bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The patho-anatomy of patellofemoral subluxation
Authors: Monk A. P. , Doll H. A. , Gibbons C. L. M. H. , Ostlere S. , Beard D. J. , Gill H. S. , Murray D. W.
Published: October 2011

Patella subluxation assessed on dynamic MRI has previously been shown to be associated with anterior knee pain. In this MRI study of 60 patients we investigated the relationship between subluxation and multiple bony, cartilaginous and soft-tissue factors that might predispose to subluxation using discriminant function analysis.

Patella engagement (% of patella cartilage overlapping with trochlea cartilage) had the strongest relationship with subluxation. Patellae with > 30% engagement tended not to sublux; those with < 30% tended to sublux. Other factors that were associated with subluxation included the tibial tubercle-trochlea notch distance, vastus medialis obliquus distance from patella, patella alta, and the bony and cartilaginous sulcus angles in the superior part of the trochlea. No relationship was found between subluxation and sulcus angles for cartilage and bone in the middle and lower part of the trochlea, cartilage thicknesses and Wiberg classification of the patella.

This study indicates that patella engagement is a key factor associated with patellar subluxation. This suggests that in patients with anterior knee pain with subluxation, resistant to conservative management, surgery directed towards improving patella engagement should be considered. A clinical trial is necessary to test this hypothesis.
Treatment of frozen shoulder by manipulation under anaesthetic and injection
Authors: Thomas W. J. C. , Jenkins E. F. , Owen J. M. , Sangster M. J. , Kirubanandan R. , Beynon C. , Woods D. A.
Published: October 2011

The effect of timing of a manipulation under anaesthetic (MUA) and injection of corticosteroid and local anaesthetic for the treatment of frozen shoulder has attracted little attention to date. All studies describe a period of conservative treatment before proceeding to an MUA. Delay has been associated with a poorer outcome.

We present a retrospective review of a prospectively collected, single-surgeon, consecutive series of 246 patients with a primary frozen shoulder treated by MUA within four weeks of presentation. The mean duration of presenting symptoms was 28 weeks (6 to 156), and time to initial post-operative assessment was 26 days (5 to 126). The Oxford shoulder score (OSS) improved by a mean of 16 points (Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, p < 0.001) with a mean OSS at this time of 43 (7 to 48). Linear regression analysis showed no correlation between the duration of presenting symptoms and OSS at initial follow-up (R2 < 0.001) or peri-operative change in OSS (R2 < 0.001) or OSS at long-term follow-up (R2 < 0.03). Further analysis at a mean of 42 months (8 to 127) revealed a sustained improvement with a mean OSS of 44 (16 to 48).

A good outcome follows an MUA and injection of corticosteroid and local anaesthetic in patients with primary frozen shoulder, independent of the duration of the presenting symptoms, and this improvement is maintained in the long term.
Proposed Career Pathway for Clinical Academic General Dental Practitioners
Authors: Aggarwal Vishal R , Palmer Nikolaus OA , Nelson Pamela , Ladwa Russ , Fortune Farida
Published: October 2011

The Modernising Medical Careers framework provides the opportunity for both medical specialists and general medical practitioners to follow training pathways that lead to appointments as National Health Service (NHS) consultants and to senior academic posts. Similar opportunities are available for dentists who wish to specialise. However, they are not available to dentists working in primary dental care who wish to become NHS consultants or senior academics in general dentistry. An alternative pathway is required that does not force committed primary care dentists who wish to become NHS consultants or senior academics down a path of specialisation. In this paper, the authors explore the situation in some detail and propose a career pathway with appropriate competencies for primary care dentists who aspire to become NHS consultants or senior academics. They justify why such posts should be created. The competencies have been developed using key guidelines and documents from the European Bologna Process and the Association for Dental Education in Europe, the Curriculum for UK Dental Foundation Programme Training, and the General Dental Council monospecialty curricula. It is hoped that the proposed pathway will produce highly trained generalists who will: (a) encourage and undertake research in primary dental care, where over 90% of dentistry is delivered, (b) support and lead outreach centres so that teaching and clinical cases reflect primary dental care, where students will spend their working lives post-qualification, and (c) provide a means of increasing the numbers of clinical dental academics, which have been in decline over the last 10 years.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (Classic Type): Report of a Case Presenting with an Unusual Dental Anomaly
Authors: Cho Shiu-Yin
Published: October 2011

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) comprises a group of generalised connective tissue disorders. Deficiency or alteration of the collagen present in the tissues results in some classic signs such as skin hyperextensibility, joint hypermobility, and vascular fragility. Multiple supernumerary teeth, congenitally missing teeth, and odontogenic keratocysts have been reported in some patients with EDS. To the author's knowledge, transposition of permanent canines has not previously been reported in any case of EDS. This case report presents the dental findings of a sporadic case of classic-type EDS in a 14-year-old Chinese male who had transposition of a permanent maxillary canine as well as the presence of two supernumerary premolars in the mandible.
Complications Associated with Intravenous Midazolam Sedation in Anxious Dental Patients
Authors: Wilson Katherine E , Thorpe Rebecca J , McCabe John F , Girdler Nicholas M
Published: October 2011

Aim

This prospective study was designed to establish the nature, frequency and sequelae of complications arising in patients receiving dental treatment under intravenous midazolam sedation.

