bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Process-Parameter-Dependent Structural, Electrical, and Optical Properties of Reactive Magnetron Sputtered Ag-Cu-O Films
Authors: Reddy P. Narayana , Sreedhar A. , Prasad Reddy M. Hari , Uthanna S. , Pierson J. F.
Published: August 2011

Silver-copper-oxide thin films were formed by RF magnetron sputtering technique using Ag80Cu20target at various oxygen partial pressures in the range 5 × 10−3–8 ×10−2 Pa and substrate temperatures in the range 303–523 K. The effect of oxygen partial pressure and substrate temperature on the structure and surface morphology and electrical and optical properties of the films were studied. The Ag-Cu-O films formed at room temperature (303 K) and at low oxygen partial pressure of 5 × 10−3 Pa were mixed phase of Ag2Cu2O3and Ag, while those deposited at 2 × 10−2 Pa were composed of Ag2Cu2O4and Ag2Cu2O3phases. The crystallinity of the films formed at oxygen partial pressure of 2 × 10−2Pa increased with the increase of substrate temperature from 303 to 423 K. Further increase of substrate temperature to 523 K, the films were decomposed in to Ag2O and Ag phases. The electrical resistivity of the films decreased from 0.8 Ωcm with the increase of substrate temperature from 303 to 473 K due to improvement in the crystallinity of the phase. The optical band gap of the Ag-Cu-O films increased from 1.47 to 1.83 eV with the increase of substrate temperature from 303 to 473 K.
A Novel SFP Extracting/Tracking Framework for Rigid Microstructure Measurement
Authors: Liu Sheng , Fang Ting , Chen Zichen
Published: August 2011

3D measurement and reconstruction of rigid microstructures rely on the precise matches of structural feature points (SFPs) between microscopic images. However, most of the existing algorithms fail in extracting and tracking at microscale due to the poor quality of the microscopic images. This paper presents a novel framework for extracting and matching SFPs in microscopic images under two stereo microscopic imaging modes in our system, that is, fixed‐positioning stereo and continuous‐rotational stereo modes, respectively. A 4‐DOF (degree of freedom) micro visual measurement system is developed for 3D projective structural measurement of rigid microstructures using the SFPs obtained from microscopic images by the proposed framework. Under the fixed‐positioning stereo mode, a similarity‐pictorial structure algorithm is designed to preserve the illumination invariance in SFPs matching, while a method based on particle filter with affine transformation is developed for accurate tracking of multiple SFPs in image sequence under the continuous‐rotational stereo mode. The experimental results demonstrate that the problems of visual distortion, illumination variability, and irregular motion estimation in micro visual measurement process can be effectively resolved by the proposed framework.
Relationships among Constitution, Stress, and Discomfort in the First Trimester
Authors: Wang Hsiao-Ling , Lee Tzu-Chi , Kuo Shih-Hsien , Chou Fan-Hao , Chen Li-Li , Su Yi-Chang , Chen Lih-Mih
Published: August 2011

The purpose of this study was to explore correlations among constitution, stress, and discomfort symptoms during the first
trimester of pregnancy. We adopted a descriptive and correlational research design and collected data from 261 pregnant women during their first trimester in southern Taiwan using structured questionnaires. Results showed that (1) stress was significantly and positively correlated with Yang-Xu, Yin-Xu, and Tan-Shi-Yu-Zhi constitutions, respectively; (2) Yin-Xu and Tan-Shi-Yu-Zhi constitutions had significant correlations with all symptoms of discomfort, while Yang-Xu had significant correlations with all symptoms of discomfort except for “running nose”; (3) Tan-Shi-Yu-Zhi constitution and stress were two indicators for “fatigue”; Tan-Shi-Yu-Zhi was the indicator for “nausea”; Yang-Xu and Yin-Xu were indicators for “frequent urination.” Our findings also indicate that stress level affects constitutional changes and that stress and constitutional change affect the incidence of discomfort. This research can help healthcare professionals observe these discomforts and provide individualized care for pregnant women, to nurture pregnant women into neutral-type constitution, minimize their levels of discomfort, and promote the health of the fetus and the mother.
Programming towards Childhood Obesity
Authors: Tounian Patrick
Published: August 2011

