bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring Thrombin Generation by Electrochemistry: Development of an Amperometric Biosensor Screening Test for Plasma and Whole Blood
Authors: Thuerlemann Charles , Haeberli André , Alberio Lorenzo
Published: January 2009

Background: Complete investigation of thrombophilic or hemorrhagic clinical presentations is a time-, apparatus-, and cost-intensive process. Sensitive screening tests for characterizing the overall function of the hemostatic system, or defined parts of it, would be very useful. For this purpose, we are developing an electrochemical biosensor system that allows measurement of thrombin generation in whole blood as well as in plasma.

Methods: The measuring system consists of a single-use electrochemical sensor in the shape of a strip and a measuring unit connected to a personal computer, recording the electrical signal. Blood is added to a specific reagent mixture immobilized in dry form on the strip, including a coagulation activator (e.g., tissue factor or silica) and an electrogenic substrate specific to thrombin.

Results: Increasing thrombin concentrations gave standard curves with progressively increasing maximal current and decreasing time to reach the peak. Because the measurement was unaffected by color or turbidity, any type of blood sample could be analyzed: platelet-poor plasma, platelet-rich plasma, and whole blood. The test strips with the predried reagents were stable when stored for several months before testing. Analysis of the combined results obtained with different activators allowed discrimination between defects of the extrinsic, intrinsic, and common coagulation pathways. Activated protein C (APC) predried on the strips allowed identification of APC-resistance in plasma and whole blood samples.

Conclusions: The biosensor system provides a new method for assessing thrombin generation in plasma or whole blood samples as small as 10 μL. The assay is easy to use, thus allowing it to be performed in a point-of-care setting.
An Instrumented Flume to Investigate the Mechanics of Rainfall-Induced Landslides in Unsaturated Granular Soils
Authors: Olivares Lucio , Damiano Emilia , Greco Roberto , Zeni Luigi , Picarelli Luciano , Minardo Aldo , Guida Andrea , Bernini Romeo
Published: January 2009

The mechanics of rainfall-induced flowslides in pyroclastic soils have yet to be completely clarified. The complexity of phenomena (rainfall-induced failure in initially unsaturated granular deposits, post-failure transition to flow-like landslide) requires the use of a well-equipped small-scale flume. To this aim, flume experiments at the Second University of Naples were performed to analyze the fundamental aspects of such phenomena. A new experimental program is now being carried out to assess the performance of a time domain reflectometry device and optical fibers as indicators of impending failure. The paper describes the instrumented flume and the procedures adopted for monitoring the major aspects of slope behavior. Our first experimental results are very promising in this respect.
How Often Does Deliberate Self‐Harm Occur Relative to Each Suicide? A Study of Variations by Gender and Age
Authors: Hawton Keith , Harriss Louise
Published: January 2009

Deliberate self‐harm (DSH; i.e., nonfatal self‐poisoning or self‐injury) occurs much more frequently than suicide, yet there has been little detailed investigation of the comparative rates of DSH and suicide. We conducted a study of how rates of DSH relate to suicide rates across the life cycle by gender and by method of estimation of DSH rates, using 10 years of data from a local system for monitoring DSH presentations to a general hospital and national and local suicide statistics. The rate‐ratio of DSH to suicide was 36 (95% CI 34.9–37.1) based on annual person‐based rates of DSH episodes and was nearly five times higher in females (87.9; 95% CI 84.4–91.6) than in males (18.7; 95% CI 17.9–19.6). The ratio varied markedly across the life cycle, decreasing from more than 200 in teenagers to less than 10 in persons aged 60 years and over. The difference in the ratio between females and males also decreased over the life cycle. There were very similar findings when local suicide rates were used. These patterns were replicated when the data were analyzed, first, on the basis of all episodes of DSH during the study period, but with expectedly larger DSH:suicide ratios (e.g., overall 52.7; 95% CI 51.4–54.1), and second, on the basis of individual persons only engaging in DSH during the study period, but with smaller ratios (e.g., overall 26.2; 95% CI 25.4–27.2). The DSH:suicide rate ratios for those with high and low suicidal intent were similar within age groups except for those aged 60 years and over, in whom there was a greater proportion of high intent acts. These findings illustrate how the nature of self‐harming behavior may vary in intention across the life cycle and between the genders, and provide a basis for further comparative work of this kind.
Building Models for the Relationship Between Attitudes Toward Suicide and Suicidal Behavior: Based on Data from General Population Surveys in Sweden, Norway, and Russia
Authors: Renberg Ellinor Salander , Hjelmeland Heidi , Koposov Roman
Published: January 2009

Our aim was to build a model delineating the relationship between attitudes toward suicide and suicidal behavior and to assess equivalence by applying the model on data from different countries. Representative samples from the general population were approached in Sweden, Norway, and Russia with the Attitudes Toward Suicide (ATTS) questionnaire. Data on experience of suicidal behavior among significant others and self‐reported suicidal expressions were also collected. Structural equation modeling resulted in gender and country specific models where experience of suicidal behavior among significant others and self‐reported suicidal expressions earlier in life predicted attitudes, and attitudes predicted current suicidal expressions. The models included the attitude factors acceptance of suicide, condemnation, and preventability; age and level of education were also incorporated. The different models reveal possible ways to better understand gender and culture‐specific paths between attitudes and suicidal behaviors, and their relevance in a suicide prevention context is considered.
Suicidality in a Sample of Arctic Households
Authors: Haggarty John M. , Cernovsky Zack , Bedard Michel , Merskey Harold
Published: January 2009

