bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical and Radiographic Characteristics Associated With Abusive and Nonabusive Head Trauma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Piteau Shalea J. , Ward Michelle G.K. , Barrowman Nick J. , Plint Amy C.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

To systematically review the literature to determine which clinical and radiographic characteristics are associated with abusive head trauma (AHT) and nonabusive head trauma (nAHT) in children.

METHODS:

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, conference proceedings, and reference lists to identify relevant studies. Two reviewers independently selected studies that compared clinical and/or radiographic characteristics including historical features, physical exam and imaging findings, and presenting signs or symptoms in hospitalized children ≤6 years old with AHT and nAHT.

RESULTS:

Twenty-four studies were included. Meta-analysis was complicated by inconsistencies in the reporting of characteristics and high statistical heterogeneity. Notwithstanding these limitations, there were 19 clinical and radiographic variables that could be meta-analyzed and odds ratios were determined for each variable. In examining only studies deemed to be high quality, we found that subdural hemorrhage(s), cerebral ischemia, retinal hemorrhage(s), skull fracture(s) plus intracranial injury, metaphyseal fracture(s), long bone fracture(s), rib fracture(s), seizure(s), apnea, and no adequate history given were significantly associated with AHT. Epidural hemorrhage(s), scalp swelling, and isolated skull fracture(s) were significantly associated with nAHT. Subarachnoid hemorrhage(s), diffuse axonal injury, cerebral edema, head and neck bruising, any bruising, and vomiting were not significantly associated with either type of trauma.

CONCLUSIONS:

Clinical and radiographic characteristics associated with AHT and nAHT were identified, despite limitations in the literature. This systematic review also highlights the need for consistent criteria in identifying and reporting clinical and radiographic characteristics associated with AHT and nAHT.
Influence of Motion Picture Rating on Adolescent Response to Movie Smoking
Authors: Sargent James D. , Tanski Susanne , Stoolmiller Mike
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the association between movie smoking exposure (MSE) and adolescent smoking according to rating category.

METHODS:

A total of 6522 US adolescents were enrolled in a longitudinal survey conducted at 8-month intervals; 5503 subjects were followed up at 8 months, 5019 subjects at 16 months, and 4575 subjects at 24 months. MSE was estimated from 532 recent box-office hits, blocked into 3 Motion Picture Association of America rating categories: G/PG, PG-13, and R. A survival model evaluated time to smoking onset.

RESULTS:

Median MSE in PG-13–rated movies was ∼3 times higher than median MSE from R-rated movies, but their relation with smoking was essentially the same, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.49 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–1.81) and 1.33 (95% CI: 1.23–1.81) for each additional 500 occurrences of MSE respectively. MSE from G/PG-rated movies was small and had no significant relationship with adolescent smoking. Attributable risk estimates showed that adolescent smoking would be reduced by 18% (95% CI: 14–21) if smoking in PG-13–rated movies was reduced to the fifth percentile. In comparison, making all parents maximally authoritative in their parenting would reduce adolescent smoking by 16% (95% CI: 12–19).

CONCLUSIONS:

The equivalent effect of PG-13-rated and R-rated MSE suggests it is the movie smoking that prompts adolescents to smoke, not other characteristics of R-rated movies or adolescents drawn to them. An R rating for movie smoking could substantially reduce adolescent smoking by eliminating smoking from PG-13 movies.
Malonyl Coenzyme A Decarboxylase Deficiency: Early Dietary Restriction and Time Course of Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Prada Carlos E. , Jefferies John L. , Grenier Michelle A. , Huth Christina M. , Page Kimberley I. , Spicer Robert L. , Towbin Jeffrey A. , Leslie Nancy D.
Published: July 2012

Malonyl coenzyme A (CoA) decarboxylase (MCD) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive organic acidemia characterized by varying degrees of organ involvement and severity. MCD regulates fatty acid biosynthesis and converts malonyl-CoA to acetyl-CoA. Cardiomyopathy is 1 of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in this disorder. It is unknown if diet alone prevents cardiomyopathy development based in published literature. We report a 10-month-old infant girl identified by newborn screening and confirmed MCD deficiency with a novel homozygous MLYCD mutation. She had normal echocardiogram measurements before transition to high medium-chain triglycerides and low long-chain triglycerides diet. Left ventricular noncompaction development was not prevented by dietary interventions. Further restriction of long-chain triglycerides and medium-chain triglycerides supplementation in combination with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors helped to improve echocardiogram findings. Patient remained asymptomatic, with normal development and growth. Our case emphasizes the need for ongoing cardiac disease screening in patients with MCD deficiency and the benefits and limitations of current dietary interventions.
Adolescent Dating Violence: A National Assessment of School Counselors’ Perceptions and Practices
Authors: Khubchandani Jagdish , Price James H. , Thompson Amy , Dake Joseph A. , Wiblishauser Michael , Telljohann Susan K.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Adolescent dating violence (ADV) is a significant public health problem that, according to various estimates, affects 9% to 34% of adolescents in the United States. Schools can play an important role in preventing ADV. However, little is known about school personnel\x{2019}s practices and perceptions regarding ADV. This study assessed high school counselors' knowledge, training, perceptions, and practices on dealing with ADV incidents.

