariate statistical analyses such as principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) were applied to the standardized data set of eleven groundwater quality parameters (i.e. pH, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Fe3+, alkalinity, NO3−, Cl−, SO42−, TDS) collected during the post-monsoon and the summer seasons in order to elicit hydrologic and biogeochemical processes affecting water quality in the unconfined aquifer beneath Puri city in eastern India. The application of PCA resulted in four factors explaining 73% variance in post-monsoon and 81% variance in summer. The HCA using Ward's method and squared Euclidean distance measure classified the parameters into four clusters based on their similarities. PCA and HCA allowed interpretation of processes. During both post-monsoon and summer seasons, anthropogenic pollution and organic matter degradation/Fe(III) reduction were found dominant due to contribution from on-site sanitation in septic tanks and soak pits in the city. Cation exchange and mineral precipitation were possible causes for increase in Na+ and decrease in Ca2+ concentration in summer. Fresh water recharge during monsoon and Sea water intrusion in summer are attributed as significant hydrologic processes to variations of the groundwater quality at the study site.
Development of a GIS method to localize critical source areas of diffuse nitrate pollution
Authors: Orlikowski D. , Bugey A. , Périllon C. , Julich S. , Guégain C. , Soyeux E. , Matzinger A.
Published: August 2011

The present study aimed at developing a universal method for the localization of critical source areas (CSAs) of diffuse nitrate (NO3−) pollution in rural catchments with low data availability. Based on existing methods, land use, soil, slope, riparian buffer strips and distance to surface waters were identified as the most relevant indicator parameters for diffuse agricultural NO3− pollution. The five parameters were averaged in a GIS-overlay to localize areas with low, medium and high risk of NO3− pollution. A first application of the GIS approach to the Ic catchment in France, showed that identified CSAs were in good agreement with results from river monitoring and numerical modelling. Additionally, the GIS approach showed low sensitivity to single parameters, which makes it robust to varying data availability. As a result, the tested GIS-approach provides a promising, easy-to-use CSA identification concept, applicable for a wide range of rural catchments.
Degradation of organic dye using zero-valent iron prepared from by-product of pickling line
Authors: Jung S. C. , Cho H. C. , Ra D. G. , Park S. H. , Yoon H. S. , Kim S. C. , Kim S. J.
Published: August 2011

In this study, zero-valent iron (ZVI) was produced using iron oxide that is a by-product of a pickling line at a steel works. The reaction activity of the produced ZVI was evaluated through a series of decomposition experiments of Orange II aqueous solution. The size of ZVI particles increased with reduction temperature due to coalescence. Correspondingly, the specific surface area of ZVI decreased with increasing reduction temperature. The decomposition efficiency of synthesized ZVI particles was higher at a lower pH. In particular, no significant decomposition reaction was observed at pH of 4 and higher. The rate of the ZVI-assisted decomposition of Orange II was increased by addition of H2O2 at pH of 3, whereas it was reduced by addition of H2O2 at a higher pH of 6. Nevertheless, simultaneous use of ZVI, UV and H2O2 led to a considerable increase in the decomposition rate even at a high pH condition (pH = 6).
Mental Imagery as a Strategy to Enhance Creativity in Children
Authors: Antonietti Alessandro , Colombo Barbara
Published: August 2011

Visual imagery plays a critical role in children's creativity. The ability to think creatively in childhood is linked to the vividness of mental images, but not the ability to transform mental images, a skill that is linked instead to logical thinking. However, a particular mental transformation, synthesis (i.e., combination of images), seems to be related with creativity. Previous research demonstrated that requiring an individual to mentally combine simple shapes can lead to creative products. This procedure, evidence shows, can also be used by children, such that training that involves combining mental shapes leads children to become more creative in making mental synthesis.
Developmental Implications of Mental Imagery in Childhood Imaginary Companions
Authors: Honeycutt James M. , Pecchioni Loretta , Keaton Shaughan A. , Pence Michelle E.
Published: August 2011