There is now considerable evidence that a constitutional susceptibility to fat gain is necessary for children to become obese under the pressure of an obesogenic environment; this is the programming towards obesity. The role of genetics in this programming is dominant. Besides the rare monogenic recessive forms of obesity secondary to mutations in genes involved in the hypothalamic appetite control pathways, obesity linked to mutations in melanocortin 3 and 4 receptors are more frequent due to their dominant mode of transmission. Predisposition to common obesity is polygenic and involves a network of genes; nevertheless, more research is required to elucidate their exact role. Fetal and perhaps early postnatal programming is also possible. Under- and overnutrition, diabetes, and maternal smoking during pregnancy were shown to promote later obesity and may affect the central body weight regulatory system during fetal development. The role of early postnatal factors such as formula-feeding rather than breastfeeding, excess in n–6 polyunsaturated fatty acids or protein intakes, and excessive weight gain early in life is more questionable and needs further investigation. Taking into consideration that childhood obesity is a programmed disease should modify its clinical management. Childhood obesity should no longer be considered as the result of inappropriate eating habits and/or excessive inactivity in order to relieve the obese children’s discrimination and their parents’ guilt. Since treatment of obese children requires a substantial motivation to continuously fight against the programmed excessive drive to eat, it seems wiser to wait for children to be old enough, thus more motivated, to initiate energy restriction. Moreover, with the great majority of children being not predisposed to obesity, prevention strategies should not be addressed to the whole pediatric population but targeted to those children at risk. Improvement of knowledge on programming towards obesity is essential to develop more promising therapeutic and preventive approaches.
Programming of Host Metabolism by the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Bäckhed Fredrik
Published: August 2011

The human gut harbors a vast ensemble of bacteria that has co-evolved with the human host and performs several important functions that affect our physiology and metabolism. The human gut is sterile at birth and is subsequently colonized with bacteria from the mother and the environment. The complexity of the gut microbiota is increased during childhood, and adult humans contain 150-fold more bacterial genes than human genes. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing technology and mechanistic testing in gnotobiotic mice have identified the gut microbiota as an environmental factor that contributes to obesity. Germ-free mice are protected against developing diet-induced obesity and the underlying mechanisms whereby the gut microbiota contributes to host metabolism are beginning to be clarified. The obese phenotype is associated with increased microbial fermentation and energy extraction; however, other microbially modulated mechanisms contribute to disease progression as well. The gut microbiota has profound effects on host gene expression in the enterohepatic system, including genes involved in immunity and metabolism. For example, the gut microbiota affects expression of secreted proteins in the gut, which modulate lipid metabolism in peripheral organs. In addition, the gut microbiota is also a source of proinflammatory molecules that augment adipose inflammation and macrophage recruitment by signaling through the innate immune system. TLRs (Toll-like receptors) are integral parts of the innate immune system and are expressed by both macrophages and epithelial cells. Activation of TLRs in macrophages dramatically impairs glucose homeostasis, whereas TLRs in the gut may alter the gut microbial composition that may have profound effects on host metabolism. Accordingly, reprogramming the gut microbiota, or its function, in early life may have beneficial effects on host metabolism later in life.
Classical Hairy Cell Leukemia and Its Variant: A 17-Year Retrospective Survey in Taiwan Chinese
Authors: Kao Hsiao-Wen , Dunn Po , Kuo Ming-Chung , Shih Lee-Yung , Lin Tung-Liang , Wu Jin-Hou , Tang Tzung-Chih , Chang Hung , Wu Hong-Cheng , Hung Yu-Shin
Published: August 2011

Background: Classical hairy cell leukemia (HCL-C) and its variant (HCL-V) are rare chronic B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders. Only a few reports in Chinese patients are available. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 16 patients with HCL-C and HCL-V in Taiwan over a 17-year period. Results: Eight were HCL-C and 8 were HCL-V. All HCL accounted for 0.7% of all adult leukemias. Compared to HCL-V, HCL-C was characterized by profound leukopenia, monocytopenia, thrombocytopenia and fewer circulating hairy cells. One HCL-C and 2 HCL-V patients had second malignancies. Seven HCL-C patients achieved hematological remission after splenectomy (n = 1) or 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (n = 6). Of the 8 HCL-V patients, 6 received splenic irradiation. Only one achieved complete remission and another had partial remission; relapse or disease progression was noted 13.4 or 25.7 months later, respectively. Two of three HCL-V patients who underwent splenectomy had stable disease. All patients with HCL-C were alive while 3 with HCL-V expired. Compared to HCL-C, HCL-V had a significantly shorter leukemia-free survival. Conclusion: A relatively higher proportion of HCL-V in all HCL comparing to Westerners is observed. Second malignancies are common. With an inferior outcome and dismal response to most treatment, enrollment in a clinical trial should be considered for HCL-V.
Growth Hormone/IGF-I Axis and Growth Hormone Receptor Mutations in Idiopathic Short Stature
Authors: El Kholy M. , Mella P. , Rashad M. , Buzi F. , Meazza C. , Zahra S. , Elsedfy H.H.
Published: August 2011

Background/Aims: It was hypothesized that some children with idiopathic short stature (ISS) may have partial insensitivity to growth hormone (GH). In this study analysis of the GH/IGF-I axis as well as GH receptor (GHR) gene was done in children with ISS to determine the possible underlying factor(s) to their short stature. Methods: Forty-eight patients with a diagnosis of ISS were studied; 33 boys and 15 girls aged 13.6 ± 3.7 years. Molecular analysis of the GHR was performed and GH sensitivity was tested by the IGF-I generation test. Results: Basal IGF-I levels were <–2 SD in 22.9%, and 53.5% showed an IGF-I response below 40% (0–38%) to GH stimulation. GH-binding protein (GHBP) levels were below the normative mean in almost all patients. Mutations in the region of the GHR gene that codes for the extracellular domain of the receptor were found in 15.5%; one newly described mutation was recorded. Conclusion: With the possible exception of the novel G62V mutation, functional studies of the other 2 heterozygous mutations found in 6 of our patients are needed in order to prove their impact on short stature.
A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of Vernakalant (Oral) for the Prevention of Atrial Fibrillation Recurrence After Cardioversion
Authors: Torp-Pedersen Christian , Raev Dimitar H. , Dickinson Garth , Butterfield Noam N. , Mangal Brian , Beatch Gregory N.
Published: August 2011