We investigated the association of suicidal ideation and behavior with depression, anxiety, and alcohol abuse in a Canadian Arctic Inuit community. Inuit (N = 111) from a random sample of households completed assessments of anxiety and depression, alcohol abuse, and suicidality. High rates of suicidal ideation within the past week (43.6%), and suicide attempts within last 6 months (30%), were reported. Ideation was more frequent among younger persons, whereas those favoring local native language were less likely to report a wish to die. Higher overall suicidality scores were associated with higher anxiety, and alcohol abuse, but not with depression or gender. Implications for future research are discussed.
Improvements to Suicide Prevention Training for Prison Staff in England and Wales
Authors: Hayes Adrian J. , Shaw Jenny J. , Lever‐Green Gillian , Parker Dianne , Gask Linda
Published: January 2009

Suicide prevention training for the prison service in England and Wales has been criticized. STORM is a package emphasizing the practice and review of interactions with suicidal persons and was evaluated in a pilot study for use in prisons. Trainees completed questionnaires immediately before and after training and at 6 to 8 months follow‐up. Training significantly improved attitudes, knowledge, and confidence, and improvements were maintained at follow‐up. Satisfaction with training was very high. STORM was successfully adapted for prison settings, and showed good effects among staff trained. It should be provided to the wider prison estate, with regular refresher training.
A Cross‐National Study of the Relationship Between Elderly Suicide Rates and Urbaninzation
Authors: Shah Ajit
Published: January 2009

There is mixed evidence of a relationship between suicide rates in the general population and urbanization, and a paucity of studies examining this relationship in the elderly. A cross‐national study with curve estimation regression model analysis, was undertaken to examine the a priori hypothesis that the relationship between elderly suicide rates and urbanization would be curvilinear and follow an inverted U‐shaped curve. There was a curvilinear relationship between male suicide rates in both the elderly age‐bands and the percentage of the population living in urban areas, but this was not observed in females. A three‐stage sequential model was developed to explain the observed relationship between suicide rates in elderly males and urbanization. The relationship between suicide rates in elderly females and urbanization.
Impact of Death by Suicide of Patients on Thai Psychiatrists
Authors: Thomyangkoon Prakarn , Antoon Leenaars PhD
Published: January 2009

The objective of this study was to identify the impact of a patient's suicide on psychiatrists in Thailand. A confidential coded postal questionnaire survey was sent to 320 eligible psychiatrists; with a response rate of 52.18%). The results showed that 94 (56.28%) of responding psychiatrists had a patient die by suicide, consistent with high rates found in similar large‐scale studies in the United States and United Kingdom. Less than half (41.5%) of patients had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, 33% had a depressive disorder, and the others had a wide array of diagnoses. More than 50% of psychiatrists reported personally experiencing sadness, depression, hopelessness, and guilt; 74.5% reported professional reactions, most frequently a review of their practice (93.4% reported being more aggressive in assessment of suicidality). Respondents were diverse in their postvention; 90% of Thai psychiatrists reported that working through with colleagues was most helpful. Family and friends helped. A majority (72.4%) of psychiatrists prayed or did “merit” for the dead patient; 86.8% found it helpful. This finding suggests that cultural sensitivity may be needed to understand the impact of suicide on psychiatrists but also to its response.
Variation in the gene encoding Krüppel-like factor 7 influences body fat: studies of 14 818 Danes
Authors: Zobel Dorit P , Andreasen Camilla H , Burgdorf Kristoffer S , Andersson Ehm A , Sandbæk Annelli , Lauritzen Torsten , Borch-Johnsen Knut , Jørgensen Torben , Maeda Shiro , Nakamura Yusuke , Eiberg Hans , Pederse Oluf , Hansen Torben
Published: January 2009

Objective

KLF7encodes Krüppel-like factor (KLF) 7, a member of the KLF family of transcription factors, initially shown to play important roles in cellular development and differentiation, and reported to be specifically involved in adipogenesis. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified inKLF7, of which the A-allele of rs2302870 has been associated with type 2 diabetes in a Japanese population; however, a possible association ofKLF7SNPs with obesity has not been investigated. We aimed to identify variation in the putative promoter region, the coding regions, exon/intron boundaries, and 3′-UTR ofKLF7, and to examine identified variants in relation to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and related quantitative traits in Danish individuals.

Methods

Identified variants were investigated for association with type 2 diabetes in 8777 individuals and with obesity in 14 818 individuals.

Results

We identified four common SNPs in low pairwise linkage disequilibrium; three in the putative promoter region (−1119 G>A, −963 C>A (rs7568369), and −614 G>A) and IVS2+35092 A>C (rs2302870). We failed to confirm an association between rs2302870 and type 2 diabetes. Neither was rs7568369 associated with type 2 diabetes; however, the minor A-allele of rs7568369 protected against obesity (OR=0.90 (0.84–0.96),P=0.001) and in studies of quantitative traits (n=5,535) the variant associated with decreased body mass index (P=0.002) and waist circumference (P=0.003). The −1119 G>A and −614 G>A variants were not associated with obesity or type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion

We identified a novel association between the minor A-allele ofKLF7rs7568369 and protection against obesity in the Danish population.
Transient pituitary enlargement with central hypogonadism secondary to bilateral cavernous sinus thrombosis: pituitary oedema?
Authors: Joubert Michael , Verdon Renaud , Reznik Yves
Published: January 2009

Design

We report the case of an incidental pituitary mass discovered in the context of bilateral cavernous sinus thrombosis due to a bacterial pansinusitis.