Mental imagery in children is discussed in terms of self-concept and identity development. We examine areas in this article that contribute to these developments in children including play, fantasy and imagery, imagined interactions, and imaginary companions. The interface among these areas of developmental psychology is the role of mental imagery (e.g., imagination) in cognitive, social, and emotional development. A study using binary logistic regression is reported in which the dependent variable is presence or absence of childhood imaginary companions. Two significant predictors of having an imaginary companion were identified: playing with dolls and the presence of siblings as opposed to being only children. Results are discussed in the creative role of imagery in fostering role development.
Visual and Auditory Imagery Associated with Children's Imaginary Companions
Authors: Tahiroglu Deniz , Mannering Anne M. , Taylor Marjorie
Published: August 2011

In this study we interviewed children about their experiences of visual and auditory images when interacting with imaginary companions, and explored the extent that the nature of those experiences was related to children's performance on visual imagery tasks. Eighty-three 5-year-old children and their parents were asked about the children's imaginary companions, and the children were given tasks that assessed visual imagery, their ability to generate an imaginary conversation, verbal ability, and working memory. There were substantial individual differences in the extent that children report having visual and auditory images of their invisible friends, but almost all the children with personified objects reported finding it easy to both see and hear them. Children who found it easy to imagine seeing their invisible friends were more likely to show a pattern of reaction times that was consistent with the use of imagery than children with personified objects, children who reported finding it difficult to see their invisible friends, or children who did not have any type of imaginary companion. Children with imaginary companions (either invisible friends or personified objects) were more able to generate an imaginary conversation in the lab than children who did not have imaginary companions.
Fighting Hate and Bigotry on the Internet
Authors: Cohen‐Almagor Raphael
Published: August 2011

Internet hate speech is a specific type of online content that is designed to threaten certain groups publicly and act as propaganda for offline organizations. Hate groups use websites for sharing ideology, propaganda, linking to similar sites, recruiting new converts, advocating violence and threatening others. This article analyzes the ways hate speech on the Internet can be countered. From the perspective of applied ethics, it discusses the issue in the context of moral and social responsibility, a neglected perspective in the New Media literature. The study discusses the targets of hate on the Internet, provides a framework within which problems can be identified and resolved by accentuating moral and social responsibility, and articulates possible policy solutions to combat this increasing problem.
Editorial
Authors: Margetts Helen Z
Published: August 2011

This editorial introduces the articles in the third issue of volume three of Policy & Internet. The six published articles all focus on a substantive public policy issue arising from widespread use of the Internet: the links between software piracy and country corruption, voter targeting online in political campaigns, cultural aspects of digital citizenship, the increasingly ‘conditional’ nature of governments' public and social policies, policy responses to the growing problem of online hate speech, and policy considerations for the regulation of cross‐border data flows.
Insulin Pump Therapy With Automated Insulin Suspension in Response to Hypoglycemia
Authors: Choudhary Pratik , Shin John , Wang Yongyin , Evans Mark L. , Hammond Peter J. , Kerr David , Shaw James A.M. , Pickup John C. , Amiel Stephanie A.
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a sensor-augmented insulin pump with a low glucose suspend (LGS) feature that automatically suspends basal insulin delivery for up to 2 h in response to sensor-detected hypoglycemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The LGS feature of the Paradigm Veo insulin pump (Medtronic, Inc., Northridge, CA) was tested for 3 weeks in 31 adults with type 1 diabetes.