Background—

Vernakalant, a relatively atrial-selective antiarrhythmic drug, has previously demonstrated efficacy for the acute conversion of atrial fibrillation (AF) to sinus rhythm. This study was designed to determine the most appropriate oral dose of vernakalant for the prevention of AF recurrence postcardioversion.

Methods and Results—

Patients with nonpermanent AF were randomized to 150, 300, or 500 mg vernakalant or placebo twice daily for up to 90 days. The efficacy analysis was conducted on 605 of 735 patients who entered the maintenance phase on day 3 after cardioversion. The time to the first recurrence of symptomatic sustained AF was significantly longer in the 500 mg vernakalant group, with a median of >90 days versus 29 days in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.735;
P
=0.0275). No significant effect was seen at the lower doses. The percent of patients in sinus rhythm at day 90 was 41%, 39%, and 49% in the 150-mg (n=147), 300-mg (n=148), and 500-mg (n=150) vernakalant groups, respectively, compared with 36% in the placebo group (n=160). There were no vernakalant-related proarrhythmic events. Related serious adverse events occurred in 2 patients in the 150-mg vernakalant group and in 1 patient in each of the other groups.

Conclusions—

Vernakalant, 500 mg twice daily, appears to be effective and safe for the prevention of AF recurrence after cardioversion. The absence of proarrhythmia and favorable safety profile is an important finding for the drug.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00526136.
Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes
Editors' Picks
Authors:   The Editors
Published: August 2011

The following articles are being highlighted as part of
Circulation
's Topic Review series. This series will summarize the most important manuscripts, as selected by the editors, published in
Circulation
and the
Circulation
subspecialty journals. The studies included in this article represent the “Editors' Picks” for each issue of
Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes
published in 2009 and 2010.
Beat Your Parodies into Swords, and Your Parodied Books into Spears: A New Paradigm for Parody in the Hebrew Bible
Authors: Kynes Will
Published: August 2011

While previous works on parody in the Hebrew Bible have addressed the literary technique ad hoc in the service of the interpretation of specific texts, this article approaches the topic more broadly, attempting to understand the nature of the technique itself. Drawing on literary criticism, particularly the work of Linda Hutcheon, the commonly accepted definition of parody as a text which "ridicules" its "target" is questioned, and a broader definition of parody as "antithetical allusion," in which the earlier text may act as a "weapon" instead of a "target," and subversion and humor are only secondary features, is presented. This redefinition of the term grounds a new paradigm for parody that divides parody into four types: ridiculing, rejecting, respecting, and reaffirming. This paradigm is then applied to a series of exemplary parodies in the Hebrew Bible (Song 7:1-10, Psalm 29, Jonah, Job 7:17-18, Joel 4:10) that demonstrate the versatility of parody and the necessity of reading parodies in their wider context to determine their meaning.
'Declare the interpretation': Redacting Daniel in Early Bibles for English Children
Authors: Padley Jonathan
Published: August 2011

It is a commonplace that adults who had access to the Bible as youngsters remember being told the tale of Daniel in the lions' den. It is easy to see why, and why this story has become a staple of Christian teaching: it is action-packed, distinctive, and reaches a conclusion that favours the apparent righteousness of its protagonist. However, Daniel's theological and historical consequences clearly extend far beyond the lions' den, so this article investigates the history of its limited pedagogical deployment by examining redactions of it in five popular eighteenth-century Bibles for English children. The theological issues in Daniel that captured the imaginations of its early adapters are ascertained, and evidence is found that the book's prophetic, visionary, and apocalyptic content has long-since been regarded as difficult for young people (especially in comparison to its apparently more straightforward court stories). Equally, in these problematic areas where the source's density raises opportunities for interpretative latitude, this essay contends that ecclesiological rather than theological responses to the text tended to surface, as Daniel's retellers—often obliquely—attempted to manage the book's indubitable complexity by domesticating it to their own subjective priorities.
Qumran Textiles and the Garments of Qumran’s Inhabitants
Authors: Sukenik Naama , Shamir Orit
Published: August 2011