Conclusions

Magnetic resonance imaging features of the pituitary lesion, together with transient central hypogonadism and total regression of the mass after anticoagulation and antimicrobial therapy, suggest that this lesion is a pituitary oedema of vascular mechanism. Other possible causes of pituitary mass in such a situation are also discussed.
Confronting Health Disparities: Latin American Social Medicine in Venezuela
Authors: Briggs Charles L. , Mantini-Briggs Clara
Published: January 2009

Objectives. We explored the emergence and effectiveness of Venezuela's Misión Barrio Adentro, “Inside the Neighborhood Mission,” a program designed to improve access to health care among underserved residents of the country, hoping to draw lessons to apply to future attempts to address acute health disparities.

Methods. We conducted our study in 3 capital-region neighborhoods, 2 small cities, and 2 rural areas, combining systematic observations with interviews of 221 residents, 41 health professionals, and 28 government officials. We surveyed 177 female and 91 male heads of household.

Results. Interviews suggested that Misión Barrio Adentro emerged from creative interactions between policymakers, clinicians, community workers, and residents, adopting flexible, problem-solving strategies. In addition, data indicated that egalitarian physician–patient relationships and the direct involvement of local health committees overcame distrust and generated popular support for the program. Media and opposition antagonism complicated physicians’ lives and clinical practices but heightened the program's visibility.

Conclusions. Top-down and bottom-up efforts are less effective than “horizontal” collaborations between professionals and residents in underserved communities. Direct, local involvement can generate creative and dynamic efforts to address acute health disparities in these areas.
Small-Area Estimation and Prioritizing Communities for Tobacco Control Efforts in Massachusetts
Authors: Li Wenjun , Land Thomas , Zhang Zi , Keithly Lois , Kelsey Jennifer L.
Published: January 2009

Objectives. We developed a method to evaluate geographic and temporal variations in community-level risk factors and prevalence estimates, and used that method to identify communities in Massachusetts that should be considered high priority communities for smoking interventions.

Methods. We integrated individual-level data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System from 1999 to 2005 with community-level data in Massachusetts. We used small-area estimation models to assess the associations of adults’ smoking status with both individual- and community-level characteristics and to estimate community-specific smoking prevalence in 398 communities. We classified communities into 8 groups according to their prevalence estimates, the precision of the estimates, and temporal trends.

Results. Community-level prevalence of current cigarette smoking among adults ranged from 5% to 36% in 2005 and declined in all but 16 (4%) communities between 1999 and 2005. However, less than 15% of the communities met the national prevalence goal of 12% or less. High smoking prevalence remained in communities with lower income, higher percentage of blue-collar workers, and higher density of tobacco outlets.

Conclusions. Prioritizing communities for intervention can be accomplished through the use of small-area estimation models. In Massachusetts, socioeconomically disadvantaged communities have high smoking prevalence rates and should be of high priority to those working to control tobacco use.
Health Care Utilization, Barriers to Care, and Hormone Usage Among Male-to-Female Transgender Persons in New York City
Authors: Sanchez Nelson F. , Sanchez John P. , Danoff Ann
Published: January 2009

Objectives. We investigated health care utilization, barriers to care, and hormone use among male-to-female transgender persons residing in New York City to determine whether current care is in accord with the World Professional Association for Transgender Health and the goals of Healthy People 2010.

Methods. We conducted interviews with 101 male-to-female transgender persons from 3 community health centers in 2007.

Results. Most participants reported having health insurance (77%; n = 78) and seeing a general practitioner in the past year (81%; n = 82). Over 25% of participants perceived the cost of medical care, access to specialists, and a paucity of transgender-friendly and transgender-knowledgeable providers as barriers to care. Being under a physician's care was associated with high-risk behavior reduction, including smoking cessation (P = .004) and obtaining needles from a licensed physician (P = .002). Male-to-female transgender persons under a physician's care were more likely to obtain hormone therapies from a licensed physician (P < .001).

Conclusions. Utilization of health care providers by male-to-female transgender persons is associated with their reduction of some high-risk behaviors, but it does not result in adherence to standard of care recommendations for transgender individuals.
Expanded Access to Naloxone: Options for Critical Response to the Epidemic of Opioid Overdose Mortality
Authors: Kim Daniel , Irwin Kevin S. , Khoshnood Kaveh
Published: January 2009

The United States is in the midst of a prolonged and growing epidemic of accidental and preventable deaths associated with overdoses of licit and illicit opioids. For more than 3 decades, naloxone has been used by emergency medical personnel to pharmacologically reverse overdoses. The peers or family members of overdose victims, however, are most often the actual first responders and are best positioned to intervene within an hour of the onset of overdose symptoms.