Methods

All patients attending the Sedation Department at Newcastle Dental Hospital for intravenous sedation over a six-month period were audited. A standardised data-collection pro forma was designed in order to collect data relating to the patient, the sedation episode, the dental treatment and any complications arising. The published standard used in this study states that the incidence of complications should be no more than 8%.

Results

Four hundred and one patients were included. The mean dose of midazolam administered was 7.6 mg with a mean titration rate of 0.9 mg/min. Complications were reported in 12 patients (3%), 11 of which were minor and one moderate. All complications were managed successfully within the department with no lasting sequelae. Treatment was completed in 382 (95.7%) patients, with failure to complete treatment in 17 (4.3%) patients due to disinhibition (1), poor cooperation (10), and the sedation wearing off (6).

Conclusion

The standard was met because complications arising were infrequent (3%) and predominantly minor in nature. Complications were managed conservatively and effectively, with all patients being discharged home the same day with no lasting sequelae. The study demonstrates that intravenous midazolam provides a safe sedation technique, suitable for adult dental patients in primary care, when administered by trained personnel on carefully selected patients and in accordance with nationally agreed protocols and guidelines.
Application of ECLs and Today’s Legislation
Authors: Laemmle Patrick , Rohrbach Peter
Published: October 2011

Environmentally considerate lubricants (ECLs)—the so called “bio oils”—were introduced in the mid 80s to minimize impact of lubrication on the environment. In the early 1990s the German RAL (Blue Angel) and the Swedish Standard organisations defined corresponding specifications for ECLs, other Eco-Labels followed. In 2005 the European Community released the directive 2005/360 defining the toxicity and ecotoxicity profile for ECLs, which qualifies them for the Euro-Marguerite. For more than 20 years top tier ECLs were used in mobile and stationary hydraulic equipment. Well documented field experiences not only demonstrate these lubricants contribute to the fulfillment of the new laws but also meet technical requirements for this equipment. In this paper important EC Directives related to lubricants and the protection of the environment are discussed and how they are implemented into national laws. In addition the benefits of ECL in hydraulic equipment are addressed.
Corrosion of M5 in PWRs: Quantification of Li, B, H and Nb in the Oxide Layers Formed Under Different Conditions
Authors: Bossis Philippe , Raepsaet Caroline , Tupin Marc , Bisor-Melloul Caroline , Khodja Hicham , Blat Martine , Ambard Antoine , Miquet Alain , Kaczorowski Damien
Published: October 2011

Until now, most of the detailed characterizations of the M5 corrosion behaviour were performed under standard PWR operating conditions, under moderate Li content and moderate temperature of the primary coolant. In this study, in addition to these standard conditions, two demanding operating conditions were explored: increased Li chemistry and elevated temperature. The objective is to establish whether these more demanding conditions have an impact on the structure of the oxide layers formed, on Nb, Li and B contents in these layers and on Hydrogen pickup of the cladding. The structure of oxide layers was studied by microscopy, the Nb content and distribution by Electron Probe Micro Analysis, the Li and B contents and distributions by Nuclear Reaction Analysis and the hydrogen pickup by gas extraction. It was observed that the stability of the corrosion behaviour of M5 is not affected by increased Li or elevated temperature conditions. The hydrogen pickup fraction of M5 is not modified by increased Li conditions or by irradiation temperature with measured contents (<100 ppm) below the solubility limit at irradiation temperature (586–631 K range). Moreover, no significant release of Nb from the oxide in the primary coolant was observed, whatever the operating conditions can be, with quantification accuracy below 0.05%. The respective Li and B contents reached in oxides are of the same order of magnitude under the all three conditions, with average Li content around 15 ppm and average B content varying from 70 to 140 ppm, corresponding to a range where enhanced corrosion is neither observed, nor expected.
Formation of a miscibility gap in laser-crystallized poly-SiGe thin films
Authors: Weizman M. , Nickeal N. H. , Sieber I. , Yan B.
Published: October 2011

Laser-crystallized polycrystalline silicon-germanium (poly-SiGe) thin films on glass substrates were characterized with energy dispersive X-ray and Raman spectroscopy. In the course of the crystallization strong lateral segregation occurs for laser-crystallized poly-Si1-xGex with 0.33 < x < 0.7, causing the local Ge content to differ by as much as 40 % from the average value. The segregation manifests itself in the appearance of well-resolved peaks in the Raman phonon modes. This mode splitting in the Raman spectra is interpreted as the formation of well defined alloy phases with a miscibility gap in between.
Effects of plant species traits on ecosystem processes: experiments in the Patagonian steppe
Authors: Flombaum Pedro , Sala Osvaldo E.
Published: October 2011

Several experiments have shown that aboveground net primary productivity increases with plant species richness. The main mechanism proposed to explain this relationship is niche complementarity, which is determined by differences in plant traits that affect resource use. We combined field and laboratory experiments using the most abundant species of the Patagonian steppe to identify which are the traits that determine niche complementarity in this ecosystem. We estimated traits that affect carbon, water, microclimate, and nitrogen dynamics. The most important traits distinguishing among species, from the standpoint of their effects on ecosystem functioning, were potential soil nitrification, rooting depth, and soil thermal amplitude. Additionally, we explored the relationship between trait diversity and aboveground net primary production (ANPP) using a manipulative field experiment. ANPP and the fraction of ANPP accounted for by trait diversity increased with number of traits. The effect of trait diversity decreased as the number of traits increased. Here, the use of traits gave us a mechanistic understanding of niche complementarity in the Patagonian steppe.
Disrupting mycorrhizal mutualisms: a potential mechanism by which exotic tamarisk outcompetes native cottonwoods
Authors: Meinhardt Kelley A. , Gehring Catherine A.
Published: October 2011