RESULTS

There were 166 episodes of LGS: 66% of daytime LGS episodes were terminated within 10 min, and 20 episodes lasted the maximum 2 h. LGS use was associated with reduced nocturnal duration ≤2.2 mmol/L in those in the highest quartile of nocturnal hypoglycemia at baseline (median 46.2 vs. 1.8 min/day, P = 0.02 [LGS-OFF vs. LGS-ON]). Median sensor glucose was 3.9 mmol/L after 2-h LGS and 8.2 mmol/L at 2 h after basal restart.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of an insulin pump with LGS was associated with reduced nocturnal hypoglycemia in those at greatest risk and was well accepted by patients.
Effects of Exenatide on Measures of β-Cell Function After 3 Years in Metformin-Treated Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Bunck Mathijs C. , Cornér Anja , Eliasson Bjorn , Heine Robert J. , Shaginian Rimma M. , Taskinen Marja-Riitta , Smith Ulf , Yki-Järvinen Hannele , Diamant Michaela
Published: August 2011

OBJECTIVE

We previously showed that exenatide (EXE) enhanced insulin secretion after 1 year of treatment, relative to insulin glargine (GLAR), with a similar glucose-lowering action. These effects were not sustained after a 4-week off-drug period. This article reports the results after additional 2 years of exposure.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Sixty-nine metformin-treated patients with type 2 diabetes were randomized to EXE or GLAR. Forty-six patients entered the 2-year extension study in which they continued their allocated therapy. Thirty-six completed (EXE: n = 16; GLAR: n = 20) the 3-year exposure period. Insulin sensitivity (M value) and β-cell function were measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp followed by hyperglycemic clamp with arginine stimulation at pretreatment (week 52) and 4 weeks after discontinuation of study medication (week 56 and week 172). First-phase glucose stimulated C-peptide secretion was adjusted for M value and calculated as the disposition index (DI).

RESULTS

At 3 years, EXE and GLAR resulted in similar levels of glycemic control: 6.6 ± 0.2% and 6.9 ± 0.2%, respectively (P = 0.186). EXE compared with GLAR significantly reduced body weight (−7.9 ± 1.8 kg; P < 0.001). After the 4-week off-drug period, EXE increased the M value by 39% (P = 0.006) while GLAR had no effect (P = 0.647). Following the 4-week off-drug period, the DI, compared with pretreatment, increased with EXE, but decreased with GLAR (1.43 ± 0.78 and −0.99 ± 0.65, respectively; P = 0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

EXE and GLAR sustained HbA1c over the 3-year treatment period, while EXE reduced body weight and GLAR increased body weight. Following the 3-year treatment with EXE, the DI was sustained after a 4-week off-drug period. These findings suggest a beneficial effect on β-cell health.
The Charcot Foot in Diabetes
Authors: Rogers Lee C. , Frykberg Robert G. , Armstrong David G. , Boulton Andrew J.M. , Edmonds Michael , Van Georges Ha , Hartemann Agnes , Game Frances , Jeffcoate William , Jirkovska Alexandra , Jude Edward , Morbach Stephan , Morrison William B. , Pinzur Michael , Pitocco Dario , Sanders Lee , Wukich Dane K. , Uccioli Luigi
Published: August 2011

The diabetic Charcot foot syndrome is a serious and potentially limb-threatening lower-extremity complication of diabetes. First described in 1883, this enigmatic condition continues to challenge even the most experienced practitioners. Now considered an inflammatory syndrome, the diabetic Charcot foot is characterized by varying degrees of bone and joint disorganization secondary to underlying neuropathy, trauma, and perturbations of bone metabolism. An international task force of experts was convened by the American Diabetes Association and the American Podiatric Medical Association in January 2011 to summarize available evidence on the pathophysiology, natural history, presentations, and treatment recommendations for this entity.
On the homology of mapping spaces
Authors: Podkorytov Semën
Published: August 2011

Following a Bendersky-Gitler idea, we construct an isomorphism between Anderson’s and Arone’s complexes modelling the chain complex of a mapping space. This allows us to apply Shipley’s convergence theorem to Arone’s model. As a corollary, we reduce the problem of homotopy equivalence for certain “toy” spaces to a problem in homological algebra.
Effectiveness of Total Physical Response
Authors: Singh Jai Prakash
Published: August 2011