METHODS:

A national random sample (n = 550) of high school counselors who were members of the American School Counselors Association were sent a valid and reliable questionnaire on ADV. A 3-wave mailing procedure was used to increase the response rate, which was 58%. Statistically significant differences (P < .05) were calculated by using t tests, χ2 tests, analysis of variance, and logistic regression.

RESULTS:

A majority of the school counselors reported that they did not have a protocol in their schools to respond to an incident of ADV (81.3%). Additionally, the majority (90%) of counselors reported that in the past 2 years, training to assist survivors of teen dating abuse has not been provided to personnel in their schools, their school did not conduct periodic student surveys that include questions on teen dating abuse behaviors (83%), and their school did not have a committee that meets periodically to address health and safety issues that include teen dating abuse (76%).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results of this study indicate that schools do not find ADV a high-priority issue to be addressed in their student populations.
Caffeine Intake During Pregnancy and Risk of Problem Behavior in 5- to 6-Year-Old Children
Authors: Loomans Eva M. , Hofland Laura , van der Stelt Odin , van der Wal Marcel F. , Koot Hans M. , Van den Bergh Bea R. H. , Vrijkotte Tanja G. M.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Human studies that have investigated the association between caffeine intake during pregnancy and offspring’s behavioral outcomes are scant and inconclusive. We prospectively investigated the association between maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and children’s problem behavior at age 5 to 6 years. Mediation by fetal growth restriction and gestational age as well as effect modification by the child’s gender and maternal smoking was tested.

METHODS:

In a community based multiethnic birth cohort, dietary caffeine intake (coffee, caffeinated tea, and cola) was measured (maternal self-report, n = 8202) around the 16th week of gestation. At age 5, children’s overall problem behavior, emotional problems, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention problems, peer relationship problems, and prosocial behavior were rated by both mother and teacher (n = 3439) with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Analyses were adjusted for maternal age, ethnicity, cohabitant status, education, smoking and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, child’s gender, family size, and prenatal maternal anxiety.

RESULTS:

Caffeine intake was not associated with a higher risk for behavior problems or with suboptimal prosocial behavior. No evidence was found for mediation by fetal growth restriction or gestational age, nor for effect modification by the child’s gender.

CONCLUSIONS:

Results did not provide evidence for developmental programming influences of intrauterine exposure to caffeine on offspring’s problem behavior at age 5. Present results give no indication to advise pregnant women to reduce their caffeine intake to prevent behavior problems in their children.
Neonatal Morbidities and Developmental Delay in Moderately Preterm-Born Children
Authors: Kerstjens Jorien M. , Bocca-Tjeertes Inger F. , de Winter Andrea F. , Reijneveld Sijmen A. , Bos Arend F.
Published: July 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Children born moderately preterm (32–356/7 weeks’ gestation) are at increased risk of both neonatal morbidities and developmental delays in early childhood. It is unknown whether neonatal morbidities contribute to the increased risk of developmental delay. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of neonatal morbidities after moderately preterm birth on development at preschool age.

METHODS:

In a community-based, stratified cohort, parents of 832 moderately preterm children born in 2002 or 2003 completed the Ages and Stage Questionnaire when their child was 43 to 49 months old. Data on Apgar scores, asphyxia, tertiary NICU admission, hospital transfer, circulatory insufficiency, hypoglycemia, septicemia, mechanical ventilation, continuous positive airway pressure, apneas, caffeine treatment, and hyperbilirubinemia were obtained from medical records. We assessed associations of neonatal characteristics with developmental delay, adjusted for gender, small-for-gestational-age status, gestational age, and maternal education.

RESULTS:

Hypoglycemia and asphyxia were associated with developmental delay; odds ratios (ORs) were 2.42 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23–4.77) and 3.18 (95% CI: 1.01–10.0), respectively. Tertiary NICU admission and hyperbilirubinemia had positive but statistically borderline nonsignificant associations with developmental delay: ORs were 1.74 (95% CI: 0.96–3.15) and 1.52 (95% CI: 0.94–2.46), respectively. No other neonatal morbidities were associated with developmental delay. In multivariate analyses, only hypoglycemia was associated with developmental delay (OR: 2.19; 95% CI: 1.08–4.46).