The disruption of mutualisms between plants and mycorrhizal fungi is a potentially powerful mechanism by which invasives can negatively impact native species, yet our understanding of this mechanism's role in exotic species invasion is still in its infancy. Here, we provide several lines of evidence indicating that invasive tamarisk (Tamarixsp.) negatively affects native cottonwoods (Populus fremontii) by disrupting their associations with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) and ectomycorrhizal (EM) fungi. At a field site in the early stages of tamarisk invasion, cottonwoods with tamarisk neighbors had reduced EM colonization and altered EM fungal community composition relative to cottonwoods with native neighbors, leading to reductions in EM propagule abundance in the soil beneath tamarisk. Similarly, AM colonization of cottonwoods was reduced with a tamarisk neighbor, but there were no significant changes in AM fungal spore communities or propagule abundance. Root colonization by nonmycorrhizal fungi, including potential pathogens, was higher in cottonwoods with tamarisk neighbors. A greenhouse experiment in which AM and EM inoculation and plant neighbor were manipulated in a fully factorial design showed that cottonwoods benefited from mycorrhizas, especially EM, in terms of shoot biomass when grown with a conspecific, but shoot biomass was similar to that of nonmycorrhizal controls when cottonwoods were grown with a tamarisk neighbor. These results are partially explained by a reduction in EM but not AM colonization of cottonwoods by a tamarisk neighbor. Tamarisk neighbors negatively affected cottonwood specific leaf area, but not chlorophyll content, in the field. To pinpoint a mechanism for these changes, we measured soil chemistry in the field and the growth response of an EM fungus (Hebeloma crustuliniforme) to salt‐amended media in the laboratory. Tamarisk increased both NO3−concentrations and electrical conductivity 2.5‐fold beneath neighboring cottonwoods in the field. Salt‐amended media did not affect the growth ofH. crustuliniforme. Our findings demonstrate that a nonnative species, even in the early stages of invasion, can negatively affect a native species by disrupting its mycorrhizal symbioses. Some of these changes in mycorrhizal fungal communities may remain as legacy effects of invasives, even after their removal, and should be considered in management and restoration efforts.
Nighttime Variability in Wrist Actigraphy
Authors: Otte Julie L. , Payne Judith K. , Carpenter Janet S.
Published: October 2011

Wrist actigraphy measures sleep activity and circadian rhythm. This study examined nighttime variability in Actiwatch parameters in a sample of breast cancer survivors (BCSs) to determine a minimum number of nights needed to obtain an accurate picture of objective sleep. A descriptive, quantitative, and repeated measures design was used. Consenting participants wore an actigraph and completed a sleep diary across 7 nights. There were no significant differences in wake after sleep onset (WASO), total sleep time (TST), sleep latency, or sleep disturbances across nights of week (Monday to Sunday) or monitoring nights (1st to 7th). Sleep efficiency was significantly better at Night 6 compared with Night 7. The coefficients of variation (CVs) for WASO ranged from 46% to 86%, TST 23%–34%, sleep latency 154%–246%, sleep efficiency 12%–22%, and sleep disturbances 33%–41%. Although the CVs indicated high variability across women, there was little internight variability in WASO or TST during across 7 nights of sleep. This suggests that in BCSs, Actiwatch data could be collected and evaluated from any single night for an accurate measure of usual sleep.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections in Uppsala County, Sweden
Authors: Christenson Brith , Ardung Bodil , Sylvan Staffan
Published: October 2011

The epidemiology of community-acquired (CA) and health care-associated (HCA) Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections were investigated in a prospective 3-year (2004-2006) surveillance study in
Uppsala County. MRSA was isolated from all patients with soft tissue lesions attending hospitals and primary care clinics,
as well as by systematic screening, regardless of symptoms, from all patients seeking medical care who had been treated
abroad. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and spa typing were performed. The
Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene and resistance profiles were recognised. The cost of bacterial analysis was
calculated. During the surveillance period, isolates were collected from 7 967 individuals of whom 82 were colonised or
infected with MRSA.