The present article is an attempt to overview Total Physical Response as a method of language teaching and to show its implications in English language classroom, particularly in vocabulary teaching at elementary grades. Keywords Total Physical Response(TPR), lesson plan, intervention, target language, word association DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v1i0.5303 Academic Voices 2011; 1: 20-22
Changing Population Characteristics in Parsa
Authors: Yadav Keshav Kumar
Published: August 2011

The populaton of Nepal has been growing steadily for the last several decades. The rapidly growing population, at alarming state in Parsa (Nepal), is an indicator of the change in population status. This paper explores the changing population characteristics of Parsa district in terms of size, growth rate, density, distribution, composition, dependency ratio, marriage age, literacy status, religion, caste/ethnicity as well as the major mother tongue which is vital for local planning. It is based on the secondary data collected from different censuses of Nepal. Keywords Population distribution, density, age dependency, sex ratio, literacy status DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v1i0.5305 Academic Voices 2011; 1: 26-30
Learning Mathematics By Discovery
Authors: Prasad Kripa Sindhu
Published: August 2011

Discovery learning can be effectively used to stimulate and maintain interest in mathematics. Furthermore, such an approach promotes creativity and originality in students which are important for a student’s future success in mathematics. This paper highlights and illustrates learning by discovery. Keywords Pure discovery, guided discovery, exploration, verification, generalization DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v1i0.5307 Academic Voices 2011; 1: 31-33
Relevance of Women Reservation in Nepal
Authors: Shreshta Manju
Published: August 2011

The major feature of democratic system is the inclusive and equitable representation of every individual from every stratum. True democracy can’t be imagined in absence of equal representation either politically, socially or economically. Female access must be ensured in every mechanism of the state for the justifiable and proportionate participation of women. Their position, as a privilege, must be saved to bring them into the mainstream of the state since they have been suppressed and oppressed from the time immemorial. Women, who hold more than 50% of the total population, must be ensured with their equal representations from local level to central. This paper aims to appraise the situation of women participation in politics and policy making and to highlight the significance of reservation for them. Keywords Women, politics, participation, policy making, reservation DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v1i0.5308 Academic Voices 2011; 1: 34-38
Controversies in Teaching English Grammar
Authors: Singh Renu
Published: August 2011

Although grammar has long been taught and learnt, it has , recently, been a matter of debate whether it is worth to teach for language development. This article presents the controversies regarding teaching English grammar home and abroad. Additionally, it also overviews various trends in grammar teaching. Keywords Grammar, behaviourism, learning, acquisition, explicit, implicit DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/av.v1i0.5312 Academic Voices 2011; 1: 56-60
Spatial Simulation Modelling of Future Forest Cover Change Scenarios in Luangprabang Province, Lao PDR
Authors: Kamusoko Courage , Oono Katsumata , Nakazawa Akihiro , Wada Yukio , Nakada Ryuji , Hosokawa Takahiro , Tomimura Shunsuke , Furuya Toru , Iwata Akitaka , Moriike Hiromichi , Someya Takashi , Yamase Takashi , Nasu Mitsuru , Gomi Yoshitaka , Sano Takio , Isobe Takao , Homsysavath Khamma
Published: August 2011

Taking Luangprabang province in Lao Peoples’s Democratic Republic (PDR) as an example, we simulated future forest cover changes under the business-as-usual (BAU), pessimistic and optimistic scenarios based on the Markov-cellular automata (MCA) model. We computed transition probabilities from satellite-derived forest cover maps (1993 and 2000) using the Markov chains, while the “weights of evidence” technique was used to generate transition potential maps. The initial forest cover map (1993), the transition potential maps and the 1993–2000 transition probabilities were used to calibrate the model. Forest cover simulations were then performed from 1993 to 2007 at an annual time-step. The simulated forest cover map for 2007 was compared to the observed (actual) forest cover map for 2007 in order to test the accuracy of the model. Following the successful calibration and validation, future forest cover changes were simulated up to 2014 under different scenarios. The MCA simulations under the BAU and pessimistic scenarios projected that current forest areas would decrease, whereas unstocked forest areas would increase in the future. Conversely, the optimistic scenario projected that current forest areas would increase in the future if strict forestry laws enforcing conservation in protected forest areas are implemented. The three simulation scenarios provide a very good case study for simulating future forest cover changes at the subnational level (Luangprabang province). Thus, the future simulated forest cover changes can possibly be used as a guideline to set reference scenarios as well as undertake REDD/REDD+ preparedness activities within the study area.
Being Diagnosed with HIV as a Trigger for Spiritual Transformation
Authors: Lutz Franz , Kremer Heidemarie , Ironson Gail
Published: August 2011