CONCLUSIONS:

In moderately preterm-born children, only hypoglycemia increased the risk of developmental delay at preschool age. A concerted effort to prevent hypoglycemia might enhance developmental outcome in this group.
Choriophobia: A 1-Act Play
Authors: Taylor James A. , Opel Douglas J.
Published: July 2012

The management of a newborn born to a mother with chorioamnionitis is controversial. By using data collected on neonates born in the era of routine maternal screening for Group B Streptococcus, we calculate that the risk of early-onset sepsis in a hypothetical infant born at term to a mother with chorioamnionitis, who has a normal physical examination at birth, is likely substantially <1% if the mother’s screen for Group B Streptococcus was negative. This low rate of sepsis calls into question current guidelines recommending treatment of all such newborns with intravenous antibiotics for 48 hours pending the results of a blood culture. Current guidelines for the management of infants born to mothers with chorioamnionitis also raise an important ethical issue; the recommendation to treat these infants with intravenous antibiotics is, in essence, a de facto determination of what constitutes unacceptable risk to the newborn. We argue that this determination is ultimately value-based and therefore requires broader deliberation than that which frequently occurs among medical experts who develop medical guidelines.
FDA’s Health Claim Review: Whey-protein Partially Hydrolyzed Infant Formula and Atopic Dermatitis
Authors: Chung Carolyn S. , Yamini Sedigheh , Trumbo Paula R.
Published: July 2012

In this review, we explain how the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) used its evidence-based review system to evaluate the scientific evidence for a qualified health claim for 100% whey-protein partially hydrolyzed infant formula (W-PHF) and reduced risk of atopic dermatitis (AD). The labeling of health claims, including qualified health claims, on conventional foods and dietary supplements require premarket approval by the FDA. Health claims characterize the relationship between a substance (food or food component) and disease (eg, cancer or cardiovascular disease) or health-related condition (eg, hypertension). To determine whether sufficient evidence exists to support the qualified health claim, the FDA evaluated human intervention studies that evaluated the role of W-PHF in reducing the risk of AD. The FDA concluded there is little to very little evidence, respectively, to support a qualified health claim concerning the relationship between intake of W-PHF and a reduced risk of AD in partially breastfed and exclusively formula-fed infants throughout the first year after birth and up to 3 years of age. In addition, the FDA required a warning statement be displayed along with the health claim to indicate to consumers that partially hydrolyzed infant formulas are not hypoallergenic and should not be fed to infants who are allergic to milk or to infants with existing milk allergy symptoms.
Hungarian Diet and Nutritional Status Survey – The OTAP2009 study. III. Vitamin intake of the Hungarian population
Authors: Lugasi Andrea , Bakacs Márta , Zentai Andrea , Kovács Viktória Anna , Martos Éva
Published: July 2012

For the healthy status the adequate intake of vitamins is essential. Aim and method: The Hungarian Diet and Nutritional Status Survey – joining to the European Health Interview Survey – studied the dietary habits of the Hungarian population. This work presents the vitamins intake. Results: The intake of all water soluble vitamins, vitamin E and D were significantly higher in men than in women. Favourable phenomena were the increased β-carotene and vitamin C intakes in men and women compared to the earlier data. Intakes of vitamin C, B1-, B2-, B6- and B12, and niacin meet the recommendations. Crucially low intakes of vitamin D and folate were calculated in both genders, particularly in the elders, mainly in case of vitamin D. Imperfect intakes of panthotenic acid and biotin were also observed. Conclusions: For maintaining the adequate vitamin supply and for prevention of vitamin deficiency, diversified nutrition, information of the population on the basic principles of healthy nutrition and availability of healthy food are essential. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1106–1117.
Changing obstetrical trends in the last decade
Authors: Egyed Jenő
Published: July 2012

The author (who has four decades of clinical and managerial practice) analyses the changing trends in obstetrics that occurred in the last decade. He focuses on the main points where the most significant professional developments have happened (prenatal care, new professional guidelines, and integrated services). This work covers the principles of prevention and the advanced diagnostics in the field of prenatal and obstetrical care. Finally, the author describes the need for structural and functional reorganization in obstetrics. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1087–1091.
Despesa pública municipal com saúde em Pernambuco, Brasil, de 2000 a 2007
Authors: Espírito Santo Antônio Carlos Gomes do , Fernando Virgínia Conceição Nascimento , Bezerra Adriana Falangola Benjamin
Published: July 2012

Com o objetivo de identificar o impacto produzido pelas medidas de macropolítica postas em prática na segunda metade dos anos noventa no crescimento do valor da despesa pública com saúde e na possível redução da desigualdade alocativa, foi realizado um estudo descritivo, transversal, de natureza quantitativa, abrangendo os 184 municípios de Pernambuco. Utilizaram-se dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Orçamentos Públicos em Saúde, elegendo-se como indicador a Despesa com saúde sob a responsabilidade do município por habitante. Foi analisada a correlação desta variável com o Índice Desenvolvimento Humana municipal, o porte populacional e o valor do orçamento municipal per capita. Ficou demonstrado que embora o crescimento percentual dos gastos municipais com saúde seja em média de 190,76%, os valores per capita ainda se mostram bastante reduzidos situando-se em torno de R$183,79, bem abaixo das médias nacional e macrorregional. Tanto a despesa per capita com saúde quanto seus percentuais de crescimento distribuem-se de forma bastante irregular entre as regiões de saúde e entre os municípios de uma mesma região. Conclui-se que existe profunda desigualdade entre os municípios na distribuição dos recursos públicos para a saúde, a despeito das medidas de macropolítica adotadas com vistas a sua redução.
A Critique of Late Prehistoric Systematics in the Middle Ohio River Valley
Authors: Nolan Kevin C. , Cook Robert A.
Published: July 2012