Data from recent pilot programs demonstrate that lay persons are consistently successful in safely administering naloxone and reversing opioid overdose. Current evidence supports the extensive scaleup of access to naloxone. We present advantages and limitations associated with a range of possible policy and program responses.
Measuring Socioeconomic Differences in Use of Health Care Services by Wealth Versus by Income
Authors: Allin Sara , Masseria Cristina , Mossialos Elias
Published: January 2009

Objectives. We compared the extent of socioeconomic differences in use of health care services based on wealth (i.e., accumulated assets) as the socioeconomic ranking variable with the extent of differences based on income to explore the sensitivity of the estimates of equity to the choice of the socioeconomic indicator.

Methods. We used data from the Health and Retirement Study in the United States and the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe to estimate levels of income- and wealth-related disparity in use of physician and dental services among adults 50 or older in 12 countries.

Results. We found socioeconomic differences in use of physician services after standardizing for need in about half of the countries studied. No consistent pattern in levels of disparity measured by wealth versus those measured by income was found. However, the rich were significantly more likely to use dental services in all countries. Wealth-related differences in dental service use were consistently higher than were income-related differences.

Conclusions. We found some support for wealth as a more sensitive indicator of socioeconomic status among older adults than was income. Wealth may thus allow more accurate measurements of socioeconomic differences in use of health care services for this population.
Public Health Legal Preparedness in Indian Country
Authors: Bryan Ralph T. , Schaefer Rebecca McLaughlin , DeBruyn Lemyra , Stier Daniel D.
Published: January 2009

American Indian/Alaska Native tribal governments are sovereign entities with inherent authority to create laws and enact health regulations. Laws are an essential tool for ensuring effective public health responses to emerging threats.

To analyze how tribal laws support public health practice in tribal communities, we reviewed tribal legal documentation available through online databases and talked with subject-matter experts in tribal public health law. Of the 70 tribal codes we found, 14 (20%) had no clearly identifiable public health provisions. The public health–related statutes within the remaining codes were rarely well integrated or comprehensive.

Our findings provide an evidence base to help tribal leaders strengthen public health legal foundations in tribal communities.
Psychosocial Care for Women Survivors of the Tsunami Disaster in India
Authors: Becker Susan M.
Published: January 2009

Objectives. I investigated the effectiveness of Psychosocial Care, a community-based mental health initiative for survivors of the 2004 tsunami disaster in India.

Methods. Mental health teams from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in India implemented a train-the-trainer model of psychosocial care in one of the worst tsunami-affected areas of south India. Three months of psychosocial care was provided for an intervention group of women, but not for a control group recruited from an exposed neighboring village. Impact of Event Scale (IES) scores—both total scores and scores for subscales on hypervigilance, avoidance, and intrusion—were compiled for both the intervention and control groups and used as outcome measures.

Results. For the intervention group, posttest total IES and subscale scores were significantly lower than pretest scores (P < .001), indicating improvement in symptoms. Posttest total IES and subscale scores were significantly lower for the intervention group than for the control group (P < .001).

Conclusions. Psychosocial care is an effective mental health strategy for women survivors of disasters and should be an integral component of disaster response in resource-poor countries.
Denosumab for the Treatment of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Authors: Lewiecki E Michael
Published: January 2009

Denosumab is an investigational fully human monoclonal antibody to RANKL, a cytokine member of the tumor necrosis factor family that is the principal mediator of osteoclastic bone resorption. RANKL stimulates the differentiation, activity and survival of osteoclasts, and is implicated in the pathogenesis of postmenopausal osteoporosis and other skeletal disorders associated with high rates of bone remodeling. By inhibiting the action of RANKL, denosumab reduces the differentiation, activation and survival of osteoclasts and slows the rate of bone resorption. Postmenopausal women with low bone mineral density treated with denosumab have an increase in bone mineral density and a reduction of bone turnover markers that is rapid, sustained and reversible. In postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, denosumab reduces the risk of vertebral, hip and nonvertebral fractures. Denosumab is well tolerated with a favorable safety profile.
Identifying Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Risk Factors in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Dua Monica M , Dalman Ronald L
Published: January 2009

Evaluation of: Lederle FA, Larson JC, Margolis KL et al.: Abdominal aortic aneurysm events in the Women's Health Initiative: cohort study. Br. Med. J. 337, A1724 (2008). A linked cohort study of 161,808 postmenopausal women aged 50–79 years enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative was conducted during which participants were followed for the incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysm repair or rupture. This study evaluated the association between potential risk factors and subsequent abdominal aortic aneurysm events in women. A total of 467 women reported a diagnosis of abdominal aortic aneurysm before entering the study or during participation, with 184 aneurysm-related events identified. Abdominal aortic aneurysm events were strongly associated with age and smoking and negatively associated with diabetes and baseline use of postmenopausal hormone supplementation. Previous studies investigating abdominal aortic aneurysm have focused primarily on men, with little reliable information available on women. This study contributes a large female cohort to provide better insight into gender-specific abdominal aortic aneurysm risks and disease associations.
Long-Term Effects of Bilateral Oophorectomy on Brain Aging: Unanswered Questions from the Mayo Clinic Cohort Study of Oophorectomy and Aging
Authors: Rocca Walter A , Shuster Lynne T , Grossardt Brandon R , Maraganore Demetrius M , Gostout Bobbie S , Geda Yonas E , Melton L Joseph
Published: January 2009