(24 HCA and 58 CA). A majority (65%) of the MRSA isolates originating outside Sweden. The isolates could be assigned
into nine well-known international clones. The most frequent clone was CC8 (32%) within four clusters were identified
and equally distributed between HCA and CA-isolates. The next most frequent clone was CC80 (DK E97-1) (23%) only
discovered in CA isolates. Resistance to antibiotics other than β-lactams was found in 25% of the domestic isolates and in
60 % of isolates originating abroad. None of the HCA isolates carried the virulence determinant PVL gene. There was no
spread of MRSA in the community or in hospitals during the surveillance period. Most domestic cases had certain risk
factors. Travellers from or family relatives in the Middle East or Asia were highly overrepresented. To save costs selected
screening is recommended.
Enhancing the Performance of Sequencing Batch Reactors by Adding Crushed Date Seeds to Remove High Concentrations of 2,4‐Dinitrophenol
Authors: Al‐Mutairi Nayef Z.
Published: October 2011

Wastewater treatment systems using simultaneous adsorption and biodegradation processes have been successful in treating toxic pollutants present in industrial wastewater. The goal of this investigation was to assess the effectiveness of date seeds in reducing the toxic effects of 2,4‐dinitrophenol (DNP) on activated sludge microorganisms. Two identical sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) (4‐L glass vessel), each with a 3.5‐L working volume, were used. The initial DNP concentrations in the reactor were 50, 75, 100, 250, and 500 mg/L. The reactor amended with date seeds was capable of degrading DNP at significantly greater rates (11±2.5 mg/L·h) than the control SBR (4±1.2 mg/L·h) at a 95% confidence level. Date seeds can be added to the mixed liquor of activated sludge treatment plants to remove high concentrations of DNP from wastewater, to protect the treatment plant against toxic components in the influent and enhance the settling characteristics of the mixed liquor.
Anaerobic Digestion of Raw and Thermally Hydrolyzed Wastewater Solids Under Various Operational Conditions
Authors: Wilson Christopher A. , Tanneru Charan T. , Banjade Sarita , Murthy Sudhir N. , Novak John T.
Published: October 2011

In this study, high‐solids anaerobic digestion of thermally pretreated wastewater solids (THD) was compared with conventional mesophilic anaerobic digestion (MAD). Operational conditions, such as pretreatment temperature (150 to 170°C), solids retention time (15 to 20 days), and digestion temperature (37 to 42°C), were varied for the seven THD systems operated. Volatile solids reduction (VSR) by THD ranged from 56 to 62%, compared with approximately 50% for MAD. Higher VSR contributed to 24 to 59% increased biogas production (m3/kg VSR·d) from THD relative to MAD. The high‐solids conditions of the THD feed resulted in high total ammonia‐nitrogen (proportional to solids loading) and total alkalinity concentrations in excess of 14 g/L as calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Increased pH in THD reactors caused 5 to 8 times more un‐ionized ammonia to be present than in MAD, and this likely led to inhibition of aceticlastic methanogens, resulting in accumulation of residual volatile fatty acids between 2 and 6 g/L as acetic acid. The THD produced biosolids cake that possessed low organic sulfur‐based biosolids odor and dewatered to between 33 and 39% total solids. Dual conditioning with cationic polymer and ferric chloride was shown to be an effective strategy for mitigating dissolved organic nitrogen and UV‐quenching compounds in the return stream following centrifugal dewatering of THD biosolids.
Complete Dechlorination of Endosulfan and Lindane Using Mg0/Pd+4 Bimetallic System
Authors: Aginhotri Prakhar , Mahidrakar Amit B. , Gautam Sumit Kumar
Published: October 2011

A Mg0/Pd+4 bimetallic system was evaluated to dechlorinate endosulfan and lindane in the aqueous phase. Studies were conducted with endosulfan and lindane separately, with or without acid in a 1:1 (v/v) water:acetone phase. In the absence of any acid, higher degradation of endosulfan and lindane was observed using Mg0/Pd+4 doses of 10/0.5 and 4/0.1 mg/mL, respectively. Acetone plays an important role in facilitating the dechlorination reaction by increasing the solubilities of pesticides. Dechlorination kinetics for endosulfan and lindane (30 and 50 mg/L [30 and 50 ppm] concentration of each pesticide) were conducted with varying Mg0/Pd+4 doses, and the time‐course profiles were well‐fitted into exponential curves. The optimum observed rate constants (kobs') for endosulfan and lindane were obtained with Mg0/Pd+4 doses of 5/0.5 and 4/0.1 mg/mL, respectively. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry analyses revealed that endosulfan and lindane were dechlorinated completely into their hydrocarbon skeletons—Bicyclo [2,2,1] hepta 2‐5 diene and benzene, respectively.
Coping Strategies of Primary School Teachers in Taiwan Experiencing Stress Because of Teacher Surplus
Authors: Hung Chih-Lun
Published: October 2011

The purpose in this study was to explore the association between primary school teachers' stress and their coping strategies in response to the teacher surplus in Central Taiwan. Quantitative research methods were employed, and data were collected from 436 Central Taiwanese teachers.
Results were as follows: (a) primary teachers perceived that their teacher surplus-related stress primarily derived from increases in their teaching loads and perceived that denial of their need for coping strategies was one of the most commonly used coping strategies; (b) teachers who were
aged under 30 with fewer than 5 years of teaching experience were the most stressed; and (3) there was a significant relationship between stress related to teacher surplus and coping strategies.
Decision-making Framework of Customer Perception of Value in Taiwanese Spa Hotels
Authors: Lu Iuan-Yuan , Shiu Jerry Yuwen
Published: October 2011