Most extant classification schemes for the Late Prehistoric period (LP) in the Middle Ohio River Valley (MORV) are typological and extensionally derived. Typological schemes create artificially sharp breaks among types. Implicitly constructed types rely on an essentialist ontology and a belief in a discoverable, emic reality. Most LP classificatory units in the MORV are inherited from James B. Griffin's early Culture-History work. These units, and others similarly based on the Southwestern Type-Variety system, are not designed for any particular purpose yielding unknowable relations among classes and to proposed explanations. Further, absence of explicit conditions of class membership and conflation of description of empirical groups with definition of ideological classes hampers comparisons and the study of change. Review of extant type descriptions illustrates these and other failings. Classification is necessary, but each class needs an explicit definition and purpose. We suggest that explicit, paradigmatic classes (sensu Dunnell, 1971b) need to replace types, phases, and other units that have been the norm.
CFD simulations of a hydrocyclone in absence of an air core
Authors: Delgadillo J.A. , Al Kayed , Vo D. , Ramamurthy A.S.
Published: July 2012

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a versatile means to predict the
characteristics of flow in fluid mechanics problems under a wide range of
design and operating conditions . Applying the CFD in many engineering fields
alleviates the problem of the usual engineering design. Recent advance in
computational methods and computer technology make CFD an efficient means to
study the dynamics of many physical systems. CFD simulations use three
dimensional grid and the Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) to investigate the flow
without air core in a 6? hydrocyclone have been conducted using FLUENT. The
numerical results are compared with the experimental data related to the
Laser Doppler Anemometry (LDA) measurements of velocity. In the experimental
study, a new procedure is developed to reorient the laser beams that permit
one to measure two velocity components at a single point using LDA. The
conclusion developed from these experiments enables one to use the LDA
directly in the hydrocyclone wall without recourse to auxiliary attachments
such as an enclosing box that usually used to minimize the refraction effects
of laser beams which are caused by the curved solid wall of the hydrocyclone
and the refractive index of the test medium.
Increasing the cyclic strength of threaded joints through the unloading of cracked sections
Authors: Krenevicius A. , Kacianauskas R. , Leonavicius M. , Hui D. , Feo L.
Published: July 2012

The cyclic strength of the axially loaded threaded joints is considered and
the procedural method to increase their lifetime through the unloading of
cracked sections is presented. The method operates by varying the mutual
positions of the stud and the nut. It was shown how to exploit resources of
the threaded joint after opening of the crack without reduction of the
safety. The developed mathematical model allows control the accumulation of
the fatigue damage as well as the crack growth in the roots of the stud
thread. Increase of the cyclic lifetime is theoretically evaluated by the
ratio of the numbers of loading cycles required to initiate cracks in the
roots of unengaged and the most dangerous engaged turns of the stud.
Performance of the elaborated technique is demonstrated by considering the
crack growth in depth of the nut. The relative safety of the unloaded
cross-sections containing cracks is studied. Comparison of the presented
developments with standard safety requirements is presented.
Phase diagram prediction and particle characterization of Sn-Ag nano alloy for low melting point lead-free solders
Authors: Sopousek J. , Vrestal J. , Zemanova A. , Bursi J.
Published: July 2012

SnAg nanoparticles (SnAg NPs) were prepared by wet synthesis. The chemical
composition of the SnAg NPs was obtained by inductively coupled plasma - mass
spectrometry. The prepared fine powder samples were characterized by electron
microscopic technique (SEM) and thermal analysis (DSC). The nanoparticles
with different size were obtained. The size dependent melting point
depression (MPD) of the SnAg NPs was determined experimentally. The size
dependent phase diagram of the SnAg alloy was also calculated using CALPHAD
method, which has been extended to describe the surface energy of SnAg
nanoparticles. The same approach was used for SnAg eutectic MPD calculations.
The own experimental and theoretical results were compared with the data of
the other authors. The satisfactory agreement was found.
Education, Citizenship and Mediation
Authors: Costa e Silva Ana Maria
Published: July 2012

In Portugal, as in other countries, questions regarding social mediation for promoting personal development and autonomy, citizenship and cohesion and as a methodology of communication, facilitation and interaction between people and groups, have developed in various areas of social organisations. Mediation practices have been strengthening their conceptual and empirical grounding for the following reasons: an increased recognition of their social and educational potential, and as a result of the high level of fragility regarding the stability, convenience, and social cohesion of current society. Mediation, as a qualification and empowerment of individuals, is centred on people, social groups, and communication skills for coping with multiple problems. Mediation is, therefore, recognised as a potential practice that increases the development of a desire in individuals and groups to construct the dynamics of non-violent and participatory interactions. Bearing in mind the relevance of mediation practices and mediator actions in social and educational contexts, Portuguese socio-educational mediators have been studied with the aim of characterising the Portuguese reality concerning elements and figures of socio-educational mediation, focusing on a perceived social and professional identity. This article presents and discusses the importance of mediation in education and the knowledge that mediators recognise as important for their activity.
Students Doing Conflict Resolution? A Case Study in a Free School
Authors: Prud'Homme Marc-Alexandre
Published: July 2012