In the Mayo Clinic Cohort Study of Oophorectomy and Aging, women who had both ovaries removed before reaching natural menopause experienced a long-term increased risk of parkinsonism, cognitive impairment or dementia, and depressive and anxiety symptoms. Here, we discuss five possible mechanistic interpretations of the observed associations; first, the associations may be non-causal because they result from the confounding effect of genetic variants or of other risk factors; second, the associations may be mediated by an abrupt reduction in levels of circulating estrogen; third, the associations may be mediated by an abrupt reduction in levels of circulating progesterone or testosterone; fourth, the associations may be mediated by an increased release of gonadotropins by the pituitary gland; and fifth, genetic variants may modify the hormonal effects of bilateral oophorectomy through simple or more complex interactions. Results from other studies are cited as evidence for or against each possible mechanism. These putative causal mechanisms are probably intertwined, and their clarification is a research priority.
Migraine and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease and Ischemic Stroke in Women
Authors: Woodward Mark
Published: January 2009

Migraine is a common chronic disorder, especially amongst women – approximately 18% of US women will have had a migraine attack within the past year. Cardiovascular disease is the biggest killer in the same population. This review summarizes the best available epidemiological evidence for an independent association between migraine and cardiovascular disease amongst women. The most reliable evidence comes from the Women's Health Study, which found that migraine with aura raised the risk of ischemic stroke by 91% (95% CI: 17–210%) and myocardial infaction by 108% (95% CI: 30–231%). Migraine without aura raised both risks by approximately 25%. The other prospective studies that were identified gave broadly supportive results, and suggested that the risks from migraine were attenuated with age. It would be prudent for women who suffer migraine with aura to seek medical advice and consider lifestyle changes in order to improve their cardiovascular risk profile.
Corpus Luteum Hemorrhage in Women with Bleeding Disorders
Authors: Hoffman Ron , Brenner Benjamin
Published: January 2009

Bleeding into the corpus luteum following ovulation rarely has clinical significance in healthy women, but may lead to life-threatening hemorrhage in women with congenital or acquired bleeding disorders. Women who are at an increased risk for corpus luteum hemorrhage (CLH) can be divided in two categories; first, those taking anticoagulants because of a thrombotic disorder; and second, women with congenital bleeding disorders. The management and prevention of CLH is still unsettled and the literature dealing with this problem is based on case reports only. This review focuses on the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment options of an acute bleeding event and prevention modalities of CLH in women with bleeding disorders.
Optical absorption and reflectivity spectra of highly chromium doped CdTe alloy and layer
Authors: Potera Piotr , Stefaniuk Ireneusz , Kuzma Marian , Virt Ihor , Pukowska Barbara
Published: January 2009

In the present work, a CdTe alloy doped with a relatively high concentration of chromium (1%), and a CdTe:Cr layer, have been studied. Absorption and reflectivity spectra were measured at room temperature. They indicate the presence of chromium in the divalent state, both in the alloy and in the layer.
A New Atisane-Type Diterpene from the Bark of the Mangrove Plant Excoecaria Agallocha
Authors: Wang Zhan Chang , Lin Yi Ming , Feng Dan Qin , Ke Cai Huan , Lin Peng , Yan Chong Ling , Chen Jun De
Published: January 2009

A new atisane-type diterpene, ent-16α-hydroxy-atisane-3,4-lactone (4) and three known diterpenes, ent-16α-hydroxy-atisane-3-one (1), ent-atisane-3β,16α-diol (2), ent-3,4-seco-16α-hydroxyatis- 4(19)-en -3-oic acid (3) were isolated from the bark of the mangrove plant Excoecaria agallocha. Their structures and relative stereochemistry were elucidated by means of extensive NMR and MS analysis. Compound 3 exhibited significant anti-microfouling activity against the adherence of Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes, with an EC50 value of 0.54 ± 0.01 ppm.
Simultaneous Measurements of Chlorophyll Concentration by Lidar, Fluorometry, above-Water Radiometry, and Ocean Color MODIS Images in the Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: Kampel Milton , Lorenzzetti João A. , Bentz Cristina M. , Nunes Raul A. , Paranhos Rodolfo , Rudorff Frederico M. , Politano Alexandre T.
Published: January 2009

Comparisons between in situ measurements of surface chlorophyll-a concentration (CHL) and ocean color remote sensing estimates were conducted during an oceanographic cruise on the Brazilian Southeastern continental shelf and slope, Southwestern South Atlantic. In situ values were based on fluorometry, above-water radiometry and lidar fluorosensor. Three empirical algorithms were used to estimate CHL from radiometric measurements: Ocean Chlorophyll 3 bands (OC3MRAD), Ocean Chlorophyll 4 bands (OC4v4RAD), and Ocean Chlorophyll 2 bands (OC2v4RAD). The satellite estimates of CHL were derived from data collected by the MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) with a nominal 1.1 km resolution at nadir. Three algorithms were used to estimate chlorophyll concentrations from MODIS data: one empirical - OC3MSAT, and two semi-analytical - Garver, Siegel, Maritorena version 01 (GSM01SAT), and CarderSAT. In the present work, MODIS, lidar and in situ above-water radiometry and fluorometry are briefly described and the estimated values of chlorophyll retrieved by these techniques are compared. The chlorophyll concentration in the study area was in the range 0.01 to 0.2 mg·m-3. In general, the empirical algorithms applied to the in situ radiometric and satellite data showed a tendency to overestimate CHL with a mean difference between estimated and measured values of as much as 0.17 mg/m3 (OC2v4RAD). The semi-analytical GSM01 algorithm applied to MODIS data performed better (rmse 0.28, rmse-L 0.08, mean diff. -0.01 mg/m3) than the Carder and the empirical OC3M algorithms (rmse 1.14 and 0.36, rmse-L 0.34 and 0.11, mean diff. 0.17 and 0.02 mg/m3, respectively). We find that rmsd values between MODIS relative to the in situ radiometric measurements are < 26%, i.e., there is a trend towards overestimation of RRS by MODIS for the stations considered in this work. Other authors have already reported over and under estimation of MODIS remotely sensed reflectance due to several errors in the bio-optical algorithm performance, in the satellite sensor calibration, and in the atmospheric-correction algorithm.
Ontogeny and ecology of the filicalean fern Oligocarpia gothanii (Gleicheniaceae) from the Middle Permian of China
Authors: Stevens Liadan G. , Hilton Jason
Published: January 2009