In this study we examined the framework linking antecedents of perceived value and willingness to buy in the Taiwanese spa hotel industry. We developed 6 hypotheses to identify the factors that are evaluated by customers. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis of data collected from
hotels in 4 major spa regions in Taiwan revealed that the source of multicollinearity among the antecedents resulted in perceived value, which was positively associated with willingness to buy, being assigned varying levels of importance. The results also confirmed the 2 distinct and different
effects of perceived price to perceived value and perceived quality in the service domain. Our findings could be used for comparative studies of value perception in other service industries and cultural settings.
Development and Validation of a Short Version of the Parental Authority Questionnaire
Authors: Alkharusi Hussain , Aldhafri Said , Kazem Ali , Alzubiadi Abdulqawi , Al-Bahrani Muna
Published: October 2011

A short version of Buri's (1991) 30-item Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ), a widely used measure of Baumrind's (1971) model of authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive parenting styles, has been developed in this study. The participants were 3,025 middle and high school students
from Oman. The sample was randomly divided into 2 subsamples. The first sample (N = 1,504) was used for the development of the short version, and the second sample (N = 1,521) served as the validation sample. The results indicate that a reduced 20-item PAQ fit the data better
than the 30-item PAQ. The short version evidenced adequate validity and internal consistency. It was discussed and confirmed that the short version of the PAQ utilizes Baumrind's model of parenting styles as well as the original long version of the PAQ, and functions appropriately. This result
is consistent with previous research.
Attitudes, Behavioral Intentions, and Risk Perceptions of Fatigued Pedestrians
Authors: Rosenbloom Tova , Beigel Ariela , Eldror Ehud
Published: October 2011

We used the theory of planned behavior (Ajzen, 1991) to examine pedestrians' attitudes, behavioral intentions, and risk perceptions in relation to the possibility of sustaining an injury while crossing the road while in a fatigued compared to a nonfatigued state. Participants were 205
students who were randomly selected and divided into 2 groups. One group completed an attitudinal questionnaire about crossing the road in a fatigued state, a questionnaire about their perceptions of the risk of injury as pedestrians when crossing the road in a fatigued state, and a demographic
questionnaire; the other group completed a questionnaire about their perceptions of the general risk of injury as pedestrians regardless of level of fatigue, and a demographic questionnaire. No difference was found between the groups in terms of their perceptions of the risk of injury as pedestrians
whether in a fatigued state or not. However, it was found that gender did affect perception, with the average risk perception of females being significantly higher than that of males. A positive correlation was found between attitudes toward safety and subjective safety behavioral norms, and
perceptions of the risk of injury as a pedestrian.
Fatty acid chemistry of Atrichum undulatum and Hypnum andoi
Authors: Pejin Boris , Vujisic Ljubodrag , Sabovljevic Marko , Tesevic Vele , Vajs Vlatka
Published: October 2011

The fatty acid composition of the moss species Atrichum undulatum (Hedw.) P.
Beauv. (Polytrichaceae) and Hypnum andoi A.J.E. Sm. (Hypnaceae) collected in
winter time were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas
chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as a contribution to their
chemistry. Eight fatty acids were identified in the chloroform/methanol
extract 1:1 of A. undulatum (linoleic acid 26.80%, palmitic acid 22.17%,
?-linolenic acid 20.50%, oleic acid 18.49%, arachidonic acid 6.21%, stearic
acid 3.34%, cis-5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid 1.52% and behenic acid
1.01%), while six fatty acids were found in the same type of extract of H.
andoi (palmitic acid 63.48%, erucic acid 12.38%, stearic acid 8.08%, behenic
acid 6.26%, lignoceric acid 5.16% and arachidic acid 4.64%). According to
this study, the moss A. undulatum can be considered as a good source of both
essential fatty acids for humans (linoleic acid and ?-linolenic acid) during
the winter.
Perfect Crime, Absolute Evil: In the Vortex with Baudrillard and Dantec
Authors: Morrey Douglas
Published: October 2011

The french crime and science fiction novelist Maurice G. Dantec shares with Jean Baudrillard a profound Nietzschean inspiration and a postulation that the death of God has brought about a consequent murder of the real and the installation of twin illusions: that of an integral reality and that of personal freedom. Baudrillard's perfect crime becomes, for Dantec, the alibi for an absolute crime: the invisible and perfectly integrated acts of numerous serial killers operating with impunity. However, it is not so much individual acts such as murder that constitute evil, but rather the world itself in its contingent unfolding and its radical absence of meaning. It is to this more enigmatic evil that Kernal, the hero of Dantec's 2003 novel Villa Vortex devotes himself, ironically entering the police force in order to hasten our society's collapse into chaos and Total War. But evil, as Baudrillard reminds us, is the intelligence of form and, in Villa Vortex, this form turns against Kernal when the novel transforms itself into an experimental metafiction with the character unwittingly becoming a “transnarrative zombie.”
Diverse views on citizenship, community and participation
Authors: Reyskens Peter , Vandenabeele Joke , Wildemeersch Danny
Published: October 2011

In this article, we look at three photographs that each (re)present a space of citizenship and community. In examining each photo, we question our assumptions about adult education and community building practices. In each of the three cases, we adopt the same approach. We start by focusing on a particular place where present-day citizenship nowadays takes shape and observing what is to be seen at this location. This observation forces us to view that particular place in sharp focus and to direct our attention to the specific citizenship practice emerging there. This is an exercise in paying attention, which helps us to take notice of the singular way in which citizenship and community play a role in that particular context. In line with this, we also formulate some critical observations regarding a number of mainstream concepts in policy discourse such as social cohesion, active citizenship, lifelong learning, etc. These terms often represent programmes that close off the space in which an original contribution to adult education can be developed rather than opening it up. In analyzing these three images, we do not aim to construct a fully-fledged theoretical framework nor to develop a method. Rather, we wish to open the possibility of seeing things differently and altering our way of thinking.
Editorial: Adult education and the community
Authors: Kurantowicz Ewa , Wildemeersch Danny
Published: October 2011

Not Available.
Self-Assembled Films of Dendrimers and Metallophthalocyanines as FET-Based Glucose Biosensors
Authors: Vieira Nirton C.S. , Figueiredo Alessandra , De Queiroz Alvaro A.A. , Zucolotto Valtencir , Guimarães Francisco E.G.
Published: October 2011

Separative extended gate field effect transistor (SEGFET) type devices have been used as an ion sensor or biosensor as an alternative to traditional ion sensitive field effect transistors (ISFETs) due to their robustness, ease of fabrication, low cost and possibility of FET isolation from the chemical environment. The layer-by-layer technique allows the combination of different materials with suitable properties for enzyme immobilization on simple platforms such as the extended gate of SEGFET devices enabling the fabrication of biosensors. Here, glucose biosensors based on dendrimers and metallophthalocyanines (MPcs) in the form of layer-by-layer (LbL) films, assembled on indium tin oxide (ITO) as separative extended gate material, has been produced. NH3+ groups in the dendrimer allow electrostatic interactions or covalent bonds with the enzyme (glucose oxidase). Relevant parameters such as optimum pH, buffer concentration and presence of serum bovine albumin (BSA) in the immobilization process were analyzed. The relationship between the output voltage and glucose concentration shows that upon detection of a specific analyte, the sub-products of the enzymatic reaction change the pH locally, affecting the output signal of the FET transducer. In addition, dendritic layers offer a nanoporous environment, which may be permeable to H+ ions, improving the sensibility as modified electrodes for glucose biosensing.
Biosensor Applications in the Field of Antibiotic Research—A Review of Recent Developments
Authors: Reder-Christ Katrin , Bendas Gerd
Published: October 2011

Antibacterials are among of the most important medications used in health care. However, their efficacy is increasingly impeded by a tremendous and globally spread bacterial resistance phenomenon. This bacterial resistance is accelerated by inadequate application of antibacterial drugs in humans, the widespread veterinary use of antibacterials, and antibacterial occurrence in the environment and food. Further, there is a lack of development of innovative novel drugs. Therefore, the search for novel antibacterials has to be intensified and the spread of antibacterials in the environment has to be restricted. Due to the fundamental progress in biosensor development and promising applications in the antibiotic field, this review gives for the first time an overview on the use and prospects of biosensor applications in that area. A number of reports have applied biosensors of different design and techniques to search for antibacterials in environmental and foodstuff matrices. These studies are discussed with respect to the analytical values and compared to conventional techniques. Furthermore, biosensor applications to elucidate the mode of action of antimicrobial drugs in vitro have been described. These studies were critically introduced referring to the informational value of those simulations. In summary, biosensors will be illustrated as an innovative and promising, although not yet comprehensively applied, technique in the antibacterial field.
Argos, le fameux chien de l'Odyssée, qui attendait son maître
Authors: Costantini Michel
Published: October 2011

Résumé Le long sillon tracé par Jean-Claude Coquet pour labourer le champ d’une sémiotique phénoménologique (qu’elle soit nommée « subjectale », « du continu », « continuiste », ou encore « des instances ») ne pouvait qu’être... sensible au sensible. À travers plusieurs interventions des dernières années (de l’ouvrage de 2007 sur le jeu de phusis et de logos jusqu’à une communication vénitienne de 2010), on cherche à discerner quelques vertus d’une telle approche : ce qu’elle permet d’entrevoir pour traiter la question de l’empêtrement, ce qu’elle autorise à penser de la problématique du kairos , et, dans le prolongement, ce qu’elle appelle à approfondir pour lire certain tableau de plate peinture.
La traduction du sensible à l'œuvre dans les poèmes de Jaccottet
Authors: Moutat Audrey
Published: October 2011

Résumé Cet article vise à interroger l’expression et la traduction du sensible dans l’œuvre poétique de Philippe Jaccottet, Paysages avec figures absentes . Il s’agit notamment de mettre en évidence comment le logos parvient à convoquer des formes linguistiques et sémantiques dans la re-présentation des propriétés sensibles du monde. Une entreprise qui ne va pas sans soulever de nombreuses difficultés, comme celle, notamment, du caractère imparfait et perfectible du monde qui, animé par une force interne, ne se livre jamais totalement à la perception et engage un conflit permanent entre phusis et logos , conflit matérialisé en discours par un perpétuel jeu des instances et des incessants va et vient entre prise et reprise.
L'animal lecteur, et autres sujets sensibles
Authors: d’Afflon Aymeric
Published: October 2011