Among the Qumran textiles that were kept at the Rockefeller Museum was a group of textiles that were unusual for Qumran. Most of them were made of wool, and some were dyed or decorated. Their marking QCC—Qumran Christmas Cave indicates their origin. In 2007 the cave was investigated by Porat, Eshel, and Frumkin. The cave is located in the bottom section of Kidron valley and doesn’t belong to Qumran caves. It can now be determined that all of the textiles from Qumran are made solely of linen. They were free of any colored decoration, except for scroll wrappers that decorated in blue. This, and the simplicity and whiteness of the textiles from Qumran, is compatible with the literary sources. It appears that the people of Qumran wished to differentiate themselves from the rest of the population also on the basis of their style of garments.
Pesher and Periodization
Authors: Tzoref Shani
Published: August 2011

This study re-examines the use of the term Pesher, and the related root , in Qumran compositions, and their significance with respect to conceptions of determinism and periodization in the corpus. It discusses how the treatment of the book of Genesis in 4Q180, 4Q252, and the Admonitions sections of the Damascus Document reflect a worldview and hermeneutic that are generally associated with the continuous and thematic pesharim at Qumran. Pesher compositions reveal how scripture is fulfilled in current events. These related works demonstrate the fulfillment of the divine grand plan in scripture and past events. It is suggested that these texts share a “performative” aspect: in all of these compositions, the act of transmitting divinely-revealed knowledge is as much an actualization and fulfillment of eschatological expectations as the unfolding social and political history that is tied to the texts.
The Yaad—What is in a Name?
Authors: van der Kooij Arie
Published: August 2011

What does the noun Yaad in 1QS and related documents mean, and to what does it refer? In this article, which focuses on 1QS, it is suggested that the term Yaad is best understood against the background of the expression “sitting together” as attested in 11QTa 57:13 (about a council in session). Furthermore, regarding the question to what kind of organization the term refers, it is argued that two patterns are to be distinguished in 1QS, the first of which is comparable to the demos, the national assembly, as attested in 1 Maccabees, whereas the second one is marked by the emphasis on leading priests as guardians and interpreters of the Law. The conclusion is drawn that in 1QS the noun Yaad does not refer to the movement at large, but to the community of the fully initiated (male) members who lived at several localities.
A New Fragment of the Book of Ben Sira
Authors: Rand Michael , Elizur Shulamit
Published: August 2011

In their article, the authors announce the discovery of a new fragment of the Hebrew Book of Ben Sira in the Cairo Genizah, in the Taylor-Schechter collection of the Cambridge University Library: T-S AS 118.78. The fragment is a part of ms. D. After a brief introduction, a critical edition of the text of the fragment is presented, including variant readings from parallel sources and notes to the text.
Examining the Reception and Impact of the Dead Sea Scrolls: Some Possibilities for Future Investigation
Authors: Collins Matthew A.
Published: August 2011

The last sixty years afford us a remarkable, though largely unexplored, opportunity to examine the Dead Sea Scrolls from the perspective of “reception history.” This article first provides an overview of what has already been done with regard to this goal and highlights the importance and timeliness of such an approach, suggesting that it is furthermore a necessary endeavor if Qumran Studies is to keep pace with developments in the wider world of Biblical Studies. It continues by outlining some possible directions for future investigation, identifying academic reception, popular reception, and processes of knowledge transfer as three main areas or categories into which such examinations could helpfully be divided. The internal processes of scrolls scholarship, the relationship between Qumran Studies and Biblical Studies, gender issues, the scrolls in literature, film, music, and art, and the role of exhibitions, documentaries, and newspapers, are all highlighted as potential areas for future research.
Cult, Countenance, and Community: Donor Portraits from the Colonial Andes
Authors: Stanfield-Mazzi Maya
Published: August 2011

The article outlines the nature of the donor portrait, including its origins in Europe and its manifestations in Spanish colonial Peru. Then it considers three paintings featuring donor portraits and the miraculous statue known as Christ of the Earthquakes (El Señor de los Temblores). An introduction to the original statue, housed in the Cathedral of Cusco, and its cult is provided. Then the portraits are analyzed for the ways in which they express both similarity and difference. On one hand, the works served to unite the donors as pious Christians within the wider devotional community of Cusco; on the other hand, the works’ details served to distinguish and differentiate the donors based on their particular social and ethnic identities.
The Gospel According to this Moment: Thoreau, Wildness, and American Nature Religion
Authors: Hodder Alan D.
Published: August 2011

Ever since the Sierra Club adopted the slogan, “In wildness is the preservation of the world,” the text from which it was drawn—Thoreau’s 1862 essay “Walking”—has been construed as a tribute to wild places. To some extent this reading keeps faith with sentiments expressed in the essay. At the same time, a closer look suggests that the essay as a whole is really more about the life of the spirit than life in the wild. Despite the popular appropriation of “Walking” as a manifesto of environmentalist advocacy, some critics have questioned the usual view of “Walking.” Such observations also have a bearing on Thoreau’s legacy as a progenitor of the literary expression of American nature spirituality. The purpose of this essay is to elucidate a particular experiential orientation to this spiritually-inflected notion of wildness, beginning with Thoreau and extending into the work of three literary exemplars of American nature religion—John Muir, Edward Abbey, and Annie Dillard.
Copenhagen 18/12: Africa Must Continue Calling for a Fair, Ambitious and Binding Climate Deal*
Authors: Nhamo Godwell
Published: August 2011