Reinvestigation of Oligocarpia gothanii Halle (Gleicheniaceae) from the Permian Period of China has uncovered a rare demonstration of ontogenetic succession in numerous intact plants and has led to emendation of the diagnosis and typification of the species. Reconstruction of the fern's vegetative life cycle shows a small rosette‐shaped juvenile plant with immature fronds of pinnae undifferentiated into pinnules. The second stage is a series of leafy shoots increasing in size and complexity and bearing fronds essentially comparable with those of the adult plants. Mature plants have sphenopteroid‐type fronds differentiated into vegetative and fertile fronds. Close association of plants on the same bedding plane and the presence of a connecting root network between shoots, show that juvenile plants spread by vegetative propagation using underground stolons. Sedimentological information and co‐occurrence with the bryophyte Thallites hallei Lundblad suggests that O. gothanii occupied a wetland habitat and was preserved in an obrution event consistent with flooding of marginal areas in a fluvio‐deltaic setting. Although recent studies on Oligocarpia have focused exclusively on reproductive features, new ontogenetic information suggests that plants growing in rapidly changing environments may have been reliant on vegetative propagation and would not have needed to reach sexual maturity for successful reproduction.
Adherence Devices in a Community Sample: How are Pillboxes Used?
Authors: Gould Odette N. , Todd Laura , Irvine-Meek Janice
Published: January 2009

Background:

Calendar-packaging devices such as pillboxes (dosettes) and blister packaging are often recommended to seniors, and are commonly used. However, little is known about how they are used. The goal of this project was to investigate how older adults in the community use calendar-packaging adherence devices.

Methods:

A mail survey of a community sample was used. Analyses addressed 3 research questions. First, the respondents reported on what type of calendar packaging they used. Second, the characteristics of the individuals who used pillboxes and blister packs were compared. Third, the way in which calendar devices were used by these individuals was described.

Results:

Respondents were 135 community-dwelling older adults (mean age ± standard deviation = 73 ± 9 years). The majority of respondents in the survey (75%) used a pillbox at least some of the time, while a smaller number (13%) used blister packs for at least some of their medications. Respondents who used pillboxes were taking more medications than those who did not. Few of the respondents reported using pillboxes in the recommended way. Only 11% of pillbox users used boxes with multiple slots for each day and, while the majority of respondents (93%) filled their pillboxes themselves, most of these individuals (82%) depended solely on their memory for filling the pillbox and only one individual had a second person check the pillbox for errors.

Conclusion:

Although pillboxes are often recommended and are widely used, the types of pillboxes chosen and the ways in which they are used may not be optimal to ensure medication adherence. Can Pharm J 2009;142:28–35.
Relativisme et vérité scientifiques chez Max Weber
Authors: Gonthier Frédéric
Published: January 2009

RéSUMé. — En rappelant que les sciences sociales sont doublement liées aux intérêts du sujet connaissant et à un mécanisme de croyance, Weber ne cède pas à une analyse relativiste de l’objectivité scientifique. Il dégage au contraire les différentes présuppositions cognitives qui rendent possible l’activité scientifique. Le sociologue peut alors résoudre la question de l’objectivité scientifique par une définition circulaire, où les sciences sociales sont fondées sur leurs propres conséquences empiriques.
Les communautés de fans de Matrix sur Internet : une étude de sociologie de la connaissance
Authors: Keucheyan Razmig
Published: January 2009

RéSUMé. — Cet article a pour objet les communautés de fans du film Matrix sur Internet. Matrix est une œuvre hollywoodienne. Elle a toutefois ceci de spécifique qu’elle contient un discours ouvertement philosophique. Ses réalisateurs sont des adeptes du « post-modernisme », en particulier des thèses de Jean Baudrillard. Des allusions explicites à ce dernier et à d’autres penseurs sont présentes dans le film. De ce fait, Matrix a suscité d’innombrables interprétations, émanant de divers types d’intellectuels, et a conduit des milliers d’internautes à débattre des problèmes philosophiques qu’il soulève au sein de forums « en ligne ». Notre objectif est, d’une part, de comprendre les raisons de la réception philosophique dont le film a fait l’objet, et d’autre part, d’analyser le mode de circulation des idées au sein des forums qui lui sont consacrés sur Internet. Nous avons réalisé une enquête auprès de deux communautés de fans de Matrix afin de répondre à ces questions.
L'acteur social est-il (déjà) soluble dans les neurosciences ?
Authors: Bronner Gérald
Published: January 2009