While the challenges of improving young people's citizenship skills seem to lie in the hands of schools, studying alternative ways of teaching conflict resolution could benefit current educational systems. Judicial committees – a democratic approach to conflict resolution – like those practiced in free schools – schools where students and teachers are largely entitled to similar rights and obligations – represent such an alternative. The present inquiry is an ethnographic case study that draws upon complexity thinking. It aims at understanding students' experiences during free school judicial committees. It argues that, in a school where students enjoy a significant amount of freedom, students interacted in many ways. This gave rise to some conflicts. To tackle them, students followed various procedures inherent to judicial committees. During these activities, students mostly experienced a combination of feelings while engaging in conflict resolution processes and modifying their conflict resolution skills. The study ends by arguing that conventional schools can draw upon the principles associated to judicial committees to further how they teach conflict resolution.
Competition between Politicized and Depoliticized Versions of Civic Education Curricula: The Case of Hong Kong
Authors: Leung Yan Wing , Yuen Timothy Wai Wa
Published: July 2012

This article discusses the influence of Confucianism on civic education, focusing on Hong Kong as a particular case of concern. The development of Hong Kong's civic education is sketched, highlighting the competitions between the politicized and depoliticized versions of the civic education curriculum. The notion that a depoliticized civic education, supported by Confucian ideals, is necessarily a distinctive feature of Asian civic education, is then critiqued. Finally, the article argues that an eclectic version of civic education, comprising both political and moral components, is warranted. This is what Confucian tenets really mean. It is hoped that the discussion here will help reflect whether Confucian tenets justify depoliticization of education and civic education. This is important given the growing aspiration for democracy and citizens' participation in civil societies, particularly those whose cultural roots are in the Confucian tradition. Moreover, the authors hope that the dialogues between Confucian traditions and the Western traditions discussed in the article can shed light on some thought-provoking issues of interest to an international readership, particularly as China is becoming more influential globally.
Bond Durability of Adhesives Containing Modified-monomer With/Without-fluoride After Aging in Artificial Saliva and Under Intrapulpal Pressure Simulation
Authors: El-Deeb HA , Al Sherbiney HH , Mobarak EH
Published: July 2012

Objective:

To evaluate the dentin bond strength durability of adhesives containing modified-monomer with/without-fluoride after storage in artificial saliva and under intrapulpal pressure simulation (IPPS).

Materials and Methods:

The occlusal enamel of 48 freshly extracted teeth was trimmed to expose midcoronal dentin. Roots were sectioned to expose the pulp chamber and to connect the specimens to the pulpal-pressure assembly. Specimens were assigned into four groups (n=12) according to adhesive system utilized: a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system (SB, Adper Single Bond 2, 3M ESPE), a two-step self-etch adhesive system (CSE, Clearfil SE Bond, Kuraray Medical Inc), and two single-step self-etch adhesives with the same modified monomer (bis-acrylamide)—one with fluoride (AOF, AdheSE One F, Ivoclar-Vivadent) and the other without (AO, AdheSE One, Ivoclar-Vivadent). Bonding was carried out while the specimens were subjected to 15-mm Hg IPPS. Resin composite (Valux Plus, 3M ESPE) buildups were made. After curing, specimens were aged in artificial saliva and under 20-mm Hg IPPS at 37°C in a specially constructed incubator either for 24 hours or six months prior to testing. Bonded specimens (n=6/group) were sectioned into sticks (n=24/group) with a cross section of 0.9 ± 0.01 mm2 and subjected to microtensile bond strength (μTBS) testing using a universal testing machine. Data were statistically analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with repeated measures, one-way ANOVA tests, and a t-test (p<0.05). Failure modes were determined using a scanning electron microscope.

Results:

The μTBS values of SB and CSE fell significantly after six-month storage in artificial saliva and under IPPS, yet these values remained significantly higher than those for the other two adhesives with modified monomers. There was no significant difference in the bond strength values between fluoride-containing and fluoride-free self-etch adhesive systems (AOF and AO) after 24 hours or six months. Modes of failure were mainly adhesive and mixed.

Conclusions:

Based on the results of this study, 1) Fluoride addition did not affect dentin bond durability; and 2) despite the fact that the single-step adhesive system with modified monomer showed stability, bond strengths associated with these systems remained lower than those of multistep adhesive systems.
Searching the Veterinary Literature: A Comparison of the Coverage of Veterinary Journals by Nine Bibliographic Databases
Authors: Grindlay Douglas J.C. , Brennan Marnie L. , Dean Rachel S.
Published: July 2012