Résumé La composition complexe et les nombreuses curiosités du roman La Carte et le Territoire , de Michel Houellebecq, deviennent plus compréhensibles dès lors qu’a été trouvée la forme clef qui en fonde la philosophie et en assure l’esthétique générale. Cette forme qui se cache dans le roman propose un monde sensible cyclique et continu, que l’espèce humaine ne peut connaître qu’imparfaitement, générant une dialectique de l’humilité et de l’orgueil. La conscience postmoderne apprend à connaître ses limites et à reconnaître la radicale altérité de chaque subjectivité sensible, et pose ainsi les bases d’un alter-humanisme fondé sur des savoir-vivre et mourir collectifs, et sur une quête de beauté surimpressionniste, juxtaposant les subjectivités comme pour en célébrer la cohabitation.
L'adolescence ou les intermittences du corps
Authors: Darrault-Harris Ivan
Published: October 2011

Résumé S’appuyant sur un corpus de textes adolescents adressés au site Internet www.filsantejeunes.com , notre analyse tente de cerner le problème de l’indicibilité du sensible, puisque la plupart de ces textes se limitent à élaborer un discours sur le corps, ses difficultés à être la source de bien-être, à se conformer aux normes de beauté, et n’abordent pas le phénomène, l’expérience de perception du monde. La théorie des instances proposée par Jean-Claude Coquet permet de rendre compte de cette impossibilité de dire le sensible, laquelle serait due à une mise en tension conflictuelle des deux instances du non-sujet et du sujet. Ce conflit sans issue peut aboutir à des comportements de boulimie et/ou d’anorexie, aux conséquences graves pour la santé, voire la vie du sujet. La psychothérapie, dans ces cas-là, devrait viser une réconciliation des instances. Ces textes adolescents constituant des exemples d’écriture autobiographique, genre discursif très prisé à l’adolescence, permettent aussi de contribuer à l’analyse de la genèse de ce genre littéraire, où s’impose la reprise différée, par le sujet adulte voire vieillissant, d’expériences anciennes de l’instance non-sujet, expériences corporelles de prise directe avec le monde.
Le concept de travail et la théorie sociale critique
Authors: Noguera José Antonio
Published: October 2011

Résumé Les débats actuels autour du concept de travail n’énoncent pas toujours clairement certains des points essentiels qui le caractérisent dans la tradition de la théorie sociale critique initiée par Marx. Celle-ci a souvent mis en évidence les relations entre le travail et l’émancipation. L’article propose trois axes conceptuels complémentaires à l’axe traditionnel « valorisation versus dépréciation » du travail : concept étendu de travail versus concept réduit, productivisme versus antiproductivisme, et centralité normative versus non-centralité du travail. À partir de ces éléments, l’article procède à la critique de certains lieux communs sur le concept de travail chez Marx, et énumère les différents chemins conceptuels empruntés par les traditions marxistes postérieures. L’objectif de ce texte est ainsi de proposer une analyse critique du concept de travail chez Habermas.
El concepto de trabajo y la teoría social crítica
Authors: Noguera José Antonio
Published: October 2011

Résumé Les débats actuels autour du concept de travail n’énoncent pas toujours clairement certains des points essentiels qui le caractérisent dans la tradition de la théorie sociale critique initiée par Marx. Celle-ci a souvent mis en évidence les relations entre le travail et l’émancipation. L’article propose trois axes conceptuels complémentaires à l’axe traditionnel « valorisation versus dépréciation » du travail : concept étendu de travail versus concept réduit, productivisme versus anti-productivisme, et centralité normative versus non-centralité du travail. À partir de ces éléments, l’article procède à la critique de certains lieux communs sur le concept de travail chez Marx, et énumère les différents chemins conceptuels empruntés par les traditions marxistes postérieures. L’objectif de ce texte est ainsi de proposer une analyse critique du concept de travail chez Habermas.
Réflexions sur le travail en service de psychiatrie à travers l'œuvre d'Hélène Chaigneau
Authors: Nohra-Puel Joséphine
Published: October 2011

Résumé L’auteure a travaillé quinze ans à Maison Blanche en tant que psychologue dans un service de psychiatrie de secteur dirigé par Hélène Chaigneau. Elle rend compte, à travers un hommage à son ancienne médecin-chef, à la fois du cheminement conceptuel de cette grande figure de la psychiatrie publique d’après-guerre et de son articulation à la pratique du soin au quotidien à laquelle elle a assisté et participé de très près. Elle pose la question politique du travail en psychiatrie : en quel nom parle et travaille le psychiatre public ? Et relate les positions d’Hélène Chaigneau, tant sur la pratique du pouvoir que sur son articulation intime avec le sentiment de toute-puissance.
MicroRNAs Regulate Dendritic Cell Differentiation and Function
Authors: Turner Marian L. , Schnorfeil Frauke M. , Brocker Thomas
Published: October 2011

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an important class of cellular regulators that modulate gene expression and thereby influence cell fate and function. In the immune system, miRNAs act at checkpoints during hematopoietic development and cell subset differentiation, they modulate effector cell function, and they are implicated in the maintenance of homeostasis. Dendritic cells (DCs), the professional APCs involved in the coordination of adaptive immune responses, are also regulated by miRNAs. Some DC-relevant miRNAs, including miR-155 and miR-146a, are shared with other immune cells, whereas others have been newly identified. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of where miRNAs are active during DC development from myeloid precursors and differentiation into specialized subsets, and which miRNAs play roles in DC function.
Association between Cystatin C and MRI Measures of Left Ventricular Structure and Function: Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Agarwal Subhashish , Thohan Vinay , Shlipak Michael G. , Lima Joao , Bluemke David A. , Siscovick David , Gomes Antoinette , Herrington David M.
Published: October 2011