The date, 18 December 2009, left the world perturbed, as global leaders failed to reach consensus on a legally binding climate deal in Copenhagen. Since Bali 2007, much work had been done on preparing for a fair, ambitious and legally binding climate deal. Accordingly, the non-binding Copenhagen (political) Accord was concluded paving the way for further talks in Mexico in 2010. However, the African continent maintained that it had received a raw deal. This paper presents the African Group’s climate position and analyses the implications of the Copenhagen Accord for the continent. The paper also presents a way forward for Mexico and beyond. The conclusion urges African governments to hold onto the gains of Copenhagen 2009 and to continue pushing for a fair, ambitious and legally binding climate deal.
Nigeria’s Elusive Quest for Democracy: Multinational Corporations and Sustenance of Authoritarianism*
Authors: Singh Nitya
Published: August 2011

In 1999 Nigeria witnessed its second transition to democracy. However, not only have authoritarian regimes existed in Nigeria for a substantial part of its history but also the successive democratic governments since 1999 have continued to mirror the characteristics of these regimes. Thus, in the article I analyze this paradox by examining the role of multinational corporations in preventing the growth of democracy in Nigeria. I observe that the rentier incomes provided by the multinational oil corporations to the Nigerian state have enabled the authoritarian regimes to maintain themselves in power. Furthermore the multinational corporations have also played a very important role in ensuring the continuation of an “elite social class” supportive of these regimes, within the Nigerian society. These findings suggest that the important socio-economic position enjoyed by these multinational corporations within the Nigerian society, has resulted in the continuation of the authoritarian regimes and their policies within the Nigerian state.
Climate change threatens the survival of highly endangered Sardinian populations of the snake Hemorrhois hippocrepis
Authors: Bombi Pierluigi , Capula Massimo , D'Amen Manuela , Luiselli Luca
Published: August 2011

Sardinian populations of the snake Hemorrhois (= Coluber) hippocrepis are likely the most endangered populations of snakes in Italy. Major threats to survivorship are the anthropogenic habitat alteration and the extremely low population density, while nothing is known about the potential effects that climate change could exert on this species. The main goal of this paper is to provide helpful instruments for the short- and long-term conservation of H. hippocrepis in Sardinia. By means of an ecological modeling approach, we derived the Sardinian whip snake habitat suitability map, and we compared the potential range extent under present condition and future climatic scenarios. Results clearly show an alarming trend for H. hippocrepis conservation: changing climate conditions will cause a dramatic reduction on suitable surface since 2020, with a further collapse by 2050 (down to 11 km2). We also identified areas of species potential persistence up till 2050, where prospective management initiatives could have the greatest probability of success in this region. In particular, only one existing protected area will likely still keep suitable habitats for H. hippocrepis. Therefore, we suggest that very careful management of this relictual area should be implemented by now if we really want to save these exceedingly threatened snake populations.
The turtle is in the details: microhabitat choice by Testudo hermanni is based on microscale plant distribution
Authors: Vecchio Silvia Del , Burke Russell L. , Rugiero Lorenzo , Capula Massimo , Luiselli Luca
Published: August 2011

Although research on habitat use and habitat selection is essential for understanding population ecology and behavior, most such zoological studies have used only general habitat categories describing main habitat features instead of using modern plant ecological approaches. Here, we analyze Testudo hermanni microhabitat use at a coastal Mediterranean site in central Italy by modeling tortoise presence/absence at three spatial scales, using a logistic regression design and quantitative vegetation and plant community analysis to reveal correlates of tortoise habitat use on a fine scale. Our analyses showed that only a few plant species among the many present, and these on a very small spatial scale, are important determinants of tortoise presence and site selection. We also find that tortoises chose a paradoxical combination of high levels of bare soil and high total vegetation cover. This suggests that these tortoises are selecting small patches of habitat in a matrix of less desirable habitat. Our findings also have important implications for habitat management, in that increasing the number of habitat patches containing the few significant plants is likely to be desirable, whereas increasing the size of such patches is probably less relevant.
Is food quality important for carnivores? The case of Puma concolor
Authors: Gómez-Ortiz Yuriana , Monroy-Vilchis Octavio , Fajardo Víctor , Mendoza Germán D. , Urios Vicente
Published: August 2011

The composition and energetic content of puma (Puma concolor) diet in Sierra Nanchititla Natural Reserve (SNNR), Mexico, were determined. We collected 183 scats, where 27 components were identified by occurrence (88.07% mammals). The puma's diet was mainly composed of armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus, 40.33%), white-nosed coati (Nasua narica, 11.93%) and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus, 6.17%). Energetic analysis of prey indicates that the puma prefers those with higher energetic content (kcal/kg). The prey with the most energetic contribution is armadillo (2398.70 kcal/kg), followed by white-nosed coati (2225.25 kcal/kg) and finally white-tailed deer (2165.52 kcal/kg). The differences in energetic content between prey species were statistically significant. The number of individuals killed/year on average to support a puma was 51 armadillos, 16 white-tailed deer and 7 white-nosed coatis. The results indicate a greater consumption of prey that provide more kilocalories to the predator, and suggests the importance of quality meat in the diet of pumas.
Immunization efficacy of ozone-exposed cercariae against subsequent Schistosoma mansoni challenge infection
Authors: Mohamed Azza H.
Published: August 2011

CD1 mice were immunized subcutaneously with 20 ozone-exposed (70μg/ml, 1 minute exposure) Schistosoma mansoni cercariae weekly/three weeks. The efficacy of immunization was assessed 10 weeks post challenge infection by the determination of the worm burden, ova count, oogram, granuloma diameter, IgG reactions against soluble egg antigen (SEA) and tegument structural changes of recovered worms that are immunized. A reduced worm length and a reduction in worm burden were observed in the immunized group as compared to the infected not immunized group. Moreover, no ova were found in liver and intestine from the immunized mice as compared with infected control mice. Also, immunization with ozonated cercariae showed a decrement in the mean relative weight of liver and spleen. Total leukocyte count was increased in the immunized animal as compared to the infected control. The level of total IgG antibody against SEA decreased in immunized mice as compared with the infected control mice. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of worms recovered 10 weeks post challenge from the immunized group revealed extensive tegumental destruction. This study underlines the significant role of ozone attenuated cercariae vaccine against S. mansoni infection, which generated specific immunity with a significant level of protection.
The presence of a “competitor pit effect” compromises wild rabbit (Orcytolagus cuniculus) conservation
Authors: Cabezas-Díaz Sara , Virgós Emilio , Mangas Julián G. , Lozano Jorge
Published: August 2011

Wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations have suffered a dramatic reduction over the last 30 years in Spain. Rabbit decline has been recurrently associated with several epizootics and habitat changes. The role of interspecific competition has been usually neglected. This study analyzes the effects of habitat suitability and wild boar (Sus scrofa) occurrence, a hypothetical predator and competitor species, on a small and isolated population of rabbits. To test this effect we used a GLM with the abundance of rabbits as response variable and wild boar occurrence as predictor. To avoid habitat confounding effects we included vegetation structure variables and elevation summarized in PCA factors. Rabbits showed a very restricted and aggregated distribution and a very low abundance across the study area. In contrast, wild boar was present in all sampled plots but one and showed moderatehigh abundance. The three best models included both wild boar occurrence and principal component factor 2. Rabbits were located in opened Mediterranean areas where trees were small and scarce, rock cover was low and wild boar occurrence was also low. Nowadays wild boar populations are not directly controlled in private lands and its hunting is forbidden in National Parks in Spain. Waiting for further research to evaluate the threshold of rabbit densities below which competitors and/or predators may prevent the recovery of rabbit populations, control of wild boars may be useful as a short-term strategy to recover small rabbit populations whenever it is linked to habitat improvements.
Non-invasive determination of fecal steroid hormones relating to conservation practice in giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca)
Authors: Yu Xiao-Jie , Hu De-Fu , Jin Xue-Lin , Ge Xing-Fang , Yang Liang-Liang , Zhao Peng-Peng , Zhang Qiang
Published: August 2011

The endangered giant panda is the flagship species of wildlife conservation, a status that results in heightened attention to their well-being. However, one factor that hinders the ability to monitor this species in the wild is the difficulty to measure relevant physiological parameters which quantify the survival status in conservation research. In this study, we employed a non-invasive sampling method and immunochemical assays to determine if measurement of fecal steroid hormones is a viable option in monitoring the sex ratios and stress levels of a giant panda population. The results indicate that 1) the yearly concentration of fecal testosterone is a possible biomarker for distinguishing gender, and 2) invasive methods of artificial insemination and semen collection as well as parturition, cause an increase in fecal cortisol concentration. This study suggests that the noninvasive sampling of feces can be a practical tool to monitor physiological stress in free-ranging and fenced giant panda populations, and could be useful in the forthcoming giant panda census in determining sex ratios in the wild.
The New Regulation of Abortion in Spain
Authors: Requejo María Teresa
Published: August 2011

The enactment of Law 2/2010 on Sexual and Reproductive Health and on Voluntary Interruption of Pregnancy represents a radical change in the regulation of abortion in Spain. The law moves from the medical indication model that has been in place since 1985 (which established certain cases in which abortion was legal) towards a time-limit model that, with some exceptions, allows free abortion during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. Along with the hot debate that this fundamental change has caused, other features of the law have also arisen as a source of conflict, including the regulation of the informed consent of underage women for having an abortion and the rules regarding the conscientious objection by healthcare professionals.
Irregular Immigration Control in Italy and Greece: Strong Fencing and Weak Gate-keeping serving the Labour Market
Authors: Ambrosini Maurizio , Triandafyllidou Anna
Published: August 2011

Italy and Greece have been often blamed by their fellow EU Member States for the excessive permeability of their borders, their inability to stop irregular migration, and their inefficient asylum systems. In addition the two countries have weak internal controls, especially as regards the sectors of the labour market where immigrants are usually employed e.g. agriculture, domestic work, tourism and catering. This article seeks to make sense of these fundamentally contradictory policies that characterise Greece’s and Italy’s approach to managing migration. The article starts by outlining the common features of Italian and Greek immigration policies and proposes an analysis of immigration control regimes along two dimensions: their internal (within the country’s territory) or external (at the border or outside the border) character, and their fencing (stopping) vs. gate-keeping (preventing) nature. Section 3 discusses critically the irregular migration inflows in Greece, the policies implemented to address them and their contradictory results. Section 4 reviews the related policies in Italy and casts light to their inconsistencies. In the concluding section, we highlight the possible explanations for these two countries’ lack of direction in immigration management pointing to the opposition between excessively regulated labour markets, large informal economies and strict border controls which however become lax and ineffective once irregular migrants or asylum seekers are within the country.
Fixing, Adjusting, Regulating, Protecting Human Rights - The Shifting Uses of Regularisations in the European Union
Authors: Kraler Albert
Published: August 2011

Almost all Member States in the European Union currently make use, or in the past have made use of some form of regularisation of irregular immigrants, although to greatly varying degrees, in different ways and as a rule only reluctantly. A distinct feature of recent regularisations has been the shift towards a humanitarian justification of regularisation measures. In this context, regularisation has become reframed as an issue of the protection of irregular migrants’ human rights. As a result, regularisation has to some extent also been turned from a political tool in managing migration into an issue of international, European and national human rights law. While a human rights framework indeed offers a powerful rationale and at times compelling reasons why states ought to afford a legal status to irregular migrants, I argue that a human rights based approach must always be complemented by pragmatic considerations, as a human rights based justification of regularisation alone will be insufficient to find adequate responses to the changing presence of irregular migrants in the EU, not all of which can invoke human rights based claims to residence.
Suffer Little Children: Zimbabwean Childhood Literary Representations in the Context of Crisis
Authors: Mangena Tendai
Published: August 2011

A closer reading of post – independence Zimbabwean short stories shows that childhood is more complex than its traditional conceptions. There are various diverging childhood depictions in literature. is paper explores these divergences, focusing initially on how children are represented as possessing what Muponde and Chihota (2000) call 'taboo shattering instincts in a diseased society'. In societies where there are clear human rights violations, children and other vulnerable groups are the most affected. In this respect, the paper explores various literary representations that deal with how children were affected during the Zimbabwean millennial crisis that was at most characterised by human rights violation. In any given society, at some point, adults are expected to resist forms of oppression; this paper argues that in literature and in society, children may be figures of resistance as well. Short stories to be scrutinised will be selected from the following editions; Not Another Day (2006), No More Plastic Balls: New Voices in the Zimbabwean Short Story (2000), Women Writing Zimbabwe (2008), Writing Still: New Stories from Zimbabwe (2003), Writing Now: More Stories from Zimbabwe and An Elegy for Easterly (2009).
Child Domestic Labour in (Accra) Ghana: A Child and Gender Rights Issue?
Authors: Tetteh Peace
Published: August 2011

Child domestic labour is one of the widespread and exploitative forms of child labour in the world today. However, the ubiquity of child/adolescent (domestic) labour, together with the perception that such work-especially in relation to girls is important training for later life, normalises such work and renders it invisible. Child domestic labour is thus, largely feminised as almost 90 percent of the children are girls. Many domestics work for long hours with no rest or remuneration, and are subjected to verbal, physical and in some instances sexual abuse in the households of their employers. The conditions under which many child domestics live and work, undermines and threatens many basic rights of children. is paper highlights the child and gender-based rights that are actually or potentially denied child domestic workers in order to influence policy development and implementation, as well as advocacy for and on behalf of children.
Promoting children's public participation in South Africa: A social systems control perspective
Authors: Mayekiso Thokozile , Gwandure Calvin
Published: August 2011

The paper explores the theoretical application of the social systems control concept derived from Rotter's social learning theory to the promotion of children's public participation in South Africa. The paper describes social systems control concepts and strategies that educators could use to promote children's public participation at individual and institutional levels. The paper argues that if children were empowered through social systems control training programmes, they would be able to know, seek, and articulate children's public participation. It is envisaged that exposure of children to social systems control concepts in the educational system may result in children working for the promotion of children's rights in all social spheres in South Africa. Directions for future research can focus on the need to promote children's public participation through social systems control training programmes.
South African children's voice on school discipline: A case study
Authors: Doubell Hannelie , Geldenhuys Johanna
Published: August 2011

This article draws on material from a case study of a South African school. The abolishment of corporal punishment in 1996 necessitates a shift towards alternative discipline methods. It is argued that discipline in school context would be more successful if learners were given a voice in the process. A mixed method approach was employed to gather data by means of questionnaires from 40 learners. Results showed that although mechanisms were introduced to improve children's rights in South African schools, their participation in the process of school discipline is still limited. Recommendations were formulated in line with the findings.
Effects of Atmospheric Absorption of Incoming Radiation on the Radiation Limit of the Troposphere
Authors: Kurokawa Hiroyuki , Nakamoto Taishi
Published: August 2011

The limit of the planetary radiation (longwave radiation) of a planet with oceans on its surface is determined by various mechanisms called “radiation limits,” which can be classified as the Komabayashi–Ingersoll limit and the radiation limit of the troposphere. The effects of atmospheric absorption of the incoming central star radiation (shortwave radiation) on the radiation limit of the troposphere are investigated. To clarify the effects, simple parameterization of the absorption is performed. Two cases are found using an atmospheric model without a window for the longwave radiation. When the absorption in the upper atmosphere is effective, the radiation limit becomes larger than in the no-absorption case. On the other hand, the radiation limit disappears in the absence of a window for the incoming radiation.
A Satellite Study of the Atmospheric Forcing and Response to Moist Convection over Tropical and Subtropical Oceans
Authors: Masunaga Hirohiko
Published: August 2011

Satellite data are analyzed to explore the thermodynamic evolution of tropical and subtropical atmospheres prior and subsequent to moist convection in order to offer an observational test bed for convective adjustment, which is central to the quasi-equilibrium hypothesis. Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and Aqua satellite measurements are projected onto a composite temporal sequence over an hourly to daily time scale by exploiting the temporal gap between the local satellite overpasses, which changes from one day to another. The atmospheric forcing and response to convection are investigated separately for deep convective and congestus clouds. In the deep tropics, systematic moisture transport from the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) to the free troposphere is evident in association with deep convection. The quick ABL ventilation suggests a swift convective adjustment but is preceded by a steady buildup of ABL moisture, which does not imply continuous adjustment to equilibrium. The evolution of convective available potential energy (CAPE) is controlled not only by the ABL moisture but also largely by a coincident ABL cooling linked with a bipolar anomaly of tropospheric temperature. The ABL moisture and temperature effects together lead to a rapid drop of CAPE for 12 h preceding convection, followed by a restoring phase that emerges as the cool anomaly recovers for a day or two. When moist convection is brought by congestus clouds with no deep convection nearby, CAPE gently increases over a period of 1–2 days until congestus occurs and then declines as slowly, suggestive of no efficient convective adjustment. The subtropical atmosphere shows no sign of convective adjustment whether or not vigorous convection is present.
Discrepancy Analysis of State Sequences
Authors: Studer Matthias , Ritschard Gilbert , Gabadinho Alexis , Müller Nicolas S.
Published: August 2011

In this article, the authors define a methodological framework for analyzing the relationship between state sequences and covariates. Inspired by the principles of analysis of variance, this approach looks at how the covariates explain the discrepancy of the sequences. The authors use the pairwise dissimilarities between sequences to determine the discrepancy, which makes it possible to develop a series of statistical significance–based analysis tools. They introduce generalized simple and multifactor discrepancy-based methods to test for differences between groups, a pseudo- R2 for measuring the strength of sequence-covariate associations, a generalized Levene statistic for testing differences in the within-group discrepancies, as well as tools and plots for studying the evolution of the differences along the time frame and a regression tree method for discovering the most significant discriminant covariates and their interactions. In addition, the authors extend all methods to account for case weights. The scope of the proposed methodological framework is illustrated using a real-world sequence data set.
Battling a ‘sex-saturated society’: The abstinence movement and the politics of sex education
Authors: Calterone Williams Jean
Published: August 2011

The abstinence movement in the USA, as a sector of the Christian Right, advocates abstinence before marriage and links abstinence to Evangelical Christian morality, sexual purity, and heterosexual marriage. A number of single-issue abstinence groups have formed over the past 10 to 15 years in the USA; their political success in advocating a ‘values-based’ response to sexuality and the current scope of abstinence education is unprecedented in US politics. With the election of President Obama, however, the movement faced the loss of the majority of its funding and powerful elite allies. Using in-depth interviews with directors of four groups that comprise the core of the movement, this article analyzes the movement’s agenda and strategies at this critical juncture in its history.
There’s more to life than sex? Difference and commonality within the asexual community
Authors: Carrigan Mark
Published: August 2011

Asexuality is becoming ever more widely known and yet it has received relatively little attention from within sociology. Research in the area poses particular challenges because of the relatively recent emergence of the asexual community, as well as the expanding array of terms and concepts through which asexuals articulate their differences and affirm their commonalities. This article presents the initial findings of a mixed-methods research project, which involved semi-structured interviews, online questionnaires and a thematic analysis of online materials produced by members of the asexual community. The aim was to understand self-identified asexuals in their own terms so as to gain understanding of the lived experience of asexuals, as well as offering a subjectively adequate grounding for future research in the area.