A thorough search of the literature to find the best evidence is central to the practice of evidence-based veterinary medicine. This requires knowing which databases to search to maximize journal coverage. The aim of the present study was to compare the coverage of active veterinary journals by nine bibliographic databases to inform future systematic reviews and other evidence-based searches. Coverage was assessed using lists of included journals produced by the database providers. For 121 active veterinary journals in the “Basic List of Veterinary Medical Serials, Third Edition,” the percentage coverage was the highest for Scopus (98.3%) and CAB Abstracts (97.5%). For an extensive list of 1,139 journals with significant veterinary content compiled from a variety of sources, coverage was much greater in CAB Abstracts (90.2%) than in any other database, the next highest coverage being in Scopus (58.3%). The maximum coverage of the extensive journal list that could be obtained in a search without including CAB Abstracts was 69.8%. It was concluded that to maximize journal coverage and avoid missing potentially relevant evidence, CAB Abstracts should be included in any veterinary literature search.
Indigenous Peoples’ Participation in Global Conservation: Looking beyond Headdresses and Face Paint
Authors: Paulson Nels , Laudati Ann , Doolittle Amity , Welsh-Devine Meredith , Pena Pablo
Published: July 2012

This article explores the meaning of inclusive participation in global conservation decision-making processes. It draws on data collected in collaborative ethnographic research of the latest World Conservation Congress (WCC) held in 2008 in Barcelona, Spain. We argue that despite a discernible shift towards the incorporation of indigenous rights and indigenous peoples’ representatives within the conservation equation, many challenges to full participation still exist for both indigenous peoples and other local resource users who may be affected by conservation governance decisions. Several conditions exist at a global scale that limit democratic participation, including the unequal power relations between indigenous peoples and the global north, which limits the space for indigenous inclusion, the democratic deliberation that is often treated as a checkbox item, the limited resources to facilitate broad inclusion (in terms of both monetary and cultural capital), and the political challenges of legitimacy for some at more local scales, such as the concern of who represents whom at the global scale. We recognise effort has been given to expanded participation in global conservation governance, but inclusive and deliberative participation is still limited within IUCN and among other conservation NGOs.
Diverse Ecological, Economic and Socio-Cultural Values of a Traditional Common Natural Resource Management System in the Moroccan High Atlas: The Aït Ikiss
Authors: Dominguez Pablo , Bourbouze Alain , Demay SÉBastien , Genin Didier , Kosoy Nicolas
Published: July 2012

This study examines the multiple dimensions of the agdal system, a traditional Berber form of environmental management that regulates access to communal natural resources so as to allow the regeneration of natural resources. In fact, this ingenious system of agro-pastoral land rotation is ultimately beneficial for the conservation of the bio-physical environment, the performance of the present-day local economy and the maintenance of prevailing social cohesion and cultural coherence. Hence, agdals constitute a key element for the reinforcement of the sustainability of existing agro-pastoral societies and ecosystems, but need to be better understood in order to explore necessary adaptations in the changing world of today.
Enriching the Lives of Wild Horses: Designing Opportunities for Them to Flourish
Authors: Reed Christine M.
Published: July 2012

Wild horses are becoming dependent on transitional environments between domesticity and wildness. In Dutch new nature areas they are learning to perform roles as ecological surrogates for their extinct ancestors. In the U.S. wild horses are ‘feral’ and exist in numbers deemed to be in excess of the carrying capacity of semi-arid public range lands. The federal government is removing and relocating thousands to long-term holding pastures. The capabilities approach of Nussbaum (2006) allows us to evaluate this transitional environment against a threshold of opportunities to exercise capabilities judged to be central to their flourishing as wild horses.
Effects of Demographics and Attitudes on Willingness-to-Pay for Fuel Import Reductions through Ethanol Purchases
Authors: Jensen Kimberly , Clark Christopher , English Burton , Toliver Dustin
Published: July 2012

One potential means to ameliorate consumer concerns over energy security is to increase the domestic production of alternative fuels. However, in the United States, the public’s attitude toward ethanol, one of the most readily available alternative fuels, has been somewhat ambiguous. This study examines consumer attitudes related to energy security and how import levels influence preferences for ethanol blends using an online survey of fuel consumers across the United States. The results suggest that while consumers generally favor both environmental protection and energy security, they are less clear about how to pursue these goals, with no clear majority agreeing with additional drilling or potential effect of corn ethanol production on food prices. The results do suggest that consumers are willing to pay a premium for fuel blends that contain a lower percentage of imported fuel and that the amount of this premium is influenced by both consumer demographics and views on energy security and environmental issues.
N2O Emission and Mineral N Release in a Tropical Acrisol Incorporated with Mixed Cowpea and Maize Residues
Authors: Frimpong Kwame A. , Yawson David O. , Agyarko Kofi , Baggs Elizabeth M.
Published: July 2012

A laboratory microcosm incubation was conducted to study the influence of mixed cowpea-maize residues on N2O emission and N mineralization in a tropical acrisol. The soils were incorporated with different ratios of cowpea:maize mixtures on weight basis: 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75 and 0:100, and a control treatment in which there was no residue incorporation. The results show that N2O and CO2 emissions were higher in the sole cowpea treatment (100:0) than the sole maize treatment (0:100) and the control. However, cowpea-maize residue mixtures increased the proportion of N lost as N2O compared to the sole treatments. This interactive effect was highest in the 75:25 treatment. The 50:50 treatment showed moderate N2O emission compared to the 100:0, 75:25 and 25:75 treatments but with corresponding steady N mineralization and appreciable mineral N concentration. It is concluded that mixing cowpea-maize residues might increase the proportion of N lost as N2O in a tropical acrisol. However, compared to the other residue mixture treatments, mixing cowpea-maize residues in equal proportions on weight basis might offer a path to reducing N2O emissions while maintaining a steady N mineralization without risking good N supply in acrisols. The study therefore offers potential for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining soil fertility in tropical acrisols. However, further studies under both laboratory and field conditions will be required to verify and validate this claim.
Effects of Reinforcement Geometry on Strength and Stiffness in Adhesively Bonded Steel-Timber Flexural Beams
Authors: Alam Parvez , Ansell Martin , Smedley Dave
Published: July 2012