Introduction.Reduced kidney function, approximated by elevated cystatin C, is associated with diastolic dysfunction, heart failure, and cardiovascular mortality; however, the precise mechanism(s) that account for these relationships remains unclear. Understanding the relationship between cystatin C and subclinical left ventricular (LV) remodeling, across ethnically diverse populations, may help explain the mechanisms underlying the association of kidney dysfunction with heart failure and cardiovascular mortality.Methods.Measures of cystatin C and LV parameters were obtained from the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA) cohort at baseline (N=4,970with complete data on cystatin C and LV parameters). LV parameters; LV end-diastolic (LVEDV) and end-systolic volumes (LVESV), LV mass (LVM), concentricity (LV mass/LV end-diastolic volume), and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Nested linear models were used to examine the relationship between higher quartiles of cystatin C and LV parameters, with and without adjustment for demographics, height, and weight, and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Similar analyses were performed stratified by ethnicity and gender.Results.A fully adjusted model demonstrated a linear relationship between higher quartiles of cystatin C and lower LVEDV, (Mean ± SE, 128 ± 0.7, 128 ± 0.7, 126 ± 0.7, 124 ± 0.8 mL;P=0.0001). Associations were also observed between higher quartiles of cystatin C and lower LVESV (P=0.04) and concentricity (P=0.0001). In contrast, no association was detected between cystatin C and LVM or LVEF. In analyses stratified by race and gender, the patterns of association between cystatin C quartiles and LV parameters were qualitatively similar to the overall association.Conclusion.Cystatin C levels were inversely associated with LVEDV and LVESV with a disproportionate decrease in LVEDV compared to LVM in a multi-ethnic population. This morphometric pattern of concentric left ventricular remodeling, may in part explain the process by which kidney dysfunction leads to diastolic dysfunction, heart failure and cardiovascular mortality.
Fermentative Production and Thermostability Characterization of Amylase fromAspergillusSpecies and Its Application Potential Evaluation in Desizing of Cotton Cloth
Authors: Chimata Murali Krishna , Chetty Chellu S. , Suresh Challa
Published: October 2011

The production of extracellular amylase was investigated employing our laboratory isolate,Aspergillus nigersp. MK 07 and effect of process variables on enzyme production, was studied in a fermentor. It was found that amylase production was maximum when the fermentor volume was maintained at 70%, rate of agitation at 250 rpm, air supply at 2.5 vvm, inoculum concentration of 10%, and a pH of 5.0. Highest enzyme production obtained under all optimized conditions was 1734 U/mL with sucrose as carbon substrate and corn steep liquor as nitrogen source. Enzyme purification studies by ammonium sulphate precipitation and Sephadex G-100 chromatography was evaluated for obtaining purified enzyme. Thermostability of amylase were evaluated with varying concentrations from 0.2 to 0.5 M concentrations of calcium chloride and the highest activity obtained was 3115 U/mL with 0.3 M calcium chloride at 55°C. Effect of temperature and pH on the activity of purified enzyme was evaluated and the purified enzyme showed an activity till 75°C and a pH of 6.5. Application potential of partially purified alpha amylase on desizing of cotton cloth was evaluated with varying enzyme concentrations from 50 to 500 U/mL and the highest desizing activity was found to be at 300 U/mL.
Cognitive Beliefs and Future Time Perspectives: Predictors of Mortality and Longevity
Authors: Fry Prem S. , Debats Dominique L.
Published: October 2011

On the basis of postulates derived from cognitive-behavioral theory, research and therapy, the authors explored the extent to which older adults' cognitive beliefs of a just world and their perspectives on future time and similarity or self-continuity with the future self are predictors of long-term survival. After baseline assessment of health and cognitive beliefs and future perspectives of time and self-continuity as predictors of mortality, 440 participants (ages 65 to 87) were followed longitudinally for 6.5 years. Consistent with our hypotheses, findings demonstrated that a significantly higher percentage of survivors were individuals who showed higher scores on beliefs in a just world and on both the future time perspective and the future self-continuity perspective at the time of baseline assessments. Conversely, mortality risk was much higher for individuals who scored low on these predictor variables, and high on distrust. Implications for health and longevity are discussed.
The Role of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase in Inflammation Defense
Authors: Li Chang , Zhou Hai-Meng
Published: October 2011

Antioxidant enzymes maintain cellular redox homeostasis. Manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), an enzyme located in mitochondria, is the key enzyme that protects the energy-generating mitochondria from oxidative damage. Levels of MnSOD are reduced in many diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and psoriasis. Overexpression of MnSOD in tumor cells can significantly attenuate the malignant phenotype. Past studies have reported that this enzyme has the potential to be used as an anti-inflammatory agent because of its superoxide anion scavenging ability. Superoxide anions have a proinflammatory role in many diseases. Treatment of a rat model of lung pleurisy with the MnSOD mimetic MnTBAP suppressed the inflammatory response in a dose-dependent manner. In this paper, the mechanisms underlying the suppressive effects of MnSOD in inflammatory diseases are studied, and the potential applications of this enzyme and its mimetics as anti-inflammatory agents are discussed.