RéSUMé. — Les progrès des neurosciences incitent la sociologie à réexaminer certaines des questions qui sont au fondement de son identité. Cet article invite à la prudence quant à une adhésion trop inconditionnelle aux thèses naturalistes. Il s’agit, en particulier, de savoir si l’acteur social est le niveau adéquat de la réflexion en sciences sociales ou si les connaissances acquises sur le fonctionnement de l’esprit permettent de lui préférer des entités infra-individuelles.
Les différentes dimensions de la notion d'abstraction dans le modèle du choix rationnel
Authors: Demeulenaere Pierre
Published: January 2009

RéSUMé. — Le problème de l’abstraction dans les sciences sociales est discuté sur la base de l’examen de son statut dans le Modèle du choix rationnel. La notion d’abstraction y renvoie à un ensemble d’aspects différenciés qui ne sauraient être réduits les uns aux autres. L’article vise à déterminer ces différentes dimensions et la nature des justifications qui leur sont associées. Les principes de légitimité dérivent de la signification d’un processus descriptif qui conduit à ces dimensions variées de l’abstraction. Dès lors ces différents aspects de l’abstraction peuvent produire des usages légitimes ou illégitimes. Le débat épistémologique ne devrait donc pas opposer des théories abstraites et des descriptions réalistes, mais des abstractions légitimes ou illégitimes.
La typologie église-sectes-mystique selon Ernst Troeltsch
Authors: Disselkamp Annette
Published: January 2009

RéSUMé. — La célèbre typologie Église-sectes-mystique, mise en œuvre par le théologien Ernst Troeltsch dans Les Doctrines sociales des Églises et groupes chrétiens, illustre une caractéristique importante de l’idéal type, à savoir son affinité avec les grands débats intellectuels qui traversent la société. Elle correspond notamment à deux interrogations ayant préoccupé les penseurs du XIX e  siècle jusqu’au début du XX e , celle du rapport entre l’absolu et le relatif et celle de l’ascèse. Cette affinité contribue à en faire une abstraction réussie.
Les caractères en forme de coins : le cas du cunéiforme
Authors: Cancik-Kirschbaum Eva , Chambon Grégory
Published: January 2009

Depuis la Renaissance, les récits sur la découverte de civilisations dans le Nouveau-Monde et en Orient ont stimulé en Europe les réflexions sur le langage et l'écriture. En particulier, la réception des systèmes d'écriture des anciennes cultures, comme les hiéroglyphes égyptiens, a influencé l'élaboration de théories sur l'évolution de l'écriture et sur le niveau des civilisations. L'enthousiasme suscité par l'étude des hiéroglyphes a en partie voilé le rôle joué lors de cette réception par l'écriture cunéiforme, « re-découverte » plus tardivement. Les caractéristiques géométriques des inscriptions copiées en Perse et la simplicité de l'élément générique de cette écriture, le « coin », posaient un problème pour les théoriciens qui élaboraient des schémas sur l'évolution culturelle de l'Humanité.
une tombe du IIIe millénaire à Tell Mohammed Diyab
Authors: Verardi Virginia
Published: January 2009

Lors de la campagne de l'automne 2005, plusieurs objets archéologiques ont été trouvés de manière fortuite dans le village moderne, à 200 m à l'ouest du tell, dans une fosse creusée par un villageois. Il s'agit du matériel funéraire d'une tombe en pleine terre, dans laquelle des fragments d'ossements étaient toujours visibles, à une profondeur de 1,5 m. Rien dans ces vestiges ne nous permet de déduire l'orientation de la tombe ou la position originelle du corps inhumé. Un premier examen du matériel permet cependant de proposer une datation pour la tombe de la première occupation du site vers le milieu du troisième millénaire av. n. è. et de relever des influences de la culture Kuro-Araxe pour les objets en métal.
Neo-babylonian laundry
Authors: Waerzeggers Caroline
Published: January 2009

Le rôle des artisans dans l'économie privée néo-babylonienne n'est pas bien documenté dans les sources textuelles de cette période. Cet article présente une étude de cas consacrée aux blanchisseurs au service des maisonnées privées, à partir des contrats de blanchissage conservés dans les archives des élites urbaines.
Sociologie de la traduction.
Authors: Lassave Pierre
Published: January 2009

RÉSUMÉ Le mot « traduction » est à l’honneur : le philosophe Paul Ricœur l’érige en principe éthique, la « traductologie » se pose en nouvelle discipline littéraire et un courant de la sociologie des sciences le prend pour paradigme. Au-delà de ce dernier usage analogique, n’y a-t-il pas place pour une sociologie de la traduction qui ne soit pas seulement une sociographie des traducteurs amateurs ou professionnels, ni même une annexe fonctionnelle de la théorie des champs culturels et de leurs échanges inégaux ? L’événement éditorial que constitue une nouvelle traduction littéraire de la Bible offre ainsi au sociologue matière à associer ses dimensions linguistiques, institutionnelles et relationnelles pour déterminer une « configuration traductive » exemplaire de la rencontre équivoque entre mondes littéraires, médiatiques et religieux en contexte de modernité avancée.
Émergence d'une culture, déclin d'une profession.
Authors: Salam Fall Abdou , Vidal Laurent
Published: January 2009