A finite element model is developed to analyse, as a function of volume fraction, the effects of reinforcement geometry and arrangement within a timber beam. The model is directly validated against experimental equivalents and found to never be mismatched by more than 8% in respect to yield strength predictions. Yield strength increases linearly as a function of increasing reinforcement volume fraction, while the flexural modulus follows more closely a power law regression fit. Reinforcement geometry and location of reinforcement are found to impact both the flexural properties of timber-steel composite beams and the changes due to an increase in volume fraction.
One-Pot Synthesis of Cu(II) Complex with Partially Oxidized TTF Moieties
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroyuki , Kitabatake Ryosuke , Mitsumoto Kiyotaka , Shiga Takuya , Oshio Hiroki
Published: July 2012

The one-pot synthesis of a Cu(II) complex with partially oxidized tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) moieties in its capping MT-Hsae-TTF ligands, [CuII(MT-sae-TTF)2] [CuICl2] was realized by the simultaneous occurrence of Cu(II) complexation and CuIICl2 mediated oxidation of TTF moieties. The crystal structure was composed of one-dimensional columns formed by partially oxidized TTF moieties and thus the cation radical salt showed relatively high electrical conductivity. Tight binding band structure calculations indicated the existence of a Peierls gap due to the tetramerization of the TTF moieties in the one-dimensional stacking column at room temperature, which is consistent with the semiconducting behavior of this salt.
Metallic One-Dimensional Conductors Composed of Axially Ligated (Phthalocyanato)CoIII with Supramolecular Cations of A(EtOH)4 (A = Na and K)
Authors: Tanaka Yasuhiro , Ishikawa Manabu , Watanabe Naoko , Takahashi Yukihiro , Naito Toshio , Inabe Tamotsu
Published: July 2012

Electrolysis of Na and K salts of the anion dicyano(phthalocyaninato)cobalt(III) (Co(Pc)(CN)2) in ethanol yields one-dimensional partially oxidized salts of A[Co(Pc)(CN)2]2.4(EtOH) (A = Na and K). The cationic component is the supramolecular cation [A(EtOH)4]+, which forms hydrogen bonds with the CN ligands of the Co(Pc)(CN)2 units. The crystal shows metallic conductivity, in contrast to the thermally activated conductivity observed in the isomorphous tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP) salt of TPP[Co(Pc)(CN)2]2. Since the π-π interactions in these isomorphous crystals are nearly the same, the distinctive behavior of the Na and K salts may be attributed to the difference in the degree of charge disproportionation in these crystals.
Nonparametric Estimation of Information-Based Measures of Statistical Dispersion
Authors: Kostal Lubomir , Pokora Ondrej
Published: July 2012

We address the problem of non-parametric estimation of the recently proposed measures of statistical dispersion of positive continuous random variables. The measures are based on the concepts of differential entropy and Fisher information and describe the “spread” or “variability” of the random variable from a different point of view than the ubiquitously used concept of standard deviation. The maximum penalized likelihood estimation of the probability density function proposed by Good and Gaskins is applied and a complete methodology of how to estimate the dispersion measures with a single algorithm is presented. We illustrate the approach on three standard statistical models describing neuronal activity.
Fraction from Wax Apple [Syzygium samarangense (Blume) Merrill and Perry] Fruit Extract Ameliorates Insulin Resistance via Modulating Insulin Signaling and Inflammation Pathway in Tumor Necrosis Factor α-Treated FL83B Mouse Hepatocytes
Authors: Shen Szu-Chuan , Chang Wen-Chang , Chang Chiao-Li
Published: July 2012

Inflammation is associated with the development of insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. In the present study, mouse FL83B cells were treated with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) to induce insulin resistance, and then co-incubated with a fraction from wax apple fruit extract (FWFE). This fraction significantly increased the uptake of the nonradioactive fluorescent indicator 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino]-2-deoxy-d-glucose (2-NBDG) in insulin resistant cells. Western blot analysis revealed that, compared with the TNF-α-treated control group, FWFE increased the expression of the insulin receptor (IR), insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1), protein kinase B (Akt/PKB), phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT-2), and increased IR tyrosyl phosporylation, in insulin resistant FL83B cells. However, FWFE decreased phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), but not the expression of the intercellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), in the same cells. These results suggest that FWFE might alleviate insulin resistance in TNF-α-treated FL83B cells by activating PI3K-Akt/PKB signaling and inhibiting inflammatory response via suppression of JNK, rather than ERK, activation.
Molecular Cloning and 3D Structure Modeling of APEX1, DNA Base Excision Repair Enzyme from the Camel, Camelus dromedarius
Authors: Ataya Farid Shokry , Fouad Dalia , Malik Ajamaluddin , Saeed Hesham Mahmoud
Published: July 2012