How can the diagnosis of HIV/AIDS result in a positive spiritual transformation (ST)? The purpose of this sub-study is to identify special features of the experiences of individuals in whom HIV/AIDS diagnosis triggered a positive ST. We found ST triggered by HIV/AIDS to develop gradually, with a key adaptation phase after diagnosis in which the patient develops an individualized spirituality. Most participants (92%) expressed having an individual connection to a higher presence/entity. Most (92%) also described themselves as feeling more spiritual than religious (p < 0.001). Religious professionals did not play a key role in fostering ST. Despite experiencing stigma by virtue of certain religious views, participants accepted themselves, which supported the process that we called “the triad of care taking”. This triad started with self-destructive behavior (92%), such as substance use and risky sex, then transformed to developing self-care after diagnosis (adaptation) and gradually expanded in some (62%) to compassionate care for others during ST. Spirituality did not trigger the adaption phase immediately after diagnosis, but contributed to long-lasting lifestyle changes. Overcoming self-reported depression, (92% before diagnosis and in 8% after ST) was a common feature. After the adaption phase, none of the participants blamed themselves, others or God for their HIV+ status. The prevailing view, rather, was that “God made them aware”. Our results suggest that it may be important to find ways to support people with HIV in feeling connected to a higher presence/entity, since this leads not only to a deeper connection with a higher presence/entity, but also to a deeper connection with oneself and to more responsible and caring behavior.
STATIONARY PATTERNS OF A RATIO-DEPENDENT PREDATOR-PREY SYSTEM WITH CROSS-DIFFUSION
Authors: Wang Yu-Xia , Li Wan-Tong , Shi Hong-Bo
Published: August 2011

This paper is concerned with a ratio-dependent predator-prey system with diffusion and cross-diffusion in a bounded domain with no flux boundary condition. We establish the existence and non-existence of non-constant positive steady states (patterns). In particular, we show that under certain hypotheses, the cross-diffusion can create stationary patterns even though the corresponding model without cross-diffusion fails.
La sexualité dans la cure analytique
Authors: Bonnet Gérard
Published: August 2011

SEXUALITY IN THE ANALYTICAL CURE TALK LOVE TO ME Given the freedom of tone that is the rule, we might well imagine that the analytical session moves on to talk about sexuality. In fact, it is not so much sexuality that is addressed as sex, and sex in the sense of identity, to describe what assigns the subject within a gender or in the other. The article shows that sex, indeed, is not just a partial object, of the phallic type, or a genital organ, but also an object of the ideal type embodying the potentialities specific to each of the two sexes. This explains why, in analysis, the ideal sexuality, based on that idealisation of sex, prevails outright over the two other forms. In “transfer love”, the analyst or the analysis firstly embody the ideals in question and it becomes problematic if the analysand does not manage to detach them from their person or from the situation, so as to invest them in full knowledge – a necessary evolution too in married life.
La sexualité, entre parole et parcours, des sujets infectés par le VIH
Authors: Rosenblum Ouriel
Published: August 2011

SEXUALITY, BETWEEN SPEECH AND STAGES IN LIFE, OF HIV-INFECTED SUBJECTS AIDS, that union between death and sexuality, makes the latter non-representable and has deeply modified the world of sexual imagination. The article seeks to show how the emergence of HIV has re-defined the current norm within individuals’ sexuality and then goes on to analyse the different stages HIV positive subjects have to confront as they go through life, with the need to re-organise their sexuality ; it then evokes the transgressive aspect of sexuality for some sectors of the population and, finally, gives HIV positive women the opportunity to speak out on how they come to grips with their bodies in relation to partners – soiled bodies henceforth disentitled, deprived of pleasure. HIV infection has the effect of sowing confusion between the different registers such as death, life and sex, and causes in the subject feelings of shame and guilt : so many effects that the therapist has to take on board to render the feeling that they exist in full to the subject.
L'observation à domicile : une méthode thérapeutique en psychiatrie du nourrisson
Authors: Houzel Didier
Published: August 2011

La méthode d’observation des nourrissons a été mise au point par Esther Bick pour la formation de psychothérapeutes d’enfants. Cette méthode est susceptible d’apporter une aide aux parents et aux enfants en cas de difficultés relationnelles ou de perturbations psychopathologiques précoces de l’enfant. L’auteur décrit une application thérapeutique de la méthode d’Esther Bick qu’il illustre par du matériel clinique.
Targeted Treatment of Differentiated and Medullary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Bales Shannon R. , Chopra Inder J.
Published: August 2011

The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing, with a concomitant increase in the number of patients with advanced and metastatic disease. Discoveries regarding the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer have led to the recent development of new therapeutic agents that are beginning to appear on the market. Many of these new agents are targeted kinase inhibitors primarily affecting oncogenic kinases (BRAF V600E, RET/PTC) or signaling kinases (VEGFR, PDGFR). Some of these agents report significant partial response rates, while others attain stabilization of disease as their best response. Their impact on survival is unclear. While these agents target similar pathways, a wide variety of differences exist regarding efficacy and side effect profile. Current expert opinion advises that these agents be used only in a specific subset of patients.
Decolorization of Solophenyl Red 3BL Polyazo Dye by Laccase-Mediator System: Optimization through Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Neifar Mohamed , Jaouani Atef , Kamoun Amel , Ellouze-Ghorbel Raoudha , Ellouze-Chaabouni Semia
Published: August 2011

The decolorization of direct Solophenyl red 3BL (SR), a polyazo dye extensively used in textile industry was studied. TheFomes fomentariuslaccase alone did not decolorize SR. The natural redox mediator, acetosyringone (AS), was necessary for decolorization to occur. Box-Behnken design was used to evaluate the effects of three parameters, namely, enzyme concentration (0.5–2.5 U mL−1), redox mediator concentration (3–30 μM), and incubation time (1–24 h), on the SR decolorization yield. The fitted mathematical model allowed us to plot response surfaces as well as isoresponse curves and to determine optimal decolorization conditions. The results clearly indicated that the AS concentration was the main factor influencing the SR decolorization yield. The selected optimal conditions were enzyme concentration 0.8 U mL−1, mediator concentration 33 μM, and time 14 h 30 min. These conditions allowed 79.66% of SR decolorization versus 80.70% for the predicted value. These results showed a promising future of applying laccase-AS system for industrial wastewater bioremediation.
Sleep Disturbances Associated with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Suzuki Keisuke , Miyamoto Masayuki , Miyamoto Tomoyuki , Iwanami Masaoki , Hirata Koichi
Published: August 2011

Sleep disturbances are common problems affecting the quality life of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and are often underestimated. The causes of sleep disturbances are multifactorial and include nocturnal motor disturbances, nocturia, depressive symptoms, and medication use. Comorbidity of PD with sleep apnea syndrome, restless legs syndrome, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, or circadian cycle disruption also results in impaired sleep. In addition, the involvement of serotoninergic, noradrenergic, and cholinergic neurons in the brainstem as a disease-related change contributes to impaired sleep structures. Excessive daytime sleepiness is not only secondary to nocturnal disturbances or dopaminergic medication but may also be due to independent mechanisms related to impairments in ascending arousal system and the orexin system. Notably, several recent lines of evidence suggest a strong link between rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as PD. In the present paper, we review the current literature concerning sleep disorders in PD.