RÉSUMÉ À partir d’une approche anthropologique des prises en charge médicales de la tuberculose et du paludisme, ainsi que des conceptions et usages de la prévention dans des milieux urbains d’Afrique de l’Ouest (Sénégal et Côte-d’Ivoire), ce texte interroge la nature du métier de soignant. Après nous être penchés sur les spécificités de ce type d’étude anthropologique en milieu médical, nous nous attachons à décrypter les processus d’occultations des singularités du malade qui caractérisent les messages et discours de prévention. Dans les structures de santé, sont étudiées les négociations des normes de diagnostic et de traitement à l’œuvre ; les attitudes des soignants qui oscillent entre sur- et sous-estimations des risques sanitaires ; et le hiatus entre la demande et les besoins réels de formations continues. Enfin, nous nous penchons sur la rencontre entre les soignants et les malades qui peut se trouver transformée par les spécificités de la maladie et de son traitement. On constate alors que les fondements de la professionnalisation tendent à disparaître au profit d’un mode de régulation du rapport au malade, au collègue et plus largement au savoir médical qui témoigne de l’émergence d’une culture soignante qui est, de fait, une culture organisationnelle. Elle se caractérise à la fois par la délégation des tâches à des non-professionnels, la production et la résolution des conflits mettant en évidence des réseaux clientélistes ainsi que par une routinisation des gestes.
De la bioéthique à l'action publique en matière de biotechnologies : la production des thérapies cellulaires
Authors: Tournay Virginie
Published: January 2009

RÉSUMÉ Cet article propose d’examiner la manière dont les pratiques médicales informelles utilisant les cellules humaines ont été réunies en une technologie intégrée sur deux décennies. Dans ce processus, les débats de la bioéthique constituent un dispositif d’épreuves permettant d’unifier ces pratiques disparates sous le label commun de « thérapie cellulaire ». En établissant des articulations possibles entre la production matérielle d’un savoir médical et ses inscriptions institutionnelles, le travail de requalification bioéthique s’effectue suivant trois registres. Tout d’abord, les controverses bioéthiques assignent un label médical à des technologies qui n’existent alors que sous la forme de projet articulé à des pratiques de laboratoire (thérapie génique). Ensuite, elles définissent des entités du vivant en objet technique, par exemple en dissociant les cellules souches de l’embryon. Enfin, elles introduisent des catégories distinctes de pratiques (clonage reproductif / clonage thérapeutique) à partir d’une même technique. En ce sens, la bioéthique constitue un standard politique, inextricable de l’action publique en matière de biotechnologies. Suivre la construction sociale des objets biologiques conduit à établir un modèle de standardisation des innovations biomédicales et à promouvoir une sociologie pragmatique basée sur la genèse des standards.
Le journal interne d'entreprise
Authors: Both Anne
Published: January 2009

Résumé Avant de satisfaire ses lecteurs salariés, la presse interne d’entreprise doit répondre aux exigences de la direction générale, qui en est le commanditaire. Quelles sont les conséquences de cette contrainte sur le contenu éditorial ? L’observation ethnographique au sein d’une agence de communication chargée de réaliser le journal interne d’une entreprise publique en pleine réorganisation a permis de mettre au jour la censure pratiquée aussi bien par le journaliste et les personnes interviewées que par leurs supérieurs hiérarchiques. Il en résulte une dénaturation des propos, altérant non seulement leur crédibilité, mais aussi celle de la direction générale cautionnant ces pratiques. Le journal interne, qui se révèle un outil de management plus qu’un support d’information, semble, au fur et à mesure que se dégrade le climat social de l’entreprise, s’éloigner toujours un peu plus des objectifs que lui avait conseillé d’atteindre l’agence.
Une censure intériorisée ?
Authors: Delage Christian
Published: January 2009

Résumé Société du spectacle, ère du tout-information, non-respect de l’intimité des personnes : il est désormais d’usage de se plaindre de la place trop envahissante prise par les médias, en particulier audiovisuels et de s’interroger sur l’éthique de la profession. Il est vrai que ce sont plutôt les faits tragiques, le surgissement d’une violence meurtrière, l’atteinte à la vie des individus qui aiguisent l’appétit des journalistes, certains de répondre à une attente du public. Pourtant, lors des attentats commis à New York le 11 septembre 2001, pratiquement aucune image n’a été prise – en tout cas diffusée – des victimes. Certains ont cru pouvoir attribuer cette absence à une censure d’État. Or, ce jour-là, le président des États-Unis, loin de la Maison-Blanche, a dû patienter de longues heures avant de rejoindre la capitale fédérale. Pendant toute la journée, il a pris la mesure de l’événement par le biais des écrans de télévision disposés ici ou là sur son trajet. L’auteur s’interroge sur la nécessité ou non de se confronter à des images terribles pour être informé en temps réel du bilan matériel et humain d’un acte de terreur, en retraçant le déroulement de la journée du président Bush le 11 septembre 2001 et la manière dont les premiers témoins ont – comme les frères Naudet, deux jeunes réalisateurs français parmi les premiers présents sur les lieux – refusé de filmer les cadavres jonchant le sol des deux tours du World Trade Center.