The domesticated one-humped camel, Camelus dromedarius, is one of the most important animals in the Arabian Desert. It is exposed most of its life to both intrinsic and extrinsic genotoxic factors that are known to cause gross DNA alterations in many organisms. Ionic radiation and sunlight are known producers of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), one of the causes for DNA lesions. The damaged DNA is repaired by many enzymes, among of them Base Excision Repair enzymes, producing the highly mutagenic apurinic/apyrimidinicsites (AP sites). Therefore, recognition of AP sites is fundamental to cell/organism survival. In the present work, the full coding sequence of a putative cAPEX1 gene was amplified for the first time from C. dromedarius by RT-PCR and cloned (NCBI accession number are HM209828 and ADJ96599 for nucleotides and amino acids, respectively). cDNA sequencing was deduced to be 1041 nucleotides, of which 954 nucleotides encode a protein of 318 amino acids, similar to the coding region of the APEX1 gene and the protein from many other species. The calculated molecular weight and isoelectric point of cAPEX1 using Bioinformatics tools was 35.5 kDa and 8.11, respectively. The relative expressions of cAPEX1 in camel kidney, spleen, lung and testis were examined using qPCR and compared with that of the liver using a 18S ribosomal subunit as endogenous control. The highest level of cAPEX1 transcript was found in the testis; 325% higher than the liver, followed by spleen (87%), kidney (20%) and lung (5%), respectively. The cAPEX1 is 94%–97% similar to their mammalian counterparts. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that cAPEX1 is grouped together with that of S. scrofa. The predicted 3D structure of cAPEX1 has similar folds and topology with the human (hAPEX1). The root-mean-square deviation (rmsd) between cAPEX1 and hAPEX1 was 0.582 and the Q-score was 0.939.
Infrared Study of Er3+/Yb3+ Co-Doped GeO2-PbO-Bi2O3 Glass
Authors: Bahari Hamid-Reza , Sidek Hj. A. A. , Adikan Faisal Rafiq M. , Yunus Wan M. M. , Halimah Mohamed K.
Published: July 2012

Heavy metal oxide glasses, containing bismuth and/or lead in their glass structure are new alternatives for rare eart (RE) doped hosts. Hence, the study of the structure of these vitreous systems is of great interest for science and technology. In this research work, GeO2-PbO-Bi2O3 glass host doped with Er3+/Yb3+ ions was synthesized by a conventional melt quenching method. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) results showed that PbO and Bi2O3 participate with PbO4 tetragonal pyramids and strongly distort BiO6 octahedral units in the glass network, which subsequently act as modifiers in glass structure. These results also confirmed the existence of both four and six coordination of germanium oxide in glass matrix.
A Composite Membrane of Caesium Salt of Heteropolyacids/Quaternary Diazabicyclo-Octane Polysulfone with Poly (Tetrafluoroethylene) for Intermediate Temperature Fuel Cells
Authors: Xu Chenxi , Wang Xu , Wu Xu , Cao Yuancheng , Scott Keith
Published: July 2012

Inorganic-organic composite electrolyte membranes were fabricated from CsXH3−XPMo12O40 (CsPOMo) and quaternary diazabicyclo-octane polysulfone (QDPSU) using a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) porous matrix for the application of intermediate temperature fuel cells. The CsPOMo/QDPSU/PTFE composite membrane was made proton conducting by using a relatively low phosphoric acid loading, which benefits the stability of the membrane conductivity and the mechanical strength. The casting method was used in order to build a thin and robust composite membrane. The resulting composite membrane films were characterised in terms of the elemental composition, membrane structure and morphology by EDX, FTIR and SEM. The proton conductivity of the membrane was 0.04 S cm−1 with a H3PO4 loading level of 1.8 PRU (amount of H3PO4 per repeat unit of polymer QDPSU). The fuel cell performance with the membrane gave a peak power density of 240 mW cm−2 at 150 °C and atmospheric pressure.
Preparative Isolation and Purification of Four Compounds from Cistanches deserticola Y.C. Ma by High-Speed Counter-Current Chromatography
Authors: Han Lifeng , Ji Lina , Boakye-Yiadom Mavis , Li Wei , Song Xinbo , Gao Xiumei
Published: July 2012

Following a constituent enrichment step on a silica gel column, four phenyl-ethanoid glycosides were successfully isolated from Cistanches deserticola and purified by preparative high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) with a two-phase solvent system composed of ethyl acetate-n-butanol-ethanol-water (40:6:6:50, v/v/v/v). A total of 30.9 mg acteoside, 13.0 mg isoacteoside, 12.5 mg syringalide A 3'-α-L-rhamnopyranoside and 7.2 mg 2'-acetylacteoside with purity of higher than 95%, as determined by HPLC-ELSD, were obtained in one-step separation from 297 mg of Cistanche deserticola extract, respectively. Their structures were identified by HR-MS, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR.